"Don't mention it. I am having a vacation this week, at any rate, so that it will be no inconvenience to me."
"Then I will accept your kind invitation."
The man turned and led the way up Nassau Street, and then by the World building till he reached the entrance to the bridge. Gerald surveyed it with great interest.
"There is one thing I remember in connection with the bridge," said Brand. "I was the first man to cross it on the day it was thrown open to the public."
"Is that really so?"
"Fact, I assure you. I was nearly crushed in the crowd, but I was determined that I would do it and I succeeded."
They went up the stairs and Brand bought two train-tickets, insisting on paying for both.
"If we had time we should find it agreeable to walk," he said, "but it would take a good while, and I want to take you up-town."
Gerald felt that he was in luck to have met so pleasant and obliging a companion. He did not examine Brand critically, or he might not have formed so favorable an opinion of him. He had a long, thin face, very dark, and with his eyes very near together. But Gerald was not skilled in physiognomy, and it never occurred to him to doubt the sincerity and good faith of Mr. William Brand.
As they rode over the bridge Brand pointed out different objects and buildings, and called Gerald's attention with a laugh to the enormous chair which, in those days, was near the Brooklyn terminus of the bridge.