t you worry about my temper, Mr. Hardhand; I'll take care of
myself. All I want of you is not to insult my mother. You may say
what you like to me; but don't you call her hard names."

Mr. Hardhand, like all mean, little men, was a coward; and he was
effectually intimidated by the bold and manly conduct of the boy. He
changed his tone and manner at once.

"You have no money for me, marm?" said he, edging towards the door.

"No, sir; I am sorry to say that I have been able to save only five
dollars since I paid you last; but I hope--"

"Never mind, marm, never mind; I shall not trouble myself to come here
again, where I am liable to be kicked by this ill-bred cub. No, marm,
I shall not come again. Let the law take its course."

"O, mercy! See what you have brought upon us, Bobby," exclaimed Mrs.
Bright, bursting into tears.

"Yes, marm, let the law take its course."

"O Bobby! Stop a moment, Mr. Hardhand; do stop a moment."

"Not a moment, marm. We'll see;" and Mr. Hardhand placed his hand upon
the latch string.

Bobby felt very uneasy, and very unhappy at that moment. His passion
had subsided, and he realized that he had done a great deal of mischief
by his impetuous conduct.

Then the remembrance of his morning, adventure on the bridge came like
a flash of sunshine to his mind, and he eagerly drew from his pocket
the handkerchief in which he had deposited the precious gold,--doubly
precious now, because it would enable him to retrieve the error into
which he had fallen, and do something towards relieving his mother's
embarrassment. With a trembling hand he untied the knot which secured
the money.

"Here, mother, here is thirty-five dollars;" and he placed it in her
hand.

"Why, Bobby!" exclaimed Mrs. Bright.

"Pay him, mother, pay him, and I will tell you all about it by and by."

"Thirty-five dollars! and all in gold! Where did you get it, Bobby?"

"Never mind it now, mother."

Mr. Hardhand's covetous soul had already grasped the glittering gold;
and removing his hand from the latch string, he approached the widow.

"I shall be able to pay you forty dollars now," said Mrs. Bright,
taking the five dollars she had saved from her pocket.

"Yes, marm."

Mr. Hardhand took the money, and seating himself at the table, indorsed
the amount on the back of the note.

"You owe me sixty more," said he, maliciously, as he returned the note
to his pocket book. "It must be paid immediately."

"Y