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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..46fd783 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #52194 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/52194) diff --git a/old/52194-8.txt b/old/52194-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 7b59b7f..0000000 --- a/old/52194-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8539 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Bob Burton, by Horatio Alger Jr. - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. 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. - - - -Title: Bob Burton - or The Young Ranchman of the Missouri - -Author: Horatio Alger Jr. - -Release Date: May 30, 2016 [EBook #52194] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOB BURTON *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, Martin Pettit and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -BOB BURTON; - -OR, - -THE YOUNG RANCHMAN OF THE MISSOURI - -BY - -HORATIO ALGER, JR., - -AUTHOR OF "RAGGED DICK SERIES," "LUCK AND -PLUCK SERIES," "ATLANTIC SERIES," ETC. - -[Illustration: Logo] - -PHILADELPHIA: - -PORTER & COATES. - - -COPYRIGHT, 1888, -BY -PORTER & COATES. - - -TO - -J. HENRY PLUMMER, - -NOW OF TALLAPOOSA, GA. - -FROM WHOM I HAVE RECEIVED VALUABLE ASSISTANCE IN -THE PREPARATION OF THIS VOLUME, - -IT IS DEDICATED WITH FRIENDLY REGARD. - - -[Illustration: AARON WOLVERTON STEALS THE RECEIPT.] - - - - -CONTENTS. - - -CHAPTER PAGE - I. MR. BURTON'S RANCH, 5 - - II. AARON WOLVERTON, 15 - - III. A LITTLE RETROSPECT, 23 - - IV. THE SUDDEN SUMMONS, 33 - - V. WOLVERTON'S FIRST MOVE, 42 - - VI. THE LOST RECEIPT, 51 - - VII. WOLVERTON'S ADVENTURE WITH CLIP, 60 - - VIII. WOLVERTON'S DISMAY, 69 - - IX. SAM'S GIFT, 77 - - X. SAM IN A TIGHT PLACE, 85 - - XI. AN ANGRY CONFERENCE, 94 - - XII. WOLVERTON'S WATERLOO, 104 - - XIII. WHAT BOB FOUND IN THE CREEK, 111 - - XIV. THE BOAT AND ITS OWNER, 120 - - XV. BOB BUYS THE FERRY-BOAT, 128 - - XVI. WOLVERTON'S BAFFLED SCHEME, 137 - - XVII. WOLVERTON'S POOR TENANT, 146 - - XVIII. WOLVERTON'S WICKED PLAN, 154 - - XIX. MR. WOLVERTON MEETS TWO CONGENIAL SPIRITS, 163 - - XX. AN UNEXPECTED PASSENGER, 172 - - XXI. HOW WOLVERTON WAS FOOLED, 180 - - XXII. THE FIRST DAY, 189 - - XXIII. A SUSPICIOUS CHARACTER, 198 - - XXIV. CLIP MAKES A LITTLE MONEY FOR HIMSELF, 207 - - XXV. CLIP'S SECRET MISSION, 215 - - XXVI. WAS IT THE CAT? 224 - - XXVII. THE PASSENGER DISCOVERED, 233 - - XXVIII. SAM FINDS A RELATION, 243 - - XXIX. ROCKY CREEK LANDING, 251 - - XXX. AN UNLUCKY EVENING, 261 - - XXXI. HOW CLIP WAS CAPTURED, 269 - - XXXII. THE BOYS IMPRISONED, 277 - - XXXIII. A LUCKY ESCAPE, 289 - - XXXIV. MR. WOLVERTON'S LETTER, 297 - - XXXV. BOB'S ARRIVAL IN ST. LOUIS, 303 - - XXXVI. A THOUSAND DOLLARS REWARD, 308 - - XXXVII. BROWN AND MINTON WALK INTO A TRAP, 312 - -XXXVIII. WHAT BOB BROUGHT HOME, 318 - - XXXIX. CONCLUSION, 324 - - - - -BOB BURTON; -OR, -THE YOUNG RANCHMAN OF THE MISSOURI. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -MR. BURTON'S RANCH. - - -"Harness up the colt, Clip; I'm going to the village." - -"All right, massa!" - -"What makes you call me massa? One would think I were a slave-owner." - -"Can't help it, massa. There I done forgot it agin," said Clip, showing -his white teeth--preturnaturally white they showed in contrast with his -coal-black skin. "You see I used to say that to my old massa, down in -Arkansaw." - -"What's my name, Clip?" - -"Mister Burton." - -"Then call me Mr. Burton. Now go, and don't waste any time." - -"All right, massa." - -"That boy's incorrigible," said Richard Burton to himself. "He hasn't -got cut of his early ways yet; careless and shiftless as he is, I -believe he is devoted to me and my family." - -Clip, as may be inferred, was a negro boy, now turned of fourteen, who -for four years had been attached to the service of Richard Burton, a -ranchman, whose farm lay on a small stream tributary to the Missouri, in -the fertile State of Iowa. He had fled from his master in the northern -part of Arkansas, and, traveling by night, and secreting himself by day, -had finally reached Iowa; where he found a safe refuge in the family of -Mr. Burton. Indeed he had been picked up by Bob Burton, a boy a year -older than himself, who had brought him home and insisted on his father -taking charge of the young fugitive. On a large ranch there was always -something to do, and Clip was soon made useful in taking care of the -horses, in doing errands and in many odd ways. - -While waiting for the wagon, Mr. Burton went into the house, and sought -his wife. - -"Mamy," he said, "I am going to the village to pay Wolverton his -interest." - -"I wish he didn't hold the mortgage, Richard," said Mrs. Burton, looking -up from her work. - -"So do I, but why is it any the worse for him to hold it than for any -one else?" - -"Richard, you may think me foolish and fanciful, but I distrust that -man. It is impressed upon my mind that he will some day do us harm." - -"That is foolish and fanciful in good truth, Mamy. Now Wolverton seems -to me a--well, not exactly an attractive man, but good natured and -friendly. When I needed three thousand dollars last spring, on account -of a poor crop and some extra expenses, he seemed not only willing, but -really glad to lend it to me." - -"He took a mortgage on the ranch," said Mary Burton dryly. - -"Why, of course. He is a man of business, you know. You wouldn't expect -him to lend the money without security, would you?" - -"And you pay him a large interest?" - -"Ten per cent." - -"There isn't much friendship in lending money on good security at ten -per cent., Richard." - -"Oh, you put things in a wrong way, Mary. Money is worth ten per cent. -out here, and of course I didn't want Wolverton to lose money by me. He -could get that interest elsewhere." - -"You are very unsuspecting, Richard. You credit everybody with your own -true, unselfish nature." - -"Why, that's a compliment, Mary," laughed the husband, "and deserves a -kiss." - -He bent over and touched his wife's cheek with his lips. - -Mary Burton had reached the age of thirty-six, and was no longer in her -first youth, but her face seemed even more lovelier than when he married -her, so Richard Burton thought. He too was a man of fine presence, with -a frank, open face, that invariably won the favor of those who met him -for the first time. He was in the full vigor of manhood, and when he and -his wife attended the Methodist church on Sundays, many eyes were -attracted by the handsome couple. They had one son, Bob, who will soon -receive attention. - -"I have a great mind, Richard, to tell you why I distrust and fear Aaron -Wolverton," said his wife after a slight pause. - -"I wish you would, Mary. Perhaps, when I know, I can talk you out of -your apprehension." - -"Did you ever know that Aaron Wolverton was once a suitor for my hand?" - -Richard Burton burst into an explosive laugh. - -"What! That dried-up old mummy had the presumption to offer you his -hand!" - -"He actually did, Richard," said Mrs. Burton, smiling. - -"I wonder you did not laugh in his face. Why, the man is fifteen years -older than I am, twenty years older than you." - -"That difference is not unprecedented. I did not reject him because he -was older than myself. If you had been as old as he when you offered -yourself, I think I would have accepted you." - -"Poor old fellow! Did he take it hard?" asked Burton, half jocosely. - -"If you mean did he show any traces of a broken heart, I answer no. But -when, after pressing his suit persistently, he found my resolution to be -inflexible, his face became distorted with passion. He swore that he -would be revenged upon me some day, and that if I dared to marry any one -else he would never rest till he had brought harm to the husband of my -choice." - -"I wish I had been there. I would have made him take back those words, -or I would have horsewhipped him." - -"Don't take any notice of them, Richard," said Mary Burton, hastily. "It -will be much better." - -"I agree with you," said her husband, his quick anger melting. "After -all, the old fellow's disappointment was so great that I can excuse a -little impetuosity, and even rudeness. You see, Mary, Wolverton isn't a -gentleman." - -"No; and never will be." - -"He acted as his nature prompted. But it was all over years ago. Why, -Mary, he is always friendly with me, even if I am your husband." - -"That is on the outside, Richard; but I fear he is crafty. He is like -an Indian; his thirst for vengeance keeps alive." - -"Admitting all that, though I don't, what harm can he do, Mary, while I -am here to protect you?" and the husband expanded his breast in -conscious strength, and looked down proudly on his fair wife. "Why, I -could wring his neck with only one hand." - -"Well, perhaps I am foolish, Richard," the wife admitted. - -"Of course you are, Mary." - -Just then Clip put his head inside the door. - -"De hoss is ready, massa!" he said. - -"All right, Clip! I'll come right out." - -Richard Burton kissed his wife hastily, and went out. - -As he closed the door, a bright, handsome boy, strongly made, and -bearing a resemblance to both father and mother, entered. - -"Hallo, mother! Are you all right?" he asked. - -"I hope so, Robert." - -"You look serious, as if you were worrying over something." - -"I was thinking of Mr. Wolverton. Your father has gone to pay him -interest on the mortgage." - -"Wolverton is a mean old hunks. He's got a nephew living with him, a boy -about my age. He works him nearly to death, and I am sure the poor boy -doesn't get half enough to eat." - -"I was wishing your father didn't owe money to such a man." - -"Oh, well, mother, there's no use in worrying. It's only three thousand -dollars, and if we have a good crop next year, father will be able to -pay off at least half of it. You can see we've got a splendid ranch, -mother. There isn't another within twenty miles where the land is as -rich." - -"I shall be glad to see the day when the mortgage is wholly paid off, -and we are out of debt." - -"So shall I, mother." - -"Does Mr. Wolverton ever take any notice of you, Robert?" - -"He took some notice of me this morning," laughed Bob. "That reminds me. -I just left three prairie chickens with Rachel in the kitchen." - -"Did you shoot them this morning, Robert?" - -"Yes, mother; you see I have my hunting dress on. But I shot two more. I -was bringing them home across a field of Wolverton's, when the old -fellow suddenly made his appearance, and, charging me with shooting them -on his land, laid claim to them. I denied the charge and told him I -proposed to keep them. With that he seized me by the collar, and we had -a rough-and-tumble fight for five minutes." - -"Oh, Robert, how imprudent!" - -"Well, mother, it was more than flesh and blood could stand. The upshot -of it was that I left him lying on his back trembling with rage. I threw -down two of the chickens to appease him. I hope he'll have them for -dinner, and Sam'll get a share of them. The poor fellow is half starved. -I don't believe he gets a square meal once a week." - -"I am afraid you have made an enemy of Mr. Wolverton, Robert." - -"I can't help it, mother. Would you have me bow down to him, and meekly -yield up my rights?" - -"But, Robert, to get into a fight with a man so much older?" - -"I don't want to get into any difficulty, mother. It was forced upon me. -Besides, I left him two of the chickens." - -"Was Clip with you?" - -"I reckon I was, missis," said Clip, displaying his ivories. "I laughed -like to split when Massa Bob laid de old man down on his back. Wasn't he -jest ravin'? Wouldn't have lost dat sight, missis, for de biggest -watermillion I ever seed." - -Mrs. Burton smiled, but her smile was a faint one. She knew Aaron -Wolverton, and she feared that some time or other he would try to be -revenged on Bob. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -AARON WOLVERTON. - - -Richard Burton drove rapidly to the village. I may state here that the -name of the township was Carver. Like most Western villages, it -consisted principally of one long, central street, containing buildings -of all sizes and descriptions, from a three-story hotel to a one-story -office. But there seemed to be a good deal going on all the time--much -more than in an Eastern town of the size. Western people are active, -progressive, never content to stand still. In the drowsy atmosphere that -pervades many an Eastern country town they would stagnate, but there -perpetual motion is the rule. - -Everybody in Carver knew Richard Burton. Everybody liked him also; he -was easy and social with all. I have said everybody, but I must make one -exception, and that was the man on whom he now proposed to call. - -About midway on the main street was a small one-story building, about -twelve feet square. Above the door was a sign: - - - AARON WOLVERTON, - REAL ESTATE AGENT. - - -Mr. Wolverton had considerable capital, which he was in the habit of -lending on mortgage, always for a large interest, and on substantial -security. He was supposed to be rich, but did not live like a rich man. -His dwelling lay a little way back from the street; it was small, -cramped, and uncomfortable, and his style of living was of the most -economical character. He was a bachelor, and the only other members of -his family were his sister, Sally Wolverton, who resembled her brother -in person and character, and a nephew, Sam, the son of a brother, who -came in for a liberal share of ill-treatment from the uncle, on whom he -was dependent. - -Richard Burton reined up in front of Wolverton's office, and, leaping -from his carriage, unceremoniously opened the outer door. - -"Good morning, Wolverton," he said, cheerily. - -Aaron Wolverton, a meagre and wrinkled man of fifty-five, looked up -from his desk, and scanned his visitor's face attentively. He was not -sure but Richard Burton, who was a high-spirited man, had come to take -him to task for his attack upon Bob a short time before. Whenever he -thought of it, he fairly trembled with rage and humiliation, for the boy -had conquered him, and he knew it. - -Burton's words reassured him. - -"I have come to pay interest on the mortgage, Wolverton. I suppose you -haven't forgotten that?" - -"No." - -"Catch you forgetting a thing of that kind. That wouldn't be like you." - -"I suppose you don't want to lift the mortgage?" - -"No; it is all I can do to pay the interest. The first six months have -passed remarkably quick." - -"Not to me." - -"No, for you are to receive money, I to pay it. It makes all the -difference in the world. I suppose you are not in need of the money?" - -"No, not at present," answered Wolverton, slowly; "but if I had it I -could get higher interest." - -"Higher interest! Isn't ten per cent. enough for you?" - -"Nothing is enough, as long as I can get more." - -"Come, Wolverton, don't be such a money-grabber. You must be rolling in -money." - -The old man shrugged his shoulders in deprecation. - -"Times are dull, and--I lose money sometimes," he said. - -"Not much, if you know it," said Burton, jocosely. "Well, just write a -receipt for six months' interest, one hundred and fifty dollars." - -Aaron Wolverton took the proffered bills, eyeing them with eager -cupidity, and put them in his desk. Then he made out a receipt, and -handed it to his visitor. - -"You will be paying the mortgage next year?" he said inquiringly. - -"I don't know, Wolverton. If the crops are good, I may pay a part. But I -am afraid I am not a very good manager. I can't save money like you, -and that brings me round to the question: For whom are you piling up all -this wealth? Is it for Sam?" - -"Sam is a young loafer," said Wolverton, with a frown. "I give him a -home and his living, and he is almost too lazy to breathe." - -"You were not that way at his age?" - -"No. I worked early and late. I was a poor boy. All that I have, I made -by hard work." - -"Take my advice, Wolverton, and get the worth of it while you live. But -perhaps you are saving with a view to matrimony. Ha, ha!" - -And Richard burst into a ringing laugh. - -Wolverton puckered up his face, and snarled: - -"Why shouldn't I marry if I choose? What is there to laugh at?" - -"No reason at all. I advise you to marry. You ought to, for I have found -happiness in marrying one of the sweetest women in the world." - -Then without any apparent reason, remembering that the man before him -had aspired to the hand of his wife, he burst into another laugh, which -he kept up till the tears ran from his eyes. He didn't notice the evil -expression which it called up in the face of the moneylender. - -"I'd like to kill him where he stands," thought Aaron Wolverton. "She -must have told him about me. Curse him! he stole her from me, and now he -dares to laugh in my face!" - -But Wolverton was not a man to indulge even his evil temper when it was -impolitic to do so. He forced himself to look indifferent, and merely -said: - -"Let them laugh that win, Mr. Burton. Perhaps my time may come some -day." - -"Perhaps it may, Wolverton. I heartily hope that you may find some one -to make your life happy. I am happy myself, and I like to see others -happy." - -There was a little more conversation, and then Richard Burton went out. - -"Good-bye, Wolverton. Come to my ranch some time. I'll give you a seat -at supper, and we will smoke a cigar afterwards." - -The colt--for it was scarcely more than that--was getting restless. It -was pawing the ground and evidently anxious to get away. - -"Your horse has a bad temper, Mr. Burton," said Wolverton. - -"Yes, he needs taming. He's not well trained yet." - -"There's something more than that," Wolverton said to himself, -thoughtfully. "Horses are like men--they often have nasty tempers. I -wouldn't ride behind that brute for--for the money Burton has just paid -me. Some day he'll get upset, or thrown. And if he does," he continued, -after a pause, "why should I lament? He has taken from me the only woman -I ever loved. She might have made a different man of me--perhaps." - -Just then a boy came up the street. He stopped and eyed Aaron Wolverton -with a little misgiving. - -"Sam," said Wolverton, sharply, "what kept you so long? Do you want the -strap again?" - -"Indeed, uncle, I hurried as fast as I could. Mr. Jenks kept me -waiting." - -"That is probably a lie," growled Wolverton. "However, since you are -here, go into your dinner. It is cold by this time, most likely." - -It was cold and uninviting, but Sam could not afford to be dainty, and -ate what was set before him by his aunt. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -A LITTLE RETROSPECT. - - -Richard Burton, three years previous to the opening of this story, was a -dry-goods merchant in St. Louis. Becoming tired of the dull routine of -his daily life, and with a wistful remembrance of the country, where he -had passed his boyhood, he sold out his business for a few thousand -dollars, and with the sum realized bought a large ranch located on a -small river or creek running into the Missouri. - -In taking this course he was influenced in no small degree by a city -acquaintance, Aaron Wolverton, who six months before had located himself -in the same township, and who, indeed, had made the purchase of the -ranch on his behalf. Wolverton made a large commission on the -transaction--larger than Richard Burton was aware; but it must be -admitted he had bought him an excellent property. Burton was entirely -unacquainted with the fact that Wolverton had at an earlier period been -an unsuccessful suitor for his wife's hand, nor did he know it till the -morning on which our story opens. - -It is always rather a hazardous experiment when a man, engaged till -middle life in other business, becomes a tiller of the soil without -special training for his new occupation. Few persons make farming -profitable, however well qualified, and the St. Louis merchant was -hardly likely to do more than make a living. In fact, he did not make -both ends meet, but fell behind every year till he felt compelled to -borrow three thousand dollars on mortgage of Aaron Wolverton. His wife -expressed uneasiness, but he laughed away her remonstrances, and assured -her he should be able to pay it back in a couple of years, if fortune -favored him with good crops. - -"You know, Mary," he said cheerfully, "there are a good many extra -expenses just at first, but it will be different in future. Wolverton -assures me that the ranch is a fine one, and that I can pay him back -sooner than he desires, for he is glad to lend on such excellent -security." - -Mrs. Burton was silent, but she was not convinced. - -Robert Burton, popularly called Bob, was the only son of the -ex-merchant. He thoroughly enjoyed the removal to the country, having a -taste for manly sports. He usually spent a part of the day in study, -reciting to a clergyman in the village, and the rest of his time he -employed in hunting, fishing, and farm work. Clip, the young refugee, -was his chosen companion, and was sincerely attached to Massa Bob, as he -generally called him. The negro lad was full of fun and innocent -mischief, but had no malice about him. Bob tried to teach him to read, -but Clip was no scholar. He complained that study made his head ache. - -"But you ought to know something, Clip," expostulated Bob. "You don't -want to grow up an ignoramus." - -"What's dat?" asked Clip, bewildered. "Never heard such a long word. Is -it anything very bad?" - -"It means a know-nothing, Clip." - -"I guess you're right, Massa Bob. Dat's what I am." - -"But don't it trouble you, Clip?" - -"No, Massa Bob; I guess I was never cut out for a scholar." - -Still Bob persevered in his effort to teach Clip. - -One day, after an unsuccessful attempt to get him to understand the -difference between capital B and R, he said: "Clip, I don't believe you -have got any sense." - -"Spec's I haven't, Massa Bob," answered Clip, philosophically. "How many -have you got?" - -Bob laughed. - -"I don't know exactly," he replied; "but I hope I have as many as the -average." - -"I reckon you've got a lot. You learn awful easy." - -"I am afraid I shall have to learn for both of us, Clip." - -"Dat's so!" said Clip, in a tone of satisfaction. "Dat'll do just as -well." - -So Bob was finally obliged to give up teaching Clip in despair. He was -led to accept the conclusion of his young _protégé_ that he was never -meant for a scholar. - -In one respect Bob and Clip shared the prejudices of Mrs. Burton. -Neither liked Aaron Wolverton. They felt friendly, however, to Sam -Wolverton, the nephew; and more than once Sam, with his appetite -unsatisfied at home, came over to Burton's ranch and enjoyed a hearty -lunch, thanks to the good offices of Bob Burton. - -One day he came over crying, and showed the marks of a severe whipping -he had received from his uncle. - -"What did you do, Sam?" asked Bob. - -Sam mentioned the offense, which was a trifling one, and unintentional -besides. - -"Your uncle is a brute!" said Bob indignantly. - -"Dat's so, Sam," echoed Clip. - -"It would do me good to lay the whip over his shoulders." - -Sam trembled, and shook his head. He was a timid boy, and such an act -seemed to him to border on the foolhardy. - -"How old are you, Sam?" - -"Fourteen." - -"In seven years you will be a man, and he can't tyrannize over you any -longer." - -"I don't believe I shall live so long," said Sam, despondently. - -"Yes, you will. Even in four years, when you are eighteen, your uncle -won't dare to beat you." - -"Why don't you run away, like I did?" asked Clip, with a bright idea. - -But Sam was not of the heroic type. He shrank from throwing himself on -the world. - -"I should starve," he said. "Would you run away, Clip, if you were in my -place?" - -"Wouldn't I just!" - -"And you, Bob?" - -"He wouldn't strike me but once," said Bob, proudly. - -"It's all well enough for you, but I think I'm a coward. When my uncle -comes at me my heart sinks into my boots, and I want to run away." - -"You'll never make a hero, Sam." - -"No, I won't. I'm an awful coward, and I know it." - -"How is your aunt? Is she any better than your uncle?" - -"She's about the same. She don't whip me, but she's got an awful rough -tongue. She will scold till she's out of breath." - -"How long have you lived with your uncle?" - -"About four years. When my father died, he told me to go to Uncle -Aaron." - -"Didn't he leave any property?" - -"Uncle Aaron says he didn't leave a cent, and I suppose it's so; but -father told me in his last sickness there'd be some property for me." - -"I've no doubt there was, and he cheated you out of it," said Bob -indignantly. "That's just my opinion of your uncle." - -"Even if it is so, I can't do anything. It'll do no good. But I'd like -to know how it is, for Uncle Aaron is all the time twitting me with -living on him." - -"As if you don't do enough to earn your own living. Why, you work harder -than Clip, here, though that isn't saying much," added Bob, with a -smile. - -Clip showed his white teeth, and seemed to enjoy the joke. - -"Spec's I was born lazy," he said, promptly. "Dat ain't my fault, ef I -was born so." - -"That wouldn't be any excuse with Uncle Aaron," remarked Sam. "He thinks -I'm lazy, and says he means to lick the laziness out of me." - -"I think we had better hire out Clip to him. He needs a little -discipline like that sort." - -"Oh golly, massa Bob! I couldn't stand it nohow," said Clip, with a -comical expression of alarm. "Massa Wolverton's the meanest white man I -ever seed. Wish an earthquake would come and swallow him up." - -"Your father was round to see my uncle this morning," said Sam. - -"Yes, I know; he went to pay him some interest money." - -"Your father is a nice gentleman. I wish I was his nephew," said poor -Sam, enviously. - -"Yes, Sam; he's always kind. He's a father to be proud of." - -"By the way, Sam, I've got some good news for you." - -"What is it, Bob?" - -"Your uncle carried home a pair of prairie chickens this morning. You'll -have one good dinner, at least." - -"Where did he get them?" - -"I shot them." - -"And you gave them to him?" asked Sam, surprised. - -"Well, yes, after a little squabble," and Bob related the adventure of -the morning. - -"How brave you are, Bob!" said Sam admiringly. "You actually had a -quarrel with Uncle Aaron?" - -"Yes," answered Bob, with a smile. "When I got through, your uncle was -lying on his back resting. I threw down two of the chickens, as much for -your sake as any other reason. I hope you'll get your share." - -"I saw the chickens in the kitchen before I came away, and wondered -where they came from. I knew Uncle Aaron wouldn't buy them." - -"Has your uncle got a gun?" - -"No; I think he's afraid of a gun." - -"And you are afraid of him?" - -"I can't help it, Bob. He flogs me sometimes with a horsewhip." - -"I'd like to see him try it on me," said Bob, with emphasis. "But as I -said before, you'll be a man some time, Sam, and then he won't dare -touch you." - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE SUDDEN SUMMONS. - - -When Richard Burton left the office of Aaron Wolverton, he did not -return home immediately. He had a business call to make in the next -township, and drove over there. Finding that he was likely to be -detained, he went to the hotel to dine, and, the day being warm, sat on -the piazza and smoked a cigar afterwards. It was not until four o'clock -that he turned his horse's head in the direction of Carver. - -The horse he drove was young and untrained. It would have been dangerous -for an unskillful driver to undertake to manage him. Robert Burton, -however, thoroughly understood horses, and was not afraid of any, -however fractious. But he had been persuaded to drink a couple of -glasses of whisky by acquaintances at the hotel, and he was easily -affected by drink of any kind. So his hand was not as strong or steady -as usual when he started on his homeward journey. - -The horse seemed instinctively to know that there was something the -matter with his driver, and, as he turned back his head knowingly, he -prepared to take advantage of it. So he made himself more troublesome -than usual, and Burton became at first annoyed and then angry. - -"What ails you, you vicious brute?" he exclaimed, frowning. "You need a -lesson, it seems." - -He gave a violent twitch to the reins, more violent than he intended, -and the animal swerved aside suddenly, bringing one wheel of the wagon -into forcible collision with a tree by the roadside. This, coming -unexpectedly, threw Richard Burton violently from his seat, and he was -pitched out of the carriage, his head being thrown with force against -the tree which had been the occasion of the shock. - -There was a dull, sickening thud, and the poor man lay insensible, his -eyes closed and his breast heaving. - -The horse detached himself from the wagon and ran home--they were -within half a mile of the village now--leaving his driver without sense -or motion beside the wrecked wagon. - -He had lain there not over twenty minutes, when a pedestrian appeared -upon the scene. - -It was Aaron Wolverton, who was on his way to the house of a tenant to -collect rent. He had been walking with his eyes fixed upon the ground, -thinking intently, when all at once, raising his eyes, he started in -amazement at the sight of the wrecked carriage and the prostrate man. - -"Who can it be?" he asked himself in excitement. - -His eyes were failing, and he could not distinguish, till close at hand, -the person of the stricken man. - -"Robert Burton!" he exclaimed in excitement, when at last he had -discovered who it was. "How on earth did this accident happen?" - -He bent over the prostrate man and placed his hand upon his heart. Alas! -it had already ceased to beat. The features wore a startled and -troubled look, the reflection of the feelings excited by the collision. - -"Well, well!" ejaculated Wolverton, awed in spite of himself by the -sight, "who would have dreamed of this? and only this morning he called -on me to pay his interest." - -There was a sudden suggestion, begotten of his greed, that entered that -instant into Wolverton's mind. - -"He can't have gone home since," he bethought himself. "He must have the -receipt with him." - -Even if he had, what did it concern Wolverton? The money had been paid, -but there was no evidence of it except the receipt which he had given -him. - -With trembling fingers, Wolverton, bending over, searched the clothes of -the dead man, half turning his eyes away, as if he feared to meet Robert -Burton's look. - -At last he found it. Burton had thrust it carelessly into his vest -pocket. - -With a furtive look, to see if he were observed, Aaron Wolverton put the -receipt into his own pocket. Then he rose to his feet, and turned to go -away. He had no desire to remain any longer by the side of the dead. - -Meanwhile the horse had dashed into the village at wild speed. Now it -happened that Clip, sent on an errand to the store by Mrs. Burton, was -in the village. His eyes opened wide when he saw the horse dash by him. - -"What's dat mean?" Clip asked himself, staring with all his eyes at the -runaway horse. "What's come of Massa Burton? Must have been an accident. -Wagon must have upset, and--golly! I hope Massa Burton isn't killed nor -noting." - -Clip was all alive with excitement. He had the sense not to attempt to -follow the horse, but ran as fast as he could in the direction from -which the horse had come. There, he argued, must be the wagon and its -rider. - -It was a straight road, and he was not long in reaching the scene of the -casualty. He came in sight of it at the moment when Aaron Wolverton was -bending over the prostrate man, and searching his pockets. - -Here was another surprise for Clip. "What is Massa Wolverton doing," he -asked himself. He was sure he was not up to any good, for, as we have -already seen, he had no love for the real estate agent, and thought him -a very bad man. Clip had no small share of curiosity, and, intent on -finding out what Wolverton was doing, he slid behind a tree about a foot -in diameter, which happened to be conveniently situated. Grief struggled -with curiosity, for Clip had already seen the wrecked team and the -prostrate figure of the kind master, to whom he felt warmly attached. - -"Poor Massa Burton! I hope he isn't dead," thought Clip. "Jes' as soon -as old Wolverton goes away I'll go up and look. Won't Mrs. Burton feel -bad?" - -All the while Clip was watching the movements of the real estate agent. - -"What's he searchin' Massa Burton's pockets for?" he asked himself. -"Spec's he's going to rob him. Didn't think the old man was so mean -before. I'd jes' like to jump out and scare him." - -Meanwhile Wolverton finished his discreditable business, happily -unconscious that any one was witness of his mean act. Then, as already -stated, he got up and walked swiftly away, not venturing to look back. -Had he done so he would have seen Clip stealing from behind the tree -which had served to screen him from observation, and running towards the -wreck. - -Clip had never before seen death, but there was something in the mute -look of Richard Burton that awed the soul of the colored boy. - -Clip had an affectionate heart. He felt that Richard Burton must be -dead, and the thought overpowered him. - -"Poor Massa Burton!" he cried, bursting into tears. "He's done dead, -sure 'nough. Oh, what will we do?" - -A minute later Clip bounded off like a deer, to carry the sad news to -the village. - -He met the village doctor driving along in his top buggy, and he quickly -called out to him: "Go quick, Massa Doctor, for de love of God. Poor -Massa Burton's upset himself, and I 'spec's he's dead." - -"Whereabouts, Clip?" demanded the doctor, startled. - -"Up the road a piece." - -"Jump in with me and show me." - -So Clip, seated beside the doctor, guided him to the fatal spot. - -The doctor lost no time in jumping out of his buggy and approaching the -fallen man. He didn't need to feel his pulse, or place his hand over his -heart. To his practiced eye there were other indications that disclosed -the terrible truth. - -"Is he dead?" asked Clip, in an awed voice. - -"Yes, Clip; your poor master is dead," answered the doctor, sadly. - -He had known Richard Burton well, and, like all the rest of his -neighbors, had a warm esteem for him. - -"How did this happen, Clip?" he asked. - -"I don't know, Massa Doctor; 'deed I don't," answered Clip. "I was -walkin' along, when I saw the colt runnin' like mad, wid his harness on, -and I 'spected something had happened. So I came up, and dat's what I -saw." - -"We can't do anything, Clip, except to see that he is carried home. I -dread to break the news to his poor wife." - -Meanwhile Aaron Wolverton had locked himself in his office. He drew the -receipt from his pocket, read it through carefully, and chuckled: - -"I'll get the money out of the widder. She can't prove that the interest -has been paid! But I don't care so much for that as I do to get even -with that impudent rascal Bob. He'll rue this day, as sure as my name is -Aaron Wolverton." - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -WOLVERTON'S FIRST MOVE. - - -Why did not Aaron Wolverton burn the receipt, and get rid once for all -of the only proof that the interest had been paid? It would have been -the most politic thing to do, inasmuch as he had made up his mind to be -dishonest. But, though unprincipled, he was not a bold man. The thought -did certainly occur to him, and he even went so far as to light a match. -But more timid counsel prevailed, and he concealed it in his desk, -carefully locking the desk afterwards. - -It is unnecessary to describe the grief of the little family at Burton's -Ranch when the body of the master was brought home. No one had dreamed -of speedy death for Richard Burton. He seemed so strong and vigorous -that it would have seemed safe to predict for him a long life--long -beyond the average; yet here, in middle life, in the fullness of health -and vigor, the summons had come. - -To Mrs. Burton, who was a most devoted wife, it was a crushing blow. It -seemed at first as if it would be happiness to lie down beside her dead -husband, and leave the world for him. - -"What have I to live for now?" she asked, mournfully. - -"You have me, mother," answered Bob, gently. "I have lost my father. -What would become of me if I should lose my mother also?" - -"You are right, Robert," said Mrs. Burton. "I was wrong to give way; but -it is a very hard trial." - -"Indeed it is, mother," said Robert, kissing her affectionately. "But we -must try to bear up." - -Mrs. Burton felt that this was her plain duty, and henceforth strove to -control her emotions. She ceased to sob, but her face showed the grief -she suffered. - -The funeral took place, and the little family held a council to decide -what was to be done. - -"Can we carry on the ranch now that your father is gone?" asked Mrs. -Burton, anxiously. "Would it not be better to sell it?" - -"No, mother; the sacrifice would be too great." - -"But I do not feel capable of managing it, Robert." - -"You may think me presumptuous, mother, but my proposal is to assist -you, relieving you of the greater part of the care. Between us we can -carry it on, I am confident." - -"You are only a boy of sixteen, Robert," objected his mother. - -"That is true; but I have watched carefully the manner in which the -ranch has been carried on. Of course you must help, and you will try to -get a man with whom I can advise. I am sure we can make a good deal more -out of the farm than we could realize from investing the money it would -bring." - -"And are you willing to undertake this, Robert? It will be a hard task." - -"I'll help him, missis," said Clip, eagerly. - -"I shall have Clip to advise me, mother," said Robert. - -"No doubt Clip is willing," said Mrs. Burton, smiling faintly; "but -after all, it will be only two boys." - -"Try us a single year, mother," said Bob, confidently. - -Mrs. Burton gave her consent, and Bob at once took his father's place, -rising early and going to the field to superintend the farming -operations. He seemed to have developed at once into a mature man, -though in appearance he was still the same. Clip was his loyal -assistant, though, being a harum-scarum boy, fond of fun and mischief, -he was of very little service as adviser. - -He had mentioned to Bob seeing Aaron Wolverton bending over the body of -his father, and exploring his pockets. This puzzled Bob, but he was not -prepared to suspect him of anything else than curiosity, until his -mother received a call from the real estate agent a month after her -husband's decease. - -Aaron Wolverton had been anxious to call before, but something withheld -him. It might have been the consciousness of the dishonorable course he -had taken. Be that as it may, he finally screwed up his courage to the -sticking-point, and walked out to Burton's Ranch early one afternoon. - -Mrs. Burton was at home, as usual, for she seldom went out now. She had -no intimate friends in the neighborhood. All that she cared for was -under her own roof. - -She looked up in some surprise when Mr. Wolverton was ushered into the -sitting-room. - -"I hope I see you well, Mrs. Burton," said the real estate agent, -slipping to a seat, and placing his high hat on his knees. - -"I am well in health, Mr. Wolverton," answered the widow, gravely. - -"Yes, yes, of course; I understand," he hastily answered. "Terribly -sudden, Mr. Barton's death was, to be sure, but dust we are, and to dust -we must return, as the Scripture says." - -Mrs. Burton did not think it necessary to make any reply. - -"I came over to offer my--my condolences," continued Mr. Wolverton. - -"Thank you." - -"And I thought perhaps you might stand in need of some advice from a -practical man." - -"Any advice will be considered, Mr. Wolverton." - -"I've been thinkin' the thing over, and I've about made up my mind that -the best thing you can do is to sell the ranch," and the real estate -agent squinted at Mrs. Burton from under his red eyebrows. - -"That was my first thought; but I consulted with Robert, and he was -anxious to have me carry on the ranch with his help." - -Aaron Wolverton shook his head. - -"A foolish plan!" he remarked. "Excuse me for saying so. Of course you, -being a woman, are not competent to carry it on--" - -"I have my son Robert to help me," said the widow. - -Aaron Wolverton sniffed contemptuously. - -"A mere boy!" he ejaculated. - -"No; not a mere boy. His father's death and his affection for me have -made a man of him at sixteen. He rises early every morning, goes to the -fields, and superintends the farming operations. Peter, my head man, -says that he is a remarkably smart boy, and understands the business -about as well as a man." - -"Still I predict that he'll bring you deeper in debt every year." - -"I don't think so; but, at any rate, I have promised to try the -experiment for one year. I can then tell better whether it will be wise -to keep on or sell." - -"Now, Mrs. Burton, I have a better plan to suggest." - -"What is it, Mr. Wolverton?" - -"In fact, I have two plans. One is that you should sell me the ranch. -You know I hold a mortgage on it for three thousand dollars?" - -"I know it, Mr. Wolverton!" answered the widow, gravely. - -"I'll give you three thousand dollars over and above, and then you will -be rid of all care." - -"Will you explain to me how Robert and I are going to live on the -interest of three thousand dollars, Mr. Wolverton?" - -"You'll get something, and if the boy runs the ranch you'll get nothing. -He can earn his living, and I don't think you will suffer, even if you -have only three thousand dollars." - -"It is quite out of the question. Mr. Burton considered the ranch worth -ten thousand dollars." - -"A very ridiculous over-valuation--pardon me for saying so." - -"At any rate, I don't propose to sell." - -"There's another little circumstance I ought to mention," added -Wolverton, nervously. "There is half a year's interest due on the -mortgage. It was due on the very day of your husband's death." - -Mrs. Burton looked up in amazement. - -"What do you mean, Mr. Wolverton?" she said. "My husband started for -your office on the fatal morning of his death, carrying the money--one -hundred and fifty dollars--to meet the interest. Do you mean to tell me -that he did not pay it?" - -"That is strange, very strange," stammered Aaron Wolverton, wiping his -forehead with a bandana handkerchief. "What became of the money?" - -"Do you mean to say that it was not paid to you?" asked the widow, -sharply. - -"No, it was not," answered Wolverton, with audacious falsehood. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -THE LOST RECEIPT. - - -"I can't understand this," said Mrs. Burton, beginning to be troubled. -"My poor husband had made all arrangements for paying his interest on -the day of his death. When he left the house, he spoke of it. Do you -mean to say he did not call at your office?" - -If Aaron Wolverton had dared, he would have denied this, but Mr. Burton -had been seen to enter the office, and so that he would not do him any -good. - -"He did call upon me, Mrs. Burton." - -"And said nothing about the interest?" - -"He said this, that he would pay me the coming week." - -"He said that, when he had the money in his pocket?" said Mrs. Burton, -incredulously. - -"Of course I didn't know that he had the money with him. He probably -thought of another way in which he wanted to use a part or all of it." - -"I don't believe it. He never mentioned any other use for it, and he was -not owing any one except you. Mr. Wolverton, I don't like to say it, but -I think he paid you the interest." - -"Do you doubt my word?" demanded Wolverton, with assumed indignation. - -"Suppose I say that you have forgotten it." - -"I would not forget anything of that kind. You are very unjust, Mrs. -Burton, but I will attribute that to your disappointment. Let me suggest -one thing, however. If your husband had paid me, he would have been sure -to take a receipt. If you have his wallet here--I happen to know that he -was in the habit of carrying a wallet--and you doubt my word, examine -the wallet and see if you can find the receipt." - -Mrs. Burton thought this a good suggestion, and went up-stairs for the -wallet. She opened it, but, as Wolverton had good reason to know would -be the case, failed to find the important paper. - -"I can't find it," she said, as she re-entered the room. - -"Did I not tell you so?" returned Wolverton, triumphantly. "Doesn't that -settle it? Wasn't your husband a good enough business man to require a -receipt for money paid?" - -"Yes, yes," murmured the widow. "Mr. Wolverton, if you are right it -arouses in my mind a terrible suspicion. Could my husband have been -waylaid, murdered, and robbed?" - -"No, I don't think so. His death was evidently the result of -accident--the upset of his team." - -"What then became of the money--the hundred and fifty dollars which he -carried with him?" - -"There, my dear lady, you ask me a question which I cannot answer. I am -as much in the dark as you are." - -"If this story is true, then we are one hundred and fifty dollars poorer -than we supposed. It will be bad news for Robert." - -"It need not be bad news for you, Mrs. Burton," said Wolverton, in an -insinuating tone, shoving his chair a little nearer that occupied by -the widow. - -Mrs. Burton looked up in surprise. - -"How can it fail to be bad news for me?" she asked. "A loss like that I -cannot help feeling." - -"Do you think I would be hard on _you_, Mrs. Burton?" asked Wolverton, -in the same soft voice. - -"If you are disposed to wait for the money, or relinquish a part under -the circumstances, Robert and I will feel very grateful to you, Mr. -Wolverton." - -"I might, upon conditions," said the agent, furtively shoving his chair -a little nearer. - -"What conditions?" asked Mrs. Burton, suspiciously. - -"I will tell you, if you won't be offended. Mrs. Burton--Mary--you can't -have forgotten the early days in which I declared my love for you. I--I -love you still. If you will only promise to marry me--after a while--all -shall be easy with you. I am a rich man--richer than people think, and -can surround you with luxuries. I will be a father to that boy of -yours, and try to like him for your sake. Only tell me that you will be -mine!" - -Mrs. Burton had been so filled with indignation that she let him run on, -quite unable to command her voice sufficiently to stem the torrent of -his words. As he concluded, she rose to her feet, her eyes flashing, and -her voice tremulous with anger, and said: "Mr. Wolverton, are you aware -that my poor husband has been dead but a month?" - -"I am perfectly aware of it, Mary." - -"Don't address me so familiarly, sir." - -"Mrs. Burton, then, I am perfectly acquainted with that fact, and would -not have spoken now, but I saw you were anxious about the future, and I -wished to reassure you. Of course I wouldn't hurry you; I only meant to -get some kind of an answer that I might depend upon." - -"And you thought that, after loving such a man as Richard Burton, I -would be satisfied to take such a man as you?" said the widow, with -stinging sarcasm. - -"Richard Burton was not an angel," said Wolverton, harshly, for his -pride was touched by the contempt which she made no effort to conceal. - -"Don't dare to say anything against him!" said the widow, her eyes -flashing ominously. - -"Well, then, he was an angel," said Wolverton, sulkily; "but he's dead, -and you will need to look to another protector." - -"My son will protect me," said Mrs. Burton, proudly. - -"That boy?" said Wolverton, contemptuously. "But I make allowance for a -mother's feelings. Once more, Mary, I make you the offer. Remember that -I am a rich man, and can surround you with luxuries." - -"I would rather live in a log house on a crust, than to marry you, Mr. -Wolverton," she said, impetuously. "If you were the only man in the -world, I would go unmarried to my grave rather than wed you!" - -Wolverton rose, white with wrath. - -"You are tolerably explicit, madam," he said. "I can't charge you with -beating round the bush. But let me tell you, ma'am, that you have done -the unwisest act of your life in making me your enemy." - -"I did not mean to make you an enemy," said Mrs. Burton, softening. "I -suppose I ought to acknowledge the compliment you have paid me, but I -must decline, once for all, and request you never again to mention the -subject." - -Aaron Wolverton was not so easily appeased. - -"I do not care to stay any longer," he said. "You had better mention to -your son about the interest." - -Mrs. Burton had an opportunity to do this almost immediately, for Bob -and Clip entered the house just as Wolverton was leaving it. - -"What have you done to Mr. Wolverton, mother?" asked Bob. "He looked -savage enough to bite my head off, and wouldn't even speak to me." - -"Robert, I have some bad news to tell you. Mr. Wolverton tells me that -your father didn't pay him the interest on the day of his death." - -"I believe he tells a falsehood," said Bob, quickly. - -"But he says, with some show of reason, if the interest was paid, why -didn't your father take a receipt?" - -"Can no receipt be found?" - -"No; I searched your father's wallet in vain." - -"What is a receipt, missis?" asked Clip. - -"It's a piece of paper with writing on it, Clip," said the widow, -adjusting her explanations to Clip's intelligence. - -"Golly! I saw de old man take a piece of paper from Massa Burton's -pocket after he was dead--when he was a-lyin' on the ground." - -"Say that again, Clip," said Bob, eagerly. - -Clip repeated it, and answered several questions put to him by Mrs. -Burton and Bob. - -"It's all clear, mother," said Bob. "That old rascal has got up a scheme -to rob you. He thinks there isn't any proof of the payment. If he -suspected that Clip had been a witness of his robbery he would have been -more careful." - -"What shall I do, Bob?" - -"Wait a while. Let him show his hand, and then confront him with Clip's -testimony. I wonder if he destroyed the receipt?" - -"Probably he did so." - -"If he didn't, I may get it through Sam. Don't be worried, mother. -It'll all come out right." - -One thing the widow did not venture to tell Bob--about Mr. Wolverton's -matrimonial offer. It would have made him so angry that she feared he -would act imprudently. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -WOLVERTON'S ADVENTURE WITH CLIP. - - -Bob and his mother deliberated as to whether they should charge Mr. -Wolverton openly with the theft of the receipt. On the whole, they -decided to wait a while, and be guided by circumstances. If he took any -measures to collect the money a second time, there would be sufficient -reason to take the aggressive. - -Bob had another reason for delay. He intended to acquaint Sam Wolverton -with the matter, and request him to keep on the lookout for the receipt. -Should he find it, he knew that Sam would gladly restore it to the -rightful owner. He cautioned Clip not to say anything about what he saw -on the day of his father's death, as it would put Wolverton on his -guard, and lead him to destroy the receipt if still in his possession. - -I must now relate a little incident in which Clip and Aaron Wolverton -were the actors. - -The creek on which Burton's Ranch was located was a quarter of a mile -distant from the house. It was about a quarter of a mile wide. Over on -the other side of the creek was the town of Martin, which was quite as -large as Carver. In some respects it was a more enterprising place than -Carver, and the stores were better stocked. For this reason there was -considerable travel across the creek; but as there was no bridge, the -passage must be made by boat. - -Bob owned a good boat, which he and Clip used considerably. Both were -good rowers, and during Mr. Burton's life they spent considerable time -in rowing for pleasure. Now Bob's time was so occupied that the boat was -employed only when there was an errand in the opposite village. - -"Clip," said Bob, one morning, "I want you to go down to Martin." - -"Yes, Massa Bob," said Clip, with alacrity, for he much preferred such a -jaunt to working in the fields. - -The errand was to obtain a hammer and a supply of nails at the variety -store in Martin. Clip was rather given to blunder, but still there was -no reason why he should not execute the errand satisfactorily. - -Clip went down to the creek, and unfastened the boat. He jumped in, and -began to paddle away, when he heard a voice calling him. - -"Here, you Clip!" - -Looking round, Clip recognized in the man hailing him Aaron Wolverton. - -Mr. Wolverton did not own any boat himself, and when he had occasion to -go across the river he generally managed to secure a free passage with -some one who was going over. If absolutely necessary, he would pay a -nickel; but he begrudged even this small sum, so mean was he. - -Clip stopped paddling, and answered the call. - -"Hi, Massa Wolverton; what's the matter?" - -"Come back here." - -"What fo'?" - -"I want you to take me over to Martin." - -Now Clip was naturally obliging, but he disliked Wolverton as much as -one of his easy good nature could do. So he felt disposed to tantalize -him. - -"Can't do it, Massa Wolverton. I'm in a terrible hurry." - -"It won't take you a minute to come back." - -"Massa Bob will scold." - -"You needn't mind that, boy. Come back, I say!" - -"I dassn't." - -"Don't be a fool, you little nigger. I'll pay you." - -"What'll you give?" asked Clip, cautiously. - -"I'll give you--a cent." - -"Couldn't do it, nohow. What good's a cent to me?" - -"A cent's a good deal of money. You can buy a stick of candy." - -"'Tain't enough, Massa Wolverton. I ain't goin' to resk gettin' licked -for a cent." - -Cunning Clip knew that there was no danger of this, but he thought it -would serve as an argument. - -"I'll give you two cents," said Wolverton, impatiently. - -"Couldn't do it," said Clip. "Ef it was five, now, I might 'sider it." - -Finally Wolverton was obliged to accede to Clip's terms, and the colored -boy pushed the boat to shore, and took in his passenger. - -"Can you row good, Clip?" asked Wolverton, nervously, for he was very -much afraid of the water, and he had never had Clip for a boatman -before. - -"You jes' bet I can, Massa Wolverton. I can row mos' as good as Massa -Bob." - -"Well, show it then; I am in a hurry to get over the creek." - -Clip rowed to the middle of the creek, and then stopped paddling. - -"I reckon you'd better pay me the money now, Massa Wolverton," he said. - -"Why, you young rascal, are you afraid to trust me?" - -"I dunno 'bout dat; but I wants my money." - -"You haven't earned it yet. What are you afraid of?" - -"You might forget to pay me, Massa Wolverton." - -"No, I sha'n't. Push on." - -"I'm goin' to sleep," said Clip, lying back in a lazy attitude. - -"You young rascal! I've a good mind to fetch you a slap on the side of -the head." - -"Better not, Massa Wolverton," drawled Clip. "Might upset the boat." - -"Give me the oars," said Wolverton, impatiently. - -He took them; but he had never rowed in his life, and he almost -immediately turned the boat around. - -"Hi, yah!" laughed Clip, delighted. "Where was you raised, Massa -Wolverton, not to understand rowin' no better dan dat?" - -"Take the oars, you black scoundrel, and row me across, or I'll pitch -you out of the boat!" - -"Ef you do, what'll 'come of you, Massa Wolverton?" said Clip, not at -all alarmed. - -This was indeed an important consideration for a man so timid on the -water as the real estate agent. - -"You put me out of all patience," said Wolverton, furiously. "Are you -going to row or are you not?" - -"I want my money," said Clip. - -Wolverton was compelled to hand over a nickel, but registered a vow that -if ever he caught Clip on land, he would make him pay for his impudence. - -Clip took the oars, and made very good progress till he was about fifty -feet from the other side of the creek. Then he began to make the boat -rock, stopping his rowing. - -"What are you about?" shouted Wolverton, turning pale. - -"It's good fun, ain't it, Massa Wolverton?" said Clip; laughing -insolently. - -"Stop, you little rascal! You'll upset the boat." - -"Golly! ain't dis fun?" said Clip, continuing his rocking. - -"I'll choke you, if you don't stop," screamed Wolverton. - -He rose to catch hold of Clip. The boy jumped up, and ducked his head. -The result of the combined motion was that the boat, which was -flat-bottomed, capsized, and the two were thrown into the water. - -There was no danger, for the water at this point was only four feet -deep; and Clip could swim, while Aaron Wolverton was too tall to be -drowned in that depth of water. - -Wolverton was almost scared out of his wits. He cut such a ludicrous -figure as he floundered in the water, that Clip screamed with delight. -The black boy swam to the boat, and, managing to right her, got in -again; but Wolverton waded to the shore, almost beside himself with -rage. - -"Is you wet, Massa Wolverton?" asked Clip, innocently, showing his white -teeth. - -"Come ashore, and I'll lick you!" shouted Wolverton, who had by this -time landed, his clothes dripping wet. - -"I reckon I'm too busy," answered Clip, with a grin. "I'm sorry you's -wet, Massa Wolverton. Hi yah!" - -"I'll wring your neck, you young tike!" said Wolverton, savagely. - -"Dat old man's a hog," mused Clip. "Ain't much like my poor old -gran'ther. _He_ was always kin' an' good. I mind him sittin' in front -of de ole cabin door down in Arkansaw. I 'spec' de old chap's done dead -afore this," concluded Clip, with a sigh. - -Clip kept at a safe distance from shore, and the agent was compelled to -defer his vengeance, and go to the house of an acquaintance to borrow -some dry clothes. - -When he returned, it is needless to say that it was not in Clip's boat. - -He opened his desk, to enter a business transaction in his account-book, -when he made a startling discovery. - -_The receipt had disappeared!_ - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -WOLVERTON'S DISMAY. - - -Wolverton uttered a cry of dismay when he found that the receipt had -disappeared. With trembling fingers he turned over a pile of papers in -the hope of finding the important paper. - -"Where on earth can it be?" he asked himself, with a troubled face. - -He set himself to consider when he had seen it last and where he had -placed it. - -"It must be in the desk somewhere," he decided, and resumed his search. -Those of my readers who have mislaid any article can picture to -themselves his increasing perplexity as the missing paper failed to turn -up. - -He was finally obliged to conclude that it was not in the desk. But, if -so, where could it be? If not found, or if found by any one else, his -situation would be an embarrassing one. He had assured Mrs. Burton that -the interest money had not been paid. Now suppose the receipt were -found, what would be the inference? He could not help acknowledging that -it would look bad for him. Until he learned something of its whereabouts -he would not dare to press Mrs. Burton for a second payment of the -interest money. - -"It is as bad as losing a hundred and fifty dollars," he groaned. "It is -a pile of money to lose." - -Aaron Wolverton did not appear to consider that it was losing what was -not his property, and was only preventing him from pushing a fraudulent -claim. He actually felt wronged by this inopportune loss. He felt -somehow that he was the victim of misfortune. - -But what could have become of the receipt? That was what troubled him. -Was there anybody who was responsible for its disappearance? Naturally -it would be important for Mrs. Burton to get hold of it; but then, they -did not know of its existence. They had no evidence that the receipt had -even been delivered to Richard Burton. Still it was possible that Bob -Burton had visited the house, and searched the desk. He would inquire of -his sister. - -He opened the door leading to the kitchen, where Miss Sally Wolverton -was engaged in some domestic employment. - -"Sally, has the Burton boy been here this morning?" - -"No; why should he come? He isn't one of your visitors, is he?" - -"Was he here yesterday?" - -"No; what makes you ask?" - -"There was a little business, connected with the farm, which he might -have come about." - -"I am glad he didn't come," said Sally. "He's too high-strung for me." - -"I don't like him myself; but sometimes we have to do business with -those we don't like." - -"That's so. How's the widder left?" - -"She's got the ranch, but I hold a mortgage of three thousand dollars on -it," replied her brother, his features expanding into a wintry smile. A -man who can laugh heartily possesses redeeming traits, even if in some -respects he is bad; but Aaron Wolverton had never been known to indulge -in a hearty laugh. - -"Can she pay?" - -"Not at present." - -"Is the mortgage for a term of years?" - -"No; it can be called in at the end of any year." - -"I never liked that woman," said Miss Sally Wolverton, grimly. - -Sally Wolverton did not like any woman who was younger and prettier than -herself, and there were few who were not prettier. She had never known -of her brother's infatuation for the lady she was criticising, otherwise -she would have been tempted to express herself even more strongly. She -was strongly opposed to his marriage, as this would have removed her -from her place in his household, or, even if she remained, would have -deprived her of her power. Aaron did not care at present to take her -into his confidence. Still he could not forbear coming, in a faint way, -to the defense of the woman he admired. - -"Mrs. Burton is a fine-looking woman," he said. - -"Fine looking!" repeated Sally with a contemptuous sniff. "I don't -admire your taste." - -"She isn't in your style, Sally," said Aaron, with a sly twinkle in his -eye. - -Sally Wolverton was taller than her brother, with harsh features, a -gaunt, angular figure, and an acid expression. - -"I hope not," she answered. "I hope I don't look like an insipid doll." - -"You certainly don't, Sally; you have expression enough, I am sure." - -"Do you think Mrs. Burton pretty?" asked Sally, suspiciously. - -"Oh, so so!" answered Aaron, guardedly; for he did not care to reveal -the secret to his sister at present. She was useful to him as a -housekeeper, and moreover (an important point) she was very economical; -more so than any person whom he could hire. He did indeed pay his -sister, but only a dollar a week, and out of this she saved nearly one -half, having the gift of economy in quite as large a measure as himself. - -This assurance, and her brother's indifferent tone, relieved Sally from -her momentary suspicion. Yet, had she been able to read her brother's -secret thoughts, she would have been a prey to anxiety. He had made up -his mind, if ever he did marry Mrs. Burton, to give Sally her -walking-ticket. - -"I can't afford to support two women," he reflected, "and my wife ought -to be able to do all the work in so small a household." - -"Why are you so anxious to know whether any of the Burtons have been -here?" - -"I thought they might come," answered her brother, evasively. "You -haven't seen anything of that black imp, Clip, have you?" - -"No; has he any business with you?" - -"I have some business with him," snarled Wolverton. "He played a trick -on me this morning." - -"What sort of a trick?" - -"I got him to carry me across the creek in his boat, and he managed to -upset me." - -"Did he do it a-purpose?" - -"Yes; he laughed like a hyena when he saw me floundering in the water." - -"If he comes round here, I'll give him a lesson. I can't abide a nigger -any way. They're as lazy as sin, and they ain't got no more sense than -a monkey. It's my opinion they are a kind of monkey, any way." - -Fortunately for the colored race all are not so prejudiced against them -as Sally Wolverton--otherwise they would be in a bad case. - -"By the way, Sally, have you seen a stray paper about the floor in my -room?" asked Wolverton, with assumed carelessness. - -"What sort of a paper was it?" - -"It was a--a receipt," answered her brother, hesitating. - -"What kind of a receipt--from whom?" asked Sally, who possessed her -share of general curiosity. - -"That isn't to the point. If you have seen such a paper, or picked it -up, I shall feel relieved. I might have to pay the money over again if I -don't find it." - -This was misrepresenting the matter, but Wolverton did not think it -expedient to give his sister a clew to so delicate a secret. - -"No; I have seen no paper," she said shortly, not relishing his evasive -reply. "Have you searched your desk?" - -"Yes." - -"And didn't find it?" - -"No." - -"Suppose I look. Four eyes are better than two." - -"No, thank you, Sally," answered her brother, hastily. "I am particular -about not having my papers disturbed." - -Aaron Wolverton would have gained some valuable information touching the -missing paper if he could have transferred himself at that moment to -Burton's Ranch. - -Bob and Clip were out in the yard when Sam Wolverton made his -appearance, breathless and excited. - -"What's the matter, Sam?" asked Bob, wondering. - -"Let me catch my breath," gasped Sam. "I--I've got some good news." - -"Then you are welcome. Has your uncle got married?" - -"No; nor aunt Sally either," replied Sam. "What do you say to that?" and -he drew from his vest pocket a long strip of paper. - -"What's that?" asked Bob, eagerly. - -"_It's the receipt_", answered Sam. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -SAM'S GIFT. - - -"What!" exclaimed Bob, in great excitement. "Not the receipt for the -money?" - -"That's just what it is," answered Sam, nodding emphatically. - -"Let me see it." - -Sam put the paper in Bob's hand. - -There it was in regular form, a receipt for one hundred and fifty -dollars, being the semi-annual interest on a mortgage on Burton's Ranch, -dated on the day of Richard Burton's death, and signed by Aaron -Wolverton. - -"Hurrah!" shouted Bob, waving it aloft. "Then father did pay it, after -all, and that mean scoundrel--excuse my speaking of your uncle in such -terms, Sam--" - -"I don't mind," said Sam, philosophically. - -"That mean scoundrel wanted us to pay the money a second time. I'm ever -so much obliged to you, Sam. But where on earth did you find it?" - -"I'll tell you, Bob," answered Sam, perching himself on the fence. "This -forenoon Uncle Aaron started out on business--I don't know where he -went." - -"I know," said Clip, giving way to a burst of merriment. - -"How do you know?" - -"I rowed him across de creek. I was out in de boat when old Massa -Wolverton come along and axed me to take him across. I made him pay me a -nickel, and he got into de boat," and Clip began to laugh once more. - -"I don't see anything to laugh at, Clip." - -"You would, massa Bob, ef you'd been dar. We was almost across when de -old boat upset, yah! yah! and old Massa Wolverton--it makes me laugh -like to split--tumbled into de water, and got wet as a drownded rat." - -"Clip, you bad boy, you did it on purpose," said Bob, trying to look -stern. - -"Wish I may die!" asseverated Clip, stoutly, for he was not an imitator -of George Washington. "Didn't de old man look mad, dough? He jest shook -his fist at me, and called me a black imp, 'deed he did." - -"I am afraid he was right, Clip," said Bob, shaking his head. "But you -haven't told me about the receipt, Sam." - -"He sent me into his room to get his hat, when right down on the floor -by his desk, I saw a piece of paper. I remembered what you told me, Bob, -about the receipt, so I picked it up and slipped it into my pocket. I -had to be quick about it, for Uncle Aaron is always in a hurry. Well, I -took out the hat, and I didn't dare to take out the paper and look at it -till he was out of sight." - -"And then--" - -"Well, then I saw it was the paper you wanted." - -"Mr. Wolverton took it from the pocket of my poor father when he lay -dead on the spot where he was thrown out," said Bob, gravely. "It would -be hard to think of a meaner piece of rascality." - -"Well, I'm glad you've got it, Bob. I don't know as I was right in -taking it, but I'll take the risk." - -"If you never do anything worse than that, Sam, you won't have much to -answer for. I wish you'd let me give you something." - -"No, Bob, you are my friend, and it would be a pity if I couldn't do you -a favor without getting paid for it." - -"But this is a great favor. It is worth a hundred and fifty dollars. -Without it we might, and probable would, have to pay the interest money -over again. Now, when your uncle calls for it, we shall only have to -show him the receipt." - -"He'll wonder where it came from." - -"I hope it won't get you into trouble, Sam." - -"He won't suspect me. He'll know I couldn't break into his desk, and he -won't know anything about having dropped it on the floor. I don't see -how he came to be so careless." - -"Depend upon it, Sam, it was the work of Providence. Mother says that -God often overrules the designs of the wicked, and I think this is an -instance. Henceforth, Sam, though you are old Wolverton's nephew, I -shall consider you a friend of our family. Why can't you stay to supper -to-night?" - -"It would never do, Bob, unless I asked permission." - -"Then ask permission." - -"I am afraid it wouldn't be granted." - -"If your uncle is as mean as I think he is, he would be glad for you to -get a meal at the expense of somebody else." - -"He wouldn't like to have me enjoy myself," said Sam. - -"Is he so mean as that?" - -"Whenever he hears me singing, he looks mad, and wants to know why I am -making a fool of myself." - -"He's an uncle to be proud of," said Bob, ironically. - -"I just wish I could live at your house, Bob." - -"Perhaps I can make an exchange, and give Clip to your uncle instead of -you." - -"Oh, Massa Bob, don't you do it!" exclaimed Clip, looking scared. "Old -Massa Wolverton would kill me, I know he would. He hates niggers, I -heard him say so." - -Bob and Sam laughed, being amused by the evident terror of the young -colored boy. - -"I won't do it, Clip, unless you are very bad," said Bob, gravely, -"though I think Sam would be willing to change." - -"Indeed I would," said Sam with a sigh. "There's no such good luck for -me." - -When Bob carried in the receipt and showed it to his mother, her face -lighted up with joy. - -"This is indeed a stroke of good fortune," she said; "or rather it seems -like a direct interposition of Providence--that Providence that cares -for the widow and the fatherless. You must make Sam a present." - -"So I will, mother; but if he understands it is for this he won't take -anything." - -"Sam is evidently very different from his uncle. He is a sound scion -springing from a corrupt trunk. Leave it to me to manage. Won't he stay -to supper?" - -"Not to-night. I invited him, but he was afraid to accept the -invitation, for fear of being punished." - -"Is his uncle so severe, then?" - -"I suspect he beats Sam, though Sam doesn't like to own it." - -"And this man, this cruel tyrant, wants to marry me," thought Mrs. -Burton, shuddering. - -Two days later Sam chanced to be in the house with the two boys, when -Mrs. Burton passed through the room, and greeted him pleasantly. - -"When is your birthday?" she asked. - -"Last week--Thursday--ma'am." - -"How old are you?" - -"Fifteen." - -"Did you receive a birthday present?" - -Sam shook his head. - -"There's no one to give me presents," he said. - -"You have an uncle and aunt, Sam." - -"They never give presents. They tell me I ought to be thankful that they -take care of me, and save me from going to the poor-house." - -"There would be no danger of that, Sam," said Bob. "If your uncle ever -turns you out to shift for yourself, come and live with us." - -"I wish he would turn me out to-morrow, then," said Sam; and it was -evident the boy meant it. - -"Sam, you will permit me to make up for your uncle's neglect," said Mrs. -Burton, kindly. "Here is a neck-tie. I bought it for Robert, but I can -get another for him. And here is something else which may prove -acceptable." - -She drew from her pocket a silver dollar, and put it into Sam's hand. - -"Is this really for me?" asked Sam, joyfully. - -"Yes; it is only a small gift, but--" - -"I never had so much money before in my life," said Sam. "It makes me -feel rich." - -Mrs. Burton looked significantly at Bob. Her woman's wit had devised a -way of rewarding Sam for the service he had done the family without his -being aware of it. - -The gift was well meant, but it was destined to get poor Sam into -trouble. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -SAM IN A TIGHT PLACE. - - -Many a man who had come unexpectedly into a fortune of a hundred -thousand dollars would not have felt so rich as Sam with his silver -dollar. It must be remembered that he had never before had so much money -at one time in his life. The prospect of spending it opened up dazzling -possibilities. There were so many things that he wanted, that it was -hard to decide which to select. - -Among other things, Sam wanted a fishing-pole. There was a supply at a -variety store in the village. He had never inquired the price, because -he had no money. Now that he was wealthy he determined to inquire. - -So he went into the store and, pointing to the coveted article, asked -the price. - -"Seventy-five cents," answered the old man, Gordon Locke, who kept the -store. - -"Seventy-five cents!" repeated Sam, thoughtfully. - -This would only leave him twenty-five cents, and there were so many -other things he wanted. - -"Was you calc'latin' to buy, Sam?" asked Mr. Locke, pushing up his -iron-bound spectacles. - -"I don't know," said Sam, slowly; "I didn't think I'd have to pay so -much." - -"It's cheap, for the quality," said the store keeper. "This ain't no -common fishing-pole. It comes all the way from York." - -"Yes, it seems a nice one," Sam admitted. - -"Hev you got the money about you?" asked the old man. - -"Yes," answered Sam, unguardedly. - -"Then you'd better take the pole. You won't find no better within fifty -mile." - -"I'll think about it," said Sam. - -He could not make up his mind to part with his precious dollar so soon. -As long as he had it, he felt like a man of property. When it was once -changed, he would once more be a poor boy. - -In spite of the storekeeper's persuasions, he walked out with his money -intact, leaving the coveted fishing-pole behind. - -Now it so happened that his uncle, who never allowed anything to pass -unnoticed, saw from the window Sam come out of the store, which was -nearly opposite. - -"What business has he there, I wonder?" he said to himself. - -Five minutes later he made an errand to visit the store himself. - -"Good-day, Mr. Wolverton," said Gordon Locke, deferentially. - -"Good-day, Locke! Didn't I see my nephew, Sam, come out of here just -now?" - -"Like as not you did. He was here." - -"What business had he here?" - -"He was looking at them fishin'-rods." - -"He was, hey?" said Wolverton, pricking up his ears. - -"Yes; he reckoned he'd buy one soon." - -"What's the price?" - -"Seventy-five cents." - -"He reckoned he'd pay seventy-five cents for a fishin'-rod," said -Wolverton, slowly. "Did he show you the money?" - -"No; but he said he had it." - -"Oho, he had the money," repeated Aaron Wolverton, shaking his head -ominously. "Where'd he get it? That's what I'd like to know." - -"I reckon you gave it to him; he's your nephew." - -"I don't pamper him in any such way as that. So he's got money. I'll -have to look into that." - -Wolverton, who was of a suspicious disposition, was led to think that -Sam had stolen the money from him. He could think of no other way in -which the boy could get possession of it. - -He went home, and sought his sister Sally. - -"Sally, where is Sam?" - -"I don't know." Then, noticing the frown upon her brother's brow, she -inquired, "Is anything the matter?" - -"I think there is. Sam has money." - -"What do you mean? Where'd he get it, Aaron?" - -"That's what I want to find out," and he told her of Sam's visit to the -store. - -"Have you missed any money, Aaron?" - -"Not that I know of. You haven't left any round?" - -"No." - -"It stands to reason the boy has taken money from one of us. Even if he -hasn't, whatever he has belongs to me by right, as I am takin' care of -him." - -"Half of it ought to go to me," said Sally, who was quite as fond of -money as her brother. - -"I don't know about that. But where's the boy?" - -"I don't know. He may have gone over to see the Burtons. He's there most -of the time." - -"I'll foller him." - -Aaron Wolverton went into the shed, and came out with a horse-whip. He -did not keep a horse, but still he kept a whip. For what purpose Sam -could have told if he had been asked. - -"If the boy's become a thief, I want to know it," said Wolverton to -himself. - -Sam had really started on the way to the Burtons. His uncle struck his -trail, so to speak, and followed him. He caught up with his nephew about -half a mile away. Sam had thrown himself down on the ground under a -cotton-wood tree, and gave himself up to pleasant dreams of the -independence which manhood would bring. In his reverie he unconsciously -spoke aloud. "When I'm a man, Uncle Aaron won't dare to boss me around -as he does now." - -The old man, creeping stealthily near, overheard the words, and a -malicious smile lighted up his wrinkled face. - -"Oho, that's what he's thinkin' of already," he muttered. "What more?" - -"I wish I could live with the Burtons," proceeded the unconscious Sam. -"They would treat a boy decently." - -"So I don't treat him decently," repeated Wolverton, his small eyes -snapping. - -He had by this time crawled behind the trunk of the tree under which Sam -was reclining. - -"I sometimes think I'd like to run away and never come back," continued -Sam. - -"You do, hey?" snarled Wolverton, as he stepped out from behind the -tree. - -Sam jumped to his feet in dire dismay, and gazed at his uncle -panic-stricken. - -"Did you just come?" he stammered. "I didn't hear you." - -"No, I reckon not," laughed his uncle, with a queer smile. "So you want -to get quit of your aunt and me, do you?" - -"I don't reckon to live with you always," faltered Sam. - -"No; but you ain't a-goin' to leave us just yet. There's a little matter -I've got to inquire into." - -Sam looked up inquiringly. - -"What is it?" - -"What did you go into Locke's store for?" demanded his uncle, -searchingly. - -"I just went in to look round," answered Sam, evasively. - -"You went to look at a fishing-pole," said Aaron Wolverton, sternly. - -"What if I did?" asked Sam, plucking up a little courage. - -"Did you have the money to buy it?" - -"Ye--es," answered Sam, panic stricken. - -"How much money have you got?" - -"A dollar." - -"Which you stole from me!" asserted Wolverton, with the air of a judge -about to sentence a criminal to execution. - -"No, I didn't. It didn't come from your house." - -"Where did it come from?" - -"Mrs. Burton gave it to me--for my birthday." - -"I don't believe it. It's one of your lies. Give it to me this instant." - -Poor Sam became desperate. What! was he to lose the only money of any -account which he ever possessed? He was not brave, but he made a stand -here. - -"You have no right to it," he said, passionately. "It's mine. Mrs. -Burton gave it to me." - -"I tell you it's a lie. Even if she had done so I should have the right, -as your uncle, to take it from you. Give it to me!" - -"I won't!" said Sam, desperately. - -"Won't, hey?" repeated Wolverton, grimly. "Well, we'll see about that." - -He raised the horse-whip, and in an instant Sam's legs--he was standing -now--felt the cruel lash. - -"Won't, hey?" repeated his uncle. "We'll see." - -"Help!" screamed Sam. "Will no one help me?" - -"I reckon not," answered his uncle, mockingly, and he raised his whip -once more. - -But before the lash could descend, it was snatched from him, and, -turning angrily, he confronted Bob Burton, fierce and indignant, and saw -Clip standing just behind him. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -AN ANGRY CONFERENCE. - - -"You ought to be ashamed of yourself, you brute!" exclaimed Bob. - -"Do you want me to thrash you, too?" snarled Wolverton, angrily. - -"You can try, if you want to," returned Bob, contemptuously. - -"Sam, what was he going to whip you for?" asked Bob, turning to his -unfortunate friend. - -"I'll answer that question," said Wolverton, "though it's no concern of -yours. The boy has been robbing me." - -"What have you to say, Sam?" - -"It's not true." - -"What do you charge him with taking, Mr. Wolverton?" - -"A dollar." - -"It's the one your mother gave me, Bob." - -"To be sure! I saw her give it to you myself." - -"He lies, and you swear to it," said Wolverton, with a sneer. - -"Mr. Wolverton, you have brought a false charge against your nephew, and -you know it. If you don't care to take his word or mine, you can come -over to our house and ask my mother whether Sam's story is true." - -"It doesn't matter whether it's true or false," said Wolverton, -doggedly. "Sam is under my charge, and I have a right to any money he -comes by." - -"I always knew you were mean," said Bob, contemptuously, "but this is -ahead of anything I ever imagined. Do you still accuse Sam of robbing -you?" - -"I don't know whether he did or not." - -"You can easily satisfy yourself by calling on my mother." - -"I mean to call on your mother, but it won't be on this business," said -Wolverton, opening his mouth and showing the yellow fangs which served -for teeth. - -"You are at liberty to call on any business errand," said Bob. - -"Indeed, you are very kind, remarkably kind, considering that the ranch -is as much mine as your mother's." - -"How do you make that out?" - -"I have a mortgage on it for half its value." - -"I deny it. The ranch is worth much more than six thousand dollars. -Besides, the time has not yet come when you have the right to -foreclose." - -"There you are wrong, young man! As the interest has not been promptly -paid, I can foreclose at any time." - -"You will have to see my mother about that," said Bob, carefully -concealing the fact that the receipt had been recovered. - -"I thought you would change your tune," said Wolverton, judging from -Bob's calmer tone that he was getting alarmed. - -Bob smiled, for he felt that he had the advantage, and foresaw -Wolverton's discomfiture when the receipt was shown him. - -"I am not quite so excited as I was," he admitted. "When I saw you with -the whip uplifted I was ready for anything." - -"Give me back the whip!" said Wolverton, menacingly. - -"Will you promise not to use it on Sam?" - -"I'll promise nothing, you young whipper-snapper! What business have you -to interfere between me and my nephew?" - -"The right of ordinary humanity." - -"Give me the whip." - -"Then make me the promise?" - -"I won't." - -"Then I propose to keep it." - -"I will have you arrested for theft." - -"Do so. I will explain matters to Judge Turner." - -Judge Turner, the magistrate before whom such cases came, heartily -despised and hated Aaron Wolverton, as the latter knew full well. He -would certainly dismiss any charge brought against Bob by such a man. -This consideration naturally influenced him. - -"Very well," he said, though with an ill grace, "if your mother gave Sam -the money, I retract the charge of theft. Nevertheless, as his -guardian, I demand that the dollar be given to me." - -"Give it to me to keep for you, Sam," said Bob. - -Sam gladly took it from his pocket, and threw it towards Bob, who -dexterously caught it. - -"Now, Mr. Wolverton," said Bob, quietly; "you will have to demand the -money from me; Sam hasn't got it." - -"You'll have to pay for your impudence, Robert Burton!" said Wolverton, -wrathfully. "You forget that you are all in my power." - -"You may find yourself mistaken, Mr. Wolverton," said Bob. "At any rate, -I don't think I shall lose any sleep on that score." - -"You can tell your mother I shall call this evening," continued -Wolverton. "I expect her to be ready with the interest, which is long -overdue." - -"I will give her your message, Mr. Wolverton. Now, Clip, let us go on. -Mr. Wolverton will excuse us, I know, when I tell him that we have an -errand in the village." - -"Yah, yah!" laughed Clip, gleefully; not that there was anything -particular to laugh at, but because it took very little to excite Clip's -risibilities. - -Mr. Wolverton turned upon Clip with a frown. He had not forgotten the -trick Clip played upon him when he was upset in the river, and he would -have liked nothing better than to flog him till he roared for mercy. - -"What is that black ape grinning about?" he demanded. - -Clip ought to have felt insulted, but he was only amused. - -"Yah, yah!" he laughed again. - -Aaron Wolverton made a dash at him with his recovered whip, but Clip -nimbly jumped to one side and laughed again. - -"Didn't do it dat time, Massa Wolverton," said Clip, showing his teeth. - -"I'll get even with you yet, you black monkey!" - -If Clip had been alone, Wolverton would have proceeded then and there to -carry out his threat. But he had a wholesome respect for Bob, whose -physical strength and prowess he well knew. It made him angry whenever -he thought of this boy, who seemed born to be a thorn in his side. He -was stronger than Wolverton, though the land agent was a man grown, and -it was humiliating to Wolverton to be obliged to admit this fact. - -But he had one consolation in the mortgage he held upon the Burton -ranch. Here the law was on his side, and he saw his way clear to annoy -and injure Bob and his family, without running any risk himself. As for -the chance of the mortgage ever being paid off, that he thought -extremely small. If Richard Burton were still alive, he would have been -right, but Bob, young as he was, bade fair to be a better manager than -his father. He was not so sanguine, or, if the truth must be told, so -reckless in his expenditures. Besides, he knew, though his father was -ignorant of it, that Wolverton, for some reason which he could not -penetrate, was a bitter enemy of the family, and that his forbearance -could not be depended upon. - -When Bob and Clip had left the scene Aaron Wolverton turned to Sam, and -scowled at his unfortunate nephew, in a way which was by no means -pleasant or reassuring. - -"I've a good mind to flog you for all the trouble you've brought upon -me," he said. - -"I don't see what I've done, uncle." - -"You don't, hey? Haven't you sided with that upstart, the Burton boy?" - -Sam was judiciously silent, for he saw his uncle was very much -irritated. - -"Why did you give that dollar to him?" - -"He told me to." - -"Suppose he did; is he your guardian or am I?" - -"You are, Uncle Aaron." - -"I'm glad you are willing to admit it. Then why did you give him the -dollar?" - -"Because his mother gave it to me. If you had given it to me, I wouldn't -have done it." - -"You'll have to wait a good while before I give you a dollar." - -Sam was of the same opinion himself, but did not think it wise to say -so. - -"You deserve to be punished for what you have done," said his uncle, -severely. - -"I wish I were as strong and brave as Bob," thought Sam. "I don't see -how he dares to stand up before Uncle Aaron and defy him. He makes me -tremble." - -The truth was, Sam was not made of heroic mold. He was a timid boy and -was easily overawed. He lacked entirely the qualities that made Bob so -bold and resolute. He could admire his friend, but he could not imitate -him. - -"Now, come home," said Wolverton, shortly. - -Sam followed his uncle meekly. - -When they reached home Sam was set to work. At twelve o'clock the bell -rang for dinner. Sam dropped his axe (he had been splitting wood) and -entered the kitchen, where the frugal meal was spread. His uncle was -already sitting in his place, and Sam prepared to sit down in his usual -chair. - -"Samuel," said his uncle, "you have disobeyed me. You do not deserve any -dinner." - -Sam's countenance fell, for he was very hungry. - -"I am very hungry," he faltered. - -"You should have thought of that when you disobeyed me and gave your -money to the Burton boy. This is intended as a salutary lesson, Samuel, -to cure you of your stubbornness and disobedience." - -"You are quite right, Aaron," said Miss Sally in her deep voice. "Samuel -needs chastening." - -Poor Sam slunk out of the door in a state of depression. Not being -ordered to return to his work, he went out into the street, where he met -Bob and Clip, and to them he told his tale of woe. - -"Your uncle is as mean as they make 'em," said Bob. "Here, go into the -baker's and buy some doughnuts and pie." - -He handed Sam a quarter, and the hungry boy followed his advice, faring -quite as well as he would have done at his uncle's table. Rather to Mr. -Wolverton's surprise, he worked all the afternoon without showing signs -of hunger, and that gentleman began to consider whether, after all, two -meals a day were not sufficient for him. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -WOLVERTON'S WATERLOO. - - -Though the receipt was lost, Wolverton could not give up his plan of -extorting the interest from Mrs. Burton a second time. It might have -been supposed that he would have some qualms of conscience about robbing -the widow and the fatherless, but Mr. Wolverton's conscience, if he had -any, gave him very little trouble. He would have thought himself a fool -to give up one hundred and fifty dollars if there was the slightest -chance of securing them. - -Towards evening of the day on which Bob had interfered with him, he took -his hat and cane, and set out for Burton's Ranch. - -It so happened that Bob answered the bell. He had been sitting with his -mother, chatting about their future plans. - -"Good-evening, Mr. Wolverton," said Bob, who felt it incumbent upon him -to be polite to a guest, even though he disliked him. - -"Evening," returned Wolverton, curtly. "Is your mother at home?" - -"Yes, sir. Will you come in?" - -Wolverton had not the good manners to acknowledge the invitation with -thanks, but strode into the sitting-room, following Bob. - -The widow anticipated his visit, having been informed by Bob that he had -announced his intention of coming. - -"Good-evening, Mr. Wolverton. Take a seat," she said, pointing to a -chair a few feet from her own. "Robert, take Mr. Wolverton's hat." - -Wolverton looked at the widow with a hungry gaze, for she was the only -woman, he had ever loved. - -"If she would only marry me, all her troubles would be over," he said to -himself. "She's a fool to refuse." - -We, who have some idea of Mr. Wolverton's character and disposition, are -more likely to conclude that marriage with such a man would be only the -beginning of trouble. - -"I've come on business, Mrs. Burton," said the visitor, in an aggressive -tone. - -"State it, if you please, Mr. Wolverton," the widow answered, calmly. - -"Hadn't you better send your son out of the room? We'd better discuss -this matter alone." - -"I have no secrets from Robert," said the widow. - -"Oh, well, just as you please; I don't care to have him interfere in -what doesn't concern him." - -"Any business with my mother does concern me," said Bob; "but I will try -not to give you any trouble." - -"The business is about that interest," Wolverton began, abruptly. - -"What interest?" - -"You must know what I mean--the interest on the mortgage." - -"My husband paid it on the day of his death." - -"It's easy enough to say that," sneered Wolverton, "but saying it isn't -proving it, as you must have the good sense to know." - -"When my husband left me on that fatal morning, he told me that he was -going to your office to pay the interest. I know he had the money and -with him, for he had laid down the wallet, and I saw the roll of bills." - -"Why didn't he pay it, then? That's what I'd like to know." - -"Didn't he pay it to you, Mr. Wolverton?" asked Mrs. Burton, with a -searching glance. "Carry back your memory to that day, and answer me -that question." - -Mr. Wolverton showed himself a little restive under this interrogatory, -but he assumed an air of indignation. - -"What do you mean, widder?" he demanded, bringing down his cane with -emphasis upon the floor. "Do you doubt my word?" - -"I think you may be mistaken, Mr. Wolverton," said Mrs. Burton, -composedly. - -"Who has been putting this into your head, widder? Is it that boy of -yours?" - -Bob answered for himself: - -"I don't mind saying that I did tell mother that I thought the money had -been paid." - -"Humph! you think yourself mighty smart, Bob Burton," snarled Wolverton. -"Nat'rally you'd like to get rid of paying the interest, if you could; -but you've got a business man to deal with, not a fool." - -"You are no fool where money is concerned, there's no doubt about that. -But I want to ask you one thing, if my father didn't pay you the money -which mother can testify to his carrying with him on the morning of his -death, what became of it?" - -"How should I know? Did you search his wallet when he was brought home?" - -"Yes." - -"And you didn't find the money?" - -"No." - -"So you conclude that he paid it to me. Let me tell you, young man, that -doesn't follow. He may have been robbed when he was lying on the ground -insensible." - -"I think very likely he was," returned Bob, quietly. - -"What do you mean by that?" demanded Wolverton, uneasily. "Who could -have robbed him?" - -"Possibly some one that we wouldn't be likely to suspect." - -"What does he mean? Can he possibly suspect me?" thought Wolverton, -fixing his eyes on Bob's face. "But no! I certainly didn't take any -money from him." - -"You may be right," he said aloud; "but that hasn't anything to do with -my claim for interest. Whether your father was robbed of the money, or -spent it, is all one to me. It wasn't paid to me, I can certify." - -"Would you be willing to swear that the money was not paid to you that -day, Mr. Wolverton?" - -"Do you mean to insult me? Haven't I told you it was not paid?" - -"Do you expect me to pay it to you, then?" asked Mrs. Burton. - -"Widder, I am surprised you should ask such a foolish question. It lies -in a nutshell. I'm entitled to interest on the money I let your husband -have on mortgage. You admit that?" - -"Yes." - -"I'm glad you admit that. As your husband didn't pay, I look to you for -it. I can say no more." - -Mrs. Burton took a pocket-book from a pocket in her dress, and handed it -to Robert. Bob opened it, and drew therefrom a folded paper. - -"Mr. Wolverton," he said, quietly, "I hold in my hand a receipt signed -by yourself for the interest--one hundred and fifty dollars--dated the -very day that my poor father died. What have you to say to it?" - -Mr. Wolverton sprang to his feet, pale and panic-stricken. - -"Where did you get that paper?" he stammered, hoarsely. - -[Illustration: BOB PRODUCES THE MISSING RECEIPT.] - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -WHAT BOB FOUND IN THE CREEK. - - -"When my poor husband left your office this receipt was in his -possession," answered Mrs. Burton. - -"I deny it," exclaimed Aaron Wolverton, in a tone of excitement. - -"Where else should it be?" inquired the widow, eying him fixedly. - -"I don't know. How should I?" - -"So you deny that the signature is yours, Mr. Wolverton?" - -"Let me see it." - -"I would rather not," said Bob, drawing back the receipt from -Wolverton's extended hand. - -"That's enough!" said Wolverton quickly. "You are afraid to show it. I -denounce it as a base forgery." - -"That will do no good," said the boy, un-terrified. "I have shown the -receipt to Mr. Dornton, and he pronounces the signature genuine." - -"What made you show it to him?" asked Wolverton, discomfited. - -"Because I thought it likely, after your demanding the interest the -second time, that you would deny it." - -"Probably I know my own signature better than Mr. Dornton can." - -"I have no doubt you will recognize it," and Bob, unfolding the paper, -held it in such a manner that Wolverton could read it. - -"It may be my signature; it looks like it," said Wolverton, quickly -deciding upon a new evasion, "but it was never delivered to your -father." - -"How then do you account for its being written?" asked Mrs. Burton, in -natural surprise. - -"I made it out on the day your husband died," Wolverton answered glibly, -"anticipating that he would pay the money. He did not do it, and so the -receipt remained in my desk." - -Bob and his mother regarded each other in surprise. They were not -prepared for such a barefaced falsehood. - -"Perhaps you will account for its not being in your desk now," said Bob. - -"I can do so, readily," returned Wolverton, maliciously. "Somebody must -have stolen it from my desk." - -"I think you will find it hard to prove this, Mr. Wolverton." - -"It is true, and I don't propose to lose my money on account of a stolen -receipt. You will find that you can't so easily circumvent Aaron -Wolverton." - -"You are quite welcome to adopt this line of defense, Mr. Wolverton, if -you think best. You ought to know whether the public will believe such -an improbable tale." - -"If you had the receipt why didn't you show it to me before?" Wolverton -asked in a triumphant tone. "I came here soon after your father's death, -and asked for my interest. Your mother admitted, then, that she had no -receipt." - -"We had not found it then." - -"Where, and when, did you find it?" - -"I do not propose to tell." - -Wolverton shook his head, satirically. - -"And a very good reason you have, I make no doubt." - -"Suppose I tell you my theory, Mr. Wolverton." - -"I wish you would," and Wolverton leaned back in his chair and gazed -defiantly at the boy he so much hated. - -"My father paid you the interest, and took a receipt. He had it on his -person when he met with his death. When he was lying outstretched in -death"--here Bob's eyes moistened--"some one came up, and, bending over -him, took the receipt from his pocket." - -Mr. Wolverton's face grew pale as Bob proceeded. - -"A very pretty romance!" he sneered, recovering himself after an -instant. - -"It is something more than romance," Bob proceeded slowly and gravely. -"It is true; the man who was guilty of this mean theft from a man made -helpless by death is known. He was seen at this contemptible work." - -"It is a lie," cried Wolverton, hoarsely, his face the color of chalk. - -"It is a solemn truth." - -"Who saw him?" - -"I don't propose to tell--yet, if necessary, it will be told in a court -of justice." - -Wolverton saw that he was found out, but he could not afford to -acknowledge. His best way of getting off was to fly into a rage, and -this was easy for him. - -"I denounce this as a base conspiracy," he said, rising as he spoke. -"That receipt was stolen from my desk." - -"Then we do not need to inquire who took it from the vest-pocket of my -poor father." - -"Robert Barton, I will get even with you for this insult," said -Wolverton, shaking his fist at the manly boy. "You and your mother." - -"Leave out my mother's name," said Bob, sternly. - -"I will; I don't think she would be capable of such meanness. You, then, -are engaged in a plot to rob me of a hundred and fifty dollars. To -further this wicked scheme, you or your agent have stolen this receipt -from my desk. I can have you arrested for burglary. It is no more nor -less than that." - -"You can do so if you like, Mr. Wolverton. In that case the public shall -know that you stole the receipt from my poor father after his death. I -can produce an eye-witness." - -Wolverton saw that he was in a trap. Such a disclosure would injure him -infinitely in the opinion of his neighbors, for it would be believed. -There was no help for it. He must lose the hundred and fifty dollars -upon which, though he had no claim to it, he had so confidently -reckoned. - -"You will hear from me!" he said, savagely, as he jammed his hat down -upon his head, and hastily left the apartment. "Aaron Wolverton is not -the man to give in to fraud." - -Neither Bob nor his mother answered him, but Mrs. Burton asked -anxiously, after his departure: - -"Do you think he will do anything, Bob?" - -"No, mother; he sees that he is in a trap, and will think it wisest to -let the matter drop." - -This, in fact, turned out to be the case. Mortifying as it was to give -in, Wolverton did not dare to act otherwise. He would have given -something handsome, mean though he was, if he could have found out, -first, who saw him rob the dead man, and next, who extracted the stolen -receipt from his desk. He was inclined to guess that it was Bob in both -cases. It never occurred to him that Clip was the eye-witness whose -testimony could brand him with this contemptible crime. Nor did he think -of Sam in connection with his own loss of the receipt. He knew Sam's -timidity, and did not believe the boy would have dared to do such a -thing. - -All the next day, in consequence of his disappointment, Mr. Wolverton -was unusually cross and irritable. He even snapped at his sister, who -replied, with spirit: - -"Look here, Aaron, you needn't snap at me, for I won't stand it." - -"How will you help it?" he sneered. - -"By leaving your house, and letting you get another housekeeper. I can -earn my own living, without working any harder than I do here, and a -better living, too. While I stay here, you've got to treat me decently." - -Wolverton began to see that he had made a mistake. Any other housekeeper -would cost him more, and he could find none that would be so economical. - -"I don't mean anything, Sally," he said; "but I'm worried." - -"What worries you?" - -"A heavy loss." - -"How much?" - -"A hundred and fifty dollars." - -"How is that?" - -"I have lost a receipt, but I can't explain how. A hundred and fifty -dollars is a great deal of money, Sally." - -"I should say it was. Why can't you tell me about it?" - -"Perhaps I will some time." - - -About two months later, while Bob was superintending the harvesting of -the wheat--the staple crop of the Burton ranch--Clip came running up to -him in visible excitement. - -"Oh, Massa Bob," he exclaimed, "there is a ferry-boat coming down the -creek with nobody on it, and it's done got stuck ag'inst a snag. Come -quick, and we can take it for our own. Findings is keepings." - -Bob lost no time in following Clip's suggestion. He hurried to the -creek, and there, a few rods from shore, he discovered the boat stranded -in the mud, for it was low tide. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE BOAT AND ITS OWNER. - - -The boat was shaped somewhat like the popular representations of Noah's -ark. It was probably ninety feet in length by thirty-eight feet in -width, and was roofed. Bob recognized it at once as a ferry-boat of the -style used at different points on the river, to convey passengers and -teams across the river. It was a double-ender, like the much larger -ferry-boats that are used on the East River, between New York and -Brooklyn. - -The creek on which the Burton ranch was located was really large enough -for a river, and Bob concluded that this boat had been used at a point -higher up. - -"I wish I owned that boat, Clip," said Bob. - -"What would you do with it, Massa Bob?" - -"I'll tell you what I'd do, Clip; I'd go down to St. Louis on it." - -"Will you take me with you, Massa Bob?" asked Clip, eagerly. - -"I will, if I go, Clip." - -"Golly, won't that be fine!" said the delighted Clip. "How long will you -stay, Massa Bob?" - -Clip supposed Bob intended a pleasure trip, for in his eyes pleasure was -the chief end of living. But Bob was more practical and business-like. -He had an idea which seemed to him a good one, though as yet he had -mentioned it to no one. - -"Get out the boat, Clip," he said, "and we'll go aboard. I want to see -if the boat will be large enough for my purpose." - -Clip laughed in amusement. - -"You must think you'self mighty big, Massa Bob," he said, "if you think -there isn't room on that boat for you an' me." - -"It would certainly be large enough for two passengers like ourselves, -Clip," answered Bob, smiling; "for that matter our rowboat is large -enough for two boys, but if I go I shall carry a load with me." - -Clip was still in the dark, but he was busying himself in unloosing the -rowboat, according to Bob's bidding. The two boys jumped in, and a few -strokes of the oars carried them to the ferry-boat. Fastening the -flat-bottomed boat, the two boys clambered on deck. - -Bob found the boat in good condition. It had occurred to him that it had -been deserted as old and past service, and allowed to drift down the -creek, but an examination showed that in this conjecture he was -mistaken. It was sufficiently good to serve for years yet. This -discovery was gratifying in one way, but in another it was a -disappointment. As a boat of little value, Bob could have taken -possession of it, fairly confident that no one would interfere with his -claim, but in its present condition it was hardly likely to be without -an owner, who would appear sooner or later and put in his claim to it. - -"It seems to be a pretty good boat," said Bob. - -"Dat's so, Massa Bob." - -"It must have slipped its moorings and drifted down the creek during the -night. I wish I knew who owned it." - -"You an' me own it, Massa Bob. Finding is keeping." - -"I am afraid it won't be so in the present case. Probably the owner will -appear before long." - -"Can't we get off down de river afore he comes, Massa Bob?" - -"That wouldn't be honest, Clip." - -Clip scratched his head in perplexity. He was not troubled with -conscientious scruples, and was not as clear about the rights of -property as his young patron. He was accustomed, however, to accept -whatever Bob said as correct and final. In fact, he was content to let -Bob do his thinking for him. - -"What was you goin' to take down de ribber, Massa Bob?" he asked. - -"I'll tell you what I was thinking of, Clip. You know we are gathering -our crop of grain, and of course it must be sold. Now, traders ask a -large commission for taking the wheat to market, and this would be a -heavy tax. If I could load it on board this boat, and take it down -myself, I should save all that, and I could sell it myself in St. -Louis." - -"Can I go, too?" asked Clip, anxiously. - -"You shall go if I do," answered Bob. - -"When will you know?" asked Clip, eagerly. - -"When I find out whether I can use this boat. I had thought of building -a raft, but that wouldn't do. No raft that I could build would carry our -crop to St. Louis. This boat will be just the thing. I think it must -have been used for that purpose before. See those large bins on each -side. Each would contain from fifty to a hundred bushels of wheat. I -only wish I knew the owner. Even if I couldn't buy the boat, I might -make a bargain to hire it." - -Bob had hardly finished his sentence when he heard a voice hailing him -from the bank. - -Going to the end of the boat, he looked towards the shore, and saw a -tall angular figure, who seemed from his dress and appearance to be a -Western Yankee. His figure was tall and angular, his face of the kind -usually described as hatchet face, with a long thin nose, and his head -was surmounted by a flapping sombrero, soft, broad-brimmed, and -shapeless. - -"Boat ahoy!" called the stranger. - -"Did you wish to speak to us?" asked Bob, politely. - -"I reckon I do," answered the stranger. "I want you to take me aboard -that boat." - -"Is the boat yours?" asked Bob. - -"It doesn't belong to anybody else," was the reply. - -"Untie the boat, Clip. We'll go back!" ordered Bob. - -The two boys dropped into the rowboat, and soon touched the bank. - -"If you will get in we'll row you over," said Bob. "When did you lose -the boat?" - -"It drifted down last night," answered the new acquaintance. "I've been -usin' it as a ferry-boat about twenty miles up the creek. Last night I -thought it was tied securely, but this morning it was gone." - -"I don't see how it could have broken away." - -"Like as not some mischievous boy cut the cable," was the answer. "Any -way, here it is, and here am I, Ichabod Slocum, the owner." - -"Then the boat and its owner are once more united." - -"Yes, but that don't take the boat back to where it belongs. It's -drifted down here, easy enough; mebbe one of you boys will tell me how -it's goin' to drift back." - -"There may be some difficulty about that," answered Bob with a smile. -"How long have you owned the boat?" - -"About two years. I've been usin' her as a ferry-boat between Transfer -City and Romeo, and I've made a pretty fair livin' at it." - -Bob was familiar with the names of these towns, though he had never been -so far up the creek. - -"I'm afraid you'll have trouble in getting the boat back," he said. "It -will make quite an interruption in your business." - -"I don't know as I keer so much about that," said Ichabod Slocum, -thoughtfully. "I've been thinkin' for some time about packin' up and -goin' farther west. I've got a cousin in Oregon, and I reckon I might -like to go out there for a year or two." - -"Then, perhaps you might like to dispose of the boat, Mr. Slocum," said -Bob, eagerly. - -"Well, I might," said Ichabod Slocum, cautiously. "Do you know of -anybody around here that wants a boat?" - -"I might like it myself," was Bob's reply. - -"What on airth does a boy like you want of a ferry-boat?" asked Slocum, -in surprise. - -"I have a plan in my head," said Bob; "and think it would be useful to -me." - -"There ain't no call for a ferry-boat here," said Ichabod. - -"No; you are right there. I may as well tell you what I am thinking of. -Our crop of grain is ready to harvest, and I should like to load it on -this boat and carry it down to St. Louis and sell it there myself." - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -BOB BUYS THE FERRY-BOAT. - - -"Good!" said Mr. Slocum. "I like your pluck. Well, there's the boat. You -can have it if you want it--for a fair price, of course." - -"What do you call a fair price?" asked Bob. - -"I don't mind sayin' that I bought it second-hand myself, and I've got -good value out of it. I might sell it for--a hundred and twenty-five -dollars." - -Bob shook his head. - -"That may be cheap," he answered; "but I can't afford to pay so much -money." - -"You can sell it at St. Louis when you're through usin' it." - -"I should have to take my risk of it." - -"You seem to be pretty good on a trade, for a boy. I reckon you'll sell -it." - -"Do you want all the money down. Mr. Slocum?" - -"Well, I might wait for half of it, ef I think it's safe. What's your -security?" - -"We--that is, mother and I--own the ranch bordering on the other side of -the creek. The wheat crop we are harvesting will probably amount to -fourteen hundred bushels. I understand it is selling for two dollars a -bushel or thereabouts." (This was soon after the war, when high prices -prevailed for nearly all articles, including farm products.) - -"I reckon you're safe, then," said Mr. Slocum. "Now we'll see if we can -agree upon a price." - -I will not follow Bob and Mr. Slocum in the bargaining that succeeded. -The latter was the sharper of the two, but Bob felt obliged to reduce -the price as much as possible, in view of the heavy mortgage upon the -ranch. - -"I shall never breathe easy till that mortgage is paid, mother," he -said. "Mr. Wolverton is about the last man I like to owe. His attempt to -collect the interest twice shows that he is unscrupulous. Besides, he -has a grudge against me, and it would give him pleasure, I feel sure, to -injure me." - -"I am afraid you are right, Robert," answered his mother. "We must do -our best, and Heaven will help us." - -Finally Mr. Slocum agreed to accept seventy-five dollars cash down, or -eighty dollars, half in cash, and the remainder payable after Bob's -river trip was over and the crop disposed of. - -"I wouldn't make such terms to any one else," said the boat-owner, "but -I've been a boy myself, and I had a hard row to hoe, you bet. You seem -like a smart lad, and I'm favorin' you all I can." - -"Thank you, Mr. Slocum. I consider your price very fair, and you may -depend upon my carrying out my agreement. Now, if you will come up to -the house, I will offer you some dinner, and pay you the money." - -[Illustration: BOB BUYS THE FERRY-BOAT.] - -Ichabod Slocum readily accepted the invitation, and the three went up to -the house together. - -When Bob told his mother of the bargain he had made, she was somewhat -startled. She felt that he did not realize how great an enterprise he -had embarked in. - -"You forget, Robert, that you are only a boy," she said. - -"No, mother, I don't forget it. But I have to take a man's part, now -that father is dead." - -"St. Louis is a long distance away, and you have no experience in -business." - -"On the other hand, mother, if we sell here, we must make a great -sacrifice--twenty-five cents a bushel at least, and that on fourteen -hundred bushels would amount to three hundred and fifty dollars. Now -Clip and I can navigate the boat to St. Louis and return for less than -quarter of that sum." - -"The boy speaks sense, ma'am," said Ichabod Slocum. "He's only a kid, -but he's a smart one. He's good at a bargain, too. He made me take fifty -dollars less for the boat than I meant to. You can trust him better than -a good many men." - -"I am glad you have so favorable an opinion of Robert, Mr. Slocum," said -Mrs. Burton. "I suppose I must yield to his desire." - -"Then I may go, mother?" - -"Yes, Robert; you have my consent." - -"Then the next thing is to pay Mr. Slocum for his boat." - -This matter was speedily arranged. - -"I wish, Mr. Slocum," said Bob, "that you were going to St. Louis. I -would be very glad to give you free passage." - -"Thank you, lad, but I must turn my steps in a different direction." - -"Shall I have any difficulty in managing the boat on our course down the -river?" - -"No, you will drift with the current. It is easy enough to go down -stream. The trouble is to get back. But for that, I wouldn't have sold -you the boat. At night you tie up anywhere it is convenient, and start -again the next morning." - -"That seems easy enough. Do you know how far it is to St. Louis, Mr. -Slocum?" - -"There you have me, lad. I ain't much on reckonin' distances." - -"I have heard your father say, Robert, that it is about three hundred -miles from here to the city. I don't like to have you go so far from -me." - -"I've got Clip to take care of me, mother," said Bob, humorously. - -"I'll take care of Massa Bob, missis," said Clip, earnestly. - -"I suppose I ought to feel satisfied with that assurance," said Mrs. -Burton, smiling, "but I have never been accustomed to think of Clip as a -guardian." - -"I'll guardian, him, missis," promised Clip, amid general laughter. - -After dinner, in company with Mr. Slocum, Bob and Clip went on board the -ferry-boat, and made a thorough examination of the craft, with special -reference to the use for which it was intended. - -"You expect to harvest fourteen hundred bushels?" inquired Mr. Slocum. - -"Yes; somewhere about that amount." - -"Then you may need to make two or three extra bins." - -"That will be a simple matter," said Bob. - -"The roof over the boat will keep the wheat dry and in good condition. -When you get to the city you can sell it all to one party, and -superintend the removal yourself. You can hire all the help you need -there." - -Bob was more and more pleased with his purchase. - -"It is just what I wanted," he said, enthusiastically. "The expenses -will be almost nothing. We can take a supply of provisions with us, -enough to keep us during the trip, and when the business is concluded we -can return on some river steamer. We'll have a fine time, Clip." - -"Golly! Massa Bob, dat's so." - -"You will need to tie the boat," continued Ichabod Slocum, "or it may -float off during the night, and that would upset all your plans. Have -you a stout rope on the place?" - -"I think not. I shall have to buy one at the store, or else cross the -river." - -"Then you had better attend to that at once. The boat may become -dislodged at any moment." - -After Mr. Slocum's departure, Bob lost no time in attending to this -important matter. He procured a heavy rope, of sufficient strength, and -proceeded to secure the boat to a tree on the bank. - -"How soon will we start, Massa Bob?" asked Clip, who was anxious for the -excursion to commence. He looked upon it somewhat in the light of an -extended picnic, and it may be added that Bob also, apart from any -consideration of business, anticipated considerable enjoyment from the -trip down the river. - -"Don't tell anybody what we are going to do with the boat, Clip," said -Bob. "It will be a fortnight before we start, and I don't care to have -much said about the matter beforehand." - -Clip promised implicit obedience, but it was not altogether certain that -he would be able to keep strictly to his word, for keeping a secret was -not an easy thing for him to do. - -Of course it leaked out that Bob had bought a ferry-boat. Among others -Mr. Wolverton heard it, but he did not dream of the use to which Bob -intended to put it. He spoke of it as a boy's folly, and instanced it as -an illustration of the boy's unfitness for the charge of the ranch. It -was generally supposed that Bob had bought it on speculation, hoping to -make a good profit on the sale, and Bob suffered this idea to remain -uncontradicted. - -Meanwhile he pushed forward as rapidly as possible the harvest of the -wheat, being anxious to get it to market. - -When this work was nearly finished Mr. Wolverton thought it time to make -a proposal to Mrs. Burton, which, if accepted, would bring him a -handsome profit. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -WOLVERTON'S BAFFLED SCHEME. - - -Mrs. Burton was somewhat surprised, one evening, when told that Mr. -Wolverton was at the door, and desired to speak with her. Since the time -his demand for a second payment of the interest had been met by a -production of the receipt, he had kept away from the ranch. It might -have been the mortification arising from baffled villainy, or, again, -from the knowledge that no advantage could be gained from another -interview. At all events, he remained away till the wheat was nearly -harvested. Then he called, because he had a purpose to serve. - -"Tell Mrs. Burton that I wish to see her on business," he said to the -servant who answered his knock. - -"You can show Mr. Wolverton in," said the widow. - -Directly the guest was ushered into her presence. - -"I needn't ask if I see you well, Mrs. Burton," he said, suavely. "Your -appearance is a sufficient answer." - -"Thank you," answered Mrs. Burton, coldly. - -Aaron Wolverton noticed the coldness, but did not abate any of his -suavity. He only said to himself: "The time will come when you will feel -forced to give me a better reception, my lady!" - -"I have called on a little business," he resumed. - -"Is it about the interest?" asked the widow. - -"No; for the present I waive that. I have been made the victim of a base -theft, and it may cost me a hundred and fifty dollars: but I will not -speak of that now." - -"What other business can you have with me?" - -"I have come to make you an offer." - -"What!" exclaimed Mrs. Burton, indignantly. - -Aaron Wolverton chuckled, thereby showing a row of defective and -discolored teeth. - -"You misunderstand me," he said. "I come to make you an offer for your -wheat crop, which I suppose is nearly all gathered in." - -"Yes," answered the widow relieved. "Robert tells me that it will be all -harvested within three days." - -"Just so. Now, I am willing to save you a great deal of trouble by -buying the entire crop at a fair valuation." - -"In that case, Mr. Wolverton, you will allow me to send for Robert. He -attends to the business of the ranch, and understands much more about it -than I do." - -"Wait a minute, Mrs. Burton. Robert is no doubt a smart boy, but you -give him too much credit." - -"I don't think I do. He has shown, since his father's death, a judgment -not often found in a boy of his age." - -"She is infatuated about that boy!" thought Wolverton. "However, as I -have a point to carry, I won't dispute with her." - -"You may be right," he said, "but in this matter I venture to think that -you and I can make a bargain without any outside help." - -"You can, at any rate, state your proposition, Mr. Wolverton." - -"Have you any idea as to the amount of your wheat crop?" - -"Robert tells me there will be not far from fourteen hundred bushels." - -Wolverton's eyes showed his pleasure. If he made the bargain proposed, -this would bring him an excellent profit. "Very good!" he said. "It will -be a great help to you." - -"Yes; I feel that we are fortunate, especially when I consider that the -ranch has been carried on by a boy of sixteen." - -"Well, Mrs. Burton, I am a man of few words. I will give you a dollar -and a half a bushel for your wheat, and this will give you, on the basis -of fourteen hundred bushels, twenty-one hundred dollars. You are a very -fortunate woman." - -"But, Mr. Wolverton, Robert tells me he expects to get at least two -dollars a bushel." - -It must be remembered that grain was then selling at "war prices." - -"I don't know what the boy can be thinking of," said Wolverton, -contemptuously. "Two dollars a bushel! Why don't he say five dollars at -once?" - -"He gained his information from a St. Louis paper." - -"My dear madam, the price here and the price in St. Louis are two -entirely different matters. You must be aware that it will cost a good -deal to transport the wheat to St. Louis." - -"Surely it cannot cost fifty cents a bushel?" - -"No; but it is a great mistake to suppose that you can get two dollars a -bushel in St. Louis." - -"I must leave the matter to Robert to decide." - -"Excuse my saying that this is very foolish. The boy has not a man's -judgment." - -"Nevertheless, I must consult him before deciding." - -Mrs. Barton spoke so plainly that Wolverton said, sullenly: "Do as you -please, Mrs. Burton, but I would like to settle the matter to-night." - -Robert was sent for, and, being near the house, entered without delay. - -Mr. Wolverton's proposition was made known to him. - -"Mr. Wolverton," said Bob, regarding that gentleman with a dislike he -did not attempt to conceal, "You would make a very good bargain if we -accepted your proposal." - -"Not much," answered Wolverton, hastily. "Of course I should make a -little something, but I am chiefly influenced in making the offer, by a -desire to save your mother trouble." - -"You would make seven hundred dollars at least, out of which you would -only have to pay for transportation to St. Louis." - -"That is a very ridiculous statement!" said Wolverton, sharply. - -"Why so? The wheat will fetch two dollars a bushel in the market." - -"Some one has been deceiving you." - -"Shall I show you the paper in which I saw the quotations?" - -"No; it is erroneous. Besides, the expense of carrying the grain to -market will be very large." - -"It won't be fifty cents a bushel." - -"Young man, you are advising your mother against her best interests. -Young people are apt to be headstrong. I should not expect to make much -money out of the operation." - -"Why, then, do you make the offer?" - -"I have already told you that I wished to save your mother trouble." - -"We are much obliged to you, but we decline your proposal." - -"Then," said Wolverton, spitefully, "I shall have to hold you to the -terms of the mortgage. I had intended to favor you, but after the tone -you have taken with me, I shall not do so." - -"To what terms do you refer, Mr. Wolverton?" asked the widow. - -"I will tell you. I have the right at the end of six months to call for -a payment of half the mortgage--fifteen hundred dollars. That will make, -in addition to the interest then due, sixteen hundred and fifty -dollars." - -"Can this be true?" asked Mrs. Burton, in dismay, turning to Robert. - -"It is so specified in the mortgage," answered Wolverton, triumphantly. -"You can examine it for yourself. I have only to say, that, had you -accepted my offer, I would have been content with, say, one quarter of -the sum, knowing that it would be inconvenient for you to pay half." - -Bob, as well as his mother, was taken by surprise, but in no way -disposed to yield. - -"We should be no better off," he said. "We should lose at least five -hundred dollars by accepting your offer, and that we cannot afford to -do." - -"You refuse, then," said Wolverton, angrily. - -"Yes." - -"Then all I have to say is that you will rue this day," and the agent -got up hastily, but upon second thought sat down again. - -"How do you expect to get your grain to market?" he asked. - -"I shall take it myself." - -"What do you mean?" - -"I shall store it on a boat I have purchased, and Clip and I will take -it to St. Louis." - -"You must be crack-brained!" ejaculated Wolverton. "I never heard of a -more insane project." - -"I hope to disappoint you, Mr. Wolverton. At any rate, my mind is made -up." - -Wolverton shuffled out of the room, in impotent rage. - -"We have made him our enemy, Robert," said his mother, apprehensively. - -"He was our enemy before, mother. He evidently wants to ruin us." - -As Wolverton went home, one thought was uppermost in his mind. "How -could he prevent Bob from making the trip to St. Louis?" - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -WOLVERTON'S POOR TENANT. - - -Bob hired a couple of extra hands, and made haste to finish harvesting -his wheat, for he was anxious to start on the trip down the river as -soon as possible. His anticipations as to the size of the crop were -justified. It footed up fourteen hundred and seventy-five bushels, and -this, at two dollars per bushel, would fetch in market nearly three -thousand dollars. - -"That's a pretty good crop for a boy to raise, mother," said Bob, with -pardonable exultation. "You haven't lost anything by allowing me to run -the ranch." - -"Quite true, Robert. You have accomplished wonders. I don't know what I -could have done without you. I know very little of farming myself." - -"I helped him, missis," said Clip, coveting a share of approval for -himself. - -"Yes," said Bob, smiling. "Clip has been my right-hand man. I can't say -he has worked very hard himself, but he has superintended the others." - -"Yes, missis; dat's what I done!" said Clip, proudly. - -He did not venture to pronounce the word, for it was too much for him, -but he was vaguely conscious that it was something important and -complimentary. - -"Then I must buy Clip a new suit," said Mrs. Burton, smiling. - -"I'll buy it in St. Louis, mother." - -When the grain was all gathered in Bob began to load it on the -ferry-boat. Wolverton sent Sam round every day to report progress, but -did not excite his nephew's suspicions by appearing to take unusual -interest in the matter. - -To prepare the reader for a circumstance which happened about this time, -I find it necessary to introduce another character, who was able to do -Bob an important service. - -In a small house, about three-quarters of a mile beyond the Burton -ranch, lived Dan Woods, a poor man, with, a large family. He hired the -house which he occupied and a few acres of land from Aaron Wolverton, -who had obtained possession of it by foreclosing a mortgage which he -held. He permitted Woods, the former owner, to remain as a tenant in the -house which once belonged to him, charging him rather more than an -average rent. The poor man raised vegetables and a small crop of wheat, -enough of each for his own family, and hired out to neighbors for the -balance of his time. He obtained more employment on the Burton ranch -than anywhere else, and Mrs. Burton had also sympathized with him in his -difficult struggle to maintain his family. But, in spite of friends and -his own untiring industry, Dan Woods fell behind. There were five -children to support, and they required not only food but clothing, and -Dan found it uphill work. - -His monthly rent was ten dollars; a small sum in itself, but large for -this much-burdened man to pay. But, however poorly he might fare in -other respects, Dan knew that it was important to have this sum ready on -the first day of every month. Wolverton was a hard landlord, and -admitted of no excuse. More than once after the rent had been paid there -was not a dollar left in his purse, or a pinch of food in his house. - -A week before this time Dan was looking for his landlord's call with -unusual anxiety. He had been sick nearly a week during the previous -month, and this had so curtailed his earnings that he had but six -dollars ready in place of ten. Would his sickness be accepted as an -excuse? He feared not. - -Wolverton's call was made on time. He had some expectation that the rent -would not be ready, for he knew Dan had been sick; but he was resolved -to show him no consideration. - -"His sickness is nothing to me," he reflected. "It would be a pretty -state of affairs if landlords allowed themselves to be cheated out of -their rent for such a cause." - -Dan Woods was at work in the yard when Wolverton approached. He was -splitting some wood for use in the kitchen stove. His heart sank within -him when he saw the keen, sharp features of his landlord. - -"Good morning, Dan," said Wolverton, with suavity. His expression was -amiable, as it generally was when he was collecting money, but it -suffered a remarkable change if the money was not forthcoming. - -"Good-morning, sir," answered Woods, with a troubled look. - -"You've got a nice, snug place here, Dan; it's a fine home for your -family." - -"I don't complain of it, sir. As I once owned it myself, probably I set -more store by it than a stranger would." - -"Just so, Dan. You get it at a very low rent, too. If it were any one -but yourself I should really feel that I ought to raise the rent to -twenty dollars." - -"I hope you won't do that, sir," said Woods, in alarm. "It's all I can -do to raise ten dollars a month, with all my other expenses." - -"Oh, well, I'll let it remain at the present figure _as long as you pay -me promptly_," emphasizing the last words. "Of course I have a right to -expect that." - -Dan's heart sank within him. It was clear he could not expect any -consideration from such a man. But the truth must be told. - -"No doubt you are right, Mr. Wolverton, and you've found me pretty -prompt so far." - -"So I have, Dan. I know you wouldn't be dishonest enough to make me -wait." - -Dan's heart sank still lower. It was becoming harder every minute to own -that he was deficient. - -"Still, Mr. Wolverton, bad luck will come----" - -"What!" exclaimed Wolverton, with a forbidding scowl. - -"As I was saying, sir, a man is sometimes unlucky. Now, I have been sick -nearly a week out of the last month, as you may have heard, and it's put -me back." - -"What are you driving at, Dan Woods?" demanded Wolverton, severely. "I -hope you're not going to say that you are not ready to pay your rent?" - -"I haven't got the whole of it, sir; and that's a fact." - -"You haven't got the whole of it? How much have you got?" - -"I can pay you six dollars, Mr. Wolverton." - -"Six dollars out of ten! Why, this is positively shameful! I wonder you -are not ashamed to tell me." - -"There is no shame about it that I can see," answered Dan, plucking up -his spirit. "I didn't fall sick on purpose; and when I was sick I -couldn't work." - -"You ought to have one month's rent laid by, so that whatever happens -you could pay it on time." - -"That's easy to say, Mr. Wolverton, but it takes every cent of my -earnings to pay my monthly expenses. There's little chance to save." - -"Any one can save who chooses," retorted Wolverton, sharply. - -"Shall I get you the six dollars, sir?" - -"Yes, give it to me." - -"And you will wait for the other four?" - -"Till to-morrow night." - -"But how can I get it by to-morrow night?" asked Dan in dismay. - -"That's your lookout, not mine. All I have to say is, unless it is paid -to me to-morrow night you must move the next day." - -With these words Wolverton went off. Dan Woods, in his trouble, went to -Bob Burton the next day, and Bob readily lent him the money he needed. - -"Thank you!" said Dan, gratefully; "I won't forget this favor." - -"Don't make too much of it, Dan; it's a trifle." - -"It's no trifle to me. But for you my family would be turned out of -house and home to-morrow. The time may come when I can do you a -service." - -"Thank you, Dan." - -The time came sooner than either anticipated. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -WOLVERTON'S WICKED PLAN. - - -Wolverton was somewhat puzzled when on his next call Dan Woods paid the -balance due on his rent. - -"So you raised the money after all?" he said. "I thought you could if -you made an effort." - -"I borrowed the money, sir." - -"Of whom?" - -"It isn't any secret, Mr. Wolverton. I borrowed it of a neighbor who has -always been kind to me--Bob Burton." - -Wolverton shrugged his shoulders. - -"I didn't know he had money to lend," he said. - -"He always has money for a poor man who needs it." - -"All right! I shall know where to go when I need money," responded -Wolverton, with a grin. - -"It suits me well enough to have the boy throw away his money," -Wolverton said to himself. "It will only draw nearer the time when he -will have to sue me for a favor." - -That day Wolverton read in a St. Louis paper that wheat was steadily -rising, and had already reached two dollars and six cents per bushel. - -"I could make a fine thing of it if I had only received the Barton wheat -at a dollar and a half a bushel," he reflected, regretfully. "If I had -only the widow to deal with, I might have succeeded, for she knows -nothing of business. But that confounded boy is always putting a spoke -in my wheel. If he carries out his plan, and markets the wheat, it will -set him on his feet for the year to come." - -This reflection made Wolverton feel gloomy. There are some men who are -cheered by the prosperity of their neighbors, but he was not one of -them. He began to speculate as to whether there was any way of -interfering with Bob's schemes. Generally when a man is seeking a way of -injuring his neighbor he succeeds in finding one. This was the plan that -suggested itself to Wolverton: If he could set the ferry-boat adrift -when the grain was all stored it would float down stream, and the -chances were against its being recovered. It would be mean, and even -criminal, to be sure. For the first, Wolverton did not care; for the -second, he would take care that no one caught him at it. He did not -think of employing any one else in the matter, for he knew of no one he -could trust; and he felt that he could do it more effectually than any -agent, however trustworthy. - -Wolverton was so full of the plan, which commended itself to him as both -simple and effective, that he took a walk late in the evening from his -house to the point on the creek where the boat was tethered. - -Now, it so happened that Dan Woods, who had been employed all day, had -occasion to go to the village in the evening to procure a few groceries -from the village store. He delayed for a time, having met an old -acquaintance, and it was half-past nine when he set out on his return -homeward. - -His way led him not only by the Burton homestead, but by the river bend -where Bob kept his rowboat--the same point also where the ferry-boat was -tied. - -As he approached, he caught sight of a man's figure standing on the -bank. Who it was he could not immediately distinguish on account of the -darkness. - -"It may be some one bent on mischief," he thought to himself. "I will -watch him and find out, if I can, who it is." - -He kept on his way stealthily till he was within a dozen feet, when he -slipped behind a tree. Then it dawned upon him who it was. - -"It's Aaron Wolverton, as I'm a living man," he ejaculated, inwardly. -"What can he be doing here?" - -It was Wolverton, as we know. The old man stood in silence on the bank, -peering through the darkness at the shadowy form of the ferry-boat, -which already contained half the wheat crop of Burton's Ranch--the -loading having commenced that morning. He had one habit which is -unfortunate with a conspirator--the habit of thinking aloud--so he let -out his secret to the watchful listener. - -"Sam tells me they expected to get half the crop on board to-day," he -soliloquized. "I sent him over to get that very information, though he -don't know it. It is too early to do anything yet. To-morrow night the -whole cargo will be stored, and then it will be time to cut the rope and -let it drift. I should be glad to see the boy's face," he chuckled, -"when he comes down to the creek the next morning and finds the boat -gone. That will put him at my mercy, and the widow, too," he added, -after a pause. "He will repent too late that he thwarted me. I will work -in secret, but I get there all the same!" - -Wolverton clasped his hands behind his back and, turning, walked -thoughtfully away. He did not see his tenant, who was crouching behind a -tree not over three feet from the path. - -Dan Woods had no very favorable opinion of Wolverton, but what he had -heard surprised and shocked him. - -"I didn't think the old man was as wicked as that!" he said to himself. -"He is scheming to ruin Bob and his mother. Why should he have such a -spite against them?" - -This is a question which we can answer, but Woods became more puzzled -the more he thought about it. One thing was clear, however; he must -apprise Bob of the peril in which he stood. Even if he had not received -the last favor from our hero, he would have felt in duty bound to do his -best to defeat Wolverton's wicked plan. - -The next morning, therefore, he made an early call at Burton's Ranch, -and asked for a private interview with Bob. He quickly revealed to him -the secret of which he had become possessed. - -"Thank you, Dan," said Bob, warmly. "You have done me a favor of the -greatest importance. I knew Wolverton was my enemy, and the enemy of our -family, but I did not think he would be guilty of such a mean and wicked -action. If he had succeeded, I am afraid we should have lost the farm." - -"You won't let him succeed?" said Dan Woods, anxiously. - -"No; forewarned is forearmed. I shall be ready for Mr. Wolverton!" And -Bob closed his lips resolutely. - -He deliberated whether he should let his mother know of the threatened -danger, but finally decided not to do so. It would only worry her, and -do no good, as whatever measures of precaution were to be taken, he must -take. He did not even tell Clip; for though the young colored boy was -devoted to him, he was lacking in discretion, and might let out the -secret. Bob did not want to prevent the attempt being made. He wished to -catch Wolverton in the act. - -He did, however, take into his confidence a faithful man who had worked -for his father ever since the ranch was taken, thinking it prudent to -have assistance near if needed. - -That day the rest of the wheat was stored on the ferry-boat. All would -be ready for a start the next morning, and this Bob had decided to make. -He sent Clip to bed early, on the pretext that he must have a good -night's sleep, as he would be called early. If Clip had had the least -idea of what was in the wind he would have insisted on sitting up to see -the fun, but he was absolutely ignorant of it. - -Wolverton had learned from Sam, who was surprised that his uncle should -let him spend almost all his time with his friends, Bob and Clip, that -the cargo had been stored. - -"When do they start?" he asked, carelessly. - -"To-morrow morning, uncle," Sam answered. - -"If I had thought of it," said Wolverton, "I would have asked young -Burton to take my wheat along, too." - -"I don't think he would have room for it, Uncle Aaron. The boat is about -full now." - -"Oh, well; I shall find some other way of sending it," said Wolverton, -carelessly. - -About nine o'clock Wolverton stole out in the darkness, and made his way -stealthily to the bend in the creek. He had with him a sharp razor--he -had no knife sharp enough--which he judged would sever the thick rope. - -Arrived at the place of his destination, he bent over and drew out the -razor, which he opened and commenced operations. But there was an -unlooked-for interference. - -A light, boyish figure sprang from behind a tree, and Bob Barton, laying -his hand on Wolverton's shoulder, demanded, indignantly: - -"What are you doing here, Mr. Wolverton?" - -Wolverton started, dropped the razor in the river, and, with an -expression of alarm, looked up into Bob's face. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -MR. WOLVERTON MEETS TWO CONGENIAL SPIRITS. - - -"What are you doing here, Mr. Wolverton?" repeated Bob, sternly. - -"Oh, it's you, Bob, is it?" said Wolverton, with assumed lightness. -"Really, you quite startled me, coming upon me so suddenly in the dark." - -"I noticed that you were startled," responded Bob, coolly. "But that -isn't answering my question." - -By this time Wolverton was on his feet, and had recovered his -self-possession. - -"What right have you to put questions to me, you young whelp?" he -demanded, angrily. - -"Because I suspect you of designs on my property." - -"What do you mean?" snarled Wolverton. - -"I will tell you; I think you meant to cut the rope, and send my boat -adrift." - -"How dare you insult me by such a charge?" demanded the agent, working -himself into a rage. - -"I have reason to think that you meant to do what I have said." - -"Why should I do it?" - -"In order to injure me by the loss of my wheat." - -"You are a fool, young man! I am inclined to think, also, that you are -out of your head." - -"If you had any other purpose, what is it?" - -Wolverton bethought himself that in order to avert suspicion, he must -assign some reason for his presence. To do this taxed his ingenuity -considerably. - -"I thought I saw something in the water," he said. "There it is; a twig; -I see now." - -"And what were you going to do with the razor?" - -"None of your business!" said Wolverton, suddenly, finding it -impossible, on the spur of the moment, to think of any reason. - -"That is easy to understand," said Bob, significantly. "Now, Mr. -Wolverton, I have a warning to give you. If anything befalls my boat, I -shall hold you responsible." - -"Do you know who I am?" blustered Wolverton. "How do you, a boy, dare to -talk in this impudent way to a man who has you in his power?" - -"It strikes me, Mr. Wolverton, that I hold you in my power." - -"Who would believe your unsupported assertion? sneered the agent." - -"It is not unsupported. I brought with me Edward Jones, my faithful -assistant, who has seen your attempt to injure me." - -At this, Edward, a stalwart young man of twenty-four, stepped into view. - -"I saw it all," he said, briefly. - -"You are ready to lie, and he to swear to it," said Wolverton, but his -voice was not firm, for he saw that the testimony against him was too -strong to be easily shaken. - -"I don't wonder you deny it, Mr. Wolverton," said Bob. - -"I won't remain here any longer to be insulted," said Wolverton, who -was anxious to get away, now that his plan had failed. - -Bob did not reply, and the agent slunk away, feeling far from -comfortable. - -"What cursed luck sent the boy to the creek to-night?" he said to -himself. "I was on the point of succeeding, and then I would have had -him in my power. Could he have heard anything?" - -Wolverton decided, however, that this was not likely. He attributed -Bob's presence to chance, though his words seemed to indicate that he -suspected something. He was obliged to acknowledge his defeat. Yet it -would be possible for him to return in an hour or two, and carry out his -evil plan. But it would be too hazardous. The crime would inevitably be -traced to him, and he would be liable to arrest. No, hard though it was -to bring his mind to it, he must forego his scheme, and devise something -else. - -When the agent had left the scene, Bob Burton said: "Edward, you may go -home. I mean to stay here on guard." - -"But you will not be in condition to start to-morrow morning. You will -be tired out." - -"I can't take any risks this last evening, Edward." - -"Then let me take your place. I will stay here." - -"But it will be hard on you." - -"I will lie later to-morrow morning. You can relieve me, if you like, at -four o'clock." - -"Let it be so, then! Too much is at stake for us to leave anything to -chance. I don't think, however, that Wolverton would dare to renew his -attempt." - -Meanwhile Wolverton retraced his steps to his own house. There was one -lonely place on the way, but the agent was too much absorbed in his own -reflections to have room for fear. His occupation of mind was rudely -disturbed, when from a clump of bushes two men sprang out, and one, -seizing him by the shoulder, said, roughly: "Your money or your life!" - -Wolverton was not a brave man, and it must be confessed that he was -startled by this sudden summons. But he wasn't in the habit of carrying -money with him in the evening, and an old silver watch, which would have -been dear at four dollars, was not an article whose loss would have -seriously disturbed him. So it was with a tolerable degree of composure -that he answered: "You have stopped the wrong man." - -"We know who you are. You are Aaron Wolverton, and you are a rich man." - -"That may and may not be, but I don't carry my money with me." - -"Empty your pockets!" - -Wolverton complied, but neither purse nor pocket book was forthcoming. - -"Didn't I tell you so?" he said, shrugging his shoulders. - -"We won't take your word for it." - -The first highwayman plunged his hand into the agent's pockets, but his -search only corroborated Wolverton's statement. - -"You, a rich man, go without money!" he exclaimed with rough contempt. - -"Perhaps I might have expected such a meeting," Wolverton replied, with -cunning triumph. - -"You must have a watch, at any rate!" - -"I have one that I will sell you for four dollars." - -As he spoke, he voluntarily produced the timeworn watch, which had -served him for twenty years. - -The thieves uttered an exclamation of contempt. Their disappointment -made them angry. They hurriedly conferred as to the policy of keeping -Wolverton in their power till he should pay a heavy ransom, but there -were obvious difficulties in the way of carrying out this plan. - -Aaron Wolverton listened quietly to the discussion which concerned him -so nearly. He smiled at times, and did not appear particularly alarmed -till one, more bloodthirsty than the other, suggested stringing him up -to the nearest tree. - -"My friends," he said, for the first time betraying a slight -nervousness. "I can't see what advantage it would be for you to hang -me." - -"You deserve it for fooling us!" replied the second highwayman, with an -oath. - -"In what way?" - -"By not carrying any money, or article of value." - -"I grieve for your disappointment," said Wolverton, with much sympathy. - -"If you mock us, you shall swing, any way." - -"Don't mistake me! I have no doubt you are very worthy fellows, only a -little unfortunate. What sum would have paid you for your -disappointment?" - -"Fifty dollars would have been better than nothing." - -"That is considerable money, but I may be able to throw it in your way." - -"Now you're talking! If you are on the square, you'll find us gentlemen. -We are ready to hear what you have to say." - -"Good! But I expect you to earn the money." - -"How?" inquired the first gentleman, suspiciously. The word earn might -mean work, and that was not in his line. - -"I'll tell you." - -There was an amiable conference for twenty minutes, but this is not the -place to reveal what was said. Enough that it nearly concerned Bob -Burton, and involved a new plot against the success of his enterprise. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -AN UNEXPECTED PASSENGER. - - -The next morning the boys were up bright and early. It was a glorious -morning, and Bob accepted it as auspicious of a pleasant and prosperous -trip. - -Clip was in wild spirits. He was naturally vivacious and fond of change, -and the prospect of the river trip made him very happy. Bob, as a -practical joke, put on a grave face and said: "Clip, I don't know but I -shall have to leave you at home." - -"What fo', Massa Bob?" inquired Clip, his face assuming a look of -dismay. - -"I am afraid my mother won't be able to get along without you. There are -so many things to attend to on the ranch." - -"I can't do no good on the ranch," said Clip, eagerly. "I'm only a lazy, -good-for-nothing nigger." - -"Then I don't see how you can help me, Clip," returned Bob, his eyes -twinkling as he listened to this candid confession. - -"Dat's different, Massa Bob. I ain't no good on the ranch, but I'm -powerful help on the river. Please take me along, Massa Bob," pleaded -Clip. - -"Just as likely as not you'll get lost, Clip. Besides, you might meet -your old master from Arkansas." - -"He won't catch dis nigger," said Clip, shaking his head, resolutely. -"Please let me go, Massa Bob." - -"Your arguments are so cogent, Clip, that I suppose I shall have to give -in." - -Instantly Clip's face was radiant. He didn't know what cogent arguments -were, but as long as they had accomplished his desire he was content to -remain in ignorance. - -"But if you give me any trouble, Clip," Bob added, seriously, "I may -have to put you ashore, and let you walk home." - -Clip gave the most emphatic assurance of good conduct, and was informed -that he could go. - -There was much to do, even on the last morning, and though the boys -were early risers, it was fully ten o'clock before they were ready to -start. - -Half an hour before this Bob had a surprise. - -Sam Wolverton was seen approaching on a run, breathless and without a -hat. He arrived at the landing, just as Bob was putting off in the -flat-bottomed boat, with a load of provisions for the voyage. - -"What on earth is the matter, Sam?" asked Bob, in surprise. - -"Let me get on the boat and I will tell you." - -The boat was put back and Sam jumped on. - -"Now what has happened, Sam?" - -"Do you see this," said Sam, pointing to his right cheek, which was -stained with blood. - -"What has happened to you? Did you fall and hurt yourself?" - -"My uncle knocked me over and I fell against a block of wood." - -"What made him attack you?" inquired Bob, indignantly. - -"I don't know; he got mad with me for nothing at all. He's been in an -awful temper all the morning. Something must have happened to vex him." - -Bob smiled. He could understand what had happened. Wolverton's -disappointment at the failure of his villainous plan had no doubt soured -him, and, like a born bully, he had vented his spite upon the poor boy -who was dependent upon him. - -"I wish you'd more spunk, Sam," Bob said. "He wouldn't dare to attack me -in that way." - -"You're stronger and braver than I am, Bob. I can't be like you. I wish -I could." - -"Your uncle is no more nor less than a bully. He imposes upon you -because he thinks it is safe to do so. He wouldn't dare tackle me, -because he knows it wouldn't be safe." - -"Bob," said Sam, solemnly, "I've borne it as long as I'm going to. I am -not going back to my uncle's house." - -"Do you mean this, Sam?" - -"Yes, I do. It's the only home I have, but I would rather go without a -home than to be beaten and ill-treated by Uncle Aaron." - -"I commend your pluck, Sam. I can't say I think you are doing wrong." - -"I have a favor to ask of you, Bob. You are my only friend." - -"What is it, Sam?" - -"Let me go with you to St. Louis. It would make me happy to be with you, -and I should be out of my uncle's way." - -Bob paused for consideration, the proposal being unexpected. - -"But suppose, Sam, I am charged with abducting you?" - -"I'll take all the blame. Let me hide on the ferry-boat, and I won't -show myself until you've got miles away." - -"That might do," said Bob, smiling. "Perhaps it isn't exactly square, -but with such a man as your uncle we must make use of his own methods." - -"You will take me, then?" asked Sam, eagerly. - -By this time they had reached the boat. - -"Clip," said Bob, "go with Sam and hide him somewhere on the boat, but -don't tell me where he is concealed. Then, if old Wolverton comes after -him I can say truly that I don't know where he is." - -"All right, Massa Bob," said Clip, showing his teeth. - -When the contents of the boat had been transferred to the larger craft, -Bob rowed back, leaving Clip and Sam together. The boat was roofed over, -as already stated. Besides the bins there was a corner in which some -bedding had been placed for the accommodation of the young voyagers. But -it seemed difficult to find a suitable hiding-place for Sam. - -"Where can you put me?" asked the young runaway, with a troubled look. - -Clip looked about him, rolling his eyes in perplexity. - -At length his face brightened, for an idea had come to him. - -In one corner was an empty barrel. Some stores had been brought aboard -in it, and it had been suffered to remain, with the idea that it might -possibly prove of use. The particular use to which it was to be put -certainly never occurred to Bob or Clip. - -"Get in there, Sam!" said Clip. "Old Mass' Wolverton won't look for you -in there." - -"But I shall be seen." - -"You wait and I'll show you how we'll manage; only get in!" - -Thus adjured, Sam got into the barrel, and with some difficulty crouched -so that his head was lower than the top of the barrel. - -"Now I'll show you," said Clip. - -He took a white cloth--it was apiece of sail-cloth--and spread over the -top of the barrel. - -"Now old Mass' Wolverton will have sharp eyes to see you," said Clip, -triumphantly. - -"That may do," said Sam. "But it isn't necessary to put it on now. It -will be time if my uncle makes his appearance. I'll keep out of sight in -the center of the boat." - -Meanwhile Bob had gone to the house to bid good-bye to his mother. - -"I feel anxious about your going off on such a long trip, Robert," said -Mrs. Burton. - -"You forget that I am almost a man, mother. It is time for me to assume -some responsibility." - -"But you are only a boy, after all, Robert. Think, if anything should -happen to you, what would become of me?" - -"My dear mother, you may depend on my taking excellent care of myself. I -don't see what risk or danger there can be in going to St. Louis. It -isn't a long trip. I shall be back in less than a fortnight if all goes -well." - -"It will seem a very long fortnight to me, Robert." - -"I have no doubt you will miss me, mother, but you forget I have Clip to -look after me." - -"Clip is only a poor colored boy, but I am sure he will prove faithful -to you," said Mrs. Burton, seriously. "Even the humble are sometimes of -great service. I am glad he is going with you." - -Bob did not mention that Sam Wolverton would also be his companion, as -he foresaw that the agent would not unlikely question his mother on that -point. - -Bob returned to the boat, and was just about to cast off, when Wolverton -was seen on the bank, waving his hat and shouting frantically. - -"I guess, Massa Sam, you'd better get into the barrel," said Clip with a -grin. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -HOW WOLVERTON WAS FOOLED. - - -"What do you want, Mr. Wolverton?" asked Bob, coolly, as he stood at one -end of the boat and surveyed the excited agent. - -"Come ashore, or I'll have you arrested," shouted the irate Wolverton. - -"You are very kind, Mr. Wolverton; but I am in considerable of a hurry, -and have not time to comply with your request." - -"You'd better come ashore, if you know what's best for yourself." - -"Please state your business! If it is anything to my advantage, I may -come; but I am just ready to start for St. Louis." - -"Is my nephew Sam on your boat?" - -"I don't see him. Why should he be on board?" - -"I suspect him of running away, the ungrateful young rascal? I thought -he might be scheming to go down the river with you." - -"Clip," said Bob, gravely, "has Sam Wolverton engaged passage with us?" - -"Not as I knows on, Massa Bob." - -"If he should, charge him fifteen dollars." - -"Yes, Massa Bob," answered Clip, with a grin. - -"If you wish your nephew to go to St. Louis on my boat, Mr. Wolverton," -said Bob, with ceremonious politeness, "I will take him, being a friend, -for fifteen dollars, excursion ticket. You can't complain of that." - -"But I don't want him to go," roared Wolverton. "I tell you he has run -away." - -"That's very strange, considering how kindly and liberally you have -always treated him." - -Wolverton eyed Bob suspiciously, for he knew well enough that the remark -was ironical. - -"None of your gammon, young man!" he said, crabbedly. "Send Sam ashore." - -"Really, Mr. Wolverton, you must be joking. What have I got to do with -Sam?" - -"I don't believe a word you say. I mean to search your boat." - -"You had better do it at once, then, for it is time for me to start." - -"But how am I to get aboard," asked the agent, perplexed. - -"You might swim," suggested Bob, "or wade. The water is shallow--not -higher than your neck, anywhere." - -"That is nonsense. Steer your boat to shore, that I may board her." - -"It can't be done, Mr. Wolverton. We can only drift down with the -current." - -"Then how am I to get aboard?" - -"That is your lookout." - -Just then Mr. Wolverton espied the flat-bottomed boat which Bob proposed -to take with him. He had attached it by a line to the stern of the -ferry-boat. - -"Row over and take me across." - -"I can't spare the time." - -Wolverton was about to give vent to his wrath at this refusal, when he -observed a boat approaching, rowed by a German boy named Otto Brandes. - -"Come here, boy, and row me out to yonder boat," he said. - -Otto paused in his rowing, and, understanding the man with whom he was -dealing, he asked, quietly: "How much will you pay me, Mr. Wolverton?" - -"Five cents to take me over and back," answered the agent, with some -hesitation. - -Otto laughed. - -"I don't work for any such wages," he said. - -"I'll give you ten; but be quick about it." - -"Give me a quarter and I'll do it." - -"Do you think I am made of money?" said Wolverton, in anger. "That is an -outrageous extortion." - -"All right! Then hire somebody else," said Otto, coolly. - -After a fruitless effort to beat down the price, Wolverton sulkily -agreed to the terms, and Otto rowed to the bank. - -"Now, row with all your might," said the agent, as he seated himself in -one end of the boat. - -"Your fare, please," said Otto. - -"I'll pay you when the trip is over," said Wolverton. "It's a poor -paymaster that pays in advance." - -"Then you'd better get out of the boat. Railroad and boat tickets are -always paid in advance." - -"I'll give you ten cents now, and the balance when I land." - -"It won't do, Mr. Wolverton. I don't care much about the job anyway; I'm -in a hurry to get home." - -Otto lived about half a mile further down the creek. - -Much against his will, the agent was obliged to deposit the -passage-money in the boy's hand before he would consent to take up the -oars and commence rowing. - -"That rascal Sam is putting me to all this expense," he said to himself. -"I'll take my pay out of his skin once I get hold of him." - -Clip went up to the barrel in which Sam was concealed. - -"Ol' Wolverton is comin', Massa Sam," he said. "Don't you make no noise, -and we'll fool de ol' man." - -In spite of this assurance, poor Sam trembled in his narrow place of -concealment. He knew that he would fare badly if his uncle got hold of -him. - -"How's he coming?" he asked in a stifled voice. - -"Otto Brandes is rowin' him. He's in Otto's boat." - -"It's mean of Otto!" - -"No; he don't know what de ol' man is after." - -It took scarcely two minutes for Wolverton to reach the ferry-boat. He -mounted it with fire in his eye. - -"Now, where is Sam?" he demanded in a peremptory tone. - -"You can search for him, Mr. Wolverton," said Bob, coolly. "You seem to -know more about where he is than I do." - -Wolverton began to peer here and there, looking into bins of wheat and -all sorts of improbable places. - -Clip took a broom and began to sweep energetically. Bob could not -explain this sudden fit of industry till he saw Clip slyly slip the -broom between Wolverton's legs as he was hurrying along, thereby -upsetting the unfortunate agent, who tumbled sprawling on the deck. - -"Why, you black imp!" he exclaimed, furiously, as he picked himself up, -"what made you do that?" - -"Couldn't help it, Massa Wolverton! I 'clare to gracious I couldn't!" -said Clip, rolling his eyes in a most wonderful manner. "Are you hurt, -Massa Wolverton?" - -"I most broke my knee!" growled Wolverton, as he rose and limped towards -the other end of the boat. "I may be laid up for a week." - -"It was de ol' broom did it," said Clip, innocently. "Never see such a -broom!" - -Bob had hard work to keep a straight face, as he heard Clip's odd -accusation against the unoffending broom. - -This accident seemed to dampen Wolverton's enthusiasm, and the pain in -his knee increasing made him desirous of getting home as soon as -possible. Besides, he began to suspect that he was on a wrong scent, as -he had thus far found no traces of his runaway nephew. He never once -noticed the barrel, over which the piece of sail-cloth had been thrown -so carelessly. - -"Well, did you find Sam?" asked Bob, composedly. - -"No!" snapped Wolverton. - -"I seed him jest before you came, Massa Wolverton," said Clip. - -"Where?" asked the agent, eagerly. - -"Runnin' along the bank." - -"In what direction?" - -Clip pointed up the creek. - -"Why didn't you tell me that before?" - -"You didn't ask me, Massa Wolverton." - -"Take me ashore quick!" said Wolverton to Otto. - -"Hurry up, Massa Wolverton, and mebbe you'll catch him!" - -Wolverton was already in the boat, and Otto was rowing him to the shore. - -Clip went to the barrel and released the prisoner. - -"De ol' man's gone, Sam!" he said. - -"I'm glad of it, Clip. I'm almost suffocated." - -"Golly, didn't we fool him!" and Clip lay down on his back on deck, and -gave way to an explosion of mirth. - -A minute later the rope was drawn in, and the ferry-boat started on its -adventurous career down the creek. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -THE FIRST DAY. - - -Bob was accustomed to rowing, but navigation with the ferry-boat -presented a new and interesting problem which he was eager to solve. A -steering apparatus had been rigged up at the stern, which was found -strong enough for the purpose required. Bob took his place at the helm -in starting, and managed for the first hour to regulate the direction of -his craft. By that time they came to a place where the creek widened -considerably, and the boat showed a disposition to whirl round in an -eddy. This difficulty, however, was overcome by practice, and Bob began -to acquire confidence in himself as a navigator. But it was evident that -he could not remain at the helm all day. - -"Come here, Clip," he said; "I want you to rest me in steering." - -Clip took his place, but his first attempts proved discouraging. He was -inclined to steer in just the reverse direction, and twice came near -running the boat ashore. - -"What are you about, Clip?" demanded Bob, in excitement. "Don't you see -you are running the boat ashore?" - -"I done just like you, Massa Bob," protested Clip. "De boat acts -contrary; never see such an ol' boat." - -"It is you that are contrary, Clip. You don't do as I tell you." - -"I 'clar to gracious I did, Massa Bob. I can't never learn to steer." - -In fact, Clip, who was naturally lazy, found it very irksome to stand at -the helm, and much preferred going here and there on the boat and -surveying the scenery on either bank. He hoped that his incompetence -would save him from the task. But his dream was rudely disturbed. - -"If you can't take your turn in steering, Clip," said Bob, "you won't be -of any use to me. I shall have to send you home, and get along with -Sam's assistance." - -"Oh, don't send me home, Massa Bob!" exclaimed Clip, in alarm. "I'll -try--'deed I will." - -"I'll try you a little longer, Clip," said Bob; "but you must not blame -me for sending you back, if it is necessary." - -No better argument could have been used to insure satisfactory work from -Clip, who was naturally careless, and inclined to shirk work. -Nevertheless, Bob felt glad that he had another assistant in Sam -Wolverton, who proved to possess all the qualities which Clip lacked. - -When it was one o'clock, Clip began to show signs of distress. - -"I'm pow'ful hungry, Massa Bob," he said, in a pleading tone. - -"So am I, Clip," returned Bob, with a smile. "I will see if I can't do -something to relieve you." - -He had brought from home a basket of sandwiches and a gallon of milk. To -these the boys did ample justice, displaying even more appetite than -usual. This was not surprising, for they had worked hard, and this in -the open air. - -"Sam," said Bob, "I can't hope to supply you with all the delicacies you -would get at home, but I hope you'll make it do with our humble fare." - -Sam smiled. - -"All the delicacies on Uncle Aaron's table wouldn't spoil anybody's -digestion. I like my dinner to-day better than any I've eaten for a long -time. I don't know what uncle and aunt would say if they could see me -here." - -"De ol' man would be wild," said Clip, with a guffaw. - -"I expect he would, Clip. He isn't fond of me, but he doesn't want to -lose me. He will have to do his own chores now, for I don't believe he -can get a boy to work for him." - -About six o'clock in the afternoon, having arrived opposite a town which -I will call Rushford, Bob decided to tie up for the night. He and Clip -went on shore, leaving Sam in charge of the boat. He did not dare to -leave it unguarded, for the cargo, according to his estimate, was worth -not far from three thousand dollars. - -He took the opportunity to enter a restaurant, where he bought Clip and -himself cups of coffee, and ordered a fresh supply of sandwiches made -up, which he arranged to have delivered at the boat early the next -morning. - -"I don't mean that we shall starve, Clip," he said. - -Clip showed his teeth. - -"Dat coffee's awful good, Massa Bob," he said. - -"Yes, but we can't make it on board the boat. I shall have to depend on -getting it at the villages on the way." - -"How far are we from home, Massa Bob?" - -"Well thought of, Clip. I will inquire." - -He asked the keeper of the restaurant the distance to Carver. - -"I don't know, but I think my waiter comes from that neighborhood. Sam, -how far away is Carver?" - -"Forty miles," answered Sam promptly. - -"I thought it had been more. We have been eight hours coming on the -river." - -That is because the river (they had left the creek fifteen miles up) was -winding in its course. - -On the whole, however, Bob decided that it was very fair progress for -the first day, and that only about two-thirds of the time. - -Rushford was a town of fifteen hundred inhabitants, and presented as -busy an appearance as a town three times the size in the East. Clip, who -was fond of variety, was reluctant to return to the boat, but Bob said: - -"We must relieve Sam, and give him a chance to come ashore and get some -coffee. You come with him, and show him the restaurant." - -This arrangement suited Clip, who liked as much variety and excitement -as possible. - -On returning to the boat Bob was somewhat surprised to find his young -lieutenant in conversation with an old lady dressed in antediluvian -costume. She had a sharp face, with an eager, birdlike look, and seemed -to be preferring a request. - -"Here's the captain; you can ask him," said Sam, who seemed much -relieved by the return of Bob. - -"Is _he_ the captain?" asked the old lady. "Why, he's nothin' but a -boy!" - -"He's all the captain we have," answered Sam. - -"Be you in charge of this boat?" asked the old lady. - -"Yes, ma'am. What can I do for you?" - -"I want to go down to St. Louis," said the old lady, "and I thought -maybe you might find room for me." - -"But, ma'am, why don't you take passage on a river steamer?" - -"They charge too much," said the old lady. "I hain't got much money, and -I s'pose you wouldn't charge me much. Are you any acquainted in St. -Louis?" - -"No, ma'am." - -"I thought maybe you might know my darter's husband. He keeps a grocery -store down near the river. His name is Jeremiah Pratt, and my darter's -name is Melinda Ann. I want to give 'em a surprise." - -"I never met the gentleman." - -"When do you start?" - -"To-morrow morning about half-past seven o'clock." - -"Can't you put it off till eight? I've got to pack my trunk over night, -and I've got to eat a bit of breakfast to stay my stummik. How much do -you charge? I'd be willing to pay you seventy-five cents." - -"How much do the steamboats charge?" asked Bob. - -"I think it's six dollars, or it may be seven. That's too much for a -poor woman like me." - -"I think you will have to pay it, madam, for we have no accommodation -for passengers on our boat." - -"Oh, I ain't a mite particular. You can put me anywhere." - -"I suppose you wouldn't be willing to get into a grain bin?" - -"Oh, now you're jokin'. Where do you sleep yourself?" - -"On a mattress on the floor; that wouldn't be suitable for a lady like -you. Besides, we have no separate rooms." - -"Then you can't take me, no way?" asked the old lady, disappointed. - -"I am afraid not, madam." - -"You're real disobligin'. I don't see how I am to get to St. Louis." - -"I am sorry I can't help you." - -The old woman hobbled off in evident anger. Bob heard afterwards that -she was a woman of ample means, fully able to afford steamboat fare, but -so miserly that she grudged paying it. - -"Now, Sam," said Bob, "Clip will show you the way to a restaurant where -you can get a hot cup of coffee and a plate of meat, if you desire it." - -While the boys were gone, Bob received a visitor. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -A SUSPICIOUS CHARACTER. - - -Fifteen minutes after Sam and Clip had left him Bob's attention was -drawn to a man of somewhat flashy appearance, who, while leaning against -a tree on the bank, seemed to be eying him and the boat with attention. -He wore a Prince Albert coat which was no longer fit to appear in good -society, a damaged hat, and a loud neck-tie. His eyes were roving from -one point to another, as if he felt a great deal of interest in Bob or -the boat. Our hero was not favorably impressed with this man's -appearance. - -"I wonder what he sees that interests him so much?" he thought. - -"I say, young man, is this here boat yours?" he asked. - -"Yes," answered Bob, coldly. - -"What have you got on board?" - -Bob felt under no obligation to answer, but reflecting that there was -no good excuse for refusing, he said, briefly: "Wheat." - -"Humph! How much have you got?" - -This clearly was none of the questioner's business, and Bob replied by -another question: - -"Do you want to buy?" - -"I don't know," said the stranger. "What do you ask?" - -"I can't say till I get to St. Louis." - -"How much do you calc'late to get?" - -"Two dollars and a quarter," answered Bob, naming a price beyond his -expectations. - -"Ain't that a high figger?" - -"Perhaps so." - -"Come, young feller, you don't seem social. Can't you invite me aboard?" - -"I don't think you would be paid for coming," said Bob, more and more -unfavorably impressed. - -"Oh, I don't mind. My time ain't valuable. I guess I'll come." - -The stranger stepped across the gang-plank, which Bob had laid from the -boat to the shore, and entered without an invitation. Bob was tempted -to order him off, but the intruder appeared much stronger than himself; -and while he was alone it seemed politic to submit to the disagreeable -necessity of entertaining his unwelcome visitor. - -The latter walked from end to end of the boat, examining for himself -without asking permission, or appearing to feel the need of any. He -opened the bins and counted them, while Bob looked on uneasily. - -"I say, young feller, you've got a smart lot of wheat here." - -"Yes," said Bob, briefly. - -"Got a thousand bushels, I reckon?" - -"Perhaps so." - -"And you expect to get two dollars and a quarter a bushel?" - -"Perhaps I shall have to take less." - -"At any rate, you must have two thousand dollars' worth on board." - -"You can judge for yourself." - -"I say, that's a pile of money--for a boy." - -"The wheat doesn't belong to me." - -"Who owns it, then." - -"My mother." - -"What's your mother's name?" - -"I have answered all the questions I am going to," said Bob, -indignantly. - -"Don't get riled, youngster. It ain't no secret, is it?" - -"I don't care about answering all the questions a stranger chooses to -put to me." - -"I say, young chap, you're gettin' on your high horse." - -"What is your object in putting all these questions?" - -"What is my object?" - -"That is what I asked." - -"The fact is, youngster, I've got a ranch round here myself, and I've -got about five hundred bushels of wheat I want to market. Naturally I'm -interested. See?" - -Bob did not believe a word of this. - -"Where is your ranch?" he asked. - -"About two miles back of the town," answered the stranger, glibly. That -lie was an easy one. "I'm thinkin' some of runnin' down to the city to -see if I can't sell my wheat in a lump to some merchant. Mebbe I could -strike a bargain with you to carry me down." - -Bob had even more objection to the new passenger than to the old lady, -and he answered stiffly: - -"I have no accommodations for passengers." - -"Oh, I can bunk anywhere--can lie on deck, on one of the bins. I'm used -to roughin' it." - -"You'd better take passage by the next steamer. This is a freight boat." - -"There ain't anybody but you aboard, is there?" - -"Yes; I have two companions." - -The stranger seemed surprised and incredulous. - -"Where are they?" he asked. - -"Gone into the village." - -The visitor seemed thoughtful. He supposed the two companions were -full-grown men, and this would not tally with his plans. This illusion, -however, was soon dissipated, for Sam and Clip at this point crossed the -gang-plank and came aboard. - -"Are them your two companions?" asked the stranger, appearing relieved. - -"Yes." - -Sam and Clip eyed him curiously, expecting Bob to explain who he was, -but our hero was only anxious to get rid of him. - -"Then you can't accommodate me?" asked the man. - -"No, sir; but if you'll give me your name and address, I can perhaps -sell your crop for you, and leave you to deliver it." - -"Never mind, young feller! I reckon I'll go to the city myself next -week." - -"Just as you like, sir." - -He re-crossed the plank, and when he reached the shore took up his post -again beside the tree, and resumed his scrutiny of the boat. - -"What does that man want?" asked Sam. - -"I don't know. He asked me to give him passage to St. Louis." - -"You might make money by carrying passengers," suggested Sam. - -"I wouldn't carry a man like him at any price," said Bob. "I haven't any -faith in his honesty or respectability, though he tells me that he owns -a ranch two miles back of the town. He came on the boat to spy out what -he could steal, in my opinion." - -"How many days do you think we shall need for the trip, Bob?" asked Sam. - -"It may take us a week; but it depends on the current, and whether we -meet with any obstructions. Are you in a hurry to get back to your -uncle?" - -"No," said Sam, his face wearing a troubled look. "The fact is, Bob, I -don't mean to go back at all." - -"You mean dat, Massa Sam?" asked Clip, his eyes expanding in his -excitement. - -"Yes, I mean it. If I go back I shall have to return to my uncle, and -you know what kind of a reception I shall get. He will treat me worse -than ever." - -"I am sure, Sam, my mother will be willing to let you live with us." - -"I should like nothing better, but my uncle would come and take me -away." - -"Would he have the right?" - -"I think he would. He has always told me that my poor father left me to -his charge." - -"Do you think he left any property?" - -"Yes; I feel sure he did; for on his deathbed he called me to him, and -said: 'I leave you something, Sam; I wish it were more; but, at any -rate, you are not a pauper.'" - -"Did you ever mention this to your uncle, Sam?" - -"Yes." - -"What did he say?" - -"It seemed to make him very angry. He said that my father was delirious -or he would never have said such absurd things. But I know he was in his -right mind. He was never more calm and sensible than when he told me -about the property." - -"I am afraid Sam, your uncle has swindled you out of your inheritance." - -"I think so, too, but I can't prove anything, and it won't do to say -anything, for it makes him furious." - -"What does your aunt say?" - -"Oh, she sides with Uncle Aaron; she always does that." - -"Then I can't say I advise you to return to Carver, although Clip and I -are sure to miss you." - -"'Deed I shall, Massa Sam," said Clip. - -"I think I can pick up a living somehow in St. Louis. I would rather -black boots than go back to Uncle Aaron." - -"I am sure you can. Perhaps some gentleman will feel an interest in you, -and take you into his service." - -"I want to tell you, Bob, that Uncle Aaron hates you, and will try to -injure you. You will need to be careful." - -"That's no news, Sam. He has shown his dislike for me in many ways; but -I am not afraid of him," the boy added, proudly. - -At nine o'clock the boys went to bed. They were all tired, and all slept -well. It was not till seven o'clock that Bob awoke. His two companions -were asleep. He roused them, and they prepared for the second day's -trip. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -CLIP MAKES A LITTLE MONEY FOR HIMSELF. - - -About noon the next day, while Clip was at the helm, there was a sudden -jolt that jarred the boat from stem to stern, if I may so speak of a -double-ender ferry-boat. - -Bob and Sam, who had been occupied with re-arranging some of the cargo, -rushed up to the colored pilot. - -"What on earth is the matter, Clip asked Bob. - -"'Clare to gracious, I dunno, Massa Bob," asseverated Clip. - -Bob didn't need to repeat the question. Clip had steered in shore, and -the boat had run against a tree of large size which had fallen over into -the river, extending a distance of a hundred feet into the stream. Of -course the boat came to a standstill. - -"What made you do this, Clip?" said Bob, sternly. - -"Didn't do it, Massa Bob. Ol' boat run into the tree himself." - -"That won't do, Clip. If you had steered right, there would have been no -trouble." - -"I steered just as you told me to, Massa Bob." - -"No, you didn't. You should have kept the boat at least a hundred and -fifty feet from the shore." - -"Didn't I, Massa Bob?" asked Clip, innocently. - -"No. Don't you see we are not more than fifty feet away now?" - -"I didn't get out and measure, Massa Bob," said Clip, with a grin. - -"Now, own up, Clip, were you not looking at something on the bank, so -that you didn't notice where you were steering?" - -"Who told you, Massa Bob?" asked Clip, wondering. - -"I know it must be so. Do you know you have got us into trouble? How am -I going to get the boat back into the stream?" - -Clip scratched his head hopelessly. The problem was too intricate for -him to solve. - -"I think, Clip, I shall have to leave you over at the next place we come -to. You are more bother than you are worth." - -"Oh, don't, Massa Bob. I won't do so again. 'Deed I won't." - -Bob didn't relent for some time. He felt that it was necessary to -impress Clip with the heinousness of his conduct. At length he agreed to -give him one more chance. He had to secure the services of two stout -backwoodsmen to remove the tree, and this occasioned a delay of at least -two hours. Finally the boat got started again, and for the remainder of -the day there was no trouble. - -Towards the close of the afternoon they reached a place which we will -call Riverton. It was a smart Western village of about two thousand -inhabitants. Bob and Sam went on shore to get some supper, leaving Clip -in charge. - -"Now, Clip, you must keep your eyes open, and take good care of -everything while we are gone," said Bob. - -"All right, Massa Bob." - -About ten minutes after the boys went away Clip was sitting on a barrel -whistling a plantation melody, when a slender, florid-complexioned young -man stepped aboard. - -"Good-evening, sir," he said, removing his hat. - -"Evenin'," answered Clip, with a grin. He was flattered by being -addressed as "sir." - -"Are you in charge of this boat?" - -"Yes; while Massa Bob and Sam are gone ashore." - -"Are they boys like yourself?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"Are you three all that are on board--I mean all that man the boat?" - -"Yes, massa." - -"Where are you bound?" - -"To St. Louis." - -"Do you think they would take me as passenger?" - -Clip shook his head. - -"They won't take no passengers," he answered. "An ol' woman wanted to go -as passenger, and another man" (Clip was unconscious of the bull), "but -Massa Bob he said no." - -"Suppose I make a bargain with you," said the man, insinuatingly. - -"What you mean, massa?" asked Clip, rolling his eyes in wonderment. - -"Can't you hide me somewhere without their knowing I am on board?" - -"What for I do dat?" asked Clip. - -"I'll make it worth your while." - -"What's dat?" - -"I'll give you five dollars." - -"For my own self?" - -"Yes; for yourself." - -"And I won't have to give it to Massa Bob?" - -"No; you can spend it for yourself." - -"But Massa Bob would find out to-morrer." - -"If he finds out to-morrow I shan't mind." - -"And you won't take back the money?" - -"No; you can keep the money at any rate." - -"Where's the money?" asked Clip, cautiously. - -The stranger took out a five-dollar gold piece, and showed it to Clip. -Clip had seen gold coins before, and he understood the value of what was -offered him. - -"Where can I put you?" he said. - -"We'll go round the boat together, and see if we can find a place." - -The round was taken, and the stranger selected a dark corner behind a -bin of wheat. - -"Will Massa Bob, as you call him; be likely to look here?" - -"No; I reckon not." - -"Have you got anything to eat on board which you can bring me by and -by?" - -"I'm goin' on shore soon as Massa Bob gets back. I'll buy something." - -"That will do." - -The stranger ensconced himself in his hiding-place, and soon after Bob -and Sam returned. - -"Has anybody been here, Clip?" asked Bob. - -"No, Massa Bob," answered Clip, solemnly. - -Poor Clip's moral convictions were rather obtuse, and a lie did not -impress him as seriously wrong. - -"What have you been doing while we were away?" - -"Nothin', Massa Bob." - -"That's what you like best to do, Clip, isn't it?" - -"Dat's where you're right, Massa Bob. Yah, yah!" - -"Well, you can go to your supper, Clip. Here's some money." - -"All right, Massa Bob." - -Clip did not seem in any great hurry to go. He was rather afraid that -Bob and Sam would explore the boat while he was away. Finally he walked -away with slow steps, looking back from time to time. - -"What's got into Clip?" said Bob, wonderingly. - -"I guess he isn't hungry," answered Sam, with a laugh. - -Ten minutes later Bob's attention was drawn to a crowd of men and boys -who were approaching the boat. He naturally wondered what was the object -of the assemblage. - -The leader called out to Bob, when he had approached sufficiently near: - -"I say, boy, have you seen anything of a man with dark hair, florid -complexion, wearing a light suit, running along the bank?" - -"No, sir. Why?" - -"A man of that description has stolen a sum of money from a dry-goods -store in the town. He was seen running in this direction. We thought you -might have seen him." - -"No, sir; I have seen nothing of such a man." - -Bob little dreamed that the thief in question was concealed at that -moment within twenty-five feet of where he was sitting. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -CLIP'S SECRET MISSION. - - -The man who had addressed Bob eyed him sharply on receiving his negative -answer. - -"It is a pretty serious thing to connive at the escape of a criminal," -he said. - -"That remark does not affect me, sir. I know nothing of any criminal. If -I had seen him I would tell you." - -Bob talked so frankly and honestly that it seemed impossible to doubt -his word. The leader of the pursuing party turned to consult with a -friend. - -"The boy seems straightforward," he said. "What do you think?" - -"I agree with you. Still, the man was seen to run in this direction." - -The first questioner was the one most concerned in the capture of the -guilty party, for it was his store that had been robbed. - -"Have you been here all the time?" he asked, turning once more to Bob. - -"No, sir; my friend and I have been to the village to get supper." - -"Did you leave no one on board?" - -"Yes, sir; a colored boy in my service--a boy named Clip." - -"Did he mention having seen any suspicious party, or any man who seemed -to be running away?" - -"No, sir." - -"Where is he? I would like to speak with him." - -"He has gone to the village to get his supper." - -If Clip had been present he would no doubt have been questioned, but as -he was absent the party of investigation did not think it worth while to -wait. - -"That's rather curious, Sam," said Bob, when they were again alone. "We -were suspected of screening a criminal." - -"I wouldn't give much for the fellow's chance of escape. They are -evidently determined to catch him." - -These words were all distinctly heard by the man in hiding. - -"I was lucky to fall in with the little nigger," he reflected. "Them -boys would have refused to help me. They would give me up now if they -knew I was on board. I must be careful." - -Clip came back at the end of half an hour. If Bob had taken notice of -him, he would have noticed that the boy's pockets bulged out as if -crowded with articles. But he had no especial reason for suspecting Clip -of any underhand proceeding, and sat with Sam talking about home -matters, leaving his young colored servant to his own devices. - -Clip was faithful to his trust. He had agreed to take care of his -concealed passenger, and he was determined to do so. - -As soon as he could do so without observation, he went to the man's -hiding-place and poured out the contents of his pockets. There were some -buns and small rolls and a few round cakes. - -"Will they do you, mister?" he asked, in a low voice. - -"Yes; but I'm terribly thirsty. Have you got any whisky aboard?" - -Clip shook his head. - -"We ain't got no 'toxicating liquors," he answered. - -"Can you bring me a glass of water?" - -"I'll try. If you'd let me tell Massa Bob you were on board, I guess -he'd give you some milk." - -"Milk be--hanged! No, I'll make it do with water. Don't you tell this -Bob, on any account, that I am here!" - -"All right, massa!" answered Clip; but he was getting more and more -puzzled. "Are you goin' to stay in dat place all night?" - -"Yes." - -"You'll find it mighty uncomfor'ble. If Massa Bob knew you was here--" - -"He is not to know, do you hear?" said the other, impatiently. - -"All right, massa! You know best." - -"Of course I know best." - -By this time Clip was missed. - -"Where are you, Clip?" asked Bob. - -"I'm jist loafin' around, Massa Bob," said Clip, a little startled. - -"There's something strange about you to-night, Clip; I don't understand -it." - -"I'm thinkin' of old times down in Arkansaw, Massa Bob." - -"Would you like to be there now, Clip?" - -"No, Massa Bob, I'd rather live with you and your mudder. My ol' massa -use to give me plenty of lickin's. I don't want to go back, never no -more." - -Clip still continued to be restless and uneasy. He knew he had no -authority for taking a passenger on board, and feared that Bob would -take away the five dollars if he learned that Clip had accepted so large -a sum. To do Clip justice, he had no idea that the man whom he had -hidden was an offender against the laws, and that the police were in -search of him. Even if he had known this, however, it is not certain -that Clip would have been prejudiced against the offender. In truth, his -prejudices were against the agents of the law rather than against those -who had offended. - -Bob and Sam usually retired early; but to-night, to Clip's discontent, -they remained up later than usual, talking about matters at home. - -"Isn't you ever goin' to bed, Massa Bob?" asked Clip, at last. - -"What is your hurry, Clip? Are you sleepy?" - -"Awful sleepy, Massa Bob," answered Clip; "can't hardly keep my eyes -open." - -"Then you can go to bed any time. Sam and I will soon follow." - -This was not altogether satisfactory, for Clip meant to get up as soon -as Bob and Sam were asleep and visit his passenger, who had expressed a -wish to have him do so. However, there was nothing to be said, and Clip -withdrew to his bunk and lay down; but, as may readily be guessed, his -mind was too active for sleep. - -There was some one else who was anxious to have Bob and Sam retire. This -was the hidden passenger, who found his quarters contracted and -uncomfortable. - -"What's the matter with those confounded boys?" he growled to himself. -"They seem determined to sit up on purpose to vex me. When they are -once asleep I can get up and stretch my limbs." - -In about twenty minutes the boys, judging from their deep and regular -breathing, had fallen asleep. - -Clip, who had been waiting anxiously, raised himself on his elbow and -eyed them closely. - -Feeling that it was now safe for him to do so, he slipped out of bed -cautiously and began to feel his way toward the hiding-place of his new -acquaintance. - -"They're asleep," he whispered. "Now, what you want, massa?" - -"It's high time they were," growled the man. "I thought they were going -to sit up all night." - -"So did I," returned Clip. - -"Are you sure there is no whisky on board?" - -"No, massa." - -"I suppose you could get some for me on shore. There's a saloon only -three minutes' walk from this place." - -Clip was reluctant to go on shore on such an errand; but finally the -offer of fifty cents for himself induced him to do so. He took a tin cup -which Bob had brought with him from home, and started on his errand. - -At the saloon he was asked, "Do you want this for yourself? We don't -sell to boys." - -"No, massa; it's for a sick man." - -"Where's the sick man?" - -"On board a boat." - -Upon this representation the whisky was obtained, and Clip started on -his return. His curiosity led him to take a swallow of the whisky he was -carrying, but it did not commend itself to Clip's palate. - -"It's nasty stuff!" he said with a grimace; "I don't see what fo' people -drink it." - -He carried the drink safely to the passenger, who drank it and smacked -his lips over it. "It goes to the right spot," he said. - -"Do those boys sleep sound?" he asked. - -"Yes, massa." - -"Then I'll get out of this beastly hole and take a turn on deck." - -"Be keerful, massa!" said Clip anxiously. - -"Oh, yes; I won't make any noise." - -Clip crept back to bed and succeeded in resuming his place without -disturbing or arousing Bob or Sam. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -WAS IT THE CAT? - - -Usually Bob Burton slept all night; but to-night, unfortunately for -Clip, he awakened about two o'clock in the morning. By an equally -perverse chance, just as he awoke, the concealed passenger, now enjoying -the freedom of the deck, broke out into a stentorian sneeze. Bob heard -it, and so did Clip, whose uneasiness made him sleep more lightly than -usual, and both were startled. - -"I hope Massa Bob won't hear dat," thought Clip. - -But Bob did hear it. - -"What's that?" he asked, half rising in bed. - -"It's me!" answered Clip, preferring to admit the sneeze rather than -have Bob suspect that there was any one else on the boat. - -"Do you mean to say you sneezed, Clip?" asked Bob, in amazement. - -"Yes, Massa Bob." - -"You must be dreaming. The sneeze came from another part of the boat." - -"Are you sure?" asked Clip. - -"Yes. What made you tell me that it was you who sneezed?" - -"I t'ought I did, Massa Bob." - -"When did you wake up?" - -"Just now." - -"The sneeze must have waked you up." - -"I dunno," answered Clip, dubiously. - -"There must be some one on board, unless we both dreamed about the -sneeze." - -"Mebbe it's a cat!" remarked Clip, ingenuously. - -Bob laughed. "It must be a very remarkable cat that would sneeze like -that," he said. - -"Jus' so, Massa Bob," assented Clip, meekly, hoping that Bob would drop -the subject. - -"I think, Clip, I shall get up and search for that cat." - -"Don't you do it, Massa Bob. He--he might bite you." - -"I hope I am not such a coward as to be afraid of a cat." - -Bob rose and lighted a candle which he had with him. Then, followed by -Clip, he advanced to the other end of the deck. But the passenger had -warning, having heard the conversation which had taken place between Bob -and Clip, and had hurriedly retreated to his former hiding-place. It did -not occur to Bob to look there, and he returned from his fruitless -search more mystified than ever. - -But, Clip being close beside him, he caught the aroma of the single -swallow of whisky which Clip had taken, and he immediately began to -suspect poor Clip of having indulged in much deeper potations than he -was guilty of. - -"Clip," he said, suddenly, "I smell whisky." - -"Does you, Massa Bob?" asked Clip, feeling that he was getting into a -scrape. - -"Yes, I do, Clip; and where do you think it comes from?" - -"Don't know, Massa Bob; 'deed I don't." - -"It comes from your mouth, Clip. You've been drinking!" - -Drops of perspiration stood on Clip's forehead. He could not excuse -himself, or explain matters, without betraying his secret. Not thinking -of anything to say, he said nothing. - -"Tell me the truth, Clip; have you been drinking?" - -"I jes' took a little swaller." - -"Where did you take it?" - -"On sho'." - -"What made you do such a thing? I didn't dream that you were getting -intemperate, Clip." - -"You see, Massa Bob, a gen'leman asked me to bring him a drink of -whisky, and I t'ought I'd jest see how it tasted." - -"Who asked you to bring him some whisky?" asked Bob, who believed this -to be a pure fiction on the part of his young companion. - -"A gen'leman." - -"What gentleman?" - -"He didn't tell me his name." - -"I think you are telling me a lie, Clip." - -"No I ain't, Massa Bob; it's as true as de Bible." - -"I don't think you know much about the Bible, Clip." - -"It's all true what I told you, Massa Bob. If I find de gen'leman, I'll -bring him here to tell you." - -The witness referred to smiled to himself grimly when he heard this -statement. - -"That little nigger's a brick!" he said to himself. "As to that other -boy, I'd like to throw him overboard. He's too fond of meddling with -other people's business." - -It may occur to the reader that this was hardly a fair way of stating -the case. As the boat belonged to Bob, and he was the commander, it -might safely be assumed that he had a right to inquire into anything -that excited his suspicion. - -"Are you goin' back to bed, Massa Bob?" asked Clip, uneasily. - -"Wait a minute, Clip; I want to get a drink of water." - -Again poor Clip was in bad luck. The tin dipper had been used to procure -the whisky, and of course it still smelled strongly of that liquor. - -"Clip," said Bob, as soon as he had raised it to his lips, "you got some -whisky in this cup." - -"Ye'es," admitted Clip. - -"And you drank it yourself instead of giving it to any gentleman." - -"No, I didn't, Massa Bob," stoutly, and as we know truly, asserted Clip. - -"I'm ashamed of you, Clip. If you are going to act in this way, I shall -have to send you home. You have been acting very queerly this evening. -Sam and I both noticed it, but I didn't think you had formed a taste for -whisky." - -"I don't love it, Massa Bob. I hate it. It's awful nasty stuff." - -"And you didn't drink this dipper full, then?" - -"No, I didn't." - -"What did you do with it?" - -"Throwed it away, Massa Bob. I only took one swaller. I couldn't drink -it if you gave me half a dollar; 'deed I couldn't." - -"I hope this is true, Clip. I shouldn't like to tell my mother that you -had become intemperate." - -"What's the matter?" was heard from Sam's bed at this juncture. "Where -are you, Bob?" - -"Here I am, Sam." - -"What made you get up?" - -"I thought I heard a noise on deck; so Clip and I got up." - -"What was it like?" - -"A sneeze. Clip thought it might be a cat." - -Bob and Sam laughed at the ludicrous idea, and Clip joined in, glad that -Bob's embarrassing cross-examination was over. - -"You'd better come to bed, both of you. Very likely you dreamed it." - -At that moment, and before Bob had put out the candle, there was a most -unlooked-for corroboration of Clip's singular theory. - -An immense tom-cat ran swiftly between Bob's legs, from some place of -concealment. Both he and Clip saw it, and the latter was quick to take -advantage of the opportune appearance of the animal. - -"Dare's de cat, Massa Bob," he shouted, triumphantly. "Didn't I tell you -it was a cat?" - -Bob was temporarily nonplussed. Clip seemed to have the best of the -argument. - -"All I can say is, it is a remarkable cat," he said. "I wish it would -sneeze again." - -The rest of the night passed without anything remarkable happening. All -three boys slept soundly. Indeed, it was later than usual, probably on -account of their sleep being interrupted during the night, that they -awoke. - -According to custom, the boys took turns in going out to breakfast. - -"Clip, you and Sam can go out together," said Bob. "I will take my turn -afterwards." - -"I ain't in no hurry, Massa Bob," said Clip. "You an' Sam go first, and -I'll go afterwards." - -Bob thought this a little strange, but did not object. - -When Clip was left alone he went at once to see his charge. - -"Hope you pass de night good," said Clip, politely. - -"I'm awfully cramped up," groaned the other. "But you're a trump, Clip. -You stood by me like a Trojan." - -"Thank you, massa. I'm afraid Massa Bob'll find you out. How long you -goin' to stay?" - -"Till I get a few miles from this town. Then he may find me and -welcome." - -Clip felt that it would be a great relief to him when there was no -further need of concealment. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -THE MYSTERIOUS PASSENGER IS DISCOVERED. - - -Bob Burton started on his trip down the river quite unaware that he -carried a passenger; Clip's peculiar nervousness attracted his -attention, and he wondered at it, but finally was led to attribute it to -the whisky, of which he credited Clip with having drunk a considerable -amount. We know that he was mistaken in this, but those who practice -deception are apt to be misjudged, and have no right to complain. - -One more discovery puzzled Bob. Clip happened to have a hole in the -pocket in which he carried the money given him by the mysterious -passenger. At first it was not large enough to imperil the safety of the -coin; but Clip thrust his hand so often into his pocket, to see if the -money was safe, that he had unconsciously enlarged the opening. As a -result of this, as he was walking the deck, a two-dollar-and-a-half -gold piece, obtained in change, slipped out, and fell upon the deck. Bob -happened to be close at hand, and instantly espied the coin. - -Clip walked on without noticing his loss. - -Bob stooped and picked up the coin. - -"A gold piece!" he thought, in amazement. "Where can Clip possibly have -got it?" - -He had not missed any of his own money. Indeed, he knew that none of it -was in gold. Certainly the case looked very mysterious. - -"Clip," he said. - -"What, Massa Bob?" returned Clip, innocently. - -"Is this gold piece yours?" - -Clip started, and, if he had been white, would have turned pale. - -"I reckon it is, Massa Bob," he answered, with hesitation. - -"Where did it come from?" - -"From my pocket," he answered. - -"But how did it come into your pocket, Clip?" - -"I put it there." - -"Look here, Clip," said Bob, sternly. "You are evading the question." - -"What's dat, Massa Bob?" - -"You are trying to get rid of telling me the truth. Did you steal this -money?" - -"No, I didn't," answered Clip, indignantly. "I nebber steal." - -"I am glad to hear it. Then, if you didn't steal it, how did you get -it?" - -Clip scratched his kinky hair. He was puzzled. - -"I done found it," he answered, at length. - -"Where did you find it?" - -"In de--de street." - -"When and where?" - -"Dis mornin', when I was comin' from breakfast." - -"If you found it, there would be no objection to your keeping it," he -said, "provided you could not find the original owner." - -"Can't find him now, nohow," said Clip, briskly. - -"Come here a minute." - -Clip approached, not understanding Bob's reason for calling him. - -Bob suddenly thrust his hand into Clip's pocket, and drew out two silver -dollars, and a quarter, the remains of the five-dollar gold piece, Clip -having spent a quarter. - -"What's all this?" he asked, in amazement. "Did you find this money, -too?" - -"Yes, Massa Bob," he answered, faintly. - -"Clip, I am convinced you are lying." - -"No, I'm not." - -"Do you mean to tell me you found all these coins on the sidewalk?" - -"Yes, Massa Bob." - -"That is not very likely. Clip, I don't want to suspect you of -dishonesty, but it looks very much as if you had been stealing." - -"No, I haven't, Massa Bob," asserted Clip, stoutly. - -"Do you still tell me that you found all this money?" - -Clip began to find himself involved in the intricacies of his lie, and -his courage gave out. - -"No, Massa Bob. Don't you get mad with me, and I'll tell you the trufe." - -"Tell it, then." - -"A gemman gave it to me." - -"A gentleman gave you this money. What did he give it to you for?" - -"He--he wanted to go down de ribber," stammered Clip. - -"Wanted to go down the river? Suppose he did," said Bob, not yet -understanding; "why should he give you money?" - -"He wanted me to let him go as a passenger on de boat." - -"Ha!" said Bob, a sudden light breaking in upon him. "And you agreed to -take him?" - -"Ye-es, Massa Bob." - -"Where is he now?" - -It was not Clip that answered this question. There was heard a noise -from the corner as of some one moving about, and from his sheltered -place of refuge, the mysterious passenger stepped forth. He coolly took -out his silk handkerchief and dusted his coat and vest. - -"Really," he said, "I can't say much for your accommodations for -passengers. Have you got such a thing as a clothes-brush on board this -craft?" - -Bob stared at him in amazement, and could not find a word to say for the -space of a minute. - -"Who are you, sir?" he asked, at length. - -"Who am I? Well, you may call me John Smith, for want of a better name." - -"When did you come on board?" - -"At the last landing. I made a bargain with that dark-complexioned young -man"--with a grin at Clip--"who for the sum of five dollars agreed to -convey me to St. Louis. It wasn't a very high price, if I had decent -accommodations." - -"Why didn't you tell me this, Clip?" demanded Bob. - -"I--de gemman didn't want me to," stammered Clip. - -"Quite right," corroborated the stranger. "I told Clip he needn't -mention our little arrangement, as he thought you might object to it. I -don't blame him for telling you at last, for you forced him to do so. I -suppose you are the captain." - -"I am all the captain there is," answered Bob. - -"I am delighted to make your acquaintance, really. I assure you I am -glad to get out of that dusty hole, and presume you will now allow me -the freedom of the deck." - -The stranger was so cool and self-possessed--cheeky, perhaps it might be -called--that Bob eyed him in wonder. - -"Why did you select my boat in preference to a regular passenger -steamer?" he asked. - -"A little whim of mine!" answered the other, airily. "The truth is, I am -a newspaper reporter, and I thought such a trip as I am making would -furnish the materials for a taking article. I mean to call it 'In the -Steerage; or, a Boat Ride on the Missouri.' Good idea, isn't it?" - -"Why, yes, it might be," said Bob, dryly; "but I think the owner of the -boat ought to have been consulted." - -"Accept my apologies, Captain Bob," said the passenger, with a smile. -"If there was a saloon near, I would invite you to take a drink with me, -but--" - -"Never mind. I don't drink. Here, Clip!" - -"Well, Massa Bob." - -"You did wrong to take this man's money, and you must return it." - -At these last words Clip's countenance fell. - -Bob counted the money and handed it to the stranger. - -"There are twenty-five cents missing," he said. "I will make that up -from my own pocket." - -"Let the boy keep the money. I don't want it back." - -"I cannot allow him to keep it." - -Clip's face, which had brightened at the stranger's words, fell again. - -"What is your objection?" asked the passenger. - -"I may as well be frank with you. I understand your reason for embarking -on my boat in preference to waiting for a river steamer. You were in a -hurry to leave the town." - -"That's what I said." - -"Shall I mention the reason?" - -"If you like." - -"Because you had been implicated in robbing a store--perhaps several. -This is stolen money." - -"I deny it. I may have been suspected. In fact, I don't mind admitting -that I was, and that I thought it my best policy to get away. The good -people were likely to give me a great deal of trouble. Thanks to you--" - -"Not to me." - -"To Clip, then, I managed to elude their vigilance. It makes me laugh to -think of their disappointment." - -Bob did not appear to look upon it as a joke, however. - -"Of course I shall not allow you to remain on the boat," he said. - -"I'll give you twenty-five--thirty dollars," said the stranger, -earnestly. - -"I decline. It would be making me your accomplice. I would be receiving -stolen money." - -"What do you propose, then?" - -"I will steer the boat as near the shore as I can, and request you to -land." - -The stranger shrugged his shoulders. - -"Very well," he said. "We must be eight or ten miles away from my -accusers. I think I can manage for myself now." - -In ten minutes the stranger stepped jauntily ashore, and, lifting his -hat, bade Bob a cheerful good-bye. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -SAM FINDS A RELATION. - - -As my readers may feel interested in the subsequent adventures of the -mysterious passenger, I may state that his extraordinary coolness did -not save him. A description of his appearance had been sent to the -neighboring towns, and only a few hours after he had left the ferry-boat -he was arrested, and taken back to the scene of his theft. A trial was -held immediately, and before the end of the week he found himself an -inmate of the county jail. - -On the day succeeding his departure, Bob brought the boat to anchor at a -place we will call Sheldon. - -There was no restaurant, and Bob and Sam took supper at the Sheldon -Hotel. - -Clip had been sent on shore first, and the boys felt in no hurry to -return. They accordingly sat down on a settee upon the veranda which -ran along the front of the hotel. - -As they sat there, unknown to themselves they attracted the attention of -a middle-aged man with sandy hair and complexion, whose glances, -however, seemed to be especially directed towards Sam. - -Finally, he approached the boys and commenced a conversation. - -"Young gentlemen," he said, "you are strangers here, I imagine?" - -"Yes, sir," replied Bob. - -"Are you traveling through the country?" - -"We have a boat on the river, sir; but we generally tie up at night, and -start fresh in the morning." - -"How far do you intend going?" - -"To St. Louis." - -"Pardon my curiosity, but it is not common for two boys of your age to -undertake such an enterprise alone. Are you in charge of the boat?" - -"He is," said Sam, indicating Bob. - -"And you, I suppose, are a relative of his?" - -"No, sir; I help him." - -"Have you come from a distance?" - -"Decidedly," thought Bob, "this gentleman is very curious." - -Still there seemed to be no reason for concealment, and accordingly he -mentioned the name of the village in which Sam and himself made their -home. - -Their new acquaintance appeared to take extraordinary interest in this -intelligence. - -"Is there a man named Wolverton who lives in your town?" he asked. - -"Yes," answered Bob, in surprise; "Aaron Wolverton." - -"Exactly. This young man," indicating Sam, "has the Wolverton look." - -Now it was Sam's turn to be surprised. - -"I am Sam Wolverton," he said. "Do you know my uncle?" - -"I not only know him, but I knew your father, if you are the son of John -Wolverton." - -"That was my father's name." - -"Then I am a relative. My name is Robert Granger, and I am a cousin of -your mother." - -"My mother's maiden name was Granger," said Sam, becoming very much, -interested. "Do you live here, sir?" - -"Yes; I have lived in Sheldon for the last ten years. I came from Ohio -originally. It was there that your father met my cousin Fanny, and -married her. Do you live with your Uncle Aaron?" - -"I have been living with him," answered Sam, hesitating. - -"Does that mean that you have left him?" asked Mr. Granger, quickly. - -Sam looked inquiringly at Bob. He hardly knew whether it would be -advisable for him to take this stranger, relation though he were, into -his confidence. - -Bob answered his unspoken inquiry. - -"Tell him all, Sam," he said. - -"I have left my Uncle Aaron," said Sam, "without his consent. I hid on -board Bob's boat, and got away." - -"You have run away, then?" - -"Yes, sir; you may blame me for doing so, but you would not if you knew -how meanly Uncle Aaron has treated me!" - -"I know Aaron Wolverton, and I am far from admiring him," said Robert -Granger. "But in what way has he ill-treated you?" - -"He made me work very hard, and would not always give me enough to eat. -He keeps a very plain table." - -"But why should he make you work hard?" - -"He said I ought to earn my living." - -"Did he say that?" - -"Yes, whenever I complained. He asked me what would have become of me if -he had not given me a home." - -"The old hypocrite! And what has he done with your property?" - -"My property!" repeated Sam, hardly believing his ears. - -"Yes. Of course you know that you have property, and that your Uncle -Aaron is your guardian?" - -"I never knew that I had a cent of money, sir. Uncle always said that my -father died very poor." - -"Your father, to my knowledge, left property to the amount of five -thousand dollars." - -"That is all news to me, Mr. Granger." - -"And to me," added Bob. "I heard Mr. Wolverton tell my father the same -story, that John Wolverton died without a cent, and that he had taken in -Sam out of charity." - -"He seems to have taken him in, emphatically." - -"In what did the property consist?" asked Bob. - -"In a house, situated in St. Louis--a small house in the outskirts of -the city--and some shares of bank stock." - -"He thought Sam would never find out anything of it." - -"I should not, if I had not met you, Mr. Granger." - -"Old Aaron Wolverton is a long-headed man; but even long-headed men -sometimes over-reach themselves, and I think he has done so in this -instance." - -"But what can I do, sir? I am only a boy, and if I should say anything -about the matter to Uncle Aaron he would deny it, and perhaps treat me -the worse." - -"There is one thing Aaron Wolverton is afraid of, and that is the law. -He doesn't care for the honesty or dishonesty of a transaction, but he -doesn't mean to let the law trip him up. That is the hold we shall have -upon him." - -"I believe you there," said Bob. "He has already tried to swindle my -mother, and he is scheming now to get possession of our ranch. It is -partly on that account that I started on this trip down the river." - -"Do you carry freight, then?" - -"Yes, sir; I carry a thousand bushels of wheat--rather more, in -fact--intending to sell them in St. Louis." - -"Couldn't you have sent them?" - -"Yes, sir; but by taking the wheat to market myself I shall save the -heavy expense of freight, and commission for selling." - -"You seem to be a smart boy," said Robert Granger, eying Bob with -interest. - -"I hope you are right," Bob answered, with a laugh. - -"My young cousin accompanies you to help, I suppose?" - -"He came on board at the last moment, having determined to run away from -Aaron Wolverton." - -"I wish you could spare him; I should like to take him home to talk over -family matters with myself and my lawyer, and we would concert some way -of forcing Aaron Wolverton to give up his property. I have some children -of my own, who would be glad to make his acquaintance." - -"Would you like to accept Mr. Granger's invitation, Sam?" asked Bob. - -"But I am afraid you will need me, Bob." - -"No; I have Clip. I think it will be well for you to stay. I will call -on my way back." - -So it was arranged that Sam should leave the boat and stay over. Bob -returned to the boat alone. - -The next day proved to be an eventful one. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -ROCKY CREEK LANDING. - - -Twenty miles further down the river, at a point called Rocky Creek, two -men of questionable appearance were walking slowly along the bank. One -of them has been already introduced as visiting the boat, and displaying -a great deal of curiosity about the cargo. The other, also, had the look -of one who preferred to live in any other way than by honest industry. - -"Suppose the boy doesn't touch here?" said one. - -"Our plan would in that case be put out," said his companion; "but I -don't think there is any doubt on that point. Last night he was at -Sheldon, and this would naturally be the next stopping-place." - -"He is drawing near the end of his cruise. It won't do to delay much -longer." - -"You are right, there." - -"I wasn't in favor of delaying so long. We have risked failure." - -"Don't worry, Minton. I'm managing this affair. I've got just as much at -stake as you." - -"If all comes out right, I shall be satisfied; but I need the money I am -to get for it from old Wolverton." - -"That's a trifle. I am playing for a larger stake than that." - -"What, then?" - -"The paltry fifty dollars divided between two would not have tempted me. -Do you know, Minton, how large and valuable a cargo there is on that old -ferry-boat?" - -"No; do you?" - -"Not exactly; but I know this much, that there are at least a thousand -bushels of wheat, which will easily fetch, in St. Louis, two thousand -dollars." - -"How will that benefit us?" - -"You seem to be very dull, Minton. When we have once shut up young -Burton in the place arranged, you and I will take his place, drift down -the river, and dispose of the cargo, if necessary, at a point below the -market price, and retire with a cool thousand apiece." - -"You've got a head, Brown!" said Minton, admiringly. - -"Have you just found that out?" returned Brown, complacently. - -"Do you really think there is a chance of our succeeding?" - -"Yes; of course we must be expeditious. Two or three days, now, ought to -carry us to St. Louis. Then, by selling below the market price, we can -command an immediate sale. Then, of course, we will clear out; go to -California, or Europe, or Canada." - -"But we must get Wolverton's money." - -"If we can without risk. It won't be worth that." - -"I don't like the idea of the old man escaping scot-free." - -"He won't; you may be sure of that," said Brown, significantly. "He has -placed himself in our power, and we will get a good deal more than fifty -dollars out of him before we get through, or my name isn't Brown." - -"What a head you've got!" repeated Minton, with cordial admiration of -the sharper rascal. - -"Then there's the other affair, too!" said Brown. "We are safe to make a -good round sum out of that." - -"Yes; but how can we look after the other? It won't be safe for us to -remain anywhere in this locality if we sell the cargo." - -"Leave that to me, Minton. I will get Joe Springer to negotiate for us." - -By this time the reader will have guessed that these two men were those -already referred to as having stopped Wolverton on the night preceding -Bob's departure. The arrangement then made, Brown had improved upon. He -had engaged to remove the boys from the boat, and set it adrift. But it -had occurred to him, after ascertaining the value of the cargo, to sell -it for the joint benefit of his confederate and himself. It was the most -promising job he had undertaken for a long time, and he was sanguine of -ultimate success. He had followed the boat down the river, and had -finally selected Rocky Creek as the point most favorable to the -carrying out of his design. - -Meanwhile Bob and Clip were on their way down the river. Sam, as already -described, had left them at Sheldon, and was enjoying himself as the -guest of Captain Granger, as he found his kinsman was called. Bob missed -him, not finding Clip, though improved, as reliable as Sam. But he was -drawing near the end of his voyage and was willing to make the -sacrifice, since it seemed to be so favorable to Sam's prospects. The -information which had been communicated to them touching Aaron -Wolverton's breach of trust did not, on the whole, surprise him, except -by its audacity; for Wolverton had thus far been careful not to place -himself within reach of the law and its penalties. He was delighted to -think Sam had found a new friend and protector, who would compel the -unfaithful guardian to account for his dishonesty. - -Clip heartily sympathized with Bob in his feeling upon the subject. He -liked Sam, but disliked Wolverton as much as one of his easy, careless -disposition was capable of doing. - -"It seems lonely without Sam," said Bob, while standing at the helm, -with Clip sitting on deck whistling just beside him. - -"Dat's so, Massa Bob." - -"But I am glad he has found a relation who will help him to get his -money." - -"I'd like to see ol' man Wolverton when Sam come back with Massa -Granger." - -"Probably you will have a chance to see him. If he hadn't driven Sam -away by his bad treatment he would never have found out how he had been -cheated." - -"Dat's so, Massa Bob. I'd like to be in Sam's shoes." - -"You'd have to make your feet smaller, then, Clip!" - -"Yah! yah!" laughed Clip, who enjoyed a joke at his own expense. - -Bob found his work harder now that Sam was not on board to relieve him -of a part of his duty. But they were making good speed, and there seemed -a chance of reaching St. Louis within three days. All was going well, -yet an indefinable anxiety troubled Bob. Why, he could not explain. - -"Clip," he said, "I don't know how it is, but I feel as if something -were going to happen." - -"What can happen, Massa Bob? De boat is all right." - -"True, Clip. I suppose I am foolish, but I can't get rid of the feeling. -Clip, I want you to be very careful to-night. Don't let any mysterious -passenger come on board." - -"No, Massa Bob. I won't do dat agin." - -"We shall soon be in St. Louis, and then our care and anxiety will be -over." - -"Where will we stop to-night?" - -"At Rocky Creek." - -It was a quarter to five when Bob reached the place where he had decided -to tie up. There was a village of about five hundred inhabitants -situated a little distance from the river-side. A small knot of loungers -was gathered at the landing, and with languid interest surveyed the -river craft and the young crew. - -Among them Bob recognized the man who had visited them two or three -stations back. He knew him by his dress; the Prince Albert coat, the -damaged hat, and the loud neck-tie. But apart from these he remembered -the face, dark and unshaven, and the shifty black eyes, which naturally -inspired distrust. The man made no movement towards the boat, but leaned -indolently against a tree. - -"Clip," said Bob, quietly, "look at that man leaning against a tree." - -"I see him, Massa Bob." - -"Have you ever seen him before?" - -"Yes, Massa Bob; he came aboard de boat one day." - -"I thought I couldn't be mistaken. I wonder how he comes to be here. Can -he be following us?" - -It was too hard a problem for Clip, who only shrugged his shoulders. - -Just then another man from the assembled group lounged on board. It was -Minton. - -"Boat ahoy!" said he, jauntily. "Are you the captain?" - -"I'm all the captain there is," answered Bob. - -"Have you any wheat to sell? I am a grain merchant." - -He looked more like a penniless adventurer, Bob thought. - -"I have no wheat to sell here," said Bob, coldly. "I am on my way to St. -Louis." - -"Perhaps I can do as well by you as the grain merchants in St. Louis." - -"I don't care to sell here," said Bob, shortly. - -"No offense, young man! I suppose a man can make an offer?" - -"Certainly, sir." - -But the stranger did not leave the boat. He walked about, scrutinizing -the arrangements carefully. - -"You've got a pretty big cargo, boy," he said. - -"Yes, sir." - -"How many bushels now, about?" - -"Why do you wish to know?" asked Bob, eying the stranger keenly. - -"I thought I might like to load a boat like this some time, and it might -be of use to know how much it would carry." - -"Do you live in Rocky Creek?" asked Bob, suddenly. - -"Ye-as." - -"May I ask your name?" - -"Smith--James Smith," answered the other, with hesitation. - -"Very well; when I have sold my cargo I will write you the number of -bushels the boat contains." - -"Thank you." - -"Decidedly, the boy is sharp!" said Minton to himself. "He's no -milk-and-water boy!" - -He left the boat, and presently joined his friend Brown. - - - - -CHAPTER XXX. - -AN UNLUCKY EVENING. - - -Bob was still in the habit of getting his supper, and breakfast the next -morning, at the different points where he landed. He left Clip on board, -in charge of the boat, while he sought a good place to obtain a meal. He -found that Rocky Creek possessed but one hotel, and that of a very -modest character, bearing the rather imposing name of the Metropolitan -Hotel. - -He registered his name, and intimated his desire for supper. - -"Supper is on the table," said the clerk. - -Bob entered the dining-room, a forlorn-looking room of small dimensions, -containing a long table, at which sat two persons, a drummer from St. -Louis, and an old man with a gray beard, who kept the principal -dry-goods store in Rocky Creek. - -Bob was assigned a place between the two. - -"Good-evening," said the drummer, sociably. - -"Good-evening," responded Bob. - -"Are you a regular boarder?" - -"Oh, no; I never was in the place before." - -"How did you come?" - -"By river." - -"Indeed!" said the drummer, puzzled. "Has any steamer touched here -to-day?" - -"No; I came on my own boat." - -"Bound down the river?" - -"Yes." - -"Business, I suppose?" - -"Yes; I have a load of wheat which I propose to sell in the city." - -"What house shall you deal with?" - -"I don't know; I'm not acquainted in St. Louis. I shall inquire when I -get there." - -"Then let me recommend you to go to Pearson & Edge. They will treat you -liberally." - -"Thank you. I will call on them and see what I can do." - -"Present my card, if you please, and say I sent you there." - -The drummer produced his card and handed it to Bob. From this our hero -learned that his companion was Benjamin Baker, traveling for Dunham & -Co., wholesale grocers. - -"Shall you stay at the hotel this evening?" asked Baker. - -"No; I shall pass the night on my boat." - -"How many have you on board?" - -"Only myself and a colored boy from home--Clip." - -"Isn't that rather a small crew?" - -"Perhaps so; but we haven't much to do, except to let the boat drift, -keeping her straight meanwhile." - -"By the way, speaking of Pearson, senior member of the firm I have -recommended, he is in great trouble just now." - -"How is that?" - -"He had a very pretty little girl of about six years old--little Maud. -Two or three days since, as I hear from a friend in the city, the little -girl mysteriously disappeared." - -"Disappeared?" - -"Just so. Her parents think she must have been kidnapped, as a -suspicious-looking person had been noticed by the nurse hovering near -when they were out walking together." - -"They must be in great trouble and anxiety," said Bob, in a tone of -sympathy, "if they believe this." - -"They would be glad to believe it, for in that case the little girl is -alive, while otherwise she may have strayed to the river and been -drowned. Mr. Pearson, who is wealthy, has offered a reward of one -thousand dollars to any one who will restore his little girl to him." - -As they sat at table, Bob noticed through the window the man Minton, who -had called upon him on the arrival of the boat. - -"Do you know that man, Mr. Baker?" he asked, suddenly. - -The drummer shook his head. - -"I am a stranger, too," he said. "But perhaps this gentleman, who is in -business at Rocky Creek, may be able to give you some information." - -Thus appealed to, the old gentleman looked from the window. - -"It isn't any one I know," he replied. "Why do you ask?" - -"Because he called upon me on my arrival, representing himself as a -grain merchant, and proposed to buy my cargo." - -The old man shrugged his shoulders. - -"He looks more like a tramp than a grain merchant," he said. - -"I agree with you," assented Bob, with a laugh. - -"Did he mention his name?" - -"He called himself James Smith; but as he answered my questions in a -hesitating manner, I concluded that it was an assumed name." - -"Very likely." - -"Then he doesn't live in the village?" - -"No; but he has been here for a day or two." - -"I wonder what could have been his object in representing himself to me -as a grain merchant?" said Bob, thoughtfully. - -"Oh," answered the drummer, "he probably wanted to strike up an -acquaintance which would justify him in borrowing a few dollars of you. -I have met plenty of such characters They live by what they can borrow." - -When supper was over Bob and the drummer rose together. - -"Won't you have a cigar, Mr. Burton?" asked the latter. - -"No, thank you; I don't smoke." - -"Oh, well, you'll learn after a while. At any rate, sit down and keep me -company for a while." - -"Thank you, but I shall have to go back to the boat and give Clip a -chance to get his supper." - -Clip returned from supper at half-past seven, and Bob, feeling wide -awake, decided to go on shore again. He did not care to go to the hotel, -but took a leisurely walk through the village and beyond. It was an -unfortunate walk, for it made him an easy prey to the men who were -scheming against him. In a lonely place two men sprang upon him -suddenly, and before he could understand what was going on, he was -gagged and helpless. In this condition the two men, taking him between -them, hurried him to a lonely house at some distance from the road. - -Bob Burton was brave, but this sudden and mysterious attack startled -and alarmed him not a little. He would have expostulated, but was -unable, from being gagged, to utter a word. - -Reaching the house, a short, sharp knock at the door was answered by a -rough-looking man, dressed in a suit of faded and shabby cloth. - -"So you've got him!" was his laconic greeting. - -"Yes, Joe! Now where shall we put him?" - -"Come upstairs." - -The two men set Bob down, and pushed him forward, and up a staircase, -steep and dark. He was thrust into a room with a sloping roof, and the -gag was removed from his mouth. - -"What does all this mean?" he asked, angrily, turning to the two men -whom he recognized by the light of the lantern which Joe Springer -carried in his hand. - -"It's all right, my lad!" said Brown. "All you've got to do is to keep -quiet, and no harm will come to you." - -"How long do you mean to keep me here?" asked Bob, with, a feeling of -despair in his heart. He suspected now what it all meant. - -"Two weeks, perhaps; but you will be well taken care of." - -The men went out leaving the lantern behind them. Bob heard the bolt -shot in the lock. He looked around him. There was a low pallet in the -corner. He threw himself on it, and, brave boy as he was, came near -shedding tears. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI. - -HOW CLIP WAS CAPTURED. - - -Everything had gone well with Bob so far, and he was looking forward -hopefully to the end of his journey, and the final success of his -expedition. Now all was changed. He was a prisoner, and though Clip was -on board the boat, he was utterly incompetent to take the place of his -master. Bob hardly dared trust himself to think of the future. He knew -not what would become of his valuable cargo, but that it was lost to him -seemed probable. This meant utter ruin, for he and his mother would have -nothing to live upon till the next harvest, and meanwhile Aaron -Wolverton would foreclose the mortgage. Certainly, Bob had reason to -shed tears, and could not be charged with being unmanly if for a time he -gave up to a feeling of despondency and almost despair. - -Leaving him for an hour, we will accompany the two conspirators on their -return to the boat. - -Clip was on deck, anxiously watching for the return of Bob. He was -beginning to feel a little troubled. - -"Can't think what's 'come of Massa Bob," he said to himself. "He said -he'd be back in fifteen minutes. If anything's happened to him, what'll -'come of Clip?" - -Instead of fifteen minutes, an hour passed, and still Bob had not -returned. Clip was seriously thinking of going on shore and looking for -him, when two men came to the river bank. - -"Hallo!" they said. "Are you Clip?" - -"Yes," answered Clip, in some surprise, not understanding how these two -strangers could know his name. - -"You are sailing with Robert Burton?" - -"Yes, massa." - -"Where is he?" - -"Gone on shore for a walk. Did you see him anywhere?" - -"Yes; we come from him." - -"Why don't he come himself?" - -"The poor fellow has met with an accident. He has broken his leg." - -"Massa Bob broken him leg!" ejaculated Clip, turning as pale as his -complexion would admit. "How came he to do dat?" - -"I can't explain," said Brown. "My friend and I came up just after it -happened, and we took him to a house near by, where he was put to bed. -He asked us to come for you and bring you to him." - -"Yes, massa; I'll go right off," said Clip, with alacrity. Then he -hesitated at the thought of leaving the boat. "What'll I do about de -boat?" he asked, in perplexity. - -"Pooh! no one will run off with it. Probably your friend will want to be -brought on board; we will help to bring him. Meanwhile I will stay here -and look after things, and my friend will take you to Massa Bob, as you -call him." - -Clip saw no objection to this plan. He was too simple-minded to suspect -a trick, and being very much attached to his young master he was anxious -to be taken to him. - -He put on his hat and expressed himself ready to go. - -"Very well; Minton, show him the house, and see if the boy is fit to be -moved." - -Clip did not see the wink that accompanied the last words. - -The two started on their journey. Clip, though the smaller, walked so -fast that Minton was obliged to quicken his pace. He plied Minton with -questions till the latter was tired. - -"I can't tell you much about it," said the man, at length. "My friend -and I saw young Burton lying by the side of the road. He was groaning -with pain. We took him up and carried him to a house close by." - -"He won't die?" faltered Clip, in a tone of anxious inquiry. - -"Oh, no! He's as safe to live as you or I. A broken leg doesn't amount -to much." - -"I don' see why he lef' the boat," said Clip, mournfully. - -"Well, accidents will happen," said Minton, philosophically. - -"Do you think we can get him on de boat, massa?" - -"Oh, yes. I have no doubt of it. You needn't feel worried. It'll all -come right." - -Clip, however, felt that there was sufficient reason for feeling -troubled. - -He was rather surprised at the length of the walk. - -"What made Massa Bob go so far?" he asked. - -"He said he was just exploring a little--wanted to see the country, you -know." - -"He couldn't see much in de dark." - -"Well, he will explain the matter to you; I can't." - -At length they reached the lonely house. - -"This is where your friend was carried," said Minton. - -Clip thought it was a gloomy place, but his mind was now so occupied -with thoughts of Bob, whom he was to see immediately, that he said -nothing. - -Minton knocked at the door. - -It was opened by Joe Springer, whose appearance rather frightened Clip. - -"Oh, so you're back?" he said to Minton. "Who is this?" - -"It's a friend of the boy with the broken leg," answered Minton, with a -significant look. - -"Ho! ho!" laughed Joe, to Clip's surprise. He could not understand what -there was to laugh at. - -"I hope the poor boy's more comfortable," said Minton. - -"I reckon so," answered Joe, with another grin. - -"Has he been quiet?" - -"Yes, he hasn't made any noise; but he's been walking round the room." - -"Walkin' round wid a broken leg!" repeated Clip, amazed. - -"What a fool you are, Joe!" exclaimed Minton, in a vexed tone. "How -could he walk round with a broken leg?" - -"I only meant it for a joke," said Joe, in a half-sullen tone. "How did -I know his leg was broken?" - -"My friend, here, was not in when we brought the boy," said Minton, in -an aside to Clip. "Now, Joe, we'll go upstairs. Clip, here, has come to -keep his friend company." - -"I hope he'll like it," returned Joe, with another incomprehensible -grin. - -"Well, get a light, and show us upstairs." - -Clip thought the house far from pleasant. - -He had just started to go upstairs, when a little girl ran crying -through the door of the adjoining room. - -"I want to go home," she cried. "I want to go to my papa." - -She was followed by a tall, gaunt woman, who seized the child in her -bony grasp. - -"You're a very naughty girl," she said. "Your papa sent you to stay with -me." - -"No, he didn't. My papa doesn't know you." - -"If you talk like that I'll give you a whipping. I am your aunt--your -father's sister." - -"No, you're not. I wouldn't have such an ugly aunt." - -"Of all the perverse imps, this 'ere one is the most cantankerous I ever -see," said the woman. - -"I should think you'd ought to be able to manage a little girl," said -Joe, roughly. - -"So I be. There's only one way of managin' one like her. I've got a -strap in the other room, and she'll feel of it if she keeps on." - -Clip followed Minton up the steep, narrow staircase, and the two paused -before the door of the chamber occupied by Bob Burton. - -"He is in here," said Minton, briefly. - -He opened the door, and by the faint light of the lantern, Clip -recognized the figure of a boy stretched out on a pallet in the corner. - -Bob looked up, and when he saw Clip, he sprang to his feet. - -"You here, Clip?" he asked. - -"Yes, Massa Bob. Which of you legs is broke?" - -"My legs broke! Neither." - -"The man told me you broke you leg," said Clip, bewildered. - -He turned to appeal to Minton for a confirmation of his words, but the -door was shut, and his conductor was already on the way downstairs. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII. - -THE BOYS IMPRISONED. - - -"Now sit down and tell me all about it, Clip," said Bob. "So you were -told my leg was broke. Who told you?" - -"De two men." - -"I think I know the two men. One of them brought you here. Where is the -other?" - -"He stayed on board the boat till we come back." - -"Was there anything said about our going back?" asked Bob, in surprise. - -"Yes, Massa Bob. Dey said you leg was broke, and you wanted me to come -for you. De man said we would take you back with us." - -"Clip," said Bob, sadly, "these men deceived you. We are in a trap." - -"What's dat?" - -"They have made us prisoners, and I don't dare to think what they will -do next." - -"Dey won't 'sassinate us?" asked Clip, who had picked up the word -somewhere. - -"No; but I'll tell you what I think they will do. They will take the -boat down the river, and sell the grain in St. Louis, and run off with -the money." - -This was the conclusion to which Bob was led by Clip's story. - -"We won't let 'em, Massa Bob," said Clip, in excitement. - -"How shall we help it, Clip?" - -"We must get out, and run away." - -"I wish I knew how," said Bob. - -"If we can get out, we'll take a boat to the city, and git there ahead -of 'em." - -Somehow Clip's words seemed to reassure Bob. Misery loves company, and -the presence of his trusty friend and servant perceptibly lightened -Bob's spirits. - -"You are right, Clip," he said. "To-morrow we will see what we can do. -We can't do anything to-night." - -"Who is de little girl, Massa Bob?" asked Clip, suddenly. - -"What little girl?" - -"Haven't you seen her? De little girl downstairs." - -"I haven't seen her. Tell me about her." - -Clip described her as well as he could, and succeeded in conveying to -Bob a general idea of her appearance, and that of the woman who had -charge of her. - -Bob listened, thoughtfully. - -"You don't think the little girl was any relation to the woman, Clip?" -he said. - -"No, Massa Bob; no more'n you is relation to me. De girl was a little -lady, and de woman was awful ugly." - -"Did the little girl say anything in your hearing?" - -"She asked to be taken back to her fader." - -Suddenly there came into Bob's mind the story about a little girl -abducted from St. Louis. - -"Clip," he said, "I think the little girl has been stolen from her home. -I think it is the same one we heard about the other day." - -"I pity de poor girl. De ol' woman shook her, and treated her bad." - -"If we could only run away from this place and take the little girl -with us, it would be a capital idea. I would like to get her away from -these wretches." - -"I'm wid you, Massa Bob," said Clip, enthusiastically. - -"Hush!" said Bob, suddenly raising his finger. - -A little girl's voice was heard, and it was easy to judge that she was -ascending the stairs. - -Bob put his ear to the keyhole. - -"Take me home to my papa!" said the poor child. "I don't want to stay -here." - -"I'll whip you," said a harsh voice, "if you are not good. It's time -little girls were a-bed. I'm going to put you to bed, and you can sleep -till morning." - -"I don't want to go to bed." - -There was a little scream, for the woman had slapped her. - -"I'd like to get at that woman, Clip," said Bob, indignantly. - -They heard the door open--the door of the room adjoining. - -The partition was very thin, and it was easy to hear what was going on. -Not only this, but Clip discovered an auger hole about eighteen inches -above the floor, of sufficient size to enable him to look through it. - -"Who was that black boy?" he heard the little girl say. "He's a -funny-looking boy." - -"He's come to stay here with the other boy," answered the woman, glad to -find something of interest to take the place of the complaints. - -"Where are they?" asked the girl. - -"They are sleeping in the next room, so you need not be afraid if I go -down and leave you." - -"May I play with them to-morrow?" - -"Yes, if you will be a good girl," said the woman, willing to promise -anything. - -Then there was a little pause, spent in undressing the child. - -"Now, get into bed, and go to sleep as soon as you can." - -"Will you take me to my papa to-morrow?" - -"No," answered the woman, shortly. "Your papa wants you to stay with -me." - -"Won't I never see my papa again?" asked the child, almost ready to cry. - -"Yes; perhaps he'll come to see you next week," answered the woman, -fearing that the child might sob and compel her to remain upstairs. - -"Clip," said Bob, who had taken Clip's place at the hole in the -partition, "there's no doubt of it. The girl has been stolen. I wish I -could go into the room, and asked her about her father and her home." - -He went to the door and tried it, but it was firmly locked, and it was -quite useless to try to get out. - -Meanwhile, Joe and his wife were conversing downstairs. - -"Joe," said the woman, "I hope I'll get rid of that brat soon. She's a -heap of trouble." - -"We shall be well paid," said Joe. - -"Who's to pay us?" asked the woman. - -"Brown. He's the man that's got charge of the job. She's got a rich -father, who'll shell out liberal to get her back." - -"Did he pay you anything in advance?" - -"I squeezed five dollars out of him." - -"Where is it, Joe?" - -"Don't you wish you knew, old woman?" said Joe, with a grin. "I can take -care of it." - -"Half of it belongs to me." - -"How do you make that out?" - -"Haven't I the care of the child? It don't trouble you." - -"It's all right, old lady. You won't be forgotten." - -"How much more is Brown to pay you?" asked the woman, appearing -dissatisfied. - -"Forty-five dollars." - -The woman's eyes sparkled. To her this seemed a vast sum of money. - -"And how much am I to have?" - -"What do you want money for?" demanded Joe, impatiently. - -"I do want it, and that's enough." - -"Well, I can't say yet, old lady, but maybe you'll get ten dollars." - -"Altogether?" - -"Of course. Ain't that enough?" - -"No, it isn't. We ought to divide even." - -"Pooh, you're a woman. You don't need money." - -An unpleasant look came over the woman's face, but she said nothing. - -"Come, old woman, I've got something that'll put you into good humor. -See here!" - -Joe produced from an out-of-the-way corner a suspicious-looking jug. - -"Do you know what's in this?" - -"What is it?" asked the woman, looking interested. - -"Whisky. Get some boiling water, and I'll make you some punch. We'll -make a night of it." - -His wife brightened up. Evidently she did not belong to the Temperance -Society, any more than her husband. She moved about the room with -alacrity, and, assisted by her husband, brewed a punch which was of -considerable strength. Then they put it on the table, and set about -enjoying themselves. - -"Here's your health, ol' woman!" said Joe, and he tried to sing a stave -of an old drinking-song. - -Together they caroused till a late hour, and then fell into a drunken -sleep, which lasted till a late hour in the morning. - -About seven o'clock the little girl woke up, and, as is usual with -children, wished to be dressed at once. - -"Aunt," Bob heard her say, "I want to be dressed." - -But no one came at her call. - -After a little waiting, she got out of bed and went downstairs, but -returned in a minute or two, crying. - -Bob called through the partition. - -"What's the matter, little girl?" - -"There's nobody to dress me. Are you the boy that came yesterday?" - -"Yes. Where is the woman that put you to bed?" - -"She's downstairs--she and the man. They're lying on the floor. I can't -wake them up." - -An idea came to Bob. - -"Come to our door, little girl, and see if you can draw back the bolt. -We are fastened in." - -"Will you take me to my papa?" - -"Yes; I will try to." - -The child came to the door, and, following Bob's directions, with some -difficulty slipped back the bolt. - -"Clip," said Bob, in a tone of triumph, "We're free. Now do as I tell -you, and we'll get away, and reach St. Louis ahead of the boat." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII. - -A LUCKY ESCAPE. - - -"Now," said Bob to the little girl, as they descended the steep and -narrow staircase, "will you do as I tell you?" - -"Yes," answered the child, placing her hand confidingly in his. - -"Then make as little noise as possible. We don't want them to wake up. -If they do they will prevent your going away." - -"Will you take me back to my papa, certain sure?" - -"Yes." - -"Oh, I am so glad." - -"Clip," said Bob, warningly, "mind you remain perfectly quiet. We must -go through the room where the man and woman are sleeping. Any little -noise might wake them up." - -"Don't be afeared for me, Massa Bob," said Clip. - -The staircase led into the main room below, so that, as Bob said, it -was necessary to pass through it. - -Entering the room on tip-toe, they witnessed a reassuring, but -disgusting spectacle. Joe Springer was stretched out on the floor on his -back, breathing heavily; while his wife, seated in a chair, rested her -head on the kitchen table. She, too, seemed to be in a drunken stupor. - -The little girl regarded the woman nervously, remembering the harsh -treatment she had received from her. - -There was one more ordeal, and one more danger to run. The outer door -was locked, but the key was in the lock. There was a creaking sound as -Bob turned it. But he opened the door successfully, and once more they -breathed freely in the clear air of morning. As the door opened they -heard a muttered sound from Joe Springer. It sounded like "more whisky!" -He was probably dreaming of his potations of the previous night. - -Bob hurried along his two companions till they had reached a point some -half a mile distant from the place of their imprisonment. Then he -thought it best to question the little girl. - -[Illustration: LITTLE MAUD'S ESCAPE FROM HER ABDUCTORS.] - -"What is your name?" he asked, gently. - -"Don't you know my name?" asked the child, in surprise. "My name is -Maud." - -"What is your other name?" - -"Pearson--my name is Maud Lilian Pearson." - -"Just as I thought, Clip," said Bob, triumphantly. "This is the little -girl that was stolen from her parents in St. Louis." - -"Yes; my papa lives in St. Louis. Will you take me to him?" - -"Yes, Maud. Only be a good little girl, and do as I tell you." - -"And you won't let that ugly woman take me away?" - -"No; we will hide you away from her. Did she treat you badly?" - -"Yes; she shook me, and said she would whip me. She said she was my -aunt; but it isn't true." - -"Who brought you to her?" - -Maud thereupon described the man whom we know as Brown, the abler one -of the confederates who had stolen the ferry-boat. - -"I wonder whether our boat is gone?" said Bob. - -"Mebbe we can see from the hill," suggested Clip. - -There was a small elevation near by. Bob ascended it, and looked towards -the point where his boat had been tied up. There was no sign of it. It -had disappeared. Though still early, Brown and Minton, fearing -interference, had cut loose about four o'clock, and were, by this time, -several miles on their way to the great city. - -"It's gone, Clip," said Bob, sadly. - -"Never mind, Massa Bob, we'll catch 'em," answered Clip, energetically. - -"Yes, if there is any boat starts down the river to-day." - -This, however, was something which he was not sure of. Moreover, he felt -that the sooner he got away from Joe Springer and his estimable wife, -the better. But where could he take refuge? Not at the hotel, for -Springer would find him out and reclaim the little girl. While he was -considering, in his perplexity, what course to pursue, he fell in with -two boys, who appeared to be about fifteen years of age. They regarded -Bob and his party with curiosity. - -Bob eyed the boys closely, and decided that they could be depended upon. -They seemed to be just the friends he was in search of. He introduced -himself, and learned that their names were John Sheehan and Edward -Bovee. - -"Can you tell me, boys, when the next steamer will start for St. Louis?" - -"Yes," answered John; "there is one at seven o'clock to-morrow morning." - -"That is the earliest?" - -"Yes," said John. - -"Do you know of any private house where we can stay till that time? I am -willing to pay a fair price." - -"You can come to our house," said Edward Bovee. "I am sure my mother -will take you in. But you won't get as good meals as at the hotel." - -"I don't mind that. I shall be glad to stay at your house. Could we go -there to breakfast?" - -"Yes; follow me, and I will lead the way." - -Edward Bovee led the way to a neat cottage, where his mother, a -pleasant-looking lady, welcomed them, and readily undertook to keep them -till the boat started for St. Louis. Bob, feeling the necessity of -concealment, took Mrs. Bovee into his confidence, and readily secured -the co-operation of the good lady, who took a motherly interest in -little Maud. - -Now that the children have found a safe retreat, we will return to Joe -Springer and his interesting wife. - -About half an hour after their young prisoners had escaped, Mrs. -Springer raised her head from the table, and looked about her in a -bewildered way. The bright sunshine entering at the window revealed to -her that she had spent the night in a drunken stupor, even if Joe's -prostrate form had not been a visible reminder. She went to her husband, -and shook him roughly. - -"Get up, Joe!" she said. "It's morning." - -He opened his eyes, and looked around him with stupefaction. - -"What's up, old woman?" he asked. - -"I am, and you ought to be," she answered, sharply. - -"Where's the whisky?" - -"You've had enough. Now get up and hustle round, if you want some -breakfast. I'll go up and dress the little girl." - -Mrs. Springer went upstairs, but came down again two steps at a time, in -a state of high excitement. - -"Joe," said she, quickly, "the little gal's gone!" - -"_What?_" - -"The little gal's gone! Run out and see if you can't catch her. If we -lose her, we lose fifty dollars!" - -"Are the boys all right?" - -"Yes; the door is bolted. They couldn't get out." - -This was true. Bob had taken the precaution to lock the door, after -leaving the room. For this reason, it was half an hour later before Joe -discovered that all his prisoners had escaped. Then, as might have been -expected, there was a wild scene of recrimination, ending in a fight, in -which Mrs. Springer did her part, for she was by no means a weak or -delicate lady, but a woman without fear, who believed in the right of -self-defense. The worthy pair instituted a search throughout the -village, but failed to discover any trace of the lost children. The next -morning, however, Joe Springer got up unusually early, for him, and -strolled to the steamboat-landing. The boat was already out in the -stream, when on the deck he discovered Maud and the two boys. - -"Stop the boat!" screamed Joe, in excitement. - -"What's the matter?" asked the man beside him. - -"Those three children. They have run away!" - -"From you?" - -"Yes; from my house." - -"Why, man, you must be drunk. You have no children." - -"I had charge of 'em, particularly the little gal! Stop the boat, I -say!" - -"Has that man any claim on you?" asked the captain, who chanced to be -standing near Bob. - -"Not the slightest," answered Bob. - -"Or the little girl?" - -"No; her father lives in St. Louis, and I am taking her to him." - -"Stop the boat!" screamed Joe, frantically. - -"He's drunk!" said Joe's neighbor. "He doesn't know what he's talking -about." - -This settled the matter so far as the captain was concerned. Bob paid -the full passage-money for the party, and they were enrolled as regular -passengers. - -Towards the middle of the afternoon a surprise awaited them. They saw, -not far ahead, their own boat, which was drifting down the river, with -Brown at the helm. - -"Do you see that, Clip?" asked Bob. - -"Yes, Massa Bob." - -"Quick, hide! Don't let them see us. I have no objection to their -working their passage down to the city. When they get there, we will be -on hand to take possession." - -"Dat's a good joke! Won't they be s'prised, dough?" said Clip, showing -his white teeth. - -So the steamboat swept by, carrying the three children past the two -conspirators, who fancied them safely housed in Joe Springer's house up -the river. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV. - -MR. WOLVERTON'S LETTER. - - -While the boys are meeting with adventures, on their way down the river, -we will return to the town of Carver, in which, as it will be -remembered, the Burton ranch was located. - -There was no one more interested in the progress of the expedition than -Aaron Wolverton. It was against his wishes and his interest that Bob -should succeed in carrying out his plans. He wanted to get possession of -the Burton ranch, and force Mrs. Burton to take him for her second -husband. Most of all, perhaps, he wanted to humble the pride of "the -Burton boy," as he styled Bob, for he cordially hated him, and was well -aware that Bob disliked and despised him. If he could only bring about -the failure of Bob's trip, and the loss of his cargo, he would have -both Bob and his mother in his power. - -Wolverton had been anxiously awaiting intelligence from his agents, and -the postmaster was somewhat surprised at his numerous visits to the -office for letters. - -At length, one morning, Aaron Wolverton's patience was rewarded. - -A letter was handed him, directed in an almost illegible scrawl to - -MR. A. WOLVERTON, ESQ. - -It was written by Brown, who was by no means an accomplished scholar. - -Wolverton opened it eagerly, and read the following lines: - - - MR. WOLVERTON: I write you these few lines from Rocky Creek. I am - pleased to say we have got the bote, and are jest starting for St. - Louis with the cargo onbord. If you want to know about the boys, - bob burton and the little nigger are locked up in a house in the - village belonging to one of my friends, and they won't be let out - till it is perfecly saif. We got hold of them by a nise trick. I - haven't time to tell you about it now, but when we meat, you shall - kno all. - - Send that fifty dollars to Mr. J. Brown, St. Louis Post Office. - Don't forget! This is important. - - Yours to command, - J. BROWN. - - -This letter, ill-spelled as it was, seemed to give Aaron Wolverton -unbounded satisfaction. A gratified smile overspread his face, and he -said to himself: "That will bring down the Burton pride. That young -whipper-snapper will come home with a few less airs than when he set -out. The chances are that he'll have to walk home or buy a passage." - -Wolverton chuckled at this agreeable thought. He would be revenged upon -poor Bob for all the mortifications to which the boy had subjected him: -and, to a man of Wolverton's temperament, revenge was sweet. - -"You have received good news, Mr. Wolverton," said the postmaster, -observing the land agent's evident glee. - -"What makes you think so?" asked Wolverton, cautiously. - -"I judged from your smiling face." - -"It wasn't the letter. I was thinking of something." - -"That is only a blind," thought the postmaster. "I saw his face light up -when he read the letter. Let me see; it was mailed from Rocky Creek. I -will bear that in mind, and some day I may discover the secret." - -As Wolverton picked his way through the mud from the post-office to his -office, he fell in with Mrs. Burton, who had come to the village on -business. He smiled to himself, and prepared to accost her. - -"I hope I see you well, Mrs. Burton," he said, with gravity. - -"Very well, thank you, Mr. Wolverton," answered the widow, coldly. - -"What do you hear from your son?" - -"I received a letter yesterday. All was going well with him." - -"I am really glad to hear it," said Wolverton, with a queer smile. -"Still you must remember that 'there's many a slip 'twixt the cup and -the lip.'" - -"What do you mean, Mr. Wolverton?" asked Mrs. Burton, quickly. - -"What should I mean?" said Wolverton, in apparent surprise. - -"Have you heard any bad news of Robert?" - -"Oh, dear, no! I am sorry to say that your son is prejudiced against me, -and would hardly favor me with any letter." - -Mrs. Burton looked relieved. - -"I was only warning you on general principles. 'Let him that thinketh he -standeth take heed lest he fall,' as the Scriptures have it." - -"Thank you for the caution," said Mrs. Burton, dryly. "By the way, have -you heard anything of your nephew, Sam?" - -Wolverton's face darkened. - -"No," he answered. "I did think, I confess, that he might have run away -with Bob, but I don't think so now." - -"If he did, I know nothing of it." - -This was true. For obvious reasons, Bob had not taken his mother into -his confidence on this subject. - -"The boy has shown base ingratitude to me," continued Wolverton, -bitterly. "I cared for him and kept him from starving, and how has he -rewarded me?" - -"If his home was so agreeable as you represent, it is certainly -surprising that he should have left you. Good-morning, Mr. Wolverton." - -"What did she mean?" Wolverton asked himself. "Some of her sarcasm, I -suppose. When she becomes Mrs. Wolverton, I will get even with her." - -As nothing had been said of Sam in the letter of his confidential agent, -Wolverton no longer suspected that he had gone down the river with Bob -Burton. On the whole, as he had Sam's property in his possession, he did -not care whether the boy ever returned, except that he would have liked -to give him a good flogging. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV. - -BOB'S ARRIVAL IN ST. LOUIS. - - -Meanwhile Bob and Clip were steaming rapidly down the river. Now that he -was pretty sure of recovering his boat and cargo, Bob gave himself up to -the enjoyment of the trip, and was fain to confess that he enjoyed it -better than working his passage on the ferry-boat. As for Maud, she -seemed to feel as much confidence in our hero as if she had known him -all her life. She seemed also to appreciate Clip, but in a different -way. - -"You're a funny boy!" she said. - -"Yah, yah, little missy!" laughed Clip. - -"Where's your mother?" - -"Dunno, missy! I expect she dead." - -"My mamma's dead, too. She's in heaven. Is your mamma there too?" - -"S'pect so, little missy." - -Bob questioned the little girl as to the manner of her abduction. He -learned that she had been carried off from the street in which she lived -by Brown, who secured her consent by a promise of candy. Then she was -put into a carriage, and given something to drink. When she woke up she -was on a river steamer, being landed at length at the place where Bob -found her. - -"Did my papa send you for me?" she asked. - -"No, Maud," answered Bob, "but I heard you had been stolen, and I -determined to carry you back, if I could." - -"On what street does your father live?" asked Bob, later. - -"On Laclede Avenue." - -"Can you tell me the number?" - -This also Maud was able to tell. At the first stopping-place, after he -had obtained this information, Bob, appreciating the anxiety of Maud's -friends, telegraphed her father as follows: - - - I have discovered your little daughter, and am on my way to the - city with her. She was taken to Rocky Creek, and confined there. - Our steamer--the Gazelle--will probably arrive at her wharf - to-morrow morning. - - ROBERT BURTON. - - -When this telegram was received, Mr. Pearson was suffering deep grief -and anxiety; but the message comforted him not a little. - -When the steamer reached the pier, a middle-aged man of medium size and -dark complexion was waiting on the wharf. - -"That's my papa!" exclaimed Maud, clapping her hands; and the little -girl danced on the deck in her joy. - -In a moment she was in the arms of her father. - -"My darling Maud?" he exclaimed, caressing her fondly. "Thank Heaven I -have you back again! Where is Mr. Burton?" - -"My name is Robert Burton," said Bob, modestly. - -"What, a boy!" exclaimed Mr. Pearson, in amazement. "I supposed the -person who telegraphed me was a man." - -"He's a nice boy," said Maud, putting her hand confidingly in Bob's. - -"I am sure of it," said Mr. Pearson, cordially, grasping the hand of our -hero. - -"And _he's_ a funny boy," continued Maud, pointing out Clip. - -"Yah, yah!" laughed Clip, with a broad grin on his shining face. - -"Clip is a companion of mine," explained Bob, "and we came down the -river together." - -"I am glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Clip," said Mr. Pearson, -smiling, and taking Clip by the hand. - -"Yah, yah!" laughed the delighted Clip. - -"Now, boys," said Mr. Pearson, as they passed over the gang-plank and -set foot upon the wharf, "I shall take you both home with me. I have not -yet had an opportunity of asking questions about how you came to find my -dear child, and rescue her from her terrible captivity. There stands my -carriage. Get in, both of you, and we will go to my home at once." - -It was a strange sensation to Clip to find himself riding in a hansom -carriage, the favored guest of the wealthy proprietor. He was not sure -whether he were awake or dreaming. - -They drove rapidly for perhaps a couple of miles, and then stopped in -front of an elegant mansion in the upper part of Laclede Avenue. The two -boys never expected to enter St. Louis in such grand style. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVI. - -A THOUSAND DOLLARS REWARD. - - -A little awed by the splendid appointments of the merchant's house, Bob -and Clip entered, following Mr. Pearson. - -A stout, pleasant-looking woman of middle age--the housekeeper--appeared -at the door of a side room. She darted forward, and clasped Maud in a -fond embrace. - -"My darling Maud, how glad I am to see you back!" she said. "I thought -we had lost you." - -"This is the young man who rescued Maud, Margaret," said Mr. Pearson, -pointing to Bob. - -"And _he_ so young! I must kiss him, too!" said Margaret; and, -considerably to our hero's embarrassment, Margaret gave him a resounding -kiss. - -"This boy also assisted," said Mr. Pearson, indicating Clip, with a -smile. - -Margaret hesitated a moment--she was not quite prepared to kiss a -colored boy--but compromised by shaking his hand cordially. - -"You look like a nice boy, Clip," she said. - -"So I is, missus; yah, yah!" responded Clip, laughing. - -"Now, Margaret, can you give us something to eat?" said Mr. Pearson. - -"It's all ready, sir. I thought you and Miss Maud would be hungry." - -"I suspect we are all hungry," said Mr. Pearson, leading the way into a -handsome dining-room. - -"Now, boys, take your seats," he said. - -Clip felt a little awkward, for he was not used to being a guest at a -rich man's table, but he did not allow his bashfulness to interfere with -the gratification of an excellent appetite. - -When the meal was over, Mr. Pearson invited the boys into his library, -and seated himself at a desk. - -He drew a check-book from a drawer and wrote for a minute. Then he tore -off a check, and handed it to Bob. - -"This is the reward I offered for the return of my dear daughter," he -said. "I have made the check payable to your order." - -Bob took it and read as follows: - - - "FIRST NATIONAL BANK, - - "Pay to the order of Robert Burton, One Thousand Dollars. - - "$1000. JOHN PEARSON." - - -"I don't like to take this large sum, Mr. Pearson," said Bob. "I did not -rescue your daughter for money." - -"I am quite aware of that, my dear boy, but it is a pleasure for me to -give you this proof of my gratitude. I am sure you will spend it -creditably." - -"I shall find it very useful, sir; and I thank you sincerely. May I ask -if you do not deal in wheat?" - -"That is a part of my business." - -"I shall have about fourteen hundred bushels to dispose of if I recover -my boat." - -"I will give you two dollars and a quarter a bushel, if it is in good -condition." - -"I accept, sir," answered Bob, promptly. "Now, may I ask your advice as -to how to proceed to regain possession of the boat?" - -"When do you expect it to arrive?" asked the merchant. - -"Probably not till to-morrow, but I can't guess at what part of the day. -It depends on how well the thieves succeed in managing the boat." - -"I will order my carriage and drive round with you to the Central Police -Office. The police will take proper measures to recover the boat and -arrest the rascals who robbed you of it." - -"Won't it be too much trouble, sir?" - -"I shall not count it a trouble, for I shall at the same time be -punishing the men who abducted my dear Maud. They will be tried for both -offenses, and will probably get a long term of imprisonment." - -In an hour information had been lodged at the Central Police Office, and -orders had been given to watch the river, and to keep a good lookout for -the boat, of which Bob furnished a description. - -That night Bob and Clip slept at Mr. Pearson's house, being treated as -honored guests. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVII. - -BROWN AND MINTON WALK INTO A TRAP. - - -Little suspecting the reception awaiting them in St. Louis, Minton and -Brown were laboriously guiding their stolen craft down the river. Not -being accustomed to labor of any sort, they found the confinement -irksome, but the prize for which they were striving was so large that -they took it very good-humoredly. They whiled away the time by indulging -in visions of future ease and prosperity, and in exchanging witticisms -at the expense of Bob, the youthful owner of the boat. - -"I wonder how the young captain is enjoying himself," said Minton, as he -lay back, with one of the bins for a support, while puffing at a choice -cigar. - -"He is ready to tear his hair out, I presume," said Brown. "He's a -conceited young popinjay, and deserves to have his pride taken down." - -"You're right there, Brown. We shall make a tidy sum out of our -venture." - -"Yes; we can afford to retire for a time. Of course I shall want more -than half." - -"I don't see that," said Minton, quickly. - -"Why, man, I've done all the headwork. What have you done to compare -with me?" - -"We are equal partners," said Minton, doggedly. - -"That is where you are mistaken. I don't mind, though, giving you half -of what we get for the girl." - -"How shall we arrange to get anything? It is rather a ticklish -business--" - -"That's where the headwork comes in. I shall wait upon old Pearson, and -tell him that I have a clew, and suspect I know who abducted the child. -Then I'll work him up to a point where he'll shell out liberally." - -"Won't there be risk?" - -"How can there be? Leave the thing to me and I'll arrange it. The fact -is, Minton, you are a man of no ideas. If I depended on you, you -wouldn't make a cent out of one of the neatest jobs I've ever been -concerned in." - -Minton was conscious that there was some truth in this, and it helped to -reconcile him to the evident determination of his companion to -appropriate the lion's share of the fruits of their questionable -enterprises. - -"I suppose Joe's all right?" he said, after a pause. - -"Of course he is. What would he make by proving false to us?" - -"Nothing, that I can see. Still, if he should do so, it might upset our -plans. The boy could afford to pay him well for releasing him." - -"That is true," returned Brown, thoughtfully. "On all accounts it will -be necessary for us to expedite matters. I sha'n't waste any time once -we are in St. Louis." - -"You mean in disposing of the cargo?" - -"Precisely. I am in no position to haggle about prices. I'll offer it at -a bargain to some large dealer. He will naturally think I'm a country -gentleman, and clinch the bargain at once. Do you see?" - -"Yes, Brown. You've got the right idea." - -"Of course I have," said Brown, complacently. "It takes a long head to -outwit me. Got another cigar, Minton?" - -Minton drew out one and handed to his confederate, and presently took -his turn at the rudder. - -So time passed, the boat making good progress, and about three o'clock -in the afternoon the boat reached an obscure pier in the lower part of -St. Louis. - -There were some interested persons watching its arrival. Among them were -Bob and his friend Clip, and a small squad of policemen. Not suspecting -anything, Brown and Minton busied themselves in bringing the boat to -anchor. Meanwhile Bob, without being observed, stepped aboard. - -"Good afternoon, Mr. Brown! I hope you had a pleasant trip," he said, -quietly. - -Brown felt as if he had been struck by lightning. Wheeling around -suddenly, he saw Bob's eyes fixed upon him. He was absolutely speechless -with amazement and consternation. - -"Who are you?" he finally ejaculated, quickly resolving to brazen it -out, and deny Bob's claim to ownership. - -"I think you know me, Mr. Brown!" replied Bob. "I have only to thank you -for taking charge of my boat and bringing it safe to St. Louis." - -"Look here, young feller!" said Brown, roughly, "you must be crazy. I -never saw you before in my life, and here you come on board my boat and -claim it as your own. If you don't clear out I'll have you arrested." - -"There will be no difficulty about that, Mr. Brown. Here are policemen -close at hand." - -Mr. Brown's face grew pale as he saw three stalwart policemen marching -on board the boat. - -"I guess it's all up, Minton!" he said, and made a dash for liberty; but -he was not quick enough. He and Minton were quickly secured and marched -off, with handcuffs on their wrists. As we are now to bid these -gentlemen farewell, it may be said briefly that they pleaded guilty in -hopes of a lighter sentence, and were sent to prison for seven years. -Thus far the community has been able to spare them without -inconvenience. - -Bob and Clip resumed charge of the boat, and during the next day -disposed of the cargo to Mr. Pearson at the price agreed upon. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVIII. - -WHAT BOB BROUGHT HOME. - - -After disposing of his cargo, Bob was puzzled to know what to do with -the ferry-boat. Finally he had an offer of one hundred dollars, from a -speculative Yankee who had drifted out to St. Louis, and gladly accepted -it. This sum paid all expenses, including his and Clip's return fare, -and left him with a handsome sum to his credit, viz.: - - - 1,400 bushels wheat, at $2.25, $3,150 - Reward, 1,000 - ------ - $4,150 - - -This sum, with the exception of one hundred and fifty dollars, by advice -of Mr. Pearson, he deposited in a St. Louis bank, and then started for -home. - -He could not make the whole passage by steamer, but went part way by -railroad, and then engaged a carriage to a point four miles from home. -Thence he and Clip walked. He wanted to surprise not only his mother, -but Wolverton. He knew now that Brown and Minton had only been agents of -his more crafty enemy, Brown having made a written confession, not so -much out of friendship to Bob as out of spite against Wolverton, whom he -held responsible for getting him into this scrape. - -With soiled shoes and clothes covered with dust, Bob and Clip entered -the village, and purposely walked by Wolverton's office. - -The latter, spying them through the window, smiled maliciously, and -hurried out to meet them. - -"Aha, my young friends," he said, with a pleased glance at their soiled -clothes, "so you have returned?" - -"Yes, sir," answered Bob, soberly. - -"And what luck did you have, may I ask?" - -"We had good luck at first, but at Rocky Creek two rascals entrapped us, -and stole our boat and cargo." - -Wolverton laughed outright. So it was true, after all. - -"Excuse my smiling," he said; "but you seem to have come out at the -little end of the horn." - -"It does seem so, sir." - -"You remember what I told you before you started?" - -"What was that?" - -"That you were too young for such an expedition. It would have been much -better for you to accept my offer." - -"It seems so," answered Bob again. - -"Seems so! Of course it would have been. But the trouble was, you were -so puffed up by your own self-conceit that you thought you knew best." - -"I plead guilty to that, sir; I did think so," answered Bob, candidly. - -"I am glad you admit it. So you had to walk back?" - -"You can judge for yourself, Mr. Wolverton." - -"Well, you certainly do look like two tramps. The next time you may feel -like following my advice." - -"I may," answered Bob. - -It did occur to Mr. Wolverton that Bob's answers were rather unusual, -and his manner rather queer; quite unlike his usual tone and manner. But -this he readily accounted for. The boy's pride had been humbled. He knew -now that he was in Wolverton's power, and he had the sense to be humble, -in the hope of making better terms. - -"But it won't do," said the agent to himself. "He will find that I will -have what is mine, and he cannot soften my heart by any appeal to my -pity." - -"It appears to me you are in rather a scrape," he said, after a pause. - -"How is that." - -"Why, a part of your mortgage comes due in a short time. I hope you -don't expect me to wait." - -"No doubt you will be considerate, Mr. Wolverton, remembering what luck -we have had." - -"No, I won't!" snarled Wolverton. "Don't flatter yourself so far. I am -not responsible for your misfortune, or folly, as I call it." - -"Still, Mr. Wolverton--" - -"Oh, it's no use to talk!" continued the agent, raising his hand -impatiently. "You have been a fool, and you must suffer the penalty of -your folly." - -"Has Sam got back, Mr. Wolverton?" asked Bob, changing the subject, -rather to Mr. Wolverton's surprise. - -"No; have you seen him?" asked the agent, eagerly. - -"Yes, sir." - -"Where?" asked Wolverton, quickly. - -"The fact is, we discovered him on our boat soon after we started." - -"You did!" ejaculated the agent, his eyes almost starting out of his -head. "Why didn't you send him back?" - -"Because he said you didn't treat him well, and begged to stay." - -"Young man, do you know I could have you arrested for abducting my -nephew?" demanded Wolverton, angrily. - -"Was it my fault that he hid himself on my boat?" - -"Where is he now?" asked Wolverton, abruptly. - -"He left the boat at a point on the way." - -"Where was it?" - -"You must excuse my answering that question. Sam wouldn't like it." - -"What difference does that make?" - -"Sam is my friend. I think, however, you will soon know, as he means to -come back." - -Wolverton smiled triumphantly. - -"I shall be glad to see him," he said, significantly. Bob knew what that -meant. - -"You must excuse me now, Mr. Wolverton," said Bob. "I must hurry home, -as mother will be anxious to see me." - -"Tell her I shall call very soon--on business." - -"I will." - -When they were out of hearing the boys laughed in amusement. They had a -surprise in store for Wolverton. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIX. - -CONCLUSION. - - -There was another arrival at Burton's Ranch the next day. Sam Wolverton -came in charge of his new-found relative, Robert Granger. They took a -carriage, and reached the ranch without attracting the attention of -Aaron Wolverton. - -Mrs. Burton welcomed her visitors, and expressed great pleasure at the -discovery that Sam's fortunes were likely to be improved. Mr. Granger -proposed to make a call upon the faithless guardian, but was saved the -necessity, as Mr. Wolverton called early in the afternoon of the same -day. He was in a hurry to show his power, and foreclose the mortgage. It -was arranged that Sam and Mr. Granger should remain out of sight at -first. - -Robert answered the knock at the door. - -"Is your mother at home?" asked Wolverton. - -"Yes, sir; will you walk in?" - -"I believe I will." - -He entered the sitting-room, and Mrs. Burton soon made her appearance. - -"I see your son has returned, widder," remarked the agent. - -"Yes; it seems pleasant to have him back. I missed him greatly." - -"Humph! I s'pose so. It's a pity he went at all." - -"I don't know that." - -"Why, it stands to reason," said Wolverton, impatiently. "He went on a -fool's errand." - -"What makes you say that?" - -"He might have known a boy like him couldn't succeed in such an -enterprise. If he had taken up with my offer, he would have been all -right." - -"He said you offered him much less than the market price." - -"And so he started off to do better, and lost his whole cargo," sneered -Wolverton, smiling unpleasantly. - -Mrs. Burton was silent. - -"I came to tell you that I should require not only the interest, but a -payment of half the mortgage, according to the conditions. It is due -next Saturday." - -"Won't you wait, under the circumstances, Mr. Wolverton?" - -"No; I will not." - -"Do you think that is kind?" asked Mrs. Burton. - -"Kindness is kindness, and business is business, Mrs. Burton. Still, I -am willing to spare you on one condition." - -"What is that?" - -"That you become Mrs. Wolverton." - -Mrs. Burton made a gesture of repulsion. - -"That is entirely out of the question," she said. - -"Then I shall show no mercy." - -Mrs. Burton went to the door and called "Robert." - -Bob entered. - -"Mr. Wolverton demands his interest and the payment of half the -mortgage, according to the terms." - -"It is not due yet." - -"It will be, next Saturday," said the agent, triumphantly. "And I won't -listen to any palaver or any entreaties to put off the payment. As you -have made your bed you can lie upon it." - -"What do you propose to do if we don't pay?" asked Bob. - -"Foreclose the mortgage!" exclaimed the agent, bringing down his fist -upon the table before him. - -"In that case, I think, mother, we will pay," said Bob, quietly. - -"You can't pay!" snarled Wolverton. - -"That is where you are mistaken, Mr. Wolverton. I will not only pay what -you ask, but I am ready to take up the whole mortgage." - -"Is the boy crazy?" ejaculated Wolverton. - -"Not that I am aware of," answered Bob, smiling. - -"You haven't got the money." - -"Mistaken again, Mr. Wolverton." - -"When did you get it?" gasped Wolverton. "Wasn't your cargo stolen?" - -"Yes, by emissaries of yours!" was Bob's unexpected reply; "but I -recovered it, and sold the grain for two dollars and a quarter a -bushel." - -"You recovered it?" said Wolverton, turning pale. - -"Yes; and the men that stole it are now in jail. I have a letter from -one of them, declaring that he was employed by you." - -"It's a lie!" hastily exclaimed the agent; but he looked frightened. - -"I have reason to believe it is true. Mr. Wolverton, your base -conspiracy failed." - -"I guess I'll go," said Wolverton, rising. He wanted time to think. - -"Not just yet! Here are two persons who wish to see you"; and, to -Wolverton's surprise, Sam and Robert Granger entered the room. - -"You didn't expect to see me, Aaron Wolverton," said Captain Granger. "I -have come here with your nephew to demand restitution of the property -which you have appropriated to your own use, giving him to understand -that he was living on charity." - -Wolverton looked like a man in a state of collapse. He didn't dare to -deny what he knew Captain Granger would have no difficulty in proving. -He glared at Sam as if he would like to have him in his power for a -short time. - -"Are you coming back with me?" he asked. - -"I will answer for him," said Captain Granger. "Sam is of an age when -the law authorizes him to select his own guardian. I have accepted the -trust, and I demand the transfer of his property to me." - -If there had been any chance of success, Wolverton would have contested -the matter, and, as it was, he interposed all the obstacles in his -power. Finally, Sam got his own, however, much to Wolverton's -disappointment. - - ---- - -Five years have passed. The mortgage on Burton's Ranch has long since -been paid, and Bob is making a handsome profit every year for his mother -and himself. Clip is still a member of the family, and, though he cannot -be called a model of industry, he is a favorite through his good nature -and love of fun. He is thoroughly loyal to the Burtons, and hates -Wolverton as much as it is in his nature to hate anybody. Wolverton is -getting worse in temper as he grows older, and his ill-gotten gains do -not bring him happiness. The sight of Bob's prosperity is gall and -wormwood to him; but for this Bob cares little. Sam is employed in a -store under his new guardian's charge, but every summer he comes to -Burton's Ranch and stays a month, where he, Bob, and Clip have fine -times. Mrs. Burton is happy in her prosperity, and is thankful to God -for having given her so good a son. Bob has made more than one trip down -the river, but none so eventful as the one described in this story. - - -THE END. - - - - -THE FAMOUS CASTLEMON BOOKS. - -BY -HARRY CASTLEMON. - - -[Illustration: Specimen Cover of the Gunboat Series.] - - -No author of the present day has become a greater favorite with boys -than "Harry Castlemon;" every book by him is sure to meet with hearty -reception by young readers generally. His naturalness and vivacity lead -his readers from page to page with breathless interest, and when one -volume is finished the fascinated reader, like Oliver Twist, asks "for -more." - -Any volume sold separately. - - -+GUNBOAT SERIES.+ By Harry Castlemon. 6 vols., - 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed - in colors. In box $7 50 - -+Frank, the Young Naturalist+ 1 25 - -+Frank in the Woods+ 1 25 - -+Frank on the Prairie+ 1 25 - -+Frank on a Gunboat+ 1 25 - -+Frank before Vicksburg+ 1 25 - -+Frank on the Lower Mississippi+ 1 25 - -+GO AHEAD SERIES.+ By Harry Castlemon. 3 vols., - 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed - in colors. In box $3 75 - -+Go Ahead+; or, The Fisher Boy's Motto 1 25 - -+No Moss+; or, The Career of a Rolling Stone 1 25 - -+Tom Newcombe+; or, The Boy of Bad Habits 1 25 - -+ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES.+ By Harry - Castlemon. 3 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. - Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In box $3 75 - -+Frank at Don Carlos' Rancho+ 1 25 - -+Frank among the Rancheros+ 1 25 - -+Frank in the Mountains+ 1 25 - -+SPORTSMAN'S CLUB SERIES.+ By Harry - Castlemon. 3 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. - Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In box $3 75 - -+The Sportsman's Club in the Saddle+ 1 25 - -+The Sportsman's Club Afloat+ 1 25 - -+The Sportsman's Club among the Trappers+ 1 25 - -+FRANK NELSON SERIES.+ By Harry Castlemon. - 3 vols. 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, - printed in colors. In box $3 75 - -+Snowed Up+; or, The Sportsman's Club in the Mts. 1 25 - -+Frank Nelson in the Forecastle+; or, The Sportsman's - Club among the Whalers 1 25 - -+The Boy Traders+; or, The Sportsman's Club among - the Boers 1 25 - -+BOY TRAPPER SERIES.+ By Harry Castlemon. - 3 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, - printed in colors. In box $3 75 - -+The Buried Treasure+; or, Old Jordan's "Haunt" 1 25 - -+The Boy Trapper+; or, How Dave Filled the Order 1 25 - -+The Mail Carrier+ 1 25 - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bob Burton, by Horatio Alger Jr. - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOB BURTON *** - -***** This file should be named 52194-8.txt or 52194-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/2/1/9/52194/ - -Produced by David Edwards, Martin Pettit and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -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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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. 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. - - - -Title: Bob Burton - or The Young Ranchman of the Missouri - -Author: Horatio Alger Jr. - -Release Date: May 30, 2016 [EBook #52194] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOB BURTON *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, Martin Pettit and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="center"><a name="cover.jpg" id="cover.jpg"></a><img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="cover" /></div> - -<hr /> - -<div class="center"><img src="images/frontis.jpg" alt="Aaron Wolverton Steals the Receipt" /></div> - -<p class="bold"><span class="smcap">Aaron Wolverton Steals the Receipt.</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[Pg i]</a></span></p> - -<h1>BOB BURTON;</h1> - -<p class="bold space-above">OR,</p> - -<p class="bold space-above">THE YOUNG RANCHMAN OF THE<br />MISSOURI</p> - -<p class="bold space-above">BY</p> - -<p class="bold2">HORATIO ALGER, <span class="smcap">Jr.</span>,</p> - -<p class="bold">AUTHOR OF "RAGGED DICK SERIES," "LUCK AND<br />PLUCK SERIES," "ATLANTIC SERIES," ETC.</p> - -<div class="center space-above"><img src="images/logo.jpg" alt="logo" /></div> - -<p class="bold space-above">PHILADELPHIA:<br />PORTER & COATES.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii">[Pg ii]</a></span></p> - -<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1888,<br />by<br />PORTER & COATES.</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[Pg iii]</a></span></p> - -<p class="center">TO</p> - -<p class="center">J. HENRY PLUMMER,</p> - -<p class="center">NOW OF TALLAPOOSA, GA.</p> - -<p class="center">FROM WHOM I HAVE RECEIVED VALUABLE ASSISTANCE IN<br /> -THE PREPARATION OF THIS VOLUME,</p> - -<p class="center">IT IS DEDICATED WITH FRIENDLY REGARD.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[Pg v]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CONTENTS.</h2> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<table summary="CONTENTS"> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="left"><span class="smaller">CHAPTER</span></td> - <td><span class="smaller">PAGE</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>I.</td> - <td class="left"> MR. BURTON'S RANCH,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_5">5</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>II.</td> - <td class="left"> AARON WOLVERTON,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>III.</td> - <td class="left"> A LITTLE RETROSPECT,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>IV.</td> - <td class="left"> THE SUDDEN SUMMONS,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>V.</td> - <td class="left"> WOLVERTON'S FIRST MOVE,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>VI.</td> - <td class="left"> THE LOST RECEIPT,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_51">51</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>VII.</td> - <td class="left"> WOLVERTON'S ADVENTURE WITH CLIP,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_60">60</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>VIII.</td> - <td class="left"> WOLVERTON'S DISMAY,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_69">69</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>IX.</td> - <td class="left"> SAM'S GIFT,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_77">77</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>X.</td> - <td class="left"> SAM IN A TIGHT PLACE,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_85">85</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XI.</td> - <td class="left"> AN ANGRY CONFERENCE,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_94">94</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XII.</td> - <td class="left"> WOLVERTON'S WATERLOO,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_104">104</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XIII.</td> - <td class="left"> WHAT BOB FOUND IN THE CREEK,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_111">111</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XIV.</td> - <td class="left"> THE BOAT AND ITS OWNER,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_120">120</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XV.</td> - <td class="left"> BOB BUYS THE FERRY-BOAT,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_128">128</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XVI.</td> - <td class="left"> WOLVERTON'S BAFFLED SCHEME,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_137">137</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XVII.</td> - <td class="left"> WOLVERTON'S POOR TENANT,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_146">146</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XVIII.</td> - <td class="left"> WOLVERTON'S WICKED PLAN,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_154">154</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XIX.</td> - <td class="left"> MR. WOLVERTON MEETS TWO CONGENIAL SPIRITS,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_163">163</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XX.</td> - <td class="left"> AN UNEXPECTED PASSENGER,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_172">172</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XX.</td> - <td class="left"> AN UNEXPECTED PASSENGER,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_172">172</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[Pg vi]</a></span>XXI.</td> - <td class="left"> HOW WOLVERTON WAS FOOLED,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_180">180</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXII.</td> - <td class="left"> THE FIRST DAY,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_189">189</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXIII.</td> - <td class="left"> A SUSPICIOUS CHARACTER,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_198">198</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXIV.</td> - <td class="left"> CLIP MAKES A LITTLE MONEY FOR HIMSELF,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_207">207</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXV.</td> - <td class="left"> CLIP'S SECRET MISSION,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_215">215</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXVI.</td> - <td class="left"> WAS IT THE CAT?</td> - <td><a href="#Page_224">224</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXVII.</td> - <td class="left"> THE PASSENGER DISCOVERED,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_233">233</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXVIII.</td> - <td class="left"> SAM FINDS A RELATION,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_243">243</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXIX.</td> - <td class="left"> ROCKY CREEK LANDING,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_251">251</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXX.</td> - <td class="left"> AN UNLUCKY EVENING,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_261">261</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXXI.</td> - <td class="left"> HOW CLIP WAS CAPTURED,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_269">269</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXXII.</td> - <td class="left"> THE BOYS IMPRISONED,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_277">277</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXXIII.</td> - <td class="left"> A LUCKY ESCAPE,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_289">289</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXXIV.</td> - <td class="left"> MR. WOLVERTON'S LETTER,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_297">297</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXXV.</td> - <td class="left"> BOB'S ARRIVAL IN ST. LOUIS,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_303">303</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXXVI.</td> - <td class="left"> A THOUSAND DOLLARS REWARD,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_308">308</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXXVII.</td> - <td class="left"> BROWN AND MINTON WALK INTO A TRAP,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_312">312</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXXVIII.</td> - <td class="left"> WHAT BOB BROUGHT HOME,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_318">318</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXXIX.</td> - <td class="left"> CONCLUSION,</td> - <td><a href="#Page_324">324</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span></p> - -<p class="bold2">BOB BURTON;</p> - -<p class="bold">OR,</p> - -<p class="bold">THE YOUNG RANCHMAN OF THE<br />MISSOURI.</p> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER I.</span> <span class="smaller">MR. BURTON'S RANCH.</span></h2> - -<p>"Harness up the colt, Clip; I'm going to the village."</p> - -<p>"All right, massa!"</p> - -<p>"What makes you call me massa? One would think I were a slave-owner."</p> - -<p>"Can't help it, massa. There I done forgot it agin," said Clip, showing -his white teeth—preturnaturally white they showed in contrast with his -coal-black skin. "You see I used to say that to my old massa, down in -Arkansaw."</p> - -<p>"What's my name, Clip?"</p> - -<p>"Mister Burton."</p> - -<p>"Then call me Mr. Burton. Now go, and don't waste any time."</p> - -<p>"All right, massa."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span></p><p>"That boy's incorrigible," said Richard Burton to himself. "He hasn't -got cut of his early ways yet; careless and shiftless as he is, I -believe he is devoted to me and my family."</p> - -<p>Clip, as may be inferred, was a negro boy, now turned of fourteen, who -for four years had been attached to the service of Richard Burton, a -ranchman, whose farm lay on a small stream tributary to the Missouri, in -the fertile State of Iowa. He had fled from his master in the northern -part of Arkansas, and, traveling by night, and secreting himself by day, -had finally reached Iowa; where he found a safe refuge in the family of -Mr. Burton. Indeed he had been picked up by Bob Burton, a boy a year -older than himself, who had brought him home and insisted on his father -taking charge of the young fugitive. On a large ranch there was always -something to do, and Clip was soon made useful in taking care of the -horses, in doing errands and in many odd ways.</p> - -<p>While waiting for the wagon, Mr. Burton went into the house, and sought -his wife.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p><p>"Mamy," he said, "I am going to the village to pay Wolverton his -interest."</p> - -<p>"I wish he didn't hold the mortgage, Richard," said Mrs. Burton, looking -up from her work.</p> - -<p>"So do I, but why is it any the worse for him to hold it than for any -one else?"</p> - -<p>"Richard, you may think me foolish and fanciful, but I distrust that -man. It is impressed upon my mind that he will some day do us harm."</p> - -<p>"That is foolish and fanciful in good truth, Mamy. Now Wolverton seems -to me a—well, not exactly an attractive man, but good natured and -friendly. When I needed three thousand dollars last spring, on account -of a poor crop and some extra expenses, he seemed not only willing, but -really glad to lend it to me."</p> - -<p>"He took a mortgage on the ranch," said Mary Burton dryly.</p> - -<p>"Why, of course. He is a man of business, you know. You wouldn't expect -him to lend the money without security, would you?"</p> - -<p>"And you pay him a large interest?"</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p><p>"Ten per cent."</p> - -<p>"There isn't much friendship in lending money on good security at ten -per cent., Richard."</p> - -<p>"Oh, you put things in a wrong way, Mary. Money is worth ten per cent. -out here, and of course I didn't want Wolverton to lose money by me. He -could get that interest elsewhere."</p> - -<p>"You are very unsuspecting, Richard. You credit everybody with your own -true, unselfish nature."</p> - -<p>"Why, that's a compliment, Mary," laughed the husband, "and deserves a -kiss."</p> - -<p>He bent over and touched his wife's cheek with his lips.</p> - -<p>Mary Burton had reached the age of thirty-six, and was no longer in her -first youth, but her face seemed even more lovelier than when he married -her, so Richard Burton thought. He too was a man of fine presence, with -a frank, open face, that invariably won the favor of those who met him -for the first time. He was in the full vigor of manhood, and when he and -his wife attended the Methodist church on Sundays, many eyes were -attracted<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span> by the handsome couple. They had one son, Bob, who will soon -receive attention.</p> - -<p>"I have a great mind, Richard, to tell you why I distrust and fear Aaron -Wolverton," said his wife after a slight pause.</p> - -<p>"I wish you would, Mary. Perhaps, when I know, I can talk you out of -your apprehension."</p> - -<p>"Did you ever know that Aaron Wolverton was once a suitor for my hand?"</p> - -<p>Richard Burton burst into an explosive laugh.</p> - -<p>"What! That dried-up old mummy had the presumption to offer you his -hand!"</p> - -<p>"He actually did, Richard," said Mrs. Burton, smiling.</p> - -<p>"I wonder you did not laugh in his face. Why, the man is fifteen years -older than I am, twenty years older than you."</p> - -<p>"That difference is not unprecedented. I did not reject him because he -was older than myself. If you had been as old as he when you offered -yourself, I think I would have accepted you."</p> - -<p>"Poor old fellow! Did he take it hard?" asked Burton, half jocosely.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p><p>"If you mean did he show any traces of a broken heart, I answer no. But -when, after pressing his suit persistently, he found my resolution to be -inflexible, his face became distorted with passion. He swore that he -would be revenged upon me some day, and that if I dared to marry any one -else he would never rest till he had brought harm to the husband of my -choice."</p> - -<p>"I wish I had been there. I would have made him take back those words, -or I would have horsewhipped him."</p> - -<p>"Don't take any notice of them, Richard," said Mary Burton, hastily. "It -will be much better."</p> - -<p>"I agree with you," said her husband, his quick anger melting. "After -all, the old fellow's disappointment was so great that I can excuse a -little impetuosity, and even rudeness. You see, Mary, Wolverton isn't a -gentleman."</p> - -<p>"No; and never will be."</p> - -<p>"He acted as his nature prompted. But it was all over years ago. Why, -Mary, he is always friendly with me, even if I am your husband."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p><p>"That is on the outside, Richard; but I fear he is crafty. He is like -an Indian; his thirst for vengeance keeps alive."</p> - -<p>"Admitting all that, though I don't, what harm can he do, Mary, while I -am here to protect you?" and the husband expanded his breast in -conscious strength, and looked down proudly on his fair wife. "Why, I -could wring his neck with only one hand."</p> - -<p>"Well, perhaps I am foolish, Richard," the wife admitted.</p> - -<p>"Of course you are, Mary."</p> - -<p>Just then Clip put his head inside the door.</p> - -<p>"De hoss is ready, massa!" he said.</p> - -<p>"All right, Clip! I'll come right out."</p> - -<p>Richard Burton kissed his wife hastily, and went out.</p> - -<p>As he closed the door, a bright, handsome boy, strongly made, and -bearing a resemblance to both father and mother, entered.</p> - -<p>"Hallo, mother! Are you all right?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"I hope so, Robert."</p> - -<p>"You look serious, as if you were worrying over something."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p><p>"I was thinking of Mr. Wolverton. Your father has gone to pay him -interest on the mortgage."</p> - -<p>"Wolverton is a mean old hunks. He's got a nephew living with him, a boy -about my age. He works him nearly to death, and I am sure the poor boy -doesn't get half enough to eat."</p> - -<p>"I was wishing your father didn't owe money to such a man."</p> - -<p>"Oh, well, mother, there's no use in worrying. It's only three thousand -dollars, and if we have a good crop next year, father will be able to -pay off at least half of it. You can see we've got a splendid ranch, -mother. There isn't another within twenty miles where the land is as -rich."</p> - -<p>"I shall be glad to see the day when the mortgage is wholly paid off, -and we are out of debt."</p> - -<p>"So shall I, mother."</p> - -<p>"Does Mr. Wolverton ever take any notice of you, Robert?"</p> - -<p>"He took some notice of me this morning," laughed Bob. "That reminds me. -I just<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> left three prairie chickens with Rachel in the kitchen."</p> - -<p>"Did you shoot them this morning, Robert?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, mother; you see I have my hunting dress on. But I shot two more. I -was bringing them home across a field of Wolverton's, when the old -fellow suddenly made his appearance, and, charging me with shooting them -on his land, laid claim to them. I denied the charge and told him I -proposed to keep them. With that he seized me by the collar, and we had -a rough-and-tumble fight for five minutes."</p> - -<p>"Oh, Robert, how imprudent!"</p> - -<p>"Well, mother, it was more than flesh and blood could stand. The upshot -of it was that I left him lying on his back trembling with rage. I threw -down two of the chickens to appease him. I hope he'll have them for -dinner, and Sam'll get a share of them. The poor fellow is half starved. -I don't believe he gets a square meal once a week."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid you have made an enemy of Mr. Wolverton, Robert."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p><p>"I can't help it, mother. Would you have me bow down to him, and meekly -yield up my rights?"</p> - -<p>"But, Robert, to get into a fight with a man so much older?"</p> - -<p>"I don't want to get into any difficulty, mother. It was forced upon me. -Besides, I left him two of the chickens."</p> - -<p>"Was Clip with you?"</p> - -<p>"I reckon I was, missis," said Clip, displaying his ivories. "I laughed -like to split when Massa Bob laid de old man down on his back. Wasn't he -jest ravin'? Wouldn't have lost dat sight, missis, for de biggest -watermillion I ever seed."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Burton smiled, but her smile was a faint one. She knew Aaron -Wolverton, and she feared that some time or other he would try to be -revenged on Bob.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER II.</span> <span class="smaller">AARON WOLVERTON.</span></h2> - -<p>Richard Burton drove rapidly to the village. I may state here that the -name of the township was Carver. Like most Western villages, it -consisted principally of one long, central street, containing buildings -of all sizes and descriptions, from a three-story hotel to a one-story -office. But there seemed to be a good deal going on all the time—much -more than in an Eastern town of the size. Western people are active, -progressive, never content to stand still. In the drowsy atmosphere that -pervades many an Eastern country town they would stagnate, but there -perpetual motion is the rule.</p> - -<p>Everybody in Carver knew Richard Burton. Everybody liked him also; he -was easy and social with all. I have said everybody, but I must make one -exception, and that was the man on whom he now proposed to call.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p><p>About midway on the main street was a small one-story building, about -twelve feet square. Above the door was a sign:</p> - -<p class="center">AARON WOLVERTON,</p> - -<p class="center">REAL ESTATE AGENT.</p> - -<p>Mr. Wolverton had considerable capital, which he was in the habit of -lending on mortgage, always for a large interest, and on substantial -security. He was supposed to be rich, but did not live like a rich man. -His dwelling lay a little way back from the street; it was small, -cramped, and uncomfortable, and his style of living was of the most -economical character. He was a bachelor, and the only other members of -his family were his sister, Sally Wolverton, who resembled her brother -in person and character, and a nephew, Sam, the son of a brother, who -came in for a liberal share of ill-treatment from the uncle, on whom he -was dependent.</p> - -<p>Richard Burton reined up in front of Wolverton's office, and, leaping -from his carriage, unceremoniously opened the outer door.</p> - -<p>"Good morning, Wolverton," he said, cheerily.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p><p>Aaron Wolverton, a meagre and wrinkled man of fifty-five, looked up -from his desk, and scanned his visitor's face attentively. He was not -sure but Richard Burton, who was a high-spirited man, had come to take -him to task for his attack upon Bob a short time before. Whenever he -thought of it, he fairly trembled with rage and humiliation, for the boy -had conquered him, and he knew it.</p> - -<p>Burton's words reassured him.</p> - -<p>"I have come to pay interest on the mortgage, Wolverton. I suppose you -haven't forgotten that?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"Catch you forgetting a thing of that kind. That wouldn't be like you."</p> - -<p>"I suppose you don't want to lift the mortgage?"</p> - -<p>"No; it is all I can do to pay the interest. The first six months have -passed remarkably quick."</p> - -<p>"Not to me."</p> - -<p>"No, for you are to receive money, I to pay it. It makes all the -difference in the world. I suppose you are not in need of the money?"</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p><p>"No, not at present," answered Wolverton, slowly; "but if I had it I -could get higher interest."</p> - -<p>"Higher interest! Isn't ten per cent. enough for you?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing is enough, as long as I can get more."</p> - -<p>"Come, Wolverton, don't be such a money-grabber. You must be rolling in -money."</p> - -<p>The old man shrugged his shoulders in deprecation.</p> - -<p>"Times are dull, and—I lose money sometimes," he said.</p> - -<p>"Not much, if you know it," said Burton, jocosely. "Well, just write a -receipt for six months' interest, one hundred and fifty dollars."</p> - -<p>Aaron Wolverton took the proffered bills, eyeing them with eager -cupidity, and put them in his desk. Then he made out a receipt, and -handed it to his visitor.</p> - -<p>"You will be paying the mortgage next year?" he said inquiringly.</p> - -<p>"I don't know, Wolverton. If the crops are good, I may pay a part. But I -am afraid<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> I am not a very good manager. I can't save money like you, -and that brings me round to the question: For whom are you piling up all -this wealth? Is it for Sam?"</p> - -<p>"Sam is a young loafer," said Wolverton, with a frown. "I give him a -home and his living, and he is almost too lazy to breathe."</p> - -<p>"You were not that way at his age?"</p> - -<p>"No. I worked early and late. I was a poor boy. All that I have, I made -by hard work."</p> - -<p>"Take my advice, Wolverton, and get the worth of it while you live. But -perhaps you are saving with a view to matrimony. Ha, ha!"</p> - -<p>And Richard burst into a ringing laugh.</p> - -<p>Wolverton puckered up his face, and snarled:</p> - -<p>"Why shouldn't I marry if I choose? What is there to laugh at?"</p> - -<p>"No reason at all. I advise you to marry. You ought to, for I have found -happiness in marrying one of the sweetest women in the world."</p> - -<p>Then without any apparent reason, remembering that the man before him -had aspired<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> to the hand of his wife, he burst into another laugh, which -he kept up till the tears ran from his eyes. He didn't notice the evil -expression which it called up in the face of the moneylender.</p> - -<p>"I'd like to kill him where he stands," thought Aaron Wolverton. "She -must have told him about me. Curse him! he stole her from me, and now he -dares to laugh in my face!"</p> - -<p>But Wolverton was not a man to indulge even his evil temper when it was -impolitic to do so. He forced himself to look indifferent, and merely -said:</p> - -<p>"Let them laugh that win, Mr. Burton. Perhaps my time may come some -day."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps it may, Wolverton. I heartily hope that you may find some one -to make your life happy. I am happy myself, and I like to see others -happy."</p> - -<p>There was a little more conversation, and then Richard Burton went out.</p> - -<p>"Good-bye, Wolverton. Come to my ranch some time. I'll give you a seat -at supper, and we will smoke a cigar afterwards."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> - -<p>The colt—for it was scarcely more than that—was getting restless. It -was pawing the ground and evidently anxious to get away.</p> - -<p>"Your horse has a bad temper, Mr. Burton," said Wolverton.</p> - -<p>"Yes, he needs taming. He's not well trained yet."</p> - -<p>"There's something more than that," Wolverton said to himself, -thoughtfully. "Horses are like men—they often have nasty tempers. I -wouldn't ride behind that brute for—for the money Burton has just paid -me. Some day he'll get upset, or thrown. And if he does," he continued, -after a pause, "why should I lament? He has taken from me the only woman -I ever loved. She might have made a different man of me—perhaps."</p> - -<p>Just then a boy came up the street. He stopped and eyed Aaron Wolverton -with a little misgiving.</p> - -<p>"Sam," said Wolverton, sharply, "what kept you so long? Do you want the -strap again?"</p> - -<p>"Indeed, uncle, I hurried as fast as I could. Mr. Jenks kept me -waiting."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p> - -<p>"That is probably a lie," growled Wolverton. "However, since you are -here, go into your dinner. It is cold by this time, most likely."</p> - -<p>It was cold and uninviting, but Sam could not afford to be dainty, and -ate what was set before him by his aunt.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER III.</span> <span class="smaller">A LITTLE RETROSPECT.</span></h2> - -<p>Richard Burton, three years previous to the opening of this story, was a -dry-goods merchant in St. Louis. Becoming tired of the dull routine of -his daily life, and with a wistful remembrance of the country, where he -had passed his boyhood, he sold out his business for a few thousand -dollars, and with the sum realized bought a large ranch located on a -small river or creek running into the Missouri.</p> - -<p>In taking this course he was influenced in no small degree by a city -acquaintance, Aaron Wolverton, who six months before had located himself -in the same township, and who, indeed, had made the purchase of the -ranch on his behalf. Wolverton made a large commission on the -transaction—larger than Richard Burton was aware; but it must be -admitted he had bought him an excellent property. Burton was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> entirely -unacquainted with the fact that Wolverton had at an earlier period been -an unsuccessful suitor for his wife's hand, nor did he know it till the -morning on which our story opens.</p> - -<p>It is always rather a hazardous experiment when a man, engaged till -middle life in other business, becomes a tiller of the soil without -special training for his new occupation. Few persons make farming -profitable, however well qualified, and the St. Louis merchant was -hardly likely to do more than make a living. In fact, he did not make -both ends meet, but fell behind every year till he felt compelled to -borrow three thousand dollars on mortgage of Aaron Wolverton. His wife -expressed uneasiness, but he laughed away her remonstrances, and assured -her he should be able to pay it back in a couple of years, if fortune -favored him with good crops.</p> - -<p>"You know, Mary," he said cheerfully, "there are a good many extra -expenses just at first, but it will be different in future. Wolverton -assures me that the ranch is a fine one, and that I can pay him back -sooner than he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> desires, for he is glad to lend on such excellent -security."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Burton was silent, but she was not convinced.</p> - -<p>Robert Burton, popularly called Bob, was the only son of the -ex-merchant. He thoroughly enjoyed the removal to the country, having a -taste for manly sports. He usually spent a part of the day in study, -reciting to a clergyman in the village, and the rest of his time he -employed in hunting, fishing, and farm work. Clip, the young refugee, -was his chosen companion, and was sincerely attached to Massa Bob, as he -generally called him. The negro lad was full of fun and innocent -mischief, but had no malice about him. Bob tried to teach him to read, -but Clip was no scholar. He complained that study made his head ache.</p> - -<p>"But you ought to know something, Clip," expostulated Bob. "You don't -want to grow up an ignoramus."</p> - -<p>"What's dat?" asked Clip, bewildered. "Never heard such a long word. Is -it anything very bad?"</p> - -<p>"It means a know-nothing, Clip."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I guess you're right, Massa Bob. Dat's what I am."</p> - -<p>"But don't it trouble you, Clip?"</p> - -<p>"No, Massa Bob; I guess I was never cut out for a scholar."</p> - -<p>Still Bob persevered in his effort to teach Clip.</p> - -<p>One day, after an unsuccessful attempt to get him to understand the -difference between capital B and R, he said: "Clip, I don't believe you -have got any sense."</p> - -<p>"Spec's I haven't, Massa Bob," answered Clip, philosophically. "How many -have you got?"</p> - -<p>Bob laughed.</p> - -<p>"I don't know exactly," he replied; "but I hope I have as many as the -average."</p> - -<p>"I reckon you've got a lot. You learn awful easy."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid I shall have to learn for both of us, Clip."</p> - -<p>"Dat's so!" said Clip, in a tone of satisfaction. "Dat'll do just as -well."</p> - -<p>So Bob was finally obliged to give up teaching Clip in despair. He was -led to accept the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> conclusion of his young <i>protégé</i> that he was never -meant for a scholar.</p> - -<p>In one respect Bob and Clip shared the prejudices of Mrs. Burton. -Neither liked Aaron Wolverton. They felt friendly, however, to Sam -Wolverton, the nephew; and more than once Sam, with his appetite -unsatisfied at home, came over to Burton's ranch and enjoyed a hearty -lunch, thanks to the good offices of Bob Burton.</p> - -<p>One day he came over crying, and showed the marks of a severe whipping -he had received from his uncle.</p> - -<p>"What did you do, Sam?" asked Bob.</p> - -<p>Sam mentioned the offense, which was a trifling one, and unintentional -besides.</p> - -<p>"Your uncle is a brute!" said Bob indignantly.</p> - -<p>"Dat's so, Sam," echoed Clip.</p> - -<p>"It would do me good to lay the whip over his shoulders."</p> - -<p>Sam trembled, and shook his head. He was a timid boy, and such an act -seemed to him to border on the foolhardy.</p> - -<p>"How old are you, Sam?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Fourteen."</p> - -<p>"In seven years you will be a man, and he can't tyrannize over you any -longer."</p> - -<p>"I don't believe I shall live so long," said Sam, despondently.</p> - -<p>"Yes, you will. Even in four years, when you are eighteen, your uncle -won't dare to beat you."</p> - -<p>"Why don't you run away, like I did?" asked Clip, with a bright idea.</p> - -<p>But Sam was not of the heroic type. He shrank from throwing himself on -the world.</p> - -<p>"I should starve," he said. "Would you run away, Clip, if you were in my -place?"</p> - -<p>"Wouldn't I just!"</p> - -<p>"And you, Bob?"</p> - -<p>"He wouldn't strike me but once," said Bob, proudly.</p> - -<p>"It's all well enough for you, but I think I'm a coward. When my uncle -comes at me my heart sinks into my boots, and I want to run away."</p> - -<p>"You'll never make a hero, Sam."</p> - -<p>"No, I won't. I'm an awful coward, and I know it."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> - -<p>"How is your aunt? Is she any better than your uncle?"</p> - -<p>"She's about the same. She don't whip me, but she's got an awful rough -tongue. She will scold till she's out of breath."</p> - -<p>"How long have you lived with your uncle?"</p> - -<p>"About four years. When my father died, he told me to go to Uncle -Aaron."</p> - -<p>"Didn't he leave any property?"</p> - -<p>"Uncle Aaron says he didn't leave a cent, and I suppose it's so; but -father told me in his last sickness there'd be some property for me."</p> - -<p>"I've no doubt there was, and he cheated you out of it," said Bob -indignantly. "That's just my opinion of your uncle."</p> - -<p>"Even if it is so, I can't do anything. It'll do no good. But I'd like -to know how it is, for Uncle Aaron is all the time twitting me with -living on him."</p> - -<p>"As if you don't do enough to earn your own living. Why, you work harder -than Clip, here, though that isn't saying much," added Bob, with a -smile.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p> - -<p>Clip showed his white teeth, and seemed to enjoy the joke.</p> - -<p>"Spec's I was born lazy," he said, promptly. "Dat ain't my fault, ef I -was born so."</p> - -<p>"That wouldn't be any excuse with Uncle Aaron," remarked Sam. "He thinks -I'm lazy, and says he means to lick the laziness out of me."</p> - -<p>"I think we had better hire out Clip to him. He needs a little -discipline like that sort."</p> - -<p>"Oh golly, massa Bob! I couldn't stand it nohow," said Clip, with a -comical expression of alarm. "Massa Wolverton's the meanest white man I -ever seed. Wish an earthquake would come and swallow him up."</p> - -<p>"Your father was round to see my uncle this morning," said Sam.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I know; he went to pay him some interest money."</p> - -<p>"Your father is a nice gentleman. I wish I was his nephew," said poor -Sam, enviously.</p> - -<p>"Yes, Sam; he's always kind. He's a father to be proud of."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p> - -<p>"By the way, Sam, I've got some good news for you."</p> - -<p>"What is it, Bob?"</p> - -<p>"Your uncle carried home a pair of prairie chickens this morning. You'll -have one good dinner, at least."</p> - -<p>"Where did he get them?"</p> - -<p>"I shot them."</p> - -<p>"And you gave them to him?" asked Sam, surprised.</p> - -<p>"Well, yes, after a little squabble," and Bob related the adventure of -the morning.</p> - -<p>"How brave you are, Bob!" said Sam admiringly. "You actually had a -quarrel with Uncle Aaron?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," answered Bob, with a smile. "When I got through, your uncle was -lying on his back resting. I threw down two of the chickens, as much for -your sake as any other reason. I hope you'll get your share."</p> - -<p>"I saw the chickens in the kitchen before I came away, and wondered -where they came from. I knew Uncle Aaron wouldn't buy them."</p> - -<p>"Has your uncle got a gun?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p> - -<p>"No; I think he's afraid of a gun."</p> - -<p>"And you are afraid of him?"</p> - -<p>"I can't help it, Bob. He flogs me sometimes with a horsewhip."</p> - -<p>"I'd like to see him try it on me," said Bob, with emphasis. "But as I -said before, you'll be a man some time, Sam, and then he won't dare -touch you."</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER IV.</span> <span class="smaller">THE SUDDEN SUMMONS.</span></h2> - -<p>When Richard Burton left the office of Aaron Wolverton, he did not -return home immediately. He had a business call to make in the next -township, and drove over there. Finding that he was likely to be -detained, he went to the hotel to dine, and, the day being warm, sat on -the piazza and smoked a cigar afterwards. It was not until four o'clock -that he turned his horse's head in the direction of Carver.</p> - -<p>The horse he drove was young and untrained. It would have been dangerous -for an unskillful driver to undertake to manage him. Robert Burton, -however, thoroughly understood horses, and was not afraid of any, -however fractious. But he had been persuaded to drink a couple of -glasses of whisky by acquaintances at the hotel, and he was easily -affected by drink of any kind. So his hand<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> was not as strong or steady -as usual when he started on his homeward journey.</p> - -<p>The horse seemed instinctively to know that there was something the -matter with his driver, and, as he turned back his head knowingly, he -prepared to take advantage of it. So he made himself more troublesome -than usual, and Burton became at first annoyed and then angry.</p> - -<p>"What ails you, you vicious brute?" he exclaimed, frowning. "You need a -lesson, it seems."</p> - -<p>He gave a violent twitch to the reins, more violent than he intended, -and the animal swerved aside suddenly, bringing one wheel of the wagon -into forcible collision with a tree by the roadside. This, coming -unexpectedly, threw Richard Burton violently from his seat, and he was -pitched out of the carriage, his head being thrown with force against -the tree which had been the occasion of the shock.</p> - -<p>There was a dull, sickening thud, and the poor man lay insensible, his -eyes closed and his breast heaving.</p> - -<p>The horse detached himself from the wagon<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> and ran home—they were -within half a mile of the village now—leaving his driver without sense -or motion beside the wrecked wagon.</p> - -<p>He had lain there not over twenty minutes, when a pedestrian appeared -upon the scene.</p> - -<p>It was Aaron Wolverton, who was on his way to the house of a tenant to -collect rent. He had been walking with his eyes fixed upon the ground, -thinking intently, when all at once, raising his eyes, he started in -amazement at the sight of the wrecked carriage and the prostrate man.</p> - -<p>"Who can it be?" he asked himself in excitement.</p> - -<p>His eyes were failing, and he could not distinguish, till close at hand, -the person of the stricken man.</p> - -<p>"Robert Burton!" he exclaimed in excitement, when at last he had -discovered who it was. "How on earth did this accident happen?"</p> - -<p>He bent over the prostrate man and placed his hand upon his heart. Alas! -it had already ceased to beat. The features wore a startled<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> and -troubled look, the reflection of the feelings excited by the collision.</p> - -<p>"Well, well!" ejaculated Wolverton, awed in spite of himself by the -sight, "who would have dreamed of this? and only this morning he called -on me to pay his interest."</p> - -<p>There was a sudden suggestion, begotten of his greed, that entered that -instant into Wolverton's mind.</p> - -<p>"He can't have gone home since," he bethought himself. "He must have the -receipt with him."</p> - -<p>Even if he had, what did it concern Wolverton? The money had been paid, -but there was no evidence of it except the receipt which he had given -him.</p> - -<p>With trembling fingers, Wolverton, bending over, searched the clothes of -the dead man, half turning his eyes away, as if he feared to meet Robert -Burton's look.</p> - -<p>At last he found it. Burton had thrust it carelessly into his vest -pocket.</p> - -<p>With a furtive look, to see if he were observed, Aaron Wolverton put the -receipt into his own pocket. Then he rose to his feet, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> turned to go -away. He had no desire to remain any longer by the side of the dead.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile the horse had dashed into the village at wild speed. Now it -happened that Clip, sent on an errand to the store by Mrs. Burton, was -in the village. His eyes opened wide when he saw the horse dash by him.</p> - -<p>"What's dat mean?" Clip asked himself, staring with all his eyes at the -runaway horse. "What's come of Massa Burton? Must have been an accident. -Wagon must have upset, and—golly! I hope Massa Burton isn't killed nor -noting."</p> - -<p>Clip was all alive with excitement. He had the sense not to attempt to -follow the horse, but ran as fast as he could in the direction from -which the horse had come. There, he argued, must be the wagon and its -rider.</p> - -<p>It was a straight road, and he was not long in reaching the scene of the -casualty. He came in sight of it at the moment when Aaron Wolverton was -bending over the prostrate man, and searching his pockets.</p> - -<p>Here was another surprise for Clip. "What is Massa Wolverton doing," he -asked himself.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> He was sure he was not up to any good, for, as we have -already seen, he had no love for the real estate agent, and thought him -a very bad man. Clip had no small share of curiosity, and, intent on -finding out what Wolverton was doing, he slid behind a tree about a foot -in diameter, which happened to be conveniently situated. Grief struggled -with curiosity, for Clip had already seen the wrecked team and the -prostrate figure of the kind master, to whom he felt warmly attached.</p> - -<p>"Poor Massa Burton! I hope he isn't dead," thought Clip. "Jes' as soon -as old Wolverton goes away I'll go up and look. Won't Mrs. Burton feel -bad?"</p> - -<p>All the while Clip was watching the movements of the real estate agent.</p> - -<p>"What's he searchin' Massa Burton's pockets for?" he asked himself. -"Spec's he's going to rob him. Didn't think the old man was so mean -before. I'd jes' like to jump out and scare him."</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Wolverton finished his discreditable business, happily -unconscious that any one was witness of his mean act. Then, as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>already -stated, he got up and walked swiftly away, not venturing to look back. -Had he done so he would have seen Clip stealing from behind the tree -which had served to screen him from observation, and running towards the -wreck.</p> - -<p>Clip had never before seen death, but there was something in the mute -look of Richard Burton that awed the soul of the colored boy.</p> - -<p>Clip had an affectionate heart. He felt that Richard Burton must be -dead, and the thought overpowered him.</p> - -<p>"Poor Massa Burton!" he cried, bursting into tears. "He's done dead, -sure 'nough. Oh, what will we do?"</p> - -<p>A minute later Clip bounded off like a deer, to carry the sad news to -the village.</p> - -<p>He met the village doctor driving along in his top buggy, and he quickly -called out to him: "Go quick, Massa Doctor, for de love of God. Poor -Massa Burton's upset himself, and I 'spec's he's dead."</p> - -<p>"Whereabouts, Clip?" demanded the doctor, startled.</p> - -<p>"Up the road a piece."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Jump in with me and show me."</p> - -<p>So Clip, seated beside the doctor, guided him to the fatal spot.</p> - -<p>The doctor lost no time in jumping out of his buggy and approaching the -fallen man. He didn't need to feel his pulse, or place his hand over his -heart. To his practiced eye there were other indications that disclosed -the terrible truth.</p> - -<p>"Is he dead?" asked Clip, in an awed voice.</p> - -<p>"Yes, Clip; your poor master is dead," answered the doctor, sadly.</p> - -<p>He had known Richard Burton well, and, like all the rest of his -neighbors, had a warm esteem for him.</p> - -<p>"How did this happen, Clip?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"I don't know, Massa Doctor; 'deed I don't," answered Clip. "I was -walkin' along, when I saw the colt runnin' like mad, wid his harness on, -and I 'spected something had happened. So I came up, and dat's what I -saw."</p> - -<p>"We can't do anything, Clip, except to see that he is carried home. I -dread to break the news to his poor wife."</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Aaron Wolverton had locked<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> himself in his office. He drew the -receipt from his pocket, read it through carefully, and chuckled:</p> - -<p>"I'll get the money out of the widder. She can't prove that the interest -has been paid! But I don't care so much for that as I do to get even -with that impudent rascal Bob. He'll rue this day, as sure as my name is -Aaron Wolverton."</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER V.</span> <span class="smaller">WOLVERTON'S FIRST MOVE.</span></h2> - -<p>Why did not Aaron Wolverton burn the receipt, and get rid once for all -of the only proof that the interest had been paid? It would have been -the most politic thing to do, inasmuch as he had made up his mind to be -dishonest. But, though unprincipled, he was not a bold man. The thought -did certainly occur to him, and he even went so far as to light a match. -But more timid counsel prevailed, and he concealed it in his desk, -carefully locking the desk afterwards.</p> - -<p>It is unnecessary to describe the grief of the little family at Burton's -Ranch when the body of the master was brought home. No one had dreamed -of speedy death for Richard Burton. He seemed so strong and vigorous -that it would have seemed safe to predict for him a long life—long -beyond the average; yet<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> here, in middle life, in the fullness of health -and vigor, the summons had come.</p> - -<p>To Mrs. Burton, who was a most devoted wife, it was a crushing blow. It -seemed at first as if it would be happiness to lie down beside her dead -husband, and leave the world for him.</p> - -<p>"What have I to live for now?" she asked, mournfully.</p> - -<p>"You have me, mother," answered Bob, gently. "I have lost my father. -What would become of me if I should lose my mother also?"</p> - -<p>"You are right, Robert," said Mrs. Burton. "I was wrong to give way; but -it is a very hard trial."</p> - -<p>"Indeed it is, mother," said Robert, kissing her affectionately. "But we -must try to bear up."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Burton felt that this was her plain duty, and henceforth strove to -control her emotions. She ceased to sob, but her face showed the grief -she suffered.</p> - -<p>The funeral took place, and the little family held a council to decide -what was to be done.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Can we carry on the ranch now that your father is gone?" asked Mrs. -Burton, anxiously. "Would it not be better to sell it?"</p> - -<p>"No, mother; the sacrifice would be too great."</p> - -<p>"But I do not feel capable of managing it, Robert."</p> - -<p>"You may think me presumptuous, mother, but my proposal is to assist -you, relieving you of the greater part of the care. Between us we can -carry it on, I am confident."</p> - -<p>"You are only a boy of sixteen, Robert," objected his mother.</p> - -<p>"That is true; but I have watched carefully the manner in which the -ranch has been carried on. Of course you must help, and you will try to -get a man with whom I can advise. I am sure we can make a good deal more -out of the farm than we could realize from investing the money it would -bring."</p> - -<p>"And are you willing to undertake this, Robert? It will be a hard task."</p> - -<p>"I'll help him, missis," said Clip, eagerly.</p> - -<p>"I shall have Clip to advise me, mother," said Robert.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p> - -<p>"No doubt Clip is willing," said Mrs. Burton, smiling faintly; "but -after all, it will be only two boys."</p> - -<p>"Try us a single year, mother," said Bob, confidently.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Burton gave her consent, and Bob at once took his father's place, -rising early and going to the field to superintend the farming -operations. He seemed to have developed at once into a mature man, -though in appearance he was still the same. Clip was his loyal -assistant, though, being a harum-scarum boy, fond of fun and mischief, -he was of very little service as adviser.</p> - -<p>He had mentioned to Bob seeing Aaron Wolverton bending over the body of -his father, and exploring his pockets. This puzzled Bob, but he was not -prepared to suspect him of anything else than curiosity, until his -mother received a call from the real estate agent a month after her -husband's decease.</p> - -<p>Aaron Wolverton had been anxious to call before, but something withheld -him. It might have been the consciousness of the dishonorable course he -had taken. Be that as it may,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> he finally screwed up his courage to the -sticking-point, and walked out to Burton's Ranch early one afternoon.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Burton was at home, as usual, for she seldom went out now. She had -no intimate friends in the neighborhood. All that she cared for was -under her own roof.</p> - -<p>She looked up in some surprise when Mr. Wolverton was ushered into the -sitting-room.</p> - -<p>"I hope I see you well, Mrs. Burton," said the real estate agent, -slipping to a seat, and placing his high hat on his knees.</p> - -<p>"I am well in health, Mr. Wolverton," answered the widow, gravely.</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes, of course; I understand," he hastily answered. "Terribly -sudden, Mr. Barton's death was, to be sure, but dust we are, and to dust -we must return, as the Scripture says."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Burton did not think it necessary to make any reply.</p> - -<p>"I came over to offer my—my condolences," continued Mr. Wolverton.</p> - -<p>"Thank you."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span></p> - -<p>"And I thought perhaps you might stand in need of some advice from a -practical man."</p> - -<p>"Any advice will be considered, Mr. Wolverton."</p> - -<p>"I've been thinkin' the thing over, and I've about made up my mind that -the best thing you can do is to sell the ranch," and the real estate -agent squinted at Mrs. Burton from under his red eyebrows.</p> - -<p>"That was my first thought; but I consulted with Robert, and he was -anxious to have me carry on the ranch with his help."</p> - -<p>Aaron Wolverton shook his head.</p> - -<p>"A foolish plan!" he remarked. "Excuse me for saying so. Of course you, -being a woman, are not competent to carry it on—"</p> - -<p>"I have my son Robert to help me," said the widow.</p> - -<p>Aaron Wolverton sniffed contemptuously.</p> - -<p>"A mere boy!" he ejaculated.</p> - -<p>"No; not a mere boy. His father's death and his affection for me have -made a man of him at sixteen. He rises early every morning, goes to the -fields, and superintends the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span>farming operations. Peter, my head man, -says that he is a remarkably smart boy, and understands the business -about as well as a man."</p> - -<p>"Still I predict that he'll bring you deeper in debt every year."</p> - -<p>"I don't think so; but, at any rate, I have promised to try the -experiment for one year. I can then tell better whether it will be wise -to keep on or sell."</p> - -<p>"Now, Mrs. Burton, I have a better plan to suggest."</p> - -<p>"What is it, Mr. Wolverton?"</p> - -<p>"In fact, I have two plans. One is that you should sell me the ranch. -You know I hold a mortgage on it for three thousand dollars?"</p> - -<p>"I know it, Mr. Wolverton!" answered the widow, gravely.</p> - -<p>"I'll give you three thousand dollars over and above, and then you will -be rid of all care."</p> - -<p>"Will you explain to me how Robert and I are going to live on the -interest of three thousand dollars, Mr. Wolverton?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You'll get something, and if the boy runs the ranch you'll get nothing. -He can earn his living, and I don't think you will suffer, even if you -have only three thousand dollars."</p> - -<p>"It is quite out of the question. Mr. Burton considered the ranch worth -ten thousand dollars."</p> - -<p>"A very ridiculous over-valuation—pardon me for saying so."</p> - -<p>"At any rate, I don't propose to sell."</p> - -<p>"There's another little circumstance I ought to mention," added -Wolverton, nervously. "There is half a year's interest due on the -mortgage. It was due on the very day of your husband's death."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Burton looked up in amazement.</p> - -<p>"What do you mean, Mr. Wolverton?" she said. "My husband started for -your office on the fatal morning of his death, carrying the money—one -hundred and fifty dollars—to meet the interest. Do you mean to tell me -that he did not pay it?"</p> - -<p>"That is strange, very strange," stammered Aaron Wolverton, wiping his -forehead with a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> bandana handkerchief. "What became of the money?"</p> - -<p>"Do you mean to say that it was not paid to you?" asked the widow, -sharply.</p> - -<p>"No, it was not," answered Wolverton, with audacious falsehood.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER VI.</span> <span class="smaller">THE LOST RECEIPT.</span></h2> - -<p>"I can't understand this," said Mrs. Burton, beginning to be troubled. -"My poor husband had made all arrangements for paying his interest on -the day of his death. When he left the house, he spoke of it. Do you -mean to say he did not call at your office?"</p> - -<p>If Aaron Wolverton had dared, he would have denied this, but Mr. Burton -had been seen to enter the office, and so that he would not do him any -good.</p> - -<p>"He did call upon me, Mrs. Burton."</p> - -<p>"And said nothing about the interest?"</p> - -<p>"He said this, that he would pay me the coming week."</p> - -<p>"He said that, when he had the money in his pocket?" said Mrs. Burton, -incredulously.</p> - -<p>"Of course I didn't know that he had the money with him. He probably -thought of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> another way in which he wanted to use a part or all of it."</p> - -<p>"I don't believe it. He never mentioned any other use for it, and he was -not owing any one except you. Mr. Wolverton, I don't like to say it, but -I think he paid you the interest."</p> - -<p>"Do you doubt my word?" demanded Wolverton, with assumed indignation.</p> - -<p>"Suppose I say that you have forgotten it."</p> - -<p>"I would not forget anything of that kind. You are very unjust, Mrs. -Burton, but I will attribute that to your disappointment. Let me suggest -one thing, however. If your husband had paid me, he would have been sure -to take a receipt. If you have his wallet here—I happen to know that he -was in the habit of carrying a wallet—and you doubt my word, examine -the wallet and see if you can find the receipt."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Burton thought this a good suggestion, and went up-stairs for the -wallet. She opened it, but, as Wolverton had good reason to know would -be the case, failed to find the important paper.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I can't find it," she said, as she re-entered the room.</p> - -<p>"Did I not tell you so?" returned Wolverton, triumphantly. "Doesn't that -settle it? Wasn't your husband a good enough business man to require a -receipt for money paid?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes," murmured the widow. "Mr. Wolverton, if you are right it -arouses in my mind a terrible suspicion. Could my husband have been -waylaid, murdered, and robbed?"</p> - -<p>"No, I don't think so. His death was evidently the result of -accident—the upset of his team."</p> - -<p>"What then became of the money—the hundred and fifty dollars which he -carried with him?"</p> - -<p>"There, my dear lady, you ask me a question which I cannot answer. I am -as much in the dark as you are."</p> - -<p>"If this story is true, then we are one hundred and fifty dollars poorer -than we supposed. It will be bad news for Robert."</p> - -<p>"It need not be bad news for you, Mrs. Burton," said Wolverton, in an -insinuating tone,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> shoving his chair a little nearer that occupied by -the widow.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Burton looked up in surprise.</p> - -<p>"How can it fail to be bad news for me?" she asked. "A loss like that I -cannot help feeling."</p> - -<p>"Do you think I would be hard on <i>you</i>, Mrs. Burton?" asked Wolverton, -in the same soft voice.</p> - -<p>"If you are disposed to wait for the money, or relinquish a part under -the circumstances, Robert and I will feel very grateful to you, Mr. -Wolverton."</p> - -<p>"I might, upon conditions," said the agent, furtively shoving his chair -a little nearer.</p> - -<p>"What conditions?" asked Mrs. Burton, suspiciously.</p> - -<p>"I will tell you, if you won't be offended. Mrs. Burton—Mary—you can't -have forgotten the early days in which I declared my love for you. I—I -love you still. If you will only promise to marry me—after a while—all -shall be easy with you. I am a rich man—richer than people think, and -can surround you with luxuries. I will be a father to that boy of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> -yours, and try to like him for your sake. Only tell me that you will be -mine!"</p> - -<p>Mrs. Burton had been so filled with indignation that she let him run on, -quite unable to command her voice sufficiently to stem the torrent of -his words. As he concluded, she rose to her feet, her eyes flashing, and -her voice tremulous with anger, and said: "Mr. Wolverton, are you aware -that my poor husband has been dead but a month?"</p> - -<p>"I am perfectly aware of it, Mary."</p> - -<p>"Don't address me so familiarly, sir."</p> - -<p>"Mrs. Burton, then, I am perfectly acquainted with that fact, and would -not have spoken now, but I saw you were anxious about the future, and I -wished to reassure you. Of course I wouldn't hurry you; I only meant to -get some kind of an answer that I might depend upon."</p> - -<p>"And you thought that, after loving such a man as Richard Burton, I -would be satisfied to take such a man as you?" said the widow, with -stinging sarcasm.</p> - -<p>"Richard Burton was not an angel," said Wolverton, harshly, for his -pride was touched<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> by the contempt which she made no effort to conceal.</p> - -<p>"Don't dare to say anything against him!" said the widow, her eyes -flashing ominously.</p> - -<p>"Well, then, he was an angel," said Wolverton, sulkily; "but he's dead, -and you will need to look to another protector."</p> - -<p>"My son will protect me," said Mrs. Burton, proudly.</p> - -<p>"That boy?" said Wolverton, contemptuously. "But I make allowance for a -mother's feelings. Once more, Mary, I make you the offer. Remember that -I am a rich man, and can surround you with luxuries."</p> - -<p>"I would rather live in a log house on a crust, than to marry you, Mr. -Wolverton," she said, impetuously. "If you were the only man in the -world, I would go unmarried to my grave rather than wed you!"</p> - -<p>Wolverton rose, white with wrath.</p> - -<p>"You are tolerably explicit, madam," he said. "I can't charge you with -beating round the bush. But let me tell you, ma'am, that you have done -the unwisest act of your life in making me your enemy."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I did not mean to make you an enemy," said Mrs. Burton, softening. "I -suppose I ought to acknowledge the compliment you have paid me, but I -must decline, once for all, and request you never again to mention the -subject."</p> - -<p>Aaron Wolverton was not so easily appeased.</p> - -<p>"I do not care to stay any longer," he said. "You had better mention to -your son about the interest."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Burton had an opportunity to do this almost immediately, for Bob -and Clip entered the house just as Wolverton was leaving it.</p> - -<p>"What have you done to Mr. Wolverton, mother?" asked Bob. "He looked -savage enough to bite my head off, and wouldn't even speak to me."</p> - -<p>"Robert, I have some bad news to tell you. Mr. Wolverton tells me that -your father didn't pay him the interest on the day of his death."</p> - -<p>"I believe he tells a falsehood," said Bob, quickly.</p> - -<p>"But he says, with some show of reason, if the interest was paid, why -didn't your father take a receipt?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Can no receipt be found?"</p> - -<p>"No; I searched your father's wallet in vain."</p> - -<p>"What is a receipt, missis?" asked Clip.</p> - -<p>"It's a piece of paper with writing on it, Clip," said the widow, -adjusting her explanations to Clip's intelligence.</p> - -<p>"Golly! I saw de old man take a piece of paper from Massa Burton's -pocket after he was dead—when he was a-lyin' on the ground."</p> - -<p>"Say that again, Clip," said Bob, eagerly.</p> - -<p>Clip repeated it, and answered several questions put to him by Mrs. -Burton and Bob.</p> - -<p>"It's all clear, mother," said Bob. "That old rascal has got up a scheme -to rob you. He thinks there isn't any proof of the payment. If he -suspected that Clip had been a witness of his robbery he would have been -more careful."</p> - -<p>"What shall I do, Bob?"</p> - -<p>"Wait a while. Let him show his hand, and then confront him with Clip's -testimony. I wonder if he destroyed the receipt?"</p> - -<p>"Probably he did so."</p> - -<p>"If he didn't, I may get it through Sam.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> Don't be worried, mother. -It'll all come out right."</p> - -<p>One thing the widow did not venture to tell Bob—about Mr. Wolverton's -matrimonial offer. It would have made him so angry that she feared he -would act imprudently.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER VII.</span> <span class="smaller">WOLVERTON'S ADVENTURE WITH CLIP.</span></h2> - -<p>Bob and his mother deliberated as to whether they should charge Mr. -Wolverton openly with the theft of the receipt. On the whole, they -decided to wait a while, and be guided by circumstances. If he took any -measures to collect the money a second time, there would be sufficient -reason to take the aggressive.</p> - -<p>Bob had another reason for delay. He intended to acquaint Sam Wolverton -with the matter, and request him to keep on the lookout for the receipt. -Should he find it, he knew that Sam would gladly restore it to the -rightful owner. He cautioned Clip not to say anything about what he saw -on the day of his father's death, as it would put Wolverton on his -guard, and lead him to destroy the receipt if still in his possession.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span></p> - -<p>I must now relate a little incident in which Clip and Aaron Wolverton -were the actors.</p> - -<p>The creek on which Burton's Ranch was located was a quarter of a mile -distant from the house. It was about a quarter of a mile wide. Over on -the other side of the creek was the town of Martin, which was quite as -large as Carver. In some respects it was a more enterprising place than -Carver, and the stores were better stocked. For this reason there was -considerable travel across the creek; but as there was no bridge, the -passage must be made by boat.</p> - -<p>Bob owned a good boat, which he and Clip used considerably. Both were -good rowers, and during Mr. Burton's life they spent considerable time -in rowing for pleasure. Now Bob's time was so occupied that the boat was -employed only when there was an errand in the opposite village.</p> - -<p>"Clip," said Bob, one morning, "I want you to go down to Martin."</p> - -<p>"Yes, Massa Bob," said Clip, with alacrity, for he much preferred such a -jaunt to working in the fields.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p> - -<p>The errand was to obtain a hammer and a supply of nails at the variety -store in Martin. Clip was rather given to blunder, but still there was -no reason why he should not execute the errand satisfactorily.</p> - -<p>Clip went down to the creek, and unfastened the boat. He jumped in, and -began to paddle away, when he heard a voice calling him.</p> - -<p>"Here, you Clip!"</p> - -<p>Looking round, Clip recognized in the man hailing him Aaron Wolverton.</p> - -<p>Mr. Wolverton did not own any boat himself, and when he had occasion to -go across the river he generally managed to secure a free passage with -some one who was going over. If absolutely necessary, he would pay a -nickel; but he begrudged even this small sum, so mean was he.</p> - -<p>Clip stopped paddling, and answered the call.</p> - -<p>"Hi, Massa Wolverton; what's the matter?"</p> - -<p>"Come back here."</p> - -<p>"What fo'?"</p> - -<p>"I want you to take me over to Martin."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p> - -<p>Now Clip was naturally obliging, but he disliked Wolverton as much as -one of his easy good nature could do. So he felt disposed to tantalize -him.</p> - -<p>"Can't do it, Massa Wolverton. I'm in a terrible hurry."</p> - -<p>"It won't take you a minute to come back."</p> - -<p>"Massa Bob will scold."</p> - -<p>"You needn't mind that, boy. Come back, I say!"</p> - -<p>"I dassn't."</p> - -<p>"Don't be a fool, you little nigger. I'll pay you."</p> - -<p>"What'll you give?" asked Clip, cautiously.</p> - -<p>"I'll give you—a cent."</p> - -<p>"Couldn't do it, nohow. What good's a cent to me?"</p> - -<p>"A cent's a good deal of money. You can buy a stick of candy."</p> - -<p>"'Tain't enough, Massa Wolverton. I ain't goin' to resk gettin' licked -for a cent."</p> - -<p>Cunning Clip knew that there was no danger of this, but he thought it -would serve as an argument.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I'll give you two cents," said Wolverton, impatiently.</p> - -<p>"Couldn't do it," said Clip. "Ef it was five, now, I might 'sider it."</p> - -<p>Finally Wolverton was obliged to accede to Clip's terms, and the colored -boy pushed the boat to shore, and took in his passenger.</p> - -<p>"Can you row good, Clip?" asked Wolverton, nervously, for he was very -much afraid of the water, and he had never had Clip for a boatman -before.</p> - -<p>"You jes' bet I can, Massa Wolverton. I can row mos' as good as Massa -Bob."</p> - -<p>"Well, show it then; I am in a hurry to get over the creek."</p> - -<p>Clip rowed to the middle of the creek, and then stopped paddling.</p> - -<p>"I reckon you'd better pay me the money now, Massa Wolverton," he said.</p> - -<p>"Why, you young rascal, are you afraid to trust me?"</p> - -<p>"I dunno 'bout dat; but I wants my money."</p> - -<p>"You haven't earned it yet. What are you afraid of?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You might forget to pay me, Massa Wolverton."</p> - -<p>"No, I sha'n't. Push on."</p> - -<p>"I'm goin' to sleep," said Clip, lying back in a lazy attitude.</p> - -<p>"You young rascal! I've a good mind to fetch you a slap on the side of -the head."</p> - -<p>"Better not, Massa Wolverton," drawled Clip. "Might upset the boat."</p> - -<p>"Give me the oars," said Wolverton, impatiently.</p> - -<p>He took them; but he had never rowed in his life, and he almost -immediately turned the boat around.</p> - -<p>"Hi, yah!" laughed Clip, delighted. "Where was you raised, Massa -Wolverton, not to understand rowin' no better dan dat?"</p> - -<p>"Take the oars, you black scoundrel, and row me across, or I'll pitch -you out of the boat!"</p> - -<p>"Ef you do, what'll 'come of you, Massa Wolverton?" said Clip, not at -all alarmed.</p> - -<p>This was indeed an important consideration for a man so timid on the -water as the real estate agent.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You put me out of all patience," said Wolverton, furiously. "Are you -going to row or are you not?"</p> - -<p>"I want my money," said Clip.</p> - -<p>Wolverton was compelled to hand over a nickel, but registered a vow that -if ever he caught Clip on land, he would make him pay for his impudence.</p> - -<p>Clip took the oars, and made very good progress till he was about fifty -feet from the other side of the creek. Then he began to make the boat -rock, stopping his rowing.</p> - -<p>"What are you about?" shouted Wolverton, turning pale.</p> - -<p>"It's good fun, ain't it, Massa Wolverton?" said Clip; laughing -insolently.</p> - -<p>"Stop, you little rascal! You'll upset the boat."</p> - -<p>"Golly! ain't dis fun?" said Clip, continuing his rocking.</p> - -<p>"I'll choke you, if you don't stop," screamed Wolverton.</p> - -<p>He rose to catch hold of Clip. The boy jumped up, and ducked his head. -The result of the combined motion was that the boat,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span> which was -flat-bottomed, capsized, and the two were thrown into the water.</p> - -<p>There was no danger, for the water at this point was only four feet -deep; and Clip could swim, while Aaron Wolverton was too tall to be -drowned in that depth of water.</p> - -<p>Wolverton was almost scared out of his wits. He cut such a ludicrous -figure as he floundered in the water, that Clip screamed with delight. -The black boy swam to the boat, and, managing to right her, got in -again; but Wolverton waded to the shore, almost beside himself with -rage.</p> - -<p>"Is you wet, Massa Wolverton?" asked Clip, innocently, showing his white -teeth.</p> - -<p>"Come ashore, and I'll lick you!" shouted Wolverton, who had by this -time landed, his clothes dripping wet.</p> - -<p>"I reckon I'm too busy," answered Clip, with a grin. "I'm sorry you's -wet, Massa Wolverton. Hi yah!"</p> - -<p>"I'll wring your neck, you young tike!" said Wolverton, savagely.</p> - -<p>"Dat old man's a hog," mused Clip. "Ain't much like my poor old -gran'ther. <i>He</i> was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> always kin' an' good. I mind him sittin' in front -of de ole cabin door down in Arkansaw. I 'spec' de old chap's done dead -afore this," concluded Clip, with a sigh.</p> - -<p>Clip kept at a safe distance from shore, and the agent was compelled to -defer his vengeance, and go to the house of an acquaintance to borrow -some dry clothes.</p> - -<p>When he returned, it is needless to say that it was not in Clip's boat.</p> - -<p>He opened his desk, to enter a business transaction in his account-book, -when he made a startling discovery.</p> - -<p><i>The receipt had disappeared!</i></p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER VIII.</span> <span class="smaller">WOLVERTON'S DISMAY.</span></h2> - -<p>Wolverton uttered a cry of dismay when he found that the receipt had -disappeared. With trembling fingers he turned over a pile of papers in -the hope of finding the important paper.</p> - -<p>"Where on earth can it be?" he asked himself, with a troubled face.</p> - -<p>He set himself to consider when he had seen it last and where he had -placed it.</p> - -<p>"It must be in the desk somewhere," he decided, and resumed his search. -Those of my readers who have mislaid any article can picture to -themselves his increasing perplexity as the missing paper failed to turn -up.</p> - -<p>He was finally obliged to conclude that it was not in the desk. But, if -so, where could it be? If not found, or if found by any one else, his -situation would be an embarrassing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> one. He had assured Mrs. Burton that -the interest money had not been paid. Now suppose the receipt were -found, what would be the inference? He could not help acknowledging that -it would look bad for him. Until he learned something of its whereabouts -he would not dare to press Mrs. Burton for a second payment of the -interest money.</p> - -<p>"It is as bad as losing a hundred and fifty dollars," he groaned. "It is -a pile of money to lose."</p> - -<p>Aaron Wolverton did not appear to consider that it was losing what was -not his property, and was only preventing him from pushing a fraudulent -claim. He actually felt wronged by this inopportune loss. He felt -somehow that he was the victim of misfortune.</p> - -<p>But what could have become of the receipt? That was what troubled him. -Was there anybody who was responsible for its disappearance? Naturally -it would be important for Mrs. Burton to get hold of it; but then, they -did not know of its existence. They had no evidence that the receipt had -even been delivered to Richard Burton. Still it was possible<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> that Bob -Burton had visited the house, and searched the desk. He would inquire of -his sister.</p> - -<p>He opened the door leading to the kitchen, where Miss Sally Wolverton -was engaged in some domestic employment.</p> - -<p>"Sally, has the Burton boy been here this morning?"</p> - -<p>"No; why should he come? He isn't one of your visitors, is he?"</p> - -<p>"Was he here yesterday?"</p> - -<p>"No; what makes you ask?"</p> - -<p>"There was a little business, connected with the farm, which he might -have come about."</p> - -<p>"I am glad he didn't come," said Sally. "He's too high-strung for me."</p> - -<p>"I don't like him myself; but sometimes we have to do business with -those we don't like."</p> - -<p>"That's so. How's the widder left?"</p> - -<p>"She's got the ranch, but I hold a mortgage of three thousand dollars on -it," replied her brother, his features expanding into a wintry smile. A -man who can laugh heartily possesses redeeming traits, even if in some -respects<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> he is bad; but Aaron Wolverton had never been known to indulge -in a hearty laugh.</p> - -<p>"Can she pay?"</p> - -<p>"Not at present."</p> - -<p>"Is the mortgage for a term of years?"</p> - -<p>"No; it can be called in at the end of any year."</p> - -<p>"I never liked that woman," said Miss Sally Wolverton, grimly.</p> - -<p>Sally Wolverton did not like any woman who was younger and prettier than -herself, and there were few who were not prettier. She had never known -of her brother's infatuation for the lady she was criticising, otherwise -she would have been tempted to express herself even more strongly. She -was strongly opposed to his marriage, as this would have removed her -from her place in his household, or, even if she remained, would have -deprived her of her power. Aaron did not care at present to take her -into his confidence. Still he could not forbear coming, in a faint way, -to the defense of the woman he admired.</p> - -<p>"Mrs. Burton is a fine-looking woman," he said.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Fine looking!" repeated Sally with a contemptuous sniff. "I don't -admire your taste."</p> - -<p>"She isn't in your style, Sally," said Aaron, with a sly twinkle in his -eye.</p> - -<p>Sally Wolverton was taller than her brother, with harsh features, a -gaunt, angular figure, and an acid expression.</p> - -<p>"I hope not," she answered. "I hope I don't look like an insipid doll."</p> - -<p>"You certainly don't, Sally; you have expression enough, I am sure."</p> - -<p>"Do you think Mrs. Burton pretty?" asked Sally, suspiciously.</p> - -<p>"Oh, so so!" answered Aaron, guardedly; for he did not care to reveal -the secret to his sister at present. She was useful to him as a -housekeeper, and moreover (an important point) she was very economical; -more so than any person whom he could hire. He did indeed pay his -sister, but only a dollar a week, and out of this she saved nearly one -half, having the gift of economy in quite as large a measure as himself.</p> - -<p>This assurance, and her brother's indifferent tone, relieved Sally from -her momentary <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>suspicion. Yet, had she been able to read her brother's -secret thoughts, she would have been a prey to anxiety. He had made up -his mind, if ever he did marry Mrs. Burton, to give Sally her -walking-ticket.</p> - -<p>"I can't afford to support two women," he reflected, "and my wife ought -to be able to do all the work in so small a household."</p> - -<p>"Why are you so anxious to know whether any of the Burtons have been -here?"</p> - -<p>"I thought they might come," answered her brother, evasively. "You -haven't seen anything of that black imp, Clip, have you?"</p> - -<p>"No; has he any business with you?"</p> - -<p>"I have some business with him," snarled Wolverton. "He played a trick -on me this morning."</p> - -<p>"What sort of a trick?"</p> - -<p>"I got him to carry me across the creek in his boat, and he managed to -upset me."</p> - -<p>"Did he do it a-purpose?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; he laughed like a hyena when he saw me floundering in the water."</p> - -<p>"If he comes round here, I'll give him a lesson. I can't abide a nigger -any way.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> They're as lazy as sin, and they ain't got no more sense than -a monkey. It's my opinion they are a kind of monkey, any way."</p> - -<p>Fortunately for the colored race all are not so prejudiced against them -as Sally Wolverton—otherwise they would be in a bad case.</p> - -<p>"By the way, Sally, have you seen a stray paper about the floor in my -room?" asked Wolverton, with assumed carelessness.</p> - -<p>"What sort of a paper was it?"</p> - -<p>"It was a—a receipt," answered her brother, hesitating.</p> - -<p>"What kind of a receipt—from whom?" asked Sally, who possessed her -share of general curiosity.</p> - -<p>"That isn't to the point. If you have seen such a paper, or picked it -up, I shall feel relieved. I might have to pay the money over again if I -don't find it."</p> - -<p>This was misrepresenting the matter, but Wolverton did not think it -expedient to give his sister a clew to so delicate a secret.</p> - -<p>"No; I have seen no paper," she said shortly, not relishing his evasive -reply. "Have you searched your desk?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"And didn't find it?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"Suppose I look. Four eyes are better than two."</p> - -<p>"No, thank you, Sally," answered her brother, hastily. "I am particular -about not having my papers disturbed."</p> - -<p>Aaron Wolverton would have gained some valuable information touching the -missing paper if he could have transferred himself at that moment to -Burton's Ranch.</p> - -<p>Bob and Clip were out in the yard when Sam Wolverton made his -appearance, breathless and excited.</p> - -<p>"What's the matter, Sam?" asked Bob, wondering.</p> - -<p>"Let me catch my breath," gasped Sam. "I—I've got some good news."</p> - -<p>"Then you are welcome. Has your uncle got married?"</p> - -<p>"No; nor aunt Sally either," replied Sam. "What do you say to that?" and -he drew from his vest pocket a long strip of paper.</p> - -<p>"What's that?" asked Bob, eagerly.</p> - -<p>"<i>It's the receipt</i>", answered Sam.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER IX.</span> <span class="smaller">SAM'S GIFT.</span></h2> - -<p>"What!" exclaimed Bob, in great excitement. "Not the receipt for the -money?"</p> - -<p>"That's just what it is," answered Sam, nodding emphatically.</p> - -<p>"Let me see it."</p> - -<p>Sam put the paper in Bob's hand.</p> - -<p>There it was in regular form, a receipt for one hundred and fifty -dollars, being the semi-annual interest on a mortgage on Burton's Ranch, -dated on the day of Richard Burton's death, and signed by Aaron -Wolverton.</p> - -<p>"Hurrah!" shouted Bob, waving it aloft. "Then father did pay it, after -all, and that mean scoundrel—excuse my speaking of your uncle in such -terms, Sam—"</p> - -<p>"I don't mind," said Sam, philosophically.</p> - -<p>"That mean scoundrel wanted us to pay<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> the money a second time. I'm ever -so much obliged to you, Sam. But where on earth did you find it?"</p> - -<p>"I'll tell you, Bob," answered Sam, perching himself on the fence. "This -forenoon Uncle Aaron started out on business—I don't know where he -went."</p> - -<p>"I know," said Clip, giving way to a burst of merriment.</p> - -<p>"How do you know?"</p> - -<p>"I rowed him across de creek. I was out in de boat when old Massa -Wolverton come along and axed me to take him across. I made him pay me a -nickel, and he got into de boat," and Clip began to laugh once more.</p> - -<p>"I don't see anything to laugh at, Clip."</p> - -<p>"You would, massa Bob, ef you'd been dar. We was almost across when de -old boat upset, yah! yah! and old Massa Wolverton—it makes me laugh -like to split—tumbled into de water, and got wet as a drownded rat."</p> - -<p>"Clip, you bad boy, you did it on purpose," said Bob, trying to look -stern.</p> - -<p>"Wish I may die!" asseverated Clip, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span>stoutly, for he was not an imitator -of George Washington. "Didn't de old man look mad, dough? He jest shook -his fist at me, and called me a black imp, 'deed he did."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid he was right, Clip," said Bob, shaking his head. "But you -haven't told me about the receipt, Sam."</p> - -<p>"He sent me into his room to get his hat, when right down on the floor -by his desk, I saw a piece of paper. I remembered what you told me, Bob, -about the receipt, so I picked it up and slipped it into my pocket. I -had to be quick about it, for Uncle Aaron is always in a hurry. Well, I -took out the hat, and I didn't dare to take out the paper and look at it -till he was out of sight."</p> - -<p>"And then—"</p> - -<p>"Well, then I saw it was the paper you wanted."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Wolverton took it from the pocket of my poor father when he lay -dead on the spot where he was thrown out," said Bob, gravely. "It would -be hard to think of a meaner piece of rascality."</p> - -<p>"Well, I'm glad you've got it, Bob. I don't<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> know as I was right in -taking it, but I'll take the risk."</p> - -<p>"If you never do anything worse than that, Sam, you won't have much to -answer for. I wish you'd let me give you something."</p> - -<p>"No, Bob, you are my friend, and it would be a pity if I couldn't do you -a favor without getting paid for it."</p> - -<p>"But this is a great favor. It is worth a hundred and fifty dollars. -Without it we might, and probable would, have to pay the interest money -over again. Now, when your uncle calls for it, we shall only have to -show him the receipt."</p> - -<p>"He'll wonder where it came from."</p> - -<p>"I hope it won't get you into trouble, Sam."</p> - -<p>"He won't suspect me. He'll know I couldn't break into his desk, and he -won't know anything about having dropped it on the floor. I don't see -how he came to be so careless."</p> - -<p>"Depend upon it, Sam, it was the work of Providence. Mother says that -God often overrules the designs of the wicked, and I think this is an -instance. Henceforth, Sam,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> though you are old Wolverton's nephew, I -shall consider you a friend of our family. Why can't you stay to supper -to-night?"</p> - -<p>"It would never do, Bob, unless I asked permission."</p> - -<p>"Then ask permission."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid it wouldn't be granted."</p> - -<p>"If your uncle is as mean as I think he is, he would be glad for you to -get a meal at the expense of somebody else."</p> - -<p>"He wouldn't like to have me enjoy myself," said Sam.</p> - -<p>"Is he so mean as that?"</p> - -<p>"Whenever he hears me singing, he looks mad, and wants to know why I am -making a fool of myself."</p> - -<p>"He's an uncle to be proud of," said Bob, ironically.</p> - -<p>"I just wish I could live at your house, Bob."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps I can make an exchange, and give Clip to your uncle instead of -you."</p> - -<p>"Oh, Massa Bob, don't you do it!" exclaimed Clip, looking scared. "Old -Massa<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> Wolverton would kill me, I know he would. He hates niggers, I -heard him say so."</p> - -<p>Bob and Sam laughed, being amused by the evident terror of the young -colored boy.</p> - -<p>"I won't do it, Clip, unless you are very bad," said Bob, gravely, -"though I think Sam would be willing to change."</p> - -<p>"Indeed I would," said Sam with a sigh. "There's no such good luck for -me."</p> - -<p>When Bob carried in the receipt and showed it to his mother, her face -lighted up with joy.</p> - -<p>"This is indeed a stroke of good fortune," she said; "or rather it seems -like a direct interposition of Providence—that Providence that cares -for the widow and the fatherless. You must make Sam a present."</p> - -<p>"So I will, mother; but if he understands it is for this he won't take -anything."</p> - -<p>"Sam is evidently very different from his uncle. He is a sound scion -springing from a corrupt trunk. Leave it to me to manage. Won't he stay -to supper?"</p> - -<p>"Not to-night. I invited him, but he was afraid to accept the -invitation, for fear of being punished."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Is his uncle so severe, then?"</p> - -<p>"I suspect he beats Sam, though Sam doesn't like to own it."</p> - -<p>"And this man, this cruel tyrant, wants to marry me," thought Mrs. -Burton, shuddering.</p> - -<p>Two days later Sam chanced to be in the house with the two boys, when -Mrs. Burton passed through the room, and greeted him pleasantly.</p> - -<p>"When is your birthday?" she asked.</p> - -<p>"Last week—Thursday—ma'am."</p> - -<p>"How old are you?"</p> - -<p>"Fifteen."</p> - -<p>"Did you receive a birthday present?"</p> - -<p>Sam shook his head.</p> - -<p>"There's no one to give me presents," he said.</p> - -<p>"You have an uncle and aunt, Sam."</p> - -<p>"They never give presents. They tell me I ought to be thankful that they -take care of me, and save me from going to the poor-house."</p> - -<p>"There would be no danger of that, Sam," said Bob. "If your uncle ever -turns you out to shift for yourself, come and live with us."</p> - -<p>"I wish he would turn me out to-morrow,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> then," said Sam; and it was -evident the boy meant it.</p> - -<p>"Sam, you will permit me to make up for your uncle's neglect," said Mrs. -Burton, kindly. "Here is a neck-tie. I bought it for Robert, but I can -get another for him. And here is something else which may prove -acceptable."</p> - -<p>She drew from her pocket a silver dollar, and put it into Sam's hand.</p> - -<p>"Is this really for me?" asked Sam, joyfully.</p> - -<p>"Yes; it is only a small gift, but—"</p> - -<p>"I never had so much money before in my life," said Sam. "It makes me -feel rich."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Burton looked significantly at Bob. Her woman's wit had devised a -way of rewarding Sam for the service he had done the family without his -being aware of it.</p> - -<p>The gift was well meant, but it was destined to get poor Sam into -trouble.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER X.</span> <span class="smaller">SAM IN A TIGHT PLACE.</span></h2> - -<p>Many a man who had come unexpectedly into a fortune of a hundred -thousand dollars would not have felt so rich as Sam with his silver -dollar. It must be remembered that he had never before had so much money -at one time in his life. The prospect of spending it opened up dazzling -possibilities. There were so many things that he wanted, that it was -hard to decide which to select.</p> - -<p>Among other things, Sam wanted a fishing-pole. There was a supply at a -variety store in the village. He had never inquired the price, because -he had no money. Now that he was wealthy he determined to inquire.</p> - -<p>So he went into the store and, pointing to the coveted article, asked -the price.</p> - -<p>"Seventy-five cents," answered the old man, Gordon Locke, who kept the -store.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Seventy-five cents!" repeated Sam, thoughtfully.</p> - -<p>This would only leave him twenty-five cents, and there were so many -other things he wanted.</p> - -<p>"Was you calc'latin' to buy, Sam?" asked Mr. Locke, pushing up his -iron-bound spectacles.</p> - -<p>"I don't know," said Sam, slowly; "I didn't think I'd have to pay so -much."</p> - -<p>"It's cheap, for the quality," said the store keeper. "This ain't no -common fishing-pole. It comes all the way from York."</p> - -<p>"Yes, it seems a nice one," Sam admitted.</p> - -<p>"Hev you got the money about you?" asked the old man.</p> - -<p>"Yes," answered Sam, unguardedly.</p> - -<p>"Then you'd better take the pole. You won't find no better within fifty -mile."</p> - -<p>"I'll think about it," said Sam.</p> - -<p>He could not make up his mind to part with his precious dollar so soon. -As long as he had it, he felt like a man of property. When it was once -changed, he would once more be a poor boy.</p> - -<p>In spite of the storekeeper's persuasions, he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> walked out with his money -intact, leaving the coveted fishing-pole behind.</p> - -<p>Now it so happened that his uncle, who never allowed anything to pass -unnoticed, saw from the window Sam come out of the store, which was -nearly opposite.</p> - -<p>"What business has he there, I wonder?" he said to himself.</p> - -<p>Five minutes later he made an errand to visit the store himself.</p> - -<p>"Good-day, Mr. Wolverton," said Gordon Locke, deferentially.</p> - -<p>"Good-day, Locke! Didn't I see my nephew, Sam, come out of here just -now?"</p> - -<p>"Like as not you did. He was here."</p> - -<p>"What business had he here?"</p> - -<p>"He was looking at them fishin'-rods."</p> - -<p>"He was, hey?" said Wolverton, pricking up his ears.</p> - -<p>"Yes; he reckoned he'd buy one soon."</p> - -<p>"What's the price?"</p> - -<p>"Seventy-five cents."</p> - -<p>"He reckoned he'd pay seventy-five cents for a fishin'-rod," said -Wolverton, slowly. "Did he show you the money?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p> - -<p>"No; but he said he had it."</p> - -<p>"Oho, he had the money," repeated Aaron Wolverton, shaking his head -ominously. "Where'd he get it? That's what I'd like to know."</p> - -<p>"I reckon you gave it to him; he's your nephew."</p> - -<p>"I don't pamper him in any such way as that. So he's got money. I'll -have to look into that."</p> - -<p>Wolverton, who was of a suspicious disposition, was led to think that -Sam had stolen the money from him. He could think of no other way in -which the boy could get possession of it.</p> - -<p>He went home, and sought his sister Sally.</p> - -<p>"Sally, where is Sam?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know." Then, noticing the frown upon her brother's brow, she -inquired, "Is anything the matter?"</p> - -<p>"I think there is. Sam has money."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean? Where'd he get it, Aaron?"</p> - -<p>"That's what I want to find out," and he told her of Sam's visit to the -store.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Have you missed any money, Aaron?"</p> - -<p>"Not that I know of. You haven't left any round?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"It stands to reason the boy has taken money from one of us. Even if he -hasn't, whatever he has belongs to me by right, as I am takin' care of -him."</p> - -<p>"Half of it ought to go to me," said Sally, who was quite as fond of -money as her brother.</p> - -<p>"I don't know about that. But where's the boy?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know. He may have gone over to see the Burtons. He's there most -of the time."</p> - -<p>"I'll foller him."</p> - -<p>Aaron Wolverton went into the shed, and came out with a horse-whip. He -did not keep a horse, but still he kept a whip. For what purpose Sam -could have told if he had been asked.</p> - -<p>"If the boy's become a thief, I want to know it," said Wolverton to -himself.</p> - -<p>Sam had really started on the way to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> Burtons. His uncle struck his -trail, so to speak, and followed him. He caught up with his nephew about -half a mile away. Sam had thrown himself down on the ground under a -cotton-wood tree, and gave himself up to pleasant dreams of the -independence which manhood would bring. In his reverie he unconsciously -spoke aloud. "When I'm a man, Uncle Aaron won't dare to boss me around -as he does now."</p> - -<p>The old man, creeping stealthily near, overheard the words, and a -malicious smile lighted up his wrinkled face.</p> - -<p>"Oho, that's what he's thinkin' of already," he muttered. "What more?"</p> - -<p>"I wish I could live with the Burtons," proceeded the unconscious Sam. -"They would treat a boy decently."</p> - -<p>"So I don't treat him decently," repeated Wolverton, his small eyes -snapping.</p> - -<p>He had by this time crawled behind the trunk of the tree under which Sam -was reclining.</p> - -<p>"I sometimes think I'd like to run away and never come back," continued -Sam.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You do, hey?" snarled Wolverton, as he stepped out from behind the -tree.</p> - -<p>Sam jumped to his feet in dire dismay, and gazed at his uncle -panic-stricken.</p> - -<p>"Did you just come?" he stammered. "I didn't hear you."</p> - -<p>"No, I reckon not," laughed his uncle, with a queer smile. "So you want -to get quit of your aunt and me, do you?"</p> - -<p>"I don't reckon to live with you always," faltered Sam.</p> - -<p>"No; but you ain't a-goin' to leave us just yet. There's a little matter -I've got to inquire into."</p> - -<p>Sam looked up inquiringly.</p> - -<p>"What is it?"</p> - -<p>"What did you go into Locke's store for?" demanded his uncle, -searchingly.</p> - -<p>"I just went in to look round," answered Sam, evasively.</p> - -<p>"You went to look at a fishing-pole," said Aaron Wolverton, sternly.</p> - -<p>"What if I did?" asked Sam, plucking up a little courage.</p> - -<p>"Did you have the money to buy it?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Ye—es," answered Sam, panic stricken.</p> - -<p>"How much money have you got?"</p> - -<p>"A dollar."</p> - -<p>"Which you stole from me!" asserted Wolverton, with the air of a judge -about to sentence a criminal to execution.</p> - -<p>"No, I didn't. It didn't come from your house."</p> - -<p>"Where did it come from?"</p> - -<p>"Mrs. Burton gave it to me—for my birthday."</p> - -<p>"I don't believe it. It's one of your lies. Give it to me this instant."</p> - -<p>Poor Sam became desperate. What! was he to lose the only money of any -account which he ever possessed? He was not brave, but he made a stand -here.</p> - -<p>"You have no right to it," he said, passionately. "It's mine. Mrs. -Burton gave it to me."</p> - -<p>"I tell you it's a lie. Even if she had done so I should have the right, -as your uncle, to take it from you. Give it to me!"</p> - -<p>"I won't!" said Sam, desperately.</p> - -<p>"Won't, hey?" repeated Wolverton, grimly. "Well, we'll see about that."</p> -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p> - -<p>He raised the horse-whip, and in an instant Sam's legs—he was standing -now—felt the cruel lash.</p> - -<p>"Won't, hey?" repeated his uncle. "We'll see."</p> - -<p>"Help!" screamed Sam. "Will no one help me?"</p> - -<p>"I reckon not," answered his uncle, mockingly, and he raised his whip -once more.</p> - -<p>But before the lash could descend, it was snatched from him, and, -turning angrily, he confronted Bob Burton, fierce and indignant, and saw -Clip standing just behind him.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XI.</span> <span class="smaller">AN ANGRY CONFERENCE.</span></h2> - -<p>"You ought to be ashamed of yourself, you brute!" exclaimed Bob.</p> - -<p>"Do you want me to thrash you, too?" snarled Wolverton, angrily.</p> - -<p>"You can try, if you want to," returned Bob, contemptuously.</p> - -<p>"Sam, what was he going to whip you for?" asked Bob, turning to his -unfortunate friend.</p> - -<p>"I'll answer that question," said Wolverton, "though it's no concern of -yours. The boy has been robbing me."</p> - -<p>"What have you to say, Sam?"</p> - -<p>"It's not true."</p> - -<p>"What do you charge him with taking, Mr. Wolverton?"</p> - -<p>"A dollar."</p> - -<p>"It's the one your mother gave me, Bob."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span></p> - -<p>"To be sure! I saw her give it to you myself."</p> - -<p>"He lies, and you swear to it," said Wolverton, with a sneer.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Wolverton, you have brought a false charge against your nephew, and -you know it. If you don't care to take his word or mine, you can come -over to our house and ask my mother whether Sam's story is true."</p> - -<p>"It doesn't matter whether it's true or false," said Wolverton, -doggedly. "Sam is under my charge, and I have a right to any money he -comes by."</p> - -<p>"I always knew you were mean," said Bob, contemptuously, "but this is -ahead of anything I ever imagined. Do you still accuse Sam of robbing -you?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know whether he did or not."</p> - -<p>"You can easily satisfy yourself by calling on my mother."</p> - -<p>"I mean to call on your mother, but it won't be on this business," said -Wolverton, opening his mouth and showing the yellow fangs which served -for teeth.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You are at liberty to call on any business errand," said Bob.</p> - -<p>"Indeed, you are very kind, remarkably kind, considering that the ranch -is as much mine as your mother's."</p> - -<p>"How do you make that out?"</p> - -<p>"I have a mortgage on it for half its value."</p> - -<p>"I deny it. The ranch is worth much more than six thousand dollars. -Besides, the time has not yet come when you have the right to -foreclose."</p> - -<p>"There you are wrong, young man! As the interest has not been promptly -paid, I can foreclose at any time."</p> - -<p>"You will have to see my mother about that," said Bob, carefully -concealing the fact that the receipt had been recovered.</p> - -<p>"I thought you would change your tune," said Wolverton, judging from -Bob's calmer tone that he was getting alarmed.</p> - -<p>Bob smiled, for he felt that he had the advantage, and foresaw -Wolverton's discomfiture when the receipt was shown him.</p> - -<p>"I am not quite so excited as I was," he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> admitted. "When I saw you with -the whip uplifted I was ready for anything."</p> - -<p>"Give me back the whip!" said Wolverton, menacingly.</p> - -<p>"Will you promise not to use it on Sam?"</p> - -<p>"I'll promise nothing, you young whipper-snapper! What business have you -to interfere between me and my nephew?"</p> - -<p>"The right of ordinary humanity."</p> - -<p>"Give me the whip."</p> - -<p>"Then make me the promise?"</p> - -<p>"I won't."</p> - -<p>"Then I propose to keep it."</p> - -<p>"I will have you arrested for theft."</p> - -<p>"Do so. I will explain matters to Judge Turner."</p> - -<p>Judge Turner, the magistrate before whom such cases came, heartily -despised and hated Aaron Wolverton, as the latter knew full well. He -would certainly dismiss any charge brought against Bob by such a man. -This consideration naturally influenced him.</p> - -<p>"Very well," he said, though with an ill grace, "if your mother gave Sam -the money, I retract the charge of theft. Nevertheless,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> as his -guardian, I demand that the dollar be given to me."</p> - -<p>"Give it to me to keep for you, Sam," said Bob.</p> - -<p>Sam gladly took it from his pocket, and threw it towards Bob, who -dexterously caught it.</p> - -<p>"Now, Mr. Wolverton," said Bob, quietly; "you will have to demand the -money from me; Sam hasn't got it."</p> - -<p>"You'll have to pay for your impudence, Robert Burton!" said Wolverton, -wrathfully. "You forget that you are all in my power."</p> - -<p>"You may find yourself mistaken, Mr. Wolverton," said Bob. "At any rate, -I don't think I shall lose any sleep on that score."</p> - -<p>"You can tell your mother I shall call this evening," continued -Wolverton. "I expect her to be ready with the interest, which is long -overdue."</p> - -<p>"I will give her your message, Mr. Wolverton. Now, Clip, let us go on. -Mr. Wolverton will excuse us, I know, when I tell him that we have an -errand in the village."</p> - -<p>"Yah, yah!" laughed Clip, gleefully; not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> that there was anything -particular to laugh at, but because it took very little to excite Clip's -risibilities.</p> - -<p>Mr. Wolverton turned upon Clip with a frown. He had not forgotten the -trick Clip played upon him when he was upset in the river, and he would -have liked nothing better than to flog him till he roared for mercy.</p> - -<p>"What is that black ape grinning about?" he demanded.</p> - -<p>Clip ought to have felt insulted, but he was only amused.</p> - -<p>"Yah, yah!" he laughed again.</p> - -<p>Aaron Wolverton made a dash at him with his recovered whip, but Clip -nimbly jumped to one side and laughed again.</p> - -<p>"Didn't do it dat time, Massa Wolverton," said Clip, showing his teeth.</p> - -<p>"I'll get even with you yet, you black monkey!"</p> - -<p>If Clip had been alone, Wolverton would have proceeded then and there to -carry out his threat. But he had a wholesome respect for Bob, whose -physical strength and prowess he well knew. It made him angry whenever -he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> thought of this boy, who seemed born to be a thorn in his side. He -was stronger than Wolverton, though the land agent was a man grown, and -it was humiliating to Wolverton to be obliged to admit this fact.</p> - -<p>But he had one consolation in the mortgage he held upon the Burton -ranch. Here the law was on his side, and he saw his way clear to annoy -and injure Bob and his family, without running any risk himself. As for -the chance of the mortgage ever being paid off, that he thought -extremely small. If Richard Burton were still alive, he would have been -right, but Bob, young as he was, bade fair to be a better manager than -his father. He was not so sanguine, or, if the truth must be told, so -reckless in his expenditures. Besides, he knew, though his father was -ignorant of it, that Wolverton, for some reason which he could not -penetrate, was a bitter enemy of the family, and that his forbearance -could not be depended upon.</p> - -<p>When Bob and Clip had left the scene Aaron Wolverton turned to Sam, and -scowled at his unfortunate nephew, in a way which was by no means -pleasant or reassuring.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I've a good mind to flog you for all the trouble you've brought upon -me," he said.</p> - -<p>"I don't see what I've done, uncle."</p> - -<p>"You don't, hey? Haven't you sided with that upstart, the Burton boy?"</p> - -<p>Sam was judiciously silent, for he saw his uncle was very much -irritated.</p> - -<p>"Why did you give that dollar to him?"</p> - -<p>"He told me to."</p> - -<p>"Suppose he did; is he your guardian or am I?"</p> - -<p>"You are, Uncle Aaron."</p> - -<p>"I'm glad you are willing to admit it. Then why did you give him the -dollar?"</p> - -<p>"Because his mother gave it to me. If you had given it to me, I wouldn't -have done it."</p> - -<p>"You'll have to wait a good while before I give you a dollar."</p> - -<p>Sam was of the same opinion himself, but did not think it wise to say -so.</p> - -<p>"You deserve to be punished for what you have done," said his uncle, -severely.</p> - -<p>"I wish I were as strong and brave as Bob," thought Sam. "I don't see -how he dares to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> stand up before Uncle Aaron and defy him. He makes me -tremble."</p> - -<p>The truth was, Sam was not made of heroic mold. He was a timid boy and -was easily overawed. He lacked entirely the qualities that made Bob so -bold and resolute. He could admire his friend, but he could not imitate -him.</p> - -<p>"Now, come home," said Wolverton, shortly.</p> - -<p>Sam followed his uncle meekly.</p> - -<p>When they reached home Sam was set to work. At twelve o'clock the bell -rang for dinner. Sam dropped his axe (he had been splitting wood) and -entered the kitchen, where the frugal meal was spread. His uncle was -already sitting in his place, and Sam prepared to sit down in his usual -chair.</p> - -<p>"Samuel," said his uncle, "you have disobeyed me. You do not deserve any -dinner."</p> - -<p>Sam's countenance fell, for he was very hungry.</p> - -<p>"I am very hungry," he faltered.</p> - -<p>"You should have thought of that when you disobeyed me and gave your -money to the Burton boy. This is intended as a salutary<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> lesson, Samuel, -to cure you of your stubbornness and disobedience."</p> - -<p>"You are quite right, Aaron," said Miss Sally in her deep voice. "Samuel -needs chastening."</p> - -<p>Poor Sam slunk out of the door in a state of depression. Not being -ordered to return to his work, he went out into the street, where he met -Bob and Clip, and to them he told his tale of woe.</p> - -<p>"Your uncle is as mean as they make 'em," said Bob. "Here, go into the -baker's and buy some doughnuts and pie."</p> - -<p>He handed Sam a quarter, and the hungry boy followed his advice, faring -quite as well as he would have done at his uncle's table. Rather to Mr. -Wolverton's surprise, he worked all the afternoon without showing signs -of hunger, and that gentleman began to consider whether, after all, two -meals a day were not sufficient for him.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XII.</span> <span class="smaller">WOLVERTON'S WATERLOO.</span></h2> - -<p>Though the receipt was lost, Wolverton could not give up his plan of -extorting the interest from Mrs. Burton a second time. It might have -been supposed that he would have some qualms of conscience about robbing -the widow and the fatherless, but Mr. Wolverton's conscience, if he had -any, gave him very little trouble. He would have thought himself a fool -to give up one hundred and fifty dollars if there was the slightest -chance of securing them.</p> - -<p>Towards evening of the day on which Bob had interfered with him, he took -his hat and cane, and set out for Burton's Ranch.</p> - -<p>It so happened that Bob answered the bell. He had been sitting with his -mother, chatting about their future plans.</p> - -<p>"Good-evening, Mr. Wolverton," said Bob,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> who felt it incumbent upon him -to be polite to a guest, even though he disliked him.</p> - -<p>"Evening," returned Wolverton, curtly. "Is your mother at home?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir. Will you come in?"</p> - -<p>Wolverton had not the good manners to acknowledge the invitation with -thanks, but strode into the sitting-room, following Bob.</p> - -<p>The widow anticipated his visit, having been informed by Bob that he had -announced his intention of coming.</p> - -<p>"Good-evening, Mr. Wolverton. Take a seat," she said, pointing to a -chair a few feet from her own. "Robert, take Mr. Wolverton's hat."</p> - -<p>Wolverton looked at the widow with a hungry gaze, for she was the only -woman, he had ever loved.</p> - -<p>"If she would only marry me, all her troubles would be over," he said to -himself. "She's a fool to refuse."</p> - -<p>We, who have some idea of Mr. Wolverton's character and disposition, are -more likely to conclude that marriage with such a man would be only the -beginning of trouble.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I've come on business, Mrs. Burton," said the visitor, in an aggressive -tone.</p> - -<p>"State it, if you please, Mr. Wolverton," the widow answered, calmly.</p> - -<p>"Hadn't you better send your son out of the room? We'd better discuss -this matter alone."</p> - -<p>"I have no secrets from Robert," said the widow.</p> - -<p>"Oh, well, just as you please; I don't care to have him interfere in -what doesn't concern him."</p> - -<p>"Any business with my mother does concern me," said Bob; "but I will try -not to give you any trouble."</p> - -<p>"The business is about that interest," Wolverton began, abruptly.</p> - -<p>"What interest?"</p> - -<p>"You must know what I mean—the interest on the mortgage."</p> - -<p>"My husband paid it on the day of his death."</p> - -<p>"It's easy enough to say that," sneered Wolverton, "but saying it isn't -proving it, as you must have the good sense to know."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p> - -<p>"When my husband left me on that fatal morning, he told me that he was -going to your office to pay the interest. I know he had the money and -with him, for he had laid down the wallet, and I saw the roll of bills."</p> - -<p>"Why didn't he pay it, then? That's what I'd like to know."</p> - -<p>"Didn't he pay it to you, Mr. Wolverton?" asked Mrs. Burton, with a -searching glance. "Carry back your memory to that day, and answer me -that question."</p> - -<p>Mr. Wolverton showed himself a little restive under this interrogatory, -but he assumed an air of indignation.</p> - -<p>"What do you mean, widder?" he demanded, bringing down his cane with -emphasis upon the floor. "Do you doubt my word?"</p> - -<p>"I think you may be mistaken, Mr. Wolverton," said Mrs. Burton, -composedly.</p> - -<p>"Who has been putting this into your head, widder? Is it that boy of -yours?"</p> - -<p>Bob answered for himself:</p> - -<p>"I don't mind saying that I did tell mother that I thought the money had -been paid."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Humph! you think yourself mighty smart, Bob Burton," snarled Wolverton. -"Nat'rally you'd like to get rid of paying the interest, if you could; -but you've got a business man to deal with, not a fool."</p> - -<p>"You are no fool where money is concerned, there's no doubt about that. -But I want to ask you one thing, if my father didn't pay you the money -which mother can testify to his carrying with him on the morning of his -death, what became of it?"</p> - -<p>"How should I know? Did you search his wallet when he was brought home?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"And you didn't find the money?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"So you conclude that he paid it to me. Let me tell you, young man, that -doesn't follow. He may have been robbed when he was lying on the ground -insensible."</p> - -<p>"I think very likely he was," returned Bob, quietly.</p> - -<p>"What do you mean by that?" demanded Wolverton, uneasily. "Who could -have robbed him?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Possibly some one that we wouldn't be likely to suspect."</p> - -<p>"What does he mean? Can he possibly suspect me?" thought Wolverton, -fixing his eyes on Bob's face. "But no! I certainly didn't take any -money from him."</p> - -<p>"You may be right," he said aloud; "but that hasn't anything to do with -my claim for interest. Whether your father was robbed of the money, or -spent it, is all one to me. It wasn't paid to me, I can certify."</p> - -<p>"Would you be willing to swear that the money was not paid to you that -day, Mr. Wolverton?"</p> - -<p>"Do you mean to insult me? Haven't I told you it was not paid?"</p> - -<p>"Do you expect me to pay it to you, then?" asked Mrs. Burton.</p> - -<p>"Widder, I am surprised you should ask such a foolish question. It lies -in a nutshell. I'm entitled to interest on the money I let your husband -have on mortgage. You admit that?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"I'm glad you admit that. As your husband<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> didn't pay, I look to you for -it. I can say no more."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Burton took a pocket-book from a pocket in her dress, and handed it -to Robert. Bob opened it, and drew therefrom a folded paper.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Wolverton," he said, quietly, "I hold in my hand a receipt signed -by yourself for the interest—one hundred and fifty dollars—dated the -very day that my poor father died. What have you to say to it?"</p> - -<p>Mr. Wolverton sprang to his feet, pale and panic-stricken.</p> - -<p>"Where did you get that paper?" he stammered, hoarsely.</p> - -<div class="center"><img src="images/i110.jpg" alt="Bob Produces the Missing Receipt" /></div> - -<p class="bold"><span class="smcap">Bob Produces the Missing Receipt.</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XIII.</span> <span class="smaller">WHAT BOB FOUND IN THE CREEK.</span></h2> - -<p>"When my poor husband left your office this receipt was in his -possession," answered Mrs. Burton.</p> - -<p>"I deny it," exclaimed Aaron Wolverton, in a tone of excitement.</p> - -<p>"Where else should it be?" inquired the widow, eying him fixedly.</p> - -<p>"I don't know. How should I?"</p> - -<p>"So you deny that the signature is yours, Mr. Wolverton?"</p> - -<p>"Let me see it."</p> - -<p>"I would rather not," said Bob, drawing back the receipt from -Wolverton's extended hand.</p> - -<p>"That's enough!" said Wolverton quickly. "You are afraid to show it. I -denounce it as a base forgery."</p> - -<p>"That will do no good," said the boy, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>un-terrified. "I have shown the -receipt to Mr. Dornton, and he pronounces the signature genuine."</p> - -<p>"What made you show it to him?" asked Wolverton, discomfited.</p> - -<p>"Because I thought it likely, after your demanding the interest the -second time, that you would deny it."</p> - -<p>"Probably I know my own signature better than Mr. Dornton can."</p> - -<p>"I have no doubt you will recognize it," and Bob, unfolding the paper, -held it in such a manner that Wolverton could read it.</p> - -<p>"It may be my signature; it looks like it," said Wolverton, quickly -deciding upon a new evasion, "but it was never delivered to your -father."</p> - -<p>"How then do you account for its being written?" asked Mrs. Burton, in -natural surprise.</p> - -<p>"I made it out on the day your husband died," Wolverton answered glibly, -"anticipating that he would pay the money. He did not do it, and so the -receipt remained in my desk."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p> - -<p>Bob and his mother regarded each other in surprise. They were not -prepared for such a barefaced falsehood.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps you will account for its not being in your desk now," said Bob.</p> - -<p>"I can do so, readily," returned Wolverton, maliciously. "Somebody must -have stolen it from my desk."</p> - -<p>"I think you will find it hard to prove this, Mr. Wolverton."</p> - -<p>"It is true, and I don't propose to lose my money on account of a stolen -receipt. You will find that you can't so easily circumvent Aaron -Wolverton."</p> - -<p>"You are quite welcome to adopt this line of defense, Mr. Wolverton, if -you think best. You ought to know whether the public will believe such -an improbable tale."</p> - -<p>"If you had the receipt why didn't you show it to me before?" Wolverton -asked in a triumphant tone. "I came here soon after your father's death, -and asked for my interest. Your mother admitted, then, that she had no -receipt."</p> - -<p>"We had not found it then."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Where, and when, did you find it?"</p> - -<p>"I do not propose to tell."</p> - -<p>Wolverton shook his head, satirically.</p> - -<p>"And a very good reason you have, I make no doubt."</p> - -<p>"Suppose I tell you my theory, Mr. Wolverton."</p> - -<p>"I wish you would," and Wolverton leaned back in his chair and gazed -defiantly at the boy he so much hated.</p> - -<p>"My father paid you the interest, and took a receipt. He had it on his -person when he met with his death. When he was lying outstretched in -death"—here Bob's eyes moistened—"some one came up, and, bending over -him, took the receipt from his pocket."</p> - -<p>Mr. Wolverton's face grew pale as Bob proceeded.</p> - -<p>"A very pretty romance!" he sneered, recovering himself after an -instant.</p> - -<p>"It is something more than romance," Bob proceeded slowly and gravely. -"It is true; the man who was guilty of this mean theft from a man made -helpless by death is known. He was seen at this contemptible work."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p> - -<p>"It is a lie," cried Wolverton, hoarsely, his face the color of chalk.</p> - -<p>"It is a solemn truth."</p> - -<p>"Who saw him?"</p> - -<p>"I don't propose to tell—yet, if necessary, it will be told in a court -of justice."</p> - -<p>Wolverton saw that he was found out, but he could not afford to -acknowledge. His best way of getting off was to fly into a rage, and -this was easy for him.</p> - -<p>"I denounce this as a base conspiracy," he said, rising as he spoke. -"That receipt was stolen from my desk."</p> - -<p>"Then we do not need to inquire who took it from the vest-pocket of my -poor father."</p> - -<p>"Robert Barton, I will get even with you for this insult," said -Wolverton, shaking his fist at the manly boy. "You and your mother."</p> - -<p>"Leave out my mother's name," said Bob, sternly.</p> - -<p>"I will; I don't think she would be capable of such meanness. You, then, -are engaged in a plot to rob me of a hundred and fifty dollars. To -further this wicked scheme, you or<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> your agent have stolen this receipt -from my desk. I can have you arrested for burglary. It is no more nor -less than that."</p> - -<p>"You can do so if you like, Mr. Wolverton. In that case the public shall -know that you stole the receipt from my poor father after his death. I -can produce an eye-witness."</p> - -<p>Wolverton saw that he was in a trap. Such a disclosure would injure him -infinitely in the opinion of his neighbors, for it would be believed. -There was no help for it. He must lose the hundred and fifty dollars -upon which, though he had no claim to it, he had so confidently -reckoned.</p> - -<p>"You will hear from me!" he said, savagely, as he jammed his hat down -upon his head, and hastily left the apartment. "Aaron Wolverton is not -the man to give in to fraud."</p> - -<p>Neither Bob nor his mother answered him, but Mrs. Burton asked -anxiously, after his departure:</p> - -<p>"Do you think he will do anything, Bob?"</p> - -<p>"No, mother; he sees that he is in a trap, and will think it wisest to -let the matter drop."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p> - -<p>This, in fact, turned out to be the case. Mortifying as it was to give -in, Wolverton did not dare to act otherwise. He would have given -something handsome, mean though he was, if he could have found out, -first, who saw him rob the dead man, and next, who extracted the stolen -receipt from his desk. He was inclined to guess that it was Bob in both -cases. It never occurred to him that Clip was the eye-witness whose -testimony could brand him with this contemptible crime. Nor did he think -of Sam in connection with his own loss of the receipt. He knew Sam's -timidity, and did not believe the boy would have dared to do such a -thing.</p> - -<p>All the next day, in consequence of his disappointment, Mr. Wolverton -was unusually cross and irritable. He even snapped at his sister, who -replied, with spirit:</p> - -<p>"Look here, Aaron, you needn't snap at me, for I won't stand it."</p> - -<p>"How will you help it?" he sneered.</p> - -<p>"By leaving your house, and letting you get another housekeeper. I can -earn my own living, without working any harder than I do<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> here, and a -better living, too. While I stay here, you've got to treat me decently."</p> - -<p>Wolverton began to see that he had made a mistake. Any other housekeeper -would cost him more, and he could find none that would be so economical.</p> - -<p>"I don't mean anything, Sally," he said; "but I'm worried."</p> - -<p>"What worries you?"</p> - -<p>"A heavy loss."</p> - -<p>"How much?"</p> - -<p>"A hundred and fifty dollars."</p> - -<p>"How is that?"</p> - -<p>"I have lost a receipt, but I can't explain how. A hundred and fifty -dollars is a great deal of money, Sally."</p> - -<p>"I should say it was. Why can't you tell me about it?"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps I will some time."</p> - -<p class="space-above">About two months later, while Bob was superintending the harvesting of -the wheat—the staple crop of the Burton ranch—Clip came running up to -him in visible excitement.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Massa Bob," he exclaimed, "there is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> a ferry-boat coming down the -creek with nobody on it, and it's done got stuck ag'inst a snag. Come -quick, and we can take it for our own. Findings is keepings."</p> - -<p>Bob lost no time in following Clip's suggestion. He hurried to the -creek, and there, a few rods from shore, he discovered the boat stranded -in the mud, for it was low tide.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XIV.</span> <span class="smaller">THE BOAT AND ITS OWNER.</span></h2> - -<p>The boat was shaped somewhat like the popular representations of Noah's -ark. It was probably ninety feet in length by thirty-eight feet in -width, and was roofed. Bob recognized it at once as a ferry-boat of the -style used at different points on the river, to convey passengers and -teams across the river. It was a double-ender, like the much larger -ferry-boats that are used on the East River, between New York and -Brooklyn.</p> - -<p>The creek on which the Burton ranch was located was really large enough -for a river, and Bob concluded that this boat had been used at a point -higher up.</p> - -<p>"I wish I owned that boat, Clip," said Bob.</p> - -<p>"What would you do with it, Massa Bob?"</p> - -<p>"I'll tell you what I'd do, Clip; I'd go down to St. Louis on it."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Will you take me with you, Massa Bob?" asked Clip, eagerly.</p> - -<p>"I will, if I go, Clip."</p> - -<p>"Golly, won't that be fine!" said the delighted Clip. "How long will you -stay, Massa Bob?"</p> - -<p>Clip supposed Bob intended a pleasure trip, for in his eyes pleasure was -the chief end of living. But Bob was more practical and business-like. -He had an idea which seemed to him a good one, though as yet he had -mentioned it to no one.</p> - -<p>"Get out the boat, Clip," he said, "and we'll go aboard. I want to see -if the boat will be large enough for my purpose."</p> - -<p>Clip laughed in amusement.</p> - -<p>"You must think you'self mighty big, Massa Bob," he said, "if you think -there isn't room on that boat for you an' me."</p> - -<p>"It would certainly be large enough for two passengers like ourselves, -Clip," answered Bob, smiling; "for that matter our rowboat is large -enough for two boys, but if I go I shall carry a load with me."</p> - -<p>Clip was still in the dark, but he was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>busying himself in unloosing the -rowboat, according to Bob's bidding. The two boys jumped in, and a few -strokes of the oars carried them to the ferry-boat. Fastening the -flat-bottomed boat, the two boys clambered on deck.</p> - -<p>Bob found the boat in good condition. It had occurred to him that it had -been deserted as old and past service, and allowed to drift down the -creek, but an examination showed that in this conjecture he was -mistaken. It was sufficiently good to serve for years yet. This -discovery was gratifying in one way, but in another it was a -disappointment. As a boat of little value, Bob could have taken -possession of it, fairly confident that no one would interfere with his -claim, but in its present condition it was hardly likely to be without -an owner, who would appear sooner or later and put in his claim to it.</p> - -<p>"It seems to be a pretty good boat," said Bob.</p> - -<p>"Dat's so, Massa Bob."</p> - -<p>"It must have slipped its moorings and drifted down the creek during the -night. I wish I knew who owned it."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You an' me own it, Massa Bob. Finding is keeping."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid it won't be so in the present case. Probably the owner will -appear before long."</p> - -<p>"Can't we get off down de river afore he comes, Massa Bob?"</p> - -<p>"That wouldn't be honest, Clip."</p> - -<p>Clip scratched his head in perplexity. He was not troubled with -conscientious scruples, and was not as clear about the rights of -property as his young patron. He was accustomed, however, to accept -whatever Bob said as correct and final. In fact, he was content to let -Bob do his thinking for him.</p> - -<p>"What was you goin' to take down de ribber, Massa Bob?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"I'll tell you what I was thinking of, Clip. You know we are gathering -our crop of grain, and of course it must be sold. Now, traders ask a -large commission for taking the wheat to market, and this would be a -heavy tax. If I could load it on board this boat, and take it down -myself, I should save all that, and I could sell it myself in St. -Louis."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Can I go, too?" asked Clip, anxiously.</p> - -<p>"You shall go if I do," answered Bob.</p> - -<p>"When will you know?" asked Clip, eagerly.</p> - -<p>"When I find out whether I can use this boat. I had thought of building -a raft, but that wouldn't do. No raft that I could build would carry our -crop to St. Louis. This boat will be just the thing. I think it must -have been used for that purpose before. See those large bins on each -side. Each would contain from fifty to a hundred bushels of wheat. I -only wish I knew the owner. Even if I couldn't buy the boat, I might -make a bargain to hire it."</p> - -<p>Bob had hardly finished his sentence when he heard a voice hailing him -from the bank.</p> - -<p>Going to the end of the boat, he looked towards the shore, and saw a -tall angular figure, who seemed from his dress and appearance to be a -Western Yankee. His figure was tall and angular, his face of the kind -usually described as hatchet face, with a long thin nose, and his head -was surmounted by a flapping sombrero, soft, broad-brimmed, and -shapeless.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Boat ahoy!" called the stranger.</p> - -<p>"Did you wish to speak to us?" asked Bob, politely.</p> - -<p>"I reckon I do," answered the stranger. "I want you to take me aboard -that boat."</p> - -<p>"Is the boat yours?" asked Bob.</p> - -<p>"It doesn't belong to anybody else," was the reply.</p> - -<p>"Untie the boat, Clip. We'll go back!" ordered Bob.</p> - -<p>The two boys dropped into the rowboat, and soon touched the bank.</p> - -<p>"If you will get in we'll row you over," said Bob. "When did you lose -the boat?"</p> - -<p>"It drifted down last night," answered the new acquaintance. "I've been -usin' it as a ferry-boat about twenty miles up the creek. Last night I -thought it was tied securely, but this morning it was gone."</p> - -<p>"I don't see how it could have broken away."</p> - -<p>"Like as not some mischievous boy cut the cable," was the answer. "Any -way, here it is, and here am I, Ichabod Slocum, the owner."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Then the boat and its owner are once more united."</p> - -<p>"Yes, but that don't take the boat back to where it belongs. It's -drifted down here, easy enough; mebbe one of you boys will tell me how -it's goin' to drift back."</p> - -<p>"There may be some difficulty about that," answered Bob with a smile. -"How long have you owned the boat?"</p> - -<p>"About two years. I've been usin' her as a ferry-boat between Transfer -City and Romeo, and I've made a pretty fair livin' at it."</p> - -<p>Bob was familiar with the names of these towns, though he had never been -so far up the creek.</p> - -<p>"I'm afraid you'll have trouble in getting the boat back," he said. "It -will make quite an interruption in your business."</p> - -<p>"I don't know as I keer so much about that," said Ichabod Slocum, -thoughtfully. "I've been thinkin' for some time about packin' up and -goin' farther west. I've got a cousin in Oregon, and I reckon I might -like to go out there for a year or two."</p> - -<p>"Then, perhaps you might like to dispose<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> of the boat, Mr. Slocum," said -Bob, eagerly.</p> - -<p>"Well, I might," said Ichabod Slocum, cautiously. "Do you know of -anybody around here that wants a boat?"</p> - -<p>"I might like it myself," was Bob's reply.</p> - -<p>"What on airth does a boy like you want of a ferry-boat?" asked Slocum, -in surprise.</p> - -<p>"I have a plan in my head," said Bob; "and think it would be useful to -me."</p> - -<p>"There ain't no call for a ferry-boat here," said Ichabod.</p> - -<p>"No; you are right there. I may as well tell you what I am thinking of. -Our crop of grain is ready to harvest, and I should like to load it on -this boat and carry it down to St. Louis and sell it there myself."</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XV.</span> <span class="smaller">BOB BUYS THE FERRY-BOAT.</span></h2> - -<p>"Good!" said Mr. Slocum. "I like your pluck. Well, there's the boat. You -can have it if you want it—for a fair price, of course."</p> - -<p>"What do you call a fair price?" asked Bob.</p> - -<p>"I don't mind sayin' that I bought it second-hand myself, and I've got -good value out of it. I might sell it for—a hundred and twenty-five -dollars."</p> - -<p>Bob shook his head.</p> - -<p>"That may be cheap," he answered; "but I can't afford to pay so much -money."</p> - -<p>"You can sell it at St. Louis when you're through usin' it."</p> - -<p>"I should have to take my risk of it."</p> - -<p>"You seem to be pretty good on a trade, for a boy. I reckon you'll sell -it."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Do you want all the money down. Mr. Slocum?"</p> - -<p>"Well, I might wait for half of it, ef I think it's safe. What's your -security?"</p> - -<p>"We—that is, mother and I—own the ranch bordering on the other side of -the creek. The wheat crop we are harvesting will probably amount to -fourteen hundred bushels. I understand it is selling for two dollars a -bushel or thereabouts." (This was soon after the war, when high prices -prevailed for nearly all articles, including farm products.)</p> - -<p>"I reckon you're safe, then," said Mr. Slocum. "Now we'll see if we can -agree upon a price."</p> - -<p>I will not follow Bob and Mr. Slocum in the bargaining that succeeded. -The latter was the sharper of the two, but Bob felt obliged to reduce -the price as much as possible, in view of the heavy mortgage upon the -ranch.</p> - -<p>"I shall never breathe easy till that mortgage is paid, mother," he -said. "Mr. Wolverton is about the last man I like to owe. His attempt to -collect the interest twice shows<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> that he is unscrupulous. Besides, he -has a grudge against me, and it would give him pleasure, I feel sure, to -injure me."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid you are right, Robert," answered his mother. "We must do -our best, and Heaven will help us."</p> - -<p>Finally Mr. Slocum agreed to accept seventy-five dollars cash down, or -eighty dollars, half in cash, and the remainder payable after Bob's -river trip was over and the crop disposed of.</p> - -<p>"I wouldn't make such terms to any one else," said the boat-owner, "but -I've been a boy myself, and I had a hard row to hoe, you bet. You seem -like a smart lad, and I'm favorin' you all I can."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Mr. Slocum. I consider your price very fair, and you may -depend upon my carrying out my agreement. Now, if you will come up to -the house, I will offer you some dinner, and pay you the money."</p> - -<div class="center"><img src="images/i125.jpg" alt="Bob Buys the Ferry-boat" /></div> - -<p class="bold"><span class="smcap">Bob Buys the Ferry-boat.</span></p> - -<p>Ichabod Slocum readily accepted the invitation, and the three went up to -the house together.</p> - -<p>When Bob told his mother of the bargain he had made, she was somewhat -startled. She<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> felt that he did not realize how great an enterprise he -had embarked in.</p> - -<p>"You forget, Robert, that you are only a boy," she said.</p> - -<p>"No, mother, I don't forget it. But I have to take a man's part, now -that father is dead."</p> - -<p>"St. Louis is a long distance away, and you have no experience in -business."</p> - -<p>"On the other hand, mother, if we sell here, we must make a great -sacrifice—twenty-five cents a bushel at least, and that on fourteen -hundred bushels would amount to three hundred and fifty dollars. Now -Clip and I can navigate the boat to St. Louis and return for less than -quarter of that sum."</p> - -<p>"The boy speaks sense, ma'am," said Ichabod Slocum. "He's only a kid, -but he's a smart one. He's good at a bargain, too. He made me take fifty -dollars less for the boat than I meant to. You can trust him better than -a good many men."</p> - -<p>"I am glad you have so favorable an opinion of Robert, Mr. Slocum," said -Mrs. Burton. "I suppose I must yield to his desire."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Then I may go, mother?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, Robert; you have my consent."</p> - -<p>"Then the next thing is to pay Mr. Slocum for his boat."</p> - -<p>This matter was speedily arranged.</p> - -<p>"I wish, Mr. Slocum," said Bob, "that you were going to St. Louis. I -would be very glad to give you free passage."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, lad, but I must turn my steps in a different direction."</p> - -<p>"Shall I have any difficulty in managing the boat on our course down the -river?"</p> - -<p>"No, you will drift with the current. It is easy enough to go down -stream. The trouble is to get back. But for that, I wouldn't have sold -you the boat. At night you tie up anywhere it is convenient, and start -again the next morning."</p> - -<p>"That seems easy enough. Do you know how far it is to St. Louis, Mr. -Slocum?"</p> - -<p>"There you have me, lad. I ain't much on reckonin' distances."</p> - -<p>"I have heard your father say, Robert, that it is about three hundred -miles from here to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> the city. I don't like to have you go so far from -me."</p> - -<p>"I've got Clip to take care of me, mother," said Bob, humorously.</p> - -<p>"I'll take care of Massa Bob, missis," said Clip, earnestly.</p> - -<p>"I suppose I ought to feel satisfied with that assurance," said Mrs. -Burton, smiling, "but I have never been accustomed to think of Clip as a -guardian."</p> - -<p>"I'll guardian, him, missis," promised Clip, amid general laughter.</p> - -<p>After dinner, in company with Mr. Slocum, Bob and Clip went on board the -ferry-boat, and made a thorough examination of the craft, with special -reference to the use for which it was intended.</p> - -<p>"You expect to harvest fourteen hundred bushels?" inquired Mr. Slocum.</p> - -<p>"Yes; somewhere about that amount."</p> - -<p>"Then you may need to make two or three extra bins."</p> - -<p>"That will be a simple matter," said Bob.</p> - -<p>"The roof over the boat will keep the wheat dry and in good condition. -When you get to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> the city you can sell it all to one party, and -superintend the removal yourself. You can hire all the help you need -there."</p> - -<p>Bob was more and more pleased with his purchase.</p> - -<p>"It is just what I wanted," he said, enthusiastically. "The expenses -will be almost nothing. We can take a supply of provisions with us, -enough to keep us during the trip, and when the business is concluded we -can return on some river steamer. We'll have a fine time, Clip."</p> - -<p>"Golly! Massa Bob, dat's so."</p> - -<p>"You will need to tie the boat," continued Ichabod Slocum, "or it may -float off during the night, and that would upset all your plans. Have -you a stout rope on the place?"</p> - -<p>"I think not. I shall have to buy one at the store, or else cross the -river."</p> - -<p>"Then you had better attend to that at once. The boat may become -dislodged at any moment."</p> - -<p>After Mr. Slocum's departure, Bob lost no time in attending to this -important matter. He procured a heavy rope, of sufficient<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> strength, and -proceeded to secure the boat to a tree on the bank.</p> - -<p>"How soon will we start, Massa Bob?" asked Clip, who was anxious for the -excursion to commence. He looked upon it somewhat in the light of an -extended picnic, and it may be added that Bob also, apart from any -consideration of business, anticipated considerable enjoyment from the -trip down the river.</p> - -<p>"Don't tell anybody what we are going to do with the boat, Clip," said -Bob. "It will be a fortnight before we start, and I don't care to have -much said about the matter beforehand."</p> - -<p>Clip promised implicit obedience, but it was not altogether certain that -he would be able to keep strictly to his word, for keeping a secret was -not an easy thing for him to do.</p> - -<p>Of course it leaked out that Bob had bought a ferry-boat. Among others -Mr. Wolverton heard it, but he did not dream of the use to which Bob -intended to put it. He spoke of it as a boy's folly, and instanced it as -an illustration of the boy's unfitness for the charge of the ranch. It -was generally supposed that Bob had bought it on speculation, hoping to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> -make a good profit on the sale, and Bob suffered this idea to remain -uncontradicted.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile he pushed forward as rapidly as possible the harvest of the -wheat, being anxious to get it to market.</p> - -<p>When this work was nearly finished Mr. Wolverton thought it time to make -a proposal to Mrs. Burton, which, if accepted, would bring him a -handsome profit.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XVI.</span> <span class="smaller">WOLVERTON'S BAFFLED SCHEME.</span></h2> - -<p>Mrs. Burton was somewhat surprised, one evening, when told that Mr. -Wolverton was at the door, and desired to speak with her. Since the time -his demand for a second payment of the interest had been met by a -production of the receipt, he had kept away from the ranch. It might -have been the mortification arising from baffled villainy, or, again, -from the knowledge that no advantage could be gained from another -interview. At all events, he remained away till the wheat was nearly -harvested. Then he called, because he had a purpose to serve.</p> - -<p>"Tell Mrs. Burton that I wish to see her on business," he said to the -servant who answered his knock.</p> - -<p>"You can show Mr. Wolverton in," said the widow.</p> - -<p>Directly the guest was ushered into her presence.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I needn't ask if I see you well, Mrs. Burton," he said, suavely. "Your -appearance is a sufficient answer."</p> - -<p>"Thank you," answered Mrs. Burton, coldly.</p> - -<p>Aaron Wolverton noticed the coldness, but did not abate any of his -suavity. He only said to himself: "The time will come when you will feel -forced to give me a better reception, my lady!"</p> - -<p>"I have called on a little business," he resumed.</p> - -<p>"Is it about the interest?" asked the widow.</p> - -<p>"No; for the present I waive that. I have been made the victim of a base -theft, and it may cost me a hundred and fifty dollars: but I will not -speak of that now."</p> - -<p>"What other business can you have with me?"</p> - -<p>"I have come to make you an offer."</p> - -<p>"What!" exclaimed Mrs. Burton, indignantly.</p> - -<p>Aaron Wolverton chuckled, thereby showing a row of defective and -discolored teeth.</p> - -<p>"You misunderstand me," he said. "I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> come to make you an offer for your -wheat crop, which I suppose is nearly all gathered in."</p> - -<p>"Yes," answered the widow relieved. "Robert tells me that it will be all -harvested within three days."</p> - -<p>"Just so. Now, I am willing to save you a great deal of trouble by -buying the entire crop at a fair valuation."</p> - -<p>"In that case, Mr. Wolverton, you will allow me to send for Robert. He -attends to the business of the ranch, and understands much more about it -than I do."</p> - -<p>"Wait a minute, Mrs. Burton. Robert is no doubt a smart boy, but you -give him too much credit."</p> - -<p>"I don't think I do. He has shown, since his father's death, a judgment -not often found in a boy of his age."</p> - -<p>"She is infatuated about that boy!" thought Wolverton. "However, as I -have a point to carry, I won't dispute with her."</p> - -<p>"You may be right," he said, "but in this matter I venture to think that -you and I can make a bargain without any outside help."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You can, at any rate, state your proposition, Mr. Wolverton."</p> - -<p>"Have you any idea as to the amount of your wheat crop?"</p> - -<p>"Robert tells me there will be not far from fourteen hundred bushels."</p> - -<p>Wolverton's eyes showed his pleasure. If he made the bargain proposed, -this would bring him an excellent profit. "Very good!" he said. "It will -be a great help to you."</p> - -<p>"Yes; I feel that we are fortunate, especially when I consider that the -ranch has been carried on by a boy of sixteen."</p> - -<p>"Well, Mrs. Burton, I am a man of few words. I will give you a dollar -and a half a bushel for your wheat, and this will give you, on the basis -of fourteen hundred bushels, twenty-one hundred dollars. You are a very -fortunate woman."</p> - -<p>"But, Mr. Wolverton, Robert tells me he expects to get at least two -dollars a bushel."</p> - -<p>It must be remembered that grain was then selling at "war prices."</p> - -<p>"I don't know what the boy can be <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>thinking of," said Wolverton, -contemptuously. "Two dollars a bushel! Why don't he say five dollars at -once?"</p> - -<p>"He gained his information from a St. Louis paper."</p> - -<p>"My dear madam, the price here and the price in St. Louis are two -entirely different matters. You must be aware that it will cost a good -deal to transport the wheat to St. Louis."</p> - -<p>"Surely it cannot cost fifty cents a bushel?"</p> - -<p>"No; but it is a great mistake to suppose that you can get two dollars a -bushel in St. Louis."</p> - -<p>"I must leave the matter to Robert to decide."</p> - -<p>"Excuse my saying that this is very foolish. The boy has not a man's -judgment."</p> - -<p>"Nevertheless, I must consult him before deciding."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Barton spoke so plainly that Wolverton said, sullenly: "Do as you -please, Mrs. Burton, but I would like to settle the matter to-night."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span></p> - -<p>Robert was sent for, and, being near the house, entered without delay.</p> - -<p>Mr. Wolverton's proposition was made known to him.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Wolverton," said Bob, regarding that gentleman with a dislike he -did not attempt to conceal, "You would make a very good bargain if we -accepted your proposal."</p> - -<p>"Not much," answered Wolverton, hastily. "Of course I should make a -little something, but I am chiefly influenced in making the offer, by a -desire to save your mother trouble."</p> - -<p>"You would make seven hundred dollars at least, out of which you would -only have to pay for transportation to St. Louis."</p> - -<p>"That is a very ridiculous statement!" said Wolverton, sharply.</p> - -<p>"Why so? The wheat will fetch two dollars a bushel in the market."</p> - -<p>"Some one has been deceiving you."</p> - -<p>"Shall I show you the paper in which I saw the quotations?"</p> - -<p>"No; it is erroneous. Besides, the expense<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> of carrying the grain to -market will be very large."</p> - -<p>"It won't be fifty cents a bushel."</p> - -<p>"Young man, you are advising your mother against her best interests. -Young people are apt to be headstrong. I should not expect to make much -money out of the operation."</p> - -<p>"Why, then, do you make the offer?"</p> - -<p>"I have already told you that I wished to save your mother trouble."</p> - -<p>"We are much obliged to you, but we decline your proposal."</p> - -<p>"Then," said Wolverton, spitefully, "I shall have to hold you to the -terms of the mortgage. I had intended to favor you, but after the tone -you have taken with me, I shall not do so."</p> - -<p>"To what terms do you refer, Mr. Wolverton?" asked the widow.</p> - -<p>"I will tell you. I have the right at the end of six months to call for -a payment of half the mortgage—fifteen hundred dollars. That will make, -in addition to the interest then due, sixteen hundred and fifty -dollars."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Can this be true?" asked Mrs. Burton, in dismay, turning to Robert.</p> - -<p>"It is so specified in the mortgage," answered Wolverton, triumphantly. -"You can examine it for yourself. I have only to say, that, had you -accepted my offer, I would have been content with, say, one quarter of -the sum, knowing that it would be inconvenient for you to pay half."</p> - -<p>Bob, as well as his mother, was taken by surprise, but in no way -disposed to yield.</p> - -<p>"We should be no better off," he said. "We should lose at least five -hundred dollars by accepting your offer, and that we cannot afford to -do."</p> - -<p>"You refuse, then," said Wolverton, angrily.</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Then all I have to say is that you will rue this day," and the agent -got up hastily, but upon second thought sat down again.</p> - -<p>"How do you expect to get your grain to market?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"I shall take it myself."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I shall store it on a boat I have purchased, and Clip and I will take -it to St. Louis."</p> - -<p>"You must be crack-brained!" ejaculated Wolverton. "I never heard of a -more insane project."</p> - -<p>"I hope to disappoint you, Mr. Wolverton. At any rate, my mind is made -up."</p> - -<p>Wolverton shuffled out of the room, in impotent rage.</p> - -<p>"We have made him our enemy, Robert," said his mother, apprehensively.</p> - -<p>"He was our enemy before, mother. He evidently wants to ruin us."</p> - -<p>As Wolverton went home, one thought was uppermost in his mind. "How -could he prevent Bob from making the trip to St. Louis?"</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XVII.</span> <span class="smaller">WOLVERTON'S POOR TENANT.</span></h2> - -<p>Bob hired a couple of extra hands, and made haste to finish harvesting -his wheat, for he was anxious to start on the trip down the river as -soon as possible. His anticipations as to the size of the crop were -justified. It footed up fourteen hundred and seventy-five bushels, and -this, at two dollars per bushel, would fetch in market nearly three -thousand dollars.</p> - -<p>"That's a pretty good crop for a boy to raise, mother," said Bob, with -pardonable exultation. "You haven't lost anything by allowing me to run -the ranch."</p> - -<p>"Quite true, Robert. You have accomplished wonders. I don't know what I -could have done without you. I know very little of farming myself."</p> - -<p>"I helped him, missis," said Clip, coveting a share of approval for -himself.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Yes," said Bob, smiling. "Clip has been my right-hand man. I can't say -he has worked very hard himself, but he has superintended the others."</p> - -<p>"Yes, missis; dat's what I done!" said Clip, proudly.</p> - -<p>He did not venture to pronounce the word, for it was too much for him, -but he was vaguely conscious that it was something important and -complimentary.</p> - -<p>"Then I must buy Clip a new suit," said Mrs. Burton, smiling.</p> - -<p>"I'll buy it in St. Louis, mother."</p> - -<p>When the grain was all gathered in Bob began to load it on the -ferry-boat. Wolverton sent Sam round every day to report progress, but -did not excite his nephew's suspicions by appearing to take unusual -interest in the matter.</p> - -<p>To prepare the reader for a circumstance which happened about this time, -I find it necessary to introduce another character, who was able to do -Bob an important service.</p> - -<p>In a small house, about three-quarters of a mile beyond the Burton -ranch, lived Dan<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> Woods, a poor man, with, a large family. He hired the -house which he occupied and a few acres of land from Aaron Wolverton, -who had obtained possession of it by foreclosing a mortgage which he -held. He permitted Woods, the former owner, to remain as a tenant in the -house which once belonged to him, charging him rather more than an -average rent. The poor man raised vegetables and a small crop of wheat, -enough of each for his own family, and hired out to neighbors for the -balance of his time. He obtained more employment on the Burton ranch -than anywhere else, and Mrs. Burton had also sympathized with him in his -difficult struggle to maintain his family. But, in spite of friends and -his own untiring industry, Dan Woods fell behind. There were five -children to support, and they required not only food but clothing, and -Dan found it uphill work.</p> - -<p>His monthly rent was ten dollars; a small sum in itself, but large for -this much-burdened man to pay. But, however poorly he might fare in -other respects, Dan knew that it was important to have this sum ready on -the first<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> day of every month. Wolverton was a hard landlord, and -admitted of no excuse. More than once after the rent had been paid there -was not a dollar left in his purse, or a pinch of food in his house.</p> - -<p>A week before this time Dan was looking for his landlord's call with -unusual anxiety. He had been sick nearly a week during the previous -month, and this had so curtailed his earnings that he had but six -dollars ready in place of ten. Would his sickness be accepted as an -excuse? He feared not.</p> - -<p>Wolverton's call was made on time. He had some expectation that the rent -would not be ready, for he knew Dan had been sick; but he was resolved -to show him no consideration.</p> - -<p>"His sickness is nothing to me," he reflected. "It would be a pretty -state of affairs if landlords allowed themselves to be cheated out of -their rent for such a cause."</p> - -<p>Dan Woods was at work in the yard when Wolverton approached. He was -splitting some wood for use in the kitchen stove. His heart sank within -him when he saw the keen, sharp features of his landlord.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Good morning, Dan," said Wolverton, with suavity. His expression was -amiable, as it generally was when he was collecting money, but it -suffered a remarkable change if the money was not forthcoming.</p> - -<p>"Good-morning, sir," answered Woods, with a troubled look.</p> - -<p>"You've got a nice, snug place here, Dan; it's a fine home for your -family."</p> - -<p>"I don't complain of it, sir. As I once owned it myself, probably I set -more store by it than a stranger would."</p> - -<p>"Just so, Dan. You get it at a very low rent, too. If it were any one -but yourself I should really feel that I ought to raise the rent to -twenty dollars."</p> - -<p>"I hope you won't do that, sir," said Woods, in alarm. "It's all I can -do to raise ten dollars a month, with all my other expenses."</p> - -<p>"Oh, well, I'll let it remain at the present figure <i>as long as you pay -me promptly</i>," emphasizing the last words. "Of course I have a right to -expect that."</p> - -<p>Dan's heart sank within him. It was clear<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> he could not expect any -consideration from such a man. But the truth must be told.</p> - -<p>"No doubt you are right, Mr. Wolverton, and you've found me pretty -prompt so far."</p> - -<p>"So I have, Dan. I know you wouldn't be dishonest enough to make me -wait."</p> - -<p>Dan's heart sank still lower. It was becoming harder every minute to own -that he was deficient.</p> - -<p>"Still, Mr. Wolverton, bad luck will come——"</p> - -<p>"What!" exclaimed Wolverton, with a forbidding scowl.</p> - -<p>"As I was saying, sir, a man is sometimes unlucky. Now, I have been sick -nearly a week out of the last month, as you may have heard, and it's put -me back."</p> - -<p>"What are you driving at, Dan Woods?" demanded Wolverton, severely. "I -hope you're not going to say that you are not ready to pay your rent?"</p> - -<p>"I haven't got the whole of it, sir; and that's a fact."</p> - -<p>"You haven't got the whole of it? How much have you got?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I can pay you six dollars, Mr. Wolverton."</p> - -<p>"Six dollars out of ten! Why, this is positively shameful! I wonder you -are not ashamed to tell me."</p> - -<p>"There is no shame about it that I can see," answered Dan, plucking up -his spirit. "I didn't fall sick on purpose; and when I was sick I -couldn't work."</p> - -<p>"You ought to have one month's rent laid by, so that whatever happens -you could pay it on time."</p> - -<p>"That's easy to say, Mr. Wolverton, but it takes every cent of my -earnings to pay my monthly expenses. There's little chance to save."</p> - -<p>"Any one can save who chooses," retorted Wolverton, sharply.</p> - -<p>"Shall I get you the six dollars, sir?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, give it to me."</p> - -<p>"And you will wait for the other four?"</p> - -<p>"Till to-morrow night."</p> - -<p>"But how can I get it by to-morrow night?" asked Dan in dismay.</p> - -<p>"That's your lookout, not mine. All I have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> to say is, unless it is paid -to me to-morrow night you must move the next day."</p> - -<p>With these words Wolverton went off. Dan Woods, in his trouble, went to -Bob Burton the next day, and Bob readily lent him the money he needed.</p> - -<p>"Thank you!" said Dan, gratefully; "I won't forget this favor."</p> - -<p>"Don't make too much of it, Dan; it's a trifle."</p> - -<p>"It's no trifle to me. But for you my family would be turned out of -house and home to-morrow. The time may come when I can do you a -service."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Dan."</p> - -<p>The time came sooner than either anticipated.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XVIII.</span> <span class="smaller">WOLVERTON'S WICKED PLAN.</span></h2> - -<p>Wolverton was somewhat puzzled when on his next call Dan Woods paid the -balance due on his rent.</p> - -<p>"So you raised the money after all?" he said. "I thought you could if -you made an effort."</p> - -<p>"I borrowed the money, sir."</p> - -<p>"Of whom?"</p> - -<p>"It isn't any secret, Mr. Wolverton. I borrowed it of a neighbor who has -always been kind to me—Bob Burton."</p> - -<p>Wolverton shrugged his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"I didn't know he had money to lend," he said.</p> - -<p>"He always has money for a poor man who needs it."</p> - -<p>"All right! I shall know where to go when I need money," responded -Wolverton, with a grin.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p> - -<p>"It suits me well enough to have the boy throw away his money," -Wolverton said to himself. "It will only draw nearer the time when he -will have to sue me for a favor."</p> - -<p>That day Wolverton read in a St. Louis paper that wheat was steadily -rising, and had already reached two dollars and six cents per bushel.</p> - -<p>"I could make a fine thing of it if I had only received the Barton wheat -at a dollar and a half a bushel," he reflected, regretfully. "If I had -only the widow to deal with, I might have succeeded, for she knows -nothing of business. But that confounded boy is always putting a spoke -in my wheel. If he carries out his plan, and markets the wheat, it will -set him on his feet for the year to come."</p> - -<p>This reflection made Wolverton feel gloomy. There are some men who are -cheered by the prosperity of their neighbors, but he was not one of -them. He began to speculate as to whether there was any way of -interfering with Bob's schemes. Generally when a man is seeking a way of -injuring his neighbor he succeeds in finding one. This was the plan that -<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>suggested itself to Wolverton: If he could set the ferry-boat adrift -when the grain was all stored it would float down stream, and the -chances were against its being recovered. It would be mean, and even -criminal, to be sure. For the first, Wolverton did not care; for the -second, he would take care that no one caught him at it. He did not -think of employing any one else in the matter, for he knew of no one he -could trust; and he felt that he could do it more effectually than any -agent, however trustworthy.</p> - -<p>Wolverton was so full of the plan, which commended itself to him as both -simple and effective, that he took a walk late in the evening from his -house to the point on the creek where the boat was tethered.</p> - -<p>Now, it so happened that Dan Woods, who had been employed all day, had -occasion to go to the village in the evening to procure a few groceries -from the village store. He delayed for a time, having met an old -acquaintance, and it was half-past nine when he set out on his return -homeward.</p> - -<p>His way led him not only by the Burton<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> homestead, but by the river bend -where Bob kept his rowboat—the same point also where the ferry-boat was -tied.</p> - -<p>As he approached, he caught sight of a man's figure standing on the -bank. Who it was he could not immediately distinguish on account of the -darkness.</p> - -<p>"It may be some one bent on mischief," he thought to himself. "I will -watch him and find out, if I can, who it is."</p> - -<p>He kept on his way stealthily till he was within a dozen feet, when he -slipped behind a tree. Then it dawned upon him who it was.</p> - -<p>"It's Aaron Wolverton, as I'm a living man," he ejaculated, inwardly. -"What can he be doing here?"</p> - -<p>It was Wolverton, as we know. The old man stood in silence on the bank, -peering through the darkness at the shadowy form of the ferry-boat, -which already contained half the wheat crop of Burton's Ranch—the -loading having commenced that morning. He had one habit which is -unfortunate with a conspirator—the habit of thinking aloud—so he let -out his secret to the watchful listener.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Sam tells me they expected to get half the crop on board to-day," he -soliloquized. "I sent him over to get that very information, though he -don't know it. It is too early to do anything yet. To-morrow night the -whole cargo will be stored, and then it will be time to cut the rope and -let it drift. I should be glad to see the boy's face," he chuckled, -"when he comes down to the creek the next morning and finds the boat -gone. That will put him at my mercy, and the widow, too," he added, -after a pause. "He will repent too late that he thwarted me. I will work -in secret, but I get there all the same!"</p> - -<p>Wolverton clasped his hands behind his back and, turning, walked -thoughtfully away. He did not see his tenant, who was crouching behind a -tree not over three feet from the path.</p> - -<p>Dan Woods had no very favorable opinion of Wolverton, but what he had -heard surprised and shocked him.</p> - -<p>"I didn't think the old man was as wicked as that!" he said to himself. -"He is scheming to ruin Bob and his mother. Why should he have such a -spite against them?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span></p> - -<p>This is a question which we can answer, but Woods became more puzzled -the more he thought about it. One thing was clear, however; he must -apprise Bob of the peril in which he stood. Even if he had not received -the last favor from our hero, he would have felt in duty bound to do his -best to defeat Wolverton's wicked plan.</p> - -<p>The next morning, therefore, he made an early call at Burton's Ranch, -and asked for a private interview with Bob. He quickly revealed to him -the secret of which he had become possessed.</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Dan," said Bob, warmly. "You have done me a favor of the -greatest importance. I knew Wolverton was my enemy, and the enemy of our -family, but I did not think he would be guilty of such a mean and wicked -action. If he had succeeded, I am afraid we should have lost the farm."</p> - -<p>"You won't let him succeed?" said Dan Woods, anxiously.</p> - -<p>"No; forewarned is forearmed. I shall be ready for Mr. Wolverton!" And -Bob closed his lips resolutely.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span></p> - -<p>He deliberated whether he should let his mother know of the threatened -danger, but finally decided not to do so. It would only worry her, and -do no good, as whatever measures of precaution were to be taken, he must -take. He did not even tell Clip; for though the young colored boy was -devoted to him, he was lacking in discretion, and might let out the -secret. Bob did not want to prevent the attempt being made. He wished to -catch Wolverton in the act.</p> - -<p>He did, however, take into his confidence a faithful man who had worked -for his father ever since the ranch was taken, thinking it prudent to -have assistance near if needed.</p> - -<p>That day the rest of the wheat was stored on the ferry-boat. All would -be ready for a start the next morning, and this Bob had decided to make. -He sent Clip to bed early, on the pretext that he must have a good -night's sleep, as he would be called early. If Clip had had the least -idea of what was in the wind he would have insisted on sitting up to see -the fun, but he was absolutely ignorant of it.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span></p> - -<p>Wolverton had learned from Sam, who was surprised that his uncle should -let him spend almost all his time with his friends, Bob and Clip, that -the cargo had been stored.</p> - -<p>"When do they start?" he asked, carelessly.</p> - -<p>"To-morrow morning, uncle," Sam answered.</p> - -<p>"If I had thought of it," said Wolverton, "I would have asked young -Burton to take my wheat along, too."</p> - -<p>"I don't think he would have room for it, Uncle Aaron. The boat is about -full now."</p> - -<p>"Oh, well; I shall find some other way of sending it," said Wolverton, -carelessly.</p> - -<p>About nine o'clock Wolverton stole out in the darkness, and made his way -stealthily to the bend in the creek. He had with him a sharp razor—he -had no knife sharp enough—which he judged would sever the thick rope.</p> - -<p>Arrived at the place of his destination, he bent over and drew out the -razor, which he opened and commenced operations. But there was an -unlooked-for interference.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span></p> - -<p>A light, boyish figure sprang from behind a tree, and Bob Barton, laying -his hand on Wolverton's shoulder, demanded, indignantly:</p> - -<p>"What are you doing here, Mr. Wolverton?"</p> - -<p>Wolverton started, dropped the razor in the river, and, with an -expression of alarm, looked up into Bob's face.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XIX.</span> <span class="smaller">MR. WOLVERTON MEETS TWO CONGENIAL SPIRITS.</span></h2> - -<p>"What are you doing here, Mr. Wolverton?" repeated Bob, sternly.</p> - -<p>"Oh, it's you, Bob, is it?" said Wolverton, with assumed lightness. -"Really, you quite startled me, coming upon me so suddenly in the dark."</p> - -<p>"I noticed that you were startled," responded Bob, coolly. "But that -isn't answering my question."</p> - -<p>By this time Wolverton was on his feet, and had recovered his -self-possession.</p> - -<p>"What right have you to put questions to me, you young whelp?" he -demanded, angrily.</p> - -<p>"Because I suspect you of designs on my property."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?" snarled Wolverton.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I will tell you; I think you meant to cut the rope, and send my boat -adrift."</p> - -<p>"How dare you insult me by such a charge?" demanded the agent, working -himself into a rage.</p> - -<p>"I have reason to think that you meant to do what I have said."</p> - -<p>"Why should I do it?"</p> - -<p>"In order to injure me by the loss of my wheat."</p> - -<p>"You are a fool, young man! I am inclined to think, also, that you are -out of your head."</p> - -<p>"If you had any other purpose, what is it?"</p> - -<p>Wolverton bethought himself that in order to avert suspicion, he must -assign some reason for his presence. To do this taxed his ingenuity -considerably.</p> - -<p>"I thought I saw something in the water," he said. "There it is; a twig; -I see now."</p> - -<p>"And what were you going to do with the razor?"</p> - -<p>"None of your business!" said Wolverton, suddenly, finding it -impossible, on the spur of the moment, to think of any reason.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p> - -<p>"That is easy to understand," said Bob, significantly. "Now, Mr. -Wolverton, I have a warning to give you. If anything befalls my boat, I -shall hold you responsible."</p> - -<p>"Do you know who I am?" blustered Wolverton. "How do you, a boy, dare to -talk in this impudent way to a man who has you in his power?"</p> - -<p>"It strikes me, Mr. Wolverton, that I hold you in my power."</p> - -<p>"Who would believe your unsupported assertion? sneered the agent."</p> - -<p>"It is not unsupported. I brought with me Edward Jones, my faithful -assistant, who has seen your attempt to injure me."</p> - -<p>At this, Edward, a stalwart young man of twenty-four, stepped into view.</p> - -<p>"I saw it all," he said, briefly.</p> - -<p>"You are ready to lie, and he to swear to it," said Wolverton, but his -voice was not firm, for he saw that the testimony against him was too -strong to be easily shaken.</p> - -<p>"I don't wonder you deny it, Mr. Wolverton," said Bob.</p> - -<p>"I won't remain here any longer to be <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span>insulted," said Wolverton, who -was anxious to get away, now that his plan had failed.</p> - -<p>Bob did not reply, and the agent slunk away, feeling far from -comfortable.</p> - -<p>"What cursed luck sent the boy to the creek to-night?" he said to -himself. "I was on the point of succeeding, and then I would have had -him in my power. Could he have heard anything?"</p> - -<p>Wolverton decided, however, that this was not likely. He attributed -Bob's presence to chance, though his words seemed to indicate that he -suspected something. He was obliged to acknowledge his defeat. Yet it -would be possible for him to return in an hour or two, and carry out his -evil plan. But it would be too hazardous. The crime would inevitably be -traced to him, and he would be liable to arrest. No, hard though it was -to bring his mind to it, he must forego his scheme, and devise something -else.</p> - -<p>When the agent had left the scene, Bob Burton said: "Edward, you may go -home. I mean to stay here on guard."</p> - -<p>"But you will not be in condition to start<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> to-morrow morning. You will -be tired out."</p> - -<p>"I can't take any risks this last evening, Edward."</p> - -<p>"Then let me take your place. I will stay here."</p> - -<p>"But it will be hard on you."</p> - -<p>"I will lie later to-morrow morning. You can relieve me, if you like, at -four o'clock."</p> - -<p>"Let it be so, then! Too much is at stake for us to leave anything to -chance. I don't think, however, that Wolverton would dare to renew his -attempt."</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Wolverton retraced his steps to his own house. There was one -lonely place on the way, but the agent was too much absorbed in his own -reflections to have room for fear. His occupation of mind was rudely -disturbed, when from a clump of bushes two men sprang out, and one, -seizing him by the shoulder, said, roughly: "Your money or your life!"</p> - -<p>Wolverton was not a brave man, and it must be confessed that he was -startled by this sudden summons. But he wasn't in the habit of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> carrying -money with him in the evening, and an old silver watch, which would have -been dear at four dollars, was not an article whose loss would have -seriously disturbed him. So it was with a tolerable degree of composure -that he answered: "You have stopped the wrong man."</p> - -<p>"We know who you are. You are Aaron Wolverton, and you are a rich man."</p> - -<p>"That may and may not be, but I don't carry my money with me."</p> - -<p>"Empty your pockets!"</p> - -<p>Wolverton complied, but neither purse nor pocket book was forthcoming.</p> - -<p>"Didn't I tell you so?" he said, shrugging his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"We won't take your word for it."</p> - -<p>The first highwayman plunged his hand into the agent's pockets, but his -search only corroborated Wolverton's statement.</p> - -<p>"You, a rich man, go without money!" he exclaimed with rough contempt.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps I might have expected such a meeting," Wolverton replied, with -cunning triumph.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You must have a watch, at any rate!"</p> - -<p>"I have one that I will sell you for four dollars."</p> - -<p>As he spoke, he voluntarily produced the timeworn watch, which had -served him for twenty years.</p> - -<p>The thieves uttered an exclamation of contempt. Their disappointment -made them angry. They hurriedly conferred as to the policy of keeping -Wolverton in their power till he should pay a heavy ransom, but there -were obvious difficulties in the way of carrying out this plan.</p> - -<p>Aaron Wolverton listened quietly to the discussion which concerned him -so nearly. He smiled at times, and did not appear particularly alarmed -till one, more bloodthirsty than the other, suggested stringing him up -to the nearest tree.</p> - -<p>"My friends," he said, for the first time betraying a slight -nervousness. "I can't see what advantage it would be for you to hang -me."</p> - -<p>"You deserve it for fooling us!" replied the second highwayman, with an -oath.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span></p> - -<p>"In what way?"</p> - -<p>"By not carrying any money, or article of value."</p> - -<p>"I grieve for your disappointment," said Wolverton, with much sympathy.</p> - -<p>"If you mock us, you shall swing, any way."</p> - -<p>"Don't mistake me! I have no doubt you are very worthy fellows, only a -little unfortunate. What sum would have paid you for your -disappointment?"</p> - -<p>"Fifty dollars would have been better than nothing."</p> - -<p>"That is considerable money, but I may be able to throw it in your way."</p> - -<p>"Now you're talking! If you are on the square, you'll find us gentlemen. -We are ready to hear what you have to say."</p> - -<p>"Good! But I expect you to earn the money."</p> - -<p>"How?" inquired the first gentleman, suspiciously. The word earn might -mean work, and that was not in his line.</p> - -<p>"I'll tell you."</p> - -<p>There was an amiable conference for twenty<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span> minutes, but this is not the -place to reveal what was said. Enough that it nearly concerned Bob -Burton, and involved a new plot against the success of his enterprise.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XX.</span> <span class="smaller">AN UNEXPECTED PASSENGER.</span></h2> - -<p>The next morning the boys were up bright and early. It was a glorious -morning, and Bob accepted it as auspicious of a pleasant and prosperous -trip.</p> - -<p>Clip was in wild spirits. He was naturally vivacious and fond of change, -and the prospect of the river trip made him very happy. Bob, as a -practical joke, put on a grave face and said: "Clip, I don't know but I -shall have to leave you at home."</p> - -<p>"What fo', Massa Bob?" inquired Clip, his face assuming a look of -dismay.</p> - -<p>"I am afraid my mother won't be able to get along without you. There are -so many things to attend to on the ranch."</p> - -<p>"I can't do no good on the ranch," said Clip, eagerly. "I'm only a lazy, -good-for-nothing nigger."</p> - -<p>"Then I don't see how you can help me,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> Clip," returned Bob, his eyes -twinkling as he listened to this candid confession.</p> - -<p>"Dat's different, Massa Bob. I ain't no good on the ranch, but I'm -powerful help on the river. Please take me along, Massa Bob," pleaded -Clip.</p> - -<p>"Just as likely as not you'll get lost, Clip. Besides, you might meet -your old master from Arkansas."</p> - -<p>"He won't catch dis nigger," said Clip, shaking his head, resolutely. -"Please let me go, Massa Bob."</p> - -<p>"Your arguments are so cogent, Clip, that I suppose I shall have to give -in."</p> - -<p>Instantly Clip's face was radiant. He didn't know what cogent arguments -were, but as long as they had accomplished his desire he was content to -remain in ignorance.</p> - -<p>"But if you give me any trouble, Clip," Bob added, seriously, "I may -have to put you ashore, and let you walk home."</p> - -<p>Clip gave the most emphatic assurance of good conduct, and was informed -that he could go.</p> - -<p>There was much to do, even on the last <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>morning, and though the boys -were early risers, it was fully ten o'clock before they were ready to -start.</p> - -<p>Half an hour before this Bob had a surprise.</p> - -<p>Sam Wolverton was seen approaching on a run, breathless and without a -hat. He arrived at the landing, just as Bob was putting off in the -flat-bottomed boat, with a load of provisions for the voyage.</p> - -<p>"What on earth is the matter, Sam?" asked Bob, in surprise.</p> - -<p>"Let me get on the boat and I will tell you."</p> - -<p>The boat was put back and Sam jumped on.</p> - -<p>"Now what has happened, Sam?"</p> - -<p>"Do you see this," said Sam, pointing to his right cheek, which was -stained with blood.</p> - -<p>"What has happened to you? Did you fall and hurt yourself?"</p> - -<p>"My uncle knocked me over and I fell against a block of wood."</p> - -<p>"What made him attack you?" inquired Bob, indignantly.</p> - -<p>"I don't know; he got mad with me for nothing at all. He's been in an -awful temper all<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> the morning. Something must have happened to vex him."</p> - -<p>Bob smiled. He could understand what had happened. Wolverton's -disappointment at the failure of his villainous plan had no doubt soured -him, and, like a born bully, he had vented his spite upon the poor boy -who was dependent upon him.</p> - -<p>"I wish you'd more spunk, Sam," Bob said. "He wouldn't dare to attack me -in that way."</p> - -<p>"You're stronger and braver than I am, Bob. I can't be like you. I wish -I could."</p> - -<p>"Your uncle is no more nor less than a bully. He imposes upon you -because he thinks it is safe to do so. He wouldn't dare tackle me, -because he knows it wouldn't be safe."</p> - -<p>"Bob," said Sam, solemnly, "I've borne it as long as I'm going to. I am -not going back to my uncle's house."</p> - -<p>"Do you mean this, Sam?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I do. It's the only home I have, but I would rather go without a -home than to be beaten and ill-treated by Uncle Aaron."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I commend your pluck, Sam. I can't say I think you are doing wrong."</p> - -<p>"I have a favor to ask of you, Bob. You are my only friend."</p> - -<p>"What is it, Sam?"</p> - -<p>"Let me go with you to St. Louis. It would make me happy to be with you, -and I should be out of my uncle's way."</p> - -<p>Bob paused for consideration, the proposal being unexpected.</p> - -<p>"But suppose, Sam, I am charged with abducting you?"</p> - -<p>"I'll take all the blame. Let me hide on the ferry-boat, and I won't -show myself until you've got miles away."</p> - -<p>"That might do," said Bob, smiling. "Perhaps it isn't exactly square, -but with such a man as your uncle we must make use of his own methods."</p> - -<p>"You will take me, then?" asked Sam, eagerly.</p> - -<p>By this time they had reached the boat.</p> - -<p>"Clip," said Bob, "go with Sam and hide him somewhere on the boat, but -don't tell me where he is concealed. Then, if old <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span>Wolverton comes after -him I can say truly that I don't know where he is."</p> - -<p>"All right, Massa Bob," said Clip, showing his teeth.</p> - -<p>When the contents of the boat had been transferred to the larger craft, -Bob rowed back, leaving Clip and Sam together. The boat was roofed over, -as already stated. Besides the bins there was a corner in which some -bedding had been placed for the accommodation of the young voyagers. But -it seemed difficult to find a suitable hiding-place for Sam.</p> - -<p>"Where can you put me?" asked the young runaway, with a troubled look.</p> - -<p>Clip looked about him, rolling his eyes in perplexity.</p> - -<p>At length his face brightened, for an idea had come to him.</p> - -<p>In one corner was an empty barrel. Some stores had been brought aboard -in it, and it had been suffered to remain, with the idea that it might -possibly prove of use. The particular use to which it was to be put -certainly never occurred to Bob or Clip.</p> - -<p>"Get in there, Sam!" said Clip. "Old<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span> Mass' Wolverton won't look for you -in there."</p> - -<p>"But I shall be seen."</p> - -<p>"You wait and I'll show you how we'll manage; only get in!"</p> - -<p>Thus adjured, Sam got into the barrel, and with some difficulty crouched -so that his head was lower than the top of the barrel.</p> - -<p>"Now I'll show you," said Clip.</p> - -<p>He took a white cloth—it was apiece of sail-cloth—and spread over the -top of the barrel.</p> - -<p>"Now old Mass' Wolverton will have sharp eyes to see you," said Clip, -triumphantly.</p> - -<p>"That may do," said Sam. "But it isn't necessary to put it on now. It -will be time if my uncle makes his appearance. I'll keep out of sight in -the center of the boat."</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Bob had gone to the house to bid good-bye to his mother.</p> - -<p>"I feel anxious about your going off on such a long trip, Robert," said -Mrs. Burton.</p> - -<p>"You forget that I am almost a man, mother. It is time for me to assume -some responsibility."</p> - -<p>"But you are only a boy, after all, Robert.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> Think, if anything should -happen to you, what would become of me?"</p> - -<p>"My dear mother, you may depend on my taking excellent care of myself. I -don't see what risk or danger there can be in going to St. Louis. It -isn't a long trip. I shall be back in less than a fortnight if all goes -well."</p> - -<p>"It will seem a very long fortnight to me, Robert."</p> - -<p>"I have no doubt you will miss me, mother, but you forget I have Clip to -look after me."</p> - -<p>"Clip is only a poor colored boy, but I am sure he will prove faithful -to you," said Mrs. Burton, seriously. "Even the humble are sometimes of -great service. I am glad he is going with you."</p> - -<p>Bob did not mention that Sam Wolverton would also be his companion, as -he foresaw that the agent would not unlikely question his mother on that -point.</p> - -<p>Bob returned to the boat, and was just about to cast off, when Wolverton -was seen on the bank, waving his hat and shouting frantically.</p> - -<p>"I guess, Massa Sam, you'd better get into the barrel," said Clip with a -grin.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXI.</span> <span class="smaller">HOW WOLVERTON WAS FOOLED.</span></h2> - -<p>"What do you want, Mr. Wolverton?" asked Bob, coolly, as he stood at one -end of the boat and surveyed the excited agent.</p> - -<p>"Come ashore, or I'll have you arrested," shouted the irate Wolverton.</p> - -<p>"You are very kind, Mr. Wolverton; but I am in considerable of a hurry, -and have not time to comply with your request."</p> - -<p>"You'd better come ashore, if you know what's best for yourself."</p> - -<p>"Please state your business! If it is anything to my advantage, I may -come; but I am just ready to start for St. Louis."</p> - -<p>"Is my nephew Sam on your boat?"</p> - -<p>"I don't see him. Why should he be on board?"</p> - -<p>"I suspect him of running away, the ungrateful young rascal? I thought -he might be scheming to go down the river with you."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Clip," said Bob, gravely, "has Sam Wolverton engaged passage with us?"</p> - -<p>"Not as I knows on, Massa Bob."</p> - -<p>"If he should, charge him fifteen dollars."</p> - -<p>"Yes, Massa Bob," answered Clip, with a grin.</p> - -<p>"If you wish your nephew to go to St. Louis on my boat, Mr. Wolverton," -said Bob, with ceremonious politeness, "I will take him, being a friend, -for fifteen dollars, excursion ticket. You can't complain of that."</p> - -<p>"But I don't want him to go," roared Wolverton. "I tell you he has run -away."</p> - -<p>"That's very strange, considering how kindly and liberally you have -always treated him."</p> - -<p>Wolverton eyed Bob suspiciously, for he knew well enough that the remark -was ironical.</p> - -<p>"None of your gammon, young man!" he said, crabbedly. "Send Sam ashore."</p> - -<p>"Really, Mr. Wolverton, you must be joking. What have I got to do with -Sam?"</p> - -<p>"I don't believe a word you say. I mean to search your boat."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You had better do it at once, then, for it is time for me to start."</p> - -<p>"But how am I to get aboard," asked the agent, perplexed.</p> - -<p>"You might swim," suggested Bob, "or wade. The water is shallow—not -higher than your neck, anywhere."</p> - -<p>"That is nonsense. Steer your boat to shore, that I may board her."</p> - -<p>"It can't be done, Mr. Wolverton. We can only drift down with the -current."</p> - -<p>"Then how am I to get aboard?"</p> - -<p>"That is your lookout."</p> - -<p>Just then Mr. Wolverton espied the flat-bottomed boat which Bob proposed -to take with him. He had attached it by a line to the stern of the -ferry-boat.</p> - -<p>"Row over and take me across."</p> - -<p>"I can't spare the time."</p> - -<p>Wolverton was about to give vent to his wrath at this refusal, when he -observed a boat approaching, rowed by a German boy named Otto Brandes.</p> - -<p>"Come here, boy, and row me out to yonder boat," he said.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span></p> - -<p>Otto paused in his rowing, and, understanding the man with whom he was -dealing, he asked, quietly: "How much will you pay me, Mr. Wolverton?"</p> - -<p>"Five cents to take me over and back," answered the agent, with some -hesitation.</p> - -<p>Otto laughed.</p> - -<p>"I don't work for any such wages," he said.</p> - -<p>"I'll give you ten; but be quick about it."</p> - -<p>"Give me a quarter and I'll do it."</p> - -<p>"Do you think I am made of money?" said Wolverton, in anger. "That is an -outrageous extortion."</p> - -<p>"All right! Then hire somebody else," said Otto, coolly.</p> - -<p>After a fruitless effort to beat down the price, Wolverton sulkily -agreed to the terms, and Otto rowed to the bank.</p> - -<p>"Now, row with all your might," said the agent, as he seated himself in -one end of the boat.</p> - -<p>"Your fare, please," said Otto.</p> - -<p>"I'll pay you when the trip is over," said Wolverton. "It's a poor -paymaster that pays in advance."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Then you'd better get out of the boat. Railroad and boat tickets are -always paid in advance."</p> - -<p>"I'll give you ten cents now, and the balance when I land."</p> - -<p>"It won't do, Mr. Wolverton. I don't care much about the job anyway; I'm -in a hurry to get home."</p> - -<p>Otto lived about half a mile further down the creek.</p> - -<p>Much against his will, the agent was obliged to deposit the -passage-money in the boy's hand before he would consent to take up the -oars and commence rowing.</p> - -<p>"That rascal Sam is putting me to all this expense," he said to himself. -"I'll take my pay out of his skin once I get hold of him."</p> - -<p>Clip went up to the barrel in which Sam was concealed.</p> - -<p>"Ol' Wolverton is comin', Massa Sam," he said. "Don't you make no noise, -and we'll fool de ol' man."</p> - -<p>In spite of this assurance, poor Sam trembled in his narrow place of -concealment. He<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> knew that he would fare badly if his uncle got hold of -him.</p> - -<p>"How's he coming?" he asked in a stifled voice.</p> - -<p>"Otto Brandes is rowin' him. He's in Otto's boat."</p> - -<p>"It's mean of Otto!"</p> - -<p>"No; he don't know what de ol' man is after."</p> - -<p>It took scarcely two minutes for Wolverton to reach the ferry-boat. He -mounted it with fire in his eye.</p> - -<p>"Now, where is Sam?" he demanded in a peremptory tone.</p> - -<p>"You can search for him, Mr. Wolverton," said Bob, coolly. "You seem to -know more about where he is than I do."</p> - -<p>Wolverton began to peer here and there, looking into bins of wheat and -all sorts of improbable places.</p> - -<p>Clip took a broom and began to sweep energetically. Bob could not -explain this sudden fit of industry till he saw Clip slyly slip the -broom between Wolverton's legs as he was hurrying along, thereby -upsetting the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span>unfortunate agent, who tumbled sprawling on the deck.</p> - -<p>"Why, you black imp!" he exclaimed, furiously, as he picked himself up, -"what made you do that?"</p> - -<p>"Couldn't help it, Massa Wolverton! I 'clare to gracious I couldn't!" -said Clip, rolling his eyes in a most wonderful manner. "Are you hurt, -Massa Wolverton?"</p> - -<p>"I most broke my knee!" growled Wolverton, as he rose and limped towards -the other end of the boat. "I may be laid up for a week."</p> - -<p>"It was de ol' broom did it," said Clip, innocently. "Never see such a -broom!"</p> - -<p>Bob had hard work to keep a straight face, as he heard Clip's odd -accusation against the unoffending broom.</p> - -<p>This accident seemed to dampen Wolverton's enthusiasm, and the pain in -his knee increasing made him desirous of getting home as soon as -possible. Besides, he began to suspect that he was on a wrong scent, as -he had thus far found no traces of his runaway nephew. He never once -noticed the barrel, over which the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> piece of sail-cloth had been thrown -so carelessly.</p> - -<p>"Well, did you find Sam?" asked Bob, composedly.</p> - -<p>"No!" snapped Wolverton.</p> - -<p>"I seed him jest before you came, Massa Wolverton," said Clip.</p> - -<p>"Where?" asked the agent, eagerly.</p> - -<p>"Runnin' along the bank."</p> - -<p>"In what direction?"</p> - -<p>Clip pointed up the creek.</p> - -<p>"Why didn't you tell me that before?"</p> - -<p>"You didn't ask me, Massa Wolverton."</p> - -<p>"Take me ashore quick!" said Wolverton to Otto.</p> - -<p>"Hurry up, Massa Wolverton, and mebbe you'll catch him!"</p> - -<p>Wolverton was already in the boat, and Otto was rowing him to the shore.</p> - -<p>Clip went to the barrel and released the prisoner.</p> - -<p>"De ol' man's gone, Sam!" he said.</p> - -<p>"I'm glad of it, Clip. I'm almost suffocated."</p> - -<p>"Golly, didn't we fool him!" and Clip lay<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span> down on his back on deck, and -gave way to an explosion of mirth.</p> - -<p>A minute later the rope was drawn in, and the ferry-boat started on its -adventurous career down the creek.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXII.</span> <span class="smaller">THE FIRST DAY.</span></h2> - -<p>Bob was accustomed to rowing, but navigation with the ferry-boat -presented a new and interesting problem which he was eager to solve. A -steering apparatus had been rigged up at the stern, which was found -strong enough for the purpose required. Bob took his place at the helm -in starting, and managed for the first hour to regulate the direction of -his craft. By that time they came to a place where the creek widened -considerably, and the boat showed a disposition to whirl round in an -eddy. This difficulty, however, was overcome by practice, and Bob began -to acquire confidence in himself as a navigator. But it was evident that -he could not remain at the helm all day.</p> - -<p>"Come here, Clip," he said; "I want you to rest me in steering."</p> - -<p>Clip took his place, but his first attempts<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span> proved discouraging. He was -inclined to steer in just the reverse direction, and twice came near -running the boat ashore.</p> - -<p>"What are you about, Clip?" demanded Bob, in excitement. "Don't you see -you are running the boat ashore?"</p> - -<p>"I done just like you, Massa Bob," protested Clip. "De boat acts -contrary; never see such an ol' boat."</p> - -<p>"It is you that are contrary, Clip. You don't do as I tell you."</p> - -<p>"I 'clar to gracious I did, Massa Bob. I can't never learn to steer."</p> - -<p>In fact, Clip, who was naturally lazy, found it very irksome to stand at -the helm, and much preferred going here and there on the boat and -surveying the scenery on either bank. He hoped that his incompetence -would save him from the task. But his dream was rudely disturbed.</p> - -<p>"If you can't take your turn in steering, Clip," said Bob, "you won't be -of any use to me. I shall have to send you home, and get along with -Sam's assistance."</p> - -<p>"Oh, don't send me home, Massa Bob!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> exclaimed Clip, in alarm. "I'll -try—'deed I will."</p> - -<p>"I'll try you a little longer, Clip," said Bob; "but you must not blame -me for sending you back, if it is necessary."</p> - -<p>No better argument could have been used to insure satisfactory work from -Clip, who was naturally careless, and inclined to shirk work. -Nevertheless, Bob felt glad that he had another assistant in Sam -Wolverton, who proved to possess all the qualities which Clip lacked.</p> - -<p>When it was one o'clock, Clip began to show signs of distress.</p> - -<p>"I'm pow'ful hungry, Massa Bob," he said, in a pleading tone.</p> - -<p>"So am I, Clip," returned Bob, with a smile. "I will see if I can't do -something to relieve you."</p> - -<p>He had brought from home a basket of sandwiches and a gallon of milk. To -these the boys did ample justice, displaying even more appetite than -usual. This was not surprising, for they had worked hard, and this in -the open air.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Sam," said Bob, "I can't hope to supply you with all the delicacies you -would get at home, but I hope you'll make it do with our humble fare."</p> - -<p>Sam smiled.</p> - -<p>"All the delicacies on Uncle Aaron's table wouldn't spoil anybody's -digestion. I like my dinner to-day better than any I've eaten for a long -time. I don't know what uncle and aunt would say if they could see me -here."</p> - -<p>"De ol' man would be wild," said Clip, with a guffaw.</p> - -<p>"I expect he would, Clip. He isn't fond of me, but he doesn't want to -lose me. He will have to do his own chores now, for I don't believe he -can get a boy to work for him."</p> - -<p>About six o'clock in the afternoon, having arrived opposite a town which -I will call Rushford, Bob decided to tie up for the night. He and Clip -went on shore, leaving Sam in charge of the boat. He did not dare to -leave it unguarded, for the cargo, according to his estimate, was worth -not far from three thousand dollars.</p> - -<p>He took the opportunity to enter a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span>restaurant, where he bought Clip and -himself cups of coffee, and ordered a fresh supply of sandwiches made -up, which he arranged to have delivered at the boat early the next -morning.</p> - -<p>"I don't mean that we shall starve, Clip," he said.</p> - -<p>Clip showed his teeth.</p> - -<p>"Dat coffee's awful good, Massa Bob," he said.</p> - -<p>"Yes, but we can't make it on board the boat. I shall have to depend on -getting it at the villages on the way."</p> - -<p>"How far are we from home, Massa Bob?"</p> - -<p>"Well thought of, Clip. I will inquire."</p> - -<p>He asked the keeper of the restaurant the distance to Carver.</p> - -<p>"I don't know, but I think my waiter comes from that neighborhood. Sam, -how far away is Carver?"</p> - -<p>"Forty miles," answered Sam promptly.</p> - -<p>"I thought it had been more. We have been eight hours coming on the -river."</p> - -<p>That is because the river (they had left the creek fifteen miles up) was -winding in its course.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span></p> - -<p>On the whole, however, Bob decided that it was very fair progress for -the first day, and that only about two-thirds of the time.</p> - -<p>Rushford was a town of fifteen hundred inhabitants, and presented as -busy an appearance as a town three times the size in the East. Clip, who -was fond of variety, was reluctant to return to the boat, but Bob said:</p> - -<p>"We must relieve Sam, and give him a chance to come ashore and get some -coffee. You come with him, and show him the restaurant."</p> - -<p>This arrangement suited Clip, who liked as much variety and excitement -as possible.</p> - -<p>On returning to the boat Bob was somewhat surprised to find his young -lieutenant in conversation with an old lady dressed in antediluvian -costume. She had a sharp face, with an eager, birdlike look, and seemed -to be preferring a request.</p> - -<p>"Here's the captain; you can ask him," said Sam, who seemed much -relieved by the return of Bob.</p> - -<p>"Is <i>he</i> the captain?" asked the old lady. "Why, he's nothin' but a -boy!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span></p> - -<p>"He's all the captain we have," answered Sam.</p> - -<p>"Be you in charge of this boat?" asked the old lady.</p> - -<p>"Yes, ma'am. What can I do for you?"</p> - -<p>"I want to go down to St. Louis," said the old lady, "and I thought -maybe you might find room for me."</p> - -<p>"But, ma'am, why don't you take passage on a river steamer?"</p> - -<p>"They charge too much," said the old lady. "I hain't got much money, and -I s'pose you wouldn't charge me much. Are you any acquainted in St. -Louis?"</p> - -<p>"No, ma'am."</p> - -<p>"I thought maybe you might know my darter's husband. He keeps a grocery -store down near the river. His name is Jeremiah Pratt, and my darter's -name is Melinda Ann. I want to give 'em a surprise."</p> - -<p>"I never met the gentleman."</p> - -<p>"When do you start?"</p> - -<p>"To-morrow morning about half-past seven o'clock."</p> - -<p>"Can't you put it off till eight? I've got to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> pack my trunk over night, -and I've got to eat a bit of breakfast to stay my stummik. How much do -you charge? I'd be willing to pay you seventy-five cents."</p> - -<p>"How much do the steamboats charge?" asked Bob.</p> - -<p>"I think it's six dollars, or it may be seven. That's too much for a -poor woman like me."</p> - -<p>"I think you will have to pay it, madam, for we have no accommodation -for passengers on our boat."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I ain't a mite particular. You can put me anywhere."</p> - -<p>"I suppose you wouldn't be willing to get into a grain bin?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, now you're jokin'. Where do you sleep yourself?"</p> - -<p>"On a mattress on the floor; that wouldn't be suitable for a lady like -you. Besides, we have no separate rooms."</p> - -<p>"Then you can't take me, no way?" asked the old lady, disappointed.</p> - -<p>"I am afraid not, madam."</p> - -<p>"You're real disobligin'. I don't see how I am to get to St. Louis."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I am sorry I can't help you."</p> - -<p>The old woman hobbled off in evident anger. Bob heard afterwards that -she was a woman of ample means, fully able to afford steamboat fare, but -so miserly that she grudged paying it.</p> - -<p>"Now, Sam," said Bob, "Clip will show you the way to a restaurant where -you can get a hot cup of coffee and a plate of meat, if you desire it."</p> - -<p>While the boys were gone, Bob received a visitor.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXIII.</span> <span class="smaller">A SUSPICIOUS CHARACTER.</span></h2> - -<p>Fifteen minutes after Sam and Clip had left him Bob's attention was -drawn to a man of somewhat flashy appearance, who, while leaning against -a tree on the bank, seemed to be eying him and the boat with attention. -He wore a Prince Albert coat which was no longer fit to appear in good -society, a damaged hat, and a loud neck-tie. His eyes were roving from -one point to another, as if he felt a great deal of interest in Bob or -the boat. Our hero was not favorably impressed with this man's -appearance.</p> - -<p>"I wonder what he sees that interests him so much?" he thought.</p> - -<p>"I say, young man, is this here boat yours?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes," answered Bob, coldly.</p> - -<p>"What have you got on board?"</p> - -<p>Bob felt under no obligation to answer, but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span> reflecting that there was -no good excuse for refusing, he said, briefly: "Wheat."</p> - -<p>"Humph! How much have you got?"</p> - -<p>This clearly was none of the questioner's business, and Bob replied by -another question:</p> - -<p>"Do you want to buy?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know," said the stranger. "What do you ask?"</p> - -<p>"I can't say till I get to St. Louis."</p> - -<p>"How much do you calc'late to get?"</p> - -<p>"Two dollars and a quarter," answered Bob, naming a price beyond his -expectations.</p> - -<p>"Ain't that a high figger?"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so."</p> - -<p>"Come, young feller, you don't seem social. Can't you invite me aboard?"</p> - -<p>"I don't think you would be paid for coming," said Bob, more and more -unfavorably impressed.</p> - -<p>"Oh, I don't mind. My time ain't valuable. I guess I'll come."</p> - -<p>The stranger stepped across the gang-plank, which Bob had laid from the -boat to the shore,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span> and entered without an invitation. Bob was tempted -to order him off, but the intruder appeared much stronger than himself; -and while he was alone it seemed politic to submit to the disagreeable -necessity of entertaining his unwelcome visitor.</p> - -<p>The latter walked from end to end of the boat, examining for himself -without asking permission, or appearing to feel the need of any. He -opened the bins and counted them, while Bob looked on uneasily.</p> - -<p>"I say, young feller, you've got a smart lot of wheat here."</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Bob, briefly.</p> - -<p>"Got a thousand bushels, I reckon?"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so."</p> - -<p>"And you expect to get two dollars and a quarter a bushel?"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps I shall have to take less."</p> - -<p>"At any rate, you must have two thousand dollars' worth on board."</p> - -<p>"You can judge for yourself."</p> - -<p>"I say, that's a pile of money—for a boy."</p> - -<p>"The wheat doesn't belong to me."</p> - -<p>"Who owns it, then."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span></p> - -<p>"My mother."</p> - -<p>"What's your mother's name?"</p> - -<p>"I have answered all the questions I am going to," said Bob, -indignantly.</p> - -<p>"Don't get riled, youngster. It ain't no secret, is it?"</p> - -<p>"I don't care about answering all the questions a stranger chooses to -put to me."</p> - -<p>"I say, young chap, you're gettin' on your high horse."</p> - -<p>"What is your object in putting all these questions?"</p> - -<p>"What is my object?"</p> - -<p>"That is what I asked."</p> - -<p>"The fact is, youngster, I've got a ranch round here myself, and I've -got about five hundred bushels of wheat I want to market. Naturally I'm -interested. See?"</p> - -<p>Bob did not believe a word of this.</p> - -<p>"Where is your ranch?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"About two miles back of the town," answered the stranger, glibly. That -lie was an easy one. "I'm thinkin' some of runnin' down to the city to -see if I can't sell my wheat in a lump to some merchant. Mebbe I could<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> -strike a bargain with you to carry me down."</p> - -<p>Bob had even more objection to the new passenger than to the old lady, -and he answered stiffly:</p> - -<p>"I have no accommodations for passengers."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I can bunk anywhere—can lie on deck, on one of the bins. I'm used -to roughin' it."</p> - -<p>"You'd better take passage by the next steamer. This is a freight boat."</p> - -<p>"There ain't anybody but you aboard, is there?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; I have two companions."</p> - -<p>The stranger seemed surprised and incredulous.</p> - -<p>"Where are they?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Gone into the village."</p> - -<p>The visitor seemed thoughtful. He supposed the two companions were -full-grown men, and this would not tally with his plans. This illusion, -however, was soon dissipated, for Sam and Clip at this point crossed the -gang-plank and came aboard.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Are them your two companions?" asked the stranger, appearing relieved.</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>Sam and Clip eyed him curiously, expecting Bob to explain who he was, -but our hero was only anxious to get rid of him.</p> - -<p>"Then you can't accommodate me?" asked the man.</p> - -<p>"No, sir; but if you'll give me your name and address, I can perhaps -sell your crop for you, and leave you to deliver it."</p> - -<p>"Never mind, young feller! I reckon I'll go to the city myself next -week."</p> - -<p>"Just as you like, sir."</p> - -<p>He re-crossed the plank, and when he reached the shore took up his post -again beside the tree, and resumed his scrutiny of the boat.</p> - -<p>"What does that man want?" asked Sam.</p> - -<p>"I don't know. He asked me to give him passage to St. Louis."</p> - -<p>"You might make money by carrying passengers," suggested Sam.</p> - -<p>"I wouldn't carry a man like him at any price," said Bob. "I haven't any -faith in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> his honesty or respectability, though he tells me that he owns -a ranch two miles back of the town. He came on the boat to spy out what -he could steal, in my opinion."</p> - -<p>"How many days do you think we shall need for the trip, Bob?" asked Sam.</p> - -<p>"It may take us a week; but it depends on the current, and whether we -meet with any obstructions. Are you in a hurry to get back to your -uncle?"</p> - -<p>"No," said Sam, his face wearing a troubled look. "The fact is, Bob, I -don't mean to go back at all."</p> - -<p>"You mean dat, Massa Sam?" asked Clip, his eyes expanding in his -excitement.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I mean it. If I go back I shall have to return to my uncle, and -you know what kind of a reception I shall get. He will treat me worse -than ever."</p> - -<p>"I am sure, Sam, my mother will be willing to let you live with us."</p> - -<p>"I should like nothing better, but my uncle would come and take me -away."</p> - -<p>"Would he have the right?"</p> - -<p>"I think he would. He has always<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span> told me that my poor father left me to -his charge."</p> - -<p>"Do you think he left any property?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; I feel sure he did; for on his deathbed he called me to him, and -said: 'I leave you something, Sam; I wish it were more; but, at any -rate, you are not a pauper.'"</p> - -<p>"Did you ever mention this to your uncle, Sam?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"What did he say?"</p> - -<p>"It seemed to make him very angry. He said that my father was delirious -or he would never have said such absurd things. But I know he was in his -right mind. He was never more calm and sensible than when he told me -about the property."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid Sam, your uncle has swindled you out of your inheritance."</p> - -<p>"I think so, too, but I can't prove anything, and it won't do to say -anything, for it makes him furious."</p> - -<p>"What does your aunt say?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, she sides with Uncle Aaron; she always does that."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Then I can't say I advise you to return to Carver, although Clip and I -are sure to miss you."</p> - -<p>"'Deed I shall, Massa Sam," said Clip.</p> - -<p>"I think I can pick up a living somehow in St. Louis. I would rather -black boots than go back to Uncle Aaron."</p> - -<p>"I am sure you can. Perhaps some gentleman will feel an interest in you, -and take you into his service."</p> - -<p>"I want to tell you, Bob, that Uncle Aaron hates you, and will try to -injure you. You will need to be careful."</p> - -<p>"That's no news, Sam. He has shown his dislike for me in many ways; but -I am not afraid of him," the boy added, proudly.</p> - -<p>At nine o'clock the boys went to bed. They were all tired, and all slept -well. It was not till seven o'clock that Bob awoke. His two companions -were asleep. He roused them, and they prepared for the second day's -trip.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXIV.</span> <span class="smaller">CLIP MAKES A LITTLE MONEY FOR HIMSELF.</span></h2> - -<p>About noon the next day, while Clip was at the helm, there was a sudden -jolt that jarred the boat from stem to stern, if I may so speak of a -double-ender ferry-boat.</p> - -<p>Bob and Sam, who had been occupied with re-arranging some of the cargo, -rushed up to the colored pilot.</p> - -<p>"What on earth is the matter, Clip asked Bob.</p> - -<p>"'Clare to gracious, I dunno, Massa Bob," asseverated Clip.</p> - -<p>Bob didn't need to repeat the question. Clip had steered in shore, and -the boat had run against a tree of large size which had fallen over into -the river, extending a distance of a hundred feet into the stream. Of -course the boat came to a standstill.</p> - -<p>"What made you do this, Clip?" said Bob, sternly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Didn't do it, Massa Bob. Ol' boat run into the tree himself."</p> - -<p>"That won't do, Clip. If you had steered right, there would have been no -trouble."</p> - -<p>"I steered just as you told me to, Massa Bob."</p> - -<p>"No, you didn't. You should have kept the boat at least a hundred and -fifty feet from the shore."</p> - -<p>"Didn't I, Massa Bob?" asked Clip, innocently.</p> - -<p>"No. Don't you see we are not more than fifty feet away now?"</p> - -<p>"I didn't get out and measure, Massa Bob," said Clip, with a grin.</p> - -<p>"Now, own up, Clip, were you not looking at something on the bank, so -that you didn't notice where you were steering?"</p> - -<p>"Who told you, Massa Bob?" asked Clip, wondering.</p> - -<p>"I know it must be so. Do you know you have got us into trouble? How am -I going to get the boat back into the stream?"</p> - -<p>Clip scratched his head hopelessly. The problem was too intricate for -him to solve.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I think, Clip, I shall have to leave you over at the next place we come -to. You are more bother than you are worth."</p> - -<p>"Oh, don't, Massa Bob. I won't do so again. 'Deed I won't."</p> - -<p>Bob didn't relent for some time. He felt that it was necessary to -impress Clip with the heinousness of his conduct. At length he agreed to -give him one more chance. He had to secure the services of two stout -backwoodsmen to remove the tree, and this occasioned a delay of at least -two hours. Finally the boat got started again, and for the remainder of -the day there was no trouble.</p> - -<p>Towards the close of the afternoon they reached a place which we will -call Riverton. It was a smart Western village of about two thousand -inhabitants. Bob and Sam went on shore to get some supper, leaving Clip -in charge.</p> - -<p>"Now, Clip, you must keep your eyes open, and take good care of -everything while we are gone," said Bob.</p> - -<p>"All right, Massa Bob."</p> - -<p>About ten minutes after the boys went away<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> Clip was sitting on a barrel -whistling a plantation melody, when a slender, florid-complexioned young -man stepped aboard.</p> - -<p>"Good-evening, sir," he said, removing his hat.</p> - -<p>"Evenin'," answered Clip, with a grin. He was flattered by being -addressed as "sir."</p> - -<p>"Are you in charge of this boat?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; while Massa Bob and Sam are gone ashore."</p> - -<p>"Are they boys like yourself?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"Are you three all that are on board—I mean all that man the boat?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, massa."</p> - -<p>"Where are you bound?"</p> - -<p>"To St. Louis."</p> - -<p>"Do you think they would take me as passenger?"</p> - -<p>Clip shook his head.</p> - -<p>"They won't take no passengers," he answered. "An ol' woman wanted to go -as passenger, and another man" (Clip was unconscious of the bull), "but -Massa Bob he said no."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Suppose I make a bargain with you," said the man, insinuatingly.</p> - -<p>"What you mean, massa?" asked Clip, rolling his eyes in wonderment.</p> - -<p>"Can't you hide me somewhere without their knowing I am on board?"</p> - -<p>"What for I do dat?" asked Clip.</p> - -<p>"I'll make it worth your while."</p> - -<p>"What's dat?"</p> - -<p>"I'll give you five dollars."</p> - -<p>"For my own self?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; for yourself."</p> - -<p>"And I won't have to give it to Massa Bob?"</p> - -<p>"No; you can spend it for yourself."</p> - -<p>"But Massa Bob would find out to-morrer."</p> - -<p>"If he finds out to-morrow I shan't mind."</p> - -<p>"And you won't take back the money?"</p> - -<p>"No; you can keep the money at any rate."</p> - -<p>"Where's the money?" asked Clip, cautiously.</p> - -<p>The stranger took out a five-dollar gold piece, and showed it to Clip. -Clip had seen gold coins before, and he understood the value of what was -offered him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Where can I put you?" he said.</p> - -<p>"We'll go round the boat together, and see if we can find a place."</p> - -<p>The round was taken, and the stranger selected a dark corner behind a -bin of wheat.</p> - -<p>"Will Massa Bob, as you call him; be likely to look here?"</p> - -<p>"No; I reckon not."</p> - -<p>"Have you got anything to eat on board which you can bring me by and -by?"</p> - -<p>"I'm goin' on shore soon as Massa Bob gets back. I'll buy something."</p> - -<p>"That will do."</p> - -<p>The stranger ensconced himself in his hiding-place, and soon after Bob -and Sam returned.</p> - -<p>"Has anybody been here, Clip?" asked Bob.</p> - -<p>"No, Massa Bob," answered Clip, solemnly.</p> - -<p>Poor Clip's moral convictions were rather obtuse, and a lie did not -impress him as seriously wrong.</p> - -<p>"What have you been doing while we were away?"</p> - -<p>"Nothin', Massa Bob."</p> - -<p>"That's what you like best to do, Clip, isn't it?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Dat's where you're right, Massa Bob. Yah, yah!"</p> - -<p>"Well, you can go to your supper, Clip. Here's some money."</p> - -<p>"All right, Massa Bob."</p> - -<p>Clip did not seem in any great hurry to go. He was rather afraid that -Bob and Sam would explore the boat while he was away. Finally he walked -away with slow steps, looking back from time to time.</p> - -<p>"What's got into Clip?" said Bob, wonderingly.</p> - -<p>"I guess he isn't hungry," answered Sam, with a laugh.</p> - -<p>Ten minutes later Bob's attention was drawn to a crowd of men and boys -who were approaching the boat. He naturally wondered what was the object -of the assemblage.</p> - -<p>The leader called out to Bob, when he had approached sufficiently near:</p> - -<p>"I say, boy, have you seen anything of a man with dark hair, florid -complexion, wearing a light suit, running along the bank?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir. Why?"</p> - -<p>"A man of that description has stolen a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> sum of money from a dry-goods -store in the town. He was seen running in this direction. We thought you -might have seen him."</p> - -<p>"No, sir; I have seen nothing of such a man."</p> - -<p>Bob little dreamed that the thief in question was concealed at that -moment within twenty-five feet of where he was sitting.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXV.</span> <span class="smaller">CLIP'S SECRET MISSION.</span></h2> - -<p>The man who had addressed Bob eyed him sharply on receiving his negative -answer.</p> - -<p>"It is a pretty serious thing to connive at the escape of a criminal," -he said.</p> - -<p>"That remark does not affect me, sir. I know nothing of any criminal. If -I had seen him I would tell you."</p> - -<p>Bob talked so frankly and honestly that it seemed impossible to doubt -his word. The leader of the pursuing party turned to consult with a -friend.</p> - -<p>"The boy seems straightforward," he said. "What do you think?"</p> - -<p>"I agree with you. Still, the man was seen to run in this direction."</p> - -<p>The first questioner was the one most concerned in the capture of the -guilty party, for it was his store that had been robbed.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Have you been here all the time?" he asked, turning once more to Bob.</p> - -<p>"No, sir; my friend and I have been to the village to get supper."</p> - -<p>"Did you leave no one on board?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir; a colored boy in my service—a boy named Clip."</p> - -<p>"Did he mention having seen any suspicious party, or any man who seemed -to be running away?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir."</p> - -<p>"Where is he? I would like to speak with him."</p> - -<p>"He has gone to the village to get his supper."</p> - -<p>If Clip had been present he would no doubt have been questioned, but as -he was absent the party of investigation did not think it worth while to -wait.</p> - -<p>"That's rather curious, Sam," said Bob, when they were again alone. "We -were suspected of screening a criminal."</p> - -<p>"I wouldn't give much for the fellow's chance of escape. They are -evidently determined to catch him."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span></p> - -<p>These words were all distinctly heard by the man in hiding.</p> - -<p>"I was lucky to fall in with the little nigger," he reflected. "Them -boys would have refused to help me. They would give me up now if they -knew I was on board. I must be careful."</p> - -<p>Clip came back at the end of half an hour. If Bob had taken notice of -him, he would have noticed that the boy's pockets bulged out as if -crowded with articles. But he had no especial reason for suspecting Clip -of any underhand proceeding, and sat with Sam talking about home -matters, leaving his young colored servant to his own devices.</p> - -<p>Clip was faithful to his trust. He had agreed to take care of his -concealed passenger, and he was determined to do so.</p> - -<p>As soon as he could do so without observation, he went to the man's -hiding-place and poured out the contents of his pockets. There were some -buns and small rolls and a few round cakes.</p> - -<p>"Will they do you, mister?" he asked, in a low voice.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Yes; but I'm terribly thirsty. Have you got any whisky aboard?"</p> - -<p>Clip shook his head.</p> - -<p>"We ain't got no 'toxicating liquors," he answered.</p> - -<p>"Can you bring me a glass of water?"</p> - -<p>"I'll try. If you'd let me tell Massa Bob you were on board, I guess -he'd give you some milk."</p> - -<p>"Milk be—hanged! No, I'll make it do with water. Don't you tell this -Bob, on any account, that I am here!"</p> - -<p>"All right, massa!" answered Clip; but he was getting more and more -puzzled. "Are you goin' to stay in dat place all night?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"You'll find it mighty uncomfor'ble. If Massa Bob knew you was here—"</p> - -<p>"He is not to know, do you hear?" said the other, impatiently.</p> - -<p>"All right, massa! You know best."</p> - -<p>"Of course I know best."</p> - -<p>By this time Clip was missed.</p> - -<p>"Where are you, Clip?" asked Bob.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I'm jist loafin' around, Massa Bob," said Clip, a little startled.</p> - -<p>"There's something strange about you to-night, Clip; I don't understand -it."</p> - -<p>"I'm thinkin' of old times down in Arkansaw, Massa Bob."</p> - -<p>"Would you like to be there now, Clip?"</p> - -<p>"No, Massa Bob, I'd rather live with you and your mudder. My ol' massa -use to give me plenty of lickin's. I don't want to go back, never no -more."</p> - -<p>Clip still continued to be restless and uneasy. He knew he had no -authority for taking a passenger on board, and feared that Bob would -take away the five dollars if he learned that Clip had accepted so large -a sum. To do Clip justice, he had no idea that the man whom he had -hidden was an offender against the laws, and that the police were in -search of him. Even if he had known this, however, it is not certain -that Clip would have been prejudiced against the offender. In truth, his -prejudices were against the agents of the law rather than against those -who had offended.</p> - -<p>Bob and Sam usually retired early; but <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span>to-night, to Clip's discontent, -they remained up later than usual, talking about matters at home.</p> - -<p>"Isn't you ever goin' to bed, Massa Bob?" asked Clip, at last.</p> - -<p>"What is your hurry, Clip? Are you sleepy?"</p> - -<p>"Awful sleepy, Massa Bob," answered Clip; "can't hardly keep my eyes -open."</p> - -<p>"Then you can go to bed any time. Sam and I will soon follow."</p> - -<p>This was not altogether satisfactory, for Clip meant to get up as soon -as Bob and Sam were asleep and visit his passenger, who had expressed a -wish to have him do so. However, there was nothing to be said, and Clip -withdrew to his bunk and lay down; but, as may readily be guessed, his -mind was too active for sleep.</p> - -<p>There was some one else who was anxious to have Bob and Sam retire. This -was the hidden passenger, who found his quarters contracted and -uncomfortable.</p> - -<p>"What's the matter with those confounded boys?" he growled to himself. -"They seem<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> determined to sit up on purpose to vex me. When they are -once asleep I can get up and stretch my limbs."</p> - -<p>In about twenty minutes the boys, judging from their deep and regular -breathing, had fallen asleep.</p> - -<p>Clip, who had been waiting anxiously, raised himself on his elbow and -eyed them closely.</p> - -<p>Feeling that it was now safe for him to do so, he slipped out of bed -cautiously and began to feel his way toward the hiding-place of his new -acquaintance.</p> - -<p>"They're asleep," he whispered. "Now, what you want, massa?"</p> - -<p>"It's high time they were," growled the man. "I thought they were going -to sit up all night."</p> - -<p>"So did I," returned Clip.</p> - -<p>"Are you sure there is no whisky on board?"</p> - -<p>"No, massa."</p> - -<p>"I suppose you could get some for me on shore. There's a saloon only -three minutes' walk from this place."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span></p> - -<p>Clip was reluctant to go on shore on such an errand; but finally the -offer of fifty cents for himself induced him to do so. He took a tin cup -which Bob had brought with him from home, and started on his errand.</p> - -<p>At the saloon he was asked, "Do you want this for yourself? We don't -sell to boys."</p> - -<p>"No, massa; it's for a sick man."</p> - -<p>"Where's the sick man?"</p> - -<p>"On board a boat."</p> - -<p>Upon this representation the whisky was obtained, and Clip started on -his return. His curiosity led him to take a swallow of the whisky he was -carrying, but it did not commend itself to Clip's palate.</p> - -<p>"It's nasty stuff!" he said with a grimace; "I don't see what fo' people -drink it."</p> - -<p>He carried the drink safely to the passenger, who drank it and smacked -his lips over it. "It goes to the right spot," he said.</p> - -<p>"Do those boys sleep sound?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes, massa."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Then I'll get out of this beastly hole and take a turn on deck."</p> - -<p>"Be keerful, massa!" said Clip anxiously.</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes; I won't make any noise."</p> - -<p>Clip crept back to bed and succeeded in resuming his place without -disturbing or arousing Bob or Sam.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXVI.</span> <span class="smaller">WAS IT THE CAT?</span></h2> - -<p>Usually Bob Burton slept all night; but to-night, unfortunately for -Clip, he awakened about two o'clock in the morning. By an equally -perverse chance, just as he awoke, the concealed passenger, now enjoying -the freedom of the deck, broke out into a stentorian sneeze. Bob heard -it, and so did Clip, whose uneasiness made him sleep more lightly than -usual, and both were startled.</p> - -<p>"I hope Massa Bob won't hear dat," thought Clip.</p> - -<p>But Bob did hear it.</p> - -<p>"What's that?" he asked, half rising in bed.</p> - -<p>"It's me!" answered Clip, preferring to admit the sneeze rather than -have Bob suspect that there was any one else on the boat.</p> - -<p>"Do you mean to say you sneezed, Clip?" asked Bob, in amazement.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Yes, Massa Bob."</p> - -<p>"You must be dreaming. The sneeze came from another part of the boat."</p> - -<p>"Are you sure?" asked Clip.</p> - -<p>"Yes. What made you tell me that it was you who sneezed?"</p> - -<p>"I t'ought I did, Massa Bob."</p> - -<p>"When did you wake up?"</p> - -<p>"Just now."</p> - -<p>"The sneeze must have waked you up."</p> - -<p>"I dunno," answered Clip, dubiously.</p> - -<p>"There must be some one on board, unless we both dreamed about the -sneeze."</p> - -<p>"Mebbe it's a cat!" remarked Clip, ingenuously.</p> - -<p>Bob laughed. "It must be a very remarkable cat that would sneeze like -that," he said.</p> - -<p>"Jus' so, Massa Bob," assented Clip, meekly, hoping that Bob would drop -the subject.</p> - -<p>"I think, Clip, I shall get up and search for that cat."</p> - -<p>"Don't you do it, Massa Bob. He—he might bite you."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I hope I am not such a coward as to be afraid of a cat."</p> - -<p>Bob rose and lighted a candle which he had with him. Then, followed by -Clip, he advanced to the other end of the deck. But the passenger had -warning, having heard the conversation which had taken place between Bob -and Clip, and had hurriedly retreated to his former hiding-place. It did -not occur to Bob to look there, and he returned from his fruitless -search more mystified than ever.</p> - -<p>But, Clip being close beside him, he caught the aroma of the single -swallow of whisky which Clip had taken, and he immediately began to -suspect poor Clip of having indulged in much deeper potations than he -was guilty of.</p> - -<p>"Clip," he said, suddenly, "I smell whisky."</p> - -<p>"Does you, Massa Bob?" asked Clip, feeling that he was getting into a -scrape.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I do, Clip; and where do you think it comes from?"</p> - -<p>"Don't know, Massa Bob; 'deed I don't."</p> - -<p>"It comes from your mouth, Clip. You've been drinking!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span></p> - -<p>Drops of perspiration stood on Clip's forehead. He could not excuse -himself, or explain matters, without betraying his secret. Not thinking -of anything to say, he said nothing.</p> - -<p>"Tell me the truth, Clip; have you been drinking?"</p> - -<p>"I jes' took a little swaller."</p> - -<p>"Where did you take it?"</p> - -<p>"On sho'."</p> - -<p>"What made you do such a thing? I didn't dream that you were getting -intemperate, Clip."</p> - -<p>"You see, Massa Bob, a gen'leman asked me to bring him a drink of -whisky, and I t'ought I'd jest see how it tasted."</p> - -<p>"Who asked you to bring him some whisky?" asked Bob, who believed this -to be a pure fiction on the part of his young companion.</p> - -<p>"A gen'leman."</p> - -<p>"What gentleman?"</p> - -<p>"He didn't tell me his name."</p> - -<p>"I think you are telling me a lie, Clip."</p> - -<p>"No I ain't, Massa Bob; it's as true as de Bible."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I don't think you know much about the Bible, Clip."</p> - -<p>"It's all true what I told you, Massa Bob. If I find de gen'leman, I'll -bring him here to tell you."</p> - -<p>The witness referred to smiled to himself grimly when he heard this -statement.</p> - -<p>"That little nigger's a brick!" he said to himself. "As to that other -boy, I'd like to throw him overboard. He's too fond of meddling with -other people's business."</p> - -<p>It may occur to the reader that this was hardly a fair way of stating -the case. As the boat belonged to Bob, and he was the commander, it -might safely be assumed that he had a right to inquire into anything -that excited his suspicion.</p> - -<p>"Are you goin' back to bed, Massa Bob?" asked Clip, uneasily.</p> - -<p>"Wait a minute, Clip; I want to get a drink of water."</p> - -<p>Again poor Clip was in bad luck. The tin dipper had been used to procure -the whisky, and of course it still smelled strongly of that liquor.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Clip," said Bob, as soon as he had raised it to his lips, "you got some -whisky in this cup."</p> - -<p>"Ye'es," admitted Clip.</p> - -<p>"And you drank it yourself instead of giving it to any gentleman."</p> - -<p>"No, I didn't, Massa Bob," stoutly, and as we know truly, asserted Clip.</p> - -<p>"I'm ashamed of you, Clip. If you are going to act in this way, I shall -have to send you home. You have been acting very queerly this evening. -Sam and I both noticed it, but I didn't think you had formed a taste for -whisky."</p> - -<p>"I don't love it, Massa Bob. I hate it. It's awful nasty stuff."</p> - -<p>"And you didn't drink this dipper full, then?"</p> - -<p>"No, I didn't."</p> - -<p>"What did you do with it?"</p> - -<p>"Throwed it away, Massa Bob. I only took one swaller. I couldn't drink -it if you gave me half a dollar; 'deed I couldn't."</p> - -<p>"I hope this is true, Clip. I shouldn't like to tell my mother that you -had become intemperate."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span></p> - -<p>"What's the matter?" was heard from Sam's bed at this juncture. "Where -are you, Bob?"</p> - -<p>"Here I am, Sam."</p> - -<p>"What made you get up?"</p> - -<p>"I thought I heard a noise on deck; so Clip and I got up."</p> - -<p>"What was it like?"</p> - -<p>"A sneeze. Clip thought it might be a cat."</p> - -<p>Bob and Sam laughed at the ludicrous idea, and Clip joined in, glad that -Bob's embarrassing cross-examination was over.</p> - -<p>"You'd better come to bed, both of you. Very likely you dreamed it."</p> - -<p>At that moment, and before Bob had put out the candle, there was a most -unlooked-for corroboration of Clip's singular theory.</p> - -<p>An immense tom-cat ran swiftly between Bob's legs, from some place of -concealment. Both he and Clip saw it, and the latter was quick to take -advantage of the opportune appearance of the animal.</p> - -<p>"Dare's de cat, Massa Bob," he shouted, triumphantly. "Didn't I tell you -it was a cat?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span></p> - -<p>Bob was temporarily nonplussed. Clip seemed to have the best of the -argument.</p> - -<p>"All I can say is, it is a remarkable cat," he said. "I wish it would -sneeze again."</p> - -<p>The rest of the night passed without anything remarkable happening. All -three boys slept soundly. Indeed, it was later than usual, probably on -account of their sleep being interrupted during the night, that they -awoke.</p> - -<p>According to custom, the boys took turns in going out to breakfast.</p> - -<p>"Clip, you and Sam can go out together," said Bob. "I will take my turn -afterwards."</p> - -<p>"I ain't in no hurry, Massa Bob," said Clip. "You an' Sam go first, and -I'll go afterwards."</p> - -<p>Bob thought this a little strange, but did not object.</p> - -<p>When Clip was left alone he went at once to see his charge.</p> - -<p>"Hope you pass de night good," said Clip, politely.</p> - -<p>"I'm awfully cramped up," groaned the other. "But you're a trump, Clip. -You stood by me like a Trojan."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, massa. I'm afraid Massa<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> Bob'll find you out. How long you -goin' to stay?"</p> - -<p>"Till I get a few miles from this town. Then he may find me and -welcome."</p> - -<p>Clip felt that it would be a great relief to him when there was no -further need of concealment.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXVII.</span> <span class="smaller">THE MYSTERIOUS PASSENGER IS DISCOVERED.</span></h2> - -<p>Bob Burton started on his trip down the river quite unaware that he -carried a passenger; Clip's peculiar nervousness attracted his -attention, and he wondered at it, but finally was led to attribute it to -the whisky, of which he credited Clip with having drunk a considerable -amount. We know that he was mistaken in this, but those who practice -deception are apt to be misjudged, and have no right to complain.</p> - -<p>One more discovery puzzled Bob. Clip happened to have a hole in the -pocket in which he carried the money given him by the mysterious -passenger. At first it was not large enough to imperil the safety of the -coin; but Clip thrust his hand so often into his pocket, to see if the -money was safe, that he had unconsciously enlarged the opening. As a -result of this, as he was walking the deck, a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span> two-dollar-and-a-half -gold piece, obtained in change, slipped out, and fell upon the deck. Bob -happened to be close at hand, and instantly espied the coin.</p> - -<p>Clip walked on without noticing his loss.</p> - -<p>Bob stooped and picked up the coin.</p> - -<p>"A gold piece!" he thought, in amazement. "Where can Clip possibly have -got it?"</p> - -<p>He had not missed any of his own money. Indeed, he knew that none of it -was in gold. Certainly the case looked very mysterious.</p> - -<p>"Clip," he said.</p> - -<p>"What, Massa Bob?" returned Clip, innocently.</p> - -<p>"Is this gold piece yours?"</p> - -<p>Clip started, and, if he had been white, would have turned pale.</p> - -<p>"I reckon it is, Massa Bob," he answered, with hesitation.</p> - -<p>"Where did it come from?"</p> - -<p>"From my pocket," he answered.</p> - -<p>"But how did it come into your pocket, Clip?"</p> - -<p>"I put it there."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Look here, Clip," said Bob, sternly. "You are evading the question."</p> - -<p>"What's dat, Massa Bob?"</p> - -<p>"You are trying to get rid of telling me the truth. Did you steal this -money?"</p> - -<p>"No, I didn't," answered Clip, indignantly. "I nebber steal."</p> - -<p>"I am glad to hear it. Then, if you didn't steal it, how did you get -it?"</p> - -<p>Clip scratched his kinky hair. He was puzzled.</p> - -<p>"I done found it," he answered, at length.</p> - -<p>"Where did you find it?"</p> - -<p>"In de—de street."</p> - -<p>"When and where?"</p> - -<p>"Dis mornin', when I was comin' from breakfast."</p> - -<p>"If you found it, there would be no objection to your keeping it," he -said, "provided you could not find the original owner."</p> - -<p>"Can't find him now, nohow," said Clip, briskly.</p> - -<p>"Come here a minute."</p> - -<p>Clip approached, not understanding Bob's reason for calling him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span></p> - -<p>Bob suddenly thrust his hand into Clip's pocket, and drew out two silver -dollars, and a quarter, the remains of the five-dollar gold piece, Clip -having spent a quarter.</p> - -<p>"What's all this?" he asked, in amazement. "Did you find this money, -too?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, Massa Bob," he answered, faintly.</p> - -<p>"Clip, I am convinced you are lying."</p> - -<p>"No, I'm not."</p> - -<p>"Do you mean to tell me you found all these coins on the sidewalk?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, Massa Bob."</p> - -<p>"That is not very likely. Clip, I don't want to suspect you of -dishonesty, but it looks very much as if you had been stealing."</p> - -<p>"No, I haven't, Massa Bob," asserted Clip, stoutly.</p> - -<p>"Do you still tell me that you found all this money?"</p> - -<p>Clip began to find himself involved in the intricacies of his lie, and -his courage gave out.</p> - -<p>"No, Massa Bob. Don't you get mad with me, and I'll tell you the trufe."</p> - -<p>"Tell it, then."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span></p> - -<p>"A gemman gave it to me."</p> - -<p>"A gentleman gave you this money. What did he give it to you for?"</p> - -<p>"He—he wanted to go down de ribber," stammered Clip.</p> - -<p>"Wanted to go down the river? Suppose he did," said Bob, not yet -understanding; "why should he give you money?"</p> - -<p>"He wanted me to let him go as a passenger on de boat."</p> - -<p>"Ha!" said Bob, a sudden light breaking in upon him. "And you agreed to -take him?"</p> - -<p>"Ye-es, Massa Bob."</p> - -<p>"Where is he now?"</p> - -<p>It was not Clip that answered this question. There was heard a noise -from the corner as of some one moving about, and from his sheltered -place of refuge, the mysterious passenger stepped forth. He coolly took -out his silk handkerchief and dusted his coat and vest.</p> - -<p>"Really," he said, "I can't say much for your accommodations for -passengers. Have you got such a thing as a clothes-brush on board this -craft?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span></p> - -<p>Bob stared at him in amazement, and could not find a word to say for the -space of a minute.</p> - -<p>"Who are you, sir?" he asked, at length.</p> - -<p>"Who am I? Well, you may call me John Smith, for want of a better name."</p> - -<p>"When did you come on board?"</p> - -<p>"At the last landing. I made a bargain with that dark-complexioned young -man"—with a grin at Clip—"who for the sum of five dollars agreed to -convey me to St. Louis. It wasn't a very high price, if I had decent -accommodations."</p> - -<p>"Why didn't you tell me this, Clip?" demanded Bob.</p> - -<p>"I—de gemman didn't want me to," stammered Clip.</p> - -<p>"Quite right," corroborated the stranger. "I told Clip he needn't -mention our little arrangement, as he thought you might object to it. I -don't blame him for telling you at last, for you forced him to do so. I -suppose you are the captain."</p> - -<p>"I am all the captain there is," answered Bob.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I am delighted to make your acquaintance, really. I assure you I am -glad to get out of that dusty hole, and presume you will now allow me -the freedom of the deck."</p> - -<p>The stranger was so cool and self-possessed—cheeky, perhaps it might be -called—that Bob eyed him in wonder.</p> - -<p>"Why did you select my boat in preference to a regular passenger -steamer?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"A little whim of mine!" answered the other, airily. "The truth is, I am -a newspaper reporter, and I thought such a trip as I am making would -furnish the materials for a taking article. I mean to call it 'In the -Steerage; or, a Boat Ride on the Missouri.' Good idea, isn't it?"</p> - -<p>"Why, yes, it might be," said Bob, dryly; "but I think the owner of the -boat ought to have been consulted."</p> - -<p>"Accept my apologies, Captain Bob," said the passenger, with a smile. -"If there was a saloon near, I would invite you to take a drink with me, -but—"</p> - -<p>"Never mind. I don't drink. Here, Clip!"</p> - -<p>"Well, Massa Bob."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You did wrong to take this man's money, and you must return it."</p> - -<p>At these last words Clip's countenance fell.</p> - -<p>Bob counted the money and handed it to the stranger.</p> - -<p>"There are twenty-five cents missing," he said. "I will make that up -from my own pocket."</p> - -<p>"Let the boy keep the money. I don't want it back."</p> - -<p>"I cannot allow him to keep it."</p> - -<p>Clip's face, which had brightened at the stranger's words, fell again.</p> - -<p>"What is your objection?" asked the passenger.</p> - -<p>"I may as well be frank with you. I understand your reason for embarking -on my boat in preference to waiting for a river steamer. You were in a -hurry to leave the town."</p> - -<p>"That's what I said."</p> - -<p>"Shall I mention the reason?"</p> - -<p>"If you like."</p> - -<p>"Because you had been implicated in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span>robbing a store—perhaps several. -This is stolen money."</p> - -<p>"I deny it. I may have been suspected. In fact, I don't mind admitting -that I was, and that I thought it my best policy to get away. The good -people were likely to give me a great deal of trouble. Thanks to you—"</p> - -<p>"Not to me."</p> - -<p>"To Clip, then, I managed to elude their vigilance. It makes me laugh to -think of their disappointment."</p> - -<p>Bob did not appear to look upon it as a joke, however.</p> - -<p>"Of course I shall not allow you to remain on the boat," he said.</p> - -<p>"I'll give you twenty-five—thirty dollars," said the stranger, -earnestly.</p> - -<p>"I decline. It would be making me your accomplice. I would be receiving -stolen money."</p> - -<p>"What do you propose, then?"</p> - -<p>"I will steer the boat as near the shore as I can, and request you to -land."</p> - -<p>The stranger shrugged his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"Very well," he said. "We must be eight<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span> or ten miles away from my -accusers. I think I can manage for myself now."</p> - -<p>In ten minutes the stranger stepped jauntily ashore, and, lifting his -hat, bade Bob a cheerful good-bye.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXVIII.</span> <span class="smaller">SAM FINDS A RELATION.</span></h2> - -<p>As my readers may feel interested in the subsequent adventures of the -mysterious passenger, I may state that his extraordinary coolness did -not save him. A description of his appearance had been sent to the -neighboring towns, and only a few hours after he had left the ferry-boat -he was arrested, and taken back to the scene of his theft. A trial was -held immediately, and before the end of the week he found himself an -inmate of the county jail.</p> - -<p>On the day succeeding his departure, Bob brought the boat to anchor at a -place we will call Sheldon.</p> - -<p>There was no restaurant, and Bob and Sam took supper at the Sheldon -Hotel.</p> - -<p>Clip had been sent on shore first, and the boys felt in no hurry to -return. They <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span>accordingly sat down on a settee upon the veranda which -ran along the front of the hotel.</p> - -<p>As they sat there, unknown to themselves they attracted the attention of -a middle-aged man with sandy hair and complexion, whose glances, -however, seemed to be especially directed towards Sam.</p> - -<p>Finally, he approached the boys and commenced a conversation.</p> - -<p>"Young gentlemen," he said, "you are strangers here, I imagine?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," replied Bob.</p> - -<p>"Are you traveling through the country?"</p> - -<p>"We have a boat on the river, sir; but we generally tie up at night, and -start fresh in the morning."</p> - -<p>"How far do you intend going?"</p> - -<p>"To St. Louis."</p> - -<p>"Pardon my curiosity, but it is not common for two boys of your age to -undertake such an enterprise alone. Are you in charge of the boat?"</p> - -<p>"He is," said Sam, indicating Bob.</p> - -<p>"And you, I suppose, are a relative of his?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir; I help him."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Have you come from a distance?"</p> - -<p>"Decidedly," thought Bob, "this gentleman is very curious."</p> - -<p>Still there seemed to be no reason for concealment, and accordingly he -mentioned the name of the village in which Sam and himself made their -home.</p> - -<p>Their new acquaintance appeared to take extraordinary interest in this -intelligence.</p> - -<p>"Is there a man named Wolverton who lives in your town?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes," answered Bob, in surprise; "Aaron Wolverton."</p> - -<p>"Exactly. This young man," indicating Sam, "has the Wolverton look."</p> - -<p>Now it was Sam's turn to be surprised.</p> - -<p>"I am Sam Wolverton," he said. "Do you know my uncle?"</p> - -<p>"I not only know him, but I knew your father, if you are the son of John -Wolverton."</p> - -<p>"That was my father's name."</p> - -<p>"Then I am a relative. My name is Robert Granger, and I am a cousin of -your mother."</p> - -<p>"My mother's maiden name was Granger,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span> said Sam, becoming very much, -interested. "Do you live here, sir?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; I have lived in Sheldon for the last ten years. I came from Ohio -originally. It was there that your father met my cousin Fanny, and -married her. Do you live with your Uncle Aaron?"</p> - -<p>"I have been living with him," answered Sam, hesitating.</p> - -<p>"Does that mean that you have left him?" asked Mr. Granger, quickly.</p> - -<p>Sam looked inquiringly at Bob. He hardly knew whether it would be -advisable for him to take this stranger, relation though he were, into -his confidence.</p> - -<p>Bob answered his unspoken inquiry.</p> - -<p>"Tell him all, Sam," he said.</p> - -<p>"I have left my Uncle Aaron," said Sam, "without his consent. I hid on -board Bob's boat, and got away."</p> - -<p>"You have run away, then?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir; you may blame me for doing so, but you would not if you knew -how meanly Uncle Aaron has treated me!"</p> - -<p>"I know Aaron Wolverton, and I am far<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span> from admiring him," said Robert -Granger. "But in what way has he ill-treated you?"</p> - -<p>"He made me work very hard, and would not always give me enough to eat. -He keeps a very plain table."</p> - -<p>"But why should he make you work hard?"</p> - -<p>"He said I ought to earn my living."</p> - -<p>"Did he say that?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, whenever I complained. He asked me what would have become of me if -he had not given me a home."</p> - -<p>"The old hypocrite! And what has he done with your property?"</p> - -<p>"My property!" repeated Sam, hardly believing his ears.</p> - -<p>"Yes. Of course you know that you have property, and that your Uncle -Aaron is your guardian?"</p> - -<p>"I never knew that I had a cent of money, sir. Uncle always said that my -father died very poor."</p> - -<p>"Your father, to my knowledge, left property to the amount of five -thousand dollars."</p> - -<p>"That is all news to me, Mr. Granger."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span></p> - -<p>"And to me," added Bob. "I heard Mr. Wolverton tell my father the same -story, that John Wolverton died without a cent, and that he had taken in -Sam out of charity."</p> - -<p>"He seems to have taken him in, emphatically."</p> - -<p>"In what did the property consist?" asked Bob.</p> - -<p>"In a house, situated in St. Louis—a small house in the outskirts of -the city—and some shares of bank stock."</p> - -<p>"He thought Sam would never find out anything of it."</p> - -<p>"I should not, if I had not met you, Mr. Granger."</p> - -<p>"Old Aaron Wolverton is a long-headed man; but even long-headed men -sometimes over-reach themselves, and I think he has done so in this -instance."</p> - -<p>"But what can I do, sir? I am only a boy, and if I should say anything -about the matter to Uncle Aaron he would deny it, and perhaps treat me -the worse."</p> - -<p>"There is one thing Aaron Wolverton is afraid of, and that is the law. -He doesn't care<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span> for the honesty or dishonesty of a transaction, but he -doesn't mean to let the law trip him up. That is the hold we shall have -upon him."</p> - -<p>"I believe you there," said Bob. "He has already tried to swindle my -mother, and he is scheming now to get possession of our ranch. It is -partly on that account that I started on this trip down the river."</p> - -<p>"Do you carry freight, then?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir; I carry a thousand bushels of wheat—rather more, in -fact—intending to sell them in St. Louis."</p> - -<p>"Couldn't you have sent them?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir; but by taking the wheat to market myself I shall save the -heavy expense of freight, and commission for selling."</p> - -<p>"You seem to be a smart boy," said Robert Granger, eying Bob with -interest.</p> - -<p>"I hope you are right," Bob answered, with a laugh.</p> - -<p>"My young cousin accompanies you to help, I suppose?"</p> - -<p>"He came on board at the last moment, having determined to run away from -Aaron Wolverton."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I wish you could spare him; I should like to take him home to talk over -family matters with myself and my lawyer, and we would concert some way -of forcing Aaron Wolverton to give up his property. I have some children -of my own, who would be glad to make his acquaintance."</p> - -<p>"Would you like to accept Mr. Granger's invitation, Sam?" asked Bob.</p> - -<p>"But I am afraid you will need me, Bob."</p> - -<p>"No; I have Clip. I think it will be well for you to stay. I will call -on my way back."</p> - -<p>So it was arranged that Sam should leave the boat and stay over. Bob -returned to the boat alone.</p> - -<p>The next day proved to be an eventful one.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXIX.</span> <span class="smaller">ROCKY CREEK LANDING.</span></h2> - -<p>Twenty miles further down the river, at a point called Rocky Creek, two -men of questionable appearance were walking slowly along the bank. One -of them has been already introduced as visiting the boat, and displaying -a great deal of curiosity about the cargo. The other, also, had the look -of one who preferred to live in any other way than by honest industry.</p> - -<p>"Suppose the boy doesn't touch here?" said one.</p> - -<p>"Our plan would in that case be put out," said his companion; "but I -don't think there is any doubt on that point. Last night he was at -Sheldon, and this would naturally be the next stopping-place."</p> - -<p>"He is drawing near the end of his cruise. It won't do to delay much -longer."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You are right, there."</p> - -<p>"I wasn't in favor of delaying so long. We have risked failure."</p> - -<p>"Don't worry, Minton. I'm managing this affair. I've got just as much at -stake as you."</p> - -<p>"If all comes out right, I shall be satisfied; but I need the money I am -to get for it from old Wolverton."</p> - -<p>"That's a trifle. I am playing for a larger stake than that."</p> - -<p>"What, then?"</p> - -<p>"The paltry fifty dollars divided between two would not have tempted me. -Do you know, Minton, how large and valuable a cargo there is on that old -ferry-boat?"</p> - -<p>"No; do you?"</p> - -<p>"Not exactly; but I know this much, that there are at least a thousand -bushels of wheat, which will easily fetch, in St. Louis, two thousand -dollars."</p> - -<p>"How will that benefit us?"</p> - -<p>"You seem to be very dull, Minton. When we have once shut up young -Burton in the place arranged, you and I will take his place,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span> drift down -the river, and dispose of the cargo, if necessary, at a point below the -market price, and retire with a cool thousand apiece."</p> - -<p>"You've got a head, Brown!" said Minton, admiringly.</p> - -<p>"Have you just found that out?" returned Brown, complacently.</p> - -<p>"Do you really think there is a chance of our succeeding?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; of course we must be expeditious. Two or three days, now, ought to -carry us to St. Louis. Then, by selling below the market price, we can -command an immediate sale. Then, of course, we will clear out; go to -California, or Europe, or Canada."</p> - -<p>"But we must get Wolverton's money."</p> - -<p>"If we can without risk. It won't be worth that."</p> - -<p>"I don't like the idea of the old man escaping scot-free."</p> - -<p>"He won't; you may be sure of that," said Brown, significantly. "He has -placed himself in our power, and we will get a good deal more than fifty -dollars out of him before we get through, or my name isn't Brown."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span></p> - -<p>"What a head you've got!" repeated Minton, with cordial admiration of -the sharper rascal.</p> - -<p>"Then there's the other affair, too!" said Brown. "We are safe to make a -good round sum out of that."</p> - -<p>"Yes; but how can we look after the other? It won't be safe for us to -remain anywhere in this locality if we sell the cargo."</p> - -<p>"Leave that to me, Minton. I will get Joe Springer to negotiate for us."</p> - -<p>By this time the reader will have guessed that these two men were those -already referred to as having stopped Wolverton on the night preceding -Bob's departure. The arrangement then made, Brown had improved upon. He -had engaged to remove the boys from the boat, and set it adrift. But it -had occurred to him, after ascertaining the value of the cargo, to sell -it for the joint benefit of his confederate and himself. It was the most -promising job he had undertaken for a long time, and he was sanguine of -ultimate success. He had followed the boat down the river, and had -finally selected Rocky Creek as the point<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span> most favorable to the -carrying out of his design.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Bob and Clip were on their way down the river. Sam, as already -described, had left them at Sheldon, and was enjoying himself as the -guest of Captain Granger, as he found his kinsman was called. Bob missed -him, not finding Clip, though improved, as reliable as Sam. But he was -drawing near the end of his voyage and was willing to make the -sacrifice, since it seemed to be so favorable to Sam's prospects. The -information which had been communicated to them touching Aaron -Wolverton's breach of trust did not, on the whole, surprise him, except -by its audacity; for Wolverton had thus far been careful not to place -himself within reach of the law and its penalties. He was delighted to -think Sam had found a new friend and protector, who would compel the -unfaithful guardian to account for his dishonesty.</p> - -<p>Clip heartily sympathized with Bob in his feeling upon the subject. He -liked Sam, but disliked Wolverton as much as one of his easy, careless -disposition was capable of doing.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span></p> - -<p>"It seems lonely without Sam," said Bob, while standing at the helm, -with Clip sitting on deck whistling just beside him.</p> - -<p>"Dat's so, Massa Bob."</p> - -<p>"But I am glad he has found a relation who will help him to get his -money."</p> - -<p>"I'd like to see ol' man Wolverton when Sam come back with Massa -Granger."</p> - -<p>"Probably you will have a chance to see him. If he hadn't driven Sam -away by his bad treatment he would never have found out how he had been -cheated."</p> - -<p>"Dat's so, Massa Bob. I'd like to be in Sam's shoes."</p> - -<p>"You'd have to make your feet smaller, then, Clip!"</p> - -<p>"Yah! yah!" laughed Clip, who enjoyed a joke at his own expense.</p> - -<p>Bob found his work harder now that Sam was not on board to relieve him -of a part of his duty. But they were making good speed, and there seemed -a chance of reaching St. Louis within three days. All was going well, -yet an indefinable anxiety troubled Bob. Why, he could not explain.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Clip," he said, "I don't know how it is, but I feel as if something -were going to happen."</p> - -<p>"What can happen, Massa Bob? De boat is all right."</p> - -<p>"True, Clip. I suppose I am foolish, but I can't get rid of the feeling. -Clip, I want you to be very careful to-night. Don't let any mysterious -passenger come on board."</p> - -<p>"No, Massa Bob. I won't do dat agin."</p> - -<p>"We shall soon be in St. Louis, and then our care and anxiety will be -over."</p> - -<p>"Where will we stop to-night?"</p> - -<p>"At Rocky Creek."</p> - -<p>It was a quarter to five when Bob reached the place where he had decided -to tie up. There was a village of about five hundred inhabitants -situated a little distance from the river-side. A small knot of loungers -was gathered at the landing, and with languid interest surveyed the -river craft and the young crew.</p> - -<p>Among them Bob recognized the man who had visited them two or three -stations back. He knew him by his dress; the Prince Albert<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span> coat, the -damaged hat, and the loud neck-tie. But apart from these he remembered -the face, dark and unshaven, and the shifty black eyes, which naturally -inspired distrust. The man made no movement towards the boat, but leaned -indolently against a tree.</p> - -<p>"Clip," said Bob, quietly, "look at that man leaning against a tree."</p> - -<p>"I see him, Massa Bob."</p> - -<p>"Have you ever seen him before?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, Massa Bob; he came aboard de boat one day."</p> - -<p>"I thought I couldn't be mistaken. I wonder how he comes to be here. Can -he be following us?"</p> - -<p>It was too hard a problem for Clip, who only shrugged his shoulders.</p> - -<p>Just then another man from the assembled group lounged on board. It was -Minton.</p> - -<p>"Boat ahoy!" said he, jauntily. "Are you the captain?"</p> - -<p>"I'm all the captain there is," answered Bob.</p> - -<p>"Have you any wheat to sell? I am a grain merchant."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span></p> - -<p>He looked more like a penniless adventurer, Bob thought.</p> - -<p>"I have no wheat to sell here," said Bob, coldly. "I am on my way to St. -Louis."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps I can do as well by you as the grain merchants in St. Louis."</p> - -<p>"I don't care to sell here," said Bob, shortly.</p> - -<p>"No offense, young man! I suppose a man can make an offer?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly, sir."</p> - -<p>But the stranger did not leave the boat. He walked about, scrutinizing -the arrangements carefully.</p> - -<p>"You've got a pretty big cargo, boy," he said.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"How many bushels now, about?"</p> - -<p>"Why do you wish to know?" asked Bob, eying the stranger keenly.</p> - -<p>"I thought I might like to load a boat like this some time, and it might -be of use to know how much it would carry."</p> - -<p>"Do you live in Rocky Creek?" asked Bob, suddenly.</p> - -<p>"Ye-as."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span></p> - -<p>"May I ask your name?"</p> - -<p>"Smith—James Smith," answered the other, with hesitation.</p> - -<p>"Very well; when I have sold my cargo I will write you the number of -bushels the boat contains."</p> - -<p>"Thank you."</p> - -<p>"Decidedly, the boy is sharp!" said Minton to himself. "He's no -milk-and-water boy!"</p> - -<p>He left the boat, and presently joined his friend Brown.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXX.</span> <span class="smaller">AN UNLUCKY EVENING.</span></h2> - -<p>Bob was still in the habit of getting his supper, and breakfast the next -morning, at the different points where he landed. He left Clip on board, -in charge of the boat, while he sought a good place to obtain a meal. He -found that Rocky Creek possessed but one hotel, and that of a very -modest character, bearing the rather imposing name of the Metropolitan -Hotel.</p> - -<p>He registered his name, and intimated his desire for supper.</p> - -<p>"Supper is on the table," said the clerk.</p> - -<p>Bob entered the dining-room, a forlorn-looking room of small dimensions, -containing a long table, at which sat two persons, a drummer from St. -Louis, and an old man with a gray beard, who kept the principal -dry-goods store in Rocky Creek.</p> - -<p>Bob was assigned a place between the two.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Good-evening," said the drummer, sociably.</p> - -<p>"Good-evening," responded Bob.</p> - -<p>"Are you a regular boarder?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, no; I never was in the place before."</p> - -<p>"How did you come?"</p> - -<p>"By river."</p> - -<p>"Indeed!" said the drummer, puzzled. "Has any steamer touched here -to-day?"</p> - -<p>"No; I came on my own boat."</p> - -<p>"Bound down the river?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Business, I suppose?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; I have a load of wheat which I propose to sell in the city."</p> - -<p>"What house shall you deal with?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know; I'm not acquainted in St. Louis. I shall inquire when I -get there."</p> - -<p>"Then let me recommend you to go to Pearson & Edge. They will treat you -liberally."</p> - -<p>"Thank you. I will call on them and see what I can do."</p> - -<p>"Present my card, if you please, and say I sent you there."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span></p> - -<p>The drummer produced his card and handed it to Bob. From this our hero -learned that his companion was Benjamin Baker, traveling for Dunham & -Co., wholesale grocers.</p> - -<p>"Shall you stay at the hotel this evening?" asked Baker.</p> - -<p>"No; I shall pass the night on my boat."</p> - -<p>"How many have you on board?"</p> - -<p>"Only myself and a colored boy from home—Clip."</p> - -<p>"Isn't that rather a small crew?"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so; but we haven't much to do, except to let the boat drift, -keeping her straight meanwhile."</p> - -<p>"By the way, speaking of Pearson, senior member of the firm I have -recommended, he is in great trouble just now."</p> - -<p>"How is that?"</p> - -<p>"He had a very pretty little girl of about six years old—little Maud. -Two or three days since, as I hear from a friend in the city, the little -girl mysteriously disappeared."</p> - -<p>"Disappeared?"</p> - -<p>"Just so. Her parents think she must have been kidnapped, as a -suspicious-looking <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span>person had been noticed by the nurse hovering near -when they were out walking together."</p> - -<p>"They must be in great trouble and anxiety," said Bob, in a tone of -sympathy, "if they believe this."</p> - -<p>"They would be glad to believe it, for in that case the little girl is -alive, while otherwise she may have strayed to the river and been -drowned. Mr. Pearson, who is wealthy, has offered a reward of one -thousand dollars to any one who will restore his little girl to him."</p> - -<p>As they sat at table, Bob noticed through the window the man Minton, who -had called upon him on the arrival of the boat.</p> - -<p>"Do you know that man, Mr. Baker?" he asked, suddenly.</p> - -<p>The drummer shook his head.</p> - -<p>"I am a stranger, too," he said. "But perhaps this gentleman, who is in -business at Rocky Creek, may be able to give you some information."</p> - -<p>Thus appealed to, the old gentleman looked from the window.</p> - -<p>"It isn't any one I know," he replied. "Why do you ask?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Because he called upon me on my arrival, representing himself as a -grain merchant, and proposed to buy my cargo."</p> - -<p>The old man shrugged his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"He looks more like a tramp than a grain merchant," he said.</p> - -<p>"I agree with you," assented Bob, with a laugh.</p> - -<p>"Did he mention his name?"</p> - -<p>"He called himself James Smith; but as he answered my questions in a -hesitating manner, I concluded that it was an assumed name."</p> - -<p>"Very likely."</p> - -<p>"Then he doesn't live in the village?"</p> - -<p>"No; but he has been here for a day or two."</p> - -<p>"I wonder what could have been his object in representing himself to me -as a grain merchant?" said Bob, thoughtfully.</p> - -<p>"Oh," answered the drummer, "he probably wanted to strike up an -acquaintance which would justify him in borrowing a few dollars of you. -I have met plenty of such characters They live by what they can borrow."</p> -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span></p> - -<p>When supper was over Bob and the drummer rose together.</p> - -<p>"Won't you have a cigar, Mr. Burton?" asked the latter.</p> - -<p>"No, thank you; I don't smoke."</p> - -<p>"Oh, well, you'll learn after a while. At any rate, sit down and keep me -company for a while."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, but I shall have to go back to the boat and give Clip a -chance to get his supper."</p> - -<p>Clip returned from supper at half-past seven, and Bob, feeling wide -awake, decided to go on shore again. He did not care to go to the hotel, -but took a leisurely walk through the village and beyond. It was an -unfortunate walk, for it made him an easy prey to the men who were -scheming against him. In a lonely place two men sprang upon him -suddenly, and before he could understand what was going on, he was -gagged and helpless. In this condition the two men, taking him between -them, hurried him to a lonely house at some distance from the road.</p> - -<p>Bob Burton was brave, but this sudden and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span> mysterious attack startled -and alarmed him not a little. He would have expostulated, but was -unable, from being gagged, to utter a word.</p> - -<p>Reaching the house, a short, sharp knock at the door was answered by a -rough-looking man, dressed in a suit of faded and shabby cloth.</p> - -<p>"So you've got him!" was his laconic greeting.</p> - -<p>"Yes, Joe! Now where shall we put him?"</p> - -<p>"Come upstairs."</p> - -<p>The two men set Bob down, and pushed him forward, and up a staircase, -steep and dark. He was thrust into a room with a sloping roof, and the -gag was removed from his mouth.</p> - -<p>"What does all this mean?" he asked, angrily, turning to the two men -whom he recognized by the light of the lantern which Joe Springer -carried in his hand.</p> - -<p>"It's all right, my lad!" said Brown. "All you've got to do is to keep -quiet, and no harm will come to you."</p> - -<p>"How long do you mean to keep me here?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span> asked Bob, with, a feeling of -despair in his heart. He suspected now what it all meant.</p> - -<p>"Two weeks, perhaps; but you will be well taken care of."</p> - -<p>The men went out leaving the lantern behind them. Bob heard the bolt -shot in the lock. He looked around him. There was a low pallet in the -corner. He threw himself on it, and, brave boy as he was, came near -shedding tears.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXXI.</span> <span class="smaller">HOW CLIP WAS CAPTURED.</span></h2> - -<p>Everything had gone well with Bob so far, and he was looking forward -hopefully to the end of his journey, and the final success of his -expedition. Now all was changed. He was a prisoner, and though Clip was -on board the boat, he was utterly incompetent to take the place of his -master. Bob hardly dared trust himself to think of the future. He knew -not what would become of his valuable cargo, but that it was lost to him -seemed probable. This meant utter ruin, for he and his mother would have -nothing to live upon till the next harvest, and meanwhile Aaron -Wolverton would foreclose the mortgage. Certainly, Bob had reason to -shed tears, and could not be charged with being unmanly if for a time he -gave up to a feeling of despondency and almost despair.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span></p> - -<p>Leaving him for an hour, we will accompany the two conspirators on their -return to the boat.</p> - -<p>Clip was on deck, anxiously watching for the return of Bob. He was -beginning to feel a little troubled.</p> - -<p>"Can't think what's 'come of Massa Bob," he said to himself. "He said -he'd be back in fifteen minutes. If anything's happened to him, what'll -'come of Clip?"</p> - -<p>Instead of fifteen minutes, an hour passed, and still Bob had not -returned. Clip was seriously thinking of going on shore and looking for -him, when two men came to the river bank.</p> - -<p>"Hallo!" they said. "Are you Clip?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," answered Clip, in some surprise, not understanding how these two -strangers could know his name.</p> - -<p>"You are sailing with Robert Burton?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, massa."</p> - -<p>"Where is he?"</p> - -<p>"Gone on shore for a walk. Did you see him anywhere?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; we come from him."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Why don't he come himself?"</p> - -<p>"The poor fellow has met with an accident. He has broken his leg."</p> - -<p>"Massa Bob broken him leg!" ejaculated Clip, turning as pale as his -complexion would admit. "How came he to do dat?"</p> - -<p>"I can't explain," said Brown. "My friend and I came up just after it -happened, and we took him to a house near by, where he was put to bed. -He asked us to come for you and bring you to him."</p> - -<p>"Yes, massa; I'll go right off," said Clip, with alacrity. Then he -hesitated at the thought of leaving the boat. "What'll I do about de -boat?" he asked, in perplexity.</p> - -<p>"Pooh! no one will run off with it. Probably your friend will want to be -brought on board; we will help to bring him. Meanwhile I will stay here -and look after things, and my friend will take you to Massa Bob, as you -call him."</p> - -<p>Clip saw no objection to this plan. He was too simple-minded to suspect -a trick, and being very much attached to his young master he was anxious -to be taken to him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span></p> - -<p>He put on his hat and expressed himself ready to go.</p> - -<p>"Very well; Minton, show him the house, and see if the boy is fit to be -moved."</p> - -<p>Clip did not see the wink that accompanied the last words.</p> - -<p>The two started on their journey. Clip, though the smaller, walked so -fast that Minton was obliged to quicken his pace. He plied Minton with -questions till the latter was tired.</p> - -<p>"I can't tell you much about it," said the man, at length. "My friend -and I saw young Burton lying by the side of the road. He was groaning -with pain. We took him up and carried him to a house close by."</p> - -<p>"He won't die?" faltered Clip, in a tone of anxious inquiry.</p> - -<p>"Oh, no! He's as safe to live as you or I. A broken leg doesn't amount -to much."</p> - -<p>"I don' see why he lef' the boat," said Clip, mournfully.</p> - -<p>"Well, accidents will happen," said Minton, philosophically.</p> - -<p>"Do you think we can get him on de boat, massa?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Oh, yes. I have no doubt of it. You needn't feel worried. It'll all -come right."</p> - -<p>Clip, however, felt that there was sufficient reason for feeling -troubled.</p> - -<p>He was rather surprised at the length of the walk.</p> - -<p>"What made Massa Bob go so far?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"He said he was just exploring a little—wanted to see the country, you -know."</p> - -<p>"He couldn't see much in de dark."</p> - -<p>"Well, he will explain the matter to you; I can't."</p> - -<p>At length they reached the lonely house.</p> - -<p>"This is where your friend was carried," said Minton.</p> - -<p>Clip thought it was a gloomy place, but his mind was now so occupied -with thoughts of Bob, whom he was to see immediately, that he said -nothing.</p> - -<p>Minton knocked at the door.</p> - -<p>It was opened by Joe Springer, whose appearance rather frightened Clip.</p> - -<p>"Oh, so you're back?" he said to Minton. "Who is this?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span></p> - -<p>"It's a friend of the boy with the broken leg," answered Minton, with a -significant look.</p> - -<p>"Ho! ho!" laughed Joe, to Clip's surprise. He could not understand what -there was to laugh at.</p> - -<p>"I hope the poor boy's more comfortable," said Minton.</p> - -<p>"I reckon so," answered Joe, with another grin.</p> - -<p>"Has he been quiet?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, he hasn't made any noise; but he's been walking round the room."</p> - -<p>"Walkin' round wid a broken leg!" repeated Clip, amazed.</p> - -<p>"What a fool you are, Joe!" exclaimed Minton, in a vexed tone. "How -could he walk round with a broken leg?"</p> - -<p>"I only meant it for a joke," said Joe, in a half-sullen tone. "How did -I know his leg was broken?"</p> - -<p>"My friend, here, was not in when we brought the boy," said Minton, in -an aside to Clip. "Now, Joe, we'll go upstairs. Clip, here, has come to -keep his friend company."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I hope he'll like it," returned Joe, with another incomprehensible -grin.</p> - -<p>"Well, get a light, and show us upstairs."</p> - -<p>Clip thought the house far from pleasant.</p> - -<p>He had just started to go upstairs, when a little girl ran crying -through the door of the adjoining room.</p> - -<p>"I want to go home," she cried. "I want to go to my papa."</p> - -<p>She was followed by a tall, gaunt woman, who seized the child in her -bony grasp.</p> - -<p>"You're a very naughty girl," she said. "Your papa sent you to stay with -me."</p> - -<p>"No, he didn't. My papa doesn't know you."</p> - -<p>"If you talk like that I'll give you a whipping. I am your aunt—your -father's sister."</p> - -<p>"No, you're not. I wouldn't have such an ugly aunt."</p> - -<p>"Of all the perverse imps, this 'ere one is the most cantankerous I ever -see," said the woman.</p> - -<p>"I should think you'd ought to be able to manage a little girl," said -Joe, roughly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span></p> - -<p>"So I be. There's only one way of managin' one like her. I've got a -strap in the other room, and she'll feel of it if she keeps on."</p> - -<p>Clip followed Minton up the steep, narrow staircase, and the two paused -before the door of the chamber occupied by Bob Burton.</p> - -<p>"He is in here," said Minton, briefly.</p> - -<p>He opened the door, and by the faint light of the lantern, Clip -recognized the figure of a boy stretched out on a pallet in the corner.</p> - -<p>Bob looked up, and when he saw Clip, he sprang to his feet.</p> - -<p>"You here, Clip?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes, Massa Bob. Which of you legs is broke?"</p> - -<p>"My legs broke! Neither."</p> - -<p>"The man told me you broke you leg," said Clip, bewildered.</p> - -<p>He turned to appeal to Minton for a confirmation of his words, but the -door was shut, and his conductor was already on the way downstairs.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXXII.</span> <span class="smaller">THE BOYS IMPRISONED.</span></h2> - -<p>"Now sit down and tell me all about it, Clip," said Bob. "So you were -told my leg was broke. Who told you?"</p> - -<p>"De two men."</p> - -<p>"I think I know the two men. One of them brought you here. Where is the -other?"</p> - -<p>"He stayed on board the boat till we come back."</p> - -<p>"Was there anything said about our going back?" asked Bob, in surprise.</p> - -<p>"Yes, Massa Bob. Dey said you leg was broke, and you wanted me to come -for you. De man said we would take you back with us."</p> - -<p>"Clip," said Bob, sadly, "these men deceived you. We are in a trap."</p> - -<p>"What's dat?"</p> - -<p>"They have made us prisoners, and I don't dare to think what they will -do next."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Dey won't 'sassinate us?" asked Clip, who had picked up the word -somewhere.</p> - -<p>"No; but I'll tell you what I think they will do. They will take the -boat down the river, and sell the grain in St. Louis, and run off with -the money."</p> - -<p>This was the conclusion to which Bob was led by Clip's story.</p> - -<p>"We won't let 'em, Massa Bob," said Clip, in excitement.</p> - -<p>"How shall we help it, Clip?"</p> - -<p>"We must get out, and run away."</p> - -<p>"I wish I knew how," said Bob.</p> - -<p>"If we can get out, we'll take a boat to the city, and git there ahead -of 'em."</p> - -<p>Somehow Clip's words seemed to reassure Bob. Misery loves company, and -the presence of his trusty friend and servant perceptibly lightened -Bob's spirits.</p> - -<p>"You are right, Clip," he said. "To-morrow we will see what we can do. -We can't do anything to-night."</p> - -<p>"Who is de little girl, Massa Bob?" asked Clip, suddenly.</p> - -<p>"What little girl?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Haven't you seen her? De little girl downstairs."</p> - -<p>"I haven't seen her. Tell me about her."</p> - -<p>Clip described her as well as he could, and succeeded in conveying to -Bob a general idea of her appearance, and that of the woman who had -charge of her.</p> - -<p>Bob listened, thoughtfully.</p> - -<p>"You don't think the little girl was any relation to the woman, Clip?" -he said.</p> - -<p>"No, Massa Bob; no more'n you is relation to me. De girl was a little -lady, and de woman was awful ugly."</p> - -<p>"Did the little girl say anything in your hearing?"</p> - -<p>"She asked to be taken back to her fader."</p> - -<p>Suddenly there came into Bob's mind the story about a little girl -abducted from St. Louis.</p> - -<p>"Clip," he said, "I think the little girl has been stolen from her home. -I think it is the same one we heard about the other day."</p> - -<p>"I pity de poor girl. De ol' woman shook her, and treated her bad."</p> - -<p>"If we could only run away from this place<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span> and take the little girl -with us, it would be a capital idea. I would like to get her away from -these wretches."</p> - -<p>"I'm wid you, Massa Bob," said Clip, enthusiastically.</p> - -<p>"Hush!" said Bob, suddenly raising his finger.</p> - -<p>A little girl's voice was heard, and it was easy to judge that she was -ascending the stairs.</p> - -<p>Bob put his ear to the keyhole.</p> - -<p>"Take me home to my papa!" said the poor child. "I don't want to stay -here."</p> - -<p>"I'll whip you," said a harsh voice, "if you are not good. It's time -little girls were a-bed. I'm going to put you to bed, and you can sleep -till morning."</p> - -<p>"I don't want to go to bed."</p> - -<p>There was a little scream, for the woman had slapped her.</p> - -<p>"I'd like to get at that woman, Clip," said Bob, indignantly.</p> - -<p>They heard the door open—the door of the room adjoining.</p> - -<p>The partition was very thin, and it was easy<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span> to hear what was going on. -Not only this, but Clip discovered an auger hole about eighteen inches -above the floor, of sufficient size to enable him to look through it.</p> - -<p>"Who was that black boy?" he heard the little girl say. "He's a -funny-looking boy."</p> - -<p>"He's come to stay here with the other boy," answered the woman, glad to -find something of interest to take the place of the complaints.</p> - -<p>"Where are they?" asked the girl.</p> - -<p>"They are sleeping in the next room, so you need not be afraid if I go -down and leave you."</p> - -<p>"May I play with them to-morrow?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, if you will be a good girl," said the woman, willing to promise -anything.</p> - -<p>Then there was a little pause, spent in undressing the child.</p> - -<p>"Now, get into bed, and go to sleep as soon as you can."</p> - -<p>"Will you take me to my papa to-morrow?"</p> - -<p>"No," answered the woman, shortly. "Your papa wants you to stay with -me."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Won't I never see my papa again?" asked the child, almost ready to cry.</p> - -<p>"Yes; perhaps he'll come to see you next week," answered the woman, -fearing that the child might sob and compel her to remain upstairs.</p> - -<p>"Clip," said Bob, who had taken Clip's place at the hole in the -partition, "there's no doubt of it. The girl has been stolen. I wish I -could go into the room, and asked her about her father and her home."</p> - -<p>He went to the door and tried it, but it was firmly locked, and it was -quite useless to try to get out.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, Joe and his wife were conversing downstairs.</p> - -<p>"Joe," said the woman, "I hope I'll get rid of that brat soon. She's a -heap of trouble."</p> - -<p>"We shall be well paid," said Joe.</p> - -<p>"Who's to pay us?" asked the woman.</p> - -<p>"Brown. He's the man that's got charge of the job. She's got a rich -father, who'll shell out liberal to get her back."</p> - -<p>"Did he pay you anything in advance?"</p> - -<p>"I squeezed five dollars out of him."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Where is it, Joe?"</p> - -<p>"Don't you wish you knew, old woman?" said Joe, with a grin. "I can take -care of it."</p> - -<p>"Half of it belongs to me."</p> - -<p>"How do you make that out?"</p> - -<p>"Haven't I the care of the child? It don't trouble you."</p> - -<p>"It's all right, old lady. You won't be forgotten."</p> - -<p>"How much more is Brown to pay you?" asked the woman, appearing -dissatisfied.</p> - -<p>"Forty-five dollars."</p> - -<p>The woman's eyes sparkled. To her this seemed a vast sum of money.</p> - -<p>"And how much am I to have?"</p> - -<p>"What do you want money for?" demanded Joe, impatiently.</p> - -<p>"I do want it, and that's enough."</p> - -<p>"Well, I can't say yet, old lady, but maybe you'll get ten dollars."</p> - -<p>"Altogether?"</p> - -<p>"Of course. Ain't that enough?"</p> - -<p>"No, it isn't. We ought to divide even."</p> - -<p>"Pooh, you're a woman. You don't need money."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span></p> - -<p>An unpleasant look came over the woman's face, but she said nothing.</p> - -<p>"Come, old woman, I've got something that'll put you into good humor. -See here!"</p> - -<p>Joe produced from an out-of-the-way corner a suspicious-looking jug.</p> - -<p>"Do you know what's in this?"</p> - -<p>"What is it?" asked the woman, looking interested.</p> - -<p>"Whisky. Get some boiling water, and I'll make you some punch. We'll -make a night of it."</p> - -<p>His wife brightened up. Evidently she did not belong to the Temperance -Society, any more than her husband. She moved about the room with -alacrity, and, assisted by her husband, brewed a punch which was of -considerable strength. Then they put it on the table, and set about -enjoying themselves.</p> - -<p>"Here's your health, ol' woman!" said Joe, and he tried to sing a stave -of an old drinking-song.</p> - -<p>Together they caroused till a late hour, and then fell into a drunken -sleep, which lasted till a late hour in the morning.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span></p> - -<p>About seven o'clock the little girl woke up, and, as is usual with -children, wished to be dressed at once.</p> - -<p>"Aunt," Bob heard her say, "I want to be dressed."</p> - -<p>But no one came at her call.</p> - -<p>After a little waiting, she got out of bed and went downstairs, but -returned in a minute or two, crying.</p> - -<p>Bob called through the partition.</p> - -<p>"What's the matter, little girl?"</p> - -<p>"There's nobody to dress me. Are you the boy that came yesterday?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. Where is the woman that put you to bed?"</p> - -<p>"She's downstairs—she and the man. They're lying on the floor. I can't -wake them up."</p> - -<p>An idea came to Bob.</p> - -<p>"Come to our door, little girl, and see if you can draw back the bolt. -We are fastened in."</p> - -<p>"Will you take me to my papa?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; I will try to."</p> - -<p>The child came to the door, and, following<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span> Bob's directions, with some -difficulty slipped back the bolt.</p> - -<p>"Clip," said Bob, in a tone of triumph, "We're free. Now do as I tell -you, and we'll get away, and reach St. Louis ahead of the boat."</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXXIII.</span> <span class="smaller">A LUCKY ESCAPE.</span></h2> - -<p>"Now," said Bob to the little girl, as they descended the steep and -narrow staircase, "will you do as I tell you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," answered the child, placing her hand confidingly in his.</p> - -<p>"Then make as little noise as possible. We don't want them to wake up. -If they do they will prevent your going away."</p> - -<p>"Will you take me back to my papa, certain sure?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I am so glad."</p> - -<p>"Clip," said Bob, warningly, "mind you remain perfectly quiet. We must -go through the room where the man and woman are sleeping. Any little -noise might wake them up."</p> - -<p>"Don't be afeared for me, Massa Bob," said Clip.</p> - -<p>The staircase led into the main room below,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span> so that, as Bob said, it -was necessary to pass through it.</p> - -<p>Entering the room on tip-toe, they witnessed a reassuring, but -disgusting spectacle. Joe Springer was stretched out on the floor on his -back, breathing heavily; while his wife, seated in a chair, rested her -head on the kitchen table. She, too, seemed to be in a drunken stupor.</p> - -<p>The little girl regarded the woman nervously, remembering the harsh -treatment she had received from her.</p> - -<p>There was one more ordeal, and one more danger to run. The outer door -was locked, but the key was in the lock. There was a creaking sound as -Bob turned it. But he opened the door successfully, and once more they -breathed freely in the clear air of morning. As the door opened they -heard a muttered sound from Joe Springer. It sounded like "more whisky!" -He was probably dreaming of his potations of the previous night.</p> - -<p>Bob hurried along his two companions till they had reached a point some -half a mile <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span>distant from the place of their imprisonment. Then he -thought it best to question the little girl.</p> - -<div class="center"><img src="images/i289.jpg" alt="Little Mauds Escape from her Abductors" /></div> - -<p class="bold"><span class="smcap">Little Maud's Escape from her Abductors.</span></p> - -<p>"What is your name?" he asked, gently.</p> - -<p>"Don't you know my name?" asked the child, in surprise. "My name is -Maud."</p> - -<p>"What is your other name?"</p> - -<p>"Pearson—my name is Maud Lilian Pearson."</p> - -<p>"Just as I thought, Clip," said Bob, triumphantly. "This is the little -girl that was stolen from her parents in St. Louis."</p> - -<p>"Yes; my papa lives in St. Louis. Will you take me to him?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, Maud. Only be a good little girl, and do as I tell you."</p> - -<p>"And you won't let that ugly woman take me away?"</p> - -<p>"No; we will hide you away from her. Did she treat you badly?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; she shook me, and said she would whip me. She said she was my -aunt; but it isn't true."</p> - -<p>"Who brought you to her?"</p> - -<p>Maud thereupon described the man whom<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span> we know as Brown, the abler one -of the confederates who had stolen the ferry-boat.</p> - -<p>"I wonder whether our boat is gone?" said Bob.</p> - -<p>"Mebbe we can see from the hill," suggested Clip.</p> - -<p>There was a small elevation near by. Bob ascended it, and looked towards -the point where his boat had been tied up. There was no sign of it. It -had disappeared. Though still early, Brown and Minton, fearing -interference, had cut loose about four o'clock, and were, by this time, -several miles on their way to the great city.</p> - -<p>"It's gone, Clip," said Bob, sadly.</p> - -<p>"Never mind, Massa Bob, we'll catch 'em," answered Clip, energetically.</p> - -<p>"Yes, if there is any boat starts down the river to-day."</p> - -<p>This, however, was something which he was not sure of. Moreover, he felt -that the sooner he got away from Joe Springer and his estimable wife, -the better. But where could he take refuge? Not at the hotel, for -Springer would find him out and reclaim the little girl.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span> While he was -considering, in his perplexity, what course to pursue, he fell in with -two boys, who appeared to be about fifteen years of age. They regarded -Bob and his party with curiosity.</p> - -<p>Bob eyed the boys closely, and decided that they could be depended upon. -They seemed to be just the friends he was in search of. He introduced -himself, and learned that their names were John Sheehan and Edward -Bovee.</p> - -<p>"Can you tell me, boys, when the next steamer will start for St. Louis?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," answered John; "there is one at seven o'clock to-morrow morning."</p> - -<p>"That is the earliest?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said John.</p> - -<p>"Do you know of any private house where we can stay till that time? I am -willing to pay a fair price."</p> - -<p>"You can come to our house," said Edward Bovee. "I am sure my mother -will take you in. But you won't get as good meals as at the hotel."</p> - -<p>"I don't mind that. I shall be glad to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span> stay at your house. Could we go -there to breakfast?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; follow me, and I will lead the way."</p> - -<p>Edward Bovee led the way to a neat cottage, where his mother, a -pleasant-looking lady, welcomed them, and readily undertook to keep them -till the boat started for St. Louis. Bob, feeling the necessity of -concealment, took Mrs. Bovee into his confidence, and readily secured -the co-operation of the good lady, who took a motherly interest in -little Maud.</p> - -<p>Now that the children have found a safe retreat, we will return to Joe -Springer and his interesting wife.</p> - -<p>About half an hour after their young prisoners had escaped, Mrs. -Springer raised her head from the table, and looked about her in a -bewildered way. The bright sunshine entering at the window revealed to -her that she had spent the night in a drunken stupor, even if Joe's -prostrate form had not been a visible reminder. She went to her husband, -and shook him roughly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Get up, Joe!" she said. "It's morning."</p> - -<p>He opened his eyes, and looked around him with stupefaction.</p> - -<p>"What's up, old woman?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"I am, and you ought to be," she answered, sharply.</p> - -<p>"Where's the whisky?"</p> - -<p>"You've had enough. Now get up and hustle round, if you want some -breakfast. I'll go up and dress the little girl."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Springer went upstairs, but came down again two steps at a time, in -a state of high excitement.</p> - -<p>"Joe," said she, quickly, "the little gal's gone!"</p> - -<p>"<i>What?</i>"</p> - -<p>"The little gal's gone! Run out and see if you can't catch her. If we -lose her, we lose fifty dollars!"</p> - -<p>"Are the boys all right?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; the door is bolted. They couldn't get out."</p> - -<p>This was true. Bob had taken the precaution to lock the door, after -leaving the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span> room. For this reason, it was half an hour later before Joe -discovered that all his prisoners had escaped. Then, as might have been -expected, there was a wild scene of recrimination, ending in a fight, in -which Mrs. Springer did her part, for she was by no means a weak or -delicate lady, but a woman without fear, who believed in the right of -self-defense. The worthy pair instituted a search throughout the -village, but failed to discover any trace of the lost children. The next -morning, however, Joe Springer got up unusually early, for him, and -strolled to the steamboat-landing. The boat was already out in the -stream, when on the deck he discovered Maud and the two boys.</p> - -<p>"Stop the boat!" screamed Joe, in excitement.</p> - -<p>"What's the matter?" asked the man beside him.</p> - -<p>"Those three children. They have run away!"</p> - -<p>"From you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; from my house."</p> - -<p>"Why, man, you must be drunk. You have no children."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I had charge of 'em, particularly the little gal! Stop the boat, I -say!"</p> - -<p>"Has that man any claim on you?" asked the captain, who chanced to be -standing near Bob.</p> - -<p>"Not the slightest," answered Bob.</p> - -<p>"Or the little girl?"</p> - -<p>"No; her father lives in St. Louis, and I am taking her to him."</p> - -<p>"Stop the boat!" screamed Joe, frantically.</p> - -<p>"He's drunk!" said Joe's neighbor. "He doesn't know what he's talking -about."</p> - -<p>This settled the matter so far as the captain was concerned. Bob paid -the full passage-money for the party, and they were enrolled as regular -passengers.</p> - -<p>Towards the middle of the afternoon a surprise awaited them. They saw, -not far ahead, their own boat, which was drifting down the river, with -Brown at the helm.</p> - -<p>"Do you see that, Clip?" asked Bob.</p> - -<p>"Yes, Massa Bob."</p> - -<p>"Quick, hide! Don't let them see us. I have no objection to their -working their <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span>passage down to the city. When they get there, we will be -on hand to take possession."</p> - -<p>"Dat's a good joke! Won't they be s'prised, dough?" said Clip, showing -his white teeth.</p> - -<p>So the steamboat swept by, carrying the three children past the two -conspirators, who fancied them safely housed in Joe Springer's house up -the river.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXXIV.</span> <span class="smaller">MR. WOLVERTON'S LETTER.</span></h2> - -<p>While the boys are meeting with adventures, on their way down the river, -we will return to the town of Carver, in which, as it will be -remembered, the Burton ranch was located.</p> - -<p>There was no one more interested in the progress of the expedition than -Aaron Wolverton. It was against his wishes and his interest that Bob -should succeed in carrying out his plans. He wanted to get possession of -the Burton ranch, and force Mrs. Burton to take him for her second -husband. Most of all, perhaps, he wanted to humble the pride of "the -Burton boy," as he styled Bob, for he cordially hated him, and was well -aware that Bob disliked and despised him. If he could only bring about -the failure of Bob's trip, and the loss of his cargo, he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span> would have -both Bob and his mother in his power.</p> - -<p>Wolverton had been anxiously awaiting intelligence from his agents, and -the postmaster was somewhat surprised at his numerous visits to the -office for letters.</p> - -<p>At length, one morning, Aaron Wolverton's patience was rewarded.</p> - -<p>A letter was handed him, directed in an almost illegible scrawl to</p> - -<p class="center">MR. A. WOLVERTON, ESQ.</p> - -<p>It was written by Brown, who was by no means an accomplished scholar.</p> - -<p>Wolverton opened it eagerly, and read the following lines:</p> - -<blockquote><p><span class="smcap">Mr. Wolverton</span>: I write you these few lines from Rocky Creek. I am -pleased to say we have got the bote, and are jest starting for St. -Louis with the cargo onbord. If you want to know about the boys, -bob burton and the little nigger are locked up in a house in the -village belonging to one of my friends, and they won't be let out -till it is perfecly saif. We got hold of them by a nise trick. I -haven't time to tell you about it now, but when we meat, you shall -kno all.</p> - -<p>Send that fifty dollars to Mr. J. Brown, St.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span> Louis Post Office. -Don't forget! This is important.</p> - -<p class="right">Yours to command,<span class="s3"> </span><br /> -<span class="smcap">J. Brown</span>.</p></blockquote> - -<p>This letter, ill-spelled as it was, seemed to give Aaron Wolverton -unbounded satisfaction. A gratified smile overspread his face, and he -said to himself: "That will bring down the Burton pride. That young -whipper-snapper will come home with a few less airs than when he set -out. The chances are that he'll have to walk home or buy a passage."</p> - -<p>Wolverton chuckled at this agreeable thought. He would be revenged upon -poor Bob for all the mortifications to which the boy had subjected him: -and, to a man of Wolverton's temperament, revenge was sweet.</p> - -<p>"You have received good news, Mr. Wolverton," said the postmaster, -observing the land agent's evident glee.</p> - -<p>"What makes you think so?" asked Wolverton, cautiously.</p> - -<p>"I judged from your smiling face."</p> - -<p>"It wasn't the letter. I was thinking of something."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span></p> - -<p>"That is only a blind," thought the postmaster. "I saw his face light up -when he read the letter. Let me see; it was mailed from Rocky Creek. I -will bear that in mind, and some day I may discover the secret."</p> - -<p>As Wolverton picked his way through the mud from the post-office to his -office, he fell in with Mrs. Burton, who had come to the village on -business. He smiled to himself, and prepared to accost her.</p> - -<p>"I hope I see you well, Mrs. Burton," he said, with gravity.</p> - -<p>"Very well, thank you, Mr. Wolverton," answered the widow, coldly.</p> - -<p>"What do you hear from your son?"</p> - -<p>"I received a letter yesterday. All was going well with him."</p> - -<p>"I am really glad to hear it," said Wolverton, with a queer smile. -"Still you must remember that 'there's many a slip 'twixt the cup and -the lip.'"</p> - -<p>"What do you mean, Mr. Wolverton?" asked Mrs. Burton, quickly.</p> - -<p>"What should I mean?" said Wolverton, in apparent surprise.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Have you heard any bad news of Robert?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, dear, no! I am sorry to say that your son is prejudiced against me, -and would hardly favor me with any letter."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Burton looked relieved.</p> - -<p>"I was only warning you on general principles. 'Let him that thinketh he -standeth take heed lest he fall,' as the Scriptures have it."</p> - -<p>"Thank you for the caution," said Mrs. Burton, dryly. "By the way, have -you heard anything of your nephew, Sam?"</p> - -<p>Wolverton's face darkened.</p> - -<p>"No," he answered. "I did think, I confess, that he might have run away -with Bob, but I don't think so now."</p> - -<p>"If he did, I know nothing of it."</p> - -<p>This was true. For obvious reasons, Bob had not taken his mother into -his confidence on this subject.</p> - -<p>"The boy has shown base ingratitude to me," continued Wolverton, -bitterly. "I cared for him and kept him from starving, and how has he -rewarded me?"</p> - -<p>"If his home was so agreeable as you <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span>represent, it is certainly -surprising that he should have left you. Good-morning, Mr. Wolverton."</p> - -<p>"What did she mean?" Wolverton asked himself. "Some of her sarcasm, I -suppose. When she becomes Mrs. Wolverton, I will get even with her."</p> - -<p>As nothing had been said of Sam in the letter of his confidential agent, -Wolverton no longer suspected that he had gone down the river with Bob -Burton. On the whole, as he had Sam's property in his possession, he did -not care whether the boy ever returned, except that he would have liked -to give him a good flogging.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXXV.</span> <span class="smaller">BOB'S ARRIVAL IN ST. LOUIS.</span></h2> - -<p>Meanwhile Bob and Clip were steaming rapidly down the river. Now that he -was pretty sure of recovering his boat and cargo, Bob gave himself up to -the enjoyment of the trip, and was fain to confess that he enjoyed it -better than working his passage on the ferry-boat. As for Maud, she -seemed to feel as much confidence in our hero as if she had known him -all her life. She seemed also to appreciate Clip, but in a different -way.</p> - -<p>"You're a funny boy!" she said.</p> - -<p>"Yah, yah, little missy!" laughed Clip.</p> - -<p>"Where's your mother?"</p> - -<p>"Dunno, missy! I expect she dead."</p> - -<p>"My mamma's dead, too. She's in heaven. Is your mamma there too?"</p> - -<p>"S'pect so, little missy."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span></p> - -<p>Bob questioned the little girl as to the manner of her abduction. He -learned that she had been carried off from the street in which she lived -by Brown, who secured her consent by a promise of candy. Then she was -put into a carriage, and given something to drink. When she woke up she -was on a river steamer, being landed at length at the place where Bob -found her.</p> - -<p>"Did my papa send you for me?" she asked.</p> - -<p>"No, Maud," answered Bob, "but I heard you had been stolen, and I -determined to carry you back, if I could."</p> - -<p>"On what street does your father live?" asked Bob, later.</p> - -<p>"On Laclede Avenue."</p> - -<p>"Can you tell me the number?"</p> - -<p>This also Maud was able to tell. At the first stopping-place, after he -had obtained this information, Bob, appreciating the anxiety of Maud's -friends, telegraphed her father as follows:</p> - -<blockquote><p>I have discovered your little daughter, and am on my way to the -city with her. She was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span> taken to Rocky Creek, and confined there. -Our steamer—the Gazelle—will probably arrive at her wharf -to-morrow morning.</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Robert Burton.</span></p></blockquote> - -<p>When this telegram was received, Mr. Pearson was suffering deep grief -and anxiety; but the message comforted him not a little.</p> - -<p>When the steamer reached the pier, a middle-aged man of medium size and -dark complexion was waiting on the wharf.</p> - -<p>"That's my papa!" exclaimed Maud, clapping her hands; and the little -girl danced on the deck in her joy.</p> - -<p>In a moment she was in the arms of her father.</p> - -<p>"My darling Maud?" he exclaimed, caressing her fondly. "Thank Heaven I -have you back again! Where is Mr. Burton?"</p> - -<p>"My name is Robert Burton," said Bob, modestly.</p> - -<p>"What, a boy!" exclaimed Mr. Pearson, in amazement. "I supposed the -person who telegraphed me was a man."</p> - -<p>"He's a nice boy," said Maud, putting her hand confidingly in Bob's.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I am sure of it," said Mr. Pearson, cordially, grasping the hand of our -hero.</p> - -<p>"And <i>he's</i> a funny boy," continued Maud, pointing out Clip.</p> - -<p>"Yah, yah!" laughed Clip, with a broad grin on his shining face.</p> - -<p>"Clip is a companion of mine," explained Bob, "and we came down the -river together."</p> - -<p>"I am glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Clip," said Mr. Pearson, -smiling, and taking Clip by the hand.</p> - -<p>"Yah, yah!" laughed the delighted Clip.</p> - -<p>"Now, boys," said Mr. Pearson, as they passed over the gang-plank and -set foot upon the wharf, "I shall take you both home with me. I have not -yet had an opportunity of asking questions about how you came to find my -dear child, and rescue her from her terrible captivity. There stands my -carriage. Get in, both of you, and we will go to my home at once."</p> - -<p>It was a strange sensation to Clip to find himself riding in a hansom -carriage, the favored guest of the wealthy proprietor. He<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span> was not sure -whether he were awake or dreaming.</p> - -<p>They drove rapidly for perhaps a couple of miles, and then stopped in -front of an elegant mansion in the upper part of Laclede Avenue. The two -boys never expected to enter St. Louis in such grand style.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXXVI.</span> <span class="smaller">A THOUSAND DOLLARS REWARD.</span></h2> - -<p>A little awed by the splendid appointments of the merchant's house, Bob -and Clip entered, following Mr. Pearson.</p> - -<p>A stout, pleasant-looking woman of middle age—the housekeeper—appeared -at the door of a side room. She darted forward, and clasped Maud in a -fond embrace.</p> - -<p>"My darling Maud, how glad I am to see you back!" she said. "I thought -we had lost you."</p> - -<p>"This is the young man who rescued Maud, Margaret," said Mr. Pearson, -pointing to Bob.</p> - -<p>"And <i>he</i> so young! I must kiss him, too!" said Margaret; and, -considerably to our hero's embarrassment, Margaret gave him a resounding -kiss.</p> - -<p>"This boy also assisted," said Mr. Pearson, indicating Clip, with a -smile.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span></p> - -<p>Margaret hesitated a moment—she was not quite prepared to kiss a -colored boy—but compromised by shaking his hand cordially.</p> - -<p>"You look like a nice boy, Clip," she said.</p> - -<p>"So I is, missus; yah, yah!" responded Clip, laughing.</p> - -<p>"Now, Margaret, can you give us something to eat?" said Mr. Pearson.</p> - -<p>"It's all ready, sir. I thought you and Miss Maud would be hungry."</p> - -<p>"I suspect we are all hungry," said Mr. Pearson, leading the way into a -handsome dining-room.</p> - -<p>"Now, boys, take your seats," he said.</p> - -<p>Clip felt a little awkward, for he was not used to being a guest at a -rich man's table, but he did not allow his bashfulness to interfere with -the gratification of an excellent appetite.</p> - -<p>When the meal was over, Mr. Pearson invited the boys into his library, -and seated himself at a desk.</p> - -<p>He drew a check-book from a drawer and wrote for a minute. Then he tore -off a check, and handed it to Bob.</p> - -<p>"This is the reward I offered for the return<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span> of my dear daughter," he -said. "I have made the check payable to your order."</p> - -<p>Bob took it and read as follows:</p> - -<p class="center">"<span class="smcap">First National Bank</span>,</p> - -<p class="center">"Pay to the order of Robert Burton,</p> - -<p class="center">One Thousand Dollars.</p> - -<p class="center">"$1000.<span class="s3"> </span><span class="s3"> </span><span class="smcap">John Pearson.</span>"</p> - -<p>"I don't like to take this large sum, Mr. Pearson," said Bob. "I did not -rescue your daughter for money."</p> - -<p>"I am quite aware of that, my dear boy, but it is a pleasure for me to -give you this proof of my gratitude. I am sure you will spend it -creditably."</p> - -<p>"I shall find it very useful, sir; and I thank you sincerely. May I ask -if you do not deal in wheat?"</p> - -<p>"That is a part of my business."</p> - -<p>"I shall have about fourteen hundred bushels to dispose of if I recover -my boat."</p> - -<p>"I will give you two dollars and a quarter a bushel, if it is in good -condition."</p> - -<p>"I accept, sir," answered Bob, promptly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</a></span> "Now, may I ask your advice as -to how to proceed to regain possession of the boat?"</p> - -<p>"When do you expect it to arrive?" asked the merchant.</p> - -<p>"Probably not till to-morrow, but I can't guess at what part of the day. -It depends on how well the thieves succeed in managing the boat."</p> - -<p>"I will order my carriage and drive round with you to the Central Police -Office. The police will take proper measures to recover the boat and -arrest the rascals who robbed you of it."</p> - -<p>"Won't it be too much trouble, sir?"</p> - -<p>"I shall not count it a trouble, for I shall at the same time be -punishing the men who abducted my dear Maud. They will be tried for both -offenses, and will probably get a long term of imprisonment."</p> - -<p>In an hour information had been lodged at the Central Police Office, and -orders had been given to watch the river, and to keep a good lookout for -the boat, of which Bob furnished a description.</p> - -<p>That night Bob and Clip slept at Mr. Pearson's house, being treated as -honored guests.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[Pg 312]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXXVII.</span> <span class="smaller">BROWN AND MINTON WALK INTO A TRAP.</span></h2> - -<p>Little suspecting the reception awaiting them in St. Louis, Minton and -Brown were laboriously guiding their stolen craft down the river. Not -being accustomed to labor of any sort, they found the confinement -irksome, but the prize for which they were striving was so large that -they took it very good-humoredly. They whiled away the time by indulging -in visions of future ease and prosperity, and in exchanging witticisms -at the expense of Bob, the youthful owner of the boat.</p> - -<p>"I wonder how the young captain is enjoying himself," said Minton, as he -lay back, with one of the bins for a support, while puffing at a choice -cigar.</p> - -<p>"He is ready to tear his hair out, I presume," said Brown. "He's a -conceited<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[Pg 313]</a></span> young popinjay, and deserves to have his pride taken down."</p> - -<p>"You're right there, Brown. We shall make a tidy sum out of our -venture."</p> - -<p>"Yes; we can afford to retire for a time. Of course I shall want more -than half."</p> - -<p>"I don't see that," said Minton, quickly.</p> - -<p>"Why, man, I've done all the headwork. What have you done to compare -with me?"</p> - -<p>"We are equal partners," said Minton, doggedly.</p> - -<p>"That is where you are mistaken. I don't mind, though, giving you half -of what we get for the girl."</p> - -<p>"How shall we arrange to get anything? It is rather a ticklish -business—"</p> - -<p>"That's where the headwork comes in. I shall wait upon old Pearson, and -tell him that I have a clew, and suspect I know who abducted the child. -Then I'll work him up to a point where he'll shell out liberally."</p> - -<p>"Won't there be risk?"</p> - -<p>"How can there be? Leave the thing to me and I'll arrange it. The fact -is, Minton, you are a man of no ideas. If I depended on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[Pg 314]</a></span> you, you -wouldn't make a cent out of one of the neatest jobs I've ever been -concerned in."</p> - -<p>Minton was conscious that there was some truth in this, and it helped to -reconcile him to the evident determination of his companion to -appropriate the lion's share of the fruits of their questionable -enterprises.</p> - -<p>"I suppose Joe's all right?" he said, after a pause.</p> - -<p>"Of course he is. What would he make by proving false to us?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing, that I can see. Still, if he should do so, it might upset our -plans. The boy could afford to pay him well for releasing him."</p> - -<p>"That is true," returned Brown, thoughtfully. "On all accounts it will -be necessary for us to expedite matters. I sha'n't waste any time once -we are in St. Louis."</p> - -<p>"You mean in disposing of the cargo?"</p> - -<p>"Precisely. I am in no position to haggle about prices. I'll offer it at -a bargain to some large dealer. He will naturally think I'm a country -gentleman, and clinch the bargain at once. Do you see?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[Pg 315]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Yes, Brown. You've got the right idea."</p> - -<p>"Of course I have," said Brown, complacently. "It takes a long head to -outwit me. Got another cigar, Minton?"</p> - -<p>Minton drew out one and handed to his confederate, and presently took -his turn at the rudder.</p> - -<p>So time passed, the boat making good progress, and about three o'clock -in the afternoon the boat reached an obscure pier in the lower part of -St. Louis.</p> - -<p>There were some interested persons watching its arrival. Among them were -Bob and his friend Clip, and a small squad of policemen. Not suspecting -anything, Brown and Minton busied themselves in bringing the boat to -anchor. Meanwhile Bob, without being observed, stepped aboard.</p> - -<p>"Good afternoon, Mr. Brown! I hope you had a pleasant trip," he said, -quietly.</p> - -<p>Brown felt as if he had been struck by lightning. Wheeling around -suddenly, he saw Bob's eyes fixed upon him. He was absolutely speechless -with amazement and consternation.</p> - -<p>"Who are you?" he finally ejaculated,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[Pg 316]</a></span> quickly resolving to brazen it -out, and deny Bob's claim to ownership.</p> - -<p>"I think you know me, Mr. Brown!" replied Bob. "I have only to thank you -for taking charge of my boat and bringing it safe to St. Louis."</p> - -<p>"Look here, young feller!" said Brown, roughly, "you must be crazy. I -never saw you before in my life, and here you come on board my boat and -claim it as your own. If you don't clear out I'll have you arrested."</p> - -<p>"There will be no difficulty about that, Mr. Brown. Here are policemen -close at hand."</p> - -<p>Mr. Brown's face grew pale as he saw three stalwart policemen marching -on board the boat.</p> - -<p>"I guess it's all up, Minton!" he said, and made a dash for liberty; but -he was not quick enough. He and Minton were quickly secured and marched -off, with handcuffs on their wrists. As we are now to bid these -gentlemen farewell, it may be said briefly that they pleaded guilty in -hopes of a lighter sentence, and were sent to prison for seven years. -Thus<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[Pg 317]</a></span> far the community has been able to spare them without -inconvenience.</p> - -<p>Bob and Clip resumed charge of the boat, and during the next day -disposed of the cargo to Mr. Pearson at the price agreed upon.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[Pg 318]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXXVIII.</span> <span class="smaller">WHAT BOB BROUGHT HOME.</span></h2> - -<p>After disposing of his cargo, Bob was puzzled to know what to do with -the ferry-boat. Finally he had an offer of one hundred dollars, from a -speculative Yankee who had drifted out to St. Louis, and gladly accepted -it. This sum paid all expenses, including his and Clip's return fare, -and left him with a handsome sum to his credit, viz.:</p> - -<table summary="account"> - <tr> - <td class="left">1,400 bushels wheat, at $2.25, </td> - <td>$3,150</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">Reward,</td> - <td>1,000</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"></td> - <td>———</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"></td> - <td>$4,150</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p>This sum, with the exception of one hundred and fifty dollars, by advice -of Mr. Pearson, he deposited in a St. Louis bank, and then started for -home.</p> - -<p>He could not make the whole passage by steamer, but went part way by -railroad, and then engaged a carriage to a point four miles<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[Pg 319]</a></span> from home. -Thence he and Clip walked. He wanted to surprise not only his mother, -but Wolverton. He knew now that Brown and Minton had only been agents of -his more crafty enemy, Brown having made a written confession, not so -much out of friendship to Bob as out of spite against Wolverton, whom he -held responsible for getting him into this scrape.</p> - -<p>With soiled shoes and clothes covered with dust, Bob and Clip entered -the village, and purposely walked by Wolverton's office.</p> - -<p>The latter, spying them through the window, smiled maliciously, and -hurried out to meet them.</p> - -<p>"Aha, my young friends," he said, with a pleased glance at their soiled -clothes, "so you have returned?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," answered Bob, soberly.</p> - -<p>"And what luck did you have, may I ask?"</p> - -<p>"We had good luck at first, but at Rocky Creek two rascals entrapped us, -and stole our boat and cargo."</p> - -<p>Wolverton laughed outright. So it was true, after all.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[Pg 320]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Excuse my smiling," he said; "but you seem to have come out at the -little end of the horn."</p> - -<p>"It does seem so, sir."</p> - -<p>"You remember what I told you before you started?"</p> - -<p>"What was that?"</p> - -<p>"That you were too young for such an expedition. It would have been much -better for you to accept my offer."</p> - -<p>"It seems so," answered Bob again.</p> - -<p>"Seems so! Of course it would have been. But the trouble was, you were -so puffed up by your own self-conceit that you thought you knew best."</p> - -<p>"I plead guilty to that, sir; I did think so," answered Bob, candidly.</p> - -<p>"I am glad you admit it. So you had to walk back?"</p> - -<p>"You can judge for yourself, Mr. Wolverton."</p> - -<p>"Well, you certainly do look like two tramps. The next time you may feel -like following my advice."</p> - -<p>"I may," answered Bob.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[Pg 321]</a></span></p> - -<p>It did occur to Mr. Wolverton that Bob's answers were rather unusual, -and his manner rather queer; quite unlike his usual tone and manner. But -this he readily accounted for. The boy's pride had been humbled. He knew -now that he was in Wolverton's power, and he had the sense to be humble, -in the hope of making better terms.</p> - -<p>"But it won't do," said the agent to himself. "He will find that I will -have what is mine, and he cannot soften my heart by any appeal to my -pity."</p> - -<p>"It appears to me you are in rather a scrape," he said, after a pause.</p> - -<p>"How is that."</p> - -<p>"Why, a part of your mortgage comes due in a short time. I hope you -don't expect me to wait."</p> - -<p>"No doubt you will be considerate, Mr. Wolverton, remembering what luck -we have had."</p> - -<p>"No, I won't!" snarled Wolverton. "Don't flatter yourself so far. I am -not responsible for your misfortune, or folly, as I call it."</p> - -<p>"Still, Mr. Wolverton—"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[Pg 322]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Oh, it's no use to talk!" continued the agent, raising his hand -impatiently. "You have been a fool, and you must suffer the penalty of -your folly."</p> - -<p>"Has Sam got back, Mr. Wolverton?" asked Bob, changing the subject, -rather to Mr. Wolverton's surprise.</p> - -<p>"No; have you seen him?" asked the agent, eagerly.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"Where?" asked Wolverton, quickly.</p> - -<p>"The fact is, we discovered him on our boat soon after we started."</p> - -<p>"You did!" ejaculated the agent, his eyes almost starting out of his -head. "Why didn't you send him back?"</p> - -<p>"Because he said you didn't treat him well, and begged to stay."</p> - -<p>"Young man, do you know I could have you arrested for abducting my -nephew?" demanded Wolverton, angrily.</p> - -<p>"Was it my fault that he hid himself on my boat?"</p> - -<p>"Where is he now?" asked Wolverton, abruptly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[Pg 323]</a></span></p> - -<p>"He left the boat at a point on the way."</p> - -<p>"Where was it?"</p> - -<p>"You must excuse my answering that question. Sam wouldn't like it."</p> - -<p>"What difference does that make?"</p> - -<p>"Sam is my friend. I think, however, you will soon know, as he means to -come back."</p> - -<p>Wolverton smiled triumphantly.</p> - -<p>"I shall be glad to see him," he said, significantly. Bob knew what that -meant.</p> - -<p>"You must excuse me now, Mr. Wolverton," said Bob. "I must hurry home, -as mother will be anxious to see me."</p> - -<p>"Tell her I shall call very soon—on business."</p> - -<p>"I will."</p> - -<p>When they were out of hearing the boys laughed in amusement. They had a -surprise in store for Wolverton.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[Pg 324]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXXIX.</span> <span class="smaller">CONCLUSION.</span></h2> - -<p>There was another arrival at Burton's Ranch the next day. Sam Wolverton -came in charge of his new-found relative, Robert Granger. They took a -carriage, and reached the ranch without attracting the attention of -Aaron Wolverton.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Burton welcomed her visitors, and expressed great pleasure at the -discovery that Sam's fortunes were likely to be improved. Mr. Granger -proposed to make a call upon the faithless guardian, but was saved the -necessity, as Mr. Wolverton called early in the afternoon of the same -day. He was in a hurry to show his power, and foreclose the mortgage. It -was arranged that Sam and Mr. Granger should remain out of sight at -first.</p> - -<p>Robert answered the knock at the door.</p> - -<p>"Is your mother at home?" asked Wolverton.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[Pg 325]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Yes, sir; will you walk in?"</p> - -<p>"I believe I will."</p> - -<p>He entered the sitting-room, and Mrs. Burton soon made her appearance.</p> - -<p>"I see your son has returned, widder," remarked the agent.</p> - -<p>"Yes; it seems pleasant to have him back. I missed him greatly."</p> - -<p>"Humph! I s'pose so. It's a pity he went at all."</p> - -<p>"I don't know that."</p> - -<p>"Why, it stands to reason," said Wolverton, impatiently. "He went on a -fool's errand."</p> - -<p>"What makes you say that?"</p> - -<p>"He might have known a boy like him couldn't succeed in such an -enterprise. If he had taken up with my offer, he would have been all -right."</p> - -<p>"He said you offered him much less than the market price."</p> - -<p>"And so he started off to do better, and lost his whole cargo," sneered -Wolverton, smiling unpleasantly.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Burton was silent.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[Pg 326]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I came to tell you that I should require not only the interest, but a -payment of half the mortgage, according to the conditions. It is due -next Saturday."</p> - -<p>"Won't you wait, under the circumstances, Mr. Wolverton?"</p> - -<p>"No; I will not."</p> - -<p>"Do you think that is kind?" asked Mrs. Burton.</p> - -<p>"Kindness is kindness, and business is business, Mrs. Burton. Still, I -am willing to spare you on one condition."</p> - -<p>"What is that?"</p> - -<p>"That you become Mrs. Wolverton."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Burton made a gesture of repulsion.</p> - -<p>"That is entirely out of the question," she said.</p> - -<p>"Then I shall show no mercy."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Burton went to the door and called "Robert."</p> - -<p>Bob entered.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Wolverton demands his interest and the payment of half the -mortgage, according to the terms."</p> - -<p>"It is not due yet."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[Pg 327]</a></span></p> - -<p>"It will be, next Saturday," said the agent, triumphantly. "And I won't -listen to any palaver or any entreaties to put off the payment. As you -have made your bed you can lie upon it."</p> - -<p>"What do you propose to do if we don't pay?" asked Bob.</p> - -<p>"Foreclose the mortgage!" exclaimed the agent, bringing down his fist -upon the table before him.</p> - -<p>"In that case, I think, mother, we will pay," said Bob, quietly.</p> - -<p>"You can't pay!" snarled Wolverton.</p> - -<p>"That is where you are mistaken, Mr. Wolverton. I will not only pay what -you ask, but I am ready to take up the whole mortgage."</p> - -<p>"Is the boy crazy?" ejaculated Wolverton.</p> - -<p>"Not that I am aware of," answered Bob, smiling.</p> - -<p>"You haven't got the money."</p> - -<p>"Mistaken again, Mr. Wolverton."</p> - -<p>"When did you get it?" gasped Wolverton. "Wasn't your cargo stolen?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, by emissaries of yours!" was Bob's unexpected reply; "but I -recovered it, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[Pg 328]</a></span> sold the grain for two dollars and a quarter a -bushel."</p> - -<p>"You recovered it?" said Wolverton, turning pale.</p> - -<p>"Yes; and the men that stole it are now in jail. I have a letter from -one of them, declaring that he was employed by you."</p> - -<p>"It's a lie!" hastily exclaimed the agent; but he looked frightened.</p> - -<p>"I have reason to believe it is true. Mr. Wolverton, your base -conspiracy failed."</p> - -<p>"I guess I'll go," said Wolverton, rising. He wanted time to think.</p> - -<p>"Not just yet! Here are two persons who wish to see you"; and, to -Wolverton's surprise, Sam and Robert Granger entered the room.</p> - -<p>"You didn't expect to see me, Aaron Wolverton," said Captain Granger. "I -have come here with your nephew to demand restitution of the property -which you have appropriated to your own use, giving him to understand -that he was living on charity."</p> - -<p>Wolverton looked like a man in a state of collapse. He didn't dare to -deny what he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[Pg 329]</a></span> knew Captain Granger would have no difficulty in proving. -He glared at Sam as if he would like to have him in his power for a -short time.</p> - -<p>"Are you coming back with me?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"I will answer for him," said Captain Granger. "Sam is of an age when -the law authorizes him to select his own guardian. I have accepted the -trust, and I demand the transfer of his property to me."</p> - -<p>If there had been any chance of success, Wolverton would have contested -the matter, and, as it was, he interposed all the obstacles in his -power. Finally, Sam got his own, however, much to Wolverton's -disappointment.</p> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<p>Five years have passed. The mortgage on Burton's Ranch has long since -been paid, and Bob is making a handsome profit every year for his mother -and himself. Clip is still a member of the family, and, though he cannot -be called a model of industry, he is a favorite through his good nature -and love of fun. He is thoroughly loyal to the Burtons, and hates -Wolverton as much as it is in his nature to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[Pg 330]</a></span> hate anybody. Wolverton is -getting worse in temper as he grows older, and his ill-gotten gains do -not bring him happiness. The sight of Bob's prosperity is gall and -wormwood to him; but for this Bob cares little. Sam is employed in a -store under his new guardian's charge, but every summer he comes to -Burton's Ranch and stays a month, where he, Bob, and Clip have fine -times. Mrs. Burton is happy in her prosperity, and is thankful to God -for having given her so good a son. Bob has made more than one trip down -the river, but none so eventful as the one described in this story.</p> - -<p class="center space-above">THE END.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> - -<div class="box"> -<h2><span class="smcap">The Famous Castlemon Books.</span></h2> - -<p class="bold"><span class="smcap">by</span></p> - -<p class="bold"><span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon.</span></p> - -<div class="center"><img src="images/ad1.jpg" alt="Specimen Cover of the Gunboat Series" /></div> - -<p class="bold">Specimen Cover of the Gunboat Series.</p> - - -<p>No author of the present day has become a greater favorite with boys -than "Harry Castlemon;" every book by him is sure to meet with hearty -reception by young readers generally. His naturalness and vivacity lead -his readers from page to page with breathless interest, and when one -volume is finished the fascinated reader, like Oliver Twist, asks "for -more."</p> - -<p><sup>*</sup>*<sup>*</sup> Any volume sold separately.</p> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<table summary="Gunboat Series"> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>GUNBOAT SERIES.</b> By Harry Castlemon. 6 -vols., 12mo.<br />Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed -in colors. In box</td> - <td>$7 50</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>Frank, the Young Naturalist</b></td> - <td>1 25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>Frank in the Woods</b></td> - <td>1 25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>Frank on the Prairie</b></td> - <td>1 25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>Frank on a Gunboat</b></td> - <td>1 25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>Frank before Vicksburg</b></td> - <td>1 25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>Frank on the Lower Mississippi</b></td> - <td>1 25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span><b>GO AHEAD SERIES.</b> By Harry Castlemon. 3 -vols., 12mo.<br />Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed -in colors. In box</td> - <td>$3 75</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>Go Ahead</b>; or, The Fisher Boy's Motto</td> - <td>1 25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>No Moss</b>; or, The Career of a Rolling Stone</td> - <td>1 25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>Tom Newcombe</b>; or, The Boy of Bad Habits</td> - <td>1 25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES.</b> By Harry -Castlemon. 3 vols.,<br />12mo.Fully illustrated. Cloth, -extra, printed in colors. In box</td> - <td>$3 75</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>Frank at Don Carlos' Rancho</b></td> - <td>1 25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>Frank among the Rancheros</b></td> - <td>1 25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>Frank in the Mountains</b></td> - <td>1 25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>SPORTSMAN'S CLUB SERIES.</b> By Harry -Castlemon. 3 vols.,<br />12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, -extra, printed in colors. In box</td> - <td>$3 75</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>The Sportsman's Club in the Saddle</b></td> - <td>1 25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>The Sportsman's Club Afloat</b></td> - <td>1 25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>The Sportsman's Club among the Trappers</b></td> - <td>1 25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>FRANK NELSON SERIES.</b> By Harry Castlemon. -3 vols.<br />12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, -printed in colors. In box</td> - <td>$3 75</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>Snowed Up</b>; or, The Sportsman's Club in the Mts.</td> - <td>1 25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>Frank Nelson in the Forecastle</b>; or, The Sportsman's<br /> -Club among the Whalers</td> - <td>1 25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>The Boy Traders</b>; or, The Sportsman's Club among the Boers</td> - <td>1 25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"> </td> - <td></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>BOY TRAPPER SERIES.</b> By Harry Castlemon. -3 vols.,<br />12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In box</td> - <td>$3 75</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>The Buried Treasure</b>; or, Old Jordan's "Haunt"</td> - <td>1 25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>The Boy Trapper</b>; or, How Dave Filled the Order</td> - <td>1 25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left"><b>The Mail Carrier</b></td> - <td>1 25</td> - </tr> -</table> -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bob Burton, by Horatio Alger Jr. - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOB BURTON *** - -***** This file should be named 52194-h.htm or 52194-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/2/1/9/52194/ - -Produced by David Edwards, Martin Pettit and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -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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