"I would like to meet that man!" commented Mr. Leslie.
"I hardly think that possible," explained Bart. "He seems to be afraid
to face the open daylight, and, as you see, has not even manifested
himself to me, except in a covert way."
"He is some poor unfortunate in trouble," said the superintendent. "If
you do see him, Stirling, give him that--from the express company."
Bart was sure that his mysterious friend could be no other than the
roustabout. He took the crisp ten-dollar bill, which the superintendent
extended with an impetuousness that showed he was a genuine,
warm-hearted man under the surface.
"That quarter of a dollar you gave him was a grand investment, Stirling.
And now to get down to business, for I haven't much time to spare."
The superintendent, seating himself on the bench, consulted his watch
and fixed his glance on Bart in his former stern, practical way.
"I saw your father at the hospital," he announced.
"Yes, sir?" murmured Bart anxiously.
"They are going to let him go home to-morrow. I am very sorry for his
misfortune. He is an old and reliable employee of the express company,
and we will find it difficult to replace him.
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