“No. 265,” said Mr. Robinson.

Frank noted it down and left the office.  By this time Mr. Peters had completed his business, and was ready to go out, also.

“I’m much obliged to you,” he said to Frank.  “I was afraid I’d get into a place where they’d cheat me.  I guess Mr. Jones and Robinson are pretty good folks.”

“I think you can depend upon them,” said Frank.

“If ever you come to Craneville, I should like to have you stay a few days with me on my farm,” said Mr. Peters, hospitably.  “We are plain folks, but will treat you about right.”

“Thank you, Mr. Peters.  If I ever come to Craneville, I shall certainly call upon you.”

Frank had something to look forward to in his approaching interview with Mr. Percival.  He had been able to do this gentleman a service, and it was not unlikely that the capitalist would wish to make him some acknowledgment.  Frank did not exaggerate his own merits in the matter.  He felt that it was largely owing to a lucky chance that he had been the means of capturing the bond robber.  However, it is to precisely such lucky chances that men are often indebted for the advancement of their fortunes.

While he was in a state of suspense, and uncertain what Mr. Percival might be disposed to do for him, he decided not to exert himself to obtain any employment.  If he should be disappointed in his hopes, it would be time enough to look about him the following day.

What should he do in the meantime?

He determined to treat himself to an excursion.  From the end of the Battery he had often looked across to Staten Island, lying six miles away, and thought it would prove a pleasant excursion.  Now, having plenty of time on his hands, he decided to go on board one of the boats that start hourly from the piers adjoining the Battery.  The expense was but trifling and, low as Frank’s purse was, he ventured to spend the amount for pleasure.  He felt that he needed a little recreation after the weeks of patient labor he had spent in the service of the Great Pekin Tea Company.

CHAPTER XXVII

AN INCIDENT IN A STREET CAR

When Frank returned to the city, he walked slowly up through the Battery to the foot of Broadway.  He passed the famous house, No. 1, which, a hundred years ago, was successively the headquarters of Washington and the British generals, who occupied New York with their forces, and soon reached the Astor House, then the most notable structure in the lower part of the city.

With his small means, Frank felt that it was extravagant to ride uptown, when he might have walked, but he felt some confidence in the success of his visit to Mr. Percival, and entered a Fourth Avenue horse car.  It so chanced that he seated himself beside a pleasant-looking young married lady, who had with her a young boy about seven years old.