Part 19 (1/2)
”What's the odds? Well, Ben, if you'll give me a quarter. I'll go round and show you some of the sights; what do you say?”
Ben hesitated. It seemed to him a little extravagant. At the same time his curiosity was aroused, and he finally agreed to the proposal.
When he returned to his home in the country, he felt that he should like to be able to tell his companions something of the city he had visited.
”Give me five cents in advance,” said the newly engaged guide.
”What for?” asked Ben, cautiously.
”I want to get some cigarettes.”
Ben complied with his request.
The boy darted into a small cigar store, and soon emerged with a cigarette in his mouth at which he puffed with evident pleasure.
”Won't you try one?” he asked.
”I guess not,” said Ben.
”Come along, then. You ask any questions about what you see, and I'll answer.”
”What's that field? It's a common, isn't it?” asked Ben pointing to a park after they walked down Broadway for a few blocks.
”Oh, that's Madison Park; but we've got a good deal bigger park than that up-town. Central Park--that's the name of it.”
”Is it far off?”
”About two miles. Do you want to go there?”
”No, I'd rather see the streets, and the nice buildings. I can see plenty of fields at home.”
”Are you going to stay long in the city?” asked, Tom, for this Ben learned was the name of his companion.
”Only a day or two. I want to see as much as I can while I am here.”
They walked down Broadway, Tom pointing out the prominent buildings, and answering the numerous questions asked by Ben.
On the whole, he proved to be a very good investment in the way of a guide, being well-informed on the subjects about which Ben inquired.
When they reached the Astor House, Tom said: ”I guess you've got a quarter's worth out of me. If you want me any longer you must give me another quarter.”
”I can't afford it,” said Ben, ”I guess I can get round by myself now.”
So Tom left him with scant ceremony, and Ben sat down on a bench in City Hall Park to rest.
Chapter XII
An Adventure
Presently a young man, rather showily dressed, sat down beside Ben.