"I don't want it," Teddy replied, as he attempted in vain to return the money. "You mustn't give your cash away like this; an' besides, what good will it do me?"
"That's jest what we don't know. It's allers better to have a little stuff in your pocket, no matter what happens. I've got your papers, an' am goin' to sell 'em, so I'll get my money back. You jest let me run this thing, an' see how quick we'll have it shipshape."
There was no opportunity for further discussion, for by this time the three had arrived at the door of the station-house, and Carrots, who had a wholesome dread of such places, made no attempt to enter.
"I'll see you to-night if they hold on to you; but if the sergeant turns out to be an easy kind of a feller, an' lets you go, come right up to City Hall to find me."
"I reckon there won't be any chance of his getting on the streets this afternoon," the officer said, as he halted for a moment to give his prisoner's friend a bit of kindly advice. "He'll have to go down to the Tombs for trial in the morning, and if you boys can prove that he wasn't really fighting, but only trying to prevent another fellow from taking his papers, he'll stand a good show of slipping off. I'll see that the case isn't shoved very hard."
"You're a dandy! Next time you want your boots shined, come right where I am, an' if I don't do it for nothin' it'll be 'cause my blackin' has run out!" Carrots cried, enthusiastically; and then, wheeling suddenly, he ran at full speed in the opposite direction.
"It seems to me I'm gettin' a pretty big job on my hands," he muttered to himself when he was at Printing House Square once more. "I've promised to help that boy out er this scrape, an' don't see how it's goin' to be done. The fellers won't dare to go up and say anything against Skip Jellison, 'cause he's sich a terrible fighter: guess he can get the best of anybody 'round here in less'n three rounds. I wish I dared to tackle him! I don't b'lieve he can do as much as he makes out." Then Carrots suddenly bethought himself of the papers which yet remained under his arm, and added, "Jiminy! I 'most forgot 'bout these. It's time they were worked off, or else they'll be too old to sell;" and soon he was crying the news again.
Half an hour later, the substitute newsboy was hailed by Teenie Massey, who asked:
"What are you up to now, Carrots? Shifted business?"
"Say, Teenie, was you 'round here when Skip Jellison hit that feller from the country?"