Presently the old man stirred and looked at his bench companion. In Morley's appearance he seemed to recognize something superior to the usual nightly occupants of the benches.
«Kind sir,» he whined, «if you could spare a dime or even a few pennies to one who»—
Morley cut short his stereotyped appeal by throwing him a dollar.
«God bless you!» said the old man. «I've been trying to find work for»—
«Work!» echoed Morley with his ringing laugh. «You are a fool, my friend. The world is a rock to you, no doubt; but you must be an Aaron and smite it with your rod. Then things better than water will gush out of it for you. That is what the world is for. It gives to me whatever I want from it.»
«God has blessed you,» said the old man. «It is only work that I have known. And now I can get no more.»
«I must go home,» said Morley, rising and buttoning his coat. «I stopped here only for a smoke. I hope you may find work.»
«May your kindness be rewarded this night,» said the old man.
«Oh,» said Morley, «you have your wish already. I am satisfied. I think good luck follows me like a dog. I am for yonder bright hotel across the square for the night. And what a moon that is lighting up the city to–night. I think no one enjoys the moonlight and such little things as I do. Well, a good–night to you.»
Morley walked to the corner where he would cross to his hotel. He blew slow streams of smoke from his cigar heavenward. A policeman passing saluted to his benign nod. What a fine moon it was.