THE morning of the day came on which Wilkinson had to make his last payment on account of the due-bills given to Carlton.

He had nothing in bank, and there were few borrowing resources not already used to the utmost limit.

At ten o'clock he went out to see what could be done in the way of effecting further temporary loans among business friends.
His success was not very great, for at twelve o'clock he returned with only two hundred dollars.

Carlton's agent had called twice during the time, and came in a few minutes afterwards.
"You're too soon for me," said Wilkinson, with not a very cheerful or welcome expression of countenance.
"It's past twelve," returned the man.
"All the same if it were past three.

I haven't the money." The collector's brow lowered heavily.
"How soon will you have it ?" "Can't tell," replied Wilkinson, fretfully.
"That kind of answer don't just suit me," said the man, with some appearance of anger.