"You'll have to come quick, or he'll be gone; and this is the biggest trade you ever saw."
It is probable Carrots would not have interrupted himself in the pleasing task of describing the incidents which happened on the farm during his presence there, but for the fact that he remembered what Teddy had said regarding the necessity of being industrious; and realizing that he had already wasted more time than his partner might approve of, he hurried away with the stranger, without once thinking to inquire how the latter could have learned he was in need of a bootblack's outfit.
The messenger went rapidly toward the point designated, and Carrots followed, never thinking of possible danger.
On reaching Rose Street he saw no boy near the bridge, and was about to ask his guide if the alleged owner of the box had not gone to some other portion of the city, when he was suddenly seized from behind, and, turning his head slightly, he saw Skip's face.
"So you had the nerve to come back here, did you?" Master Jellison asked, working himself into a passion, which was not a very difficult task for him.
"Come back here? Where else could I go?" Carrots asked, frightened, and at the same time determined that the enemy should not see any signs of fear on his face.
"It doesn't make any difference to me where you ought ter gone, so long's you come here. Now I'm goin' to serve you jest as I threatened. Hold him, Sid, while I see what he's got in his clothes."
At this instant Sid, Reddy, and another boy came out from their hiding-places, and the transfer of the prisoner was quickly made.
