Discount$-$Mart issues $$15$ million in bonds on January $1,2024.$ The bonds have a nine$-$year term and pay

Interest semiannually on June $30$ and December $31$ each year. Below is a partial bond amortization

schedule for the bonds:

What is the interest expense on the bonds in $2024?$

Multiple Choice

$$1,608,257$

$$1,500,000$

$$805,705$

$$802,552$