“If you get out of money, jist come to me, Mister Tom.”
“Thank you, Mike,” said Tom, grasping his hand heartily. “I’ll do that rather than starve, I promise you, but I’ve got a week to find a place in, and perhaps I shall be as lucky as you.”
“Thank you, Mister Tom. Mike Lawton’s your friend, if you ain’t ashamed to own him.”
“Not I, Mike. I am glad of your friendship, and perhaps I’ll prove it, by and by, by borrowing all your money.”
“Thank you, Mister Tom,” said honest Mike, really gratified by Tom’s promise.
“And now, Mike, I must bid you good-night. I feel rather sleepy, and shall enjoy sleeping in a bed again. I’ll come round and see you again in a day or two.”
As Tom walked away he felt still more encouraged about his prospects. Since Mike had been fortunate, why might not he be also?
Arrived at his hotel, Tom asked for a candle, as he wished to go to his room.
“There’s a light up there,” said the clerk. “The other gentlemen have just gone up.”
“I wonder what they are like?” thought Tom as he ascended the stairs.