Book-bot.com - read famous books online for free

The Fortunate Youth by William John Locke
page 71 of 395 (17%)
"You won't object to my keeping a friendly eye on yer for the next
year or two?" asked Barney Bill, with twisted mouth and a kindly,
satirical glance.

Paul flushed. He had the consciousness of being a selfish,
self-centered little beast, not half enough grateful to Barney Bill
for delivering him out of the House of Bondage and leading him into
the Land of Milk and Honey. He was as much stung by the delicately
implied rebuke as touched by the solicitude as to his future
welfare. Romantic words, such as he had read in the story-books,
surged vaguely in his head, but he could find none to utter. He kept
silent for a few moments, his hand in his breeches pocket. Presently
he drew it forth rather slowly, and held out the precious cornelian
heart to his benefactor.

"I 'ud like to give it thee," said Paul.

Barney Bill took it. "Thank 'ee, sonny. I'll remember that you gave
it to me. But I won't keep yer talisman. 'Ere, see--" he made a
pretence to spit on it--"that's for luck. Barney Bill's luck, and
good wishes."

So Paul pocketed the heart again, immensely relieved by his friend's
magnanimity, and the little sentimental episode was over.

A month later, when Barney Bill started on his solitary winter
pilgrimage in the South of England, he left behind him a
transmogrified Paul, a Paul, thanks to his munificence, arrayed in
decent garments, including collar and tie (insignia of caste) and an
overcoat (symbol of luxury), for which Paul was to repay him out of
DigitalOcean Referral Badge