The young man leaned on the arm of his companion. He was affected by the potations in which he had indulged, and was sensible of his condition.

I ought not to have drank so much,” he said, in unsteady accents.

Pooh! it’s nothing,” said the other, lightly. “Where are you stopping?”

“St. Regis.”

“We’d better walk. It will do you good to walk.”

“Just as you say.”

“Of course I would only advise you for your good.”

“I know it; but, old fellow, why did you make me drink so much?”

“I thought you could stand it better. I’m as cool as a cucumber.”

He pressed the young man’s arm, and led him into a side street.

What’s that for? This ain’t the way to the St. Regis.”

“I know it.”

“Why don’t we go up Broadway?”

“You are not fit to go in yet. You need a longer walk, so that your condition will not be noticed when you go in.”

“Go along, old fellow. You’re right.”

Still Tony kept behind. All seemed right enough, but somehow he could not help feeling suspicious of the older man.

I’ll watch him,” he thought, “and if he attempts any mischief, I’ll interfere.”

The two men walked in a westerly direction, crossing several streets.

Look here,” said the young man, “we’d better turn back.”

Now was the time.

The other looked swiftly around, but did not notice Tony, who was tracking him in the darkness.

Give me your pocketbook and watch at once!” he whispered.

What!” exclaimed the young man, startled, and trying to release his arm.

Give me your watch and money at once, or I’ll blow your brains out!”

“Look here, you’re only trying to play a joke on me.”

“You’re mistaken. I’m a desperate man. I will do as I say.”

“Then you’re a villain,” said the young man, with spirit. “You’ve made me drunk in order to rob me.”

“Precisely. Your money or your life. That’s about what I mean.”

“I’ll call the police.”

“If you do it will be your last word. Now, make up your mind!”

The young man, instead of complying, endeavored to break away, but in his intoxication he had lost half his strength, and was no match for the other.

You fool, your blood be on your own hands!” said his companion, and he drew a pistol from his side pocket.

An instant and he would have fired, but Tony was on the alert. He sprang forward, seized the would-be murderer by the arm, and the pistol went off, but the bullet struck a brick wall on the opposite side of the street.

“Police!” shouted Tony, at the top of his lungs.

Confusion!” exclaimed the villain. “I must be getting out of this!”

He turned to fly, but Tony seized him by the coat, and he struggled fiercely, but in vain.

Let go, you young scoundrel!” he shouted, “or I’ll shoot you!”

“With an unloaded pistol?” asked Tony. “That don’t scare much!”

A quick step was heard, and a policeman turned the corner.

What’s the matter?” he asked.

I charge this man with an attempt at murder,” said Tony.

The boy is right,” said the young man.

They are both lying!” said the adventurer, furiously. “It’s a plot against me.”

“I know you, Bill Jones!” said the policeman, after a careful scrutiny of the man’s features. “You’re a hard ticket. Come along with me. You two must go with me to prefer your charge.”

“Let me have your arm, my boy,” said the young man. “I’m ashamed to own that I need your help. It is the last time I will allow liquor to get the better of me.”

“I guess you’re about right there,” said Tony. “You’ve had a narrow escape.”

“I owe my life to you,” said the young man, warmly. “How did you happen to come up just in the nick of time?”

“I suspected the man meant you no good. I followed you from the billiard saloon where I saw you playing.”

“You were sharper than I. I never suspected harm. You have done me the greatest possible servic............