ough to take the hint.

After he left the room Rodney again joined Mr. Pettigrew.

"He didn't give me back any change," said the Western man. "He said he
bought the tickets of a speculator at two dollars and a half each."

"Then he made two dollars out of you."

"I suppose that is the beginning. Well, that doesn't worry me. But I
should like to know how he expects to get more money out of me. I don't
understand the ways of this gentry."

"Nor I very well. If you are on your guard I think you won't be in any
danger."

"I will remember what you say. You seem young to act as adviser to a man
like me. Are you in business?"

"At present I am out of work, but I have money enough to last me three
months."

"Are you, like my new acquaintance, possessed of independent means?"

"Not now, but I was six months ago."

"How did you lose your money?"

"I did not lose it. My guardian lost it for me."

"What is your name?"

"Rodney Ropes."

"You've had some pretty bad luck. Come up to my room and tell me about
it."

"I shall be glad to do so, sir."

Mr. Pettigrew called for his key and led the way up to a plain room on
the third floor.

"Come in," he said. "The room is small, but I guess it will hold us
both. Now go ahead with your story."

In a short time Rodney had told his story in full to his new
acquaintance, encouraged to do so by his sympathetic manner. Mr.
Pettigrew was quite indignant, when told of Jasper's mean and
treacherous conduct.

"That boy Jasper is a snake in the grass," he said. "I'd like to give
him a good thrashing."

"There isn't any love lost between us, Mr. Pettigrew, but I think it
will turn out right in the end. Still I find it hard to get a place in
New York with him circulating stories about me."

"Then why do you stay in New York?"

"I have thought it might be better to go to Philadelphia or Boston."

"I can tell you of a better place than either."

"What is that?"

"Montana."

"Do you really think it would be wise for me to go there?"

"Think? I haven't a doubt about it."

"I have money enough to get there, but not much more. I should soon have
to find work, or I might get stranded."

"Come back with me, and I'll see you through. I'll make a bargain with
you. Go round with me here, and I'll pay your fare out to Montana."

"If you are really in earnest I will do so, and thank you for the
offer."

"Jefferson Pettigrew means what he says. I'll see you through, Rodney.