side, and they'll vote on the right side. I
tell ye, spite of all the prejudice there is against black skins, we
a'n't such a nation of ninnies as to give up all we're fighting for, and
leave our best friends and allies, not to speak of our own interests, in
the hands of our enemies."

"You consider Gov'ments a good investment, then, do ye?" said Ducklow,
growing radiant.

"I do, decidedly,--the very best. Besides, you help the Government; and
that's no small consideration."

"So I thought. But how is it about the cowpon bonds? A'n't they rather
ticklish property to have in the house?"

"Well, I don't know. Think how many years you'll keep old bills and
documents and never dream of such a thing as losing them! There's not a
bit more danger with the bonds. I shouldn't want to carry 'em around
with me, to any great amount,--though I did once carry three
thousand-dollar bonds in my pocket for a week. I didn't mind it."

"Curi's!" said Ducklow: "I've got three thousan'-dollar bonds in my
pocket this minute!"

"Well, it's so much good property," said Josiah, appearing not at all
surprised at the circumstance.

"Seems to me, though, if I had a safe, as you have, I should lock 'em up
in it."

"I was travelling that week. I locked 'em up pretty soon after I got
home, though."

"Suppose," said Ducklow, as if the thought had but just occurred to
him,--"suppose you put my bonds into your safe: I shall feel easier."

"Of course," replied Josiah. "I'll keep 'em for you, if you like."

"It will be an accommodation. They'll be safe, will they?"

"Safe as mine are; safe as anybody's: I'll insure 'em for twenty-five
cents."

Ducklow was happy. Mrs. Ducklow was happy. She took her husband's coat,
and with a pair of scissors cut the threads that stitched the envelope
to the pocket.

"Have you torn off the May coupons?" asked Josiah.

"No."

"Well, you'd better. They'll be payable now soon; and if you take them,
you won't have to touch the bonds again till the interest on the
November coupons is due."

"A good idea!" said Ducklow.

He took the envelope, untied the tape, and removed its contents.
Suddenly the glow of comfort, the gleam of satisfaction, faded from his
countenance.

"Hello! What ye got there?" cried Josiah.

"Why, father! massy sakes!" exclaimed Mrs. Ducklow.

As for Ducklow himself, he could not utter a word; but, dumb with
consternation, he looked again in the envelope, and opened and turned
i