Part 70 (1/2)

”Thank you, sir.”

Later in the day Rodney sought out his old room mate Mike Flynn. He found Mike in a bad case. He had a bad cold, but did not dare to give up work, because he wouldn't be able to meet his bills. He was still in the employ of the District Telegraph Company.

”Give the company notice, Mike,” said Rodney. ”Henceforth I will take care of you. You can look upon me as your rich uncle,” he added with a smile.

”I will be your servant, Rodney.”

”Not a bit of it. You will be my friend. But you must obey me implicitly. I am going to send you to school, and give you a chance to learn something. Next week I shall return to Dr. Sampson's boarding school and you will go with me as my friend and room mate.”

”But, Rodney, you will be ashamed of me. I am awfully shabby.”

”You won't be long. You shall be as well dressed as I am.”

A week later the two boys reached the school. It would have been hard for any of Mike's old friends to recognize him in the handsomely dressed boy who accompanied Rodney.

”Really, Mike, you are quite good looking, now that you are well dressed,” said Rodney.

”Oh, go away with you, Rodney? It's fooling me you are!”

”Not a bit of it. Now I want you to improve your time and learn as fast as you can.”