ht up in the street?"

"Oh, no," answered Rodney, "I was more fortunate."

"Then how does it happen that I find you here--among the needy boys of
the city?"

"Because I am needy, too."

"But you were not always poor?"

"No; I inherited a moderate fortune from my father. It was only within a
short time that I learned from my guardian that it was lost. I left the
boarding school where I was being educated, and came to the city to try
to make a living."

"But surely your guardian would try to provide for you?"

"He is no longer in the city."

"Who was he?" asked Otis Goodnow.

"Mr. Benjamin Fielding."

"Is it possible? Why, I lost three thousand dollars by him. He has
treated you shamefully."

"It was not intentional, I am sure," said Rodney. "He was probably drawn
into using my money by the hope of retrieving himself. He wrote me that
he hoped at some time to make restitution."

"You speak of him generously, my lad," said Mr. Mulgrave. "Yet he has
brought you to absolute poverty."

"Yes, sir, and I won't pretend that it is not a hard trial to me, but if
I can get a chance to earn my own living, I will not complain."

"Goodnow, a word with you," said the Englishman, and he drew his friend
aside. "Can't you make room for this boy in your establishment?"

Otis Goodnow hesitated. "At present there is no vacancy," he said.

"Make room for him, and draw upon me for his wages for the first six
months."

"I will do so, but before the end of that time I am sure he will justify
my paying him out of my own pocket."

There was a little further conference, and then the two gentlemen came
up to where Rodney was standing with Mr. O'Connor.

"My boy," said Mr. Mulgrave, "my friend here will give you a place at
five dollars a week. Will that satisfy you?"

Rodney's face flushed with pleasure.

"It will make me very happy," he said.

"Come round to my warehouse--here is my business card--tomorrow
morning," said the merchant. "Ask to see me."

"At what time shall I call, sir?"

"At half past nine o'clock. That is for the first morning. When you get
to work you will have to be there at eight."

"There will be no trouble about that, sir."

"Now it is my turn," said the Englishman. "Here are five dollars to keep
you till your first week's wages come due. I dare say you will find them
useful."

"Thank you very much, sir. I was almost out of money."

After the two gentlemen left the Lodging House Rodney looke