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@@ -0,0 +1,6812 @@ +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. + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PAUL THE PEDDLER *** + +***** This file should be named 659.txt or 659.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/6/5/659/ + +Produced by Charles Keller and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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