"
Frank's manner was easy and self-possessed, and it was evident that Mr.
Percival was favorably impressed by him.
"Take a seat," he said, "while I ask you a few questions."
Frank bowed and obeyed.
"Let me sit in your lap, Frank," said Freddie.
Our hero took the little boy in his lap.
With Freddie, it was certainly a case of friendship at first sight.
"Won't he trouble you?" asked his grandfather.
"No, sir. I like young children."
Mr. Percival now proceeded to interrogate Frank.
"Your name is Frank Courtney. Have you been long in the city?"
"No, sir; only a few weeks."
"What led you to come here?"
"I wished to earn my living."
"What that necessary? You do not look like a poor boy."
"I was brought up to consider myself rich," said Frank.
"Indeed! Did you lose your property?"
"Perhaps I had better tell you how it happened, sir."
"If you don't object, I should be glad to hear."
Frank gave a brief statement of his position, and the circumstances that
led him to leave his home and go out into the world.
Mr. Percival listened thoughtfully.
"It is a singular story," he said, after a pause. "Your stepfather's in
Europe, then?"
"Yes, sir; at least he sailed for Europe.
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