temporize, but the lawyer was stern and
threatened to exhaust the resources of the law in behalf of his clients.
Like most bullies, Richmond was a coward, and ended by giving a note for
the full amount, with interest, at thirty days.

"You had better leave this note with me," said the lawyer to Ben; "I
will collect it when due."

And he did. With a crestfallen air John Richmond had to confess himself
defeated in his mean attempt at swindling, for he had obtained Uncle
Job's indorsement with the deliberate intention of leaving him to pay
the note, supposing that the old man would be too timid to do anything
about it.

Ben remained in Hampton a week. During that time he bought the
three-acre lot adjoining--the major having given up the purchase when
his plan of getting possession of Job Stanton's little property fell
through--and gave it to his uncle. This made Job feel like a rich man,
and he only accepted it on Ben's assurance that he had plenty more
money.

At the end of a week Ben received a letter from Richard Dewey, informing
him that he proposed to go into business for himself in the city of New
York, and was anxious to engage Ben as a clerk. This offer was too good
to refuse. So Ben, a month later, found himself in a responsible
business position. As his employer within a few months came into
possession of his wife's large fortune, which her guardian was
reluctantly obliged to surrender, he was not hampered by lack of
capital, but within a year had his business securely established.

Ten years have passed. Ben is now junior partner, and enjoys a high
reputation for business ability. A year since he married his cousin
Jennie, and in so doing has made a wise choice. He lives in the city,
but Uncle Job and his wife still live in Hampton, though Job is no
longer compelled to work for a livelihood. He has given up his shop, and
confines himself to the cultivation of his small tract of land. Though
now seventy, his eye is not dim nor his natural force abated.

Major Sturgis is dead, and Sam, it is understood, has wasted a
considerable portion of the handsome property that was left him. It is
quite possible that he may end in poverty and destitution, and be forced
at last to work for a living. This he would regard as a misfortune, but
it will probably be a blessing in disguise, for the necessity of honest
labor is generally a salutary restraint.

Bradley has gone back to California. His son in now with him, and