"No better than in Rochester. Why is it that no one is willing to employ an old man? I am in good bodily health, and I can do as good work as I ever could, but no one will have me."

 

"Chicago seems to be a city of young men—more so than New York."

 

"Have you noticed that? Some of the successful business men are men young enough to be my sons."

 

"I understand you to say that you wished to go to Denver. Have you any reason to think you will succeed any better there?"

 

"No, but I have a nephew somewhere in Colorado, and perhaps in Denver. If I can fall in with him, I am sure he will help me. I haven't seen Giles for twenty years, but—"

 

[Pg 266]

 

"Giles!" repeated Rupert, in surprise. "What is his full name?"

 

"Giles Packard. He is my sister's son."

 

"Well, that is astonishing," ejaculated Rupert.

 

"What is astonishing?"

 

"Your nephew is my particular friend, and I am going out to Colorado at his special invitation."

 

"Is it possible?" asked the old man, eagerly. "Then you know where he lives?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Will you tell him you met me, and ask him if he will send money to bring me on to where he lives? Giles was always good-hearted, and I am sure he will do it."

 

"It won't be necessary to wait. I will buy you another ticket, and take you on with me."

 

John Plympton's face lighted up with joy.

 

"How kind you are," he said, grasping Rupert's hand. "I hope when you are old you will find some one who will be as kind to you. You are not related to me in any way, you only saw me within the hour, yet[Pg 267] you are going to do me a great kindness. May heaven bless you."

 

"Thank you, but don't give me too much credit. I am sure Mr. Packard will approve what I am doing, and will consider it a favor done to himself."

 

"I hope so, but my niece's treatment has made me uncertain how far the ties of relationship will be regarded. Yet I will accept your offer thankfully."

 

Rupert lost no time in purchasing another ticket, and secured Pullman accommodations for himself and his new acquaintance.

 

"You used to live in Buffalo," he said.

 

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