me, all of which I should undoubtedly have lost."

"I am glad," said the cooper, "that I was able to do you such
essential service. It was by the merest chance that I came this
way."

"Will you add to my indebtedness by accompanying me with that trusty
club of yours? I have some little distance yet to go, and the amount
of money I have with me makes me feel desirous of taking every
possible precaution."

"Willingly," said the cooper.

"But I am forgetting," said the gentleman, "that you yourself will
be obliged to return alone."

"I do not carry enough money to make me fear an attack," said Mr.
Crump, laughing. "Money brings care I have always heard, and now I
realize it."

"Yet most people are willing to take their chance of that," said the
merchant.

"You are right, sir, nor can I call myself an exception. Still I
should be satisfied with the certainty of constant employment."

"I hope you have that, at least."

"I have had until recently."