“The first thing is to get a room somewhere.  I’ll tell you what, you may have part of my room.”

“Is it expensive?”

“No; I pay a dollar and a half a week.  I think the old lady won’t charge more than fifty cents extra for you.”

“Then my share would be a dollar.”

“You may pay only fifty cents.  I’ll keep on paying what I do now.  My room is on Sixth Avenue.”  They had some distance to walk.  Finally Jasper halted before a baker’s shop.

“It’s over this,” he said.

He drew out a latch-key and entered.

“This is my den,” he said.  “It isn’t large you can’t get any better for the money.”

“I shall have to be satisfied,” said Frank.  “I want to get along as cheap as I can.”

“I’ve got to economize myself for a short time.  After this week I shall earn fifteen dollars a week.”

“What business are you in, Mr. Wheelock?”

“I am a journeyman printer.  It is a very good business, and I generally have steady work.  I expect to have after I get started again.  Now, shall I give you some advice?”

“I wish you would.”

“You don’t know your way around New York.  I believe I have a map somewhere.  I’ll just show you on it the position of the principal streets, and that will give you a clearer idea of where we go.”

The map was found and Jasper explained to Frank the leading topographical features of the Island City.

One thing only was wanting now to make him contented, and this was employment.  But it was too late to make any further inquiries.

“I’ve been thinking, Frank,” said Jasper, the next morning, “that you might get the position as a cash-boy.”

“What does a cash-boy do?”

“In large retail establishments every salesman keeps a book in which his sales are entered.  He does not himself make change, for it would not do to have so many having access to the money-drawer.  The money is carried to the cashier’s desk by boys employed for the purpose, who return with the change.”

“Do you think I can get a situation as cash-boy?”

“I will try at Gilbert & Mack’s.  I know one of the principal salesmen.  If there is a vacancy he will get it for you to oblige me.”

They entered a large retail store on Broadway.  It was broad and spacious.  Twenty salesmen stood behind the counter, and boys were running this way and that with small books in their hands.

“How are you, Duncan?” said Jasper.

The person addressed was about Jasper Wheelock’s age.  He had a keen, energetic look and manner, and would be readily singled out as one of the leading clerks.

“All right, Wheelock.  How are you?” he responded.  “Do you want anything in our line?”

“No goods; I want a place for this youngster.  He’s a friend of mine.  I’ll answer for his good character.”

“That will be satisfactory.  But what sort of a place does he want?”