He went still nearer to him. His voice, to the
children, sounded simply magnificent. "A uniformed and salaried
representative of the Government of England!"
"Oo calls me orl that?" asked the wretched man in a trembling tone. "I
gets twenty-five shillings a week, and that's orl I know."
There came a pause then, while the men faced each other.
"Uncle, let him go, please," said Judy. "He couldn't help it, you
know. And he's a married man with a family, I expect. Some day--"
A forgiving smile softened the features of both men at these gentle
words.
"This time, then," said Uncle Felix slowly, "I won't report you; but
don't let it occur again as long as you live. A day will come,
perhaps, when you will understand. And here," he added, holding out
his hand with something in it, "is another shilling to make it twenty-
six. I advise you--if you're still open to friendly advice--to buy a
pair of glasses with it."
The discredited official took the shilling meekly and pocketed it with
his note-book. He cast one last hurried glance of amazement and
suspicion at the man who had been beneath the tarpaulin, and began to
slink back ignominiously towards the gate.
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