Sam felt that he was paying his money not only for the actual service done, but for valuable information besides. On the whole, though he knew he must be economical, it seemed to him a paying investment. "Did you come from the country?" asked the young knight of the blacking-brush, while he was vigorously brushing the first shoe. "Yes," said Sam. "I only got here just now." "That's what I thought." "Why?" "Because you look like a greenhorn." "Do you mean to insult me?" asked Sam, nettled. "No," said the other; "only if you've never been here before of course you're green." "I won't be long," said Sam, hastily. "Course you won't, 'specially if you have me to show you round." "Have you lived long in New York?" inquired Sam. "I was born here," said the boy. "Have you been long blackin' boots?" "Ever since I was knee-high to a door-step." "Then you make a living at it?" "I don't starve. What made you leave the country?" "I got tired of working on a farm." "Did you have enough to eat?" "Yes." "And a good bed to sleep in?" "Yes." "Then you'd ought to have stayed there," said the boot-black. "I think I shall like the city better," said Sam. "There's a good deal more goin' on." "I'd like to try the country. You don't live at the West, do you?" "No." "Lots of boys goes West. Maybe I'll go there, some time." "Is it a good place?" "That's what they say. The boys gets good homes out there on farms." "Then I don't want to go," said Sam. "I'm tired of farmin'." By this time the shoes were polished. "Aint that a bully shine?" asked the boot-black, surveying his work with satisfaction. "Yes," said Sam. "You know how to do it." "Course I do. Now where's the stamps?" Sam drew out ten cents, and handed to the boy. "Now show me where I can get some dinner." "All right. Come along!" and the boy, slinging his box over his shoulder, led the way to a small place on Chatham street. It was in a basement, and did not look over-neat; but Sam was too hungry to be particular, and the odor of the cooking was very grateful to him. "I guess I'll get a plate o' meat, too," said the boot-black. "I aint had anything since breakfast." They sat down side by side at a table, and Sam looked over the bill of fare. He finally ordered a plate of roast beef, for ten cents, and his companion followed his example. The plates were brought, accompanied by a triangular wedge of bread, and a small amount of mashed potato. It was not a feast for an epicure, but both Sam and his companion appeared to enjoy it. Sam was still hungry. "They didn't bring much," he said. "I guess I'll have another plate." "I aint got stamps enough," said his companion. "If you want another plate, I'll pay for it," said Sam, with a sudden impulse of generosity. "Will you? You're a brick!" said the boot-black heartily. "Then I don't mind. I'll have another." "Do they have any pie?" asked Sam. "Course they do." "Then I'll have a piece afterwards."