"No matter for that. Here's the money," said Tony.
"All right. I guess I'll lie down awhile. I've been about the streets all day, and am pretty tired."
The room was quite small, and the furniture was shabby and well-worn; but Tony was not particular. He threw himself on the bed, and soon fell asleep.
How long he slept he did not know, but when he woke up the room was quite dark. He stretched, and did not immediately remember where he was; but it flashed upon him directly.
"I wonder what time it is?" he asked himself. "I must have slept a long time. I feel as fresh as a lark. I'll get up a take and tramp."
When he went down stairs he found that it was already ten o'clock.
"I feel as fresh as if it were morning," thought Tony. "I'll go out on Broadway and watch some of the theatres when the people come out."
Ten o'clock seems late in the country; it is the usual hour for retiring for many families; but in the city it is quite different. There are still many to be seen in the streets, and for many it is the commencement of a season of festivity.
Tony walked for half an hour. He was so thoroughly rested that he felt no fatigue. Presently he stepped into a crowded billiard-room, and seating himself, began to watch a game between a young man of twenty-five and a man probably fifteen years his senior. The first was evidently a gentleman by birth and education; his dress and manners evinced this. The other looked like an adventurer, though he was well-dressed.
"Come, let us play for drinks," said the elder.
The game terminated in favor of the elder, and the drinks were brought.
This went on for some time. The young man was evidently affected. Finally he threw down his cue, and said;
"My hand is unsteady. I have drank too much."
"I've drank as much as you, but I am all right."
"You can stand more than I. I'll settle for the drinks and games and go home."
"Shan't I see you home?" asked the elder.
The young man paid at the bar, displaying a well-filled pocketbook. There was something in his companion's expression which made Tony suspicious. He formed a sudden resolve.
"I'll follow them," he said, and when they left the room he was close behind them.
The young man leaned on the arm of his companion. He was affected by the potations in which he had indulged, and was sensible of his condition.