"Good-by, James," he said, soberly, to the hostler the next morning.
"Good-by, Tony, and good luck," said the kind-hearted hostler.
"I hope I shall have good luck, but I don't expect it," said Tony.
"Pooh, nonsense! You're young, and the world is before you."
"That's so, James, but so far the world has been against me."
"Come here a minute, Tony," said James, lowering his voice.
As Tony approached, he thrust a bank-note hastily into his hand.
"Take it," he said, quickly. "I don't need it, and you may."
Tony looked at the bill, and found it was a ten-dollar note.
"You're very kind, James," he said, touched by a kindness to which he was unaccustomed, "but I can't take it."
"Nor I, James. I've got some money. It isn't much, but I'm used to roughing it. I've done it all my life. I always come down on my feet like a cat."
So James took back the money reluctantly, and Tony bade him good-by.
It was a rainy day when Tony arrived in New York. The stores were deserted, and the clerks lounged idly behind the counter. Only those who were actually obliged to be out appeared in the streets. If Tony's hopes had been high they would have been lowered by the dreary weather. He wandered aimlessly about the streets, having no care about his luggage for he had brought none, looking about him listlessly. He found himself after a while in the lower part of Broadway, not far from the Battery. It is here, as my city readers know, the most of the European steamer lines have their offices.
At once Tony saw a figure that attracted his eager attention.
It was Rudolph Rugg, his old comrade, and now bitter enemy.
Rudolph entered the office of the Anchor Line of steamers.
"What can he want there?" thought Tony. "I'll watch him."
He took a position near by, yet far enough off to avoid discovery, and waited patiently for Rudolph to reappear. He waited about fifteen minutes. Then he saw the tramp come out with a paper in his hand, which he appeared to regard with satisfaction. He turned and went up Broadway.
As soon as he thought it safe Tony crossed the street and entered the office. He made his way up to the counter and inquired the price of passage. The rates were given him.
"Can you tell me," he asked, carelessly, "if a Mr. Rugg is going across on one of your steamers?"