is garb?"

"There is something in what you say. I feel for you, Bolton. Changed
as you are, you were once a friend. I certainly haven't any reason to
feel friendly to you, especially as you came here with the intention
of extorting money from me. But I can make allowance for you in your
unfortunate plight, and am willing to do something for you. Bring me
the document you say you possess, and I will give you fifty no, a
hundred dollars."

Bolton eyed his prosperous companion with a cunning smile.

"No, Stephen Ray, I prefer to keep the will," he replied, "though I
can do nothing with it. Give me the money unconditionally, and if I
get on my feet you will have nothing to fear from me."

CHAPTER XXVI.

BOUGHT OFF.

Bolton's reply did not quite suit Mr. Ray, but he felt that if he said
too much about the will it would give it an exaggerated importance in
the eyes of the man before him. So he answered carelessly, "Oh, very
well! The document is of no value, and though I should prefer to have
it, I won't insist. I will give you the hundred dollars, but I wish it
understood that it is all I can give you at any time. Don't apply to
me again, for it will be of no use."

"I understand," said Bolton, non-committally.

"Shall I give you a check?"

"I could do better with the money. My name is not known now at any
bank."

"Well, I think I can accommodate you. I believe I have that sum in my
desk."

He opened a drawer in his secretary, and produced a hundred dollars in
crisp new bills. They had been taken from the bank the day before for
a different purpose.

Bolton took them joyfully. It was long since he had had so much money
in his possession. He had been his own worst enemy. Once a prosperous
lawyer, he had succumbed to the love of drink, and gradually lost his
clients and his position. But he had decided to turn over a new leaf,
and he saw in this money the chance to reinstate himself, and in time
recover his lost position.

"Thank you," he said; but while there was relief there was no
gratitude in his tone.

"And now," said Stephen Ray, "I must ask you to leave me. I have
important business to attend to. You will excuse me if I suggest it
would be better to go away--to a distance--and try to build yourself
up somewhere where you are not known."

"I might go to Savannah."

"Yes, to Savannah, if you think it will be to your advantage," said
Ray with equanimity.

The other noticed his manner, and he