“I know all about it,” said Sam, with an air of consequence. “I know the ropes, if anybody does. I’ll show you life. Have you got the money with you?”
“Five hundred dollars of it is in a government bond. Can I sell it?”
“Oh, yes; that’s easy enough. Have you got some money besides?”
“Yes; I’ve got over seventy dollars in money.”
“I am glad you came to me,” said Sam, who had already made up his mind to help Joshua spend his money. “You are a friend of mine, and of course I feel an interest in you.”
This was quite true; Sam did feel an interest in Joshua, now that he had ascertained his ability to pay his own expenses. Otherwise, it is to be feared that the interest would have been considerably less.
“Come with me,” he said; “I’ve got to go back to the store now, but in an hour or more I shall be going out to supper. You can come with me, and then we will fix it about having a room together.”
To this proposal Joshua willingly acceded. He had walked till he was tired, and was quite willing to rest before going further.
“How do you happen to be out of the store at this time?” asked Joshua.
“I came out on a little business,” said Sam, loftily. “But it is time for me to go back. They can’t get along without me.”