“Yes.”

“The old man’s awful glad to see you.”

“I am glad of it.  He has received me very kindly.”

“Got up an extra supper for you.  We don’t often get steak for supper.”

This was rather an embarrassing revelation, and surprised Frank somewhat.  The supper had not seemed to him at all extra.  It would do, but was far from luxurious.

“I hope you’ll stay with us a good while,” continued Pliny.

“Thank you.”

“You see we shall live better while you are with us, and the rest of us will be gainers.”

“I don’t want to put your father to any unusual expense.”

“Oh, he can afford it!  But he’s stingy, father is.  He doesn’t spend any more than he can help.”

“It is best to be economical, I suppose.”

“When you don’t carry it too far.  I say, Frank,” continued Pliny, lowering his voice, “you can’t lend me five dollars, can you?”

Frank regarded Pliny with astonishment.  The proposal was very abrupt, especially when the shortness of their acquaintance was considered.

“Are you particularly in need of money?” asked Frank.

“Well, you see,” said Pliny, “I want it for a particular purpose.”

“Why not ask your father for it?”

“Oh, he’d never let me have it!”

Now, in Frank’s present circumstances, five dollars represented a good deal of money.  He was the more impressed with the necessity of economy since he had found out how small were the wages paid in stores to boys of his age.

He did not feel at all inclined to grant Pliny’s request, especially as he had a strong suspicion that it would be a long time before the sum would be returned.

“Why do you apply to me, Pliny?” he asked, seriously.

“Didn’t your mother die and leave you a big property?  Father says you must be worth more than a hundred thousand dollars.”

“Your father probably has not heard of the will,” said Frank, quietly.

“What was there in the will?” asked Pliny.

“The whole property was left to Mr. Manning.”

“Who is he?”

“My stepfather.”

“And nothing to you?”

“Nothing to me.”

“But he’s got to take care of you, hasn’t he?”

“It was expected, but I am going to earn my own living, if I can.”

Pliny stopped short in blank amazement and whistled.

“Then you haven’t got a lot of money?”

“No.”

“Won’t your stepfather give you a part of the property?”

“I haven’t asked him, but I don’t think he will.”

“And why did you come to Newark?”

“I thought your father might give me some help about getting a place.”

“If this isn’t the richest joke!” said Pliny, laughing uproariously.

“Where is the joke?  I don’t see it,” returned Frank, inclined to be angry.

“The way you have taken in the old man.  He thinks you are rich, and has treated you accordingly—­got up an extra supper and all that.  Oh, it’s too good!”