About one o'clock, after applying at several stores for employment, but ineffectually, he found himself standing at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Fourteenth Street.
A tall gentleman, with a dignified air, probably seventy years of age, accosted him as he stood there.
"My young friend," he said, "will you dine with me?"
Oliver looked at him in astonishment to see if he was in earnest.
"I do not wish to dine alone," said the other. "Be my guest unless you have dined."
"No, sir, I have not dined; but I am a stranger to you."
"Very true; we shall get acquainted before dinner is over."
"Then I will accept your invitation with pleasure, sir. It is the more acceptable because I am out of a situation and have very little money."
"You are well dressed."
"Very true, sir. My dress is deceptive, however."