"There is one thing I remember in connection with the bridge," said Brand. "I was the first man to cross it on the day it was thrown open to the public." "Is that really so?" "Fact, I assure you. I was nearly crushed in the crowd, but I was determined that I would do it and I succeeded." They went up the stairs and Brand bought two train-tickets, insisting on paying for both. "If we had time we should find it agreeable to walk," he said, "but it would take a good while, and I want to take you up-town." Gerald felt that he was in luck to have met so pleasant and obliging a companion. He did not examine Brand critically, or he might not have formed so favorable an opinion of him. He had a long, thin face, very dark, and with his eyes very near together. But Gerald was not skilled in physiognomy, and it never occurred to him to doubt the sincerity and good faith of Mr. William Brand. As they rode over the bridge Brand pointed out different objects and buildings, and called Gerald's attention with a laugh to the enormous chair which, in those days, was near the Brooklyn terminus of the bridge. "That is the mayor's chair," he said. "He must be an unusually large man," said Gerald, "if he requires so large a chair." When they reached Brooklyn they walked a short distance on Fulton Street, and then Brand proposed to return. "Brooklyn is a large city," he said, "and we can't undertake to see it in a few minutes. We will take the cars back, and then go to my house up-town." "Very well, Mr. Brand," replied Gerald. They boarded a return car, Brand paying the fare again. "I don't want you to pay for me, Mr. Brand," said Gerald. "Oh, that's all right," said Brand, carelessly. "You may pay on the Sixth Avenue cars on the other side." "You are certainly very kind to me." "Don't mention it. You don't seem like a stranger; you seem so much like Bill Mortimer." "I thought you said his name was Jack Mortimer." "So it is. I am very shaky on names. Perhaps it is because I am getting old." This seemed a plausible explanation of his slip of the tongue, and Gerald accepted it. They left the bridge and crossed the City Hall Park. While crossing it Brand was accosted by an ill-looking man with a cast in his eye. "Friend of yours?" he asked, staring at Gerald. "Yes." "Introduce me, won't you?" "Some other time," muttered Brand, not seeming very well pleased. "I see. You want him all to yourself," and he winked in a disagreeable way. Brand hastily bade him good-day, and hurried Gerald across the park. "Is that a friend of yours?" asked Gerald, curiously. "No, or, rather, he was once. He was an old school-fellow of mine, and though he has not turned out very well, I can't give him the cold shake." This was a new expression to Gerald, but he had no difficulty in understanding it. "I am sorry to say he is a victim of intemperance," proceeded Brand. "I hope you don't drink?" "No, certainly not," answered Gerald.