'Yes,' said he, looking me fixedly in the eyes--'there is something wrong.

I came within an ace of being protested to-day.' 'Indeed! How ?' I exclaimed.

'Listen,' said he, 'and you shall hear; and while you hear, believe, for I solemnly declare that every word I utter is the truth, and nothing but the truth.

I could not spare the cash when your new carpet and upholstery bill came in, so I gave a note for the amount, which was over two hundred dollars.

The note was for six months, and fell due to-day.