Whitney to Dick, "my nephew here is on his way to a
boarding-school. He has a suit of clothes in his trunk about half
worn. He is willing to give them to you. I think they will look
better than those you have on."
Dick was so astonished that he hardly knew what to say. Presents
were something that he knew very little about, never having received
any to his knowledge. That so large a gift should be made to him by
a stranger seemed very wonderful.
The clothes were brought out, and turned out to be a neat gray suit.
"Before you put them on, my lad, you must wash yourself. Clean
clothes and a dirty skin don't go very well together. Frank, you may
attend to him. I am obliged to go at once. Have you got as much
money as you require?"
"Yes, uncle."
"One more word, my lad," said Mr. Whitney, addressing Dick; "I may
be rash in trusting a boy of whom I know nothing, but I like your
looks, and I think you will prove a proper guide for my nephew."
"Yes, I will, sir," said Dick, earnestly. "Honor bright!"
"Very well. A pleasant time to you."
The process of cleansing commenced. To tell the truth Dick needed
it, and the sensation of cleanliness he found both new and pleasant.
Frank added to his gift a shirt, stockings, and an old pair of
shoes. "I am sorry I haven't any cap," said he.
"I've got one," said Dick.
"It isn't so new as it might be," said Frank, surveying an old felt
hat, which had once been black, but was now dingy, with a large hole
in the top and a portion of the rim torn off.
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