on, the song of the canary growing louder as he advanced, and
knocked at Gould's door; there was no response. "Gould!" he cried,
"Gould! are you in?" As there was still no answer he turned the handle
and looked in; there was the canary hanging in the window, through which
the sun poured, and his shrill notes went through his head; but no
Gould. "Plague take it!" muttered Saurin; "it is all to do now another
time, and I cannot get this suspense over. I wonder where the fellow
has gone to!"

He closed the door again and retraced his steps slowly. When he
repassed Crawley's room he stopped and listened. Not a sound except the
bird's song. His heart beat so quickly that it was like to choke him,
and he grew quite giddy. "Crawley!" he said in an unsteady voice, for
though he saw the room was empty he had an insane fancy that he might be
there, invisible, or that this mist before his eyes might prevent his
seeing him. Then he mastered his apprehensions with an effort, and
stepped into the room. Going to a chair, he felt the coat which hung
over the back; there were keys in the pocket. Then he listened again;
not a sound, for the singing of the canary had stopped. Ten minutes
later Saurin went down-stairs quietly, stealthily. He found Edwards
waiting for him outside, took him by the arm, and led him away.

"Have you seen anyone?" he asked eagerly, but in a voice which he could
not keep from trembling.

"Not a soul," replied Edwards.

"Then, come a long to my tutor's--quick! get your flannels on; and we
will go into the football field. We are late, but can get in on one
side or another."

"But, have you succeeded? Will Gould lend the money?"

"No, he won't; and I would not have fellows know I asked him for worlds;
so I am glad no one saw us."

Saurin was as white as a sheet, he trembled all over, and there was a
look in his eyes as of a hunted animal. That one in whose courage,
presence of mind, and resources he trusted so entirely should be
affected to such a degree as this, appalled poor Edwards; what a black
gulf, indeed, must yawn before them!

"Is there no chance at all, then?" he asked in piteous accents.

"Yes, it will be all right; I--I have thought of something else,"
stammered Saurin. "Don't mind me--I'm knocked over by asking a favour
and being refused; that's all. I shall be all right directly. Only
swear you will never say a word to anyone about it. I tell you I have
thought of a way