"I want you to go to my house," said the doctor, "No. — H—— street, and carry this letter to my wife."
"Yes, sir."
"I forgot entirely to leave her some money to meet a bill; but if you go at once it will reach her in time. Stay, I will give you the address on a card."
"All right, sir."
"Here is a quarter. It will pay your car-fare, and over the ferry both ways. Now, mind you come back as quick as you can."
This Sam readily promised. He was glad to get away for the morning, as he calculated that the expedition would take him nearly, or quite, three hours. He took a car and got out at the Astor House. On his way down to the ferry he met an old street acquaintance,—Jim Nolan.
"How are you, Sam?" said Jim.
"Tip-top!" answered Sam.
"Where do you keep yourself? Are you blackin' boots, now?"
"No," answered Sam, with rather an important air. "I'm in an office."