Part 31 (2/2)
”I shall insist upon it, Mike. You would do the same in my place.”
”Yes I would.”
”So you can't object to my doing it.”
”You are very kind to me, Rodney,” said Mike, who had the warm heart of his race. ”It isn't every boy brought up like you who would be willing to room with a bootblack.”
”But you are not a bootblack now. You are a telegraph boy.”
”There are plenty that mind me when I blacked boots down in front of the Astor House.”
”You are just as good a boy for all that. How much did you make last week?”
”Four dollars salary, and a dollar and a half in extra tips.”
”Hereafter you must save your rent money for clothes. We must have you looking respectable.”
”Won't you adopt me, Rodney?” asked Mike with a laughing face.
”That's a good idea. Perhaps I will. In that case you must obey all my orders. In the first place, what are you most in want in the way of clothing?”
”I haven't got but two s.h.i.+rts.”
”That is hardly enough for a gentleman of your social position. Anything else.”
”I'm short on collars and socks.”
”Then we'll go out shopping. I'll buy you a supply of each.”
”But you haven't begun to work yet.”
”No, but Mrs. Harvey made me a present of twenty five dollars. We'll go to some of the big stores on Sixth Avenue where we can get furnis.h.i.+ng goods cheap.”
Rodney carried out his purpose, and at the cost of four dollars supplied his room mate with all he needed for the present.
”See what it is to be rich, Mike,” he said. ”It seems odd for me to be buying clothes for my adopted son.”
”You're in luck, Rodney, and so am I. I hope some time I can do you a favor.”
”Perhaps you can, Mike. If I should get sick, you might take my place as tutor.”
”You must know an awful lot, Rodney,” said Mike, regarding his companion with new respect.
”Thank you for the compliment, Mike. I hope Mr. Sargent will have the same opinion.”
The next day it is needless to say that Rodney did not resume the business of newsboy. He was very glad to give it up. He dressed with unusual care and took a walk down town.
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