Part 29 (1/2)
”Certainly, you are quite right. I have lost a box containing jewelry bought this morning at Tiffany's.”
”What were the articles?”
”A diamond necklace and pin. They are intended as a present for my daughter who is to be married. Tell me quick have you found them?”
”Is this the box?” asked Rodney.
”Oh yes, yes! How delightful to recover it. I thought I should never see it again. Where did you find it?”
”On Fifteenth Street beside Tiffany's store.”
”And you brought it directly to me?”
”Yes, madam.”
”Have you any idea of the value of the articles?”
”Perhaps they may be worth five hundred dollars.”
”They are worth over a thousand. Are you poor?”
”Yes, madam. I am trying to make a living by selling papers, but find it hard work.”
”But you don't look like a newsboy.”
”Till a short time since I thought myself moderately rich.”
”That is strange. Tell me your story.”
CHAPTER XVI.
A SURPRISING TURN OF FORTUNE.
Rodney told his story frankly. Mrs. Harvey was very sympathetic by nature, and she listened with the deepest interest, and latterly with indignation when Rodney spoke of his dismissal from Mr. Goodnow's store.
”You have been treated shamefully,” she said warmly.
”I think Mr. Goodnow really believes me guilty,” rejoined Rodney.
”A dishonest boy would hardly have returned a valuable box of jewelry.”
”Still Mr. Goodnow didn't know that I would do it.”
”I see you are disposed to apologize for your late employer.”
”I do not forget that he treated me kindly till this last occurrence.”
”Your consideration does you credit. So you have really been reduced to earn your living as a newsboy?”