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diff --git a/35046-h/35046-h.htm b/35046-h/35046-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c049f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/35046-h/35046-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6529 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Teddy and Carrots, by James Otis</title> + <style type="text/css"> + +body { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; +} + +p { + margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; +} + +hr { + width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; +} + +table { + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; +} + +.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; +} /* page numbers */ + +.linenum { + position: absolute; + top: auto; + left: 4%; +} /* poetry number */ + + +.br {border-right: solid 2px;} + +.center {text-align: center;} + +.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + +.caption {font-weight: bold;} + +/* Images */ +.figcenter { + margin: auto; + text-align: center; +} + + hr.full { width: 100%; + margin-top: 3em; + margin-bottom: 0em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + height: 4px; + border-width: 4px 0 0 0; /* remove all borders except the top one */ + border-style: solid; + border-color: #000000; + clear: both; } + pre {font-size: 85%;} + </style> +</head> +<body> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, Teddy and Carrots, by James Otis, Illustrated +by W. A. Rogers</h1> +<pre> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: Teddy and Carrots</p> +<p> Two Merchants of Newpaper Row</p> +<p>Author: James Otis</p> +<p>Release Date: January 23, 2011 [eBook #35046]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TEDDY AND CARROTS***</p> +<p> </p> +<h4>E-text prepared by David Edwards, David K. Park,<br /> + and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> + (<a href="http://www.pgdp.net">http://www.pgdp.net</a>)<br /> + from page images generously made available by<br /> + Internet Archive<br /> + (<a href="http://www.archive.org/">http://www.archive.org</a>)</h4> +<p> </p> +<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;margin: 0 auto;" cellpadding="10"> + <tr> + <td valign="top"> + Note: + </td> + <td> + Images of the original pages are available through + Internet Archive. See + <a href="http://www.archive.org/details/teddycarrotstwom00otis"> + http://www.archive.org/details/teddycarrotstwom00otis</a> + </td> + </tr> +</table> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/z001b.jpg" width="600" height="777" alt="FRONT BOOK COVER" title="" /> +<span class="caption">FRONT BOOK COVER;</span> +</div> + + +<h2>TEDDY</h2> +<h3>AND</h3> +<h2>CARROTS</h2> + +<h3>JAMES OTIS</h3> + +<p><a name="z006" id="z006"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/z006.jpg" width="600" height="776" alt="TEDDY AND CARROTS LEAVE THE "TOMBS."" title="" /> +<span class="caption">TEDDY AND CARROTS LEAVE THE "TOMBS."</span> +</div> + +<h3>TEDDY AND CARROTS</h3> +<h3><i>TWO MERCHANTS OF NEWSPAPER ROW</i></h3> + +<h3><span class="smcap">By</span> JAMES OTIS</h3> +<h5>AUTHOR OF</h5> +<h4>"JENNY WREN'S BOARDING-HOUSE,"</h4> +<h4>"THE BOYS' REVOLT," "JERRY'S FAMILY,"</h4> +<h4>"THE BOYS OF 1745," ETC.</h4> +<p> </p> + +<h4>ILLUSTRATED BY</h4> +<h3>W. A. ROGERS</h3> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + + + +<h3>BOSTON</h3> +<h3>ESTES AND LAURIAT</h3> +<h4>PUBLISHERS</h4> + +<h5><i>Copyright, 1895 and 1896</i></h5> +<h4><span class="smcap">By The Century Co.</span></h4> +<hr style="width: 15%;" /> +<h5><i>Copyright, 1896</i></h5> +<h4><span class="smcap">By Estes and Lauriat</span></h4> +<h5><i>All rights reserved</i></h5> + + + +<h4>Colonial Press:</h4> +<h5>C. H. Simonds & Co., Boston, Mass., U. S. A.</h5> +<h5>Electrotyped by Geo. C. Scott & Sons</h5> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>CONTENTS.</h2> +<hr style="width: 25%;" /> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align="right">CHAPTER</td><td align="right" colspan="2">PAGE</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">I.</td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Newcomer</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">11</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">II.</td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Assault</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">21</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">III.</td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Arrest</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">31</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">IV.</td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Prisoner</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">43</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">V.</td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Suggestion</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">56</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">VI.</td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Trial</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">67</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">VII.</td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Warning</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">80</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">VIII.</td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Partners</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">93</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">IX.</td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Prodigal's Return</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">108</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">X.</td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Skip's Vengeance</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">121</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XI.</td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Friendly Argument</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">135</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XII.</td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Carrots's Charity</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">149</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XIII.</td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Medical Friend</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">162</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XIV.</td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Plot</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">176</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XV.</td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Conflagration</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">187</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XVI.</td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Challenge</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">201</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XVII.</td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Prosperity</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">213</a></td></tr> +</table> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h2><a name="ILLUSTRATIONS" id="ILLUSTRATIONS"></a>ILLUSTRATIONS.</h2> + +<hr style="width: 25%;" /> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right" colspan="3">PAGE</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Teddy and Carrots leave the "Tombs"</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#z006"><i>Frontispiece</i></a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">"'You'd better mind your eye, if you count on stayin' + round this city very long!' said Skip"</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#z019">15</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Teddy is arrested, while his enemies escape</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#z033">29</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">"'Now, then, what do you want, young chap?' the officer asked"</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#z037">33</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Teenie Massey's evening call at Carrots's residence</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#z057">53</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">"'It was jest like this,' said Carrots"</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#z066">62</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Teenie brings the "committee's" warning</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#z093">89</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">An exact copy of the "committee's" warning</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#z096">92</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">"I said I knew a boy, an' I showed him right up"</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#z109">105</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">"Why, he was all over that pasture quicker'n you could wink!"</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#z121">117</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Carrots falls into the hands of the enemy</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#z131">127</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Teddy defends his partner</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#z147">143</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Ikey before the grocer's window</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#z159">155</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The boys at the doctor's door</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#z175">171</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">"'How did you know Carrots lived here?' Teddy asked, sternly"</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#z201">197</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">"'What are yellin' like that for?' said Sid"</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#z213">209</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">"Carrots displays the establishment of Messrs. Thurston and Williams"</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#z221">217</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Prosperity</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#z225">221</a></td></tr> +</table> + + + +<h2><a name="TEDDY_AND_CARROTS" id="TEDDY_AND_CARROTS"></a>TEDDY AND CARROTS.</h2> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<h3>A NEWCOMER.</h3> + + +<p>"Say, boys, come 'round over here by the fountain, an' I'll show you +something!" Skip Jellison shouted to a party of his friends who were +seated on a curbstone, not far from the Newsboys' Lodging House, gravely +discussing a business proposition which had been made by Sid Barker.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter?" Reddy Jackson asked, replacing his fragment of a +hat.</p> + +<p>"Come over here; an' you must be quick about it, or the show will be +ended."</p> + +<p>Skip was so excited that his acquaintances and friends concluded it must +be something of considerable importance to cause him to move in such a +lively manner, and they followed him a short distance down the street, +until it was possible to have a full view of the fountain.</p> + +<p>There the cause of Master Jellison's agitation could be seen.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p> + +<p>Seated on the edge of the iron basin, with a newspaper parcel unrolled +in front of him, was a boy, apparently about twelve years of age, who, +to the newsboy spectators, looked painfully neat and clean. Skip and his +friends saw that the boy was a stranger in the city.</p> + +<p>The newcomer had taken from their newspaper wrappings a small cake of +yellow soap, and a piece of cotton cloth.</p> + +<p>Laying these on the iron edge of the fountain basin, he calmly proceeded +to wash his face and hands, using a plentiful amount of soap; and then, +to the intense astonishment of the spectators, applied the impromptu +towel vigorously.</p> + +<p>"Well, that feller's too good for down-town!" Skip said, in what he +intended for a sarcastic tone. "He b'longs up at the Fif' Avenoo."</p> + +<p>"Oh, he's jest got in from the country, an' is goin' to buy Brooklyn +Bridge," Sid suggested.</p> + +<p>"Look at him! Jest look at him!" Skip cried, in mingled excitement and +anger that the boy should be so criminally neat.</p> + +<p>The stranger had taken from his valise of paper a comb, which he calmly +proceeded to use, the water in the basin serving as a mirror; and then, +to the surprise and disdain of the spectators, he gave his clothes a +vigorous brushing with a whisk-broom.</p> + +<p>"Well, see here!" and Skip spoke in the tone of one who is uncertain +whether it is best to laugh or be angry, "that feller's makin' me +tired. S'pos'n' we go over an' give him a shakin' up, jest for fun.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> +Come on!" and Skip led the way across the street at full speed.</p> + +<p>The stranger looked up calmly when they approached, but betrayed neither +astonishment nor alarm; and Skip involuntarily halted a few paces away, +as he asked, gruffly: "Say, young feller, what're you tryin' to do?"</p> + +<p>"Can't you see?"</p> + +<p>"I thought I did; but these chaps here made sure there must be some +mistake about it."</p> + +<p>The boy gazed critically at those who were surrounding him, and then +replied:</p> + +<p>"Well, 'cordin' to the looks of the whole crowd, I should <i>think</i> you +might be s'prised to see a fellow wash his face an' comb his hair."</p> + +<p>"Now, don't get too fresh," Sid said, threateningly, as he stepped +forward to Skip's side. "We didn't come here to git the 'pinion of any +country jay."</p> + +<p>"Then why did you want er know?"</p> + +<p>"'Cause. Say, you'd better mind your eye, young feller, if you count on +stayin' 'round this city very long. There was a chap jest like you come +down here last week tryin' to put on airs: an' his folks are huntin' for +him now."</p> + +<p>"Well, you needn't be worried anybody'll be lookin' for me, 'cause +there's nobody wants to know where I am. So go ahead, if I've been doin' +anything you perfessors don't like."</p> + +<p>Sid apparently decided that it was hardly advisable for him to make too<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span> +many threatening gestures, because the stranger was not at all disturbed +by them, and even seemed disposed to court the possibly dreadful +encounter.</p> + +<p>He finished brushing his clothes, and then packed his "valise," by +rolling the different articles carefully in the newspaper. Then, instead +of going away, as Skip and his friends seemed to think he should have +done as soon as they arrived, he stood with his hands on his hips, as if +waiting for them to take their departure. For a minute no one spoke, and +the silence was really painful.</p> + +<p>The newsboys were mentally taking the measure of this stranger who +appeared ready to defy them; and the latter finally asked, impatiently: +Well, what're you fellers countin' on doin'? I reckon I'm no great sight +for you to stand lookin' at.</p> + +<p>"Do you live here?" Skip asked.</p> + +<p>"I'm goin' to now. Had it tough enough gettin' here, an' don't feel like +leavin' till I've found out what there is in this city."</p> + +<p>"Where did you come from?"</p> + +<p>"Up Saranac way."</p> + +<p>"Rode down in a parlor-car, I s'pose."</p> + +<p>"Then you s'pose wrong, 'cause I walked."</p> + +<p>"You don't look it." And once more Skip scrutinised the stranger +carefully.</p> + +<p>"I don't reckon I do. I count on keepin' myself kind er decent. It +doesn't cost anything for a feller to wash his face, comb his hair, or +have his clothes clean, an' there's many a time when it'll put him through in great shape." +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> +</p> + + +<p><a name="z019" id="z019"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 720px;"> +<img src="images/z019.jpg" width="720" height="538" alt=""'YOU'D BETTER MIND YOUR EYE, IF YOU COUNT ON STAYIN' +ROUND THIS CITY VERY LONG!' SAID SKIP."" title="" /> +<span class="caption">"'YOU'D BETTER MIND YOUR EYE, IF YOU COUNT ON STAYIN' +ROUND THIS CITY VERY LONG!' SAID SKIP."</span> +</div> + +<p>"Goin' to live on the interest of your money, I s'pose?"</p> + +<p>"Well, you s'pose right this time," was the quiet reply. "That's my +calkerlation; but it'll be on what I earn, not what I've got."</p> + +<p>"Dead broke?"</p> + +<p>"Not quite," and the boy took from his pocket a number of pennies, +holding them in one hand, while he guarded himself against a possible +attack. "There were twenty of 'em when I come 'cross the ferry, an' I +b'lieve none of 'em have got away since."</p> + +<p>"What are you goin' to do here?" Sid asked, beginning to fancy that +possibly this stranger was a boy whom it would be worth his while to +cultivate; and, in order to show his friendliness, he seated himself, in +a studied attitude of careless ease, on the edge of the basin, while the +others immediately followed his example.</p> + +<p>"Whatever will bring in money enough for my keep, an' a little over."</p> + +<p>"Thinkin' of sellin' papers?" Reddy asked.</p> + +<p>"I reckon that'll be 'bout the first job, 'cause I've got to make money +enough for my supper, or dig too big a hole in my capital."</p> + +<p>"What's your name?"</p> + +<p>"Teddy Thurston."</p> + +<p>"Do you s'pose the fellers down here, what run the newspaper business, +are goin' to have you comin' in takin' the bread an' butter out er their +mouths?" Sid asked, angrily.</p> + +<p>"No, I don't reckon they will; but you see I'm not after that exac'ly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> +You fellers'll never find me tryin' to get your bread an' butter; but +I'll tell you what you can count on for a fact," and now the stranger +spoke in a very decided tone, "I'm reckonin' on stickin' to the +newspaper business, if there's any money in it, jest as long as I want +to. I didn't travel all the way down here to get scared the first day. +You see, I figger it 'bout like this: Sam Thompson, he came to the city +last summer, an' some fellers—I don't know whether it was you or +not—made it hot for him. It wasn't more'n a week before he was glad to +walk back, although he came down in the cars. Now, I thought I'd begin +right where Sam left off: I'd walk the first way, an' then, perhaps, +stand a better chance of ridin' the other, if I had to go; but it's got +to be boys what are bigger than I am to scare me out er the plan. <i>I've</i> +come to stay."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you have?" and there was no mistaking the fact that Skip was +sarcastic. "We may have something to say 'bout that."</p> + +<p>"Then you want er talk quick, 'cause after I'm settled down, it'll be a +pretty hard job to make any trade with me."</p> + +<p>"Where you goin' to begin business?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know yet. I'll look 'round a while, an' catch on before night, +somewhere. I reckon there are fellers in this town that would show a +green hand how to get his papers, an' where the best places were, eh?"</p> + +<p>"That's jest 'cordin' to how you start in, young feller," and Sid arose<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> +to his feet in order to make his words more expressive. "If you want to +go to work, an' mind your eye, I don't know but it can be done; but you +won't get along this way. You're puttin' on too many frills—that's +what's the matter with you, an' they'll have to be taken off."</p> + +<p>"Well, perhaps they will," and Teddy turned as if to leave his new +acquaintances. "You see, I'm pretty green, an' may be countin' on doin' +too much. I'll try it a spell, anyhow."</p> + +<p>"We allers 'low, when it's 'greed a new hand can go to work, that he +stands treat the first thing."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I see! Well, I don't have to do that, 'cause it ain't been 'greed +yet. When I want you fellers to tell me what I can do, perhaps I may +come down 'cordin' to your idees; but jest now I've got too much +business on hand;" and the stranger walked away, as if these young +gentlemen, who claimed to control the newspaper business of New York +City, were of no especial importance in his eyes.</p> + +<p>"Look here, fellers," Skip said wildly, for he always contrived to work +himself into a state of intense excitement over the most trifling +matters, "the way he's goin' on now, he'll be the boss of Newspaper Row +before mornin', 'less we take a hand in it."</p> + +<p>"What are you goin' to do?" Sid asked in much too quiet a tone to suit +his excited friend.</p> + +<p>"Thump his head the very first time he tries to sell a paper, to start +with, an' run him out er town before ter-morrer night."</p> + +<p>"I don't see how you can tackle him now when he ain't doin' anything."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Of course not; but he brags he's goin' to; an' the first time he tucks +a bundle of papers under his arm, I'll give him one to remember!"</p> + +<p>"Look out you don't git it the same's you did last week, over in +Brooklyn!" Teenie Massey cried, in his shrillest tones, which hardly +ever failed to excite Master Skip's anger.</p> + +<p>"Don't you mind how I got it over in Brooklyn! I'll tend to my business; +you tend to yours. If we waited for you to do anything, we'd all be +bald-headed," was Skip's answer to this taunt; but Teenie was not at all +abashed. It was his favourite amusement to arouse Skip's anger, and rely +upon his diminutive stature to escape a whipping; for Master Jellison +prided himself upon his ability to flog any fellow of his size in New +York. "You fellers meet me in front of <i>The Times</i> office at noon, an' +I'll show him up in great shape, 'less he comes to hisself before then, +which I reckon he will, 'cause he'll never have the nerve to stand up +ag'in' the whole crowd of us," said Skip.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile the stranger was apparently giving no heed to the young tyrant +who had decided it would be impossible for him to remain in the city; +but continued on his way down-town, ignorant of, and, perhaps, careless +regarding, the fact that he was to be debarred from earning a livelihood +by selling newspapers, if Skip Jellison's power was as great as he would +have others believe.</p> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2> + +<h3>THE ASSAULT.</h3> + + +<p>The appearance of the clean-looking boy, even though his clothes were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> +rather shabby, attracted no particular attention among the small army of +newsboys and bootblacks to be found in the vicinity of City Hall Park; +and Teddy Thurston was enabled to survey the scene around him without +interruption.</p> + +<p>During a few moments he interested himself in what, to the country lad, +must have been a bewildering scene; and then, mentally "pulling himself +together," he began to watch the young gentlemen who were selling +papers.</p> + +<p>Near by him were several bootblacks who appeared to be doing a +flourishing business; and he said to himself, jingling the coins in his +pocket, as if trying to revive his courage:</p> + +<p>"If I had money enough to buy brushes an' a box, I b'lieve I'd black +boots for a while. It seems as if there was a good deal of profit in it. +One of those fellows has earned fifteen cents since I stood here, an' +I'm sure the paper-sellers aren't doin' so well."</p> + +<p>Just at that moment a small boy, with particularly red hair, and a +stubby nose on which was a large smudge of blacking, finished his work +of polishing a gentleman's boots, and pocketed with an air of +satisfaction the three extra pennies which had been given him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p> + +<p>Then, standing very near Teddy, he whistled in the most contented manner +possible.</p> + +<p>The boy from Saranac looked at him a moment, as if trying to decide +whether the city fellow would be willing to give the desired +information, and then asked:</p> + +<p>"Say, what do the brushes cost?"</p> + +<p>"I paid Ikey Cain forty cents for these two," the stranger replied +without hesitation, as he displayed the articles last mentioned. +"They're good ones. I couldn't have got 'em less'n a dollar down on +Fulton Street."</p> + +<p>"That settles me," Teddy said, as if speaking to himself; and then, +without particular animation, he inquired, "What's the cost of the +boxes?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, the fellers don't buy these; they make 'em. All you've got to do is +ask some man in a store for one, an', if he gives it to you, find a +chunk of wood an' whittle out this top part. It's the blackin' what +takes the profits off. I paid twenty cents for that bottle last Monday, +an' it's more'n half gone already."</p> + +<p>Teddy ceased jingling his coins, and was about to turn away, when his +new acquaintance asked: "Was you thinkin' of shinin'?"</p> + +<p>"Eh?"</p> + +<p>"I mean was you goin' inter the business?"</p> + +<p>"No, I can't; haven't got money enough. I reckon I'll have to sell +papers for a while."</p> + +<p>"You'll be jest as rich," the small boy said as he added another smudge +of blacking to his nose by rubbing it in a thoughtful manner. "You see,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> +when it rains, the fellers can sell papers all the same; but we have to +lay off 'cause nobody wants their boots shined in wet weather. Where do +you live?"</p> + +<p>"Well, about anywhere, now. You see, I jest come down from Saranac, to +find out how I could earn my livin'."</p> + +<p>"What was you doin' up there?"</p> + +<p>"I worked for Farmer Taylor a spell, but he wouldn't give me more'n my +clothes; an' when a feller has to work a year on the farm for sich a +rig-out as I've got here, it don't seem as if he'd get rich very soon."</p> + +<p>"I ain't so sure," the boy with the blackened nose said, as he surveyed +the stranger. "You seem to be rigged out pretty swell, an' I guess they +fed you well enough—gave you all you wanted, eh?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, I got enough to eat, an' a fair place to sleep in; but it +seems as though a feller like me ought er have more'n that, if he works +hard all day for it."</p> + +<p>"Well, I s'pose he had; but you see there's a good many times when +business is dull 'round here, an' if you haven't got the cash to pay +right up to dots for a room, you'll have a chance to sleep where you +can. I've been thinkin' of goin' on to a farm, myself; but I don't seem +to get ahead fast enough to make a break."</p> + +<p>Teddy was rather pleased with his new acquaintance. The red-haired boy +was the first in the city who had treated him with the slightest degree +of friendliness, and it would have been gross carelessness to neglect +him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What's your name?" he asked, as he moved slowly toward one of the +benches, with an air which invited the bootblack to sit down.</p> + +<p>"Well, it's Joseph Williams; but nobody 'round here calls me that. The +fellers sing out 'Carrots' when they want me, 'cause you see my hair is +red."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I could tell that in the dark," Teddy said with a smile, as he +looked at Master Williams's flame-colored head.</p> + +<p>"I don't care what they call me. If it does 'em any good to sing out +'Carrots' whenever I go by, why, let 'em do it. But that's what makes me +think 'bout goin' to farmin'."</p> + +<p>"What is?"</p> + +<p>"'Cause they yell so much 'bout carrots. I don't know as I'd like sich +things, for I never eat any; but it seems as if a feller that's so +red-headed as I am b'longs in the country."</p> + +<p>"I don't know how you make that out."</p> + +<p>"Neither do I; but that's the way it looks to me. Must be nice to be +where there's grass, so's you can get up in the mornin' an' run 'round +in the fields."</p> + +<p>"Yes; but that's what you wouldn't be doin'. If you was livin' on a farm +you'd have to hustle, an' there's enough work in the mornin' without +runnin' 'round the fields, I tell you."</p> + +<p>"What did you use ter do?"</p> + +<p>"Well, first place, I fed the cows. We didn't keep any sheep; but I +looked after the hosses an' pigs, an' then there was a pesky little calf +that gave me lots o' trouble. But look here," Teddy added quickly,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> +"there's plenty of time for me to tell you 'bout a farm. Jest now I want +er do somethin' to earn my livin.' Can you show me where to get some +papers?"</p> + +<p>"Are you goin' into the business sure?"</p> + +<p>"Only for a little while. I don't count on sellin' papers all my life. +You see, I 'low to make money enough so's I can go inter somethin' +reg'lar for myself."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you do, eh?" and Master Carrots indulged in a bit of sarcasm. +"Well, I reckon it'll be a pretty long while before you earn that much. +You'll be mighty lucky to have all you want er eat, an' a place to +sleep. What have you got in your pocket?"</p> + +<p>"Nothin' pertic'lar. That's my baggage," and, in order to prove his +friendliness toward the red-haired stranger, Teddy displayed the +contents of the newspaper parcel, greatly to the surprise of his new +acquaintance.</p> + +<p>"What's that little brush for?"</p> + +<p>"Why, to clean my teeth, of course."</p> + +<p>Carrots looked at his new friend in surprise which amounted almost to +bewilderment.</p> + +<p>"Well," Teddy asked, "what's the matter?"</p> + +<p>"Well, seems as if you was puttin' on a good deal of style for a feller +that hasn't got money enough to buy the outfit for the bootblack trade."</p> + +<p>"I don't know as there's anything so queer 'bout that; but you fellers +seem to think there's no call to keep yourselves lookin' clean."</p> + +<p>"Well, you see, we don't claim to be swells."</p> + +<p>"Yes, so I see," Teddy replied; then he added: "Say, these fellers seem<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> +to be sellin' a good many papers. S'pos'n' you show me where to buy +some?"</p> + +<p>"All right; come along;" and, slinging his box over his shoulder, +Carrots started across Printing House Square, threading his way in and +out of the vehicles in a manner which seemed to Teddy almost criminally +reckless.</p> + +<p>More than once, before the short journey was ended, did the boy from +Saranac fancy he would be trampled under the feet of the horses; but, by +dint of his own exertions, aided now and then by a vigorous pull from +his guide, he was soon standing in an ill-ventilated room, where half a +dozen fellows were clamouring for round flat pieces of brass.</p> + +<p>"Here—I don't want those," Teddy said, as Carrots led the way to the +desk where the disks were being sold.</p> + +<p>"But you've got to have the checks if you count on gettin' papers. Give +me your money. How many do you want?"</p> + +<p>"I'll take twenty cents' worth, anyhow, an' see what I can do with them +as a starter;" and Teddy handed the pennies confidently to his new +acquaintance.</p> + +<p>Carrots laid the coins in front of the busy man at the desk, received +the bits of brass, and with them went to the counter on which large +numbers of newspapers were lying, where he received Teddy's first stock +in trade.</p> + +<p>"Find out what the news is, an' yell the best you know how," Carrots +said, pushing the young gentleman from Saranac toward the street-door;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> +and five minutes later the new merchant was following his friend's +advice to the letter, by crying his wares in such a manner as excited +the mirth of the other dealers.</p> + +<p>"It seems to me I ain't doin' this jest right," Teddy said to himself, +and then he waited a moment, listening to the more experienced venders.</p> + +<p>It was not long before he succeeded in imitating their cries, and had +already sold four papers when Skip Jellison, who was accompanied by his +friends Sid Barker and Teenie Massey, appeared in view.</p> + +<p>"There he is!" Teenie cried in his shrillest tones. "Now let's see you +go for him! He's actin' as if he owned the whole town!"</p> + +<p>Skip prepared for battle by rolling up his coat-sleeves, and settling +his dilapidated cap more firmly on his head. Then, running swiftly +forward, he confronted Teddy as he was on the point of selling a paper +to a gentleman through a horse-car window.</p> + +<p>Skip did not wait to be attacked, for he believed in striking the first +blow as a means of confusing the enemy; and, before Teddy recognized the +boy who had threatened him, he received a severe blow in the face which +caused him to reel backward.</p> + +<p>The paper fell from his hand, the horse-car continued its way, and this +important transaction in news was nipped in the bud, to the serious loss +of the young merchant.</p> + +<p>Teddy was bewildered for an instant, as Skip had expected, and he did +not recover his self-possession until Master Jellison had struck him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> +once more, this time without serious effect, since the blow, being a +hasty one, glanced from the boy's shoulder.</p> + +<p>It sufficed, however, to throw Teddy's stock of papers into the mud of +the street, thereby ruining several so that they would not sell to +fastidious customers; and this, more than the injury received, aroused +Teddy's ire.</p> + +<p>The boy from Saranac may have been ignorant concerning the customs of +the city, but he was thoroughly well aware that it was necessary to +defend himself; and, an instant later, Skip found he had quite as much +on hand as he could attend to properly.</p> + +<p>Teddy, giving no heed to his wares, struck out with more strength than +science, and forced his adversary to beat a swift retreat.</p> + +<p>"Now you've got it!" Teenie shrieked, as if delighted that Skip had met +an opponent who was a match for him.</p> + +<p>But Skip paid no heed to Teenie, and, raising his fists as an invitation +to Teddy to "come on," awaited the conclusion of the battle, confident +as to who would be the victor.</p> + +<p>Teddy had no idea of holding back; for this attack was but the beginning +of a series which was intended to drive him out of business, and it was +necessary it should be repulsed if he wished to earn his livelihood by +the sale of newspapers.</p> + +<p>Therefore he advanced boldly, and aimed what was intended for a stinging +blow at his antagonist's face; but it was met by Skip's arm, and, before +Teddy could raise his hand again, Teenie squeaked loudly and shrilly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> +enough to have been heard at the post-office:</p> + +<p>"Cops! Hi, fellers, here's de cops!"</p> + +<p><a name="z033" id="z033"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 810px;"> +<img src="images/z033.jpg" width="810" height="724" alt="TEDDY IS ARRESTED, WHILE HIS ENEMIES ESCAPE." title="" /> +<span class="caption">TEDDY IS ARRESTED, WHILE HIS ENEMIES ESCAPE.</span> +</div> + +<p>Teddy was wholly at a loss to know what was meant by this cry, although +he understood it was one of warning; and as he looked around to +ascertain the cause, Skip turned and immediately started at full speed +across the park, intent only on escaping from the blue-coated guardians +of the peace.</p> + +<p>With a cry of triumph, Teddy followed in pursuit; but before he had +traversed twenty yards a heavy hand was laid upon his shoulder, and he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> +found himself in the clutches of one of the park guards.</p> + +<p>"I've made up my mind that this sort of thing's been going on long +enough," the officer said, shaking the boy from Saranac, as he led him +toward the approaching policeman. "You little ragamuffins seem to think +this park's kept for you to fight in, but now I'm going to show you +what's what."</p> + +<p>"Just let me get hold of the fellow who knocked my papers in the mud, +and I'll show <i>you</i> what's what!" Teddy cried, not understanding that he +had been arrested. "They aren't goin' to drive me away from this town, +if I know myself."</p> + +<p>"Well, now there won't be anybody able to do that till after you settle +with the court," the guard said, as he handed his prisoner over to the +policeman; and Teddy's face grew pale as he realized that his attempted +entrance into the business community of New York City was to be checked +in an ignominious manner.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2> + +<h3>THE ARREST.</h3> + + +<p>The policeman marched Teddy along while he whistled a remarkably merry +tune, which the young prisoner thought out of place.</p> + +<p>If anybody had shown sufficient curiosity regarding him to have asked +Teddy if he had any friends in the city, his reply would have been that +he had none; but he would have been wrong, as events proved.</p> + +<p>Master Joseph Williams, otherwise known as Carrots, had witnessed the +affray from a distance, but was not able to take an active part in it +during the brief time it lasted, owing to the fact of his being occupied +just at that moment in blacking a customer's boots. But when Teddy had +been dragged less than a block on the road to his "dungeon cell" by the +whistling officer, he had completed his task, and, what was more to the +purpose, received therefor the amount of money which it was customary to +expect.</p> + +<p>Now this boy from Saranac had no claim upon the red-headed, +blackened-nosed young bootblack; but, despite the fact that Carrots's +face was not cleanly, and that his general appearance was generally +disreputable, he was ever ready to assist others.</p> + +<p>Slinging his box over his shoulder, he ran to the scene of the assault<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> +just in time to rescue Teddy's stock of newspapers from beneath the feet +of a dray-horse, and followed with all speed after the officer and +prisoner.</p> + +<p>Teddy, plunged into a very "Slough of Despond," was suffering himself to +be taken through the streets like a criminal, when he was startled by +hearing a hoarse whisper directly behind him; at the same instant his +hand was grasped by another.</p> + +<p>"Say, can't you wriggle out er that cop's fist?" Carrots asked. But +Teddy shook his head mournfully.</p> + +<p>"This is what comes of bein' brought up in the country," the bootblack +muttered to himself, regretfully.</p> + +<p>"Don't lose your pluck," he said aloud. "I'm goin' to stand by you +through this thing, 'cause it's all come out er that Skip Jellison's +gang, an' he's forever pickin' on somebody."</p> + +<p>"I don't know what you can do," Teddy replied, mournfully, speaking in +an ordinary tone. Then, glancing around, the policeman noticed that his +prisoner was holding a conversation with a seeming friend.</p> + +<p>"Now, then, what do you want, young chap?" the officer asked.</p> + +<p>"Nothin' at all," said Carrots. "It ain't ag'in' the law to speak to a +fellow, is it, when he's walkin' through the streets?"</p> + +<p>"Is this boy a friend of yours?"</p> + +<p>"Bet your life he is, off'cer!" Carrots replied, earnestly. "Why, we're +jest like twins. You don't s'pose I'm goin' to see him lugged away when +he ain't been doin' nothin' at all, do you?"</p> + +<p><a name="z037" id="z037"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 585px;"> +<img src="images/z037.jpg" width="585" height="787" alt=""'NOW, THEN, WHAT DO YOU WANT, YOUNG CHAP?' THE OFFICER +ASKED."" title="" /> +<span class="caption">"'NOW, THEN, WHAT DO YOU WANT, YOUNG CHAP?' THE OFFICER +ASKED."</span> +</div> + +<p>"If you boys who loaf near City Hall keep on doing this 'nothing at all'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> +business, more of you will be arrested before a great while," the +officer said, grimly. "You seem to think that park's made for you to +fight in, but it won't take long to show you you're mistaken."</p> + +<p>"But this fellow wasn't fightin'," Carrots replied in a positive tone. +"I was only a little ways off when Skip Jellison come up, hit him a +clip, an' knocked his papers out er his hands. What kind of a duffer +would he be if he hadn't tried to square things? The only trouble is, he +didn't have a chance to do any fightin' before that crooked-nosed park +guard got hold of him. Say, it don't seem to me jest right that a +reg'lar policeman should help that gray thing along in the way he's +actin'."</p> + +<p>"Why don't you come up before the commissioners, and give them an idea +of how the police force of the city ought to be run?" the officer asked, +sarcastically.</p> + +<p>"Well, I would; but you see, I ain't got the time. When a feller's doin' +sich a business ez I am, it keeps him right down to dots," Carrots +replied, gravely.</p> + +<p>"It's really a pity, the way you must be rushed," the officer said, with +a laugh; and, made bold by this apparent friendliness, Carrots ventured +to make a request.</p> + +<p>"Say, where are you goin' to take him?"</p> + +<p>"Down to the station-house, of course."</p> + +<p>"Well," said Carrots, "it wouldn't be any harm if I walked alongside of +him, an' talked over a little business, would it?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It's nothing to me, so long as you don't help him escape."</p> + +<p>"You needn't be 'fraid. I wouldn't raise my hand 'gainst you, 'cause +you're a pretty good kind of a man; an' that sort is mighty scarce +'round this part of the city."</p> + +<p>"I suppose, now that I have won your good opinion, it won't be long +before I'm a captain, will it?" the officer asked, laughingly.</p> + +<p>"If I had my way, you'd be a general before night; but I ain't standin' +in with the commissioners like I ought to be," Carrots said, with mock +gravity.</p> + +<p>Then—for they were getting dangerously near the station—he whispered +to Teddy:</p> + +<p>"Look here, old man; you want ter keep your upper lip mighty stiff jest +now, an' I'll get you out er this scrape somehow. I s'pose there'll have +to be a reg'lar trial down to the Tombs, and I'll bring the fellers +there to swear you didn't do anything. We'll show up that Skip Jellison +gang in great shape to-morrow mornin', 'less I can coax you off from +this cop."</p> + +<p>"It's no use to try it," Teddy replied, mournfully. "I reckon I'll have +to go to prison."</p> + +<p>"Now see here, that's just the way! You fellers from the country ain't +got any sand about you, that's what's the matter. Don't get down in the +mouth over this thing, 'cause, as I said before, I'm goin' to see you +through."</p> + +<p>"But what can you do against a lot of policemen?"</p> + +<p>"Wait and see. P'r'aps I haven't lived in this city a good many years,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> +an' don't know how to fix things!" Carrots replied, as if he were +positive how the matter might be arranged; yet at the same time he had +not the remotest idea what it would be possible to do toward aiding this +boy.</p> + +<p>Teddy was not reassured by the remark.</p> + +<p>Although a stranger in the city, he knew that young Carrots would not be +able to do very much to help him, and felt sure his business career was +ruined.</p> + +<p>"How much money have you got?" Carrots whispered.</p> + +<p>"Not more'n ten cents. You see, I had jest begun to sell papers when +they nabbed me. How much do you want?"</p> + +<p>"I've got enough. I was only thinkin' 'bout you. Here, take this; it may +come in handy before mornin';" and the bootblack pressed several coins +into the prisoner's hand.</p> + +<p>"I don't want it," Teddy replied, as he attempted in vain to return the +money. "You mustn't give your cash away like this; an' besides, what +good will it do me?"</p> + +<p>"That's jest what we don't know. It's allers better to have a little +stuff in your pocket, no matter what happens. I've got your papers, an' +am goin' to sell 'em, so I'll get my money back. You jest let me run +this thing, an' see how quick we'll have it shipshape."</p> + +<p>There was no opportunity for further discussion, for by this time the +three had arrived at the door of the station-house, and Carrots, who had +a wholesome dread of such places, made no attempt to enter.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'll see you to-night if they hold on to you; but if the sergeant turns +out to be an easy kind of a feller, an' lets you go, come right up to +City Hall to find me."</p> + +<p>"I reckon there won't be any chance of his getting on the streets this +afternoon," the officer said, as he halted for a moment to give his +prisoner's friend a bit of kindly advice. "He'll have to go down to the +Tombs for trial in the morning, and if you boys can prove that he wasn't +really fighting, but only trying to prevent another fellow from taking +his papers, he'll stand a good show of slipping off. I'll see that the +case isn't shoved very hard."</p> + +<p>"You're a dandy! Next time you want your boots shined, come right where +I am, an' if I don't do it for nothin' it'll be 'cause my blackin' has +run out!" Carrots cried, enthusiastically; and then, wheeling suddenly, +he ran at full speed in the opposite direction.</p> + +<p>"It seems to me I'm gettin' a pretty big job on my hands," he muttered +to himself when he was at Printing House Square once more. "I've +promised to help that boy out er this scrape, an' don't see how it's +goin' to be done. The fellers won't dare to go up and say anything +against Skip Jellison, 'cause he's sich a terrible fighter: guess he can +get the best of anybody 'round here in less'n three rounds. I wish I +dared to tackle him! I don't b'lieve he can do as much as he makes out." +Then Carrots suddenly bethought himself of the papers which yet remained +under his arm, and added, "Jiminy! I 'most forgot 'bout these. It's time +they were worked off, or else they'll be too old to sell;" and soon he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> +was crying the news again.</p> + +<p>Half an hour later, the substitute newsboy was hailed by Teenie Massey, +who asked:</p> + +<p>"What are you up to now, Carrots? Shifted business?"</p> + +<p>"Say, Teenie, was you 'round here when Skip Jellison hit that feller +from the country?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; an' if the cops hadn't come along so soon Skip would have been +sorry he tackled sich a job. I b'lieve that new feller can fight."</p> + +<p>"So do I; but he didn't stand any show at all, the way things were. +These are his papers, an' I'm sellin' 'em for him."</p> + +<p>"Where is he now?"</p> + +<p>"Jailed."</p> + +<p>"Well, that settles him."</p> + +<p>"I ain't so sure of it. You know, an' I know, an' all the rest of the +fellers know, that Skip Jellison didn't have any business to run 'round +punchin' him jest 'cause he was a new hand. I'm goin' to see if there +ain't some chance of gettin' him clear."</p> + +<p>"What'll you do? Break into the station-house, an' pull him out?" Teenie +asked excitedly, believing any of his friends capable of doing such a +thing, because of the style of reading in which he indulged, wherein +such deeds are often performed, in print, by the smallest and most +feeble boys."</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't count on doin' quite so well as that," Carrots replied, +thoughtfully rubbing his nose once more, and thereby adding to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> +smudge of blacking which already nearly covered his face. "I kind er +'lowed we'd get a lot of the fellers, an' go down to court ter-morrer +mornin' when he's brought up, so's to tell the story jest as it is. The +judge is bound to let him off then, an' I wouldn't be s'prised if Skip +Jellison found hisself in a scrape."</p> + +<p>Teenie shook his head very decidedly.</p> + +<p>"Don't think it can be done, eh?"</p> + +<p>"Who're you goin' to get to tell that yarn in court? Skip would about +knock the head off er the feller that did him that turn!"</p> + +<p>"I know that. He <i>is</i> terrible! He's jest terrible!" Carrots replied, +reflectively. "But I don't see why it is the fellers 'round here let +Skip jump on 'em so! If three or four of us turned to, we could thump +him, and do it easy; an' yet all hands lie down like lambs whenever he +happens to want to wink."</p> + +<p>"Why don't <i>you</i> give him a pounding?"</p> + +<p>"You see, I can't do it alone. I'd be willin' to go in if anybody'd +start in with me, 'cause it's got pretty nigh time somethin' was done, +or else that feller'll own the whole town. Say, will you go down to +court with me, an' tell what you know 'bout this thing?"</p> + +<p>Teenie gazed at his toes several seconds before replying, and then said:</p> + +<p>"I don't know whether I'll have time, Carrots; but I'll see you +to-night, an' let you know."</p> + +<p>Carrots muttered to himself as his acquaintance was lost to view among +the crowd of busy pedestrians;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That feller's pretty nigh scared out er his life 'bout Skip. There +ain't any use thinkin' he'll help in this trouble."</p> + +<p>Half an hour later, when Carrots had disposed of the stock of papers +purchased by Teddy, and was congratulating himself, Skip Jellison +approached, looking very fierce as he asked in a threatening tone:</p> + +<p>"See here, Carrots, what is it you are up to now?"</p> + +<p>"Me?" Carrots replied, in surprise. "Why, I'm shinin' boots same's +ever."</p> + +<p>"Now don't try to be too smart! You know what I mean."</p> + +<p>"Well, if I do I'm a duffer. What <i>are</i> you drivin' at, Skip, anyhow?"</p> + +<p>"Ain't you been tellin' what you was goin' to do to help that feller +from the country that I settled this forenoon?"</p> + +<p>"Didn't strike me as if you settled him very much. If he'd had half a +chance, he'd 'a' settled you."</p> + +<p>"You've got to be took down a peg or two," Skip said threateningly, as +he doubled his fist and brandished it before Carrots's face.</p> + +<p>"Want ter git another feller 'rested, do you? Well, I ain't goin' to +fight."</p> + +<p>"You'd better not, if you know what's good for yourself."</p> + +<p>"I won't scrap 'cause I don't want to git jailed; but you can't frighten +me, no matter how bad you jump 'round."</p> + +<p>"Look out for yourself, that's all I'm sayin'," Master Jellison replied<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> +angrily. "I'm watchin' you, an' the very first time you go to meddlin' +with that feller from the country, what's got to be drove out this city, +I'll make you sorry for it!"</p> + +<p>"It's very polite o' you to give me a friendly warnin'," Carrots +replied, in the most innocent and pleasant tone.</p> + +<p>Skip had nothing more to say, but walked away with a dignity befitting +one who considers it his mission in life to regulate the business +affairs of a large city.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<h3>THE PRISONER.</h3> + + +<p>Although Carrots had pretended that Skip's threats neither frightened +nor disturbed him, he was thoroughly uncomfortable in mind.</p> + +<p>He knew by past experience what Master Jellison could and would do, with +no provocation whatever, save only a desire to exercise that authority +which he had assumed.</p> + +<p>Carrots believed, however, that in case of an encounter with a boy who +was ready and forced to defend himself, Skip would not prove so great a +master of the "manly art of self-defense" as he claimed to be.</p> + +<p>But such a champion had not as yet been found.</p> + +<p>Teenie Massey had chanced to be in Brooklyn about a week before the +arrival of Teddy in the city, and upon his return home he had stated +that he had seen Master Jellison attack a boy not nearly so large as +himself, on Pineapple Street in that city, and receive a sound beating.</p> + +<p>"He wasn't in it at all, from the time they begun," Teenie had stated to +his friends; and on more than one occasion he had referred to this +defeat in the presence of Skip himself.</p> + +<p>It is but fair to say, however, that Skip Jellison positively denied<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> +the truth of any such statement. In explanation of the blackened eye and +badly swollen lip he brought from Brooklyn, he announced that he had +been set upon by a crowd of young ruffians.</p> + +<p>"Of course a feller's goin' to get some clips when he tackles a dozen or +fifteen fellers at once," Skip explained to an admiring audience, +shortly after Master Massey's story had been noised about the streets; +"but every one of 'em got it worse'n I did, an' it wasn't more'n five +minutes before all hands were runnin' lickertysplit up Fulton Street. I +reckon they didn't stop till they got to Prospect Park. Teenie wants to +make out a good story; but it's all a whopper, an' he knows it."</p> + +<p>Now, although Carrots believed that Master Massey had told the truth in +regard to what really occurred in Brooklyn, Carrots did not feel +competent to take upon himself the task of cowing the bully; and he felt +reasonably certain Skip would carry his threats into effect should +occasion arise.</p> + +<p>Carrots was also quite positive the occasion would arise, because he did +not intend to desert Teddy.</p> + +<p>"I'm goin' right ahead with what I 'greed to do," he said to himself. +"If Skip wants to thump me for it, I s'pose I'll have to let him."</p> + +<p>These reflections were interrupted by Reddy Jackson, who asked, as he +approached and halted in front of Carrots:</p> + +<p>"Seen Skip lately?"</p> + +<p>"He jest went away. Been' round, kinder reg'latin' the town. Goin' to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> +rest hisself, 'cause he's most played out workin' so hard."</p> + +<p>"Did he tell you anything?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; thought I was rather meddlin' with his business; but I don't see +how that is."</p> + +<p>"Now look here, Carrots; I'm a friend of yours, an' don't want ter see +any trouble come out er this thing. Skip's jest wild 'bout what you've +told the other fellers, an' I reckon he'll do as he says if you try to +help that feller what got 'rested."</p> + +<p>"You 'lowed you was a friend of mine, didn't you, Reddy?"</p> + +<p>"That's what I said."</p> + +<p>"Well, then, why don't you show it by helpin' me stand up 'gainst sich a +bully as Skip Jellison is, 'stead of comin' here and tellin' me what +he's goin' to do? To hear some of you fellers talk, anybody'd think he +was a reg'lar rhinoceros huntin' 'round to eat folks. Now, it's jest +like this: I've got to help that feller, 'cause I promised him."</p> + +<p>"But you don't even know who he is."</p> + +<p>"I didn't ask him to write out a history 'bout hisself, an' swear to it, +so's I could tell you fellers; but he's like all the rest of us, got to +hustle for a livin', an' has come down here to do it. Now what business +is that of Skip Jellison's? He doesn't own this town—ain't even got a +mortgage on it—yet he makes out this feller can't stay, an' tries to +lick him. Now, I s'pose you think it's mighty smart to try an' shove +that country feller down?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You don't know anything 'bout it, Carrots. He put on more frills this +mornin' than you ever saw in a circus procession. We ain't goin' to +stand that; of course not."</p> + +<p>"I s'pose it broke your heart 'cause his face was clean, didn't it?" And +it was apparent from Carrots's tone that he was losing his temper.</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, go ahead, an' see how you'll come out, that's all. I jest +thought I'd tell you so's you wouldn't get into a fuss with Skip; but if +this is the way you're goin' on, why, let her flicker, for all I care."</p> + +<p>"I'm much obliged to you for bein' so willin'; an' when I want another +favor I'll call 'round an' see you," Carrots replied, as he turned on +his heel, while Reddy walked rapidly away.</p> + +<p>"It looks as if I'd got to put this thing through alone," Carrots said +to himself; "an' if that's so, it'll be a good idea for me to keep away +from where Skip is, 'cause if he should get a whack at me, I'm afraid I +wouldn't be in a condition to do much of anything for a day or two."</p> + +<p>Carrots visited all of his acquaintances in whom he felt he could +confide, trying to enlist their sympathies in the work which he had +undertaken.</p> + +<p>Unfortunately for his purpose, however, he did not find any who were +willing, simply because of the stranger, to brave the doughty Skip's +wrath; and nearly every one advised Carrots to "give it up before he got +into trouble."</p> + +<p>Not until nearly nightfall was the well-disposed bootblack willing to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> +cease his efforts in this particular direction.</p> + +<p>Then he repaired to a certain restaurant on Baxter Street, where he +appeared to be well acquainted with the waiters, and called for a hearty +meal of corned beef and potatoes, at the expense of fifteen cents—an +unusual amount for him, as could have been told by the remark which the +waiter made.</p> + +<p>"Ain't you spreadin' yourself some to-night, Carrots?"</p> + +<p>"Well, it does look a little that way; but, you see, I've got a lot of +business on hand, and I need to be braced up a bit."</p> + +<p>"Bought out some other bootblack, or found a bigger line of customers?"</p> + +<p>"Well, no; I'm buyin' stocks now. The Wall Street men are kind er 'fraid +I'll down 'em, an' they're makin' me hustle."</p> + +<p>"Oh!—gone into the Stock Exchange, eh?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I haven't been any further than the gallery yet; but that's all +right. You don't want ter put in a piece of pie with this corned beef, +an' take the chance of a rise in Western Union for the pay, do you?"</p> + +<p>"No, I guess not. It would be too much like speculatin'."</p> + +<p>"Well, I didn't s'pose you would; but I'm comin' 'round here in the +mornin' to give your boss some points about runnin' his business," +Carrots replied; and, handing over his money, he walked with a majestic +air into the street.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p> + +<p>Having thus refreshed the inner man, Carrots bent his way in the +direction of the station-house.</p> + +<p>It was his intention to ask for an interview with the prisoner who had +been arrested in City Hall Park, and he felt extremely doubtful whether +this request would be granted, until he entered the building and +recognized in the sergeant behind the desk an old customer.</p> + +<p>His surprise at meeting a friend, when he had expected to see the stern +visage of a mere servant of justice, was quite as great as it was +pleasing; and he marched up to the desk and said, familiarly:</p> + +<p>"If I'd knowed you was here, I'd 'a' come before."</p> + +<p>"I don't want my boots shined now. See you outside in the morning," said +the sergeant.</p> + +<p>"But I ain't shinin'; I'm on business."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you are, eh? Well, what's up?"</p> + +<p>"One of the pleecemen 'round City Hall arrested a feller this mornin' +what had jest walked down from Saranac; an' it's all wrong, I tell +you,—all wrong."</p> + +<p>"He's a friend of yours, I suppose?"</p> + +<p>"Well, you can't exactly call him that. I never spoke to him till jest +before this thing happened. I want ter git him right out, on 'portant +business."</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid you will have to wait a little while, and explain the whole +affair to the judge in the morning. I haven't any authority to do a +thing like that."</p> + +<p>"Couldn't you fix it with the judge?"</p> + +<p>"No, indeed," the officer replied, laughingly. "The best way is for you +to go to the court yourself, and explain how it happened, unless he is +really guilty, in which case I suppose he will have to go to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> +Island. I fancy a week up there wouldn't do him any harm."</p> + +<p>"But, you see, it was jest this way"—and Carrots assumed an attitude +such as one takes when about to begin a long story.</p> + +<p>"Never mind it now. I can't stop to listen; and, besides, it wouldn't do +any good."</p> + +<p>Carrots looked up as if surprised that an old friend should assume a +dictatorial tone, and then, suddenly remembering that he had another +favour to ask, added:</p> + +<p>"Well, you can let me see him, can't you?"</p> + +<p>"What good will that do?"</p> + +<p>"Why, I jest want to brace him up a little. You see, he's pretty green, +an' he must be feelin' awful bad by this time. I won't stay more'n five +minutes, if you'll let me see him."</p> + +<p>"All right; go down-stairs. You'll find him in one of the cells; and if +the turnkey says anything, tell him I sent you."</p> + +<p>Carrots did not wait for further instructions; but, fearful lest the +permission should be withdrawn, hurried down the stairs at once, and was +making a tour of the cells with the purpose of finding his friend, when +the officer in charge stopped him.</p> + +<p>"What do you want here?"</p> + +<p>"The sergeant sent me down to see a friend of mine, that's all; an' I'm +lookin' for him."</p> + +<p>"The boy they brought in this noon?"</p> + +<p>"That's the very one."</p> + +<p>"He's over there; third cell from the end."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p> + +<p>Carrots walked quickly to the place, looked in through the grated door, +and saw Teddy lying on a wooden bench, which served the double purpose +of a seat and a bed. The young prisoner's face was covered by his hands.</p> + +<p>"Come, old man," Carrots said, soothingly, "you ought ter have more sand +than to give up like this. Besides, ain't I here to help you?"</p> + +<p>Teddy leaped to his feet immediately, and came to the door, through +which Carrots thrust a very grimy hand as he said:</p> + +<p>"Shake hands! Brace up, an' have some style about you! I've been +'tendin' to your business pretty nigh ever since you was gone, an' +thought I'd jest run in to let you know everything will be all right; +but you'll have to stay here till mornin'."</p> + +<p>"Till mornin'?" Teddy repeated in dismay.</p> + +<p>"Yes; that ain't sich a very long while, an' it'll take me till then to +get things fixed."</p> + +<p>"How did they happen to let you in?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, you see, the sergeant is an old friend of mine. I've blacked his +boots, on an' off, for 'most a year."</p> + +<p>Then Carrots, with the hope of cheering his friend, began to explain +what might be done toward effecting the prisoner's release; and when it +was time to bring the interview to a close, he had so far succeeded that +Teddy was really quite hopeful, believing there was no serious obstacle +in the way of his freedom.</p> + +<p>Bidding Teddy adieu, Carrots left the station-house.</p> + +<p>It was now so nearly dark that Carrots turned in the direction of his +own home, for the purpose of gaining as much rest as possible before<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> +beginning what looked like a hard piece of work.</p> + +<p>Now Carrots was a householder in his own right, or at least by right of +discovery.</p> + +<p>More than one of his acquaintances had been eager to know where he +lived; but he avoided all questions on the subject, save to one +person—Teenie Massey.</p> + +<p>In addition to his being a trusted friend, Teenie lived with his +parents; therefore, when Carrots revealed the secret, it was with the +knowledge that Master Massey would not wish to share the dwelling with +him.</p> + +<p>To avoid interference, Carrots always approached his home in the most +cautious manner, and this occasion was no exception.</p> + +<p>He walked leisurely along in the direction of Canal Street, as if going +nowhere in particular, for the purpose of misleading any friends whom he +might meet; and, on arriving at an alleyway which ran between two shops, +he halted for an instant to make sure the coast was clear.</p> + +<p>He recognized no one in the immediate vicinity, and, wheeling sharply +around, ran swiftly up the narrow passage, climbed over a board fence, +and dropped lightly into a yard in the rear of a business establishment.</p> + +<p>Here was an enormous collection of packing-cases, some stacked in +regular order, and others lying carelessly around wherever they might +have chanced to fall when taken from the shop by the employés. To +Carrots, however, the yard was as familiar as any of the city streets.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p> + +<p>He knew exactly where each case should be, unless, perchance, there had +been some addition made to the collection since his departure from home; +and, although it was dark, proceeded without difficulty until he arrived +at one corner of the yard, where, by pulling out an unusually large box, +he disclosed a narrow passage running along the side of the fence.</p> + +<p>It was not possible to walk upright through this opening, owing to the +lumber above; but, once Master Carrots arrived at the further end, he +found as snug and comfortable a dwelling as it would be reasonable for +any boy in Master Carrots's walk of life to desire.</p> + +<p>Two cases, facing each other at an interval sufficiently wide for a +small person to enter, formed an apartment four or five feet square; +and, although it was impossible for Carrots even to stand erect, he +could sit or lie down in a most comfortable fashion.</p> + +<p>A small bundle of straw, taken from some of the other cases, made a bed +for the bootblack; and directly opposite this impromptu couch were +Carrots's household treasures.</p> + +<p>A bottle which served as a candlestick, a cigar-box as pantry in case he +chanced to lay in a stock of provisions, a well-worn brush, several +empty blacking-boxes, and a miscellaneous collection of odds and ends, +were packed in one corner with the utmost neatness.</p> + +<p>On arriving at his home, Carrots lighted the candle in order to render +the apartment more cheerful; and then he sat down with his chin in his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> +hands, trying to decide how it would be possible to keep the promise +made to Teddy.</p> + + +<p><a name="z057" id="z057"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 570px;"> +<img src="images/z057.jpg" width="570" height="693" alt="TEENIE MASSEY'S EVENING CALL AT CARROTS'S RESIDENCE." title="" /> +<span class="caption">TEENIE MASSEY'S EVENING CALL AT CARROTS'S RESIDENCE.</span> +</div> + + +<p>Before he had succeeded in solving the problem, however, a shrill +whistle was heard from the alleyway, and Carrots muttered to himself as +he crawled through the passage out from among the boxes:</p> + +<p>"I wonder what Teenie Massey wants? A feller that's got so much business +on his hands as I have can't 'ford to waste a great deal of time with +visitors."</p> + +<p>"Hi! Carrots, are you there?" Teenie asked.</p> + +<p>"Of course I am! Where do you s'pose a feller would be at this time of +night?"</p> + +<p>"I'm comin' over!"</p> + +<p>"Well, come, then; an' don't make so much noise about it. Nobody knows +who may be 'round here;" and Master Carrots retraced his steps to the +packing-case dwelling.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<h3>A SUGGESTION.</h3> + + +<p>It could be understood that Teenie was a frequent visitor by the +familiar manner in which he threaded his way amid the obstacles before +reaching Carrots's very retired residence.</p> + +<p>"Old man," said Teenie, "this is ever so much nicer a place to live in +than a reg'lar house."</p> + +<p>"Yes," the host replied, grimly; "'specially when the nights are cold, +or it rains. I s'pose you'd rather have the water comin' in on you than +not, when you're asleep, wouldn't you?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I didn't mean it jest that way," Teenie replied; "but when you +get in here an' have the candle lighted, it allers seems mighty fine. I +got mother to let me come down an' stay all night with you."</p> + +<p>"There! that's jest what I thought you was up to," Carrots said, in +rather a cross tone.</p> + +<p>"Why, what's the matter? Don't you want me?" Teenie asked in surprise.</p> + +<p>"Of course I'm glad to have you come, Teenie; but I am busy to-night, +an' talkin' with you is bound to upset things."</p> + +<p>"What are you doin'?"</p> + +<p>"You see, I took the job of gettin' that feller from Saranac out er the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> +station-house; an' it's goin' to be a pretty hard one, I'm 'fraid, as +things are lookin' now. If I can get him clear of the scrape, you'll see +some fun one of these days, 'cause this thing ain't goin' to stop here, +I'll tell you that. I only wish I knew what ought ter be done."</p> + +<p>"How have you been tryin' to fix it?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I've talked with some of the fellers that saw the row, to get 'em +to go down to court an' tell how it happened; but they're so terribly +'fraid of Skip they don't dare to say their souls are their own."</p> + +<p>"Well, I do," Teenie replied, bravely. "I saw the whole of the scrap, +'cause I was there before it began."</p> + +<p>"Will you tell that when the chap's brought inter court to-morrow +mornin'?"</p> + +<p>"'Course I will, if you'll stand by me in case Skip tries to come his +funny business; 'cause that's what he says he's goin' to do to anybody +who helps the feller from the country."</p> + +<p>"I'll stand by you, Teenie, if that's what you want; an' if we do get +Teddy clear, there'll be three of us. Skip won't dare to tackle as big a +crowd as that."</p> + +<p>"No; but you see the feller ain't out, an' I can't figger how it's goin' +to be done."</p> + +<p>"We'll tell the judge jest what we saw."</p> + +<p>"I don't b'lieve we'll get the chance. They wouldn't let you go anywhere +near him, 'less you had a lawyer."</p> + +<p>"We've <i>got</i> to fix it somehow."</p> + +<p>"Why not get a lawyer?"</p> + +<p>"Now you're goin' crazy, Teenie Massey. It costs as much as a dollar to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> +get one of them fellows to go to court. They come high!"</p> + +<p>"Don't you s'pose you could hire one, an' let him take it out in trade?"</p> + +<p>"By jiminy! I never thought of that. I wonder if I couldn't?"</p> + +<p>"It wouldn't do any harm to try. I sell papers to a man that would come +an' 'tend to the whole business, I guess, if you'd 'gree to black his +boots so many times a week."</p> + +<p>"I'd 'gree to black him all over, if he'd do what I want. Where does he +hang out?"</p> + +<p>"I'll show you in the mornin'. Been to supper?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; had a little spread up to Delmonico's. It wasn't much, an' +charlotte roosters an' sich things as that ain't fillin', you know."</p> + +<p>"I kinder thought you might be hungry, so I got mother to do up a +lunch." And Teenie drew from his pocket a small parcel of cold roast +meat, adding to it from another pocket five boiled eggs.</p> + +<p>"Say, we'll have a reg'lar lay-out, won't we?" Carrots said, as he +surveyed the food with the keenest pleasure.</p> + +<p>"Now I reckon you can kind er ease up on your business long enough to +'tend to this stuff, can't you?" Teenie answered.</p> + +<p>"Well, I should say so! You're a brick, Teenie, an' I wish you'd come +every night."</p> + +<p>"Business would have to be pretty good if I was goin' to have such a +spread as this right along. I've been to supper, so you pitch in."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p> + +<p>"S'pose we put it away for a while? It hasn't been so long since I ate +that lot o' quails, you know; and I can hold on a spell, an' we'll be +hungry before we're ready to go to sleep."</p> + +<p>Teenie was satisfied; and he reclined carelessly in one corner of the +packing-case home, enjoying himself to the utmost.</p> + +<p>Carrots followed his example, and soon the two were busily engaged +discussing the probable outcome of Teddy's case, as well as the +possibility of engaging a lawyer upon the condition of his being willing +to accept the fee "in trade."</p> + +<p>Not until a late hour was the lunch disposed of; and then, nestling into +the straw, the two were ready for slumber.</p> + +<p>Owing to the peculiar location of his home, and the necessity of keeping +his whereabouts a profound secret, Carrots was obliged to arise at a +very early hour, in order to leave the residence before any of the +clerks in the shop should arrive. Therefore it was that the host and his +guest were on the street shortly after sunrise.</p> + +<p>Of course it would have been folly to look for the attorney in his +office at such an hour, and the possibility of doing any business before +seven or eight o'clock was so slight that Carrots, with the recklessness +of a spendthrift, invited his friend to a breakfast at Mose Pearson's, +even though it involved an expenditure of fully one-fifth of his entire +wealth.</p> + +<p>"We'll kind er need somethin' to brace us up," he said, in explanation +of his generous invitation.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p> + +<p>As a matter of course, Master Massey was not proof against the kind +hospitality, and so he very willingly followed his friend to Mr. +Pearson's establishment, which was located in the basement of a dwelling +on Baxter Street.</p> + +<p>When the boys, leisurely, and with the air of capitalists, sauntered out +on the street once more, they looked thoroughly contented with the world +in general, and themselves in particular.</p> + +<p>"We'd better get up somewhere near the lawyer's office before that Skip +Jellison comes 'round," Teenie said.</p> + +<p>Carrots recognized the wisdom of this advice at once; and the two, +keeping a sharp lookout lest Master Jellison should spring upon them +unawares, made their way to Centre Street, where for an hour and a half +they waited in the hallway of the building in which the lawyer with whom +Teenie was acquainted had an office.</p> + +<p>On his arrival it was evident the gentleman did not recognize them as +two possible clients, for he passed without even a nod to the boy who +claimed to be his friend, entered the office, and closed the door behind +him.</p> + +<p>"Why, he doesn't even know you!" Carrots exclaimed, in a tone of +reproach.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, he does; but you see it's kind er dark in here, an' I s'pose +he couldn't see my face very well, or he didn't notice."</p> + +<p>"What are you goin' to do 'bout it?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Wait till he gets settled, an' then we'll go up an' call on him. You do +the talkin', while I stand back an' 'gree to all you say."</p> + +<p>Now that they were where the scheme could be carried into execution, +Carrots was by no means confident it would be a success, and actually +felt rather timid about making the attempt; but, urged on by Teenie, he +finally mustered up courage to open the door of the office. He stood on +the threshold, gazing first at the attorney and then back at his friend.</p> + +<p>"Well, what do you want?" the gentleman asked, looking inquiringly at +the boy.</p> + +<p>This question appeared to restore to Carrots a certain portion of his +self-possession, and he entered the room, standing in the middle of the +floor as he beckoned to his friend to follow.</p> + +<p>"What do you want?" the lawyer asked again, impatiently.</p> + +<p>"Well, you see—I come—we want—"</p> + +<p>"Out with it. What did you come for?"</p> + +<p>Teenie nudged his friend from behind, as a sign that he should speak up +promptly; and Carrots, catching his breath much as one does after a +plunge in cold water, began:</p> + +<p>"There's a feller what walked down from Saranac, that's goin' to be took +inter the Tombs court this mornin' for fightin' in City Hall Park, an' +we've come to see how much it would cost to hire you to git him out."</p> + +<p>"I might defend him, but I couldn't agree to get him out. That depends +on the judge."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, you could make the talk, an' I reckon when the thing's put up +right they'll have to let him go, 'cause he didn't do anything."</p> + + +<p><a name="z066" id="z066"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 730px;"> +<img src="images/z066.jpg" width="730" height="644" alt=""'IT WAS JEST LIKE THIS,' SAID CARROTS."" title="" /> +<span class="caption">"'IT WAS JEST LIKE THIS,' SAID CARROTS."</span> +</div> + +<p>"Suppose you tell me the whole story, and I shall be better able to +judge what they may be obliged to do."</p> + +<p>"It was jest like this: You see, Skip he come up an' hit Teddy in the +jaw, and Teddy tried to hit back. Skip let out with a left-hander;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> +Teddy warded it off. Then Skip jumped; down went the papers. Skip got +frightened of a cop; he started to run, Teddy after him, an' Teddy was +'rested, and that's all there is 'bout it."</p> + +<p>"That may be the whole of the story; but I must confess I don't +understand it yet."</p> + +<p>"Why, it's plain enough. You see, Skip he struck out, an' Teddy warded +it off—"</p> + +<p>"Now wait a moment. Tell me which boy is arrested."</p> + +<p>"Why, Teddy, of course. You don't s'pose we'd come here if it had been +Skip? I wish it <i>was</i>. He'd stay there a good while, for all <i>I'd</i> +care."</p> + +<p>"Who is this Teddy?"</p> + +<p>"He's a feller what walked down from Saranac, an' got here yesterday +mornin'; but jest as he was goin' to sell papers up jumped Skip, 'cause +he thinks he owns the whole town, an' 'lowed he was goin' to clean Teddy +right out. Now, I never did think Skip could fight any great deal, +'cause how was it when he was over to Brooklyn, an' that feller tackled +him?"</p> + +<p>"Try to tell me the story as I want to hear it. You say Teddy was +arrested?"</p> + +<p>"Why, it's worse'n that! He's in the station-house!"</p> + +<p>"Certainly; if he is arrested. On what charge was he taken?"</p> + +<p>"Eh?"</p> + +<p>"I mean why did the officer take him?"</p> + +<p>"Why? 'Cause the park policeman said he was fightin'; but he wasn't. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> +was only beginnin'. He might uv licked Skip, too, if they'd let him +alone. I know by the way he put up his hands."</p> + +<p>"Then it seems, according to your story, that he really was fighting."</p> + +<p>"How could he, when he hadn't even commenced? Skip hit him, an' knocked +the papers out er his hands, an' then he was goin' to lick Skip, but +didn't have time."</p> + +<p>The attorney was a patient man, and, possibly, the boy's manner of +telling the story amused him; therefore he continued asking questions, +preventing any detailed account of previous quarrels which Skip might +have had, until he was in possession of all the important facts, when he +asked:</p> + +<p>"Do you know what a lawyer usually charges for such a case as this?"</p> + +<p>"Now you're comin' right down to dots!" Carrots said, beginning to feel +more at ease since the attorney treated him in such a friendly fashion. +"You see, this feller hasn't got any money, an' I don't claim to be a +millionaire myself. I know lawyers charge a good deal for doin' a little +o' nothin'; but I thought if you'd kind er take it out in trade, we +might make a bargain."</p> + +<p>"What business are you in?"</p> + +<p>"I shine boots; an' if you'll get this feller out er the scrape, I'll +come in here an' black your boots every mornin' this year, for nothin'. +You can't make a better trade'n that if you should look 'round a good +while."</p> + +<p>"That is quite a contract you are proposing."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I know it; but you see I want ter make it an object for you to get +Teddy out."</p> + +<p>"That can be done only in the proper manner. The question is whether you +have any witnesses to prove that this boy was not really fighting, and +that he had sufficient provocation to excuse his trying to thrash the +other one."</p> + +<p>"Sufficient what?"</p> + +<p>"Provocation. That is, whether what had been done was enough to warrant +an attempt to whip this other boy; for, as I understand it, that is +really what he did try to do."</p> + +<p>"Why, of course; he had to. How'd you like it if a feller sneaked up an' +whacked you in the face when you wasn't doin' anything, an' knocked your +papers in the mud."</p> + +<p>"It wouldn't be very pleasant, I'll admit; but how can you prove that +such was the case? Who saw the beginning of the trouble?"</p> + +<p>"I did, an' Teenie, an' lots of other fellers; but they wouldn't dare to +tell it for fear Skip might thump 'em. He calls hisself a fighter."</p> + +<p>"Then you two are willing to run the risk, and tell your story in court, +are you?"</p> + +<p>"Of course we are; but will you go an' get him out?"</p> + +<p>"Suppose I should take this case, and spend an hour or two on it, how do +I know you would come here each morning to black my boots, as you +propose?"</p> + +<p>"How do you know? Why, ain't Teenie here, an' don't he hear what I say? +That's enough to make a trade if you've got a witness, ain't it?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, I suppose it is," the lawyer replied, laughingly. "I don't see any +other way for me but to take the case. Go to the Tombs, and wait there +until I come."</p> + +<p>"You'll be sure to be on hand before they bring him down, eh?"</p> + +<p>"I won't neglect it."</p> + +<p>With this assurance the boys left the office, and, once on the outside, +Carrots said to his friend, in a tone of relief:</p> + +<p>"Well, now that's fixed, an' I guess we needn't bother any more 'bout +Teddy's gettin' out; but there'll be an awful row when Skip hears what +we've done, an' you an' I've got to stand right 'longside of each other +if he tries any funny business. We must look out for him."</p> + +<p>This suggestion that they would stand together against Teddy's enemy was +far from displeasing to Master Massey.</p> + +<p>In the seclusion of the packing-case home he could talk boldly about +what Skip might yet be able to do; but once on the street, where it was +possible to meet the bully at any moment, the matter assumed a different +aspect, and he began to realize the danger in which he had thus +voluntarily placed himself.</p> + +<p>"It won't do for us to hang 'round here, 'cause he's likely to come any +minute," Teenie said, in a tremulous tone. "I think we'd better go down +to the Tombs, an' then we'll be on hand when the lawyer wants us."</p> + +<p>This was a very good idea, and Carrots led the way at a rapid pace, both +taking heed lest they should accidentally meet Skip.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2> + +<h3>THE TRIAL.</h3> + + +<p>Carrots and Teenie succeeded in reaching the Tombs without being +intercepted by Skip; and once there, they were unable to determine +whether the court was in session.</p> + +<p>In the vicinity of the judge's desk a number of men were standing, +apparently talking on different subjects, and in the seats reserved for +the spectators a few unfortunate-looking persons lounged.</p> + +<p>"Well, the feller ain't been brought in yet, that's certain," Carrots +said, gazing around the room in a vain search for his new acquaintance.</p> + +<p>"Do you s'pose they will put handcuffs on him?" Teenie asked, in a tone +of awe. "I reckon he'd be jest about crazy if they'd send him up to the +Island."</p> + +<p>"It would start 'most anybody up to take a dose like that; but of course +it won't happen now we've got the lawyer. I tell you he'll be s'prised +to see how we've fixed things, won't he?"</p> + +<p>"Indeed he will; an' Skip'll be hoppin' mad when <i>he</i> knows. We want ter +keep pretty close together while we're workin' this."</p> + +<p>The conversation was interrupted by the entrance of the sergeant who had +been seen at the station-house, and Carrots went swiftly toward him,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> +asking, as he halted in front of the officer:</p> + +<p>"Did you bring that feller down yet?"</p> + +<p>"He will come in the van with the rest of the prisoners."</p> + +<p>"You won't forget that you promised to try an' fix it?"</p> + +<p>"I said I would see that the officer wasn't hard on him. I can't <i>fix</i> +anything. Have you got your witnesses here?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; Teenie's one, an' I'm another, an' we've hired a reg'lar lawyer."</p> + +<p>"You have? Who?"</p> + +<p>"A man by the name of Varney."</p> + +<p>"Well, if he is coming I reckon you will be all right, unless you have a +bad case; and from what the roundsman told me the fighting didn't amount +to much."</p> + +<p>"There wasn't <i>any</i> of it! You see, Skip he give Teddy one in the face, +an' then sent in a left-hander, an' Teddy he—"</p> + +<p>"Never mind the story. I don't want to hear it, for I haven't the time," +the officer said, as he started toward the judge's bench.</p> + +<p>Half an hour elapsed, and then the boys suddenly saw their new friend +within a sort of iron cage at one end of the room.</p> + +<p>"There he is!" Teenie whispered, excitedly. "How do you s'pose he got in +without our seein' him?"</p> + +<p>Carrots stood erect and gazed at the prisoner a moment, as if debating +whether to approach him or not.</p> + +<p>Teddy presented a most forlorn appearance, standing aloof from the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> +other prisoners as far as possible, and clinging to the iron bars, his +usually clean face begrimed with dirt, through which the flowing tears +had plowed tiny canals until he looked not unlike a small-sized Indian +in war-paint.</p> + +<p>This picture of sorrow made a deep impression on Carrots's tender heart, +and, regardless of whether he might be able to regain his seat, he +marched toward the prisoners' cage.</p> + +<p>Teddy had seen him coming, and stepped forward in the hope of speaking +with this boy who had proved himself to be a real friend; but before a +single word could be uttered, the officer interrupted the visitor by +saying roughly:</p> + +<p>"Get back there!"</p> + +<p>"But I've got to talk with that feller."</p> + +<p>"Get back there! Do you hear what I tell you?" and he made a threatening +gesture which was not at all terrifying to the self-possessed Carrots.</p> + +<p>"I've got to talk with this feller; he's a friend of mine, an' I ain't +seen him since last night. He's goin' to get right out, too, 'cause he +didn't do anything, an' wouldn't have been brought here if he'd had +sense enough to run when they hollered 'Cops!' It was jest this way: +Skip, he struck out an' hit him in the face, an' then come in with a +left-hander—"</p> + +<p>Carrots had been advancing while speaking, and at this point the officer +seized him by one shoulder, spinning him around until he was heading in +the direction from which he had come.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span></p> + +<p>"If you make any attempt to speak to that boy, I'll put you in with him! +What are you doing here, anyhow? Are you a witness?"</p> + +<p>"Course I am. What else do you s'pose? Why, I've got to tell the judge +all 'bout how this thing happened. You see, I was right there, an' when +Skip come in with a left-hander, an' Teddy he warded it off—"</p> + +<p>Carrots did not finish the sentence, for the officer gave him a push +which might have thrown him headlong but for the fact that Teenie +chanced to be in the way, and thus prevented the fall.</p> + +<p>"I guess we'd better get back to the settee," Carrots said, looking at +the officer an instant, as if to make out whether the latter was really +in earnest in this last movement.</p> + +<p>Carrots was whispering to Teenie his opinion of the officer in charge of +the prisoners when the lawyer arrived; and then for the first time did +Teddy's friends learn that court had been in session all the while since +they entered.</p> + +<p>It was a positive relief to see the attorney; and, lest the latter +should think those who employed him had not followed the directions +given, Carrots made his presence known by going up to the gentleman in +the most confidential manner, and announcing cheerfully: "We're here."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I see you are. Sit down. I'll call you when you're wanted."</p> + +<p>"But are you sure you remember what I told you 'bout how it happened? +You don't want to forget that Skip jumped in an' hit Teddy in the face,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> +and then come in with a left—"</p> + +<p>"You shall be asked to tell that story, my boy, presently; but just now +I don't care to hear it, and haven't the time. Sit down until your name +is called."</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid that lawyer don't 'mount to much," Carrots whispered to +Teenie as he obeyed the gentleman's command. "It seems like he's puttin' +on a good many airs, an' don't want ter listen to how the thing +happened. Now I don't b'lieve any man can fix it with the judge, 'less +he's got the whole thing down fine."</p> + +<p>"The sergeant said he was all right, an' he ought ter know; so I reckon +we can 'ford to wait," Teenie replied, contentedly.</p> + +<p>It seemed to the impatient Carrots as if it must have been nearly noon +when he heard the clerk call the name "Theodore Thurston;" and, an +instant later, the young prisoner from Saranac was conducted to the +dock.</p> + +<p>Almost at the same moment Skip Jellison, accompanied by several of his +most intimate friends, entered the room, and immediately became aware +that Carrots and Teenie were in attendance.</p> + +<p>Without hesitation, and, as if such scenes were perfectly familiar to +him, Master Skip approached Teddy's friends in an easy, careless +fashion, as he asked:</p> + +<p>"What are you two doin' here?"</p> + +<p>"Came down to see how the new feller gets along. Don't s'pose you've got +any 'bjections, have you?" Carrots replied.</p> + +<p>"I don't know whether I have or not."</p> + +<p>"Well, after you find out jest give me the word, 'cause we're bound to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> +dust whenever you give us the tip."</p> + +<p>It was evident to Master Jellison that Carrots was speaking +sarcastically, and he took no further notice of this insolence, save to +say, warningly:</p> + +<p>"You want to mind your eye, that's all! The feller what tries to help +that chump along is goin' to get inter trouble."</p> + +<p>"Same's you did over to Brooklyn the other day, eh?" Carrots asked +coolly.</p> + +<p>"Wait till I catch you outside, an' we'll see if you've got anything +more to say 'bout Brooklyn!" And with this threat Master Jellison and +his friends advanced to a settee nearer the judge, where they seated +themselves with a great show of what was probably intended to be +dignity.</p> + +<p>"He's come to see if we're goin' to tell anything 'bout the row," Teenie +whispered; and it could plainly be seen that Master Massey was very much +frightened regarding the probable outcome of thus attempting to aid the +stranger.</p> + +<p>At that moment Carrots was startled out of his self-possession—although +he had come especially as a witness—by hearing his name called in a +loud tone.</p> + +<p>Three times the clerk shouted "Joseph Williams," and then Carrots +exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"By jiminy! he means me, doesn't he?"</p> + +<p>"Of course he does. Go 'long quick, or else that feller'll be up on the +Island before they know you're here," said Teenie.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p> + +<p>It was necessary the witness should pass Skip Jellison on his way to the +stand; and, in so doing, he saw Teddy's enemy scowl and shake his fist +in the most threatening manner.</p> + +<p>"Don't get excited," Carrots stopped long enough to say. "You're comin' +out of it all right, even if you don't feel very good now."</p> + +<p>Then he continued on until some one directed him which way to go; and +for the first time in his life he laid his hand on a Bible, and swore to +tell "the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."</p> + +<p>If, as is extremely probable, Skip had come for the purpose of hearing +what was said, he was disappointed, as are nearly all the visitors to +the Tombs court, where it is an impossibility for one on the spectators' +benches to distinguish any remark made either by the judge or the +witness, unless the latter chances to have a particularly clear voice.</p> + +<p>Those inside the railing, however, could understand quite distinctly all +that was said; and, judging from their mirth, Carrots's examination must +have been to them an amusing one.</p> + +<p>On being asked his name, the witness replied, "Carrots;" and then the +judge glowered down upon him until he realized that he previously +answered to that of "Joseph Williams."</p> + +<p>After having made the proper correction, and before it was possible for +any one to ask him a question, Carrots leaned toward the magistrate in a +confidential and friendly manner, as he began:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You see, Judge, it was jest like this: Skip he jumped in an' hit Teddy +one in the face, an' then come back with a left-hander; but Teddy warded +it off, an' then—"</p> + +<p>"Stop!" the judge cried, severely. "When I want you to tell the story I +will ask for it. Did you see this boy fighting in the park?"</p> + +<p>"He wasn't fightin' at all. He didn't have time, for the park policeman +caught him. You see, it was jest this way: Skip he jumped in an' smashed +Teddy in the face, an' then come with a left-hander—"</p> + +<p>Again was the witness interrupted; and this time Mr. Varney stepped +forward to where he could say in a low tone to Carrots:</p> + +<p>"You must simply answer the judge's questions—not attempt to tell the +story yourself."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; but how'll he know what's what if I don't give him the whole +right through?" Carrots asked in a hoarse whisper.</p> + +<p>"Attend to what he says, and don't try to tell anything else."</p> + +<p>"What was this boy doing when the policeman arrested him?" the judge +asked, as he looked sternly at the witness.</p> + +<p>"He wasn't doin' nothin', 'cause he didn't have time. You see, Skip run +as soon as he hit him, an' knocked his papers down, an' then—"</p> + +<p>"Did the prisoner go in pursuit of the boy whom you call Skip?"</p> + +<p>"Course he did; 'cause, you see, Skip knocked his papers in the mud, an' +hit him once in the face; an' he would have come in with a left-hander,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> +if Teddy hadn't warded it off."</p> + +<p>"What was the prisoner doing when this boy struck him?"</p> + +<p>"He was sellin' a paper to a man in a horse-car. You see, Skip he 'lowed +that Teddy couldn't run the business in New York; but Teddy he walked +'way down from Saranac jest to get a livin', an' Skip don't have any +right to tell fellers whether they're to work or not."</p> + +<p>"Had the prisoner said anything to this boy who struck him?"</p> + +<p>"No; you see, he didn't have time. Skip jumped right in an' hit him once +in the face, an'—"</p> + +<p>"Now, don't tell that story again. Had there been any quarrel between +these two?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir; you see, Teddy didn't come in town till this mornin', an' he +never knew Skip from a side of sole-leather."</p> + +<p>"Is he a friend of yours?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I s'pose he is," Carrots replied, hesitatingly. "You see, when he +got into trouble, somebody had to help him out, an' there didn't seem to +be anybody willin' but me. He ought ter be my friend if I'm goin' to +black the lawyer's boots a whole year jest to pay for this racket."</p> + +<p>"If your honor will allow me, I will tell the story as I have managed to +extract it—I use the word 'extract' advisedly—from this witness and +his friend," the lawyer said, as he advanced a few paces amid the smiles +of all those near the bench.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Do you wish to explain about your fee?" the judge asked, laughingly.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps that is hardly necessary, since lawyers are seldom known to +refuse anything offered in the way of payment. That was the proposition +made by the witness and witnessed by his friend."</p> + +<p>Then the attorney related what had occurred in his office, to the no +slight amusement of those who could hear him; and, when he concluded, +the judge turned to Carrots again, looking very much more friendly than +before.</p> + +<p>"Then you assure me on your oath that the prisoner did not fight with +the other boy in City Hall Park?"</p> + +<p>"Why, no; how could he? He didn't get the chance. You see, Skip hit him +in the face, an' then come in with a left-hander; but Teddy warded it +off, and then Skip run. The policeman grabbed Teddy too quick, you see. +I reckon he'd have paid Skip off in great shape, 'cause I b'lieve he can +do it."</p> + +<p>"Then you admit that he would have fought if he had had the +opportunity?"</p> + +<p>"Of course he would! S'posin' a feller smashed you in the neck, an' +knocked your papers in the mud, wouldn't you fight? I guess you would!"</p> + +<p>"I will do the questioning, and you can confine yourself to answering," +said the judge.</p> + +<p>"That's all I was doin', sir," Carrots replied, a trifle abashed by the +change which came over the judge's face at his free manner of speaking.</p> + +<p>Then it seemed as if the witness was entirely forgotten. Nobody paid<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> +the slightest attention to him until fully five minutes later, when the +lawyer beckoned for him to come down from the stand to where he was +speaking in a low tone with Teddy.</p> + +<p>"You can go now," the gentleman said; "and I shall be curious to learn +how long you will keep the promise made in regard to blacking my boots."</p> + +<p>"Well, what are you goin' to do with Teddy?" Carrots asked, a look of +disappointment coming over his face as he fancied that the prisoner was +not to be set free.</p> + +<p>"He has been discharged. It is all right now. Go out with him, and be +careful not to get into any more trouble on the street, for it might go +hard with you if either came here the second time."</p> + +<p>"He's discharged—did you say?" Carrots repeated. "Does that mean he can +go anywhere he wants to?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly."</p> + +<p>"Well, you're a dandy! I'll live right up to the 'greement I made, an' +don't you forget it!" Carrots replied enthusiastically, and then, as the +lawyer turned away, presumably to attend to his own business, the +amateur Good Samaritan led Teddy from the room, closely followed by +Teenie, who said, when they were once more on the outside of the +building:</p> + +<p>"It won't do to loaf 'round here. Skip Jellison an' his gang were jest +gettin' up when I come out. They'll be after us if we don't dust 'mighty +lively."</p> + +<p>"Let's go down by the ferry, where we can kind er straighten things, an' +see what we're goin' to do," Carrots suggested.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p> + +<p>Teddy was not disposed to run from the enemy; but his companions +insisted it would be more than foolish to risk an encounter, and he +allowed himself to be led away at a rapid pace.</p> + +<p>"Why not go over to your house, Carrots?" Teenie asked. "They'll never +find us there."</p> + +<p>"I couldn't get in without somebody seein' me, an' I don't want to give +the snap away, else the whole thing will be broke up. We can do all the +chinnin' we want ter 'round the ferry."</p> + +<p>"Seems to me I ought ter go to work. I can't 'ford to fool so much time +away now, after I've been kept still so long," Teddy said, gravely. "I +came here countin' on makin' money enough every day to live on, an' +began by losin' my stock the first thing."</p> + +<p>"You ain't lost it yet. I sold every one of your papers, an' have got +the money in my pocket to give you."</p> + +<p>"You're a mighty good feller, Carrots; an' if ever I can do anything to +help you, I'll be glad of the chance."</p> + +<p>"All I ask is that you stand 'longside of me when Skip an' his crowd +come 'round, 'cause I'll need a friend pretty bad then."</p> + +<p>"He sha'n't touch you when I'm near; but I don't see how it's goin' to +be stopped, if they 'rest fellers for fightin' in the city," Teddy +replied, in a tone of perplexity; and straightway the three were plunged +into a maze of bewilderment that the law should interfere by arresting a +fellow when he attempted to defend himself, and allow the beginner of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> +the trouble to go free.</p> + +<p>It seemed to be one of those tangles in the web woven by Justice which +older heads than theirs have failed to unravel.</p> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2> + +<h3>THE WARNING.</h3> + + +<p>As a matter of course, business was not to be thought of on this day,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> +and for two very good reasons.</p> + +<p>First, there was every cause to believe Skip Jellison and his followers +would do all they could to prevent the boy from Saranac from engaging in +any business; and secondly, because it seemed absolutely necessary +Carrots and his friends should discuss the situation.</p> + +<p>The boys were forced to earn such food as they might need, or go hungry, +and yet Skip Jellison would try to prevent their doing business on the +street.</p> + +<p>Of course they could stand up and battle for their rights, probably +receiving assistance from some of those boys whom Master Jellison had +disciplined by the same methods pursued with Teddy; but such a struggle +would hinder their business affairs.</p> + +<p>If it became necessary to fight every time Teddy sold a paper, not only +would the money-making be sadly curtailed, but danger of arrest would be +very great.</p> + +<p>"I reckon I wouldn't get off as easy if I was hauled up before that +judge ag'in," Teddy said to his companion when the two had taken leave +of Teenie Massey, and were walking in the direction of the water-front.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> +"But I don't see how I'm goin' to get along without fightin', 'less I'm +willin' to lie right down an' let Skip Jellison tread on me."</p> + +<p>"See here!" Carrots said, suddenly, as if believing he had a thoroughly +good plan in mind. "You've allers lived on a farm, haven't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Well, now I have an idea it would be nice to stay in the country. +S'posin' you an' me go right off an' get a job on some farm. That would +settle Skip in great shape, an' we 'd have a mighty good time."</p> + +<p>"It would settle Skip, there's no question 'bout that," Teddy replied." +But when it comes to havin' a good time, you'd find you'd made a big +mistake. I've had all the farmin' I want. A feller never'd get ahead in +the world if he worked round for nothin' but his board an' clothes on a +farm."</p> + +<p>"You can't get even that much in the city, 'less you have money to start +a reg'lar stand."</p> + +<p>"That's jest it! That's jest what a feller wants to do! He ought ter +make up his mind he's goin' to have a place, an' buy it. After that he +can 'low to have a store, an' get one, too. All he has to do is to work +hard, an' save his money for a while."</p> + +<p>"I don't know 'bout that," Carrots replied, with a grave shake of his +head. "I've tried as hard as any feller to get 'long, but don't own more'n +ninety cents in the world to-day."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm going to try it in the city till I make up my mind it can't +be done, an' p'rhaps then I'd be willin' to go out on a farm; but it'll<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> +be a good while before that time comes, Carrots. Where are you goin' +now?"</p> + +<p>"Down on one of these piers, where we can talk without Skip's crowd +sneakin' up on us."</p> + +<p>By this time they were near Fulton Ferry, and Carrots had but little +difficulty, familiar as he was with the locality, in finding what he +sought.</p> + +<p>A pile of merchandise near the end of a pier afforded many convenient +openings in which two boys could stow themselves snugly away without +fear of being seen; and, entering one, Carrots proceeded to make himself +comfortable by crawling to the very farthest corner, and there lighting +a cigarette.</p> + +<p>"Say, you're an awful good feller, Carrots," Teddy began, as if he had +suddenly made a very important discovery. "You've taken right hold to +help me, jest the same's if we'd allers knowed each other, an' done a +good deal more'n any chum of mine I ever had. Now, I don't see any way +to pay you back yet awhile."</p> + +<p>"I don't want to be paid back," Carrots replied, decidedly. "I tried to +help you through this thing, 'cause it was a shame to let Skip Jellison +have his way, as he allers counts on; an' what I've done isn't much."</p> + +<p>"Indeed it is. I'd been on my way to jail now, if you hadn't taken hold +of this thing. We've got to straighten matters somehow. In the first +place, I want to give back the money you handed me when I was 'rested."</p> + +<p>"Better keep it. It may be two or three days before we can do any +work."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p> + +<p>"But I'd rather start square," Teddy replied, as he counted out the +pennies which he had kept carefully apart from his own hoard, and +literally forced them upon his companion.</p> + +<p>"Well, if you're goin' to square up so straight, I've got a little +settlement to make," and Carrots began a problem in arithmetic, using a +bit of smooth board as paper, and making the figures thereon with a very +short fragment of a lead-pencil. "Now, I sold them papers of yours, and +here's the money," he added.</p> + +<p>"But some of 'em was so muddy you could not have sold them," Teddy +objected.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I did; every one. You see, I wiped the mud off, an' then folded +em' inside, so's it wouldn't show. It don't pay to let papers spoil jest +'cause there's a little dirt on 'em."</p> + +<p>"But it isn't right I should take it," Teddy replied, gravely. "You +stopped your work yesterday and to-day jest to help me along, an', of +course, haven't earned a cent. Now, the best way will be to give me what +I paid out for the papers, an' take the profit yourself, 'cause it +really b'longs to you."</p> + +<p>"I won't do anything of the kind," Carrots replied, in a tone of +determination." It ain't certain as I should have worked yesterday."</p> + +<p>"Course you would. You'd begun when I first saw you, an' had earned some +money."</p> + +<p>"Well, then, that's jest it! I got enough yesterday to keep me, an' by +night we'll have some plan to get the best of Skip Jellison."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span></p> + +<p>Teddy insisted that his companion should take the profits resulting from +the sale of the newspapers, and Carrots quite as strongly refused to do +anything of the kind; therefore the matter necessarily remained +unsettled, the boy from Saranac holding the money in trust, as it were.</p> + +<p>"Have a cigarette?" Carrots asked, with the air of a man of leisure, as +he pulled several from his pocket.</p> + +<p>"I don't want any, Carrots. I never smoke."</p> + +<p>"What?"</p> + +<p>"I don't smoke, and what's more, I ain't goin' to. After all you've done +for me, it seems kind er tough that I should turn 'round an' talk to you +'bout spendin' money; but there's one of the very reasons why you ain't +got a stand. Instead of hustlin' to make a nickel, you spend one buyin' +cigarettes, or else waste a good deal of time standin' on the street +smokin'. It would make a big difference if you didn't like sich things; +an', besides, it hurts a boy to smoke 'em."</p> + +<p>Carrots looked at Teddy in surprise.</p> + +<p>He failed to understand why a fellow could not amuse himself smoking +cigarettes, and was thoroughly bewildered to hear an argument made as to +the expense.</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll be jiggered! It looks to me like as if you'd come down here +tryin' to be awful too good. I wish I had money enough to buy a glass +case to put you in. I reckon I could sell the lot up to the museum."</p> + +<p>"That's right; laugh jest as much as you've a mind to, Carrots. You +can't make me mad after all you've done; but what I said is true, jest<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> +the same, an' don't you forget it."</p> + +<p>"All right," Carrots replied, placidly. "I reckon it won't cost very +much till these're gone; so s'posin' we talk 'bout how we're going inter +business? Skip's got it in for me now, an' I'll have to shin 'round as +lively as you do."</p> + +<p>"There's only one thing 'bout it. We must 'tend to work the same's if he +wasn't livin'."</p> + +<p>"But he'll jump down on us, an' then we'll get into another fight."</p> + +<p>"I s'pose that's so. Ain't there some place in the town jest as good for +paper-sellin' as 'round the City Hall?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't know. You see, I've allers worked there, an' am 'quainted +with the fellers, so it seems to me it's 'bout the only spot. If you +should try down by South Ferry, or 'round here anywhere, everybody'd do +their best to drive you out, same's Skip did. I <i>b'long</i> up to City +Hall, so they can't shove me away from there; an' the bootblacks in any +place else would raise a row if I come takin' trade away."</p> + +<p>"It don't seem as though they'd dare to do such things," said Teddy, +thoughtfully. "You've as much right on one street as another."</p> + +<p>"That's the way I s'pose it looks to a stranger; but it ain't so, jest +the same. Now if a new feller come where I was workin' I'd turn in with +the others to drive him off, of course."</p> + +<p>"Then how does a new boy like me start?"</p> + +<p>"He has ter hustle, an' take it rough, same's you're doin'. When the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> +others find out you're bound to stick, they'll let you alone."</p> + +<p>"Then, in that case, the sooner we 'tend to business the better. If +we're goin' to have a row, let's get over with it as soon as we can."</p> + +<p>"That's what I was countin' on; but I'll tell you we'd better not work +to-day. It's no use to rush, an' by to-morrow Skip 'll be over his mad +fit a little, most likely. He won't do anything but hunt for us till +night, an' in the mornin' he'll need money so bad he'll have to go to +work."</p> + +<p>Teddy realized that Carrots's advice must be good, since he was +thoroughly acquainted with the ways of the city; yet at the same time he +was impatient because of the enforced idleness when it seemed necessary +he should be at work.</p> + +<p>Then Carrots proceeded to explain to his newly-made friend some of the +peculiarities of his associates, and gave him an insight into their +manner of living.</p> + +<p>"Now I'm countin' on your takin' half of my house," Carrots said. "You +see, you've got either to go to the Newsboys' Lodging House, or else +hire a room somewhere, if you want ter swell, an' that's dreadful +expensive. When the weather ain't too cold, boys can sleep 'round 'most +anywhere."</p> + +<p>"How does it happen that you have a house? Do you live with your folks?"</p> + +<p>"I ain't got any, an' never had; but the place where I stop is mighty +swell, I can tell you, though we can't go home till after dark, 'cause<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> +I don't want the folks what hire the property to think I came for the +rent."</p> + +<p>Teddy was mystified by this reply; but thought it advisable not to ask +for particulars.</p> + +<p>"I suppose you get your grub anywhere?" he said, interrogatively.</p> + +<p>"Yes, when I've got the money. When I ain't, I go without. Seein' 's how +neither of us has had any breakfast, what do you say to huntin' for a +place where we can git five-cent soup?"</p> + +<p>This seemed to Teddy like a necessity, inasmuch as he had had neither +supper nor breakfast, and a few moments later the boys were busily +employed over two plates of soup.</p> + +<p>When the meal was ended the two, whose only business on this day was to +keep beyond the reach of Skip Jellison, walked up-town that Teddy might +see as much of the city as possible during his enforced idleness, and +they did not return until a late hour.</p> + +<p>After a great many precautions, and an unusual amount of scurrying to +and fro, Carrots conducted his friend to the residence in the rear of +the shop, and was delighted by hearing it praised in no stinted terms.</p> + +<p>"It's great!" Teddy said, approvingly. "A feller that's got a place like +this don't need to hire any rooms. I'd rather have it than a reg'lar +house, any day."</p> + +<p>"So had I," the proud proprietor replied; "but one thing is that you +can't get here in the daytime. I reckon if they knew a feller was livin' +in these boxes, they'd fire him out."</p> + +<p>Then Carrots brought forth such of the provisions as had been left over<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> +from the previous evening's feast; and before he had finished this task +a shrill whistle from the alleyway caused him to leap to his feet +quickly, as he exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Now, there's Teenie Massey ag'in! I do wish he'd stay away once in a +while. There won't be any room for three of us to sleep here, an' I'm +goin' to tell him so."</p> + +<p>As he ceased speaking Carrots gave vent to a prolonged whistle, and a +few seconds later the sound as of some one climbing over the fence told +that Master Massey was in what might be called the vestibule of +Carrots's residence.</p> + +<p>It was evident that Teenie was not wholly at ease when he made his +appearance. Even one who had never seen him before would have understood +there was something on his mind, and he greeted his friends in such a +peculiar manner as to cause Carrots to ask:</p> + +<p>"What's the matter with you? Ain't any of your folks dead, is there?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm all right," Teenie replied. "What made you think there was +anything wrong?"</p> + +<p>"Why, you look so—kind er queer."</p> + +<p>Teenie was silent for a few moments, as if revolving some weighty +question in his mind, and then, with the air of one who is determined to +have the worst over, said:</p> + +<p>"Look here, Carrots! I've allers been a friend of yours, ain't I, even +if I have stood in with Skip Jellison once in a while?"</p> + + +<p><a name="z093" id="z093"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 795px;"> +<img src="images/z093.jpg" width="795" height="590" alt="TEENIE BRINGS THE "COMMITTEE'S" WARNING." title="" /> +<span class="caption">TEENIE BRINGS THE "COMMITTEE'S" WARNING.</span> +</div> + +<p>"Course you have, Teenie. What's troublin' you?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You might think I wasn't actin' jest square, so I wanted to have it +straight."</p> + +<p>"Have what straight?" Carrots asked impatiently.</p> + +<p>"'Bout how you an' I stand. Now, you see, I met Skip this afternoon—"</p> + +<p>"Didn't tell him where I lived, did you?" Carrots asked, sternly.</p> + +<p>"Course not. What do you take me for? But he had a good deal to say +'bout you."</p> + +<p>"If he don't ever hurt me any worse'n he can with his tongue, I reckon +I'll get along all right."</p> + +<p>"He says he's goin' to drive both of you fellers out er the city, if he +don't do anything else the rest of the year."</p> + +<p>"Then he'll have a chance to get through with a good bit of loafin', for +we're not goin' to get up an' dust jest to please him."</p> + +<p>"But he's awful mad."</p> + +<p>"That don't hurt me any. He can boil over if he wants to, for all I +care."</p> + +<p>"Well, now, Carrots, he wanted me to do somethin', an' I couldn't get +out er promisin'."</p> + +<p>"What was it?" the host asked, impatiently.</p> + +<p>"You won't get mad?"</p> + +<p>"Course not, 'less you're givin' somethin' away ag'in me."</p> + +<p>"He wanted me to bring a letter down here. You see, he kind er thinks I +know where you live, an' so he told me I'd got to take it. I couldn't +help myself, Carrots, 'cause he hung right on, an' jest as likely's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span> +not he'd have given me a thumpin' if I hadn't done it."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's all right. Fish up your letter."</p> + +<p>Teenie drew from his pocket a piece of soiled paper and gave it to +Carrots, who, with the candle in his hand, opened it carefully and with +an air of the utmost gravity.</p> + +<p>Fortunately, so far as the better understanding of this story is +concerned, the important document was preserved by Teddy; therefore we +are enabled to give an exact copy of it:</p> + +<p><a name="z096" id="z096"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 595px;"> +<img src="images/z096.jpg" width="595" height="865" alt="beWare Git or Dy this is the Larst Wornin The Nex time Comes Deth The CommitE" title="" /> +<span class="caption">be<big>W</big>ArE<br /> +GiT or Dy<br /> +this is the <big>L</big>Arst<br /> +<big>WOR</big>nin<br /> +<big>T</big>He <big>N</big>e<big>x</big> tiMe<br /> +Comes<br /> +Deth.<br /> +the <big>C</big>omMiTE</span> +</div> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + +<h3>THE PARTNERS.</h3> + + +<p>It was fully five minutes before Carrots succeeded in deciphering the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> +letter brought by Teenie, and then he pretended to treat the matter as a +huge joke.</p> + +<p>"Why, Skip must have spent pretty nigh the whole day gettin' up that +thing," he said, as he handed the missive to Teddy. "I wonder what he +made the moon there for?"</p> + +<p>"Moon?" Teenie repeated. "Why, he told me it was a skull, with a dagger +underneath it and with bones on the sides, same's pirates have on their +flags; an' the two coffins was for you an' the other feller."</p> + +<p>"Who are the two duffers down there at the bottom? A couple of pirates?"</p> + +<p>"No; they're the committee," Teenie explained. "I s'pose one of 'em's +Skip, an' the other's Sid."</p> + +<p>"So Sid's taken a hand in this; <i>he's</i> gone to drivin' boys out er the +town, has he? Well, Sid's a nice plum to do anything of the kind! 'T +isn't more'n a month ago since he was gettin' right down on his knees, +coaxin' Skip to let him stay to black boots. It would be a mighty long +while before I'd ask Skip Jellison to 'low me to do anything!"</p> + +<p>"Them two are awful thick now. Kind er stand in pardners, I reckon. Sid<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> +says he's goin' to run Fulton Ferry on the Brooklyn side, an' Skip's to +take care of this end, as soon as they drive the feller from Saranac +away."</p> + +<p>"Oh, they are, eh? Well, p'rhaps it'll be a good while before they +finish up the job they've got on hand, so I guess they won't hurt +theirselves workin' this season. What do you think about it, Teddy?"</p> + +<p>The young gentleman from Saranac made no reply, but folded the paper +carefully and put it in his pocket, as if for future reference.</p> + +<p>"What're you goin' to do 'bout it?" Teenie asked, so earnestly that +Carrots looked at him suspiciously.</p> + +<p>"Do 'bout it?" the latter replied. "Why, let him go ahead. What else can +we do? I've seen a good many better-lookin' pictures than he made there, +an' if that's all he does he won't hurt anybody."</p> + +<p>"But see here, Carrots: Skip says you'll have to leave this town if you +stand in with Teddy, an' he's goin' to make it awful hot."</p> + +<p>"Well, I s'pose if he can do that he will; so what's the use talkin' +'bout it? We can't help anything, as I see."</p> + +<p>Teenie understood that his friend was not absolutely satisfied regarding +his connection with the matter, and therefore refused to make any +explanation as to what his future course might be. This lack of +confidence troubled the messenger; for Carrots was a particular friend +of his, and he did not wish anything to impair the kindly feeling +existing between them.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span></p> + +<p>So he was glad when Carrots said:</p> + +<p>"I ain't blamin' you, Teenie; but I can tell you one thing sure: what +ain't known can't be told. If Skip Jellison should 'low he was jest +about goin' to thump the life out er you if you didn't repeat everything +I said, why, you might have to give up. So I don't think it's best for +us to have any talk. Of course I'm sure you won't tell where I'm +livin'."</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't say a word 'bout that, Carrots, an' you know it."</p> + +<p>"I b'lieve you, Teenie, I b'lieve you; but you understand how things are +workin'. Teddy an' me are in a pretty bad hole jest now, an' we've got +to be careful. If you could kind er tell us once in a while what Skip +was thinkin' of doin', it might help along; but I won't ask it in case +you're 'fraid, 'cause I don't want ter get any other feller in a +scrape."</p> + +<p>"I'll do all I can, Carrots; an' now I reckon I'd better be goin'. +Mother told me I must come home to-night."</p> + +<p>"All right, old man. Be sure, when you get on the street, that Skip +ain't watchin' so's to find out where you've been."</p> + +<p>"He can't be 'round here, 'cause I went up to supper first, an' walked +right down from the house without seein' him."</p> + +<p>Then Teenie took his departure, and the victims of Master Skip's wrath +were left alone to discuss the situation, which was certainly beginning +to look serious for them.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Now what do you think 'bout it?" Carrots asked, after seeing Teenie +over the fence.</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't see as it's any different from what it was before. We +knew he was bound to drive me away, an' it wasn't likely he'd stop after +what little he's done. Now, Carrots, there's jest this much about it: +you wouldn't be in any fuss with him if it wasn't for me, an' you can +square things up this very minute by sayin' you've shook me. Why not do +it?"</p> + +<p>"'Cause I kind er like you, Teddy, an' then, ag'in, I wouldn't give Skip +the satisfaction of knowin' he'd made me do what he wanted."</p> + +<p>"Better that than have to go out of the business."</p> + +<p>"I sha'n't do anything of the kind. I reckon you an' I can fix things up +somehow, an' I'll tell you what I'd like, Teddy. It seems as if you knew +how to manage better'n I, an' why wouldn't it be a good idea to go inter +pardnership? I can earn as much money in pleasant weather blackin' boots +as you will by sellin' papers, an' I'll 'gree not to spend a cent more'n +you. You shall take care of the cash, an' say what we'll have for +grub, an' all that sort of thing."</p> + +<p>"You want us to go inter business, eh?"</p> + +<p>"That's jest it. 'Teddy an' Carrots.' My name don't sound very well. +Might call it Joseph; but then nobody'd know who you meant."</p> + +<p>"It ought ter be 'Thurston an' Williams,' of course. Pardners don't use +their first names."</p> + +<p>"Now you've struck it?" Carrots cried in delight. "Is it a whack?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It is," Teddy replied gravely, and thus was a very weighty matter +settled: a business connection formed which might possibly not receive +any great amount of attention from the newspaper reporters, but a solid +one in the opinion of the members composing the firm.</p> + +<p>"Then here's the money we've got on hand," and Carrots emptied his +pockets immediately. "You keep the whole an' we can tell every night +jest how we stand."</p> + +<p>"But you mustn't put in all your money, Carrots. You see, I haven't got +as much, an' that wouldn't be fair."</p> + +<p>Then Teddy counted his wealth, which consisted, including the profits +made on the newspapers, of forty-three cents.</p> + +<p>"That's the size of it. You put in jest as much, an' we'll start fair," +said Teddy.</p> + +<p>Carrots insisted that it would be better for him to contribute the +entire amount of his capital; but Teddy refused to listen to anything of +the kind, and, finally, the question was settled by the cashier's +putting into one particular pocket, which was to be reserved for the use +of the firm, the sum of eighty-six cents.</p> + +<p>"Now, then, when are you goin' to work?" Teddy asked, with a +business-like air. "It won't do for us to spend this money for grub, +'cause we shall want somethin' to eat to-morrow. What do you say to +tryin' it 'round South Ferry?"</p> + +<p>"If we do that, Skip will be sure he has driven us out. I think we'd +better go right up to City Hall, an' start in straight; but the first<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> +thing is, where'll we live?"</p> + +<p>"What's the matter with this place?"</p> + +<p>"I ain't so certain but Teenie'll give the snap away. If Skip gets hold +of him he can make him tell 'most anything."</p> + +<p>"No need of movin' till we find out that Skip really knows where we are. +I ain't so sure but it would be a good idea to stay right here, anyhow, +an' let him do whatever he can."</p> + +<p>"But you see, he'd tell the folks in the store, an' they'd drive us +out."</p> + +<p>"That might be," Teddy replied, thoughtfully. "But we've got plenty of +time to think it over. Now what we want is to earn a news-stand the very +first thing. Then we'll have to get a chair outside, an' you could tend +shop while I was selling papers anywhere trade happened to be the best."</p> + +<p>"Won't that be fine!" Carrots cried in a tone of enthusiasm. "How the +fellers' eyes would stick out if we were runnin' a reg'lar shop!" But +then he added, reflectively, "I don't see how that's goin' to be done. +It's been a pretty tight squeeze for me to get enough to buy grub with, +to say nothin' of swellin'; an', if that wouldn't be swellin', I don't +know what to call it!"</p> + +<p>"'Tend right to your work, Carrots, an' don't spend money on cigarettes, +or such things as that, an' it won't take long to get what we need. I +don't reckon one of them stands costs any more'n ten dollars."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Ten dollars!" Carrots exclaimed. "Why don't you buy the City Hall an' +start in in great shape? Ten dollars! Why, we couldn't earn that much in +a month!"</p> + +<p>"Well, s'posin' we couldn't? S'posin' it took two months? Wouldn't that +be better'n the way you're workin' now?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I reckon it would; but I don't b'lieve we'd ever get that much +together."</p> + +<p>"You do as I want you to, an' we'll see what'll happen. Now, look at it +jest this way, Carrots: if you made twenty-three cents for me yesterday +afternoon sellin' papers, s'posin' you put in the whole day at it, +couldn't you have made more'n fifty cents?"</p> + +<p>"I could do better'n that blackin' boots, even when business wasn't +good."</p> + +<p>"Well, there you are! If you earn fifty cents, an' enough to buy grub, +an' I do the same, it wouldn't take us but ten days to have the money we +wanted."</p> + +<p>Carrots rubbed his nose reflectively, thereby adding to the smudge of +blacking which now extended nearly from ear to ear; and, noticing it, +Teddy asked, earnestly:</p> + +<p>"Say, why don't you wash your face?"</p> + +<p>"What would be the good of that?"</p> + +<p>"You'd look more decent, anyhow. I b'lieve folks'd rather buy things of +a feller who's clean, than of one lookin' like an Injun."</p> + +<p>"But when a man has his boots shined, he doesn't care whether my face is +white or red, so long's he gets a polish."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You ought ter care, Carrots. Isn't there any water 'round here?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; there's a hydrant in the other corner of the yard."</p> + +<p>"Take this piece of soap an' my towel, an' go over there. Try it once, +an' see how much better you'll feel."</p> + +<p>As he spoke, Teddy unrolled his newspaper valise, took from it the +articles mentioned, and handed them to his friend, who looked at the +collection in a suspicious sort of manner, as if questioning whether it +would be exactly safe for him to make the experiment suggested.</p> + +<p>"I'll do it! By jinks! I'll do it jest once for luck!" he said; and five +minutes later the operation had been completed.</p> + +<p>Carrots, with every freckle showing on his face, his skin glowing from +the unwonted use of soap and water, and a broad streak of dirt left just +in front of his ears and extending under his chin, returned to the +dwelling almost shamefaced.</p> + +<p>"There! if you feel as much better as you look, you must be jest humpin' +yourself," Teddy said, admiringly. "Only you didn't wash far enough +back."</p> + +<p>"What's the matter now?" Carrots asked in surprise.</p> + +<p>"It seems to me as if you'd shoved the dirt back instead of washin' it +off."</p> + +<p>"Well, see here, Teddy: I did this thing to please you, didn't I?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, I've sworn off now. I don't b'lieve in puttin' on frills anyhow, +an' all this talk 'bout water makin' you feel good is all in your eye. +If we've got to earn ten dollars in ten days, I reckon it'll take all my +time shinin', 'stead of tryin' to look so mighty fine that a man'd think +I wouldn't dare to pull the stopper out er a blackin'-bottle for fear of +smuttin' my fingers. I s'pose if I lived on a farm, same's you did, I'd +wash when I saw the others, an' then it wouldn't come so unhandy. That's +where I wish I was now—in the country," he added, as he clasped his +hands around one knee and rocked himself to and fro on the impromptu +bed.</p> + +<p>"You wouldn't wish that very long if you had one taste of it."</p> + +<p>"I ain't so sure of that. I tell you, when a feller's got a bed to get +inter, an' plenty of stuff to eat, it's a pretty soft snap. I'd like to +try it 'bout a month."</p> + +<p>"That would be long enough," Teddy said; and then, by way of putting an +end to the conversation, he nestled into the straw as if to go to sleep.</p> + +<p>Carrots moved about very gingerly, as if his whole nature had been +changed by the washing of his face.</p> + +<p>At last he blew out the candle, snuffed the glowing end with his thumb +and finger, and followed his friend's example.</p> + +<p>Next morning Carrots was aroused by the sun shining upon his face, and, +after awakening his friend, he explained why it was necessary for them<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> +to leave the packing-case home at such an early hour.</p> + +<p>From the Company's funds was spent sufficient to buy two bowls of soup; +and then, advised by Carrots, Teddy agreed to remain in the vicinity of +South Ferry, rather than to make an attempt to do business around City +Hall Park, until Master Jellison's anger should have had time to +subside.</p> + +<p>"I'll see you when you come up for the afternoon papers," Carrots said +as they parted. "But you can count on my hustlin' the best I know how +toward gettin' to-day's share of the ten dollars."</p> + +<p>"Be sure you don't have any trouble with Skip," Teddy cautioned his +friend, and then the two separated, each intent on swelling the +Company's funds to the greatest possible extent before night.</p> + +<p>When noon came, and it was necessary for Teddy to replenish his stock, +he failed to find his partner around the newspaper offices.</p> + +<p>This absence of Carrots did not trouble him particularly, since Teddy +was quite confident the boy was attending to his own business; and he +felt positive it would not be safe for him to search very long after the +missing partner, lest he should encounter the enemy.</p> + +<p>Therefore it was that he returned to his labors without consultation +with his business associate; and when it was so late that there could be +no danger the occupants of the store would see him entering the dwelling +in the corner of the yard, he again clambered over the fence.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p> + +<p>Master Carrots was at home, and, as could be told from his face, +labouring under the most intense excitement.</p> + +<p>"I've done it!" he cried to Teddy before the latter had time to speak. +"I've done it, an' we'll have to give up the pardnership business, +'cause this is the best chance I'll get."</p> + +<p>"Done what?" Teddy asked in surprise.</p> + +<p>"Got a place to work on a farm."</p> + +<p>"Are you goin' to leave the city?" Teddy asked, anxiously.</p> + +<p>"I'll have to, of course, if I do that. You see, it happened this way: +Every feller I met this mornin' told me what Skip had threatened to do, +an' I reckon he means business. He says we've both got to leave this +town before he goes to work ag'in, an' what's more, he an' Sid Barker +wouldn't let me stay 'round Printin' House Square at all. I had to take +a sneak, or else stand the chance of gettin' 'rested for fightin', so I +went down to Vesey Street Market. Trade wasn't so awful good there, an' +I was kind er loafin' 'round when a farmer come up an' says, 'Hello, +son. Don't know of any boy 'round here what wants to go out in the +country, do you?' Well, you know, that struck me jest right. I said of +course I knew a boy, an' I showed him right up, 'cause it was me, an' I +hadn't far to go to find myself. Well, the farmer acted as if he was +tickled 'most to death, an' he said as how I was the very kind of a +feller he was lookin' for; that he'd give me a good home an' make it +cheerful; besides, I'd have lots of fun runnin' in the fields."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p> + +<p>"How much is he goin' to pay you?" Teddy asked.</p> + +<p>"Well, you see, we ain't settled on that yet. He thought I'd better come +out and try it for a while, so's he could tell how much I was worth, an' +then we'd talk 'bout wages afterward."</p> + +<p>"An' are you willin' to go on them promises?"</p> + +<p>"Willin'? Why, it's a reg'lar snap! I'd like to stay here an' try to buy +that stand with you; but what's the use if Skip's goin' to raise sich a +row? Besides, if we've got to sneak 'round all the poorest places to +work, we sha'n't make enough to pay for our grub, an' out there I'll +have all I can eat."</p> + +<p>"Well, Carrots, I'm sorry to have you go jest when we've got acquainted, +an' it seemed as though we'd get along well together; but if you're set +on farmin', you'll have to try it, I reckon. I'll stay here an' keep on +workin', so's when you get ready to come back there'll be somethin' to +eat, 'less Skip Jellison succeeds in doin' what he counts on."</p> + +<p>"I may drop 'round in a month or two, jest to see how you're gettin' +along," Carrots replied, with an air of condescension; "but of course +I'm bound to stay out there a year anyhow, when I start in once."</p> + +<p>"When are you goin'?"</p> + +<p>"To-morrow noon."</p> + +<p>"Come down to South Ferry before you go, an' when you get back, Carrots, +I guess you'll find me at the same place, 'cause trade was pretty fair +to-day."</p> + + +<p><a name="z109" id="z109"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 674px;"> +<img src="images/z109.jpg" width="674" height="723" alt=""I SAID I KNEW A BOY, AN' I SHOWED HIM RIGHT UP."" title="" /> +<span class="caption">"I SAID I KNEW A BOY, AN' I SHOWED HIM RIGHT UP."</span> +</div> + +<p>"Oh, you'll be up 'round City Hall by that time."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It'll take me longer'n a week to get things straightened out, an' you +won't stay there six days, 'less you're a different feller from what I +think you are," Teddy replied, with an air of conviction that surprised +his friend.</p> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2> + +<h3>THE PRODIGAL'S RETURN.</h3> + + +<p>It seemed absolutely necessary for Carrots to talk at great length about<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span> +the farm, before he was willing to settle down to business as his +partner wished; and then the two made a hearty supper from a Bologna +sausage, some buns, and some seed-cakes, which the proprietor of the +house had purchased in order to prepare a "parting feast."</p> + +<p>"Well, now, let's come down to the business that's got to be settled, +Carrots," Teddy said, gravely, as he took from his pocket a collection +of coins. "You want back the forty-three cents you paid inter the +concern, an' then, of course, what you made to-day all goes to yourself. +I don't have any interest in it."</p> + +<p>"That ain't the right thing to do. I took in sixty-five cents, an' half +of it belongs to you."</p> + +<p>"There's no need of dividin' it, 'cause I made fifty-two myself; so let +each feller keep his profits, an' it'll be fair. Now here's the rest of +your money," and Teddy pushed toward him a small pile of nickels and +pennies.</p> + +<p>"I don't want to take it," Carrots objected, mournfully. "When I'm away +I'd rather think some of my money was here, an', p'rhaps, when I come +back on a vacation, I'll need a little. Then you can let me have it."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p> + +<p>Teddy would have preferred to settle the business at once; but Carrots +appeared so anxious to have a pecuniary interest in the city, that he +said in conclusion:</p> + +<p>"Well, we'll let it go your way, Carrots, an' when you come back I'll be +here, 'less somethin' happens to me."</p> + +<p>Then the two talked further of the farm, and suddenly Carrots was +reminded of a very important piece of business.</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll be jiggered! If I didn't forget all 'bout that lawyer! Now +it wouldn't do to slip up on him, would it?"</p> + +<p>"Of course not."</p> + +<p>"Why couldn't you go over every mornin' and fix the thing?"</p> + +<p>"I can, Carrots, an' I will. It's no more'n right, 'cause you made the +debt on my account, an' I ought ter pay it. Say, I don't s'pose you'd +care if I should use your box while you're gone, would you? I've been +thinkin' perhaps by carryin' the outfit with me I might get a chance to +black boots when business was dull."</p> + +<p>"Of course you can; but you must keep your eye peeled pretty slick, +'cause the fellers don't like to see a boy try to run both kinds of +work, an' they'll be apt to make a row."</p> + +<p>"I'll risk that part of it. Now, is there anything else I can do for +you?"</p> + +<p>"No; I b'lieve that's all. Of course you'll keep the house? Nobody<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> +knows of it but Teenie, an' p'rhaps he won't tell."</p> + +<p>"I must take the chances of that; but I reckon Skip Jellison's goin' to +make it mighty hot for me. I'll keep an eye out for him."</p> + +<p>By this time the boys were sleepy; and until morning Carrots dreamed of +the ideal life which he was to lead in the country.</p> + +<p>At an early hour next day they betook themselves to the basement +restaurant on Baxter Street, where Carrots, who fancied he would always +have plenty of money, now he had been engaged as a farmer, insisted on +paying the entire cost of both breakfasts; and then the two separated +with the promise of meeting at eleven o'clock at South Ferry.</p> + +<p>During the forenoon Teddy was not interrupted in his labors, perhaps +because he did not go near the City Hall, and business was so +flourishing that he felt sorry when Carrots came to say it was time they +started for the market to meet the farmer.</p> + +<p>The young gentleman who was about to take up his residence in the +country unslung his blacking-box from his shoulder as he said:</p> + +<p>"I told that lawyer you'd be there after this, an' he said, 'All right.' +I don't s'pose he cares, so long's he gets his boots blacked, who does +it."</p> + +<p>"I'll 'tend to him in great shape, so you needn't worry."</p> + +<p>Then the two walked briskly along the water-front until they were at the +market, when Carrots pointed toward an old wagon drawn by two mules, as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> +he exclaimed: "That team b'longs out to the farm where I'm goin'. I tell +you, I'll have them mules lookin' better'n they do now, before next +week."</p> + +<p>"Take care they don't kick you, Carrots; they're great on showin' their +heels," Teddy replied, warningly.</p> + +<p>"I'd like to see the mule that could get away with me," Master Carrots +said contemptuously; and just then the farmer came out of a neighbouring +shop, looking around as if in search of some one or something.</p> + +<p>"He's after you," Teddy said. "I reckon I'd better say good-by now. +You'll find me in the packin'-case, if you come after dark."</p> + +<p>"It'll be a good while before you see me," Carrots replied, confidently, +as he shook his friend's hand warmly; and then the two parted.</p> + +<p>During the three days following Carrots's departure, Teddy succeeded in +the work beyond his most sanguine expectations.</p> + +<p>He had been careful to remain away from the places most frequented by +Skip Jellison, but was forced to change his business location several +times, owing to the trouble which he had with boys who, as Carrots had +predicted, were jealous because he both blacked boots and sold +newspapers.</p> + +<p>Still, he had succeeded in saving two dollars and twenty-five cents, in +addition to which he had quite a store of provisions packed snugly away +in a box, and, as he said in a tone of satisfaction on this third night<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> +after counting his funds and examining the contents of the larder, "had +been playin' in mighty big luck."</p> + +<p>During all this time he had seen nothing of Teenie Massey, who, now that +Carrots was away, was the only boy he knew well.</p> + +<p>Neither had he met any of the party whom he saw on his introduction to +the city, and it seemed as if they might not give him any further +trouble.</p> + +<p>"I reckon I can pick up what money I need to start the stand, by keepin' +on the same way I've begun," he said to himself. "It may be business is +better 'round City Hall; but it doesn't stand to reason I could earn so +very much more up there than I'm doin' now, an' shiftin' about so often +I'll have a better chance for findin' out where a stand ought ter be +put."</p> + +<p>It can thus be seen that Master Thurston was on very good terms with +himself, and feeling perfectly satisfied with his attempt to earn a +livelihood in the metropolis. As Carrots had dreamed of the farm, so +Teddy had often pictured to himself how he would live and conduct his +business when once the stand was an assured fact; and while in the midst +of these pleasing anticipations he was startled, almost frightened, by a +sound as of some person making his way across the litter with which the +yard was strewn.</p> + +<p>His first act was to extinguish the candle, lest the rays of light +should betray his whereabouts, for he had no doubt that the intruder was +Skip Jellison, with, probably, a number of followers.</p> + +<p>With such thoughts in his mind it cannot be wondered at that he was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span> +startled beyond the power of speech when he heard the familiar voice of +Carrots in a cautious tone:</p> + +<p>"It's only me! Don't get flustered!" and an instant later the would-be +farmer was once more inside the packing-case dwelling.</p> + +<p>"Good gracious! Where'd you come from?" Teddy cried, after standing like +a statue for several seconds.</p> + +<p>"From the farm; that's where I come from!" Carrots replied, in an angry +tone.</p> + +<p>"Got through so soon as this, have you?"</p> + +<p>"You can jest bet your sweet life I have! Why, I wouldn't stay out there +a month if they'd give me the whole place, an' all the animals there was +on it! That man was a reg'lar old—old—he's an old skee-sicks, that's +what he is!"</p> + +<p>"Sit down, so's to tell me all 'bout it;" and Teddy relighted the candle +in order to have a good look at the amateur farmer.</p> + +<p>Carrots was disconsolate and discouraged, and the dust on his boots told +of a long walk over country roads.</p> + +<p>"Got anything to eat?" he asked; and even his voice sounded hungry.</p> + +<p>Teddy opened the cigar-box refrigerator, revealing to view a plentiful +supply of provisions.</p> + +<p>The newcomer did not need an invitation to begin the meal.</p> + +<p>He attacked the food as if he had had nothing to eat since leaving the +city, and Teddy refrained from asking any questions until his hunger<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> +should be appeased.</p> + +<p>"Well," Carrots said, after an enormous meal, "what do you think of me +now?"</p> + +<p>"I'd say you was hungry, an' I guess that comes pretty nigh bein' the +truth."</p> + +<p>"That's a fact; an' I shouldn't be lyin' so very bad if I told you I +hadn't had anything to eat since I left. Talk 'bout good livin' in the +country! Why, a feller'd starve to death there in a week! I never saw +sich a place! 'Bout the time you go to sleep they call you to get up; +an' I do b'lieve yesterday it wasn't more'n late in the evenin' when +that farmer yelled for me to turn out an' feed the stock. Feed the +stock! Well, now, I'll tell you what—I wanted to feed myself, but +didn't get the chance!"</p> + +<p>"So you found out that livin' on a farm wasn't so pleasant as you +thought?" Teddy said, laughingly; for he had a very good idea of what +Carrots's experiences might have been.</p> + +<p>"It's a reg'lar swindle an' humbug; that's what it is. An' if all +farmers are like that old feller I went out with, I don't see how they +keep anybody with 'em."</p> + +<p>"S'posin' you begin at the start, an' tell me all 'bout it?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I will." And, arming himself with a few slices of Bologna in case +his appetite should get the best of him, Carrots began the story. "That +man was sweeter than pie all the time I was ridin' home with him, an' +you'd thought he loved me 'most to death till we got to the farm. Then<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> +I helped unharness them plaguy old mules, an' one of 'em fetched me a +kick with his heels that left a black-an'-blue spot on my leg bigger'n +the whole front of the City Hall. I up with a club, an' was goin' to +knock the life out er him; but the farmer caught me by the collar, an' +shook me till I thought my head would fly off."</p> + +<p>"He wanted to sort of introduce you to the place, I s'pose."</p> + +<p>"Well, I reckon he did it pretty well. My heels knocked together like a +pair of clappers, an' it seemed to me I could hear my head crack, the +same way a whip does when you snap it. Well, after the old feller got +through paralyzin' me, an' I was kind er steady on my feet once more, he +told me to go to work an' clean out the stable. Why, Teddy, the job he +set me at would have taken three men a month; an' he 'lowed I was to +have it all done before night! You see, I didn't have any dinner, an' +had heard so much 'bout how they lived in the country that I thought I'd +kind er like to sample the cookin'. So I asked him if he didn't think it +would be best to have some grub before I tackled sich a job as that. I +don't know what he thought 'bout it, cause he didn't say a word; jest +walked right away an' left me. Jiminy crickets! How I did sweat! But I +thought to myself, I'll do my level best so he'll know he's got a mighty +good man. An' I'll be blamed if when that old duffer came out he didn't +act as if he thought I must have been loafin'!"</p> + +<p>"How long did he leave you workin?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p> + +<p>"From the time we got there till pretty nigh night. Then he said I was +to go down to the pasture an' bring up the cows. Well, now, I'm a dandy +to bring up cows! Never saw one before. I wasn't goin' to let on that I +didn't know the whole thing, so I walked down big as life. He told me +where the pasture was, an' I cleaned her right out. Took every blamed +thing in there an' drove 'em up. Well, you jest bet he was mad! He +wanted to know why I didn't leave the oxen behind, an' what I was doin' +with the sheep, an' how I ever expected to catch them two colts ag'in? I +asked him to tell me how I was goin' to sort 'em out when they was +runnin' all 'round. Said I was hungry, an' didn't have time for sich +jobs. Why, Teddy, there was one of them sheep what had horns on; I +couldn't have got rid of it if I'd stayed there a month. Knocked me down +twice before I could even get the bars fixed. He acted like the goats +you see up in Shantytown, an' looked a good deal like Skip Jellison in +the face. I didn't figger on sheep bein' ugly. I wasn't so awful scared +at first, for I 'lowed he was playin', an' got up soon's I could. The +next thing I was down ag'in like one of them babies at a fair what you +throw balls at."</p> + +<p>"It was an old ram, I s'pose. I should have thought you'd looked out for +him."</p> + +<p>"You jest bet I did after that; but I hadn't time then, you see. Why, he +was all over that pasture quicker'n you could wink. After a while I got +'round by the other side of the fence, let down the bars, an' then<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span> +sneaked up through the bushes till I got the whole lot of 'em inter +line. Then I kept clubs flyin' so they jest had to scoot, an' +afterward—an' afterward, Teddy, what do you s'pose?"</p> + +<p>"Why, how do I know?"</p> + + +<p><a name="z121" id="z121"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 985px;"> +<img src="images/z121.jpg" width="985" height="547" alt=""WHY, HE WAS ALL OVER THAT PASTURE QUICKER'N YOU COULD +WINK!"" title="" /> +<span class="caption">"WHY, HE WAS ALL OVER THAT PASTURE QUICKER'N YOU COULD +WINK!"</span> +</div> + +<p>"That old skinflint said I hadn't any business runnin' cows jest before +they was milked! I s'pose he thought I ought to stood there and let that +ram have fun with me. Well, it took him an' me pretty nigh an hour to +get 'em untangled, an' then he told me to drive 'em back to the pasture. +I told him I'd go home before I'd trust myself in the lane alone with +that black-faced sheep of his ag'in. Then he said I couldn't have any<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> +supper, so I started down once more, picked up plenty of rocks, an' +after a while got 'em in. Then I came back to the house hungrier'n a +bear. He had the nerve, after all that, to tell me he was a man of his +word, an' so long as he'd promised I shouldn't have any supper, he'd +stick to it. I didn't get any, either! Why, I could have eaten a brick +that night, if there'd been butter on it."</p> + +<p>"Didn't you have a thing to eat?"</p> + +<p>"Not so much as a bite. I didn't want to come back an' say I got tired +in less'n a day, so thought I'd make the best of it, an' p'rhaps in the +mornin' things would be better."</p> + +<p>"Of course then you got your breakfast."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes; then I got my breakfast! Want to know what I had? Well, if +Mose Pearson flashed up sich grub, an' asked me to pay five cents for +it, I'd tell him to go off somewhere an' lose hisself. There was three +slices of some kind er bread all full of hard lumps. It tasted bad when +you got one of 'em in your mouth. I thought they was plums first, an' +took four of 'em. You ought ter seen me when I found out my mistake! +Then there was some fried pork,—an' jiminy crickets! wasn't it salt?"</p> + +<p>"Was that all they had?"</p> + +<p>"There was a big dish of somethin' I called puddin'. I reckon it was +made of apples smashed up, an' I guess there was <i>some</i> molasses in it, +only I couldn't taste any. I spread a little on the bread, an' had to +eat it, of course. Then I put some on the pork, an' got sick. I was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> +through breakfast, an' all hands went outdoors. Why, look here, Teddy; +it wasn't daylight, an' I'd been up as much as three-quarters of an +hour! The farmer asked me if I could feed the calf. I told him if the +calf didn't get any more to eat than I had since I'd been there, I could +feed him an' not half try. That made him kind er mad; but he didn't say +much, an' showed me how to go to work. If I had to feed that calf for a +week, I wouldn't have more'n one hand left, an' not the whole of that."</p> + +<p>"I know what it is," Teddy said, sympathetically. "Well, what else did +you do?"</p> + +<p>"Little of 'most everything, till it seemed as if my legs an' arms would +drop off. Got somethin' to eat at dinner, though, an' that helped along; +but when I turned in last night—say, Teddy, I allers wanted to know +what a bed was like; but when you tell 'bout gettin' comfort out er a +blanket stretched over a lot of ropes, why, I ain't in it at all! When I +went up-stairs last night it seemed as if I was goin' all to pieces, an' +I thought of you jest as snug in here as a bug, takin' your comfort +countin' the money; an' I says to myself, 'The farm's no place for me, +if my name is Carrots, so I'll take a sneak'. I got out of the window +after the folks was asleep, an' I've walked ever since."</p> + +<p>"How far was it?"</p> + +<p>"A man said it was sixteen miles; but if it wasn't fifty, my name's +Dennis! Now I'm here, an' I'm goin' to stay. Say, ain't it time to go to +bed?"</p> + +<p>"I reckon it is for you, Carrots; so turn in, an' I'll keep awake a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> +little longer. See you in the mornin', old man."</p> + +<p>"So long," Carrots replied, sleepily; and almost before the words had +been uttered his eyes were closed in slumber.</p> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2> + +<h3>SKIP'S VENGEANCE.</h3> + + +<p>It was necessary to shake the amateur farmer very rudely next morning<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> +before he could be awakened; and even after he had opened his eyes Teddy +was obliged to repeat several times the well-known fact that they ought +to get out of the yard before the shop was opened.</p> + +<p>"Seems to me it's taken half an hour to get you awake," he said, "an' +now it's time we was over the fence. I've got stuff enough for breakfast +in my pocket, an' we'll eat as we go."</p> + +<p>By this time Carrots was fully alive to the surroundings, and in a +twinkling assumed his old character, which he fancied had been thrown +off nevermore to be resumed.</p> + +<p>As soon as they were in the street, and had begun breakfast while +walking toward South Ferry, he asked his companion regarding business +during his absence, and received a most satisfactory reply.</p> + +<p>"I've been gettin' along first-class," Teddy said; "an' we've got a good +big capital to begin on."</p> + +<p>"But I'm dead broke," Carrots replied, mournfully. "I spent some of my +money when I went out with the farmer, an' the rest of it while I was +walkin' in yesterday."</p> + +<p>"You can't be broke so long's you've still kept your interest in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> +firm, an' that eighty-six cents has grown to more'n two dollars."</p> + +<p>"But I don't own a share of it."</p> + +<p>"Course you do, an we won't have any talk 'bout it either. I 'lowed +you'd stay longer'n you did, and so wanted you to take the whole of the +cash; but you wouldn't, an' we're pardners jest the same's if you'd been +here all the time, 'cause your money was in town even if you wasn't."</p> + +<p>"But I didn't do any work, did I?"</p> + +<p>"It doesn't make any more difference now than it did when I was locked +up in the station-house. I didn't work then, but you made me take all +the profits. It seems to me it would be a good idea to buy another box +and brushes. I've had such luck with this, an' earned so much more'n I +did with only the papers, that we'd better keep the two goin'."</p> + +<p>"All right," Carrots replied, enthusiastically. "I'll get a new one, an' +sell papers too."</p> + +<p>"Do you s'pose you can buy a box ready-made?"</p> + +<p>"I reckon so. Let me have some money, an' I'll snoop 'round City Hall, +or down to Fulton Ferry. Some of the fellers will know of an outfit for +sale."</p> + +<p>Teddy handed him a dollar as he asked:</p> + +<p>"Who'll tend to the lawyer this mornin'?"</p> + +<p>"I guess you'd better, 'cause I mightn't get my box in time, an' +to-morrow I'll start in reg'lar. Where'll I see you this noon?"</p> + +<p>"Come down to the ferry."</p> + +<p>"I'll be there, sure."</p> + +<p>With this promise the two parted, and Teddy, quite as cautious regarding<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> +the possibility of meeting Skip as ever, went after his morning's stock +of papers.</p> + +<p>Half an hour later he was busily at work when Teenie Massey came running +towards him, evidently in the highest state of excitement.</p> + +<p>"Say, Carrots got home last night!"</p> + +<p>"Well, don't you s'pose I know it?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; an' so does Skip Jellison."</p> + +<p>"How'd you hear of it?"</p> + +<p>"Reddy saw him down on Fulton Street, an' Skip's just wild. Says he's +goin' to thump the head off er Carrots if he shows hisself 'round this +town to-day. You'd better come right up to City Hall an' see if you +can't help him!"</p> + +<p>"Help who?"</p> + +<p>"Why, Carrots, of course. Sid Barker said he told one of the fellers +that he was goin' up there to work, this forenoon, an' if somebody don't +stop him, there'll be trouble."</p> + +<p>"Skip won't dare to do any fightin' after the fuss with me."</p> + +<p>"He says he will; an' he's goin' to smash Carrots's box, so you'd better +go up."</p> + +<p>"It seems as if I'd only make the matter worse," Teddy said half to +himself. "I don't b'lieve Carrots'll be fool enough to show his nose +round where Skip is, an' if I go there'll be some kind of a row sure. +Why can't you manage this thing, Teenie?"</p> + +<p>"What could I do?"</p> + +<p>"See Carrots, an' tell him to keep away."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'll try it," Teenie said doubtfully; "but I don't b'lieve he'll listen +to me. You see, after I carried him that letter he's got a idea I'm +standin' in with Skip, an' I ain't at all."</p> + +<p>This reminder of "the warning" caused Teddy to think there was more in +the threat of Master Jellison's than he had at first believed.</p> + +<p>The letter which Teenie brought on the day prior to Carrots's departure +for the farm had for a while escaped his mind.</p> + +<p>Now, however, it seemed evident, and only reasonable, that after making +such a threat Skip should try to carry it into effect.</p> + +<p>He was sadly at a loss to know exactly what he ought to do, but urged +Teenie to go in search of Carrots; and when that young gentleman had +departed at full speed he muttered to himself:</p> + +<p>"It's too bad to knock off now, when business is so good, but I s'pose +it's got to be done; an' yet I'd be in an awful scrape if I should get +'rested ag'in for more fightin'."</p> + +<p>While he was thus debating in his mind, the meeting which he wished to +prevent was already taking place.</p> + +<p>On leaving his friend, Carrots had visited Fulton Ferry for the purpose +of calling upon an old acquaintance to inquire if he knew where a +second-hand box could be found for sale.</p> + +<p>It was during this interview that Reddy saw him, and reported the fact +of his arrival to Skip.</p> + +<p>Failing in his purpose at this point, Carrots went boldly up to the City<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> +Hall with never a thought in his mind of the peremptory order to leave +town which he had received.</p> + +<p>One by one, he greeted the acquaintances whom he met, repeating the +story which he had already told Teddy relative to his experiences on the +farm, and asked concerning the welfare of those friends whom he had left +behind.</p> + +<p>As a matter of course, all this required considerable time, and the +forenoon was nearly half spent when he reached City Hall Park.</p> + +<p>Business in the newspaper line was usually dull at this hour, and he +found quite a party of his brother merchants in the vicinity of the +park, with apparently no other idea than that of passing the time as +pleasantly as possible.</p> + +<p>Carrots approached as he would have done a week previous, and was soon +in the centre of the interested throng, who were listening to his views +of country life in general and his own experience in particular, when a +stranger approached him and whispered:</p> + +<p>"Did you get that box you wanted to buy?"</p> + +<p>"No," Carrots replied. "Have you got one to sell?"</p> + +<p>"A feller I know of has, an' it's a dandy!"</p> + +<p>"Where is it?"</p> + +<p>"Down on Rose Street, under the bridge."</p> + +<p>"I'll go there in a minute." And Carrots turned to continue his story, +when the stranger whispered:</p> + +<p>"You'll have to come quick, or he'll be gone; and this is the biggest +trade you ever saw."</p> + +<p>It is probable Carrots would not have interrupted himself in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> +pleasing task of describing the incidents which happened on the farm +during his presence there, but for the fact that he remembered what +Teddy had said regarding the necessity of being industrious; and +realizing that he had already wasted more time than his partner might +approve of, he hurried away with the stranger, without once thinking to +inquire how the latter could have learned he was in need of a +bootblack's outfit.</p> + +<p>The messenger went rapidly toward the point designated, and Carrots +followed, never thinking of possible danger.</p> + +<p>On reaching Rose Street he saw no boy near the bridge, and was about to +ask his guide if the alleged owner of the box had not gone to some other +portion of the city, when he was suddenly seized from behind, and, +turning his head slightly, he saw Skip's face.</p> + +<p>"So you had the nerve to come back here, did you?" Master Jellison +asked, working himself into a passion, which was not a very difficult +task for him.</p> + +<p>"Come back here? Where else could I go?" Carrots asked, frightened, and +at the same time determined that the enemy should not see any signs of +fear on his face.</p> + +<p>"It doesn't make any difference to me where you ought ter gone, so +long's you come here. Now I'm goin' to serve you jest as I threatened. +Hold him, Sid, while I see what he's got in his clothes."</p> + +<p>At this instant Sid, Reddy, and another boy came out from their +hiding-places, and the transfer of the prisoner was quickly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span> +made.</p> + + +<p><a name="z131" id="z131"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 644px;"> +<img src="images/z131.jpg" width="644" height="755" alt="CARROTS FALLS INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY." title="" /> +<span class="caption">CARROTS FALLS INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY.</span> +</div> + +<p>Sid held Carrots by the hands in such a manner as to prevent the +slightest movement save at the expense of considerable pain, and the +stranger volunteered to act as sentinel during the punishment.</p> + +<p>Skip understood that it was necessary for him to work very rapidly lest +he should be interrupted by the guardians of the peace, and no +pickpocket could have been more skilful than he in searching the +prisoner.</p> + +<p>"Here! don't you take that—it ain't mine!" Carrots cried as his enemy +seized the dollar which Teddy had given him.</p> + +<p>"Then, if it ain't yours, I reckon it's mine."</p> + +<p>"I'll have you 'rested for stealin' if you don't put that right back!" +Carrots threatened, struggling in vain to release himself from Sid's +detaining grasp.</p> + +<p>"I reckon you won't be able to do much of anything by the time I get +through with you," Skip replied, with an exasperating chuckle. "This is +jest about as much as I need to pay for the swell dinner we fellers +want; an' when I see the owner I'll give it back to him, if I feel like +it."</p> + +<p>Then, without further parley, he began to beat the helpless boy in the +most cruel manner, and probably would have continued until Carrots had +received serious injury had it not been for a warning cry from the +sentinel.</p> + +<p>Master Jellison was very careful of his own precious body. He had no +idea of allowing himself to be captured, since he might be brought<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> +before the same judge to whom Carrots had told the story of his attack +on Teddy; and therefore he delayed his flight only long enough to say +threateningly:</p> + +<p>"Now, if you an' that chump from Saranac don't get out er this part of +the city before to-morrow mornin', I'll fix you so's you can't even +wiggle." And, with a blow by way of emphasis, he started at full speed +toward the water-front, Sid, Reddy, and the sentinel following close at +his heels.</p> + +<p>Poor Carrots was in a sad plight. His nose was bleeding, his cheek cut, +and his head buzzing like a mill-wheel from the effects of the blows.</p> + +<p>He seated himself on the curbstone, and was giving full sway to the +grief and anger of his heart, when some one touched him gently on the +shoulder.</p> + +<p>Looking up quickly, he saw Teenie Massey, who asked in surprise:</p> + +<p>"Why, what's the matter? Did Skip catch you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, he did; an' he stole a dollar that belonged to Teddy."</p> + +<p>The enormity of this last offense caused Master Massey more surprise +than if he had seen his friend in a much worse bodily condition. He had +feared Carrots might get a whipping, but never believed Skip would be so +bold as to commit downright robbery.</p> + +<p>"How did it happen?" he asked solicitously.</p> + +<p>Carrots told his story in the fewest possible words, and concluded by +making the most dismal and blood-thirsty threats relative to what he +would do to Master Jellison when the proper time should arrive—all of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> +which had but little effect on Teenie.</p> + +<p>When from sheer lack of breath the victim was forced to cease speaking, +Master Massey asked in a matter-of-fact tone:</p> + +<p>"Where do you s'pose you'll live now?"</p> + +<p>"Where will I live? Why, the same place I allers have, of course."</p> + +<p>"But you won't dare to if Skip's goin' to cut up this way."</p> + +<p>"I'll have him 'rested for stealin', an' then we'll see how he'll act. I +guess he'll get sick of tryin' to run fellers out er town!"</p> + +<p>Teenie made no reply to this threat because he did not believe it would +be carried into effect, but said in what he intended should be a +soothing tone:</p> + +<p>"It ain't likely he'll try to do anythin' more to-day, so you'd better +brace up an' get some of the blood off of your face. I've jest been down +to tell Teddy what I heard Skip say he was goin' to do, an' you ought +ter get 'round to the ferry, 'cause he'll be huntin' for you."</p> + +<p>"I'm goin' to see that lawyer first, an' find out what can be done with +Skip."</p> + +<p>"Well, you want ter kind of spruce up a bit before you do that, for you +don't look very fine now, Carrots."</p> + +<p>"I'll jest leave the blood all over my face till the judge sees it."</p> + +<p>"Then you'll stand a good chance of bein' 'rested for a pirate, 'cause +you look like one." And Teenie, understanding that it would be useless +to argue further with Carrots while he was in such a frame of mind,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> +believed it his duty to notify the victim's partner that it was useless +for him to neglect business, since the mischief had already been done.</p> + +<p>Leaving the disconsolate victim of Skip's vengeance on the curbstone, +Master Massey walked slowly toward the City Hall; but before he was very +far from the scene of the late encounter, he met Teddy.</p> + +<p>A few words sufficed to acquaint the latter with all that had happened.</p> + +<p>It certainly was discouraging, to say the least, that Master Thurston +should be obliged to spend so much time just at this hour, when trade +was most flourishing; but he did not neglect what was manifestly his +duty, even though it cost him so much in the way of prospective profits.</p> + +<p>His first thought on approaching his partner was to attempt to soothe +him; but after a few moments he realized how useless such a task would +be, and proceeded at once to more heroic measures.</p> + +<p>"Now, see here, Carrots, this won't do at all. It ain't any good for you +to try to have Skip 'rested for takin' that dollar, an' the lawyer'll be +mad, jest as likely as not, if you go to him 'bout it. Course it's +pretty hard to git sich a thumpin'; but it's over now, an' we've got to +figger how we can git the best of that villain ourselves."</p> + +<p>"He's worse'n a villain—he's a heathen!" Carrots yelled.</p> + +<p>"Well, call it a heathen then. We'll square up with him before we're<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> +much older, an' that's a good deal better'n tryin' to get somebody else +to do it for us. I'll bet he has to give up that money before a week, +an' we can 'ford to wait two or three days for the sake of doin' the +thing right."</p> + +<p>"I don't see how we'll ever get the best of Skip. He's always got his +gang with him."</p> + +<p>"We'll find some way before long, so you'd better fix yourself up and +get to work. There's all the more need of hustlin' now we've lost a +dollar."</p> + +<p>"I didn't lose it! It was stole!"</p> + +<p>"Well, it's gone, an' we've got to make it up. Now, be a man, an' +to-night we'll talk this thing over."</p> + +<p>Teddy spoke so sternly that Carrots was forced to obey; and, walking +slowly and mournfully to City Hall Park, he washed his face in the basin +of the fountain, drying it as well as he could with the sleeve of his +coat, for Teddy no longer carried his newspaper valise since he had a +dwelling-place in which to leave it.</p> + +<p>As a matter of course, Carrots's friends, who chanced to be in the +vicinity, insisted on knowing exactly what had happened, and, on being +informed of the outrage, denounced the perpetrator of the villainy in no +measured terms.</p> + +<p>"He'll get hisself into trouble if he keeps on this way very long," one +of the listeners said when the story had been told in all its details. +"I've got tired seein' him tryin' to run the whole town, an' it strikes +me there oughter be enough other fellers that feel the same way to set +down on him."</p> + +<p>More than one expressed the same opinion, and Teddy was made happy by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> +hearing suggestions as to what should be done to curb Master Jellison's +ambitions; but, although very much advice was given, no one volunteered +anything in the way of assistance toward righting the wrong that had +been done.</p> + +<p>Vain threats and denunciations would not bring back the stolen money, +and, to Teddy, this was more important than "squaring himself" with +Skip. Therefore, after having waited for Carrots to talk with his +friends as long as he thought absolutely necessary, he whispered:</p> + +<p>"Now, see here, old man, I've got to go to work. We mustn't fool any +more time away. Let's earn what we can the rest of the day, an' to-night +we'll fix up some kind of a plan."</p> + +<p>Carrots would have been better pleased to remain with his friends; but +his partner was so peremptory that he could not refuse to go to work, +and, half an hour later, the business associates were industriously +engaged either in selling papers or blacking boots, according to the +demands of their customers.</p> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<h3>A FRIENDLY ARGUMENT.</h3> + + +<p>Teddy was the first to arrive at the packing-case home on the evening of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> +the robbery; but before he had time to get supper—that is, spread out +in the most tempting array possible the provisions he had brought +home—a noise near the gate told that his partner had come.</p> + +<p>Carrots's face was sadly swollen. He entered the box, and threw himself +down wearily in one corner on the pile of straw.</p> + +<p>"Anything else gone wrong?" Teddy asked in a friendly tone, as he +lighted another candle for the purpose of increasing the cheerfulness of +the apartment by an extra illumination.</p> + +<p>"Anything wrong!" Carrots repeated. "I should think when a feller +couldn't go 'round 'bout his business without bein' robbed, there was a +good many things out er the way!"</p> + +<p>"But, I mean, have you got inter any more trouble since then?"</p> + +<p>"No; that was enough to last me the rest of this week, I guess."</p> + +<p>"Now, see here, Carrots; it doesn't do any good to go fussin' 'bout +that, an' the sooner you brace up, the better it'll be for all hands.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> +Skip's got the money, an' you've got the thumpin', I know; but you can't +change it by worryin' an' lookin' so glum."</p> + +<p>"Do you count on a feller's grinnin' like a cat jest 'cause his face is +swelled as big as a squash?" Carrots asked, dolefully.</p> + +<p>"No; but I don't count on his thinkin' 'bout it all the time. We've got +somethin' else to do besides botherin' with Skip Jellison. S'posin' you +turn to an' give up everythin' for the next month jest to pay him back, +an' then do it, what have you made? Why, nothin' at all—you 're jest +where you are to-day. Now we've got a comfortable place to live in, and +money enough to feed us for the next two or three days, even if we don't +do any business; an' as good a chance to earn ourselves a stand as any +other fellers ever had."</p> + +<p>"So you 've laid right down, an' are goin' to let them keep that money, +are you?"</p> + +<p>"Well, yes, jest now; for there's nothin' else we can do. 'Cordin' to my +way of thinkin', we've got to keep on workin' an' waitin' till the +chance comes. Then we'll lay inter Skip as hard as you like; but I don't +see the sense of whinin' yet awhile."</p> + +<p>"What's to prove he won't jump in an' do the same thing over ag'in +to-morrow?"</p> + +<p>"I've been thinkin' most likely he'd try the game, an' we'd better stick +together. Now, here's my way: in the mornin' you take your box, while I +tend to the papers, an' we'll go right up to City Hall. If he comes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span> +there we mustn't fight him, 'cause we'll be 'rested; but there's nothin' +'ll prevent our keepin' him off if he tries any funny business. I guess +it wouldn't be a great while before some one come along as a witness on +our side. If he fools 'round two or three days, tryin' to drive us off, +he'll get inter trouble, an' we'll be clear of it."</p> + +<p>The only way in which Carrots's reply to this remark can be described, +is by saying that he snorted.</p> + +<p>It was not a groan, neither was it a spoken word; but, rather, a general +snort of disdain for the plan proposed and defiance to the boy who had +wronged him.</p> + +<p>Teddy's suggestion was so tame and so unworthy the cause that Carrots +began to think he had made a mistake by going into business with one who +was willing to act so cowardly a part.</p> + +<p>Teddy understood this quite as well as if his companion had given words +to the thoughts, and, without losing his temper in the slightest degree, +he asked: "If you don't like that plan, what do you want to do?"</p> + +<p>"Go out an' lambaste Skip!"</p> + +<p>"All right; there's nothin' to hinder. Shall I stay here, or do you want +me to help?"</p> + +<p>"Well, it looks to me as if it was as much your fight as mine."</p> + +<p>"Very well; let's go. I reckon that we can find him somewhere, can't +we?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; he's 'most allers up 'round Grand Street an' the Bowery."</p> + +<p>"Well," said Teddy, "if you're bound to try an' thump Skip, why, I'm<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> +with you; but you know as well as I do how it'll turn out. He counts on +jest what you think of doin', an' is sure to have his gang with him all +the time."</p> + +<p>"Then will you do jest as I say?"</p> + +<p>"Right up to the dot!"</p> + +<p>This satisfied Carrots to such a degree that he immediately cast off the +look of anger he had worn, and began to appear more cheerful.</p> + +<p>Carrots had so far unbent that he was willing to discuss the business of +the day, and on counting the profits it was found that between them they +had earned eighty-one cents, despite the many interruptions and +difficulties.</p> + +<p>According to the arrangements previously made, Teddy took possession of +the funds, wrapped the pennies and silver pieces carefully in a piece of +brown paper, and deposited the package in a hiding-place under one of +the boxes which served them as a home.</p> + +<p>"What are you doin' that for?" Carrots asked in surprise.</p> + +<p>"I don't want to stand any chance of losin' it."</p> + +<p>"But it's safer in your pocket than anywhere else."</p> + +<p>"Not if we meet Skip. In case he an' his crowd get the best of us in a +row, they'll be sure to do what they did this afternoon, an' we mustn't +lose all the money we've got."</p> + +<p>Carrots made no reply.</p> + +<p>This preparing for a flogging was not agreeable to him, and it is +possible he began to think that perhaps his scheme for getting even was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> +hardly as wise as he had supposed it.</p> + +<p>Teddy deposited the cash where it would not be found until after a long +and careful search, and then, their supper having been finished, said: +"Now I'm ready whenever you are," and he extinguished one of the +candles.</p> + +<p>"It's no use to go up there so soon," Carrots replied. "We'd better hold +on till he gets his supper."</p> + +<p>Teddy made no comment upon this delay of justice, but began speaking of +the work to be done on the following day, and the probability that +trouble would ensue, always prefacing his remarks with the proviso:</p> + +<p>"If we go out at all to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"What do you keep saying that for?" Carrots finally asked. "Of course +we'll go out to-morrow!"</p> + +<p>"I've seen the time since I struck this town that I couldn't get out +when I wanted to go, an' p'rhaps we shall be in the same fix to-night; +but if we ain't we'll dive inter business mighty strong."</p> + +<p>It was some time before Carrots showed the slightest disposition to +venture forth for the purpose of wreaking vengeance.</p> + +<p>Then it could have been observed that he was not nearly so eager as when +he first came home.</p> + +<p>Twice he leaped to his feet as if to propose that they start, and twice +he sat down again.</p> + +<p>One would almost have fancied he was waiting for Teddy to make the +suggestion; but the latter remained silent.</p> + +<p>Then it seemed as if it were absolutely necessary he should do<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> +something, and he said with an evident effort:</p> + +<p>"Now, if you're ready, I reckon we'd better go."</p> + +<p>"All right," Teddy replied, cheerily, as he led the way from the +packing-cases to the street.</p> + +<p>Carrots followed at a leisurely pace, and, as the two walked toward +Grand Street by way of the Bowery, one would have said it was Teddy who +had insisted on the expedition.</p> + +<p>The nearer they approached the place where it was supposed Master +Jellison would be found, the slower did Carrots walk, and finally, when +they were yet more than a block away, he came to a standstill.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" Teddy asked, knowing full well the cause of the halt.</p> + +<p>"I've been thinkin' p'rhaps it would be better if we didn't go up there +to-night. Course he's got his crowd with him, an' they could get the +best of us."</p> + +<p>"Yes, an' he'll be in the same fix for the next week."</p> + +<p>"Well, I s'pose," Carrots said, hesitatingly, "we ought ter wait till he +thinks we ain't goin' to do anything."</p> + +<p>"That's jest what I proposed, old man, before we started out; but you +seemed to think it ought ter be done to-night, an' I was willin' to give +in."</p> + +<p>"I guess I'll let it go as you say, 'cause it would be hard luck for +both of us to get 'rested and sent up to the Island."</p> + +<p>Now that Carrots had decided on delaying his vengeance, he was in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> +utmost haste to get away from the dangerous locality; for there was a +chance that his enemy might appear, and then, perhaps, instead of being +revenged, he would receive another thrashing.</p> + +<p>With such thoughts in his mind he walked rapidly toward his dwelling; +and when they were once safely inside the fence, all his former +good-nature appeared to have returned.</p> + +<p>He was the same Carrots as before, and, so far as could be seen, the +loss of the dollar had ceased to trouble him.</p> + +<p>Teddy was not willing that very much time should be spent in idle +conversation; he believed it necessary they should be at their work very +early in the morning, and curled himself on the bed of straw before the +neighbouring clocks proclaimed the hour of eight.</p> + +<p>When the sun rose once more, and the two merchants were preparing for +business, Carrots no longer entertained ideas of thrashing his enemy, +but seemed only to fear that he might receive further injury at Skip's +hands.</p> + +<p>So excessive was his prudence that he did not allow himself to stray +more than half a dozen paces from Teddy's side, no matter what business +might demand.</p> + +<p>The morning trade opened in the most prosperous fashion, and the +partners had already sold eight papers and put on four shines, when +Master Jellison and his companions appeared on the scene.</p> + +<p>"Look out for 'em!" Carrots said, nervously. "They are going to make a +fuss, now, sure."</p> + +<p>"Keep right on with your work, an' don't pay any 'tention, no matter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> +what they say," Teddy replied; and the three boys who claimed the right +to control business in that section of the city approached until they +were offensively near those who had been warned to leave town.</p> + +<p>"Didn't you get enough yesterday to serve you out?" Skip asked, angrily, +of Carrots.</p> + +<p>The latter made no reply.</p> + +<p>"I reckon you know what I said 'bout your workin' 'roun' here," the +bully continued, stepping yet closer, and shaking his fist in Carrots's +face.</p> + +<p>At this point, Teddy thought best to interfere, and, taking the box from +his companion's hand, he stepped between Carrots and Skip.</p> + +<p>"Now, I've got somethin' to say in this business," he began; "an' I want +you to remember it, jest as much as we'll remember what you've said +'bout our goin'. I came down to this town to earn a livin', an' to leave +other folks alone, same's I told you over there by the fountain. +Yesterday you pounded Carrots, an' stole a dollar of my money from him. +Now do you think I'm such a chump as to stand that?"</p> + +<p>"Well, why don't you do somethin' 'bout it?" Skip asked, with a sneer, +as he put himself in an attitude of defense.</p> + +<p><a name="z147" id="z147"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 635px;"> +<img src="images/z147.jpg" width="635" height="737" alt="TEDDY DEFENDS HIS PARTNER." title="" /> +<span class="caption">TEDDY DEFENDS HIS PARTNER.</span> +</div> + +<p>"If you think I'm so much of a fool as to fight you, an' stand the +chance of gettin' 'rested, while you're coward enough to run away, it's +a mistake, an' the sooner you find it out the better. This is what I +want ter say, an' I mean every word of it. Jest as true as you touch us, or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> +interfere in any way, I'm goin' to that judge where I was taken up +before, an' have you hauled in. You know what that'll 'mount to, an' +these fellers who are with you stand the chance of gettin' the same as +you'll get. The judge said that instead of fightin' a boy ought to make +a complaint to the police, an' they'd see he was taken care of. Now, +I've come to this city to stay, and that's what I'm goin' to do. If we +were out in the country I'd be glad to stand up with you, an' the feller +that got the worst of it would have to leave; but we're where the +policemen will 'rest us, an' I can't 'ford to take chances."</p> + +<p>Teddy spoke in such a decided tone, and appeared so determined to insist +upon his rights, that, perhaps, for the first time in his life, Master +Jellison was cowed, if not absolutely frightened.</p> + +<p>He knew only too well that the statements made were correct: that he +would be punished severely by the law for having robbed Carrots, and, in +the bewilderment caused by the bold stand Teddy had taken, he retired a +few paces to consult his friends.</p> + +<p>The boy from Saranac had not said all he intended to, and, thinking it +would be better to continue the conversation before the bully had time +to regain his courage, he continued:</p> + +<p>"I don't want you to think you're goin' to get off with that money, even +if we keep quiet now. When the time comes right, you'll pay it back to +Carrots, or have trouble; an' I'll give you somewhere 'bout a week to +make up your mind, 'less you want ter kick up a row now. You'd better<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> +sneak off before that policeman comes along, for I'll begin my end of +the business by tellin' him the whole story jest as soon as he gets +here."</p> + +<p>As Teddy spoke, he motioned, involuntarily, with his head in the +direction of the approaching officer, and, turning quickly, Skip saw the +same guardian of the peace who had taken Teddy to the station-house.</p> + +<p>It would be awkward for him to remain if the true story were to be told, +and the bully concluded his wisest course was to leave that +neighbourhood at once.</p> + +<p>Therefore, he and his friends moved hastily away until they were on the +opposite side of the street, where they could hide themselves behind the +vehicles whenever it became necessary, and at the same time see all that +was going on.</p> + +<p>Teddy did not intend to recede one whit from the stand he had taken.</p> + +<p>As soon as the policeman came up, he told all that had occurred during +the previous twenty-four hours.</p> + +<p>"So that boy is going to drive you out of town, eh?" the officer said, +laughingly.</p> + +<p>"No, he isn't goin' to do anything of the kind. That's what <i>he</i> says; +but I've got something to say 'bout it. I can't thump him, 'cause you'll +'rest me; but the chances are he'll hit me whenever he can. I sha'n't +stand an' take it a great while, an' that's why I want you to know jest +how I'm fixed."</p> + +<p>"If you don't provoke a quarrel, and he makes any trouble, pitch in. +Then come to me, and I'll see you through; but your best way would be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> +to enter a complaint against him on the charge of stealing money."</p> + +<p>"That's what I wouldn't like, 'less I had to," Teddy replied. "If he'll +give it back, an' I reckon he will before long, that part of it will be +all right. I'm a stranger in the city, an' don't want to get inter a +fuss with the fellers, 'cause I've got to work 'longside of 'em; but it +stands me in hand to have somebody know exactly how things are."</p> + +<p>"Come to me if you get into any trouble, providing you keep yourself +straight," the officer said, in a kindly tone, as he moved on, and from +across the street Master Jellison and his party noted with no slight +uneasiness the apparently friendly talk between the boy from Saranac and +the policeman.</p> + +<p>Carrots was undecided as to what might result from this bold speech of +his partner's.</p> + +<p>During all his experience in the city, he had never known a newsboy or a +bootblack to appeal to the authorities for protection, and Teddy's +method of taking care of himself rather startled him.</p> + +<p>"It'll make Skip worse'n ever, I'm afraid," he said, in a low tone, and +Teddy replied:</p> + +<p>"It won't do for him to get very fresh now, 'cause after he strikes the +first blow I'm goin' to pitch in, an' if there ain't too many of his +gang 'round, you'll see me lug him into the station-house. I don't +b'lieve in fightin' where there are officers to 'rest you; but I +wouldn't let any fellow get the best of me if I could help it, no matter +who was in the way. Now we've fixed ourselves, an' the sooner Skip<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> +Jellison begins, the better I'll like it."</p> + +<p>Carrots gazed with admiration upon his partner.</p> + +<p>He realized that, by thus stating his case to the policeman, Teddy had +put himself in a position where it would be safe to defend himself +against any attack which might be made; and this was certainly much +better than Carrots's plan of the previous evening, which, fortunately, +had not been carried into effect.</p> + +<p>"Now get to work, Carrots; we mustn't let them fellers knock us out of +business, for we've got to make more than a dollar to-day."</p> + +<p>Carrots did set to work most vigorously.</p> + +<p>His fear of Skip was quieted to a certain degree, and he darted here and +there without reference to his partner's whereabouts, getting very much +more trade than he would otherwise have done, because of the fact that +his brother bootblacks, and many of their acquaintances in the newspaper +line, were so busily engaged discussing the plan adopted by the boy from +Saranac that they had no time to attend to the details of business.</p> + +<p>For at least half an hour, Teddy and Carrots were the only boys in the +immediate vicinity who attempted to do any very great amount of work, +and the result was that, before the clock had struck ten, their profits +amounted to nearly as much as Teddy had expected that they would earn +during the entire day.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2> + +<h3>CARROTS'S CHARITY.</h3> + + +<p>During the remainder of the day neither Carrots nor Teddy saw Skip.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span></p> + +<p>It appeared very much as if Master Jellison had grown alarmed after +seeing his intended victim conversing with the policeman.</p> + +<p>The other merchants in the newspaper and the bootblacking business, +neglecting everything else, discussed the very remarkable state of +affairs brought about by the boy from Saranac, until the partners had +succeeded in rolling up profits that made Carrots's eyes open wide with +surprise.</p> + +<p>Then their brother merchants began to realize that, while effecting +nothing so far as the controversy between Skip and Teddy was concerned, +they were losing an opportunity of earning money; and so they at once +resumed their labors, and Carrots soon was aware of a depression in his +department of the bootblacking industry which caused him no slight +amount of sorrow.</p> + +<p>"If Skip Jellison had hung 'round here the rest of the day, so's to give +the other fellers more chance to talk, we'd have come nigh to earnin' +enough to pay for the stand before night," he said, as Teddy returned +from purchasing his fourth supply of papers.</p> + +<p>"That shows how much a feller can lose unless he keeps his eyes open,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> +Teddy replied.</p> + +<p>"That's a fact," said Carrots. "It didn't seem much to loaf 'round a +little while; but it counts up when you come to look at it."</p> + +<p>"You can jest bet it does; an' if you'll keep watch of yourself for +another week, we'll be in mighty good shape to set ourselves up in +business. There's plenty of money to be earned 'round here, an' if a +feller doesn't spend it as fast as he gets it, it won't be long before +he's on his feet."</p> + +<p>Ever since he began to follow the occupation of a bootblack, Carrots had +desired to own such an outfit as was in the possession of a certain +Italian on Centre Street. In his eyes it was simply magnificent. A +chair, upholstered in red velvet, stood on a platform covered with sheet +brass and studded plentifully with large-headed nails of the same metal. +As foot-rests there were two deformed camels in bronzed iron, each +bearing on its back a piece of iron fashioned in the shape of the sole +of a boot. Even in his wildest dreams, however, he had never allowed +himself to believe it was possible for him to become the owner of such a +gorgeous establishment; for he had learned from a reliable source that +the Italian's outfit had cost not less than twenty dollars—an amount +which, in Carrots's eyes, was so large as to be within reach of only the +very wealthy.</p> + +<p>Now, however, he began to think such a thing might be possible, for he +had realized what could be accomplished by industry. In his mind's eye +he saw the firm's news-stand, in one corner of which could be placed a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> +small stove during the cold weather, with a space under the counter +sufficiently large for the two boys to sleep in, and the outside of the +establishment painted a vivid green. Carrots was very particular as to +the color. He had decided, as soon as the matter was broached by Teddy, +that if they ever did succeed in buying a stand, it must be painted +green; and this was because a friend of his in Jersey City had told him, +in the strictest secrecy, that such a color was very "lucky."</p> + +<p>How industriously he labored during the remainder of the afternoon! So +eager was he to reach the packing-case home in order to count the money +on hand, that he proposed to stop work for the night an hour before the +demand for bootblack's services had wholly ceased.</p> + +<p>"We'll have to wait a while longer," Teddy said decidedly. "It won't do +to knock off yet, 'cause we ought to make enough to pay for our suppers +between now an' dark. S'posin' you take some of these papers? You can +sell 'em when there's no show for shinin'."</p> + +<p>Carrots obeyed without a murmur, for the green news-stand and the +brass-studded platform and chair still remained before his eyes; and not +until eight o'clock was it decided that they could afford to "close up +shop" by going home.</p> + +<p>On gaining the packing-cases the proceeds of the day's work were thrown +into one pile, and then began the very pleasing occupation of counting +their earnings.</p> + +<p>Carrots was well aware that they had done a good business; but he was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> +really astonished on learning that the "firm" had earned two dollars and +eleven cents, or, in other words, a trifle more than one tenth the +estimated cost of the stand.</p> + +<p>"There," said Teddy, in a tone of satisfaction. "That is what I call +humpin' ourselves! It won't take a great many days like this before +we'll be on our feet in fine shape."</p> + +<p>"That is, if Skip don't bother us."</p> + +<p>"Well, this time his botherin' did us good, 'cause while the other +fellers were talkin' 'bout it we were jest shovelin' the money in. Now +we'll put the two dollars away, an' use the 'leven cents for supper. I +reckon we can get enough Bologna an' crackers for that."</p> + +<p>"Ain't there anything on hand?"</p> + +<p>"Not a crumb. Will you go and get the supper, or shall I?"</p> + +<p>"I'll go while you put the money away," and Carrots was out of the +dwelling like a flash; but he did not return as soon as Teddy expected +from his hurried departure.</p> + +<p>More than once Teddy went to the gate to listen for him; and at last it +seemed certain Carrots must have met with an accident.</p> + +<p>"I ought to have gone with him," Teddy muttered to himself, "'cause the +chances are that Skip has turned up, an' is thumpin' him."</p> + +<p>After waiting ten minutes more, Teddy decided that it would be necessary +to go in search of his partner, who might be hurt and unable to get +home; but just as he was about to climb the fence, the sound of hurried<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> +footsteps in the alleyway told that Carrots was returning.</p> + +<p>"Did you think I was never comin' back?" the young gentleman asked, as +he arrived.</p> + +<p>"Well, it did begin to look that way. What kept you so long?"</p> + +<p>"Wait till I get in the box, an' I'll tell you all about it," Carrots +replied, breathlessly; and, when they were once more inside the +improvised dwelling, he began his story, even before unrolling the +packages he had bought.</p> + +<p>"Say, do you know Ikey Cain, the feller I bought that box and brushes +of?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"Well, he's a little feller not much bigger'n Teenie Massey, an' I met +him out here by the grocery store. I tell you he's been in awful hard +luck, an' he's all banged up."</p> + +<p>"What's the matter with him? Some more of Skip Jellison's work?"</p> + +<p>"No, it ain't that; but he got hurt a while ago down to Pier 10, where +they was unloadin' bananas, and he was layin' for a chance to get some. +Now there's a sore on his leg, so he can't hardly walk, an' he hasn't +been able to do any work for more'n three weeks."</p> + +<p>"Where does he live?" Teddy asked.</p> + +<p>"He stayed at the Newsboys' Lodgin' House till his money gave out, an' +since then he's been stoppin' anywhere. Say, Teddy, he ain't had a thing +to eat to-day."</p> + +<p>"Why didn't you give him some of that 'leven cents?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That's what I wanted to do; but I was 'fraid you wouldn't like it."</p> + +<p>"You ought to know better'n that. I've been hungry myself too many +times since I left Saranac, not to understand how a feller feels."</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you what I was thinkin' of; but of course I don't want you to +go into the plan 'less you're willin'. It struck me as how it wouldn't +be any bother if Ikey stayed here with us till he gets better. An' jest +as soon's he's well he'll be willin' to pay us back what it'll cost for +his grub. He isn't much of an eater, anyway. I could put down three +times more stuff than he, an' not half try. Why, he thinks he's filled +'way up to the chin if he gets one bowl of soup," said Carrots, +scornfully.</p> + +<p>"There wasn't any need of your askin' me, Carrots, if he could come +here," said Teddy, smiling. "This is your shanty."</p> + +<p>"It's as much yours as mine, since we went inter partnership."</p> + +<p>"It doesn't make any difference who owns it. I think we'd better let him +in, if he's a decent kind of a boy, an' has been havin' hard luck."</p> + +<p>"Then s'pose I go after him? He's down by the grocery store, an' when I +left was lookin' at a smoked herrin' 's if he'd draw the back-bone right +out of it."</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span></p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p> +<p>"Shall I go with you?" Teddy asked.</p> + +<p><a name="z159" id="z159"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 646px;"> +<img src="images/z159.jpg" width="646" height="703" alt="IKEY BEFORE THE GROCER'S WINDOW." title="" /> +<span class="caption">IKEY BEFORE THE GROCER'S WINDOW.</span> +</div> + +<p>"No; I can get him up here alone if you'll stand by the gate so's to +catch him when I h'ist him over," said Carrots, "'cause he's lame an'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> +can't do much shinnin' himself."</p> + +<p>Carrots, not waiting to make further explanation, ran out from the nest +of boxes, clambered over the fence, and soon the sound of footsteps told +that he was running down the alley.</p> + +<p>Five minutes later an unusual noise warned Teddy that the invalid was +approaching, and he took up his stand on the inside of the fence, ready +to assist.</p> + +<p>"Are you there, Teddy?" Carrots asked in a hoarse whisper.</p> + +<p>"Yes; let him come!"</p> + +<p>"I'll give him a boost, an you catch hold of his hands," was Carrots's +reply.</p> + +<p>By moving one of the cases nearer the gate, Teddy was able to reach +sufficiently high to grasp the hand of the lame boy; and then, by the +aid of Carrots's "boost," the new member of the family was soon inside.</p> + +<p>Teddy assisted the stranger to the box which served as a home, and when +Carrots had lighted both candles he had an opportunity to see the boy +thus introduced to the household.</p> + +<p>Ikey could never have been called a prepossessing lad, and his recent +hardships had in no wise tended to improve his appearance.</p> + +<p>A pair of large black eyes seemed even larger than nature had made them, +by contrast with his pallid face and the closely cropped hair, which +literally stood on end in every direction, giving him an expression +such as one fancies would be proper for some blood-thirsty<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> +revolutionist. But, although he looked so thoroughly ferocious, Ikey was +by no means a dangerous character. As Carrots had said, he was shorter +than Teenie Massey, and the pallor of his thin face was emphasized by +the many streaks and spots of dirt, and the ill-fitting, ragged garments +gave him the appearance of being several sizes smaller than he really +was.</p> + +<p>"Jiminy! you've got it swell here," Ikey said, in a tone of admiration, +as he gazed around at the snug quarters, and especially at the bottles +used as candlesticks. It seemed to him that, if they could afford double +the necessary amount of light, their manner of living must certainly +border on extravagance.</p> + +<p>"Well, it <i>is</i> pretty fair," Carrots replied, with the air of one who +thinks it modest to belittle his own property. "We manage to get along +here somehow, an' are goin' to squeeze you in. You're so thin, Ikey, +that a sardine-box would make a first-rate bed for you."</p> + +<p>"You're awful good to help me, fellers. Jest before Carrots came along I +was tryin' to make out what I was goin' to do," said Ikey.</p> + +<p>"Well, take hold, an' fill yourself up with what we've got here. P'rhaps +we'll find some way to fix you so's you can walk better'n you do now," +Teddy said, as he unrolled the packages of provisions Carrots had +brought; but finding there was not sufficient for three very hungry +boys, he excused himself long enough to purchase a few additions to the +collection.</p> + +<p>His sympathies were thoroughly roused, and he determined Ikey should<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> +have, as he afterward explained, "one square, out-and-out feed," if no +more. Three smoked herring, three seed-cakes, and a five-cent pie +comprised the list of provisions Teddy brought back. That he was guilty +of extravagance in purchasing these articles shows how deeply he felt +for Ikey's sufferings.</p> + +<p>"This is what you call livin' high," Carrots said, as he arranged the +feast in the most favorable light. "I reckon you'll get well if you stay +here very long, Ikey."</p> + +<p>"If I don't I ought ter be choked!" Master Cain replied emphatically, as +he proceeded to devour one of the herring, first breaking off the head +and stripping, with the touch of an artist, each side of the fish from +the back-bone.</p> + +<p>"There's one bad thing 'bout it," Carrots said, as he suddenly thought +of what might be an awkward predicament for himself. "You know, the +folks what keep the store don't have any idea I'm livin' here, 'cause if +they did I'd be fired mighty quick. Of course you can't go 'round town +while you've got that thing on your leg, an' you're bound to stay till +it gets well; but, you see, Ikey, it won't do to make the least little +mite of a noise. Do you think you can manage it all day, with never so +much as a squeak?"</p> + +<p>"I reckon it wouldn't be very hard work," Master Cain replied. "I'd be +thinkin' how much better this was than loafin' 'round the streets, an' +then I couldn't 'yip' if I wanted to, when I'd know I might lose the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> +snap."</p> + +<p>"And don't show your nose outside this box, 'cause that would be jest as +bad as hollerin'."</p> + +<p>"Don't you worry 'bout me! I'll get along all right, an' won't make any +fuss for you," the invalid replied decidedly, as he made a pleasing +combination of the dried fish and pie, by way of a finishing touch to +the meal.</p> + +<p>When their guest's hunger had been satisfied, the hosts made +arrangements for the night by giving to the crippled boy the entire pile +of straw on which to lie, while they slept upon the bare boards of the +adjoining box.</p> + +<p>On the following morning Carrots was awake unusually early, for he +thought of the necessity of finding something in which to bring water, +that Ikey might be able to satisfy his thirst during the day; and, +without arousing either of his companions, he attended to this important +business.</p> + +<p>After a short absence he returned with a clean tomato-can as a +drinking-vessel, and this he filled from the hydrant.</p> + +<p>Teddy was awake when this task was finished. There were provisions +enough for the invalid's meals, and the two boys set out, intending to +prepare for the day by purchasing two bowls of Mose Pearson's +slate-colored soup.</p> + +<p>"You won't have anythin' to do but eat, Ikey, an' there's grub enough +for that," Carrots said, as he left the dwelling. "Take hold an' enjoy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> +yourself. We sha'n't be back till pretty nigh dark, so don't worry 'bout +us, an' be sure to keep your mouth shut."</p> + +<p>"I'll get along all right, an' nobody shall know I'm here," Ikey +replied; and an instant later the two merchants vaulted the fence.</p> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + +<h3>A MEDICAL FRIEND.</h3> + + +<p>This unexpected addition to their family had a good effect on Carrots,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> +because it made him more careful of his money, almost uncomfortably so, +Teddy thought, when, having reached Mose Pearson's, the junior member of +the firm questioned whether it would not be better to have no breakfast, +in order to save time.</p> + +<p>"You see now we've got Ikey on hand we'll have to be careful of the +money; else we sha'n't get that stand very soon."</p> + +<p>"We're bound to eat, Carrots. If you want to be so awful careful of your +money, you might give up smokin' cigarettes," Teddy replied.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I swore off buyin' any, yesterday. I don't smoke now 'less some +feller gives me one. Of course, you can't reckon I'd refuse it; but this +soup will be ten cents gone, an' we'd be jest as hungry by noon. +Besides, we've got to buy somethin' for supper, 'cause we're feedin' +three now, you know."</p> + +<p>"We'll get the breakfast, an' work enough harder to pay for it," Teddy +replied, as he led the way into the restaurant; and again did Carrots's +new ideas of economy appear, as he swallowed the soup almost at the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> +risk of choking himself, in order to save a few moments.</p> + +<p>He was the first boy on the street prepared to black boots that morning, +and no fellow ever worked more industriously, until nearly twelve +o'clock, when he approached his partner in a mysterious manner, +beckoning him to follow where they could converse without fear of being +overheard.</p> + +<p>"Say, did you know lamb was awful good for sick people?" Carrots asked, +with an air of great importance.</p> + +<p>"No; I didn't know that. Who told you?"</p> + +<p>"When old Miss Carter was sick, she said a little bit of lamb would do +her a power of good, an' the boys chipped in an' bought some."</p> + +<p>"But it'll come pretty high now, Carrots. You see it's kinder out of +season."</p> + +<p>"Pretty high, eh? Well, what would you say if I got a bang-up good mess +of lamb for five cents?"</p> + +<p>"Why, I'd say it either wasn't lamb, or else the man what sold it didn't +know what he was about."</p> + +<p>"Well, it's lamb, an' I paid the reg'lar price for it, Teddy," Carrots +said triumphantly, as he drew from his pocket a small package wrapped in +brown paper, and, opening it, displayed to the astonished gaze of his +companion two pickled lambs' tongues.</p> + +<p>"There, what do you think of that? Talk 'bout lamb for sick folks! If it +does any good, I'm goin' to have Ikey well as ever by to-morrow. I'll +make him eat all this before he goes to bed. You see it's jest as cheap<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> +as anythin' we can get," he added. "He couldn't stuff down more'n six in +a day to save his life, an' I reckon we can spend that much."</p> + +<p>Teddy was not positive whether lamb was good for the invalid, neither +did he think the tongue Carrots had purchased would be beneficial; but, +as the latter had said, it would serve as food, and certainly was not a +waste of money, and therefore he replied:</p> + +<p>"I don't know as it'll do him any good, old man, but it'll keep him from +bein' hungry, anyhow."</p> + +<p>"Are you goin' down there this noon?"</p> + +<p>"No; I wouldn't dare to in the daytime. We shall have to wait till +night. Have you seen anythin' of Skip?"</p> + +<p>"Not a smitch. I reckon he got scared when he saw you talkin' to that +policeman yesterday, an' I think he will give us a wide berth for a +while."</p> + +<p>"I don't think you're right. He hasn't stopped tryin' to drive us out er +town jest 'cause I told the officer; but is waitin' till he can catch us +where we don't know anybody. Keep your eye peeled for him."</p> + +<p>"I'll be careful enough, you can be sure of that," Carrots replied. "I +never'd gone to the market for this lamb, if it hadn't been that a +couple of fellers I know were goin' down, an' they wouldn't let Skip +pitch inter me."</p> + +<p>This day's business was not so large as the previous one, owing to the +fact that both in the bootblacking and news-selling departments of the +concern there was active competition; but both considered they had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span> +earned very good wages, and were in the best of humor when they started +home with a sufficient addition to their larder to provide a generous +meal for all three.</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you what I've been thinkin' of, Carrots," Teddy said, as they +walked slowly along. "Ikey is in a pretty bad way, an' it seems to me we +ought ter do somethin' more'n jest feed him up on lamb, if he ever +expects to get out."</p> + +<p>"Want to try the bread an' milk?"</p> + +<p>"No, I don't know anythin' 'bout that business; but this is what I was +kind er figgerin' on. It costs terrible to get a doctor, of course; but +don't you s'pose we might make the same trade with one that we did with +the lawyer? If we'd 'gree to give him a paper, an' black his boots, till +the bill was paid, I don't reckon it would take long to fix Ikey in +great shape."</p> + +<p>"That's a good idee!" Carrots replied, enthusiastically. "Why, I'll bet +you could get any quantity of 'em at that rate. Say, there's one up on +Rivington Street. I used to black his boots last year, when I worked +'round that way; but haven't seen him since. He's awful nice; ain't so +very old either, an' a good many times give me something extra when I +got though with my job."</p> + +<p>"Suppose we go there to-night?"</p> + +<p>"All right; I'm with you! We'll fill Ikey up with this lamb, get him to +bed, an' then take a sneak. We can be back in half an hour. Say, how +would it do to carry him along with us?"</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't like to do that, 'cause you see p'rhaps the doctor might not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> +be willin', an' we'd have dragged the poor feller 'round for nothin'. +Besides, if we should happen to meet Skip while he was along, it would +be kind er hard lines to take care of a lame boy an' fight at the same +time."</p> + +<p>"I never thought of that. I reckon I'd better let you 'tend to things +anyhow. You seem to know more'n I do."</p> + +<p>The invalid welcomed them very cordially, as might have been expected +from one who had been forced not only to remain inactive, but absolutely +silent, during the many hours of their absence.</p> + +<p>In reply to Carrots's questions, he represented himself as being +comparatively comfortable, and stated that, although the time had seemed +long, he was more than glad to be there, rather than on the streets +enduring such suffering as must necessarily be his while moving around.</p> + +<p>The first duty of the evening was to count the money, and it was learned +that they had earned one dollar and twenty-six cents, exclusive of the +amount spent for food procured on their way home.</p> + +<p>"That makes us pretty nigh five dollars," Teddy said, as he placed these +profits with the others. "If nothin' happens it won't be so very long +before we'll be in great shape for doin' business."</p> + +<p>Again Carrots had visions of the green news-stand and brass-covered +bootblacking outfit, and from this reverie he was awakened when Teddy +prepared the evening meal by unwrapping the papers in which the food<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> +had been brought.</p> + +<p>This reminded Carrots of the scheme formed for the benefit of the +invalid, and he handed the sheep's tongues to Ikey, as he said:</p> + +<p>"There, old man, I want you to fill yourself right up on that, 'cause +Miss Carter said they was awful good for sick people, an' I 'low they'll +straighten you out in pretty nigh less'n no time!"</p> + +<p>Then Carrots explained what they intended to do in regard to securing a +doctor, and Ikey's eyes glistened as he thought of getting relief from +his sufferings, which must have been great, judging from the expression +he constantly wore.</p> + +<p>"I'm 'fraid you can't do much," he said, with a sigh.</p> + +<p>"It won't do any harm to try," Carrots replied, as he began to satisfy +his own hunger; and when the meal was brought to a close, owing to the +fact that neither of the partners could eat any more, Teddy led the way +to the street again, the invalid expressing his earnest hope that the +doctor might accede to their wishes.</p> + +<p>Fortunately for their purpose, upon arriving at the doctor's office, +they found him at home and not busy.</p> + +<p>Singular as it may seem, he did not recognize Carrots until he had been +told of the previous business connection, and even then appeared almost +indifferent in regard to seeing his friend again.</p> + +<p>Teddy had supposed Master Carrots was to attend to this portion of the +task, owing to his acquaintance with the physician; but instead of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> +doing so, his young partner, after entering the office, stood first on +one foot and then on the other, staring at the medical gentleman in a +manner well calculated to make a nervous person uncomfortable.</p> + +<p>"Well, what can I do for you?" the doctor asked.</p> + +<p>Carrots looked around at Teddy as he said, in a hoarse whisper:</p> + +<p>"You tell him, old man. You can fix things up better'n I can."</p> + +<p>Master Thurston opened negotiations by proceeding at once to the heart +of the matter.</p> + +<p>"We want ter hire a doctor," he said. "You see, Ikey Cain's got a lame +leg, an' we haven't done anything for it yet except to give him some +lamb, which I don't 'low is goin' to make him better very soon. Now what +we thought 'bout doin' was to get you to look out for him, an' let us +pay in trade. I sell papers, an' Carrots blacks boots. If you'll 'gree +to fix Ikey up as he ought ter be, we'll come here every mornin' till +the bill's paid."</p> + +<p>"Where is the boy?" the doctor asked, looking amused rather than grave.</p> + +<p>"Down where we live."</p> + +<p>"Give me the address, and I will call there to-morrow morning."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you mustn't do that!" Carrots cried, in alarm. "If you should go +there in broad daylight and shin over that fence, the folks in the shop +would know jest where we live!"</p> + +<p>The doctor was at a loss to understand the meaning of this remark, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> +Teddy explained by saying:</p> + +<p>"You see, we've got a couple of boxes down here back of a store, an' the +folks who own 'em don't know anything 'bout our livin' there. We can't +go in till after dark, when the shop's shut up, an' have to come out in +the mornin' before it's open."</p> + +<p>"I understand," the gentleman replied, with a smile. "Then it will be +necessary to bring the boy here."</p> + +<p>"Couldn't you fix him to-night?" Carrots asked.</p> + +<p>"I fancy so, unless there should be a call from some patient."</p> + +<p>"I s'pose we can get him over the fence; but it'll hurt him a good bit," +Teddy said, musingly.</p> + +<p>"We can rig that all right," Carrots replied, carelessly. "If he's goin' +to have his leg done up, he's got to come out, an' we can't help it if +it does hurt him;" and then turning to the doctor, he asked, eagerly, +"Say, how much you goin' to charge for doin' that?"</p> + +<p>"What should you think it would be worth, or, in other words, how many +shines would you give me? We won't say anything about the newspapers, +because I already have a young man who serves me with them."</p> + +<p>"We'll try to come to your terms if we can," Carrots replied, "an' +you're the one that ought ter set the figger."</p> + +<p>"What should you think would be a good price, if you were going to pay +money?"</p> + +<p>Carrots hesitated, looked around at Teddy, then again at the doctor, and +finally said:</p> + +<p>"I reckon I'd be willin' to go as high as twenty-five cents if he was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> +fixed up in good shape, 'cause I know he'll pay it back jest as soon as +he gets to work. Course he can't do anything now."</p> + +<p>"Very well, bring your friend here whenever you please, and when I +chance to be where you are working, I will call on you for one of the +shines."</p> + +<p>Then the gentleman took up the book he had been reading, as a sign that +there was no need to prolong the interview, and the boys went at full +speed after the invalid.</p> + +<p>On being told that he would receive attention from a regular doctor, +Ikey announced his willingness to climb over the fence a dozen times if +it should be necessary, and without delay the journey was begun.</p> + +<p>Fortunately the physician was still at home when they returned. He +examined the injured member, took something from his pocket which the +others could not see at first, and, before the invalid was aware of his +purpose, had passed the keen blade of the lancet through the swelling.</p> + +<p>Ikey felt faint with pain for an instant, and then looked wonderfully +relieved, as the doctor said, soothingly:</p> + +<p>"There, my boy, you will be all right in a few days. I will bandage it, +and you must be careful not to catch cold."</p> + +<p>Carrots watched the operation intently, and when the physician intimated +that his services were at an end, he drew a long breath of relief as he +said:</p> + + +<p><a name="z175" id="z175"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 612px;"> +<img src="images/z175.jpg" width="612" height="699" alt="THE BOYS AT THE DOCTOR'S DOOR." title="" /> +<span class="caption">THE BOYS AT THE DOCTOR'S DOOR.</span> +</div> + +<p>"By jiminy! If I could earn twenty-five cents as quick as that, it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> +wouldn't take Teddy an' me long to buy that stand!"</p> + +<p>"You see, my boy, that medical men have to charge a very large amount of +money for their services because it takes them so long to learn the +business. Of course you would think I should get rich very rapidly if I +had many such customers at twenty-five cents; but you can see that they +are scarce to-night."</p> + +<p>"That's a fact," Carrots replied, thoughtfully, as if this phase of the +case was something which he had not previously understood, and after +gravely assuring the gentleman that "his face was good for a shine any +time," Master Williams led the way out of the house.</p> + +<p>"How do you feel, old man?" Teddy asked, when they were on the sidewalk.</p> + +<p>"He hurt me a good bit with his knife; but jest as soon's that was over, +it seemed like as if the pain had all gone. I reckon I'll get well now, +eh?"</p> + +<p>"If you don't, there won't be any sense in puttin' out twenty-five cents +ag'in on you," Carrots said, as if he should consider a continuation of +Ikey's illness as a personal affront.</p> + +<p>The three arrived at home without having seen anything of their enemies, +and in a short time were busily engaged discussing their future.</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you what it is, Teddy, Ikey'll make an awful good clerk for +us when we buy our stand, an' after we get him mended. He can sell +papers or shine boots with the best of 'em, for I've seen him work."</p> + +<p>Teddy suggested that they might not have a sufficient amount of business<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span> +to warrant their hiring a clerk; but Carrots had his own ideas on the +subject, and could not easily be persuaded that an assistant would not +be an absolute necessity when the green-painted establishment with its +bootblacking outfit was opened.</p> + +<p>The idea that he was to have an opportunity for working, without being +forced to run around the streets, pleased Master Cain wonderfully, and +this, in addition to the relief from pain, served to put him in the best +possible humor.</p> + +<p>He promised to repay the boys, not only the twenty-five cents which was +to be given the doctor in the form of boot-polishing, but also for such +provisions as he might eat while one of their household; and agreed, in +case Teddy finally concluded it would be desirable to hire him as a +clerk, to do his work faithfully and honestly.</p> + +<p>"We'll have the stand before two weeks go by, an' I reckon you'll be +right there helpin' us with it," Carrots said, enthusiastically, as he +once more prepared the bed for the invalid, and saw to it that there was +food enough on hand to satisfy his wants during the coming day.</p> + +<p>It was later than their usual time for retiring when the boys finally +lay down to sleep; but, despite this fact, they were awake next morning +as early as on any previous occasion, and, before leaving, Carrots again +cautioned Ikey against allowing his presence in the box to be known.</p> + +<p>"You needn't be worried," the invalid replied. "Now my leg doesn't ache<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> +so bad, I can keep mighty still, no matter what happens. Yesterday I had +to turn over pretty often to rest it, an' was 'fraid sometimes the folks +would hear me."</p> + +<p>Then the boys clambered over the fence once more, and another day's work +was begun.</p> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + +<h3>THE PLOT.</h3> + + +<p>Shortly after the boys arrived at City Hall Park, and before the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> +business of the day had fairly begun, Teenie Massey approached to +inquire if they had lately heard anything regarding Skip.</p> + +<p>"Haven't seen nor heard of him," Carrots replied. "What makes you ask?"</p> + +<p>"Nothin', only I heard he was tearin' round dreadful yesterday, tellin' +what he was goin' to do to you fellers."</p> + +<p>"I guess he'll keep under cover for a while," Carrots replied, +confidently; and Teenie said, as he shook his head warningly:</p> + +<p>"Now don't be too sure of that, old man. I guess you want to keep your +eyes open all the time, an' if you get to thinkin' he can't do any harm, +you'll find him jumpin' right down on you some day."</p> + +<p>"I'll risk all the harm he can do," Carrots replied, with a laugh. "He's +too much 'fraid the police will 'rest him for stealin', to come 'round +where we are."</p> + +<p>"Well, I happen to know, from what Reddy Jackson said, that he hasn't +given up hopes of drivin' you off yet."</p> + +<p>Carrots did not think this warning worthy his attention; but yet he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> +repeated the same to Teddy when he found an opportunity.</p> + +<p>"I reckon Teenie's not far wrong," Master Thurston said, greatly to the +surprise of his partner. "It didn't stand to reason that we was goin' to +scare Skip so quick, an' I think he'll make one more try to git rid of +us."</p> + +<p>"I don't see what he can do," Carrots said, musingly; and Teddy chimed +in:</p> + +<p>"Neither do I, an' that's just why we're bound to be pretty careful. You +see, if we could know what he was up to, it would be different."</p> + +<p>There was no further opportunity to discuss the matter, owing to the +sudden demand for the bootblack's services, and by noon both the +partners had almost forgotten the warning given by Teenie.</p> + +<p>This day's business brought them more money than the previous one, but +not so much as on the occasion when Skip last made his threats.</p> + +<p>On counting up the cash immediately after their return home, it showed +an addition of a dollar and seventy-one cents to the fund, and when this +had been ascertained, Carrots found time to inquire as to the condition +of their invalid friend.</p> + +<p>"I'm feelin' first-class," Ikey said, "an' reckon my leg'll be all right +to-morrow. Say, who do you s'pose has been sneakin' 'round here to-day?"</p> + +<p>"It can't be Skip Jellison?" Carrots replied, quickly.</p> + +<p>"That's jest who it was, an' Reddy Jackson come with him. Course they +didn't know I was in here, an' I lay low and I heard every word they +said."</p> + +<p>"What did they talk 'bout?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You see, I was thinkin' how nice it felt to be out er pain, when there +was a rattlin' among the boxes, as if somebody was a-walkin' on 'em. +First, I thought one of the men from the store had come out, an' I kept +mighty quiet. Then two fellers began to talk, an' I knew who it was the +minute they spoke; so I listened. Reddy he said to Skip, 'Here's where +them fellers live.' Skip he 'lowed he couldn't see any place, an' Reddy +said he knowed it was, 'cause he followed you home last night. Then he +figured out that you slept in one of the boxes, an' that satisfied +Skip."</p> + +<p>"Did they hunt to see if they could find where we stopped?"</p> + +<p>"No; I reckon they didn't dare, for fear somebody'd catch 'em. They was +settin' up there on the fence, an' if one of the clerks had showed his +nose they could have jumped over on the other side mighty quick. I tell +you them fellers are up to some mischief."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" Teddy asked, quickly.</p> + +<p>"I heard Skip say he was goin' to burn you out, an' Reddy asked if he +counted on doin' it to-night. He 'lowed he wouldn't, 'cause he'd got to +go over to Jersey City; but he's bound to, the very first evenin' he can +get away without anybody's knowin' what he's up to. He says he could put +a lot of papers an' shavin's in these boxes, an' you'd be scorched some +before you got out."</p> + +<p>Carrots was on the point of laughing at this revelation of Skip's plot, +much as if he questioned the latter's courage to do such a thing, when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> +he observed Teddy, who was silent and looking very grave.</p> + +<p>"Why, you don't b'lieve they'd dare to burn us out?" he asked in +surprise.</p> + +<p>"I ain't so sure 'bout that. Skip Jellison's a feller that dares to do +'most anything, if he thinks he can get through with it an' not be +caught. It would be a mighty serious scrape for us if the boxes should +get on fire while we were here. If any one saw us comin' out they'd say +sure we did it. You might talk till you were blue in the face, if they +knew that we had had candles here, an' not make 'em think we didn't do +the mischief."</p> + +<p>"By jiminy! you're right!" Carrots exclaimed, as he began to realize +what their position would be under such circumstances. "Don't you think +we'd better tell the folks in the store what Skip's countin' on doin'?"</p> + +<p>"That wouldn't do any good. He'd swear it wasn't so, an' all we'd make +out of it would be our havin' to leave."</p> + +<p>"It seems as if that was what we'd got to do anyhow, if he's goin' to +set this place on fire."</p> + +<p>"Of course."</p> + +<p>Carrots was surprised that his partner should agree with him so readily, +and asked:</p> + +<p>"Do you really think we ought ter go away from here?"</p> + +<p>"That's jest the size of it. 'Cordin' to my way of figurin', we're apt +to get ourselves into a fuss by stayin'; an', although it'll be hard<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span> +work to find as snug a place, I reckon it's safer to go."</p> + +<p>Carrots was instantly plunged into the lowest depths of sorrow.</p> + +<p>Never before had the packing-case home seemed so beautiful as now, when +it appeared necessary to leave it.</p> + +<p>"I'd like to see somebody thrash that Skip! He's hardly fit to live!"</p> + +<p>"The best way's to let him alone. He'll bring himself up with a short +turn before long," Teddy replied, confidently, and then relapsed into +thoughtful silence.</p> + +<p>"Well, when are we goin' to move?" Carrots asked, after a pause, during +which he gazed intently at the flame of the candle, trying very hard to +see there the picture of the establishment which he fondly hoped would +soon belong to the thriving young firm of Thurston and Williams.</p> + +<p>"We'd better look 'round the first thing to-morrow. I began to think +Skip was up to somethin', 'cause we didn't see him. If he hadn't had an +idea in his head 'bout how to serve us out, he'd been up 'round City +Hall to-day."</p> + +<p>Then it was Carrots's turn to remain silent, and not a word was spoken +until Ikey timidly ventured to ask if they had decided not to eat supper +on this night.</p> + +<p>This caused them to remember that they were hungry; but neither felt +disposed to linger long over the meal, and at an unusually early hour +the candle was put out as the inmates of the box laid themselves down +to rest for what all three believed would be the last time in that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span> +locality.</p> + +<p>It was Teddy who awakened the others next morning, and, as Carrots +opened his eyes, he exclaimed petulantly:</p> + +<p>"What's the use of turnin' a feller out now? The sun ain't up yet."</p> + +<p>"But it will be pretty soon, an' we've got a good deal on hand to-day," +Teddy replied. "Ikey must go with us, for he mightn't get a chance to +get away in the daytime, an' it won't do to stay here another night."</p> + +<p>It was a sad-visaged party that filed out of the narrow passage leading +to the street, in the growing light of the early dawn, and made its way, +without special aim or purpose, toward the customary place of business.</p> + +<p>It was decided Ikey should be left upon one of the settees in the park, +while the others went on a tour of investigation for the purpose of +finding new lodgings, and then the party separated with the +understanding that they would meet an hour later to partake of +breakfast.</p> + +<p>Carrots was the first to keep this appointment, and he looked +exceedingly low-spirited when he seated himself by the side of the +invalid, who had not yet sufficiently recovered to be able to take very +much exercise in the way of walking.</p> + +<p>"Find anything?" Ikey asked.</p> + +<p>"Not a thing! I reckon it'll be many a long day before we'll get another +place sich as we had down there;" and then Master Carrots indulged once +more in harsh words against his enemies.</p> + +<p>His tirade was interrupted by the arrival of Teddy, who looked as joyous<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> +as his partner looked despondent, causing the latter to say, in a +querulous tone:</p> + +<p>"It doesn't seem as if you cared very much 'bout what them fellers are +makin' us do!"</p> + +<p>"Well, I reckon you're right, Carrots. P'rhaps it's the best thing ever +happened, that we had to clear out this mornin'."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"What do you s'pose I've found?"</p> + +<p>"Do you mean a place to sleep?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Ain't been buyin' the Astor House, or anything like that?"</p> + +<p>"Comes pretty nigh it, Carrots. I've found a stand!"</p> + +<p>"I can find dozens of 'em; but that's all the good it'll do."</p> + +<p>"But I mean one we can buy."</p> + +<p>"Yes, when we've got the money," Carrots replied, impatiently. "Where we +goin' to stay till we earn as much as we'll need?"</p> + +<p>"I can make a trade for this one, with what we've got, by 'greein' to +come up with fifty cents every day."</p> + +<p>"What!" and Carrots sprang to his feet, his face expressive of mingled +joy and astonishment. "Do you mean to say you know of a feller that'll +trust us for the money?"</p> + +<p>"That's jest it!"</p> + +<p>"Let's get right to him before he has time to back out! A feller what<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> +can make sich a chump of hisself as that might get sneaked off to the +'sylum before we'd have time to finish up the trade."</p> + +<p>"There's no need of hurryin' so awful fast, 'cause this bargain'll wait +for us an hour anyhow. In the first place, old man, p'rhaps it ain't +what you're countin' on. It's a good stand enough, an' seems to me is in +a pretty fair neighbourhood; but the feller what it b'longs to couldn't +make a go out er it, so had to give it up to the man who owns the +buildin'."</p> + +<p>"Where is it?"</p> + +<p>"On Mulberry Street, jest off er Grand. You see, some feller built it +against the corner store, an' 'greed to pay a dollar a week for the +trouble of havin' it there. He couldn't raise the rent, an' after he'd +stayed three months, the shopkeeper took it. Now, I happened to see the +place, an' went in an' talked with the man. He said it cost twenty +dollars, an' he'd sell it for ten if we'd 'gree to pay a dollar every +week for rent, an' fifty cents a day on what we owe him."</p> + +<p>"How much you got to put down cash?" Carrots asked, his face clouded +somewhat as he learned that the establishment was not as desirable as he +had hoped their future place of residence would be.</p> + +<p>"All we can raise."</p> + +<p>"What'll that 'mount to?"</p> + +<p>"Pretty nigh five dollars; but one of those dollars goes for rent, you +know."</p> + +<p>"Is it big enough to sleep in?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; we three could get under the counter without much trouble, an'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> +there's a stove b'longs to it, that goes in with the trade."</p> + +<p>"But if we open up there won't be anything to sell."</p> + +<p>"I've 'lowed that we'll keep back 'bout a dollar to buy papers with, an' +then, if both of us work mighty hard, it won't be more'n three or four +days before we can have a pretty good lot of stuff. You'll keep right on +shinin', an' I'll do my level best with papers, while Ikey 'tends to the +stand till he gets well. 'Cordin' to my way of thinkin', we can build up +a good trade there if we hustle; an' that's what we've got to do +wherever we go. Now, what do you say to it?"</p> + +<p>"Let's go an' see the place," Carrots said, after a moment's pause, and +Ikey slid down from the settee, as if to intimate that he intended to +accompany the party.</p> + +<p>Teddy started off at once, for it was his belief there should be no time +lost, in case they concluded to make the trade, because of the fact that +the hour for regular business was close at hand.</p> + +<p>On arriving at the stand, Carrots's first impression was very favourable +toward the purchase.</p> + +<p>It was painted green, not as bright as if the colour had just been laid +on, but sufficiently so to satisfy him regarding the supposed "luck," +and quite as roomy inside as Teddy had stated.</p> + +<p>The only apparent drawback was regarding the business location, for it +was a short distance off the regular line of travel, and this fact +Master Carrots noted at once.</p> + +<p>"That's so," Teddy replied, when the objections were stated; "and I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> +thought about all that while I was comin' down to tell you. It seems to +me as if we might get up a good trade 'round among these stores, by +'greein' to bring the papers just as soon as they was out, an', with +three of us to pitch in, we could live right up to all our promises. As +I said before, we've got to work a good deal harder than we've been +doin'."</p> + +<p>"It doesn't seem to me as if we could do that. I've been humpin' myself +the best I knew how the last two days."</p> + +<p>"That's so, Carrots; but you could run 'round a little more, I reckon, +if by doin' it we was to own a stand right away."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm willin' to go in, an' you shall be the boss."</p> + +<p>"Then we'll buy it," Teddy said, decidedly. "I've got to rush down after +the money."</p> + +<p>"Did you leave it under the boxes?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I didn't want to lug it 'round all day."</p> + +<p>"But I thought we'd 'greed not to go back."</p> + +<p>"I 'lowed to go down the first thing after we knocked off. It's all safe +enough, anyhow. You stay here till I get back."</p> + +<p>Teddy was off like a flash, and, impatient though Carrots was to have +the business arrangements completed, his partner returned before he +thought there had been sufficient time for Teddy to make the journey.</p> + +<p>The preliminaries were quickly arranged, once they were ready to pay +over the money, and, leaving Ikey in charge of the empty stand, the +proud proprietors went hurriedly down-town, Teddy saying, as he parted +with the clerk: "I'll come back soon's I can, with the mornin' papers,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> +and we'll open right up."</p> + +<p>"I'll get things fixed before then, if I can borrow a broom, 'cause the +inside of the place must be cleaned up," the new clerk replied, thus +showing that he was attentive to the interests of his employers.</p> + +<p>If Carrots had done as he wished, every newsboy and bootblack in the +lower portion of the city would have known that he and Teddy had gone +regularly into business; but the latter was adverse to proclaiming the +news so soon.</p> + +<p>"Better hold on a day or two, an' see how it pans out," the cautious +merchant advised. "You see, if it should bust up the first thing, the +fellers would laugh at us. We're bound to stay a week, now the money's +paid; but how long a time is that to brag 'bout? I want ter know if +we're goin' to stick, before I say anything."</p> + +<p>"When will you 'gree to tell the fellers?"</p> + +<p>"If we can pay our bills an' have enough left to keep the stock up, by a +week from to-day you shall go 'round to spread the news, an' I won't +open my mouth till you've seen every feller you know."</p> + +<p>This was satisfactory to the junior partner, and he promised to attend +to his work in the lower portion of the city as if nothing out of the +usual course of events had happened, even though the firm of Thurston +and Williams had actually sprung into existence in a proper and a +business-like manner.</p> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2> + +<h3>THE CONFLAGRATION.</h3> + + +<p>It is doubtful if Carrots often had a harder task than that of remaining<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> +silent on the subject of the news-stand, when he went down-town to work +immediately after it had been purchased.</p> + +<p>He had allowed himself to dwell upon the possibility of owning an +interest in a stand, with a magnificent chair attached for the benefit +of customers to the bootblacking portion of the establishment, from +the moment Teddy first spoke of the scheme; and now that it was really a +fact, with the exception of the chair, it seemed particularly hard that +he must keep the startling and pleasing information a profound secret.</p> + +<p>"P'rhaps it's jest as well not to flash it up on the boys till after we +get the whole thing in style—bootblack's quarters an' all," he said +to himself in the hope of cheering his mind. "When she's in shape I +reckon some of the fellers in this town will find out that I can do a +thing or two, even if my hair <i>is</i> red!"</p> + +<p>The fact that he was soon to become famous in the eyes of his friends, +if not of the entire world, did not prevent Carrots from plunging into +the vortex of business with his whole heart; for he understood how +necessary it was to earn the extra money which would be needed until<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span> +the business establishment was in a proper financial condition, and he +worked most industriously.</p> + +<p>It was hard to keep his thoughts upon the cleaning of muddy boots when +he knew that at that moment Ikey was presiding over the stand with a +"whole dollar's worth" of stock in front of him, and more than once was +he tempted to leave his business sufficiently long to take just one peep +at the place.</p> + +<p>"I could sneak up there, an' look 'round the corner without anybody's +seein' me," he said to himself once when trade was dull; but, +remembering what Teddy had told him regarding the necessity of +"hustling," he put the temptation far from his mind.</p> + +<p>He did, however, so far give an inkling of the change in his business +prospects, as to say, when Teenie Massey spoke about the difficulty of +finding customers:</p> + +<p>"P'rhaps there's some in this town what won't have to run 'round after +trade very long; but can sit down an' wait for boots to come to them."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" Teenie asked, excitedly.</p> + +<p>"Nothin' much; but you'll see somethin' to 'stonish you before many +years."</p> + +<p>"I reckon I will," Teenie replied with a sigh, as he thought how the +time might drag if he should be forced to wait so long before seeing +anything astonishing. "Heard from Skip this mornin'?"</p> + +<p>"No, an' I'm takin' mighty good care to keep out of his way when the +three of us ain't together. I wonder if he'll have the nerve to set them +boxes afire?"</p> + +<p>"I shouldn't wonder. Where are you goin' to sleep to-night?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, you see it's hard to say, 'cause all the swell places might be +full when we get through business. I didn't know but I'd telephone up to +the Hoffman for quarters; yet there's a good deal of trouble in doin' +sich a thing."</p> + +<p>"Yes," Teenie replied, sarcastically, "an' it might be quite a bother to +pay the bill for the message."</p> + +<p>"I'd be willin' to hang it up, if I was countin' on doin' anything of +that kind."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but the other folks might have somethin' to say 'bout it. It'll be +cheaper to hunt for a cart somewhere, or go down to the Lodgin' House."</p> + +<p>If Teenie had questioned him more closely, Carrots might have been +tempted to tell his friend some ridiculous yarn, rather than reveal the +secret of the stand; but, fortunately, there was no necessity of his +doing anything of the kind, for just at that moment the bootblacking +industry received a decided impetus by the arrival of three gentlemen +from the country, who required the services of Carrots and his friend.</p> + +<p>Not until nearly noon did Master Williams see his partner, and then he +met him by chance on the way to the newspaper offices for a fresh stock.</p> + +<p>"How's trade?" Teddy asked.</p> + +<p>"First-class. I've taken in eighty cents since I began; but it's +slackenin' off a little now. How're you gettin' along?"</p> + +<p>"Great! It seems as if it wasn't any trouble to sell papers to-day.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span> +Say, at this rate we can get in a bigger stock by night."</p> + +<p>"That's what we want," Carrots replied, gravely, looking as serious as +if he had just been called upon to decide a very important question +relative to some business policy. "We ought ter make as big a show as we +can, 'cause folks will see the stand has been opened ag'in, an' they'll +look 'round the first thing to find out if we've got much of a stock. Of +course we're goin' to keep all the weekly papers, ain't we?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know if we ought ter put out so much money yet a while."</p> + +<p>"'Course we ought. Pitch in an' have things fine. We can 'ford to invest +what's been made to-day, and you'd better buy the stuff right away," +Carrots said as he handed Teddy the money he had earned. "I'll get more +between now an' night to buy the supper with, so you don't want ter tend +to anything like that."</p> + +<p>Teddy was undecided as to whether this would be a wise move, so soon +after taking upon themselves the expense of paying rent; but his partner +was so eager it should be done that he finally consented, and hurried +away to buy the additional stock, while Carrots searched for customers.</p> + +<p>It seemed strange to both the merchants that Skip Jellison made no +effort to annoy them on this day, and they could account for it only on +the supposition that he did really intend to carry out his plan of +destroying the packing-case home by fire.</p> + +<p>No one should censure Carrots for ceasing his labors at an unusually<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> +early hour because of the fact that he was exceedingly anxious to see +his place of business in full operation, with a clerk behind the +counter.</p> + +<p>In addition to this desire, he had promised himself that, if trade +should be brisk, he would purchase a regular feast as a sort of +house-warming, a task which would require no slight amount of time.</p> + +<p>And business had been sufficiently good to warrant his indulging in his +treat.</p> + +<p>He did not remember ever having made so much money, in the same length +of time, as on this day the stand was opened.</p> + +<p>He had given to Teddy his entire receipts of the forenoon, and yet, an +hour before sunset, he had taken in sixty cents more, which was at least +twice as much as he thought would be necessary for his purpose.</p> + +<p>So determined was he that the feast should be a perfect success that +fully an hour was spent in selecting the different articles, and then he +walked swiftly toward their new establishment.</p> + +<p>It did not suit Carrots's purpose to go directly to the stand.</p> + +<p>He wished to view it first at a distance, and from the most favorable +point, therefore he came up Grand Street, and stood on the opposite +corner fully ten minutes enjoying the scene, before making known his +presence to the "clerk."</p> + +<p>"Well," he said to himself, in a tone of satisfaction, as he surveyed +the stand critically, "if there's a better-lookin' place in this city, +I'd like to see it, that's all! Why, it seems to be chuck full of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> +papers! An' don't the pictures show up great? Well, I should say they +did! I wish it was a <i>little</i> greener; but if business gits good we can +give it a new coat of paint some night. An' I own half of all that! I'm +comin' it mighty strong, 'cordin' to my way of—Jiminy!—Ikey's sellin' +somethin' now!"</p> + +<p>Carrots could not remain concealed.</p> + +<p>Money was actually being paid into his establishment by a customer who +had come there of his own free will, and the junior partner of the firm +of Thurston and Williams felt it impossible to stay away from the +enchanting place any longer.</p> + +<p>Running swiftly across the street he threw his many packages on the +counter with the air of a proprietor, just in time to see Ikey pass the +gentleman ten cents in change.</p> + +<p>"What did he give you?" Carrots asked, excitedly.</p> + +<p>"A quarter."</p> + +<p>"What—a quarter?" the young merchant exclaimed in surprise. "Do you +mean to tell me he bought fifteen cents' worth all at one time?"</p> + +<p>"Course I do," Ikey replied, as if he was accustomed to making such +large sales. "Why, I had one man who got twenty cents' worth, an' he +asked me if the stand was goin' to be kept open right along now."</p> + +<p>"Did you tell him who owned it?"</p> + +<p>"Of course; an' he said he'd buy his papers here all the time."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm a Dutchman if I thought business was so big with a stand! I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span> +can't see what made the other feller give it up. How much money did you +take in altogether?"</p> + +<p>"Let's see," and Ikey knit his brow as he called upon his memory to aid +him in the account. "There was two dollars 'n' forty-two cents, an' now +I've got fifteen more; that makes—forty-two an' ten is fifty-two, an' +five is fifty-seven—two dollars 'n' fifty-seven cents."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll be jiggered!" and Carrots found it necessary to enter the +stand for the purpose of seeing and handling the money before he could +be convinced his clerk had told him no more than the truth.</p> + +<p>"Well, 'cordin' to the looks of things we've struck a reg'lar gold mine +here; an' it won't be very long before I can git a chair that'll knock +the <i>I</i>talian's all out er sight!"</p> + +<p>"If my leg wasn't so lame I could make a good deal more; but you see I +don't dare to jump on an' off the cars."</p> + +<p>"Put those things under the counter, an' give me a pile of papers!" +Carrots cried. "We'll soon know what this kind of trade is worth."</p> + +<p>When Teddy returned from down-town, believing business to be finished +for the day, Carrots was still actively engaged; and not until nearly +eight o'clock did either of the partners think it prudent to cease work.</p> + +<p>"That's what I call makin' things hum!" Carrots said as the two entered +the stand, after "shutting up shop" by raising the shutter which served +as a counter during the day. "I've sold sixteen papers since I come up<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> +to-night, an' might 'a' done a good deal more if the stock hadn't run +out. How much do you s'pose we've made?"</p> + +<p>"We'll soon know, after I go for a candle," Teddy replied.</p> + +<p>"I bought three, so's we could have a reg'lar blowout for the first +night," Carrots said, as he produced the articles in question. "You +figure up, an' I'll get the grub together."</p> + +<p>It was necessary Teddy should take an account of the stock on hand +before the profits could be ascertained, and then, to the surprise of +his partner and clerk, he announced that the amount which had been made +in both branches of the business was three dollars and sixty-one cents.</p> + +<p>"Now, if that ain't getting rich fast, I'd like to know what you'd call +it!" Carrots exclaimed, as he ceased his labor of slicing a Bologna +sausage, to verify his partner's figures. "If things keep on at this +rate it won't be sich a dreadful while before we'll have to rent a +reg'lar store."</p> + +<p>"It's a good deal bigger'n I expected," Teddy admitted; "an' we mustn't +count on doin' the same every day. Half as well will satisfy me."</p> + +<p>"But we shall make twice as much if the hoss-cars an' stores are worked. +Jest wait till I get a chair here, so's I can keep the trade hummin' +when there isn't any shinin' to be done, an' you'll see how the money's +bound to come tumblin' in. The feller what gave up this stand must 'a' +been a chump!"</p> + +<p>"I don't s'pose he 'tended to business," Teddy said, solemnly, as he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span> +placed the stock on a shelf, and prepared to join in the feast. "This +place is goin' to be mighty snug to live in; but it isn't so handy as +the yard, 'cause a feller's got to hunt 'round for water when he wants +to wash his face."</p> + +<p>"If trade keeps on like this I'll 'gree not to let a drop of water come +near me for a year," Carrots exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"An' the customers would keep away too, I reckon. But say, Carrots, +isn't this goin' it rather strong for supper?" Teddy asked almost +sternly, as he gazed at the newspaper spread on the floor of the stand, +and heaped high with such delicacies as "bolivars," Bolognas, and +pickled sheep's tongues.</p> + +<p>"I reckon it is; but you see it's the first night, an' I counted on +spreadin' myself some. There's three of us, you know, so it takes a lot +of grub to go 'round."</p> + +<p>"It won't do to keep this thing up," Teddy said, as he shook his head +gravely.</p> + +<p>"Course not; but to-night doesn't count. Now pitch right in, both of +you, an' let's have a high old time."</p> + +<p>Ikey had already begun to do his share, and, as the others joined him, +the silence within the stand was broken only by Carrots's gasps, for he +ate so eagerly that he hardly gave himself time to breathe properly.</p> + +<p>The candle was standing in one corner, in a bottle, while under the +counter was a pile of straw which Ikey had gathered to serve as beds; +and these gave the place such an air of home as, according to Carrots's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> +ideas, it would be hard to find elsewhere.</p> + +<p>"I sha'n't go to the Hoffman House agin'," he said in a tone of content, +as he gazed around complacently after it was absolutely impossible to +eat any more. "This is about the swellest place in this city, an' the +fellers'd be wild if they could see us. Mighty lucky for you, Ikey, that +we got this stand jest as we did, for now you won't have to lay low +while your leg's gettin' well."</p> + +<p>"It's a dandy!" Ikey replied, enthusiastically, "an' I wouldn't ask +anythin' better'n to stay here all the time."</p> + +<p>"If trade keeps on as it's begun, I reckon we can 'ford to hire you +right along, eh, Teddy?"</p> + +<p>Before Master Thurston could reply, the clang and rattle of a +fire-engine broke upon the stillness, and all three rushed out of the +stand in the shortest possible time.</p> + +<p>"It's down near where I used to live!" Carrots cried, as he saw the +engine turning the corner. "Do you s'pose Skip has really dared to do +what he threatened?"</p> + +<p>"Ikey, you'll have to stay here 'cause you can't run," Teddy said, +hurriedly. "Keep the door locked, an' Carrots and I'll come right back."</p> + +<p>Then the partners started at full speed; and, although they had been +warned that such might be the case, both were astonished almost beyond +the power of speech, at finding that the blaze actually proceeded from +the backyard where Carrots had spent so many nights.</p> + + +<p><a name="z201" id="z201"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 578px;"> +<img src="images/z201.jpg" width="578" height="698" alt=""'HOW DID YOU KNOW CARROTS LIVED HERE?' TEDDY ASKED, +STERNLY."" title="" /> +<span class="caption">"'HOW DID YOU KNOW CARROTS LIVED HERE?' TEDDY ASKED, +STERNLY."</span> +</div> + +<p>"He's really gone an' done it!" Master Williams exclaimed in a tone of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span> +awe, and just at that moment Reddy Jackson stepped from among the +network of hose, whence he had evidently been trying to peer into the +yard.</p> + +<p>"Why, how did you come <i>here</i>?" he cried in astonishment. "I thought +there wasn't any other way but this, to get out from where you sleep."</p> + +<p>"How did you know Carrots lived here?" Teddy asked, sternly.</p> + +<p>"Why, some of the fellers told me, of course," Master Jackson replied, +hesitatingly.</p> + +<p>"They didn't; 'cause nobody knew except Teenie Massey, an' I'm sure he +hasn't said anything," Carrots cried. "I've heard 'bout Skip's +threatenin' to burn this place, an' it was Skip that started the fire."</p> + +<p>"What're you yellin' so for?" Reddy cried, nervously. "Do you want +everybody to hear?"</p> + +<p>"I don't care if they do," said Carrots, sturdily.</p> + +<p>"Skip'll be after you, if he knows you're sayin' sich things. He ain't +through with you an' this country jay yet."</p> + +<p>"No; nor he won't be till he gives up that dollar he stole," Teddy said, +sternly. "If he isn't 'rested for settin' this place on fire, you tell +him I'll be down front of City Hall by seven o'clock to-morrow mornin', +so's he can begin the drivin'. Let him git all his friends there, an' +show 'em the fun."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, you'll be there, o' course!" Reddy replied with a sneer.</p> + +<p>"Don't make any mistake 'bout it. I'm comin' down to give him his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span> +chance."</p> + +<p>"Want ter git inter the station-house ag'in, eh? They must 'a' treated +you mighty fine."</p> + +<p>"Don't you worry about my bein' 'rested, an' if Skip Jellison cares to +see me after what he's done to-night, let him be there," Teddy said, in +a dignified tone, as he motioned for Carrots to follow him to the +opposite side of the street, where they could be nearly alone.</p> + +<p>"What kind of a row are you goin' to git inter now?" Carrots asked, his +voice literally trembling with fear. "Of course Skip'll be in front of +City Hall, 'cause there's where he always hangs out. You must keep clear +of that place."</p> + +<p>"I want him to see me when there's a big crowd 'round, an' I'm goin' to +get some of that money he stole, between now an' to-morrow night," Teddy +said, in such a positive tone that Carrots was plunged into +bewilderment.</p> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + +<h3>THE CHALLENGE.</h3> + + +<p>The fireman were able to put out the fire before it had done serious<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span> +damage, save to the packing-cases; and Teddy had hardly sent the +challenge to Skip Jellison before, one by one, the engines were hauled +away.</p> + +<p>Reddy did not follow when they crossed to the other side of the street. +He was probably afraid he might be charged with having taken some part +in starting the blaze, and did not care to remain near those who had no +hesitation about saying what they thought.</p> + +<p>"We might as well go back," Teddy said, several moments after the +firemen began to disperse. "We'll go round by Broadway for fear some of +the fellers will find out where we're livin' now."</p> + +<p>Then, for the first time since receiving Teddy's promise that Skip +should be forced to return the money he had stolen, was it possible for +Carrots to speak freely.</p> + +<p>"If you haven't got yourself in a fine mess, then I don't know!" he +exclaimed. "Jest as likely as not this'll break up the stand!"</p> + +<p>"Don't you worry 'bout that, Carrots. I shall come out all right. It's +got to be fixed right away, else there's no knowin' what Skip Jellison +may do. I didn't count on beginning so soon; but now he's shown that he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> +dares to set fires, I'd be worried for our new place, if something +wasn't done."</p> + +<p>"But what do you reckon on doin'?"</p> + +<p>"You come with me, and you'll hear and see the whole thing. It's going +to spoil our day's work; but that can't be helped, for it's time he was +straightened out. We'll get the papers for Ikey, an' then have a look at +this bully who's willing to risk burning us up."</p> + +<p>Teddy evidently had a well-defined scheme in his mind; but he did not +intend to confide in any one until the proper moment.</p> + +<p>By going a long way round the boys were able to reach their new home +without meeting any acquaintances; and, once there, preparations were +made for the night, Carrots meanwhile explaining to Ikey what they had +seen and heard.</p> + +<p>"That Skip will try to break up this stand just as soon as he knows +you've got it," the clerk said, positively.</p> + +<p>Carrots expected Teddy would make some reply to this remark; but the boy +from Saranac did not speak, and before long his companions were asleep.</p> + +<p>It was daylight next morning when Teddy woke his partner, and, leaving +their clerk still asleep, the two hurried to the newspaper offices for +the day's supply.</p> + +<p>Few other newsboys had begun work when Messrs. Thurston and Williams had +the stand open, with a stock sufficient to satisfy all the customers +Ikey might have.</p> + +<p>A breakfast was made on the remainder of the previous night's feast,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span> +and then Teddy and Carrots "worked the hoss-cars," as the latter +expressed it, until a quarter before seven.</p> + +<p>"Come on; it's time to go," Teddy said, as he deposited his share of the +stock on the counter. "Keep your eyes open while we're gone, Ikey, +because it may be quite a while before we get back."</p> + +<p>Carrots followed his partner in silence, and the clocks were striking +seven when they arrived at the City Hall.</p> + +<p>"Don't go over there yet," Carrots said, nervously, as he pointed toward +a group of boys. "Skip has got every feller in town with him. You're +certain to get the worst of it."</p> + +<p>"He can't have too many to please me," Teddy replied, boldly; and then, +to Carrots's surprise, he turned and walked directly toward the enemy.</p> + +<p>"Here he comes! an' now we'll see what a country jay looks like when he +gits ready to leave town!" was Skip's greeting; and his particular +cronies thought the remark so very funny that they laughed long and +loud.</p> + +<p>"I'm not thinking about going out of the city," Teddy said, firmly; "so +I'm afraid it won't be such an awful good show."</p> + +<p>"Then what are you coming round here for?" Skip asked, as he advanced +threateningly.</p> + +<p>"In the first place I've come for that money you stole from Carrots, and +when that has been given up, I'll tell you what else I want," said +Teddy, quietly.</p> + +<p>"You'll be gray-headed before you get anything out of me, 'cept a whack +on the head!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, you're said to be a great fighter, I know," was Teddy's remark;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> +"but you'd better make all your fight 'round here where you know the +police will stop a row before anybody has a chance to hurt you. It's +safer!"</p> + +<p>"I'll make my fight anywhere I please," Skip blustered.</p> + +<p>"Then if you've got half the pluck you claim, show us a place where it +can be done in shape," answered Teddy, sharply. "I'm here with nothing +to do but settle matters. I'm going to stay in the town right along, and +I can't be bothered with you all the time. If you get the best of me +when we're where nobody'll interfere with us, I'll leave; an' if I get +the best of you, why, then I'll get back my dollar, an' you'll have to +behave yourself."</p> + +<p>Boys like pluck, and even Skip's friends applauded this remark. Teddy's +business-like offer pleased them wonderfully, and they had no doubt the +bully would agree at once. But, to the surprise of all, Skip remained +silent.</p> + +<p>"He don't dare do it!" Teenie jeered. "He's afraid of gettin' the worst +of it—same's he did that day over in Brooklyn!"</p> + +<p>"Hold your tongue!" Master Jellison answered, looking angrily around +him. "Do you fellers s'pose that I'm scared of him?"</p> + +<p>"If you ain't, why don't you do as he says?" asked Teenie.</p> + +<p>"I've got to 'tend to my work," Skip stammered, "that's why I can't;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span> +but I'll give him a poundin' now, an' let that settle it."</p> + +<p>"If you try to touch me here where we're sure of being arrested, I'll +have you locked up for stealin'," Teddy said, sternly. "I could do that, +anyway; but I'd rather manage my own affairs. I don't see how you can be +too busy to leave for an hour, because you haven't done any work since +you said you'd drive me out of town. I'll go wherever you say, an' the +rest of the fellers shall promise to leave us alone till one of us says +he's had enough!"</p> + +<p>"Of course he's goin' to tackle the countryman!" Reddy Jackson said in +reply to some of his friends, who at this moment began to express in an +undertone their belief that "Skip was scared!"</p> + +<p>Then Reddy took Skip aside and began to talk to him very earnestly, the +others, meanwhile, discussing whether the bully was afraid.</p> + +<p>It must have been plain to Skip that, if he did not wish to be despised +by all whom he had cowed so long, it was necessary to accept Teddy's +challenge; for there were at least a dozen in the throng who had some +grudge against the young tyrant, and if he "showed the white feather" so +publicly, there could be no question that the injured ones would try to +revenge themselves, believing it could be done safely.</p> + +<p>"I'm willin' to go an' thrash this feller, of course," Skip said, +suddenly, as he stepped forward once more. "I <i>did</i> count on doin' a +good day's work, 'cause I've been takin' it easy so long; but I reckon I +can spare the little time I need to settle him off. See here, now—I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> +don't want any one in the crowd to beg off for him after I get started."</p> + +<p>"Neither do I," added Teddy, promptly. "He says I can't stay in the +town, an' I want that settled once for all; so the rest of the crowd are +to hold back, never mind who's havin' the worst of the trade."</p> + +<p>"You can count on fair play," a member of the party said, decidedly, +and, as this speaker had always been believed to be one of Skip's +warmest supporters, there seemed to be no question that Teddy would be +treated well during the coming conflict.</p> + +<p>"Do you s'pose you can get the best of him?" Carrots asked, in an +anxious whisper, as, under the guidance of one of the party, all hands +started toward a certain quiet and secluded spot, which had been +suggested by Sid Barker.</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll try mighty hard," said Teddy. "I don't take much stock in +fightin', Carrots, but this is somethin' that's got to be done, or +we'd never be able to run the stand."</p> + +<p>This remark sounded to Carrots very much as if his partner had serious +doubts regarding the outcome of the engagement, and, secretly, the +junior partner began to indulge in the most gloomy forebodings.</p> + +<p>Teddy had very little to say, but Skip, who walked among the leaders of +the party, took pains to boast, in a very loud tone, of what he proposed +to do with "the greenhorn after he'd broken him all up."</p> + +<p>Sid conducted the throng to an untenanted stable in the rear of some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span> +dwellings on West Broadway, and said, as he led them through a +convenient opening:</p> + +<p>"I reckon you might fight here a month without anybody hearing you. +Could you find anything better'n this?"</p> + +<p>Most of the boys were loud in their praises of the spot; but it really +seemed as if Skip fancied it too retired.</p> + +<p>"He'd rather be where the cops would come," Carrots whispered to Teddy. +"I do believe he's afraid already; an' I tell you, Teddy, if you can +thrash Skip well, it'll be the biggest kind of a thing for a lot of +fellers I know of in this town!"</p> + +<p>"I reckon I'll be all right. Don't you even say a word, no matter what +happens, and I think when our little scrap is finished, he won't have +anything more to say about our leaving the city."</p> + +<p>It did not require many moments to settle the terms of combat.</p> + +<p>Half a dozen of the larger members of the party arranged the details by +promising to whip any fellow who should attempt to interfere, and then +the word was given.</p> + +<p>Teddy did not immediately put himself in an attitude of defence, but, +addressing the spectators, said:</p> + +<p>"I don't want any feller to think I came here 'cause I'm fond of fight. +Skip Jellison has said I've got to leave town, and that Carrots must, +too, just because he helped me. He tried to drive me away by stealing a +dollar of my money from Carrots, and then he set the box pile on fire<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span> +last night to smoke us out, or something worse. All I want of him is to +give up the cash, and agree to let us alone. If he's willing to do that, +there's no need of this row; but if he don't, I shall fight him the best +I know how."</p> + +<p>Skip's only reply was to rush forward angrily, and an instant later the +battle was on.</p> + +<p>It is very doubtful if even Carrots could have told much about the +struggle, so suddenly was it begun and so soon ended.</p> + +<p>Carrots told Ikey that same morning:</p> + +<p>"It didn't seem as if Skip had a chance to put up his hands, before he +was flat on his back; and every time he tried to stand up, he got +another dose of the same medicine, till it was over."</p> + +<p>In less than five minutes, Teddy was the conqueror, without a scratch, +and Skip, lying at full length on the stable floor, was howling +frantically for some one to "hold that Saranac jay."</p> + +<p>"He hasn't thumped you half enough!" Sid Barker said, angrily, to the +prostrate bully. "What are you yellin' like that for? Teddy ain't +anywhere near you! To think that we fellers have let you pretty nigh run +this town for as much as a year, when you wouldn't fight a mouse, unless +you got the first clip at him!"</p> + +<p>After a time, Skip was made to understand that Teddy had no idea of +administering more punishment, and he was about to scramble to his feet, +when the boy from Saranac stopped him by saying:</p> + +<p>"Part of what I came here for was the dollar you stole, and as soon as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span> +you give that up the row will be over; but you don't leave this place +till I get it."</p> + +<p>"I haven't kept a cent! Reddy an' Sid got the same as I did!" Skip +cried, cringing now as shamefully as he had ever bullied.</p> + + +<p><a name="z213" id="z213"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 698px;"> +<img src="images/z213.jpg" width="698" height="533" alt=""'WHAT ARE YOU YELLIN' LIKE THAT FOR?' SAID SID."" title="" /> +<span class="caption">"'WHAT ARE YOU YELLIN' LIKE THAT FOR?' SAID SID."</span> +</div> + +<p>"All I know is that you took it, an' you've got to give it up," Teddy +remarked, decidedly.</p> + +<p>"I'll let you have some to-morrow," Skip replied, with a whine.</p> + +<p>"We've come here to settle matters," Teddy insisted, an' this is the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> +place to square up. I can't afford to lose another morning's work on +account of you."</p> + +<p>Skip finally found eighteen cents, and then tried to borrow the rest +from those whom he had counted as friends; but not one of his late +admirers would have anything to do with him. He had shown himself to be +a coward as well as a bully, and now his bitterest enemies were those +with whom he had seemed most popular. Teddy soon understood that Skip +had told the truth, and that he could not regain the whole amount +stolen. So he said, as he took the eighteen cents on account:</p> + +<p>"This will do for now; but you've got to come up with the balance by +to-morrow night, or there'll be trouble. While you were talking so loud +about pounding me, it would have looked as if I was scared an' didn't +dare to do anything but go to the police, if I'd had you arrested. But +now that every feller knows how much your brag amounts to, I'll have you +right into court if the money isn't paid at the time I said. While I'm +in court, it wouldn't be very queer if I should have somethin' to say +'bout the fire we saw last night."</p> + +<p>"I'll pay back every cent just as soon as I can get it," Skip wailed.</p> + +<p>"You'll have till to-morrow night," said Teddy, firmly, "but no longer. +I don't think there's any need to tell you what'll be done if you try to +bother Carrots or me again."</p> + +<p>Then, although many of Skip's friends were eager to cultivate his +acquaintance, Teddy left the barn in the same quiet way he had entered; +and Carrots followed close behind, saying, when they were where the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span> +words could not be overheard:</p> + +<p>"Well, Teddy, who'd 'a' thought you was such a fighter?"</p> + +<p>"But I'm not!" Teddy replied, sharply. "I don't believe in that sort of +thing; but the way matters were going I thought it was somethin' that +had to be done."</p> + +<p>"And you did it in great shape!" Carrots insisted. "Even if we never get +another cent of our dollar back I'll be satisfied, 'cause that bully +Skip's done for in this town now. He can't scare any more fellers, an' I +reckon all Teenie Massey said about that Brooklyn fight was true."</p> + +<p>"Don't let's talk of it, Carrots. I'm goin' to work, an' you'd better do +the same, 'cause we've got a mighty big contract on our hands now, with +so much rent to pay, an' a clerk to feed."</p> + +<p>Carrots would have liked nothing better than to have remained there +discussing all the incidents of the short battle during the next hour or +two; but Teddy put an end to the talk by hurrying away for a stock of +papers, and the bootblack could do no less than go in search of +customers.</p> + +<p>He had every chance to talk about Teddy's prowess during the remainder +of that day, however.</p> + +<p>Every boy who knew Skip had something to say about the fallen bully; +and, naturally, such remarks were followed by praise for Teddy, who had +settled his troubles in such a business-like fashion.</p> + +<p>Teenie Massey was so excited because of Skip's downfall that it was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span> +almost impossible for him to attend to any business during the next +twenty-four hours. He told the story over and over again to such of his +friends as were so unlucky as not to have witnessed the great combat.</p> + +<p>None of Carrots's friends saw Skip during the remainder of that day; he +disappeared from view as completely as if the earth had opened and +swallowed him, and there was no sorrow because of his absence.</p> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2> + +<h3>PROSPERITY.</h3> + + +<p>If Teddy believed that his new admirers would allow him to go on quietly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span> +with his business immediately after punishing Skip Jellison, he was +mistaken.</p> + +<p>The bully had terrorized the bootblacks and newsboys who pursued their +callings in the vicinity of the City Hall, during the previous year, +without having been called upon to defend himself against one of his own +size and strength.</p> + +<p>As a matter of course it had been necessary to engage in several fights +for the purpose of sustaining his reputation as a "dangerous character;" +but he had always been careful to attack some boy smaller than himself, +or, as in the case of his first assault upon Teddy, had contented +himself with striking two or three blows suddenly when the victim could +be taken unawares.</p> + +<p>Until the day when Teenie Massey brought the news from Brooklyn that +Skip had been whipped by a boy not more than half his size, every fellow +believed Master Jellison to be bold, and skilful in the use of his +fists.</p> + +<p>Even then, most of Skip's followers fancied Teenie had colored the story +to suit his own purposes. They were willing to give the bully the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> +benefit of the doubt, and consequently the surprise of all was very +great that Teddy had vanquished him so easily.</p> + +<p>Since Teddy's victory, however, the opinion of every street merchant in +the vicinity of Skip's usual haunts was that he "could not fight a +little bit," and no one was silent on the subject.</p> + +<p>The newspaper business was much neglected that morning in order that the +details of the battle might be told to those who were not present; and +more than one gentleman with muddy boots wondered what had become of the +small army of bootblacks who were usually so eager for work.</p> + +<p>Teddy's praises were warmly sung; for even Skip's most intimate friends +felt a certain sense of relief now that his reign was over.</p> + +<p>"That feller has got plenty of sand!" Sid Barker said, admiringly, after +he had repeated his story of the bully's downfall for at least the +twentieth time; "an' I think we ought to tell him just how we look at +this thing."</p> + +<p>"Do you s'pose he'll get his money back?" Teenie asked, in his shrill +voice.</p> + +<p>"Not a bit of it! Skip never'll show up 'round here again; an' if he +did, how'll he raise the cash?"</p> + +<p>"He says you an' Reddy got a share."</p> + +<p>"I won't say that we didn't," Sid replied, promptly; "an' I'm goin' to +give Teddy back my part before noon."</p> + +<p>"So am I," Reddy added. "I've got it now, an' am willin' to hunt him up<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> +this minute, if you say the word."</p> + +<p>"Come on," Sid replied, as he started in the direction of South Ferry, +for it was well known by all that Teddy was doing business in that part +of the city.</p> + +<p>As a matter of course every fellow who heard this offer was eager to be +present when the payment was made to Teddy, and the crowd of newsboys +who marched down Broadway was so large as to attract considerable +attention.</p> + +<p>When the small army arrived at the head of Cortlandt Street, Carrots met +them; and, it is needless to say, he halted in astonishment and some +alarm.</p> + +<p>His first thought was that Skip's friends had come together for the +purpose of taking revenge upon the boy who had chastised the bully, and +he remained motionless an instant, wondering whether it would not be the +better part of valour to seek safety in flight.</p> + +<p>A hail from Sid soon dispelled his fears.</p> + +<p>"Come on, Carrots! We're goin' down to find your pardner, so's to kinder +square things. You'd better come, too."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean to do?" Carrots asked, as he joined the throng.</p> + +<p>"They're goin' to give him back part of the money Skip stole," Teenie +squeaked; "an' then I reckon he'll work up round the City Hall."</p> + +<p>A few moments previous to this meeting it had seemed to Carrots as if he +desired nothing more, because he was part-owner of a stand, and Skip's +tyrannical reign had come to an end; but now, if such a thing could be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> +possible, he was even more elated than before, and all idea of business +was forgotten as he followed those who, but a short time previous, were +his enemies.</p> + +<p>It was a regular triumphal march for the amateur farmer, and the +promises of friendship from every side gave him much pleasure.</p> + +<p>"I knew you fellers would like Teddy when you got acquainted with him," +he said, gleefully.</p> + +<p>"It wouldn't have taken us long to find that out if he'd started in +different," Reddy Jackson replied. "Why didn't he pitch right inter Skip +the first thing?"</p> + +<p>"How could he when he got in the station-house?" said Carrots. "He +wouldn't 'a' let Skip get away, then, if that policeman hadn't been +there."</p> + +<p>"But after he got out there wasn't anything done," Sid objected.</p> + +<p>"You couldn't expect him to jump into trouble again right away. He had +to wait so's to fix things, an' then he came out like a little man."</p> + +<p>"That's a fact; an' now he can go into any part of this town that he +likes."</p> + +<p>Carrots was strongly tempted to add to the glory of the march by telling +the story of the stand; but he remembered that as yet his word was +pledged to his partner, and remained silent.</p> + + + +<p><a name="z221" id="z221"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 841px;"> +<img src="images/z221.jpg" width="841" height="541" alt="CARROTS DISPLAYS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MESSRS. THURSTON +AND WILLIAMS." title="" /> +<span class="caption">CARROTS DISPLAYS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MESSRS. THURSTON +AND WILLIAMS.</span> +</div> + + +<p>When the party reached South Ferry, Teddy was found hard at work; and, +like Carrots, he was at first inclined to believe the advancing force +boded evil for him. But Sid Barker said, as he handed Teddy twenty-five<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span> +cents:</p> + +<p>"What Skip Jellison told 'bout our havin' some of your money was +straight; an' so we've come here to give it up. Here's all I got, an' if +I'd know'd what you really were, the money wouldn't 'a' been kept so +long as this."</p> + +<p>"An' here's my share," Reddy added, as he slipped another coin into +Teddy's hand.</p> + +<p>"But it was Skip who stole the money," the boy from Saranac said, with +some confusion; "an' he ought to give it back."</p> + +<p>"I reckon you won't see him very soon," said Reddy. "Skip hasn't got the +nerve to show his face round here ag'in, for he knows nearly every +feller has something against him. We used the money he gave us, so it's +no more'n right we should give it back."</p> + +<p>"An' you'd better work round City Hall," Reddy added. "You're a dandy, +an' if there's anything we can do to help you along, just say the word!"</p> + +<p>Teddy protested that business was good enough near the ferries to +warrant his remaining where he was; but his new friends would listen to +nothing of the kind.</p> + +<p>They insisted so strongly on Teddy's going with them, that he was +finally forced to yield, and not until the party was marching up +Broadway did Carrots get a chance to speak privately with his partner. +Then he whispered:</p> + +<p>"Why not tell them about the stand? They're all glad 'cause you thumped<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span> +Skip, an' we needn't be 'fraid any more that they'll try to make trouble +for us."</p> + +<p>"I'd rather have waited till we had a bigger stock, an' you'd paid for +the chair," said Teddy; "but I s'pose the best way is to give the news +out now, 'cause they're bound to see the place before long. You can tell +'em."</p> + +<p>Carrots felt very proud when he announced the fact that he and Teddy +"had gone inter business <i>reg'lar</i>;" and he concluded by inviting every +member of the party up to see the stand that evening.</p> + +<p>The one incident of this triumph which did not please Teddy, was the +fact that he was forced to waste so much time, when he might have been +adding to his capital; but there did not seem any way to prevent it, and +he submitted with the best grace he could.</p> + +<p>As a matter of course, every member of the party promised to visit the +partners' establishment before nightfall, and after the news had been +thoroughly discussed several times more, most of the young merchants +went about their business.</p> + +<p>Teddy never worked harder than during the remainder of that day, and no +one can blame him for being secretly proud of the victory he had won.</p> + +<p>To describe the informal reception held by Messrs. Thurston and Williams +on this evening would be too great a task.</p> + +<p>From five o'clock in the afternoon until late at night the stand was the +centre of attraction for all Teddy's, Carrots's, or Skip's +acquaintances; and Master Williams fairly outdid himself as host.</p> + +<p><a name="z225" id="z225"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 805px;"> +<img src="images/z225.jpg" width="805" height="662" alt="PROSPERITY." title="" /> +<span class="caption">PROSPERITY.</span> +</div> + +<p>He explained what they meant to do; showed the new chair which they had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span> +bought; described how the establishment would look when the new coat of +green paint was put on, and received more offers of assistance in this +artistic work than he could well accept.</p> + +<p>The partners were thoroughly tired when the last guest took his +departure, and Teddy said in a tone of satisfaction as he curled himself +up on his portion of the straw:</p> + +<p>"Well, Carrots, I reckon we're here to stay this time!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir! I reckon we are; an' now I'm beginnin' to think it won't be +such a dreadful long while before we get a store. Say, that'll be great, +won't it? I can have my chair inside when it storms; an' what a place +we'll rig up to sleep in! I'll know what a bed feels like then, an' it +won't be all ropes, same's that one out to the farm."</p> + +<p>Teddy was too nearly asleep to be capable of making any reply, and Ikey +had been snoring several moments. Therefore Master Williams, giving up +his attempt at conversation, laid his red head on his arm, and joined +his companions in their journey to the Land of Nod.</p> + +<p>It seems hardly necessary to say that Skip has not been seen since his +friends forsook him in the stable where his reign as a bully came to an +end; and even those to whom he owes money have felt no regret because of +his long absence.</p> + +<p>It is quite likely some of the fellows whom he bullied would like a +short interview for the purpose of "squaring accounts"; but since<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> +Master Jellison is well aware of this fact, he will probably remain in +seclusion.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p>It is a matter of fact that every satisfactory story ends only when the +principal characters are settled in life, rich and happy; but, +unfortunately, that cannot be in this case, for it is not many months +since the day on which Skip was conquered, and in so short a time one +could hardly expect the young merchants to have made very rapid strides +toward wealth.</p> + +<p>There is a great difference in the appearance of the stand, however. It +has had at least two coats of the most vivid green paint Carrots could +purchase; and at one end stands the chair—all paid for—with so much +brass-work about it as to render it quite dazzling on a sunny day.</p> + +<p>Carrots feels very positive it "lays 'way over the <i>I</i>talian's," and in +this he is correct.</p> + +<p>Ikey still holds his position as clerk, although his lame leg is healed, +and he can run about the streets as nimbly as either of his employers.</p> + +<p>Teddy and Carrots decided several weeks ago that it would pay them to +hire a clerk regularly, since both could then go around town in search +of customers when trade was dull nearer to the stand; and Ikey receives +as wages his board, his lodging, and fifty cents each week, a great +improvement over his former state, when he was forced to seek such +locations for business as the other boys did not want.</p> + +<p>Carrots still dreams of the "reg'lar store," and there appears to be no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span> +reason why his hopes may not be fulfilled.</p> + +<p>The amount of capital is larger each day, thanks to the partners' +industry, and their stock is increasing, too; therefore they will be +able to make quite a respectable showing when they move into more roomy +quarters.</p> + +<p>Few firms seem likely to be more prosperous than that of "TEDDY AND +CARROTS."</p> + +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TEDDY AND CARROTS***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 35046-h.txt or 35046-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/3/5/0/4/35046">http://www.gutenberg.org/3/5/0/4/35046</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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