“If so, I hope you will find him.”
“So do I.” Joe arose. “I must be going.” He paused. “Mrs. Cullum, will you let me help you?” he added, earnestly.
“Why, you have helped me a good deal already. Not one in a thousand would do what you have done—after the way my husband treated you.”
“I thought that you might be short of money.”
“I must confess I am.”
“I am not rich but, if you can use it, I can let you have five dollars.”
“I'll accept it as a loan. I don't want you to give me the money,” answered the poor woman. She thought of the things she absolutely needed, now that her husband was gone.
The money was handed over, and a few minutes later Joe took his departure. Somehow his heart felt very light because of his generosity. He had certainly played the part of a friend in need.
But he did not stop there. Early in the morning he sought out Andrew Mallison and told the hotel proprietor of Mrs. Cullum's condition.
“I was thinking that you might be able to give her work in the hotel laundry,” he continued.