ABOUT the year 1805, a young man might have been seen passing along the streets of London. You could have guessed he was a stranger, but one who had seen something of the world. He had neither a bagpipe, nor yet "the Scotch fiddle," and yet you could have affirmed him to be a Scotchman. His apparel was plain, and yet so neat and well-ordered, that he must have come from under the hand of a good mother, or a fond sister. His gait was so manly and strong, that he must have become so through the exercise of the athletic virtues of industry and temperance. And withal, his fine forehead and sparkling blue eye gave good promise of an enterprising disposition and a well-cultivated mind.

Such was Lewis Jay, as he passed along the streets of London early one morning. He aspired to be something, and yet how to accomplish his purpose was the question. His father was poor, and yet by hard labor had secured to his son the advantages of the village grammar-school, in which he left all his companions behind. He was prepared for the University, but how to lay down the price, when he was penniless, was a problem for which his mathematics furnished no solution. To enterprise and courage all things seem possible, and these qualities do not fail in straits, when mathematics despair. Had Lewis adopted counsel of the latter, it would have run somehow thus:

The bill is unreceipted by the selfish Dame, and "Matthew Matics," as the Irishman called him, held down his head, looked wise, and told Lewis "he would do well to stay home like a good boy and work for his daily bread,' inasmuch as miracles do not usually happen to answer that part of the Lord's Prayer. As for a university education, he had nothing as an offset against some eighty formidable sterling pounds!"

The argument was plainly against Lewis, and his cold antagonist would have floored him, had he not adopted the truly womanly weapon,

"If she will, she will, and if she won't, she won't, And so there's an end on't!"

and with a good-natured laugh, he exclaimed, Weighed in the balance and found wanting!" Ah, you frosty old disciple of that heathen god, Numbers, here you are at your old sins, taking the altitude of Providence with a theodolite, gauging Hope with a spirit-level, weighing Energy by the ton, and counting out the price of Youth in paltry bank bills! It won't do, you hoary skeptic, for I will show you that with all your infallible figures, you have spoken falsely; and so good-bye, 'Mr. Matthew Matics,' for I am off to London to put those commodities, which you have sneered at, in the market! A few years will tell whether I have overestimated their value, or you have been telling a mathematical lie."

One would not run great risk in endorsing for such a young man; for the old proverb says, "God helps the man who helps himself." Enclose such a man in a mountain of difficulties, like a toad in the heart of a rock, and he will forthwith show you that he is not a member of the toad fraternity, to sleep on till some fortunate powder blast blows the rock apart. No. He will gnaw through, if that is the only means left him. And as for those turning-points in life, those crises in destiny, he has a sort of prophetic sensitiveness to the oft-told words,

"There is a tide in the affairs of men

Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life

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Is bound in shallows and in miseries.

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On such a full sea are we now afloat;

And we must take the current when it serves,

Or lose our ventures."

He swings out from his moorings at the right moment, and reaches fortune, while his companions, less bold and decided, are left stranded high and dry, and never find another flood-tide.

We left Lewis Jay wandering along the streets of London. He had, by hard work, amassed a few pounds, and to make the most frugal outlay possible of his money, he had shouldered his knapsack and walked to London. It must be confessed that he had no very definite idea as to how he was going to make Providence, Hope, Energy, and Youth bring him in four thousand pounds, or even one pound.

Now I have no sort of means of learning what were the plans of Lewis, but of one thing I am well assured, that had some pussy millionaire at that moment wheezed out such a proposition as the imaginary one recorded above, that Lewis could not have given a more violent exclamation of surprise, than at what he actually saw. rubbed his eyes and looked again, but the illusion was there still, in the shape of a huge polished plate on the door of a splendid mansion, on which was engraved the name,

LEWIS JAY.

He

He, for the first time in his life, doubted his eyes, unless some other sense should corroborate their testimony. And forthwith he mounted the steps and felt the name with his hand. There could be no mistake about it. It plainly was his own name, whether it belonged to him or not. Take care, friend Lewis! don't flinch; it is almost floodtide; if you fail now, you may die digging ditches!

I suppose almost any one else would have exclaimed, under similar circumstances, "Didn't know there was another Lewis Jay in the world! Very strange now to find it here in the heart of London; well, I can't help it, it won't do me any good, so I will go on!" Now Lewis, who could silence "Matthew Matics," was not the man to be frightened at his own name, nor to miss the opportunity for "a scene." His hope made him cheerful, his energy made him go ahead, and his youth had the advantage of inexperience, so that he thought everybody would enjoy such a pleasant surprise as much as himself. If Mr. Lewis Jay, of Scotland, was so much startled to find his own name emblazoned on a door-plate in London, why should not Mr. Lewis Jay of London be as much startled to find such a worthy young Scotchman bearing his name?

Such were the pleasant reflections of the young countryman, and without waiting farther, he gave

the bell a confident pull, although it is not unlikely he felt some little anxiety about the results. Presently a servant presented himself at the door and bowed respectfully.

"I believe I am not mistaken in this as the residence of Mr. Lewis Jay?"

"No, sir," replied the servant, "you are not mistaken."

"Is Mr. Jay within?" asked our friend again. "Yes, sir, he is now at breakfast, but will soon be at liberty."

Immediately, Lewis, taking a card from his pocket, wrote on it as follows:

"Lewis Jay, of Scotland, passing, for the first time, along the streets of London, this morning, finds his own name on the door of your mansion, and feels a great desire to see the gentleman who bears that name."

Somewhat of a bold stroke that, Matthew Matics would have told Lewis, and probably have suggested the propriety of retiring before the answer should be forthcoming, lest some stout footman should attempt to kick him down the steps But all such suggestions would have been wasted, for the brawny Scotchman looked able to grapple with the stoutest of them.

However, things did not reach that extremity, for a fine, benevolent-looking man quickly answered the card by his own presence, and having cast a rapid glance at the stranger, took him by the hand and greeted him heartily.

"Very glad to see you, Lewis: come in. I see you are a worthy and an enterprising man, and I shall be flattered with your company. You have not breakfasted yet, I hope? Come in to the dining-room, you will not be afraid to eat with a quiet bachelor! It was strange your finding your name on my door, and I am very much gratified to find so worthy a namesake."

And so the old gentleman talked, with great skill drawing Lewis into conversation; and he, on his part, put completely at his ease by the kindness of his host, entered heartily into the entertainment. So well had he acquitted himself, that before they arose from the table, Mr. Lewis Jay, of London, thought his namesake from Scotland the most pleasant of men, and Mr. Lewis Jay, of Scotland, thought he never had seen so noble a specimen of the genus man as his London namesake. He blessed his stars for his courage, not because he had any thought of pecuniary profit, but for the pleasure of conversing with such a man. If Lewis had any selfish thought about the matter, it extended no further than to the possibility that his new friend might put him in the way to acquire the means to complete his education.

After breakfast the old gentleman took Lewis through his house. The parlors were furnished with princely magnificence, and the suites of rooms were so ample and numerous, that he could have accommodated the retinue of a king. The walls were garnished with some of the costliest productions of Italian and Spanish artists, and yet, so true an Englishman was he, that he did not even hint the possibility that these could be equal to some of the productions of Englishmen. One spacious hall was appropriated to a library, whose extent and variety would have honored a university. The longer they conversed the more Lewis admired his host, until at length, having spent two or three hours in viewing the paintings, library, and other notable things in the mansion, they reached a suite of rooms on the second floor which they had not yet entered. Here was the drawing-room, overlooking one of the finest streets in London, and connected with that a sleeping apartment, furnished with all the conveniences of which Lewis had not even dreamed. Here was a bathing-room, with its pipes for hot and cold water. A fine case of books was at hand; in fact, no convenience seemed wanting, and Lewis was expressing his admiration of the complete arrangements, when his attention was riveted by the very knapsack which he had carried on his back, and which he had left at the hotel, when he had started on his morning stroll! What could it mean?

'My young friend," said the elder Jay, “you will spend some time in London. I want your company, and while you stay these rooms are at your service. Come, now, no denial or apology; you asked me for a favor, which I granted, and now I demand a favor, which you must grant!"

It was useless to argue, and I suspect Lewis thought it, on the whole, a very judicious arrangement, and very submissively allowed the old man to have it all his own way. For several weeks things passed on in this fashion, and Mr. Jay carried his companion to see all the notable things in and about London. When the novelty of the situation had worn off, Lewis began to recur to the darling purpose which had brought him there, and at last he summoned courage to lay the matter before his friend.

"I am oppressed with obligations to you for your kindness," Lewis said one morning at the breakfast-table, "and wish I could repay them, but-"

"You can repay them by never mentioning them," interrupted Mr. Jay.

"But, sir, I am without money sufficient to complete my education, and I came to Londoniu

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search of some employment by which I can accomplish that purpose."

"Well, what can you do, and then perhaps I can put you in a way to fulfill your wishes?"

"I am a good accountant, at least I flatter myself that I am" (for it must be admitted that Lewis had a comfortable share of self-complacency). "I think I could teach any branch of education preparatory to entering the University, and I am willing to do anything that is not base, to secure the completion of my studies.” "No doubt, no doubt," was the reply; Scotchman fresh from the grammar-school would do wonders as book-keeper for some one of our heavy firms!" This was said with no little drollery, so that Lewis himself laughed at his own sorry figure, although the speech cut off one of his favorite hopes.

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"And then as for teaching in London, teachers are so thick that I do not believe you could get any scholars but beggars out of the streets; and the most of them would do well enough as subjects for your missionary zeal, but would not swell your income greatly!"

And Lewis laughed again, but not so cheerfully as before, for the case was beginning to get desperate.

"And as for our London high-bloods," continued Mr. Jay, with great gravity, "no doubt they would court your society, and beg you almost with tears to take the charge of their hopeful fledglings, who generally have more vanity than goodness, and more money than obedience. And especially when you were found out to be a Scotchman, who had dug ditches to get money to aid you in footing it to London, all your noble patrons would lay down the yellow sovereigns with great alacrity!"

By this time the elder Jay had worked himself into something of a glee, but the smiles of the younger were all dried up under these droll but business-like views of his mission. Again he showed the value of Hope, Energy, and Youth.

Well, Mr. Jay, I acknowledge the justice of your pithy remarks, which have melted my golden dreams into thin air. They are gone, and now I must try something not quite so lofty. I must accomplish my object, and, Providence blessing me, I will.”

"Very good and well expressed, namesake mine; but pray, let me have some insight into your plans now, for I assure you that if you could accomplish your dreams either as a clerk or a pedagogue in fifteen years, you would be more fortunate than the most who come to London."

This was said with real feeling, as if he were looking back over the hard struggles of his own

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first years. By this time Lewis was like himself once more, and he replied,

"You ask me for my plans. Your kindness lays me under obligation to speak out all my mind. I can use a spade, and can cultivate a garden, I think, as well as the most. Perhaps I can get employment in that way. If not, I have a good strong body, which I will loan out to somebody who will pay for it. If that fails, I will become a ditch-digger again. Come what will, if Providence do not frown, I will find out my way to the strong box of fortune!"

His appearance was noble while he spoke his own fixed resolution in such energetic terms. The old man's eyes glistened with tears, and he came forward and warmly shook the hand of Lewis.

"Bravo, my boy! I admire that, and if you will act as well as you talk, I would insure your success for a farthing!"

"Can you give me any aid in securing a situation?" asked Lewis.

Perhaps so," rejoined Mr. Jay, with eyes twinkling with a droll expression, which his companion could not understand: "perhaps so; what would you say to being my gardener ?"

"Nothing would please me better.”

"Ah, but let me think, I believe that office is filled, so I must offer you the next best. What would you say to aiding me here at home a few years, sometimes writing and sometimes settling accounts, and sometimes acting as my footman?"

"I am willing to do anything which is right, and if you, sir, will aid me to a way for my own efforts to secure my desire, I will not even regard the sneers of men, as to what is honorable or dishonorable. I will only ask is it right, and if my conscience affirms it, I will do it, though the whole world deride."

There shone the true man--apprehending and practicing the great aphorism of virtue

"Honor and shame from no condition rise,
Act well your part, for there the honor lies."'

Again Mr. Jay shook the hand of Lewis warmly, with words of admiration. "My dear boy, I love you, I admire you, and I will befriend you. Could I have had the prospect of such a Lewis Jay as my own son, I would have hazarded marriage." And a shadow of sadness flitted across his fine face, for he felt himself alone with his millions.

"Well, well," said he, "I approve your courage, and will consider on it till to-morrow morning. I understand you to say you will enter my employ in any capacity which is virtuous, and which affords some reasonable prospect of obtaining means to complete your education?"

"That is just what I mean, and if you will bu aid me to such a way I will never forget to be grateful."

In all this Lewis had done and said nothing to be regretted. He had spoken modestly, but had not presumed to look for aid to the amount of a penny for which he did not render an equivalent. The most he now expected was such employment as should enable him in a few years to reach his high aim.

Imagine his surprise at the proposition of his new patron the next morning.

Mr. Jay! do not tantalize me!" exclaimed Lewis, astounded.

"I told you to check your impertinence, you incorrigible Scotchman! Perhaps my offer will be too hard to accept, so hold your tongue till you find out. I will give you £300 a year in quar terly payments, provided you accept my terms. You must promise to be very obedient, or the bar. gain shall not be binding. You must be very obe. dient to all my wishes, or I will send you packing to Scotland faster than you came to London!"

By this time Mr. Jay had sipped a cup of coffee and smacking his lips, he proceeded.

"In the first place, Master Lewis, you must be a very good boy!"

This was said with such an air of mock gravity that Lewis burst into uncontrollable laughter, in which his friend presently joined. And the more he thought of laying such a condition on a fullgrown Scotchman, the harder he laughed. At length he regained his composure, and wiping his eyes, he continued:

"You are a soony fellow, and give very poor promise thus far, certainly. In the second place you are to proceed to Edinburgh forthwith, and during the next three years you are to study for me with commendable diligence, in every pursuit, from a Hebrew crotchet to a mathematical absurdity. If you do not act as a nice, industrious young man, I shall discharge you from my service!"

"Mr. Jay, are you amusing yourself by exciting expectations not to be answered?" exclaimed Lewis, almost in an agony, lest it should prove to be only a dream.

"That depends on yourself. Do you accept! Say quick, for if you do, put this first instalment in your pocket. Here it is, £75, honestly told And forthwith the benevolent man forced the bills into the hand of Lewis, almost stupefied at the turn taken by his fortune.

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Thirdly, you are to come to London and spend your vacations all with me. Do you accept? Do not stand there staring at me as though you were crazy. Say, do you accept? If So, here is your money again, and remember that I am to foot the traveling and clothing bills!"

It was all reality, and at last Lewis recovered his speech and poured out his gratitudein no measured terms, in spite of the remonstrances of his generous patron. To make the story short, a few days installed Lewis at the University.

The years glided away rapidly with Lewis. He had so much principle that good fortune did not make him prodigal, but by his frugality he was able to assist his father greatly, even after defraying all necessary expenses at the University. His vacations, according to contract, were spent in London, and his generous namesake always welcomed him with a paternal love. He seemed bound up in the excellent young man he had befriended, and the more he did for him the more he loved to do.

Things were moving on in this way until the last of the three years was drawing to a close, when an express arrived, calling Lewis to London, to see his friend die. It was as though he had heard the same grievous tidings concerning his own father, and filled with sorrow for a great calamity, he posted off to London. Death had indeed called, and Lewis Jay, the elder, was preparing to obey. He gave his adopted son a feeble but cordial welcome.

"I have made provision for you to finish your education. You have been a dear friend. Never distrust Providence, Lewis, and never abandon God and you will prosper, even beyond your highest expectations. Farewell, God bless you."

And the good man died, leaving at least one sincere heart to mourn for him. As for anything more than means to finish his education, he had no thought, and as soon as the funeral of his friend was over he hurried back to Edinburgh. Before he left, however, Mr. Jay's solicitor said to Lewis, significantly, "At the close of your term, it is the written direction of your deceased patron that you return to London to assist in completing a favorite arrangement. Till then, farewell!" and the lawyer was off, without even hinting what that arrangement was.

In due time, the studies came to an honorable termination, and Lewis hastened to London. His patron's house was still open, and it was with ex

On the first afternoon of his arrival, the polite solicitor called with an ominous bundle of papers in his hand, and saluted Mr. Lewis Jay with great cordiality, which would have convinced a practiced observer that he regarded the young man before him a lucky fellow. After some preliminary flourishes, the solicitor began:

"Our deceased friend had a noble heart, and he esteemed you, Mr. Jay, very highly. In my hand I hold his last will and testament, in which he has made you sole heir to all his estate, real and personal, excepting some legacies specified."

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"Impossible, incredible!" exclaimed Lewis, as if thunderstruck. "Let me see for myself what you repeat." And he read the words with his own eyes, until all doubt vanished. The solicitor then laid before him the vouchers for funded debts and real estate, amounting to several millions of pounds sterling. There was no doubt. The Scotch ditch-digger was one of the richest men in London.

That night, as the rich man wandered through his house, inspecting the paintings, library, furniture, he was observed to mutter. Now he would stop as if lost in profound thought, and then start as if waked to consciousness by some astounding occurrence. During that night he was up and down. He had no rest, and the servants shook their heads ominously and sadly, for they had learned to love the young man. At length the morning came. A violent ring of the bell brought his footman to him, when the following command was issued with great sternness :

"Peter, go tell the coachman to harness the one hundred black steeds to my coach, and have them at the door at 10 o'clock. I will ride today!"

But, sir, there are only four black horses in the stables!"

"Begone, sirrah, and do your duty. Let me hear no more from you," ordered the excited Lewis.

Peter had hardly reached the servants' hall before there was another violent tug at the bell. As soon as the footman entered his room, Lewis Jay magisterially said,

"Peter, tell the cook to prepare a hundred breakfasts for me this morning. I am hungry, and will eat to-day."

Down went the astounded servant to assure his fellows that their master was "mad as a March hare," but he had no time to announce his message, when another vigorous demonstration at the