Page:Ned Wilding's Disappearance.djvu/179

Rh "Come now, everybody clear out!" called a voice, and one of the porters of the lodging house appeared with a pail and broom. Got to clean up the place. Fifteen cents doesn't mean you fellers can make a hotel of this place and hang around all day. Clear out!"

"Can't we stay until it stops snowin'?" asked one of the men, who were crowded around the big stove in the sleeping room.

"You kin if you pay for another night's lodging," was the answer. "What do you think this is, the Salvation Army or the Y.M.C.A.? If you want free graft go there. You has to pay for what you gits here. Clear out!"

There was no help for it. Those who hoped to remain in away from the storm, where it was at least warm, though not very inviting, were doomed to disappointment. A few, who had the money, paid for another night's lodging, which gave them the privilege of remaining in during the day.

Ned had half a notion to do this, but he reflected he might find a place to work which would be so far from the lodging house that he could not conveniently return. So he decided to save his money until he could find out what the day might hold for him.

With scores of other unfortunates he left the