Page:Dapples of the Circus (1943).pdf/224

 in the whole world was to be taken away from him. Tears filled his eyes.

"Oh, Mr. Bingham, Mr. Bingham," he almost sobbed. "Don't fire me. I know I have been unlucky, but I am sure we will have better luck in the future. Sir Wilton is the only thing that I have in the whole world, and I haven't really got him, but I can't bear to leave him. I will work for less money, I will work for nothing, if you will only let me stay with him."

Mr. Bingham had reached over and clasped Freckles's hand warmly.

"Don't worry, boy. I haven't any notion of parting you and Sir Wilton, not an idea of it. I was just thinking of something else."

At this announcement Freckles's heart gave a great bound of gladness. So he was not to lose Sir Wilton. Perhaps it would be a pleasant trip to see Mr. Bingham after all.

"I have been thinking," said Mr. Bingham. Then he stopped and looked hard