“Take this to Jowett and tell him to have a deed made out to Michael Endicott, and to attend to the transfer of the property, nominal sum. Understand?”
The boy said, “Yes, sir,” and disappeared with the paper.
“But I can’t take a present like that from you after all you have done for me,” gasped Michael, a granite determination showing in his blue eyes. “Nonsense,” said Endicott. “Other men give their sons automobiles when they come of age. Mayn’t I give you a farm if I like? Besides, I tell you it’s of no account. I want to get rid of it, and I want to see what you’ll make of it. I’d like to amuse myself seeing you try your experiment.”
“If you’ll let me pay you for it little by little—”
“Suit yourself after you have become a great lawyer,” laughed Endicott, “but not till then, remember. There, cut it out, son! I don’t want to be thanked. Here’s the description of the place and directions how to get there. It isn’t many miles away. If you’ve got a half holiday run down and look it over. It’ll keep you out of mischief. There’s nothing like an ambition to keep people out of mischief. Run along now, I haven’t another minute to spare, but mind you turn up at Holt’s office this day two weeks, and report to me afterwards how you like it. I don’t want to lose sight of you again.”
The entrance of another man on business cut short the interview, and Michael, bestowing an agonizingly happy grip on Endicott’s hand and a brilliant smile like a benediction, took his directions and hurried out into the street.
Chapter XII
With the precious paper in his hand Michael took himself with all swiftness to the DesBrosses Ferry. Would there be a train? It was almost two o’clock. He had had no lunch, but what of that? He had that in his heart which made mere eating seem unnecessary. The experiences of the past two hours had lifted him above, earth and its necessities for the time. And a farm, a real farm! Could it be true? Had his wish come true so soon? He could scarcely wait for the car to carry him or the boat to puff its way across the water. He felt as if he must fly to see his new possession. And Mr. Endicott had said he might pay for it sometime when he got to be a great lawyer. He had no doubt but that he would get there if such a thing were possible, and anyhow he meant to pay for that ground. Meantime it was his. He was not a poor nobody after all. He owned land, and a house.
His face was a mingling of delightful emotions as he stood by the rail of the ferry-boat and let his imagination leap on ahead of him. The day was perfect. It had rained the night before and everything, even the air seemed newly washed for a fresh trial at living. Every little wavelet sparkled like a jewel, and the sunlight shimmered on the water in a most alluring way. Michael forgot for the moment the sorrow and misery of the crowded city he was leaving behind him. For this afternoon at least he was a boy again wandering off into the open.
His train was being called as he stepped from the ferry-boat. The next boat would have missed it. He hurried aboard and was soon speeding through the open country, with now and again a glimpse of the sea, as the train came closer to the beach. They passed almost continuously beautiful resorts, private villas, great hotels, miles of cottages set in green terrace with glowing autumn flowers in boxes or bordering the paths.