nd feel that something
must be done immediately. There is only one way to fend off such an
embarrassment, and that is to resolve, whatever may be the amount of
the income, to lay aside some part to serve as a reliance in time of
trouble. A little economy--though it involves privation--will be well
repaid by the feeling of security thus engendered.

Mr. Crump was not compelled to remain inactive as long as he feared. Not
that his line of business revived,--that still remained depressed,--but
another path was opened to him for a time.

Returning home late one evening, the cooper saw a man steal out from
a doorway, and assault a gentleman whose dress and general appearance
indicated probable wealth. Seizing him by the throat, the villain
effectually prevented him from calling the police, and was engaged in
rifling his pockets when the cooper arrived at the scene. A sudden blow
on the side of the head admonished the robber that he had more than one
to deal with.

"Leave this man instantly," said the cooper, sternly, "or I will deliver
you into the hands of the police."

The villain hesitated, but fear prevailed, and springing to his feet, he
hastily made off under cover of the darkness.

"I hope you have received no injury," said Timothy, respectfully,
turning towards the stranger he had rescued.

"No, my worthy friend, thanks to your timely assistance. The rascal
nearly succeeded, however."

"I hope you have lost nothing, sir."

"Nothing, fortunately. You can form an idea of the value of your
interference, when I say that I have fifteen hundred dollars with me,
all of which I should undoubtedly have lost."

"I am glad," said the cooper, "that I was able to do you such essential
service. It was by the merest chance that I came this way."

"Will you add to my indebtedness by accompanying me with that trusty
club of yours? I have some little distance yet to go, and the amount
of money I have with me makes me feel desirous of taking every possible
precaution."

"Willingly," said the cooper.

"But I am forgetting," said the gentleman, "that you yourself will be
obliged to return alone."

"I do not carry enough money to make me fear an attack," said Mr. Crump,
laughing. "Money brings care I have always heard, and now I realize it."

"Yet most people are willing to take their chance of that," said the
merchant.

"You are right, sir, nor can I call myself an exception. Still I should
be satisfied with the certa