“It's a shame,” he thought, “that this green, country boy should be paid nearly as much as I—I must call and tell mother.”
Grant was a very happy boy that evening. He resolved to lay aside three dollars a week to send to his mother, to save up a dollar a week and deposit it in some savings bank, and make the other two dollars answer for his clothing and miscellaneous expenses.
On the next Monday afternoon Grant walked home alone, Mr. Reynolds having some business which delayed him. He thought he would walk up Broadway, as there was much in that crowded thoroughfare to amuse and interest him.
Just at the corner of Canal Street he came across Tom Calder. Tom was standing in a listless attitude with his hands in his pockets, with apparently no business cares weighing upon his mind.
“Hello, Grant!” he said, with sudden recognition.
“How are you, Tom?”
“I'm all right, but I'm rather hard up.”
Grant was not surprised to hear that.
“You see, there's a feller owes me seven dollars, and I can't get it till next week,” continued Tom, watching Grant's face to see if he believed it.
Grant did not believe it, but did not think it necessary to say so.