is place. Master Hector, won't
you use your influence with your uncle to have him taken back?"

Hector felt keenly how powerless he was in the matter. He looked grave,
as he answered:

"Larry, you may be sure that I would do all in my power to have your
father restored to the position from which he never should have been
removed; but I fear I can do nothing."

"Won't you write to Mr. Roscoe?" pleaded Larry, who, of course, did not
understand why Hector was powerless.

"Yes, I will write to him, but I am sorry to say that I have very little
influence with Mr. Roscoe."

"That is strange," said Larry; "and you the owner of the estate."

Hector did not care to explain to Larry just how matters stood, so he
only said:

"I can't explain to you what seems strange to you, Larry, but I may be
able to do so some time. I will certainly write to Mr. Roscoe, as you
desire; but you must not build any hopes upon it. Meanwhile, will you
accept this from me, and send it to your father?"

As he spoke, he drew from his pocketbook a five-dollar bill and handed
it to his humble friend.

Larry would not have accepted it had he known that Hector was nearly as
poor as himself, but, supposing him to be the heir of a large and rich
estate, he felt no hesitation.

"Thank you very much, Hector," he said; "you had always a kind heart.
This money will do my father very much good. I will send it to him
to-day."

"Do you generally stand here, Larry?" asked Hector.

"Yes."

"Then I will take pains to see you again."

"Shall you stay long in the city, Master Hector?"

"Not Master Hector."

"Then Hector, if you don't mind."

"I shall be here for the present--I don't know how long."

"Then let me black your boots for nothing every time you come by--I want
to do something for you."

"Thank you, Larry; but I don't like to have a friend perform such a
service. Remember me to your father when you write."

"I wish I could do something for Larry," said Hector, to himself, as he
walked away. "As it is, I stand in need of help myself."

He was to make a friend that day under rather unusual circumstances.

CHAPTER XXVIII. TWO MORE ACQUAINTANCES.

Hector continued his walk downtown. Despite the crowds of persons who
thronged the sidewalks, he did not anticipate meeting anyone else that
he knew. But he was destined to another surprise. On the corner of
Murray Street he saw two persons advancing toward him, the last,
perhaps,