"I think Mr. Preston will give you a chance. You can be thinking what you would like to do, and he will help you to it."
"I would like to go out West. I'm afraid to stay here. Marlowe might find me."
"I don't know but you are right, Julius. Out West there is more of a chance to rise. You can tell Mr. Preston what you wish."
While the boys were talking a man stood near by, who listened attentively to what was said, hearing every word. Neither Paul nor Julius remarked him. He was a tall man, with red hair, and a face marked by the smallpox. He was dressed in the garb of a sailor. Of course this was Marlowe. It was imprudent for him to post himself in so public a place, but he trusted to his disguise, and he wanted to hear for himself the conversation between the two boys. He learned, what he suspected before, that to the boy, Julius, he was indebted for the failure of his attempt at burglary. When the two boys went to dinner he followed them.
CHAPTER XXI.
A BRIGHTER PROSPECT FOR JULIUS.
After dinner Paul went again to Mr. Preston's place of business, accompanied by Julius. The disguised sailor, who had lingered outside the restaurant, followed the two at a safe distance. Had not Paul and Julius been so occupied with their own affairs, they might have noticed Marlowe. As it was, they were quite unconscious of being followed.
They were fortunate in finding Mr. Preston in his office, and at leisure.
"Mr. Preston," said Paul, "this is the boy I spoke to you about."