"I suppose you are surprised to see me," said Paul, rather awkwardly.

"Why, yes. I did not anticipate that pleasure quite so soon," said Mr.
Preston, smiling.

"I am afraid it won't be a pleasure, for I bring bad news."

"Bad news?" repeated the gentleman, rather startled.

"Yes; I have lost the shirt you gave me."

"Oh, is that all?" said Mr. Preston, looking relieved. "But how did you
lose it?"

"I was walking home down the Bowery, when two fellows met me. One of
them, Mike Donovan, forced me into a fight. I gave him a licking," added
Paul, with satisfaction; "but when it was all over, I found the other
fellow had run off with the shirt."

"I don't believe it will fit him," said Mr. Preston, laughing.

As the speaker probably weighed two hundred and fifty pounds, it was,
indeed, rather doubtful. Paul couldn't help laughing himself at the
thought.

"You were certainly unlucky," said Mr. Preston. "Did you know the boy
you fought with?"

"Yes, sir; he once before stole my stock of candy, when I was in the
prize-package business."