“Perhaps,” said Herbert, “many fail to get work, because they are particular what they do.  If I can find nothing better to do, I will black boots.”

“With such a spirit, I think you will succeed.  But, perhaps, I can smooth away some of the difficulties in your path.  I know a firm in New York—­connections of our family—­to whom I will give you a letter of introduction.  If they have no room for you in their house, they may influence someone else to take you.”

“I shall feel very much obliged to you for such a letter.  It will do me a great deal of good,” said Herbert, gratefully.

“I will gladly write it, but now let us go down to breakfast.”

After breakfast was over, they looked in upon the wounded man.

“How do you feel this morning?” asked Herbert, going up to the bedside.

“Rather stiff, but I am not in such pain as I was.”

“I am glad to hear it.”

“That is the gentleman I was going to rob?” said the burglar, looking in the direction of Mr. Carroll.

“Yes.”

“Is he—­did you say anything to him about not prosecuting me?” he asked, nervously.

“Be under no apprehension,” said Mr. Carroll, mildly.  “I do not care to punish you more than you have already been punished.  I prefer that you should lead a better life.”

“I will try to do so. sir; but I was poor, and that made the temptation stronger.”

“I can easily believe it.  Are you wholly without means?”

“Nearly so.”

“Here, then, is a purse containing a hundred dollars.  It will probably pay your expenses during your illness.”

The wounded man looked up in surprise.

“There ain’t many that would pay a man for trying to rob them,” he said.

“I do not pay you for that,” said Mr. Carroll, “but because I do not wish you to be subjected to a similar temptation again.”

The wounded man, who, under different treatment would have been defiant and profane, seemed quite subdued by such unexpected kindness.

“Well, sir,” he said. “all I can say is, that I am very much obliged to you, and I hope you will be rewarded for your kindness.”

“It is easier to lead men than to drive them,” said Mr. Carroll, as they left the chamber.  “This man is rough, and not troubled much with a conscience, but harshness would make him still worse.”

“Yes, sir,” said Herbert; “I think you are right.”

After breakfast they resumed their journey.  In due time they reached Baltimore, and remained over night at a hotel.  In the course of the succeeding day they arrived at Philadelphia, which was the termination of Mr. Carroll’s journey.  As the country through which they passed was unknown to Herbert, the journey was full of interest, but there was no adventure worth recording.

The time came when the two travelers were compelled to part.

“If I were going to a hotel, Herbert,” said Mr. Carroll, “I would invite you to remain with me a day or two; but I shall proceed at once to the house of a friend, and I shall not feel at liberty to invite you.”