intentions, and mind your own concerns, like a sensible man."

"Good morning," said Mr. Smith.

"Good morning," replied Jones; "in a week or two I shall expect to
hear your report on this widow-hunting expedition."

"It will pay, I reckon," said Mr. Smith, as he passed from the
store.

"Pay," muttered Jones, a sneer now curling his lip, "_he'll_ have to
pay, and roundly, too, unless more fortunate than he deserves to
be."

A little while after the departure of Mr. Smith, a sallow,
sharp-featured man, with a restless eye, entered the store of Mr.
Jones.

"Ah, Perkins!" said the latter, familiarly, "any thing afloat
to-day?"

"Well, yes, there is; I know of one operation that is worth looking
at."

"Will it pay, friend Perkins? That's the touchstone with me. Show me
any thing that will pay, and I'm your man for a trade."

"I can get you fifty shares of Riverland Railroad stock, at
eighty-two!"