The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists

Long

truck, and such a heavy load. While the wood road lasted the principal trouble he experienced was the difficulty of seeing where he was going, the handcart being so high and himself so short. The pair of steps on the cart of course made it all the worse in that respect. However, by taking great care he managed to get through the town all right, although he narrowly escaped collidin

ad taught him that a full frontal attack on this hill was liable to failure, so on this occasion he followed his usual plan of making diagonal movements, crossing the road repeatedly from right to left and left to right, after the fashion of a sailing ship tacking against the wind, and halting about every twenty yards to rest and take breath. The dis

rength, and whenever he was forced to give in he ran the truck against the kerb and

him that he was being a very long time: he would have to buck up o

ost, he determined to reac

he handle: he gripped this fiercely with both hands and, placing his

ially the thighs and calves of his legs, pained terribly, but still he strained and s

that being even more painful he raised it again to his chest, and stru

g enough to reach the lamp-post, after all. Clenching his teeth, he made a tremendous effort and staggered forward two or three more steps and then--the cart stopped. He struggled with it despairingly for a few seconds, but all the strength had suddenly gone out of him: his legs felt so weak that he nearly collapsed on to the ground, and the cart

h out of the pail which was hanging from a hook under the cart, then

tower. It was five minutes to ten by this clock. Bert said

o go with other boys to catch effets. If it were not for the cart he would go across now, to see whether there were any there

ot and called him her poor little fatherless boy, and said she hoped he would be good and try to learn. And then he cried as well, and promised her that he would do his best. He reflected with pride that he was keeping his promise about being a good boy and trying to learn: in fact, he knew a great deal about the trade already--he could paint back doors as well as anybody! and railings as well. Owen had tau

nute t

ping on all the same. Now, the minute hand was over the edge of the number, and he began to deliberate whether he might not rest for another five mi

to get up a harsh v

r are you going

frown, whilst close by towered the colossal figure of the obese Sweater, the expression on his greasy co

indignantly. 'The idear of sitting there like that w

and confusion, th

ed Rushton, 'I've been watchin' you all

but his mouth and his tongue had become quite parched fr

fe, my boy,' observed Sweater lifting his for

said, roughly. 'I'm surprised at yer

at the audacity of the boy. That anyone in his employment should d

shton and Sweater, who presently turned a corner and were lost to view: then he ran the cart to the kerb again to have a breathe. He couldn't have kept up much further without a s

lar short intervals. In this way, he at length reached the top of the hill, and

de away. Bert wheeled his cart up to the front door and began carrying in the things. Whilst thus eng

this bucket of whit

atest of hagony,' replied Philpo

it in Philpot winked

ntius Pilate an

s bike just as I co

'im no 'arm,' said Philpot, fervently, 'but

charitable sentiments were expressed by all the

an to load up the truck with the venetian blinds

job of paintin' 'em?' re

take a couple of

n a couple of fresh 'ands. There's a 'ell of a lot of work in all them blinds, yo

l be done,' replied Newman, an

have much difficulty in g

lenty of 'em walkin' about as a we

ve the firm used to give all their blind work to old Latham, th

think 'e can do 'em cheaper even than us c

ctures were fulfill

and Philpot remarked that although he hated working under such conditions, yet he was alwa

e stood silently by himself for some seconds in the drawing-room. This was a spacious and lofty apartment with a large semicircular bay window. Round the ceiling was a deep cornice. In the semi-darkness the room appeared to be of even greater proportions than it

the office tonigh

ter rushed into his memory, together with what Easton had told him that morning. He s

ulated at length. '

en you get there,' returned Hunter as he w

t Owen in astonishment. To stand a man off like that--when the job was not half finished--and for no apparent reason: and o

'they've got no bloody right to do it

rath. 'And I should 'ave it too, if it was me. You take my tip, Frank: C

. But then they were not exactly in the kitchen: they were out in the scullery putting their th

o his tool-bag with the purpose of taking them with him that night, but on reflection he resolved not to do so. After all,

Crass, Sawkins, Bundy and Philpot adjourned to the 'Cricketers' for a drink, Newman went on by himself, Slyme accompani