As Tom took his place at the breakfast table, he mechanically lifted his eyes and glanced at his neighbors. Directly opposite him sat the gentleman whom he had brought home the evening before. Now he looked sober and respectable. Indeed, he looked as if he might be a person of some prominence. He met Tom's glance, and recognized him.
"I think you are the boy who came home with me last evening," he said.
"Yes, sir," answered Tom, rather embarrassed.
"I am afraid I was not quite myself," continued the stout gentleman.
"Not quite, sir."
"I ought to be ashamed of myself, and I am. I don't often allow myself to be caught in that way. You did me a good service."
"You are quite welcome, sir."
"I had a good deal of money with me, and, if I had drank any more, I should probably have been robbed."
"Why did you run such a risk, sir?" Tom could not help asking.
"Because I was a fool," said the other bluntly. "I have taste for drink, but when I am at home I keep it under control."