that we were taking brushed by us; but I was too deeply absorbed in my
uncle's communication to pay much attention to passers-by. Scarcely had
they passed, however, ere one of them stopped and exclaimed:

"Surely that is Willie Furlong!"

I turned, and recognised Johnny Gray, one of my oldest friends. I
relinquished my uncle's arm for a moment, and shook hands with Gray,
who said:

"I am surprised to see you. I heard only a few days ago, that you were
not to be here till next spring."

"I am here," I remarked, "somewhat in advance of my own expectations."
I then hurriedly enquired after several of our common friends, to which
enquiries he briefly replied.

"All well," he said; "but you are in a hurry, and so am I. Don't let me
detain you. Be sure and look in on me to-morrow. You will find me at
the old place, in the Romain Buildings."

We again shook hands, and he passed on down the street with the
gentleman who accompanied him. I then turned to re-possess myself of my
uncle's arm. The old gentleman had evidently walked on, for he was not
in sight. I hurried along, making sure of overtaking him before
reaching Gould Street, for my interview with Gray had occupied barely a
minute. In another minute I was at the corner of Gould Street. No signs
of Uncle Richard. I quickened my pace to a run, which soon brought me
to Gerrard Street. Still no signs of my uncle. I had certainly not
passed him on my way, and he could not have got farther on his homeward