Paul, suddenly roused from his painful reflections, answered, "Yes, come in.

Good morning sir, what can I do for you this morning ?" "I have come to see you on business." "I am at your service," said Paul.
"Do you remember," said the young man, "of having aided an unfortunate friend more than a dozen years since by lending him five hundred dollars ?" "Yes, I remember he was an old friend of mine, a school-mate of my father's, Charles Smith." "Well I am his son, and I have come to liquidate my father's debt.

Here is the money with interest for twelve years." Paul's heart gave a sudden bound of joy.

Strong man as he was a mist gathered in his eyes as he reached out his hand to receive the thrice welcome sum.

He looked at the clock, it was just fifteen minutes to three.
"Will you walk with me to the bank or wait till I return ?" "I will wait," said James Smith, taking up the morning paper.
* * * * * "You are just in time, Mr.Clifford," said the banker smiling and bowing as Paul entered, "I was afraid your note would be protested; but it is all right." "Yes," said Paul, "the money market is very tight, but I think I shall weather the storm." "I hope so, you may have to struggle hard for awhile to keep your head above the water; but you must take it for your motto that there is no such word as 'fail.'" "Thank you, good morning." "Well Mr.Smith," said Paul when he returned, "your father and mine were boys together.