Chapter XVIII. Leonard's Temptation - Page 2

assure you, I had only just picked it up, and was going to put it back in your pocket, sir."

The man, drunk as he was, winked knowingly.

"Smart boy!" he said. "You do it well, ol' fella!"

"But, sir, it is quite true, I assure you. I will count over the money before you. Do you know how much you had?"

"Nev' mind. Help me up!"

Leonard stooped over and helped the drunkard to a sitting position.

"Where am I? Where is hotel?"

Leonard answered him.

"Take me to hotel, and I'll give you a dollar."

"Certainly, sir," said Leonard, briskly. He was to get his dollar after all, and would not have to steal it. I am afraid he is not to be praised for his honesty, as it seemed to be a matter of necessity.

"I wish he'd give me five dollars," thought Leonard, but didn't see his way clear to make the suggestion.

He placed the man on his feet, and guided his steps to the road. As he walked along, the inebriate, whose gait was at first unsteady, recovered his equilibrium and required less help.

"How long had you been lying there?" asked Leonard.

"Don't know. I was taken sick," and the inebriate nodded knowingly at Leonard, who felt at liberty to laugh, too.

"Do you ever get sick?"

"Not that way," answered Leonard.

"Smart boy! Better off!"

They reached the hotel, and Leonard engaged a room for his companion.

"Has he got money?" asked the landlord, in a low voice.

"Yes," answered Leonard, "he has nearly a hundred dollars. I counted it myself."

"That's all right, then," said the landlord. "Here, James, show the gentleman up to No. 15."

"Come, too," said the stranger to Leonard.

The latter followed the more readily because he had not yet been paid his dollar.

The door of No. 15 was opened, and the two entered.

"I will stay with the gentleman a short time," said Leonard to the boy. "If we want anything we will ring."

"All right, sir."

"What's your name?" asked the inebriate, as he sank into a large armchair near the window.

"Leonard Craig."

"Never heard the name before."

"What's your name, sir?"

"What yon want to know for?" asked the other, cunningly.

"The landlord will want to put it on his book."

"My name? Phil Stark."

"Philip Stark?"

"Yes; who told you?"

It will be seen that Mr. Stark was not yet quite himself.

"You told me yourself."

"So I