"Why, you have helped me a good deal already. Not one in a thousand
would do what you have done--after the way my husband treated you."

"I thought that you might be short of money."

"I must confess I am."

"I am not rich but, if you can use it, I can let you have five dollars."

"I'll accept it as a loan. I don't want you to give me the money,"
answered the poor woman. She thought of the things she absolutely
needed, now that her husband was gone.

The money was handed over, and a few minutes later Joe took his
departure. Somehow his heart felt very light because of his generosity.
He had certainly played the part of a friend in need.

But he did not stop there. Early in the morning he sought out Andrew
Mallison and told the hotel proprietor of Mrs. Cullum's condition.

"I was thinking that you might be able to give her work in the hotel
laundry," he continued.

The hotel man called up the housekeeper and from her learned that
another woman could be used to iron.

"You can let her come and we'll give her a trial," said he.

It did not take Joe long to communicate with the poor woman, and she was