“I’ll try and call about eight o’clock,” said the boy, cheerfully.
“I shall expect you,” said Mr. Bird, shaking him again warmly by the hand as Jack bade him good-bye and left.
On his return to the office Jack asked Mr. Bishop if he could see him for a moment.
“Certainly,” replied the manager.
“I wish to put this in your hands till it is claimed by the rightful owner,” said the boy, handing Mr. Bishop the envelope with its precious contents.
“Why, where did you pick it up?” asked the astonished manager after he had counted the bills.
“On Wall Street, this side of the Blank Trust Company.”
Mr. Bishop looked at him earnestly.
“I don’t want any greater evidence than this that you are a thoroughly honest lad,” he said, emphatically. “Mr. Atherton will be greatly pleased to hear of this. It would certainly be a great temptation for many boys, and for that matter, many men, to hold on to this money and say nothing about it—the more especially as there is nothing either on or inside the envelope to identify the owner. I will be glad to attend to the matter. As the amount is a large one, it will probably be advertised for at once. Whatever reward is offered, it will of course be quite right for you to accept.”
Mr. Bishop deposited the envelope, just as it was, in the office safe, and soon afterward the office closed for the day, and Jack started to walk uptown, stopping on Vandewater Street for his chum, Ed Potter, who got away at 5:30.