Brown of Philadelphia was the soul of honour, as well as distinguished for his smartness and benevolence. He did not want to impose on _me_, bless you! No; on the contrary, he gave me a reference to a large bank "down town," and also to a notorious shoddy celebrity who lived "up" town,--to the former of which I went, making inquiries as to his stability. Certainly, they knew Mr Brown of Philadelphia. Had a large balance at present in their hands. As far as they were aware--must be reticent in commercial matters, you know--perfectly responsible party. Could I have taken any further precaution? I think not, after this statement. Quite satisfactory, wasn't it? I did not go to shoddy character in Fifth Avenue, because it was a horribly long pull there in the street "cars:"--thought bank reference sufficient, wouldn't you? Perfectly satisfactory, I thought; and told Brown of Philadelphia so at our next meeting, when I lunched with him by appointment. We next went to see the office--our office--in Broadway, afterwards. Just the thing--possibly a trifle small; but then we could enlarge in time, eh? Not the slightest doubt. Brown of Philadelphia and I excellent friends. He dined with me at an hotel that day--at my expense on this occasion. After dinner, arranged business matters as partners should do, drawing up a deed of associationship, and so on. Brown of Philadelphia produced roll of dollars in "greenbacks"--his share of the capital of our embryo firm. I produced roll of "greenbacks"--my share of capital of embryo firm. Both parcels sealed up; and given into Brown of Philadelphia's custody, as senior partner, to deposit same in our joint names at a bank on the morrow. Brown of Philadelphia and I then parted with words and signs of mutual respect and admiration; and I hied me to my Brooklyn lodgings in high delight at the fortunate turn in my affairs. Why, I would be rich in a few months; and then:-- What delightful dreams I had that night! We were to meet again the next morning punctually at "ten sharp" at "the office." _I_ was there to the minute, but Brown of Philadelphia wasn't; and, although I waited for him many subsequent minutes after the appointed time, he never came--nor have I clapped eyes on him from that day to this. Faithless Brown! He robbed me of my belief in human nature, in addition to my hoarded "greenbacks." The office, I found, had been taken by the keen philanthropist for a week, a few dollars of the rent being advanced by him as security on account. On asking at the bank, which had in the first instance satisfied me of his integrity, the cashier told me that Brown of Philadelphia had drawn out all of his available balance the very afternoon on which I had made my inquiries respecting him; and where he was gone, no one knew!