The Newsboy Partners: or, Who Was Dick Box?
"He's sleeping quietly," said the manager. "I think he is better. Don't worry about him. I'll look after him the rest of the day and you can take charge at night."
The afternoon was always a good time for Jimmy, as the extras were out then and were in great demand. He took his place at his old corner, determined not to leave it, to give Bulldog or any other of the boys a chance to take it away from him. He made arrangements with a bootblack to go after another supply of papers for him, when he sold out, and thus was able to maintain his place.
Toward the close of the day Bulldog appeared with a big bundle of papers under his arm. He intended to establish himself at Broadway and Barclay Street, but, fortunately, a policeman happened to be standing there when he came up and he dared not drive Jimmy away with the officer looking on.
"Dis is de time I fooled youse!" exclaimed Jimmy, as he shook his fist at Bulldog, behind the policeman's back. "Youse dasn't bodder me now."
"Wait till I catch ye!" threatened Bulldog, as then he moved on up Broadway, calling:
"Wuxtry! Wuxtry!"
Jimmy was soon sold out, and, having made nearly two dollars that day, something very unusual for him, but due to the extraordinary demand for papers, he returned to the lodging-house.
"Well, how is he?" he asked the manager.
"A little better, I think. I was up a while ago and he was asking for you."
"Here's where I play bein' nurse," announced Jimmy with a smile.
He found Dick awake and feeling much better. His head no longer ached.
"Kin youse remember who ye be now?" asked Jimmy.
"Not in the least," replied Dick with a sad smile. "It is as much a mystery as ever."
CHAPTER VII
JIMMY CONSIDERS MATTERS
Jimmy was quite disappointed. He had expected that, when Dick felt better, his memory would return, so that the boy could tell something about himself. Now, evidently, this was not to be.
"How did you make out to-day?" asked the lad in bed.
"Fine! Crimps! But everybody on de street seemed t' want a paper. Have a cigarette? I bought a new pack. Blowed meself on account of me good luck."
"No, I don't smoke. I shouldn't think you would."
"Why not? All de fellers does. It's sporty. Say, here's yer dollar back."
"Don't you need it?"
"Naw. I got plenty now. I'll make more t'-morrow."
"Then keep it to pay for what you have done for me."
"Not much! What d' youse t'ink I am? I'm a friend of yourn, an' I'm takin' care of ye; see?
"Yes, but it costs money."
"Well, when I ain't got none I'll borrow some from youse. Now it's time fer yer medicine."
Dick took it, and soon afterward fell into a heavy doze. Jimmy went out, got some supper, and, returning, stretched out on the floor and was soon asleep.
Dick did not awaken until morning, and, when he saw the lad on the floor, he gave such an exclamation of surprise that Jimmy awoke.
"What's de matter?" he asked. "Feel worse?"
"No. But the idea of you sleeping on the floor, and me taking up the whole bed! It isn't right. Why didn't you wake me up and make me shove over?"
"Aw, I like sleepin' on de floor. It's like bein' in a hotel, after a night in me box. I'm all right. Feel hungry?"
"A little. I am much better than I was."
"T'ink of yer name yet?"
"No," and Dick shook his head, smiling a little sadly. "I can't seem to remember anything," he went on. "Perhaps, when this lump on my head goes down more, I can do better."
"Well, never mind," answered Jimmy cheerfully. "Youse kin have all de time youse wants."
"I wish I could get up, and help you," proposed Dick. "I think I am well enough."
"No, ye don't!" exclaimed Jimmy. "If youse gits up now youse'll have a perhaps, an' den where'll ye be?"
"A 'perhaps'?" repeated Dick, with a puzzled air.
"Yep. What sick folks gits when dey gits up too quick."
"Oh, you mean a relapse."
"Yep. Dat's it. It's de same t'ing. Now de t'ing fer youse t' do is t' lay quiet. I kin make enough money fer both of us, fer a while yet."
"But I want to help."
"Well, maybe when youse gits well I'll take ye in partnership," proposed Jimmy, with an air as if he was a millionaire.
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