Gipsy Mike; or, Firm as a rock - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1881 Excerpt: ... of Arthur's letter, the distress at home, the dying brother. "What horrible trouble! Who could struggle against such fearful temptation, if it was so? What was that? Nothing could make such a thing right. It would be downright. But, oh! no, no!" Mike stopped just in time, he wouldn't let himself even think the word in connection with Arthur. It must have been another like it--it must. One thing was evident, his own course was clear; come what might, he would keep his promise to Arthur--never to mention what had transpired between them. Whatever happened he would be faithful to his friend, who in his distress and anxiety would surely need him now more than ever. Armstrong's speech had broken in on these meditations, and his proposal reminded Mike that the pawn-ticket was still lying concealed at the bottom of his pocket. Supposing that, after the lockers had been looked through, the officers were to search the boys themselves? It was quite possible, and to provide against the emergency, directly Armstrong had turned his back, quick as thought Mike took out the ticket, and tightly rolling it up, put it in his mouth, the only place of safety he could at that moment think of. Then, strangely enough, as it seemed to him, his mind wandered far away from his present surroundings to the gipsy van, to the lanes and fields, to his father, Nanny, and little Jack. What would they say to all this? But the loving home-thoughts, bringing as they did a sort of refreshment and peace to the bewildered boy, were interrupted by Armstrong returning to announce that the others had fallen in with his proposal, and would 17 come with him at once and suggest it to the captain? The captain assented, and although at first Mr. Hughes would not hear of it, he was at last pre...