of orphan
children. His widder, a beautiful young woman, was obliged to start
a peanut and apple stand. There she is now."

"Where?"

Dick pointed to a hideous old woman, of large proportions, wearing a
bonnet of immense size, who presided over an apple-stand close by.

Frank laughed.

"If that is the case," he said, "I think I will patronize her."

"Leave it to me," said Dick, winking.

He advanced gravely to the apple-stand, and said, "Old lady,
have you paid your taxes?"

The astonished woman opened her eyes.

"I'm a gov'ment officer," said Dick, "sent by the mayor to collect
your taxes. I'll take it in apples just to oblige. That big red one
will about pay what you're owin' to the gov'ment."

"I don't know nothing about no taxes," said the old woman, in
bewilderment.

"Then," said Dick, "I'll let you off this time. Give us two of
your best apples, and my friend here, the President of the Common
Council, will pay you."

Frank smiling, paid three cents apiece for the apples, and they
sauntered on, Dick remarking, "If these apples aint good, old lady,
we'll return 'em, and get our money back." This would have been
rather difficult in his case, as the apple was already half
consumed.

Chatham Street, where they wished to go, being on the East side, the
two boys crossed the Park. This is an enclosure of about ten acres,
which years ago was covered with a green sward, but is now a great
thoroughfare for pedestrians and contains several important public
buildings. Dick pointed out the City Hall, the Hall of Records, and
the Rotunda. The former is a white building of large size, and
surmounted by a cupola.

"That's where the mayor's office is," said Dick. "Him and me
are very good friends. I once blacked his boots by partic'lar
appointment. That's the way I pay my city taxes."

CHAPTER V

CHATHAM STREET AND BROADWAY

They were soon in Chatham Street, walking between rows of ready-made
clothing shops, many of which had half their stock in trade exposed
on the sidewalk. The proprietors of these establishments stood at
the doors, watching attentively the passersby, extending urgent
invitations to any who even glanced at the goods to enter.

"Walk in, young gentlemen," said a stout man, at the entrance of one
shop.

"No, I thank you," replied Dick, "as the fly said to the spider."

"We're selling off at less than cost."

"Of course you be. That's where you makes your money," said Dick.
"Ther