mpted burglary was soon known among the workmen,
and proved a more exciting topic than the result of the football match.

"That's a smart lad," said the manager to Dainton that evening, "and if
the firm doesn't do something for him, I will."

"You're right, sir," said Dainton emphatically. "He's smart and plucky
too. Whatman's neither more nor less than a brute when he's roused,
and this affair proves that he's none too honest. You know he was more
than suspected when the brass filings were missed, that time."

"It'll be a fine exposure for Monks, too, if this fellow proves he was
only a cat's-paw for them."

"Maybe you could move Dick into my shop, sir? I want to lend the boy a
hand, though it strikes me he'll get on whether or no. He's so keen on
learning, and would stop up half the night to pore over any old book of
mechanics he can get hold of. And the way he has taken hold of
drawing, at the night school, in the few weeks he's been there is
something wonderful. I only wish my boy had the same gift."

"His uncle was a clever workman," said the manager thoughtfully.
"Foolish fellow to take gold fever and go off into the wilds after it
when he was doing so well with good British ironwork! I'll speak to
Mr. Alfred about Dick, and he'll certainly have some promotion."

The manager did speak, and to good purpose, for Dick was raised to the
rank of an apprentice and his indentures were made out and signed by
the firm. He did not leave all disagreeable work behind, but he was
under Mr. Dainton's oversight now, and Whatman's friends had little
chance to torment him. When the Assizes came he had to give evidence
against the would-be burglars, and as a result they were both sentenced
to hard labour.

Dick would have gladly evaded this unpleasant duty, but he had no
choice in the matter.

It was a great trouble to him, for a long while afterwards, and again
and again he prayed that Whatman might have a new heart and right
spirit and come out to lead a better life.

CHAPTER X.

SUCCESS AT LAST.

The winter passed quickly away and in the spring Paddy came to
Ironboro'. He knocked at Mrs. Garth's door one evening, and Dick, who
happened to answer the summons, looked at him for a moment in
astonishment, he was so completely changed. In a new suit of clothes
and with smart collar and tie he looked altogether unlike the slovenly,
poorly-clad Paddy of old.

But his smile was the same, and Dick almost