作者：王勋,纪飞,（美）霍瑞修·爱尔杰
出版社：清华大学出版社
格式: AZW3, DOCX, EPUB, MOBI, PDF, TXT
衣衫破烂的迪克(中文导读英文版)试读：
前言
霍瑞修·爱尔杰（Horatio Alger，1832—1899），美国著名教育家、小说家。一生共创作了一百多部以“奋斗、成功”为主题的励志小说，其代表作有《菲尔是如何成功的》、《小贩保罗》、《衣衫破烂的迪克》、《赫可特的继承权》、《乔伊历险记》、《沃尔特的考验》、《格兰特的勇气》和《格兰特·萨顿的愿望》等，这些小说被译成多种文字，在世界上广为流传。
霍瑞修·爱尔杰于1832年1月13日出生在马萨诸塞州的一个牧师家庭。自小受到良好的教育，19岁毕业于哈佛大学。他做过家庭教师、记者，1868年开始从事文学创作。在其作品中，爱尔杰塑造了一系列出身卑微，但依靠自身的勇气、信念和努力，终于获得成功的少年形象。这些形象也是对“美国梦”的生动诠释，激励着一代又一代人。正因为如此，爱尔杰被数届美国总统赞誉为“美国精神之父”，人们将他与马克·吐温并列为“对今日美国影响最深的两位作家”。
在中国，爱尔杰的作品也广受读者的欢迎。目前，国内已出版的爱尔杰作品的形式主要有两种：一种是中文翻译版，另一种是中英文对照版。而其中的中英文对照读本比较受读者的欢迎，这主要是得益于中国人热衷于学习英文的大环境。从英文学习的角度来看，直接使用纯英文的学习资料更有利于英语学习。考虑到对英文内容背景的了解有助于英文阅读，使用中文导读应该是一种比较好的方式，也可以说是该类型书的第三种版本形式。采用中文导读而非中英文对照的方式进行编排，这样有利于国内读者摆脱对英文阅读依赖中文注释的习惯。基于以上原因，我们决定编译爱尔杰作品中的经典，其中包括《菲尔是如何成功的》、《小贩保罗》、《衣衫破烂的迪克》、《乔伊历险记》、《格兰特的勇气》、《沃尔特的考验》、《赫可特的继承权》和《格兰特萨顿的愿望》，并采用中文导读英文版的形式出版。在中文导读中，我们尽力使其贴近原作的精髓，也尽可能保留原作的风格。我们希望能够编出为当代中国读者所喜爱的经典读本。读者在阅读英文故事之前，可以先阅读中文导读内容，这样有利于了解故事背景，从而加快阅读速度。我们相信，这些经典著作的引进对加强当代中国读者，特别是青少年读者的科学素养和人文修养是非常有帮助的。
本书主要内容由王勋、纪飞编译。参加本书故事素材搜集整理及编译工作的还有郑佳、刘乃亚、赵雪、左新杲、黄福成、冯洁、徐鑫、马启龙、王业伟、王旭敏、陈楠、王多多、邵舒丽、周丽萍、王晓旭、李永振、孟宪行、熊红华、胡国平、熊建国、徐平国、王小红等。限于我们的文学素养和英语水平，书中难免不当之处，衷心希望读者朋友批评指正。第一章 衣衫破烂的迪克 Chapter 1 Ragged Dick导读
早晨七点，睡在大街旁木头箱子里的迪克被一个车夫叫醒。由于前一天晚上迪克玩到半夜，被叫醒之后依然迷迷糊糊的。车夫怀疑迪克的钱来路不明，但迪克表示自己是坚决不会偷东西的，这让车夫松了口气；在他的催促下，迪克很快从箱子里跳了出来，没有洗漱，穿着比他本人大两号的破烂衣服，开始了一天的擦鞋工作。
很快，一位赶往办公室上班的先生停在了迪克面前，迪克一边擦着鞋，一边和客人聊天。迪克调皮地告诉客人自己身上的衣服可是华盛顿将军穿过的，裤子是拿破仑的，逗得客人哈哈大笑。当客人准备付10美分的擦鞋钱时，发现身上没有零钱；于是给了他一张整钱，由于赶着上班，那位先生告诉了迪克地址，希望迪克把剩下的钱送给他，但他自己也没有抱什么希望。其实主人公迪克虽然有时候会故意整人，挣的钱再多也从来不会留到第二天，生活有时候很奢侈，而且还抽烟赌博；但他也有很多优点：比如说他从不骗人，从不偷东西，为人坦率大方，这些是很多流浪的孩子做不到的。ake up there, youngster.” said a rough voice.Ragged Dick opened his eyes slowly, and stared stupidly “Win the face of the speaker, but did not offer to get up.
“Wake up, you young vagabond！”said the man a little impatiently；“Isuppose you'd lay there all day, if I hadn't called you.”
“What time is it？”asked Dick.
“Seven o'clock.”
“Oh！Seven o'clock！I ought to have been up an hour ago. I know what't was made me so precious sleepy.I went to the Old Bowery last night, and didn't turn in till past twelve.”
“You went to the Old Bowery？Where'd you get your money？”asked the man, who was a porter in the employ of a firm doing business on Spruce Street.
“Made it by shines, in course. My guardian don't allow me no money for theatres, so I have to earn it.”
“Some boys get it easier than that.”said the porter significantly.
“You don't catch me stealing, if that's what you mean.”said Dick.
“Don't you ever steal, then？”
“No, and I wouldn't！Lots of boys does it, but I wouldn't.”
“Well, I'm glad to hear you say that. I believe there's some good in you, Dick, after all.”
“Oh, I'm a rough customer！”said Dick，“But I wouldn't steal. It's mean.”
“I'm glad you think so, Dick.”and the rough voice sounded gentler than atfirst，“Have you got any money to buy your breakfast？”
“No, but I'll soon get some.”said Dick.
While this conversation had been going on, Dick had got up. His bedchamber had been a wooden box half full of straw, on which the young boot-black had reposed his weary limbs, and slept as soundly as if it had been a bed of down.He dumped down into the straw without taking the trouble of undressing.
Getting up too was an equally short process. He jumped out of the box, shook himself, picked out one or two straws that had found their way into rents in his clothes, and, drawing a well-worn cap over his uncombed locks, he was all ready for the business of the day.
Dick's appearance as he stood beside the box was rather peculiar. His pants were torn in several places, and had apparently belonged in the first instance to a boy two sizes larger than himself.He wore a vest, all the buttons of which were gone except two, out of which peeped a shirt which looked as if it had been worn a month.To complete his costume he wore a coat too long forhim, dating back, if one might judge from its general appearance, to a remote antiquity.
Washing the face and hands is usually considered proper in commencing the day, but Dick was above such refinement. He had no particular dislike to dirt, and did not think it necessary to remove several dark streaks on his face and hands.But in spite of his dirt and rags there was something about Dick that was attractive.It was easy to see that if he had been clean and well dressed he would have been decidedly good-looking.Some of his companions were sly, and their faces inspired distrust；but Dick had a frank, straightforward manner that made him a favorite.
Dick's business hours had commenced. He had no office to open.His little blacking-box was ready for use, and he looked sharply in the faces of all who passed, addressing each with，“Shine your boots, sir？”
“How much？”asked a gentleman on his way to his office.
“Ten cents.”said Dick, dropping his box, and sinking upon his knees on the sidewalk, flourishing his brush with the air of one skilled in his profession.
“Ten cents！Isn't that a little steep？”
“Well, you know taint all clear profit.”said Dick, who had already set to work，“There's the-blacking-costs something, and I have to get a new brush pretty often.”
“And you have a large rent too.”said the gentleman quizzically, with a glance at a large hole in Dick's coat.
“Yes, sir.”said Dick, always ready to joke，“I have to pay such a big rent for my mansion up on Fifth Avenue, that I can't afford to take less than ten cents a shine. I'll give you a bully shine, sir.”
“Be quick about it, for I am in a hurry. So your house is on Fifth Avenue, is it？”
“It isn't anywhere else，”said Dick, and Dick spoke the truth there.
“What tailor do you patronize？”asked the gentleman, surveying Dick's attire.
“Would you like to go to the same one？”asked Dick, shrewdly.
“Well, no；it strikes me that he didn't give you a very good fit.”
“This coat once belonged to General Washington，”said Dick, comically.“He wore it all through the Revolution, and it got tom some, cause he fit so hard. When he died he told his widow to give it to some smart young feller that hadn't got none of his own；so she gave it to me.But if you'd like it, sir, to remember General Washington by, I'll let you have it reasonable.”
“Thank you, but I wouldn't want to deprive you of it. And did your pants come from General Washington too？”
“No, they was a gift from Lewis Napoleon. Lewis had outgrown them and sent them to me，—he's bigger than me, and that's why they don't fit.”
“It seems you have distinguished friends. Now, my lad, I suppose you would like your money.”
“I shouldn't have any objection.”said Dick.
“I believe，”said the gentleman, examining his pocket-book，“I haven't got anything short of twenty-five cents. Have you got any change？”
“Not a cent.”said Dick，“All my money's invested in the Erie Railroad.”
“That's unfortunate.”
“Shall I get the money changed, sir？”
“I can't wait；I've got to meet an appointment immediately. I'll hand you twenty-five cents, and you can leave the change at my office any time during the day.”
“All right, sir. Where is it？”
“No. 125 Fulton Street.Shall you remember？”
“Yes, sir. What name？”
“Greyson，—office on second floor.”
“All fight, sir；I'll bring it.”
“I wonder whether the little scamp will prove honest.”said Mr. Greyson to himself, as he walked away，“If he does, I'll give him my custom regularly.If he doesn't as is most likely, I shan't mind the loss of fifteen cents.”
Mr. Greyson didn't understand Dick.Our ragged hero wasn't a model boy in all respects.He swore sometimes, and now and then he played tricks upon unsophisticated boys from the country, or gave a wrong direction to honest old gentlemen unused to the city.A clergyman in search of the Cooper Institute he once directed to the Tombs Prison, and, following him unobserved, was highly delighted when the unsuspicious stranger walked up the front steps of the greatstone building on Centre Street, and tried to obtain admission.
“I guess he wouldn't want to stay long if he did get in.”thought Ragged Dick, hitching up his pants.
Another of Dick's faults was his extravagance. Being always wide-awake and ready for business, he earned enough to have supported him comfortably and respectably.There were not a few young clerks who employed Dick from time to time in his professional capacity, who scarcely earned as much as he, greatly as their style and dress exceeded his.But Dick was careless of his earnings.Where they went he could hardly have told himself.However much he managed to earn during the day, all was generally spent before morning.He was fond of going to the Old Bowery Theatre, and to Tony Pastor's, and if he had any money left afterwards, he would invite some of his friends in somewhere to have an oyster-stew；so it seldom happened that he commenced the day with a penny.
Then I am sorry to add that Dick had formed the habit of smoking.
This cost him considerable, for Dick was rather fastidious about his cigars, and wouldn't smoke the cheapest. Besides, having a liberal nature, he was generally ready to treat his companions.But of course the expense was the smallest objection.No boy of fourteen can smoke without being affected injuriously.Men are frequently injured by smoking, and boys always.But large numbers of the newsboys and boot-blacks form the habit.Exposed to the cold and wet they find that it warms them up, and the self-indulgence grows upon them.It is not uncommon to see a little boy, too young to be out of his mother's sight, smoking with all the apparent satisfaction of a veteran smoker.
There was another way in which Dick sometimes lost money. There was a noted gambling-house on Baxter Street, which in the evening was sometimes crowded with these juvenile gamesters, who staked their hard earnings, generally losing of course, and refreshing themselves from time to time with a vile mixture of liquor at two cents a glass.Sometimes Dick strayed here, and played with the rest.
I have mentioned Dick's faults and defects, because I want it understood, to begin with, that I don't consider him a model boy.
But there were some good points about him nevertheless. He was abovedoing anything mean or dishonorable.He would not steal, or cheat, or impose upon younger boys, but was frank and straight-forward, manly and self-reliant.His nature was a noble one, and had saved him from all mean faults.I hope my young readers will like him as I do, without being blind to his faults.Perhaps, although he was only a boot-black, they may find something in him to imitate.
And now, having fairly introduced Ragged Dick to my young readers, I must refer them to the next chapter for his further adventures.第二章 约翰尼诺兰 Chapter 2 Johnny Nolan导读
在第一个客人走了之后，又有三个顾客光顾了迪克的擦鞋摊。迪克已有足够的钱吃早饭了，他走到一家餐馆点了咖啡、牛排和面包。正当他准备吃早餐的时候，看到同样是擦鞋匠的约翰尼·诺兰眼巴巴地看着餐馆里面。迪克询问后得知约翰尼没有钱吃早饭，于是慷慨大方地请他吃了早饭，还鼓励他不要偷懒，要积极地寻找新客户。就在两人吃完早饭走出餐厅时，约翰尼突然惊吓地躲到一边。他看到一个穿棕色大衣的男人，那是以前带他去农场工作的人，可后来约翰尼因生活太孤独而逃跑了，他担心那人会再次抓他回去。约翰尼之所以会来纽约，是因为他父亲在这边；可是他的父亲是一个酒鬼，不仅把钱全花在喝酒上，而且在醉酒时甚至会发疯似地企图危害约翰尼的生命。约翰尼逃离了家，开始了擦鞋匠的生活；但他工作不努力，生活都成问题，迪克已经帮助过他很多次了。
两人分开之后，迪克又开始寻找客户，不久便有了工作。那位先生口袋里没有零钱，让迪克拿着两美元的钞票去兑换零钱。谁知道那位商店的售货员一口咬定是假钞，还威胁迪克说要报警。
fter Dick had finished polishing Mr. Greyson's boots hewas
fortunate enough to secure three other customers, two of them A
reporters in the Tribune establishment, which occupies the comer of Spruce Street and Printing House Square.
When Dick had got through with his last customer the City Hall clock indicated eight o'clock. He had been up an hour, and hard at work, and naturally began to think of breakfast.He went up to the head of Spruce Street, and turned into Nassau.Two blocks further, and he reached Ann Street.On this street was a small, cheap restaurant, where for five cents Dick could get a cup of coffee, and for ten cents more, a plate of beefsteak with a plate of bread thrown in.These Dick ordered, and sat down at a table.
It was a small apartment with a few plain tables unprovided with cloths, for the class of customers who patronized it were not very particular. Our hero's breakfast was soon before him.Neither the coffee nor the steak were as good as can be bought at Delmonico's；but then it is very doubtful whether, in the present state of his wardrobe, Dick would have been received at that aristocratic restaurant, even if his means had admitted of paying the high prices there charged.
Dick had scarcely been served when he espied a boy about his own size standing at the door, looking wistfully into the restaurant. This was Johnny Nolan, a boy of fourteen, who was engaged in the same profession as Ragged Dick.His wardrobe was in very much the same condition as Dick's.
“Had your breakfast, Johnny？”inquired Dick, cutting off a piece of steak.
“No.”
“Come in, then. Here's room for you.”
“I am not got no money.”said Johnny, looking a little enviously at his more fortunate friend.
“Haven't you had any shines？”
“Yes, I had one, but I shan't get any pay till tomorrow.”
“Are you hungry？”
“Try me, and see.”
“Come in. I'll stand treat this morning.”
Johnny Nolan was nowise slow to accept this invitation, and was soon seated beside Dick.
“What'll you have, Johnny？”
“Same as you.”
“Cup of coffee and beefsteak.”ordered Dick.
These were promptly brought, and Johnny attacked them vigorously.
Now, in the boot-blacking business, as well as in higher avocations, the same rule prevails, that energy and industry are rewarded, and indolence suffers. Dick was energetic and on the alert for business, but Johnny the reverse.The consequence was that Dick earned probably three times as much as the other.
“How do you like it？”asked Dick, surveying Johnny's attacks upon the steak with evident complacency.
“It's hunky.”
I don't believe“hunky”is to be found in dictionary；but boys will readily understand what it means.
“Do you come here often？”asked Johnny.
“Most every day. You'd better come too.”
“I can't afford it.”
“Well, you'd ought to, then.”said Dick，“What do you do I'd like to know？'”
“I don't get near as much as you, Dick.”
“Well, you might if you tried. I keep my eyes open，-that's the way I get jobs.You're lazy, that's what's the matter.”
Johnny did not see fit to reply to this charge. Probably he felt the justice of it, and preferred to proceed with the breakfast, which he enjoyed the more as it cost him nothing.
Breakfast over, Dick walked up to the desk, and settled the bill.
Then, followed by Johnny, he went out into the street.
“Where are you going, Johnny？”
“Up to Mr. Taylor's, on Spruce Street, to see if he don't want a shine.”
“Do you work for him regular？”
“Yes. Him and his partner want a shine most every day.Where are you going？”
“Down front of the Astor House. I guess I'll find some customers there.”
At this moment Johnny started, and, dodging into an entry way, hid behind the door, considerably to Dick's surprise.
“what's the matter now？”asked our hero.
“Has he gone？”asked Johnny, his voice betraying anxiety.
“who gone, I'd like to know？”
“That man in the brown coat.”
“What of him？You aint scared of him, are you？”
“Yes, he got me a place once.”
“Where？”
“Ever so far off.”
“What if he did？”
“I ran away.”
“Didn't you like it？”
“No, I had to get up too early. It was on a farm, and I had to get up at five to take care of the cows.I like New York best.”
“Didn't they give you enough to eat？”
“Oh, yes, plenty.”
“And you had a good bed？”
“Yes.”
“Then you'd better have stayed. You don't get either of them here.Where'd you sleep last night？”
“In an old wagon.”
“You had a better bed than that in the country, didn't you？”
“Yes, it was as soft as—as cotton.”
Johnny had once slept on a bale of cotton, the recollection supplying him with a comparison.
“Why didn't you stay？”
“I felt lonely，”said Johnny.
Johnny could not exactly explain his feelings, but it is often the case that the young vagabond of the streets, though his food is uncertain, and his bed may be any old wagon or barrel that he is lucky enough to find unoccupied when night sets in, gets so attached to his precarious but independent mode of life, that he feels discontented in any other. He is accustomed to the noise and bustle and ever-varied life of the streets, and in the quiet scenes of the country misses the excitement in the midst of which he has always dwelt.
Johnny had but one tie to bind him to the city. He had a father living, but he might as well have been without one.Mr.Nolan was a confirmed drunkard, and spent the greater part of his wages for liquor.His potations made him ugly, and inflamed a temper never very sweet, working him up sometimes to such a pitch of rage that Johnny's life was in danger.Some months before, he had thrown a flatiron at his son's head with such terrific force that unless Johnny had dodged he would not have lived long enough to obtain a place in our story.He fled the house, and from that time had not dared to reenter it.Somebody had given him a brush and box of blacking, and he had set up in business on his own account.But he had not energy enough to succeed, as has already been stated, and I am afraid the poor boy had met with many hardships, and suffered more than once from cold and hunger.Dick had befriended him more than once, and often given him a breakfast or dinner, as the case might be.
“How'd you get away？”asked Dick, with some curiosity，“Did you, walk？”
“No, I rode on the cars.”
“Where'd you get your money？I hope you didn't steal it.”
“I didn't have none.”
“What did you do, then？”
“I got up about three o'clock, and walked to Albany.”
“Where's that？”asked Dick, whose ideas on the subject of geography were rather vague.
“Up the river.”
“How far？”
“About a thousand miles，”said Johnny, whose conceptions of distance were equally vague.
“Go ahead. What did you do then？”
“I hid on top of a freight car, and came all the way without their seeing me. That man in the brown coat was the man that got me the place, and I'm afraid he'd want to send me back.”
“Well，”said Dick, reflectively，“I dunno as I'd like to live in the country. I couldn't go to Tony Pastor's or the old Bowery.There wouldn't be no place to spend my evenings.But I say, it's tough in winter, Johnny, specially when your overcoat’s at the tailor’s, an’likely to stay there.”
“That's so, Dick. But I must be going, or Mr.Taylor'll get somebody elseto shine his boots.”
Johnny walked back to Nassau Street, while Dick kept on his way to Broadway.
“That boy，”soliloquized Dick, as Johnny took his departure，“aint got no ambition. I'll bet he won't get five shines today.I'm glad I aint like him.I couldn't go to the theatre, nor buy no cigars, nor get half as much as I wanted to eat.—Shine yer boots, sir？”
Dick always had an eye to business, and this remark was addressed to a young man, dressed in a stylish manner, who was swinging a jaunty cane.
“I've had my boots blacked once already this morning, but this confounded mud has spoiled the shine.”
“I'll make'em all right, sir, in a minute.”
“Go ahead, then.”
The boots were soon polished in Dick's best style, which proved very satisfactory, our hero being a proficient in the art.
“I haven't got any change，”said the young man, fumbling in his pocket，“but here's a bill you may run somewhere and get changed. I'll pay you five cents extra for your trouble.”
He handed Dick a two-dollar bill, which our hero took into a store close by.
“Will you please change that, sir？”said Dick, walking up to the counter.
The salesman to whom he proffered it took the bill, and, slightly glancing at it, exclaimed angrily，“Be off, you young vagabond, or I'll have you arrested.”
“What's the row？”
“You've offered me a counterfeit bill.”
“I didn't know it.”said Dick.
“Don't tell me. Be off, or I'll have you arrested.”第三章 迪克毛遂自荐 Chapter 3 Dick Makes A Proposition导读
迪克有些震惊，但他依然坚持要售货员把钞票还给自己，并且向售货员解释说钱是一位顾客的。迪克找到顾客，告诉他售货员说的假钞问题，那位先生和迪克一起走进了商店。售货员有些慌乱，他原本想吓唬擦鞋匠，没想到真的有顾客和他过来；他仍然坚称是假钞，并从口袋里拿出一张假钞，声称是迪克给他的。他们的争吵引来了店主，迪克的顾客记得自己的钞票是出自波士顿商业银行，而售货员把真的钞票藏了起来，拿出假钞污蔑迪克。售货员还在狡辩，当店主提到找警察的时候，他吓得赶紧掏出了真的钞票，还辩解说可能是自己搞错了。最终店主解雇了他，而迪克和顾客也拿回了真钞票。那位先生多给了迪克四十美分作为补偿，这样迪克晚上又有钱去玩乐了。
迪克扛着擦鞋用具来到了阿斯特大厦，看到一位绅士原本带着一个十三四岁的孩子参观纽约，但因为有急事没办法陪在他身边，又害怕他迷路，正在犹豫时，迪克毛遂自荐去做向导。看着迪克一脸的坦率，那位先生信任了迪克；他希望迪克能够换身衣服，于是把他带回了酒店。hough Dick was somewhat startled at discovering that the bill he hadoffered was counterfeit, he stood his ground bravely.T
“Clear out of this shop, you young vagabond.”repeated the clerk.
“Then give me back my bill.”
“That you may pass it again？No, sir, I shall do no such thing.”
“It doesn't belong to me，”said Dick，“A gentleman that owes me for a shine gave it to me to change.”
“A likely story.”said the clerk；but he seemed a little uneasy.
“I'll go and call him.”said Dick.
He went out, and found his late customer standing on the Astor House steps.
“Well, youngster, have you brought back my change？You were a precious long time about it. I began to think you had cleared out with the money.”
“That aint my style.”said Dick, proudly.
“Then where's the change？”
“I haven't got it.”
“Where's the bill then？”
“I haven't got that either.”
“You young rascal！”
“Hold on a minute, mister，”said Dick，“and I'll tell you all about it. The man what took the bill said it wasn't good, and kept it.”
“The bill was perfectly good. So he kept it, did he？I'll go with you to the store, and see whether he won't give it back to me.”
Dick led the way, and the gentleman followed him into the store.
At the reappearance of Dick in such company, the clerk flushed a little, and looked nervous. He fancied that he could browbeat a ragged boot-black, but with a gentleman he saw that it would be a different matter.He did not seem to notice the newcomers, but began to replace some goods on the shelves.
Now, said the young man，“Point out the clerk that has my money.”
“That's him.”said Dick, pointing out the clerk.
The gentleman walked up to the counter.
“I will trouble you，”he said a little haughtily，“for a bill which that boy offered you, and which you still hold in your possession.”
“It was a bad bill.”said the clerk, his cheek flushing, and his manner nervous.
“It was no such thing. I require you to produce it, and let the matter be decided.”
The clerk fumbled in his vest-pocket, and drew out a bad-looking bill.
“This is a bad bill, but it is not the one I gave the boy.”
“It is the one he gave me.”
The young man looked doubtful.
“Boy，”he said to Dick，“is this the bill you gave to be changed？”
“No, it isn't.”
“You lie, you young rascal！”exclaimed the clerk, who began to find himself in a tight place, and could not see the way out.
This scene naturally attracted the attention of all in the store, and the proprietor walked up from the lower end, where he had been busy.
“What's all this, Mr. Hatch？”he demanded.
“That boy，”said the clerk，“came in and asked change for a bad bill. I kept the bill, and told him to clear out.Now he wants it again to pass on somebody else.”
“Show the bill.”
The merchant looked at it.“Yes, that's a bad bill.”he said，“There is no doubt about that.”
“But it is not the one the boy offered.”said Dick's patron.
“It is one of the same denomination, but on a different bank.”
“Do you remember what bank it was on？”
“It was on the Merchants'Bank of Boston.”
“Are you sure of it？”
“I am.”
“Perhaps the boy kept it and offered the other.”
“You may search me if you want to.”said Dick, indignantly.
“He doesn't look as if he was likely to have any extra bills. I suspect that your clerk pocketed the good bill, and has substituted the counterfeit note.It is a nice little scheme of his for making money.”
“I haven't seen any bill on the Merchants'Bank.”said the clerk, doggedly.
“You had better feel in your pockets.”
“This matter must be investigated.”said the merchant, firmly，“If you have the bill, produce it.”
“I haven't got it.”said the clerk；but he looked guilty.
“I demand that he be searched.”said Dick's patron.
“I tell you I haven't got it.”
“Shall I send for a police officer, Mr. Hatch, or will you allow yourself to be searched quietly？”said the merchant.
Alarmed at the threat implied in these words, the clerk put his hand into his vest-pocket, and drew out a two-dollar bill on the Merchants'Bank.
“Is this your note？”asked the shopkeeper, showing it to the young man.
“It is.”said the young gentleman.
“I must have made a mistake.”faltered the clerk.
“I shall not give you a chance to make such another mistake in my employ.”said the merchant stemly，“You may go up to the desk and ask for what wages are due you. I shall have no further occasion for your services.”
“Now, youngster.”said Dick's patron, as they went out of the store, after he had finally got the bill changed，“I must pay you something extra for your trouble. Here's fifty cents.”
“Thank you, sir.”said Dick，“You're very kind. Don't you want some more bills changed？”
“Not today.”said he with a smile，“It's too expensive.”
“I'm in luck.”thought our hero complacently，“I guess I'll go to Barnum's tonight, and see the bearded lady, the eight-foot giant, the two-foot dwarf, and the other curiosities, too numerous to mention.”
Dick shouldered his box and walked up as far as the Astor House. He took his station on the sidewalk, and began to look about him.
Just behind him were two persons，—one, a gentleman of fifty；the other, a boy of thirteen or fourteen. They were speaking together, and Dick had no difficulty in hearing what was said.
“I am sorry, Frank, that I can't go about, and show you some of the sights of New York, but I shall be full of business today. It is your first visit to the city, too.”
“Yes, sir.”
“There's a good deal worth seeing here. But I'm afraid you'll have to wait to next time.You can go out and walk by yourself, but don't venture too far, or you will get lost.”
Frank looked disappointed.
“I wish Tom Miles knew I was here.”he said，“He would go around with me.”
“Where does he live？”
“Somewhere uptown, I believe.”
“Then, unfortunately, he is not available. If you would rather go with me than stay here, you can, but as I shall be most of the time in merchants'-counting-rooms, I am afraid it would not be very interesting.”
“I think，”said Frank, after a little hesitation，“that I will go off by myself. I won't go very far, and if I lose my way, I will inquire for the Astor House.”
“Yes, anybody will direct you here. Very well, Frank, I am sorry I can't do better for you.”
“Oh, never mind, uncle, I shall be amused in walking around, and looking at the shop-windows. There will be a great deal to see.”
Now Dick had listened to all this conversation. Being an enterprising young man, he thought he saw a chance for a speculation, and determined to avail himself of it.
Accordingly he stepped up to the two just as Frank's uncle was about leaving, and said，“I know all about the city, sir；I'll show him around, if you want me to.”
The gentleman looked a little curiously at the ragged figure before him.
“So you are a city boy, are you？”
“Yes, sir，”said Dick，“I've lived here ever since I was a baby.”
“And you know all about the public buildings, I suppose？”
“Yes, sir.”
“And the Central Park？”
“Yes, sir. I know my way all round.”
The gentleman looked thoughtful.
“I don't know what to say, Frank.”he remarked after a while，“It is rather a novel proposal. He isn't exactly the sort of guide I would have picked out for you.Still he looks honest.He has an open face, and I think can be depended upon.”
“I wish he wasn't so ragged and dirty.”said Frank, who felt a little shyabout being seen with such a companion.
“I'm afraid you haven't washed your face this morning.”said Mr. Whitney, for that was the gentleman's name.
“Yes, sir. They didn't have no wash-bowls at the hotel where I stopped.”said Dick.
“What hotel did you stop at？”
“The Box Hotel.”
“The Box Hotel？”
“Yes, sir, I slept in a box on Spruce Street.”
Frank surveyed Dick curiously.
“How did you like it？”he asked.
“I slept bully.”
“Suppose it had rained.”
“Then I'd have wet my best clothes.”said Dick.
“Are these all the clothes you have？”
“Yes, sir.”
Mr. Whitney spoke a few words to Frank, who seemed pleased with the suggestion.
“Follow me, my lad.”he said.
Dick in some surprise obeyed orders, following Mr. Whitney and Frank into the hotel, past the office, to the foot of the staircase.Here a servant of the hotel stopped Dick, but Mr.Whitney explained that he had something for him to do, and he was allowed to proceed.
They entered a long entry, and finally paused before a door. This being opened, a pleasant chamber was disclosed.
“Come in, my lad.”said Mr. Whitney.
Dick and Frank entered.第四章 迪克的新形象 Chapter 4 Dick's New Suit导读
那位先生让迪克先洗个澡，又从箱子里拿出自己侄子的一套半新的外套给迪克换上。他安排好一切便离开了，他的侄子弗兰克又拿出了衬衫、袜子和手绢给迪克。迪克换上衣服之后照着镜子，几乎认不出那是自己，这场景让他想起了灰姑娘。他觉得自己在做梦，甚至要求弗兰克掐一下他的胳膊；迪克痛得直闪避，他的擦鞋工具也暂时留在酒店里。随后两个孩子一起走出酒店，迪克在百老汇看到了约翰尼。他偷偷地上前拍了拍约翰尼的背，约翰尼听着熟悉的声音，却认不出迪克，迪克说自己原本的衣服借给了别人参加舞会，这让约翰尼更加摸不着头脑。转眼间，迪克又跑走了。
迪克在来来往往的车辆中熟练地穿越着，在他的催促下，弗兰克好不容易惊险地过了马路。半路上弗兰克帮助了一个卖苹果的老妇人，用三美分买了两个红苹果。在路过市政大厅时，迪克说市长是他的顾客兼好朋友，这让弗兰克大笑不已。ow，”said Mr. Whitney to Dick，“I tell you, my nephew here is onhis way to a boarding-schooL He has a suit of clothes in his “Ntrunk about half worn.He is willing to give them to you.I think they will look better than those you have on.”
Dick was so astonished that he hardly knew what to say. Presents weresomething that he knew very little about, never having received any to his knowledge.That so large a gift should be made to him by a stranger seemed very wonderful.
The clothes were brought out, and turned out to be a neat gray suit.
“Before you put them on, my lad, you must wash yourself. Clean clothes and a dirty skin don't go very well together.Frank, you may attend to him.I am obliged to go at once.Have you got as much money as you require？”
“Yes, uncle.”
“One more word, my lad，”said Mr. Whitney, addressing Dick，“I may be rash in trusting a boy of whom I know nothing, but I like your looks, and I think you will prove a proper guide for my nephew.”
“Yes, I will, sir.”said Dick, earnestly，“Honor bright！”
“Very well. A pleasant time to you.”
The process of cleansing commenced. To tell the truth Dick needed it, and the sensation of cleanliness he found both new and pleasant.
Frank added to his gift a shirt, stockings, and an old pair of shoes.“I am sorry I haven't any cap.”said he.
“I've got one.”said Dick.
“It isn't so new as it might be.”said Frank, surveying an old felt hat, which had once been black, but was now dingy, with a large hole in the top and a portion of the rim tom off.
Dick said，“My grandfather used to wear it when he was a boy, and I've kept it ever since out of respect for his memory. But I'll get a new one now.I can buy one cheap on Chatham Street.”
“Is that near here？”
“Only five minutes'walk.”
“Then we can get one on the way.”
When Dick was dressed in his new attire, with his face and hands clean, and his hair brushed, it was difficult to imagine that he was the same boy.
He now looked quite handsome, and might readily have been taken for a young gentleman, except that his hands were red and grimy.
“Look at yourself.”said Frank, leading him before the mirror.
“By gracious！”said Dick, starting back in astonishment，“that isn't me, isit？”
“Don't you know yourself？”asked Frank, smiling.
“It reminds me of Cinderella，”said Dick，“when she was changed into a fairy princess. I see it one night at Barnum's.What'll Johnny Nolan say when he sees me？He won't dare to speak to such a young swell as I be now.”His fancy was tickled by the anticipation of his friend's surprise, and Dick burst into a loud laugh.
Then the thought of the valuable gifts he had revived occurred to him, and he looked gratefully at Frank.
“You're a brick.”he said.
“A what？”
“A brick！You're a jolly good fellow to give me such a present.”
“You're quite welcome, Dick.”said Frank, kindly，“I'm better off than you are, and I can spare the clothes just as well as not. You must have a new hat though.But that we can get when we go out.The old clothes you can make into a bundle.”
“Wait a minute till I get my handkercher.”and Dick pulled from the pocket of the pants a dirty rag, which might have been white once, though it did not look like it, and had apparently once formed a part of a sheet or shirt.
“You mustn't carry that.”said Frank.
“But I've got a cold.”said Dick.
“Oh, I don't mean you to go without a handkerchief. I'll give you one.”
Frank opened his trunk and pulled out two, which he gave to Dick.
“I wonder if I am not dreaming.”said Dick, once more surveying himself doubtfully in the glass，“I'm afraid I'm dreaming, and shall wake up in a barrel, as I did night afore last.”
“Shall I pinch you so you can wake here？”asked Frank, playfully.
“Yes，”said Dick, seriously，“I wish you would.”
He pulled up the sleeve of his jacket, and Frank pinched him pretty hard, so that Dick winced.
“Yes, I guess I'm awake，”said Dick；“you've got a pair of nippers, you have. But what shall I do with my brush and blacking？”
“You can leave them here till we come back.”said Frank，“They will besafe.”
“Hold on a minute，”said Dick, surveying Frank's boots with a professional eye，“you aint got a good shine on them boots. I'll make them shine so you can see your face in them.”
And he was as good as his word.
“Thank you，”said Frank，“now you had better brush your own shoes.”
This had not occurred to Dick, for in general the professional boot-black considers his blacking too valuable to expend on his own shoes or boots, if he is fortunate enough to possess a pair.
The two boys now went downstairs together. They met the same servant who had spoken to Dick a few minutes before, but there was no recognition.
“Haw-haw！He don't know me.”said Dick，“He thinks I'm a young swell like you.”
“What's a swell？”
“Oh, a feller that wears nobby clothes like you.”
“And you, too, Dick.”
“Yes，”said Dick，“who'd ever have thought as I should have turned into a swell？”
They had now got out on Broadway, and were slowly walking along the west side by the Park, when who should Dick see in front of him, but Johnny Nolan！
Instantly Dick was seized with a fancy for witnessing Johnny's amazement at his change in appearance. He stole up behind him, and struck him on the back.
“Hallo, Johnny, how many shines have you had？”
Johnny turned round expecting to see Dick, whose voice he recognized, but his astonished eyes rested on a nicely dressed boy（the hat alone excepted）who looked indeed like Dick, but so transformed in dress that it was difficult to be sure of his identity.
“What luck, Johnny？”repeated Dick.
Johnny surveyed him from head to foot in great bewilderment.
“Who be you？”he said.
“Well, that's a good one，”laughed Dick，“so you don't know Dick？”
“Where'd you get all them clothes？”asked Johnny，“Have you been stealin'？”
“Say that again, and I'll lick you. No, I've lent my clothes to a young feller as was going to a party, and didn't have none fit to wear, and so I put on my second-best for a change.”
Without deigning any further explanation, Dick went off, followed by the astonished gaze of Johnny Nolan, who could not quite make up his mind whether the neat-looking boy he had been talking with was really Ragged Dick or not.
In order to reach Chatham Street it was necessary to cross Broadway.
This was easier proposed than done. There is always such a throng of omnibuses, drays, carriages, and vehicles of all kinds in the neighborhood of the Astor House, that the crossing is formidable to one who is not used to it.Dick made nothing of it, dodging in and out among the horses and wagons with perfect self-possession.
Reaching the opposite sidewalk, he looked back, and found that Frank had retreated in dismay, and that the width of the street was between them.
“Come across！”called out Dick.
“I don't see any chance.”said Frank, looking anxiously at the prospect before him，“I'm afraid of being run over.”
“If you are, you can sue them for damages.”said Dick.
Finally Frank got safely over after several narrow escapes, as he considered them.
“Is it always so crowded？”he asked.
“A good deal worse sometimes，”said Dick，“I knowed a young man once who waited six hours for a chance to cross, and at last got run over by an omnibus, leaving a widder and a large family of orphan children. His widder, a beautiful young woman, was obliged to start a peanut and apple stand.Look！There she is now.”
“Where？”
Dick pointed to a hideous old woman, of large proportions, wearing a bonnet of immense size, who presided over an apple-stand close by.
Frank laughed.
“If that is the case，”he said，“I think I will patronize her.”
“Leave it to me.”said Dick, winking.
He advanced gravely to the apple-stand, and said，“Old lady, have you paid your taxes？”
The astonished woman opened her eyes.
“I'm a government officer，”said Dick，“sent by the mayor to collect your taxes. I'll take it in apples just to oblige.That big red one will about pay what you're owing to the government.”
“I don't know nothing about no taxes.”said the old woman, in bewilderment.
“Then，”said Dick，“I'll let you off this time. Give us two of your best apples, and my friend here, the President of the Common Council, will pay you.”
Frank smiling, paid three cents apiece for the apples, and they sauntered on, Dick remarking，“If these apples aint good, old lady, we'll return them, and get our money back.”This would have been rather difficult in his case, as the apple was already half consumed.
Chatham Street, where they wished to go, being on the East side, the two boys crossed the Park. This is an enclosure of about ten acres, which years ago was covered with a green sward, but is now a great thoroughfare for pedestrians and contains several important public buildings.Dick pointed out the City Hall, the Hall of Records, and the Rotunda.The former is a white building of large size, and surmounted by a cupola.
“That's where the mayor's office is.”said Dick，“Him and me are very good friends. I once blacked his boots by particular appointment.That's the way I pay my city taxes.”第五章 查塔姆大街和百老汇 Chapter 5 Chatham Street and Broadway导读
弗兰克跟着迪克来到了查塔姆大街，这里到处是卖便宜衣服的商店。迪克对那些商贩的小把戏了如指掌，而弗兰克却被眼前所谓的豪华商品大甩卖等种种售卖方式迷住了，经过迪克的解释他才明白那些猫儿腻。他们来到一间卖帽子的商店，弗兰克替迪克买了顶帽子，迪克扔掉的旧帽子很快便被其他的擦鞋匠捡了起来。
接着他们来到了百老汇，对于弗兰克而言，这里的一切都十分新鲜。他一直生活在宁静的乡下，很少看到川流不息的人群和车辆，他不停地拉着迪克停下看那些精美的橱窗，惊讶于纽约竟然有这么多的商店；同时对巴勒姆剧场也十分感兴趣，因为以前弗兰克的一个邻居曾经来过纽约，回去之后一直叙述着剧场的乐趣。在迪克描述目前上映的歌剧剧情时，弗兰克看到了一座奇怪的建筑，迪克解释说那是纽约最有钱的医院。不久他们走到了高雅的泰勒沙龙酒店，弗兰克打算进去吃杯冰激凌，这样也可以见识一下酒店内的豪华。果然酒店内四面都是镜子，这让弗兰克想起了阿拉丁的宫殿。迪克开玩笑地说他希望拿所有的伊力铁路股份换一盏神灯，这引起了邻桌一位脸色憔悴的男人的注意。那位男人竟然主动和迪克讨论起股票投资的问题，他还拿出了名片，希望以后迪克可以介绍朋友参与投资。hey were soon in Chatham Street, walking between rows ofready-made clothing shops, many of which had half their stock in Ttradeexposed on the sidewalk. The proprietors of these establishments stood at the doors, watching attentively the passersby, extending urgent invitations to any who even glanced at the goods to enter.
“Walk in, young gentlemen.”said a stout man, at the entrance of one shop.
“No, I thank you.”replied Dick, as the fly said to the spider.
“We're selling off at less than cost.”
“Of course you be. That's where you makes your money.”said Dick，“There aint nobody of any enterprise that pretends to make any profit on his goods.”
The Chatham Street trader looked after our hero as if he didn't quite comprehend him；but Dick, without waiting for a reply, passed on with his companion.
In some of the shops auctions seemed to be going on.
“I am only offered two dollars, gentlemen, for this elegant pair of doeskin pants, made of the very best of cloth. It's a frightful sacrifice.Who'll give an eighth？Thank you, sir.Only seventeen shillings！Why the cloth cost more by the yard！”
This speaker was standing on a little platform haranguing to three men, holding in his hand meanwhile a pair of pants very loose in the legs, and presenting a cheap Bowery look.
Frank and Dick paused before the shop door, and finally saw them knocked down to rather a verdant-looking individual at three dollars.
“Clothes seem to be pretty cheap here.”said Frank.
“Yes, but Baxter Street is the cheapest place.”
“Is it？”
“Yes. Johnny Nolan got a whole rig-out there last week, for a dollar，—coat, cap, vest, pants, and shoes.They was very good measure, too, like my best clothes that I took off to oblige you.”
“I shall know where to come for clothes next time.”said Frank, laughing，“I had no idea the city was so much cheaper than the country. I suppose the Baxter Street tailors are fashionable？”
“In course they are. Me and Horace Greeley always go there for clothes.When Horace gets a new suit, I always have one made just like it；but I can't gothe white hat.It aint becoming to my style of beauty.”said Dick.
A little farther on a man was standing out on the sidewalk, distributing small printed handbills. One was handed to Frank, which he read as follows，—
“GRAND CLOSING-OUT SALE！—A variety of Beautiful and Costly Articles for Sale, at a Dollar apiece. Unparalleled Inducements！Walk in, Gentlemen！”
“Whereabouts is this sale？”asked Frank.
“In here, young gentlemen.”said a black-whiskered individual, who appeared suddenly on the scene，“Walk in.”
“Shall we go in, Dick？”
“It's a swindling shop.”said Dick, in a low voice，“I've been there. That man's a regular cheat.He's seen me before, but he don't know me coz of my clothes.”
“Step in and see the articles.”said the man, persuasively，“You needn't buy, you know.”
“Are all the articles worth more than a dollar？”asked Dick.
“Yes，”said the other，“and some worth a great deal more.”
“Such as what？”said Dick.
“Well, there's a silver pitcher worth twenty dollars.”
“And you sell it for a dollar. That's very kind of you.”said Dick, innocently.
“Walk in, and you'll understand it.”
“No, I guess not.”said Dick，“My servants is so dishonest that I wouldn't like to trust them with a silver pitcher. Come along, Frank.I hope you'll succeed in your charitable enterprise of supplying the public with silver pitchers at nineteen dollars less than they are worth.”
“How does he manage, Dick？”asked Frank, as they went on.
“All his articles are numbered, and he makes you pay a dollar, and then shakes some dice, and whatever the riggers come to, is the number of the article you draw. Most of them aint worth sixpence.”
A hat and cap store being close at hand, Dick and Frank went in. For seventy-five cents, which Frank insisted on paying, Dick succeeded in gettingquite a neat-looking cap, which corresponded much better with his appearance than the one he had on.The last, not being considered worth keeping, Dick dropped on the sidewalk, from which, on looking back, he saw it picked up by a brother boot-black who appeared to consider it better than his own.
They retraced their steps and went up Chambers Street to Broadway.
At the comer of Broadway and Chambers Street is a large white marble warehouse, which attracted Frank's attention.
“What building is that？”he asked, with interest.
“That belongs to my friend A. T.Stewart.”said Dick，“It's the biggest store on Broadway.If I ever retire from boot-blacking, and go into mercantile pursuits, I may buy it out, or build another store that'll take the shine off this one.”
“Were you ever in the store？”asked Frank.
“No，”said Dick，“but I'm intimate with one of Stewart's partners. He is a cash boy, and does nothing but take money all day.”
“A very agreeable employment.”said Frank, laughing.
“Yes，”said Dick，“I'd like to be in it.”
The boys crossed to the West side of Broadway, and walked slowly up the street. To Frank it was a very interesting spectacle.Accustomed to the quiet of the country, there was something fascinating in the crowds of people thronging the sidewalks, and the great variety of vehicles constantly passing and repassing in the street.Then again the shop-windows with their multifarious contents interested and amused him, and he was constantly checking Dick to look in at some well-stocked window.
“I don't see how so many shopkeepers can find people enough to buy of them.”he said，“We haven't got but two stores in our village, and Broadway seems to be full of them.”
“Yes，”said Dick，“and its pretty much the same in the avenoos，‘specially the Third, Sixth, and Eighth avenoos. The Bowery, too, is a great place for shopping.There everybody sells cheaper than anybody else, and nobody pretends to make no profit on their goods.”
“Where's Barnum's Museum？”asked Frank.
“Oh, that's down nearly opposite the Astor House.”said Dick，“Didn't yousee a great building with lots of flags？”
“Yes.”
“Well, that's Barnum's. That's where the Happy Family live, and the lions, and bears, and curiosities generally.It's a tip-top place.Haven't you ever been there？It’s most as good as the Old Bowery, only the plays isn’t quite so exciting.”
“I'll go if I get time，”said Frank.“There is a boy at home who came to New York a month ago, and went to Barnum's, and has been talking about it ever since, so I suppose it must be worth seeing.”
“They've got a great play at the Old Bowery now.”pursued Dick，“It is called the‘Demon of the Danube'. The Demon falls in love with a young woman, and drags her by the hair up to the top of a steep rock where his castle stands.”
“That's a queer way of showing his love.”said Frank, laughing.
“She didn't want to go with him, you know, but was in love with another chap. When he heard about his girl being carried off, he felt awful, and swore an oath not to rest till he had got her free.Well, at last he got into the castle by some underground passage, and he and the Demon had a fight.Oh, it was bully seeing them roll round on the stage, cutting and slashing at each other.”
“And which got the best of it？”said Frank.
“At first the Demon seemed to be ahead, but at last the young Baron got him down, and struck a dagger into his heart, saying，‘Die, false and perjured villain！The dogs shall feast upon the carcass！'and then the Demon give an awful howl and died. Then the Baron seized his body, and threw it over the precipice.”
“It seems to me the actor who plays the Demon ought to get extra pay, if he has to be treated that way.”
“That's so，”said Dick，“but I guess he's used to it. It seems to agree with his constitution.”
“What building is that？”asked Frank, pointing to a structure several rods back from the street, with a large yard in front. It was an unusual sight for Broadway, all the other buildings in that neighborhood being even with the street.
“That is the New York Hospital.”said Dick，“They're a rich institution, and take care of sick people on very reasonable terms.”
“Did you ever go in there？”
“Yes，”said Dick，“there was a friend of mine, Johnny Mullen, he was a newsboy, got mn over by a omnibus as he was crossing Broadway down near Park Place. He was carried to the Hospital, and me and some of his friends paid his board while he was there.It was only three dollars a week, which was very cheap, considering all the care they took of him.I got leave to come and see him while he was here.Everything looked so nice and comfortable, that I thought a little of coaxing a omnibus driver to mn over me, so I might go there too.”
“Did your friend have to have his leg cut off？”asked Frank, interested.
“No，”said Dick，“though there was a young student there that was very anxious to have it cut off；but it wasn't done, and Johnny is around the streets as well as ever.”
While this conversation was going on they reached No. 365，at the comer of Franklin Street.
“That's Taylor's Saloon.”said Dick，“When I come into a fortune I shall take my meals there regular.”
“I have heard of it very often.”said Frank，“It is said to be very elegant. Suppose we go in and take an ice-cream.It will give us a chance to see it to better advantage.”
“Thank you.”said Dick，“I think that's the most agreeable way of seeing the place myself.”
The boys entered, and found themselves in a spacious and elegant saloon, resplendent with gilding, and adorned on all sides by costly mirrors. They sat down to a small table with a marble top, and Frank gave the order.
“It reminds me of Aladdin's palace.”said Frank, looking about him.
“Does it？”said Dick，“He must have had plenty of money.”
“He had an old lamp, which he had only to rub, when the Slave of the Lamp would appear, and do whatever he wanted.”
“That must have been a valuable lamp. I'd be willing to give all my Erie shares for it.”
There was a tall, gaunt individual at the next table, who apparently heard this last remark of Dick's. Turning towards our hero, he said，“May I inquire, young man, whether you are largely interested in this Erie Railroad？”
“I haven't got no property except what's invested in Erie.”said Dick, with a comical side-glance at Frank.
“Indeed！I suppose the investment was made by your guardian.”
“No，”said Dick，“I manage my property myself.”
“And I presume your dividends have not been large？”
“Why, no，”said Dick，“you're about right there. They haven't.”
“As I supposed. It's poor stock.Now, my young friend, I can recommend a much better investment, which will yield you a large annual income.I am agent of the Excelsior Copper Mining Company, which possesses one of the most productive mines in the world.It's sure to yield fifty per cent on the investment.Now, all you have to do is to sell out your Erie shares, and invest in our stock, and I'll insure you a fortune in three years.How many shares did you say you had？”
“I didn't say, that I remember.”said Dick，“Your offer is very kind and obliging, and as soon as I get time I'll see about it.”
“I hope you will.”said the stranger，“Permit me to give you my card.‘Samuel Snap，—Wall Street.'I shall be most happy to receive a call from you, and exhibit the maps of our mine. I should be glad to have you mention the matter also to your friends.I am confident you could do no greater service than to induce them to embark in our enterprise.”
“Very good.”said Dick.
Here the stranger left the table, and walked up to the desk to settle his bill.
“You see what it is to be a man of fortune, Frank, and wear good clothes. Iwonder what that he'll say when he sees me blacking'boots tomorrow in the street？”said Dick.
“Perhaps you earn your money more honorably than he does, after all, some of these mining companies are nothing but swindles, got up to cheat people out of their money.”said Frank.
“He's welcome to all he gets out of me.”said Dick.第六章 从百老汇到麦迪逊广场 Chapter 6 Up Broadway to Madison Square导读
弗兰克被纽约的奇特建筑吸引住了，他对周围的一切都充满好奇。一路上迪克不停地将两旁的建筑介绍给他听，也不时地吹着牛皮。弗兰克得知迪克读写有问题时，他主动邀请迪克来家里做客，希望可以充当迪克的家庭老师。他认为只有学会了读写，才有机会找到好的工作，才能过上受人尊敬的生活。
他们又走到了联合广场，看到了华盛顿总统的塑像。在路上弗兰克还给迪克讲述了一个男孩的成功故事。这个男孩小时候也很贫穷，但他在做仆人的时候省吃俭用，富商很欣赏他，并且给了他一个卖掉任何一样物品的机会。他只有一只小猫，于是富商带着他的那只小猫来到了一个小岛，正好碰上岛上闹鼠疫，这只猫卖了很好的价钱，富商将这笔钱带回给了男孩，男孩立刻变得很富有，这笔钱也成为了他成功的基础，后来他在临死前还被选为伦敦市市长。弗兰克告诉迪克只要一个人想要得到别人的尊敬，他就一定能够做到。迪克被弗兰克说动了，他决定以后再也不乱花钱。
s the boys pursued their way up Broadway, Dick pointed out
theprominent hotels and places of amusement. Frank was A
particularly struck with the imposing fronts of the St.Nicholas and Metropolitan Hotels, the former of white marble, the latter of a subdued brown hue, but not less elegant in its internal appointments.He was not surprised to be informed that each of thesesplendid structures cost with the furnishing not far from a million dollars.
At Eighth Street Dick turned to the right, and pointed out the Clinton Hall Building now occupied by the Mercantile Library, comprising at that time over fifty thousand volumes.
A little farther on they came to a large building standing by itself just at the opening of Third and Fourth Avenues, and with one side on each.
“What is that building？”asked Frank.
“That's the Cooper Institute, built by Mr. Cooper, a particular friend of mine.Me and Peter Cooper used to go to school together.”said Dick.
“What is there inside？”asked Frank.
“There's a hall for public meetings and lectures in the basement, and a reading room and a picture gallery up above.”said Dick.
Directly opposite Cooper Institute, Frank saw a very large building of brick, covering about an acre of ground.
“Is that a hotel？”he asked.
“No, that's the Bible House. It's the place where they make Bibles.I was in there once，—saw a big pile of them.”said Dick.
“Did you ever read the Bible？”asked Frank, who had some idea of the neglected state of Dick's education.
“No，”said Dick.“I've heard it's a good book, but I never read one. I aint much on reading.It makes my head ache.”
“I suppose you can't read very fast.”
“I can read the little words pretty well, but the big ones is what stick me.”
“If I lived in the city, you might come every evening to me, and I wouldteach you.”
“Would you take so much trouble about me？”asked Dick, earnestly.
“Certainly；I should like to see you getting on. There isn't much chance of that if you don't know how to read and write.”
“You're a good feller. I wish you did live in New York.I'd like to know something.Whereabouts do you live？”said Dick, gratefully.
“About fifty miles off, in a town on the left bank of the Hudson. I wish you'd come up and see me sometime.I would like to have you come and stop two or three days.”
“Honor bright？”
“I don't understand.”
“Do you mean it？”asked Dick, incredulously.
“Of course I do. Why shouldn't I？”
“What would your folks say if they knowed you asked a boot-black to visit you？”
“You are none the worse for being a boot-black, Dick.”
“I aint used to genteel society. I shouldn't know how to behave.”said Dick.
“Then I could show you. You won't be a boot-black all your life, you know.”
“No. I'm going to knock off when I get to be ninety.”said Dick.
“Before that, I hope.”said Frank, smiling.
“I really wish I could get something else to do，”said Dick, soberly，“I'd like to be an office boy, and learn business, and grow up spectable.”
“Why don't you try, and see if you can't get a place, Dick？”
“Who'd take Ragged Dick？”
“But you aint ragged now, Dick.”
“No, I look a little better. But if I got in a office, they wouldn't give me more than three dollars a week, and I couldn't 1ive respectable on that.”said Dick.
“No, I suppose not.”said Frank, thoughtfully，“But you would get more at the end of the first year.”
“Yes.”said Dick“but by that time I'd be nothing but snn and bones.”
Frank laughed“That reminds me，”he said，“of the story of an
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