Part 43 (2/2)
”I shall be glad to do so, sir.”
Mr. Pettigrew called for his key and led the way up to a plain room on the third floor.
”Come in,” he said. ”The room is small, but I guess it will hold us both. Now go ahead with your story.”
In a short time Rodney had told his story in full to his new acquaintance, encouraged to do so by his sympathetic manner. Mr.
Pettigrew was quite indignant, when told of Jasper's mean and treacherous conduct.
”That boy Jasper is a snake in the gra.s.s,” he said. ”I'd like to give him a good thras.h.i.+ng.”
”There isn't any love lost between us, Mr. Pettigrew, but I think it will turn out right in the end. Still I find it hard to get a place in New York with him circulating stories about me.”
”Then why do you stay in New York?”
”I have thought it might be better to go to Philadelphia or Boston.”
”I can tell you of a better place than either.”
”What is that?”
”Montana.”
”Do you really think it would be wise for me to go there?”
”Think? I haven't a doubt about it.”
”I have money enough to get there, but not much more. I should soon have to find work, or I might get stranded.”
”Come back with me, and I'll see you through. I'll make a bargain with you. Go round with me here, and I'll pay your fare out to Montana.”
”If you are really in earnest I will do so, and thank you for the offer.”
”Jefferson Pettigrew means what he says. I'll see you through, Rodney.”
”But I may be interfering with your other friend, Louis Wheeler.”
”I shall soon be through with him. You needn't worry yourself about that.”
Mr. Pettigrew insisted upon Rodney's taking supper with him. Fifteen minutes after Rodney left him Mr. Wheeler made his appearance.
CHAPTER XXIII.
MR. WHEELER HAS A SET BACK.
Louis Wheeler had not seen Rodney in the hotel office, and probably would not have recognized him if he had, as Rodney was quite differently dressed from the time of their first meeting. He had no reason to suppose, therefore, that Mr. Pettigrew had been enlightened as to his real character.
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