for it without un-
necessary conversation. If he had not been so busy he might have asked
some questions, and thus the boys would have been advised as to the
proper course to pursue; but as it was, they walked out, little
thinking how much they might have learned, and rejoicing that they were
freed from a heavy burden.

After they had made a very satisfactory breakfast on a pie; which Joe
bought for the small sum of ten cents, in consideration of the fact
that it was not as fresh as a first-class pie should be, they walked in
the direction of the wharves as a first step towards learning how they
should get home.

It surely seemed as if they had been singularly fortunate in taking
this step, for they had gone hardly more than a block when they met a
boy about ten years old, who appeared to know all about it. It was not
a difficult matter to make his acquaintance, for he met their advances
considerably more than half-way, and in a. few moments the three were
comfortably seated on some barrels near the pier, discussing the
situation.


A DISTRICT MESSENGER BOY.

CHAPTER II.
HOME AGAIN.

"You see you have to go up that way to get to New York,!" said the boy,
pointing with an
air of wisdom, "an' if you fellers want to get home real bad, I'll