Part 2 (2/2)
”I don't know, sir.” Hal blushed in spite of himself. ”I was brought up at the poor-house.”
”Humph! Well, you are a manly looking chap and a brave one. Have you any idea where you are going to obtain employment?”
”No, sir. I intend to hunt around until I strike something.”
”You'll find that rather up-hill work, I fancy.”
”I didn't expect any snap, Mr.----”
”My name is Horace Sumner. I am a broker, and have an office on Wall Street, near Broad. I am just returning from a visit to my sister, who lives in Morristown. Have you any sort of an education?”
”I can read and write, and figure pretty well, and I've read all the books I could get hold of.”
”The reason I ask is because I think I may be able to help you to obtain employment. I won't offer you money as a reward--I don't believe in such things.”
”I would not accept your money. But I would like work.”
Horace Sumner meditated for a moment.
”Supposing you stop at my office to-morrow morning,” he said.
”I will, sir. What time?”
”Ten o'clock.”
”And what number, please?”
”Here is my card.” Horace Sumner handed it to him. ”Do you know where you are going to stop over night?”
”I shall hunt up some cheap hotel.”
Mr. Sumner was about to say something to the effect that Hal could accompany him to his house and sleep in one of the rooms over the barn, but he changed his mind.
”Let the boy hoe his own row. It will do him good,” he thought to himself.
Horace Sumner was a self-made man, and he knew that self reliance is one of the best traits a boy can cultivate.
”I am going over to the Third Avenue elevated now,” he said. ”Remember, I expect to see you at ten sharp.”
”I will be on hand, sir,” returned Hal.
”Then good-night.”
”Good-night, Mr. Sumner, and much obliged.”
Hal watched the gentleman cross City Hall Park, and then started up Broadway.
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