Part 29 (1/2)
For about a week nothing occurred. Mortimer De Royster took Roy for occasional pleasure trips, including one jaunt to Coney Island, where the boy from the ranch had his first glimpse of the ocean. The big waves, and the immense expanse of water, astonished him more than anything he had seen in New York.
”I never knew there was so much water in the world,” he said. ”This would be fine out our way in time of drouth, when all the pastures dry up.”
”I'm afraid it would be worse than none at all,” said Mr. De Royster.
”It's salt, and it would kill the gra.s.s.”
”That's so. I didn't think about that.”
They went in bathing, and took in many amus.e.m.e.nts at the pleasure resort. It was quite late when they got back to the hotel, and De Royster did not go all the way with Roy, turning off to go to his own boarding house, which was about a mile from where Roy was stopping.
”I'll see you to-morrow,” called the jewelry salesman, as the two parted. ”I guess the lawyer will have some word for us then.”
”There's a note for you,” said the hotel clerk to Roy as the boy entered, and he handed over a sealed envelope. In the upper left hand corner was the printed name and address of the lawyer to whom De Royster had taken him.
”Mr. Felix Ketchum must have some news for me,” thought Roy, as he opened the note. It was a written request for him to call at a certain address that night, where he would receive some information that would be of service to him, and the communication was signed with Mr.
Ketchum's name. A postscript stated that the lawyer would be there.
”That's queer,” thought the boy. ”I wonder why he didn't have me call at his office? But perhaps he has to work secretly against Annister.
I guess that's it.”
”When did this note come?” he asked the clerk.
”Right after dinner.”
”Dinner?”
”I mean the evening dinner--I suppose you call it supper out West,” and the clerk smiled.
”That's what we do. Who brought this?”
”A boy. He said there was no answer. Hope it isn't bad news.”
”No; only a business matter. Can you tell me where the Bowery is?”
”The Bowery. You're not going there; are you?”
”Yes, I have an appointment to meet a man there,” and Roy mentioned the number.
”You want to be careful,” cautioned the clerk. ”It's not the best place in the world after dark. Don't take much money with you, for you might be robbed.”
”Aren't there policemen there?”
”Yes, but they can't be all over. That address is not far from the Chinese district, and it's a hanging-out place for thieves and criminals.”
”Funny that Mr. Ketchum should want me to go there,” thought Roy, ”but perhaps he has to get evidence against Mr. Annister from a man who doesn't care to be seen during the day. I guess I'll chance it. There can't be much danger in the midst of a big city, with policemen around.
Besides I'll be on my guard. I wish I could tell Mr. De Royster. But, no, I'll not bother him. He'll think I'm a regular baby, not able to take care of myself.”