lighted upon Ralph at once.

"Come here," he called, beckoning also with his finger. "I see you are
still about," he added as Ralph crossed over.

"Yes, but I ain't posting bills any more."

"Then your job didn't last long?"

Ralph frankly related the cause and manner of his discharge by Mr.
Quigg, whereat the captain laughed heartily.

"Well," said he, "I don't think you missed much, if that is the sort of
a man he is. I'm city auditor, and I will see that Quigg, or whatever
his name is, don't cheat the city. What are you going to do?"

Shard bent his eyes sharply on Ralph, and once more the boy felt
uncomfortable. He replied, however, that he would find something
before long.

"You stay with my foreman tonight," the captain said briskly.
"Emmons!" to some one inside. "This lad will eat and sleep with you.
I want you to take good care of him."

Emmons, without appearing, grunted a distant assent. Ralph ventured a
protest.

"I can find a lodging, captain," he began.

"Hut tut! You're too green yet to be left alone all night in this