In making an entry of this particular transaction in the memorandum sales-book, the figures recorded were three dollars less than the actual amount received.

So, on this, the first day of the young man's lapse from honesty, he had appropriated the sum of eight dollars--nearly equal to his entire week's salary! For such a recent traveller in this downward road, how rapid had already become his steps! Evening found him again alone, musing and debating with himself, ere locking up the store and returning home.

The excitement of business being over, his thoughts flowed in a calmer current; and the stillness of the deserted room gave to his feelings a hue of sobriety.

He was not altogether satisfied with himself.

How could he be?
No man ever was satisfied with himself, when seclusion and silence found him after his first departure from the right way.