Robert thought that the boy’s mind might be wandering, but continued:
“Have you no friends in Columbus?”
“No. I have no friends anywhere!” answered Bill sorrowfully, “except Dick Schmidt.”
“I suppose Dick is a boy?”
“Yes.”
“Where have you been living?”
“You won’t take me back there?” said Bill uneasily.
“I won’t take you anywhere where you don’t want to go. I want to be your friend, if you will let me.”
“I should like a friend,” answered Bill slowly. Then, examining the kind, boyish face that was bent over him, he said, “I like you.”
“Have you had anything to eat to-day?” asked Robert.