could not get the door open. Had there ever been a fire at
Atterson's at night, Hiram's best chance for escape would have
been by the window.

So this evening, to kill the miserable stretch of time until
sleep should come to him, the boy went out and walked the
streets.

Two things had saved Hiram Strong from getting into bad company
on these evening rambles. One was the small amount of money he
earned, and the other was the naturally clean nature of the boy.
The cheap amusements which lured on either hand did not attract
him.

But the dangers are there in every city, and they lurk for every
boy in a like position.

The main thoroughfare in this part of the town where Hiram
boarded was brightly lighted, gaudy electric signs attracting
notice to cheap picture shows, catch-penny arcades, cheap jewelry
stores, and the ever present saloons and pool rooms.

It looked bright, and warm, and lively in many of these places;
but the country-bred boy was cautious.

Now and then a raucous-voiced automobile shot along the street;
the electric cars made their usual clangor, and there was still
some ordinary traffic of the day dribbling away into the side
streets, for it was early in the evening.