164 TRUE RICHES; OBR,

 

ness, Martin, to be aware that ten thousand dollars
is not always to be commanded, even by the
wealthiest, at a moment’s notice.”

‘“¢T do not ask the whole sum in cash,” replied
Martin. ‘Three or four thousand in ready money
will do. Your notes at four and six months will
answer very well forthe balance.”

But we will not record further what passed be-
tween these two men. It was all in vain that Jas-
per strove to escape; his adversary was too power-
ful. Ere they separated, Martin had in his pos-
session, in cash and promissory notes, the sum of
ten thousand dollars !

Already were the ill-gotten riches of Leonard
Jasper taking to themselves wings. Unhappy man !
How wretched was he during that and many suc-
ceeding days! Rolling, so to speak, in wealth, he
yet possessed not life’s highest blessing, a truly
contented mind, flowing from conscious rectitude
and an abiding trust in Providence. Without these,
how poor is even he who counts his millions ! With
them, how rich is the humble toiler, who, receivin
day by day his daily bread, looks up and is thankful :