"It's the way of the world, Gilbert," said Mordaunt. "We must take it as it comes."
"Maybe," said Tom, looking at his companion earnestly, "you wouldn't like to have me room with you if you knew what I used to be."
"What did you used to be?" asked Mordaunt, not without curiosity.
"A New York bootblack."
"Is it possible?"
"Don't you want me to go?"
"No, Gilbert; my friendship is too strong for that. But I want to hear about your former life. Sit down and tell me all about it."
Mordaunt listened with interest and surprise to the story of his roommate.
"It seems," he said, in conclusion, "that there is a fortune somewhere to which you are entitled."
"Yes," said our hero, "but my uncle will take pretty good care that I don't get it."