It was not till the train had fairly started that he began to realize the importance of the step that he was taking. He was leaving a comfortable, nay, a luxurious home, where he was provided with every comfort, and by his own choice was undertaking to earn his own living. It was enough to make any boy feel serious. But Robert was manly and resolute, and he decided that anything would be better than to live under the same roof with his odious step-father. Five minutes later a tall thin man walked over from the opposite side of the car, and said, "Will you allow me to sit beside you?" "Certainly," answered Robert courteously, and removed his grip-sack. "Thank you. I am tired of sitting alone, and thought I should like a chat with an intelligent young man." Robert smiled. "So you think I am an intelligent young man?" he said. "I am sure of it." "I am very much obliged, but what makes you think so?" "I am well versed in character reading, being a professional phrenologist and a student of physiognomy. Are you going to the city?" "Yes, sir. I think so." "So am I. Are you connected with any business house there?" "Not yet, sir. I may be before long." "I may be able to help you get a place. I am extensively acquainted with business firms. But perhaps you have a place already secured?" "No, sir." "Are you well acquainted in Chicago?" "I know scarcely anyone there--no one of any prominence." "You may have to wait for a position. Pardon me--it is none of my business--but you ought to have money enough to carry you on a few weeks in case you have to wait." "I have some money," said Robert cautiously. "That is well. I am glad to hear it. Are you well educated?" "Tolerably so." "Do you know anything about bookkeeping?" "Yes, sir." "I have a brother-in-law who is a commission merchant. Indeed I may say that Mr. Claflin, the great merchant, is a cousin of mine." "Indeed, sir." "I was once in Claflin's employ," continued the stranger. "I was head of one of the departments, with a salary of five thousand dollars a year." "What made you leave so good a place?" "I don't wonder you ask. It was because Claflin interfered with me. I felt that I ought to have full charge of my department, and would tolerate no interference. He interfered with me, and in a fit of anger I threw up my position. I dare say you think me foolish?" "Yes, I do," answered Robert frankly. "You are right, but an angry man doesn't stop to consider. Claflin seemed surprised, and no doubt he was sorry, but he is a proud man and he wouldn't demean himself by asking me to stay. So I put on my coat and left." "Have you got on well since?" "I went over to a rival merchant, but had to take less pay. Still I got on very well, till last spring, when I had an attack of malaria. That broke me down in health and pocket, and now I am what you call hard up." "Hadn't you saved up anything from your large salary?" "Yes, but I invested in running stock, and lost all."