Won't you get in too?" asked the old gentleman who had come to rely
upon Fred as his guardian.

"Certainly, sir."

"I shall feel safer. I am a perfect stranger to the city."

He leaned back in the seat and partially closed his eyes.

The hack rattled through the streets and in due time reached its
destination.

The hackman opened the door of the cab and Fred assisted the old
gentleman to alight.

"Take my pocketbook and pay him," said the old man.

The hackman did not venture to ask more than his rightful fare, as it
would have come to the knowledge of the broker, whom he did not care to
offend.

The driver paid, Fred ascended the steps and rang the bell.

A man servant opened the door.

"Is Mr. Wainwright at home?" asked Fred.

The servant, seeing an old man in rather a rusty dress, was inclined to
think that he was an applicant for charity, and answered rather
superciliously:

"Yes, he's at 'ome, but I ain't sure as he'll see you."

"Tell him," said Fred sharply, "that his uncle has arrived."

"His uncle!" repeated the astounded flunkey. "O yes, sir, certainly,
sir. I think he _is_ at 'ome. Won't you step in, sir?"

Fred would have gone away, but the old gentleman still seemed to
require his assistance, and he stepped in with him and led him into the
drawing-room.

The servant promptly reported the arrival to Mr. Wainwright, who
descended the staircase quickly and greeted his uncle.

"You are heartily welcome, Uncle Silas," he said. "I did not expect you
till to-morrow, or I would have sent the carriage for you."

"I changed my mind, John, and decided to push through."

"Who is this young man with you?"

"He is a kind friend, John. I was taken sick--the effect of the
journey, I think--and I shouldn't have been able to get up here but for
him."

The broker smiled pleasantly and held out his hand to Fred.

"You are the train boy, are you not?" he asked, glancing at Fred's cap.

"Yes, sir."

"I hope you find it pays you well."

"Not at this season, sir."

"How long have you been in service?"

"Over a year."

"Thank you for your kindness to my uncle. He seems ill and requires my
attention now. Can you make it convenient to call here to-morrow
evening at eight o'clock?"

"Yes, sir. I will call with pleasure."

"Good night, then, and don't forget to call."

The broker shook hands with Fred again, and the train-boy left the
house quite won by the pleasant and affable manner of the gr