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 fell upon him in his
delight, while Pat was in no doubt at all. He recognised his former
benefactor at once with that strange power of memory dogs possess in a
way that is almost human.
"Ye see, I was bound to come, Lionheart, to see with my own eyes how
they were serving you, and to let you know I've gave up the drink for
ever an' ever! Twas all through you, and the Almighty's power, and now
I belong to Him body and soul, and He kapes me every day."
Dick's joy was almost too great for words. It was splendid to see his
friend like this, and to know that he had helped in the great change.
There were no lessons done that evening. Instead they talked, as Mrs.
Garth declared, "enough to fill a newspaper."
It happened that she had a room empty, for her other lodger had left a
week before, and when she found that Paddy meant to stay if he could
find work in Ironboro', she offered him the room, and he was only too
glad to have it.
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