She give me a
good present. Got me a good, new soft place, too, that's where I'm going
to-morrer. I'm 'ere to oblige 'er, that's what I am--just to put you,
young man, in the way of things. Look sharp, please 'er, mind your
manners, and you may end better off than you know!"
The lad looked at the speaker with a gleam of rather hungry curiosity in
his lack-lustre eyes.
"Mark my words! Your missus won't be a widder long. Ever 'eard of a Major
Radmore?"
The speaker did not notice that the little boy sitting on the bench
stiffened unconsciously.
"Major Radmore?" repeated the listener. "Folk in Beechfield did know a
chap called Radmore. Lives in Australia, he does. He sent home some money
for a village club 'e did, but nothing 'as been done about it yet. Some
do say old Tosswill's sticking to the cash--a gent as what they calls
trustee of it all. But then who'd trust anyone with a load o' money? The
chap I'm thinking of used to live at Tosswill's a matter of ten years
ago."
"Then 'tis the same one!" exclaimed the other eagerly, "and, if so,
you'll not lack good things. Likely as not the Major's your future
master. 'E's got plenty, and a generous soul too.
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