"I will leave all with you, father," was the very natural response made to this. "All I have is yours. Do just as you think best." On the next day a power of attorney in the name of Edward Claire was executed; and, as Jasper was anxious to get the business settled, every facility thereto was offered. Claire examined the will of Mr. Elder, in which certain property was mentioned, and saw that it agreed with the guardian's statement. All the accounts were scrutinized; and all the vouchers for expenditure compared with the various entries. Every thing appeared correct, and Claire expressed himself entirely satisfied. All legal forms were then complied with; and, in due time, the necessary documents were prepared ready for the signature of Claire, by which Jasper would be freed from the nervous anxiety he had for years felt whenever his thoughts went forward to this particular point of time. On the evening preceding the day when a consummation so long and earnestly looked for was to take place, Jasper, with his mind too much absorbed in business troubles to mingle with his family, sat alone in his library, deeply absorbed in plans and calculations. His confidence in fortune and his own prudence had been growing weaker, daily; and now it seemed to him as if a great darkness were gathering all around. He had fully trusted in himself; alas! how weak now seemed to him his human arm; how dim the vision with which he would penetrate the future. He was mocked of his own overweening and proud confidence. This was his state of mind when a servant came to the library-door, and announced a gentleman who wished to see him. "What is his name?" asked Jasper. "He said it was no difference. He was a friend." "It might make a great difference," Jasper muttered in an undertone. "Show him up," he said aloud. The servant retired, and Jasper waited for his visitor to appear. He was not long in suspense. The door soon reopened, and a man, poorly clad, and with a face bearing strong marks of intemperance and evil passions, came in. "You do not know me," said he, observing that the merchant, who had risen to his feet, did not recognise him. Jasper shook his head. "Look closer." There was an air of familiarity and rude insolence about the man. "Martin!" exclaimed Jasper, stepping back a few paces. "Is it possible!" "Quite possible, friend Jasper," returned the man, helping himself to a chair, and sinking into it with the air of one who felt himself at home. Surprise and perplexity kept the merchant dumb for some moments. He would quite as lief have been confronted with a robber, pistol in hand. "I do not wish to see you, Martin," said he, at length, speaking in a severe tone of voice. "Why have you intruded on me again? Are you not satisfied? Have you no mercy?" "None, Leonard Jasper, none," replied the man scowling. "I never knew the meaning of the word--no more than yourself." "You are nothing better than a robber," said the merchant, bitterly.