The Missing Tin Box: or, The Stolen Railroad Bonds. Stratemeyer Edward

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СКАЧАТЬ counted up his money, and resolved to invest fifteen cents of it in a plate of pork and beans and some buttered cakes.

      He entered a restaurant near the corner, and was soon served.

      While Hal was eating he became interested in the conversation of several young men who stood near the counter, smoking.

      "You say Nathan wants more help?" he heard one of the young men say.

      "Yes."

      "Thought he took on two new hands yesterday."

      "So he did, but the holiday trade is very heavy this year."

      "Then I'll send Billy around to see him. I suppose he could do the work."

      "Anybody could who is strong and willing," was the reply. "Nathan wants three young fellows."

      At these words Hal's eyes brightened.

      He arose and touched the speaker on the arm.

      "Excuse me, sir," he began.

      "What is it?" asked the man, rather abruptly.

      "I heard you telling your friend that somebody wanted help. I am looking for work."

      The man looked Hal over, and gave a short laugh.

      "I'm afraid you ain't strong enough, my boy," he said.

      "I was brought up to hard work," replied Hal, earnestly.

      "Well, that makes a difference."

      "If you will tell me where that place is – "

      "Certainly. It is the first warehouse this side – "

      The man got no further. There was a commotion on the street, and two or three rushed outside.

      "Brady's place just below here is on fire!" shouted some one.

      "Brady's place?" ejaculated the man. "By George! I wonder how that happened?"

      He seemed to forget all about Hal, and making a rush for the door, disappeared down the street.

      The youth started after him. He had eaten and paid for his meal, and he did not wish to miss the opportunity of questioning the fellow further.

      On the street all was commotion. Wagons were scattering right and left to make way for the steam engines, hose carts and hook and ladder trucks which came dashing up to the spot.

      Hal soon found himself surrounded by a crowd. The man had disappeared, apparently for good, and with a sigh the youth walked away, there being no signs of a fire, so far as he could see.

      The youth started to cross the street. He was directly behind an elderly gentleman, and was about to pass the man when there came a warning cry:

      "Get out of the way there! Here comes another engine!"

      Hal looked up and saw that the engine, pulled by three fiery horses, was close at hand. He started to return to the curb. As he did so the elderly gentleman slipped and went down flat on his back.

      "He'll be killed!" cried half a dozen, who saw the accident.

      Hal's heart seemed to leap into his throat. The horses were not over ten feet away. A moment more and the elderly gentleman would be crushed to death.

      The youth leaped forward, and caught the man by the arm. Then he gave a sudden jerk backward, and both he and the gentleman went rolling into the gutter, while the engine went thundering by.

      CHAPTER II.

      A BRAVE YOUTH'S REWARD

      A cheer arose from the by-standers.

      "Good for the boy!"

      "That's what I call a genuine hero!"

      "He deserves a medal."

      Paying no attention to what was said, Hal assisted the elderly gentleman to his feet.

      "Are you hurt, sir?" he asked kindly.

      "I – I think not," was the labored reply. "That was a narrow escape, young man." The last with a gasp.

      "You are right, sir. How did you happen to go down?"

      "The snow made a slippery spot on the ice, I believe. My wind is almost gone."

      "Wait till I brush you off," said Hal, and taking off his cap he commenced to strike off the snow and dirt from the gentleman's clothing.

      "Oh, never mind that," was the comment. "Come along with me. I don't like crowds."

      The gentleman caught the youth by the arm, and walked him toward Broadway.

      "You did me a great service," he went on, as the two stood on the corner, opposite the post-office.

      "I didn't do much," replied Hal, modestly.

      "Don't you call saving my life much?" asked the man, with a smile.

      "Oh, I don't mean that, sir. But any one would have done what I did."

      "I'm not so sure about that. In New York it is every one for himself. What is your name?"

      "Hal Carson."

      "You live here, I suppose?"

      "No, sir."

      "Where then, if I may ask?"

      "I just came to New York not over half an hour ago. I intend to stay here."

      The elderly gentleman looked puzzled.

      "I don't quite understand you," he said.

      "I came from a small place in Pennsylvania, sir, and I intend to try my luck here."

      "Ah! Are you alone?"

      "Yes, sir."

      "Any friends here?"

      "No, sir."

      "Yes, you have."

      "I have?"

      "Yes – myself." The elderly gentleman laughed at his little joke. "No one shall say he saved my life and I didn't appreciate it. So your name is Hal Carson. Parents living?"

      "I don't know, sir." Hal blushed in spite of himself. "I was brought up at the poor-house."

      "Humph! Well, you are a manly looking chap and a brave one. Have you any idea where you are going to obtain employment?"

      "No, sir. I intend to hunt around until I strike something."

      "You'll find that rather up-hill work, I fancy."

      "I didn't expect any snap, Mr. – "

      "My name is Horace Sumner. I am a broker, and have an office on Wall Street, near Broad. I am just returning from a visit to my sister, who СКАЧАТЬ