from a
place far away from this city."

"Montana," said Helen.

"I ain't up in United States geography. But I know there's a big country
the other side of the North River."

Helen laughed. "I come from a good ways beyond the river," she said.

"Well, I'll have to get back to the store. Old Jacob will give me fits."

"Oh, dear! and I'm keeping you," cried Helen.

"I should worry!" exploded the other, slangily. "I'm only a 'puller-in.' I
ain't a saleslady. Come on and I'll throw a scare into that taxi-driver.
Watch me."

This sort of girl was a revelation to Helen. She was frankly independent
herself; but Sadie Goronsky showed an entirely different sort of
independence.

"See here you, Mr. Man!" exclaimed the Jewish girl, attracting the
attention of the taxicab driver, who had not left his seat. "Whadderyer
mean by bringing this young lady down here to Madison Street when with
half an eye you could ha' told that she belonged on Madison _Avenyer_?"

"Heh?" grunted the man.

"Now, don't play no greenie trick with _me_," commanded Sadie. "I gotcher
number, and I know the company youse woik for. You take this young lady
right to the correct address on the avenyer--and see that she don't get
robbed before you get her there. You get in, Miss Morrell. Don't you be
afraid. This chap won't dare take you anywhere but to your uncle's house
now."

"She said Madison Street," declared the taxicab driver, doggedly.

"Well, now _I_ says Madison Avenyer!" exclaimed Sadie. "Get in, Miss."

"But where'll I find you, Sadie?" asked the Western girl, holding the
rough hand of her new friend.

"Right at that shop yonder," said the black-eyed girl, pointing to a store
only two doors beyond the house which Helen had entered. "Ladies'
garments. You'll see me pullin' 'em in. If you _don't_ see me, ask for
Miss Goronsky. Good-night, Miss! You'll get to your uncle's all right
now."

The taxicab driver had started the machine again. They darted off through
a side street, and soon came out upon the broader thoroughfare down which
they had come so swiftly. She saw by a street sign that it was the
Bowery.

The man slowed down and spoke to her through the tube.

"I hope you don't bear no ill-will, Miss," he said, humbly enough. "You
said Madison----"

"All right. See if you can take me to the right place now," returned
Helen, brusquely.

Her talk with Sadie Goronsky had given her more confidence. She was awake
to the wiles of th