perous debtor. Richmond wasted few words on him.

"Uncle Job," he said, "it's no use your coming over here. I'll send you
the money when I can spare it."

Finally, six months passed, the mortgage became due, and Job received a
notice from Major Sturgis that he wanted his money.

"If you can't raise it," said the major, "I am willing to cancel the
note, give you two hundred and fifty dollars, and take a deed of the
place."

"That is only allowing seven hundred and fifty dollars for it," said
poor Job.

"It's all it is worth," said the rich man, coldly. "If you prefer to put
it up at auction, I am willing, but you may in that case get less. I'll
give you three days to decide."

There was great sorrow in Job Stanton's house that evening. Six months
before he had considered himself well-to-do. Now, at the age of sixty,
poverty and destitution stared him in the face.

CHAPTER XXXIV.

CONCLUSION.

"Do you think we shall have to give up the house, Job?" asked Mrs.
Stanton, anxiously.

"I see no other way," said Job, mournfully. "I can't raise five hundred
dollars anywhere."

"Have you been to Deacon Pitkin?"

"Yes, but the deacon says he's just put out what money he had, and can't
accommodate me."

"It's hard!" said Mrs. Stanton, with sad brevity.

"Yes, it is hard!" assented Job. "I did hope the Lord would show us a
way of deliverance, but it seems likely that the sorrow must come upon
us."

"How meanly Major Sturgis and that man Richmond have behaved! I can't
help feeling that they will be come up with sooner or later," said Mrs.
Stanton, who, mild as she generally was, could not help feeling
exasperated.

"I do think they've been inconsiderate," Job admitted.

"'Inconsiderate'! Their conduct has been contemptible. The major don't
need the money. He could just as well let us stay here."

While this conversation was going on Ben and his friend Bradley were
approaching the little cottage.

Full of joyful memories, Ben lifted the latch and walked into the
presence of his uncle and aunt. Nothing but his return could have chased
the mournful expression from their faces.

"Why, it's Ben come back!" exclaimed his aunt, joyfully.

"Well, I declare, so it is!" answered Job Stanton, hurrying forward and
grasping the hand of his boy after his aunt had embraced him.

"How you've grown, Ben!" said his aunt, admiringly.

"Yes, Aunt Clarissa, I've grown four inches," said Ben, proudly. "But
I've brou