Also, his horse was a
thoroughbred; and with a rubber-tired runabout and a silver-mounted
harness, the expensiveness of the rig was evident. Samuel was glad of
this, because it meant that he had rescued some one of consequence--
some one of the successful and fit people.
"Just as soon as you're able, come hold the horse," said the stranger,
"and then I'll fix this rein, and take you back and get you something
to eat."
"Oh, no!" said Samuel. "Don't bother. That's all right."
"Hell, man!" cried the other. "Don't you suppose I'm going to do
anything for you?"
"Well, I hadn't thought--" began Samuel.
"Cut it out!" exclaimed the other. "I'll set you up, and find you a
job, and you can have a decent start."
Find him a job! Samuel's heart gave a great throb. For a moment he
hardly knew how to take this--how it would fit into his new
philosophy. But surely it was all right for him to take a job. Yes, he
had earned it. Even if some one else had to be turned out--even so, he
had proven his fitness. He had won in the struggle. He had a place
among the successful, and he could help Sophie and her mother.
He got up with eagerness, and held the horse. "Do you think you can
manage him?" he asked.
"Oh, yes," said the other. "I'll chance it, anyhow."
And he leaped into the runabout and took the reins. "Now," he said;
and Samuel got in, and they sped away, back toward town.
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