Cast Upon The Breakers

ve within my observation tried for months to secure a position in vain, so it is not surprising that Rodney who was a stranger proved equally unsuccessful. Though naturally hopeful Rodney bec

propose to do now?" "Earn my living if I can. I have been in the city for about two weeks, and have applied at a good many places but in vain." "Then you were right in coming here. Supper is ready, and although it is not what you are used to, it will satisfy hunger. Mike, you can take Rodney with you." Within five minutes Rodney was standing at a long table with a bowl of coffee and a segment of bread before him. It wouldn't have been attractive to one brought up to good living, as was the case with him, but he was hungry. He had eaten nothing since morning except an apple which he had bought at a street stand for a penny, and his stomach urgently craved a fresh supply of food. Mike stood next to him. The young bootblack, who was used to nothing better, ate his portion with zest, and glanced askance at Rodney to see how he relished his supper. He was surprised to see that his more aristocratic companion seemed to enjoy it quite as much as himself. "I didn't think you'd like it" he said. "Anything tastes good when you're hungry, Mike." "That's so." "And I haven't eaten anything except an apple, since morning." "Is dat so? Why didn't you tell me? I'd have stood treat at de Boss Tweed eatin' house." "I had money, but I didn't dare to spend it. I was afraid of having nothing left." When Rodney had eaten his supper he felt that he could have eaten more, but the craving was satisfied and he felt relieved. He looked around him with some curiosity, for he had never been in such a motley gathering before. There were perhaps one hundred and fifty boys recruited from the street, to about all of whom except himself the term street Arab might be applied. The majority of them had the shrewd and good humored Celtic face. Many of them were fun loving and even mischievous, but scarcely any were really bad. Naturally Rodney, with his good clothes, attracted attention. The boys felt that he was not one of them, and they had a suspicion that he felt above them. "Get on to de dude!" remarked one boy, who was loosely attired in a ragged shirt and tattered trousers. "He means me, Mike," said Rodney with a smile. "I say, Patsy Glenn, what do you mean by callin' me friend Rodney a dude?" demanded Mike angrily. "Coz he's got a dandy suit on." "What if he has? Wouldn't you wear one like it if you could!" "You bet!" "Then just let him alone! He's just got back from de inauguration." "Where'd you pick him up, Mike?" "Never mind! He's one of us. How much money have you got in your pocket Rodney?" "Thi