is ponderous footsteps descending the
stairs at the foot of the hallway.

"Was old Waters out there listening?" asked Jim Sawyer.

"I don't think he had time to hear anything," Quincy replied.

"Come closer," said Jim; "let me whisper. I am not penniless. I have got
some money. I have five thousand dollars in government bonds. I sold
some stock I owned just before I went off on that last debauch, but I
didn't spend all the money. When I die I want you to pay back to the
town of Eastborough every dollar I owe for board. Don't let anybody know
you got the money from me. Pay it yourself and keep the balance of it
yourself."

"Where is the money?" said Quincy.

"It is down in my old room, No. 24, one flight down from here, at the
other end of the hallway. I have got a key that will open the door. I
made it myself. I nearly got in there the other day, but they caught me
before I had a chance to open the door. If you can get in there take up
the fourth brick from the window, second row from the front of the
fireplace, and you will find the bonds in an old leather wallet. What
time is it?" he asked quickly.

"Half-past eleven," replied Quincy.

"Now is your time," said the man; "all the hands have their dinner from
half-past eleven to twelve; at twelve they feed us; take this key, and
if you get the money, for God's sake come around to-morrow and let me
know. I sha'n't sleep a wink till I hear from you."

Quincy pressed the sick man's hand and left the room. He went downstairs
on tiptoe and quickly reached room No. 24. He listened; all was quiet;
it took but an instant to open the door, and, slipping quietly in, he
locked it after him. With some difficulty he found the wallet, looked
inside and saw five one thousand dollar United States bonds. He put the
wallet in his pocket, replaced the brick, and listened at the door; all
was quiet. He unlocked it, slipped out, locked it, and was retracing his
steps, when he saw Sam coming upstairs at the other end of the hallway.

"I think I took the wrong turn," said Quincy. "I thought I came up that
way."

"No," said Sam; "that's the back way."

"Thank you," said Quincy, as he ran lightly downstairs. At the foot he
met Mr. Waters.

"Well, is he any relative of yours?" asked Waters.

"I don't know yet," replied Quincy; "he has given me some facts, and I
am going to write to Boston, and when I hear from there I will be able
to answer your question. I will come around in a f