After the crowd had left that night Peaches said to me, "John,
Uncle Peter and Aunt Martha and I have been talking matters over
to-day, and we've arranged a most delightful surprise for you!"
"What is it, another one of those parlor riots?" I asked, "If so, I
want to tell you right now that you couldn't surprise me if Uncle
Peter and Aunt Martha stepped out and did a song and dance in black
face."
Peaches laughed.
"Oh! that isn't it," she chuckled. "It has something to do with
the $5,000 you've saved."
"Oh! it has," I muttered faintly.
"Yes, Uncle Peter thinks we better not invest it in that house just
now," she went on. "He has a better plan. You are to give him the
money and he will invest it for you."
"Ah!" I said.
"But that isn't the real surprise," she cooed.
"It will do," I answered.
"Uncle Peter is so delighted that you have kept your promise to me
not to speculate any more that he has planned--oh! I nearly told,
and it's _such_ a secret!"
Then I went over into a corner and got busy with my thoughts.
Bunch and I would have to get Petroskinski to work in a hurry.
We both needed the money.
CHAPTER III.
JOHN HENRY GETS BUSY.
We were a half-hour early for my appointment with Signor
Petroskinski when Bunch and I strolled into the cafe of the Hotel
Astor the next day.
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