hat I am, or
what people think me; but I was born in Vermont, and am half Irish and
half Yankee."

"How did you come by your name, then?"

"I took it," answered his companion. "You see, dear boy, I'm a
professional."

"A what?"

"A professional--singer and clog-dancer. I believe I am pretty well
known to the public," continued Signor Orlando complacently. "Last
summer I traveled with Jenks & Brown's circus. Of course you've heard of
THEM. Through the winter I am employed at Bowerman's Varieties, in the
Bowery. I appear every night, and at two matinees weekly."

It must be confessed that Phil was considerably impressed by the
professional character of Signor Orlando. He had never met an actor,
or public performer of any description, and was disposed to have a high
respect for a man who filled such a conspicuous position. There was not,
to be sure, anything very impressive about Signor Orlando's appearance.
His face did not indicate talent, and his dress was shabby. But for all
that he was a man familiar with the public--a man of gifts.

"I should like to see you on the stage," said Phil respectfully.

"So you shall, my dear boy--so you shall. I'll get you a pass from Mr.
Bowerman. Which way are you going?"

"I don't know," answered Phil, puzzled. "I should like to find a cheap
boarding-house, but I don't know the city."

"I do," answered Signor Orlando promptly. "Why not come to my house?"

"Have you a house?"

"I mean my boarding-house. It's some distance away. Suppose we take a
horse-car?"

"All right!" answered Phil, relieved to find a guide in the labyrinth of
the great city.

"I live on Fifth Street, near the Bowery--a very convenient location,"
said Orlando, if we may take the liberty to call him thus.

"Fifth Avenue?" asked Phil, who did not know the difference.

"Oh, no; that's a peg above my style. I am not a Vanderbilt, nor yet an
Astor."

"Is the price moderate?" asked Phil anxiously. "I must make my money
last as long as I can, for I don't know when I shall get a place."

"To be sure. You might room with me, only I've got a hall bedroom.
Perhaps we might manage it, though."

"I think I should prefer a room by myself," said Phil, who reflected
that Signor Orlando was a stranger as yet.

"Oh, well, I'll speak to the old lady, and I guess she can accommodate
you with a hall bedroom like mine on the third floor."

"What should I have to pay?"

"A dollar and a quarter a week, and you ca