odestly, "I think there are a great
many. I begin to feel repaid already. In a few months I shall be able to
pay up the whole debt."

At this moment a knock was heard at the door. Mr. Cameron answered the
summons.

"Does Mr. Paul Prescott live here?" inquired a boy.

"Yes. Do you want to see him?"

"Here is a letter for him. There is no answer."

The messenger departed, leaving the letter in Mr. Cameron's hand.

Somewhat surprised, he returned to the sitting-room and handed it to
Paul.

Paul opened it hastily, and discovered inclosed, a bank-note for one
hundred dollars. It was accompanied with a note from his employer,
stating that it was intended as a New Year's gift, but in the hurry of
business, he had forgotten to give it to him during the day.

Paul's face lighted up with joy.

"Oh, Uncle Hugh!" he exclaimed, almost breathless with delight. "Don't
you see that this will enable me to pay my debt at once?"

"So it will, Paul. I wish you joy."

"And my father's memory will be vindicated," said Paul, in a tone of
deep satisfaction. "If he could only have lived to see this day!"

A fortnight later, Paul obtained permission from his employer to
be absent from the office for a week. It was his purpose to visit
Cedarville and repay 'Squire Conant the debt due him: and then, to go
across the country to Wrenville, thirty miles distant, to see Aunt Lucy
Lee. First, however, he ordered a new suit of a tailor, feeling a desire
to appear to the best advantage on his return to the scene of his former
humiliation. I must not omit to say that Paul was now a fine-looking
young fellow of nineteen, with a frank, manly face, that won favor
wherever he went.

In due course of time, he arrived at Cedarville, and found his way
without difficulty to the house of 'Squire Conant.

It was a large house, rather imposing in its exterior, being quite the
finest residence in the village.

Paul went up the walk, and rang the bell.

"Can I see 'Squire Conant?" he asked of the servant who answered the
bell.

"You'll find him in that room," said the girl, pointing to a door on the
left hand of the hall.

"As he doesn't know me, perhaps you had better go before."

The door was opened, and Paul found himself in the presence of his
father's creditor. 'Squire Conant was looking pale and thin. He was just
recovering from a severe sickness.

"I presume you don't recognize me, sir," said Paul.

"Did I ever see you before?"

"Y