Marlowe Amy Bell - The Girl from Sunset Ranch: or, Alone in a Great City стр 12.

Why, Uncle Starkweather has his home at the same number on Madison Avenue that is on that fanlight, and Helen pointed over the door.

Then hes some swell; eh?

I I guess so, admitted Helen, doubtfully.

Djer jest come to town?

Yes.

And told the taxi driver to come down here?

Yes.

Well, hell take you back. Ill take the number of the cab and scare him pretty near into a fit, said the black-eyed girl, laughing. Then hes sure to take you right to your uncles house.

Oh, Im a thousand times obliged! cried Helen. I am a tenderfoot; am I not? and she laughed.

The girl looked at her curiously. I dont know much about tender feet. Mine never bother me, she said. But I could see right away that you didnt belong in this part of town.

Well, youve been real kind to me, Helen said. I hope Ill see you again.

Not likely, said the other, shaking her head.

Why not?

And you livin on Madison Avenyer, and me on Madison Street?

I can come down to see you, said Helen, frankly. My name is Helen Morrell. Whats yours?

Sadie Goronsky. You see, Im a Russian, and she smiled. You wouldnt know it by the way I talk; would you? I learned English over there. But some folks in Russia dont care to mix much with our people.

I dont know anything about that, said Helen. But I know when I like a person. And Ive got reason for liking you.

That goes double, returned the other, warmly. I bet you come from a place far away from this city.

Montana, said Helen.

I aint up in United States geography. But I know theres a big country the other side of the North River.

Helen laughed. I come from a good ways beyond the river, she said.

Well, Ill have to get back to the store. Old Jacob will give me fits.

Oh, dear! and Im keeping you, cried Helen.

I should worry! exploded the other, slangily. Im only a puller-in. I aint a saleslady. Come on and Ill throw a scare into that taxi-driver. Watch me.

This sort of girl was a revelation to Helen. She was frankly independent herself; but Sadie Goronsky showed an entirely different sort of independence.

See here you, Mr. Man! exclaimed the Jewish girl, attracting the attention of the taxicab driver, who had not left his seat. Whadderyer mean by bringing this young lady down here to Madison Street when with half an eye you could ha told that she belonged on Madison Avenyer?

Heh? grunted the man.

Now, dont play no greenie trick with me, commanded Sadie. I gotcher number, and I know the company youse woik for. You take this young lady right to the correct address on the avenyer and see that she dont get robbed before you get her there. You get in, Miss Morrell. Dont you be afraid. This chap wont dare take you anywhere but to your uncles house now.

She said Madison Street, declared the taxicab driver, doggedly.

Well, now I says Madison Avenyer! exclaimed Sadie. Get in, Miss.

But wherell I find you, Sadie? asked the Western girl, holding the rough hand of her new friend.

Right at that shop yonder, said the black-eyed girl, pointing to a store only two doors beyond the house which Helen had entered. Ladies garments. Youll see me pullin em in. If you dont see me, ask for Miss Goronsky. Good-night, Miss! Youll get to your uncles all right now.

The taxicab driver had started the machine again. They darted off through a side street, and soon came out upon the broader thoroughfare down which they had come so swiftly. She saw by a street sign that it was the Bowery.

The man slowed down and spoke to her through the tube.

I hope you dont bear no ill-will, Miss, he said, humbly enough. You said Madison

All right. See if you can take me to the right place now, returned Helen, brusquely.

Her talk with Sadie Goronsky had given her more confidence. She was awake to the wiles of the city now. Dud Stone had been right. Even Big Hen Billingss warnings were well placed. A stranger like herself had to be on the lookout all the time.

After a time the taxicab turned up a wider thoroughfare that had no elevated trains roaring overhead. At Twenty-third Street it turned west and then north again at Madison Square.

There was a little haze in the air an October haze. Through this the lamps twinkled blithely. There were people on the dusky benches, and many on the walks strolling to and fro, although it was now growing quite late.

In the park she caught a glimpse of water in a fountain, splashing high, then low, with a rainbow in it. Altogether it was a beautiful sight.

The hum of night traffic the murmur of voices they flashed past a theatre just sending forth its audience and all the subdued sights and sounds of the city delighted her again.

Suddenly the taxicab stopped.

This is the number, Miss, said the driver.

Helen looked out first. Not much like the same number on Madison Street!

This block was a slice of old-fashioned New York. On either side was a row of handsome, plain old houses, a few with lanterns at their steps, and some with windows on several floors brilliantly lighted.

There were carriages and automobiles waiting at these doors. Evening parties were evidently in progress.

The house before which the taxicab had stopped showed no light in front, however, except at the door and in one or two of the basement windows.

Is this the place you want? asked the driver, with some impatience.

Ill see, said Helen, and hopped out of the cab.

She ran boldly up the steps and rang the bell. In a minute the inner door swung open; but the outer grating remained locked. A man in livery stood in the opening.

What did you wish, maam? he asked in a perfectly placid voice.

Does Mr. Willets Starkweather reside here? asked Helen.

Mr. Starkweather is not at home, maam.

Oh! then he could not have received my telegram! gasped Helen.