But, just as your friend, let me tell you to stay out of the
Street; it's no place for a young man like you. No--I don't mean
any offence. If I didn't believe in you myself, I wouldn't say it.
Take my advice and stay out."
And so footsore and heart-sore, his face haggard from hunger, for
he had eaten nothing since breakfast, his purpose misunderstood,
his own character assailed, his pride humiliated, and with courage
almost gone, he strode into Peter's room and threw himself into a
chair.
Peter heard his step and entered from his bedroom, where he had
finished dressing for dinner. The old fellow seemed greatly
troubled. One glance at Jack's face told the story of the
afternoon.
"You have done nothing, Jack?" he asked in a despondent tone.
"No--have you?"
"Nothing. Portman has gone to his place on Long Island, the others
were out. Whom did you see?"
"Some people we do business with; some of them laughed at me; some
gave me advice; none of them had any money."
"I expected it. I don't think you are quite aware of what you ask,
my dear boy.
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