The Story Of Red Dead Redemption

Chapter 56: Arthur's Benevolence

A conspicuous cargo wagon was parked at the main house's entrance, already loaded with some large pieces of luggage.

Seeing this, Arthur knew that Mrs. Downes might have already sold the farm.

Just as Arthur and Strauss were about to knock on the door, Mrs. Downes came out carrying a large bag. She immediately noticed them and spoke calmly.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen. Mr. Strauss, I didn't expect to see you again so soon. I believe I can repay the money much faster than I initially said."

Arthur was surprised by Mrs. Downes' attitude. In his imagination, she should have been less welcoming towards their visit.

"Mrs. Downes, it seems you've found a buyer for your farm. While I am pleased to recover this debt, there have been some changes. The gentleman standing next to me has a better offer for you and your son."

"Who is this?"

"Arthur, Arthur Callahan. Mrs. Downes, I am deeply sorry for Mr. Downes' passing."

Mrs. Downes didn't show much sadness. She had long been prepared for her terminally ill husband's departure.

"Thank you. Mr. Strauss later told us that only the principal needed to be repaid without interest. I guess that was your idea, Mr. Callahan."

Arthur nodded.

"Regardless, I feel we bear some responsibility for Mr. Downes' situation. After all, he was trying to repay the debt when he went panning for gold..."

"Please don't say that. I initially opposed his decision to borrow the money. We had no means to repay it. After the bank rejected him, I thought that was the end of it. I didn't expect him to get the loan... Of course, I blame my husband for making a wrong decision. You have already helped us immensely by waiving the interest. Now, selling the farm to repay the debt will leave us with enough money to start a new life." Mrs. Downes spoke sincerely and candidly.

Honestly, Arthur had a different perspective on this matter. Was it entirely Mr. Downes' fault? Banks at least consider the borrower's ability to repay, which is why they rejected Mr. Downes. But Strauss's loan sharking didn't care about such things. They would extract the money even if it meant ruining families.

So, it wasn't the loan sharking that brought violence; it was the violence that made loan sharking possible. Without violence, Strauss wouldn't dare lend money to such people. Arthur decided not to overthink it.

"Your words are comforting. Now, let's talk about the main matter. As Mr. Strauss mentioned, we have a proposal. We want to buy this farm, and you can continue living in the main house until you pass away or find a better place. We will offer a fair price for your farm. What do you think?"

"Don't see this as charity; it's a transaction," Arthur added.

Faced with this sudden kindness, Mrs. Downes was stunned. Archie, Mr. Downes' son, who had been hiding behind the door, ran out excitedly.

"Great, we won't have to move to some remote place."

Arthur immediately noticed the gun in Archie's hand. Apparently, in his excitement, he had forgotten to put it down before coming out. Mrs. Downes also saw the gun.

"Why are you holding a gun! Put it back. Haven't I told you? Your father's death was his own fault. Don't blame others, and don't think about revenge! Revenge is foolish."

She then turned to Arthur and apologized, "Mr. Callahan, thank you for your proposal, but we cannot accept it. I appreciate your generosity, but we have no reason to accept it."

Mrs. Downes didn't want to take advantage of this opportunity. Her first reaction to such a sudden offer was shock, followed by suspicion. She worried there might be some conspiracy behind it and her pride made her unwilling to accept Arthur's charity.

To her, it felt like charity. Although Mrs. Downes didn't blame Arthur for her husband's death, she still believed that people like Arthur had unclean money. So, Mrs. Downes genuinely didn't want to accept it.

Arthur wasn't surprised by her refusal. He had anticipated her reasons for declining and that's why he decided to come with Strauss instead of letting Strauss handle it alone. Arthur organized his thoughts.

"Mrs. Downes, first of all, I am truly sorry for Mr. Downes' passing due to the loan. I understand that Mr. Strauss's previous actions may have caused some misunderstandings, but now, Mr. Strauss no longer runs the loan business. We are legitimate businessmen now. Secondly, I have another matter to discuss. I plan to take over the charity group that Mr. Downes was managing and continue helping the poor. If you are interested, you are welcome to join us. It would be a way to carry on Mr. Downes' legacy."

Arthur paused and continued.

"The most important point I want to make is that I hope you don't let your pride affect your future, especially your son's future. By selling the farm, you will have to pay a significant rent somewhere else, which will be a burden for you. Think about it, where will your income come from? Your son is still young and inexperienced. You will have to bear the entire family's expenses alone... Honestly, I can't see how you can manage."

Having said that, Arthur felt he had done enough. After all, she wasn't his responsibility. He was doing this to rectify the situation caused by Strauss. Arthur had done his best.

He could live with his conscience. Even if Mrs. Downes ultimately refused and ended up in a dire situation, it would no longer be Arthur's concern.

Seeing that Mrs. Downes was listening, Arthur added, "Mrs. Downes, remember, you have a son."

Perhaps it was this last sentence that finally convinced Mrs. Downes. She burst into tears.

"I am so ashamed... You are truly kind," Mrs. Downes sobbed.

"I admit you are right. I only considered the present and, unknowingly, blamed you for Thomas's death."

"I didn't think about the future, Archie's future..."

***

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