"I am a stranger in the city," said the Illinois man apologetically. "Did you want to go to the 'Tribune' office?" "Yes; I wished to subscribe for the paper." "I am going that way. I will show you if you desire it." "Thank you. I shall consider it a favor." So the two retraced their steps, and this time our Illinois friend found the office of which he was in quest. He came near finding Sam also, for as he stood in front of French's Hotel, he saw his recent acquaintance approaching, and quickly dodged inside the hotel till he had passed. A boot-black to whom he had been speaking followed him in surprise. "I say, what's up, Johnny?" he asked. "Yer didn't see a copp, did yer?" "No, it's that man that just went by." "Who's he?" "He's the man I ran away from," said Sam, not caring to tell the truth. "What would he do if he should catch you?" asked the boot-black, with curiosity. "Lick me," said Sam, laconically. "Then you did right. Is he going to stay here long?" "No; he's going away to-day." "Then you're safe. You'd better go the other way from him." "So I will," said Sam. "Where's the Park I've heard so much about?" "Up that way." "Is it far?" "Four or five miles." "It's a long way to walk." "You can ride for five cents." "Can I?" "Yes; just go over to the Astor House, and take the Sixth avenue cars, and they'll take you there." Sam had intended to spend his entire fifty cents in buying dinner when the time came, but he thought he would like to see Central Park. Besides, he would be safe from pursuit, and the punishment which he felt he deserved. Following the directions of his boy friend, he entered a Sixth avenue car, and in a little less than an hour was set down at one of the gates of the Park. He entered with a number of others, and followed the path that seemed most convenient, coming out at last at the lake. Until now Sam had thought rather slightingly of the Park. Green fields were no novelty to him, but he admired the lake with the boats that plied over its surface filled with lively passengers. He would have invested ten cents in a passage ticket; but he felt that if he did this, he must sacrifice a part of his intended dinner, and Sam was growing prudent. He wandered about the Park two or three hours, sitting down at times on the benches that are to be found here and there for the convenience of visitors. He felt ready to go back; but it was only noon, and he was not sure but he might fall in with the gentleman from Illinois, whom he had left at the entrance of the Tombs. He was destined to meet an acquaintance, but this time it was some one that had cheated him. Looking up from the bench on which he was seated, he saw his host of the preceding night, Mr. Clarence Brown, lounging along, smoking a cigar, with a look of placid contentment on his face. "That cigar was bought with my money," thought Sam, bitterly; and in this conclusion he was right. Sam jumped from his seat, and advanced to meet his enemy.