r visited it. Got
any folks?"

Phil hesitated. In the light of the revelation that had been made to him
by Mrs. Brent, he did not know how to answer. However, there was no call
to answer definitely.

"Not many," he said.

"Goin' to school in New York?"

"No."

"To college, perhaps. I've got a cousin in Columbia College."

"I wish I knew enough to go to college," said Phil; "but I only know a
little Latin, and no Greek at all."

"Well, I never cared much about Latin or Greek, myself. I presume you
are thinking about a business position?"

"Yes, I shall try to get a place."

"You may find a little time necessary to find one. However, you are, no
doubt, able to pay your board for awhile."

"For a short time," said Phil.

"Well, I may be able to help you to a place. I know a good many
prominent business men."

"I should be grateful to you for any help of that kind," said Phil,
deciding that he was in luck to meet with such a friend.

"Don't mention it. I have had to struggle myself--in earlier
days--though at present I am well fixed. What is your name?"

"Philip Brent."

"Good! My name is Lionel Lake. Sorry I haven't got any cards. Perhaps I
may have one in my pocket-book. Let me see!"

Mr. Lake opened his porte-monnaie and uttered a exclamation of surprise.

"By Jove!" he said, "I am in a fix."

Phil looked at him inquiringly.

"I took out a roll of bills at the house of my aunt, where I stayed last
night," explained Mr. Lake, "and must have neglected to replace them."

"I hope you have not lost them," said Phil politely.

"Oh, no; my aunt will find them and take care of them for me, so that I
shall get them back. The trouble is that I am left temporarily without
funds."

"But you can get money in the city," suggested Phil.

"No doubt; only it is necessary for me to stay over a train ten miles
short of the city."

Mr. Lionel Lake seemed very much perplexed.

"If I knew some one in the cars," he said reflectively.

It did occur to Phil to offer to loan him something, but the scantiness
of his own resources warned him that it would not be prudent, so he
remained silent.

Finally Mr. Lake appeared to have an idea.

"Have you got five dollars, Philip?" he said familiarly.

"Yes, sir," answered Philip slowly.

"Then I'll make a proposal. Lend it to me and I will give you this ring
as security. It is worth twenty-five dollars easily."

He drew from his vest-pocket a neat gold ring, with