was the comment. "Come along with me. I don't
like crowds."

The gentleman caught the youth by the arm, and walked him toward
Broadway.

"You did me a great service," he went on, as the two stood on the
corner, opposite the post-office.

"I didn't do much," replied Hal, modestly.

"Don't you call saving my life much?" asked the man, with a smile.

"Oh, I don't mean that, sir. But any one would have done what I did."

"I'm not so sure about that. In New York it is every one for himself.
What is your name?"

"Hal Carson."

"You live here, I suppose?"

"No, sir."

"Where then, if I may ask?"

"I just came to New York not over half an hour ago. I intend to stay
here."

The elderly gentleman looked puzzled.

"I don't quite understand you," he said.

"I came from a small place in Pennsylvania, sir, and I intend to try my
luck here."

"Ah! Are you alone?"

"Yes, sir."

"Any friends here?"

"No, sir."

"Yes, you have."

"I have?"

"Yes--myself." The elderly gentleman laughed at his little joke. "No one
shall say he saved my life and I didn't appreciate it. So your name is
Hal Carson. Parents living?"

"I don't know, sir." Hal blushed in spite of himself. "I was brought up
at the poor-house."

"Humph! Well, you are a manly looking chap and a brave one. Have you any
idea where you are going to obtain employment?"

"No, sir. I intend to hunt around until I strike something."

"You'll find that rather up-hill work, I fancy."

"I didn't expect any snap, Mr.----"

"My name is Horace Sumner. I am a broker, and have an office on Wall
Street, near Broad. I am just returning from a visit to my sister, who
lives in Morristown. Have you any sort of an education?"

"I can read and write, and figure pretty well, and I've read all the
books I could get hold of."

"The reason I ask is because I think I may be able to help you to obtain
employment. I won't offer you money as a reward--I don't believe in such
things."

"I would not accept your money. But I would like work."

Horace Sumner meditated for a moment.

"Supposing you stop at my office to-morrow morning," he said.

"I will, sir. What time?"

"Ten o'clock."

"And what number, please?"

"Here is my card." Horace Sumner handed it to him. "Do you know where
you are going to stop over night?"

"I shall hunt up some cheap hotel."

Mr. Sumner was about to say something to the effect that Hal could
accompany him to his house and sleep in