Somehow Jed was cheered by this act of kindness. He felt a little better satisfied with himself, moreover, when he saw the transformation of his dirty shoes to the polish that marks the gentleman.
A man rather shabbily dressed was drawn by this outward sign of affluence to sit down beside him. He took a brief inventory of Jed, and then doffing his hat, said deferentially, "Young gentleman, I hope you will excuse the liberty I am taking, but I have walked all the way from Buffalo, and am reduced almost to my last penny. In fact this nickel," producing one from his pocket, "is all the money I have left. If you will kindly loan me a quarter I shall esteem it a great favor."
Jed felt like laughing. He had not a penny, yet here was a man richer than himself asking for a loan.
"I wish I were able to oblige you," he said, "but you are asking me for more than I possess."
The man glanced incredulously at Jed's polished shoes.
"You don't look poor," he said, in a tone of sarcasm.
"No, I don't look poor, but you are five cents richer than I."
The man shrugged his shoulders. He evidently did not believe Jed.
"It is quite true," continued Jed, answering the doubt on the man's face. "Last night I was robbed of all the money I had. Had you applied to me yesterday I would have granted your request."