He did not know, that, many times during that period, he had been the subject of conversation between parties, one or both of which were looking out for a man, of thorough business qualifications, against which capital would be placed; nor the fact, that either his first failure, his improvidence, or something else personal to himself, had caused him to be set aside for some other one not near so capable.

He was lamenting his ill-luck one day, when a young man with whom he was very well acquainted, and who was clerk in a neighbouring store, called in and said he wanted to have some talk with him about a matter of interest to both.

“First of all, Mr. Jones,” said the young man, after they were alone, “how much capital could you raise by a strong effort?”

“I am sure I don’t know,” replied Jacob, not in a very cheerful tone.  “I never was lucky in having friends ready to assist me.”

“Well! perhaps there will be no need of that.  You have had a good salary for four or five years; how much have you saved?  Enough, probably, to answer every purpose—­that is, if you are willing to join me in taking advantage of one of the best openings for business that has offered for a long time.  I have a thousand dollars in the Savings Bank.  You have as much, or more, I presume?”

“I am sorry to say I have not,” was poor Jacob’s reply, in a desponding voice.  “I was unfortunate in business some years ago, and my old debts have drained away from me every dollar I could earn.”

“Indeed! that is unfortunate.  I was in hopes you could furnish a thousand dollars.”

“I might borrow it, perhaps, if the chance is a very good one.”

“Well, if you could do that, it would be as well, I suppose,” returned the young man.  “But you must see about it immediately.  If you cannot join me at once, I must find one who will, for the chance is too good to be lost.”

Jacob got a full statement of the business proposed, its nature and prospects, and then laid the matter before the three merchants with whom he had at different times lived in the capacity of clerk, and begged them to advance him the required capital.  The subject was taken up by them and seriously considered.  They all liked Jacob, and felt willing to promote his interests, but had little or no confidence in his ultimate success, on account of his want of economy in personal matters.  It was very justly remarked by one of them, that this want of economy, and judicious use of money in personal matters, would go with him in business, and mar all his prospects.  Still, as they had great confidence in the other man, they agreed to advance, jointly, the sum needed.