Gilbert left the house of Mrs. Briggs, not cast down, but with a full understanding of his situation. Until now he had had his guardian’s assistance, and, with the income from his position as office-boy, had felt no anxiety. Now, both had failed him, for the time at least, and he must shift for himself. Disaster develops the manhood in a boy as well as a man. So Gilbert did not indulge in any gloomy anticipations of starvation or pauperism. He never for a moment regretted his refusal to take money from Mrs. Briggs, offered as it had been in such a manner as to insult his self-respect.

“I’d rather live on one meal a day,” he said to himself stoutly, “than humble myself to that woman.”

261When he re-entered his room he found his room-mate reading.

“Well, Gilbert,” he said, “did you have a pleasant call?”

“So pleasant that I shall not call again in a hurry,” answered Gilbert.

“Then Mrs. Briggs won’t give you any assistance?”

“Yes; but I have rejected it.”

Mr. Ingalls looked surprised.

“Did you not act unwisely?” he asked.

“Let me tell you just what passed between us, and you shall judge.”

The young man listened attentively. When Gilbert had finished his story, he said, emphatically, “You did just right. I should have done the same thing in your circumstances.”

“I am glad you approve of my action. I couldn’t stoop to take money offered as charity.”

“Then you have got to strike out for yourself, it seems?”

“Yes, and I must settle to-night what I shall do.”

“Have you made up your mind to anything?”

262“I was thinking about that as I walked home. To begin with, I will borrow money of you to pay Mrs. White, if you are still willing to lend it.”

“I will lend it to you with pleasure.”

“I think I had better leave this house, obtain a cheaper room, and board at a restaurant.”

“I don’t think you can save much that way. Mrs. White is very reasonable in her charges.”

“I know that, but the probability is that I can’t pay her. I must be strictly economical. I am not sure but the best thing I can do is to go to the Newsboys’ Lodge.”

Mr. Ingalls shook his head.

“It would never do,” he said. “It would not suit a boy brought up as you have been.”

“I don’t suppose it would; but I don’t expect to suit myself. That is not the que............