"Certainly I will."
"It's the best way. Perhaps our board might not suit you."
"I'll risk it," laughed Richard.
They were allowed an hour at noon, and at exactly twelve o'clock the two hurried off. Frank led the way up to the Third Avenue Elevated Station, and a five minutes' ride brought them to their destination.
"I generally bring my lunch with me," explained the stock-clerk on the way, "and I have dinner when I get home in the evening. By that means I save my car fare, and have plenty of time to eat the best meal of the day."
"It's the better way," said Richard. "Do you ride morning and night?"
"Only when the weather is bad. When it is clear I save the ten cents."
"So would I. Besides, it's healthy exercise," returned the boy.
The Massanets occupied the second floor of a modest little flat of six rooms. It was a cheerful home, and Mrs. Massanet, a pleasant, middle-aged Frenchwoman, greeted Richard cordially.
"You are indeed welcome, Mistair Dare," she said, with a beaming face. "Francois have tole me everything of you, and I feel as eef I know you long."