Part 9 (1/2)
Rodney decided to call at the office of his late guardian, Benjamin Fielding. It was in the lower part of the city.
On his way down town he purchased a copy of a morning paper. Almost the first article he glanced at proved to be of especial interest to him. It was headed--
SKIPPED TO CANADA
Rumors have been rife for some time affecting the business standing of Mr. Benjamin Fielding, the well known commission merchant. Yesterday it was discovered that he had left the city, but where he has gone is unknown. It is believed that he is very deeply involved, and seeing no way out of his embarra.s.sment has skipped to Canada, or perhaps taken pa.s.sage to Europe. Probably his creditors will appoint a committee to look into his affairs and report what can be done.
LATER--An open letter has been found in Mr. Fielding's desk, addressed to his creditors. It expresses regret for their losses, and promises, if his life is spared, and fortune favors him, to do all in his power to make them good. No one doubts Mr. Fielding's integrity, and regrets are expressed that he did not remain in the city and help unravel the tangle in which his affairs are involved. He is a man of ability, and as he is still in the prime of life, it may be that he will be able to redeem his promises and pay his debts in full, if sufficient time is given him.
”I can get no help or advice from Mr. Fielding,” thought Rodney. ”I am thrown upon my own resources, and must fight the battle of life as well as I can alone.”
He got out in front of the Astor House. As he left the car he soiled his shoes with the mud so characteristic of New York streets.
”s.h.i.+ne your boots?” asked a young Arab, glancing with a business eye at Rodney's spattered shoes.
Rodney accepted his offer, not so much because he thought the blacking would last, as for the opportunity of questioning the free and independent young citizen who was doing, what he hoped to do, that is, making a living for himself.
”Is business good with you?” asked Rodney. ”It ought to be with the street in this condition.”
”Yes; me and de Street Commissioner is in league together. He makes business good for me.”
”And do you pay him a commission?” asked Rodney smiling.
”I can't tell no official secrets. It might be bad for me.”
”You are an original genius.”
”Am I? I hope you ain't callin' me names.”
”Oh no. I am only paying you a compliment. What is your name?”
”Mike Flynn.”
”Were do you live, Mike?”
”At the Lodge.”
”I suppose you mean at the Newsboys' 'Lodge?'”
”Yes.”
”How much do you have to pay there?”
”Six cents for lodgin', and six cents for supper and breakfast.”
”That is, six cents for each.”
”Yes; you ain't comin' to live there, are you?” asked Mike.
”I don't know--I may have to.”