Yet his reasoning on the point was remarkably clear. He was sure that
there had been nothing in his own manner to draw him to Norris, and
this being so, why did the latter take such an interest in one who was
but a step removed from a stranger to him?
"No, I guess not," he replied, after a pause. "I don't care to go."
"Oh, well, don't then," replied Norris coldly. "I only asked you out
of kindness, being as you were a stranger."
And he turned his back on the boy and walked away.
Richard told Frank where he was to meet Pep, and added that if the
stolen letters were forthcoming he would take them to Doc Linyard's
before returning to the Massanets'.
At six o'clock the two quitted the store together and walked over to
the Bowery. Pep was already waiting for Richard. He had a big bundle
of evening papers under his arm, and seemed to have improved both his
capital and his time.
"Here's de letters, mister," he said, holding out the two envelopes
and the slip. "I'm sorry I got 'em dirty."
For his unwashed hands had left many marks upon the white paper.
Richard took the letters eagerly, and put them in an inside pocket.
"How have you done to-day?" he asked.
"First-rate. Had luck ever since yer started me. I'm worth sixty cents
now.
Pages:
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122