Part 41 (2/2)

”Do you really think so, Mr. Murdock?” asked d.i.c.k, with a flush of gratification.

”I really do. You have excellent abilities, Mr. Rockwell likes you, and you have only to continue steady and faithful, and you'll be sure to rise.”

”You know what I was, Mr. Murdock.”

”You are none the worse for that, Richard. It is a great credit to a boy to earn his own living when circ.u.mstances force it upon him. If his employment is an honest one, it is an honorable one.”

By such remarks as these d.i.c.k was encouraged, and he felt that Mr.

Murdock was a true friend to him. Meanwhile a way was opening for his advancement.

One day Micky Maguire appeared in his old haunts. The second day he met Gilbert in the street; but the book-keeper took not the slightest notice of him. That touched Micky's pride, and confirmed him in his resolution.

He decided to make known to Mr. Rockwell Gilbert's share in the little plot, thinking that this would probably be the best method of injuring him.

He ascertained, by means of a directory, with some difficulty, for Micky's education was rather slight, the residence of Mr. Rockwell, and about eight o'clock in the evening ascended the steps and rang the bell.

He might have gone to his place of business, but Gilbert would be there, and he preferred to see Mr. Rockwell at home.

The servant stared at the odd and not particularly prepossessing figure before her.

”Is Mr. Rockwell at home?” asked Micky.

”Yes.”

”I want to see him.”

”Did he tell you to call?”

”It's on particular business,” said Micky.

”Stop here and I'll tell him,” said the girl.

”There's a boy at the door wants to see you, Mr. Rockwell,” said the girl.

”Did you ask him in?”

”No sir. He looks like a suspicious carakter,” said Bridget, laying the stress on the second syllable.

Mr. Rockwell rose, and went to the door.

”What is your business?” he asked.

”It's about d.i.c.k,--Ragged d.i.c.k we used to call him,” said Micky.

”You mean Richard Hunter.”

”Yes,” said Micky. ”He was took up for stealin' a gentleman's pocket-book three months ago.”

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