This did not seem to North to call for an answer, and he attempted none.
He turned and moved toward the front of the store, followed by the old
merchant. At the door he paused.

"Thank you for your kindness, Mr. McBride!"

"It was no kindness, just a matter of business" said McBride hastily.
"I'm no philanthropist, John, but just a plain man of business who'll
drive a close bargain if he can."

"At any rate, I'm going to thank you," insisted North, smiling
pleasantly. "Good-by," and he extended his hand, which the old merchant
took.

"Good-by, and good luck to you, John, and you might drop me a line now
and then just to say how you get on."

"I will. Good-by!"

"I know you'll succeed, John. A bit of application, a bit of necessity
to spur you on, and we'll be proud of you yet!"

North laughed as he opened the door and stepped out; and Archibald
McBride, looking through his dingy show-windows, watched him until he
disappeared down the street; then he turned and reëntered his office.

Meanwhile North hurried away with the remnant of his little fortune in
his pocket. Five minutes' walk brought him to the building that had
sheltered him for the last few years. He climbed the stairs and entered