There is only one way of fending off such an embarrassment; and that is, to resolve, whatever may be the amount of one's income, to lay aside some part to serve as a reliance in time of trouble.

A little economy--though it involves self-denial--will be well repaid by the feeling of security it engenders.
Mr.Harding was not compelled to remain inactive as long as he feared.
Not that his line of business revived--that still remained depressed for a considerable time--but another path was opened to him.
Returning home late one evening, the cooper saw a man steal out from a doorway, and attack a gentleman, whose dress and general appearance indicated probable wealth.
Seizing him by the throat, the villain effectually prevented his calling for help, and at once commenced rifling his pockets, when the cooper arrived on the scene.

A sudden blow admonished the robber that he had more than one to deal with.
"What are you doing?
Let that gentleman be!" The villain hesitated but a moment, then springing to his feet, he hastily made off, under cover of the darkness.
"I hope you have received no injury, sir," said Mr.Harding, respectfully, addressing the stranger he had rescued.
"No, my worthy friend; thanks to your timely assistance.

The rascal nearly succeeded, however." "I hope you have lost nothing, sir." "Nothing, fortunately.

You can form an idea of the value of your interference, when I say that I have fifteen hundred dollars with me, all of which would doubtless have been taken." "I am glad," said Timothy, "that I was able to do you such a service.