ery
willingly, and he has richly earned not only that, but a few francs
more, which I am still owing him. But we will square accounts now. Here,
Walter; there is forty francs for the old vulture which you captured so
bravely; and here is another sixty francs for the torn trousers and the
knife you lost."

With these words Mr. Seymour counted out five bright gold pieces on the
table, to the wonderment of Toni Hirzel and his son, neither of whom
could utter a word.

"But, Sir," exclaimed Walter, finding his voice at last, "the vulture,
the trousers, and the knife all put together are not worth twenty
francs!"

"They are worth more to me," replied the gentleman, "and you must allow
me to pay for them according to my opinion of their value. So make no
more words about it, my boy, but put the money in your pocket. I hope it
may prove useful to you."

Tears started into Walter's eyes. "Oh, father!" he exclaimed, "only look
at all this money! We shall be able to buy another cow, and make twice
as much cheese as we do now. We sha'n't have to borrow anything from
Neighbor Frieshardt any more, and if everything goes on well, we shall
soon be able to build a house as good as his. It will be a blessing for
you to have a comfortable home in your old age."

But Toni Hirzel shook his head. "Don't talk so fast, my boy," said he,
quietly. "That is a great deal more money than we can think of taking.
Pray take it back, Mr. Seymour. Watty is quite right. Twenty francs will
amply suffice, especially when you were so liberal toward him
yesterday."

"Very well, friend, so be it," was the reply. "If you won't let me pay
you the money as a debt, I hope you will allow me to give it to Walter
as a present. I'm sure you won't object to that. He can save it till
he's a few years older, if he doesn't require to spend it now; so let
the matter drop, unless you really wish to annoy me."

Seeing that Mr. Seymour was in earnest, Toni Hirzel made no further
objections, and lifted the money from the table.

"Well, then, Walter, I will take care of this handsome gift for you
until you are old enough to make a good use of it," said his father, as
he placed the money in a leather pocket-book, which he deposited in a
secret drawer of the cupboard. "Rest there quietly," said he, in a
whisper; "when I am dead and gone, it will be a nest-egg for Watty to
fall back upon."

Mr. Seymour then rose to take his departure: and before saying farewell,
Walt