"You are very kind, sir," said Paul, gratefully.

"Only just, Paul."

Mr. Preston went to the bureau, and drew out another shirt, which he
handed to Paul.

"Let me suggest, my young friend," he said, "that you ride home this
time. It is late, and you might have another encounter with your friend.
I should like to see him with the shirt on," and Mr. Preston laughed
heartily at the thought.

Paul decided to follow his patron's advice. He had no idea of running
any more risk in the matter. He accordingly walked to Fourth avenue and
got on board the car.

It was nearly eleven o'clock when he reached home. As it was never
his habit to stay out late, his mother had become alarmed at his long
absence.

"What kept you so late, Paul?" she asked.

"I'll tell you, pretty soon, mother. Here's the shirt that is to serve
as a pattern. Can you cut out the new shirts by it?"

Mrs. Hoffman examined it attentively.

"Yes," she said; "there will be no difficulty about that. Mr. Preston
must be a pretty large man."