"Good heavens, Rachel!" said the honest cooper, in amazement, "what can
you mean?"

"It isn't for me to explain," said Rachel, shaking her head; "only it's
strange that it should have been brought to _this_ house, that's all I
say."

"Perhaps it was meant for you, Aunt Rachel," said Jack, with thoughtless
fun.

"Me!" exclaimed Rachel, rising to her feet, while her face betrayed the
utmost horror at the suggestion. She fell back in her seat, and made a
violent effort to faint.

"What have I said?" asked Jack, a little frightened at the effect of his
words. "Aunt Rachel takes one up so."

"He didn't mean anything," said Mrs. Crump. "How could you suspect such
a thing? But here's a letter. It looks as if there was something in it.
Here, Timothy, it is directed to you."

Mr. Cooper opened the letter, and read as follows:--

"For reasons which it is unnecessary to state, the guardians of this
child find it expedient to (sic) intrust it to others to be brought up.
The good opinion which they have formed of you, has led them to select
you for that charge. No further explanation is necessary, except that
it is by no means their object to make this a service of charity. They
therefore (sic) inclose a certificate of deposits on the Broadway Bank,
of three hundred dollars, the same having been made in your name. Each
year, while the child remains in your charge, the same sum will in like
manner be placed to your credit at the same bank It may be as well to
state, farther, that all attempts to fathom whatever of mystery may
attach to this affair, will prove useless."

This letter was read in silent amazement.

The certificate of deposits, which had fallen to the floor, was handed
to Timothy by his wife.

Amazement was followed by a feeling of gratitude and relief.

"What could be more fortunate?" exclaimed Mrs. Crump. "Surely, Timothy,
our faith has been rewarded."

"God has listened to our cry," said the cooper, devoutly; "and, in the
hour of our need, He has remembered us."

"Isn't it prime?" said Jack, gleefully; "three hundred dollars! Ain't we
rich, Aunt Rachel?"

"Like as not," observed Rachel, "the certificate isn't genuine. It
doesn't look natural it should be. I've heard of counterfeits before.
I shouldn't be surprised at all if Timothy got taken up for presenting
it."

"I'll risk that," said Mr. Crump, who did not look very much depressed
by this suggestion.

"Now you'll be able to pay the rent,