He only
leads you into mischief; I don't consider he has at all a good influence
over you. The sooner he's away somewhere, earning his own living in a
proper manner, the better for every one; and it'll be many a long day
before he can give you as good a home as you've got now." She paused
for breath. "Anyhow, he's not going to have the chance," she finished
grimly.
CHAPTER V
THE TURN OF FORTUNE'S WHEEL
"Is Mr. M'Clinton in?"
The clerk, in a species of rabbit hutch, glanced out curiously at the
young flying officer.
"Yes; but he's very busy. Have you an appointment?"
"No--I got leave unexpectedly. Just take him my card, will you?"
The clerk handed the card to another clerk, who passed it to an
office-boy, who disappeared with it behind a heavy oaken door. He came
back presently.
"Mr. M'Clinton will see you in ten minutes, if you can wait, sir."
"I'll wait," said Bob, sitting down upon a high stool. "Got a paper?"
"To-day's Times is here, sir." He whisked off, to return in a moment
with the paper, neatly folded.
"You'll find a more comfortable seat behind the screen, sir."
"Thanks," said Bob, regarding him with interest--he was so dapper, so
alert, so all that an office-boy in a staid lawyer's establishment ought
to be. "How old might you be?"
"Fourteen, sir."
"And are you going to grow into a lawyer?"
"I'm afraid I'll never do that, sir," said the office-boy gravely.
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