“Yes, sir.”
“I don't, of course, know how you were situated in Ohio,” said the merchant, “but as a general rule I think boys make a mistake in leaving the country for the city. Here the competition for work is sharp, and there is a surplus of laborers in every department of labor. Still,” he proceeded, scanning Herbert's earnest face, “you look like a boy capable of making his way if an opportunity offers. You have but little money, Mr. Carroll writes.”
“I have lost nearly all I had,” said Herbert, “so that now I have very little left.”
“You have met with a loss? Tell me about it. Indeed, I should be glad if you would confide to me freely your situation and hopes, and then I shall be better able to help you.”
“I am almost ashamed to tell you how I was taken in,” said our hero. “I suppose I ought to have been more prudent.”
He recounted the manner in which Greenleaf had robbed him. Mr. Godfrey listened with interest, and so did Tom Stanton, who burst into a laugh when the narrative was concluded.
“What are you laughing at, Thomas?” asked the merchant, rather sharply.
“I was thinking how neatly he was taken in,” said Tom, a little abashed.
“I should apply a different word to it,” said Mr. Godfrey. “It appears to me the height, or rather the depth of meanness, to take advantage of a boy's confidence, and defraud him so scandalously. How much money have you left, Herbert?”
“Forty cents, sir.”