"I'm around here most all day, boss, an' t'ank yer fer sayin' you'll look out fer me."
The shoes were now blacked, and Mickety arose to his feet. Ralph brought out a quarter and handed it over.
"Keep it all, Mickety," he said. "I am sorry I can't spare more just now."
"Gee! A quarter! Yer a liberal gent, so yer are! T'ank yer, sir!"
"You are quite welcome," returned Ralph, and he walked off.
He was destined to meet the bootblack again, and under circumstances full of the gravest peril.