Fame and Fortune Part 8

"Yes, it's all right."

"How's my cravat?"

"It'll do. You're getting to be quite a dandy, d.i.c.k."

"I want to look respectable; got it right that time. When I visit Turkey I want to look as the turkeys do. Won't you go with me,--as far as the door, I mean?"

"Yes, if you're going to walk."

"I'd rather. I feel kind of nervous, and perhaps I'll walk it off."

The two boys got their caps, and walked up Broadway on the west side.

The lights were already lit, and the shop windows made a brilliant display. At intervals places of amus.e.m.e.nt opened wide their hospitable portals, and large placards presented tempting invitations to enter.

They reached Union Square, and, traversing it, again walked up Broadway to Madison Park. At the upper end of this park commences the beautiful avenue which bears the same name. Only about half a dozen blocks now required to be pa.s.sed, when the boys found themselves opposite a residence with a very imposing front.

"This is the place," said d.i.c.k. "I wish you were going in with me."

"I hope you will have a pleasant time, d.i.c.k. Good-by till I see you again."

d.i.c.k felt a little nervous, but he summoned up all his courage, and, ascending the broad marble steps, rang the bell.

CHAPTER V.

d.i.c.k RECEIVES TWO VALUABLE PRESENTS.

At the end of the last chapter we left d.i.c.k standing on the steps of Mr.

Rockwell's residence in Madison Avenue. He had rung the bell and was waiting to have his summons answered. To say that d.i.c.k expected to enjoy his visit would not be strictly true. He knew very well that his street education had not qualified him to appear to advantage in fashionable society, and he wished that Fosd.i.c.k were with him to lend him countenance.

While under the influence of these feelings the door was thrown open, and a servant looked at him inquiringly.

"Is Mr. Rockwell at home?" asked d.i.c.k.

"Yes. Would you like to see him?"

"He asked me to call this evening."

"What! Are you the boy that saved Master Johnny from drowning?" asked the servant, her face brightening up, for Johnny was a great favorite in the house.

"I jumped into the water after him," said d.i.c.k, modestly.

"I heard Mr. Rockwell say he was expecting you to-night. Come right in.

Mistress is very anxious to see you."

Placed a little at his ease by this cordial reception, d.i.c.k followed the servant upstairs to a pleasant sitting-room on the second floor. Mr. and Mrs. Rockwell were seated at a centre-table reading the evening papers, while Johnny and his sister Grace were constructing a Tower of Babel with some blocks upon the carpet before the fire.

d.i.c.k entered, and stood just within the door, with his cap in his hand, feeling a little embarra.s.sed.

"I am glad to see you, Richard," said Mr. Rockwell, rising from his seat, and advancing to our hero with a pleasant smile. "Mrs. Rockwell has been anxious to see you. My dear, this is the brave boy who saved our little Johnny."

Mrs. Rockwell, a tall, graceful lady, with a smile that quite captivated d.i.c.k, offered her hand, and said, earnestly, "My brave boy, I have been wishing to see you. I shudder to think that, but for your prompt courage, I should now be mourning the loss of my dear little Johnny.

Accept a mother's thanks for a favor so great that she can never hope to repay it."

Now this acknowledgment was very pleasant to d.i.c.k, but it was also very embarra.s.sing. It is difficult to receive praise gracefully. So our hero, not knowing what else to say, stammered out that she was very welcome.

"I understand that you have entered my husband's employment," said Mrs.

Rockwell.

"Yes," said d.i.c.k. "He was kind enough to take me."

"I hope to make a man of business of our young friend," said Mr.

Rockwell. "He will soon feel at home in his new position, and I hope we may find the connection mutually satisfactory."

"Have you a pleasant boarding-place?" asked Mrs. Rockwell.

"Tip-top," said d.i.c.k. "I mean pretty good," he added, in a little confusion.

"Where is it?"

"In Bleecker Street," said d.i.c.k, very glad that he was not obliged to say Mott Street.

"That is quite a good location," said Mr. Rockwell. "How do you spend your evenings, Richard?"

"In studying with a friend of mine," said d.i.c.k. "I want to know something by the time I grow up."

"That is an excellent resolution," said his employer, with warm approval. "I wish more boys of your age were equally sensible. You may depend upon it that a good education is the best preparation for an honorable and useful manhood. What is your friend's name?"

"Henry Fosd.i.c.k. He rooms with me."

"I am glad you have a friend who shares your tastes. But perhaps you would like to renew your acquaintance with the young gentleman to whom you have rendered so great a service. Johnny has been allowed to stay up beyond his usual bedtime because you were coming. Johnny, come here!"

Johnny rose from his blocks, and came to his mother's side. He was a pleasant-looking little fellow, with a pair of bright eyes, and round, plump cheeks. He looked shyly at d.i.c.k.

"Did you ever see this young man?" asked his mother.

"Yes," said Johnny.

"When was it?"

"When I was in the river," said Johnny. "He pulled me out."

"Are you glad to see him?"

"Yes," said Johnny. "What is his name?"