Dick shouldered his box and walked up as far as the Astor House. He
took his station on the sidewalk, and began to look about him.

Just behind him were two persons,--one, a gentleman of fifty; the
other, a boy of thirteen or fourteen. They were speaking together,
and Dick had no difficulty in hearing what was said.

"I am sorry, Frank, that I can't go about, and show you some of the
sights of New York, but I shall be full of business to-day. It is
your first visit to the city, too."

"Yes, sir."

"There's a good deal worth seeing here. But I'm afraid you'll have
to wait to next time. You can go out and walk by yourself, but don't
venture too far, or you will get lost."

Frank looked disappointed.

"I wish Tom Miles knew I was here," he said. "He would go around
with me."

"Where does he live?"

"Somewhere up town, I believe."

"Then, unfortunately, he is not available. If you would rather go
with me than stay here, you can, but as I shall be most of the time
in merchants'-counting-rooms, I am afraid it would not be very