CARROTS FALLS INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY.CARROTS FALLS INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY.
Sid held Carrots by the hands in such a manner as to prevent the slightest movement save at the expense of considerable pain, and the stranger volunteered to act as sentinel during the punishment.
Skip understood that it was necessary for him to work very rapidly lest he should be interrupted by the guardians of the peace, and no pickpocket could have been more skilful than he in searching the prisoner.
"Here! don't you take that—it ain't mine!" Carrots cried as his enemy seized the dollar which Teddy had given him.
"Then, if it ain't yours, I reckon it's mine."
"I'll have you 'rested for stealin' if you don't put that right back!" Carrots threatened, struggling in vain to release himself from Sid's detaining grasp.
"I reckon you won't be able to do much of anything by the time I get through with you," Skip replied, with an exasperating chuckle. "This is jest about as much as I need to pay for the swell dinner we fellers want; an' when I see the owner I'll give it back to him, if I feel like it."
Then, without further parley, he began to beat the helpless boy in the most cruel manner, and probably would have continued until Carrots had received serious injury had it not been for a warning cry from the sentinel.
Master Jellison was very careful of his own precious body. He had no idea of allowing himself to be captured, since he might be broughtbefore the same judge to whom Carrots had told the story of his attack on Teddy; and therefore he delayed his flight only long enough to say threateningly:
"Now, if you an' that chump from Saranac don't get out er this part of the city before to-morrow mornin', I'll fix you so's you can't even wiggle." And, with a blow by way of emphasis, he started at full speed toward the water-front, Sid, Reddy, and the sentinel following close at his heels.
Poor Carrots was in a sad plight. His nose was bleeding, his cheek cut, and his head buzzing like a mill-wheel from the effects of the blows.
He seated himself on the curbstone, and was giving full sway to the grief and anger of his heart, when some one touched him gently on the shoulder.
Looking up quickly, he saw Teenie Massey, who asked in surprise:
"Why, what's the matter? Did Skip catch you?"
"Yes, he did; an' he stole a dollar that belonged to Teddy."
The enormity of this last offense caused Master Massey more surprise than if he had seen his friend in a much worse bodily condition. He had feared Carrots might get a whipping, but never believed Skip would be so bold as to commit downright robbery.
"How did it happen?" he asked solicitously.
Carrots told his story in the fewest possible words, and concluded by making the most dismal and blood-thirsty threats relative to what he would do to Master Jellison when the proper time should arrive—all ofwhich had but little effect on Teenie.
When from sheer lack of breath the victim was forced to cease speaking, Master Massey asked in a matter-of-fact tone:
"Where do you s'pose you'll live now?"
"Where will I live? Why, the same place I allers have, of course."
"But you won't dare to if Skip's goin' to cut up this way."
"I'll have him 'rested for stealin', an' then we'll see how he'll act. I guess he'll get sick of tryin' to run fellers out er town!"
Teenie made no reply to this threat because he did not believe it would be carried into effect, but said in what he intended should be a soothing tone:
"It ain't likely he'll try to do anythin' more to-day, so you'd better brace up an' get some of the blood off of your face. I've jest been down to tell Teddy what I heard Skip say he was goin' to do, an' you ought ter get 'round to the ferry, 'cause he'll be huntin' for you."
"I'm goin' to see that lawyer first, an' find out what can be done with Skip."
"Well, you want ter kind of spruce up a bit before you do that, for you don't look very fine now, Carrots."
"I'll jest leave the blood all over my face till the judge sees it."
"Then you'll stand a good chance of bein' 'rested for a pirate, 'cause you look like one." And Teenie, understanding that it would be useless to argue further with Carrots while he was in such a frame of mind,believed it his duty to notify the victim's partner that it was useless for him to neglect business, since the mischief had already been done.
Leaving the disconsolate victim of Skip's vengeance on the curbstone, Master Massey walked slowly toward the City Hall; but before he was very far from the scene of the late encounter, he met Teddy.
A few words sufficed to acquaint the latter with all that had happened.
It certainly was discouraging, to say the least, that Master Thurston should be obliged to spend so much time just at this hour, when trade was most flourishing; but he did not neglect what was manifestly his duty, even though it cost him so much in the way of prospective profits.
His first thought on approaching his partner was to attempt to soothe him; but after a few moments he realized how useless such a task would be, and proceeded at once to more heroic measures.
"Now, see here, Carrots, this won't do at all. It ain't any good for you to try to have Skip 'rested for takin' that dollar, an' the lawyer'll be mad, jest as likely as not, if you go to him 'bout it. Course it's pretty hard to git sich a thumpin'; but it's over now, an' we've got to figger how we can git the best of that villain ourselves."
"He's worse'n a villain—he's a heathen!" Carrots yelled.
"Well, call it a heathen then. We'll square up with him before we'remuch older, an' that's a good deal better'n tryin' to get somebody else to do it for us. I'll bet he has to give up that money before a week, an' we can 'ford to wait two or three days for the sake of doin' the thing right."
"I don't see how we'll ever get the best of Skip. He's always got his gang with him."
"We'll find some way before long, so you'd better fix yourself up and get to work. There's all the more need of hustlin' now we've lost a dollar."
"I didn't lose it! It was stole!"
"Well, it's gone, an' we've got to make it up. Now, be a man, an' to-night we'll talk this thing over."
Teddy spoke so sternly that Carrots was forced to obey; and, walking slowly and mournfully to City Hall Park, he washed his face in the basin of the fountain, drying it as well as he could with the sleeve of his coat, for Teddy no longer carried his newspaper valise since he had a dwelling-place in which to leave it.
As a matter of course, Carrots's friends, who chanced to be in the vicinity, insisted on knowing exactly what had happened, and, on being informed of the outrage, denounced the perpetrator of the villainy in no measured terms.
"He'll get hisself into trouble if he keeps on this way very long," one of the listeners said when the story had been told in all its details. "I've got tired seein' him tryin' to run the whole town, an' it strikes me there oughter be enough other fellers that feel the same way to set down on him."
More than one expressed the same opinion, and Teddy was made happy byhearing suggestions as to what should be done to curb Master Jellison's ambitions; but, although very much advice was given, no one volunteered anything in the way of assistance toward righting the wrong that had been done.
Vain threats and denunciations would not bring back the stolen money, and, to Teddy, this was more important than "squaring himself" with Skip. Therefore, after having waited for Carrots to talk with his friends as long as he thought absolutely necessary, he whispered:
"Now, see here, old man, I've got to go to work. We mustn't fool any more time away. Let's earn what we can the rest of the day, an' to-night we'll fix up some kind of a plan."
Carrots would have been better pleased to remain with his friends; but his partner was so peremptory that he could not refuse to go to work, and, half an hour later, the business associates were industriously engaged either in selling papers or blacking boots, according to the demands of their customers.
Teddy was the first to arrive at the packing-case home on the evening ofthe robbery; but before he had time to get supper—that is, spread out in the most tempting array possible the provisions he had brought home—a noise near the gate told that his partner had come.
Carrots's face was sadly swollen. He entered the box, and threw himself down wearily in one corner on the pile of straw.
"Anything else gone wrong?" Teddy asked in a friendly tone, as he lighted another candle for the purpose of increasing the cheerfulness of the apartment by an extra illumination.
"Anything wrong!" Carrots repeated. "I should think when a feller couldn't go 'round 'bout his business without bein' robbed, there was a good many things out er the way!"
"But, I mean, have you got inter any more trouble since then?"
"No; that was enough to last me the rest of this week, I guess."
"Now, see here, Carrots; it doesn't do any good to go fussin' 'bout that, an' the sooner you brace up, the better it'll be for all hands.Skip's got the money, an' you've got the thumpin', I know; but you can't change it by worryin' an' lookin' so glum."
"Do you count on a feller's grinnin' like a cat jest 'cause his face is swelled as big as a squash?" Carrots asked, dolefully.
"No; but I don't count on his thinkin' 'bout it all the time. We've got somethin' else to do besides botherin' with Skip Jellison. S'posin' you turn to an' give up everythin' for the next month jest to pay him back, an' then do it, what have you made? Why, nothin' at all—you 're jest where you are to-day. Now we've got a comfortable place to live in, and money enough to feed us for the next two or three days, even if we don't do any business; an' as good a chance to earn ourselves a stand as any other fellers ever had."
"So you 've laid right down, an' are goin' to let them keep that money, are you?"
"Well, yes, jest now; for there's nothin' else we can do. 'Cordin' to my way of thinkin', we've got to keep on workin' an' waitin' till the chance comes. Then we'll lay inter Skip as hard as you like; but I don't see the sense of whinin' yet awhile."
"What's to prove he won't jump in an' do the same thing over ag'in to-morrow?"
"I've been thinkin' most likely he'd try the game, an' we'd better stick together. Now, here's my way: in the mornin' you take your box, while I tend to the papers, an' we'll go right up to City Hall. If he comesthere we mustn't fight him, 'cause we'll be 'rested; but there's nothin' 'll prevent our keepin' him off if he tries any funny business. I guess it wouldn't be a great while before some one come along as a witness on our side. If he fools 'round two or three days, tryin' to drive us off, he'll get inter trouble, an' we'll be clear of it."
The only way in which Carrots's reply to this remark can be described, is by saying that he snorted.
It was not a groan, neither was it a spoken word; but, rather, a general snort of disdain for the plan proposed and defiance to the boy who had wronged him.
Teddy's suggestion was so tame and so unworthy the cause that Carrots began to think he had made a mistake by going into business with one who was willing to act so cowardly a part.
Teddy understood this quite as well as if his companion had given words to the thoughts, and, without losing his temper in the slightest degree, he asked: "If you don't like that plan, what do you want to do?"
"Go out an' lambaste Skip!"
"All right; there's nothin' to hinder. Shall I stay here, or do you want me to help?"
"Well, it looks to me as if it was as much your fight as mine."
"Very well; let's go. I reckon that we can find him somewhere, can't we?"
"Yes; he's 'most allers up 'round Grand Street an' the Bowery."
"Well," said Teddy, "if you're bound to try an' thump Skip, why, I'mwith you; but you know as well as I do how it'll turn out. He counts on jest what you think of doin', an' is sure to have his gang with him all the time."
"Then will you do jest as I say?"
"Right up to the dot!"
This satisfied Carrots to such a degree that he immediately cast off the look of anger he had worn, and began to appear more cheerful.
Carrots had so far unbent that he was willing to discuss the business of the day, and on counting the profits it was found that between them they had earned eighty-one cents, despite the many interruptions and difficulties.
According to the arrangements previously made, Teddy took possession of the funds, wrapped the pennies and silver pieces carefully in a piece of brown paper, and deposited the package in a hiding-place under one of the boxes which served them as a home.
"What are you doin' that for?" Carrots asked in surprise.
"I don't want to stand any chance of losin' it."
"But it's safer in your pocket than anywhere else."
"Not if we meet Skip. In case he an' his crowd get the best of us in a row, they'll be sure to do what they did this afternoon, an' we mustn't lose all the money we've got."
Carrots made no reply.
This preparing for a flogging was not agreeable to him, and it is possible he began to think that perhaps his scheme for getting even washardly as wise as he had supposed it.
Teddy deposited the cash where it would not be found until after a long and careful search, and then, their supper having been finished, said: "Now I'm ready whenever you are," and he extinguished one of the candles.
"It's no use to go up there so soon," Carrots replied. "We'd better hold on till he gets his supper."
Teddy made no comment upon this delay of justice, but began speaking of the work to be done on the following day, and the probability that trouble would ensue, always prefacing his remarks with the proviso:
"If we go out at all to-morrow."
"What do you keep saying that for?" Carrots finally asked. "Of course we'll go out to-morrow!"
"I've seen the time since I struck this town that I couldn't get out when I wanted to go, an' p'rhaps we shall be in the same fix to-night; but if we ain't we'll dive inter business mighty strong."
It was some time before Carrots showed the slightest disposition to venture forth for the purpose of wreaking vengeance.
Then it could have been observed that he was not nearly so eager as when he first came home.
Twice he leaped to his feet as if to propose that they start, and twice he sat down again.
One would almost have fancied he was waiting for Teddy to make the suggestion; but the latter remained silent.
Then it seemed as if it were absolutely necessary he should dosomething, and he said with an evident effort:
"Now, if you're ready, I reckon we'd better go."
"All right," Teddy replied, cheerily, as he led the way from the packing-cases to the street.
Carrots followed at a leisurely pace, and, as the two walked toward Grand Street by way of the Bowery, one would have said it was Teddy who had insisted on the expedition.
The nearer they approached the place where it was supposed Master Jellison would be found, the slower did Carrots walk, and finally, when they were yet more than a block away, he came to a standstill.
"What is it?" Teddy asked, knowing full well the cause of the halt.
"I've been thinkin' p'rhaps it would be better if we didn't go up there to-night. Course he's got his crowd with him, an' they could get the best of us."
"Yes, an' he'll be in the same fix for the next week."
"Well, I s'pose," Carrots said, hesitatingly, "we ought ter wait till he thinks we ain't goin' to do anything."
"That's jest what I proposed, old man, before we started out; but you seemed to think it ought ter be done to-night, an' I was willin' to give in."
"I guess I'll let it go as you say, 'cause it would be hard luck for both of us to get 'rested and sent up to the Island."
Now that Carrots had decided on delaying his vengeance, he was in theutmost haste to get away from the dangerous locality; for there was a chance that his enemy might appear, and then, perhaps, instead of being revenged, he would receive another thrashing.
With such thoughts in his mind he walked rapidly toward his dwelling; and when they were once safely inside the fence, all his former good-nature appeared to have returned.
He was the same Carrots as before, and, so far as could be seen, the loss of the dollar had ceased to trouble him.
Teddy was not willing that very much time should be spent in idle conversation; he believed it necessary they should be at their work very early in the morning, and curled himself on the bed of straw before the neighbouring clocks proclaimed the hour of eight.
When the sun rose once more, and the two merchants were preparing for business, Carrots no longer entertained ideas of thrashing his enemy, but seemed only to fear that he might receive further injury at Skip's hands.
So excessive was his prudence that he did not allow himself to stray more than half a dozen paces from Teddy's side, no matter what business might demand.
The morning trade opened in the most prosperous fashion, and the partners had already sold eight papers and put on four shines, when Master Jellison and his companions appeared on the scene.
"Look out for 'em!" Carrots said, nervously. "They are going to make a fuss, now, sure."
"Keep right on with your work, an' don't pay any 'tention, no matterwhat they say," Teddy replied; and the three boys who claimed the right to control business in that section of the city approached until they were offensively near those who had been warned to leave town.
"Didn't you get enough yesterday to serve you out?" Skip asked, angrily, of Carrots.
The latter made no reply.
"I reckon you know what I said 'bout your workin' 'roun' here," the bully continued, stepping yet closer, and shaking his fist in Carrots's face.
At this point, Teddy thought best to interfere, and, taking the box from his companion's hand, he stepped between Carrots and Skip.
"Now, I've got somethin' to say in this business," he began; "an' I want you to remember it, jest as much as we'll remember what you've said 'bout our goin'. I came down to this town to earn a livin', an' to leave other folks alone, same's I told you over there by the fountain. Yesterday you pounded Carrots, an' stole a dollar of my money from him. Now do you think I'm such a chump as to stand that?"
"Well, why don't you do somethin' 'bout it?" Skip asked, with a sneer, as he put himself in an attitude of defense.
TEDDY DEFENDS HIS PARTNER.TEDDY DEFENDS HIS PARTNER.
"If you think I'm so much of a fool as to fight you, an' stand the chance of gettin' 'rested, while you're coward enough to run away, it's a mistake, an' the sooner you find it out the better. This is what I want ter say, an' I mean every word of it. Jest as true as you touch us, orinterfere in any way, I'm goin' to that judge where I was taken up before, an' have you hauled in. You know what that'll 'mount to, an' these fellers who are with you stand the chance of gettin' the same as you'll get. The judge said that instead of fightin' a boy ought to make a complaint to the police, an' they'd see he was taken care of. Now, I've come to this city to stay, and that's what I'm goin' to do. If we were out in the country I'd be glad to stand up with you, an' the feller that got the worst of it would have to leave; but we're where the policemen will 'rest us, an' I can't 'ford to take chances."
Teddy spoke in such a decided tone, and appeared so determined to insist upon his rights, that, perhaps, for the first time in his life, Master Jellison was cowed, if not absolutely frightened.
He knew only too well that the statements made were correct: that he would be punished severely by the law for having robbed Carrots, and, in the bewilderment caused by the bold stand Teddy had taken, he retired a few paces to consult his friends.
The boy from Saranac had not said all he intended to, and, thinking it would be better to continue the conversation before the bully had time to regain his courage, he continued:
"I don't want you to think you're goin' to get off with that money, even if we keep quiet now. When the time comes right, you'll pay it back to Carrots, or have trouble; an' I'll give you somewhere 'bout a week to make up your mind, 'less you want ter kick up a row now. You'd bettersneak off before that policeman comes along, for I'll begin my end of the business by tellin' him the whole story jest as soon as he gets here."
As Teddy spoke, he motioned, involuntarily, with his head in the direction of the approaching officer, and, turning quickly, Skip saw the same guardian of the peace who had taken Teddy to the station-house.
It would be awkward for him to remain if the true story were to be told, and the bully concluded his wisest course was to leave that neighbourhood at once.
Therefore, he and his friends moved hastily away until they were on the opposite side of the street, where they could hide themselves behind the vehicles whenever it became necessary, and at the same time see all that was going on.
Teddy did not intend to recede one whit from the stand he had taken.
As soon as the policeman came up, he told all that had occurred during the previous twenty-four hours.
"So that boy is going to drive you out of town, eh?" the officer said, laughingly.
"No, he isn't goin' to do anything of the kind. That's whathesays; but I've got something to say 'bout it. I can't thump him, 'cause you'll 'rest me; but the chances are he'll hit me whenever he can. I sha'n't stand an' take it a great while, an' that's why I want you to know jest how I'm fixed."
"If you don't provoke a quarrel, and he makes any trouble, pitch in. Then come to me, and I'll see you through; but your best way would beto enter a complaint against him on the charge of stealing money."
"That's what I wouldn't like, 'less I had to," Teddy replied. "If he'll give it back, an' I reckon he will before long, that part of it will be all right. I'm a stranger in the city, an' don't want to get inter a fuss with the fellers, 'cause I've got to work 'longside of 'em; but it stands me in hand to have somebody know exactly how things are."
"Come to me if you get into any trouble, providing you keep yourself straight," the officer said, in a kindly tone, as he moved on, and from across the street Master Jellison and his party noted with no slight uneasiness the apparently friendly talk between the boy from Saranac and the policeman.
Carrots was undecided as to what might result from this bold speech of his partner's.
During all his experience in the city, he had never known a newsboy or a bootblack to appeal to the authorities for protection, and Teddy's method of taking care of himself rather startled him.
"It'll make Skip worse'n ever, I'm afraid," he said, in a low tone, and Teddy replied:
"It won't do for him to get very fresh now, 'cause after he strikes the first blow I'm goin' to pitch in, an' if there ain't too many of his gang 'round, you'll see me lug him into the station-house. I don't b'lieve in fightin' where there are officers to 'rest you; but I wouldn't let any fellow get the best of me if I could help it, no matter who was in the way. Now we've fixed ourselves, an' the sooner SkipJellison begins, the better I'll like it."
Carrots gazed with admiration upon his partner.
He realized that, by thus stating his case to the policeman, Teddy had put himself in a position where it would be safe to defend himself against any attack which might be made; and this was certainly much better than Carrots's plan of the previous evening, which, fortunately, had not been carried into effect.
"Now get to work, Carrots; we mustn't let them fellers knock us out of business, for we've got to make more than a dollar to-day."
Carrots did set to work most vigorously.
His fear of Skip was quieted to a certain degree, and he darted here and there without reference to his partner's whereabouts, getting very much more trade than he would otherwise have done, because of the fact that his brother bootblacks, and many of their acquaintances in the newspaper line, were so busily engaged discussing the plan adopted by the boy from Saranac that they had no time to attend to the details of business.
For at least half an hour, Teddy and Carrots were the only boys in the immediate vicinity who attempted to do any very great amount of work, and the result was that, before the clock had struck ten, their profits amounted to nearly as much as Teddy had expected that they would earn during the entire day.
During the remainder of the day neither Carrots nor Teddy saw Skip.
It appeared very much as if Master Jellison had grown alarmed after seeing his intended victim conversing with the policeman.
The other merchants in the newspaper and the bootblacking business, neglecting everything else, discussed the very remarkable state of affairs brought about by the boy from Saranac, until the partners had succeeded in rolling up profits that made Carrots's eyes open wide with surprise.
Then their brother merchants began to realize that, while effecting nothing so far as the controversy between Skip and Teddy was concerned, they were losing an opportunity of earning money; and so they at once resumed their labors, and Carrots soon was aware of a depression in his department of the bootblacking industry which caused him no slight amount of sorrow.
"If Skip Jellison had hung 'round here the rest of the day, so's to give the other fellers more chance to talk, we'd have come nigh to earnin' enough to pay for the stand before night," he said, as Teddy returned from purchasing his fourth supply of papers.
"That shows how much a feller can lose unless he keeps his eyes open,"Teddy replied.
"That's a fact," said Carrots. "It didn't seem much to loaf 'round a little while; but it counts up when you come to look at it."
"You can jest bet it does; an' if you'll keep watch of yourself for another week, we'll be in mighty good shape to set ourselves up in business. There's plenty of money to be earned 'round here, an' if a feller doesn't spend it as fast as he gets it, it won't be long before he's on his feet."
Ever since he began to follow the occupation of a bootblack, Carrots had desired to own such an outfit as was in the possession of a certain Italian on Centre Street. In his eyes it was simply magnificent. A chair, upholstered in red velvet, stood on a platform covered with sheet brass and studded plentifully with large-headed nails of the same metal. As foot-rests there were two deformed camels in bronzed iron, each bearing on its back a piece of iron fashioned in the shape of the sole of a boot. Even in his wildest dreams, however, he had never allowed himself to believe it was possible for him to become the owner of such a gorgeous establishment; for he had learned from a reliable source that the Italian's outfit had cost not less than twenty dollars—an amount which, in Carrots's eyes, was so large as to be within reach of only the very wealthy.
Now, however, he began to think such a thing might be possible, for he had realized what could be accomplished by industry. In his mind's eye he saw the firm's news-stand, in one corner of which could be placed asmall stove during the cold weather, with a space under the counter sufficiently large for the two boys to sleep in, and the outside of the establishment painted a vivid green. Carrots was very particular as to the color. He had decided, as soon as the matter was broached by Teddy, that if they ever did succeed in buying a stand, it must be painted green; and this was because a friend of his in Jersey City had told him, in the strictest secrecy, that such a color was very "lucky."
How industriously he labored during the remainder of the afternoon! So eager was he to reach the packing-case home in order to count the money on hand, that he proposed to stop work for the night an hour before the demand for bootblack's services had wholly ceased.
"We'll have to wait a while longer," Teddy said decidedly. "It won't do to knock off yet, 'cause we ought to make enough to pay for our suppers between now an' dark. S'posin' you take some of these papers? You can sell 'em when there's no show for shinin'."
Carrots obeyed without a murmur, for the green news-stand and the brass-studded platform and chair still remained before his eyes; and not until eight o'clock was it decided that they could afford to "close up shop" by going home.
On gaining the packing-cases the proceeds of the day's work were thrown into one pile, and then began the very pleasing occupation of counting their earnings.
Carrots was well aware that they had done a good business; but he wasreally astonished on learning that the "firm" had earned two dollars and eleven cents, or, in other words, a trifle more than one tenth the estimated cost of the stand.
"There," said Teddy, in a tone of satisfaction. "That is what I call humpin' ourselves! It won't take a great many days like this before we'll be on our feet in fine shape."
"That is, if Skip don't bother us."
"Well, this time his botherin' did us good, 'cause while the other fellers were talkin' 'bout it we were jest shovelin' the money in. Now we'll put the two dollars away, an' use the 'leven cents for supper. I reckon we can get enough Bologna an' crackers for that."
"Ain't there anything on hand?"
"Not a crumb. Will you go and get the supper, or shall I?"
"I'll go while you put the money away," and Carrots was out of the dwelling like a flash; but he did not return as soon as Teddy expected from his hurried departure.
More than once Teddy went to the gate to listen for him; and at last it seemed certain Carrots must have met with an accident.
"I ought to have gone with him," Teddy muttered to himself, "'cause the chances are that Skip has turned up, an' is thumpin' him."
After waiting ten minutes more, Teddy decided that it would be necessary to go in search of his partner, who might be hurt and unable to get home; but just as he was about to climb the fence, the sound of hurriedfootsteps in the alleyway told that Carrots was returning.
"Did you think I was never comin' back?" the young gentleman asked, as he arrived.
"Well, it did begin to look that way. What kept you so long?"
"Wait till I get in the box, an' I'll tell you all about it," Carrots replied, breathlessly; and, when they were once more inside the improvised dwelling, he began his story, even before unrolling the packages he had bought.
"Say, do you know Ikey Cain, the feller I bought that box and brushes of?"
"No."
"Well, he's a little feller not much bigger'n Teenie Massey, an' I met him out here by the grocery store. I tell you he's been in awful hard luck, an' he's all banged up."
"What's the matter with him? Some more of Skip Jellison's work?"
"No, it ain't that; but he got hurt a while ago down to Pier 10, where they was unloadin' bananas, and he was layin' for a chance to get some. Now there's a sore on his leg, so he can't hardly walk, an' he hasn't been able to do any work for more'n three weeks."
"Where does he live?" Teddy asked.
"He stayed at the Newsboys' Lodgin' House till his money gave out, an' since then he's been stoppin' anywhere. Say, Teddy, he ain't had a thing to eat to-day."
"Why didn't you give him some of that 'leven cents?"
"That's what I wanted to do; but I was 'fraid you wouldn't like it."
"You ought to know better'n that. I've been hungry myself too many times since I left Saranac, not to understand how a feller feels."
"I'll tell you what I was thinkin' of; but of course I don't want you to go into the plan 'less you're willin'. It struck me as how it wouldn't be any bother if Ikey stayed here with us till he gets better. An' jest as soon's he's well he'll be willin' to pay us back what it'll cost for his grub. He isn't much of an eater, anyway. I could put down three times more stuff than he, an' not half try. Why, he thinks he's filled 'way up to the chin if he gets one bowl of soup," said Carrots, scornfully.
"There wasn't any need of your askin' me, Carrots, if he could come here," said Teddy, smiling. "This is your shanty."
"It's as much yours as mine, since we went inter partnership."
"It doesn't make any difference who owns it. I think we'd better let him in, if he's a decent kind of a boy, an' has been havin' hard luck."
"Then s'pose I go after him? He's down by the grocery store, an' when I left was lookin' at a smoked herrin' 's if he'd draw the back-bone right out of it."
"Shall I go with you?" Teddy asked.
IKEY BEFORE THE GROCER'S WINDOW.IKEY BEFORE THE GROCER'S WINDOW.
"No; I can get him up here alone if you'll stand by the gate so's to catch him when I h'ist him over," said Carrots, "'cause he's lame an'can't do much shinnin' himself."
Carrots, not waiting to make further explanation, ran out from the nest of boxes, clambered over the fence, and soon the sound of footsteps told that he was running down the alley.
Five minutes later an unusual noise warned Teddy that the invalid was approaching, and he took up his stand on the inside of the fence, ready to assist.
"Are you there, Teddy?" Carrots asked in a hoarse whisper.
"Yes; let him come!"
"I'll give him a boost, an you catch hold of his hands," was Carrots's reply.
By moving one of the cases nearer the gate, Teddy was able to reach sufficiently high to grasp the hand of the lame boy; and then, by the aid of Carrots's "boost," the new member of the family was soon inside.
Teddy assisted the stranger to the box which served as a home, and when Carrots had lighted both candles he had an opportunity to see the boy thus introduced to the household.
Ikey could never have been called a prepossessing lad, and his recent hardships had in no wise tended to improve his appearance.
A pair of large black eyes seemed even larger than nature had made them, by contrast with his pallid face and the closely cropped hair, which literally stood on end in every direction, giving him an expression such as one fancies would be proper for some blood-thirstyrevolutionist. But, although he looked so thoroughly ferocious, Ikey was by no means a dangerous character. As Carrots had said, he was shorter than Teenie Massey, and the pallor of his thin face was emphasized by the many streaks and spots of dirt, and the ill-fitting, ragged garments gave him the appearance of being several sizes smaller than he really was.
"Jiminy! you've got it swell here," Ikey said, in a tone of admiration, as he gazed around at the snug quarters, and especially at the bottles used as candlesticks. It seemed to him that, if they could afford double the necessary amount of light, their manner of living must certainly border on extravagance.
"Well, itispretty fair," Carrots replied, with the air of one who thinks it modest to belittle his own property. "We manage to get along here somehow, an' are goin' to squeeze you in. You're so thin, Ikey, that a sardine-box would make a first-rate bed for you."
"You're awful good to help me, fellers. Jest before Carrots came along I was tryin' to make out what I was goin' to do," said Ikey.
"Well, take hold, an' fill yourself up with what we've got here. P'rhaps we'll find some way to fix you so's you can walk better'n you do now," Teddy said, as he unrolled the packages of provisions Carrots had brought; but finding there was not sufficient for three very hungry boys, he excused himself long enough to purchase a few additions to the collection.
His sympathies were thoroughly roused, and he determined Ikey shouldhave, as he afterward explained, "one square, out-and-out feed," if no more. Three smoked herring, three seed-cakes, and a five-cent pie comprised the list of provisions Teddy brought back. That he was guilty of extravagance in purchasing these articles shows how deeply he felt for Ikey's sufferings.
"This is what you call livin' high," Carrots said, as he arranged the feast in the most favorable light. "I reckon you'll get well if you stay here very long, Ikey."
"If I don't I ought ter be choked!" Master Cain replied emphatically, as he proceeded to devour one of the herring, first breaking off the head and stripping, with the touch of an artist, each side of the fish from the back-bone.
"There's one bad thing 'bout it," Carrots said, as he suddenly thought of what might be an awkward predicament for himself. "You know, the folks what keep the store don't have any idea I'm livin' here, 'cause if they did I'd be fired mighty quick. Of course you can't go 'round town while you've got that thing on your leg, an' you're bound to stay till it gets well; but, you see, Ikey, it won't do to make the least little mite of a noise. Do you think you can manage it all day, with never so much as a squeak?"
"I reckon it wouldn't be very hard work," Master Cain replied. "I'd be thinkin' how much better this was than loafin' 'round the streets, an' then I couldn't 'yip' if I wanted to, when I'd know I might lose thesnap."
"And don't show your nose outside this box, 'cause that would be jest as bad as hollerin'."
"Don't you worry 'bout me! I'll get along all right, an' won't make any fuss for you," the invalid replied decidedly, as he made a pleasing combination of the dried fish and pie, by way of a finishing touch to the meal.
When their guest's hunger had been satisfied, the hosts made arrangements for the night by giving to the crippled boy the entire pile of straw on which to lie, while they slept upon the bare boards of the adjoining box.
On the following morning Carrots was awake unusually early, for he thought of the necessity of finding something in which to bring water, that Ikey might be able to satisfy his thirst during the day; and, without arousing either of his companions, he attended to this important business.
After a short absence he returned with a clean tomato-can as a drinking-vessel, and this he filled from the hydrant.
Teddy was awake when this task was finished. There were provisions enough for the invalid's meals, and the two boys set out, intending to prepare for the day by purchasing two bowls of Mose Pearson's slate-colored soup.
"You won't have anythin' to do but eat, Ikey, an' there's grub enough for that," Carrots said, as he left the dwelling. "Take hold an' enjoyyourself. We sha'n't be back till pretty nigh dark, so don't worry 'bout us, an' be sure to keep your mouth shut."
"I'll get along all right, an' nobody shall know I'm here," Ikey replied; and an instant later the two merchants vaulted the fence.
This unexpected addition to their family had a good effect on Carrots,because it made him more careful of his money, almost uncomfortably so, Teddy thought, when, having reached Mose Pearson's, the junior member of the firm questioned whether it would not be better to have no breakfast, in order to save time.
"You see now we've got Ikey on hand we'll have to be careful of the money; else we sha'n't get that stand very soon."
"We're bound to eat, Carrots. If you want to be so awful careful of your money, you might give up smokin' cigarettes," Teddy replied.
"Oh, I swore off buyin' any, yesterday. I don't smoke now 'less some feller gives me one. Of course, you can't reckon I'd refuse it; but this soup will be ten cents gone, an' we'd be jest as hungry by noon. Besides, we've got to buy somethin' for supper, 'cause we're feedin' three now, you know."
"We'll get the breakfast, an' work enough harder to pay for it," Teddy replied, as he led the way into the restaurant; and again did Carrots's new ideas of economy appear, as he swallowed the soup almost at therisk of choking himself, in order to save a few moments.
He was the first boy on the street prepared to black boots that morning, and no fellow ever worked more industriously, until nearly twelve o'clock, when he approached his partner in a mysterious manner, beckoning him to follow where they could converse without fear of being overheard.
"Say, did you know lamb was awful good for sick people?" Carrots asked, with an air of great importance.
"No; I didn't know that. Who told you?"
"When old Miss Carter was sick, she said a little bit of lamb would do her a power of good, an' the boys chipped in an' bought some."
"But it'll come pretty high now, Carrots. You see it's kinder out of season."
"Pretty high, eh? Well, what would you say if I got a bang-up good mess of lamb for five cents?"
"Why, I'd say it either wasn't lamb, or else the man what sold it didn't know what he was about."
"Well, it's lamb, an' I paid the reg'lar price for it, Teddy," Carrots said triumphantly, as he drew from his pocket a small package wrapped in brown paper, and, opening it, displayed to the astonished gaze of his companion two pickled lambs' tongues.
"There, what do you think of that? Talk 'bout lamb for sick folks! If it does any good, I'm goin' to have Ikey well as ever by to-morrow. I'll make him eat all this before he goes to bed. You see it's jest as cheapas anythin' we can get," he added. "He couldn't stuff down more'n six in a day to save his life, an' I reckon we can spend that much."
Teddy was not positive whether lamb was good for the invalid, neither did he think the tongue Carrots had purchased would be beneficial; but, as the latter had said, it would serve as food, and certainly was not a waste of money, and therefore he replied:
"I don't know as it'll do him any good, old man, but it'll keep him from bein' hungry, anyhow."
"Are you goin' down there this noon?"
"No; I wouldn't dare to in the daytime. We shall have to wait till night. Have you seen anythin' of Skip?"
"Not a smitch. I reckon he got scared when he saw you talkin' to that policeman yesterday, an' I think he will give us a wide berth for a while."
"I don't think you're right. He hasn't stopped tryin' to drive us out er town jest 'cause I told the officer; but is waitin' till he can catch us where we don't know anybody. Keep your eye peeled for him."
"I'll be careful enough, you can be sure of that," Carrots replied. "I never'd gone to the market for this lamb, if it hadn't been that a couple of fellers I know were goin' down, an' they wouldn't let Skip pitch inter me."
This day's business was not so large as the previous one, owing to the fact that both in the bootblacking and news-selling departments of the concern there was active competition; but both considered they hadearned very good wages, and were in the best of humor when they started home with a sufficient addition to their larder to provide a generous meal for all three.
"I'll tell you what I've been thinkin' of, Carrots," Teddy said, as they walked slowly along. "Ikey is in a pretty bad way, an' it seems to me we ought ter do somethin' more'n jest feed him up on lamb, if he ever expects to get out."
"Want to try the bread an' milk?"
"No, I don't know anythin' 'bout that business; but this is what I was kind er figgerin' on. It costs terrible to get a doctor, of course; but don't you s'pose we might make the same trade with one that we did with the lawyer? If we'd 'gree to give him a paper, an' black his boots, till the bill was paid, I don't reckon it would take long to fix Ikey in great shape."
"That's a good idee!" Carrots replied, enthusiastically. "Why, I'll bet you could get any quantity of 'em at that rate. Say, there's one up on Rivington Street. I used to black his boots last year, when I worked 'round that way; but haven't seen him since. He's awful nice; ain't so very old either, an' a good many times give me something extra when I got though with my job."
"Suppose we go there to-night?"
"All right; I'm with you! We'll fill Ikey up with this lamb, get him to bed, an' then take a sneak. We can be back in half an hour. Say, how would it do to carry him along with us?"
"I wouldn't like to do that, 'cause you see p'rhaps the doctor might notbe willin', an' we'd have dragged the poor feller 'round for nothin'. Besides, if we should happen to meet Skip while he was along, it would be kind er hard lines to take care of a lame boy an' fight at the same time."
"I never thought of that. I reckon I'd better let you 'tend to things anyhow. You seem to know more'n I do."
The invalid welcomed them very cordially, as might have been expected from one who had been forced not only to remain inactive, but absolutely silent, during the many hours of their absence.
In reply to Carrots's questions, he represented himself as being comparatively comfortable, and stated that, although the time had seemed long, he was more than glad to be there, rather than on the streets enduring such suffering as must necessarily be his while moving around.
The first duty of the evening was to count the money, and it was learned that they had earned one dollar and twenty-six cents, exclusive of the amount spent for food procured on their way home.
"That makes us pretty nigh five dollars," Teddy said, as he placed these profits with the others. "If nothin' happens it won't be so very long before we'll be in great shape for doin' business."
Again Carrots had visions of the green news-stand and brass-covered bootblacking outfit, and from this reverie he was awakened when Teddy prepared the evening meal by unwrapping the papers in which the foodhad been brought.
This reminded Carrots of the scheme formed for the benefit of the invalid, and he handed the sheep's tongues to Ikey, as he said:
"There, old man, I want you to fill yourself right up on that, 'cause Miss Carter said they was awful good for sick people, an' I 'low they'll straighten you out in pretty nigh less'n no time!"
Then Carrots explained what they intended to do in regard to securing a doctor, and Ikey's eyes glistened as he thought of getting relief from his sufferings, which must have been great, judging from the expression he constantly wore.
"I'm 'fraid you can't do much," he said, with a sigh.
"It won't do any harm to try," Carrots replied, as he began to satisfy his own hunger; and when the meal was brought to a close, owing to the fact that neither of the partners could eat any more, Teddy led the way to the street again, the invalid expressing his earnest hope that the doctor might accede to their wishes.
Fortunately for their purpose, upon arriving at the doctor's office, they found him at home and not busy.
Singular as it may seem, he did not recognize Carrots until he had been told of the previous business connection, and even then appeared almost indifferent in regard to seeing his friend again.
Teddy had supposed Master Carrots was to attend to this portion of the task, owing to his acquaintance with the physician; but instead ofdoing so, his young partner, after entering the office, stood first on one foot and then on the other, staring at the medical gentleman in a manner well calculated to make a nervous person uncomfortable.
"Well, what can I do for you?" the doctor asked.
Carrots looked around at Teddy as he said, in a hoarse whisper:
"You tell him, old man. You can fix things up better'n I can."
Master Thurston opened negotiations by proceeding at once to the heart of the matter.
"We want ter hire a doctor," he said. "You see, Ikey Cain's got a lame leg, an' we haven't done anything for it yet except to give him some lamb, which I don't 'low is goin' to make him better very soon. Now what we thought 'bout doin' was to get you to look out for him, an' let us pay in trade. I sell papers, an' Carrots blacks boots. If you'll 'gree to fix Ikey up as he ought ter be, we'll come here every mornin' till the bill's paid."
"Where is the boy?" the doctor asked, looking amused rather than grave.
"Down where we live."
"Give me the address, and I will call there to-morrow morning."
"Oh, you mustn't do that!" Carrots cried, in alarm. "If you should go there in broad daylight and shin over that fence, the folks in the shop would know jest where we live!"
The doctor was at a loss to understand the meaning of this remark, andTeddy explained by saying:
"You see, we've got a couple of boxes down here back of a store, an' the folks who own 'em don't know anything 'bout our livin' there. We can't go in till after dark, when the shop's shut up, an' have to come out in the mornin' before it's open."
"I understand," the gentleman replied, with a smile. "Then it will be necessary to bring the boy here."
"Couldn't you fix him to-night?" Carrots asked.
"I fancy so, unless there should be a call from some patient."
"I s'pose we can get him over the fence; but it'll hurt him a good bit," Teddy said, musingly.
"We can rig that all right," Carrots replied, carelessly. "If he's goin' to have his leg done up, he's got to come out, an' we can't help it if it does hurt him;" and then turning to the doctor, he asked, eagerly, "Say, how much you goin' to charge for doin' that?"
"What should you think it would be worth, or, in other words, how many shines would you give me? We won't say anything about the newspapers, because I already have a young man who serves me with them."
"We'll try to come to your terms if we can," Carrots replied, "an' you're the one that ought ter set the figger."
"What should you think would be a good price, if you were going to pay money?"
Carrots hesitated, looked around at Teddy, then again at the doctor, and finally said:
"I reckon I'd be willin' to go as high as twenty-five cents if he wasfixed up in good shape, 'cause I know he'll pay it back jest as soon as he gets to work. Course he can't do anything now."
"Very well, bring your friend here whenever you please, and when I chance to be where you are working, I will call on you for one of the shines."
Then the gentleman took up the book he had been reading, as a sign that there was no need to prolong the interview, and the boys went at full speed after the invalid.
On being told that he would receive attention from a regular doctor, Ikey announced his willingness to climb over the fence a dozen times if it should be necessary, and without delay the journey was begun.
Fortunately the physician was still at home when they returned. He examined the injured member, took something from his pocket which the others could not see at first, and, before the invalid was aware of his purpose, had passed the keen blade of the lancet through the swelling.
Ikey felt faint with pain for an instant, and then looked wonderfully relieved, as the doctor said, soothingly:
"There, my boy, you will be all right in a few days. I will bandage it, and you must be careful not to catch cold."
Carrots watched the operation intently, and when the physician intimated that his services were at an end, he drew a long breath of relief as he said: