CHAPTER VI.

WHAT THE ENVELOPE CONTAINED.





THE card which had been handed to Timothy Crump contained the name
of Thomas Merriam,----Wall Street. Punctually at twelve, the cooper
reported himself at the counting-room, and received a cordial
welcome from the merchant.

"I am glad to see you," he said. "I will come to business at once,
as I am particularly engaged this morning. Is there any way in which
I can serve you?"

"Not unless you can procure me a situation, sir."

"I think you told me you were a cooper."

"Yes sir."

"Does this yield you a good support?"

"In good times it pays me two dollars a day. Lately it has been
depressed, and for a time paid me but a dollar and a half."