p in his chair.

And, while he snoozed, the words he had uttered set his friend's brain
boiling and bubbling.

When the time came at which Bayne ought to return to the works, Henry
called the landlady, and said, "Mr. Bayne is not very well. I am going
to make his excuses. I wouldn't disturb him till five, if I was you, and
then I'd give him a strong cup of tea."

Henry then went direct to the office, and found Mr. Cheetham there.

"Well?" said Mr. Cheetham, rather surlily.

"I am come to ask for my month, sir."

"So I guessed. Do you really mean to exact that?"

"Why not, sir?"

"Haven't you heard how they ground me down?"

"Yes, sir. But why did you give in? I was true to you, but you failed
me. I'd have shut up the works for three months, rather than be made a
slave of, and go from my word."

"Ay, ay; that's bachelor's talk. I've got a wife and children, and they
make a man a mouse."

"Well, sir, I forgive you: but as to my month's wages--now all I say
is--PUT YOURSELF IN MY PLACE!"

"Well?"

"You are me. You are brought from London, under an agreement, a
month's notice on either side. You work, and give satisfaction. You are
threatened, but you don't run from your employer. You are blown up,
and nearly killed. You lose a fortnight, but you don't charge for it;
'twasn't your employer's fault. You come back to him, and face the music
again. You work with the sword hanging over you. But your employer gives
in, and sacks you in a minute. Oughtn't you to have your month? Come
now, man to man, oughtn't you?"

"I ought, and that's the truth. I didn't look at it that way. I saw
my own side. There--no more about it--I'll draw the check--with a good
heart."

He drew his check-book to him, with a face as if vultures were tearing
his vitals.

When Henry found him Amboynable, and saw his piteous look, he felt a
little softened toward him, and he said, very impressively, "Wait one
moment, sir, I've got an idea. I'm not the sort that likes to be beat.
Are YOU?" The men looked steadily at each other.

Cheetham lowered his voice. "I've had hell inside me ever since. I
thought I was a man, but they made a mouse of me. If you know any way to
beat them, I'll go in with you."

"Well, sir, there is a key to every lock."

"That is well said, and I believe it; but one can't always find the
key."

"I almost think I have, sir."

"See nobody is listening. Where is Bayne? He is due."

"Oh, he is not very well, sir