"I have got enough to see me through," said Nicholas quietly.
"So have I," said Denton. "Queer coincidence, isn't it? When I was fifteen years old I hadn't a cent, and being without shoes I hadto go barefoot. Now I've got enough to see me through. Do you see that ring?" displaying at the same time a ring with an immense colorless stone. "It's worth a cool thousand,—genuine diamond, in fact,—and I am able to wear it. Whenever I get hard up—though there's no fear of that—I have that to fall back upon."
Nicholas examined the ring briefly.
"I never took a fancy to such things," he said quietly. "I'd as soon have a piece of glass, as far as looks go."
"You're right," said Denton. "But I have a weakness for diamonds. They are a good investment, too. This ring is worth two hundred dollars more than I gave for it."
"Is it?" asked Nicholas. "Well, all have their tastes. I'd rather have what the ring cost in gold or Government bonds."
Denton laughed.
"I see you are a plain man with plain tastes," he said. "Well, it takes all sorts of men to make a world, and I don't mind confessing that I like show."
The same day they moved into the boarding-house.It was arranged that Oliver, as before, should occupy the same room with his new guardian, and for his use a small extra bed was put in.
"We are next-door neighbors," said Denton, "I hope you won't find me an unpleasant neighbor. The fact is, I sleep like a top all night. Never know anything from the minute I lie down till it's time to get up. Are you gentlemen good sleepers?"