"I suppose I might as well give up the search now," said Richard to himself when outside. "That fellow will know enough to keep out of my sight for a while; and, besides, it must be time to go to Mr. Joyce's. Gracious, how starved that chap did look! If he wants that money to get something to eat with I'm sure he's welcome to it, only I want the letters."
Richard brushed off his clothes as best he could and started off. By the use of the guide-book he had no difficulty in finding the Swamp, as the leather district in New York is called.
Presently he came to a big warehouse, with an office at one side, over which hung the sign:
TIMOTHY JOYCE,
Successor to
JOYCE BROTHERS.
LEATHER AND HIDES.
Established 1837.
"It's certainly an old firm," thought Richard, as he read the words.
"I guess Mr. Joyce is a pretty substantial business man."
The boy found the leather merchant at his desk, deep in his letters.
"Ah! on hand I see," said Mr. Joyce. "I'm not quite ready yet; will be in a quarter of an hour."
"I won't mind waiting," returned Richard.
"Suppose you take a look around the place? I guess you've never seen anything like this before."
"No, sir: and I'll look around gladly."