To Strong's mind satisfactory quarters meant rooms of good size, and well lighted. We finally found connecting space in a private house. He seemed anxious to see New Orleans, and started out while I looked up some old acquaintances, but I found him awaiting me at our lodgings in the early evening.
"Ben, I have done it. I've paid out the money, and I'm going to see it through," was his greeting.
"Paid for what?" I asked, unable to avoid smiling at his cheerful optimism.
"Fifty dollars to learn telegraphy. They say I can do it in sixty days, and when I have completed my course I will get a job. New Orleans looks to me like a regular place. I like it."
For a moment I thought he might have been indulging in some of the mixtures for which the Southern Metropolis is noted, but it was only the wine of youthful credulity that did the talking.
"That's good," I assented quickly. "When do you commence?"
"Oh, I have already started in. I took my first lesson this afternoon. How did you make out? Can you get a job here?" There could be no doubt of his keen desire to have me stay near him.
"Yes—two or three things turned up to-day."
"And any one of them better than going to sea, I'll bet?"