th the stone still
upraised, while his eyes glowed savagely upon the young man.

Sydney, who was brave and dauntless, steadily returned his gaze, and
said, calmly:

'You adopt a strange method, friend, of levying contributions upon
travellers. If you are in distress and need aid, you should apply for it
in a becoming manner--not approach a stranger in this threatening and
ruffianly style. Stand off--I am armed, you see--I shall not hesitate to
use this weapon if--'

The robber burst into a wild, ferocious laugh:

'Fool!' he cried. 'What can your weak arm or puny weapon do, against the
strength of a madman? For look you, I am mad with _hunger_! For three
days I have not tasted food--for three cold, wretched nights I have
roamed thro' the streets of this Christian city, homeless, friendless,
penniless! Give me money, or with this stone will I dash out your
brains.'

'Unfortunate man,' said Sydney, in accents of deep pity--'I feel for
you, on my soul I do. Want and wretchedness have made you desperate.
Throw down your weapon, and listen to me; he who now addresses you is a
man, possessing a heart that beats in sympathy for your misfortunes. I
have both the means and the will to relieve your distress.'

The robber cast the stone from him, and burst into tears. 'Pardon me,
kind stranger,' he cried, 'I did intend you harm, for my brain is
burning, and my vitals consumed by starvation. You have spoken to me the
first words of kindness that I have heard for a long, long time. You
pity me, and that pity subdues me. I will go and seek some other
victim.' 'Stay,' said Sydney, 'for heaven's sake give up this dreadful
trade of robbery. Here is money, sufficient to maintain you for
weeks--make a good use of it--seek employment--be honest, and should you
need further assistance, call at ---- Hotel, and ask for Francis Sydney.
That is my name, and in me you will ever find a friend, so long as you
prove yourself worthy.'

'Noble, generous man!' exclaim the robber, as he received a fifty dollar
note from the hands of Frank. 'God will reward you for this. Believe me,
I have not always been what I now am--a midnight ruffian, almost an
assassin. No--I have had friends, and respectability, and wealth. But I
have lost them all--all! We shall meet again--farewell!'

He ran rapidly from the spot, leaving Frank to pursue his way alone, and
ponder upon this remarkable encounter.

Leaving the Park, and turning to the left, Frank proceed