andkerchief in which he had deposited the precious gold,--doubly
precious now, because it would enable him to retrieve the error into
which he had fallen, and do something towards relieving his mother's
embarrassment. With a trembling hand he untied the knot which secured
the money.

"Here, mother, here is thirty-five dollars;" and he placed it in her
hand.

"Why, Bobby!" exclaimed Mrs. Bright.

"Pay him, mother, pay him, and I will tell you all about it by and
by."

"Thirty-five dollars! and all in gold! Where _did_ you get it,
Bobby?"

"Never mind it now, mother."

Mr. Hardhand's covetous soul had already grasped the glittering gold;
and removing his hand from the latch string, he approached the widow.

"I shall be able to pay you forty dollars now," said Mrs. Bright,
taking the five dollars she had saved from her pocket.

"Yes, marm."

Mr. Hardhand took the money, and seating himself at the table,
indorsed the amount on the back of the note.

"You owe me sixty more," said he, maliciously, as he returned the note
to his pocket book. "It must be paid immediately."

"You must not be hard with me now, when I have paid more than you
demanded."

"I don't wish to come here again. That boy's impudence has put me all
out of conceit with you and your family," replied Mr. Hardhand,
assuming the most benevolent look he could command. "There was a time
when I was very willing to help you. I have waited a great while for
my pay for this house; a great deal longer than I would have waited
for anybody else."

"Your interest has always been paid punctually," suggested the widow,
modestly.

"That's true; but very few people would have waited as long as I have
for the principal. I wanted to help you----"

"By gracious!" exclaimed Bobby, interrupting him.

"Don't be saucy, my son, don't," said Mrs. Bright, fearing a
repetition of the former scene.

"_He_ wanted to help us!" ejaculated Bobby.

It was a very absurd and hypocritical expression on the part of
Mr. Hardhand; for he never wanted to help any one but himself; and
during the whole period of his relations with the poor widow, he had
oppressed, insulted, and abused her to the extent of his capacity, or
at least as far as his interest would permit.

He was a malicious and revengeful man. He did not consider the great
provocation he had given Bobby for his violent conduct, but determined
to be revenged, if it could be accomplished without losing any part of