you're a gentleman sech as I don't often meet with. I wouldn't
take it on no account, only the loss is considerable for me, and
Cynthy Ann, she would have been disapp'inted if so be as I hadn't
worn the bunnit. I'd like to know who it is that I'm so much
obligated to."

Henry Morton drew a card from his card-case and handed it with a
bow to Mrs. Payson.

"What's that?" asked the old lady.

"My card."

"Le's see, where's my specs?" said Mrs. Payson, fumbling in her
pocket. "Oh, I've got 'em on. So your name's Herod. What made 'em
call you that?"

"Henry, madam--Henry Morton."

"Well, so 'tis, I declare. You ain't related to Nahum Morton, of
Gilead, be you; he that was put into the State's prison for
breakin' open the Gilead Bank?"

An amused smile overspread the young man's face.

"I never had any relatives sent to the State's prison," he
answered; "though I think it quite possible that some of them may
have deserved it."

"Jest so," assented the old lady. "There's a good deal of