I felt almost jealous to find how much truer Jack's new friend was than his old one.
"Was he here long this evening ?" I asked, presently.
"Yaas; he was jawing nigh on half a' hour, he was, while I gi'en him a shine.

But, bless you, them boots of his is pretty nigh 'andy wore out, and I tell him so.

`Never mind, Billy,' says he; `I'll be getting a new pair soon when I've got the money saved,' says he.

`I mean to get a good strong pair,' says he, `double-soled and plates on the 'eels, my boy,' he says, `and you shall polish them up every night for me.' `That I _will_,' says I.

Bless you, governor, that there bloke'll 'ave the shiniest pair of boots in town." It was a sight to see the little grimy face glow as he expatiated on the grateful theme.
"I suppose he didn't--did he say anything about me ?" I asked, hesitatingly.
"Yaas," said Billy.