ut don't be
down-hearted, dear," she cried more cheerfully; "when things are at
their worst they always mend, and I think they have got to their worst
now, and have begun to mend, for Harry has come back."

"Yes, mother," I cried, unable to keep back my good news, knowing as I
did how welcome it must be to them at such a time. "Yes, mother, I have
come back, and brought with me the friend who helped my poor uncle in
such a strait, and now he shall help you."

"Ah, but my dear boy, we have no claims upon your uncle's friend."

"The greatest of claims, mother," I cried excitedly, "for he is your own
flesh and blood."

"Harry!" cried my father, "what do you mean? Did you help your uncle?"

"Yes, father," I said modestly.

"And paid his debts?"

"Yes, father, and now I'm going to pay yours, or rather you are going to
pay them yourself, and be what you called--an honest man."

His eyes lit up, and he looked as if he were about to catch me by the
hands, but he stopped short and shook his head.

"No, no, no, my boy, you do not understand these things. I owe nearly
five hundred pounds."

"My dear father," I cried, "I'm ready to pay it if you owe nearly five
thousand. I went out to make my fortune and I have made it, and I never
knew its value thoroughly till I came home to-day. There, come away
home and I'll pay out that fellow, and--oh, come, mother--mother,
mother!" I cried as I took hold of her hands to raise her up, for she
had sunk upon her knees and was embracing my legs. "You must not give
way like this, or you will make me behave like a great girl."

"It is because I am so happy," she sobbed, and as I raised her so that
she could weep on my shoulder, my father caught me by the hand.

"God bless you, my boy! God bless you!" he cried. "I won't question
you now, for like your mother I feel as if this is more than I can
bear."

We lost no time as soon as they had grown calmer. For though I had not
the money with me sufficient to pay all my father's debts, I had plenty
to pay what was needed to get rid of the unpleasant tenant of my old
home, and that night I slept happily once more beneath its roof.

I had hard work to satisfy the old people about my right to the large
sum of money I had brought back, but I found no difficulty with their
creditors, who took the cash without asking any questions, and were very
loud in their praises, saying that I was the best of sons, which was all
nonsense, for I