Now, strange as it may seem, this unfolded a new view to Samuel. He had always supposed that bartenders and saloonkeepers were such from innate depravity. Could it really be that they were driven to the trade?
The bare idea was enough to set his zeal in a blaze. “Listen,” he said. “Suppose I were to find you some kind of honest work, so that you could earn a living. Would you promise to reform?”
“Do you mean would I quit Callahan's? Why, sure I would.”
“Ah!” exclaimed the boy in delight.
“But it'd have to be a steady job,” put in the other. “I can take no chances with the baby.”
“That's all right,” said Samuel. “I'll get you what you want.”
“Gee, young feller!” exclaimed Finnegan. “Do you carry 'em round in your pockets?”
“No,” said Samuel, “but Dr. Vince asked me to help him; and I'm going to tell him about you.”
And so, forthwith, he made his way to the doctor's house, and was ushered into the presence of the unhappy clergyman. He stated his case; and the other threw up his hands in despair.
“Really,” he exclaimed, “this is too much, Samuel! I can't find employment for everyone in Lockmanville.”