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alarmed when my uncle fell back in his chair as one dead. I knew that his heart was affected, and that any sudden shock might prove serious to him.

"What's the matter?" asked Mr. Canning, starting forward.

"The news has been too much for him," I replied.

"You've killed my father!" cried Gus, white with fear. "He's troubled with his heart, and what you have said has done him up."

"I sincerely trust not," replied the junior partner. "Let us raise him up, and some one go for a doctor."

We made him as comfortable as possible and opened all the doors and windows. Then while Gus hurried off for a physician, Mr. Canning applied his ear to the unconscious man's breast.

"His heart still beats," he exclaimed. "I trust he gets over it."