This was an embarrassing question for Robert. The fact is, that his entire worldly wealth, so far as he carried it with him, consisted of twenty-five cents, and this, so far from enabling him from going on to New York, would not even pay for his breakfast, unless he confined himself to a very frugal one. He felt a little shame at confessing this to Major Woodley, who had the air of a man of large means, yet he could not help confessing to himself that it would be very agreeable for him to pursue his journey in company with the Major and his daughter to New York. Of course he would become very well acquainted with the daughter, and this he thought he should like very much.
He had never had a sister, and he felt that she would be one to him.
So he hesitated, and did not immediately answer the question asked.
"If this would interfere with any of your arrangements, or if you have other friends to travel with," proceeded Major Woodley, observing his hesitation, "don't hesitate to say so."
"It is not that," said Robert, "I am traveling alone."
"So I supposed, as I saw no one with you on the boat. Why then will you not join us?"
"I will tell you," said Robert, making up his mind to tell the truth. "I find myself out of money, and I shall be obliged to wait here until I can receive money enough from my guardian to pay my fare to New York."
"Does your guardian, then, live in New York?" asked the major.
"Yes, sir."
"May I ask his name? I have some considerable acquaintance in New York, and perhaps I may know him."