As the best way of getting into communication with the youth whom he suspected to be the object of his search, Hector asked him the name of the street.
On receiving an answer, he said, in an explanatory way:
"I am a stranger here. I only arrived on the last steamer."
The other looked interested.
"Where do you come from?"
"From New York."
"I used to live there," said Gregory-for it was he-with a sigh.
"Have you bettered yourself by coming out here?" asked Hector.
Gregory shook his head.
"No," he said; "I begin to think I was a fool to come at all."
"Perhaps you had poor prospects in New York?" said Hector.
"No; my uncle is a rich merchant there. I have some property, also, and he is my guardian."
"Did he favor your coming?"
"No; he was very much opposed to it."
"
