' Mammy never read it to me
_that_ way. It was suffer them to come to 'Me,' and be took up, and held
tender. See? Nix on the Orphings' Home people. They ain't in my class.
Beaucheous lady, adoo! Farewell! I depart!"
Mickey wheeled, vanishing. It was a wonderful exhibition of curves, leaps,
and darts. He paused for breath when he felt safe.
"So that's the dope!" he marvelled. "I can't take care of a girl? Going to
take her away from me? I'd like to know _why?_ Men all the time take care
of women. I see boys taking care of girls I know their mothers left with
them, every day--I'd like to know _why_. Mother said I was to take care of
_her_. She said that's what men were made _for_. 'Cause _he didn't_ take
care of her, was why she was glad my father was _dead_. I guess I know
what I'm doing! But I've learned something! Nix on the easy talk after
this; and telling anybody you meet all you know. Shut mouth from now on.
'What's your name, little boy?' 'Andrew Carnegie.' 'Where d'you live?'
'Castle on the Hudson!' A mouth just tight shut about Lily, after this!
And nix on the Swell Dames! Next one can bust her crust for all I care! I
won't touch her!"
On the instant, precisely that thing occurred, at Mickey's very feet.
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