e young man, sternly, "if you are a gentleman,
you will apologize to this boy for your unworthy suspicions, and you,
too, madam."

The old maid tossed her head, but could not find a word to say, while
the old gentleman looked the picture of mortification.

"We are all liable to be mistaken!" he muttered, in a confused tone.

"Then be a little more careful next time, both of you! My boy, I
congratulate you on your triumphant vindication."

"Thank you, sir, for it. I should have stood a very poor chance
without your help."

The tide was turned, and the uncharitable pair found so many
unfriendly glances fixed upon them that they were glad to leave the
car at the next crossing.

CHAPTER XIII

TOM BROOKS IN TROUBLE

"I begin to think I am the favorite of fortune," thought Luke. "Ten
dollars will more than pay a month's rent. Mother will feel easy now
about her loss of employment."

Some boys would have felt like taking a holiday for the balance of the
day, perhaps, or going to a place of amusement, but Luke bought his
evening papers as usual. He had but half a dozen left when his new
acquaintance, Stephen Webb, sauntered along.

"How's business, Luke?" he asked.

"Very fair, thank you."

"Give me a _News._"

Stephen passed over a penny in payment, but did not seem inclined to
go away.

"I meant to see you before," he said, "but my time got filled up."

"Have you taken a situation, then?" asked Luke.

"No, I am still a man of leisure. Why don't you hire a small store,
and do a general periodical business? It would pay you better."

"No doubt it would, but it would take money to open and stock such a
store."

"I may make a proposition to you some time to go in with me, I
furnishing the capital, and you managing the business."

"I am always open to a good offer," said Luke, smiling.

"I suppose I ought to have some business, but I'm a social kind of
fellow, and should want a partner, a smart, enterprising, trustworthy
person like you."

"Thank you for the compliment."

"Never mind that! I am a judge of human nature, and I felt confidence
in you at once."

Somehow Luke was not altogether inclined to take Stephen Webb at his
own valuation. His new acquaintance did not impress him as a reliable
man of business, but he had no suspicion of anything underhand.

By this time Luke had disposed of his remaining papers.

"I am through for the day," he said, "and shall go home."

"Do you walk or r