"Yes, it's me," said Mike. "What made you leave me for last
night?"
"I didn't want to interfere betwane two gintlemen," said Jerry,
with a grin. "Did you mash him, Mike?"
"No," said Mike, sullenly, "he mashed me. Why didn't you help
me?"
"I thought you was bating him, so, as I had some business to
attind to, I went away."
"You went away wid the shirt."
"Yes, I took it by mistake. Ain't it an illigant fit?"
"It's big enough for two of you."
"Maybe I'll grow to it in time," said Jerry.
"And how much are you goin' to give me for my share?" demanded
Mike.
"Say that ag'in," said Jerry.
Mike repeated it.
"I thought maybe I didn't hear straight. It ain't yours at all.
Didn't I take it?"
"You wouldn't have got it if I hadn't fit with Paul."
"That ain't nothin' to me," said Jerry. "The shirt's mine, and
I'll kape it."
Mike felt strongly tempted to "put a head on" Jerry, whatever
that may mean; but, as Jerry was a head taller already, the
attempt did not seem quite prudent. He indulged in some forcible
remarks, which, however, did not disturb Jerry's equanimity.
"I'll give you my old shirt, Mike," he said, "if you can find it.
I left it in an alley near the Old Bowery.
Pages:
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107