off than himself. Moreover he was
a New York boy, and knew more about "hustling" than Rodney did. So he
sought out Mike in his "office."

"Good morning, Mike," said Rodney, as the bootblack was brushing off a
customer.

"Oh, its you, Rodney," said Mike smiling with evident pleasure. "How
you're gettin' on?"

"Not at all."

"That's bad. Can I help you? Just say the word, and I'll draw a check
for you on the Park Bank."

"Is that where you keep your money?"

"It's one of my banks. You don't think I'd put all my spondulics in one
bank, do you?"

"I won't trouble you to draw a check this morning. I only want to ask
some advice."

"I've got plenty of that."

"I haven't been able to get anything to do, and I have only fifty cents
left. I can't go on like that."

"That's so."

"I've got to give up my room on Fourteenth Street. I can't pay for it
any longer. Do you think I could get in at the Lodge?"

"Yes. I'll introduce you to Mr. O'Connor."

"When shall I meet you?"

"At five o'clock. We'll be in time for supper."

"All right."

At five o'clock Mike accompanied Rodney to the large Newsboys' Lodging
House on New Chambers Street. Mr. O'Connor, the popular and efficient
superintendent, now dead, looked in surprise at Mike's companion. He was
a stout man with a kindly face, and Rodney felt that he would prove to
be a friend.

"Mr. O'Connor, let me introduce me friend, Mr. Rodney Ropes," said Mike.

"Could you give me a lodging?" asked Rodney in an embarrassed tone.

"Yes; but I am surprised to see a boy of your appearance here."

"I am surprised to be here myself," admitted Rodney.

The superintendent fixed upon him a shrewd, but kindly glance.

"Have you run away from home?" he asked.

"No, sir. It is my home that has run away from me."

"Have you parents?"

"No, sir."

"Do you come from the country?"

"Yes, sir."

"Where have you been living?"

"At a boarding school a few hours from New York."

"Why did you leave it?"

"Because my guardian sent me word that he had lost my fortune, and could
no longer pay my bills."

"You have been unfortunate truly. What do you propose to do now?"

"Earn my living if I can. I have been in the city for about two weeks,
and have applied at a good many places but in vain."

"Then you were right in coming here. Supper is ready, and although it
is not what you are used to, it will satisfy hunger. Mike, you can take
Rodney with you."

Within five min