"Just around a corner, up an alley, and down a side street a step. Nothing at all! Nice promenade for a spry, lovely young lady like you. Evening walk, smell spring in the air. 'Most there now, Peaches." "Where are ye takin' this kid? How'll I ever get back to the car line?" asked the woman. Mickey ignored the first question. "Why, I'll be eschorting you of course, dearest lady," he said. At the point of rebellion, Mickey spoke. "Now set the basket down right here," he ordered. "I'll be back in no time with the lady-bird." He returned in a few minutes. Into her outstretched palm he counted twenty-two nickels, picked the child from the basket, darted around a corner calling, "Back in a minute," and was gone. "Now Peaches, we got some steps to climb," he said. "Grip my neck tight and stand just a little more." "I ain't hurt!" she asserted. "I like seein' things. I never saw so much before. I ain't hurt--much!" "Your face, your breathing, and the sweating on your lips, is a little disproving," said Mickey, "but I'll have to take your word for it, 'cause I can't help it; but it'll soon be over so you may rest." Mickey climbed a flight, then sat down until he could manage another. The last flight he rested three times. One reason he laid Peaches on the floor was because he couldn't reach the bed. After a second's pause he made a light, and opened the milk bottle. "Connect with that," he said. "I got to take the lady back to the cars." "Oh!" cried the connected child. "Oh Mickey, how good!" "Go slow!" said Mickey. "You better save half to have with some bread for your supper. Now I got to leave you a little bit, but you needn't be afraid, 'cause I'll lock you in. Nobody will '_get_' you here." "Now for the cars," said Mickey to his helper. "What did them folks say?" she asked. "Tickled all over," answered Mickey promptly. "That bundle of dirty rags!" she scoffed. "They are going to throw away the rags and wash her," said Mickey. "She's getting her supper now." "Sounds like lying," said the woman, "but mebby it ain't. Save me, I can't see why anybody would want a kid at any time, let alone a reekin' bunch of skin and crooked bones." "You've known folks to want a dog, ain't you?" said Mickey. "Sure something that can think and talk back must be a lot more amusing. I see the parks are full of the rich folks dolling up the dogs, feeding them candy and sending them out for an airing in their automobiles; so it's up to the poor people to look after the homeless children, isn't it?" "Do you know the folks that took her?" "Sure I do!" said Mickey. "Do you live close?" she persisted. "Yes! I'm much obliged for your help, dearest lady. When you get home, go up to the last attic back, and if there is anything there you want, help yourself. Peaches don't need it now, while there's no one else. Thank you, and good-bye. Don't fly before your wings grow, 'cause I know you'll feel like trying to-night."