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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Five Hundred Dollars, by Horatio Alger
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Five Hundred Dollars
+       or, Jacob Marlowe's Secret
+
+Author: Horatio Alger
+
+Release Date: May 2, 2007 [EBook #21270]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Taavi Kalju, Janet Blenkinship and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+  FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS,
+
+  OR, JACOB MARLOWE'S SECRET.
+
+
+  BY
+
+
+  HORATIO ALGER, JR.
+
+
+  AUTHOR OF "THE ERIE TRAIN BOY," "FROM FARM BOY TO
+  SENATOR," "THE YOUNG ACROBAT," ETC.
+
+
+  NEW YORK
+  HURST & COMPANY
+  PUBLISHERS
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+A NEW ARRIVAL IN LAKEVILLE.
+
+
+Slowly through the village street walked an elderly man, with bronzed
+features and thin gray hair, supporting his somewhat uncertain steps by
+a stout cane. He was apparently tired, for, seeing a slight natural
+elevation under a branching elm tree, he sat down, and looked
+thoughtfully about him.
+
+"Well," he said, "Lakeville hasn't changed much since I left it, twenty
+years since. Has there been any change among those who are near to me? I
+don't know, but I shall soon find out. Shall I receive a welcome or not?
+There ought to be two families to greet me, but----"
+
+Here a boy appeared on the scene, a boy of fifteen, with a sturdy
+figure and a pleasant face, whose coarse suit indicated narrow means, if
+not poverty. Seeing the old man, with instinctive politeness he doffed
+his hat and with a pleasant smile bade him good-morning.
+
+"Good-morning," returned the traveller, won by the boy's pleasant face
+and manner. "If you are not in a hurry won't you sit down by me and
+answer a few questions?"
+
+"With pleasure, sir; my business isn't driving."
+
+"This is Lakeville, isn't it?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I used to know the place--a good many years since. It hasn't grown
+much."
+
+"No, sir; it's rather quiet."
+
+"Chiefly a farming region, isn't it?"
+
+"Yes, sir; but there is a large shoe manufactory here, employing a
+hundred hands."
+
+"Who is the owner?"
+
+"Squire Marlowe."
+
+"Ha!" ejaculated the old man, evidently interested. "Albert Marlowe,
+isn't it?"
+
+"Yes, sir; do you know him?"
+
+"I haven't met him for twenty years, but we are acquainted. I suppose he
+is prosperous."
+
+"He is considered a rich man, sir. He is a relation of mine."
+
+"Indeed! What then is your name?" asked the old man, eagerly.
+
+"Herbert Barton--most people call me Bert Barton."
+
+Bert was surprised at the keen scrutiny which he received from the
+traveller.
+
+"Was your mother Mary Marlowe?" the latter asked.
+
+"Yes, sir," returned Bert. "Did you know her, too?"
+
+"I ought to; she is my niece, as the man you call Squire Marlowe is my
+nephew."
+
+"Then you must be Uncle Jacob, who has lived so many years in
+California?" said Bert, excitedly.
+
+"The same."
+
+"Mother will be very glad to see you," added Bert, cordially.
+
+"Thank you, my boy. Your kind welcome does me good. I hope your mother
+is well and happy."
+
+"She is a widow," answered Bert soberly.
+
+"When did your father die?"
+
+"Two years ago."
+
+"I hope he left your mother in comfortable circumstances."
+
+Bert shook his head.
+
+"He only left the small house we live in, and that is mortgaged for half
+its value."
+
+"Then how do you live?"
+
+"Mother covers base-balls for a firm in the next town, and I am working
+in the big shoe shop."
+
+"Doesn't Squire Marlowe do anything for your mother?"
+
+"He gave me a place in the shop--that is all."
+
+"Yet he is rich," said the old man, thoughtfully.
+
+"Yes, he lives in a fine house. You can see it down the street on the
+other side that large one with a broad piazza. He keeps two horses and
+two handsome carriages, and I am sure he must have plenty of money."
+
+"I am glad to hear it. I have been a long time among strangers. It will
+be pleasant to come to anchor at the house of a rich relation. Where
+does your mother live?"
+
+"In a small cottage at the other end of the street. Won't you come home
+with me, Uncle Jacob? Mother will be glad to see you."
+
+"I must call at Albert Marlowe's first. What family has he?"
+
+"He has one boy about my own age."
+
+"I suppose you are very intimate--being cousins."
+
+Bert laughed.
+
+"He wouldn't thank you for calling us cousins," he answered. "Percy
+Marlowe is a boy who thinks a good deal of himself. He puts on no end of
+airs."
+
+"Like his father before him. Is he a smart boy?"
+
+"Do you mean in his studies?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I don't know what he could do if he tried, but he doesn't exert himself
+much. He says it isn't necessary for him, as his father is a rich man."
+
+"How is it with you?"
+
+"I only wish I had his chance," said Bert, warmly. "I am fond of study,
+but I am poor, and must work for a living."
+
+"You have the right idea, and he has not," said the old man,
+sententiously.
+
+At this moment a light buggy was driven swiftly by. Seated in it was a
+boy about the age of Bert, apparently, but of slighter figure. The
+horse, suddenly spying the old man, shied, and in a trice the buggy was
+upset, and the young dude went sprawling on the ground.
+
+Bert grasped the situation, and sprang to the rescue. He seized the
+terrified horse, while the old man helped reverse the carriage, which
+fortunately had not met with any material damage. The same may be said
+of the young driver who, with mortified face, struggled to his feet,
+and surveyed ruefully the muddy stains on his handsome suit.
+
+"I hope you're not hurt, Percy," said Bert, with solicitude.
+
+"I've spoiled my suit, that's all," returned Percy, shortly. "What made
+you scare my horse?"
+
+"I didn't," answered Bert, with spirit. "What right have you to charge
+me with such a thing?"
+
+"Then if it wasn't you, it was that old tramp you were talking with,"
+persisted Percy, sullenly.
+
+"Hush, Percy!" said Bert, apprehensive lest the old man's feelings might
+be hurt. "You don't know who this gentleman is."
+
+"I never met the gentleman before," rejoined Percy, with ironical
+deference.
+
+"Then let me introduce him as your uncle, Jacob Marlowe, from
+California!"
+
+Percy's face betrayed much more surprise than pleasure as he stammered,
+"Is that true?"
+
+"Yes," answered the old man, smiling calmly; "I have the honor to be
+related to you, young gentleman."
+
+"Does father know you are here?"
+
+"No; I am going to call upon him."
+
+Percy hardly knew what to think. He had heard his father speak of
+"Uncle Jacob" and indulge in the hope that he had accumulated a fortune
+in California. His shabby attire did not suggest wealth, certainly, but
+Percy was wise enough to know that appearances are not always to be
+relied upon. If this old man were wealthy, he would be worth
+propitiating. At any rate, till he knew to the contrary he had better be
+polite.
+
+"Will you ride to the house with me, sir?" he asked, considerably to
+Bert's surprise.
+
+"No, thank you. There might be another upset. Jump into the buggy, and
+I'll walk along after you."
+
+Percy was relieved by this decision, for he had no wish to be seen with
+such a companion.
+
+"All right, sir," he said. "I'll see you at the house."
+
+Without a word of acknowledgment to Bert, Percy sprang into the buggy
+and drove rapidly away.
+
+"Shall I go with you, Uncle Jacob?" asked Bert.
+
+"No, thank you. I can find the way. Tell your mother that I will call on
+her very soon."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+UNCLE JACOB'S RECEPTION.
+
+
+Percy found his father at home, and quickly acquainted him with the
+arrival in town of Uncle Jacob. His news was received with interest by
+Squire Marlowe.
+
+"Why didn't you invite him to ride home with you?" asked the squire.
+
+"I did; but he preferred to walk."
+
+"What does he look like?"
+
+"Like an old tramp," answered Percy.
+
+Squire Marlowe was taken aback; for, without having received any
+definite intelligence from the long absent relative, he had somehow
+persuaded himself that Uncle Jacob had accumulated a fortune at the
+mines.
+
+"Then he is shabbily dressed?" said the squire, inquiringly.
+
+"I should say so. I say, father, I thought he was rich. You always said
+so."
+
+"And I still think so."
+
+"Then why don't he dress better?"
+
+"He is rather eccentric, Percy; and these California miners don't care
+much for dress as a rule. I shouldn't wonder if he were worth half a
+million. You'd better treat him with attention, for we are his natural
+heirs, and there's no telling what may happen."
+
+"Enough said, father. I don't care how he dresses if he's got the cash."
+
+"I must go and speak to your mother, or she will treat him coldly. You
+know how particular she is."
+
+Squire Marlowe managed to drop a hint to his wife, who was as worldly
+wise as himself, and saw the advantage of being attentive to a wealthy
+relative.
+
+By this time Uncle Jacob had reached the door.
+
+Squire Marlowe himself answered the bell, as a mark of special
+attention, and gazed with curiosity at the old man.
+
+Jacob Marlowe, though coarsely clad, was scrupulously neat and clean,
+and there was a pleasant smile on his bronzed face as he recognized his
+nephew.
+
+"I believe you are Uncle Jacob," said the squire, affably.
+
+"Yes, Albert, and I'm mighty glad to see a relation. It's twenty-five
+years since I have seen one that was kin to me."
+
+"Welcome to Lakeville, Uncle Jacob. I am glad to see you. Percy told me
+he met you on the road: Why didn't you ride up with him?"
+
+"It wasn't worth gettin' in to ride a quarter of a mile. I am used to
+exercise in California."
+
+"To be sure. Come into the house, and lay your valise down anywhere.
+Here is my wife, Mrs. Marlowe. Julia, this is Uncle Jacob, of whom you
+have heard me speak so often."
+
+"I am glad to see you, Mr. Marlowe," said the lady, formally, just
+touching the old man's hand.
+
+"Where are you going to put Uncle Jacob, Julia?" asked the squire.
+
+"You may take him to the blue room," said Mrs. Marlowe, in a tone of
+hesitation.
+
+This blue room was the handsomest chamber in the house, and was assigned
+to those whom it was considered politic to honor.
+
+"Come right upstairs, Uncle Jacob. I'll show you your room myself," said
+Albert Marlowe.
+
+"I ain't used to such luxury, Albert," said the old man, as he gazed
+around the comfortably appointed apartment. "You ought to see my cabin
+at Murphy's diggings. I reckon your servant would turn up her nose at
+it."
+
+"I know you don't care much for style in California, uncle."
+
+"No, we don't, though we've got as handsome houses in 'Frisco as
+anywhere else. Why, Albert, this room is fine enough for a prince."
+
+"Then you can think yourself a prince," said the squire, genially. "Now,
+if you want to wash your face and hands, and arrange your toilet, you
+will have abundant time before dinner. Come down when you have
+finished."
+
+Albert Marlowe returned to his wife.
+
+"Mr. Marlowe," said she, "are you very sure that old man is rich?"
+
+"I have no doubt of it, Julia."
+
+"But what an old fright he is! Why, he looks dreadfully common, and his
+clothes are wretchedly shabby."
+
+"True, Julia; but you must remember miners are not very particular about
+their dress."
+
+"I should think not, if he is a fair specimen. It makes me shudder to
+think of his occupying the blue-room. The hall bedroom on the third
+floor would have been good enough for him."
+
+"Remember, my dear, he is in all probability very wealthy, and we are
+his heirs. I am not so well off as people imagine, and it will be a
+great thing for us to have a fortune of a quarter or half a million drop
+in by and by."
+
+"There's something in that, to be sure," the lady admitted. "But can't
+you induce him to wear better clothes?"
+
+"I will suggest it very soon. We mustn't be too precipitate, for fear he
+should take offense. You know these rich uncles expect to be treated
+with a good deal of consideration."
+
+"Do you think he will expect to live with us? I shall really give up if
+I have got to have such a looking old tramp as a permanent member of the
+family."
+
+"But, Julia, if he is really very rich, it is important for us to keep
+him strictly in view. You know there will be plenty of designing
+persons, who will be laying snares to entrap him, and get possession of
+his money."
+
+"How old is he? Is he likely to live long?"
+
+"I think he must be about sixty-five."
+
+"And he looks alarmingly healthy," said Mrs. Marlowe, with a sigh.
+
+"His father died at sixty-seven."
+
+Mrs. Marlowe brightened up. "That is encouraging," she said, hopefully.
+
+"I don't think he looks so _very_ healthy," added the squire.
+
+"He has a good color."
+
+"His father was the picture of health till within a few weeks of his
+death."
+
+"What did he die of?"
+
+"Apoplexy."
+
+"To be sure. The old man looks as if he might go off that way."
+
+"In that case we should only need to be troubled with him a couple of
+years, and for that we should be richly repaid."
+
+"They will seem like two eternities," groaned the lady, "and the chief
+burden will come on me."
+
+"You shall be repaid, my dear! Only treat him well!"
+
+"Will you give me half what money he leaves to us?"
+
+"Say one-third, Julia. That will repay you richly for all your trouble."
+
+"Very well! Let it be a third. But, Mr. Marlowe, don't let there be any
+mistake! I depend upon you to find out as soon as possible how much
+money the old man has."
+
+"Trust to me, Julia. I am just as anxious to know as you are."
+
+In twenty minutes Uncle Jacob came down stairs. He had done what he
+could to improve his appearance, or "slick himself up," as he expressed
+it, and wore a blue coat and vest, each provided with brass buttons. But
+from close packing in his valise both were creased up in such a manner
+that Squire Marlowe and his wife shuddered, and Percy's face wore an
+amused and supercilious smile.
+
+"I declare I feel better to be dressed up," said the old man. "How long
+do you think I've had this coat and vest, Albert?"
+
+"I really couldn't guess."
+
+"I had it made for me ten years ago in Sacramento. It looks pretty well,
+but then I've only worn it for best."
+
+Percy had to stuff his handkerchief in his mouth to repress a laugh.
+Uncle Jacob regarded him with a benevolent smile, and seemed himself to
+be amused about something.
+
+"Now, Uncle Jacob, we'll sit down to dinner. You must be hungry."
+
+"Well, I have got a fairish appetite. What a nice eatin' room you've
+got, Albert. I ain't used to such style."
+
+"I presume not," said Mrs. Marlowe, dryly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+A VISIT TO THE FACTORY.
+
+
+During dinner the old man chatted away in the frankest manner, but not a
+word did he let drop as to his worldly circumstances. He appeared to
+enjoy his dinner, and showed himself entirely at his ease.
+
+"I'm glad to see you so well fixed, Albert," he said. "You've got a fine
+home."
+
+"It will do very well," returned the squire, modestly.
+
+"I suppose he never was in such a good house before," thought Mrs.
+Marlowe.
+
+"By the way, just before I fell in with you here," went on Jacob, "I ran
+across Mary's boy."
+
+"Herbert Barton?" suggested the squire, with a slight frown.
+
+"Yes; he said that was his name."
+
+"They live in the village," said his nephew, shortly.
+
+"They're poor, ain't they?"
+
+"Yes; Barton was not a forehanded man. He didn't know how to accumulate
+money."
+
+"I suppose he left very little to his widow."
+
+"Very little. However, I have given the boy a place in my factory, and I
+believe his mother earns a trifle by covering base-balls. They don't
+want for anything--that is, anything in reason.
+
+"Bert Barton seems a likely boy."
+
+"Oh, he's as good as the average of boys in his position."
+
+"I suppose he and Percy are quite intimate, being cousins."
+
+"Indeed we are not!" returned Percy, tossing his head. "His position is
+very different from mine."
+
+Uncle Jacob surveyed Percy in innocent wonder.
+
+"Still, he's kin to you," he observed.
+
+"That doesn't always count," said Percy. "He has his friends, and I have
+mine. I don't believe in mixing classes."
+
+"I expect things _have_ changed since I was a boy," said Uncle Jacob,
+mildly. "Then, all the boys were friendly and sociable, no matter
+whether they were rich or poor."
+
+"I agree with Percy," broke in Mrs. Marlowe, stiffly. "His position in
+life will be very different from that of the boy you refer to. Any early
+intimacy, even if we encouraged it, could not well be kept up in
+after-life."
+
+"Perhaps you are right," said the old man. "I've been away so long at
+the mines that I haven't kept up with the age or the fashions."
+
+Percy smiled, as his glance rested on his uncle's creased suit, and he
+felt quite ready to agree with what he said.
+
+"I was thinkin' how pleasant it would be if you would invite Mary and
+her boy to tea--we are all related, you know. We could talk over old
+times and scenes, and have a real social time."
+
+Mrs. Marlowe seemed horror-struck at the suggestion.
+
+"I don't think it would be convenient," she said, coldly.
+
+"It would be better for you to see Mrs. Barton at her own house," put in
+the squire, hastily.
+
+"Well, perhaps it would."
+
+"By the way, Uncle Jacob, I hope your experiences of California are
+pleasant," insinuated Squire Marlowe.
+
+"They're mixed, Albert. I've had my ups and downs."
+
+"I have heard of large fortunes being made there," pursued the squire.
+"I suppose there's some truth in what we hear?"
+
+"To be sure! Why, ten years from the time I went to the mines I had a
+hundred thousand dollars deposited to my credit in a Sacramento bank."
+
+Squire Marlowe's eyes sparkled with pleasure. It was just what he had
+been hoping to find out. So Uncle Jacob was rich, after all! The
+squire's manner became even more gracious, and he pressed upon his
+relative another plate of ice cream.
+
+"No, thank you, Albert," said the old man. "I'm used to plain livin'. It
+isn't often I sit down to a meal like this. Do you know, there's
+nothing suits me better than a dinner of corned beef and cabbage."
+
+"How vulgar the old man is!" thought Mrs. Marlowe. "He may have money,
+but his tastes are _very_ common."
+
+"We never have corned beef and cabbage here," she said, with a slight
+shudder.
+
+"Very likely Bert Barton's mother has it very often," suggested Percy.
+
+"My dear," said the squire, urbanely, "if Uncle Jacob really enjoys
+those dishes so much, you might provide them for his special use."
+
+"I will think of it," replied Mrs. Marlowe, shortly.
+
+Now that Uncle Jacob had hinted at the possession of wealth, Squire
+Marlowe beheld him as one transfigured. He was no longer a common,
+shabby old man, but a worthy old gentleman of eccentric ideas in the
+matter of wardrobe and manners.
+
+"I wonder if Uncle Jacob wouldn't advance me twenty-five thousand
+dollars," was the thought that was passing through his mind as he gazed
+genially at his countrified guest. "It would help me amazingly in my
+business, and enable me to do double as much. I will mention it to him
+in good time."
+
+"I've a great mind to come upon the old man for a handsome birthday
+present," thought Percy. "Fifty dollars wouldn't be much for him to
+give. I shan't get more than a fiver from the governor."
+
+"Uncle Jacob," said the squire, as they rose from the table, "suppose
+you walk over to the factory with me; I should like you to see it."
+
+"Nothing would please me better," said Jacob Marlowe, briskly.
+
+"Will you come along, Percy?" asked his father.
+
+"No, papa," answered Percy, with a grimace. "You know I don't like the
+smell of leather."
+
+"_I_ ought not to dislike it," said the squire, with a smile, "for it
+gives me a very handsome income."
+
+"Oh, it's different with you," returned Percy. "Just give me the profits
+of the factory and I'll go there every day."
+
+"He's a sharp one!" said the squire, with a smile.
+
+"I am afraid he is too sharp to suit me," thought Uncle Jacob. "It seems
+to me the boy's mind runs upon money, and his own interests."
+
+The shoe factory was a large building of two stories, and within it was
+a hive of industry.
+
+As the squire led the way he explained the various workings to the old
+man, who was really curious and interested. It was on a larger scale
+than was common at the time he left for California, and the use of
+machinery had to a greater extent supplemented and superseded the work
+of the hands.
+
+Finally they came to a room where several boys were pegging shoes, for
+this work was still done in the old-fashioned way. Uncle Jacob's eyes
+lighted up when in one of them he recognized Bert Barton.
+
+He hurried forward, and put his hand on Bert's shoulder.
+
+"So this is your business," he said.
+
+"Yes," answered Bert, with a smile.
+
+"Do you find it hard work?"
+
+"Oh, no! That is, I am used to it. It used to tire me at first."
+
+"Did you tell your mother I was in town?"
+
+"Yes," answered Bert, "and she says she hopes you will call."
+
+"To be sure I will. I may call this evening."
+
+"He's a likely boy, Albert," said Uncle Jacob, rejoining the squire, who
+stood aloof with a look of annoyance on his face.
+
+"He works very well, I believe," was the cold reply. "Shall we move on?"
+
+"Albert doesn't seem to feel much interest in his poor relations,"
+thought Uncle Jacob. "Well, it's human nature, I suppose."
+
+"You seem to be doing a large business, Albert," he said aloud.
+
+"Yes; but with a little more capital I could very much increase it,"
+rejoined the squire. "With twenty-five thousand dollars now, I would
+enlarge the factory to double its present size, and do twice the
+business I am now doing."
+
+"I am afraid you want to get rich too fast, Albert."
+
+"It would gratify my spirit of enterprise, Uncle Jacob. I feel that I
+have the ability to make a big business success."
+
+"Very likely, Albert. I've seen enough to convince me of that."
+
+"He'll lend me the money if I work things right," Squire Marlowe said to
+himself. "He'll be like wax in my hands."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+UNCLE JACOB'S STARTLING REVELATION.
+
+
+"Uncle Jacob was at the factory this afternoon," said Bert to his
+mother, when he went home. "He says he may call here this evening."
+
+"I hope he will. He was my poor mother's favorite brother--always kind
+and good-hearted. How is he looking, Bert?"
+
+"He seems in good health for an old man. His face is browned up, as if
+he had been out in the open air a good deal."
+
+"I hope he has. It is twenty-five years since he went to California.
+Does he look as if he had prospered?"
+
+"I am afraid he is poor, mother, for although his clothing is neat and
+clean, it is plain and the cloth is faded?"
+
+"I am sorry to hear that, but I will welcome him none the less warmly.
+It will indeed seem like old times to have Uncle Jacob in my house."
+
+Meanwhile Bert had been bringing in wood and doing chores for his
+mother.
+
+"Did Uncle Jacob tell you how long he intended to stay in Lakeville?"
+
+"No, mother; I only had a short time to talk with him when Percy rode
+by, and then he started to call on the squire. Do you know, mother, I am
+rather surprised that he should have been so well received, poor as he
+looks."
+
+"I think better of Albert for it. It shows that he is not so worldly as
+I feared. Certainly Uncle Jacob ought to be well received by Albert
+Marlowe, for when Albert's father was in trouble Jacob lent him five
+hundred dollars--all in money he had--and I feel sure the money has not
+been repaid to him to this day."
+
+"I don't think Percy will be very cordial. You know what high notions he
+has."
+
+"He gets them principally from his mother, who is extremely aristocratic
+in her ideas."
+
+"Was she of a high family?"
+
+Mrs. Barton smiled.
+
+"Her father was a fisherman," she replied, "and when a girl she used to
+run barefoot on the sand. Later on she sewed straw for a living. She is
+no worse for that, certainly, but it doesn't give her any claims to
+aristocracy."
+
+"Do you think Percy knows about his mother's early life?"
+
+"I presume she has kept it secret from him."
+
+"I shall think of it when Percy gets into one of his patronizing moods."
+
+"Remember, Bert, that neither he nor his mother is any the worse for her
+humble birth."
+
+"I understand that, I hope, mother, just as I don't feel ashamed of our
+being poor."
+
+"As long as we can make an honorable living, we have no right to
+complain."
+
+"That reminds me, mother, that I heard bad news at the shop to-day."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"That the shop is likely to be shut down all next month."
+
+"Why is that?" asked Mrs. Barton, an anxious look coming over her face.
+
+"I believe the market is over-supplied with shoes, and it is thought
+best to suspend temporarily. It'll be rather hard on me."
+
+"Yes, it will," said his mother, gravely. "I earn so little at sewing
+balls."
+
+"Don't you think I could get a job at that, mother?"
+
+"No, you could not do the work satisfactorily. Besides there are hands
+enough for all that is required. Well, we must hope for the best."
+
+"I think I can manage to earn something, mother," said Bert, hopefully.
+"I'll try hard, anyway."
+
+"We won't worry till the time comes, Bert."
+
+An hour later there was a knock at the door. Mrs. Barton answered it in
+person.
+
+"Why, Uncle Jacob, is it really you?" she exclaimed, joyfully.
+
+"I'm delighted to see you, Mary," said the old man, his face lighting
+up. "I've been waiting twenty-five years for this meeting."
+
+"Come right in, Uncle Jacob. I can hardly believe it is really you. Now
+tell me why you have not written these many years."
+
+"I've no good excuse, Mary, but perhaps I shall think of one bimeby. Now
+tell me how you are getting along?"
+
+"I am not rich, as you can see, Uncle Jacob; but as long as Bert and I
+have our health, and work to do, I shall be contented."
+
+"Do you know, Mary," said Jacob Marlowe, looking about the plain little
+sitting-room, "I like your house better than Albert's?"
+
+"I don't think you will find many to agree with you."
+
+"Perhaps not, but this seems like home, and that doesn't."
+
+"Albert's house is finely furnished."
+
+"True, and he lives in fine style; but I don't think I should ever be
+contented to live with him."
+
+"Has he invited you?"
+
+"Yes," answered Jacob; "but," he added, with a smile, "I don't think the
+invitation will hold good after to-morrow."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"The fact is, Albert and the whole family think I am rich."
+
+"I shouldn't think they would judge that from your appearance."
+
+"Oh, they think I am eccentric and plain in my tastes, and that I've got
+my pile safe somewhere."
+
+"I wish you had, Uncle Jacob."
+
+"Happiness doesn't depend on money, Mary, as you realize in your own
+case. I am an old man, to be sure, but I am well and strong, and able to
+work for a living."
+
+"But at your age, Uncle Jacob, it would be comfortable to feel that you
+could rest."
+
+"Come, Mary, don't make me out a patriarch. I'm only sixty-five, and I
+can tackle a pretty good day's work yet."
+
+"You might be sick, Uncle Jacob."
+
+"Don't let us imagine unpleasant things, Mary. I don't mean to be sick."
+
+"And at any rate you can come and stay with us. You will always find a
+home here, though an humble one."
+
+"Do you really mean that, Mary?" said Uncle Jacob, earnestly. "Would you
+really be willing to take in the old man, and provide for his comforts?"
+
+"Of course I would, Uncle Jacob," answered Mrs. Barton, heartily. "I
+hope you didn't think so poorly of me as to doubt it."
+
+"No, I was sure you hadn't changed so much since you were a girl. Well,
+Mary, I may some time remind you of your promise."
+
+"You won't need to remind me, Uncle Jacob. I was afraid Albert would
+take you wholly away from us."
+
+"So he might if I were as rich as he thinks I am; but now let us talk
+about other things. Remember, I haven't heard any family news for many
+years, and I have a great many questions to ask."
+
+The rest of the evening was spent in such conversation as Uncle Jacob
+suggested, and when he had occasion to look at his watch, he started in
+surprise.
+
+"Bless my soul!" he exclaimed. "It is nearly ten o'clock. I ought to be
+getting back to Albert's."
+
+"Then Bert shall accompany you as far as the house. It will be lonely to
+go alone."
+
+Uncle Jacob reached Squire Marlowe's house as the church clock struck
+ten, and he bade Bert good-night.
+
+Shortly after his return, Uncle Jacob was shown to his room, and being
+fatigued he soon fell asleep, not waking till seven in the morning.
+
+After breakfast, Squire Marlowe said graciously: "Have you any plans,
+Uncle Jacob, in which I can assist you? If you would like to consult me
+about any investments, I can perhaps be of service to you."
+
+"Now for it!" thought the old man.
+
+"I was thinkin', Albert," he said, "of askin' your advice. I'm gettin'
+on in years, and can't work as well as I could once. Do you think it
+would pay me to open here in Lakeville a cigar and candy store, and----"
+
+"What!" exclaimed Squire Marlowe, with an expression of horror and
+disgust on his face.
+
+"You see I've got about five hundred dollars, which I think would be
+enough to stock it comfortably and----"
+
+"But I thought you were a rich man," gasped Squire Marlowe. "Didn't you
+tell me you had a hundred thousand dollars in a Sacramento bank?"
+
+"Yes, many years ago; but I bought mining stocks, and after a while they
+went down to nothing, and----"
+
+"Then you are a pauper!" said the squire, harshly.
+
+"No. I have five hundred dollars, and I hope with that to get started,
+so as to earn an honest living."
+
+Words cannot describe the scorn and disgust that appeared on the faces
+of Percy and his mother at the old man's confession of poverty.
+
+"Albert," said the wife, "may I speak with you outside a moment?"
+
+"Certainly, my dear."
+
+"Get rid of the old man as soon as you can!" she said, imperiously. "He
+doesn't eat another meal in my house!"
+
+"Be easy, my dear," said the squire. "I'll manage it."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+UNCLE JACOB RECEIVES HIS WALKING PAPERS.
+
+
+Squire Marlowe returned to the breakfast room, wearing rather an
+embarrassed expression. Percy had followed his mother, and the old man
+found himself for a short time alone. There was a twinkle of amusement
+in his eyes, which vanished on the reappearance of his nephew.
+
+"I am sorry to have left you alone, Uncle Jacob," said the squire,
+civilly.
+
+"Oh, don't treat me with any ceremony, Albert. Being as we are such near
+relations, we ought to be free and easy like."
+
+"I am glad to hear you say so, for I shall be obliged to treat you
+unceremoniously."
+
+"Eh?" said Uncle Jacob, inquiringly.
+
+"I regret to say that my wife, who is of a _very_ delicate organization,
+is taken suddenly ill, and I am afraid I shall have to ask you to cut
+your visit short, and come again some other time."
+
+"I'm surprised to hear that, Albert. I thought Mrs. Marlowe looked in
+excellent health."
+
+"You can't always tell by outward appearances. She is subject to severe
+headaches, and in that condition can't bear the least noise or
+excitement. That is why I can't invite you to stay any longer."
+
+"I understand," said Uncle Jacob, with--it might have been--a little
+significance in his tone.
+
+"I have no doubt," went on the squire, "that Mrs. Barton will be glad to
+have you pay her a short visit. I will get Percy to drive you down
+there."
+
+"Thank you," answered the old man, dryly, "but it's only a little way,
+and I don't mind walking."
+
+"Just as you prefer," said the squire, relieved by Uncle Jacob's
+declination of his offer, for he knew that Percy would not enjoy the
+trip.
+
+"I'll get ready to go at once, Albert. Oh, about my plan of opening a
+cigar store in Lakeville?"
+
+"I cannot advise you to do it," rejoined the squire, hastily. "You
+wouldn't make enough to pay your rent, or not much more."
+
+"Don't the men in your factory smoke? There's a good many of them. If I
+could get their trade----"
+
+"They smoke pipes for the most part," said the squire, hurriedly.
+"They'd find cigars too expensive."
+
+"I meant to combine candy with cigars. That would be a help."
+
+"They keep candy at the grocery store, Uncle Jacob."
+
+"I see there isn't much show for me. Now if I only understood your
+business, you could give me something to do in the factory, Albert."
+
+"But you don't, and, in fact, Uncle Jacob, it's too hard work for a man
+of your age."
+
+"Then what would you advise me to do, Albert?" asked the old man,
+earnestly.
+
+Squire Marlowe assumed a thoughtful look. In fact, he was puzzled to
+decide how best to get rid of the troublesome old man. To have him
+remain in Lakeville was not to be thought of. He would gladly have got
+rid of Mrs. Barton and her son, whose relationship to his family was
+unfortunately known, but there seemed to be no way clear to that without
+the expenditure of money. To have Uncle Jacob for a neighbor, in
+addition, would be a source of mortification, not only to himself, but
+even more to his wife and Percy, whose aristocratic ideas he well knew.
+
+"I think you told me you had five hundred dollars," he said, after a
+pause.
+
+"About that."
+
+"Then I really think it would be the best thing you could do to go back
+to California, where you are known, and where you can doubtless obtain
+some humble employment which will supply your moderate wants. It won't
+cost you much for dress----"
+
+"No, Albert; this coat and vest will do me for best five years longer."
+
+"Just so! That is fortunate. So you see you've only got your board to
+pay."
+
+"I might get sick," suggested Uncle Jacob, doubtfully.
+
+"You look pretty healthy. Besides, you'll have part of your five hundred
+dollars left, you know."
+
+"That's so! What a good calculator you are, Albert! Besides, if things
+came to the worst, there's that five hundred dollars I lent your father
+twenty-seven years ago. No doubt you'd pay me back, and----"
+
+"I don't know what you refer to," said Squire Marlowe, coldly.
+
+"Surely you haven't forgot the time when your father was so driven for
+money, when you were a lad of fifteen, and I let him have all I had
+except about fifty dollars that I kept for a rainy day."
+
+"This is news to me, Uncle Jacob," said the squire, with a chilling
+frown. "You must excuse me for saying that I think you labor under a
+delusion."
+
+Uncle Jacob surveyed his neighbor intently, with a gaze which
+disconcerted him in spite of his assurance.
+
+"Fortunately, I am able to prove what I say," he rejoined, after a
+slight pause.
+
+He drew from his pocket a wallet which bore the signs of long wear, and,
+opening it, deliberately drew out a folded sheet of note paper, grown
+yellow with age and brittle with much handling. Then, adjusting his
+spectacles, he added: "Here's something I'd like to read to you, Albert.
+It's written by your father:
+
+     MY DEAR JACOB:
+
+     I cannot tell you how grateful I am to you for lending me the five
+     hundred dollars I so urgently need. I know it is very nearly, if
+     not quite, all you possess in the world, and that you can ill spare
+     it. It will save me from failure, and sometime I hope to repay it
+     to you. If I cannot, I will ask my son Albert to do so when he is
+     able. I don't want you to lose by your kindness to me.
+
+                  Your affectionate brother,
+                                 CHARLES MARLOWE.
+
+"You can see the signature, Albert. You know your father's handwriting,
+don't you?"
+
+Squire Marlowe reluctantly took the paper and glanced at it.
+
+"It may be my father's writing," he said.
+
+"May be!" repeated the old man, indignantly. "What do you mean by that?"
+
+"I dare say it is. In fact, I remember his mentioning the matter to me
+before he died."
+
+"What did he say?"
+
+"That it was quite a favor to him, the loan, but that he repaid it
+within three years from the time he received it."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Uncle Jacob, pushing his spectacles up, in his
+amazement. "Your father said that?"
+
+"Yes, he did," answered Albert Marlowe, with unabashed effrontery.
+
+"That he paid back the five hundred dollars I lent him?"
+
+"That's what I said," repeated the squire, impatiently.
+
+"Then it's a lie--not of my brother's, but of--somebody's. That money
+remains unpaid to this day."
+
+Squire Marlowe shrugged his shoulders. "No doubt you think so," he said,
+"but you are growing old, and old people are forgetful. That is the most
+charitable view to take of your statement."
+
+"I wouldn't have believed this, Albert," said the old man, sorrowfully.
+"And you a rich man, too! I don't mind the money. I can get along
+without it. But to be told that I am claiming what has already been
+repaid!"
+
+"I don't lay it up against you," went on the squire, smoothly. "I've no
+doubt you have forgotten the payment of the debt, and----"
+
+"I don't forget so easily, though I am sixty-five. Don't fear that I
+shall ask for it again--indeed, I haven't asked for it at all--but I
+shall not forget how you have treated my claim. Of course it amounts to
+nothing in law--it's outlawed long ago--but I only wish my poor brother
+were alive to disprove your words."
+
+Even Albert Marlowe was shamed by the old man's sorrowful dignity.
+
+"We can't agree about that, Uncle Jacob," he said; "but if ever you get
+very hard up, let me know, and I'll see if I can't help you--in a small
+way."
+
+"You are very kind," answered the old man, "but I don't think that time
+will come. As you say, my wants are few, and I am still able to work.
+I'll go up to my room and get my valise, and then I'll go over to Mary
+Barton's."
+
+"Thank Heaven! I've got rid of him," mused the squire, as from the
+doorway he saw Uncle Jacob walking slowly down the street. "I was afraid
+he'd mention that money he lent father. With twenty-seven years'
+interest it would amount to a good deal of money--more than I could well
+spare. I don't think I shall hear from it again."
+
+"Has he gone, Albert?" asked Mrs. Marlowe, returning to the
+breakfast-room.
+
+"Yes; I told him you were indisposed, and couldn't stand excitement."
+
+"No matter what you told him, as long as we are rid of him."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+SQUIRE MARLOWE IS SURPRISED.
+
+
+Mrs. Barton was washing the breakfast dishes, and was alone, Bert having
+gone to his daily work at the shoe shop, when the outer door opened and
+Uncle Jacob entered the cottage, valise in hand.
+
+"I've accepted your offer sooner than you expected, Mary," he said.
+
+"You are heartily welcome, Uncle Jacob," responded his niece, with
+evident sincerity. "If you can put up with our poor accommodations after
+being entertained in Albert's luxurious home----"
+
+"Don't trouble yourself about that, Mary," interrupted the old man.
+"Albert doesn't want me. He civilly asked me to find another stopping
+place."
+
+"You don't mean it!" exclaimed Mrs. Barton indignantly.
+
+"You see," explained Uncle Jacob, with a quiet smile, "his wife was
+taken suddenly indisposed--after she found I wasn't as rich as she
+expected."
+
+"I hope you won't take it too much to heart, Uncle Jacob," observed Mary
+Barton, in a tone of solicitude.
+
+Uncle Jacob's amused laugh reassured her.
+
+"It is just what I expected, Mary," he said, "and I shan't grieve over
+it much. You ought to have seen how they all looked when I asked
+Albert's advice about opening a small cigar and candy store in the
+village. You can imagine what a mortification it would be to my
+high-toned nephew to have my sign out,
+
+  JACOB MARLOWE,
+
+  Candy and Cigars.
+
+over a small seven by nine store, when our relationship was known."
+
+"I hope that won't prevent your carrying out the plan, Uncle Jacob. If
+your gains are small, you can make your home with us and pay what you
+can afford."
+
+"Thank you, Mary, you are a true friend, and I shan't forget your kind
+offer. But I never had the slightest idea of opening such a store. I
+only mentioned it to test Albert."
+
+"But you will have to do something, Uncle Jacob," said Mary Barton,
+perplexed; "and that would be as easy as anything. Bert could go in the
+evening and help you if you found it too confining."
+
+"I have something else in view in the city," returned Jacob. "I don't
+need to earn much you know. I don't set up to be a dude," he added,
+with a comical glance at his rustic attire, "and I don't mean to board
+at the Fifth Avenue Hotel."
+
+"I am sorry you can't stay in Lakeville," said Mrs. Barton regretfully.
+
+"I will stay here a week, Mary, to get acquainted with you and your boy.
+I have taken a fancy to him. He is a fine, manly youth, worth a dozen of
+such fellows as Percy Marlowe."
+
+"Indeed, he is a good boy," said his mother proudly. "I don't see what I
+could do without him."
+
+"So, Mary, if you'll show me where you are going to accommodate me, I'll
+go up and take possession."
+
+"Will you mind my putting you in with Bert? I have but two chambers."
+
+"Not a bit. It will be all the better. If I were going to stay here
+permanently I would build an extension to the house for you."
+
+"But that would be expensive, Uncle Jacob."
+
+"So it would. I'm always forgetting that I am not a rich man. You see I
+was rich once. As I told Albert, I have seen the time when I had a
+hundred thousand dollars to my credit in a bank of Sacramento."
+
+"Oh, Uncle Jacob! Why didn't you invest it in government bonds, and you
+would have been independent for life?"
+
+"Because I was not so prudent as my niece, I suppose. However, it's no
+use crying over spilt milk, and I've got a matter of five hundred
+dollars left."
+
+"But that won't last long, Uncle Jacob."
+
+"Not unless I work. But I'm pretty rugged yet, and I guess I can manage
+to scrape along."
+
+When Bert came home to dinner, he was surprised and pleased to find
+Uncle Jacob installed and evidently feeling quite at home.
+
+"I wish I could stay at home this afternoon to keep you company," he
+said; "but I have only an hour for dinner."
+
+"Business first, my boy!" said the old man. "For pleasure we'll wait
+till this evening. Is there a livery stable in the village?"
+
+"Yes, sir; Houghton's."
+
+"Then after supper we'll hire a buggy, and you and your mother and I
+will take a ride."
+
+"But, Uncle Jacob, you forget that it will cost a dollar, or perhaps
+two."
+
+"No, I don't, Mary; but I'm having a vacation, and I want to enjoy
+myself a little before pitching into hard work again. I am sure you will
+be the better for a ride."
+
+"Yes, I shall. I haven't had one for months, and it will be a real
+treat."
+
+"Then we will cast prudence to the winds for once, and have a good time.
+I suppose you can drive, Bert."
+
+"Oh yes, sir; I like it. I worked for a few weeks in the grocery store,
+and drove every day. I like a horse."
+
+"So do I; but I don't care much about handling the reins myself. You'll
+promise not to upset the carriage, as Percy did the other day?"
+
+"Not unless we meet two tramps, as he did," said Bert, laughing.
+
+"I declare, Mary, there is your boy calling his old uncle a tramp."
+
+"And myself, too, uncle."
+
+"That makes it seem a little better. Are you going back to the shop?"
+
+"Yes, uncle; my time is up."
+
+"I'll walk along with you."
+
+As the two walked together, Uncle Jacob took a five dollar bill from his
+pocket, and handed it to Bert.
+
+"There, Bert," he said, "I want you to give that to your mother toward
+buying groceries and meat this week, as her expenses will be increased
+by my being in the house."
+
+"But, Uncle Jacob, we don't want you to pay board."
+
+"I am able to do it, and prefer it, Bert. So say no more about it."
+
+In truth, this donation was a relief to Bert and his mother, for they
+were compelled to economize closely, and yet wanted to live well while
+Uncle Jacob was visiting them.
+
+About seven o'clock Bert drove round to the house in a handsome top
+buggy, drawn by a spirited black horse, the best in Houghton's stable.
+
+"I'll let you have it, Bert," said Mr. Houghton, "because I know you're
+a careful driver. There are few persons I would trust with Prince."
+
+"You may depend on me, Mr. Houghton."
+
+"I know I can, Bert;" and with a few directions the stable keeper
+resigned the turnout to Bert.
+
+"You have got a stylish rig, Bert," said Uncle Jacob. "I think we shall
+have to drive by Albert Marlowe's."
+
+"Just what I would like," remarked Bert, with a smile.
+
+Bert had his share of human nature, and rather enjoyed being seen by his
+aristocratic relatives in such a stylish turnout.
+
+Supper was over at Squire Marlowe's and the family were sitting on the
+piazza, the evening being warm, when Percy espied the buggy
+approaching.
+
+"I wonder who's driving Houghton's best team?" he said.
+
+"By gracious, if it isn't Bert Barton and his mother and Uncle Jacob!"
+he exclaimed, a minute later.
+
+The squire adjusted his eyeglasses, and looked at the carriage now
+nearly opposite.
+
+"You are right, Percy," he said.
+
+"What can it mean, Albert?" asked his wife, in bewilderment, as Uncle
+Jacob bowed from the buggy.
+
+"It means that a fool and his money are soon parted," answered the
+squire.
+
+"I thought your uncle was poor."
+
+"So he is, and he will soon be poorer from all appearances. Uncle Jacob
+never was a good financial manager. He was always too liberal, or he
+wouldn't be as poor as he is now. Why with five hundred dollars he
+probably feels as rich as a nabob."
+
+"No doubt Bert Barton will help him spend it," said Percy. "It won't
+last long at any rate, if he drives out every evening."
+
+"When his money is all gone he will probably throw himself on you for
+support, father."
+
+"I wash my hands of him," said Squire Marlowe, in a hard tone. "If he
+squanders his money, he must take the consequences."
+
+"I am glad to hear you speak in that way, Albert," commented his wife,
+approvingly.
+
+Uncle Jacob enjoyed his drive and paid two dollars at the stable without
+letting the thought of his extravagance worry him.
+
+"I hope you enjoyed it, Mary," he said.
+
+"I don't know when I have enjoyed myself so much, Uncle Jacob."
+
+"Nor I," put in Bert.
+
+"Then I think the money well spent. It makes me feel young again, Mary.
+I think I made a mistake in staying away so long."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+UNCLE JACOB LEAVES LAKEVILLE.
+
+
+On his way home to dinner the next day, Bert fell in with Percy Marlowe.
+
+"I saw you out driving last evening," remarked Percy.
+
+"Yes," answered Bert composedly.
+
+"You had Houghton's best team?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How much did you have to pay?"
+
+"I believe Uncle Jacob paid two dollars."
+
+"He must be crazy to pay two dollars for a ride. Why, he's almost a
+pauper."
+
+"I think that is _his_ business, Percy. As to being a pauper, I don't
+believe he will ever be that."
+
+"Don't be too sure of it. Why, he told father he had only five hundred
+dollars. How long do you think that's going to last him if he throws
+away his money on carriage rides?"
+
+"It's only for once, and, as I said, that isn't our business."
+
+"I don't know about that, either. When he has spent all his money he'll
+be coming upon father to support him."
+
+"I don't believe he will," said Bert, to whom it was disagreeable to
+hear the kind old man spoken of slightingly.
+
+"You see if he doesn't. But it won't do any good. Father says as he
+makes his bed he must lie on it. And I say, Bert Barton, it isn't very
+creditable to you and your mother to help the old man squander his
+money."
+
+"I don't thank you for your advice, Percy Marlowe," retorted Bert, with
+spirit. "If ever Uncle Jacob does come to want, I'll work for him, and
+help him all I can."
+
+"You! why you're as poor as poverty itself!" exclaimed Percy, with a
+mocking laugh.
+
+"Good morning!" said Bert shortly, provoked, but not caring to prolong
+the discussion.
+
+When he reached home, he gave Uncle Jacob an account of his conversation
+with Percy.
+
+The old man laughed.
+
+"So Albert says that as I make my bed I must lie upon it?" he repeated.
+
+"Yes, sir; but I hope you won't be troubled at that. You will always be
+welcome here."
+
+Uncle Jacob's eyes grew moist, and he regarded Bert with affection.
+
+"You are a good boy and a true friend, Bert," he said, "and I shall not
+forget it."
+
+"I don't know but Percy was right, Uncle Jacob. It does seem extravagant
+paying such a price for a ride."
+
+"It's only for once in a way, Bert. You mustn't grudge the old man a
+little enjoyment in his vacation. I shall be going to work next week."
+
+"You will? Where?" asked Bert eagerly.
+
+"In New York. An old California friend of mine, who is in charge of a
+mine that has been put on the New York market, will give me a clerkship
+and a small salary which will support me in comfort. So you see I am all
+right."
+
+"I am very glad to hear it, Uncle Jacob," said Bert joyfully. "I was
+afraid you wouldn't find anything to do, and would have to spend all
+your money on living."
+
+"Come, Bert, that isn't much of a compliment to my ability. If I _am_
+sixty-five, I am able to earn a living yet, and though twelve dollars a
+week isn't much----"
+
+"If I could earn twelve dollars a week I should feel rich, Uncle Jacob."
+
+"True, but you are only fifteen."
+
+"Almost sixteen."
+
+"I forgot that," said Uncle Jacob, smiling. "Well, even at sixteen, a
+boy can hardly expect to earn as much as twelve dollars a week. By the
+way, how much does Albert pay you?"
+
+"Four dollars a week."
+
+"Is that about the usual price for boys employed as you are?"
+
+"Most shoe bosses pay more. The squire pays low wages all round."
+
+"Then why don't the men go elsewhere?"
+
+"Because they live here, and it is better to work cheaper here than to
+move. Some have gone away."
+
+"Well, keep up your courage, Bert, and the time will come when you will
+be earning twelve dollars a week like your rich old uncle. If the office
+were only in Lakeville, so that I could board with your mother----"
+
+"I wish it was, Uncle Jacob."
+
+"Well, Mary, I shan't have to open a cigar store in Lakeville," remarked
+Uncle Jacob, as his niece entered the room.
+
+Mrs. Barton looked an inquiry, and Bert exclaimed: "Uncle Jacob has
+secured a clerkship in New York at twelve dollars a week."
+
+"I am _really_ glad!" said Mrs. Barton, with beaming face.
+
+"Come, Mary, did you too think, like Bert here, that I was headed for
+the poorhouse?"
+
+"I felt a little anxious for you, Uncle Jacob, I admit."
+
+"You see that your fears were idle."
+
+"Will you have to work very hard?" asked Mrs. Barton.
+
+"No; my employer is an intimate friend."
+
+"When do you commence work?"
+
+"Next Monday, so that I must leave you on Saturday."
+
+"Bert and I will both miss you; but as it is for your good, we won't
+complain. Now, Uncle Jacob, I hope you won't take it amiss if I urge you
+not to be too free with your money, but to try to save up some of your
+salary so that you can add to your little fund."
+
+"Thank you, Mary. I suppose you are afraid I will be driving fast horses
+in Central Park, eh?"
+
+"I am more afraid you will be too generous with your money, and give
+away more than you can afford."
+
+"Well thought of, Mary! So far from that, I am going to turn miser and
+hoard up every cent I can."
+
+"I don't think there is much danger of that."
+
+"Oh, you have no idea how mean I can be if I try. However, as I shall be
+acting according to your advice, you can't find fault with me."
+
+"I see you don't mean to follow my advice, Uncle Jacob."
+
+"Still I am glad you gave it. It shows that you feel a real interest in
+your shabby old uncle. Some time--I can't promise how soon--I shall
+invite you and Bert to come and spend the day in New York. I will get a
+day off from the office, and we'll have a nice excursion somewhere."
+
+On Friday, Uncle Jacob called on Squire Marlowe; not at the house,
+however, but at the factory.
+
+"I've come to bid you good-by, Albert," he said.
+
+"Are you going back to California?" asked the Squire.
+
+"No, I am going to New York."
+
+"It is expensive living in New York."
+
+"I have obtained a situation there."
+
+"Ah, indeed! That is different. What sort of a position?"
+
+"I shall be a clerk in a mining office."
+
+"What pay will you get?"
+
+"Twelve dollars a week."
+
+"Very fair! I congratulate you. You ought to live on that and save money
+besides."
+
+"That's what Mary Barton says."
+
+"Then she gives you very sensible advice. It will be a great deal better
+than opening a cigar store in Lakeville."
+
+"I wouldn't do that after what you said on the subject," returned Uncle
+Jacob in a deferential tone, though there was a twinkle in his eye.
+
+"I am glad you recognize the fact that I counseled you for your good,"
+said the Squire pompously. "As an experienced business man, my judgment
+is worth something, I apprehend."
+
+"Quite so, Albert; quite so! Is your wife feeling better?"
+
+(Uncle Jacob had seen Mrs. Marlowe riding out the day before, apparently
+in full health.)
+
+"She is somewhat improved, but still delicate," said Squire Marlowe
+guardedly. "I am sorry I cannot invite you to dine with us again before
+you go to the city."
+
+"I should hardly be able to do so, as I go away to-morrow."
+
+"Just so! I will say good-by for you, and that will do just as well."
+
+"That's a load off my mind!" soliloquized the squire, after Uncle Jacob
+had left him. "I was afraid the old man would squander all his money,
+and then come upon me for that old loan. I hope he'll keep away from
+Lakeville in the future."
+
+The next day Uncle Jacob left town. As he quitted the house, he put a
+sealed envelope into Mary Barton's hand.
+
+"If you are ever in trouble, and cannot communicate with me," he said,
+"open this envelope. Take good care of it!"
+
+"I will, Uncle Jacob. I will put it away in my trunk."
+
+"Well, good-by, Mary, and God bless you!"
+
+A minute later and Uncle Jacob was gone. Mrs. Barton went back to
+covering balls and Bert to his place in the shoe shop. Their united
+earnings enabled them to live comfortably, and they were content, though
+they had nothing to spare. But trouble was close at hand, though they
+did not suspect it.
+
+What that trouble was will be disclosed in the next chapter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+DISCHARGED.
+
+
+Three days later, while on his way to the factory, Bert overtook Luke
+Crandall, who was employed like himself in pegging shoes.
+
+"Have you heard the news, Bert?" asked his friend.
+
+"No; what is it?"
+
+"All the peggers are to be discharged; you and I, and the two other
+boys."
+
+"Is that true?" asked Bert, stopping short, and surveying his friend
+with a look of dismay.
+
+"Yes; I wish it wasn't."
+
+"What is the reason?"
+
+"The squire has bought a pegging machine, and he has hired a man from
+out of town to run it. So he will have no need of us."
+
+"How soon is he going to put it in?" asked Bert, with a sinking heart.
+
+"Next Monday. At the end of this week we shall be discharged."
+
+"What are you going to do?" Bert inquired, after a pause.
+
+"I shall be all right. I have an uncle who keeps a store in Bradford,
+and I am going there to tend in the store, and shall board in the
+family. What shall you do?"
+
+"I don't know," answered Bert soberly. "This has come on me so suddenly,
+that I haven't had time to think."
+
+"There's precious little chance for a boy in Lakeville, unless he goes
+to work on a farm."
+
+"I don't even know if there is a chance to do that. All the farmers are
+supplied with help. Besides, they generally pay a boy in his board and
+clothes, and I need money to help support my mother."
+
+"Isn't old Marlowe your uncle?"
+
+"No, but he is my mother's cousin."
+
+"Then he ought to do something for you out of relationship."
+
+"I don't expect it," answered Bert. "He appears to feel very little
+interest in us."
+
+They had reached the factory, and entering, were soon at work. Before
+noon the bad news was confirmed, and the boys were informed that their
+services would not be required after Saturday night.
+
+At dinner Bert informed his mother, and she too was dismayed. It was a
+calamity she had never dreamed of. She supposed Bert was sure of
+continued employment in pegging till he was old enough to be employed in
+some other part of the business.
+
+"I don't see what we shall do, Bert," she said. "There is no other shop
+in Lakeville. If there were, you might get a chance there."
+
+"There is no business of any kind here outside of Marlowe's shop."
+
+"True. What are the other boys going to do?"
+
+"Luke Crandall is going into his uncle's shop at Bradford, and the other
+two boys talk of leaving town."
+
+"I do think Albert Marlowe might find some place for you. We are near
+relations, and he knows how I depend on your earnings."
+
+"He isn't a man to consider that, mother."
+
+Mrs. Barton was silent, but she determined to make an application to her
+cousin in Bert's behalf. Accordingly, in the evening, she said to him.
+"Bert, I am going out to make a call. I would like to have you look
+after the house while I am gone."
+
+"Yes, mother."
+
+Mrs. Barton did not venture to let Bert know of her intention, for he
+would have done his best to prevent her applying to the squire for a
+special favor. Perhaps he was too proud, but it was an honorable pride.
+Besides, he knew very well that the appeal was likely to prove
+ineffectual.
+
+With a faltering step Mrs. Barton advanced and rang the bell of her
+cousin's handsome house. It was a call from which she shrank, but she
+was spurred by necessity.
+
+"Is Mr. Marlowe in?" she inquired.
+
+"I will see, ma'am."
+
+Squire Marlowe was at home, and she was ushered into his presence.
+
+Albert Marlowe was not, on the whole, surprised to see his cousin. He
+guessed the errand that brought her, and he frowned slightly as she
+entered the room.
+
+"Good evening," he said, in a distant tone. "I hope you are well."
+
+"Well in health, but anxious in mind, Albert," she said. "Bert tells me
+that he has been discharged from the shop."
+
+"Yes, but he is not the only one. There are three other boys."
+
+"It has come upon us like a thunderbolt. I had no idea that he was in
+any danger of losing his place."
+
+"I have nothing against your son, Mrs. Barton. It is a business
+necessity that compels me to dispense with his services."
+
+"Why a business necessity?"
+
+"You may have heard that I intend to introduce a pegging machine. It
+will do the work cheaper and more effectually than under the present
+system."
+
+"Oh, why couldn't you have let matters remain as they were? You may
+gain something, but you are depriving the boys of their livelihood."
+
+"You don't regard the matter in a business light, Mrs. Barton. I must
+keep up with the times. Other manufacturers are making the change, and I
+should stand in my own light if I adhered to the old-fashioned system."
+
+"I don't pretend to know about business, Albert, but I do know that in
+dismissing Bert you deprive us of more than half our income, and Heaven
+knows we need it all."
+
+"Your son can find something else to do."
+
+"What is there for him to do in Lakeville? I shall be grateful if you
+will suggest anything."
+
+"No doubt he can get a chance to work on a farm."
+
+"I know of no farmer who needs his services, and even if there were one
+he would not get money for his services, and that is what we want."
+
+"Of course farming isn't the only thing," said the squire vaguely. "If
+he looks round sharp he will come across something----"
+
+Mrs. Barton shook her head.
+
+"You know how little business there is in Lakeville," she answered.
+"Isn't there some other department in the factory in which you can
+employ him?"
+
+Squire Marlowe shook his head.
+
+"He is too young for any other work," he said.
+
+"Then what are we to do?"
+
+"Oh, you'll think of something," said the squire indefinitely. "He is to
+be in the shop the rest of the week, and that will give you time to
+think the matter over."
+
+"Then you can't hold out any hope!" said Mrs. Barton mournfully.
+
+"No, but you mustn't be despondent. Something will turn up."
+
+Mrs. Barton was silent, and her sad face made the squire vaguely
+uncomfortable. He wished she would go.
+
+"Mrs. Marlowe is not feeling well this evening," he said awkwardly, "or
+I would invite you to meet her. Some other evening----"
+
+"I am not in the mood to meet any one to-night, Albert," she said. "I
+will be going," and she rose from her chair and moved toward the door.
+
+"Good-evening, then. I am glad to have seen you."
+
+Mrs. Barton did not reply to the compliment. Her heart was too full of
+sorrow to respond to what she knew to be insincere and unmeaning. She
+understood very well that Albert Marlowe was glad to be rid of her.
+
+"How unreasonable women are!" muttered Squire Marlowe, impatiently, as
+he closed the door upon his unwelcome guest. "Mary Barton would have had
+me postpone all improvements in my shop for the sake of keeping that boy
+of hers in his place. Business considerations are as nothing to women.
+They are so unpractical."
+
+Mrs. Barton walked homeward slowly, musing bitterly on her cousin's want
+of feeling.
+
+"How cold-hearted he is!" she murmured. "He evidently cares nothing for
+our needs, or the prospect of our hardships. He lives in a fine house,
+and rears his family in luxury, while Bert and I are likely to want even
+the necessaries of life."
+
+Perhaps Mrs. Barton was a little too despondent. Perhaps she ought to
+have had more trust in Providence; but there had been sorrows in her
+life which had robbed her of her natural hopefulness, and she was no
+longer as courageous in the face of threatening misfortune as she had
+once been.
+
+She had nearly reached home when, from out of the darkness, a man's
+figure advanced from the roadside and laid his hand upon her arm.
+
+"Who are you!" she asked faintly, suppressing a scream.
+
+"Don't be frightened, Mary," was the reply, "I am your husband, Simeon
+Barton."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+MRS. BARTON'S SECRET.
+
+
+Mrs. Barton staggered, and would have fallen, had not the other held her
+up. "You here," she exclaimed, in amazement, "after being absent so many
+years?"
+
+"Yes; it has been a cruel exile. We have been very unfortunate."
+
+"Where have you been these last ten years, Simeon?"
+
+"For the last eight years in Canada."
+
+"And you did not write me?"
+
+"No; I feared it would set officers on my track. I have heard from you
+now and then, indirectly. Have you suffered much?"
+
+"It has been a weary time. It would have been easier to bear if I had
+heard from you."
+
+"A letter from Canada would have been sure to attract attention and
+invite comment. Besides, I had no money to send you. Misfortune has
+pursued me, and I have only been able to support myself. When I think of
+the probable author of my misfortunes, I own it has made me feel
+revengeful."
+
+"To whom do you refer, Simeon?"
+
+"To Albert Marlowe."
+
+"What do you mean? How is he responsible for your--misfortune?"
+
+"I will tell you. I believe that it was he who stole the bonds, the loss
+of which was imputed to me."
+
+"Is it possible that you have any proof of this?" asked Mary Barton
+eagerly. "The bond that was found in your possession----"
+
+"Was placed in my overcoat pocket for the express purpose of throwing
+suspicion upon me. You remember that it was a bond for five hundred
+dollars, while the amount stolen was six thousand."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Albert and I were both at work in the same establishment. We were on a
+level, so far as means are concerned."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Now he is a rich man," added Simeon Barton significantly.
+
+"Yes; he is considered worth thirty thousand dollars."
+
+"It was the stolen money that gave him his start, I verily believe."
+
+"He did not start in business for himself for more than a year
+after--the trouble."
+
+"No; for he thought it would invite suspicion. I have reason to think
+that he disposed of the bonds in Canada, and with the proceeds started
+in as a manufacturer. How otherwise could he have done so? He was only
+earning two dollars a day when we were working together, and it cost him
+all of that to support his family."
+
+"I have often wondered where he obtained money to go into business."
+
+"I don't think there is any mystery about it."
+
+"And you have been compelled to bear the consequences of his wrong-doing
+while he has been living in luxury?" said Mary Barton bitterly.
+
+"Yes; but mine is not a solitary case. Wickedness often flourishes in
+this world. We must look to the future for compensation."
+
+"Do you think you will ever be able to prove your innocence, Simeon?"
+
+"It is all that I live for. If I can do that, we can live together
+again. But tell me, before I go any further, how are you and the boy
+getting along?"
+
+"We are comfortable," answered Mary Barton briefly. She did not care to
+add to her husband's anxieties by speaking of Bert's discharge.
+
+"I wish I had some money to give you, but I only had enough to bring me
+here and return."
+
+"You had an object in coming?"
+
+"Yes; there was a man who was employed by Weeks Brothers at the time of
+the loss of the bonds. I learned some months since--it is not necessary
+to explain how--that he could throw light on the long unsolved
+mystery--that he knew the real thief. I am in search of him. Some time I
+hope to find him, and make clear my innocence by the aid of his
+testimony."
+
+"Oh, Simeon, if you only could!" exclaimed Mrs. Barton, clasping her
+hands.
+
+"I shall try, at all events."
+
+"I wonder if it would not be well to consult Uncle Jacob?"
+
+"Uncle Jacob!" repeated Simeon Barton in surprise.
+
+"Yes; I have not told you. He has returned from California, and is now
+in New York."
+
+"Have you seen him?"
+
+"Yes; he spent a week at our house."
+
+Mrs. Barton went on to give the particulars of Uncle Jacob's visit.
+
+"He is a poor man," she concluded. "As I understand, he brought home but
+five hundred dollars, but he is lucky enough to be employed in an office
+in New York at a salary of twelve dollars a week."
+
+"If I were earning that, and could hold up my head an honest man,
+without a stain--an undeserved stain--upon my name, I should be happy."
+
+"Can you tell me Uncle Jacob's address?" he asked, after a pause. "I
+don't think I shall venture to call upon him, for I am subject to arrest
+on the old charge, as you know, and the New York detectives are sharp,
+but I might write to him and ask his advice. But stay! he thinks me
+dead, does he not?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And Bert--is that what you still call him?--he still thinks that he has
+no father living?"
+
+"You wished it so, Simeon."
+
+"Yes; but the time may come when the secret can be revealed to him. I
+may disclose myself to Uncle Jacob. I don't remember him very well,
+but----"
+
+"He is the best and kindest of men. I wish, he could have found
+employment here."
+
+"Did he visit Albert?"
+
+"Yes; he remained at his house one night."
+
+"Was he well received?"
+
+"At first; for, coming from California, Albert supposed him rich. When
+he found he had but five hundred dollars, he lost no time in turning him
+out of the house."
+
+"Poor Uncle Jacob! It must have hurt the old man's feelings."
+
+"I feared it would, but he only seemed amused--not at all offended."
+
+"He has seen so much of the world that he probably expected it. The old
+man seemed in good spirits, then?"
+
+"Yes; he declared that he was well able to earn his own living still,
+though he is sixty-five, and was as gay and cheerful as a young man. He
+insisted on paying his board while he was with us."
+
+"There is nothing mean about Uncle Jacob."
+
+"No; and it is a mystery to me why such men as he, who would make so
+good use of riches, should almost always be poor."
+
+"And men like Albert Marlowe are rich."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"There are a good many things that are difficult to make out. Where are
+you going to stay to-night, Simeon?" she asked, after a pause.
+
+"I--don't know."
+
+"I wish I could invite you to the house where you have the best right to
+be."
+
+"I wish so, too."
+
+"Bert doesn't know that you are alive. Perhaps I might introduce you as
+an old friend of his father."
+
+"If you think it would do. He would not speak of your having a visitor?"
+
+"Not if I told him not to do so."
+
+"You have tempted me strongly, Mary. I should like to see our boy, to
+see with my own eyes how he is looking at fifteen. And it would be a
+comfort to rest once more beneath the same roof as the wife from whom I
+have been so long separated."
+
+"I think we can risk it, Simeon. I must introduce you under another
+name."
+
+"Call me Robinson. That is the name I have borne for some years past."
+
+"Mother!" was heard from a little distance.
+
+"Bert has come out in search of me, being alarmed by my long absence.
+Now, be on your guard."
+
+"Is that you, mother? Where have you been so long? I got quite anxious
+about you."
+
+"I met an old friend of your father, Bert, and in talking with him I
+forgot how time was passing. Mr. Robinson, this is my son Herbert."
+
+Bert greeted the stranger politely. As his hand rested for a moment in
+the hand of Mr. Robinson, he felt the latter tremble.
+
+"Do you remember your father, Herbert?" asked the supposed stranger.
+
+"Not very well. He died when I was quite a young boy."
+
+"True! It was indeed a long time since," murmured Robinson, with a sigh.
+
+"Bert, I have invited Mr. Robinson to stay with us to-night. It is long
+since I have seen him and we may not meet again for some time. He will
+share your room."
+
+"Certainly, mother."
+
+They went together to the cottage. Mrs. Barton prepared some tea, and
+they sat down to a slight meal.
+
+"Oh, if it could only continue thus!" thought Simeon Barton, as he
+looked wistfully at the wife and son from whom he had been so long
+separated. "It is like a sight of the promised land."
+
+"Do you know my mother's cousin, Albert Marlowe?" asked Bert, during the
+evening.
+
+"I used to know him some years ago."
+
+"Shall you call upon him? He is a rich man now."
+
+"I think not I never--liked--him much."
+
+Bert laughed.
+
+"Ditto for me!" he said. "He is a cold, selfish man. He is not popular
+with his workmen."
+
+"By the way, Bert," said his mother, "you need not mention Mr.
+Robinson's visit. His business requires secrecy."
+
+"All right, mother! I'll bear it in mind."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+STOLEN MONEY.
+
+
+Saturday afternoon arrived, and with it came Bert's discharge from the
+shoe shop. He put the four dollars in his pocket, and with a sober face
+went home.
+
+"There are my week's wages, mother," he said. "I don't know when I shall
+have any more money to hand you."
+
+"We won't borrow trouble to-night, Bert," responded Mrs. Barton,
+concealing her solicitude under a cheerful exterior. "To-morrow is
+Sunday, and we will defer all worldly anxieties till it is over."
+
+"You are right, mother," said Bert, readily chiming in with her
+cheerful humor. "I am young and strong, and there is plenty of work to
+be done in the world."
+
+"Keep up your courage, Bert, and you will be more likely to win
+success."
+
+When Sunday was over, however, Bert felt that he must begin to look
+about him. But the more he looked the more downhearted he became. He
+went to the village store, having heard that the boy employed there was
+about to leave. After buying a pound of sugar for his mother, he
+ventured to say, "Mr. Jones, don't you want to hire a boy?"
+
+"Why should I want to hire a boy?" asked the store-keeper, in a tone of
+surprise.
+
+"I thought that Herman was going to leave you."
+
+"So he was, but he has changed his mind."
+
+"Oh!" ejaculated Bert, disappointed.
+
+"Are you asking for yourself?" inquired the merchant.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I thought you were at work in the shoe shop."
+
+"So I was, but I have lost my place."
+
+"Ha!" exclaimed the store-keeper suspiciously. "If Squire Marlowe has
+discharged you, I don't want to hire you."
+
+"You are mistaken, Mr. Jones, about the cause of my discharge. He had
+no fault to find with me."
+
+"So _you_ say," returned Jones, in evident skepticism. "Boys don't get
+discharged for nothing."
+
+Bert felt inclined to be angry, but he controlled his temper.
+
+"I am a pegger, and the squire has introduced a pegging machine, so he
+has discharged all the peggers."
+
+"Oh, that's different. Well, I'm sorry for you, but I have no vacancy."
+
+"If Herman should change his mind again, will you think of me?"
+
+"Yes, I will. I think you are a good boy, and you look strong for your
+size."
+
+Bert felt a little encouraged by this promise, though it was very
+doubtful if it would ever amount to anything.
+
+Day after day passed, and no employment offered. But one morning a
+bright idea came to Bert. Blueberries were just coming into the market,
+and he knew of a large pasture a little over a mile away.
+
+"Mother," he said, "if you'll give me a large tin pail, I'll go after
+some berries. I may be able to sell them at the hotel."
+
+"If you can't, we can use them ourselves," rejoined Mrs. Barton.
+
+"It will be better to sell them, for I hear they are bringing fifteen
+cents a quart. They won't stay long at that figure, so we will put off
+having them ourselves till they are cheaper."
+
+It was with a light heart that Bert set out for the berry pasture. He
+had become tired of having nothing to do. Any sort of employment seemed
+desirable. Besides, they were very much in want of money, and here
+seemed a chance of earning some.
+
+Bert spent five hours in the pasture. Berries were high, because they
+were scarce, and it took fully twice as long to gather a quart as it
+would two weeks later. But he kept steadily at his task, and at length
+the pail--which held four quarts--was full. He was tired enough and his
+back ached, but still he felt happy as he left the field and trudged
+toward the Lake House, which was the name of the village hotel. There
+were a few summer boarders there from New York and Philadelphia, who
+were glad to exchange the brick walls and crowded city streets for the
+verdure and pure breezes of the country.
+
+Fortunately Bert found the landlord on the piazza, and to him he
+preferred his request.
+
+"Would you like to buy some blueberries?"
+
+"Go round to the side door, Bert," said Mr. Holbrook, the good-natured
+landlord. "I leave all such matters to Mrs. Holbrook."
+
+"Blueberries?" exclaimed the landlady.
+
+"Why, it's just what I wanted. Mrs. Casewell, from Philadelphia, has
+been teasing me for some blueberry pudding. What do you ask?"
+
+"Fifteen cents a quart," answered Bert. "You know they have just come
+into the market."
+
+"That's true. Well, I will pay you your price," said Mrs. Holbrook, who
+received a good income from her boarders, and was willing to be liberal
+to others. "How many have you got?"
+
+"I think there are four quarts, but you can measure them."
+
+There proved to be four quarts, and Bert was made happy by receiving
+sixty cents in silver.
+
+"It is almost as much as I made in the shop," he reflected complacently.
+"And perhaps I can sell some more to-morrow."
+
+Bert continued to pick berries, but the price fell rapidly until it
+touched six cents, and it was not so easy to sell the berries at all,
+for many others engaged in picking them, and the market was overstocked.
+
+Bert occasionally fell in with Percy Marlowe, but the manufacturer's
+son usually took very little notice of him. This did not trouble Bert,
+however, who felt independent, and cared little for the opinion or
+notice of his wealthy cousin.
+
+In one respect, however, Percy resembled Bert. He was always short of
+money. His father allowed him two dollars a week for spending money,
+more than any other boy in Lakeville received, but Percy felt that it
+was too little. He had formed an intimacy with Reginald Ward, a young
+man from New York, who was boarding at the hotel, and with him he used
+to play pool, which he found rather an expensive game; and still worse,
+he played poker with him in his own room, locking the door carefully, as
+this game was not looked upon with favor in Lakeville. The young man
+from the city was much sharper than the country boy, and steadily won
+his money till Percy found himself in debt to him in the sum of ten
+dollars. For this Percy gave his note, but no one knew better than
+Reginald Ward that it was not valid in law, and he resolved to secure
+the money, if possible.
+
+"Percy, you owe me ten dollars," he said one afternoon.
+
+"I know it," admitted Percy, rather ruefully.
+
+"When are you going to pay me?"
+
+"I don't know," answered Percy.
+
+"But that won't do, don't you know," returned Reginald frowning. "I may
+go away next week, and I want my money."
+
+"I would pay it to you if I had it," said Percy; "but you know I have
+only my allowance of two dollars a week."
+
+"Stuff and nonsense! Do you think you are going to put me off that way?"
+demanded Reginald angrily. "I must have my money."
+
+"Then I don't see how you're going to get it," said Percy doggedly. "I
+can't pay what I haven't got."
+
+"Go to your father and ask for it."
+
+"As if he would give it to me! You don't know him."
+
+"Doesn't he ever leave money lying round?" asked Reginald significantly.
+
+"What do you mean?" asked Percy, reddening.
+
+"I see you understand. I was only suggesting a way to get the money."
+
+"I am not a thief."
+
+"Who said you were? I see I shall have to take the matter into my own
+hands."
+
+"How? What do you mean?" asked Percy nervously.
+
+"I will go to your father, show him this I O U of yours, and ask him
+for the money."
+
+"You wouldn't do that, Reginald? He would be awful mad with me, and you
+wouldn't get your money, either."
+
+"I must do something. I can't afford to lose the money."
+
+"Just wait a day or two. I'll see what I can do."
+
+"Mind you do something, then."
+
+Percy regretted that he had ever made the acquaintance of Reginald Ward,
+or consented to play poker with him, but the regret came too late. The
+mischief was done, and he saw from Ward's determined look that he must
+do something. He was just in that frame of mind when temptations have
+the most power.
+
+In the evening he went to the village store to purchase a fishing-line,
+for he had made an arrangement to go out fishing with Reginald Ward the
+next day. He made the purchase, and was about to go when his eye caught
+sight of a twenty-dollar bill lying on the desk. Mr. Jones had gone to
+the other end of the store, and no one was looking. On the impulse of
+the moment he seized the bill, and with his heart beating quickly, he
+left the store. As he passed through the door Bert Barton entered with a
+kerosene can in his hand, and walked up to the counter, taking his
+stand near the desk.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE TWENTY-DOLLAR BILL.
+
+
+In order to understand what followed, it is necessary to explain that
+the evening previous Bert and his mother found themselves out of money.
+About a dollar was due the latter for covering balls, but it would not
+be paid for three days, and meanwhile they were in an embarrassing
+condition.
+
+"What shall we do?" asked Mrs. Barton, with a troubled look. "If Uncle
+Jacob were only here, I would ask his advice."
+
+"He left a note to be opened if we got into trouble," said Bert,
+brightening up.
+
+"So he did. Do you think the time has come, Bert?"
+
+"I have no doubt of it. Where is it, mother?"
+
+"I put it in a bureau drawer in my room."
+
+"Shall I go up and get it?"
+
+"No; I will do so, as I know exactly where it is."
+
+She went upstairs, and returned almost immediately with the letter in
+her hand. Bert produced his knife and cut open the envelope at one end.
+Then, drawing out the contents, he found them to be a half sheet of note
+paper and a bank bill.
+
+"It's a twenty-dollar bill, mother!" he exclaimed joyfully.
+
+"Shall I read the note?"
+
+"Yes, read it, Bert."
+
+Bert read as follows:
+
+     MY DEAR NIECE: As I know your income is small, and you are
+     liable, in case of sickness or loss of employment to need help, I
+     put a twenty-dollar bill into this envelope, which I wish you to
+     use freely. Do not fear that it will inconvenience me to give it.
+     My health is good, and I hope to earn my living for years to come.
+
+                  Your affectionate uncle,
+                              JACOB MARLOWE.
+
+"Dear Uncle Jacob," said the widow gratefully, "how good and kind he is.
+With his small savings I don't feel that he can afford to be so
+generous."
+
+"I will pay him back some time, mother."
+
+"You think then that we are justified in using it, Bert?"
+
+"Uncle Jacob meant us to do so. Before it is gone I shall probably find
+something to do, and then I may gradually be able to pay back the
+money."
+
+"In that case, Bert, I am afraid we must break into it to-morrow.
+Probably Mr. Jones can change it for us."
+
+So it happened the next evening that Bert, with the kerosene can in his
+hand, went to the store, entering, as already described, just as Percy
+left it with the bill which he had purloined on the impulse of the
+moment.
+
+"I would like two quarts of kerosene, Mr. Jones," said Bert, handing
+over the can.
+
+The proprietor went to one corner of the store to fill the can, and
+brought it back.
+
+"Please take your pay out of this," said Bert, handing him the
+twenty-dollar bill.
+
+Mr. Jones started in surprise, and his face darkened ominously. He
+scanned the desk on which he remembered placing his own twenty-dollar
+bill, and it was nowhere to be seen.
+
+"Why, you audacious young thief!" he exclaimed in a fury.
+
+"What do you mean?" demanded Bert angrily.
+
+"What do I mean?" gasped Jones. "You know what I mean well enough. I
+never knew such audacity."
+
+"Please explain yourself, Mr. Jones," said Bert with spirit. "I didn't
+come here to be insulted."
+
+"You are a hardened young reprobate! Do you mean to say you didn't steal
+this twenty-dollar bill from my desk, where I laid it five minutes
+since?"
+
+"I don't know anything about any twenty-dollar bill of yours, Mr. Jones.
+This money is mine, or rather my mother's, and I brought it with me from
+home."
+
+"Do you expect me to believe this bold falsehood, Bert Barton?" the
+store-keeper exploded wrathfully.
+
+"I don't expect you to believe any falsehood at all, Mr. Jones. Will you
+either change that bill or give it back to me?"
+
+"I will do neither."
+
+"Then, sir, it is you who are the thief."
+
+"You impudent young rascal, now I won't have any mercy on you. For your
+mother's sake, I might have done so, but as you persist in brazening out
+your guilt, I will see that you have a chance to repent. Here is the
+constable come in just at the right moment. Mr. Drake, please come
+here."
+
+A tall, pleasant-looking officer, who had just entered the store,
+approached the desk.
+
+"What can I do for you, Mr. Jones?" he asked.
+
+"Arrest this boy!" said Jones, pointing with flushed face at his young
+customer.
+
+"Arrest Bert Barton!" exclaimed Constable Drake, in amazement. "What on
+earth has he done?"
+
+"Stolen a twenty-dollar bill from my desk, and then presented it to me
+in payment for some kerosene."
+
+"The charge is false!" said Bert, his eyes glowing with indignation.
+
+"Hear him deny it!" said Jones, looking at the circle that had gathered
+around them.
+
+"I find it hard to credit your charge, Mr. Jones," replied the
+constable. "We all know Bert Barton, and I don't believe he would be
+guilty of theft."
+
+"I require you to arrest the boy!" persisted the store-keeper, stamping
+his foot in excitement.
+
+"Wait a moment! Did you see him take the bill?"
+
+"No," answered Jones reluctantly.
+
+"Then why do you accuse him? Please state the circumstances."
+
+"A few minutes since I was paid twenty dollars by Mr. Holbrook of the
+hotel, in settlement of his weekly bill for groceries, and being
+somewhat hurried I laid it down on the desk while I was filling an
+order."
+
+"Go on!"
+
+"Five minutes since Bert Barton came in and took up his position where
+he is now standing. He asked me for two quarts of kerosene. I filled his
+can for him, and he gave me a twenty-dollar bill from which to take
+payment. I was naturally surprised, and looked for the bill I had left
+on the desk. _It was gone!_"
+
+Mr. Jones gazed about the circle triumphantly.
+
+"What do you say to that?" he asked.
+
+Sympathetic eyes were turned upon Bert. Things certainly looked black
+for him.
+
+"I don't think I need say any more," added the store-keeper. "I want you
+to arrest that boy."
+
+Bert looked at the faces that encircled him. He saw that they believed
+him guilty, and a feeling of hot indignation possessed him.
+
+"Bert, my boy," said Officer Drake, "what have you to say to this?"
+
+"That the twenty-dollar bill I handed to Mr. Jones belongs to my mother.
+I know nothing of the bill he says he laid on his desk."
+
+"That's a likely story!" put in Mr. Jones, in a tone of sarcasm. "How
+many more twenty-dollar bills have you got at your house? I wasn't
+aware that your mother was so wealthy."
+
+Again opinion was unfavorable to poor Bert. His mother's straitened
+circumstances were well known, and it certainly did seem improbable upon
+the face of it that she should have a twenty-dollar bill in her
+possession.
+
+"This was the only twenty-dollar bill that my mother had," replied Bert.
+
+"Oh, indeed! I thought as much," said Mr. Jones significantly. "Mr.
+Drake, do you intend to arrest that boy?" he added angrily.
+
+"I have no warrant," returned the officer. "If you will swear that you
+saw him take the bill, I will assume the responsibility."
+
+"I didn't see him take it," the store-keeper again admitted reluctantly;
+"but it stands to reason that it is mine."
+
+Here a young man in the outer circle stepped forward. He was a summer
+boarder at the hotel, and Bert knew him slightly.
+
+"I am a lawyer," he said, "and if Bert will place his interests in my
+hands I will see what I can do to throw light upon this mystery."
+
+"I shall be very glad to do so, Mr. Conway," answered Bert.
+
+"No lawyer is needed," sputtered Jones. "The case is as plain as can be.
+I have no more doubt that the boy took my bill than if I had seen him
+do it."
+
+"That isn't legal proof; it is only an assumption," said the young
+lawyer. "Squire Marlowe is, I believe, your magistrate here, and I agree
+in behalf of my client to have the matter brought before him to-morrow
+morning. Meanwhile, Mr. Jones, will you hand the twenty-dollar bill in
+dispute to officer Drake?"
+
+"Why should I? The bill is mine," said the merchant sullenly.
+
+"That remains to be proved. Do I understand that you refuse to give up
+the bill?"
+
+"I do?" answered Jones doggedly.
+
+"Then I will apply at once for a warrant for your arrest for holding
+property belonging to my young client," said Mr. Conway.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+MR. JONES IS EXCITED.
+
+
+The astonishment and wrath of Mr. Jones were almost ludicrous as he
+stared at the lawyer, who, cool and composed, reiterated his threat.
+
+"I never heard of such a thing!" he gasped. "You take my own money from
+me?"
+
+"It remains to be proved whether it is your own money. The boy says it
+is his."
+
+"The boy lies."
+
+"Really, Mr. Jones, I cannot allow you to make such charges against my
+client, unless you are ready to substantiate them by proof."
+
+"It stands to reason," began Mr. Jones, but the young lawyer interrupted
+him.
+
+"Nothing stands to reason that you can't prove," he said. "We will give
+you an opportunity to prove your ownership of the bill to-morrow in
+court. Now hand the bill to officer Drake."
+
+Very much against his will, Mr. Jones felt compelled to do this.
+
+"Isn't the boy going to be arrested?" he demanded, with an ugly look at
+Bert.
+
+"It is unnecessary. You can bring a formal charge against him before
+Squire Marlowe to-morrow."
+
+"The boy may escape during the night. I won't trust him."
+
+There was a murmur of disapproval among those present. All liked Bert,
+and Mr. Jones, from his quick temper and ugly disposition, was by no
+means a favorite. The store-keeper saw that it would not be good policy
+to insist upon Bert's arrest, and he said, sullenly, "I will hold you
+responsible for his presence at the trial."
+
+Mr. Conway smiled.
+
+"If he is not present, I will myself see that you do not suffer in
+consequence. Besides, flight would be tantamount to confession, and the
+case would go against him by default."
+
+"And should I in that case get the twenty-dollar bill?"
+
+"I will take it upon me to offer no opposition," said the lawyer.
+
+"Now, can I go?" asked Bert.
+
+"Yes; I will accompany you home for consultation."
+
+Bert took the can of kerosene and was about to leave the store, when the
+store-keeper said harshly: "Put down that kerosene! you haven't paid for
+it!"
+
+Bert flushed and looked embarrassed. It was true that he had not paid
+for it, nor did he have the money to pay, outside of the twenty-dollar
+bill which had been taken from him.
+
+"I have no money," he said. "I will leave it till to-morrow."
+
+"How much is it, Mr. Jones?" asked Conway.
+
+"Twenty-five cents."
+
+"I will advance the money. Bert, take your can."
+
+"You are very kind, Mr. Conway," said the boy gratefully.
+
+"We will settle hereafter. Now let us be going."
+
+In explanation of the price mentioned, I may say that kerosene is now
+much cheaper than at the date of my story.
+
+"Now, Bert," said Mr. Conway, "as your legal adviser I shall have to ask
+you to tell me just where you obtained the bill you offered in payment
+to Mr. Jones for the kerosene. I have no doubt of your innocence, but we
+must make it plain to all who may attend the trial."
+
+"I should like to have you come home with me, Mr. Conway. Mother will
+confirm what I say."
+
+"I shall be glad to do so. Will your mother be alarmed?"
+
+"Yes, I think she will; but you can make things clear to her."
+
+Mrs. Barton was indeed startled when she learned that Bert had been
+charged with theft, but after a free talk with Mr. Conway she felt much
+relieved.
+
+"Your defence is perfect, I think," said the young lawyer. "Of course
+Mr. Jones or his lawyer may claim that you wrote the letter yourself."
+
+"Will it be necessary to send to Uncle Jacob and get him to testify?"
+
+"I don't think so. I think your defence will be complete without it.
+There is another point of considerable importance which I shall look up
+to-night. If things turn out as I suspect they will, we shall not need
+to disturb your Uncle Jacob."
+
+At nine o'clock Mr. Conway took his leave and returned to the hotel. He
+had a short conference with the landlord, which was evidently
+satisfactory.
+
+"I think we shall prove too many for Mr. Jones," he murmured softly, as
+he went up to bed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+PERCY GETS RID OF THE BILL.
+
+
+When Percy Marlowe left the grocery store with the stolen bill in his
+hand, he was tremulous with excitement and agitation. He felt that he
+had committed a crime, and he was almost tempted to go back and replace
+the money. But it was possible that its loss had already been
+discovered, and he might be connected with it. He felt that it would be
+safe to get as far away as possible from the store.
+
+"Nobody will suspect me," he said to himself, plucking up courage.
+
+Then there was the pleasant thought that he could pay up his debt to
+Reginald Ward, and have ten dollars left over. It would be very
+comfortable to have ten dollars to spend, and Percy, whose conscience
+was not sensitive, began to consider what would be the pleasantest way
+of disposing of it. He soon came to a decision on this point, having,
+like most boys, rather a talent for spending money.
+
+"I'll go round by the hotel," he said to himself, "and if I find Reg
+there I'll pay him what I owe him and get it off my mind."
+
+Percy walked around to the Lake House, and found Reginald Ward in the
+billiard room. Ward treated him rather coldly.
+
+"Good-morning, Percy," he said.
+
+"Good-morning, Reg."
+
+"I hope you have come prepared to pay me what you owe me. I may have to
+go back to New York to-morrow."
+
+"I wish he would," thought Percy. "Then, if there's any trouble about
+this money, he will be well out of the way, and nobody can find out
+about it."
+
+"I can pay you to-night," said Percy.
+
+"You can? You're a trump!" said Reginald, in gratified surprise.
+
+"Suppose we go up to your room," went on Percy nervously, "and don't
+talk about it here. I don't want anybody to know that I am owing you any
+money."
+
+"I understand. The governor wouldn't like it, hey?"
+
+"No, he'd be awful mad."
+
+"Follow me, then, Percy," and Ward led the way up to his room.
+
+"Lock the door," said Percy.
+
+"Seems to me we are mighty mysterious," commented Ward, laughing. "Oh,
+well; anything to accommodate. Now, where are the spondulicks?"
+
+"Can you change a twenty-dollar bill?" asked Percy.
+
+"Whew! you are wealthy," said Ward, in surprise. "Let me see!" and he
+opened his pocket book. "Much as ever," he replied, after investigating
+the contents. "Here is a five, a two, a silver dollar, and I think I can
+make up two dollars in small change. It'll take up about all I've got."
+
+"Then perhaps you'd rather wait till I have a chance to get the bill
+changed," suggested Percy.
+
+"Not much," returned Reginald, with a crafty smile. "'A bird in the
+hand is worth two in the bush,' as somebody says. I am willing to be
+inconvenienced for the sake of getting the debt paid."
+
+"Oh, well; just as you say," rejoined Percy, secretly glad to get the
+tell-tale bill out of his possession, and to replace it in his pocket
+with the smaller bills and silver which Ward proposed to give him.
+
+When the transfer was made, Ward asked, "Where did you raise the twenty,
+Percy?"
+
+Now it was that Percy looked embarrassed.
+
+"It is some money I had given to me a long while ago," he answered with
+hesitation.
+
+"Oh!" exclaimed Ward, evidently incredulous.
+
+"I promised not to use it, but to keep it saved up," continued Percy,
+"and I meant to; but you wanted me to pay what I owed you, and so----"
+
+"You acted like an honest young man," said Ward, finishing his sentence
+for him.
+
+"Yes."
+
+There was a peculiar smile on Reginald Ward's face, but he did not think
+it best to question Percy's statement. His money had been paid him, and
+that was all he cared for.
+
+"Percy's found it in his father's desk, I reckon," he said to himself,
+"but that doesn't concern me. I've got my money and that's more than I
+expected."
+
+"By the way, Reg," said Percy hurriedly, "don't mention to any one my
+paying you this money."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"It would be found out that I had been playing cards for money, and
+there'd be no end of a row. Besides, then it would come out that I had
+parted with this bill."
+
+"All right, Percy. I'll keep mum. Won't you go down and have a game of
+billiards?"
+
+"Not to-night. I'm rather tired."
+
+"That boy's got something on his mind," thought Reginald Ward.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+BERT STANDS TRIAL.
+
+
+Percy went to bed early, and heard nothing of Bert's arrest for the
+theft which he had himself committed till at the breakfast table the
+next morning his father said: "Well, young Barton has got into a bad
+scrape."
+
+"What is it, father?" asked Percy, pricking up his ears.
+
+"He is charged with stealing a twenty-dollar bill from Mr. Jones, the
+store-keeper."
+
+This was certainly amazing, and Percy, in his agitation, nearly choked
+with some coffee that went the wrong way.
+
+"Be more careful, Percy!" said his mother sharply.
+
+"I was so surprised, mother, at what father told me," apologized Percy.
+
+"I don't know why you need be surprised," said Mrs. Marlowe. "I never
+had a very good opinion of the boy."
+
+"How did it happen?" asked Percy, curious to know how suspicion could
+have fallen upon Bert.
+
+"It appears that Mr. Jones laid a twenty-dollar bill on his desk--a very
+careless proceeding, by the way--while he was waiting upon a customer in
+another part of the store. About five minutes afterward the Barton boy
+called upon him to fill a small can with kerosene, and actually had the
+hardihood to offer his own twenty-dollar bill in payment."
+
+"Bert Barton offered Mr. Jones a twenty-dollar bill?" asked Percy, in
+great surprise.
+
+"Yes; no wonder you are surprised at his boldness."
+
+"Perhaps it wasn't the same bill," Percy was constrained to suggest.
+
+"You must be a fool, Percy. Where else could he have got so large a bill
+as that? We all know how poor the Bartons are. Besides, the bill on the
+desk had disappeared."
+
+Percy was silent for a moment. He felt bewildered, and could not
+understand it at all. He knew very well that it was not the same bill.
+But where did the other bill come from? How happened a poor boy like
+Bert Barton to have such a large bill in his possession? That was
+certainly mysterious.
+
+"Was--was Bert arrested?" he asked, in a hesitating tone.
+
+"He would have been but for the interference of a meddlesome young
+lawyer, who, it appears, is staying at the hotel."
+
+"Mr. Conway?"
+
+"I believe that is his name. He offered to defend the Barton boy, and
+would not permit him to be arrested."
+
+Percy was glad to hear this. He was mean and selfish, but he was not
+mean enough to wish Bert to suffer for a crime of which he knew him to
+be innocent.
+
+"What was done, then?" he asked, after a pause.
+
+"The boy was allowed to go home, but his trial is to take place before
+me this morning at ten o'clock. You can be present, if you desire."
+
+"I--don't--know as I do," said Percy.
+
+His father looked surprised.
+
+"I thought you would be eager to be there," he said.
+
+"I may come in," said Percy; "but I am sorry for Bert, and I should not
+like to see him under arrest."
+
+"You are too good-hearted, Percy," said his mother. "I am sure I hope
+the boy did not do what is charged, though I don't think there is the
+slightest doubt of it; but if he is guilty I want him punished. That is
+the only way to protect the community from further thefts."
+
+"What would mother say if she knew I did it?" thought Percy, shivering.
+"I wish I hadn't done it."
+
+But it was too late to wish that. He had appropriated the money, and it
+had been paid away. Suppose Reginald Ward should betray him? Percy
+earnestly hoped that he would leave town before he had a chance to hear
+of the stolen money, for he felt certain that sharp young man would
+suspect him of having had something to do with it.
+
+As the time drew near, Percy decided that he had better not attend the
+trial. He was afraid that some one would call to mind that he too had
+been standing near the desk just before the bill disappeared. He felt
+nervous and excited. He wished it was all over, and Bert was acquitted.
+Suppose he were found guilty and sentenced to imprisonment? It would be
+terrible, Percy admitted to himself; but what could he do? He couldn't
+confess, and incur the same punishment himself. The very thought made
+him shudder. He walked about the streets in a very uncomfortable frame
+of mind till about a quarter of ten. Then he suddenly encountered Bert,
+who, in company with his lawyer, was on his way to a room in the town
+hall where the trial was to take place. Bert held his head erect, but
+his face was flushed with shame at the unpleasant predicament in which
+he found himself. When he saw Percy approaching he said to himself
+bitterly: "There is one who will rejoice at my misfortune."
+
+What was his surprise, then, when Percy came up with a pleasant smile,
+and said, "Good-morning, Bert."
+
+Bert looked at him sharply, to see if there was anything triumphant in
+his smile, but Percy's manner was cordial and friendly.
+
+"Have you heard of my trouble, Percy?" asked Bert abruptly.
+
+"Yes, Bert, and I am very sorry for it."
+
+"Do you believe me guilty?"
+
+"No, I don't," returned Percy, and he offered his hand.
+
+"Thank you, Percy," said Bert, moved in spite of himself. "I misjudged
+you. If _you_ don't believe me guilty, I hope others won't. Are you
+going to the trial?"
+
+"I wasn't thinking of doing so, but I will walk with you as far as the
+town hall."
+
+There was quite a crowd gathered near the entrance to the building, for
+it was generally known that Bert was to be tried for the theft that
+morning. Some of those composing it--in fact most--were Bert's friends;
+but there were a few who delighted in scandal and looked forward with
+eagerness to hearing the details, and did not care much how Bert might
+be affected by it.
+
+The surprise was general when Bert approached, apparently in friendly
+converse with Percy Marlowe, a boy whose want of cordial feeling toward
+him was generally known. The occasion was a trial for Bert, but Percy's
+unexpected friendliness sustained him, though he had not got over his
+surprise at it.
+
+All parties entered the court-room, and presently Squire Marlowe himself
+appeared. He walked with dignity to the platform, and took his seat
+behind the desk over which justice was dispensed.
+
+"Who is the complainant in this case?" he asked.
+
+"I am, squire," said Mr. Jones, advancing eagerly.
+
+"State your case."
+
+"I charge this boy--Bert Barton--with stealing a twenty-dollar bill from
+my desk last evening."
+
+"Have you counsel?"
+
+"No, squire. The case is plain, and I can manage it myself."
+
+"I represent the defendant," said the young lawyer Conway.
+
+"You are a lawyer, are you?" asked Squire Marlowe, frowning.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Have you any evidence or certificate to show this?"
+
+"I can prove it, if necessary; but I will venture to suggest that your
+doubts on the subject are very singular, and that, lawyer or no lawyer,
+I am at liberty to appear for the defendant if he desires it."
+
+Squire Marlowe coughed and looked displeased at this remark.
+
+"State your case, Mr. Jones," he said, after the latter had been sworn.
+
+The grocer told the story as it happened, making it bear as heavily
+against Bert as possible.
+
+"Do you wish to ask the witness any questions, Mr. Conway," inquired the
+judge.
+
+"Yes, sir. Mr. Jones, what makes you think my client took your
+twenty-dollar bill?"
+
+"It stands to reason--" commenced the grocer.
+
+"Never mind about that! Please stick to facts."
+
+"Well, the bill disappeared."
+
+"Admitted. Go on."
+
+"The Barton boy was standing near the desk."
+
+"Did you see him take it?"
+
+"No; how could I? My back was turned."
+
+"This is important. Then, so far as your knowledge goes, any other
+person may have taken the bill."
+
+"Didn't I tell you that the boy was brazen enough to offer me the same
+bill in payment for some kerosene which I got for him?"
+
+"You are very sure it was the same bill, are you, Mr. Jones?" asked
+Conway carelessly.
+
+"Why, of course it was."
+
+"That won't do! How can you prove it was?"
+
+"Because," said the grocer triumphantly, "the bill I lost was a
+twenty-dollar bill, and the bill the boy offered me was a twenty-dollar
+bill," and Mr. Jones looked around the court-room with a complacent and
+triumphant smile. Squire Marlowe, judge though he was, gave a little
+nod, as if to show that he, too, thought the argument was unanswerable.
+Even Bert's friends in the court-room glanced at each other gravely. It
+certainly looked bad for our hero.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+BERT'S TRIUMPHANT VINDICATION.
+
+
+"You have not answered my question, Mr. Jones," persisted the young
+lawyer.
+
+"I rather think I have," said the grocer, looking around him
+triumphantly.
+
+"But not satisfactorily. I ask you again, how do you know that the
+twenty-dollar bill tendered you by my client was the same bill which you
+left on the desk?"
+
+"It stands to reason----"
+
+"Stop there! That is no answer."
+
+"It seems to me you're mighty particular," retorted the grocer sharply.
+
+"My young client's interests require it. Now for your answer."
+
+"Well, there wasn't any other twenty-dollar bill around."
+
+"How do you know! Young Barton says he brought the bill from home."
+
+"He says so!" repeated Mr. Jones, with a suggestive sneer.
+
+"Upon that point I propose to call a witness who will corroborate his
+statement. Mrs. Barton!"
+
+The widow Barton came forward, pale and anxious, and was sworn. She was
+regarded with sympathy by all present except the grocer and the acting
+judge. After one or two unimportant questions, Mr. Conway asked: "When
+your son went to the grocery store, did he take any money with him?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"How much?"
+
+"Twenty dollars."
+
+"Was it in the form of one bill, or several?"
+
+"It was a single twenty-dollar bill."
+
+Mr. Jones, who had now taken his seat, looked insultingly incredulous.
+
+"Can I ask a question?" he said, turning to Squire Marlowe.
+
+"You can."
+
+"I should like to ask Mrs. Barton where the prisoner obtained the
+twenty-dollar bill?" And the grocer looked around the court-room again,
+triumphantly.
+
+"It came from my uncle, Jacob Marlowe," answered Mrs. Barton.
+
+"Ah, that's it! Is Mr. Jacob Marlowe in town?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"When was he in town?"
+
+"Three or four weeks since."
+
+"When did he give you the money?"
+
+"He left a sealed envelope containing it, which we were not to open
+unless in case of need."
+
+"When did you first open it?"
+
+"Last evening."
+
+"Can you produce the envelope?" asked Jones, with an ironical smile.
+
+"Here it is."
+
+The envelope was taken and examined by the grocer.
+
+"There is nothing to show that this could not have been prepared by the
+defendant, without the knowledge of this convenient uncle," he said.
+
+"There was a note accompanying it," Mrs. Barton added.
+
+"Let me see it."
+
+"I will read it," said Mr. Conway, taking it in his hand.
+
+This note has already been quoted in Chapter XI.
+
+Mr. Jones looked somewhat nonplussed.
+
+"I am free to confess," he said, after a pause, "that I doubt the
+genuineness of this note. Nothing could be easier than to prepare it."
+
+"I appeal to the court to protect the witness from insult," interposed
+Mr. Conway.
+
+"I do not consider that she has been insulted," said Squire Marlowe
+coldly. "The credibility of testimony is always a matter to be
+considered."
+
+Mr. Jones eyed the young lawyer with a triumphant smile.
+
+"Have you any further questions to put, Mr. Jones?" added Conway.
+
+"No, sir, I am satisfied."
+
+"Then the witness may step down. I call upon Mr. Jones to take the
+witness stand again."
+
+"I have no objection, I am sure!" said the grocer jauntily. He saw that
+the judge was with him, and he confidently anticipated Bert's
+conviction.
+
+"From whom did you obtain the twenty-dollar bill which you charge my
+client with taking?" asked Mr. Conway.
+
+"From Mr. Holbrook, the landlord of the hotel."
+
+"You are sure of this?" demanded Conway sternly.
+
+"Of course I am."
+
+"And you will swear that this is the case?"
+
+"Certainly!" answered Mr. Jones aggressively, thinking it very important
+that he should substantiate this fact.
+
+"That will do, Mr. Jones."
+
+The grocer took his seat, feeling that he had scored a victory and
+foiled the lawyer. It was not long before he had occasion to change his
+opinion.
+
+"Mr. Holbrook," called Conway.
+
+The landlord of the Lakeville Hotel took the stand. He was a
+pleasant-looking, good-hearted man, and he glanced sympathetically at
+Bert and his mother.
+
+"Mr. Holbrook," said Conway, "do you remember paying Mr. Jones, the
+complainant, a twenty-dollar bill?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+The grocer smiled again. Everything seemed to favor his side of the
+case.
+
+"For what was the payment made?"
+
+"For groceries furnished by Mr. Jones."
+
+"Would you recognize the bill you paid if you should see it again?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Is this the bill?" asked the lawyer, exhibiting the note taken from the
+grocer, and now in the custody of the court.
+
+Mr. Holbrook took the bill in his hand, and, turning it over, looked at
+the reverse side. All eyes were upon him, and there was a hush of
+expectation, for it was felt that the whole case hinged upon the answer
+to this question.
+
+"This is not the same bill," answered the landlord composedly.
+
+Bert's friends looked joyful, and Mr. Jones looked dismayed.
+
+"He is mistaken!" ejaculated the grocer, much perturbed.
+
+"Of course," continued the young lawyer, "you have some means of
+identification. Please state to the court how you know that this is not
+the same bill."
+
+"The bill which I paid to Mr. Jones," answered the landlord, "had the
+letters I. W. written in red ink on the back. This note has no such
+mark."
+
+Conway looked triumphant. It was his turn now. He took the bank-note,
+and holding it up in sight of all, called the attention of the court and
+those present to the fact attested by the witness.
+
+"It is clear," he said, "that nothing was ever written on the back of
+this note in red ink."
+
+"It might have been effaced," suggested the grocer querulously.
+
+"The bill, since it was taken from the complainant, has been in charge
+of the court," said Conway. "I hardly think the complainant will dare to
+assert that it has been tampered with. And now, your honor," turning to
+the presiding judge, "I submit that the charge has been completely
+answered. We have shown that the bill tendered by my client was not the
+bill lost by Mr. Jones. I claim his discharge."
+
+Squire Marlowe hesitated, but he could think of no pretext for holding
+Bert, since the case against him had so signally failed.
+
+"The prisoner is discharged!" he said briefly, and rose from his seat.
+
+Bert's friends surrounded him, and he began to fear that in their
+enthusiasm they would shake his hand off. It was almost as serious as
+being a Presidential candidate. It is needless to say, however, that Mr.
+Jones was not one of the friends who congratulated him. He, on the other
+hand, looked decidedly grumpy, and as if he had lost his best friend. He
+pushed his way through the crowd up to the young lawyer.
+
+"This is all very fine, Mr. Lawyer," he said, "but will you tell me how
+I am to get my money back?"
+
+"What money, Mr. Jones?"
+
+"The twenty-dollar bill taken from my desk, of course."
+
+"I wish I could, Mr. Jones, but I know no more than the man in the
+moon."
+
+"Is that all the satisfaction I am going to get?" demanded Jones
+angrily.
+
+"From me--yes. You will have to find the person who actually took the
+money."
+
+"I don't see how I am to do it. I would have sworn that it was Bert
+Barton, and I am not sure now----"
+
+"Stop there, Mr. Jones! If after my client's full vindication you
+insinuate any charge of dishonesty, I shall advise him to sue you for
+defamation of character."
+
+The grocer looked startled, and Conway continued:
+
+"But I will volunteer the suggestion that as you can now identify the
+bill, you can advertise that a note so marked has been stolen from you,
+and call upon any one into whose hands it may come to help you trace it
+back to the thief. There is a chance that you may recover it."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+WHAT BECAME OF THE STOLEN NOTE.
+
+
+Among the attentive listeners at Bert's trial was a tall young man with
+light hair and pallid complexion, upon whose thin face there played a
+shrewd smile. He seemed unusually interested, as was indeed the case,
+for he strongly suspected that he knew who was the actual purloiner of
+the stolen twenty-dollar bill. It is hardly necessary to say that the
+young man was Percy's friend, Reginald Ward.
+
+When the landlord gave his testimony, he was no longer in doubt, for he
+had himself noticed the letters I. W. on the back of the bank-bill.
+
+As he left the court-room, he saw Percy lingering near the door.
+
+"Come with me, Percy," he said, linking his arm with that of the boy. "I
+have something to say to you."
+
+"I have an engagement," pleaded Percy, trying to release himself. "I
+will call round this afternoon."
+
+"I can't wait till afternoon," said Reginald decidedly. "I must speak to
+you now on a matter of importance."
+
+"How did the trial come out?"
+
+"The boy was acquitted."
+
+"I thought he would be."
+
+"Why?" asked Reginald Ward, eyeing Percy curiously.
+
+"Because I don't think he would steal."
+
+"Is he a friend of yours?"
+
+"No; he is only a working boy."
+
+"Still you think he is honest?"
+
+"Oh, yes."
+
+"How then do you account for the bill's being stolen?"
+
+Percy shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"I don't feel sure that any bill was stolen," he said. "I don't think
+much of old Jones. I dare say he made up the story."
+
+"That is hardly likely. What object could he have?"
+
+"He wanted to get hold of Bert Barton's bill. Where did Bert get it
+from? Did he say?"
+
+"He said it was left in an envelope by some old uncle of his."
+
+"Uncle Jacob?"
+
+"Yes; I think that was the name."
+
+"I didn't think the old man had so much money to spare."
+
+"You seem to know him then?"
+
+"I have heard of him."
+
+By this time they had reached the hotel, and Reginald asked Percy to
+come up to his room.
+
+"What was it you wanted to speak to me about?" asked Percy, as he took a
+seat at the window.
+
+"I wanted to tell you that the stolen bill came from Mr. Holbrook. Mr.
+Jones testified to this effect, and Mr. Holbrook also."
+
+"Well, what of that?"
+
+"Mr. Holbrook described the bill and stated that the letters I. W. were
+written in red ink on the reverse side."
+
+Percy began to see the point, and waited anxiously for Reginald to
+continue.
+
+Ward drew from his pocket the twenty-dollar bill, and held it up to open
+view.
+
+"This is the bill you paid me last evening," he said. "You will observe
+the letters I. W. as described by the landlord. Now, where did you get
+this bill?" he asked searchingly.
+
+Drops of perspiration stood on Percy's forehead, and he hesitated to
+reply. Finally an inspiration came to him, and he said, "I picked it up
+in the street, near the grocery store. The thief must have dropped it."
+
+"You didn't tell me that when you paid it to me."
+
+"No, I didn't think it necessary. I was anxious to get out of debt to
+you."
+
+"Percy Marlowe, that statement of yours won't pass muster. Weren't you
+in the grocery store last evening?"
+
+"No--yes," stammered Percy.
+
+"And you saw this bill on Mr. Jones's desk--yes or no?"
+
+"I don't see what right you have to question me," said Percy sullenly.
+
+"Because you have paid me stolen money, and if I keep it I am likely to
+get into trouble. Indeed, I came very near it this morning. I was on the
+point of paying it to Mr. Holbrook for my board. You can imagine that he
+would have recognized it at once."
+
+"I don't see as you are to blame."
+
+"No, I am not; but if the bill were known to be in my possession, the
+only thing I could do would be to state from whom I received it."
+
+"You wouldn't do that!" said Percy, in alarm.
+
+"I should have to. But I don't mean to run the risk. I will give you
+back the bill, and you must return me the ten dollars I gave you in
+change."
+
+"But what can I do with the bill?"
+
+"That is your lookout. Of course you will still owe me ten dollars."
+
+Reluctantly Percy drew out the ten dollars he had received in change,
+not having yet spent any of it, and Reginald Ward gave him back the
+unlucky bill. Percy thrust it quickly into his vest pocket.
+
+"Now, Percy," said Reginald, "let me advise you as a friend to get that
+bill out of your possession as soon as possible. If it is traced to you,
+you will get into hot water."
+
+"I can't pass it here."
+
+"You have no right to pass it anywhere."
+
+"You could pass it in New York."
+
+Reginald Ward considered a moment, but shook his head. "No, it would be
+too dangerous," he said. "It might be traced to me, and it would be
+known that I have been in Lakeville. I should have to expose you to
+screen myself."
+
+"Then what would you advise me to do?"
+
+"Get it back to Mr. Jones in some way. Here, take an envelope, inclose
+the bill, and mark the grocer's name on it. Then drop it somewhere, and
+the thing will be done; Jones will be happy and you will be safe."
+
+"All right!"
+
+Percy followed Reginald's advice, and then put the letter in his
+pocket.
+
+"When are you going back to New York?" he asked.
+
+"To-morrow. I will leave you my address, and hope you will have the
+honesty to pay me what you owe me as soon as possible."
+
+"Yes, I will, but I am afraid that won't be soon."
+
+"You ought to make an effort to pay me."
+
+"It isn't as if I really owed it to you. It is money I have lost at
+cards."
+
+"If you are a boy of honor," said Reginald impressively, "you will feel
+that such debts ought to be paid above all others."
+
+"Why should they?" asked Percy, and there will be many others who will
+be disposed to echo the question. "Why should gambling debts take
+precedence of honest obligations?" It is not necessary to repeat
+Reginald's explanation, as it was shallow and sophistical.
+
+Two hours later Sam Doyle, a young Irish boy, espied, under a bush by
+the roadside, what seemed to be a letter. He picked it up, and, though
+his education was by no means extensive, he made out the name of Mr.
+Jones.
+
+"Shure Mr. Jones must have dropped it out of his pocket," he said. "I'll
+carry it to him."
+
+He entered the store, and attracted the attention of the grocer, who was
+behind the counter, and in a bad humor, smarting still from his loss of
+twenty dollars.
+
+"Clear out, you Sam Doyle!" he said, "unless you want to buy something.
+I don't want any boys loafing round my store."
+
+"Is this your envelope, Mr. Jones?" asked Sam, producing the envelope.
+
+"Give it to me."
+
+Mr. Jones read his name on the envelope in some wonder and tore it open.
+What was his amazement and delight when he saw the lost bill!
+
+"Where did you get this, Sam?" he asked.
+
+"I found it under a bush by the side of the road, near the blacksmith's
+shop."
+
+"When?"
+
+"Shure it wasn't more'n five minutes."
+
+"Do you know what was in the envelope?"
+
+"No."
+
+"You are sure no one gave you the letter to hand to me?" said the
+grocer, with a searching glance.
+
+"Shure, I found it."
+
+"Well, I'm glad to get it. You are a good boy to bring it to me. Here's
+ten cents."
+
+Sam took the money, as much surprised as pleased, for the grocer was
+considered, and justly, a very mean man.
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Jones," he said.
+
+"You are sure that Bert Barton didn't give you the letter?"
+
+"Yes, sir. I haven't seen Bert since mornin'."
+
+"Did you see any other boy near?"
+
+"Yes, sir, I saw Percy Marlowe."
+
+"Did he speak to you?"
+
+"Yes, sir; he asked me what I'd got in my hand."
+
+"What did you say?"
+
+"I showed him the letter."
+
+"Did he say anything to you then?"
+
+"He told me it was for you, and he said I'd better take it right over to
+your store."
+
+"He gave you good advice. Wait a minute, and I'll do up a pound of sugar
+and send it to your mother as a present."
+
+"What's come to the old man?" thought Sam. "Shure he's gettin' generous
+in his old age!"
+
+"I wish I knew who took that bill," thought the grocer meditatively.
+"However I've got it back, and that's the main thing."
+
+When Percy dropped the envelope, he remained near at hand, and seeing
+Sam pick it up, instructed him to carry it to the grocer. He then
+breathed a sigh of relief, and felt that he was lucky to get out of a
+bad scrape so safely.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+AFTER THE TRIAL.
+
+
+"Mr. Conway," said Bert, as they walked home together from the trial, "I
+am very grateful to you for getting me out of my trouble. If you will
+let me know your fee, I will pay it."
+
+"My dear boy," rejoined the young lawyer, "this is my vacation, and I
+only took up your case to keep my hand in."
+
+"You are very kind, and I shall always remember it."
+
+"Lawyers are not always mercenary, though they have that reputation with
+some. I should like, by the way, to find out who did steal the bill."
+
+"So should I. I have no idea for my part."
+
+"If you ever find out, let me know. I go back to New York to-morrow, and
+am glad to leave the memory of a professional triumph behind me."
+
+"What is your address, Mr. Conway?"
+
+"No. 111 Nassau Street, Room 15. Here is my card. When you come to New
+York, call and see me."
+
+"I shall do so, though it may be some time in the future. Do you think
+I could get anything to do in New York?"
+
+"Yes; but perhaps not enough to pay your expenses."
+
+"I find the same trouble here."
+
+"You have been at work in the shoe factory, I believe."
+
+"Yes; but I have been discharged. My place has been taken by a machine."
+
+"That is unfortunate. Is there no other opening in Lakeville?"
+
+"I have not found any yet."
+
+"I will keep your case in mind, and if I hear of anything I will let you
+know."
+
+When Squire Marlowe returned home from the trial, his wife inquired with
+interest, "How did the case come out?"
+
+"The boy was acquitted," answered her husband shortly.
+
+"Acquitted! Why, you thought it was a close case."
+
+"So I did, but it came out on the trial that there were two
+twenty-dollar bills, and the one which the Barton boy presented was left
+for him by Uncle Jacob."
+
+"By that old man? Why, I thought he was poor."
+
+"So he is--worth only five hundred dollars, and he is making ducks and
+drakes of that as fast as he can."
+
+"And then he will fall back on you?"
+
+"I suppose so."
+
+"Then I hope you will let him go to the poor house," said Mrs. Marlowe
+with energy.
+
+"I shall. I have no pity for a man who throws away his money."
+
+Percy came home to dinner in lively spirits. He was free from anxiety,
+and felt that he had been remarkably fortunate.
+
+"Were you at the trial, Percy?" asked his mother.
+
+"No, ma."
+
+"I thought you would be interested in seeing that boy on trial."
+
+"I was sorry for him, and didn't want to be present."
+
+"Sorry for him?"
+
+"Yes; I felt sure he had not taken the money."
+
+"Seems to me this is a new streak, Percy," said the squire. "I thought
+you didn't like Bert Barton."
+
+"I am not intimate with him, for he is only a working boy; but all the
+same I don't want him convicted when he is innocent."
+
+"It is a mystery to me who could have taken the other twenty-dollar
+bill," said the squire. "Can you think of anybody?"
+
+"No; how should I?" returned Percy, nearly swallowing a spoonful of soup
+the wrong way.
+
+"There are so few people in the village, that it must be some one we
+know."
+
+"Perhaps old Jones didn't lose any money, after all."
+
+"There is no doubt on that point. The stolen bill has been returned to
+him in an envelope by Sam Doyle."
+
+"Is that so?" exclaimed Percy, counterfeiting surprise. "Why, it must be
+the same envelope Sam showed me."
+
+"He showed you the envelope?"
+
+"Yes; he picked it up by the roadside. It was directed in pencil to Mr.
+Jones. So that contained the stolen bill?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then perhaps it was taken in joke."
+
+"A poor joke! No; the thief got alarmed, and took that way of returning
+it. I suggested to Jones that the handwriting on the envelope might
+furnish a clew to the thief."
+
+"What did he say?" asked Percy, alarmed.
+
+"He said he should do nothing about it, now that he had the money back."
+
+"I guess he's right," said Percy, relieved.
+
+In the afternoon Bert met Percy in the street. He advanced cordially.
+
+"Well, Percy, I got free, after all."
+
+"Yes, I am glad of it."
+
+"I feel grateful to you for believing in my innocence."
+
+"It's all right," said Percy, in a patronizing tone. "Even if you are a
+working boy, I was sure you wouldn't steal."
+
+Bert's feelings cooled a little. Somehow Percy's manner kept him aloof.
+
+"Yes, I am a working boy," he replied, "or at any rate I would like to
+be, but I don't find it easy to get work."
+
+"Just so! If I hear of anything I will let you know. Good-morning!"
+
+"I don't know what to make of Percy," thought Bert, perplexed. "He was
+as kind as he could be this morning, and now he is offish. At any rate,
+he didn't believe me guilty, and I won't forget that in a hurry."
+
+Two more weeks passed, and Bert still found himself unable to find
+employment. Berries had become so plenty that he was unable to sell any,
+and only picked some for consumption at home. The sum of money which had
+been received from Uncle Jacob gradually dwindled, and Bert became
+alarmed. What would they do when it was all gone? He had no doubt that
+Uncle Jacob would give them further assistance, if appealed to, but both
+he and his mother felt that it would be an imposition on the old man,
+with his limited fund of money, to ask anything more of him.
+
+"I don't want any more of Uncle Jacob's money, mother," said Bert; "but
+I should like to ask him if he could find me a place in New York."
+
+"I couldn't bear to have you leave me, Bert."
+
+"But I must take work wherever I can find it."
+
+So Bert with his mother's permission, wrote to Uncle Jacob, informing
+him of his discharge from the factory, and his desire to obtain work
+elsewhere. This letter reached Jacob Marlowe, and led to his writing as
+follows to the squire:
+
+     NEPHEW ALBERT:
+
+     I hear by a letter from Lakeville that you have discharged Bert
+     Barton from your employment, and that he cannot secure any other
+     kind of work. I am surprised that you should treat Mary's boy in
+     this manner, considering the relationship that exists between you.
+     I appeal to your better nature to reinstate him in his old place. I
+     can assure you that you will have no cause to regret it. I have
+     steady work here, and am quite well satisfied with my position and
+     prospects.
+
+                       JACOB MARLOWE.
+
+"The stupid old meddler!" ejaculated the squire, throwing the letter
+from him in impatience. "I suppose the Barton boy has been writing to
+him. He evidently considers it my duty to support all my poor relations,
+himself included. I will undeceive him on that point." He drew writing
+materials toward him and wrote as follows:
+
+     UNCLE JACOB:
+
+     I have received your letter asking me to reinstate the Barton boy
+     in his old place. This is a business matter, and I don't permit any
+     interference with my business. I may add that, even if he is a poor
+     relation, I do not feel called upon to support all my needy
+     relations. I am glad you have obtained a situation in which you can
+     make an honest living. I hope you will keep it, and won't squander
+     the small sum of money you have in reserve.
+
+                  Yours, etc.,
+                       ALBERT MARLOWE.
+
+When Uncle Jacob read this letter, he smiled.
+
+"It is what I expected," he said to himself. "Albert Marlowe is
+thoroughly selfish, and so, I think, are his wife and son. I must find
+some other way of helping Bert."
+
+The day succeeding the receipt of Uncle Jacob's letter, the squire met
+Bert in the post-office.
+
+"Have you been writing to Jacob Marlowe?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I suppose you asked him to urge me to take you back into the factory?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"At any rate, he has done so; but I allow no one to interfere in my
+business affairs. You hear, do you?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Then remember it!" and Squire Marlowe turned his back rudely upon Bert.
+
+"Here is a letter for you, Bert!" said the postmaster.
+
+Bert opened the letter in some surprise, and read it with interest and
+excitement.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+BERT OBTAINS WORK.
+
+
+To begin with, the letter, which Bert so unexpectedly received,
+contained a ten-dollar bill.
+
+"It must be from Uncle Jacob!" he thought. He turned to the next page,
+and looked for the signature. It was, as he anticipated, Jacob Marlowe.
+It was brief, as will be seen from the copy given below:
+
+     MY DEAR NEPHEW:
+
+     I am sorry to hear that you have lost your place in the factory. I
+     think Albert Marlowe might at any rate have retained _you_, knowing
+     how much you and your mother needed your weekly wages. I have
+     written to him, asking him to take you back into the shop, but I do
+     not suppose he will. It is more to test him than anything else that
+     I have made the request. But, at any rate, we will give him a
+     chance to deal considerately. Next week, Thursday, if you should
+     not have found work, come up to the city and seek me at the office
+     where I am employed, No. 111 Nassau Street, Room 19, and I may have
+     it in my power to employ you in an important matter. Bring all your
+     clothes with you, but take only money enough to get to the city,
+     leaving the balance with your mother. Give my love to her, and tell
+     her to keep up good courage.
+
+                  Your affectionate uncle,
+                               JACOB MARLOWE.
+
+"I am to go to New York!" thought Bert joyfully. "Perhaps Uncle Jacob
+will find me a place there. I shall enjoy that ever so much. Let me see,
+I am to go next week, Thursday, and it is now Saturday. I wish the time
+had come!"
+
+Of course, Bert carried the letter home and showed it to his mother.
+
+"How kind Uncle Jacob is!" she murmured. "But I am afraid he is too
+generous. He is a poor man. He cannot afford to be giving us money all
+the time."
+
+"He is earning a good salary, you know, mother."
+
+"Only twelve dollars a week, Bert."
+
+"But that is a good deal. If I were earning twelve dollars a week I
+should feel rich."
+
+"It doesn't go very far in a large and expensive city like New York."
+
+"I could save half of it, if I had it. Would you mind much, mother, if I
+should take a place in New York?"
+
+"It would be terribly lonely for me, Bert," sighed Mrs. Barton.
+
+"But you would not oppose it?"
+
+"Not if your Uncle Jacob thought it best. He seems to be our only friend
+just now."
+
+"Yes; I don't know what we should have done without him."
+
+On Monday morning, considerably to his surprise, Bert received an offer
+of employment.
+
+About a mile from his mother's cottage lived Silas Wilson, an old farmer
+about sixty years of age, who had the reputation of being one of the
+meanest men in Lakeville. Even his horses and cows had a hungry look,
+and it was easy to see that they were not pampered or injured by
+over-feeding. This was the man who stopped his farm wagon in front of
+Mrs. Barton's dwelling, and spoke to Bert, who was just coming out of
+the front door.
+
+"Here, you, Bert Barton!"
+
+"Good-morning, Mr. Wilson," replied Bert.
+
+"Squire Marlowe tells me you are out of a job."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"And I've been thinkin' I could give you work on my farm."
+
+Bert was not overjoyed at this announcement, but he felt that he ought
+to take into consideration any offer that might be made to him.
+
+"Would you expect me to board at your house?" he asked.
+
+"Sartin! All my boys board with me."
+
+"How much wages would you be willing to pay?"
+
+"Fifty cents a week and board. I calculate that would be about right."
+
+"Fifty cents a week and board?" repeated Bert, by no means dazzled by
+the tempting offer.
+
+"Yes. What do you say?"
+
+"I shouldn't be willing to work for that."
+
+"You wouldn't, hey? What did you get in the shoe shop?"
+
+"Four dollars a week."
+
+"Board's worth that, so I give you what's equal to four dollars and a
+half."
+
+Bert had heard something of the kind of board supplied by the farmer,
+and he was hardly prepared to rate it so high.
+
+"It wouldn't be worth that to me," he said. "I would rather work for
+three dollars and a half in cash, and board at home."
+
+"I've got to have my boy in the house," said Silas Wilson decidedly.
+"Come, now, what do you say?"
+
+He regarded Bert with some anxiety, for he had been suddenly left in the
+lurch by a hired man who had received a better offer elsewhere, and
+hardly knew where to turn for assistance.
+
+"I'll tell you what I'll do," said Bert. "I've got to go to New York on
+Thursday on business, but I'll come and work for you till Wednesday
+night for half a dollar and my board."
+
+"I'll give you thirty-five cents," replied the farmer cautiously.
+
+Bert shook his head.
+
+"Forty, then, and that's high pay for a half grown boy."
+
+"I'm more than half grown," returned Bert. "It's no use, Mr. Wilson, I
+won't take less than fifty cents."
+
+"Then jump on the wagon. It's a big price to pay, but I'm in a hole, and
+won't stop to dicker."
+
+"I will go and tell my mother first."
+
+"Well, hurry up, for part of the day is gone already."
+
+"I don't believe you'll like it, Bert," said Mrs. Barton.
+
+"Nor I, but I made up my mind to accept the first offer I got, and I
+shall feel better satisfied if I keep my word. I'll come round this
+evening, after work, and tell you how I like it as far as I've got."
+
+Bert seated himself in the wagon next to the farmer.
+
+"Be you the boy that Jones charged with stealin'?" asked Silas.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"You didn't do it?" asked Silas, in some apprehension.
+
+"No, of course not!" answered Bert, indignantly. "Didn't you know I was
+acquitted, and that it was shown that there were two twenty-dollar
+bills?"
+
+"It's wicked to steal," observed the farmer, apparently a little anxious
+still.
+
+"Of course it is."
+
+"One of the boys that worked for me stole some money from a
+chest-of-drawers in my chamber. You see Mis' Wilson and me sleep in a
+bedroom on the first floor openin' out of the settin' room."
+
+"Did the boy take much?" asked Bert, in some curiosity.
+
+"Yes; he took a twenty-five cent piece," answered Silas Wilson, soberly.
+
+Bert wanted to laugh, but controlled his facial muscles, though he eyed
+his companion with a queer look.
+
+"That was a good deal of money," he said, soberly.
+
+"Yes, it was."
+
+"How did you find him out--the boy, I mean?"
+
+"He spent the money at Jones's store."
+
+"What did he buy with it?"
+
+"He bought some doughnuts."
+
+"Did he board with you?" asked Bert significantly.
+
+"Yes, he did."
+
+"Then," thought Bert, "I don't wonder much that he was tempted."
+
+"I've got fifty cents in my pocket," he said aloud, producing the coin.
+"I show it to you, so that if you hear of my spending money you needn't
+think I took it from you."
+
+Silas Wilson eyed the half-dollar with a covetous look, which the sight
+of money always brought to his face.
+
+"Hadn't you better give it to me to keep for you?"
+
+"No, thank you; I am very careful. I shall not lose it."
+
+"Boys ginerally are keerless. They are apt to lose money."
+
+"I don't believe you ever lose money, Mr. Wilson."
+
+"Not since I was a boy. I lost two cents once, but it was a lesson to
+me, and I've never lost a copper since."
+
+By this time they had reached the farm-house. The farmer drove into the
+barn and put up the horse.
+
+"Now we'll go to work," he said.
+
+The work which awaited Bert was in the cornfield. He was set to hoeing,
+and kept it up for three hours, along with the farmer in the adjoining
+row. Noon came, and Silas, pausing in his work, said: "I calculate Mis'
+Wilson will have dinner ready. We'll go to the house."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+BERT'S EXPERIENCE AS A FARMER'S BOY.
+
+
+Bert followed the farmer into the kitchen, in the center of which a
+table was set. A bony and angular woman was just placing on it a large
+pitcher of water.
+
+"Mis' Wilson," said the farmer, "this is Bert Barton, who is helping me
+about the farm work."
+
+Bert was no stranger to Mrs. Wilson, whose pew in church was near the
+one he occupied.
+
+"How's your ma?" she inquired jerkily.
+
+"Pretty well, thank you, Mrs. Wilson."
+
+"I'm glad to hear it. She looks like a friend of mine, Mrs. Dusenberry,
+who died of heart disease."
+
+"I don't think her heart is affected," said Bert, not without anxiety.
+
+"Maybe not, but you can't tell. Folks lives along for years with their
+hearts out of kilter, who never find it out till some day they drop
+dead."
+
+Mrs. Wilson decidedly was not a cheerful converser. She prided herself
+on detecting signs of unsuspected diseases.
+
+"Mebbe you've got heart disease yourself, Sophia," remarked the farmer
+jocosely.
+
+"Just as likely as not," answered Mrs. Wilson calmly. "I'm sure my
+liver's affected, for I feel it squirm sometimes."
+
+"Mebbe I'd better look out for a second Mis' Wilson," suggested the
+farmer smiling.
+
+"You ain't over healthy yourself, Silas," responded his better half,
+surveying her husband in a business-like manner. "It looks to me as if
+your kidneys was out of order, and you're the very image of Jed
+Pettibone, who died of apoplexy. He lived next door to my mother. One
+day he was alive and well, and to-morrow he was as the grass of the
+field."
+
+The farmer's face wore a very uncomfortable look, and he was evidently
+by no means pleased with his wife's prognostications.
+
+"Nonsense!" he said testily. "I'm as well as any man of my age in
+Lakeville."
+
+"'Boast not thyself of to-morrow'!" quoted Mrs. Wilson solemnly.
+
+"Come, Bert, let us set down to dinner," said Silas hastily. "What have
+you got for us, Sophia?"
+
+"I've warmed over them beans we had yesterday," answered his helpmeet,
+"and there's two sausages besides. I don't want any. You'd ought to
+make a dinner off of that."
+
+"Why, to be sure! Beans and sausages is hearty, and will stand by us in
+the field. The laborer is worthy of his meat."
+
+"Where's the meat," thought Bert.
+
+Silas Wilson put a moderate portion of beans on a large plate, flanking
+it with a thin, consumptive-looking sausage.
+
+"Help yourself to potatoes," he said, as he handed the plate to Bert.
+
+Bert availed himself of the invitation, and helped himself to a potato
+in that condition known as soggy. He tried to eat it, but, though fond
+of potatoes, he left it almost entire on his plate. This, however, was
+not all. There was a plate of rye-bread on the table, from which Bert
+helped himself to a slice. It was apparently two or three days old, and
+needed something to make it palatable.
+
+"Please give me some butter," asked Bert, not having observed that this
+was a prohibited article on the Wilsons' dinner table.
+
+"There ain't none," answered Mrs. Wilson promptly.
+
+"I beg pardon. I hadn't noticed," said Bert, blushing.
+
+"We never have butter at dinner," explained Silas Wilson. "It's apt to
+lead to humors, particularly in boys, isn't it, Mis' Wilson?"
+
+"So I've always heard, Silas. Besides, as we have it at breakfast and
+supper, that's enough. It goes fast enough, even then. Why, we used most
+a pound last week."
+
+"And butter twenty-seven cents a pound!" chimed in the farmer. "Why,
+it's extravagant!"
+
+"Do you know, Silas, how much butter is used in Squire Marlowe's
+family?"
+
+"No," answered the farmer, with interest.
+
+"Hannah--Mrs. Marlowe's girl--told me they used six pounds and a half
+last week, and there's only four of them, including the girl. What do
+you think of that?"
+
+"What do I think? I think it's sinful--positively sinful! Six pounds and
+a half at twenty-seven cents----"
+
+"They pay thirty-two, and get the best in the market," amended his wife.
+
+"Worse and worse! That comes to what--Bert?"
+
+"Two dollars and eight cents," answered Bert promptly.
+
+"Sho! Did you ever?"
+
+"Well, I s'pose the squire can stand it. No doubt they live on the fat
+of the land. I just wish they'd invite me to tea, so I could judge for
+myself. I could tell within five cents how much the supper cost."
+
+It must be confessed that Bert did not enjoy his dinner. The sausage was
+far from rich or juicy, and the beans were almost cold. The potatoes and
+bread have already been referred to. However, there was to be a second
+course, and to that Bert looked forward anxiously, for he had by no
+means satisfied his appetite. It was a plain rice pudding, and partially
+satisfactory, for it takes very little skill to boil rice, and there is
+little variety in the quality. By way of sauce Mrs. Wilson provided
+cheap grade of molasses. Still Bert enjoyed it better than any other
+article on the table.
+
+"There's nothing like a good dinner to strengthen us for the labors of
+the field," said Silas Wilson complacently, as he rose from the table.
+"Come, Bert, now let us get to work to make up for lost time."
+
+"So Mr. Wilson considers the time spent in eating as lost time," thought
+Bert. "I'd rather have one of mother's dinners than half a dozen like
+this. Ugh! how nasty those potatoes were."
+
+Bert returned to the field, and resumed his work. He found it hard to
+keep up with Silas Wilson, whose energies seemed to be quickened by his
+midday meal.
+
+About four o'clock a man came along who wanted to see Silas on business,
+and he went back to the house, leaving Bert to continue his work alone.
+
+"This is about the longest day I ever passed," thought Bert, pausing to
+wipe his moistened forehead. "I am afraid I shall never want to be a
+farmer. I mustn't forget, though, that I am to receive sixteen cents and
+a little over per day, besides board--and such board! Yet this is the
+way Silas Wilson has lived all his life, and he must be sixty-five at
+least. How much more enjoyment Uncle Jacob has out of life, though he is
+a poor man compared to the farmer."
+
+At this moment he heard wheels passing on the road hard by, and looking
+up he recognized Percy Marlowe, neat and trim in his attire, driving a
+light buggy.
+
+"Hallo!" called out Percy, checking his horse.
+
+"Hallo, Percy!"
+
+"Are you working for Silas Wilson?"
+
+"Yes, for a few days."
+
+"I guess you'll make a fortune in that time?" said Percy laughing.
+
+"It seems like it," responded Bert.
+
+"How much does he pay you?"
+
+"Fifty cents for three days and board."
+
+Percy laughed.
+
+"I should want fifty cents an hour, and then I wouldn't do it."
+
+"I'd work all the year round at that price," said Bert.
+
+"I never expect to work--with my hands," went on Percy.
+
+"Have you decided what to do?" asked Bert curiously.
+
+"My father wants me to be a manufacturer, but I think I shall be a
+lawyer."
+
+"I am afraid I shan't have much choice. I must take what I can get."
+
+"You might stay with Mr. Wilson and be a farmer."
+
+"I don't think that will suit me at any rate, unless I can work for a
+different man."
+
+"Perhaps father can take you back into the shop when you are older."
+
+"I wish he would take me back now. I like it a great deal better than
+working out in the field here."
+
+"You mustn't get too high notions into your head, Bert. You know you are
+a working boy and mustn't expect to have things all your own way."
+
+"I am not likely to forget that I am a working boy, especially with kind
+friends to remind me of it. But we live in the best country in the
+world, and there is many a working boy who grows up to be a
+distinguished man."
+
+Percy laughed ironically.
+
+"I wouldn't get such silly ideas into your head," he said.
+
+"Why are they silly?"
+
+"You talk as if you expected to be a distinguished man. Ha, ha!"
+
+"I hope to be a successful man," answered Bert stoutly.
+
+Percy laughed again and drove on. Five minutes later Bert saw the farmer
+running from the house in a state of great apparent excitement.
+
+"Have you seen anything of my wallet?" he gasped, as he came within
+hearing distance.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+BERT IS PLACED IN AN EMBARRASSING POSITION.
+
+
+Bert regarded his employer with surprise.
+
+"Your wallet?" he repeated.
+
+"Yes," answered Silas Wilson impatiently. "I had it in my pocket when I
+was at work here. I didn't think about it till just now, after Mr.
+Dexter had left me. Then I found that my pocket was empty."
+
+"I haven't seen it, but you may have dropped it somewhere."
+
+"Just help me look for it. Has anybody been here?"
+
+"No; at least not in the field. Percy Marlowe passed in his buggy,
+and----"
+
+"Never mind about that. Help me look for the wallet."
+
+The rows of corn were of considerable length, and there were a good many
+of them. At least ten minutes elapsed before anything was seen of the
+missing article, and dark suspicions of his young assistant entered the
+mind of Mr. Wilson. But at last Bert's sharp eyes espied a faded leather
+wallet between two hills in one of the rows which the farmer had hoed.
+
+"Is this it?" he asked, holding it up in his hand.
+
+"Yes!" exclaimed Silas delighted. "Where did you find it?"
+
+"Just here."
+
+Mr. Wilson opened it, anxious to see whether the contents were intact.
+
+"It's all safe," he said, with a sigh of relief.
+
+"Was there much money in it?" asked Bert.
+
+"Yes; two dollars and sixty-seven cents. It's a narrow escape! Suppose
+a dishonest person had found it?"
+
+"It would have been terrible!" said Bert, successfully checking his
+disposition to laugh.
+
+"I'm much obliged to you, Bert, for findin' it. I suppose you don't want
+any reward?"
+
+"Oh, no! I am working for you, you know, and it wasn't my own time I was
+using."
+
+"That's true! Still, I am willin' to give you two cents to encourage you
+to be honest."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Wilson; but I don't need any reward for that."
+
+"You're a good boy, and if you stay with me I'll make a man of you."
+
+"Thank you."
+
+Bert was privately of opinion that if he remained till the age of
+twenty-one in Silas Wilson's employ, boarding at his table, he would
+grow into a very thin, under-sized man indeed.
+
+Supper was a less substantial meal than dinner in the Wilson household,
+consisting of bread and butter and tea, with the addition of a plate of
+doughnuts, which were so tough and hard that it occurred to Bert that
+they would make very good base-balls if they had been of the right
+shape.
+
+After supper he went home for an hour.
+
+"Don't you feel very tired, Bert?" asked his mother.
+
+"Yes, mother, but I feel still more hungry. If you've got anything left
+from supper I think I can dispose of it."
+
+"Certainly, Bert; but didn't you eat supper at Mr. Wilson's?"
+
+"Mother, they don't know what good living is there. I'd rather have one
+of your suppers than a dozen of Mr. Wilson's. I begin to think that the
+board part won't be worth over fifty cents for three days. I am sure it
+won't cost them any more."
+
+"I wish you were going to sleep here, Bert. I shall feel lonely."
+
+"So do I, but I shall only be away two nights. Silas Wilson promises to
+make a man of me if I'll stay, but I'd rather grow to manhood somewhere
+else."
+
+Bert returned to the farm-house, and about half-past eight went to bed.
+He knew he must be early astir, and he felt fatigued by his day of labor
+in the field. Besides, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson went to bed at this hour. The
+farmer was not fond of reading, nor indeed was there anything in the
+house to read, for neither he nor his wife had a literary taste. Once he
+took an agricultural paper for a year at a cost of two dollars, but
+whenever the paper arrived he groaned in spirit over the cost, and
+deplored his extravagance in subscribing for it.
+
+The room assigned to Bert was over the kitchen, which was in the ell
+part. The roof was sloping, and, toward the eaves, very low. There was
+one window near the bed which he occupied.
+
+Bert went to sleep in ten minutes, and slept soundly for three or four
+hours. Then something roused him, and he opened his eyes. What he saw
+startled him. By the bright moonlight he perceived a man climbing in at
+the window.
+
+To say that Bert was perfectly calm would not be true. He was very much
+startled, as I think almost any boy, or man either, would have been
+under the circumstances.
+
+"It is a burglar!" thought Bert in excitement. "What can I do?"
+
+Some one evidently had heard of Silas Wilson's miserly disposition, and
+judged that there would be a good chance to secure booty in the farm
+house. Bert, though he did not admire Mr. Wilson, felt that it was his
+duty to protect him from being plundered, if possible. He knew that he
+was in some personal peril, but he was naturally a brave boy, and his
+spirit rose to the occasion.
+
+He waited until the supposed burglar was in the room, and then, sitting
+up in bed, asked stoutly: "Who are you? What brings you here?"
+
+The man turned swiftly toward the bed, and fixed his eyes on Bert, but
+did not immediately speak.
+
+"If you are a burglar," continued Bert, emboldened by the man's
+hesitation, "you had better get out of the window again, or I shall call
+Mr. Wilson."
+
+"No, don't call him, at least not yet," said the intruder, sinking into
+a chair a few feet from the bed. "Are you working here?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Who are you?"
+
+This seemed a singular question. What could his name matter to a
+burglar? However, Bert answered mechanically, "My name is Bert Barton."
+
+"The widow Barton's boy?"
+
+"Yes; how do you know that?" demanded Bert, in bewilderment.
+
+"Don't you know me?" was the unexpected rejoinder.
+
+He drew nearer to the bed, and Bert gazed at him earnestly, but no light
+dawned upon him.
+
+"No, I don't know you," he said, shaking his head.
+
+"I am Silas Wilson's son," said the stranger.
+
+"Phineas Wilson?"
+
+Now Bert remembered that eight years before, the farmer's son, a man
+grown, had left Lakeville, and, so far as he knew, had not been heard of
+since. He had contracted a habit of drinking and had tired of farm work.
+Moreover, when he left, he had taken fifty dollars of his father's money
+with him, which had led to bitter feelings on the part of the farmer,
+who appeared to mourn the loss of his money more than that of his son.
+And this was the young man who had crept into his father's house like a
+thief in the night.
+
+"Why did you get into my window?" asked Bert. "Why didn't you come to
+the door?"
+
+"I--didn't know if I would be welcome. I wanted to ask. Do you know how
+my father feels toward me?"
+
+"No; I have only been here one day. He ought to be glad to see his son."
+
+"I took some money with me when I went away," said Phineas hesitating.
+"Father's very fond of money."
+
+"Yes," assented Bert.
+
+"And he would find it hard to forget that."
+
+"Why didn't you come back before?"
+
+"I didn't dare to come till I could bring the money. I have got it with
+me, but not a dollar more. If you want to know what brings me back, look
+in my face and see for yourself."
+
+The moon came out from behind a cloud, and by its light Bert saw that
+the young man's face was thin and ghastly.
+
+"I am sick," he said; "irregular hours and whiskey have done their work.
+I am afraid I have got to pass in my checks."
+
+"What does that mean--die?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Don't give up!" said Bert, feeling his sympathies go out toward this
+prodigal son. "You are young. It takes a good deal to kill a young man."
+
+"You're a good fellow, Bert. That's your name, isn't it? Will you do me
+a favor?"
+
+"To be sure I will."
+
+"I am famished. I haven't had anything to eat for twenty-four hours. Can
+you slip downstairs and fetch me something to eat--no matter what--and a
+glass of milk?"
+
+Bert hesitated. He could get what was required in the pantry, but
+suppose the farmer or his wife should wake up! It would make his
+position a very awkward one.
+
+"Hadn't you better go down yourself?" he asked.
+
+"I can hardly stand, I am so tired. Besides, I don't know where mother
+keeps things."
+
+"I will try," said Bert; and he slipped on his pantaloons, and went
+softly downstairs.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+THE MIDNIGHT VISIT TO THE PANTRY.
+
+
+"Suppose Mrs. Wilson sees me?" thought Bert uncomfortably. "She will
+take me for a thief."
+
+He was actuated by the kindest motives, but he heartily wished his
+errand were done. As he stepped into the kitchen he heard the deep
+breathing of Mrs. Wilson and the noisy snore of her husband, and rightly
+judged that it would not be easy to rouse either of them. He opened the
+pantry door, and by the light of the moon was able to inspect the
+shelves. There was a half loaf of bread on one shelf, half a dozen
+doughnuts on a plate on the shelf below, and a few cold beans close
+beside them. Then there was a small pitcher half-full of milk.
+
+"I don't think the beans or doughnuts will set well on an empty
+stomach," Bert reflected. "I'd better take the milk and two or three
+slices of bread."
+
+Here the cat, who had been asleep on the hearth, roused herself, perhaps
+at the sight of the milk pitcher, and, mewing loudly, rubbed herself
+against Bert's legs.
+
+"Scat!" cried Bert, in a low voice, anxiously looking toward the door of
+the bed chamber in which the farmer and his wife lay asleep.
+
+The cat got between his legs and nearly tripped him up, but he managed
+to get out of the room and upstairs. Phineas looked at him eagerly.
+
+"I have some bread and milk here," said Bert. "I couldn't find any
+butter. There were some cold beans and doughnuts, but--"
+
+"The bread and milk are better. Give them to me. I am almost famished."
+
+The bread was dry and stale, but Phineas was not in the mood to be
+particular. He ate like one famished, and drained the pitcher to the
+last drop.
+
+"I feel better," he said then, with a sigh of relief.
+
+"I suppose I had better take the pitcher back to the kitchen. It will be
+missed," reflected Bert, and he started downstairs again in his bare
+feet. He paused at the kitchen door, and heard the farmer talking in
+his sleep. This alarmed him. He decided that it would not do to replace
+the pitcher in the pantry, as he would be likely to be heard. He waited
+where he was for five minutes, and then ventured into the kitchen. This
+time he was successful, and with mind relieved returned to his chamber.
+
+Phineas was dozing in his chair.
+
+"You had better get into the bed, Mr. Wilson," said Bert, filled with
+compassion for the weary wayfarer. "I'll lie on the floor."
+
+"If you don't mind. I am fagged out."
+
+Bert made a pillow of his coat and trousers, and stretched himself on
+the floor. He found that there was an inside bolt, with which he
+fastened the door, to guard against any unexpected visit from Mr. or
+Mrs. Wilson.
+
+He fell asleep again, and was only roused by a loud voice at the foot of
+the back stairs.
+
+"Time to get up!" called the farmer.
+
+"All right!" responded Bert in a loud tone.
+
+Fortunately Silas Wilson did not think it necessary to come up. Had he
+done so it would have been embarrassing, for Phineas was sound asleep on
+the bed. Bert thought it best to rouse him before he went down stairs.
+
+"Are you not afraid some one will come upstairs and find you here?" he
+asked.
+
+"No; mother never comes up till after she has got breakfast out of the
+way and the dishes washed."
+
+"I suppose you know best," said Bert doubtfully.
+
+"If necessary I shall tell her who I am."
+
+Bert went below, and sat down at the breakfast table. It was clear from
+the expression on Mrs. Wilson's face that she had something on her mind.
+
+"Silas," she said solemnly, "something mysterious has happened during
+the night."
+
+"What is it?" asked the farmer in a tone of surprise.
+
+"We have been robbed!"
+
+"What of?" he asked, turning pale. "Do you miss any of the spoons?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Or--or money?" and he pulled out his wallet hurriedly.
+
+"No, no, it isn't that."
+
+"What is it, then?"
+
+"I left that pitcher half full of milk when I went to bed last night.
+This morning there wasn't a drop in it, and the pantry door was open."
+
+"Cats are fond of milk," suggested Silas, with a glance at Tabby, who
+was lying near the fire-place.
+
+"It wasn't the cat. She couldn't get her head inside the pitcher.
+Besides, there are three slices of bread missing."
+
+"Won't cats eat bread?"
+
+"It was a two-legged cat!" replied Mrs. Wilson significantly.
+
+Bert reddened in spite of himself, and tried to look unconscious. He saw
+that Mrs. Wilson was on the point of making a discovery, and that
+suspicion was likely to fall upon him. This he could clear up, but it
+would be at the expense of the poor fellow who was asleep upstairs.
+
+"But how could anybody get into the house?" asked Silas. "The doors were
+locked, weren't they?"
+
+"Yes, Silas. In forty years I have never failed to lock the door before
+I went to bed."
+
+"Then I don't see----"
+
+"Nor I--yet!" said Mrs. Wilson significantly, and Bert thought--but he
+may have been mistaken--that her eyes turned for a moment in his
+direction.
+
+"At any rate it isn't much of a loss. Was there anything else in the
+closet?"
+
+"There were some doughnuts and beans."
+
+"Were any of them taken?"
+
+"No, not that I can see."
+
+"Cats don't care for them."
+
+"Don't be a fool, Silas! That poor cat had no more to do with the
+robbery than I have."
+
+"Mebbe you're right; but cats have been known to steal. I like dogs
+better myself."
+
+"I don't!" cried Mrs. Wilson with emphasis. "I'm not going to have any
+dog trapesing over my floors with his muddy feet."
+
+"Just as you like, Sophia. You'd better lock the pantry door in future."
+
+"I'm not sure that that will answer, unless I hide the key."
+
+"Do you seriously think a human being took the things?"
+
+"Yes, I do--in the middle of the night."
+
+"By gracious! that's serious, He might have come into our room and taken
+my wallet and watch."
+
+"And maybe murdered us in our beds!" added Mrs. Wilson grimly.
+
+"Did you hear anybody walking round the house last night, Bert?" asked
+the farmer, who was by this time worked up into a state of agitation.
+
+"No," answered Bert.
+
+"I am glad he did not ask me whether I _saw_ anybody," thought he. "I
+don't want to tell a lie."
+
+"I usually sleep pretty sound," he added, a little ashamed of his
+duplicity, yet not knowing how else to avert suspicions.
+
+"So we all do!" said the farmer's wife. "We might be all murdered in our
+beds without knowing anything about it."
+
+"I shouldn't want to know anything about it if that was going to
+happen," observed Silas, not without reason. "I don't think it could
+have been a very desperate ruffian, if he contented himself with taking
+bread and milk."
+
+"He may come again to-night," suggested Mrs. Wilson.
+
+"I hope not," said Silas fervently. "I--I couldn't sleep if I thought
+so."
+
+"We must get to the bottom of this," went on his wife resolutely. "I am
+not willing to have such goings on in my house."
+
+"How are you going to do it, Sophia? Probably the thief's miles off by
+this time."
+
+"He may be, or he may not be!" said Mrs. Wilson in an oracular tone.
+
+"I've heard of folks walking in their sleep," she added, after a pause.
+
+"You don't mean me?" asked Silas.
+
+"No; if you did it I'd have had a chance to find out in forty years. Do
+you ever walk in your sleep?" she asked, turning suddenly to Bert.
+
+The question was so unexpected that he could not help changing color,
+and this served to increase Mrs. Wilson's dawning suspicions.
+
+"Not that I ever heard of," Bert answered, after a pause.
+
+"I knew a boy once that did--it was a second cousin of my brother's
+first wife."
+
+"I am sure I never get up in my sleep."
+
+The door leading into the entry from which the back-stairs ascended was
+open, and through this, just at this moment, was heard a sound that
+startled all three who were sitting at the breakfast table.
+
+It was a loud, unmistakeable sneeze, and it came from the chamber which
+Bert had occupied.
+
+The farmer and his wife started as if the house had been shaken by an
+exploding bombshell. Both turned as pale as death, looked fearfully at
+each other, and clutched tightly at the edges of the table.
+
+"Silas!" said Mrs. Wilson, in a hollow voice, "the burglar is
+upstairs!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+A PANIC AT FARMER WILSON'S.
+
+
+Silas Wilson was not a brave man, and at his wife's suggestion he turned
+pale, and looked panic-stricken.
+
+"Do--you--think so?" he asked feebly.
+
+"Do I think so? I know so," returned Mrs. Wilson energetically.
+
+"How could he get up there?"
+
+Mrs. Wilson walked to the window, and her lynx eyes detected the ladder
+by which Phineas had climbed to the window of Bert's room.
+
+"Do you see that?" she asked.
+
+It is rather surprising that she did not suspect Bert of knowing
+something about the matter, but she had not yet had time to put two and
+two together.
+
+"It's terrible!" murmured Silas, mopping the cold perspiration from his
+forehead. "What can we do?"
+
+"What can we do? Go and get your gun, Silas, and go up and confront the
+villain. That's what we can do."
+
+Somehow the suggestion did not seem to find favor with Mr. Wilson.
+
+"He would shoot me," he said. "He's probably waitin' for me with a
+loaded weepun upon the landin'."
+
+"Silas Wilson, I am ashamed of you. Are you going to let a villainous
+burglar rampage round upstairs, stealin' whatever he can lay his hands
+on? Come now!"
+
+"I believe you care more for the few things upstairs than for your
+husband's life," said Silas reproachfully.
+
+"Do you want _me_ to go, Silas? What'll the folks in the village say
+when they hear of it?"
+
+"I don't know as I know where the gun is," said Silas nervously.
+
+"It's out in the woodshed behind the door."
+
+"I don't know as it's loaded. Besides I wouldn't want to be took up for
+murder."
+
+"Not much danger, Silas Wilson! Such men as you don't get into such
+scrapes as that."
+
+Mrs. Wilson went out into the woodshed, and returned, holding the gun in
+such a way that it pointed directly at her husband.
+
+"Don't you know no better than to p'int that gun at me, Sophia?"
+exclaimed Silas in no little terror. "Beats all what fools women are
+about firearms."
+
+"They may be fools, but they ain't cowards," returned Mrs. Wilson.
+"Come, are you going up or not?"
+
+"Hadn't I better go to the foot of the stairs and fire up?" asked Silas
+with a bright idea.
+
+"And then he'd come down on you, when your gun was discharged, and run
+his bayonet into you," said Mrs. Wilson, who knew that at the battle of
+Bunker Hill the muskets had bayonets attached.
+
+"I'll give him warnin'!" continued Silas. "It'll only be fair. He'll
+probably be frightened and climb down the ladder."
+
+"I never did see such a 'fraid cat in my life!" quoth Mrs. Wilson
+contemptuously.
+
+"Mebbe you're braver'n I be. If you are, go up yourself!" said Silas
+Wilson angrily.
+
+"You want to put your wife in danger, do you?" returned Mrs. Wilson, who
+was as averse to facing the burglar as her husband, though she talked
+more courageously.
+
+"And you want to expose your husband to danger," retorted Silas, "so
+it's an even thing, so far as I can see."
+
+It is hardly necessary to say that Bert enjoyed the dispute between the
+husband and wife, though he maintained an outward gravity which helped
+him to conceal his secret amusement. By this time he thought it time for
+him to take part.
+
+"I'll go up," he said.
+
+"You will?" exclaimed Silas in surprise and relief.
+
+"Yes, I am not afraid."
+
+"To be sure! The burglar wouldn't do you no harm. You're only a boy. Do
+you know how to fire a gun?"
+
+"Yes, but I shan't need the gun. I am sure the burglar wouldn't harm
+me."
+
+"You're a brave boy, Bert," said the farmer. "You're doing just what I
+would have done at your age."
+
+"You _never_ would have done it, Silas! I should be ashamed anyway to
+own up I was more of a coward as a grown man than as a boy."
+
+"Sophia, you don't know much about burglars and their ways. Don't be
+afraid, Bert; I'll back you up; I'll stand at the door of the kitchen
+with the gun in my hand, and help you if you need it."
+
+Bert smiled, for he knew just how valuable Silas Wilson's assistance
+would be, but he made no comment, and started on his perilous
+enterprise.
+
+"I hope he won't come to no harm," said Mrs. Wilson. "I don't know but
+I'd better go with him."
+
+"It would be safer for you, Sophia, for burglars don't shoot women."
+
+"Much you know about it, Silas."
+
+The two moved toward the kitchen door, Silas handling the gun as if he
+were afraid of it. They listened with painful attention, and presently
+heard the sound of voices, though they could not make out what was being
+said.
+
+"The boy's speakin' to him!" said Silas, awe-struck. "I never see such a
+terrible time. I wish I'd told Bert to tell the burglar to go back the
+same way he came, and we wouldn't fire at him. I don't want to be too
+hard on the transgressor. Mebbe he's driven to his evil ways by
+destitution."
+
+Mrs. Wilson paid very little attention to what her husband was saying,
+being more intent on what was passing upstairs.
+
+After a short interval Bert came down.
+
+"Well?" said Silas eagerly. "Did you see the burglar?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Where is he?"
+
+"In my room."
+
+"What is he doin' there?"
+
+"He is lying on the bed."
+
+"Well, if I ever saw such impudence!" ejaculated Mrs. Wilson.
+
+"Has he got a gun with him? Did he offer to shoot you?"
+
+"No," answered Bert gravely. "The poor fellow is sick."
+
+"Poor fellow, indeed!" sniffed Mrs. Wilson. "What does he mean by
+getting into a respectable house through a window? He'll end up his days
+in jail."
+
+"Does--does he look desperate?" inquired Silas Wilson. "Would he be
+likely to hurt me or Mis' Wilson?"
+
+"No; he says he would like to have you come up."
+
+"Well, of all things!" ejaculated Sophia.
+
+"I've got something to tell you," went on Bert, turning from one to the
+other. "He wants me to tell you before you go up. It is some one whom
+you both know, though you haven't seen him for a good many years."
+
+Silas did not understand, but a mother's instincts were quicker.
+
+"Is it our son--Phineas?" she asked.
+
+"Yes," answered Bert; "it is your son."
+
+"Who stole fifty dollars from his father, and crept away like a thief in
+the night!" exclaimed the farmer indignantly.
+
+"He has suffered, and is very weak," rejoined Bert. "He hadn't had
+anything to eat for twenty-four hours, and I may as well tell you that
+it was I who came downstairs in the night and took up the bread and milk
+to him."
+
+"You did quite right," said Mrs. Wilson, who was half-way upstairs by
+this time. He was her own son in spite of all, and though she was not an
+emotional woman, she yearned to see the face of her only child, with a
+mother's feelings all aroused within her.
+
+"He took fifty dollars!" repeated Silas Wilson, still harping on a wrong
+which he had never forgotten nor forgiven.
+
+Bert was rather disgusted at the farmer's meanness, but he relieved his
+anxiety.
+
+"He's brought you back the money!" he said shortly.
+
+"He has!" exclaimed Silas in a tone of gladness. "Did he tell you so?"
+
+"Yes; it is all the money he had, and he went without food rather than
+spend any of it."
+
+"Come, that's encouragin'," said the farmer. "He's turnin' from his evil
+ways."
+
+When they reached Bert's chamber they saw Mrs. Wilson kneeling beside
+the bed, her harsh features softened by the light of an affection which
+had been absent from them for years. She looked contented and happy, now
+that her boy was restored to her.
+
+"Got back again, Phineas, hey?" said Silas Wilson. "You're lookin'
+kinder peaked."
+
+"Yes, father, I've been sick, but now----"
+
+"I'll soon get him well!" interposed Mrs. Wilson. "I'll go right down
+and bring up some breakfast."
+
+"I can eat it, mother. I have had nothing except the bread and milk Bert
+brought me."
+
+On Wednesday evening Bert closed his engagement with the farmer, and
+declined to continue it, though urged strongly to do so. He went home in
+a whirl of excitement, for Phineas Wilson had told him something which
+overwhelmed him with astonishment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+BERT FORMS A RESOLUTION.
+
+
+"Mother," said Bert abruptly, as he entered the cottage at the close of
+his engagement with the farmer, "when did father die?"
+
+Mrs. Barton sank into a chair, and looked searchingly in her son's face.
+
+"Why--do--you--ask?" she said slowly.
+
+"I have been told to-day that he was living only a year since."
+
+"Who told you?"
+
+"Phineas Wilson, the farmer's son."
+
+"Did he see him a year ago?"
+
+"Yes, in some town in Canada--near Toronto, I believe. But, mother, you
+don't seem surprised."
+
+"No, Bert, for I knew your father was living."
+
+"Then why don't he come home. Why don't he live with us? Is there some
+mystery?"
+
+"Yes, Bert, and a painful one for your unfortunate father. It is the
+fear of a prison that has kept him away from home."
+
+"Surely, mother," said Bert, painfully shocked, "my father was not a
+criminal?"
+
+"No, but circumstances made him appear such."
+
+"Tell me the story."
+
+"It is time that you heard it. Ten years ago your father and Albert
+Marlowe were employed by Weeks Brothers, large shoe manufacturers in a
+Massachusetts town. Both were skilled workmen----"
+
+"Did Squire Marlowe work at the bench?"
+
+"Yes, his position was precisely the same as your father's, no worse and
+no better. Both received the same pay--two dollars a day."
+
+"Does Percy know this?"
+
+"Probably not. Albert Marlowe is not fond of speaking of his early days
+when he was a common workman. At that time our families were intimate
+and associated on equal terms. Our circumstances and ways of living were
+the same. We lived in a double house, Albert occupying one tenement, we
+the other."
+
+"Were you and Mrs. Marlowe friendly then?"
+
+"Yes; she had not yet become a fine lady, but did her own work,
+dispensing with a servant. We lived plainly, and, if anything, your
+father was the more prosperous of the two, as we managed to save from
+fifty to seventy-five dollars a year, while I don't believe Albert saved
+anything. But one day a terrible thing happened. Mr. Weeks, the senior
+partner, was a trustee and guardian for some minor children. A part of
+their property was invested in United States bonds, 5-20's as they are
+called. He kept them in his safe in the factory. One morning when he
+opened the safe they were missing. You can imagine the dismay of the
+guardian and his indignation against the unknown thief. The loss was
+publicly proclaimed, and a reward of one hundred dollars was offered to
+any one who could and would give any information that would lead to the
+discovery of the thief. Some one--a young man named Harding--entered the
+office of the firm and informed them that he had seen your father
+thrusting a paper, looking like a government bond, into the inside
+pocket of his overcoat--it was in the middle of winter. The workmen kept
+their coats in a small room near the entrance of the factory. Of course
+the room was visited, your father's coat was examined, and in one of the
+pockets was found one of the missing bonds, one for five hundred
+dollars. Your father was summoned, charged with the theft, and required
+to tell what he had done with the remaining bonds. He was
+thunder-struck at the accusation, and denied in the most positive terms
+any knowledge of the stolen property. His statement was not credited. He
+was arrested, tried for the offense, and sentenced to a term of
+imprisonment."
+
+"Bert's face flushed with indignation, and he clinched his fist almost
+unconsciously.
+
+"Did he go to prison?" he asked hoarsely.
+
+"No; some of his friends, who believed in his innocence, helped him to
+escape, and supplied him with funds to get out of the country. Now you
+know why he has remained absent all these years."
+
+"But why was I never told of this, mother? Why did I not know at the
+time?"
+
+"You were only six years of age, and were sent away during the
+excitement to the house of a friend living at some distance. I moved
+away from the town in which my misfortunes were known, and eventually
+came here, learning that Albert Marlowe had established himself in
+business here. You readily believed that your father was dead."
+
+"I understand now, mother. But is it not terrible that the happiness of
+a family should be broken up in this way?"
+
+"Yes, Bert. Providence permits it for some wise purpose, no doubt,
+though it is hard for us to understand why it should be."
+
+"One thing I don't understand, mother. You say that Squire Marlowe was a
+common workman, like my father, and a poor man?"
+
+"Yes, Bert."
+
+"How is it that he is now a rich manufacturer? Where did he get the
+necessary capital?"
+
+"Nobody knew. He took all his friends by surprise when he went into
+business for himself on a large scale. Whatever the amount of his
+capital, he has never been financially embarrassed, and has gone on
+prospering."
+
+"Till now he is a rich man, living in luxury, while we are living from
+hand to mouth, and poor father is an exile somewhere."
+
+"Yes, Bert."
+
+"Don't you receive letters from father?"
+
+"If I should, it would draw attention to him, and might imperil his
+safety."
+
+"I might meet him sometime, and not know him."
+
+"Have you no recollection of him?"
+
+"Not the least? Haven't you any picture of him, mother?"
+
+"Yes, I have a daguerreotype upstairs--an old-style picture."
+
+"Why have you never shown it to me?"
+
+"Because it would have led you to ask questions which would have been
+embarrassing for me to answer. You might have mentioned the existence of
+the picture before some visitor, and compelled me to produce it. Suppose
+this had been the case, and it had been recognized, it might have got
+your father into trouble."
+
+"Now that I know all the circumstances, won't you show me the picture,
+mother?"
+
+"Yes, Bert; the only objection I had is now removed."
+
+Mrs. Barton went upstairs, and soon returned with one of those
+old-fashioned pictures of which many of my readers may have specimens
+in their homes--a daguerreotype.
+
+Bert scanned it attentively, and he first looked bewildered, then
+surprised.
+
+"I have seen a face like that," he said after a pause.
+
+"Where, Bert?"
+
+"I don't remember. Is it possible that I can remember so far back?"
+
+"It may be an accidental resemblance."
+
+"No, the face is like in every respect. Can't you explain it to me,
+mother?"
+
+"Think a little, Bert. Perhaps you will recall where you saw a face like
+this."
+
+"I have it now," said Bert, his face brightening up. "It is like Mr.
+Robinson--the friend of father, who called here a few weeks since."
+
+"Bert," said his mother slowly, "Mr. Robinson was not your father's
+friend. It was your father himself."
+
+Bert looked the picture of astonishment.
+
+"Why did you not tell me, mother?"
+
+"How could I? You did not even know that he was alive. Ever since then I
+have been seeking an opportunity to tell you the truth."
+
+"I am glad to know. What did father have to say?"
+
+"He thinks he has found out--at any rate he has strong suspicions--who
+was the real thief for whom he suffered."
+
+"Who is it, mother? Is it any one I ever knew?"
+
+"Yes, Bert."
+
+"Tell me quick."
+
+"Then you must promise to keep it secret till we are in a condition to
+prove the truth of our suspicions. It was Albert Marlowe."
+
+"The squire?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"That must explain his being able to go into business for himself."
+
+"Yes. Your father is on the track of a man who was his accomplice, or
+rather his tool, in the matter--the young man named Harding, on whose
+information your father was arrested. Of course he is placed under a
+disadvantage in making these inquiries, being under the ban of the law."
+
+"Mother," said Bert solemnly, "I am going to solve the mystery, if
+possible, make my father's evidence clear, and expose the real criminal.
+I am only a boy, and I don't know how I shall accomplish it, but I won't
+rest till I have done it."
+
+"May Heaven grant you success, my dear boy!" responded Mrs. Barton
+fervently.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+THE OFFICE OF THE MAGNET MINE.
+
+
+Bert took the morning train to New York, and arrived about half-past
+seven o'clock. He met with no adventures on the way, and as soon as he
+reached the Grand Central Depot took a Fourth Avenue car down, as
+instructed by Uncle Jacob. In a large building of many stories on Nassau
+Street, on the sixth floor, was an office on the door of which Bert read
+
+  MAGNET MINING CO.
+
+This, as he understood, was the office where Jacob Marlowe was employed.
+
+Bert was considering whether he ought to knock or not, when a
+brisk-looking gentleman stepped up, and, opening the door, entered. Bert
+followed him in.
+
+"Whom did you wish to see?" asked the brisk-looking man.
+
+"Mr. Jacob Marlowe. Is this the office where he is employed?"
+
+"Yes," answered the man, with a smile.
+
+Bert hardly needed this assurance, however, as he had already discovered
+Uncle Jacob sitting in an inner room, at a desk, conversing on business,
+apparently, with an elderly man of dignified appearance.
+
+"He will soon be at leisure," said the one who had just entered, and
+seated himself at another desk in the outer room.
+
+"That must be Uncle Jacob's employer," thought Bert.
+
+"What news do you hear of the mine?" he heard the elderly man ask.
+
+"Excellent," answered Uncle Jacob. "It has gone up five points within
+two weeks. The output is steadily increasing."
+
+"Do you know anything of it from your own knowledge?"
+
+"Certainly; I ought to, for I was myself its discoverer."
+
+This rather surprised Bert.
+
+"It was a rich find," continued Uncle Jacob, "and I have no hesitation
+in putting it on the New York market."
+
+"There are so many wild-cat mines, you know, that a man needs to be very
+cautious."
+
+"Quite true. In such mines it is only the men who capitalize them who
+make money. I would not lend myself to any such scheme of deception. I
+have a reputation to sustain, and I value that more than money. Our mine
+has found favor with some of the most conservative investors in the
+city." Here Uncle Jacob mentioned several names, so prominent that they
+were familiar to Bert, country boy though he was.
+
+"You may put me down for five hundred shares," said the elderly man,
+apparently convinced. "I will send you round a check to-morrow. To whom
+shall I make it payable?"
+
+"To me."
+
+"Very well."
+
+The old gentleman rose, drew on his gloves, and went out, Uncle Jacob
+accompanying him to the door. This brought him face to face with Bert.
+
+"So you have come, Bert," he said with a pleasant smile. "How did you
+leave your mother?"
+
+"Very well, uncle."
+
+"At what time did you breakfast?"
+
+"At half-past six."
+
+"Then you must be hungry. It is rather early for my lunch, but I will go
+out with you now. Mr. Bascom, I shall be back within an hour. If any one
+calls to see me, try to keep him."
+
+"Yes, sir," answered Bascom deferentially.
+
+"He can't be Uncle Jacob's employer," thought Bert. "He is too
+respectful. I had no idea uncle was such a man of business. He doesn't
+appear to be afraid of anybody."
+
+They descended in the elevator, rather to Bert's surprise, who had
+climbed up by the staircase. Crossing the street they entered a dairy
+restaurant, which in spite of the name supplied the usual variety of
+dishes. They found a table at which no others were seated, and Uncle
+Jacob ordered a substantial meal of roast beef and vegetables.
+
+"Did you find me easily, Bert?" he inquired.
+
+"Oh, yes, uncle. I had to inquire the way once only. Do you like your
+place?"
+
+"Very well, indeed, Bert."
+
+"Is it a good man you work for?"
+
+Uncle Jacob smiled.
+
+"I have no fault to find with him," he answered.
+
+"I thought perhaps that man with black hair and whiskers might be the
+boss."
+
+"No, he is a clerk."
+
+"Like you?"
+
+"Yes," answered Jacob, with another smile.
+
+"Does the boss often come in?"
+
+"He doesn't interfere much. You see he has a good deal of confidence in
+Mr. Bascom and myself."
+
+"So I thought."
+
+"What made you think so?"
+
+"You seem to talk and act as if you were independent."
+
+"It's a way I have, Bert. As I understand the business thoroughly, more
+than anybody else, there is no reason why I shouldn't, is there?"
+
+"Oh, no!"
+
+"That is why I enjoy my position so well."
+
+"Do you get paid your wages every Saturday night?"
+
+"Oftener, if I please," answered Jacob Marlowe, seeming amused. "If I
+happen to get short in the middle of the week, I can draw in advance."
+
+"You seem to have a very good position, Uncle Jacob. It is a great deal
+better than opening a cigar store in Lakeville."
+
+"Yes, I think so myself--Albert Marlowe was right in advising me against
+it. Have you seen him lately?"
+
+"I see him about every day, but not to speak to."
+
+"It was mean in him to discharge you from the factory."
+
+"So I thought, Uncle Jacob."
+
+"I wrote asking him to take you back."
+
+"What did he say?" asked Bert, with interest.
+
+"He in effect told me to mind my own business. I hope you and your
+mother have not suffered for want of money?"
+
+"No, thanks to you, Uncle Jacob. Mother thought you ought not to have
+sent so much."
+
+"I don't think I shall miss it, Bert," said Uncle Jacob. "I am glad that
+it helped you."
+
+"The twenty-dollar bill got me into trouble."
+
+"How was that?"
+
+Bert told the story of his arrest on the charge of robbing Mr. Jones,
+and gave an account of his trial.
+
+"And you were tried before Albert Marlowe?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I suppose Percy rejoiced in your humiliation?"
+
+"No, he didn't. He behaved like a brick. He walked to the court-room
+with me, and told me he was sure I was not guilty."
+
+"I am certainly surprised, but I am pleased also. That is a point in
+Percy's favor, an unexpected one. He shan't lose by it."
+
+"I am afraid I shouldn't have got off if it hadn't been for a young
+lawyer from New York, named Conway, who volunteered to defend me."
+
+"Go on. Give me an account of it. Can you give me the address of Mr.
+Conway?"
+
+"Yes, uncle. I have it here."
+
+"I may be able to throw a little business in his way. One good turn
+deserves another."
+
+"I wish you would, Uncle Jacob. Mr. Conway refused to accept a fee,
+knowing that I could not afford to pay him."
+
+Uncle Jacob asked other questions as the dinner proceeded. Finally Bert
+brought out his most important piece of news.
+
+"I have just found out that my father is still alive," he said.
+
+"Yes, I knew that," returned Uncle Jacob calmly.
+
+"You knew it?"
+
+"Yes, he has been to see me."
+
+"He has! When?"
+
+"Last week."
+
+"You don't think him guilty of the charge which was brought against
+him?"
+
+"No; I think him a badly-used man."
+
+"I wish I could be the means of proving his innocence."
+
+"I mean that you shall be."
+
+Bert surveyed his uncle in surprise.
+
+"In fact, it is for that reason I have sent for you. Your father has put
+his case into my hands, and I propose to see him righted. This evening,
+when I am free from business cares, I will speak further with you on
+this subject."
+
+Uncle Jacob called for his check, paid it, and they returned to the
+office.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+AN ADVERTISEMENT AND WHAT CAME OF IT.
+
+
+Uncle Jacob left the office at five o'clock, and Bert, who had been
+exploring the lower part of New York, went uptown with him on the Sixth
+Avenue road. They got out at Twenty-third Street, and Jacob Marlowe led
+the way to a large, roomy house near Seventh Avenue. He took out a
+night-key, and opening the outer door proceeded to a large, handsomely
+furnished apartment on the second floor, with a bedroom attached.
+
+"This is where I live, Bert," he remarked, as he took off his hat and
+hung it up in a closet.
+
+Bert looked around him. To him the room looked quite luxurious, being
+furnished in a style which would compare favorably even with Squire
+Marlowe's, the best house in Lakeville.
+
+Bert knew nothing of room rents in New York; but, inexperienced as he
+was, he was surprised that his uncle, on a salary of twelve dollars a
+week, should be able to live so well. He would have been even more
+amazed had he known that the weekly rent of the room he was in was
+twelve dollars.
+
+"You've got a splendid room, Uncle Jacob," he said. "I shouldn't think
+you could afford to live in such style."
+
+"Some of my friends think I am extravagant," observed Jacob Marlowe with
+a smile. "Perhaps they are right."
+
+"I am afraid you can't save anything," went on Bert gravely. "What if
+you should get sick?"
+
+"I see, Bert, you are more prudent than I am. However I have invested
+some of my money in the Magnet Mine, and it is likely to double. So I
+feel justified in making myself comfortable."
+
+"I am glad to hear that, Uncle Jacob. You deserve to succeed, you are so
+kind to others."
+
+"I am glad you think so, Bert. I want to do some good while I live. It
+gives a man something to live for."
+
+After supper, which was taken at a restaurant near by, Uncle Jacob said:
+"Now let us come to business. I promised your father that I would do
+what I could to prove him innocent of the charge made against him ten
+years since."
+
+"Where is my father? Is he in the city?"
+
+"No; it is not safe for him to stay here, as he is subject to arrest,
+and might be recognized. He has gone back to Canada. Do you know the
+particulars of his story?"
+
+"Yes; mother told me all about it last night."
+
+"You know, then, that a young man named Ralph Harding informed against
+him, and that it was his testimony that led to your father's arrest."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Your father is under the impression that this Harding was in league
+with Albert Marlowe, and was employed by him to throw suspicion upon
+your father. The weak point of the prosecution was that your father
+could only be connected with the five-hundred dollar bond found in his
+overcoat pocket, while a large balance was wholly unaccounted for. That
+made it seem like a cunning conspiracy, as undoubtedly it was."
+
+"Were the other bonds never traced?"
+
+"I understand not. No list of the numbers had been kept, and, not being
+registered, they could easily be sold. Your father thinks that upon
+these the present prosperity of Albert Marlowe was built up."
+
+"How are we to prove that?"
+
+"It will be difficult. One thing is absolutely essential. We must find
+this Ralph Harding, and persuade him, if we can, to exonerate your
+father and place the guilt where it properly belongs."
+
+"Does father know where to find Harding?"
+
+"No; if he did, the greatest difficulty in our way would be removed."
+
+"Then I don't see that we can do anything," said Bert, disappointed.
+
+"The task is difficult, but not impossible. All we know is, that only
+two months after the robbery Harding disappeared. It was reported that
+he went to the West, but this was by no means certain. From that day to
+this, nothing is positively known as to his whereabouts."
+
+"Then I don't see what can be done," repeated Bert.
+
+"There is one thing to guide us," continued Uncle Jacob; "the man's
+occupation. There is a fair probability that he is working in some shoe
+town, that is, if he is still alive."
+
+"There are a good many shoe towns," objected Bert.
+
+"True; the clew is only a faint one, yet sometimes a faint clew leads to
+important discoveries."
+
+"Have you taken any steps yet, Uncle Jacob?"
+
+"Yes; your father remembered that Harding was a Pennsylvanian by birth,
+and this made it possible, at least, that he had gone back to his native
+State. Accordingly, last week, I inserted an advertisement in two daily
+papers printed in Philadelphia, calling for information touching the man
+of whom we are in search. I will show you a copy of it."
+
+Uncle Jacob took from his wallet a newspaper clipping and showed it to
+Bert.
+
+It ran thus:
+
+     WANTED.--Information as to the present residence of Ralph
+     Harding, who in the year 1873 was employed in the shoe manufactory
+     of Weeks Brothers, in Lynn, Mass. He will hear something to his
+     advantage.
+
+"Have you had any answer to this advertisement?" asked Bert.
+
+"Not till this morning, when I received a letter from Harrisburg,
+written in a feminine hand. Here it is."
+
+He placed in Bert's hands the following letter:
+
+     DEAR SIR: I have read in the Philadelphia _Ledger_ your
+     advertisement for a man named Ralph Harding. A man by that name
+     boarded with me two months ago. He was working in a shoe shop in
+     this city, so he may be the one you are after. You say you know of
+     something to his advantage. If there is any money coming to him I
+     want you to see that I am paid a just debt. Mr. Harding was owing
+     me eight weeks' board when he left the house, at four dollars a
+     week, and dirt cheap that is; for, if I do say it myself, there are
+     not many boarding-houses in Harrisburg where so good a table is
+     kept for four dollars as I give. I inclose my bill, and will be
+     very glad if you will send me the money by return of mail, taking
+     it out of any money that is to come to Mr. Harding. I work hard for
+     my money, and I can't afford to lose thirty-two dollars, and it
+     isn't right that I should.
+
+            Hoping to hear from you very soon, I remain,
+
+                  Yours respectfully,
+                          AMELIA STUBBS.
+
+     P. S. You can send me a check, as I can get it cashed by my grocer.
+
+"Mrs. Stubbs means business," remarked Bert with a smile. "Have you sent
+her the money?"
+
+"Not yet. I don't hold myself liable for Ralph Harding's debts, even if
+this is the man I am after. However, I am willing to pay Mrs. Stubbs
+for information, if she can furnish any that will help us."
+
+"Have you written to her?"
+
+"I am going to send a letter to her by you."
+
+"Am I to go to Harrisburg?" exclaimed Bert, pleasantly surprised.
+
+"Yes; I shall send you there to-morrow."
+
+"I should like to go. What am I to do when I get there?"
+
+"First of all you must call on Mrs. Stubbs. It may be well for you to
+engage board at her house for a week, paying in advance, as that will
+put you in her good graces. You will, of course, learn all you can from
+her, but it will be necessary also to seek information outside. I shall
+have to leave a good deal to your discretion."
+
+"I hope your confidence in me won't prove to be misplaced, Uncle Jacob."
+
+"I know you will do your best, Bert, but it is quite possible you may
+fail. As the poet says: ''Tis not in mortals to _command_ success.' I am
+sure you will deserve it."
+
+"Isn't it going to cost considerable to make this journey, Uncle Jacob?"
+
+"I think we can find money enough for it."
+
+"I am afraid your money will soon melt away, uncle. Think how much you
+have spent for us already."
+
+"You remember what I told you as to my lucky investment in the Magnet
+Mine. At any rate it will be worth something to vindicate your father,
+who, for ten long and tedious years, has been compelled to pass his life
+in exile under the ban of a crime which he never committed."
+
+"Yes, Uncle Jacob, but it ought not to come out of you."
+
+"Make yourself easy, Bert. The money we spend for worthy purposes is
+well invested, and we are often repaid tenfold. And now, as you are
+unacquainted with New York, I will take you out for a walk and show you
+how it looks by gaslight."
+
+Nothing could have pleased Bert better than this proposal. They returned
+at nine o'clock, and both he and Uncle Jacob retired at an early hour.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+BERT SECURES BOARD IN HARRISBURG.
+
+
+Bert arrived in Harrisburg about four o'clock in the afternoon. He had
+in his hand a gripsack purchased for him by Uncle Jacob, who also
+provided him with a fuller supply of shirts, socks, and underclothing
+than he had brought with him.
+
+"You may be gone some time," he said.
+
+Just as Bert got into the cars, Uncle Jacob handed him a wallet.
+
+"This contains a sum of money for your immediate needs," he explained.
+"When you are out, send to me."
+
+After the cars started, Bert opened the wallet, and to his surprise
+found that he had fifty dollars in his possession.
+
+"Uncle Jacob's money won't last long at this rate," he said to himself.
+"I must be very careful and economical. I should like to take back to
+him a part of this sum."
+
+Of course Bert enjoyed his trip. The sun shone brightly, the air was
+cool and invigorating, and the scenes through which he was rapidly
+speeding were new to him. In spite of the sense of responsibility which
+rested upon him, he felt cheerful and exhilarated.
+
+"If I can only succeed in my mission!" he thought. "If I can only find
+Ralph Harding, and induce him to vindicate my father's reputation, I
+shall feel happy!"
+
+It so happened that he had seated himself in the smoking car, the car
+behind, which he first entered, being full.
+
+A tall, thin man, wearing a white hat, sat down beside him.
+
+"Have a cigar, young man?" he asked, as he produced two of rather poor
+quality, one of which he lighted and proceeded to smoke.
+
+"No, thank you, sir."
+
+"Better accept a good offer," urged the stranger.
+
+"Thank you, but I don't smoke."
+
+"Indeed! How old are you?"
+
+"I am sixteen," replied Bert.
+
+"Then you are a _rara avis_--that means a rare bird. Most boys of your
+age smoke."
+
+"They'd be better off without it."
+
+"Perhaps so. I see you are a prudent young man. How far are you going?"
+
+"To Harrisburg."
+
+"So am I. Queer coincidence, isn't it?"
+
+"I don't know," answered Bert, smiling. "I presume there are other
+passengers on board who are also bound for that city."
+
+"Very possibly. Ever been there before?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"I have often, and the long ride is rather tedious. What do you say to a
+little game of cards to fill up the time?"
+
+"Thank you, but I would rather look out of the window."
+
+The stranger seemed disappointed, but a man in the seat just behind,
+leaning over, said: "If you want a game, I'm your man."
+
+"All right!" said Bert's companion, brightening up. "What game do you
+play?"
+
+"Anything."
+
+"Poker?"
+
+"All right."
+
+The two took seats opposite, between which was a small table, and the
+game began. Bert looked over now and then, and saw that they were
+playing for money. He was startled, for he had been taught to regard
+gambling with horror. It seemed evident after awhile that his late
+seat-mate was losing. He became more and more excited and nervous, and
+his face was overspread with gloom. At length he came over to Bert, and
+said, eagerly: "My young friend, will you do me a favor?"
+
+"What is it, sir?"
+
+"Lend me five dollars."
+
+This seemed to Bert an extraordinary request from a perfect stranger.
+
+"You must excuse me, sir," he answered.
+
+"Haven't you got as much about you? Say two dollars, then."
+
+"The money I have with me is not my own," said Bert. "I cannot lend
+anything."
+
+"But, let me assure you, I will give it back to you before the train
+reaches Harrisburg. I have had a streak of bad luck, and that man over
+there has won all my money. But I've got on to his game, and I will soon
+have it all back, if I get a start. You'll be doing me a great favor,
+and there will be no risk."
+
+"He must take me for a fool," thought Bert.
+
+"You had better apply to some one else," he said coldly. "I can't
+possibly help you."
+
+"So young and so hard-hearted!" murmured the other, eying Bert
+reproachfully. "'Twas ever thus from childhood's hour. I was born under
+an unlucky star. Sir, I am afraid I must withdraw from our pleasant game
+unless you will kindly lend me a dollar to continue."
+
+His late antagonist shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"I don't see how that would benefit me," he said. "We'll wait till
+another time when you are in funds. Then I shall be happy to accommodate
+you."
+
+"Did you lose much?" asked Bert, as his companion resumed a seat at his
+side.
+
+"Fifteen dollars! 'Tis not much, but 'twas my all. If you would oblige
+me with a dollar, I can win it all back."
+
+Bert shook his head.
+
+"I have no money of my own," he said.
+
+"Never mind! Twenty times I have been on the threshold of fortune, and
+failed to secure it by my funds giving out. Be it so! I will no longer
+resist, but float downward to oblivion over the rapids of
+disappointment."
+
+"You are an actor, are you not?" said Bert.
+
+"Yes; at least, so I sometimes flatter myself, though the critics do not
+all concede it. If you are going to remain in Harrisburg long enough,
+come and see me act."
+
+He gave Bert his card, and then closing his eyes, passed the remainder
+of the journey in dozing.
+
+Arrived in Harrisburg, Bert found himself besieged by hackmen,
+representing different hotels. But he did not think it right to waste
+Uncle Jacob's money in unnecessary expense. He picked out a bootblack,
+and showing him the address of Mrs. Stubbs, asked: "Is that near by?"
+
+"'Bout quarter of a mile," answered the street boy.
+
+"What'll you ask for showing me the way?"
+
+"A dime."
+
+"Go ahead, then!"
+
+In five minutes Bert found himself standing in front of a rather shabby
+three-story house, in a decent, but not fashionable, street. The name
+Stubbs was on the door.
+
+Bert rang the bell, and inquired for Mrs. Stubbs.
+
+He was ushered into a small reception room on one side of the front
+door, furnished in cheap, boarding-house style, and took a seat on a
+stiff-backed cane chair.
+
+Presently a thin lady, with cork-screw curls, and a pale, washed-out
+complexion, entered the room.
+
+"Did you wish to see me, sir?" she said.
+
+"Yes," answered Bert. "You answered an advertisement about Ralph
+Harding. I come from New York."
+
+"Have you brought my money?" asked Mrs. Stubbs, with animation.
+
+"What money do you refer to?"
+
+"Mr. Harding's board bill. I sent it in the letter."
+
+"We don't feel called upon to pay Mr. Harding's debts," returned Bert,
+who had been instructed by Uncle Jacob to say this.
+
+"Must I lose thirty-two dollars, then?" said the lady tragically. "It's
+a shame."
+
+"No doubt it is, but we don't even know Mr. Harding."
+
+"Then why did you advertise for him?"
+
+"Because we want his testimony in a law case."
+
+"The advertisement said that it would be for Mr. Harding's advantage to
+report to you."
+
+"So it will, if we can find him. He will receive money enough to settle
+your bill, and more, too. We will see that he does, if you help us find
+him."
+
+"I am sure I am willing to do all I can," said Mrs. Stubbs, considerably
+mollified.
+
+"Have you got a small room vacant?" asked Bert. "I may be detained in
+Harrisburg for a while."
+
+"Yes; you can have the one Mr. Harding used to occupy. If you occupy it
+alone, it will be five dollars a week with board."
+
+"I will take it," said Bert promptly. "Can I have possession at once?"
+
+"Yes. Let me show you the way."
+
+The room was on the third floor. It was a small one, but would answer
+the purpose. Bert took out his clothes, and laid them away in the pine
+bureau near the window.
+
+"Well," he said, as he waited for the bell to summon him to supper, "I
+have taken the first step toward finding Ralph Harding. I am occupying
+the room which was once his. What shall be the next step?"
+
+He little anticipated the singular experience that same evening had in
+store for him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+A BOARDING-HOUSE IN HARRISBURG.
+
+
+At the supper table Bert made acquaintance with his fellow-boarders.
+There were eight in all. Three of them worked in the shoe factory where
+Ralph Harding had been employed, two young ladies were saleswomen in a
+dry-goods store, Professor Silvio and wife taught a dancing school, and
+the eighth was the landlady's daughter, a young woman of twenty-five,
+who resembled Mrs. Stubbs closely. Bert learned afterward that she was
+employed in a millinery store.
+
+"Gentlemen and ladies," said Mrs. Stubbs, as Bert took the vacant chair
+that had been assigned to him, "let me introduce a new boarder, Mr.
+Barton."
+
+Eight pairs of curious eyes were fixed upon Bert, and he blushed a
+little, not being accustomed to the scrutiny of strangers.
+
+"He is a friend of a former boarder, Mr. Harding, whom some of you will
+remember."
+
+"Have you heard from Mr. Harding lately, Mr. Barton?" asked Angelica
+Stubbs, who sat next to our hero.
+
+"No," answered Bert.
+
+"He left quite suddenly, owing me eight weeks' board."
+
+"So I heard."
+
+"Do you think he will ever pay it up?"
+
+"If I succeed in finding him I think there is some chance of it."
+
+"Mr. Harding and I were very good friends," continued Miss Stubbs.
+"He--in fact--showed quite a fondness for my society," she added, casting
+down her eyes modestly.
+
+"No wonder!" said Bert, smiling.
+
+"Oh, you sad flatterer!" said Miss Angelica, appearing pleased at what
+she regarded as a compliment.
+
+"Didn't he tell _you_ where he was going?" asked Bert.
+
+"No; I think he was called away by bad news."
+
+"What sort of a looking man was he?" Bert inquired.
+
+"You ask me that?" said Angelica, in surprise. "I thought you were a
+friend of his."
+
+"I never saw him in my life."
+
+"That's funny. Why then did ma introduce you as a friend of his?"
+
+"She thought me so. I am interested in finding him, that is all."
+
+"You are not a horrid detective, I hope? Has poor Mr. Harding committed
+a crime? Oh, tell me quick. You actually make me creep all over."
+
+"I don't mean any harm, but his testimony is wanted in a law case. You
+haven't told me about his appearance yet."
+
+"I've got his photograph, and will show it to you after supper."
+
+"Oh, thank you!" said Bert, much pleased.
+
+"That is, if you are sure it won't do him any harm. He used to talk to
+me very confidentially, and I can't help liking him, even if he did get
+in debt to ma."
+
+"Perhaps he was unfortunate and couldn't pay."
+
+"That's what I tell ma, but ma's rather severe on boarders that go away
+without paying her."
+
+"Did he take all his baggage with him, Miss Stubbs?"
+
+"He left behind a box of books and papers. They weren't of much
+account--some old letters and such."
+
+"Did your mother preserve them?" asked Bert eagerly.
+
+"Yes, I believe so; but she would have preferred to have him leave his
+trunk. That might have been sold for a part of his board bill."
+
+"Do you think I could look over the books and papers?" asked Bert.
+
+"What for?" inquired Angelica, her face expressing curiosity.
+
+"You know I want to find him, and some of the papers might throw light
+on his movements."
+
+"I don't know but you could," answered Angelica indifferently.
+
+"I'll be willing to pay your mother one week's board for the box and its
+contents."
+
+"Then I am sure she will let you have them. They are worth nothing to
+her. I only wonder she hasn't used them to kindle the fire with before
+now."
+
+"I hope she hasn't," returned Bert anxiously.
+
+"No; I know she hasn't, for I saw them in the attic only last week. I'll
+look them up for you some day when I am at leisure."
+
+"Thank you."
+
+"I wonder Mr. Harding hasn't written to you," he said, a little later.
+
+"Oh, go along! You don't suppose there was anything between me and him?"
+said Angelica, who liked nothing better than to be teased about the
+attentions of members of the other sex. Bert was sharp enough to see
+this, and thought he might make it available in promoting the object he
+had in view.
+
+"I thought, perhaps, he had gone away because you didn't smile upon his
+suit."
+
+Miss Angelica laughed and tossed her head in great delight.
+
+"As if I would tell you," she said.
+
+"I only hope he hasn't committed suicide."
+
+"Oh, Mr. Barton, how can you? Really, I shall have to complain to ma."
+
+All this was very amusing to Bert, who had a natural love of fun, and
+quite understood Angelica by this time, though, truth to tell, she was
+not difficult to read.
+
+When supper was over, Miss Stubbs said graciously: "Mr. Barton, if you
+are not pressed for time, will you linger a while? I play a little on
+the piano, and if you are fond of music, I will play for you. Usually I
+have to be in the store, but this is my evening off."
+
+"I shall be glad to stay, Miss Stubbs. I am fond of music."
+
+"Mr. Harding often lingered with me in the evening hours. He liked to
+hear me play."
+
+"As I no doubt shall."
+
+"Do you sing, Mr. Barton?"
+
+"No; I wish I did."
+
+Miss Angelica's piano was probably twenty-five years old, and was very
+much out of tune. But even if it had been a Chickering Grand, her
+playing would hardly have captivated a musical ear. She had little
+taste, and the lessons she had taken had only given her the ability to
+play a few easy tunes.
+
+Bert found half an hour of Miss Angelica's music and society all he
+cared to enjoy at one time. He therefore excused himself, and taking his
+hat, went out for a walk. As he was a stranger in Harrisburg, he was not
+particular in what direction he strolled, but naturally bent his steps
+toward what appeared to be the central part of the city.
+
+As he sauntered along, his attention was attracted to a flaring poster
+on a dead wall, setting forth the attractive features of
+
+  THE STREETS OF GOTHAM.
+
+  _A Realistic Play of New York Life._
+
+  As given by a Star Combination of world-renowned Actors.
+
+  For one week only.
+
+  Reserved seats, 50 cents.    Balcony, 25 cents.
+
+Now Bert had seldom enjoyed an opportunity of attending a dramatic
+performance, and felt strongly tempted to avail himself of the one that
+now offered. He wished to be as economical as possible, and decided to
+content himself with a seat in the balcony.
+
+"Where is the theatre?" he asked of a boy who was studying the bill at
+the same time with himself.
+
+"Just round the corner. I'll show you," was the reply.
+
+"Thank you."
+
+"Are you goin' to see de play?" asked the boy with interest.
+
+"I think I shall."
+
+"I'd go myself if I had another nickel," said the young guide. "I've got
+ten cents."
+
+"But I thought twenty-five cents was the lowest price."
+
+"I can go to de gallery for fifteen cents. De gallery is good enough for
+me."
+
+"If a nickel will help you, here is one."
+
+"Thank you," said the boy. "It's a boss play, dey tell me."
+
+"I hope it is, as I am going myself."
+
+The theatre was near at hand, and the two boys soon stood before it. It
+was rather early, being only a quarter past seven, but a small crowd of
+boys was already waiting for a chance to obtain admission to the
+gallery.
+
+There seemed to be no hurry about buying a ticket, and Bert took a
+standing position near the box office, surveying with interest the
+passers by. All at once he felt a hand on his shoulder, and these words
+fell upon his ear:
+
+"We meet again, my dear boy. Shake!"
+
+Bert immediately recognized his travelling friend who had lost his money
+on the train.
+
+"Are you one of the dramatic company?" he asked.
+
+"Yes; I play the leading villain--and am acting stage manager. My name
+is Orville--Jack Orville. You have heard of me."
+
+"I have always lived in the country," said Bert apologetically, "and so
+have little acquaintance with actors."
+
+Orville looked disappointed. He liked to be known and recognized.
+
+"That accounts for it," he said. "I am surprised to hear that you are
+from the country. You have the city air."
+
+Bert was pleased to hear it, though perhaps that might be a mark of
+weakness.
+
+At the moment another man came up hurriedly, and spoke to Orville.
+
+"Here's a pretty kettle of fish, Orville," he said. "Bob Hazleton is
+sick and insists upon going back to New York. Where shall we find a boy
+to take his place?"
+
+Orville had an inspiration. He clapped his hand on Bert's shoulder,
+exclaiming: "Here he stands!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+BERT'S FIRST APPEARANCE ON ANY STAGE.
+
+
+Bert eyed the actor with amazement, rather disposed to doubt his sanity.
+
+"Do you mean me?" he said.
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"Has he ever acted?" asked Pearson, the second actor, doubtfully.
+
+"No, but he can act. I'll undertake to train him."
+
+"There isn't much time. Hazleton can't appear to-night."
+
+"Don't worry! I'll see that he is not missed."
+
+As Pearson went away, Orville said: "You'll help us out, won't you, my
+boy?"
+
+"What do you want me to do?" asked Bert, his heart beating with
+excitement.
+
+"Take the part of a newsboy. You've seen and heard them in the streets
+of New York, haven't you?"
+
+"Yes; but it seems sudden. I should have to learn the part."
+
+"All told there are not more than twenty lines, and you won't come on
+till the second act. You've spoken pieces, haven't you?"
+
+"Yes, and I like it."
+
+"I was sure of it. Then you accept?"
+
+"If you think I can do it, and will tell me exactly what to do."
+
+"Come round at once to the stage entrance. I will give you your lines
+and tell you the business. We'll speak about terms later."
+
+As Bert followed Orville round to the stage door he asked himself
+whether he was not acting foolishly in accepting, at such short notice,
+a position to which he was entirely unaccustomed. If he had not liked
+declamation, and felt moderately self-possessed before an audience, he
+would have promptly refused. As it was, the prospect, while it somewhat
+daunted, also pleased him. Besides, he saw that, though he might not be
+able to fill the place of Bob Hazleton, it was imperatively necessary
+that the part should be taken by some one, and there was no time to lose
+in hunting up another boy. If he did poorly, he could limit his
+engagement to one evening.
+
+He was not at home behind the scenes, and at the outset came near
+tumbling through a trap door. He followed Orville to the general
+dressing-room, where the manager assisted him to attire himself in the
+costume provided for the newsboy. It is needless to say that it was not
+of a costly description, and would have been dear at a dollar and a
+half.
+
+"I'll dress you first, and give you the lines afterward."
+
+In five minutes Bert surveyed himself in a cracked mirror, and wondered
+if he were the same boy. Orville ruffled up his hair, taught him the
+free and easy walk of the typical newsboy, briefly instructed him in the
+"business" of the part, and then gave him his lines to commit.
+
+"Read them to me," he said. "I want to see if you've caught the spirit
+of the part."
+
+Of course Bert needed a little coaching, but "caught on," as Orville
+expressed it, with remarkable quickness. After a few minutes' rehearsal,
+his teacher said: "You'll do; that is, if you don't get rattled."
+
+"What's that?"
+
+"Get an attack of stage fright, and forget your lines."
+
+"I won't do that," said Bert confidently.
+
+"Then you'll have no trouble. Now, stay here till you get a summons from
+the call boy. I must make up for my part, though I don't appear, either,
+till the second act. Remember that we rely upon you."
+
+"I'll get through," said Bert confidently.
+
+By this time our hero looked forward eagerly to the moment when he would
+appear on the stage. He felt excited, and yearned to distinguish
+himself. He wanted to justify the stage manager's hasty, and, it must be
+confessed, rather imprudent, choice.
+
+He waited in the wings till he heard the call boy's summons, and then
+made his entrance as instructed by Orville. He glanced at the audience,
+but only got a confused impression of hundreds of faces. He did not
+allow himself to think of them, but addressed himself to the business of
+his part. A part of this was to rescue a little girl from the abuse of a
+tyrannical old woman. He recited his lines with spirit; and so enlisted
+the sympathies of those present by his manly bearing that he received a
+tribute of applause. The scene came just at the close of the second act,
+and when the curtain fell there was prolonged hand-clapping. Bert did
+not know what it meant, but Orville came up to him, and said; "Go before
+the curtain, leading Maud by the hand. Bow to the audience."
+
+Bert was a little bewildered, but followed directions. The corner of the
+curtain was moved aside, and Bert walked across the stage, leading
+little Maud (who was a daughter of the leading actress) by the hand.
+Children are always well received, and there was plenty of applause.
+
+When Bert reappeared behind the scenes, Orville said, "Barton, you did
+yourself proud! Keep it up when you appear again in the fourth act, and
+you may consider yourself an actor."
+
+In the fourth and last act Bert went on the stage in his street dress.
+His circumstances and his social position were supposed to have
+improved.
+
+At the close of the performance Orville introduced Bert to the different
+members of the company.
+
+"Do you mean to say you have never acted before?" asked Mr. Pearson.
+
+"This is my first appearance on any stage," said Bert with a smile.
+
+"Then you have done yourself great credit. I was myself trained at
+Wallack's Theatre, but had been a year on the boards before I could
+acquit myself as well as you."
+
+"Thank you. I have done better than I expected."
+
+"You more than filled Hazleton's place."
+
+"Has he been long with you?"
+
+"A year."
+
+Bert felt this was indeed praise, that on his first appearance he should
+have equaled a boy with a year's experience.
+
+"Of course you will play with us the balance of the week?" said
+Pearson.
+
+"If you wish me to do so."
+
+"What salary will you expect?" Bert smiled.
+
+"I hardly know what will be a fair price to ask."
+
+"We will give you the same salary that Hazleton received, fifteen
+dollars a week, and you pay your own board. Is that satisfactory?"
+
+Bert opened his eyes. Fifteen dollars a week seemed to him a large sum,
+for evening work. He found afterward that he was expected to appear at
+rehearsal; but even with this additional duty, the post appeared to him
+an easy one.
+
+"I accept the terms," he said.
+
+"All right; where are you boarding?"
+
+He gave the address.
+
+"Please be at the theatre to-morrow at ten, and Mr. Pearson will hear
+you rehearse and give you a few points."
+
+Unknown to Bert there were two persons present at the theatre that night
+who recognized him. One of the male boarders, prompted by a rather
+significant hint from Miss Angelica, had invited that young lady to
+accompany him to the performance. They sat in the sixth row from the
+stage, though Bert, who attended only to his duties, did not see them.
+
+When he first came on as a newsboy, Miss Stubbs said: "How much that
+newsboy looks like Mr. Barton, ma's new boarder."
+
+"He does look some like him."
+
+"But of course it isn't he. I wonder if he is here this evening."
+
+"I don't see him anywhere," said the escort.
+
+When Bert appeared in his own clothes in the fourth act, Angelica
+exclaimed: "Why, it is Mr. Barton, after all! Is it possible that I know
+a live actor? Why, I was talking to him at supper, and he was really
+quite attentive to me."
+
+"He is put down on the bill as Bob Hazleton," said the young man,
+consulting the programme.
+
+"That must be his stage name. I will get him to tell me all about acting
+to-morrow. Do you know, Mr. Cutting, I should like to go on the stage
+myself? I should so like to play Juliet."
+
+"If you do, will you let me be Romeo?"
+
+"Yes, if you desire it," said Angelica, tapping her escort coquettishly
+with her fan.
+
+It's safe to say that Mr. Cutting, who was barely five feet in height,
+and Miss Angelica, who was tall, thin, and angular, would have made a
+very remarkable Romeo and Juliet.
+
+As Bert left the stage door, a boy touched his arm. Looking round he saw
+that it was the one who had guided him to the theatre. The boy's face
+wore a respectful look as he said:
+
+"Say, you didn't tell me you was one of de actors."
+
+"I didn't know it myself," answered Bert.
+
+"It was you that took off de newsboy," continued the boy.
+
+"Yes, but I'm not the regular actor. He's sick and I took his place."
+
+"It was tiptop. Are you goin' to act to-morrow night?"
+
+"I shall act all this week."
+
+"I'd like to see de play again. It's a boss play."
+
+Bert felt in a liberal mood.
+
+"Here is fifteen cents," he said. "Tell your friends to come."
+
+"I'll bring 'em. I'll tell 'em I know one of de actors."
+
+It may be remarked that Tom Roach, for this was the boy's name, gave
+such glowing accounts of the play to his intimate friends that no less
+than ten of them accompanied him to the theatre the next evening, and
+were especially enthusiastic when Bert was on the stage. Their liberal
+applause raised Bert in the good opinion of the management, who felt
+that they had secured a prize in the new actor.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+BERT SECURES A BOX OF MR. HARDING'S PAPERS.
+
+
+When our hero went down to breakfast next morning, he found himself the
+observed of all observers. Miss Angelica Stubbs and her escort had
+already made known that he was a member of the dramatic company, and as
+none of the boarders had ever before met "a live actor," all felt great
+curiosity and a desire to become acquainted with so distinguished a
+public character.
+
+As he took his seat beside Miss Stubbs, she said: "I saw you on the
+stage last evening, Mr. Barton."
+
+"Did you? I was not aware that you were in the house."
+
+"Why didn't you tell me that you were an actor? I've got a bone to pick
+with you."
+
+"I didn't know it myself, Miss Stubbs."
+
+"You mean to say you didn't play the newsboy? Oh, Mr. Barton!"
+
+"Yes; but when I left the house I had no idea of playing. It so happened
+that the young actor who usually takes the part--Bob Hazleton--was sick,
+and I was applied to by the manager to take his place."
+
+"Then he knew you were an actor?"
+
+"No; I only fell in with him on the train from New York."
+
+"Why you acted just as if you were used to it."
+
+"I am glad you think so. I hardly dared to accept the part."
+
+"Will you play the rest of the week?"
+
+"I have agreed to do so. Hazleton goes home to-day."
+
+"How nice! I must go again."
+
+"I take that as a compliment."
+
+"Can't you actors take your friends in free?" asked Angelica, whose rule
+was to make all she could out of her acquaintances.
+
+"I haven't been an actor long enough to find out."
+
+"I should consider it _such_ a favor. I would get all my friends to go."
+
+"On the same terms?" asked Bert with a smile.
+
+"No. They can pay."
+
+Bert did secure a complimentary ticket for Miss Stubbs, who boasted
+everywhere that she was intimately acquainted with one of the leading
+actors in "The Streets of Gotham," and that he was really very attentive
+to her.
+
+"What would my friends at Lakeville say if they knew my new business?"
+thought Bert. "I should be glad if Percy Marlowe could see me on the
+stage."
+
+He determined, however, not to say anything in his letters about this
+new engagement, for, though he had been successful thus far, his success
+and popularity might not last.
+
+"Did you see the notice of your play in the morning paper, Mr. Barton?"
+asked Miss Angelica.
+
+"No; I haven't seen the paper yet."
+
+"It speaks of one of the actors. I won't say who," continued Miss
+Stubbs, nodding playfully.
+
+"Do you mean me?" asked Bert in excitement.
+
+"Yes, here it is."
+
+Bert ran his eye hastily over the notice, which occupied a quarter of a
+column. This is the portion that most interested him:
+
+"The part of the newsboy was effectively taken by Mr. Bert Barton, who
+was engaged at the last moment to fill the place of Mr. Hazleton. His
+acting was spirited, and the fact that it was liked was shown by the
+hearty call before the curtain at the end of the second act. The
+management are fortunate in securing so good a substitute for Bob
+Hazleton."
+
+Bert's face showed his gratification. It almost seemed a dream to him
+that he had really appeared on the stage, and he was glad that he had
+given satisfaction.
+
+At ten o'clock he reported at the stage entrance, where he was met by
+Mr. Pearson, who was associate manager. He went through a rehearsal
+which enabled him to look forward with more confidence to a repetition
+of the part.
+
+The afternoon he had to himself, and a part of this he spent in trying
+to find out what he could about Ralph Harding. He learned that Harding
+had been employed in the shoe factory of Benedict & Co. Two of Mrs.
+Stubbs's boarders worked at the same place, but neither had been
+intimate with Harding. Bert learned that he was looked upon as "a
+rolling stone," never content to remain long in one place. He had been
+employed less than six months at the Benedict shop, when, without
+assigning any reason, he gave notice that he wanted to leave.
+
+"What sort of a man is he?" asked Bert.
+
+"He is restless and at times gloomy," answered Blanchard, to whom he had
+put the question. "I worked next to him, but he seldom made any
+conversation with me."
+
+"Was he a good workman?"
+
+"Excellent, but he evidently did not like the business. He often
+lamented that he had not the means of getting out of it."
+
+"Have you any idea where he went when he left Harrisburg?"
+
+"From what I have heard him say, I think it probable that he went to
+some Western town or city."
+
+"You have not heard from him since he left Harrisburg?"
+
+"No; he was not likely to correspond with me. I doubt if he was intimate
+enough with any one here to do so, except possibly with Miss Stubbs,"
+added Blanchard, with a smile.
+
+"She tells me Mr. Harding paid her a good deal of attention."
+
+"It is more probable that Miss Stubbs paid him a good deal of attention.
+At present you are her favorite."
+
+"I don't want to interfere with you, Mr. Blanchard," said Bert, much
+amused.
+
+"I can't undertake to compete with an actor, Mr. Barton."
+
+"I can't get over my surprise at being called an actor. However, as long
+as it pays me better than anything else, I don't object."
+
+The next day Mrs. Stubbs intercepted Bert as he was leaving the house.
+
+"My daughter tells me," she said, "that you are willing to pay four
+dollars for the papers which Mr. Harding left behind him?"
+
+"Yes," answered Bert eagerly.
+
+"I don't see why I shouldn't sell them. I can't afford to lose eight
+weeks' board."
+
+"Quite true, Mrs. Stubbs. I don't see why they won't be just as safe in
+my hands as in yours."
+
+"You don't want to do Mr. Harding any harm; though I don't know why I
+should think of that, after the way he has served me!"
+
+"Instead of that, Mrs. Stubbs, I can assure you that it will be money in
+his pocket, if, through his papers, I am able to find him."
+
+"And in that case you will try to get him to pay his honest debts?"
+
+"I will, Mrs. Stubbs."
+
+"Then, Mr. Barton, if you will come up to the attic I will hand you the
+papers."
+
+Bert gladly followed Mrs. Stubbs upstairs, and was shown on the attic
+floor a wooden box about half full of old letters and other papers. The
+box certainly did not look very valuable, and Bert said so.
+
+"I wouldn't have kept it," said the landlady, "if I could have got hold
+of his trunk. But he got the start of me, and it was in the hands of an
+expressman before I knew that he was going to move. I was downstairs in
+the basement when Mr. Harding took the expressman upstairs, and the
+trunk was brought down and put in his wagon before I knew what was going
+on. Mr. Harding didn't even say good-by, and I haven't seen or heard of
+him from that day to this."
+
+"Well, Mrs. Stubbs, here are your four dollars, and I hope you will some
+day get the balance of the debt."
+
+Bert carried the box downstairs and into his room, where he proceeded to
+examine the contents, among which he was destined to come across a
+document of considerable interest to him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+BERT OBTAINS AN IMPORTANT CLEW.
+
+
+Mr. Harding was not a literary man, and his papers would hardly have
+been of any value to a publisher. They consisted principally of letters,
+some of them ten years old. It seemed to have been a habit of Ralph
+Harding to keep his letters, though he probably set no great value upon
+them.
+
+Bert opened fifteen or twenty, and glanced over them, only to find that
+they related to matters in which he felt no interest whatever. He began
+to doubt whether they were even worth the small sum he had paid for
+them, when all at once he made a discovery. He found a letter dated
+Lakeville.
+
+"Who can have written him from Lakeville?" he asked himself, and
+naturally turned the page to read the signature.
+
+His heart beat quickly when he read the name of the writer--Albert
+Marlowe. It was dated about two years previous, and ran as follows:
+
+     DEAR SIR: I have received your letter, and am surprised
+     that you should have the boldness to write to me for money. I am
+     sorry to hear that you have been in bad luck, but I presume it is
+     your own fault. You are able to earn good wages, and ought to pay
+     your own way without depending on anybody. Look at me! I was once a
+     common workman like you, but, thanks to my energy and enterprise, I
+     am now the owner of a large factory, and able to live in
+     comparative luxury. I don't know why you should expect me to
+     support you. I have a family of my own to care for, and my first
+     duty is to them.
+
+     You intimate that you are in possession of a secret which, if made
+     known, will injure me. I suppose I know what you mean. I don't
+     think, however, that you will find any one to believe what you may
+     say to my disadvantage, and I warn you to be careful what you do,
+     or I may testify that you yourself took the missing bonds. Don't
+     trouble yourself to write to me again, for it will be time thrown
+     away.
+
+                      ALBERT MARLOWE.
+
+Underneath the signature were a few lines, evidently written by Ralph
+Harding:
+
+     Who would believe that the writer of this letter is a thief, and
+     that the capital on which he started in business was stolen? I
+     bitterly repent that I was induced to join in the plot against poor
+     Barton. He--poor fellow--is in exile, afraid to return to his own
+     country, while the man who committed the crime which has shadowed
+     his life, is rich and prosperous, and holds up his head in society.
+     And I--miserable tool that I was--by my testimony helped him to
+     fasten the crime on an innocent man. I don't know whether it will
+     do any good to write again. I am a poor man, and Albert Marlowe is
+     rich. He will defy me, and perhaps swear that I was implicated in
+     the robbery myself. So I was, alas! for I accepted a bribe of two
+     hundred dollars for my part in the matter. I wish I could see poor
+     Barton righted!
+
+Bert read this letter with flushed face and beating heart. Here was
+proof positive that his father was innocent; and Albert Marlowe, the
+rich manufacturer, the magnate of Lakeville, was guilty not only of
+robbery, but, what was even more contemptible, had schemed successfully
+to throw the guilt upon an innocent man, the husband of his cousin.
+Through him John Barton had suffered a ten-years' exile, and had been
+deprived for that time of his good name and the society of his family.
+
+"I wouldn't take a thousand dollars for this letter," said Bert to
+himself in exultation. "I don't know what it amounts to in the eyes of
+the law, but I am sure it is valuable. Now, if I could only find Ralph
+Harding himself."
+
+Bert continued his search among the letters, and finally found one
+postmarked Peoria, Illinois, which appeared to have been received by
+Ralph Harding about a week before he left Harrisburg.
+
+This is an extract therefrom:
+
+     It is five years since I have seen you. This is a long separation
+     considering that we two are the only ones left of the family. If
+     you are in your old business as I infer from your letter, why can't
+     you get work just as well here in Peoria as in Harrisburg? There is
+     a large shop here, where I think you would not have any difficulty
+     in securing employment. I presume as good wages are paid here as at
+     the East. We have a small room which you could occupy, and it would
+     be pleasant for a brother and sister who have been so long
+     separated to find themselves under the same roof.
+
+     My husband is a carpenter, as you know. His earnings are not large,
+     and he doesn't always have work, but we have a little sum saved up
+     which we can fall back upon in time of need. I can't lend you any
+     money, and indeed you ought not to expect it, as you are a single
+     man, and have no one to take care of but yourself. I am afraid you
+     are not a very good manager. Come to Peoria, and I will see if I
+     can't help you save money. Consider what a position you would be in
+     if you should fall sick.
+
+                  Your affectionate sister,
+                                HELEN CLIFTON.
+
+Underneath, in Ralph Harding's handwriting, was this brief indorsement:
+
+     All true, every word of it! Helen was always prudent and a good
+     manager. It is true, as she says, that there are but two of us. Why
+     shouldn't I go to Peoria, and see her?
+
+There was no more; but as Ralph Harding a week later left Harrisburg, it
+seemed fair to infer that he had adopted his own half-expressed
+intention, and gone to Peoria, to see his sister, especially as there
+seemed a good chance of his obtaining work there in his own line.
+
+"Peoria!" repeated Bert thoughtfully. "The chances are that Ralph
+Harding went there from Harrisburg, and it is very probable that he is
+there now. I wish I could find some one that could tell me about the
+place."
+
+"Mr. Pearson," he said, when he met the associate manager at rehearsal,
+"can you tell me anything about Peoria?"
+
+"Yes," answered the actor. "What do you want to know about it?"
+
+"How large a place is it?"
+
+"About the size of Harrisburg. I don't believe there is a thousand
+difference in the population."
+
+"Is it far from here?"
+
+"A matter of six or seven hundred miles, I should think, perhaps a
+little more. It is southeast of Chicago. Why do you want to know?"
+
+"I want to find a man who, I have reason to think, is now living there.
+I may have to leave the company, as it is very important for me to find
+this man."
+
+"There will be no occasion for you to leave the company. When we leave
+Harrisburg, we jump to Chicago, and probably three weeks from now we
+shall be playing in Peoria. It is on our list of places, and is a very
+good city for a short engagement. Will that be soon enough?"
+
+Bert hesitated. If he remained with the company, his expenses would be
+paid out to Peoria, and he would be earning fifteen dollars a week
+besides.
+
+"Come, now, don't hesitate!" said Mr. Pearson. "We shouldn't know how to
+get along without you."
+
+Naturally this pleased Bert, and helped to fix his resolution.
+
+"I don't know but I can wait two or three weeks," he said slowly, "if
+you are sure we shall play at Peoria."
+
+"I am certain of it. The route was made up this morning. We are having
+some new bills printed in which your name is substituted for that of Bob
+Hazleton. So you see, my boy, you will be getting a reputation under
+your own colors."
+
+This had its effect, for Bert felt that he should like to have a bill of
+the play in which his own name appeared. Otherwise he might find his
+friends incredulous as to his having actually been upon the stage. Later
+in the day he gave his promise that he would go with the company when
+they left Harrisburg, but would not sign an engagement for any definite
+time, as he did not wish to put any obstacle in the way of his following
+any clew that might lead to the discovery of Harding.
+
+"Well, Mr. Barton," said Mrs. Stubbs after supper, "did you find
+anything of value in that box of papers?"
+
+"Yes; I obtained some information that will probably be of value.
+Besides it gave me a clew to his present residence."
+
+"Indeed," said Angelica, who was present, "where is he?"
+
+"In Peoria, Illinois. He has a married sister living there."
+
+"Shall you go out West to find him?"
+
+"I expect to go with the company. They will play an engagement in
+Peoria."
+
+"If you see Mr. Harding, please remember me to him. Say--that is, you
+may hint that I still think of him with interest, and--and hope he will
+some day return to us."
+
+"That message ought to bring him, Miss Angelica."
+
+"Of course I only think of him as a friend, but we were very congenial,
+and it is not often that one meets a congenial spirit."
+
+"Why not send a letter to Mr. Harding by me?"
+
+"I--that is; mamma, do you think it would be proper?" asked Angelica
+with bashful hesitation.
+
+"I don't know why not," answered Mrs. Stubbs promptly. "You might ask in
+the letter when it will be convenient for him to pay his board bill."
+
+"Oh, ma, how unromantic!"
+
+"It may not be romantic, Angelica, but it's business," said the
+practical mother.
+
+Miss Stubbs did write the letter, but it is certain she did not mention
+the board bill in it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+SQUIRE MARLOWE IS SURPRISED.
+
+
+It may be well to return to Lakeville, as something has occurred there
+which deserves to be recorded.
+
+It is needless to say that Mrs. Barton missed Bert, whose bright and
+cheerful presence had filled the little house with comfort and
+gladdened his mother's heart. Still she knew that he was well, and
+heard from him every week, though Bert only detailed his experiences in
+general terms, not caring to raise expectations which perhaps might
+prove illusive.
+
+Bert's absence from Lakeville excited some surprise and speculation.
+Squire Marlowe, to whom it had been mentioned by Percy, stopped Mrs.
+Barton in the street one day, and said: "Percy tells me that your son is
+away."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Where is he?"
+
+"He went to New York."
+
+"Is he at work there?"
+
+"No, he is travelling."
+
+"Travelling? What do you mean?"
+
+"Uncle Jacob has sent him off on some mission. He is at Harrisburg, I
+believe."
+
+"That is very strange!" remarked the squire, arching his eyebrows. "What
+possible mission can Jacob have for the boy?"
+
+"He doesn't write particulars; but his expenses are paid."
+
+"I don't see how Jacob Marlowe, with his paltry twelve dollars a week,
+can make such arrangements."
+
+"Nor I; but probably Uncle Jacob has interested his employer in Bert."
+
+"It may be so, but I think it very unwise to send off a boy by himself.
+What judgment has he, or what can he do?"
+
+"I don't very well know. He seems to enjoy the trip."
+
+"Of course; but it will spoil him for solid work. He had better have
+stayed at home."
+
+"What encouragement was there for him to stay in Lakeville? If you had
+not discharged him, he would be here now. If you will take him back into
+the factory, I will write him to that effect, and perhaps it will induce
+him to return."
+
+"Ahem! I will think of it. Does he send you any money?"
+
+"Not yet."
+
+"Then how do you live?"
+
+"Without calling upon you, Albert," said Mrs. Barton, with a little
+tinge of bitterness. "I hardly think you feel enough interest in me to
+care how I live."
+
+Albert Marlowe was somewhat embarrassed, and regretted that he had asked
+the question. Mrs. Barton might take it into her head that he was
+willing to contribute to her support, and this was far from being the
+case.
+
+"Women look at things from a peculiar point of view," he said. "Of
+course I wish you well, and for that reason regret that you are so
+injudicious in your management of Bert."
+
+"I have no fear but that Bert will turn out well," rejoined Mrs. Barton
+proudly.
+
+"Ahem! I hope so, though that twenty-dollar affair led me to fear that
+he had inherited loose ideas about honesty."
+
+"What do you mean?" demanded Mrs. Barton, her cheeks aflame with
+indignation.
+
+"I shouldn't think you would need to ask. Of course we both know why Mr.
+Barton is an exile, unable to return home."
+
+"Yes, Albert Marlowe, we do know! He is an innocent man, suffering for
+the crime of another."
+
+"That is what he says, is it?" sneered the squire. "That might be
+expected."
+
+"Because it is true; but, Albert Marlowe, I have good hopes that his
+innocence may be vindicated, and the real criminal brought to light."
+
+Her intense gaze made the squire uncomfortable. "Did she mean anything?"
+he asked himself.
+
+"It is natural for you to take the most favorable view of the matter,"
+he said; "but your hope is hardly likely to be realized. Good-morning."
+
+Mrs. Barton looked after him, and her spirit rose in revolt against the
+inequalities of fortune. Here was the real criminal, as she fully
+believed--rich, prosperous, enjoying a high social position, while her
+poor husband, the scapegoat for another's offense, was an exile from
+home.
+
+The next day Squire Marlowe went to New York on business. He
+occasionally visited Wall Street, and now and then made an investment.
+He looked the embodiment of dignity and respectability, with his ample
+figure, fine broadcloth suit, and gold-rimmed eyeglasses, and might
+readily have been taken for a prosperous and wealthy city banker.
+
+About one o'clock he entered an expensive restaurant, a stone's throw
+from Broadway, and taking up the bill of fare made a selection of dishes
+for his dinner. As he did so, he said to himself, with a comfortable
+smile: "When I was a common workman in a shoe shop, how little did I
+think that I should ever be able to sit down in a restaurant like this,
+and pay a dollar and a half for my dinner. Why, I didn't earn much more
+than that by a day's labor. Here I am surrounded by brokers, bankers,
+and wealthy merchants, and quite as good as they."
+
+The thought led Squire Marlowe to look around him. What he saw almost
+paralyzed him with surprise. There--at a neighboring table--sat Uncle
+Jacob, enjoying a luxurious dinner, the cost of which the squire, with
+the bill of fare before him, estimated must come to a high figure.
+
+"Can that be Uncle Jacob?" Albert Marlowe asked himself in amazement.
+"How on earth can a clerk on twelve dollars a week salary afford to dine
+at a restaurant like this?"
+
+As he had not yet given his order, he moved over to the table occupied
+by Uncle Jacob, and took a seat opposite him.
+
+"Albert Marlowe!" exclaimed the old man, recognizing him with surprise.
+
+"Yes, Uncle Jacob, it is I. But what on earth brings you here?"
+
+"I should think it was pretty evident," said Jacob Marlowe with a smile,
+"I came in for my dinner."
+
+"Yes, but do you usually come here?"
+
+"Not always--perhaps half the time. I make my heartiest meal of the day
+at this time--unlike most New Yorkers--and like it to be a good one."
+
+"Of course, but--how can you afford to eat here? Didn't you say that
+your salary was twelve dollars a week?"
+
+"I think I said so."
+
+"You are spending at that rate for your dinners alone. I don't
+understand how you can do it."
+
+"I am an old man, Albert. I can't live many years, and I think it
+sensible to get as much comfort out of life as possible for my few
+remaining years."
+
+"Still----"
+
+"I had a little money, you know, five hundred dollars, and I have
+managed to turn it to good account, so that I don't feel quite so
+cramped as when I was at Lakeville."
+
+"The old man's been speculating!" thought Albert Marlowe, "and he has
+had a stroke of luck; but he's a fool to think he can live like a banker
+on the strength of that. Very likely his next venture will sweep away
+his small amount of capital. Well, if he comes to grief, he needn't
+apply to me. Henceforth I wash my hands of him and his affairs
+altogether."
+
+"Of course it's your own lookout," he said, "but to me you seem
+recklessly extravagant."
+
+"Because I come in here? Well, perhaps so. When I find I can't afford
+it, I'll go to a cheaper place. Have you seen Mary Barton lately?"
+
+"Yes; she is well. By the way, what have you done with her boy?"
+
+"He is traveling."
+
+"So I heard. It seems to me a very foolish proceeding. Who is paying his
+expenses?"
+
+"Himself."
+
+"Is he working, then?" asked the squire in surprise.
+
+"Yes; he is a member of the 'Streets of Gotham' company, and is earning
+his living as an actor."
+
+"What does he know about acting?" asked the squire in amazement.
+
+"It appears that he is giving satisfaction. He sent me a paper
+containing a highly commendatory notice of his first appearance."
+
+"It won't last," said Albert Marlowe, his wish being father to the
+thought.
+
+When he returned to Lakeville that evening, he carried with him two
+pieces of news--first, that Uncle Jacob was living in luxury, and
+secondly, that Bert Barton was on the stage.
+
+"If he can act, I can," said Percy jealously. "They must have been hard
+up for an actor when they took Bert Barton. A boy brought up in a
+country town. Never been to a theatre in his life before. Pooh! I dare
+say he appeared for one night only. The idea of Mary Barton's son acting
+before a regular audience, a boy who has hoed corn for farmer Wilson!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+HIRAM FRENCH, OF CHICAGO.
+
+
+From Harrisburg the dramatic company with which Bert was connected went
+directly to Chicago.
+
+"We don't like to make such long jumps," said Mr. Pearson, with whom
+Bert had become quite friendly, "but we could secure Hooley's Theatre
+this week, and no other. Were you ever in Chicago?"
+
+"No," answered Bert. "I have never traveled much. I suppose you have."
+
+"Yes; I went out to San Francisco last year with the 'Silver King.' You
+will find Chicago a pleasant city."
+
+"Are the hotels dear?"
+
+"No; only moderate in price. The theatrical people get a discount, you
+know."
+
+"I think I should rather live in a boarding house."
+
+"That will be cheaper. I don't mind going with you to keep you company."
+
+"Do you know of any good house?"
+
+"I know a very comfortable boarding-house on Monroe Street, kept by Mrs.
+Shelby, a widow lady. My sister once boarded there, when visiting
+Chicago."
+
+"That will suit me, I think. Would you mind going 'round with me?"
+
+"I'll take you there, with pleasure."
+
+The two, on arriving in Chicago, went at once to Monroe Street, and
+called at the boarding-house.
+
+"I am glad to see you, Mr. Pearson," said the widow cordially. "Is your
+sister with you?"
+
+"Not this time."
+
+"Are you going to play here?"
+
+"Yes; I shall appear at Hooley's Theatre all next week."
+
+"Is that young gentleman your brother?"
+
+"No, he is one of our actors, Mr. Bert Barton."
+
+"He looks young for an actor," said the landlady, surprised.
+
+"I appeared on the stage when I was only twelve. But we have come on
+business, Mrs. Shelby. Have you a vacant room?"
+
+"Yes; I had one vacated yesterday."
+
+"Suppose Mr. Barton and myself take it for a week?"
+
+"I shall be glad to have you. I can't afford to have my rooms remain
+vacant."
+
+"What will be your terms?"
+
+"Six dollars each, including board."
+
+"Is that satisfactory, Bert?" asked Pearson.
+
+"Quite so, Mr. Pearson."
+
+"Then we will take possession. I hope it is almost time for a meal, Mrs.
+Shelby. I am almost famished."
+
+"You will only have to wait an hour. I will show you to your rooms, and
+then I must be excused, as my presence is required downstairs."
+
+The room shown by the landlady was of fair size and neatly furnished.
+Bert looked about him in satisfaction.
+
+"I would rather be here than at a hotel," he said.
+
+"So would I, as long as I have a companion," returned Mr. Pearson.
+"Besides, I shall be saving from four to five dollars a week. I ought to
+pay more than half of it, as I am receiving a considerably higher salary
+than you."
+
+"No, Mr. Pearson, I prefer to pay my share. But for you I should be
+paying more at a hotel."
+
+Bert felt a little diffidence in appearing before a Chicago audience.
+He had, to be sure, been favorably received in Harrisburg, but he had an
+idea that in a larger city it would be more difficult to achieve
+success. The first night undeceived him. He received a liberal share of
+applause, and was called before the curtain.
+
+"I congratulate you, Bert," said Mr. Pearson. "You seem to have made
+yourself solid with the audience."
+
+"I am glad that I give satisfaction," returned Bert. "It will encourage
+me to do better."
+
+"You had better adopt the profession of an actor," continued his friend.
+
+Bert shook his head.
+
+"I prefer to enter a business of some kind," he said. "Though I have
+succeeded in one part, I am not sure that I should succeed in others."
+
+Bert was about leaving the theatre that night when the call boy brought
+him a card.
+
+"There is a gentleman at the door would like to see you," he said.
+
+Bert glanced at the card, and found it bore the name of
+
+  HIRAM FRENCH.
+
+It was a name he had never before heard, and when he reached the door he
+looked inquiringly at the middle-aged gentleman who stood before him.
+
+"You are young Barton?" said the visitor.
+
+"Yes; that is my name."
+
+"Are you the son of John Barton, who once worked in the shoe factory of
+Weeks Brothers?"
+
+"Yes, sir," answered Bert, coloring, for he knew that the stranger must
+be aware that his father was resting under a criminal charge.
+
+"I thought I could not be mistaken. You look as your father did at your
+age."
+
+"Then you knew my father as a boy?" said Bert, eagerly.
+
+"I was a schoolmate of his. Later on I was employed in the same factory
+with him--that of Weeks Brothers."
+
+"Did you know under what circumstances he left the factory?" asked Bert,
+with some embarrassment.
+
+"Yes, I knew all about it. But I want you to come home and pass the
+night at my house, and we will talk over that and other matters."
+
+"Thank you, sir. I will give notice to a friend who rooms with me."
+
+Bert found Mr. Pearson, and informed him that he would absent himself
+for one night from Mrs. Shelby's boarding-house. Then he returned to
+Mr. French.
+
+"I live on Indiana Avenue," explained the latter. "We shall find a car
+at the corner of State and Madison Streets."
+
+As they walked to the car, Bert's new friend asked: "How long have you
+been on the stage, Mr. Barton?"
+
+"Only two weeks."
+
+"You don't mean that that comprises your whole experience."
+
+"Yes. I stepped in at Harrisburg to supply the place of a young actor
+who was taken sick."
+
+"You act as if you had been trained to it. But how came you to be at
+Harrisburg? That is not your home?"
+
+"No. As you were my father's friend, I will tell you what brought me out
+there."
+
+Bert briefly related the story that is already known to the reader.
+Hiram French listened with great attention.
+
+"I remember Ralph Harding," he said. "He was not popular among his
+shopmates, especially after his agency in throwing suspicion upon your
+father."
+
+"Was it generally thought that my father was guilty?" asked Bert.
+
+"No; while circumstances were strong against him, no one could believe
+that a man whose reputation for integrity was as high as your father's
+would be guilty of stealing. But the good will of his associates could
+not help him."
+
+"Did you know Mr. Marlowe?"
+
+"Albert Marlowe? Yes."
+
+"Was he well liked?"
+
+"Not by me. He was far from being as highly respected as your father."
+
+"Yet he has prospered. He is the owner of a factory in Lakeville, and is
+considered worth thirty thousand dollars."
+
+"I am surprised to hear it. When I knew him he was always in debt."
+
+"If he really took the bonds charged upon my father, that would account
+for his start in business."
+
+"Exactly so. Now that I think of it, two or three days after the theft,
+I saw him and Ralph Harding walking together, apparently engaged in
+earnest conversation. They evidently had a good understanding with each
+other. I believe you are on the right track, and I heartily hope you
+will succeed in making your father's innocence evident to the world.
+John Barton was my favorite friend, and I hope some day to see him in
+Chicago."
+
+"Are you in business here, Mr. French?"
+
+"Yes; I am in the old line. Like Albert Marlowe, I am the owner of a
+large shoe factory, and I am worth, I should say, considerably more
+money."
+
+Hiram French occupied a handsome house on Indiana Avenue, furnished with
+taste, and was, as his style of living showed, in easy circumstances. He
+introduced Bert to his wife and daughter, who seemed at once drawn to
+the young actor. When he left the house the next morning after breakfast
+he was urgently invited to call again during his stay, and partially
+promised to do so. But he was in haste to reach Peoria, for there it was
+he hoped to find a witness that would vindicate his father's name and
+fame.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+A LATE ARRIVAL AT MRS. BARTON'S COTTAGE.
+
+
+One evening, about eight o'clock, Mrs. Barton was sewing in her little
+sitting-room when an unusual feeling of loneliness overcame her.
+Circumstances had separated her from her husband, and her only son was
+hundreds of miles away.
+
+"Why," she asked herself, "can I not fare as well as other wives and
+mothers? I am a wife, yet I cannot enjoy my husband's society.
+Fortunately I am not likely long to be separated from Bert. If he only
+succeeds in his mission, and comes home able to vindicate the fame of
+his father, and restore him to me, I shall be perfectly happy."
+
+She felt unusually restless, and found it difficult to keep on with her
+work.
+
+"I feel as if something were going to happen. I hope no misfortune is
+impending over me."
+
+She had hardly spoken when the door bell rang.
+
+"It is some neighbor come to make a call," she thought. "I am glad of
+it, for I am not in the mood for work."
+
+She rose and opened the door. She started back in surprise when in her
+visitors she recognized Uncle Jacob, and leaning upon his arm the
+husband of whom she had just been thinking.
+
+"May we come in?" asked Uncle Jacob, cheerily.
+
+"Surely, but--has anything happened?"
+
+"Only this; that your husband is sick and has come here to be nursed
+back to health by my advice."
+
+"But--is it safe?"
+
+"I think so. The fact is, Bert has made an important discovery, and is
+likely to make more. We are in a fair way to prove your husband's
+innocence, and put the guilt where it belongs."
+
+"And where does it belong?"
+
+"The man who stole the bonds, we have every reason to believe, is Albert
+Marlowe."
+
+"I do not wish to get him into trouble, but if it is necessary in order
+to vindicate my husband's reputation, I will not object."
+
+"Albert Marlowe has been a cruel enemy to you and your family," said
+Jacob Marlowe, sternly. "He is entitled to no consideration. The past
+ten years cannot be recalled; but I think that we shall be able to
+provide a brighter future for yourself and Mr. Barton. The first thing
+to do is to get him well."
+
+"What is the matter with you, John?" asked Mrs. Barton, now for the
+first time noting with alarm her husband's pale face.
+
+"The doctor says my system is run down, and that I need time to
+recuperate. I was living in a boarding-house in Montreal, and the
+prospect of being sick there was too much for me. I wanted my wife to
+take care of me, and, taking the first train to New York, I consulted
+Uncle Jacob as to whether it would be safe. In the light of Bert's
+discoveries he told me to take the risk. So here I am. May I stay?"
+
+"Do you need to ask that?" said Mrs. Barton, with an affectionate glance
+at her husband. "There is no place where you have a better right to be."
+
+Then, as she thought of her scanty means, a momentary look of anxiety
+overspread her face lest she should not be able to provide him with the
+medicines and nourishing food that he required. Uncle Jacob, who was a
+keen observer, read her thoughts, and reassured her by saying: "Mr.
+Barton is provided with what money may be required for at least a month,
+and after that time I think some more can be found."
+
+"But, Uncle Jacob, I cannot consent to impose upon your liberality any
+further. You have but a small sum of money yourself. What would happen
+to you if you should fall sick?"
+
+"I think I should follow your husband's example, and come here to be
+nursed back to health," replied Uncle Jacob.
+
+"What am I to say to the neighbors, for they will be sure to inquire?"
+
+"Say that you are taking care of a sick gentleman from New York."
+
+"It will not do to give his real name?"
+
+"No; call me Mr. Robinson, as you did on my former visit," said Mr.
+Barton.
+
+"Now that this matter is arranged, can you take care of us both
+to-night?" asked Uncle Jacob.
+
+"Yes, there is Bert's room."
+
+"Then I will trespass upon your hospitality for one night."
+
+"Can't you stay longer, Uncle Jacob?"
+
+"No, I must get back to business. I must not run any risk of losing my
+situation, you know."
+
+"To be sure not," said Mrs. Barton, earnestly. "Do you like your
+employer, Uncle Jacob?"
+
+"I have no reason to complain of him," answered the old man, with a
+smile. "He lets me do about as I please."
+
+"You were very lucky in getting in with him."
+
+"As you say, I am in good luck. But I think I ought to get higher pay."
+
+"It seems to me twelve dollars a week is a very good salary," said Mrs.
+Barton, soberly. "You could save something out of that if you were not
+so generous."
+
+"I must think seriously of that, Mary. If I get mean and close-fisted,
+you mustn't be surprised. It will be only because I follow your
+advice."
+
+"You can never become mean or close-fisted, Uncle Jacob. It isn't in
+your nature to be either. But I hope you will be reasonably economical,
+and not give away so much money to others."
+
+"You are a good little woman, Mary," said Uncle Jacob, feelingly. "If
+you are ever blessed with means, you will do just as you advise me not
+to do. Don't be worried about me, Mary. God loves a cheerful giver, you
+know, and whatever I give to you is cheerfully given."
+
+An hour was spent in conversation, and then, as Mr. Barton showed
+fatigue, he and Uncle Jacob retired to bed, and Mrs. Barton mixed some
+flour so as to be able to give her guests warm biscuits in the morning,
+for she remembered that her husband had been very fond of them in former
+years.
+
+The next morning after breakfast Uncle Jacob took his departure.
+
+"I leave you in good hands, John," he said to Mr. Barton. "Now, get well
+as fast as you can."
+
+"There is one thing that will make me well," said Barton, "and that is,
+vindication from the false charge that has darkened my life and
+destroyed my happiness during the last ten years."
+
+"That is coming, and coming soon," said Uncle Jacob. "Only be patient a
+little while. Bert has already made a discovery that makes it clear who
+is the real criminal."
+
+"I hope he will never suffer as I have done," said the sick man.
+
+"You have a more Christian spirit than I, John. I think it only right
+that he should suffer for the wrong he has done you. Well, good-by. Let
+me hear from you, and if Bert makes any further progress in his mission,
+I will apprise you and Mary."
+
+Uncle Jacob left the village without being seen by Albert Marlowe or
+Percy, who alone were likely to recognize him. But it leaked out that
+Mrs. Barton had a boarder, Percy being the first to hear of it.
+
+"What do you think, papa?" he said one day. "Bert Barton's mother has
+taken a boarder from the city."
+
+"A boarder from the city?" repeated Squire Marlowe, surprised.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What brought him to Lakeville?"
+
+"I don't know. I can tell you who brought him here."
+
+"Who, then?"
+
+"Uncle Jacob."
+
+"Has he been here, then?"
+
+"Yes; he came in the evening and went back the next morning."
+
+"I wonder he did not call upon us," said the squire thoughtfully.
+
+"It's no great loss if he didn't," returned Percy, pertly. "He would
+probably want to borrow money."
+
+"No; he appears to be doing very well in the city; that is, for him. But
+what could induce a gentleman from the city to come here to Lakeville to
+board in a humble cottage?"
+
+"I hear he is in poor health," said Percy.
+
+"Have you seen him? Do you know what his appearance is?"
+
+"Yes. I saw him sitting at Mrs. Barton's window. He is of dark
+complexion, and has dark hair. Then he seemed to have a high forehead."
+
+Squire Marlowe started in surprise.
+
+"Dark complexion, dark hair, a high forehead! Is it possible that it can
+be----"
+
+"Who, father?" asked Percy, curiously.
+
+"Never mind, my son. Some one whom I used to know answers to that
+description."
+
+As Percy went out, Albert Marlowe said to himself: "If it should be he,
+what shall I do about it? It is not for my interest that he should
+remain in Lakeville. I might denounce him to the authorities, but I
+would warn him first. Then, if he still lingers, he must take the
+consequences."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+BERT INTERVIEWS HARDING'S SISTER.
+
+
+The next week Bert found himself in Peoria. His heart beat with
+excitement, for here he hoped he would attain the object he had in view.
+
+The first day he was occupied in obtaining a boarding place, and in
+matters connected with the play. He understood his duty to his
+employers, and, eager as he was to seek out Ralph Harding, he waited
+till he could do so without intrenching upon their time.
+
+After considerable inquiry he found himself standing in front of a
+neat-looking frame house of two stories in a quiet street. The plate on
+the front door bore the name
+
+  CLIFTON.
+
+Bert rang the bell.
+
+The door was opened by a girl about twelve years of age.
+
+"Is Mrs. Clifton at home?" asked Bert.
+
+"Yes, sir. Won't you walk in?"
+
+She led the way into a tiny parlor, so small that the owner would have
+found it difficult to give a fashionable party, or indeed any party at
+all.
+
+"Sit down here," said the young girl, pointing to a rocking-chair, "and
+I will call ma."
+
+Bert took a seat, and was startled a minute later by a hoarse voice
+saying, with much energy, "Get out, you tramp!"
+
+He looked around the room in angry amazement, but could see no one.
+
+Directly afterward he heard a discordant laugh, and, guided by the
+sound, looked up to see that it proceeded from a green parrot in a cage
+above his head.
+
+Bert smiled. It was impossible for him to be angry with a parrot,
+however impolite the bird might be.
+
+Just then a lady entered the room--a lady of middle size and middle age,
+plain in feature, but not unpleasant to look upon.
+
+"Did you wish to see me, sir?" she asked.
+
+"Are you the sister of Ralph Harding?" asked Bert.
+
+The woman's face changed instantly.
+
+"Yes," she answered eagerly. "Do you bring me any news of him? He is
+not in trouble, is he?"
+
+It was Bert's turn to be surprised.
+
+"I thought he was staying with you," he said.
+
+"Not now."
+
+"But he has been here. He came here from Harrisburg, didn't he?"
+
+"Yes, and he was here till three weeks ago. Then he came home from the
+shop where he was at work and told me he was going away."
+
+"Did he tell you where he was going?" asked Bert, eagerly.
+
+"He said he should go to Chicago first, but I have not heard from him
+since he went away."
+
+Ralph Harding then was in Chicago. If Bert had only known that, he would
+have remained there and prosecuted the search in the Lake City. Yet what
+chance would he have of finding a man whom he had never seen and would
+not know by sight in so large and populous a place?
+
+His face showed the keenness of his disappointment, and Mrs. Clifton was
+led to inquire:
+
+"Did you wish to see my brother on business of importance?"
+
+"Of importance to me, yes."
+
+"Is it," she asked with hesitation, "likely to get Ralph into trouble?"
+
+"No, madam. On the contrary, if I find him it will be of advantage to
+him."
+
+"Then I hope you may find him. But I am afraid it will be difficult.
+Ralph is very restless. We tried all we could to keep him here, but it
+was of no use. He had a good place, and, though I say it myself, a good
+home, where he enjoyed every comfort, but all that didn't prevent him
+leaving us to go among strangers," she concluded, with a sigh.
+
+"I only just came from Chicago. I wish I had known that he was there."
+
+"Did you come to Peoria expressly to see my brother?" asked Mrs.
+Clifton, showing some curiosity.
+
+"Not entirely. I am connected with the theatrical company. We play the
+'Streets of Gotham.'"
+
+"Are you an actor, and so young," asked Mrs. Clifton, in surprise.
+
+"I take a small part in the play," answered Bert, modestly. "Allow me to
+place two admission tickets at your disposal."
+
+"Oh ma, can I go with you?" asked the young girl who had opened the
+front door.
+
+"Perhaps so, Belle."
+
+"Have you any picture of your brother which you could show me?" asked
+Bert, returning to the object of his visit.
+
+"Fortunately, Ralph had some photographs taken while he was here. But
+for me he would not have done so, but I insisted, and paid for them
+myself. Belle, go and get one of the pictures of your Uncle Ralph."
+
+The little girl left the room, and soon returned with a photograph.
+
+"You can have that, if you like," said Mrs. Clifton. "I got a dozen, and
+Ralph did not feel enough interest to keep one for himself, so I have
+plenty. I suppose it isn't anything extra, but it look like Ralph."
+
+Bert was eagerly scanning the picture which Ralph Harding's sister had
+given him.
+
+The face was long, the nose aquiline, the cheeks hollow, and the
+expression was that of a man who was dissatisfied with life. There were
+side whiskers of scanty growth, and there was a scrubby mustache of
+yellowish hue. It was a front view, and both ears were visible. They
+were of extraordinary size and stood out prominently from the head.
+
+"I think I shall know Ralph Harding if I see him," thought Bert.
+
+"I am very much obliged to you for the picture," said Bert. "With it to
+help me I hope I may find your brother."
+
+"If you do," returned Mrs. Clifton, "will you write to me and let me
+know, Mr.----?"
+
+"Barton. You will see my name on the playbill--Bert Barton. Yes, I will
+write to you in that case."
+
+"There is one question I would like to ask you, Mr. Barton. You say you
+have never met my brother?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then how did you learn that he had a sister in Peoria, and how did you
+know that that sister was myself."
+
+"I was staying at his old boarding-house in Harrisburg. He left behind a
+box of papers, and among those papers was a letter from you, urging him
+to come to Peoria."
+
+"I remember that letter."
+
+"It was that letter--excuse my reading it--that led me to come to Peoria
+in search of Mr. Harding."
+
+"I am glad you came, for I have some hope through you of inducing Ralph
+to return. You see, Mr. Barton, there are only two of us. I had not seen
+him for five years, and now that he has left us, five years more may
+roll by before we meet again. I think Ralph would be better with us. He
+is not a cheerful man. Sometimes I think he is burdened with a secret
+which is preying upon him. I am sure he would be better off with us
+than among strangers."
+
+"I agree with you, Mrs. Clifton. You may rest assured that, should I be
+fortunate enough to find your brother, I will do all I can to induce him
+to return to you when our business is concluded. This may require him to
+go East, but afterward he will be free to go where he pleases. The
+secret you refer to may relate to the business upon which I wished to
+see him."
+
+As Bert rose to go Mrs. Clifton took his hand, and said, earnestly: "I
+wish you success, I am sure. I feel better for your visit."
+
+The information which Bert had received made him desirous of going back
+to Chicago as soon as possible and making every effort to find Ralph
+Harding. But there was one embarrassment. He did not like to leave the
+company till they were able to find a substitute. In New York this would
+have been easy, but here in Peoria there would be a great difficulty.
+
+But he was unexpectedly relieved from this perplexity.
+
+On Friday morning Mr. Pearson, who had just come from the manager's
+room, said to him, "I have news for you, Bert."
+
+"What is it, Mr. Pearson?"
+
+"Bob Hazleton has just arrived, and wants to take his old place. But, of
+course, that would not be fair to you."
+
+"Tell the manager to take him back," said Bert eagerly. "I have some
+important business calling me to Chicago, and I shall be glad to
+resign."
+
+"You are sure you won't be disappointed?"
+
+"Very sure. I have been wondering how I could resign without
+embarrassing the company."
+
+"We shall be very sorry to lose you, but if that is the way you feel,
+Bob is in luck."
+
+Bert played that evening in the presence of his predecessor in the role,
+and on Saturday took the morning train for Chicago.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+SUCCESS COMES STRANGELY.
+
+
+On his return to Chicago, Bert went back to Mrs. Shelby's
+boarding-house, and was cordially received. His board bill was but six
+dollars a week, and he took care not to spend any money unnecessarily
+for outside expenses.
+
+About the middle of the week he received a letter from Uncle Jacob, to
+whom he had telegraphed his movements.
+
+This is an extract therefrom:
+
+     "You will be surprised to learn that your father is sick at
+     Lakeville, under your mother's care. I don't think his trouble is
+     physical so much as mental. If, by your help, his reputation is
+     vindicated, and he is relieved from suspicion, I am sure he will
+     soon be himself again.
+
+     "There is some risk, no doubt, in the step he has taken. He might
+     be denounced and arrested, if information were given to the
+     authorities. But a long time has elapsed since the charge was made,
+     and no one in Lakeville was cognizant of the circumstances except
+     Albert Marlowe, and, though he may learn that the city boarder at
+     your house is your father, I cannot believe he would be so base as
+     to give a hint to the authorities. If he should, the letter of
+     Ralph Harding's which you forwarded will throw suspicion upon him.
+     I am anxious, however, to have you find the man himself, as his
+     oral testimony will avail more than any letters. You may assure
+     him, if found, that he will be liberally dealt with, if he helps
+     clear your father.
+
+     "I don't know how you may be situated as to money, and I therefore
+     send you an order for fifty dollars. Present it to Clement Green,
+     of No. 13-1/2 La Salle Street, and he will cash it. He is not a
+     banker, but an insurance agent, with whom I am well acquainted. I
+     am glad to hear that you have left the stage, as it will permit you
+     to devote your entire time to hunting up Ralph Harding."
+
+On account of the income from his dramatic engagement, Bert had spent
+but little of his uncle's money for the last three weeks. However, he
+thought it best to cash the order at once, as he might have unforeseen
+expenses. He accordingly made his way to the office on La Salle Street
+to which he had been directed, and presented his order to Mr. Green in
+person.
+
+"How is my old friend Mr. Marlowe?" asked that gentleman, courteously.
+
+"He was very well when I left New York," answered Bert.
+
+"I knew him in California. In fact, we both worked together in the same
+mine. Try to persuade him to come out to Chicago. I should be delighted
+to entertain him. Are you a relative of his?"
+
+"Yes, sir; he is my great uncle."
+
+"Shall you stay long in Chicago?"
+
+"I am not sure. It will depend on my business."
+
+"You are young to be intrusted with a business matter."
+
+"Yes, sir; but there was no one else to undertake it."
+
+"How will you have the money?"
+
+"In tens and fives."
+
+"Very well. Let me advise you to divide your money and not carry it all
+in your pocket-book. You know, of course, that in a city like this there
+are pickpockets and designing persons who would be glad to rob you."
+
+"Thank you for the suggestion. I will follow your advice." Bert borrowed
+an envelope, and put all his money, except about ten dollars in small
+bills, in the inside pocket of his vest. This was wise, for he had fifty
+dollars besides the sum which he had just been paid. It proved to be a
+prudent precaution.
+
+Outside the office a young man of rather flashy appearance had noticed
+Bert, and, following him in on some pretext that would avert suspicion,
+had seen that Mr. Green was paying him money. He went out quickly, and
+waited till Bert emerged into the street. He then quickened his steps,
+and overtook him.
+
+"Good-morning, young man," he said.
+
+"Good-morning," returned Bert, eyeing the stranger with some curiosity.
+
+"You must excuse the liberty I have taken in addressing you, but if you
+will favor me with a few minutes' conversation, I think I can make it
+worth your while."
+
+"Very well. I am ready to hear what you have to say."
+
+"By the way, are you staying at a hotel?"
+
+"No; I am boarding on Monroe Street."
+
+"Is it a good boarding-house?"
+
+"Excellent."
+
+"I am looking for one, and if you will allow me, I will walk round with
+you, and see what it is like."
+
+Bert knew that Mrs. Shelby had a room which she was anxious to let, and
+he readily agreed to introduce the stranger.
+
+"I am staying at a hotel just now," explained his companion, "but I
+prefer a boarding-house as more home-like. Are you a stranger in the
+city?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Where from?"
+
+"From New York."
+
+"I am from San Francisco. I have only been here a week."
+
+They conversed upon indifferent topics till they reached Mrs. Shelby's.
+
+"I will go up and take a look at your room first, if you don't mind.
+That will give me an idea of the accommodations."
+
+"Very well, sir."
+
+Bert led the way to his own room, and both entered.
+
+"Very neat, on my word!" said the stranger. "Now I will allude to the
+little matter of business--and then you can introduce me to your
+landlady."
+
+"Just as you please, sir."
+
+"It is briefly this: Do you see this watch?"
+
+He took out a showy gold watch, and held it up before Bert.
+
+"I find myself unexpectedly short of funds, owing to the failure of a
+remittance to come to hand, and I am going to offer you this watch at a
+bargain. You have none, I see."
+
+"No, and I have no money to spare to buy one."
+
+"Wait till I offer you an inducement. This watch cost me a hundred
+dollars. I have had it only six months. I offer it to you for
+twenty-five."
+
+"I presume that is a good offer; but I have no money of my own that I
+can use for the purpose of buying a watch."
+
+"My young friend, it will pay you to borrow, for you can double your
+money on the watch. Any one will give you fifty for it."
+
+"Then why do you offer it to me for twenty-five?" asked Bert shrewdly.
+
+"Because I can't wait to hunt up a customer."
+
+"I cannot buy it."
+
+"Then I will make you another offer. Lend me ten dollars on it, and I
+will redeem it in three days, and give you five dollars for the
+accommodation."
+
+Bert hesitated. It seemed an easy way of earning five dollars.
+
+"If I don't redeem it, you have the watch itself for security for a
+ridiculously small sum. Of course I shan't give you the chance, if I can
+help it. I expect funds from San Francisco to-morrow."
+
+"I think I shall have to decline," Bert said, after a pause; "but your
+offer seems a good one, and I have no doubt you will easily get
+accommodated elsewhere."
+
+Bert was not prepared for the next movement.
+
+The stranger rose from his seat, drew a sponge from his pocket, and
+quickly applied it to Bert's nostrils. He felt his head swimming and
+consciousness departing.
+
+"Aha," thought the stranger. "My prudent young friend will advance money
+this time without security."
+
+He hastily thrust his hand into Bert's pocket, drew out his pocket-book,
+and, without stopping to open it or examine its contents, sprang to the
+door, with the intention of making his escape.
+
+But another boarder chanced to be passing through the entry at the
+moment. A quick glance revealed to him Bert unconscious on a chair, and
+the pocket-book in the hand of the man who was leaving the room. He took
+in the situation at once.
+
+"Give me that pocket-book," he said sternly. The other looked undecided.
+
+"Give it to me, or I will hold you and summon help. If you surrender it,
+I will let you go scot free."
+
+The thief muttered an execration, but did not dare to refuse.
+
+The boarder entered the room and set himself to reviving Bert.
+
+"Where am I?" asked Bert, languidly.
+
+"You are all right now," was the reply.
+
+Bert looked up in the face of his visitor, and started in great
+excitement.
+
+"Tell me, quick," he said, "are you not Ralph Harding?"
+
+"Yes," answered the other in great surprise. "Who are you that
+recognizes me?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+RALPH HARDING IS FOUND.
+
+
+Bert was still partly under the influence of chloroform; but the sight
+of Ralph Harding, whom he recognized from the photograph which had been
+given him, roused him from his stupefaction.
+
+Harding repeated his question.
+
+"Who are you?" he asked, "and how do you know me?"
+
+"I am Bert Barton."
+
+"What? not the son of John Barton?" exclaimed Harding, drawing back with
+a troubled look.
+
+"Yes," answered Bert, gravely; "I am the son of John Barton, and I have
+been in search of you for several weeks."
+
+"You have been in search of me? Why did you want to see me?"
+
+"I want you to clear my father of the false charge which was brought
+against him ten years ago," answered Bert, firmly.
+
+"I don't understand what you mean," stammered Harding, who had sunk back
+into a chair and was eyeing Bert with a troubled look.
+
+"Oh, yes, you do, Mr. Harding. It was you who gave the information that
+one of the stolen bonds was in my father's overcoat pocket."
+
+"It was true," said Harding doggedly.
+
+"Where were the rest?" asked Bert, pointedly.
+
+"How should I know? Your father had them secreted somewhere, I suppose."
+
+"You know better than that. My father was innocent. He knew nothing of
+the bonds. An enemy plotted to get him into trouble."
+
+"Do you charge me with being that enemy?" demanded Harding.
+
+"You had something to do with it, but you were the instrument of
+another."
+
+"How do you know that?" admitted Harding, incautiously.
+
+"Shall I tell you the name of that other?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"It is Albert Marlowe."
+
+Ralph Harding started in surprise.
+
+"Does he admit it?" he asked, after a pause.
+
+"No; he does not know that it is suspected. I want you to back me up in
+the demand that he clear my father from suspicion."
+
+"He will never do it. How could he, without criminating himself?"
+
+"Whatever be the result, my father's character must be cleared."
+
+"Tell me, is your father still living?" asked Ralph Harding, earnestly.
+
+"Yes, he is."
+
+"Have you seen him?"
+
+"Yes. Poor father, he has suffered much. He has been separated from my
+mother and myself these many years, and has not dared to show himself at
+his old home, or among his old friends, because he was liable to be
+arrested on the old charge."
+
+Ralph was looking down upon the floor, and his features were working
+convulsively. Bert guessed what was passing through his mind, and paused
+to give him time.
+
+He looked up after a while, and asked: "What would you have me do?"
+
+"Testify to what you know. It will clear my father, and he can come home
+once more."
+
+"But it will condemn Albert Marlowe."
+
+"Why not let it? He is the guilty man. Have you so much reason to like
+Albert Marlowe that you will not do this act of justice?"
+
+"No!" Ralph Harding burst out, and his face wore an expression of
+resentment. "He has used me like a dog. It was through me that he became
+a rich man, and in return he has treated me with contempt and
+indifference. If I dared----"
+
+"You would expose him?"
+
+"Yes, I would. It is of no use to deny what you have said. Your father
+is an innocent man. The bonds were stolen by Albert Marlowe."
+
+Bert looked triumphant. He had wrung the truth from the accomplice of
+Squire Marlowe.
+
+"How did you find me?" asked Harding, abruptly. "How did you know I was
+in Chicago?"
+
+"I was told so by your sister."
+
+"Have you been in Peoria, then?" asked Harding, in great surprise.
+
+"Yes; I was there last week."
+
+"But how did you find out that I had a sister?"
+
+"At Harrisburg. You left a letter from your sister at your
+boarding-house there, which gave me the clew I wanted."
+
+"And how did you trace me to Harrisburg?"
+
+Bert explained.
+
+"And you defrayed your own expenses? I thought you and your mother were
+left in poverty."
+
+"So we were; but an uncle of my mother's recently returned from
+California, and it is he who has supplied me with the funds needed for
+my journey."
+
+"Then he is wealthy?"
+
+"I don't think so. He is employed in New York on a small salary, but he
+is liberal with the little he has. He has set his heart on clearing my
+father's reputation. It is he who sent me on my present mission."
+
+"Does your father think that Albert Marlowe is the real thief?"
+
+"He does. In fact, he is firmly convinced of it. Now, Mr. Harding, I
+have told you why I wanted to find you. You have as much as told me I am
+right in my suspicion. You are partly responsible for my poor father's
+undeserved sufferings. But for you he would never have been charged with
+the crime. Is it not so?"
+
+"I admit it," Ralph Harding answered, slowly.
+
+"Will you tell me who put the bond into my father's pocket?"
+
+"I did."
+
+"And who prompted you to do it?"
+
+"It was the man you suspected--Albert Marlowe."
+
+"It was the proceeds of his theft that enabled him to start in business,
+was it not?"
+
+"You are right."
+
+"I have one more question to ask. Will you accompany me to New York and
+testify to this, if needful?"
+
+"But what will happen to me?" asked Harding, troubled.
+
+"My uncle bade me promise you that we will do our utmost to prevent your
+coming to harm. As to Albert Marlowe, we shall demand a confession from
+him, or we shall have him arrested, and the whole matter investigated."
+
+Ralph Harding paused for a brief space, and then said: "What are your
+plans if I agree to help you?"
+
+"To start for New York to-night," answered Bert, promptly. "In New York
+I will take you to Uncle Jacob's office, and we will decide what to do
+next."
+
+Harding hesitated a moment, then said: "I believe you will keep your
+promise, and I will put myself in your hands. I always liked your father
+better than Albert Marlowe, who is a very selfish man, and he has not
+kept his promise to me. I have reproached myself more than once for
+consenting to help Marlowe in his plot. It has never been out of my
+mind. I have been restless, unable to settle down anywhere, and have
+suffered punishment myself, though not as severe as has fallen upon your
+father. When I have made reparation, as I now have a chance to do, I
+shall be more contented in mind."
+
+"Can you be ready to take the evening train with me?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Where are you living?"
+
+"In this house."
+
+"Then we can remain together. I have not thanked you yet for coming to
+my help, and saving my money."
+
+"I am glad to have helped the son. It will help offset the injury I have
+done the father."
+
+Bert, accompanied by Ralph Harding, took the evening train for New York.
+Their arrival was timely, for reasons which will be shown in a later
+chapter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII.
+
+ALBERT MARLOWE MEETS HIS VICTIM.
+
+
+Like most wrong-doers, Albert Marlowe had never ceased to entertain an
+apprehension that his connections with the bond theft would some time be
+made public. Yet, as the years rolled by, and he became rich and
+prosperous, his fears abated somewhat, and he felt no qualms of
+conscience, though he knew that an innocent man was suffering exile for
+his sake. When he thought of John Barton it was with dislike. For
+nothing is truer than the saying that we dislike those whom we have
+injured. He did not know whether Barton was alive or dead, but hoped
+that he was dead, as this would make him absolutely safe.
+
+When he learned from Percy that Mrs. Barton had a male boarder, his
+fears instantly suggested that it might be John Barton. The description
+given by Percy tallied with his recollections of the victim of his
+wicked plot. His fears and suspicions were instantly aroused. Why was
+John Barton here? He was under the ban of the law, liable to be
+re-arrested, yet he ran that risk. What object had he in view? That he
+sought the care of his wife because he was ill did not seem a sufficient
+motive. Evidently it behooved him to find out, first, whether Mrs.
+Barton's boarder was really her husband; and, secondly, if such should
+be the case, to warn him to leave Lakeville. It gave the squire an
+uncomfortable feeling to have his victim so near at hand.
+
+First, to find out who the boarder was. Albert Marlowe got into the
+habit of walking two or three times a day past the cottage of Mrs.
+Barton, in the hope of seeing the mysterious stranger. He did this for
+several days, but did not succeed in his object. The reason was that Mr.
+Barton was confined by weakness first to the bed, and then to the lounge
+in the little sitting-room.
+
+But on the fifth day Squire Marlowe was in luck. The mysterious boarder
+was walking to and fro in the front yard attached to the cottage. When
+he saw Albert Marlowe he turned away, and was about to re-enter the
+house. The squire did not need this corroboration of his suspicion, for
+he had already recognized Barton, though the two had not met for ten
+years.
+
+He set his face firmly; his expression became hard and dogged.
+
+"That man must leave Lakeville!" he said to himself.
+
+Without hesitation he opened the gate and entered the yard.
+
+Meanwhile John Barton, seeing that he was recognized, came to a halt,
+and, turning around, faced the man who had been his bitter enemy. He
+showed no signs of fear, for what had happened was only what he had
+anticipated.
+
+Squire Marlowe came up and stood at his side.
+
+"You are John Barton," he said. "Do not attempt to deny it!"
+
+"I do not propose to deny it to you--Albert Marlowe," answered Barton,
+calmly.
+
+"You are here under an assumed name. I was told that Mrs. Barton's
+boarder was named Robinson."
+
+"I am passing under that name. You know why."
+
+"Yes, I do know why. You are under the ban of the law. You are afraid of
+being arrested and brought to trial a second time."
+
+"I know there is danger of it, and of course I shrink from it."
+
+"Then why do you come here? Are you mad?"
+
+"After ten years I wished to see my wife once more. I am a sick man. I
+came to her to be nursed back to health."
+
+"Take care, or when you leave here it will be for a less desirable
+boarding-place!" said the squire, in a menacing tone.
+
+"You mean the prison?"
+
+"Yes; that is what I mean."
+
+"No one in Lakeville knows who I am. Why should I fear?"
+
+"I know."
+
+"Surely you would not betray me--you, the man who worked for years at my
+side?"
+
+"I cannot compromise with crime. It is my duty as a good, law-abiding
+citizen, to denounce you to the authorities."
+
+"You--a good, law-abiding citizen!" repeated John Barton, with scornful
+emphasis.
+
+Squire Marlowe started back in astonishment. The worm had turned.
+
+"Do you mean to question it?" he demanded, sharply.
+
+"Yes, I do."
+
+"On what grounds?"
+
+"Albert Marlowe," said John Barton, sternly, "one of us two is a thief,
+but I am not the one."
+
+"Do you mean to insult me?" exclaimed the squire, white with anger, not
+unmingled with uneasy fear.
+
+"Come in! I have something to say to you. It is better said in-doors,
+where no passer-by can hear it."
+
+Mechanically Squire Marlowe followed John Barton into the little
+sitting-room. Mrs. Barton looked up from her rocking-chair in surprise
+and apprehension, and half rose.
+
+"Stay where you are, Mary," said her husband. "I wish you to hear what I
+am about to say to Albert Marlowe."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII.
+
+MR. BARTON DEFIES THE SQUIRE.
+
+
+Squire Marlowe sat down, while John Barton, instead of quailing in his
+presence, eyed him with cool indifference.
+
+"What is the meaning of this tomfoolery?" asked Albert Marlowe,
+uneasily.
+
+"You may call it what you like, but the time has come for an
+explanation. Albert Marlowe, you have done me a cruel wrong. It is
+through you that I have had my name blackened and have been forced to
+fly from my country."
+
+"So you went to Canada, did you?" sneered the squire. "It's a popular
+resort for gentlemen of your class."
+
+"Your words do not trouble me, for I never committed the crime with
+which I was charged."
+
+"Of course not. It is wonderful how innocent you all are. But you say
+that I am responsible for the consequences of your crime. What do you
+mean by that?"
+
+"I mean," answered Barton, with a penetrating glance, "that the bonds
+were stolen by you, and that you schemed to throw the blame upon me. Is
+this plain?"
+
+"Are you mad?" said the squire, angrily, "do you expect the world to
+believe this, or are you in a conspiracy to blackmail me?"
+
+"The last question you can ask when I demand money from you as the price
+of my silence."
+
+"Take care, John Barton! Your silly tale is the last desperate expedient
+of a criminal. You ought to see the folly of attacking a man in my
+position. For years I have been the most prominent man in Lakeville,
+owner of the large shoe factory that gives employment to fifty hands. It
+is no idle boast--and your wife will confirm my words--that I am the
+most influential and respected citizen of this town."
+
+"And on what are your position and prosperity based, Albert Marlowe?
+Where did you obtain the capital that enabled you to start in
+business?"
+
+Squire Marlowe looked confused for a moment, but his audacity did not
+desert him.
+
+"I started," he answered, "on borrowed money."
+
+"Of whom did you borrow?"
+
+"That is my affair," returned Marlowe, doggedly.
+
+"You would find it hard to answer. Let me answer for you."
+
+The squire did not speak, but waited, not without uneasiness, for Barton
+to answer his own question. He didn't have long to wait.
+
+"You started your factory on the money realized from the stolen bonds."
+
+"You will have to prove this," said Marlowe, furiously.
+
+"Do you wish me to do so?" asked John Barton, significantly.
+
+"This is all a scheme to clear yourself from the charge," exclaimed the
+squire. "Don't think I am so dull that I don't see through it. How
+happens it that you have waited ten years before it occurred to you to
+implicate me?"
+
+"It did not immediately occur to me; but when you started in business on
+a large scale, though you were no better off than myself at the time of
+the theft, it set me to thinking."
+
+"I have already told you that I used borrowed money."
+
+"You won't tell me where you borrowed it."
+
+"Because it is my private business. John Barton, I warn you that you are
+making a powerful enemy. If you keep quiet and let me alone, I will not
+call attention to your presence in Lakeville, and for safety's sake I
+will not appear to know anything about you. Do you make that promise?"
+
+"Albert Marlowe, I am an innocent man, but I am under a ban. I want to
+prove my innocence, and regain the right to live with my family, and
+hold up my head before my fellow-men. If, in doing this, attention
+should be drawn to you as the real criminal I cannot help it."
+
+"So you defy me, do you?" demanded the squire.
+
+"If what I have said is a defiance, then I defy you," answered John
+Barton, calmly.
+
+Squire Marlowe rose from his seat, his face flushed with anger.
+
+"Be it so," he said. "You will hear from me again."
+
+"Oh, John," exclaimed Mrs. Barton as the squire left the room, "I am
+afraid Albert will do you some harm."
+
+"Then, Mary, to relieve you, let me say that I have heard through Uncle
+Jacob that Bert has found the missing witness, Ralph Harding, and that
+both are probably in New York at this moment."
+
+On his return Squire Marlowe telegraphed from a neighboring town as
+follows:
+
+     "To Robert Manning, No. 71 1-2 Fulton St., Brooklyn:
+
+     "John Barton, who ten years since stole your bonds, and escaped
+     trial, is at Lakeville, at his wife's house.
+
+                          "ALBERT MARLOWE."
+
+The last act in the drama was about to be played, and Squire Marlowe
+went about with a gleam in his eye as he anticipated the final downfall
+of the man who had dared to defy him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX.
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+
+Bert arrived in New York in due time, accompanied by Ralph Harding. They
+received a cordial welcome from Uncle Jacob.
+
+"You shall not regret your testimony in behalf of John Barton," he said
+to Harding. "I will see that you are protected."
+
+"Uncle Jacob," said Bert, "I have twenty dollars left of the amount you
+gave me for expenses. Here it is."
+
+"Keep it, Bert. You will need it."
+
+"But, Uncle Jacob, I have already put you to too great expense. If you
+were a rich man----"
+
+Jacob Marlowe smiled.
+
+"I can spare the money," he said. "Don't trouble yourself on that score.
+You have done yourself great credit, Bert, and shown great shrewdness in
+your expedition in search of Mr. Harding. I am not sure that you would
+not make a good detective."
+
+"I have no ambition in that direction, Uncle Jacob. I hope to get a
+little better education, and then to devote myself to business."
+
+"I think you will have an opportunity to do both, Bert."
+
+"Do you think you can get me a place of some kind in New York? I know,
+of course, that I must work before I can afford to study."
+
+"We will speak of that later. Now I have to propose that we all go down
+to Lakeville to meet your father and mother, and incidentally to have an
+interview with Albert Marlowe."
+
+"Do you wish me to go, too?" asked Ralph Harding.
+
+"By all means! You are the most important member of the party."
+
+Toward noon of the next day the three reached Lakeville. Uncle Jacob and
+Ralph Harding secured rooms at the hotel, and then repaired to the
+little cottage.
+
+We will precede them.
+
+It was in the spirit of revenge that the squire had telegraphed to
+Brooklyn, and after he had done so he half regretted it. If John Barton
+were re-arrested, he would undoubtedly try to incriminate the squire
+himself, and the mere accusation would do him harm. It would be best if
+Barton could be frightened into making his escape, and this very act
+would seem like a confession of guilt.
+
+"Yes, that will be best," thought the squire. "Barton will never dare to
+come back, and we shall be spared the scandal of a trial."
+
+He took his hat and cane, and set out for the Barton cottage.
+
+Mrs. Barton opened the door.
+
+"Is your husband in?" asked the squire.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I would like to see him on very important business."
+
+"I will see you," said John Barton, who had overheard the squire's
+words.
+
+"Well?" he said, as Marlowe entered the sitting-room.
+
+"I have come to urge you to leave Lakeville," began the squire,
+abruptly. "There is no time to be lost."
+
+"Why should I leave Lakeville?"
+
+"You don't want to be arrested, I take it?"
+
+"Is there any danger of it?"
+
+"Yes; I telegraphed yesterday to Robert Manning that you were here.
+Officers of the law may arrive at any time."
+
+"Why did you betray me?" asked Barton, quietly.
+
+"Because I thought it my duty. I had no right to shield a criminal."
+
+"Then why have you put me on my guard?"
+
+"For your wife's sake."
+
+"I am surprised at your consideration. You showed very little when you
+discharged my boy from your factory."
+
+"That was a matter of business. But there is no time to waste in
+discussion. I advise you to go to the station at once. A train will
+leave for New York in half an hour, and you may be able to escape before
+the arrival of the officers."
+
+"But I don't want to escape."
+
+"Are you mad?" demanded the squire, impatiently. "Do you want to spend a
+term of years in prison?"
+
+"Heaven forbid!"
+
+"Then profit by my warning, and escape while there is time."
+
+"No. If I am arrested I will stand trial."
+
+"Have you taken leave of your senses?"
+
+"No; I wish to prove my innocence."
+
+"What chance have you of that?"
+
+"The testimony of Ralph Harding----"
+
+"What!" exclaimed Squire Marlowe, rising in great agitation. "Where is
+Ralph Harding?"
+
+"Here!" was the unexpected reply, and Uncle Jacob entered the room,
+accompanied by Bert and Mr. Harding.
+
+Albert Marlowe turned his gaze from one to another in ill-concealed
+dismay.
+
+"What is the meaning of this?" he asked, hoarsely. "Have you been
+hatching up a plot against me?"
+
+"No," answered Uncle Jacob with dignity. "It is our object to relieve
+John Barton from the stigma upon his fair name. In doing so it may be
+necessary to fasten the crime upon the guilty party. Who that is, you
+know as well as I do."
+
+"No one will credit the testimony of that man!" said the squire,
+pointing scornfully at Ralph Harding.
+
+"Don't be too sure of that! His story is plain and straightforward, and
+I think it will impress the court that way."
+
+"Albert has been urging me to escape," said John Barton. "He has set the
+officers on my track."
+
+"Has he done this?" asked Uncle Jacob, sharply.
+
+"So he says."
+
+At this moment a knock was heard at the door, and there was a new and
+unexpected arrival, which produced a sensation.
+
+It was Robert Manning, of Brooklyn.
+
+"You telegraphed to me, Mr. Marlowe," he said. "This man, I believe, is
+John Barton."
+
+"You are right, sir," responded Barton, calmly.
+
+"I might have brought with me an officer and an order of arrest, but I
+have chosen instead to offer to drop all action against you if you will
+restore the bonds or their equivalent. I have no wish to be revenged,
+but I want reparation."
+
+"As I never took your bonds, I am not the person to apply to," replied
+Barton.
+
+"Then perhaps you will have the kindness to tell me who did take the
+bonds," said Manning, incredulously.
+
+"I will do that," responded Ralph Harding, coming forward. "There he
+stands!"
+
+"It is a lie!" interposed the squire, hoarsely.
+
+"It is true. You hired me to put a five-hundred dollar bond into John
+Barton's pocket while you appropriated the remainder. It was this that
+enabled you to go into business for yourself in Lakeville. It was in
+this way that you got together your wealth."
+
+Albert Marlowe was overwhelmed, and did not immediately reply.
+
+"I think I remember you," said Robert Manning. "It was your testimony
+that weighed so heavily against Mr. Barton."
+
+"And it has weighed heavily upon my conscience ever since. I have at
+last determined to tell the truth."
+
+"What have you to say to this, Mr. Marlowe?" asked Manning pointedly.
+
+"It is a lie," answered the squire, feebly.
+
+"You are willing to have the matter go to trial?"
+
+"Albert," put in Uncle Jacob, "it appears to me that you are in a bad
+box. Ralph Harding's testimony is sure to convict you. Will you take my
+advice?"
+
+"What is it?" asked the squire, sullenly.
+
+"Accept the offer made to John Barton under a misapprehension. Repay to
+Mr. Manning the value of the stolen bonds----"
+
+"With interest attached," interposed Manning.
+
+"And he will drop the matter. Am I right, Mr. Manning?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"It will amount to about double the original sum--say twelve thousand
+dollars."
+
+"I can't raise so large an amount in cash."
+
+"You are worth more?"
+
+"Yes; but not in ready money."
+
+"I will advance it to you, and take a bill of sale of the factory and
+your house," said Uncle Jacob.
+
+All eyes were turned upon the old man in amazement.
+
+"But where will you get the money?" gasped the squire.
+
+"I can raise ten times that sum, if necessary."
+
+"But I thought you were a poor man?"
+
+"I never told you so. I said I had five hundred dollars; but I didn't
+add that I am worth at least two hundred thousand dollars more. That was
+my secret!"
+
+"You said that you invested all your money in some mining shares that
+depreciated to nothing."
+
+"I foresaw the decline, and sold out at a small loss."
+
+"Why did you deceive us?" asked the squire, irritably.
+
+"I wanted to test you all. When you thought me poor, you gave me my
+walking ticket; but Mary here," and Uncle Jacob glanced affectionately
+at Mrs. Barton, "gave me a warm welcome, though she thought me nearly as
+poor as herself. I shall not forget it. Bert also did not look down upon
+his old uncle, even though he had little to expect from him."
+
+"But, Uncle Jacob," said Bert, "why, if you are so rich, do you work for
+twelve dollars a week?"
+
+"It was a harmless deception, Bert," he replied. "I am at the head of
+the office where you think me employed, and president of one of the
+richest mines on the Pacific Coast."
+
+"Mr. Marlowe," said the squire, not venturing upon the familiar name of
+Uncle Jacob, "instead of advancing money on my house, factory, and
+stock, are you willing to buy them outright?"
+
+"At what sum do you value them?"
+
+"Fifteen thousand dollars."
+
+"It is a bargain," said Uncle Jacob promptly.
+
+"You may feel disposed to run the business yourself."
+
+"It is out of my line. I shall make a free gift of the whole to John
+Barton, who, I suppose, is quite capable of taking your place."
+
+"How can I thank you?" said Mr. Barton, much moved.
+
+"By making Mary happy. Now, Mr. Manning, if you and Albert Marlowe will
+call to-morrow at my office in New York we will complete the business.
+John, I shall not need you; but Bert will go with me and bring you back
+the deeds of the property I propose to transfer to you."
+
+That evening was a happy one in the Barton cottage, but there was vain
+regret and dissatisfaction at the home of Albert Marlowe. Too late they
+all regretted that they had received Uncle Jacob so coldly, and so
+forfeited, in all probability, their chances of sharing his wealth.
+Percy's great regret was that that Barton boy should be lifted above
+him.
+
+A month later, and the changes had taken place. The Bartons moved to
+Squire Marlowe's handsome house, and John Barton was installed as owner
+and head of the shoe factory. Bert was placed at an academy, where he
+will remain till he has acquired a good education, and then will enter
+Uncle Jacob's office in the city. He bids fair to redeem the promise of
+his boyhood, and become an upright and manly man. Ralph Harding has been
+made superintendent of the factory, and enjoys the confidence of John
+Barton, who is happy in the society of his wife, of which he was
+deprived for so many years.
+
+Albert Marlowe, with the remainder of his money, went to Illinois, and
+has established a small shoe factory out there. He is a discontented and
+unhappy man, and his wife is peevish and discontented also. They can no
+longer afford the expensive establishment they maintained in Lakeville.
+Percy has not lost all hopes of being remembered in the will of his
+wealthy relative, but whether he will or not is Jacob Marlowe's Secret.
+
+THE END.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  ALGER SERIES FOR BOYS.
+
+  UNIFORM WITH THIS VOLUME. BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.
+
+  Adrift in New York.
+  A Cousin's Conspiracy.
+  Andy Gordon.
+  Andy Grant's Pluck.
+  Bob Burton.
+  Bound to Rise.
+  Brave and Bold.
+  Cash Boy.
+  Chester Rand.
+  Do and Dare.
+  Driven from Home.
+  Erie Train Boy.
+  Facing the World.
+  Five Hundred Dollars.
+  Frank's Campaign.
+  Grit.
+  Hector's Inheritance.
+  Helping Himself.
+  Herbert Carter's Legacy.
+  In a New World.
+  Jack's Ward.
+  Jed, the Poor House Boy.
+  Joe's Luck.
+  Julius, the Street Boy.
+  Luke Walton.
+  Making His Way.
+  Mark Mason.
+  Only an Irish Boy.
+  Paul, the Peddler.
+  Phil, the Fiddler.
+  Ralph Raymond's Heir.
+  Risen from the Ranks.
+  Sam's Chance.
+  Shifting for Himself.
+  Sink or Swim.
+  Slow and Sure.
+  Store Boy.
+  Strive and Succeed.
+  Strong and Steady.
+  Struggling Upward.
+  Tin Box.
+  Tom, the Bootblack.
+  Tony, the Tramp.
+  Try and Trust.
+  Wait and Hope.
+  Walter Sherwood's Probation.
+  Young Acrobat.
+  Young Adventurer.
+  Young Outlaw.
+  Young Salesman.
+
+ _Price, Post-Paid, 35c. each, or any three books for $1.00._
+
+  HURST & COMPANY
+  PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Five Hundred Dollars, by Horatio Alger
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