e now proceeding
up Broadway, he sought to shake off the young man, whose company he no
longer desired.

"This is our way," he said. "I suppose you are going further. I am very
glad to have met you, Mr. Young. I hope you will give our regards to
your excellent parents;" and he held out his hand in token of farewell.

"Ain't you goin' to pay me that money?" said Ephraim, bluntly, becoming
alarmed at the prospect of losing the nugget he had counted on with so
much confidence.

"Bless me, I came near forgetting it! I hope you will excuse me," and
to Ephraim's delight he drew out his pocketbook. But the prospect of
payment was not so bright as the young man supposed.

"I don't think I have a five-dollar bill," said Mr. Montgomery, after an
examination of the pocketbook. "Mrs. Montgomery, do you happen to have a
five with you?"

"No, I haven't," said the lady, promptly. "I spent all my money shopping
this morning."

"That is unfortunate. Our young friend has rendered us such a service I
don't like to make him wait for his money."

Ephraim Young looked rather blank at this suggestion.

"Let me see, I have a hundred-dollar bill here," said Mr. Montgomery.
"I will go into the next store, and see if I can't get it changed. Mr.
Young, will you be kind enough to remain with my wife?"

"Certain," said Ephraim, brightening up.

Mr. Montgomery went into a shop near by, but made no request to have a
hundred-dollar bill changed. He was rather afraid that they might comply
with his request, which would have subjected him to some embarrassment.
He merely inquired if he could use a pen for a moment; request which was
readily granted. In less than five minutes he emerged into the street
again. Ephraim Young looked toward him eagerly.

"I am sorry to say, my young friend," he remarked, "that I was unable to
get my bill changed. I might get it changed at a bank, but the banks are
all closed at this hour."

The countryman looked disturbed.

"I am afraid," continued Mr. Montgomery, "I must wait and send you the
money in a letter from Hayfield Centre."

"I'd rather have it now," said Ephraim.

"I am sorry to disappoint you," said the adventurer smoothly; "but after
all you will only have a day or two to wait. To make up to you for the
delay I have decided to send you ten dollars instead of five. Finding
I could not change my bill, I wrote a note for the amount, which I will
hand you."

Ephraim received the paper, which the