ss. He had found Tom Drift, and
there was a chance of rescuing him. But how to do it? How to approach
one who was ashamed of his own name, and who repelled with an oath every
offer of help?

Long and earnestly did my master think over the matter. He also wrote a
long letter to Charlie, telling him all, and promising to do all that
could be done for the poor prodigal. During the days that intervened
before his next visit, too, he made as careful and full inquiries about
Tom as it was possible to do.

The poor fellow had come to Seatown a month before, and very shortly
became a familiar loafer on the quays. No one knew where he came from
or why he was in Seatown, unless indeed he expected to be able to
conceal himself on some vessel going abroad. Jim found out the lodging-
house where he he had lived, but was unable to hear anything there to
throw light on what he had been doing, or whence he had come. One man
said he had found him once down by the water's edge, looking as though
he intended to throw himself in--and the man who gave him drink at the
public-house remembered him--and the man whom he had assaulted--but that
was all.

Wretched enough was the picture it presented of a hopeless, friendless
vagabond, weary of life, yet not daring to die, and finding his only
solace in deeper degradation.

Tom was walking to and fro in his cell the next time Jim called. It was
almost the first time I had been able to get a view of his face. And
oh! how changed it was. Not merely that it looked pale and worn, with
bloodshot eyes and hectic cheeks, but there was a scared despairing look
there which fairly shocked me. Dissipation, and shame, and want, had
all set their mark there. Alas! how soon may the likeness of God be
degraded and defaced! He continued to walk to and fro as Jim sat down
and began to read, but I could see he more than once darted a quick
glance from under his clouded eyebrows at my master. I could tell by
the beating of the latter's heart that he had made up his mind not to
leave this morning without an effort to speak to Tom of old times, and I
trembled for the result of his venture.

It seemed impossible to say a word while Tom continued to walk up and
down his cell like a caged beast in his den, and Jim saw that every
moment his opportunity was becoming less likely.

"Will you stand still and listen to me a moment?" he said at last.

Tom growled out an oath, and halted in front of him.