“I am glad I have been able to be of service to you.”
“You were a friend in need, and a friend in need is a friend indeed. It is only fair that I should be a friend to you. It’s a poor rule that doesn’t work both ways.”
Joe was favorably impressed with the speaker’s appearance. He was a man of middle height, rather stout, with a florid complexion, and an open, friendly face.
“Thank you, sir,” he said, “I need a friend, and shall be glad of your friendship.”
“Then here’s my hand. Take it, and let us ratify our friendship.”
Joe took the proffered hand and shook it cordially.
“My name is George Morgan,” said the stranger. “I came from Philadelphia. Now we know each other. Where are you staying?”
Joe’s face flushed and he looked embarrassed.
“Just before I came up with you,” he answered, thinking frankness best, “I was robbed of two dollars and a half, all the money I had in this world. I shall have to stop in the streets to-night.”
“Not if I know it,” said Morgan emphatically. “This bed isn’t very large, but you are welcome to a share of it. To-morrow we will form our plans.”