Manuel was compelled to return to the bakery in quest of work, and
there, thanks to Karl's intercession with the proprietor, the boy
spent a while as a substitute for a delivery-man.
Manuel understood that this was hardly a suitable thing for him as a
regular position, and that it would get him nowhere; but he was at a
loss what to do, what road to take.
When he was left without a job, he managed to exist as long as he had
enough to pay for a chop-house meal. There came a day when he was
stranded without a centimo and he resorted to the Maria Cristina
barracks.
For two or three days he had been taking up his position among the
beggars of the breadline, when once he caught sight of Roberto
entering the barracks. He did not go over to him, as he feared to lose
his place, but after eating he waited until Roberto came out.
"Don Roberto!" hailed Manuel.
The student turned deathly pale; at sight of Manuel he regained his
composure.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
"You can see for yourself. I come here to eat. I can't find work."
"Ah! You come here to eat?"
"Yes, sir."
"Well, I come for the same reason," murmured Roberto, laughing.
"You?"
"Yes. I have been cheated out of my rightful fortune."
"And what are you doing now?"
"I'm working on a newspaper, waiting until there's a vacancy.
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