"Any friends here?"
"No, sir."
"Yes, you have."
"I have?"
"Yes—myself." The elderly gentleman laughed at his little joke. "No one shall say he saved my life and I didn't appreciate it. So your name is Hal Carson. Parents living?"
"I don't know, sir." Hal blushed in spite of himself. "I was brought up at the poor-house."
"Humph! Well, you are a manly looking chap and a brave one. Have you any idea where you are going to obtain employment?"
"No, sir. I intend to hunt around until I strike something."
"You'll find that rather up-hill work, I fancy."
"I didn't expect any snap, Mr.——"