ick, his face flushing at the insinuation.

"Well, dat's queer," murmured Bulldog as he turned away. Then he
started suddenly as he saw coming toward him a man whom he knew. It
was a detective from police headquarters, and Bulldog had frequently
given the man information about petty thieves.

"Say," said Bulldog in a low tone to the detective as the latter
reached him, "I want t' ask youse a few questions. Come in here," and
he motioned to a hallway. The detective, who was inclined to be
friendly with the newsboy, thinking he might have some future use for
him, complied, and soon the two were in conversation.

CHAPTER XIV

JIMMY'S FURTHER PROGRESS

Meanwhile Dick, all unconscious of the plot being woven about him,
continued to sell his papers. When he was out he went to the delivery
wagon and got more, and he remained in the financial district until
three o'clock, when, as that marks the close of the day's business,
there was not much chance to sell any more papers.

Then he went up to report to Jimmy and help him dispose of his stock by
circulating around City Hall Park and the streets leading to the
ferries.

"Well, dis ain't so bad," remarked Jimmy as they went to supper that
evening, calculating on the way how much they had taken in.

"No, indeed," said his partner. "If this keeps on we can soon start a
regular stand."

"Crimps! Dat would be fine! But I guess we'll have t' have more money
saved up. All de good places is taken, and we'd have t' buy somebody
out."

"Oh, yes, we'll have to have more money," agreed Dick. "But if all
goes well we can put another dollar in the bank this week."

"Dat's de stuff. Crimps! but I'm hungry! Guess I'll have a----"
Jimmy stopped suddenly as he put his hand in his pocket.

"What's the matter? Lost your money?" asked Dick anxiously.

"Nope. I was jest goin'--jest goin' t' smoke a cigarette, but I
forgot----"

"I'm glad you remembered in time. Do you find it hard to give them up?"

"It's kinder hard--jest now."

"Then come on, let's hurry up and have supper and you'll not think of
smoking."

"All right," Jimmy agreed, but it was quite a struggle for the lad.
The cigarette habit had taken more of a hold on him than he supposed,
and he felt that he must smoke. But he determined to keep his word,
and as he was a boy of some strength of character, in spite of his
surroundings, he did not readily give in to the temptation.

After supper the r