the subject of conversation between parties, one or both of which
were looking out for a man, of thorough business qualifications,
against which capital would be placed; nor the fact, that either his
first failure, his improvidence, or something else personal to
himself, had caused him to be set aside for some other one not near
so capable.

He was lamenting his ill-luck one day, when a young man with whom he
was very well acquainted, and who was clerk in a neighbouring store,
called in and said he wanted to have some talk with him about a
matter of interest to both.

"First of all, Mr. Jones," said the young man, after they were
alone, "how much capital could you raise by a strong effort?"

"I am sure I don't know," replied Jacob, not in a very cheerful
tone. "I never was lucky in having friends ready to assist me."

"Well! perhaps there will be no need of that. You have had a good
salary for four or five years; how much have you saved? Enough,
probably, to answer every purpose--that is, if you are willing to
join me in taking advantage of one of the best openings for business
that has offered for a long time. I have a thousand dollars in the
Savings Bank. You have as much, or more, I presume?"

"I am sorry to say I have not," was poor Jacob's reply, in a
desponding voice. "I was unfortunate in business some years ago, and
my old debts have drained away from me every dollar I could earn."

"Indeed! that is unfortunate. I was in hopes you could furnish a