O LIVER was walking along Broadway in very good spirits, as he well might, after such an extraordinary piece of good fortune, when all at once he became sensible that his step-brother, Roland, was approaching him.
His first impulse was to avoid the meeting by crossing the street; but, after all, why should he avoid Roland? He had done nothing to be ashamed of. Certainly, Roland was not his friend, but he had been his companion so long that there was something homelike in his face.
Roland recognized him at the instant of meeting.
"Oliver!" he exclaimed in surprise.
"How are you, Roland?" said Oliver composedly.
Roland colored and looked embarrassed.
"Are you still in the city?" he asked.
"You see I am."
"My father told me you were going to sea."
"He advised me to go to sea, but I have not followed his advice."