running expenses," he said. "No, don't try to refuse it, or
I shall be angry with you."

As Nat's shoes were worn, the young man insisted upon purchasing another
pair, and then purchased the boy some collars and a necktie, and also a
new hat.

"There, now you are fixed to go to New York," said he, "and I wish you
the best of luck when you get there."

"Thank you very much."

"If you have time, write to me and let me know how you are making out."

"I will."

The night was spent in a hotel close to the railroad station, and early
in the morning Paul Hampton saw Nat on the train. All of the boy's
possessions had been put in a neat dress-suit case, also a present from
the young man.

"Here is a letter I want you to read after you are well on your way,"
said Paul Hampton, on parting, and he handed the missive over. "Be
careful of it, for I think it contains some advice that will do you
good."

"Thank you; I'll take care of it, and give it a good reading," answered
Nat, and in a moment more the train started, and the long journey to New
York City was begun.

Our hero sank back in his seat with a good deal of satisfaction. His
passage was paid through, and he had exactly four dollars and
seventy-five cents in his pocket.

"I ought to get something to do before I spend that amount," he told
himself. "Of course, it's not as much as if I had that roll of bills I
lost, but there is no use in crying over spilt milk."

The run down to Buffalo was quickly made, and then the train started on
its long journey to Albany and the great metropolis. After looking out
of the window for a while, our hero took the letter Paul Hampton had
given him, from his pocket and opened it. Inside was another envelope,
also sealed, and a bit of paper on which was written:

"MY DEAR FRIEND:

"Do not be discouraged, no matter what happens, when you arrive in
New York. Try your best to get some good position. If you run short
of funds inside of the next two months, open the envelope enclosed
with this. It contains something that will help you on your way. Do
not lose the envelope.

"Ever your friend,
"PAUL HAMPTON."

"That's certainly an odd letter," thought Nat, as he read it over a
second time. "Wonder what that other envelope contains?"

His curiosity was great, but he was a thoroughly conscientious lad, and
after a while he put the sealed envelope in an inside pocket, and pinned
it there, so