The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1907-06-07
By Louis Tracy,

II
rights he had never heard of.
His mother, watching his every
action from some Elysian height. had
sent the diamond loaded messenger
as a token of her love and care. 1t
was his, and no man should rob him of
1T. 1t behooyed him to be sparing OF
explanations and sturdy in defense of
his property.
A good deal depended on the forth
coming interview. and he wished he
could convert a small fraction of the
wealth in his pocket into a few honest
pennies with the kings head on them.
The excitement and exercise had made
him hungry again. His breakfast was
not of ample proportions, and his
meals OF yesterday had been of the
scantiest. 1t would be we'll to face
the diamond merchants with the easy
confidence that springs from a satisfied
appetite. Yet how TO manage it? He
was sorry now he had not borrowed q
sixpence from O'Brien. The old sol
der would certainly have lent it to
him. He even thought of returning to
the Mile End road to secure the loan,
but he happened to remember that the
day was Saturday, and it was probable
that the HattOn Garden offices would
close early. 1t was then nearly II
o'clock, and he could not risk the de
lay of the long, double journey.
At that instant a savory smell was
waited to him. He was passing q
small restaurant where sausages and
onions sizzled gratefully in large tin
trays and pork chops lay in inviting
prodigality amid rich, brown gravy.
| The proprietor, a portly and greasy
man with bald head and side whiskers,
was standing at the door exchanging
| views as to business with his next door
| neighbor, a greengrocer. Philip, bold
| in the knowledge of his wealth, re-
solved to try what he could achieve on
| credit.
He walked up to the pair.
II have not got any money just
now" he said to the restaurant keep
err, "but if you will let me have some
thing to eat l will gladly come back
this afternoon and pay you double"
Neither man spoke at first. Philip
was always unconscious of the quaint
discrepancy between his style Of
speech and his attire. He used to re
sent bitterly the establishment exhibit
ed by strangers. but today he was fal
removed above these considerations
and he backed his request with a pleas
ant smile.
The fat man grew apoplectic and
turned his eyes to the sky.
well, I'm he spluttered.
The greengrocer laughed, and PHILIP
blushed
do you refuseY' he said. with his
downright manner and direct stare.
well, of all the cool cheek The
stout persons feelings were too mucl
for him. He could find no other words
TT is a fair offer,' persisted the boy
'You don't think I mean to swindl'
you. surely?"
"Well, there! I never didw
But the greengrocer interviewed.
You're a sharp lad" he guffawed
"D'ye want a job?"
NO" was the short reply. Il wan
something to eat
Dash my buttons, an you're like
ly sort of kid to get it too. In you SC
I'll pay the bill. Lord lumme. it'll d
me good to see you
Mr.. Judd, are you mad?" demande'
his neighbor, whose breath had re
turned to him.
Not bit of it. The bloomin' XII
can't get through q bob's worth if b
) |
bob e pays up"
Done! Walk in, sir. Wot'H you b
pleased to ave, Sir?'
Philips indignation at the restauran
; keepers sarcasm yielded to his wish
see him annihilated later in the day
,, Moreover. the sausages really SINE
excellently, and he was now ravenou
He entered the shop and gave his o.
ders with a quiet dignity that astounC
ed the proprietor and hugely delighte
the greengrocer, who, in the interval
Of business, kept peeping at hil
through the window. Philip ate steaC
! lily, and the bill amounted to ninepenc
which his ally paid cheerfully.
The boy held out his hand.
| IHduh you, MI d uuu, lie Sdl
: frankly. Il will return without fail.
: will not insult you by offering mol
than the amount you have advance
for me, but some day I may be able
render you good service in repayment
Then he walked off toward the vi
duct steps. and Mr.. Judd looked aft
; him.
Talks ike a little gentleman.
| does II my little Jimmie 'ad lived
/ would ha' bin just about his age. LoI
> lumme. 'ope the lad turns up agai
an not for the sake of the bloomi
: ninepence, neither Tomatoes, nun
:. Yes'm. Fresh in this mornin''
After crossing Holborn yiaduct Phil
: stood for a little while gazing into Il
/ showroom Of a motor agency. 1t W;
not that he was interested in Panhal
5 or De Dion cars, then but little know
q RI Tho general 0uhIir in ENGLAND n