"I've got about fifteen dollars."
"Fifteen dollars!" repeated the merchant. "And you expect to undertake such a task on that sum?"
"I'd like to have more money; but what's the use of waitin'? I ain't gettin' richer."
"Have you any situation? Are you earning any money?"
"No, sir."
"Then I advise you to find something to do in the city, and postpone your plans of finding your uncle. You are just as likely to hear from him here, while at work, as if you were traveling in search of him," said Mr. Ferguson.
"I'd just as lief go to work," said Tom, "if I could find anything to do."
Mr. Ferguson reflected a moment. Then he turned to our hero, and said:
"I will think about your case. Come round to-morrow morning, about this time."
"All right, sir."