Produced by Gary Sandino (text), Al Haines (HTML). (This file was created from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) [Frontispiece: Julius made the rope fast, and then boldly got out of the window and swung off Page 192. _Slow and Sure._] Slow and Sure THE STORY OF PAUL HOFFMAN THE YOUNG STREET-MERCHANT By HORATIO ALGER, JR. Author of "The Train Boy," "Tony the Hero," "Tom Turner's Legacy," "Tom the Bootblack," etc., etc. A. L. BURT COMPANY, PUBLISHERS NEW YORK PREFACE. "SLOW AND SURE" is a volume of the stories of New York street life inaugurated by Ragged Dick. While it chronicles the advancement of Paul, the young street merchant, from the sidewalk to the shop, a large portion of it is devoted to the experiences of a street waif, who has been brought up by burglars, and passed the greater part of his time among them, without being wholly spoiled by his corrupt surroundings. His struggles between gratitude and duty on the one hand, and loyalty to his vicious guardians on the other, will, it is hoped, excite the interest and sympathy of the reader. The author has sought to indicate some of the influences which make it difficult for the neglected street children to grow up virtuous and well-conducted members of society. Philanthropy is never more nobly employed than in redeeming them, and "giving them a chance" to rise to respectability. TABLE OF CONTENTS I. SIX MONTHS AFTER. II. BARNUM'S MUSEUM. III. THE BURNING OF THE TENEMENT HOUSE. IV. THE POLICEMAN'S HOME. V. HOUSE HUNTING. VI. PAUL TAKES A HOUSE ON MADISON AVENUE. VII. THE HOUSE ON MADISON AVENUE. VIII. A GIFT. IX. JULIUS. X. A ROOM IN CENTRE STREET. XI. FREE LUNCH. XII. A GOOD ACTION MEETS ITS REWARD. XIII. PAUL MAKES A PURCHASE. XIV. THE SPOT UPON THE COAT. XV. SUSPICION. XVI. LOCKED UP FOR THE NIGHT. XVII. TRAPPED. XVIII. THE VALUE OF A CLOTHES-LINE. XIX. A CURIOSITY SHOP. XX. THE DISGUISED LISTENER. XXI. A BRIGHTER PROSPECT FOR JULIUS. XXII. MARLOWE OVERTAKES HIS VICTIM. XXIII. A TIMELY RESCUE. XXIV. THE POOR ARTIST. XXV. MR. TALBOT'S RETURN. XXVI. FROM THE SIDEWALK TO THE SHOP. SLOW AND SURE. ------ CHAPTER I. SIX MONTHS AFTER. "It's most time for Paul to come home," said Mrs. Hoffman. "I must be setting the table for supper." "I wonder how he will like my new picture," said Jimmy, a delicate boy of eight, whose refined features, thoughtful look, and high brow showed that his mind by no means shared the weakness of his body. Though only eight years of age he already manifested a remarkable taste and talent for drawing, in which he had acquired surprising skill, considering that he had never taken lessons, but had learned all he knew from copying such pictures as fell in his way. "Let me see your picture, Jimmy," said Mrs. Hoffman. "Have you finished it?"