He was ushered up stairs and into that back drawing-room which we know so well.

Sturk rose as he entered.
'Your most obedient, Mr.Dangerfield,' said the doctor, with an anxious bow.
'Good-morning, Sir,' said Dangerfield.

'I've got your note, and am here in consequence; what can I do ?' Sturk glanced at the door, to see it was shut, and then said-- 'Mr.Dangerfield, I've recollected a--_something_.' 'You _have_?
ho! Well, my good Sir ?' 'You, I know, were acquainted with--with _Charles Archer_ ?' Sturk looked for a moment on the spectacles, and then dropped his eyes.
'Charles Archer,' answered Dangerfield promptly, 'yes, to be sure.

But, Charles, you know, got into trouble, and 'tis not an acquaintance you or I can boast of; and, in fact, we must not mention him; and I have long ceased to know anything of him.' 'But, I've just remembered his address; and there's something about his private history which I very well know, and which gives me a claim upon his kind feeling, and he's now in a position to do me a material service; and there's no man living, Mr.Dangerfield, has so powerful an influence with him as yourself.

Will you use it in my behalf, and attach me to you by lasting gratitude ?' Sturk looked straight at Dangerfield; and Dangerfield looked at him, quizzically, perhaps a little ashamed, in return; after a short pause-- 'I _will_,' said Dangerfield, with a sprightly decision.