"Who knows but what I may go to work to-morrow, and then I won't get much chance to look around," he reasoned to himself.
He was accustomed to work at the poor-house from six in the morning until eight or nine at night, and he did not know but what he would have to do more in such a bustling city as New York.
By ten o'clock Hal found himself tired out. The snow was now six inches deep and was still coming down.
He turned from Broadway through Grand Street and presently found himself well over on the east side.
"Good Beds for 25 Cents per Night."
This was the announcement on a banner strung over the sidewalk, and after reading it, Hal glanced at the building.
It was rather a dingy affair, but to the youth direct from the Fairham poor-house it appeared quite comfortable. He entered the office, and approached the clerk at the desk.
"I would like a room for to-night," he said.
"A room or a bed?" asked the clerk.
"I mean a twenty-five cent place."