“Yes; but it might as well be three hundred,” said the woman, bitterly.
“Not quite; I can supply you with three dollars, but three hundred would be rather beyond my means.”
“You are too kind, too generous! I ought not to accept such a liberal gift.”
“Mamma, I am tired. Take me up in your arms,” said the child.
“Poor child! He has been on his feet all day,” sighed the mother.
She tried to lift the child, but her own strength had been undermined by privation, and she was clearly unable to do so.
“Let me take him!” said Dodger. “Here, little one, jump up!”
He raised the child easily, and despite the mother’s protest, carried him in his arms.
“I will see you home, madam,” he said.
“I fear the child will be too heavy for you.”