rank of life, was quite equal to him in natural mental
power, and much superior in cunning and villainy. Mr Bones had also a
bold, reckless air and nature, which were attractive to this descendant
of the sea-kings. Moreover, he possessed a power of mingling flattery
with humbug in a way that made his victim fall rather easily into his
toils.

Revenge, as we have said, lay at the bottom of Abel Bones' desire to
become better acquainted with Aspel, but profit soon took the place of
revenge. Mr Bones earned his livelihood chiefly by appropriating what
belonged to other people. He was not particular as to what he took, or
how he took it, but on the whole preferred easy work (like most people)
and large profit. Being a man of bold, ambitious views, he had often
thought of forgery, but a neglected education stood in the way of that.
Being also a man of resource, he did not doubt that this, like many
other difficulties, would ere long succumb to his perseverance. While
in this frame of mind it occurred to him that he might make a tool of
his new acquaintance and would-be patron. At the same time he had
penetration enough to perceive that his intended tool was a dangerous
instrument, highly-tempered and sharp-set, with a will of its own, not
yet quite demoralised, and not by any means to be played with.

It might be tedious to trace the steps and winding ways by which Abel
Bones led his victim from one piece of impropriety to another--always
concealing his real character, and playing the _role_ of an unfortunate
man, willing to work, but unable to find employment--until he almost had
him in his toils.

"It's of no use your dancing attendance on me any longer, Bones," said
Aspel one day, as the former appeared at the door of the ornithological
shop. "I have all the will to help you, but I have not the power. My
friends have failed me, and I can do no more than keep my own soul in my
body. You must look to some one else with more influence than I
possess."

"That's a bad job, sir," returned Bones, with a downcast look. "I've
bin down at the docks all day, an' earned only enough to get a plate of
bacon and beans. Surely there's somethin' wrong when a cove that's
willin' to work must starve; and there's my wife and child starvin' too.
Seems to me that a cove is justified in stealin' in the circumstances."

He cast a sidelong glance at Aspel. It was the first time he had
ventured to suggest dishonest intentions. I