isled by promises that it was only his wholesome
Celtic faith and prompt capacity to rebound which kept him from becoming
entirely blase.

His experience, however, left him alert. So he applied industriously at
various establishments for employment, and received his first lessons in
the courteous duplicity which ostentatiously files the application for
future reference, and the cruel kindness of frank rebuff.

On the morning of the third day of this futile foray, Dennis noticed
that the exposed bosom of his dickey was not altogether presentable.

It appeared to have registered the record of his applications and
failures, and, as such, was not a good campaign document, so to speak.

Having progressed in his simple toilet up to the point of embellishment,
he proceeded to tear away the soiled surface, and in doing so discovered
not only the clean bosom beneath, but that the rear of the one just
detached was covered with a block of minute print.

Drawing the solitary chair close to the window, he read by the light of
early dawn the following extraordinary compilation.

CHAPTER II

In the city of ---- there lived one Rodman Raikes, unpopularly known as
the "Fist."

The title, however, was not in recognition of personal prowess, for no
more cringing, evasive creature ever existed.

He was little in mind, little in body, and little in his dealings.

If a principle could ever be concrete, Raikes was the embodiment of the
grasping and the uselessly abstemious.

He appeared to shun a generous sentiment as one would avoid an infected
locality, and usually walked with head tilted and body bent as if
engaged in following a clue or intent upon the search of some stray
nickel.

He was thoroughly despised by all who knew him, a sentiment which he
returned with vicious interest, and never neglected an opportunity of
lodging some sneering shaft where it would cause the most irritation.

His character was so much in harmony with these generalizations that he
had been described as dividing his laughter into chuckles--if the
strident rasp which he indulged could be called by that name--in order
that it might last the longer; and that he grinned in grudging
instalments.

His obvious possession was an entire row of brick houses, in the most
insignificant of which he dwelt.

Over this sparse domicile a spinster sister presided, who reflected, on
compulsion, in the manner of a sickly moon, the attenuity and shrivel of