rget, Sir, that I have no means to indulge such a wish. I cannot
consent to go into company under existing circumstances."

"Oh, we can manage all that," said he, tapping me on my shoulder. "Be
obedient to my orders, and attend to my interest, and you shall not
long want the means of gratifying your wishes. Mr. Harrison has left
the office. It is my intention that you supply his place.

"Harrison gone!" cried I in a tone of vexation and regret; "then I have
lost my best friend."

"Harrison was a clever, gentlemanly young man," said Mr. Moncton,
coldly; "but, to tell you the plain truth, Geoffrey, I did not like the
close intimacy which existed between you."

"Why, it is to him that I am indebted for all the knowledge I have
acquired. His society was the only pleasure I had, and it seems hard to
be deprived of it, without any fault on his side."

"Geoffrey, it is of no consequence to me what your opinion may be on
the subject; I am master of my own actions, and please myself as to
whom I retain or employ. Clear up that scowling brow, and be very
thankful to obtain a handsome salary for services which I can command
without remuneration."

The loss of my friend, my only friend, was a dreadful blow. I was too
much overcome to thank my uncle for his offer, and left the room.

I had been so little accustomed to think for myself, that I relied upon
George as my counsellor in all matters of importance. Besides, I had an
idea that he could throw some light upon the mysterious events of the
night, and I was anxious to unburden to him the important secret.

Having to obtain the signature of a gentleman who resided in Fleet
Street, to some legal documents, and knowing that Harrison lodged in
the same street, I snatched up my hat and sallied forth, determined to
consult him with regard to the change in my prospects, as I felt
certain, that some sinister motive was concealed beneath my uncle's
unlooked-for condescension.

I was again doomed to disappointment. On reaching Harrison's lodgings,
I learned that he had left town that morning, for a visit of some weeks
into the country, but to what part his landlady did not know. At
parting, he told her she might let his rooms until he gave her notice
of his return.

"Gone! without seeing or writing one line to inform me of his
departure. That is not like his general conduct," I muttered, as I
turned from the door.

With a heavy heart, I sauntered on, almost unconscious of the