ou five dollars for my services."

"Suppose you lose?"

"I won't lose," said the man, confidently. "Come," he said, in a
wheedling tone, "let me make some money for you."

"Thank you, but I would rather not. I don't want to make money in any
such way."

"You're a fool!" said the man, roughly, and with an air of disgust he
left the spot, much to Hector's relief.

Still Hector lingered, expecting he hardly knew what, but it chanced
that fortune favored him. He was just about to turn away, when a youth,
two or three years older than himself in appearance, came out of the
gambling house. He was pale, and looked as if he had kept late hours. He
had the appearance, also, of one who indulges in drink.

When Hector's glance fell upon the face of the youth, he started in
great excitement.

"Surely," he thought, "that must be Gregory Newman!"

CHAPTER XXXV. THE PRODIGAL.

As the best way of getting into communication with the youth whom he
suspected to be the object of his search, Hector asked him the name of
the street.

On receiving an answer, he said, in an explanatory way:

"I am a stranger here. I only arrived on the last steamer."

The other looked interested.

"Where do you come from?"

"From New York."

"I used to live there," said Gregory--for it was he--with a sigh.

"Have you bettered yourself by coming out here?" asked Hector.

Gregory shook his head.

"No," he said; "I begin to think I was a fool to come at all."

"Perhaps you had poor prospects in New York?" said Hector.

"No; my uncle is a rich merchant there. I have some property, also, and
he is my guardian."

"Did he favor your coming?"

"No; he was very much opposed to it."

"Perhaps I ought not to take such a liberty, but I begin to agree with
you about your being a fool to leave such prospects behind you."

"Oh, I am not offended. It is true enough."

"I suppose you haven't prospered, then," said Hector.

"Prospered? Look at me! Do you see how shabby I am?"

Gregory certainly did look shabby. His clothes were soiled and frayed,
and he had the appearance of a young tramp.

"That isn't the worst of it," he added, bitterly. "I have spent my last
cent, and am penniless."

"That is bad, certainly. Did you lose any of it in there?" said Hector,
indicating the gaming house.

"I have lost full half of it there," answered Gregory. "This morning I
found myself reduced to four bits--"

"To what?" inquired Hector, puzzle