“I hope I shall be able to keep it up,” he said to himself, thoughtfully.  “At any rate, I’ve got enough to pay for six weeks more.  Before that time something may turn up.”

Several days passed without showing Frank any way by which he could increase his income.  Jasper again offered to give him two dollars a week out of his own wages, but this our hero steadily refused.

One Friday evening, just as the store was about to close, the head salesman called Frank to him.

“Where do you live?” he asked.

“In Sixth avenue, near Twenty-fifth street.”

“There’s a bundle to go to Forty-sixth street.  I’ll pay your fare upon the stage if you’ll carry it.  I promised to send it to-night, and I don’t like to disappoint the lady.”

“I can carry it just as well as not.”

Frank took the bundle, and got on board a passing omnibus.  There was just one seat vacant beside an old gentleman of seventy, who appeared to be quite feeble.

At Forty-fifth street he pulled the strap and prepared to descend, leaning heavily on his cane as he did so.  By some mischance the horses started a little too soon and the old man, losing his footing, fell in the street.  Frank observed the accident and sprang out instantly to his help.

“I hope you are not much hurt, sir?” he said, hastily.

“I have hurt my knee,” said the old gentleman.

“Let me assist you, sir,” said Frank, helping him up.

“Thank you, my boy.  I live at number forty-five, close by.  If you will lead me to the door and into the house I shall be much indebted to you.”

“Certainly, sir.  It is no trouble to me.”

With slow step, supported by our hero, the old gentleman walked to his own door.

It was opened by a maid servant, who looked with some surprise at Frank.

“I fell, Mary,” explained her master, “and this young gentleman has kindly helped me home.”

“Did you hurt yourself much, sir?”

“Not seriously.”

“Can I do anything more for you, sir?” asked Frank.

“Come in a moment.”

Our hero followed his new acquaintance into a handsomely furnished parlor.

“Now, my young friend tell me if you have been taken out of your way by your attention to me?”

“Oh, no, sir; I intended to get out at the next street.”

“My dinner is just ready.  Won’t you stop and dine with me?”

“Thank you, sir,” he said, hesitatingly, “but I promised to carry this bundle.  I believe it is wanted at once.”

“So you shall.  You say the house is in the next street.  You can go and return in five minutes.  You have done me a service, and I may have it in my power to do something for you in return.”

“Perhaps,” thought Frank, “he can help me to some employment for my evenings.”  Then, aloud: 

“Thank you, sir; I will come.”

Five minutes later Frank was ushered into a handsome dining-room.  The dinner was already on the table, but chairs were only set for three.  The one at the head of the table was of course occupied by the old gentleman, the one opposite by Mrs. Bradley, his housekeeper, and one at the side was placed for Frank.