Rodney told the story of his application to the manager of the railroad
office.

"You will know better next time. I think you'll succeed. I did. When I
came to New York at the age of twenty two I had only fifty dollars. That
small sum had to last me twelve weeks. You can judge that I didn't
live on the fat of the land during that time. I couldn't often eat at
Delmonico's. Even Beefsteak John's would have been too expensive for me.
However, those old days are over."

The next day and the two following Rodney went about the city making
application for positions, but every place seemed full.

On the third day Mr. Woods said, "I shall have to leave you for a week
or more, Rodney."

"Where are you going?"

"To Philadelphia. There's a man there who is a capitalist and likes land
investments. I am going to visit him, and hope to sell him several lots.
He once lived in this city, so he won't object to New York investments."

"I hope you will succeed, Mr. Woods. I think if you are going away I had
better give up the room, and find cheaper accommodations. I am getting
near the end of my money."

"You are right. It is best to be prudent."

That evening Rodney found a room which he could rent for two dollars a
week. He estimated that by economy he could get along for fifty cents a