noon
Amid the busy scene walked Dick , without work , without money , without friends , but with a new purpose in his heart that was more than meat or drink . A new feeling of freedom and power made him lift his head and move with a firm and steady step . All that morning he sought for employment , inquiring at the stores and shops , but receiving little or no encouragement . Toward noon , while waiting for an opportunity to interview the proprietor of a store , he picked up a daily paper that was lying on the counter , and turning to the `` want '' column , read an advertisement for a man to do general work about the barn and yard . When he had received the usual answer to his request for work , he went at once to the address given in the paper . `` Is Mr. Goodrich in ? '' he asked of the young man who came forward with a look of inquiry on his face .