CHAPTER XXII.
OLIVER ADOPTS A NEW GUARDIAN.
M RS. HILL, Oliver's landlady, was glad to obtain another lodger. She had a vacant square room which she was willing to let for five dollars a week. Oliver reported this to Nicholas Bundy at the hotel the next morning.
"If the price is too high," he added, with an involuntary glance at the stranger's shabby appearance, "perhaps Mrs. Hill will take less."
"I am willing to pay five dollars," said Nicholas promptly. "If you recommend it I have no doubt it will suit me."
When Mr. Bundy presented himself to the landlady, she, too,—for necessity had made her sharp-sighted and experience had made her suspicious,—evidently felt the same distrust as to his pecuniary status.
"Would you mind paying weekly in advance?" she asked doubtfully.
A smile lighted up his rough features.
"No, ma'am," he said; "that'll suit me just as well."
He drew out a large pouch, which appeared to be full of gold pieces, and drew therefrom an eagle.