"Sixpence." Another good payment for a small piece of hard work!
Dick looked down triumphantly at the coin, but his face changed in a moment. This was no sixpence, such as he had often been entrusted with on Mrs. Fowley's errands, but a coin of shining yellow gold.
"It's half a sovereign," he cried breathlessly, and just for one moment the thought came, "Now I can take the train and ride to Ironboro'. Surely ten shillings would buy a ticket for all the way."
But like a flash the temptation came and went. "Lionhearts don't steal," he cried as he dashed down the street after the horseman crying, "Stop! Stop!"
But the fleet and spirited horse was already far on the way, and though Dick ran as fast as his feet could go the distance increased every moment.
He would have had no chance of success but for a carriage coming in the opposite direction. It carried several ladies and the rider reined in his horse for a chat.
Dick ran on and reached the group just as the rider was preparing to go on again.
"You are followed," said one of the ladies softly. "I am sure this boy wants to speak to you."
The rider looked round, and recognising Dick said, "Well, my boy, what is it?"
"The money sir, please, you said you gave me sixpence and it was half a sovereign. I've brought it back."