Part 2 (1/2)
”I don't get near as much as you, d.i.c.k.”
”Well you might if you tried. I keep my eyes open,--that's the way I get jobs. You're lazy, that's what's the matter.”
Johnny did not see fit to reply to this charge. Probably he felt the justice of it, and preferred to proceed with the breakfast, which he enjoyed the more as it cost him nothing.
Breakfast over, d.i.c.k walked up to the desk, and settled the bill.
Then, followed by Johnny, he went out into the street.
”Where are you going, Johnny?”
”Up to Mr. Taylor's, on Spruce Street, to see if he don't want a s.h.i.+ne.”
”Do you work for him reg'lar?”
”Yes. Him and his partner wants a s.h.i.+ne most every day. Where are you goin'?”
”Down front of the Astor House. I guess I'll find some customers there.”
At this moment Johnny started, and, dodging into an entry way, hid behind the door, considerably to d.i.c.k's surprise.
”What's the matter now?” asked our hero.
”Has he gone?” asked Johnny, his voice betraying anxiety.
”Who gone, I'd like to know?”
”That man in the brown coat.”
”What of him. You aint scared of him, are you?”
”Yes, he got me a place once.”
”Where?”
”Ever so far off.”
”What if he did?”
”I ran away.”
”Didn't you like it?”
”No, I had to get up too early. It was on a farm, and I had to get up at five to take care of the cows. I like New York best.”
”Didn't they give you enough to eat?”
”Oh, yes, plenty.”
”And you had a good bed?”