WHAT THE ENVELOPE CONTAINED The card which had been handed to the cooper contained the name of Thomas Merriam, No.

---- Pearl Street.
Punctually at twelve, he presented himself at the countingroom, and received a cordial welcome from the merchant.
"I am glad to see you," he said, affably.

"You rendered me an important service last evening, even if the loss of money alone was to be apprehended.

I will come to business at once, as I am particularly engaged this morning, and ask you if there is any way in which I can serve you ?" "If you could procure me a situation, sir, you would do me a great service." "I think you told me you were a cooper ?" "Yes, sir." "Does this yield you a good support ?" "In good times it pays me two dollars a day, and on that I can support my family comfortably.

Lately it has been depressed, and paid me but a dollar and a half." "When do you anticipate its revival ?" "That is uncertain.