were out of work she always had her money in advance. But would he see
his room first?

Wondering much at Mrs. Jones's strange business arrangement, Brent
allowed her to conduct him to a room on the second floor, which looked
out on the noisy street. It was not a palatial place by any means, but
was not uncomfortable save for the heat, which might be expected
anywhere on such a day. He was tired and wanted rest, so he engaged the
place and paid the woman then and there.

"You just come off the train, I see. Will you have luncheon at once,
Mr.--?"

"Brent," said he. "Yes, I will have some luncheon, if you please."

"Do you take beer with your luncheon?"

"No-o," he said, hesitating; and yet why should he not take beer?
Everybody else did, even the children. Then he blushed as he thought of
what his aunt Hester would think of his even hesitating over the
question. She would have shot out a "no" as if it were an insult to be
asked. So without beer he ate his luncheon and lay down to rest for the
afternoon. When one has travelled little, even a short journey is
fatiguing.

In the evening Brent met some of the other boarders at supper; there
were not many. They were principally clerks in shops or
under-bookkeepers. One genial young fellow struck up a conversation with
Fred, and became quite friendly during the evening.

"I guess you will go out to the 'Zoo' to-morrow, won't you? That is
about the first place that visitors usually strike for when they come
here."

"I thought of getting a general idea of the city first, so that I could
go round better before going farther out."

"Oh, you won't have any trouble in getting around. Just ask folks, and
they will direct you anywhere."

"But everybody seems to be in a hurry; and by the time I open my mouth
to ask them, they have passed me."

The young clerk, Mr. Perkins by name, thought this was a great joke and
laughed long and loudly at it.

"I wish to gracious I could go around with you. I have been so busy ever
since I have been here that I have never seen any of the show sights
myself. But I tell you what I will do: I can steer you around some on
Thursday night. That is my night off, and then I will show you some
sights that are sights." The young man chuckled as he got his hat and
prepared to return to the shop. Brent thanked him in a way that sounded
heavy and stilted even to his own ears after the other's light
pleasantry.

"And another thing," said Perkin