Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1907-09-25
CHAPTER VIII.

coat. The mere weight of the gold
suggested an unpleasant possibility.
His clothes were SO worn that the frail
calico might give way and every gold
en- coin rattle forth to the pavement.
So with one of Mr.. Abingdon's shil-
lings he made his first purchase. q ca
paclous tobacco pouch with n snap
mouth, for which he paid ninepence.
Then he adjourned to an aerated bread
shop and ordered some refreshments.
While the waitress was bringing his
cup. of tea and piece Of cake he con-
trived to slip all the sovereigns but one
into the tobacco pouch.
He did this with his hand in the
pocket itself, and more than once there
was II pleasant clink as the coins fell
into their novel receptacle.
A man sitting near caught the sound
and looked up suspiciously. Philip,
whose senses were very much on the
alert today, realized that his action
was somewhat careless. Without even
glancing Mt his neighbor, he took out
his remaining couple of shillings and
the three pennies, and affected to count
them with a certain degree of astonish-
ment, as if some We're missing The
ruse was satisfactory The man gave
him no further heed and soon Quilted
the restaurant.
Philip rendered the odd sovereign in
payment Of his bill. The girl cashier
seemed to he surprised that such Il
n 81,
sum.
"All silver. please" said Philip. when
she began to count his change
He would take no more risks If he
could avoid them. Not single police
man in London would have failed to
arrest him at that moment were his
store of gold revealed. by any chance
Vet Philip was rich honestly, and there
We're men driving away from the city
at that hour whose banking accounts
were plethorlc with stolen money. For
their carriages the policemen would
stop the traffic. In neither instance
could the guardians of the peace be
held blameworthy, such is the impor-
lance of mere appearances.
The boy, during his short and terribly
sharp IuSsIe With London i.lc. iiau al
ready grasped this essential fact, and,
with great skill and method, he set
about the task of altering his own
shabby exterior.
In side street leading out of Gray's
Inn road he found secondhand
clothes shop. Here lie purchased n
Worn, but decent, blue serge suit for
sshillings sixpence. Il pair of boots for
shillings, a cap for nincpence, wool
EN- shirt for 2 shillings and linen col
lar for threepence.
He haggled sufficiently over the bar
gain to suit the needs of a scanty
purse.
I've cut 'em dahn low enough" said
the shopkeeper mournfully. Filings
isn't wot they was in the ole cloi line,
let me tell yer Not but what you do
want new rig-aht."
Yes" said Philip. .1've got job
and can't keep it unless look decent"
For the life of him he could not bur-
iesque the cockney accent, and al
though he used the simplest phraseolo-
gy the man glanced at him sharply.
Philip ratified all his silver and COP
pers on to the counter. He counted out
is shillings sixpence.
mot much left, is there?' he said.
We'll, look 'ere," said the man.
"Gimme fifteen bob. You're sharp
lad. You'll myke yer WY all right.
Mex time you want some buds come to
me an I'll treat you fair"
Thank you very -much,' said Philip.
considerably surprised by this generous
act. II certainly win not forget you"
You can change in my little back
room If you like. That lot you've got
on amt worth tykin' 'ome."
Il am obliged for your kindness, but
! must be off now. 1t is late, and l
have a long way to CO."
Where to? Holloway?
mo; cItyward"
The clothes and boots We're made up
in a parcel by this time. Philip hur-
ried away, glad to escape further ques-
tioning.
Philip sprang into u bus for the Bank.
a green bus for the Mile End road.
1t was almost dark when he reached
the Bank. Thus far the omnibuses go
Ing east were not crowded. Now the
situation had changed
The human eddy in that throbbine
center of life was sending off its swirls
TO all points of the compass, and the
eastbound vehicles We're boarded by
an eager crowd almost before the pas
sengers arriving at the terminus could
descend
A poor woman greatly hampered by
baby was struggling with others to
obtain a seat in the Mile End road bus.
Philip. coming late on the scene, saw
her swept ruthlessly aside by num-
her of men and boys. The conductor
jerked the bellrope several times.
There was no more room.
Tht woman, white faced and disap-
pointed, looked around with woebe-
gone expression. Philip. who would
have gladly paid for cab to take her
to her destination, dared no nothing of
the sort. But he said:
keep close to me. l will get you Il
seat in the next bus
'Oh, wish you would.' she said.
with wan smile, Il am so tired. /
have walked here from Shepherds
Bush"
That's long way 10 carry a baby"
what could do? People won't
take care of children without payment.
heard could get work i'll laundry
there, so l went to look after it.
There's nothing to be had down our
way. is tlere?"
Things turn up suddenly" said
Philip.
Not for the poor. my lad. I fear
you know that without my telling you.
But you are young and will soon be
man."
Her wistful tone went TO his heart.
Didn't you succeed at the laundry"
lie inquired.
Yes; ought to he thankful. / can
earn 0 shillings week there. l start
ON Monday"
Isn't your husband Mt work."
"He is dead. Poor fellow. he caught