The little boy, emboldened by this unexpected help, ran up, and took Tom’s place at the foot of the customer.
“I’m the boy you called, sir,” he said.
“That’s true, my boy. Go ahead! Only be quick!” said the gentleman.
Tom Rafferty was furious.
“Don’t you know any better, you overgrown bully, than to get away little boys’ jobs?” asked Paul, indignantly.
“I’ll mash yer!” roared Tom.
“You mean if you can,” said the undaunted Paul.
“You think you’re a gentleman, just because you’re a telegraph boy. I could be a telegraph boy myself if I wanted ter.”
“Go ahead—I have no objection.”