favor. Here is my card, if you insist on making an arrest."

He passed a bit of pasteboard over to the policeman, who, when he had
read it, took on a different attitude.

"Oh, very well, Alderman Casey," he said, "I beg your pardon. I didn't
know he was a friend of yours, or I wouldn't have bothered him. Of
course I must have made a mistake. He can go."

"I don't know whether he's a friend of mine or not," continued the
alderman with a smile. "I'm inclined to think, by the way my corn
hurts, that he isn't. But I want to see justice done. There, my lad,
run along now, before you get any wetter, or step on any more fat men's
toes," and the alderman, satisfied at having done a good act, and at
demonstrating his influence over the police before a crowd, laughed
heartily.

Dick lost no time in making his escape, fearing the officer might
change his mind. He found Jimmy and related what had occurred.

"Crimps! Say, you has luck!" exclaimed Dick's partner. "Alderman
Casey is one of the big-bugs! What, didn't you know him when he was
speakin' to youse--I mean you?"

"No."

"Well, of course it takes time to know all the main gazabos of this
town," spoke Jimmy, with an air of lofty wisdom. "But I'm sorry you
don't feel well. Come an' have a soda."

"No, I don't think I care for any. I don't believe it would be good
for me. But you go get one."

"All right, I will. Then you won't come swimmin' to-night, Dick?"

"No, I've had enough of it for one day. I guess I'll be better in the
morning."

Dick did not feel very well that night when he went to bed. The
excitement had a bad effect on his nerves, and when he awoke in the
morning, he had quite a fever. His face was flushed and his breathing
rapid. He tried to get up to go out with his papers, but found himself
too dizzy to stand.

"I--I guess I'm sick, Jimmy," he said. "But I'll be all right in a
little while. You go ahead out, so as not to lose the morning trade."

"What? And leave you here all alone, and sick? I guess not much!
Wait, I'll call Mr. Snowden. He knows somethin' about medicine."

CHAPTER XXI

JIMMY IN TROUBLE

When the manager of the lodging-house saw Dick, he realized that the
lad was quite ill. He did not try to prescribe for him, but at once
called in the district physician.

The doctor looked grave when he had felt of Dick's pulse, looked at his
tongue, and asked him some questions. Then he beckoned Mr. Snowd