cle Jacob, it would be comfortable to feel that you
could rest."

"Come, Mary, don't make me out a patriarch. I'm only sixty-five, and I
can tackle a pretty good day's work yet."

"You might be sick, Uncle Jacob."

"Don't let us imagine unpleasant things, Mary. I don't mean to be sick."

"And at any rate you can come and stay with us. You will always find a
home here, though an humble one."

"Do you really mean that, Mary?" said Uncle Jacob, earnestly. "Would you
really be willing to take in the old man, and provide for his comforts?"

"Of course I would, Uncle Jacob," answered Mrs. Barton, heartily. "I
hope you didn't think so poorly of me as to doubt it."

"No, I was sure you hadn't changed so much since you were a girl. Well,
Mary, I may some time remind you of your promise."

"You won't need to remind me, Uncle Jacob. I was afraid Albert would
take you wholly away from us."

"So he might if I were as rich as he thinks I am; but now let us talk
about other things. Remember, I haven't heard any family news for many
years, and I have a great many questions to ask."

The rest of the evening was spent in such conversation as Uncle Jacob
suggested, and when he had occasion to look at his watch, he started in
surprise.

"Bless my soul!" he exclaimed. "It is nearly ten o'clock. I ought to be
getting back to Albert's."

"Then Bert shall accompany you as far as the house. It will be lonely to
go alone."

Uncle Jacob reached Squire Marlowe's house as the church clock struck
ten, and he bade Bert good-night.

Shortly after his return, Uncle Jacob was shown to his room, and being
fatigued he soon fell asleep, not waking till seven in the morning.

After breakfast, Squire Marlowe said graciously: "Have you any plans,
Uncle Jacob, in which I can assist you? If you would like to consult me
about any investments, I can perhaps be of service to you."

"Now for it!" thought the old man.

"I was thinkin', Albert," he said, "of askin' your advice. I'm gettin'
on in years, and can't work as well as I could once. Do you think it
would pay me to open here in Lakeville a cigar and candy store, and----"

"What!" exclaimed Squire Marlowe, with an expression of horror and
disgust on his face.

"You see I've got about five hundred dollars, which I think would be
enough to stock it comfortably and----"

"But I thought you were a rich man," gasped Squire Marlowe. "Didn't you
tell me you had a hundred thousand dollars in a