"You don't mean to say you're going to get a room by the week, do you, Jimmy?" asked Mr. Snowden, for he knew the habits of the newsboy, who often got a bed in the place for a night, but who had never remained for much longer at a time. "Sure, me an' me partner wants a good room," was Jimmy's answer. "We's got de coin, too, see!" and he rattled the money in his pocket. "I'm glad you have. I wish you both would stay here with us regularly. I had a letter from Frank to-day. He inquired about you and Dick and said he would not be back until the end of the week, so you may keep his room until then, if you like." "I think it will be better if we have our own room at once," said Dick. "I am glad to hear you say that," went on the manager. "There is nothing like being independent in this world, and though you would be welcome in Frank's room, I think you will feel more business-like if you have one of your own. Eh, Jimmy!" "Oh, I s'pose so. Whatever me partner says, dat goes." "Have you gone into partnership?" asked Mr. Snowden, with a smile. "We have been thinking of it," replied Dick. "I sold some papers for Jimmy to-day, and he said I did well." "Dat's what he done," declared Jimmy admiringly. "An' he wouldn't yell dat dere was a fire ner a murder. I don't see how he done it." "I told about the financial news," admitted Dick. "I should think you two would make a good firm," commented Mr. Snowden. "Now, if you like, I will show you some rooms." There was not much choice, as the apartments had to be very small and plain, since they rented for very small sums to the poor boys. The beds were hardly large enough for two persons. "We have one larger room with two cots in it," said the manager, "but that rents for a dollar and a half a week; twenty-five cents more than the others. I don't suppose you would care for that." "I think we would," said Dick quickly. Somehow he liked the idea of a bed by himself, though Jimmy was unusually clean for a newsboy without a home, as he frequently went to the public baths. "Will that suit you, Jimmy?" asked Mr. Snowden, for he wanted to be certain both boys would be pleased. "Sure. Whatever me partner says goes," was the answer, given with a wave of his hand, as though he and Dick were millionaires. Mr. Snowden took them to the room. It was a fairly good one, and had, besides the two beds, or cots, a wash-stand with a bowl and pitcher, two chairs, and a rocker. "Say, dis is dead swell!" exclaimed Jimmy, taking a seat in the rocker and moving backward and forward. "De Astor House and de Waldorf-Astoria ain't got nuttin' t' beat dis. Dis is all to de merry." "I'm glad you like it," said Dick. "I think we'll take it, Mr. Snowden. Here is the rent." It was all Dick had left out of the money he had in his pocket when he awoke to find himself in the box. "Hold on!" exclaimed Jimmy. "We'll go whacks on dis. I'll pay me share."