s, an' you've got the
shake."

"Sim was square with me," Joe replied, stoutly.

"Well, I'm glad you think so, for you're the only one he ever acted
square with, an' it wouldn't astonish me a bit to know he'd done you
up."

Joe was a boy who would not willingly listen to evil words against one
he called a friend, and was about to begin a wordy war in Sim's behalf,
when his friend's employer put an end to the conversation by demanding
that the clerk "get in and attend to business."

"I won't believe Sim ever did a thing crooked to me," Joe said,
recrossing the street and taking up his station where he could have a
full view of those who came from the building. "He saved his money while
I was losin' mine, an' that's all there is to it. It seems like as if
everybody wanted to jump on him 'cause he had sense enough to do jest
what he has done."

This was not the first time Master Potter had heard such an accusation
against his late clerk, and, while he would not believe Sim had been
dishonest, the suggestion so troubled him that he had some difficulty in
banishing the matter from his mind.

As the passengers from the incoming train appeared, he had other affairs
than Sim's possible dishonesty to think about, as he did his best to
attract the attention of those whom he thought might prove to be
patrons.

In this manner, but yet without earning any more money, the remainder of
the afternoon was passed, and when one by one the electric lights began
to appear, telling that the day had come to a close, he decided it was
time to seek out Master Plummer.

Now the thought of that bowl of stew for five cents was particularly
pleasing, and he had made up his mind to indulge in such a hearty meal,
when a little tot of a girl, who could not have been more than three
years old, came out from among the throng of pedestrians and stood
looking up into Joe's face.

"Well, say, but you are a dandy!" Master Potter exclaimed, in genuine
admiration, as he surveyed the tiny figure, allowing his eyes to dwell
almost lovingly upon the sweet, baby face. "You are a dandy, an' no
mistake; but them as owns you must be crazy to let sich a mite of a
thing snoop 'round here alone."

The child came nearer, and Joe stooped down to look at her more closely,
for she was the most dainty little maid he had ever seen.

"I'd ask you to speak to me if I was any ways fit," he said, holding out
a not over-cleanly hand.

The little maid must have jud