“Then how happens it that you are going out? You are not over seventeen, I judge.”
“I am only sixteen, sir. My principal object in going out is to seek my fortune.”
“Are you poor?” asked the old man abruptly.
“Not exactly,” said Tom. “That is, I have a few hundred dollars, and shall perhaps have something besides, but my fortune is to be made. I have been rich, but I lost nearly all I had.”
“Does it trouble you?”
“Not at all,” said Tom. “I am not afraid but I can make my way.”
“You have, at any rate, something that is better than money,” said the old man.
“What is that, sir?”
“Youth, health and strength. I have neither of these, but I have money. How gladly would I exchange with you!”
Tom felt that he would not care to make the exchange.