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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..7a8d756 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #54741 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/54741) diff --git a/old/54741-0.txt b/old/54741-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 4b80428..0000000 --- a/old/54741-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9690 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's A Sailor in Spite of Himself, by Harry Castlemon - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: A Sailor in Spite of Himself - -Author: Harry Castlemon - -Release Date: May 18, 2017 [EBook #54741] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A SAILOR IN SPITE OF HIMSELF *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, readbueno and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -[Illustration: SHANGHAIED.] - - - - - A SAILOR - IN SPITE OF HIMSELF - - BY - HARRY CASTLEMON - - AUTHOR OF "THE GUNBOAT SERIES," "THE ROD AND GUN SERIES," - "THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES," ETC. - - PHILADELPHIA - HENRY T. COATES & CO. - 1898 - - - - - COPYRIGHT, 1897, BY - HENRY T. COATES & CO. - - - - - CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER PAGE - - I. SIMPSON TELLS A SECRET, 1 - - II. JOHNNY IS DISGUSTED, 15 - - III. SCOTTY'S PLAN AND HOW IT ENDED, 28 - - IV. GUS HAS A BENEFIT, 41 - - V. FATHER AND SON, 55 - - VI. BOB AT HOME, 68 - - VII. BEN SURPRISES EVERYBODY, 85 - - VIII. BOB GETS SOME MONEY, 105 - - IX. BOB CALLS ON A LAWYER, 123 - - X. A TWO-HUNDRED-DOLLAR PEARL, 141 - - XI. LEON'S WAR RECORD, 162 - - XII. "BEN WATSON DREAMED IT ALL," 181 - - XIII. ONE DISPOSED OF, 200 - - XIV. JOE SUCCESSFUL AGAIN, 220 - - XV. GUS HEARS THE NEWS, 242 - - XVI. A SAILOR IN SPITE OF HIMSELF, 265 - - XVII. THE DESERTERS, 280 - - XVIII. A MUTINY, 299 - - XIX. A FAMILIAR FACE, 317 - - XX. WHO WROTE THE CODICIL? 334 - - XXI. SAM IS DISCHARGED, 354 - - XXII. THE TELEGRAM, 373 - - XXIII. CONCLUSION, 396 - - - - - A SAILOR IN SPITE OF - HIMSELF. - - - - - CHAPTER I. - SIMPSON TELLS A SECRET. - - -"Halloo, Blues! What are you doing out here?" - -"What are you Whites doing out here?" - -"We came out to see you beaten." - -"You did? Then we would advise you to pull ashore immediately, for that -is something you will not see this day." - -"Won't we, indeed? You'll soon tell a different tale. In less than an -hour you will pull off those blue rosettes and throw them overboard." - -"On the contrary, in less than an hour the boys who wear those blue -rosettes will be cheering the champions of the State." - -"Ha! Tell that to the marines. Perhaps they will believe it." - -This conversation took place between the occupants of two little -sailboats, the Sunbeam and the Firefly, which had been thrown up into -the wind and now lay almost motionless side by side, while the boys who -made up their passengers and crews lounged on the thwarts, fanning their -flushed faces with their hats, and ever and anon turning their eyes -toward the shore in an eager, expectant manner, as if they were waiting -for something. - -From the positions in which the little vessels lay, their crews had a -good view of the bay for ten miles on every side, and the sight -presented to their gaze was one worth going a long way to see. The water -was dotted with small craft of every description—tugs, skiffs, -single-oared shells and sailboats, the latter all flying the colors of -the Lone Star Yacht Club, and the shore in front of the academy was -lined with carriages and people. It was a gala day in Elmwood, and -almost every man, woman and child for miles around had come in to -witness an event that had been the topic of conversation for weeks—a -race between two of the best boat clubs in the State. - -Elmwood was situated on an extensive bay which indented the coast of one -of our Southern States. It was a wealthy and thriving place, and in -spite of the fact that the war was only just over, it boasted of as fine -an academy as could be found anywhere. There were two hundred students -and more on the rolls, and although you could have picked out from the -number any number of lazy, mischievous boys—such fellows intrude -themselves everywhere—you could not have found one who did not love the -school and all its surroundings. It was no wonder that the institution -stood high in the estimation of both scholars and patrons, for the -faculty were men who believed in making it a pleasant place for the boys -under their charge. Innocent sports of every kind were not only -tolerated but encouraged, the professors often taking part in them with -as much eagerness as the boys themselves. Just now everything except -aquatics was at a discount, and this state of affairs had been brought -about by accident. - -Among the boys who spent all their spare time upon the bay were two -crews who were looked up to by the rest of the students as authorities -on all matters pertaining to boats and rowing. The head man of one of -these crews was Gus Layton, and the owner and stroke of the other was -Bob Nellis, his cousin. The former rowed in a shell called the Mist, -while Bob and his men took their daily airings in a beautiful little -craft called the Zephyr. - -One evening, while the crew of the Mist, who called themselves the -champions of Elmwood, were taking a pull on the bay to exercise their -muscles and cool their brains after a long siege of study in the -school-room, they fell in with Bob Nellis and his men, who were out for -the same purpose, and of course a race ensued. The self-styled champions -expected to walk away with their opponents very easily, but to their -intense chagrin and the overwhelming astonishment of fifty or more -students who stood on the shore watching the contestants, the Zephyr -went ahead rapidly, and rounded to in front of the academy the winner by -more than a dozen lengths. Bob and his crew were so highly elated over -the result of the race that they immediately challenged the crew of the -Mist to a contest for the championship, which was promptly accepted, and -this particular day had been set for the trial. - -The excitement began to run high directly. The students at once declared -themselves the adherents of one or the other of the rival clubs, and -took to wearing rosettes on their jackets. Bob and his men wore a white -uniform, and Gus and his men dressed in blue, and by looking at the -rosettes a student wore one could tell which side he favored without -asking any questions. - -For weeks nothing but the race had been talked of. The enthusiasm of the -students was so contagious that even their fathers, older brothers, and -mothers and sisters became interested. The ladies, old and young, took -to wearing rosettes, and manufactured them by the dozen, blue or white, -as their fancy and their preference dictated. Mr. Sprague, the father of -one of the Mist's crew, purchased a beautiful pitcher and cup, both -bearing suitable inscriptions, which were to be presented to the winning -crew by the prettiest young lady in Elmwood, and so the young oarsmen -had something besides the championship to work for. - -The Blues were confident, as they had reason to be. The crew of the Mist -handled their oars with a grace and skill that were surprising, and the -way they made their light shell dance over the water, when once they -settled fairly down to their work, frightened all the other academy -boys, who allowed them to claim and boast of the championship without a -single contest to prove their superiority. Bob and his men acknowledged -that the odds were against them, and devoted every spare moment to -preparations for the race. Jack Phillips, the coxswain of the Zephyr, -measured off a two-mile course at the upper end of the bay, and twice -each day his crew pulled over it in a heavy yawl. They swung Indian -clubs and dumb-bells to harden their muscles, ran long races over the -road to increase their powers of endurance, and all this while attended -regularly to their school duties and kept pace with their classes. They -were the favorites among the students by long odds, as any one could -have told by counting the rosettes, and it was whispered about among the -students that if all the crew of the Mist were like Gus Layton, its -owner, there wouldn't have been a blue rosette to be seen. He was the -most unpopular boy in school—so very unpopular, indeed, that any of the -Blues, when asked why they wore his colors, felt called upon to explain -that it was not on his account, but for the sake of Sprague, Haight and -Bright, other members of his crew, whom everybody acknowledged to be -good fellows. No one, not even his particular crony, said that Gus was a -good fellow, and the reason for this will be seen as our story -progresses. - -"I say, Johnny," exclaimed Tom Thayer, continuing the conversation which -we have so unceremoniously interrupted, "you don't want to see Bob -Nellis beaten. Let me pull off that blue rosette and give you another -that will correctly express your feelings." - -Tom Thayer wore a white rosette and held the helm of the Sunbeam, while -Johnny Parker wore a blue and was seated at the helm of the Firefly. - -"I have no sympathy for Gus, that's a fact," said Johnny, raising his -arm to shield the colors that were pinned to his breast. "But there's -Sprague, you know; he is my chum." - -"I am aware of it," replied Tom; "but with all due respect to you and -him, I must say that he is keeping very bad company. He deserves to be -beaten." - -Johnny had no reply to make to this. It had long been a matter of wonder -and discussion among the students that so good a fellow as Sprague -should associate with such a scamp as Gus Layton, and as Johnny did not -know what to say in defense of his friend's conduct, he brought the -Firefly before the wind and filled away for the opposite side of the -bay. - -"I say, fellows," continued Tom, as soon as the very light wind that was -blowing had carried the Firefly a hundred yards or so away, "did you -notice how Simpson acted?" - -"I was just about to ask the same question," said one of Tom's -passengers. "He is almost bursting with some secret or other. Let's call -him back and find out what it is. Isn't it strange how that fellow gets -hold of every bit of news that's floating about?" - -The boy referred to was seated in the Firefly with Johnny Parker. Next -to Gus Layton he was the most unpopular boy in school, and the reason -was, because he was an incorrigible tale-bearer. His tongue was so -unruly that he never could keep a secret, no matter how damaging it -might be to others, or even to himself. This unfortunate habit had got -him into numberless scrapes, but he never seemed to learn wisdom by his -rough experience. - -While the conversation we have recorded was being held, Simpson kept -twisting about on his seat, smiling and winking at his companions in a -way that would have excited the astonishment and mirth of a stranger, -but which told the boys present as plainly as words that he knew -something which he could hardly keep from telling. By the time the two -boats separated his secret had so swelled within him that he could -contain it no longer. - -"The Whites seem confident," said he, and as he spoke his companions, -who had been lounging about the boat in various attitudes, started up -quickly to hear what was coming, "but I will bet the contents of the -next box I receive from home that the Blues beat them. I'll even bet -that the Zephyr is not rowed over two hundred yards of the course," he -added, with a knowing shake of his head. - -"You will?" exclaimed Johnny. - -"Yes, sir. I suppose we are all friends. We all wear the same colors." - -"Speak out, Simp," exclaimed one of Johnny's passengers. "You know you -can't keep it any longer." - -"And it is a wonder he has kept it as long as he has," said another. - -"I think I have held my tongue pretty still since you fellows poured -that bucket of water over me for telling the professors who it was that -knocked the pickets off the fence," replied Simpson. "But I will tell -you this, for it is much too good to keep. Bob's oar is cut half in -two." - -As Simpson said this he leaned back on his elbow in the stern-sheets and -looked from one to the other of his companions to see what they thought -about it. To say that they were astonished would not half express it. -True they had heard of numerous plots, in all of which Simpson was -implicated, to injure the Zephyr so that she could not be pulled in the -race, but the boat and everything belonging to her had been so closely -watched that Bob and his friends were positive that no advantage had -been taken of them. - -"Yes, sir," repeated Simpson. "Bob's oar will break the very first time -he lays out his strength on it." - -"Did you cut it?" asked Johnny, as soon as he had recovered from his -amazement. - -"No, I didn't; but I know who did. It was Mr. Layton, Gus's father." - -"Well, now, if that wasn't a pretty piece of business for a man to -engage in I wouldn't say so," cried Johnny, indignantly. "Simp, you and -the crowd you run with are too contemptible for anything!" - -"Oh, now, what's the matter with you?" whined that worthy. "I have a -good notion not to tell you another word. Don't you want the Blues to -win?" - -"How did Mr. Layton get a chance to interfere in this business?" -inquired Johnny, without answering Simpson's question. "He is a hundred -miles from here." - -"I know it, but he has interfered with it, all the same, no matter if he -is a thousand. You see, Gus is afraid of Bob, and he never intended to -run a fair race. His first idea was to knock a hole in the Zephyr, and -we came pretty near carrying it out, too." - -"_We?_" echoed Johnny. "Did you have a hand in it?" - -"Of course I did. I watched at the window of the boat-house while Gus -went in; but just as I handed him the axe, who should come prowling -around but one of the professors, and we had to take to our heels. The -next morning Bob found the window of the boat-house open and the axe -lying on the floor, and knowing in a moment that something had been -going on he set a watch over the building, and we couldn't get near it -afterward." - -"Well, what has that got to do with the oar that was tampered with?" -demanded Johnny, almost fiercely. - -"Now I would just like to know what makes you so cross," whined Simpson. -"I believe you want our fellows to get beaten." - -"Never mind that. Tell me about the oar." - -"Ain't I coming to it as fast as I can? The very morning that Bob found -the axe in the boat-house he sprung a row-lock while he and his crew -were practicing, and thinking he might as well have a new rig while he -was about it, he sent to Clifton after another shell and a set of oars. -Mr. Layton—he is Bob's uncle and guardian, you know—heard of it through -Gus, and countermanded the order as far as the shell was concerned, but -wrote to Bob that the oars should be forthcoming. When they were done he -wouldn't let the man who made them send them to Bob, but took them to -his own house, removed the leather from Bob's oar—he could easily tell -it from the rest, because Bob always has his oars made with a larger -grip than the others—sawed it half in two, filled up the crack with -putty or something, so that it could not be seen, and put the leather on -again just as it was before. Then, instead of sending up the oars three -or four days ago, as he promised to do, Mr. Layton kept them until the -last moment, and they arrived only an hour or two ago, so that Bob had -no chance to examine them or practice with them. Oh, his goose is -cooked, I tell you, and the Blues are bound to win. Now, what is the -matter with you fellows? You don't act as if you were glad at all." - -It was easy enough to see that Johnny and his friends were anything but -delighted at what they had heard. If one might judge by the expression -on their faces they were very much disgusted. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - JOHNNY IS DISGUSTED. - - -"Simp," said Johnny, after trying in vain to find words strong enough to -express his feelings, "I've a good notion to duck you in the bay for not -telling of this before. Get out of my boat!" - -"Oh, now, I can't get out and walk ashore, can I?" whined Simpson. - -"That's so; but I can soon put you ashore; and, Simp, don't you ever -speak to me as long as you remain at this academy." - -"I would like to know what is the matter with you fellows," demanded the -culprit, greatly astonished and utterly at a loss to account for so much -feeling on Johnny's part. "I am sure I did nothing but what you would -have done if you had been in my place." - -In his opinion, anything that helped to insure the defeat of a rival was -perfectly fair and honorable. He had expected that Johnny and his -friends, after listening to his revelation, would be all enthusiasm and -admiration for the shrewdness Gus had exhibited in getting to windward -of his opponent, but instead of that they all appeared to be very -indignant, and Johnny had expressed a desire to throw him overboard. He -could not understand it. - -"I don't believe you want our fellows to win," repeated Simpson. - -"Yes I do, if they can win honorably. But I'll tell you what is a fact: -Gus Layton shall not have that silver pitcher. I will blow the whole -thing, and in the presence of all the spectators, too." - -"Oh, don't do that!" gasped Simpson, almost paralyzed at the thought. "I -wouldn't have my name mixed up with this business for anything. Gus -would half kill me if he knew what I have told you." - -"Don't let that distress you," replied Johnny. "From this time forward -no one shall ever hear your name pronounced by me. I shall take no more -notice of you and the rest who have a hand in this mean business than if -you did not exist." - -"I say," suddenly exclaimed one of Johnny's companions, all of whom had -listened in silence to this conversation, "Sprague would never row in -that boat if he knew what has been going on." - -"That's a fact," exclaimed Johnny, an idea striking him. "Let's go over -there and stop the whole thing." - -"Oh, it is of no use; you can't do it," drawled Simpson. "There they -come now." - -Five o'clock, the time set for the race, had arrived, and those of the -spectators who had come out in boats to obtain a fair view of the -contest were beginning to grow restless, and to cast frequent and -impatient glances toward the academy grounds. Even as Simpson spoke -there was a commotion among the crowd gathered about one of the -boat-houses on the beach, the door flew open, and a light shell, -propelled by four boys dressed in blue, darted out and moved rapidly up -the bay toward the starting-point. It was the Mist. The Blues were on -the alert, and the moment their favorites came in sight they were -greeted with a clapping of hands, waving of handkerchiefs and prolonged -cheers. - -While the Mist was taking her position alongside the tug where stood one -of the professors who was to act as starter, her rival, the Zephyr, came -in sight, her crew pulling a long, sweeping stroke, and feathering their -oars as neatly as old men-of-war men selected to row the captain's gig. -Then another and louder uproar arose among the spectators, and continued -until the Zephyr came up alongside the Mist and the starter stepped into -view. While he was getting the boats into position, and giving the crews -their final instructions, we will glance rapidly at some scraps of the -history of two of the contestants who have an important part to play in -our story. - -First in meanness, treachery, and almost everything else that is bad, -comes Gus Layton, and so we will devote our attention to him. He is, as -we have said, Bob's own cousin, a fact that has given rise to much -doubtful speculation in the minds of the students, for they do not see -how two boys, so widely different in dispositions, tastes and habits, -can possibly be connected by ties of blood. He is a cross, -sullen-looking boy, with a hooked nose, a low, retreating forehead, and -an oily, insinuating manner, which, while it draws some toward him, -repels a great many more. He is too lazy to study, and consequently, -although he is sixteen years of age, he is in one of the lowest classes -in school. He pulls a good oar, is a passable gymnast and ball-player, -shows a wonderful faculty for shirking hard work, displays cunning in -getting himself out of the numerous scrapes he falls into, and these are -about all the accomplishments he possesses. - -During the lifetime of Mr. Nellis, Bob's father, Gus had been a sort of -protégé of that gentleman, who bestowed on him more care and attention -than his own father did. By placing him at the academy Mr. Nellis gave -him every advantage for fitting himself for usefulness in after life; -and, more than that, he took care to neglect nothing which he thought -would add to his comfort and pleasure. Was Bob presented with a new -shell, a sailboat, a uniform, or a supply of pocket-money, the same boat -which brought them to Elmwood brought a like supply for Gus Layton. Was -Bob sent off during the long summer vacation to ramble among the hills -of New England, or to fish in the trout streams of the Adirondacks, Gus -was never compelled to remain behind. One would suppose that under such -circumstances Gus would have been a happy boy, and that he would have -felt grateful to the uncle, and that, if he had no affection for his -cousin, he would at least have treated him civilly in return for his -father's kindness and liberality; but such was not the case. His -jealousy made him morose, cross and fretful, and he despised and hated -his cousin from the bottom of his heart. - -And was this feeling reciprocated by Bob? Not at all. Although, to quote -from the students, he did not take much stock in his cousin, he always -treated him kindly, and was as cordial and friendly with him as Gus -would permit him to be. - -Bob's father, even after the war, was looked upon as the wealthiest man -in Clifton; but since his death, which occurred a few months previous to -the beginning of our story, it had been whispered about that he had but -little property, and that little had been willed to his brother-in-law, -Mr. Layton, no provision having been made for Bob, who was left as his -uncle's ward. Many who had refused to believe this story at first were -beginning to put some faith in it now, for Mr. Layton's refusal to allow -Bob to purchase a new shell—a thing his father never would have done—and -the advice he had of late so often given him that it was high time he -was paying less attention to his boating and more to his studies, as he -might at no distant day be obliged to earn his bread before he could eat -it, made it evident that there was some foundation for the reports that -had got abroad. Bob did not know what to make of the situation, and was -only waiting for the close of the school year to have a plain talk with -his uncle. He wanted to know just where he stood. - -Bob Nellis, the owner and stroke of the Zephyr, was a splendid fellow in -every respect. Every one said so except Gus Layton and his set. They did -not like him, and the reason was because they were jealous of him. He -always stood among the first five in his class, and in athletic sports, -in which Gus was particularly anxious to excel, Bob was as far ahead of -him as he was in his studies. But Bob had been a changed boy of late. He -was almost as gloomy as Gus himself. His mother died when he was too -young to remember her, and now that his father was gone he was alone in -the world. Besides his uncle he had not a relative to whom he could go -for advice or assistance, and to apply to him for either he had already -made up his mind was quite out of the question. The students all -sympathized with Bob in his troubles, and this was another thing that -aroused the ire of Gus Layton, who declared he could not see what there -was in that pauper to draw the fellows to him. This much to introduce -our two principal characters, and to show how they stand with regard to -each other and to the world. - -While the rival crews were taking their stations and listening to their -final instructions, the Firefly, with Johnny Parker at the helm, was -making as good use of her time as she possibly could with the very light -breeze that was blowing, and presently ran her bow upon the beach. - -"Now, Simp, make yourself scarce about here, and remember that -henceforth I want to see and hear as little of you as possible," said -Johnny, jumping out and running up the bank, waving his handkerchief -above his head as he went. "A boy who knows all that you do, and who -goes until this late day without telling it to anybody, I have no use -for." - -"Oh, now, he's going to blow on me!" whined Simpson, his face growing -white with alarm. "Come back here, Johnny. Just consider what a mess you -will get me into. Call him back, boys!" - -"Just consider what a mess Sprague will be in if he rows in that race," -replied Johnny, plunging recklessly into the crowd. - -The spectators looked after him as he elbowed them right and left, and -wondered if he had taken leave of his senses. Johnny was a lively runner -for a little fellow, but he had a good distance to go, and the crowd was -so dense that he could scarcely work his way through it. Still he -succeeded in attracting the attention of his friend Sprague, who, -believing that Johnny was urging him to do his best to win the race, -gave him a sign of recognition, and then he grasped his oar with a -firmer hold, as if to show that he understood him. - -While Johnny was yet too far off to make his words heard, he saw the -eight rowers suddenly bend their bodies forward, hold their oars poised -in the air for a moment, and then dip them so nearly together that they -all seemed to strike the water at the same instant. Johnny was too late -to stop the race. With a sigh of regret he worked his way out of the -crowd, and seating himself upon an elevated part of the shore, where he -was comparatively alone, he fixed his eyes upon the Zephyr and waited to -see Bob's oar snap in his hand. - -The two boats moved away together and for a few yards kept side by side; -but it was only for a few yards, for Bob, who had set out to win, and -could be satisfied with nothing else than taking the lead at once and -keeping it through to the end, put on a desperate spurt, in which he was -faithfully backed by his crew, and in less time than it takes to tell it -the Mist was behind, and falling further behind every moment. But why -did not Bob's oar break? He was rowing with more vigor and determination -than Johnny had ever seen him exhibit before, and although the tough -piece of wood he held in his hand bent like a whipstock, it never -cracked. Surely no oar that had been cut half in two could stand any -such outlay of strength. Johnny was completely bewildered, and so were a -score of other students, all Gus Layton's friends, who were waiting with -a good deal of anxiety and impatience for the catastrophe which Johnny -so much dreaded. There was still another who was interested in the -matter, and who was just then learning something about it Johnny would -have been delighted to know. It was Simpson. - -That young gentleman thought from the expression on Johnny's face that -he had better take him at his word and make himself scarce about there. -Filled with apprehension, and wondering what would become of him if -Johnny succeeded in stopping the race, he sprang ashore, ran up the -bank, and stationed himself where he could see all that passed. When he -saw the boats start off in spite of Johnny's frantic signals he drew a -long breath and once more turned his face toward the beach, intending to -be on hand to hear what Bob had to say about his broken oar when he came -back. In order to avoid the crowd he was obliged to pass close to the -academy building, and as he was hurrying along he heard his name -pronounced in low and cautious tones. Looking up, he saw one of Gus -Layton's right-hand men, Scotty, (quite as often called Friday, for the -reason that Gus always looked to him to do any work that he did not feel -inclined to do himself), who was leaning half-way out of a third-story -window, beckoning eagerly, and at the same time taking care to be seen -by no one but the boy below. - -"Oh, Simp, don't say a word, but come up here directly," whispered -Scotty, in great excitement. "It is all out, and there's bound to be an -awful row when the boats get back." - -"No!" exclaimed Simpson. - -"But I say yes. Some fellow has let the cat out of the bag, and if Gus -doesn't have a fight on his hands before he goes to bed I am no prophet. -Nellis is just red-hot and still heating." - -"Does he—does he know who—" stammered Simpson. - -"Yes, he knows all about it. Come up here." - -If Johnny Parker had heard this he might have known how to account for -Bob's extra strong pulling. - - - - - CHAPTER III. - SCOTTY'S PLAN AND HOW IT ENDED. - - -"I say, Simp," continued Scotty, in the same cautious whisper, "don't -you hear me? Come up here. We must get Gus out of this scrape, if there -is any way to do it." - -Simpson thought no more about the boat-race. Trembling for fear of the -exposure that was coming, and the investigation that would be sure to -follow close upon the heels of it, in which his name would bear a -prominent part, he darted into the building and hurried up the stairs to -his dormitory. At the door he met Scotty, whose usually stolid face was -all aglow with excitement and triumph. A brilliant thought had just -occurred to him. - -"Simp," he hurriedly exclaimed, "the only way to get Gus out of this -trouble is to destroy the evidence against him." - -"What evidence is there?" asked Simpson. - -"Why the oar itself—the one Mr. Layton cut for him. You see," added -Scotty, so eager to get through with what he had to say that he could -scarcely speak plainly, "about half an hour ago, as I was going through -the hall, who should come in but Bob Nellis and three or four of his -particular friends. Bob carried an oar in his hand, and I saw that it -was one of the new ones he had just received, and that the leather had -been removed. If I needed any other evidence to convince me that he knew -just what had been going on I should have had it in the look his face -wore and the words he uttered. I heard him say, as he went up the -stairs, 'There's not another boy in school who would have put up with -that Gus Layton's meanness as long as I have, and I'm not going to do it -any longer. If anything about our boat breaks during the race to-day I -shall believe it is because he has tampered with it in spite of our -watchfulness, and I shall come back here and expose him in the presence -of the professors and of the students.'" - -"Well?" said Simpson, when Scotty paused to take breath. - -"Well, they went up to their dormitory, and presently I heard a door -slammed and locked. They have hidden the oar in their closet; and I -propose that, if we can get at it, we take it out and hide it somewhere -else. Then we'll watch our chance and tell Gus of what we have done, and -suggest to him that if there is any row raised all he has to do is to -deny the whole business, for there is no evidence against him—eh?" - -"But Gus can't keep a secret, you know," said Simpson, unconsciously -making use of almost the very words that one of Johnny's friends had -addressed to himself, "and perhaps he has told some of the fellows that -his father cut the oar." - -"I know he has. He has told you and me and all the rest of his friends; -but we will not blow on him." - -"I—ah—that is—oh, no, of course not," stammered Simpson, his heart -fairly coming up into his mouth when he reflected that he had already -committed the secret to half a score of boys who would not countenance -any such trickery as this which Gus and his father had been guilty of. - -"See here, Simp," said Scotty, looking suspiciously at his friend, "that -doesn't come from the heart. Are you White?" - -"Not much. I am so Blue it will rub off." - -"Then you had better do something to prove it. You must help me get that -oar. I have tried all my keys, but none of them will fit the lock. -Here's something, however, that will open the way for us," said Scotty, -producing from under his jacket a large chisel which he had abstracted -from the carpenter's chest. "If you are Blue clear through, as you say -you are, take this and burst open the door." - -Simpson, eager to prove himself true to his colors, replied by seizing -the chisel and running out into the hall, Scotty following close at his -heels. A few rapid steps carried them up the stairs to Bob's dormitory, -and a few more to the closet in which the telltale oar was hidden. Here -Simpson's courage began to fail him, and he felt the strongest desire to -back out. - -"What will the professors say, I wonder?" said he, making a feeble -attempt to force an entrance into the closet. - -"We don't care what they say. They'll never find out who did it, for I -ain't a-going to tell, I bet you. You will be more likely to tell -yourself." - -"You don't give me credit for much sense, do you?" said Simpson. - -"Well, you have done such things before now, haven't you? That is no way -to get in there. Cut the casing around the bolt." - -The casing, which was a thin pine board, could not long resist their -efforts. A few blows with the chisel brought off a piece of it, and then -the lock was no longer an obstacle to them. As the door flew open Scotty -seized the oar and hurried away with it, while Simpson, anxious to -conceal his work as long as possible, lingered to shut the closet and -press the piece of casing he had cut off back into its place. As all the -students, and every one else belonging to the academy, were out watching -the race, the young scapegraces had the building to themselves and were -in no danger of being discovered. They ran quickly down the back stairs -and into the carpenter's shop, where the oar was speedily hidden away -under a pile of boards. - -"It will stay there until doomsday," said Scotty, "for these boards are -seldom disturbed." - -"Yes," said Simpson, "but I can propose something better for it. Some -night, as soon as it becomes dark, I'll take it out and sink it in the -bay. Then I would like to see anybody find it." - -"That's sensible, although these boards have never been disturbed since -I have been to this school. Now, the next thing is to run down to the -beach and whisper a word of warning in Gus Layton's ear. Are you up to -it?" - -"Yes, sir; of course I am." - -Scotty and his friend worked to such good advantage that they had plenty -of time to do all this, which we have been so long in describing, and to -run out on the bank in season to witness the conclusion of the race. -They left the shop by different doors, and when they came within sight -of the bay saw that the Zephyr had already turned the stakeboat and was -well on her way home, while the Mist was so far behind that it was quite -impossible for her to make up her lost ground. Bob and his men were -still pulling with all the power of which they were capable, saying by -their actions as plainly as they could have said it in words that in -defeating those who would have beaten them by fraud they were taking all -the revenge they desired. Presently Simpson found himself standing near -a group of students whom he knew to be Blues, but who, he was surprised -to see, had discarded their favorite colors. The subject of Gus Layton's -underhanded dealings was being discussed by them in an animated manner. -Indeed it had somehow got abroad among the students, and was the only -topic of conversation. - -"I declare it is a downright shame!" exclaimed Claxton, one of the -group, "and it is a great pity it was not known before the race began. -If I were Nellis I would make the school too hot for Gus Layton. He's -got proof enough against him." - -"Ah! but has he, though?" cried Simpson. "Where is it?" - -"The oar, my dear fellow—the oar that was cut by Gus Layton's orders. -Have you seen anything of it?" - -"But perhaps Bob doesn't know where it is." - -"Why, he took it into the academy and locked it up." - -"I don't suppose it could have been spirited out of that lock-up and -hidden somewhere else, could it?" said Simpson, with a look that spoke -volumes. "Always be sure of your evidence before you hang a man." - -The students were amazed. They looked at each other and at Simpson for a -few seconds without speaking, and then the one who had thus far acted as -spokesman said, coaxingly: - -"Now, Simp, tell us all about it; there's a good fellow. Somehow you -have a way of finding out everything that goes on within a mile of the -academy. What has become of the oar? Where is it hidden?" - -"It is in the carpenter's loft, concealed under a pile of boards," -answered Simpson, speaking before he thought. "I declare," he added, -mentally, and growing frightened at what he had done, "I have told it, -just as Scotty said I would. I say, fellows," he continued, trying to -recover himself, "you don't suppose I am green enough to tell every -thing I know, do you?" - -The cheers, long and loud, which arose at this moment, as the Zephyr -flew by the tug on which the judges were standing, put a stop to the -effort Simpson was about to make to repair the damage he believed he had -done. He was borne with the crowd toward the beach, and joined with it -in so heartily applauding the victors that his friend Scotty, had he -been there, might have thought he had good reason for believing that he -was not as Blue as he professed. Slowly the defeated crew pulled down -the home-stretch, and the feeble attempt to cheer them as they passed -the judges' stand did not serve as a balm to their wounded feelings. Gus -was so filled with rage and jealousy that he could scarcely see what was -going on around him. He sent his shell into the boat-house so swiftly -that, in spite of the efforts of the coxswain and the rest of the crew, -she received injuries which placed her far out of the lists forever, so -far as racing was concerned. Hastily dressing himself, he left the -boat-house without saying a word to any of his companions. He knew the -cause of his defeat. Bob had been warned by somebody, and instead of -using the new oars his uncle had sent him he had rowed the race with -others which had, on more than one occasion, proved perfectly -trustworthy. But who was the traitor? Gus had asked himself this -question more than a score of times during the race, and each time, as -if in response to the inquiry, the image of a red-headed, cringing -youth, with round shoulders and stooping gait, had risen before his -mental vision. Gus hurried off to find the original of the image, and -was not long about it, for the youth in question was impatient to find -him. Gus met him hurrying down the bank toward the boat-house, full of -news, which he was eager to communicate. - -"Simp," said he, taking the red-headed youth by the lapel of his coat, -"a word in your private ear." - -He looked all around to make sure that there was no one within hearing, -and then fastened his eyes sternly upon the face of the boy before him. - -"Simp," said Gus, "did you ever read the fable of a man who found a -torpid adder, or some other kind of a serpent, and took it home with him -and warmed it, and after he had restored it to life the serpent turned -on him and bit him?" - -"Oh, now, that doesn't apply to me," said Simpson, fairly shaking in his -boots. - -"I have been good to you, haven't I?" - -"Yes, you have." - -"I took you in hand and made friends for you when none of the other -fellows would have anything to do with you, because of that tongue of -yours—didn't I?" - -"Yes, you did." - -"Simp, there's a traitor about here somewhere, and I am looking for him. -If I can find him I'll—I'll—" - -"Well, you can just look farther," whined Simpson, growing more and more -alarmed, for he had never seen Gus so utterly overcome with rage as he -was at that moment. "You don't see any traitor in me, I can tell you." - -"I took you into my confidence and told you that Bob's oar would not -hang together while he was pulling two hundred yards, didn't I? Now, did -you ever repeat that to anybody?" - -"I never did," declared Simpson, as if he were perfectly horrified at -the thought. "As sure as I live and breathe, I never whispered it to a -living soul!" - -"Think again; it got out somehow." - -"I don't care if it did; I didn't let it out, as sure as you're a foot -high. If the fellows say anything to you about it, deny it and stick to -it. Say that you are above all such meanness." - -"What good will that do? Bob has got the oar." - -"No, he hasn't. I saw him take it up to his dormitory and lock it up, -and I went and got Scotty, and he and I stole it out and hid it where no -one will ever think of looking for it. I had to cut the door open to get -it, too. I wouldn't have run so much risk if I had been a traitor to -you, would I? I say again, if they accuse you of trying to win by fraud, -deny it up hill and down. They can't bring any evidence against you." - -Gus let go Simpson's collar, and stepping back a pace or two looked at -him without speaking. - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - GUS HAS A BENEFIT. - - -GUS took a few moments in which to think over this extraordinary -proposition. He was well aware that all the students had by this time -heard of the meanness of which he had been guilty—if there chanced to be -any who were ignorant of it they would not remain long so—and the idea -of facing them and saving himself from disgrace by a bold denial was -something that had never occurred to him. The audacity of the thing -pleased him. - -"I declare, Simp," said he, at length, "two heads are better than one, -if one is a red-head. I was afraid that the fellows would make things so -uncomfortable for me that I would have to leave school; but I have a -different opinion now. If Bob says anything about the oar I can say, you -know, that he wants to injure me, and ask him to produce his evidence." - -"That's the very idea," assented Simpson. - -"Don't lisp a word of what you have told me to anyone else," said Gus. -"We mustn't let it get out." - -"Ah! Trust me for that. Do you think I am a greenhorn?" - -Gus, feeling as if a heavy weight had been removed from his shoulders, -walked off snapping his fingers, and Simpson stood congratulating -himself on his shrewdness—he never thought to give Scotty any credit for -it—when, happening to cast his eye toward the academy, he saw a sight -that filled him with great consternation. - -A crowd of students were coming from the direction of the carpenter's -shop, and the foremost of them, Claxton by name, who had acted as -spokesman of the group he had met a short time before, carried over his -shoulder the identical oar which had been stolen from the closet and so -carefully hidden in the lumber-pile. Simpson knew it the instant he put -his eyes on it. His under jaw dropped down, and for a moment or two he -stood staring at Claxton as if he could hardly make up his mind whether -he was awake or dreaming. Then it flashed upon him again that he had -done just what Scotty predicted he would do—revealed his complicity in -an affair which, should it reach the ears of the faculty, would cause -his expulsion from the academy. - -"Simp," said an angry voice close at his elbow. - -The culprit turned and found Scotty at his side. - -"Simp, look there!" said the latter, pointing toward the academy door -through which Claxton was just disappearing with the oar. "What did I -tell you? You're not a greenhorn, are you?" - -"Oh, now, Scotty, you just want to clear out," exclaimed Simpson, who, -when taken to task either by the professors or the students, always fell -back on the line of defense he had suggested to Gus Layton. "I would -like to know why you fellows always pounce upon me when anything goes -wrong about the academy?" - -"Simply because you know you are the guilty one, that's why. What -induced you to tell Claxton where that oar was hidden?" - -"I didn't tell him. I haven't spoken to him in a month," declared -Simpson, earnestly. - -"Then how did he find it out? I didn't tell him." - -"I don't know how he found it out. Perhaps he was watching us when we -hid the oar." - -"That's highly probable," replied Scotty, with a sneer. "Good-bye, Simp; -you'll not do to tie to. I have at last satisfied myself of that fact. I -don't know what Layton will do to you." - -Simpson didn't know, either, and that was what troubled him just then -more than anything else. Believing it best to keep out of sight for a -while, he made his way out of the academy grounds without being -discovered and directed his course toward the village of Elmwood, which -lay about a mile distant. Having no other way of passing the time he -roamed about the streets until seven o'clock, and then with great -reluctance turned his face toward the academy. The buildings were closed -at half-past seven, and all the students who were not in their -dormitories at that hour were obliged to account for their absence to -the professors the next morning. - -As Simpson was passing the wharf he saw the little steamer which plied -up and down the coast getting under way. The gangplank had been hauled -in, the lines cast off, and then, in obedience to some hurried orders, -the plank was once more shoved out again and the steamer made fast to -the wharf. At the same time a hack, driven at furious speed, came down -the road from the direction of the academy, and it was in response to -the shouts of the driver and the frantic signals of some one inside that -the steamer had delayed her departure. Simpson had a good view of the -passenger, who was leaning more than half-way out of the window -flourishing his hand-kerchief, and his heart gave a great bound when he -saw that it was Gus Layton. He watched him until he was safe on board -the vessel, saw the porters take charge of his baggage, and then hurried -out of the village with a much lighter heart than he had brought into -it. - -"Thank goodness he is gone and I am safe!" said Simpson, to himself. "I -do not know what the other fellows will do to me, but of one thing I am -satisfied—they'll not beat me." - -Yes, Gus was gone, and that, too, with the determination of never coming -back. His departure had been hastened by something that transpired at -the academy shortly after his interview with Simpson. He saw Claxton -when he went into the building with the oar, and he noticed, too, that -while the Whites still wore their colors, there was not a Blue rosette -to be seen. Even Scotty's impudence could not hold out in the face of -public opinion so generally and forcibly expressed, and he had thrown -aside his Blue rosette; and, furthermore, he seemed anxious to avoid -Gus, for when he saw him coming he slipped around the building and out -of sight. - -"Rats desert a sinking ship," said Gus, enraged at the conduct of his -man Friday. "I must be getting low down in the world when such fellows -as Scotty go back on me." - -As Gus entered the hall he saw Bob and his victorious crew surrounded by -a crowd of students, who were congratulating them on their success, and -among the most enthusiastic Gus was surprised to see three of his own -men, Sprague, Haight and Bright. They seemed to have eyes and ears for -no one but the members of the winning crew—there was not one of them who -took the least notice of him. Gus knew the meaning of this, and it was -more than he could stand. Hastily leaving the academy, he made the best -of his way to the boat-house. Pausing a moment to look at the Mist, once -his pride and delight, but which now lay in her dock shattered and -half-filled with water, Gus passed into a little anteroom, in which the -club held their meetings, and sat down to think over his troubles and -determine upon some course of action. Scarcely was he seated when the -door opened, admitting Sprague, Haight and Bright. - -"Well, old fellow," said Sprague, throwing his leg over the table beside -which Gus was sitting, "here's a pretty kettle of fish. We're beaten out -of sight, and come back to find all sorts of stories and resolutions -afloat. The boys have sent you to coventry." - -"I am aware of it," said Gus, bitterly. "I saw it very plainly when I -was in the hall just now. I have some traitor to thank for this, and I -only wish that I could find him. I would give him a lesson he would not -soon forget." - -"Do you really wish to know who it was that put Bob on his guard?" - -"Of course I do!" exclaimed Gus, starting up in his chair. "If you will -tell me who it was I will make him repent it in less than five minutes. -Who was it?" - -"Well, sir," said Sprague, folding his arms and looking Gus squarely in -the eye, "I am the fellow! I would do the same thing again, under like -circumstances." - -Gus was so utterly confounded by this bold and unexpected declaration -that he could neither move nor speak. He sat staring blankly at Sprague, -hardly able to comprehend that he had heard aright. He showed no -inclination to carry out the threat he had just made, for Sprague was -two years older than himself, and, furthermore, he had been through some -tight places. - -"Perhaps I ought to add a word by way of explanation," continued -Sprague. "When you told us what your father had done by your request, we -three fellows, who are now here, got together and talked the matter -over. The only thing that kept us from withdrawing from your crew was -the fact that we wanted this matter of the championship decided, and in -order that it might be decided fairly we thought that some one had -better speak to Bob, and I was the one selected to do it. I mentioned no -names, but told him if he was wise he would carefully examine his shell -and everything belonging to her before he took her out of the -boat-house. I judge he did so, for he rowed the race with his old oars." - -"And then you fellows played off on me and let him beat!" said Gus, -angrily. - -"No, we did not. We pulled our level best. The Zephyrs beat us, and they -can beat any crew that can be raised in this academy. Somehow, the part -you and your father have played has become known, and there's no one who -approves of it, unless it be some contemptible fellow like Simp or -Scotty, who has no honor about him. Things look squally, Gus, and I tell -you plainly that if you stop here you must make up your mind to swim in -the hottest kind of water." - -"But I'll not stay here!" cried Gus, suddenly jumping to his feet. "I'll -be on my way home in less than an hour!" - -Without saying another word to his companions Gus ran out of the -boat-house. He hunted up the janitor and sent him for a carriage, and -then, hurrying to his dormitory, began packing his wardrobe into his -trunk. The news that he was getting ready to leave the academy quickly -spread among the students, who, thinking it was a good time to show -their opinion of him, went quietly to work to get up a "benefit" for -him. Bob and Sprague and a few of the order-loving ones did all they -could to prevent it; but seeing that the students were not to be turned -from their purpose, they withdrew to their rooms, so that they might not -seem by their presence to countenance any such proceeding. - -By the time the carriage arrived everything was arranged. When Gus -descended the stairs he found the students drawn up four deep on each -side of the hall, and so loud were the yells of derision, so deafening -the tooting of tin horns and banging of tin pans when he made his -appearance, that the horses attached to the hack took fright and Gus -came very near being left behind. He did manage, however, to spring upon -the steps just as the horses started off, and banging the door after -him, he sank down into the farthest corner and stopped his ears with his -hands. - -"Bob is at the bottom of this," said he to himself when the noise had -been left behind, "and if he don't suffer for it it will be because I -can't make him. School will be out in a week, and by the time he gets -home I will have everything fixed for him. The house his father once -owned belongs to _my_ father now, and Bob, while he stays there, shall -be reminded of the fact a thousand times a day. But he shall not stay -there long. I'll get rid of him somehow. I'll send him so far on the -other side of the world that he'll never find his way back again." - -This was a plan that Gus had been revolving in his mind for months—ever -since the death of Bob's father. He believed that when he had once seen -the last of him his troubles would all be over. His cousin had never in -his life injured him by word or deed. There was not a single act of his -to which Gus could point that was in any way detrimental to him; and yet -he hated him—hated him because he was so popular everywhere, especially -at the academy; because it came as natural and easy to him as it does to -an Indian to hate a white man. The starting-point of this hatred was a -fierce quarrel which his father had with Mr. Nellis in the years gone -by. It originated over some money which Mr. Nellis, who was at that time -a sailor, had placed in the hands of his brother-in-law for -safe-keeping. The money disappeared, and not only Mr. Nellis, but -everyone else who knew anything of the circumstances, believed that Mr. -Layton had appropriated it to his own use. - -In process of time Mr. Nellis left the sea and became a prosperous -merchant in Clifton, his native village. When he retired from active -business he made his brother-in-law his agent, and gave him full control -of his affairs. He thought that the breach between them had been closed -forever; but no one else thought so—not even Bob, who, boy as he was, -believed that Mr. Layton was only awaiting a favorable opportunity to -take a terrible revenge on his father. The sequel proved that he was -right in this opinion, and that Mr. Layton had been secretly plotting -for years to ruin his generous brother-in-law. - -Gus, knowing how matters stood—for his father often conferred with -him—took up the cudgel against Bob, as he believed himself in honor -bound to do, and made his life as unpleasant for him as he could. Now he -had a wider field for his operations. Mr. Nellis was out of the way, the -property was all in his father's hands, and if Mr. Layton chose to say -the word Bob had not where to lay his head. Gus was resolved that his -father should say that word, if he could by any means induce him to do -so, and if not, he would say it himself, and back it up with actions so -effectual that nobody should ever hear of Bob Nellis again. Gus thought -of it all the way home, and by the time the spires of Clifton came in -sight he had decided upon a plan of operations which promised to do the -business for Bob in fine style. - - - - - CHAPTER V. - FATHER AND SON. - - -Clifton was a thriving little place, the centre of a rich farming -region, and as all the cotton that was produced in the country for a -circle of twenty miles around was shipped at its wharves, it could, at -certain seasons of the year, boast of an amount of business that one -would hardly expect of so small a town. It was the home of many wealthy -gentlemen, and conspicuous among the noble mansions which adorned the -hills south of the village stood that which had once been occupied by -Mr. Nellis. It was situated in the midst of extensive grounds, away from -the noise and bustle of the town, and there Bob was born, and there he -had lived, surrounded by every comfort that affection could suggest and -money supply. The hunting, too, was fine—so much so that the neighboring -planters came from far and near to enjoy it. During the season there was -hardly a day passed but that some of the village hunters would be called -upon to act as guides to some of those who were bound to fill their -game-bags before they went home. A few miles farther out quails were -abundant, and squirrel were so thick they were almost a nuisance. Wild -turkeys and deer were often brought in, and finally it came about that -one of the hunters who belonged in the village discovered something that -worked a great change in his fortunes. - -Towards home, his home it was now, Gus Layton hurriedly bent his steps -as soon as the steamer touched the wharf, leaving his baggage, which he -had given into the charge of a drayman, to follow more leisurely. As the -ponderous iron gate clanged behind him he looked around with a smile of -satisfaction. The last time he entered there he was dependent on the -bounty of a man whom he despised; now he was master there, or his father -was, which amounted to the same thing. - -"And I shall lose no time in making my power felt," thought Gus. "Bob -and I have changed places now, and it will do him good to know by -experience how I have felt during the last few years of my life. How -different the world looks to a rich man! And how different he looks to -the world," added Gus, philosophically. "The world sees in him many -things to admire that it does not see in a poor man. With horses and -dogs, and boats and money and good clothes at my command, I shall occupy -a rather higher position here in Clifton than I did few months ago." - -Soliloquizing thus, Gus strolled along with the air of a young lord, -passing through the wide front door, which stood open, and up the stairs -to the library, which he entered without the ceremony of knocking. He -found his father there, as he expected, and was not a little surprised -at the look of alarm his sudden appearance had called to his face. - -Mr. Layton was a little, dried-up man, scarcely larger than the -sixteen-year-old boy who stood before him, and the hooked nose and round -shoulders, as well as the deprecating, insinuating air which belonged to -his son, were particularly noticeable in him, and would have attracted -the attention of a stranger at first glance. His eyes were small and -sharp, and just now had a wild look in them, and their owner had a habit -of turning them from side to side, something after the manner of a -frightened deer. - -"Why, Augustus," he exclaimed, rising from his chair and approaching his -son, "how you startled me! I was not expecting you for a week or two. Is -your school out?" - -"How are you, governor?" replied Gus, placing a passive hand in his -father's eagerly-outstretched palm. "But I say, what's the matter with -you? You look like some wild animal that has been driven to bay by the -hounds." - -"Augustus, hush!" exclaimed his father, quickly. "After all I have done -and dared for you I should think you would treat me with more respect." - -"Oh, I didn't mean anything, governor; it is merely my way. But really -you have changed during the last few months. See how your hands -tremble!" - -"It is nothing," replied Mr. Layton. "You frightened me by your abrupt -entrance; that's all. Is school out?" - -"No, nor will it be until next week. You wonder what brought me here, I -suppose? Well, the fellows sent me to coventry, and as I couldn't stand -that, I came away." - -"Coventry? Where's that?" - -"I presume they didn't do such things when you went to school. They got -mad at me and told me they wouldn't speak to me or notice me any more -than they would a crooked stick. That is what is meant by sending one to -coventry." - -"They were angry, I suppose, because you beat them in the race." - -"But as it happens I didn't beat them. Bob found out that his oar was -cut, and he and his crew took their old ones and won as easily as -falling off a log. You ought to see the style that Bob has been putting -on ever since! He feels too big to walk on the ground. By the way, where -will he go when school is out?" - -"So he beat you at last, did he!" exclaimed Mr. Layton, in great -surprise. "How did he find out that the oar was cut?" - -"Sprague says he was the guilty party that told him, but I don't believe -it. I bet you I will find means to get even with him when he comes home. -What are you going to do with Bob?" - -"Why, this is the only home he has, and I suppose he will come here." - -"Well, then, you will have to take your choice between him and me, for -if he stays I shan't." - -"But what shall I do with him?" asked Mr. Layton. - -"That's for you to decide. Send him to sea—send him anywhere, so long as -you get rid of him." - -"And what if he refuses to go?" - -"Make him go. You do not intend to send him to school next year, do -you?" - -"His father made no provision for it in his will." - -"Then tell him so. Has he any money?" - -"There was none left to him." - -"Tell him that also. Tell him that he has got his own living to make -from this time on, and the sooner he sets about it the better for him, -and for us, too," said Gus, rising to his feet and moving toward the -door. - -"Don't go," said Mr. Layton, hastily. "I have been so lonely with no one -to talk to, and now that you have come home you want to run away from -me. Sit down." - -"Don't worry," replied the dutiful son. "I am not going far. My trunks -have arrived and I want to see them brought up stairs." - -"I have given you rooms in the south wing over the parlors," said Mr. -Layton. "When you have looked at them, tell me how you like them and the -way they are furnished." - -Gus slammed the door without waiting to hear what his father had to say, -and at the head of the stairs met a negro coming up with some of his -luggage. - -"That trunk and the others go into the north rooms," said Gus. - -"Sah?" exclaimed the darky. "Old Moster say dem rooms 'longs to young -Moster Nellis." - -"And do you hear what _I_ say?" demanded Gus. "I say those trunks go -into the north rooms, which belong to _me_." - -"Yes, sah! Yes, sah! Dat's all right, sah!" replied the obsequious -darky, and into the north rooms the trunks went. - -"That's the first step," said Gus to himself. "What would Bob think, if -he knew it?" - -One, to have taken a single glance at these apartments, could have told -why Gus ordered his trunks taken in there. There were three of them—a -sitting-room, bedroom, and a sort of conservatory, which Bob had fitted -up as a museum. By the aid of his father and his father's sea-captains -he had there gathered together such a supply of curiosities from all -quarters of the globe that, the room being unable to contain them all, -they had flowed into the others, and filled every nook and corner of -them likewise. Here Gus settled himself down with the air of a -conqueror. Not because the rooms were any pleasanter or more desirable -than others in the house did he select them, but simply because he had -determined to show his cousin that their circumstances were exactly -reversed—that he was the favored child of fortune now and Bob the poor -relation. The curiosities he cared nothing about. Indeed he told himself -that when he felt in the right humor he would have them all removed and -bundled into the garret as so much useless lumber. He expected to take -quiet possession of everything that belonged to Bob, and whether or not -he did so we shall presently see. - -"Now, boy," said Gus, addressing himself to the negro after he had seen -his trunks stowed away to his satisfaction, "what's your name?" - -"Sam, sah; dat's my name." - -"Well, Sam, I suppose my ponies are in the barn?" - -"Yes, sah, de ponies is dar." - -"My father has a hostler, I presume?" - -"Sah? Oh, yes, sah." - -"Then tell him to hitch the ponies to a light buggy and have them at the -door in a quarter of an hour. I'll go out and take an airing," said Gus -to himself, when the darky had disappeared. "There are a good many -people here in Clifton who used to snub me when I was at home last -summer, and I want to see if they will do it now." - -Having performed his ablutions, Gus proceeded to make his toilet with -much more care than usual, but he was ready by the time the carriage was -at the door. Taking his seat in the vehicle, he drove through the gate -and spent the next hour in exhibiting upon the principal streets of the -town the best suit of clothes and the best pair of kid gloves he had -ever worn. Bob's fine turnout, which was well known in the village, -attracted some attention, but it did not bring Gus any more smiles and -bows than he had been wont to receive when he trudged through the -streets on foot. The people knew him too well; and, besides, there were -some of them (how surprised Gus would have been to know it) who believed -he had no business in that fine carriage. - -Having shown himself off to his satisfaction, Gus turned the ponies' -heads toward the wharves, closely scrutinizing the signs on each side of -the street as he passed along. Presently he seemed to discover the one -he was in search of, for he drew up to the sidewalk and got out of the -carriage. After hitching the ponies he entered the door under the sign -and found himself in a small, dingy bar-room, whose only occupant was a -gray-headed, dissolute-looking man, with a wooden leg. This personage -started up as Gus entered, and hobbling around the counter waited for -him to make known his wants, at the same time looking fixedly at him, as -if he saw something about him that was familiar. - -"Well, Barlow, how are you?" said Gus. - -"Now, I swan, I thought I knowed the cut of your jib!" exclaimed the old -man, extending across the counter a huge, begrimed paw, which Gus -pretended he did not see. He was a gentleman now, and gentlemen did not -shake hands with such characters as Barlow. Besides, he had his new kids -on and did not want to soil them. "It's young Mr. Layton, isn't it?" - -"Yes, Barlow, that's who it is," replied Gus. - -"I thought I knowed your face, but them good clothes of your'n rather -got the best of me. You're dressed up within an inch of your life, ain't -you? You don't look much like the dirty, barefoot boy that I used to see -playing about the gutters a few years ago. Your father used to live in -that little shanty opposite the breakwater, and was so poor that he used -to be glad to come to me to find him a job of stevedorin'. I suppose he -would turn up his nose at me now." - -Gus had come to Barlow's saloon for a particular purpose, but it was not -to discuss such matters as these. He did not like to hear about them, so -as soon as he saw a chance he broke in with— - -"The wheel of fortune has turned a spoke or two in my favor since I last -saw you, that is true. But what is the news here in Clifton? I have been -away a year, you know." - -"Well, there ain't no news 'cepting that ole Cap'n Nellis has slipped -off, and that I suppose you knowed long ago. Folks ain't got done -talkin' about it, and never will." - -"Rather sudden and mysterious, wasn't it?" asked Gus, carelessly. - -"Yes, rather sudden, and mebbe mysterious to them as don't suspect -nothing. But I can easy account for it. Howsomever, it ain't no consarn -of mine, and I don't meddle with other people's business. Savin' your -presence, Mr. 'Gustus, he's the meanest man that ever stepped, is Cap'n -Nellis." - -"He _was_ the meanest man, you mean," suggested the visitor. - -"No, I don't mean anything of the kind," insisted Barlow. "I say he -_is_, 'cause, barring accident that is likely to fall to men in any part -of the world, he's as hale and hearty this minute as me and you be, the -old villain!" - -"Whew!" whistled Gus, opening his eyes in amazement and looking a little -alarmed. - -"It's a fact, I tell you," declared Barlow, "'cause I know. But if I did -see a few things one dark and rainy mornin', and by putting this and -that together got at the whole of the story, so that I can tell it -to-day as straight as them that done the business, 'tain't no consarn of -nobody's, is it? If I had had a hand in the matter he wouldn't ever turn -up again, as he is likely to do." - -Gus was too astonished to speak. Here was a startling revelation indeed. - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - BOB AT HOME. - - -Before Gus had time to fairly digest what he had heard or to recover -himself sufficiently to elicit further information by inquiry, the old -man went on: - -"Some folks makes a bungle of everything they do, and you just wait and -see if that old scamp don't turn up again some day, and before he is -wanted, too. But I oughtn't to abuse him before you, seeing that he is -your own dead mother's brother." - -"Oh, you needn't apologize for that," said Gus, as soon as he could -speak. "I hate him as heartily as you do." - -"And hain't I got good reason to hate him?" asked Barlow, elevating his -wooden leg above the counter. "Just look at that! Wasn't he a nice cove -to go and wing me and set me to stumping around on this thing all the -rest of my days?" - -Gus was well acquainted with the circumstances to which the man -referred, and knew that he richly deserved the punishment he had -received. In the years gone by Barlow had been a sailor, and had on one -occasion shipped on a vessel commanded by Captain Nellis. He was so very -turbulent that he was kept in irons almost half his time; and once, just -after he was released from a long confinement, he, without the slightest -provocation, attacked the mate of the vessel so fiercely, and with such -evident intention to do him some serious injury, that the captain, in -order to save his officer, disabled the ruffian with a ball from his -pistol which shattered the bone and rendered amputation necessary. -Barlow never forgave his captain for that; and, moreover, when he once -got started on the subject he never seemed to be able to stop talking -about it. - -"I ask you wasn't he a nice fellow to go and do that?" continued the old -man, growing more and more enraged the longer he dwelt upon it. "But for -him I might to-day 'a 'been the master of as fine a vessel as ever -sailed; but here I am, laid up in ordinary, trying to turn an honest -penny by keepin' a sailors' boarding-house." - -"And turning many a dishonest one by being a land-shark," thought Gus. - -"I hate the whole tribe—every one that bears the name of Nellis," the -old man went on, fiercely. "If I had my way I'd sweep them all off the -earth." - -"So would I," said Gus, heartily. - -"Now, I'll tell you what's gospel," continued Barlow, leaning over the -counter toward his visitor and sinking his voice almost to a whisper—"is -that son of his coming here this summer?" - -Gus replied that he was. - -"Well, if men are as scarce as they were last year he had better keep -himself close, or he'll make out the tail-end of a crew as sure as I can -get my hands on him." - -Gus started back and gazed at the old man in great amazement. Was the -latter able to read the thoughts that were passing in his mind? It -certainly looked like it. He had heard that men, even landsmen who knew -nothing of the ways of the world, had been kidnapped and shipped off to -sea to fill up a crew that could not be completed by voluntary -enlistment, and it had occurred to him that that would be a good way to -rid himself of the presence of his cousin, if he could only find some -one to undertake the task. Knowing the deadly enmity that Barlow -cherished toward Captain Nellis, Gus had visited him on purpose to -ascertain whether or not he was ripe for such a scheme, and was -delighted to know that he had found a willing tool—so willing, indeed, -that he himself need have nothing to do with the matter. All he had to -do was to remain in the background, and Barlow would do all the work and -run all the risk. - -This was a highly encouraging state of affairs, and Gus would have felt -perfectly at his ease had it not been for the hints Barlow had thrown -out in connection with Mr. Nellis's disappearance. Gus turned the -conversation back to this subject as soon as he could, but all he -learned was that one morning, following a remarkably stormy night, Mr. -Nellis's boat had been found on the reefs with a hole knocked in her, -and the supposition was that her owner had been out on one of his -fishing excursions and had been caught in the storm and drowned. At any -rate, he was never seen or heard of afterward. This was no news to Gus, -for he had heard it long ago. He wanted to know what Barlow had seen on -that stormy morning, but on this subject the old man refused to talk. It -was none of his business, he said, and with that the boy was obliged to -be contented. - -Gus left the sailors' boarding-house heartily wishing that he had never -gone near it. He had felt sure of his position before, but he did not -feel so now. His uncle had been treacherously dealt with, that was -plain, but instead of being safely out of the way was likely to make his -appearance at any moment. He could not be far away, either, for Barlow -had confidently assured him that he would be certain to turn up, and -that, too, before he was wanted. Then what would happen? Gus trembled -when he thought of it. - -"Father had a hand in it," said he, as he climbed into the buggy. "I can -now account for that wild look in his eye, and understand what he meant -when he said that after all he had done and dared for me I ought to -treat him with more respect. I declare it is the worst thing I ever -heard of. If I am to be a party to this business I ought to know just -what has happened, so that I can be prepared for any emergency." - -But this was something Gus never found out. He visited Barlow a dozen -times during the next two days, but could gain nothing further from him. -He had several interviews with his father, during which he hinted so -broadly at what he had heard that Mr. Layton exhibited the same signs of -alarm he had shown when his son first came home; but he volunteered no -information, and Gus dared not ask for it. These things made such an -impression on him that on the morning of the day Bob was expected home -from Elmwood Gus had all his luggage removed to the rooms in the south -wing that had been prepared for him, and saw that everything was -arranged in his cousin's room just as he had found it. As matters now -stood Bob's star was in the ascendant, and Gus did not think it would be -policy to begin an open warfare with him. But he did not for an instant -lose sight of what had for the last few months been the main object of -his life. - -After Gus left the academy affairs went on in much the usual way. True, -there was less wrangling and quarrelling among the students, and such -fellows as Simpson and Scotty were obliged to keep themselves altogether -in the background. The "cut-oar matter," as the boys called it, was -thoroughly investigated, and every one who was in any way mixed up with -it, and there proved to be at least a score of them, was sent to -coventry without ceremony. The culprits at first assumed an independent -attitude, and tried to show themselves as indifferent to the students as -the latter were to them; but this plan did not succeed very well, and in -their hearts they wished they had had nothing to do with Gus Layton and -his attempted fraud. - -Examination week ended and the closing exercises over, the students -began to separate to their homes, all of them apparently light-hearted -and joyous, and speaking confidently of meeting again at the beginning -of the next school-year. Bob Nellis was melancholy and low-spirited. As -far as he knew, he had no home to go to. There was no kind father -waiting to receive him and tell him that he was satisfied with his -conduct at school and of the progress he had made there. He was going -among those who were almost strangers to him, and who he knew had no -interest in him. He took a sorrowful leave of the school and of his -mates, and with Sprague for a companion—he lived in the same village -that Bob did—set out for home. As long as he remained in sight of the -familiar buildings he kept looking back at them as if he never expected -to see them again. He did go back to them, however, and prepared for -college there; but he first passed through some adventures the like of -which he had never dreamed of. - -"Now, Bob, I want you to tell me what is the matter with you," said -Sprague, laying his hand affectionately on his companion's shoulder. -"Ever since your uncle countermanded your order for that new shell you -haven't acted at all like yourself. Do you think your uncle has gone -back on you?" - -"I know it," said Bob. "But, Sprague, you will excuse me for not saying -too much. When I get home I shall know just how the land lays. I may be -wrong, but that's the way things look now." - -"Only just one question more and then I'll drop the matter," said -Sprague, earnestly. "I heard before I came here that your father used to -be worth a lot of money. Has your uncle got hold of it?" - -Bob nodded. - -"Well, I am sorry for you, and I know how to appreciate your feelings; -but I will tell you this, Bob: Whenever things get too hot for you, come -to my house." - -Bob thanked him from the bottom of his heart. It served to show him that -he had at least one friend left in Clifton. - -Bob left the academy on Thursday evening, and awoke the next morning to -find the steamer in which he had taken passage tied up to the wharf in -Clifton. There was the usual crowd to meet her, early as it was, and -among the lookers-on Bob found many friends and acquaintances who were -all eager to shake him by the hand. Although he was glad to see them he -excused himself as soon as he could, and having given his luggage into -the charge of a drayman, hurried away. He wanted to see his home once -more, even if had no right there. There was one friend, at least, who -would be glad to see him, and Bob was disappointed as well as surprised -that he did not find him on the wharf, waiting for him. It was old Ben -Watson, his father's gardener. But Bob knew where to find him, and he -intended to visit him before he presented himself to his uncle. Perhaps -Ben could tell him some things he wanted to know. With this -determination, Bob went through the iron gate which opened into the -grounds that had once belonged to his father; but instead of following -the broad carriage-way that led up to the door he turned into a by-path, -and presently found himself standing before a neat little cottage that -was hidden away among the trees. There was an air of desolation about it -that Bob had never noticed before. The door did not open at his knock, -and when he looked in at the window he was surprised to see that the -house was deserted—there was no furniture in it. Bob did not know what -to make of it. - -With a sigh of regret he turned into the path again, and after a few -minutes' walk reached the stables. Here another disappointment awaited -him. He found a man dressed as a hostler, and he was engaged in rubbing -down one of Bob's own ponies; but the face he turned toward him was not -that of old Jack Couch, who had charge of the stables during his -father's lifetime. It was the face of a negro, and one Bob had never -seen before. - -If there had not been a person in the world with whom he was acquainted, -Bob could not have felt more desolate and friendless than he did at that -moment. When his father was alive there were four servants employed on -the place—two in the house, one in the stables, and one in the garden. -They were all men, and every one of them was a sailor who had grown gray -in his father's service. Bob was a favorite with them all; and if any of -them held a higher place in his estimation than the others, it was Ben -Watson, the gardener. Many a relic and curiosity had the old fellow -brought to him from over the sea, and many an hour had he spent in his -cabin listening to his thrilling tales of the deep; and it was there, -beside Ben's fire, that he had promised his father that, come what -might, he would never be a sailor. The boy had often thought of old Ben -since his father's death, and impatiently counted the hours of meeting -him, but now he was gone. - -"They're all gone," thought Bob, turning away from the stable without -returning the hostler's civil greeting, "and I am left alone. They have -been cast adrift in their old age, in spite of father's promise that -they should always be cared for; and if I may judge by uncle's letters, -I must go, too. If I had never made that promise I would be at sea in -less than twenty-four hours; but it is as binding now as it was while -father was living." - -"Sah! Sah!" said a voice, arousing him from his reverie. - -Bob looked up and saw a negro hurrying toward him. - -"Sah!" repeated the negro, "ole Moster Layton done sent me to tell you -dat dese is private grounds, an' he don't 'low no trespassin' from -anybody." - -Bob was thunderstruck. Did his uncle intend to cast him off in that -style? - -"I hates to say it to a gemman," continued the negro, "but ole Moster -say dem's his 'perative orders." - -"Does—does he know I am Bob Nellis?" asked our hero, at a venture. - -"Sah?" yelled the darky. "Is you Moster Bob? 'Fore Moses, we's expectin' -you. Your rooms am all done fix up nice. I fix 'em myself. Come dis way, -sah. Your uncle is in de library." - -Bob, whose equanimity was not altogether restored by this assurance and -the change his name had produced in the darky's bearing toward him, -followed to the house, and was presently ushered into the library. His -uncle was there, busy with some papers, which he hastily bundled out of -sight as his nephew entered. - -"Why, Bob!" he exclaimed, with more apparent cordiality than the boy had -expected to see him exhibit, "I didn't know that was you when I sent Sam -to order you out. Sit down. You are welcome to my house." - -This was said with so much emphasis on the pronoun that Bob took his cue -from it and at once decided on his course. - -"Uncle Luther," said he, suddenly, "I should like to know just how -matters stand here. You said in one of your letters that you would -explain everything when you saw me." - -(Bob had noted, with some bitterness, that his uncle did not say, "When -you come home.") - -"Never mind that now," said Mr. Layton, hastily. "We will have some -breakfast before we talk business. I can tell you everything you wish to -know in two minutes." - -"Then please tell me now," persisted Bob. "I have ordered my luggage -brought to this house because I did not know where else to send it; but -if I have no right or interest here, of course I don't want to stay." - -"H'm," said Mr. Layton. - -"I hope you'll be plain with me, for I am prepared for the worst," -continued Bob. - -His uncle settled back in his chair and coughed ominously once or twice, -as if he were preparing to say something disagreeable. - -"Well, Bob," said Mr. Layton, speaking hurriedly, as if he wished to get -through with a very unpleasant duty, "I must tell you plainly that no -provision has been made for you. I supposed, of course, as every one -else did, that you were to be your father's heir, and why you were not I -am sure I cannot tell; perhaps you can. I can tell you, however, that a -codicil to his will, in which the property was left to you, makes me the -sole heir. The will has been admitted to probate, and you can obtain a -copy of it for a dollar or two, which I will cheerfully furnish you, if -you are out of funds. As I suppose, you want to do something now for -yourself, I have taken the liberty to make arrangements for you which I -hope you will like. I trust that you have made the most of your -opportunities, for that school is a very expensive one, and none but -wealthy men can afford to send their sons there." - -Bob listened to this speech, and when it was concluded told himself that -if his uncle had not repeated it in private until he had learned it by -heart, he certainly spoke and acted as if he had. Of one thing he was -now satisfied, and that was, he was not to return to the academy. His -uncle could not afford it. Bob could not help recalling the fact that -his father had kept Gus there three years at his own expense, but he -said nothing about it. - -"As your father followed the sea for a livelihood during the earlier -part of his life, I suppose you must have some love for the water, and I -suggest that you adopt his profession," continued Mr. Layton. "You will -have opportunities to see different countries, and under my patronage -promotion will be certain if you prove yourself worthy of it." - -"I cannot do it," said Bob. "I promised I would never be a sailor." - -"But at the time your father extorted that promise from you he probably -did not imagine that you would ever be thrown upon your own resources. -Besides, he is dead." - -"But the promise is binding, all the same," said Bob. - -"Then what do you intend to do?" asked his uncle, with some impatience. -"You have got to do something." - -"I have not made up my mind. I can turn my hand to almost anything, and -shall not starve." - -"Well, perhaps you will need a little time to look about you, and -meanwhile your rooms are quite at your service. Now that we have settled -the matter we'll go to breakfast." - -But Bob did not feel in the humor for breakfast. He could not have eaten -a mouthful at Mr. Layton's table if he had tried—his heart was too full. -He wanted to get away by himself, so he made his excuses to his uncle, -who did not seem at all unwilling to part with him, and hurried out of -the house. - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - BEN SURPRISES EVERYBODY. - - -And where was Gus all this while? He was just where he had been every -day since he came from Elmwood, and that was in Barlow's saloon. The -boarding-house keeper was almost the only one there was in the village -who would have anything to do with him, and Gus liked to be in his -company, for the old man talked of nothing but the "meanness" of which -Captain Nellis had been guilty, and was never tired of rehearsing the -plans he had laid against his son. Gus, knowing that Bob was expected on -this particular morning, dropped into the saloon as if by accident, but -in reality for the purpose of directing Barlow's attention to him in -case the old man did not happen to see him when he landed from the -steamer. But Barlow always knew who landed in that port, day or night. -His house fronted on the wharf, and by taking his stand in the door he -could see everyone who passed. This morning Bob was almost the first -passenger that left the steamer, and Barlow knew him at once. - -"There's that conceited young prig now," said he, quickly. "I didn't -tell you that I had got things all fixed for him, did I, Mr. 'Gustus?" - -"No," replied the boy. - -"Well, I will tell you," said Barlow, leaving the door and walking to -his accustomed place behind the counter, "because I know the secret will -be safe with you, and perhaps I shall want you to help me." - -"Be careful," interrupted Gus, nodding his head toward a sailor who was -seated near the end of the counter with his hat drawn down over his -eyes, as if fast asleep. - -"No fear of him," replied Barlow. "He has been snoring there for the -last hour. As I was going to say, a ship is to sail to-night for -Australia and the Spice Islands, and the cap'n has been here a dozen -times during the last few days, begging me to raise a crew for him by -fair means or foul. I've got all but two aboard, and I've got them in my -eye. Bob Nellis is one, and there's the other," said Barlow, pointing to -the sailor before spoken of. - -"Who is he?" asked Gus. - -"Why, don't you know? Then it must be because he keeps his hat down over -his face. If he would raise it for a moment you would see that he is old -Ben Watson, your uncle's gardener. When your father got possession of -the place he kicked out all the old servants, as you know, and hired -niggers to fill their places. I suppose he don't want them about, to -remind him of his brother-in-law, and I don't blame him. Ever since he -was discharged, Ben has been layin' around with no heart to go at -anything, and he owes me twenty dollars for board and grub. I've tried -my best to ship him in a crew by fair means, for Ben is a good sailor, -but the old fellow says he has too many years on his shoulders. But I -must have him for the J. W. Smart, 'cause I can't find anybody else that -is goin' to sail, and so I shall have to doctor his tea to-night." - -"Drug it?" asked Gus. - -"Yes; put him to sleep and take him aboard before he awakes. And now -about Bob. He is going up to your house, I suppose, and if you will keep -an eye on him, and get him out into the garden to-night about eight -o'clock, me and my barkeeper will slip up and take him in tow, and no -one will be the wiser for it. I shall make sixty dollars by shipping him -and Ben, and I'll give you ten of it. What do you say?" - -"It is a bargain," replied Gus, wondering at the readiness with which he -accepted the villainous offer. "I will be on hand when you want me." - -"You will never see him again when once he is aboard that ship," -continued Barlow. "Cap'n French is the hardest ship-master that ever -sailed, and when a man doesn't do to suit him, he quietly knocks him -overboard. More than that, the ship belongs to old man Brock, who feeds -his hands on nothin' and pays them the same. He has to promise them -thirty dollars a month, for that is what they are payin' out of this -port, but he always orders his skippers to treat them harshly, so that -they will desert the first chance they get, and the cap'n fills their -places with cheaper hands, which they can always find in foreign ports. -Between the belayin'-pins which Cap'n French slings about so reckless, -and the yellow fever, and the niggers among whom they are going to -trade, Mr. Bob will have a lively time of it. Now, don't forget to have -him out of the house to-night at eight o'clock sharp, and me and my -barkeeper will do the rest. We'll just slip up there—" - -Barlow suddenly paused and startled his auditor with the heaviest kind -of an oath. Gus followed the direction of his gaze and saw that it -rested on the sailor, who had raised his hat from his face and was -looking at them with wide-open eyes. It was old Ben Watson, sure enough, -and he had heard every word of the conversation. - -Never in his life had Gus been more astounded and alarmed. He leaned -against the counter and stared stupidly at old Ben, and even Barlow -seemed to be at his wits' end. The old sailor was the only one who -retained his presence of mind. Hastily putting on his hat he arose and -started for the door; but his indignation got the better of his -prudence, and he stopped to say a parting word to the conspirators. - -"You'll kidnap me and Bob and ship us off to foreign parts against our -will, will you!" he exclaimed. "Not if I know myself. I'll have the pair -of you arrested in less'n an hour!" - -These words seemed to bring Barlow to his senses. Like all men of his -class he had faithful assistants close at hand, who had lent their aid -in more than one emergency like the present, and he shouted out their -names with so much earnestness that they lost no time in making their -appearance. - -"Here, Bull! Bull! I say, Samson! Show yourself!" he roared. - -The first was a huge bull-dog which was lying on the steps in front of -the house, and the second was the barkeeper, a man who, judging by his -size and apparent muscular power, was rightly named. These two worthies -came in at opposite doors at the same instant. The dog at once launched -himself at the sailor's throat, but was met half-way by a heavy chair, -which Ben caught up and threw at him with such accuracy of aim that the -fierce brute was stretched motionless on the floor. In an instant he -turned upon the barkeeper. Just as he put out his hands to seize Ben -from behind he was met by a stunning blow in the face—a regular one-two, -which showed that the old sailor had received some early training in -boxing—and he, too, was stretched on the floor, quivering like a man who -had just had his death-wound. - -[Illustration: BEN ON HIS METTLE.] - -"Got any more help?" said Ben. "I ought to put you by the side of them, -you old land-shark, and I will, too, if you open your head." - -But it seems that Ben was not alone. There was a scurrying of feet out -in front of the house, and who should come in but Leon Sprague and his -father. They had had some business on the docks and were just going home -when their attention was attracted by the noise of the fight going on in -Barlow's saloon. Mr. Sprague was a man the boarding-house keeper was not -at all delighted to see. During the short time he had been in the -village he had been elected police magistrate, and of course he had it -in his power to get at the bottom of the matter. - -"What is the meaning of this?" he exclaimed. "Put down that chair!" - -"Gus Layton!" said Sprague, astonished almost beyond measure to find his -old stroke there in the saloon. - -"Yes, sir; it is Gus Layton," responded Ben. "He and that old land-shark -have been laying their plans to kidnap Bob and me to-night and send us -off to foreign parts. They would have taken me at once if I hadn't laid -the bull-dog and barkeeper out. I want the pair of them arrested." - -"It's a lie!" said the barkeeper, arousing himself at this moment. - -"Yes, of course it is!" exclaimed Barlow, catching at the idea thus -thrown out. "It's a lie out of the whole cloth. Ain't it, Gus?" - -"Ye-es," said Gus, who didn't know whether he stood on his head or his -feet, so frightened was he. "Of course it is a lie. He was asleep, and -dreamed it all." - -"That's the idea," echoed Barlow. "He was asleep there on that table, -with his hat over his eyes, and dreamed about being kidnapped. There -ain't a word of truth in it. Gus came in here to ask me—to say that he -had seen—to ask me how I was, in fact, and I told him I was pretty -well—" - -"If I ain't telling you the truth I don't want to lay up anything for -old age," said Ben, earnestly; and one couldn't have looked into his -honest face and accused him of telling a falsehood. "I was just as -wide-awake as I am at this moment, and heard them talk the matter all -over. When I got up to go, Barlow yelled for the barkeeper and the -bull-dog." - -"I believe that is so," Sprague whispered to his father. "You are Ben -Watson, are you not?" - -"Yes, sir; that's who I am." - -"Well, did you know that Bob has come home?" - -"I never knew it until to-day, sir. I want to see him the first thing I -do." - -"I wouldn't make out a warrant for anybody's arrest until Ben has had an -interview with Bob," said Sprague to his father. "I have heard a good -deal about Ben Watson, but I never heard of his telling a lie yet. Come -on. I'll go up to the house with you." - -"Now let me tell you something before I go away," said Mr. Sprague. "You -are beginning to keep a most disorderly house here, and the very next -time you have a fight here I shall shut you up." - -"I tell you, sir, we ain't been keepin' no disorderly house," replied -Barlow. He was as mad a man as ever stepped, but he took good care not -to show it. "That fellow has been asleep and dreamed—" - -"I understand all about it," said Mr. Sprague. "I only caution you -against having another fight here." - -Barlow walked around behind the counter, the barkeeper got up and rubbed -his face, which began to be puffed out around the eyes, the bull-dog -staggered to his feet and began reeling across the floor, and Gus leaned -on the place where the drinks were served, so utterly amazed and -bewildered that he could not speak. - -"Those two are going up to your house," said Barlow, recovering his -speech with an effort. He had first uttered a volley of oaths when he -saw his bull-dog and his barkeeper worsted, and had gathered up a chair -to take a hand in the muss, but his swear-words grew soft the moment Mr. -Sprague entered. He knew that the magistrate had a right to fine him for -every oath to which he gave utterance. "They are going up to your house, -and they'll see Bob there." - -"That's just what I am afraid of," said Gus, walking up and down in -front of the counter and wringing his hands. "I don't see what made me -come here, anyway." - -"No more do I," said Barlow, looking savagely at him. "The whole thing -is out on us. You had better get out of here as soon as you can, and -don't come to us with any more trickery." - -"Why, this was your own doing!" said Gus, surprised to learn that he was -the cause of all Barlow's trouble. "You hollered for the barkeeper and -the bull-dog—" - -"But I wouldn't 'a' done it if you hadn't been here!" retorted the old -man, angrily. "Come now, get out!" - -Barlow came out from behind the counter and Gus made haste to get -through the open door into the street; but where should he go? He pulled -his hat down over his eyes, thrust his hands deep into his pockets, and -walked along, thinking the matter over. - -"If that man ever gets into another row I'll shut him up," repeated Mr. -Sprague, as they hurried on in the direction of the house which had once -been Bob's home. "I have heard of such things as shipping a lot of -landsmen to make up a ship's company, but I never thought it would be -brought home to me in this manner. Watson, you're sure you were not -asleep and dreamed it all?" - -"I told you nothing but the truth," said Ben, as if he hoped in some way -to make Mr. Sprague believe it. "I can repeat every word they said. You -ask Bob, and see if he will believe me. I never told a lie in my life, -except when I was telling some stories of the sea." - -"Well, Leon will go around there with you and I'll go home. And I want -you to add my earnest invitation to Leon's, and tell Bob that if he -can't see his way clearly to stopping there he must come up to my -house." - -Ben promised compliance, and Mr. Sprague turned up the street that led -to his residence. - -"I'll tell you another thing," said Ben. "That man Barlow says I owe him -twenty dollars for grub and lodging. I'll go there to-morrow and pay -him, though to tell the truth I didn't suppose I owed him anything. I've -got money that I saved while Cap'n Nellis was here, and if Bob wants it -he can have it." - -"You say when Mr. Nellis was here," replied Leon. "Then you don't think -he is dead?" - -"He's as lively as you or I at this minute," said Ben, earnestly. - -"Then why don't you go and get him?" asked Leon. - -"Ah! That's the trouble. We don't know where he is. The ocean is large, -and there's a heap of islands scattered around in it." - -"But Barlow might have killed him. They went for you pretty rough." - -"They didn't kill nobody; Barlow hasn't stooped quite low enough for -that yet. I don't say that Barlow had a hand in it, but I think I know -who had. And this 'will' business. I tell you it is all a fraud." - -Ben became silent after this, and said no more until they had opened the -iron gate and moved up the sidewalk to the door that led to Bob's home; -for it was Bob's home in spite of all that happened, and Ben -acknowledged the fact. It didn't make any difference how many people -came there to live, the will wasn't right, even though it had been -admitted to probate. Mr. Layton was on hand, and he sent Sam with orders -to clear them out. He knew Sprague and Watson, and he was afraid to have -them come there. - -"Sah, it's moster's positive commands dat you," began Sam— - -"Never mind that," said Sprague. "We have come here to see Bob. If he is -about the house ask him to come here." - -"I—I don't know, sah," hesitated Sam, "but I think he has gone away. He -hain't been around de house since 'arly dis morning. I will go and see -what moster say about it." - -The negro disappeared, locking the front door behind him, whereupon -Sprague looked at Ben and smiled. It made Ben madder than ever. It was -the first time he had ever had that front door locked upon him. The -darky passed along the hall until he reached the library door, upon -which he pounded with his fingers. He opened it in response to the -summons from the inside, and found Mr. Layton pacing the floor. He was -paler now than he was the first time we saw him, and trembled so visibly -that any one could have noticed it. - -"Dem gemmen out dar gwine to see Moster Bob," said Sam, in a tone of -voice that Mr. Layton did not like. It showed that the darky understood -that there was something wrong. "Yes, sah; they gwine to see him. Mebbe -he up in his room, sah." - -"That's a pretty way to talk!" said Mr. Layton. "They come onto my -grounds without being invited, and then say they are going to see -somebody. Did you lock the front door?" - -"Oh, yes, sah; I locked it." - -"Then let them ring until they are tired. They will soon get weary of it -and go away. Have you seen Augustus lately? Well, when he comes, tell -him that I want to see him." - -But it seems that Sprague was not in the habit of ringing the bells on -doors that had been locked against him. He had another and a better way -of reaching the ears of the boy he wanted to see. After waiting a -sufficient length of time for the negro to open the door he threw back -his head and whistled, shrilly, three long whistles and a short one, and -he knew that if Bob was anywhere about the house that signal would be -sure to bring him out. Nor was he disappointed. One of the upper windows -was thrown up and Bob's head was thrust out. He did not look much like -the stroke of the winning boat that had been rowed in the race at -Elmwood. His face was pale and sunken, and his eyes looked as though -they had long been in want of sleep. But his voice was as strong as -ever. - -"Halloo, Sprague; I didn't expect to see you again so soon," said he. -"Why, isn't that Ben Watson? I'll be down directly." - -In a few moments they heard his steps coming down the stairs. He tried -the door, but it was locked, and he stopped to turn the key. When he -appeared on the porch his face wore an angry expression which even -Sprague had never seen there before. - -"I didn't lock it, boys," said he, as he hurried down the steps to shake -Watson by the hand. "I heard you talking, but I didn't know who it was. -It is the first time a door has been locked in the face of my friends." - -"But that ain't the worst of it, Mister Bob," said Ben, lifting his hat -to the boy out of respect to his old commander. "You know that saloon -that is run by that old land-shark Barlow, don't you?" - -"I know of it, but I have never been there," returned Bob. "What of it? -Has anything been going on there?" - -"Well, I should say so," said Ben. "Gus Layton has been there, and him -and Barlow have made all arrangements for shipping us on the ship Smart -and sending us off to foreign parts." - -Bob was utterly amazed, and began to see that Gus was not quite so -helpless as he thought he was. He looked toward Sprague to confirm the -story, and he nodded his head. - -"Did you hear it?" asked Bob. - -"No; but we got there in time to help Ben. He had the bull-dog and the -barkeeper laid out and was getting ready to defend himself against -Barlow, who had a chair." - -"And then they said I was asleep and dreamed it all!" chimed in Ben. "I -never was more wide-awake in my life. Mister Bob, you don't want to go -near the garden to-night." - -"I will see a lawyer about it this very afternoon," said Bob, with a -very determined expression on his face. "I am not going to put up with -this thing any longer. They seem to think that, because they have taken -my father's property away, they can drive me out of town; but I'll show -them that they can't." - -"Good for you, Mister Bob!" said Ben; and he reached out his hand for -another shake. "I always said that you would come out at the top of the -heap. I've got some money, and you can have it all." - -"Thank you, Ben; but I don't think I shall have need for it." - -"Let us go a little farther away from the house before we do any more -talking," said Sprague. "These windows are open, and it would be any -easy matter for someone to slip up and hear everything we said." - -"Now, Ben, I want you to begin and tell me all about that kidnapping -business," said Bob, as they walked along toward the gate. "How was he -going to do it?" - -As they walked away somebody behind one of the curtains, near one of the -open windows, straightened up and staggered toward the library. It was -Mr. Layton, and he had heard every word of their conversation. When he -reached the library he sank into the nearest chair and rang the bell for -the negro, who presently appeared. - -"Sam," said Mr. Layton, in a trembling voice, "put on your cap and see -if you can find Augustus somewhere about the streets. If you can, tell -him that I want to see him directly—directly, mind you. Those are my -imperative orders." - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - BOB GETS SOME MONEY. - - -Sam was a long time finding Gus Layton, and when he did he was sitting -in the shade of a warehouse watching a vessel that was getting under -way. How heartily he wished that Bob Nellis and old Ben Watson were on -board that ship! She was going away for a two years' cruise, and Gus was -certain that something would happen to them before they came back. - -"Hi, Moster 'Gustus, I found you at last!" exclaimed the darky, as he -hurried up. "Your father wants to see you at home this blessed minute. -Dem is his 'perative orders." - -"Sam," said Gus, putting his hand into his pocket and pulling out a -piece of money, "has anything been going on there?" - -"Thank you, sah. Not de fustest thing. Ebberything is just as it was -when you were dar." - -"Nobody to see me, I suppose?" - -"Dar's been nobody dere to see you, but dere's been somebody dere to see -Moster Bob." - -"I don't see what you fellows call that snipe 'Mister' for," said Gus, -impatiently. "That title belongs to me. Who were there to see Bob?" - -"Wal, sah, Moster 'Gustus, dere was one man dere dat used to be your -uncle's gardener," replied Sam. "And de other one was—" - -"Watson?" cried Gus. - -"I reckon so, sah. And de other one was a right smart-lookin' chap, just -about your size. Is you comin' home, sah?" - -"It was Sprague, I'll bet," said Gus. - -It was a very short road with Gus that had no turning, and here he was, -right in the midst of his schemes for mischief, and they began to come -back to him. How he wished that Watson had kept out of that saloon, or -rather, how he wished he had kept away from it himself! - -"Is you comin' home?" inquired the darky. - -"You go on ahead at your usual gait and tell father that I will be with -him soon," replied Gus. "I may as well face it down one time as -another," he added to himself. "What can I say that will induce father -to believe I was in that saloon by accident? I tell you, I wish I had -steered clear of Barlow!" - -Gus arose to his feet and started toward home, but with every step he -took he felt that he was drawing nearer to his doom. The closer he came -to the iron gate the more confused his thoughts seemed to grow, and when -he went down the hall and opened the door of the library, without the -ceremony of knocking, he had made up his mind that Watson had been -asleep and dreamed it all; that nobody had said a word about kidnapping -him. He found his father pacing back and forth, wringing his hands as if -he were in great bodily distress. - -"Why, what's the matter?" he asked, innocently. - -"Augustus, how does it come that you were in Barlow's saloon?" asked his -father. "Have I not often told you to keep away from those places? What -did you hear about kidnapping Bob and that old gardener?" - -"Why, nothing at all," said Gus, opening his eyes in surprise. "Ben -Watson was in there asleep, and when he woke up he accused Barlow of -getting up a scheme against him. Has he been here? What did he say?" - -"He has said enough in Bob's ears to prompt him to call on a lawyer this -very afternoon," said Mr. Layton, looking sharply at Gus. - -This was rather more than Gus had bargained for. He looked around for -the nearest chair and sat down. For once the face he turned toward his -father was as white as a sheet. That was one thing that Gus was always -afraid of. He might get a lawyer to examine into the matter, and he -would be pretty apt to find a screw loose somewhere. - -"I don't like this lawyer business," said Gus. - -"Why, Augustus, it is perfectly straight," said his father. "The more -lawyers he gets the better I shall like it. They will have every -facility granted them for making a thorough investigation. One would -think, from the way you talk, that you suspected something yourself." - -"Father, there's no need of your beating about the bush any longer," -said Gus, who thought, if he had to make a clean breast of the matter, -it was time his father did so, too. "What makes you so nervous and -excited?" - -"It is the trouble you have got into with that fellow Barlow," said Mr. -Layton. "I know all about it, and there's no use for you to try to -deceive me. Now, I want you to tell me the whole thing. I have a little -influence, and perhaps I can bring some good out of it." - -"What do you know?" - -"I know that you went into that saloon without anybody sending for you; -that Ben Watson was asleep there on the table—or had his head pillowed -on his arms as if he was asleep, but he was in reality wide-awake; that -you began talking about the crew of the Smart; that you made up a scheme -for kidnapping Bob—" - -"I never did it in this world!" interrupted Gus. "You go and ask Barlow, -and see if anything of the kind happened." - -"I think I see myself going near that skin-flint!" said Mr. Layton. -"Anyhow, you had your plans made up for taking Ben and Bob off on board -that ship, and it was when Bob roused up and told you of it that Barlow -shouted for his bull-dog and barkeeper." - -"It isn't so! it isn't so!" said Gus, pounding with his fingers on the -table. - -"And to make the matter still worse, Mr. Sprague and his boy came in at -that moment," pursued Mr. Layton, paying no heed to the interruption. "I -tell you, Augustus, you have got yourself into a scrape. You begin to -see it now, don't you?" he added, as Gus looked down at the carpet. "I -don't know what will become of you if you keep on this way. Bob was -doing well enough, and I don't see why you couldn't let him alone." - -There was silence for a few minutes, for Gus had about got to the end of -his rope. His father knew all about it, and he couldn't think what else -to say. After waiting in vain for Gus to speak, he said: - -"I got the most of this while listening at the window when Bob was -talking to Leon and Ben. What more they had to say I don't know, for -they walked away, so that I couldn't hear them; but by putting this and -that together I got at the true story of the matter. You can tell me the -rest I want to know. Are you willing to do it? I may be able to bring -some good out of it, as I said before." - -Thus urged, Gus determined that the best thing he could do would be to -tell the truth. He began at the beginning and told everything Barlow had -said, touching lightly upon what he had said himself, however, and when -he had finished he settled back in his chair as if he was glad to have -the load off his mind. His father did not interrupt him until he got -through, and then he said: - -"I don't see why you did not tell me this at the start. As I said a -little while back, you have got yourself in a pretty scrape. Suppose -something should happen to Bob, and he should be kidnapped and sent to -sea against his will; where would you be?" - -"By George! I never thought of that," said Gus, growing frightened -again. - -"Barlow knows that I do not approve of such doings as that," continued -Mr. Layton, "and after Bob had been gone for a month or two, he would -come to me for money." - -"For what?" asked Gus. "You wouldn't hire him to send Bob off to sea." - -"That may all be. I might never have dreamed that he had such a thing in -mind; but don't you know that he would come to me for money to make him -keep his mouth shut?" - -"That's something new to me," said Gus, fairly trembling with excitement -and fear. "He could do it as easy as falling off a log, couldn't he? But -I don't suppose that Barlow knows enough to do that." - -"Don't worry about it. He would come for money, and if I refused to give -it to him, how long would it be before everybody in town would hear of -it?" - -"He would be as deep in the mud as you are," suggested Gus. "If you went -to jail he would have to go, too." - -"But, Augustus, I don't want to go to jail," said Mr. Layton, in a -trembling voice. "Think what a position it would be for me. Now, I think -I can see a way out of it, and that is by buying Bob." - -"How are you going to do it?" asked Gus, who became interested at once. - -"I will give him a hundred dollars a month if he will take his trunks -out of this house and never come back here again," said Mr. Layton. - -"That's the idea!" exclaimed Gus, unconsciously uttering the same -expression that Barlow had made use of a short time before. "But a -hundred dollars is a power of money, father. Don't you suppose if you -were to offer him seventy-five dollars it would do just as well?" - -"No, I don't think it would. Bob has always had money when he chose to -call for it, and a hundred dollars is little enough. Ben has got a nice -little house down here, and Bob can go there and live as well as not. Of -one thing we will be sure, anyway: Bob will never come to this house -again." - -"That's the idea!" said Gus, again. "How will you send him the money—by -check?" - -"I'll send him a check the first of every month; that will save him the -trouble of coming here." - -"That won't interfere with what you are to give me?" - -"Not at all; and I think it is the best thing we can do. I wish you -would be around when I talk to him—" - -"Oh, that's asking too much," said Gus, getting upon his feet. "You must -remember that I was in the saloon when we talked of kidnapping him, and -that it would hardly do." - -"Perhaps, after all, you had better stay away," said Mr. Layton, after -reflecting a moment. "But I will put in a good word for you when I see a -chance. I will tell him that you and I were talking the matter over, and -concluded it wasn't right to turn him loose to face the world without a -cent, and that we have decided to give him a part of our incomes." - -"That will be better than if I was here," said Gus. "But what if Bob -won't take it?" - -"Eh? Oh, I don't think he will go back on a hundred dollars. You see, -Bob won't have to do any work after he gets to Ben's house, and that -will take a heap off his mind." - -"A hundred dollars is enough for him," answered Gus. - -"You couldn't stay around and see him when he comes in, I suppose?" - -"Well, I'll stay around, and if he looks good-natured when he comes in -I'll tell him you want to see him; but if he looks cross I won't open my -head. You had better see him yourself." - -This much having been decided upon, Gus went up to his room to remain -there until his father had had an interview with Bob, while Mr. Layton -opened the door of the library so that he would be sure to see Bob when -he came in. - -"I'll tell you I wouldn't stay in this house after what has happened -down there at Barlow's saloon, and if Bob has the pluck I have given him -credit for he'll not stay, either," said Gus, drawing one of the -curtains before the window and seating himself so that he could see his -cousin when he came down the walk. "I would get away from here as soon -as I could. He must know he is not wanted here." - -In a few minutes he saw Bob coming, and he fairly trembled with -excitement when he saw how enraged he was. He walked like a boy who had -made up his mind that he wasn't going to stand that nonsense any longer. -He bounded up the steps as though he had a right there, to quote from -Gus, and stamped through the hall as though there was somebody waiting -for him. And so there was. Mr. Layton came out of the library, his face -all wrinkled up with smiles; but it was strange how quickly those smiles -all went away when he caught sight of Bob's face. He began to fear that -he was going to have trouble with the boy. - -"Ah, Bob! I was just waiting for you," said he. - -"Oh, you were, were you?" said Bob, with something like a sneer. - -"Yes. Come in. I want to talk to you." - -"You will have to talk to me mighty clever to put me out of the notion -of having Gus and Barlow arrested," said Bob, seating himself in the -nearest chair and placing his hat upon the table. "I never heard of such -a thing before. Why, it is downright—" - -"Why, what is the matter?" asked Mr. Layton. He thought he spoke calmly -enough, but his voice trembled in spite of himself. - -"There's no use of feigning ignorance," said Bob, in a tone of deep -disgust. "Gus and Barlow have been laying a plan to kidnap Ben and me -to-night and send us off to some country we never dreamed of. Gus has -told you all about it, I suppose? If he didn't, he ought to. You -sympathize with him more deeply than anybody else." - -"Yes, I heard about that," said Mr. Layton. "Ben was asleep and dreamed -it all. You surely don't suppose that I would agree to anything of that -sort?" - -"You may not have agreed to it, but the plot has been laid, all the -same. What were you going to say to me?" - -"Gus has just been here, talking about you, and if he was going to send -you off to foreign countries I don't see why he should propose to give -you a hundred dollars a month." - -"Have you agreed to that?" - -"I have." - -"Then I will take it, glad to get that much out of you. But I'll tell -you, Mr. Layton, it will not keep me from putting a lawyer on the track -of this 'will' business. That much I have determined upon." - -"You may have all the lawyers you want," said Mr. Layton. "If it will be -of any use to you, I will get one of my own and put him on the case with -you." - -It must be confessed that this remark pretty nearly took Bob's breath -away. He looked sharply at his uncle to see if he really meant what he -said, and Mr. Layton met his gaze without flinching. - -"You seem to think there is something wrong with your father's will," -said the latter. "I assure you there is not. I wouldn't have touched a -cent of his property if it hadn't been willed to me. I trust you know me -well enough to believe that." - -"Oh, yes; I know you. What I am going to find out is, whether or not the -will is all right. Now, if you will count out my hundred dollars I will -go up stairs and pack my luggage." - -"It shall be ready for you when you come down," said Mr. Layton, with -much more eagerness than he had thus far shown. "I hope you are not -going away out of town, are you?" - -"Oh, no; I shall be here, and give Gus another chance to kidnap me, if -he wants to. I shall be at hand, too, to give that lawyer any assistance -he may wish." - -"I wish you would get over your idea of Gus trying to kidnap you," said -Mr. Layton, impatiently. "He never did it in this world." - -"Of course I will believe it when he proves it before a magistrate's -court," said Bob; and he couldn't help smiling when he thought of the -way his lawyer would wind him up on his cross-examination. "But he will -find that a difficult thing to do." - -Without waiting to hear what else his uncle had to say, Bob went up -stairs to his room; and as he had not yet wholly unpacked his trunk, it -did not take him long to get the things together that he wanted to take -with him. One trunk generally held all the things he needed when he went -to Elmwood, but this time he took three, his little fowling-piece and -his fishing-rod not being forgotten. By the time he had them all packed -the carriage appeared, with Ben Watson on the box beside the driver. Ben -didn't hesitate to come in now, as he would if he had been alone. The -house was Bob's, he could swear to that, and he had a right to go where -he pleased in it. - -"Now, you take these trunks down and I will go and bid my uncle -good-bye," said Bob. - -"Aw! Are you going to see that fellow again?" inquired Ben. "It's small -good-bye he will give you, seeing that you are going to live with me." - -"But, Ben, I've got a hundred dollars coming to me," said Bob. "He -offered to give it to me of his own accord." - -"Well, that's better than I expected of him. I guess he's mighty fearful -that the captain will turn up yet." - -Bob went down to the library and found his uncle there alone. A roll of -bills lay upon the table, with a paper-weight on them to hold them down. -He looked all around for Gus, but could not see anything of him. He -wanted to say a word to him before he went, but Gus was still in his own -room. - -"Is this money intended for me?" asked Bob. "Then I will take it and bid -you good-bye." - -"Good-bye, Bob," said Mr. Layton, holding out his hand, but seeing that -Bob did not take it he speedily drew it in again. "Are you going to live -here in town? I want to know, so that I can send you a check on the -first of every month." - -"Address it to me here at this post-office and I will get it all right," -said Bob. "I will tell you, for your satisfaction, that I am going to -live with Ben Watson." - -"Ah! Ben is a good fellow." - -"I know he is. He thinks father was foully dealt with on that morning he -disappeared, and he will be near at hand to give my lawyer some points." - -"That's a good thing. I am glad you are going to investigate it. -Good-bye." - -The trunks being all brought down by the time Bob got out of the -library, he took his seat in the carriage and was whirled away to his -new home. Of course he felt bad on leaving the place of his boyhood, but -there was no help for it. Gus held the curtain aside so that he could -watch him, and when the carriage had disappeared through the iron gate -he opened the door and went down to his father. - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - BOB CALLS ON A LAWYER. - - -"There!" said Bob, when his uncle's gates had closed behind him and the -carriage was fairly under way for his new home; "I hope I shall never go -inside those grounds again unless my father is here to go with me. Now, -Ben, I would like to know what you mean by going inside that saloon? You -wouldn't have done so when my father was here." - -"No indeed, I wouldn't," said Ben, with a hearty shake of his head. "But -the truth was I didn't have a heart for any work, and somehow I wanted -to be near where I could see the ships come in. But I don't owe him no -twenty dollars for grub and lodging." - -"Did you ever spend a cent in his house?" - -"Yes, sir. I have treated some of my old mates, but I paid him right -down. As for lodging, you will say, when you see my little house, that I -don't need to go to the saloon to find a bed." - -"Then I wouldn't pay him a cent. Don't you go near him again. He is -worse than I ever thought him. He's a land-shark. But, Ben, I don't -believe that Barlow had anything to do with my father's disappearance." - -"No more do I; but the question is, who did? If it hadn't been for what -Barlow said when he thought I was asleep I should think the cap'n was -dead; but he says he is liable to come back when nobody isn't expecting -him. I tell you, that proves something." - -"It certainly does," said Bob, becoming excited. "I will see Mr. Gibbons -about it this afternoon." - -"That's what I say. That man can see through it, if anybody can. Barlow -says it is no concern of his; but I'll bet if he is brought up before a -court of law he'll have to tell something he don't want to." - -Bob became all life and animation now. The idea that Barlow might tell -something that was no concern of his made him impatient to see a lawyer -and find out what he thought about it. The Mr. Gibbons of whom Bob had -spoken was an old-time friend of his father's, and he was sure that if -there was a flaw in the will that gentleman would find it out. - -Meanwhile the carriage sped on, and in a few moments drew up in front of -Ben's house. It was a small place, surrounded by about half an acre of -ground, and so hemmed in by bushes and trees that one could scarcely see -it from the road. The garden occupied almost all Ben's attention. It was -only when he grew lonesome and longed for his old captain that he went -down to Barlow's, to be where he could see the vessels come in, and he -never spent any money there except what he was able to "pay right down." -His story that Ben was indebted to him was made up all out of his own -head. - -"So this is where you live?" said Bob, after the trunks had been carried -in on the porch and the hackman discharged. "It seems to me that you -ought to be contented here." - -"I am," replied Ben. "I call this my 'ordinary,' for I have never been -satisfied to live here only until my cap'n comes back. I believe now -that he is alive, and that some day I'll see his old gray head coming in -here. My gracious! wouldn't that be fine?" - -"I tell you it would," said Bob, seating himself in the nearest chair, -"but I am most afraid of it. Any way, we'll make Barlow tell what he -knows. Now, what have you got for dinner? I have not had a bite to eat -since I have been at my uncle's." - -"Well, you go in and start a fire in the stove and I'll soon have dinner -ready for you. You will find everything arranged there as it used to be -in the Anchorage." - -Bob went into the house, and Ben bent his steps for the garden to gather -some fresh vegetables for dinner. The Anchorage was the name Watson had -applied to the house Captain Nellis had given him because he thought he -wasn't going to move any more. He thought he was going to live and die -under that roof. When Mr. Layton told the old fellow that he was done -with his services, Ben was almost heart-broken. He tried to argue the -point with that gentleman, but when the latter told him that he had -hired negroes to take the places of all the house-servants, Ben had -nothing more to say. - -"Niggers!" he said in disgust. "I can remember the time, and it was not -so very long ago, when the niggers were slaves and glad to take what -they could get, and now they come around and crowd a white man out of -his place. This house won't stand a great while." - -Bob started a fire in the stove, and that was easy enough, for -everything was handy, and then went into the bedroom to examine things -there. His bunk was nicely made up on the side opposite Ben's, as if the -old fellow had been expecting him that very night. All the war relics -were there, too, which Bob had not been able to find room for in his -apartments at home, including a model of the rebel iron-clad Atlanta, -just as she appeared on the day that Ben helped sink her. - -"I almost believe I am in the old room at the Anchorage," said Bob. -"There is one thing sure: Barlow will have a time getting at me here to -shanghai me. I'd like to see him try it. And to think that my cousin -should uphold him in such a trick! I tell you, that beats me." - -Bob put some more wood on the fire and then went out on the porch to -wait for Ben. He was so long in coming that finally Bob got impatient -and strolled through the bushes to meet him. The way he took led him to -the beach, and almost the first thing he saw was the ten-ton schooner in -which he had taken so much delight in going fishing and exploring the -inlets of the bay. He had so many things to think of that he had -forgotten all about her until he caught sight of her. It did not seem -possible that his father would have taken his schooner away from him, -even if he had made a codicil to his will, and he determined to speak to -Mr. Gibbons about it that very afternoon. - -"It is bad enough to have taken my horses without saying a word to me, -but I didn't believe he would so far forget himself as to take my -schooner," said Bob, seating himself upon the grass. "If he had only -left me that and the ponies I should have been satisfied—that is, if he -is dead; but that is something I won't believe until I receive proof of -it. Now, then, what has become of Ben?" - -Barlow's chance words, that it was no concern of his what he had seen on -that stormy morning, had put Bob on his mettle, but for all that, he was -not inclined to put faith in anything that man said or did; consequently -he was disposed to make the best of a bad bargain. He had all along -supposed that his father was dead, but the hint Barlow had thrown out -that he might turn up again when nobody was expecting him worked a -change in Bob in spite of all he could do to prevent it. But he intended -to wait until he could see Mr. Gibbons about it. - -"I won't put any confidence in what that old land-shark said," -soliloquized Bob, stretching himself out flat on the grass. "If Mr. -Gibbons says he is alive I will believe it; and if he says he is dead, I -shall believe that, too. I will think no more about it. I am ready for -anything that happens. There's Ben; he has been to town. I object to his -going on in this way in regard to me; but first I am going to speak -about that boat. Say," he added, rising to his feet and taking some of -the parcels from the old sailor, "do you see that boat over there?" - -"Yes; and I know it's your'n." - -"It ought not to have been taken away from me, ought it?" - -"No; nor your ponies, either." - -"That's all right. I shall speak to Mr. Gibbons about it this afternoon. -Now, Ben, what made you go to town? Don't you know that I can live on -the grub that you do?" - -"Say, Bob," replied the sailor, who did not care to argue this point, -"you haven't had any scouse or dough-boy lately, have you? Well, now, -you just sit down in that chair and watch me get them ready for you. -I'll have them ready while you are thinking about it." - -Ben enforced the order by pushing Bob into the nearest chair, while he -went on dishing up the scouse and dough-boy. While Ben worked he talked -about almost everything else than the subject that was upper-most in -Bob's mind, and when at last the dinner was ready they sat down to it -with most ravenous appetites. They took their time, and it was nearly an -hour before they had got all they wanted, and when the dishes had been -washed and put away, Bob announced that he was going to see a lawyer. - -"You don't want to let grass grow under your feet," said Ben. "Go and -see him at once and have the matter settled. It's my opinion that there -is something in that codicil that will benefit you." - -Bob closed the gate behind him, and with long and earnest strides took -his way to the lawyer's office. Of course he met many persons along the -road who had not seen him before, and they all wanted to stop and shake -him by the hand; but Bob thought there was a little sadness mixed with -it all. They would have felt a great deal better if they knew that he -was the heir to his father's property. - -"Everybody in town seems to feel that way," soliloquized Bob, as he ran -up the steps that led to the lawyer's office. "I don't know but I am the -heir, after all." - -Pushing open the door of the lawyer's office, he found the gentleman of -whom he was in search alone. He had his feet elevated upon his desk and -was examining some legal documents. When he saw who his visitor was he -got up from his chair and greeted him with cordiality. - -"Why, Bob, how are you?" he exclaimed. "I heard you had come home, but I -didn't expect to see you. Sit down." - -"Are you quite alone?" inquired Bob, accepting the proffered hand. - -"I am all alone. Did you want to see me?" - -"Yes. And I wish you would lock your door, so that no one can come in to -bother us. I wish to have a few moments' conversation with you." - -The lawyer's face fell. He knew that Bob had come there to see him about -the will. He locked the door and sat down and looked at Bob without -speaking. - -"You used to have a good deal to do with my father's business during his -lifetime, Mr. Gibbons?" began Bob. - -"I had a great deal to do with it until he got that rascally -brother-in-law of his to take my place," replied Mr. Gibbons. - -"Do you call him rascally?" inquired Bob. - -"Yes; and so would anybody else. You ought to be the heir to the -property your father left, and I know it." - -"Well, is he dead? That's what I want to know." - -"I am sorry to say that there's no doubt about that," said Mr. Gibbons, -gazing thoughtfully out of the window. "Everything goes to prove it. It -was an awful stormy night on the bay, and the next morning in came his -boat, half-filled with water. His hat was lying loose in the boat, and -two or three days afterward his fish-pole was picked up. Oh, there's no -doubt about his being dead." - -"Did they find the body?" - -"Why, no. It was probably swept out to sea." - -"Is there any way in which I can contest the will?" - -"Did you sign a paper?" asked the lawyer. - -"Yes, I signed some sort of a paper, but I was in such a flurry that I -didn't take time to examine it. The lawyer that was with him told me -that it was just a form." - -"Who was it?" - -"I don't know who it was. He was a stranger to me." - -The lawyer got up and searched his desk for some paper that he was -anxious to find. Presently he brought out a document entitled, "Notice -for Probate of Will." Holding the paper in his hand he pointed to a note -printed in smaller letters, and said: - -"Did you sign such a thing as this: 'I hereby accept full service and -waive all time of Notice of the within Citation.' Did you sign that?" - -"It seems to me that I did; but I would not be positive." - -"And the lawyer told you that it was a mere form? And when he got you -back at school your uncle put these papers in to probate, and after that -he had you just where he wanted you." - -"That is just about the way of it, I guess." - -"Bob, you are the most confiding boy I ever saw. You ought not to have -signed that citation. You have put it out of your power to contest the -will. You ought to have a guardian appointed for you." - -This was a very unwelcome piece of news to Bob, but he did not rebel -against it. He knew that the lawyer was in a situation to understand -such matters better than he was. - -"I am sorry, but I can see no other way than for you to accept the -situation," said Mr. Gibbons. "By the way, what sort of a penman is that -uncle of yours?" - -"He writes a very poor hand, but I can make out to read it. Why do you -ask?" - -"Oh, nothing, but I just happened to think of it. You haven't seen a -copy of the will, have you? Well, I will have a copy here to-morrow, and -you can see what your father says in that codicil. I know he didn't -intend to take away everything you had." - -"Then he wouldn't have taken away my boat?" - -"Certainly not. Nor your ponies, either." - -"Do you think I would be doing wrong if I should go down there and run -my boat up to Ben's house, where I am living now?" - -"Of course not," replied the lawyer, glad to bring the interview to a -close. "I will go with you." - -Mr. Gibbons put on his hat, and together they started toward the place -where the boat was moored. It was on the beach opposite an old -fisherman's shanty, and when they arrived there they were gratified to -find the man sitting on the bench beside the door, enjoying his pipe. He -was delighted to see Bob. He remembered that, just before he started to -school, he had given the old fisherman a few pieces of silver, with -instructions to keep an eye on his schooner, and had always found -everything all right about her when he returned. - -"The top of the morning to you, Mister Bob," said the man, extending his -hand. "The schooner is all right and tight. Be you wanting her this -morning?" - -"There hasn't been anybody aboard of her since I left?" said Bob. - -"Nary soul," answered the man. "She's yours, and Gus Layton ain't got no -business with her." - -"I guess it's all right, Bob," said Mr. Gibbons, turning away. "You can -take her home with you. Remember, I shall have a copy of that will -to-morrow. Good-bye." - -"Say, Mister Bob, is it true that old Layton has got all of your -property?" said the old fisherman, whose name was Oakes. "I think it's a -mighty mean piece of business. Do you want to go off to her? Jump into -my boat. I'll get the key to the cabin." - -"I don't think I am doing right until I see the codicil," said Bob, -hesitatingly. "If father thought I could have her, well and good; if he -didn't, I wouldn't touch her." - -"Who's going to have her, then?" exclaimed Oakes. "Not your cousin, I -bet you. I've seen him since he come back, driving your ponies around, -and I tell you I wanted to take them away from him. Get into the boat -and I will soon set you aboard. Where are you living now; up to Ben's? -Then there's nothing to hinder you from taking her right up there." - -Mr. Oakes got the key to the cabin, and, seizing Bob by the arm, was -gently forcing him into the boat when a loud shout came to their ears. -The two looked up and saw Hank Lufkin coming toward them. He was a boy -who stood well in that community, although he was nothing but a -market-shooter. His clothes were patched, but aside from that he looked -as neat as a new pin. Rumor said he didn't get along very smoothly when -he was at home, and perhaps you will know the reason when we say that -his father was a lazy, do-nothing sort of fellow, and every cent Hank -made he had to hide, for fear his father would get hold of it. His -mother kept an account of all his earnings, while his father was obliged -to live from hand to mouth, spending such sums as he could make by -sawing wood about the village. If he had owned a boat he would have been -all right, for then he would have gone a-fishing; but every day he was -obliged to stand on shore and watch other men when they returned with -the cargoes which they had gathered from their nets—men no better than -he was, he often declared—and of course he did not feel very jubilant -over it. And right there was what was the matter with Mr. Lufkin; he was -jealous of anybody who held a position he could not hold himself, but he -never thought of going to work to better his own condition. - -"I am just as good as they are," said Mr. Lufkin to his wife, "and I'll -bet you that nobody gives me a boat." - -"Why, those men had to earn their boats," said his wife. "If you would -just throw off your coat and go to work you could soon have one." - -"Work! I might work till I am gray-headed, and I wouldn't be nearer a -boat than I am now. Mark my words: I'll have a boat before another year -passes over my head." - -This was the kind of a man that Hank Lufkin lived with, and of course -his life was not a happy one. Hank did not own a boat, but he had an -old-fashioned single-barreled gun with which he managed to kill a few -squirrels and quails, and by sitting for long hours on the end of the -pier he often succeeded in catching a string of flounders which the -neighbors were always willing to buy; but Hank was not satisfied. He -wanted a boat as bad as his father did, but he was willing to work to -earn it. Just now his prospects were rather dim. There hadn't been much -shooting lately, and the fish seemed to have gone somewhere else; so -Hank didn't have much to do, and he was ready to go with Bob anywhere he -wanted to sail, for Hank knew Bob well. He always made some money when -he went fishing with him. - -"Halloo, Hank!" exclaimed Bob, as he came up. "Are you very busy? Then -get in with me and help me navigate this schooner up the bay." - -Hank was just waiting for this invitation, and, besides, he had -something he wanted to show to Bob and ask him what he thought about it. -He shook hands with him and got into the boat, picked up an oar and -pulled off to the Curlew, for that was the name by which Bob's ten-ton -schooner was known. - - - - - CHAPTER X. - A TWO-HUNDRED-DOLLAR PEARL. - - -"I tell you, she looks natural!" exclaimed Bob, as a few swift strokes -with the oars brought him alongside the schooner. "I believe I'll hold -out in the bay for a little while. Mr. Oakes, can you go?" - -"No; I have got to fix up my nets for to-morrow's fishing," replied the -fisherman. "There's a stiff breeze blowing, and she will take you out -all right. There's the cabin," he added, as he unlocked the doors; "step -in and see if there's anything missing." - -Bob laughed and went in, declaring that it would be a mighty slick thief -who could take anything out of that cabin while it was under such care. -The cabin needed airing, so the windows were opened; after that the -sails were cast loose, Mr. Oakes stepped into his boat and wished them a -pleasant voyage, Hank undid the fastenings, Bob seated himself in the -stern, and as soon as the canvas felt the full force of the wind she -took a big bone in her teeth and went bowling along toward the entrance -of the bay. Bob thought of the many times his father had sat in that -boat, giving him instructions in regard to sailing her, or telling him -some stories of the sea, and a mist gathered in front of his eyes. - -"I don't wonder that you feel lonely," said Hank, who readily divined -the thoughts that were passing in Bob's mind. "Did your father not leave -you anything besides the schooner?" - -"I can't tell whether or not he left me the schooner until I see the -codicil," said Bob, sadly. "The way it looks now he has left me out in -the cold. I am taking this without saying a word to my uncle about it. -But I don't mean to give it up. Father gave me the money to buy the -boat, and I had it made to order." - -"Then it is yours," said Hank. - -"I expect Gus will come after it as soon as he finds out that I have it, -and how I shall keep him from getting it I don't know," said Bob. "I -wish I could get my ponies." - -"So do I. I tell you it made me mad to see him driving around with those -kid gloves and going to that saloon. What did he go there for?" - -"He had some business with Barlow, I suppose," said Bob, who had not yet -got into the way of telling Hank everything he wanted to know. "Now, -Hank, what have you been doing since I have been gone? Have you made -your fortune?" - -"No, I haven't," said Hank, looking out over the sea. "Father goes -sometimes for a month without doing any work at all, and then he wants -some money and he goes to mother for it. If I had a hundred dollars he -would soon get it away." - -"What makes your mother let him know she has any money?" - -"She can't help it. He looks at what comes on the table and makes his -calculations from that. I tell you father is a sharp one. But I have -something I want to show you," said Hank, thrusting his hand into his -pocket and hauling out a parcel carefully wrapped up in several pieces -of paper. "I carried it loose in my pocket until I went hunting with a -man from Baltimore, and I showed it to him. He offered me five dollars -for it, and furthermore he seemed so determined to have it that it was -all I could do to take it away from him. That made me think that if it -was worth five dollars it was worth more, and so I wrapped it up, being -resolved to show it to you and Leon Sprague. Now tell me if I made a -mistake in not taking five dollars for it." - -Bob gave up the wheel to Hank, took the parcel, and found inside of it a -fresh-water pearl about the size of a pea. Bob didn't know anything -about pearls. He was acquainted with the fact that where they were found -it was necessary to dry the oysters in order to discover them, and that -a teacupful of them was worth a hundred thousand dollars, and he didn't -think this pearl of Hank's was worth much. - -"It is as clear as crystal, isn't it?" said Bob, holding it up to the -light. "Where did you find it?" - -"On a little stream up here," replied Hank; "and there are more of them -there, too. But I see very plainly by your looks that I made a mistake -in not accepting five dollars for it." - -"You mustn't judge anything by me," replied Bob, hastily, "because I -don't know what it is worth. Let me have it and I will ask the jeweller. -He will know something about it." - -"Oh, he will laugh at me. The idea of asking him what a fresh-water -pearl is worth!" - -"He needn't know that you found it at all. I will say that I found it -and want to know what it is worth." - -"Well, under those circumstances you may take it; but you may make up -your mind to be laughed at." - -Bob folded up the pearl and put it into his pocket, and told himself -that unless he had shot wide of the mark Hank's find was worth ten or -fifteen dollars at least. He had never heard of pearls being found so -far south. He knew that there were some in New Jersey, and some others -in Wisconsin, that they were being worked at the rate of twenty-five -thousand dollars each year, and he didn't see why it was that pearls -were not found further south. In that case Hank's fortune was made, for -he was the only one who knew where the pearls were, provided some one -else did not suspect him—his father, for instance—and watch him to see -where he went and what he did to increase his income. - -"You say there are plenty more pearls where this one came from?" said -Bob at length. - -"Why, I have seen as many as twenty-five or thirty scattered along the -banks of that creek, but I never thought to look at them, for I did not -think they were worth any money," replied Hank. "This one was found out -in plain sight, and so I took it up and put it into my pocket." - -"Well, I just want to tell you that you had better keep mum in regard to -these pearls. If they turn out valuable you want them all yourself, -don't you?" - -"I should say so. There's nobody needs them worse than I do." - -"You just keep still until I see the jeweller," said Bob. "It may be -that your fortune is made." - -"Oh, I don't hope for that. If I can make ten dollars out of that one -you have in your pocket, well and good. I don't know that I can find the -others, anyway." - -"Well, you can try, can't you?" - -Yes, Hank was satisfied that he could do that, and he wouldn't take -anybody with him to show them where the pearls were except Leon Sprague -and Bob Nellis. - -In half an hour Bob had enjoyed as much of a sail as he wanted to, so he -brought the Curlew about and headed her toward the low wooden pier that -had been there when Ben bought the place. The man who lived in that -house had a sailboat, with buoy and anchor all complete, and Ben, who -stood upon the bank and saw Bob coming, stepped into this light skiff -and pulled out to where the buoy was. He waved his hands to Bob to show -him that he was near the anchorage, and in a few minutes the schooner -rounded to with her sails shaking in the wind. The boat drew so much -water that of course she had to ride where she would be free of every -obstacle. If a storm had come up she would have pounded herself to -pieces on the wharf. - -"I've got her, Ben!" shouted Bob. "Now we'll see what sort of work Gus -will go through to get her back. Mr. Oakes said he shouldn't have her, -anyway." - -"Gus will not try to get her back," said Ben, pulling up to the bow to -be in readiness to take the anchor-rope when Hank passed it down to him, -"and I guess he will give up the ponies as well. What did Mr. Gibbons -say about the codicil?" - -"Father is dead, Ben. There are no two ways about that." - -"Did you tell him what Barlow said—that it was no concern of his what he -saw on that stormy morning?" - -"No, I didn't." - -"Well, why didn't you? You ain't worth a cent to go to see a lawyer. The -next time I send you on such an errand I'll go myself." - -"I really wish you would, Ben. He knocked everything out of my head by -saying that father was dead, and so I didn't think of half I wanted to -say to him. Now, Hank, make the sails fast, as they were before. I don't -believe that Gus will be willing to leave the boat here, and I'll just -take the tiller ashore with me." - -Ben had by this time climbed aboard the schooner, and under his skilful -management the sails were neatly stowed away, after which he closed and -fastened the cabin windows, locked the door, and gave the key to Bob. -The schooner was all right now for anything that might come up, and they -got into Ben's skiff, and in a few minutes were put safely on the wharf. -Hank took leave of them and was about to go away when Bob called to him. - -"Here, Hank, I don't want you to do this for nothing," he said, putting -his hand into his pocket. - -"Do you suppose I am going to take pay for the first sailboat ride I -have had for many a day?" said Hank. "Keep that until the first time I -go fishing with you. Good-bye." - -"I didn't tell him that we have had nothing but bread and tea for the -last four or five days, and that I am getting awful tired of that style -of living. But then Bob isn't worth as much as he used to be, and I -don't believe in bothering him. Dear me, I wish that pearl would be -worth fifteen dollars at least. I tell you, it wouldn't take me long to -get something for mother to eat," he said to himself as he closed the -gate behind him and started for the place he called home. "But I shall -have no such luck as that. I've got to work for every cent I get." - -"Now, Ben," said Bob, when Hank had passed out of hearing, "I am going -down town." - -"I guess you had better keep away from there," said Ben, slowly shaking -his head. "A boy who will go to town as you did—" - -"I know all about that; but then I can speak to Mr. Gibbons about it -to-morrow. You can go with me, if you like." - -"No; I believe I'll stay and work in the garden. I've been neglecting it -of late, and now that I have got two to provide for I think I had better -bestow some attention on it. You're sure you ain't a-going to see that -lawyer again?" - -"Not until to-morrow. Good-bye!" - -"I am going as straight to that jeweller as I can go," he soliloquized. -"I have been thinking a good deal about this pearl, and I don't see why -it shouldn't be worth money, seeing that they make so much out of them -in Wisconsin. At any rate, I'm going to ask him." - -Bob met many friends he knew on the street, and was obliged to stop and -shake hands with them, but in due time he reached the jeweller's store. -He found the jeweller there, but he was engaged in waiting upon somebody -who was a stranger to him; but he shook hands with Bob, and said he -would attend to him in a few minutes, so Bob had nothing to do but look -around the store. The stranger was satisfied at last, and then the man -turned to him and wanted to know when he had returned. - -"I came this morning," said Bob. "But that isn't what I came to see you -about. Here's a fresh-water pearl that came from a little stream, and I -would like to know what it is worth." - -"It isn't worth much," said the jeweller, as he watched Bob undoing the -parcel. "I've had to pass upon a heap of such things as that, and the -best of them are not worth more than a dollar or two. Why, Bob," he -added, as he took the pearl and held it up to the light, "where did you -get this? I tell you, that is a beauty!" - -"Is that worth more than a dollar or two?" asked Bob. - -"Well, I should say so!" exclaimed the jeweller. "It is worth two -hundred dollars at least." - -Bob was amazed. - -"You never found this," said the jeweller, looking at Bob in surprise. -"Where did you get it?" - -"No, I didn't find it, that's a fact," said Bob; who then went on, under -a pledge of secrecy, to repeat everything that Hank had said to him. "I -brought it here because he was afraid you would laugh at him, and Hank -don't like to be laughed at." - -"Well, I guess I shouldn't have laughed at him. Are there any more where -this came from?" - -"Hank says there are from twenty-five to thirty there, but he didn't -suppose they were worth any money, and so he never stopped to pick them -up. Two hundred dollars! You are sure you haven't made a mistake?" - -"No, indeed. It is worth more than that, but I can't tell how much more -until I send it away. That boy's fortune is made. Twenty-five more at -two hundred dollars! His father can loaf now just as long as he pleases. -He will never have to work again. You don't know the stream where this -came from?" - -"No, and if I did I shouldn't tell." - -"That's all right. I don't ask you to go back on Hank, for he is too -good a boy; but you can tell him for me that he needn't go shooting any -more. Do you want to sell this?" - -"Of course I do. It is of no use to me." - -"I will give you two hundred dollars, cash money, for it. Mind, I do not -say that is all it's worth. I shall have to send this to New York, and -if they pay me any more for it I will give him half what I get." - -"That is very kind of you, Mr. Vollar," said Bob. "If you will give me -the money I will take it and give it to Hank. I wish you could go with -me. You will see an astonished fellow when I give him the proceeds." - -"I'd like to, but I can't leave just now, for I am very busy. You bring -him here, and I'll see how he acts." - -"I will. I'll bring him here to thank you. He didn't think that pearl of -his was worth more than fifteen dollars. But two hundred dollars! I -believe it will take his breath away." - -The jeweller was busy with his safe, during which he counted out the -money, which he handed over to Bob. The latter took it, and left the -store with a much lighter heart than when he had gone into it. He felt -rich, for Hank was a particular friend of his, and he was interested in -everything he did. - -"Now the next question is, how am I going to keep his father from -knowing anything about it?" said Bob, as he hurried along. "Of course he -has the right to take every cent Hank earns, but I don't mean that he -shall know he has earned this much. He would go to that stream and -gather every pearl there was to be found, and then what would Hank do? -If the old man is at home I will pull Hank off on one side." - -It was quite a long walk to Hank's house, and when he reached it Bob -could not help saying to himself what a nice place it could have been -made if Hank's father had been possessed of a little more energy; for -Mr. Lufkin had been better off in the world, but the war left him -penniless, and he was too lazy to go to work and earn more. If it had -not been for his wife he would have gone supperless to bed many a night. -She washed clothes and did mending for neighbors who were better off; -and some days, when she got home with her money in her pocket, it all -went to buy that ragamuffin a pair of new trousers or a new shirt. Hank -never asked for any. He made what he earned by the hardest of knocks; -and more than once, when he told his mother that he had supper, he -hadn't had a bite since morning. While he was thinking of all these -things Bob arrived at Mr. Lufkin's gate. Hank was sitting there on the -porch with his father, and his face was as long as your arm. He -brightened up when he saw Bob approaching, and straight-way came down to -the gate to meet him. - -"Halloo, Hank!" exclaimed Bob. "I want you to go fishing with me -to-morrow. How do you do, Mr. Lufkin." - -The latter took his pipe from his mouth long enough to say "Howdy," and -went on with his smoking. He was the only one about the village that -didn't think enough of Bob to shake his hand. - -"Come on down the road apiece," continued Bob, "and I will talk to you -about what I want you to do to-morrow." - -"Your lines are all up at your father's, I suppose," said Hank. "I can -furnish you with some—" - -"Oh, bother the fish-lines," said Bob, sinking his voice to a whisper. -"I didn't come here to talk to you about them. I have been down to the -jeweller's." - -"And did you take that pearl along?" inquired Hank. - -Bob winked his eye. - -"How much did he give you for it?" - -"Guess," said Bob. - -"Ten dollars." - -"Good gracious, man. You must think your find is valuable. Guess again." - -"Didn't he give you but five? Well, I might have known it. I don't meet -with any such luck as some folks do." - -"You're doing so good at guessing suppose you guess again," said Bob, -smiling; and there was something in the way he spoke that made Hank open -his eyes. "You began at ten dollars; now suppose you begin there and go -the other way." - -"Did he give you twenty dollars for it?" - -"He came down a little heavier than that," said Bob. - -"Did he give you forty?" said Hank. - -"Well, no. He gave me more than that." - -"Look here, Bob, I want to know how much that man gave you. Did he give -you a hundred?" - -"Yes, he gave me more than that," said Bob, paying no attention to -Hank's expression of bewilderment. "Let's go into the bushes here, -beside the road. No one can see us there, and I will give you the -money." - -Hank was so excited that he could scarcely stand still. He followed Bob -into the bushes, and the latter drew out the money and handed it to him. -It was all in small bills, and made a pretty tolerable-sized package. -Hank took it in amazement. He ran his fingers over the bills, and when -he saw the fives and tens scattered through the bundle he couldn't talk. - -"It's all yours," said Bob, heartily enjoying the sight; "and he said -that if there are more of them up there your fortune is made." - -"Did—did he give you all this?" faltered Hank. - -"He certainly did, and it did not take him two minutes to decide upon -the worth of the thing. He said it is worth more than that, but he -couldn't tell until he had sent it to New York; and whatever they give -him in advance of that he will give you half. I tell you, old fellow, -your shooting is about over." - -"Well, I am beaten!" said Hank, when he had in some measure recovered -his wits. "Ever since father came home from the Confederate army we have -been living from hand to mouth, you may say, and I never supposed my -luck would take such a turn as this. Bob, I am ever so much obliged to -you, and you must come around some time, when father isn't here, to let -mother thank you." - -"That's all right," said Bob. "But you looked awful downhearted when I -went to your house just now. What was the trouble?" - -"Father was scolding me because I didn't ask some money of you when I -went out to take that sailboat ride," answered Hank, looking down at the -ground. "I told him that you were as hard up as we were, and he wouldn't -listen to it." - -"I am, and that's a fact." - -"You see he is hard pressed for a pair of shoes, the ones he now wears -being so far gone that they let his feet out on the ground." - -"Then let him go to work. The idea of his laying around and doing -nothing! I will find him a job of sawing wood to-morrow morning." - -"But he don't want that. He wants to have money coming in when he isn't -doing anything to earn it." - -"Oh, that's the trouble, is it? Well, he'll wait a long time before he -finds that day. Now, Hank, you want to put that money where he won't get -it." - -"I know it, and I want you to take charge of it. Give me ten dollars to -buy a good supper for mother, and do what you please with the balance." - -"Well, suppose you come around to Ben's house in the morning, and I will -go to the bank with you and put it there. It is too late now, for the -bank is closed. You can trust your mother that far, can't you?" - -"Oh, yes. As long as she has not got the money in her possession it is -all right. It is all mine, isn't it? I never thought I should have so -much money of my own." - -"It is all yours if you don't let your father get it away from you," -said Bob, handing out the bill which Hank had asked for. "You must keep -it away from him, at all events." - -"And that is going to be a harder job than you imagine," said Hank, as -he walked with Bob toward town. "He watches everything that comes on the -table, and he knows in a minute when I have got any money." - -"Tell him I gave you this to pay you for going fishing with me. I hope I -shall be somewhere one of these days where I will not have to tell so -many lies. Good-bye. Remember and come in the morning about nine -o'clock. In the afternoon I have to see a lawyer." - -Hank promised to be on hand, and the two separated, one to go in and -throw old Ben Watson into an ecstacy of bewilderment and delight when he -heard of Hank's lucky find, and the other to pass on to town to purchase -a good supper for his mother. - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - LEON'S WAR RECORD. - - -Everybody in town knew Hank, and everybody felt sorry for him, too. He -and his mother were obliged to work so hard, and his father, presuming -on his war record, did nothing but loaf. He had been wounded three times -while in the service, but that did not hurt him any, and Mr. Sprague had -threatened to arrest him and put him where he would be obliged to do -something; but his wife and Hank always stood in the way. It would have -mortified them beyond measure to have Mr. Lufkin sent to the workhouse, -and Mr. Sprague didn't know what else to do with him. - -It took Hank a long time to purchase his supply of provisions, there -were so many things he wanted which he was obliged to let alone; but at -last he started homeward with a full basket on each arm. Among other -things he had purchased a pair of new shoes for his mother—she needed -shoes almost as badly as her husband—and he had two dollars left. He -knew right where they would go. - -"Father is bound to have what is left, and I can't hinder him from -taking it," he said, as he put his baskets down in a doorway to rest. "I -shan't resist at all when he asks for it. If I was satisfied that this -would be the last time he would ask me for it, he could take it and -welcome; but it won't be. He'll be after me for some plug-tobacco, and I -have already spent as much money for that as I can afford. But two -hundred dollars! I'm going to take mother's breath away when I tell her -that." - -When Hank drew near to his home he couldn't see anybody, but the sound -of a loud voice coming from the inside, his father's voice, told him -that his mother had returned from her day's washing. His father was -angry about something, for his stentorian voice was raised so high in -his excitement that it could have been heard across the street, while -his mother answered in a mild tone, which seemed to increase the man's -fury. - -"Why didn't you get it?" he heard his father ask, as he unlatched the -gate. "Here I am going around barefooted, and you are making a sight of -money by washing. I tell you I don't want to go around this way any -longer." - -"The woman was not at home when I left," said Mrs. Lufkin. "And -supposing I do get the money, what good will it do you? It amounts to -only one dollar, and you can't get a pair of shoes for less than two." - -"Well, if you ain't got any money how am I to get things to eat? I can't -live on nothing." - -"I am sure I don't know. The tea is gone, the bread is pretty nearly -gone, and what we are to do I don't know. There was a man inquiring -about you to-day. He says he can easily give you a job in the hay-field, -if you are willing to go to work." - -"But I tell you I can't work. This wound in my side bothers me more than -I can tell. I wish that fellow had it. I tell you he would give that -hay-field a wide berth." - -This was all that Hank heard of the confab between husband and wife, for -just then the gate clicked and he went merrily up the porch with his two -baskets on his arm. He walked into the room and placed them on the -table. - -"There, mother," said he. "You'll find grub enough in those baskets to -last you three or four days. When that is gone I can easily get more." - -"Why, Henry, how did you make so much money?" exclaimed his mother in -surprise. - -"Bob Nellis gave it to me," replied Hank. - -"How much did he give you?" asked his father. - -"Ten dollars." - -"And all for doing nothing!" exclaimed Mr. Lufkin. "I think I heard you -say that Bob is about as hard up as we are. His giving away ten to you -looks like it." - -"Well, he gave it to me, anyway," said Hank. "I suppose he has a right -to do what he pleases with his own. The money was in his hands, and so -he gave it to me." - -"I would have gone with him for five, and I could show him some places -where he could catch fish," snarled Mr. Lufkin, who did not see that -Hank was trying to get around the question without telling a lie. "You -always seem to be making money, and I never see you do anything. You -must have some of this ten dollars left?" - -"Yes, sir, and there it is." - -Hank felt in his pocket and drew out the two dollars, which he placed in -his father's palm. Mr. Lufkin was surprised, and so was his mother. They -had never seen Hank so willing to part with money before. - -"Is this all you have got?" asked Mr. Lufkin. - -"Yes, sir, that's all. If you don't believe me you can search me." - -This little incident will suffice to show that his father was not above -going through his son's clothes to find his money. Hank had seen him do -it often, and he knew that his father had searched his mother's clothing -also. - -"I'll take your word for it," said his father; "but it beats me how you -can make so much money catching fish when you never catch any. I reckon -I had best go down town now. You'll have supper ready by the time I get -back, Molly?" - -"Oh, yes, I'll have supper by that time," said his wife, who, when she -had got through admiring her new shoes, turned her attention to the -other things in the baskets. "Henry has a good many things here that -don't need cooking." - -Mr. Lufkin put on his hat and walked out of the house with the air of a -man who had a million dollars in his pocket. It always made him feel big -to know that he had some money, even though he did not make it himself. -Hank watched him go through the gate, and finally went out and leaned -over it to make sure that he had gone, and at last he went back to his -mother. - -"He is safely out of sight now, and I want you to come here and listen -to me for a few minutes," said Hank, taking the groceries out of her -hand and laying them on the table. "Oh, I haven't been doing any harm, -you can rest assured of that; but that pearl you saw me have was worth -two hundred dollars." - -Paying no attention to his mother's expressions of astonishment, Hank -went on and gave her a full history of the pearl and of his interview -with Bob Nellis, and ended with Bob's offering to take it and sell it. - -"He disposed of it just before he came up here," said Hank, "but he saw -father about the house, and so took me off on one side to talk to me -about going fishing. He showed me the money, and I got ten dollars of -him to buy groceries with." - -"Do you think there are more pearls up there?" asked his mother. - -"I am sure of it. I may not find them again, but they are there. I found -this one lying around loose. I was just wading across the creek to get a -shot at some quails I had marked down there, and saw this stone and put -it into my pocket. But, goodness me! I didn't think I had made so much -out of it." - -"Where is the rest of the money? You will have to take mighty good care -that your father don't find it out." - -"Let him. The money is given into Bob's hands, and to-morrow I am going -down to put it in the bank. But here is another thing that I have just -thought of. If I put it in in your name or mine, and father should find -it out, then what?" - -"I don't know," replied Mrs. Lufkin. "Your father would make us draw it, -whether we wanted to or not." - -"That's just what I was thinking of. Suppose I put it in in Bob's name? -Of course I would have to go to him every time I wanted to draw any -money." - -"It would be better so. Bob is honest, and you could get the money from -him as readily as if it was in your own name." - -"And father couldn't get it. That's what I am thinking the most of. Now, -mother, what shall I spend it for—a boat?" - -"I don't think I would draw on this money for anything," said his -mother. "You had better wait until you find some more pearls." - -It was astonishing what an effect the word "money" had upon the two -inmates of the house. Mrs. Lufkin, who had been so down-hearted a little -while before because the tea and bread were gone, went about getting -supper as she had done in the days gone by, when Joe first came back -from the army, and Hank sat in the doorway, where he could keep watch of -his father, nursed his left leg, and talked of what those two hundred -dollars might bring them, until he saw Lufkin coming briskly along the -road. He felt better, for he had a pair of new shoes on. - -"Halloo!" he exclaimed, when he came into the house. "Supper is ready, -ain't it? I am in just the right humor to tackle it. I haven't had -anything fit to eat since I came back from the army, nor before, either, -I might say. Just before we surrendered up there to Richmond we didn't -have nothing but corn to eat, and a man mighty soon gets tired of that. -Grant furnished us with rations, and I never felt so good as I did when -I filled out on them." - -Joe seated himself at the table without waiting for an invitation to do -so, and straightway helped himself to two of the slices of salmon, which -he proceeded to eat as though he was still serving in the army under -Lee. When the supply of salmon was gone he called for more, and when the -two platesful had disappeared he got up feeling that he had enjoyed a -good meal. Hank had seen the time when he was rather opposed to his -father's ravenous eating, but he didn't mind it now. He filled a -cob-pipe with some tobacco, unwrapped his old shoes, threw them down on -the floor for his wife to pick up, and seated himself in the doorway, -prepared to enjoy a paper which was a week old. He read the -advertisements and everything else that was in print, until his eyes -rested on an article that instantly riveted his attention. He read it -over several times, and then rested his paper on his knee, leaned back -against the side of the house, and went off into a brown study. The -article referred to ran as follows: - - "A PIRATICAL PROGNOSIS. - -"A tramp is represented as musing thus at Elberon: 'I suppose that in -the cottages between here and the West End, a distance of maybe a mile, -there's a million dollars' worth of easily portable stuff, such as -money, jewelry, silverware, fine wearing apparel and household -decorations. Two policemen are on duty along that stretch of seashore. -Well, now, suppose that on some dark night a small vessel should anchor -off the place, and a band of well-armed men should land in row-boats, -gag the inmates, pack up the valuables, and sail away with the cargo? -Doesn't it seem to you that such a raid might be made successfully? It -does to me, upon my word.' The listener says he thought of this when, in -a hotel parlor, he saw thousands upon thousands of dollars scintillating -upon fair dancers—in their ears and hair, at their wrists, and among the -trimmings of their dresses. Even in the presence of many men he thinks a -gang of active and reckless robbers might have dashed into the -assemblage, surprised and cowed everybody into submission by a few -pistol-shots, picked handsful of precious stones like berries from a -bush, and scooted away before the most quickly valiant of the lazy -loungers could make any effort at resistance." - -This was the article that drew Joe's attention, and it impressed him so -much that he pulled out his knife, cut out the piece and put it into his -pocket. Then he got up and strolled down to the gate, leaned upon it, -and thought about it some more. - -"I don't know where Elberon is, but there's a place just like it about -five miles down the bay," soliloquized Mr. Lufkin, "and if it could be -worked at Elberon, what's the reason it couldn't be worked at -Middletown? There's a heap of these big Southern planters who go there -to escape the hot weather, and once, when I was down there with a load -of fish, I saw a woman with so much jewelry on I just wish I could have -got hold of it. This is news to me, and I tell you I have got to think -of it. I wonder if Bob Nellis has his boat? Hank," he added, turning -about and speaking so loud that they could hear him in the house, "did -Bob leave his schooner up there for Gus to take charge of?" - -"No, sir. Bob's got her, and he never said nothing to his uncle about -it." - -"Is that the one you are going fishing in to-morrow?" - -"If we go at all we shall go in her." - -"Well," said Joe, who knew he ought to say something, "you won't catch -any fish. I'd have gone with Bob for half what he gave you, and I'd had -some beauties to show when I came back. So Bob has got his schooner," -added Joe, facing about and going on with his soliloquy. "Now, if I -could only find some determined men to help me steal that schooner some -dark night, and run down to Middletown and pick off those precious -stones like you was pulling berries from a bush, I tell you I wouldn't -do any more work. I've got something to think of now, and who knows -that—by George! I believe I can do it. I'll just go down to Middletown -and see how things look." - -Joe Lufkin didn't sleep much that night, for he was thinking about his -new scheme, and it was long after midnight before he went to bed. -Whenever he stumbled upon any new thing, and it looked well to him, he -was accustomed to build air-castles; and this idea of his formed the -foundation for many an airy building. Hank slept soundly, and when he -awoke, the first thing he thought of was his good fortune. He thought he -would speak to his mother about it. She had labored long and -industriously to keep the family in food and to supply her lazy husband -with wearing-apparel, and now Hank thought it about time she was taking -a good long rest. He waited until his father had disposed of two men's -share of the breakfast and started off, no one knew where, and Hank was -busy with the dishes, when he said to his mother: - -"Where are you going to-day?" - -"I haven't got any place to go to," said Mrs. Lufkin. "I thought that, -seeing that we had so much money, I could take a breathing spell for a -week." - -"Take two weeks," said Hank. "It won't be any too long to enable you to -get your breath. I don't see why father won't go to work. He can make as -much as I can, and he wouldn't have to keep bothering me for money. I -wonder if all fathers are like him?" - -"No, they are not. There's Captain Nellis, for instance." - -"I tell you he was a father worth having. That boy had nothing to do but -go to school, and when he came home his father was always glad to see -him. What a pity it is that Bob is so low down in the world as to have -to depend on his uncle for money." - -"Does his uncle give him any money?" - -"I don't know, but I think he does. He is living now with old Ben -Watson, and they are just as happy as two bugs in a rug. Say, mother, I -guess I will put on my good clothes to-day." - -His mother did not raise any objection, and when the breakfast dishes -had been washed and things put to rights about the house Hank -disappeared, and when he came out again he looked very unlike the ragged -boy who had gone into the bedroom a few minutes before. To have taken a -single look at him, a stranger would have thought he was the son of a -well-to-do man. - -"I remember that I saved my money for six months to buy this suit of -clothes," said Hank to himself, surveying as much of his person as he -could in the little seven-by-nine looking-glass that stood in his -mother's room. "How mad father was! I thought he was going to take the -clothes away and pawn them; but thank goodness he has not got so low in -the world as that comes to. If he should get into the way of pawning -things it would be all over with us. He would have to go to the -work-house, sure." - -When Hank arrived at Ben's house he found the old sailor there on the -porch, together with Bob Nellis and a new-comer, Leon Sprague, whom he -had not seen before since his return from school. Leon was sitting with -Captain Nellis's sword unsheathed in his lap, and appeared to be -listening to something old Ben was telling him, but he jumped up and -greeted Hank very cordially. - -"Hank, I congratulate you on your streak of good luck," said Leon. "I -suppose you don't care if Bob has told me about it?" - -"No, indeed. I intended to show you the pearl before it was sold, but -Bob received a good price for it. I tell you, it beats me." - -"It is always darkest just before daylight," said Leon. "It has been -very dark with you, but now you are in a fair way to make a man of -yourself. But how did you keep your father from knowing it?" - -"I told him Bob had given me ten dollars to go fishing with him, and he -said it was all humbug. He would have gone with him for five, and showed -him where he could catch some beauties, too." - -An audible smile ran around the group as Hank said this, and Bob wanted -to know why it was that Joe didn't hire a boat and catch some of those -beauties. He could sell them at Middletown as fast as he could haul them -in. Hank didn't answer, and Bob continued: - -"We have been listening to some stories Leon was telling us about the -war." - -"I didn't know that Leon had been in the war," said Hank. - -"Oh, yes; I was in it from the time the first gun cracked. It was only -two years ago that the war closed, and I am now almost twenty-two." - -"Then you have been through the same mill that father has." - -"Well—no. I was in the Confederacy, but I wasn't on the Confederate -side. You see, Jones county, in Mississippi, was rather a hard place to -raise soldiers for the rebellion. We were most all lumbermen, and we -weren't in favor of the South seceding; so when the South withdrew from -the Union we held a meeting in Ellisville and got up a series of -resolutions seceding from the Southern Confederacy." - -"Why, would they let you do that?" exclaimed Hank, who was greatly -astonished. - -"They couldn't help themselves. And it was in Jeff Davis's own State, -too." - -"Did you have any fighting?" - -"Well, we saw more than we wanted," said Leon, with a smile. "We stole -wagons that were loaded down with provisions, and the deserters came in -from Union and rebel sides until there were twenty thousand of us, all -hid away in the swamps." - -"Where did you get your money?" said old Ben, bluntly. - -"I found it." - -"Well, where did you find it?" - -"It all came about through an old bachelor, Smith by name, who belonged -to our regiment, and who seemed to take a liking to me ever since I was -a little fellow," said Leon. "When he was shot he revived long enough to -tell me where I would find this money, so I went there with father, when -the war was over, and dug it up." - -"Didn't he have any relatives to share it with him?" - -"None at all. We got every cent of it—one hundred thousand dollars." - -"Whew!" whistled Bob. - -"Oh, we got more than that, for gold was worth something in those days. -We went there one dark and stormy night," continued Leon, growing -enthusiastic when he thought of it; "but, dark as it was, we found -somebody there waiting for us. These lumbermen were just as poor as they -could be, and although they were brave men when fighting for the Union, -they didn't mean to stand by and let a hundred thousand dollars go out -of their county if they could help it, and I tell you we had a race with -them. But we got away." - -"I declare, you have had some experience," said Bob, "and one of these -days I want to hear your story from beginning to end; but just now I -have to go to the bank. Are you all ready, Hank?" - -Hank was all ready, and after the Captain's sword had been put away, the -three boys put on their hats and started for town. - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - "BEN WATSON DREAMED IT ALL." - - -When the boys arrived at the post-office Leon found some mail there for -his father, so he took leave of Bob, promising to see him again that -afternoon. - -"Don't you forget that I told you if you wanted help to come to our -house for it," said Leon. "You seem to be as happy as you want to be, -living there with old Ben Watson, but there's no telling what will -happen." - -"I will remember, and I thank you for the assurance," said Bob. "I don't -think I shall be in any danger so long as I have Ben to back me up." - -Bob and Hank's first care was to go to Mr. Vollar and thank him for his -kindness in regard to that pearl—paying two hundred dollars for it when -he might just as well have had it for a fourth of that sum—and their -next to call at the bank and deposit Hank's money. When Bob joined his -companion again he had the bank-book, with his name written across the -top, which he put into his pocket. - -"There!" said Hank, with a long-drawn sigh of relief. "I'd like to see -father get that money." - -"He won't, unless you draw it for him," said Bob. - -"And mighty clear of my doing that. I think that five dollars a week -will be about all that I shall ask of you." - -"You can have it. Just give me a little notice, and your money will be -ready for you. Now I am going up to see Mr. Gibbons. You just hang -around here on the street, and I will see you when I come down." - -"May good luck attend you," said Hank. - -Bob ascended the stairs that led to the lawyer's office, and found that -gentleman there alone. He sat in his usual way, with his feet perched on -the desk, and he had a legal document in his hand; but he was looking -out of the window when Bob came in. - -"Halloo!" he exclaimed, in his usual cheery manner. "You are on hand, -ain't you? There's the will and the codicil. I got a copy of them after -you went home last night. I'm afraid it is no go. You have got your -little things, such as your ponies and boat, and other articles that you -can carry away with you; but as for the rest—well, read it yourself. You -can get a better idea of it." - -Bob took the document, and first devoted himself entirely to the reading -of the will. He found that, with the exception of several sums that were -made payable to the servants, the residue of the property was bequeathed -to him. Even Ben Watson came in for a thousand dollars. - -"Have you heard of Uncle Layton paying these amounts to the servants?" -said Bob. - -"I never heard a word of it," said the lawyer. - -"Well, he is a mighty mean man to cheat the servants in that way. Father -thought the world of the men who waited on him. Do you know where they -are now?" - -"Gone off to sea, I suppose. Go on and read further. You will find that -in the codicil he revokes all wills and testaments by him made, and that -he speaks only of you. I declare, it makes me mad to read it." - -The codicil was something our hero did not like to see. The writer -referred to Bob, and said he was glad to leave him to the care of such a -guardian and protector as his Uncle Layton, who would do everything in -the world that was best for him. - -"Uncle Layton is not my guardian at all," said Bob, astonished beyond -measure. "If he is, what did he turn me away for? He just as good as -told me that I had my own living to make, and that I could not stay -around his house any longer." - -"I expect he did not want you around," said the lawyer. "I know I should -not have wanted you in sight if I had treated you so meanly." - -"I never heard of such a thing. But father says I am to have my ponies -and boat. He can't take them away from me." - -"No; he can't take them away, no matter how much he dislikes to see you -have them. I confess that codicil bothers me more than a little," said -the lawyer, who was at times so nervous that he could scarcely sit -still. "It is written with a sputtering pen, such as your father always -used, and I find not a letter in it that I can't find in the body of the -will." - -"What do you mean by that?" asked Bob. - -"Why, I did not know but he had practiced on your father's hand until he -got so that he could copy it exactly. Such things have been done before -now." - -"By George! I never thought of that! I wonder if he has been imitating -my father's writing?" - -"There is only one way in which you can prove it." - -"And that is by bringing my father back here." - -"Yes, sir, that is the way; but, Bob, I tell you that thing is not -possible. Your father is dead, and we will never see him again. I wish -to goodness I could tell you otherwise, but I can't." - -"By the way, that reminds me of something Barlow said. He declared that -it was no concern of his what he saw, but he can prove that my father -isn't dead. He saw some things on that stormy morning that he won't tell -to anybody." - -"Do you know what they were?" demanded Mr. Gibbons, greatly astonished. - -"He said he wouldn't tell them to anybody, much less to me. Now, I think -if he were brought before a court of law he would have to tell it; don't -it look that way to you?" - -"Well, I guess it does. But don't you think it was a blind? He may have -said a good many things that he can't prove." - -"No, I don't think it was. He told it to my cousin. I don't mind telling -you, Mr. Gibbons, that Barlow had a scheme made up to kidnap Ben and me, -and send us to sea on board the Smart." - -"Why, you don't tell me!" exclaimed the lawyer, growing more amazed. - -"Yes, sir; that's his way of doing business. It is his way of making up -a crew. He was in a fair way to make a prisoner of Ben. He set his -bull-dog and his barkeeper at him, but Ben laid them both out; and just -as Barlow grabbed a chair and stepped up to hit Ben with it, Mr. Sprague -came in and put a stop to it." - -"Well, that beats me! Why didn't he have them arrested?" - -"His son urged him not to do it. He evidently thought it best to consult -a lawyer first. But I wish I could have my ponies. Mr. Gibbons, suppose -you go up there and get them for me." - -"Well, I'll do it; and perhaps I shall be able to tell whether or not -your Uncle Layton has had any hand in this business. If he has, I think -he will show it. Now, Bob, you must give me plenty of time to look into -this matter. Do you want any money?" - -"Why, no, sir, since I get a hundred dollars a month from Uncle Layton -for keeping away from his house. That sounds as though you expected my -father to come back." - -"I don't know whether I do or not," said Mr. Gibbons, shaking his head. -"I don't know what to make of his way of kidnapping you. If the will is -all right, why should he be so anxious to be rid of you? So your uncle -gives you a hundred dollars a month. I suppose you take it?" - -"Of course I do. It is mine." - -"Well, it looks suspicious." - -"To my mind there are many things that look suspicious, and that is one -of them. You may take all the time you want. I won't come near you again -until I get notice from you," said Bob, putting on his hat. "You will go -up now and get those ponies?" - -"I'll not delay a moment," said the lawyer, rising to his feet and -feeling in his pocket for his keys. "When I see you again, in the course -of an hour, I will have your horses ready for you, and you can go and -take a ride. It does not take long to get through an interview with -Bob," he added, as the door closed behind his client. "That kidnapping -is what bothers me, and I am going to speak to old Layton about it. I -guess I will take a copy of this will along, so as to be ready to -refresh the old scamp's memory." - -After a few moments of rapid walking, such as the lawyer indulged in, -the ponderous iron gate clanged behind him, and he mounted the steps and -rang the bell. It was answered in due time by Sam, who held the door -open and peeped through a crack at the visitor. - -"Mr. Layton isn't in, sah," said he. - -"How did you know that I wanted to see him?" asked the lawyer. - -"'Cause everybody that comes hyar wants to see him, and he's gone away -boat-riding," replied Sam. - -"Who's boat has he got?" - -"Sah? Oh, he's got Mr. Gus's boat, and don't allow to be back before -to-morrow morning." - -"Well, I guess you had better give him that card and tell him I must see -him," said Mr. Gibbons. "I am Bob's attorney, and if I don't see him now -I shall see him before a justice's court. Tell him that." - -Sam reluctantly took the card and disappeared, and in process of time -the lawyer heard Mr. Layton coming along the hall. He did not open the -door as Sam had done, but opened it wide and greeted Mr. Gibbons with -great warmth. - -"I never was more surprised in my life than I was when Sam told me that -he said I was out boat-riding, and that I wouldn't be back until -to-morrow morning," said Mr. Layton, extending his hand to Mr. Gibbons, -and at the same time ignoring the fact that he had told Sam to deliver -that message not five minutes before. "I did intend to go boat-riding, -but something happened to prevent. Come in." - -The lawyer wanted to smile, but did not. He knew why it was that Mr. -Layton came out to see him. The knowledge that he would be summoned -before a justice of the peace to answer the questions that were to be -propounded to him had quickened his perceptions wonderfully. He followed -Mr. Layton along the hall to the library, and the door was closed upon -him. - -"Sit down," said his host, who seemed to think that by rapid talking he -could put off the questions a little longer. "Let me take your hat." - -"Thank you. I can put it here on the table just as well," said Mr. -Gibbons. "I shall not be able to stop long." - -"You see," added Mr. Layton, "Gus has lately come into possession of a -new boat, and is anxious to try her. I don't know anything about -sailing—" - -"The new boat you speak of belongs to Bob," interrupted the lawyer, who -knew he was going to listen to a lie. "It is moored back of old Ben -Watson's place." - -"Why—why, what has he got it there for?" asked Mr. Layton. "The schooner -doesn't belong to Bob." - -"Yes, I think it does, together with his ponies also. I came up here to -speak about them," said Mr. Gibbons, when he noticed Mr. Layton changing -color. - -"Well, Gus has taken quite a fancy to those ponies, and I think it best -to keep them for him," replied Mr. Layton. "Anything else he wants he -can take. I don't believe in being hard on the boy, for goodness knows -he has enough to contend with. If he is so awfully bent on having those -ponies I will purchase them." - -"Bob is not bent on having anything but what is his by right," said the -lawyer, drawing a copy of the will from his pocket. "The ponies were the -last things his father gave him, and he went off to school and never saw -his father afterward. It won't do for you to buy them. Bob wants the -ponies, and nothing else." - -"Well, of course if you put it that way he'll have to have them," said -Mr. Layton, who did not want to hear the codicil read. He touched a -little bell that stood on the table and went to the door to meet Sam. -"Go to the stable and tell the hostler to hitch up the ponies. Will you -have the covered buggy or the dog-cart?" he added, turning to the -lawyer. - -"I will take them both. Bob wants everything that belongs to him." - -Mr. Layton gave the necessary order, and then came back and plumped into -his chair. He was trembling, but he was mad, too. - -"It seems to me that this is a very queer will," said he. "What did he -bequeath all Bob's things to my son for, and then go to work and take -them away?" - -"I have the authority for doing it right here," said Mr. Gibbons, -tapping the will as he spoke. "Do you want to hear it read?" - -"No!" exclaimed Mr. Layton, hotly. "I have heard more about that codicil -than it is worth." - -"I think myself that you made a slight mistake in drawing it up," said -the lawyer; and out of the corner of his eye he watched the effect of -his words upon Mr. Layton. "You did not expect that your son was going -to take such a fancy to the boat and the ponies, and so you willed them -to Bob. Now, I am going to tell you one thing before I leave: You know -where that man is." - -"What man do you mean?" stammered Mr. Layton. - -"Captain Nellis," replied the lawyer. - -"Why, do you think that man is alive? He is dead. His boat came in the -next morning—" - -"You may think so, but I don't," said Mr. Gibbons, who had of late -changed his ideas on that subject. "Then think of the two worthless men -you brought up to sign that codicil. When Captain Nellis made his will -he got two of the best men in town to witness his signature, and men, -too, that you could find every day in the week. Where are those men you -got to sign for you?" - -"Look here, Mr. Gibbons," began Mr. Layton. - -"Just answer my question, please." - -"They have gone to sea, I suppose. That's their way of making a living." - -"Yes; and I suppose you had some hand in sending them there, too." - -"Look here!" said Mr. Layton, arising and placing his hand upon the -signal-bell, "I don't propose to be insulted this way any longer!" - -"Ring that bell, if you please, and I will summon you where you will -answer not only these, but numerous other questions which I shall ask -you," said the lawyer, firmly. "I am bound to get at the root of this -matter sooner or later. Sit down. Now," he added, as Mr. Layton sank -back in his chair, "what is this story I hear about Barlow kidnapping -Bob and Watson?" - -"Old Watson was fast asleep in the saloon and dreamed it all," said Mr. -Layton, confidently. "There was not a word said about kidnapping him, or -Bob either." - -"I expected that would be your excuse, but it seems that he got up a -lively fight on the strength of it," said the lawyer, putting on his -hat. "These questions are mere feelers. I think you will be obliged to -answer some others." - -"Whenever I am brought before a court and asked questions by somebody -who has a right to an answer, I assure you that I shall be on hand," -replied Mr. Layton, taking no note of the fact that he had answered -every one of Mr. Gibbons's questions without thinking to inquire if _he_ -had a right to a reply. "I have nothing that I wish to conceal." - -"This old villain is certainly responsible for Captain Nellis's -disappearance," thought Mr. Gibbons, as he stood at the table pulling on -his gloves. "Now, if I could only fasten it upon him!" Then aloud he -said: "This Captain Johnson, who took Captain Nellis to sea against his -will, had a miscellaneous cargo aboard, and he was to use it in trading -among the savages in the South Sea Islands; consequently Captain Nellis -must be there." - -"Don't I tell you that he is dead? His boat—" - -"I don't care to hear about his boat any more. I was there, and I know -all about it. As everybody in town is interested in this matter it will -pay to hunt up Captain Nellis. Good-morning!" - -"When you get ready to make the move, just call on me. I will pay my -share most willingly. Good-morning!" - -Mr. Gibbons went out at the door and around the house toward the -stables, and Mr. Layton, as soon as he had seen him go, carefully locked -the door and flung himself into a chair as if he hadn't a particle of -strength left. At the same time a curtain that covered one of the -windows was pushed aside, and Gus stepped into the room. He had been -engaged in a consultation with his father when the coming of the lawyer -was announced, and instead of going up stairs to his room he went into -the window, so he could hear what the men had to talk about. Gus was -fully as pale as his father, but he did not tremble so much. He was mad, -too—so mad that when he took a chair he caught up a heavy paper-weight -and slammed it down on the table. - -"Now, father, you have done it!" he exclaimed. "I wondered where that -schooner had gone, but the man who had charge of it was so cross and -ugly that I didn't care to question him; and now Bob has got it without -saying so much as by your leave. And now my horses are gone, too! I -don't see what made you let that man insult you. Why didn't you ring the -bell and call for Sam to show him the door?" - -"Oh, Gus, it is all out on—" He was about to say that it was all out on -him, but checked himself in time, and springing to his feet he walked up -and down the room, wringing his hands until there didn't seem to be a -drop of blood in them. "Gus, I have been bothered so many times since I -came into this property that sometimes I feel like giving it all up. I -feel as though it wasn't mine." - -"Yes; and a pretty sight you would be, giving up all that money just to -please a little cub who has done nothing but insult and abuse me ever -since I have been at school!" said Gus, in a disgusted tone. "But, -father, is the will all right?" - -"The will is all right. I defy him or any lawyer to find a thing in it -that isn't just as it should be." - -"Then it is yours, and I don't see why you should give it up. But I am -sorry that little cub has got those horses. You will have to buy me -another pair." - -"I can easily do that, but first I must wait until this will case is -settled. I don't know what to do. At times, when I go down town, there -isn't a person on the streets who will notice me. You heard what Mr. -Gibbons said about everybody being in favor of hunting up Captain -Nellis?" - -"What do you care for that? All you have to do is to jingle some dollars -in your pocket, and think how much better off you are. I bet any of them -would gladly change places with you." - -"I don't know of anybody who would change places with me," moaned his -father. "He's got a mighty slim chance to work on." - -"Who has?" - -"That man Gibbons. You heard what he said about arresting Captain -Johnson the next time he comes back here, didn't you?" - -"Yes; and I reckon he'll have a lively time doing it. He won't be back -under two or three years, and I'll watch my chance and send word to him. -He shall not come back here if I can help it. There goes Mr. Gibbons -now, and he's got the dog-cart behind him," said Gus, throwing as much -contempt into his tones as he could. "I wish those ponies would run away -with Bob the first time he goes out riding, and spill him out and break -his neck!" - -"So do I," said Mr. Layton, mentally. "So do I. It would be a heap of -bother off my shoulders. The amount of it is, I must do something. I -can't stand this way of living any longer." - - - - - CHAPTER XIII. - ONE DISPOSED OF. - - -Joe Lufkin having eaten his breakfast had started away on one of his -useless errands—at least that was what Hank and his mother thought about -it; but the truth was he had set out for Middletown, to see how his new -scheme would work. He hadn't done much sleeping the night before, for -his plan seemed to have banished slumber from his eyes. Of course, he -indulged in building some gorgeous air-castles on the strength of it. -After he got a little way from home he stopped and took the clipping out -of his pocket. - -"Like pulling berries off the bushes," he soliloquized, as he put the -clipping back, having finished reading it, and went on with his walk. -"That would hit me, I tell you. I wonder what men I can get to help me." - -While Joe was revolving this problem in his mind he came within sight of -Barlow's saloon. There were two men standing there, and they were -engaged in earnest conversation. The one was Barlow, and the stranger in -the light suit he took to be the captain of the Smart. It was hard work -to raise a crew at that time of the year, and the captain had come in to -see what Barlow could do to assist him. As he approached them he heard -the one-legged man say to him: - -"Captain, you just go on board your boat and never mind it. I'll have -the men there ready for you to-night." - -He didn't hesitate to talk this way before Joe Lufkin, for the latter -was a man who could be hired to keep his mouth shut. As the captain -moved away Barlow turned and gave Joe a sign, who followed him into his -saloon and into a little back room, the door of which was closed and -bolted. - -"Well, Joe, where are you going to-day?" said Barlow, seating himself on -the table. "I don't generally see you move so fast." - -"Read that," said Lufkin, handing him the article he had cut from the -paper the night before. "It seems to me that if such a thing could be -worked at one place it could be at another. Don't it to you?" - -Barlow read the clipping and then ejaculated, "By George!" and crossed -his uninjured leg over the stump and read it again. - -"Where did you get this?" he asked. - -"It came around my shoes last night," answered Joe. "Do you think I can -get anybody to help me?" - -"Why, in course you can't, although such people have no right to have -diamonds and rubies. You'll have to get away out of this country, and -never come in it again. If such a thing could be thought of, and men got -together to help, what's the reason that them fellers up about New York -haven't tried it before?" - -"We'll go masked," said Joe. - -"Whose boat are you going to get?" - -"I think Bob Nellis's boat would be about right." - -"It will come out on you, as sure as the world. Suppos'n somebody pulls -your mask off! Joe, you had better let that thing out." - -This decision was a great disappointment to Joe. The very first man he -had applied to for assistance had thrown cold water upon it. - -"But I have something better for you than that, and you won't have to go -away, either," continued Barlow. "You know the Captain of the J. W. -Smart is finding it hard work to raise a crew. I've got two men on my -mind, and will give you fifty dollars if you will get them for me." - -"Fifty dollars is a heap of money, but it ain't a patching to what I -could make out of the other thing," said Joe. "Who are the men?" - -"They are Bob Nellis and ole Ben Watson," said Barlow in an earnest -whisper. "I know you don't like either of them any better than I do." - -"That there's a fact, and I am glad that ole Cap'n Nellis is played out. -Why don't you go and get 'em yourself?" - -"Well, you see, I have had a fuss here in the house, thanks to that ole -Watson, and Mr. Sprague told me that the next row I raised here he would -shut me up. Now, I don't want to be shut up. I want to raise a crew for -that vessel, and at the same time I want to be right here in my saloon, -so that I can prove it." - -"And you want me to do the work for you?" - -"In course I do. If you would go up there and get 'em, why I should be -just that much ahead." - -"But it is impossible to get those two men," said Joe, after thinking a -moment. "They are there, right together, and how are you going to get -them apart?" - -"I don't ask you to go up there alone; my barkeeper will go with you, -and after he captures Watson you mustn't be surprised if he gives him a -lick or two to pay him off for the punching he gave Samson in my saloon -yesterday. Samson is awful mad about that." - -"I don't care how often he punches him, so long as he lets me alone. But -there's one thing that bothers me: Suppos'n Cap'n Nellis should come -back; wouldn't I get fits to pay me for the part I took in carrying it -out? You see, I have got to look out for things." - -"You don't suppose, because they took a different ship, that they are -going to meet Captain Nellis, who left this port six months ago!" said -Barlow, with a laugh. "Such a thing isn't to be thought of. You see, you -don't know how badly the mates will treat them. They are mighty soft and -easy around here, but when they get them afloat and draw near to some -port at which they can ship cheaper hands, then you want to look out. -They'll haze 'em till they are ready to jump overboard. It will be a -year or two before they get back, even if they live so long, and by that -time you can easily make up some sort of a story to tell them. Fifty -dollars is a heap of money for a man like you. You needn't do any work -as long as it lasts." - -"You are certain you won't tell anybody of it?" - -"Good land of Goshen! Ain't I as deep in the mud as you are? You don't -imagine that I am going to split on myself? If the folks around here -don't find out who shipped 'em till I tell 'em, they'll never find it -out." - -Joe rested his elbows on his knees and thought about it. Fifty dollars -was a heap of money for him to make by one night's work, and he wished -there had not been so much danger in it. Aside from Captain Nellis -coming back, he wasn't so certain that he could make a prisoner of old -Ben Watson. He was afraid that Ben might see through the plot and go to -work and whip him and Samson both; then there would be the very mischief -to pay. But fifty dollars! That was worth trying for. - -"You see, I am down on everyone who bears that name," said Barlow, -hitting the table a sounding whack with his fist. "His ole pap laid me -up in ordinary when I might to-day have been the master of as fine a -ship as ever sailed, and I have been waiting for an opportunity to get -even with him; but he has gone off to sea, although I had no hand in -sending him there—more's the pity—and so I must take revenge on somebody -else." - -"That Bob of his always was stuck up," said Joe. - -"Did you ever see the like? I never did. He won't come near my house, -although he knows that I used to be one of his father's best hands. And -yet the ole feller had to go and pop me over when there wasn't no need -of it." - -"Well, let me out, and I'll go somewhere and think it over," said Joe. -"There's most too much risk in it." - -"Well, be in a hurry," said Barlow, "for you have got till dark to make -up your mind. I wish I had two good legs, and I wouldn't ask anybody to -go for me. I'd go myself, and be glad of the chance." - -Barlow did not unlock the entrance which gave admission into the saloon, -for he heard voices in there, but a side door, which opened into an -alley; and Joe Lufkin, after sticking his head out and making sure that -there was no one in sight, slipped out and took his way down the street. - -"And so Barlow thinks I had better let that job out," said he, pulling -off his hat and digging his fingers into his hair to stir up his ideas. -"I just won't do it. Fifty dollars ain't a patching to what I could make -if I could only get somebody to help me. And suppos'n I did have to go -away—I guess I'd have money enough to last me all my lifetime. I'll just -think about it. And now, what am I to do in regard to those two men? I -tell you, there's a heap of risk in it; but fifty dollars! That's a -power of money." - -Almost unconsciously Joe Lufkin turned his steps toward Ben Watson's -house, and by the time he got through thinking about it he found himself -in front of the gate. He thought he would go in and see how matters lay, -and perhaps when the time for action arrived something would suggest -itself to him; so he unlatched the gate and went up the gravelled walk -that led to Watson's domicile. Old Ben did not happen to be in the -house. He had been neglecting his garden of late, and was now busy with -the weeds that choked his tomato-plants. He heard Joe coming, and -stopped and leaned upon his hoe. - -"Howdy," said Joe. - -Ben did not answer. He simply nodded his head; and as he stood there, -with his sleeves rolled up and showing all the muscles on his arms, -which looked as solid as iron, Joe came to the conclusion that he would -need somebody stronger than Samson to help secure him. - -"I just thought I would come in here to see how you are getting on," -said Joe, who thought he ought to make some apology for his appearance. -"Where's Bob, this fine morning?" - -"He's just gone down to a lawyer's," said Ben. "I tell you, he ain't -a-going to let this thing rest till he gets his money." - -The sailor went on with his hoeing, and Joe strolled up until he came -quite close to him. How big and strong he looked, as Joe thought of -knocking him down! Once down, with his hands bound and a gag thrust into -his mouth, he would be all right. There was Ben's boat, with a tarpaulin -buttoned over it to keep the waves out; and if Ben were laid away in -that boat, with the tarpaulin thrown over him, Joe could easily row him -down to the city. Something prompted him to make the attempt. There was -nobody in sight. With all the strength he had he drew his right arm -back, and with the speed of a thunderbolt shot it straight out from the -shoulder. It was a deadly blow, and Ben dropped on the instant. - -"There!" said Joe, trembling all over with excitement, "I reckon you -will lay there until I can get some ropes to tie you with. I've hit -enough of them blows during my experience in the army to know that you -won't get over it for ten or fifteen minutes." - -Joe gathered his victim up and made all haste to carry him into the -bushes, out of sight, and there he laid him down while he went back -toward the house to place things to rights. He first picked up the hoe, -and with it destroyed all the footprints that he had made in the garden; -and after that he put the hoe up against the side of the house, as Ben -might have done when he got through using it. Then he went into the -wood-shed to find a piece of cloth for a gag, and some pieces of rope -with which to confine Ben when he came to himself. The rope and the gag -were quickly made use of, and even Ben, strong as he was, would have -found himself powerless. - -The next thing was the boat. There was still no one in sight, and Joe -walked out on the wharf as though he had a right there. He unbuttoned -the tarpaulin, got in and got out the oars and pulled up a little way, -where he knew there was no prospect of anyone seeing him. It was but the -work of a few minutes to carry Ben down to the boat, put him in, and -draw the tarpaulin over him, and then Joe began his ride to the village. -All this while he was uneasy, for he feared that Bob might return; but -he succeeded in reaching the upper wharf and pulling under it without -attracting anybody's attention. If anyone saw him rowing in the boat, -they probably thought he had a load of fish. Ben lay perfectly still; -and, after examining his bonds to make sure that he could not get away, -Joe fastened the boat, got out, and bent his steps toward Barlow's -saloon. There was no one in except the proprietor, and Joe leaned over -the counter and whispered to him. - -"I've got one," said he. - -"What?" exclaimed Barlow. - -"I say I've got one, and he is now bound and gagged in a boat under a -wharf a little ways from here," repeated Joe. "It's Watson; and I tell -you I wouldn't make a prisoner of him again for four times fifty -dollars. I hit him a blow right behind the ear, and he fell as if he had -been shot." - -"And in broad daylight, too?" said Barlow, who was utterly confounded. -"Are you sure no one saw you?" - -"As sartin as I can be. I kept a watch out for Bob, for fear that he -would come back, but he never came. Now, you want to go down there and -be ready to take him off to the vessel." - -Joe went one way and Barlow the other—Joe to walk around and get over -some of his excitement, and Barlow to hunt up his barkeeper and get him -to attend to the saloon during his absence, and in a few minutes he was -making good time toward the wharf. Samson was mad about it. He fully -expected to give the unconscious Watson "a whack or two" in payment for -the drubbing he had administered a day before, and he didn't like the -idea of having him captured by anybody else. He came into the saloon and -looked all around for Joe, but he had gone. - -Barlow went under the wharf, and there he found the boat with a -tarpaulin spread out in the bow. He lifted it, and underneath lay Ben, -so white and still that Barlow began to think he was dead. - -"You know too much for me," said he, grimly. "I guess if you are out of -the way for a year or two I will stand a chance of making some money. -I'll teach you to punch my barkeeper up, as you did yesterday." - -Everything depended on getting Ben aboard the vessel before he came to, -and Barlow lost no time in going about it. He replaced the tarpaulin -again, backed the boat out from under the wharf, and pulled down the -middle of the harbor to reach the ship, which was anchored a short -distance from shore, waiting for the tide to turn. But Barlow knew that -the tide had little to do with the ship's movements. She had a crew, -ready to sail, with the exception of two men, and the captain, being -anxious to keep them, resolved to put a little clear water between him -and the shore. They couldn't desert without being seen by somebody. - -Barlow put out all his strength on the oars, and at the end of half an -hour ran his boat under the vessel's bow, where he laid hold of a -bobstay and waited for some one to hail him. He was not obliged to wait -long, for in a few minutes the first mate stuck his head over the rail. - -"Halloo, Barlow! What have you got there?" he asked. - -The man laid hold of the tarpaulin and threw it aside, so that the mate -could see the form of Ben Watson. - -"That's one I have brought for you," said he. "He's a sailor-man, too. -I'll have the other ready for you to-night." - -"Are you certain that no one saw you?" asked the mate, who was -profoundly astonished. He saw that Ben Watson had been overpowered, but -that made no difference to him. During the years he had followed the -water he had seen many a man brought aboard the ship dead drunk, and if -he were questioned in regard to Ben he could easily say that he had come -aboard in the same way. - -"There was nobody hailed me, and no one came near me while I was coming -up here," said Barlow. "I guess he is all right. Now, you want a whip to -get him up there." - -"He isn't dead, is he?" - -"Dead! No. Throw two or three buckets of water over him and he will come -around—though, to my mind, he'll have a headache. You had better let him -sleep it off." - -"Lay for'ard, a couple of you fellers, with a rope!" shouted the mate. -"Bring a long one, mind." - -In a few minutes a couple of sailors appeared beside the mate, and two -ends of a rope were passed down to Barlow. One end he made fast under -Ben's arms, the other was tied around his knees, and presently the -unconscious sailor was hoisted to the vessel's deck and laid down with -as much ceremony as if he had been a log of wood. Then Barlow breathed -easier. Ben was disposed of for a year at least, and by the time he got -back he hoped to be doing business somewhere else. - -"Is the captain aboard?" asked Barlow. - -"No, he's ashore. You'll get your advance when you bring off the other -one." - -Barlow lost no time in shoving off and pulling back to the wharf where -he had found the boat. The only person he saw was Joe Lufkin, who was -loafing about in the rear of his saloon. No doubt he would have given -the world, had he possessed it, to be able to undo the work of the last -hour; but he had gone too far to back out. - -"It's all right," said Barlow. "I wasn't hailed at all. You are sure you -can get the other one?" - -Joe said he was certain of it. He had already accomplished the hardest -part of the work in securing Ben Watson. - -"Because, if you don't, I can't pay you the money I promised you," said -Barlow. "The captain's ashore, and I can't get any advance until I take -the other one up there." - -Joe's countenance fell on hearing this. He supposed he was going to have -twenty-five dollars to jingle around in his pockets. - -"Now, you take the boat and place it where it was before," continued -Barlow. "I haven't been gone more'n an hour, have I? Then you can easily -get it back before Bob comes. Good luck to you. But remember this, Joe: -don't capture him in broad daylight; there's too much risk in it." - -"Look here," said Joe, when Barlow was about to move away; "I want half -that money you promised me. I have done half the work, and the man you -all feared is now aboard the vessel. I've got some things to get before -I go home." - -"But I can't pay you," said Barlow. "If I find the captain ashore I can -get it." - -"Well, you have some of your own money that you can pay me with, haven't -you?" - -Barlow looked at Joe as if he was more than half-inclined to get angry, -but he thought better of it. There was a sullen look in Joe's eyes which -he did not like to see. It would be very easy for him to knock the whole -thing in the head. - -"Oh, well, if you put it that way, of course I have money that I can pay -you. You stay here a minute and I will go in and get it. You mean to -have every cent that is due you—don't you?" muttered Barlow, as he -opened the side door and disappeared in the saloon. "You want to watch -out, or some day I will ship _you_ off to sea." - -Barlow was gone not more than five minutes, and when he returned he held -a package of bills in his hand, which he gave to Joe. Joe ran his eyes -over them to make sure that they were all right, and when he -straightened up and put them into his pocket he felt he was almost, if -not quite, a millionaire. It was a long time since he had so large a sum -of money before. Did he want to buy anything for the house? He wanted -them in his pocket, so that he could feel them and congratulate himself -on his success, for it was a long time since anybody had got away with -old Ben single-handed; and, since Barlow would not praise him for it, he -felt more like applauding himself. - -"I know that they all feared that man, and here I went and captured him -alone," said Joe, as he retraced his steps to the boat. "So he punched -Samson, yesterday! Well, he didn't punch me!" - -As Joe drew near the wharf to which the boat belonged he became uneasy -again for fear that Bob had already come back from the lawyer's; but Bob -was waiting on the street for his ponies, intending to take a ride, if -Mr. Gibbons succeeded in his object. He reached the staple to which the -boat was confined, fastened it just as it was before, placed the oars -where they belonged, and buttoned down the tarpaulin just as Ben had -left it. Then he walked along the wooden pier until he came to the -bushes, into which he plunged, and never came out until he was opposite -his own house. - - - - - CHAPTER XIV. - JOE SUCCESSFUL AGAIN. - - -"Well, Hank, I made it. I am to have my ponies and boat, and Uncle -Layton can't take them away from me, no matter how much he dislikes to -see me have them." - -It was Bob Nellis who spoke. He had come down the stairs and looked all -around for Hank, and finally found him standing in front of a store, -waiting for him. - -"There he goes now," continued Bob, gazing toward the opposite side of -the street, where Mr. Gibbons was moving along with his swinging stride. -"In a few minutes he will be coming back this way with the ponies. Now, -I will go up to Jones's livery-stable and see what they are going to -charge me a week for keeping the two horses. Of course Watson will have -to fix a place for the barn before we can build it. The schooner is -mine, too." - -Hank was highly delighted to know that his friend had got all he asked -for, and told himself that he wished he was as well off in the world. -With a span of ponies and a fine sailing boat and a hundred dollars a -month he was certain that he would be pretty well contented. He walked -with Bob until they reached the livery-stable, and there they found the -proprietor, who smiled all over when he saw Bob. - -"Want a horse?" said he, shaking hands with Bob. "I have just the nicest -little—" - -"No, sir, I don't want a horse, but I have come to ask you what you will -take to board a couple for me—my ponies, you know," said Bob. "It will -be some time before Ben can build a barn to keep them in, and I want to -know how much you will charge me, say by the month." - -"Why, those ponies are not yours!" said the liveryman. "They belong to -Gus Layton." - -"The codicil says they are mine," said Bob. "Anyway, I shall bring them -around here for you to keep." - -"Bob," said Mr. Jones, extending his hand again, "I am glad you have got -your horses. I saw Gus Layton driving them around, and he didn't look to -me like the right fellow behind them. Well, I have always got fifteen -dollars a month for boarding horses, but as yours are so much smaller it -won't take much to feed them and clean them, and so I will keep them for -thirteen dollars; and that includes everything except shoeing." - -A bargain was soon struck, and Bob pulled out his hundred dollars and -paid the livery-stable keeper twenty-six of them, for which he was -promptly given a receipt. After that the boys turned and left the -stable. They wanted to get as far toward Uncle Layton's as they could, -to meet Mr. Gibbons when coming back with the ponies. - -"I don't doubt that Bob's ponies will make just as much trouble as big -horses, but somehow I couldn't find it in my heart to charge him full -price," said Mr. Jones to one of his men. "I've seen the time when I -would charge him fifteen dollars a month and think nothing of it; but -now he is short of money. I guess I treated him all right." - -In a few minutes Bob and Hank reached the street on which was located -the house that Uncle Layton called his own, and just as they arrived -within sight of the gate it swung open, and Mr. Gibbons and the ponies -came out. He had got everything that belonged to Bob, the dog-cart as -well as the top buggy. - -"I tell you, Mr. Gibbons is the man to do things!" said Hank. "If he was -in your place he would have that money back." - -"I don't care about the money," said Bob. "I wish he would bring my -father back. I wouldn't ask anything else. But that is something he -can't do, although I really think that Mr. Gibbons believes he is -alive." - -"Halloo! there. You see I've got your ponies for you," exclaimed the -lawyer, at the same time wrapping the reins around the whip and getting -out of the buggy. "Now you take charge of them." - -"Mr. Gibbons, you don't know how grateful I am to you," said Bob. - -"That's all right," said the lawyer. "I just told him that the ponies -were willed to you, and that settled it. He said that Gus had taken a -powerful shine to the horses, and he thought he would buy them." - -He didn't make any remark about the other things on which Mr. Layton had -committed himself, for he wanted time to work them up. He had just as -good as told him that he knew where the other man—that is, Captain -Nellis—was, and he wanted to be sure of it before he went any further. - -The boys got into the buggy, Hank took the thills of the dog-cart under -his arm, and the two set off for the livery-stable, and after that they -started out for a drive. What was it that impelled Bob to turn away from -his home instead of going to it as fast as he could? He would have -arrived there in time to catch Joe Lufkin in the act of pulling out of -the bay with Ben Watson stowed away under the tarpaulin, and that would -have saved him an immense amount of trouble. He turned away and went out -into the country, and no boy ever enjoyed himself as Bob did during that -ride. - -"Uncle Layton said that Gus had taken a powerful shine to the ponies, -and that he would have to buy them," said Bob. "He hasn't got money -enough to buy them. They are mine, and nobody but myself or a friend -shall ever hold a line over them again." - -The boys were gone almost all day, until they and the ponies began to -get tired of their ride, and then turned toward the livery-stable. The -ponies were turned over to those who had a right to care for them, and -then they went to the post-office, and continued on their way home. Bob -had made it up with Hank that he was to go fishing with him in the -morning, and the next day they were to pay a visit to the place where -Hank had found the pearls. - -"I expect we'll get rich when we go up there," said Bob. "We'll find the -pearls so thick that we won't know which one to take first." - -"I don't know that I can find any of them," said Hank. "All I know is -that I have seen an abundance of them there. And suppose we do find a -pocketful of them, there isn't one chance in ten that we shall find -another one worth two hundred dollars." - -"Well, come over early to-morrow morning, and we'll go fishing. We -certainly will not get rich at that. Good-bye." - -Bob kept on to the house, which he found with the doors and windows wide -open, but could discover no signs of Ben. He went from room to room, -calling out Ben's name, but no answer was returned. He found the hoe -beside the wood-shed, showing that Ben had been at work in the garden, -and even went down the path that led to the beach. There was Ben's boat -tied to its staple, and his schooner riding at anchor just as he had -left it; so Ben could not have gone to town. - -"Well, I don't see what has become of the old fellow," said Bob. He was -not at all alarmed, for Ben was big enough to take care of himself, but -he was provoked at being treated that way. "I'll bet I'll give him a -piece of my mind when he comes back. And now I'll go and get supper for -him. There's no fire in the stove, and he must have gone without his -dinner." - -To build the fire and put the tea-kettle on was but the work of a few -minutes, and to search the cupboard to find the remnants of the food -that had been put away from their breakfast was easily done, for Ben had -been on board a man-of-war before he began sailing with Captain Nellis, -and had learned to do everything up in ship-shape. All the while he -listened for the return of Ben Watson, but he listened in vain. Finally, -when six o'clock came, his supper was ready, and Bob sat down to it -feeling a little uneasy. - -"I declare it beats the world where Ben has gone to," said he. "I never -knew him to wander off like this, and I'll just put the toast and tea -over to keep them warm for him, and then I'll wash up the things that -are left. Perhaps by that time he will be here." - -In process of time this work was completed, the food on the table -covered and the lamps lighted, and then Bob strolled out to the gate to -see if he could see any signs of the missing one. The only man he saw -was Joe Lufkin, who walked leisurely along, as if he was not going -anywhere in particular. It wasn't at all likely that he had met Ben, -seeing that he had just come from home, but Bob was anxious to tell -somebody, and so he appealed to Joe. - -"Good evening, Mr. Lufkin," said he. "Have you met Ben Watson, lately?" - -"Howdy! Ben Watson? No, I haven't seen him since twelve o'clock this -morning. He was down at the dock then. Has he gone back on you?" - -"No, he hasn't gone back on me, but he's gone, and I don't know where to -look for him," said Bob. "He has gone afoot, too, for the schooner and -the skiff are in their places. I wish, if you meet him down town, you -would tell him to hurry up. I am getting tired of waiting for him." - -"Well, I will," said Joe. "But there is one thing I would like to speak -to you about," said the man, gazing up and down the street to make sure -that there was no one within sight. "Let's go back to the house. It is -something I don't like to speak to you about, but I have got it to do," -he added, unlatching the gate and walking in. - -"Something you don't like to speak about?" repeated Bob. "By George! I -wonder if he could have found out about that pearl?" he added, mentally. -"He won't get any money out of me on the strength of it." - -Wondering what excuse he could make to Joe for having Hank's money -deposited in his name, Bob turned and walked toward the house, never -suspecting treachery from the man who had known him since he was born. -He noticed that Joe kept a little way behind him, instead of walking up -beside him, but he paid no attention to that, although he often -afterward thought of it. Arriving at a place where the path turned and -the bushes effectually concealed him from the gate, Joe was all ready -for him. His sinewy right arm was drawn back, and Bob sank down beneath -a blow as strong as that which felled Ben Watson a few hours before. He -had just time to gasp "Joe Lufkin!" and then all was blank to him. - -"Yes, sir; it's Joe Lufkin that wants you," said the man, picking up -Bob's inanimate form and carrying him with all speed toward the house. -"I've got fifty dollars, and that's a heap more money than I have had -since General Lee's paymaster paid me a whole pocketful of worthless -paper for my share in the service. It's good money, too." - -Joe conveyed his prisoner to the open door of the wood-shed and laid him -down until he could get some cloth and ropes with which to confine him. -He had kept his eyes open when he was there before, and knew right where -the articles lay. He secured them without any trouble at all, and in a -few seconds Bob was helpless. As there was no danger that any one would -discover him—it was now pitch-dark—Joe worked with more confidence than -he did a while before, and in less than half an hour Bob was lying -insensible in the boat under the wharf, and Joe was making good time -toward Barlow's saloon. He found the man in front of his house, where he -had kept himself ever since Joe began his work, and a very slight sign -made him lead the way to his back room. When he had closed and locked -the door Joe said: - -"I've got the other one." - -"Bully for you!" exclaimed Barlow. "Where is he?" - -"He's under Scotter's wharf, where I left Ben. You want to be quick in -getting him aboard the vessel. He may come to, you know." - -"All right. I'll have him there in a jiffy. Now, you stay around here -and I'll have that other twenty-five dollars to hand you. You have made -a pretty good haul. Fifty dollars for one afternoon's work is more than -you can make very day." - -Barlow went after his hat, and Joe went out of the side door to the -front of the saloon, where he met Samson, the barkeeper. He ought to -have been warned by the evil look in that man's eye; but Joe was -thinking only of the money that was to come to him and how much pleasure -he would take in it, and to know that he had earned it all. - -"You are a pretty fellow, I must say," said Samson, in a low tone. - -"Why, I didn't do any more than you would have done," said Joe. - -"To go around and take twenty-five dollars out of my pocket!" continued -Samson. "I was to get something for helping you. Never mind—I will be -even with you yet." - -"What are you going to do?" asked Joe. He thought of the two blows he -had struck Ben Watson and Bob Nellis, and made up his mind that if -Samson got one of them he would be a long time in getting even with him. - -"I'll ship you off to sea—that's what I'll do," said Samson, in savage -tones; "and I'll get twenty-five dollars for that. So be careful what -you do." - -Joe was thunderstruck. He looked at Samson in a frightened sort of way -and then continued on his walk up the street. - -"I never thought of that!" said he, with a dazed looked on his face. -"The only thing I can do now is to get my money and steer clear of -Barlow in the future, for he could ship me off to sea as well as not." - -Joe was uneasy after that; and to show that he was terribly frightened -he kept in the light of the stores as much as possible. At the end of an -hour, when he thought Barlow had been allowed time to go to the vessel -and return, he started toward Scotter's wharf; but he did not walk along -as a man would who had great confidence in himself. Every two or three -steps he would turn and look behind him, as if he was afraid that -somebody would slip up and give him one of those deadly blows. - -"I'll tell you what's a fact: I've gone and put my foot in it," -soliloquized Joe, turning once more to make sure that there was no one -dogging his footsteps. "I've got to keep in my house after nightfall as -sure as the world. Ah! there you are. Did you make it?" - -"I did," replied Barlow, "and here's your boat ready for you to take -back. Here's your money." - -He had reached the dock just in time to catch Barlow on his return. He -handed him the painter with one hand and with the other produced a roll -of bills. - -"You are all right for one year at least," said he. "They won't be back -before that time, and when they come you will have to make up some story -to tell them." - -"Well, say, Barlow, Samson is awful mad." - -"Well, he was going to get a little something for helping you capture -them men," replied Barlow, indifferently. "Wouldn't you be mad, too, if -somebody bad taken twenty-five dollars out of your pocket?" - -"But he says he is going to get even with me. He is going to ship me off -to sea." - -"Aw! don't you let that bother you. He told you that just to frighten -you." - -"But you won't stand by and see him do that?" - -"In course I won't. I may want you to help me again." - -"'Cause, Barlow, I don't know anything about a vessel," said Joe, -earnestly. "I am too old to learn." - -"Course you are. A man has to learn that business when he is young. Now -you go home with the boat—be sure and leave everything there just as it -was—and if anybody says anything to you about this night's work, you may -bet that I didn't tell 'em." - -"No doubt you will want me to help you again," soliloquized Joe, as he -climbed down into the boat with the painter in his hand, "but it's a -long time before you'll get Joe Lufkin. I tell you I am well out of this -scrape now, and if I ever get into it again you can shoot me! Let -somebody else try their hand, and see how they will come out." - -Somehow Joe Lufkin experienced a desire he had never known before, and -that was to be safe at home. He always felt safer when at his wife's -side than he did when alone. He pulled with all his might, and in due -time arrived at the wooden wharf and made the boat fast where she -belonged. Everything was placed just as it was before, and then he -walked rapidly toward the path which ran by the house. The doors and -windows stood invitingly open, but Joe did not want to go in there. -Everything seemed to tell him of the inmates he had torn from their -home, and whether or not they would ever come back again was a mystery. -When he reached the gate he looked up and down the road, and seeing no -one in sight, he went out and closed it behind him. - -"Whether they ever come back again or not, I've got fifty dollars," said -he, with a chuckle, taking the two rolls of bills from his pocket and -folding them into one. "Now when I get time I am a-going to think up -some story to tell them, as Barlow suggested. But Samson's shipping _me_ -off to sea—that's what bangs me! Howsomever, I am safe from him so long -as I stay here at my house." - -Joe's first thought was to get a candle and go over the bills one by -one, and see if Barlow had cheated him; but he soon came to the -conclusion that it would be safer to do that when his wife and son were -in bed. He entered the door without saying anything to anybody, threw -off his hat and coat, filled his pipe, and sat in his usual place in the -doorway and smoked and meditated. All of a sudden he thought of -something. - -"Say, Hank, you ain't got nothing to do, and I propose that you stay -around and watch me," said he. - -"Stay around and watch you do nothing?" exclaimed Hank. He had been -engaged in an earnest conversation with his mother, but it was cut short -when his father unlatched the gate. He was now looking up a book, to put -in the hours until bedtime arrived. "Father, I can't do it. I am engaged -to go fishing with Bob Nellis to-morrow, and the next day I am going -hunting with him." - -He didn't say anything about the pearls he expected to find. He was well -enough acquainted with his father to know that he would haunt that -stream night and day as long as a single pearl remained. - -"Bob Nellis!" said Joe, in disgust. - -It was right on the point of his tongue to tell Hank that by the time he -got ready to go fishing with him Bob would be a long ways from there; -but he didn't say it. He must keep that with the utmost secrecy. His -family did not know that he had anything to do with Barlow, and the -longer they could remain in ignorance of it the better it would be for -him. - -"Yes, Bob Nellis," said Hank. "I don't see what you have against that -fellow since he has lost his money." - -"I hain't got anything against him," said Joe, as if he were profoundly -surprised. "I never said a word against him." - -"I know you haven't, but you always sneer whenever his name is -mentioned. What do you want me to keep watch of you for?" - -"To see that Barlow's barkeeper doesn't ship me off to sea," said Joe, -impressively. - -"When did he say that?" asked Hank, who did not know whether to believe -it or not. - -"A little while ago. I was coming by his saloon, and Barlow and his -barkeeper were sitting out in front, just getting ready to go to bed, I -believe, and Samson said it would be a nice thing to ship me off on -board a vessel. I tell you, the way he spoke it made me afraid of him." - -"I tell you, I guess he has got enough of sending men to sea," said -Hank. "He tried his best to capture Ben Watson, but Ben whipped them -all." - -"Well, I'll bet he didn't lick—" - -Joe was about to let the cat out of the bag, but caught his breath just -in time. He hid his confusion under a paroxysm of coughing. - -"You will bet he didn't lick whom?" asked Hank, with no suspicion of the -truth. - -"I'll bet he wouldn't have licked me if I had been there," said Joe. "I -am down on all such worthless fellers as Samson is." - -"So is every white man. Did he say he had got his plans already laid to -send you to sea?" - -"No, he didn't say that, but he said it would be nice if he could do it. -But I suppose you would rather go a-fishing with Bob Nellis than to -watch me and see that I ain't carried off?" - -"I tell you, father, I can't do it. I want to make some money, don't I? -I make all there is that is coming into the house." - -"Mighty clear of you're making all the money that comes into the house," -said Joe Lufkin to himself as he thrust his hand into his pocket and -grasped the roll of bills he had made that day. "I've got fifty dollars -that you don't know anything about." - -"Bob gives me something every time I go fishing with him, and I tell -you, a little comes handy sometimes," continued Hank. "You can look out -for yourself. I have got other fish to fry." - -"Well, then, go and fry them. I guess by the time you see your paw sent -off to sea you'll wish you had paid more attention to him and less to -that Bob Nellis." - -Mrs. Lufkin took no part in this conversation because she saw that Hank -was able to defend himself. After that there was silence in the house. -Mrs. Lufkin went on with her sewing, Hank pored over his book, and Joe -sat in his place and smoked and meditated. Finally the clock struck -nine, and as Hank had an early start to make he bade his father and -mother good-night and went to his room. Mrs. Lufkin sewed a little while -longer, and then she, too, retired, and then Joe got up and began to -bestir himself. He took a seat by the lamp, pulled his roll of bills -from his pocket, and went over them one by one, to see that Barlow had -not cheated him. They were all there. - -"It's good money, too," said Joe, holding them in one hand and slapping -the other over them. "Fifty dollars is a heap of money for me, now I -tell you. I wonder where Bob and Ben are by this time? They're out on -the ocean, and I am free from them for at least a year. Now, I guess I -will go to sleep." - -Without removing his clothes, Joe lay down on the lounge in the -sitting-room; but slumber was quite out of the question. The immense -amount of money he had in his pocket prevented that. - - - - - CHAPTER XV. - GUS HEARS THE NEWS. - - -For long hours Joe Lufkin lay there upon the lounge, with his left hand -thrust deep into his pocket, so that he could feel the bills, and all -the while he was wondering how he was going to spend his money. He -wanted a boat more than anything else, and he wished more than once that -he had stuck out for a hundred dollars. Nobody could buy a boat worth -anything for fifty dollars; and suppose he paid the cash for it, the -inquiry would naturally rise, where did he get so much money? - -"I declare it seems as though I have got to keep my money, now that I -have got it," said Joe, getting so nervous that he could scarcely lie -still. "I never thought of the way I was going to spend it, and here I -am no better off than I was before. But I've got fifty dollars, and -that's more than every man can say." - -Finally the cat-birds and the robins began to sing, and that admonished -him that morning was coming; and in a few minutes more Hank's door -opened and the boy came out. He was surprised to find his father lying -there on the lounge with his clothes on, as if he hadn't been to bed at -all. - -"Why, father, when did you get up?" he asked. - -"I've been this way all night," said Joe. "I didn't shut my eyes in -sleep last night." - -"Were you sick?" - -"No; I have been worrying about myself. Here you are making all the -money that comes into the house and I ain't making a thing. I get that -way sometimes," said Joe, drawing on his imagination, "and I don't sleep -for three or four nights." - -"But, father, if you would only try to get work we could get along a -great deal better," said Hank. - -"I can't find any work to suit me. This wound in my side bothers me -awful." - -Hank didn't say any more. When he got to talking about the wound in his -side, which he wouldn't have known he had there if he did not look at -the scar now and then, it shut off all argument. He went into the -kitchen and started the fire, after which he came out with his hat on. - -"I guess I'll go now," said he. "Bob always has a cup of coffee waiting -for me. Good-bye." - -"I reckon all the fishing you do with Bob Nellis to-day won't hurt you -much," said Joe, with a chuckle. "If the J. W. Smart is as swift as they -say she is, she's a hundred miles at sea. I will go and hide this money -while I am about it, for if anything should get out on me I'd be in a -fix." - -He sat up on the lounge, yawned and stretched himself, and went out -behind the house. He found a hoe there, where it had remained in all -sorts of weather—ever since, in fact, he had got through hoeing a -half-row of peas—and with it in his hand he vanished behind some -currant-bushes. Joe was a worker if he set about it, and in five minutes -he had a hole dug and his roll of bills covered up. When his wife called -him to breakfast he was busy in pulling the weeds from some -string-beans. - -"I have been working at that just to see if I could stand it in the -hay-field," said Joe, placing his hand on his side and sinking down on -the lounge, "but I find that I can't. Halloo, Hank! What brought you -back to the house all on a sudden? Your face is pale, too." - -"Father," said Hank, in a trembling voice, "where did you say you saw -Samson last night?" - -"Out in front of his saloon," replied Joe. "He and Barlow were out there -the whole evening. Why do you ask that question?" - -"They have been up to something, and I wish I could prove it on them," -said Hank, seating himself in the nearest chair and resting his elbows -on his knees. "Bob and Ben Watson have not been home since last night." - -"Well, what of that? They have gone off a-fishing, likely." - -"But their beds haven't been slept in. The doors of the house are all -open and the lamp burning, just as it was when Bob left there." - -"Why, what do you think has become of them?" asked Mrs. Lufkin, who -stood by holding a dish of fried potatoes in her hand. - -"They have been shipped off to sea; that's what's the matter with them. -The J. W. Smart isn't in her berth, either. She's gone." - -Mrs. Lufkin was overcome with astonishment, while Joe drew his chair up -to the table and sat down to his breakfast as if nothing had happened. - -"You mark my words: They have gone off somewhere, and of course there -wasn't anybody to leave word with where they had gone. They'll be around -all right in the course of the day." - -"Where are you going?" asked Mrs. Lufkin, as Hank arose to his feet. - -"I am going down to see Mr. Gibbons about it," said Hank. - -"Better sit up and have some breakfast first," said his father. - -"No, sir. It is too serious a matter to waste time eating breakfast. If -Mr. Gibbons thinks they have gone, all right. I am going to see him the -first thing I do." - -"Why, Gibbons don't know any more about it than you," said his father. -"They went off—" - -But Hank was already on his way toward the gate. Having made up his mind -that the lawyer was the one to see, he lost no time in getting there; -but when, after half an hour's rapid running, he rang the bell and Mr. -Gibbons came to the door, he saw by the blank look on the gentleman's -face that he did not comprehend the matter any better than he did. - -"Why, I can't imagine what sent them away," said Mr. Gibbons. "I did not -know that they intended to go anywhere." - -"But, Mr. Gibbons, they have been shipped on board some vessel that they -never signed articles for," said Hank, earnestly. "They would never go -off in this way without letting me know it, for I agreed to go fishing -with Bob to-day." - -Mr. Gibbons started as if he had been shot. He got his hat and started -toward Ben Watson's house (all the while he moved so fast that Hank had -to trot to keep pace with him), and during the walk he inquired closely -in regard to what Barlow and Samson had been doing the night before. - -"They did not have any hand in doing it, Mr. Gibbons," said Hank. -"Father saw them when he came by the saloon about ten o'clock, and -Samson said how nice it would be if he could capture _him_ and send him -off to sea. Barlow and Samson were around their saloon all the evening." - -Being thus baffled at the very outset, Mr. Gibbons did not come to any -conclusion regarding the mysterious disappearance of his two friends. -When he reached the house with Hank he went all over it, but not the -smallest thing did he find in the shape of a clue. Remember, the two men -had been captured out of doors, and consequently there was not the first -thing in the house disturbed. He put out the lamp and went down to the -beach, to where the boats lay. Not a thing had been disturbed there, -either; but, looking in the direction that Hank pointed, he saw that the -J. W. Smart had left her moorings. There was one thing about it, he told -himself: "Ben and Bob were aboard that vessel; but who was to blame for -putting them there?" - -"This beats me!" said he, in an undertone. "I wish I knew who is at -fault in this." - -"So do I," said Hank, his eyes filling with tears. "Bob wanted to let -every fellow alone, and they wouldn't let him. They had to interfere -with him and send him off to sea. There's no knowing whether he will -come back or not." - -"Let us hope that he will," said the lawyer, fervently. "Now, the next -thing is something else." - -"What are you going to do?" - -"I am going to lock the house up and take the key with me," said Mr. -Gibbons, "and then I am going around to the livery-stable to inquire if -he has been there. If his horses are still in the stable, I shall get -out a warrant for Barlow's and Samson's arrest. I am going to make them -tell, under oath, where they were last night." - -Hank did not say a word to Mr. Gibbons about it, but he determined to -keep near him until he found out what had become of Bob Nellis. He -accompanied him toward the livery-stable, and was not much surprised to -hear the proprietor say that he hadn't seen Bob since he brought his -ponies there to be taken care of. There was something on Hank's face -that made the livery-stable keeper inquire: - -"What's wrong about Bob? Has he gone off?" - -"I should say he has," replied Mr. Gibbons. "He has gone off, and nobody -seems to know where he is. His house was open and the lamp was lighted, -just as it would be if Bob was going to come back to it in the dark." - -"He's aboard the Smart; that's where he is," said Hank. "And he did not -sign articles, neither." - -"The Smart?" echoed the proprietor. "I'll bet there's just where he is, -for yesterday the captain came to me and asked me, in a joking sort of -way, if I could find a man to help him out. He had a man or two less -than he wanted, and he would be short-handed even then." - -"I guess Barlow and Samson can tell all about it," said the lawyer. "At -any rate, I am going to try them." - -"Are you going to arrest them? I think that will be a good plan. I will -go with you. Those pestiferous men have been a heap of mischief in this -town, and I should be glad to see them swept out of it." - -The three left the livery-stable, and in due course reached 'Squire -Sprague's office. There were half a dozen persons in the room, one of -whom was a constable. Mr. Gibbons stated his grievance, to which all -present listened with interest, and finally asked for a warrant for -Barlow and Samson. - -"I reckon you've got them this time," said 'Squire Sprague, during which -he drew a sheet of paper toward him. "I ought to have arrested them when -I went in to stop a fight, but my boy thought that a lawyer had better -be consulted first. We will have them up here in short order." - -The warrant was speedily made out, and the constable took it and -disappeared down the stairs. While he was gone, Mr. Gibbons explained -that he was arresting them merely on supposition; that Bob and Ben -Watson were gone, and that Barlow's conduct was such that they naturally -connected him with it. He wanted him to state positively where he had -been the night before. While he was talking about it the constable and -his prisoners came up; and this was not all of them, either. All the -hangers-on about his saloon accompanied them—some as witnesses, and some -merely to look on. Barlow was mad, there was no two ways about that, -while his barkeeper was as indifferent as you please. - -"Look a-here, 'squire," said Barlow, in a gruff voice, "I'd like to know -what I have been arrested for now." - -"Take off your hat and sit down, and in a few minutes you will find -out," said the 'squire. "Do you want a lawyer?" - -"No, I don't. I am innocent of any wrong, and I am able to defend -myself. I ain't had a fuss in my house since you was there." - -After a few preliminaries had been gone through Mr. Gibbons took up the -questioning, and informed him that Bob and Ben Watson had been missing -ever since the night before, and Barlow was supposed to know where they -were. He had threatened to kidnap Ben Watson and send him aboard ship— - -"I didn't, neither," interrupted Barlow. "Ben was asleep and dreamed it -all." - -—"Send him aboard a ship," continued the lawyer, paying no heed to the -breaking of his speech; and they wanted to know right where he had kept -himself when Bob and Watson were captured. Where was he the night -before? Barlow listened attentively to all the lawyer had to say, as if -the news was quite new to him, and more than one in the courtroom -believed that he had heard it for the first time. When Mr. Gibbons asked -him this question he said: - -"I don't know where the boy is any more than the man in the moon. I was -around my house the whole evening except about an hour, when I went into -the back room to take a short nap; and my man Samson knows it. Just -'cause ole Ben Watson fell asleep and dreamed that we were going to -kidnap him and send him off to sea, you suspect me when anything turns -up." - -"You are strongly blamed for everything that has happened in regard to -men going off to sea," said Mr. Gibbons. - -"But that ain't the kind of proof you want here," said Barlow. "You want -to know I did it. You can't put your thumb on a man that I have -kidnapped and sent off to sea." - -That was just the trouble with Mr. Gibbons. He could not prove anything, -although he was like hundreds of others in the village—he suspected -Barlow had a hand in most of it. - -"You ask any of these men around here," continued Barlow. "They were all -around my saloon last night." - -The lawyer tried by every means in his power to get Barlow to confess -where he was during the hour he was absent from his saloon, but all he -could gain was that he was in the back room and fast asleep. He hadn't -any idea what had become of Bob Nellis. As he paused a moment in his -questioning, Mr. Sprague arose from his seat and moved into a remote -corner of the room, and Mr. Gibbons followed him. The two gentlemen -engaged in an earnest whisper, and finally the lawyer said: - -"I haven't got to that case yet. He is easily frightened, I know, but I -want to get the dead wood on him, sure." - -Mr. Sprague was speaking of Captain Nellis, and of the scenes Barlow had -witnessed on the stormy morning, which he wouldn't tell to anybody. Mr. -Sprague wanted Mr. Gibbons to take that up and question Barlow, but the -lawyer was not ready to do it yet. He didn't expect Barlow would tell -the truth (he knew that he had told him a pack of lies during this -examination); and although Mr. Layton was the man who was easily -frightened, he was anxious to confront him with the strongest testimony. - -"Well, Barlow," said the lawyer, coming back to his seat, "you can go. I -have got done with you." - -"All right, sir," returned Barlow, putting on his hat. "I knew you would -let me go when you knew the facts of the case. I don't like the -reputation I have got of kidnapping men and sending them off to sea. It -will take me years to get out of it." - -"It will probably stay with you as long as you remain in this village," -said 'Squire Sprague. "And understand, Barlow, this isn't the last of -it. You may be summoned to appear before me again at any time." - -"Very good, sir. Whenever you want me you know where to find me." - -The lawyer had not taken more than an hour with his examination, but the -court-room was crowded, not only with Barlow's friends, but with those -who were anxious to know what had become of Bob Nellis and Ben Watson. -Barlow crowded his way through them without receiving a smile from -anybody, and in a few minutes gained the street. - -"I hope that man, ole Ben Watson, is where he will get his pay for -dreaming that thing about me," said Barlow. "I may be summoned to appear -again at any time, may I? Well, he can't hear any different story from -me than what he has heard already. If I knew where Bob Nellis was I'd -tell him in a minute." - -Among those who heard about Bob Nellis's and Ben Watson's disappearance -was one who was utterly confounded, and did not know whether he stood on -his head or his heels when he listened to it. It was Gus Layton, who had -come down to the post-office for his mail, his father having taken a -good deal to staying around the house of late. It was told to him by one -who was as mean as himself—a boy who could not keep a secret if he -tried. He was to the village what Simpson was to the academy. - -"Ah! Gus, good-morning to you," said he. "You have been back some time, -but I haven't seen you before. Clifton is in an uproar this morning, -isn't it?" - -"I noticed that something was up," replied Gus, "and everyone looks at -me as though I had some hand in it. What's up?" - -"You didn't have a hand in it, did you?" - -"In what?" - -"In sending Bob and Ben off to sea." - -"Why, I don't understand you." - -"Didn't you know that those two men had gone to sea? Well, they have. -They went last night, and never said good-night to anybody. They have -had Barlow down to the 'squire's, examining him, but I'll bet they -didn't get at the truth of the story. You are all right now, ain't you?" - -Gus was thunderstruck at first, but as he listened to the story—some -meagre outlines were all the boy could tell him—he felt like yelling and -dancing a hornpipe; but knowing that that wouldn't do, he held his peace -and gazed down at the ground very solemnly. He said he was sorry, for -Bob was not cut out for a sailor, expressed himself as being glad that -his father and mother were gone, so that they couldn't hear of it, and -then got his mail and turned his steps homeward. - -"And this will be my home, now, forever," said Gus, hardly able to -control himself. "Bob and Ben are gone, and there will be no one to -interfere with me. I guess I had better go and get those ponies the -first thing I do. He probably left them at the livery-stable, and they -won't want to take care of them, now that there is no one to pay for -them. Hoop-pe! I am in luck." - -He kept up a slow and dignified tread, and walked with his head down as -long as he remained on the street, for fear that somebody was watching -him; but the moment the gate closed behind him, and the bushes shut him -off from all pedestrians on the road, he broke into a run, made his way -up the steps and into the hall. Giving his hat a fling at the hat-rack, -he went into the library, the door of which he closed and fastened. - -"Why, Augustus, have you taken leave of your senses?" asked his father. - -"I have got the best news you have had for many a day," whispered Gus, -drawing a chair up beside his father. "No more hard work for either of -us. Bob Nellis and old Ben Watson were kidnapped last night and sent to -sea." - -Mr. Layton, who had been in the act of unfolding a paper, dropped it -into his lap and turned paler than usual. He gazed at Gus, but had -nothing to say. - -"They have had Barlow before the 'squire's court, but didn't make -anything out of him," added Gus. - -"Augustus, are you crazy?" said his father. - -"I never was more sane than I am at this minute," replied Gus. "I feel -as though I should fly. Here's just the way it happened." - -Gus went on and told the story just as he heard it from the boy in the -post-office. There wasn't much to tell, of course, but it was enough to -make Mr. Layton see that his troubles were ended for the time being. He -even smiled, and that was the first effort Gus had seen him make in that -line since he came home. - -"I am very sorry to hear that about Bob," said Mr. Layton, with a -long-drawn sigh. - -"So am I," said Gus. "They will treat him dreadful. But Barlow is -true-blue," he added to himself. "If he had told what happened there in -his house before Mr. Sprague came in he would have got father and me in -a dreadful fix." Then he said aloud: "But, father, there are those -ponies. There will be nobody to pay for their board, and I might as well -have them as anybody else." - -"Where do you suppose he left them?" - -"At the livery-stable." - -"Well, let us wait a little while. We mustn't be too quick to take -advantage of Bob's absence. Now, Gus, suppose you leave me alone for a -short time. I am sure I can't get over this. You're sure they are gone?" - -"As certain as I can be," replied Gus, earnestly. "The whole village is -in an uproar, and I couldn't make out what it was until this boy told -me. I declare, that Bob Nellis has got more friends than I ever had. I'd -like to see how many he'll get on shipboard." - -"Augustus, I am surprised at you," said his father. - -"Well, father, if you had been in my place, and taken all the abuse I -have, you would say the same thing," replied Gus. "Of course he will -have more enemies than he's had here, and there won't be anybody to -toady to him because he is the son of the wealthiest captain in Clifton. -Well, if you want to be alone I'll go away for a little while. I know -what you want," he added, in an undertone. "You want to be alone, so -that you can gloat over Bob's disappearance. Now, I will go down and see -about those ponies the first thing I do." - -Gus found his hat on the hall floor, put it on and struck up a lively -whistle as he bent his steps toward the gate; but as soon as the gate -closed behind him and he began to meet the pedestrians on the street he -cut short his whistle and walked along with his gaze fastened on the -ground. It seemed as if everybody he met looked at him with a sidelong -glance, as if to say that they knew he was in some way responsible for -Bob's disappearance. Probably his guilty conscience had something to do -with it. After a few minutes he reached the stable, and he knew by the -looks of the men that the news had got around there also. They were all -angry about something, he could see that plainly enough. - -"Halloo, Gus!" exclaimed the proprietor as he came in. "You are clear of -your cousin now, at any rate." - -"So I have heard," said Gus. "He has gone off to sea and never said a -word about it. Do you know where he is?" - -"Do I? I guess you had better go aboard the J. W. Smart, and you will -find him there." - -It was plain that Gus did not want to talk to the livery-stable keeper -too much. It was evident that he had something back of it. - -"Did Bob bring some horses here yesterday for you to take care of?" he -asked, going into his business at once. - -"He did," replied the proprietor. - -"Well, now, there isn't anybody to pay for their keeping—" - -"Oh, yes, there is. Bob paid for them for a whole month." - -"A whole month! Then he must have known that he was going away." - -"No, I don't reckon he did. Did you want to take the ponies and take -care of them? You will have to see Mr. Gibbons about that. He is the man -who stands closer to Bob than anybody else. Besides, Bob will be back -some day, and I want to turn his horses over to him in just as good -condition as when they were received." - -"Then I had better get an order for them." - -"Exactly. That's the way for you to do." - -"It beats the world, but you can't throw a stone in any direction -without hitting one of Bob's friends," said Gus, as he turned and left -the stable. "Everybody is friendly to him. Mighty clear of my going to -Gibbons for that order. The ponies can stay there until they die of old -age before I try to get them out. But he says Bob was going to come back -some day. That bothers me worse than anything else." - -Gus walked briskly away, as if he were going to the lawyer's office, but -when he had turned three or four corners and got out of sight of the -stable he bent his steps toward home. - - - - - CHAPTER XVI. - A SAILOR IN SPITE OF HIMSELF. - - -And where were Bob Nellis and old Ben Watson all the time that this -uproar was being raised in the village? They were on board the J. W. -Smart, and two hundred miles at sea. We confess that we do not like to -accompany Bob on the water, for there were many interesting things that -happened during the next few months to which we had rather devote our -attention. We know by experience that it is the meanest and most -miserable life that a boy ever entered into. The second mate of the -Smart was a brutal fellow, and he more than once hazed the men till they -were on the point of jumping over-board. - -Bob's blow could not have been so severe as the one which knocked Ben -Watson down, for he had no sooner been tumbled into his bunk than he -came to himself. All that Joe Lufkin had done, and the sailors working -over him to get him aboard, was lost upon him. He was untied, the gag -was gone from his mouth, and he was at liberty to throw his arms about -as he pleased. He raised himself upon his elbow and looked about him. At -first he did not know where he was, but the unsavory smell of -bilge-water that saluted his nostrils told him that he was in the -forecastle of a ship that was outward bound. He could easily tell that -by listening to the hoarse commands and the sounds of hurrying feet over -his head. Then he thought of Joe Lufkin, and felt of the lump behind his -ear. - -"I have been shanghaied," said Bob, lying down again and covering his -face with his hands. "And that Joe Lufkin is at the bottom of it. I am -not a sailor, and I don't want to learn to be one. If I get a chance -I'll jump overboard and drown myself." - -The forecastle was dark, but Bob thought he could easily find his way to -the door. Slowly and cautiously he let himself out of the bunk, and then -his ears told him that there were three other men fast asleep, and -waiting until the whiskey they had taken had died out. Of course, men -who were dead drunk couldn't be expected to handle a ship. - -"My goodness, I wonder if old Ben Watson is here!" said Bob. "I am going -to find out, for I couldn't think of going away and leaving him." - -With trembling hands he began feeling in one of the bunks, searching for -Ben's whiskers. He was certain that he could recognize them anywhere. -The first fellow proved to be a moustached man, but with no whiskers at -all on his chin, and as Bob was about to turn away to begin an -examination of the occupant of the next bunk there came a warning from -the man he had just left. A sinewy arm shot out and a fist shot close by -his head; but Bob was just out of reach. - -"Shay!" exclaimed the proprietor of that fist, in maudlin tones, "you -just want to keep your hands away from me! Hear me, don't you? I've got -money, but you ain't a-going to have it!" - -"And it is mighty little you will find about your clothes when you wake -up," added Bob, who felt sick at heart. "Somebody has been through you -before this time. I declare, here's Ben. Wake up and speak to me, Ben!" - -But Ben was past speaking to anybody just then, and Bob leaned against -the bunk which contained his companion and for a moment gave himself up -to despair. He could not think of saving himself while Ben was in -danger. And the worst of it was, there was Joe Lufkin, a man whom nobody -had ever suspected of treachery, to blame for it all. - -"What will the folks at home say to him if they find it out?" said Bob, -fairly shuddering when the thought came into his mind. "He'll have to go -to State's prison, sure, or else run away and hide himself. And what -will Hank do? But I mustn't let this weakness get the start of me. It -will kill me. I must go to work." - -Bob had scarcely come to this conclusion when a key grated harshly in -the lock—that showed Bob that he could not have got out if he tried -it—and a hoarse voice shouted: - -"Jones, show yourself on deck." - -"Jones isn't here, sir," said Bob, looking around. "If he is, he's -asleep." - -"He is, eh!" shouted the voice. "And who are you?" - -"I am Bob Nellis, sir." - -"Well, I'll Bob Nellis you if you don't come out of that in less time -than you can say 'scat!" - -As Bob afterward learned, Barlow had shipped him under the name of -Jones. Of course he did not know that at the time, but still he did not -delay obeying the order to show himself on deck. Just as he reached the -top of the ladder a man standing there dealt him a severe blow, and as -Bob gathered himself up—for he was knocked flat—shouted: - -"I am second mate of this ship, my hearty. Take that for your impudence. -Fore-top-mast stay-sail halliards." - -Fortunately Bob was acquainted with a good many ropes, and knew where to -go to find them. He did not understand what he was expected to do with -the halliards, but he staggered to the foremast and uncoiled the rope -just as the crew came hurrying forward to hoist the stay-sail. While he -was hauling with the others he made out to cast a glance over the -fife-rail. The night was pitch-dark, there was a heavy breeze on, and -the J. W. Smart, propelled by a favorable wind, was doing her best to -make an offing before the storm, which had been threatening them all the -afternoon, came up. But when the storm came up it proved to be a mere -capful of wind the bulk of the tempest having passed to the northward of -them. It became necessary to shorten sail, and Bob, being always in the -way, received many a kick and blow there-for, and it was two o'clock -before he was permitted to go below. He had no clothes for his empty -bunk, but he turned in and slept soundly in spite of his gloomy -thoughts, for he was utterly exhausted. At the first peep of day he was -awakened by the hoarse voice of the second mate, and, recalling his last -night's experience, lost no time in throwing on the few clothes he had -taken off before lying down and hurrying to the deck. Almost the first -man he saw when he reached the head of the ladder was old Ben Watson. -The recognition was mutual, but before Bob could speak to the old sailor -Ben gave him a meaning gesture and turned away. Bob was overjoyed to -find that his friend had so easily got over the blow that made him a -prisoner on board the Smart. Here was just what he needed in his -helpless situation—a person to whom he could go for sympathy and advice; -one who would teach him his duty, and thus enable him to avoid the kicks -and blows of the second mate. - -"Wait a while before you tell me your story," whispered Ben. "I know how -you came here, and if I ever get back to Clifton I'll get even with that -Joe Lufkin." - -"Here, too," said Bob, in the same cautious whisper. "He has swelled -your head up awfully." - -At breakfast Bob met the two men who had been sleeping off their -potations the night before. They felt mean and sneaking indeed, but like -old sailor-men they knew that they must accept what the fates had in -store for them. - -"Look at that," said the one who had struck at Bob the night before; and -as he spoke he pulled out his ditty-bag to show that it was empty. "I -had two hundred dollars in good and lawful money in that bag when I went -ashore, and where is it now? I am wholly to blame for it. If I had -placed my money in the bank, where I determined I would put it when I -left my vessel, I would have had it now." - -"Do you know who put you here?" asked Bob. - -"No, I don't. The last I remember is of lying down in a dark alley and -going to sleep. The next thing I knew I found myself in my bunk. I tell -you, whiskey is a bad thing for sailor-men." - -"I will bet Barlow had a hand in that," said Bob. "He is always on the -lookout for a scheme like that." - -"Who's Barlow?" asked the man. - -"He is the man who is responsible for sending me and my friend off to -this vessel. He hired a man to knock us down." - -"Well, I wish I had been myself and that somebody had tried to knock -_me_ down," said the sailor, doubling up his huge fist and bringing it -down on the deck with a sounding whack. "I'll bet you I wouldn't be here -now." - -"Fo'castle, there!" shouted a voice at the head of the ladder. "You have -got done eating or you couldn't pound the deck that way. Come up here -and prepare to straighten up." - -The men responded "Aye, aye, sir!" and although some of them had not had -time to taste their breakfast, they set down their kits and hastened to -obey the order. When Bob was going up the ladder the second mate laid -his hand on his collar. - -"See here, Jones, I will give you an easy job," said he. "Go back and -gather up all the dishes that are left in the fo'castle and take them to -the doctor, and help him until I call for you." - -"Very good, sir," replied Bob. - -He knew that the "doctor" was the cook of the vessel, and it would be -new business to him to help the cook. He was a fat, jolly man, and -seemed to be as good-natured as the second mate was cross and surly. He -went into the forecastle and began gathering up the dishes, and when he -thought that the second mate had gone forward to superintend the men he -thrust his hand into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. - -"Thank goodness that is safe," said he, running over the bills to make -sure that they were all there. "It is all in my wallet, with the -exception of the twenty-six dollars that I paid to the livery-stable -keeper for the keeping of my ponies. I tell you, Joe Lufkin didn't know -how much money he was handling when he knocked me down." - -"Hi yah, boy!" exclaimed the doctor, as he came into the galley with his -arms full of dishes. "Has you been detailed to help me?" - -"Detailed," said Bob. "That sounds as though you had been in the -service." - -"Thank goodness, I was dar," replied the doctor. "I belonged to General -Potter's brigade, an' was in the Fifty-fifth Massachusetts when we -marched into Charleston. Every one of us used to be slaves. Yes, sar; I -was dar." - -"Then you won't be very hard on me," said Bob. "My father used to -command a gun-boat during the war, and my friend used to be boatswain's -mate of her." - -"Say, look here, boy." The doctor tiptoed to the door, thrust his head -out to make sure there was no one within hearing, and then stepped back -again. "You ain't got no business here. I saw you ashore yesterday, -driving a span of ponies. Did dem ponies b'long to you?" - -"Yes, they are mine, although a relative tried to cheat me out of them." - -"I wonder if you ain't that boy in Clifton that everybody is making so -much fuss about?" said the darky. He glanced out of the galley window -and saw the second mate approaching, and that made him change his tune. -"Dar, now, put dem dishes right down dar an' den go back an' get the -balance. You hear me?" - -Bob went out, and in two more trips brought the dishes all in. The next -thing was to wash them. It was not a very agreeable job, for the dishes -were greasy, and the cook did not wash them as though he intended to get -the grease all off. He found a cloth, to which the darky directed his -attention, and forthwith proceeded to wipe them. - -"You'll have to handle your fingers a little more easy than that, 'cause -we's bound to go to work an' get dinner right away," said the cook; but -by this time the second mate had gone away and he began to speak in his -ordinary tone of voice. "You mustn't think hard of anything that I say -to you while the second mate is around. I don't feel that way toward you -at all." - -"I know you don't," replied Bob. "That second mate acts as though he -hadn't been well brought up." - -"Well, we'll never mind him. Is you the boy they have been taking all -the money away from? If you is, you ain't got any business here." - -"Yes, I guess I am the one you have reference to. I was kidnapped by one -I had no reason to fear, and brought aboard this ship insensible." - -"'Fore de land! I never heard of such doings before. An' you did not -sign the articles?" - -"I never saw them. I don't know where the vessel is bound." - -"If I was in your place, boy, I'd desert." - -"That's what I mean to do, although I haven't said anything to my friend -about it. Do you know the first port at which we will touch?" - -"No, I don't." - -"Do you mean to say that you signed the articles and never noticed which -way the ship was going?" asked Bob, in astonishment. - -"Yes, sir, I done just that. You see, I can't read writing." - -If there was anything for which Bob blessed his lucky stars it was that -Barlow did not ship him under the rate of an able seaman, but had told -the second mate, when he came aboard to get his advance, that he was a -landsman. This was the reason the second mate gave him a place in the -galley. The work was steady; he did not have a moment's time to sit -down, but it was comparatively easy, and he was in no danger of getting -blows from some one without knowing what they were for. Once, during the -day, he heard the call for all hands to shorten sail, and when the cook -dropped his frying-pan, which he was washing, and rushed out on deck, -grabbed a rope and laid out his strength upon it, Bob was close at his -heels, although he did not know where the rope led to. At the end of an -hour the work was done, and the doctor went back to his dish-washing and -Bob put more wood in the stove. - -"Dat's right, boy," said the cook, encouragingly. "Whenever you hear the -call 'All hands,' you drop everything you've got in your hands an' grab -a rope an' pull the best you know how. Then the mate won't have no cause -to whack you." - -"There is one thing I would like to speak about," said Bob, first making -sure that the second mate was not anywhere around. "Do they have such a -thing as a slop-chest aboard this ship?" - -"No, they don't. They have 'em aboard the whale ships that are going out -for a three years' cruise, but they don't have 'em here." - -"Then I don't know what I am going to do. I didn't have any bundle when -I was brought aboard, and how am I going to provide clothes for my -bunk?" - -"Hain't you got any?" - -"Not a thing. The bunk is just as bare as the floor." - -"Well, I reckon I can give you some. It won't be much, but it will be -enough to keep you off'n the boards." - -This much was settled, and Bob breathed easier after that. He would get -a good night's sleep, anyway, provided the mate didn't find it necessary -to shorten sail too often. All that day Bob was kept busy in the galley, -and when the dishes were washed up after supper he was done for the day. -The cook filled his pipe and went out for a smoke, and Bob strolled out -to find Ben Watson. - - - - - CHAPTER XVII. - THE DESERTERS. - - -"Ah! Here you are," said Ben, who had moved up as close to the galley as -he could get. "You have come to hear how I got aboard this craft, -haven't you?" - -"Where did you get your pipe?" asked Bob, seeing that Ben was puffing -industriously at a well-blackened briar-root which Bob had never seen -him use before. - -"I got it of one of the sailors," said Ben. "Say, Joe Lufkin didn't -bring you aboard here in broad daylight?" - -"No, he did not," replied Bob, indignantly. "He waited until after dark, -and then knocked me down." - -"Well, he brought me off here before noon," said Ben, who got so angry -when he spoke of the circumstance that it was all he could do to make -himself understood. "He knocked me down in daylight and brought me -here." - -"Why, how did that come? I didn't suppose there was a man in the world -that could do that to you." - -"He did it, and he did it as slick as grease, too," said Ben, pulling -off his hat and digging his fingers into his hair. "Oh, don't I wish I -could see that man now!" - -With this introduction Ben went on and told the story of his capture. -There wasn't much to tell, of course, for he did not remember a thing -after he permitted Joe to come close to him. The next thing he knew he -was in the bunk in the forecastle, with an aching head and a stomach -that was parched for water. - -"I've got over that now, and I am all right again," said Ben. "I only -wish I was sitting on my own porch." - -"That man must have a power of muscle," said Bob, who was astonished at -the ease with which Ben had been captured. "But I don't know but he made -a prisoner of me just as easy. I was standing just inside of the gate -looking for you, and he said there was something he wanted to speak with -me about, and when I turned to lead him to the porch, that was all I -knew. I wonder what Hank will say when he knows what his father has been -guilty of?" - -"We don't care for Hank," said Ben, hotly. "His father has been guilty -of murder in the first degree, and we'll jug him for that. But first I -must have the opportunity of pounding him. I'll prove to him that Ben -Watson ain't the easy man to get away with that he supposed." - -"I don't know that we can arrest him for murder in the first degree," -began Bob, smiling when he thought of such a thing. - -"I'd like to know if he wasn't guilty of murder when he sent us off -here?" said Ben. "How did he know but that the mates would knock us -overboard if they got half a chance? How did he know but that they would -haze us until we would be glad to go to Davy Jones's locker? I tell you -one thing, Bob, the mates ain't half so bad as folks allow. I believe we -will be treated all right as long as we do our duty. The mates are down -on anything that looks like sojering, but they will do fair if we only -jump when we hear the word. They have a crew of sailor-men here, and -they know it." - -"Why, then, you ain't going to desert?" said Bob. - -"Yes, I am, if you will go; but if you won't, I won't. Let me tell you: -This vessel has a miscellaneous cargo aboard, and is bound on a trading -voyage among the islands of the South Pacific. When we strike one of -those islands we'll skip." - -"That's me. I wish we were there to-night." - -"Don't the darky treat you all right?" - -"Yes; but I am not used to being ordered around by such a fellow as that -second mate. But still I have got to take what is in store for me." - -"That's sensible. Do whatever you are ordered, and don't make any fuss -about it. I will put myself out to give you an insight into your duties, -and, as we belong to the same watch, I will promise to be on hand -whenever I can to assist in any work you may have to do. I'll keep you -out of the hands of the mate." - -"By the way, Ben, have you any clothes for your bunk?" - -"I have," replied the old sailor. "I got them of some of the men, and I -guess I shall have to go to them to get a change of duds, for there is -no slop-chest aboard." - -"I got some of the cook. I wonder what my father would say if he knew -where I am? I promised that I would never go to sea, and here I am, a -sailor in spite of myself." - -"Your father didn't know that you had some enemies at home who would -help you go to sea," said Ben. "If he had, he might have told you to -look out for them." - -If time and space would permit we might tell of many interesting and -some thrilling events which happened during the next few months, all of -which Bob witnessed, and in several of which he was the principal actor; -but when one reads a story of the sea it is like telling it over again. -The sailors were treated on this voyage no worse than they were on any -other voyage they ever made—not even during the hurricane off the -Mauritius, when a belaying-pin from the mate's hand and a sailor -disappeared at the same time and were never heard of afterward. It was -an accident, and the second mate so reported it; but such "accidents" -did not happen every day, and Bob, who saw the whole proceeding, was -anxious to get out of the power of such a man. But such incidents as -these must be hurried over, because they have no bearing on our story. -It will be enough to say that the J. W. Smart passed the Cape, went -safely through the hurricane of which we have spoken, and a few days -later made her first stop at a small, uninhabited island, to refill the -water-casks, which the captain had emptied to lighten the ship during -the gale. - -It was night when they got there, and Bob and old Ben, who stood the -first anchor watch, seriously discussed something they had often talked -of during the voyage—desertion. They did not decide upon anything -definite that night, but Ben promised to think it over and be ready on -the following morning with a plan that would surely succeed. This -assurance enabled Bob to carry to bed with him a lighter heart than he -had known for many a day. - -"Doctor, I'm going off now," said he, as he met his friend and ally in -the galley. The negro had often talked to him of desertion, and -sometimes, when Bob thought it too hard to undertake, he had always gone -to work to cheer him up. - -"'Fore de land!" he exclaimed, rolling the whites of his eyes up in -delight. "But I ain't seed you get in de boat yet." - -"No, but I am going to get in one when it is called away." - -"Yes; but do you know what de mate will say to you when he sees you in -that boat? He say: 'Here, you boy, you can't pull an oar alongside of -them big fellers. You get out and let a white man get in dar.' Yes, sir, -dat's what he will say to you. My only trouble is that he will want you -to help me, an' won't let you go off." - -Early the next morning, after a hasty breakfast had been disposed of, -the order was given to hoist out the water-casks, and while it was being -obeyed Ben found opportunity to whisper some instructions to Bob. - -"As soon as the casks are in the water a boat will be called away to tow -them up the creek," said Ben, "and you and I must be two of the crew. -While the casks are being filled we'll watch our chance and slip away, -one at a time, and hide in the bushes until the ship sails." - -"And what will we do then?" asked Bob. "Stay here on the island and -starve to death? I see no signs of inhabitants." - -"Neither do I; but I would rather starve ashore than be sent overboard -by a belaying-pin, as that fellow was served off the Mauritius. No one -has said a word to me, but I know we are not the only ones who think of -deserting. Be sure you make one of that boat's crew." - -The first mate, who was superintending the operation of getting the -casks into the water, very soon became aware that he had a boy there -whom he had not seen very often during the voyage. He was an easy-going -fellow, very different from the second mate, who went about trying to -find fault with the men, and pretty soon he called out to Bob: - -"Here, boy, don't you belong in the galley?" - -"Yes, sir," promptly replied Bob, releasing his hold upon the rope and -stepping up in front of the mate. - -"If you please, sar, I can get along widout him," said the cook, -stepping up and pulling his topknot. "De boy hasn't been to sea so long -before, an' he's anxious to get ashore an' stretch his legs." - -The mate said no more, and Bob returned to his work of hoisting out the -casks. - -"Bully for the first mate," he said to himself. "If the second mate had -spoken to me he would have sent me into the galley, sure. Now, if I can -get into the boat I'm all right." - -At the end of two hours the last cask had been hoisted from the hold, -and while it was being lowered into the water Bob and Ben, anticipating -the next order, began to overhaul the cutter's falls; and when the mate -told the crew to lay aft and lower away, they sprang in, one at the bow -and the other at the stern, to unhook the falls when she touched the -water. As Ben had expected, almost every hand volunteered when a crew -was called for to man the cutter—so many that the mate was obliged to -order some of them back, and Ben felt not a little alarmed lest one of -the brawny fellows should be ordered to take Bob's place, and the latter -be compelled to remain on board. But nothing of the kind happened. The -captain kept a sharp eye on him as the boat was being rowed around the -vessel to the long line of water-casks, but seeing that he knew how to -handle an oar he allowed him to keep his place. - -Bob had always plumed himself on being a good and enduring oarsman, but -on this occasion his powers were tested to the utmost. The sun was -broiling hot even at that early hour; the tow was a heavy one, and the -officer in charge of the boat was constantly urging the crew to greater -exertions, now and then casting his eyes over his shoulder toward a bank -of clouds that was slowly rising above the horizon. Bob was seaman -enough to know that those clouds might prove friends to him and Ben. -There was wind in them, and when it came the ship would be obliged to -put to sea or run the risk of being dashed on a lee shore. - -After following the windings of the creek for a mile or more, the mate -drew up alongside the bank and the work of filling the casks began. It -was brackish water, as Bob found when he came to taste of it, but it -would do them until they reached a place where they could get better. -The officer had doubtless been instructed by his superior to keep a -sharp eye on the men while they were thus engaged; at any rate, he did -so, stationing himself on the bank above them, where he could see all -their movements. Bob's heart sank within him as the work progressed -without any signs of decreasing watchfulness on the part of the officer, -and he had almost made up his mind that he had to go back on board the -ship and abandon all idea of going home, when, as he happened to cast -his eye toward the upper end of the line, where Ben had been at work, he -was surprised to find that he was not in sight. He had found opportunity -to slip away unobserved. - -[Illustration: THE ESCAPE.] - -"By George! Ben has made it," said he, and his heart beat like a -trip-hammer. "Now, what is the reason I am not as sharp as Ben? I am -going to try it. That officer can't any more than shoot at me, and I -will bet he don't hit me if I once get inside the bushes." - -At that moment the officer was engaged in rating some of his men for -what he called their "lubberly way of doing business," and his back was -turned toward Bob. It was now or never. Hastily dropping his bucket, the -boy ran quickly along the water's edge until a projecting root hid him -from the sight of the mate, and then crawling up the bank he plunged -into the woods. The tropical vegetation was so dense that he could -scarcely work his way through it; but he made the best progress he -could, unmindful of the heavy falls and severe scratches he received, -and heedless of the other dangers he might run into. All he thought of -was Ben's order to get as far away from the creek as possible. He might -have saved himself a deal of unnecessary work if he had only known it, -for no search was made for him. Of course the officer very soon -discovered that he and Ben were gone, but he said nothing about it, -knowing that if he sent his men into the woods to hunt them up he would -lose every one of them. He simply redoubled his vigilance and hastened -the work of filling the casks, in response to a warning gun from the -ship; and when it was done he made fast to his tow and started down the -creek. - -Bob remained in his concealment nearly an hour, listening for sound of -pursuit, and hardly daring to move for fear of guiding his enemies to -his hiding-place, and then, believing that all danger was passed, made -the best of his way back to the creek. When he emerged from the woods he -saw the old sailor sitting on the bank, waiting for him. - -"Oh, Ben, we've done it, haven't we?" exclaimed Bob, who was so excited -that he could hardly speak plainly. "I couldn't feel any better if I was -sailing into Clifton harbor." - -"Well, I tell you, I would feel 'nough sight better than I do now," said -Ben. "Where are we going to get something to eat?" - -"I am sure I don't know. I left all that for you to attend to." - -"Oh, you did, did you? Well, I have got news for you. Just around the -bend above here lies a little trading-vessel, and I propose we go up and -see if we can ship on her." - -"You don't say! That's the best piece of news you have had for me in a -long while," said Bob. "And what if our own ship comes back?" - -"Do you suppose that a ship is a-going to waste time in picking up two -discontented hands who have deserted her?" exclaimed Ben. "Them fellows -that are left will have to look out for a belaying-pin now. But there's -no danger of the Smart coming back. We're going to have a worse blow -than we have had yet, so far, and if the ship isn't wrecked she'll be a -long ways from here to-morrow. Let's go and see what they can do for us. -I declare I am almost afraid to go with you." - -"Why, how is that?" asked Bob, in surprise. - -"You said if you could feel the solid ground under your feet, such as -you used to be accustomed to at home, you would be yourself again," said -Ben. "But you don't look a bit different now from what you did aboard -the ship." - -"That will wear off after a while, Ben," answered Bob. "Come on, and let -us see what they can do for us." - -Ben slowly arose to his feet and walked up the creek, and Bob followed -close at his heels. In a few minutes they came within sight of the -vessel of which the old sailor had spoken. She was riding at anchor, and -her crew was engaged in hoisting a water-cask on board. There were but -three white men on her deck, and the rest were all— - -"Negroes, by George!" said Bob, in disgust. - -"No, they ain't. They are Malays," replied the old sailor. "You had -better be careful how you talk to them or they'll knock you flat. I wish -that second mate had this crew to deal with." - -"Why do you?" - -"'Cause he'd be a little careful how he handles them, that's why. If he -got on the rampage and tried to knock them around they would turn on him -and throw him overboard. We don't want to hail the vessel while the crew -is busy, so we will sit down here, and I'll tell you something about -them." - -Bob and the old sailor accordingly seated themselves on the bank, and -the latter proceeded to relate short scraps of his own experience, which -were of great interest to Bob, as they in some measure prepared him for -the thrilling events that were so soon to follow. Among other things, -Ben told his young companion that the majority of vessels trading among -those islands employed Malays for foremast hands. They were good -sailors, and civil and orderly enough when well treated, but they were -ready to use their knives on the slightest provocation; and, moreover, -they had laws and customs of their own which everybody must respect, -from the cabin-boy up to the master. Besides the three white officers -who managed the vessel, the Malays had officers of their own, called the -first and second tindals, whose duties corresponded to the work of first -and second mates. Did the officer on watch desire to shorten sail or -change the course of the vessel, he gave the necessary order, not to the -men direct, but to the tindal who was on watch with him, and who saw -that the work was executed. When punishment was found to be -necessary—and that happened nearly every day—the white officers did not -inflict it themselves, but described the offense to the tindals, who -dealt with the culprit as they saw fit. Sometimes the offender was -flogged until he could scarcely move, and sometimes he was treated with -mysterious indignities, which no one but himself and companions could -understand. If the officers ever so far forgot themselves as to take the -management of affairs into their own hands, a mutiny was the certain -result. - -"I tell you, a fellow has to keep his wits about him," said Bob. - -"You're right he does," said Ben, in conclusion. "These traders are -mostly all Englishmen, and that's one thing I don't like about this -vessel. But it's go there or stay here, and which had you rather do?" - -"Let us go aboard the vessel," said Bob. "We can't be much worse off -there than we are here on shore, for these woods look as though they -might be full of wild animals. You will be near enough to tell me if I -do anything out of the way. This is a queer way of getting back to -Clifton, ain't it?" - -"Well, you are going there, all the same," said Ben. "We shall probably -sail for Singapore, and that is right on our way home. We can't get -there afoot, can we?" - -"I should like to know if I am ever going to find my father." - -"Why, of course you are going to find him. He is somewhere among these -islands, and I'll bet anything on it. He wasn't drowned." - -This was the way the old sailor always talked to Bob when he could -exchange a word with him in private, and it did much to encourage him. -He kept a close watch of the vessel while he talked, and when, at the -end of a quarter of an hour, the cask was hoisted and stowed away, Ben -waved his hat and shouted: - -"Schooner ahoy!" - -"Ay! ay!" came the answer, in gruff tones. - -"We want to ship. Will you take us on board?" - -"Who are you?" - -"We belong to the American ship J. W. Smart, who came in here after -water. She had to make an offing, and went away in such a hurry that she -left us behind." - -The officers of the schooner could see no reason to doubt this story. -They had come in there for water themselves, and if they had not run so -far up the creek would also have been obliged to haul off shore to -escape the wind that was already howling through the trees. They held a -short consultation, and presently their boat was manned by two of the -Malays, who came over and took Bob and Ben on board the schooner. Bob -took a good look at the Malays, and told himself that he really wished -he was back aboard the Smart. - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - A MUTINY. - - -Ben and his young companion at once presented themselves on the -quarter-deck, where the captain was waiting to receive them, and after -the old sailor had repeated the story he had made up for the occasion, -and answered a few questions the officer had to ask him, they were told -that they would be in the second mate's watch and were ordered to turn -to, which meant go to work. They were going as straight to Singapore as -they could go, and once there the castaways would be able to look out -for themselves. When he concluded, Ben thanked the captain for his -kindness, and then put on his hat and started forward. - -"Master Bob," said the old sailor, as soon as he had an opportunity to -gain the boy's ear for a moment, "make up your mind to one thing, and -that is, we have jumped right out of the frying-pan plump into the -fire." - -"I was just thinking so myself," replied Bob. "These Malays are an awful -set—" - -"It isn't that," whispered Ben, hastily. "Do your duty faithfully and -you will have no trouble with them. But this is an English craft, as I -told you. I made one short voyage under this flag, and I know that -greater tyrants than these Johnny Bulls never stepped. We have been -supping sorrow with a big spoon so far, but we've got to take it by the -bucketful now." - -"Why, I thought you said these officers wouldn't dare show any tyranny -around where the Malays are." - -"Neither will they where the Malays are concerned, that is if they -understand their business and don't take on too much red-eye, which the -cap'n and his mates never go back on, judging by the looks of their -noses, and me and you have got to walk a chalk-mark or take what comes. -You'll see something on board this schooner that you never saw before—a -man triced up and flogged like a beast. Look there!" said Ben, jerking -his thumb over his shoulder toward the fife-rail. - -Bob looked, and his blood ran cold when his eyes fell upon the -instrument of torture there suspended. It was a cat—he knew it in a -moment from the descriptions he had often read of it. The handle was -about a foot long; the lashes, of which there were a dozen or more, were -cut out of stiff leather, and, to make the blows given by them more -severe, they were drawn into three or four hard knots. Altogether it was -a terrible-looking affair, and Bob thought, from its appearance, it had -been recently used. - -"Do they use that thing on these Malays?" asked Bob, shuddering, he -scarcely knew why, as he returned to his work. - -"Sure, and on the whites, too. That's what keeps the men straight. Be -careful you don't get it over your back before you know it," was Ben's -warning whisper. - -As often as he found opportunity, Bob turned to look at the officers of -the schooner, and he was forced to believe, with Ben, that unless their -looks belied them he had not in any way bettered his situation. They -were brutal-looking men, and very overbearing, as Bob soon found, for -not even on board the Smart had he been ordered about as he was during -the hour the crew were employed in putting things to rights. Before the -work was done he saw the cat in use. The negro cook was "started" by the -captain—that is, he was flogged from the cabin to the deck, because he -had allowed the bean soup to get smoked. The only improvement on the -Smart was in the food, which Ben assured him was as good as any sailor -ever received. - -During the three days that the schooner lay weather-bound in the creek -Bob had time to learn something of his new mates and become acquainted -with their customs. They were all brawny, fierce-looking fellows, except -the first tindal, who was a stripling scarcely older than himself; but -that he was a sailor was evident from the manner in which the decks and -the rigging were kept. The schooner was as neat and trim as a little -man-of-war. Ben quickly worked his way into the Malay's good graces. -When he made up his mind to desert the J. W. Smart he secreted his whole -stock of tobacco about him, and as the schooner's company had nearly -exhausted their stock of the article, the old sailor freely distributed -his supply among them. The Malays, in return for this, gave him and Bob -a bountiful supply of bedclothing, so that they managed to fare very -well, and would have been pleased with their new quarters had it not -been for the dreaded cat, which they saw every time they passed the -mainmast. On the third day the wind began to abate, and on the morning -of the fourth the boats were got out and the schooner towed down the -creek. Sail was made, and in an hour more their vessel was bounding over -the waves toward Singapore. - -For a time nothing exciting happened on board the schooner. Of course -there was the usual amount of punishment—not a day passed that did not -see the cat brought into use—and even Bob and old Ben came in for a -share, the latter being knocked flat by a blow from the mate's fist, and -the boy being sent to the mast-head under a broiling sun. What their -offense was neither of them had the slightest idea. The nearer the -vessel progressed toward her destination the more overbearing and -exacting the mates became and the closer the captain clung to his -bottle, of which he was very fond. Finally he got so under the influence -of its contents that he was obliged to keep his bunk for two days, and -his reappearance on deck was the signal for a scene, the remembrance of -which disturbed Bob's sleep for many a night afterward. It had been -blowing hard all day, and at last the officer of the watch, after the -main-top-mast had been carried away, concluded that it would be best to -shorten sail. The work had just been completed and the wreck cleared -away, and the schooner was beginning to make better weather of it, when -the captain staggered up the companion-way. - -Bob had never before seen such a fiendish-looking man as he was at that -moment. The captain seemed to be greatly enraged, and the boy knew -instinctively that something was going to happen. The negro cook, who -was well used to his moods, must have thought so too, for he darted into -the galley and hid behind the door, and even the surly second mate -backed out of his way. - -"What's been a-going on 'ere?" roared the captain, glaring about as if -seeking some object to take vengeance upon. "What was all that bloody -crash I 'eard just now?" - -"We carried away the topmast about two hours ago, sir," replied the -mate, with more civility than he usually threw into his tones when -addressing his superior, "and we thought it would be best to clear up -things before you came up." - -"But what was that bloody noise I 'eard just now?" repeated the skipper -with an oath. "I 'eard a terrific fuss and rumpus up 'ere." - -"We have been clearing away the wreck and shortening sail, sir," was the -mate's reply. - -"You 'ave, hey? Been shortening sail without horders, hey? Don't you -know that I command 'ere? Where's the tindal?" - -"He's below, with his watch, sir." - -"Well, I will soon snake him up and learn him not to shorten sail -without horders from me!" yelled the skipper, blundering toward the -forecastle. "I command 'ere, and I'll learn you, and him, too, that it -is best not to shorten sail without horders from me. I wish you wasn't -an officer, and I would trice you up." - -Bob and the old sailor were standing in the waist, and as the frenzied -captain went staggering by, swinging his arms wildly about his head and -fairly foaming at the mouth, they gave him all the room he wanted. Their -efforts to avoid attracting his attention drew the savage glare of the -old man toward them, and seemed to increase his fury, for Bob was sent -aft with a bleeding nose and a dizzy head, while Ben ducked like a flash -just in time to escape a vicious back-hander which the skipper aimed at -him. The latter thundered across the deck toward the forecastle, and -missing his footing at the head of the stairs, went headlong among the -watch, who were eating their supper. Bob heard him swearing and storming -below, and presently saw him reappear at the head of the ladder, pushing -before him the first tindal, whom he had seized by the back of the neck, -and who was helpless in his powerful grasp. Close behind him came the -watch, who swarmed up the ladder like bees, and were speedily joined by -their friends on deck. They all looked as fierce as the skipper himself, -and some of them carried their knives in their hands. - -"Heaven help us, for our time has come at last!" gasped old Ben. "That -drunken fool is going to be the death of us." - -"Will they spare none of us?" stammered Bob. "I am sure I never harmed -any of them." - -"It makes no difference. The last one of us will have to go. Good-bye, -Bob. Old Ben will stick to you to the last." - -Bob was too terrified to move or speak again, and so he watched the -captain with his unresisting prisoner. He pushed him to the mast and -looked around for some one to help him. The second mate had retreated to -the cabin, and Ben and Bob were the only ones near him. The skipper's -eye fell upon them, although they tried to make themselves as small as -they could. - -"Come 'ere, you two, and 'elp me trice hup this man," said he. - -The boy at first did not move, but old Ben, always prompt to obey -orders, sprang at the word; and Bob, knowing that the old sailor's -judgment and experience would show him what ought to be done under the -circumstances, thought it best to follow his example, although he would -much rather have assisted in tying up the captain. He caught up a rope -and fastened one of the tindal's hands to the shrouds, hauling down on -it, in obedience to the captain's order, until the captive's toes just -rested on deck. - -"Now, I'll show these bloody heathen who's master 'ere!" exclaimed the -skipper, snatching up the cat and panting with the violence of his -exertions. "'Ere, Watson, take this and lay on till I tell you to stop. -We'll learn these bloody heathen—Eh? You won't do it?" - -Ben drew back a step or two. - -"Cap'n," said he, "it is something I never done, and never will do. I -had rather be there myself." - -"You would, hey?" shouted the skipper, brandishing the cat in the air. -"Well, we will soon have you there, and you'll know how good it feels. -Hi, boy! Call hup my two hofficers, and tell 'em to bring my pistols. -'Ere's a bloody mutiny!" - -Bob, to whom this command was addressed, ran to the cabin, but found the -door fastened. He called to the mates and repeated the captain's order, -but there was no response. Had he gone to the stern and looked over, he -would have found that one of the small cabin windows was open, and that -the second mate was trying to squeeze his burly form through it to reach -the boat that hung at the davits. The two officers knew what was likely -to be the result of the skipper's unreasonable behavior, and were -preparing to leave him to his fate. - -"Now, then, boy!" screamed the captain, "where are they?" - -"I can't make them answer, sir, and the door is locked," replied Bob. - -"Call louder! Tell 'em I want 'em! Knock the door down!" roared the -skipper, stamping furiously about the deck. "I'm master 'ere!" - -The captain bared his arm as he spoke, grasped the cat with a firmer -hold, and swung it in the air; but just as the blow descended upon the -tindal's back the Malays made the rush that Ben had long been expecting, -flourishing knives and handspikes and yelling hideously. The old sailor, -loyal to the last, threw himself in front of his officer to protect him, -but was instantly stretched on deck by a blow from a handspike, and a -moment later the captain lay motionless by his side. Bob gave himself up -for lost. There was no place to which he could retreat for safety, and -resistance was not to be thought of. He could only remain passive and -await the fate he was powerless to avert. He turned away and leaned upon -the rail, looking down at the water, and expecting every instant that a -blow from a knife or a handspike would put an end to his existence. But -nothing of the kind happened, and Bob finally ventured to cast his eye -over his shoulder to see what was going on behind him. - -[Illustration: THE REVOLT OF THE MALAYS.] - -The Malays were gathered in a group in the waist, and while some were -busy binding the captain the others were cutting down the tindal. While -he gazed, old Ben was lifted to his feet and stood unharmed in the midst -of them. No one showed the least inclination to molest him, but, on the -contrary, several of the crew gave him hearty slaps on the back, which -were doubtless intended to assure him that he had nothing to fear. The -old sailor looked around, and seeing Bob standing beside the rail, pale -and trembling, quietly joined him. - -"Cheer up, my hearty!" said he. "I knew what I was doing when I refused -to use the cat on that man. You and me and the doctor are safe, but all -the salt in the sea won't save the officers." - -"Oh, Ben, this is just awful!" said Bob. "What do you suppose they will -do with the officers? Perhaps we might say something that would make -them hold their hands—" - -"Don't you open your head," said Ben, earnestly. "You will bring death -upon yourself if you attempt it. We will never know what they are going -to do with them. A man stands a poor show of life who strikes one of -these fierce fatalists. As for us, they are going to turn us adrift in a -boat." - -"They might as well make an end of us at once," said the boy, gazing at -the angry white caps that were rolling on every side. "We can't live -five minutes out there." - -"When we get back to Clifton I am going to tell your father that he had -better send you to school until you get your sea-legs on," said Ben, -cheerfully. "A boat will live in a worse sea than this." - -The first tindal having been released, the Malays held a short -consultation, and then an axe was procured and the crew marched aft to -the cabin. The door was quickly beaten from its hinges and the Malays -rushed in. A fierce struggled followed, loud yells were mingled with the -reports of fire-arms, for the mates were brave as well as brutal, and -then the crew reappeared bringing with them two more prisoners, who were -laid on deck beside the captain, and the bodies of three of their -number, who had been stricken down by the bullets from the mates' -pistols. - -"There; you see how useless it would be for us to ask them to spare -their lives, don't you?" said Ben, as the three dead Malays were brought -up. "It is no use in talking. If we get safe off ourselves we are going -to do well. We'll know all about it in short order." - -The first tindal, who was now master of the schooner, at once began to -bestir himself, and Bob judged by his actions—for they had not been -aboard the vessel long enough to understand any of their language—that -he knew just what ought to be done. He sent some of the crew below to -bring up a supply of provisions and water, and commanded two of the -others to lower away the boat. As soon as it touched the water, Bob, the -old sailor and the negro cook were told to get in, the Malays cut the -falls with their knives, and, waving a farewell to them, the schooner -dashed on, leaving the boat to the mercy of the waves. Bob thought this -the worst thing that ever happened to him; but if he had been able to -look far enough into the future to see what was to come of it, he would -not have been back aboard the schooner for any price. - -"Brace up, my hearty!" said Ben, giving the boy a shake which brought -his hands down from his face. "You are worth three or four dead men yet. -This ain't any sea at all; is it, doctor?" - -"No, sir; oh, no, sir," answered the cook, who saw that much depended on -keeping up Bob's courage. "I was wrecked once in de Solferino, and we -had to take to de boat, and—Laws! You had oughter seen dem waves. Dese -ain't a patching to 'em." - -"It is not so much being cast adrift in a small boat that I complain -of," said Bob, "but I would like to know what is going to become of us. -Here we are, miles out of the track of any vessels—" - -"Oh, belay your jaw! We are miles out of the track of any vessel? We are -right in their track. How long will it be before another English vessel -will turn up here? There'll be somebody along directly." - -"I wonder if any boy ever had as many adventures as I have had?" said -Bob, running over in his mind the various dangers that had befallen -since the night he was kidnapped. "If Joe Lufkin knew where I was now he -wouldn't expect to see me again. Bob, I wonder what it was that induced -him to act as he did." - -"Barlow was at the bottom of it," said the old sailor, angrily. "But you -will see him again, don't worry about that. I don't want you to go home -until you get your father." - -"It is useless to think about that," said Bob, despairingly. "My father -I shall never see again, so I must make the best of a bad bargain. I -wish I knew what the Malays are going to do with those three prisoners. -Can't we take the law on them when we get to Singapore?" - -"You ain't reached Singapore yet by a mile or two," replied Ben, with a -laugh, "and when we get there you'll find that the law ain't for such -fellows as we are. In the first place, how are you going to prove the -Malays?" - -Bob stared hard at Ben, then rested his elbows on his knees and looked -down at the bottom of the boat and said nothing. - -"The Malays all look alike, and if you were to see one or two hundred of -them brought in, how are you going to pick out the ones that did the -mischief? And you would be shut up in jail for a witness. I tell you -that the best thing you can do would be to hold your jaw and say -nothing." - -The three castaways kept their eyes fastened upon the vessel as long as -she was in sight, hoping to gain some clue to the fate that was in store -for the captain and his mates, but for the next half an hour the Malays -remained standing on the quarter-deck as if engaged in consultation, and -finally the increasing darkness shut her out from view, and they were -alone on the deep. - - - - - CHAPTER XIX. - A FAMILIAR FACE. - - -How Bob managed to survive during that dreadful night he scarcely knew. -He ever afterward thought of it as a dream, for his mind was in such -confusion that he could not realize what was going on around him. Ben -and the doctor managed the boat, while Bob lay stretched under the -thwarts in a half-sensible condition, from which he never aroused -himself until the sun arose and a joyous exclamation from the old sailor -infused new life into him. - -"Land, ho!" shouted Ben, seizing Bob by the leg and jerking him about. -"I would about as soon see that as I would to find myself back aboard an -English trader. Wouldn't you, my hearty? Here's land in plain sight. Get -up and take a peep at it. Now we will live a Robinson Crusoe life, won't -we?" - -Land was indeed in plain sight, as old Ben had declared, and Bob finally -mustered up energy enough to straighten up and look about him. He -relieved Ben at the oar, and the latter busied himself in overhauling -the provisions to see what they had to eat; for he wisely concluded that -a little something on Bob's empty stomach would go far to refresh him. -He first decided to pass the jug of water (for Bob acted as though he -was very thirsty), for Ben had been careful of his provisions, not -knowing how soon they would strike a place from which they could get -more. He was not certain that they could get any on the island toward -which they were being driven with all the speed that Bob and the doctor -could put into their oars, but he concluded to risk it. - -"There, Bob," said he, uncorking the jug and passing it forward, "you -have something to drink our health in. May your shadow never grow less." - -Bob took the jug, and as he raised it to his lips he quickly put it down -again and slowly got upon his feet. He could distinctly make out the -spars of a vessel that was lying in the bay toward which their boat was -heading. - -"Now, then, what do you see over there?" inquired Ben. - -"I see a ship of some kind," said Bob, in a trembling voice. - -"So you do," exclaimed Ben, after running his eye along the shore. "And -she isn't a trader, either. She's one of our own vessels." - -"An American?" shouted Bob. "Look again, and don't deceive me." - -"She's an American, as sure as you live!" said the old sailor, after he -had taken as good a view of the ship as he could get on account of the -surrounding trees. "You never saw a clumsy-looking trader with such -spars and such rigging as she has. Bob, give me a place at the oar, and -you sit in the stern and steer as straight for her as you can go. By -George! We're in luck." - -Bob made the change, and for the next two hours forgot how hungry and -thirsty he was. By the end of this time the vessel was within hailing -distance. She was anchored in a little cove that set into the island, -and her boats were drawn up in line on the beach, where most of her crew -were assembled, apparently engaged in trading with the natives. - -"She is an American, I declare!" said Bob, hardly able to contain -himself. "Hail her, Ben, and find out." - -"Who are you and where did you come from?" asked the captain of the -ship, who appeared at the side in answer to Ben's hail. - -The old sailor did the talking, trying to make his long story as short -as possible, and while he was speaking Bob made a thorough examination -of the vessel. There was something about her that looked familiar; and -after he run his eyes over her from truck to water-line, he told himself -that if he had not seen that ship in the harbor of Clifton more than -once, he had seen one there that looked exactly like her. Old Ben -himself certainly discovered something about her to attract his -attention, for he suddenly began to stammer and hesitate, and it was -only by a great effort of will that he was able to go on with his story. -He did not look at the man to whom he was talking, but kept his eyes -fastened upon the after-part of the vessel. Bob looked in the same -direction, and saw that a bull's-eye, which probably opened into one of -the cabin state-rooms, was unclosed, and that a face was pressed close -to it—a pale, handsome face, with thick gray whiskers and moustache, and -a pair of large black eyes which seemed to be looking straight through -him. If it was the same face he had probably known in the days gone by, -how changed it was! He rubbed his eyes and looked again, but the face -had disappeared. - -"Ben!" he cried, in great excitement. - -"Avast, there!" replied the old sailor. "The cap'n's going to speak." - -"I've got all the crew I want," said the captain, "but if you have a -mind to come aboard and behave yourselves you can work your passage to -Singapore." - -"We'll do our duty the best we know how, sir," said Ben. - -"All right, come aboard, then; but bear in mind that I am a sailor all -over and a hard man to suit." - -"Ben," repeated our hero, as the boat was pulled under the fore-chains, -"Ben, I saw—" - -"Avast, there, will you! What's the good of so much chin-music?" -exclaimed the sailor. - -"But can't I speak?" demanded Bob, greatly surprised and excited. "Ben, -I tell you, I saw—" - -"You saw nothing. Belay your jaw." - -"But I tell you, I saw my father looking out of that bull's-eye," -insisted Bob. - -"Your father?" exclaimed the doctor, opening his eyes in amazement. - -"Yes, sir, my father. And, Ben, he was crazy. I never saw him look so at -me in his life." - -"He saw his grandmother," interrupted Ben. "The boy is crazy himself, -and that is what's the matter with him. His father has been under -hatches for five years and better. Get aboard, doctor. Now," he added, -turning almost fiercely upon Bob, "not another word out of you about -what you saw if you want to keep on the right side of me. Mind that. Up -you go." - -Bob made the best of his way to the deck and looked about him. Then he -was certain he knew the ship. She was the Boston, and she had once -belonged to his father. More than that, his father was aboard of her at -that very moment, for he had seen him with his own eyes. - -"Well, boy, what are you staring at?" demanded the captain. "Did you -never see a ship before? Turn to at once, for we don't allow idlers -here. Doctor, go into the galley and lend a hand there. What's your -name, you graybeard?" - -"Smith, sir," replied Ben. - -"Well, Smith, you will find work enough with this chaffing-gear to keep -you busy the rest of the day. And you, boy—" - -"On deck, there!" shouted a voice from aloft. - -"Fore-top," replied the captain. - -"Can I have a marline-spike and about five minutes' help?" asked the -voice. - -"Jump up there, boy," said the captain, turning to Bob. - -Our hero, having heard the request, knew just what to do. He caught up a -marline-spike and ran aloft with it, and met with another surprise so -great that he came very near letting go his hold and going back to the -deck in a much greater hurry than he went up. The sailor who was at work -was an old companion and friend. He it was who had built his first model -yacht and taught him to sail it on the bay, and many an hour had he -passed in old Ben's cabin telling him stories of the sea. He had heard -Bob promise his father that under no circumstances would he ever make a -first voyage as a sailor. He had been employed by some of the country -houses to do various kinds of work, but one night he disappeared, and -was never heard of afterward. The most of the people believed that he -had grown tired of work ashore and had gone off to sea. - -"Sweet!" exclaimed Bob, hardly able to believe his eyes. - -"Not a word out of you," said the sailor, glancing below to make sure -that the captain was not watching. "I was glad to see you at first, but -now I am sorry, for you came very near letting the cat out of the bag -when you first came alongside." - -"Why, Sweet, how came you here?" said Bob, lowering his tone. "Did you -get tired of the shore?" - -"Tired? No; I was shanghaied and sent to sea against my will, and I know -who was at the bottom of it." - -"But when I came alongside I saw my father," said Bob, earnestly. - -"And Ben saw him, too, didn't he? But he was too smart to make a fuss -about it." - -"Make a fuss? I tell you, I will raise a fuss here—" - -"Avast, there! You won't raise no fuss until Ben and I say the word. If -you do, you will spoil everything." - -"I don't see that you need to fix anything," said Bob, forgetting in his -excitement that there were men below him. "My father was kidnapped and -taken aboard this vessel—" - -"And Ben wouldn't let you say anything about him? That shows that his -head is level. He was afraid you would say something before the captain. -Here, hold fast to the end of the rope, for you must do something while -you are up here or you'll be ordered down again," said the sailor, -speaking hurriedly, as if he wished to say as much as possible in the -shortest space of time. "We've got things all fixed, and you mustn't go -to spoiling them for us. The cargo will be aboard at sundown, and we -sail at the turn of the tide; but when we do sail your father will be in -command." - -"Then he _is_ aboard, isn't he?" exclaimed Bob, almost overcome by -excitement and delight. "I was sure of it." - -"Of course he's here, but we foremast hands ain't supposed to know it. -And we didn't find it out until we reached Cape Town, and then we found -it out by accident. He's got five good friends—seven, now that you and -Ben have come—" - -"Eight," interrupted Bob, "counting in the darky that came with us. He -will do anything for Ben." - -"That will be enough," said the sailor. "We're going to shake out the -sails when the last boat goes off this afternoon, and as soon as that is -done we'll be ready to begin operations." - -"But, Sweet, you have not yet told me how my father came here and what -the captain is going to do with him," said Bob. - -"I can't tell you what he means to do with him. Mebbe he intends to -leave him to starve on some desert island, and mebbe he's going to watch -his chance to knock him overboard. But he has waited too long to carry -out his plans, whatever they are. He won't allow him on deck, for he -says he's crazy." - -"That's just what I was afraid of," said Bob, in a despairing tone. - -"Avast, there!" said the sailor. - -"I tell you, I never saw him look at me with such eyes before," insisted -Bob. - -"I reckon you would look at a man with crazy eyes too if you were in his -place. As to how he came here, that's your uncle's doings. He wanted -your father's money, and not having the courage to put him out of the -way himself, he hired the captain and his first mate to do the work for -him. But mind you, they didn't steal him out of his house at dead of -night, as they do with every man that is shanghaied." - -"How did they work it, then?" - -"They found him in a small boat, ten miles out at sea, and took him -aboard. He was luny then; at least, the captain said so. He said he was -Cap'n Nellis, that he used to own this vessel, and wanted to get up and -command her, and so the cap'n shut him up. That's the whole story in a -few words, and I couldn't make it any plainer if I should take an hour." - -"Then it seems that Barlow did not have a hand in kidnapping him? The -captain found him at sea in a storm and took him aboard, and he wanted -to command the vessel." - -"Yes, sir. That's just the way the thing stands." - -"Then Barlow is innocent, and that's what he meant when he said that he -had some things in his head that he wouldn't tell to anybody. And in -order that you may know how things worked at home, I will tell you that -they are going just as my uncle hoped they would. He's got my father's -property and has literally turned me away from home. He says my father -willed it to him. But who are these friends you spoke of, and how are -you going to manage to have them left on board the ship this afternoon?" - -"Well, it took some thinking, that's a fact," replied the sailor, who -did not much like the idea of Bob believing that his father was crazy. -"First, there's the second mate, you know. He's a friend, and he'll be -left in charge this afternoon. The only way I could manage to stay -aboard was to sprain my wrist so that I couldn't pull an oar, and I had -to be put on light duty. All gammon, you know, but I didn't know what -else to do. Then there's our doctor. Of course he'll be aboard, for he -will be getting supper. The others are Bret and Jackson. As they belong -to the long-boat's crew, it was a safe thing to bet that they would be -ashore when we wanted them aboard, so what did they do this morning but -get up a sham fight and draw knives on each other. Of course they are in -double-irons in the forecastle, and they'll stay there till we want -them." - -"Fore-top there!" shouted the captain. "It does not take two of you to -splice a rope, does it? Lay down, boy." - -"Aye, aye, sir!" replied the sailor, as Bob prepared to descend to the -deck. "Keep your eyes open, but say nothing to nobody. Things are all -fixed, and you will see your father this afternoon. But I say, Bob," -added Sweet, hastily, "it would be better for you to let go all holds -and fall down to the deck head first than to go into the presence of the -cap'n with that face you have got on now. If he finds out who you are, -or you give him any reason to suspect you, he'll knock our plans -higher'n the moon." - -Bob's exultation and impatience were so great that he could scarcely -contain himself—exultation to know that he was within speaking distance -of his father, from whom he had been separated for almost nine dreary -months; to know that he must not see him until others gave him -permission to do so, and impatience to have the time wear away so that -he could throw himself into that father's arms. You can imagine how you -would have felt under the same circumstances. Bob believed that his -father was crazy; and if that was the case, all their arrangements for -rescuing him were "knocked higher'n the moon." He was obliged to keep -his feelings under restraint and be constantly on his guard, lest his -thoughts should find expression in his face and be seen by some one who -would not know how to interpret them. - -The afternoon moved along on leaden wings. That nothing had yet happened -to endanger the success of the plans that had been formed for the -release of Captain Nellis was evident from the encouraging glances which -Sweet and old Ben bestowed upon our hero every time they met him. It was -plain, too, that somebody had found opportunity to tell the second mate -who Bob was, for once, when nobody was looking, the officer slipped -something into the boy's hand, and told him in a whisper to hold himself -in readiness to use it. It looked like a broken key, and Bob, not -knowing what it was or what he was expected to do with it, showed it to -Ben and asked instructions. - -"It's the key to the irons on those fellows in the forecastle," -whispered the sailor. "Keep your eye on the mate, and he will tell you -when to use it." - -"But Ben, I am sure that my father is—" - -"Belay your jaw, will you? I have a good notion to knock you overboard! -When the old man comes on deck you will find him able to take command. -Now, don't say anything more about his being crazy." - -Three o'clock came at last, and the order was given to shake out the -sails. It was accomplished in very much less time than usual, and then -the boats all put off for their last trip to the beach, the captain and -the first mate going with them, and leaving no one but the mutineers -aboard. The second mate stood leaning over the rail watching the boats, -and when they touched the beach he made a sign to Bob, who darted into -the forecastle. - -"Halloo, here!" exclaimed one of the sailors, as Bob made an effort to -unlock his irons. "Where did you come from? I never have seen you -before." - -"Nor have I seen you," replied Bob. "But as you are a friend of Captain -Nellis', go on deck. The second mate is waiting for you." - -Being freed from their irons the sailors hurried on deck, and Bob kept -close at their heels. The second mate and Ben were not there, but they -heard an axe used in the cabin. The next moment Captain Nellis rushed -upon deck. One look at his face was enough. He was as crazy a man as Bob -ever saw. - - - - - CHAPTER XX. - WHO WROTE THE CODICIL? - - -"By the great horn-spoon!" It was Mr. Vollar's clerk who uttered the -above ejaculation. The time was when Bob Nellis brought the valuable -pearl there for his employer to pass judgment upon. If we were to say -that the man was astonished we should but hardly express his feelings. -He was in the back part of the store, making out some accounts against -his customers, and of course he heard all that passed between Mr. Vollar -and the boy who had come there to see him. When Bob was offered two -hundred dollars for his pearl and the jeweller opened the safe to take -out the money, he laid his pen upon his desk and settled back in his -chair in speechless amazement. He could not see what passed between -them, for he was at work behind a board partition; but his ears told him -just what happened at the counter. He knew when Bob received the money, -heard him say that Hank Lufkin would be almost overcome, and then go -out. - -"By the great horn-spoon!" said the clerk. "If that worthless little -jackanapes hasn't struck it at last, I'm a Dutchman. Who would have -thought that he could have found a pearl worth two hundred dollars! I -declare, it beats me." - -Sam Houston, for that was the clerk's name, had a great desire to be -rich. He was getting only a dollar a day for his services in the store, -and that much money did not go very far toward relieving his actual -necessities, to say nothing of his getting a horse and buggy of Mr. -Jones every Sunday afternoon for the purpose of taking an airing in the -country. He had held that position for almost two years and he saw -little chance of promotion. It was the same thing over and over every -day, and although he kept a bright lookout for other chances outside of -the store, nothing seemed to present itself. He remembered how he used -to envy Bob Nellis, with his rich father, but when the report got around -town that Bob had been cast off, and that his cousin had taken his -place, then he used to cast envious eyes upon Gus Layton. - -"That's always the way it is with everybody," said he; and one would -think that he had been cheated out of the money instead of Bob Nellis. -"All the fellows in the world can get rich instead of me. Don't I wish I -had some rich uncle to die and leave me a pocketful of rocks? But then I -wouldn't stay here, I bet you. I would go to New York, where I could put -on style." - -To make matters worse, Sam Houston had got in the way of going in debt. -Mr. Jones had hinted rather pointedly that he would be glad to have that -seven dollars and a half that he owed him the next time he came around -after a horse, and there were half a dozen other creditors who were -getting alarmed for their money; and by counting it all up on his -fingers Sam made it out that he owed fifty dollars there in Clifton, and -he did not know where in the world it was to come from. And here this -ragamuffin, this son of a man who was too lazy to go into the hay-field -on account of wounds which he must have forgotten long ago, was getting -rich in spite of him. - -"Now, I say that that way of doing things isn't right," said the clerk, -with a good deal of petulance in his tones. "What I owe is a mere -pittance to what this boy is going to get for picking up a stone that -came in his way, and he will be so lordly that he won't look at anybody -else; and here I am—" - -He picked up his pen again and went to work at the accounts with -alacrity. He heard Mr. Vollar's step, and that proved that he was coming -back to see how he got on with them. - -"I guess I shall have to get some more money to carry on my business," -said he with a smile. - -"I should say you had," replied Sam. - -"Who would have supposed that boy, Hank Lufkin, would have struck it so -rich?" his employer continued. "I declare, it kind o' takes the wind out -of my sails. Of course you heard what passed between Bob Nellis and -myself?" - -"Of course I did, for I could not help it. I was as much astonished as -you were." - -"Well, you won't say anything about it?" - -"Oh, no, sir. Bob evidently wants to keep it still, and so would I if I -were in his place. Do you suppose that Bob will put that money in the -bank to his own account?" - -"Certainly he will. Everything depends upon keeping it from the -knowledge of that lazy father of Hank's. If he ever gets hold of it he -will raise heaven and earth but that he will have it all; and if he once -gets his hands on the money, that will be last of it." - -Mr. Vollar looked over some of the accounts that had been made out, put -them into his pocket, and left the store. When the door had closed -behind him the clerk put down his pen and once more settled back in his -chair, with his hands in his pockets. - -"That is just what I was afraid of," said he. "Bob is mighty sharp, and -he is going to take care of that money. Now, had I better see old Joe -about it, or what had I better do? For I want it understood that if -there are any more pearls to be found on that stream I am going to have -some of them. I can easily get Joe to bring them to me, for I can tell -him that Vollar doesn't begin to pay him what they are worth. Two -hundred dollars! I believe if I knew there were any more pearls on that -stream I would throw up my present position and become a pearl-hunter. -Wouldn't I feel big, going around with money, while no one else knew -where I got it?" - -Here was something that Sam Houston could build air-castles on, and he -was engaged in this agreeable occupation when he heard Mr. Vollar coming -back. There was one question that Sam wanted to have answered, and he -asked it as soon as he had a fair chance. - -"Did Bob Nellis say that there were any more of these pearls where this -one came from?" he inquired, as the jeweller was engaged in putting some -money into the safe. - -"Why, Sam, are you going out pearl-hunting?" asked Mr. Vollar, with a -laugh. - -"Oh, no; but I thought I would just like to know." - -"There must be, because I have often been called upon to pass judgment -on stones coming from there. At least I took it for granted that they -came from that stream, because I never heard of many pearls being found -about here. He says there are between twenty-five and thirty scattered -around, but of course he is mistaken in that. There is probably not -another pearl on that stream that is worth as much as the one Bob Nellis -sold me to-day. At any rate, it wouldn't pay anybody to look for them." - -"And you don't know where the stream is, either?" - -"No, I don't; and if I did I wouldn't tell. Bob Nellis told me that Hank -didn't even tell him where it was." - -"I don't care for that," said Sam to himself. "If Joe Lufkin is as -expert at trailing things as he claims to be he will soon find that -pearl-mine. If they are worth ten or fifteen dollars to Hank, as I think -I heard Bob remark, they are worth a fortune to me. At any rate, I am -going to try it early to-morrow morning, if I can find Joe Lufkin." - -Sam did not do much work that day. He shut up the store at ten o'clock -and took a stroll around the streets in the vain hope of meeting Joe, -and then went home and tumbled into bed. The more he thought of his -prospects the brighter they seemed to become to him, and when at last he -arose from his couch, after passing an almost sleepless night, he -resolved that his plan should prove successful. - -"You see, I have not yet decided to possess myself of any portion of -Hank's two hundred dollars, which he has doubtless given into Bob's -keeping, but of the pearls that are left on the shores of that stream I -am determined to have my share," he exclaimed, as he pulled on his -clothes. "The idea that that boy can go around all day doing nothing—I -don't see it! Here I have to work and slave from morning until night, -and have done so for almost two years, and never a body has said to me, -'Sam, here's a little more money than I have thus far been able to offer -you. Take that, with my compliments.' Has anybody said that to me? I am -done with the store now." - -Filled with such thoughts as these, and growing more and more angry the -oftener they came into his mind, Sam went down and opened the store, but -saw no signs of Joe Lufkin. He was getting his breakfast at home before -starting out to see how his piratical scheme would work, and Hank was -just about setting out for Bob Nellis's to see about depositing his -money. So Sam saw nothing of them that day, not even when he closed the -store at night and took a walk around the streets. The next day was the -same, for Joe did not appear. He was at home building air-castles on the -strength of certain schemes he had worked the night before; but Sam saw -somebody else that was almost as good. It was Hank Lufkin, who was -hurrying along as if his very life depended upon the use he made of the -next few minutes. He was tired of running, and had settled into a rapid -walk toward Mr. Gibbons's house. - -"Halloo, Hank!" exclaimed Sam. "Where are you going in such haste? Hold -up a minute. I would like to talk to you." - -"You have not got anything interesting that I want to hear, unless you -can tell me what has become of Bob Nellis and Ben Watson," replied Hank, -coming to a standstill in front of the clerk and fanning himself with -his hat. "Bob was to have gone fishing this morning, but now he has gone -off, and I can't find a thing of them." - -"What has become of them?" asked Sam. - -"That is just what I asked. The house is open, and the lamp is burning -as if it was waiting for them; but Ben and Bob don't show up." - -"Why, where in the world are they?" said Sam, growing somewhat -interested. - -"That is just what I want to know. I am going up to Mr. Gibbons's house -to see about it." - -"Does Mr. Gibbons know where they are?" - -"No; but he is Bob's lawyer, and he will know about them if anybody -does. My idea is," continued Hank, "that they have been kidnapped and -sent off to sea." - -"Well, if that don't beat me!" said Sam, lost in wonder. "Who do you -suppose could have done it?" - -"That is what I want to know. But I must go along, now, and see what -Bob's lawyer thinks about it." - -"One minute before you go, Hank," exclaimed Sam. "I want to speak to you -about something." - -"To-morrow will do just as well," replied Hank, who, being rested a -little by his short pause, broke at once into a run toward Mr. Gibbons's -house. - -"But I want to talk to you about that pearl you found a few days ago," -said Sam, desperately. "I know something about it that you had better -listen to." - -Hank was so amazed to find out that the discovery of his pearl, which he -had so carefully guarded from the knowledge of all persons in the -village, had become known, that for a moment he stopped; but remembering -that he was now looking for Bob Nellis, he kept on his way by replying -that to-morrow would do just as well. The clerk stood and looked at him, -and then turned about and went into the store and busied himself in -dusting off the counters. - -"He thinks more of Bob than he does of that pearl," said Sam to himself. -"I was in hopes he would come back when I told him that, and if he had, -what would I have said to him? I must make up something. So Bob has gone -off to sea, has he? I never heard of a fellow who was kidnapped coming -back again." - -Sam went on dusting the counters, and as he worked his thoughts were -busy with that pearl, and never once reverted to the news he had -concerning Bob. Any boy who lived on the sea-coast was liable to be -kidnapped and sent off, but it was not every day that a fellow found a -pearl worth two hundred dollars. For be it known that Sam had thought -and dreamed about this matter so much that he had about decided to leave -the store and go to hunting pearls. Any how, it did not take very much -to bring him to some conclusion on that point. - -When his employer came down Sam told him about Bob, and was utterly -amazed to see the way he took it to heart. The jeweller could not -believe it at first, and required his clerk to go over it again until he -learned all about it. - -"I am very glad indeed that his father isn't here to know about it," -said he, walking up and down the store. "He promised his father that he -would not by any means go to sea, and now he has become a sailor in -spite of himself. I'll tell you what's a fact, Sam: There is somebody in -this town that knows all about it." - -"That's what I have said all along," replied Sam, who at that moment -forgot that he had said nothing at all about it. "I believe Barlow knows -something about it." - -"I don't know whether he does or not; but when Mr. Gibbons starts in he -is going to find something out. I tell you, lynching is too good for a -man who will slip upon another and send him to sea. My goodness, I think -I should die if such a trick were played upon me." - -Mr. Vollar put on his hat and went out to see what other folks thought -of it, and Sam was left alone. He was left alone for almost the -forenoon, in fact, for when the jeweller came back it was to report that -Barlow had been before the justice, and that all the attempts to gain -anything from him were useless. - -"I've got the idea, from something Gibbons said, that he is going to -take Mr. Layton down there," said Mr. Vollar. - -"Before the justice?" asked Sam, in astonishment. - -The jeweller nodded significantly. - -"Why, what in the world has he got to do with it?" - -"He may not have anything to do with it, but Mr. Gibbons is going to -make him tell what he knows about kidnapping people. He's got an idea -that Captain Nellis was on board the Boston when she sailed, and he -wants to ask Layton something about it." - -"Why, the idea is ridiculous!" said Sam, more astonished than ever. "The -Boston sailed that morning, but that doesn't prove that Captain Nellis -was aboard of her. To my mind, you will find that Captain Nellis is a -thousand fathoms deep in the sea." - -"Put this and that together and see what you make of it," said Mr. -Vollar. "I will bet you that Captain Nellis will come back; and if he -does, it will go hard with somebody who wrote that codicil." - -"Didn't he write it himself?" - -"Maybe he did, and maybe he didn't. I don't want to say so out loud, but -that codicil is a glaring fraud on the face of it." - -"I declare, that beats me!" said Sam, so surprised that he could -scarcely get his breath. "There's lots of little things in law that a -fellow doesn't think about, isn't there?" - -Just then a customer came in and Mr. Vollar moved forward to wait upon -him. The topic of conversation of course was what happened to Bob, and -although Sam listened eagerly, he didn't catch anything that could be of -use to him; for the clerk had resolved to use what he had learned about -the codicil to help him along with certain schemes he had suddenly laid -against Gus Layton. There might be something wrong with the -pearl-mine—perhaps there were not so many pearls scattered around there -as Hank had at first supposed—and if anything should happen to -disappoint his expectations, would it not be well to have that will -business to fall back upon? - -"By George! that has only just occurred to me, but it is two strings to -my bow," said Sam. "If one fails, the other will be sure to shoot -somewhere. Now I will go to dinner and see how it looks when I come -back." - -But Sam was not obliged to wait as long as that, for on his way he -overtook Gus Layton, who was just returning home after his visit to the -livery-stable. Gus had been there in the hope of obtaining the ponies to -take care of, but found that Bob had paid for them a month's board in -advance, and that the only way he could secure them was by going to Mr. -Gibbons for an order. Gus was in a very bad humor, and when Sam stepped -up and touched his hat to him he mentally wished him by Bob's side on -board the J. W. Smart. - -"How are you, Gus?" said Sam, with a cheerful attempt at familiarity. - -"How are you?" said Gus. - -"Oh, now, you needn't throw your head in that lofty manner," said Sam. -"You will see the day when you will be glad to speak to me. I know -something about the will that you would be glad to know. I know who -wrote the codicil." - -Gus stopped and stared at Sam. - -"Yes. That's a clause added to the will, so that, in a few words, it -doesn't make any difference how long the body of the instrument is, you -can undo everything that has been done. For example—" - -"I do not care to hear anything about it," interrupted Gus. "My father -is the man for you to see." - -"Well, I would just as soon see him as anybody, but as I thought I could -see you first, I had better speak to you before going to him. Now, Gus, -I know all about it—" - -"Go and see my father about it," returned Gus. "I have nothing whatever -to do with it." - -"Well, good-bye, if you call that going. But there is no need of his -knowing anything about it." - -"I tell you I have nothing to do with it." - -"All right. But when you speak to your father about it just remember -this: Mr. Gibbons is talking of bringing him before 'Squire Sprague to -answer some questions he shall ask him. I'll be there when he wants me, -and shall be ready to tell what I know about the codicil. Good-bye." - -Gus Layton was never more frightened than he was when he opened the iron -gate and started up the walk to see his father. He easily found his way -into the library, for the door was not locked. He discovered his father -pacing up and down the room. - -"Why, Augustus, where have you been?" he demanded. "I have sent all -around the house and grounds for you." - -"I told you I was going to go up and see about those ponies, did I not?" -replied Gus. "Well, Bob has got the advantage of us. He has paid a -month's board for them, and we can't get them. He wanted me to go to -that old skinflint, Mr. Gibbons, for an order, but I could not see it. -We haven't got quite so far down as that yet." - -"You did right and proper. We have no business to go to him for -anything," said his father. "But, Augustus, you look sort of worried -about something. Has anything happened to disturb you?" - -"Well, yes. While I was coming up here from the livery-stable," said -Gus, fixing his eyes upon his father, "Sam Houston came up and asked me -if I knew who wrote that codicil." - -"Who is Sam Houston, and what does he know about the codicil?" asked Mr. -Layton, leaning one arm upon the mantel-piece and rubbing his hands -together. His face grew a shade paler, and Gus was sure he was on the -right track. - -"He said you wrote it. And he said, further, that he could tell me -something about it that I wanted to know. I referred him to you." - -"That was all right. But what do you suppose he could have told you -about the will that I don't know?" - -"I don't know; but Mr. Gibbons can." - -"Mr. Gibbons?" - -"Yes; he is going to bring you before 'Squire Sprague. But, father, you -didn't touch that will, did you?" - -"What an idea! Do you suppose it would have been admitted to probate if -it hadn't been all right? Now, Gus, I am going to ask you to leave me -for a while. I have some business that needs attending to. I will call -you after a few minutes." - -Mr. Layton hardly waited for his son to take his leave when he threw -himself into a chair and covered his face with his hands. He remained -thus for a few minutes, and then got up and walked the floor. - -"Oh, I wrote it! I wrote it!" he cried out in agony. "I forged Captain -Nellis's name to it. What will become of me if it is found out?" - - - - - CHAPTER XXI. - SAM IS DISCHARGED. - - -"So far so good," said Sam Houston, as he finished his dinner at his -boarding-house and stood on the front steps picking his teeth. "Now, if -Gus speaks to his old man about the codicil, and the father wants to -know what I know about it, what shall I tell him? That, and what I am -going to tell Hank about that pearl, will require a little study. -However, it is all in a lifetime." - -Sam Houston went down to the store again, and shortly afterward the -proprietor went to his dinner. He was gone about an hour, and then Hank -Lufkin came into the store very soon after he did. Mr. Vollar was busy -at something behind the board partition and Sam stepped quickly forward -to wait upon him; but before he could lift a finger or utter a sound -Hank broke in with: - -"Now, Mr. Houston, what have you to tell me about that pearl? If Mr. -Vollar has paid me too much for it, it is only right that I should give -the money back. I'll do it just as soon as Bob comes." - -These words operated very differently upon the two men who heard them. -Sam's face grew as red as fire, and the jeweller stepped around the -board partition looking his astonishment. - -"What is that you had to say about that pearl, Hank?" he asked. - -The boy repeated the same request he had made of Sam, adding: - -"I gave the whole of my money into Bob's hands, and he has gone away and -left my funds in the bank so that I can't get them; but I will make it -all right as soon as he comes." - -"Who told you that I had given you too much?" asked the jeweller, -fastening his angry eyes upon Sam. - -"No one told me so, but I couldn't think what else you had to tell me -about it, and so I came to find out," said Hank, looking first at Sam -Houston and then at the jeweller. He could not imagine what had happened -to make the latter so angry at the clerk. - -"Well, Hank, you can go home again, and every time you think of that -pearl you can tell yourself that it is worth every cent of two hundred -dollars," said Mr. Vollar. "I knew what I was talking about when I gave -Bob Nellis the money." - -"I am glad to hear you say so," said Hank, who was greatly relieved. -"You are sure it is worth two hundred dollars?" - -"Not only that, but it is worth ten or fifteen dollars more. I shall -surely have that much to divide with you." - -"I don't know what Mr. Houston could have to tell me about it," began -Hank. - -"That's all right. He had nothing to tell you. You know the place where -you found the pearl, and if you are wise you will keep still about it. -Nobody has any right to find out where it is." - -"I'll keep still about it," said Hank with a laugh. "I don't know that I -can find others like it, but I can find out. Good-bye." - -Hank opened the door and went out, and the jeweller leaned on the -counter and looked at Sam. - -"What did you have to tell him about that pearl?" said he. - -"I was going to ask him where he got it," replied the clerk. - -"And then what did you intend to do?" continued Mr. Vollar. "You were -going to become a pearl-hunter, were you?" - -"Yes, I was. I think it is mighty queer that a boy who does nothing can -stumble onto a lot of money like that. I think I have as much right to -it as he has." - -"Well, if you want that berth you can give up the one you hold here in -the store," said the jeweller, straightening up and putting his hands -into his pockets. "You won't make a cent at it, I can tell you that -much. But I believe you will make as much as you do here." - -"Are you not satisfied with my work?" asked Sam. - -"No, I am not. You don't do half that you ought to." - -"Very well. Then I will leave the store." - -"All right. Make out your account, whatever it is, and I will pay you -off." - -This was all that passed between Mr. Vollar and his clerk, but it showed -that they were of the same opinion regarding Sam seeking another branch -of business. The proprietor was perfectly willing to let him go, and Sam -was willing to be released from the shackles he had worn for so long -without any promise of promotion. Once out of the store he was his own -master. He need not get up until he felt like it; and, besides, wasn't -there a pearl-mine all ready for him to work? It is true he didn't know -where that pearl-mine was, but—by George! Come to think of it, he still -had two strings to his bow. He would seek an interview with Joe Lufkin -before the sun set, tell him what Hank had discovered, and depend upon -getting it out of him. - -"That's my best hold," he muttered, as he took down the book and turned -to his account. "Of course he can't get the money out of the bank, for -Bob's got that shut up until he comes back, but he can demand to know -where that pearl-stream is. I tell you, that is worth thinking of." - -In a few minutes the clerk had his account made out and presented it to -Mr. Vollar with a receipt made out in full. It was a mighty small sum of -money that he had due him, not more than three dollars and a half, but -he was certain that by the time that was gone he would have a hundred -times that sum in his pocket. - -"There's your money, Sam," said the jeweller, picking up the receipt and -looking at it. "I should be much better satisfied if you were going to -leave me to go into some honorable business." - -"You are not satisfied with me, and so I quit," replied Sam. - -"That's all nonsense," replied Mr. Vollar, who felt some anxiety in -regard to his clerk. Sam had been with him so long that he hated to have -him go on such a wild-goose chase as pearl-hunting. "I know that you -never would have thought of going if you hadn't been here when Bob -Nellis came in." - -"I must say that it gave me a show," said Sam, who thought he might as -well tell the truth and be done with it. "I know I don't stand much -chance, but at the same time I may come to you with as much money as I -could earn here in six months. I needn't ask you to keep this still?" - -"No, indeed," said the jeweller, as if the very thought of such a thing -was foreign to him. "I ain't a-going to let anybody know that you left -me to go pearl-hunting. Good luck to you and good-bye." - -Sam Houston left the store feeling much as a school-boy does who has -been released from a long siege of study. He was a free man, and he -could go where he pleased, and it pleased him just then to turn his -steps toward Joe Lufkin's house. He thought he might as well make hay -while the sun shone; but suppose anything should happen so that he could -not get Joe to go in search of that mine? He would have to go after it -himself, and he almost dreaded the experiment. He knew that the streams, -as he remembered them, were all tangled up with brush and drift-wood, -and he lacked a pair of boots that would resist water and dirt; so what -would he do if he came to a body of water that had to be explored while -wading up to his knees? - -"I'll get Joe to do that," said Sam, as he came within sight of the -house. "Ah! There he is, sitting on the porch. Now, how am I going to -get him away from there?" - -Joe Lufkin was sitting in front of the door smoking his pipe. He looked -surprised and alarmed when he saw Sam approaching, pulled his pipe from -his mouth and partly got upon his feet, and when Sam touched his hat and -said "Good day, Mr. Lufkin," the man hardly knew what reply to make. He -hadn't expected to meet Sam up there, and he might know something about -that kidnapping scheme and came there to talk to him about it. - -"Howdy," said Joe. - -"Are you very busy just now?" said Sam, although he could see for -himself that Joe wasn't doing anything. "If you are not, come out here a -minute." - -"What do you reckon you want of me?" asked Joe. "You might as well tell -me here." - -"Come here to the gate so that I can speak to you," he added. "I declare -if the man hasn't been up to something," he said to himself. "I wonder -what it is?" - -Joe very reluctantly got upon his feet and came down the steps, but he -did not neglect each step of the way to cast his eyes up and down the -road to assure himself that Sam was alone. - -"You have been doing something, that's what's the matter with you," said -Sam. - -"Look a-here, Houston, I don't allow anybody to talk to me that a-way," -said Joe, growing angry. - -"I am not going to talk to you about that," Sam hastened to explain. "Is -Hank in the house?" - -"No; there ain't nobody here but me. What do you want?" - -"Do you know," added Sam, lowering his voice, "that Hank has discovered -a pearl worth two hundred dollars?" - -"Aw! Go on." - -"Don't talk so loud. He certainly has, and Bob brought it to Vollar to -say how much it was worth." - -"Be you telling me the exact truth?" said Joe, who did not know whether -to believe this strange story or not. - -"I am, and I got discharged from the store on the strength of it. He -gave the money to Bob, and Bob has gone off to sea, with nobody here to -get the money." - -"I'll get it," answered Joe, who grew mad in a minute that anybody -should try to conceal matters from him. "I'll go up and tell 'em it's -mine and I have got to have it. But how did you happen to find out all -about this?" - -"You can't get the money, for it is in Bob's name. I found out all about -it while listening in the store. I was making out some bills, and heard -every word that passed between my employer and Bob." - -"Then Bob didn't give him ten dollars to go fishing with him?" asked -Joe. - -"Not that I know of." - -"Then the little fool has been lying to me. He came home with two -basketfuls of truck he purchased at the store, and said he got the money -by agreeing to go fishing with Bob. Bob must have given him some of that -money to buy the grub with." - -"Of course he did. And I will tell you another thing: The reason why Bob -took the money and put it into the bank was so as to keep it from you. -Vollar says you would raise heaven and earth to get it all." - -"What right has Vollar to stick his fingers in this pie?" asked Joe, who -was about as mad as a fellow could well be. "Of course I'll raise things -fit to split if I don't get some of that money. You're sure you're -telling me the truth?" - -"I am not in the habit of lying to gain my points," said Sam, loftily, -"and I am ready to prove it to you by going in search of that stream at -once." - -"Not much I won't go in search of that stream," replied Joe, who had by -this time got so angry that he was walking up and down on the other side -of the fence. "I know a trick worth two of that. When Hank comes home -I'll just bounce him for that money." - -"You can't get it, I tell you," answered Sam. "Hank himself can't get -it, for it is not in the bank in his name. Or else," added Sam, a bright -idea striking him, "you might go to Gibbons and get some of it from -him." - -"What has Gibbons got to do with it?" - -"He is Bob's lawyer, you know. By telling him that your wife is ill—" - -"That wouldn't do at all. He would see her on the street every day." - -"Well, put yourself in some old clothes and go up there. Tell him that -you are mighty hard up for some raiment, and that you've got to have it. -I will bet that you could get some money out of him in that way." - -"The idea that that boy should earn so much money and then put it in the -bank and keep me from getting it! That's what beats me," said Joe, -pounding the top of the gate with his fist. "Why didn't he give it to me -in the first place? Here I need new shirts and a new pair of breeches, -and I hain't got no money to get them with. I tell you, that boy is -going to give me some of that money." - -"I tell you he can't do it," said Sam. "The funds are in the bank in Bob -Nellis's name, and Bob has got to get it. You had better try Hank or Mr. -Gibbons first." - -"Well, I'll think about it," said Joe. - -"That's all right. Now, Joe, since I have told you about this money you -must give some of it to me." - -"You?" ejaculated Joe. - -"Yes, me. You wouldn't have known anything about it if it hadn't been -for me." - -"How much do you want?" - -"I want half of what you get. That's nothing more than fair." - -"Well, I don't know but I will give you half. Now you had best run away, -for Hank and his mother will be along directly." - -Joe emphasized the order by turning about and going up the steps, and -Sam stood and looked at him as if he did not know whether to take him in -earnest or not. Finally he said: - -"You must remember and give me half, or I will stop it all on you. I'll -go to Hank and Gibbons and tell them that you want the money to spend." - -"You just wait till I get that money in my hands and I'll give you half. -You ought to have it, for I shouldn't have known a thing about it." - -"Then you think you won't go and look for that stream now?" said the -clerk, who was much disappointed in going back to the village as -empty-handed as he was when he came out. - -"No. I'll try Hank and Gibbons first." - -Joe went into the house and walked once or twice across the floor, and -when he looked out again Sam Houston was gone. Then he lighted his pipe -and sat down in his old, accustomed place. He took a few pulls before he -could bring his mind to bear upon the story he had heard. - -"_That_ for giving you half!" said Joe, snapping his fingers in the air. -"The money is mine, and if I get hold of any portion of it it will all -be mine. The idea that that boy should find a pearl worth two hundred -dollars and then go and hide it from me! I wish the boy wasn't so big; -I'd like to lick him!" - -Joe was so uneasy that he could not remain long in one position, and -after a little while he got up, went to the gate, and looked for Hank -and his mother. Joe did not know it, but the truth of the matter was -Mrs. Lufkin and her son had gone off for a walk on purpose to be out of -hearing of Mr. Lufkin. They wanted to exchange ideas in regard to Bob -Nellis's disappearance, and consequently they took a longer time for -their stroll than Joe approved of. After leaning over the gate for some -time Joe opened it and went out. - -"I don't know where they were going, but it seems to me that they are -taking a long time for it," said Joe, impatiently. "I can stay here and -starve, for all they would do to hurry up. I'm bound to have some of -that money." - -Before he had taken many steps down the road Joe saw the objects of his -search, and then for the first time he began to feel his courage -forsaking him. It was only the knowledge of the fact that Hank was not -yet of age that kept him up, and then he braced himself and walked -forward as though he had something on his mind. - -"See how father walks!" said Hank. "He has found out something, or I -shall miss my guess." - -And he was not long in finding out what it was. His father paid no -attention to their civil greetings, but placed himself by Hank's side. - -"Look a-here, son," said he, and when Joe addressed him in that way the -boy knew that something was coming, "what about that pearl that you -found the other day?" - -Hank was thunderstruck. His father knew all about it in spite of his -efforts to keep it from him. He couldn't say a word. - -"Because if you have found one, it isn't natural in you to hide it from -me," said Joe. "You see how I want new clothes, and you had oughter give -me some of the money. How much did you get for it?" - -"Two hundred dollars," said Hank, who had been allowed a little time to -recover his wits. - -"And how much have you used?" - -"Ten dollars." - -"And the rest is shut up in the bank where nobody but Bob Nellis can get -it?" - -"Yes, sir, that is just where it is. And Bob has gone off to sea and I -can't get it till he comes back." - -"I don't know what makes you think that Bob's coming back," said Joe, -uneasily. "If he can come back from sea his father will come, too." - -"That's what I look for," said Hank. "I expect to see Bob and his father -walking along these streets." - -"Mebbe he will, and mebbe he won't. But that's neither here nor there. -Now, Hank, I want you to give me some of the money." - -"I can't. Nobody can get it except Bob." - -"And does the law allow you to take any money you may find and give it -to another to take charge of for you?" - -"I don't know whether it does or not. I did it, anyhow." - -"Well, Hank," said Joe, with a sigh of resignation, "you have undone all -the good that I have done you for years. When you was a little fellow I -took care of you and sent you to school, and this is the way you repay -me. I hope that money will bring anything but blessings to you as often -as you touch it." - -So saying, Joe turned on his heel and walked away toward the village, -and Hank and his mother kept on toward home. When they reached the gate -they turned and looked after Joe. He was walking along with his head -down, and one would think he had lost the last friend he had upon earth. -They went into the house, and Hank sat down in his father's accustomed -place on the porch. - -"Well, mother, what do you think of it?" asked Hank. When his father -began to talk about what he had done for him the boy felt repentant, and -almost wished that he had the money in his pocket to give him. - -"You told the truth," said Mrs. Lufkin. "And you can see right where -your money would go if you were to surrender it." - -"But, mother, I have an idea in my head that he is going to work at -something else. Why didn't he rant and swear, and go on as he usually -does when he asks money of you?" - -"I looked to see him do it, but fortunately he did not." - -"And that's what makes me think he is up to something. I do not know -what it is, but I believe I will keep watch of him." - -With the words Hank jumped off the porch and followed down the road -after his father. In a few minutes he came within sight of him. There -was Joe Lufkin, walking along with his head up, and acting for all the -world like a man who was going somewhere on business. He had got out of -reach of his wife and son, and consequently was able to conduct himself -as he always did. There was nothing at all the matter with him. - -"I guess father is all right," said Hank, as he turned toward the house. -"He won't get any money in going down there, for everybody is on the -lookout for him. Now, I must get my nerve up against he comes back. He -may have something more decided to say then." - - - - - CHAPTER XXII. - THE TELEGRAM. - - -"Hank has got it!" said Joe Lufkin, as he took long strides toward the -village. "He didn't try to lie me out of it at all. When I told him that -he had a pearl worth two hundred dollars he was completely dumfounded. I -reckon he'll wonder how I found it out. He's got it, as sure as the -world! Now I'm going to try Gibbons. It can't be that a boy can give his -money into another's hands, as Hank has done with Bob, and so shut me -out of the whole of it. At any rate, that's a point I am going to have -settled." - -Joe was a rapid walker, and in due time he reached Mr. Gibbons's steps. -As he ascended them he drew on his long face again, and when he opened -the lawyer's door a stranger would have supposed that he had nothing to -live for. He found Mr. Gibbons there with his feet perched upon the -desk, and he had a legal document in his hand. - -"Howdy," said Joe, taking off his hat and making a profound bow. - -"Why, Joe, I haven't seen you for a long time," said the lawyer. "Sit -down. Did you come here to see me?" - -"I reckon I can't stop long," said Joe, sitting down in a chair and -whirling his hat in his hand. "I just want to tell you something." - -"Well, speak out. We are here alone." - -"Mr. Gibbons, that boy of mine has discovered a pearl worth two hundred -dollars," said Joe. - -"Well, I declare!" exclaimed the lawyer, opening his eyes. "He was -lucky, wasn't he?" - -"Yes, he was. Now what does this Hank do but give his money into Bob -Nellis's hands, and now Bob has gone to sea and he ain't here to give me -any money." - -"Are you sure he put it all into the bank in Bob's hands?" asked the -lawyer, who thought it was about as smart a trick as he ever heard of. -"Perhaps he's got some of it laid out somewhere." - -"No, he ain't, because if he had he'd 'a' told me. Now I want some of -that money, if I can get it." - -"Um! Well, what do you expect me to do about it?" - -"I want you to get some of it for me," said Joe, looking down at his -clothes. "You can see for yourself that I want a new shirt and a new -pair of breeches." - -"I don't see that you do," said the lawyer. "Your clothes are about as -good as mine. There isn't a hole in them." - -"Winter is coming on, and I want some thicker clothes than these to -wear. It wouldn't look well for me to go around wearing summer clothes, -for some of the boys might ask me what I had been doing all the season." - -The lawyer laughed loudly. It wouldn't be hard work to tell what Joe had -been doing all summer. He was right where he could borrow money of his -wife when he needed it. - -"Well, I want you to understand that I can't get any money for you," -said Mr. Gibbons. "You see, I didn't know anything about this pearl -until you told me just now, consequently I had no hand in putting the -money in the bank. You will have to go to the president and see what he -has got to say about it; though, to tell you the truth, it won't do you -any good." - -"Oh, the president is a worse man than you are," said Joe, in -consternation. "I wouldn't go to him." - -"That's the only thing you can do. You see, they don't know that the -money belongs to Hank any more than I do. It is there to Bob's credit, -and Bob is the only one who can get it. I don't see any other way for it -but for you to go to work." - -"I can't. The wound in my side bothers me so that I don't know what my -name is." - -"Well, then, there's the poor-house; you can go to that by getting a -commission—" - -"Poor-house! Not much I won't go there." - -"I think myself that you will be safer in trusting to your wife. They -are pretty strict in the poor-house." - -"You just bet your life that I ain't a-going there," said Joe, -confidently. "But can't I get none of this money?" - -"Not out of me, you can't." - -"Why, I thought, as Bob's lawyer, you would have something to do with -it." - -"Well, I can't help you there. When Bob comes home, which will be in the -course of a few months, then it will be easy for you—Halloo! What's the -matter?" - -"I don't see why you always stick to that," said Joe, impatiently. - -"Stick to what?" asked the lawyer, a dim suspicion being awakened in his -mind. - -"About Bob's coming back. He'll be miles under the sea before the time -comes for him to come back." - -"Why of course he's coming back," said the lawyer. "Haven't you heard -about his deserting at Cape Town? Well, he has, and he'll be at home as -quick as a clipper-ship can bring him. Don't go." - -"I must. If you can't get any of that money for me there's no use of my -staying here." - -"Come to think of it," replied the lawyer, "I wouldn't advise you to go -near the president. He might ask you what has become of Bob, you know." - -"Why, human natur'! I don't know what has become of Bob," returned Joe, -opening his eyes and trying hard to look surprised, but all he succeeded -in doing was to call guilt to his face plainly enough. - -"I know you don't; but you will remember that the J. W. Smart sailed -from this port the morning after Bob disappeared. You recall that, don't -you?" - -"Well, I must be going. I am sorry you can't give me any money." - -"So am I, but you see I can't do it. Keep away from the president; -that's all you have got to do." - -Joe closed the door and went out, and the lawyer resumed his old -position, with his feet upon the desk; but this time he did not have -that legal document in his hand. - -"That man has been up to something, and I know it," said Mr. Gibbons. -"The poor, foolish fellow don't know enough about geography to know that -Bob hasn't had time to reach Cape Town yet, being only one day at sea; -but, to my mind, he's had a hand in sending him off. Now, what's to be -done? Of course he must have got something for it, and I'll just watch -him and see about the money he spends. That will be rough on Hank, won't -it? Well, he knew he was running the risk of States prison when he tried -it, and I don't know that he has anybody to blame but himself." - -Joe Lufkin walked away from the lawyer's office like one in a dream. He -did not dare to lift his eyes to meet the gaze of anybody who passed him -on the streets, and consequently he did not see his son Hank, who, by -dodging around the nearest corner, hid himself in a doorway until his -father had passed out of sight. Then he came out and hurried toward Mr. -Gibbons's office, and he was pretty nearly out of breath when he got -there. The lawyer hadn't got done thinking about Joe when the door -opened to admit Hank. - -"Halloo, Hank!" exclaimed Mr. Gibbons. "I was just wondering what had -become of you." - -"Has father been here?" asked Hank. - -"Well, yes, he has been here." - -"What did he want of you? Did he ask you to draw some of that money for -him?" - -"Hank, that was about the sharpest trick you ever did," said Mr. -Gibbons, laughing outright. "Yes, he wanted me to draw some of it for -him; but I told him I couldn't do it. The money is all in Bob's hands, -and there it will have to remain until Bob comes back." - -"I am glad to hear you say that," said Hank, who was immensely relieved. -"You see, mother and I got to wondering how in the world he could have -found it out, and it occurred to me that, you being Bob's lawyer, he -would come to see you about it; so I came down. He can't get any of it, -can he?" - -"I don't know of any way in which he can. The authorities at the bank -don't know that you are in any way interested in that money. By the way, -how did you happen to find that pearl?" - -Hank explained in a few words, adding that Houston was in the store at -the time Bob called upon Mr. Vollar, and had heard all that passed -between them. - -"I believe that Houston is at the bottom of this," said Hank. "He told -me this morning, while I was going after you, that there was something -he wanted to tell me about this pearl, and when I came back I went to -see what it was. I supposed that Mr. Vollar had paid me more than the -pearl was worth, and I wanted to give it back; but I could see that the -jeweller was very angry at Houston." - -"Whew!" whistled Mr. Gibbons. "Hank, you are in a scrape all around." - -"That's what I think. I gave the money to Bob Nellis to put in the bank, -and no one but Leon Sprague and Ben Watson knew a thing about it; but -now I find that father's got hold of it." - -"Did you intend to go to that stream and gather some more pearls?" asked -the lawyer. - -"Yes. That's what I intended to do." - -"And nobody knows where it is?" - -"Not a living soul. I should have had things all my own way." - -"Well, Hank, you can rest easy. When you go home you can tell your -mother that your father can't get the money, that you are the only one -who knows where that stream is, and that I hope you will gather pearls -enough to make you as rich as Captain Nellis was. You said that the -money will have to remain in Bob's hands till he comes back. When do you -expect him?" - -"It may be months, for it takes a sailing vessel a long time to go -anywhere, but he's coming," replied Hank, as if he felt that to-morrow -would be the time when he could take Bob by the hand. "And I shouldn't -be surprised if he had his father with him." - -"That's just what I think," replied the lawyer, as Hank arose to his -feet. "But I don't see how he is going to find his father aboard another -vessel." - -"Stranger things than that have happened in the world," replied Hank. -"The Pacific Ocean is mighty big, and there's a heap of islands -scattered around through it, but somehow I am certain that they are -going to come back. Now, you just see what sort of a prophet I am." - -"I hope your prediction will turn out true," muttered the lawyer as Hank -closed the door and hastened down stairs. "But won't they raise things -if they do come back? Joe Lufkin, it's my opinion that you will have to -dig out." - -Hank went away from Mr. Gibbons's office feeling very unlike his father, -who went away from there but a short time before. It is true that he was -at his rope's end. He would begin now, just where he was before he found -that pearl to give into Bob's hands, but he didn't care for that. He had -always made a living, and as long as he kept his health he trusted to be -able to do so. - -"Mother will have to go to work again, and that's what I am troubled -about. But there is one thing, father isn't going to get the money," -said Hank, as he trudged along. "I've got my nerve up, and I am going to -wait and see what he will have to say to me when I get back." - -But that was one thing he need not have troubled his head about. His -father sat in his accustomed place, pipe a-going, but he was so deeply -interested in other matters that he never moved out of the way when Hank -entered the house. The question that occupied the whole of his mind was, -How much did Mr. Gibbons know about him? Did he know he had knocked Bob -down and sent him off to sea? He did not know where Cape Town was. - -"Hank," said he, arousing himself by an effort, "whereabouts in the -world is Cape Town?" - -"It is a long way from here—as much as three or four thousand miles, -probably." - -"Oh, pshaw! Then that old Gibbons has been fooling me," he added -mentally. Then aloud he said: "Then Bob will have plenty of time to fall -overboard before he reaches there." - -"Why, of course he will. But Bob isn't the kind to fall overboard. He's -coming back as sure as you live." - -"That's neither here nor there. Mebbe he'll come back, and mebbe he -won't," said Joe to himself. "But there is one thing about it: Houston -isn't going to get half the pearls I make. Where is that stream you -found the pearls on, Hank?" - -"It is up the country a piece, and I am going to keep it to myself." - -Joe went on with his smoking, but to himself he added: - -"I'll bet that about the time you get there looking for more pearls I -will be close at your heels. You needn't think that because you have -money I am going to have none. So Bob hasn't got to Cape Town yet. Then -I can rest easy on what money I have got." - -Joe didn't go to bed at all that night, but lay on the lounge, as he had -done the night before. Hank was up before the sun, but this time he -didn't have anything to say to his father about being sick. He ate his -breakfast without saying much, and then put off, nobody knew where, and -Hank was left to talk to his mother. - -"Now, you have got to begin your washing again," said he. "That's what -worries me." - -"Never mind," said his mother. "You think that Bob will come back some -time, and then the money will be of just as much use to us as though we -had it now." - -"If I could just find one more pearl I would be satisfied," replied -Hank. "But I am almost afraid there isn't any more. Here's that Houston. -Mother, I know he is the man that told father of it. He is the only one -who overheard what Mr. Vollar said to Bob." And with the words he -appeared at the door to hear what Houston had to say, for the man leaned -upon the gate as if he was afraid to venture in. - -"Good-morning," said Sam. "Is Mr. Lufkin about?" - -"No, sir. He went away bright and early this morning, and nobody knows -where he has gone." - -Mr. Houston seemed surprised to hear it. He looked up and down the -street, and finally moved away without saying another word. It was -evident that he would have to hunt for the pearl-mine himself, for the -sum he had received from Mr. Vollar wasn't going to last him always. He -started back toward the village, and ran onto Joe Lufkin almost before -he knew it. He seized Joe by the lapel of his coat and pulled him into a -doorway out of sight. He knew that people would think it strange of him -to be seen talking to such a man. - -"Look here, Joe, what made you go off and leave me so suddenly this -morning?" said Sam. "Have you been to see Gibbons about that money?" - -"Yes, I have; and I won't go there again, I bet you. He talked to me as -though I knew where Bob Nellis was. And he can't give me any money, -either." - -"What did I tell you? Now, the next best thing you can do is to call -upon the president of the bank." - -"And I won't go there, either. He says if I can't get along any other -way I can go to the poor-house." - -"Well, then, that thing is up stump, and there's nothing left but for -you and me to go and hunt up that pearl-stream. I'll start with you now, -if you want to." - -"I ain't a-going to hunt up any pearl streams," returned Joe. "I was up -to a stream this morning before you was up, and I couldn't see no signs -of any pearls. You can go and hunt them up if you have a mind to, but -I'll stay right here." - -"Going to give it up, are you?" said Sam, in great disgust. "You had -rather be here, dependent on your wife, than to go and hunt up some more -for yourself." - -"I know what I am doing, and if you don't just like my style you can go -elsewhere," returned Joe, defiantly. "All the pearls you get up there -you can stick in your eye." - -Joe turned about and left him in the doorway, and Sam, after gazing at -him a moment or two, turned and went, too, but in a different direction. -There was nothing left for him now but to examine the streams for -himself, and this he determined to do before he had eaten another meal -at his boarding-house. He went, and in less than half an hour after he -reached the first stream he wished that he was safe back in Mr. -Vollar's. Of all the cluttered-up streams that he ever saw that was the -worst. There was no beach at all upon which he could prosecute his -search, but every foot of the way seemed obstructed by logs and -drift-wood. But Sam was persevering, and when night came he was ten -miles from home and as hungry as a wolf. - -"Hank never found any pearls in this stream," said Sam, as he worked his -way through the brush toward the road. "It must have been on some other -one. Never mind. There's more than one day coming, and I'll find that -stream yet. I am glad it is dark," he muttered, looking down at his -shoes and clothes, "for I should be ashamed to be seen going about the -streets in this way. I wouldn't feel so bad if I knew I had a stone -worth two hundred dollars in my pocket." - -To make a long story short, Sam Houston worked two weeks in this way, -and never once found a pearl or the sight of one. His land-lady looked -surprised when he came home with his clothes all spattered with mud, and -a little more surprised when his week's board became due and he said not -a word about paying it. In the meantime his shoes were giving out—he had -but one pair—and he did not know where he was going to get any more. He -was getting pretty near desperate, and he even thought of running away; -but he soon concluded that that wouldn't do, for where was he going to -run to? The small sum he received from the jeweller had been spent long -ago, and it didn't do him any good, for it all went for cigars. Finally, -after passing an almost sleepless night upon his bed, he got up at -daylight and went down to the store, and there he found Mr. Vollar in -the act of sweeping out. The latter had not seen him for some time, and -he was astonished at his appearance. - -"Halloo, Sam!" he exclaimed, as soon as he had somewhat recovered -himself. "How goes the pearl business?" - -"I want you to take me back," said Sam, almost ready to cry. "The pearl -business don't go at all. I don't believe there is any such thing out -there." - -"Give it up as a bad job, have you? Well, Sam, I have been expecting -this—you see I haven't got anybody to take your place—and I will take -you back on one condition: That you will mind your own business in -future." - -"I'll do it," said Sam. "Nobody shall ever have occasion to complain of -me from this time on." - -"I will advance you enough to pay your board and furnish you with new -clothes, and you can go right along here as though you had been on a -vacation. But mind you, Sam, no dipping into my business." - -And so it was settled that Sam got a new outfit, and when he went home -to breakfast that morning he was dressed in a new suit of clothes and -paid his landlady the two weeks' board that was due her. She never knew -that anything was wrong, for Mr. Vollar had solemnly kept his promise. - -"I am all right," said Sam, as he hung his hat up on its old nail and -gazed after his employer, who had just gone out to his meal. "I don't -care if some one finds a gold-mine up there, Sam Houston will have no -hand in looking for it. I'll stay right here and take my six dollars a -week. I hope that everybody will come out as slick as I did—all except -Joe Lufkin. I shall always think hard of him." - -Those two weeks that Sam Houston had devoted to finding the pearls were -enough to bring everybody back to their old, legitimate way of living; -and so it run along for the nine months that Bob was absent from -Clifton. No one heard a word from him, and almost everybody thought he -was dead—all except Mr. Gibbons and Hank. They believed that he would -come back. The lawyer kept close watch of Joe to see how much money he -spent, but Joe was very sly about it. If Joe wanted a shirt or some -tobacco, he took from his buried bundle just the sum he wanted, and no -more, and Mr. Gibbons supposed he was drawing on his wife. Leon Sprague -went to school and completed his course there, and went to college; but -it was a very different school from what it was when Bob was there. All -the boys had heard what had become of Bob, and wondered if they were -ever going to see him again. Gus Layton did not go back to the academy, -for the "benefit" the boys had given him the last afternoon he passed -there still rung in his ears. He stayed at home with his father, and as -he had no one to associate with, the life he led there was monotonous in -the extreme. He kept away from Sam Houston, for he didn't want to hear -anything more about that codicil. His father had told him that he had -not touched the will, and that was all Gus cared to know about it. Mr. -Layton bought him a pair of high-stepping horses, which were far ahead -of the ponies he had lost, but no one seemed to care a cent for him when -he went out riding. Mr. Jones had kindly offered to keep the ponies for -a year, Mr. Gibbons paying their board in the meantime, and if, at the -end of that time, Bob did not make his appearance, then something else -was to be done with them. Hank Lufkin was in a hard row of stumps, -indeed; but then it was no worse than he had been in before. After a -while he renewed his efforts to find more pearls, but at last he was -impelled to give it up. Not a single pearl did he find. Mr. Vollar -called him into the store and divided fifty dollars with him, and Hank -put that where he knew it would be safe. - -Things went on in this way until one bright spring morning there came a -telegram to Mr. Curtis, the president of the bank. It was from San -Francisco, and read as follows: - -"I will be with you next week. That codicil is a fraud. Don't let Luther -Layton have any more money on my account. Let him and Joseph Lufkin know -about it, but don't attempt to arrest them if they try to leave the -village." - -Mr. Curtis was wild with excitement. He sent at once for his cashier, -and showed him the telegram. - -"I really wish they had been more explicit," said he. "It is signed by -Robert Nellis, but it doesn't say whether he's the old man or the boy. -At any rate, you will let Luther Layton have no more funds. He will be -down here some time to-day, for he wants money to pay his hands with, -and you tell him that I want to see him." - -Gus Layton came just before the hour of closing up, and presented a -check for one hundred dollars. The cashier looked at it a moment, and -then remarked that Mr. Curtis wanted to see his father. - -"He is sick," answered Gus. "He has not been out of the house for -several weeks." - -"Well, I guess you will do. Step back in his private room. He will have -something to say to you before I cash this check." - -Lost in wonder, Gas turned toward the room in which the president was -occupied, and when he came out again he looked very unlike the boy who -had gone in there a few moments before. He felt faint. The president had -shown him the telegram, and, furthermore, it spoke about not arresting -his father if he attempted to leave the village. That proved that his -father had been guilty of a violation of the law. Hardly knowing what he -did, he made his way home, blundered into the library, where his father -was, and threw himself into the nearest chair. - -"There's your check, father," said Gus, "and you can't have any more -money. A telegram has come from San Francisco this morning, and it says -the will is a fraud. You may not have touched the will, but you touched -the codicil." - -Mr. Layton settled back in his chair and covered his face with his -hands. It was all out on him now. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIII. - CONCLUSION. - - -Never was there greater consternation exhibited by a lot of mutineers -than was shown by the seven men on board the Boston when Captain Nellis -set his foot upon the quarter-deck. He hadn't waited to receive any -greeting at all from the men who had released him, but pushing them -roughly aside sprang up the stairs that led to the place where he could -breathe the air of freedom. But when he got to the deck he stopped. He -gazed about him with an irresolute air, and then seeing Bob, who had -worked his way around him to get an opportunity to look in his face, he -stretched out his hands toward him; but before he could utter a sound he -reeled and fell senseless to the deck. Bob jumped to his rescue at once, -raised his head and placed it upon his knee, while the tears he could -not repress coursed down his cheeks. - -"What's to be done now?" he asked, looking up in the second mate's face. - -"I don't know the first thing about navigation here," replied the -officer. "Can you take the vessel out?" - -"No, I cannot," replied Bob. "I never was at sea before in my life." - -"Then we've got to wait for the captain; that's all there is about it. -Catch hold of him, Ben, and we'll take him down and put him in his -bunk." - -Only those who have engaged in mutiny on board a ship can tell what the -feelings of those men were as they stood there on deck and saw the man -on whom they had depended to navigate the vessel carried below. The -captain knew that something had been going on, for he and his first -officer were standing up in their boats looking at the ship. She hadn't -yet slipped her anchor, but she was all ready to do it when Captain -Nellis came up to take command. When the captain had been laid away in -his bunk the second mate came on deck again and took his stand by the -rail. - -"Don't look so despondent over it," said he, addressing himself to the -mutineers. "There are seven men of us, and we can make a lively fight if -he forces it upon us. I will do the talking." - -By this time it became evident that the captain was coming back. He came -up in a few minutes, and the second mate and Ben passed the man-ropes -down to him so that he could easily climb aboard. - -"What's the meaning of all this?" he asked, gazing around him with -flashing eyes. "Have you been trying to get up a mutiny?" - -"It means, sir, that we have had Captain Nellis out of his state-room -and had him up here to command the vessel; but he is as crazy as a -loon," said the second mate. "This here young man is a son of his." - -"This young man here?" said the captain, with a start of surprise. "Turn -to, all hands, and run up the boats. Bob, if you will go below and -attend to your father, I will be down there and explain everything. Now, -where do you want me to go?" - -"To San Francisco," said Bob. "That's the nearest port there is around -here, and I know if I could once get him there he would be taken care -of." - -"All right. Now, men, as soon as we get the ship under way I will make -everything clear to you. Turn to and do your duty." - -Bob was dumfounded with this captain's way of dealing with a mutiny. It -was all over in two minutes. The men turned to with alacrity, and Bob, -seeing them all at work, bent his steps to the cabin to wait upon his -father. But he found that there was little waiting to be done. Captain -Nellis lay upon his bunk in a deep stupor, and his face was so pale and -his breath came at such long intervals that Bob began to think him past -such medicines as he had at hand. The only thing he could do was to get -the captain's pitcher of water and bathe his face with it. For a long -time he kept water upon his face, and then the captain stirred in his -stupor, opened his eyes, and looked at Bob. - -"It's all right, Bob," said he, and the boy could hardly repress a cry -of joy when he heard himself addressed in these familiar words. "This -ship is still on an even keel." - -"Oh, father, have you come back to me?" asked Bob, and he was so nearly -overcome that it was all he could do to keep from laying his head beside -his father's and going off in a burst of tears. - -"Eh?" said the captain. - -"Oh, yes, this ship will take you where you want to go," said Bob. He -did not dare to say any more, for fear that he would say too much. - -"Well, you are here now and I will go to sleep," said the captain. "Be -sure and waken me up when we touch Clifton." - -So saying the captain turned over, and he put as much strength into the -manœuver as a well man could, and composed himself to sleep. Bob was -electrified. He did not know what to do about it. He wished that Ben -Watson would come down, so that he could tell him that his father had -come to in his right mind and that he had spoken to him, but while he -was thinking about it the captain came down. - -"Bob, this is the first time I have met you, and I am glad to see you -here," said the officer, extending his hand. "You look better. Has -something happened?" - -"Yes, sir," said Bob, joyfully. "My father has come to and has spoken my -name." - -"That's what I thought he would do," said the captain, and his joy was -almost as boundless as Bob's. "He hasn't slept any to speak of since he -has been aboard the ship." - -"Now, I want to know what made you bring him away out here when you knew -he was crazy," said Bob. "You picked him up ten miles out at sea." - -The captain's story was a short one, and he told it in a way that -convinced Bob of its truthfulness. When he picked Captain Nellis up at -sea he didn't know that he was the owner of the ship in which he sailed. -The storm was so great that for three or four days he had to be on deck -most of the time, and the captain, being insensible when brought aboard, -was put into a bunk in the forecastle. When the storm began to abate -some of the forecastle hands began telling him what the castaway said, -and then he went down and looked at him. - -"I never was more surprised in my life than I was when I found that I -had Captain Nellis aboard," said the captain. "Of course, I had him -carried back to my state-room, but I was too far gone on my voyage to -take him back. I thought I would put him off at the Azores, and write -somebody at home where they could find him; but when I came up there I -found that they had no place for him." - -The captain then went on to say that he was put to his wits' end to know -what to do with the man, for he began to grow unruly and to talk about -coming on deck to take charge of the vessel, so he had to confine him in -a state-room. He next decided upon an asylum at Cape Town, but when he -got there he found that the insane patients were so meanly treated that -he couldn't bear the thought of leaving him there alone, and so he took -him to sea again, hoping that the fresh air and some medicine which he -had received from a doctor at Cape Town would do for him what the asylum -might do if had been allowed to remain there. But nothing seemed to -benefit the captain. - -"Your men knew that you had him on board?" said Bob. - -"Yes, and they thought I was to blame for all of it. The threats have -come to my ears that if I didn't let him out they would take the ship. -But mercy knows I was doing the best I could for him. I intended as soon -as I got my cargo here to put for home. I was afraid the crazy man might -die on my hands. Now you have my story. The men are not entirely -satisfied with it, and you will help me and make the voyage smoother if -you go amongst them." - -"I will do it," said Bob. "You are certain you do not intend to take any -revenge on them for their mutiny?" - -"Oh, no. I saw through it all, and I knew that the thing could be easily -settled. Perhaps you had better speak to them about that. The mutineers -are gaining others as fast as they can talk to them." - -"I would like to have Ben Watson sent down here to relieve me," said -Bob. "Somebody ought to be with father the whole time." - -The captain replied that he would go himself. He got upon his feet and -went on deck, and in a few minutes old Ben came down. He was very much -distressed for his captain, and he wanted to have a good look at him -before he said a word to Bob. - -"He came to himself, and pronounced my name all right," said Bob. "You -must be careful what you say to him when he awakes. He thinks he is a -few miles from Clifton." - -"Say," said Ben, who was overjoyed to hear this; "you didn't think you -would see your father this trip, did you?" - -"No, nor you didn't think so, either. You made that up just to have -something to say. But, Ben, how do the men feel in regard to the -mutiny?" - -"Well, we have brought all of them to our way of thinking," replied Ben. -"They say that if the captain doesn't take the ship to San Francisco -they will take it themselves, and put the first mate in command." - -"That will never do. I must go up and talk to them. There is not one -captain in a hundred who would deal with a mutiny in the way this -captain did. He would have shot some of us down and had the rest in -double-irons." - -Bob took just one look at his father and then went on deck and mingled -with the men. As fast as he could get three or four around him he talked -to them, and the consequence was that in less than half an hour he -brought all the sailors to side with him. They believed that the ship -was going to San Francisco, and with that they were satisfied. - -Things went on in this way for thirty-six hours, and still the captain -slept. Bob was attending to him when the captain awoke. He did not know -it at once, for his gaze was fastened upon another part of the cabin; -but when he turned to look at his father his eyes were opened, and a -smile of intelligence overspread his face. The long, refreshing sleep he -had enjoyed, together with the medicine the doctor at Cape Town had -given him, worked wonders in his case. - -"Bob, how are you?" asked the captain, and his hand came out; but it was -pale and emaciated, and it shook considerably. - -"Oh, father!" exclaimed Bob, with tears of gratitude in his eyes. "You -have come to yourself all right, haven't you?" - -"Oh, yes, I am all right," said the captain. "But it is a wonder that -storm was not the death of me. How far are we away from Clifton?" - -"We are quite a little distance from there yet," said Bob. "Now, father, -you mustn't talk any more. You may keep still and think all you have a -mind to." - -"I know, but that does not hit my case," said the captain, with a smile. -"I seem to think that something has been going on here—something which -feels to me like a dream. I think that I am in foreign parts, and that I -have got a long ways to sail in order to get home." - -"That's the result of that storm you were out in. But you mustn't think -anything more about it. I am here with you, and you are perfectly safe." - -"Oh, I know I am safe. But what ship is this?" - -"It is the Boston." - -"And Captain Morris is in command? That's all right. Go and tell the -captain I want to see him." - -Bob knew by the way the words were uttered that it was intended for a -command, and he lost no time in going on deck. He found the captain -planking the weather side, keeping a sharp eye on the sails, and to him -Bob carried his news with a face that was beaming with pleasure. He told -him that Captain Nellis believed he was in foreign parts, and that he -had a long distance to sail before he could reach home, and cautioned -the captain to be careful what he said. Captain Morris went down and -held a long interview with the owner of the vessel, but Bob thought, -from the expression of his eyes, that he was suspicious. However, he -said nothing until afternoon, when Bob lay down to sleep and old Ben -Watson came in to wait on him. Then he straightened up in his bed and -told Ben to shut the door. - -"I don't mean the door of this state-room, for that has been of but -little use since you fellows used an axe on it to get me out," said the -captain. "I want you to shut the door of the cabin, so that our voices -will not be heard by those on deck." - -"But, Captain," began Ben. - -"Shut the door!" said Mr. Nellis. "Now," he added, when Ben reluctantly -complied, "I want you to go to work and tell me everything that has -happened since I came aboard this ship. You are not like Bob, who thinks -I can't stand it. Go on, now." - -Ben, who didn't know how to refuse an order, drew a long breath, and -began and told the captain everything that had transpired since that -memorable day when he went out duck-hunting in his boat. He told him -that he was picked up ten miles out at sea, that he was insensible when -he was brought aboard, and that he had been out of his head all that -time since. Then he came to Bob Nellis's going home, and told how Mr. -Layton had informed him that a codicil had been added to his father's -will which left him his ponies and sailboat; and when he got that far -Captain Nellis doubled his fist up and his face expressed the utmost -anger. - -"My will had no codicil!" said he. "Layton made it up himself. The only -time that I can think of when Layton could have made up that clause to -my will was when he found that this ship had picked me up and carried me -out to sea. Then he went to my room, got the will, and added the -codicil. Oh, the ingratitude of man! And so he took it all, did he? I -should think, from the way I treated that boy of his, that he might have -been a little easier on Bob. Well, go on." - -"I think, Capt'n," began Ben, who judged that he had said enough, "that -we had better quit. Bob will tell you the rest." - -"Go on!" said the captain. "There's more happened after that. How did -you and Bob come here? That boy promised me that he wouldn't go to sea, -no matter what happened." - -Ben didn't have so much compunction of conscience in going on with the -rest of his story. He told how Joe Lufkin had knocked him down and taken -him on board the J. W. Smart; and the worst of it was, he didn't mention -Barlow's name at all. He laid it all to Joe. When the next morning came -and he woke up with a splitting headache, he was surprised to find Bob -there also. They had deserted the Smart on some island, and had there -found an English trader, with a crew of Malays; but the drunken captain -forgot himself and brought on a mutiny, and Bob and the darky and -himself had been put into a small boat and happened by chance to run -onto the island where the Boston was moored. - -"Yes, I remember that, and it was the first glimpse of reason I had," -said Captain Nellis. "Ben, I am surprised at you. You stand still and -let a man like Joe Lufkin knock you down!" - -"The matter ain't settled yet," said Ben, baring his brawny arms. "You -just wait until I get Joe ashore, and see if I don't pound the daylights -out of him!" - -"That may all be, but I don't think you will catch him ashore. Now, Ben, -bring me my clothes." - -"Oh, what will Bob say to me?" faltered Ben, amazed at the proposition. -"He is going to kill me now for telling you this story." - -"Bob won't say anything while I am around. Bring me my clothes." - -Ben brought the clothes, and with sundry protests proceeded to help his -captain dress. He watched him while he washed his hands and face and -brushed his hair, and when his toilet was completed he felt a thrill of -pride when he looked at him. It was his old commander, sure enough. - -"Now, Ben, I want you to go ahead of me with a chair and place it where -I can see everything that is going on," said the captain. "I haven't -forgotten that I used to command this vessel once myself." - -Great was the astonishment on the deck of the Boston when Captain Nellis -appeared. He shook hands with all the officers, and finally turned to -Sweet, whom he greeted cordially. - -"Captain, I don't want to interfere with your business at all—I am not -here for that purpose; but don't you think you can get studding-sails on -her and make her go through the water a little livelier?" said Captain -Nellis. "There's a heap of money depending on this." - -The captain gave the order, and in an instant the men were at work, and -the captain sat there and watched them, as he had done when he had -charge of the ship. The invigorating air brought the flush of health to -his cheeks, and it was not very long before he left his chair and began -pacing the deck with Captain Morris. He stayed there until Bob had his -sleep out and came upon deck. To say he was surprised would not half -express his feelings; but he ordered the captain down below after he had -been there awhile, and his father was ready to comply with his demands. -After that the captain was on deck nearly every day, and at last, to his -immense relief, the headlights of the entrance of the Golden Gate -appeared in sight. It was two days before they came to anchor, and then -Bob posted off with that telegram which was to create such an uproar in -the village. - -The next day his father went ashore to visit some of the merchants with -whom he had done business, for it will be remembered that he had no -money. The merchants were all very glad to see him, listened with -amazement when he told his story, and freely offered the funds he needed -to take him home. They offered to take him as a guest, for Captain -Nellis had been pretty well known when he did business on the water; but -he remembered how long he had been absent from home, and said that his -affairs demanded his attention immediately; so the next train that -steamed away from San Francisco took Bob and his father with it. Ben -Watson went, too; nor must we forget the sailor, Sweet, and the old -"doctor," who brought him his food when he was confined in his -state-room. - -"I don't know what has become of my cook," said Captain Nellis. "He has -probably gone to sea, as I wasn't there to look out for him, and I may -never set eyes on him again; but I shall want some skouse and dough-boy, -and I don't know anybody who can fix them up better than the doctor. I -guess I had better take him with me." - -The journey to Baltimore was made without trouble, and then they boarded -the little steamer Abbie, which was to land them at the watering-place. - -"There is Mr. Gibbons, Mr. Jones, Mr. Curtis, the president of the -bank—in fact, everybody is there to welcome us," said Bob, as he stood -regarding the crowd on the wharf through his father's binoculars. "But -who is that fellow in a blue uniform? I don't know him, but he must know -some of us, for he is constantly waving his handkerchief." - -Bob gave his binoculars up to Ben Watson, ran down the stairs, and took -his stand beside the men who were getting ready to shove the gang-plank -out. As soon as he saw that he could clear the space that intervened -between the boat and the dock he gave a tremendous jump, and landed -fairly in the arms of Mr. Gibbons. He spent a few minutes in talking to -him, and then turned to the boy in blue, whom he found out to be Hank -Lufkin. - -"Why, Hank, how is this?" said he, setting down the boy after he had -picked him up and whirled him around two or three times. "You must have -been having luck since I have been away." - -Hank made some reply—we shall tell all about it in the concluding volume -of this series—and then conducted Bob to the place where lay a ten ton -cutter, which he said belonged to him. Bob was astonished, but he and -his party got in and rode home with Hank. He was still more amazed at -some other things Hank had to tell him. Mr. Layton and all their other -enemies had disappeared, and they had nothing to do but to enjoy -themselves in the old way. They were glad to get home. - -Joe Lufkin's piratical scheme was not dead yet; but before we tell about -it we must interrupt the thread of our story long enough to tell about -Leon Sprague's war record. Although he was only twenty-two years old he -had passed through some rough times. It made him and his father rich, -too; and what he did during the war, and how he came out of it, shall be -told in A REBELLION IN DIXIE. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - 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. 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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/license - - -Title: A Sailor in Spite of Himself - -Author: Harry Castlemon - -Release Date: May 18, 2017 [EBook #54741] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A SAILOR IN SPITE OF HIMSELF *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, readbueno 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='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/cover.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_i'>i</span> -<img src='images/i_001.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>SHANGHAIED.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_ii'>ii</span> - <h1 class='c000'><span class='sc'>A Sailor<br />in Spite of Himself</span></h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div>BY</div> - <div>HARRY CASTLEMON</div> - <div class='c001'><span class='small'>AUTHOR OF "THE GUNBOAT SERIES," "THE ROD AND GUN SERIES,"</span></div> - <div><span class='small'>"THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES," ETC.</span></div> - <div class='c001'>PHILADELPHIA</div> - <div>HENRY T. COATES & CO.</div> - <div>1898</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_iii'>iii</span><span class='sc'>Copyright, 1897, by</span></div> - <div><span class='sc'>HENRY T. COATES & CO.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_iv'>iv</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CONTENTS</h2> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='15%' /> -<col width='71%' /> -<col width='12%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>CHAPTER</td> - <td class='c005'> </td> - <td class='c006'>PAGE</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>I.</td> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>Simpson Tells a Secret</span>,</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_1'>1</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>II.</td> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>Johnny is Disgusted</span>,</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_15'>15</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>III.</td> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>Scotty's Plan and How it Ended</span>,</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_28'>28</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>IV.</td> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>Gus Has a Benefit</span>,</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_41'>41</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>V.</td> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>Father and Son</span>,</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_55'>55</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>VI.</td> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>Bob at Home</span>,</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_68'>68</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>VII.</td> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>Ben Surprises Everybody</span>,</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_85'>85</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>VIII.</td> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>Bob Gets Some Money</span>,</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_105'>105</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>IX.</td> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>Bob Calls on a Lawyer</span>,</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_123'>123</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>X.</td> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>A Two-Hundred-Dollar Pearl</span>,</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_141'>141</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>XI.</td> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>Leon's War Record</span>,</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_162'>162</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>XII.</td> - <td class='c005'>"<span class='sc'>Ben Watson Dreamed it All</span>,"</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_181'>181</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>XIII.</td> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>One Disposed Of</span>,</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_200'>200</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>XIV.</td> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>Joe Successful Again</span>,</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_220'>220</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>XV.</td> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>Gus Hears the News</span>,</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_242'>242</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='pageno' id='Page_v'>v</span>XVI.</td> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>A Sailor in Spite of Himself</span>,</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_265'>265</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>XVII.</td> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>The Deserters</span>,</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_280'>280</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>XVIII.</td> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>A Mutiny</span>,</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_299'>299</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>XIX.</td> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>A Familiar Face</span>,</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_317'>317</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>XX.</td> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>Who Wrote the Codicil</span>?</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_334'>334</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>XXI.</td> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>Sam is Discharged</span>,</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_354'>354</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>XXII.</td> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>The Telegram</span>,</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_373'>373</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>XXIII.</td> - <td class='c005'><span class='sc'>Conclusion</span>,</td> - <td class='c006'><a href='#Page_396'>396</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_1'>1</span> - <h2 class='c003'>A SAILOR IN SPITE OF<br />HIMSELF.</h2> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER I.<br />SIMPSON TELLS A SECRET.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c007'>"Halloo, Blues! What are you doing -out here?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What are you Whites doing out here?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"We came out to see you beaten."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You did? Then we would advise you to -pull ashore immediately, for that is something -you will not see this day."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Won't we, indeed? You'll soon tell a -different tale. In less than an hour you will -pull off those blue rosettes and throw them -overboard."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"On the contrary, in less than an hour the -boys who wear those blue rosettes will be -cheering the champions of the State."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_2'>2</span>"Ha! Tell that to the marines. Perhaps -they will believe it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>This conversation took place between the -occupants of two little sailboats, the Sunbeam -and the Firefly, which had been thrown up into -the wind and now lay almost motionless side by -side, while the boys who made up their passengers -and crews lounged on the thwarts, fanning -their flushed faces with their hats, and ever and -anon turning their eyes toward the shore in -an eager, expectant manner, as if they were -waiting for something.</p> - -<p class='c008'>From the positions in which the little vessels -lay, their crews had a good view of the -bay for ten miles on every side, and the sight -presented to their gaze was one worth going -a long way to see. The water was dotted -with small craft of every description—tugs, -skiffs, single-oared shells and sailboats, the -latter all flying the colors of the Lone Star -Yacht Club, and the shore in front of the -academy was lined with carriages and people. -It was a gala day in Elmwood, and almost -every man, woman and child for miles around -had come in to witness an event that had been -<span class='pageno' id='Page_3'>3</span>the topic of conversation for weeks—a race -between two of the best boat clubs in the -State.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Elmwood was situated on an extensive bay -which indented the coast of one of our Southern -States. It was a wealthy and thriving -place, and in spite of the fact that the war -was only just over, it boasted of as fine an -academy as could be found anywhere. There -were two hundred students and more on the -rolls, and although you could have picked out -from the number any number of lazy, mischievous -boys—such fellows intrude themselves -everywhere—you could not have found -one who did not love the school and all its -surroundings. It was no wonder that the institution -stood high in the estimation of both -scholars and patrons, for the faculty were -men who believed in making it a pleasant -place for the boys under their charge. -Innocent sports of every kind were not only -tolerated but encouraged, the professors often -taking part in them with as much eagerness -as the boys themselves. Just now everything -except aquatics was at a discount, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_4'>4</span>this state of affairs had been brought about -by accident.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Among the boys who spent all their spare -time upon the bay were two crews who were -looked up to by the rest of the students as -authorities on all matters pertaining to boats -and rowing. The head man of one of these -crews was Gus Layton, and the owner and -stroke of the other was Bob Nellis, his cousin. -The former rowed in a shell called the Mist, -while Bob and his men took their daily airings -in a beautiful little craft called the -Zephyr.</p> - -<p class='c008'>One evening, while the crew of the Mist, -who called themselves the champions of Elmwood, -were taking a pull on the bay to exercise -their muscles and cool their brains after -a long siege of study in the school-room, they -fell in with Bob Nellis and his men, who were -out for the same purpose, and of course a race -ensued. The self-styled champions expected -to walk away with their opponents very easily, -but to their intense chagrin and the overwhelming -astonishment of fifty or more students -who stood on the shore watching the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_5'>5</span>contestants, the Zephyr went ahead rapidly, -and rounded to in front of the academy the -winner by more than a dozen lengths. Bob -and his crew were so highly elated over the -result of the race that they immediately challenged -the crew of the Mist to a contest for -the championship, which was promptly accepted, -and this particular day had been set -for the trial.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The excitement began to run high directly. -The students at once declared themselves the -adherents of one or the other of the rival -clubs, and took to wearing rosettes on their -jackets. Bob and his men wore a white uniform, -and Gus and his men dressed in blue, -and by looking at the rosettes a student wore -one could tell which side he favored without -asking any questions.</p> - -<p class='c008'>For weeks nothing but the race had been -talked of. The enthusiasm of the students -was so contagious that even their fathers, -older brothers, and mothers and sisters became -interested. The ladies, old and young, took -to wearing rosettes, and manufactured them -by the dozen, blue or white, as their fancy -<span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span>and their preference dictated. Mr. Sprague, -the father of one of the Mist's crew, purchased -a beautiful pitcher and cup, both bearing -suitable inscriptions, which were to be presented -to the winning crew by the prettiest -young lady in Elmwood, and so the young -oarsmen had something besides the championship -to work for.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Blues were confident, as they had reason -to be. The crew of the Mist handled -their oars with a grace and skill that were -surprising, and the way they made their light -shell dance over the water, when once they -settled fairly down to their work, frightened -all the other academy boys, who allowed them -to claim and boast of the championship without -a single contest to prove their superiority. -Bob and his men acknowledged that the odds -were against them, and devoted every spare -moment to preparations for the race. Jack -Phillips, the coxswain of the Zephyr, measured -off a two-mile course at the upper -end of the bay, and twice each day his crew -pulled over it in a heavy yawl. They swung -Indian clubs and dumb-bells to harden their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span>muscles, ran long races over the road to increase -their powers of endurance, and all this -while attended regularly to their school duties -and kept pace with their classes. They were -the favorites among the students by long odds, -as any one could have told by counting the -rosettes, and it was whispered about among the -students that if all the crew of the Mist were -like Gus Layton, its owner, there wouldn't -have been a blue rosette to be seen. He was -the most unpopular boy in school—so very -unpopular, indeed, that any of the Blues, -when asked why they wore his colors, felt -called upon to explain that it was not on -his account, but for the sake of Sprague, -Haight and Bright, other members of his -crew, whom everybody acknowledged to be -good fellows. No one, not even his particular -crony, said that Gus was a good fellow, and -the reason for this will be seen as our story -progresses.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I say, Johnny," exclaimed Tom Thayer, -continuing the conversation which we have so -unceremoniously interrupted, "you don't -want to see Bob Nellis beaten. Let me pull -<span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>off that blue rosette and give you another that -will correctly express your feelings."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Tom Thayer wore a white rosette and held -the helm of the Sunbeam, while Johnny Parker -wore a blue and was seated at the helm of -the Firefly.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I have no sympathy for Gus, that's a -fact," said Johnny, raising his arm to shield -the colors that were pinned to his breast. -"But there's Sprague, you know; he is my -chum."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am aware of it," replied Tom; "but -with all due respect to you and him, I must -say that he is keeping very bad company. He -deserves to be beaten."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Johnny had no reply to make to this. It -had long been a matter of wonder and discussion -among the students that so good a fellow -as Sprague should associate with such a -scamp as Gus Layton, and as Johnny did not -know what to say in defense of his friend's -conduct, he brought the Firefly before the -wind and filled away for the opposite side of -the bay.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I say, fellows," continued Tom, as soon as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span>the very light wind that was blowing had carried -the Firefly a hundred yards or so away, -"did you notice how Simpson acted?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I was just about to ask the same question," -said one of Tom's passengers. "He is -almost bursting with some secret or other. Let's -call him back and find out what it is. Isn't -it strange how that fellow gets hold of every -bit of news that's floating about?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>The boy referred to was seated in the Firefly -with Johnny Parker. Next to Gus Layton -he was the most unpopular boy in school, -and the reason was, because he was an incorrigible -tale-bearer. His tongue was so unruly -that he never could keep a secret, no matter -how damaging it might be to others, or even -to himself. This unfortunate habit had got -him into numberless scrapes, but he never -seemed to learn wisdom by his rough experience.</p> - -<p class='c008'>While the conversation we have recorded -was being held, Simpson kept twisting about -on his seat, smiling and winking at his companions -in a way that would have excited the -astonishment and mirth of a stranger, but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>which told the boys present as plainly as -words that he knew something which he -could hardly keep from telling. By the time -the two boats separated his secret had so -swelled within him that he could contain it no -longer.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The Whites seem confident," said he, and -as he spoke his companions, who had been -lounging about the boat in various attitudes, -started up quickly to hear what was coming, -"but I will bet the contents of the next box -I receive from home that the Blues beat -them. I'll even bet that the Zephyr is not -rowed over two hundred yards of the course," -he added, with a knowing shake of his head.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You will?" exclaimed Johnny.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, sir. I suppose we are all friends. -We all wear the same colors."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Speak out, Simp," exclaimed one of -Johnny's passengers. "You know you can't -keep it any longer."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And it is a wonder he has kept it as long -as he has," said another.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I think I have held my tongue pretty -still since you fellows poured that bucket of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>water over me for telling the professors who -it was that knocked the pickets off the fence," -replied Simpson. "But I will tell you this, -for it is much too good to keep. Bob's oar is -cut half in two."</p> - -<p class='c008'>As Simpson said this he leaned back on his -elbow in the stern-sheets and looked from one -to the other of his companions to see what -they thought about it. To say that they were -astonished would not half express it. True -they had heard of numerous plots, in all of -which Simpson was implicated, to injure the -Zephyr so that she could not be pulled in the -race, but the boat and everything belonging -to her had been so closely watched that Bob -and his friends were positive that no advantage -had been taken of them.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, sir," repeated Simpson. "Bob's oar -will break the very first time he lays out his -strength on it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Did you cut it?" asked Johnny, as soon -as he had recovered from his amazement.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, I didn't; but I know who did. It -was Mr. Layton, Gus's father."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, now, if that wasn't a pretty piece -<span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span>of business for a man to engage in I wouldn't -say so," cried Johnny, indignantly. "Simp, -you and the crowd you run with are too contemptible -for anything!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, now, what's the matter with you?" -whined that worthy. "I have a good notion -not to tell you another word. Don't you want -the Blues to win?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"How did Mr. Layton get a chance to interfere -in this business?" inquired Johnny, -without answering Simpson's question. "He -is a hundred miles from here."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I know it, but he has interfered with it, -all the same, no matter if he is a thousand. -You see, Gus is afraid of Bob, and he never -intended to run a fair race. His first idea -was to knock a hole in the Zephyr, and we -came pretty near carrying it out, too."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"<i>We?</i>" echoed Johnny. "Did you have a -hand in it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Of course I did. I watched at the window -of the boat-house while Gus went in; -but just as I handed him the axe, who should -come prowling around but one of the professors, -and we had to take to our heels. The -<span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>next morning Bob found the window of the -boat-house open and the axe lying on the -floor, and knowing in a moment that something -had been going on he set a watch over -the building, and we couldn't get near it afterward."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, what has that got to do with the -oar that was tampered with?" demanded -Johnny, almost fiercely.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Now I would just like to know what -makes you so cross," whined Simpson. "I -believe you want our fellows to get beaten."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Never mind that. Tell me about the -oar."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Ain't I coming to it as fast as I can? The -very morning that Bob found the axe in the -boat-house he sprung a row-lock while he and -his crew were practicing, and thinking he -might as well have a new rig while he was -about it, he sent to Clifton after another shell -and a set of oars. Mr. Layton—he is Bob's -uncle and guardian, you know—heard of it -through Gus, and countermanded the order -as far as the shell was concerned, but wrote to -Bob that the oars should be forthcoming. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>When they were done he wouldn't let the -man who made them send them to Bob, but -took them to his own house, removed the -leather from Bob's oar—he could easily tell -it from the rest, because Bob always has his -oars made with a larger grip than the others—sawed -it half in two, filled up the crack -with putty or something, so that it could not -be seen, and put the leather on again just as -it was before. Then, instead of sending up -the oars three or four days ago, as he promised -to do, Mr. Layton kept them until the last -moment, and they arrived only an hour or -two ago, so that Bob had no chance to examine -them or practice with them. Oh, his -goose is cooked, I tell you, and the Blues are -bound to win. Now, what is the matter with -you fellows? You don't act as if you were -glad at all."</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was easy enough to see that Johnny and -his friends were anything but delighted at -what they had heard. If one might judge -by the expression on their faces they were -very much disgusted.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER II.<br />JOHNNY IS DISGUSTED.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>"Simp," said Johnny, after trying in vain -to find words strong enough to express -his feelings, "I've a good notion to duck you -in the bay for not telling of this before. Get -out of my boat!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, now, I can't get out and walk ashore, -can I?" whined Simpson.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's so; but I can soon put you ashore; -and, Simp, don't you ever speak to me as long -as you remain at this academy."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I would like to know what is the matter -with you fellows," demanded the culprit, -greatly astonished and utterly at a loss to account -for so much feeling on Johnny's part. -"I am sure I did nothing but what you would -have done if you had been in my place."</p> - -<p class='c008'>In his opinion, anything that helped to insure -the defeat of a rival was perfectly fair -<span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>and honorable. He had expected that Johnny -and his friends, after listening to his revelation, -would be all enthusiasm and admiration -for the shrewdness Gus had exhibited in getting -to windward of his opponent, but instead -of that they all appeared to be very indignant, -and Johnny had expressed a desire to -throw him overboard. He could not understand -it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't believe you want our fellows to -win," repeated Simpson.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes I do, if they can win honorably. But -I'll tell you what is a fact: Gus Layton shall -not have that silver pitcher. I will blow the -whole thing, and in the presence of all the -spectators, too."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, don't do that!" gasped Simpson, almost -paralyzed at the thought. "I wouldn't -have my name mixed up with this business -for anything. Gus would half kill me if he -knew what I have told you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't let that distress you," replied -Johnny. "From this time forward no one -shall ever hear your name pronounced by me. -I shall take no more notice of you and the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span>rest who have a hand in this mean business -than if you did not exist."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I say," suddenly exclaimed one of -Johnny's companions, all of whom had listened -in silence to this conversation, "Sprague -would never row in that boat if he knew what -has been going on."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's a fact," exclaimed Johnny, an idea -striking him. "Let's go over there and stop -the whole thing."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, it is of no use; you can't do it," -drawled Simpson. "There they come now."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Five o'clock, the time set for the race, had -arrived, and those of the spectators who had -come out in boats to obtain a fair view of the -contest were beginning to grow restless, and -to cast frequent and impatient glances toward -the academy grounds. Even as Simpson spoke -there was a commotion among the crowd -gathered about one of the boat-houses on the -beach, the door flew open, and a light shell, -propelled by four boys dressed in blue, darted -out and moved rapidly up the bay toward the -starting-point. It was the Mist. The Blues -were on the alert, and the moment their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>favorites came in sight they were greeted -with a clapping of hands, waving of handkerchiefs -and prolonged cheers.</p> - -<p class='c008'>While the Mist was taking her position -alongside the tug where stood one of the professors -who was to act as starter, her rival, the -Zephyr, came in sight, her crew pulling a long, -sweeping stroke, and feathering their oars as -neatly as old men-of-war men selected to row -the captain's gig. Then another and louder -uproar arose among the spectators, and continued -until the Zephyr came up alongside -the Mist and the starter stepped into view. -While he was getting the boats into position, -and giving the crews their final instructions, -we will glance rapidly at some scraps of the -history of two of the contestants who have an -important part to play in our story.</p> - -<p class='c008'>First in meanness, treachery, and almost -everything else that is bad, comes Gus Layton, -and so we will devote our attention to -him. He is, as we have said, Bob's own -cousin, a fact that has given rise to much -doubtful speculation in the minds of the students, -for they do not see how two boys, so -<span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span>widely different in dispositions, tastes and -habits, can possibly be connected by ties of -blood. He is a cross, sullen-looking boy, with -a hooked nose, a low, retreating forehead, and -an oily, insinuating manner, which, while it -draws some toward him, repels a great many -more. He is too lazy to study, and consequently, -although he is sixteen years of age, -he is in one of the lowest classes in school. -He pulls a good oar, is a passable gymnast -and ball-player, shows a wonderful faculty for -shirking hard work, displays cunning in getting -himself out of the numerous scrapes he -falls into, and these are about all the accomplishments -he possesses.</p> - -<p class='c008'>During the lifetime of Mr. Nellis, Bob's -father, Gus had been a sort of protégé of that -gentleman, who bestowed on him more care -and attention than his own father did. By -placing him at the academy Mr. Nellis gave -him every advantage for fitting himself for -usefulness in after life; and, more than that, -he took care to neglect nothing which he -thought would add to his comfort and pleasure. -Was Bob presented with a new shell, a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>sailboat, a uniform, or a supply of pocket-money, -the same boat which brought them to -Elmwood brought a like supply for Gus Layton. -Was Bob sent off during the long summer -vacation to ramble among the hills of -New England, or to fish in the trout streams of -the Adirondacks, Gus was never compelled to -remain behind. One would suppose that -under such circumstances Gus would have -been a happy boy, and that he would have -felt grateful to the uncle, and that, if he had -no affection for his cousin, he would at least -have treated him civilly in return for his -father's kindness and liberality; but such was -not the case. His jealousy made him morose, -cross and fretful, and he despised and hated -his cousin from the bottom of his heart.</p> - -<p class='c008'>And was this feeling reciprocated by Bob? -Not at all. Although, to quote from the students, -he did not take much stock in his -cousin, he always treated him kindly, and -was as cordial and friendly with him as Gus -would permit him to be.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob's father, even after the war, was looked -upon as the wealthiest man in Clifton; but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>since his death, which occurred a few months -previous to the beginning of our story, it had -been whispered about that he had but little -property, and that little had been willed to -his brother-in-law, Mr. Layton, no provision -having been made for Bob, who was left as his -uncle's ward. Many who had refused to believe -this story at first were beginning to put -some faith in it now, for Mr. Layton's refusal to -allow Bob to purchase a new shell—a thing -his father never would have done—and the -advice he had of late so often given him that -it was high time he was paying less attention -to his boating and more to his studies, as he -might at no distant day be obliged to earn -his bread before he could eat it, made it evident -that there was some foundation for the -reports that had got abroad. Bob did not -know what to make of the situation, and was -only waiting for the close of the school year -to have a plain talk with his uncle. He -wanted to know just where he stood.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob Nellis, the owner and stroke of the -Zephyr, was a splendid fellow in every respect. -Every one said so except Gus Layton -<span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>and his set. They did not like him, and the -reason was because they were jealous of him. -He always stood among the first five in his -class, and in athletic sports, in which Gus -was particularly anxious to excel, Bob was as -far ahead of him as he was in his studies. -But Bob had been a changed boy of late. He -was almost as gloomy as Gus himself. His -mother died when he was too young to remember -her, and now that his father was gone -he was alone in the world. Besides his uncle -he had not a relative to whom he could go for -advice or assistance, and to apply to him for -either he had already made up his mind was -quite out of the question. The students all -sympathized with Bob in his troubles, and -this was another thing that aroused the ire of -Gus Layton, who declared he could not see -what there was in that pauper to draw the -fellows to him. This much to introduce our -two principal characters, and to show how -they stand with regard to each other and to -the world.</p> - -<p class='c008'>While the rival crews were taking their -stations and listening to their final instructions, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>the Firefly, with Johnny Parker at the -helm, was making as good use of her time as -she possibly could with the very light breeze -that was blowing, and presently ran her bow -upon the beach.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Now, Simp, make yourself scarce about -here, and remember that henceforth I want to -see and hear as little of you as possible," said -Johnny, jumping out and running up the -bank, waving his handkerchief above his head -as he went. "A boy who knows all that you -do, and who goes until this late day without -telling it to anybody, I have no use for."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, now, he's going to blow on me!" -whined Simpson, his face growing white with -alarm. "Come back here, Johnny. Just -consider what a mess you will get me into. -Call him back, boys!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Just consider what a mess Sprague will be -in if he rows in that race," replied Johnny, -plunging recklessly into the crowd.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The spectators looked after him as he elbowed -them right and left, and wondered if -he had taken leave of his senses. Johnny -was a lively runner for a little fellow, but he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span>had a good distance to go, and the crowd was -so dense that he could scarcely work his way -through it. Still he succeeded in attracting -the attention of his friend Sprague, who, believing -that Johnny was urging him to do his -best to win the race, gave him a sign of recognition, -and then he grasped his oar with a -firmer hold, as if to show that he understood -him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>While Johnny was yet too far off to make -his words heard, he saw the eight rowers suddenly -bend their bodies forward, hold their -oars poised in the air for a moment, and then -dip them so nearly together that they all -seemed to strike the water at the same instant. -Johnny was too late to stop the race. With a -sigh of regret he worked his way out of the -crowd, and seating himself upon an elevated -part of the shore, where he was comparatively -alone, he fixed his eyes upon the Zephyr and -waited to see Bob's oar snap in his hand.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The two boats moved away together and -for a few yards kept side by side; but it was -only for a few yards, for Bob, who had set -out to win, and could be satisfied with nothing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>else than taking the lead at once and -keeping it through to the end, put on a desperate -spurt, in which he was faithfully -backed by his crew, and in less time than it -takes to tell it the Mist was behind, and falling -further behind every moment. But why -did not Bob's oar break? He was rowing -with more vigor and determination than -Johnny had ever seen him exhibit before, -and although the tough piece of wood he held -in his hand bent like a whipstock, it never -cracked. Surely no oar that had been cut -half in two could stand any such outlay of -strength. Johnny was completely bewildered, -and so were a score of other students, all Gus -Layton's friends, who were waiting with a -good deal of anxiety and impatience for the -catastrophe which Johnny so much dreaded. -There was still another who was interested in -the matter, and who was just then learning -something about it Johnny would have been -delighted to know. It was Simpson.</p> - -<p class='c008'>That young gentleman thought from the -expression on Johnny's face that he had better -take him at his word and make himself -<span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>scarce about there. Filled with apprehension, -and wondering what would become of him if -Johnny succeeded in stopping the race, he -sprang ashore, ran up the bank, and stationed -himself where he could see all that -passed. When he saw the boats start off in -spite of Johnny's frantic signals he drew a -long breath and once more turned his face -toward the beach, intending to be on hand to -hear what Bob had to say about his broken -oar when he came back. In order to avoid -the crowd he was obliged to pass close to the -academy building, and as he was hurrying -along he heard his name pronounced in low -and cautious tones. Looking up, he saw one -of Gus Layton's right-hand men, Scotty, -(quite as often called Friday, for the reason -that Gus always looked to him to do any -work that he did not feel inclined to do himself), -who was leaning half-way out of a third-story -window, beckoning eagerly, and at the -same time taking care to be seen by no one -but the boy below.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, Simp, don't say a word, but come up -here directly," whispered Scotty, in great -<span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>excitement. "It is all out, and there's bound -to be an awful row when the boats get back."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No!" exclaimed Simpson.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But I say yes. Some fellow has let the -cat out of the bag, and if Gus doesn't have a -fight on his hands before he goes to bed I am -no prophet. Nellis is just red-hot and still -heating."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Does he—does he know who—" stammered -Simpson.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, he knows all about it. Come up -here."</p> - -<p class='c008'>If Johnny Parker had heard this he might -have known how to account for Bob's extra -strong pulling.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER III.<br />SCOTTY'S PLAN AND HOW IT ENDED.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>"I say, Simp," continued Scotty, in the -same cautious whisper, "don't you hear -me? Come up here. We must get Gus out -of this scrape, if there is any way to do it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Simpson thought no more about the boat-race. -Trembling for fear of the exposure that -was coming, and the investigation that would -be sure to follow close upon the heels of it, in -which his name would bear a prominent part, -he darted into the building and hurried up -the stairs to his dormitory. At the door he -met Scotty, whose usually stolid face was all -aglow with excitement and triumph. A -brilliant thought had just occurred to him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Simp," he hurriedly exclaimed, "the only -way to get Gus out of this trouble is to destroy -the evidence against him."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>"What evidence is there?" asked Simpson.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why the oar itself—the one Mr. Layton -cut for him. You see," added Scotty, so -eager to get through with what he had to say -that he could scarcely speak plainly, "about -half an hour ago, as I was going through the -hall, who should come in but Bob Nellis -and three or four of his particular friends. -Bob carried an oar in his hand, and I saw -that it was one of the new ones he had just -received, and that the leather had been removed. -If I needed any other evidence to -convince me that he knew just what had been -going on I should have had it in the look his -face wore and the words he uttered. I heard -him say, as he went up the stairs, 'There's not -another boy in school who would have put up -with that Gus Layton's meanness as long as I -have, and I'm not going to do it any longer. -If anything about our boat breaks during the -race to-day I shall believe it is because he has -tampered with it in spite of our watchfulness, -and I shall come back here and expose him in -the presence of the professors and of the students.'"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>"Well?" said Simpson, when Scotty paused -to take breath.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, they went up to their dormitory, -and presently I heard a door slammed and -locked. They have hidden the oar in their -closet; and I propose that, if we can get at it, -we take it out and hide it somewhere else. -Then we'll watch our chance and tell Gus of -what we have done, and suggest to him that -if there is any row raised all he has to do is -to deny the whole business, for there is no -evidence against him—eh?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But Gus can't keep a secret, you know," -said Simpson, unconsciously making use of -almost the very words that one of Johnny's -friends had addressed to himself, "and perhaps -he has told some of the fellows that his -father cut the oar."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I know he has. He has told you and me -and all the rest of his friends; but we will -not blow on him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I—ah—that is—oh, no, of course not," -stammered Simpson, his heart fairly coming -up into his mouth when he reflected that he -had already committed the secret to half a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>score of boys who would not countenance any -such trickery as this which Gus and his father -had been guilty of.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"See here, Simp," said Scotty, looking suspiciously -at his friend, "that doesn't come -from the heart. Are you White?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Not much. I am so Blue it will rub -off."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then you had better do something to -prove it. You must help me get that oar. I -have tried all my keys, but none of them will -fit the lock. Here's something, however, that -will open the way for us," said Scotty, producing -from under his jacket a large chisel -which he had abstracted from the carpenter's -chest. "If you are Blue clear through, as -you say you are, take this and burst open the -door."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Simpson, eager to prove himself true to his -colors, replied by seizing the chisel and running -out into the hall, Scotty following close -at his heels. A few rapid steps carried them -up the stairs to Bob's dormitory, and a few -more to the closet in which the telltale oar -was hidden. Here Simpson's courage began -<span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>to fail him, and he felt the strongest desire to -back out.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What will the professors say, I wonder?" -said he, making a feeble attempt to force an -entrance into the closet.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"We don't care what they say. They'll -never find out who did it, for I ain't a-going -to tell, I bet you. You will be more likely -to tell yourself."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You don't give me credit for much sense, -do you?" said Simpson.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, you have done such things before -now, haven't you? That is no way to get in -there. Cut the casing around the bolt."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The casing, which was a thin pine board, -could not long resist their efforts. A few -blows with the chisel brought off a piece of -it, and then the lock was no longer an obstacle -to them. As the door flew open Scotty -seized the oar and hurried away with it, while -Simpson, anxious to conceal his work as long -as possible, lingered to shut the closet and -press the piece of casing he had cut off back -into its place. As all the students, and every -one else belonging to the academy, were out -<span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span>watching the race, the young scapegraces had -the building to themselves and were in no -danger of being discovered. They ran quickly -down the back stairs and into the carpenter's -shop, where the oar was speedily hidden away -under a pile of boards.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It will stay there until doomsday," said -Scotty, "for these boards are seldom disturbed."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes," said Simpson, "but I can propose -something better for it. Some night, as soon -as it becomes dark, I'll take it out and sink it -in the bay. Then I would like to see anybody -find it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's sensible, although these boards -have never been disturbed since I have been -to this school. Now, the next thing is to run -down to the beach and whisper a word of -warning in Gus Layton's ear. Are you up to -it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, sir; of course I am."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Scotty and his friend worked to such good -advantage that they had plenty of time to do -all this, which we have been so long in describing, -and to run out on the bank in season -<span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>to witness the conclusion of the race. They -left the shop by different doors, and when they -came within sight of the bay saw that the -Zephyr had already turned the stakeboat and -was well on her way home, while the Mist was -so far behind that it was quite impossible for -her to make up her lost ground. Bob and -his men were still pulling with all the power -of which they were capable, saying by their -actions as plainly as they could have said it -in words that in defeating those who would -have beaten them by fraud they were taking -all the revenge they desired. Presently Simpson -found himself standing near a group of -students whom he knew to be Blues, but who, -he was surprised to see, had discarded their -favorite colors. The subject of Gus Layton's -underhanded dealings was being discussed by -them in an animated manner. Indeed it had -somehow got abroad among the students, and -was the only topic of conversation.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I declare it is a downright shame!" exclaimed -Claxton, one of the group, "and it is -a great pity it was not known before the race -began. If I were Nellis I would make the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>school too hot for Gus Layton. He's got proof -enough against him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Ah! but has he, though?" cried Simpson. -"Where is it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The oar, my dear fellow—the oar that -was cut by Gus Layton's orders. Have you -seen anything of it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But perhaps Bob doesn't know where it is."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, he took it into the academy and -locked it up."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't suppose it could have been spirited -out of that lock-up and hidden somewhere else, -could it?" said Simpson, with a look that -spoke volumes. "Always be sure of your -evidence before you hang a man."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The students were amazed. They looked -at each other and at Simpson for a few seconds -without speaking, and then the one who -had thus far acted as spokesman said, coaxingly:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Now, Simp, tell us all about it; there's a -good fellow. Somehow you have a way of -finding out everything that goes on within a -mile of the academy. What has become of -the oar? Where is it hidden?"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>"It is in the carpenter's loft, concealed -under a pile of boards," answered Simpson, -speaking before he thought. "I declare," -he added, mentally, and growing -frightened at what he had done, "I have told -it, just as Scotty said I would. I say, fellows," -he continued, trying to recover himself, "you -don't suppose I am green enough to tell every -thing I know, do you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>The cheers, long and loud, which arose at -this moment, as the Zephyr flew by the tug -on which the judges were standing, put a stop -to the effort Simpson was about to make to -repair the damage he believed he had done. -He was borne with the crowd toward the -beach, and joined with it in so heartily applauding -the victors that his friend Scotty, -had he been there, might have thought he -had good reason for believing that he was not -as Blue as he professed. Slowly the defeated -crew pulled down the home-stretch, and the -feeble attempt to cheer them as they passed -the judges' stand did not serve as a balm to -their wounded feelings. Gus was so filled -with rage and jealousy that he could scarcely -<span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>see what was going on around him. He sent -his shell into the boat-house so swiftly that, in -spite of the efforts of the coxswain and the -rest of the crew, she received injuries which -placed her far out of the lists forever, so far as -racing was concerned. Hastily dressing himself, -he left the boat-house without saying a -word to any of his companions. He knew -the cause of his defeat. Bob had been warned -by somebody, and instead of using the new -oars his uncle had sent him he had rowed -the race with others which had, on more than -one occasion, proved perfectly trustworthy. -But who was the traitor? Gus had asked -himself this question more than a score of -times during the race, and each time, as if -in response to the inquiry, the image of a -red-headed, cringing youth, with round shoulders -and stooping gait, had risen before his -mental vision. Gus hurried off to find the -original of the image, and was not long about -it, for the youth in question was impatient to -find him. Gus met him hurrying down the -bank toward the boat-house, full of news, -which he was eager to communicate.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>"Simp," said he, taking the red-headed -youth by the lapel of his coat, "a word in -your private ear."</p> - -<p class='c008'>He looked all around to make sure that -there was no one within hearing, and then -fastened his eyes sternly upon the face of the -boy before him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Simp," said Gus, "did you ever read the -fable of a man who found a torpid adder, or -some other kind of a serpent, and took it -home with him and warmed it, and after he -had restored it to life the serpent turned on -him and bit him?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, now, that doesn't apply to me," said -Simpson, fairly shaking in his boots.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I have been good to you, haven't I?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, you have."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I took you in hand and made friends for -you when none of the other fellows would -have anything to do with you, because of that -tongue of yours—didn't I?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, you did."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Simp, there's a traitor about here somewhere, -and I am looking for him. If I can -find him I'll—I'll—"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>"Well, you can just look farther," whined -Simpson, growing more and more alarmed, for -he had never seen Gus so utterly overcome -with rage as he was at that moment. "You -don't see any traitor in me, I can tell you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I took you into my confidence and told you -that Bob's oar would not hang together while -he was pulling two hundred yards, didn't I? -Now, did you ever repeat that to anybody?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I never did," declared Simpson, as if he -were perfectly horrified at the thought. "As -sure as I live and breathe, I never whispered it -to a living soul!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Think again; it got out somehow."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't care if it did; I didn't let it out, -as sure as you're a foot high. If the fellows -say anything to you about it, deny it and -stick to it. Say that you are above all such -meanness."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What good will that do? Bob has got -the oar."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, he hasn't. I saw him take it up to -his dormitory and lock it up, and I went and -got Scotty, and he and I stole it out and hid -it where no one will ever think of looking -<span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>for it. I had to cut the door open to get it, -too. I wouldn't have run so much risk if I -had been a traitor to you, would I? I say -again, if they accuse you of trying to win by -fraud, deny it up hill and down. They can't -bring any evidence against you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Gus let go Simpson's collar, and stepping -back a pace or two looked at him without -speaking.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER IV.<br />GUS HAS A BENEFIT.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>GUS took a few moments in which to think -over this extraordinary proposition. -He was well aware that all the students had -by this time heard of the meanness of which -he had been guilty—if there chanced to be -any who were ignorant of it they would not -remain long so—and the idea of facing them -and saving himself from disgrace by a bold -denial was something that had never occurred -to him. The audacity of the thing pleased him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I declare, Simp," said he, at length, "two -heads are better than one, if one is a red-head. -I was afraid that the fellows would make -things so uncomfortable for me that I would -have to leave school; but I have a different -opinion now. If Bob says anything about -the oar I can say, you know, that he wants to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>injure me, and ask him to produce his evidence."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's the very idea," assented Simpson.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't lisp a word of what you have told -me to anyone else," said Gus. "We mustn't -let it get out."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Ah! Trust me for that. Do you think -I am a greenhorn?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Gus, feeling as if a heavy weight had been -removed from his shoulders, walked off snapping -his fingers, and Simpson stood congratulating -himself on his shrewdness—he never -thought to give Scotty any credit for it—when, -happening to cast his eye toward the -academy, he saw a sight that filled him with -great consternation.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A crowd of students were coming from the -direction of the carpenter's shop, and the -foremost of them, Claxton by name, who had -acted as spokesman of the group he had met -a short time before, carried over his shoulder -the identical oar which had been stolen from -the closet and so carefully hidden in the lumber-pile. -Simpson knew it the instant he put -his eyes on it. His under jaw dropped down, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>and for a moment or two he stood staring at -Claxton as if he could hardly make up his -mind whether he was awake or dreaming. -Then it flashed upon him again that he had -done just what Scotty predicted he would do—revealed -his complicity in an affair which, -should it reach the ears of the faculty, would -cause his expulsion from the academy.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Simp," said an angry voice close at his -elbow.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The culprit turned and found Scotty at his -side.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Simp, look there!" said the latter, pointing -toward the academy door through which -Claxton was just disappearing with the oar. -"What did I tell you? You're not a greenhorn, -are you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, now, Scotty, you just want to clear -out," exclaimed Simpson, who, when taken to -task either by the professors or the students, -always fell back on the line of defense he had -suggested to Gus Layton. "I would like to -know why you fellows always pounce upon -me when anything goes wrong about the -academy?"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>"Simply because you know you are the -guilty one, that's why. What induced you to -tell Claxton where that oar was hidden?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I didn't tell him. I haven't spoken to -him in a month," declared Simpson, earnestly.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then how did he find it out? I didn't -tell him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know how he found it out. Perhaps -he was watching us when we hid the -oar."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's highly probable," replied Scotty, -with a sneer. "Good-bye, Simp; you'll not -do to tie to. I have at last satisfied myself of -that fact. I don't know what Layton will do -to you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Simpson didn't know, either, and that was -what troubled him just then more than -anything else. Believing it best to keep out -of sight for a while, he made his way out of -the academy grounds without being discovered -and directed his course toward the village -of Elmwood, which lay about a mile distant. -Having no other way of passing the -time he roamed about the streets until seven -<span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>o'clock, and then with great reluctance turned -his face toward the academy. The buildings -were closed at half-past seven, and all the -students who were not in their dormitories at -that hour were obliged to account for their -absence to the professors the next morning.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As Simpson was passing the wharf he saw -the little steamer which plied up and down -the coast getting under way. The gangplank -had been hauled in, the lines cast off, -and then, in obedience to some hurried orders, -the plank was once more shoved out again -and the steamer made fast to the wharf. At -the same time a hack, driven at furious speed, -came down the road from the direction of the -academy, and it was in response to the shouts -of the driver and the frantic signals of some -one inside that the steamer had delayed her -departure. Simpson had a good view of the -passenger, who was leaning more than half-way -out of the window flourishing his hand-kerchief, -and his heart gave a great bound -when he saw that it was Gus Layton. He -watched him until he was safe on board the -vessel, saw the porters take charge of his baggage, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>and then hurried out of the village with -a much lighter heart than he had brought -into it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Thank goodness he is gone and I am -safe!" said Simpson, to himself. "I do not -know what the other fellows will do to me, -but of one thing I am satisfied—they'll not -beat me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Yes, Gus was gone, and that, too, with -the determination of never coming back. His -departure had been hastened by something -that transpired at the academy shortly after -his interview with Simpson. He saw Claxton -when he went into the building with the -oar, and he noticed, too, that while the Whites -still wore their colors, there was not a Blue -rosette to be seen. Even Scotty's impudence -could not hold out in the face of public opinion -so generally and forcibly expressed, and -he had thrown aside his Blue rosette; and, -furthermore, he seemed anxious to avoid Gus, -for when he saw him coming he slipped -around the building and out of sight.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Rats desert a sinking ship," said Gus, enraged -at the conduct of his man Friday. "I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>must be getting low down in the world when -such fellows as Scotty go back on me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>As Gus entered the hall he saw Bob and -his victorious crew surrounded by a crowd of -students, who were congratulating them on -their success, and among the most enthusiastic -Gus was surprised to see three of his own men, -Sprague, Haight and Bright. They seemed -to have eyes and ears for no one but the members -of the winning crew—there was not one -of them who took the least notice of him. -Gus knew the meaning of this, and it was -more than he could stand. Hastily leaving -the academy, he made the best of his way to -the boat-house. Pausing a moment to look -at the Mist, once his pride and delight, but -which now lay in her dock shattered and -half-filled with water, Gus passed into a little -anteroom, in which the club held their meetings, -and sat down to think over his troubles -and determine upon some course of action. -Scarcely was he seated when the door opened, -admitting Sprague, Haight and Bright.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, old fellow," said Sprague, throwing -his leg over the table beside which Gus was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>sitting, "here's a pretty kettle of fish. We're -beaten out of sight, and come back to find all -sorts of stories and resolutions afloat. The boys -have sent you to coventry."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am aware of it," said Gus, bitterly. "I -saw it very plainly when I was in the hall -just now. I have some traitor to thank for -this, and I only wish that I could find him. -I would give him a lesson he would not soon -forget."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Do you really wish to know who it was -that put Bob on his guard?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Of course I do!" exclaimed Gus, starting -up in his chair. "If you will tell me who it -was I will make him repent it in less than five -minutes. Who was it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, sir," said Sprague, folding his arms -and looking Gus squarely in the eye, "I am -the fellow! I would do the same thing again, -under like circumstances."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Gus was so utterly confounded by this bold -and unexpected declaration that he could -neither move nor speak. He sat staring -blankly at Sprague, hardly able to comprehend -that he had heard aright. He showed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>no inclination to carry out the threat he had -just made, for Sprague was two years older -than himself, and, furthermore, he had been -through some tight places.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Perhaps I ought to add a word by way of -explanation," continued Sprague. "When -you told us what your father had done by -your request, we three fellows, who are now -here, got together and talked the matter over. -The only thing that kept us from withdrawing -from your crew was the fact that we -wanted this matter of the championship decided, -and in order that it might be decided -fairly we thought that some one had better -speak to Bob, and I was the one selected to -do it. I mentioned no names, but told him -if he was wise he would carefully examine his -shell and everything belonging to her before -he took her out of the boat-house. I judge -he did so, for he rowed the race with his old -oars."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And then you fellows played off on me -and let him beat!" said Gus, angrily.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, we did not. We pulled our level -best. The Zephyrs beat us, and they can -<span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>beat any crew that can be raised in this academy. -Somehow, the part you and your father -have played has become known, and there's no -one who approves of it, unless it be some contemptible -fellow like Simp or Scotty, who has -no honor about him. Things look squally, -Gus, and I tell you plainly that if you stop -here you must make up your mind to swim -in the hottest kind of water."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But I'll not stay here!" cried Gus, suddenly -jumping to his feet. "I'll be on my -way home in less than an hour!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Without saying another word to his companions -Gus ran out of the boat-house. He -hunted up the janitor and sent him for a carriage, -and then, hurrying to his dormitory, -began packing his wardrobe into his trunk. -The news that he was getting ready to leave -the academy quickly spread among the students, -who, thinking it was a good time to -show their opinion of him, went quietly to -work to get up a "benefit" for him. Bob -and Sprague and a few of the order-loving -ones did all they could to prevent it; but seeing -that the students were not to be turned -<span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>from their purpose, they withdrew to their -rooms, so that they might not seem by their -presence to countenance any such proceeding.</p> - -<p class='c008'>By the time the carriage arrived everything -was arranged. When Gus descended the -stairs he found the students drawn up four -deep on each side of the hall, and so loud -were the yells of derision, so deafening the -tooting of tin horns and banging of tin pans -when he made his appearance, that the horses -attached to the hack took fright and Gus -came very near being left behind. He did -manage, however, to spring upon the steps -just as the horses started off, and banging the -door after him, he sank down into the farthest -corner and stopped his ears with his hands.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Bob is at the bottom of this," said he to -himself when the noise had been left behind, -"and if he don't suffer for it it will be because -I can't make him. School will be out in a -week, and by the time he gets home I will -have everything fixed for him. The house -his father once owned belongs to <i>my</i> father -now, and Bob, while he stays there, shall be -reminded of the fact a thousand times a day. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>But he shall not stay there long. I'll get rid -of him somehow. I'll send him so far on the -other side of the world that he'll never find -his way back again."</p> - -<p class='c008'>This was a plan that Gus had been revolving -in his mind for months—ever since the -death of Bob's father. He believed that -when he had once seen the last of him his -troubles would all be over. His cousin had -never in his life injured him by word or deed. -There was not a single act of his to which -Gus could point that was in any way detrimental -to him; and yet he hated him—hated -him because he was so popular everywhere, -especially at the academy; because it came as -natural and easy to him as it does to an Indian -to hate a white man. The starting-point -of this hatred was a fierce quarrel which his -father had with Mr. Nellis in the years gone -by. It originated over some money which -Mr. Nellis, who was at that time a sailor, had -placed in the hands of his brother-in-law for -safe-keeping. The money disappeared, and -not only Mr. Nellis, but everyone else who -knew anything of the circumstances, believed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>that Mr. Layton had appropriated it to his -own use.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In process of time Mr. Nellis left the sea -and became a prosperous merchant in Clifton, -his native village. When he retired from -active business he made his brother-in-law his -agent, and gave him full control of his affairs. -He thought that the breach between them had -been closed forever; but no one else thought -so—not even Bob, who, boy as he was, believed -that Mr. Layton was only awaiting a -favorable opportunity to take a terrible revenge -on his father. The sequel proved that -he was right in this opinion, and that Mr. -Layton had been secretly plotting for years to -ruin his generous brother-in-law.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Gus, knowing how matters stood—for his -father often conferred with him—took up the -cudgel against Bob, as he believed himself in -honor bound to do, and made his life as unpleasant -for him as he could. Now he had a -wider field for his operations. Mr. Nellis -was out of the way, the property was all in -his father's hands, and if Mr. Layton chose -to say the word Bob had not where to lay his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>head. Gus was resolved that his father should -say that word, if he could by any means induce -him to do so, and if not, he would say -it himself, and back it up with actions so -effectual that nobody should ever hear of Bob -Nellis again. Gus thought of it all the way -home, and by the time the spires of Clifton -came in sight he had decided upon a plan of -operations which promised to do the business -for Bob in fine style.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER V.<br />FATHER AND SON.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>Clifton was a thriving little place, the -centre of a rich farming region, and as -all the cotton that was produced in the country -for a circle of twenty miles around was -shipped at its wharves, it could, at certain -seasons of the year, boast of an amount of -business that one would hardly expect of so -small a town. It was the home of many -wealthy gentlemen, and conspicuous among -the noble mansions which adorned the hills -south of the village stood that which had -once been occupied by Mr. Nellis. It was -situated in the midst of extensive grounds, -away from the noise and bustle of the town, -and there Bob was born, and there he had -lived, surrounded by every comfort that affection -could suggest and money supply. The -hunting, too, was fine—so much so that the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>neighboring planters came from far and near -to enjoy it. During the season there was -hardly a day passed but that some of the village -hunters would be called upon to act as -guides to some of those who were bound to -fill their game-bags before they went home. -A few miles farther out quails were abundant, -and squirrel were so thick they were almost -a nuisance. Wild turkeys and deer -were often brought in, and finally it came -about that one of the hunters who belonged -in the village discovered something that -worked a great change in his fortunes.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Towards home, his home it was now, Gus -Layton hurriedly bent his steps as soon -as the steamer touched the wharf, leaving -his baggage, which he had given into -the charge of a drayman, to follow more leisurely. -As the ponderous iron gate clanged -behind him he looked around with a smile -of satisfaction. The last time he entered -there he was dependent on the bounty of a -man whom he despised; now he was master -there, or his father was, which amounted to -the same thing.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>"And I shall lose no time in making my -power felt," thought Gus. "Bob and I have -changed places now, and it will do him good -to know by experience how I have felt during -the last few years of my life. How different -the world looks to a rich man! And -how different he looks to the world," added -Gus, philosophically. "The world sees in -him many things to admire that it does not -see in a poor man. With horses and dogs, -and boats and money and good clothes at my -command, I shall occupy a rather higher position -here in Clifton than I did few months -ago."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Soliloquizing thus, Gus strolled along with -the air of a young lord, passing through the -wide front door, which stood open, and up -the stairs to the library, which he entered -without the ceremony of knocking. He -found his father there, as he expected, and -was not a little surprised at the look of alarm -his sudden appearance had called to his face.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Layton was a little, dried-up man, -scarcely larger than the sixteen-year-old boy -who stood before him, and the hooked nose -<span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>and round shoulders, as well as the deprecating, -insinuating air which belonged to his son, -were particularly noticeable in him, and -would have attracted the attention of a -stranger at first glance. His eyes were small -and sharp, and just now had a wild look in -them, and their owner had a habit of turning -them from side to side, something after the -manner of a frightened deer.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, Augustus," he exclaimed, rising -from his chair and approaching his son, "how -you startled me! I was not expecting you -for a week or two. Is your school out?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"How are you, governor?" replied Gus, -placing a passive hand in his father's eagerly-outstretched -palm. "But I say, what's the -matter with you? You look like some wild -animal that has been driven to bay by the -hounds."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Augustus, hush!" exclaimed his father, -quickly. "After all I have done and dared -for you I should think you would treat me with -more respect."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, I didn't mean anything, governor; it -is merely my way. But really you have -<span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>changed during the last few months. See -how your hands tremble!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It is nothing," replied Mr. Layton. "You -frightened me by your abrupt entrance; that's -all. Is school out?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, nor will it be until next week. You -wonder what brought me here, I suppose? -Well, the fellows sent me to coventry, and as -I couldn't stand that, I came away."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Coventry? Where's that?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I presume they didn't do such things -when you went to school. They got mad at -me and told me they wouldn't speak to -me or notice me any more than they would a -crooked stick. That is what is meant by -sending one to coventry."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"They were angry, I suppose, because you -beat them in the race."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But as it happens I didn't beat them. -Bob found out that his oar was cut, and he -and his crew took their old ones and won as -easily as falling off a log. You ought to see the -style that Bob has been putting on ever since! -He feels too big to walk on the ground. By -the way, where will he go when school is out?"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>"So he beat you at last, did he!" exclaimed -Mr. Layton, in great surprise. "How did he -find out that the oar was cut?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Sprague says he was the guilty party that -told him, but I don't believe it. I bet you I -will find means to get even with him when he -comes home. What are you going to do with -Bob?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, this is the only home he has, and I -suppose he will come here."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, then, you will have to take your -choice between him and me, for if he stays I -shan't."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But what shall I do with him?" asked -Mr. Layton.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's for you to decide. Send him to -sea—send him anywhere, so long as you get -rid of him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And what if he refuses to go?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Make him go. You do not intend to send -him to school next year, do you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"His father made no provision for it in his -will."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then tell him so. Has he any money?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"There was none left to him."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>"Tell him that also. Tell him that he has -got his own living to make from this time on, -and the sooner he sets about it the better for -him, and for us, too," said Gus, rising to his feet -and moving toward the door.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't go," said Mr. Layton, hastily. "I -have been so lonely with no one to talk to, -and now that you have come home you want -to run away from me. Sit down."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't worry," replied the dutiful son. "I -am not going far. My trunks have arrived -and I want to see them brought up stairs."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I have given you rooms in the south wing -over the parlors," said Mr. Layton. "When -you have looked at them, tell me how you like -them and the way they are furnished."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Gus slammed the door without waiting to -hear what his father had to say, and at the -head of the stairs met a negro coming up with -some of his luggage.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That trunk and the others go into the -north rooms," said Gus.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Sah?" exclaimed the darky. "Old Moster -say dem rooms 'longs to young Moster -Nellis."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>"And do you hear what <i>I</i> say?" demanded -Gus. "I say those trunks go into the north -rooms, which belong to <i>me</i>."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, sah! Yes, sah! Dat's all right, -sah!" replied the obsequious darky, and into -the north rooms the trunks went.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's the first step," said Gus to himself. -"What would Bob think, if he knew it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>One, to have taken a single glance at these -apartments, could have told why Gus ordered -his trunks taken in there. There were three -of them—a sitting-room, bedroom, and a sort -of conservatory, which Bob had fitted up as a -museum. By the aid of his father and his -father's sea-captains he had there gathered -together such a supply of curiosities from all -quarters of the globe that, the room being unable -to contain them all, they had flowed into -the others, and filled every nook and corner -of them likewise. Here Gus settled himself -down with the air of a conqueror. Not because -the rooms were any pleasanter or more -desirable than others in the house did he select -them, but simply because he had determined -to show his cousin that their circumstances -<span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>were exactly reversed—that he was -the favored child of fortune now and Bob the -poor relation. The curiosities he cared nothing -about. Indeed he told himself that when -he felt in the right humor he would have -them all removed and bundled into the garret -as so much useless lumber. He expected to -take quiet possession of everything that belonged -to Bob, and whether or not he did so -we shall presently see.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Now, boy," said Gus, addressing himself -to the negro after he had seen his trunks -stowed away to his satisfaction, "what's your -name?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Sam, sah; dat's my name."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, Sam, I suppose my ponies are in -the barn?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, sah, de ponies is dar."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"My father has a hostler, I presume?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Sah? Oh, yes, sah."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then tell him to hitch the ponies to a -light buggy and have them at the door in a -quarter of an hour. I'll go out and take an -airing," said Gus to himself, when the darky -had disappeared. "There are a good many -<span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>people here in Clifton who used to snub me -when I was at home last summer, and I want -to see if they will do it now."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Having performed his ablutions, Gus proceeded -to make his toilet with much more care -than usual, but he was ready by the time the -carriage was at the door. Taking his seat in -the vehicle, he drove through the gate and -spent the next hour in exhibiting upon the -principal streets of the town the best suit of -clothes and the best pair of kid gloves he had -ever worn. Bob's fine turnout, which was -well known in the village, attracted some attention, -but it did not bring Gus any more -smiles and bows than he had been wont to receive -when he trudged through the streets on -foot. The people knew him too well; and, -besides, there were some of them (how surprised -Gus would have been to know it) who -believed he had no business in that fine carriage.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Having shown himself off to his satisfaction, -Gus turned the ponies' heads toward the -wharves, closely scrutinizing the signs on each -side of the street as he passed along. Presently -<span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>he seemed to discover the one he -was in search of, for he drew up to the sidewalk -and got out of the carriage. After -hitching the ponies he entered the door under -the sign and found himself in a small, dingy -bar-room, whose only occupant was a gray-headed, -dissolute-looking man, with a wooden -leg. This personage started up as Gus entered, -and hobbling around the counter waited -for him to make known his wants, at the same -time looking fixedly at him, as if he saw something -about him that was familiar.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, Barlow, how are you?" said Gus.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Now, I swan, I thought I knowed the cut -of your jib!" exclaimed the old man, extending -across the counter a huge, begrimed paw, -which Gus pretended he did not see. He was -a gentleman now, and gentlemen did not shake -hands with such characters as Barlow. Besides, -he had his new kids on and did not want -to soil them. "It's young Mr. Layton, isn't it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, Barlow, that's who it is," replied Gus.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I thought I knowed your face, but them -good clothes of your'n rather got the best of -me. You're dressed up within an inch of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span>your life, ain't you? You don't look much -like the dirty, barefoot boy that I used to -see playing about the gutters a few years ago. -Your father used to live in that little shanty -opposite the breakwater, and was so poor that -he used to be glad to come to me to find him -a job of stevedorin'. I suppose he would turn -up his nose at me now."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Gus had come to Barlow's saloon for a particular -purpose, but it was not to discuss such -matters as these. He did not like to hear -about them, so as soon as he saw a chance he -broke in with—</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The wheel of fortune has turned a spoke -or two in my favor since I last saw you, that -is true. But what is the news here in Clifton? -I have been away a year, you know."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, there ain't no news 'cepting that ole -Cap'n Nellis has slipped off, and that I suppose -you knowed long ago. Folks ain't got -done talkin' about it, and never will."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Rather sudden and mysterious, wasn't it?" -asked Gus, carelessly.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, rather sudden, and mebbe mysterious -to them as don't suspect nothing. But I can -<span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>easy account for it. Howsomever, it ain't no -consarn of mine, and I don't meddle with -other people's business. Savin' your presence, -Mr. 'Gustus, he's the meanest man that ever -stepped, is Cap'n Nellis."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He <i>was</i> the meanest man, you mean," -suggested the visitor.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, I don't mean anything of the kind," -insisted Barlow. "I say he <i>is</i>, 'cause, barring -accident that is likely to fall to men in any -part of the world, he's as hale and hearty this -minute as me and you be, the old villain!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Whew!" whistled Gus, opening his eyes -in amazement and looking a little alarmed.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It's a fact, I tell you," declared Barlow, -"'cause I know. But if I did see a few -things one dark and rainy mornin', and by -putting this and that together got at the whole -of the story, so that I can tell it to-day as -straight as them that done the business, 'tain't -no consarn of nobody's, is it? If I had had a -hand in the matter he wouldn't ever turn up -again, as he is likely to do."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Gus was too astonished to speak. Here was -a startling revelation indeed.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER VI.<br />BOB AT HOME.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>Before Gus had time to fairly digest -what he had heard or to recover himself -sufficiently to elicit further information by inquiry, -the old man went on:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Some folks makes a bungle of everything -they do, and you just wait and see if that old -scamp don't turn up again some day, and before -he is wanted, too. But I oughtn't to -abuse him before you, seeing that he is your -own dead mother's brother."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, you needn't apologize for that," said -Gus, as soon as he could speak. "I hate him -as heartily as you do."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And hain't I got good reason to hate -him?" asked Barlow, elevating his wooden -leg above the counter. "Just look at that! -Wasn't he a nice cove to go and wing me and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>set me to stumping around on this thing all -the rest of my days?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Gus was well acquainted with the circumstances -to which the man referred, and knew -that he richly deserved the punishment he -had received. In the years gone by Barlow -had been a sailor, and had on one occasion -shipped on a vessel commanded by Captain -Nellis. He was so very turbulent that he was -kept in irons almost half his time; and once, -just after he was released from a long confinement, -he, without the slightest provocation, -attacked the mate of the vessel so fiercely, -and with such evident intention to do him some -serious injury, that the captain, in order to -save his officer, disabled the ruffian with a -ball from his pistol which shattered the bone -and rendered amputation necessary. Barlow -never forgave his captain for that; and, -moreover, when he once got started on the -subject he never seemed to be able to stop -talking about it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I ask you wasn't he a nice fellow to go -and do that?" continued the old man, growing -more and more enraged the longer he dwelt -<span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>upon it. "But for him I might to-day 'a 'been -the master of as fine a vessel as ever sailed; -but here I am, laid up in ordinary, trying to -turn an honest penny by keepin' a sailors' -boarding-house."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And turning many a dishonest one by being -a land-shark," thought Gus.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I hate the whole tribe—every one that -bears the name of Nellis," the old man went -on, fiercely. "If I had my way I'd sweep -them all off the earth."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"So would I," said Gus, heartily.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Now, I'll tell you what's gospel," continued -Barlow, leaning over the counter -toward his visitor and sinking his voice almost -to a whisper—"is that son of his coming -here this summer?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Gus replied that he was.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, if men are as scarce as they were -last year he had better keep himself close, or -he'll make out the tail-end of a crew as sure as -I can get my hands on him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Gus started back and gazed at the old man -in great amazement. Was the latter able to -read the thoughts that were passing in his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>mind? It certainly looked like it. He had -heard that men, even landsmen who knew -nothing of the ways of the world, had been -kidnapped and shipped off to sea to fill up a -crew that could not be completed by voluntary -enlistment, and it had occurred to him that -that would be a good way to rid himself of -the presence of his cousin, if he could only -find some one to undertake the task. Knowing -the deadly enmity that Barlow cherished -toward Captain Nellis, Gus had visited him -on purpose to ascertain whether or not he was -ripe for such a scheme, and was delighted to -know that he had found a willing tool—so -willing, indeed, that he himself need have -nothing to do with the matter. All he had to -do was to remain in the background, and Barlow -would do all the work and run all the risk.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This was a highly encouraging state of -affairs, and Gus would have felt perfectly at -his ease had it not been for the hints Barlow -had thrown out in connection with Mr. Nellis's -disappearance. Gus turned the conversation -back to this subject as soon as he could, -but all he learned was that one morning, following -<span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>a remarkably stormy night, Mr. Nellis's -boat had been found on the reefs with a -hole knocked in her, and the supposition was -that her owner had been out on one of his -fishing excursions and had been caught in the -storm and drowned. At any rate, he was -never seen or heard of afterward. This was -no news to Gus, for he had heard it long ago. -He wanted to know what Barlow had seen on -that stormy morning, but on this subject the -old man refused to talk. It was none of his -business, he said, and with that the boy was -obliged to be contented.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Gus left the sailors' boarding-house heartily -wishing that he had never gone near it. He -had felt sure of his position before, but he did -not feel so now. His uncle had been treacherously -dealt with, that was plain, but instead -of being safely out of the way was likely to -make his appearance at any moment. He -could not be far away, either, for Barlow had -confidently assured him that he would be certain -to turn up, and that, too, before he was -wanted. Then what would happen? Gus -trembled when he thought of it.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>"Father had a hand in it," said he, as he -climbed into the buggy. "I can now account -for that wild look in his eye, and understand -what he meant when he said that after all he -had done and dared for me I ought to treat -him with more respect. I declare it is the -worst thing I ever heard of. If I am to be a -party to this business I ought to know just -what has happened, so that I can be prepared -for any emergency."</p> - -<p class='c008'>But this was something Gus never found -out. He visited Barlow a dozen times during -the next two days, but could gain nothing -further from him. He had several interviews -with his father, during which he hinted so -broadly at what he had heard that Mr. Layton -exhibited the same signs of alarm he had -shown when his son first came home; but he -volunteered no information, and Gus dared -not ask for it. These things made such an -impression on him that on the morning of the -day Bob was expected home from Elmwood -Gus had all his luggage removed to the rooms -in the south wing that had been prepared for -him, and saw that everything was arranged -<span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>in his cousin's room just as he had found it. -As matters now stood Bob's star was in the -ascendant, and Gus did not think it would be -policy to begin an open warfare with him. -But he did not for an instant lose sight of -what had for the last few months been the -main object of his life.</p> - -<p class='c008'>After Gus left the academy affairs went on -in much the usual way. True, there was less -wrangling and quarrelling among the students, -and such fellows as Simpson and Scotty were -obliged to keep themselves altogether in the -background. The "cut-oar matter," as the -boys called it, was thoroughly investigated, -and every one who was in any way mixed up -with it, and there proved to be at least a score -of them, was sent to coventry without ceremony. -The culprits at first assumed an independent -attitude, and tried to show themselves -as indifferent to the students as the latter were -to them; but this plan did not succeed very -well, and in their hearts they wished they had -had nothing to do with Gus Layton and his -attempted fraud.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Examination week ended and the closing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>exercises over, the students began to separate -to their homes, all of them apparently light-hearted -and joyous, and speaking confidently -of meeting again at the beginning of the next -school-year. Bob Nellis was melancholy and -low-spirited. As far as he knew, he had no -home to go to. There was no kind father -waiting to receive him and tell him that he -was satisfied with his conduct at school and -of the progress he had made there. He was -going among those who were almost strangers -to him, and who he knew had no interest in -him. He took a sorrowful leave of the -school and of his mates, and with Sprague for -a companion—he lived in the same village -that Bob did—set out for home. As long as -he remained in sight of the familiar buildings -he kept looking back at them as if he never -expected to see them again. He did go back -to them, however, and prepared for college -there; but he first passed through some adventures -the like of which he had never -dreamed of.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Now, Bob, I want you to tell me what is -the matter with you," said Sprague, laying -<span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>his hand affectionately on his companion's -shoulder. "Ever since your uncle countermanded -your order for that new shell you -haven't acted at all like yourself. Do you -think your uncle has gone back on you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I know it," said Bob. "But, Sprague, -you will excuse me for not saying too much. -When I get home I shall know just how the -land lays. I may be wrong, but that's the -way things look now."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Only just one question more and then I'll -drop the matter," said Sprague, earnestly. "I -heard before I came here that your father -used to be worth a lot of money. Has your -uncle got hold of it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob nodded.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I am sorry for you, and I know -how to appreciate your feelings; but I will -tell you this, Bob: Whenever things get too -hot for you, come to my house."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob thanked him from the bottom of his -heart. It served to show him that he had at -least one friend left in Clifton.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob left the academy on Thursday evening, -and awoke the next morning to find the steamer -<span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>in which he had taken passage tied up to the -wharf in Clifton. There was the usual crowd -to meet her, early as it was, and among the -lookers-on Bob found many friends and acquaintances -who were all eager to shake him -by the hand. Although he was glad to see -them he excused himself as soon as he could, -and having given his luggage into the charge -of a drayman, hurried away. He wanted to -see his home once more, even if had no right -there. There was one friend, at least, who -would be glad to see him, and Bob was disappointed -as well as surprised that he did not -find him on the wharf, waiting for him. It -was old Ben Watson, his father's gardener. -But Bob knew where to find him, and he intended -to visit him before he presented himself -to his uncle. Perhaps Ben could tell him -some things he wanted to know. With this -determination, Bob went through the iron gate -which opened into the grounds that had -once belonged to his father; but instead of -following the broad carriage-way that led up -to the door he turned into a by-path, and -presently found himself standing before a neat -<span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>little cottage that was hidden away among the -trees. There was an air of desolation about -it that Bob had never noticed before. The -door did not open at his knock, and when he -looked in at the window he was surprised to -see that the house was deserted—there was no -furniture in it. Bob did not know what to -make of it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With a sigh of regret he turned into the -path again, and after a few minutes' walk -reached the stables. Here another disappointment -awaited him. He found a man dressed -as a hostler, and he was engaged in rubbing -down one of Bob's own ponies; but the face he -turned toward him was not that of old Jack -Couch, who had charge of the stables during -his father's lifetime. It was the face of a -negro, and one Bob had never seen before.</p> - -<p class='c008'>If there had not been a person in the world -with whom he was acquainted, Bob could not -have felt more desolate and friendless than -he did at that moment. When his father -was alive there were four servants employed -on the place—two in the house, one in -the stables, and one in the garden. They -<span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>were all men, and every one of them was a -sailor who had grown gray in his father's service. -Bob was a favorite with them all; and -if any of them held a higher place in his estimation -than the others, it was Ben Watson, the -gardener. Many a relic and curiosity had the -old fellow brought to him from over the sea, and -many an hour had he spent in his cabin listening -to his thrilling tales of the deep; and it -was there, beside Ben's fire, that he had promised -his father that, come what might, he -would never be a sailor. The boy had often -thought of old Ben since his father's death, -and impatiently counted the hours of meeting -him, but now he was gone.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"They're all gone," thought Bob, turning -away from the stable without returning the -hostler's civil greeting, "and I am left alone. -They have been cast adrift in their old age, in -spite of father's promise that they should always -be cared for; and if I may judge by -uncle's letters, I must go, too. If I had never -made that promise I would be at sea in less -than twenty-four hours; but it is as binding -now as it was while father was living."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>"Sah! Sah!" said a voice, arousing him -from his reverie.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob looked up and saw a negro hurrying -toward him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Sah!" repeated the negro, "ole Moster -Layton done sent me to tell you dat dese is -private grounds, an' he don't 'low no trespassin' -from anybody."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob was thunderstruck. Did his uncle intend -to cast him off in that style?</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I hates to say it to a gemman," continued -the negro, "but ole Moster say dem's his 'perative -orders."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Does—does he know I am Bob Nellis?" -asked our hero, at a venture.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Sah?" yelled the darky. "Is you Moster -Bob? 'Fore Moses, we's expectin' you. -Your rooms am all done fix up nice. I fix 'em -myself. Come dis way, sah. Your uncle is -in de library."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob, whose equanimity was not altogether -restored by this assurance and the change his -name had produced in the darky's bearing -toward him, followed to the house, and was -presently ushered into the library. His uncle -<span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>was there, busy with some papers, which he -hastily bundled out of sight as his nephew entered.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, Bob!" he exclaimed, with more -apparent cordiality than the boy had expected -to see him exhibit, "I didn't know -that was you when I sent Sam to order you -out. Sit down. You are welcome to my -house."</p> - -<p class='c008'>This was said with so much emphasis on -the pronoun that Bob took his cue from it -and at once decided on his course.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Uncle Luther," said he, suddenly, "I -should like to know just how matters stand -here. You said in one of your letters that you -would explain everything when you saw me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>(Bob had noted, with some bitterness, that -his uncle did not say, "When you come -home.")</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Never mind that now," said Mr. Layton, -hastily. "We will have some breakfast before -we talk business. I can tell you everything -you wish to know in two minutes."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then please tell me now," persisted Bob. -"I have ordered my luggage brought to this -<span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>house because I did not know where else to -send it; but if I have no right or interest -here, of course I don't want to stay."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"H'm," said Mr. Layton.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I hope you'll be plain with me, for I am -prepared for the worst," continued Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>His uncle settled back in his chair and -coughed ominously once or twice, as if he -were preparing to say something disagreeable.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, Bob," said Mr. Layton, speaking -hurriedly, as if he wished to get through with -a very unpleasant duty, "I must tell you -plainly that no provision has been made for -you. I supposed, of course, as every one else -did, that you were to be your father's heir, and -why you were not I am sure I cannot tell; perhaps -you can. I can tell you, however, that -a codicil to his will, in which the property was -left to you, makes me the sole heir. The will -has been admitted to probate, and you can obtain -a copy of it for a dollar or two, which I -will cheerfully furnish you, if you are out of -funds. As I suppose, you want to do something -now for yourself, I have taken the liberty -to make arrangements for you which I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span>hope you will like. I trust that you have -made the most of your opportunities, for that -school is a very expensive one, and none but -wealthy men can afford to send their sons -there."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob listened to this speech, and when it -was concluded told himself that if his uncle -had not repeated it in private until he had -learned it by heart, he certainly spoke and -acted as if he had. Of one thing he was now -satisfied, and that was, he was not to return -to the academy. His uncle could not afford -it. Bob could not help recalling the fact -that his father had kept Gus there three years -at his own expense, but he said nothing about it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"As your father followed the sea for a livelihood -during the earlier part of his life, I -suppose you must have some love for the -water, and I suggest that you adopt his profession," -continued Mr. Layton. "You will -have opportunities to see different countries, -and under my patronage promotion will be -certain if you prove yourself worthy of it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I cannot do it," said Bob. "I promised I -would never be a sailor."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>"But at the time your father extorted that -promise from you he probably did not imagine -that you would ever be thrown upon your -own resources. Besides, he is dead."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But the promise is binding, all the same," -said Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then what do you intend to do?" asked -his uncle, with some impatience. "You have -got to do something."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I have not made up my mind. I can -turn my hand to almost anything, and shall -not starve."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, perhaps you will need a little time -to look about you, and meanwhile your rooms -are quite at your service. Now that we have -settled the matter we'll go to breakfast."</p> - -<p class='c008'>But Bob did not feel in the humor for -breakfast. He could not have eaten a mouthful -at Mr. Layton's table if he had tried—his -heart was too full. He wanted to get away -by himself, so he made his excuses to his -uncle, who did not seem at all unwilling to -part with him, and hurried out of the house.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER VII.<br />BEN SURPRISES EVERYBODY.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>And where was Gus all this while? He -was just where he had been every day -since he came from Elmwood, and that was in -Barlow's saloon. The boarding-house keeper -was almost the only one there was in the village -who would have anything to do with -him, and Gus liked to be in his company, for -the old man talked of nothing but the -"meanness" of which Captain Nellis had -been guilty, and was never tired of rehearsing -the plans he had laid against his son. Gus, -knowing that Bob was expected on this particular -morning, dropped into the saloon as if -by accident, but in reality for the purpose of -directing Barlow's attention to him in case -the old man did not happen to see him when -he landed from the steamer. But Barlow always -knew who landed in that port, day or -<span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>night. His house fronted on the wharf, and -by taking his stand in the door he could see -everyone who passed. This morning Bob was -almost the first passenger that left the steamer, -and Barlow knew him at once.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"There's that conceited young prig now," -said he, quickly. "I didn't tell you that I -had got things all fixed for him, did I, Mr. -'Gustus?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No," replied the boy.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I will tell you," said Barlow, leaving -the door and walking to his accustomed -place behind the counter, "because I know -the secret will be safe with you, and perhaps -I shall want you to help me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Be careful," interrupted Gus, nodding his -head toward a sailor who was seated near the -end of the counter with his hat drawn down -over his eyes, as if fast asleep.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No fear of him," replied Barlow. "He -has been snoring there for the last hour. As -I was going to say, a ship is to sail to-night -for Australia and the Spice Islands, and the -cap'n has been here a dozen times during the -last few days, begging me to raise a crew for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>him by fair means or foul. I've got all but -two aboard, and I've got them in my eye. -Bob Nellis is one, and there's the other," said -Barlow, pointing to the sailor before spoken of.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Who is he?" asked Gus.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, don't you know? Then it must be -because he keeps his hat down over his face. -If he would raise it for a moment you would -see that he is old Ben Watson, your uncle's -gardener. When your father got possession -of the place he kicked out all the old servants, -as you know, and hired niggers to fill their -places. I suppose he don't want them about, -to remind him of his brother-in-law, and I -don't blame him. Ever since he was discharged, -Ben has been layin' around with no -heart to go at anything, and he owes me -twenty dollars for board and grub. I've tried -my best to ship him in a crew by fair means, for -Ben is a good sailor, but the old fellow says -he has too many years on his shoulders. But -I must have him for the J. W. Smart, 'cause -I can't find anybody else that is goin' to sail, -and so I shall have to doctor his tea to-night."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>"Drug it?" asked Gus.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes; put him to sleep and take him -aboard before he awakes. And now about -Bob. He is going up to your house, I suppose, -and if you will keep an eye on him, and -get him out into the garden to-night about -eight o'clock, me and my barkeeper will slip -up and take him in tow, and no one will be -the wiser for it. I shall make sixty dollars -by shipping him and Ben, and I'll give you -ten of it. What do you say?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It is a bargain," replied Gus, wondering -at the readiness with which he accepted the -villainous offer. "I will be on hand when -you want me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You will never see him again when once -he is aboard that ship," continued Barlow. -"Cap'n French is the hardest ship-master that -ever sailed, and when a man doesn't do to -suit him, he quietly knocks him overboard. -More than that, the ship belongs to old man -Brock, who feeds his hands on nothin' and -pays them the same. He has to promise them -thirty dollars a month, for that is what they -are payin' out of this port, but he always -<span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>orders his skippers to treat them harshly, so -that they will desert the first chance they get, -and the cap'n fills their places with cheaper -hands, which they can always find in foreign -ports. Between the belayin'-pins which -Cap'n French slings about so reckless, and -the yellow fever, and the niggers among whom -they are going to trade, Mr. Bob will have -a lively time of it. Now, don't forget to have -him out of the house to-night at eight o'clock -sharp, and me and my barkeeper will do the -rest. We'll just slip up there—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Barlow suddenly paused and startled his -auditor with the heaviest kind of an oath. -Gus followed the direction of his gaze and -saw that it rested on the sailor, who had raised -his hat from his face and was looking at them -with wide-open eyes. It was old Ben Watson, -sure enough, and he had heard every word -of the conversation.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Never in his life had Gus been more astounded -and alarmed. He leaned against the -counter and stared stupidly at old Ben, and -even Barlow seemed to be at his wits' end. -The old sailor was the only one who retained -<span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span>his presence of mind. Hastily putting on -his hat he arose and started for the door; but -his indignation got the better of his prudence, -and he stopped to say a parting word to the -conspirators.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You'll kidnap me and Bob and ship us -off to foreign parts against our will, will you!" -he exclaimed. "Not if I know myself. I'll -have the pair of you arrested in less'n an hour!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>These words seemed to bring Barlow to his -senses. Like all men of his class he had -faithful assistants close at hand, who had lent -their aid in more than one emergency like -the present, and he shouted out their names -with so much earnestness that they lost no -time in making their appearance.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Here, Bull! Bull! I say, Samson! Show -yourself!" he roared.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The first was a huge bull-dog which was -lying on the steps in front of the house, and -the second was the barkeeper, a man who, -judging by his size and apparent muscular -power, was rightly named. These two worthies -came in at opposite doors at the same -instant. The dog at once launched himself -at the sailor's throat, but was met half-way by -a heavy chair, which Ben caught up and -threw at him with such accuracy of aim that -the fierce brute was stretched motionless on -the floor. In an instant he turned upon the -barkeeper. Just as he put out his hands to -seize Ben from behind he was met by a stunning -blow in the face—a regular one-two, -which showed that the old sailor had received -some early training in boxing—and he, too, -was stretched on the floor, quivering like a -man who had just had his death-wound.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span> -<img src='images/i_096.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>Ben on his mettle</span>.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span>"Got any more help?" said Ben. "I -ought to put you by the side of them, you old -land-shark, and I will, too, if you open your -head."</p> - -<p class='c008'>But it seems that Ben was not alone. There -was a scurrying of feet out in front of the -house, and who should come in but Leon -Sprague and his father. They had had some -business on the docks and were just going -home when their attention was attracted by -the noise of the fight going on in Barlow's -saloon. Mr. Sprague was a man the boarding-house -keeper was not at all delighted to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>see. During the short time he had been in -the village he had been elected police magistrate, -and of course he had it in his power to -get at the bottom of the matter.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What is the meaning of this?" he exclaimed. -"Put down that chair!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Gus Layton!" said Sprague, astonished -almost beyond measure to find his old stroke -there in the saloon.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, sir; it is Gus Layton," responded -Ben. "He and that old land-shark have -been laying their plans to kidnap Bob and -me to-night and send us off to foreign parts. -They would have taken me at once if I hadn't -laid the bull-dog and barkeeper out. I want -the pair of them arrested."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It's a lie!" said the barkeeper, arousing -himself at this moment.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, of course it is!" exclaimed Barlow, -catching at the idea thus thrown out. "It's -a lie out of the whole cloth. Ain't it, Gus?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Ye-es," said Gus, who didn't know -whether he stood on his head or his feet, so -frightened was he. "Of course it is a lie. -He was asleep, and dreamed it all."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>"That's the idea," echoed Barlow. "He -was asleep there on that table, with his hat -over his eyes, and dreamed about being kidnapped. -There ain't a word of truth in it. -Gus came in here to ask me—to say that he -had seen—to ask me how I was, in fact, and I -told him I was pretty well—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"If I ain't telling you the truth I don't -want to lay up anything for old age," said -Ben, earnestly; and one couldn't have looked -into his honest face and accused him of telling -a falsehood. "I was just as wide-awake -as I am at this moment, and heard them talk -the matter all over. When I got up to go, -Barlow yelled for the barkeeper and the bull-dog."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I believe that is so," Sprague whispered -to his father. "You are Ben Watson, are you -not?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, sir; that's who I am."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, did you know that Bob has come -home?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I never knew it until to-day, sir. I want -to see him the first thing I do."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I wouldn't make out a warrant for anybody's -<span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span>arrest until Ben has had an interview -with Bob," said Sprague to his father. "I -have heard a good deal about Ben Watson, -but I never heard of his telling a lie yet. -Come on. I'll go up to the house with you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Now let me tell you something before I -go away," said Mr. Sprague. "You are beginning -to keep a most disorderly house here, and -the very next time you have a fight here I -shall shut you up."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I tell you, sir, we ain't been keepin' no -disorderly house," replied Barlow. He was -as mad a man as ever stepped, but he took -good care not to show it. "That fellow has -been asleep and dreamed—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I understand all about it," said Mr. -Sprague. "I only caution you against having -another fight here."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Barlow walked around behind the counter, -the barkeeper got up and rubbed his face, -which began to be puffed out around the eyes, -the bull-dog staggered to his feet and began -reeling across the floor, and Gus leaned on the -place where the drinks were served, so utterly -amazed and bewildered that he could not speak.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>"Those two are going up to your house," -said Barlow, recovering his speech with an -effort. He had first uttered a volley of oaths -when he saw his bull-dog and his barkeeper -worsted, and had gathered up a chair to take -a hand in the muss, but his swear-words grew -soft the moment Mr. Sprague entered. He -knew that the magistrate had a right to fine -him for every oath to which he gave utterance. -"They are going up to your house, and they'll -see Bob there."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's just what I am afraid of," said -Gus, walking up and down in front of the -counter and wringing his hands. "I don't -see what made me come here, anyway."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No more do I," said Barlow, looking savagely -at him. "The whole thing is out on -us. You had better get out of here as soon -as you can, and don't come to us with any -more trickery."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, this was your own doing!" said Gus, -surprised to learn that he was the cause of all -Barlow's trouble. "You hollered for the barkeeper -and the bull-dog—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But I wouldn't 'a' done it if you hadn't -<span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>been here!" retorted the old man, angrily. -"Come now, get out!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Barlow came out from behind the counter -and Gus made haste to get through the open -door into the street; but where should he go? -He pulled his hat down over his eyes, thrust -his hands deep into his pockets, and walked -along, thinking the matter over.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"If that man ever gets into another row -I'll shut him up," repeated Mr. Sprague, as -they hurried on in the direction of the house -which had once been Bob's home. "I have -heard of such things as shipping a lot of -landsmen to make up a ship's company, but -I never thought it would be brought home to -me in this manner. Watson, you're sure you -were not asleep and dreamed it all?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I told you nothing but the truth," said -Ben, as if he hoped in some way to make Mr. -Sprague believe it. "I can repeat every word -they said. You ask Bob, and see if he will -believe me. I never told a lie in my life, except -when I was telling some stories of the -sea."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, Leon will go around there with you -<span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span>and I'll go home. And I want you to add -my earnest invitation to Leon's, and tell Bob -that if he can't see his way clearly to stopping -there he must come up to my house."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ben promised compliance, and Mr. Sprague -turned up the street that led to his residence.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I'll tell you another thing," said Ben. -"That man Barlow says I owe him twenty -dollars for grub and lodging. I'll go there -to-morrow and pay him, though to tell the -truth I didn't suppose I owed him anything. -I've got money that I saved while Cap'n Nellis -was here, and if Bob wants it he can have it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You say when Mr. Nellis was here," replied -Leon. "Then you don't think he is -dead?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He's as lively as you or I at this minute," -said Ben, earnestly.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then why don't you go and get him?" -asked Leon.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Ah! That's the trouble. We don't know -where he is. The ocean is large, and there's -a heap of islands scattered around in it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But Barlow might have killed him. They -went for you pretty rough."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>"They didn't kill nobody; Barlow hasn't -stooped quite low enough for that yet. I don't -say that Barlow had a hand in it, but I think -I know who had. And this 'will' business. I -tell you it is all a fraud."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ben became silent after this, and said no -more until they had opened the iron gate and -moved up the sidewalk to the door that led to -Bob's home; for it was Bob's home in spite -of all that happened, and Ben acknowledged -the fact. It didn't make any difference how -many people came there to live, the will wasn't -right, even though it had been admitted to -probate. Mr. Layton was on hand, and he -sent Sam with orders to clear them out. He -knew Sprague and Watson, and he was afraid -to have them come there.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Sah, it's moster's positive commands dat -you," began Sam—</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Never mind that," said Sprague. "We -have come here to see Bob. If he is about -the house ask him to come here."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I—I don't know, sah," hesitated Sam, -"but I think he has gone away. He hain't -been around de house since 'arly dis morning. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>I will go and see what moster say about -it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The negro disappeared, locking the front -door behind him, whereupon Sprague looked -at Ben and smiled. It made Ben madder -than ever. It was the first time he had ever -had that front door locked upon him. The -darky passed along the hall until he reached -the library door, upon which he pounded -with his fingers. He opened it in response to -the summons from the inside, and found Mr. -Layton pacing the floor. He was paler now -than he was the first time we saw him, and -trembled so visibly that any one could have -noticed it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Dem gemmen out dar gwine to see Moster -Bob," said Sam, in a tone of voice that -Mr. Layton did not like. It showed that the -darky understood that there was something -wrong. "Yes, sah; they gwine to see him. -Mebbe he up in his room, sah."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's a pretty way to talk!" said Mr. Layton. -"They come onto my grounds without -being invited, and then say they are going to -see somebody. Did you lock the front door?"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>"Oh, yes, sah; I locked it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then let them ring until they are tired. -They will soon get weary of it and go away. -Have you seen Augustus lately? Well, -when he comes, tell him that I want to see -him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>But it seems that Sprague was not in the -habit of ringing the bells on doors that had -been locked against him. He had another and -a better way of reaching the ears of the boy -he wanted to see. After waiting a sufficient -length of time for the negro to open the door -he threw back his head and whistled, shrilly, -three long whistles and a short one, and he -knew that if Bob was anywhere about the -house that signal would be sure to bring him -out. Nor was he disappointed. One of the -upper windows was thrown up and Bob's head -was thrust out. He did not look much like -the stroke of the winning boat that had been -rowed in the race at Elmwood. His face was -pale and sunken, and his eyes looked as -though they had long been in want of sleep. -But his voice was as strong as ever.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Halloo, Sprague; I didn't expect to see -<span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span>you again so soon," said he. "Why, isn't -that Ben Watson? I'll be down directly."</p> - -<p class='c008'>In a few moments they heard his steps -coming down the stairs. He tried the door, -but it was locked, and he stopped to turn the -key. When he appeared on the porch his -face wore an angry expression which even -Sprague had never seen there before.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I didn't lock it, boys," said he, as he hurried -down the steps to shake Watson by the -hand. "I heard you talking, but I didn't -know who it was. It is the first time a -door has been locked in the face of my -friends."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But that ain't the worst of it, Mister Bob," -said Ben, lifting his hat to the boy out of respect -to his old commander. "You know -that saloon that is run by that old land-shark -Barlow, don't you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I know of it, but I have never been -there," returned Bob. "What of it? Has -anything been going on there?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I should say so," said Ben. "Gus -Layton has been there, and him and Barlow -have made all arrangements for shipping us -<span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span>on the ship Smart and sending us off to foreign -parts."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob was utterly amazed, and began to see -that Gus was not quite so helpless as he -thought he was. He looked toward Sprague -to confirm the story, and he nodded his head.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Did you hear it?" asked Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No; but we got there in time to help -Ben. He had the bull-dog and the barkeeper -laid out and was getting ready to defend himself -against Barlow, who had a chair."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And then they said I was asleep and -dreamed it all!" chimed in Ben. "I never -was more wide-awake in my life. Mister -Bob, you don't want to go near the garden -to-night."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I will see a lawyer about it this very -afternoon," said Bob, with a very determined -expression on his face. "I am not going to put -up with this thing any longer. They seem -to think that, because they have taken my -father's property away, they can drive me -out of town; but I'll show them that they -can't."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Good for you, Mister Bob!" said Ben; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>and he reached out his hand for another -shake. "I always said that you would come -out at the top of the heap. I've got some -money, and you can have it all."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Thank you, Ben; but I don't think I -shall have need for it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Let us go a little farther away from the -house before we do any more talking," said -Sprague. "These windows are open, and it -would be any easy matter for someone to slip -up and hear everything we said."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Now, Ben, I want you to begin and tell -me all about that kidnapping business," said -Bob, as they walked along toward the gate. -"How was he going to do it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>As they walked away somebody behind one -of the curtains, near one of the open windows, -straightened up and staggered toward the -library. It was Mr. Layton, and he had heard -every word of their conversation. When he -reached the library he sank into the nearest -chair and rang the bell for the negro, who -presently appeared.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Sam," said Mr. Layton, in a trembling -voice, "put on your cap and see if you can -<span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>find Augustus somewhere about the streets. -If you can, tell him that I want to see him -directly—directly, mind you. Those are my -imperative orders."</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER VIII.<br />BOB GETS SOME MONEY.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>Sam was a long time finding Gus Layton, -and when he did he was sitting in the -shade of a warehouse watching a vessel that -was getting under way. How heartily he -wished that Bob Nellis and old Ben Watson -were on board that ship! She was going away -for a two years' cruise, and Gus was certain -that something would happen to them before -they came back.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hi, Moster 'Gustus, I found you at last!" -exclaimed the darky, as he hurried up. -"Your father wants to see you at home this -blessed minute. Dem is his 'perative orders."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Sam," said Gus, putting his hand into his -pocket and pulling out a piece of money, "has -anything been going on there?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Thank you, sah. Not de fustest thing. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>Ebberything is just as it was when you were -dar."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Nobody to see me, I suppose?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Dar's been nobody dere to see you, but -dere's been somebody dere to see Moster Bob."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't see what you fellows call that snipe -'Mister' for," said Gus, impatiently. "That -title belongs to me. Who were there to see -Bob?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Wal, sah, Moster 'Gustus, dere was one -man dere dat used to be your uncle's gardener," -replied Sam. "And de other one -was—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Watson?" cried Gus.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I reckon so, sah. And de other one was -a right smart-lookin' chap, just about your -size. Is you comin' home, sah?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It was Sprague, I'll bet," said Gus.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was a very short road with Gus that had -no turning, and here he was, right in the -midst of his schemes for mischief, and they -began to come back to him. How he wished -that Watson had kept out of that saloon, or -rather, how he wished he had kept away from -it himself!</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>"Is you comin' home?" inquired the -darky.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You go on ahead at your usual gait and -tell father that I will be with him soon," replied -Gus. "I may as well face it down one -time as another," he added to himself. "What -can I say that will induce father to believe I -was in that saloon by accident? I tell you, I -wish I had steered clear of Barlow!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Gus arose to his feet and started toward -home, but with every step he took he felt that -he was drawing nearer to his doom. The -closer he came to the iron gate the more confused -his thoughts seemed to grow, and when -he went down the hall and opened the door -of the library, without the ceremony of knocking, -he had made up his mind that Watson -had been asleep and dreamed it all; that nobody -had said a word about kidnapping him. -He found his father pacing back and forth, -wringing his hands as if he were in great -bodily distress.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, what's the matter?" he asked, innocently.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Augustus, how does it come that you were -<span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>in Barlow's saloon?" asked his father. "Have -I not often told you to keep away from those -places? What did you hear about kidnapping -Bob and that old gardener?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, nothing at all," said Gus, opening -his eyes in surprise. "Ben Watson was in -there asleep, and when he woke up he accused -Barlow of getting up a scheme against him. -Has he been here? What did he say?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He has said enough in Bob's ears to -prompt him to call on a lawyer this very -afternoon," said Mr. Layton, looking sharply -at Gus.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This was rather more than Gus had bargained -for. He looked around for the nearest -chair and sat down. For once the face he -turned toward his father was as white as a -sheet. That was one thing that Gus was always -afraid of. He might get a lawyer to examine -into the matter, and he would be pretty -apt to find a screw loose somewhere.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't like this lawyer business," said Gus.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, Augustus, it is perfectly straight," -said his father. "The more lawyers he gets -the better I shall like it. They will have -<span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span>every facility granted them for making a -thorough investigation. One would think, -from the way you talk, that you suspected -something yourself."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Father, there's no need of your beating -about the bush any longer," said Gus, who -thought, if he had to make a clean breast of -the matter, it was time his father did so, too. -"What makes you so nervous and excited?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It is the trouble you have got into with -that fellow Barlow," said Mr. Layton. "I -know all about it, and there's no use for you -to try to deceive me. Now, I want you to tell -me the whole thing. I have a little influence, -and perhaps I can bring some good out of it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What do you know?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I know that you went into that saloon -without anybody sending for you; that Ben -Watson was asleep there on the table—or had -his head pillowed on his arms as if he was -asleep, but he was in reality wide-awake; that -you began talking about the crew of the -Smart; that you made up a scheme for kidnapping -Bob—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I never did it in this world!" interrupted -<span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>Gus. "You go and ask Barlow, and see if -anything of the kind happened."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I think I see myself going near that skin-flint!" -said Mr. Layton. "Anyhow, you had -your plans made up for taking Ben and Bob -off on board that ship, and it was when Bob -roused up and told you of it that Barlow -shouted for his bull-dog and barkeeper."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It isn't so! it isn't so!" said Gus, pounding -with his fingers on the table.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And to make the matter still worse, Mr. -Sprague and his boy came in at that moment," -pursued Mr. Layton, paying no heed to the -interruption. "I tell you, Augustus, you -have got yourself into a scrape. You begin -to see it now, don't you?" he added, as Gus -looked down at the carpet. "I don't know -what will become of you if you keep on this -way. Bob was doing well enough, and I don't -see why you couldn't let him alone."</p> - -<p class='c008'>There was silence for a few minutes, for -Gus had about got to the end of his rope. His -father knew all about it, and he couldn't -think what else to say. After waiting in vain -for Gus to speak, he said:</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>"I got the most of this while listening at the -window when Bob was talking to Leon and -Ben. What more they had to say I don't -know, for they walked away, so that I -couldn't hear them; but by putting this and -that together I got at the true story of the -matter. You can tell me the rest I want to -know. Are you willing to do it? I may -be able to bring some good out of it, as I said -before."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Thus urged, Gus determined that the best -thing he could do would be to tell the truth. -He began at the beginning and told everything -Barlow had said, touching lightly upon -what he had said himself, however, and when -he had finished he settled back in his chair as -if he was glad to have the load off his mind. -His father did not interrupt him until he got -through, and then he said:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't see why you did not tell me this -at the start. As I said a little while back, -you have got yourself in a pretty scrape. -Suppose something should happen to Bob, and -he should be kidnapped and sent to sea against -his will; where would you be?"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>"By George! I never thought of that," -said Gus, growing frightened again.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Barlow knows that I do not approve of -such doings as that," continued Mr. Layton, -"and after Bob had been gone for a month -or two, he would come to me for money."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"For what?" asked Gus. "You wouldn't -hire him to send Bob off to sea."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That may all be. I might never have -dreamed that he had such a thing in mind; -but don't you know that he would come to -me for money to make him keep his mouth -shut?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's something new to me," said Gus, -fairly trembling with excitement and fear. -"He could do it as easy as falling off a log, -couldn't he? But I don't suppose that Barlow -knows enough to do that."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't worry about it. He would come -for money, and if I refused to give it to him, -how long would it be before everybody in -town would hear of it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He would be as deep in the mud as you -are," suggested Gus. "If you went to jail he -would have to go, too."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>"But, Augustus, I don't want to go to jail," -said Mr. Layton, in a trembling voice. -"Think what a position it would be for me. -Now, I think I can see a way out of it, and -that is by buying Bob."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"How are you going to do it?" asked Gus, -who became interested at once.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I will give him a hundred dollars a -month if he will take his trunks out of this -house and never come back here again," said -Mr. Layton.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's the idea!" exclaimed Gus, unconsciously -uttering the same expression that -Barlow had made use of a short time before. -"But a hundred dollars is a power of money, -father. Don't you suppose if you were to -offer him seventy-five dollars it would do just -as well?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, I don't think it would. Bob has always -had money when he chose to call for it, -and a hundred dollars is little enough. Ben -has got a nice little house down here, and Bob -can go there and live as well as not. Of one -thing we will be sure, anyway: Bob will never -come to this house again."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span>"That's the idea!" said Gus, again. "How -will you send him the money—by check?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I'll send him a check the first of every -month; that will save him the trouble of coming -here."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That won't interfere with what you are to -give me?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Not at all; and I think it is the best thing -we can do. I wish you would be around when -I talk to him—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, that's asking too much," said Gus, -getting upon his feet. "You must remember -that I was in the saloon when we talked of -kidnapping him, and that it would hardly do."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Perhaps, after all, you had better stay -away," said Mr. Layton, after reflecting a -moment. "But I will put in a good word for -you when I see a chance. I will tell him that -you and I were talking the matter over, and -concluded it wasn't right to turn him loose to -face the world without a cent, and that we -have decided to give him a part of our incomes."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That will be better than if I was here," -said Gus. "But what if Bob won't take it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span>"Eh? Oh, I don't think he will go back -on a hundred dollars. You see, Bob won't -have to do any work after he gets to Ben's -house, and that will take a heap off his -mind."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"A hundred dollars is enough for him," -answered Gus.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You couldn't stay around and see him -when he comes in, I suppose?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I'll stay around, and if he looks -good-natured when he comes in I'll tell him -you want to see him; but if he looks cross I -won't open my head. You had better see -him yourself."</p> - -<p class='c008'>This much having been decided upon, Gus -went up to his room to remain there until his -father had had an interview with Bob, while -Mr. Layton opened the door of the library so -that he would be sure to see Bob when he -came in.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I'll tell you I wouldn't stay in this house -after what has happened down there at Barlow's -saloon, and if Bob has the pluck I have -given him credit for he'll not stay, either," -said Gus, drawing one of the curtains before -<span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>the window and seating himself so that he -could see his cousin when he came down the -walk. "I would get away from here as soon -as I could. He must know he is not wanted -here."</p> - -<p class='c008'>In a few minutes he saw Bob coming, and -he fairly trembled with excitement when he -saw how enraged he was. He walked like a -boy who had made up his mind that he wasn't -going to stand that nonsense any longer. He -bounded up the steps as though he had a right -there, to quote from Gus, and stamped through -the hall as though there was somebody waiting -for him. And so there was. Mr. Layton -came out of the library, his face all wrinkled -up with smiles; but it was strange how quickly -those smiles all went away when he caught -sight of Bob's face. He began to fear that -he was going to have trouble with the boy.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Ah, Bob! I was just waiting for you," -said he.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, you were, were you?" said Bob, with -something like a sneer.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes. Come in. I want to talk to you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You will have to talk to me mighty clever -<span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>to put me out of the notion of having Gus -and Barlow arrested," said Bob, seating himself -in the nearest chair and placing his hat -upon the table. "I never heard of such a -thing before. Why, it is downright—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, what is the matter?" asked Mr. -Layton. He thought he spoke calmly enough, -but his voice trembled in spite of himself.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"There's no use of feigning ignorance," -said Bob, in a tone of deep disgust. "Gus -and Barlow have been laying a plan to kidnap -Ben and me to-night and send us off to some -country we never dreamed of. Gus has told -you all about it, I suppose? If he didn't, he -ought to. You sympathize with him more -deeply than anybody else."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, I heard about that," said Mr. Layton. -"Ben was asleep and dreamed it all. You -surely don't suppose that I would agree to -anything of that sort?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You may not have agreed to it, but the -plot has been laid, all the same. What were -you going to say to me?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Gus has just been here, talking about you, -and if he was going to send you off to foreign -<span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>countries I don't see why he should propose -to give you a hundred dollars a month."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Have you agreed to that?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I have."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then I will take it, glad to get that much -out of you. But I'll tell you, Mr. Layton, it -will not keep me from putting a lawyer on -the track of this 'will' business. That much -I have determined upon."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You may have all the lawyers you want," -said Mr. Layton. "If it will be of any use -to you, I will get one of my own and put him -on the case with you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>It must be confessed that this remark -pretty nearly took Bob's breath away. He -looked sharply at his uncle to see if he really -meant what he said, and Mr. Layton met his -gaze without flinching.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You seem to think there is something -wrong with your father's will," said the latter. -"I assure you there is not. I wouldn't have -touched a cent of his property if it hadn't -been willed to me. I trust you know me -well enough to believe that."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, yes; I know you. What I am going -<span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span>to find out is, whether or not the will is -all right. Now, if you will count out my -hundred dollars I will go up stairs and pack -my luggage."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It shall be ready for you when you come -down," said Mr. Layton, with much more -eagerness than he had thus far shown. "I -hope you are not going away out of town, are -you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, no; I shall be here, and give Gus another -chance to kidnap me, if he wants to. I -shall be at hand, too, to give that lawyer any -assistance he may wish."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I wish you would get over your idea of -Gus trying to kidnap you," said Mr. Layton, -impatiently. "He never did it in this world."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Of course I will believe it when he proves -it before a magistrate's court," said Bob; and -he couldn't help smiling when he thought of -the way his lawyer would wind him up on his -cross-examination. "But he will find that -a difficult thing to do."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Without waiting to hear what else his uncle -had to say, Bob went up stairs to his room; -and as he had not yet wholly unpacked his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span>trunk, it did not take him long to get the -things together that he wanted to take with -him. One trunk generally held all the things -he needed when he went to Elmwood, but this -time he took three, his little fowling-piece -and his fishing-rod not being forgotten. By -the time he had them all packed the carriage -appeared, with Ben Watson on the box beside -the driver. Ben didn't hesitate to come in -now, as he would if he had been alone. The -house was Bob's, he could swear to that, and -he had a right to go where he pleased in it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Now, you take these trunks down and I -will go and bid my uncle good-bye," said -Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Aw! Are you going to see that fellow -again?" inquired Ben. "It's small good-bye -he will give you, seeing that you are going to -live with me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But, Ben, I've got a hundred dollars coming -to me," said Bob. "He offered to give it -to me of his own accord."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, that's better than I expected of -him. I guess he's mighty fearful that the -captain will turn up yet."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>Bob went down to the library and found -his uncle there alone. A roll of bills lay -upon the table, with a paper-weight on them -to hold them down. He looked all around -for Gus, but could not see anything of him. -He wanted to say a word to him before he -went, but Gus was still in his own room.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Is this money intended for me?" asked -Bob. "Then I will take it and bid you good-bye."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Good-bye, Bob," said Mr. Layton, holding -out his hand, but seeing that Bob did not -take it he speedily drew it in again. "Are -you going to live here in town? I want to -know, so that I can send you a check on the -first of every month."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Address it to me here at this post-office -and I will get it all right," said Bob. "I will -tell you, for your satisfaction, that I am going -to live with Ben Watson."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Ah! Ben is a good fellow."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I know he is. He thinks father was -foully dealt with on that morning he disappeared, -and he will be near at hand to give -my lawyer some points."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>"That's a good thing. I am glad you are -going to investigate it. Good-bye."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The trunks being all brought down by the -time Bob got out of the library, he took his -seat in the carriage and was whirled away to -his new home. Of course he felt bad on -leaving the place of his boyhood, but there -was no help for it. Gus held the curtain -aside so that he could watch him, and when -the carriage had disappeared through the iron -gate he opened the door and went down to -his father.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER IX.<br />BOB CALLS ON A LAWYER.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>"There!" said Bob, when his uncle's -gates had closed behind him and the -carriage was fairly under way for his new -home; "I hope I shall never go inside those -grounds again unless my father is here to go -with me. Now, Ben, I would like to know -what you mean by going inside that saloon? -You wouldn't have done so when my father -was here."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No indeed, I wouldn't," said Ben, with a -hearty shake of his head. "But the truth was -I didn't have a heart for any work, and somehow -I wanted to be near where I could see the -ships come in. But I don't owe him no -twenty dollars for grub and lodging."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Did you ever spend a cent in his house?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, sir. I have treated some of my old -mates, but I paid him right down. As for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>lodging, you will say, when you see my little -house, that I don't need to go to the saloon to -find a bed."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then I wouldn't pay him a cent. Don't -you go near him again. He is worse than I -ever thought him. He's a land-shark. But, -Ben, I don't believe that Barlow had anything -to do with my father's disappearance."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No more do I; but the question is, who -did? If it hadn't been for what Barlow said -when he thought I was asleep I should think -the cap'n was dead; but he says he is liable -to come back when nobody isn't expecting -him. I tell you, that proves something."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It certainly does," said Bob, becoming excited. -"I will see Mr. Gibbons about it this -afternoon."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's what I say. That man can see -through it, if anybody can. Barlow says it is -no concern of his; but I'll bet if he is brought -up before a court of law he'll have to tell -something he don't want to."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob became all life and animation now. -The idea that Barlow might tell something -that was no concern of his made him impatient -<span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>to see a lawyer and find out what he -thought about it. The Mr. Gibbons of whom -Bob had spoken was an old-time friend of his -father's, and he was sure that if there was a -flaw in the will that gentleman would find it -out.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Meanwhile the carriage sped on, and in a -few moments drew up in front of Ben's house. -It was a small place, surrounded by about -half an acre of ground, and so hemmed in by -bushes and trees that one could scarcely see it -from the road. The garden occupied almost -all Ben's attention. It was only when he -grew lonesome and longed for his old captain -that he went down to Barlow's, to be where -he could see the vessels come in, and he never -spent any money there except what he was able -to "pay right down." His story that Ben -was indebted to him was made up all out of -his own head.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"So this is where you live?" said Bob, -after the trunks had been carried in on the -porch and the hackman discharged. "It -seems to me that you ought to be contented -here."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>"I am," replied Ben. "I call this my 'ordinary,' -for I have never been satisfied to live -here only until my cap'n comes back. I believe -now that he is alive, and that some day -I'll see his old gray head coming in here. My -gracious! wouldn't that be fine?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I tell you it would," said Bob, seating -himself in the nearest chair, "but I am most -afraid of it. Any way, we'll make Barlow tell -what he knows. Now, what have you got -for dinner? I have not had a bite to eat -since I have been at my uncle's."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, you go in and start a fire in the -stove and I'll soon have dinner ready for you. -You will find everything arranged there as it -used to be in the Anchorage."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob went into the house, and Ben bent his -steps for the garden to gather some fresh vegetables -for dinner. The Anchorage was the -name Watson had applied to the house Captain -Nellis had given him because he thought -he wasn't going to move any more. He -thought he was going to live and die under -that roof. When Mr. Layton told the old -fellow that he was done with his services, Ben -<span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span>was almost heart-broken. He tried to argue -the point with that gentleman, but when the -latter told him that he had hired negroes to -take the places of all the house-servants, Ben -had nothing more to say.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Niggers!" he said in disgust. "I can remember -the time, and it was not so very long -ago, when the niggers were slaves and glad to -take what they could get, and now they come -around and crowd a white man out of his -place. This house won't stand a great while."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob started a fire in the stove, and that was -easy enough, for everything was handy, and -then went into the bedroom to examine things -there. His bunk was nicely made up on the -side opposite Ben's, as if the old fellow had -been expecting him that very night. All the -war relics were there, too, which Bob had not -been able to find room for in his apartments -at home, including a model of the rebel iron-clad -Atlanta, just as she appeared on the day -that Ben helped sink her.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I almost believe I am in the old room at -the Anchorage," said Bob. "There is one -thing sure: Barlow will have a time getting -<span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>at me here to shanghai me. I'd like to see -him try it. And to think that my cousin -should uphold him in such a trick! I tell -you, that beats me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob put some more wood on the fire and -then went out on the porch to wait for Ben. -He was so long in coming that finally Bob -got impatient and strolled through the bushes -to meet him. The way he took led him to -the beach, and almost the first thing he saw -was the ten-ton schooner in which he had taken -so much delight in going fishing and exploring -the inlets of the bay. He had so many -things to think of that he had forgotten all -about her until he caught sight of her. It -did not seem possible that his father would -have taken his schooner away from him, even -if he had made a codicil to his will, and he -determined to speak to Mr. Gibbons about it -that very afternoon.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It is bad enough to have taken my horses -without saying a word to me, but I didn't believe -he would so far forget himself as to take -my schooner," said Bob, seating himself upon -the grass. "If he had only left me that and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>the ponies I should have been satisfied—that -is, if he is dead; but that is something I won't -believe until I receive proof of it. Now, then, -what has become of Ben?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Barlow's chance words, that it was no concern -of his what he had seen on that stormy -morning, had put Bob on his mettle, but for -all that, he was not inclined to put faith in -anything that man said or did; consequently -he was disposed to make the best of a bad -bargain. He had all along supposed that his -father was dead, but the hint Barlow had -thrown out that he might turn up again when -nobody was expecting him worked a change -in Bob in spite of all he could do to prevent -it. But he intended to wait until he could -see Mr. Gibbons about it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I won't put any confidence in what that -old land-shark said," soliloquized Bob, -stretching himself out flat on the grass. "If -Mr. Gibbons says he is alive I will believe it; -and if he says he is dead, I shall believe that, -too. I will think no more about it. I am -ready for anything that happens. There's -Ben; he has been to town. I object to his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>going on in this way in regard to me; but -first I am going to speak about that boat. -Say," he added, rising to his feet and taking -some of the parcels from the old sailor, "do -you see that boat over there?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes; and I know it's your'n."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It ought not to have been taken away -from me, ought it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No; nor your ponies, either."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's all right. I shall speak to Mr. -Gibbons about it this afternoon. Now, Ben, -what made you go to town? Don't you know -that I can live on the grub that you do?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Say, Bob," replied the sailor, who did not -care to argue this point, "you haven't had -any scouse or dough-boy lately, have you? -Well, now, you just sit down in that chair -and watch me get them ready for you. I'll -have them ready while you are thinking about -it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ben enforced the order by pushing Bob -into the nearest chair, while he went on dishing -up the scouse and dough-boy. While -Ben worked he talked about almost everything -else than the subject that was upper-most -<span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span>in Bob's mind, and when at last the dinner -was ready they sat down to it with most -ravenous appetites. They took their time, -and it was nearly an hour before they had got -all they wanted, and when the dishes had -been washed and put away, Bob announced -that he was going to see a lawyer.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You don't want to let grass grow under -your feet," said Ben. "Go and see him at -once and have the matter settled. It's my -opinion that there is something in that codicil -that will benefit you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob closed the gate behind him, and with -long and earnest strides took his way to the -lawyer's office. Of course he met many persons -along the road who had not seen him before, -and they all wanted to stop and shake -him by the hand; but Bob thought there was -a little sadness mixed with it all. They would -have felt a great deal better if they knew that -he was the heir to his father's property.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Everybody in town seems to feel that -way," soliloquized Bob, as he ran up the steps -that led to the lawyer's office. "I don't know -but I am the heir, after all."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>Pushing open the door of the lawyer's -office, he found the gentleman of whom he -was in search alone. He had his feet elevated -upon his desk and was examining some legal -documents. When he saw who his visitor -was he got up from his chair and greeted him -with cordiality.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, Bob, how are you?" he exclaimed. -"I heard you had come home, but I didn't -expect to see you. Sit down."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Are you quite alone?" inquired Bob, accepting -the proffered hand.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am all alone. Did you want to see -me?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes. And I wish you would lock your -door, so that no one can come in to bother us. -I wish to have a few moments' conversation -with you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The lawyer's face fell. He knew that Bob -had come there to see him about the will. He -locked the door and sat down and looked at -Bob without speaking.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You used to have a good deal to do with -my father's business during his lifetime, Mr. -Gibbons?" began Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span>"I had a great deal to do with it until he -got that rascally brother-in-law of his to take -my place," replied Mr. Gibbons.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Do you call him rascally?" inquired Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes; and so would anybody else. You -ought to be the heir to the property your father -left, and I know it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, is he dead? That's what I want to -know."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am sorry to say that there's no doubt -about that," said Mr. Gibbons, gazing thoughtfully -out of the window. "Everything goes -to prove it. It was an awful stormy night on -the bay, and the next morning in came his -boat, half-filled with water. His hat was lying -loose in the boat, and two or three days -afterward his fish-pole was picked up. Oh, -there's no doubt about his being dead."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Did they find the body?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, no. It was probably swept out to -sea."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Is there any way in which I can contest -the will?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Did you sign a paper?" asked the lawyer.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, I signed some sort of a paper, but I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>was in such a flurry that I didn't take time to -examine it. The lawyer that was with him -told me that it was just a form."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Who was it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know who it was. He was a -stranger to me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The lawyer got up and searched his desk -for some paper that he was anxious to find. -Presently he brought out a document entitled, -"Notice for Probate of Will." Holding the -paper in his hand he pointed to a note printed -in smaller letters, and said:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Did you sign such a thing as this: 'I -hereby accept full service and waive all time -of Notice of the within Citation.' Did you -sign that?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It seems to me that I did; but I would -not be positive."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And the lawyer told you that it was a mere -form? And when he got you back at school -your uncle put these papers in to probate, -and after that he had you just where he -wanted you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That is just about the way of it, I guess."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Bob, you are the most confiding boy I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span>ever saw. You ought not to have signed that -citation. You have put it out of your power -to contest the will. You ought to have a -guardian appointed for you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>This was a very unwelcome piece of news -to Bob, but he did not rebel against it. He -knew that the lawyer was in a situation -to understand such matters better than he -was.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am sorry, but I can see no other way -than for you to accept the situation," said Mr. -Gibbons. "By the way, what sort of a penman -is that uncle of yours?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He writes a very poor hand, but I can -make out to read it. Why do you ask?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, nothing, but I just happened to think -of it. You haven't seen a copy of the will, -have you? Well, I will have a copy here to-morrow, -and you can see what your father -says in that codicil. I know he didn't intend -to take away everything you had."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then he wouldn't have taken away my -boat?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Certainly not. Nor your ponies, either."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Do you think I would be doing wrong if -<span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>I should go down there and run my boat up -to Ben's house, where I am living now?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Of course not," replied the lawyer, glad -to bring the interview to a close. "I will go -with you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Gibbons put on his hat, and together -they started toward the place where the boat -was moored. It was on the beach opposite an -old fisherman's shanty, and when they arrived -there they were gratified to find the man sitting -on the bench beside the door, enjoying -his pipe. He was delighted to see Bob. He -remembered that, just before he started to -school, he had given the old fisherman a few -pieces of silver, with instructions to keep an -eye on his schooner, and had always found -everything all right about her when he returned.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The top of the morning to you, Mister -Bob," said the man, extending his hand. -"The schooner is all right and tight. Be you -wanting her this morning?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"There hasn't been anybody aboard of her -since I left?" said Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Nary soul," answered the man. "She's -<span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span>yours, and Gus Layton ain't got no business -with her."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I guess it's all right, Bob," said Mr. Gibbons, -turning away. "You can take her -home with you. Remember, I shall have a -copy of that will to-morrow. Good-bye."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Say, Mister Bob, is it true that old Layton -has got all of your property?" said the -old fisherman, whose name was Oakes. "I -think it's a mighty mean piece of business. -Do you want to go off to her? Jump into my -boat. I'll get the key to the cabin."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't think I am doing right until I see -the codicil," said Bob, hesitatingly. "If -father thought I could have her, well and -good; if he didn't, I wouldn't touch her."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Who's going to have her, then?" exclaimed -Oakes. "Not your cousin, I bet you. -I've seen him since he come back, driving your -ponies around, and I tell you I wanted to -take them away from him. Get into the -boat and I will soon set you aboard. Where -are you living now; up to Ben's? Then -there's nothing to hinder you from taking her -right up there."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span>Mr. Oakes got the key to the cabin, and, -seizing Bob by the arm, was gently forcing -him into the boat when a loud shout came to -their ears. The two looked up and saw Hank -Lufkin coming toward them. He was a boy -who stood well in that community, although -he was nothing but a market-shooter. His -clothes were patched, but aside from that he -looked as neat as a new pin. Rumor said he -didn't get along very smoothly when he was -at home, and perhaps you will know the reason -when we say that his father was a lazy, -do-nothing sort of fellow, and every cent -Hank made he had to hide, for fear his -father would get hold of it. His mother kept -an account of all his earnings, while his father -was obliged to live from hand to mouth, -spending such sums as he could make by sawing -wood about the village. If he had owned -a boat he would have been all right, for then -he would have gone a-fishing; but every day -he was obliged to stand on shore and watch -other men when they returned with the -cargoes which they had gathered from their -nets—men no better than he was, he often declared—and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>of course he did not feel very -jubilant over it. And right there was what -was the matter with Mr. Lufkin; he was -jealous of anybody who held a position he -could not hold himself, but he never thought -of going to work to better his own condition.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am just as good as they are," said Mr. -Lufkin to his wife, "and I'll bet you that -nobody gives me a boat."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, those men had to earn their boats," -said his wife. "If you would just throw off -your coat and go to work you could soon have -one."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Work! I might work till I am gray-headed, -and I wouldn't be nearer a boat than -I am now. Mark my words: I'll have a boat -before another year passes over my head."</p> - -<p class='c008'>This was the kind of a man that Hank -Lufkin lived with, and of course his life was -not a happy one. Hank did not own a boat, -but he had an old-fashioned single-barreled -gun with which he managed to kill a few -squirrels and quails, and by sitting for long -hours on the end of the pier he often succeeded -in catching a string of flounders which the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span>neighbors were always willing to buy; but -Hank was not satisfied. He wanted a boat as -bad as his father did, but he was willing to -work to earn it. Just now his prospects were -rather dim. There hadn't been much shooting -lately, and the fish seemed to have gone -somewhere else; so Hank didn't have much -to do, and he was ready to go with Bob anywhere -he wanted to sail, for Hank knew -Bob well. He always made some money when -he went fishing with him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Halloo, Hank!" exclaimed Bob, as he -came up. "Are you very busy? Then get -in with me and help me navigate this schooner -up the bay."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Hank was just waiting for this invitation, -and, besides, he had something he wanted to -show to Bob and ask him what he thought -about it. He shook hands with him and got -into the boat, picked up an oar and pulled -off to the Curlew, for that was the name by -which Bob's ten-ton schooner was known.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER X.<br />A TWO-HUNDRED-DOLLAR PEARL.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>"I tell you, she looks natural!" exclaimed -Bob, as a few swift strokes -with the oars brought him alongside the -schooner. "I believe I'll hold out in the bay -for a little while. Mr. Oakes, can you go?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No; I have got to fix up my nets for to-morrow's -fishing," replied the fisherman. -"There's a stiff breeze blowing, and she will -take you out all right. There's the cabin," -he added, as he unlocked the doors; "step in -and see if there's anything missing."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob laughed and went in, declaring that it -would be a mighty slick thief who could take -anything out of that cabin while it was under -such care. The cabin needed airing, so the -windows were opened; after that the sails -were cast loose, Mr. Oakes stepped into his -boat and wished them a pleasant voyage, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>Hank undid the fastenings, Bob seated himself -in the stern, and as soon as the canvas -felt the full force of the wind she took a big -bone in her teeth and went bowling along -toward the entrance of the bay. Bob thought -of the many times his father had sat in that -boat, giving him instructions in regard to -sailing her, or telling him some stories of the -sea, and a mist gathered in front of his eyes.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't wonder that you feel lonely," said -Hank, who readily divined the thoughts that -were passing in Bob's mind. "Did your -father not leave you anything besides the -schooner?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I can't tell whether or not he left me the -schooner until I see the codicil," said Bob, -sadly. "The way it looks now he has left me -out in the cold. I am taking this without -saying a word to my uncle about it. But I -don't mean to give it up. Father gave me -the money to buy the boat, and I had it made -to order."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then it is yours," said Hank.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I expect Gus will come after it as soon -as he finds out that I have it, and how I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span>shall keep him from getting it I don't know," -said Bob. "I wish I could get my ponies."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"So do I. I tell you it made me mad to -see him driving around with those kid gloves -and going to that saloon. What did he go -there for?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He had some business with Barlow, I -suppose," said Bob, who had not yet got into -the way of telling Hank everything he -wanted to know. "Now, Hank, what have -you been doing since I have been gone? -Have you made your fortune?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, I haven't," said Hank, looking out -over the sea. "Father goes sometimes for a -month without doing any work at all, and -then he wants some money and he goes to -mother for it. If I had a hundred dollars he -would soon get it away."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What makes your mother let him know -she has any money?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"She can't help it. He looks at what -comes on the table and makes his calculations -from that. I tell you father is a sharp one. -But I have something I want to show you," -said Hank, thrusting his hand into his pocket -<span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>and hauling out a parcel carefully wrapped -up in several pieces of paper. "I carried it -loose in my pocket until I went hunting with -a man from Baltimore, and I showed it to him. -He offered me five dollars for it, and furthermore -he seemed so determined to have it that -it was all I could do to take it away from -him. That made me think that if it was -worth five dollars it was worth more, and so I -wrapped it up, being resolved to show it to you -and Leon Sprague. Now tell me if I made a -mistake in not taking five dollars for it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob gave up the wheel to Hank, took the -parcel, and found inside of it a fresh-water -pearl about the size of a pea. Bob didn't -know anything about pearls. He was acquainted -with the fact that where they were -found it was necessary to dry the oysters in -order to discover them, and that a teacupful -of them was worth a hundred thousand dollars, -and he didn't think this pearl of Hank's -was worth much.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It is as clear as crystal, isn't it?" said Bob, -holding it up to the light. "Where did you -find it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span>"On a little stream up here," replied Hank; -"and there are more of them there, too. But -I see very plainly by your looks that I made -a mistake in not accepting five dollars for it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You mustn't judge anything by me," replied -Bob, hastily, "because I don't know -what it is worth. Let me have it and I will -ask the jeweller. He will know something -about it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, he will laugh at me. The idea of -asking him what a fresh-water pearl is worth!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He needn't know that you found it at -all. I will say that I found it and want to -know what it is worth."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, under those circumstances you may -take it; but you may make up your mind to -be laughed at."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob folded up the pearl and put it into his -pocket, and told himself that unless he had -shot wide of the mark Hank's find was worth -ten or fifteen dollars at least. He had never -heard of pearls being found so far south. He -knew that there were some in New Jersey, -and some others in Wisconsin, that they were -being worked at the rate of twenty-five thousand -<span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>dollars each year, and he didn't see why -it was that pearls were not found further south. -In that case Hank's fortune was made, for he -was the only one who knew where the pearls -were, provided some one else did not suspect -him—his father, for instance—and watch him -to see where he went and what he did to increase -his income.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You say there are plenty more pearls -where this one came from?" said Bob at -length.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, I have seen as many as twenty-five -or thirty scattered along the banks of that -creek, but I never thought to look at them, -for I did not think they were worth any -money," replied Hank. "This one was -found out in plain sight, and so I took it up -and put it into my pocket."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I just want to tell you that you had -better keep mum in regard to these pearls. If -they turn out valuable you want them all -yourself, don't you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I should say so. There's nobody needs -them worse than I do."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You just keep still until I see the jeweller," -<span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span>said Bob. "It may be that your fortune is -made."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, I don't hope for that. If I can make -ten dollars out of that one you have in your -pocket, well and good. I don't know that I -can find the others, anyway."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, you can try, can't you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Yes, Hank was satisfied that he could do -that, and he wouldn't take anybody with him -to show them where the pearls were except -Leon Sprague and Bob Nellis.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In half an hour Bob had enjoyed as much -of a sail as he wanted to, so he brought the -Curlew about and headed her toward the low -wooden pier that had been there when Ben -bought the place. The man who lived in that -house had a sailboat, with buoy and anchor -all complete, and Ben, who stood upon the -bank and saw Bob coming, stepped into this -light skiff and pulled out to where the buoy -was. He waved his hands to Bob to show him -that he was near the anchorage, and in a few -minutes the schooner rounded to with her sails -shaking in the wind. The boat drew so much -water that of course she had to ride where she -<span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span>would be free of every obstacle. If a storm -had come up she would have pounded herself -to pieces on the wharf.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I've got her, Ben!" shouted Bob. "Now -we'll see what sort of work Gus will go -through to get her back. Mr. Oakes said he -shouldn't have her, anyway."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Gus will not try to get her back," said -Ben, pulling up to the bow to be in readiness -to take the anchor-rope when Hank passed it -down to him, "and I guess he will give up -the ponies as well. What did Mr. Gibbons -say about the codicil?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Father is dead, Ben. There are no two -ways about that."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Did you tell him what Barlow said—that -it was no concern of his what he saw on that -stormy morning?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, I didn't."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, why didn't you? You ain't worth -a cent to go to see a lawyer. The next time -I send you on such an errand I'll go myself."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I really wish you would, Ben. He -knocked everything out of my head by saying -that father was dead, and so I didn't think -<span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span>of half I wanted to say to him. Now, Hank, -make the sails fast, as they were before. I -don't believe that Gus will be willing to leave -the boat here, and I'll just take the tiller -ashore with me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ben had by this time climbed aboard the -schooner, and under his skilful management -the sails were neatly stowed away, after which -he closed and fastened the cabin windows, -locked the door, and gave the key to Bob. -The schooner was all right now for anything -that might come up, and they got into Ben's -skiff, and in a few minutes were put safely on -the wharf. Hank took leave of them and -was about to go away when Bob called to -him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Here, Hank, I don't want you to do this -for nothing," he said, putting his hand into -his pocket.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Do you suppose I am going to take pay -for the first sailboat ride I have had for -many a day?" said Hank. "Keep that until -the first time I go fishing with you. Good-bye."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I didn't tell him that we have had nothing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span>but bread and tea for the last four or -five days, and that I am getting awful tired -of that style of living. But then Bob isn't -worth as much as he used to be, and I don't -believe in bothering him. Dear me, I wish -that pearl would be worth fifteen dollars at -least. I tell you, it wouldn't take me long to -get something for mother to eat," he said to -himself as he closed the gate behind him and -started for the place he called home. "But I -shall have no such luck as that. I've got to -work for every cent I get."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Now, Ben," said Bob, when Hank had -passed out of hearing, "I am going down -town."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I guess you had better keep away from -there," said Ben, slowly shaking his head. -"A boy who will go to town as you did—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I know all about that; but then I can -speak to Mr. Gibbons about it to-morrow. -You can go with me, if you like."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No; I believe I'll stay and work in the -garden. I've been neglecting it of late, and -now that I have got two to provide for I think -I had better bestow some attention on it. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>You're sure you ain't a-going to see that lawyer -again?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Not until to-morrow. Good-bye!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am going as straight to that jeweller as -I can go," he soliloquized. "I have been -thinking a good deal about this pearl, and I -don't see why it shouldn't be worth money, -seeing that they make so much out of them in -Wisconsin. At any rate, I'm going to ask -him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob met many friends he knew on the -street, and was obliged to stop and shake -hands with them, but in due time he reached -the jeweller's store. He found the jeweller -there, but he was engaged in waiting upon -somebody who was a stranger to him; but he -shook hands with Bob, and said he would attend -to him in a few minutes, so Bob had -nothing to do but look around the store. The -stranger was satisfied at last, and then the -man turned to him and wanted to know when -he had returned.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I came this morning," said Bob. "But -that isn't what I came to see you about. -Here's a fresh-water pearl that came from a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>little stream, and I would like to know what -it is worth."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It isn't worth much," said the jeweller, as -he watched Bob undoing the parcel. "I've -had to pass upon a heap of such things as -that, and the best of them are not worth more -than a dollar or two. Why, Bob," he added, -as he took the pearl and held it up to the -light, "where did you get this? I tell you, -that is a beauty!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Is that worth more than a dollar or two?" -asked Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I should say so!" exclaimed the -jeweller. "It is worth two hundred dollars -at least."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob was amazed.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You never found this," said the jeweller, -looking at Bob in surprise. "Where did you -get it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, I didn't find it, that's a fact," said -Bob; who then went on, under a pledge of -secrecy, to repeat everything that Hank had -said to him. "I brought it here because he -was afraid you would laugh at him, and Hank -don't like to be laughed at."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span>"Well, I guess I shouldn't have laughed at -him. Are there any more where this came -from?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hank says there are from twenty-five to -thirty there, but he didn't suppose they were -worth any money, and so he never stopped to -pick them up. Two hundred dollars! You -are sure you haven't made a mistake?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, indeed. It is worth more than that, -but I can't tell how much more until I send -it away. That boy's fortune is made. Twenty-five -more at two hundred dollars! His father -can loaf now just as long as he pleases. He -will never have to work again. You don't -know the stream where this came from?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, and if I did I shouldn't tell."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's all right. I don't ask you to go -back on Hank, for he is too good a boy; but -you can tell him for me that he needn't go -shooting any more. Do you want to sell -this?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Of course I do. It is of no use to me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I will give you two hundred dollars, cash -money, for it. Mind, I do not say that is all -it's worth. I shall have to send this to New -<span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span>York, and if they pay me any more for it I -will give him half what I get."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That is very kind of you, Mr. Vollar," -said Bob. "If you will give me the money I -will take it and give it to Hank. I wish you -could go with me. You will see an astonished -fellow when I give him the proceeds."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I'd like to, but I can't leave just now, for -I am very busy. You bring him here, and -I'll see how he acts."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I will. I'll bring him here to thank you. -He didn't think that pearl of his was worth -more than fifteen dollars. But two hundred -dollars! I believe it will take his breath -away."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The jeweller was busy with his safe, during -which he counted out the money, which he -handed over to Bob. The latter took it, and -left the store with a much lighter heart than -when he had gone into it. He felt rich, for -Hank was a particular friend of his, and he -was interested in everything he did.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Now the next question is, how am I going -to keep his father from knowing anything -about it?" said Bob, as he hurried along. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span>"Of course he has the right to take every cent -Hank earns, but I don't mean that he shall -know he has earned this much. He would go -to that stream and gather every pearl there -was to be found, and then what would Hank -do? If the old man is at home I will pull -Hank off on one side."</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was quite a long walk to Hank's house, -and when he reached it Bob could not help -saying to himself what a nice place it could -have been made if Hank's father had been -possessed of a little more energy; for Mr. Lufkin -had been better off in the world, but the -war left him penniless, and he was too lazy -to go to work and earn more. If it had not -been for his wife he would have gone supperless -to bed many a night. She washed -clothes and did mending for neighbors who -were better off; and some days, when she got -home with her money in her pocket, it all -went to buy that ragamuffin a pair of new -trousers or a new shirt. Hank never asked for -any. He made what he earned by the hardest -of knocks; and more than once, when he -told his mother that he had supper, he hadn't -<span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span>had a bite since morning. While he was -thinking of all these things Bob arrived at -Mr. Lufkin's gate. Hank was sitting there -on the porch with his father, and his face was -as long as your arm. He brightened up -when he saw Bob approaching, and straight-way -came down to the gate to meet him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Halloo, Hank!" exclaimed Bob. "I want -you to go fishing with me to-morrow. How -do you do, Mr. Lufkin."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The latter took his pipe from his mouth -long enough to say "Howdy," and went on -with his smoking. He was the only one -about the village that didn't think enough of -Bob to shake his hand.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Come on down the road apiece," continued -Bob, "and I will talk to you about what -I want you to do to-morrow."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Your lines are all up at your father's, I -suppose," said Hank. "I can furnish you -with some—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, bother the fish-lines," said Bob, sinking -his voice to a whisper. "I didn't come -here to talk to you about them. I have been -down to the jeweller's."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span>"And did you take that pearl along?" inquired -Hank.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob winked his eye.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"How much did he give you for it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Guess," said Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Ten dollars."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Good gracious, man. You must think -your find is valuable. Guess again."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Didn't he give you but five? Well, I -might have known it. I don't meet with any -such luck as some folks do."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You're doing so good at guessing suppose -you guess again," said Bob, smiling; and -there was something in the way he spoke that -made Hank open his eyes. "You began at -ten dollars; now suppose you begin there and -go the other way."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Did he give you twenty dollars for it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He came down a little heavier than that," -said Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Did he give you forty?" said Hank.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, no. He gave me more than that."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Look here, Bob, I want to know how -much that man gave you. Did he give you -a hundred?"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span>"Yes, he gave me more than that," said -Bob, paying no attention to Hank's expression -of bewilderment. "Let's go into the -bushes here, beside the road. No one can see -us there, and I will give you the money."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Hank was so excited that he could scarcely -stand still. He followed Bob into the bushes, -and the latter drew out the money and handed -it to him. It was all in small bills, and made -a pretty tolerable-sized package. Hank took -it in amazement. He ran his fingers over the -bills, and when he saw the fives and tens -scattered through the bundle he couldn't talk.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It's all yours," said Bob, heartily enjoying -the sight; "and he said that if there are -more of them up there your fortune is made."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Did—did he give you all this?" faltered -Hank.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He certainly did, and it did not take him -two minutes to decide upon the worth of the -thing. He said it is worth more than that, -but he couldn't tell until he had sent it to -New York; and whatever they give him in -advance of that he will give you half. I tell -you, old fellow, your shooting is about over."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span>"Well, I am beaten!" said Hank, when he -had in some measure recovered his wits. -"Ever since father came home from the Confederate -army we have been living from hand -to mouth, you may say, and I never supposed -my luck would take such a turn as this. Bob, -I am ever so much obliged to you, and you -must come around some time, when father -isn't here, to let mother thank you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's all right," said Bob. "But you -looked awful downhearted when I went to -your house just now. What was the -trouble?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Father was scolding me because I didn't -ask some money of you when I went out to -take that sailboat ride," answered Hank, -looking down at the ground. "I told him -that you were as hard up as we were, and he -wouldn't listen to it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am, and that's a fact."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You see he is hard pressed for a pair -of shoes, the ones he now wears being so -far gone that they let his feet out on the -ground."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then let him go to work. The idea of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span>his laying around and doing nothing! I will -find him a job of sawing wood to-morrow -morning."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But he don't want that. He wants to -have money coming in when he isn't doing -anything to earn it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, that's the trouble, is it? Well, he'll -wait a long time before he finds that day. -Now, Hank, you want to put that money -where he won't get it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I know it, and I want you to take charge -of it. Give me ten dollars to buy a good -supper for mother, and do what you please -with the balance."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, suppose you come around to Ben's -house in the morning, and I will go to the -bank with you and put it there. It is too late -now, for the bank is closed. You can trust -your mother that far, can't you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, yes. As long as she has not got the -money in her possession it is all right. It is -all mine, isn't it? I never thought I should -have so much money of my own."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It is all yours if you don't let your father -get it away from you," said Bob, handing out -<span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span>the bill which Hank had asked for. "You -must keep it away from him, at all events."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And that is going to be a harder job than -you imagine," said Hank, as he walked with -Bob toward town. "He watches everything -that comes on the table, and he knows in a -minute when I have got any money."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Tell him I gave you this to pay you for -going fishing with me. I hope I shall be -somewhere one of these days where I will not -have to tell so many lies. Good-bye. Remember -and come in the morning about nine -o'clock. In the afternoon I have to see a -lawyer."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Hank promised to be on hand, and the two -separated, one to go in and throw old Ben -Watson into an ecstacy of bewilderment and -delight when he heard of Hank's lucky find, -and the other to pass on to town to purchase -a good supper for his mother.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER XI.<br />LEON'S WAR RECORD.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>Everybody in town knew Hank, and -everybody felt sorry for him, too. He -and his mother were obliged to work so hard, -and his father, presuming on his war record, -did nothing but loaf. He had been wounded -three times while in the service, but that did -not hurt him any, and Mr. Sprague had -threatened to arrest him and put him where -he would be obliged to do something; but his -wife and Hank always stood in the way. It -would have mortified them beyond measure to -have Mr. Lufkin sent to the workhouse, and -Mr. Sprague didn't know what else to do with -him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It took Hank a long time to purchase his -supply of provisions, there were so many -things he wanted which he was obliged to let -alone; but at last he started homeward with a -full basket on each arm. Among other things -<span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span>he had purchased a pair of new shoes for his -mother—she needed shoes almost as badly as -her husband—and he had two dollars left. -He knew right where they would go.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Father is bound to have what is left, and -I can't hinder him from taking it," he said, as -he put his baskets down in a doorway to rest. -"I shan't resist at all when he asks for it. If I -was satisfied that this would be the last time -he would ask me for it, he could take it and -welcome; but it won't be. He'll be after me -for some plug-tobacco, and I have already spent -as much money for that as I can afford. But -two hundred dollars! I'm going to take -mother's breath away when I tell her that."</p> - -<p class='c008'>When Hank drew near to his home he -couldn't see anybody, but the sound of a loud -voice coming from the inside, his father's -voice, told him that his mother had returned -from her day's washing. His father was angry -about something, for his stentorian voice was -raised so high in his excitement that it could -have been heard across the street, while his -mother answered in a mild tone, which seemed -to increase the man's fury.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>"Why didn't you get it?" he heard his -father ask, as he unlatched the gate. "Here -I am going around barefooted, and you are -making a sight of money by washing. I tell -you I don't want to go around this way any -longer."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The woman was not at home when I left," -said Mrs. Lufkin. "And supposing I do get -the money, what good will it do you? It -amounts to only one dollar, and you can't get -a pair of shoes for less than two."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, if you ain't got any money how am -I to get things to eat? I can't live on nothing."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am sure I don't know. The tea is gone, -the bread is pretty nearly gone, and what we -are to do I don't know. There was a man inquiring -about you to-day. He says he can -easily give you a job in the hay-field, if you -are willing to go to work."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But I tell you I can't work. This wound -in my side bothers me more than I can tell. I -wish that fellow had it. I tell you he would -give that hay-field a wide berth."</p> - -<p class='c008'>This was all that Hank heard of the confab -<span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span>between husband and wife, for just then the -gate clicked and he went merrily up the -porch with his two baskets on his arm. He -walked into the room and placed them on the -table.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"There, mother," said he. "You'll find -grub enough in those baskets to last you three -or four days. When that is gone I can easily -get more."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, Henry, how did you make so much -money?" exclaimed his mother in surprise.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Bob Nellis gave it to me," replied Hank.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"How much did he give you?" asked his -father.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Ten dollars."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And all for doing nothing!" exclaimed -Mr. Lufkin. "I think I heard you say that -Bob is about as hard up as we are. His -giving away ten to you looks like it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, he gave it to me, anyway," said -Hank. "I suppose he has a right to do -what he pleases with his own. The money -was in his hands, and so he gave it to me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I would have gone with him for five, and -I could show him some places where he could -<span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span>catch fish," snarled Mr. Lufkin, who did not -see that Hank was trying to get around the -question without telling a lie. "You always -seem to be making money, and I never see -you do anything. You must have some of -this ten dollars left?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, sir, and there it is."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Hank felt in his pocket and drew out the -two dollars, which he placed in his father's -palm. Mr. Lufkin was surprised, and so was -his mother. They had never seen Hank so -willing to part with money before.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Is this all you have got?" asked Mr. Lufkin.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, sir, that's all. If you don't believe -me you can search me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>This little incident will suffice to show that -his father was not above going through his -son's clothes to find his money. Hank had seen -him do it often, and he knew that his father -had searched his mother's clothing also.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I'll take your word for it," said his father; -"but it beats me how you can make so much -money catching fish when you never catch -any. I reckon I had best go down town now. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span>You'll have supper ready by the time I get -back, Molly?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, yes, I'll have supper by that time," -said his wife, who, when she had got through -admiring her new shoes, turned her attention -to the other things in the baskets. "Henry -has a good many things here that don't need -cooking."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Lufkin put on his hat and walked out -of the house with the air of a man who had -a million dollars in his pocket. It always -made him feel big to know that he had some -money, even though he did not make it himself. -Hank watched him go through the gate, -and finally went out and leaned over it to -make sure that he had gone, and at last he -went back to his mother.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He is safely out of sight now, and I want -you to come here and listen to me for a few -minutes," said Hank, taking the groceries out -of her hand and laying them on the table. -"Oh, I haven't been doing any harm, you -can rest assured of that; but that pearl you -saw me have was worth two hundred dollars."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span>Paying no attention to his mother's expressions -of astonishment, Hank went on and gave -her a full history of the pearl and of his interview -with Bob Nellis, and ended with Bob's -offering to take it and sell it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He disposed of it just before he came up -here," said Hank, "but he saw father about -the house, and so took me off on one side to -talk to me about going fishing. He showed -me the money, and I got ten dollars of him -to buy groceries with."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Do you think there are more pearls up -there?" asked his mother.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am sure of it. I may not find them -again, but they are there. I found this one -lying around loose. I was just wading across -the creek to get a shot at some quails I had -marked down there, and saw this stone and -put it into my pocket. But, goodness me! I -didn't think I had made so much out of it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Where is the rest of the money? You -will have to take mighty good care that your -father don't find it out."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Let him. The money is given into Bob's -hands, and to-morrow I am going down to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span>put it in the bank. But here is another thing -that I have just thought of. If I put it in in -your name or mine, and father should find it -out, then what?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know," replied Mrs. Lufkin. -"Your father would make us draw it, whether -we wanted to or not."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's just what I was thinking of. Suppose -I put it in in Bob's name? Of course I -would have to go to him every time I wanted -to draw any money."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It would be better so. Bob is honest, and -you could get the money from him as readily -as if it was in your own name."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And father couldn't get it. That's what -I am thinking the most of. Now, mother, -what shall I spend it for—a boat?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't think I would draw on this money -for anything," said his mother. "You had -better wait until you find some more pearls."</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was astonishing what an effect the word -"money" had upon the two inmates of the -house. Mrs. Lufkin, who had been so down-hearted -a little while before because the tea -and bread were gone, went about getting supper -<span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span>as she had done in the days gone by, when -Joe first came back from the army, and Hank -sat in the doorway, where he could keep watch -of his father, nursed his left leg, and talked -of what those two hundred dollars might -bring them, until he saw Lufkin coming -briskly along the road. He felt better, for he -had a pair of new shoes on.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Halloo!" he exclaimed, when he came -into the house. "Supper is ready, ain't it? -I am in just the right humor to tackle it. I -haven't had anything fit to eat since I came -back from the army, nor before, either, I -might say. Just before we surrendered up -there to Richmond we didn't have nothing -but corn to eat, and a man mighty soon gets -tired of that. Grant furnished us with rations, -and I never felt so good as I did when I filled -out on them."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe seated himself at the table without -waiting for an invitation to do so, and -straightway helped himself to two of the -slices of salmon, which he proceeded to eat as -though he was still serving in the army under -Lee. When the supply of salmon was gone -<span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span>he called for more, and when the two platesful -had disappeared he got up feeling that he -had enjoyed a good meal. Hank had seen -the time when he was rather opposed to his -father's ravenous eating, but he didn't mind -it now. He filled a cob-pipe with some tobacco, -unwrapped his old shoes, threw them -down on the floor for his wife to pick up, -and seated himself in the doorway, prepared -to enjoy a paper which was a week old. He -read the advertisements and everything else -that was in print, until his eyes rested on an -article that instantly riveted his attention. -He read it over several times, and then rested -his paper on his knee, leaned back against the -side of the house, and went off into a brown -study. The article referred to ran as follows:</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>"<span class='sc'>A Piratical Prognosis</span>.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>"A tramp is represented as musing thus at Elberon: -'I suppose that in the cottages between here -and the West End, a distance of maybe a mile, -there's a million dollars' worth of easily portable -stuff, such as money, jewelry, silverware, fine wearing -apparel and household decorations. Two policemen -are on duty along that stretch of seashore. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>Well, now, suppose that on some dark night a small -vessel should anchor off the place, and a band of -well-armed men should land in row-boats, gag the -inmates, pack up the valuables, and sail away with -the cargo? Doesn't it seem to you that such a raid -might be made successfully? It does to me, upon -my word.' The listener says he thought of this -when, in a hotel parlor, he saw thousands upon -thousands of dollars scintillating upon fair dancers—in -their ears and hair, at their wrists, and among the -trimmings of their dresses. Even in the presence of -many men he thinks a gang of active and reckless -robbers might have dashed into the assemblage, surprised -and cowed everybody into submission by a -few pistol-shots, picked handsful of precious stones -like berries from a bush, and scooted away before the -most quickly valiant of the lazy loungers could -make any effort at resistance."</p> - -<p class='c008'>This was the article that drew Joe's attention, -and it impressed him so much that he -pulled out his knife, cut out the piece and put -it into his pocket. Then he got up and -strolled down to the gate, leaned upon it, and -thought about it some more.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know where Elberon is, but there's -a place just like it about five miles down the -bay," soliloquized Mr. Lufkin, "and if it could -<span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span>be worked at Elberon, what's the reason it -couldn't be worked at Middletown? There's -a heap of these big Southern planters who go -there to escape the hot weather, and once, when -I was down there with a load of fish, I saw a -woman with so much jewelry on I just wish I -could have got hold of it. This is news to me, -and I tell you I have got to think of it. I -wonder if Bob Nellis has his boat? Hank," -he added, turning about and speaking so loud -that they could hear him in the house, "did -Bob leave his schooner up there for Gus to -take charge of?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, sir. Bob's got her, and he never said -nothing to his uncle about it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Is that the one you are going fishing in -to-morrow?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"If we go at all we shall go in her."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well," said Joe, who knew he ought to -say something, "you won't catch any fish. I'd -have gone with Bob for half what he gave you, -and I'd had some beauties to show when I -came back. So Bob has got his schooner," -added Joe, facing about and going on with his -soliloquy. "Now, if I could only find some -<span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>determined men to help me steal that schooner -some dark night, and run down to Middletown -and pick off those precious stones like -you was pulling berries from a bush, I tell -you I wouldn't do any more work. I've got -something to think of now, and who knows -that—by George! I believe I can do it. I'll -just go down to Middletown and see how -things look."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe Lufkin didn't sleep much that night, -for he was thinking about his new scheme, -and it was long after midnight before he went -to bed. Whenever he stumbled upon any -new thing, and it looked well to him, he was -accustomed to build air-castles; and this idea -of his formed the foundation for many an airy -building. Hank slept soundly, and when he -awoke, the first thing he thought of was his -good fortune. He thought he would speak to -his mother about it. She had labored long -and industriously to keep the family in food -and to supply her lazy husband with wearing-apparel, -and now Hank thought it about time -she was taking a good long rest. He waited -until his father had disposed of two men's -<span class='pageno' id='Page_177'>177</span>share of the breakfast and started off, no one -knew where, and Hank was busy with the -dishes, when he said to his mother:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Where are you going to-day?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I haven't got any place to go to," said -Mrs. Lufkin. "I thought that, seeing that -we had so much money, I could take a breathing -spell for a week."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Take two weeks," said Hank. "It won't -be any too long to enable you to get your -breath. I don't see why father won't go to -work. He can make as much as I can, and -he wouldn't have to keep bothering me for -money. I wonder if all fathers are like him?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, they are not. There's Captain Nellis, -for instance."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I tell you he was a father worth having. -That boy had nothing to do but go to school, -and when he came home his father was always -glad to see him. What a pity it is that Bob -is so low down in the world as to have to depend -on his uncle for money."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Does his uncle give him any money?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know, but I think he does. He is -living now with old Ben Watson, and they -<span class='pageno' id='Page_178'>178</span>are just as happy as two bugs in a rug. Say, -mother, I guess I will put on my good clothes -to-day."</p> - -<p class='c008'>His mother did not raise any objection, and -when the breakfast dishes had been washed -and things put to rights about the house -Hank disappeared, and when he came out -again he looked very unlike the ragged boy -who had gone into the bedroom a few minutes -before. To have taken a single look at him, a -stranger would have thought he was the son -of a well-to-do man.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I remember that I saved my money for six -months to buy this suit of clothes," said Hank -to himself, surveying as much of his person -as he could in the little seven-by-nine looking-glass -that stood in his mother's room. -"How mad father was! I thought he was -going to take the clothes away and pawn -them; but thank goodness he has not got so -low in the world as that comes to. If he -should get into the way of pawning things it -would be all over with us. He would have to -go to the work-house, sure."</p> - -<p class='c008'>When Hank arrived at Ben's house he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span>found the old sailor there on the porch, together -with Bob Nellis and a new-comer, -Leon Sprague, whom he had not seen before -since his return from school. Leon was sitting -with Captain Nellis's sword unsheathed -in his lap, and appeared to be listening to -something old Ben was telling him, but he -jumped up and greeted Hank very cordially.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hank, I congratulate you on your streak -of good luck," said Leon. "I suppose you -don't care if Bob has told me about it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, indeed. I intended to show you the -pearl before it was sold, but Bob received a -good price for it. I tell you, it beats me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It is always darkest just before daylight," -said Leon. "It has been very dark with you, -but now you are in a fair way to make a man -of yourself. But how did you keep your -father from knowing it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I told him Bob had given me ten dollars -to go fishing with him, and he said it was all -humbug. He would have gone with him for -five, and showed him where he could catch -some beauties, too."</p> - -<p class='c008'>An audible smile ran around the group as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span>Hank said this, and Bob wanted to know why -it was that Joe didn't hire a boat and catch -some of those beauties. He could sell them -at Middletown as fast as he could haul them -in. Hank didn't answer, and Bob continued:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"We have been listening to some stories -Leon was telling us about the war."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I didn't know that Leon had been in the -war," said Hank.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, yes; I was in it from the time the -first gun cracked. It was only two years ago -that the war closed, and I am now almost -twenty-two."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then you have been through the same -mill that father has."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well—no. I was in the Confederacy, -but I wasn't on the Confederate side. You -see, Jones county, in Mississippi, was rather a -hard place to raise soldiers for the rebellion. -We were most all lumbermen, and we weren't -in favor of the South seceding; so when the -South withdrew from the Union we held a -meeting in Ellisville and got up a series of -resolutions seceding from the Southern Confederacy."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span>"Why, would they let you do that?" exclaimed -Hank, who was greatly astonished.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"They couldn't help themselves. And it -was in Jeff Davis's own State, too."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Did you have any fighting?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, we saw more than we wanted," said -Leon, with a smile. "We stole wagons that -were loaded down with provisions, and the -deserters came in from Union and rebel sides -until there were twenty thousand of us, all hid -away in the swamps."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Where did you get your money?" said -old Ben, bluntly.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I found it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, where did you find it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It all came about through an old bachelor, -Smith by name, who belonged to our regiment, -and who seemed to take a liking to me -ever since I was a little fellow," said Leon. -"When he was shot he revived long enough -to tell me where I would find this money, so I -went there with father, when the war was -over, and dug it up."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Didn't he have any relatives to share it -with him?"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_182'>182</span>"None at all. We got every cent of it—one -hundred thousand dollars."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Whew!" whistled Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, we got more than that, for gold was -worth something in those days. We went -there one dark and stormy night," continued -Leon, growing enthusiastic when he thought -of it; "but, dark as it was, we found somebody -there waiting for us. These lumbermen were -just as poor as they could be, and although -they were brave men when fighting for the -Union, they didn't mean to stand by and let -a hundred thousand dollars go out of their -county if they could help it, and I tell you we -had a race with them. But we got away."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I declare, you have had some experience," -said Bob, "and one of these days I want to -hear your story from beginning to end; but -just now I have to go to the bank. Are -you all ready, Hank?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Hank was all ready, and after the Captain's -sword had been put away, the three boys put -on their hats and started for town.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_183'>183</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER XII.<br />"BEN WATSON DREAMED IT ALL."</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>When the boys arrived at the post-office -Leon found some mail there for his -father, so he took leave of Bob, promising to -see him again that afternoon.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't you forget that I told you if you -wanted help to come to our house for it," said -Leon. "You seem to be as happy as you -want to be, living there with old Ben Watson, -but there's no telling what will happen."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I will remember, and I thank you for the -assurance," said Bob. "I don't think I shall -be in any danger so long as I have Ben to -back me up."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob and Hank's first care was to go to -Mr. Vollar and thank him for his kindness -in regard to that pearl—paying two hundred -dollars for it when he might just as well have -had it for a fourth of that sum—and their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_184'>184</span>next to call at the bank and deposit Hank's -money. When Bob joined his companion -again he had the bank-book, with his name -written across the top, which he put into his -pocket.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"There!" said Hank, with a long-drawn -sigh of relief. "I'd like to see father get -that money."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He won't, unless you draw it for him," -said Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And mighty clear of my doing that. I -think that five dollars a week will be about -all that I shall ask of you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You can have it. Just give me a little -notice, and your money will be ready for you. -Now I am going up to see Mr. Gibbons. You -just hang around here on the street, and I -will see you when I come down."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"May good luck attend you," said Hank.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob ascended the stairs that led to the lawyer's -office, and found that gentleman there -alone. He sat in his usual way, with his feet -perched on the desk, and he had a legal document -in his hand; but he was looking out of -the window when Bob came in.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_185'>185</span>"Halloo!" he exclaimed, in his usual cheery -manner. "You are on hand, ain't you? -There's the will and the codicil. I got a copy -of them after you went home last night. I'm -afraid it is no go. You have got your little -things, such as your ponies and boat, and other -articles that you can carry away with you; but -as for the rest—well, read it yourself. You can -get a better idea of it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob took the document, and first devoted -himself entirely to the reading of the will. -He found that, with the exception of several -sums that were made payable to the servants, -the residue of the property was bequeathed to -him. Even Ben Watson came in for a thousand -dollars.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Have you heard of Uncle Layton paying -these amounts to the servants?" said Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I never heard a word of it," said the lawyer.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, he is a mighty mean man to cheat -the servants in that way. Father thought the -world of the men who waited on him. Do -you know where they are now?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Gone off to sea, I suppose. Go on and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_186'>186</span>read further. You will find that in the codicil -he revokes all wills and testaments by him -made, and that he speaks only of you. I declare, -it makes me mad to read it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The codicil was something our hero did not -like to see. The writer referred to Bob, and -said he was glad to leave him to the care of -such a guardian and protector as his Uncle -Layton, who would do everything in the world -that was best for him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Uncle Layton is not my guardian at all," -said Bob, astonished beyond measure. "If -he is, what did he turn me away for? He -just as good as told me that I had my own -living to make, and that I could not stay -around his house any longer."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I expect he did not want you around," -said the lawyer. "I know I should not have -wanted you in sight if I had treated you so -meanly."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I never heard of such a thing. But father -says I am to have my ponies and boat. He -can't take them away from me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No; he can't take them away, no matter -how much he dislikes to see you have them. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_187'>187</span>I confess that codicil bothers me more than a -little," said the lawyer, who was at times -so nervous that he could scarcely sit still. "It -is written with a sputtering pen, such as your -father always used, and I find not a letter in -it that I can't find in the body of the will."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What do you mean by that?" asked Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, I did not know but he had practiced -on your father's hand until he got so that he -could copy it exactly. Such things have been -done before now."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"By George! I never thought of that! I -wonder if he has been imitating my father's -writing?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"There is only one way in which you can -prove it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And that is by bringing my father back -here."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, sir, that is the way; but, Bob, I tell -you that thing is not possible. Your father -is dead, and we will never see him again. I -wish to goodness I could tell you otherwise, but -I can't."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"By the way, that reminds me of something -Barlow said. He declared that it was no concern -<span class='pageno' id='Page_188'>188</span>of his what he saw, but he can prove -that my father isn't dead. He saw some things -on that stormy morning that he won't tell to -anybody."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Do you know what they were?" demanded -Mr. Gibbons, greatly astonished.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He said he wouldn't tell them to anybody, -much less to me. Now, I think if he were -brought before a court of law he would have -to tell it; don't it look that way to you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I guess it does. But don't you -think it was a blind? He may have said a -good many things that he can't prove."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, I don't think it was. He told it to -my cousin. I don't mind telling you, Mr. Gibbons, -that Barlow had a scheme made up to -kidnap Ben and me, and send us to sea on -board the Smart."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, you don't tell me!" exclaimed the -lawyer, growing more amazed.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, sir; that's his way of doing business. -It is his way of making up a crew. He was -in a fair way to make a prisoner of Ben. He -set his bull-dog and his barkeeper at him, but -Ben laid them both out; and just as Barlow -<span class='pageno' id='Page_189'>189</span>grabbed a chair and stepped up to hit Ben -with it, Mr. Sprague came in and put a stop -to it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, that beats me! Why didn't he -have them arrested?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"His son urged him not to do it. He evidently -thought it best to consult a lawyer first. -But I wish I could have my ponies. Mr. -Gibbons, suppose you go up there and get -them for me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I'll do it; and perhaps I shall be -able to tell whether or not your Uncle Layton -has had any hand in this business. If he -has, I think he will show it. Now, Bob, you -must give me plenty of time to look into this -matter. Do you want any money?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, no, sir, since I get a hundred dollars -a month from Uncle Layton for keeping -away from his house. That sounds as though -you expected my father to come back."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know whether I do or not," said -Mr. Gibbons, shaking his head. "I don't -know what to make of his way of kidnapping -you. If the will is all right, why should he be -so anxious to be rid of you? So your uncle -<span class='pageno' id='Page_190'>190</span>gives you a hundred dollars a month. I suppose -you take it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Of course I do. It is mine."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, it looks suspicious."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"To my mind there are many things that -look suspicious, and that is one of them. You -may take all the time you want. I won't come -near you again until I get notice from you," -said Bob, putting on his hat. "You will go -up now and get those ponies?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I'll not delay a moment," said the lawyer, -rising to his feet and feeling in his pocket for -his keys. "When I see you again, in the -course of an hour, I will have your horses -ready for you, and you can go and take a ride. -It does not take long to get through an interview -with Bob," he added, as the door closed -behind his client. "That kidnapping is what -bothers me, and I am going to speak to old -Layton about it. I guess I will take a copy -of this will along, so as to be ready to refresh -the old scamp's memory."</p> - -<p class='c008'>After a few moments of rapid walking, such -as the lawyer indulged in, the ponderous iron -gate clanged behind him, and he mounted the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_191'>191</span>steps and rang the bell. It was answered in -due time by Sam, who held the door open and -peeped through a crack at the visitor.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Mr. Layton isn't in, sah," said he.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"How did you know that I wanted to see -him?" asked the lawyer.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"'Cause everybody that comes hyar wants to -see him, and he's gone away boat-riding," replied -Sam.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Who's boat has he got?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Sah? Oh, he's got Mr. Gus's boat, and -don't allow to be back before to-morrow morning."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I guess you had better give him -that card and tell him I must see him," said -Mr. Gibbons. "I am Bob's attorney, and if -I don't see him now I shall see him before a -justice's court. Tell him that."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Sam reluctantly took the card and disappeared, -and in process of time the lawyer -heard Mr. Layton coming along the hall. He -did not open the door as Sam had done, but -opened it wide and greeted Mr. Gibbons with -great warmth.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I never was more surprised in my life -<span class='pageno' id='Page_192'>192</span>than I was when Sam told me that he said I -was out boat-riding, and that I wouldn't be -back until to-morrow morning," said Mr. -Layton, extending his hand to Mr. Gibbons, -and at the same time ignoring the fact that he -had told Sam to deliver that message not -five minutes before. "I did intend to go -boat-riding, but something happened to prevent. -Come in."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The lawyer wanted to smile, but did not. -He knew why it was that Mr. Layton came -out to see him. The knowledge that he would -be summoned before a justice of the peace to -answer the questions that were to be propounded -to him had quickened his perceptions -wonderfully. He followed Mr. Layton -along the hall to the library, and the door was -closed upon him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Sit down," said his host, who seemed to -think that by rapid talking he could put off -the questions a little longer. "Let me take -your hat."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Thank you. I can put it here on the -table just as well," said Mr. Gibbons. "I -shall not be able to stop long."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_193'>193</span>"You see," added Mr. Layton, "Gus has -lately come into possession of a new boat, and -is anxious to try her. I don't know anything -about sailing—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The new boat you speak of belongs to -Bob," interrupted the lawyer, who knew he -was going to listen to a lie. "It is moored -back of old Ben Watson's place."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why—why, what has he got it there -for?" asked Mr. Layton. "The schooner -doesn't belong to Bob."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, I think it does, together with his -ponies also. I came up here to speak about -them," said Mr. Gibbons, when he noticed -Mr. Layton changing color.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, Gus has taken quite a fancy to -those ponies, and I think it best to keep them -for him," replied Mr. Layton. "Anything -else he wants he can take. I don't believe in -being hard on the boy, for goodness knows he -has enough to contend with. If he is so awfully -bent on having those ponies I will purchase -them."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Bob is not bent on having anything -but what is his by right," said the lawyer, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_194'>194</span>drawing a copy of the will from his pocket. -"The ponies were the last things his father -gave him, and he went off to school and never -saw his father afterward. It won't do for you to -buy them. Bob wants the ponies, and nothing -else."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, of course if you put it that way -he'll have to have them," said Mr. Layton, -who did not want to hear the codicil read. -He touched a little bell that stood on the -table and went to the door to meet Sam. "Go -to the stable and tell the hostler to hitch up -the ponies. Will you have the covered buggy -or the dog-cart?" he added, turning to the -lawyer.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I will take them both. Bob wants everything -that belongs to him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Layton gave the necessary order, and -then came back and plumped into his chair. -He was trembling, but he was mad, too.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It seems to me that this is a very queer -will," said he. "What did he bequeath all -Bob's things to my son for, and then go to -work and take them away?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I have the authority for doing it right -<span class='pageno' id='Page_195'>195</span>here," said Mr. Gibbons, tapping the will as -he spoke. "Do you want to hear it read?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No!" exclaimed Mr. Layton, hotly. "I -have heard more about that codicil than it is -worth."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I think myself that you made a slight -mistake in drawing it up," said the lawyer; -and out of the corner of his eye he watched -the effect of his words upon Mr. Layton. -"You did not expect that your son was going -to take such a fancy to the boat and the -ponies, and so you willed them to Bob. Now, -I am going to tell you one thing before I -leave: You know where that man is."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What man do you mean?" stammered -Mr. Layton.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Captain Nellis," replied the lawyer.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, do you think that man is alive? -He is dead. His boat came in the next morning—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You may think so, but I don't," said Mr. -Gibbons, who had of late changed his ideas -on that subject. "Then think of the two -worthless men you brought up to sign that -codicil. When Captain Nellis made his will -<span class='pageno' id='Page_196'>196</span>he got two of the best men in town to witness -his signature, and men, too, that you could -find every day in the week. Where are those -men you got to sign for you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Look here, Mr. Gibbons," began Mr. Layton.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Just answer my question, please."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"They have gone to sea, I suppose. That's -their way of making a living."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes; and I suppose you had some hand -in sending them there, too."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Look here!" said Mr. Layton, arising and -placing his hand upon the signal-bell, "I -don't propose to be insulted this way any -longer!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Ring that bell, if you please, and I will -summon you where you will answer not only -these, but numerous other questions which I -shall ask you," said the lawyer, firmly. "I -am bound to get at the root of this matter -sooner or later. Sit down. Now," he added, -as Mr. Layton sank back in his chair, "what -is this story I hear about Barlow kidnapping -Bob and Watson?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Old Watson was fast asleep in the saloon -<span class='pageno' id='Page_197'>197</span>and dreamed it all," said Mr. Layton, confidently. -"There was not a word said about -kidnapping him, or Bob either."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I expected that would be your excuse, but -it seems that he got up a lively fight on the -strength of it," said the lawyer, putting on -his hat. "These questions are mere feelers. -I think you will be obliged to answer some -others."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Whenever I am brought before a court -and asked questions by somebody who has a -right to an answer, I assure you that I shall -be on hand," replied Mr. Layton, taking no -note of the fact that he had answered every -one of Mr. Gibbons's questions without thinking -to inquire if <i>he</i> had a right to a reply. -"I have nothing that I wish to conceal."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"This old villain is certainly responsible -for Captain Nellis's disappearance," thought -Mr. Gibbons, as he stood at the table pulling -on his gloves. "Now, if I could only fasten -it upon him!" Then aloud he said: "This -Captain Johnson, who took Captain Nellis to -sea against his will, had a miscellaneous cargo -aboard, and he was to use it in trading among -<span class='pageno' id='Page_198'>198</span>the savages in the South Sea Islands; consequently -Captain Nellis must be there."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't I tell you that he is dead? His -boat—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't care to hear about his boat any -more. I was there, and I know all about it. -As everybody in town is interested in this -matter it will pay to hunt up Captain Nellis. -Good-morning!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"When you get ready to make the move, -just call on me. I will pay my share most -willingly. Good-morning!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Gibbons went out at the door and -around the house toward the stables, and Mr. -Layton, as soon as he had seen him go, carefully -locked the door and flung himself into a -chair as if he hadn't a particle of strength left. -At the same time a curtain that covered one -of the windows was pushed aside, and Gus -stepped into the room. He had been engaged -in a consultation with his father when the coming -of the lawyer was announced, and instead -of going up stairs to his room he went into -the window, so he could hear what the men -had to talk about. Gus was fully as pale as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_199'>199</span>his father, but he did not tremble so much. -He was mad, too—so mad that when he took -a chair he caught up a heavy paper-weight -and slammed it down on the table.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Now, father, you have done it!" he exclaimed. -"I wondered where that schooner -had gone, but the man who had charge of it -was so cross and ugly that I didn't care to -question him; and now Bob has got it without -saying so much as by your leave. And -now my horses are gone, too! I don't see -what made you let that man insult you. Why -didn't you ring the bell and call for Sam to -show him the door?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, Gus, it is all out on—" He was -about to say that it was all out on him, but -checked himself in time, and springing to his -feet he walked up and down the room, wringing -his hands until there didn't seem to be a -drop of blood in them. "Gus, I have been -bothered so many times since I came into this -property that sometimes I feel like giving it -all up. I feel as though it wasn't mine."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes; and a pretty sight you would be, -giving up all that money just to please a little -<span class='pageno' id='Page_200'>200</span>cub who has done nothing but insult and -abuse me ever since I have been at school!" -said Gus, in a disgusted tone. "But, father, -is the will all right?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The will is all right. I defy him or any -lawyer to find a thing in it that isn't just as -it should be."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then it is yours, and I don't see why you -should give it up. But I am sorry that little -cub has got those horses. You will have to buy -me another pair."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I can easily do that, but first I must wait -until this will case is settled. I don't know -what to do. At times, when I go down town, -there isn't a person on the streets who will -notice me. You heard what Mr. Gibbons -said about everybody being in favor of hunting -up Captain Nellis?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What do you care for that? All you have -to do is to jingle some dollars in your pocket, -and think how much better off you are. I bet -any of them would gladly change places with -you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know of anybody who would -change places with me," moaned his father. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span>"He's got a mighty slim chance to work -on."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Who has?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That man Gibbons. You heard what he -said about arresting Captain Johnson the next -time he comes back here, didn't you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes; and I reckon he'll have a lively -time doing it. He won't be back under two -or three years, and I'll watch my chance and -send word to him. He shall not come back -here if I can help it. There goes Mr. Gibbons -now, and he's got the dog-cart behind -him," said Gus, throwing as much contempt -into his tones as he could. "I wish those -ponies would run away with Bob the first time -he goes out riding, and spill him out and break -his neck!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"So do I," said Mr. Layton, mentally. "So -do I. It would be a heap of bother off my -shoulders. The amount of it is, I must do -something. I can't stand this way of living -any longer."</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER XIII.<br />ONE DISPOSED OF.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>Joe Lufkin having eaten his breakfast -had started away on one of his useless -errands—at least that was what Hank and his -mother thought about it; but the truth was -he had set out for Middletown, to see how his -new scheme would work. He hadn't done -much sleeping the night before, for his plan -seemed to have banished slumber from his -eyes. Of course, he indulged in building -some gorgeous air-castles on the strength of it. -After he got a little way from home he stopped -and took the clipping out of his pocket.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Like pulling berries off the bushes," he -soliloquized, as he put the clipping back, having -finished reading it, and went on with his -walk. "That would hit me, I tell you. I -wonder what men I can get to help me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>While Joe was revolving this problem in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span>his mind he came within sight of Barlow's -saloon. There were two men standing there, -and they were engaged in earnest conversation. -The one was Barlow, and the stranger -in the light suit he took to be the captain of -the Smart. It was hard work to raise a crew -at that time of the year, and the captain had -come in to see what Barlow could do to assist -him. As he approached them he heard the -one-legged man say to him:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Captain, you just go on board your boat -and never mind it. I'll have the men there -ready for you to-night."</p> - -<p class='c008'>He didn't hesitate to talk this way before -Joe Lufkin, for the latter was a man who -could be hired to keep his mouth shut. As -the captain moved away Barlow turned and -gave Joe a sign, who followed him into his -saloon and into a little back room, the door of -which was closed and bolted.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, Joe, where are you going to-day?" -said Barlow, seating himself on the table. "I -don't generally see you move so fast."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Read that," said Lufkin, handing him the -article he had cut from the paper the night -<span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span>before. "It seems to me that if such a thing -could be worked at one place it could be at -another. Don't it to you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Barlow read the clipping and then ejaculated, -"By George!" and crossed his uninjured -leg over the stump and read it again.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Where did you get this?" he asked.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It came around my shoes last night," answered -Joe. "Do you think I can get anybody -to help me?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, in course you can't, although such -people have no right to have diamonds and -rubies. You'll have to get away out of this -country, and never come in it again. If such -a thing could be thought of, and men got together -to help, what's the reason that them -fellers up about New York haven't tried it -before?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"We'll go masked," said Joe.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Whose boat are you going to get?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I think Bob Nellis's boat would be about -right."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It will come out on you, as sure as the -world. Suppos'n somebody pulls your mask -off! Joe, you had better let that thing out."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span>This decision was a great disappointment to -Joe. The very first man he had applied to -for assistance had thrown cold water upon it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But I have something better for you than -that, and you won't have to go away, either," -continued Barlow. "You know the Captain -of the J. W. Smart is finding it hard work to -raise a crew. I've got two men on my mind, -and will give you fifty dollars if you will get -them for me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Fifty dollars is a heap of money, but it -ain't a patching to what I could make out of the -other thing," said Joe. "Who are the men?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"They are Bob Nellis and ole Ben Watson," -said Barlow in an earnest whisper. "I -know you don't like either of them any better -than I do."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That there's a fact, and I am glad that ole -Cap'n Nellis is played out. Why don't you -go and get 'em yourself?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, you see, I have had a fuss here in -the house, thanks to that ole Watson, and Mr. -Sprague told me that the next row I raised -here he would shut me up. Now, I don't -want to be shut up. I want to raise a crew -<span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span>for that vessel, and at the same time I want to -be right here in my saloon, so that I can prove -it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And you want me to do the work for you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"In course I do. If you would go up -there and get 'em, why I should be just that -much ahead."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But it is impossible to get those two men," -said Joe, after thinking a moment. "They -are there, right together, and how are you going -to get them apart?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't ask you to go up there alone; my -barkeeper will go with you, and after he captures -Watson you mustn't be surprised if he -gives him a lick or two to pay him off for the -punching he gave Samson in my saloon yesterday. -Samson is awful mad about that."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't care how often he punches him, so -long as he lets me alone. But there's one -thing that bothers me: Suppos'n Cap'n Nellis -should come back; wouldn't I get fits to -pay me for the part I took in carrying it out? -You see, I have got to look out for things."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You don't suppose, because they took a -different ship, that they are going to meet Captain -<span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span>Nellis, who left this port six months ago!" -said Barlow, with a laugh. "Such a thing -isn't to be thought of. You see, you don't -know how badly the mates will treat them. -They are mighty soft and easy around here, -but when they get them afloat and draw near to -some port at which they can ship cheaper hands, -then you want to look out. They'll haze 'em -till they are ready to jump overboard. It -will be a year or two before they get back, -even if they live so long, and by that time -you can easily make up some sort of a story to -tell them. Fifty dollars is a heap of money -for a man like you. You needn't do any -work as long as it lasts."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You are certain you won't tell anybody -of it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Good land of Goshen! Ain't I as deep -in the mud as you are? You don't imagine -that I am going to split on myself? If the -folks around here don't find out who shipped -'em till I tell 'em, they'll never find it out."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe rested his elbows on his knees and -thought about it. Fifty dollars was a heap -of money for him to make by one night's -<span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span>work, and he wished there had not been so -much danger in it. Aside from Captain Nellis -coming back, he wasn't so certain that he -could make a prisoner of old Ben Watson. -He was afraid that Ben might see through -the plot and go to work and whip him and -Samson both; then there would be the very -mischief to pay. But fifty dollars! That was -worth trying for.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You see, I am down on everyone who -bears that name," said Barlow, hitting the -table a sounding whack with his fist. "His -ole pap laid me up in ordinary when I might -to-day have been the master of as fine a ship -as ever sailed, and I have been waiting for an -opportunity to get even with him; but he has -gone off to sea, although I had no hand in -sending him there—more's the pity—and so I -must take revenge on somebody else."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That Bob of his always was stuck up," -said Joe.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Did you ever see the like? I never did. -He won't come near my house, although he -knows that I used to be one of his father's -best hands. And yet the ole feller had to go -<span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span>and pop me over when there wasn't no need -of it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, let me out, and I'll go somewhere -and think it over," said Joe. "There's most -too much risk in it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, be in a hurry," said Barlow, "for -you have got till dark to make up your mind. -I wish I had two good legs, and I wouldn't -ask anybody to go for me. I'd go myself, and -be glad of the chance."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Barlow did not unlock the entrance which -gave admission into the saloon, for he heard -voices in there, but a side door, which opened -into an alley; and Joe Lufkin, after sticking -his head out and making sure that there was -no one in sight, slipped out and took his way -down the street.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And so Barlow thinks I had better let -that job out," said he, pulling off his hat and -digging his fingers into his hair to stir up -his ideas. "I just won't do it. Fifty dollars -ain't a patching to what I could make if I -could only get somebody to help me. And -suppos'n I did have to go away—I guess I'd -have money enough to last me all my lifetime. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span>I'll just think about it. And now, what am -I to do in regard to those two men? I tell -you, there's a heap of risk in it; but fifty dollars! -That's a power of money."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Almost unconsciously Joe Lufkin turned -his steps toward Ben Watson's house, and by -the time he got through thinking about it he -found himself in front of the gate. He -thought he would go in and see how matters -lay, and perhaps when the time for action arrived -something would suggest itself to him; -so he unlatched the gate and went up the -gravelled walk that led to Watson's domicile. -Old Ben did not happen to be in the house. -He had been neglecting his garden of late, -and was now busy with the weeds that choked -his tomato-plants. He heard Joe coming, and -stopped and leaned upon his hoe.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Howdy," said Joe.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ben did not answer. He simply nodded his -head; and as he stood there, with his sleeves -rolled up and showing all the muscles on his -arms, which looked as solid as iron, Joe came -to the conclusion that he would need somebody -stronger than Samson to help secure him.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_211'>211</span>"I just thought I would come in here to -see how you are getting on," said Joe, who -thought he ought to make some apology for -his appearance. "Where's Bob, this fine -morning?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He's just gone down to a lawyer's," said -Ben. "I tell you, he ain't a-going to let this -thing rest till he gets his money."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The sailor went on with his hoeing, and -Joe strolled up until he came quite close to -him. How big and strong he looked, as Joe -thought of knocking him down! Once down, -with his hands bound and a gag thrust into -his mouth, he would be all right. There was -Ben's boat, with a tarpaulin buttoned over it -to keep the waves out; and if Ben were laid -away in that boat, with the tarpaulin thrown -over him, Joe could easily row him down to -the city. Something prompted him to make -the attempt. There was nobody in sight. -With all the strength he had he drew his -right arm back, and with the speed of a -thunderbolt shot it straight out from the -shoulder. It was a deadly blow, and Ben -dropped on the instant.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_212'>212</span>"There!" said Joe, trembling all over with -excitement, "I reckon you will lay there until -I can get some ropes to tie you with. I've -hit enough of them blows during my experience -in the army to know that you won't -get over it for ten or fifteen minutes."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe gathered his victim up and made all -haste to carry him into the bushes, out of -sight, and there he laid him down while he -went back toward the house to place things -to rights. He first picked up the hoe, and -with it destroyed all the footprints that he -had made in the garden; and after that he -put the hoe up against the side of the house, -as Ben might have done when he got through -using it. Then he went into the wood-shed -to find a piece of cloth for a gag, and some -pieces of rope with which to confine Ben when -he came to himself. The rope and the gag -were quickly made use of, and even Ben, -strong as he was, would have found himself -powerless.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The next thing was the boat. There was -still no one in sight, and Joe walked out on -the wharf as though he had a right there. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_213'>213</span>He unbuttoned the tarpaulin, got in and got -out the oars and pulled up a little way, where -he knew there was no prospect of anyone seeing -him. It was but the work of a few minutes -to carry Ben down to the boat, put -him in, and draw the tarpaulin over him, and -then Joe began his ride to the village. All -this while he was uneasy, for he feared that -Bob might return; but he succeeded in reaching -the upper wharf and pulling under it -without attracting anybody's attention. If -anyone saw him rowing in the boat, they -probably thought he had a load of fish. Ben -lay perfectly still; and, after examining his -bonds to make sure that he could not get -away, Joe fastened the boat, got out, and -bent his steps toward Barlow's saloon. There -was no one in except the proprietor, and Joe -leaned over the counter and whispered to -him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I've got one," said he.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What?" exclaimed Barlow.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I say I've got one, and he is now bound -and gagged in a boat under a wharf a little ways -from here," repeated Joe. "It's Watson; and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_214'>214</span>I tell you I wouldn't make a prisoner of him -again for four times fifty dollars. I hit him -a blow right behind the ear, and he fell as if -he had been shot."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And in broad daylight, too?" said Barlow, -who was utterly confounded. "Are you sure -no one saw you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"As sartin as I can be. I kept a watch out -for Bob, for fear that he would come back, but -he never came. Now, you want to go down -there and be ready to take him off to the vessel."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe went one way and Barlow the other—Joe -to walk around and get over some of his -excitement, and Barlow to hunt up his barkeeper -and get him to attend to the saloon -during his absence, and in a few minutes he -was making good time toward the wharf. -Samson was mad about it. He fully expected -to give the unconscious Watson "a whack or -two" in payment for the drubbing he had -administered a day before, and he didn't like -the idea of having him captured by anybody -else. He came into the saloon and looked all -around for Joe, but he had gone.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_215'>215</span>Barlow went under the wharf, and there he -found the boat with a tarpaulin spread out in -the bow. He lifted it, and underneath lay -Ben, so white and still that Barlow began to -think he was dead.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You know too much for me," said he, -grimly. "I guess if you are out of the way -for a year or two I will stand a chance of -making some money. I'll teach you to punch -my barkeeper up, as you did yesterday."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Everything depended on getting Ben -aboard the vessel before he came to, and Barlow -lost no time in going about it. He replaced -the tarpaulin again, backed the boat -out from under the wharf, and pulled down -the middle of the harbor to reach the ship, -which was anchored a short distance from -shore, waiting for the tide to turn. But Barlow -knew that the tide had little to do with -the ship's movements. She had a crew, ready -to sail, with the exception of two men, and -the captain, being anxious to keep them, resolved -to put a little clear water between him -and the shore. They couldn't desert without -being seen by somebody.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_216'>216</span>Barlow put out all his strength on the oars, -and at the end of half an hour ran his boat -under the vessel's bow, where he laid hold of -a bobstay and waited for some one to hail -him. He was not obliged to wait long, for in -a few minutes the first mate stuck his head -over the rail.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Halloo, Barlow! What have you got -there?" he asked.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The man laid hold of the tarpaulin and -threw it aside, so that the mate could see the -form of Ben Watson.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's one I have brought for you," said -he. "He's a sailor-man, too. I'll have the -other ready for you to-night."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Are you certain that no one saw you?" -asked the mate, who was profoundly astonished. -He saw that Ben Watson had been -overpowered, but that made no difference to -him. During the years he had followed the -water he had seen many a man brought -aboard the ship dead drunk, and if he were -questioned in regard to Ben he could easily -say that he had come aboard in the same -way.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_217'>217</span>"There was nobody hailed me, and no one -came near me while I was coming up here," -said Barlow. "I guess he is all right. Now, -you want a whip to get him up there."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He isn't dead, is he?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Dead! No. Throw two or three buckets -of water over him and he will come around—though, -to my mind, he'll have a headache. -You had better let him sleep it off."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Lay for'ard, a couple of you fellers, with a -rope!" shouted the mate. "Bring a long one, -mind."</p> - -<p class='c008'>In a few minutes a couple of sailors appeared -beside the mate, and two ends of a -rope were passed down to Barlow. One end -he made fast under Ben's arms, the other was -tied around his knees, and presently the unconscious -sailor was hoisted to the vessel's deck -and laid down with as much ceremony as if -he had been a log of wood. Then Barlow -breathed easier. Ben was disposed of for a -year at least, and by the time he got back -he hoped to be doing business somewhere -else.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Is the captain aboard?" asked Barlow.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_218'>218</span>"No, he's ashore. You'll get your advance -when you bring off the other one."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Barlow lost no time in shoving off and -pulling back to the wharf where he had found -the boat. The only person he saw was Joe -Lufkin, who was loafing about in the rear of his -saloon. No doubt he would have given the -world, had he possessed it, to be able to undo -the work of the last hour; but he had gone -too far to back out.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It's all right," said Barlow. "I wasn't -hailed at all. You are sure you can get the -other one?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe said he was certain of it. He had already -accomplished the hardest part of the -work in securing Ben Watson.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Because, if you don't, I can't pay you the -money I promised you," said Barlow. "The -captain's ashore, and I can't get any advance -until I take the other one up there."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe's countenance fell on hearing this. He -supposed he was going to have twenty-five -dollars to jingle around in his pockets.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Now, you take the boat and place it -where it was before," continued Barlow. "I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_219'>219</span>haven't been gone more'n an hour, have I? -Then you can easily get it back before Bob -comes. Good luck to you. But remember -this, Joe: don't capture him in broad daylight; -there's too much risk in it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Look here," said Joe, when Barlow was -about to move away; "I want half that -money you promised me. I have done half -the work, and the man you all feared is now -aboard the vessel. I've got some things to -get before I go home."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But I can't pay you," said Barlow. "If -I find the captain ashore I can get it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, you have some of your own money -that you can pay me with, haven't you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Barlow looked at Joe as if he was more -than half-inclined to get angry, but he thought -better of it. There was a sullen look in Joe's -eyes which he did not like to see. It would -be very easy for him to knock the whole thing -in the head.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, well, if you put it that way, of -course I have money that I can pay you. You -stay here a minute and I will go in and get it. -You mean to have every cent that is due you—don't -<span class='pageno' id='Page_220'>220</span>you?" muttered Barlow, as he opened the -side door and disappeared in the saloon. "You -want to watch out, or some day I will ship -<i>you</i> off to sea."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Barlow was gone not more than five minutes, -and when he returned he held a package -of bills in his hand, which he gave to Joe. -Joe ran his eyes over them to make sure that -they were all right, and when he straightened -up and put them into his pocket he felt he -was almost, if not quite, a millionaire. It was -a long time since he had so large a sum of -money before. Did he want to buy anything -for the house? He wanted them in his pocket, -so that he could feel them and congratulate -himself on his success, for it was a long -time since anybody had got away with old -Ben single-handed; and, since Barlow would -not praise him for it, he felt more like applauding -himself.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I know that they all feared that man, and -here I went and captured him alone," said -Joe, as he retraced his steps to the boat. "So -he punched Samson, yesterday! Well, he -didn't punch me!"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_221'>221</span>As Joe drew near the wharf to which the -boat belonged he became uneasy again for fear -that Bob had already come back from the -lawyer's; but Bob was waiting on the street -for his ponies, intending to take a ride, if Mr. -Gibbons succeeded in his object. He reached -the staple to which the boat was confined, -fastened it just as it was before, placed the -oars where they belonged, and buttoned down -the tarpaulin just as Ben had left it. Then he -walked along the wooden pier until he came -to the bushes, into which he plunged, and -never came out until he was opposite his own -house.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_222'>222</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER XIV.<br />JOE SUCCESSFUL AGAIN.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>"Well, Hank, I made it. I am to have -my ponies and boat, and Uncle Layton -can't take them away from me, no matter -how much he dislikes to see me have them."</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was Bob Nellis who spoke. He had -come down the stairs and looked all around -for Hank, and finally found him standing in -front of a store, waiting for him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"There he goes now," continued Bob, gazing -toward the opposite side of the street, -where Mr. Gibbons was moving along with his -swinging stride. "In a few minutes he will -be coming back this way with the ponies. Now, -I will go up to Jones's livery-stable and see -what they are going to charge me a week for -keeping the two horses. Of course Watson -will have to fix a place for the barn before we -can build it. The schooner is mine, too."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_223'>223</span>Hank was highly delighted to know that -his friend had got all he asked for, and -told himself that he wished he was as well off -in the world. With a span of ponies and a -fine sailing boat and a hundred dollars a -month he was certain that he would be pretty -well contented. He walked with Bob until they -reached the livery-stable, and there they found -the proprietor, who smiled all over when he -saw Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Want a horse?" said he, shaking hands -with Bob. "I have just the nicest little—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, sir, I don't want a horse, but I have -come to ask you what you will take to board a -couple for me—my ponies, you know," said -Bob. "It will be some time before Ben can -build a barn to keep them in, and I want to -know how much you will charge me, say by -the month."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, those ponies are not yours!" said the -liveryman. "They belong to Gus Layton."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The codicil says they are mine," said -Bob. "Anyway, I shall bring them around -here for you to keep."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Bob," said Mr. Jones, extending his hand -<span class='pageno' id='Page_224'>224</span>again, "I am glad you have got your horses. -I saw Gus Layton driving them around, and -he didn't look to me like the right fellow behind -them. Well, I have always got fifteen -dollars a month for boarding horses, but as -yours are so much smaller it won't take much -to feed them and clean them, and so I will -keep them for thirteen dollars; and that includes -everything except shoeing."</p> - -<p class='c008'>A bargain was soon struck, and Bob pulled -out his hundred dollars and paid the livery-stable -keeper twenty-six of them, for which -he was promptly given a receipt. After that -the boys turned and left the stable. They -wanted to get as far toward Uncle Layton's as -they could, to meet Mr. Gibbons when coming -back with the ponies.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't doubt that Bob's ponies will make -just as much trouble as big horses, but somehow -I couldn't find it in my heart to charge -him full price," said Mr. Jones to one of his -men. "I've seen the time when I would -charge him fifteen dollars a month and think -nothing of it; but now he is short of money. -I guess I treated him all right."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_225'>225</span>In a few minutes Bob and Hank reached -the street on which was located the house that -Uncle Layton called his own, and just as they -arrived within sight of the gate it swung open, -and Mr. Gibbons and the ponies came out. -He had got everything that belonged to Bob, -the dog-cart as well as the top buggy.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I tell you, Mr. Gibbons is the man to do -things!" said Hank. "If he was in your -place he would have that money back."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't care about the money," said Bob. -"I wish he would bring my father back. I -wouldn't ask anything else. But that is -something he can't do, although I really think -that Mr. Gibbons believes he is alive."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Halloo! there. You see I've got your -ponies for you," exclaimed the lawyer, at the -same time wrapping the reins around the whip -and getting out of the buggy. "Now you -take charge of them."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Mr. Gibbons, you don't know how grateful -I am to you," said Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's all right," said the lawyer. "I -just told him that the ponies were willed to -you, and that settled it. He said that Gus -<span class='pageno' id='Page_226'>226</span>had taken a powerful shine to the horses, and -he thought he would buy them."</p> - -<p class='c008'>He didn't make any remark about the other -things on which Mr. Layton had committed -himself, for he wanted time to work them up. -He had just as good as told him that he knew -where the other man—that is, Captain Nellis—was, -and he wanted to be sure of it before he -went any further.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The boys got into the buggy, Hank took -the thills of the dog-cart under his arm, and -the two set off for the livery-stable, and after -that they started out for a drive. What was -it that impelled Bob to turn away from his -home instead of going to it as fast as he could? -He would have arrived there in time to catch -Joe Lufkin in the act of pulling out of the -bay with Ben Watson stowed away under the -tarpaulin, and that would have saved him an -immense amount of trouble. He turned away -and went out into the country, and no boy -ever enjoyed himself as Bob did during that -ride.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Uncle Layton said that Gus had taken a -powerful shine to the ponies, and that he would -<span class='pageno' id='Page_227'>227</span>have to buy them," said Bob. "He hasn't -got money enough to buy them. They are -mine, and nobody but myself or a friend -shall ever hold a line over them again."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The boys were gone almost all day, until -they and the ponies began to get tired of their -ride, and then turned toward the livery-stable. -The ponies were turned over to those who had -a right to care for them, and then they went -to the post-office, and continued on their way -home. Bob had made it up with Hank that -he was to go fishing with him in the morning, -and the next day they were to pay a visit to -the place where Hank had found the pearls.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I expect we'll get rich when we go up -there," said Bob. "We'll find the pearls so -thick that we won't know which one to take -first."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know that I can find any of them," -said Hank. "All I know is that I have seen -an abundance of them there. And suppose -we do find a pocketful of them, there isn't one -chance in ten that we shall find another one -worth two hundred dollars."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, come over early to-morrow morning, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_228'>228</span>and we'll go fishing. We certainly will -not get rich at that. Good-bye."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob kept on to the house, which he found -with the doors and windows wide open, but -could discover no signs of Ben. He went -from room to room, calling out Ben's name, -but no answer was returned. He found the -hoe beside the wood-shed, showing that Ben -had been at work in the garden, and even -went down the path that led to the beach. -There was Ben's boat tied to its staple, and -his schooner riding at anchor just as he had -left it; so Ben could not have gone to town.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I don't see what has become of the -old fellow," said Bob. He was not at all -alarmed, for Ben was big enough to take care -of himself, but he was provoked at being -treated that way. "I'll bet I'll give him a -piece of my mind when he comes back. And -now I'll go and get supper for him. There's -no fire in the stove, and he must have gone -without his dinner."</p> - -<p class='c008'>To build the fire and put the tea-kettle on -was but the work of a few minutes, and to -search the cupboard to find the remnants of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_229'>229</span>the food that had been put away from their -breakfast was easily done, for Ben had been -on board a man-of-war before he began sailing -with Captain Nellis, and had learned to -do everything up in ship-shape. All the -while he listened for the return of Ben Watson, -but he listened in vain. Finally, when -six o'clock came, his supper was ready, and -Bob sat down to it feeling a little uneasy.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I declare it beats the world where Ben -has gone to," said he. "I never knew him -to wander off like this, and I'll just put the -toast and tea over to keep them warm for -him, and then I'll wash up the things that -are left. Perhaps by that time he will be -here."</p> - -<p class='c008'>In process of time this work was completed, -the food on the table covered and the lamps -lighted, and then Bob strolled out to the gate -to see if he could see any signs of the missing -one. The only man he saw was Joe Lufkin, -who walked leisurely along, as if he was not -going anywhere in particular. It wasn't at -all likely that he had met Ben, seeing that he -had just come from home, but Bob was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_230'>230</span>anxious to tell somebody, and so he appealed -to Joe.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Good evening, Mr. Lufkin," said he. -"Have you met Ben Watson, lately?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Howdy! Ben Watson? No, I haven't -seen him since twelve o'clock this morning. -He was down at the dock then. Has he gone -back on you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, he hasn't gone back on me, but he's -gone, and I don't know where to look for him," -said Bob. "He has gone afoot, too, for the -schooner and the skiff are in their places. I -wish, if you meet him down town, you would -tell him to hurry up. I am getting tired of -waiting for him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I will," said Joe. "But there is -one thing I would like to speak to you about," -said the man, gazing up and down the street -to make sure that there was no one within -sight. "Let's go back to the house. It is -something I don't like to speak to you about, -but I have got it to do," he added, unlatching -the gate and walking in.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Something you don't like to speak about?" -repeated Bob. "By George! I wonder if he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_231'>231</span>could have found out about that pearl?" he -added, mentally. "He won't get any money -out of me on the strength of it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Wondering what excuse he could make to -Joe for having Hank's money deposited in -his name, Bob turned and walked toward the -house, never suspecting treachery from the -man who had known him since he was born. -He noticed that Joe kept a little way behind -him, instead of walking up beside him, but -he paid no attention to that, although he often -afterward thought of it. Arriving at a place -where the path turned and the bushes effectually -concealed him from the gate, Joe was -all ready for him. His sinewy right arm was -drawn back, and Bob sank down beneath a -blow as strong as that which felled Ben Watson -a few hours before. He had just time to -gasp "Joe Lufkin!" and then all was blank -to him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, sir; it's Joe Lufkin that wants you," -said the man, picking up Bob's inanimate -form and carrying him with all speed toward -the house. "I've got fifty dollars, and that's -a heap more money than I have had since -<span class='pageno' id='Page_232'>232</span>General Lee's paymaster paid me a whole -pocketful of worthless paper for my share in -the service. It's good money, too."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe conveyed his prisoner to the open door -of the wood-shed and laid him down until he -could get some cloth and ropes with which to -confine him. He had kept his eyes open when -he was there before, and knew right where -the articles lay. He secured them without any -trouble at all, and in a few seconds Bob was -helpless. As there was no danger that any -one would discover him—it was now pitch-dark—Joe -worked with more confidence than -he did a while before, and in less than half -an hour Bob was lying insensible in the boat -under the wharf, and Joe was making good -time toward Barlow's saloon. He found the -man in front of his house, where he had kept -himself ever since Joe began his work, and a -very slight sign made him lead the way to his -back room. When he had closed and locked -the door Joe said:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I've got the other one."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Bully for you!" exclaimed Barlow. -"Where is he?"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_233'>233</span>"He's under Scotter's wharf, where I left Ben. -You want to be quick in getting him aboard -the vessel. He may come to, you know."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"All right. I'll have him there in a jiffy. -Now, you stay around here and I'll have that -other twenty-five dollars to hand you. You -have made a pretty good haul. Fifty dollars -for one afternoon's work is more than you can -make very day."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Barlow went after his hat, and Joe went -out of the side door to the front of the saloon, -where he met Samson, the barkeeper. He -ought to have been warned by the evil look -in that man's eye; but Joe was thinking only -of the money that was to come to him and -how much pleasure he would take in it, and -to know that he had earned it all.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You are a pretty fellow, I must say," said -Samson, in a low tone.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, I didn't do any more than you -would have done," said Joe.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"To go around and take twenty-five dollars -out of my pocket!" continued Samson. "I -was to get something for helping you. Never -mind—I will be even with you yet."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_234'>234</span>"What are you going to do?" asked Joe. -He thought of the two blows he had struck -Ben Watson and Bob Nellis, and made up -his mind that if Samson got one of them -he would be a long time in getting even with -him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I'll ship you off to sea—that's what I'll -do," said Samson, in savage tones; "and I'll -get twenty-five dollars for that. So be careful -what you do."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe was thunderstruck. He looked at -Samson in a frightened sort of way and then -continued on his walk up the street.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I never thought of that!" said he, with a -dazed looked on his face. "The only thing I -can do now is to get my money and steer clear -of Barlow in the future, for he could ship me -off to sea as well as not."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe was uneasy after that; and to show that -he was terribly frightened he kept in the -light of the stores as much as possible. At -the end of an hour, when he thought Barlow -had been allowed time to go to the vessel and -return, he started toward Scotter's wharf; but -he did not walk along as a man would who -<span class='pageno' id='Page_235'>235</span>had great confidence in himself. Every two -or three steps he would turn and look behind -him, as if he was afraid that somebody would -slip up and give him one of those deadly blows.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I'll tell you what's a fact: I've gone and -put my foot in it," soliloquized Joe, turning -once more to make sure that there was no one -dogging his footsteps. "I've got to keep in -my house after nightfall as sure as the world. -Ah! there you are. Did you make it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I did," replied Barlow, "and here's your -boat ready for you to take back. Here's your -money."</p> - -<p class='c008'>He had reached the dock just in time to -catch Barlow on his return. He handed him -the painter with one hand and with the other -produced a roll of bills.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You are all right for one year at least," -said he. "They won't be back before that -time, and when they come you will have to -make up some story to tell them."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, say, Barlow, Samson is awful mad."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, he was going to get a little something -for helping you capture them men," replied -Barlow, indifferently. "Wouldn't you -<span class='pageno' id='Page_236'>236</span>be mad, too, if somebody bad taken twenty-five -dollars out of your pocket?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But he says he is going to get even with -me. He is going to ship me off to sea."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Aw! don't you let that bother you. He -told you that just to frighten you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But you won't stand by and see him do -that?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"In course I won't. I may want you to -help me again."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"'Cause, Barlow, I don't know anything -about a vessel," said Joe, earnestly. "I am -too old to learn."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Course you are. A man has to learn that -business when he is young. Now you go -home with the boat—be sure and leave everything -there just as it was—and if anybody -says anything to you about this night's work, -you may bet that I didn't tell 'em."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No doubt you will want me to help you -again," soliloquized Joe, as he climbed down -into the boat with the painter in his hand, -"but it's a long time before you'll get Joe -Lufkin. I tell you I am well out of this -scrape now, and if I ever get into it again -<span class='pageno' id='Page_237'>237</span>you can shoot me! Let somebody else try -their hand, and see how they will come -out."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Somehow Joe Lufkin experienced a desire -he had never known before, and that was to -be safe at home. He always felt safer when -at his wife's side than he did when alone. He -pulled with all his might, and in due time -arrived at the wooden wharf and made the -boat fast where she belonged. Everything -was placed just as it was before, and then he -walked rapidly toward the path which ran by -the house. The doors and windows stood invitingly -open, but Joe did not want to go in -there. Everything seemed to tell him of the -inmates he had torn from their home, and -whether or not they would ever come back -again was a mystery. When he reached the -gate he looked up and down the road, and -seeing no one in sight, he went out and closed -it behind him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Whether they ever come back again or -not, I've got fifty dollars," said he, with a -chuckle, taking the two rolls of bills from his -pocket and folding them into one. "Now -<span class='pageno' id='Page_238'>238</span>when I get time I am a-going to think up -some story to tell them, as Barlow suggested. -But Samson's shipping <i>me</i> off to sea—that's -what bangs me! Howsomever, I am safe from -him so long as I stay here at my house."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe's first thought was to get a candle and -go over the bills one by one, and see if Barlow -had cheated him; but he soon came to the -conclusion that it would be safer to do that -when his wife and son were in bed. He entered -the door without saying anything to -anybody, threw off his hat and coat, filled his -pipe, and sat in his usual place in the doorway -and smoked and meditated. All of a -sudden he thought of something.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Say, Hank, you ain't got nothing to do, -and I propose that you stay around and watch -me," said he.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Stay around and watch you do nothing?" -exclaimed Hank. He had been engaged in -an earnest conversation with his mother, but -it was cut short when his father unlatched -the gate. He was now looking up a book, to -put in the hours until bedtime arrived. -"Father, I can't do it. I am engaged to go -<span class='pageno' id='Page_239'>239</span>fishing with Bob Nellis to-morrow, and the -next day I am going hunting with him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>He didn't say anything about the pearls he -expected to find. He was well enough acquainted -with his father to know that he -would haunt that stream night and day as -long as a single pearl remained.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Bob Nellis!" said Joe, in disgust.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was right on the point of his tongue to -tell Hank that by the time he got ready to go -fishing with him Bob would be a long ways -from there; but he didn't say it. He must -keep that with the utmost secrecy. His family -did not know that he had anything to do with -Barlow, and the longer they could remain in -ignorance of it the better it would be for him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, Bob Nellis," said Hank. "I don't -see what you have against that fellow since -he has lost his money."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I hain't got anything against him," said -Joe, as if he were profoundly surprised. "I -never said a word against him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I know you haven't, but you always sneer -whenever his name is mentioned. What do -you want me to keep watch of you for?"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_240'>240</span>"To see that Barlow's barkeeper doesn't -ship me off to sea," said Joe, impressively.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"When did he say that?" asked Hank, -who did not know whether to believe it or -not.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"A little while ago. I was coming by his -saloon, and Barlow and his barkeeper were -sitting out in front, just getting ready to go -to bed, I believe, and Samson said it would -be a nice thing to ship me off on board a vessel. -I tell you, the way he spoke it made me -afraid of him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I tell you, I guess he has got enough of -sending men to sea," said Hank. "He tried -his best to capture Ben Watson, but Ben -whipped them all."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I'll bet he didn't lick—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe was about to let the cat out of the bag, -but caught his breath just in time. He hid -his confusion under a paroxysm of coughing.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You will bet he didn't lick whom?" asked -Hank, with no suspicion of the truth.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I'll bet he wouldn't have licked me if I -had been there," said Joe. "I am down on -all such worthless fellers as Samson is."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_241'>241</span>"So is every white man. Did he say he -had got his plans already laid to send you to -sea?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, he didn't say that, but he said it -would be nice if he could do it. But I suppose -you would rather go a-fishing with Bob -Nellis than to watch me and see that I ain't -carried off?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I tell you, father, I can't do it. I want -to make some money, don't I? I make all -there is that is coming into the house."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Mighty clear of you're making all the -money that comes into the house," said Joe -Lufkin to himself as he thrust his hand -into his pocket and grasped the roll of -bills he had made that day. "I've got -fifty dollars that you don't know anything -about."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Bob gives me something every time I go -fishing with him, and I tell you, a little comes -handy sometimes," continued Hank. "You -can look out for yourself. I have got other -fish to fry."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, then, go and fry them. I guess by -the time you see your paw sent off to sea you'll -<span class='pageno' id='Page_242'>242</span>wish you had paid more attention to him and -less to that Bob Nellis."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mrs. Lufkin took no part in this conversation -because she saw that Hank was able to -defend himself. After that there was silence -in the house. Mrs. Lufkin went on with her -sewing, Hank pored over his book, and Joe -sat in his place and smoked and meditated. -Finally the clock struck nine, and as Hank had -an early start to make he bade his father and -mother good-night and went to his room. -Mrs. Lufkin sewed a little while longer, and -then she, too, retired, and then Joe got up and -began to bestir himself. He took a seat by -the lamp, pulled his roll of bills from his -pocket, and went over them one by one, to see -that Barlow had not cheated him. They -were all there.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It's good money, too," said Joe, holding -them in one hand and slapping the other -over them. "Fifty dollars is a heap of money -for me, now I tell you. I wonder where Bob -and Ben are by this time? They're out on -the ocean, and I am free from them for at -least a year. Now, I guess I will go to sleep."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_243'>243</span>Without removing his clothes, Joe lay down -on the lounge in the sitting-room; but slumber -was quite out of the question. The immense -amount of money he had in his pocket -prevented that.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_244'>244</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER XV.<br />GUS HEARS THE NEWS.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>For long hours Joe Lufkin lay there -upon the lounge, with his left hand -thrust deep into his pocket, so that he could -feel the bills, and all the while he was wondering -how he was going to spend his money. -He wanted a boat more than anything else, -and he wished more than once that he had -stuck out for a hundred dollars. Nobody -could buy a boat worth anything for fifty dollars; -and suppose he paid the cash for it, the -inquiry would naturally rise, where did he get -so much money?</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I declare it seems as though I have got to -keep my money, now that I have got it," said -Joe, getting so nervous that he could scarcely -lie still. "I never thought of the way I was -going to spend it, and here I am no better off -<span class='pageno' id='Page_245'>245</span>than I was before. But I've got fifty dollars, -and that's more than every man can say."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Finally the cat-birds and the robins began -to sing, and that admonished him that morning -was coming; and in a few minutes more -Hank's door opened and the boy came out. -He was surprised to find his father lying -there on the lounge with his clothes on, as if -he hadn't been to bed at all.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, father, when did you get up?" he -asked.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I've been this way all night," said Joe. "I -didn't shut my eyes in sleep last night."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Were you sick?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No; I have been worrying about myself. -Here you are making all the money that -comes into the house and I ain't making a -thing. I get that way sometimes," said Joe, -drawing on his imagination, "and I don't sleep -for three or four nights."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But, father, if you would only try to get -work we could get along a great deal better," -said Hank.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I can't find any work to suit me. This -wound in my side bothers me awful."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_246'>246</span>Hank didn't say any more. When he got -to talking about the wound in his side, which -he wouldn't have known he had there if he did -not look at the scar now and then, it shut off -all argument. He went into the kitchen and -started the fire, after which he came out with -his hat on.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I guess I'll go now," said he. "Bob always -has a cup of coffee waiting for me. Good-bye."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I reckon all the fishing you do with Bob -Nellis to-day won't hurt you much," said Joe, -with a chuckle. "If the J. W. Smart is as -swift as they say she is, she's a hundred miles -at sea. I will go and hide this money while I -am about it, for if anything should get out on -me I'd be in a fix."</p> - -<p class='c008'>He sat up on the lounge, yawned and -stretched himself, and went out behind the -house. He found a hoe there, where it had -remained in all sorts of weather—ever since, -in fact, he had got through hoeing a half-row -of peas—and with it in his hand he vanished -behind some currant-bushes. Joe was -a worker if he set about it, and in five minutes -<span class='pageno' id='Page_247'>247</span>he had a hole dug and his roll of bills -covered up. When his wife called him to -breakfast he was busy in pulling the weeds -from some string-beans.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I have been working at that just to see if -I could stand it in the hay-field," said Joe, -placing his hand on his side and sinking -down on the lounge, "but I find that I can't. -Halloo, Hank! What brought you back to -the house all on a sudden? Your face is pale, -too."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Father," said Hank, in a trembling voice, -"where did you say you saw Samson last -night?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Out in front of his saloon," replied Joe. -"He and Barlow were out there the whole -evening. Why do you ask that question?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"They have been up to something, and I -wish I could prove it on them," said Hank, -seating himself in the nearest chair and resting -his elbows on his knees. "Bob and Ben -Watson have not been home since last night."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, what of that? They have gone off -a-fishing, likely."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But their beds haven't been slept in. The -<span class='pageno' id='Page_248'>248</span>doors of the house are all open and the lamp -burning, just as it was when Bob left there."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, what do you think has become of -them?" asked Mrs. Lufkin, who stood by -holding a dish of fried potatoes in her hand.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"They have been shipped off to sea; that's -what's the matter with them. The J. W. -Smart isn't in her berth, either. She's -gone."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mrs. Lufkin was overcome with astonishment, -while Joe drew his chair up to the table -and sat down to his breakfast as if nothing -had happened.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You mark my words: They have gone -off somewhere, and of course there wasn't -anybody to leave word with where they had -gone. They'll be around all right in the -course of the day."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Where are you going?" asked Mrs. Lufkin, -as Hank arose to his feet.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am going down to see Mr. Gibbons about -it," said Hank.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Better sit up and have some breakfast -first," said his father.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, sir. It is too serious a matter to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_249'>249</span>waste time eating breakfast. If Mr. Gibbons -thinks they have gone, all right. I am going -to see him the first thing I do."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, Gibbons don't know any more -about it than you," said his father. "They -went off—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>But Hank was already on his way toward -the gate. Having made up his mind that the -lawyer was the one to see, he lost no time in -getting there; but when, after half an hour's -rapid running, he rang the bell and Mr. Gibbons -came to the door, he saw by the blank -look on the gentleman's face that he did not -comprehend the matter any better than he -did.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, I can't imagine what sent them -away," said Mr. Gibbons. "I did not know -that they intended to go anywhere."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But, Mr. Gibbons, they have been shipped -on board some vessel that they never signed -articles for," said Hank, earnestly. "They -would never go off in this way without letting -me know it, for I agreed to go fishing with -Bob to-day."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Gibbons started as if he had been shot. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_250'>250</span>He got his hat and started toward Ben Watson's -house (all the while he moved so fast -that Hank had to trot to keep pace with him), -and during the walk he inquired closely in -regard to what Barlow and Samson had been -doing the night before.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"They did not have any hand in doing it, -Mr. Gibbons," said Hank. "Father saw them -when he came by the saloon about ten o'clock, -and Samson said how nice it would be if he -could capture <i>him</i> and send him off to sea. -Barlow and Samson were around their saloon -all the evening."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Being thus baffled at the very outset, Mr. -Gibbons did not come to any conclusion regarding -the mysterious disappearance of his -two friends. When he reached the house with -Hank he went all over it, but not the smallest -thing did he find in the shape of a clue. Remember, -the two men had been captured out -of doors, and consequently there was not the -first thing in the house disturbed. He put -out the lamp and went down to the beach, to -where the boats lay. Not a thing had been -disturbed there, either; but, looking in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_251'>251</span>direction that Hank pointed, he saw that the -J. W. Smart had left her moorings. There -was one thing about it, he told himself: "Ben -and Bob were aboard that vessel; but who was -to blame for putting them there?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"This beats me!" said he, in an undertone. -"I wish I knew who is at fault in this."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"So do I," said Hank, his eyes filling with -tears. "Bob wanted to let every fellow alone, -and they wouldn't let him. They had to interfere -with him and send him off to sea. -There's no knowing whether he will come -back or not."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Let us hope that he will," said the lawyer, -fervently. "Now, the next thing is something -else."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What are you going to do?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am going to lock the house up and take -the key with me," said Mr. Gibbons, "and -then I am going around to the livery-stable -to inquire if he has been there. If his horses -are still in the stable, I shall get out a warrant -for Barlow's and Samson's arrest. I am going -to make them tell, under oath, where they -were last night."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_252'>252</span>Hank did not say a word to Mr. Gibbons -about it, but he determined to keep near him -until he found out what had become of Bob -Nellis. He accompanied him toward the -livery-stable, and was not much surprised to -hear the proprietor say that he hadn't seen -Bob since he brought his ponies there to be -taken care of. There was something on -Hank's face that made the livery-stable -keeper inquire:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What's wrong about Bob? Has he gone -off?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I should say he has," replied Mr. Gibbons. -"He has gone off, and nobody seems -to know where he is. His house was open -and the lamp was lighted, just as it would be -if Bob was going to come back to it in the -dark."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He's aboard the Smart; that's where he -is," said Hank. "And he did not sign articles, -neither."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The Smart?" echoed the proprietor. "I'll -bet there's just where he is, for yesterday the -captain came to me and asked me, in a joking -sort of way, if I could find a man to help -<span class='pageno' id='Page_253'>253</span>him out. He had a man or two less than he -wanted, and he would be short-handed even -then."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I guess Barlow and Samson can tell all -about it," said the lawyer. "At any rate, I -am going to try them."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Are you going to arrest them? I think -that will be a good plan. I will go with you. -Those pestiferous men have been a heap of -mischief in this town, and I should be glad to -see them swept out of it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The three left the livery-stable, and in due -course reached 'Squire Sprague's office. There -were half a dozen persons in the room, one of -whom was a constable. Mr. Gibbons stated -his grievance, to which all present listened -with interest, and finally asked for a warrant -for Barlow and Samson.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I reckon you've got them this time," -said 'Squire Sprague, during which he drew a -sheet of paper toward him. "I ought to have -arrested them when I went in to stop a fight, -but my boy thought that a lawyer had better -be consulted first. We will have them up -here in short order."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_254'>254</span>The warrant was speedily made out, and the -constable took it and disappeared down the -stairs. While he was gone, Mr. Gibbons explained -that he was arresting them merely on -supposition; that Bob and Ben Watson were -gone, and that Barlow's conduct was such that -they naturally connected him with it. He -wanted him to state positively where he had -been the night before. While he was talking -about it the constable and his prisoners came -up; and this was not all of them, either. All -the hangers-on about his saloon accompanied -them—some as witnesses, and some merely to -look on. Barlow was mad, there was no two -ways about that, while his barkeeper was as -indifferent as you please.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Look a-here, 'squire," said Barlow, in a -gruff voice, "I'd like to know what I have -been arrested for now."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Take off your hat and sit down, and in a -few minutes you will find out," said the -'squire. "Do you want a lawyer?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, I don't. I am innocent of any wrong, -and I am able to defend myself. I ain't had -a fuss in my house since you was there."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_255'>255</span>After a few preliminaries had been gone -through Mr. Gibbons took up the questioning, -and informed him that Bob and Ben Watson -had been missing ever since the night before, -and Barlow was supposed to know where they -were. He had threatened to kidnap Ben -Watson and send him aboard ship—</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I didn't, neither," interrupted Barlow. -"Ben was asleep and dreamed it all."</p> - -<p class='c008'>—"Send him aboard a ship," continued the -lawyer, paying no heed to the breaking of his -speech; and they wanted to know right where -he had kept himself when Bob and Watson -were captured. Where was he the night before? -Barlow listened attentively to all the -lawyer had to say, as if the news was quite -new to him, and more than one in the courtroom -believed that he had heard it for the -first time. When Mr. Gibbons asked him -this question he said:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know where the boy is any more -than the man in the moon. I was around my -house the whole evening except about an hour, -when I went into the back room to take a short -nap; and my man Samson knows it. Just -<span class='pageno' id='Page_256'>256</span>'cause ole Ben Watson fell asleep and dreamed -that we were going to kidnap him and send -him off to sea, you suspect me when anything -turns up."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You are strongly blamed for everything -that has happened in regard to men going off -to sea," said Mr. Gibbons.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But that ain't the kind of proof you want -here," said Barlow. "You want to know I did -it. You can't put your thumb on a man that -I have kidnapped and sent off to sea."</p> - -<p class='c008'>That was just the trouble with Mr. Gibbons. -He could not prove anything, although -he was like hundreds of others in the village—he -suspected Barlow had a hand in most of it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You ask any of these men around here," -continued Barlow. "They were all around -my saloon last night."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The lawyer tried by every means in his -power to get Barlow to confess where he was -during the hour he was absent from his saloon, -but all he could gain was that he was in -the back room and fast asleep. He hadn't -any idea what had become of Bob Nellis. As -he paused a moment in his questioning, Mr. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_257'>257</span>Sprague arose from his seat and moved into a -remote corner of the room, and Mr. Gibbons -followed him. The two gentlemen engaged -in an earnest whisper, and finally the lawyer -said:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I haven't got to that case yet. He is -easily frightened, I know, but I want to get -the dead wood on him, sure."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Sprague was speaking of Captain Nellis, -and of the scenes Barlow had witnessed -on the stormy morning, which he wouldn't -tell to anybody. Mr. Sprague wanted Mr. -Gibbons to take that up and question Barlow, -but the lawyer was not ready to do it yet. -He didn't expect Barlow would tell the truth -(he knew that he had told him a pack of lies -during this examination); and although Mr. -Layton was the man who was easily frightened, -he was anxious to confront him with the -strongest testimony.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, Barlow," said the lawyer, coming -back to his seat, "you can go. I have got -done with you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"All right, sir," returned Barlow, putting -on his hat. "I knew you would let me go -<span class='pageno' id='Page_258'>258</span>when you knew the facts of the case. I don't -like the reputation I have got of kidnapping -men and sending them off to sea. It will -take me years to get out of it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It will probably stay with you as long as -you remain in this village," said 'Squire -Sprague. "And understand, Barlow, this -isn't the last of it. You may be summoned -to appear before me again at any time."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Very good, sir. Whenever you want me -you know where to find me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The lawyer had not taken more than an -hour with his examination, but the court-room -was crowded, not only with Barlow's friends, -but with those who were anxious to know -what had become of Bob Nellis and Ben -Watson. Barlow crowded his way through -them without receiving a smile from anybody, -and in a few minutes gained the street.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I hope that man, ole Ben Watson, is -where he will get his pay for dreaming that -thing about me," said Barlow. "I may be -summoned to appear again at any time, may -I? Well, he can't hear any different story -from me than what he has heard already. If -<span class='pageno' id='Page_259'>259</span>I knew where Bob Nellis was I'd tell him in -a minute."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Among those who heard about Bob Nellis's -and Ben Watson's disappearance was one who -was utterly confounded, and did not know -whether he stood on his head or his heels -when he listened to it. It was Gus Layton, -who had come down to the post-office for his -mail, his father having taken a good deal to -staying around the house of late. It was told -to him by one who was as mean as himself—a -boy who could not keep a secret if he tried. -He was to the village what Simpson was to -the academy.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Ah! Gus, good-morning to you," said he. -"You have been back some time, but I haven't -seen you before. Clifton is in an uproar -this morning, isn't it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I noticed that something was up," replied -Gus, "and everyone looks at me as though I -had some hand in it. What's up?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You didn't have a hand in it, did you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"In what?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"In sending Bob and Ben off to sea."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, I don't understand you."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_260'>260</span>"Didn't you know that those two men had -gone to sea? Well, they have. They went -last night, and never said good-night to anybody. -They have had Barlow down to the -'squire's, examining him, but I'll bet they -didn't get at the truth of the story. You are -all right now, ain't you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Gus was thunderstruck at first, but as he -listened to the story—some meagre outlines -were all the boy could tell him—he felt like -yelling and dancing a hornpipe; but knowing -that that wouldn't do, he held his peace -and gazed down at the ground very solemnly. -He said he was sorry, for Bob was not cut out -for a sailor, expressed himself as being glad -that his father and mother were gone, so that -they couldn't hear of it, and then got his -mail and turned his steps homeward.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And this will be my home, now, forever," -said Gus, hardly able to control himself. -"Bob and Ben are gone, and there will be -no one to interfere with me. I guess I had -better go and get those ponies the first thing -I do. He probably left them at the livery-stable, -and they won't want to take care of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_261'>261</span>them, now that there is no one to pay for -them. Hoop-pe! I am in luck."</p> - -<p class='c008'>He kept up a slow and dignified tread, and -walked with his head down as long as he remained -on the street, for fear that somebody -was watching him; but the moment the gate -closed behind him, and the bushes shut him -off from all pedestrians on the road, he broke -into a run, made his way up the steps and -into the hall. Giving his hat a fling at the -hat-rack, he went into the library, the door of -which he closed and fastened.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, Augustus, have you taken leave of -your senses?" asked his father.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I have got the best news you have had -for many a day," whispered Gus, drawing a -chair up beside his father. "No more hard -work for either of us. Bob Nellis and old -Ben Watson were kidnapped last night and -sent to sea."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Layton, who had been in the act of -unfolding a paper, dropped it into his lap and -turned paler than usual. He gazed at Gus, -but had nothing to say.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"They have had Barlow before the 'squire's -<span class='pageno' id='Page_262'>262</span>court, but didn't make anything out of him," -added Gus.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Augustus, are you crazy?" said his father.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I never was more sane than I am at this -minute," replied Gus. "I feel as though I -should fly. Here's just the way it happened."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Gus went on and told the story just as he -heard it from the boy in the post-office. There -wasn't much to tell, of course, but it was -enough to make Mr. Layton see that his -troubles were ended for the time being. He -even smiled, and that was the first effort Gus -had seen him make in that line since he came -home.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am very sorry to hear that about Bob," -said Mr. Layton, with a long-drawn sigh.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"So am I," said Gus. "They will treat -him dreadful. But Barlow is true-blue," he -added to himself. "If he had told what happened -there in his house before Mr. Sprague -came in he would have got father and me in -a dreadful fix." Then he said aloud: "But, -father, there are those ponies. There will -be nobody to pay for their board, and I -might as well have them as anybody else."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_263'>263</span>"Where do you suppose he left them?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"At the livery-stable."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, let us wait a little while. We -mustn't be too quick to take advantage of -Bob's absence. Now, Gus, suppose you leave -me alone for a short time. I am sure I can't -get over this. You're sure they are gone?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"As certain as I can be," replied Gus, earnestly. -"The whole village is in an uproar, -and I couldn't make out what it was until this -boy told me. I declare, that Bob Nellis has -got more friends than I ever had. I'd like to -see how many he'll get on shipboard."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Augustus, I am surprised at you," said his -father.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, father, if you had been in my place, -and taken all the abuse I have, you would say -the same thing," replied Gus. "Of course he -will have more enemies than he's had here, -and there won't be anybody to toady to him -because he is the son of the wealthiest captain -in Clifton. Well, if you want to be alone -I'll go away for a little while. I know what -you want," he added, in an undertone. "You -want to be alone, so that you can gloat over -<span class='pageno' id='Page_264'>264</span>Bob's disappearance. Now, I will go down -and see about those ponies the first thing I -do."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Gus found his hat on the hall floor, put it -on and struck up a lively whistle as he bent -his steps toward the gate; but as soon as the -gate closed behind him and he began to meet -the pedestrians on the street he cut short his -whistle and walked along with his gaze fastened -on the ground. It seemed as if everybody -he met looked at him with a sidelong -glance, as if to say that they knew he was in -some way responsible for Bob's disappearance. -Probably his guilty conscience had something -to do with it. After a few minutes he reached -the stable, and he knew by the looks of the -men that the news had got around there also. -They were all angry about something, he -could see that plainly enough.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Halloo, Gus!" exclaimed the proprietor -as he came in. "You are clear of your cousin -now, at any rate."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"So I have heard," said Gus. "He has -gone off to sea and never said a word about it. -Do you know where he is?"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_265'>265</span>"Do I? I guess you had better go aboard -the J. W. Smart, and you will find him there."</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was plain that Gus did not want to talk -to the livery-stable keeper too much. It was -evident that he had something back of it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Did Bob bring some horses here yesterday -for you to take care of?" he asked, going -into his business at once.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He did," replied the proprietor.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, now, there isn't anybody to pay for -their keeping—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, yes, there is. Bob paid for them for -a whole month."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"A whole month! Then he must have -known that he was going away."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, I don't reckon he did. Did you want -to take the ponies and take care of them? -You will have to see Mr. Gibbons about that. -He is the man who stands closer to Bob than -anybody else. Besides, Bob will be back some -day, and I want to turn his horses over to him -in just as good condition as when they were -received."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then I had better get an order for them."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Exactly. That's the way for you to do."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_266'>266</span>"It beats the world, but you can't throw a -stone in any direction without hitting one of -Bob's friends," said Gus, as he turned and -left the stable. "Everybody is friendly to -him. Mighty clear of my going to Gibbons -for that order. The ponies can stay there -until they die of old age before I try to get -them out. But he says Bob was going to -come back some day. That bothers me worse -than anything else."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Gus walked briskly away, as if he were going -to the lawyer's office, but when he had -turned three or four corners and got out of -sight of the stable he bent his steps toward -home.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_267'>267</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER XVI.<br />A SAILOR IN SPITE OF HIMSELF.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>And where were Bob Nellis and old Ben -Watson all the time that this uproar -was being raised in the village? They were -on board the J. W. Smart, and two hundred -miles at sea. We confess that we do not like -to accompany Bob on the water, for there -were many interesting things that happened -during the next few months to which we had -rather devote our attention. We know by -experience that it is the meanest and most -miserable life that a boy ever entered into. -The second mate of the Smart was a brutal -fellow, and he more than once hazed the men -till they were on the point of jumping over-board.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob's blow could not have been so severe -as the one which knocked Ben Watson down, -for he had no sooner been tumbled into his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_268'>268</span>bunk than he came to himself. All that Joe -Lufkin had done, and the sailors working -over him to get him aboard, was lost upon -him. He was untied, the gag was gone from -his mouth, and he was at liberty to throw his -arms about as he pleased. He raised himself -upon his elbow and looked about him. At -first he did not know where he was, but the -unsavory smell of bilge-water that saluted his -nostrils told him that he was in the forecastle -of a ship that was outward bound. He could -easily tell that by listening to the hoarse commands -and the sounds of hurrying feet over -his head. Then he thought of Joe Lufkin, -and felt of the lump behind his ear.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I have been shanghaied," said Bob, lying -down again and covering his face with his -hands. "And that Joe Lufkin is at the bottom -of it. I am not a sailor, and I don't want -to learn to be one. If I get a chance I'll -jump overboard and drown myself."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The forecastle was dark, but Bob thought -he could easily find his way to the door. -Slowly and cautiously he let himself out of -the bunk, and then his ears told him that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_269'>269</span>there were three other men fast asleep, and -waiting until the whiskey they had taken had -died out. Of course, men who were dead -drunk couldn't be expected to handle a ship.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"My goodness, I wonder if old Ben Watson -is here!" said Bob. "I am going to find out, -for I couldn't think of going away and leaving -him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>With trembling hands he began feeling in -one of the bunks, searching for Ben's whiskers. -He was certain that he could recognize them -anywhere. The first fellow proved to be a -moustached man, but with no whiskers at all -on his chin, and as Bob was about to turn -away to begin an examination of the occupant -of the next bunk there came a warning from -the man he had just left. A sinewy arm shot -out and a fist shot close by his head; but Bob -was just out of reach.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Shay!" exclaimed the proprietor of that -fist, in maudlin tones, "you just want to -keep your hands away from me! Hear me, -don't you? I've got money, but you ain't -a-going to have it!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And it is mighty little you will find about -<span class='pageno' id='Page_270'>270</span>your clothes when you wake up," added Bob, -who felt sick at heart. "Somebody has been -through you before this time. I declare, here's -Ben. Wake up and speak to me, Ben!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>But Ben was past speaking to anybody just -then, and Bob leaned against the bunk which -contained his companion and for a moment -gave himself up to despair. He could not -think of saving himself while Ben was in -danger. And the worst of it was, there was -Joe Lufkin, a man whom nobody had ever -suspected of treachery, to blame for it all.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What will the folks at home say to him -if they find it out?" said Bob, fairly shuddering -when the thought came into his mind. -"He'll have to go to State's prison, sure, or -else run away and hide himself. And what -will Hank do? But I mustn't let this weakness -get the start of me. It will kill me. I -must go to work."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob had scarcely come to this conclusion -when a key grated harshly in the lock—that -showed Bob that he could not have got out if -he tried it—and a hoarse voice shouted:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Jones, show yourself on deck."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_271'>271</span>"Jones isn't here, sir," said Bob, looking -around. "If he is, he's asleep."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He is, eh!" shouted the voice. "And -who are you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am Bob Nellis, sir."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I'll Bob Nellis you if you don't -come out of that in less time than you can -say 'scat!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>As Bob afterward learned, Barlow had -shipped him under the name of Jones. Of -course he did not know that at the time, but -still he did not delay obeying the order to -show himself on deck. Just as he reached -the top of the ladder a man standing there -dealt him a severe blow, and as Bob gathered -himself up—for he was knocked flat—shouted:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am second mate of this ship, my hearty. -Take that for your impudence. Fore-top-mast -stay-sail halliards."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Fortunately Bob was acquainted with a good -many ropes, and knew where to go to find -them. He did not understand what he was -expected to do with the halliards, but he staggered -to the foremast and uncoiled the rope -just as the crew came hurrying forward to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_272'>272</span>hoist the stay-sail. While he was hauling -with the others he made out to cast a glance -over the fife-rail. The night was pitch-dark, -there was a heavy breeze on, and the J. W. -Smart, propelled by a favorable wind, was -doing her best to make an offing before the -storm, which had been threatening them all -the afternoon, came up. But when the storm -came up it proved to be a mere capful of -wind the bulk of the tempest having passed -to the northward of them. It became necessary -to shorten sail, and Bob, being always in -the way, received many a kick and blow there-for, -and it was two o'clock before he was permitted -to go below. He had no clothes for his -empty bunk, but he turned in and slept soundly -in spite of his gloomy thoughts, for he was utterly -exhausted. At the first peep of day he -was awakened by the hoarse voice of the second -mate, and, recalling his last night's experience, -lost no time in throwing on the few clothes he -had taken off before lying down and hurrying -to the deck. Almost the first man he saw -when he reached the head of the ladder was old -Ben Watson. The recognition was mutual, but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_273'>273</span>before Bob could speak to the old sailor Ben -gave him a meaning gesture and turned away. -Bob was overjoyed to find that his friend had -so easily got over the blow that made him a -prisoner on board the Smart. Here was just -what he needed in his helpless situation—a -person to whom he could go for sympathy and -advice; one who would teach him his duty, and -thus enable him to avoid the kicks and blows -of the second mate.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Wait a while before you tell me your -story," whispered Ben. "I know how you -came here, and if I ever get back to Clifton -I'll get even with that Joe Lufkin."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Here, too," said Bob, in the same cautious -whisper. "He has swelled your head up awfully."</p> - -<p class='c008'>At breakfast Bob met the two men who -had been sleeping off their potations the night -before. They felt mean and sneaking indeed, -but like old sailor-men they knew that they -must accept what the fates had in store for -them.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Look at that," said the one who had -struck at Bob the night before; and as he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_274'>274</span>spoke he pulled out his ditty-bag to show that -it was empty. "I had two hundred dollars in -good and lawful money in that bag when I -went ashore, and where is it now? I am -wholly to blame for it. If I had placed my -money in the bank, where I determined I -would put it when I left my vessel, I would -have had it now."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Do you know who put you here?" asked -Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, I don't. The last I remember is of -lying down in a dark alley and going to -sleep. The next thing I knew I found myself -in my bunk. I tell you, whiskey is a bad -thing for sailor-men."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I will bet Barlow had a hand in that," -said Bob. "He is always on the lookout for -a scheme like that."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Who's Barlow?" asked the man.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He is the man who is responsible for -sending me and my friend off to this vessel. -He hired a man to knock us down."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I wish I had been myself and that -somebody had tried to knock <i>me</i> down," said -the sailor, doubling up his huge fist and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_275'>275</span>bringing it down on the deck with a sounding -whack. "I'll bet you I wouldn't be here -now."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Fo'castle, there!" shouted a voice at the -head of the ladder. "You have got done eating -or you couldn't pound the deck that way. -Come up here and prepare to straighten up."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The men responded "Aye, aye, sir!" and -although some of them had not had time to -taste their breakfast, they set down their kits -and hastened to obey the order. When Bob -was going up the ladder the second mate laid -his hand on his collar.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"See here, Jones, I will give you an easy -job," said he. "Go back and gather up all -the dishes that are left in the fo'castle and -take them to the doctor, and help him until I -call for you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Very good, sir," replied Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>He knew that the "doctor" was the cook -of the vessel, and it would be new business to -him to help the cook. He was a fat, jolly -man, and seemed to be as good-natured as the -second mate was cross and surly. He went -into the forecastle and began gathering up the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_276'>276</span>dishes, and when he thought that the second -mate had gone forward to superintend the -men he thrust his hand into his pocket and -pulled out his wallet.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Thank goodness that is safe," said he, -running over the bills to make sure that they -were all there. "It is all in my wallet, with the -exception of the twenty-six dollars that I paid -to the livery-stable keeper for the keeping of -my ponies. I tell you, Joe Lufkin didn't -know how much money he was handling -when he knocked me down."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hi yah, boy!" exclaimed the doctor, as -he came into the galley with his arms full of -dishes. "Has you been detailed to help me?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Detailed," said Bob. "That sounds as -though you had been in the service."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Thank goodness, I was dar," replied the -doctor. "I belonged to General Potter's brigade, -an' was in the Fifty-fifth Massachusetts -when we marched into Charleston. Every -one of us used to be slaves. Yes, sar; I was -dar."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then you won't be very hard on me," said -Bob. "My father used to command a gun-boat -<span class='pageno' id='Page_277'>277</span>during the war, and my friend used to be -boatswain's mate of her."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Say, look here, boy." The doctor tiptoed -to the door, thrust his head out to make sure -there was no one within hearing, and then -stepped back again. "You ain't got no business -here. I saw you ashore yesterday, driving -a span of ponies. Did dem ponies b'long -to you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, they are mine, although a relative -tried to cheat me out of them."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I wonder if you ain't that boy in Clifton -that everybody is making so much fuss about?" -said the darky. He glanced out of the galley -window and saw the second mate approaching, -and that made him change his -tune. "Dar, now, put dem dishes right down -dar an' den go back an' get the balance. You -hear me?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob went out, and in two more trips brought -the dishes all in. The next thing was to wash -them. It was not a very agreeable job, for the -dishes were greasy, and the cook did not wash -them as though he intended to get the grease -all off. He found a cloth, to which the darky -<span class='pageno' id='Page_278'>278</span>directed his attention, and forthwith proceeded -to wipe them.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You'll have to handle your fingers a little -more easy than that, 'cause we's bound to go -to work an' get dinner right away," said the -cook; but by this time the second mate had -gone away and he began to speak in his ordinary -tone of voice. "You mustn't think hard -of anything that I say to you while the second -mate is around. I don't feel that way toward -you at all."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I know you don't," replied Bob. "That -second mate acts as though he hadn't been -well brought up."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, we'll never mind him. Is you the -boy they have been taking all the money -away from? If you is, you ain't got any -business here."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, I guess I am the one you have reference -to. I was kidnapped by one I had no -reason to fear, and brought aboard this ship -insensible."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"'Fore de land! I never heard of such -doings before. An' you did not sign the articles?"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_279'>279</span>"I never saw them. I don't know where -the vessel is bound."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"If I was in your place, boy, I'd desert."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's what I mean to do, although I -haven't said anything to my friend about it. -Do you know the first port at which we will -touch?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, I don't."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Do you mean to say that you signed the -articles and never noticed which way the ship -was going?" asked Bob, in astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, sir, I done just that. You see, I can't -read writing."</p> - -<p class='c008'>If there was anything for which Bob blessed -his lucky stars it was that Barlow did not ship -him under the rate of an able seaman, but had -told the second mate, when he came aboard to -get his advance, that he was a landsman. -This was the reason the second mate gave him -a place in the galley. The work was steady; -he did not have a moment's time to sit down, -but it was comparatively easy, and he was in -no danger of getting blows from some one -without knowing what they were for. Once, -during the day, he heard the call for all hands -<span class='pageno' id='Page_280'>280</span>to shorten sail, and when the cook dropped -his frying-pan, which he was washing, and -rushed out on deck, grabbed a rope and laid -out his strength upon it, Bob was close at his -heels, although he did not know where the -rope led to. At the end of an hour the work -was done, and the doctor went back to his -dish-washing and Bob put more wood in the -stove.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Dat's right, boy," said the cook, encouragingly. -"Whenever you hear the call 'All -hands,' you drop everything you've got in -your hands an' grab a rope an' pull the best -you know how. Then the mate won't have -no cause to whack you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"There is one thing I would like to speak -about," said Bob, first making sure that the -second mate was not anywhere around. "Do -they have such a thing as a slop-chest aboard -this ship?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, they don't. They have 'em aboard -the whale ships that are going out for a three -years' cruise, but they don't have 'em here."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then I don't know what I am going to -do. I didn't have any bundle when I was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_281'>281</span>brought aboard, and how am I going to provide -clothes for my bunk?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hain't you got any?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Not a thing. The bunk is just as bare -as the floor."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I reckon I can give you some. It -won't be much, but it will be enough to keep -you off'n the boards."</p> - -<p class='c008'>This much was settled, and Bob breathed -easier after that. He would get a good night's -sleep, anyway, provided the mate didn't find -it necessary to shorten sail too often. All -that day Bob was kept busy in the galley, -and when the dishes were washed up after -supper he was done for the day. The cook -filled his pipe and went out for a smoke, and -Bob strolled out to find Ben Watson.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_282'>282</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER XVII.<br />THE DESERTERS.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>"Ah! Here you are," said Ben, who had -moved up as close to the galley as he -could get. "You have come to hear how I -got aboard this craft, haven't you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Where did you get your pipe?" asked -Bob, seeing that Ben was puffing industriously -at a well-blackened briar-root which Bob had -never seen him use before.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I got it of one of the sailors," said Ben. -"Say, Joe Lufkin didn't bring you aboard -here in broad daylight?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, he did not," replied Bob, indignantly. -"He waited until after dark, and then knocked -me down."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, he brought me off here before -noon," said Ben, who got so angry when he -spoke of the circumstance that it was all he -could do to make himself understood. "He -<span class='pageno' id='Page_283'>283</span>knocked me down in daylight and brought -me here."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, how did that come? I didn't suppose -there was a man in the world that could -do that to you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He did it, and he did it as slick as grease, -too," said Ben, pulling off his hat and digging -his fingers into his hair. "Oh, don't I wish -I could see that man now!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>With this introduction Ben went on and -told the story of his capture. There wasn't -much to tell, of course, for he did not remember -a thing after he permitted Joe to come -close to him. The next thing he knew he -was in the bunk in the forecastle, with an -aching head and a stomach that was parched -for water.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I've got over that now, and I am all right -again," said Ben. "I only wish I was sitting -on my own porch."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That man must have a power of muscle," -said Bob, who was astonished at the ease with -which Ben had been captured. "But I don't -know but he made a prisoner of me just as -easy. I was standing just inside of the gate -<span class='pageno' id='Page_284'>284</span>looking for you, and he said there was something -he wanted to speak with me about, and -when I turned to lead him to the porch, that -was all I knew. I wonder what Hank will -say when he knows what his father has been -guilty of?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"We don't care for Hank," said Ben, hotly. -"His father has been guilty of murder in the -first degree, and we'll jug him for that. But -first I must have the opportunity of pounding -him. I'll prove to him that Ben Watson -ain't the easy man to get away with that he -supposed."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know that we can arrest him for -murder in the first degree," began Bob, smiling -when he thought of such a thing.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I'd like to know if he wasn't guilty of -murder when he sent us off here?" said Ben. -"How did he know but that the mates would -knock us overboard if they got half a chance? -How did he know but that they would haze -us until we would be glad to go to Davy -Jones's locker? I tell you one thing, Bob, -the mates ain't half so bad as folks allow. I -believe we will be treated all right as long -<span class='pageno' id='Page_285'>285</span>as we do our duty. The mates are down on -anything that looks like sojering, but they -will do fair if we only jump when we hear -the word. They have a crew of sailor-men -here, and they know it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, then, you ain't going to desert?" -said Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, I am, if you will go; but if you -won't, I won't. Let me tell you: This vessel -has a miscellaneous cargo aboard, and is bound -on a trading voyage among the islands of the -South Pacific. When we strike one of those -islands we'll skip."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's me. I wish we were there to-night."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't the darky treat you all right?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes; but I am not used to being ordered -around by such a fellow as that second mate. -But still I have got to take what is in store -for me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's sensible. Do whatever you are -ordered, and don't make any fuss about it. I -will put myself out to give you an insight -into your duties, and, as we belong to the -same watch, I will promise to be on hand -<span class='pageno' id='Page_286'>286</span>whenever I can to assist in any work you may -have to do. I'll keep you out of the hands -of the mate."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"By the way, Ben, have you any clothes -for your bunk?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I have," replied the old sailor. "I got -them of some of the men, and I guess I shall -have to go to them to get a change of duds, -for there is no slop-chest aboard."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I got some of the cook. I wonder what -my father would say if he knew where I am? -I promised that I would never go to sea, and -here I am, a sailor in spite of myself."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Your father didn't know that you had -some enemies at home who would help you -go to sea," said Ben. "If he had, he might -have told you to look out for them."</p> - -<p class='c008'>If time and space would permit we might -tell of many interesting and some thrilling -events which happened during the next few -months, all of which Bob witnessed, and in -several of which he was the principal actor; -but when one reads a story of the sea it is -like telling it over again. The sailors were -treated on this voyage no worse than they -<span class='pageno' id='Page_287'>287</span>were on any other voyage they ever made—not -even during the hurricane off the Mauritius, -when a belaying-pin from the mate's -hand and a sailor disappeared at the same -time and were never heard of afterward. It -was an accident, and the second mate so reported -it; but such "accidents" did not happen -every day, and Bob, who saw the whole -proceeding, was anxious to get out of the -power of such a man. But such incidents as -these must be hurried over, because they have -no bearing on our story. It will be enough -to say that the J. W. Smart passed the Cape, -went safely through the hurricane of which -we have spoken, and a few days later made -her first stop at a small, uninhabited island, to -refill the water-casks, which the captain had -emptied to lighten the ship during the gale.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It was night when they got there, and Bob -and old Ben, who stood the first anchor watch, -seriously discussed something they had often -talked of during the voyage—desertion. -They did not decide upon anything definite -that night, but Ben promised to think it over -and be ready on the following morning with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_288'>288</span>a plan that would surely succeed. This assurance -enabled Bob to carry to bed with him -a lighter heart than he had known for many -a day.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Doctor, I'm going off now," said he, as he -met his friend and ally in the galley. The -negro had often talked to him of desertion, -and sometimes, when Bob thought it too hard -to undertake, he had always gone to work to -cheer him up.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"'Fore de land!" he exclaimed, rolling the -whites of his eyes up in delight. "But I -ain't seed you get in de boat yet."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, but I am going to get in one when it -is called away."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes; but do you know what de mate will -say to you when he sees you in that boat? -He say: 'Here, you boy, you can't pull an -oar alongside of them big fellers. You get -out and let a white man get in dar.' Yes, sir, -dat's what he will say to you. My only trouble -is that he will want you to help me, an' won't -let you go off."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Early the next morning, after a hasty -breakfast had been disposed of, the order was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_289'>289</span>given to hoist out the water-casks, and while -it was being obeyed Ben found opportunity -to whisper some instructions to Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"As soon as the casks are in the water a -boat will be called away to tow them up the -creek," said Ben, "and you and I must be -two of the crew. While the casks are being -filled we'll watch our chance and slip away, -one at a time, and hide in the bushes until the -ship sails."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And what will we do then?" asked Bob. -"Stay here on the island and starve to death? -I see no signs of inhabitants."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Neither do I; but I would rather starve -ashore than be sent overboard by a belaying-pin, -as that fellow was served off the Mauritius. -No one has said a word to me, but I -know we are not the only ones who think of -deserting. Be sure you make one of that -boat's crew."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The first mate, who was superintending the -operation of getting the casks into the water, -very soon became aware that he had a boy -there whom he had not seen very often during -the voyage. He was an easy-going fellow, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_290'>290</span>very different from the second mate, who went -about trying to find fault with the men, and -pretty soon he called out to Bob:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Here, boy, don't you belong in the galley?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, sir," promptly replied Bob, releasing -his hold upon the rope and stepping up in -front of the mate.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"If you please, sar, I can get along widout -him," said the cook, stepping up and pulling -his topknot. "De boy hasn't been to sea so -long before, an' he's anxious to get ashore an' -stretch his legs."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The mate said no more, and Bob returned -to his work of hoisting out the casks.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Bully for the first mate," he said to himself. -"If the second mate had spoken to me -he would have sent me into the galley, sure. -Now, if I can get into the boat I'm all right."</p> - -<p class='c008'>At the end of two hours the last cask had -been hoisted from the hold, and while it was -being lowered into the water Bob and Ben, anticipating -the next order, began to overhaul -the cutter's falls; and when the mate told the -crew to lay aft and lower away, they sprang -<span class='pageno' id='Page_291'>291</span>in, one at the bow and the other at the stern, -to unhook the falls when she touched the -water. As Ben had expected, almost every -hand volunteered when a crew was called for -to man the cutter—so many that the mate was -obliged to order some of them back, and Ben -felt not a little alarmed lest one of the brawny -fellows should be ordered to take Bob's place, -and the latter be compelled to remain on -board. But nothing of the kind happened. -The captain kept a sharp eye on him as the -boat was being rowed around the vessel to the -long line of water-casks, but seeing that he -knew how to handle an oar he allowed him to -keep his place.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob had always plumed himself on being a -good and enduring oarsman, but on this occasion -his powers were tested to the utmost. -The sun was broiling hot even at that early -hour; the tow was a heavy one, and the officer -in charge of the boat was constantly urging -the crew to greater exertions, now and -then casting his eyes over his shoulder toward -a bank of clouds that was slowly rising above -the horizon. Bob was seaman enough to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_292'>292</span>know that those clouds might prove friends to -him and Ben. There was wind in them, and -when it came the ship would be obliged to put -to sea or run the risk of being dashed on a -lee shore.</p> - -<p class='c008'>After following the windings of the creek -for a mile or more, the mate drew up alongside -the bank and the work of filling the -casks began. It was brackish water, as Bob -found when he came to taste of it, but it -would do them until they reached a place -where they could get better. The officer had -doubtless been instructed by his superior to -keep a sharp eye on the men while they were -thus engaged; at any rate, he did so, stationing -himself on the bank above them, where -he could see all their movements. Bob's -heart sank within him as the work progressed -without any signs of decreasing watchfulness -on the part of the officer, and he had almost -made up his mind that he had to go back on -board the ship and abandon all idea of going -home, when, as he happened to cast his eye -toward the upper end of the line, where Ben -had been at work, he was surprised to find -that he was not in sight. He had found opportunity -to slip away unobserved.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_293'>293</span> -<img src='images/i_298.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>The Escape.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_295'>295</span>"By George! Ben has made it," said he, -and his heart beat like a trip-hammer. "Now, -what is the reason I am not as sharp as Ben? -I am going to try it. That officer can't any -more than shoot at me, and I will bet he don't -hit me if I once get inside the bushes."</p> - -<p class='c008'>At that moment the officer was engaged in -rating some of his men for what he called -their "lubberly way of doing business," and -his back was turned toward Bob. It was now -or never. Hastily dropping his bucket, the -boy ran quickly along the water's edge until a -projecting root hid him from the sight of the -mate, and then crawling up the bank he -plunged into the woods. The tropical vegetation -was so dense that he could scarcely -work his way through it; but he made the -best progress he could, unmindful of the heavy -falls and severe scratches he received, and -heedless of the other dangers he might run -into. All he thought of was Ben's order to -get as far away from the creek as possible. He -might have saved himself a deal of unnecessary -<span class='pageno' id='Page_296'>296</span>work if he had only known it, for no search -was made for him. Of course the officer very -soon discovered that he and Ben were gone, -but he said nothing about it, knowing that if -he sent his men into the woods to hunt them -up he would lose every one of them. He -simply redoubled his vigilance and hastened -the work of filling the casks, in response to a -warning gun from the ship; and when it was -done he made fast to his tow and started down -the creek.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob remained in his concealment nearly an -hour, listening for sound of pursuit, and hardly -daring to move for fear of guiding his enemies -to his hiding-place, and then, believing that -all danger was passed, made the best of his -way back to the creek. When he emerged -from the woods he saw the old sailor sitting -on the bank, waiting for him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, Ben, we've done it, haven't we?" -exclaimed Bob, who was so excited that he -could hardly speak plainly. "I couldn't -feel any better if I was sailing into Clifton -harbor."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I tell you, I would feel 'nough sight -<span class='pageno' id='Page_297'>297</span>better than I do now," said Ben. "Where -are we going to get something to eat?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am sure I don't know. I left all that -for you to attend to."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, you did, did you? Well, I have got -news for you. Just around the bend above -here lies a little trading-vessel, and I propose -we go up and see if we can ship on her."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You don't say! That's the best piece of -news you have had for me in a long while," -said Bob. "And what if our own ship comes -back?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Do you suppose that a ship is a-going to -waste time in picking up two discontented -hands who have deserted her?" exclaimed -Ben. "Them fellows that are left will have -to look out for a belaying-pin now. But -there's no danger of the Smart coming back. -We're going to have a worse blow than we -have had yet, so far, and if the ship isn't -wrecked she'll be a long ways from here to-morrow. -Let's go and see what they can do -for us. I declare I am almost afraid to go -with you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, how is that?" asked Bob, in surprise.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_298'>298</span>"You said if you could feel the solid ground -under your feet, such as you used to be accustomed -to at home, you would be yourself -again," said Ben. "But you don't look a bit -different now from what you did aboard the -ship."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That will wear off after a while, Ben," -answered Bob. "Come on, and let us see -what they can do for us."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ben slowly arose to his feet and walked up -the creek, and Bob followed close at his heels. -In a few minutes they came within sight of -the vessel of which the old sailor had spoken. -She was riding at anchor, and her crew was -engaged in hoisting a water-cask on board. -There were but three white men on her deck, -and the rest were all—</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Negroes, by George!" said Bob, in disgust.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, they ain't. They are Malays," replied -the old sailor. "You had better be -careful how you talk to them or they'll knock -you flat. I wish that second mate had this -crew to deal with."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why do you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_299'>299</span>"'Cause he'd be a little careful how he -handles them, that's why. If he got on the -rampage and tried to knock them around they -would turn on him and throw him overboard. -We don't want to hail the vessel while the -crew is busy, so we will sit down here, and I'll -tell you something about them."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob and the old sailor accordingly seated -themselves on the bank, and the latter proceeded -to relate short scraps of his own experience, -which were of great interest to Bob, as -they in some measure prepared him for the -thrilling events that were so soon to follow. -Among other things, Ben told his young companion -that the majority of vessels trading -among those islands employed Malays for -foremast hands. They were good sailors, and -civil and orderly enough when well treated, -but they were ready to use their knives on -the slightest provocation; and, moreover, they -had laws and customs of their own which -everybody must respect, from the cabin-boy -up to the master. Besides the three white -officers who managed the vessel, the Malays -had officers of their own, called the first and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_300'>300</span>second tindals, whose duties corresponded to -the work of first and second mates. Did the -officer on watch desire to shorten sail or -change the course of the vessel, he gave the -necessary order, not to the men direct, but to -the tindal who was on watch with him, and -who saw that the work was executed. When -punishment was found to be necessary—and -that happened nearly every day—the white -officers did not inflict it themselves, but described -the offense to the tindals, who dealt -with the culprit as they saw fit. Sometimes -the offender was flogged until he could -scarcely move, and sometimes he was treated -with mysterious indignities, which no one but -himself and companions could understand. -If the officers ever so far forgot themselves -as to take the management of affairs into -their own hands, a mutiny was the certain -result.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I tell you, a fellow has to keep his wits -about him," said Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You're right he does," said Ben, in conclusion. -"These traders are mostly all Englishmen, -and that's one thing I don't like -<span class='pageno' id='Page_301'>301</span>about this vessel. But it's go there or stay -here, and which had you rather do?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Let us go aboard the vessel," said Bob. -"We can't be much worse off there than we -are here on shore, for these woods look as -though they might be full of wild animals. -You will be near enough to tell me if I do -anything out of the way. This is a queer -way of getting back to Clifton, ain't it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, you are going there, all the same," -said Ben. "We shall probably sail for Singapore, -and that is right on our way home. -We can't get there afoot, can we?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I should like to know if I am ever going -to find my father."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, of course you are going to find him. -He is somewhere among these islands, and I'll -bet anything on it. He wasn't drowned."</p> - -<p class='c008'>This was the way the old sailor always -talked to Bob when he could exchange a word -with him in private, and it did much to encourage -him. He kept a close watch of the -vessel while he talked, and when, at the end of -a quarter of an hour, the cask was hoisted and -stowed away, Ben waved his hat and shouted:</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_302'>302</span>"Schooner ahoy!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Ay! ay!" came the answer, in gruff tones.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"We want to ship. Will you take us on -board?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Who are you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"We belong to the American ship J. W. -Smart, who came in here after water. She -had to make an offing, and went away in such -a hurry that she left us behind."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The officers of the schooner could see no -reason to doubt this story. They had come -in there for water themselves, and if they -had not run so far up the creek would also -have been obliged to haul off shore to escape -the wind that was already howling through -the trees. They held a short consultation, -and presently their boat was manned by two -of the Malays, who came over and took Bob -and Ben on board the schooner. Bob took a -good look at the Malays, and told himself -that he really wished he was back aboard the -Smart.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_303'>303</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER XVIII.<br />A MUTINY.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>Ben and his young companion at once presented -themselves on the quarter-deck, -where the captain was waiting to receive them, -and after the old sailor had repeated the story -he had made up for the occasion, and answered -a few questions the officer had to ask -him, they were told that they would be in the -second mate's watch and were ordered to turn -to, which meant go to work. They were going -as straight to Singapore as they could -go, and once there the castaways would be -able to look out for themselves. When he -concluded, Ben thanked the captain for his -kindness, and then put on his hat and started -forward.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Master Bob," said the old sailor, as soon -as he had an opportunity to gain the boy's -ear for a moment, "make up your mind to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_304'>304</span>one thing, and that is, we have jumped right -out of the frying-pan plump into the fire."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I was just thinking so myself," replied -Bob. "These Malays are an awful set—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It isn't that," whispered Ben, hastily. -"Do your duty faithfully and you will have -no trouble with them. But this is an English -craft, as I told you. I made one short voyage -under this flag, and I know that greater -tyrants than these Johnny Bulls never -stepped. We have been supping sorrow with -a big spoon so far, but we've got to take it by -the bucketful now."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, I thought you said these officers -wouldn't dare show any tyranny around where -the Malays are."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Neither will they where the Malays are -concerned, that is if they understand their -business and don't take on too much red-eye, -which the cap'n and his mates never go back -on, judging by the looks of their noses, and -me and you have got to walk a chalk-mark or -take what comes. You'll see something on -board this schooner that you never saw before—a -man triced up and flogged like a beast. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_305'>305</span>Look there!" said Ben, jerking his thumb -over his shoulder toward the fife-rail.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob looked, and his blood ran cold when -his eyes fell upon the instrument of torture -there suspended. It was a cat—he knew it in -a moment from the descriptions he had often -read of it. The handle was about a foot long; -the lashes, of which there were a dozen or -more, were cut out of stiff leather, and, to -make the blows given by them more severe, -they were drawn into three or four hard -knots. Altogether it was a terrible-looking -affair, and Bob thought, from its appearance, -it had been recently used.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Do they use that thing on these Malays?" -asked Bob, shuddering, he scarcely knew why, -as he returned to his work.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Sure, and on the whites, too. That's -what keeps the men straight. Be careful you -don't get it over your back before you know -it," was Ben's warning whisper.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As often as he found opportunity, Bob -turned to look at the officers of the schooner, -and he was forced to believe, with Ben, that -unless their looks belied them he had not in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_306'>306</span>any way bettered his situation. They were -brutal-looking men, and very overbearing, as -Bob soon found, for not even on board the -Smart had he been ordered about as he was -during the hour the crew were employed in -putting things to rights. Before the work -was done he saw the cat in use. The negro -cook was "started" by the captain—that is, -he was flogged from the cabin to the deck, because -he had allowed the bean soup to get -smoked. The only improvement on the -Smart was in the food, which Ben assured -him was as good as any sailor ever received.</p> - -<p class='c008'>During the three days that the schooner lay -weather-bound in the creek Bob had time to -learn something of his new mates and become -acquainted with their customs. They were all -brawny, fierce-looking fellows, except the first -tindal, who was a stripling scarcely older than -himself; but that he was a sailor was evident -from the manner in which the decks and the -rigging were kept. The schooner was as neat -and trim as a little man-of-war. Ben quickly -worked his way into the Malay's good graces. -When he made up his mind to desert the J. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_307'>307</span>W. Smart he secreted his whole stock of tobacco -about him, and as the schooner's company -had nearly exhausted their stock of the -article, the old sailor freely distributed his -supply among them. The Malays, in return -for this, gave him and Bob a bountiful supply -of bedclothing, so that they managed to fare -very well, and would have been pleased with -their new quarters had it not been for the -dreaded cat, which they saw every time they -passed the mainmast. On the third day the -wind began to abate, and on the morning of -the fourth the boats were got out and the -schooner towed down the creek. Sail was -made, and in an hour more their vessel was -bounding over the waves toward Singapore.</p> - -<p class='c008'>For a time nothing exciting happened on -board the schooner. Of course there was the -usual amount of punishment—not a day -passed that did not see the cat brought into -use—and even Bob and old Ben came in for -a share, the latter being knocked flat by a -blow from the mate's fist, and the boy being -sent to the mast-head under a broiling sun. -What their offense was neither of them had -<span class='pageno' id='Page_308'>308</span>the slightest idea. The nearer the vessel progressed -toward her destination the more overbearing -and exacting the mates became and -the closer the captain clung to his bottle, of -which he was very fond. Finally he got so -under the influence of its contents that he was -obliged to keep his bunk for two days, and his -reappearance on deck was the signal for a -scene, the remembrance of which disturbed -Bob's sleep for many a night afterward. It -had been blowing hard all day, and at last -the officer of the watch, after the main-top-mast -had been carried away, concluded that -it would be best to shorten sail. The work -had just been completed and the wreck cleared -away, and the schooner was beginning to make -better weather of it, when the captain staggered -up the companion-way.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob had never before seen such a fiendish-looking -man as he was at that moment. The -captain seemed to be greatly enraged, and the -boy knew instinctively that something was -going to happen. The negro cook, who was -well used to his moods, must have thought so -too, for he darted into the galley and hid behind -<span class='pageno' id='Page_309'>309</span>the door, and even the surly second mate -backed out of his way.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What's been a-going on 'ere?" roared the -captain, glaring about as if seeking some object -to take vengeance upon. "What was all -that bloody crash I 'eard just now?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"We carried away the topmast about two -hours ago, sir," replied the mate, with more -civility than he usually threw into his tones -when addressing his superior, "and we -thought it would be best to clear up things -before you came up."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But what was that bloody noise I 'eard -just now?" repeated the skipper with an -oath. "I 'eard a terrific fuss and rumpus up -'ere."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"We have been clearing away the wreck -and shortening sail, sir," was the mate's reply.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You 'ave, hey? Been shortening sail -without horders, hey? Don't you know that -I command 'ere? Where's the tindal?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He's below, with his watch, sir."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I will soon snake him up and learn -him not to shorten sail without horders from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_310'>310</span>me!" yelled the skipper, blundering toward -the forecastle. "I command 'ere, and I'll -learn you, and him, too, that it is best not to -shorten sail without horders from me. I wish -you wasn't an officer, and I would trice you -up."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob and the old sailor were standing in the -waist, and as the frenzied captain went staggering -by, swinging his arms wildly about his -head and fairly foaming at the mouth, they -gave him all the room he wanted. Their -efforts to avoid attracting his attention drew -the savage glare of the old man toward them, -and seemed to increase his fury, for Bob was -sent aft with a bleeding nose and a dizzy -head, while Ben ducked like a flash just in -time to escape a vicious back-hander which -the skipper aimed at him. The latter thundered -across the deck toward the forecastle, -and missing his footing at the head of the -stairs, went headlong among the watch, who -were eating their supper. Bob heard him -swearing and storming below, and presently -saw him reappear at the head of the ladder, -pushing before him the first tindal, whom he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_311'>311</span>had seized by the back of the neck, and who -was helpless in his powerful grasp. Close behind -him came the watch, who swarmed up -the ladder like bees, and were speedily joined -by their friends on deck. They all looked as -fierce as the skipper himself, and some of them -carried their knives in their hands.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Heaven help us, for our time has come at -last!" gasped old Ben. "That drunken fool -is going to be the death of us."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Will they spare none of us?" stammered -Bob. "I am sure I never harmed any of -them."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It makes no difference. The last one of -us will have to go. Good-bye, Bob. Old Ben -will stick to you to the last."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob was too terrified to move or speak -again, and so he watched the captain with his -unresisting prisoner. He pushed him to the -mast and looked around for some one to help -him. The second mate had retreated to the -cabin, and Ben and Bob were the only ones -near him. The skipper's eye fell upon them, -although they tried to make themselves as -small as they could.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_312'>312</span>"Come 'ere, you two, and 'elp me trice hup -this man," said he.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The boy at first did not move, but old Ben, -always prompt to obey orders, sprang at the -word; and Bob, knowing that the old sailor's -judgment and experience would show him -what ought to be done under the circumstances, -thought it best to follow his example, -although he would much rather have assisted -in tying up the captain. He caught up a rope -and fastened one of the tindal's hands to the -shrouds, hauling down on it, in obedience to -the captain's order, until the captive's toes -just rested on deck.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Now, I'll show these bloody heathen -who's master 'ere!" exclaimed the skipper, -snatching up the cat and panting with the -violence of his exertions. "'Ere, Watson, -take this and lay on till I tell you to stop. -We'll learn these bloody heathen—Eh? -You won't do it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ben drew back a step or two.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Cap'n," said he, "it is something I never -done, and never will do. I had rather be -there myself."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_313'>313</span>"You would, hey?" shouted the skipper, -brandishing the cat in the air. "Well, we -will soon have you there, and you'll know -how good it feels. Hi, boy! Call hup my -two hofficers, and tell 'em to bring my pistols. -'Ere's a bloody mutiny!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob, to whom this command was addressed, -ran to the cabin, but found the door fastened. -He called to the mates and repeated the captain's -order, but there was no response. Had -he gone to the stern and looked over, he -would have found that one of the small cabin -windows was open, and that the second mate -was trying to squeeze his burly form through -it to reach the boat that hung at the davits. -The two officers knew what was likely to be the -result of the skipper's unreasonable behavior, -and were preparing to leave him to his fate.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Now, then, boy!" screamed the captain, -"where are they?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I can't make them answer, sir, and the -door is locked," replied Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Call louder! Tell 'em I want 'em! Knock -the door down!" roared the skipper, stamping -furiously about the deck. "I'm master 'ere!"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_314'>314</span>The captain bared his arm as he spoke, -grasped the cat with a firmer hold, and swung -it in the air; but just as the blow descended -upon the tindal's back the Malays made the -rush that Ben had long been expecting, flourishing -knives and handspikes and yelling -hideously. The old sailor, loyal to the last, -threw himself in front of his officer to protect -him, but was instantly stretched on deck by a -blow from a handspike, and a moment later -the captain lay motionless by his side. Bob -gave himself up for lost. There was no place -to which he could retreat for safety, and resistance -was not to be thought of. He could -only remain passive and await the fate he was -powerless to avert. He turned away and -leaned upon the rail, looking down at the -water, and expecting every instant that a blow -from a knife or a handspike would put an end -to his existence. But nothing of the kind -happened, and Bob finally ventured to cast -his eye over his shoulder to see what was going -on behind him.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_315'>315</span> -<img src='images/i_320.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>The revolt of the Malays.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_317'>317</span>The Malays were gathered in a group in the -waist, and while some were busy binding the -captain the others were cutting down the tindal. -While he gazed, old Ben was lifted to -his feet and stood unharmed in the midst of -them. No one showed the least inclination to -molest him, but, on the contrary, several of -the crew gave him hearty slaps on the back, -which were doubtless intended to assure him -that he had nothing to fear. The old sailor -looked around, and seeing Bob standing beside -the rail, pale and trembling, quietly joined -him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Cheer up, my hearty!" said he. "I knew -what I was doing when I refused to use the -cat on that man. You and me and the doctor -are safe, but all the salt in the sea won't -save the officers."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, Ben, this is just awful!" said Bob. -"What do you suppose they will do with the -officers? Perhaps we might say something -that would make them hold their hands—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't you open your head," said Ben, earnestly. -"You will bring death upon yourself -if you attempt it. We will never know what -they are going to do with them. A man -stands a poor show of life who strikes one of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_318'>318</span>these fierce fatalists. As for us, they are going -to turn us adrift in a boat."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"They might as well make an end of us at -once," said the boy, gazing at the angry white -caps that were rolling on every side. "We -can't live five minutes out there."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"When we get back to Clifton I am going -to tell your father that he had better send you -to school until you get your sea-legs on," said -Ben, cheerfully. "A boat will live in a worse -sea than this."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The first tindal having been released, the -Malays held a short consultation, and then an -axe was procured and the crew marched aft -to the cabin. The door was quickly beaten -from its hinges and the Malays rushed in. A -fierce struggled followed, loud yells were -mingled with the reports of fire-arms, for the -mates were brave as well as brutal, and then -the crew reappeared bringing with them two -more prisoners, who were laid on deck beside -the captain, and the bodies of three of their -number, who had been stricken down by the -bullets from the mates' pistols.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"There; you see how useless it would be for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_319'>319</span>us to ask them to spare their lives, don't you?" -said Ben, as the three dead Malays were -brought up. "It is no use in talking. If -we get safe off ourselves we are going to do -well. We'll know all about it in short order."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The first tindal, who was now master of the -schooner, at once began to bestir himself, and -Bob judged by his actions—for they had not -been aboard the vessel long enough to understand -any of their language—that he knew -just what ought to be done. He sent some -of the crew below to bring up a supply of provisions -and water, and commanded two of the -others to lower away the boat. As soon as it -touched the water, Bob, the old sailor and the -negro cook were told to get in, the Malays cut -the falls with their knives, and, waving a farewell -to them, the schooner dashed on, leaving -the boat to the mercy of the waves. Bob -thought this the worst thing that ever happened -to him; but if he had been able to look -far enough into the future to see what was to -come of it, he would not have been back -aboard the schooner for any price.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Brace up, my hearty!" said Ben, giving -<span class='pageno' id='Page_320'>320</span>the boy a shake which brought his hands -down from his face. "You are worth three -or four dead men yet. This ain't any sea at -all; is it, doctor?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, sir; oh, no, sir," answered the cook, -who saw that much depended on keeping up -Bob's courage. "I was wrecked once in de -Solferino, and we had to take to de boat, and—Laws! -You had oughter seen dem waves. -Dese ain't a patching to 'em."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It is not so much being cast adrift in a -small boat that I complain of," said Bob, -"but I would like to know what is going to -become of us. Here we are, miles out of the -track of any vessels—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, belay your jaw! We are miles out -of the track of any vessel? We are right in -their track. How long will it be before another -English vessel will turn up here? -There'll be somebody along directly."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I wonder if any boy ever had as many -adventures as I have had?" said Bob, running -over in his mind the various dangers that had -befallen since the night he was kidnapped. -"If Joe Lufkin knew where I was now he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_321'>321</span>wouldn't expect to see me again. Bob, I wonder -what it was that induced him to act as he -did."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Barlow was at the bottom of it," said the -old sailor, angrily. "But you will see him -again, don't worry about that. I don't want -you to go home until you get your father."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It is useless to think about that," said -Bob, despairingly. "My father I shall never -see again, so I must make the best of a bad -bargain. I wish I knew what the Malays are -going to do with those three prisoners. Can't -we take the law on them when we get to Singapore?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You ain't reached Singapore yet by a -mile or two," replied Ben, with a laugh, "and -when we get there you'll find that the law -ain't for such fellows as we are. In the first -place, how are you going to prove the -Malays?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob stared hard at Ben, then rested his elbows -on his knees and looked down at the -bottom of the boat and said nothing.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The Malays all look alike, and if you -were to see one or two hundred of them -<span class='pageno' id='Page_322'>322</span>brought in, how are you going to pick out the -ones that did the mischief? And you would -be shut up in jail for a witness. I tell you -that the best thing you can do would be to -hold your jaw and say nothing."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The three castaways kept their eyes fastened -upon the vessel as long as she was in -sight, hoping to gain some clue to the fate -that was in store for the captain and his -mates, but for the next half an hour the -Malays remained standing on the quarter-deck -as if engaged in consultation, and finally -the increasing darkness shut her out from -view, and they were alone on the deep.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_323'>323</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER XIX.<br />A FAMILIAR FACE.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>How Bob managed to survive during that -dreadful night he scarcely knew. He -ever afterward thought of it as a dream, for -his mind was in such confusion that he could -not realize what was going on around him. -Ben and the doctor managed the boat, while -Bob lay stretched under the thwarts in a half-sensible -condition, from which he never -aroused himself until the sun arose and a -joyous exclamation from the old sailor infused -new life into him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Land, ho!" shouted Ben, seizing Bob by -the leg and jerking him about. "I would -about as soon see that as I would to find myself -back aboard an English trader. Wouldn't -you, my hearty? Here's land in plain sight. -Get up and take a peep at it. Now we will -live a Robinson Crusoe life, won't we?"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_324'>324</span>Land was indeed in plain sight, as old Ben -had declared, and Bob finally mustered up -energy enough to straighten up and look -about him. He relieved Ben at the oar, and -the latter busied himself in overhauling the -provisions to see what they had to eat; for he -wisely concluded that a little something on -Bob's empty stomach would go far to refresh -him. He first decided to pass the jug of -water (for Bob acted as though he was very -thirsty), for Ben had been careful of his provisions, -not knowing how soon they would -strike a place from which they could get -more. He was not certain that they could -get any on the island toward which they were -being driven with all the speed that Bob and -the doctor could put into their oars, but he -concluded to risk it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"There, Bob," said he, uncorking the jug -and passing it forward, "you have something -to drink our health in. May your shadow never -grow less."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob took the jug, and as he raised it to his -lips he quickly put it down again and slowly -got upon his feet. He could distinctly make -<span class='pageno' id='Page_325'>325</span>out the spars of a vessel that was lying in the -bay toward which their boat was heading.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Now, then, what do you see over there?" -inquired Ben.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I see a ship of some kind," said Bob, in a -trembling voice.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"So you do," exclaimed Ben, after running -his eye along the shore. "And she isn't a -trader, either. She's one of our own vessels."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"An American?" shouted Bob. "Look -again, and don't deceive me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"She's an American, as sure as you live!" -said the old sailor, after he had taken as good -a view of the ship as he could get on account -of the surrounding trees. "You never saw a -clumsy-looking trader with such spars and -such rigging as she has. Bob, give me a -place at the oar, and you sit in the stern and -steer as straight for her as you can go. By -George! We're in luck."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob made the change, and for the next two -hours forgot how hungry and thirsty he was. -By the end of this time the vessel was within -hailing distance. She was anchored in a little -cove that set into the island, and her boats -<span class='pageno' id='Page_326'>326</span>were drawn up in line on the beach, where -most of her crew were assembled, apparently -engaged in trading with the natives.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"She is an American, I declare!" said Bob, -hardly able to contain himself. "Hail her, -Ben, and find out."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Who are you and where did you come -from?" asked the captain of the ship, who appeared -at the side in answer to Ben's hail.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The old sailor did the talking, trying to -make his long story as short as possible, and -while he was speaking Bob made a thorough -examination of the vessel. There was something -about her that looked familiar; and -after he run his eyes over her from truck to -water-line, he told himself that if he had not -seen that ship in the harbor of Clifton more -than once, he had seen one there that looked -exactly like her. Old Ben himself certainly -discovered something about her to attract his -attention, for he suddenly began to stammer -and hesitate, and it was only by a great effort -of will that he was able to go on with his -story. He did not look at the man to whom -he was talking, but kept his eyes fastened -<span class='pageno' id='Page_327'>327</span>upon the after-part of the vessel. Bob looked -in the same direction, and saw that a bull's-eye, -which probably opened into one of the -cabin state-rooms, was unclosed, and that a -face was pressed close to it—a pale, handsome -face, with thick gray whiskers and moustache, -and a pair of large black eyes which seemed -to be looking straight through him. If it -was the same face he had probably known in -the days gone by, how changed it was! He -rubbed his eyes and looked again, but the face -had disappeared.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Ben!" he cried, in great excitement.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Avast, there!" replied the old sailor. "The -cap'n's going to speak."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I've got all the crew I want," said the -captain, "but if you have a mind to come -aboard and behave yourselves you can work -your passage to Singapore."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"We'll do our duty the best we know how, -sir," said Ben.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"All right, come aboard, then; but bear in -mind that I am a sailor all over and a hard -man to suit."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Ben," repeated our hero, as the boat -<span class='pageno' id='Page_328'>328</span>was pulled under the fore-chains, "Ben, I -saw—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Avast, there, will you! What's the good -of so much chin-music?" exclaimed the sailor.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But can't I speak?" demanded Bob, -greatly surprised and excited. "Ben, I tell -you, I saw—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You saw nothing. Belay your jaw."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But I tell you, I saw my father looking -out of that bull's-eye," insisted Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Your father?" exclaimed the doctor, opening -his eyes in amazement.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, sir, my father. And, Ben, he was -crazy. I never saw him look so at me in his -life."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He saw his grandmother," interrupted -Ben. "The boy is crazy himself, and that is -what's the matter with him. His father has -been under hatches for five years and better. -Get aboard, doctor. Now," he added, turning -almost fiercely upon Bob, "not another -word out of you about what you saw if you -want to keep on the right side of me. Mind -that. Up you go."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob made the best of his way to the deck -<span class='pageno' id='Page_329'>329</span>and looked about him. Then he was certain -he knew the ship. She was the Boston, and -she had once belonged to his father. More -than that, his father was aboard of her at that -very moment, for he had seen him with his -own eyes.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, boy, what are you staring at?" demanded -the captain. "Did you never see a -ship before? Turn to at once, for we don't -allow idlers here. Doctor, go into the galley -and lend a hand there. What's your name, -you graybeard?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Smith, sir," replied Ben.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, Smith, you will find work enough -with this chaffing-gear to keep you busy the -rest of the day. And you, boy—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"On deck, there!" shouted a voice from aloft.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Fore-top," replied the captain.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Can I have a marline-spike and about five -minutes' help?" asked the voice.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Jump up there, boy," said the captain, -turning to Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Our hero, having heard the request, knew -just what to do. He caught up a marline-spike -and ran aloft with it, and met with another -<span class='pageno' id='Page_330'>330</span>surprise so great that he came very near -letting go his hold and going back to the deck -in a much greater hurry than he went up. -The sailor who was at work was an old companion -and friend. He it was who had built -his first model yacht and taught him to sail -it on the bay, and many an hour had he -passed in old Ben's cabin telling him stories -of the sea. He had heard Bob promise his -father that under no circumstances would he -ever make a first voyage as a sailor. He had -been employed by some of the country houses -to do various kinds of work, but one night he -disappeared, and was never heard of afterward. -The most of the people believed that -he had grown tired of work ashore and had -gone off to sea.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Sweet!" exclaimed Bob, hardly able to -believe his eyes.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Not a word out of you," said the sailor, -glancing below to make sure that the captain -was not watching. "I was glad to see you at -first, but now I am sorry, for you came very -near letting the cat out of the bag when you -first came alongside."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_331'>331</span>"Why, Sweet, how came you here?" said -Bob, lowering his tone. "Did you get tired -of the shore?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Tired? No; I was shanghaied and sent -to sea against my will, and I know who was -at the bottom of it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But when I came alongside I saw my -father," said Bob, earnestly.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And Ben saw him, too, didn't he? But -he was too smart to make a fuss about it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Make a fuss? I tell you, I will raise a -fuss here—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Avast, there! You won't raise no fuss -until Ben and I say the word. If you do, -you will spoil everything."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't see that you need to fix anything," -said Bob, forgetting in his excitement that -there were men below him. "My father was -kidnapped and taken aboard this vessel—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And Ben wouldn't let you say anything -about him? That shows that his head is -level. He was afraid you would say something -before the captain. Here, hold fast to -the end of the rope, for you must do something -while you are up here or you'll be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_332'>332</span>ordered down again," said the sailor, speaking -hurriedly, as if he wished to say as much as -possible in the shortest space of time. "We've -got things all fixed, and you mustn't go to -spoiling them for us. The cargo will be -aboard at sundown, and we sail at the turn of -the tide; but when we do sail your father will -be in command."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then he <i>is</i> aboard, isn't he?" exclaimed -Bob, almost overcome by excitement and delight. -"I was sure of it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Of course he's here, but we foremast hands -ain't supposed to know it. And we didn't -find it out until we reached Cape Town, and -then we found it out by accident. He's got -five good friends—seven, now that you and -Ben have come—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Eight," interrupted Bob, "counting in -the darky that came with us. He will do -anything for Ben."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That will be enough," said the sailor. -"We're going to shake out the sails when the -last boat goes off this afternoon, and as soon -as that is done we'll be ready to begin operations."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_333'>333</span>"But, Sweet, you have not yet told me how -my father came here and what the captain is -going to do with him," said Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I can't tell you what he means to do with -him. Mebbe he intends to leave him to starve -on some desert island, and mebbe he's going -to watch his chance to knock him overboard. -But he has waited too long to carry out his -plans, whatever they are. He won't allow -him on deck, for he says he's crazy."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's just what I was afraid of," said -Bob, in a despairing tone.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Avast, there!" said the sailor.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I tell you, I never saw him look at me -with such eyes before," insisted Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I reckon you would look at a man with -crazy eyes too if you were in his place. As -to how he came here, that's your uncle's doings. -He wanted your father's money, and -not having the courage to put him out of the -way himself, he hired the captain and his first -mate to do the work for him. But mind you, -they didn't steal him out of his house at dead -of night, as they do with every man that is -shanghaied."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_334'>334</span>"How did they work it, then?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"They found him in a small boat, ten miles -out at sea, and took him aboard. He was -luny then; at least, the captain said so. He -said he was Cap'n Nellis, that he used to own -this vessel, and wanted to get up and command -her, and so the cap'n shut him up. That's -the whole story in a few words, and I couldn't -make it any plainer if I should take an -hour."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then it seems that Barlow did not have -a hand in kidnapping him? The captain -found him at sea in a storm and took him -aboard, and he wanted to command the vessel."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, sir. That's just the way the thing -stands."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then Barlow is innocent, and that's what -he meant when he said that he had some -things in his head that he wouldn't tell to -anybody. And in order that you may know -how things worked at home, I will tell you -that they are going just as my uncle hoped -they would. He's got my father's property -and has literally turned me away from home. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_335'>335</span>He says my father willed it to him. But who -are these friends you spoke of, and how are -you going to manage to have them left on -board the ship this afternoon?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, it took some thinking, that's a fact," -replied the sailor, who did not much like the -idea of Bob believing that his father was -crazy. "First, there's the second mate, you -know. He's a friend, and he'll be left in -charge this afternoon. The only way I could -manage to stay aboard was to sprain my wrist -so that I couldn't pull an oar, and I had to -be put on light duty. All gammon, you know, -but I didn't know what else to do. Then -there's our doctor. Of course he'll be aboard, -for he will be getting supper. The others are -Bret and Jackson. As they belong to the -long-boat's crew, it was a safe thing to bet -that they would be ashore when we wanted -them aboard, so what did they do this morning -but get up a sham fight and draw knives -on each other. Of course they are in double-irons -in the forecastle, and they'll stay there -till we want them."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Fore-top there!" shouted the captain. "It -<span class='pageno' id='Page_336'>336</span>does not take two of you to splice a rope, does -it? Lay down, boy."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Aye, aye, sir!" replied the sailor, as Bob -prepared to descend to the deck. "Keep your -eyes open, but say nothing to nobody. Things -are all fixed, and you will see your father this -afternoon. But I say, Bob," added Sweet, -hastily, "it would be better for you to let go -all holds and fall down to the deck head first -than to go into the presence of the cap'n with -that face you have got on now. If he finds out -who you are, or you give him any reason to -suspect you, he'll knock our plans higher'n -the moon."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob's exultation and impatience were so -great that he could scarcely contain himself—exultation -to know that he was within speaking -distance of his father, from whom he had -been separated for almost nine dreary months; -to know that he must not see him until others -gave him permission to do so, and impatience -to have the time wear away so that he could -throw himself into that father's arms. You -can imagine how you would have felt under -the same circumstances. Bob believed that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_337'>337</span>his father was crazy; and if that was the -case, all their arrangements for rescuing him -were "knocked higher'n the moon." He was -obliged to keep his feelings under restraint and -be constantly on his guard, lest his thoughts -should find expression in his face and be seen -by some one who would not know how to interpret -them.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The afternoon moved along on leaden wings. -That nothing had yet happened to endanger -the success of the plans that had been formed -for the release of Captain Nellis was evident -from the encouraging glances which Sweet and -old Ben bestowed upon our hero every time -they met him. It was plain, too, that somebody -had found opportunity to tell the second -mate who Bob was, for once, when nobody was -looking, the officer slipped something into the -boy's hand, and told him in a whisper to hold -himself in readiness to use it. It looked like -a broken key, and Bob, not knowing what it -was or what he was expected to do with it, -showed it to Ben and asked instructions.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It's the key to the irons on those fellows -in the forecastle," whispered the sailor. "Keep -<span class='pageno' id='Page_338'>338</span>your eye on the mate, and he will tell you -when to use it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But Ben, I am sure that my father is—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Belay your jaw, will you? I have a good -notion to knock you overboard! When the -old man comes on deck you will find him able -to take command. Now, don't say anything -more about his being crazy."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Three o'clock came at last, and the order -was given to shake out the sails. It was accomplished -in very much less time than usual, -and then the boats all put off for their last -trip to the beach, the captain and the first -mate going with them, and leaving no one but -the mutineers aboard. The second mate stood -leaning over the rail watching the boats, and -when they touched the beach he made a sign -to Bob, who darted into the forecastle.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Halloo, here!" exclaimed one of the sailors, -as Bob made an effort to unlock his irons. -"Where did you come from? I never have -seen you before."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Nor have I seen you," replied Bob. -"But as you are a friend of Captain Nellis', go -on deck. The second mate is waiting for you."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_339'>339</span>Being freed from their irons the sailors -hurried on deck, and Bob kept close at their -heels. The second mate and Ben were not -there, but they heard an axe used in the cabin. -The next moment Captain Nellis rushed upon -deck. One look at his face was enough. He -was as crazy a man as Bob ever saw.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_340'>340</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER XX.<br />WHO WROTE THE CODICIL?</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>"By the great horn-spoon!" It was Mr. -Vollar's clerk who uttered the above -ejaculation. The time was when Bob Nellis -brought the valuable pearl there for his employer -to pass judgment upon. If we were to -say that the man was astonished we should -but hardly express his feelings. He was in -the back part of the store, making out some -accounts against his customers, and of course -he heard all that passed between Mr. Vollar -and the boy who had come there to see him. -When Bob was offered two hundred dollars -for his pearl and the jeweller opened the safe -to take out the money, he laid his pen upon -his desk and settled back in his chair in -speechless amazement. He could not see -what passed between them, for he was at -work behind a board partition; but his ears -<span class='pageno' id='Page_341'>341</span>told him just what happened at the counter. -He knew when Bob received the money, -heard him say that Hank Lufkin would be -almost overcome, and then go out.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"By the great horn-spoon!" said the clerk. -"If that worthless little jackanapes hasn't -struck it at last, I'm a Dutchman. Who -would have thought that he could have found -a pearl worth two hundred dollars! I declare, -it beats me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Sam Houston, for that was the clerk's name, -had a great desire to be rich. He was getting -only a dollar a day for his services in the store, -and that much money did not go very far toward -relieving his actual necessities, to say -nothing of his getting a horse and buggy of -Mr. Jones every Sunday afternoon for the -purpose of taking an airing in the country. -He had held that position for almost two years -and he saw little chance of promotion. It -was the same thing over and over every day, -and although he kept a bright lookout for -other chances outside of the store, nothing -seemed to present itself. He remembered -how he used to envy Bob Nellis, with his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_342'>342</span>rich father, but when the report got around -town that Bob had been cast off, and that his -cousin had taken his place, then he used to -cast envious eyes upon Gus Layton.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's always the way it is with everybody," -said he; and one would think that he -had been cheated out of the money instead of -Bob Nellis. "All the fellows in the world -can get rich instead of me. Don't I wish I -had some rich uncle to die and leave me a -pocketful of rocks? But then I wouldn't stay -here, I bet you. I would go to New York, -where I could put on style."</p> - -<p class='c008'>To make matters worse, Sam Houston had -got in the way of going in debt. Mr. Jones -had hinted rather pointedly that he would be -glad to have that seven dollars and a half -that he owed him the next time he came -around after a horse, and there were half -a dozen other creditors who were getting -alarmed for their money; and by counting it -all up on his fingers Sam made it out that -he owed fifty dollars there in Clifton, and he -did not know where in the world it was to -come from. And here this ragamuffin, this -<span class='pageno' id='Page_343'>343</span>son of a man who was too lazy to go into the -hay-field on account of wounds which he must -have forgotten long ago, was getting rich in -spite of him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Now, I say that that way of doing things -isn't right," said the clerk, with a good deal -of petulance in his tones. "What I owe is a -mere pittance to what this boy is going to get -for picking up a stone that came in his way, -and he will be so lordly that he won't look at -anybody else; and here I am—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>He picked up his pen again and went to -work at the accounts with alacrity. He heard -Mr. Vollar's step, and that proved that he was -coming back to see how he got on with them.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I guess I shall have to get some more -money to carry on my business," said he with -a smile.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I should say you had," replied Sam.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Who would have supposed that boy, -Hank Lufkin, would have struck it so rich?" -his employer continued. "I declare, it kind o' -takes the wind out of my sails. Of course -you heard what passed between Bob Nellis -and myself?"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_344'>344</span>"Of course I did, for I could not help it. I -was as much astonished as you were."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, you won't say anything about it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, no, sir. Bob evidently wants to keep -it still, and so would I if I were in his place. -Do you suppose that Bob will put that money -in the bank to his own account?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Certainly he will. Everything depends -upon keeping it from the knowledge of that -lazy father of Hank's. If he ever gets hold -of it he will raise heaven and earth but that -he will have it all; and if he once gets his -hands on the money, that will be last of it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Vollar looked over some of the accounts -that had been made out, put them into his -pocket, and left the store. When the door -had closed behind him the clerk put down his -pen and once more settled back in his chair, -with his hands in his pockets.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That is just what I was afraid of," said he. -"Bob is mighty sharp, and he is going to take -care of that money. Now, had I better see -old Joe about it, or what had I better do? -For I want it understood that if there are any -more pearls to be found on that stream I am -<span class='pageno' id='Page_345'>345</span>going to have some of them. I can easily get -Joe to bring them to me, for I can tell him -that Vollar doesn't begin to pay him what -they are worth. Two hundred dollars! I -believe if I knew there were any more pearls -on that stream I would throw up my present -position and become a pearl-hunter. Wouldn't -I feel big, going around with money, while no -one else knew where I got it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Here was something that Sam Houston -could build air-castles on, and he was engaged -in this agreeable occupation when he heard -Mr. Vollar coming back. There was one -question that Sam wanted to have answered, -and he asked it as soon as he had a fair -chance.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Did Bob Nellis say that there were any -more of these pearls where this one came -from?" he inquired, as the jeweller was engaged -in putting some money into the safe.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, Sam, are you going out pearl-hunting?" -asked Mr. Vollar, with a laugh.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, no; but I thought I would just like -to know."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"There must be, because I have often been -<span class='pageno' id='Page_346'>346</span>called upon to pass judgment on stones coming -from there. At least I took it for granted -that they came from that stream, because I -never heard of many pearls being found about -here. He says there are between twenty-five -and thirty scattered around, but of course he is -mistaken in that. There is probably not another -pearl on that stream that is worth as -much as the one Bob Nellis sold me to-day. -At any rate, it wouldn't pay anybody to look -for them."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And you don't know where the stream is, -either?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, I don't; and if I did I wouldn't tell. -Bob Nellis told me that Hank didn't even tell -him where it was."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't care for that," said Sam to himself. -"If Joe Lufkin is as expert at trailing -things as he claims to be he will soon find -that pearl-mine. If they are worth ten or -fifteen dollars to Hank, as I think I heard -Bob remark, they are worth a fortune to me. -At any rate, I am going to try it early to-morrow -morning, if I can find Joe Lufkin."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Sam did not do much work that day. He -<span class='pageno' id='Page_347'>347</span>shut up the store at ten o'clock and took a -stroll around the streets in the vain hope of -meeting Joe, and then went home and tumbled -into bed. The more he thought of his prospects -the brighter they seemed to become to -him, and when at last he arose from his couch, -after passing an almost sleepless night, he resolved -that his plan should prove successful.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You see, I have not yet decided to possess -myself of any portion of Hank's two hundred -dollars, which he has doubtless given -into Bob's keeping, but of the pearls that are -left on the shores of that stream I am determined -to have my share," he exclaimed, as he -pulled on his clothes. "The idea that that -boy can go around all day doing nothing—I -don't see it! Here I have to work and slave -from morning until night, and have done so -for almost two years, and never a body has -said to me, 'Sam, here's a little more money -than I have thus far been able to offer you. -Take that, with my compliments.' Has anybody -said that to me? I am done with the -store now."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Filled with such thoughts as these, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_348'>348</span>growing more and more angry the oftener -they came into his mind, Sam went down and -opened the store, but saw no signs of Joe -Lufkin. He was getting his breakfast at -home before starting out to see how his piratical -scheme would work, and Hank was just -about setting out for Bob Nellis's to see about -depositing his money. So Sam saw nothing -of them that day, not even when he closed -the store at night and took a walk around the -streets. The next day was the same, for Joe -did not appear. He was at home building -air-castles on the strength of certain schemes -he had worked the night before; but Sam saw -somebody else that was almost as good. It -was Hank Lufkin, who was hurrying along -as if his very life depended upon the use he -made of the next few minutes. He was tired -of running, and had settled into a rapid walk -toward Mr. Gibbons's house.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Halloo, Hank!" exclaimed Sam. "Where -are you going in such haste? Hold up a -minute. I would like to talk to you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You have not got anything interesting -that I want to hear, unless you can tell me -<span class='pageno' id='Page_349'>349</span>what has become of Bob Nellis and Ben Watson," -replied Hank, coming to a standstill in -front of the clerk and fanning himself with -his hat. "Bob was to have gone fishing this -morning, but now he has gone off, and I can't -find a thing of them."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What has become of them?" asked Sam.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That is just what I asked. The house is -open, and the lamp is burning as if it was -waiting for them; but Ben and Bob don't -show up."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, where in the world are they?" said -Sam, growing somewhat interested.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That is just what I want to know. I am -going up to Mr. Gibbons's house to see about -it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Does Mr. Gibbons know where they -are?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No; but he is Bob's lawyer, and he will -know about them if anybody does. My -idea is," continued Hank, "that they have -been kidnapped and sent off to sea."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, if that don't beat me!" said Sam, -lost in wonder. "Who do you suppose could -have done it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_350'>350</span>"That is what I want to know. But I must -go along, now, and see what Bob's lawyer -thinks about it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"One minute before you go, Hank," exclaimed -Sam. "I want to speak to you about -something."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"To-morrow will do just as well," replied -Hank, who, being rested a little by his short -pause, broke at once into a run toward Mr. -Gibbons's house.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But I want to talk to you about that pearl -you found a few days ago," said Sam, desperately. -"I know something about it that you -had better listen to."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Hank was so amazed to find out that the discovery -of his pearl, which he had so carefully -guarded from the knowledge of all persons in -the village, had become known, that for a -moment he stopped; but remembering that -he was now looking for Bob Nellis, he kept -on his way by replying that to-morrow would -do just as well. The clerk stood and looked -at him, and then turned about and went into -the store and busied himself in dusting off the -counters.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_351'>351</span>"He thinks more of Bob than he does of -that pearl," said Sam to himself. "I was in -hopes he would come back when I told him -that, and if he had, what would I have said -to him? I must make up something. So -Bob has gone off to sea, has he? I never -heard of a fellow who was kidnapped coming -back again."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Sam went on dusting the counters, and as -he worked his thoughts were busy with that -pearl, and never once reverted to the news he -had concerning Bob. Any boy who lived on -the sea-coast was liable to be kidnapped and -sent off, but it was not every day that a fellow -found a pearl worth two hundred dollars. -For be it known that Sam had thought and -dreamed about this matter so much that he -had about decided to leave the store and go -to hunting pearls. Any how, it did not take -very much to bring him to some conclusion -on that point.</p> - -<p class='c008'>When his employer came down Sam told -him about Bob, and was utterly amazed to see -the way he took it to heart. The jeweller -could not believe it at first, and required his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_352'>352</span>clerk to go over it again until he learned all -about it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am very glad indeed that his father -isn't here to know about it," said he, walking -up and down the store. "He promised his -father that he would not by any means go to -sea, and now he has become a sailor in spite -of himself. I'll tell you what's a fact, Sam: -There is somebody in this town that knows all -about it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's what I have said all along," replied -Sam, who at that moment forgot that he -had said nothing at all about it. "I believe -Barlow knows something about it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know whether he does or not; but -when Mr. Gibbons starts in he is going to -find something out. I tell you, lynching is -too good for a man who will slip upon another -and send him to sea. My goodness, I -think I should die if such a trick were played -upon me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Vollar put on his hat and went out to -see what other folks thought of it, and Sam -was left alone. He was left alone for almost -the forenoon, in fact, for when the jeweller -<span class='pageno' id='Page_353'>353</span>came back it was to report that Barlow had -been before the justice, and that all the attempts -to gain anything from him were useless.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I've got the idea, from something Gibbons -said, that he is going to take Mr. Layton -down there," said Mr. Vollar.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Before the justice?" asked Sam, in astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The jeweller nodded significantly.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, what in the world has he got to do -with it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He may not have anything to do with it, -but Mr. Gibbons is going to make him tell -what he knows about kidnapping people. -He's got an idea that Captain Nellis was on -board the Boston when she sailed, and he -wants to ask Layton something about it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, the idea is ridiculous!" said Sam, -more astonished than ever. "The Boston -sailed that morning, but that doesn't prove -that Captain Nellis was aboard of her. To -my mind, you will find that Captain Nellis is -a thousand fathoms deep in the sea."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Put this and that together and see what -you make of it," said Mr. Vollar. "I will -<span class='pageno' id='Page_354'>354</span>bet you that Captain Nellis will come back; -and if he does, it will go hard with somebody -who wrote that codicil."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Didn't he write it himself?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Maybe he did, and maybe he didn't. I -don't want to say so out loud, but that codicil -is a glaring fraud on the face of it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I declare, that beats me!" said Sam, so -surprised that he could scarcely get his breath. -"There's lots of little things in law that a -fellow doesn't think about, isn't there?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Just then a customer came in and Mr. -Vollar moved forward to wait upon him. The -topic of conversation of course was what happened -to Bob, and although Sam listened -eagerly, he didn't catch anything that could -be of use to him; for the clerk had resolved -to use what he had learned about the codicil -to help him along with certain schemes he -had suddenly laid against Gus Layton. There -might be something wrong with the pearl-mine—perhaps -there were not so many pearls -scattered around there as Hank had at first -supposed—and if anything should happen to -disappoint his expectations, would it not be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_355'>355</span>well to have that will business to fall back -upon?</p> - -<p class='c008'>"By George! that has only just occurred -to me, but it is two strings to my bow," said -Sam. "If one fails, the other will be sure -to shoot somewhere. Now I will go to dinner -and see how it looks when I come back."</p> - -<p class='c008'>But Sam was not obliged to wait as long as -that, for on his way he overtook Gus Layton, -who was just returning home after his visit -to the livery-stable. Gus had been there in -the hope of obtaining the ponies to take care -of, but found that Bob had paid for them a -month's board in advance, and that the only -way he could secure them was by going to -Mr. Gibbons for an order. Gus was in a very -bad humor, and when Sam stepped up and -touched his hat to him he mentally wished -him by Bob's side on board the J. W. Smart.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"How are you, Gus?" said Sam, with a -cheerful attempt at familiarity.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"How are you?" said Gus.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, now, you needn't throw your head in -that lofty manner," said Sam. "You will see -the day when you will be glad to speak to me. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_356'>356</span>I know something about the will that you -would be glad to know. I know who wrote -the codicil."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Gus stopped and stared at Sam.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes. That's a clause added to the will, -so that, in a few words, it doesn't make any -difference how long the body of the instrument -is, you can undo everything that has -been done. For example—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I do not care to hear anything about it," -interrupted Gus. "My father is the man for -you to see."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I would just as soon see him as -anybody, but as I thought I could see you -first, I had better speak to you before going -to him. Now, Gus, I know all about it—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Go and see my father about it," returned -Gus. "I have nothing whatever to do with -it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, good-bye, if you call that going. -But there is no need of his knowing anything -about it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I tell you I have nothing to do with it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"All right. But when you speak to your -father about it just remember this: Mr. Gibbons -<span class='pageno' id='Page_357'>357</span>is talking of bringing him before 'Squire -Sprague to answer some questions he shall ask -him. I'll be there when he wants me, and -shall be ready to tell what I know about the -codicil. Good-bye."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Gus Layton was never more frightened -than he was when he opened the iron gate -and started up the walk to see his father. He -easily found his way into the library, for the -door was not locked. He discovered his father -pacing up and down the room.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, Augustus, where have you been?" -he demanded. "I have sent all around the -house and grounds for you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I told you I was going to go up and see -about those ponies, did I not?" replied Gus. -"Well, Bob has got the advantage of us. He -has paid a month's board for them, and we -can't get them. He wanted me to go to that -old skinflint, Mr. Gibbons, for an order, but -I could not see it. We haven't got quite so -far down as that yet."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You did right and proper. We have no -business to go to him for anything," said his -father. "But, Augustus, you look sort of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_358'>358</span>worried about something. Has anything happened -to disturb you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, yes. While I was coming up here -from the livery-stable," said Gus, fixing his -eyes upon his father, "Sam Houston came -up and asked me if I knew who wrote that -codicil."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Who is Sam Houston, and what does he -know about the codicil?" asked Mr. Layton, -leaning one arm upon the mantel-piece and -rubbing his hands together. His face grew -a shade paler, and Gus was sure he was on the -right track.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He said you wrote it. And he said, further, -that he could tell me something about it -that I wanted to know. I referred him to -you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That was all right. But what do you -suppose he could have told you about the will -that I don't know?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know; but Mr. Gibbons can."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Mr. Gibbons?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes; he is going to bring you before -'Squire Sprague. But, father, you didn't -touch that will, did you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_359'>359</span>"What an idea! Do you suppose it would -have been admitted to probate if it hadn't -been all right? Now, Gus, I am going to ask -you to leave me for a while. I have some -business that needs attending to. I will call -you after a few minutes."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Layton hardly waited for his son to -take his leave when he threw himself into a -chair and covered his face with his hands. -He remained thus for a few minutes, and then -got up and walked the floor.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, I wrote it! I wrote it!" he cried out -in agony. "I forged Captain Nellis's name -to it. What will become of me if it is found -out?"</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_360'>360</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER XXI.<br />SAM IS DISCHARGED.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>"So far so good," said Sam Houston, as he -finished his dinner at his boarding-house -and stood on the front steps picking his -teeth. "Now, if Gus speaks to his old man -about the codicil, and the father wants to -know what I know about it, what shall I tell -him? That, and what I am going to tell -Hank about that pearl, will require a little -study. However, it is all in a lifetime."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Sam Houston went down to the store again, -and shortly afterward the proprietor went to -his dinner. He was gone about an hour, and -then Hank Lufkin came into the store very -soon after he did. Mr. Vollar was busy at -something behind the board partition and -Sam stepped quickly forward to wait upon -him; but before he could lift a finger or utter -a sound Hank broke in with:</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_361'>361</span>"Now, Mr. Houston, what have you to tell -me about that pearl? If Mr. Vollar has paid -me too much for it, it is only right that I -should give the money back. I'll do it just -as soon as Bob comes."</p> - -<p class='c008'>These words operated very differently upon -the two men who heard them. Sam's face -grew as red as fire, and the jeweller stepped -around the board partition looking his astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What is that you had to say about that -pearl, Hank?" he asked.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The boy repeated the same request he had -made of Sam, adding:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I gave the whole of my money into Bob's -hands, and he has gone away and left my -funds in the bank so that I can't get them; -but I will make it all right as soon as he -comes."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Who told you that I had given you too -much?" asked the jeweller, fastening his -angry eyes upon Sam.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No one told me so, but I couldn't think -what else you had to tell me about it, and so -I came to find out," said Hank, looking first -<span class='pageno' id='Page_362'>362</span>at Sam Houston and then at the jeweller. He -could not imagine what had happened to make -the latter so angry at the clerk.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, Hank, you can go home again, and -every time you think of that pearl you can -tell yourself that it is worth every cent of two -hundred dollars," said Mr. Vollar. "I knew -what I was talking about when I gave Bob -Nellis the money."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am glad to hear you say so," said Hank, -who was greatly relieved. "You are sure it -is worth two hundred dollars?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Not only that, but it is worth ten or fifteen -dollars more. I shall surely have that -much to divide with you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know what Mr. Houston could -have to tell me about it," began Hank.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's all right. He had nothing to tell -you. You know the place where you found -the pearl, and if you are wise you will keep -still about it. Nobody has any right to find -out where it is."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I'll keep still about it," said Hank with a -laugh. "I don't know that I can find others -like it, but I can find out. Good-bye."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_363'>363</span>Hank opened the door and went out, and the -jeweller leaned on the counter and looked at -Sam.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What did you have to tell him about -that pearl?" said he.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I was going to ask him where he got it," -replied the clerk.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And then what did you intend to do?" continued -Mr. Vollar. "You were going to become -a pearl-hunter, were you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, I was. I think it is mighty queer -that a boy who does nothing can stumble onto -a lot of money like that. I think I have as -much right to it as he has."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, if you want that berth you can give -up the one you hold here in the store," said -the jeweller, straightening up and putting his -hands into his pockets. "You won't make a -cent at it, I can tell you that much. But I -believe you will make as much as you do -here."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Are you not satisfied with my work?" -asked Sam.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, I am not. You don't do half that -you ought to."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_364'>364</span>"Very well. Then I will leave the store."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"All right. Make out your account, whatever -it is, and I will pay you off."</p> - -<p class='c008'>This was all that passed between Mr. Vollar -and his clerk, but it showed that they -were of the same opinion regarding Sam seeking -another branch of business. The proprietor -was perfectly willing to let him go, and -Sam was willing to be released from the -shackles he had worn for so long without any -promise of promotion. Once out of the store -he was his own master. He need not get up -until he felt like it; and, besides, wasn't there -a pearl-mine all ready for him to work? -It is true he didn't know where that pearl-mine -was, but—by George! Come to think -of it, he still had two strings to his bow. He -would seek an interview with Joe Lufkin before -the sun set, tell him what Hank had discovered, -and depend upon getting it out of him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's my best hold," he muttered, as he -took down the book and turned to his account. -"Of course he can't get the money out of the -bank, for Bob's got that shut up until he -comes back, but he can demand to know -<span class='pageno' id='Page_365'>365</span>where that pearl-stream is. I tell you, that -is worth thinking of."</p> - -<p class='c008'>In a few minutes the clerk had his account -made out and presented it to Mr. Vollar with -a receipt made out in full. It was a mighty -small sum of money that he had due him, not -more than three dollars and a half, but he was -certain that by the time that was gone he -would have a hundred times that sum in his -pocket.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"There's your money, Sam," said the jeweller, -picking up the receipt and looking at it. -"I should be much better satisfied if you were -going to leave me to go into some honorable -business."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You are not satisfied with me, and so I -quit," replied Sam.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's all nonsense," replied Mr. Vollar, -who felt some anxiety in regard to his clerk. -Sam had been with him so long that he hated -to have him go on such a wild-goose chase as -pearl-hunting. "I know that you never would -have thought of going if you hadn't been -here when Bob Nellis came in."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I must say that it gave me a show," said -<span class='pageno' id='Page_366'>366</span>Sam, who thought he might as well tell the -truth and be done with it. "I know I don't -stand much chance, but at the same time I -may come to you with as much money as I -could earn here in six months. I needn't ask -you to keep this still?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, indeed," said the jeweller, as if the -very thought of such a thing was foreign to -him. "I ain't a-going to let anybody know -that you left me to go pearl-hunting. Good -luck to you and good-bye."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Sam Houston left the store feeling much as -a school-boy does who has been released from -a long siege of study. He was a free man, -and he could go where he pleased, and it -pleased him just then to turn his steps toward -Joe Lufkin's house. He thought he might as -well make hay while the sun shone; but suppose -anything should happen so that he could -not get Joe to go in search of that mine? He -would have to go after it himself, and he almost -dreaded the experiment. He knew that -the streams, as he remembered them, were -all tangled up with brush and drift-wood, -and he lacked a pair of boots that would resist -<span class='pageno' id='Page_367'>367</span>water and dirt; so what would he do if -he came to a body of water that had to be explored -while wading up to his knees?</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I'll get Joe to do that," said Sam, as he -came within sight of the house. "Ah! There -he is, sitting on the porch. Now, how am I -going to get him away from there?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe Lufkin was sitting in front of the door -smoking his pipe. He looked surprised and -alarmed when he saw Sam approaching, -pulled his pipe from his mouth and partly -got upon his feet, and when Sam touched his -hat and said "Good day, Mr. Lufkin," the -man hardly knew what reply to make. He -hadn't expected to meet Sam up there, and he -might know something about that kidnapping -scheme and came there to talk to him about it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Howdy," said Joe.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Are you very busy just now?" said Sam, -although he could see for himself that Joe -wasn't doing anything. "If you are not, -come out here a minute."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What do you reckon you want of me?" -asked Joe. "You might as well tell me here."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Come here to the gate so that I can speak -<span class='pageno' id='Page_368'>368</span>to you," he added. "I declare if the man -hasn't been up to something," he said to himself. -"I wonder what it is?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe very reluctantly got upon his feet and -came down the steps, but he did not neglect -each step of the way to cast his eyes up and -down the road to assure himself that Sam was -alone.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You have been doing something, that's -what's the matter with you," said Sam.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Look a-here, Houston, I don't allow anybody -to talk to me that a-way," said Joe, -growing angry.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am not going to talk to you about that," -Sam hastened to explain. "Is Hank in the -house?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No; there ain't nobody here but me. -What do you want?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Do you know," added Sam, lowering his -voice, "that Hank has discovered a pearl -worth two hundred dollars?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Aw! Go on."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't talk so loud. He certainly has, and -Bob brought it to Vollar to say how much it -was worth."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_369'>369</span>"Be you telling me the exact truth?" said -Joe, who did not know whether to believe -this strange story or not.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am, and I got discharged from the store -on the strength of it. He gave the money to -Bob, and Bob has gone off to sea, with nobody -here to get the money."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I'll get it," answered Joe, who grew mad -in a minute that anybody should try to conceal -matters from him. "I'll go up and tell -'em it's mine and I have got to have it. But -how did you happen to find out all about -this?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You can't get the money, for it is in Bob's -name. I found out all about it while listening -in the store. I was making out some bills, -and heard every word that passed between -my employer and Bob."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then Bob didn't give him ten dollars to -go fishing with him?" asked Joe.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Not that I know of."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then the little fool has been lying to me. -He came home with two basketfuls of truck -he purchased at the store, and said he got the -money by agreeing to go fishing with Bob. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_370'>370</span>Bob must have given him some of that money -to buy the grub with."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Of course he did. And I will tell you -another thing: The reason why Bob took the -money and put it into the bank was so as to -keep it from you. Vollar says you would -raise heaven and earth to get it all."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What right has Vollar to stick his fingers -in this pie?" asked Joe, who was about -as mad as a fellow could well be. "Of -course I'll raise things fit to split if I don't -get some of that money. You're sure you're -telling me the truth?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am not in the habit of lying to gain my -points," said Sam, loftily, "and I am ready -to prove it to you by going in search of that -stream at once."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Not much I won't go in search of that -stream," replied Joe, who had by this time -got so angry that he was walking up and -down on the other side of the fence. "I -know a trick worth two of that. When -Hank comes home I'll just bounce him for -that money."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You can't get it, I tell you," answered -<span class='pageno' id='Page_371'>371</span>Sam. "Hank himself can't get it, for it is -not in the bank in his name. Or else," added -Sam, a bright idea striking him, "you might -go to Gibbons and get some of it from him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What has Gibbons got to do with it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He is Bob's lawyer, you know. By telling -him that your wife is ill—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That wouldn't do at all. He would see -her on the street every day."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, put yourself in some old clothes -and go up there. Tell him that you are -mighty hard up for some raiment, and that -you've got to have it. I will bet that you -could get some money out of him in that -way."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The idea that that boy should earn so -much money and then put it in the bank and -keep me from getting it! That's what beats -me," said Joe, pounding the top of the gate -with his fist. "Why didn't he give it to me -in the first place? Here I need new shirts -and a new pair of breeches, and I hain't got -no money to get them with. I tell you, that -boy is going to give me some of that money."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I tell you he can't do it," said Sam. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_372'>372</span>"The funds are in the bank in Bob Nellis's -name, and Bob has got to get it. You had -better try Hank or Mr. Gibbons first."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I'll think about it," said Joe.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's all right. Now, Joe, since I have -told you about this money you must give some -of it to me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You?" ejaculated Joe.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, me. You wouldn't have known anything -about it if it hadn't been for me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"How much do you want?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I want half of what you get. That's -nothing more than fair."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I don't know but I will give you -half. Now you had best run away, for Hank -and his mother will be along directly."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe emphasized the order by turning about -and going up the steps, and Sam stood and -looked at him as if he did not know whether -to take him in earnest or not. Finally he -said:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You must remember and give me half, or -I will stop it all on you. I'll go to Hank and -Gibbons and tell them that you want the -money to spend."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_373'>373</span>"You just wait till I get that money in my -hands and I'll give you half. You ought to -have it, for I shouldn't have known a thing -about it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then you think you won't go and look -for that stream now?" said the clerk, who was -much disappointed in going back to the village -as empty-handed as he was when he came -out.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No. I'll try Hank and Gibbons first."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe went into the house and walked once -or twice across the floor, and when he looked -out again Sam Houston was gone. Then he -lighted his pipe and sat down in his old, accustomed -place. He took a few pulls before -he could bring his mind to bear upon the -story he had heard.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"<i>That</i> for giving you half!" said Joe, snapping -his fingers in the air. "The money is -mine, and if I get hold of any portion of it -it will all be mine. The idea that that boy -should find a pearl worth two hundred dollars -and then go and hide it from me! I wish the -boy wasn't so big; I'd like to lick him!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe was so uneasy that he could not remain -<span class='pageno' id='Page_374'>374</span>long in one position, and after a little while -he got up, went to the gate, and looked for -Hank and his mother. Joe did not know it, -but the truth of the matter was Mrs. Lufkin -and her son had gone off for a walk on purpose -to be out of hearing of Mr. Lufkin. -They wanted to exchange ideas in regard to -Bob Nellis's disappearance, and consequently -they took a longer time for their stroll than -Joe approved of. After leaning over the gate -for some time Joe opened it and went out.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know where they were going, but -it seems to me that they are taking a long -time for it," said Joe, impatiently. "I can -stay here and starve, for all they would do to -hurry up. I'm bound to have some of that -money."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Before he had taken many steps down the -road Joe saw the objects of his search, and -then for the first time he began to feel his -courage forsaking him. It was only the -knowledge of the fact that Hank was not yet -of age that kept him up, and then he braced -himself and walked forward as though he had -something on his mind.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_375'>375</span>"See how father walks!" said Hank. "He -has found out something, or I shall miss my -guess."</p> - -<p class='c008'>And he was not long in finding out what it -was. His father paid no attention to their -civil greetings, but placed himself by Hank's -side.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Look a-here, son," said he, and when Joe -addressed him in that way the boy knew that -something was coming, "what about that -pearl that you found the other day?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Hank was thunderstruck. His father knew -all about it in spite of his efforts to keep it -from him. He couldn't say a word.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Because if you have found one, it isn't -natural in you to hide it from me," said Joe. -"You see how I want new clothes, and you -had oughter give me some of the money. -How much did you get for it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Two hundred dollars," said Hank, who had -been allowed a little time to recover his wits.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And how much have you used?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Ten dollars."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And the rest is shut up in the bank where -nobody but Bob Nellis can get it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_376'>376</span>"Yes, sir, that is just where it is. And -Bob has gone off to sea and I can't get it till -he comes back."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know what makes you think that -Bob's coming back," said Joe, uneasily. "If -he can come back from sea his father will -come, too."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's what I look for," said Hank. "I -expect to see Bob and his father walking -along these streets."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Mebbe he will, and mebbe he won't. But -that's neither here nor there. Now, Hank, I -want you to give me some of the money."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I can't. Nobody can get it except Bob."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And does the law allow you to take any -money you may find and give it to another to -take charge of for you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know whether it does or not. I -did it, anyhow."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, Hank," said Joe, with a sigh of -resignation, "you have undone all the good -that I have done you for years. When you -was a little fellow I took care of you and sent -you to school, and this is the way you repay -me. I hope that money will bring anything -<span class='pageno' id='Page_377'>377</span>but blessings to you as often as you -touch it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>So saying, Joe turned on his heel and -walked away toward the village, and Hank -and his mother kept on toward home. When -they reached the gate they turned and looked -after Joe. He was walking along with his -head down, and one would think he had -lost the last friend he had upon earth. They -went into the house, and Hank sat down in -his father's accustomed place on the porch.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, mother, what do you think of it?" -asked Hank. When his father began to talk -about what he had done for him the boy felt -repentant, and almost wished that he had the -money in his pocket to give him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"You told the truth," said Mrs. Lufkin. -"And you can see right where your money -would go if you were to surrender it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But, mother, I have an idea in my head -that he is going to work at something else. -Why didn't he rant and swear, and go on as he -usually does when he asks money of you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I looked to see him do it, but fortunately -he did not."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_378'>378</span>"And that's what makes me think he is up -to something. I do not know what it is, but -I believe I will keep watch of him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>With the words Hank jumped off the porch -and followed down the road after his father. -In a few minutes he came within sight of him. -There was Joe Lufkin, walking along with -his head up, and acting for all the world like -a man who was going somewhere on business. -He had got out of reach of his wife and son, -and consequently was able to conduct himself -as he always did. There was nothing at all -the matter with him.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I guess father is all right," said Hank, as -he turned toward the house. "He won't get -any money in going down there, for everybody -is on the lookout for him. Now, I must -get my nerve up against he comes back. He -may have something more decided to say -then."</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_379'>379</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER XXII.<br />THE TELEGRAM.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>"Hank has got it!" said Joe Lufkin, as -he took long strides toward the village. -"He didn't try to lie me out of it at -all. When I told him that he had a pearl -worth two hundred dollars he was completely -dumfounded. I reckon he'll wonder how I -found it out. He's got it, as sure as the world! -Now I'm going to try Gibbons. It can't be -that a boy can give his money into another's -hands, as Hank has done with Bob, and so -shut me out of the whole of it. At any rate, -that's a point I am going to have settled."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe was a rapid walker, and in due time he -reached Mr. Gibbons's steps. As he ascended -them he drew on his long face again, and -when he opened the lawyer's door a stranger -would have supposed that he had nothing to -live for. He found Mr. Gibbons there with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_380'>380</span>his feet perched upon the desk, and he had a -legal document in his hand.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Howdy," said Joe, taking off his hat and -making a profound bow.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, Joe, I haven't seen you for a long -time," said the lawyer. "Sit down. Did you -come here to see me?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I reckon I can't stop long," said Joe, sitting -down in a chair and whirling his hat in -his hand. "I just want to tell you something."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, speak out. We are here alone."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Mr. Gibbons, that boy of mine has discovered -a pearl worth two hundred dollars," -said Joe.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I declare!" exclaimed the lawyer, -opening his eyes. "He was lucky, wasn't -he?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, he was. Now what does this Hank -do but give his money into Bob Nellis's -hands, and now Bob has gone to sea and he -ain't here to give me any money."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Are you sure he put it all into the bank -in Bob's hands?" asked the lawyer, who -thought it was about as smart a trick as he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_381'>381</span>ever heard of. "Perhaps he's got some of it -laid out somewhere."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, he ain't, because if he had he'd 'a' told -me. Now I want some of that money, if I -can get it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Um! Well, what do you expect me to -do about it?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I want you to get some of it for me," said -Joe, looking down at his clothes. "You can -see for yourself that I want a new shirt and -a new pair of breeches."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't see that you do," said the lawyer. -"Your clothes are about as good as mine. -There isn't a hole in them."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Winter is coming on, and I want some -thicker clothes than these to wear. It wouldn't -look well for me to go around wearing summer -clothes, for some of the boys might ask -me what I had been doing all the season."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The lawyer laughed loudly. It wouldn't -be hard work to tell what Joe had been doing -all summer. He was right where he could -borrow money of his wife when he needed it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I want you to understand that I -can't get any money for you," said Mr. Gibbons. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_382'>382</span>"You see, I didn't know anything -about this pearl until you told me just now, -consequently I had no hand in putting the -money in the bank. You will have to go to -the president and see what he has got to say -about it; though, to tell you the truth, it won't -do you any good."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, the president is a worse man than you -are," said Joe, in consternation. "I wouldn't -go to him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's the only thing you can do. You -see, they don't know that the money belongs -to Hank any more than I do. It is there to -Bob's credit, and Bob is the only one who can -get it. I don't see any other way for it but -for you to go to work."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I can't. The wound in my side bothers -me so that I don't know what my name is."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, then, there's the poor-house; you -can go to that by getting a commission—"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Poor-house! Not much I won't go -there."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I think myself that you will be safer in -trusting to your wife. They are pretty strict -in the poor-house."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_383'>383</span>"You just bet your life that I ain't a-going -there," said Joe, confidently. "But can't I -get none of this money?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Not out of me, you can't."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, I thought, as Bob's lawyer, you -would have something to do with it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I can't help you there. When Bob -comes home, which will be in the course of a -few months, then it will be easy for you—Halloo! -What's the matter?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't see why you always stick to that," -said Joe, impatiently.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Stick to what?" asked the lawyer, a dim -suspicion being awakened in his mind.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"About Bob's coming back. He'll be miles -under the sea before the time comes for him -to come back."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why of course he's coming back," said -the lawyer. "Haven't you heard about his -deserting at Cape Town? Well, he has, and -he'll be at home as quick as a clipper-ship can -bring him. Don't go."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I must. If you can't get any of that -money for me there's no use of my staying -here."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_384'>384</span>"Come to think of it," replied the lawyer, -"I wouldn't advise you to go near the president. -He might ask you what has become of -Bob, you know."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, human natur'! I don't know what -has become of Bob," returned Joe, opening -his eyes and trying hard to look surprised, -but all he succeeded in doing was to call guilt -to his face plainly enough.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I know you don't; but you will remember -that the J. W. Smart sailed from this -port the morning after Bob disappeared. You -recall that, don't you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I must be going. I am sorry you -can't give me any money."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"So am I, but you see I can't do it. Keep -away from the president; that's all you have -got to do."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe closed the door and went out, and the -lawyer resumed his old position, with his feet -upon the desk; but this time he did not have -that legal document in his hand.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That man has been up to something, and -I know it," said Mr. Gibbons. "The poor, -foolish fellow don't know enough about geography -<span class='pageno' id='Page_385'>385</span>to know that Bob hasn't had time to -reach Cape Town yet, being only one day at -sea; but, to my mind, he's had a hand in -sending him off. Now, what's to be done? -Of course he must have got something for it, -and I'll just watch him and see about the -money he spends. That will be rough on -Hank, won't it? Well, he knew he was -running the risk of States prison when he -tried it, and I don't know that he has anybody -to blame but himself."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe Lufkin walked away from the lawyer's -office like one in a dream. He did not dare -to lift his eyes to meet the gaze of anybody -who passed him on the streets, and consequently -he did not see his son Hank, who, by -dodging around the nearest corner, hid himself -in a doorway until his father had passed -out of sight. Then he came out and hurried -toward Mr. Gibbons's office, and he was -pretty nearly out of breath when he got -there. The lawyer hadn't got done thinking -about Joe when the door opened to admit -Hank.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Halloo, Hank!" exclaimed Mr. Gibbons. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_386'>386</span>"I was just wondering what had become of -you."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Has father been here?" asked Hank.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, yes, he has been here."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What did he want of you? Did he ask -you to draw some of that money for him?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hank, that was about the sharpest trick -you ever did," said Mr. Gibbons, laughing -outright. "Yes, he wanted me to draw some -of it for him; but I told him I couldn't do it. -The money is all in Bob's hands, and there it -will have to remain until Bob comes back."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am glad to hear you say that," said -Hank, who was immensely relieved. "You -see, mother and I got to wondering how in the -world he could have found it out, and it occurred -to me that, you being Bob's lawyer, he -would come to see you about it; so I came -down. He can't get any of it, can he?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know of any way in which he can. -The authorities at the bank don't know that -you are in any way interested in that money. -By the way, how did you happen to find that -pearl?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>Hank explained in a few words, adding -<span class='pageno' id='Page_387'>387</span>that Houston was in the store at the time Bob -called upon Mr. Vollar, and had heard all -that passed between them.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I believe that Houston is at the bottom of -this," said Hank. "He told me this morning, -while I was going after you, that there -was something he wanted to tell me about this -pearl, and when I came back I went to see -what it was. I supposed that Mr. Vollar had -paid me more than the pearl was worth, and I -wanted to give it back; but I could see that -the jeweller was very angry at Houston."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Whew!" whistled Mr. Gibbons. "Hank, -you are in a scrape all around."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's what I think. I gave the money -to Bob Nellis to put in the bank, and no one -but Leon Sprague and Ben Watson knew a -thing about it; but now I find that father's -got hold of it."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Did you intend to go to that stream and -gather some more pearls?" asked the lawyer.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes. That's what I intended to do."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And nobody knows where it is?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Not a living soul. I should have had -things all my own way."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_388'>388</span>"Well, Hank, you can rest easy. When -you go home you can tell your mother that your -father can't get the money, that you are the -only one who knows where that stream is, and -that I hope you will gather pearls enough to -make you as rich as Captain Nellis was. You -said that the money will have to remain in -Bob's hands till he comes back. When do -you expect him?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It may be months, for it takes a sailing -vessel a long time to go anywhere, but -he's coming," replied Hank, as if he felt -that to-morrow would be the time when he -could take Bob by the hand. "And I -shouldn't be surprised if he had his father -with him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's just what I think," replied the -lawyer, as Hank arose to his feet. "But I -don't see how he is going to find his father -aboard another vessel."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Stranger things than that have happened -in the world," replied Hank. "The Pacific -Ocean is mighty big, and there's a heap of -islands scattered around through it, but somehow -I am certain that they are going to come -<span class='pageno' id='Page_389'>389</span>back. Now, you just see what sort of a -prophet I am."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I hope your prediction will turn out true," -muttered the lawyer as Hank closed the door -and hastened down stairs. "But won't they -raise things if they do come back? Joe Lufkin, -it's my opinion that you will have to dig -out."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Hank went away from Mr. Gibbons's office -feeling very unlike his father, who went away -from there but a short time before. It is true -that he was at his rope's end. He would begin -now, just where he was before he found -that pearl to give into Bob's hands, but he -didn't care for that. He had always made a -living, and as long as he kept his health he -trusted to be able to do so.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Mother will have to go to work again, -and that's what I am troubled about. But -there is one thing, father isn't going to get -the money," said Hank, as he trudged along. -"I've got my nerve up, and I am going to -wait and see what he will have to say to me -when I get back."</p> - -<p class='c008'>But that was one thing he need not have -<span class='pageno' id='Page_390'>390</span>troubled his head about. His father sat in his -accustomed place, pipe a-going, but he was so -deeply interested in other matters that he never -moved out of the way when Hank entered the -house. The question that occupied the whole -of his mind was, How much did Mr. Gibbons -know about him? Did he know he had -knocked Bob down and sent him off to sea? -He did not know where Cape Town was.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hank," said he, arousing himself by an -effort, "whereabouts in the world is Cape -Town?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It is a long way from here—as much as -three or four thousand miles, probably."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, pshaw! Then that old Gibbons has -been fooling me," he added mentally. Then -aloud he said: "Then Bob will have plenty -of time to fall overboard before he reaches -there."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, of course he will. But Bob isn't -the kind to fall overboard. He's coming back -as sure as you live."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's neither here nor there. Mebbe -he'll come back, and mebbe he won't," said -Joe to himself. "But there is one thing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_391'>391</span>about it: Houston isn't going to get half the -pearls I make. Where is that stream you -found the pearls on, Hank?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It is up the country a piece, and I am going -to keep it to myself."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe went on with his smoking, but to himself -he added:</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I'll bet that about the time you get there -looking for more pearls I will be close at your -heels. You needn't think that because you -have money I am going to have none. So -Bob hasn't got to Cape Town yet. Then I -can rest easy on what money I have got."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe didn't go to bed at all that night, but -lay on the lounge, as he had done the night -before. Hank was up before the sun, but this -time he didn't have anything to say to his -father about being sick. He ate his breakfast -without saying much, and then put off, nobody -knew where, and Hank was left to talk -to his mother.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Now, you have got to begin your washing -again," said he. "That's what worries me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Never mind," said his mother. "You -think that Bob will come back some time, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_392'>392</span>then the money will be of just as much use to -us as though we had it now."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"If I could just find one more pearl I -would be satisfied," replied Hank. "But I -am almost afraid there isn't any more. Here's -that Houston. Mother, I know he is the -man that told father of it. He is the only -one who overheard what Mr. Vollar said to -Bob." And with the words he appeared at -the door to hear what Houston had to say, for -the man leaned upon the gate as if he was -afraid to venture in.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Good-morning," said Sam. "Is Mr. Lufkin -about?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, sir. He went away bright and early -this morning, and nobody knows where he has -gone."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Houston seemed surprised to hear it. -He looked up and down the street, and finally -moved away without saying another word. It -was evident that he would have to hunt for the -pearl-mine himself, for the sum he had received -from Mr. Vollar wasn't going to last him always. -He started back toward the village, -and ran onto Joe Lufkin almost before he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_393'>393</span>knew it. He seized Joe by the lapel of his coat -and pulled him into a doorway out of sight. -He knew that people would think it strange -of him to be seen talking to such a man.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Look here, Joe, what made you go off and -leave me so suddenly this morning?" said -Sam. "Have you been to see Gibbons about -that money?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, I have; and I won't go there again, -I bet you. He talked to me as though I -knew where Bob Nellis was. And he can't -give me any money, either."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What did I tell you? Now, the next -best thing you can do is to call upon the president -of the bank."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And I won't go there, either. He says if -I can't get along any other way I can go to -the poor-house."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, then, that thing is up stump, and -there's nothing left but for you and me to go -and hunt up that pearl-stream. I'll start -with you now, if you want to."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I ain't a-going to hunt up any pearl -streams," returned Joe. "I was up to a -stream this morning before you was up, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_394'>394</span>I couldn't see no signs of any pearls. You -can go and hunt them up if you have a mind -to, but I'll stay right here."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Going to give it up, are you?" said Sam, -in great disgust. "You had rather be here, -dependent on your wife, than to go and hunt -up some more for yourself."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I know what I am doing, and if you don't -just like my style you can go elsewhere," returned -Joe, defiantly. "All the pearls you -get up there you can stick in your eye."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe turned about and left him in the doorway, -and Sam, after gazing at him a moment -or two, turned and went, too, but in a different -direction. There was nothing left for him -now but to examine the streams for himself, -and this he determined to do before he had -eaten another meal at his boarding-house. He -went, and in less than half an hour after he -reached the first stream he wished that he was -safe back in Mr. Vollar's. Of all the cluttered-up -streams that he ever saw that was the -worst. There was no beach at all upon which -he could prosecute his search, but every foot -of the way seemed obstructed by logs and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_395'>395</span>drift-wood. But Sam was persevering, and -when night came he was ten miles from home -and as hungry as a wolf.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Hank never found any pearls in this -stream," said Sam, as he worked his way -through the brush toward the road. "It -must have been on some other one. Never -mind. There's more than one day coming, -and I'll find that stream yet. I am glad it is -dark," he muttered, looking down at his shoes -and clothes, "for I should be ashamed to be -seen going about the streets in this way. I -wouldn't feel so bad if I knew I had a stone -worth two hundred dollars in my pocket."</p> - -<p class='c008'>To make a long story short, Sam Houston -worked two weeks in this way, and never once -found a pearl or the sight of one. His land-lady -looked surprised when he came home -with his clothes all spattered with mud, and -a little more surprised when his week's board -became due and he said not a word about paying -it. In the meantime his shoes were giving -out—he had but one pair—and he did not -know where he was going to get any more. -He was getting pretty near desperate, and he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_396'>396</span>even thought of running away; but he soon -concluded that that wouldn't do, for where -was he going to run to? The small sum he -received from the jeweller had been spent -long ago, and it didn't do him any good, for -it all went for cigars. Finally, after passing -an almost sleepless night upon his bed, he got -up at daylight and went down to the store, -and there he found Mr. Vollar in the act of -sweeping out. The latter had not seen him -for some time, and he was astonished at his -appearance.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Halloo, Sam!" he exclaimed, as soon as -he had somewhat recovered himself. "How -goes the pearl business?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I want you to take me back," said Sam, -almost ready to cry. "The pearl business -don't go at all. I don't believe there is any -such thing out there."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Give it up as a bad job, have you? Well, -Sam, I have been expecting this—you see I -haven't got anybody to take your place—and -I will take you back on one condition: That -you will mind your own business in future."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I'll do it," said Sam. "Nobody shall -<span class='pageno' id='Page_397'>397</span>ever have occasion to complain of me from -this time on."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I will advance you enough to pay your -board and furnish you with new clothes, and -you can go right along here as though you -had been on a vacation. But mind you, Sam, -no dipping into my business."</p> - -<p class='c008'>And so it was settled that Sam got a new -outfit, and when he went home to breakfast -that morning he was dressed in a new suit of -clothes and paid his landlady the two weeks' -board that was due her. She never knew that -anything was wrong, for Mr. Vollar had solemnly -kept his promise.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I am all right," said Sam, as he hung his -hat up on its old nail and gazed after his employer, -who had just gone out to his meal. -"I don't care if some one finds a gold-mine -up there, Sam Houston will have no hand in -looking for it. I'll stay right here and take -my six dollars a week. I hope that everybody -will come out as slick as I did—all except Joe -Lufkin. I shall always think hard of him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Those two weeks that Sam Houston had -devoted to finding the pearls were enough to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_398'>398</span>bring everybody back to their old, legitimate -way of living; and so it run along for the nine -months that Bob was absent from Clifton. No -one heard a word from him, and almost everybody -thought he was dead—all except Mr. -Gibbons and Hank. They believed that he -would come back. The lawyer kept close -watch of Joe to see how much money he -spent, but Joe was very sly about it. If Joe -wanted a shirt or some tobacco, he took from -his buried bundle just the sum he wanted, -and no more, and Mr. Gibbons supposed he -was drawing on his wife. Leon Sprague went -to school and completed his course there, and -went to college; but it was a very different -school from what it was when Bob was there. -All the boys had heard what had become of -Bob, and wondered if they were ever going -to see him again. Gus Layton did not go -back to the academy, for the "benefit" the -boys had given him the last afternoon he -passed there still rung in his ears. He stayed -at home with his father, and as he had no one -to associate with, the life he led there was -monotonous in the extreme. He kept away -<span class='pageno' id='Page_399'>399</span>from Sam Houston, for he didn't want to hear -anything more about that codicil. His father -had told him that he had not touched the -will, and that was all Gus cared to know -about it. Mr. Layton bought him a pair of -high-stepping horses, which were far ahead -of the ponies he had lost, but no one seemed -to care a cent for him when he went out riding. -Mr. Jones had kindly offered to keep -the ponies for a year, Mr. Gibbons paying -their board in the meantime, and if, at the -end of that time, Bob did not make his appearance, -then something else was to be done -with them. Hank Lufkin was in a hard row -of stumps, indeed; but then it was no worse -than he had been in before. After a while he -renewed his efforts to find more pearls, but at -last he was impelled to give it up. Not a single -pearl did he find. Mr. Vollar called him into -the store and divided fifty dollars with him, and -Hank put that where he knew it would be safe.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Things went on in this way until one bright -spring morning there came a telegram to Mr. -Curtis, the president of the bank. It was -from San Francisco, and read as follows:</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_400'>400</span>"I will be with you next week. That codicil is a -fraud. Don't let Luther Layton have any more -money on my account. Let him and Joseph Lufkin -know about it, but don't attempt to arrest them -if they try to leave the village."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Curtis was wild with excitement. He -sent at once for his cashier, and showed him -the telegram.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I really wish they had been more explicit," -said he. "It is signed by Robert -Nellis, but it doesn't say whether he's the old -man or the boy. At any rate, you will let -Luther Layton have no more funds. He -will be down here some time to-day, for -he wants money to pay his hands with, -and you tell him that I want to see -him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Gus Layton came just before the hour of -closing up, and presented a check for one -hundred dollars. The cashier looked at it a -moment, and then remarked that Mr. Curtis -wanted to see his father.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He is sick," answered Gus. "He has -not been out of the house for several weeks."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, I guess you will do. Step back in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_401'>401</span>his private room. He will have something to -say to you before I cash this check."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Lost in wonder, Gas turned toward the -room in which the president was occupied, -and when he came out again he looked very -unlike the boy who had gone in there a few -moments before. He felt faint. The president -had shown him the telegram, and, furthermore, -it spoke about not arresting his -father if he attempted to leave the village. -That proved that his father had been -guilty of a violation of the law. Hardly -knowing what he did, he made his way -home, blundered into the library, where his -father was, and threw himself into the nearest -chair.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"There's your check, father," said Gus, -"and you can't have any more money. A -telegram has come from San Francisco this -morning, and it says the will is a fraud. You -may not have touched the will, but you -touched the codicil."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Layton settled back in his chair and -covered his face with his hands. It was all -out on him now.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_402'>402</span> - <h2 class='c003'>CHAPTER XXIII.<br />CONCLUSION.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>Never was there greater consternation -exhibited by a lot of mutineers than -was shown by the seven men on board the -Boston when Captain Nellis set his foot upon -the quarter-deck. He hadn't waited to receive -any greeting at all from the men who had -released him, but pushing them roughly aside -sprang up the stairs that led to the place -where he could breathe the air of freedom. -But when he got to the deck he stopped. He -gazed about him with an irresolute air, and -then seeing Bob, who had worked his way -around him to get an opportunity to look in -his face, he stretched out his hands toward -him; but before he could utter a sound he -reeled and fell senseless to the deck. Bob -jumped to his rescue at once, raised his head -and placed it upon his knee, while the tears -he could not repress coursed down his cheeks.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_403'>403</span>"What's to be done now?" he asked, looking -up in the second mate's face.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know the first thing about navigation -here," replied the officer. "Can you -take the vessel out?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, I cannot," replied Bob. "I never -was at sea before in my life."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Then we've got to wait for the captain; -that's all there is about it. Catch hold of -him, Ben, and we'll take him down and put -him in his bunk."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Only those who have engaged in mutiny on -board a ship can tell what the feelings of -those men were as they stood there on deck -and saw the man on whom they had depended -to navigate the vessel carried below. The captain -knew that something had been going on, -for he and his first officer were standing up -in their boats looking at the ship. She hadn't -yet slipped her anchor, but she was all ready -to do it when Captain Nellis came up to take -command. When the captain had been laid -away in his bunk the second mate came on -deck again and took his stand by the rail.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Don't look so despondent over it," said -<span class='pageno' id='Page_404'>404</span>he, addressing himself to the mutineers. -"There are seven men of us, and we can make -a lively fight if he forces it upon us. I will -do the talking."</p> - -<p class='c008'>By this time it became evident that the -captain was coming back. He came up in a -few minutes, and the second mate and Ben -passed the man-ropes down to him so that he -could easily climb aboard.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"What's the meaning of all this?" he asked, -gazing around him with flashing eyes. "Have -you been trying to get up a mutiny?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It means, sir, that we have had Captain -Nellis out of his state-room and had him up -here to command the vessel; but he is as -crazy as a loon," said the second mate. "This -here young man is a son of his."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"This young man here?" said the captain, -with a start of surprise. "Turn to, all hands, -and run up the boats. Bob, if you will go -below and attend to your father, I will be -down there and explain everything. Now, -where do you want me to go?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"To San Francisco," said Bob. "That's -the nearest port there is around here, and I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_405'>405</span>know if I could once get him there he would -be taken care of."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"All right. Now, men, as soon as we get -the ship under way I will make everything -clear to you. Turn to and do your duty."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob was dumfounded with this captain's -way of dealing with a mutiny. It was all -over in two minutes. The men turned to -with alacrity, and Bob, seeing them all at -work, bent his steps to the cabin to wait upon -his father. But he found that there was little -waiting to be done. Captain Nellis lay -upon his bunk in a deep stupor, and his face -was so pale and his breath came at such long -intervals that Bob began to think him past -such medicines as he had at hand. The only -thing he could do was to get the captain's -pitcher of water and bathe his face with it. -For a long time he kept water upon his face, -and then the captain stirred in his stupor, -opened his eyes, and looked at Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It's all right, Bob," said he, and the boy -could hardly repress a cry of joy when he -heard himself addressed in these familiar -words. "This ship is still on an even keel."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_406'>406</span>"Oh, father, have you come back to me?" -asked Bob, and he was so nearly overcome -that it was all he could do to keep from laying -his head beside his father's and going off in a -burst of tears.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Eh?" said the captain.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, yes, this ship will take you where -you want to go," said Bob. He did not dare -to say any more, for fear that he would say -too much.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, you are here now and I will go to -sleep," said the captain. "Be sure and -waken me up when we touch Clifton."</p> - -<p class='c008'>So saying the captain turned over, and he -put as much strength into the manœuver as a -well man could, and composed himself to -sleep. Bob was electrified. He did not know -what to do about it. He wished that Ben -Watson would come down, so that he could -tell him that his father had come to in his -right mind and that he had spoken to him, -but while he was thinking about it the captain -came down.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Bob, this is the first time I have met you, -and I am glad to see you here," said the officer, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_407'>407</span>extending his hand. "You look better. -Has something happened?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, sir," said Bob, joyfully. "My father -has come to and has spoken my name."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's what I thought he would do," said -the captain, and his joy was almost as boundless -as Bob's. "He hasn't slept any to speak -of since he has been aboard the ship."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Now, I want to know what made you -bring him away out here when you knew he -was crazy," said Bob. "You picked him up -ten miles out at sea."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The captain's story was a short one, and he -told it in a way that convinced Bob of its -truthfulness. When he picked Captain Nellis -up at sea he didn't know that he was the -owner of the ship in which he sailed. The -storm was so great that for three or four days -he had to be on deck most of the time, and -the captain, being insensible when brought -aboard, was put into a bunk in the forecastle. -When the storm began to abate some -of the forecastle hands began telling him what -the castaway said, and then he went down and -looked at him.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_408'>408</span>"I never was more surprised in my life than -I was when I found that I had Captain Nellis -aboard," said the captain. "Of course, I had -him carried back to my state-room, but I was -too far gone on my voyage to take him back. -I thought I would put him off at the Azores, -and write somebody at home where they could -find him; but when I came up there I found -that they had no place for him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The captain then went on to say that he -was put to his wits' end to know what to do -with the man, for he began to grow unruly and -to talk about coming on deck to take charge -of the vessel, so he had to confine him in a -state-room. He next decided upon an asylum -at Cape Town, but when he got there he -found that the insane patients were so meanly -treated that he couldn't bear the thought of -leaving him there alone, and so he took him -to sea again, hoping that the fresh air and some -medicine which he had received from a doctor -at Cape Town would do for him what the asylum -might do if had been allowed to remain -there. But nothing seemed to benefit the -captain.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_409'>409</span>"Your men knew that you had him on -board?" said Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, and they thought I was to blame for -all of it. The threats have come to my ears -that if I didn't let him out they would take -the ship. But mercy knows I was doing the -best I could for him. I intended as soon as I -got my cargo here to put for home. I was -afraid the crazy man might die on my hands. -Now you have my story. The men are not -entirely satisfied with it, and you will help -me and make the voyage smoother if you go -amongst them."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I will do it," said Bob. "You are certain -you do not intend to take any revenge on -them for their mutiny?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, no. I saw through it all, and I knew -that the thing could be easily settled. Perhaps -you had better speak to them about that. -The mutineers are gaining others as fast as -they can talk to them."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I would like to have Ben Watson sent -down here to relieve me," said Bob. "Somebody -ought to be with father the whole time."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The captain replied that he would go himself. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_410'>410</span>He got upon his feet and went on deck, -and in a few minutes old Ben came down. -He was very much distressed for his captain, -and he wanted to have a good look at him before -he said a word to Bob.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"He came to himself, and pronounced my -name all right," said Bob. "You must be -careful what you say to him when he awakes. -He thinks he is a few miles from Clifton."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Say," said Ben, who was overjoyed to hear -this; "you didn't think you would see your -father this trip, did you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"No, nor you didn't think so, either. You -made that up just to have something to say. -But, Ben, how do the men feel in regard to -the mutiny?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Well, we have brought all of them to our -way of thinking," replied Ben. "They say -that if the captain doesn't take the ship to -San Francisco they will take it themselves, -and put the first mate in command."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That will never do. I must go up and -talk to them. There is not one captain in a -hundred who would deal with a mutiny in the -way this captain did. He would have shot -<span class='pageno' id='Page_411'>411</span>some of us down and had the rest in double-irons."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob took just one look at his father and -then went on deck and mingled with the men. -As fast as he could get three or four around -him he talked to them, and the consequence -was that in less than half an hour he brought -all the sailors to side with him. They believed -that the ship was going to San Francisco, -and with that they were satisfied.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Things went on in this way for thirty-six -hours, and still the captain slept. Bob was -attending to him when the captain awoke. He -did not know it at once, for his gaze was fastened -upon another part of the cabin; but when -he turned to look at his father his eyes were -opened, and a smile of intelligence overspread -his face. The long, refreshing sleep he had -enjoyed, together with the medicine the doctor -at Cape Town had given him, worked -wonders in his case.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Bob, how are you?" asked the captain, -and his hand came out; but it was pale and -emaciated, and it shook considerably.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, father!" exclaimed Bob, with tears -<span class='pageno' id='Page_412'>412</span>of gratitude in his eyes. "You have come to -yourself all right, haven't you?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, yes, I am all right," said the captain. -"But it is a wonder that storm was not the -death of me. How far are we away from -Clifton?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"We are quite a little distance from there -yet," said Bob. "Now, father, you mustn't -talk any more. You may keep still and think -all you have a mind to."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I know, but that does not hit my case," -said the captain, with a smile. "I seem to -think that something has been going on here—something -which feels to me like a dream. -I think that I am in foreign parts, and that -I have got a long ways to sail in order to get -home."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That's the result of that storm you were -out in. But you mustn't think anything more -about it. I am here with you, and you are -perfectly safe."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, I know I am safe. But what ship is -this?"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"It is the Boston."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"And Captain Morris is in command? -<span class='pageno' id='Page_413'>413</span>That's all right. Go and tell the captain I -want to see him."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob knew by the way the words were -uttered that it was intended for a command, -and he lost no time in going on deck. He -found the captain planking the weather side, -keeping a sharp eye on the sails, and to him -Bob carried his news with a face that was -beaming with pleasure. He told him that -Captain Nellis believed he was in foreign -parts, and that he had a long distance to sail -before he could reach home, and cautioned -the captain to be careful what he said. Captain -Morris went down and held a long interview -with the owner of the vessel, but Bob -thought, from the expression of his eyes, that -he was suspicious. However, he said nothing -until afternoon, when Bob lay down to sleep -and old Ben Watson came in to wait on him. -Then he straightened up in his bed and told -Ben to shut the door.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't mean the door of this state-room, -for that has been of but little use since you -fellows used an axe on it to get me out," said -the captain. "I want you to shut the door -<span class='pageno' id='Page_414'>414</span>of the cabin, so that our voices will not be -heard by those on deck."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"But, Captain," began Ben.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Shut the door!" said Mr. Nellis. "Now," -he added, when Ben reluctantly complied, "I -want you to go to work and tell me everything -that has happened since I came aboard this -ship. You are not like Bob, who thinks I -can't stand it. Go on, now."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ben, who didn't know how to refuse an -order, drew a long breath, and began and told -the captain everything that had transpired -since that memorable day when he went out -duck-hunting in his boat. He told him that -he was picked up ten miles out at sea, that he -was insensible when he was brought aboard, -and that he had been out of his head all that -time since. Then he came to Bob Nellis's -going home, and told how Mr. Layton had -informed him that a codicil had been added -to his father's will which left him his ponies -and sailboat; and when he got that far Captain -Nellis doubled his fist up and his face expressed -the utmost anger.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"My will had no codicil!" said he. "Layton -<span class='pageno' id='Page_415'>415</span>made it up himself. The only time that -I can think of when Layton could have made -up that clause to my will was when he found -that this ship had picked me up and carried -me out to sea. Then he went to my room, got -the will, and added the codicil. Oh, the ingratitude -of man! And so he took it all, did -he? I should think, from the way I treated -that boy of his, that he might have been a -little easier on Bob. Well, go on."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I think, Capt'n," began Ben, who judged -that he had said enough, "that we had better -quit. Bob will tell you the rest."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Go on!" said the captain. "There's more -happened after that. How did you and Bob -come here? That boy promised me that he -wouldn't go to sea, no matter what happened."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ben didn't have so much compunction of -conscience in going on with the rest of his -story. He told how Joe Lufkin had knocked -him down and taken him on board the J. -W. Smart; and the worst of it was, he didn't -mention Barlow's name at all. He laid it all -to Joe. When the next morning came and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_416'>416</span>he woke up with a splitting headache, he was -surprised to find Bob there also. They had -deserted the Smart on some island, and had -there found an English trader, with a crew -of Malays; but the drunken captain forgot -himself and brought on a mutiny, and Bob -and the darky and himself had been put into -a small boat and happened by chance to run -onto the island where the Boston was moored.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Yes, I remember that, and it was the first -glimpse of reason I had," said Captain Nellis. -"Ben, I am surprised at you. You stand still -and let a man like Joe Lufkin knock you -down!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"The matter ain't settled yet," said Ben, -baring his brawny arms. "You just wait -until I get Joe ashore, and see if I don't pound -the daylights out of him!"</p> - -<p class='c008'>"That may all be, but I don't think you -will catch him ashore. Now, Ben, bring me -my clothes."</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Oh, what will Bob say to me?" faltered -Ben, amazed at the proposition. "He is -going to kill me now for telling you this -story."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_417'>417</span>"Bob won't say anything while I am -around. Bring me my clothes."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ben brought the clothes, and with sundry -protests proceeded to help his captain dress. -He watched him while he washed his hands and -face and brushed his hair, and when his toilet -was completed he felt a thrill of pride when -he looked at him. It was his old commander, -sure enough.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Now, Ben, I want you to go ahead of -me with a chair and place it where I can see -everything that is going on," said the captain. -"I haven't forgotten that I used to -command this vessel once myself."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Great was the astonishment on the deck of -the Boston when Captain Nellis appeared. He -shook hands with all the officers, and finally -turned to Sweet, whom he greeted cordially.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Captain, I don't want to interfere with -your business at all—I am not here for that -purpose; but don't you think you can get -studding-sails on her and make her go through -the water a little livelier?" said Captain Nellis. -"There's a heap of money depending on -this."</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_418'>418</span>The captain gave the order, and in an instant -the men were at work, and the captain sat -there and watched them, as he had done when -he had charge of the ship. The invigorating -air brought the flush of health to his cheeks, -and it was not very long before he left his -chair and began pacing the deck with Captain -Morris. He stayed there until Bob had -his sleep out and came upon deck. To say he -was surprised would not half express his -feelings; but he ordered the captain down below -after he had been there awhile, and his -father was ready to comply with his demands. -After that the captain was on deck nearly -every day, and at last, to his immense relief, -the headlights of the entrance of the Golden -Gate appeared in sight. It was two days before -they came to anchor, and then Bob posted -off with that telegram which was to create -such an uproar in the village.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The next day his father went ashore to -visit some of the merchants with whom he had -done business, for it will be remembered that -he had no money. The merchants were all -very glad to see him, listened with amazement -<span class='pageno' id='Page_419'>419</span>when he told his story, and freely offered the -funds he needed to take him home. They -offered to take him as a guest, for Captain -Nellis had been pretty well known when he -did business on the water; but he remembered -how long he had been absent from home, and -said that his affairs demanded his attention -immediately; so the next train that steamed -away from San Francisco took Bob and his -father with it. Ben Watson went, too; nor -must we forget the sailor, Sweet, and the old -"doctor," who brought him his food when he -was confined in his state-room.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"I don't know what has become of my cook," -said Captain Nellis. "He has probably gone -to sea, as I wasn't there to look out for him, and -I may never set eyes on him again; but I -shall want some skouse and dough-boy, and I -don't know anybody who can fix them up -better than the doctor. I guess I had better -take him with me."</p> - -<p class='c008'>The journey to Baltimore was made without -trouble, and then they boarded the little -steamer Abbie, which was to land them at the -watering-place.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_420'>420</span>"There is Mr. Gibbons, Mr. Jones, Mr. -Curtis, the president of the bank—in fact, -everybody is there to welcome us," said Bob, -as he stood regarding the crowd on the wharf -through his father's binoculars. "But who is -that fellow in a blue uniform? I don't know -him, but he must know some of us, for he is -constantly waving his handkerchief."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob gave his binoculars up to Ben Watson, -ran down the stairs, and took his stand beside -the men who were getting ready to shove the -gang-plank out. As soon as he saw that he -could clear the space that intervened between -the boat and the dock he gave a tremendous -jump, and landed fairly in the arms of Mr. -Gibbons. He spent a few minutes in talking -to him, and then turned to the boy in blue, -whom he found out to be Hank Lufkin.</p> - -<p class='c008'>"Why, Hank, how is this?" said he, setting -down the boy after he had picked him up -and whirled him around two or three times. -"You must have been having luck since I -have been away."</p> - -<p class='c008'>Hank made some reply—we shall tell all -about it in the concluding volume of this -<span class='pageno' id='Page_421'>421</span>series—and then conducted Bob to the place -where lay a ten ton cutter, which he said belonged -to him. Bob was astonished, but he -and his party got in and rode home with Hank. -He was still more amazed at some other -things Hank had to tell him. Mr. Layton -and all their other enemies had disappeared, -and they had nothing to do but to enjoy -themselves in the old way. They were glad -to get home.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe Lufkin's piratical scheme was not -dead yet; but before we tell about it we -must interrupt the thread of our story long -enough to tell about Leon Sprague's war record. -Although he was only twenty-two years old -he had passed through some rough times. It -made him and his father rich, too; and what -he did during the war, and how he came out -of it, shall be told in <span class='sc'>A Rebellion in Dixie</span>.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_423'>423</span><span class='sc'>The Famous Castlemon Books.</span></div> - <div>BY</div> - <div><span class='sc'>Harry</span></div> - <div><span class='sc'>Castlemon</span>.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/i_428.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>Specimen Cover of the Gunboat<br />Series.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'><span class='small'>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."</span></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>Any volume sold separately.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>GUNBOAT SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>By Harry Castlemon.</p> - -<p class='c008'>6 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box $7 50</p> - -<p class='c008'>Frank, the Young Naturalist 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Frank in the Woods 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Frank on the Prairie 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Frank on a Gunboat 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Frank before Vicksburg 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Frank on the Lower Mississippi 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_424'>424</span>GO AHEAD SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>By Harry Castlemon</p> - -<p class='c008'> 3 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box $3 75</p> - -<p class='c008'>Go Ahead; or, The Fisher Boy's Motto 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>No Moss; or, The Career of a Rolling Stone 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Tom Newcombe; or, The Boy of Bad Habits 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>By Harry Castlemon.</p> - -<p class='c008'>3 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box $3 75</p> - -<p class='c008'>Frank at Don Carlos' Rancho 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Frank among the Rancheros 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Frank in the Mountains 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>SPORTSMAN'S CLUB SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>By Harry Castlemon. 3 vols.,</p> - -<p class='c008'>12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box $3 75</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Sportsman's Club in the Saddle 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Sportsman's Club Afloat 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Sportsman's Club among the Trappers 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>FRANK NELSON SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>By Harry Castlemon. -3 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box $3 75</p> - -<p class='c008'>Snowed Up; or, The Sportsman's Club in the Mts 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Frank Nelson in the Forecastle; or, The Sportsman's -Club among the Whalers 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Boy Traders; or, The Sportsman's Club among -the Boers 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>BOY TRAPPER SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>By Harry Castlemon.</p> - -<p class='c008'>3 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box $3 75</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Buried Treasure; or, Old Jordan's "Haunt" 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Boy Trapper; or, How Dave Filled the Order 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Mail Carrier 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_425'>425</span>ROUGHING IT SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>By Harry Castlemon.</p> - -<p class='c008'>3 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box $3 75</p> - -<p class='c008'>George in Camp; or, Life on the Plains 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>George at the Wheel; or, Life in a Pilot House 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>George at the Fort; or, Life Among the Soldiers 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>ROD AND GUN SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>By Harry Castlemon.</p> - -<p class='c008'>3 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box $3 75</p> - -<p class='c008'>Don Gordon's Shooting Box 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Rod and Gun 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Young Wild Fowlers 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>FOREST AND STREAM SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>By Harry Castlemon.</p> - -<p class='c008'>3 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box $3 75</p> - -<p class='c008'>Joe Wayring at Home; or, Story of a Fly Rod 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Snagged and Sunk; or, The Adventures of a Canvas -Canoe 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Steel Horse; or, The Rambles of a Bicycle 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>WAR SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>By Harry Castlemon.</p> - -<p class='c008'>4 vols., 2mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box 5 00</p> - -<p class='c008'>True to his Colors 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Rodney, the Partisan 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Marcy, the Blockade Runner 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Marcy, the Refugee 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>OUR FELLOWS;</div> - <div>or, Skirmishes with the Swamp Dragoons.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>By Harry Castlemon.</p> - -<p class='c008'>16mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_426'>426</span><span class='sc'>Alger's Renowned Books.</span></div> - <div class='c001'>By</div> - <div class='c001'><span class='sc'>Horatio Alger, Jr.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/i_431.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>Specimen Cover of the Ragged<br />Dick Series.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'><span class='small'>Horatio Alger, Jr., has attained distinction as one of the most popular -writers of books for boys, and the following list comprises all of his best -books.</span></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>Any volume sold separately.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>RAGGED DICK SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</p> - -<p class='c008'>6 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box $7 50</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ragged Dick; or, Street Life in New York 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Fame and Fortune; or, The Progress of Richard -Hunter 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mark, the Match Boy; or, Richard Hunter's Ward 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Rough and Ready; or, Life among the New York -Newsboys 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ben, the Luggage Boy; or, Among the Wharves 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Rufus and Rose; or, the Fortunes of Rough and -Ready 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>TATTERED TOM SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>(<span class='sc'>First Series.</span>)</p> - -<p class='c008'>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</p> - -<p class='c008'>4 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box 5 00</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_427'>427</span>Tattered Tom; or, The Story of a Street Arab 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Paul, the Peddler; or, The Adventures of a Young -Street Merchant 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Phil, the Fiddler; or, The Young Street Musician 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Slow and Sure; or, From the Sidewalk to the Shop 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>TATTERED TOM SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>(<span class='fss'>SECOND SERIES.</span>)</p> - -<p class='c008'>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</p> - -<p class='c008'>4 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box $5 00</p> - -<p class='c008'>Julius; or the Street Boy Out West 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Young Outlaw; or, Adrift in the World 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Sam's Chance and How He Improved it 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Telegraph Boy 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>(<span class='fss'>FIRST SERIES.</span>)</p> - -<p class='c008'>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</p> - -<p class='c008'> 4 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box $5 00</p> - -<p class='c008'>Luck and Pluck; or John Oakley's Inheritance 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Sink or Swim; or, Harry Raymond's Resolve 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Strong and Steady; or, Paddle Your Own Canoe 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Strive and Succeed; or, The Progress of Walter -Conrad 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>(<span class='sc'>SECOND Series.</span>)</p> - -<p class='c008'>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</p> - -<p class='c008'>3 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box $5 00</p> - -<p class='c008'>Try and Trust; or, The Story of a Bound Boy 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bound to Rise; or Harry Walton's Motto 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Risen from the Ranks; or, Harry Walton's Success 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Herbert Carter's Legacy; or, The Inventor's Son 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>CAMPAIGN SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</p> - -<p class='c008'>3 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box $3 75</p> - -<p class='c008'>Frank's Campaign; or, The Farm and the Camp 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Paul Prescott's Charge 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Charlie Codman's Cruise 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_428'>428</span>BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</p> - -<p class='c008'>4 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box $5 00</p> - -<p class='c008'>Brave and Bold; or, The Story of a Factory Boy 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Jack's Ward; or, The Boy Guardian 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Shifting for Himself; or, Gilbert Greyson's Fortunes - 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Wait and Hope; or, Ben Bradford's Motto 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>PACIFIC SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</p> - -<p class='c008'>4 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box $5 00</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Young Adventurer; or, Tom's Trip Across -the Plains 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Young Miner; or, Tom Nelson in California 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Young Explorer; or, Among the Sierras 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ben's Nugget; or, A Boy's Search for Fortune. A -Story of the Pacific Coast 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>ATLANTIC SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</p> - -<p class='c008'>4 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box $5 00</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Young Circus Rider; or, The Mystery of -Robert Rudd 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Do and Dare; or, A Brave Boy's Fight for Fortune 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Hector's Inheritance; or, Boys of Smith Institute 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Helping Himself; or, Grant Thornton's Ambition 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>WAY TO SUCCESS SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</p> - -<p class='c008'>4 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box $5 00</p> - -<p class='c008'>Bob Burton 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Store Boy 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Luke Walton 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Struggling Upward 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='sc'>New Book by Alger.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>DIGGING FOR GOLD.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>By Horatio Alger, Jr.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Illustrated 12mo. Cloth, black, red and gold 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_429'>429</span><span class='sc'>A New Series of Books.</span></div> - <div class='c001'><span class='sc'>Indian Life and Character</span></div> - <div><span class='sc'>Founded on</span></div> - <div><span class='sc'>Historical Facts.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id004'> -<img src='images/i_434.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>Specimen Cover of the Wyoming<br />Series.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>By Edward S. Ellis.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>Any volume sold separately.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>BOY PIONEER SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>By Edward S. Ellis.</p> - -<p class='c008'>3 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box $3 75</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ned in the Block House; or, Life on the Frontier 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ned in the Woods. A Tale of the Early Days in -the West 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ned on the River 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>DEERFOOT SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>By Edward S. Ellis.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Containing the following. 3 vols., 12mo. Illustrated</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box $3 75</p> - -<p class='c008'>Hunters of the Ozark 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Camp in the Mountains 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Last War Trail 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>LOG CABIN SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>By Edward S. Ellis.</p> - -<p class='c008'>3 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box $3 75</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_430'>430</span>Lost Trail $1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Camp-Fire and Wigwam 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Footprints in the Forest 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>WYOMING SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>By Edward S. Ellis.</p> - -<p class='c008'>3 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box $3 75</p> - -<p class='c008'>Wyoming 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Storm Mountain 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Cabin in the Clearing 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='sc'>New Books</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'><span class='sc'>by Edward S. Ellis.</span></p> - -<p class='c008'>Through Forest and Fire. 12mo. Cloth 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>On the Trail of the Moose. 12mo. Cloth 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>By C. A. Stephens.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='small'>Rare books for boys—bright, breezy, wholesome and instructive; full of -adventure and incident, and information upon natural history. They blend -instruction with amusement—contain much useful and valuable information -upon the habits of animals, and plenty of adventure, fun and jollity.</span></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>CAMPING OUT SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>By C. A. Stephens.</p> - -<p class='c008'>6 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box $7 50</p> - -<p class='c008'>Camping Out. As recorded by "Kit" 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Left on Labrador; or The Cruise of the Schooner -Yacht "Curfew." As recorded by "Wash" 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Off to the Geysers; or, The Young Yachters in Iceland. -As recorded by "Wade" 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Lynx Hunting. From Notes by the author of -"Camping Out" 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Fox Hunting. As recorded by "Raed" 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>On the Amazon; or, The Cruise of the "Rambler." -As recorded by "Wash" 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>By J. T. Trowbridge.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='small'>These stories will rank among the best of Mr. Trowbridge's books -for the young—and he has written some of the best of our juvenile -literature.</span></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>JACK HAZARD SERIES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>By J. T. Trowbridge.</p> - -<p class='c008'>6 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In box $7 50</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_431'>431</span>Jack Hazard and His Fortunes $1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>A Chance for Himself; or, Jack Hazard and his -Treasure 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Doing His Best 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Fast Friends 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Young Surveyor; or, Jack on the Prairies 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Lawrence's Adventures Among the Ice Cutters, -Glass Makers, Coal Miners, Iron Men and Ship -Builders 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>—GOOD BOOKS—</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>Suitable for Girls between the Ages of 12 and 15.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ways and Means. A Story for girls.</p> - -<p class='c008'>By Margaret Vandegrift.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With four illustrations. 12mo. Cloth, extra 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Queen's Body-Guard. 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Cloth, extra, brown and gold 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Helen Glenn; or, My Mother's Enemy.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A Story for Girls</p> - -<p class='c008'>By Lucy C. Lillie.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Illustrated with eight illustrations.</p> - -<p class='c008'>12mo. Cloth, extra 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Squire's Daughter.</p> - -<p class='c008'>By Lucy C. Lillie.</p> - -<p class='c008'>12mo. Illustrated. Cloth, extra 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>For Honor's Sake.</p> - -<p class='c008'>By Lucy C. Lillie.</p> - -<p class='c008'>12mo. Illustrated. Cloth, extra 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Marion Berkley. A Story for Girls.</p> - -<p class='c008'>By Lizzie B. Comins (Laura Caxton).</p> - -<p class='c008'>12mo. Illustrated. Cloth, extra, brown and gold 1 25</p> - -<p class='c008'>Hartwell Farm. A Story for Girls.</p> - -<p class='c008'>By Lizzie B. Comins (Laura Caxton).</p> - -<p class='c008'>12mo. Illustrated. Cloth, extra, brown and gold 1 25</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_432'>432</span>THE HANDSOMEST AND CHEAPEST GIFT BOOKS.</div> - <div class='c001'>The "Bells" Series.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'><span class='small'>The "BELLS" Series has been undertaken by the publishers with a -view to issue original illustrated poems of a high character, at a -price within the reach of all classes.</span></p> - -<p class='c008'>Small 4to $1 50</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ivory surface 1 50</p> - -<p class='c008'>Embossed calf, gilt edges 1 50</p> - -<p class='c008'>GEMS FROM TENNYSON.</p> - -<p class='c008'>By <span class='sc'>Alfred Tennyson</span>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Elegantly illustrated by Hammatt Billings.</p> - -<p class='c008'>BEAUTIES OF TENNYSON.</p> - -<p class='c008'>By <span class='sc'>Alfred Tennyson</span>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Elegantly illustrated with twenty engravings, from -original drawings by Frederic B. Schell.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Beautifully printed on the finest plate paper.</p> - -<p class='c008'>FROM GREENLAND'S ICY MOUNTAINS.</p> - -<p class='c008'>By <span class='sc'>Bishop Heber</span>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Elegantly illustrated with twenty-two engravings, from -original drawings by Frederic B. Schell.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Beautifully printed on the finest plate paper.</p> - -<p class='c008'>LADY CLARE.</p> - -<p class='c008'>By <span class='sc'>Alfred Tennyson</span></p> - -<p class='c008'>Elegantly illustrated with twenty-two engravings, -from original drawings by Alfred Fredericks, F. S. Church, Harry Fenn, -F. B. Schell, E. P. Garret and Granville Perkins.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Beautifully printed on the finest plate paper.</p> - -<p class='c008'>THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS.</p> - -<p class='c008'>By <span class='sc'>Clement C. Moore</span>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Never before has this popular poem—a favorite with both the old and -the young—been presented in such a beautiful dress. It is elegantly -illustrated with twenty-two engravings, from original drawings by -F. B. Schell, W. T. Smedley, A. Fredericks and H. R. Poore.</p> - -<p class='c008'>BINGEN ON THE RHINE.</p> - -<p class='c008'>By <span class='sc'>Caroline E. Norton</span>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Elegantly illustrated with twenty-two engravings, -from original drawings by W. T. Smedley, F. B. Schell, A. -Fredericks, Granville Perkins and E. P. Garrett.</p> - -<p class='c008'>THE BELLS.</p> - -<p class='c008'>By <span class='sc'>Edgar Allan Poe</span>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Elegantly illustrated with twenty-two engravings, -from original drawings by F. O. C. Darley, A. Fredericks, Granville -Perkins and others.</p> - -<p class='c008'>THE DESERTED VILLAGE.</p> - -<p class='c008'>By <span class='sc'>Oliver Goldsmith</span>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Elegantly illustrated with thirty-five engravings, -from drawings by Hammatt Billings.</p> - -<p class='c008'>THE COTTER'S SATURDAY NIGHT.</p> - -<p class='c008'>By <span class='sc'>Robert Burns</span>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Elegantly illustrated with fifty engravings, from drawings -by Chapman.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_433'>433</span><i>Standard Histories.</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>History of England, from the Accession of -James the Second.</p> - -<p class='c008'>By Thomas Babington Macaulay.</p> - -<p class='c008'><i>Standard edition.</i></p> - -<p class='c008'>With a steel portrait -of the author. Printed from new electrotype plates -from the last English edition. Being by far the most -correct edition in the American market. 5 vols.,</p> - -<p class='c008'>12mo. Cloth, extra, per set $5 00</p> - -<p class='c008'>Sheep, marbled edges, per set 7 50</p> - -<p class='c008'>Half Russia (imitation), marbled edges 7 50</p> - -<p class='c008'>Half calf, gilt 10 00</p> - -<p class='c008'>History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman -Empire.</p> - -<p class='c008'>By Edward Gibbon. With notes by Rev. -H. H. Milman. <i>Standard edition.</i> To which is -added a complete Index of the work. A new edition -from entirely new stereotype plates. With portrait on -steel.</p> - -<p class='c008'>5 vols., 12mo. Cloth, extra, per set 5 00</p> - -<p class='c008'>Sheep, marbled edges, per set 7 50</p> - -<p class='c008'>Half Russia (imitation), marbled edges, per set 7 50</p> - -<p class='c008'>Half calf, gilt, per set 10 00</p> - -<p class='c008'>History of England, from the Invasion of -Julius Cæsar to the Abdication of James -the Second, 1688. By David Hume. <i>Standard -edition.</i> With the author's last corrections and improvements, -to which is prefixed a short account of his -life, written by himself. With a portrait on steel. A -new edition from entirely new stereotype plates.</p> - -<p class='c008'>5 vols., 12mo. Cloth, extra, per set 5 00</p> - -<p class='c008'>Sheep, marbled edges, per set 7 50</p> - -<p class='c008'>Half Russia (imitation), marbled edges, per set 7 50</p> - -<p class='c008'>Half calf, gilt 10 00</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_434'>434</span>Miscellaneous.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>A Dictionary of the Bible.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Comprising its Antiquities, -Biography, Geography, Natural History and -Literature. Edited by William Smith, LL.D. Revised -and adapted to the present use of Sunday-school -Teachers and Bible Students by Revs. F. N. and -M. A. Peloubet. With eight colored maps and 440 -engravings on wood.</p> - -<p class='c008'>8vo. Cloth, extra $2 00</p> - -<p class='c008'>Sheep, marbled edges 3 00</p> - -<p class='c008'>Half morocco, gilt top 3 50</p> - -<p class='c008'>History of the Civil War in America.</p> - -<p class='c008'>By the Comte de Paris.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Translated with the approval of the -author. With maps faithfully engraved from the originals, -and printed in three colors. 8vo.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Cloth, extra, per vol 3 50</p> - -<p class='c008'>Red cloth, extra, Roxburgh style, uncut edges, per vol 3 50</p> - -<p class='c008'>Sheep, library style, per vol 4 50</p> - -<p class='c008'>Half Turkey morocco, per vol 6 00</p> - -<p class='c008'>Volumes I, II, III and IV now ready, put up in a neat -box, or any volume sold separately.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Battle of Gettysburg.</p> - -<p class='c008'>By the Comte de Paris. With maps.</p> - -<p class='c008'>8vo. Cloth, extra 1 50</p> - -<p class='c008'>Comprehensive Biographical Dictionary.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Embracing accounts of the most eminent persons of all -ages, nations and professions. By E. A. Thomas.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Crown 8vo.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Cloth, extra, gilt top 2 50</p> - -<p class='c008'>Sheep, marbled edges 3 00</p> - -<p class='c008'>Half morocco, gilt top 3 50</p> - -<p class='c008'>Half Russia, gilt top 4 50</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Amateur Photographer.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A manual of photographic -manipulations intended especially for beginners -and amateurs, with suggestions as to the choice of -apparatus and of processes. By Ellerslie Wallace, -Jr., M.D. New edition, with two new chapters on -paper negatives and microscopic photography. 12mo.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Limp morocco, sprinkled edges 1 00</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c003'>Transcriber's Note</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>The original spelling and punctuation have been retained. -Except were noted.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Variations in hyphenation and compound words have been -preserved.</p> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's A Sailor in Spite of Himself, by Harry Castlemon - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A SAILOR IN SPITE OF HIMSELF *** - -***** This file should be named 54741-h.htm or 54741-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/4/7/4/54741/ - -Produced by David Edwards, readbueno 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 public domain print editions 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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