Stephen. "My uncle, who lives at
a distance, occasionally sends to me to do something for him. I have
to hold myself subject to his orders. In the meantime I get an income
from him. How long have you been a newsboy?"

"Nearly two years."

"Do you like it? Why don't you get a place in a store or an office?"

"I should like to, if I could make enough; but boys get very small
salaries."

"I was about to offer to look for a place for you. I know some men in
business."

"Thank you! You are very kind, considering that we are strangers."

"Oh, well, I can judge of you by your looks. I shouldn't be afraid to
recommend you."

"Thank you!" he replied; "but unless you can offer me as much as five
dollars a week, I should feel obliged to keep on selling papers. I not
only have myself to look out for, but a mother and little brother."

Stephen nodded to himself complacently. It was the very information of
which he was in search.

"Then your father isn't living?" he said.

"No. He died in California."

"Uncle Thomas made his money in California," Stephen said to himself.
"I wonder if he knew this newsboy's father."

"Five dollars is little enough for three persons to live upon," he
went on, in a sympathetic manner.

"Mother earns something by sewing," Luke answered, unsuspiciously;
"but it takes all we can make to support us."

"Then they can't have any other resources," thought Stephen. "I am
getting on famously."

"Well, good-morning, Luke!" he said. "I'll see you later."

"How do you know my name?" asked Luke, in surprise.

"I'm an idiot!" thought Stephen. "I ought to have appeared ignorant of
his name. I have seen you before to-day," he replied, taking a little
time to think. "I heard one of the other newsboys calling you by name.
I don't pretend to be a magician."

This explanation satisfied Luke. It appeared very natural.

"I have a great memory for names," proceeded Stephen. "That reminds me
that I have not told you mine--I am Stephen Webb, at your service."

"I will remember it."

"Have a cigarette, Luke?" added Stephen, producing a packet from his
pocket."

"Thank you; I don't smoke."

"Don't smoke, and you a newsboy! I thought all of you smoked."

"Most of us do, but I promised my mother I wouldn't smoke till I was
twenty-one."

"Then I'm old enough to smoke. I've smoked ever since I was twelve
years old--well, good morning!"

"That'll do for one day," thought Stephen Webb.

It was three