“In answer to enquiries, he stated that he was not at his uncle’s, but in York. “I judged, from the tone of his last note, that he was sick and pressed for means. “I wrote to him again, but received no answer. A friend of mine was directed to visit him and let him have what money he desired. “But he had removed his lodgings, and was nowhere to be found. “There seemed to hang some mystery around Tom Templeton; some thought he ‘had been crossed in love’ while at college. “Others said that pecuniary difficulties had involved him. “Both of these surmises certainly must be incorrect, I thought, for he disclosed all his secrets to me. If Cupid had been in the case, some of us would have known it; as to money matters, all the college said his uncle was immensely wealthy, and intended to leave him everything. “Mystery there seemed to be of some kind, and I was determined, upon graduating, to sift the matter to the bottom. “I liked Tom as a brother; his troubles were mine, and, if in difficulty, I was willing to see him through it safely. “When university dons had granted me my parchment with ‘A.M.’ engraved thereon, I returned home, and was soon engaged in my father’s extensive transactions, doing what people might term a ‘roaring’ business. “My thoughts would occasionally revert to my lost friend, and while going homeward one evening at dusk, a poorly dressed stranger hurriedly passed me and glided into a back street, as if ashamed to be seen in lighted and thronged thoroughfares. “I followed him. “He strode through the streets at a rapid pace, but, by a side glance I got of him, there could be no doubt but that it was the same Tom Templeton of my school days. “He had not gone far, when he entered a small, obscure house, and, in less than ten minutes, emerged again, but so differently attired and so gay, I could scarce have recognised him. “Yet on his countenance was still the same calm, pale, melancholy. “He actually stopped at the same house I was going to, and was admitted. “What was his business there, I wondered to know. “I knew what mine was, namely, to make love to the daughter of a very rich man my father had known for years. “I did not knock at the door, but let myself in with a latch-key. “When I quietly advanced towards the parlour door, I perceived Tom Templeton on his knees before the idol of my heart! “What startled me more, was, the lady fair listened to his fair speeches, and returned his advances. “For the first time in my life, I felt envy, malice, and revenge. “I said nothing at the time, but I met my old schoolmate afterwards. “A violent quarrel ensued. “I accused him of all manner of misdemeanours, and last of all of ingratitude. “But all I could do or say would not provoke him into a challenge. “At last I gave him one myself. “He accepted it readily, and we met. “He wished to apologise for all he had done and said. “I would not accept it. “I fired. “He fell down dead. “I rushed towards him.