"Well, it's all the money I've got."
"I am afraid you have been extravagant, Dick," said Frank, in disappointment.
"Last night I went to Tony Pastor's, and when I got through I went into a saloon and got an ice-cream and a cigar. You couldn't expect a feller to be very rich after that. I say, I'll lend you five cents if you want it."
"No, thank you, Dick. I'll wait till you are richer."
"I tell you what, Frank, I'll save up my money, and by day after to-morrow I guess I can set you up."
"Thank you, Dick. If I don't have the money by that time myself I'll accept your offer."
There was no other boy with whom Frank felt sufficiently well acquainted to request a loan, and he walked away, feeling rather disappointed. It was certainly provoking to think that nothing but the lack of a small sum stood between him and remunerative employment. Once started he determined not to spend quite all his earnings, but to improve upon his friend Dick's practice, and, if possible, get a little ahead.
When guiding the blind man he often walked up Broadway, and mechanically he took the same direction, walking slowly along, occasionally stopping to look in at a shop-window.
As he was sauntering along he found himself behind two gentlemen,—one an old man, who wore gold spectacles; the other, a stout, pleasant-looking man, of middle age. Frank would not have noticed them particularly but for a sudden start and exclamation from the elder of the two gentlemen.
"I declare, Thompson," he said, "I've left my umbrella down-town."