th it a hope of future
happiness. I worked on till late in the evening. I rose early in the
morning to resume my studies. And, if sometimes I felt discouraged,
worn out by the ceaseless toil, I said to myself: 'Take
courage--science is bitter but its fruit is sweet.' I have tried to
cultivate myself as much as possible, to fill my mind with all that
is noble, pure, and elevating--to acquire good habits by shunning
bad society and by reading good books--in short, I have sacrificed
my past self for the sake of my future self.

"And now (his tone grew inexpressibly sad), when I try to gather a
few of the fruits which I have grown, you throw yourself between
fortune and me.

"It is exactly as I was reading in a book the other day, in which
the writer said: 'The cause of many failures is that men wait for
something to turn up instead of turning up something for
themselves'----"

"You and your books," ejaculated Mrs. Mathers,--"but I'll have no
more of this begging and grumbling; do as you like, throw your money
to the dogs, give it to whomsoever you choose. Perhaps, when you
know the value of money, you will learn to appreciate it more. For
my part, I will have nothing more to do about this tomfoolery."

Frank left the room with a light heart. He was free, at liberty to
do whatever he chose. He chuckled to himself: "Liberty _is_ sweet. I
will now show them what I can do when I have no one to hinder me.
However, I will wait a day or two before sending the money. I must
not act too quickly,--I will think it over."

He went about his work. He felt that manual labour was almost below
his dignity now. What! he, an inventor--a benefactor of mankind--the
probable millionaire of years to come--he, who would soon be looked
upon as the foremost man of the island, pointed at and envied by
everyone--watering tomatoes. Oh! it certainly was below his rank.
However, he would work yet for a few days and then, well then he
would appear in his proper sphere.

Poor fellow, he had yet another of life's lessons to learn. He
little imagined the crushing blow that was to fall on him and
scatter all his hopes.

That evening he went to bed with his head brim full of ideas and
plans for the future. His heart overflowed with delight. He dreamt
of nothing but inventions, huge fortunes and fame.

Next morning, when he awoke, his head had cleared, but his ideas
were the same. He never doubted for a moment the certainty of his
success.

Duri