"My name is John Mason," said he, bowing politely; "so be seated,
and let us talk over the business upon which you have called on me."

I needed no invitation to sit down, for I could not have kept my
feet if I had tried, so suddenly and completely did his words
astonish and confound me.

I will not repeat the confused, blundering apologies I attempted to
make, nor give his gentlemanly replies. Enough, that an hour before
the time at which the sale was advertised to take place on the next
day, I waited upon Laxton.

"Be kind enough," said I, "to let me have that obligation upon which
your present stringent measures are founded. I wish to take it up."

The man looked perfectly blank.

"Mr. John Mason," said I, "has generously furnished me with the
funds necessary to save my property from sacrifice, and will take
the securities you hold."

"Blast that John Mason!" ejaculated Laxton, with excessive
bitterness, turning away and leaving where I stood. I waited for ten
minutes, but did not come back. A suspicion that he meant let the
sale go on, if possible, crossed my mind, and I returned to Mason,
who saw the sheriff and the whole matter arranged.

Laxton has never spoken to me since. As for "That John Mason," I
have proved him to be fast friend, and a man of strict honour in
every thing. So much for slander.

A NEW WAY TO COLLECT AN OLD DEBT.

EARLY in life, Mr. Jenkins had been what is called unfortunate in
business. Either from the want of right management, or from causes
that he could not well control, he became involved, and was broken
all to pieces. It was not enough that he gave up every dollar he
possessed in the world. In the hope that friends would interfere to
prevent his being sent to jail, some of his creditors pressed
eagerly for the balance of their claims, and the unhappy debtor had
no alternative but to avail himself of the statute made and provided
for the benefit of individuals in his extremity. It was a sore trial
for him; but any thing rather than to be thrown into prison.

After this tempest of trouble and excitement, there fell upon the
spirits of Mr. Jenkins a great calm. He withdrew himself from public
observation for a time, but his active mind would not let him remain
long in obscurity. In a few months, he was again in business, though
in a small way. His efforts were more cautiously directed than
before, and proved successful. He made something above his expenses
during the f