“Dear, dear!” said the lady, “it’s very sad—just at Christmas-time, too. Poor little fellow! Here’s something for him. I think you look honest, young man; I hope you are, and trust in God.”
And to Reginald’s unbounded delight she slipped two half-crowns into his hand and walked away.
He could only say, “God bless you for it.” It seemed like an angel’s gift in his hour of direst need, and with a heart full of comfort he hastened back to the lodgings, calling on his way at a cookshop and spending sixpence of his treasure on some bread and meat for his patient.
He was horror-struck to notice the change even a few hours had wrought on the sufferer. There was no mistaking his ailment now. Though not delirious, he was in a high state of fever, and apparently of pain, for he tossed incessantly and moaned to himself.
The sight of Reginald revived him.
“I knowed you was comin’,” said he; “but I don’t want nothing to eat, gov’nor. On’y some water; I do want some water.”
Reginald flew to get it, and the boy swallowed it with avidity. Then, somewhat revived, he lay back and said, “I ’ave got ’em, then?”
“Yes, I’m afraid it’s smallpox,” said Reginald; “but you’ll soon be better.”
“Maybe I will, maybe I won’t. Say, gov’nor, you don’t ought to stop here; you’ll be cotchin’ ’em too!”
“No fear of that,” said Reginald, “I’ve been vaccinated. Besides, who’d look after you?”