earnest. If we don't pay him, I think it very likely he will refuse to let us have anything more on credit. And you know there is no other grocery store in the village." "Have you any money to pay him on account, mother?" "I have eight dollars." "Let me have that, and go over and see what I can do with him. We can't get along without groceries. By the way, mother, doesn't the parish owe father anything?" "They are about sixty dollars in arrears on the salary." "And the treasurer is Deacon Gridley?" "Yes." "Then I'll tell you what I will do. I'll first go over to the deacon's and try to collect something. Afterward I will call on Mr. Tudor." "It is your father's place to do it, but he has no business faculty, and could not accomplish anything. Go, then, Grant, but remember one thing." "What is that, mother?" "You have a quick temper, my son. Don't allow yourself to speak hastily, or disrespectfully, even if you are disappointed. Mr. Tudor's bill is a just one, and he ought to have his money." "I'll do the best I can, mother." CHAPTER II GRANT MAKES TWO BUSINESS CALLS Deacon Gridley had a small farm, and farming was his chief occupation, but he had a few thousand dollars laid away in stocks and bonds, and, being a thrifty man, not to say mean, he managed to save up nearly all the interest, which he added to his original