the steps of
the City Hall smoking a cigar. He had the air of a gentleman of
leisure and independent income, with no cares to disturb or harass
him.

He did not see Sam till the latter called him by name.

"Where'd you come from, Sam?" he asked, placidly.

"From the office."

"Did the boss make a row about the money?"

"You bet he did!"

"Ho didn't find out, did he?"

"Yes, he did."

Jim looked up now.

"He don't know anything about me does he?" he inquired.

"I had to tell him."

"That's mean!" exclaimed Jim. "You'd ought to be ashamed to tell on a
friend."

"I had to. There was a chap--a friend of the doctor's--that was on the
boat, and heard us talkin' about the money. He followed us, and saw me
stuff the money in my stockin'."

Jim indulged in a profane ejaculation.

"What's he goin' to do about it?" he asked.

"He's made me give up the money, and he's sent me for you."

"I won't go," said Jim, hastily.

"You'd better. If you don't, you'll be took up."

"What am I to go to the office for?" asked Jim, rather startled.

"To give up the money."

"I've spent two dollars."

"If you give up what's left, and agree to pay the rest, he'll let you
off."

"Did he say so?"

"Yes, he told me so."

If there had been any hope of escaping with the money, Jim would have
declined calling on Dr. Graham; but of that he knew there was little
chance. Indeed, he was not altogether unknown to the police, having,
on two or three previous occasions, come under their notice. So,
considerably less cheerful than before, he accompanied Sam to the
office.

"Is this the boy?" asked the doctor, surveying Sam's companion
attentively.

"Yes, sir."

"I am glad to see you, young man," said the doctor, drily. "Suppose we
settle money matters first of all. How much have you left?"

Jim drew out eight dollars in bills.

"So far, so good. You owe me two dollars."

"Yes, sir."

"I won't ask for your note of hand. I'm afraid I couldn't negotiate
it; but I expect you to pay me back the balance by instalments. If
not, I shall know where to lay hold of you."

Jim had nothing to say.

"Now you can go. Sam, you can stay."

"I suppose he's goin' to send me off," thought Sam.

"You may stay till to-morrow night, Sam," said the doctor, "and I will
pay you what balance I owe you. After that, I think we had better part
company. You are a little too enterprising for me."

Sam made no objection. In fact, he had got t