never forgive myself for wickedly
consenting to do harm to him and his. I would not have done it, if it
had not been in a manner forced upon me; but I know that this is not a
full excuse.

"James Grey I never liked. He was a more pompous man than his cousin,
and he was often mistaken for the senior partner, because of the airs
he put on. But John Grey only smiled at this, and often said, jokingly:

"'You ought to have been in my place, James. I am afraid I don't keep
up the dignity of the establishment. I am too quiet.'

"To me, who was only a clerk, though an old and trusted one, James was
always supercilious and overbearing. He seemed to look down upon me,
though, having only a small interest in the concern, I didn't look upon
him as very much my superior.

"John Grey was far different. He always treated me with kindness and
politeness, and I felt it a pleasure to serve such a man. It was a
great grief to me when he died. I knew well enough that I should feel
the change, but I did nor dream of what actually followed.

"John Grey's death took everybody by surprise. He was a stout, robust
man, and seemed the picture of health; but it was in this habit of body
that his danger lay. He was found one day on the floor of his chamber
dead, his death resulting, as the doctors said, from apoplexy. He left
considerable property, besides his share in the business. All this was
left to his son, then a boy of five years of age. The boy's name was
Gilbert. You, Tom, are that boy! Let me tell you how it happened that
you, the son of a wealthy father, and the heir to great wealth, are now
a poor bootblack in the streets of New York, with no prospects before
you but a life of labor.

"According to your father's will, the whole property was left to his
cousin, James Grey, in trust for you. But, in case of your death, your
guardian was to inherit the whole of the property. If John Grey had
known more of the selfish and worthless character of his cousin, he
would never have made such a will. But he had perfect confidence in
him, and judged him by himself. He did not see that he had exposed him
to a very strong temptation, a temptation which, as it proved, he was
unable to resist.

"Mr. James Grey, who was boarding with his wife and son, a boy of about
your own age, immediately moved to your father's beautiful house, and
installed himself there, taking you under his charge. For several
months matters went on quietly, and I began t