And fortunate was Samuel to be
so close to the inner life of things!
Then suddenly, on a street corner, he stopped short. A sign had caught
his eye-"John Callahan, Wines and Liquors--Bernheimer Beer." "Do you
know what that place is?" he said to Sophie. "That's where my friend
Finnegan works."
"Who's Finnegan?" asked the child.
"He's the barkeeper who gave me something to eat when I first came to
town. He's a good man, even if he is a barkeeper."
Samuel had often found himself thinking of Finnegan; for it had been
altogether against his idea of things that a man so obviously well
meaning should be selling liquor. And now suddenly a brilliant idea
flashed across his mind. Why should he continue selling liquor? And
instantly Samuel saw a new duty before him. He must help Finnegan.
And forgetting that it was time for his dinner, he bade good-by to
Sophie and went into the saloon.
"Well, young feller!" exclaimed the Irishman, his face lighting up
with pleasure; and then, seeing the boy's new collar and tie, "Gee,
you're moving up in the world!"
"I've got a job," said Samuel proudly. "I'm the assistant sexton at
St. Matthew's Church."
"You don't say! Gone up with the sky pilots, hey!"
Samuel did not notice this irreverent remark. He looked around the
place and saw that they were alone. Then he said, very earnestly, "Mr.
Finnegan, may I have a few minutes' talk with you?"
"Sure," said Finnegan perplexed.
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