o intention of saying a word when I came here, but, God
forgive me, I have committed a sin, which seems to force me to speak and
warn you against giving way to strong drink. I had--nay, I _have_--a
dear friend who once put on the Blue Ribbon."

Here he related the episode at the road-side tavern, and his friend's
terrible fall, and wound up with the warning:

"Fellow-men, fellow-sinners, beware of being laughed out of good
resolves--beware of strong drink. I know not where my comrade is now.
He may be dead, but I think not, for he has a mother and father who pray
for him without ceasing. Still better, as you have just been told, he
has an Advocate with God, who is able and willing to save him to the
uttermost. Forgive me, Mr Seaward, for speaking without being asked.
I could not help it."

"No need to ask forgiveness of me, Mr Welland. You have spoken on the
Lord's side, and I have reason to thank you heartily."

While this was being said, those who sat near the door observed that a
young man rose softly, and slunk away like a criminal, with a face ashy
pale and his head bowed down. On reaching the door, he rushed out like
one who expected to be pursued. It was young Sam Twitter. Few of the
inmates of the place observed him, none cared a straw for him, and the
incident was, no doubt, quickly forgotten.

"We must hasten now, if we are to visit another lodging-house," said
Seaward, as they emerged into the comparatively fresh air of the street,
"for it grows late, and riotous drunken characters are apt to be met
with as they stagger home."

"No; I have had enough for one night," said Sir Richard. "I shall not
be able to digest it all in a hurry. I'll go home by the Metropolitan,
if you will conduct me to the nearest station."

"Come along, then. This way."

They had not gone far, and were passing through a quiet side street,
when they observed a poor woman sitting on a door-step. It was Mrs
Frog, who had returned to sit on the old familiar spot, and watch the
shadows on the blind, either from the mere force of habit, or because
this would probably be the last occasion on which she could expect to
enjoy that treat.

A feeling of pity entered Sir Richard's soul as he looked on the poorly
clothed forlorn creature. He little knew what rejoicing there was in
her heart just then--so deceptive are appearances at times! He went
towards her with an intention of some sort, when a very tall policeman
turned