After that he wandered about the city, finding something to excite his
wonder or admiration at every turn, until the lowness of the western
sun admonished him that he had better begin to look out for supper and
bed.
First he stepped into an area way, and placed his money in an inside
pocket.
"Best to be on the safe side," thought he, as he returned to the
street. "Looks like in these towns they'd steal a man's britches if
they could pull 'em off without his knowing it. Hullo! That must be
the captain's livery stable."
Directly across the street was a large wooden building, on the front of
which, in enormous letters, were these words:
SHARD'S LIVERY STABLE.
While Ralph was debating whether he should again make himself known,
the captain drove forth from the stable in a buggy. His quick eye
lighted upon Ralph at once.
"Come here," he called, beckoning also with his finger. "I see you are
still about," he added as Ralph crossed over.
"Yes, but I ain't posting bills any more."
"Then your job didn't last long?"
Ralph frankly related the cause and manner of his discharge by Mr.
Quigg, whereat the captain laughed heartily.
"Well," said he, "I don't think you missed much, if that is the sort of
a man he is. I'm city auditor, and I will see that Quigg, or whatever
his name is, don't cheat the city. What are you going to do?"
Shard bent his eyes sharply on Ralph, and once more the boy felt
uncomfortable. He replied, however, that he would find something
before long.
Pages:
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63