Page:Baseball Joe on the School Nine.djvu/179

 "Sleeping there?" There was surprise in the boy's voice.

"Yes, Joe, I'm down and out. I've lost all my money, my friends have gone back on me—though it's my own fault—I have lost my home—my position—everything. I'm an outcast—a tramp—that's why I was sleeping there. There were some other tramps. They were smoking—I guess that's how the fire started. They got away but I couldn't."

The man's voice was excited now, and Joe tried to calm him. But Mr. Benjamin continued.

"Wait, Joe, I have something to tell you—something important—a warning to give you. If we—can we talk in private?"

"Yes, later, when you are stronger," answered the lad soothingly.

"Then it may be too late," went on Mr. Benjamin. "I am strong enough now. It was just a passing faintness. I—I am weak—haven't had much to eat—I'm hungry. But no matter. Here, come over here, I'll tell you."

He struggled to his feet with Joe's aid and led the lad aside from the crowd, which parted to make way for them.

"I'm down and out, Joe. Money and friends all gone."