He was a thriftless fellow at best, and never could more than keep his head out of water.

His debts will swallow up every thing, of course, saving my commissions, which I would gladly throw in to be rid of this business." With this, Jasper tossed the papers into his desk, and, taking up his hat, said to his clerk--"You may shut the store, Edward.

Before you leave, see that every thing is made safe." The merchant than retired, and wended his way homeward.
Edward Claire seemed in no hurry to follow this example.

His first act was to close the window-shutters and door--turning the key in the latter, and remaining inside.
Entirely alone, and hidden from observation, the young man seated himself, and let his thoughts, which seemed to be active on some subject, take their own way.

He was soon entirely absorbed.
Whatever were his thoughts, one thing would have been apparent to an observer--they did not run in a quiet stream.