Part 29 (1/2)

”Bashfulness aint as natural to me as it is to you. I'm always on hand, as the cat said to the milk. You'd better give up s.h.i.+nes, Fosd.i.c.k, and give your 'tention to mercantile pursuits.”

”I've thought of trying to get a place,” said Fosd.i.c.k; ”but no one would take me with these clothes;” and he directed his glance to his well-worn suit, which he kept as neat as he could, but which, in spite of all his care, began to show decided marks of use. There was also here and there a stain of blacking upon it, which, though an advertis.e.m.e.nt of his profession, scarcely added to its good appearance.

”I almost wanted to stay at home from Sunday school last Sunday,” he continued, ”because I thought everybody would notice how dirty and worn my clothes had got to be.”

”If my clothes wasn't two sizes too big for you,” said d.i.c.k, generously, ”I'd change. You'd look as if you'd got into your great-uncle's suit by mistake.”

”You're very kind, d.i.c.k, to think of changing,” said Fosd.i.c.k, ”for your suit is much better than mine; but I don't think that mine would suit you very well. The pants would show a little more of your ankles than is the fas.h.i.+on, and you couldn't eat a very hearty dinner without bursting the b.u.t.tons off the vest.”

”That wouldn't be very convenient,” said d.i.c.k. ”I aint fond of lacin' to show my elegant figger. But I say,” he added with a sudden thought, ”how much money have we got in the savings' bank?”

Fosd.i.c.k took a key from his pocket, and went to the drawer in which the bank-books were kept, and, opening it, brought them out for inspection.

It was found that d.i.c.k had the sum of eighteen dollars and ninety cents placed to his credit, while Fosd.i.c.k had six dollars and forty-five cents. To explain the large difference, it must be remembered that d.i.c.k had deposited five dollars before Henry deposited anything, being the amount he had received as a gift from Mr. Whitney.

”How much does that make, the lot of it?” asked d.i.c.k. ”I aint much on figgers yet, you know.”

”It makes twenty-five dollars and thirty-five cents, d.i.c.k,” said his companion, who did not understand the thought which suggested the question.

”Take it, and buy some clothes, Henry,” said d.i.c.k, shortly.

”What, your money too?”

”In course.”

”No, d.i.c.k, you are too generous. I couldn't think of it. Almost three-quarters of the money is yours. You must spend it on yourself.”

”I don't need it,” said d.i.c.k.

”You may not need it now, but you will some time.”

”I shall have some more then.”

”That may be; but it wouldn't be fair for me to use your money, d.i.c.k. I thank you all the same for your kindness.”

”Well, I'll lend it to you, then,” persisted d.i.c.k, ”and you can pay me when you get to be a rich merchant.”

”But it isn't likely I ever shall be one.”

”How d'you know? I went to a fortun' teller once, and she told me I was born under a lucky star with a hard name, and I should have a rich man for my particular friend, who would make my fortun'. I guess you are going to be the rich man.”

Fosd.i.c.k laughed, and steadily refused for some time to avail himself of d.i.c.k's generous proposal; but at length, perceiving that our hero seemed much disappointed, and would be really glad if his offer were accepted, he agreed to use as much as might be needful.

This at once brought back d.i.c.k's good-humor, and he entered with great enthusiasm into his friend's plans.

The next day they withdrew the money from the bank, and, when business got a little slack, in the afternoon set out in search of a clothing store. d.i.c.k knew enough of the city to be able to find a place where a good bargain could be obtained. He was determined that Fosd.i.c.k should have a good serviceable suit, even if it took all the money they had. The result of their search was that for twenty-three dollars Fosd.i.c.k obtained a very neat outfit, including a couple of s.h.i.+rts, a hat, and a pair of shoes, besides a dark mixed suit, which appeared stout and of good quality.

”Shall I send the bundle home?” asked the salesman, impressed by the off-hand manner in which d.i.c.k drew out the money in payment for the clothes.

”Thank you,” said d.i.c.k, ”you're very kind, but I'll take it home myself, and you can allow me something for my trouble.”