was generously inclined, on ordinary occasions, but did not feel
so on this occasion. He felt that Eben was not a deserving object, even
had he felt able to make so large a loan. Besides, he could not forget
that the young man who now asked a favor had brought a false charge of
stealing against him.

"You will have to excuse me, Eben," he answered. "To begin with, I
cannot afford to lend so large a sum."

"I would pay you back as soon as I could."

"Perhaps you would," said Herbert, "though I have not much confidence
in it. But you seem to forget that you charged me with stealing only a
short time since. I wonder how you have the face to ask me to lend you
ten dollars, or any sum."

"It was a mistake," muttered Eben, showing some signs of confusion.

"At any rate, I won't say anything more about it while you are in
trouble. But you must excuse my declining to lend you."

"Lend me five dollars, then," pleaded Eben.

"What do you want to do with it?"

"To buy lottery tickets. I am almost sure I should win a prize, and then
I can pay you five dollars for one."

"I wouldn't lend any money for that purpose to my dearest friend," said
Herbert "Buying lottery tickets is about the most foolish investment you
could make."

"Then I won't buy any," said Eben. "Lend me the money and I will use it
to buy clothes."

"You will have to excuse me," said Herbert, coldly.

"I didn't think you'd be so mean," whined Eben, "to a friend in
distress."

"I don't look upon you as a friend, and for very good reasons," retorted
Herbert, as he walked away.

Eben looked after him with a scowl of hatred.

"I'd like to humble that boy's pride," he muttered, as he slowly resumed
his march.

CHAPTER XXI. COL. WARNER.

When Herbert returned to the hotel he found George Melville in the
reading room in conversation with a tall and dignified-looking stranger.

"Is that your brother, Mr. Melville?" asked the latter, as Herbert came
forward and spoke to Melville.

"No, Colonel, he is my young friend and confidential clerk, Herbert
Carr."

"Glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Carr," said the colonel, affably,
extending his hand as he spoke.

"This is Col. Warner, Herbert," explained George Melville.

Herbert, who was naturally polite, shook hands with the colonel, and
said he was glad to make his acquaintance.

"I have been talking with Mr. Melville," said the colonel. "I am sorry
to hear that he is traveling in search