Houston hastily excused himself to Miss Gladden and Van Dorn, and hurrying after Morgan, soon overtook him. For some time, Houston talked with him regarding the work for the next day, and the men who could best be detailed to help Van Dorn. They had reached the same spot where they had stopped to talk a few nights before, and, as then, were seated on the rocks. At last, the business arrangements were all completed, and Morgan made a move as if to start, and then Houston's real errand in overtaking him became apparent. "Morgan, you are not fit to be out to-night, you must have rest, you will break down living this way." "Yes," said Morgan, raising his hollow, heavy eyes to Houston's face, "I'm about done up, that's a fact." "I wouldn't go to the Y to-night, if I were you; come back to the house and get a good night's rest, it will make a different man of you." Morgan looked undecided for a moment; "'Twouldn't be no use going up there now," he answered gloomily, "I couldn't rest if I tried. I haven't slept scarcely any for three nights; but I ain't going to stay out late to-night as I've been doing; I shan't play after midnight. I'm going to have two or three games just to see what luck I'll have, and if I don't have luck, why, that ends it, I ain't going to play all night." "Morgan," said Houston earnestly, "you spoke the other night about money; now, as I told you then, if you need any money, I'm your friend, and I'll gladly accommodate you with whatever you need." For the first time in all their acquaintance, Morgan's careless, indifferent manner changed, and for a few moments he seemed touched. "Yes, I believe you," he said, after a pause, "I believe you're more of a friend to me than anybody else. Blaisdell would kick me out quicker'n it takes to say so, if he knew just how I stand to-night. Even Haight's got the big-head and puts on his airs since he's seen I'm down; you're the only one that's showed me any kindness." "Now, Morgan, just say what money you need, and you shall have it; I want to help you out of this," said Houston. "No," said Morgan, decidedly, "if I am a gambler, and all that, I ain't going to take the wages from a fellow that works for less than I do, to help me out of trouble. The Lord knows you've earnt your money, for you've worked faithful." "Never mind about that, Morgan," said Houston, hastily, "I'm not wholly dependent on my salary; I had a good little sum of money laid by before I came out here; there is plenty, I will not miss it, and you are welcome to it." "Much obliged to you, Houston, but I can't take it,--not now, at any rate,--maybe I'll call on you for it to-morrow, if I don't have luck to-night." "You are welcome to it whenever you want it," said Houston cordially, his hand on Morgan's shoulder; "I only wish you were not going to the Y to-night."