"Come, Tim," went on Matthew, "let us go home; it is late for us to be out."
The latter looked upon Matthew as his benefactor, and followed him promptly into the street. When the two were quite alone by themselves, De Vere took his companion by the arm and said:
"I'm in luck finding you, Tim. I rushed down to the saloon, but I was afraid you had gone home, it is so late."
"And I'm better off than you to have my bill paid. How is it you are in luck, and paying out money so free?"
"Never mind the money, Tim," De Vere replied nervously. "I want you to do me a favor. Will you?"
"Will I? Well, I should think I would."
"Will you promise never to mention what I say to any one?"
"I promise."
"It would get us both into trouble if you should, Tim."
"But it ain't nothin' so awful bad, is it, Matthew?" asked Tim, with a tremor of alarm in his voice.