"Every cent," said Joe. "It won't leave me anything to pay for my
night's lodging."

"Then you can sleep out. I've done it many a time. But I'll take
the liberty of searching you, and seeing if you tell the truth or
not."

"Just as you like," said Joe.

Joe was searched, but no more money was found.

"The boy's told the truth," said his captor. "Two dollars and a half
is a pretty small haul."

"I am sorry, gentlemen, that I haven't anything more. It isn't my
fault, for I've tried hard to get something to do to-day, and
couldn't."

"You're a cool customer," said the barkeeper.

"I expect to be to-night, for I shall have to sleep out."

"You can go," said his captor, as he opened the door of the den; "and
don't come round here again, unless you've got more money with you."

"I don't think I shall," said Joe.

When Joe found himself penniless, he really felt less anxious than
when he had at least money enough to pay for lodging and breakfast.
Having lost everything, any turn of fortune must be for the better.