does he want me to come to his room?" he asked.

"I'll go round with you after dinner. You want to rise in the world,
don't you, Julius?"

"I'd like to, but I ain't had any chance."

"I think Mr. Preston will give you a chance. You can be thinking what
you would like to do, and he will help you to it."

"I would like to go out West. I'm afraid to stay here. Marlowe might
find me."

"I don't know but you are right, Julius. Out West there is more of a
chance to rise. You can tell Mr. Preston what you wish."

While the boys were talking a man stood near by, who listened
attentively to what was said, hearing every word. Neither Paul nor
Julius remarked him. He was a tall man, with red hair, and a face
marked by the smallpox. He was dressed in the garb of a sailor. Of
course this was Marlowe. It was imprudent for him to post himself in
so public a place, but he trusted to his disguise, and he wanted to
hear for himself the conversation between the two boys. He learned,
what he suspected before, that to the boy, Julius, he was indebted for
the failure of his attempt at burglary. When the two boys went to
dinner he followed them.

CHAPTER XXI.

A BRIGHTER PROSPECT FOR JULIUS.

After dinner Paul went again to Mr. Preston's place of business,
accompanied by Julius. The disguised sailor, who had lingered outside
the restaurant, followed the two at a safe distance. Had not Paul and
Julius been so occupied with their own affairs, they might have
noticed Marlowe. As it was, they were quite unconscious of being
followed.

They were fortunate in finding Mr. Preston in his office, and at
leisure.

"Mr. Preston," said Paul, "this is the boy I spoke to you about."

"What is your name, my lad?" asked the merchant.

"Julius," answered the street boy.

"My young friend, Paul, tells me that you have done him and his
employer a great service. Did you live with the men who were engaged
in the burglary?"

"Yes, sir."

"I suppose they have been in prison at different times?"

"Yes, sir, more'n half the time."

"What did you do then?"

"Worked for myself."

"What did you do?"

"Blacked boots or sold papers. When I got a chance I smashed baggage."

"Did you get paid for that?" asked Mr. Preston, with a smile.

"He means carried bundles or carpet-bags," explained Paul.

"I understand. Did these men ever want you to steal, or join them in
burglary?"

"Sometimes. They was goin' to take me last night, but they w