"
"All of it?"
"Yes, sir. Every cent."
Richard felt in his pocket. He had just sixteen cents in change.
"Here is the ten cents," he said, handing it out. "And here is six
cents. I want you to buy something to eat for that."
Slowly Pep took the money. He did not know but he might be dreaming.
"Thank you, mister, you--you're good to me," he said in a low tone.
"I'm in a hurry now," went on Richard, "otherwise I'd talk to you some
more. I want to find out how you get along and how your father makes
out. You can trust me."
"I know I can--now," replied Pep. "And I'll be on hand at six o'clock
with those letters sure. I'm very, very thankful fer what you've done,
indeed I am, and I'll try to make it up to you some day, see if I
don't."
"Anyway, don't steal any more," said Richard. "It isn't right, and it
will land you in jail sooner or later."
"I never took noddin' before," replied Pep, "and I won't ag'in."
"I hope so, Pep."
"Will yer please tell me yer name?"
"Richard Dare."
"I'll remember it, Mr. Dare; ye're the first gentleman ever noticed
_me_, and I'm much obliged, even if you hadn't given me a cent."
"I shall expect to see you at six o'clock or a few minutes later," was
Richard's reply, and fearful of being late at the store he hurried off.
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