"Why?" "There's danger in them, sir." "And, knowing this, you went into the way of danger, and have fallen!" Martin dropped his eyes to the floor in confusion. "Bland is a stool-pigeon and you were betrayed." "What am I to do?" asked the troubled young man. "I am in debt to him." "He will be here to-morrow." "Yes, sir." "I will have a policeman ready to receive him." "O, no, no, Sir. Pray don't do that!" answered Martin, with a distressed look. "Why not?" demanded Mr. Phillips. "It will ruin me." "How?" "Bland will denounce me." "Let him." "I shall be exposed to the policeman." "An evil, but a mild one, compared with that to which you were rushing in order to disentangle yourself. I must have my way, sir. This matter has assumed a serious aspect. You are in my power, and must submit." On the next day, punctual to the hour, Bland called. "This is your man," said Mr. Phillips to his clerk. "Ask him into the counting-room." Bland, thus invited, walked back. As he entered, Mr. Phillips said,-- "My clerk owes you a hundred and fifty dollars, I understand." "Yes, sir;" and the villain bowed. "Make him out a receipt," said Mr. Phillips.