How specious are the arguments of those who seek an excuse for a wrong act that will put money in the purse!

“Yes, I think I may venture to take a five, and, as I might not be able to change it right away, I will take a one to send for a ticket.  Then I will put the wallet back in the man’s pocket.”

So far, all went smoothly, and Leonard was proceeding to carry out his intention when, taking a precautionary look at the man on the ground, he was dumfounded by seeing his eyes wide open and fixed upon him.

Leonard flushed painfully, like a criminal detected in a crime, and returned the look of inquiry by one of dismay.

“What—­you—­doing?” inquired the victim of inebriety.

“I—­is this your wallet, sir?” stammered Leonard.

“Course it is.  What you got it for?”

“I—­I saw it on the ground, and was afraid some one would find it, and rob you,” said Leonard, fluently.

“Somebody did find it,” rejoined the man, whose senses seemed coming back to him.  “How much did you take?”

“I?  You don’t think I would take any of your money?” said Leonard, in virtuous surprise.

“Looked like it!  Can’t tell who to trust.”

“I assure you, I had only just picked it up, and was going to put it back in your pocket, sir.”

The man, drunk as he was, winked knowingly.

“Smart boy!” he said.  “You do it well, ol’ fella!”

“But, sir, it is quite true, I assure you.  I will count over the money before you.  Do you know how much you had?”

“Nev’ mind.  Help me up!”

Leonard stooped over and helped the drunkard to a sitting position.

“Where am I?  Where is hotel?”

Leonard answered him.

“Take me to hotel, and I’ll give you a dollar.”

“Certainly, sir,” said Leonard, briskly.  He was to get his dollar after all, and would not have to steal it.  I am afraid he is not to be praised for his honesty, as it seemed to be a matter of necessity.

“I wish he’d give me five dollars,” thought Leonard, but didn’t see his way clear to make the suggestion.

He placed the man on his feet, and guided his steps to the road.  As he walked along, the inebriate, whose gait was at first unsteady, recovered his equilibrium and required less help.

“How long had you been lying there?” asked Leonard.

“Don’t know.  I was taken sick,” and the inebriate nodded knowingly at Leonard, who felt at liberty to laugh, too.

“Do you ever get sick?”

“Not that way,” answered Leonard.

“Smart boy!  Better off!”

They reached the hotel, and Leonard engaged a room for his companion.

“Has he got money?” asked the landlord, in a low voice.

“Yes,” answered Leonard, “he has nearly a hundred dollars.  I counted it myself.”

“That’s all right, then,” said the landlord.  “Here, James, show the gentleman up to No. 15.”