ere you, Mr. Hampton, I'd consider myself lucky
to get rid of such a girl. Supposing she had married you? You would most
likely be miserable all your life with her."

At these words, Paul Hampton stared at Nat.

"You are right," he answered, presently. "I was a big fool. After this
I shall drop her entirely and stick to my law business."

"Perhaps some day she'll be sorry she treated you so unfairly--when she
sees how you are rising in your profession."

"Hope she does. But I don't want any more to do with her," went on Paul
Hampton, decidedly. "Let us talk about something else," he added, after
a pause. "Did you tell me you were worth only twenty-two cents?"

"I did."

"Do your folks live around here?"

"My parents are dead."

"Oh! Well, I want to reward you for what you did for me."

"I don't ask any reward."

"Nevertheless, you must accept something," answered the fashionably
dressed young man.

CHAPTER VIII

A FRESH START IN LIFE

Nat and his newly-found friend sat in the Niagara Falls Park until
nearly one o'clock, talking their affairs over. Then Paul Hampton asked
the boy to go with him for dinner.

"I want to prove to you that I am not as crazy as I seemed," said the
young man. "That was a sudden fit, that's all."

"Well, take my advice and don't get any more such fits," answered our
hero.

Paul Hampton led the way to one of the leading hotels of the town, and
showed Nat where he could wash and brush up before dining. Then the two
entered the dining hall, and the youth was treated to the finest spread
he had ever tasted.

"I didn't expect this, Mr. Hampton," said he, when the repast was over.

"Oh, that is not much. Do you smoke?"

"No, sir."

"I am glad to hear it. I think I smoke too much. Now, to get to
business. Where are you going to from here?"

"I am going to try my luck in New York, if I can manage to get there."

"I see. Well, I'll buy you a railroad ticket. How does that strike you?"

"You are very kind."

"When do you want to start?"

"I am not particular."

"Then supposing you make it to-morrow morning? You can spend the balance
of the day and the night with me. I want to do something more for you."

Nat demurred, but the young man would not listen, and in the end our
hero agreed to remain in Niagara Falls until the next morning. A
railroad ticket was purchased, and handed to the boy, and with it Paul
Hampton passed over a five-dollar bill.

"That is for