"No, Jed. You shall room with me, and your room will cost you nothing. As to meals, I can see you through till you secure some work."
"But I don't want to be a burden upon you, Mr. Bertram."
"I don't mean that you shall be, any longer than is necessary. It will go hard if a boy like you can't find something to do that will buy his meals at a crowded watering-place."
"Thank you, Mr. Bertram. I have money enough left to buy my meals for two weeks at least."
"If we were at a regular office I could employ you as messenger, but most of the messages will come to guests in the hotel."
"I don't know exactly what I can do, but I am ready to do anything."
"Except black boots," said Bertram with a smile.
"I don't think I should like to do that if there is anything else to be found."
"I couldn't think of allowing a member of our honorable profession to undertake such menial employment."
Harry Bertram went to work that evening. Jed kept him company in the office a part of the time, and during the three succeeding days went from one hotel to another to see if he could obtain anything to do.