“I am sorry to hear that,” said Grant.

“I expected a place in Wall Street, but I came just too late, and things are awful dull anyway. Then I was robbed of my money.”

“How much?” asked Grant, curiously, for he didn't believe a word of it.

“Eight dollars and thirty-three cents,” replied Tom, glibly.

“I thought you were too smart to be robbed,” said Grant, slyly. “If it had been a green boy from the country like me, now, it wouldn't have been surprising.”

“I was asleep when I was robbed,” explained Tom, hurriedly. “A fellow got into my room in the night, and picked my pocket. I couldn't help that, now, could I?”

“I suppose not.”

“So I had to get something to do, or go back to Colebrook. I say, Grant—-”

“Well?”

“Don't you tell any of the fellers at home what business I'm in, that's a good fellow.”