“Toughs?” cried the cabby indignantly. He had just pocketed his fare from Paul. “What you givin’ us? Don’t you know a gentleman when you see him? This chap has had an accident.” Then, in an aside, he added, “He’s all right, and he’ll make it all right with you too, old girl, if you play up properly.” Impelled by the suggestion, the landlady did what experience had taught her was necessary, and soon Paul had Dan Tussock deposited in his own bed, where he lay snoring heavily till morning. He wakened late and sat up, asking in a loud voice and with an indignant oath, “Where am I? What house is this?” “You are in my room, and I hope feeling better,” said Paul. “Better? I have got a head and a throat burning like hell fire. Who are you, young fellow, and how did I get into your room?” Then Paul told him the tale of his last night’s adventure, Tussock staring at him with dull red eyes. “And you brought me here, eh? What made you jump into this thing?” “Well, I couldn’t see a helpless man beaten up by ruffians, could I?” “And so you jumped in to help a stranger? Well, Dan Tussock doesn’t forget a friend, you will find. Where did _you_ sleep?” he added. Paul pointed to his blankets on the floor. “Gave me your bed, eh?” “Oh, that’s nothing,” said Paul lightly. “I’ve often slept in worse places.” “What’s your name?” “Paul Gaspard.” “What are you doing here?” “Well,” said Paul, “it’s a little difficult to explain. I came to study to be an engineer and eventually to make twenty-five thousand dollars. Now, however, I chiefly want a job to pay my board.” “Twenty-five thousand dollars? You don’t want much, do you? What do you want it for?” To his own astonishment Paul found himself taking this rough, uncouth man into his confidence and telling him as much of his story as seemed necessary. “Twenty-five thousand dollars, eh?” repeated Dan Tussock. “Well, men have made more than that in a few weeks in this country. How much have you got now?” “On Saturday night,” replied Paul, with a humorous smile, “I had two hundred and fifty dollars or so, as I approached the city. Unfortunately I fell asleep on the train——” He paused. “And now?” Paul put his hand into his pocket and brought out some silver. “That is all,” he said. “But my board is paid for a week. So you see I must have a job.” “Jumpin’ Judas! You are a cool one!” said Tussock. “Well, we’ll see about that.” He made an attempt to rise but speedily collapsed, pale and panting for breath. “My God! What is the matter with me?” “Black-jack, the cabman said,” replied Paul. “Lie still for a while. Tell me what you want and I shall get it for you.” “Lie still! Say! What day is this?” “This is Monday.” “Monday! What time?” Again he attempted to rise, swung his feet over the bedside, hung there for a few moments, and again collapsed. “There, you see. You must lie still,” said Paul. “Boy! Boy!” Tussock gasped faintly. “What time is it? In God’s name, what time is it?” “Ten thirty.”