friend that very evening.

I sat by while Jack wrote his letter, thinking it interminable, and
wondering what he could have to say to fill two sheets. When it was
done I insisted on taking it to the post.

"It's after ten now," said I, "and you really ought to be in bed."

"You're precious careful of me, old boy," he said. "However, you shall
have your own way for once."

I saw him safe in bed before I started, and then hastened out.

To post the letter was the work of a minute or two, for there was a
pillar-box a little way down the road. This done, I returned eagerly
and with some trepidation to the lodgings, and knocked at Mr Smith's
door.

He made no answer, so I entered without leave.

He was sitting on a chair by the tireless hearth with his head on his
hands, either asleep or buried in thought.

It was not till I touched him that he became aware of my presence, and
then he did so with a start, as if I had been a ghost.

"Ah, Batchelor," said he, recovering himself and leaning back in his
chair.

"Are you ill, Mr Smith?" I asked.

"No, my boy, no," said he; "not ill."

"I thought you were--upstairs just now."

"Did you? Ah! you saw me jump; I had a twinge. But don't let's talk of
that. Sit down and let's talk of something else."

I sat down, very perplexed and uneasy, and more convinced than ever that
Mr Smith was not himself.

"How do you think he'll get on in his examination?" asked he, after a
pause.

"Jack? Oh, I have very little doubts about it," said I.

"No more have I; he's well and carefully prepared."

"Thanks a great deal to you," said I. "Well, I did get him on a little
with the Greek, I believe," said Mr Smith.

Another pause ensued, during which Mr Smith sat looking hard into the
empty grate. Then he asked, "You have known him a long time,
Batchelor?"

"Yes; we were at school together."

"Do you know his parents at all?"

"No," I replied, feeling uncomfortable to be once more on this dangerous
ground, although on my guard, and prepared to bite my tongue off rather
than play my friend false again.

Mr Smith assumed as complete an air of unconcern as he could as he
asked, "It's a strange question, but do you know anything about them?"

I would have given a good deal to be out of that room. There was
something in Mr Smith's voice and manner and frightened eyes which made
the question, coming from him, very different from the same inquiry
flippantly thrown out b