The Sword Bearer Read Online Free PDF

neighbor. But there comes a time when everyone should giv' an' 'elpin' 'and, an' I think I'd like to give one now."
    "Well, let me take you into me parlor—into th' sittin' room then. Parson and th' lady almoner's both in there. They come a little while ago .. ."
    John leaped out of bed in a panic. His shoulder was throbbing furiously, but he gave it no thought. What in the world did Old Nick want? Suddenly his danger seemed to have doubled. He would have to move fast. But how could he get past the parlor door without being detected? He crept to the top of the stairs, sail fully dressed and, checking to make sure his money was in his top pocket, listened cautiously to what was happening below.
    The voices, though slighdy muffled, were still clearly audible. And they were talking about him. A woman's voice was saying, "It's very sad, Reverend, but there's almost nowhere I can place him right now. Obviously something has to be done. I gather there are no relatives we can contact."
    Mrs. Smith interjected. "This 'ere's Mr. Nicholas Slapfoot— 'im as runs th' scrapyard. Excuse me interruptin' but 'e says 'e wants to 'elp."
    "Er, good morning, Mr. er—"
    "Slapfoot's the name, Reverend, an' I'm real sorry to 'ear what's 'appened. It's a pleasure to meet you both. I always did say neighbors was for 'elpin' an' if money can 'elp, I've got plenty."
    "Well, that's very generous of you, I'm sure, Mr. Flatfoot." The minister had a high-pitched, preachy voice. "But I don't think we will need to avail ourselves of your generosity. There must be funds available somewhere."
    There was a pause, and then the lady almoner said quietly but firmly, "There are no funds, Reverend. As I told you, I have contacted all the available sources in the city. There is still what we used to call the poorhouse—but he's only a child. And there's a matter of his education. The local orphanages are full, or so they claim. Even county funds are no longer available."
    " 'Ow would five 'undred pounds 'elp? 'Ere's th' money in me own 'and. Take it an' count it for yourselves. Or is me money not good enough?" Nicholas was almost shouting.
    John heard Mrs. Smith (who must have been listening from the kitchen door) give a loud gasp. In the front room there was only stunned silence.
    "I know a special school on th' other side of Manchester. Friend o' mine runs it," Old Nick continued. Clearly he had everybody's attention now. "The discipline's a bit on th' firm side, but five 'undred pounds would give 'im food, board an' a good ed-you-KAY-shun for three years. I'll even take 'im there meself. It's not often I do good, but I want to do it for young John.. ."
    "Mrs. Smith!" the lady almoner called. "Mrs. Smith, would you be kind enough to come and join us for a few minutes? I feel we need your advice. You know John better than any of us."
    John heard Mrs. Smith scurry from the kitchen door into the parlor and close the door behind her. He was absolutely sure Nicholas Slapfoot was up to no good. The parlor door was now closed and he realized he could creep past it unseen.
    Holding his breath, he started down the stairs. He stopped momentarily when a stair creaked, but he felt certain no one had heard. He crept in perfect silence past the parlor, silently opened the front door that led to the street and crept outside. It was a clear day. The sky was blue, and a wind was blowing. His heart suddenly lifted. He turned to close the front door as quietly as he could, but at that point tragedy struck The wind pulled the door out of his hand and slammed it shut with a sound that seemed to John like a clap of thunder. He turned and ran for all he was worth for Ellor Street.
    By the time he reached the corner voices were calling him back "It's all right, young John. There's nothing to be scared of, lad. You're goin' to be all right" That was Mrs. Smith.
    And at the same time the reverend was squeaking, "Come back, my boy, come back! No one is going to hurt you."
    But worst of