"It would be a good joke if he should lose his place and have to go back to boot-blacking again."
"I wish he would," said Micky, fervently. "It 'ould cure him of puttin' on airs."
"If, for example, his employer should be convinced that he was a thief, he would discharge him."
"Do you know him, mister?" asked Micky, looking up suddenly.
"Yes."
"Is he a friend of yours?"
"I like him about as well as you do," said Gilbert.
"Done!" said Micky, releasing the second foot.
"Suppose you brush the other boot again. I'll pay you double. I want to talk to you a little."
"All right!" said Micky, and he resumed operations.