He did not know where to go, and so continued to walk along until he came to Sixth Avenue. Here he came to another halt. "There is no sense in my walking myself to death to-night," he thought. "I had better wait till morning for that--when I go in search of a job." At that moment a boy of almost his own age stepped up to him with a bundle of newspapers under his arm. "Sporting extra?" he asked, holding out two evening papers. "All the latest baseball and racing news." "I don't want any paper," answered Nat. "But I wish you'd do me a favor." "What do you want?" demanded the other boy, promptly. "I want to find a cheap but good boarding house. Do you know of any around here?" The New York boy looked Nat over critically. The examination, brief as it was, appeared to satisfy him. "Just come to the city?" "Yes." "Looking for work?" "Yes." "How much do you want to pay for board?" "Not any more than I have to," answered Nat with a grin. "I'm not rich." "I see. Well, mother takes boarders. It might be she would take you." "For how much?" "Four or five dollars a week." "Oh, I can't pay that much! Why, where I come from you can get good board for three dollars a week." "That's the country, ain't it?" "Yes." "Well, New York City ain't the country. You have to pay more for things here." "I suppose that is true." "Come on over and talk to mother. What's your handle? Mine is Dick Talcott." "Nat Nason. I am glad to know you." And our hero shook hands, which made the newsboy grin all over. With his papers under his arm, Dick Talcott hurried down a side street, and around a corner. He stopped in front of a four-story brick house. "We live on the third floor," said he. "Come on up," and he led the way up the somewhat narrow stairs. It was pitch-dark, and Nat kept close behind, so as not to run into anything. "Mother, here is a boy who wants board," announced Dick, as he threw open a door. Then the pair entered a living room, where a middle-aged woman sat by a table, mending some underwear. The woman arose and came forward, and Nat saw that she was rather pleasant looking. She was a widow, her husband having died only the year previous. "So you wish board?" she said. "I will show you what rooms I have." "He don't want to pay much, mother," put in the son. "He's just arrived in New York from the country, and he wants work." "I can let you have a small hall room, with breakfast and supper, for three dollars and a half," said Mrs. Talcott. "That is the best I can do. Of course, you'll want to take lunch along to your work, unless you get work near here. Where do you come from?" "Ohio." "Is that so! The late Mr. Talcott came from Ohio." "I think I had better take the room, at least for a week," said Nat. The manner of the lady pleased him. She was evidently poor, but of good breeding. "Very well. Do you want the room to-night?" "Yes." "Have you had supper?" "Yes, I had a bite on the train."