The Story Of Red Dead Redemption

Chapter 55: New Hanover Charity Group

Arthur was used to Strauss's straightforward approach, especially when it came to casino matters. Lately, Strauss had been communicating with him in this manner.

It was good. Efficient.

However, Arthur didn't expect Strauss to bring up the issue of the previous loans today. He thought those matters had already been settled.

"Can't these people even repay the principal? I know you used to target desperate individuals for loans, but this is ridiculous."

"Mr. Morgan, my targets were not a problem. There are some uncontrollable factors involved. For example, you know Mr. Downes, the preacher. He passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a widow, orphans, and a small, unprofitable farm."

Arthur was surprised. He remembered Mr. Downes, the preacher. But he recalled that apart from a slight cough, Mr. Downes didn't seem like someone on the verge of death. He was always promoting his charity activities in town.

"Did he die of illness?"

"You could say so. He had tuberculosis, an incurable disease. Apparently, he fell into the river while panning for gold with some people. Although he wasn't drowned at the time, he couldn't escape from death."

"That can be considered a death by illness. But don't you have a rule in your business that debts die with the debtor?" Arthur asked curiously.

"No, his son will inherit his estate, including the debts," Strauss replied matter-of-factly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"Have you spoken to his wife?"

Strauss nodded.

"Mrs. Downes expressed her willingness to repay the debt but requested more time. However, I am skeptical, so Mr. Downes' debt is also listed as unrecoverable principal."

"After all, her words mean little. What income does she have? Clearly, Mr. Downes didn't leave any savings. Unless she can sell the farm, it will be an unrecoverable principal," Strauss added, as if to ensure Arthur understood.

Arthur had an impression of the Downes' farm.

"Please visit Mrs. Downes again. I've heard people in town talk about her. She is said to be a strong woman. If Mrs. Downes says she will repay the debt and you mentioned that they have no other assets besides the farm, she will likely sell the farm to repay the debt, even at a low price."

Arthur raised his hand to stop Strauss from interrupting and continued.

"Regardless, Mr. Downes' death is somewhat related to you... no, to us. I'm asking you to go not for any other reason, but if she decides to sell the farm, we will buy it. If Mrs. Downes is unwilling, we can agree to let her keep their house to live in."

Strauss strongly disagreed with Arthur's decision and tried to persuade him.

"Mr. Morgan, although the Downes' farm covers a significant area, it's on a hill. No matter what you plan to do with that land, it's not suitable. Economically, even if you can get it at a low price, its value is minimal."

Arthur didn't find Strauss's view problematic. From a current perspective, the location of the Downes' farm wasn't good; it was quite poor. New Hanover, being predominantly flat, these hillside lands didn't attract wealthy buyers. For continued operation, the terrain limited expansion. For grazing, it was too small, and for farming, the soil was too barren. Overall, it was a mediocre piece of land.

But Arthur had his own reasons, and he certainly wasn't planning to do charity work, at least not without making a profit.

Speaking of which, Arthur remembered Mr. Downes' New Hanover Charity Group he used to promote in town. Now, it seemed this group might have been just Mr. Downes himself. Otherwise, why hadn't anyone helped his family in their time of need?

Thinking about this, Arthur suddenly had a new idea. He wondered if operating this so-called 'New Hanover Charity Group' could be a good opportunity.

"Let's go together to visit Mrs. Downes."

Arthur acted immediately, not giving Strauss a chance to say more.

He took Strauss, and the two set off.

***

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