make bills at his store. This
he sometimes did, but made it a point never to give his note for the
purchase, always paying the cash and receiving a discount.

"I'd as lief have your note as your money," Grasper would sometimes say.

"I always prefer paying the cash while I have it," was generally the
answer. "In this way, I make a double profit on my sales."

The true reason why he would not give his note to Grasper, was his
determination never to be in debt to any man who, in an extremity,
would oppress him. This reason was more than suspected by Grasper and
it worried him exceedingly. If Layton had refused to buy from him at
all, he would have felt less annoyance.

Year after year passed on, and Layton's business gradually enlarged,
until he was doing at least four times as much as Grasper, who now
found himself much oftener the buyer from, than the seller to, Layton.
At first, in making bills with Layton, he always made it a point to
cash them. But this soon became inconvenient, and he was forced to say,
in making a pretty heavy purchase--

"I shall have to give my note for this."

"Just as you please, Mr. Grasper, it is all the same to me," replied
Layton, indifferently. "I had as lief have your note as your money."

Grasper felt his cheek burn. For the hundredth time, he repented of one
act in his life.

A few months after this, Grasper found himself very hard pressed to
meet his payments. He had been on the borrowing list for a good while,
and had drawn so often and so largely upon business friends, that he
had almost worn out his welcome. For one of his heavy days he had been
endeavouring to make provision in advance, but had not succeeded in
obtaining all the money needed, when the day arrived. In his extremity,
and as a last resort, yet with a most heart-sinking reluctance, he
called in to see Layton.

"Have you seven hundred dollars more than you want to-day?" he asked,
in a tone that betrayed his unwillingness to ask the favour, although
he strove to appear indifferent.

"I have, and it's at your service," was promptly and cheerfully
replied. "Shall I fill you a check?"

"If you please," said Grasper; "I have a very heavy payment to make
to-day, and find money tighter than usual. When do you with me to
return it to you?" he asked, as he took the check.

"Oh! in three or four days. Will that do?"

"It will suit me exactly. I am very much obliged to you, indeed."

"You are very welcome. I shal