"Consider his age. Consider the temptations of such a place."
"Oh, I would trust Piper anywhere. He's got the head of a man of thirty on those boy's shoulders of his."
"He seems a shrewd boy, certainly. You appear to have taken a quite uncommon interest in him of late, Matthew."
"Yes, I do feel a great interest in him. It is not often I take a fancy, but I've taken a fancy to Piper, and I mean to put him in the way of making his fortune."
"As how?"
"By having him articled to a first-class legal firm, and afterwards by purchasing a partnership for him, or else by setting him up on his own account."
"But that will cost a great deal of money."
"Not so much, perhaps, as you imagine. But whatever the cost may be, I have made up my mind to do it, and do it I will."
Mrs. Kelvin knows nothing of the great service which Pod Piper has rendered her son. She does not know that but for Pod's shrewd thoughtfulness and presence of mind she might perhaps no longer have had a son. But Matthew Kelvin knows, and does not forget.
"But if you want to have young Piper articled, why not article him to yourself, Matthew?"