Of course he might want to buy a reserved seat in advance, but Rupert did not think it likely.
After getting his information the boy went out (it was about ten o'clock), and did not reappear till four o'clock in the afternoon. Rupert noticed him as he entered the hotel, and observed that he looked anxious and despondent. He did not go upstairs at once, but sank into a chair near Rupert, and apparently gave way to sorrowful reflections.
"He has some secret trouble," thought the bell-boy. "If he would speak to me I might be able to comfort him."
On the impulse of the moment he went up to the young guest, and asked, in a low tone of sympathy,
"Are you in any trouble?"
The boy started, flushed, and looked at Rupert half suspiciously. But there was something so friendly and sympathetic in Rupert's face that he was assured of his being a safe confidant.
"Yes," he said, "I am in trouble."
"If you will tell me, perhaps I can help you."