While the boys were talking a man stood near by, who listened attentively to what was said, hearing every word. Neither Paul nor Julius remarked him. He was a tall man, with red hair, and a face marked by the smallpox. He was dressed in the garb of a sailor. Of course this was Marlowe. It was imprudent for him to post himself in so public a place, but he trusted to his disguise, and he wanted to hear for himself the conversation between the two boys. He learned, what he suspected before, that to the boy, Julius, he was indebted for the failure of his attempt at burglary. When the two boys went to dinner he followed them. CHAPTER XXI. A BRIGHTER PROSPECT FOR JULIUS. After dinner Paul went again to Mr. Preston's place of business, accompanied by Julius. The disguised sailor, who had lingered outside the restaurant, followed the two at a safe distance. Had not Paul and Julius been so occupied with their own affairs, they might have noticed Marlowe. As it was, they were quite unconscious of being followed. They were fortunate in finding Mr. Preston in his office, and at leisure. "Mr. Preston," said Paul, "this is the boy I spoke to you about." "What is your name, my lad?" asked the merchant. "Julius," answered the street boy. "My young friend, Paul, tells me that you have done him and his employer a great service. Did you live with the men who were engaged in the burglary?" "Yes, sir." "I suppose they have been in prison at different times?" "Yes, sir, more'n half the time." "What did you do then?" "Worked for myself." "What did you do?" "Blacked boots or sold papers. When I got a chance I smashed baggage." "Did you get paid for that?" asked Mr. Preston, with a smile. "He means carried bundles or carpet-bags," explained Paul. "I understand. Did these men ever want you to steal, or join them in burglary?" "Sometimes. They was goin' to take me last night, but they was afraid I'd peach, and locked me up at home." "I hope you have no desire to become a burglar?" "No, sir; I want to be respectable, like Paul." "You are right, there, my lad. Now, have you any plans for the future?" "I'd like to go out West." "Would you rather go there than remain in New York?" "Yes, sir. He's here." "Who is here?" "Marlowe. He wasn't took. He'll murder me if he gets hold of me." "Marlowe is one of the burglars, I suppose?" "Yes, sir; he's the worst." "I hope he will be taken. Probably he will find it hard to escape, as the police are on his track. But I don't know but you are right about going out West. Many boys like yourself have been sent out by the Children's Aid Society." "I know some of 'em," said Julius. "You will stand a better chance of succeeding there than here. I am willing to help you, if you wish to go out." Mr. Preston took out his pocketbook, and drew therefrom a roll of bills. "Here are fifty dollars," he said. "For me?" asked Julius, in almost incredulous surprise.