"Then, at present, you are unemployed?"

"Yes, sir."

"What is your business?"

"That of a cooper."

"I must see what I can do for you. Can you call at my office
to-morrow, say at twelve o'clock?"

"I shall be glad to do so, sir."

"I believe I have a card with me. Yes, here is one. And this is my
house. Thank you for your company, my good friend. I shall see you
to-morrow."

They stood before a handsome dwelling-house, from whose windows,
draped by heavy crimson curtains, a soft light proceeded. The cooper
could hear the ringing of childish voices welcoming home their
father, whose life, unknown to them, had been in such peril, and he
could not but be grateful to Providence that he had been the means
of frustrating the designs of the villain who would have robbed him,
and perhaps done him farther injury.

He determined to say nothing to his wife of the night's adventure
until after his meeting appointed for the next day. Then if any
advantage accrued to him from it, he would tell the whole at once.

When he reached home, Mrs. Crump was sewing beside the fire. Aunt