ating upon the affair. "It is possible that you would not be as
happy here as I would wish you to be. But if you go away from me, what
will you do?"

"Work!" answered the youth, succinctly.

"Well answered," said the Doctor. "But, my boy, that is more easily
decided upon than accomplished. You are a stranger, not only in the
city, but to city manners and city methods. You would start out with
determination to succeed, and in the first day you would apply at many
places. But at them all you would be met with such questions as 'Where
did you work last?' 'What experience have you?' 'What references can
you offer?' You would answer them all unsatisfactorily, and you would
be dismissed with a shrug of the shoulders."

"I have no doubt, Doctor, that it will be hard to obtain a place; but,
as ignorant as I am, I have formed an idea upon this subject. I
believe that in this country, where surely nine tenths of all men earn
a livelihood, the small proportion of idlers have themselves to blame
for their condition. Of course there must be a meritorious few who are
unfortunate, but I speak of the greater number. Therefore I think that
if I seek work, without any scruples as to what work it may be, I
shall not starve."

"But are you ready to go right out into the world, single handed? Do
you mean that you would begin the battle at once, to-day?"

"I do!"

"You do? Then I have faith in you. I, too, believe that you will
succeed. I wish you God speed!"

Leon said "Thank you," and then there was a pause. In a moment,
however, Leon started towards the front door, and the Doctor followed
him in silence. The youth took down his hat from the jutting spur of a
gnarled cedar stump, which, polished and varnished, served as a
hat-rack, and a moment later stood upon the stoop extending his hand
in farewell.

"Dr. Medjora," said Leon, "you must not think that I am ungrateful,
nor that I am too proud to accept your aid. I am only doing what I
deem to be my duty after--after what has passed. Good-by."

"Good-by, Leon," said the Doctor, shaking his hand warmly.

Leon started away, and, passing along the path, was nearing the gate
that led to the street, when suddenly he paused, turned, and quickly
retraced his steps. He found the Doctor standing where he had parted
from him. Rushing up the steps, he essayed to speak, but a sob choked
his utterance, and it was with difficulty that he said:

"Lossy!" Then he stopped, looking anxiously a