So Paul, though his stock in trade had been stolen, and he was obliged to seek a new kind of business, was by no means disheartened. He walked a little way downtown, and then, crossing the City Hall Park, found himself on Broadway.
A little below the Astor House he came to the stand of a sidewalk-merchant, who dealt in neckties. Upon an upright framework hung a great variety of ties of different colors, most of which were sold at the uniform price of twenty-five cents each.
Paul was acquainted with the proprietor of the stand, and, having nothing else to do, determined to stop and speak to him.
The proprietor of the necktie stand was a slender, dark-complexioned young man of about twenty-five, or thereabouts.
His name was George Barry. Paul had known him for over a year, and whenever he passed his stand was accustomed to stop and speak with him.
“Well, George, how's business?” asked Paul.
“Fair,” said Barry. “That isn't what's the matter.”
“I'm sick. I ought not to be out here to-day.”
“I've caught a bad cold, and feel hot and feverish. I ought to be at home and abed.”
“It's better to do that than to get a bad sickness.”
“I suppose it is. I am afraid I am going to have a fever. One minute I'm hot, another I'm cold. But I can't afford to close up my business.”
“Why don't you get somebody to take your place?”
“I don't know anybody I could get that I could trust. They'd sell my goods, and make off with the money.”
“Can you trust me?” asked Paul, who saw a chance to benefit himself as well as his friend.
“Yes, Paul, I could trust you, but I'm afraid I couldn't pay you enough to make it worth while for you to stand here.”
“I haven't got anything to do just now,” said Paul. “I was in the prize-package business, but two fellows stole my stock in trade, and I'm not going into it again. It's about played out. I'm your man. Just make me an offer.”
“I should like to have you take my place for a day or two, for I know you wouldn't cheat me.”
“I am sure. I know you are an honest boy, Paul. But I don't know what to offer you.”
“How many neckties do you sell a day?” asked Paul, in a businesslike tone.
Paul made a short calculation. Twelve neckties at twenty-five cents each would bring three dollars. Half of this was a dollar and a half.