Sam naturally had recourse to this hold on finding himself out of a situation. He had enough to pay his expenses, and did not feel compelled to go to work till Monday. Monday morning, however, the reduced state of his finances compelled him to look for employment. If he had had a little capital he might have set up as a newsboy or boot-black, but five cents can hardly be considered sufficient capital for either of these lines of business. Credit is the next best thing to capital, but Sam had no credit. He found that out, after an ineffectual attempt to borrow money of a boot-black, who, having ten dollars in a savings-bank, was regarded in his own class with high respect as a wealthy capitalist. The name of this exceptional young man was William Clark, better known among the boys as Ready Money Bill.

 

When twelve o'clock came, and Sam had earned nothing, he bethought himself of Bill, the capitalist.

 

"Bill," he said, "I want to borrer a dollar."

 

"You do!" said Bill, sharply. "What for?"

 

"To set me up in business."

 

"What business?"

 

"Evenin' papers."

 

"Haven't you got no stamps?"

 

"No."

 

"What have you been doin'?"

 

"I've been in an office."

 

"Why didn't you stay?"

 

"The boss thought he wouldn't need me no longer."

 

"I see," said Bill, nodding. "You got sacked."

 

"Not exactly."

 

"Same thing."

 

"Will you lend me the money?"

 

"I'd never get it back ag'in."

 

"Yes, you would."

 

"I dunno about that. Where'd you get money to pay me back?"

 

"The boss owes me two dollars."

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