“Do you know what he is now?”
“He tells me he is in business.”
“His business is carried on at the gambling house, so my young friend here assures me. You will get no help from him.”
“I begin to think so. Perhaps I was foolish to leave my home, poor as it was, and come here to ask help.”
“How much money will take you home?”
“Two dollars.”
“Here is a ten-dollar bill. Take it, get a meal and a night’s lodging and in the morning start for home. It is the best thing you can do. As for your son, you can only leave him to his own devices. A man who will treat his old father as he has treated you will never prosper.”
“Thank you, sir. I will follow your advice.”
“I would rather be in your position, old and poor as you are, than in his.”
“Chester,” added Mr. Perkins, as they walked on, “this Ralston is a more contemptible rascal than I thought. If my old father were living, I would give half the money I possess. While I had a dollar in my pocket he should share it.”