He turned upon his heel and walked out of the store.
As he passed the counter where Wilbur was standing, the young man said:
“I am awfully sorry, Philip. It's a shame! If I wasn't broke I'd offer to lend you a fiver.”
“Thank you all the same for your kind offer, Wilbur,” said Phil.
“Come round and see me.”
“So I will—soon.”
He left the store and wandered aimlessly about the streets.
Four days later, sick with hope deferred, he made his way down to the wharf of the Charleston and Savannah boats, with a vague idea that he might get a job of carrying baggage, for he felt that he must not let his pride interfere with doing anything by which he could earn an honest penny.
It so happened that the Charleston boat was just in, and the passengers were just landing.
Phil stood on the pier and gazed listlessly at them as they disembarked.