The stranger laughed.
"Cruel parents?" he asked.
"Not much," said Clapp. "The plain reason is, that I haven't got money enough to get me out of town."
"It's the same with me," said Luke Harrison.
"Gentlemen, we are well met," said the stranger. "I'm hard up myself."
"You don't look like it," said Luke, glancing at his rather flashy attire.
"These clothes are not paid for," said the stranger, laughing; "and what's more, I don't think they are likely to be. But, I take it, you gentlemen are better off than I in one respect. You've got situations—something to do."
"Yes, but on starvation pay," said Clapp. "I'm in the office of the
'Centreville Gazette.'"
"And I'm in a shoemaker's shop. It's a beastly business for a young man of spirit," said Luke.
"Well, I'm a gentleman at large, living on my wits, and pretty poor living it is sometimes," said the stranger. "As I think we'll agree together pretty well, I'm glad I've met you. We ought to know each other better. There's my card."