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Jed, The Poorhouse Boy
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2017 | "Well, Jim, I am much obliged to you. I hope some time I can do you a favor." | |
2018 | "Oh, that's all right. So long! I hope you'll get a job." | |
2019 | And the independent young boot- black, with his box over his shoulder, walked across the park in search of another job. | |
2020 | Somehow Jed was cheered by this act of kindness. He felt a little better satisfied with himself, moreover, when he saw the transformation of his dirty shoes to the polish that marks the gentleman. | |
2021 | A man rather shabbily dressed was drawn by this outward sign of affluence to sit down beside him. He took a brief inventory of Jed, and then doffing his hat, said deferentially, "Young gentleman, I hope you will excuse the liberty I am taking, but I have walked all the way from Buffalo, and am reduced almost to my last penny. In fact this nickel," producing one from his pocket, "is all the money I have left. If you will kindly loan me a quarter I shall esteem it a great favor." | |
2022 | Jed felt like laughing. He had not a penny yet here was a man richer than himself asking for a loan. | |
2023 | "I wish I were able to oblige you," he said, "but you are asking me for more than I possess." | |
2024 | The man glanced incredulously at Jed's polished shoes. | |
2025 | "You don't look poor," he said, in a tone of sarcasm. | |
2026 | "No, I don't look poor, but you are five cents richer than I." | |
2027 | The man shrugged his shoulders. He evidently did not believe Jed. | |
2028 | "It is quite true," continued Jed, answering the doubt on the man's face. | |
2029 | "Last night I was robbed of all the money I had. Had you applied to me yesterday I would have granted your request." | |
2030 | This frank statement disarmed the man's suspicion. | |
2031 | "I think you are speaking the truth," he said. "Though there are plenty who pretend to be poor to get rid of giving. Perhaps I shall surprise you when I say that a year ago I should have been able to lend you five thousand dollars, and have as much more left." | |
2032 | "Yes, you do surprise me! How did you lose your money?" | |
2033 | "I was a fool -- that explains it. I bought mining stocks. I was in San Francisco at the time, and my money melted like snow in the sun. A year since I was worth ten thousand dollars. To-day I am worth a nickel. Do you know what I will do with it?" | |
2034 | Jed looked at him inquiringly. | |
2035 | "I will buy a glass of beer, and drink to our good luck -- yours and mine." | |
2036 | "I hope it will bring the good luck," said Jed smiling. | |
2037 | "I would offer you a glass too, if I had another nickel." | |
2038 | "Thank you, but I never drink beer. I thank you all the same." | |
2039 | His companion rose and left the park, probably in search of a beer saloon. Jed got up, too, and took another walk. By half-past twelve he felt decidedly hungry. His break- fast had lasted him till then, but he was young and healthy, and craved three meals a day. | |
2040 | "How shall I manage to get dinner?" thought Jed seriously. | |
2041 | He paused in front of the Astor House, which he knew to be a hotel, and saw business men entering in quest of their midday lunch. | |
2042 | It was tantalizing. There was plenty of food inside, but he lacked the wherewithal to purchase a portion. | |
2043 | "Why, Jed, how are you?" came unexpectedly to his ears. He looked up and saw a brown-bearded, pleasant-faced man, whom he recognized as a fellow-guest at the Spray Hotel at Sea Spray. | |
2044 | "When did you leave Sea Spray?" asked his friend. | |
2045 | "Only yesterday." | |
2046 | "Going to stay in the city?" "Yes, if I can get anything to do." | |
2047 | "Have you been to lunch?" | |
2048 | "Not yet." | |
2049 | "Come in and lunch with me, then. I think we can find something inviting at the Astor." | |
2050 | "Saved!" thought Jed, as he gladly passed into the famous hostelry with his friend. "I wonder if he has any idea how glad I am to accept his invitation?" | |
2051 |
CHAPTER XXVI | |
2052 | JED followed his hotel friend np stairs into an upper dining-room, and they took seats at a corner table. | |
2053 | "I never like to dine alone," said Howell Foster. "I am glad I fell in with you, Jed." | |
2054 | "So am I," answered Jed. "I am more glad than you have any idea of," he said to himself. | |
2055 | "What will you order?" asked Mr. Foster pushing over the bill of fare to his companion. | |
2056 | "I have a healthy appetite and shall enjoy anything," said Jed with a smile. "Please order the same for me as for yourself." | |
2057 | Howell Foster was rather proud of his gastronomic knowledge, and took this as a compliment. | |
2058 | "You can trust me to do that," he replied. "I am used to the place and know what they succeed best in." | |
2059 | Thereupon he ordered a dinner which Jed found delicious. No expense was spared, and Jed, glancing at the bill when it was brought, found that the charge was three dollars and a half. | |
2060 | During the repast the host kept up a bright and chatty conversation. | |
2061 | "I hope you enjoyed your dinner" he said, when it was over. | |
2062 | "Actions speak louder than words," answered Jed with a smile. | |
2063 | "This is a good, reliable place. I advise you to come here often." | |
2064 | "What would he say if he could see the inside of my pocket-book?" thought Jed. "I am afraid," he said aloud, "it is too expensive for my means." |