“Ah, David!” exclaimed the General, extending his hand; “how are times now?  Business looking up any?”

“Y-yes, sir,” stammered the boy, who could scarcely speak at all.  He was not abashed by the rich man’s presence, for he had learned to expect a friendly nod or a cordial grasp of the hand every time he met him; but he was very much astonished by the greeting which Silas Jones extended to him.  No sooner had the General released David’s hand than it was seized by the grocer, who appeared to be as glad to see him as though he knew that the boy had come there to buy a bill of goods worth hundreds of dollars.

“It never does any good to give away to our gloomy feelings,” said the General.  “There are many times when things don’t go just as we would like to have them, but the day always follows the night, and a little perseverance sometimes works wonders.”

David understood what the General meant, but it was plain that the grocer did not, for he looked both bewildered and surprised.  He bowed to his rich customer, as he rode off, and then, turning to David, conducted him into the store with a great deal of ceremony.

“Mr. Jones,” said David, who began to think that the grocer must have taken leave of his senses, “I have come here to settle father’s bill.”

“O, that’s all right,” was the smiling reply.  “It isn’t fair that I should hold you responsible for that debt, and I have concluded that I will not do it.  Your father will pay me some time, perhaps, and if he doesn’t, I’ll let it go.  The loss of it won’t break me.  Can I do anything for you this evening?”

David was more astonished than ever.  Was this the man who had spoken so harshly to him no longer ago than that very morning?  What had happened to work so great a change in him?  It was the General’s visit that did it.  When Don and Bert left their father, after holding that short consultation with him in the field, the latter took a few minutes to think the matter over, and when his hands had finished their work, he mounted his horse and rode down to the landing, to have a talk with Mr. Jones.  What passed between them no one ever knew, but it was noticed that from that day forward, whenever David came into the store to trade, he was treated with as much respect as he would have been had he been known to have his pockets full of money.

“Want anything in my line this evening?” continued the grocer, rubbing his hands; “a hat or a pair of shoes and stockings for yourself, a nice warm dress for mother, or——­”

“O, I want a good many things,” replied David, “but I shall have only two dollars left after your bill is paid, and that must keep us in groceries for at least a month—­perhaps longer.”

To David’s great amazement, the merchant replied:  “Your credit is good for six months.  As for your father’s debt, I wouldn’t let you pay it if you were made of money.  Better take home some tea, coffee and sugar with you, hadn’t you?  It is always a good plan to replenish before you get entirely out, you know.”