The Cash Boy [9]
``My parents are dead,'' said Frank, sadly.
``Very sorry, but we can't take you.''
``Why not, sir?''
``In case you took anything we should make your parents responsible.''
``I shouldn't take anything,'' said Frank, indignantly.
``You might; I can't take you.''
Our hero left this store a little disheartened by his second rebuff.
He made several more fruitless applications, but did not lose courage wholly. He was gaining an appetite, however. It is not surprising therefore, that his attention was drawn to the bills of a restaurant on the opposite side of the street. He crossed over, and standing outside, began to examine them to see what was the scale of prices. While in this position he was suddenly aroused by a slap on the back.
Turning he met the gaze of a young man of about thirty, who was smiling quite cordially.
``Why, Frank, my boy, how are you?'' he said, offering his hand.
``Pretty well, thank you,'' said our hero bewildered, for he had no recollection of the man who had called him by name.
The other smiled a little more broadly, and thought:
``It was a lucky guess; his name is Frank.''
``I am delighted to hear it,'' he continued. ``When did you reach the city?''
``This morning,'' said the unsuspecting Frank.
``Well, it's queer I happened to meet you so soon, isn't it? Going to stay long?''
``I shall, if I can get a place.''
``Perhaps I can help you.''
``I suppose I ought to remember you,'' ventured our hero, ``but I can't think of your name.''
``Jasper Wheelock. You don't mean to say you don't remember me? Perhaps it isn't strange, as we only met once or twice in your country home. But that doesn't matter. I'm just as ready to help you. By the way, have you dined?''
``No.''
``No more have I. Come in and dine with me.''
``What'll you take?'' asked Jasper Wheelock, passing the bill of fare to Frank.
``I think I should like to have some roast beef,'' said Frank.
``That will suit me. Here, waiter, two plates of roast beef, and two cups of coffee.''
``How are they all at home?'' asked Jasper.
``My mother has just died.''
``You don't say so,'' said Jasper, sympathetically.
``My sister is well.''
``I forgot your sister's name.''
``Grace.''
``Of course--Grace. I find it hard to remember names. The fact is, I have been trying to recall your last name, but it's gone from me.''
``Fowler.''
``To be sure Frank Fowler. How could I be so forgetful.''
The conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the coffee and roast beet, which both he and his new friend attacked with vigor.
``What kind of pudding will you have?'' asked the stranger.
``Apple dumpling,'' said Frank.
``That suits me. Apple dumpling for two.''
In due time the apple dumpling was disposed of, and two checks were brought, amounting to seventy cents.
``I'll pay for both,'' said Jasper. ``No thanks. We are old acquaintances, you know.''
He put his hand into his pocket, and quickly withdrew it with an exclamation of surprise:
``Well, if that isn't a good joke,'' he said. ``I've left my money at home. I remember now, I left it in the pocket of my other coat. I shall have to borrow the money of you. You may as well hand me a dollar!''
Frank was not disposed to be suspicious, but the request for money made him uneasy. Still there seemed no way of refusing, and he reluctantly drew out the money.
His companion settled the bill and then led the way into the street.
Jasper Wheelock was not very scrupulous; he was quite capable of borrowing money, without intending to return it; but he had his good side.
``Frank,'' said he, as they found themselves in the street, ``you have done me a favor, and I am going to help you in return. Have you got very much money?''
``No. I had twenty dollars when I left home, but I had to pay my fare in the cars and the dinner, I have seventeen dollars and a half left.''
``Then it is necessary for you to get a place as soon as possible.''
``Yes; I have a sister to support; Grace,