I saw an elderly, grey-haired man.
"Oh no!" I said, "I'm not. That's just my acting. I'm a millionaire in disguise, studying sociology."
He came and sat by me.
"Come, buck up, kid, you're pretty near down and out. I've been studyin' you them two days."
"Two days," I echoed drearily. "It seems like two years." Then, with sudden fierceness:
"Sir, I am a stranger to you. Never in my life before have I tried to borrow money. It is asking a great deal of you to trust me, but it will be a most Christian act. I am starving. If you have ten cents that isn't working lend it to me for the love of God. I'll pay you back if it takes me ten years."
"All right, son," he said cheerfully; "let's go and feed."
He took me to a restaurant where he ordered a dinner that made my head swim. I felt near to fainting, but after I had had some brandy, I was able to go on with the business of eating. By the time I got to the coffee I was as much excited by the food as if I had been drinking wine. I now took an opportunity to regard my benefactor.
He was rather under medium height, but so square and solid you felt he was a man to be reckoned with. His skin was as brown as an Indian's, his eyes light-blue and brightly cheerful, as from some inner light. His mouth was firm and his chin resolute. Altogether his face was a curious blend of benevolence and ruthless determination.
Now he was regarding me in a manner entirely benevolent.