IOUS STUDENT.

There was once a student in Tuy who was so very poor that, if faith in
Providence be not reckoned, he possessed no riches.

But Juan Rivas was endowed with a wonderfully fine gift of ingenuity,
and although he was somewhat behind in the payment for the Masses on
behalf of his predecessors, and even more so with his mundane creditors,
still was he a man who meant well and would do the right thing if he
only had the opportunity.

To the man of the world there is no greater pleasure than to pay his
debts, for by so doing he increases his credit.

Juan Rivas would willingly have paid every creditor had his pocket been
as full of the wherewithal as his heart was of gratitude for small
mercies; but there is no difficulty about showing one's self desirous of
satisfying one's debts--the only difficulty generally rests in being
able to do so.

At college he had proved himself a good scholar and a true companion;
but as he could no longer contribute toward the support of his college,
his college could not be expected to support him.

His long black cap, his flowing robes, his pantaloons, and his shoes
were altered in substance, and so was Juan Rivas.

Finally he became reduced to his last maravedi, and as his friends could
no longer assist him, he thought it was high time he should assist
himself.

"Providence," said he, "has never intended me for a poor man, but Fate
has almost made me one. I will believe in Providence, and become rich
from this day." Saying which, he went to some of his companions, who
were almost as poor as he was, and asked them if they desired to be
rich.

"Do you ask us if we want to be rich with so serious a face?" answered
they. "Really, friend Juan, you are so strange that you do not seem to
belong to this city!"

"No man can be rich," continued Juan, "by staying at home. We are
students, and our studies should meet with some recompense. Will you do
as I bid you?"

"Yes!" cried all his poor companions; "so long as you lead us not to the
gallows, for we like not such playthings."

"Well, then, follow me," said Juan; "and when you see me release a prize
that belongs to him who shall be bold enough to seize it, off with it to
the market, and dispose of it at the best possible price."

"Done, and agreed to," shouted all, "if you will but seize the prize!"

"Leave that to me," said the poor student, "and I will hand you a prize
fully worth twenty dollars without his garments