a first class or a third door as I've got to open as if I saw 'em
in the daylight. Rum, ain't it?"

Frank had never thought the matter out, and could only give his
general assent to his companion's proposition.

"Now," the porter went on, "if you go into a factory or workshop,
I'll bet a crown to a penny that before you've been there a week
you'll get called Gentleman Jack, or some such name. You see if
you ain't."

"I don't care what they call me," Frank laughed, "so that they'll
take me into the factory."

"All in good time," the porter said; "don't you hurry yourself. As
long as you can stay here you'll be heartily welcome. Just look what
a comfort it is to have you sitting here sociable and comfortable.
You don't suppose I could have sat here alone in this room if you
hadn't been here? I should have been in a public house making a
beast of myself, and spending as much money as would keep the pair
of us."

Day after day Frank went out in search of work. In his tramps he
visited scores of workshops and factories, but without success.
Either they did not want boys, or they declined altogether to take
one who had no experience in work, and had no references in the
neighborhood. Frank took his breakfast and tea with the porter,
and was glad that the latter had his dinner at the station, as a
penny loaf served his purposes. One day in his walks Frank entered
Covent Garden and stood looking on at the bustle and flow of