"
"Would you think it good for him, as he emerged from youth to
manhood, to visit refectories and billiard saloons?"
"No, sir, I would do all in my power to prevent it."
"Why?"
"There's danger in them, sir."
"And, knowing this, you went into the way of danger, and have
fallen!"
Martin dropped his eyes to the floor in confusion.
"Bland is a stool-pigeon and you were betrayed."
"What am I to do?" asked the troubled young man. "I am in debt to
him."
"He will be here to-morrow."
"Yes, sir."
"I will have a policeman ready to receive him."
"O, no, no, Sir. Pray don't do that!" answered Martin, with a
distressed look.
"Why not?" demanded Mr. Phillips.
"It will ruin me."
"How?"
"Bland will denounce me."
"Let him."
"I shall be exposed to the policeman."
"An evil, but a mild one, compared with that to which you were
rushing in order to disentangle yourself. I must have my way, sir.
This matter has assumed a serious aspect. You are in my power, and
must submit."
On the next day, punctual to the hour, Bland called.
"This is your man," said Mr. Phillips to his clerk. "Ask him into
the counting-room." Bland, thus invited, walked back.
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