“Bless me, I came near forgetting it! I hope you will excuse me,” and to Ephraim's delight he drew out his pocketbook. But the prospect of payment was not so bright as the young man supposed.
“I don't think I have a five-dollar bill,” said Mr. Montgomery, after an examination of the pocketbook. “Mrs. Montgomery, do you happen to have a five with you?”
“No, I haven't,” said the lady, promptly. “I spent all my money shopping this morning.”
“That is unfortunate. Our young friend has rendered us such a service I don't like to make him wait for his money.”
Ephraim Young looked rather blank at this suggestion.
“Let me see, I have a hundred-dollar bill here,” said Mr. Montgomery. “I will go into the next store, and see if I can't get it changed. Mr. Young, will you be kind enough to remain with my wife?”
“Certain,” said Ephraim, brightening up.
Mr. Montgomery went into a shop near by, but made no request to have a hundred-dollar bill changed. He was rather afraid that they might comply with his request, which would have subjected him to some embarrassment. He merely inquired if he could use a pen for a moment; request which was readily granted. In less than five minutes he emerged into the street again. Ephraim Young looked toward him eagerly.
“I am sorry to say, my young friend,” he remarked, “that I was unable to get my bill changed. I might get it changed at a bank, but the banks are all closed at this hour.”
The countryman looked disturbed.