Part 29 (1/2)
As he entered the carriage the driver volunteered some information.
”That man sells rum himself, in his grocery over there across the street, and he fought against the 'no license' pet.i.tion like a wild tiger last fall.”
”Drive me home now, please,” said Theodore aloud, in answer to this; and to himself he said, as he sank wearily among the cus.h.i.+ons: ”Then I pray G.o.d to have mercy on him, and not make his judgment heavier than he can bear.”
CHAPTER XX.
MRS. JENKINS' TOMMY.
There came a low tapping on the green baize door of Mr. Stephens'
private office. ”Come,” said Mr. Stephens from within, and a clerk entered.
”Is Mr. Mallery in, sir? There is a queer looking personage in the store who insists upon seeing him.”
”Mallery,” said Mr. Stephens, turning his head slightly, and addressing an individual farther back behind a high desk, ”are you engaged?”
”Nine seventy-two--one moment, Mr. Stephens--nine eighty-one, nine ninety, one thousand. Now, sir, what is it?” and in a moment thereafter Mr. Mallery emerged. The clerk repeated his statement.
”Very well,” said Theodore, ”I'll be out in one moment.” He still held the package of one thousand dollars which he had just counted in his hand. ”There is your money, Mr. Stephens,” he said, laying it down as the outer door closed on them.
”All right, is it?”
”All right.”
”What have you done with the rest?”
”Locked it up.”
”And the key?”
”In my pocket. Do you wish it, sir?”
”No,” said Mr. Stephens, smiling. ”Did you ever forget anything in your life, Theodore? I did not think you had time to turn a key before you came out.”
”I turned it nevertheless,” answered Theodore, significantly. ”You know I don't trust that young man, sir.”
”Not yet?”
”No, sir.”
”Well, I hope and trust that time will prove you wrong and me right.”
”I hope so, certainly,” answered Theodore, dryly.
”But you don't believe it.” And Mr. Stephens laughed a little as he added: ”Now, Mallery, if you _should_ happen to be mistaken this time!”
Theodore answered him only by a grave smile as he went out of the room.
It was a busy spot outside--clerks and cash boys were flying hither and thither, and customers were many and impatient. Making his way through the crowd, bowing here and there to familiar faces, Theodore sought for the person who awaited him.
”A queer looking personage,” the clerk had said, and over by one of the windows stood a meek-faced old woman, attired in a faded dress and shawl, and a rather startling bonnet as regarded shape. She looked as if she might be waiting or watching for somebody--at least she was not looking around with the air of a purchaser, and she was being rudely jostled every moment by thoughtless people or hurried clerks. Theodore resolved to discover for himself if this were the one in waiting, and advanced to her side.