e. But hold! that was a
tap at the door. Oh, they want us."

So saying, the captain opened the door and introduced me.

"I say, Tom," cried he, "come here, and thank our kind friend,
Mr.--Mr.--"

"Mr. Basset!" said I, starting back, as my eyes beheld the pale,
sarcastic features of the worthy attorney, who stood at the table,
conversing in a low tone with the Under-Secretary.

"Eh I what 's the matter?" whispered Bubbleton as he saw my color come
and go, and perceived that I leaned on a chair for support. "What the
devil 's wrong now?"

"You 've betrayed me to my greatest enemy," said I, in a low, distinct
voice.

"Eh! what? Why, you seem to have nothing but foes in the world. Confound
it, that's always my luck; my infernal good-nature is everlastingly
making a wrong plunge."

"In that case, if I understand the matter aright, the bail is
unnecessary," said Mr. Cooke, addressing Basset, who never turned his
head to the part of the room where we stood.

"No, sir; it is not necessary. While the law assists me to resume
my guardianship of this young gentleman, I am answerable for his
appearance."

"The indentures are quite correct," said Barton, as he laid the papers
on the table, "as I believe Mr. Basset's statement to be also."

"No bail necessary," interrupted Bubbleton, rubbing his hands
pleasantly; "so much the better. Wish them good evening, Tom, my hearty;
we shall be back in time for supper. You wouldn't take an oyster, Mr.
Cooke?"

"I thank you very much, but I am unfortunately engaged."

"Not so fast, captain, I beg you," said Basset, with a most servile but
malignant expression in his features. "The habits I would inculcate to
my apprentice are not exactly consistent with mess parties and barrack
suppers."

"Apprentice! apprentice!" said Bubbleton, starting as if stung by a
wasp. "Eh! you 're surely not--not the--the--"

"Yes, sir; there's the indenture, signed and sealed, if you are desirous
to satisfy yourself. The young gentleman himself will not deny his
father's instructions concerning him."

I hung down my head, abashed and ashamed. The tears started to my eyes;
I turned away to wipe them, and feared to face the others again. I saw
that Bubbleton, my only friend, believed I had practised some deceit on
him; and how to explain, without disclosing what I dare not.

There was a bustle in the room; a sound of voices; the noise of feet
descending the stairs; and when I again looked round, t