Still our hero hoped for success in his scheme, in spite of the Frenchman's wariness, so he played steadily on and waited his opportunity, meanwhile taking from one of his pockets with his left hand a five-centime piece, which is equal to one cent in American money.
Presently that for which he had been watching happened. The second story window of a house three or four doors off was opened and some money thrown out. The man started to pick it up. As soon as his back was turned, Art quickly transferred his sou from his left hand to his right, continuing, meanwhile, to grind out the tune with the former. Then with all the dexterity acquired as pitcher on the nine at home he threw the money on ahead of the organ-grinder, started on a run up the street and around the corner.
He knew that the neighborhood—that of the American quarter—was a quiet one, so he dashed on fearlessly until he came out on the Place of the Star, in the centre of which stands the magnificent Arch of Triumph.
From this point twelve different avenues diverge. Quickly selecting the one leading furthest away from the spot where he had left the organ, Art walked rapidly down it until satisfied that he was safe from pursuit. He then crossed over to the Boulevard Haussmann, and in twenty minutes was safe back at the hotel.
When he related his adventures to the family, his father said he ought to have appealed to the police, and his sister called him a goose for having stood it as long as he did.
But not so with the mother. Mrs. Dickson drew him to her side and whispered that he was her gallant American knight, and after that Art could not regret his attempt to right a wrong, although he often says that the man did not deserve the sou he had thrown him so successfully.
[THE SNOW.]
Hurry and skurry! Hurrah for the snow!
How the flakes dance, and how the winds blow!
Run for the sleighs, and for mufflers run,
Little ones eager for frolic and fun.
Pull on the mittens, and ring out the bells,
Jolly, I say, is the music that tells
Winter has come and the Snow King is here—
There! a big snow-ball hit me on the ear!