Page 13 (1/2)

"I suppose," sighed Barnabas, "a man's clothes are very

important--in the fashionable world?"

"Important! They are the most importantest part o' the fashionable

world, lad Now there's Mr Brummell--him as they call the

'Beau'--well, he ain't exactly a Lord Nelson nor yet a Chaood, bad, or indifferent--but

he does knoear his clothes--consequently he's a very

faentleman indeed--in the per-lite world, Barnabas" Here

there fell a silence while Barnabas stared up at the inn and Natty

Bell stared down at him "To be sure, the old 'Hound' ain't entleo

out of his way to seek and search for, p'r'aps--but there be worse

places in London, Barnabas, I was born there and I know There, there!

dear lad, never hang your head--youth o your ways, Barnabas You're a ht have been Cha only a gentleet as there are two old cocks o' the Game down here in Kent

as will think o' you and talk o' you, Barnabas, and what you ht

have been if you hadn't happened to--Ah well, let be But

wherever you go and whatever you come to be--you're our lad

still, and so, Barnabas, take this, wear it in memory of old

Natty Bell--steady--catch!" And, with the word, he tossed

down his great silver watch

"Why, Natty Bell!" exclaimed Barnabas, very hoarse of voice