"There is nothing to be ashamed of," said Grant. "It is an honest
business."

"It's an awful come down for me," said Tom, uncomfortably. "The fact
is, I've had hard luck."

"I am sorry to hear that," said Grant.

"I expected a place in Wall Street, but I came just too late, and
things are awful dull anyway. Then I was robbed of my money."

"How much?" asked Grant, curiously, for he didn't believe a word of
it.

"Eight dollars and thirty-three cents," replied Tom, glibly.

"I thought you were too smart to be robbed," said Grant, slyly. "If
it had been a green boy from the country like me, now, it wouldn't
have been surprising."

"I was asleep when I was robbed," explained Tom, hurriedly. "A
fellow got into my room in the night, and picked my pocket. I
couldn't help that, now, could I?"

"I suppose not."

"So I had to get something to do, or go back to Colebrook. I say,
Grant---"