Cast Upon the Breakers, Jr. Horatio Alger [ebooks that read to you .txt] 📗

JASPER’S PERPLEXITY.

Mike Flynn was overjoyed to hear of Rodney’s good fortune.

“Fifteen dollars a week!” he repeated. “Why you will be rich.”

“Not exactly that, Mike, but it will make me comfortable. By the way, as I have so much more than you, it will only be fair for me to pay the whole rent.”

“No, Rodney, you mustn’t do that.”

“I shall insist upon it, Mike. You would do the same in my place.”

“Yes I would.”

“So you can’t object to my doing it.”

“You are very kind to me, Rodney,” said Mike, who had the warm heart of his race. “It isn’t every boy brought up like you who would be willing to room with a bootblack.”

“But you are not a bootblack now. You are a telegraph boy.”

“There are plenty that mind me when I blacked boots down in front of the Astor House.”

“You are just as good a boy for all that. How much did you make last week?”

“Four dollars salary, and a dollar and a half in extra tips.”

“Hereafter you must save your rent money for clothes. We must have you looking respectable.”

“Won’t you adopt me, Rodney?” asked Mike with a laughing face.

“That’s a good idea. Perhaps I will. In that case you must obey all my orders. In the first place, what are you most in want in the way of clothing?”

“I haven’t got but two shirts.”

“That is hardly enough for a gentleman of your social position. Anything else.”

“I’m short on collars and socks.”

“Then we’ll go out shopping. I’ll buy you a supply of each.”

“But you haven’t begun to work yet.”

“No, but Mrs. Harvey made me a present of twenty five dollars. We’ll go to some of the big stores on Sixth Avenue where we can get furnishing goods cheap.”

Rodney carried out his purpose, and at the cost of four dollars supplied his room mate with all he needed for the present.

“See what it is to be rich, Mike,” he said. “It seems odd for me to be buying clothes for my adopted son.”

“You’re in luck, Rodney, and so am I. I hope some time I can do you a favor.”

“Perhaps you can, Mike. If I should get sick, you might take my place as tutor.”

“You must know an awful lot, Rodney,” said Mike, regarding his companion with new respect.

“Thank you for the compliment, Mike. I hope Mr. Sargent will have the same opinion.”

The next day it is needless to say that Rodney did not resume the business of newsboy. He was very glad to give it up. He dressed with unusual care and took a walk down town.

As he passed Reade Street by chance Jasper was coming around the corner. His face lighted up first with pleasure at seeing Rodney, for it gratified his mean nature to triumph over the boy whom he had ousted from his position, and next with surprise at his unusually neat and well dressed appearance. Rodney looked far from needing help. He might readily have been taken for a boy of aristocratic lineage.

“Hallo!” said Jasper, surveying Rodney curiously.

“How are you this morning, Jasper?” returned Rodney quietly.

“Why ain’t you selling papers?”

“I don’t like the business.”

“But you’ve got to make a living.”

“Quite true.”

“Are you going to black boots?”

“Why should I? Is it a desirable business?”

“How should I know?” asked Jasper, coloring.

“I didn’t know but you might have had some experience at it. I haven’t.”

“Do you mean to insult me?” demanded Jasper hotly.

“I never insult anybody. I will only say that you are as likely to take up the business as I.”

“I’ve got a place.”

“How do you know but I have?”

“Because you were selling papers yesterday and are walking the street today.”

“That is true. But I have a place engaged for all that. I shall go to work on Monday.”

Jasper pricked up his ears.

“Where is it?” he asked.

“I don’t care to tell at present.”

“Is it true? Have you got a place?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t see how you could. Mr. Goodnow wouldn’t give you a recommendation.”

“There is no