. "I'll pay
him up for that!" he promised. "I'll make him wish he didn't shove me!
This time, I'll think a' _awful_ bad think about him! I'll think the
worst think I _can_! I'll--I'll----"

He paused to decide. He had many "thinks" for the punishing of Big Tom,
each of them ending in the desertion of that gentleman, who was always
left helplessly groveling and pleading while Johnnie made a joyous,
triumphant departure. Which of all those revenges would he select this
morning? Would he go, after handing the longshoreman over to the
harshest patrolman in New York? or would it be a doctor who would remain
behind in the flat with the tyrant, assuring Johnnie, as the latter
sauntered out of the kitchen for the very last time, that no skill on
earth could entirely mend the hurts which he had so bravely inflicted
upon his groaning foster father? or would he set sail grandly from the
Battery for some port at least a million miles away, his last view of
the metropolis including in its foreground, along with a brass band and
many dignitaries of the city, the kneeling shape of a wretched
dock-worker who had repented of his meanness too late?

Suddenly Johnnie caught his breath, his eyes dilated, his fingers began
to play against his palms. He had decided. And in that same instant, a
change came over him--complete, satisfactory, astonishing.

Now, instead of the ragged, little boy upon whom Big Tom had glowered
down--a meek boy, subdued, even crestfallen, whose eyes were lowered,
and whose lashes blinked fearsomely, he was quite a good deal taller,
boldly erect, proud in his poise, light on his neatly shod feet,
confident and easy in his manner, with a charming smile to right and
left as ringing cheers went up for him while he awaited the lessening of
the pleasant tribute, his composure really quite splendid, his hands
stuffed into the pocket of his absolutely new, light-gray suit, which
had knee pants.

A change had also taken place in the Barber kitchen. Now the walls were
freshly papered in a regal green-and-gold pattern which, at the floor
line, met a thick, red carpet. Red velvet curtains hung at either side
of the window. Splendid, fat chairs were set carelessly here and there;
and a marble-topped table behind Johnnie was piled with a variety of
delectable dishes, including several pies oozing juice.

And the crowd that pressed up to the hall door! It was worthy of his
pride, for it was a notable gathering. In it was no