Part 18 (1/2)
”Just here,” answered Mike, indicating a place on the sidewalk.
”I suppose there is a good deal of money in it?” said Mike, with pardonable curiosity.
”Then you didn't open it?”
”No, ma'am, I didn't have a chance. I just found it.”
”There may be forty or fifty dollars, but it isn't on that account I should have regretted losing it. It contained a receipt for a thousand dollars which I am to use in a law suit. That is very important for it will defeat a dishonest claim for money that I have already paid.”
”Then I'm glad I found it.”
”You are an honest boy. You seem to be a poor boy also.”
”That's true, ma'am. If I was rich I wouldn't black boots for a livin'.”
”Dear me, you are one of the young street Arabs I've read about,” and the lady looked curiously at Mike through her gla.s.ses.
”I expect I am.”
”And I suppose you haven't much money.”
”My bank account is very low, ma'am.”
”I've read a book about a boy named 'Ragged d.i.c.k.' I think he was a bootblack, too. Do you know him?”
”He's my cousin, ma'am,” answered Mike promptly.
It will be observed that I don't represent Mike as possessed of all the virtues.
”Dear me, how interesting. I bought the book for my little nephew. Now I can tell him I have seen 'Ragged d.i.c.k's' cousin. Where is d.i.c.k now?”
”He's reformed, ma'am.”
”Reformed?”
”Yes, from blackin' boots. He's in better business now.”
”If I should give you some of the money in this pocketbook, you wouldn't spend it on drinking and gambling, would you?”
”No, ma'am. I'd reform like my cousin, Ragged d.i.c.k.”
”You look like a good truthful boy. Here are ten dollars for you.”
”Oh, thank you, ma'am! you're a gentleman,” said Mike overjoyed. ”No, I don't mean that but I hope you'll soon get a handsome husband.”
”My young friend, I don't care to marry, though I appreciate your good wishes. I am an old maid from principle. I am an officer of the Female Suffrage a.s.sociation.”
”Is it a good payin' office, ma'am?” asked Mike, visibly impressed.
”No, but it is a position of responsibility. Please tell me your name that I may make a note of it.”