ssed by the appearance of the interior. He did
not so much mind its being shabby, but he was repelled by the evident
lack of neatness.

The girl threw open the door of a small hall bedroom at the head of the
stairs, but it looked so comfortless that he felt sure he should not
like it. He thought it best, however, to inquire the price.

"Five dollars a week with board," answered the girl.

"I don't think it will suit me," said our hero.

"There's a larger room for seven dollars," said the servant.

"No. I think I will look elsewhere."

The next house was not much better, but the third was much neater and
more attractive, and Frank agreed to take a room at five dollars per
week.

It was a small hall bedroom, but it looked clean, and the lady who
showed him about the house was very neat in her dress.

"When will you come?" asked the lady.

"Now," replied Frank, promptly.

"Would you mind paying the first week in advance?"

"Not at all. Here is the money."

And Frank drew a five-dollar bill from his portemonnaie.

"Thank you!" said the boarding-house keeper. "I have lost so much by
boarders going away owing me money that I am obliged to ask gentlemen to
pay in advance till I am well acquainted with them."

"That is quite right," said Frank. "What is your dinner hour?"

"Six o'clock. We have lunch at half-past twelve for the ladies, but if
any gentleman happens to be at home at that time, he can go in."

Frank looked at his watch. It was only eleven o'clock and as so much of
the day remained, he decided, as soon as he had unpacked his valise, to
go downtown and look for a place without delay.

"I shall not be here at lunch to-day," he said. "You may expect me at
dinner."

There was a small bureau in the room--a piece of furniture not often
found in hall bedrooms.

Frank deposited the contents of the valise in the bureau drawers, and
then went downstairs and out into the street.

CHAPTER XIX

FRANK SEEKS EMPLOYMENT IN VAIN

It was a bright, pleasant day, and Broadway looked very lively. In spite
of his being alone in a strange city, with uncertain prospects, Frank
felt in good spirits.

Boys of his age usually like excitement and bustle, and Frank was quick
to notice the shifting scenes of the great panorama.

"Here are thousands of people," he reflected, "all of whom make a living
in some way. I don't see why I can't succeed as well as they."

Some of the objects he saw amused him.