"I have been a year as an errand-boy," George answered; "but I didn't like it, and I thought I would rather get some sort of work that I could work at when I got to be a man instead of sticking in a shop."
"Did you run away from home, then?" the gentleman asked.
"No, sir. My mother was ill and went into an infirmary, and so as I was alone I thought I would come to London and try to get the sort of work I liked; but I have tried almost all over London."
"And are you all alone here?"
"No, sir, not quite alone. I found a friend in that boy there, and we have worked together since I came up."
"Well, lad, if you really want work I can give it you."
"Oh, thank you, sir!" George exclaimed fervently.
"And your friend too, if he likes. I have some works down at Limehouse and employ a good many boys. Here is the address;" and he took a card from his pocket, wrote a few words on the back of it, and handed it to George.
"Ask for the foreman, and give him that, and he will arrange for you to begin work on Monday. Come along, Nellie; we have got to buy the fruit for to-morrow, you know."
So saying he took his daughter's hand, and George, wild with delight, ran off to tell Bill that he had obtained work for them both.