and bringing his cap further down over his forehead, Hal mingled with
the crowd outside, and a minute later went ashore.

Once on West Street, Hal stood still, undecided what to do next. He did
not know a soul in New York, did not know one street from another, but
understood very well that it would be next to useless to try to obtain
employment at this late hour.

As Hal stood meditating, the two men mentioned above brushed past him.
The boy noticed them, and then almost mechanically followed the pair.

The men passed up Cortlandt Street until they came to the Sixth Avenue
Elevated Railroad. Hal saw them mount the stairs on the opposite side of
the street, and a minute after knew they had taken an uptown train.

"I suppose I'll never see them again," thought the youth.

But Hal was mistaken. The two men were to play a most important part in
the youth's future life in the great metropolis.

Hal walked along under the elevated road until he came to Barclay
Street. He passed several fruit stands and a queer little booth where
coffee and cakes were sold.

The sight of the latter made him remember how hungry he was. He had not
had anything to eat since early morning, and although he was accustomed
to a very scanty fare at the poor-house, his stomach rebelled at this
unusually long fast.

He counted up his money, and resolved to invest fifteen cents of it in a
plate of pork and beans and some buttered cakes.

He entered a restaurant near the corner, and was soon served.

While Hal was eating he became interested in the conversation of several
young men who stood near the counter, smoking.

"You say Nathan wants more help?" he heard one of the young men say.

"Yes."

"Thought he took on two new hands yesterday."

"So he did, but the holiday trade is very heavy this year."

"Then I'll send Billy around to see him. I suppose he could do the
work."

"Anybody could who is strong and willing," was the reply. "Nathan wants
three young fellows."

At these words Hal's eyes brightened.

He arose and touched the speaker on the arm.

"Excuse me, sir," he began.

"What is it?" asked the man, rather abruptly.

"I heard you telling your friend that somebody wanted help. I am looking
for work."

The man looked Hal over, and gave a short laugh.

"I'm afraid you ain't strong enough, my boy," he said.

"I was brought up to hard work," replied Hal, earnestly.

"Well, that makes a difference."

"If you will tell