and when that was
exhausted I borrowed from my employer."

"Without his knowledge?"

"Of course. For six months I evaded discovery. Then I was detected. My
friends interceded, and saved me from the penitentiary, but I lost my
situation, and was required to leave the city. I went to New York, tried
to obtain a situation there, failed, and then adopted my present
profession. I need not tell you the rest."

"My dear friend, I think I know the rest pretty well. But don't look
sober. A fig for the past. What's the odds, as long as you're happy?"

"Are you happy?" inquired Graham.

"As long as I'm flush," answered Vincent, shrugging his shoulders. "I'm
nearly dead-broke now, and of course I am miserable. However, my story
comes next in order. I was a bank teller, appropriated part of the funds
of the bank, fled with it, spent it, and then became an ornament to our
common profession."

"Where was the bank?"

"In Canada. I haven't been there since. The climate don't suit me. It's
bleak, but I fear it might prove too hot for me. Now we know each
other."

"You don't allow it to worry you, Vincent," said Graham.

"No, I don't. Why should I? I let the dead past bury its dead, as
Longfellow says, and act in the living present. That reminds me, we
ought to be at work. I have a proposal to make. We won't hunt in
couples, but separate, and each will try to bring home something to help
the common fund. Is it agreed?"

"Yes."

"_Au revoir_, then!"

"That fellow has no conscience," thought Graham. "Mine is callous, but
he goes beyond me. Perhaps he is the better off."

Graham shook off his transient dull spirits, and walked on, keeping a
sharp lookout for a chance to fleece somebody. In front of a railroad
ticket office he espied a stolid-looking German, who was trying to read
the placard in the window.

Graham approached him, and said politely, "My friend, perhaps I can help
you. Are you thinking of buying a railroad ticket?"

The German turned, and his confidence was inspired by the friendly
interest of Graham's manner.

"I go to Minnesota," he said, "where my brother live."

"Exactly, and you want a ticket to go there?"

"Yes, I want a ticket. Do they sell him here?"

"No," said Graham. "That is, they do sell tickets here; but they ask too
much."

"I will not pay too much," said the German, shaking his head
decisively.

"Of course not; I will take you to a cheaper place."

"That is good," said the German,