"This is too much," said Frank, surprised at the size of the gift.
"Too much for rescuing my little pet? No, no, I am the best judge of that. I wouldn't have lost him for fifty times two dollars."
"You are very liberal, and I am very much obliged to you," said Frank.
"If I send again for a boy to take out Fido, I want you to come."
"I will if I can, ma'am."
For several days, though Frank was employed on errands daily, there was nothing of an unusual character. About eleven o'clock one evening (for Frank had to take his turn at night work) he was sent to a house on West Thirty-eighth street. On arriving, he was ushered into the presence of a lady of middle age, whose anxious face betrayed the anxiety that she felt.
"I have a son rather larger and older than you," she said, "who, to my great sorrow, has been led away by evil companions, who have induced him to drink and play cards for money. I will not admit them into my house, but I cannot keep him from seeking them out. He is no doubt with them to-night."
Frank listened with respectful sympathy, and waited to hear what he was desired to do in the matter.
"The boy's father is dead," continued Mrs. Vivian, with emotion, "and I cannot fill his place. Fred is unwilling to obey his mother. His companions have persuaded him that it is unmanly."
"I would gladly obey my mother if I could have her back," said Frank.