“Errands!” he exclaimed. “Do you run errands?”
“I haven’t run any yet,” answered Tommy, with a smile, “but I’d like to. Can’t I carry those flowers for you? I’ll be careful, and I’ll go as fast as I can.”
“Humph!” exclaimed the man. “I do happen to want this box of roses delivered in a hurry. My young man is away over on the other side of town, and I don’t know when he will be back. But I don’t know you, and these roses are worth about three dollars. How am I to know that you won’t run away with them, instead of delivering them to the right person? A lady wants to wear them to a party to-night. Of course you look like a nice, honest boy,” went on the man, with a smile, “but I have to be careful. I lost some money once, trusting a boy I didn’t know. Who are you and where do you live?”
“I’m Tommy Tiptop,” replied our hero, adding his address, “and I—”
“Tommy Tiptop, eh?” exclaimed the man. “Oh, I’ve heard about you. You’re getting up a ball nine, aren’t you?”
“Yes, sir, and I’m trying to earn money running errands, so we can build a back-stop. But do you play ball?”
“Oh, no, but I’ve got a nephew who does—Mortimer Manchester. I’ve heard him speak of you.”
“Yes, Mortimer is on my team,” spoke Tommy, proudly. “I think I will let him play shortstop, but I’m not quite sure. I’m the captain,” he explained.
“Yes, so Mortimer said. He’s taken quite a notion to you. Well, I’m his uncle, and I guess we’re well enough introduced now. I’m glad you happened to come in, Tommy, and I’m going to let you deliver these roses. I’ll give you fifteen cents for taking them to this address. Don’t be any longer than you can help, for they should have been delivered some time ago. Here is your money. The roses are paid for, and you needn’t come back here. Good luck to you!” and the florist handed Tommy a dime and a five-cent piece.
