negative. It was better that he should leave him now forever.
With him he could only look forward to a future of shame and disgrace.

"What are you thinking about, boy?" asked Marlowe. "Do you want to go
to California with Jack and me?"

"No," answered Julius.

"Why not?"

"I'd rather stay here," answered Julius shortly.

"When I was a lad I'd have liked to go off on a journey like that."

"I like stayin' here."

"He's used to the streets," said Jack. "He likes 'em. That's best, as
he can't go."

"Can you take care of yourself?" asked Marlowe.

"I always has," said Julius.

"That's so," said Jack, laughing. "You ain't given me much trouble,
Julius."

The men resumed their game, and the boy looked on silently. After
awhile seven o'clock struck, and Julius rose from his seat.

"I'm goin'," he said.

"All right, Julius. Keep your eyes open."

"I know," said the boy.

He had saved enough money to pay for a ride uptown. He took the Fourth
avenue cars, and in half an hour found that he had reached the cross
street nearest to his destination. Five minutes later he rang the
basement bell of the house in Madison avenue.

Paul saw him enter the area, and went himself to open the door.

"Come in, Julius," he said. "I have been expecting you. Have you had
any supper?"

"I bought some coffee and cakes."

"I think you can eat a little more," said Paul, smiling. "Mother,
can't you give Julius some dinner?"

"Is this the boy you expected, Paul?"

"Yes, mother."

"I saved some for him. Sit down at the table, Julius," she said
hospitably.

Julius did as he was told, and directly Mrs. Hoffman took from the
oven a plate of meat and vegetables, which had thus been kept warm,
and poured out a cup of tea also. These were placed before the young
Arab. His eyes lighted up with pleasure at the tempting feast, and the
vigor of his assaults showed that the coffee and cakes which he had
partaken had by no means destroyed his appetite. Mrs. Hoffman and Paul
looked on with pleasure, glad that they had been able to give pleasure
to their young visitor. Jimmy, who had heard them speak of Julius,
hovered near, surveying him with curiosity. He wanted to "interview"
Julius, but hardly knew how to begin. Finally he ventured to ask: "Are
you the boy that lives with the robbers?"

"Jimmy!" said his mother reprovingly.

But Julius was not sensitive.

"Yes," he answered.

"Ain't you afraid of them?" continued Jimmy.

"W