He drank the beer, and his fate was sealed. He was now a tool in Matthew's hands. On some pretense the young hypocrite excused himself from playing a game of billiards as he had at first proposed, and induced Fred to follow him into the street, knowing it was not safe for him to remain longer in the heated saloon. It was his first intention to go back to the store, thinking that if Mr. Rexford should see Fred in a tipsy state he would discharge him. But just before reaching the merchant's place of business he stopped, and, taking Fred by the arm, walked quickly up the street. Tim followed close enough to answer promptly if Matthew should summon him. The liquor had already begun to have the desired effect. Fred had become talkative and boisterous, and in such a condition that he could be influenced to do almost any absurd thing. Matthew was bound to make the most of his opportunities, and so he incited him by flattering words to call at Dr. Dutton's house, opposite which they now stood. Fred assented to this, provided Matthew would accompany him. This De Vere readily agreed to do, and he led the intoxicated youth up to the door, and rang the bell sharply. Presently the door opened, and on stepping in Fred looked about for his companion, but he was nowhere to be seen. VII. Tim Short made a very wretched attempt to obtain a night's sleep after escaping from captivity, both because the night was well spent before he reached home and because matters of too great importance rested upon his mind to allow him to bury them in slumber. He reported at the factory at the usual morning hour, but after working a little time complained of being sick, and was released for the remainder of the day. If he was not physically ill, he was doubtless sick at heart, so he speedily sought Matthew, and told him, with more or less ill feeling, of his experience at the hands of Jacob Simmons, and of the latter's demands in settlement (as he called it) for his injuries. "And you 'squealed' on me?" demanded De Vere, with ill suppressed anger. "I told him who you were, to save him from choking me to death." "Is that all you said?" "He told me to tell the truth or----" "So you gave him the whole story--you idiot, to tell everything you know!" "I only wish you had been in my place." "If I had I wouldn't have been an idiot!" retorted De Vere. "Oh, you wouldn't have! Some folks are very smart," replied Tim, getting angry. "I'd have been smart enough for that." "A lot you would. If he'd had you as he had me, you would have told more than I did, and promised anything he asked." "I'm not a baby, I want you to understand, to cry if any one looks at me." "No, you are very brave, to have to get some one to help you to get square with Fred Worthington." "I was a fool when I got you." "And I was a fool for having anything to do with you in this business. You will be arrested and sent to prison, and so will I, unless you pay Mr. Simmons the five hundred."