How can that be ? It ca n't possibly be the note he paid . And there could n't have been another note we knew nothing of ? '' `` I understand how this note came to be in Jacob Patterson 's possession , '' said Mrs. Duncan more firmly , `` but he laughed in my face when I told him . I must tell you the whole story , Ernest . But sit down and get your tea first . '' `` I have n't any appetite for tea now , Mother , '' said Ernest soberly . `` Let me hear the whole truth about the matter . '' `` Seven years ago your father gave his note to old James Patterson , Jacob 's brother , '' said Mrs. Duncan . `` It was for nine hundred dollars . Two years afterwards the note fell due and he paid James Patterson the full amount with interest . I remember the day well . I have only too good reason to . He went up to the Patterson place in the afternoon with the money . It was a very hot day . James Patterson receipted the note and gave it to your father . Your father always remembered that much ; he was also sure that he had the note with him when he left the house . He then went over to see Paul Sinclair . A thunderstorm came up while he was on the road . Then , as you know , Ernest , just as he turned in at Paul Sinclair 's gate the lightning flash struck and stunned him .
It was weeks before he came XXXXX himself at all .
about ago as for in of on that to while