“Yes—I have fifty dollars; but I need that a hundred dollars is the lowest price for a ticket.”
“Don’t be discouraged, my young friend,” said the stranger, in the most friendly manner. “I am aware that the ordinary charge for a steerage ticket is one hundred dollars, but exceptions are sometimes made.”
“I don’t think they will make one in my case,” said Joe. “I told the agent I would agree to pay the other, half as soon as I earned it, but he said he didn’t do business in that way.”
“Of course. You are a stranger to him, don’t you see? That makes all the difference in the world. Now, I happen to be personally acquainted with him. I am sure he would do me a favor. Just give me the fifty dollars, and I’ll warrant I’ll get the ticket for you.”
Joe was not wholly without caution, and the thought of parting with his money to a stranger didn’t strike him favorably. Not that he had any doubts as to his new friend’s integrity, but it didn’t seem businesslike.
“Can’t I go with you to the office?” he suggested.
“I think I can succeed better in the negotiation if I am alone,” said the stranger. “I’ll tell you what—you needn’t hand me the money, provided you agree to take the ticket off my hands at fifty dollars if I secure it.”
“Certainly I will, and be very thankful to you.”
“I always like to help young men along,” said the stranger benevolently. “I’ll see about it to-morrow. Now, where can I meet you?”
“In this room. How will that do?”