"And you haven't found work anywhere?"

"Not a stroke."

"Been to Newville?"

"All through it, and everything full."

I thought this was queer. I had glanced at the Want column of a
Newville newspaper and had noted that moulders were wanted in several
places.

The man's appearance did not strike me favorably, and when he came
closer to me I noted that his breath smelt strongly of liquor.

"I don't think I can help you," said I. "I have nothing for you to
do."

"Give me a quarter, then, will you? I ain't had nothing to eat since
yesterday."

"But you've had something to drink," I could not help remark.

The man scowled, "How do you know?"

"I can smell it on you."

"I only had one glass,-- just to knock out a cold I caught. Come, make
it half a dollar. I'll pay you back when I get work."