"I have a mother and sister to assist," returned Paul.
"You don't say so?" Mr. Bradford remarked, surveying Paul with increased interest. "Then your father is not living?"
"No, sir."
"I see you are a good boy. Do you give most of your wages to your mother?"
"Yes, sir."
"And you don't think it hard, eh? You don't feel as if you'd rather spend it on yourself, eh?"
"If my mother didn't need it, I should certainly like to spend a little more on myself, but I am glad to feel that I am able to take care of her."
"That's well, my boy; I quite approve of that. By the way—it was you, I believe, who caught the pickpocket that took Miss Dearborn's money?"
"Yes, sir. Were you on the train at the time?"
"Yes; I was in the same car. It did you a great deal of credit. You are evidently sharp."