pected kindness had won him, and produced a more profound impression
than a dozen floggings could have done. I may add that Jim proved luck
in his business investment, and by the close of the afternoon had enough
money to provide himself with supper and lodging, besides a small fund
to start with the next day.

Paul sold three more neckties, and then, though it yet lacked an hour of
the time when he generally proposed to close, he prepared to go home. He
wanted to communicate the good news to his mother and little Jimmy.

Mrs. Hoffman raised her eyes from her sewing as he entered.

"Well, Paul," she said, "have you heard anything of the ring?"

"Yes, mother, it's sold."

"Is it? Well, we must do without it, then," said his mother in a tone of
disappointment.

"There won't be any trouble about that, mother, as long as we have got
the money for it. I would rather have that than the ring."

"Did you recover it, then?" asked his mother, eagerly.

"Yes, mother--listen and I will tell you all about it."

He sat down and told the story to two very attentive listeners.

"What did you do with the money, Paul?" asked Jimmy.

"Mr. Preston is keeping a hundred and fifty dollars for me. He will
allow seven per cent. interest. But I must not forget that the money
belongs to you, mother, and not to me. Perhaps you would prefer to
deposit it in a savings bank."

"I am quite satisfied with your disposal of it, Paul," said Mrs.
Hoffman. "I little thought, when I found the ring, that it would be of
such service to us."

"It has set me up in business," said Paul, "and I am sure to make
money. But I am getting out of stock. I must go round and buy some more
neckties to-morrow."

"How much do you pay for your ties, Paul?" asked his mother.

"One shilling; I sell them for two. That gives me a good profit."

"I wonder whether I couldn't make them?" said Mrs. Hoffman. "I find
there is no sewing at present to be got, and, besides," she added, "I
think I would rather work for you than for a stranger."

"There is no need of your working, mother. I can earn enough to support
the family."

"While I have health I would prefer to work, Paul."

"Then I will bring round some of the ties to-morrow. I have two or three
kinds. There is nothing very hard about any of them. I think they would
be easy to make."

"That will suit me much better than making shirts."

"Suppose I admit you to the firm, mother? I can get a large signboard,