absence that Mr. Walton had retired from business and purchased the
old Gregory homestead. The young man felt sure, however, that though a
comparative stranger himself, he would, for his father's sake, be a
welcome visitor at the home of his childhood. At any rate he
determined to test the matter, for the moment he found himself at
liberty he felt a strange and an eager longing to revisit the scenes
of the happiest portion of his life. He had meant to pay such a visit
in the previous spring, soon after his arrival from Europe, when his
elation at being made partner in the house which he so long had served
as clerk reached almost the point of happiness.

Among those who had welcomed him back was a man a little older than
himself, who, in his absence, had become known as a successful
operator in Wall Street. They had been intimate before Gregory went
abroad, and the friendship was renewed at once. Gregory prided himself
on his knowledge of the world, and was not by nature inclined to trust
hastily; and yet he did place implicit confidence in Mr. Hunting,
regarding him as a better man than himself. Hunting was an active
member of a church, and his name figured on several charities, while
Gregory had almost ceased to attend any place of worship, and spent
his money selfishly upon himself, or foolishly upon others, giving
only as prompted by impulse. Indeed, his friend had occasionally
ventured to remonstrate with him against his tendencies to
dissipation, saying that a young man of his prospects should not
damage them for the sake of passing gratification. Gregory felt the
force of these words, for he was exceedingly ambitious, and bent upon
accumulating wealth and at the same time making a brilliant figure in
business circles.

In addition to the ordinary motives which would naturally lead him to