"Indeed, yer may trust me, sir. Indeed, I'll bring the eleven-pence to—Russell Square to-morrer mornin'."
The old gentleman half-smiled, and again Tom showed his white teeth. If there was any honesty left in the world it surely dwelt in that anxious, pleading face. The old gentleman, looking down at it, suddenly felt his heart beginning to thaw and his interest to be aroused.
"Oh, yes; I'm the greatest, biggest fool in the world. Still—No, I won't; I hate being taken in; and yet he's a pleasant little chap. Well, I'll try it, just as an experiment. See here, young 'un; if I trust you with my shilling, when am I to see the change?"
"At eight o'clock to-morrer mornin', sir."
"Well, I'm going to trust you. I never trusted a crossing-sweeper before."
"H'all right, sir," answered Tom, taking off his cap and throwing back his head.
"There, then, you may spend twopence; bring me back tenpence. God bless me, what a fool I am!" as he hurried away.
This was not the only favor Tom got that day; but soon the lamps were lighted, sleet and rain began to fall, and no more business could be expected.