He nervously fumbled at his hat, and did not speak.
"Can I do anything for you ?" asked Harry, at length.
"I see you don't know me," said the stranger.
"I can't say I recall your features; but then I see a great many persons." "I went to school at the Prescott Academy, when you were in the office of the Centreville 'Gazette.'" Harry looked more closely, and exclaimed, in astonished recognition, "Fitzgerald Fletcher!" "Yes," said the other, flushing with mortification, "I am Fitzgerald Fletcher." "I am glad to see you," said Harry, cordially, forgetting the old antagonism that had existed between them.
He rose and offered his hand, which Fletcher took with an air of relief, for he had felt uncertain of his reception.
"You have prospered wonderfully," said Fletcher, with a shade of envy.
"Yes," said Harry, smiling.

"I was a printer's devil when you knew me; but I never meant to stay in that position.

I have risen from the ranks." "I haven't," said Fletcher, bitterly.
"Have you been unfortunate?
Tell me about it, if you don't mind," said Harry, sympathetically.
"My father failed three years ago," said Fletcher, "and I found myself adrift with nothing to do, and no money to fall back upon.

I have drifted about since then; but now I am out of employment.

I came to you to-day to see if you will exert your influence to get me a government clerkship, even of the lowest class.