Gregory grasped the hands of our hero gratefully.
“You are a trump!” said he.
Then he looked at his wretched and dilapidated suit.
“I don’t like to go home like this,” he said. “I should be mortified if I met my uncle or any of my old acquaintances.”
“Oh, that can be remedied,” said Hector. “If you can lead the way to a good clothing house, where the prices are moderate, I will soon improve your appearance.”
“That I will!” answered Gregory, gladly.
Within five minutes’ walk was a good clothing house, on Kearney Street. The two entered, and a suit was soon found to fit Gregory. Then they obtained a supply of underclothing, and Gregory breathed a sigh of satisfaction. His self-respect returned, and he felt once more like his old self.
“Now,” said Hector, “I shall take you to my hotel, and enter your name as a guest. You and I can room together.”
“Do you know,” said Gregory, “I almost fear this is a dream, and that I shall wake up again a tramp, as you found me half an hour ago? I was almost in despair when you met me.”
Though Gregory seemed quite in earnest in his desire to turn over a new leaf, Hector thought it prudent to keep the funds necessary for their journey in his own possession. He gave a few dollars to Gregory as spending money, but disregarded any hints looking to a further advance.