STEELMAN'S PUPIL
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the hotel, at the expense of some 'mugs' whom Steelman was 'educating.' It was raining hard. When Smith was going home, he said:―
'Look here, Steely, old man. Listen to the rain! I'll get wringing wet going home. You might as well lend me your overcoat to-night. You won't want it, and I won't hurt it.'
And, Steelman's heart being warmed by his successes, he lent the overcoat.
Smith went and pawned it, got glorious on the proceeds, and took the pawn-ticket to Steelman next day.
Smith had reformed.
****
'And I taught him!' Steelman would say, proudly, in after years, in concluding his celebrated dog-yarn. 'Poor old Smith. He could battle round all right. I taught him.'
