"Course it is. What you got it for?"
"I--I saw it on the ground, and was afraid
some one would find it, and rob you," said
Leonard, fluently.
"Somebody did find it," rejoined the man,
whose senses seemed coming back to him.
"How much did you take?"
"I? You don't think I would take any of
your money?" said Leonard, in virtuous surprise.
"Looked like it! Can't tell who to trust."
"I assure you, I had only just picked it up,
and was going to put it back in your pocket, sir."
The man, drunk as he was, winked knowingly.
"Smart boy!" he said. "You do it well, ol' fella!"
"But, sir, it is quite true, I assure you.
I will count over the money before you.
Do you know how much you had?"
"Nev' mind. Help me up!"
Leonard stooped over and helped the drunkard
to a sitting position.
"Where am I? Where is hotel?"
Leonard answered him.
"Take me to hotel, and I'll give you a dollar."
"Certainly, sir," said Leonard, briskly. He
was to get his dollar after all, and would not
have to steal it. I am afraid he is not to be
praised for his honesty, as it seemed to be a
matter of necessity.
"I wish he'd give me five dollars," thought
Leonard, but didn't see his way clear to make
the suggestion.
He placed the man on his feet, and guided
his steps to the road. As he walked along,
the inebriate, whose gait was at first unsteady,
recovered his equilibrium and required less help.
"How long had you been lying there?" asked Leonard.
"Don't know. I was taken sick," and the
inebriate nodded knowingly at Leonard,
who felt at liberty to laugh, too.
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