ourself. Get a place
in the office of some attorney and earn an honest living."

"You see how I am dressed. Who would employ me in this 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: "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 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 somewhat 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