Tom looked thoughtful.
“I am sixteen,” he said, “and my education is good, though it might be better. I have thought I should like to seek my fortune in the world.”
“Don’t decide hastily, Tom. Another year at school would do you good.”
“I know it, and I will take time to consider. But I must know more of the world first. Give me fifty dollars, and let me go to New York and look about me. It will keep me there a fortnight. During that time I will look around and decide how to spend the next year.”
“You have my consent, Tom,” said the lawyer. “The city abounds in temptations, but you are sixteen, and I trust to your good sense to keep clear of them. When do you want to go?”
“To-morrow,” said Tom promptly.
“Very well. You will stay at my house to-day, and you can take the morning train for the city to-morrow. The money shall be ready.”
CHAPTER XVII
TOM ARRIVES IN NEW YORK.
