Part 24 (1/2)

”Great Scott!” he exclaimed. ”Is this an enchanted island, or am I in my right mind?”

But before he could be answered there came the sound of mattering young feet and a tumult outside the door. Then eager, panting, but decorous, they entered, some with clean faces, most of them with clean hands, or moderately so, all with their caps off in homage to their Prince; and Michael welcomed them as if he stood in a luxurious drawing room on Fifth Avenue and these were his guests.

He introduced them, and Will entered into the spirit of the affair and greeted them chummily. They stood shyly off from him at first with great eyes of suspicion, huddled together in a group near Michael, but later when the lesson on the blackboard was over and Michael was showing a set of pictures, Will sat down in a corner with a string from his pocket and began showing two of the boldest of the group some tricks. This took at once, and when he added a little sleight-of-hand pulling pennies from the hair and pockets and hands of the astonished youngsters and allowing them to keep them after the game was over, they were ready to take him into their inner circle at once.

When, however, Sam, who was most unaccountably late that night, sidled in alone, he looked at the stranger with eyes of belligerence; and when Michael introduced him as his friend, Sam's eyes glinted with a jealous light. Sam did not like Michael to have any friends of that sort. This new man had s.h.i.+ny boots, fine new clothes, wore his hair nicely brushed, and manipulated a smooth handkerchief with fingers as white as any gentleman.

To be sure Michael was like that, but then Michael was Michael. He belonged to them, and his clothes made him no worse. But who was this intruder? A gentleman? All gentlemen were natural enemies to Sam.

”Come outside,” said Sam to Michael gruffly, ignoring the white hand Will held out cordially. Michael saw there was something on his mind.

”Will, can you amuse these kids a minute or two while I step out? I'll not be long.”

”Sure!” said Will heartily. He hadn't had such a good time in months and what a story he would have to tell the senior partner in the morning.

”Ever try to lift a fellow's hand off the top of his head? Here, you kid, sit in that chair and put your right hand flat on the top of your head.

Now, sonnie, you lift it off. Pull with all your might. That's it--”

Michael's eyes shone, and even Sam grinned surrept.i.tiously.

”He'll do,” he said to Sam as they went out. ”He was lonesome this evening and wanted to come along with me.”

Lonesome! A fellow like that! It gave Sam a new idea to think about. Did people who had money and education and were used to living in clothes like that get lonesome? Sam cast a kindlier eye back at Will as he closed the door.

Alone in the dark cold entry where the wind whistled up from the river and every crack seemed a conductor of a blast, Sam and Michael talked in low tones:

”Say, he's lit out!” Sam's tone conveyed dismay as well as apology.

It was a sign of Michael's real eagerness that he knew at once who was meant.

”Buck?”

Sam grunted a.s.sent.

”When?”

”Day er so ago, I tuk yer word to 'im but he'd gone. Lef' word he had a big deal on, an' ef it came troo all right 'e'd send fer us. You see it wan't safe round here no more. The police was onto his game. Thur wan't no more hidin' fer him. He was powerful sorry not to see you. He'd always thought a heap o' Mikky!”

”How long had he known I was here?” Michael's face was grave in the darkness. Why had Buck not sent him some word? Made some appointment?

”Since you first c.u.m back.”

”Why--oh, Sam, why didn't he let me come and see him?”

”It warn't safe,” said Sam earnestly. ”Sure thing, it warn't! 'Sides--”

”Besides what, Sam?” The question was eager.

”'Sides, he knowed you'd had edicashun, an' he knowed how you looked on his way o' livin'. He didn't know but--”