erred. I had again to put on my armour of brass and go forth to meet coldness, rebuffs, and polite denials. Alas! I got no more; not a dollar rewarded my earnest efforts. Two o'clock found me utterly discouraged. Then, for the first time, it occurred to me to go to the holders of the note and frankly tell them that I could not lift it. 

 "But that will ruin your credit with them." 

 Yes, that was the rub; and then it was so mortifying a resource. After a short space of hurried reflection, I concluded that as I had twice as much credit in other quarters as it was prudent to use, I would ask a renewal of the note, which would be a great relief. It was better, certainly, than to suffer a protest. At the thought of a protest I shuddered, and started to see the parties to whom the note was due, feeling much as I suppose a culprit feels when about being arraigned for trial. It was twenty minutes past two when I called at their store. 

 "I am sorry," I said to one of the firm, whom I first met, speaking in a husky, agitated voice, "to inform you that I shall not be able to lift my note that falls due to-day." 

 His brows fell instantly. 

 "I had made every arrangement to meet it," I continued, "and was to receive the money at one o'clock to-day, but was unexpectedly disappointed. I have tried since to raise the amount, but find it too late in the day." 

 The man's brows fell still lower, while his eyes remained steadily fixed upon my face. 

 "I shall have to ask you to extend it for me." 

 "I don't think we can do that," he coldly replied. 

 "Will you consult your partners?" I said; "time presses." 

 The man bowed stiffly, his aspect about as pleasing as if I had robbed him, and turned away. I was standing near the door of the counting-room, inside of which were his two partners, with whom he had retired to confer. 

 "Jones can't pay his note," I heard him say, in tones most unpleasant to my ear. 

 "What!" was replied; "Jones?" 

 "Yes, Jones." 

 "What does he want?" 

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