"He presented it to the city as a gift," replied the councilman.

"A gift! What folly!"

"No, not folly--but true worldly wisdom; though I believe Jones did
not think of advantage to himself when he generously made the offer.
He is worth twenty thousand dollars more to-day than he was
yesterday, in the simple advanced value of his land for
building-lots. And I know of no man in this town whose good fortune
affects me with more pleasure."

Smith stole back to his home with a mountain of disappointment on
his heart. In his cupidity, he had entirely overreached himself, and
he saw that the consequences were to react upon all his future
prosperity. The public square at the west end of the town would draw
improvements in that direction all the while increasing the wealth
of Mr. Jones, while lots in the north end would remain at present
prices, or, it might be, take a downward range.

And so it proved. In ten years, Jones was the richest man in the
town, while half of Smith's property had been sold for taxes. The
five-acre lot passed from his hands, under the hammer, in the
foreclosure of a mortgage, for one thousand dollars!

Thus it is that inordinate selfishness and cupidity overreach
themselves; while the liberal man deviseth liberal things, and is
sustained thereby.