he wore, and, after brushing his hair, went down stairs. He did
not have long to wait for his supper, nor was he wanting in appetite.
Though the establishment could boast of no French cook, the table was
spread with substantial dishes, which Tom attacked vigorously.

"There's nothing like a good square meal, when a fellow's hungry," he
said to himself. "It's more than old Jacob and I often got. I wonder
what the old man would say if he knew I was payin' two dollars a day
out of his money? I can't foller it up long, that's one sure thing. But
it's no use worrying before it's time. I guess I'll find something to
do in a big place like this."

Our hero knew little or nothing about geography, or the comparative
size of places. He fancied that Cincinnati was nearly as large as New
York. At any rate, it was large enough to afford a living for a young
man of pluck and industry. He was no doubt correct in this. Pluck and
industry are pretty sure to make their way in any place, whatever its
size, and these qualities Tom certainly possessed.

He took up a copy of a Cincinnati daily, and looked over its columns to
see if there was any vacant position which he could fill.

WANTED--A gentleman of experience and ability, as Principal of the
---- Grammar School. Salary, $2,500 the first year.

"The pay would suit me pretty well," said Tom, "and I guess I could
lick some of the bad boys; but I could teach 'em all I know in half a
day. Here's a coachman wanted. That won't do, either. 'Wanted.--A man
with a small capital, to enter upon a light, genteel business.' I've
got the small capital, and it's gettin' smaller every day. Perhaps I
wouldn't be genteel enough."

After awhile Tom, having exhausted the advertisements, and found
nothing to suit him, felt himself growing sleepy, and went up to bed.

CHAPTER XI.

BESSIE BENTON AT HOME.

Tom came down to breakfast rather late the next day, but he felt fresh
and hopeful, having slept off all his fatigue. He had money enough left
to pay his board for a week and a half, and was not under the immediate
necessity of obtaining work. He felt curious to see the city he was in,
and devoted the day to wandering about the streets. He took pains to
find out where B---- street, the residence of Bessie Benton, was. He
had made up his mind to call there that evening. It was a quiet,
substantial house, in a nice street, indicating, in its appearance, the
social position of the fam