Part 34 (1/2)

Fred was still on the Erie road, but it was now winter, and the travel had so much diminished that where he had formerly earned seven or eight dollars a week he now averaged no more than four. He began to be dissatisfied, for his income now was inadequate to meet his expenses, and he had been obliged to spend twenty dollars out of the two hundred which he had received from Mr. Lawrence at Niagara Falls. He was now seventeen, and he felt that it was high time he had entered upon some business in which he could advance by successive steps. On the road, if he remained till he was thirty years of age, he could earn no more than at present. He answered several advertis.e.m.e.nts, but secured nothing likely to be an improvement upon his present place.

One evening toward the end of December he was about to leave the cars, when his attention was drawn to an old gentleman with hair nearly white, who did not rise with the rest of the pa.s.sengers, but remained in his seat with his head leaned back and his eyes closed.

The train boy, concluding that he had fallen asleep, went up to him and touched him gently.

”We have reached Jersey City,” he said.

The old man opened his eyes slightly and gazed at him bewildered.

”I--I don't know where I am,” he murmured vaguely.

”You are in Jersey City, sir.”

”I want to go to New York.”

”You have only to cross the ferry.”

”Excuse me; I am a stranger here. I am from Ohio. Where is the ferry?”

”Let me lead you to the boat, sir.”

The old man rose feebly and put his hand to his head.

”I don't know what is the matter with me,” he said. ”I feel sick.”

”Perhaps you are upset by your journey. Come with me, and I will take care of you.”

”You are a very good boy, and I will accept your offer.”

He rose and left the car, leaning heavily on Fred's arm.

”How long have you felt unwell?” asked the train boy sympathetically.

”Ever since we left Elmira. My head troubles me.”

”It is the motion of the cars, no doubt. Here we are!”

They were just in time to reach the boat. They entered the ladies'

cabin, as Fred thought the tobacco smoke which always pervaded the cabin devoted to men would increase the old gentleman's head trouble.

”Where do you wish to go when we have reached the New York side?” asked Fred, when they were nearly across the river.

”I have a nephew living on Madison Avenue. Do you know that street?”

”Oh, yes, sir, very well. I will go up with you if you will let me know your nephew's name.”

The name was mentioned, and to Fred's surprise was that of a wealthy and influential Wall Street broker. It was clear that the old gentleman, though plainly dressed, would not need to economize.

”I think, sir,” said Fred, noticing that the old man seemed to be getting more and more feeble, ”that it will be well for you to take a cab, in order to avoid any walking. You seem very much fatigued.”