." And again he ran over the notes, and announced the same result.

"Thank you," said Mr. Parks, with a relieved air. And as Theodore
gathered up his bills and vanished, the old gentleman looking after him
said:

"That's a smart chap, Mr. Stephens. I don't know his match anywhere
around this city. True as steel every time, and just as sharp as steel
any day."

"Yes," answered Mr. Stephens, quietly. "I have heard of the young man
before, and know something of his character."

Two hours afterward Theodore was reading a letter. It commenced:

"PRIVATE OFFICE, }
"June 16, 18--.}

"_My Dear Young Friend_:

"It is something over four years since you came to
me one night with my ten-dollar bill, since which
time my eyes have been on you. I did not present
you with the bill then and there, as I was tempted
to do. I am not one of the croakers who think it
sinful to reward honesty. God rewards every day
our efforts toward the right; but I think the
reward can come too suddenly when man takes it
into his own hands. I stayed my hand. I determined
instead to keep you in view, and keep the helping
hand stretched out, unseen by you; but ready to
come to your aid in time of need. No such a time
has come to you. The Lord evidently took you for
his own, and gave his angels charge concerning
you. I have watched and waited. I know all about
your character, young man, and more about your
education than you think.

"As I said, your time of need, for which I have
been waiting, has not come, but mine has. I need
just such a young man as you--one who will be
prompt, active and efficient. You know my place of
business, and that I make few changes. I do not
like the business you have chosen. Keeping an
eating saloon is a respectable employment, always
provided that the business is respectably
conducted, which yours has been. I do not doubt
that you have done much good. You have fought the
giant enemy of this present time nobly and well.
But the business is not suited to your capacity,
by which I mean that your capacity overruns the
busi