The disguise was excellent, but it did not deceive
Samuel for an instant. He stood stock-still and cried in amazement:
"Charlie Swift!"
The peddler shot a quick glance at him. "Shut up!" he muttered; and
then he passed on, and left Samuel staring.
So with a sudden rush, a new set of emotions overwhelmed the boy. He
was only a week away from the burglary; and yet it was an age. And how
terrible it seemed--how almost incredible! And here was he, about to
marry the daughter of a millionaire--while his friend and confederate
was still skulking in the shadows, hiding from the police.
Of all the distressed people whom Samuel had met in the course of his
adventures, Charlie Swift was the only one whom he had not benefited.
And simply to set eyes upon him was to hear in his soul a new call.
How could he pursue his own gratifications while Charlie was left a
prey to wickedness?
The figure almost passed from sight while Samuel stood wrestling with
the problem. He shrunk from the task before him; he was afraid of
Charlie Swift, afraid of his cynical smile, and of his merciless
sneering. But his duty was clear before him--as clear as that of any
soldier, who in the midst of love and pleasure hears the bugle call.
He might not be able to do anything for Charlie. But he must try!
And so he turned and followed the old peddler to his home.
CHAPTER XX
"So you've let them turn you into a mission stiff!" said Charlie
Swift, when the two were seated in his room.
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