"I know that you dislike Richard, Mr. Gilbert."
"So I do. He"s artful and bad; but you"ll find him out some day."
"I don"t think you do him justice. Artful is the very last word I should apply to him."
"You may be deceived."
"If I am, I shall never put confidence in any boy again. But you haven"t answered the charge, Mr. Gilbert."
"It isn"t worth answering," said the book-keeper, scornfully.
"Still, I would be glad to have you give an answer one way or the other," persisted Mr. Rockwell.
"Then it"s a lie, of course."
"It"s true," said Micky.
"I hope you consider my word as of more value than this vagabond"s,"
said Gilbert, contemptuously.
"Why were you so anxious to prevent his entering, Mr. Gilbert?"
"I didn"t see what business he could possibly have here."
"Michael, will you give an account of all that has taken place between Mr. Gilbert and yourself? I do not yet feel satisfied."
"Mr. Rockwell," said Gilbert, in a pa.s.sion, "I do not choose to submit to the insulting investigation you propose. My month is out next Thursday; I beg leave to resign my situation."
"Your resignation is accepted," said Mr. Rockwell, quietly.
"If it is convenient to you, I should like to leave at once," said the book-keeper, livid with pa.s.sion.
"As you please," said his employer. "Your salary shall be paid up to the end of the month."
To this Gilbert offered no opposition. The balance of his salary was paid him, and he left the warehouse in a very unpleasant frame of mind, much to the gratification of Micky Maguire, who felt that his vengeance was complete.
"Now, Michael," said Mr. Rockwell, "I must see what I can do for you. Do you wish to give up your present business?"
"Yes," said Micky, "I don"t like it."
"I can give you a situation as errand-boy in my own employ," said Mr.
Rockwell. "My head clerk will explain your duties."
"What wages will I get?" asked Micky, anxiously.
"For the present you shall have a dollar a day, or six dollars a week. I will besides give you a new suit of clothes. Will that suit you?"
"Yes," said Micky, feeling as if he had unexpectedly become heir to a fortune. "When will I begin?"
"To-morrow if you like. Come here this afternoon at three, and I will send Richard with you to a clothing-house."
Just then d.i.c.k, who had been to the post-office, entered, and Mr.
Rockwell in a few words informed him of the changes that had taken place.
"I believe you and Michael haven"t been very good friends," he added; "but I trust you will get over that."
d.i.c.k promptly offered his hand to his old enemy.
"I am glad you are coming here, Micky," he said "I"ll do all I can to help you on, and if we are not good friends it won"t be my fault."
"Do you mean that, d.i.c.k?" said Micky, almost incredulous.
"Yes, I do."
"I"ve acted mean by you more"n once."
"If you have, it"s all over now," said d.i.c.k. "There"s no use in remembering it."
"You"re a good fellow, d.i.c.k," said Micky, "an" I ought to have known it before."
d.i.c.k was gratified by this testimony from one who for years had been his active opponent, and he determined to help Micky to turn over the new leaf which was to bear a very different record from the old one.
When Micky had gone out, Mr. Rockwell said, "Well, Richard, I have lost my book-keeper."
"Yes, sir," said d.i.c.k.
"And I can"t say I am sorry. I will do Mr. Gilbert the justice to say that he understood his business; but he was personally disagreeable, and I never liked him. Now I suppose I must look out for a successor."
"Yes, sir, I suppose so."
"I know a very competent book-keeper, who is intending to go into business for himself at the expiration of six months. Until that time I can secure his services. Now, I have a plan in view which I think you will approve. You shall at once commence the study of book-keeping in a commercial school in the evening, and during the day I will direct Mr.
Haley to employ you as his a.s.sistant. I think in that way you will be able to succeed him at the end of his term."
d.i.c.k was completely taken by surprise. The thought that he, so recently plying the trade of a boot-black in the public streets, could rise in six months to the responsible post of a book-keeper in a large wholesale house, seemed almost incredible.
"I should like nothing better," he said, his eyes sparkling with delight, "if you really think I could discharge the duties satisfactorily."
"I think you could. I believe you have the ability, and of your fidelity I feel a.s.sured."
"Thank you, sir; you are very kind to me," said d.i.c.k, gratefully.
"I have reason to be," said Mr. Rockwell, taking his hand. "Under G.o.d it is to your courage that I owe the life of my dear boy. I shall never forget it. One thing more. I intend Michael to undertake most of your present duties, such as going to the post-office, etc. Do you think he will answer?"
"I think so," said d.i.c.k. "He has been a rough customer, but then he has never had a chance. I believe in giving everybody a chance."
"So do I," said Mr. Rockwell. "Michael shall have his chance. Let us hope he will improve it."
There are many boys, and men too, who, like Micky Maguire, have never had a fair chance in life. Let us remember that, when we judge them, and not be too hasty to condemn. Let us consider also whether it is not in our power to give some one the chance that may redeem him.