“There,” he said. “I cannot afford that very well, but I hate to see any one in want. I hope by the time that is gone you will find work. Are you alone in the world?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Then, if you cannot get work here, I advise you to strike out for some other place.”
“Thank you; I won’t stay in New York much longer.”
Oliver did not reply, and the two separated.
“Cannot find work anywhere,” mused the boy; “it must be hard indeed. What will father and I do if the Aurora mine scheme proves a failure? I would be nearly as badly off as that poor chap. God grant it does not come to that!”
CHAPTER VIII.
A NIGHT IN NEW YORK.
From the Battery, Oliver made his way back to Wall Street. He was in hopes of seeing Colonel Mendix again, and for this reason passed and repassed Ezra Dodge’s office several times.
But his watching was fruitless, and finally by five o’clock he gave up. By this time the financial center was almost deserted, and he saw Ezra Dodge’s clerk close the office up for the day, and walk away.