I agreed it was appalling.
“Poor devils, poor devils!” murmured Mr. Lott “what will become of them? Some of them will starve. Terrible death, starvation, Kelver; takes such a long time—especially when you're young.”
Here also I found myself in accord with him.
“Living with your parents?”
I explained to him my situation.
“Any friends?”
I informed him I was entirely dependent upon my own efforts.
“Any money? Anything coming in?”
I told him I had a few pounds still remaining to me, but that after that was gone I should be penniless.
“And to think, Kelver, that there are hundreds, thousands of young fellows precisely in your position! How sad, how very sad! How long have you been looking for a berth?”