"Oh, yes. I know exactly what he was worth. He had been overseer for
Elbertson for several years, and while there, managed to save seven
hundred dollars, with which he paid down the cash required in
purchasing his farm. Since then, he has been paying off the mortgage
that remained on the property, and but for the burning of his barn,
might have prevented a result that has been so disastrous to
himself. But it's an ill wind that blows nobody any good. In every
loss, somebody gains; and the turn of the die has been in your
favour this time."

Mr. Bolton did not appear to feel as much satisfaction at this view
of the case as the broker anticipated; and seeing this, he changed
the subject, by asking some question about the consummation of the
sale under the mortgage.

"I'll see you about that to-morrow," said Mr. Bolton.

"Very well," was replied.

After some more conversation, Mr. Bolton left the office of his
agent.

For years, farmer Gray had been toiling late and early, to become
the full owner of his beautiful farm. Its value had much increased
since it had come into his possession, and he looked forward with
pleasure to the time when it would be his own beyond all doubt. But
the loss of an entire year's crop, through the burning of his barn,
deeply tried and dispirited him. From this grievous disappointment,
his spirits were beginning to rise, when the sudden foreclosure of
the mortgage and hurried sale of his farm crushed all his hopes to