l effort that he dragged himself as far as
Broadway, though the distance was scarcely quarter of a mile. Little
Mike followed him, partly because his mother directed him to do it,
partly because, young as he was, he was curious to learn where Jacob
was going, and what he was going to do. His curiosity was soon
gratified. He saw the old man remove his battered hat, and hold it out
in mute appeal to the passers-by.

It was not long before Jacob received ten cents.

"What's the matter with you?" asked another passer-by, five minutes
later.

"I'm sick and poor," whined Jacob.

"Well, there's something for you," and the old man, to his joy, found
his hoard increased twenty-five cents. This he put into his pocket,
thinking that he would be more likely to inspire compassion, and obtain
fresh contributions, if only the ten cents were visible.

He did not get another contribution as large. Still, more than one
passer-by, attracted by his wretched look, dropped something into his
hat, till the sum he desired was made up. He had secured the
seventy-five cents necessary to make up the hundred dollars; but his
craving was not satisfied. He thought he would stay half an hour
longer, and secure a little more. He was tired, but it would not take
long, and he could rest long enough afterward. An unlucky impulse led
him to cross the street to the opposite side, which he fancied would be
more favorable to his purpose. I say unlucky, for he was struck down,
when half way across, by some stage horses, and trampled under foot.

There was a rush to his rescue, and he was lifted up and carried into a
neighboring shop.

"Does anybody know who he is, or where he lives?" asked a policeman.

"I know him," said little Mike, who had witnessed the accident, and
followed the crowd in. "His name is old Jacob, and he lives in Carter's
alley."

"Is there anybody to take care of him--any wife or daughter?" asked the
physician.

Mike explained that he had only a grandson, and the physician thereupon
directed that he be carried to Bellevue Hospital, while Mike ran home
to bear the important news to his mother.

CHAPTER III.

A STREET FIGHT.

Tom, of course, knew nothing of Jacob's accident. He fancied him safe
at home, and was only concerned to make enough money to pay the
necessary expenses of both. He felt little anxiety on this score, as he
was of an enterprising disposition, and usually got his fair share of
business. He statio