't object to New York investments."

"I hope you will succeed, Mr. Woods. I think if you are going away I had
better give up the room, and find cheaper accommodations. I am getting
near the end of my money."

"You are right. It is best to be prudent."

That evening Rodney found a room which he could rent for two dollars a
week. He estimated that by economy he could get along for fifty cents a
day for his eating, and that would be a decided saving.

He was just leaving the house the next morning, gripsack in hand, when
on the steps he met Louis Wheeler, his acquaintance of the train.

"Where are you going?" asked Wheeler.

"I am leaving this house. I have hired a room elsewhere."

Wheeler's countenance fell, and he looked dismayed.

"Why, I have just taken a room here for a week," he said.

"You will find it a good place."

"But--I wouldn't have come here if I hadn't thought I should have
company."

"I ought to feel complimented."

Rodney was convinced that Wheeler had come in the hopes of stealing
the casket of jewels a second time, and he felt amused at the fellow's
discomfiture.

"You haven't got your jewel box with you?"

"No, I can take that another time."

"Then it's still in the house," thought Wheeler with satisfaction. "It
won't be my fault if I don't get it in my hands. Well, good morning," he
said. "Come around and call on me."

"Thank you!"

CHAPTER VII.

AT THE NEWSBOY'S LODGING HOUSE.

Within a week Rodney had spent all his money, with the exception of
about fifty cents. He had made every effort to obtain a place, but
without success.

Boys born and bred in New York have within my observation tried for
months to secure a position in vain, so it is not surprising that Rodney
who was a stranger proved equally unsuccessful.

Though naturally hopeful Rodney became despondent.

"There seems to be no place for me," he said to himself. "When I was at
boarding school I had no idea how difficult it is for a boy to earn a
living."

He had one resource. He could withdraw the box of jewels from Tiffany's,
and sell some article that it contained. But this he had a great
objection to doing. One thing was evident however, he must do something.

His friend, the lot agent, was out of town, and he hardly knew whom
to advise with. At last Mike Flynn, the friendly bootblack, whose
acquaintance he had made in front of the Astor House, occurred to him.

Mike, humble as he was, was better