enver. It seemed impossible that Uncle Starkweather and his family could
reside in such a place as this. And yet the street and number were
correct. Surely, the taxicab driver must know his way about the city!

From behind the door on her right came the rattle of dishes and voices.
Putting her courage to the test, Helen rapped on the door. But she had to
repeat the summons before she was heard.

Then she heard a shuffling step approach the door, it was unlocked, and a
gray old woman, with a huge horsehair wig upon her head, peered out at
her.

"Vot you vant?" this apparition asked, her black eyes growing round in
wonder at the appearance of the girl and her bag. "Ve puys noddings; ve
sells noddings. Vot you vant--eh?"

"I am looking for my Uncle Starkweather," said Helen, doubtfully.

"Vor your ungle?" repeated the old woman.

"Mr. Starkweather. Does he live in this house?"

"'S'arkwesser'? I neffer heard," said the old woman, shaking her huge
head. "Abramovitch lifs here, and Abelosky, and Seldt, and--and Goronsky.
You sure you god de name ride, Miss?"

"Quite sure," replied the puzzled Helen.

"Meppe ubstairs," said the woman, eyeing Helen curiously. "Vot you god in
de pag, lady?"

To tell the truth this query rather frightened the girl. She did not reply
to the question, but started half-blindly for the stairs, clinging to the
bag with both hands.

Suddenly a door banged above and a quick and light step began to descend
the upper flight. Helen halted and looked expectantly upward. The
approaching step was that of a young person.

In a moment a girl appeared, descending the stairs like a young whirlwind.
She was a vigorous, red-cheeked girl, with dark complexion, a prominent
nose, flashing black eyes, and plump, sturdy arms bared to her dimpled
elbows. She saw Helen there in the hall and stopped, questioningly. The
old woman said something to the newcomer in what Helen supposed must be
Yiddish, and banged shut her own door.

"Whaddeyer want, Miss?" asked the dark girl, coming nearer to Helen and
smiling, showing two rows of perfect teeth. "Got lost?"

"I don't know but what I have," admitted the girl from the West.

"Chee! You're a greenie, too; ain't you?"

"I reckon so," replied Helen, smiling in return. "At least, I've just
arrived in town."

The girl had now opened the door and looked out. "Look at this, now!" she
exclaimed. "Did you come in that taxi?"

"Yes," admitted Helen.

"Chee! you'r