ure exertions, and
pledge that success in anticipation. Can I do more?"

"We could not ask for more certainly," was the cold response of a
single individual, made in a tone of voice implying no sympathy with
the debtor's misfortunes, but rather indicating disappointment that
the whole amount of his claim could not be made out of the assets.

Some degree of sympathy, some kind consideration for his painful
condition Mr. Morton naturally looked for, but nearly every kind
emotion for him was stifled by the sordid disappointment which each
one of his former business friends felt in losing what they valued,
as their feelings indicated, above everything else--their money.

"When will the assignment be made?" was the next remark.

"Appoint your trustees, and I am ready at any moment."

Trustees were accordingly appointed, and these had a private
conference with, and received their instructions from the creditors.
In a week they commenced their work of appraisement. After a
thorough and careful examination into accounts, deeds, mortgages,
and documents of various kinds, and becoming satisfied that every
thing was as Mr. Morton had stated it, it was found that the
property represented by these would cover ninety cents in the
dollar.

"Your furniture and plate comes next," said one of the trustees.

Mr. Morton bowed and said, while his heart sunk in his bosom--

"To-morrow I will be ready for that."

"But why not to-day?" inquired one of the trustees. "We are anxious
to get through with this unpleasant business."

"I said to-morrow," Mr. Morton replied, while a red spot burned upon
his cheek.

The trustees looked at each other, and hesitated.

"Surely," said the debtor, "you cannot hesitate to let me have a
single day in which to prepare my family for so painful a duty as
that which is required of me."

"We should suppose," remarked one of the trustees, in reply, "that
your family were already prepared for that."

The debtor looked the last speaker searchingly in the face for some
moments, and then said, as if satisfied with the examination--

"Then you are afraid that I will make way, in the mean time, with
some of my plate!"

"I did not say so, Mr. Morton. But, you know we are under oath to
protect the interest of the creditors."

An indignant reply trembled on the lips of Morton, but he curbed his
feelings with a strong effort.

"I am ready now," he said, after a few moments of hurried
self-communion. "