What does it mean that part of Jerry Cruncher’s income was “derived from the pilotage of timid women?” How does Jerry manage to gain income from this? (Book 2 Chapters 14-16)

Jerry Cruncher used to help these women cross the street to Tellson Bank. He was very friendly to them and would offer to drink to their health if he was given some money. He was able to make a liitle to add to his income doing this.