he bank boy; he felt that he had every
reason to rejoice that a strange Providence had sent him to the
assistance of Bessie and her mother just when they most needed a quick
eye and a ready hand to prevent the fire from spreading; for in a few
minutes, before the servants could have summoned courage enough to
appear in force, it must have gotten beyond control.

He found that there was considerable curiosity shown by the others in
the bank, who had seen his hurried entrance; but Dick had learned to
keep a still tongue, and he said not a word; even when Pliny asked about
his bandaged hand he simply answered that he had burned it a little.

The other looked down and took hold of the outer covering, with a
chuckle.

"What's this, a lady's soft handkerchief, with an initial in the
corner--B; now that stands for Bessie, eh?" he said, looking expectant;
but all he had in return was one of Dick's smiles that might stand for
either yes or no.

But when the bank boy returned from taking the horse to the stable and
then going his regular rounds he found that the directors had left the
bank, apparently in a good humor, for they were smiling and joking among
themselves; and also that every one knew of his recent adventure,
showing that Mr. Gibbs or the cashier had taken pains to relate the
story.

CHAPTER XXII

A REMARKABLE BIT OF INTELLIGENCE

"You certainly beat anything I ever saw when it comes to downright luck,
and that's the truth, Dick," said Mr. Winslow, as he stepped out and
joined the other when banking hours were done; which on this day was not
until an unusually late hour.

"I am beginning to think so myself. There was that incident of the
precious kitten which I saved from drowning, and through that secured my
position in the bank; and to-day I was fortunate enough just to be
Johnny on the spot when some one was needed to jump on that little blaze
and put it out," returned the boy, wondering why the teller had waited
to see him, and anticipating some news in connection with the matter
they were planning in common.

"You are evidently monopolizing all the talent in that line just at
present, so there is hardly any show for the rest of us. Hurry up and
get through, Dick, so the field will be open. I can see easily enough
that the firm name will some day be changed to 'Gibbs & Morrison'" went
on Mr. Winslow, laughing.

"Don't look so far into the future, please; but tell me what there is
new. I've be