"Have you a morning _Tribune?_" he asked.

 

Luke produced it.

 

"How's business to-day?" asked Stephen in an offhand manner.

 

"Pretty fair," answered Luke, for the first time taking notice of the inquirer, who did not impress him very favorably.

 

"I have often wondered how you newsboys make it pay," said Stephen, in a sociable tone.

 

"We don't make our fortunes, as a rule," answered Luke, smiling, "so I can't recommend you to go into it."

 

"I don't think it would suit me. I don't mind owning up that I am lazy. But, then, I am not obliged to work for the present, at least."

 

"I should like to be able to live without work," said the newsboy. "But even then I would find something to do. I should not be happy if I were idle."

 

"I am not wholly without work," said Stephen. "My uncle, who lives at a distance, occasionally sends to me to do something for him. I have to hold myself subject to his orders. In the meantime I get an income from him. How long have you been a newsboy?"

 

"Nearly two years."

 

"Do you like it? Why don't you get a place in a store or an office?"

 

"I should like to, if I could make enough; but boys get very small salaries."

 

"I was about to offer to look for a place for you. I know some men in business."

 

"Thank you! You are very kind, considering that we are strangers."

 

"Oh, well, I can judge of you by your looks. I shouldn't be afraid to recommend you."

 

"Thank you!" he replied; "but unless you can offer me as much as five dollars a week, I should feel obliged to keep on selling papers. I not only have myself to look out for, but a mother and little brother."

 

Stephen nodded to himself complacently. It was the very information of which he was in search.

 

"Then your father isn't living?" he said.

 

"No. He died in California."

 

"Uncle Thomas made his money in California," Stephen said to himself. "I wonder if he knew this newsboy's father."

 

"Five dollars is little enough for three persons to live upon," he went on, in a sympathetic manner.

 

"Mother earns something by sewing," Luke answered, unsuspiciously; "but it takes all we can make to support us."

 

"Then they can't have any other resources," thought Stephen. "I am getting on famously."

 

"Well, good-morning, Luke!" he said. "I'll see you later."

 

"How do you know my name?" asked Luke, in surprise.

 

"I'm an idiot!" thought Stephen. "I ought to have appeared ignorant of his name. I have seen you before to-day," he replied, taking a little time to think. "I heard one of the other newsboys calling you by name. I don't pretend to be a magician."

 

This explanation satisfied Luke. It appeared very natural.

 

"I have a great memory for names," proceeded Stephen. "That reminds me that I have not told you mine--I am Stephen Webb, at your service."

 

"I will remember it."

 

"Have a cigarette, Luke?" added Stephen, pr............