myself with this philosophical reflection, I strolled on. A
newsboy came along, bawling out, at the top of his voice--"Here's the
extra _Sun_, with a full account of the two murders and suicide in
William street last night--only one cent!" Of course I purchased a copy;
and, upon perusing the account, I could not help smiling at the
ludicrous and absurd exaggerations which it contained. It was a perfect
modern tragedy of _Othello_, with Romaine as the Moor, Mrs. Romaine as
Desdemona, and Anderson as a sort of cross between Iago and Michael
Cassio. I was not alluded to in any way whatever, which caused me to
rejoice exceedingly.[D]

Suddenly remembering the two letters which had been confided to my care
by the unfortunate Anderson, I resolved to deliver them immediately. One
was directed to a Mr. Sargent, in Pine street. I soon found the place,
which was a large mercantile establishment. Over the door was the sign
"_Anderson & Sargent_." This had been poor Anderson's place of business,
and Sargent had been his partner. I entered, found Mr. Sargent in the
counting-room, and delivered to him the letter. He opened it, read it
through coolly, shrugged his shoulders, and said--

"I have already been made acquainted with the full particulars of this
melancholy affair. Anderson was a clever fellow, and I'm sorry he's
gone, although his death will certainly promote my interests. He gives
me, in this letter, every necessary instruction as to the disposition of
his property, and he also directs me to present you with the sum of two
hundred dollars, both as an acknowledgement of your services and as a
token of his friendship. I will fill out a check for the amount
immediately."

This instance of Anderson's kindness and generosity, almost at the very
moment of his death, deeply affected me; and, at the same time, I could
not help feeling disgusted with the heartlessness displayed by Sargent,
who regarded the tragical death of his partner merely as an event
calculated to advance his own interests.

Having received the check, I withdrew from the august presence of Mr.
Sargent, who was a tall, thin, hook-nosed personage, of unwholesome
aspect and abrupt manners. I drew the money at the bank, and then
hastened to deliver the other letter, which was addressed to Miss Grace
Arlington, whose residence was designated as being situated in one of
the fashionable squares up-town. I had no difficulty in finding the
house, which was of the m