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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 <a -href="http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you are not -located in the United States, you'll have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this ebook.</p> -<p>Title: A Boy's Fortune</p> -<p> Or, The Strange Adventures of Ben Baker</p> -<p>Author: Horatio Alger</p> -<p>Release Date: May 7, 2016 [eBook #52017]</p> -<p>Language: English</p> -<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> -<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A BOY'S FORTUNE***</p> -<p> </p> -<h4>E-text prepared by David Edwards, Andrés V. Galia,<br /> - and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> - (<a href="http://www.pgdp.net">http://www.pgdp.net</a>)<br /> - from page images generously made available by<br /> - Internet Archive<br /> - (<a href="https://archive.org">https://archive.org</a>)</h4> -<p> </p> -<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;margin: 0 auto;" cellpadding="10"> - <tr> - <td valign="top"> - Note: - </td> - <td> - Images of the original pages are available through - Internet Archive. See - <a href="https://archive.org/details/boysfortuneorstr00alge"> - https://archive.org/details/boysfortuneorstr00alge</a> - </td> - </tr> -</table> -<p> </p> -<hr class="full" /> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px; margin-top: 1em;"> -<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="500" height="802" alt="Book cover" /> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[i]</a></span></p> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 299px; margin-top: 5em;"> -<img src="images/frontis.jpg" width="299" height="462" alt="Frontispiece" /> -<p class="center"><span class="smcap">"He had fallen asleep"</span></p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii">[ii]</a></span></p> - -<h1 class="space-above3">A BOY'S FORTUNE</h1> -<p class="center">OR</p> -<p class="ph1">THE STRANGE ADVENTURES OF BEN BAKER</p> -<p class="center"><small>BY</small></p> -<p class="s2 center">HORATIO ALGER, JR.</p> -<p class="center"><small>AUTHOR OF "ADRIFT IN THE CITY," "GRIT," -"FRANK AND FEARLESS,"</small></p> -<p class="center"><small>"DAN, THE DETECTIVE," "PLUCKY PAUL PALMER," ETC.</small></p> -<div class="center space-above5">THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.<br /> -PHILADELPHIA<br /> -<span class="wspaced3m">CHICAGO TORONTO</span></div> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[iii]</a></span></p> -<p id="half-title"><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1898, by</span><br /> -HENRY T. COATES & CO.</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[iv]</a></span></p> -<h2>CONTENTS.<a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a></h2> -</div> - -<div class="center"> -<table width="80%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" summary="Content"> -<tbody> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">CHAPTER</td> - <td> </td> - <td class="tdr">PAGE</td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr"> I.</td> - <td class="tdl smcap">Oliver Hitchcock's Lunch-Room, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_1">1</a> </td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr"> II.</td> - <td class="tdl smcap">A Lodging in St. Mark's Place, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_10">10</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">III. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">The Merchant's Secret, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_19">19</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">IV.</td> - <td class="tdl smcap">The Mock Philanthropist, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_28">28</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">V. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">A Young Dude, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_37">37</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">VI. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">Ben Gets Into Trouble, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_45">45</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">VII. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">A Strange Adventure, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_54">54</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">VIII. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">An Unexpected Meeting, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_67">67</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">IX. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">Clarence is Puzzled, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_72">72</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">X. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">At the Office of Mr. Codicil, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_81">81</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XI. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">The Home of Poverty, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_90">90</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XII. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">A Surprising Announcement, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_99">99</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XIII. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">A Farewell Call, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_108">108</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XIV. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">What Ben's Friends Thought, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_117">117</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XV. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">Filippo Novarro, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_126">126</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XVI. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">On Board the Parthia, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_134">134</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XVII. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">The Beauforts in Trouble, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_143">143</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XVIII. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">Mrs. Flanagan is Driven From the Field, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_152">152</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XIX. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">Brighter Prospects, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_162">162</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XX. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">The New Home, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_171">171</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[v]</a></span></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXI. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">The Collapse of an Elderly Dude, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_181">181</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXII. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">The Romance of a Rose, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_190">190</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXIII. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">On the Borders of the Lake of Geneva, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_200">200</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXIV. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">The Maison de Fous, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_208">208</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXV. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">In a Trap, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_218">218</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXVI. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">Introduces Two Celebrities, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_227">227</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXVII. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">A Midnight Escape, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_236">236</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXVIII. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">Ben's Flight, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_245">245</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXIX. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">Ben is Missed, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_249">249</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXX. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">M. Bourdon's Little Scheme, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_254">254</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXXI. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">A Wanderer in France, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_262">262</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXXII. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">A Strange Meeting, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_267">267</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXXIII. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">An Astounding Discovery, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_271">271</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXXIV. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">Rose Makes an Enemy, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_279">279</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXXV. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">A Woman's Jealousy, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_287">287</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXXVI. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">Rose Comes Into a Fortune, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_296">296</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXXVII. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">Ben Meets His Cousin, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_305">305</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXXVIII.</td> - <td class="tdl smcap">M. Bourdon Has a Bad Quarter of an Hour, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_310">310</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XXXIX. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">Ben and His Uncle, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_314">314</a> </td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdr">XL. </td> - <td class="tdl smcap">Conclusion, </td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_319">319</a> </td> -</tr> - -</tbody> -</table> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2>A BOY'S FORTUNE;<a name="A_BOYS_FORTUNE" id="A_BOYS_FORTUNE"></a></h2> - -<p class="center">OR,</p> - -<p class="ph1">The Strange Adventures of Ben Baker</p> - -<h2>CHAPTER I.<a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">Oliver Hitchcok's Lunch-Room.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>"Wake up there! This is no place to sleep."</p> - -<p>The speaker was a policeman, the scene was City Hall Park, and the -person addressed was a boy of perhaps sixteen, who was reclining on -one of the park benches, with a bundle at his side.</p> - -<p>The officer accompanied his admonition with a shaking which served -to arouse the young sleeper.</p> - -<p>"Is it morning?" asked the boy, drowsily, not yet realizing his -situation.</p> - -<p>"No, it isn't. Don't you know where you are?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I know now," said the boy, looking about him.</p> - -<p>"Come, get up, Johnny! This is no place for you," said the -officer, not unkindly, for he was a family man, and had a boy of his -own not far from the age of the young wayfarer.</p> - -<p>The boy got up, and looked about him undecidedly. Clearly he did -not know where to go.</p> - -<p>"Are you a stranger in the city?" asked the policeman.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir. I only got here this afternoon."</p> - -<p>"Then you have no place to sleep?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"Haven't you got money enough to go to a hotel? There is Leggett's -Hotel, just down Park Row," pointing eastward.</p> - -<p>"I have a little money, but I can't afford to go to a hotel."</p> - -<p>"You can go to the Newsboys' Lodging House for six cents."</p> - -<p>"Where is it?"</p> - -<p>The officer told him.</p> - -<p>"I feel hungry. I suppose there isn't any place where I can get -supper so late as this?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Oh, yes! There's one close by. Do you see a light over there?"</p> - -<p>The officer pointed to a basement opposite the post-office, at the -corner of Beekman street and Park Row.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I see it," answered the boy. "Is it a good place?"</p> - -<p>"I should say so. Why, that's Oll Hitchcock's. You can't get a -better cup of coffee or sandwich anywhere in New York. I often get -lunch there myself, when I don't have time to go home."</p> - -<p>"Thank you for telling me. I'll go over."</p> - -<p>Ben Baker, for that is the name of our young hero, walked across -the street, and descended the steps into the well-known restaurant -or lunch-room of Oliver Hitchcock. Open by night as well as by -day, there is hardly an hour of the twenty-four in which it is not -fairly well patronized, while at times it is thronged. It is a -favorite resort for men of all classes—printers, journalists, -newsmen—who drop in in the early morning on their way to or -from the offices of the great morning papers for their -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span> -regular supplies—politicians and business men of all kinds.</p> - -<p>More than once in Oliver Hitchcock's old saloon, farther up the -same street, Horace Greeley, the elder Bennett, and Raymond, of the -<em>Times</em>, could be found at the plain tables, unprovided with -cloths, but bearing appetizing dishes.</p> - -<p>When Ben entered the restaurant at half-past eleven he was -surprised to find most of the tables occupied.</p> - -<p>Coming from the country, where ten o'clock found nearly every one -in bed, he was much surprised to find so many persons up and engaged -in supping.</p> - -<p>"People in New York seem to sit up all night," he thought.</p> - -<p>He took a vacant seat, and the waiter soon coming up to him, stood -in silent expectation of an order.</p> - -<p>"Give me a cup of coffee and a sandwich," said Ben.</p> - -<p>"What kind?"</p> - -<p>"Ham."</p> - -<p>The waiter sped on his errand, and soon set -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span> -before our hero a cup of fragrant coffee, steaming hot, and a -sandwich made of tender meat and fresh bread, which tasted delicious -to the hungry boy—so delicious that he resolved to forego the -intended piece of pie and ordered another.</p> - -<p>While he was eating the second sandwich, he observed that a young -man, sitting just opposite, was eyeing him attentively.</p> - -<p>He was tall, dark-complexioned, slender, and had a kindly face.</p> - -<p>"You seem to relish your supper, Johnny," he said.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I do, but my name isn't Johnny."</p> - -<p>The young man smiled.</p> - -<p>"Excuse me," he said, "but in New York we call boys by that name, -if we don't know their real names. I suppose you have not been here -long?"</p> - -<p>"No; I only arrived this afternoon."</p> - -<p>"Come to make your fortune, eh?"</p> - -<p>"Well, I don't know. I should like to, but if I can make a living -it is all I expect. Besides, I have another object," added the boy, -slowly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Were you ever here before?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir."</p> - -<p>"You are up rather late. You don't sit up so late in the country, -do you?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, no, I am in bed by nine o'clock generally."</p> - -<p>"We don't go to bed early here. I myself haven't been in bed -before midnight for three years."</p> - -<p>"Do you like to sit up so late?" asked Ben.</p> - -<p>"I didn't at first. Now I am used to it. My business keeps me up -late."</p> - -<p>Seeing that Ben looked curious, he added:</p> - -<p>"I am a reporter on a morning paper."</p> - -<p>"Do you like it?" asked Ben, doubtfully.</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes. It isn't a bad business."</p> - -<p>"What paper do you write for?" asked Ben, with considerable -respect for a man who wrote for the papers.</p> - -<p>"I used to work on the <em>Sun</em>. Now I'm on the -<em>Herald</em>. It suits me very well while I am a young man, but I -should like a different position when I am older."</p> - -<p>"Is it hard work?"</p> - -<p>"Sometimes. I am liable to be sent off at -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span> -five minutes' notice to any part of the city. Then I am expected -to keep my eyes open, and make note of anything that comes in my -way. There was a big fire last night about one o'clock, up town. I -heard of it as I was going up in the horse-cars, so I hurried to the -spot, and instead of going to bed I got all the information I could, -hurried back to the office and wrote it up. I got extra pay for it. -Besides, it shows interest, and may help me to promotion."</p> - -<p>"Have you got through for to-night?" asked Ben.</p> - -<p>"Yes; I feel tired, being up so late last night. When I leave here -I shall go home and to bed. By the way, where are you staying?"</p> - -<p>"Nowhere," answered Ben, in some embarrassment.</p> - -<p>"You are not going to sit up all night, are you?"</p> - -<p>"No. I suppose I must go somewhere."</p> - -<p>"There is a hotel close by—Leggett's."</p> - -<p>"So a policeman told me, but I haven't much money, and I had -better not go to a -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span> -hotel. He said there was a Newsboys' Lodging House, where I could get -lodging for six cents."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid you couldn't get in at this late hour."</p> - -<p>Ben looked perplexed. He felt sleepy, and needed rest.</p> - -<p>"Then I suppose I shall have to go to the hotel," he answered. "Do -you know how much they charge?"</p> - -<p>"Not exactly. It depends on the room. I can direct you to a -cheaper lodging even than you could get at the Newsboys' Lodging -House."</p> - -<p>"I wish you would," said Ben, looking up hopefully.</p> - -<p>"Then come home with me. My room-mate is away for a few days, and -I have room for you."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir, if it won't inconvenience you."</p> - -<p>"Not at all."</p> - -<p>Ben had read of adventurers that lie in wait for unsuspecting -travellers and "rope them in," but he entertained no suspicion of the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span> -young man who had so kindly offered him a bed. The mere fact that he -was a newspaper man seemed to Ben a guarantee of respectability.</p> - -<p>As Hugh Manton (the reporter) and he went up to the counter to -pay the amount of their checks, a stout, handsomely-dressed man, of -portly form and medium stature, entered the restaurant. As his eye -fell upon Ben he started and muttered to himself:</p> - -<p>"That boy in New York! What does he want here?"</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER II.<a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a></h2> </div> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">A Lodging in St. Mark's -Place.</span></p> - -<p>Hugh Manton, whose calling had trained him to quick observation, -did not fail to notice that the stout gentleman was in some way moved -by the sight of his young companion. This surprised him not a little, -for in the portly gentleman he recognized a wealthy retail merchant -whose store was located on the upper part of Broadway.</p> - -<p>"Can there be any connection between this country boy and the rich -Mr. Walton?" he asked himself, curiously.</p> - -<p>He resolved to take an early opportunity to question Ben.</p> - -<p>When their bills were paid they went out of the restaurant. It was -twelve o'clock by the clock on the City Hall when they emerged from -the lunch-room. A Third Avenue horse-car was just passing.</p> - -<p>"Follow me!" said the reporter, as he jumped aboard.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span></p> - -<p>Ben did so.</p> - -<p>"My room is on St. Mark's place," he said. "I suppose you don't -know where that is?"</p> - -<p>"No; I have never been in New York before."</p> - -<p>"It must be nearly two miles from the City Hall Park. It is the -eastern part of Eighth street."</p> - -<p>"Fare!" said the conductor.</p> - -<p>Ben put his hand into his pocket.</p> - -<p>"No," said his companion, "I have the change."</p> - -<p>"Thank you!" said Ben, "but you ought not to pay for me."</p> - -<p>"Oh, you shall take your turn some time."</p> - -<p>They sat down in the car, and, both being tired, sat silent.</p> - -<p>After riding fifteen to twenty minutes they came in sight of a -large brown-colored building, set between Third and Fourth avenues, -just beyond the termination of the Bowery.</p> - -<p>"We will get out here," said Hugh Manton. "That building is the -Cooper Institute. Of course you have heard of it? We turn to the -right, and will soon reach my den."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span></p> - -<p>Time was when St. Mark's place had some pretension to gentility, -but now it is given up to lodging and boarding-houses. In front -of a brick house, between Second and First avenues, the reporter -paused.</p> - -<p>"This is where I live," he said.</p> - -<p>He opened the door with a latch-key, and they entered a dark hall, -for at eleven o'clock the light was extinguished.</p> - -<p>"Follow me," he said to Ben. "Take hold of the banister, and feel -your way. I am generally the last in," he said, "unless some one -of my fellow-lodgers is out having a good time. One more flight of -stairs. So, here we are."</p> - -<p>The rear room on the third floor was his. Opening a door, he -quickly lighted a gas-jet on one side of the room.</p> - -<p>"There, my young friend," said the reporter, "you can undress as -soon as you please, and jump into that bed nearest the window. It -isn't luxurious, but will serve your turn."</p> - -<p>"Thank you," said Ben. "I feel very tired. I shan't lie awake long -to consider -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> -what kind of a bed I am in. Do you get up early?"</p> - -<p>"Sometimes I get up as early as nine o'clock."</p> - -<p>Ben laughed.</p> - -<p>"Do you call that early?" he said. "Six o'clock isn't extra early -in the country."</p> - -<p>"My young friend—by the way, what's your name?"</p> - -<p>"Ben Baker."</p> - -<p>"Well, Ben, let me tell you that nine o'clock is a very early -hour for a reporter. We'll rise at nine, and go out to breakfast -together."</p> - -<p>"I think I can sleep till then," said Ben, "for I am as tired as I -ever was after a hard day's work on the farm."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>"Wake up, Ben."</p> - -<p>It was the next morning and the words were spoken by Hugh Manton, -as he gave a gentle shake to the still sleeping boy.</p> - -<p>Ben opened his eyes and looked about him in a confused way. -Finally recollection came to him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I thought I was in that park down town," he said, with a -smile.</p> - -<p>"Do you know where you are now?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Have you slept well, youngster?"</p> - -<p>"I have had a bully sleep."</p> - -<p>"And you feel ready for breakfast?"</p> - -<p>"I think I can eat some."</p> - -<p>The two new acquaintances dressed and went down stairs. Ben was -about to take his bundle, but the reporter stopped him.</p> - -<p>"Leave it here," he said, "for the present. Blodgett won't be back -for three or four days, and you can stay here till he returns. You -won't want to be lugging that bundle all over town."</p> - -<p>"You are very kind," said Ben, gratefully.</p> - -<p>"Why shouldn't I be? I came to the city myself a poor country -youth, and I had a hard struggle as first till I reached my present -pinnacle of wealth," he concluded, with a smile.</p> - -<p>"Are reporters well paid?" asked Ben, innocently.</p> - -<p>"That depends! Whatever they earn, it is seldom that one gets -fifty dollars ahead. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span> -That is because, as a rule, they are improvident, and sometimes -dissipated. I am not as well paid as some, but I make a little -writing sketches for the weekly story papers. I pick up two or three -hundred a year that way. Then I take better care of my money than -some. I laid up five hundred dollars last year, and nearly as much -the year before."</p> - -<p>"You will soon be rich," said Ben, to whom five hundred dollars -seemed a large sum of money.</p> - -<p>The reporter smiled.</p> - -<p>"It takes considerable money to make a man rich in New York," he -said. "However, I know it makes me feel very comfortable to think I -have a thousand dollars in the bank."</p> - -<p>"I should think it would," said Ben, seriously.</p> - -<p>"Here we are!" said the reporter, pausing in front of a restaurant -on Ninth street, facing the side of the great retail store -established by the late A. T. Stewart. "We can get a comfortable -breakfast inside for a low price."</p> - -<p>They entered, and sat down at one of the small tables. Hugh Manton -ordered a beefsteak -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span> -and a cup of coffee. This, with bread and butter, cost twenty cents. -Ben duplicated the order. The meat was not of the best quality, but -it was as good as could be afforded at the price, and Ben ate with -the zest of a healthy boy of his age.</p> - -<p>"By the way, Ben," said the reporter, with apparent carelessness, -though he scanned the face of his young companion attentively as he -spoke, "are you acquainted with a clothing merchant of this city -named Nicholas Walton?"</p> - -<p>Ben started in irrepressible astonishment.</p> - -<p>"What makes you ask?" he said. "Did you know he was my uncle?"</p> - -<p>It was Hugh Manton's turn to be astonished.</p> - -<p>"Your uncle!" he exclaimed. "You don't mean to say Nicholas Walton -is your uncle?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I do. My mother is his sister."</p> - -<p>"Is it possible? He has the reputation of being very rich, while -you——"</p> - -<p>"While I am very poor. Yes, that is true."</p> - -<p>"Are you going to call upon him?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. I thought, being my uncle, he might give me a place in his -store."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Did you write him that you were coming?"</p> - -<p>"No—that is, not lately. I wrote three months ago, and he -wrote back that I had better stay where I was."</p> - -<p>"What were you doing?"</p> - -<p>"I was working on a farm. I was paid three dollars a week."</p> - -<p>"Did you live on the farm?"</p> - -<p>"No; I lived with my mother."</p> - -<p>"She is living, then?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Ben, and his face lighted up with love for his absent -mother.</p> - -<p>"I should think Mr. Walton would do something for his own -sister."</p> - -<p>"So he does. He sends her twenty-five dollars a month. She lives -in a small house belonging to my grandfather. My uncle is part owner, -but he lets mother live in it."</p> - -<p>"I suppose you don't like the country, or you wouldn't have come -to the city."</p> - -<p>"I have a taste for business, and no taste for farming. My uncle -came to New York a poor boy, and he has succeeded. I don't see why I -can't."</p> - -<p>"It doesn't always follow," said the reporter, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span> -thoughtfully. "Still I think you have it in you to succeed. You look -bold, persevering and resolute."</p> - -<p>"I mean to succeed!" said Ben, firmly. "I am not afraid of -work."</p> - -<p>"Shall you call on your uncle this morning?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; I want to find out as soon as I can what I am to depend -upon."</p> - -<p>"Very well! Just make my room your home. I shall not be back -myself till midnight, or later, but here is a latch-key which will -admit you to my room whenever you like. I have Blodgett's with me, -which I can use myself."</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER III.<a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">The Merchant's Secret.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>Five years before Ben's arrival in the city Nicholas Walton kept a -moderate sized store on Grand street. He was doing a good business, -but he was not satisfied. He wished to take a store on Broadway, and -make his name prominent among business men. In this wish his wife -entirely sympathized with him. She boasted aristocratic lineage, but -when Mr. Walton married her she was living in genteel poverty, while -her mother was forced, very much against her will, to take lodgers. -It was a great piece of good luck for Theodosia Granville to marry -a prosperous young merchant like Nicholas Walton, but she chose to -consider that all the indebtedness was on the other side, and was -fond of talking about the sacrifice she made in marrying a man of no -family.</p> - -<p>They had two children, Emiline and Clarence -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> -Plantagenet Walton, the latter about three months older than his -cousin Ben. Both were haughty and arrogant in temper and disposition, -and as a matter of course neither was a favorite with their young -associates, though each had flatterers whose interest was served by -subserviency.</p> - -<p>At that time Ben's father was living and practicing as a -physician in the little town of Sunderland, fifty miles distant in -the country. There was comparatively little intercourse between the -families, though there was not yet that difference in their worldly -circumstances that afterward arose.</p> - -<p>One day, just as the clerks were getting ready to close up, -Nicholas Walton was surprised by the sudden appearance of his -brother-in-law, Dr. Baker.</p> - -<p>"What brings you to town, James?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Business of great importance," answered Baker.</p> - -<p>"Indeed!" said Walton, curiously.</p> - -<p>"I will tell you all about it, but not here."</p> - -<p>"Do you go back to Sunderland to-night?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span></p> - -<p>"No; I think of trespassing upon your hospitality."</p> - -<p>"Certainly. I shall be glad to have you stay with me. My wife -and children are out of town—visiting a sister of hers in -Hartford—but the servants will see that we are comfortable."</p> - -<p>"All the better. Of course I should have been glad to see Mrs. -Walton and the children, but now you can give me more attention."</p> - -<p>"I wonder whether he wants to borrow money," thought the merchant, -with some uneasiness. "If he does, I shall refuse as civilly as I -can. I don't propose to be a prey to impecunious relatives. I need -all the money I can command to further my own schemes. In three or -four years, if things go well, I shall be able to move to Broadway, -and then our family can take a higher social position. My wife would -like to have me move at once, but I don't choose to do anything -rashly. The time has not yet come for so important a step."</p> - -<p>"We will go now," said Mr. Walton. "The clerks will close up. If -you will walk as far -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> -as the Bowery, we will board a Fourth avenue car."</p> - -<p>"Do you still live on Twelfth street, Nicholas?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. Mrs. Walton urges me to take a house on Madison avenue, but -I must not go too fast."</p> - -<p>"You are prospering, I take it, Nicholas?"</p> - -<p>"He is feeling his way toward a loan, I am afraid," thought the -merchant.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I am making headway," he admitted, warily, "but I have to be -very cautious. Oftentimes I am short of money, I assure you. In fact, -I am hampered by my small capital."</p> - -<p>"My neighbors in Sunderland would be surprised to hear that," -said Dr. Baker, smiling. "They look upon you as one of the merchant -princes of New York."</p> - -<p>"Do they?" said Walton, looking gratified. "Some day I hope to be -what they think I am now."</p> - -<p>"You will be, if you are not too much in haste."</p> - -<p>"So I hope. And you, I hope you are prospering?" said the -merchant, guardedly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I have no cause for complaint," said his brother-in-law, -"especially now."</p> - -<p>"What does he mean by 'especially now?'" thought the merchant.</p> - -<p>"I am glad to hear it," he said, aloud.</p> - -<p>Arrived at the house in Twelfth street—it was a plain brick -house of three stories—dinner was found to be awaiting, and -as they sat down at once, there was no opportunity for a private -conversation. When the cloth was removed, and they were left to -themselves, Walton invited his brother-in-law's confidence by saying, -suggestively:</p> - -<p>"So business of importance brought you to New York, doctor?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, business of great importance!"</p> - -<p>"I suppose it seems great to him," thought Walton. "Well," -he said aloud, "you have aroused <a name="my" id="my"></a><ins -title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'by curiosity'">my -curiosity</ins>. It is only fair to gratify it."</p> - -<p>"That is what I propose to do. Let me say, then, that this day has -made a great change in me."</p> - -<p>"I don't see any change," said Walton, puzzled.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Yet it has; I awoke this morning a poor man. To-night I am -rich."</p> - -<p>"You—haven't been speculating?" said Walton, curiously.</p> - -<p>"No; I had no money to speculate with. But to-day a fortune has -come to me."</p> - -<p>"A fortune! How much?"</p> - -<p>"One hundred thousand dollars!" answered the physician.</p> - -<p>"A hundred thousand dollars!" ejaculated Nicholas Walton, staring -at his brother-in-law in amazement.</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Explain yourself—that is, if you are not joking."</p> - -<p>"Fortunately it is not a joke. As to the explanation, here it is: -Some years ago I was called, when a young practitioner in New York -(I began here, you know), to attend a wealthy West Indian planter, -boarding at the New York Hotel. He was critically sick, and required -constant attention. I had little to do, and devoted myself to him. -He was convinced that he owed his life to me. He paid me handsomely -then, and requested me to -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> -keep him apprised of my whereabouts. I have done so. Yesterday I -received a letter, requesting me to come to New York, and call -at a certain room in the Fifth Avenue Hotel. I did so. I found a -Cuban gentleman, who, first apprising me that my former patient was -dead, added, to my amazement, that he had left me in his will one -hundred thousand dollars. Furthermore, he had the amount with him in -negotiable securities, and transferred them at once to my hands."</p> - -<p>"And you have them with you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"It was strangely informal."</p> - -<p>"True, but this gentleman was about to sail for Europe, to be -absent five years—he sailed this afternoon—and he wished -to be rid of his commission."</p> - -<p>"It is like a romance," said the merchant, slowly.</p> - -<p>"Yes, it's like a romance. I don't mind telling you," added the -doctor, in a lower tone, "that it relieves me very much. Conscious, -as I am, that my life hangs on a thread, it makes me easy about the -future of my wife and child."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Your life hangs on a thread? What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"I mean," said the physician, seriously, "that our family is -subject to heart disease. My grandfather died at a minute's notice; -so did my father; so, in all probability, shall I. No insurance -company, knowing this, would insure me, and, till this windfall came, -I was subject at times to great anxiety."</p> - -<p>"Does your wife—my sister—know that you have received -this money?" asked Walton, slowly.</p> - -<p>"No; she merely knows that I received a letter from New York."</p> - -<p>"And you are really liable to die suddenly?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; I shall probably drop dead some day. My father died at my -present age. Any sudden excitement——"</p> - -<p>"Good heavens! what is the matter with you?" exclaimed Walton, -springing to his feet, excitedly.</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?" asked the physician, startled.</p> - -<p>"Your face is livid; you look like a corpse. Great heavens! has -your time come?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span></p> - -<p>Doctor Baker rose to his feet in terrible agitation; his face -changed; he put his hand on his heart, swayed himself for a moment, -and then fell lifeless.</p> - -<p>Walton had supplied the sudden excitement, and brought upon him -the family doom.</p> - -<p>Nicholas Walton, half-terrified, half-triumphant, gazed at his -victim. He knelt down, and tearing open the vest of his visitor, -placed his hand upon his heart.</p> - -<p>It had ceased to beat.</p> - -<p>"Now for the securities!" he murmured hoarsely.</p> - -<p>They were found. A brief examination showed that they were -negotiable by bearer. He carefully locked them up in his desk, and -then, ringing the bell hastily, summoned a physician. One came, but -could afford no help.</p> - -<p>"Now," he said to himself, with inward exultation, "this fortune -is mine, and I can realize the dream of my life! No one will ever be -the wiser."</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER IV.<a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">The Mock -Philanthropist.</span></p></div> - -<p>Nicholas Walton, much sooner than he had anticipated, was able to -realize the dream of his life. He engaged a larger store on Broadway, -within three months of the death of his brother-in-law. The latter -was supposed to have died a poor man. In settling up his estate it -was found that he left only the modest cottage in which he had lived. -Mrs. Baker's anxiety, however, was alleviated by the following letter -from her brother Nicholas:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p>"<span class="smcap">My Dear Sister</span>:—I sympathize -with you sincerely in your sad and sudden loss. I am afraid my -poor brother-in-law has not been able to leave you comfortably -provided for. I cannot do as much as I would like, but I will -send you a monthly sum of twenty-five dollars, which, as you -have no rent to pay, will perhaps keep you comfortable. If I can -at any time feel justified in so doing, I will increase this -allowance."</p> -</blockquote> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Nicholas is very kind," said Mrs. Baker, to her friends. "He has -done this without any appeal from me."</p> - -<p>She really felt grateful for his kindness, as she termed it, -having no suspicion of the terrible secret that haunted her brother -day and night, making him an unhappy man in spite of his outward -prosperity. But he had no intention of making restitution; his -remorse did not go so far as this.</p> - -<p>"As to taking a hundred thousand dollars from my business," he -said, in answer to conscience, "it would cripple me seriously. -Besides, my sister doesn't want it; it would do her no good. She and -her children can live comfortably on what I send her."</p> - -<p>He tried to persuade himself that he was liberal in his provision -for his sister; but even his effrontery could not go so far as -this.</p> - -<p>In reality, Mrs. Baker would have found great difficulty in -keeping her expenses within three hundred dollars a year if Ben had -not managed to pick up a dollar or two a week by working at odd jobs, -running errands, or assisting some of the neighboring farmers. But -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span> -the small town of Sunderland did not satisfy the ambitious boy. There -was no kind of business which he could learn at home that offered him -a satisfactory career.</p> - -<p>"Mother," he said, about three months before my story begins, -"don't you think my uncle would give me a place in his store?"</p> - -<p>"You don't want to leave home, Ben, do you?"</p> - -<p>"I don't want to leave you, mother; but you know how it is. There -is nothing to do in Sunderland."</p> - -<p>"I am sure you pick up considerable money in the course of a year, -Ben."</p> - -<p>"But what does it all amount to, mother?"</p> - -<p>"It is a great help to me," said Mrs. Baker.</p> - -<p>"I don't mean that. It isn't getting me ahead. I can't do any more -now than I could a year ago. If I learned my uncle's business I might -get ahead, as he has."</p> - -<p>"You may be right, Ben; but how could I spare you? I should feel -so lonely."</p> - -<p>"You have Alice, mother. She is ten years old, and is a good deal -of company to you."</p> - -<p>So the discussion continued. Finally, as -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span> -might have been expected, Ben obtained from his mother a reluctant -consent to his writing to his uncle. He did not have to wait long for -the answer; but when it came, it was cold and unsatisfactory. It read -thus:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"<span class="smcap">Nephew Benjamin</span>:—Your letter has -come to hand, asking me to give you a place in my store. I think you -are much better off in the country. Besides that, I do not think you -ought to leave your mother. You say there is no chance for you in -Sunderland; but you are mistaken. You can work for some farmer, and -gradually acquire a knowledge of the business, and in time I may help -you buy a farm, or at any rate hire one, if I am satisfied with your -conduct. As to the city, you had better keep away from it. I am sure -your mother will agree with me.</p> - -<p class="author1">"Your uncle,</p> -<p class="author">"<span class="smcap">Nicholas Walton</span>."</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>"Your uncle seems to me to write very sensibly," said Mrs. Baker. -"The city is full of temptations."</p> - -<p>"If I go to the city I shall work too hard to be troubled in that -way, mother."</p> - -<p>"Your uncle makes a very kind offer, I think."</p> - -<p>"It doesn't bind him to much," said Ben. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span> -"He says he may help me to buy or hire a farm, if I learn -farming."</p> - -<p>"That would be a gift worth having, Ben," said his mother, who -thought chiefly of keeping Ben at home.</p> - -<p>"I shall never make a farmer, mother; I don't like it well enough. -It is a very useful and honorable business, I know, but I have a -taste for business; and if Uncle Nicholas won't help me to a start, I -must see what I can do for myself after a time."</p> - -<p>Nicholas Walton congratulated himself when his letter to Ben -remained unanswered.</p> - -<p>"That will settle the matter," he said to himself. "I would rather -keep the boy in the country. I couldn't have him in my establishment. -I should never see him without thinking of his father's sudden death -before my eyes," and the rich merchant shuddered in spite of himself. -"Besides," and a shade of apprehension swept over his face, "I am in -constant fear lest he should hear of the large sum of money which -came into his father's hands just before his death. While he stays in -Sunderland, there is little chance of any -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span> -such knowledge coming to him; if he is in the city, there is a -greater chance of it. Who knows; the man who paid Doctor Baker the -money may turn up. It was his intention to go to Europe for five -years. That period has nearly passed already. If this discovery -should ever be made, I am ruined. I might even be accused of -murdering him, though, happily, that could not be proved. But there -would be a blot on my name, and my reputation would suffer."</p> - -<p>For three months Ben made no sign, and his uncle concluded -that he had given up his plan of coming to New York in search of -employment.</p> - -<p>But one evening—it was the one on which our story -commenced—on his way back from a call upon some friends in -Brooklyn, Nicholas Walton stepped into Hitchcock's lunch-room, -knowing it well by reputation, and was startled by seeing the nephew -whose appearance he so much dreaded.</p> - -<p>It was his first impulse to speak to him, and harshly demand his -reason for disobeying the positive command to remain at home; but -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span> -this might be followed by an appeal for help (it was clear that Mr. -Walton did not understand his nephew) and that might be awkward.</p> - -<p>"No," thought the merchant; "I won't speak to him till he comes to -the store, as no doubt he intends to. Then I will give him a piece of -my mind."</p> - -<p>We now come back to Ben and his new found friend, the reporter.</p> - -<p>"If you don't object, I will walk down town with you, Mr. Manton," -said Ben, as they left the restaurant where they had breakfasted.</p> - -<p>"I shall be glad of your company, Ben," said Manton, cordially. "I -will point out to you the chief landmarks, and places of interest, as -we go along."</p> - -<p>"I wish you would," said Ben. "I know very little of the city."</p> - -<p>"That is a defect you will soon remedy," said his friend.</p> - -<p>"By the way," said Ben, with a sudden thought, "how was it that -you asked me if I knew Mr. Walton?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Because I saw that Mr. Walton knew you."</p> - -<p>"You saw that he knew me?" repeated Ben, puzzled.</p> - -<p>"Yes. Do you remember a stout gentleman who came into Hitchcock's -just as we were going out?"</p> - -<p>"No; I did not observe him."</p> - -<p>"It was Nicholas Walton. When his glance first rested upon you he -started and looked disturbed."</p> - -<p>"He did not approve of my coming to New York," explained Ben. -"Then you think he recognized me?"</p> - -<p>"I am sure of it."</p> - -<p>"I wonder he did not speak to me!" said Ben, thoughtfully.</p> - -<p>"Probably for the reason you have assigned—because he did -not approve of your coming. Do you expect to call upon him?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; I am going to ask if he won't give me a place in his store. -He employs a large number, I suppose?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; not less than a hundred, I should think, in various ways -inside the store, besides -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span> -scores of seamstresses outside. He has a very large establishment, -and is accounted a very rich man."</p> - -<p>"So I have always heard," said Ben. "He wanted me to stay in -Sunderland and become a farmer."</p> - -<p>"And you don't fancy the advice?"</p> - -<p>"No. I should never make a farmer. If I had any taste for it, I -might have followed my uncle's advice."</p> - -<p>"Have you ever seen Mr. Walton's store?" asked the reporter, -presently.</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"Here it is," and he pointed to a spacious store, with great -plate-glass windows, in which was displayed suits of clothes in -profusion.</p> - -<p>"Then, Mr. Manton, I believe I will leave you and go in. I want -to find out as soon as possible whether my uncle will help me, or -whether I must depend upon myself."</p> - -<p>"Good luck to you, Ben, then! I will expect to see you -to-night."</p> - -<p>And Hugh Manton kept on his way down town, to see what work had -been laid out for him at the office.</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER V.<a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">A Young Dude.</span></p> </div> - -<p>Ben entered the great store, gazing not without admiration at the -long counters loaded with piles of clothing.</p> - -<p>"My uncle must be a very rich man," he said to himself. "Surely he -can find a place for me in so large a store."</p> - -<p>"Do you wish to buy a suit?" asked a spruce young man, coming -forward to meet our hero.</p> - -<p>"No; I would like to see Mr. Walton," answered Ben.</p> - -<p>The young man surveyed Ben's country garb with a smile of -depreciation. He was apt to judge others by their clothes, -being conscious, perhaps, that they were his own chief claim to -consideration.</p> - -<p>"I don't think Mr. Walton will see you, youngster," he said.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Why not?" demanded Ben, looking him calmly in the eye.</p> - -<p>"His time is of too much value to waste on country kids."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Walton is my uncle," said Ben, quietly.</p> - -<p>"Your uncle!" repeated the clerk, in considerable surprise. "Oh, -well, that alters the case. Just go through the store and you will -find Mr. Walton in his office."</p> - -<p>Ben followed directions, and found the office without further -inquiry.</p> - -<p>Through the open door he saw a short man, of fifty or thereabouts, -sitting at a desk. There was another person in the office—a -boy, somewhere near his own age—dressed in the fashion, with a -gold watch-chain across his vest, a showy pin in his scarf, and the -air of a young coxcomb.</p> - -<p>This was Clarence Plantagenet Walton, the only son of the -merchant, and of course Ben's cousin. The two, however, had not met -since both were very young boys, and neither would have recognized -the other.</p> - -<p>Ben overheard a fragment of the conversation between his uncle and -cousin.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You spend too much money, Plantagenet. It is less than a week -since I gave you ten dollars."</p> - -<p>"The fellows I go with are all rich, and spend plenty of money. -You wouldn't want them to look upon me as mean, pa?"</p> - -<p>"The boys of the present day are altogether too extravagant," said -his father, frowning. "Why, when I was a boy, I didn't spend ten -dollars in three months."</p> - -<p>"You were not in fashionable society like me, pa," said Clarence -Plantagenet, consequentially.</p> - -<p>"Much good it does you!" muttered Mr. Walton. "What do you want -money for particularly to-day?"</p> - -<p>"I am going with Percy Van Dyke to a base-ball match this -afternoon. Percy lives in a splendid house on Fifth avenue, and his -family is one of the first. I suppose we shall get home late, and I -want to give him a little supper at Delmonico's."</p> - -<p>"The Van Dykes stand very high," said Mr. Walton, complacently. "I -am very glad to have you associate with such a high-toned -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> -family. I suppose I must let you have the money."</p> - -<p>He drew out a ten-dollar bill and tendered it to Clarence.</p> - -<p>"Five dollars more, if you please, pa," said the elegant youth. -"Suppers at Delmonico's are expensive, and I don't want to economize -with such a fellow as Percy."</p> - -<p>"Very well; here are five dollars more, but don't be foolishly -extravagant."</p> - -<p>Clarence was about to leave the office, well satisfied, when he -espied Ben.</p> - -<p>"Who do you want to see, boy?" he demanded, curtly.</p> - -<p>"I should like to speak with my uncle," answered Ben.</p> - -<p>"Then don't hang around my father's office. If your uncle is -employed in this establishment, you can ask one of the floor-walkers -to point him out."</p> - -<p>Ben eyed the arrogant boy in some amusement, and answered, -demurely:</p> - -<p>"My uncle is Mr. Nicholas Walton, and you, I suppose, are my -cousin Clarence."</p> - -<p>Clarence Plantagenet recoiled in disgust.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I don't understand you," he said. "You must be crazy."</p> - -<p>Ben was not obliged to vindicate his sanity, for his uncle, who -had hitherto remained silent, now spoke.</p> - -<p>"You can come in, if you are Benjamin Baker, of Sunderland."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Uncle Nicholas," said Ben.</p> - -<p>"Is he my cousin?" asked Plantagenet of his father, in evident -discomposure.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I presume so. His mother is my sister."</p> - -<p>"Did you send for him, pa?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"Then why is he here?"</p> - -<p>"I expect him to explain that to me," said Mr. Walton, coldly. -"Benjamin, what brings you to New York?"</p> - -<p>"I want to get a position here, so that I may learn business. I -thought you might find me a place in your store, Uncle Nicholas."</p> - -<p>"Did I not write you to stay in Sunderland?" asked Mr. Walton, -coldly.</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Then why have you disobeyed me?" continued the merchant, with a -frown.</p> - -<p>"Because I have no taste for farming, and there is no other -employment there."</p> - -<p>"A boy like you is not qualified to judge what is best for him," -said Mr. Walton, harshly. "Did I not promise, if you learned farming, -that when you got older I would set you up on a farm of your own?"</p> - -<p>"I never should succeed as a farmer, for I don't like it," -answered Ben.</p> - -<p>"What fault have you to find with it?" demanded the merchant, -testily.</p> - -<p>"None whatever, uncle, except that I am not suited for it."</p> - -<p>"You don't look to me suited for anything else," said Clarence -Plantagenet, insolently.</p> - -<p>"I don't think you know me well enough to judge what I am fit -for," answered Ben, calmly.</p> - -<p>"You might make a good blacksmith, perhaps," continued Clarence, -in the same offensive tone. "Isn't there any opening in that line in -the country?"</p> - -<p>"There might be. The business is not to my taste, though it may be -to yours."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span></p> - -<p>"To my taste!" ejaculated the horrified Plantagenet. "What have I -to do with such a dirty business as that?"</p> - -<p>"Stop this foolish discussion, Plantagenet," said his father. -"You had better go to meet your friend, Van Dyke, and I will settle -matters with your cousin here."</p> - -<p>"Pack him back to the country, pa!" said Clarence. "That is the -best place for him."</p> - -<p>So saying, the young "dude" sauntered <a name="out" -id="out"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads -'sauntered out out'">out</ins> of the office and left the store, -several of the clerks who wished to stand well with their employer -bowing deferentially to him. Plantagenet barely acknowledged their -bows by a supercilious nod. He did not look upon them as his social -equals.</p> - -<p>"I am inclined to agree with my son," said the merchant, after -Plantagenet had left the office. "I think the country is the best -place for you."</p> - -<p>"Then, Uncle Nicholas, you won't give me a place in your store?" -asked Ben, his face showing his disappointment.</p> - -<p>"I will do nothing to encourage you in a -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span> -step which I consider so ill-advised as coming to the city."</p> - -<p>"Then I must bid you good-morning," said Ben, soberly.</p> - -<p>"Stay!" said his uncle. "I am willing to make up to you the -expense of your trip to the city, on condition that you go back -to-day."</p> - -<p>He put his hand into his pocket as he spoke.</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Uncle Nicholas," said Ben. "I thank you for your -offer, but I won't accept it; I shall not go back to Sunderland."</p> - -<p>"You won't go back!" gasped the merchant. "What will you do, -then?"</p> - -<p>"Look elsewhere for a place," said Ben.</p> - -<p>"You are a foolish, headstrong boy. I wash my hands of you. You -need not expect any help from me. You must make your own way."</p> - -<p>"I mean to," answered Ben, quietly, as he bowed and walked out of -the office.</p> - -<p>"This is very annoying," said Mr. Walton to himself. "He is an -obstinate boy. However, his eyes will soon be opened to his folly, -and he will have to go back, after all. Perhaps it is as well for him -to try, and fail. He will be more manageable afterward."</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER VI.<a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">Ben Gets Into Trouble.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>Ben went out of his uncle's store in a serious frame of mind. He -knew that his uncle was opposed to his leaving his country home and -coming to New York, but he had hoped that he would nevertheless be -willing to extend to him a helping hand, especially as it would cost -him so little.</p> - -<p>He found himself now in a critical position. He had in his pocket -a dollar and twenty-seven cents, and this constituted his entire -worldly capital. It was enough to carry him back to Sunderland, -but, if he had been willing to do that, it would have been for his -interest to accept his uncle's offer to refund to him what his trip -would cost.</p> - -<p>But Ben was not easily discouraged. His motto was:</p> - -<div class="poem"> <p>"If at first you don't succeed,</p> -<p>Try, try again!"</p> </div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I won't go back to Sunderland unless I am obliged to," he said -to himself. "There are other stores besides my uncle's in this large -city, and more ways of making a living than one. I won't give up -till I have tried my best."</p> - -<p>So he walked along Broadway in a leisurely way, keeping his eyes -wide open, and interested, in spite of his critical circumstances, -in the crowds and bustle of that brilliant thoroughfare.</p> - -<p>Presently he came to a shop window on which was posted the -notice—</p> - -<p> "<span class="smcap">Boy Wanted.</span>"<br /> </p> - -<p>"Here's a chance for me," he thought, hopefully. "I'll apply for -the place. I can't be any more than refused."</p> - -<p>He entered. It was a store appropriated to "Gentlemen's -Furnishing Goods."</p> - -<p>A tall young man, with his auburn hair parted in the middle, -glanced at him languidly.</p> - -<p>"I see you want a boy," said Ben, plunging at once into -business.</p> - -<p>"Humph! Are you the boy?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I am a boy, and would like a place," answered Ben.</p> - -<p>The clerk picked his teeth languidly with a wooden toothpick -which he had brought from the cheap restaurant where he had taken -his breakfast.</p> - -<p>"Are you from the country?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"How long have you been in the city?"</p> - -<p>"I arrived yesterday."</p> - -<p>"Then you don't know your way round New York?"</p> - -<p>"No; but I would soon learn."</p> - -<p>"That wouldn't suit us. Besides, you don't live with your -parents."</p> - -<p>"My father is dead; my mother lives in the country."</p> - -<p>"You won't suit us, then. However, you can go back and speak to -Mr. Talbot. There he is, in the rear of the store."</p> - -<p>Ben had at first supposed that the young man with whom he was -speaking was the proprietor. He did not dream that he was a clerk, -working for nine dollars a week. He made application to Mr. Talbot, -a middle-aged -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span> -gentleman, not half so consequential as his clerk, but was asked -essentially the same questions as before.</p> - -<p>"I am afraid I must refuse you," said Mr. Talbot, kindly. "We -require a boy who is used to the city streets, and we prefer -that he should live with his parents. I am sorry for your -disappointment."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir," said Ben; but it was in rather a subdued -tone. His prospects did not seem quite so good as a little while -before.</p> - -<p>Coming out into the street, Ben saw quite a crowd of boys and -young men, who were following a tall lady, just in advance, and -showing signs of amusement. It only took a glance to discover the -cause of their mirth.</p> - -<p>The lady wore a sack, evidently just purchased, on which was a -card, bearing in large, distinct characters, the words:</p> - -<p> "<span class="smcap">Cheap for Cash</span>."<br /> </p> - -<p>This it was that had excited the amusement of the crowd.</p> - -<p>Ben was also amused, but he sympathized -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span> -with the lady; and, stepping forward promptly, touched her on the -arm.</p> - -<p>She looked back in surprise, and then for the first time became -aware of the crowd that was following her. She was a lady probably -nearing forty, and had a shrewd, kindly look.</p> - -<p>"What does it all mean?" she asked.</p> - -<p>"There is something on your sack, madam. Allow me to remove -it."</p> - -<p>And Ben plucked off the ticket, which he handed to the lady.</p> - -<p>"I am not surprised at the amusement of the boys," said the -lady, smiling. "The ticket should have been removed. I am very much -obliged to you, my young friend."</p> - -<p>"You are quite welcome," said Ben, bowing and falling back.</p> - -<p>The lady smiled, and passed on. She would have remained had -she known that by his act of kindness her young acquaintance had -involved himself in trouble.</p> - -<p>No sooner had the lady disappeared than the disappointed young -ruffians who had been making sport of her turned angrily upon our -hero.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Ain't you smart?" sneered one.</p> - -<p>"You're a little too fresh, country!" said another.</p> - -<p>Ben turned from one to another in surprise. He didn't understand -in what way he had offended.</p> - -<p>"What is the matter?" he asked. "What have I done?"</p> - -<p>"What made you tell the lady what she had on her back?" demanded -a third.</p> - -<p>"I thought she ought to know," answered Ben.</p> - -<p>"Oh, you did!" sneered the first. "What you wanted was a reward. -I'm glad she didn't give you a cent."</p> - -<p>"You judge me by yourself," said Ben, provoked. "I can be polite -without being paid for it."</p> - -<p>"Say that again!" said Mike Rafferty, a freckle-faced young -rowdy, squaring off in a scientific manner.</p> - -<p>"All right; I do say it again!" returned Ben, angrily.</p> - -<p>"Take that, then!" said the fellow, as he struck at Ben.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span></p> - -<p>Our hero dodged, and returned the compliment.</p> - -<p>At that moment a policeman came round the corner, just in time to -see Ben's demonstration.</p> - -<p>"So you're fightin' agin, you young rascal!" exclaimed the -valiant officer. "I've got ye this time!" and he seized Ben by the -shoulder.</p> - -<p>Ben turned, and, it must be confessed, was startled to find -himself, for the first time in his life, in the hands of the law.</p> - -<p>"That boy attacked me, sir," he said.</p> - -<p>"It's a lie!" exclaimed Mike Rafferty. "Isn't it b'yes?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, it's a lie!" chimed in his companions, whose sympathies, of -course, were with Mike.</p> - -<p>"Jist what I thought meself," said the astute officer.</p> - -<p>"Say, cop, ye didn't see me hit him?" said Mike.</p> - -<p>"Don't ye call me cop!" said the policeman, with insulted -dignity.</p> - -<p>"I mean captain," amended Mike, craftily.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span></p> - -<p>"What's all the fuss about?" interrogated the officer.</p> - -<p>"I axed him was he from the country, and he got mad and hit me," -said Mike. "Say, b'yes, ain't it so?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, that's so," answered the boys, in chorus.</p> - -<p>"Then you must come with me, you young rascal!" said the -officer.</p> - -<p>"Where?" asked Ben, with sinking heart.</p> - -<p>"To the station-house. I'll tache ye to fight in the streets. You -must go along, too, and make complaint," he added, addressing Mike -Rafferty.</p> - -<p>"All right, captain. Come along, b'yes," said Mike, with a wink -of enjoyment at his companions.</p> - -<p>Ben felt not a little humiliated at walking along Broadway in the -clutch of a policeman. He felt bewildered, too, it had come upon -him so quickly. It really seemed as if misfortunes were crowding -upon him. First, his uncle had practically disowned him, he had been -rebuffed in his attempt to <a name="obtain" id="obtain"></a><ins -title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'obtained'">obtain</ins> -employment, and now he was arrested, and on his way to -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span> -the station-house, charged with fighting and disorderly conduct in -the streets.</p> - -<p>To make matters worse and heighten his humiliation, as he was -walking along, shrinking from observation, he met his cousin, -Clarence Plantagenet, in company with another boy, somewhat older, -dressed also in the height of the fashion.</p> - -<p>Clarence regarded Ben in amazement, and turned away his head in a -disgust which he did not attempt to conceal.</p> - -<p>"He will tell Uncle Nicholas," thought our unfortunate hero, "and -he will think I have been doing something disgraceful."</p> - -<p>"Come along, ye young rapscallion!" said the policeman, roughly, -"I'll soon attind to your case."</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER VII.<a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">A Strange Adventure.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>Under different circumstances Ben might have been interested in -his first view of a police station. But, standing before the bar in -the custody of a policeman, he felt too much troubled in mind to -notice his surroundings. As another prisoner was under examination, -fifteen minutes elapsed before Ben's turn came.</p> - -<p>"What is the charge against this boy?" asked the sergeant.</p> - -<p>"I caught him fightin' in the streets," said the officer. "He was -hittin' that b'ye yonder," indicating Mike Rafferty.</p> - -<p>Mike, who looked emphatically like a hard case, tried to appear -like a respectable, well-behaved boy, who had been set upon by a -young ruffian.</p> - -<p>"What's your name?" asked the sergeant, -addressing Mike.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Mike Rafferty, yer honor," answered Mike, -thinking it best to be as respectable as possible.</p> - -<p>"Did this boy strike you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, and he did, your honor, and if you -don't believe me just ax any of them b'yes," -indicating his companions. "Tommy Burke, -didn't you see him hit me?"</p> - -<p>"That will do. What did he hit you for?"</p> - -<p>"Faith, and I don't know," said Mike, -shrugging his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"Did you hit him first?"</p> - -<p>"No, I didn't do nothing to him," answered -Mike, virtuously.</p> - -<p>"I think you have been here before," said -the sergeant, whose memory was good.</p> - -<p>"I don't remember it," said Mike, cautiously, -not thinking it politic to contradict the sergeant.</p> - -<p>"Officer, do you know anything of the boy -you have brought in?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, I've known him a long time. -He's wan of the gang," answered the policeman, -glibly.</p> - -<p>Just then a gentleman came forward, whom, -much to Ben's delight, he remembered as the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> -keeper of a dry-goods store in Sunderland. -Bowing to the sergeant, he said, respectfully:</p> - -<p>"I know this boy, and I know that the policeman -is under a great mistake. Will you -allow me to say what I know about him?"</p> - -<p>"Go on, sir."</p> - -<p>"So far from his being a member of any -city gang, he lives in the country, and it is -extremely doubtful if the policeman ever saw -him before. He only came to the city yesterday."</p> - -<p>"He's wan of the gang," persisted the officer, -sullenly. "I've seen him ivery day for the -last three months."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Sergeant," said the former speaker, -"this officer is guilty of willful falsehood. I -know the boy as well as I know my own son, -and I know that he has passed the last three -months in the country."</p> - -<p>"The boy is discharged," said the officer. -He added, sharply: "Officer Flynn, I expect -the truth from you in future. The boy -you have arrested is much more respectable in -appearance than his accuser, and, under the -circumstances, I cannot attach any credit to -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span> -your charge against him. Be more careful in -future."</p> - -<p>With sullen reluctance, the officer, who is a -type of a considerable number on the force, -but not of all, released Ben.</p> - -<p>Our hero walked up to the gentleman whose -testimony had been of so much value to him, -and warmly thanked him.</p> - -<p>"I was in a bad scrape," he said, "and I -don't know how I would have come out of it -if you had not spoken for me."</p> - -<p>"I chanced to see you in charge, and followed -as soon as I could," said Mr. Woodbury. -"What luck are you meeting with in -New York, Ben?"</p> - -<p>"Not much, yet; but don't say anything -to mother about your meeting me here, or she -may be worried. I shall make every effort to -get something to do here. If I can't, I may -be obliged to go home."</p> - -<p>"Well, Ben, I wish you good luck. I must -now leave you, as I have several business -calls to make."</p> - -<p>Ben emerged from the station-house feeling -that he had made a lucky escape. The -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span> -boys who had followed him (Mike and his -friends) had vanished, on finding that things -did not turn out as they expected, fearing that -they might get into trouble themselves.</p> - -<p>"I see," said Ben to himself, "that I must -keep my eyes wide open in New York. I -used to think that an innocent person need -not fear the police, but I don't find it exactly -so."</p> - -<p>He strolled back to Broadway, and mingled -once more with the busy crowds. The same -thought came to him, as to so many in his -position, "Everybody seems to have something -to do except me. Why am I alone -idle?"</p> - -<p>When Ben reached the Metropolitan Hotel -he paused for a moment at the entrance. As -he stood there a gentleman passed out hurriedly. -As his eyes fell upon Ben his face -lighted up, and a sudden plan presented itself -to his mind.</p> - -<p>"Boy," he said, "do you live in New -York?"</p> - -<p>"I expect to, if I can find anything to do."</p> - -<p>"Where do you come from?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Sunderland."</p> - -<p>"Where is that?"</p> - -<p>"In Connecticut."</p> - -<p>"How far away is it?"</p> - -<p>"About forty miles."</p> - -<p>"What relatives have you living?"</p> - -<p>"A mother and sister in the country."</p> - -<p>As the gentleman did not inquire whether -he had relatives in New York, Ben did not -see fit to volunteer information, particularly -as he did not care to claim relationship with -an uncle and cousin who were evidently -ashamed of him.</p> - -<p>"You are in search of a position, are you?" -asked the gentleman.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"And you are not particular what you do?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir, as long as it is honest."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I think he will do," soliloquized the -gentleman, regarding Ben intently. "He is -the same size and shape, and has a similar expression. -It will be easy to mistake him for -Philip."</p> - -<p>Ben only caught part of this soliloquy, and -of course he did not understand it.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Of course, of course," said the gentleman, -hastily, answering Ben's words after a while. -"Well, I think I can give you something to -do. Do you write a fair hand?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, pretty fair."</p> - -<p>"Come up stairs with me," said the gentleman, -abruptly. "I am staying at this hotel."</p> - -<p>"Is it safe?" thought Ben; but the thought -that he was a poor boy, and was little likely -to attract the attention of adventurers, reassured -him, and without hesitation he followed -his new, and, as it appeared, rather eccentric -acquaintance.</p> - -<p>They took the elevator and got out at the -fourth landing.</p> - -<p>His new friend nodded, and Ben followed -him along the hall.</p> - -<p>The gentleman drew a key from his pocket -and opened the door of a room near at hand.</p> - -<p>"Come in," he said.</p> - -<p>The room was a double one, consisting of a -parlor and bedchamber. There were two -trunks in the bedroom.</p> - -<p>"Sit down," said the gentleman.</p> - -<p>Ben seated himself.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span></p> - -<p>"What is your name?"</p> - -<p>"Benjamin Baker."</p> - -<p>"I engage you as my private secretary."</p> - -<p>"Do you think I will suit?" asked Ben, -considerably amazed.</p> - -<p>"You won't have much to do," was the answer. -"You are also to pass for my nephew."</p> - -<p>"I wonder whether I am awake or dreaming," -he asked himself.</p> - -<p>"I shall call you Philip Grafton," continued -the stranger.</p> - -<p>"Why can't I keep my own name?" asked -Ben, uneasily.</p> - -<p>"It is unnecessary to state. My secretary -must be Philip Grafton," said the gentleman, -firmly. "Don't you like the name?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir; it is a good name. Many would -prefer it to mine, but I don't like to sail under -false colors."</p> - -<p>"It is a whim of mine," said the gentleman, -"but I don't think you will be sorry for acceding -to it. Now, as to compensation, I -propose to pay you fifty dollars a month and -board—that is, of course, you will live with -me."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Fifty dollars a month!" repeated Ben, -opening his eyes in amazement.</p> - -<p>"Yes; isn't it satisfactory?"</p> - -<p>"I don't see how I can possibly earn fifty -dollars a month."</p> - -<p>"That is my lookout. As long as I am satisfied, -you needn't worry about that."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid you will be disappointed in -me, sir."</p> - -<p>"I hope not. Do as I tell you, and I shall -be satisfied."</p> - -<p>"When am I to go to work?" asked Ben.</p> - -<p>"You will enter upon your duties at once. -I suppose you have no objection?"</p> - -<p>"Am I to live at the hotel with you, sir?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Then I will go and get my clothes."</p> - -<p>"Ah, yes; I didn't think of that. You -won't need to get them."</p> - -<p>"Won't need to get my clothes?" repeated -Ben in amazement.</p> - -<p>He began to think his employer was out of -his head.</p> - -<p>"I have clothes for you here—in that trunk. -This key fits it. Open it."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span></p> - -<p>Wondering much, Ben took the key, and, -fitting it in the lock of the smaller trunk, lifted -the lid. He found it full of shirts, under-garments, -handkerchiefs, etc., of fine texture.</p> - -<p>"You will find underneath two suits of -clothes," said his employer. "Take them out."</p> - -<p>Ben followed directions.</p> - -<p>"Now take off your own clothes—all of them—and -dress yourself from the contents of the -trunk."</p> - -<p>Ben hesitated. He could not at all understand -what was happening to him.</p> - -<p>"Of course," said the gentleman, "your -present clothing won't do for my private secretary. -The contents of this trunk are yours, -if the clothes fit you."</p> - -<p>Ben proceeded to remove his clothing, and -in a few minutes he was newly rigged from -top to toe. Every article fitted admirably.</p> - -<p>"Now look at yourself in the mirror," said -the gentleman, evidently pleased with the -transformation.</p> - -<p>Ben looked in the mirror, and was delighted -with the change in his appearance. His outer -suit was of fine French cloth, all his under-garments -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> -were of costly fabric, and he found -himself transformed from a country boy in -badly-cut garments of coarse cloth to a finely-dressed -young gentleman.</p> - -<p>"How do you like it?" asked the gentleman, -smiling.</p> - -<p>"Very much," said Ben, sincerely.</p> - -<p>"So do I," answered the gentleman.</p> - -<p>"Where shall I put my old clothes?" asked -Ben.</p> - -<p>"Make a bundle of them and give them to -some poor boy. You won't need them."</p> - -<p>Ben resolved, instead, to send them home -by express. They might come in use some -time.</p> - -<p>"Now," said the gentleman, "there is one -thing more. Have you a pocket-book?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"Here is a little money in advance. You -will need to carry some about with you."</p> - -<p>He took from his own pocket-book fifteen -dollars in bills and handed them to Ben.</p> - -<p>"I wonder if I am dreaming," thought our -hero. "This may be like the fairy gold I -have read of."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span></p> - -<p>As a matter of fact, however, they were bank-notes -on the Park Bank of New York, and Ben -soon had occasion to test their genuineness.</p> - -<p>"We will go down to lunch now," said -Richard Grafton, for that was the name of -the gentleman, as Ben discovered.</p> - -<p>Ben entered the large dining-room and took -a seat next his employer. Though new to hotel -life he copied what he saw other guests do, and -no one suspected that the handsomely-dressed -boy had not all his life been used to luxury.</p> - -<p>When the meal was over, Mr. Grafton said:</p> - -<p>"You can go where you please this afternoon, -but be on hand at six o'clock. We -shall go to some theatre this evening."</p> - -<p>Mr. Grafton left the hotel. Ben took an -opportunity to examine the hotel register soon -after. He discovered that Mr. Grafton had -arrived the day before.</p> - -<p>This was the entry:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"<span class="smcap">Richard Grafton</span>, London, England."</p></blockquote> - -<p>Underneath, to his amazement, he read another -name:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"<span class="smcap">Master Philip Grafton</span>, London, England."</p></blockquote> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I suppose that means me," he said to himself. -"What does it all mean? How did -Mr. Grafton know that I would be here? He -had never seen me. And how did he find -clothes to fit me so exactly?"</p> - -<p>There was certainly a mystery, but it was -fraught with so much to the advantage of our -hero that he resolved to cease asking questions -and accept the gifts of fortune.</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER VIII.<a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">An Unexpected Meeting at the Grand -Opera House.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>When Clarence Plantagenet saw his -poor country cousin marching up -Broadway escorted by a policeman he was -very much surprised, but on the whole he was -not displeased.</p> - -<p>"Do you know that boy?" asked his companion.</p> - -<p>"No, certainly not," answered Clarence, -coloring.</p> - -<p>"I thought you looked as if you did."</p> - -<p>"He looks like a boy I met in the country -last summer," was the evasive answer.</p> - -<p>"Poor devil! I wonder what he has been -doing."</p> - -<p>"Stealing, very likely," said Clarence, -shrugging his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"He doesn't look like a thief."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Appearances are deceitful," said Clarence, -oracularly.</p> - -<p>At the supper-table, where Clarence met his -father for the first time since he had called at -his office, he said:</p> - -<p>"Oh, papa, what do you think? That -country boy I saw in your office has got into -trouble."</p> - -<p>"Do you mean your cousin Benjamin?"</p> - -<p>"I suppose he is my cousin," said Clarence, -reluctantly, "but I don't care about -knowing him for a relation. I saw him on -Broadway in charge of a policeman."</p> - -<p>"Are you sure of this?" said Mr. Walton, -much surprised.</p> - -<p>"Yes; I knew him well enough by his -clothes."</p> - -<p>Clarence then gave an account of his meeting -Ben.</p> - -<p>"Did you speak to him?" asked his father.</p> - -<p>"Mercy, no! Percy Van Dyke was with -me. I wouldn't for a hundred dollars have -him know that I had a cousin arrested, and -such a countryfied-looking cousin, too."</p> - -<p>"I think Benjamin would be a good-looking -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span> -boy if he were well dressed," said Mr. -Walton.</p> - -<p>"I don't," said Clarence, decidedly.</p> - -<p>"I am sorry to hear he has got into trouble," -said Mr. Walton, who was not so mean as his -son. "I think I ought to do something to -help him."</p> - -<p>"Better leave him to his fate, pa. No -doubt he is a bad boy."</p> - -<p>"I can't understand why he should be. -My sister is poor but an excellent woman, -and his father was an exemplary man."</p> - -<p>"I don't think we have any call to trouble -ourselves about this boy," said Clarence. -"He has disgraced us, and we couldn't do -anything without having it all come out."</p> - -<p>"By the way, Clarence, I have two tickets -to the Grand Opera House this evening; -would you like to go?"</p> - -<p>"Just the thing, pa; I was wondering what -we should do to pass the time."</p> - -<p>"Edwin Booth is to appear as Cardinal -Richelieu. It is one of his best characters. -It will be a rare treat."</p> - -<p>"Percy Van Dyke is to be there with his -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span> -sister," said Clarence. "That is the reason -why he wouldn't take supper with me at Delmonico's -this evening."</p> - -<p>"You will have a chance to see your -friends between the acts," said Mr. Walton. -"I am perfectly willing you should become -intimate with the Van Dykes. By the way, -bring your friend around and introduce him -to me."</p> - -<p>"Yes, pa."</p> - -<p>Mr. Walton had been the architect of his -own fortune, while the Van Dykes were descended -from an old Dutch family, and had -held for over a century a high social position. -Now that the merchant had money, he thirsted -for social recognition—something money will -not always buy.</p> - -<p>Eight o'clock found father and son in choice -orchestra seats in the Grand Opera House, -and they began to look about them.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Mr. Walton said, sharply:</p> - -<p>"What was all that rubbish you were telling -me about your cousin being arrested?"</p> - -<p>"It was perfectly true, pa," answered Clarence, -looking at his father in surprise.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span></p> - -<p>"What do you say to that, then?"</p> - -<p>Following the direction of his father's finger, -Clarence's eyes rested upon his despised -country cousin, elegantly dressed, sitting two -rows to the front, and a little to the right, -with his eyes fixed upon the curtain, which -was then rising.</p> - -<p>"That looks very much as if your cousin had -been arrested!" said his father, with a sneer.</p> - -<p>"I can't understand it," ejaculated Clarence. -"It can't be my cousin. It must be -some other boy that looks like him."</p> - -<p>Just then Ben chanced to turn round. -Observing his uncle's eyes fixed upon him, -he bowed politely and turned once more to -the stage.</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER IX.<a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">Clarence Is Puzzled.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>Clarence Plantagenet was so -puzzled by the appearance of his cousin -at a fashionable theatre at a time when he -supposed him to be enjoying the hospitality -of the police authorities that he paid little attention -to the stage performance. He had a -large share of curiosity, and resolved to gratify -it, even if it were necessary to speak to -Ben himself.</p> - -<p>At the end of the second act, Ben, feeling -thirsty, and having noticed that ice-water -could be obtained in the lobby, left his seat -and walked up the aisle.</p> - -<p>Clarence, observing this, rose also, and followed -him.</p> - -<p>He came to the water-fount just as Ben -had quenched his thirst. He was surprised -anew when he observed how elegantly his -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span> -cousin was dressed. He was fastidious as to -his own dress, but was obliged to confess that -Ben surpassed him in this respect.</p> - -<p>Ben was conscious of the same thing, and, -under the circumstances, it gratified him.</p> - -<p>Another thing also was evident to Clarence, -though he admitted it with reluctance, -that Ben was a strikingly handsome boy. He -had appeared somewhat to disadvantage in his -country-made suit, but all signs of rusticity -had now disappeared.</p> - -<p>"Good evening," said Clarence, with a good -deal more politeness than he had displayed at -the office.</p> - -<p>"Good evening," said Ben, politely.</p> - -<p>"I am surprised to see you here," continued -Clarence.</p> - -<p>"Yes," answered Ben. "I didn't expect -to see you here."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I come here often. I thought you -would spend the evening in an entirely different -place," said Clarence, significantly.</p> - -<p>"You are kind to think of me at all," said -Ben, smiling.</p> - -<p>Clarence was puzzled. He began to think -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span> -that he must have been mistaken in the person -when he supposed he saw Ben in the custody -of an officer. Now he came to think of -it, the boy under arrest had shown no signs -of recognition. We know that it was because -Ben was far from wishing to attract the attention -of any one who knew him.</p> - -<p>"Have you passed the day pleasantly?" -inquired Clarence, thinking he might lead up -to the subject on which he desired light.</p> - -<p>"Quite pleasantly," answered Ben. "New -York is a beautiful city."</p> - -<p>"I was afraid you had got into a scrape," -said Clarence. "As I was walking along -Broadway, soon after you left father's office, I -saw a boy just like you in charge of a policeman."</p> - -<p>"Poor fellow! I hope he got off. Did -you stop and speak to him?"</p> - -<p>"No; I was so surprised that I stood still -and stared till it was too late."</p> - -<p>"I am not at all anxious to make the acquaintance -of the police," said Ben, not sorry -to have put his cousin off the scent.</p> - -<p>"You have changed your dress," said -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span> -Clarence, wishing to satisfy his curiosity in -another direction.</p> - -<p>"Yes," answered Ben, with studied indifference.</p> - -<p>"You have a good seat to-night."</p> - -<p>"Yes; I have an excellent view of the -play."</p> - -<p>"The orchestra seats are high-priced. I -thought you were short of money."</p> - -<p>"I was, but I am earning a good income -now, and——"</p> - -<p>"You haven't got a place, have you?" -ejaculated his cousin, in surprise.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I have."</p> - -<p>"Is it in a store?"</p> - -<p>"No; I am private secretary to a gentleman -living at the Metropolitan Hotel."</p> - -<p>"Private secretary!" exclaimed Clarence, -in continued surprise. "You can't be fit for -such a position. How did you get it?"</p> - -<p>"I am not sure whether I shall suit," said -Ben, "but the gentleman applied to me, and -I accepted."</p> - -<p>"I never heard of anything so strange. -How much pay do you get?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Fifty dollars a month and board."</p> - -<p>"It can't be possible!"</p> - -<p>"That is what I say to myself," responded -Ben, good-naturedly. "I am afraid that my -employer will find out that he is paying me -too much money."</p> - -<p>"Are you staying at the Metropolitan, -too?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, for the present."</p> - -<p>"I will call on you before long."</p> - -<p>"Thank you."</p> - -<p>"My aristocratic cousin seems disposed to -be very polite to me now," thought Ben. "I -am glad I put him off the track about the arrest."</p> - -<p>"Excuse me," he said. "I believe the curtain -is rising."</p> - -<p>"Who is that fine-looking boy you were -just speaking to?" asked Percy Van Dyke, -who came up at this moment.</p> - -<p>"It is a cousin of mine," answered Clarence, -not unwillingly.</p> - -<p>"I should like to know what tailor he employs. -He is finely dressed, and a handsome -fellow, besides."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Of course, being a cousin of mine," said -Clarence, with a smirk.</p> - -<p>"How does it happen I have never met -your cousin before?"</p> - -<p>"He has only recently come to the city. -He is staying at the Metropolitan just at -present."</p> - -<p>Wonders will never cease. Here was Clarence -Plantagenet Walton, the son of a wealthy -merchant, actually acknowledging with complacency -his relationship to a country cousin -whom earlier in the day he had snubbed.</p> - -<p>He did not have another chance to speak to -Ben that evening, as his cousin remained in -his seat till the close of the performance, and -in the throng at the close he lost sight of him.</p> - -<p>As he and his father were walking home, -Clarence said:</p> - -<p>"I saw Ben in the lobby, between the -acts."</p> - -<p>"What did he say?" asked the merchant, -who was himself not without curiosity.</p> - -<p>"I must have been mistaken about his being -in charge of a policeman," said Clarence.</p> - -<p>"I thought you were."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span></p> - -<p>"But the boy I saw looked precisely like -Ben."</p> - -<p>"What did your cousin say?"</p> - -<p>"He has had a stroke of good luck. He -has been engaged as private secretary to a -gentleman staying at the Metropolitan Hotel."</p> - -<p>"Is this true, Clarence?"</p> - -<p>"So Ben says; and he says, also, that he is -to receive fifty dollars a month."</p> - -<p>"He can't be fitted for any such position -with his country education."</p> - -<p>"So I told him."</p> - -<p>"And what did he say?"</p> - -<p>"He agreed with me. He said he was -afraid his employer would find out that he -was paying him too much."</p> - -<p>"The boy is candid. If all this is true, he -is strangely lucky."</p> - -<p>"Did you notice how stylishly he was -dressed, pa?"</p> - -<p>"I observed that he was dressed a good deal -better than when he called at my office to-day."</p> - -<p>"Even Percy Van Dyke noticed it, and -asked me who he was."</p> - -<p>"Did you tell him?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Yes, I said he was a cousin of mine, who -was staying at the Metropolitan. He wanted -to find out who was Ben's tailor."</p> - -<p>"Your cousin seems a very smart boy. -Perhaps he was right in thinking that he -would be better off in the city."</p> - -<p>"I never saw such a change in a boy in my -life. I told him I would call on him at the -hotel."</p> - -<p>"Do so, Clarence. I confess I have a curiosity -to learn how he has managed to get such -a position."</p> - -<p>Certainly this had been a day of strange vicissitudes -to Ben. He had been in the depths -of humiliation and at the summit of joy.</p> - -<p>He had come to the city in the morning, a -poor country boy. In the evening he had -attended a performance at a fashionable theatre -as elegantly dressed as any of his own age -in the audience.</p> - -<p>Mr. Grafton's room contained two beds, a -large and a small one. The latter was appropriated -to Ben.</p> - -<p>Our hero was very tired, and Mr. Grafton -was obliged to call him the next morning.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Wake up, my boy," he said; "it is half-past -eight."</p> - -<p>"Half-past eight! Why, I got up at half-past -six in the country."</p> - -<p>"Dress yourself and we will go down to -breakfast. Afterward I have to make a business -call, and you must go with me."</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER X.<a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">At the Office of Mr. Codicil.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>In one of the large business buildings appropriated -chiefly to offices, within a -stone's throw of Printing-House Square, were -the commodious offices of Nathan Codicil, a -prominent lawyer, whose business related -chiefly to the estates of wealthy clients.</p> - -<p>Mr. Codicil himself was a dignified-looking -gentleman, of grave aspect, whose whitening -locks seemed to indicate that he had -reached the age of threescore. He was a -cautious, careful, trustworthy man, whose -reputation was deservedly high.</p> - -<p>Mr. Grafton and Ben, stepping out of the -elevator, paused before the door of Mr. Codicil's -office for a moment, when the former -opened the door and entered.</p> - -<p>"You may sit down here, Philip, while I -go in and speak to Mr. Codicil," said Mr. -Grafton, indicating a chair near the door.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I wish he wouldn't call me Philip," -thought Ben. "I like my own name much -better."</p> - -<p>He did not complain aloud, however, for he -felt that his salary was liberal enough to compensate -him for some slight sacrifice of feeling.</p> - -<p>"Good morning, Mr. Grafton," said the -lawyer, advancing to meet his visitor.</p> - -<p>"Good morning, Mr. Codicil; I am glad to -find you in, for I've made quite an effort to -reach your office at an early hour. You observe -I have brought the boy with me."</p> - -<p>The sharp eyes of the lawyer had not -failed to note the presence of Ben.</p> - -<p>"You observe that he is in excellent -health, despite all reports to the contrary."</p> - -<p>"So it appears," said the lawyer. "He -seems to have lost all resemblance to the -family."</p> - -<p>"Do you think so?" said Grafton, carelessly. -"Opinions differ about that. For my -own part, I can see the resemblance plainly."</p> - -<p>"How old is he now?"</p> - -<p>"Sixteen."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I have not seen him since he was four -years of age."</p> - -<p>"Twelve years effect many changes."</p> - -<p>"Very true."</p> - -<p>"And now, Mr. Codicil, as I have another -engagement very soon, if you can conveniently -attend to our little business at once—"</p> - -<p>"Certainly, sir."</p> - -<p>Mr. Codicil prepared a receipt which he requested -Mr. Grafton to sign. He then opened -a check-book and filled a check for a large -amount, which he handed to his visitor. The -latter pocketed it with evident satisfaction.</p> - -<p>"I hope, Mr. Codicil, you are not disappointed -to know that the boy is still alive?" -he said.</p> - -<p>"Heaven knows that I wish no harm to -the lad!" said the lawyer, warmly. "Yet, -when I consider how his poor cousins are -compelled to struggle for a living, I cannot -help regretting the injustice of old John -Portland's will, which maintains one grandchild -in luxury, while three others, having -equal natural claims, should be thrown on the -cold mercies of the world."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Yes, to be sure!" said Richard Grafton, -carelessly. "Still a man's last will and testament -must be respected. A man can do as -he likes with his own."</p> - -<p>"True, in the eyes of the law. Morally, -there would be no harm in your young ward -doing something for his poor cousins. They -would like to meet him and make his acquaintance."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid it won't be possible. We remain -in the city but a short time," said Mr. -Grafton, hastily.</p> - -<p>"Where do you go?"</p> - -<p>"I have not quite decided whether to take -a trip to the Pacific coast or to return to Europe. -Of course I shall apprise you promptly -when I have made my decision."</p> - -<p>"Your ward is an American. Is it right to -rear him in Europe, leaving him without any -adequate knowledge of his own country?"</p> - -<p>"He will have advantages abroad which -he would not have in his own country. However, -I will consider what you have said, and -I may arrange to spend a part of each year -in America."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I would like to speak to Philip," said -Mr. Codicil.</p> - -<p>Richard Grafton hesitated, but only for a -moment. He was playing a bold game for a -large stake. It would not do to be timid.</p> - -<p>"Come here, Philip," he said, "Mr. Codicil -wishes to speak to you."</p> - -<p>Ben rose and advanced to meet the lawyer.</p> - -<p>"I am glad to make your acquaintance, -sir," he said.</p> - -<p>"And I am pleased to meet you, my boy. -You look well!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir; I always enjoy good health."</p> - -<p>Mr. Codicil looked a little surprised, but -he regarded with approval the boy's bright -face and manly figure.</p> - -<p>"He is certainly a very attractive boy," -thought the lawyer. "I haven't much confidence -in his guardian, but the boy doesn't -appear to be spoiled."</p> - -<p>"Come, Philip. I am afraid I must hurry -you away," said Mr. Grafton, "as I have another -visit to pay."</p> - -<p>Ben shook hands with the lawyer and -went out of his office.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I cannot help distrusting that man," said -Mr. Codicil, as the door closed. "I believe -him to be a trickster. I wish the boy were -under better influences."</p> - -<p>Ben had been at such a distance from the -inner office that he had not heard or understood -the conversation between his employer -and Mr. Codicil, yet it seemed to him singular -that he should have received so much attention -from the lawyer.</p> - -<p>"I suppose Mr. Grafton was speaking to -him about me," said he to himself.</p> - -<p>When they reached the street Mr. Grafton -said:</p> - -<p>"Philip, I shall not require your company -any longer this morning. If you have any -plans of your own you are quite at liberty -to follow them. Have you all the money you -need?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir; you gave me fifteen dollars yesterday."</p> - -<p>"I remember. Very well; you can go -where you please. We will meet at the hotel -at one o'clock."</p> - -<p>"Would you object, Mr. Grafton, to my -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span> -sending five dollars to my mother? I shall -have enough left for myself."</p> - -<p>"Do as you like. You may send ten dollars -if you like. When you are out of money -you have only to apply to me."</p> - -<p>"You are very kind, sir," said Ben, gratefully.</p> - -<p>"It is on account of your first month's -wages, you know."</p> - -<p>Then he paused a moment, regarding Ben -with some apparent solicitude.</p> - -<p>"By the way," he said, "I must guard you -against saying too much about me or your -relation with me. I have a great dislike to -have myself or my affairs talked about."</p> - -<p>"I will remember, sir."</p> - -<p>"You need not mention that I have desired -you to bear a different name from your -own."</p> - -<p>"I will not mention it, sir, if you object."</p> - -<p>"With me it is a matter of sentiment," -said Mr. Grafton in a low voice. "I had a -dear son named Philip. He died, and left -me alone in the world. You resemble him. -It is pleasant to me to call some one by his -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span> -name, yet I cannot bear to excite the curiosity -of a cold, unsympathizing world, and be forced -to make to them an explanation which will -harrow up my feelings and recall to me my -bitter loss."</p> - -<p>"I quite understand you, Mr. Grafton," -said Ben, with quiet sympathy. "Though I -would prefer to be called by my own name, -I am glad if I can help make up to you for -your loss."</p> - -<p>"Enough, my boy! I felt that I had -judged you aright. Now go where you -please. Only try to be back at the hotel at -one o'clock."</p> - -<p>As Ben walked away Richard Grafton said -to himself, in a tone of self-congratulation:</p> - -<p>"I might have sought far and wide without -finding a boy that would suit my purpose as -well as this one. Codicil, as shrewd as he -thinks himself, was quite taken in. I confess -I looked forward to the interview with dread. -Had I allowed the boy to be closely questioned -all would have come out, and I would -have lost the handsome income which I receive -as his guardian. While the real Philip -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span> -Grafton sleeps in his foreign grave, his substitute -will answer my purpose, and insure -me ease and comfort. But it won't do to remain -in New York. There are too many -chances of discovery. I must put the sea -between me and the lynx-eyed sharpness of -old Codicil."</p> - -<p>Mr. Grafton's urgent business engagement -was at the Park Bank, where he got his check -cashed. He next proceeded to the office of -the Cunard Steamship Company, and engaged -passage for the next Saturday for Richard -Grafton and Master Philip Grafton.</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XI.<a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">The Home of Poverty.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>The time has come to introduce some new -characters, who will play a part in my -story.</p> - -<p>Five minutes' walk from Bleecker street, in -a tall, shabby tenement house, divided, as the -custom is, into suites of three rooms, or rather -two, one being a common room, and the other -being subdivided into two small, narrow -chambers, lived Rose and Adeline Beaufort, -respectively nineteen and seventeen years of -age, and their young brother Harry, a boy of -thirteen.</p> - -<p>It is five o'clock in the afternoon when we -look in upon them.</p> - -<p>"Rose," said her sister, "you look very -tired. Can't you leave off for an hour and -rest?"</p> - -<p>Rose was bending over a vest which she -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span> -was making. Her drooping figure and the -lines on her face bespoke fatigue, yet her fingers -swiftly plied the needle, and she seemed -anxiously intent upon her task.</p> - -<p>She shook her head in answer to her sister's -words.</p> - -<p>"No, Addie," she said; "it won't do for -me to stop. You know how little I earn at -the most. I can't make more than one vest -in a day, and I get but thirty-five cents -apiece."</p> - -<p>"I know it, Rose," replied Adeline, with a -sigh; "it is a great deal of work to do for -that paltry sum. If I were able to help you -we might get along better, even at such -wages. I feel that I am very useless, and a -burden on you and Harry."</p> - -<p>"You mustn't think anything of the kind, -Addie," said Rose, quickly, looking affectionately -at her sister. "You know you are not -strong enough to work."</p> - -<p>"And so you have to work the harder, -Rose."</p> - -<p>"Never mind, Addie; I am strong, and I -enjoy working for you."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span></p> - -<p>"But still I am so useless."</p> - -<p>"You chase us up, and we can work all the -better."</p> - -<p>"I earn nothing. I wonder if I shall always -be so weak and useless?"</p> - -<p>"No. Don't you remember the doctor said -you would in all probability outgrow your -weakness and be as strong as I am? All -that is needed is patience."</p> - -<p>"Ah, it is not so easy to be always patient—when -I think, too, of how differently we -should have been situated if grandfather had -treated us justly."</p> - -<p>A shadow came over the face of Rose.</p> - -<p>"Yes; I don't like to think of that. Why -should he have left all his property to our -cousin Philip and none to us?"</p> - -<p>"But if Philip should die it would all be -ours, so Mr. Codicil says."</p> - -<p>"I don't want anything to happen to the -poor boy."</p> - -<p>"Nor I, Rose. But don't you think he -might do something for us?"</p> - -<p>"So he would, very probably, if he were -left to himself; but you know he is under the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> -guardianship of that uncle of his, Richard -Grafton, who is said to be intensely selfish -and wholly unprincipled. He means to live -as handsomely as he can at Philip's expense."</p> - -<p>"Did grandfather appoint him guardian?"</p> - -<p>"I believe so. Richard Grafton is very -artful, and he led grandfather to believe him -fitted to be an excellent guardian for the boy."</p> - -<p>"I suppose he is in Europe?"</p> - -<p>"No; I heard from Mr. Codicil, yesterday, -that he was in New York."</p> - -<p>"Is Philip with him?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. He was to take the boy to Mr. -Codicil's office to-day. There was a report -some time since—I did not mention it to you -for fear of exciting you—that Philip was -dead. Mr. Codicil wrote to Mr. Grafton to -make inquiry. In answer, he has come to -New York, bringing Philip with him. While -the boy lives, he receives an annual income of -six thousand dollars for the boy's expenses, -and to compensate him for his guardianship. -You see, therefore, that Philip's death would -make a great difference to him."</p> - -<p>"And to us," sighed Adeline.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Addie," said Rose, gravely, "don't allow -yourself to wish for the death of our young -cousin. It would be wicked."</p> - -<p>"I know it, Rose; but when I consider -how hard you work, and how confined Harry -is as a cash-boy, I am strongly tempted."</p> - -<p>"Then put away the temptation, and trust -to a good Providence to take good care of us. -God will not fail us."</p> - -<p>"I wish I had your faith, Rose," said her -younger sister.</p> - -<p>"So you would, Addie, if you had my -strength," said Rose, in an affectionate tone. -"It is harder for you to be idle than for me -to work."</p> - -<p>"You are right there, Rose. I only wish -I could work. Do you know where Philip -and his guardian are staying?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; Mr. Codicil told me they were staying -at the Metropolitan Hotel."</p> - -<p>"Did you ever see Philip?"</p> - -<p>"Not since he was a little boy. I would -not know him."</p> - -<p>"Do you suppose he knows anything about -us?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Probably Mr. Grafton never mentions -us. Yet he must know that he has cousins -living, but he may not know how hard we -have to struggle for a livelihood."</p> - -<p>"I wish we could get a chance to speak to -him. He might feel disposed to help us."</p> - -<p>"Probably his power is not great. He is -only sixteen, and I presume has little command -of money."</p> - -<p>"How do you think it would do for Harry -to carry him a letter, asking him to call upon -us?"</p> - -<p>"His guardian would intercept it."</p> - -<p>"It might be delivered to him privately."</p> - -<p>"There is something in what you say," returned -Rose, thoughtfully. "He is our cousin, -and we are his only living relatives. It would -only be proper for him to call upon us."</p> - -<p>"The sooner we communicate with him the -better, then," said Adeline, whose temperament -was quick and impulsive. "Suppose I -write a letter and get Harry to carry it to the -hotel when he comes home."</p> - -<p>"As you please, Addie. I would write it, -but I want to finish this vest to-night."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I will write it. I want to be of some little -use."</p> - -<p>She rose, and with languid step drew near -the table. Procuring writing materials, she -penned a brief note, which she handed to -Rose, when completed, with the inquiry, -"How will that do?"</p> - -<p>Rose cast her eyes rapidly over the brief -note, which read as follows:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"<span class="smcap">Dear Cousin Philip</span>:—No doubt you are aware -that you have three cousins in this city—my sister -Rose, my brother Harry, who will hand you this -note, and myself. We have not seen you for many -years. Will it be too much to ask you to call on -us? We are in humble quarters, but shall be glad -to welcome you to our poor home.</p> - -<p class="author2">"Your cousin,</p> -<p class="author">"<span class="smcap">Adeline Beaufort</span>."</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>In a line below, the address was given.</p> - -<p>"That will do very nicely, Addie," said -Rose. "I am glad you did not hint at our -need of assistance."</p> - -<p>"If he comes to see us, he can see that for -himself. I hope something may come of it," -continued the younger sister.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Don't count too much on it, or your disappointment -will be the more keen."</p> - -<p>"Harry can carry it around after supper."</p> - -<p>"Philip may be at supper."</p> - -<p>"Then he can wait. I wish he would come -home."</p> - -<p>As if in answer to her wish the door was -hastily opened, and a bright, ruddy-faced boy -entered.</p> - -<p>"Welcome back, Harry," said Rose, with a -smile. "How have you passed the day?"</p> - -<p>"Running round as usual, Rose. It's no -joke to be a cash-boy."</p> - -<p>"I wish I could run round, Harry," sighed -Addie.</p> - -<p>"So do I. That would be jolly. How are -you feeling to-day, Addie?"</p> - -<p>"About the same. Are you very tired?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, no; only about the same as usual."</p> - -<p>"Because I would like to have you do an -errand for me."</p> - -<p>"Of course I will," said Harry, cheerfully. -"What is it?"</p> - -<p>"I want you to take this note to the Metropolitan -Hotel."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Who do you know there?" asked Harry, -in surprise.</p> - -<p>An explanation was given.</p> - -<p>"I want you to be very particular to give -the note to Philip without his guardian's -knowledge. Can you manage it?"</p> - -<p>"I'll try. I'll go the first thing after -supper."</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XII.<a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">A Surprising Announcement.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>Harry Beaufort entered the Metropolitan -Hotel with the confidence of a -city boy who knew that hotels are places of -general resort, and that his entrance would -not attract attention. He walked slowly -through to the rear, looking about him guardedly -to see if he could discover anybody who -answered to his idea of Philip Grafton. Had -he seen Ben, he would doubtless have supposed -that he was the cousin of whom he was -in search; but Ben had come in about five -o'clock and had gone out again with his -friend, the reporter, who had called for him.</p> - -<p>Thus Harry looked in vain, and was disposed -to think that he would have to leave -the hotel with his errand unaccomplished. -This he didn't like to do. He concluded, -therefore, to go up to the desk and inquire of -the clerk.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Is there a boy staying here named Philip -Grafton?" asked Harry.</p> - -<p>"Yes, my boy. Do you want to see him?" -returned the clerk.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, if you please."</p> - -<p>"He went out half an hour since," said a -bell-boy, who chanced to be near.</p> - -<p>"You can leave any message," said the -clerk.</p> - -<p>"I have a note for him," said Harry, in a -doubtful tone.</p> - -<p>"I will give it to him when he comes in."</p> - -<p>Harry hesitated. He had been told to put -the note into Philip's own hand. But there -was no knowing when Philip would come in.</p> - -<p>"I guess it'll do to leave it," he thought. -"Please give it into his own hands," he said; -and the clerk carelessly assented.</p> - -<p>Harry left the hotel, and five minutes later -Richard Grafton, or Major Richard Grafton, -as he called himself, entered and walked up -to the clerk's desk.</p> - -<p>"Any letters or cards for me?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"There's a note for your nephew," said the -clerk, producing the one just left.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Ha!" said the major, pricking up his ears -suspiciously. "Very well, I will take it and -give it to him."</p> - -<p>Of course the clerk presumed that this was -all right, and passed it over.</p> - -<p>Major Grafton took the note carelessly and -sauntered into the reading-room, where he deliberately -opened it.</p> - -<p>"I must see who is writing to Philip," he -said to himself. "It may be necessary to -suppress the note."</p> - -<p>As he read the note, the contents of which -are already familiar to the reader, his brow -darkened with anger and anxiety.</p> - -<p>"It is fortunate that this came into my -hands," he reflected. "It would have puzzled -the boy, and had he gone to see these -people the murder would have been out and -probably my plans would have ended in disaster. -There is something about the boy that -leads me to doubt whether he would second -my plans if he suspected what they were. I -must devise some means for throwing these -people off the scent and keeping the boy in -the dark. What shall I do?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span></p> - -<p>After a little reflection, Major Grafton decided -to remove at once to a different hotel. -He resolved to do it that very night, lest there -should be another attempt made to communicate -with his young secretary. He must wait, -however, till Ben returned.</p> - -<p>Half an hour later Ben entered, and found -the major walking impatiently up and down -the office.</p> - -<p>"I thought you would never come back," -he said, impatiently.</p> - -<p>"I am sorry if I inconvenienced you, sir," -Ben said. "I didn't know you wished me -back early."</p> - -<p>"Come up stairs with me and pack. We -are going to leave the hotel."</p> - -<p>"Where are we going?" asked Ben in surprise.</p> - -<p>"You will know very soon," answered the -major.</p> - -<p>Major Grafton notified the clerk that he -wished a hack in fifteen minutes, as he was -about to leave the hotel.</p> - -<p>"Very well, major. Are you going to -leave the city?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Not at once. I may spend a few days at -the house of a friend," answered Grafton, -evasively.</p> - -<p>"Shall we forward any letters?"</p> - -<p>"No; I will call here for them."</p> - -<p>In fifteen minutes a porter called at the -door of Major Grafton's room and took down -the two trunks. A hack was in waiting.</p> - -<p>"Where to, sir?" asked the driver.</p> - -<p>"You may drive to the Windsor Hotel," -was the answer.</p> - -<p>The Windsor Hotel, on Fifth avenue, is -over two miles farther up town than the Metropolitan. -Leaning back in his comfortable -seat, Ben enjoyed the ride, and was pleased -with the quiet, aristocratic appearance of the -Windsor. A good suite of rooms was secured, -and he found himself even more luxuriously -accommodated than at the Metropolitan.</p> - -<p>"I wonder why we have changed our -hotel," he thought.</p> - -<p>As if aware what was passing through his -mind, Major Grafton said:</p> - -<p>"This hotel is much more conveniently -located for my business than the other."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span></p> - -<p>"It seems a very nice hotel," said Ben.</p> - -<p>"There is none better in New York."</p> - -<p>"I wonder what his business is," passed -through Ben's mind, but he was afraid of offending -by the inquiry.</p> - -<p>Another thing puzzled him. He was ostensibly -Major Grafton's private secretary, -and as such was paid a liberal salary, but thus -far he had not been called upon to render any -service. There was nothing in this to complain -of, to be sure. If Major Grafton chose -to pay him for doing nothing, that was his -lookout. Meanwhile he would be able to save -up at least half of his salary, and transmit it -to his mother.</p> - -<p>When they were fairly installed in their -new home Major Grafton said:</p> - -<p>"I have a call to make, and shall be absent -till late. I suppose you can take care of yourself?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, sir. If there is anything you -wish me to do——"</p> - -<p>"Not this evening. I have not got my affairs -settled yet. That is all the better for you, -as you can spend your time as you choose."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span></p> - -<p>About an hour later, as Ben was in the -billiard-room, looking with interest at a game, -his cousin, Clarence Plantagenet, and Percy -Van Dyke entered.</p> - -<p>"How are you?" said Clarence, graciously. -"Percy, this is my cousin, Ben Baker."</p> - -<p>"Glad to see you, I'm sure," said Percy.</p> - -<p>"Won't you join us in a little game?"</p> - -<p>"No, thank you," answered Ben. "I don't -play billiards."</p> - -<p>"Then you ought to learn."</p> - -<p>"I thought you said you were staying at -the Metropolitan," said Plantagenet.</p> - -<p>"So I was, but we have moved to the -Windsor."</p> - -<p>"Have you a good room?"</p> - -<p>"Tip-top!"</p> - -<p>"Does that mean on the top floor?" asked -Percy, laughing.</p> - -<p>"Not exactly. We are on the third floor."</p> - -<p>"Come, Percy, here's a table. Let us have -a game."</p> - -<p>They began to play, and Ben sat down in a -comfortable arm-chair and looked on. Though -neither of the boys was an <a name="expert" id="expert"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'expect'">expert</ins>, they played -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span> -a fair game, and Ben was interested in watching -it.</p> - -<p>"It's wonderful how he's improved," -thought Clarence. "When I saw him in pa's -office I thought he was awkward and gawky; -now he looks just like one of us. He's had -great luck in falling in with this Major Grafton. -Really, I think we can afford to recognize -him as a relation."</p> - -<p>When the boys had played a couple of -games, they prepared to go.</p> - -<p>"By the way, Ben," said Clarence, "the -governor told me to invite you to dinner on -Sunday. Have you any other engagement?"</p> - -<p>"Not that I know of. I will come if I -can."</p> - -<p>"That's right. Ta-ta, old fellow."</p> - -<p>"He treats me a good deal better than he -did when we first met," thought Ben. -"There's a great deal of virtue in good clothes, -I expect."</p> - -<p>Ben was asleep before Major Grafton came -home.</p> - -<p>In the morning, when he awoke, he found -that the major was already dressing.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span></p> - -<p>"By the way, Philip," said his employer, -quietly, "we sail for Europe this afternoon -at three."</p> - -<p>"Sail for Europe!" ejaculated Ben, overwhelmed -with surprise.</p> - -<p>"Yes. See that your trunk is packed by -eleven."</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XIII.<a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">A Farewell Call.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>Ben was startled by Major Grafton's -abrupt proposal. To go to Europe -would be delightful, he admitted to himself, -but to start at a few hours' notice was naturally -exciting. What would his mother and -sister say?</p> - -<p>"I suppose there isn't time for me to go -home and see my mother before sailing?" he -ventured to say, interrogatively.</p> - -<p>"As we are to sail at three o'clock this -afternoon, you can judge for yourself about -that," said the major, coolly. "Don't you -want to go?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, sir. There is nothing I should -like better. I should like to have said good-by -to my mother, but——"</p> - -<p>"Unfortunately, you can't. I am glad you -take so sensible a view of the matter. I will -depend on you to be ready."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span></p> - -<p>"How long shall we probably be gone?" -asked Ben.</p> - -<p>"I can tell you better some weeks hence, -Philip. By the way," he added, after a -moment's thought, "if any letters should come -here addressed to you, don't open them till I -come back."</p> - -<p>Ben looked at the major in surprise. Why -should he not open any letters that came for -him? He was not likely, he thought, to receive -any except from Sunderland.</p> - -<p>"I will explain," continued the major. -"There are some people in the city that are -continually writing begging letters to me. -They use every method to annoy me, and -might go so far as to write to you and ask your -intercession."</p> - -<p>"I understand," said Ben, unsuspiciously.</p> - -<p>"I thought you would," returned the -major, evidently relieved. "Of course if you -get any letter from home you will open -that."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir."</p> - -<p>After breakfast Major Grafton left the hotel -without saying where he was going, and Ben -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span> -addressed himself first to packing his trunk, -and then going down to the reading-room. -There he sat down and wrote a letter to his -mother, which ran thus:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"<span class="smcap">Dear Mother</span>:—I can imagine how much you -will be surprised when I tell you that when this letter -reaches you I shall be on my way to Europe. -Major Grafton, my employer, only told me an hour -since, and we sail this afternoon at three. I should -be glad to come home and bid you and my little -sister good-by, but there is no time. I know you -will miss me, but it is a splendid chance for me to -go, and I shall be receiving a liberal salary, out of -which I can send you money from time to time. I -know I shall enjoy myself, for I have always had -a longing to go to Europe, though I did not dream -that I should have the chance so soon. I will write -to you as soon as we get on the other side.</p> - -<p class="ind2"> -<span class="indright">"Your loving son,<span class="sign"> -<span class="smcap">Ben</span>.</span></span></p> -<p class="ind1">"P. S.—We sail on the Parthia."</p></blockquote> - - -<p>It may be readily understood that this letter -made a great sensation in Sunderland. -Mrs. Baker hardly knew whether to be glad -or sorry. It was hard to part from Ben for -an uncertain period. On the other hand, all -her friends congratulated her on Ben's great -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span> -success in securing so good a position and -salary. It was certainly a remarkable stroke -of good fortune.</p> - -<p>Ben was about to write another letter to -Clarence, explaining why he could not accept -the invitation for dinner on Sunday, but a -glance at the clock showed him that he would -have a chance to go to his uncle's store, and -that seemed, on the whole, more polite.</p> - -<p>He jumped on board a Broadway car at -Twenty-third street, and half an hour later -got out in front of his uncle's large business -establishment. He entered with quite a different -feeling from that attending his first -visit, when, in his country attire, poor and -without prospects, he came to make an appeal -to his rich uncle.</p> - -<p>Handsome clothes are apt to secure outward -respect, and one of the salesmen came forward, -obsequiously, and asked:</p> - -<p>"What can I show you, young gentleman?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing, thank you," answered Ben, politely. -"Is my uncle in?"</p> - -<p>"Your uncle?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Mr. Walton."</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes; you will find him in his office."</p> - -<p>"Thank you."</p> - -<p>Nicholas Walton looked up as Ben entered -his presence, and did not immediately recognize -the handsomely-dressed boy who stood -before him. He concluded that it was one of -Clarence's high-toned acquaintances.</p> - -<p>"Did you wish to see Clarence?" he asked -affably. "I am sorry to say that he has not -been in this morning."</p> - -<p>"I should like to see him, Uncle Nicholas; -but I also wished to see you."</p> - -<p>"Oh, it's Ben!" said Mr. Walton, in a -slightly changed tone.</p> - -<p>"Yes, uncle; I met my cousin at the -Windsor last evening."</p> - -<p>"He told me so. You are staying there, -he says."</p> - -<p>"For a very short time. My cousin was kind -enough to invite me to dinner on Sunday."</p> - -<p>"Yes; we shall be glad to have you dine -with us."</p> - -<p>"I am sorry I cannot come. I am to sail -for Europe this afternoon."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You sail for Europe!" repeated his uncle, -in amazement.</p> - -<p>"Yes, uncle. I knew nothing of it till -this morning."</p> - -<p>"It is indeed surprising. To what part do -you go?"</p> - -<p>"I believe we sail for Liverpool in the -Parthia. More than that I know nothing."</p> - -<p>"You are certainly strangely fortunate," -said the merchant, musingly. "Does this -Major Grafton appear to be wealthy?"</p> - -<p>"I judge that he is."</p> - -<p>"Does he pay you well?"</p> - -<p>"He gives me fifty dollars per month."</p> - -<p>"And what do you do?"</p> - -<p>"I am his private secretary, but thus far I -have not been called upon to do much. I -suppose I shall have more to do when I get -to Europe."</p> - -<p>"He seems to be eccentric as well as rich. -Perhaps he will want to adopt you. I advise -you to try to please him."</p> - -<p>"I shall certainly do that, though I don't -think he will adopt me."</p> - -<p>"Clarence will be sorry not to have seen -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span> -you. He has taken a trip to Long Branch -this morning with Percy Van Dyke."</p> - -<p>"I saw Percy last evening."</p> - -<p>"This country nephew of mine gets -into fashionable society remarkably quick," -thought the merchant. "There must be -something in the boy, or he would not make -his way so readily."</p> - -<p>"We are all going to Long Branch next -week," said Mr. Walton, aloud. "We are to -stay at the West End. If you had remained -here you could have tried to persuade Major -Grafton to spend part of the season at the -Branch."</p> - -<p>"I shall be satisfied with Europe," said -Ben, smiling.</p> - -<p>"You have reason to be satisfied. Clarence -will envy you when he hears that you -are going."</p> - -<p>"It didn't look as if he were likely to envy -me for anything when I met him here the -other day," thought Ben.</p> - -<p>"Please remember me to my cousin," said -Ben, and shaking his uncle's extended hand -he left the store.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span></p> - -<p>He was passing through the store when he -felt a touch on his shoulder.</p> - -<p>Turning, he recognized the tall lady he had -met just after his last visit.</p> - -<p>"Are you not the boy who told me I had a -ticket on my shawl?" she inquired.</p> - -<p>"Yes, madam," replied Ben, smiling.</p> - -<p>"I recognize your face, but otherwise you -look very different."</p> - -<p>"You mean I am better dressed."</p> - -<p>"Yes; I thought you a country boy when -I met you."</p> - -<p>"So I am, but I am trying to be mistaken -for a city boy."</p> - -<p>"I am relieved to meet you, for some one -told me you had got into some trouble with -the unmannerly boys who were following -me."</p> - -<p>"I am much obliged to you for your solicitude -in my behalf," said Ben, not caring to -acknowledge the fact of the arrest.</p> - -<p>"I had hoped to be of service to you, but I -see you don't appear to need it. I am here -buying a suit of clothes for a poor boy in -whom I am interested. Let me give you my -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span> -card, and if you ever need a friend, come and -see me."</p> - -<p>The card bore the name of "Jane Wilmot, -300 Madison avenue."</p> - -<p>Ben thanked Miss Wilmot and left his -uncle's store.</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XIV.<a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">What Ben's Friends Thought.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>"Did you see Philip?" asked Adeline, -eagerly, when her young brother returned -from his visit to the Metropolitan -Hotel.</p> - -<p>"No," answered Harry. "He was out."</p> - -<p>"And you brought back the note, then?" -said his sister, disappointed.</p> - -<p>"No; the clerk said he would give it to -him; so I left it with him."</p> - -<p>Adeline looked anxious.</p> - -<p>"I am afraid his guardian will get hold of -it," she said, turning to Rose.</p> - -<p>"Even if he does, there is nothing in it -that you need regret writing."</p> - -<p>"It would never reach Philip."</p> - -<p>"Probably you are right. In that case we -must make another effort when there seems a -good chance."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span></p> - -<p>It was decided that Harry should call the -next day, at his dinner hour, and ascertain -whether the note had been delivered. He did -so, but only to learn that the note had been -given to Major Grafton, and that both he and -Philip had left the hotel.</p> - -<p>"Do you know where they went," asked -Harry, eagerly.</p> - -<p>"No; the major did not say. He will -probably send here for letters, and then I can -mention that you called."</p> - -<p>Harry assented, not being able to explain -that this would not answer his purpose.</p> - -<p>When he reported his information at home, -Adeline said, quickly:</p> - -<p>"He left because he does not want us to -communicate with Philip."</p> - -<p>"Probably," said Rose. "This shows," -she added, "that he is afraid Philip would be -inclined to do something for us. I am glad -to have my faith strengthened in the boy, at -all events. If he were willing to live in luxury -while he knew we were struggling with -poverty I could not regard him as a cousin."</p> - -<p>The next morning Mr. Codicil read in the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span> -morning papers, among the passengers who -had sailed for Europe the day before, the -names of Major Grafton and Philip.</p> - -<p>"The fellow has lost no time," he said to -himself. "The boy is bright and attractive, -but he stands a chance of being spoiled under -such a guardian. I wish I had questioned -him, and tried to learn something of him. I -might have given him some idea of the injustice -which has been practiced toward his poor -cousins. I do not care so much that he profits -by it as that that worthless uncle of his should -live in luxury at their expense. I am afraid -they are having a hard time."</p> - -<p>How hard a time the sisters were having—how -stern and exacting was the toil which her -sister's helplessness imposed upon Rose—Mr. -Codicil really had little idea. If he had, he -would certainly have done something to assist -them, for he was a kind-hearted man; but -whenever Rose called upon him she was -neatly dressed, and did not bear outward -marks of the poverty with which she had to -contend.</p> - -<p>So far as Nicholas Walton was concerned, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span> -he was glad, upon the whole, to learn that his -nephew had gone to Europe. He could not -see Ben without his conscience reproaching -him with the wrong he had done him, and -was still doing him and his mother, by retaining -possession of a sum of money which -would have given them opulence in exchange -for the poverty which was not removed by the -small allowance he sent them.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps Major Grafton will adopt the -boy," he said to himself, "and then he won't -need his father's money."</p> - -<p>As if this would gloss over or excuse the -base fraud of which he had been guilty. He -had knowingly and intentionally been the occasion -of his brother-in-law's sudden death, -and was as much his murderer as if he had -plunged a knife into his breast, though his -crime was less brutal and revolting.</p> - -<p>While these thoughts were passing through -his mind, Clarence entered the office.</p> - -<p>"Clarence, your cousin has been here to see -you," said Mr. Walton.</p> - -<p>"What did he have to say, pa?"</p> - -<p>"He came to bid you good-by."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span></p> - -<p>"To bid me good-by? What for? Where -is he going?"</p> - -<p>"He is to sail for Europe this afternoon."</p> - -<p>"To sail for Europe!" repeated Clarence, -in amazement. "He didn't say anything -about it last evening."</p> - -<p>"Because he did not know it. He was only -told this morning."</p> - -<p>"He's a lucky beggar!" said Clarence, -enviously. "I've been longing to go to Europe -this ever so long. Percy Van Dyke -spent last summer in Switzerland. It annoys -me to hear him talk of the splendid times he -had. Here is my country cousin going, while -I have to stay at home."</p> - -<p>"Don't worry, Clarence," said his father, -encouragingly. "You shall go in time. If -your friend Percy should be going again, and -will accept you as a companion, I will let you -go."</p> - -<p>This somewhat cheered up Clarence, though -with the natural impatience of youth he -wanted to go at once.</p> - -<p>"I think I never knew a boy as lucky as -Ben," said he.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span></p> - -<p>"He certainly has been strangely fortunate," -said Mr. Walton.</p> - -<p>"He would have been glad to take a place -in a store at five dollars a week, and now he's -got something ever so much better. I believe -he has more money than I to spend, and I am -sure he dresses better."</p> - -<p>"He seems to have made an impression upon -this Major Grafton. I shouldn't be surprised -if Grafton adopted him. He has no family -of his own, and is, I imagine, very rich."</p> - -<p>We know that on this last point Mr. Walton -was misinformed. The suggestion, however, -was enough to excite the envy and jealousy -of Clarence.</p> - -<p>"Do you think he will be richer than I?" -he asked.</p> - -<p>"You will be well provided for, Clarence. -You won't have occasion for envying your -cousin, even if he should be adopted by Major -Grafton."</p> - -<p>We have now to change the scene to the -little town of Sunderland, from which our -hero had come to New York to seek the good -fortune which he so strangely found.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span></p> - -<p>We direct our steps to a plain cottage, containing -but four rooms and an attic, which -stood a little out of the centre of the village. -Small and plain as it was, it had an air of refinement -and good taste, with its climbing -honeysuckles, tiny bed of flowers, its trimly-kept -lawn and neat surroundings, which are -vainly sought about many more pretentious -residences.</p> - -<p>Here dwelt Mrs. Baker and Ben's little sister, -Alice, but ten years old. She bore a -strong family resemblance to Ben, and was -equally good-looking.</p> - -<p>"It seems an age since Ben left home," said -Mrs. Baker, with a little sigh.</p> - -<p>"I miss him dreadfully, mother," said -Alice. "Why need he go away?"</p> - -<p>"I can't blame him, Alice, though I am -very sorry to have him go," said Mrs. Baker. -"He is ambitious——"</p> - -<p>"What does that mean?" asked Alice, -puzzled.</p> - -<p>"It means that he is anxious to get on in -the world—to make money. It is a natural -feeling for a boy."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span></p> - -<p>"He used to earn money here at home," -said Alice.</p> - -<p>"Only a little. No doubt he can do better -in New York, if he can get a chance. If his -uncle will only help him——"</p> - -<p>"I should think he might, mother. Ben is -a good boy."</p> - -<p>"There is none better," assented his mother, -fondly; "but strangers may not know that."</p> - -<p>Just then a neighbor, driving by, paused -in the road and called out to the widow, -whom he saw at the open window:</p> - -<p>"Widder Baker, there's a letter for you at -the post-office. 'Spect it's from Ben."</p> - -<p>"Go right over and get it, Alice," said her -mother, excitedly.</p> - -<p>Alice wasn't long in performing her errand. -She came back well rewarded, bringing with -her two letters, one of which had arrived the -day before. The first letter contained an account -of his cold reception by his uncle, and -on the other hand his good luck in encountering -Major Grafton. As an earnest of his good -fortune he enclosed three five-dollar bills.</p> - -<p>"God has been very good to us!" said the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span> -widow, with beaming face. "I can hardly -believe in Ben's good fortune."</p> - -<p>"Open the other letter, mother," said Alice.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Baker did so, and, glancing over it -rapidly, uttered a quiet exclamation of surprise -and dismay.</p> - -<p>"Alice," she said, "Ben has sailed for -Europe!"</p> - -<p>"Gone to Europe, and without bidding us -good-by!"</p> - -<p>"He did not have any chance," and Mrs. -Baker read Ben's letter.</p> - -<p>When she came to think it over, she felt -that Ben was, on the whole, fortunate to have -so good an opportunity of seeing the world; -and as to dangers and risks, God would take -care of him abroad as well as at home. She -would have liked to have known the man who -had her boy in charge. Doubtless he must -have taken a fancy to Ben, or he would not -have given him such a chance.</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XV.<a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">Filippo Novarro.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>Nicholas Walton was well pleased -with the good fortune of his nephew. -Though a selfish man, he was not wholly -without a conscience and a heart. He had -always regretted the manner in which he had -possessed himself of the large sum of money -which, by enabling him to take a store on -Broadway, and largely extend his business, -had allowed him to take a place among the -foremost merchants of New York. He would -have preferred to compass his own fortune -without bringing ill-fortune to his brother-in-law, -but if the thing had to be done again, -under the same circumstances, he would probably -have yielded to the same temptation.</p> - -<p>"Ben appears to be a smart, attractive -boy," said Walton to himself. "He is likely -to make his own way in the world, especially -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span> -in his present position. I dare say it is better -for him to have lived plainly, and nourished -self-reliance, than to have been reared -in luxury. Then, as to the fortune, Doctor -Baker was a man of very little business -shrewdness. He would have wasted the money -in bad investments, and, ten to one, not a dollar -of it would have remained at the present -time."</p> - -<p>All this Nicholas Walton said to quiet his -conscience, but without success. Many a time, -especially in the silent watches of the night, -memory revived for him that scene, which he -would so gladly have forgotten, when his ill-fated -brother-in-law died in a fit of agitation -brought on by Walton intentionally. He could -see himself once more rifling the pockets of the -dead man, and converting to his own use the -money which would have made the physician -and his family prosperous and happy.</p> - -<p>These disquieting thoughts he tried to get -rid of. He tried to persuade himself that he -was wholly disinterested in his good wishes -for his nephew. By way of keeping up the -illusion he snatched five minutes from his -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span> -business, and wrote the following letter of -congratulation to his sister:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"<span class="smcap">My Dear Sister</span>:—Benjamin has no doubt apprised -you of his success in obtaining a profitable -engagement, and of his departure for Europe. He -has also, perhaps, told you that I was opposed to his -remaining in the city. I admit that I thought it -would have been better for him to remain in Sunderland -and obtain a practical acquaintance with farming, -in which case I would, at the proper time, have -set him up on a farm of his own, for I hold that the -farmer is the only truly independent man. A merchant -may be rich to-day and a bankrupt to-morrow, -and that in spite of the utmost care and prudence. -However, I won't dwell on this subject. I am -willing to admit that I did not give my nephew -credit for the energy and ability he has shown. -Though I refused to help him, further than to pay -the expenses of his trip to the city, on condition of -his returning home at once, he remained and succeeded -in commending himself to the favor of a rich -man who has given him an excellent position, and -will probably—for he seems to be eccentric—finally -conclude to adopt the boy.</p> - -<p>"It is needless to say that I could not have anticipated -such extraordinary luck for Benjamin, and -that I am glad he followed his own counsel and remained -in the city. Doubtless a better fortune -awaits him than the life of a farmer, which, though -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> -independent, is laborious. I only write now to congratulate -you upon his success, and to express my -interest in him. Though you will no doubt miss -him, I think you will be able to see that he has done -the best thing for himself and for you in the engagement -which he has made with Major Grafton. He -would have dined at my house to-morrow, but for -his sudden departure.</p> - -<p>"I inclose my next month's allowance a little in -advance.</p> - -<p class="author1"> -"Your affectionate brother,</p> -<p class="author">"<span class="smcap">Nicholas Walton</span>."</p> -</blockquote> - - -<p>Mrs. Baker was surprised and gratified on -receiving this unusually long letter from her -brother Nicholas. She had been wounded at -the cool reception which he had accorded to -Ben, as detailed in the letter of the latter, but -this letter put a new face on the matter.</p> - -<p>"After all, Nicholas feels an interest in -Ben," she said to herself, "and no doubt he -acted for what he thought the best in the advice -he gave him to remain in Sunderland -and become a farmer. He acknowledges his -mistake very handsomely."</p> - -<p>So upon the spur of the moment she wrote -her brother a letter, acknowledging gratefully -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span> -his kindness to her boy, and asking for a continuance -of it.</p> - -<p>This letter was received by Mr. Walton -with satisfaction. It made it easier for him -to feel that he had not, after all, wronged his -sister and her family as much as his conscience -sometimes reproached him with.</p> - -<p>"Would that I could lose all the memories -of that dreadful hour!" he said to himself, -with a shudder.</p> - -<p>But he did not find that so very easy. It -was destined to be recalled to him in a startling -manner within a week.</p> - -<p>As he sat in his office the following Thursday, -a clerk entered.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Walton," he said, "there is a foreign -gentleman in the store who wishes to see -you."</p> - -<p>"Is it a stranger?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"He wishes to see me on business, doubtless. -You may bring him in."</p> - -<p>The visitor entered—a man of medium size -and swarthy complexion—who would be taken -at first sight for a Spaniard or a Portuguese. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span> -Nicholas Walton regarded him with a look -of inquiry.</p> - -<p>"Do I speak to Mr. Walton?" asked the -stranger, in good English, but with a foreign -accent.</p> - -<p>"I am Mr. Walton," answered the merchant.</p> - -<p>"You are brother-in-law to Mr.—I beg -pardon, Doctor Baker?"</p> - -<p>"Ye-es," answered the merchant, with a -startled look.</p> - -<p>"Can you tell me if the good doctor is -well?"</p> - -<p>"He is—dead!" replied Walton, slowly. -"Did you know him?"</p> - -<p>"I much regret to hear of his death. I did -not know him, but I met him once."</p> - -<p>"This must be the man who gave him the -bonds," thought Walton, trying to conceal -his perturbation. "The moment and the man -I have so long dreaded have arrived. Now, -Nicholas Walton, you require all your coolness -and nerve."</p> - -<p>"May I ask when that was?" he asked, -with apparent unconcern.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Five years ago. I was the agent for conveying -to him a large sum in securities bequeathed -him by my uncle, to whom he had -rendered a great service."</p> - -<p>"Indeed! I am most glad to see you, sir. -I wish my brother-in-law were alive to give -you personal welcome."</p> - -<p>"When—did he die?"</p> - -<p>"But a short time after you met him. He -died instantly—of heart disease."</p> - -<p>"He left a wife and child, did he not?"</p> - -<p>"He left a wife and two children."</p> - -<p>"And they live?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"I wish I could see them."</p> - -<p>Nicholas Walton was perplexed and -alarmed. If the stranger should see Mrs. -Baker, his elaborate scheme would fall to the -ground and he would be called upon for an -explanation.</p> - -<p>"Do you remain long in the city?" he -asked.</p> - -<p>"I go to Havana in three days. Business -of importance, not to mention the sickness of -my brother, calls me there."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Ah!" said the merchant, relieved. "You -will have to defer seeing Mrs. Baker, then."</p> - -<p>"I thought she might live near by," said Filippo -Novarro, for such was the name he gave.</p> - -<p>"Two years ago she removed to Minnesota," -said the merchant, with fluent falsehood. "Her -son, however, is travelling in Europe."</p> - -<p>"That, at least, will look as if she retained -her fortune," he said to himself.</p> - -<p>"Then I must not hope to meet her," said -Novarro. "When you write, will you give -her my profound respects?"</p> - -<p>"With pleasure, Seńor Novarro," said -Walton, briskly. "Can I be of any service -to you personally?"</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir, no. I shall be very busy -till I leave the city."</p> - -<p>"Then let me express my pleasure in meeting -you," said Walton, offering his hand.</p> - -<p>"The pleasure is mutual, Mr. Walton, I -assure you," said the stranger, bowing low.</p> - -<p>"Thank Heaven, I have got rid of you," -said Walton to himself, wiping the perspiration -from his brow. "But shall I always be -as lucky?"</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XVI.<a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">On Board The Parthia.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>"Am I really on the Atlantic, bound for -Europe?" said Ben to himself, as he -paced the deck of the Parthia, then several -hours out.</p> - -<p>He found it hard to realize, for only a week -before he had been in his quiet country home, -wholly unconscious of the great change that -fate had in store for him.</p> - -<p>He was not unfavorably affected by the -new sea-life. Instead of making him sick, it -only gave him a pleasant sense of exhilaration. -With Major Grafton it was different. -He was a very poor sailor. He was scarcely -out of port before he began to feel dizzy, and -was obliged to retire to his state-room. He felt -almost irritated when he saw how much better -Ben bore the voyage than he.</p> - -<p>"One would think you were an old sailor, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span> -instead of me," he said. "I have crossed the -Atlantic a dozen times, and yet the first whiff -of sea air lays me on my back, while you -seem to enjoy it."</p> - -<p>"So I do at present," answered Ben; "but -perhaps my time will come to be sick. Can't -I do something to make you comfortable?"</p> - -<p>"You may tell the steward to bring some -ginger ale," said the major.</p> - -<p>Ben promptly complied with the major's -request. He felt glad to do something to earn -the liberal salary which he was receiving. It -was not exactly acting as a private secretary; -but, at any rate, he was able to be of service, -and this pleased him. He had no complaint -to make of Major Grafton. The latter saw -that he wanted for nothing, and had he been -the major's son he would have fared no better. -Yet he did not form any attachment for his -employer, as might have been thought natural. -He blamed himself for this, when he -considered the advantages of his position; but -it was not so strange or culpable as Ben supposed. -The boy saw clearly that, whatever -might have been Major Grafton's motives in -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span> -taking him into his service, it was not any -special interest or attachment. The reader -understands that Grafton had a purpose to -serve, and that a selfish one. For Ben he -cared nothing, but his own interest required -that he should have a boy with him as a substitute -for the one whose death he wished to -conceal, and our hero filled the bill as well as -any he could secure.</p> - -<p>One day, while Major Grafton was in his -state-room, enduring as well as he could the -pangs of sea-sickness, a gentleman on deck -accosted Ben:</p> - -<p>"You seem to enjoy the voyage, young -man," he said.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir; very much."</p> - -<p>"You are not alone?"</p> - -<p>"No; I am travelling with Major Grafton."</p> - -<p>"Indeed!" said the gentleman, in surprise. -"I didn't know the major was on board. -Where does he keep himself?"</p> - -<p>"He seldom leaves his state-room. He has -been sick ever since he started."</p> - -<p>"I remember meeting the major last summer -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span> -in Switzerland. You were sick at the -time, but from your present appearance I -judge that you got bravely over it."</p> - -<p>"I think you are mistaken, sir. I was not -with Major Grafton at that time."</p> - -<p>"You were not! That is strange. Surely -there was a boy with him; I remember he -called him Philip."</p> - -<p>"He calls me so, but that is not my name."</p> - -<p>"Do you mean to say that you were not -with the major at that time?"</p> - -<p>"I did not know there was such a man at -that time."</p> - -<p>"Humph! I don't understand it," said -James Bolton (this was the traveller's name). -"I do remember, however, hearing that the -boy, then called Philip, died at Florence."</p> - -<p>"I think that settles it," said Ben. "Whoever -the poor fellow may have been that died, -I am sure that it was not I."</p> - -<p>"Are you Major Grafton's adopted son, or -ward?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir; I am his private secretary. That -is, I was hired in that capacity, though as yet -I have not had much writing to do."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You are lucky. Take care you don't die, -like the other boy."</p> - -<p>"I will try to live, I assure you, sir."</p> - -<p>"By the way, just mention my name to the -major—James Bolton, of London. I dare -say he will remember me. Just say that I -occupied the room opposite his in the Hotel -des Bergues, in Geneva, and that we went to -Chamounix together. I should be glad to renew -my acquaintance with him, whenever he -feels well enough to come on deck."</p> - -<p>"I will mention you to him, Mr. Bolton," -said Ben, politely.</p> - -<p>Our young hero took an early opportunity -of keeping his promise.</p> - -<p>On his next visit to the state-room he said:</p> - -<p>"Major Grafton, I met a gentleman on -deck this morning who wishes to be remembered -to you."</p> - -<p>"Who is it?" asked the major, quickly, -raising his head from the pillow of his berth.</p> - -<p>"He says his name is Bolton—James Bolton, -of London."</p> - -<p>"Don't know him!" said the major, shortly.</p> - -<p>"He says that he was with you at the Hotel -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span> -des Bergues, in Geneva, Switzerland, last -summer; also that he went with you to -Chamounix."</p> - -<p>"What else did he say?" asked the major, -who seemed unpleasantly affected by the mention -of Bolton's name.</p> - -<p>"He thought I was with you at the time."</p> - -<p>"Ha! What did you say?"</p> - -<p>"I told him he was mistaken."</p> - -<p>"Don't tell these fellows too much; they -are simply impertinent," said the major, with -a frown. "What more did he say?"</p> - -<p>"He said you had a boy with you whom -you called Philip, and that this boy, as he -afterward heard, died at Florence."</p> - -<p>Ben looked inquiringly at the major, as -if to obtain confirmation or denial of this -story.</p> - -<p>Major Grafton hesitated, as if not decided -what to say.</p> - -<p>"It is true," he said, after a pause. "Poor -Philip died; but it is a painful subject. I -don't like to speak of it. You resemble him -very closely, and that was my chief object in -taking you as a companion. I don't really -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span> -need a private secretary, as you have probably -found out."</p> - -<p>"I wish you did, sir. I would like to do -something to earn my wages."</p> - -<p>"Don't trouble yourself on that score. It -suits me to have a companion; I hate being -alone. As long as you conform to my wishes, -I will provide for you."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir."</p> - -<p>"But hark you, Philip! I don't care to -have you talk too much to strangers about me -or my affairs. Now, as to this man Bolton, I -prefer that you should keep him at a distance. -He is not a fit companion for you."</p> - -<p>"Is he a bad man?" asked Ben, in some -surprise, for Bolton had seemed to him a very -respectable sort of man.</p> - -<p>"He is a thoroughly unprincipled man," -answered the major, emphatically. "He is a -confirmed gambler, and is cultivating your -society because he thinks you may have -money. He is trying to lead you into a -snare."</p> - -<p>"Then I was deceived in him," said Ben, -indignantly, for it didn't occur to him to -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span> -doubt the positive statement of Major Grafton.</p> - -<p>"Quite natural, Philip," said Grafton, -pleased with having aroused the boy's suspicions -of a man who might impart dangerous -information. "Of course, I needn't suggest -to you to keep the man at a distance. I do -not care to have you come under his influence."</p> - -<p>"I shall bear in mind what you say, sir," -said Ben.</p> - -<p>"I think I have checkmated this meddling -Bolton," said the major to himself, in a tone -of satisfaction.</p> - -<p>When, a few hours later, Bolton approached -Ben and asked: "Have you spoken -to Major Grafton about me?" Ben coldly answered, -"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"Did he remember me?" questioned Bolton.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"I thought he would. Are we likely to -see him on deck soon?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir, I think not."</p> - -<p>Ben spoke so coldly that Bolton regarded -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span> -him with a puzzled look. He could not help -seeing that the boy did not care to continue -the conversation, and, with a bow of farewell, -joined another passenger in a promenade.</p> - -<p>"I should like to have asked him a little -more about the boy I am succeeding," thought -Ben; but he respected the major's wishes, and -kept aloof from Bolton for the remainder of -the voyage.</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XVII.<a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">The Beauforts in Trouble.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>There was an anxious look on Rose Beaufort's -pleasant face. She and her young -brother were the only bread-winners in the -family, and work as hard as they might it was -very difficult to make both ends meet. But -for one item they could have managed with -strict economy, but that item—the rent—was -a formidable one. They hired their humble -apartment of a Mrs. Flanagan, who leased the -whole floor, and agreed to pay two dollars a -week. This woman was a coarse, selfish person, -whose heart was as hard and unfeeling as -her face and manners were unprepossessing.</p> - -<p>One Monday morning, about two months -after Ben's departure for Europe, the landlady -knocked at the door of the two sisters.</p> - -<p>"It's Mrs. Flanagan," said Rose, with a -troubled look, recognizing her knock. "She -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span> -has come for her rent, and I have but fifty -cents toward it."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps she will wait," suggested Adeline; -but her voice was not hopeful.</p> - -<p>"Come in!" said Rose.</p> - -<p>"You were mighty long tellin' me to come -in," grumbled the landlady, as she entered -the humble room, with a hostile look.</p> - -<p>"I am sorry if I kept you waiting," said -Rose, gently.</p> - -<p>"I thought maybe you didn't want to see -me," said Mrs. Flanagan. "I won't stay long -to trouble ye."</p> - -<p>"Stay as long as you like," said Rose in a -conciliatory manner.</p> - -<p>"I didn't come for any palaver—I haven't -the time. I suppose you know what I came -for. You haven't forgot it's Monday mornin'?" -said the landlady, in an aggressive tone.</p> - -<p>"I didn't forget it, Mrs. Flanagan, but I -am afraid I shall have to disappoint you this -morning."</p> - -<p>"Do you mane to say you haven't got my -rint ready?" demanded Mrs. Flanagan, her red -face becoming still more inflamed with anger.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Indeed, Mrs. Flanagan, it isn't my fault," -pleaded Rose. "I've got fifty cents toward it, -and if—"</p> - -<p>"Fifty cints! What's fifty cints?" exclaimed -the landlady, angrily. "Can I pay -my rint wid fifty cints? It's a shame—that -it is—for you to chate a poor hard-workin' -woman, and a widder besides."</p> - -<p>"My sister never cheats anybody," said -Adeline, indignantly.</p> - -<p>"Hoity-toity! So it's you that are spakin', -is it?" said Mrs. Flanagan, with her arms -akimbo. "You can talk, anyway, if you -can't work. All you do is to sit here all day -long, while your sister is wearin' out her fingers -wid the needle."</p> - -<p>It was a cruel blow to the poor girl, who -needed no reminder of what she often thought -about with bitter regret and mortification. -She did not retort angrily, but, turning sadly -to her sister, said:</p> - -<p>"I am afraid it's true, Rose; I am only a -burden and an expense to you. I do nothing -to help you."</p> - -<p>Now it was Rose's turn to be angry.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Are you not ashamed, Mrs. Flanagan, to -twit my poor sister with what is her misfortune, -not her fault?" she exclaimed, with -flushed face and sparkling eyes. "She would -gladly work, if she could."</p> - -<p>"It's ashamed I'm to be, am I?" retorted -Mrs. Flanagan, viciously. "I pay my bills, -anyhow, and it's ashamed I'd be if I didn't. -I don't want no more talk from the like of -you. It's money I want."</p> - -<p>"Here are fifty cents, and I will try to get -you the rest to-day," said Rose, sadly.</p> - -<p>"Them that wear gold rings can pay their -rint, if they want to," was Mrs. Flanagan's -parting shot, as she slammed the door behind -her.</p> - -<p>Rose looked at the plain gold ring on -her finger. It had been her mother's ring, -and for that she valued it above its intrinsic -value.</p> - -<p>"I can't part with this," she murmured, -with moistened eyes. "Yet, is it right to -keep it when we owe money?"</p> - -<p>"Don't part with mother's ring, whatever -you do, Rose," said her sister, hastily.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span></p> - -<p>"But have we a right to keep it?" asked -Rose, doubtfully.</p> - -<p>"Yes, a thousand times, yes! That woman -can wait for her money. We cannot part -with this legacy of our dying mother."</p> - -<p>"But she may put us out into the street," -said Rose, shuddering.</p> - -<p>"Is there nothing else by which we can raise -money?" said Adeline, realizing their situation.</p> - -<p>"Money is due me for two vests. As a general -thing, Walton & Co. don't pay me till I -hand in half a dozen, but perhaps they -would make an exception in this case."</p> - -<p>"That would be but seventy cents. It would -not make up what we owe Mrs. Flanagan."</p> - -<p>"It might induce her to wait for the rest," -said Rose. "If you don't mind staying alone -a little while, Addie, I will wrap them up and -carry them to the store."</p> - -<p>"Go, if you like, Rose. I always miss you, -but I cannot expect to keep you here with me -all the time."</p> - -<p>Rose wrapped up the two completed vests, -and putting on her hat, kissed her sister and -went down stairs.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span></p> - -<p>It was not far to the great store, which we -have already entered with Ben.</p> - -<p>Entering, Rose walked to the back part of -the store and took the elevator to the second -floor, where she found the superintendent of -the work-room.</p> - -<p>She made known her request.</p> - -<p>"Quite out of the question, miss," said the -superintendent, sharply.</p> - -<p>He was a hard-featured man, who was a -good man of business, but was not open to -sentimental consideration.</p> - -<p>"Didn't you know our rules?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir; but this was a case of necessity."</p> - -<p>"I beg your pardon, miss, it is a matter of -business. When you have finished the batch -we will pay you, and not till then."</p> - -<p>"But, sir, I need the money very much."</p> - -<p>"That is your affair, not ours. Probably -you have friends and can borrow money, if -you need it sooner than we are ready to pay -it to you."</p> - -<p>"I don't know where to find them," -thought Rose, but she did not say this.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span></p> - -<p>The superintendent had already turned -away, as if to intimate that he had no more -time to give her. Rose walked to the elevator -slowly and sadly, and descended to the -main store.</p> - -<p>"What shall I do?" she thought. "Mrs. -Flanagan will turn us out, and then poor -Addie will suffer."</p> - -<p>As she stepped out into the street the -thought of the ring came back to her. It -was dear to her as a cherished legacy from a -mother early lost and deeply mourned, yet it -had a money value which would relieve their -pressing necessities for a week at least.</p> - -<p>"I don't think mother would wish me to -keep it under the circumstances," she thought. -"Addie will scold me, but it appears to be the -only thing that remains for me to do. Heaven -knows that I don't wish to part with it."</p> - -<p>The proper place to go would have been to -a pawnbroker's shop, but Rose did not know -of one. She had never had dealings with -any. As she passed a jewelry store it occurred -to her that perhaps they would buy it inside, -and she entered.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span></p> - -<p>"In what way can I serve you, miss?" -asked a young man behind the counter.</p> - -<p>"I—I wish to dispose of a ring," said Rose, -hurriedly. "Can you tell me the value of -it?" and she slipped the ring from her finger -and offered it to the salesman.</p> - -<p>"We don't buy second-hand jewelry," said -the clerk, rudely. "We sell rings here; don't -buy them."</p> - -<p>"Then would you be kind enough to lend -me two dollars on it till—till next week?" entreated -Rose. "It must be worth much more -than that."</p> - -<p>"It doesn't matter how much it is worth," -said the clerk. "We ain't in that line of -business. You don't suppose we keep a -pawnbroker's shop, do you?" and he laughed -contemptuously, glancing at a tall lady who -stood beside Rose and had listened attentively -to the conversation, as if inviting her -to enjoy the joke with him.</p> - -<p>"Then perhaps you will direct me to a -pawnbroker's," said Rose, ill at ease.</p> - -<p>"Oh, you can go find one on the Bowery," -said the clerk, carelessly. "Now, madam," - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span> -turning to the tall lady, "what can I show -you?"</p> - -<p>His tone was much more respectful than -the one he employed in speaking to Rose, for -the lady, though far from beautiful, and no -longer young, was handsomely-dressed, and -had the appearance of being wealthy.</p> - -<p>"You can't show me anything to-day, -young man," said Miss Jane Wilmot, for it -was she. "I wish to speak to this young -lady. My dear, come out of the store with -me. I wish to ask you a few questions."</p> - -<p>The clerk arched his brows in surprise and -disappointment as his hoped-for customer -walked away without purchasing anything, -followed by Rose.</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XVIII.<a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">Mrs. Flanagan Is Driven from the Field.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>Miss Jane Wilmot had never been -pretty, even when, twenty years before, -she could lay claim to being a young lady; -and her manners were decided; but a kind -smile lighted up her face as she said to Rose:</p> - -<p>"My child, you seem to be in trouble."</p> - -<p>"Yes, indeed, madam," said Rose, "I am -in great trouble."</p> - -<p>"Don't think me inquisitive," said Miss -Wilmot, "if I inquire into your trouble. I -infer that you are in need of money."</p> - -<p>"Yes, madam, I am very much in need of -money, or I would not think of selling my -mother's ring."</p> - -<p>"Your mother—is she living?"</p> - -<p>"No; she has been dead for five years."</p> - -<p>"You are not alone in the world?"</p> - -<p>"No, thank Heaven! I don't know how I -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span> -could bear to feel myself alone. I have a sick -sister and a little brother."</p> - -<p>"And does the whole burden of their support -fall on you?" asked Miss Wilmot, in a -tone of sympathy.</p> - -<p>"Not quite. My little brother Harry earns -two dollars a week as a cash-boy."</p> - -<p>"That is not much help."</p> - -<p>"It is nearly as much as I earn myself. -There is not much to be earned at making -vests at thirty-five cents each."</p> - -<p>"Thirty-five!" repeated Miss Wilmot, indignantly. -"Who pays you such a wretched -price?"</p> - -<p>"Walton & Co."</p> - -<p>"No wonder they prosper, if they pay so little -for having their work done. How many vests -can you make in a week?"</p> - -<p>"One vest a day is about as much as I can -make, but I have made seven in a week."</p> - -<p>"And you consider that a good week's -work?" asked Miss Wilmot.</p> - -<p>"Yes, but I cannot average that."</p> - -<p>"That makes—let me see—two dollars and -forty-five cents. You don't mean to say, child, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span> -that your united incomes amount to only four -dollars and forty-five cents?"</p> - -<p>"It generally amounts to less, for I cannot -average seven vests a week."</p> - -<p>"Well, well, what are we coming to?" ejaculated -Miss Wilmot, pityingly. "You don't -look, child, as if you had always been so miserably -poor."</p> - -<p>"I have not. My grandfather was rich, but -he took offense at mother's marriage to father -and he left all his property to my cousin."</p> - -<p>"The old wretch! Excuse me, child, I forgot -that he was your grandfather. So you -were wholly left out of the will?"</p> - -<p>"If my cousin should die, the whole property -would come to us."</p> - -<p>"He should have left the property between -you. But I fancy you think I am a curious -old woman, with my questions."</p> - -<p>"I don't think you an old woman at all, -madam."</p> - -<p>Miss Wilmot smiled. Though she was a -spinster of over forty she was not wholly without -appreciation of a compliment, and the reply -of Rose pleased her.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span></p> - -<p>"At any rate, I am old enough to be your -mother, my dear," she said. "But that is -neither here nor there. How much did you -expect to get for that ring?"</p> - -<p>"I hoped that I might get three dollars," -said Rose, hesitatingly. "I owe Mrs. Flanagan—she -is my landlady—a dollar and a half, -and I could pay that and have a little fund -left to fall back upon."</p> - -<p>"A little fund—a dollar and a half!" said -Miss Wilmot, pityingly.</p> - -<p>"I suppose I would not get so much at a -pawnbroker's?" continued Rose.</p> - -<p>"My child, I am not a pawnbroker, but I -think it will be better for me to lend you -something on the ring."</p> - -<p>"If you only would, madam! I feel timid -about going to a pawnshop."</p> - -<p>"Where they would offer some ridiculous -trifle for it, no doubt. Here, child, give me -the ring."</p> - -<p>Rose drew it from her finger and handed -it to Miss Wilmot.</p> - -<p>The latter drew a purse from her pocket -and slipped the ring into it.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span></p> - -<p>"It is too small for me to wear," she said. -"It will be safe in my purse."</p> - -<p>She drew out two five-dollar bills and -handed them to Rose.</p> - -<p>"Ten dollars!" exclaimed Rose, in surprise.</p> - -<p>"I don't do business on the regular terms," -said Miss Wilmot, smiling. "I am sure the -ring is worth more than ten dollars to you. -Some day you may be able to redeem it."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid not, madam; but this money -seems like a small fortune to me."</p> - -<p>"You don't know what future luck is in -store for you. I will keep the ring for you. -You should know who has it. I am Miss -Jane Wilmot, of 300 Madison avenue. I am -called a strong-minded woman; I hope that -won't prejudice you against me."</p> - -<p>"It would be hard for me to become prejudiced -against you after your liberality, Miss -Wilmot. I wish there were more strong-minded -woman like you."</p> - -<p>"Now for your name, my child."</p> - -<p>"I am Rose Beaufort; my sister's name is -Adeline, and my little brother, twelve years -old, is Harry."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I have a great mind to go home with you, -if you won't consider it an intrusion," said -Miss Wilmot.</p> - -<p>"Far from it, Miss Wilmot—that is, if you -won't mind our humble quarters."</p> - -<p>"If you can endure them week after week, -I can get along for half an hour," said the -spinster. "Lead the way, my dear. Is it -far? If so, we will take a horse-car."</p> - -<p>"It is less than half a mile, I should think," -said Rose.</p> - -<p>"Then we will walk."</p> - -<p>They soon reached the poor tenement-house.</p> - -<p>"You see it is a poor place," said Rose, -apologetically.</p> - -<p>"Poor enough!" said Miss Wilmot, plainly.</p> - -<p>"You may not care to come up."</p> - -<p>"There is nothing delicate about me, my -child. Go on, I will follow."</p> - -<p>Rose entered the poor room in advance of -her visitor.</p> - -<p>"Home again, Rose?" said Adeline, whose -head was turned away from the door, and who -therefore did not see Miss Wilmot.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Yes, Addie."</p> - -<p>"Did you get any money? Did they pay -you for the vests?"</p> - -<p>"No; but I met a good friend, who has -come home with me. Miss Wilmot, this is -my sister, Addie."</p> - -<p>"I am glad to make your acquaintance, my -dear," said the spinster, and her face, plain as -it was, looked positively attractive from very -kindness.</p> - -<p>"You look good!" said Addie, whose instincts -were rapid. "I am sure you are a -friend."</p> - -<p>"I will be," said Miss Wilmot, emphatically.</p> - -<p>The weakness of the younger sister appealed -to her even more strongly than the -beauty of the elder.</p> - -<p>Just then a knock was heard at the door. -Mrs. Flanagan had heard the step of Rose -upon the stairs, and had come up to see if -she had brought money for the rent.</p> - -<p>"It is my landlady, Mrs. Flanagan," said -Rose.</p> - -<p>"I want to see what sort of a woman she is. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span> -Ask for delay, and let me go into this inner -room," said Miss Wilmot, rapidly.</p> - -<p>When Mrs. Flanagan entered the room -there was no sign of a visitor.</p> - -<p>"Well," said the landlady, entering upon -her business at once, "have you got my -money for me?"</p> - -<p>But for Miss Wilmot's admonition, Rose -would have produced the money without delay, -but she thought it necessary to follow the -directions of her new friend.</p> - -<p>"They would not pay me for the two vests -I had made," she said. "I must wait till all -are finished."</p> - -<p>"Just what I expected," said the landlady, -placing her arms akimbo. "I saw how it -would turn out. You needn't think I am going -to be put off like this. Pay me my rent, -or out you go, bag and baggage!"</p> - -<p>"Would you turn my poor sister into the -street, Mrs. Flanagan?"</p> - -<p>"I am not going to keep you here for -nothing, you may rely upon that."</p> - -<p>"Won't you wait till next week?"</p> - -<p>"When another week's rent will be due? -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span> -No, I won't, and I hope that you understand -it."</p> - -<p>"Then you ought to be ashamed of yourself, -woman!" said a strong, decided voice, -and Miss Wilmot strode out of the bedroom.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Flanagan stared at her with mingled -surprise and indignation.</p> - -<p>"I am no more a woman than you are," she -retorted.</p> - -<p>"That's true enough," rejoined Miss Wilmot, -"nor half as much. There's nothing -womanly about you."</p> - -<p>"Do you think I can let my rooms for -nothing?" said the landlady, sullenly. She -saw that Miss Wilmot was richly dressed, and -she had a respect for such evidence of wealth.</p> - -<p>"How much do the young ladies owe you?"</p> - -<p>"A dollar and a half."</p> - -<p>"What is the rent of these rooms?"</p> - -<p>"Two dollars a week."</p> - -<p>"Then, three dollars and a half will pay -to the end of the present week?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, ma'am."</p> - -<p>"Here is the money. They will move out -at the end of the week."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I shall be glad to have them stay," said -the landlady, now anxious to retain them.</p> - -<p>"I shall find them a better home. Good-morning."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Flanagan went down stairs feeling -that she was worsted in the contest. She was -a bold woman, but she was rather afraid of -Miss Wilmot.</p> - -<p>"Now, my dears," said the spinster, "let -us talk business."</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XIX.<a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">Brighter Prospects.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>"You must know, my dear," said Miss -Wilmot, "that I am a rich woman, and -own considerable more than my share of -worldly goods. Among other items of property, -I own a French flat house on West -Twenty-fifth street. It isn't one of the costly -flats, but is intended for people with moderate -incomes. I learned yesterday that one of the -flats was just vacated. The family occupying -it is about to move to the West, and desired -me, as a matter of convenience to them, to purchase -their furniture, and let it furnished. I -intended to decline, but now I shall accept, -having found a tenant that suits me."</p> - -<p>"Who is it?" asked Rose, not quite understanding -her own connection with the matter.</p> - -<p>"Her name is Rose Beaufort," said Miss -Wilmot, smiling.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span></p> - -<p>"But, Miss Wilmot, I am afraid it will be -beyond my means. What rent shall you -ask?"</p> - -<p>"I don't think thirty dollars a month will -be too much, considering that there are five -well-furnished rooms. There is even a piano."</p> - -<p>"Thirty dollars a month!" exclaimed Rose, -in dismay. "Why, that will be more than -all of us together can earn. Mrs. Flanagan -only asks us two dollars a week, and that -we've hardly been able to meet."</p> - -<p>"I think that can be made easy for you," said -the spinster. "I shall let you pay in work."</p> - -<p>"But I couldn't do enough to pay the rent -alone."</p> - -<p>"Not at making vests at thirty-five cents -apiece, I admit. My work will be better paid -for. I shall want some writing done, account-books -straightened, and—by the way, do you -play on the piano?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, madam."</p> - -<p>"Well?"</p> - -<p>"I believe I have a taste for it."</p> - -<p>"Do you consider yourself competent to -teach the piano?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Yes, I think so."</p> - -<p>"Why, then, did you not seek pupils, -instead of trying to make a living by sewing?"</p> - -<p>"So I did, but I had no one to recommend -me, and I could not afford to advertise."</p> - -<p>"Do you also play, my dear?" asked Miss -Wilmot, turning to Adeline.</p> - -<p>"But very little," answered the young girl, -humbly.</p> - -<p>"Addie draws and paints," said Rose. "I -have no talent for either."</p> - -<p>"Why, that is well. I may be able to obtain -pupils for her, too. However, we can -wait and see."</p> - -<p>"Miss Wilmot," said Rose, gratefully, -"you came to us like a good angel. I was -almost despairing when I met you. Now, I -am full of courage."</p> - -<p>"Never despair!" said Miss Wilmot, kindly. -"The sun is often behind the clouds. But I -must be going. You will hear from me in a -day or two."</p> - -<p>The good spinster rose as she spoke, and -going out of the humble room, descended the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span> -dirty staircase, leaving behind her joy where -she had found sorrow.</p> - -<p>"It seems almost too good to be true, Rose," -said Addie.</p> - -<p>"So it does, Addie."</p> - -<p>"A nice furnished flat and a piano! I -shall not believe it until I see it."</p> - -<p>"We can rely upon whatever Miss Wilmot -promises. Has she not paid our rent, and -given us ten dollars besides?"</p> - -<p>"How glad Harry will be when he hears -it!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, poor boy. It hasn't been a very -pleasant home for him. Do you know, Addie, -I feel inclined to be extravagant?"</p> - -<p>"In what way, Rose?"</p> - -<p>"I am going to order a nice dinner from a -restaurant—roast turkey and vegetables; and -I will make some coffee, and we will have -everything ready by the time Harry arrives."</p> - -<p>"But it will cost a great deal, Rose," said -Adeline, in alarm.</p> - -<p>"Never mind, for once. This ought to be -a Thanksgiving Day for us. Let us celebrate -it as such. Besides," added Rose, the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span> -frugal instinct coming in, "if I order two -plates it will be enough for three of us. I -know of a restaurant where we can get all I -want for, say, seventy-five cents. We won't -mind about money to-night."</p> - -<p>"It will seem good to have a nice dinner -once more," said Adeline, thoughtfully. "It -is a long time since we had anything but the -plainest food."</p> - -<p>Rose postponed her feast until six o'clock, -the hour when Harry usually got home. -There was a restaurant near by, where she -gave the order, directing it to be sent in at -ten minutes to six.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Flanagan was considerably surprised -when a colored waiter made his appearance at -her door with a large covered dish.</p> - -<p>"Who is this for? Haven't you made a -mistake?" she asked.</p> - -<p>"No, ma'am. It's for a young lady—Miss -Beaufort. Doesn't she live here?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. What have you got there?" asked -the landlady, curiously.</p> - -<p>"Roast turkey."</p> - -<p>"Bless my soul!" thought Mrs. Flanagan. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span> -"She must have come into a fortune. It's all -right!" and she directed the waiter to the -room of the Beauforts.</p> - -<p>When Harry arrived the little table was set -out with its usual neatness, and on it there -was a display such as made him start back -with surprise.</p> - -<p>"Where did all this come from?" he asked, -bewildered.</p> - -<p>"Explanations postponed till after supper," -said Rose. "Sit down and we will begin."</p> - -<p>"All right; I've no objection," said Harry. -"Yes, Rose, you may give me some of the -dressing. I say, ain't it good, though? I -wish we could live like this every day."</p> - -<p>A great fuss to make over a very ordinary -dinner, some of my young readers may think; -but let them put themselves in the place of -this family, and judge whether they would -not hail with joy such a meal after a long -course of the most frugal fare.</p> - -<p>They were in the midst of their enjoyment -when a knock was heard at the door—a subdued -knock, not like the authoritative knock -of their landlady. So there was general surprise -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span> -when Mrs. Flanagan opened the door. -The fact was she could not repress the impulse -to gratify her curiosity, which had been excited -by the remarkably lavish dinner of her -tenants.</p> - -<p>"So I've caught you at dinner," she remarked, -apologetically. "You must excuse -me; it didn't occur to me that I might be intruding."</p> - -<p>"It's of no consequence, Mrs. Flanagan," -said Rose, not sorry, perhaps, that her old enemy -should witness such an indication of -prosperity. "I would invite you to dinner, -but I am afraid there is no more of the turkey -left."</p> - -<p>"Roast turkey, upon my word! Well, -here's luxury!" said Mrs. Flanagan. "I've -had my supper, so I could not accept if you -did invite me."</p> - -<p>"We don't have turkey every day, Mrs. -Flanagan," said Adeline. "We thought we -would have it to-day by way of variety."</p> - -<p>"They must have come into some money," -thought Mrs. Flanagan. "Perhaps that old -lady was their aunt."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I'm sure I'm glad you're doin' so well," -she said. "I hope you'll stay with me, in -spite of all that's past and gone. You see I -am that worried sometimes to get money to -pay my rent that I may speak kind of cross -like, but I don't mean anything—as is well -known to you."</p> - -<p>"Didn't you mean anything this morning -when you were going to put us out of the -house because I could not pay the whole of -the rent?" asked Rose.</p> - -<p>"I didn't mean it. They were only hasty -words," said the landlady, stoutly. "I hope -you'll stay with me, for it wouldn't look -natural to see anybody else goin' in and comin' -out of these rooms."</p> - -<p>"I cannot tell yet what we may do," said -Rose. "I am glad you didn't mean what you -said this morning," she added, quietly, "for -it made us feel very sober. I thought you -meant to put us into the street."</p> - -<p>"I'm sure I'm very sorry. I was cross, -and I didn't know what I said. Well, I must -be goin' down and gettin' Mike's supper, for -he always comes home late."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span></p> - -<p>"It's the way of the world, Rose," said -Adeline, as the landlady disappeared.</p> - -<p>"What does it all mean?" asked Harry, -puzzled. "What has made that old cat so -good-natured all at once?"</p> - -<p>"Roast turkey," answered Rose, dryly. -"She thinks we are prospering, and will be -good tenants."</p> - -<p>"You are going to stay, ain't you?"</p> - -<p>Then the new prospects of the family were -explained to Harry, who was much exhilarated -by the account.</p> - -<p>"Can't I give lessons in something?" he -asked.</p> - -<p>"You might give lessons in whistling," -said Addie, who didn't enjoy her brother's -performance in that line; "but I hope you -won't receive pupils at home."</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XX.<a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">The New Home.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>Two days later Rose Beaufort received -another call from Miss Jane Wilmot.</p> - -<p>"My dear," said the spinster, "your new -rooms are ready for you, and you can move -in at once."</p> - -<p>"Our rent is paid here till Saturday," suggested -Rose.</p> - -<p>"Give your landlady the benefit of the -balance of the week. Is this furniture all -yours?"</p> - -<p>"Such as it is."</p> - -<p>"You won't want it. Any articles that you -do not value you had better send to an auction -store to sell. The flat is already well furnished."</p> - -<p>"A tenant on the floor below has offered to -buy the furniture," said Rose.</p> - -<p>"Does he make you a fair offer?"</p> - -<p>"He offers thirty-five dollars."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span></p> - -<p>"A low price, but it will save you trouble -to accept it. When that matter is arranged -I will send my carriage, and take you and -your sister right over to your new home."</p> - -<p>Without dwelling upon details, it is sufficient -to say that before sunset the two sisters -found themselves installed in a pretty and -cosey home in a much better part of the city. -There was a parlor, fronting on the street, a -kitchen, and there were three sleeping-rooms, -so that each of the little family could have -one. The parlor contained a piano, a bookcase, -well filled—this had not belonged to the -recent tenants, but was supplied, without the -knowledge of Rose, by Miss Wilmot.</p> - -<p>Adeline uttered a cry of delight as she -went from room to room.</p> - -<p>"It is delightful!" she said.</p> - -<p>"Here is an easy-chair for you," said Miss -Wilmot. "It will be more comfortable than -a rocking-chair, even."</p> - -<p>This, too, had been added by the thoughtful -spinster.</p> - -<p>"Now open the piano and let me hear you -play," said Miss Wilmot.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span></p> - -<p>While Rose was playing, her benevolent -friend nodded approvingly more than once.</p> - -<p>"You'll do," she said. "I confess I had -some doubts about your qualifications as a -teacher, but I can see that you are a brilliant -performer."</p> - -<p>"If I can obtain pupils, I hope to suit," -said Rose, modestly.</p> - -<p>"I have some in view. An acquaintance -of mine, Mrs. Tilton, of West Forty-second -street, is in want of a music-teacher for her -two girls. I will send you there, with a note, -to-morrow. But first I must give you a hint. -How much were you intending to charge for a -lesson?"</p> - -<p>"I had not thought," said Rose, hesitating. -"How would fifty cents do?"</p> - -<p>"Fifty cents!" repeated Miss Wilmot, with -a rising inflection. "If you undervalue yourself -to that extent, no one will think you -know how to teach. You must charge two -dollars per lesson."</p> - -<p>"But will anybody pay me so much?" -asked Rose, amazed. "To one who has only -been earning thirty-five cents a day at vest-making, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span> -fifty cents an hour seems very large -pay."</p> - -<p>"My dear child, be guided by me. I know -the world, and the world will set very much -the same value upon you that you set on yourself. -Ask Mrs. Tilton two dollars an hour."</p> - -<p>"But if she objects to pay it?"</p> - -<p>"Say that you are sorry that you cannot -make any arrangements."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid I can't keep a straight face -when I ask such a price, Miss Wilmot."</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, you will! Don't feel nervous. -If you lose the pupils, I will see that you -don't suffer by it. By the way, put on your -best dress, for it is desirable that you make a -favorable first impression."</p> - -<p>"I will follow your advice, Miss Wilmot," -said Rose.</p> - -<p>"You can't do better."</p> - -<p>The next day Rose rang the bell at the -door of a fine brown-stone house on West -Forty-second street.</p> - -<p>"Is Mrs. Tilton at home?" she asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes, miss. Who shall I say wishes to -see her?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span></p> - -<p>"The music-teacher."</p> - -<p>Rose was shown into the drawing-room, -and presently Mrs. Tilton entered. She was -a tall, blonde lady of fashionable appearance, -thoroughly worldly, and influenced by externals -to a large extent.</p> - -<p>"I believe Miss Wilmot has written you in -reference to the subject of my call," said -Rose.</p> - -<p>"Yes, Miss Beaufort. You are a music-teacher?"</p> - -<p>Rose bowed.</p> - -<p>"My two little girls have made a beginning, -but have only taken two quarters each. -I wish them to have every advantage."</p> - -<p>Rose bowed again.</p> - -<p>"Of course, any one recommended by Miss -Wilmot can hardly fail to be competent. May -I ask, Miss Beaufort, where you live?"</p> - -<p>"At the Wilmot Flats, in West Twenty-fifth -street."</p> - -<p>"Then you are a tenant of Miss Wilmot?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, madam. My brother and sister and -myself live together."</p> - -<p>"Of course you have a piano at home?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Yes, madam," answered Rose, glad to answer -the question in the affirmative.</p> - -<p>"I asked because it might at times be more -convenient—when we were preparing for company, -for instance—to send your pupils to -you."</p> - -<p>"Just as may suit you, madam."</p> - -<p>"Now, as to your terms, Miss Beaufort?"</p> - -<p>"I charge two dollars per lesson," answered -Rose, as boldly as she could.</p> - -<p>"Isn't that high?" asked Mrs. Tilton. -"Most lady teachers do not charge as much."</p> - -<p>"I am quite aware of that," said Rose.</p> - -<p>"I think some charge only a dollar per -lesson."</p> - -<p>"I presume you are right," said Rose; but, -obedient to Miss Wilmot's suggestions, she -didn't offer to reduce her own price. "I hope -to make my services worth the amount I ask."</p> - -<p>"Then you won't accept a less price?"</p> - -<p>"I should prefer not to do so."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Tilton was not a generous woman. -She was disposed to haggle about prices, and -had Rose applied to her for work as a <a name="seam" id="seam"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'seamtress'">seamstress</ins> -she would have driven a hard bargain -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span> -with her, but, as the friend and <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">protégé</i> of -Miss Jane Wilmot, a lady of the highest social -consideration, she did not venture to follow -her own economical inclinations. In fact, -Mrs. Tilton was not of an old family. Her -husband had recently become rich, and though -she aspired to be fashionable, there were circles -to which she could not obtain admission. -She plumed herself on her acquaintance with -Miss Wilmot, and would not, on any account, -have had Rose report to that lady that she -had been unwilling to pay her price. Two -dollars an hour seemed high, but she knew -very well that she must buy social recognition, -and that she valued above money.</p> - -<p>"Very well," she said, after a pause; "I -will pay your price. Can you give me Tuesday -and Friday afternoons from three to -five?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, madam."</p> - -<p>"Then we will commence next Tuesday, if -you please. By the way, my neighbor, Mrs. -Green, also desires to secure instruction for -her daughter, and I promised to ask you to -call."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I will do so now if the lady is likely to be -in," said Rose, gladly.</p> - -<p>"I think you will find her in, now. You -may hand her my card."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Green lived but three doors away. -She was at home, and engaged her, without -any demur as to price, to give her daughter -two hours a week, Monday and Thursday -afternoons being selected.</p> - -<p>As Rose walked home she could hardly -credit her good fortune. Six lessons a week -at two dollars apiece would amount to twelve -dollars, and leave her plenty of time to herself. -Twelve dollars! and till now her weekly -income, laboring all day, had been less than -three dollars.</p> - -<p>"Addie," she said, after recounting her -success to her sister, "do you know I feel -quite like a young lady of fortune? I am -almost afraid that it is all a dream, and that I -shall wake up some day and find myself back -again at Mrs. Flanagan's."</p> - -<p>"Let us enjoy it as long as it lasts, Rose," -said Adeline. "I wish I could help. I don't -like to have the whole family leaning on you."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span></p> - -<p>Adeline had her wish. Three days later -Miss Wilmot came in with two little girls.</p> - -<p>"They want to take lessons in drawing," -she said. "They have a taste, but their -father is a mechanic, and they have been unable -to gratify it. Now, I have been thinking -that I will let you pay the rent by instructing -them, and leave your sister her -whole time to teach music."</p> - -<p>"I should like nothing better," said Adeline, -brightening up.</p> - -<p>"Then they will begin at once."</p> - -<p>Adeline was fond of children, and found instruction -in her favorite accomplishment no -task, but a positive pleasure.</p> - -<p>"I shall not be a burden upon you, Rose, -any longer," she said, cheerfully.</p> - -<p>"I should think not. If you pay the rent, -it will be no light help. I shall <a name="insist" id="insist"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'insist in'">insist on</ins> contributing -my share, and will pay you fifteen -dollars a month to make matters even."</p> - -<p>Adeline protested, but Rose was firm. -Her invalid sister's spirits were raised, and -life was no longer monotonous, now that she -felt herself of some use in the world.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Do you know, Rose," she said, "I don't -think I should be happier if our share of -grandfather's money had come to us, as we -once anticipated."</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XXI.<a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">The Collapse of an Elderly Dude.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>The remarkable change that had taken -place in the fortunes of Rose Beaufort -interfered seriously with the plans of a person -who has thus far only been incidentally -mentioned—the superintendent of the work -department of Nicholas Walton's large clothing -store.</p> - -<p>Hugh Parkinson was a man no longer -young. If not forty, he looked that age. -Moreover, his natural attractions, which were -very scanty, had not been increased by the -passage of time. His hair, which was of a -reddish tinge, was carefully combed up from -the side to cover the rather extensive vacancy -for which time and irregular hours were responsible; -but to look young was a problem -which he had not been able to compass. He -did what he could, in the way of dress, to -make up for the ravages of time. He always -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span> -got his clothes made by a fashionable Broadway -tailor, and in the street he looked like -an elderly "dude," and thus far more ridiculous -than the younger specimens of this class.</p> - -<p>Perhaps it is well for our self-conceit that -we do not see ourselves as others see us. -Hugh Parkinson, when he surveyed himself -in the mirror, decided that he was handsome -and stylish-looking. He felt that it was time -he married. His salary was a liberal one—fifty -dollars per week—and he had a snug -sum in various savings banks, representing -the savings of the last ten years.</p> - -<p>"I'm a good catch!" he said to himself, -complacently; "I've a right to expect considerable -in a wife. Egad! I must be getting -married while I am still a young man."</p> - -<p>He had been a young man for a good many -years, and so entitled to call himself such.</p> - -<p>Hugh Parkinson was fastidious, however, -and he had never met the one he wanted to -marry till he saw Rose Beaufort. Rose was -about half his age, and her fresh beauty -touched the heart—such as he had—of the old -young man.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span></p> - -<p>"She has no fortune, but what does that -matter?" he said to himself, magnanimously. -"I have enough for both. When she goes -with me to the theatre she will excite the admiration -of all, and all the young men in society -will envy me. Egad! I must marry -her."</p> - -<p>Rose, however, had as yet shown no signs -of admiring Mr. Parkinson. Indeed, the -superintendent had good reason to doubt -whether she even esteemed him. He saw, -however, that she was poor. Marriage with -him would bring her comfort, and even a moderate -degree of luxury; upon this he depended -for a favorable issue to his suit. As to her -being poor, that was evident enough. To be -sure, she was well dressed, but no one who is -in good circumstances takes vests to make at -thirty-five cents apiece. Besides, he knew -where she lived, for the vest-makers were -obliged to leave their addresses with their -names; and he had passed through Bleecker -street, and seen for himself the shabby tenement-house -in which Rose lived.</p> - -<p>"I wish she might become poorer still," -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span> -said Mr. Parkinson to himself; "then I would -have a chance to step in as her good angel -and relieve her from suffering. She couldn't -help being drawn to me."</p> - -<p>When Rose called and desired pay for the -two vests which she had completed, Mr. Parkinson -was pleased; it showed that she was becoming -harder pressed by poverty.</p> - -<p>"Daniells," he said to the examining clerk, -"when Miss Beaufort calls with her package -of vests I want you to object to the quality of -her work."</p> - -<p>"But, Mr. Parkinson, her work is always -well done," objected Daniells.</p> - -<p>"Oh, well, you can always find faults. -Just say that she must see me before you feel -authorized to pay her."</p> - -<p>"What's your game, Mr. Parkinson?" -asked Daniells.</p> - -<p>Mr. Parkinson winked significantly.</p> - -<p>"The fact is, Daniells," he said, "I want -an opportunity to ingratiate myself with the -fair Rose. I will take her part, pay her the -money as a favor, and—you comprehend?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I see. The fact is, Rose is pretty, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span> -and if I were not a married man I would try -to obtain a smile from her myself."</p> - -<p>"Just do as I tell you, there's a good fellow, -and you won't lose by it."</p> - -<p>When Rose had obtained by good fortune -the powerful friendship of the rich Miss Wilmot, -she, of course, decided to give up vest-making. -She had some time left, but she felt -that it would be necessary for her to keep up -her practice at home, if she aspired to become a -successful piano-teacher. However, she would -finish the vests she had in hand, and let those -be the last.</p> - -<p>When the vests were finished she took them -round to Mr. Walton's establishment.</p> - -<p>The vigilant Daniells did not fail to note -her appearance, and prepared to serve the interests -of his superior in the way which had -been arranged between them.</p> - -<p>"So you've finished the vests?" he said, -carelessly. "Let me look at them."</p> - -<p>Rose regarded this as a mere formality, -knowing that they had been well made, and -never before having had her work objected to.</p> - -<p>What was her surprise, therefore, when -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span> -Daniells went over them one by one, frowning -and shaking his head, disapprovingly.</p> - -<p>"Really," he said, "these vests are hardly -satisfactory."</p> - -<p>"What is amiss with them?" asked Rose, -in genuine surprise.</p> - -<p>"I can't go into particulars," said Daniells, -who would have found it hard to do so, by the -way; "I can only say that they are not as well -made as we expect."</p> - -<p>"They are as well made as usual," said -Rose, flushing indignantly. "I cannot understand -why you object to them, when all -the work I've done before has passed without -objection."</p> - -<p>"All I can say, Miss Beaufort, is that I do -not feel authorized to pay you for them. Mr. -Parkinson, however, is my superior. You -can refer the matter to him."</p> - -<p>"I should like to do so, sir," said Rose, -with cold dignity.</p> - -<p>"I will accompany you."</p> - -<p>The two passed on to the superintendent's -desk, and Daniells explained the matter to his -superior.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I will look over the work myself," said -Parkinson. "You may go back, Mr. Daniells. -I will settle the matter."</p> - -<p>Rose stood quiet, while the superintendent -examined the vests.</p> - -<p>"Really, Miss Beaufort," said Hugh, with -his fascinating smile, "I think Mr. Daniells -has done you injustice. To my eye, the vests -are very neatly made."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir," said Rose, gratefully. -"I am sure they are as well made as any I -have brought here."</p> - -<p>"The fact is," said Parkinson, confidentially, -"Daniells is rather fussy—I might say -cranky—I have had more than once to reverse -his decision. You shall certainly be paid -promptly, as usual."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir."</p> - -<p>Rose had never admired the superintendent, -but he seemed to her now a just and -agreeable man. The money was not now of -so much importance to her, but she strongly -objected to being unjustly treated, and being -deprived of the money which she had fairly -earned.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span></p> - -<p>Mr. Parkinson himself paid over to Rose -the money due for the six vests.</p> - -<p>"Miss Beaufort," he said, "I hope you -won't think we men of business are all hard -and disposed to take advantage of the poor. -Now, in your case, I assure you that I feel -very kindly toward you."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir," said Rose, considerably -surprised.</p> - -<p>Mr. Parkinson's vanity led him to think -that she was regarding him with a look of -interest, but he misinterpreted her. She -looked upon him as old enough to be her -father, and not a suspicion had ever entered -her mind that he thought of her as a possible -wife.</p> - -<p>"If you will permit me," said the superintendent, -"I am about to go out to lunch, and -will communicate to you a plan I have for -your advantage. It will be better not to take -any new work now."</p> - -<p>"I did not intend to," said Rose.</p> - -<p>Mr. Parkinson looked a little surprised.</p> - -<p>They passed through the store together, and -out into Broadway. Rose waited for Mr. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span> -Parkinson to say what he appeared to have -in his mind.</p> - -<p>"I think, Miss Beaufort," he said, as they -emerged into the street, "you could do better -than make vests at thirty-five cents each."</p> - -<p>"I think so, too," answered Rose. "I -wonder what he means?" she thought.</p> - -<p>"Such a beautiful girl as you are——"</p> - -<p>"Sir!" exclaimed Rose, haughtily.</p> - -<p>"No offense, my dear. Quite the contrary, -I assure you. I have had my eye upon you -for some time, and I admire you exceedingly. -You are poor, but I shall overlook that. My -dear girl, I am very well off, as you may suppose, -and I offer to make you Mrs. Parkinson."</p> - -<p>"Good-evening, sir," said Rose, coldly. "I -don't wish to continue the conversation."</p> - -<p>"Don't be foolish, my dear girl. It is a -fine chance for a poor vest-maker to marry a -man in my position."</p> - -<p>Rose did not deign to answer, but tried to -escape. He attempted to seize her by the -arm, when his hat was violently knocked over -his eyes, and he came near measuring his -length on the sidewalk.</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XXII.<a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">The Romance of a Rose.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>Mr. Parkinson adjusted his hat, and -darted a glance of indignation at a -fine-looking young man who had come to the -rescue of Rose Beaufort.</p> - -<p>"This is an outrage, sir," he said, angrily.</p> - -<p>Clinton Randall paid no attention to the -discomfited Parkinson, but asked Rose:</p> - -<p>"Has this man annoyed you?"</p> - -<p>"He forced his attentions upon me," answered -Rose.</p> - -<p>"If he has insulted you, I will take care -that he is punished."</p> - -<p>"Don't meddle with what is none of your -business," said Parkinson, furiously. "I have -a good mind to horsewhip you."</p> - -<p>"Make the attempt whenever you please, -sir," said Randall, significantly. "If ever I -find you annoying this young lady again, I -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span> -shall probably give you a taste of the same -medicine."</p> - -<p>"Annoying?" sneered Parkinson. "I offered -to make her my wife, if you call that -annoyance. Let me tell you that when a -gentleman in my position offers to marry a -vest-maker she has reason to feel complimented."</p> - -<p>"She evidently does not," said Randall, not -without sarcasm. "Whether she is a vest-maker -or not, she is evidently a young lady -and is entitled to be treated as such."</p> - -<p>"She will be sorry for having made such a -fuss," said Parkinson, spitefully. "Miss -Beaufort," he continued, turning to Rose, -"you need not trouble yourself to come to the -store again for work, as I shall decline to give -you any. You may regret having treated me -with such scant courtesy."</p> - -<p>"I had no intention of asking for more -work," said Rose, coldly.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps you have come into a fortune," -sneered Parkinson.</p> - -<p>"Enough of this!" said Randall, sternly. -"This young lady has no favors to ask of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span> -you. You had better go back to your master -and conduct yourself hereafter in a more becoming -manner, or you may repent it."</p> - -<p>Here was a fresh outrage for poor Parkinson. -In his own eyes he was a man of very -great importance, and to be told by this young -man, before a common vest-maker, to go back -to his master, was very humiliating. He was -trying to think of some scathing retort, when -Randall, with a bow, offered his arm to Rose, -and they walked away together.</p> - -<p>"I wonder whether she really doesn't care -for any more work," thought Parkinson, "or -is it only pretense? I dare say she will, after -a while, be coming round again for vests to -make. If she does, I shall have her in my -power."</p> - -<p>And the superintendent walked slowly back -to the store, chafing inwardly at his ill-success.</p> - -<p>"I hope you won't allow yourself to think -of this disagreeable occurrence," said Clinton -Randall, "or of this unmannerly cur."</p> - -<p>"No, sir, thanks to your kindness, I shall -have no occasion."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span></p> - -<p>"He seemed spiteful. I hope it is not in his -power to annoy you."</p> - -<p>He said this, thinking that Rose might be -dependent upon Parkinson for work.</p> - -<p>"Last week he might have done so," answered -Rose. "I was engaged in making -vests for the store in which he is employed, -and he might have refused me work. Now, -fortunately, thanks to a kind lady, I have no -further occasion to apply to him."</p> - -<p>"I am heartily glad to hear it. Any connection -with such a cur must be disagreeable. -Has he ever annoyed you before?"</p> - -<p>"Never; and I was much surprised to-day -when he followed me from the store and -pressed his attentions upon me."</p> - -<p>"He is old enough to be your father—the -old fool!" said Randall, resentfully.</p> - -<p>It seemed to him profanation that such a -man should have thought of appropriating the -fresh beauty of the charming girl at his side.</p> - -<p>"He thought I ought to regard myself -honored by his proposal," said Rose, smiling, -as she thought of the unromantic figure of her -elderly lover.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span></p> - -<p>"He has found out by this time that you -hold a different opinion. If he should ever -persecute you again, I hope I may be at hand -to rescue you once more."</p> - -<p>"I am not likely to meet him, and have no -further occasion to make vests for a living. -If you will kindly stop the next up-town car, -I will not longer detain you."</p> - -<p>"Certainly," answered Randall; and as a -car was just at hand, he complied with her -request.</p> - -<p>He stood on the sidewalk, following, with -his glances, the Broadway car into which he -had helped Rose.</p> - -<p>"I wish I dare follow her, and find out who -she is," said Randall to himself; "but she -might misinterpret my motive and class me -with that elderly reprobate with whom I was -compelled to interfere. What a charming -girl she is! I never saw a sweeter expression, -or a more beautiful complexion."</p> - -<p>He was in a day-dream, from which he was -presently roused.</p> - -<p>"What are you staring at, Randall?" asked -a young man of about his own age, slapping -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span> -him on the shoulder. "You seem star-gazing."</p> - -<p>"So I am."</p> - -<p>"Star-gazing at midday?"</p> - -<p>"It is a human star, Tudor. In short, it is a -beautiful girl, whom I have just helped into -a car."</p> - -<p>"Who is she?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know, I'm sure."</p> - -<p>"An unknown divinity, eh? Tell me about -it, for there is evidently a story under all -this."</p> - -<p>"A very short one. I found an elderly -scamp annoying her, and knocked his hat -over his eyes."</p> - -<p>"And, after having gallantly rescued her, -you helped her into a car?"</p> - -<p>"Exactly."</p> - -<p>"And that is the whole of it?"</p> - -<p>"I am afraid so."</p> - -<p>"You don't mean to say you are struck at -last, Randall—you who have so long been the -despair of manœuvering mammas? Come, -that would be news, indeed!"</p> - -<p>"I am not at all sure but I am. Tudor, I -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span> -will say one thing, that I never saw a sweeter -face in all my wanderings."</p> - -<p>"That's saying a good deal, for you have -been all over the world. And you don't -know the young lady's name?"</p> - -<p>"Haven't the slightest clew to it."</p> - -<p>"Is she rich or poor, a stylish city lady or -a rustic beauty?"</p> - -<p>"I fancy she is not rich," said Randall, -who, for some reason, did not care to mention -that she had been a vest-maker. To him -it mattered little, but his friend Tudor might -be more fastidious, and he was not willing to -give him any chance to look down upon -Rose.</p> - -<p>"Couldn't you manage to ask her name?"</p> - -<p>Randall shook his head.</p> - -<p>"I tried to think of a pretext, but could -not," he answered.</p> - -<p>"You may meet her again."</p> - -<p>"I hope to do so."</p> - -<p>"And if you do?"</p> - -<p>Randall smiled.</p> - -<p>"Considering that it is not over ten minutes -since I first set eyes upon her, it is, perhaps, a -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span> -little premature to consider that question. I -shall certainly try to meet her again."</p> - -<p>The two young men sauntered up-town, -and the conversation fell upon other themes, -but Clinton Randall seemed unusually thoughtful. -Do what he might, he could not help recurring -again and again to the fair face which -he had seen for the first time that morning.</p> - -<p>When Rose was at home again the matter -seemed no longer serious to her. Whenever -she thought of Mr. Parkinson and his suit -she felt inclined to laugh.</p> - -<p>"Addie," she said, "I have had a proposal -this morning."</p> - -<p>"A proposal!" repeated her sister, in surprise.</p> - -<p>"Yes, an offer of marriage."</p> - -<p>"You are not in earnest?"</p> - -<p>"Indeed I am! I am not sure but I shall -give you a brother-in-law."</p> - -<p>"I wasn't aware that you knew any eligible -young man."</p> - -<p>"He isn't a young man. Let me describe -him to you. His name is Parkinson; he is -somewhere between forty and fifty; he is partially -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span> -bald, and—I am not quite sure that he -is not bow-legged."</p> - -<p>"And you love him?" queried Adeline, -mischievously. "If so, I give my consent, -for though I had hoped for a better-looking -brother-in-law, I am not willing that your -young affections should be blighted."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense, Addie," returned Rose, half-vexed.</p> - -<p>"Tell me all about it."</p> - -<p>Rose did so, and her sister listened with -fixed interest.</p> - -<p>"And this young man who rescued you, -and knocked your adorer's hat over his eyes. -I suppose he was a commonplace young man, -red-haired and freckled, perhaps?"</p> - -<p>"Indeed he was not," said Rose, indignantly.</p> - -<p>"Then he was handsome?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I think that he would be considered -so."</p> - -<p>"Take care you don't dream of him. It -would be very romantic—wouldn't it?—if -you should marry him, as generally happens -in romances."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Don't be a goose, Addie!" said Rose; but -she did not seem annoyed. Secretly, she -thought Clinton Randall the most attractive -young man she had ever met, and wondered -if fate would ever throw them together again.</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XXIII.<a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">On the Borders of the Lake of Geneva.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>It is time to look after our hero in his European -wanderings.</p> - -<p>He had been travelling hither and thither -with his guardian, who appeared to have no -definite aim except to enjoy himself. Whether -he succeeded in doing this was by no means -certain. On the whole, he and Ben got along -very well together. He did not undertake to -control his young secretary, but left him very -much to his own devices. There were times -when he seemed irritable, but it generally -happened when he had been losing money at -the gaming-table, for he was fond of play, not -so much because he was fascinated by it as -because it served as a distraction in lieu of -more serious pursuits. On the whole, he did -not lose much, for he was cool and self-possessed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span></p> - -<p>One thing was unsatisfactory to Ben—he -had little or nothing to do. He was private -secretary in name, but what use Major Grafton -had for a private secretary Ben could not -divine.</p> - -<p>Why Ben need have concerned himself, as -long as he received his salary, may excite the -wonder of some of my readers, but I think -most people like to feel that they are doing -something useful.</p> - -<p>Ben, however, found a use for part of his -time. In his travels through France, Switzerland, -and Italy, he had oftentimes found -himself, when alone, at a loss on account of a -want of knowledge of the French language.</p> - -<p>"Why should I not learn it?" he asked -himself.</p> - -<p>He procured some elementary French -books, including a grammar, dictionary, and -tourist's guide, and set himself to the task -with his usual energy. Having little else to -do, he made remarkable progress, and found -his studies a source of great interest.</p> - -<p>"What are you doing there, Philip?" asked -Major Grafton, one afternoon.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I am trying to obtain some knowledge of -French. I suppose you have no objection?"</p> - -<p>"Not the least in the world. Do you want -a teacher?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir; I think I can get along by myself."</p> - -<p>Major Grafton was rather glad that Ben -had found some way of passing his time. He -did not want the boy to become homesick, for -his presence was important to him for reasons -that we are acquainted with.</p> - -<p>Ben supplemented his lessons by going into -shops, pricing articles, and attempting to hold -a conversation with the clerks. This was a -practical way of learning the language, which -he found of great use.</p> - -<p>Again they found themselves in Geneva, -which Ben thought, on the whole, a pleasant -place of residence. Here, too, he could make -abundant use of his new acquisition, and did -not fail to avail himself of his opportunity. -So he enjoyed his stay in the charming Swiss -city until one day he made an astounding discovery.</p> - -<p>The most interesting walk in Geneva is -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span> -along the borders of the lake. Near it are -placed seats on which the visitor may sit and -survey the unequalled view.</p> - -<p>Ben had seated himself one day, with a -French book in his hand, which he was studying, -when he observed a couple of ladies seat -themselves near him. He would have given -them no further thought if by chance the -name of Major Grafton, spoken by one of -them, had not reached his ears.</p> - -<p>"I see that Major Grafton is here," said -one. "You know we met him at Florence."</p> - -<p>"Yes, the one who had the sick boy with -him."</p> - -<p>"The same."</p> - -<p>"It was his son, was it not?"</p> - -<p>"I thought so at the time, but I have since -learned that I was mistaken. He was the -boy's guardian."</p> - -<p>"The boy died, did he not?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, and it must have been a serious -calamity to him."</p> - -<p>"You mean that he was very much attached -to the boy?"</p> - -<p>"No, I don't mean that. On the contrary, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span> -he appeared to care very little for him. It -was the pecuniary loss I was thinking of."</p> - -<p>"Explain yourself."</p> - -<p>"You must know, then, that the boy was -heir to a large fortune, the income of which, -during his minority, was payable to Major -Grafton for his benefit. No doubt the guardian -made a good thing out of it. He probably -made it pay both the boy's expenses and his -own."</p> - -<p>"Then, on the boy's death, he would lose -this income?"</p> - -<p>"Precisely."</p> - -<p>"It is strange," said the younger lady; -"but he still has a boy with him."</p> - -<p>"He has?" inquired the other, in surprise.</p> - -<p>"The name he calls him is Philip."</p> - -<p>"That was the name of the boy who died."</p> - -<p>"Are you sure that he died? Are you -sure that this is not the same boy?"</p> - -<p>"Positive."</p> - -<p>"It is very singular. A strange idea has -occurred to me."</p> - -<p>"What is it?"</p> - -<p>"What if he is passing off this boy for the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span> -first, in order to retain the liberal income -which he received as guardian?"</p> - -<p>"But that would be fraudulent."</p> - -<p>"That is true; but I think Major Grafton -would be capable of it. I hear from my -brother that he gambles, and a gambler is not -apt to be overburdened with principle."</p> - -<p>"If this is so, he ought to be exposed. To -whom would the boy's fortune go, if it were -known that he was dead?"</p> - -<p>"To three cousins, who, I understand, are -living in poverty in New York. There are -two young girls and a brother, named Beaufort. -They were cut off by the grandfather, -from whom the fortune was inherited. For -what reason I am not aware. However, the -will stipulated that if the boy should die, the -fortune should go to these children."</p> - -<p>"Then they ought to be enjoying it now?"</p> - -<p>"Exactly. If all is true that I suspect, -they are being kept out of it by a conspiracy."</p> - -<p>"Who is the boy that Major Grafton has -with him now?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know. Possibly it is a relative of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span> -his own. He calls him Philip to deceive the -public, if all is as I suspect."</p> - -<p>"Don't you think we ought to do something -in the matter, Clara?"</p> - -<p>"I never meddle with matters that don't -concern me."</p> - -<p>"Not even to right such a wrong as this?"</p> - -<p>"No; I suppose matters will come right -after awhile. The deception will be discovered, -you may depend upon it."</p> - -<p>"If I knew the boy I would speak to him -about it."</p> - -<p>"You would have your labor for your -pains. The boy is probably in the conspiracy. -I think he is a nephew of Major -Grafton. If anything were said to him, he -would no doubt put the major on his guard, -and that would be the end of it. My dear, -we shall do much better not to interfere in the -matter at all."</p> - -<p>The younger lady looked dissatisfied, but -did not reply.</p> - -<p>The feelings with which Ben heard this -revelation may be imagined. He never for a -moment doubted the truth of the story. It -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span> -made clear to him what had seemed singular -hitherto. He had never been able to understand -why Major Grafton should pick him up, -and without any inquiry into his capacity -offer him an engagement as private secretary. -He had found that the office was merely -nominal, and that there were no duties to -speak of connected with it. Major Grafton -had shown no particular interest in him, -and evidently cared nothing for him, save -as he served his purpose. But if his presence -enabled Grafton to remain in possession -of a large income, there was no need -to inquire further. Ben saw that he was -made an important agent in a wicked conspiracy -to divert a large fortune from its lawful -owners.</p> - -<p>What ought he to do?</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XXIV.<a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">The Maison De Fous.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>This question of what he ought to do -disturbed Ben not a little. As an honorable -boy he did not wish to benefit any -longer than was absolutely necessary by a -deception which involved injustice and fraud. -He was living very comfortably, it is true, -and his allowance was a handsome one. He -sent half of it to his mother, and this was -sufficient to provide all that was needed for -her and his sister's comfort. He had done -this innocently, hitherto, but now that his -eyes were opened, his knowledge would make -him an accomplice in the conspiracy.</p> - -<p>In his uncertainty he decided upon what -was not, perhaps, the most judicious course, to -ask Major Grafton directly in regard to the -matter.</p> - -<p>An opportunity soon came.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Major Grafton," Ben began, "how long -since did Philip die?"</p> - -<p>The major regarded him suspiciously. The -question put him on his guard.</p> - -<p>"A few months ago," he answered indifferently.</p> - -<p>"Were you—his guardian?"</p> - -<p>"You seem curious this morning, Philip," -answered the major, coldly.</p> - -<p>If Ben had been older and more experienced -he would have been able to get at the -truth indirectly, but it was his nature to be -straightforward.</p> - -<p>"I heard something yesterday that disturbed -me," he said.</p> - -<p>Major Grafton threw himself back in an -easy-chair and fixed his eyes searchingly on -the boy.</p> - -<p>"Tell me what you heard," he said, shortly, -"and from whom."</p> - -<p>"I was sitting on a bench near the lake -when two ladies began speaking about you—and -me."</p> - -<p>"Tell me what they said," broke in Grafton, -impatiently.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span></p> - -<p>"The truth must be told," thought Ben, -"even if Major Grafton gets offended."</p> - -<p>"They said that Philip had a large fortune, -and you were his guardian. When he died -the money was to go to some cousins in New -York. They said that you had concealed his -death, and so continued to draw the income -of the property, and were palming off me -for him. They seemed to think I was your -nephew, and was in the plot."</p> - -<p>Major Grafton was a good deal disturbed -by what Ben had told him. Of course there -was a strong chance that the truth would come -out some time, but he had hoped to keep it -concealed for some years, perhaps.</p> - -<p>"These ladies seem to have a large share of -imagination," he said, with a forced laugh. -"From one fabrication you may judge all. -You know whether you are my nephew or -not, and whether you are engaged in any -plot?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir, of course not."</p> - -<p>"The whole thing is ridiculous; I don't -think you need trouble yourself any more -about it."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span></p> - -<p>But Ben was not satisfied, and Major Grafton -could see this from his look.</p> - -<p>"That was my reason for asking whether -Philip had any property," he continued, with -an inquiring look.</p> - -<p>"I must satisfy him in some way," thought -the major, "or he will compromise me."</p> - -<p>"I wouldn't like to think I was keeping -any property away from the rightful owners," -proceeded Ben.</p> - -<p>"You can put yourself at ease," said the -major, carelessly. "Those ladies, whoever -they are, know almost nothing about the matter. -Philip did have a little property, yielding -scarcely enough for his own expenses. -At his death it fell to me. His grandfather -was an intimate friend of mine, and made the -arrangement in gratitude for my care of the -boy."</p> - -<p>"Then there were no cousins in New -York?" asked Ben, doubtfully.</p> - -<p>"Not that I am aware of. That is a lie out -of whole cloth. There is no one more unscrupulous -than a female gossip. Did you -speak to either of the ladies?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span></p> - -<p>"No, sir."</p> - -<p>"That was right. You might have made -mischief and seriously offended me. Do you -often write home?"</p> - -<p>"Every week, sir."</p> - -<p>"I have no objection to that, but I must -caution you against repeating this nonsensical -and absurd story. I have taken a great deal -of interest in you on account of your resemblance -to poor Philip, to whom I was tenderly -attached. It is on that account I engaged -you to accompany me. You would not be -likely to do as well in New York?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir; no one would think of paying -me as liberally as you do."</p> - -<p>"I am glad you appreciate the advantages -of your position. I hope you won't lose it by -any foolishness," added Grafton, significantly.</p> - -<p>Ben felt that there was no more to say, but -he was far from satisfied. He was thoroughly -persuaded within himself that the story was -true, and that Major Grafton was acting a -fraudulent part. How could he find out?</p> - -<p>He had not forgotten his visit to the office -of Mr. Codicil, just before they left New -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span> -York. He had seen enough, then, to be -aware that between Major Grafton and the -lawyer there were business relations, and he -suspected that they referred to the boy whose -place he had taken. This would seem to bear -out and confirm the story told by the two -ladies. Now, if he should write a letter to -Mr. Codicil he might ascertain all he needed -to know, and if all was as he suspected he -could refuse having any further part in the -conspiracy. He did not remember the exact -location of Mr. Codicil's office, but he did remember -his first name, and he judged rightly -that a letter simply directed to the lawyer, and -addressed New York, would be likely to reach -him.</p> - -<p>Major Grafton, after the interview between -Ben and himself, watched our hero with ever-increasing -suspicion. He felt that he was in -the boy's power. An indiscreet revelation -would overthrow the fabric of fraud which in -his self-interest he had erected, and reduce -him to earning a precarious living at the gaming-table. -In the case of an average boy he -would have been secure, from the boy's regard -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span> -for his own interest; but he saw that Ben -was a conscientious boy, of honorable impulses, -and this disgusted him.</p> - -<p>"The boy is dangerous," he decided. "I -must place him where he can do no mischief."</p> - -<p>When a man is thoroughly unprincipled -he can always find ways and means for the -carrying out of his iniquitous plans. Major -Grafton experienced no difficulty in devising -a method for staving off the threatened danger.</p> - -<p>One day after a leisurely breakfast, during -which Major Grafton had been unusually -chatty and affable, he said:</p> - -<p>"Philip, I have a pleasure in store for -you."</p> - -<p>"What is it, sir?"</p> - -<p>"We are going to take a long drive into -the country."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir. I shall enjoy it."</p> - -<p>Fifteen minutes afterward an open carriage -drove into the court-yard of the hotel.</p> - -<p>"Is this the carriage I ordered?" asked -Major Grafton.</p> - -<p>"It is for M. de Grafton," said the driver.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span></p> - -<p>"But you are not the man I spoke to."</p> - -<p>"No, it was my brother. He is obliged to -stay at home; his wife is taken suddenly -sick."</p> - -<p>"Very well; you will no doubt answer the -purpose equally well. Philip, take a seat inside."</p> - -<p>Ben did so.</p> - -<p>"Where shall I drive, monsieur?"</p> - -<p>Major Grafton indicated the direction.</p> - -<p>They drove over a broad, smooth road on -the eastern shore of the lake. It was a charming -drive, not alone on account of the smooth -waters of the lake which were in constant -view, but also on account of the distant -mountains and the picturesque Swiss habitations -which regaled their eyes.</p> - -<p>They kept on uninterruptedly for nearly -two hours, until Ben began to marvel at the -length of the drive.</p> - -<p>Finally they came in sight of a large, picturesquely -situated house, surrounded by -trees.</p> - -<p>"We will descend here, Philip," said Major -Grafton. "I want you to see this chateau."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Is there anything interesting connected -with it?" asked Ben.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I believe Voltaire once lived here," -answered Grafton.</p> - -<p>"I always thought he lived at the Chateau -de Ferney."</p> - -<p>"He also lived here for a few months," -said Major Grafton, shortly. "I think Calvin -also lived here once."</p> - -<p>Ben entered without suspicion. A suave, -black-whiskered man welcomed them. He -seemed to recognize Major Grafton, and was -voluble in his protestations of joy at meeting -them.</p> - -<p>"Is this the boy you spoke of?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes," answered Grafton. "Philip," he -said, "remain in this room a few minutes -while I speak with M. Bourdon."</p> - -<p>"Certainly, sir."</p> - -<p>He waited fifteen, twenty, thirty minutes, -and no one came back. Finally the door -opened and the black-whiskered man made -his appearance—alone.</p> - -<p>"Where is Major Grafton?" asked Ben.</p> - -<p>The other smiled craftily.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span></p> - -<p>"He is gone, M. Philippe."</p> - -<p>"Gone! and without me?"</p> - -<p>"You are to live with me, my son."</p> - -<p>"I don't understand you. What sort of a -place is this?"</p> - -<p>"It is a <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">maison de fous</i>."</p> - -<p>Ben was horror-struck. He knew now that -he was in a lunatic asylum. He could guess -why he was placed there.</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XXV.<a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">In a Trap.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>For a sane person to find himself suddenly -incarcerated in a lunatic asylum is -enough to excite a thrill of horror in the most -stolid. Ben shuddered and started back, pale -and sick with apprehension. He was a brave -boy, but it required more courage than he -possessed to preserve his coolness under such -circumstances.</p> - -<p>"What does it mean?" he ejaculated.</p> - -<p>"It means, my friend," answered M. Bourdon, -with a sardonic smile, "that you are not -quite right here," and he tapped his forehead -significantly.</p> - -<p>He spoke English correctly, but with an -accent, having, when a young man, passed -several years in England.</p> - -<p>"It is a lie!" exclaimed Ben, indignantly, -his terror giving place to anger. "My mind -is not in the least affected."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span></p> - -<p>M. Bourdon shrugged his shoulders, with -another aggravating smile.</p> - -<p>"They all say so," he answered.</p> - -<p>"I am as sane as you are!" continued Ben, -hotly.</p> - -<p>"Well, well, I may be a little touched myself—who -knows?" said M. Bourdon, or the -doctor, as we may call him, in a tone of -banter.</p> - -<p>It was hard for Ben to restrain himself, so -impressed was he by the outrage of which he -was the victim. It would have been a relief -to attack the doctor, and seek deliverance by -forcible means, but a glance at the well-knit -frame of M. Bourdon, and the certainty of -his being able to summon assistance, deterred -him and led him to control his rash impulse. -One thing he could do, and that was to ascertain, -if possible, Major Grafton's motive in -subjecting him to imprisonment.</p> - -<p>"What proof have you that I am insane?" -he asked, more calmly.</p> - -<p>"Your appearance."</p> - -<p>"You have not had time to examine me."</p> - -<p>"The doctors are able to judge from -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span> -very slight examination," said M. Bourdon, -smiling.</p> - -<p>"Did Major Grafton tell you I was insane?" -asked Ben.</p> - -<p>"You mean the gentleman who came here -with you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"He has assured me of it."</p> - -<p>"What did he say? How did he tell you -I had shown signs of insanity?"</p> - -<p>"He said you had tried to drown yourself -in the lake, and, being foiled in that, had -made an attempt to poison him. Surely this -is enough to warrant his sending you to -me."</p> - -<p>"Did he utter these infamous falsehoods?" -demanded Ben, startled.</p> - -<p>"Of course you pronounce them falsehoods, -my young friend, and doubtless you -believe what you say. I am quite sure you -have no recollection of what you did. This -is one of your sane periods. At this moment -you are as sane as I am."</p> - -<p>"You admit that?" said Ben, in surprise.</p> - -<p>"Certainly, for it is true. Your insanity -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span> -is fitful—paroxysmal. Half an hour hence -you may stand in need of a strait-jacket. -If you were always as clear in mind as at -present there would be no need of detaining -you. I would open my door and say, 'Go, -my young friend. You do not need my -care.' Unfortunately, we do not know how -long this mood may last."</p> - -<p>The doctor spoke smoothly and plausibly, -and it was hard for Ben to tell whether he -was really in earnest or not. He regarded -M. Bourdon intently, and thought he detected -a slight mocking smile, which excited his -doubt and distrust anew. To appeal to such -a man seemed well-nigh hopeless, but there -was nothing else to do.</p> - -<p>"Are you the doctor?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes; I am Dr. Bourdon," was the reply.</p> - -<p>"And you are at the head of this establishment?" -continued Ben.</p> - -<p>"I have that honor, my young friend," answered -Bourdon.</p> - -<p>"Then I wish to tell you that Major Grafton -has deceived you. He has an object to -serve in having me locked up here."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Doubtless," answered the doctor, with an -amused smile, taking a pinch of snuff.</p> - -<p>"He is afraid I would reveal a secret which -would strip him of his income," continued -Ben.</p> - -<p>"And that secret is——?" said the doctor, -not without curiosity.</p> - -<p>Ben answered this question as briefly and -clearly as he could.</p> - -<p>The doctor listened with real interest, and -it might have been satisfactory to Ben had -he known that his story was believed. M. -Bourdon was a shrewd man of the world, and -it struck him that this knowledge might -enable him to demand more extortionate -terms of Major Grafton.</p> - -<p>"Don't you believe me?" asked Ben, -watching the face of his listener.</p> - -<p>"I hear a great many strange stories," said -the doctor. "I have to be cautious about -what I believe."</p> - -<p>"But surely you will believe me, knowing -that I am perfectly sane?"</p> - -<p>"That is the question to be determined," -said M. Bourdon, smiling.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Won't you investigate it?" pleaded Ben. -"It is a crime to keep me here, when I am of -sound mind."</p> - -<p>"Whenever I am convinced of that I will -let you go. Meanwhile you must be quiet, -and submit to the rules of my establishment."</p> - -<p>"How long do you expect to keep me -here?" asked Ben.</p> - -<p>"As long as you require it and your board -is paid."</p> - -<p>Ben looked despondent, for this assurance -held out very little hope of release. Still he -was young, and youth is generally hopeful. -Something might turn up. Ben was determined -that something should turn up. He -was not going to remain shut up in a mad-house -any longer than he could help. He -remained silent, and M. Bourdon touched a -little bell upon a small table beside the door.</p> - -<p>The summons was answered by a stout man -with rough, black locks, who looked like a -hotel porter.</p> - -<p>"Francois," said the doctor, in the French -language, "conduct this young man to No. -19."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span></p> - -<p>"At once, <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Monsieur le Docteur</i>," answered -the attendant. "Come with me, young -man."</p> - -<p>He signed to Ben to follow him, and our -hero, realizing the utter futility of resistance, -did so.</p> - -<p>"Go ahead, monsieur," said Francois, when -they came to a staircase.</p> - -<p>Ben understood him very well, though he -spoke in French, thanks to his assiduous -study of the last four weeks.</p> - -<p>They walked along a narrow corridor, and -Francois, taking from his pocket a bunch of -keys, carefully selected one and opened the -door.</p> - -<p>"<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Entrez monsieur.</i>"</p> - -<p>Ben found himself in an apartment about -the size of a hall bedroom, with one window, -and a narrow bedstead, covered with an exceedingly -thin mattress. There was no carpet -on the floor, and the furniture was very -scanty. It consisted of but one chair, a cheap -bureau, and a washstand. And this was to -be Ben's home—for how long?</p> - -<p>"I must get acquainted with this man," -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span> -thought Ben. "I must try to win his goodwill, -and perhaps he may be able to help me -to escape."</p> - -<p>"Is your name Francois?" he asked, as the -man lingered at the door.</p> - -<p>"<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Oui, monsieur.</i>"</p> - -<p>"And how long have you been here—in -this asylum?"</p> - -<p>"How long, monsieur? Five years, nearly."</p> - -<p>"There is some mistake about my being -here, Francois. I don't look crazy, do I?"</p> - -<p>"No, monsieur; but——"</p> - -<p>"But what?"</p> - -<p>"That proves nothing."</p> - -<p>"There is a plot against me, and I am put -here by an enemy. I want you to be my -friend. Here, take this."</p> - -<p>Ben produced from his pocket a silver franc -piece and offered it to Francois, who took it -eagerly, for the man's besetting sin was -avarice.</p> - -<p>"Thanks, monsieur—much thanks!" he -said, his stolid face lighting up. "I will be -a friend."</p> - -<p>"Francois!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span></p> - -<p>At the call from below Francois hastily thrust -the coin into his pocket, nodded significantly -to Ben, and, retiring, locked the door -behind him.</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XXVI.<a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">Introduces Two Celebrities.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>What a change a short half-hour may -make in the position and feelings of -any person! Little did Ben imagine, when -he set out on a drive in the morning with -Major Grafton, that he was on his way to one -of the most hopeless of prisons.</p> - -<p>It was hard even now for him to realize his -position. He looked from the window, and -with a glance of envy saw in a field, not far -away, some Swiss peasants at work. They -were humble people, living a quiet, uneventful, -laborious life; yet Ben felt that they were -infinitely better off than he, provided he were -doomed to pass the remainder of his life in -this refuge. But of this he would not entertain -the idea. He was young, not yet seventeen, -and life was full of pleasant possibilities.</p> - -<p>"I am a Yankee," he thought, "and I -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span> -don't believe they will succeed in keeping me -here long. I will keep a bright lookout for a -chance to escape."</p> - -<p>Half an hour later Ben heard the key grate -in the lock, and, fixing his eyes on the entrance, -he saw Francois enter.</p> - -<p>"Monsieur, dinner is ready," he said.</p> - -<p>Ben, notwithstanding his disagreeable situation, -felt that he, too, was ready for the dinner. -He was glad to find that it was not to -be served to him in his own room. He would -have a chance of seeing the other inmates of -the house.</p> - -<p>"Where is it?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Follow me," answered Francois, of course -in French.</p> - -<p>He led the way, and Ben followed him into -a lower room, long and narrow, which was -used as the dining-room. There were no side-windows, -and it would have been quite dark -but for a narrow strip of window near the -ceiling.</p> - -<p>Around a plain table sat a curious collection -of persons. It was easy to see that something -was the matter with them, for I do not -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span> -wish to have it understood that all the inmates -of the house were, like our hero, perfectly -sane. M. Bourdon was not wholly a -quack, but he was fond of money, and, looking -through the eyes of self-interest, he was -willing to consider Ben insane, although he -knew very well that he was as rational as -himself.</p> - -<p>"Sit here, monsieur," said Francois.</p> - -<p>Ben took the seat indicated, and naturally -turned to survey his immediate neighbors.</p> - -<p>The one on the right-hand was a tall, venerable-looking -man, with white hair and a -flowing beard, whose manner showed the most -perfect decorum. The other was a thin, dark-complexioned -man, of bilious aspect, and -shifty, evasive eyes. Neither noticed Ben at -first, as the dinner appeared to engross their -first attention. This consisted of a thin broth -and a section of a loaf of coarse bread as the -first course. Ben had been accustomed to -more luxurious fare, and he was rather surprised -to see with what enjoyment his neighbors -partook of it. Next came a plate of -meat, and this was followed by a small portion -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span> -of grapes. There was nothing more. It -was clear that M. Bourdon did not consider -rich fare good for his patients.</p> - -<p>"I think I would rather dine at the hotel," -thought Ben; but the diet was not by any -means the worst thing of which he complained.</p> - -<p>"If I were free I would not mind how poor -and plain my fare was," he thought.</p> - -<p>His companions finished dinner before him, -and had leisure to bestow some attention upon -him.</p> - -<p>"My little gentleman, do you come from -Rome?" asked the venerable old gentleman -on his right.</p> - -<p>"No, sir," answered Ben.</p> - -<p>"I am sorry. I wished to ask you a question."</p> - -<p>"Indeed, sir. Perhaps I might answer it -even now. I have been in Florence."</p> - -<p>"No; that will not do; and yet, perhaps you -may have met persons coming from Rome?"</p> - -<p>"I did, monsieur."</p> - -<p>"Then perhaps they told you how things -were going on."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Very well, I believe, monsieur."</p> - -<p>"No, that could not be," said the old gentleman, -shaking his head. "I am sure nothing -would go well without me."</p> - -<p>"Do you, then, live in Rome?" asked Ben, -curiously.</p> - -<p>"Surely!" exclaimed the old man. "Did -you not know that the Pope lived in Rome?"</p> - -<p>"But what has that to do with you, sir?"</p> - -<p>"A great deal. Know, my little gentleman, -that I—to whom you are speaking—am -the Pope."</p> - -<p>This was said with an air of importance.</p> - -<p>"There's no doubt about his being insane," -thought Ben.</p> - -<p>"How, then, do you happen to be here?" -asked our hero, interested to see what his -companion would say.</p> - -<p>"I was abducted," said the old gentleman, -lowering his voice, "by an emissary of the -King of America. M. Bourdon is a cousin of -the king, and he is in the plot. But they -won't keep me here long."</p> - -<p>"I hope not," said Ben, politely.</p> - -<p>"The King of Spain has promised to send -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span> -an army to deliver me. I only received his -letter last week. You will not tell M. Bourdon, -will you?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly not," answered Ben.</p> - -<p>"It is well; I thought I could rely upon -your honor."</p> - -<p>"My friend," said another voice, that of -his left-hand neighbor, "you are losing your -time in talking with that old fool. The fact -is, he isn't right here," and he touched his -head.</p> - -<p>The Pope appeared deeply absorbed in -thought, and did not hear this complimentary -remark.</p> - -<p>"He thinks he is the Pope. He is no more -the Pope than I am."</p> - -<p>Ben nodded non-committally.</p> - -<p>"He ought to be here. But I—I am the -victim of an infamous horde of enemies, who -have placed me here."</p> - -<p>"Why should they do that, sir?"</p> - -<p>"To keep me out of my rights. It is the -English Government that has done it. Of -course, you know who I am."</p> - -<p>"No, sir, I don't think I do."</p> - -<p> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Look well at me!" and the dark man -threw himself back in his chair for inspection.</p> - -<p>"I am afraid I don't recognize you, monsieur," -said Ben.</p> - -<p>"Bah! where are your eyes?" said the other, -contemptuously. "I am Napoleon Bonaparte!"</p> - -<p>"But I thought you died at St. Helena," -said Ben.</p> - -<p>"Quite a mistake, I assure you. The English -Government so asserted, but it was a deception. -They wished my memory to die out -among my faithful French. They buried my -effigy, but smuggled me off in a vessel late at -night. They placed me here, and here they -mean to keep me—if they can. But some -day I shall escape; I shall re-enter France; I -shall summon all to my banner, and at the -head of a great army I shall enter Paris. Do -you know what I will do then?"</p> - -<p>"What will you do, sir?" asked Ben, with -some curiosity.</p> - -<p>"I shall descend upon England with an -army of five millions of men," said the dark -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span> -man, his eyes flashing, "and burn all her -cities and towns."</p> - -<p>"That will be rather severe, won't it?" -asked Ben.</p> - -<p>"She deserves it; but I may do worse."</p> - -<p>"How can that be?"</p> - -<p>"Do you see that man over on the other -side of the table—the short, red-haired man?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I see him."</p> - -<p>"He is a chemist and has invented a compound -a thousand times more powerful than -dynamite. I am negotiating for it, and, if I -succeed, I mean to blow the whole island out -of the water. What do you think of that, -eh?" he continued, triumphantly.</p> - -<p>"I think in that case I shall keep away -from England," answered Ben, keeping as -straight a face as he could.</p> - -<p>"Ah, you will do well."</p> - -<p>When dinner was over, the boarders passed -out of the room, Ben among them. He was -destined not to go out quietly.</p> - -<p>Suddenly a wild-looking woman darted toward -him and threw her arms around his -neck, exclaiming:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span></p> - -<p>"At last I have found you, my son, my -son!"</p> - -<p>Ben struggled to release himself, assisted -by Francois, who did not scruple to use considerable -force.</p> - -<p>"None of your tricks, madam!" he cried, -angrily.</p> - -<p>"Will you take from me my boy?" she exclaimed, -piteously.</p> - -<p>"There is some mistake. I am not your -son," said Ben.</p> - -<p>The woman shook her head sadly.</p> - -<p>"He disowns his poor mother," she said, -mournfully.</p> - -<p>On the whole, Ben was rather glad to return -to his chamber.</p> - -<p>"I don't like my fellow-boarders," he -thought. "I sha'n't stay in the <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">maison de -fous</i> any longer than I am obliged to."</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XXVII.<a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">A Midnight Escape.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>For three days Ben passed a dull, uniform -existence, being most of the time confined -to his chamber. To a boy of active -temperament it was most irksome. If he -only had something to read, the hours would -pass more swiftly. Fortunately, on the second -day, he bethought himself of Francois, who -seemed friendly.</p> - -<p>"Francois," he said, "can't you get me -something to read?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know," said the attendant, doubtfully. -"What would monsieur like?"</p> - -<p>"Anything you can find. I would prefer -a story."</p> - -<p>"I will try, monsieur."</p> - -<p>The next time Francois made his appearance -he held in his hand a tattered edition of -a popular novel.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Will that do?" he asked.</p> - -<p>Ben had never heard of the book, but on -opening its pages it looked attractive, and he -answered:</p> - -<p>"Yes, Francois, I am much obliged to you."</p> - -<p>He thought it politic, remembering that he -might need other favors, to put a franc piece -into the hand of the friendly attendant.</p> - -<p>Francois brightened up. His wages were -so small that these little gratuities were very -welcome.</p> - -<p>"Would monsieur like something else?" -he inquired.</p> - -<p>"There is one thing I would like very -much, Francois," answered Ben.</p> - -<p>"What is that, monsieur?"</p> - -<p>"To get out of this place."</p> - -<p>"But monsieur is insane."</p> - -<p>"I am no more insane than you are. Do I -look insane?"</p> - -<p>"No; but one cannot always tell."</p> - -<p>"I would give a hundred francs to any one -who would get me out of this," said Ben, -not, however, expecting to produce much -impression on the mind of his auditor.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span></p> - -<p>"A hundred francs!" repeated Francois, -his eyes sparkling.</p> - -<p>But in a moment he looked sober.</p> - -<p>"It would not do. I should be discharged," -he said.</p> - -<p>"Think it over, Francois," said Ben.</p> - -<p>The attendant did not answer, but the suggestion -had borne fruit.</p> - -<p>It may be asked how Ben had so much -money. It may be explained that he was -about to send a remittance home, having received -a payment from Major Grafton, but -his unexpected arrival at the refuge <a name="prev" id="prev"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'had prevented'">had prevented him.</ins> -He had with him two hundred -francs, or about forty dollars in gold.</p> - -<p>Something happened on the third day -which worked favorably for Ben's hopes of -securing the active assistance of Francois. -About dusk a boy appeared at the gate of the -asylum, and asked to see Francois.</p> - -<p>When the two were brought together, he -said:</p> - -<p>"I came from your wife. She wishes you -to come home. The child—little Marie—is -very sick."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span></p> - -<p>Poor Francois was much disturbed. In a -little cottage five miles away lived his wife -and his only child, Marie. The poor fellow -was deeply attached to his child, for it must -be remembered that the poor and simple-minded -are quite as apt <a name="strong" id="strong"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'to have strong'">to have as strong</ins> affections -as the richer and more favored.</p> - -<p>"Is she very bad, Jean?" he asked, quite -pale.</p> - -<p>"Yes," answered Jean. "I think she is -out of her head. She keeps moaning. Her -poor mother is very much frightened."</p> - -<p>"I will ask if I can come," said Francois, -and he straightway sought out the doctor.</p> - -<p>"I would like to speak to you, M. Bourdon," -he said.</p> - -<p>"Speak quick, then, for I am busy," said -the doctor, gruffly, for something had happened -to disturb him.</p> - -<p>"Jean Gault has just told me that my little -Marie is very sick, and my wife wants me to -come home. If I could go now, I would come -back in the morning."</p> - -<p>"Well, you can't go," said the doctor, -harshly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span></p> - -<p>"But, <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Monsieur le Docteur</i>, do you understand -that my child—my little Marie—is very -sick? She moans, and is out of her head, -and I may never see her again, if I don't go."</p> - -<p>"Plague take your little Marie!" said M. -Bourdon, brutally. "What have I to do -with her? I want you to stay here. You -know very well that you can't be spared."</p> - -<p>"But," protested Francois, indignantly, -"do you think because I am poor that I have -no feeling? You are very much mistaken. -I cannot stay away and let poor Marie die -without seeing her."</p> - -<p>"You can't go, at all events," said M. -Bourdon, roughly.</p> - -<p>"I cannot go?"</p> - -<p>"No; or, if you do, you will lose your -place. I cannot have my men going away on -every silly pretext. I don't believe your -child is sick at all."</p> - -<p>"But Jean Gault is below. He has brought -word from my wife."</p> - -<p>"I dare say it is all planned between you."</p> - -<p>"Then you will not let me go?"</p> - -<p>"No, I won't. If you go, you lose your -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span> -place. I shall not take you back. Do you -understand?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I understand," said Francois, slowly.</p> - -<p>"Then you can go. We have had words -enough about this."</p> - -<p>If the doctor had not been irritated he -would have been careful how he dealt with -Francois, who was the most valuable man in -his employ. But when we are irritated we -lose sight of what is politic, and are apt to -make grievous mistakes, as M. Bourdon certainly -did on this occasion.</p> - -<p>Francois sought out little Jean.</p> - -<p>"Jean," he said, "go home and tell my wife -that I will come some time to-night. The doctor -has forbidden me to go, but I shall go, all -the same. Be sure you tell no one else."</p> - -<p>"Very well, Francois," answered the boy.</p> - -<p>"Tell my wife I may be late, but I will -surely come."</p> - -<p>The boy went away, and Francois went up -to Ben's room.</p> - -<p>"Monsieur, I have something to say to -you," he commenced.</p> - -<p>"What is it, Francois?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You said you would give a hundred francs -to any one who would get you out of this?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, Francois," answered Ben, quickly.</p> - -<p>"Have you so much money with you, -then?" asked Francois, doubtfully.</p> - -<p>"See here!" and Ben took out five napoleons, -which he displayed in his open palm.</p> - -<p>The attendant's eyes sparkled.</p> - -<p>"And you will give them to me, if perchance -I set you free?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Listen, then. I would not do it, but my -little Marie is very sick, and my wife wants -me to come home. Perhaps she may die;" -and the poor fellow suppressed a sob. "But -M. Bordon—that is the doctor—he says I -shall not go. He said 'Plague take your -child!'" continued Francois, wrathfully.</p> - -<p>"Poor Francois," said Ben compassionately.</p> - -<p>"Ah! you feel for me, little monsieur," -said Francois, gratefully. "The doctor has a -heart like a stone. He says if I go I shall -not come back; but I do not care, I cannot -stay away. I will go, and you shall go with -me. Can you walk five miles?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I can walk ten—fifteen, if necessary," -said Ben, promptly.</p> - -<p>"Then be ready at midnight. We will go -together. It will not do to go earlier. Then -the doctor will be asleep. Every one else will -be asleep, and we can go away unobserved. -M. Bourdon will be sorry that he did not let -me go. I promised to come back." And -Francois's eyes sparkled with honest indignation.</p> - -<p>Ben's heart beat high with hope.</p> - -<p>"You will come to my room at midnight?" -he said.</p> - -<p>"Yes, monsieur."</p> - -<p>"I will be ready."</p> - -<p>"One thing, monsieur. Do not have your -shoes on. You can carry them in your hand. -We must not make any noise when we are -going down stairs, or we may be caught."</p> - -<p>"That is well thought of, Francois. Depend -upon me. I will be ready."</p> - -<p>It will easily be supposed that Ben did not -go to bed. He sat waiting patiently hour -after hour till, as midnight struck, his door -was softly opened, and Francois appeared.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Now," said the attendant, "follow me, -and make no noise."</p> - -<p>Ben, in his stocking feet, followed the attendant -down stairs. Producing a large key, -Francois opened the outside door, then closed -it softly, and they stood outside under a star-lit -sky.</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XXVIII.<a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">Ben's Flight.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>As good luck would have it, Ben and -Francois departed without being observed. -On emerging from the asylum they -at first ran, after putting on their shoes, but -when a quarter of a mile had been traversed -they dropped into a walk.</p> - -<p>"Well, we got away safely," said Ben.</p> - -<p>"Yes; the doctor was asleep. We shall -not be missed till morning."</p> - -<p>"And then it shall be my fault if I am -caught. Where is your home, Francois?"</p> - -<p>"Five miles away."</p> - -<p>"Yes, but is it on my way?"</p> - -<p>"Where would monsieur go?"</p> - -<p>"To Paris."</p> - -<p>"To Paris!" ejaculated Francois, with -wonderment. "That is a great way off, is it -not?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Yes, I think it must be a thousand miles -away."</p> - -<p>"But monsieur is a boy; he cannot walk -so far."</p> - -<p>"No," answered Ben, laughing. "I don't -propose to. Is there any railroad station near -your house?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, monsieur; only five minutes off."</p> - -<p>"That will do very well."</p> - -<p>"And has monsieur money enough?"</p> - -<p>"Not to go all the way to Paris, but half-way -there, perhaps."</p> - -<p>"And is not monsieur afraid he will starve—without -money?"</p> - -<p>"I think I can get along," said Ben, slowly, -for it dawned upon him that it would not be a -very pleasant thing to be penniless in a -foreign country.</p> - -<p>"I will give back half the money monsieur -has given me," said Francois, in a friendly -tone.</p> - -<p>"No, Francois; you will need it all. I -am not afraid."</p> - -<p>After a walk of an hour and a half the two -pedestrians reached a small village set among -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span> -the hills. Francois began to walk faster, and -to look more eager.</p> - -<p>"Does monsieur see that cottage?" he said.</p> - -<p>Ben's eyes rested on an humble cottage just -out of the village.</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"It is mine. Will monsieur come with -me?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I will go to see if your little girl is -alive."</p> - -<p>Soon they were at the door. There was a -light burning in the main room. A plain, -neat woman opened the door.</p> - -<p>"Thank Heaven!" she exclaimed, "it is -Francois."</p> - -<p>"Is—is Marie alive?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, my husband. She has had a change -for the better."</p> - -<p>"Heaven be praised!"</p> - -<p>"And who is this young gentleman?"</p> - -<p>"A friend," answered Francois, after some -hesitation.</p> - -<p>"Then I'm glad to see him. Welcome, -monsieur."</p> - -<p>"Come in, monsieur," said Francois.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I think I had better go to the station."</p> - -<p>"The cars will not start till seven o'clock. -Monsieur will need repose."</p> - -<p>"But I don't wish to incommode you."</p> - -<p>"My wife will give you a blanket, and -you can lie here."</p> - -<p>Ben accepted the invitation, and stretched -himself out on a settee.</p> - -<p>"I will wake you in time," said Francois. -"Be tranquil."</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XXIX.<a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">Ben Is Missed.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>Meanwhile M. Bourdon slept the -sleep of the just—or the unjust—not -dreaming of the loss his establishment had -sustained. He did not open his eyes till five -o'clock.</p> - -<p>Usually at that hour Francois was stirring, -as he had morning duties to perform. But -M. Bourdon did not hear him bustling around -as usual. At first this did not strike him, but -after awhile he began to wonder why.</p> - -<p>"The lazy dog!" he said to himself. "He -is indulging himself this morning, and his -work will suffer."</p> - -<p>He went to the door of his chamber and -called "Francois!"</p> - -<p>Francois slept in an upper room, but still -the asylum was not a lofty building, and he -should have heard.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span></p> - -<p>"He must be fast asleep, as usual," grumbled -M. Bourdon. "I must go up and rouse -him. It would be well if I had a horsewhip."</p> - -<p>Slipping on a part of his clothing, the -doctor crept up stairs.</p> - -<p>He knocked at the door of his dilatory -servant.</p> - -<p>"Francois! Francois, I say. Are you -dead?"</p> - -<p>There was no answer.</p> - -<p>"I suppose he has locked his door," muttered -the doctor, as he tried the latch.</p> - -<p>But no! the door opened, and, to his dismay, -the room was empty. The bed had -not been disturbed.</p> - -<p>The doctor's face was dark with anger.</p> - -<p>"The ingrate has left me, after all. He has -gone to his child, who is not sick at all, I dare -say. Well, he will repent it. I will not take -him back."</p> - -<p>Here the doctor paused. It would be exceedingly -inconvenient to lose Francois, who, -besides being a capable man, accepted very -small pay.</p> - -<p>"At any rate I will lower his wages!" he -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span> -said. "He shall regret the way he has served -me."</p> - -<p>It was a temporary inconvenience. Still -there was an outside man whom he could impress -into the service as a substitute, and in a -day or two Francois would be glad to return. -It was not, perhaps, so serious a matter, after all.</p> - -<p>But M. Bourdon changed his mind when -he found the front door unlocked.</p> - -<p>"Who had escaped, if any?"</p> - -<p>This was the question he asked himself. -In great haste he went from one room to -another, but all seemed to be occupied. It -was only when he opened Ben's room that he -ascertained that the one whom he would most -regret to lose had decamped. Ben's bed, too, -was but little disturbed. He had slept on the -outside, if he had slept at all, but not within -the bed, as was but too evident.</p> - -<p>"Has any one seen the boy?" demanded -M. Bourdon of an outdoor servant who slept -outside, but was already on duty.</p> - -<p>"Not I, <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Monsieur le Docteur</i>."</p> - -<p>"Then he must have escaped with Francois! -Put my horse in the carriage at once."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span></p> - -<p>Ten minutes later M. Bourdon was on his -way to the cottage of Francois.</p> - -<p>Fifteen minutes before he arrived Francois -had aroused our young hero.</p> - -<p>"It is time to get up, little monsieur," he -said. "In half an hour the cars will start."</p> - -<p>Refreshed by his sound sleep, Ben sprang -up at once—he did not need to dress—and -was ready for the adventures of the day.</p> - -<p>"Where is the station, Francois?" he said.</p> - -<p>"I will go with monsieur."</p> - -<p>"No; if the doctor should come, delay him -so that he cannot overtake me."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps it is best."</p> - -<p>Ben followed the directions of his humble -friend, and soon brought up at the station. -He purchased a third-class ticket for a place -fifty miles away, and waited till it was time -for the train to start.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile M. Bourdon had driven up to -the cottage of Francois.</p> - -<p>The door was opened to him by Francois -himself.</p> - -<p>"Where is that boy? Did he come away -with you?" he asked, abruptly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span></p> - -<p>"What boy?" asked Francois, vacantly.</p> - -<p>"The one who came a few days since. You -know who I mean."</p> - -<p>Francois shrugged his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"Is he gone?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Of course he is, fool."</p> - -<p>Just then the wife of Francois came to the -door. Unfortunately her husband had not -warned her, nor did she know that Ben had -been an inmate of the asylum.</p> - -<p>"Where is the boy who came here last -night with your husband?" asked M. Bourdon, -abruptly.</p> - -<p>"Gone to the station," answered the woman, -unsuspiciously.</p> - -<p>The doctor jumped into his carriage, and -drove with speed to the station.</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XXX.<a name="CHAPTER_XXX" id="CHAPTER_XXX"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">M. Bourdon's Little Scheme.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>Meanwhile Ben had entered a third-class -carriage—it behooved him to be -economical now—and sat down. He was congratulating -himself on his fortunate escape, -when M. Bourdon dashed up to the station.</p> - -<p>He entered the building, and was about -passing to the platform, when he was stopped. -"Your ticket, monsieur."</p> - -<p>Just then came the signal for the train to -start.</p> - -<p>"Never mind the ticket!" shouted the -doctor. "Don't stop me. One of my patients -is running away."</p> - -<p>"I can't help it," said the guard, imperturbably. -"Monsieur cannot pass without a -ticket."</p> - -<p>"But I don't want to go anywhere," roared -M. Bourdon. "I want to see the passengers."</p> - -<p>To the railway attendant this seemed a very -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span> -curious request. He began to think the doctor, -with his excitable manner, was insane. -At any rate, he was obliged to obey the rules.</p> - -<p>"Go back and buy a ticket, monsieur," he -said, unmoved.</p> - -<p>"But I don't want to go anywhere," protested -M. Bourdon.</p> - -<p>"Then go back!" And the official, placing -his hand on the doctor's sacred person, thrust -him forcibly aside.</p> - -<p>"Fool! Dolt!" screamed M. Bourdon, -who could hear the train starting.</p> - -<p>"You must be crazy!" said the guard, -shrugging his shoulders.</p> - -<p>It was too late now. The train had actually -gone, and M. Bourdon turned back, foiled, -humiliated and wrathful. He regretted bitterly -now that he had not let Francois off the -evening before, as in that case Ben would not -have had a chance to escape. Now he must -lose the generous sum which Major Grafton -had agreed to pay for his ward. It was more -than he received for any other of his patients, -for M. Bourdon, recognizing Ben's sanity, -shrewdly surmised that the guardian had -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span> -some special design in having his ward locked -up, and took advantage of it to increase the -weekly sum which he charged.</p> - -<p>And now all this was lost.</p> - -<p>But no! A happy thought struck the -worthy doctor. Ben had escaped, it is true, -but why could not he go on charging for him -just as before? His escape was not known -to Major Grafton, and probably would not be -discovered for a long time at least. The major -was not very likely to visit the asylum, as an -interview between him and his young victim -would be rather embarrassing to him.</p> - -<p>Yes, that was the course he would pursue. -He would from time to time send in a report -of his patient, and regularly collect his -board, while he would be at no expense whatever -for him. It was necessary, however, -to take Francois into his confidence, and -he drove back to the cottage of the humble -attendant.</p> - -<p>Francois was watching outside. He was -afraid the doctor would succeed in capturing -the boy, in whom he had begun to feel a -strong interest. When he saw M. Bourdon -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span> -drive up alone he smiled to himself, though -his features remained outwardly grave.</p> - -<p>"Did you find him, sir?" he asked, respectfully.</p> - -<p>"No," answered M. Bourdon, roughly. -"The train had just started."</p> - -<p>"And was he a passenger?"</p> - -<p>"Doubtless."</p> - -<p>"What will you do, <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Monsieur le Docteur</i>?" -Francois asked, curiously.</p> - -<p>"Francois," said M. Bourdon, suddenly, -"I am sorry for you."</p> - -<p>"Why?" asked Francois, considerably surprised. -"Is it because my little Marie is -sick?"</p> - -<p>"Plague take your little Marie! It is because -you have helped the boy to escape."</p> - -<p>"How could I help him, sir?"</p> - -<p>"Some one must have unlocked the door -of his room. Otherwise, he could not have -got out."</p> - -<p>"I don't know, monsieur," said Francois, -assuming ignorance.</p> - -<p>"When did you first see him?"</p> - -<p>"I had walked about a quarter of a mile," -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span> -said Francois, mendaciously, "when he ran -up and overtook me. I told him to go back, -but he would not. He followed me, and came -here."</p> - -<p>"This story is by no means ingenious," -said the doctor, shaking his head. "When -you stand up in a court of justice you will see -how the lawyers will make you eat your -words. And very likely they will send you -to prison."</p> - -<p>"Oh, no! Don't say that!" said poor -Francois, much frightened. "What would -become of my poor wife and child?"</p> - -<p>"You should have thought of them before -this."</p> - -<p>"Oh, <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Monsieur le Docteur</i>, you will save me -from prison!" exclaimed poor, simple-minded -Francois.</p> - -<p>"On one condition."</p> - -<p>"Name it, monsieur."</p> - -<p>"Let no one know that the boy has escaped."</p> - -<p>"I will not, if you desire it."</p> - -<p>"You see, it will be bad for me as well as -for you. It was very important to keep him—very -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span> -important, indeed—and his friends -will call me to account. But they need not -know it, if you remain silent."</p> - -<p>"No one shall hear me say a word, <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Monsieur -le Docteur</i>," said Francois, promptly.</p> - -<p>"That is well. In that case I will overlook -your disobedience, and allow you to return -to your place."</p> - -<p>"Oh, monsieur is too good!" said Francois, -who did not by any means anticipate such -magnanimous forgiveness.</p> - -<p>"When can you come back?"</p> - -<p>"When monsieur will."</p> - -<p>"Come, then, this evening. It will be in -time. I will allow you to spend the day with -your family, since your child is sick."</p> - -<p>The doctor turned his horse's head, and -drove back to the asylum.</p> - -<p>Three days after he wrote to Major Grafton:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"<span class="smcap">My Dear Sir</span>: Your ward is rather sullen, but -quiet. He was at first disposed to make trouble, but -the firm and effective discipline of the institution -has had the usual result. I allow him to amuse -himself with reading, as this seems to be the best -way of keeping him quiet and contented. His insanity -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span> -is of a mild kind, but it is often precisely such -cases that are most difficult to cure. You may rely, -Monsieur Grafton, upon my taking the best care of -the young gentleman, and, as you desired, I will -especially guard against his obtaining writing materials, -lest, by a misrepresentation of his condition, -he might excite his friends.</p> - -<p>"I thank you for your promptness in forwarding -my weekly payments. Write me at any time when -you desire a detailed account of your ward's condition."</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>M. Bourdon signed this letter, after reading -it over to himself, with a complacent -smile. He reflected that it did great credit to -his ingenuity.</p> - -<p>"Some men would have revealed the truth," -he said to himself, "and lost a fine income. I -am wiser."</p> - -<p>In due time this letter reached Major Grafton.</p> - -<p>"That is well," he said to himself. "I -am rather sorry for the boy, but he has -brought it on himself. Why must he be a -fool, and threaten to blab? He was living in -luxury, such as he has never been accustomed -to before, and he might rest content with that. -In me surely he had an indulgent master. I -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span> -rarely gave him anything to do. He could -live on the fat of the land, see the world at -no expense to himself, and have all the advantages -of a rich man's son. Well, he has -made his own bed, and now he must lie in it. -On some accounts it is more agreeable to me -to travel alone, and have no one to bother -me."</p> - -<p>To avert suspicion, Major Grafton left the -Hotel des Bergues and took up his quarters -at another hotel. At the end of two weeks he -left for Italy, having arranged matters satisfactorily -by sending M. Bourdon a month's -payment in advance, an arrangement that -suited the worthy doctor remarkably well.</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XXXI.<a name="CHAPTER_XXXI" id="CHAPTER_XXXI"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">A Wanderer in France.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>A boy toiled painfully over a country road -but a few miles from the city of Lyons. -His clothes bore the marks of the dusty road -over which he was travelling. It was clear by -his appearance that he was not a French boy. -There is no need of keeping up a mystery -which my young readers will easily penetrate. -This boy was our hero, Ben Baker. He was -now more than half way to Paris, and might -have reached that gay city days since but for -his limited supply of money. When he gave -Francois a hundred francs he nearly exhausted -his limited capital, but there was no -help for it.</p> - -<p>He had travelled a hundred miles on the -railway, far enough to be beyond the danger -of pursuit and the risk of a return to the -asylum, which he could not think of without -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span> -a shudder. Now he would walk, and so -economize. He had walked another hundred -miles, and had reached this point in his journey. -But his scanty funds were now reduced -to a piece of two sous, and he was between -three and four thousand miles from home. -This very day he had walked fifteen miles, -and all he had eaten was a roll, which he had -purchased in a baker's shop in a country village -through which he had passed in the -early morning.</p> - -<p>Hopeful as Ben was by temperament, he -looked sober enough as he contemplated his -position. How was he ever to return home, -and what prospect was there for him in Europe? -If he had been in any part of America -he would have managed to find something to -do, but here he felt quite helpless.</p> - -<p>He had walked fifteen miles on an almost -empty stomach, and the result was that he was -not only tired but sleepy. He sat down by -the way-side, with his back against the trunk -of a tree, and before he was conscious of it he -had fallen asleep.</p> - -<p>How long he had been asleep he did not -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span> -know, but he was roused suddenly by a touch. -Opening his eyes, he saw a man fumbling at -his watch-chain. The man, who was a stout -and unprepossessing-looking man of about -thirty-five, wearing a blouse, jumped back -with a hasty, confused exclamation.</p> - -<p>"What are you doing?" demanded Ben, -suspiciously.</p> - -<p>He spoke first in English, but, remembering -himself, repeated the question in French.</p> - -<p>"Pardon, monsieur," said the man, looking -uncomfortable.</p> - -<p>Ben's glance fell on his chain and the -watch, which had slipped from his pocket, -and he understood that the man had been trying -to steal his watch. In spite of his poverty -and need of money he had not yet parted -with the watch, though he suspected the time -would soon come when he should be compelled -to do so.</p> - -<p>"You were trying to steal my watch," said -Ben, severely.</p> - -<p>"No, monsieur, you are wrong," answered -the tramp, for that was what he would be -called in America.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span></p> - -<p>"How came my watch out of the pocket, -and why were you leaning over me?" continued -Ben.</p> - -<p>"I wanted to see what time it was," answered -the man, after a minute's hesitation.</p> - -<p>"I think it is fortunate I awoke when I -did," said Ben.</p> - -<p>His new acquaintance did not choose to -notice the significance of the words.</p> - -<p>"Monsieur," he said, "I am a poor man. -Will you help me with a few sous?"</p> - -<p>Ben could not help laughing. It seemed -too ridiculous that any one should ask money -of him. He took the two-sous piece from his -pocket.</p> - -<p>"Do you see that?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes, monsieur."</p> - -<p>"It is all the money I have."</p> - -<p>The man looked incredulous.</p> - -<p>"And yet monsieur is well dressed, and has -a gold watch."</p> - -<p>"Still I am as poor as you, for I am more -than three thousand miles from home, and -have not money enough to get there, even if I -sell my watch."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Where does monsieur live?" asked the -tramp, looking interested.</p> - -<p>"In America."</p> - -<p>"Will monsieur take my advice?"</p> - -<p>"If it is good."</p> - -<p>"There is a rich American gentleman at -the Hotel de la Couronne, in Lyons. He -would, perhaps, help monsieur."</p> - -<p>The idea struck Ben favorably. This gentleman -could, at any rate, give him advice, -and he felt that he needed it.</p> - -<p>"How far is Lyons away?"</p> - -<p>"Scarcely a league."</p> - -<p>"Straight ahead?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, monsieur."</p> - -<p>"Then I will go there."</p> - -<p>"And I, too. I will guide monsieur."</p> - -<p>"Thank you. I will reward you, if I have -the means."</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XXXII.<a name="CHAPTER_XXXII" id="CHAPTER_XXXII"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">A Strange Meeting.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>The Hotel de la Couronne is situated in -one of the finest parts of Lyons. As Ben -stood before it, he began to doubt whether he -had not better go away with his errand undone. -After all, this American gentleman, -if there were one in the hotel, would be likely -to feel very little interest in a destitute boy -claiming to be a fellow-countryman. He -might even look upon him as a designing -rogue, with a fictitious story of misfortune, -practising upon his credulity. Ben's cheek -flushed at the mere thought that he might be -so regarded.</p> - -<p>So he was on the point of going away; but -he was nerved by his very desperation to -carry out his original plan.</p> - -<p>He entered the hotel, and went up to the -office.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Will monsieur look at some apartments?" -asked the landlord's son, a man of thirty.</p> - -<p>"No, monsieur—that is, not at present. Is -there an American gentleman at present staying -in the hotel?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. Is monsieur an American?"</p> - -<p>Ben replied in the affirmative, and asked -for the name of his countryman.</p> - -<p>"It is Monsieur Novarro," was the reply.</p> - -<p>"Novarro!" repeated Ben to himself. "That -sounds more like a Spanish or an Italian -name."</p> - -<p>"Is that the gentleman monsieur desires to -see?"</p> - -<p>"From what part of America does Mr. -Novarro come?"</p> - -<p>The register was applied to, and the answer -given was "Havana."</p> - -<p>"Havana!" said Ben, disappointed. "Then -he will take no interest in me," he thought. -"There is very little kindred between a -Cuban and an American."</p> - -<p>"Would monsieur like to see M. Novarro?"</p> - -<p>"I may as well see him," thought Ben, and -he answered in the affirmative.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span></p> - -<p>"There is M. Novarro, now," said the landlord's -son; and Ben, turning, saw a tall, very -dark-complexioned man, who had just entered.</p> - -<p>"M. Novarro, here is a young gentleman -who wishes to see you—a countryman of -yours."</p> - -<p>The Cuban regarded Ben attentively, and -not without surprise.</p> - -<p>"Have we met before?" he asked, courteously.</p> - -<p>"No, sir," answered Ben, relieved to find -that the Cuban spoke English; "and I am -afraid I am taking a liberty in asking for -you."</p> - -<p>"By no means! If I can be of any service -to you, my friend, you may command me."</p> - -<p>"It is rather a long story, Mr. Novarro," -Ben commenced.</p> - -<p>"Then we will adjourn to my room, where -we shall be more at our ease."</p> - -<p>Ben followed his new acquaintance to a -handsome private parlor on the second floor -and seated himself in a comfortable arm-chair, -indicated by the Cuban.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I will first mention my name," said Ben. -"It is Benjamin Baker."</p> - -<p>"Baker!" exclaimed the Cuban, in evident -excitement. "Who was your father?"</p> - -<p>"My father was Dr. John Baker, and lived -in Sunderland, Connecticut."</p> - -<p>"Is is possible!" ejaculated the Cuban; -"you are his son?"</p> - -<p>"Did you know my father?" asked Ben, in -amazement.</p> - -<p>"I never saw him, but I knew of him. I -am prepared to be a friend to his son. Now -tell me your story."</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XXXIII.<a name="CHAPTER_XXXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXIII"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">An Astounding Discovery.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>Ben told his story so far as it concerned -his engagement by Major Grafton and -his visit to Europe. Of his mother and her -circumstances and of his uncle he had scarcely -occasion to speak, considering that his -auditor would hardly feel interested in his -own personal history. The Cuban, who had -a grave, kindly aspect, listened with close attention -to his narrative. When Ben ceased -speaking he said:</p> - -<p>"My young friend, there is one thing that -puzzles me in this story of yours."</p> - -<p>"What is it, sir?" asked Ben, anxiously. -He feared that the stranger did not believe -him.</p> - -<p>"Why should you need to travel with -Major Grafton, or any other gentleman, as -private secretary, unless, indeed, your mother -did not wish you to come to Europe alone?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span></p> - -<p>Ben stared at his interlocutor in amazement.</p> - -<p>"How could I come to Europe alone?" he -asked. "Where should I find the money to -pay my expenses?"</p> - -<p>"Your mother might pay the expenses of -your trip."</p> - -<p>"My mother is very poor, Mr. Novarro."</p> - -<p>"Very poor! Has she, then, lost the money -that your father left her?"</p> - -<p>"I think you must be under a great mistake, -Mr. Novarro. My uncle allows my -mother a small income, and I help her all I -can."</p> - -<p>"There is certainly a great mistake somewhere," -said the Cuban. "To my certain -knowledge your father possessed a hundred -thousand dollars in first-class securities. -Didn't you know anything of this?" continued -Mr. Novarro, observing Ben's look of -extreme amazement.</p> - -<p>"I know nothing of it, Mr. Novarro."</p> - -<p>"Then he must have been robbed of the -securities which I myself gave him on the -18th day of May, in the year 18—"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span></p> - -<p>"That was the day of my father's death," -said Ben.</p> - -<p>"He died on that very day?" said the -Cuban in excitement. "Tell me the particulars -of your father's death. Did he die a -natural death?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir; he died of heart disease."</p> - -<p>"And where?"</p> - -<p>"In the house of my Uncle Nicholas."</p> - -<p>"Before he had time to go home? Before -he had acquainted your mother with his good -fortune?"</p> - -<p>"Neither my mother nor myself knew but -that he died a poor man."</p> - -<p>"But he had the securities with him. Did -your uncle say nothing of them?"</p> - -<p>"Not a word."</p> - -<p>A look of suspicion appeared on the face of -Filippo Novarro.</p> - -<p>"Tell me," he said, quickly—"did your -uncle, shortly after your father's death, enlarge -his business?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir; he moved from a small store in -Grand street to a larger store on Broadway—the -one which he now occupies."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span></p> - -<p>With the Cuban, suspicion was now changed -to certainty.</p> - -<p>He brought down his fist heavily upon the -table at his side.</p> - -<p>"I know all now," he said. "Your uncle -deliberately robbed your dead father of the -securities which I had placed in his hands, -and coolly appropriating them to his own use, -used the proceeds to build up and extend his -business, leaving your mother to live in poverty."</p> - -<p>"I feel bewildered," said Ben. "I can -hardly believe my uncle would treat us so -shamefully."</p> - -<p>"By the way, when did your mother move -to Minnesota?" asked the Cuban.</p> - -<p>"To Minnesota?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. When I was in New York, not -long since, I called upon your uncle and signified -my intention to call upon your mother. -He told me she had moved to Minnesota, and, -of course, I was compelled to give up my -plan."</p> - -<p>"My mother has never moved to Minnesota; -she still lives in Sunderland."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Then your uncle intended to prevent our -meeting. He feared, doubtless, that if we -met, his rascality would be discovered. Providence -has defeated his cunningly-devised -scheme, and the truth will soon be brought to -light, to his confusion."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid, sir, it will be difficult for my -mother and myself to prove that my father -left money. We have no money, with which -to hire legal assistance."</p> - -<p>"I propose to take the matter into my own -hands. I am personally interested as the -agent whom my dead friend commissioned to -pay a debt of gratitude to the man who saved -his life. Have you anything to detain you in -Europe?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir, except an empty purse."</p> - -<p>"Permit me to act as your banker."</p> - -<p>Mr. Novarro drew from his pocket two -hundred and fifty francs in gold and paper -and handed them to Ben.</p> - -<p>To our hero it seemed like a fairy-tale, in -which he was playing the leading part. He -half-feared that the gold would turn into brass -and the bank-notes into withered leaves; but, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span> -strange though it was, he saw good reason to -think that his good fortune was real.</p> - -<p>"How can I thank you, sir, for your liberality?" -he said, gratefully.</p> - -<p>"You forget that this is your own money; -I am only advancing it to you, and shall be -repaid speedily. Will you accept me as your -guardian to protect your interests and compel -your uncle to disgorge his ill-gotten -gains?"</p> - -<p>"Thankfully, sir, if you are willing to take -the trouble."</p> - -<p>"Then you will sail with me for New York -by the next steamer. Have you your luggage -with you?"</p> - -<p>"I have nothing, sir, except what I have on -my back. I had to leave the asylum without -a change, and I have not been able to change -my clothes for a week or more."</p> - -<p>"I had forgotten. This must be looked to -at once. We will take lunch, and then go -out and purchase a new supply of under-clothing."</p> - -<p>Once more Ben had fallen on his feet. At -what appeared to be the darkest moment light -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span> -had suddenly fallen across his path, and he -had stumbled upon the one man who was able -to bring him into the sunshine. Before night -his wardrobe had been quite replenished, and -he breathed a deep sigh of relief as he found -himself in fresh and clean attire.</p> - -<p>He sought out the tramp who had escorted -him to the hotel, and liberally rewarded -him.</p> - -<p>"I shall telegraph for passage in the Havre -line of steamships," said Mr. Novarro. "A -steamer is to sail on Saturday, so that we shall -not have long to wait."</p> - -<p>"I fear, Mr. Novarro, you are interrupting -your own plans in order to befriend me," said -Ben to his new patron.</p> - -<p>"I have no plans. I am—perhaps unfortunately -for myself—a rich man, under no -necessity of labor. Indeed, my chief aim has -been to pass my time as pleasantly as possible. -Now I find something to do, and I find myself -happier for having some object in life. I -am rejoiced that we have met. It has brought -to my life a new interest; and even after I -have redeemed your wrongs I shall hope to -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span> -keep up my acquaintance with you, and to -make the acquaintance of your mother."</p> - -<p>"You may be sure, sir, that my mother will -be only too glad to know so true a friend."</p> - -<p>The Cuban regarded Ben with a look of -interest and affection. He was beginning to -be attracted to him for his own sake. He was -a man of energetic temperament, though a -large inheritance had hitherto prevented any -display of energy. At length the occasion -had arisen, and he looked forward with eagerness -to the struggle with the New York merchant -to secure the rights of his new friend.</p> - -<p>On the next day Ben and his guardian left -Lyons for Paris. They had two days in this -lovely city, and late on Friday evening they -reached Havre, the point where they were to -embark for America.</p> - -<p>"The first act is over, Ben," said the Cuban. -"Our ocean trip is a long wait between the -first and second acts. When the curtain next -rises it will be in New York, and there will -be other actors to take an unwilling part in -our drama, which is devoted to the detection -and punishment of guilt."</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XXXIV.<a name="CHAPTER_XXXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXXIV"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">Rose Makes an Enemy.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>Leaving Ben and his new guardian on -their passage across the Atlantic, we will -precede them to New York, and inquire after -the welfare of some of our other characters.</p> - -<p>The Beauforts seemed to have entered on -a new and prosperous career. Rose continued -to give lessons in music, and to receive liberal -compensation. She was really an accomplished -musician, and had the happy knack -of making herself agreeable to her young -pupils. Besides, she was backed by the influence -of Miss Wilmot, and that helped her not -a little. Her sister Adeline, too, gave lessons -in art, and thus contributed to the family -purse.</p> - -<p>My readers will not have forgotten the -young man who rescued Rose from the disagreeable -attentions of her elderly lover, Mr. -Parkinson. More than once Rose had thought -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span> -of Clinton Randall, and, though she scarcely -admitted it to herself, cherished the hope that -they would some day meet again. The young -man's frank, chivalrous manners, and handsome -face and figure, had impressed her most -favorably, and she suffered herself to think -of him more than she would have liked to -admit. Had she known that Clinton Randall -had been equally attracted by her, and had -made strenuous efforts to find her ever since -their first meeting, she would have been much -gratified.</p> - -<p>Some weeks passed, however, before she -saw him again. One afternoon, as she was -walking through Madison Square on her way -home from Mrs. Tilton's, where she had given -her customary lessons, she met the young man -in the walk.</p> - -<p>His face glowed with unmistakable joy as -he hurried forward, with hand extended.</p> - -<p>"I am very glad to meet you again, Miss -Beaufort," he said, eagerly. "Where have -you been? Not out of the city?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, no!" answered Rose, successfully concealing -her own pleasure at the meeting. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span> -"You can't expect a poor music-teacher to -break away from her work at this season?"</p> - -<p>"But I did not know you were a music-teacher."</p> - -<p>"No, I suppose not," answered Rose, -smiling.</p> - -<p>"Do you give lessons on the piano?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, it is my only instrument."</p> - -<p>"I have for a long time thought of taking -lessons on the piano," said Randall, who had -never thought of it before, "if I could only -find a teacher who would not be too strict. -Do you—take gentlemen?"</p> - -<p>"I am afraid I could not venture upon a -pupil of your age, Mr. Randall," said Rose, -amused. "Suppose you proved refractory?"</p> - -<p>"But I never would."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid my time is fully occupied. I -will promise, however, to take you, if I agree -to take any gentlemen."</p> - -<p>"Thank you. I shall not forget your -promise."</p> - -<p>Clinton Randall, though he had been -walking in a different direction, turned and -accompanied Rose, both chatting easily and -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span> -familiarly. It never occurred to Rose that -she might meet any one who would comment -upon her and her escort. But at the corner -of Eighteenth street and Broadway she met -a tall young lady, who made her the slightest -possible nod, while she fixed eyes of scorn and -displeasure upon the two. Clinton Randall -raised his hat, and they parted.</p> - -<p>"You know Miss Jayne, then, Miss Beaufort," -said Randall.</p> - -<p>"Yes, slightly, and you?"</p> - -<p>"I have met her in society."</p> - -<p>"She is a niece of Mrs. Tilton, to whose -daughters I am giving music-lessons."</p> - -<p>"Indeed! I know Mrs. Tilton—I am to -attend her party next week. Shall you be -there?"</p> - -<p>"I believe so—not as a guest, however. She -has invited me to play on the piano for the -entertainment of the guests. You will probably -dance to my music."</p> - -<p>"I would rather dance with you to the -music of another player, Miss Beaufort."</p> - -<p>"You forget, Mr. Randall, that I am a poor -music-teacher."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I don't think of it at all. It makes no -difference in your claims to consideration."</p> - -<p>"The world does not agree with you, Mr. -Randall."</p> - -<p>"Then it ought. By the way, Miss Beaufort, -has your elderly admirer renewed his -proposals?"</p> - -<p>"Mr. Parkinson? No, I have not met him -since."</p> - -<p>"You are sure you won't relent, and make -him a happy man?"</p> - -<p>"I don't think it at all likely," said Rose, -laughing.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Rose had made an enemy without -being aware of it.</p> - -<p>Miss Arethusa Jayne had long looked upon -Clinton Randall with eyes of partiality, not -alone on account of his good looks, but because -he was wealthy, socially distinguished, -and in all respects a desirable <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">parti</i>. In her -vanity she had thought that he was not indifferent -to her attractions. When, therefore, -she saw him walking with her aunt's music-teacher, -she was not only angry but jealous. -She reluctantly admitted that Rose was pretty, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span> -though she considered herself still more so. -After this meeting she changed her plans, and -went straight to her aunt.</p> - -<p>"Aunt," she said, "whom do you think I -met on Broadway just now?"</p> - -<p>"I am sure I can't tell, Arethusa. I suppose -all the world and his wife are out this -fine day."</p> - -<p>"Your music-teacher, Miss Beaufort, and -Clinton Randall."</p> - -<p>"You don't say so!" ejaculated Mrs. Tilton. -"How should she know him?"</p> - -<p>"I have no idea they were ever introduced," -said Arethusa, sneering. "Probably she isn't -particular how she makes acquaintance with -gentlemen. I always thought her forward."</p> - -<p>"I can't say I ever did, Arethusa."</p> - -<p>"Oh, she covers it up with you; but I ask -you, Aunt Lucy, how could she otherwise get -acquainted with a gentleman of Mr. Randall's -position?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know. Was she actually walking -with him?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly, and laughing and talking in a -boisterous, unladylike way."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span></p> - -<p>Of course this was untrue, but a jealous -woman is not likely to consider her words.</p> - -<p>"I thought you ought to know it, aunt, so -I came and told you."</p> - -<p>"Do you think I ought to do anything, -Arethusa?"</p> - -<p>"I would not allow such a girl to teach my -children."</p> - -<p>"But she is an excellent teacher, and is -recommended by Miss Wilmot."</p> - -<p>"Probably Miss Wilmot does not know how -she conducts herself. No doubt she carefully -conceals her forwardness from that lady."</p> - -<p>"But I can't discharge her without giving -reasons."</p> - -<p>"True, aunt. By the way, Mr. Randall -comes to your party, does he not?"</p> - -<p>"He has sent an acceptance."</p> - -<p>"And you mean to have Miss Beaufort -there to play dancing-tunes?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; she comes a good deal cheaper than -a professional," said Mrs. Tilton, who, even -in her pleasures, was thrifty.</p> - -<p>"That is well. Then you will have an opportunity -to see how the two go on together, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span> -and can quietly signify to Miss Beaufort, the -next day, your opinion of her conduct."</p> - -<p>"But, Arethusa," said Mrs. Tilton, who -was not jealous, like her niece, "I can't think -there is anything out of the way. Miss Beaufort -has always seemed to me a model of propriety."</p> - -<p>"Oh, you dear, unsuspicious aunt! How -easily you are deceived! Do you want to -know my opinion of Miss Propriety—the -opinion I formed when I first saw her?"</p> - -<p>"Well, Arethusa?"</p> - -<p>"I saw at once that she was bold and sly, -and I really think it is taking a great risk to -permit your children to be under the instruction -of such a girl."</p> - -<p>"Well, Arethusa, I will take your advice -and watch them both at the party."</p> - -<p>"That is all I ask, Aunt Lucy."</p> - -<p>"I will get aunt to discharge her yet," said -Miss Jayne to herself, with satisfied malice.</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XXXV.<a name="CHAPTER_XXXV" id="CHAPTER_XXXV"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">A Woman's Jealousy.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>Mrs. Tilton's house was ablaze with -light, for it was the evening of the -great party. Ambitious of social distinction, -she took care to do things on a handsome -scale, though she was not averse to saving -money where it would not attract attention.</p> - -<p>Among the young ladies present were two -with whom we are especially concerned. One -of them was Arethusa Jayne, who was dressed -with more splendor than taste. She made a -profuse display of jewelry, some of which, we -may confidentially inform the reader, was -borrowed from a well-known jeweler, who was -handsomely paid for the favor. Of course no -one suspected this, and the society young men -were misled into thinking that the owner of -so many diamonds must be very rich. This -was precisely what Arethusa desired, for she -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span> -was in the market, and had been for more -years than she liked to remember.</p> - -<p>Another young lady, still better known to -us, was Rose Beaufort. She was the most -plainly dressed young lady in the handsome -parlors, yet she attracted an unusual share of -attention.</p> - -<p>"Who is that pretty young lady?" asked a -middle-aged lady of Arethusa.</p> - -<p>"That?" answered Miss Jayne, with a sneer. -"Oh, that is Miss Beaufort, the music-teacher."</p> - -<p>"She is very sweet-looking."</p> - -<p>"Do you think so? I don't at all agree with -you. To me she looks very artful, and I have -reason to think that beneath her innocent -exterior there is something quite different."</p> - -<p>"That is a pity."</p> - -<p>"It is not surprising. Still water runs -deep, you know."</p> - -<p>Rose kept in the background. She had -no wish to make herself conspicuous at Mrs. -Tilton's gay party. She would rather not -have been there, but did not wish to disappoint -her employer.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Ah, here you are, Miss Beaufort," said a -glad voice.</p> - -<p>Rose looked up, and her face flushed with -pleasure as she recognized Clinton Randall.</p> - -<p>"I did not think you would find me," she -said.</p> - -<p>"I was sure to do it. I have been looking -for you everywhere. Can't you spare a seat -for me?"</p> - -<p>Rose moved, and Clinton sat down beside -her on the sofa. He had scarcely been there -two minutes, however, when Arethusa discovered -them. She went straightway to her -aunt.</p> - -<p>"Aunt Lucy," she said, in a low voice, -"look at the sofa opposite."</p> - -<p>"Well?" said Mrs. Tilton, who was rather -short-sighted.</p> - -<p>"There is your precious music-teacher monopolizing -Clinton Randall. Didn't I tell -you?"</p> - -<p>"I am really shocked at her brazen ways. -You were right, Arethusa."</p> - -<p>"For goodness' sake, separate them before -the whole room notices them."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span></p> - -<p>"How can I do it?"</p> - -<p>"Send her to the piano."</p> - -<p>"Miss Beaufort," said Mrs. Tilton, coldly, -"oblige me by sitting down to the piano. -You may play a waltz."</p> - -<p>"Certainly, Mrs. Tilton," said Rose.</p> - -<p>"That woman speaks as if she owned Miss -Beaufort," thought young Randall.</p> - -<p>He was about to follow her to the piano -when Arethusa came up, and with an insinuating -smile, said:</p> - -<p>"Don't look so mournful, Mr. Randall. -Let me fill Miss Beaufort's place."</p> - -<p>"Certainly," answered the young man, -moving, but not with alacrity.</p> - -<p>"I wasn't aware that you knew Miss Beaufort," -said the young lady.</p> - -<p>"I believe you saw me walking with her -the other day."</p> - -<p>"Yes, to be sure; it had escaped my mind."</p> - -<p>Rose began to play. Her touch was fine, -and her performance could hardly fail to attract -attention.</p> - -<p>"Miss Beaufort plays remarkably well," -said Clinton Randall.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[291]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Oh, it's her business," answered Arethusa, -with careless hauteur. "She gives lessons to -my aunt's children, you know."</p> - -<p>"Your aunt is fortunate to secure such an -accomplished pianist."</p> - -<p>"Oh, she is very well," said Arethusa, carelessly. -"Do you feel like dancing?"</p> - -<p>"I beg your pardon. I should have suggested -it."</p> - -<p>The two moved out upon the floor and took -their places among the dancers. Arethusa -danced passably, her partner remarkably well. -At length he led her to her seat, and, with a -bow, left her, much to her chagrin.</p> - -<p>Later in the evening some one relieved -Rose at the piano. Clinton took the earliest -opportunity to seek her out and ask her for a -dance.</p> - -<p>Rose hesitated.</p> - -<p>"I have not danced for a long time," she -said. "Circumstances have kept me out of -society. I am afraid you won't find me a -satisfactory partner."</p> - -<p>"I will take the risk, Miss Beaufort. You -won't refuse?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[292]</a></span></p> - -<p>She rose and took her place on the floor. -Arethusa Jayne, who was dancing with one -of the walking gentlemen of society, a young -man who was merely invited to swell the -number of guests, was not long in discovering -Miss Beaufort's good luck, and her face -showed her displeasure. It would have -pleased her had Rose been awkward, but she -was unusually graceful, in spite of her want of -practice. Miss Jayne was hot with jealousy.</p> - -<p>"You shall repent this," she said to herself, -and looked so stern that her partner -asked, with alarm:</p> - -<p>"Are you not well, Miss Jayne?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly"—you fool! she would liked to -have added. "Why do you ask?"</p> - -<p>"I thought you looked disturbed," he -stammered.</p> - -<p>"I was only a little thoughtful," she said, -with a constrained smile. "But I am fatigued. -Suppose we sit down."</p> - -<p>He led her to her seat, nothing loth, and -she had the satisfaction of following with her -glance Clinton Randall and her rival five -minutes more.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[293]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Did you have a good time, Rose?" asked -her sister Adeline, next morning, at the breakfast-table.</p> - -<p>"Better than I dared to hope," answered -Rose, with a smile.</p> - -<p>"Did you dance?"</p> - -<p>"Two or three times."</p> - -<p>She had danced with two partners besides -Clinton Randall, and with him a second time.</p> - -<p>"It seemed quite like the old times," she -said, after a pause, "when we were in society. -Though I only appeared in the character of a -governess, I enjoyed it."</p> - -<p>"Don't you feel tired?"</p> - -<p>"A little; but I don't go out to give lessons -till afternoon."</p> - -<p>At two o'clock Rose went to Mrs. Tilton's -to give her regular lessons.</p> - -<p>"Mrs. Tilton would like to see you," said -the servant.</p> - -<p>A little surprised, Rose remained in the -parlor till that lady appeared.</p> - -<p>"I wish to speak to you, Miss Beaufort," -said Mrs. Tilton, coldly, "about your conduct -last evening."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[294]</a></span></p> - -<p>"My conduct last evening!" repeated Rose, -in utter surprise. "To what do you refer?"</p> - -<p>"To your indelicate conduct with Mr. Clinton -Randall and other gentlemen."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean? I demand an explanation!" -exclaimed Rose, indignantly.</p> - -<p>"You seem to forget your position, Miss -Beaufort. As the instructress of my children, -I feel I must be exacting. I do not approve -of your bold flirtation with gentlemen -above yourself in social position, and I beg to -say that I must provide myself with another -music-teacher for my girls."</p> - -<p>"After your insulting remarks," said Rose, -hotly, "nothing would induce me to remain -in charge of them. Nothing in my conduct -has called for such cruel charges."</p> - -<p>"Doubtless you think so. I disagree with -you," said Mrs. Tilton, coldly.</p> - -<p>"Good-afternoon, madam!" said Rose, rising -abruptly.</p> - -<p>"Good-afternoon, Miss Beaufort."</p> - -<p>It was like a thunderbolt to Rose, and -mystified as well as made her indignant. She -could recall nothing that had passed which -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[295]</a></span> -would justify Mrs. Tilton in her strange treatment.</p> - -<p>It was the first blow, but not the last. Arethusa -Jayne, with unappeased malice, went -the rounds of the families in which Rose was -employed, and within a week she received -notes from all the parents, expressing regret -that they could no longer avail themselves of -her services.</p> - -<p>It began to look serious for poor Rose.</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[296]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XXXVI.<a name="CHAPTER_XXXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXXVI"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">Rose Comes Into a Fortune.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>Ben and his friend had a fair passage from -Liverpool, and were equally pleased to -set foot on American soil. By this time they -had become excellent friends. The Cuban, -having no near relatives, was surprised to find -how much interest he felt in his young ward.</p> - -<p>"Well, Ben," he said, "shall we first attend -to your business, or that of the young ladies -whom your late employer has cheated out of -their rightful inheritance?"</p> - -<p>"My business can wait, Mr. Novarro. Let -us attend to the last."</p> - -<p>"Do you remember the office of Mr. Codicil—that -was the name of the trustee, was it -not?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir. I can guide you there without -delay."</p> - -<p>"Then, after we are fairly established in -our hotel, we will go to see him."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[297]</a></span></p> - -<p>Meanwhile there was great despondency in -the modest home of the Beauforts. To be -deprived of her pupils without just cause was -indeed a grievous misfortune, and, gentle as -she was, Rose could not think of it without -exasperation. Though she could not at first -understand from whom the blow came, reflection -satisfied her that Miss Arethusa Jayne -was her enemy and had wrought this mischief. -Her motive Rose could not penetrate, -not being in the secret of Miss Jayne's admiration -for Mr. Randall. To make matters -worse, her constant friend, Miss Wilmot, was -absent from the city, at some springs in Virginia, -and was not expected home for some -weeks to come. She applied for a position in -answer to an advertisement, but when called -upon for references her heart sank within -her, as she reflected that the ladies who had -recently employed her would hardly speak -in her favor.</p> - -<p>"What shall we do, Addie?" she asked, -despondently. "I can't get new pupils, and -I must do something. I don't like to go back -to the old business of making vests."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[298]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Don't do that, at any rate, Rose; I am -sure you can do better than that."</p> - -<p>"I wish I knew what."</p> - -<p>"Suppose you go and see Mr. Codicil."</p> - -<p>"He might think I wished him to give me -money."</p> - -<p>"No; ask him to use his influence to obtain -you music-pupils."</p> - -<p>Rose brightened at the suggestion.</p> - -<p>"I believe I will follow your advice, Addie. -It seems to me good."</p> - -<p>"And if that doesn't do any good, write to -Miss Wilmot, and ask her advice. You can -always refer to her."</p> - -<p>"Why, Addie, I never gave you credit for -such wise counsel. Your words have inspired -me with new cheerfulness. I will go -to Mr. Codicil to-morrow morning."</p> - -<p>Half an hour before the arrival of Rose -Beaufort at the lawyer's office, Ben and Mr. -Novarro entered.</p> - -<p>"Can I see Mr. Codicil?" asked Ben.</p> - -<p>The clerk said, doubtfully, noting Ben's -youthful appearance, and judging that his -business could not be of great importance:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[299]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I will see. What name shall I mention?"</p> - -<p>"You may say that I come from Major -Grafton."</p> - -<p>This message brought an immediate invitation -to enter the lawyer's sanctum.</p> - -<p>The old man regarded him with considerable -surprise as he entered.</p> - -<p>"I thought you were in Europe, Philip," -he said. "Is your guardian with you?"</p> - -<p>"I have just come from Europe, Mr. Codicil," -answered Ben. "Major Grafton is not -with me."</p> - -<p>"How does it happen that you have left -him? You have not run away, have you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir; I felt obliged to run away."</p> - -<p>"May I ask why?" demanded the lawyer, -searchingly.</p> - -<p>"Because I was not willing to aid Major -Grafton in a scheme of fraud."</p> - -<p>Mr. Codicil pricked up his ears.</p> - -<p>"Proceed, young man," he said. "This is -becoming interesting."</p> - -<p>"You called me Philip Grafton, and this -is the name Major Grafton wished me to assume, -but it is not my real name."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[300]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Go on, go on!"</p> - -<p>"My real name is Ben Baker. Major -Grafton met me in this city, and engaged me -to travel with him as his private secretary. -He gave me the name of Philip Grafton, because, -he said, I looked like his only son, bearing -that name, who died abroad."</p> - -<p>"The old rascal!"</p> - -<p>"I supposed this was true, and saw no objection -to the plan."</p> - -<p>"Can you tell me what became of the boy -whose name you assumed?" asked Mr. Codicil, -eagerly.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir; he is dead."</p> - -<p>"Poor fellow! Where did he die?"</p> - -<p>"In Italy, last year."</p> - -<p>"And his rascally guardian, concealing this -from me, has drawn the income of his property -regularly for his own use. Now tell me -how you came to learn all this."</p> - -<p>Ben gave the explanation clearly, and recited -the steps taken by Major Grafton to -keep him from divulging the secret.</p> - -<p>"It was a bold game," said the lawyer; -"but, thanks to your information, it has failed. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[301]</a></span> -I shall at once telegraph to Major Grafton that -his guardianship has ceased, and I will send -over an agent to obtain the necessary proof -of the boy's death."</p> - -<p>At this moment a clerk entered.</p> - -<p>"There is a young lady who desires to see -you, Mr. Codicil."</p> - -<p>"Did she give her name?"</p> - -<p>"Miss Beaufort."</p> - -<p>"Send her in at once. She could not have -come at a more fitting time. My young -friend, go into the little room adjoining, and -wait till I summon you."</p> - -<p>Rose Beaufort entered the lawyer's presence -with a grave expression on her face.</p> - -<p>"I hope, Mr. Codicil, you will excuse my -troubling you with a visit."</p> - -<p>"So far from troubling me, I am very glad -to see you. What can I do for you?"</p> - -<p>"I am in trouble, and wish your advice."</p> - -<p>"Proceed."</p> - -<p>Rose unfolded her story, and concluded by -asking Mr. Codicil if he would exert his influence -toward obtaining her some pupils in -music.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[302]</a></span></p> - -<p>The lawyer's eyes twinkled behind his -spectacles.</p> - -<p>"I hardly know what to say to that request," -he answered.</p> - -<p>"I did not suppose you would be prejudiced -against me by Mrs. Tilton's false and -groundless accusations," said Rose, with a -troubled air.</p> - -<p>"I am not. That is not the point. I am -only questioning the expediency of your -teaching at all."</p> - -<p>"But I know of no better way of earning a -livelihood."</p> - -<p>"Still, it is not customary for wealthy -young ladies to take pupils."</p> - -<p>"I don't understand you, Mr. Codicil," said -Rose, bewildered.</p> - -<p>"Then I will no longer keep you in suspense. -Your poor cousin, Philip, is dead, -and you inherit your grandfather's fortune—that -is, you, your sister, and brother."</p> - -<p>"When did poor Philip die?" asked Rose, -unaffectedly shocked. "It must have been -very sudden."</p> - -<p>"On the contrary, he died last year."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[303]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Last year! How happens it, then, that -we did not know of it before?"</p> - -<p>"Because there has been a wicked scheme -to defraud you of the inheritance. Ben, come -here."</p> - -<p>Ben entered, and the story was soon told. -Of course it need not be repeated.</p> - -<p>"Now, Miss Beaufort, if you insist on taking -pupils, I will do what I can to procure -you some," said the lawyer.</p> - -<p>"If I take them it will be without compensation," -answered Rose, smiling. "Can -you tell me how soon we may expect to come -into our property? I ask, because we are -near the end of our money."</p> - -<p>"It will take perhaps two months to obtain -legal proof of Philip's death, but that -will not inconvenience you. I will advance -you whatever money you require in the meantime."</p> - -<p>"You are very kind. If you could let me -have twenty dollars——"</p> - -<p>"You are very modest," said the lawyer, -smiling. "Suppose we say two hundred?"</p> - -<p>"Two hundred!" ejaculated Rose.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[304]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I think you will be able to find a use for -it," said the lawyer. "Remember, though I -don't want to encourage you in extravagance, -that is less than two weeks' income."</p> - -<p>There was great joy in the Beaufort household -when Rose carried home the great news, -though it was mingled with sorrow for the -untimely fate of poor Philip.</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[305]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XXXVII.<a name="CHAPTER_XXXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXXVII"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">Ben Meets His Cousin.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>Ben supposed that his new guardian would -be in favor of making an immediate -call upon his uncle, but the Cuban counselled -delay.</p> - -<p>"First," he said, "I wish to find, if I can, -the broker through whom your uncle sold the -securities of which he robbed your father. -We can make out a case without it, but with -this our case will be complete."</p> - -<p>"Won't it be difficult to find out, Mr. Novarro?" -asked Ben.</p> - -<p>"Difficult, but not impossible. To begin -with, I know the date of probable transfer. -Next, I know the securities. By visiting the -offices of different brokers I may obtain some -information. At any rate, I have mapped out -my plan of procedure, and hope within a week -to obtain a clew."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[306]</a></span></p> - -<p>Ben asked no questions, feeling that he could -safely leave the whole matter in the hands of -so experienced a business man as his new -guardian.</p> - -<p>They did not go to a hotel, but to a boarding-house -kept by a Cuban lady, a friend of -his guardian, which they found quite as comfortable -and more homelike than the Metropolitan -or the Windsor.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Ben thought it best not to make -a call at the office of his uncle. Indeed, remembering -the cruel way in which he had -wronged his mother, he would have found it -disagreeable to meet him.</p> - -<p>But one day, on Broadway, he met his -cousin, Clarence Plantagenet. He would -have avoided the encounter, but it was too -late, for Clarence had seen him.</p> - -<p>"What! Ben!" he exclaimed. "I had no -idea you were back in New York. When did -you arrive?"</p> - -<p>"Three days since," answered Ben.</p> - -<p>"Where are you staying?"</p> - -<p>"At a boarding-house in Forty-second -street."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[307]</a></span></p> - -<p>"How is Major Grafton?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know; I am no longer with him."</p> - -<p>"What!" exclaimed Clarence, pricking up -his ears. "You are no longer in his employ?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"Where is he?"</p> - -<p>"I left him in Europe."</p> - -<p>"What did he discharge you for?" asked -Clarence, cheerfully.</p> - -<p>"He didn't discharge me. He was opposed -to my leaving him, but we couldn't agree."</p> - -<p>"I think you are a fool!" said Clarence, -bluntly. "With him you could live like a -gentleman. You haven't got another place, -have you?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"And you won't get one very soon, I can -tell you that, except as a boy at three or four -dollars a week."</p> - -<p>Ben smiled.</p> - -<p>"I can look round, at any rate," he answered.</p> - -<p>"That's all the good it'll do. You mustn't -expect my father to help you."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[308]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I don't. If I had, I should have called -before this."</p> - -<p>"After throwing up a good place, if you -were not discharged, you don't deserve help."</p> - -<p>"I am not sure that I shall look for another -place," said Ben.</p> - -<p>"You are not?" asked Clarence, mystified.</p> - -<p>"No; I may go to school a little longer. I -haven't as good an education as I should like."</p> - -<p>"But how are you going to live while you -are doing all this?"</p> - -<p>"Don't you think your father would give -me a home in his family and let me attend -school in the city?"</p> - -<p>"Well, Ben Baker, you have got cheek, I -declare! If that is what you are counting -on, you may as well give it up."</p> - -<p>"It's as well to know the worst," said Ben, -tranquilly.</p> - -<p>"I shall have to be going along," said -Clarence, coldly.</p> - -<p>He told his father at dinner about his meeting -with Ben.</p> - -<p>"I'll tell you what, father," he said. "I -couldn't account at first for Ben's seeming so -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[309]</a></span> -cool and independent. I think I understand -it now."</p> - -<p>"Well, suppose you explain, then."</p> - -<p>"I think he's robbed Major Grafton of a -sum of money and taken French leave. He -said he was not 'bounced' and that the major -did not want him to leave."</p> - -<p>"I hope you are wrong, my son. I haven't -the highest opinion of your cousin, but I -earnestly hope he is honest. To have him -guilty of such a crime would be a disgrace to -our family. Always be honest, Clarence! -Depend upon it, honesty is the best policy, -and a boy or man makes a great mistake who -appropriates what is not his own."</p> - -<p>"Of course, pa, I know all that. Do you -think I would steal? As to Ben Baker, that's a -different matter. He's always been poor, and I -suppose the temptation was too strong for him."</p> - -<p>"Let us hope not. Dishonesty I could not -overlook, even in a relation."</p> - -<p>Who would imagine that this man, so strict -in his ideas of honesty, had deliberately -stolen a hundred thousand dollars from his -widowed sister and her son!</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[310]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XXXVIII.<a name="CHAPTER_XXXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXVIII"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">M. Bourdon Has a Bad Quarter of an Hour.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>Major Grafton was quite easy in -mind after consigning Ben to the safe -custody of an insane asylum.</p> - -<p>"Serves the boy right!" he said. "What -business had he to interfere with my plans? -M. Bourdon will see that he does not annoy -me any further."</p> - -<p>His confidence in the wisdom of his plan -was maintained by the frequent letters he received -from the director of the asylum, in all -of which he spoke encouragingly of the effect -of discipline upon Ben. Major Grafton regularly -transmitted the compensation agreed on -between them.</p> - -<p>This continued until one day Major Grafton, -who had now returned to Geneva, was -<a name="dumb" id="dumb"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'dumfounded'">dumbfounded</ins> by receiving the following telegram -from Mr. Codicil:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[311]</a></span></p> - -<blockquote> -<p>"Your scheme is revealed, and your guardianship -at an end. No further drafts of yours will be honored.</p> - -<p class="author3">"<span class="smcap">N. Codicil.</span>"</p> -</blockquote> - -<p class="space-above2">"Confusion! What does this mean?" ejaculated -Major Grafton. "That wretched boy -must have found means of writing to America. -If this is so, I will haul M. Bourdon over the -coals. It must have been through his criminal -negligence."</p> - -<p>He lost no time in setting out for the asylum, -which he reached in due season.</p> - -<p>"I wish to see M. Bourdon," he said, -sternly, to the attendant who had admitted -him.</p> - -<p>The doctor, who would rather have seen -any one else, could hardly conceal his dismay -when he set eyes on the major.</p> - -<p>"Can he have found out?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Dr. Bourdon, how is my ward?" he demanded.</p> - -<p>"Tranquil and contented," answered the -doctor, smoothly.</p> - -<p>"I have reason to think you have been -negligent, and allowed him to write letters to -America."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[312]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Impossible, my dear sir—quite impossible, -I assure you."</p> - -<p>"I believe there is some trickery here," said -the major, sternly. "I wish to see the boy."</p> - -<p>Perspiration gathered on the brow of M. -Bourdon, though it was a cool day. How -could he stave off this visit? His wits came -to the rescue.</p> - -<p>"I greatly regret to tell you," he said, "that -your ward is sick of a contagious disease. To -see him would imperil your life."</p> - -<p>Major Grafton was not a nervous man, and -he was too much in earnest to be turned from -his design.</p> - -<p>"I am not afraid," he said; "I will see -him."</p> - -<p>"I will go and prepare him for your visit," -said the doctor, sorely perplexed.</p> - -<p>Five minutes had not elapsed when he returned -in apparent consternation.</p> - -<p>"My good sir," he said, "I have serious -news. Your ward is not in his room. He -must have escaped in the night."</p> - -<p>"You scoundrel!" exclaimed the major, -livid with passion. "Just now you told me -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[313]</a></span> -he was sick with a dangerous malady; now -you say he has escaped. I have a great mind -to strangle you!" and he clutched the doctor -by the collar.</p> - -<p>"Mercy, mercy!" shrieked the doctor, terribly -alarmed. "Are you mad?"</p> - -<p>"When did the boy escape? Tell me instantly, -if you value your life."</p> - -<p>"Over a month since. I didn't wish to -alarm you, and so concealed the intelligence."</p> - -<p>"While you continued to draw for his -board, you thief!"</p> - -<p>"I—I am prepared to refund the money, -monsieur. I only drew because it was necessary -to keep up the deception."</p> - -<p>M. Bourdon refunded five weeks' board, told -the story of Ben's escape, and Major Grafton -was compelled to be content with this.</p> - -<p>"I am afraid the game is up!" he muttered, -as he rode rapidly away. "That cursed boy -has spoiled all. I wish I had him in my -clutches!"</p> - -<p>It was well for Ben that he was not within -reach of the irate major.</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[314]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XXXIX.<a name="CHAPTER_XXXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXXIX"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">Ben and His Uncle.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>"Ben," said the Cuban, a few days later, -"I have excellent news."</p> - -<p>"What is it, sir?"</p> - -<p>"I have found the broker who sold the -stolen securities for your uncle."</p> - -<p>"Is it possible, sir?" said Ben in excitement.</p> - -<p>"Yes; it is a piece of great good luck. -And now I think we are ready to call upon -your uncle. First, however, I have a little -scheme in which I shall require your co-operation."</p> - -<p>"Very well, sir."</p> - -<p>"I wish to test your uncle's disposition toward -you. We are in a position to dictate -terms to him. If he shows proper feeling toward -his nephew we shall feel disposed to be -considerate toward him."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[315]</a></span></p> - -<p>"What do you wish me to do?" asked Ben.</p> - -<p>"Call on your uncle and ask him if he can -give you a place in his store, or help you to -one outside. Of course you wouldn't accept -one, but we shall see what reception he gives -you."</p> - -<p>Into this scheme Ben readily entered. He -was no longer a friendless and penniless boy, -dependent upon his uncle for the means of -living, but rich and his own master.</p> - -<p>Nicholas Walton was sitting in his counting-room -when Ben entered. It so happened -that Clarence Plantagenet was just leaving -the store as Ben entered.</p> - -<p>"What do you want?" he asked, coldly.</p> - -<p>"I should like to see your father."</p> - -<p>"I don't think he will see you. He is busy."</p> - -<p>"I am quite anxious to see him," persisted -Ben.</p> - -<p>"Are you going to ask him to help you?" -said his cousin.</p> - -<p>"Yes; to help me to a place."</p> - -<p>"I am sure he won't do it."</p> - -<p>"I would rather take the refusal from his -lips," said Ben.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[316]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Oh, well, I suppose you can go and see -him if you want to, but you will find that I -am right."</p> - -<p>"I think I will see him, then."</p> - -<p>Clarence had been intending to go out at -once, but it struck him that he would enjoy -seeing his poor cousin rebuffed, and he accompanied -Ben to the back of the store.</p> - -<p>"Father," he said, as he entered the office, -followed by Ben, "here is Ben Baker, who -wants to see you. I told him it would be of -no use to ask you for help, but he <a name="doesnt" id="doesnt"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'dosen't'">doesn't</ins> believe -me."</p> - -<p>Mr. Walton frowned ominously.</p> - -<p>"Well, boy," he said, frigidly, "so you -have lost your place with Major Grafton?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"I am convinced that it was on account of -misconduct on your part."</p> - -<p>"Is it quite right to condemn me before -you have heard anything of the circumstances -attending my leaving him?" said Ben, mildly.</p> - -<p>"Oh, I dare say you have some plausible -story," sneered Mr. Walton; "but it won't -produce any effect on me."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[317]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Still, sir, I will venture to say that I did -not leave him on account of any misconduct -on my own part."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps it was on account of misconduct -on his part," said Mr. Walton, with a scornful -laugh.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, it was."</p> - -<p>"Really, this is very amusing. Now let -me know what you want of me."</p> - -<p>"Can you give me a place in your store, sir?"</p> - -<p>"No, I can't, or rather I will not," answered -his uncle, curtly.</p> - -<p>"Will you use your influence to obtain me -a position elsewhere?"</p> - -<p>"No, I won't, and I consider you very impudent -to prefer the request."</p> - -<p>"You seem to forget, sir, that I am your -nephew."</p> - -<p>"I chose to forget it, considering the disreputable -manner in which you have behaved."</p> - -<p>"Then, you won't do anything for me, sir?"</p> - -<p>"No, decidedly no!"</p> - -<p>"I told you so," said Clarence, triumphantly. -"You may as well go to selling -papers."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[318]</a></span></p> - -<p>"He can do better than that," said a strange -voice. "He can live on the interest of his -money."</p> - -<p>Clarence and his father started in surprise, -as the speaker, Filippo Novarro, entered the -office. The merchant, recognizing him, turned -pale.</p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[319]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER XL.<a name="CHAPTER_XL" id="CHAPTER_XL"></a></h2> - -<p class="ph2"><span class="smcap">Conclusion.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>"I see you know me, Mr. Walton," said -the Cuban, quietly. "I have a few -words to say to you. Do you wish your son -to listen?"</p> - -<p>"Clarence, you may leave the office," said -the merchant, in a husky voice.</p> - -<p>Clarence, whose curiosity was aroused, was -very unwilling to go.</p> - -<p>"Sha'n't Ben go, too?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"I beg pardon, but I wish him to remain," -said the Cuban. "He is deeply concerned in -what I have to say."</p> - -<p>Clarence was still more curious. He left -the office, but he lingered within ear-shot.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Walton," said Novarro, "I am a man -of few words, and will come to the point. As -the guardian of this boy, and the friend of his -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[320]</a></span> -father's friend, I have come to demand from -you the fortune of which you deprived him."</p> - -<p>"I don't know what you are talking about," -said the merchant, trying to speak firmly.</p> - -<p>"I beg your pardon, but you do. I call for -the money you obtained for the securities -which you took from the dead body of Dr. -Baker, who died in your house of heart disease—a -sum which you appropriated to your -own use, leaving your sister and your sister's -son poor and dependent."</p> - -<p>"You must be crazy, sir. Where is the -proof of your strange and unfounded charge?"</p> - -<p>"I can produce the broker who sold these -securities for you in the year 18—."</p> - -<p>"It is easy to say this. May I know the -name of this broker?" asked the merchant, -making a feeble attempt to deny the charge.</p> - -<p>"His name is John Goldsmith, and his office -is No. —— Wall street," answered Novarro, -promptly.</p> - -<p>Nicholas Walton leaned back in his chair -and seemed ready to faint, but uttered no -word.</p> - -<p>"Well, sir, your answer?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[321]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Can't we—compromise—this—thing?" -asked Walton, feebly.</p> - -<p>"No, sir; we will promise not to expose -you, but it will be only upon condition that -you pay principal and interest. The only -favor we will extend is, that we will not demand -compound interest."</p> - -<p>"But it will ruin me! I cannot take so -large a sum from my business."</p> - -<p>"That I can understand. <a name="behalf" id= "behalf"></a><ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'In behalf'">On behalf</ins> of my -young ward and his mother, I will agree to -accept half cash, and half in notes maturing -at different dates, secured by your stock in -trade. Do you consent, or shall we bring -suit?"</p> - -<p>"Can't you throw off the interest? That -boy and his mother will be amply provided -for by the principal."</p> - -<p>"If you had received your nephew differently -when he applied for help just now, we -might have consented. Now it is out of the -question."</p> - -<p>Nicholas Walton was forced to make an unconditional -surrender, and the terms were -agreed to upon the spot.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[322]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Ben," said Mr. Novarro, as they left the -office, "I congratulate you. You are now -rich."</p> - -<p>"Thanks to you kind management, Mr. -Novarro."</p> - -<p>It is said that listeners never hear any good -of themselves. Clarence was in a terrible -panic when he heard the conference between -his father and the Cuban. That his despised -cousin Ben should become suddenly rich was -a bitter pill to swallow. He sneaked out of -the store, perturbed in mind.</p> - -<p>"Now, Ben, I suppose you will want to -carry the news to your mother," said the -Cuban.</p> - -<p>"That is what I was about to ask, Mr. -Novarro."</p> - -<p>"We will take the next train for Sunderland, -preparing your mother by a telegram."</p> - -<p>I do not propose to describe Ben's happy -meeting with his mother. Mrs. Baker was -grieved to hear of her brother's treachery, -but it was a relief to her to think that he had -nothing to do with her husband's death. As -we know, he was directly responsible for it, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[323]</a></span> -but the knowledge of this was confined to his -own breast. Even the Cuban never suspected -what had brought on the attack that terminated -the poor doctor's life.</p> - -<p>"Now, Ben, what career do you select?" -asked his guardian.</p> - -<p>Ben took a week to consider. He then decided -not to go into business, but to obtain a -liberal education, and study law. He and -his mother removed to Cambridge, where he -completed his preparatory studies, and entered -Harvard College. He is now a young -lawyer, and has commenced the practice of -his profession under flattering auspices.</p> - -<p>Clarence Plantagenet, on the other hand, -is a young man about town, and his father -cannot induce him to enter upon any business. -He has professed his willingness to become a -broker, if his father will purchase him a -seat at the Stock Board, but Mr. Walton -wisely thinks it will be cheaper to give him a -liberal income than give him the chance of -squandering a fortune in stocks.</p> - -<p>We must not forget the Beauforts. They -removed to a fashionable locality, and purchasing -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[324]</a></span> -a house, furnished it with elegance -and taste. It is surprising how many people -found them out in their days of prosperity -who had ignored them before. Even Mrs. -Tilton essayed to apologize for her outrageous -treatment, and tried to ingratiate herself with -Rose, but the latter treated her with such distant -civility that she gave up the attempt. -In less than a year Rose Beaufort became -Mrs. Clinton Randall, and her star rose still -higher.</p> - -<p>There is one person who never will forgive -her for her good fortune, and that is Miss -Arethusa Jayne, who had strongly hoped to -secure the hand of Clinton Randall for herself. -No one would have been more amazed -than Randall himself, for he was happily -unconscious of Miss Jayne's admiration for -him.</p> - -<p>Ben has not forgotten his early friends. -Hugh Manton, the reporter, by his help has -secured an interest in a flourishing daily -paper in an inland city, and is earning a liberal -income.</p> - -<p>Major Grafton is earning a precarious living -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[325]</a></span> -at European spas and gambling resorts, and is -beginning to show the marks of age. Filippo -Novarro has established himself as a permanent -resident of the United States, and spends -much of his time with Ben and his mother.</p> - -<p>And now, with all our characters satisfactorily -disposed of, the good rewarded, and the -bad punished, we bid the reader farewell and -ring down the curtain.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[326]</a></span></p> - -<div class="ad">HORATIO ALGER, JR.</div> - -<p>The enormous sales of the books of Horatio Alger, -Jr., show the greatness of his popularity among the boys, and prove -that he is one of their most favored writers. I am told that more -than half a million copies altogether have been sold, and that all -the large circulating libraries in the country have several complete -sets, of which only two or three volumes are ever on the shelves -at one time. If this is true, what thousands and thousands of boys -have read and are reading Mr. Alger's books! His peculiar style of -stories, often imitated but never equaled, have taken a hold upon -the young people, and, despite their similarity, are eagerly read as -soon as they appear.</p> - -<p>Mr. Alger became famous with the publication of that -undying book, "Ragged Dick, or Street Life in New York." It was his -first book for young people, and its success was so great that he -immediately devoted himself to that kind of writing. It was a new -and fertile field for a writer then, and Mr. Alger's treatment of it -at once caught the fancy of the boys. "Ragged Dick" first appeared -in 1868, and ever since then it has been selling steadily, until now -it is estimated that about 200,000 copies of the series have been -sold.</p> - -<p class="author4"> —"Pleasant Hours for Boys and Girls."</p> - -<p class="space-above2">A writer for boys should have an abundant sympathy -with them. He should be able to enter into their -plans, hopes, and aspirations. He should learn to look -upon life as they do. Boys object to be written down to. -A boy's heart opens to the man or writer who understands -him.</p> - -<p class="author4 space-below3"> -—From "Writing Stories for Boys," by Horatio Alger, Jr.</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[327]</a></span></p> -<p class="bold">RAGGED DICK SERIES.</p> - -<p class="ph4">6 vols. <b>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</b> $6.00 </p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Ragged Dick.<br /> -Fame and Fortune.<br /> -Mark the Match Boy.<br /> -Rough and Ready.<br /> -Ben the Luggage Boy.<br /> -Rufus and Rose.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="bold">TATTERED TOM SERIES—First Series.</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -4 vols. <b>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</b> $4.00<br /> -</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Tattered Tom.<br /> -Paul the Peddler.<br /> -Phil the Fiddler.<br /> -Slow and Sure.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="bold">TATTERED TOM SERIES—Second Series.</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -4 vols. $4.00<br /> -</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Julius.<br /> -The Young Outlaw.<br /> -Sam's Chance.<br /> -The Telegraph Boy.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="bold">CAMPAIGN SERIES.</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -3 vols. <b>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</b> $3.00<br /> -</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Frank's Campaign.<br /> -Charlie Codman's Cruise.<br /> -Paul Prescott's Charge.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="bold">LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES—First Series.</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -4 vols. <b>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</b> $4.00<br /> -</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Luck and Pluck.<br /> -Sink or Swim.<br /> -Strong and Steady.<br /> -Strive and Succeed.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="bold">LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES—Second Series.</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -4 vols. $4.00<br /> -</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Try and Trust.<br /> -Risen from the Ranks.<br /> -Bound to Rise.<br /> -Herbert Carter's Legacy.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="bold">BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES.</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -4 vols. <b>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</b> $4.00<br /> -</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Brave and Bold.<br /> -Jack's Ward.<br /> -Shifting for Himself.<br /> -Wait and Hope.<br /> -</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[328]</a></span></p> - -<p class="bold">VICTORY SERIES.</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -3 vols. <b>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</b> $3.00<br /> -</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Only an Irish Boy.<br /> -Adrift in the City.<br /> -Victor Vane, or the Young Secretary.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="bold">FRANK AND FEARLESS SERIES.</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -3 vols. <b>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</b> $3.00<br /> -</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Frank Hunter's Peril.<br /> -Frank and Fearless.<br /> -The Young Salesman.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="bold">GOOD FORTUNE LIBRARY.</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -3 vols. <b>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</b> $3.00<br /> -</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Walter Sherwood's Probation.<br /> -A Boy's Fortune.<br /> -The Young Bank Messenger.<br /> -</p> - -<p>HOW TO RISE LIBRARY.</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -3 vols. <b>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</b> $3.00<br /> -</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Jed, the Poorhouse Boy.<br /> -Rupert's Ambition.<br /> -Lester's Luck.<br /> -</p> - -<p>COMPLETE CATALOG OF BEST BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS -MAILED ON APPLICATION TO THE PUBLISHERS</p> - -<p><b>THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.<span class="indright"><span class="sign">PHILADELPHIA, PA.</span></span></b> -</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[329]</a></span></p> - -<p>A GOOD GIRL'S BOOK IS HARD TO FIND!</p> - -<p class="ph4">One often hears the above quoted. <em>These</em> books have -stood the tests of time and careful mothers, and will be -of the greatest interest to girls of all ages. Free from -any unhealthy sensationalism, yet full of incident and -romance, they are the cream of the best girls' books published. -These volumes, each one well illustrated, carefully -printed on excellent paper, substantially bound in cloth, -12mo.</p> - -<p><b>WAYS AND MEANS LIBRARY.</b> By Margaret Vandegrift. -4 vols.</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -$3.00<br /> -</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Queen's Body Guard.<br /> -Rose Raymond's Wards.<br /> -Doris and Theodora.<br /> -Ways and Means.<br /> -</p> - -<p><b>STORIES FOR GIRLS.</b> 3 vols.</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -$2.25<br /> -</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Dr. Gilbert's Daughters.<br /> -Marion Berkley.<br /> -Hartwell Farm.<br /> -</p> - -<p><b>HONEST ENDEAVOR LIBRARY.</b> By Lucy C. -Lillie. 3 vols.</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -$2 25<br /> -</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -The Family Dilemma.<br /> -Allison's Adventures.<br /> -Ruth Endicott's Way.<br /> -</p> - - -<p><b>MILBROOK LIBRARY.</b> By Lucy C. Lillie. -4 vols.</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -$3 00<br /> -</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Helen Glenn.<br /> -The Squire's Daughter.<br /> -Esther's Fortune.<br /> -For Honor's Sake.<br /> -</p> - -<p>RECENT SUCCESSES</p> - -<p class="ph4">The following, though of recent date, have at once -reached such a height of popularity that they can already -be classified as standards. 75 cents each.</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Lady Green Satin. By Baroness Deschesney.<br /> -Marion Berkley. By Elizabeth B. Comins.<br /> -Lenny, the Orphan. By Margaret Hosmer.<br /> -Family Dilemma. By Lucy C. Lillie.<br /> -Question of Honor. By Lynde Palmer.<br /> -Girl's Ordeal. A. By Lucy C. Lillie.<br /> -Elinor Belden; or The Step Brothers. By Lucy C. Lillie.<br /> -Where Honor Leads. By Lynde Palmer.<br /> -Under the Holly. By Margaret Hosmer.<br /> -Two Bequests, The; or, Heavenward Led. By Jane R. Sommers.<br /> -The Thistles of Mount Cedar. By Ursula Tannenforst.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -$1.25<br /> -</p> - -<p><em>Catalogue sent on application to the Publisher</em></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[330]</a></span></p> - -<div class="ad"> -A Veritable "Arabian Nights" of Entertainment<br /> -</div> - -<div class="figleft" style="width: 200px;"> -<img src="images/storyofbible.jpg" width="200" height="269" alt="Illustration in Catalogue" /> -</div> - -<p class="centerb"> -<span class="bigger">HURLBUT'S</span><br /> -<span class="bigger">STORY OF THE</span><br /> -<span class="bigger">BIBLE</span><br /> -told for<br /> -<span class="big">YOUNG AND OLD</span><br /> -by<br /> -<em>Rev. Jesse Lyman Hurlbut, D.D.</em><br /> -</p> - -<p class="ph4"><b>THE BIBLE MADE FASCINATING TO CHILDREN.</b>—The heroes and the -noble men and women of the Bible are made to appear as -living, acting people. The book is an original work, and -in no sense an imitation. It has been in preparation for -a number of years.</p> - -<p class="ph4"><b>THE DISTINGUISHED AUTHOR.</b>—Dr. Hurlbut has long been associated -with, and director of, the Sunday School work of -one of the largest denominations, and he has been more -closely associated with the detail work of the Chautauqua -movement than has any other man. He is also well-known -as a writer.</p> - -<p class="ph4"><b>REMARKABLE FOR THE BEAUTY AND NUMBER OF ITS ILLUSTRATIONS.</b>—There -are sixteen pictures in color prepared for this work -by the distinguished artist, W. H. Margetson, and reproduced -with the beauty and attractiveness of the artist's -original work. There are also <b>nearly 300 half-tone</b> engravings -in this remarkable book, which is as original in -the selection of its illustrations as it is in its stories.</p> - -<p class="centerbold">WHAT OTHERS THINK OF IT</p> - -<p class="ph4">"It is a needed and original work. Not an imitation."—<em>Christian Advocate</em>, -New York.</p> - -<p class="ph4">"Written in such a style as to fascinate and hold the interest of -child or man."—<span class="smcap">Rev. F. E. Clark</span>, Pres. Society of Christian Endeavor.</p> - -<p class="ph4">"It is a beautiful book. I hope every family in the land will secure -'Hurlbut's Story of the Bible.'"—<span class="smcap">General O. O. Howard.</span></p> - -<p class="ph4">"The best book of its kind, and that kind the most important."—<span class="smcap">Rev. -James A. Worden</span>, Presbyterian B'd. of Pub. and S. S. Work.</p> - -<p class="ph4">"I like very much the vocabulary you have used, and I can see how -careful you have been in choosing understandable words."—<span class="smcap">Mr. Philip -E. Howard</span>, <em>Sunday-School Times</em>, Philadelphia.</p> - -<p class="ph4">"It is the completest and best thing of the kind I have seen. The -book is splendidly illustrated."—<span class="smcap">Marian Lawrance</span>, General Secretary, -International Sunday-School Association.</p> - -<p class="ph4">"Many will be drawn to the Bible who otherwise might look upon it as -only adapted for older people."—<span class="smcap">Hon. David J. Brewer</span>, Justice of -the Supreme Court of the United States.</p> - -<p class="ph4"><em>8vo, cloth. 750 pages. 16 color plates. 262 half-tone engravings. Net $1.50</em></p> - -<p class="centerbold">The JOHN C. WINSTON CO.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[331]</a></span></p> - -<div class="ad">THE RENOWNED STANDARD JUVENILES</div> - -<p><b>BY EDWARD S. ELLIS</b></p> - -<p class="ph4">Edward S. Ellis is regarded as the later day Cooper. -His books will always be read for the accurate pen pictures -of pioneer life they portray.</p> - -<p class="bold">LIST OF TITLES</p> - -<p class="bold">DEERFOOT SERIES</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Hunters of the Ozark.<br /> -The Last War Trail.<br /> -Camp in the Mountains.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="bold">LOG CABIN SERIES</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Lost Trail.<br /> -Footprints in the Forest.<br /> -Camp Fire and Wigwam.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="bold">BOY PIONEER SERIES</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Ned in the Block-House.<br /> -Ned on the River.<br /> -Ned in the Woods.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="bold">THE NORTHWEST SERIES</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Two Boys in Wyoming.<br /> -Cowmen and Rustlers.<br /> -A Strange Craft and Its Wonderful Voyage.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="bold">BOONE AND KENTON SERIES</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Shod with Silence.<br /> -In the Days of the Pioneers.<br /> -Phantom of the River.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="bold">WAR CHIEF SERIES</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Red Eagle.<br /> -Blazing Arrow.<br /> -Iron Heart, War Chief of the Iroquois.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="bold">THE NEW DEERFOOT SERIES</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Deerfoot in the Forest.<br /> -Deerfoot on the Prairie.<br /> -Deerfoot in the Mountains.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="bold">TRUE GRIT SERIES</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Jim and Joe.<br /> -Dorsey, the Young Inventor.<br /> -Secret of Coffin Island.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="bold">GREAT AMERICAN SERIES</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Teddy and Towser; or, Early Days in California.<br /> -Up the Forked River.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="bold">COLONIAL SERIES</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -An American King.<br /> -The Cromwell of Virginia.<br /> -The Last Emperor of the Old Dominion.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="bold">FOREIGN ADVENTURE SERIES</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Lost in the Forbidden Land.<br /> -River and Jungle.<br /> -The Hunt of the White Elephant.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="bold">PADDLE YOUR OWN CANOE SERIES</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -The Forest Messengers.<br /> -The Mountain Star.<br /> -Queen of the Clouds.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="bold">ARIZONA SERIES</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -Off the Reservation; or, Caught in an Apache Raid.<br /> -Trailing Geronimo; or, Campaigning with Crook.<br /> -The Round-Up; or, Geronimo's Last Raid.<br /> -</p> - -<p>OTHER TITLES IN PREPARATION</p> - -<p class="ph4"> -PRICE $1.00 PER VOLUME Sold separately and in set<br /> -</p> - -<p class="ph4">Complete Catalogue of Famous Alger Books, Celebrated -Castlemon Books and Renowned Ellis Books -mailed on application.</p> - -<p> -<b>THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.<span class="indright"><span class="sign">PHILADELPHIA, PA.</span></span></b> -</p> - -<p> </p> -<hr style="width: 65%;" /> -<p> </p> - -<div class='tnote'> -<h3>Transcriber's Note:</h3> - -<p>A number of words in this book have both hyphenated and -non-hyphenated variants. All have been retained. This book also -contains dialect and vernacular comversation.</p> - -<p>Obvious punctuation errors were fixed.</p> - -<p>Other printing errors, which were not detected during the revision of the printing process of the original -book, have been corrected.</p> - -<p>These corrections are indicated by dotted lines under the corrections.</p> - -<p>The following provides the detail of those corrections:</p> - -<p>The expression <cite>by curiosity</cite> was changed to <a href="#my">my curiosity</a>.</p> - -<p>In the expression <cite>sauntered out out</cite><a href="#out"> out</a> was removed once from the text.</p> - -<p> <cite>In his attempt to obtained</cite> was changed to <a href="#obtain">In his attempt to obtain</a>.</p> - -<p> The expression <cite>was an expect</cite> was changed to <a href="#expert">was an expert</a>.</p> - -<p> The expression <cite>for work as a seamtress</cite> was changed to <a href="#seam">for work as a seamstress</a>.</p> - -<p> <cite>I shall insist in</cite> was changed to <a href="#insist">I shall insist on</a>.</p> - -<p> The expression <cite>had prevented</cite> was changed to <a href="#prev">had prevented him</a>.</p> - -<p> The expression <cite>to have strong affections</cite> was changed to -<a href="#strong">to have as strong affections</a>.</p> - -<p> The expression <cite>was dumfounded by receiving</cite> was changed to <a href="#dumb">was dumbfounded by receiving</a>.</p> - -<p> The expression <cite>but he dosen't</cite> was changed to <a href="#doesnt">but he doesn't</a>.</p> - -<p><cite>In behalf of my young ward</cite> was changed to <a href="#behalf">On behalf of my young ward</a>.</p> -</div> - -<p> </p> -<p> </p> -<hr class="full" /> -<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A BOY'S FORTUNE***</p> -<p>******* This file should be named 52017-h.htm or 52017-h.zip *******</p> -<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> -<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/5/2/0/1/52017">http://www.gutenberg.org/5/2/0/1/52017</a></p> -<p> -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed.</p> - -<p>Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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