The crowd gradually diminished. Every family, however poor, had some relations or acquaintances who were willing to give them a temporary shelter, though in most cases it fed to most uncomfortable crowding. But the poor know how to sympathize with the poor, and cheerfully bore the discomfort for the sake of alleviating the misfortune which might some day come upon themselves.
"Where shall we go, mother?" asked Jimmy anxiously.
Mrs. Hoffman looked doubtfully at Paul.
"I suppose we must seek shelter somewhere," she said.
"How will the Fifth Avenue Hotel suit you?" asked Paul.
"I think I will wait till my new dress is finished," she said, smiling faintly.
"Why, what's the matter, Paul? You're not burnt out, are you?"
Turning at the voice, Paul recognized Sam Norton, a newsboy, who sold papers near his own stand.
"Just about so, Sam," he answered. "We're turned into the street."
"And where are you going to stop over night?"