“I went to get a hoky-poky at the corner,” replied the girl. “I don’t care to mind yer brother any more anyway,” she added, and darted out of sight into the crowd.
Seeing the little boy was uninjured, the crowd moved on, and presently the young oarsman found himself alone with the girl, who appeared to be several years older than himself.
“You are a brave boy,” she said, warmly. “I would like to reward you, but I am poor.”
“I don’t want any reward,” replied Jerry, stoutly. “It was a close shave, though.”
“You look like a stranger around here.”
“I am—I just arrived in New York and I am looking for a boarding-house. Can you tell me where this one is?” and Jerry showed her the card the lady had given him.
“Oh, yes; it is one block over to your left—a real nice house, too. May I ask your name?”
“Jerry Upton.”
“Mine is Nellie Ardell, and this is my brother Tommy. We are alone here.”
“Haven’t you any folks?”