m playing a game of billiards as he had at first proposed, and
induced Fred to follow him into the street, knowing it was not safe for
him to remain longer in the heated saloon.

It was his first intention to go back to the store, thinking that if Mr.
Rexford should see Fred in a tipsy state he would discharge him. But
just before reaching the merchant's place of business he stopped, and,
taking Fred by the arm, walked quickly up the street.

Tim followed close enough to answer promptly if Matthew should summon
him.

The liquor had already begun to have the desired effect. Fred had become
talkative and boisterous, and in such a condition that he could be
influenced to do almost any absurd thing.

Matthew was bound to make the most of his opportunities, and so he
incited him by flattering words to call at Dr. Dutton's house, opposite
which they now stood. Fred assented to this, provided Matthew would
accompany him. This De Vere readily agreed to do, and he led the
intoxicated youth up to the door, and rang the bell sharply.

Presently the door opened, and on stepping in Fred looked about for his
companion, but he was nowhere to be seen.

VII.

Tim Short made a very wretched attempt to obtain a night's sleep after
escaping from captivity, both because the night was well spent before he
reached home and because matters of too great importance rested upon his
mind to allow him to bury them in slumber.

He reported at the factory at the usual morning hour, but after working
a little time complained of being sick, and was released for the
remainder of the day. If he was not physically ill, he was doubtless
sick at heart, so he speedily sought Matthew, and told him, with more or
less ill feeling, of his experience at the hands of Jacob Simmons, and
of the latter's demands in settlement (as he called it) for his
injuries.

"And you 'squealed' on me?" demanded De Vere, with ill suppressed anger.

"I told him who you were, to save him from choking me to death."

"Is that all you said?"

"He told me to tell the truth or----"

"So you gave him the whole story--you idiot, to tell everything you
know!"

"I only wish you had been in my place."

"If I had I wouldn't have been an idiot!" retorted De Vere.

"Oh, you wouldn't have! Some folks are very smart," replied Tim, getting
angry.

"I'd have been smart enough for that."

"A lot you would. If he'd had you as he had me, you would have told more
than I d