Part 43 (1/2)
”I think it is time for you to do something else.”
”What will I do?”
”We must think of that. I must also think of the information you have given me in regard to Mr. Gilbert. You are certain you are telling the truth.”
”Yes,” said Micky; ”it's the truth.”
Micky did not swear this time, and Mr. Rockwell believed him.
”Let me see,” he said, reflecting; ”can you be at my store to-morrow morning at ten o'clock?”
”I can,” said Micky, promptly.
”What is your name?”
”Micky Maguire.”
”Good-night, Michael.”
”Good-night, sir,” said Micky, respectfully.
He walked away with a crowd of new thoughts and new aspirations kindling in his breast. A gentleman had actually offered to help him on in the world. n.o.body had ever taken any interest in him before. Life to him had been a struggle and a conflict, with very little hope of better things.
He had supposed he should leave off blacking boots some time, but no prospect seemed open before him.
”Why shouldn't I get up in the world?” he thought, with new ambition.
He half confessed to himself that he had led a bad life, and vague thoughts of amendment came to him. Somebody was going to take an interest in him. That was the secret of his better thoughts and purposes.
On the whole, I begin to think there is hope for Micky.
CHAPTER XXIII.
FAME AND FORTUNE.
Mr. Gilbert chanced to be looking out of the window of Mr. Rockwell's counting-room, when he was unpleasantly surprised by the sudden apparition of Micky Maguire. He was destined to be still more unpleasantly surprised. Micky walked up to the main entrance, and entered with an a.s.sured air. Gilbert hastened to meet him, and prevent his entrance.
”Clear out of here, you young rascal!” he said, in a tone of authority.
”You're not wanted here.”
”I've come on business,” said Micky, with a scowl of dislike, showing no intention of retreating.
”I have no business with you,” said Gilbert.
”Perhaps you haven't,” said Micky, ”but Mr. Rockwell has.”
”Mr. Rockwell will have nothing to say to a vagabond like you.”
”He told me to come,” said Micky, resolutely, ”and I shan't go till I've seen him.”