might
have been a brief one."

"I am glad I have been able to be of service to you."

"You were a friend in need, and a friend in need is a friend indeed.
It is only fair that I should be a friend to you. It's a poor rule
that doesn't work both ways."

Joe was favorably impressed with the speaker's appearance. He was a
man of middle height, rather stout, with a florid complexion, and an
open, friendly face.

"Thank you, sir," he said, "I need a friend, and shall be glad of
your friendship."

"Then here's my hand. Take it, and let us ratify our friendship."

Joe took the proffered hand and shook it cordially.

"My name is George Morgan," said the stranger. "I came from
Philadelphia. Now we know each other. Where are you staying?"

Joe's face flushed and he looked embarrassed.

"Just before I came up with you," he answered, thinking frankness
best, "I was robbed of two dollars and a half, all the money I had in
this world. I shall have to stop in the streets to-night."

"Not if I know it," said Morgan emphatically. "This bed isn't very
large, but you are welcome to a share of it. To-morrow we will form
our plans."

"Shan't I inconvenience you, sir?" asked Joe.

"Not a bit," answered Morgan heartily.

"Then I will stay, sir, and thank you. After the adventure I have
had to-night, I shouldn't enjoy being out in the streets."

"Tell me how you came to be robbed. Was it by the same man who made
the attack upon me?"

"No, sir. I wish it had been, as then I should feel even with him.
It was a man that looked very much like him, though."

Joe gave an account of the robbery, to which his new friend listened
with attention.

"Evidently," he said, "the street we were in is not a very safe one.
Have you had any supper?"

"Oh, yes, sir. Luckily, I got that and paid for it before I had my
money taken."

"Good. Now, as I am tired, I will go to bed, and you can follow when
you feel inclined."

"I will go now, sir. I have been walking the streets all day, in
search of work, and, though I found none, I am tired, all the same."

They woke up at seven o'clock.

"How did you rest, Joe?" asked George Morgan.

"Very well, sir."

"Do you feel ready for breakfast?"

"As soon as I can earn money enough to pay for it."

"Don't trouble yourself about that. You are going to breakfast with
me."

"You are very kind, Mr. Morgan, but I wish you had some work for me
to do, so that I could pay you."