which he was labouring, and led to an almost total abandonment of
himself. In less than a year, he was travelling swiftly along the
road to utter ruin.

One day, it was just twelve months from the time of Eldridge's
failure, Mr. Hueston stood conversing with a gentleman, when the
unhappy young man went reeling by, so much intoxicated that he with
difficulty kept his feet.

"Poor fellow!" said the gentleman, in a tone of pity. "He was badly
dealt by."

"There is no doubt of that," returned Mr. Hueston. "Dalton managed
his cards with his usual skill. But I knew how it would be from the
first. I knew that Dalton was a knave at heart, and would overreach
him."

"You did?" was rejoined, with a look and tone of surprise.

"Oh, yes. I predicted, from the beginning, the very result that has
come out."

"You warned the young man, of course?" inquired the gentleman.

"No."

"What! Saw him in the hands of a sharper, and gave him no warning?"

"I never meddle in other people's affairs. I find as much as I can
do to take proper care of my own."