"I've done first rate, Tom. I've sold my work for a fair price, and got two more jobs. I'm lucky, and I'm very grateful, too, for my good fortune. Tom, I'll give you the half dollar the lady handed to me for your share of the work."
"Go way wid you! I won't take it!" protested the Irish boy.
"Yes, you must, Tom. You have helped me. I don't know how I should have got along without you."
"Niver you mind that. Your ould man is sick, and it's great need you'll have of all the money you can lay your hands on."
"But I have made six dollars besides this, and I'm not going to pocket all the plunder. Take this, and buy some book you need."
Tom was finally prevailed upon to accept the half dollar, though he did so under protest. Leo was happy—never so happy before in his life. Success had crowned his darling scheme, and he entered the house with a radiant smile upon his face. But, in the midst of his exultant joy, he did not forget that his father, for whose sake he had been stimulated to make this mighty effort, was very sick. As softly as a cat he opened the front door, and carried his wagon down cellar. He was disposed to go to work at once at his bench, and make the two palaces which had been ordered; but he could not resist the temptation to go up and tell Maggie what a splendid success he had realized.
"How is father?" he asked, in a whisper, as he entered the rear room, where Maggie was at work.
"He is about the same. He sleeps a great deal, and I hope he will soon be better," she replied. "So you have sold your mouse-house, Leo," she added, with a sympathizing smile.
"Who told you I had?" asked Leo, rather provoked that any one had robbed him of the pleasure of telling the triumphant news himself.
"Mr. Checkynshaw has been here," said she, laughing.