The next day was a busy one at the book-bindery, and our hero got no chance to call on Slocum. During that time he learned that Crazy Jim had been locked up for resisting the officer and had been sentenced to thirty days on Blackwell’s Island.
The young oarsman did not know what to do about little Dottie, but Nellie Ardell solved this question.
“I have received a whole lot of new work,” she said. “So for the present we can keep her to mind Tommy while I am dressmaking.”
So the little girl stayed on. Jerry never dreamed of how much she had to do with his future life.
On Thursday Mr. Islin’s brother died and the bindery was closed for several days. Jerry took the opportunity to walk down to Alexander Slocum’s offices.
The real estate man was alone, and greeted our hero with a sinister smile.
“So you have seen fit to call again, young man,” were his first words.
“Mr. Slocum, let us come to business,” Jerry replied firmly. “What are you going to do about my father’s claim?”
Alexander Slocum laughed harshly.
“Your father’s claim?” he repeated. “I don’t recognize the fact that your father has any claim against me.”