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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Paul the Peddler, by Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+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 www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Paul the Peddler
+       The Fortunes of a Young Street Merchant
+
+Author: Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+Release Date: March 18, 2006 [EBook #659]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PAUL THE PEDDLER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Keller and David Widger
+
+
+
+
+
+PAUL THE PEDDLER,
+
+OR THE FORTUNES OF A YOUNG STREET MERCHANT
+
+
+By Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+
+
+
+BIOGRAPHY AND BIBLIOGRAPHY
+
+Horatio Alger, Jr., an author who lived among and for boys and himself
+remained a boy in heart and association till death, was born at Revere,
+Mass., January 13, 1834. He was the son of a clergyman, was graduated
+at Harvard College in 1852, and at its Divinity School in 1860 and was
+pastor of the Unitarian Church at Brewster, Mass., in 1862-66.
+
+In the latter year he settled in New York and began drawing public
+attention to the condition and needs of street boys. He mingled with
+them, gained their confidence showed a personal concern in their
+affairs, and stimulated them to honest and useful living. With his first
+story he won the hearts of all red-blooded boys everywhere, and of the
+seventy or more that followed over a million copies were sold during the
+author's lifetime.
+
+In his later life he was in appearance a short, stout, bald-headed man,
+with cordial manners and whimsical views of things that amused all who
+met him. He died at Natick, Mass., July 18, 1899.
+
+Mr. Alger's stories are as popular now as when first published, because
+they treat of real live boys who were always up and about--just like
+the boys found everywhere to-day. They are pure in tone and inspiring
+in influence, and many reforms in the juvenile life of New York may be
+traced to them. Among the best known are:
+
+Strong and Steady; Strive and Succeed; Try and Trust; Bound to Rise;
+Risen from the Ranks; Herbert Carter's Legacy; Brave and Bold; Jack's
+Ward; Shifting for Himself; Wait and Hope; Paul the Peddler; Phil
+the Fiddler; Slow and Sure; Julius the Street Boy; Tom the Bootblack;
+Struggling Upward, Facing the World; The Cash Boy; Making His Way; Tony
+the Tramp; Joe's Luck; Do and Dare; Only an Irish Boy; Sink or Swim;
+A Cousin's Conspiracy; Andy Gordon; Bob Burton; Harry Vane; Hector's
+Inheritance; Mark Mason's Triumph; Sam's Chance; The Telegraph Boy; The
+Young Adventurer; The Young Outlaw; The Young Salesman, and Luke Walton.
+
+
+
+
+
+PAUL THE PEDDLER
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+PAUL THE PEDDLER
+
+"Here's your prize packages! Only five cents! Money prize in every
+package! Walk up, gentlemen, and try your luck!"
+
+The speaker, a boy of fourteen, stood in front of the shabby brick
+building, on Nassau street, which has served for many years as the New
+York post office. In front of him, as he stood with his back to the
+building, was a small basket, filled with ordinary letter envelopes,
+each labeled "Prize Package."
+
+His attractive announcement, which, at that time, had also the merit of
+novelty--for Paul had himself hit upon the idea, and manufactured the
+packages, as we shall hereafter explain--drew around him a miscellaneous
+crowd, composed chiefly of boys.
+
+"What's in the packages, Johnny?" asked a bootblack, with his box
+strapped to his back.
+
+"Candy," answered Paul. "Buy one. Only five cents."
+
+"There ain't much candy," answered the bootblack, with a disparaging
+glance.
+
+"What if there isn't? There's a prize."
+
+"How big a prize?"
+
+"There's a ten-cent stamp in some of 'em. All have got something in
+'em."
+
+Influenced by this representation, the bootblack drew out a five-cent
+piece, and said:
+
+"Pitch one over then. I guess I can stand it." An envelope was at once
+handed him.
+
+"Open it, Johnny," said a newsboy at his side. Twenty curious eyes were
+fixed upon him as he opened the package. He drew out rather a scanty
+supply of candy, and then turning to Paul, with a look of indignation,
+said:
+
+"Where's the prize? I don't see no prize. Give me back my five cents."
+
+"Give it to me. I'll show you," said the young merchant.
+
+He thrust in his finger, and drew out a square bit of paper, on which
+was written--One Cent.
+
+"There's your prize," he added, drawing a penny from his pocket.
+
+"It ain't much of a prize," said the buyer. "Where's your ten cents?"
+
+"I didn't say I put ten cents into every package," answered Paul.
+
+"I'd burst up pretty quick if I did that. Who'll have another package?
+Only five cents!"
+
+Curiosity and taste for speculation are as prevalent among children as
+with men, so this appeal produced its effect.
+
+"Give me a package," said Teddy O'Brien, a newsboy, stretching out a
+dirty hand, containing the stipulated sum. He also was watched curiously
+as he opened the package. He drew out a paper bearing the words--Two
+Cents.
+
+"Bully for you, Teddy! You've had better luck than I," said the
+bootblack.
+
+The check was duly honored, and Teddy seemed satisfied, though
+the amount of candy he received probably could not have cost over
+half-a-cent. Still, he had drawn twice as large a prize as the first
+buyer, and that was satisfactory.
+
+"Who'll take the next?" asked Paul, in a businesslike manner. "Maybe
+there's ten cents in this package. That's where you double your money.
+Walk up, gentlemen. Only five cents!"
+
+Three more responded to this invitation, one drawing a prize of two
+cents, the other two of one cent each. Just then, as it seemed doubtful
+whether any more would be purchased by those present, a young man,
+employed in a Wall street house, came out of the post office.
+
+"What have you got here?" he asked, pausing.
+
+"Prize packages of candy! Money prize in every package! Only five
+cents!"
+
+"Give me one, then. I never drew a prize in my life."
+
+The exchange was speedily made.
+
+"I don't see any prize," he said, opening it.
+
+"It's on a bit of paper, mister," said Teddy, nearly as much interested
+as if it had been his own purchase.
+
+"Oh, yes, I see. Well, I'm in luck. Ten cents!"
+
+"Ten cents!" exclaimed several of the less fortunate buyers, with a
+shade of envy.
+
+"Here's your prize, mister," said Paul, drawing out a ten-cent stamp
+from his vest pocket.
+
+"Well, Johnny, you do things on the square, that's a fact. Just keep the
+ten cents, and give me two more packages."
+
+This Paul did with alacrity; but the Wall street clerk's luck was at an
+end. He got two prizes of a penny each.
+
+"Well," he said, "I'm not much out of pocket. I've bought three
+packages, and it's only cost me three cents."
+
+The ten-cent prize produced a favorable effect on the business of the
+young peddler. Five more packages were bought, and the contents eagerly
+inspected; but no other large prize appeared. Two cents was the maximum
+prize drawn. Their curiosity being satisfied, the crowd dispersed;
+but it was not long before another gathered. In fact, Paul had shown
+excellent judgment in selecting the front of the post office as his
+place of business. Hundreds passed in and out every hour, besides those
+who passed by on a different destination. Thus many ears caught the
+young peddler's cry--"Prize packages! Only five cents apiece!"--and
+made a purchase; most from curiosity, but some few attracted by the
+businesslike bearing of the young merchant, and willing to encourage
+him in his efforts to make a living. These last, as well as some of the
+former class, declined to accept the prizes, so that these were so much
+gain to Paul.
+
+At length but one package remained, and this Paul was some time getting
+rid of. At last a gentleman came up, holding a little boy of seven by
+the hand.
+
+"Oh, buy me the package, papa?" he said, drawing his father's attention.
+
+"What is there in it, boy?" asked the gentleman.
+
+"Candy," was the answer.
+
+Alfred, for this was the little boy's name, renewed his entreaties,
+having, like most boys, a taste for candy.
+
+"There it is, Alfred," said his father, handing the package to his
+little son.
+
+"There's a prize inside," said Paul, seeing that they were about to
+pass.
+
+"We must look for the prize by all means," said the gentleman. "What is
+this? One cent?"
+
+"Yes sir"; and Paul held out a cent to his customer.
+
+"Never mind about that! You may keep the prize."
+
+"I want it, pa," interposed Alfred, with his mouth full of candy.
+
+"I'll give you another," said his father, still declining to accept the
+proffered prize.
+
+Paul now found himself in the enviable position of one who, at eleven
+o'clock, had succeeded in disposing of his entire stock in trade, and
+that at an excellent profit, as we soon shall see. Business had been
+more brisk with him than with many merchants on a larger scale, who
+sometimes keep open their shops all day without taking in enough to pay
+expenses. But, then, it is to be considered that in Paul's case expenses
+were not a formidable item. He had no rent to pay, for one thing,
+nor clerk hire, being competent to attend to his entire business
+single-handed. All his expense, in fact, was the first cost of his stock
+in trade, and he had so fixed his prices as to insure a good profit on
+that. So, on the whole, Paul felt very well satisfied at the result
+of his experiment, for this was his first day in the prize-package
+business.
+
+"I guess I'll go home," he said to himself. "Mother'll want to know how
+I made out." He turned up Nassau street, and had reached the corner of
+Maiden lane, when Teddy O'Brien met him.
+
+"Did you sell out, Johnny?" he asked.
+
+"Yes," answered Paul.
+
+"How many packages did you have?"
+
+"Fifty."
+
+"That's bully. How much you made?"
+
+"I can't tell yet. I haven't counted up," said Paul.
+
+"It's better'n sellin' papers, I'll bet. I've only made thirty cents the
+day. Don't you want to take a partner, Johnny?"
+
+"No, I don't think I do," said Paul, who had good reason to doubt
+whether such a step would be to his advantage.
+
+"Then I'll go in for myself," said Teddy, somewhat displeased at the
+refusal.
+
+"Go ahead! There's nobody to stop you," said Paul.
+
+"I'd rather go in with you," said Teddy, feeling that there would be
+some trouble in making the prize packages, but influenced still more by
+the knowledge that he had not capital enough to start in the business
+alone.
+
+"No," said Paul, positively; "I don't want any partner. I can do well
+enough alone."
+
+He was not surprised at Teddy's application. Street boys are as
+enterprising, and have as sharp eyes for business as their elders, and
+no one among them can monopolize a profitable business long. This is
+especially the case with the young street merchant. When one has had
+the good luck to find some attractive article which promises to sell
+briskly, he takes every care to hide the source of his supply from his
+rivals in trade. But this is almost impossible. Cases are frequent where
+such boys are subjected to the closest espionage, their steps being
+dogged for hours by boys who think they have found a good thing and are
+determined to share it. In the present case Paul had hit upon an idea
+which seemed to promise well, and he was determined to keep it to
+himself as long as possible. As soon as he was subjected to competition
+and rivalry his gains would probably diminish.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+PAUL AT HOME
+
+Paul went up Centre street and turned into Pearl. Stopping before a
+tenement-house, he entered, and, going up two flights of stairs, opened
+a door and entered.
+
+"You are home early, Paul," said a woman of middle age, looking up at
+his entrance.
+
+"Yes, mother; I've sold out."
+
+"You've not sold out the whole fifty packages?" she asked, in surprise.
+
+"Yes, I have. I had capital luck."
+
+"Why, you must have made as much as a dollar, and it's not twelve yet."
+
+"I've made more than that, mother. Just wait a minute, till I've
+reckoned up a little. Where's Jimmy?"
+
+"Miss Beckwith offered to take him out to walk with her, so I let him
+go. He'll be back at twelve."
+
+While Paul is making a calculation, a few words of explanation and
+description may be given, so that the reader may understand better how
+he is situated.
+
+The rooms occupied by Paul and his mother were three in number. The
+largest one was about fourteen feet square, and was lighted by two
+windows. It was covered with a neat, though well-worn, carpet; a few
+cane-bottomed chairs were ranged at the windows, and on each side of the
+table. There was a French clock on the mantel, a rocking chair for his
+mother, and a few inexpensive engravings hung upon the walls. There was
+a hanging bookcase containing two shelves, filled with books, partly
+school books, supplemented by a few miscellaneous books, such as
+"Robinson Crusoe," "Pilgrim's Progress," a volume of "Poetical
+Selections," an odd volume of Scott, and several others. Out of the main
+room opened two narrow chambers, both together of about the same area as
+the main room. One of these was occupied by Paul and Jimmy, the other by
+his mother.
+
+Those who are familiar with the construction of a New York
+tenement-house will readily understand the appearance of the rooms into
+which we have introduced them. It must, however, be explained that few
+similar apartments are found so well furnished. Carpets are not very
+common in tenement-houses, and if there are any pictures, they are
+usually the cheapest prints. Wooden chairs, and generally every object
+of the cheapest, are to be met with in the dwellings of the New York
+poor. If we find something better in the present instance, it is not
+because Paul and his mother are any better off than their neighbors. On
+the contrary, there are few whose income is so small. But they have seen
+better days, and the furniture we see has been saved from the time of
+their comparative prosperity.
+
+As Paul is still at his estimate, let us improve the opportunity by
+giving a little of their early history.
+
+Mr. Hoffman, the father of Paul, was born in Germany, but came to New
+York when a boy of twelve, and there he grew up and married, his wife
+being an American. He was a cabinetmaker, and, being a skillful workman,
+earned very good wages, so that he was able to maintain his family in
+comfort. They occupied a neat little cottage in Harlem, and lived very
+happily, for Mr. Hoffman was temperate and kind, when an unfortunate
+accident clouded their happiness, and brought an end to their
+prosperity. In crossing Broadway at its most crowded part, the husband
+and father was run over by a loaded dray, and so seriously injured that
+he lived but a few hours. Then the precarious nature of their prosperity
+was found out. Mr. Hoffman had not saved anything, having always lived
+up to the extent of his income. It was obviously impossible for them to
+continue to live in their old home, paying a rent of twenty dollars per
+month. Besides, Paul did not see any good opportunity to earn his living
+in Harlem. So, at his instigation, his mother moved downtown, and took
+rooms in a tenement-house in Pearl street, agreeing to pay six dollars
+a month for apartments which would now command double the price. They
+brought with them furniture enough to furnish the three rooms, selling
+the rest for what it would bring, and thus obtaining a small reserve
+fund, which by this time was nearly exhausted.
+
+Once fairly established in their new home, Paul went out into the
+streets to earn his living. The two most obvious, and, on the whole,
+most profitable trades, were blacking boots and selling newspapers. To
+the first Paul, who was a neat boy, objected on the score that it would
+keep his hands and clothing dirty, and, street boy though he had become,
+he had a pride in his personal appearance. To selling papers he had not
+the same objection, but he had a natural taste for trade, and this led
+him to join the ranks of the street peddlers. He began with vending
+matches, but found so much competition in the business, and received
+so rough a reception oftentimes from those who had repeated calls from
+others in the same business, that he gave it up, and tried something
+else. But the same competition which crowds the professions and the
+higher employments followed by men, prevails among the street trades
+which are pursued by boys. If Paul had only had himself to support,
+he could have made a fair living at match selling, or any other of the
+employments he took up; but his mother could not earn much at making
+vests, and Jimmy was lame, and could do nothing to fill the common
+purse, so that Paul felt that his earnings must be the main support of
+the family, and naturally sought out what would bring him in most money.
+
+At length he had hit upon selling prize packages, and his first
+experience in that line are recorded in the previous chapter. Adding
+only that it was now a year since his father's death, we resume our
+narrative.
+
+"Do you want to know how much I've made, mother?" asked Paul, looking up
+at length from his calculation.
+
+"Yes, Paul."
+
+"A dollar and thirty cents."
+
+"I did not think it would amount to so much. The prizes came to
+considerable, didn't they?"
+
+"Listen, and I will tell you how I stand:
+
+     One pound of candy  . . . . . . . .   .20
+     Two packs of envelopes . . . . . . .  .10
+     Prize. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .90
+
+     ----
+     That makes . . . . . . . . . . . .  $1.20
+
+I sold the fifty packages at five cents each, and that brought me in two
+dollars and a half. Taking out the expenses, it leaves me a dollar and
+thirty cents. Isn't that doing well for one morning's work?"
+
+"It's excellent; but I thought your prizes amounted to more than ninety
+cents."
+
+"So they did, but several persons who bought wouldn't take their prizes,
+and that was so much gain."
+
+"You have done very well, Paul. I wish you might earn as much every
+day."
+
+"I'm going to earn some more this afternoon. I bought a pound of candy
+on the way home, and some cheap envelopes, and I'll be making up a new
+stock while I am waiting for dinner."
+
+Paul took out his candy and envelopes, and set about making up the
+packages.
+
+"Did any complain of the small amount of candy you put in?"
+
+"A few; but most bought for the sake of the prizes."
+
+"Perhaps you had better be a little more liberal with your candy, and
+then there may not be so much dissatisfaction where the prize is only a
+penny."
+
+"I don't know but your are right, mother. I believe I'll only make
+thirty packages with this pound, instead of fifty. Thirty'll be all I
+can sell this afternoon."
+
+Just then the door opened, and Paul's brother entered.
+
+Jimmy Hoffman, or lame Jimmy, as he was often called, was a
+delicate-looking boy of ten, with a fair complexion and sweet face, but
+incurably lame, a defect which, added to his delicate constitution,
+was likely to interfere seriously with his success in life. But, as
+frequently happens, Jimmy was all the more endeared to his mother
+and brother by his misfortune and bodily weakness, and if either were
+obliged to suffer from poverty, Jimmy would be spared the suffering.
+
+"Well, Jimmy, have you had a pleasant walk?" asked his mother.
+
+"Yes, mother; I went down to Fulton Market. There's a good deal to see
+there."
+
+"A good deal more than in this dull room, Jimmy."
+
+"It doesn't seem dull to me, mother, while you are here. How did you
+make out selling your prize packages?"
+
+"They are all sold, Jimmy, every one. I am making some more."
+
+"Shan't I help you?"
+
+"Yes, I would like to have you. Just take those envelopes, and write
+prize packages on every one of them."
+
+"All right, Paul," and Jimmy, glad to be of use, got the pen and ink,
+and, gathering up the envelopes, began to inscribe them as he had been
+instructed.
+
+By the time the packages were made up, dinner was ready. It was not a
+very luxurious repast. There was a small piece of rump steak--not more
+than three-quarters of a pound--a few potatoes, a loaf of bread, and a
+small plate of butter. That was all; but then the cloth that covered
+the table was neat and clean, and the knives and forks were as bright as
+new, and what there was tasted good.
+
+"What have you been doing this morning, Jimmy?" asked Paul.
+
+"I have been drawing, Paul. Here's a picture of Friday. I copied it from
+'Robinson Crusoe.'"
+
+He showed the picture, which was wonderfully like that in the book, for
+this--the gift of drawing--was Jimmy's one talent, and he possessed it
+in no common degree.
+
+"Excellent, Jimmy!" said Paul. "You're a real genius. I shouldn't be
+surprised if you'd make an artist some day."
+
+"I wish I might," said Jimmy, earnestly. "There's nothing I'd like
+better."
+
+"I'll tell you what, Jimmy. If I do well this afternoon, I'll buy you a
+drawing-book and some paper, to work on while mother and I are busy."
+
+"If you can afford it, Paul, I should like it so much. Some time I might
+earn something that way."
+
+"Of course you may," said Paul, cheerfully. "I won't forget you."
+
+Dinner over, Paul went out to business, and was again successful,
+getting rid of his thirty packages, and clearing another dollar. Half of
+this he invested in a drawing-book, a pencil and some drawing-paper for
+Jimmy. Even then he had left of his earnings for the day one dollar and
+eighty cents. But this success in the new business had already excited
+envy and competition, as he was destined to find out on the morrow.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+PAUL HAS COMPETITORS
+
+The next morning Paul took his old place in front of the post office.
+He set down his basket in front, and, taking one of the packages in his
+hand, called out in a businesslike manner, as on the day before, "Here's
+your prize packages! Only five cents! Money prize in every package! Walk
+up, gentlemen, and try your luck!"
+
+He met with a fair degree of success at first, managing in the course of
+an hour to sell ten packages. All the prizes drawn were small, with the
+exception of one ten-cent prize, which was drawn by a little bootblack,
+who exclaimed:
+
+"That's the way to do business, Johnny. If you've got any more of them
+ten-cent prizes, I'll give you ten cents a piece for the lot."
+
+"Better buy some more and see," said Paul.
+
+"That don't go down," said the other. "Maybe there'd be only a penny."
+
+Nevertheless, the effect of this large prize was to influence the sale
+of three other packages; but as neither of these contained more than
+two-cent prizes, trade began to grow dull, and for ten minutes all
+Paul's eloquent appeals to gentlemen to walk up and try their luck
+produced no effect.
+
+At this point Paul found that there was a rival in the field.
+
+Teddy O'Brien, who had applied for a partnership the day before, came
+up with a basket similar to his own, apparently filled with similar
+packages. He took a position about six feet distant from Paul, and began
+to cry out, in a shrill voice:
+
+"Here's your bully prize packages! Best in the market! Here's where you
+get your big prizes, fifty cents in some of 'em. Walk up boys, tumble
+up, and take your pick afore they're gone. Fifty cents for five!"
+
+"That's a lie, Teddy," said Paul, who saw that his rival's attractive
+announcement was likely to spoil his trade.
+
+"No, 'tisn't," said Teddy. "If you don't believe it, just buy one and
+see."
+
+"I'll tell you what I'll do," said Paul, "I'll exchange."
+
+"No," said Teddy; "I ain't a-goin' to risk givin' fifty cents for one."
+
+"More likely you'd get ten for one. You're a humbug."
+
+"Have you really got any fifty-cent prizes?" asked a newsboy, who had
+sold out his morning stock of papers, and was lounging about the post
+office steps.
+
+"Best way is to buy, Johnny," said Teddy.
+
+The boy did buy, but his prize amounted to only one cent.
+
+"Didn't I tell you so?" said Paul.
+
+"Just wait a while and see," said Teddy. "The lucky feller hasn't come
+along. Here, Mike, jest buy a package!"
+
+Mike, a boy of fifteen, produced five cents, and said, "I don't mind if
+I do."
+
+He selected a package, and, without opening it, slipped it into his
+pocket.
+
+"Why don't you open it?" said Teddy.
+
+"What's the use?" said Mike. "There ain't no fifty cents inside."
+
+However, he drew it out of his pocket, and opened it.
+
+"What's this?" he exclaimed, pulling out a piece of scrip. "Howly St.
+Patrick! it's I that's in luck, anyhow I've got the fifty cents!"
+
+And he held up to view a fifty-cent scrip.
+
+"Let me look at it," said Paul, incredulously.
+
+But there was no room for doubt. It was a genuine fifty cents, as Paul
+was compelled to admit.
+
+"Didn't I tell you so?" said Teddy, triumphantly. "Here's where you get
+fifty-cent prizes."
+
+The appeal was successful. The sight of the fifty-cent prize led to a
+large call for packages, of which Teddy immediately sold ten, while Paul
+found himself completely deserted. None of the ten, however, contained
+over two cents. Still the possibility of drawing fifty cents kept up the
+courage of buyers, while Paul's inducements were so far inferior that he
+found himself wholly distanced.
+
+"Don't you wish you'd gone pardners with me?" asked Teddy, with a
+triumphant grin, noticing Paul's look of discomfiture. "You can't do
+business alongside of me."
+
+"You can't make any money giving such big prizes," said Paul. "You
+haven't taken in as much as you've given yet."
+
+"All right," said Teddy. "I'm satisfied if you are. Have a package,
+Jim?"
+
+"Yes," said Jim. "Mind you give me a good prize."
+
+The package was bought, and, on being opened, proved to contain fifty
+cents also, to Paul's great amazement. How Teddy's business could pay,
+as it was managed, he could not comprehend. One thing was certain,
+however, his new competitor monopolized the trade, and for two hours
+Paul did not get a solitary customer.
+
+"There's something about this I don't understand," he pondered,
+thoughtfully. "He must lose money; but he's spoiled my trade."
+
+Paul did not like to give up his beat, but he found himself compelled
+to. Accordingly he took his basket, and moved off toward Wall street.
+Here he was able to start in business without competitors, and succeeded
+in selling quite a number of packages, until a boy came up, and said:
+
+"There's a feller up at the post office that's givin' fifty-cent prizes.
+I got one of 'em."
+
+There was a group of half-a-dozen boys around Paul, two of whom were
+about to invest; but on hearing thus they changed their intention, and
+walked of in the direction of the post office.
+
+Looking up, Paul saw that the boy who had injured his trade was Mike,
+who had drawn the first fifty-cent prize from his competitor.
+
+"Can't you stop interfering?" he said, angrily. "I've lost two customers
+by you."
+
+"If you don't like it, you can lump it," said Mike, insolently. "This is
+a free country, ain't it?"
+
+"It's a mean trick," said Paul, indignantly.
+
+"Say that ag'in, and I'll upset your basket," returned Mike.
+
+"I'll say it as often as I like," said Paul, who wasn't troubled by
+cowardice. "Come on, if you want to."
+
+Mike advanced a step, doubling his fists; but, finding that Paul showed
+no particular sign of fear, he stopped short, saying: "I'll lick you
+some other time."
+
+"You'd better put it off," said Paul. "Have a prize package, sir? Only
+five cents!"
+
+This was addressed to a young man who came out of an insurance office.
+
+"I don't mind if I do," said the young man. "Five cents, is it? What
+prize may I expect?"
+
+"The highest is ten cents."
+
+"There's a boy around the post office that gives fifty-cent prizes,
+mister," said Mike. "You'd better buy of him."
+
+"I'll wait till another time," said the young man. "Here's the money,
+Johnny. Now for the package."
+
+"Look here," said Paul, indignantly, when his customer had gone away;
+"haven't you anything to do except to drive off my customers?"
+
+"Give me two cents on every package," said Mike, "and I'll tell 'em you
+give dollar prizes."
+
+"That would be a lie, and I don't want to do business that way."
+
+Mike continued his persecutions a while longer, and then turned the
+corner into Nassau street.
+
+"I'm glad he's gone," thought Paul. "Now there's a chance for me."
+
+He managed after a while to sell twenty of his packages. By this time it
+was twelve o'clock, and he began to feel hungry. He resolved, therefore,
+to go home to dinner and come out again in the afternoon. He didn't know
+how much he had made, but probably about fifty cents. He had made more
+than double as much the day before in less time; but then he did not
+suffer from competition.
+
+He began to doubt whether he could long pursue this business, since
+other competitors were likely to spring up.
+
+As he walked by the post office he had the curiosity to look and see how
+his competitor was getting along.
+
+Teddy had started, originally, with seventy-five packages; but of those
+scarcely a dozen were left. A group of boys were around him. Among
+them was Mike, who was just on the point of buying another package. As
+before, he put it in his pocket, and it was not till Teddy asked, "What
+luck, Mike?" that he drew it out, and opening it again, produced fifty
+cents.
+
+"It's the big prize!" he said. "Sure I'm in luck, anyhow."
+
+"You're the boy that's lucky," said Teddy, with a grin.
+
+As Paul witnessed the scene a light broke upon him. Now he understood
+how Teddy could afford to give such large prizes. Mike and the other
+boy, Jim, were only confederates of his--decoy ducks--who kept drawing
+over again the same prize, which was eventually given back to Teddy. It
+was plain now why Mike put the package into his pocket before opening
+it. It was to exchange it for another packet into which the money had
+previously been placed, but which was supposed by the lookers-on to
+be the same that had just been purchased. The prize could afterward be
+placed in a new packet and used over again.
+
+"That ain't the same package," said Paul, announcing his discovery. "He
+had it all the while in his pocket."
+
+"Look here," blustered Mike, "you jest mind your own business! That's
+the best thing for you."
+
+"Suppose I don't?"
+
+"If you don't there may be a funeral to-morrow of a boy about your
+size."
+
+There was a laugh at Paul's expense, but he took it coolly.
+
+"I'll send you a particular invitation to attend, if I can get anybody
+to go over to the island."
+
+As Mike had been a resident at Blackwell's Island on two different
+occasions, this produced a laugh at his expense, in the midst of which
+Paul walked off.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+TEDDY GIVES UP BUSINESS
+
+"Have you sold all your packages, Paul?" asked Jimmy, as our hero
+entered the humble room, where the table was already spread with a
+simple dinner.
+
+"No," said Paul, "I only sold twenty. I begin to think that the
+prize-package business will soon be played out."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"There's too many that'll go into it."
+
+Here Paul related his experience of the morning, explaining how it was
+that Teddy had managed to distance him in the competition.
+
+"Can't you do the same, Paul?" asked Jimmy. "Mother's got a gold dollar
+she could lend you."
+
+"That might do," said Paul; "but I don't know any boy I could trust to
+draw it except you, and some of them would know we were brothers."
+
+"I think, Paul, that would be dishonest," said Mrs. Hoffman. "I would
+rather make less, if I were you, and do it honestly."
+
+"Maybe you're right, mother. I'll try it again this afternoon, keeping
+as far away from Teddy as I can. If I find I can't make it go, I'll try
+some other business."
+
+"Jimmy, have you shown Paul your drawing?" said his mother.
+
+"Here it is, Paul," said Jimmy, producing his drawing-book, from which
+he had copied a simple design of a rustic cottage.
+
+"Why, that's capital, Jimmy," said Paul, in real surprise. "I had no
+idea you would succeed so well."
+
+"Do you really think so, Paul?" asked the little boy, much pleased.
+
+"I really do. How long did it take you?"
+
+"Only a short time--not more than half an hour, I should think," said
+Mrs. Hoffman. "I think Jimmy succeeded very well."
+
+"You'll make a great artist some time, Jimmy," said Paul.
+
+"I wish I could," said the little boy. "I should like to earn some
+money, so that you and mother need not work so hard."
+
+"Hard work agrees with me. I'm tough," said Paul. "But when we get to
+be men, Jimmy, we'll make so much money that mother needn't work at all.
+She shall sit in the parlor all day, dressed in silk, with nothing to
+do."
+
+"I don't think I would enjoy that," said Mrs. Hoffman, smiling.
+
+"Will you be in the candy business, then, Paul?" said Jimmy.
+
+"No, Jimmy. It would never do for the brother of a great artist to be
+selling candy round the streets. I hope I shall have something better to
+do than that."
+
+"Sit down to dinner, Paul," said his mother. "It's all ready."
+
+The dinner was not a luxurious one. There was a small plate of cold
+meat, some potatoes, and bread and butter; but Mrs. Hoffman felt glad to
+be able to provide even that, and Paul, who had the hearty appetite of
+a growing boy, did full justice to the fare. They had scarcely finished,
+when a knock was heard at the door. Paul, answering the summons,
+admitted a stout, pleasant-looking Irishwoman.
+
+"The top of the mornin' to ye, Mrs. Donovan," said Paul, bowing
+ceremoniously.
+
+"Ah, ye'll be afther havin' your joke, Paul," said Mrs. Donovan,
+good-naturedly. "And how is your health, mum, the day?"
+
+"I am well, thank you, Mrs. Donovan," said Mrs. Hoffman. "Sit down to
+the table, won't you? We're just through dinner, but there's something
+left."
+
+"Thank you, mum, I've jist taken dinner. I was goin' to wash this
+afternoon, and I thought maybe you'd have some little pieces I could
+wash jist as well as not."
+
+"Thank you, Mrs. Donovan, you are very kind; but you must have enough
+work of your own to do."
+
+"I'm stout and strong, mum, and hard work agrees with me; but you're a
+rale lady, and ain't used to it. It's only a thrifle, but if you want to
+pay me, you could do a bit of sewin' for me. I ain't very good with the
+needle. My fingers is too coarse, belike."
+
+"Thank you, Mrs. Donovan; on those terms I will agree to your kind
+offer. Washing is a little hard for me."
+
+Mrs. Hoffman collected a few pieces, and, wrapping them up in a
+handkerchief, handed them to her guest.
+
+"And now what have you been doin', Jimmy darlint?" said Mrs. Donovan,
+turning her broad, good-humored face toward the younger boy.
+
+"I've been drawing a picture," said Jimmy. "Would you like to see it?"
+
+"Now, isn't that illigant?" exclaimed Mrs. Donovan, admiringly, taking
+the picture and gazing at it with rapt admiration. "Who showed you how
+to do it?"
+
+"Paul bought me a book, and I copied it out of that."
+
+"You're a rale genius. Maybe you'll make pictures some time like them we
+have in the church, of the Blessed Virgin and the Saints. Do you think
+you could draw me, now?" she asked, with curiosity.
+
+"I haven't got a piece of paper big enough," said Jimmy, slyly.
+
+"Ah, it's pokin' fun at me, ye are," said Mrs. Donovan, good-humoredly.
+"Just like my Pat; he run into the room yesterday sayin', 'Mother,
+there's great news. Barnum's fat woman is dead, and he's comin' afther
+you this afternoon. He'll pay you ten dollars a week and board.' 'Whist,
+ye spalpeen!' said I; 'is it makin' fun of your poor mother, ye are?'
+but I couldn't help laughing at the impertinence of the boy. But I must
+be goin'."
+
+"Thank you for your kind offer, Mrs. Donovan. Jimmy shall go to your
+room for the sewing."
+
+"There's no hurry about that," said Mrs. Donovan. "I'll jist bring it in
+meself when it's ready."
+
+"She is very kind," said Mrs. Hoffman, when Bridget Donovan had gone. "I
+shall be glad to have her wash. I am apt to feel weak after it. What are
+you going to do this afternoon, Paul?"
+
+"I'll try to sell out the rest of my stock of packages. Perhaps I shan't
+succeed, but I'll do my best. Shall you have another picture to show me
+when I come back tonight, Jimmy?"
+
+"Yes, Paul; I love to draw. I'm going to try this castle."
+
+"It's rather hard, isn't it?"
+
+"I can do it," said Jimmy, confidently.
+
+Paul left the room with his basket on his arm.
+
+He was drawn by curiosity to the spot where he had met with his first
+success, as well as his first failure--the front of the post office.
+Here he became witness to an unexpectedly lively scene; in other words,
+a fight, in which Teddy O'Brien and his confederate, Mike, were the
+contestants. To explain the cause of the quarrel, it must be stated that
+it related to a division of the spoils.
+
+Teddy had sold out his last package, seventy-five in number. For these
+he had received five cents apiece, making in all three dollars and
+seventy-five cents, of which all but a dollar and seventy-five cents,
+representing the value of the prizes and the original cost of the
+packages and their contents, was profit. Now, according to the
+arrangement entered into between him and Mike, the latter, for his
+services, was to receive one cent on every package sold. This, however,
+seemed to Teddy too much to pay, so, when the time of reckoning came, he
+stoutly asseverated that there were but sixty packages.
+
+"That don't go down," said Mike, indignantly; "it's nearer a hundred."
+
+"No, it isn't. It's only sixty. You've got the fifty cents, and I'll
+give you ten more."
+
+"You must give me the whole sixty, then," said Mike, changing his
+ground. "I drawed the fifty as a prize."
+
+Teddy was struck with astonishment at the impudence of this assumption.
+
+"It wasn't no prize," he said.
+
+"Yes, it was," said Mike. "You said so yourself. Didn't he, Jim?"
+
+Jim, who was also a confederate, but had agreed to accept twenty-five
+cents in full for services rendered, promptly answered:
+
+"Shure, Mike's right. It was a prize he drew."
+
+"You want to chate me!" said Teddy, angrily.
+
+"What have you been doin' all the mornin'?" demanded Mike. "You're the
+chap to talk about chatin', ain't you?"
+
+"I'll give you twenty-five cents," said Teddy, "and that's all I will
+give you."
+
+"Then you've got to fight," said Mike, squaring off.
+
+"Yes, you've got to fight!" chimed in Jim, who thought he saw a chance
+for more money.
+
+Teddy looked at his two enemies, each of whom was probably more than a
+match for himself, and was not long in deciding that his best course was
+to avoid a fight by running. Accordingly, he tucked all the money
+into his pocket, and, turning incontinently, fled down Liberty street,
+closely pursued by his late confederates. Paul came up just in time to
+hear the termination of the dispute and watch the flight of his late
+business rival.
+
+"I guess Teddy won't go into the business again," he reflected. "I may
+as well take my old stand."
+
+Accordingly he once more installed himself on the post office steps, and
+began to cry, "Prize packages. Only five cents!"
+
+Having no competitor now to interfere with his trade, he met with fair
+success, and by four o'clock was able to start for home with his empty
+basket, having disposed of all his stock in trade.
+
+His profits, though not so great as the day before, amounted to a
+dollar.
+
+"If I could only make a dollar every day," thought Paul, "I would be
+satisfied."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+PAUL LOSES HIS BASKET
+
+Paul continued in the prize-package business for three weeks. His
+success varied, but he never made less than seventy-five cents a day,
+and sometimes as much as a dollar and a quarter. He was not without
+competitors. More than once, on reaching his accustomed stand, he found
+a rival occupying it before him. In such cases he quietly passed on,
+and set up his business elsewhere, preferring to monopolize the trade,
+though the location might not be so good.
+
+Teddy O'Brien did not again enter the field. We left him, at the end
+of the last chapter, trying to escape from Mike and Jim, who demanded a
+larger sum than he was willing to pay for their services. He succeeded
+in escaping with his money, but the next day the two confederates caught
+him, and Teddy received a black eye as a receipt in full of all demands.
+So, on the whole, he decided that some other business would suit
+him better, and resumed the blacking-box, which he had abandoned on
+embarking in commercial pursuits.
+
+Mike Donovan and Jim Parker were two notoriously bad boys, preferring to
+make a living in any other way than by honest industry. As some of these
+ways were not regarded as honest in the sight of the law, each had more
+than once been sentenced to a term at Blackwell's Island. They made a
+proposition to Paul to act as decoy ducks for him in the same way as for
+Teddy. He liked neither of the boys, and did not care to be associated
+with them. This refusal Mike and Jim resented, and determined to "pay
+off" Paul if they ever got a chance. Our hero from time to time saw them
+hovering about him, but took very little notice of them.
+
+He knew that he was a match for either, though Mike exceeded him in
+size, and he felt quite capable of taking care of himself.
+
+One day Mike and Jim, whose kindred tastes led them to keep company,
+met at the corner of Liberty and William streets. Mike looked unusually
+dilapidated. He had had a scuffle the day before with another boy, and
+his clothes, always well ventilated, got torn in several extra places.
+As it was very uncertain when he would be in a financial condition to
+provide himself with another suit, the prospect was rather alarming. Jim
+Parker looked a shade more respectable in attire, but his face and
+hands were streaked with blacking. To this, however, Jim had become so
+accustomed that he would probably have felt uncomfortable with a clean
+face.
+
+"How are you off for stamps, Jim?" asked Mike.
+
+"Dead broke," was the reply.
+
+"So am I. I ain't had no breakfast."
+
+"Nor I 'cept an apple. Couldn't I eat, though?"
+
+"Suppose we borrow a quarter of Paul Hoffman."
+
+"He wouldn't lend a feller."
+
+"Not if he knowed it," said Mike, significantly.
+
+"What do you mean, Mike?" asked Jim, with some curiosity.
+
+"We'll borrow without leave."
+
+"How'll we do it?"
+
+"I'll tell you," said Mike.
+
+He proceeded to unfold his plan, which was briefly this. The two were
+to saunter up to where Paul was standing; and remain until the group, if
+there were any around him should be dispersed. Then one was to pull his
+hat over his eyes, while the other would snatch the basket containing
+his prize packages, and run down Liberty street, never stopping until he
+landed in a certain alley known to both boys. The other would run in a
+different direction, and both would meet as soon as practicable for the
+division of the spoils. It was yet so early that Paul could not have
+sold many from his stock. As each contained a prize, varying from
+one penny to ten, they would probably realize enough to buy a good
+breakfast, besides the candy contained in the packages. More money might
+be obtained by selling packages, but there was risk in this. Besides, it
+would take time, and they decided that a bird in the hand was worth two
+in the bush.
+
+"That's a good idea," said Jim, approvingly. "Who'll knock his hat over
+his head?"
+
+"You can," said Mike, "and I'll grab the basket." But to this Jim
+demurred, for two reasons: first, he was rather afraid of Paul, whose
+strength of arm he had tested on a previous occasion; and, again, he
+was afraid that if Mike got off with the basket he would appropriate the
+lion's share.
+
+"I'll grab the basket," he said.
+
+"What for?" said Mike, suspiciously, for he, too, felt some distrust of
+his confederate.
+
+"You're stronger'n I am, Mike," said Jim. "Maybe he'd turn on me, and I
+can't fight him as well as you."
+
+"That's so," said Mike, who had rather a high idea of his own prowess,
+and felt pleased with the compliment. "I'm a match for him."
+
+"Of course you be," said Jim, artfully, "and he knows it."
+
+"Of course he does," said Mike, boastfully. "I can lick him with one
+hand."
+
+Jim had serious doubts of this, but he had his reasons for concurring in
+Mike's estimate of his own powers.
+
+"We'd better start now," said Jim. "I'm awful hungry."
+
+"Come along, then."
+
+They walked up Liberty street, as far as Nassau. On reaching the corner
+they saw their unconscious victim at his usual place. It was rather a
+public place for an assault, and both boys would have hesitated had they
+not been incited by a double motive--the desire of gain and a feeling of
+hostility.
+
+They sauntered along, and Mike pressed in close by Paul.
+
+"What do you want?" asked Paul, not liking the vicinity.
+
+"What's that to you?" demanded Mike.
+
+"Quit crowdin' me."
+
+"I ain't crowdin'. I've got as much right to be here as you."
+
+"Here's your prize packages!" exclaimed Paul, in a businesslike tone.
+
+"Maybe I'll buy one if you'll give me credit till to-morrow," said Mike.
+
+"Your credit isn't good with me," said Paul. "You must pay cash down."
+
+"Then you won't trust me?" said Mike, pressing a little closer.
+
+"No, I won't," said Paul, decidedly.
+
+"Then, take that, you spalpeen!" said Mike, suddenly pulling Paul's hat
+over his eyes.
+
+At the same time Jim, to whom he had tipped a wink, snatched the basket,
+which Paul held loosely in his hand, and disappeared round the corner.
+
+The attack was so sudden and unexpected that Paul was at first
+bewildered. But he quickly recovered his presence of mind, and saw into
+the trick. He raised his hat, and darted in pursuit of Mike, not knowing
+in what direction his basket had gone.
+
+"That's a mean trick!" he exclaimed, indignantly. "Give me back my
+basket, you thief!"
+
+"I ain't got no basket," said Mike, facing round.
+
+"Then you know where it is."
+
+"I don't know nothin' of your basket."
+
+"You pulled my hat over my eyes on purpose to steal my basket."
+
+"No, I didn't. You insulted me, that's why I did it."
+
+"Tell me where my basket is, or I'll lick you," said Paul, incensed.
+
+"I ain't nothin' to do with your basket."
+
+"Take that, then, for pulling my hat over my eyes," and Paul, suiting
+the action to the word, dealt Mike a staggering blow in the face.
+
+"I'll murder you!" shouted Mike, furiously, dashing at Paul with a blow
+which might have leveled him, if he had not fended it off.
+
+Paul was not quarrelsome, but he knew how to fight, and he was prepared
+now to fight in earnest, indignant as he was at the robbery which
+entailed upon him a loss he could ill sustain.
+
+"I'll give you all you want," he said, resolutely, eyeing Mike warily,
+and watching a chance to give him another blow.
+
+The contest was brief, being terminated by the sudden and unwelcome
+arrival of a policeman.
+
+"What's this?" he asked authoritatively, surveying the combatants; Paul,
+with his flushed face, and Mike, whose nose was bleeding freely from a
+successful blow of his adversary.
+
+"He pitched into me for nothin'," said Mike, glaring at Paul, and
+rubbing his bloody nose on the sleeve of his ragged coat.
+
+"That isn't true," said Paul, excitedly. "He came up while I was selling
+prize packages of candy in front of the post office, and pulled my hat
+over my eyes, while another boy grabbed my basket."
+
+"You lie!" said Mike. "I don't know nothin' of your basket."
+
+"Why did you pull his hat over his eyes?" asked the policeman.
+
+"Because he insulted me."
+
+"How did he insult you?"
+
+"He wouldn't trust me till to-morrow."
+
+"I don't blame him much for that," said the policeman, who was aware
+of Mike's shady reputation, having on a former occasion been under
+the necessity of arresting him. Even without such acquaintance, Mike's
+general appearance would hardly have recommended him to Officer Jones.
+
+"I'll let you go this time," he said, "but if I catch you fighting again
+on my beat I'll march you off to the station-house."
+
+Mike was glad to escape, though he would almost have been willing to be
+arrested if Paul could have been arrested also.
+
+The officer walked away, and Mike started down the street.
+
+Paul followed him.
+
+That didn't suit Mike's ideas, as he was anxious to meet Jim and divide
+the spoils with him.
+
+"What are you follerin' me for?" he demanded, angrily.
+
+"I have my reasons," said Paul.
+
+"Then you'd better stay where you are. Your company ain't wanted."
+
+"I know that," said Paul, "but I'm going to follow you till I find my
+basket."
+
+"What do I know of your basket?"
+
+"That's what I want to find out."
+
+Mike saw, by Paul's resolute tone, that he meant what he said. Desirous
+of shaking him of, he started on a run.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+PAUL AS AN ARTIST
+
+Paul was not slow in following Mike. He was a good runner, and would
+have had no difficulty in keeping up with his enemy if the streets had
+been empty. But to thread his way in and out among the numerous foot
+passengers that thronged the sidewalks was not so easy. He kept up
+pretty well, however, until, in turning a street corner, he ran at full
+speed into a very stout gentleman, whose scanty wind was quite knocked
+out of him by the collision. He glared in anger at Paul, but could not
+at first obtain breath enough to speak.
+
+"I beg your pardon, sir," said Paul, who, in spite of his desire to
+overtake Mike, felt it incumbent upon him to stop and offer an apology.
+
+"What do you mean, sir," exploded the fat man, at last, "by tearing
+through the streets like a locomotive? You've nearly killed me."
+
+"I am very sorry, sir."
+
+"You ought to be. Don't you know better than to run at such speed? You
+ought to be indicted as a public nuisance.
+
+"I was trying to catch a thief," said Paul.
+
+"Trying to catch a thief? How's that?" asked the stout gentleman, his
+indignation giving way to curiosity.
+
+"I was selling packages in front of the post office when he and another
+boy came up and stole my basket."
+
+"Indeed! What were you selling?"
+
+"Prize packages, sir."
+
+"What was in them?"
+
+"Candy."
+
+"Could you make much that way?"
+
+"About a dollar a day."
+
+"I'd rather have given you a dollar than had you run against me with
+such violence. I feel it yet."
+
+"Indeed, sir, I'm very sorry."
+
+"Well, I'll forgive you, under the circumstances. What's your name?"
+
+"Paul Hoffman."
+
+"Well, I hope you'll get back your basket. Some time, if you see me in
+the street, come up and let me know. Would you know me again?"
+
+"I think I should, sir."
+
+"Well, good-morning. I hope you'll catch the thief."
+
+"I thank you, sir."
+
+They parted company, but Paul did not continue the pursuit. The
+conversation in which he had taken part had lasted so long that Mike
+had had plenty of time to find a refuge, and there would be no use in
+following him.
+
+So Paul went home.
+
+"You are home early, Paul," said his mother. "Surely you haven't sold
+out by this time."
+
+"No, but all my packages are gone."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"They were stolen."
+
+"Tell me about it."
+
+So Paul told the story.
+
+"That Mike was awful mean," said Jimmy, indignantly. "I'd like to hit
+him."
+
+"I don't think you would hurt him much, Jimmy," said Paul, amused at his
+little brother's vehemence.
+
+"Then I wish I was a big, strong boy," said Jimmy.
+
+"I hope you will be, some time."
+
+"How much was your loss, Paul?" asked his mother.
+
+"There were nearly forty packages. They cost me about a dollar, but if
+I had sold them all they would have brought me in twice as much. I had
+only sold ten packages."
+
+"Shall you make some more?"
+
+"No, I think not," said Paul. "I've got tired of the business. It's
+getting poorer every day. I'll go out after dinner, and see if I can't
+find something else to do."
+
+"You ain't going out now, Paul?" said Jimmy.
+
+"No, I'll stop and see you draw a little while."
+
+"That's bully. I'm going to try these oxen."
+
+"That's a hard picture. I don't think you can draw it, Jimmy."
+
+"Yes, I can," said the little boy, confidently. "Just see if I don't."
+
+"Jimmy has improved a good deal," said his mother.
+
+"You'll be a great artist one of these days, Jimmy," said Paul.
+
+"I'm going to try, Paul," said the little boy. "I like it so much."
+
+Little Jimmy had indeed made surprising progress in drawing. With no
+instruction whatever, he had succeeded in a very close and accurate
+imitation of the sketches in the drawing books Paul had purchased for
+him. It was a great delight to the little boy to draw, and hour after
+hour, as his mother sat at her work, he sat up to the table, and worked
+at his drawing, scarcely speaking a word unless spoken to, so absorbed
+was he in his fascinating employment.
+
+Paul watched him attentively.
+
+"You'll make a bully artist, Jimmy," he said, at length, really
+surprised at his little brother's proficiency. "If you keep on a little
+longer, you'll beat me."
+
+"I wish you'd draw something, Paul," said Jimmy. "I never saw any of
+your drawings."
+
+"I am afraid, if you saw mine, it would discourage you," said Paul. "You
+know, I'm older and ought to draw better."
+
+His face was serious, but there was a merry twinkle of fun in his eyes.
+
+"Of course, I know you draw better," said Jimmy, seriously.
+
+"What shall I draw?" asked Paul.
+
+"Try this horse, Paul."
+
+"All right!" said Paul. "But you must go away; I don't want you to see
+it till it is done."
+
+Jimmy left the table, and Paul commenced his attempt. Now, though Paul
+is the hero of my story, I am bound to confess that he had not the
+slightest talent for drawing, though Jimmy did not know it. It was only
+to afford his little brother amusement that he now undertook the task.
+
+Paul worked away for about five minutes.
+
+"It's done," he said.
+
+"So quick?" exclaimed Jimmy, in surprise. "How fast you work!"
+
+He drew near and inspected Paul's drawing. He had no sooner inspected
+it than he burst into a fit of laughter. Paul's drawing was a very rough
+one, and such a horse as he had drawn will never probably be seen until
+the race has greatly degenerated.
+
+"What's the matter, Jimmy?" asked Paul. "Don't you like it?"
+
+"It's awful, Paul," said the little boy, almost choking with mirth.
+
+"I see how it is," said Paul, with feigned resentment. "You're jealous of
+me because you can't draw as well."
+
+"Oh, Paul, you'll kill me!" and Jimmy again burst into a fit of
+merriment. "Can't you really draw any better?"
+
+"No, Jimmy," said Paul, joining in the laugh. "I can't draw any better
+than an old cow. You've got all the talent in the family in that line."
+
+"But you're smart in other ways, Paul," said Jimmy, who had a great
+admiration of Paul, notwithstanding the discovery of his artistic
+inferiority.
+
+"I'm glad there's one that thinks so, Jimmy," said Paul. "I'll refer to
+you when I want a recommendation."
+
+Jimmy resumed his drawing, and was proud of the praises which Paul
+freely bestowed upon him.
+
+"I'll get you a harder drawing book when you've got through with these,"
+said Paul; "that is, if I don't get reduced to poverty by having my
+stock in trade stolen again."
+
+After a while came dinner. This meal in Mrs. Hoffman's household usually
+came at twelve o'clock. It was a plain, frugal meal always, but on
+Sunday they usually managed to have something a little better, as they
+had been accustomed to do when Mr. Hoffman was alive.
+
+Paul was soon through.
+
+He took his hat from the bureau, and prepared to go out.
+
+"I'm going out to try my luck, mother," he said. "I'll see if I can't
+get into something I like a little better than the prize-package
+business."
+
+"I hope you'll succeed, Paul."
+
+"Better than I did in drawing horses, eh, Jimmy?"
+
+"Yes, I hope so, Paul," said the little boy.
+
+"Don't you show that horse to visitors and pretend it's yours, Jimmy."
+
+"No danger, Paul."
+
+Paul went downstairs and into the street. He had no definite plan in
+his head, but was ready for anything that might turn up. He did not feel
+anxious, for he knew there were plenty of ways in which he could earn
+something. He had never tried blacking boots, but still he could do it
+in case of emergency. He had sold papers, and succeeded fairly in that
+line, and knew he could again. He had pitted himself against other boys,
+and the result had been to give him a certain confidence in his own
+powers and business abilities. When he had first gone into the street
+to try his chances there, it had been with a degree of diffidence. But
+knocking about the streets soon gives a boy confidence, sometimes too
+much of it; and Paul had learned to rely upon himself; but the influence
+of a good, though humble home, and a judicious mother, had kept him
+aloof from the bad habits into which many street boys are led.
+
+So Paul, though his stock in trade had been stolen, and he was obliged
+to seek a new kind of business, was by no means disheartened. He walked
+a little way downtown, and then, crossing the City Hall Park, found
+himself on Broadway.
+
+A little below the Astor House he came to the stand of a
+sidewalk-merchant, who dealt in neckties. Upon an upright framework hung
+a great variety of ties of different colors, most of which were sold at
+the uniform price of twenty-five cents each.
+
+Paul was acquainted with the proprietor of the stand, and, having
+nothing else to do, determined to stop and speak to him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+A NEW BUSINESS
+
+The proprietor of the necktie stand was a slender, dark-complexioned
+young man of about twenty-five, or thereabouts.
+
+His name was George Barry. Paul had known him for over a year, and
+whenever he passed his stand was accustomed to stop and speak with him.
+
+"Well, George, how's business?" asked Paul.
+
+"Fair," said Barry. "That isn't what's the matter."
+
+"What is it, then?"
+
+"I'm sick. I ought not to be out here to-day."
+
+"What's the matter with you?"
+
+"I've caught a bad cold, and feel hot and feverish. I ought to be at
+home and abed."
+
+"Why don't you go?"
+
+"I can't leave my business."
+
+"It's better to do that than to get a bad sickness."
+
+"I suppose it is. I am afraid I am going to have a fever. One minute I'm
+hot, another I'm cold. But I can't afford to close up my business."
+
+"Why don't you get somebody to take your place?"
+
+"I don't know anybody I could get that I could trust. They'd sell my
+goods, and make off with the money."
+
+"Can you trust me?" asked Paul, who saw a chance to benefit himself as
+well as his friend.
+
+"Yes, Paul, I could trust you, but I'm afraid I couldn't pay you enough
+to make it worth while for you to stand here."
+
+"I haven't got anything to do just now," said Paul. "I was in the
+prize-package business, but two fellows stole my stock in trade, and I'm
+not going into it again. It's about played out. I'm your man. Just make
+me an offer."
+
+"I should like to have you take my place for a day or two, for I know
+you wouldn't cheat me."
+
+"You may be sure of that."
+
+"I am sure. I know you are an honest boy, Paul. But I don't know what to
+offer you."
+
+"How many neckties do you sell a day?" asked Paul, in a businesslike
+tone.
+
+"About a dozen on an average."
+
+"And how much profit do you make?"
+
+"It's half profit."
+
+Paul made a short calculation. Twelve neckties at twenty-five cents each
+would bring three dollars. Half of this was a dollar and a half.
+
+"I'll take your place for half profits," he said.
+
+"That's fair," said George Barry. "I'll accept your offer. Can you begin
+now?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then I'll go home and go to bed. It's the best place for me."
+
+"You'd better. I'll come round after closing up, and hand over the
+money."
+
+"All right! You know where I live?"
+
+"I'm not sure."
+
+"No. -- Bleecker street."
+
+"I'll come up this evening."
+
+George Barry walked away, leaving Paul in charge of his business.
+
+He did so with perfect confidence. Not every boy in Paul's circumstances
+can be trusted, but he felt sure that Paul would do the right thing by
+him.
+
+I may as well say, in this connection, that George Barry had a mother
+living. They occupied two rooms in a lodging-house in Bleecker street,
+and lived very comfortably. Mrs. Barry had an allowance of two hundred
+dollars a year from a relation. This, with what she earned by sewing,
+and her son by his stand, supported them very comfortably, especially
+as they provided and cooked their own food, which was, of course, much
+cheaper than boarding. Still, the loss of the young man's earnings, even
+for a short time, would have been felt, though they had a reserve of
+a hundred dollars in a savings bank, from which they might draw if
+necessary. But George did not like to do this. The arrangement which he
+made with Paul was a satisfactory one, for with half his usual earnings
+they would still be able to keep out of debt, and not be compelled to
+draw upon the fund in the bank. Of course, something depended on Paul's
+success as a salesman, but he would not be likely to fall much below
+the average amount of sales. So, on the whole, George Barry went home
+considerably relieved in mind, though his head was throbbing, and he
+felt decidedly sick.
+
+Arrived at home, his mother, who understood sickness, at once took
+measures to relieve him.
+
+"Don't mind the loss of a few days, George," she said, cheerfully; "we
+shall be able to get along very well."
+
+"It'll only be part loss, mother," he said. "I've got Paul Hoffman to
+take my place for half the profits."
+
+"Paul Hoffman! Do I know him?"
+
+"I don't think he has ever been here but I have known him for a year."
+
+"Can you trust him?"
+
+"Yes, I'm not at all afraid. He is a smart boy, and as honest as he is
+smart. I think he will sell nearly as much as I would."
+
+"That is an excellent arrangement. You needn't feel uneasy, then."
+
+"No, the business will go on right."
+
+"I should like to see your salesman."
+
+"You'll see him to-night, mother. He's coming round this evening to let
+me know how he's got along, and hand over the money he's taken."
+
+"You'd better be quiet now, George, and go to sleep, if you can. I'll
+make you some warm tea. I think it'll do you good."
+
+Meanwhile Paul assumed charge of George Barry's business. He was sorry
+his friend was sick, but he congratulated himself on getting into
+business so soon.
+
+"It's more respectable than selling prize packages," thought Paul. "I
+wish I had a stand of my own."
+
+He was still a street merchant, but among street merchants there are
+grades as well as among merchants whose claim to higher respectability
+rests upon having rent to pay. Paul felt that it was almost like having
+a shop of his own. He had always looked up to George Barry as standing
+higher than himself in a business way, and he felt that even if his
+earnings should not be as great, that it was a step upward to have sole
+charge of his stand, if only for a day or two.
+
+Paul's ambition was aroused. It was for his interest to make as large
+sales as possible. Besides, he thought he would like to prove to
+George Barry that he had made a good selection in appointing him his
+substitute.
+
+Now, if the truth must be told, George Barry himself was not possessed
+of superior business ability. He was lacking in energy and push. He
+could sell neckties to those who asked for them, but had no particular
+talent for attracting trade. He would have been a fair clerk, but was
+never likely to rise above a very moderate success. Paul was quite
+different. He was quick, enterprising, and smart. He was a boy likely to
+push his way to success unless circumstances were very much against him.
+
+"I'd like to sell more than George Barry," he said to himself. "I don't
+know if I can, but I'm going to try."
+
+The day was half over, and probably the most profitable, so far as
+business was concerned. Paul had only four or five hours left.
+
+"Let me see," he said to himself. "I ought to sell six neckties to come
+up to the average of half a day's sale. I wonder whether I can do it."
+
+As his soliloquy ended, his quick eye detected a young man glancing
+at his stock, and he observed that he paused irresolutely, as if half
+inclined to purchase.
+
+"Can't I sell you a necktie to-day?" asked Paul, promptly.
+
+"I don't know," said the other. "What do you charge?"
+
+"You can have your choice for twenty-five cents. That is cheap, isn't
+it?"
+
+"Yes, that's cheap. Let me look at them."
+
+"Here's one that will suit your complexion," said Paul.
+
+"Yes, that's a pretty one. I think I'll take it."
+
+"You have to pay twice as much in the shops," continued Paul, as he
+rolled it up. "You see, we have no rent to pay, and so we can sell
+cheap. You'll save money by always buying your neckties here."
+
+"The only objection to that is that I don't live in the city. I am here
+only for a day. I live about fifty miles in the country."
+
+"Then I'll tell you what you'd better do," said Paul. "Lay in half a
+dozen, while you are about it. It'll only be a dollar and a half, and
+you'll save as much as that by doing it."
+
+"I don't know but you are right," said his customer, whom the suggestion
+impressed favorably. "As you say, it's only a dollar and a half, and
+it'll give me a good stock."
+
+"Let me pick them out for you," said Paul, briskly, "unless there's
+something you see yourself."
+
+"I like that one."
+
+"All right. What shall be the next?"
+
+Finally, the young man selected the entire half-dozen, and deposited a
+dollar and a half in Paul's hands.
+
+"Come and see me again," said Paul, "and if you have any friends coming
+to the city, send them to me."
+
+"I will," said the other.
+
+"Tell them it's the first stand south of the Astor House. Then they
+won't miss it."
+
+"That's a good beginning," said Paul to himself, with satisfaction.
+"Half a day's average sales already, and I've only been here fifteen
+minutes. Let me see, what will my profits be on that? Three shillings, I
+declare. That isn't bad, now!"
+
+Paul had reason to be satisfied with himself. If he had not spoken, the
+young man would very probably have gone on without purchasing at all,
+or, at any rate, remained content with a single necktie. Paul's manner
+and timely word had increased his purchase sixfold. That is generally
+the difference between a poor salesman and one of the first class.
+Anybody can sell to those who are anxious to buy; but it takes a smart
+man to persuade a customer that he wants what otherwise he would go
+without. The difference in success is generally appreciated by dealers,
+and a superior salesman is generally paid a handsome salary.
+
+"I don't believe George Barry would have sold that man so many ties,"
+thought Paul. "I hope I shall have as good luck next time."
+
+But this, of course, was not to be expected. It is not every customer
+who can be persuaded to buy half-a-dozen ties, even by the most eloquent
+salesman. However, in the course of an hour more, Paul had sold three
+more to single customers. Then came a man who bought two. Then there was
+a lull, and for an hour Paul sold none at all. But business improved a
+little toward the close of the afternoon, and when it was time to close
+up, our young merchant found that he had disposed of fifteen.
+
+"My share of the profits will be ninety-three cents," thought Paul, with
+satisfaction. "That isn't bad for an afternoon's work."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+A STROKE OF ILL LUCK
+
+Paul transferred his frame of goods to a neighboring office at the end
+of the afternoon, the arrangement having been made by George Barry, on
+first entering into business as a street merchant. This saved a good
+deal of trouble, as otherwise he would have been compelled to carry them
+home every night and bring them back in the morning.
+
+"Well, Paul," asked his mother, when he returned to supper, "have you
+found anything to do yet?"
+
+"I have got employment for a few days," said Paul, "to tend a necktie
+stand. The man that keeps it is sick."
+
+"How much does he pay you, Paul?" asked Jimmy.
+
+"Half the profits. How much do you think I have made this afternoon?"
+
+"Forty cents."
+
+"What do you say to ninety-three cents? Just look at this," and Paul
+displayed his earnings.
+
+"That is excellent."
+
+"I had good luck. Generally, I shan't make more in a whole day than
+this."
+
+"That will be doing very well."
+
+"But I shall make more, if I can. One fellow bought six neckties of
+me this afternoon. I wish everybody would do that. Now, mother, I hope
+supper is most ready, for selling neckties has made me hungry."
+
+"Almost ready, Paul."
+
+It was a humble meal, but a good one. There were fresh rolls and butter,
+tea and some cold meat. That was all; but the cloth was clean, and
+everything looked neat. All did justice to the plain meal, and never
+thought of envying the thousands who, in their rich uptown mansions,
+were sitting down at the same hour to elaborate dinners costing more
+than their entire week's board.
+
+"Are you going out, Paul?" asked Mrs. Hoffman, noticing that he took his
+hat.
+
+"Yes, I must go and see George Barry, and carry the money I have
+received for sales."
+
+"Where does he live?"
+
+"In Bleecker street. I shan't be gone long."
+
+Paul reached the number which had been given him. It was a large,
+four-story house, with the appearance of a barracks.
+
+"Mr. Barry," said the servant, in answer to his question--"he lives
+upstairs on the fourth floor. Room on the right."
+
+Paul plodded his way upstairs, and found the room without difficulty.
+
+On knocking, the door was opened by Mrs. Barry, who looked at him
+inquiringly.
+
+"Does George Barry live here?" asked Paul.
+
+"Yes. Are you the one he left in charge of his business?"
+
+Paul answered in the affirmative, adding, "How is he?"
+
+"He seems quite feverish. I am afraid he is going to have a fever. It's
+fortunate he came home. He was not able to attend to his business."
+
+"Can I see him?"
+
+"Come in," said Mrs. Barry.
+
+The room was covered with a worn carpet, but looked neat and
+comfortable. There was a cheap sewing-machine in one corner, and some
+plain furniture. There was a bedroom opening out of this room, and here
+it was that George Barry lay upon the bed.
+
+"Is that Paul Hoffman, mother?" was heard from the bedroom.
+
+"Yes," said Paul, answering for himself.
+
+"Go in, if you like," said Mrs. Barry. "My son wishes to see you.
+
+"How do you feel now, George?" asked Paul.
+
+"Not very well, Paul. I didn't give up a minute too soon. I think I am
+going to have a fever."
+
+"That is not comfortable," said Paul. "Still, you have your mother to
+take care of you."
+
+"I don't know how I should get along without her. Can you look after my
+business as long as I am sick?"
+
+"Yes; I have nothing else to do."
+
+"Then that is off my mind. By the way, how many ties did you sell this
+afternoon?"
+
+"Fifteen."
+
+"What!" demanded Barry, in surprise. "You sold fifteen?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why, I never sold so many as that in an afternoon."
+
+"Didn't you?" said Paul, gratified. "Then you think I did well?"
+
+"Splendidly. How did you do it?"
+
+"You see, there was a young man from the country that I persuaded to buy
+six, as he could not get them so cheap at home. That was my first sale,
+and it encouraged me."
+
+"I didn't think you'd sell more than six in the whole afternoon."
+
+"Nor did I, when I started; but I determined to do my best. I don't
+expect to do as well every day."
+
+"No, of course not. I've been in the business more than a year; and I
+know what it is. Some days are very dull."
+
+"I've got the money for you. The fifteen ties came to three dollars and
+seventy-five cents. I keep one-fourth of this as my commission. That
+leaves two dollars and eighty-two cents."
+
+"Quite correct. However, you needn't give me the money. You may need to
+change a bill, or else lose a sale. It will do if you settle with me at
+the end of the week."
+
+"I see you have confidence in me, George. Suppose I should take a fancy
+to run away with the money?"
+
+"I am not afraid."
+
+"If I do, I will give you warning a week beforehand."
+
+After a little more conversation, Paul withdrew, thinking he might worry
+the sick man. He offered to come up the next evening, but George Barry
+said, "It would be too much to expect you to come up every evening. I
+shall be satisfied if you come up every other evening."
+
+"Very well," said Paul. "Then you may expect me Saturday. I hope I shall
+have some good sales to report, and that I shall find you better."
+
+Paul descended to the street, and walked slowly homeward. He couldn't
+help wishing that the stand was his own, and the entire profits his.
+This would double his income, and enable him to save up money. At
+present this was hardly possible. His own earnings had been, and were
+likely to continue, very fluctuating.
+
+Still, they constituted the main support of the family. His mother made
+shirts for an establishment on Broadway at twenty-five cents each, which
+was more than some establishments paid. She could hardly average more
+than one shirt a day, in addition to her household work, and in order
+to accomplish this, even, she was obliged to work very steadily all day.
+Jimmy, of course, earned nothing. Not that he was too young. There were
+plenty of little newsboys who were as small as he--perhaps smaller.
+I have seen boys, who did not appear to be more than four years old,
+standing at the corners, crying the news in their childish treble. But
+Paul was not willing to have Jimmy sent out into the streets to undergo
+the rough discipline of street life. He was himself of a strong, robust
+nature, and did not shrink from the rough and tumble of life. He felt
+sure he could make his way, and give as well as receive blows. But Jimmy
+was shy and retiring, of a timid, shrinking nature, who would suffer
+from what would only exhilarate Paul, and brace him for the contest.
+So it was understood that Jimmy was to get an education, studying at
+present at home with his mother, who had received a good education, and
+that Mrs. Hoffman and Paul were to be the breadwinners. "I wish mother
+didn't have to sit so steadily at her work," thought Paul, many a time.
+He resolved some time to relieve her from the necessity; but at present
+it was impossible.
+
+To maintain their small family in comfort required all that both could
+earn.
+
+The next morning Paul started out after breakfast for the street stand,
+wondering what success he was destined to meet with.
+
+About the middle of the forenoon Mrs. Hoffman prepared to go out.
+
+"Do you think you can stay alone for an hour or two, Jimmy?" she asked.
+
+"Yes, mother," answered Jimmy, who was deep in a picture which he was
+copying from one of the drawing-books Paul had bought him. "Where are
+you going mother?"
+
+"To carry back some work, Jimmy. I have got half-a-dozen shirts done,
+and must return them, and ask for more."
+
+"They ought to pay you more than twenty-five cents apiece, mother. How
+long has it taken you to make them?"
+
+"Nearly a week."
+
+"That is only a dollar and a half for a week's work."
+
+"I know it, Jimmy; but they can get plenty to work at that price, so it
+won't do for me to complain. I shall be very glad if I can get steady
+work, even at that price."
+
+Jimmy said no more, and Mrs. Hoffman, gathering up her bundle, went out.
+
+She had a little more than half a mile to go. This did not require long.
+She entered the large door, and advanced to the counter behind which
+stood a clerk with a pen behind his ear.
+
+"How many?" he said, as she laid the bundle upon the counter.
+
+"Six."
+
+"Name?"
+
+"Hoffman."
+
+"Correct. I will look at them."
+
+He opened the bundle hastily, and surveyed the work critically. Luckily
+there was no fault to find, for Mrs. Hoffman was a skillful seamstress.
+
+"They will do," he said, and, taking from a drawer the stipulated sum,
+paid for them.
+
+"Can I have some more?" asked Mrs. Hoffman, anxiously.
+
+"Not to-day. We're overstocked with goods made up. We must contract our
+manufacture."
+
+This was unexpected, and carried dismay to the heart of the poor woman.
+What she could earn was very little but it was important to her.
+
+"When do you think you can give me some more work?" she asked.
+
+"It may be a month or six weeks," he answered, carelessly.
+
+A month or six weeks! To have her supply of work cut off for so long a
+time would, indeed, be a dire misfortune. But there was nothing to say.
+Mrs. Hoffman knew very well that no one in the establishment cared for
+her necessities. So, with a heavy heart, she started for home, making up
+her mind to look elsewhere for work in the afternoon. She could not help
+recalling, with sorrow, the time when her husband was living, and they
+lived in a pleasant little home, before the shadow of bereavement and
+pecuniary anxiety had come to cloud their happiness. Still, she was not
+utterly cast down. Paul had proved himself a manly and a helpful boy,
+self-reliant and courageous, and, though they might be pinched, she knew
+that as long as he was able to work they would not actually suffer.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+A NEW PATRON
+
+Mrs. Hoffman went out in the afternoon, and visited several large
+establishments in the hope of obtaining work. But everywhere she was met
+with the stereotyped reply, "Business is so dull that we are obliged to
+turn off some who are accustomed to work for us. We have no room for new
+hands."
+
+Finally she decided that it would be of no use to make any further
+applications, and went home, feeling considerably disheartened.
+
+"I must find something to do," she said to herself. "I cannot throw upon
+Paul the entire burden of supporting the family."
+
+But it was not easy to decide what to do. There are so few paths open to
+a woman like Mrs. Hoffman. She was not strong enough to take in washing,
+nor, if she had been, would Paul, who was proud for his mother, though
+not for himself, have consented to her doing it. She determined to think
+it over during the evening, and make another attempt to get work of some
+kind the next day.
+
+"I won't tell Paul till to-morrow night," she decided. "Perhaps by that
+time I shall have found something to do."
+
+All that day, the first full day in his new business, Paul sold
+eighteen ties. He was not as successful proportionately as the previous
+afternoon. Still his share of the profits amounted to a dollar and
+twelve cents, and he felt quite satisfied. His sales had been fifty
+per cent. more than George Barry's average sales, and that was doing
+remarkably well, considering that the business was a new one to him.
+
+The next morning about ten o'clock, as he stood behind his stand, he saw
+a stout gentleman approaching from the direction of the Astor House.
+He remembered him as the one with whom he had accidentally come in
+collision when he was in pursuit of Mike Donovan. Having been invited to
+speak to him, he determined to do so.
+
+"Good-morning, sir," said Paul, politely.
+
+"Eh? Did you speak to me?" inquired the stout gentleman.
+
+"Yes, sir; I bade you good-morning."
+
+"Good-morning. I don't remember you, though. What's your name?"
+
+"Paul Hoffman. Don't you remember my running against you a day or two
+since?"
+
+"Oho! you're the boy, then. You nearly knocked the breath out of me."
+
+"I am very sorry, sir."
+
+"Of course you didn't mean to. Is this your stand?"
+
+"No, sir; I am tending for the owner, who is sick."
+
+"Does he pay you well?"
+
+"He gives me half the profits."
+
+"And does that pay you for your labor?"
+
+"I can earn about a dollar a day."
+
+"That is good. It is more than I earned when I was of your age."
+
+"Indeed, sir!"
+
+"Yes; I was a poor boy, but I kept steadily at work, and now I am rich."
+
+"I hope I shall be rich some time," said Paul.
+
+"You have the same chance that I had."
+
+"I don't care so much for myself as for my mother and my little brother.
+I should like to become rich for their sake."
+
+"So you have a mother and a brother. Where do they live?"
+
+Paul told him.
+
+"And you help support them?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"That's a good boy," said the gentleman, approvingly. "Is your mother
+able to earn anything?"
+
+"Not much, sir. She makes shirts for a Broadway store, but they only pay
+her twenty-five cents apiece."
+
+"That's very small. She can sew well, I suppose?"
+
+"Oh, yes, sir; no fault is ever found with her work."
+
+"Do you think she would make me a dozen shirts?"
+
+"She would be glad to do so," said Paul, quickly, for he knew that his
+new acquaintance would pay far more liberally than the Broadway firm.
+
+"I will give the price I usually pay--ten shillings apiece."
+
+Ten shillings in New York currency amount to a dollar and a quarter,
+which would be five times the price Mrs Hoffman had been accustomed to
+receive. A dozen shirts would come to fifteen dollars, which to a family
+in their circumstances would be a great help.
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Paul. "My mother will accept the work thankfully,
+and will try to suit you. When shall I come for the cloth?"
+
+"You may come to my house this evening, and I will give you a pattern,
+and an order for the materials on a dry goods dealer in Broadway."
+
+"Where do you live, sir?"
+
+"No. ---- Madison avenue, between Thirty-fourth and Thirty-fifth
+streets. My name is Preston. Can you remember it?"
+
+"Yes, sir; but I will put it down to make sure."
+
+"Well, good-morning."
+
+"Good-morning, sir. I suppose you don't want a tie this morning?"
+
+"I don't think you keep the kind I am accustomed to wear," said Mr.
+Preston, smiling. "I stick to the old fashions, and wear a stock."
+
+The old gentleman had scarcely gone, when two boys of twelve or thirteen
+paused before the stand.
+
+"That's a bully tie, Jeff!" said George, the elder of the two. "I have a
+good mind to buy it."
+
+"It won't cost much," said Jeff. "Only twenty-five cents. But I like
+that one better."
+
+"If you buy one, I will."
+
+"All right," said Jeff, whose full name was Jefferson. "We can wear them
+to dancing-school this afternoon."
+
+So the two boys bought a necktie, and this, in addition to previous
+sales, made six sold during the morning.
+
+"I hope I shall do as well as I did yesterday," thought Paul. "If I
+can make nine shillings every day I won't complain. It is better than
+selling prize-packages."
+
+Paul seemed likely to obtain his wish, since at twelve o'clock, when he
+returned home to dinner, he had sold ten ties, making rather more than
+half of the previous day's sales.
+
+Mrs. Hoffman had been out once more, but met with no better success than
+before. There seemed to be no room anywhere for a new hand. At several
+places she had seen others, out of employment like herself, who were
+also in quest of work. The only encouragement she received was that
+probably in a month or six weeks business might so far improve that she
+could obtain work. But to Mrs. Hoffman it was a serious matter to remain
+idle even four weeks. She reflected that Paul's present employment was
+only temporary, and that he would be forced to give up his post as
+soon as George Barry should recover his health, which probably would
+be within a week or two. She tried in vain to think of some temporary
+employment, and determined, in case she should be unsuccessful in the
+afternoon, which she hardly anticipated, to consult Paul what she had
+better do.
+
+Paul noticed when he came in that his mother looked more sober and
+thoughtful than usual.
+
+"Have you a headache, mother?" he inquired.
+
+"No, Paul," she said, smiling faintly.
+
+"Something troubles you, I am sure," continued Paul.
+
+"You are right, Paul," said Mrs. Hoffman, "though I didn't mean to tell
+you till evening."
+
+"What is it?" asked Paul, anxiously.
+
+"When I carried back the last shirts I made for Duncan & Co., they told
+me I couldn't have any more for a month or six weeks."
+
+"That will give you some time to rest, mother," said Paul, who wanted to
+keep back his good news for a while.
+
+"But I can't afford to rest, Paul."
+
+"You forget that I am earning money, mother. I am sure I can earn a
+dollar a day."
+
+"I know you are a good, industrious boy, Paul, and I don't know how we
+should get along without you. But it is necessary for me to do my part,
+though it is small."
+
+"Don't be anxious, mother; I am sure we can get along."
+
+"But I am not willing that the whole burden of supporting the family
+should come upon you. Besides, you are not sure how long you can retain
+your present employment."
+
+"I know that, mother; but something else will be sure to turn up. If I
+can't do anything else, I can turn bootblack, though I would prefer
+something else. There is no chance of my being out of work long."
+
+"There are fewer things for me to do," said his mother, "but perhaps you
+can think of something. I shall go out this afternoon, and try my luck
+once more. If I do not succeed, I will consult with you this evening."
+
+"Suppose I tell you that I have work for you, enough to last for two or
+three weeks, that will pay five times as well as the work you have been
+doing; what would you say to that?" asked Paul, smiling.
+
+"Are you in earnest, Paul?" asked his mother, very much surprised.
+
+"Quite in earnest, mother. There's a gentleman up-town that wants a
+dozen shirts made, and is willing to pay ten shillings apiece."
+
+"Ten shillings! Why, that's a dollar and a quarter."
+
+"Of course it is. I told him I thought you would accommodate him."
+
+"You are sure I can get the work to do?"
+
+"Certainly. I am to go up to his house this evening and get the pattern
+and an order for the materials."
+
+"It seems too good to be true," said his mother. "Why, I can earn at
+least a dollar a day."
+
+"Then you will be doing as well as I am."
+
+"Tell me how you heard of it, Paul," said Mrs. Hoffman.
+
+Paul told the story of the manner in which he formed Mr. Preston's
+acquaintance.
+
+"It's lucky you ran into him, Paul," said Jimmy.
+
+"He didn't think so at the time," said Paul, laughing. "He said I nearly
+knocked the breath out of him."
+
+"You won't go out this afternoon, mother, will you?" asked Jimmy.
+
+"No, it will not be necessary now; I didn't think this morning that such
+a piece of good luck was in store for, me."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+ANOTHER LOSS
+
+After supper Paul brushed his clothes carefully and prepared to go to
+the address given him by Mr. Preston. He decided to walk one way, not
+wishing to incur the expenses of two railroad fares.
+
+The distance was considerable, and it was nearly eight o'clock when he
+arrived at his destination.
+
+Paul found himself standing before a handsome house of brown stone.
+He ascended the steps, and inquired, on the door being opened, if Mr.
+Preston was at home.
+
+"I'll see," said the servant.
+
+She returned in a short time, and said: "He says you may come upstairs."
+
+Paul followed the servant, who pointed out a door at the head of the
+first staircase.
+
+Paul knocked, and, hearing "Come in" from within, he opened the door and
+entered.
+
+He found himself in a spacious chamber, handsomely furnished. Mr.
+Preston, in dressing-gown and slippers, sat before a cheerful, open
+fire.
+
+"Come and sit down by the fire," he said, sociably.
+
+"Thank you, sir, I am warm with walking," and Paul took a seat near the
+door.
+
+"I am one of the cold kind," said Mr. Preston, "and have a fire earlier
+than most people. You come about the shirts, I suppose?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Will your mother undertake them?"
+
+"With pleasure, sir. She can no longer get work from the shop."
+
+"Business dull, I suppose?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Then I am glad I thought of giving her the commission. How's business
+with you to-day, eh?"
+
+"Pretty good, sir."
+
+"How many neckties did you sell?"
+
+"Nineteen, sir."
+
+"And how much do you get for that?"
+
+"Nine shillings and a half--a dollar and eighteen cents."
+
+"That's pretty good for a boy like you. When I was of your age I was
+working on a farm for my board and clothes."
+
+"Were you, sir?" asked Paul, interested.
+
+"Yes, I was bound out till I was twenty-one. At the end of that time I
+was to receive a hundred dollars and a freedom suit to begin the world
+with. That wasn't a very large capital, eh?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"But the death of my employer put an end to my apprenticeship at the
+age of eighteen. I hadn't a penny of money and was thrown upon my own
+resources. However, I had a pair of good strong arms, and a good stock
+of courage. I knew considerable about farming, but I didn't like it. I
+thought I should like trade better. So I went to the village merchant,
+who kept a small dry-goods store, and arranged with him to supply me
+with a small stock of goods, which I undertook to sell on commission for
+him. His business was limited, and having confidence in my honesty, he
+was quite willing to intrust me with what I wanted. So I set out with my
+pack on my back and made a tour of the neighboring villages."
+
+Paul listened with eager interest. He had his own way to make, and it
+was very encouraging to find that Mr. Preston, who was evidently rich
+and prosperous, was no better off at eighteen than he was now.
+
+"You will want to know how I succeeded. Well, at first only moderately;
+but I think I had some tact in adapting myself to the different classes
+of persons with whom I came in contact; at any rate, I was always
+polite, and that helped me. So my sales increased, and I did a good
+thing for my employer as well as myself. He would have been glad to
+employ me for a series of years, but I happened to meet a traveling
+salesman of a New York wholesale house, who offered to obtain me a
+position similar to his own. As this would give me a larger field and
+larger profits, I accepted gladly, and so changed the nature of my
+employment. I became very successful. My salary was raised from time to
+time, till it reached five thousand dollars. I lived frugally and saved
+money, and at length bought an interest in the house by which I had been
+so long employed. I am now senior partner, and, as you may suppose, very
+comfortably provided for.
+
+"Do you know why I have told you this?" asked Mr. Preston, noticing the
+eagerness with which Paul had listened.
+
+"I don't know, sir; but I have been very much interested."
+
+"It is because I like to give encouragement to boys and young men who
+are now situated as I used to be. I think you are a smart boy."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"And, though you are poor, you can lift yourself to prosperity, if you
+are willing to work hard enough and long enough."
+
+"I am not afraid of work," said Paul, promptly.
+
+"No, I do not believe you are. I can tell by a boy's face, and you have
+the appearance of one who is willing to work hard. How long have you
+been a street peddler?"
+
+"About a year, sir. Before that time my father was living, and I was
+kept at school."
+
+"You will find the street a school, though of a different kind, in which
+you can learn valuable lessons. If you can get time in the evening,
+however, it will be best to keep up your school studies."
+
+"I am doing that now, sir."
+
+"That is well. And now, about the shirts. Did your mother say how long
+it would take her to make them?"
+
+"About three weeks, I think, sir. Will that be soon enough?"
+
+"That will do. Perhaps it will be well, however, to bring half the
+number whenever they are finished."
+
+"All right, sir."
+
+"I suppose your mother can cut them out if I send a shirt as a pattern?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+Mr. Preston rose, and, going to a bureau, took therefrom a shirt which
+he handed to Paul. He then wrote a few lines on a slip of paper, which
+he also handed our hero.
+
+"That is an order on Barclay & Co.," he explained, "for the requisite
+materials. If either you or your mother presents it, they will be given
+you."
+
+"Very good, sir," said Paul.
+
+He took his cap, and prepared to go.
+
+"Good-evening, Mr. Preston," he said.
+
+"Good-evening. I shall expect you with the shirts when they are ready."
+
+Paul went downstairs and into the street, thinking that Mr. Preston was
+very sociable and agreeable. He had fancied that rich men were generally
+"stuck up," but about Mr. Preston there seemed an absence of all
+pretense. Paul's ambition was aroused when he thought of the story he
+had heard, and he wondered whether it would be possible for him to raise
+himself to wealth and live in as handsome a house as Mr. Preston. He
+thought what a satisfaction it would be if the time should ever come
+when he could free his mother from the necessity of work, and give
+little Jimmy a chance to develop his talent for drawing. However, such
+success must be a long way off, if it ever came.
+
+He had intended to ride home, but his mind was so preoccupied that he
+forgot all about it, and had got some distance on his way before it
+occurred to him. Then, not feeling particularly tired, he concluded to
+keep on walking, as he had commenced.
+
+"It will save me six cents," he reflected, "and that is something. If I
+am ever going to be a prosperous merchant, I must begin to save now."
+
+So he kept on walking. Passing the Cooper Institute, he came into the
+Bowery, a broad and busy street, the humble neighbor of Broadway, to
+which it is nearly parallel.
+
+He was still engaged in earnest thought, when he felt a rude slap on the
+back. Looking round, he met the malicious glance of Mike Donovan, who
+probably would not have ventured on such a liberty if he had not been
+accompanied by a boy a head taller than himself, and, to judge from
+appearances, of about the same character.
+
+"What did you do that for, Mike?" demanded Paul.
+
+"None of your business. I didn't hurt you, did I?" returned Mike,
+roughly.
+
+"No, but I don't care to be hit that way by you."
+
+"So you're putting on airs, are you?"
+
+"No, I don't do that," returned Paul; "but I don't care about having
+anything to do with you."
+
+"That's because you've got a new shirt, is it?" sneered Mike.
+
+"It isn't mine."
+
+"That's what I thought. Who did you steal it from?"
+
+"Do you mean to insult me, Mike Donovan?" demanded Paul, angrily.
+
+"Just as you like," said Mike, independently.
+
+"If you want to know why I don't want to have anything to do with you, I
+will tell you."
+
+"Tell ahead."
+
+"Because you're a thief."
+
+"If you say that again, I'll lick you," said Mike, reddening with anger.
+
+"It's true. You stole my basket of candy the other day, and that isn't
+the only time you've been caught stealing."
+
+"I'll give you the worst licking you ever had. Do you want to fight?"
+said Mike, flourishing his fist.
+
+"No, I don't," said Paul. "Some time when I haven't a bundle, I'll
+accommodate you."
+
+"You're a coward!" sneered Mike, gaining courage as he saw Paul was not
+disposed for an encounter.
+
+"I don't think I am," said Paul, coolly.
+
+"I'll hold your shirt," said Mike's companion, with a grin, "if you want
+to fight."
+
+Paul, however, did not care to intrust the shirt to a stranger of so
+unprepossessing an appearance.
+
+He, therefore, attempted to pass on. But Mike, encouraged by his
+reluctance, stepped up and shook his fist within an inch of Paul's nose,
+calling him at the same time a coward. This was too much for Paul's
+self-restraint. He dropped the shirt and pitched into Mike in so
+scientific a manner that the latter was compelled to retreat, and
+finally to flee at the top of his speed, not without having first
+received several pretty hard blows.
+
+"I don't think he will meddle with me again," said Paul to himself, as
+he pulled down the sleeves of his jacket.
+
+He walked back, and looked for the shirt which he had laid down before
+commencing the combat. But he looked in vain. Nothing was to be seen
+of the shirt or of Mike's companion. Probably both had disappeared
+together.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+BARCLAY & CO.
+
+The loss of the shirt was very vexatious. It was not so much the value
+of it that Paul cared for, although this was a consideration by no means
+to be despised by one in his circumstances; but it had been lent as a
+pattern, and without it his mother would be unable to make Mr. Preston's
+shirts. As to recovering it, he felt that there was little chance of
+this. Besides, it would involve delay, and his mother could not afford
+to remain idle. Paul felt decidedly uncomfortable. Again Mike Donovan
+had done him an injury, and this time of a more serious nature than
+before.
+
+What should he do?
+
+There seemed but one answer to this question. He must go back to Mr.
+Preston, explain the manner in which he had lost his shirt, and ask him
+for another, promising, of course, to supply the place of the one lost.
+He was not sure whether Mr. Preston would accept this explanation. He
+might think it was only an attempt to defraud him. But, at any rate, it
+seemed the only thing to do, and it must be done at once. He entered a
+passing car, for it was too late to walk.
+
+"I wish I had taken the car down," thought Paul. "Then I shouldn't have
+lost the shirt."
+
+But it was too late for regrets now. He must do the best that remained
+to him.
+
+It was nearly ten o'clock when Paul once more stood before the door of
+Mr. Preston's boarding-place. He rang the bell and asked to see him.
+
+"You have been here before this evening?" said the servant.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then you know the room. You can walk right up."
+
+Paul went upstairs and knocked at Mr. Preston's room. He was bidden to
+come in, and did so.
+
+Mr. Preston looked up with surprise.
+
+"I suppose you are surprised to see me," said Paul, rather awkwardly.
+
+"Why, yes. I did not anticipate that pleasure quite so soon," said Mr.
+Preston, smiling.
+
+"I am afraid it won't be a pleasure, for I bring bad news."
+
+"Bad news?" repeated the gentleman, rather startled.
+
+"Yes; I have lost the shirt you gave me."
+
+"Oh, is that all?" said Mr. Preston, looking relieved. "But how did you
+lose it?"
+
+"I was walking home down the Bowery, when two fellows met me. One of
+them, Mike Donovan, forced me into a fight. I gave him a licking," added
+Paul, with satisfaction; "but when it was all over, I found the other
+fellow had run off with the shirt."
+
+"I don't believe it will fit him," said Mr. Preston, laughing.
+
+As the speaker probably weighed two hundred and fifty pounds, it was,
+indeed, rather doubtful. Paul couldn't help laughing himself at the
+thought.
+
+"You were certainly unlucky," said Mr. Preston. "Did you know the boy
+you fought with?"
+
+"Yes, sir; he once before stole my stock of candy, when I was in the
+prize-package business."
+
+"That was the day we got acquainted," remarked Mr. Preston.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"He doesn't seem to be a very particular friend of yours."
+
+"No; he hates me, Mike does, though I don't know why. But I hope you
+won't be angry with me for losing the shirt?"
+
+"No; it doesn't seem to be your fault, only your misfortune."
+
+"I was afraid you might think I had made up the story, and only wanted
+to get an extra shirt from you."
+
+"No, my young friend; I have some faith in physiognomy, and you have an
+honest face. I don't believe you would deceive me."
+
+"No, I wouldn't," said Paul, promptly. "If you will trust me with
+another shirt, mother will make you an extra one to make up for the one
+I have lost."
+
+"Certainly you shall have the extra shirt, but you needn't supply the
+place of the one lost."
+
+"It is only fair that I should."
+
+"That may be, and I am glad you made the offer, but the loss is of
+little importance to me. It was no fault of yours that you lost it, and
+you shall not suffer for it."
+
+"You are very kind, sir," said Paul, gratefully.
+
+"Only just, Paul."
+
+Mr. Preston went to the bureau, and drew out another shirt, which he
+handed to Paul.
+
+"Let me suggest, my young friend," he said, "that you ride home this
+time. It is late, and you might have another encounter with your friend.
+I should like to see him with the shirt on," and Mr. Preston laughed
+heartily at the thought.
+
+Paul decided to follow his patron's advice. He had no idea of running
+any more risk in the matter. He accordingly walked to Fourth avenue and
+got on board the car.
+
+It was nearly eleven o'clock when he reached home. As it was never
+his habit to stay out late, his mother had become alarmed at his long
+absence.
+
+"What kept you so late, Paul?" she asked.
+
+"I'll tell you, pretty soon, mother. Here's the shirt that is to serve
+as a pattern. Can you cut out the new shirts by it?"
+
+Mrs. Hoffman examined it attentively.
+
+"Yes," she said; "there will be no difficulty about that. Mr. Preston
+must be a pretty large man."
+
+"Yes, he is big enough for an alderman; but he is very kind and
+considerate, and I like him. You shall judge for yourself when I tell
+you what happened this evening."
+
+It will not be necessary to tell Paul's adventure over again. His
+mother listened with pardonable indignation against Mike Donovan and his
+companion.
+
+"I hope you won't have anything to do with that bad boy, Paul," she
+said.
+
+"I shan't, if I can help it," said Paul. "I didn't want to speak to him
+to-night, but I couldn't help myself. Oh, I forgot to say, when half the
+shirts are ready, I am to take them to Mr. Preston."
+
+"I think I can make one a day."
+
+"There is no need of working so steadily, mother. You will be well paid,
+you know."
+
+"That is true; and for that reason I shall work more cheerfully. I wish
+I could get paid as well for all my work."
+
+"Perhaps Mr. Preston will recommend you to his friends, and you can get
+more work that way."
+
+"I wish I could."
+
+"I will mention it to him, when I carry back the last half dozen."
+
+"Is he going to send the cloth?"
+
+"I nearly forgot that, too. I have an order on Barclay & Co. for the
+necessary amount of cloth. I can go up there to-morrow morning and get
+it."
+
+"That will take you from your work, Paul."
+
+"Well, I can close up for a couple of hours."
+
+"I don't think that will be necessary. I will go up myself and present
+the order, and get them to send it home for me."
+
+"Will they do that?"
+
+"It is their custom. Or, if the bundle isn't too large. I can bring it
+home myself in the car."
+
+"That's all right, then. And now, mother, as it's past eleven o'clock, I
+think we may as well both go to bed."
+
+The next day Paul went as usual to his business, and Mrs. Hoffman, after
+clearing away the breakfast, put on her bonnet and shawl, and prepared
+to go for the materials for the shirts.
+
+The retail store of Barclay & Co. is of great size, and ranks among the
+most important in New York. It was not so well filled when Mrs. Hoffman
+entered as it would be later. She was directed to the proper counter,
+where she presented the order, signed by Mr. Preston. As he was a
+customer of long standing, there was no difficulty about filling the
+order. A bundle was made up, which, as it contained the materials for
+twelve shirts, necessarily was of considerable size.
+
+"Here is your bundle, ma'am," said the clerk.
+
+Mrs. Hoffman's strength was slender, and she did not feel able to carry
+the heavy bundle offered her. Even if she took the car, she would be
+obliged to carry it a portion of the way, and she felt that it would
+overtask her strength.
+
+"Don't you send bundles?" she asked.
+
+"Sometimes," said the clerk, looking superciliously at the modest attire
+of the poor widow, and mentally deciding that she was not entitled to
+much consideration. Had she been richly dressed, he would have been very
+obsequious, and insisted on sending home the smallest parcel. But there
+are many who have two rules of conduct, one for the rich, and quite
+a different one for the poor, and among these was the clerk who was
+attending upon Mrs. Hoffman.
+
+"Then," said Mrs. Hoffman, "I should like to have you send this."
+
+"It's a great deal of trouble to send everything," said the clerk,
+impertinently.
+
+"This bundle is too heavy for me to carry," said the widow,
+deprecatingly.
+
+"I suppose we can send it," said the clerk, ill-naturedly, "if you
+insist upon it."
+
+Meanwhile, though he had not observed it, his employer had approached,
+and heard the last part of the colloquy. He was considered by some as
+a hard man, but there was one thing he always required of those in his
+employ; that was to treat all purchasers with uniform courtesy, whatever
+their circumstances.
+
+"Are you objecting to sending this lady's bundle?" said Mr. Barclay,
+sternly.
+
+The clerk looked up in confusion.
+
+"I told her we would send it," he stammered.
+
+"I have heard what passed. You have been deficient in politeness. If
+this happens again, you leave my employ."
+
+"I will take your address," said the clerk, in a subdued tone.
+
+Mrs. Hoffman gave it, and left the store, thankful for the interference
+of the great merchant who had given his clerk a lesson which the latter,
+as he valued his situation, found it advisable to bear in mind.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE BARREL THIEF
+
+While Mike Donovan was engaged in his contest with Paul, his companion
+had quietly walked off with the shirt. It mattered very little to him
+which party conquered, as long as he carried off the spoils. His conduct
+in the premises was quite as unsatisfactory to Mike as it was to Paul.
+When Mike found himself in danger of being overpowered, he appealed
+to his companion for assistance, and was incensed to see him coolly
+disregarding the appeal, and selfishly appropriating the booty.
+
+"The mane thafe!" he exclaimed after the fight was over, and he was
+compelled to retreat. "He let me be bate, and wouldn't lift his finger
+to help me. I'd like to put a head on him, I would."
+
+Just at that moment Mike felt quite as angry with his friend, Jerry
+McGaverty, as with his late opponent.
+
+"The shirt's mine, fair," he said to himself, "and I'll make Jerry give
+it to me."
+
+But Jerry had disappeared, and Mike didn't know where to look for him.
+In fact, he had entered a dark alleyway, and, taking the shirt from the
+paper in which it was wrapped, proceeded to examine his prize.
+
+The unusual size struck him.
+
+"By the powers," he muttered, "it's big enough for me great-grandfather
+and all his children. I wouldn't like to pay for the cloth it tuck to
+make it. But I'll wear it, anyway."
+
+Jerry was not particular as to an exact fit. His nether garments were
+several sizes too large for him, and the shirt would complete his
+costume appropriately. He certainly did need a new shirt, for the one
+he had on was the only article of the kind he possessed, and was so far
+gone that its best days, if it ever had any, appeared to date back to
+a remote antiquity. It had been bought cheap in Baxter street, its
+previous history being unknown.
+
+Jerry decided to make the change at once. The alley afforded a
+convenient place for making the transfer. He accordingly pulled off the
+ragged shirt he wore and put on the article he had purloined from Paul.
+The sleeves were too long, but he turned up the cuffs, and the ample
+body he tucked inside his pants.
+
+"It fits me too much," soliloquized Jerry, as he surveyed himself after
+the exchange. "I could let out the half of it, and have enough left for
+meself. Anyhow, it's clane, and it came chape enough."
+
+He came out of the alley, leaving his old shirt behind him. Even if it
+had been worth carrying away, Jerry saw no use in possessing more than
+one shirt. It was his habit to wear one until it was ready to drop
+off from him, and then get another if he could. There is a practical
+convenience in this arrangement, though there are also objections which
+will readily occur to the reader.
+
+On the whole, though the shirt fitted him too much, as he expressed it,
+he regarded himself complacently.
+
+The superabundant material gave the impression of liberal expenditure
+and easy circumstances, since a large shirt naturally costs more than
+a small one. So Jerry, as he walked along the Bowery, assumed a jaunty
+air, precisely such as some of my readers may when they have a new suit
+to display. His new shirt was quite conspicuous, since he was encumbered
+neither with vest nor coat.
+
+Mike, feeling sore over his defeat, met Jerry the next morning on
+Chatham street. His quick eye detected the improved state of his
+friend's apparel, and his indignation rose, as he reflected that Jerry
+had pocketed the profits while the hard knocks had been his.
+
+"Jerry!" he called out.
+
+Jerry did not see fit to heed the call. He was sensible that Mike had
+something to complain of, and he was in no hurry to meet his reproaches.
+
+"Jerry McGaverty!" called Mike, coming near.
+
+"Oh, it's you, Mike, is it?" answered Jerry, unable longer to keep up
+the pretense of not hearing.
+
+"Yes, it's me," said Mike. "What made you leave me for last night?"
+
+"I didn't want to interfere betwane two gintlemen," said Jerry, with a
+grin. "Did you mash him, Mike?"
+
+"No," said Mike, sullenly, "he mashed me. Why didn't you help me?"
+
+"I thought you was bating him, so, as I had some business to attind to,
+I went away."
+
+"You went away wid the shirt."
+
+"Yes, I took it by mistake. Ain't it an illigant fit?"
+
+"It's big enough for two of you."
+
+"Maybe I'll grow to it in time," said Jerry.
+
+"And how much are you goin' to give me for my share?" demanded Mike.
+
+"Say that ag'in," said Jerry.
+
+Mike repeated it.
+
+"I thought maybe I didn't hear straight. It ain't yours at all. Didn't I
+take it?"
+
+"You wouldn't have got it if I hadn't fit with Paul."
+
+"That ain't nothin' to me," said Jerry. "The shirt's mine, and I'll kape
+it."
+
+Mike felt strongly tempted to "put a head on" Jerry, whatever that may
+mean; but, as Jerry was a head taller already, the attempt did not seem
+quite prudent. He indulged in some forcible remarks, which, however, did
+not disturb Jerry's equanimity.
+
+"I'll give you my old shirt, Mike," he said, "if you can find it. I left
+it in an alley near the Old Bowery."
+
+"I don't want the dirty rag," said Mike, contemptuously.
+
+Finally a compromise was effected, Jerry offering to help Mike on the
+next occasion, and leave the spoils in his hands.
+
+I have to chronicle another adventure of Jerry's, in which he was
+less fortunate than he had been in the present case. He was a genuine
+vagabond, and lived by his wits, being too lazy to devote himself to
+any regular street employment, as boot blacking or selling newspapers.
+Occasionally he did a little work at each of these, but regular,
+persistent industry was out of his line. He was a drone by inclination,
+and a decided enemy to work. On the subject of honesty his principles
+were far from strict. If he could appropriate what did not belong to him
+he was ready to do so without scruple. This propensity had several times
+brought him into trouble, and he had more than once been sent to reside
+temporarily on Blackwell's Island, from which he had returned by no
+means improved.
+
+Mike was not quite so much of a vagabond as his companion. He could work
+at times, though he did not like it, and once pursued the vocation of a
+bootblack for several months with fair success.
+
+But Jerry's companionship was doing him no good, and it seemed likely
+that eventually he would become quite as shiftless as Jerry himself.
+
+Jerry, having no breakfast, strolled down to one of the city markets. He
+frequently found an opportunity of stealing here, and was now in search
+of such a chance. He was a dexterous and experienced barrel thief,
+a term which it may be necessary to explain. Barrels, then, have a
+commercial value, and coopers will generally pay twenty-five cents
+for one in good condition. This is enough, in the eyes of many a young
+vagabond, to pay for the risk incurred in stealing one.
+
+Jerry prowled round the market for some time, seeking a good opportunity
+to walk off with an apple or banana, or something eatable. But the
+guardians of the stands seemed unusually vigilant, and he was compelled
+to give up the attempt, as involving too great risk. Jerry was hungry,
+and hunger is an uncomfortable feeling. He began to wish he had remained
+satisfied with his old shirt, dirty as it was, and carried the new one
+to some of the Baxter street dealers, from whom he could perhaps have
+got fifty cents for it. Now, fifty cents would have paid for a breakfast
+and a couple of cigars, and those just now would have made Jerry happy.
+
+"What a fool I was not to think of it!" he said. "The old shirt would do
+me, and I could buy a bully breakfast wid the money I'd get for this."
+
+Just at this moment he espied an empty barrel--a barrel apparently quite
+new and in an unguarded position. He resolved to take it, but the affair
+must be managed slyly.
+
+He lounged up to the barrel, and leaned upon it indolently. Then, in
+apparent unconsciousness, he began to turn it, gradually changing its
+position. If observed, he could easily deny all felonious intentions.
+This he kept up till he got round the corner, when, glancing around to
+see if he was observed, he quickly lifted it on his shoulder and marched
+off.
+
+All this happened without his being observed by the owner of the barrel.
+But a policeman, who chanced to be going his rounds, had been a witness
+of Jerry's little game. He remained quiet till Jerry's intentions became
+evident, then walked quietly up and put his hand on his shoulder.
+
+"Put down that barrel!" he said, authoritatively.
+
+Jerry had been indulging in visions of the breakfast he would get with
+the twenty-five cents he expected to obtain for the barrel, and the
+interruption was not an agreeable one. But he determined to brazen it
+out if possible.
+
+"What for will I put it down?" he said.
+
+"Because you have stolen it, that's why."
+
+"No," said Jerry, "I'm carrying it round to my boss. It's his."
+
+"Where do you work?"
+
+"In Fourth street," said Jerry, at random.
+
+"What number?"
+
+"No. 136."
+
+"Then your boss will have to get some one in your place, for you will
+have to come with me."
+
+"What for?"
+
+"I saw you steal the barrel. You're a barrel thief, and this isn't the
+first time you've been caught at it. Carry back the barrel to the place
+you took it from and then come with me."
+
+Jerry tried to beg off, but without avail.
+
+At that moment Mike Donovan lounged up. When he saw his friend in
+custody, he felt a degree of satisfaction, remembering the trick Jerry
+had played on him.
+
+"Where are you goin', Jerry?" he asked, with a grin, as he passed him.
+"Did ye buy that barrel to kape your shirt in?"
+
+Jerry scowled but thought it best not to answer, lest his unlawful
+possession of the shirt might also be discovered, and lead to a longer
+sentence.
+
+"He's goin' down to the island to show his new shirt," thought Mike,
+with a grin. "Maybe he'll set the fashion there."
+
+Mike was right. Jerry was sent to the island for two months, there
+introducing Mr. Preston's shirt to company little dreamed of by its
+original proprietor.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+OUT OF BUSINESS
+
+The next day Mrs. Hoffman commenced work upon Mr. Preston's shirts. She
+worked with much more cheerfulness now that she was sure of obtaining a
+liberal price for her labor. As the shirts were of extra size, she found
+herself unable to finish one in a day, as she had formerly done, but
+had no difficulty in making four in a week. This, however, gave her five
+dollars weekly, instead of a dollar and a half as formerly. Now, five
+dollars may not seem a very large sum to some of my young readers, but
+to Mrs. Hoffman it seemed excellent compensation for a week's work.
+
+"If I could only earn as much every week," she said to Paul on Saturday
+evening, "I should feel quite rich."
+
+"Your work will last three weeks, mother, and perhaps at the end of that
+time some of Mr. Preston's friends may wish to employ you."
+
+"I hope they will."
+
+"How much do you think I have made?" continued Paul.
+
+"Six dollars."
+
+"Seven dollars and a half."
+
+"So between us we have earned over twelve dollars."
+
+"I wish I could earn something," said little Jimmy, looking up from his
+drawing.
+
+"There's time enough for that, Jimmy. You are going to be a great artist
+one of these days."
+
+"Do you really think I shall?" asked the little boy, wistfully.
+
+"I think there is a good chance of it. Let me see what you are drawing."
+
+The picture upon which Jimmy was at work represented a farmer standing
+upright in a cart, drawn by a sturdy, large-framed horse. The copy
+bore a close resemblance to the original, even in the most difficult
+portions--the face and expression, both in the man and the horse, being
+carefully reproduced.
+
+"This is wonderful, Jimmy," exclaimed Paul, in real surprise. "Didn't
+you find it hard to get the man's face just right?"
+
+"Rather hard," said Jimmy; "I had to be careful, but I like best the
+parts where I have to take the most pains."
+
+"I wish I could afford to hire a teacher for you," said Paul. "Perhaps,
+if mother and I keep on earning so much money, we shall be able to some
+time."
+
+By the middle of the next week six of the shirts were finished, and
+Paul, as had been agreed upon, carried them up to Mr. Preston. He was
+fortunate enough to find him at home.
+
+"I hope they will suit you," said Paul.
+
+"I can see that the sewing is excellent," said Mr. Preston, examining
+them. "As to the fit, I can tell better after I have tried one on."
+
+"Mother made them just like the one you sent; but if there is anything
+wrong, she will, of course, be ready to alter them."
+
+"If they are just like the pattern, they will be sure to suit me."
+
+"And now, my young friend," he added, "let me know how you are getting
+on in your own business."
+
+"I am making a dollar a day, sometimes a little more."
+
+"That is very good."
+
+"Yes, sir; but it won't last long."
+
+"I believe you told me that the stand belonged to some one else."
+
+"Yes, sir; I am only tending it in his sickness; but he is getting
+better, and when he gets about again, I shall be thrown out of
+business."
+
+"But you don't look like one who would remain idle long."
+
+"No, sir; I shall be certain to find something to do, if it is only
+blacking boots."
+
+"Have you ever been in that business?"
+
+"I've tried about everything," said Paul, laughing.
+
+"I suppose you wouldn't enjoy boot-blacking much?"
+
+"No, sir; but I would rather do that than be earning nothing."
+
+"You are quite right there, and I am glad you have no false shame in
+the matter. There are plenty who have. For instance, a stout,
+broad-shouldered young fellow applied to me thus morning for a
+clerkship. He said he had come to the city in search of employment, and
+had nearly expended all his money without finding anything to do. I
+told him I couldn't give him a clerkship, but was in want of a porter. I
+offered him the place at two dollars per day. He drew back, and said he
+should not be willing to accept a porter's place."
+
+"He was very foolish," said Paul.
+
+"So I thought. I told him that if such were his feelings, I could not
+help him. Perhaps he may regret his refusal, when he is reduced to his
+last penny. By the way, whenever you have to give up your stand, you may
+come to me, and I will see what I can do for you."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"And now, about these shirts; I believe I agreed to pay a dollar and a
+quarter each."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"As they are of extra size, I think I ought to pay twelve shillings,
+instead of ten."
+
+"My mother thinks herself well paid at ten shillings."
+
+"There must be a great deal of work about one. Twelve shillings are none
+too much," and Mr. Preston placed nine dollars in Paul's hand.
+
+"Thank you," said Paul, gratefully. "My mother will consider herself
+very lucky."
+
+When Mrs. Hoffman received from Paul a dollar and a half more than she
+anticipated, she felt in unusually good spirits. She had regretted the
+loss of her former poorly paid work, but it appeared that her seeming
+misfortune had only prepared the way for greater prosperity. The trouble
+was that it would not last. Still, it would tide over the dull time, and
+when this job was over, she might be able to resume her old employment.
+At any rate, while the future seemed uncertain, she did not feel like
+increasing her expenditures on account of her increased earnings, but
+laid carefully away three-quarters of her receipts to use hereafter in
+case of need.
+
+Meanwhile, Paul continued to take care of George Barry's business. He
+had been obliged to renew the stock, his large sales having materially
+reduced it. Twice a week he went up to see his principal to report
+sales. George Barry could not conceal the surprise he felt at Paul's
+success.
+
+"I never thought you would do so well," he said. "You beat me."
+
+"I suppose it's because I like it," said Paul. "Then, as I get only half
+the profits, I have to work the harder to make fair wages."
+
+"It is fortunate for my son that he found you to take his place,"
+said Mrs. Barry. "He could not afford to lose all the income from his
+business."
+
+"It is a good thing for both of us," said Paul. "I was looking for a job
+just when he fell sick."
+
+"What had you been doing before?"
+
+"I was in the prize-package business, but that got played out, and I
+was a gentleman at large, seeking for a light, genteel business that
+wouldn't require much capital."
+
+"I shall be able to take my place pretty soon now," said the young man.
+"I might go to-morrow, but mother thinks it imprudent."
+
+"Better get back your strength first, George," said his mother, "or you
+may fall sick again."
+
+But her son was impatient of confinement and anxious to get to work
+again. So, two days afterward, about the middle of the forenoon, Paul
+was surprised by seeing George Barry get out of a Broadway omnibus, just
+in front of the stand.
+
+"Can I sell you a necktie, Mr. Barry?" he asked, in a joke.
+
+"I almost feel like a stranger," said Barry, "it's so long since I have
+been here."
+
+"Do you feel strong enough to take charge now?" asked Paul.
+
+"I am not so strong as I was, and the walk from our rooms would tire me;
+but I think if I rode both ways for the present I shall be able to get
+along."
+
+"Then you won't need me any longer?"
+
+"I would like to have you stay with me to-day. I don't know how I shall
+hold out."
+
+"All right! I'll stop."
+
+George Barry remained in attendance the rest of the day. He found that
+his strength had so far returned that he should be able to manage alone
+hereafter, and he told Paul so.
+
+"I am glad you are well again, George," said Paul. "It must have been
+dull work staying at home sick."
+
+"Yes, it was dull; but I felt more comfortable from knowing that you
+were taking my place. If I get sick again I will send for you."
+
+"I hope you won't get sick; but if you do, I will do what I can to help
+you."
+
+So the two parted on the best of terms. Each had been of service to the
+other, and neither had cause to complain.
+
+"Well," said Paul to himself, "I am out of work again. What shall I go
+at next?"
+
+It was six o'clock, and there was nothing to be done till the morrow. He
+went slowly homeward, revolving this subject in his mind. He knew that
+he need not remain idle. He could black boots, or sell newspapers, if
+nothing better offered, and he thought it quite possible that he might
+adopt the latter business, for a few days at least. He had not forgotten
+Mr. Preston's injunction to let him know when he got out of business;
+but, as the second half dozen shirts would be ready in three or four
+days, he preferred to wait till then, and not make a special call on Mr
+Preston. He had considerable independence of feeling, and didn't like
+to put himself in the position of one asking a favor, though he had no
+objection to accept one voluntarily offered.
+
+"Well, mother," he said, entering his humble home, "I am out of
+business."
+
+"Has George recovered, then?"
+
+"Yes, he was at the stand to-day, but wanted me to stay with him till
+this evening."
+
+"Oh, I'm so sorry!" said Jimmy.
+
+"Sorry that George has got well? For shame, Jimmy!"
+
+"No, I don't mean that, Paul. I am sorry you are out of work."
+
+"I shall find plenty to do, Jimmy. Perhaps Mr. Stewart will take me in
+as senior partner, if I ask him."
+
+"I don't think he will," said Jimmy, laughing.
+
+"Then perhaps I can get a few scholars in drawing. Can't you recommend
+me?"
+
+"I am afraid not, Paul, unless you have improved a good deal."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+THE DIAMOND RING
+
+Paul was up betimes the next morning. He had made up his mind for a
+few days, at least, to sell newspapers, and it was necessary in this
+business to begin the day early. He tool a dollar with him and invested
+a part of it in a stock of dailies. He posted himself in Printing House
+square, and began to look out for customers. Being an enterprising
+boy, he was sure to meet with fair success in any business which he
+undertook. So it happened that at ten o'clock he had sold out his stock
+of papers, and realized a profit of fifty cents.
+
+It was getting late for morning papers, and there was nothing left to do
+till the issue of the first edition of the afternoon papers.
+
+"I'll go down and see how George Barry is getting along," thought Paul.
+
+He crossed Broadway and soon reached the familiar stand.
+
+"How's business, George?" he inquired.
+
+"Fair," said Barry. "I've sold four ties."
+
+"How do you feel?"
+
+"I'm not so strong as I was, yet. I get tired more easily. I don't think
+I shall stay in this business long."
+
+"You don't? What will you do then?"
+
+"I've got a chance in Philadelphia, or I shall have by the first of the
+month."
+
+"What sort of a chance?"
+
+"Mother got a letter yesterday from a cousin of hers who has a store
+on Chestnut street. He offers to take me as a clerk, and give me ten
+dollars a week at first, and more after a while."
+
+"That's a good offer. I should like to get one like it."
+
+"I'll tell you what, Paul, you'd better buy out my stand. You know how
+to sell ties, and can make money."
+
+"There's only one objection, George."
+
+"What's that?"
+
+"I haven't got any capital."
+
+"It don't need much."
+
+"How much?"
+
+"I'll sell out all my stock at cost price."
+
+"How much do you think there is?"
+
+"About twenty-five dollars' worth. Then there is the frame, which is
+worth, say ten dollars, making thirty-five in all. That isn't much."
+
+"It's more than I've got. I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll take it, and
+pay you five dollars down and the rest in one month."
+
+"I would take your offer, Paul, but I need all the money how. It will be
+expensive moving to Philadelphia and I shall want all I can get."
+
+"I wish I could buy you out," said Paul, thoughtfully.
+
+"Can't you borrow the money?"
+
+"How soon do you want to give up?"
+
+"It's the seventeenth now. I should like to get rid of it by the
+twenty-second."
+
+"I'll see what I can do. Just keep it for me till to-morrow."
+
+"All right."
+
+Paul walked home revolving in his mind this unexpected opportunity. He
+had made, as George Barry's agent, a dollar a day, though he received
+only half the profits. If he were himself the proprietor, and did
+equally well, he could make twelve dollars a week. The calculation
+almost took away his breath. Twelve dollars a week would make about
+fifty dollars a month. It would enable him to contribute more to the
+support of the family, and save up money besides. But the great problem
+was, how to raise the necessary money. If Paul had been a railroad
+corporation, he might have issued first mortgage bonds at a high rate
+of interest, payable in gold, and negotiated them through some leading
+banker. But he was not much versed in financial schemes, and therefore
+was at a loss. The only wealthy friend he had was Mr. Preston, and he
+did not like to apply to him till he had exhausted other ways and means.
+
+"What makes you so sober, Paul?" asked his mother, as he entered the
+room. "You are home early."
+
+"Yes, I sold all my papers, and thought I would take an early dinner, so
+as to be on hand in time for the first afternoon papers."
+
+"Don't you feel well?"
+
+"Tiptop; but I've had a good offer, and I'm thinking whether I can
+accept it."
+
+"What sort of an offer?"
+
+"George Barry wants to sell out his stand."
+
+"How much does he ask?"
+
+"Thirty-five dollars."
+
+"Is it worth that?"
+
+"Yes, it's worth all that, and more, too. If I had it I could make two
+dollars a day. But I haven't got thirty-five dollars."
+
+"I can let you have nine, Paul. I had a little saved up, and I haven't
+touched the money Mr. Preston paid me for the shirts."
+
+"I've got five myself, but that will only make fourteen."
+
+"Won't he wait for the rest?"
+
+"No, he's going to Philadelphia early next week, and wants the whole in
+cash."
+
+"It would be a pity to lose such a good chance," said Mrs. Hoffman.
+
+"That's what I think."
+
+"You could soon save up the money on two dollars a day."
+
+"I could pay for it in a month--I mean, all above the fourteen dollars
+we have."
+
+"In a day or two I shall have finished the second half-dozen shirts, and
+then I suppose Mr. Preston will pay me nine dollars more. I could let
+you have six dollars of that."
+
+"That would make twenty. Perhaps George Barry will take that. If he
+won't I don't know but I will venture to apply to Mr. Preston."
+
+"He seems to take an interest in you. Perhaps he would trust you with
+the money."
+
+"I could offer him a mortgage on the stock," said Paul.
+
+"If he has occasion to foreclose, he will be well provided with
+neckties," said Mrs. Hoffman, smiling.
+
+"None of which he could wear. I'll tell you what, mother, I should
+like to pick up a pocketbook in the street, containing, say, twenty or
+twenty-five dollars."
+
+"That would be very convenient," said his mother; "but I think it will
+hardly do to depend on such good luck happening to you. By the way," she
+said, suddenly, "perhaps I can help you, after all. Don't you remember
+that gold ring I picked up in Central Park two years ago?"
+
+"The one you advertised?"
+
+"Yes. I advertised, or, rather, your father did; but we never found an
+owner for it."
+
+"I remember it now, mother. Have you got the ring still?"
+
+"I will get it."
+
+Mrs. Hoffman went to her trunk, and, opening it, produced the ring
+referred to. It was a gold ring with a single stone of considerable
+size.
+
+"I don't know how much it is worth," said Mrs. Hoffman; "but if the
+ring is a diamond, as I think it is, it must be worth as much as twenty
+dollars."
+
+"Did you ever price it?"
+
+"No, Paul; I have kept it, thinking that it would be something to fall
+back upon if we should ever be hard pressed. As long as we were able to
+get along without suffering, I thought I would keep it. Besides, I had
+another feeling. It might belong to some person who prized it very much,
+and the time might come when we could find the owner. However, that is
+not likely after so long a time. So, if you cannot raise the money in
+any other way, you may sell the ring."
+
+"I might pawn it for thirty days, mother. By that time I should be able
+to redeem it with the profits of my business."
+
+"I don't think you could get enough from a pawn-broker."
+
+"I can try, at any rate; but first I will see George Barry, and find out
+whether he will take twenty dollars down, and the rest at the end of a
+month."
+
+Paul wrapped up the ring in a piece of paper, and deposited it in his
+vest pocket. He waited till after dinner, and then went at once to the
+necktie stand, where he made the proposal to George Barry.
+
+The young man shook his head.
+
+"I'd like to oblige you, Paul," he said, "but I must have the money.
+I have an offer of thirty-two dollars, cash, from another party, and I
+must take up with it if I can't do any better. I'd rather sell out to
+you, but you know I have to consult my own interest."
+
+"Of course, George, I can't complain of that."
+
+"I think you will be able to borrow the money somewhere."
+
+"Most of my friends are as poor as myself," said Paul. "Still, I think I
+shall be able to raise the money. Only wait for me two days."
+
+"Yes, Paul, I'll wait that long. I'd like to sell out to you, if only
+because you have helped me when I was sick. But for you all that would
+have been lost time."
+
+"Where there's a will there's a way, George," said Paul. "I'm bound to
+buy your stand and I will raise the money somehow."
+
+Paul bought a few papers, for he did not like to lose the afternoon
+trade, and in an hour had sold them all off, realizing a profit of
+twenty cents. This made his profits for the day seventy cents.
+
+"That isn't as well as I used to do," said Paul to himself, "but perhaps
+I can make something more by and by. I will go now and see what I can
+get for the ring."
+
+As he had determined, he proceeded to a pawnbroker's shop which he had
+often passed. It was on Chatham street, and was kept by an old man, an
+Englishman by birth, who, though he lived meanly in a room behind his
+shop, was popularly supposed to have accumulated a considerable fortune.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE PAWNBROKER'S SHOP
+
+Stuffed behind the counter, and on the shelves of the pawnbroker's shop,
+were articles in almost endless variety. All was fish that came to his
+net. He was willing to advance on anything that had a marketable value,
+and which promised to yield him, I was about to say, a fair profit.
+But a fair profit was far from satisfying the old man. He demanded an
+extortionate profit from those whom ill-fortune drove to his door for
+relief.
+
+Eliakim Henderson, for that was his name, was a small man, with a bald
+head, scattering yellow whiskers, and foxlike eyes. Spiderlike he waited
+for the flies who flew of their own accord into his clutches, and took
+care not to let them go until he had levied a large tribute. When Paul
+entered the shop, there were three customers ahead of him. One was
+a young woman, whose pale face and sunken cheeks showed that she
+was waging an unequal conflict with disease. She was a seamstress by
+occupation, and had to work fifteen hours a day to earn the little that
+was barely sufficient to keep body and soul together. Confined in her
+close little room on the fourth floor, she scarcely dared to snatch time
+to look out of the window into the street beneath, lest she should
+not be able to complete her allotted task. A two days' sickness had
+compelled her to have recourse to Eliakim Henderson. She had under her
+arm a small bundle covered with an old copy of the Sun.
+
+"What have you got there?" asked the old man, roughly. "Show it quick,
+for there's others waiting."
+
+Meekly she unfolded a small shawl, somewhat faded from long use.
+
+"What will you give me on that?" she asked, timidly.
+
+"It isn't worth much."
+
+"It cost five dollars."
+
+"Then you got cheated. It never was worth half the money. What do you
+want on it?"
+
+The seamstress intended to ask a dollar and a half, but after this
+depreciation she did not venture to name so high a figure.
+
+"A dollar and a quarter," she said.
+
+"A dollar and a quarter!" repeated the old man, shrilly. "Take it home
+with you. I don't want it."
+
+"What will you give?" asked the poor girl, faintly.
+
+"Fifty cents. Not a penny more."
+
+"Fifty cents!" she repeated, in dismay, and was about to refold it. But
+the thought of her rent in arrears changed her half-formed intention.
+
+"I'll take it, sir."
+
+The money and ticket were handed her, and she went back to her miserable
+attic-room, coughing as she went.
+
+"Now, ma'am," said Eliakim.
+
+His new customer was an Irish woman, by no means consumptive in
+appearance, red of face and portly of figure.
+
+"And what'll ye be givin' me for this?" she asked, displaying a pair of
+pantaloons.
+
+"Are they yours, ma'am?" asked Eliakim, with a chuckle.
+
+"It's not Bridget McCarty that wears the breeches," said that lady.
+"It's me husband's, and a dacent, respectable man he is, barrin' the
+drink, which turns his head. What'll ye give for 'em?"
+
+"Name your price," said Eliakim, whose principle it was to insist upon
+his customers making the first offer.
+
+"Twelve shillin's," said Bridget.
+
+"Twelve shillings!" exclaimed Eliakim, holding up both hands. "That's
+all they cost when they were new."
+
+"They cost every cint of five dollars," said Bridget. "They was made at
+one of the most fashionable shops in the city. Oh, they was an illigant
+pair when they was new."
+
+"How many years ago was that?" asked the pawnbroker.
+
+"Only six months, and they ain't been worn more'n a month."
+
+"I'll give you fifty cents."
+
+"Fifty cints!" repeated Mrs. McCarty, turning to the other customers,
+as if to call their attention to an offer so out of proportion to the
+valuable article she held in her hand. "Only fifty cints for these
+illigant breeches! Oh, it's you that's a hard man, that lives on the
+poor and the nady."
+
+"You needn't take it. I should lose money on it, if you didn't redeem
+it."
+
+"He says he'd lose money on it," said Mrs. McCarty. "And suppose he did,
+isn't he a-rollin' in gold?"
+
+"I'm poor," said Eliakim; "almost as poor as you, because I'm too
+liberal to my customers."
+
+"Hear till him!" said Mrs. McCarty. "He says he's liberal and only
+offers fifty cints for these illigant breeches."
+
+"Will you take them or leave them?" demanded the pawnbroker,
+impatiently.
+
+"You may give me the money," said Bridget; "and it's I that wonder how
+you can slape in your bed, when you are so hard on poor folks."
+
+Mrs. McCarty departed with her money, and Eliakim fixed his sharp eyes
+on the next customer. It was a tall man, shabbily dressed, with a thin,
+melancholy-looking face, and the expression of one who had struggled
+with the world, and failed in the struggle.
+
+"How much for this?" he asked, pointing to the violin, and speaking in a
+slow, deliberate tone, as if he did not feel at home in the language.
+
+"What do you want for it?"
+
+"Ten dollar," he answered.
+
+"Ten dollars! You're crazy!" was the contemptuous comment of the
+pawnbroker.
+
+"He is a very good violin," said the man. "If you would like to hear
+him," and he made a movement as if to play upon it.
+
+"Never mind!" said Eliakim. "I haven't any time to hear it. If it were
+new it would be worth something; but it's old, and----"
+
+"But you do not understand," interrupted the customer, eagerly. "It is
+worth much more than new. Do you see, it is by a famous maker? I would
+not sell him, but I am poor, and my Bettina needs bread. It hurts me
+very much to let him go. I will buy him back as soon as I can."
+
+"I will give you two dollars, but I shall lose on it, unless you redeem
+it."
+
+"Two dollar!" repeated the Italian. "Ocielo! it is nothing. But Bettina
+is at home without bread, poor little one! Will you not give three
+dollar?"
+
+"Not a cent more."
+
+"I will take it."
+
+"There's your money and ticket."
+
+And with these the poor Italian departed, giving one last lingering
+glance at his precious violin, as Eliakim took it roughly and deposited
+it upon a shelf behind him. But he thought of his little daughter at
+home, and the means of relief which he held in his hand, and a smile
+of joy lightened his melancholy features. The future might be dark and
+unpromising, but for three days, at any rate, she should not want bread.
+
+Paul's turn came next.
+
+"What have you got?" asked the pawnbroker.
+
+Paul showed the ring.
+
+Eliakim took it, and his small, beadlike eyes sparkled avariciously as
+he recognized the diamond, for his experience was such that he
+could form a tolerably correct estimate of its value. But he
+quickly suppressed all outward manifestations of interest, and said,
+indifferently, "What do you want for it?"
+
+"I want twenty dollars," said Paul, boldly.
+
+"Twenty dollars!" returned the pawnbroker. "That's a joke."
+
+"No, it isn't," said Paul. "I want twenty dollars, and you can't have
+the ring for less."
+
+"If you said twenty shillings, I might give it to you," said Eliakim;
+"but you must think I am a fool to give twenty dollars."
+
+"That's cheap for a diamond ring," said Paul. "It's worth a good deal
+more."
+
+The pawnbroker eyed Paul sharply. Did the boy know that it was a diamond
+ring? What chance was there of deceiving him as to its value? The old
+man, whose business made him a good judge, decided that the ring was not
+worth less than two hundred and fifty dollars, and if he could get it
+into his possession for a trifle, it would be a paying operation.
+
+"You're mistaken, boy," he said. "It's not a diamond."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"A very good imitation."
+
+"How much is it worth?"
+
+"I'll give you three dollars."
+
+"That won't do. I want to raise twenty dollars, and if I can't get that,
+I'll keep the ring."
+
+The pawnbroker saw that he had made a mistake. Paul was not as much
+in need of money as the majority of his customers. He would rather pay
+twenty dollars than lose the bargain, though it went against the grain
+to pay so much money. But after pronouncing the stone an imitation, how
+could he rise much above the offer he had already made? He resolved to
+approach it gradually. Surveying it more closely, he said:
+
+"It is an excellent imitation. I will give you five dollars."
+
+Paul was not without natural shrewdness, and this sudden advance
+convinced him that it was, after all, a real stone. He determined to get
+twenty dollars or carry the ring home.
+
+"Five dollars won't do me any good," he said. "Give me back the ring."
+
+"Five dollars is a good deal of money," said Eliakim.
+
+"I'd rather have the ring."
+
+"What is your lowest price?"
+
+"Twenty dollars."
+
+"I'll give you eight."
+
+"Just now you said it was worth only three," said Paul, sharply.
+
+"It is very fine gold. It is better than I thought. Here is the money."
+
+"You're a little too fast," said Paul, coolly. "I haven't agreed to part
+with the ring for eight dollars, and I don't mean to. Twenty dollars is
+my lowest price."
+
+"I'll give you ten," said the old man, whose eagerness increased with
+Paul's indifference.
+
+"No, you won't. Give me back the ring."
+
+"I might give eleven, but I should lose money."
+
+"I don't want you to lose money, and I've concluded to keep the ring,"
+said Paul, rightly inferring from the old man's eagerness that the ring
+was much more valuable than he had at first supposed.
+
+But the old pawnbroker was fascinated by the sparkling bauble. He
+could not make up his mind to give it up. By fair means or foul he must
+possess it. He advanced his bid to twelve, fourteen, fifteen dollars,
+but Paul shook his head resolutely. He had made up his mind to carry
+it to Ball & Black's, or some other first-class jewelers, and ascertain
+whether it was a real diamond or not, and if so to obtain an estimate of
+its value.
+
+"I've changed my mind," he said. "I'll keep the ring. Just give it back
+to me."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+THE JEWELER'S PRICE
+
+But to give it back was not Eliakim's intention. Should he buy it at
+twenty dollars, he would make at least two hundred, and such bargains
+were not to be had every day. He decided to give Paul his price.
+
+"I will give you twenty dollars," he said; "but it is more than the ring
+is worth."
+
+"I have concluded not to take twenty dollars," said Paul. "You may give
+it back."
+
+"You agreed to take twenty dollars," said Eliakim, angrily.
+
+"That was when I first came in. You said you wouldn't give it."
+
+"I have changed my mind."
+
+"So have I," said Paul. "You had a chance to get it, but now it's too
+late."
+
+Eliakim was deeply disappointed. Generally he had his own way with his
+customers, who, being in urgent need of money, were obliged to accept
+such terms as he chose to offer. But now the tables were turned,
+and Paul proved more than a match for him. He resolved to attempt
+intimidation.
+
+"Boy, where did you get this ring?" he asked, in a significant tone.
+
+"Honestly," said Paul. "That's all you need to know."
+
+"I don't believe it," said the old man, harshly. "I believe you stole
+it."
+
+"You may believe what you like, but you must give it back to me," said
+Paul, coolly.
+
+"I've a great mind to call a policeman," said Eliakim.
+
+"If you did," said Paul, "I'd tell him that you were anxious to get
+the ring, though you believed it to be stolen. Perhaps he might have
+something to say to you."
+
+Eliakim perceived the force of Paul's argument, for in law the receiver
+of stolen goods is as bad as the thief, and there had been occasions
+when the pawnbroker had narrowly escaped punishment for thus indirectly
+conniving at theft.
+
+"If you say you got it honestly, I'll buy it of you," he said, changing
+his tune. "What will you take?"
+
+"I don't care about selling to-day," answered Paul.
+
+"I'll give you twenty-five dollars."
+
+"I can't sell without consulting my mother. It belongs to her."
+
+Reluctantly Eliakim gave back the ring, finding his wiles of no effect.
+
+"Bring your mother round to-morrow," he said. "I'll give you a better
+price than you will get anywhere else."
+
+"All right," said Paul. "I'll tell her what you say."
+
+The old pawnbroker followed Paul with wistful glances, vainly wishing
+that he had not at first depreciated the ring to such an extent, that
+his subsequent advances had evidently excited his customer's suspicion
+that it was more valuable than he supposed. He felt that he had lost it
+through not understanding the character of the boy with whom he had to
+deal.
+
+"Well, Paul, what news of the ring?" asked Mrs. Hoffman, as he
+re-entered the room.
+
+"I was offered twenty-five dollars for it," said Paul.
+
+"Did you sell it?"
+
+"No, mother."
+
+"Why not?" asked Jimmy. "Twenty-five dollars is a lot of money."
+
+"I know it," said Paul; "but the ring is worth a great deal more."
+
+"What makes you think so, Paul?"
+
+"Because the offer was made by a pawnbroker, who never pays quarter what
+an article is worth. I am sure the ring is worth a hundred dollars."
+
+"Yes, I am sure it is worth all that."
+
+"A hundred dollars!" repeated Jimmy, awestruck at the magnitude of the
+sum.
+
+"What shall we do about it, Paul?" asked his mother. "A hundred dollars
+will do us more good than the ring."
+
+"I know that, mother. What I propose is, to carry it to Ball & Black's,
+or Tiffany's, and sell it for whatever they say it is worth. They are
+first-class houses, and we can depend upon fair treatment."
+
+"Your advice is good, Paul. I think we will follow it. When will you
+go?"
+
+"I will go at once. I have nothing else to do, and I would like to find
+out as soon as I can how much it will bring. Old Henderson wanted me
+to think, at first, that it was only imitation, and offered me twenty
+shillings on it. He's an old cheat. When he found that I wasn't to be
+humbugged, he raised his offer by degrees to twenty-five dollars. That
+was what made me suspect its value."
+
+"If you get a hundred dollars, Paul," said Jimmy, "you can buy out the
+stand."
+
+"That depends on whether mother will lend me the money," said Paul. "You
+know it's hers. She may not be willing to lend without security."
+
+"I am so unaccustomed to being a capitalist," said Mrs. Hoffman,
+smiling, "that I shan't know how to sustain the character. I don't think
+I shall be afraid to trust you, Paul."
+
+Once more, with the ring carefully wrapped in a paper and deposited in
+his pocketbook, Paul started uptown. Tiffany, whose fame as a jeweler
+is world-wide, was located on Broadway. He had not yet removed to his
+present magnificent store on Union Square.
+
+Paul knew the store, but had never entered it. Now, as he entered, he
+was struck with astonishment at the sight of the immense and costly
+stock, unrivaled by any similar establishment, not only in the United
+States, but in Europe. Our hero walked up to the counter, and stood
+beside a richly-dressed lady who was bargaining for a costly bracelet.
+He had to wait ten minutes while the lady was making her choice from a
+number submitted to her for inspection. Finally she selected one, and
+paid for it. The clerk, now being at leisure, turned to our hero and
+asked:--
+
+"Well, young man, what can I do for you?"
+
+"I have a ring which I should like to show you. I want to know how much
+it is worth."
+
+"Very well. Let me see it."
+
+When Paul produced the diamond ring, the clerk, who had long been in the
+business, and perceived its value at once, started in surprise.
+
+"This is a very valuable ring," he said.
+
+"So I thought," said Paul. "How much is it worth?"
+
+"Do you mean how much should we ask for it?"
+
+"No; how much would you give for it?"
+
+"Probably two hundred and fifty dollars." Paul was quite startled on
+finding the ring so much more valuable than he had supposed. He had
+thought it might possibly be worth a hundred dollars; but he had not
+imagined any rings were worth as much as the sum named.
+
+"Will you buy it of me?" he asked.
+
+The clerk regarded Paul attentively, and, as he thought, a little
+suspiciously.
+
+"Does the ring belong to you?" he asked.
+
+"No, to my mother."
+
+"Where did she buy it?"
+
+"She didn't buy it at all. She found it one day at Central Park. It
+belongs to her now. She advertised for an owner, and examined the papers
+to see if it was advertised as lost, but could hear nothing of the one
+to whom it belonged."
+
+"How long ago was this?"
+
+"Two years ago."
+
+"I will show this ring to Mr. Tiffany," said the clerk.
+
+"Very well."
+
+Paul took a seat and waited.
+
+Soon Mr. Tiffany came up.
+
+"Are you the boy who brought in the ring?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"You say your mother found it two years ago in Central Park?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"It is a valuable ring. I should be willing to buy it for two hundred
+and fifty dollars, if I were quite certain that you had a right to
+dispose of it."
+
+"I have told you the truth, Mr. Tiffany," said Paul, a little nettled at
+having his word doubted.
+
+"That may be, but there is still a possibility that the original owner
+may turn up."
+
+"Won't you buy it, then?" asked Paul, disappointed, for, if he were
+unable to dispose of the ring, he would have to look elsewhere for the
+means of buying out Barry's street stand.
+
+"I don't say that; but I should want a guaranty of indemnity against
+loss, in case the person who lost it should present a claim."
+
+"In that case," said Paul, "I would give you back the money you paid
+me."
+
+Mr. Tiffany smiled.
+
+"But suppose the money were all spent," he suggested. "I suppose you are
+intending to use the money?"
+
+"I am going to start in business with it," said Paul, "and I hope to add
+to it."
+
+"Every one thinks so who goes into business; but some get disappointed.
+You see, my young friend, that I should incur a risk. Remember, I
+don't know you. I judge from your appearance that you are honest; but
+appearances are sometimes deceitful."
+
+"Then I suppose you won't buy it?" said Paul, who saw the force of this
+remark.
+
+"If you can bring here any responsible gentleman who knows you, and is
+willing to guarantee me against loss in the event of the owner's being
+found I will buy the ring for two hundred and fifty dollars."
+
+Paul brightened up. He thought at once of Mr. Preston, and, from the
+friendly interest which that gentleman appeared to take in him, he
+judged that he would not refuse him this service.
+
+"I think I can do that," he said. "Do you know Mr. Andrew Preston? He is
+a wealthy gentleman, who lives on Madison avenue, between Thirty-fourth
+and Thirty-fifth streets."
+
+"Not personally. I know him by reputation."
+
+"Will he be satisfactory?"
+
+"Entirely so."
+
+"He knows me well," said Paul. "I think he will be willing to stand
+security for me. I will come back in a day or two."
+
+Paul took the ring, and left the store. He determined to call that
+evening on Mr. Preston, and ask the favor indicated.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+MR. FELIX MONTGOMERY
+
+Paul had an errand farther uptown, and, on leaving Tiffany's walked up
+as far as Twenty-third street. Feeling rather tired, he got on board a
+University place car to return. They had accomplished, perhaps, half the
+distance, when, to his surprise, George Barry entered the car.
+
+"How do you happen to be here, at this time, Barry?" he asked. "I
+thought you were attending to business."
+
+"I closed up for a couple of hours, having an errand at home. Where have
+you been?"
+
+"To Tiffany's."
+
+"What, the jewelers?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"To buy a diamond ring, I suppose," said Barry, jocosely.
+
+"No--not to buy, but to sell one."
+
+"You are joking," said his companion, incredulously.
+
+"No, I am not. The ring belongs to my mother. I am trying to raise money
+enough on it to buy you out."
+
+"I didn't know your mother was rich enough to indulge in such expensive
+jewelry."
+
+"She isn't, and that's the reason I am trying to sell it."
+
+"I mean, I didn't think she was ever rich enough."
+
+"I'll explain it," said Paul. "The ring was found some time since in
+Central Park. As no owner has ever appeared, though we advertised it, we
+consider that it belongs to us."
+
+"How much is it worth?"
+
+"Mr. Tiffany offered two hundred and fifty dollars for it."
+
+Barry uttered an exclamation of surprise.
+
+"Well, that is what I call luck. Of course, you accepted it."
+
+"I intend to do so; but I must bring some gentleman who will guarantee
+that I am all right and have the right to sell it."
+
+"Can you do that?"
+
+"I think so! I am going to ask Mr. Preston. I think he will do me that
+favor."
+
+"Then there's a fair chance of your buying me out."
+
+"Yes. I guess I can settle the whole thing up to-morrow."
+
+"Have you got the ring with you?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I should like to see it, if you have no objection."
+
+Paul drew it from his pocket, and passed it over to Barry.
+
+"It's a handsome one, but who would think such a little thing could be
+worth two hundred and fifty dollars?"
+
+"I'd rather have the money than the ring."
+
+"So would I."
+
+On the right of Paul sat a man of about forty, well-dressed and
+respectable in appearance, with a heavy gold chain ostentatiously
+depending from his watch pocket, and with the air of a substantial
+citizen. He listened to the conversation between Barry and Paul with
+evident interest, and when Barry had returned the ring, he said:
+
+"Young gentleman, would you be kind enough to let me look at your
+ring? I am myself in business as a jeweler in Syracuse, and so feel an
+interest in examining it."
+
+"Certainly, sir," said Paul, the stranger's explanation of his motives
+inspiring him with perfect confidence.
+
+The jeweler from Syracuse took the ring in his hands and appeared to
+examine it carefully.
+
+"This is a handsome ring," he said, "and one of great value. How much
+were you offered for it at Tiffany's?"
+
+"Two hundred and fifty dollars."
+
+"It is worth more."
+
+"Yes, I suppose so," said Paul; "but he has to sell it, and make a
+profit."
+
+"He could do that, and yet make a profit. I will pay you two hundred and
+seventy-five dollars, myself--that is, on one condition."
+
+"I don't object to getting twenty-five dollars more," said Paul. "What
+is the condition?"
+
+"I have an order from a gentleman for a diamond ring for a young
+lady--an engagement ring, in short. If this suits him, as I think it
+will, I will pay you what I said. I can easily get three hundred and
+twenty-five from him."
+
+"How are you going to find out whether it will suit him?"
+
+"Easily. He is stopping at the same hotel with me."
+
+"What hotel is that?"
+
+"Lovejoy's. If you can spare the time and will come with me now, we
+can arrange matters at once. By the way, you can refer me to some
+responsible citizen, who will guarantee you. Not, of course, that I have
+any doubts, but we business men are forced to be cautious."
+
+Paul mentioned Mr. Preston's name.
+
+"Quite satisfactory," answered the jeweler. "I know Mr. Preston
+personally, and as I am pressed for time, I will accept his name without
+calling upon him. What is your name?"
+
+"Paul Hoffman."
+
+"I will note it down."
+
+The gentleman from Syracuse drew out a memorandum book, in which he
+entered Paul's name.
+
+"When you see Mr. Preston, just mention my name; Felix Montgomery."
+
+"I will do so."
+
+"Say, if you please, that I would have called upon him, but, coming to
+the city strictly on business, was too hurried to do so."
+
+This also Paul promised, and counted himself fortunate in falling in
+with a friend, or, at all events, acquaintance of Mr. Preston, since he
+was likely to make twenty-five dollars more than he would otherwise have
+done.
+
+When he got out of the car at the Astor House, the stranger said:
+
+"It will be half an hour before I can reach Lovejoy's, as I have a
+business call to make first. Can you call there, say, in three-quarters
+of an hour?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Very well, then, I will expect you. Inquire for me at the desk, and ask
+the servant to conduct you to my room--you remember my name?"
+
+"Yes, sir--Mr. Felix Montgomery."
+
+"Quite right. Good-by, then, till we meet."
+
+Mr. Felix Montgomery went into the Astor House, and remained about five
+minutes. He then came out on the steps, and, looking about him to see
+if Paul was anywhere near, descended the steps, and walked across to
+Lovejoy's Hotel. Going up to the desk, he inquired:
+
+"Can you accommodate me with a room?"
+
+"Yes, sir; please enter your name."
+
+The stranger entered his name with a flourish, as Felix Montgomery,
+Syracuse.
+
+"Room No. 237," said the clerk; "will you go up now?"
+
+"Yes, I think so."
+
+"Any luggage?"
+
+"My trunk will be brought from the St. Nicholas in the course of the
+afternoon."
+
+"We require payment in advance where there is no luggage."
+
+"Very well. I will pay for one day. I am not sure but I shall get
+through my business in time to go away to-morrow."
+
+Here the servant appeared to conduct Mr. Montgomery to his room.
+
+"By the way," he said, turning back, as if it were an afterthought, "I
+directed a boy to call here for me in about half an hour. When he comes
+you may send him up to my room."
+
+"Very well, sir."
+
+Mr. Montgomery followed the servant upstairs to room No. 237. It was
+rather high up, but he seemed well pleased that this was the case.
+
+"Hope you won't get tired of climbing, sir," said the servant.
+
+"No--I've got pretty good wind."
+
+"Most gentlemen complain of going up so far."
+
+"It makes little difference to me."
+
+At length they reached the room, and Mr. Montgomery entered.
+
+"This will answer very well," he said, with a hasty glance about him.
+"When my trunk comes, I want it sent up."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I believe that is all; you can go."
+
+The servant retired and Mr. Felix Montgomery sat down upon the bed.
+
+"My little plot seems likely to succeed," he said to himself. "I've been
+out of luck lately, but this boy's ring will give me a lift. He can't
+suspect anything. He'll be sure to come."
+
+Probably the reader has already suspected that Mr. Felix Montgomery
+was not a jeweler from Syracuse, nor had he any claim to the name under
+which he at present figured. He was a noted confidence man, who lived by
+preying upon the community. His appearance was in his favor, and it was
+his practice to assume the dress and air of a respectable middle-aged
+citizen, as in the present instance. The sight of the diamond ring had
+excited his cupidity, and he had instantly formed the design of getting
+possession of it, if possible. Thus far, his plan promised success.
+
+Meanwhile, Paul loitered away the time in the City Hall Park for half
+an hour or more. He did not care to go home until his negotiation was
+complete, and he could report the ring sold, and carry home the money.
+
+"Won't mother be astonished," he thought, "at the price I got for the
+ring? I'm in luck this morning."
+
+When the stipulated time had passed, Paul rose from the bench on which
+he was seated, and walked to Lovejoy's Hotel, not far distant.
+
+"Has Mr. Felix Montgomery a room here?" he asked.
+
+"Yes," answered the clerk. "Did you wish to see him?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"He mentioned that a boy would call by appointment. Here, James, show
+this boy up to No. 237--Mr. Montgomery's room."
+
+A hotel servant appeared, and Paul followed him up several flights of
+stairs till they stood before No. 237.
+
+"This is the room, sir," said James. "Wait a minute, and I'll knock."
+
+In answer to the knock, Mr. Montgomery himself opened the door.
+
+"Come in," he said to Paul; "I was expecting you."
+
+So Paul, not suspecting treachery, entered No. 237.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+A CLEVER THIEF
+
+"Take a seat," said Mr. Montgomery. "My friend will be in directly.
+Meanwhile will you let me look at the ring once more?"
+
+Paul took it from his pocket, and handed it to the jeweler from
+Syracuse, as he supposed him to be.
+
+Mr. Montgomery took it to the window, and appeared to be examining it
+carefully.
+
+He stood with his back to Paul, but this did not excite suspicion on the
+part of our hero.
+
+"I am quite sure," he said, still standing with his back to Paul, "that
+this will please my friend. From the instructions he gave me, it is
+precisely what he wanted."
+
+While uttering these words, he had drawn a sponge and a vial of
+chloroform from his side pocket. He saturated the former from the vial,
+and then, turning quickly, seized Paul, too much taken by surprise to
+make immediate resistance, and applied the sponge to his nose. When he
+realized that foul play was meditated, he began to struggle, but he
+was in a firm grasp, and the chloroform was already beginning to do
+its work. His head began to swim, and he was speedily in a state of
+insensibility. When this was accomplished, Mr. Felix Montgomery, eyeing
+the insensible boy with satisfaction, put on his hat, walked quickly
+to the door, which he locked on the outside, and made his way rapidly
+downstairs. Leaving the key at the desk, he left the hotel and
+disappeared.
+
+Meanwhile Paul slowly recovered consciousness. As he came to himself,
+he looked about him bewildered, not at first comprehending where he was.
+All at once it flashed upon him, and he jumped up eagerly and rushed to
+the door. He tried in vain to open it.
+
+"I am regularly trapped!" he thought, with a feeling of mingled anger
+and vexation. "What a fool I was to let myself be swindled so easily! I
+wonder how long I have been lying here insensible?"
+
+Paul was not a boy to give up easily. He meant to get back the ring if
+it was a possible thing. The first thing was, of course, to get out of
+his present confinement. He was not used to hotel arrangements and never
+thought of the bell, but, as the only thing he could think of, began to
+pound upon the door. But it so happened that at this time there were no
+servants on that floor, and his appeals for help were not heard. Every
+moment that he had to wait seemed at least five, for no doubt the man
+who had swindled him was improving the time to escape to a place of
+safety. Finding that his blows upon the door produced no effect, he
+began to jump up and down upon the floor, making, in his heavy boots, a
+considerable noise.
+
+The room directly under No. 237 was occupied by an old gentleman of a
+very nervous and irascible temper, Mr. Samuel Piper, a country merchant,
+who, having occasion to be in the city on business for a few days, had
+put up at Lovejoy's Hotel. He had fatigued himself by some business
+calls, and was now taking a little rest upon the bed, when he was
+aroused from half-sleep by the pounding overhead.
+
+"I wish people would have the decency to keep quiet," he said to
+himself, peevishly. "How can I rest with such a confounded racket going
+on above!"
+
+He lay back, thinking the noise would cease, but Paul, finding the
+knocking on the door ineffectual, began to jump up and down, as I have
+already said. Of course this noise was heard distinctly in the room
+below.
+
+"This is getting intolerable!" exclaimed Mr. Piper, becoming more and
+more excited. "The man ought to be indicted as a common nuisance.
+How they can allow such goings-on in a respectable hotel, I can't
+understand. I should think the fellow was splitting wood upstairs."
+
+He took his cane, and, standing on the bed, struck it furiously against
+the ceiling, intending it as signal to the man above to desist. But
+Paul, catching the response, began to jump more furiously than ever,
+finding that he had attracted attention.
+
+Mr. Piper became enraged.
+
+"The man must be a lunatic or overcome by drink," he exclaimed. "I can't
+and I won't stand it."
+
+But the noise kept on.
+
+Mr. Piper put on his shoes and his coat, and, seizing his cane, emerged
+upon the landing. He espied a female servant just coming upstairs.
+
+"Here, you Bridget, or Nancy, or whatever your name is," he roared,
+"there's a lunatic upstairs, making a tremendous row in the room over
+mine. If you don't stop him I'll leave the hotel. Hear him now!"
+
+Bridget let fall her duster in fright.
+
+"Is it a crazy man?" she asked.
+
+"Of course he must be. I want you to go up and stop him."
+
+"Is it me that would go near a crazy man?" exclaimed Bridget,
+horror-struck; "I wouldn't do it for a million dollars; no, I wouldn't."
+
+"I insist upon your going up," said Mr. Piper, irritably. "He must be
+stopped. Do you think I am going to stand such an infernal thumping over
+my head?"
+
+"I wouldn't do it if you'd go down on your knees to me," said Bridget,
+fervently.
+
+"Come along, I'll go with you."
+
+But the terrified girl would not budge.
+
+"Then you go down and tell your master there's a madman up here. If you
+don't, I will."
+
+This Bridget consented to do; and, going downstairs, gave a not very
+coherent account of the disturbance. Three male servants came back with
+her.
+
+"Is that the man?" asked the first, pointing to Mr. Piper, who certainly
+looked half wild with irritation.
+
+"Yes," said Bridget, stupidly.
+
+Immediately Mr. Piper found himself pinioned on either side by a stout
+servant.
+
+"What have you been kickin' up a row for?" demanded the first.
+
+"Let me alone, or I'll have the law take care of you," screamed the
+outraged man. "Can't you hear the fellow that's making the racket?"
+
+Paul, tired with thumping, had desisted for a moment, but now had
+recommenced with increased energy. The sounds could be distinctly heard
+on the floor below.
+
+"Excuse me, sir. I made a mistake," said the first speaker, releasing
+his hold. "We'll go up and see what's the matter."
+
+So the party went upstairs, followed at a distance by Bridget, who,
+influenced alike by fear and curiosity, did not know whether to go up or
+retreat.
+
+The sounds were easily traced to room No. 237. In front of this,
+therefore, the party congregated.
+
+"What's the matter in there?" asked James, the first servant, putting
+his lips to the keyhole.
+
+"Yes," chimed in Mr. Piper, irritably; "what do you mean by such an
+infernal hubbub?"
+
+"Open the door, and let me out," returned Paul, eagerly.
+
+The party looked at each other in surprise. They did not expect to find
+the desperate maniac a boy.
+
+"Perhaps there's more than one of them," suggested the second servant,
+prudently.
+
+"Why don't you come out yourself?" asked James. "I am locked in."
+
+The door was opened with a passkey and Paul confronted the party.
+
+"Now, young man, what do you mean by making such a disturbance?"
+demanded Mr. Piper, excitably. "My room is just below, and I expected
+every minute you would come through."
+
+"I am sorry if I disturbed you, sir," said Paul, politely; "but it was
+the only way I could attract attention."
+
+"How came you locked up here?"
+
+"Yes," chimed in James, suspiciously, "how came you locked up here?"
+
+"I was drugged with chloroform, and locked in," said Paul.
+
+"Who did it?"
+
+"Mr. Felix Montgomery; or that's what he called himself. I came here by
+appointment to meet him."
+
+"What did he do that for?"
+
+"He has carried off a diamond ring which I came up here to sell him."
+
+"A very improbable story," said Mr. Piper, suspiciously. "What should
+such a boy have to do with a diamond ring?"
+
+Nothing is easier than to impart suspicion. Men are prone to believe
+evil of each other; and Paul was destined to realize this. The hotel
+servants, ignorant and suspicious, caught the suggestion.
+
+"It's likely he's a' thafe," said Bridget, from a safe distance.
+
+"If I were," said Paul, coolly, "I shouldn't be apt to call your
+attention by such a noise. I can prove to you that I am telling the
+truth. I stopped at the office, and the bookkeeper sent a servant to
+show me up here."
+
+"If this is true," said Mr. Piper, "why, when you found yourself locked
+in, didn't you ring the bell, instead of making such a confounded
+racket? My nerves won't get over it for a week."
+
+"I didn't think of the bell," said Paul; "I am not much used to hotels."
+
+"What will we do with him?" asked James, looking to Mr. Piper for
+counsel.
+
+"You'd better take him downstairs, and see if his story is correct,"
+said the nervous gentleman, with returning good sense.
+
+"I'll do it," said James, to whom the very obvious suggestion seemed
+marked by extraordinary wisdom, and he grasped Paul roughly by the arm.
+
+"You needn't hold me," said our hero, shaking off the grasp. "I haven't
+any intention of running away. I want to find out, if I can, what has
+become of the man that swindled me."
+
+James looked doubtfully at Mr. Piper.
+
+"I don't think he means to run away," said that gentleman. "I begin to
+think his story is correct. And hark you, my young friend, if you ever
+get locked up in a hotel room again, just see if there is a bell before
+you make such a confounded racket."
+
+"Yes, sir, I will," said Paul, half-smiling; "but I'll take care not to
+get locked up again. It won't be easy for anybody to play that trick on
+me again."
+
+The party filed downstairs to the office and Paul told his story to the
+bookkeeper.
+
+"Have you seen Mr. Montgomery go out?" asked our hero.
+
+"Yes, he went out half an hour ago, or perhaps more. He left his key at
+the desk, but said nothing. He seemed to be in a hurry."
+
+"You didn't notice in what direction he went?"
+
+"No."
+
+Of course no attempt was made to detain Paul. There could be no case
+against him. He went out of the hotel, and looked up and down Broadway
+in a state of indecision. He did not mean to sit down passively and
+submit to the swindle. But he had no idea in what direction to search
+for Mr. Felix Montgomery.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+PAUL DELIBERATES
+
+Paul stood in the street irresolute. He looked hopelessly up and down
+Broadway, but of course the jeweler from Syracuse was not to be seen.
+Seeking for him in a city containing hundreds of streets and millions
+of inhabitants was about as discouraging as hunting for a needle in a
+haystack. But difficult as it was, Paul was by no means ready to give
+up the search. Indeed, besides the regret he felt at the loss, he was
+mortified at having been so easily outwitted.
+
+"He's taken me in just as if I was a country boy," thought Paul. "I dare
+say he's laughing at me now. I'd like to get even with him."
+
+Finally he decided to go to Tiffany's, and ask them to detain any one
+who might bring in the ring and offer it for sale. He at once acted upon
+this thought, and, hailing a Broadway stage, for no time was to be lost,
+soon reached his destination. Entering the store, he walked up to the
+counter and addressed the clerk to whom he had before shown the ring.
+
+"Do you remember my offering you a diamond ring for sale this morning?"
+he asked.
+
+"Yes, I remember it very well. Have you got it with you?"
+
+"No, it has been stolen from me."
+
+"Indeed! How was that?" asked the clerk, with interest.
+
+"I met in the cars a well-dressed man, who called himself a jeweler from
+Syracuse. He examined the ring, and offered me more than Mr. Tiffany,
+but asked me to bring it to him at Lovejoy's Hotel. When I got there, he
+drugged me with chloroform, and when I recovered he was gone."
+
+"You have been unlucky. There are plenty of such swindlers about. You
+should have been careful about displaying the ring before strangers."
+
+"I was showing it to a friend."
+
+"Have you notified the police?"
+
+"Not yet. I came here to let you know, because I thought the thief might
+bring it in here to sell."
+
+"Very likely. Give me a description of him."
+
+Paul described Mr. Felix Montgomery to the best of his ability.
+
+"I think I should know him from your description. I will speak to Mr.
+Tiffany, and he will no doubt give orders to detain any person who may
+offer the ring for sale."
+
+"Thank you."
+
+"If you will give me your address, we will notify you in case the ring
+is brought in."
+
+Paul left his address, and went out of the store, feeling that he had
+taken one step toward the recovery of his treasure. He next visited the
+police headquarters, and left a detailed description of the man who had
+relieved him of the ring and of the circumstances attending the robbery.
+Then he went home.
+
+His mother looked up as he entered.
+
+"Well, Paul?" she said, inquiringly.
+
+"I've got bad news, mother," he said.
+
+"What is it? Tell me quick!" she said, nervously.
+
+"The ring has been stolen from me."
+
+"How did it happen, Paul?"
+
+"First, I must tell you how much the ring is worth. I went up to
+Tiffany's, and showed the ring to Mr. Tiffany himself. He told me
+that he would give me two hundred and fifty dollars for it, if I would
+satisfy him that I had a right to sell it."
+
+"Two hundred and fifty dollars!" repeated Mrs. Hoffman, in amazement.
+
+"Yes, the diamond is very large and pure."
+
+"Two hundred and fifty dollars would be a great help to us."
+
+"Yes, mother, that is what makes me feel so bad about being swindled out
+of it."
+
+"Tell me how it happened. Is there no chance of recovering it?"
+
+"A little. I shall do what I can. I have already notified the police,
+and Mr. Tiffany."
+
+"You have not told me yet how you lost it."
+
+When Paul had told the story, his mother asked, "Did you mention it in
+the cars that you had offered it at Tiffany's?"
+
+"Yes, and I mentioned his offer."
+
+"Perhaps the thief would be cautious about going there, for that very
+reason. He might think the ring would be recognized."
+
+"He would go to a large place, thinking that so valuable a ring would be
+more readily purchased there."
+
+"He might go to Ball & Black's."
+
+"That is true."
+
+"It would be well to give notice there also."
+
+"I will go up there at once. I only wish I could meet Mr. Felix
+Montgomery; I don't think he would find it so easy to outreach me a
+second time."
+
+"Take some dinner first, Paul."
+
+"Then I must hurry it down, mother; I don't want to run the risk
+of getting too late to Ball & Black's. I can't help thinking what a
+splendid thing it would be if we had the two hundred and fifty dollars.
+I would buy out Barry's stand, and I would get a sewing-machine for you,
+and we could live much more comfortably. It makes me mad to think I let
+that villain take me in so! He must think me jolly green."
+
+"Anybody might have been deceived, Paul. You mustn't blame yourself too
+much for that."
+
+Leaving Paul on his way to Ball & Black's, we return to Mr. Felix
+Montgomery, as we shall continue to call him, though he had no right to
+the name. After stupefying Paul, as already described, he made his way
+downstairs, and, leaving his key at the desk, went out.
+
+"I hope my young friend will enjoy himself upstairs," he chuckled to
+himself. "He's quite welcome to the use of the room till to-morrow
+morning. It's paid for in advance, and I don't think I shall find it
+convenient to stop there."
+
+He took the ring from his vest pocket and glanced at it furtively.
+
+"It's a beauty," he murmured, complacently. "I never saw a handsomer
+ring of the size. What was it the boy said he was offered for it? Two
+hundred and fifty dollars! That'll give me a lift, and it doesn't come
+any too soon. My money is pretty low."
+
+He walked across the City Hall Park, and at Barclay street entered a
+University place car.
+
+"Evenin' paper, mister?" said a ragged newsboy, whose garments were
+constructed on the most approved system of ventilation.
+
+"What have you got?"
+
+"Evenin' Post, Mail, Express!"
+
+"Give me an Express. Here's ten cents."
+
+"I haven't got but three cents change, mister."
+
+"Never mind the change," said Mr. Montgomery, in a fit of temporary
+generosity, occasioned by his good luck.
+
+"Thank you, sir," said the newsboy, regarding Mr. Montgomery as a
+philanthropist worthy of his veneration.
+
+Felix Montgomery leaned back in his seat, and, with a benevolent smile,
+ran his eyes over the columns of the Express. Among the paragraphs
+which attracted his attention was one relating to a comrade, of similar
+profession, who had just been arrested in Albany while in the act of
+relieving a gentleman of his pocketbook.
+
+"Jerry always was a bungler," said Mr. Montgomery, complacently, to
+himself. "He can't hold a candle to me. I flatter myself that I know how
+to manage a little affair, like this, for instance, as well as the next
+man. It'll take a sharp detective to lay hold of me."
+
+It might have been thought that the manner in which he had gained
+possession of the ring would have troubled Mr. Montgomery, but it was
+many years since he had led an honest life. He had made a living by
+overreaching others, and his conscience had become so blunted as to
+occasion him little trouble. He appeared to think that the world owed
+him a living, and that he was quite justified in collecting the debt in
+any way he could.
+
+About twenty minutes brought the car to Amity street and Mr. Montgomery
+signaled the conductor, and, the car being stopped, he got out.
+
+He walked a few rods in a westerly direction, and paused before a
+three-story brick house, which appeared to have seen better days.
+
+It was now used as a boarding, or rather lodging-house. The guests were
+not of a very high character, the landlady not being particular as long
+as her rent was paid regularly. Mr. Montgomery ascended the steps in
+a jaunty way, and, opening the door with a passkey, ascended the front
+staircase. He paused before a room on the third floor, and knocked in a
+peculiar manner.
+
+The door was opened by a tall woman, in rather neglected attire.
+
+"So you're back," she said.
+
+"Yes, my dear, home again. As the poet says, 'There is no place like
+home.'"
+
+"I should hope there wasn't," said Mrs. Montgomery, looking about her
+disdainfully. "A very delightful home it makes with such a charming
+prospect of the back yard. I've been moping here all day."
+
+"You've found something to console you, I see," said her husband,
+glancing at the table, on which might be seen a bottle of brandy,
+half-emptied, and a glass.
+
+"Yes," said Mrs. Montgomery; "I felt so bad I had to send out for
+something. It took every cent I had. And, by the way, Mrs. Flagg sent in
+her bill, this morning, for the last two weeks' board; she said she must
+have it."
+
+"My dear," said Mr. Montgomery, "she shall have it."
+
+"You don't mean to say you've got the money, Tony!" exclaimed his wife,
+in surprise.
+
+"No, I haven't got the money; but I've got what's just as good."
+
+"What have you got?"
+
+"What do you say to this?" and Mr. Montgomery drew from his pocket the
+diamond ring, whose loss was so deeply felt by our hero.
+
+"Is that genuine?" asked the lady.
+
+"It's the real thing."
+
+"What a beauty! Where did you get it?"
+
+"It was kindly presented me by a young man of the tender age of fifteen
+or thereabouts, who had no further use for it."
+
+"You did him out of it, that is. Tell me how you did it."
+
+Mr. Montgomery told the story. His wife listened with interest and
+appreciation.
+
+"That was a smart operation, Tony," she said.
+
+"I should say it was, Maria."
+
+"How much is the ring worth?"
+
+"Two hundred and fifty dollars."
+
+"Can you get that for it?"
+
+"I can get that for it."
+
+"Tony, you are a treasure."
+
+"Have you just found that out, my dear?"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+THE THIEF IN DISGUISE
+
+It will be inferred, from the preceding conversation, that Mrs.
+Montgomery was not likely to be shocked by the lack of honesty in her
+husband. Her conscience was as elastic as his; and she was perfectly
+willing to help him spend his unlawful gains.
+
+"How soon are you going to sell the ring?" she asked.
+
+"I should like to dispose of it at once, Maria."
+
+"You will need to. Mrs. Flagg wants her bill paid at once."
+
+"I quite understand the necessity of promptness, my dear. Only, you
+know, one has to be cautious about disposing of articles obtained in
+this way."
+
+"You say you left the boy locked up. It seems to me, you'd better sell
+the ring before he has a chance to get out and interfere."
+
+"I don't know but you're right, my dear. Well, we'll get ready."
+
+"Do you want me to go with you?"
+
+"Yes; it will disarm suspicion if you are with me. I think I'll go as a
+country parson."
+
+"Country parsons are not apt to have diamond rings to dispose of."
+
+"Very true, my dear. The remark does credit to your good judgment and
+penetration. But I know how to get over that."
+
+"As how?"
+
+"Be a little more particular about your speech, my dear. Remember, you
+are a minister's wife, and must use refined expressions. What is easier
+than to say that the ring was given me by a benevolent lady of my
+congregation, to dispose of for the benefit of the poor?"
+
+"Well thought of, Tony. You've got a good head-piece."
+
+"You're right, my dear. I don't like to indulge in self-praise, but I
+believe I know a thing or two. And now for the masquerade. Where are the
+duds?"
+
+"In the black trunk."
+
+"Then we'd better lose no time in putting them on."
+
+Without describing the process of transformation in detail, it will be
+sufficient to say that the next twenty minutes wrought a decided change
+in the appearance of Mr. and Mrs. Felix Montgomery. The former was
+arrayed in a suit of canonical black, not of the latest cut. A white
+neckcloth was substituted for the more gaudy article worn by the jeweler
+from Syracuse, and a pair of silver-bowed spectacles, composed of plain
+glass, lent a scholarly air to his face. His hair was combed behind his
+ears, and, so far as appearance went, he quite looked the character of a
+clergyman from the rural districts.
+
+"How will I do, my dear?" he asked, complacently.
+
+"Tiptop," answered the lady. "How do I look?"
+
+Mrs. Montgomery had put on a dress of sober tint, and scant
+circumference, contrasting in a marked manner with the mode then
+prevailing. A very plain collar encircled her neck. Her hands were
+incased in brown silk gloves, while her husband wore black kids.
+Her bonnet was exceedingly plain, and her whole costume was almost
+Quaker-like in its simplicity.
+
+Her husband surveyed her with satisfaction.
+
+"My dear," he said, "you are a fitting helpmeet for the Rev. Mr. Barnes,
+of Hayfield Centre. By Jove, you do me credit!"
+
+"'By Jove' is not a proper expression for a man of your profession, Mr.
+Barnes," said the new minister's wife, with a smile.
+
+"You are right, my dear. I must eschew profanity, and cultivate a
+decorous style of speech. Well, are we ready?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"Then let us set forth on our pilgrimage. We will imagine, Mrs. Barnes,
+that we are about to make some pastoral calls."
+
+They emerged into the street. On the way downstairs they met Mrs. Flagg,
+the landlady, who bowed respectfully. She was somewhat puzzled, however,
+not knowing when they were let in.
+
+"Good-morning, madam," said Mr. Barnes. "Are you the landlady of this
+establishment?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I have been calling on one of your lodgers--Mr. Anthony Blodgett (this
+was the name by which Mr. Felix Montgomery was known in the house). He
+is a very worthy man."
+
+Now, to tell the truth, Mrs. Flagg had not been particularly struck by
+the moral worth of her lodger, and this testimony led her to entertain
+doubts as to the discernment of her clerical visitor.
+
+"You know him, then?"
+
+"I know him as myself, madam. Have you never heard him mention the name
+of Rev. Mr. Barnes, of Hayfield Centre, Connecticut?"
+
+"I can't say I have," answered the landlady.
+
+"That is singular. We were always very intimate. We attended the same
+school as boys, and, in fact, were like Damon and Pythias."
+
+Mrs. Flagg had never heard of Damon and Pythias, still she understood
+the comparison.
+
+"You're in rather a different line now," she remarked, dryly.
+
+"Yes, our positions are different. My friend dwells in the busy
+metropolis, while I pass a quiet, peaceful existence in a secluded
+country village, doing what good I can. But, my dear, we are perhaps
+detaining this worthy lady from her domestic avocations. I think we must
+be going."
+
+"Very well, I am ready."
+
+The first sound of her voice drew the attention of the landlady. Mrs.
+Felix Montgomery possessed a thin somewhat shrill, voice, which she
+was unable to conceal, and, looking attentively at her, Mrs. Flagg
+penetrated her disguise. Then, turning quickly to the gentleman, aided
+by her new discovery, she also recognized him.
+
+"Well, I declare," said she, "if you didn't take me in beautifully."
+
+Mr. Montgomery laughed heartily.
+
+"You wouldn't know me, then?" he said.
+
+"You're got up excellent," said Mrs. Flagg, with a slight disregard for
+grammar. "Is it a joke?"
+
+"Yes, a little practical joke. We're going to call on some friends and
+see if they know us."
+
+"You'd do for the theatre," said the landlady, admiringly.
+
+"I flatter myself I might have done something on the stage, if my
+attention had been turned that way. But, my dear, we must be moving, or
+we shan't get through our calls."
+
+"I wonder what mischief they are up to now," thought Mrs. Flagg, as she
+followed them to the door. "I know better than to think they'd take the
+trouble to dress up that way just to take in their friends. No, they're
+up to some game. Not that I care, as long as they get money enough to
+pay my bill."
+
+So the worldly-wise landlady dismissed them from her thoughts, and went
+about her work.
+
+Mr. Barnes and his wife walked up toward Broadway at a slow, decorous
+pace, suited to the character they had assumed. More than one who met
+them turned back to look at what they considered a perfect type of
+the country minister and his wife. They would have been not a little
+surprised to learn that under this quiet garb walked two of the most
+accomplished swindlers in a city abounding in adventurers of all kinds.
+
+Mr. Barnes paused a moment to reprove a couple of urchins who were
+pitching pennies on the sidewalk.
+
+"Don't you know that it's wrong to pitch pennies?" he said gravely.
+
+"None of your chaff, mister," retorted one of the street boys,
+irreverently. "When did you come from the country, old Goggles?"
+
+"My son, you should address me with more respect."
+
+"Just get out of the way, mister! I don't want to hear no preachin'."
+
+"I am afraid you have been badly brought up, my son."
+
+"I ain't your son, and I wouldn't be for a shillin'. Just you go along,
+and let me alone!"
+
+"A sad case of depravity, my dear," remarked Mr. Barnes to his wife. "I
+fear we must leave these boys to their evil ways."
+
+"You'd better," said one of the boys.
+
+"They're smart little rascals!" said Mr. Montgomery, when they were out
+of hearing of the boys. "I took them in, though. They thought I was the
+genuine article."
+
+"We'd better not waste any more time," said his wife. "That boy might
+get out, you know, and give us trouble."
+
+"I don't believe he will get out in a hurry. I locked the door and he'd
+have to pound some time before he could make any one hear, I declare, I
+should like to see how he looked when he recovered from his stupor, and
+realized that his ring was gone."
+
+"What sort of boy was he, Tony?"
+
+"Better not call me by that name, my dear. It might be heard, you know,
+and might not be considered in character. As to your question, he was by
+no means a stupid boy. Rather sharpish, I should say."
+
+"Then how came he to let you take him in?"
+
+"As to that, I claim to be rather sharp myself, and quite a match even
+for a smart boy. I haven't knocked about the world forty-four years for
+nothing."
+
+They were now in Broadway. Turning the corner of Amity street, they
+walked a short distance downtown, and paused before the handsome jewelry
+store of Ball & Black.
+
+"I think we had better go in here," said Felix Montgomery--(I hesitate a
+little by which of his numerous names to call him).
+
+"Why not go to Tiffany's?"
+
+"I gather from what the boy told me that the ring has already been
+offered there. It would be very likely to be recognized and that would
+be awkward, you know."
+
+"Are you sure the ring has not been offered here? asked his wife.
+
+"Quite sure. The boy would have mentioned it, had such been the case."
+
+"Very well. Let us go in then."
+
+The Rev. Mr. Barnes and his wife, of Hayfield Centre; entered the
+elegant store, and ten minutes later Paul Hoffman entered also, and took
+his station at the counters wholly unconscious of the near proximity of
+the man who had so artfully swindled him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+PAUL IS CHECKMATED
+
+On entering the large jewelry store Mr. Montgomery and his wife walked
+to the rear of the store, and advanced to the counter, behind which
+stood a clerk unengaged.
+
+"What shall I show you?" he inquired
+
+"I didn't come to purchase," said Mr. Montgomery, with suavity, "but to
+sell. I suppose you purchase jewelry at times?"
+
+"Sometimes," said the clerk. "Let me see what you have."
+
+"First," said the adventurer, "let me introduce myself. I am the Rev.
+Mr. Barnes, of Hayfield Centre, Connecticut. You perhaps know the
+place?"
+
+"I don't think I remember it," said the clerk, respectfully.
+
+"It is a small place," said Mr. Montgomery, modestly, "but my tastes are
+plain and unobtrusive, and I do not aspire to a more conspicuous post.
+However, that is not to the purpose. A lady parishioner, desiring to
+donate a portion of her wealth to the poor, has placed in my hand a
+diamond ring, the proceeds to be devoted to charitable objects. I desire
+to sell it, and, knowing the high reputation of your firm feel safe in
+offering it to you. I know very little of the value of such things,
+since they are not in my line, but I am sure of fair treatment at your
+hands."
+
+"You may depend upon that," said the clerk, favorably impressed with the
+appearance and manners of his customer. "Allow me to see the ring."
+
+The brilliant was handed over the counter.
+
+"It is quite valuable," said he, scrutinizing it closely.
+
+"So I supposed, as the lady is possessed of wealth. You may rely upon
+its being genuine."
+
+"I am not authorized to purchase," said the clerk, "but I will show it to
+one of the firm."
+
+Just at that moment, Mr. Montgomery, chancing to look toward the door,
+was startled by seeing the entrance of Paul Hoffman. He saw that it
+would be dangerous to carry the negotiation any farther and he quickly
+gave a secret signal to his wife.
+
+The hint was instantly understood and acted upon.
+
+Mrs. Montgomery uttered a slight cry, and clung to her husband's arm.
+
+"My dear," she said, "I feel one of my attacks coming on. Take me out
+quickly.
+
+"My wife is suddenly taken sick," said Mr. Montgomery, hurriedly.
+
+"She is subject to fits. If you will give me the ring, I will return
+to-morrow and negotiate for its sale."
+
+"I am very sorry," said the clerk, with sympathy, handing back the ring.
+"Can I get anything for the lady?"
+
+"No, thank you. The best thing to do is to get her into the open air.
+Thank you for your kindness."
+
+"Let me help you," said the clerk, and coming from behind the counter he
+took one arm of Mrs. Montgomery, who, leaning heavily on her husband and
+the clerk, walked, or rather was carried, to the street door.
+
+Of course, the attention of all within the store was drawn to the party.
+
+"What was the matter?" inquired a fellow-clerk, as the salesman
+returned.
+
+"It was a clergyman from Connecticut, who wished to sell a diamond ring,
+given to him for charitable purposes. His wife was taken suddenly sick.
+He will bring it back to-morrow."
+
+"Was the ring a valuable one?"
+
+"It must be worth in the neighborhood of three hundred dollars."
+
+Paul listened to this explanation, and a sudden light flashed upon him,
+as he heard the estimated value of the ring. There had been something
+familiar in the appearance of the adventurer, though, on account of
+his successful disguise and his being accompanied by a lady, he had
+not before felt any suspicion as to his identity with the man who had
+swindled him. Now he felt convinced that it was Mr. Felix Montgomery,
+and that it was his own appearance which had led to the sudden sickness
+and the precipitate departure.
+
+"That trick won't work, Mr. Montgomery," he said to himself. "I've got
+on your track sooner than I anticipated, and I mean to follow you up."
+
+Reaching the sidewalk, he caught sight of Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery just
+turning the corner of a side street. The pair supposed they were safe,
+not thinking that our hero had recognized them, and the lady no longer
+exhibited illness, and was walking briskly at her husband's side. Paul
+hurried up and tapped the adventurer on the shoulder. Mr. Montgomery,
+turning, was annoyed on finding that he had not yet escaped. He
+determined, however, to stick to his false character, and deny all
+knowledge of the morning's transaction.
+
+"Well, my young friend," he said, "do you want me? I believe I have not
+the pleasure of your acquaintance."
+
+"You are mistaken there, Mr. Felix Montgomery," said Paul,
+significantly.
+
+"By what name did you address me?" said the swindler, assuming a tone of
+surprise.
+
+"I addressed you as Mr. Felix Montgomery."
+
+"You have made a mistake, my good friend. I am an humble clergyman from
+Connecticut. I am called the Rev. Mr. Barnes. Should you ever visit
+Hayfield Centre, I shall be glad to receive a call from you."
+
+"When I last met you, you were a jeweler from Syracuse," said Paul,
+bluntly.
+
+Mr. Montgomery laughed heartily.
+
+"My dear," he said, turning to his wife, "is not this an excellent
+joke? My young friend here thinks he recognizes in me a jeweler from
+Syracuse."
+
+"Indeed, you are quite mistaken," said the lady. "My husband is a
+country minister. We came up to the city this morning on a little
+business."
+
+"I understand on what business," said Paul. "You wanted to dispose of a
+diamond ring."
+
+Mr. Montgomery was disposed to deny the charge, but a moment's
+reflection convinced him that it would be useless, as Paul had doubtless
+been informed in Ball & Black's of his business there. He decided to put
+on a bold front and admit it.
+
+"I suppose you were in Ball & Black's just now," he said.
+
+"I was."
+
+"And so learned my business there? But I am at a loss to understand why
+you should be interested in the matter."
+
+"That ring is mine," said Paul. "You swindled me out of it this
+morning."
+
+"My young friend, you must certainly be insane," said Mr. Montgomery,
+shrugging his shoulders. "My dear, did you hear that?"
+
+"He is an impudent boy," said the lady. "I am surprised that you should
+be willing to talk to him."
+
+"If you leave here I will put a policeman on your track," said Paul.
+
+He looked so determined that Mr. Montgomery found that he must parley.
+
+"You are under a strange hallucination, my young friend," he said.
+"If you will walk along with me, I think I can convince you of your
+mistake."
+
+"There is no mistake about the matter," said Paul, walking on with them.
+"The ring is mine, and I must have it."
+
+"My dear, will you explain about the ring? He may credit your
+testimony."
+
+"I don't see that any explanation is necessary," said the lady.
+"However, since you wish it, I will say that the ring was handed you by
+Mrs. Benton, a wealthy lady of your parish, with instructions to sell
+it, and devote the proceeds to charitable purposes."
+
+"Is that explanation satisfactory?" asked Mr. Montgomery.
+
+"No, it is not," said Paul, resolutely. "I don't believe one word of
+it. I recognize you in spite of your dress. You gave me chloroform this
+morning in a room in Lovejoy's Hotel, and when I was unconscious you
+made off with the ring which I expected to sell you. You had better
+return it, or I will call a policeman."
+
+"I am not the person you take me for," said Felix Montgomery.
+
+"You are the jeweler from Syracuse who swindled me out of my ring."
+
+"I never was a jeweler, and never lived in Syracuse," said the
+adventurer, with entire truth.
+
+"You may be right, but that is what you told me this morning."
+
+"I wish you would go away, and cease to annoy us," said the lady,
+impatiently.
+
+"I want my ring."
+
+"We have no ring of yours."
+
+"Show me the ring, and if it is not mine I will go away."
+
+"You are a very impudent fellow, upon my word," said Mrs. Montgomery,
+sharply, "to accuse a gentleman like my husband of taking your ring. I
+don't believe you ever had one."
+
+"My dear," interposed her husband, mildly, "I dare say my young friend
+here really thinks we have his ring. Of course it is a great mistake.
+Imagine what our friends in Hayfield Centre would think of such a
+charge! But you must remember that he is unacquainted with my standing
+in the community. In order to satisfy his mind, I am willing to let him
+see the ring."
+
+"To let him see the ring?" repeated the lady, in surprise.
+
+"Yes. Here, my lad," taking the ring from his pocket, "this is the ring.
+You will see at once that it is not yours."
+
+"I see that it is mine," said Paul, taking the proffered ring, and
+preparing to go, astonished at his own good fortune in so easily
+recovering it.
+
+"Not so fast!" exclaimed Mr. Montgomery, seizing him by the shoulder.
+"Help! Police!"
+
+An officer had turned the corner just before, and it was this that had
+suggested the trap. He came up quickly, and, looking keenly from one to
+the other, inquired what was the matter.
+
+"This boy has just purloined a ring from my wife," said Mr. Montgomery.
+"Fortunately I caught him in the act."
+
+"Give up the ring, you young scoundrel!" said the officer, imposed upon
+by the clerical appearance of the adventurer.
+
+"It is mine," said Paul.
+
+"None of your gammon! Give up the ring, and come with me."
+
+The ring was restored to Mr. Montgomery, who overwhelmed the officer
+with a profusion of thanks.
+
+"It is not a diamond, only an imitation," he said, "but my wife values
+it as the gift of a friend. Don't be too hard on the boy. He may not be
+so bad as he seems."
+
+"I'll attend to him," said the policeman, emphatically. "I'll learn him
+to rob ladies of rings in the street. Come along, sir!"
+
+Paul tried to explain matters, but no attention was paid to his
+protestations. To his anger and mortification he saw the swindler
+make off triumphantly with the ring, while he, the wronged owner, was
+arrested as a thief.
+
+But at the station-house he had his revenge. He was able to prove to his
+captor that he had lodged information against Mr. Montgomery, and the
+policeman in turn was mortified to think how readily he had been
+imposed upon. Of course Paul was set free, but the officer's blundering
+interference seemed to render the recovery of the ring more doubtful
+than ever.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+A MAN OF RESOURCES
+
+"Well, that was a narrow escape," said Mr. Montgomery, with a sigh of
+relief. "I think I managed rather cleverly, eh?"
+
+"I wanted to box the boys ears," said Mrs. Montgomery, sharply.
+
+"It wouldn't have been in character, my dear. Ha, ha!" he laughed,
+softly, "we imposed upon the officer neatly. Our young friend got rather
+the worst of it."
+
+"Why don't you call things by their right names? He isn't much of a
+friend."
+
+"Names are of no consequence, my dear."
+
+"Well, what are you going to do next?" asked the lady, abruptly.
+
+"About the ring?"
+
+"Of course."
+
+"I hardly know," said Mr. Montgomery, reflectively. "If it were not for
+appearing too anxious, I would go back to Ball & Black's now that our
+young friend is otherwise engaged, and can't interrupt us."
+
+"Suppose we go?"
+
+"Well, you see, it might be considered rather soon for you to recover
+from your fit. Besides, I don't know what stories this boy may have
+thought fit to tell about us."
+
+"He didn't have time to say anything."
+
+"Perhaps you are right."
+
+"We want to dispose of the ring as soon as possible, and leave the
+city."
+
+"That is true. Well, if you say so, we will go back."
+
+"It seems to me now is the best time. The boy will tell his story to the
+officer and we may be inquired for."
+
+"Then, my dear, I will follow your advice."
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery turned, and directed their steps again toward
+Broadway. The distance was short, and fifteen minutes had scarcely
+elapsed since they left the store before they again entered it. They
+made their way to the lower end of the store and accosted the same clerk
+with whom they had before spoken.
+
+"Is your wife better?" he asked.
+
+"Much better, thank you. A turn in the air always relieves her, and she
+is quite herself again. I have returned because it is necessary for
+me to leave the city by the evening train, and my time is, therefore,
+short. Will you be kind enough to show the ring to your employer, and
+ask him if he will purchase?"
+
+The clerk returned, and said that the firm would pay two hundred and
+fifty dollars, but must be assured of his right to dispose of it.
+
+"Did you mention my name?" asked the adventurer.
+
+"I mentioned that you were a clergyman. I could not remember the name."
+
+"The Rev. Mr. Barnes, of Hayfield Centre, Connecticut. I have been
+preaching there for--is it six or seven years, my dear?"
+
+"Seven," said his wife.
+
+"I should think that would be sufficient. You may mention that to Mr.
+Ball or Mr. Black, if you please. I presume after that he will not be
+afraid to purchase."
+
+Mr. Montgomery said this with an air of conscious respectability and
+high standing, which might readily impose upon strangers. But, by bad
+luck, what he had said was heard by a person able to confute him.
+
+"Did you say you were from Hayfield Centre?" asked a gentleman, standing
+a few feet distant.
+
+"Yes," said Mr. Montgomery.
+
+"I think you said your name was Barnes?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"And that you have been preaching there for the last seven years?"
+
+"Yes, sir," answered Mr. Montgomery, but there was rather less
+confidence in his tone. In fact he was beginning to feel uneasy.
+
+"It is very strange," said the other. "I have a sister living in
+Hayfield Centre, and frequently visit the place myself, and so of course
+know something of it. Yet I have never heard of any clergyman named
+Barnes preaching there."
+
+Mr. Montgomery saw that things looked critical.
+
+"You are strangely mistaken, sir," he said. "However, I will not press
+the sale. If you will return the ring (to the clerk) I will dispose of
+it elsewhere."
+
+But the clerk's suspicions had been aroused by what had been said.
+
+"I will first speak to Mr. Ball," he said.
+
+"There is no occasion to speak to him. I shall not sell the ring to-day.
+To-morrow, I will come with witnesses whose testimony will outweigh that
+of this gentleman, who I suspect never was in Hayfield Centre in his
+life. I will trouble you for the ring."
+
+"I hope you don't intend to give it to him," said the gentleman. "The
+presumption is that, as he is masquerading, he has not come by it
+honestly."
+
+"I shall not deign to notice your insinuations," said Mr. Montgomery,
+who concealed beneath a consequential tone his real uneasiness. "The
+ring, if you please."
+
+"Don't give it to him."
+
+As the clerk seemed disinclined to surrender the ring, Mr. Montgomery
+said: "Young man, you will find it to be a serious matter to withhold my
+property."
+
+"Perhaps I had better give it to him," said the clerk, imposed upon by
+the adventurer's manner.
+
+"Require him to prove property. If it is really his, he can readily do
+this."
+
+"My dear," said the Rev. Mr. Barnes, "we will leave the store."
+
+"What, and leave the ring?"
+
+"For the present. I will invoke the aid of the police to save me from
+being robbed in this extraordinary manner."
+
+He walked to the street door, accompanied by his wife. He was deeply
+disappointed at the failure of the sale, and would gladly have wreaked
+vengeance upon the stranger who had prevented it. But he saw that
+his safety required an immediate retreat. In addition to his own
+disappointment, he had to bear his wife's censure.
+
+"If you had the spirit of a man, Mr. Montgomery," she commenced, "you
+wouldn't have given up that ring so easily. He had no business to keep
+it."
+
+"I would have called in a policeman if I dared, but you know I am not on
+the best of terms with these gentlemen."
+
+"Are we to lose the ring, then?"
+
+"I am afraid so, unless I can make them believe in the store that I am
+really what I pretend to be."
+
+"Can't you do it?"
+
+"Not very easily, unless stay, I have an idea. Do you see that young
+man?"
+
+He directed his wife's attention to a young man, evidently fresh from
+the country, who was approaching, staring open-eyed at the unwonted
+sights of the city. He was dressed in a blue coat with brass buttons,
+while his pantaloons, of a check pattern, terminated rather higher up
+than was in accordance with the fashion.
+
+"Yes, I see him," said Mrs. Montgomery. "What of him?"
+
+"I am going to recover the ring through his help."
+
+"I don't see how."
+
+"You will see."
+
+"How do you do?" said the adventurer, cordially, advancing to the young
+man, and seizing his hand.
+
+"Pretty smart," said the countryman, looking surprised.
+
+"Are your parents quite well?"
+
+"They're so's to be around."
+
+"When did you come to the city?"
+
+"This mornin'."
+
+"Do you stay any length of time?"
+
+"I'm goin' back this afternoon."
+
+"You didn't expect to meet me now, did you?" asked Mr. Montgomery.
+
+"I s'pose I'd orter know you," said the perplexed youth, "but I can't
+think what your name is."
+
+"What! Not know Mr. Barnes, the minister of Hayfield Centre? Don't you
+remember hearing me preach for your minister?"
+
+"Seems to me I do," answered the young man, persuading himself that he
+ought to remember.
+
+"Of course you do. Now, my young friend, I am very glad to have met
+you."
+
+"So am I," said the other, awkwardly.
+
+"You can do me a favor, if you will."
+
+"Of course, I will," said Jonathan, "if it's anything I can do."
+
+"Yes, you will have no trouble about it. You see, I went into a
+jeweler's near by to sell a valuable ring, and they wanted to make sure
+I was really a minister, and not intending to cheat them. If you will go
+in with me, and say that you have often heard me preach, and that I am
+the Rev. Mr. Barnes, of Hayfield Centre, I won't mind paying you five
+dollars for your trouble."
+
+"All right; I'll do it," said the rustic, considering that it would be
+an unusually easy way of earning few dollars.
+
+"You'll remember the name, won't you?"
+
+"Yes--Parson Barnes, of Hayfield Centre."
+
+"That is right. The store is near by. Walk along with us, and we will be
+there in five minutes."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+A NEW EXPEDIENT
+
+"I believe your name is Peck?" said Mr. Montgomery, hazarding a guess.
+
+"No, it's Young, Ephraim Young."
+
+"Of course it is. I remember now, but I am apt to forget names. You said
+your parents were quite well?"
+
+"Yes, they're pretty smart."
+
+"I am glad to hear it; I have the pleasantest recollections of your
+excellent father. Let me see, didn't you call there with me once, Mrs.
+Barnes?"
+
+"Not that I remember."
+
+"You must go with me the next time. I want you to know the parents
+of our young friend. They are excellent people. Do you go back this
+afternoon, Mr. Young?"
+
+"Yes, I guess so. You don't know of any sitooation I could get in a
+store round here, do you?"
+
+"Not at present, but I have some influential friends to whom I will
+mention your name. Suppose, now, I could obtain a situation for you, how
+shall I direct the letter letting you know?"
+
+"Just put on the letter 'Ephraim Young.' Everybody in Plainfield knows
+me."
+
+"So he lives in Plainfield," said Mr. Montgomery to himself. "It's as
+well to know that." Then aloud: "I won't forget, Mr. Young. What sort of
+business would you prefer?"
+
+"Any kind that'll pay," said the gratified youth, firmly convinced
+of his companion's ability to fulfill his promise. "I've got tired of
+stayin' round home, and I'd like to try York a little while. Folks say
+it's easy to make money here."
+
+"You are right. If I were a business man, I would come to New York at
+once. For a smart young man like you it offers a much better opening
+than a country village."
+
+"That's what I've told dad often," said the rustic, "but he's afraid I
+wouldn't get nothing to do and he says it's dreadful expensive livin'
+here."
+
+"So it is expensive, but then you will be better paid than in the
+country. However, here we are. You won't forget what I told you?"
+
+"No--I'll remember," said the young man.
+
+The reappearance of Mr. Barnes and wife so soon excited some surprise
+in the store, for it had got around, as such things will, that he was an
+impostor, and it was supposed that he would not venture to show his face
+there again. The appearance of his rustic companion likewise attracted
+attention. Certainly, Mr. Montgomery (it makes little difference what we
+call him) did not exhibit the slightest appearance of apprehension, but
+his manner was quite cool and self-possessed. He made his way to that
+part of the counter attended by the clerk with whom he had before
+spoken. He observed with pleasure and relief that the man who had
+questioned his identity with any of the ministers of Hayfield Centre
+was no longer in the store. This would make the recovery of the ring
+considerably easier.
+
+"Well, sir," he said, addressing the clerk, "I suppose you did not
+expect to see me again so soon?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Nor did I expect to be able to return for the ring before to-morrow,
+not supposing that I could bring witnesses to prove that I was what
+I represented. But fortunately I met just now a young friend, who
+can testify to my identity, as he has heard me preach frequently in
+Plainfield, where he resides. Mr. Young, will you be kind enough to tell
+this gentleman who I am?"
+
+"Parson Barnes, of Hayfield Centre," said the youth, confidently.
+
+"You have heard me preach, have you not, in Plainfield?"
+
+"Yes," said the young man, fully believing that he was telling the
+truth.
+
+"And I have called on your parents?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I think," said the adventurer, "that will be sufficient to convince you
+that I am what I appear."
+
+It was hard to doubt, in the face of such evidence. Ephraim Young was so
+unmistakably from the rural districts that it would have been absurd to
+suspect him of being an artful city rogue. Besides, Mr. Barnes himself
+was got up so naturally that all the clerk's doubts vanished at once. He
+concluded that the customer who had questioned his genuineness must be
+very much mistaken.
+
+"I ought to apologize to you, sir," he said, "for doubting your word.
+But in a city like this you know one has to be very careful."
+
+"Of course," said the adventurer, blandly, "I do not blame you in the
+least. You only did your duty, though it might have cost me some trouble
+and inconvenience."
+
+"I am sorry, sir."
+
+"No apologies, I beg. It has all turned out right, and your mistake
+was a natural one. If you will kindly return me the ring, I will defer
+selling it, I think, till another day."
+
+The clerk brought the ring, which he handed back to Mr. Montgomery. The
+latter received it with so much the more satisfaction, as he had made
+up his mind at one time that it was gone irrevocably, and put it away in
+his waistcoat pocket.
+
+"I had intended to buy some silver spoons," he said, "but it will be
+necessary to wait until I have disposed of the ring. However, I may as
+well look at some, eh, Mrs. Barnes?"
+
+"If you like," assented the lady.
+
+So the pair examined some spoons, and fixed upon a dozen, which they
+said they would return and buy on the next day, and then, with a
+polite good-by, went out of the store, leaving behind, on the whole, a
+favorable impression.
+
+Ephraim Young accompanied them out, and walked along beside them in the
+street. He, too, was in good spirits, for had not his companion promised
+him five dollars for his services, which he had faithfully rendered?
+Five dollars to the young man from the rural districts was a very
+considerable sum of money--quite a nugget, in fact--and he already
+enjoyed in advance the pleasure which he anticipated of telling his
+friends at home how easily he had earned such a sum in "York." He walked
+along beside the adventurer, expecting that he would say something about
+paying him, but no allusion was made by the adventurer to his
+promise. Indeed, five dollars was considerably more than he had in his
+possession. When they reached Amity street, for they were now proceeding
+up Broadway, he sought to shake off the young man, whose company he no
+longer desired.
+
+"This is our way," he said. "I suppose you are going further. I am very
+glad to have met you, Mr. Young. I hope you will give our regards to
+your excellent parents;" and he held out his hand in token of farewell.
+
+"Ain't you goin' to pay me that money?" said Ephraim, bluntly, becoming
+alarmed at the prospect of losing the nugget he had counted on with so
+much confidence.
+
+"Bless me, I came near forgetting it! I hope you will excuse me," and
+to Ephraim's delight he drew out his pocketbook. But the prospect of
+payment was not so bright as the young man supposed.
+
+"I don't think I have a five-dollar bill," said Mr. Montgomery, after an
+examination of the pocketbook. "Mrs. Montgomery, do you happen to have a
+five with you?"
+
+"No, I haven't," said the lady, promptly. "I spent all my money shopping
+this morning."
+
+"That is unfortunate. Our young friend has rendered us such a service I
+don't like to make him wait for his money."
+
+Ephraim Young looked rather blank at this suggestion.
+
+"Let me see, I have a hundred-dollar bill here," said Mr. Montgomery.
+"I will go into the next store, and see if I can't get it changed. Mr.
+Young, will you be kind enough to remain with my wife?"
+
+"Certain," said Ephraim, brightening up.
+
+Mr. Montgomery went into a shop near by, but made no request to have a
+hundred-dollar bill changed. He was rather afraid that they might comply
+with his request, which would have subjected him to some embarrassment.
+He merely inquired if he could use a pen for a moment; request which was
+readily granted. In less than five minutes he emerged into the street
+again. Ephraim Young looked toward him eagerly.
+
+"I am sorry to say, my young friend," he remarked, "that I was unable to
+get my bill changed. I might get it changed at a bank, but the banks are
+all closed at this hour."
+
+The countryman looked disturbed.
+
+"I am afraid," continued Mr. Montgomery, "I must wait and send you the
+money in a letter from Hayfield Centre."
+
+"I'd rather have it now," said Ephraim.
+
+"I am sorry to disappoint you," said the adventurer smoothly; "but after
+all you will only have a day or two to wait. To make up to you for the
+delay I have decided to send you ten dollars instead of five. Finding
+I could not change my bill, I wrote a note for the amount, which I will
+hand you."
+
+Ephraim received the paper, which the other handed him, and read as
+follows:
+
+NEW YORK, Sept 15, 18--.
+
+Three days from date I promise to pay Mr. Ephraim Young ten dollars.
+
+JOTHAM BARNES, of Hayfield Centre.
+
+"How will that do?" asked the adventurer. "By waiting three days you
+double your money."
+
+"You'll be sure to send it," said Ephraim, doubtfully.
+
+"My young friend, I hope you do not doubt me," said the Rev. Mr. Barnes,
+impressively.
+
+"I guess it's all right," said Ephraim, "only I thought I might like to
+spend the money in the city."
+
+"Much better save it up," said the other. "By and by it may come in
+useful."
+
+Ephraim carefully folded up the note, and deposited it in an immense
+wallet, the gift of his father. He would have preferred the money which
+it represented: but three days would soon pass, and the ten dollars
+would be forwarded to him. He took leave of his new acquaintances, Mr.
+Montgomery shaking his hand with affectionate warmth, and requesting him
+to give his best respects to his parents. When Ephraim was out of sight
+he returned to his wife, with a humorous twinkle in his eye, and said:
+
+"Wasn't that cleverly done, old lady?"
+
+"Good enough!" remarked the lady. "Now you've got the ring back again,
+what are you going to do with it?"
+
+"That, my dear, is a subject which requires the maturest consideration.
+I shall endeavor to convert it as soon as possible into the largest
+possible sum in greenbacks. Otherwise I am afraid our board bill, and
+the note I have just given to my rural friend, will remain unpaid."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+MR. MONTGOMERY'S ARREST
+
+Having shaken off his country acquaintance, of whom he had no further
+need, Mr. Montgomery started to return to his lodgings. On the whole,
+he was in good spirits, though he had not effected the sale of the ring.
+But it was still in his possession, and it had a tangible value.
+
+"I am sorry you did not sell the ring," said Mrs. Montgomery.
+
+"So am I," said her husband. "We may have to sell it in some other
+city."
+
+"We can't leave the city without money."
+
+"That's true," returned her husband, rather taken aback by what was
+undeniably true.
+
+"We must sell the ring, or raise money on it, in New York."
+
+"I don't know but you are right. The trouble is, there are not many
+places where they will buy so expensive an article. Besides, they will
+be apt to ask impertinent questions."
+
+"You might go to a pawnbroker's."
+
+"And get fleeced. If I got a quarter of the value from a pawnbroker, I
+should be lucky."
+
+"We must do something with it," said Mrs. Montgomery, decidedly.
+
+"Right, my dear. We must get the sinews of war somewhere. Richard will
+never be himself again till his pocketbook is lined with greenbacks. At
+present, who steals my purse steals trash."
+
+"Suppose you try Tiffany's?"
+
+"The ring has already been offered there. They might remember it."
+
+"If they do, say that he is your son."
+
+"A good thought," answered the husband. "I will act upon it. But, on the
+whole, I'll doff this disguise, and assume my ordinary garments. This
+time, my dear, I shall not need your assistance."
+
+"Well, the sooner it's done the better. That's all I have to say."
+
+"As soon as possible."
+
+Mr. Montgomery returned to his lodgings in Amity street, and, taking
+off his clerical garb, appeared in the garb in which we first made his
+acquaintance. The change was very speedily effected.
+
+"Wish me good luck, Mrs. M.," he said, as he opened the door. "I am
+going to make another attempt."
+
+"Good luck to you, Tony! Come back soon."
+
+"As soon as my business is completed. If I get the money, we will leave
+for Philadelphia this evening. You may as well be packing up."
+
+"I am afraid the landlady won't let us carry away our baggage unless we
+pay our bill."
+
+"Never mind! Pack it up, and we'll run our chance."
+
+Felix Montgomery left the house with the ring carefully deposited in
+his vest pocket. To judge from his air of easy indifference, he
+might readily have been taken for a substantial citizen in excellent
+circumstances; but then appearances are oftentimes deceitful, and they
+were especially so in the present instance.
+
+He made his way quickly to Broadway, and thence to Tiffany's, at that
+time not so far uptown as at present. He entered the store with a
+nonchalant air, and, advancing to the counter, accosted the same clerk
+to whom Paul had shown the ring earlier in the day.
+
+"I have a valuable ring which I would like to sell," he said. "Will you
+tell me its value?"
+
+The clerk no sooner took it in his hand than he recognized it.
+
+"I have seen that ring before," he said, looking at Mr. Montgomery
+keenly.
+
+"Yes," said the latter, composedly; "this morning, wasn't it?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"My boy brought it in here. I ought not to have sent him, for he came
+very near losing it on the way home. I thought it best to come with it
+myself."
+
+This was said so quietly that it was hard to doubt the statement, or
+would have been if information had not been brought to the store that
+the ring had been stolen.
+
+"Yes, boys are careless," assented the clerk, not caring to arouse Mr.
+Montgomery's suspicions. "You wish to sell the ring, I suppose."
+
+"Yes," answered the other; "I don't like to carry a ring of so great
+value. Several times I have come near having it stolen. Will you buy
+it?"
+
+"I am not authorized to make the purchase," said the clerk. "I will
+refer the matter to Mr. Tiffany."
+
+"Very well," said Mr. Montgomery. "I am willing to accept whatever he
+may pronounce a fair price."
+
+"No doubt," thought the clerk.
+
+He carried the ring to his employer, and quickly explained the
+circumstances.
+
+"The man is doubtless a thief. He must be arrested," said the jeweler.
+
+"If I go for an officer, he will take alarm."
+
+"Invite him to come into the back part of the shop, and I will protract
+the negotiation while you summon a policeman."
+
+The clerk returned, and at his invitation Mr. Montgomery walked to
+the lower end of the store, where he was introduced to the head of the
+establishment. Sharp though he was, he suspected no plot.
+
+"You are the owner of this ring?" asked Mr. Tiffany.
+
+"Yes, sir," said the adventurer. "It has been in our family for a long
+time."
+
+"But you wish to sell it now?"
+
+"Yes; I have come near losing it several times, and prefer to dispose of
+it. What is its value?"
+
+"That requires some consideration. I will examine it closely."
+
+Mr. Montgomery stood with his back to the entrance, waiting patiently,
+while the jeweler appeared to be engaged in a close examination of the
+ring. He congratulated himself that no questions had been asked which
+it might have been difficult for him to answer. He made up his mind
+that after due examination Mr. Tiffany would make an offer, which he
+determined in advance to accept, whatever it might be, since he would
+consider himself fortunate to dispose of it at even two-thirds of its
+value.
+
+Meanwhile the clerk quietly slipped out of the store, and at a short
+distance encountered a policeman, upon whom he called for assistance.
+At the same moment Paul and Mr. Preston came up. Our hero, on being
+released from arrest, had sought Mr. Preston, and the latter obligingly
+agreed to go with him to Tiffany's, and certify to his honesty, that, if
+the ring should be brought there, it might be retained for him. Paul did
+not recognize the clerk, but the latter at once remembered him.
+
+"Are you not the boy that brought a diamond ring into our store this
+morning?" he asked.
+
+"Into Tiffany's?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Have you seen anything of it?" asked our hero, eagerly. "I am the one
+who brought it in."
+
+"A man just brought it into the store," said the clerk.
+
+"Is he there now?"
+
+"He is talking with Mr. Tiffany. I came out for a policeman. He will be
+arrested at once."
+
+"Good!" ejaculated Paul; "I am in luck. I thought I should never see the
+ring again. What sort of a man is he?"
+
+From the description, Paul judged that it was Felix Montgomery himself,
+and, remembering what a trick the adventurer had played upon him at
+Lovejoy's Hotel, he felt no little satisfaction in the thought that the
+trapper was himself trapped at last.
+
+"I'll go along with you," he said. "I want to see that man arrested."
+
+"You had better stay outside just at first, until we have secured him."
+
+Meanwhile Mr. Tiffany, after a prolonged examination, said: "The ring is
+worth two hundred and fifty dollars."
+
+"That will be satisfactory," said Mr. Montgomery, promptly.
+
+"Shall I give you a check for the amount?" asked the jeweler.
+
+"I should prefer the money, as I am a stranger in the city, and not
+known at the banks."
+
+"I can make the check payable to bearer, and then you will have no
+difficulty in getting it cashed."
+
+While this conversation was going on, the clerk entered the store with
+the policeman, but Mr. Montgomery's back was turned, and he was not
+aware of the fact till the officer tapped him on the shoulder, saying:
+"You are my prisoner."
+
+"What does this mean? There is some mistake," said the adventurer,
+wheeling round with a start.
+
+"No mistake at all. You must come with me."
+
+"What have I done? You take me for some one else."
+
+"You have stolen a diamond ring."
+
+"Who says so?" demanded the adventurer, boldly. "It is true I brought
+one here to sell, but it has belonged to me for years."
+
+"You are mistaken, Mr. Montgomery," said Paul, who had come up
+unperceived. "You stole that ring from me this morning, after dosing me
+with chloroform at Lovejoy's Hotel."
+
+"It is a lie," said the adventurer, boldly. "That boy is my son. He is
+in league with his mother to rob me. She sent him here this morning
+unknown to me. Finding it out, I took the ring from him, and brought it
+here myself."
+
+Paul was certainly surprised at being claimed as a son by the man who
+had swindled him, and answered: "I never saw you before this morning. I
+have no father living."
+
+"I will guarantee this boy's truth and honesty," said Mr. Preston,
+speaking for the first time. "I believe you know me, Mr. Tiffany."
+
+"I need no other assurance," said the jeweler, bowing. "Officer, you may
+remove your prisoner."
+
+"The game is up," said the adventurer, finding no further chance for
+deception. "I played for high stakes, and I have lost the game. I have
+one favor to ask. Will some one let my wife know where I am?"
+
+"Give me her address," said Paul, "and I will let her know."
+
+"No. ---- Amity street. Ask her to come to the station-house to see me."
+
+"I will go at once."
+
+"Thank you," said Mr. Montgomery; "as I am not to have the ring, I don't
+know that I am sorry it has fallen into your hands. One piece of advice
+I will venture to offer you, my lad," he added, smiling. "Beware of any
+jewelers hailing from Syracuse. They will cheat you, if you give them a
+chance."
+
+"I will be on my guard," said Paul. "Can I do anything more for you?"
+
+"Nothing, thank you. I have a fast friend at my side, who will look
+after me."
+
+The officer smiled grimly at the jest, and the two left the store arm in
+arm.
+
+"Do you still wish to sell this ring?" asked Mr. Tiffany, addressing
+Paul.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I renew my offer of this morning. I will give you two hundred and fifty
+dollars."
+
+"I shall be glad to accept it."
+
+The sale was quickly effected, and Paul left the store with what seemed
+to him a fortune in his pocket.
+
+"Be careful not to lose your money," said Mr Preston.
+
+"I should like to place a hundred and fifty dollars in your hands," said
+Paul, turning to Mr. Preston.
+
+"I will willingly take care of it for you, and allow you interest upon
+it."
+
+The transfer was made, and, carefully depositing the balance of the
+money in his pocketbook, our hero took leave of his friend and sought
+the house in Amity street.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+PAUL'S FINAL SUCCESS
+
+Mrs. Montgomery impatiently awaited the return of her husband. Meanwhile
+she commenced packing the single trunk which answered both for her
+husband and herself. She was getting tired of New York, and anxious to
+leave for Philadelphia, being fearful lest certain little transactions
+in which she and her husband had taken part should become known to the
+police.
+
+She had nearly completed her packing when Paul rang the doorbell.
+
+The summons was answered by the landlady in person.
+
+"Is Mrs. Montgomery at home?" asked Paul.
+
+"No such lady lives here," was the answer.
+
+It occurred to Paul as very possible that Mr. Montgomery might pass
+under a variety of names. He accordingly said, "Perhaps I have got the
+name wrong. The lady I mean is tall. I come with a message from her
+husband, who is a stout man with black hair and whiskers. He gave me
+this number."
+
+"Perhaps you mean Mr. Grimsby. He and his wife live here."
+
+"Probably that is the name," said Paul.
+
+"I will give Mrs. Grimsby your message," returned the landlady, whose
+curiosity was excited to learn something further about her boarders.
+
+"Thank you," said Paul; "but it is necessary for me to see the lady
+myself."
+
+"Well, you can follow me, then," said the landlady, rather ungraciously.
+
+She led the way upstairs, and knocked at the door of Mrs. Grimsby, or
+as we will still call her, Mrs. Montgomery, since that name is more
+familiar to the reader, and she was as much entitled to the one as the
+other.
+
+Mrs. Montgomery opened the door, and regarded our hero suspiciously, for
+her mode of life had taught her suspicion of strangers.
+
+"Here's a boy that wants to see you," said the landlady.
+
+"I come with a message from your husband," said Paul.
+
+Mrs. Montgomery remembered Paul as the boy who was the real owner of the
+diamond ring, and she eyed him with increased suspicion.
+
+"Did my husband send you? When did you see him."
+
+"Just now, at Tiffany's," answered Paul, significantly.
+
+"What is his message?" asked Mrs. Montgomery, beginning to feel uneasy.
+
+Paul glanced at the landlady, who, in the hope of gratifying her
+curiosity, maintained her stand by his side.
+
+"The message is private," he said.
+
+"I suppose that means that I am in the way," remarked the landlady,
+sharply. "I don't want to pry into anybody's secrets. Thank Heaven, I
+haven't got any secrets of my own."
+
+"Walk in, young man," said Mrs. Montgomery.
+
+Paul entered the room, and she closed the door behind him. Meanwhile the
+landlady, who had gone part way downstairs, retraced her steps, softly,
+and put her ear to the keyhole. Her curiosity, naturally strong, had
+been stimulated by Paul's intimation that there was a secret.
+
+"Now," said Mrs. Montgomery, impatiently, "out with it! Why does my
+husband send a message by you, instead of coming himself?"
+
+"He can't come himself."
+
+"Why can't he?"
+
+"I am sorry to say that I am the bearer of bad news," said Paul,
+gravely. "Your husband has been arrested for robbing me of a diamond
+ring."
+
+"Where is he?" demanded Mrs. Montgomery, not so much excited or overcome
+as she would have been had this been the first time her husband had
+fallen into the clutches of the law.
+
+"At the street station-house. He wants you to come and see him."
+
+"Have you got the ring back?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+Mrs. Montgomery was sorry to hear it. She hoped her husband might
+be able to secrete it, in which case he would pass it over to her to
+dispose of. Now she was rather awkwardly situated, being without money,
+or the means of making any.
+
+"I will go," she said.
+
+Paul, who was sitting next to the door, opened it suddenly, with
+unexpected effort, for the landlady, whose ear was fast to the keyhole,
+staggered into the room involuntarily.
+
+"So you were listening, ma'am, were you?" demanded Mrs. Montgomery,
+scornfully.
+
+"Yes, I was," said the landlady, rather red in the face.
+
+"You were in good business."
+
+"It's a better business than stealing diamond rings," retorted the
+landlady, recovering herself. "I've long suspected there was something
+wrong about you and your husband, ma'am, and now I know it. I don't want
+no thieves nor jail birds in my house, and the sooner you pay your bill
+and leave, the better I'll like it."
+
+"I'll leave as soon as you like, but I can't pay your bill."
+
+"I dare say," retorted the landlady. "You're a nice character to cheat
+an honest woman out of four weeks' board."
+
+
+
+"Well, Paul, what news?" asked Barry.
+
+"I am ready to buy your stand," said Paul.
+
+"Can you pay me all the money down?"
+
+"On the spot."
+
+"Then it is all settled," said Barry, with satisfaction. "I am glad of
+it, for now I shall be able to go on to Philadelphia to-morrow."
+
+Paul drew a roll of bills from his pocket, and proceeded to count
+out thirty-five dollars. Barry noticed with surprise that he had a
+considerable amount left.
+
+"You are getting rich, Paul," he said.
+
+"I am not rich yet," answered Paul, "but I mean to be some time if I can
+accomplish it by industry and attention to business."
+
+"You'll be sure to succeed," said George Barry. "You're just the right
+sort. Good-by, old fellow. When you come on to Philadelphia come and see
+me."
+
+"I may establish a branch stand in Philadelphia before long," said Paul,
+jocosely.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+CONCLUSION
+
+When Paul was left in charge of the stand, and realized that it was his
+own, he felt a degree of satisfaction which can be imagined. He had been
+a newsboy, a baggage-smasher, and in fact had pretty much gone the round
+of the street trades, but now he felt that he had advanced one step
+higher. Some of my readers may not appreciate the difference, but to
+Paul it was a great one. He was not a merchant prince, to be sure,
+but he had a fixed place of business, and with his experience he felt
+confident he could make it pay.
+
+"I am sure I can make from ten to fifteen dollars a week," he said to
+himself. "I averaged over a dollar a day when I worked for George Barry,
+and then I only got half-profits. Now I shall have the whole."
+
+This consideration was a very agreeable one. He would be able to
+maintain his mother and little Jimmy in greater comfort than before, and
+this he cared more for than for any extra indulgences for himself.
+In fact, he could relieve his mother entirely from the necessity of
+working, and yet live better than at present. When Paul thought of this,
+it gave him a thrill of satisfaction, and made him feel almost like a
+man.
+
+He set to work soliciting custom, and soon had sold three neckties at
+twenty-five cents each.
+
+"All that money is mine," he thought, proudly. "I haven't got to hand
+any of it over to George Barry. That's a comfort."
+
+As this thought occurred to him he recognized an old acquaintance
+strolling along the sidewalk in his direction. It was no other than Jim
+Parker, the friend and crony of Mike Donovan, who will be remembered as
+figuring in not a very creditable way in the earlier chapters of this
+story. It so happened that he and Paul had not met for some time, and
+Jim was quite ignorant of Paul's rise in life.
+
+As for Jim himself, no great change had taken place in his appearance or
+prospects. His suit was rather more ragged and dirty than when we first
+made his acquaintance, having been worn night and day in the streets, by
+night stretched out in some dirty alley or out-of-the-way corner,
+where Jim found cheap lodgings. He strolled along with his hands in his
+pockets, not much concerned at the deficiencies in his costume.
+
+"Hallo!" said he, stopping opposite Paul's stand. "What are you up to?"
+
+"You can see for yourself," answered Paul. "I am selling neckties."
+
+"How long you've been at it?"
+
+"Just begun."
+
+"Who's your boss?"
+
+"I haven't any."
+
+"You ain't runnin' the stand yourself, be you?" asked Jim, in surprise.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Where'd you borrow the stamps?"
+
+"Of my mother," said Paul. "Can't I sell you a necktie this morning?"
+
+"Not much," said Jim, laughing at the joke. "I've got my trunks stuffed
+full of 'em at home, but I don't wear 'em only Sundays. Do you make much
+money?"
+
+"I expect to do pretty well."
+
+"What made you give up sellin' prize packages?" asked Jim slyly.
+
+
+"Customers like you," answered Paul.
+
+Jim laughed.
+
+"You didn't catch me that time you lost your basket," he said.
+
+"That was a mean trick," said Paul, indignantly.
+
+"You don't want to hire me to sell for you, do you?"
+
+"That's where you're right. I don't."
+
+"I'd like to go into the business."
+
+"You'd better open a second-hand clothing store," suggested Paul,
+glancing at his companion's ragged attire.
+
+"Maybe I will," said Jim with a grin, "if you'll buy of me."
+
+"I don't like the style," said Paul. "Who's your tailor?"
+
+"He lives round in Chatham street. Say, can't you lend a fellow a couple
+of shillin' to buy some breakfast?"
+
+"Have you done any work to-day?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then you can't expect to eat if you don't work."
+
+"I didn't have no money to start with."
+
+"Suppose you had a quarter, what would you do?"
+
+"I'd buy a ten-cent plate of meat, and buy some evenin' papers with the
+rest."
+
+"If you'll do that, I'll give you what you ask for."
+
+"You'll give me two shillin'?" repeated Jim, incredulously, for he
+remembered how he had wronged Paul.
+
+"Yes," said Paul. "Here's the money;" and he drew a twenty-five-cent
+piece from his vest pocket, and handed it to Jim.
+
+"You give me that after the mean trick I played you?" said Jim.
+
+"Yes; I am sorry for you and want to help you along."
+
+"You're a brick!" exclaimed Jim, emphatically. "If any feller tries to
+play a trick on you, you just tell me, and I'll lam him."
+
+"All right, Jim!" said Paul, kindly; "I'll remember it."
+
+"There ain't anybody you want licked, is there?" asked Jim, earnestly.
+
+"Not at present, thank you," said Paul, smiling.
+
+"When you do, I'm on hand," said Jim. "Now I'll go and get some grub."
+
+He shuffled along toward Ann street, where there was a cheap
+eating-house, in which ten cents would pay for a plate of meat. He was
+decidedly hungry, and did justice to the restaurant, whose style of
+cookery, though not very choice, suited him so well that he could
+readily have eaten three plates of meat instead of one, but for the
+prudent thought that compelled him to reserve enough to embark in
+business afterwards. Jim was certainly a hard ticket; but Paul's
+unexpected kindness had won him, and produced a more profound impression
+than a dozen floggings could have done. I may add that Jim proved luck
+in his business investment, and by the close of the afternoon had enough
+money to provide himself with supper and lodging, besides a small fund
+to start with the next day.
+
+Paul sold three more neckties, and then, though it yet lacked an hour of
+the time when he generally proposed to close, he prepared to go home. He
+wanted to communicate the good news to his mother and little Jimmy.
+
+Mrs. Hoffman raised her eyes from her sewing as he entered.
+
+"Well, Paul," she said, "have you heard anything of the ring?"
+
+"Yes, mother, it's sold."
+
+"Is it? Well, we must do without it, then," said his mother in a tone of
+disappointment.
+
+"There won't be any trouble about that, mother, as long as we have got
+the money for it. I would rather have that than the ring."
+
+"Did you recover it, then?" asked his mother, eagerly.
+
+"Yes, mother--listen and I will tell you all about it."
+
+He sat down and told the story to two very attentive listeners.
+
+"What did you do with the money, Paul?" asked Jimmy.
+
+"Mr. Preston is keeping a hundred and fifty dollars for me. He will
+allow seven per cent. interest. But I must not forget that the money
+belongs to you, mother, and not to me. Perhaps you would prefer to
+deposit it in a savings bank."
+
+"I am quite satisfied with your disposal of it, Paul," said Mrs.
+Hoffman. "I little thought, when I found the ring, that it would be of
+such service to us."
+
+"It has set me up in business," said Paul, "and I am sure to make
+money. But I am getting out of stock. I must go round and buy some more
+neckties to-morrow."
+
+"How much do you pay for your ties, Paul?" asked his mother.
+
+"One shilling; I sell them for two. That gives me a good profit."
+
+"I wonder whether I couldn't make them?" said Mrs. Hoffman. "I find
+there is no sewing at present to be got, and, besides," she added, "I
+think I would rather work for you than for a stranger."
+
+"There is no need of your working, mother. I can earn enough to support
+the family."
+
+"While I have health I would prefer to work, Paul."
+
+"Then I will bring round some of the ties to-morrow. I have two or three
+kinds. There is nothing very hard about any of them. I think they would
+be easy to make."
+
+"That will suit me much better than making shirts."
+
+"Suppose I admit you to the firm, mother? I can get a large signboard,
+and have painted on it:
+
+PAUL HOFFMAN AND MOTHER,
+DEALERS IN NECKTIES.
+
+How would that sound?"
+
+"I think I would leave the business part in your hands, Paul."
+
+"I begin to feel like a wholesale merchant already," said Paul. "Who
+knows but I may be one some day?"
+
+"Many successful men have begun as low down," said his mother; "with
+energy and industry much may be accomplished."
+
+"Do you think I'll ever be a wholesale painter?" asked Jimmy, whose
+small ears had drank in the conversation.
+
+"Better try for it, Jimmy," said Paul. "I don't know exactly what a
+wholesale painter is, unless it's one who paints houses."
+
+"I shouldn't like that," said the little boy.
+
+"Then, Jimmy, you'd better be a retail painter."
+
+"I guess I will," said Jimmy, seriously.
+
+     Note: Thus far we have accompanied Paul Hoffman in his
+     career.  He is considerably better off than when we met him
+     peddling prize packages in front of the post office.  But we
+     have reason to believe that greater success awaits him.  He
+     will figure in the next two volumes of this series, more
+     particularly in the second, to be called "Slow and Sure; or,
+     From the Sidewalk to the Shop." Before this appears,
+     however, I propose to describe the adventures of a friend
+     and protegee of Paul's--under the title of PHIL THE FIDDLER;
+     OR, THE YOUNG STREET MUSICIAN.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Paul the Peddler, by Horatio Alger, Jr.
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