"I had a claim to be treated like a gentleman, even if I had no connection with the road," he said.
"If you say the boy's all right, I won't interfere with him," continued the conductor.
"My testimony would clear him from any charge that might be brought against him," said the president. "I saw him enter the car, and know he has had no opportunity to take the ring."
"If he'll give me back the ring, that's all I want," said the young lady.
"That I am willing to do, though I lose five dollars by it," said Philip.
"Do so, my boy," said the president. "I take it for granted that the young lady's claim is a just one."
Upon this Philip drew the ring from his finger and handed it to the young lady, who went back to the car where her friends were sitting.
"I hope, sir," said the conductor anxiously, "that you won't be prejudiced against me on account of this affair."
"I am sorry to say that I can't help feeling prejudiced against you," returned the president dryly;
"but I won't allow this feeling to injure you if, upon inquiring, I find that you are otherwise an efficient officer."
"Thank you, sir."
"I am glad that my presence has saved this boy from being the victim of an injustice. Let this be a lesson to you in future."
The conductor walked away, looking quite chop-fallen, and Philip turned to his new friend.
"I am very much indebted to you, sir," he said.
"But for you I should have found myself in serious trouble."
"I am glad to have prevented an injustice, my lad.
I am sorry I could not save you from loss also. That enterprising rogue has gone off with five dollars belonging to you. I hope the loss will not be a serious one to you."
"It was more than a third part of my capital, sir," said Phil, rather ruefully.
"I am sorry for that. I suppose, however, you are not dependent upon your own resources?"
"Yes, sir, I am."
"Have you no parents, then?" asked Mr. Grant, with interest.
"No, sir; that is, I have a step-mother."
"And what are your plans, if you are willing to tell me?"
"I am going to New York to try to make a living."
"I cannot commend your plan, my young friend, unless there is a good reason for it."
"I think there is a good reason for it, sir."
"I hope you have not run away from home?"
"No, sir; I left home with my step-mother's knowledge and consent."
"That is well. I don't want wholly to discourage you, and so I will tell you that I, too, came to New York at your age with the same object in view, with less money in my pocket than you possess."
"And now you are the president of a railroad!" said Phil hopefully.
"Yes; but I had a hard struggle before I reached that position."
"I am not afraid of hard work, sir."
"That is in your favor. Perhaps you may be as lucky as I have been. You may call at my office in the city, if you feel inclined."
As Mr. Grant spoke he put in Phil's hand a card bearing his name and address, in Wall Street.
"Thank you, sir," said Phil gratefully. "I shall be glad to call. I may need advice."
"If you seek advice and follow it you will be an exception to the general rule," said the president, smiling. "One thing more--you have met with a loss which, to you, is a serious one. Allow me to bear it, and accept this bill."
"But, sir, it is not right that you should bear it," commenced Phil. Then, looking at the bill, he said:
"Haven't you made a mistake? This is a TEN-dollar bill."
"I know it. Accept the other five as an evidence of my interest in you. By the way, I go to Philadelphia and Washington before my return to New York, and shall not return for three or four days.
After that time you will find me at my office.
"I am in luck after all," thought Phil cheerfully, "in spite of the mean trick of Mr. Lionel Lake."
