Part 33 (1/2)
”You will be sorry for that won't you?” asked Rodney pointedly.
”Why of course I don't want you to have bad luck.”
”Thank you. You are very considerate.”
”Suppose you lose your place, shall you go back to selling papers?”
”I hope to find something better to do.”
”Where are you going now?”
”To get some lunch.”
”So am I. Suppose we go together.”
”Very well, providing you will lunch with me.”
”I don't want to impose upon you.”
”You won't. We may not meet again for some time, and we shall have this meal to remind us of each other.”
They went to a well known restaurant on Park Row. Rodney ordered a liberal dinner for himself, and Jasper followed his example nothing loath. He was always ready to dine at the expense of others, but even as he ate he could not help wondering at the strange chance that had made him the guest of a boy who was selling papers the day before.
He had nearly finished eating when a disturbing thought occurred to him.
Suppose Rodney didn't have money enough to settle the bill, and threw it upon him.
When Rodney took the checks and walked up to the cas.h.i.+er's desk he followed him with some anxiety. But his companion quietly took out a five dollar bill, from his pocket and tendered it to the cas.h.i.+er. The latter gave him back the right change and the two boys went out into the street.
”You seem to have plenty of money,” said Jasper.
”There are very few who would admit having that,” smiled Rodney.
”I don't see why you sold papers if you have five dollar bills in your pocket.”
”I don't want to be idle.”
”May I tell my uncle and Mr. Goodnow that you have got a place?”
”If you like.”
”Well, good by, I must be hurrying back to the store.”
Rodney smiled. He rather enjoyed Jasper's surprise and perplexity.
CHAPTER XVIII.
RODNEY'S SECRET IS DISCOVERED.
Jasper lost no time in acquainting his uncle with Rodney's extraordinary good fortune. James Redwood was surprised, but not all together incredulous.