When the entire island is laid out and settled, probably
the numbers will reach two hundred or more. Central Park, which lies
between Fifty-ninth Street on the south, and One Hundred and Tenth
Street on the north, is true to its name, occupying about the centre
of the island. The distance between two parallel streets is called a
block, and twenty blocks make a mile. It will therefore be seen that
Dick was exactly right, when he said they were a mile and a half
from Central Park.
"That is too far to walk," said Frank.
"'Twon't cost but six cents to ride," said Dick.
"You mean in the horse-cars?"
"Yes."
"All right then. We'll jump aboard the next car."
The Third Avenue and Harlem line of horse-cars is better patronized
than any other in New York, though not much can be said for the
cars, which are usually dirty and overcrowded. Still, when it is
considered that only seven cents are charged for the entire distance
to Harlem, about seven miles from the City Hall, the fare can hardly
be complained of. But of course most of the profit is made from the
way-passengers who only ride a short distance.
A car was at that moment approaching, but it seemed pretty crowded.
"Shall we take that, or wait for another?" asked Frank.
"The next'll most likely be as bad," said Dick.
The boys accordingly signalled to the conductor to stop, and got
on the front platform. They were obliged to stand up till the car
reached Fortieth Street, when so many of the passengers had got off
that they obtained seats.
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