Part 34 (1/2)
”Yes, several times. It seems the two men intended at first to make the attempt this evening, but for some reason they came to distrust the boy, who was acquainted with their plans, and fixed it for Sat.u.r.day. They didn't intend to let him know of their change of plan, but he overheard one of them talking in his sleep. He came and told me. This was lucky, as otherwise I should not have been ready for them.”
”What is the name of this boy?”
”Julius.”
”He has certainly done you and Mr. Talbot great service. What is your opinion of him? Has he been spoiled by living with thieves?”
”I don't think he has. If he could have a chance to do better, I think he would.”
”He shall have a chance. I suppose you will see him soon.”
”I shouldn't wonder if he would come round to my stand to-day.”
”If he does, bring him here.”
”Yes, sir, I will.”
”What you have told me, Paul,” continued Mr. Preston, ”does not lessen your own merits. But for your kindness to this poor boy you would have heard nothing of the intended burglary, and been unable to take the measures which have proved so happily successful.”
”You are determined to praise me, Mr. Preston,” said Paul.
”Because you deserve it. I shall take care to write particulars to Mr.
Talbot, who will doubtless have seen the paragraph you have just read, and will be interested to hear more. I shall not forget your part in the affair.”
”Thank you, sir. I shall be glad to have Mr. Talbot know that I am faithful to his interests.”
”He shall know it.”
A boy entered the office at this point, with a number of letters from the post office, and Mr. Preston began to read them. Paul saw that it was time to go, and bade him good-morning.
”Good-morning, Paul,” said his patron. ”Don't forget to bring me the boy, Julius.”
”I won't forget, sir.”
Paul was not likely to forget, for he, too, felt grateful to Julius, and was glad to think the poor boy was likely to receive a reward for his services. Through the arrest of Jack Morgan he would be thrown upon his own exertions, and aid would doubtless be welcome. Paul felt an honorable satisfaction in knowing that he was rising in the world, and he was unselfish enough to desire to see others prosper also.
He was not mistaken in supposing Julius would call upon him. About eleven o'clock he came up to the stand.
”Good-morning, Julius,” said Paul, cordially.
”Good-morning,” said the smaller boy. ”Was Jack and Marlowe round to your house last night?”
”Yes.”
”Was they took?” asked Julius, anxiously.
”Morgan was captured, but Marlowe escaped.”
The boy's countenance fell, and he looked alarmed.