d many drank brandy and water, and nearly all smoked. It was a
bright scene of dissipation, where many young men, deceiving themselves
with the idea that they went merely to practise or to enjoy a noble game
of skill, were taking their first steps on the road to ruin.

The Captain, closely attended by Gillie, moved slowly through the room,
looking anxiously for Fred Leven. For some time they failed to find
him. At last a loud curse, uttered in the midst of a knot of
on-lookers, attracted their attention. It was followed by a general
laugh, as a young man, whose dishevelled hair and flushed face showed
that he had been drinking hard, burst from among them and staggered
towards the door.

"Never mind, Fred," shouted a voice that seemed familiar to the Captain,
"you'll win it back from me next time."

Ere the youth had passed, the Captain stepped forward and laid his hand
on his arm.

Fred uttered a savage growl, and drew back his clenched hand as if to
strike, but Captain Wopper's size and calm look of decision induced him
to hold his hand.

"What d'you mean by interrupting me?" he demanded, sternly.

"My lad," said the Captain, in a low, solemn voice, "your mother is
dying, come with me. You've no time to lose."

The youth's face turned ashy pale, and he passed his hand hastily across
his brow.

"What's wrong?" exclaimed Lewis Stoutley, who had recognised the
Captain, and come forward at the moment.

"Did he lose his money to _you_?" asked the Captain, abruptly.

"Well, yes, he did," retorted Lewis, with a look of offended dignity.

"Come along, then, my lad. I want _you_ too. It's a case of life an'
death. Ask no questions, but come along."

The Captain said this with such an air of authority, that Lewis felt
constrained to obey. Fred Leven seemed to follow like one in a dream.
They all got into a cab, and were driven back to Grubb's Court.

As they ascended the stair, the Captain whispered to Lewis, "Keep in the
background, my lad. Do nothing but look and listen."

Another moment and they were in the passage, where Lawrence stopped
them.

"You're almost too late, sir," he said to Fred, sternly. "If you had
fed and clothed your mother better in time past, she might have got over
this. Fortunately for her, poor soul, some people, who don't gamble
away their own and their parents' means, have given her the help that
you have refused. Go in, sir, and try to speak words of comfort to her
_now