He left the store and wandered aimlessly about the streets.

Four days later, sick with hope deferred, he made his way down to the
wharf of the Charleston and Savannah boats, with a vague idea that he
might get a job of carrying baggage, for he felt that he must not let
his pride interfere with doing anything by which he could earn an honest
penny.

It so happened that the Charleston boat was just in, and the passengers
were just landing.

Phil stood on the pier and gazed listlessly at them as they disembarked.

All at once he started in surprise, and his heart beat joyfully.

There, just descending the gang-plank, was his tried friend, Mr. Oliver
Carter, whom he supposed over a thousand miles away in Florida.

"Mr. Carter!" exclaimed Phil, dashing forward.

"Philip!" exclaimed the old gentleman, much surprised. "How came you
here? Did Mr. Pitkin send you?"

CHAPTER XXIII.

AN EXPLANATION.

It would be hard to tell which of the two was the more surprised at the
meeting, Philip or Mr. Carter.

"I don't understand how Mr. Pitkin came to hear of my return. I didn't
telegraph," said the old gentleman.

"I don't think he knows anything about it," said Phil.

"Didn't he send you to the pier?"

"No, sir."

"Then how is it that you are not in the store at this time?" asked Mr.
Carter, puzzled.

"Because I am no longer in Mr. Pitkin's employ. I was discharged last
Saturday."

"Discharged! What for?"

"Mr. Pitkin gave no reason. He said my services were no longer
required. He spoke roughly to me, and has since declined to give me a
recommendation, though I told him that without it I should be unable to
secure employment elsewhere."

Mr. Carter frowned. He was evidently annoyed and indignant.

"This must be inquired into," he said. "Philip, call a carriage, and I
will at once go to the Astor House and take a room. I had intended to
go at once to Mr. Pitkin's, but I shall not do so until I have had an
explanation of this outrageous piece of business."

Phil was rejoiced to hear this, for he was at the end of his resources,
and the outlook for him was decidedly gloomy. He had about made up his
mind to sink his pride and go into business as a newsboy the next day,
but the very unexpected arrival of Mr. Carter put quite a new face on
matters.

He called a carriage, and both he and Mr. Carter entered it.

"How do you happen to be back so soon, sir?" asked Phil, when they were
seated. "I thought yo