"No; but I have had many friends go there. When do you expect to
start?"

"Why, that is what puzzles me," Joe replied frankly. "I may not be
able to go at all."

"Why not?"

"I haven't got money enough to buy a ticket."

"You have got some money, haven't you?"

"Yes--I have fifty dollars; but I need that a hundred dollars is the
lowest price for a ticket."

"Don't be discouraged, my young friend," said the stranger, in the
most friendly manner. "I am aware that the ordinary charge for a
steerage ticket is one hundred dollars, but exceptions are sometimes
made."

"I don't think they will make one in my case," said Joe. "I told the
agent I would agree to pay the other, half as soon as I earned it,
but he said he didn't do business in that way."

"Of course. You are a stranger to him, don't you see? That makes
all the difference in the world. Now, I happen to be personally
acquainted with him. I am sure he would do me a favor. Just give me
the fifty dollars, and I'll warrant I'll get the ticket for you."

Joe was not wholly without caution, and the thought of parting with