ot sure whether Mr. Preston would accept this explanation. He
might think it was only an attempt to defraud him. But, at any rate, it
seemed the only thing to do, and it must be done at once. He entered a
passing car, for it was too late to walk.

"I wish I had taken the car down," thought Paul. "Then I shouldn't have
lost the shirt."

But it was too late for regrets now. He must do the best that remained
to him.

It was nearly ten o'clock when Paul once more stood before the door of
Mr. Preston's boarding-place. He rang the bell and asked to see him.

"You have been here before this evening?" said the servant.

"Yes."

"Then you know the room. You can walk right up."

Paul went upstairs and knocked at Mr. Preston's room. He was bidden to
come in, and did so.

Mr. Preston looked up with surprise.

"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."

"That was the day we got acquainted," remarked Mr. Preston.

"Yes, sir."

"He doesn't seem to be a very particular friend of yours."

"No; he hates me, Mike does, though I don't know why. But I hope you
won't be angry with me for losing the shirt?"

"No; it doesn't seem to be your fault, only your misfortune."

"I was afraid you might think I had made up the story, and only wanted
to get an extra shirt from you."

"No, my young friend; I have some faith in physiognomy, and you have an
honest face. I don't believe you would deceive me."

"No, I wouldn't," said Paul,