ally. "I may need your services some time."

"I don't think I have another card, sir."

"Then take one of mine."

Mark glanced at the card offered him.

HENRY SWAN.
Watches, Diamonds, Jewelry.
No. 185-1/2 Broadway.

"Were that young man's diamonds bought at your store," asked Mark
smiling.

"They were only paste. They might deceive a novice, but I saw through
them at once. But I must bid you good morning. I have to make a call at
the Fifth Avenue Hotel."

A few blocks farther on the old lady got out.

Mark assisted her to the street.

"You're a very polite boy," she said. "You've done me a great favor. You
had better take the five dollars I offered you."

"No, thank you, madam. I will wait till I have a chance to do you
another service."

He did not resume his seat in the stage, having an errand on Eighteenth
Street. As he was passing Lord & Taylor's store, he heard his name
called.

Turning in some surprise he saw Maud Gilbert, the young lady he had
escorted to Daly's Theater, leaving the store.

"How do you do, Mark?" she said, extending her hand with a smile.

"Very well, thank you, Miss Gilbert."

"Didn't I see your picture in the _Evening Globe_ a short time since?"

"Yes, I believe so," answered Mark, blushing.

"In connection with Mr. Rockwell, the banker?"

"Yes."

"You have become quite a hero. I concluded it was you and I felt quite
proud to think I knew you. Did I tell you that I had a brother about
your age?"

"No, Miss Gilbert."

"I have, and he is home on a vacation from Exeter Academy. If you have
no engagement on Thursday evening call and I will introduce you."

"I shall be delighted to do so Miss----"

"Maud," suggested the young lady smiling.

"Miss Maud. Thank you for the invitation. I will come."

CHAPTER X.

AN IMPORTANT COMMISSION.

"No. 79!" called the superintendent.

Mark Mason came forward to receive his commission. He had been sitting
on a bench with several other telegraph boys, awaiting a call.

"Do you know Henry Swan, jeweler?" asked the superintendent, referring
to a paper in his hand.

"Yes, sir; that is, I met him lately in a Fifth Avenue stage."

"He has sent for a telegraph boy, No. 79 preferred."

Mark smiled with pleasure.

"I am glad he remembers me," he said.

"You may go there at once."

Mark put on his cap and went to the jeweler's store. As he entered, Mr.
Swan, who was crossing from one side of the