"I do not need it. I am going to take a cab."
"Let me take it to the cab," persisted Sam; but he was forestalled by a hack-driver who had heard the lady's remark.
"Let me take it, ma'am," he said, thrusting Sam aside. "I've got a nice carriage just outside. Take you anywhere you want to go."
So the lady was carried away, and Sam had to make a second application. This time he addressed himself to a gentleman whose little daughter walked by his side.
"No," said the gentleman; "the carpet-bag is small. I don't need help."
The smallness of the bag, by the way, was one reason why Sam, who did not like heavy bundles, wanted to carry it. He felt that it was time to practise on the stranger's feelings.
"I want to earn some money to buy bread for my mother," he whined, in a very creditable manner, considering how inexperienced he was.
This attracted the attention of the little girl, who, like most little girls, had a tender and compassionate heart.
"Is your mother poor?" she asked.
"Very poor," said Sam. "She hasn't got a cent to buy bread for the children."