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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 56973 ***
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Oliver Resents his Step-brother's Interference.]
+
+
+  ADRIFT IN THE CITY
+
+  OR
+
+  _OLIVER CONRAD'S PLUCKY FIGHT_
+
+
+  BY
+
+  HORATIO ALGER, JR.
+
+  AUTHOR OF "RAGGED DICK" SERIES, "TATTERED TOM" SERIES, "LUCK AND PLUCK"
+  SERIES
+
+  THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.
+  PHILADELPHIA
+  CHICAGO TORONTO
+
+
+
+
+  COPYRIGHT, 1895,
+
+  BY
+
+  PORTER & COATES.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+  CHAPTER                                                       PAGE
+
+       I. TWO YOUNG ENEMIES,                                       1
+
+      II. OPEN REVOLT,                                            10
+
+     III. THE YOUNG RIVALS,                                       18
+
+      IV. MR. KENYON'S SECRET,                                    28
+
+       V. MR. KENYON'S RESOLVE,                                   37
+
+      VI. MR. KENYON'S CHANGE OF BASE,                            46
+
+     VII. ROLAND'S DISCOMFITURE,                                  55
+
+    VIII. A DANGEROUS LETTER,                                     64
+
+      IX. OLIVER'S MOTHER,                                        73
+
+       X. THE ROYAL LUNATIC,                                      82
+
+      XI. HOW THE LETTER WAS MAILED,                              92
+
+     XII. OLIVER'S JOURNEY,                                       97
+
+    XIII. MR. KENYON'S PLANS FOR OLIVER,                         102
+
+     XIV. A STORE IN THE BOWERY,                                 111
+
+      XV. JOHN'S COURTSHIP,                                      120
+
+     XVI. THE CONSPIRACY,                                        129
+
+    XVII. OLIVER LOSES HIS PLACE,                                135
+
+   XVIII. OLIVER, THE OUTCAST,                                   143
+
+     XIX. A STRANGE ACQUAINTANCE,                                147
+
+      XX. A TERRIBLE SITUATION,                                  156
+
+     XXI. ROLAND IS SURPRISED,                                   165
+
+    XXII. OLIVER ADOPTS A NEW GUARDIAN,                          175
+
+   XXIII. MR. BUNDY IS DISAPPOINTED, AND OLIVER
+            MEETS SOME FRIENDS,                                  184
+
+    XXIV. ANOTHER CLUE,                                          193
+
+     XXV. MAKING ARRANGEMENTS,                                   199
+
+    XXVI. WHO RUPERT JONES WAS,                                  203
+
+   XXVII. A STARTLING TELEGRAM,                                  208
+
+  XXVIII. OLD NANCY'S HUT,                                       213
+
+    XXIX. DR. FOX IN PURSUIT,                                    222
+
+     XXX. HOW DR. FOX WAS FOOLED,                                231
+
+    XXXI. MRS. KENYON FINDS FRIENDS,                             240
+
+   XXXII. MR. DENTON OF CHICAGO,                                 249
+
+  XXXIII. A MIDNIGHT ATTACK,                                     258
+
+   XXXIV. DENTON SEES HIS VICTIMS ESCAPE,                        267
+
+    XXXV. ON THE TRACK,                                          274
+
+   XXXVI. DENTON IS CHECKMATED,                                  280
+
+  XXXVII. DENTON'S LITTLE ADVENTURE IN THE CARS,                 286
+
+ XXXVIII. THE MEETING AT LINCOLN PARK,                           296
+
+   XXXIX. THE COMMON ENEMY,                                      305
+
+      XL. THE THUNDERBOLT FALLS,                                 314
+
+
+
+
+    ADRIFT IN THE CITY;
+    OR,
+    OLIVER CONRAD'S PLUCKY FIGHT.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+TWO YOUNG ENEMIES.
+
+
+"Oliver, bring me that ball!" said Roland Kenyon, in a tone of command.
+
+The speaker, a boy of sixteen, stood on the lawn before a handsome
+country mansion. He had a bat in his hand, and had sent the ball far
+down the street. He was fashionably dressed, and evidently felt himself
+a personage of no small consequence.
+
+The boy he addressed, Oliver Conrad, was his junior by a year--not so
+tall, but broader and more thick-set, with a frank, manly face, and an
+air of independence and self-reliance.
+
+He was returning home from school, and carried two books in his hand.
+
+Oliver was naturally obliging, but there was something he did not like
+in the other's imperious tone, and his pride was touched.
+
+"Are you speaking to me?" he demanded quietly.
+
+"Of course I am. Is there any other Oliver about?"
+
+"When you ask a favor, you had better be polite about it."
+
+"Bother politeness! Go after that ball! Do you hear?" exclaimed Roland
+angrily.
+
+Oliver eyed him calmly.
+
+"Go for it yourself," he retorted. "I don't intend to run on your
+errands."
+
+"You don't?" exclaimed Roland furiously.
+
+"Didn't I speak plainly enough? I meant what I said."
+
+"Go after that ball this instant!" shrieked Roland, stamping his foot;
+"or I'll make you!"
+
+"Suppose you make me do it," said Oliver contemptuously, opening the
+gate, and entering the yard.
+
+Roland had worked himself into a passion, and this made him reckless of
+consequences. He threw the bat in his hand at Oliver, and if the latter
+had not dodged quickly it would have seriously injured him. At the same
+time Roland rushed impetuously upon the boy who had offended him by his
+independence.
+
+To say that Oliver kept calm under this aggravated attack would be
+incorrect. His eyes flashed with anger. He threw his books upon the
+lawn, and put himself in an instant on guard. A moment, and the two
+boys were engaged in a close struggle.
+
+Roland was taller, and this gave him an advantage; but Oliver was the
+more sturdy and agile. He clasped Roland around the waist, lifted him
+off his feet, and laid him, after a brief resistance, on the lawn.
+
+"You'd better not attack me again!" he said, looking with flushed face
+at his fallen foe.
+
+Roland was furious. He sprang to his feet and flung himself upon
+Oliver, but with so little discretion that the latter, by a
+well-planted blow, immediately felled him to the ground, and, warned
+by the second attack, planted his knee on Roland's breast, thus
+preventing him from rising.
+
+"Let me up!" shrieked Roland furiously, struggling desperately but
+ineffectually.
+
+"Will you let me alone, then?"
+
+"No, I won't!" returned Roland, who in his anger lost sight of prudence.
+
+"Then you may lie there till you promise," said Oliver composedly.
+
+"Get up, you bully!" screamed Roland.
+
+"You are the bully. You attacked me, or I should never have touched
+you," said Oliver.
+
+"I'll tell my father," said Roland.
+
+"Tell, if you want to," said Oliver, his lip curling.
+
+"He'll have you well beaten."
+
+"I don't think he will."
+
+"So you defy him, then?"
+
+"No; I defy nobody. But I mean to defend myself from violence."
+
+"What's the matter with you two boys? Oliver, what are you doing?"
+
+The speaker was Mr. Kenyon's gardener, John Bradford, a sensible man
+and usually intelligent. Oliver often talked with him, and treated him
+respectfully, as he deserved. Roland was foolish enough to look down
+upon him because he was a poor man and occupied a subordinate position.
+
+Oliver rose from the ground and let up his adversary.
+
+"We have had a little difficulty, Mr. Bradford," he said. "Roland may
+tell you if he likes."
+
+"What is the trouble, Roland?" enquired the gardener.
+
+"None of your business!" answered Roland insolently.
+
+"You are very polite," said the gardener.
+
+"I don't feel called upon to be polite to my father's hired man,"
+remarked Roland unpleasantly.
+
+"If he won't answer your question, I will," said Oliver. "Roland
+commanded me to run and get his ball, and I didn't choose to do it. He
+attacked me, and I defended myself. That is all there is about it."
+
+"No, it isn't all there is about it," said Roland passionately. "You
+have insulted me, and you are going to be flogged. You may just make
+up your mind to that."
+
+"How have I insulted you?"
+
+"You threw me down."
+
+"Suppose I hadn't. What would have happened to me?"
+
+"I would have whipped you if you hadn't taken me by surprise."
+
+Oliver shrugged his shoulders.
+
+Apparently Roland didn't propose to renew the fight. Oliver watched him
+warily, suspecting a sudden attack, but it was not made. Roland turned
+toward the house, merely discharging this last shaft at his young
+conqueror:
+
+"You'll get it when my father gets home."
+
+"Your ball is in the road," said the gardener. "It will be lost."
+
+"No, it won't. Oliver will have to bring it in yet."
+
+"I am afraid he means mischief, Oliver," said the gardener, turning to
+our hero as Roland slammed the front door upon entering.
+
+"I suppose he does," said Oliver quietly. "It isn't the first attempt
+he has made to order me around."
+
+"He is a very disagreeable boy," said Bradford.
+
+"He is the most disagreeable boy I know," said Oliver. "I can get along
+with any of the other boys, except Jim Cameron, his chosen friend. He's
+pretty much the same sort of fellow as Roland--only, not being rich, he
+can't put on so many airs."
+
+"You talk of Roland being rich," said the gardener. "He has no right to
+be called so."
+
+"His father has property, I suppose?"
+
+"Mr. Kenyon was poor enough when he married your mother. All the
+property he owns came from her."
+
+"Is that true, Mr. Bradford?" asked Oliver thoughtfully.
+
+"Yes; didn't you know it?"
+
+"I have sometimes thought so."
+
+"There is no doubt about it. It excited a good deal of talk--your
+mother's will."
+
+"Did she leave all her property to Mr. Kenyon, John?"
+
+"So he says, and he shows a will that has been admitted to probate."
+
+Oliver was silent for a moment. Then he spoke:
+
+"If my mother chose to leave all to him, I have not a word to say. She
+had a right to do as she pleased."
+
+"But it seems singular. She loved you as much as any mother loves her
+son; yet she disinherited you."
+
+"I will not complain of anything she did, Mr. Bradford," said Oliver
+soberly.
+
+"Suppose she didn't do it, Master Oliver?"
+
+"What do you mean, Mr. Bradford?" asked the boy, fixing his eyes upon
+the gardener's face.
+
+"I mean that there are some in the village who think there has been
+foul play--that the will is not genuine."
+
+"Do you think so, Mr. Bradford?"
+
+"Knowing your mother, and her love for you, I believe there's been some
+fraud practised, and that Mr. Kenyon is at the bottom of it."
+
+"I wish I knew," said Oliver. "It isn't the money I care about so
+much, but I don't like to think that my mother preferred Mr. Kenyon to
+me."
+
+"Wait patiently, Oliver; it'll all come out some day."
+
+Just then Roland appeared at the front door and called out, in a tone
+of triumphant malice:
+
+"Come right in, Oliver; my father wants to see you."
+
+Oliver and the gardener exchanged glances. Then the boy answered:
+
+"You may tell your father I am coming," and walked quietly toward the
+front door.
+
+"I've told him all about it," said Roland.
+
+"Are you sure you have told your father all?"
+
+"Yes, I have."
+
+"That's all I want. If you have told him all, he must see that I am not
+to blame."
+
+"You'll find out. He's mad enough."
+
+Oliver knew enough of his step-father to accept this as probable.
+
+"Now, for it," he thought, and followed Roland into his father's
+presence.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+OPEN REVOLT.
+
+
+Benjamin Kenyon, the father of Roland and Oliver's step-father, was a
+man of fifty or more. He had a high narrow forehead, small eyes, and a
+scanty supply of coarse black hair rimming a bald crown with a fringe
+in the shape of a horse-shoe. His expression was crafty and insincere.
+A tolerable judge of physiognomy would at once pronounce him as a man
+not to be trusted.
+
+He turned upon Oliver with a frown, and said harshly:
+
+"How dared you assault my son Roland!"
+
+"It was he who assaulted me, Mr. Kenyon," answered Oliver quietly.
+
+"Do you deny that you felled him to the earth twice?"
+
+"I threw him over twice, if that is what you mean, sir."
+
+"If that is what I mean! Don't be impertinent, sir."
+
+"I have not been--thus far."
+
+"Do you think I shall allow you to make a brutal assault upon my son,
+you young reprobate?"
+
+"If you call me by that name again I shall refuse to answer you," said
+Oliver with spirit.
+
+"Do you hear that, father?" interrupted Roland, anxious to prejudice
+his father against his young enemy.
+
+"I hear it," said Mr. Kenyon; "and you may rely upon it that I shall
+take notice of it, too. So you have no defence to make, then?"
+
+This last question was, of course, addressed to Oliver.
+
+"I will merely state what happened, Mr. Kenyon. Roland had batted his
+ball far out on the road. He ordered me to go for it, and I refused."
+
+"You refused?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"And why?"
+
+"Because I am not subject to your son's orders."
+
+"It is because you are selfish and disobliging."
+
+"No, sir. If Roland had asked me, as a favor, to get the ball, I would
+have done it, being nearer to it than he, but I did not choose to obey
+his orders."
+
+"He has a right to order you about," said Mr. Kenyon, frowning.
+
+"I don't admit it," said Oliver.
+
+"Is he not older than you?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Then you must obey him?"
+
+"I am sorry to differ with you, Mr. Kenyon, but I cannot see it in that
+light."
+
+"It makes very little difference in what light you see it," sneered Mr.
+Kenyon. "I command you to obey him!"
+
+Roland listened with triumphant malice, and nodded his head with
+satisfaction.
+
+"Do you hear that?" he said insolently.
+
+Oliver eyed him calmly.
+
+"Yes, I hear it," he said.
+
+"Then you'd better remember it next time."
+
+"Where is the ball now?" asked Mr. Kenyon.
+
+"In the street."
+
+"Oliver, you may go and get it, and bring it to Roland."
+
+Roland laughed--a little low, chuckling laugh that was very
+exasperating to Oliver. Our hero's naturally pleasant face assumed a
+firm and determined expression. He was about to make a declaration of
+independence.
+
+"Do you ask me to go for this ball as a favor?" he asked, turning to
+his step-father.
+
+"No," returned the latter harshly. "I command you to do it without
+question, and at once."
+
+"Then, sir, much as I regret it, I must refuse to obey you."
+
+Oliver was pale but firm.
+
+Mr. Kenyon's face, on the contrary, was flushed and angry.
+
+"Do you defy me?" he roared furiously.
+
+"I defy no one, sir, but you require me to do what would put me in
+the power of your son. If I consented, there would be no end to his
+attempts to tyrannize over me."
+
+"Are you aware that I am your natural guardian, sir--that the law
+delegates to me supreme authority over you, you young reprobate?"
+demanded Mr. Kenyon, working himself into an ungovernable passion.
+
+Oliver did not reply.
+
+"Speak, I order you!" exclaimed his step-father, stamping his foot.
+
+"I did not speak sooner because you called me a young reprobate, sir.
+I answer now that I will sooner leave your house and go out into the
+world to shift for myself than allow Roland to trample upon me and
+order me about like a dog."
+
+"Enough of this! Roland, go downstairs and get my cane."
+
+"I'll go," said Roland, with alacrity.
+
+It was a welcome commission. Smarting with a sense of his own recent
+humiliating defeat, nothing could be sweeter than to see his victorious
+adversary beaten in his own presence. Of course he understood that it
+was for this purpose his father wanted the cane.
+
+There was silence in the room while Roland was gone. Oliver was
+rapidly making up his mind what he would do.
+
+Roland ran upstairs with the cane.
+
+"Here it is, father," he said, extending it to Mr. Kenyon.
+
+"I will give you one more chance, Oliver," said his step-father. "You
+have insulted my son and rebelled against my authority, but I do not
+want to proceed to violence unless I am absolutely obliged to. I
+command you once more to go and get Roland's ball."
+
+"If you command me, sir, I must answer as I did before--I must refuse."
+
+Roland looked relieved. He feared that Oliver would yield, and so
+escape the beating he was anxious to witness.
+
+"Aint he impudent!" he ejaculated. "Are you going to stand that,
+father?"
+
+"No, I am not," said Mr. Kenyon grimly. "I will make him repent
+bitterly his rebellious course. Come here, sir--or no," and a smile
+lighted up his face, "it is more befitting that your punishment should
+come from the one whom you have insulted. Roland, take the cane and
+give Oliver a dozen strokes with it."
+
+"You'll back me up, won't you?" asked Roland cautiously.
+
+"Yes, I will back you up. There is nothing to fear."
+
+"I guess father and I'll be a match for him," thought the brave Roland.
+
+He took the cane and advanced toward Oliver with it uplifted.
+
+"If you touch me it will be at your peril!" said Oliver, pale but firm.
+
+Roland looked at his father, and received a nod of encouragement.
+
+He hesitated no longer, but, with a look of triumphant spite, lifted
+the cane and rushed toward Oliver. It did not fall where it was
+intended, for, with a spring, Oliver wrested it from his grasp and
+threw it out of the window. Then, without a word, leaving father and
+son gazing into each other's faces with mingled wrath and dismay, he
+left the room.
+
+"Are you going to allow this, father?" asked Roland in a tone of
+disappointment. "Oliver doesn't pay you the least respect."
+
+Mr. Kenyon was not a brave or a resolute man. He was a man capable of
+petty tyranny, but one to be cowed by manly opposition. It occurred
+to him that in seeking to break Oliver's spirit, he had undertaken a
+difficult task. So he hardly knew what to say.
+
+"Shall I run after him?" asked Roland.
+
+"No," said his father. "I will take a little time to consider what is
+to be done with him. I'll make him rue this day, you may depend upon
+it."
+
+"I hope you will," said Roland. "I don't mind so much about myself," he
+added artfully, "but I hate to see him treat you so."
+
+"I'll break his proud spirit," said Mr. Kenyon, biting his lip. "I'll
+find a way, you may depend upon it."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE YOUNG RIVALS.
+
+
+When Oliver left the house he was uncertain whither to bend his steps.
+The supper hour was near at hand, but it would hardly be pleasant under
+the circumstances to meet his step-father and Roland at the tea-table.
+He preferred to go without his evening meal.
+
+As he walked slowly along the main street on which his step-father's
+house was situated, plunged in thought, he was called to himself by a
+slap on his shoulder.
+
+"What are you thinking about, Oliver?" was asked, in a cheery voice.
+
+"Frank Dudley!" said our hero, "you're just the boy I want to see."
+
+"Do I owe you any money?" asked Frank, in mock alarm.
+
+"Not that I know of."
+
+"Then it's all right. I am glad to meet you, too. Where are you going?"
+
+"I don't know."
+
+"Have you had supper?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then come home with me. You haven't taken supper at our house for a
+long time."
+
+"So I will," responded Oliver with alacrity.
+
+"I see how it is," said Frank. "They were going to send you to bed
+without your supper, and my invitation brings you unexpected relief."
+
+"You are partly right. But for your invitation I should have had no
+supper."
+
+"What is it all about, Oliver? What's the matter?"
+
+"I'll tell you, Frank. Mr. Kenyon and I have had a quarrel."
+
+"I am not surprised at that. I don't admire the man, even if he is your
+step-father."
+
+"Oh, you needn't check your feelings on my account. I never could like
+him."
+
+"How did the trouble begin?"
+
+"It began with Roland. I'll tell you about it," and Oliver told what
+had occurred.
+
+Frank listened in silence.
+
+"I think you did right," he said. "I wouldn't submit to be ordered
+round by such a popinjay. He's the most disagreeable boy I know, and my
+sister thinks so, too."
+
+"He seems to admire your sister."
+
+"She doesn't appreciate his attentions. He's always coming up and
+wanting to walk with her, though she is cool enough with him."
+
+Oliver was glad to hear this. To tell the truth, he had a boyish fancy
+for Carrie Dudley himself, which was not surprising, for she was the
+prettiest girl in the village. Though he had not supposed she looked
+favorably upon Roland, it was pleasant to be assured of this by the
+young lady's brother.
+
+"Poor Roland!" he said, smiling. "Your sister may give him the
+heartache."
+
+"Oh, I guess his heart's pretty tough. But here we are."
+
+Frank Dudley's father was a successful physician. His mother was dead,
+and her place in the household was supplied by his father's sister,
+Miss Pauline Dudley, who, though an old maid, had a sunny temperament
+and kindly disposition. The doctor's house, though not as pretentious
+as Mr. Kenyon's, was unusually pleasant and attractive.
+
+"Aunt Pauline," said Frank to his aunt, who was sitting on a rocking
+chair on the front piazza, "I have brought Oliver home to supper."
+
+"I am very glad to see you, Oliver," said Miss Dudley. "I wish you
+would come oftener."
+
+"Thank you, Miss Dudley; I am always glad to come here. It is so
+pleasant and social compared with----"
+
+He paused, thinking it not in good taste to refer unfavorably to his
+own home.
+
+"I understand," said Miss Dudley. "You must be lonely at home."
+
+"I am," said Oliver briefly.
+
+"Not much company, and that poor," whispered Frank.
+
+Oliver nodded assent.
+
+Here Carrie Dudley appeared and cordially welcomed Oliver.
+
+"Carrie seems glad to see you, Oliver," said Frank; "but you must not
+feel too much elated. It's only on account of your relationship to
+Roland. She's perfectly infatuated with that boy."
+
+Like most brothers, Frank liked to tease his sister.
+
+"Roland!" repeated Carrie, tossing her head. "I hope I have better
+taste than to like him."
+
+"It's all put on, Oliver. You mustn't believe what she says."
+
+"Didn't I see Roland walking with you yesterday?" asked Oliver, willing
+to join in the teasing.
+
+"Because I couldn't get rid of him," retorted Carrie.
+
+"He thinks you are over head and ears in love with him," said Frank.
+
+"I don't believe he thinks anything of the kind. If he does, he is very
+much mistaken; that is all I can say."
+
+"Don't tease your sister any more, Frank," said Oliver. "I don't
+believe she admires Roland any more than I do."
+
+"Thank you, Oliver. I am glad to have you on my side," said the young
+lady graciously. "I shouldn't mind if I never saw Roland Kenyon."
+
+"Stop your quarrelling, young people, and walk in to supper," said Miss
+Pauline.
+
+"Where is your father to-night, Frank?" asked Oliver, as they ranged
+themselves round the neat supper table.
+
+"He has been sent for to Claremont. He won't be back till late,
+probably. You will please look upon me as the head of the household
+while he is away."
+
+"I will, most learned doctor."
+
+The evening meal passed pleasantly. Oliver could not help contrasting
+it with the dull and formal supper he was accustomed to take at home,
+and his thoughts found utterance.
+
+"I wish I had as pleasant a home as you, Frank."
+
+"You had better come and live with us, Oliver."
+
+"I should like to."
+
+"Suppose you propose it to Mr. Kenyon. I don't believe he prizes your
+society very much."
+
+"Nor I. He wouldn't mind being rid of me, but Roland would probably
+object to my coming here."
+
+"I didn't think of that."
+
+"I should like to have you with us, Oliver," said Miss Pauline. "You
+would be company for Frank, and could help keep him straight."
+
+"As if I needed it, Aunt Pauline! All the same, I should enjoy having
+Oliver here, and so would Carrie."
+
+"Yes, I should," said the young lady unhesitatingly.
+
+Oliver was well pleased, and expressed his satisfaction.
+
+After supper they adjourned to the parlor, and presently Carrie sat
+down to the piano and played and sang some popular songs, Frank and
+Oliver joining in the singing.
+
+While they were thus engaged a ring was heard at the door-bell.
+
+"That's Roland, I'll bet a hat," said Frank. "It's one of his courting
+evenings."
+
+It proved to be Roland.
+
+He entered with a stiff bow.
+
+"Good-evening, Miss Carrie," he said, a little awkwardly.
+
+"Good-evening, Mr. Kenyon," said the young lady distantly. "Will you be
+seated?"
+
+"Thank you. Good-evening, Frank."
+
+"Good-evening. May I introduce you to Mr. Oliver Conrad?"
+
+"You here?" said Roland, surprised.
+
+Being near-sighted, he had not before noticed our hero's presence.
+
+"I am here," said Oliver briefly.
+
+"We were singing as you entered, Roland," said Frank mischievously.
+"Won't you favor us with a melody?"
+
+"I don't sing," said Roland stiffly.
+
+"Indeed! Oliver is quite a singer."
+
+"I was not aware he was so accomplished," said Roland, unable to
+suppress a sneer.
+
+"I suppose he doesn't often sing to you."
+
+"I shouldn't like to trouble him. I should be very glad to hear you
+sing, Miss Carrie."
+
+"If Frank and Oliver will join in. I don't like to sing alone."
+
+A song was selected, and the three sang it through. Sitting at
+the other end of the room, Roland, who greatly admired Carrie, was
+tormented with jealousy as he saw Oliver at her side, winning smiles
+and attention which he had never been able to win. He could not help
+wishing that he, too, were able to sing. If Oliver had made himself
+ridiculous, it would have comforted him, but our hero had a strong and
+musical voice, and acquitted himself very creditably.
+
+"It's a pity you don't sing, Roland," said Frank.
+
+"I wouldn't try to sing unless I could sing well," said Roland.
+
+"Is he hitting you or me, Oliver?" asked Frank.
+
+"You sing well," said Roland.
+
+"Then it's you, Oliver!"
+
+Oliver smiled, but took no notice of the remark.
+
+Roland rose to go a little after nine. He had not enjoyed the evening.
+It was very unsatisfactory to see the favor with which his enemy was
+regarded by Carrie Dudley. He had not the art to conceal his dislike of
+our hero.
+
+"You'd better come home," he said, turning to Oliver. "Father objects
+to our being out late."
+
+"I know when to come home," said Oliver briefly.
+
+"You'd better ask leave before you go out to supper again."
+
+"If you have no more to say I will bid you good-evening," said Oliver
+quietly.
+
+"You see what a pleasant brother I have," said Oliver after Roland's
+departure.
+
+"It's a good thing to have somebody to look after you," said Carrie. "I
+wish Frank had such a guardian and guide."
+
+"I shall have, when Roland is my brother-in-law," retorted Frank.
+
+"Then you'll have to go without one forever."
+
+"Girls never say what they mean, Oliver."
+
+"Sometimes they do."
+
+Meanwhile Roland was trudging home in no very good humor.
+
+"I'd give fifty dollars to see Oliver well thrashed," he muttered. "He
+is interfering with me in everything."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+MR. KENYON'S SECRET.
+
+
+While this rivalry was going on between Oliver and Roland, Mr. Kenyon,
+remaining at home, had had a surprise and a disagreeable one.
+
+At half-past seven Roland left the house. At quarter to eight the
+door-bell rang, and Mr. Kenyon was informed that a gentleman wished to
+see him.
+
+He was looking over some business papers and the interruption did not
+please him.
+
+"Who is it?" he demanded impatiently.
+
+"A gentleman."
+
+"So I suppose. What is his name?"
+
+"He is a stranger, sir, and he didn't give me his name. He said he
+wanted to see you partic'lar."
+
+"Well, you may bring him up," said Mr. Kenyon, folding up his papers
+with an air of resignation.
+
+He looked up impatiently as the visitor entered, and straightway a look
+of dismay overspread his countenance.
+
+The visitor was a dark-complexioned man of about forty-five, with bushy
+black whiskers.
+
+"Dr. Fox!" ejaculated Mr. Kenyon mechanically.
+
+The visitor chuckled.
+
+"So you know me, Mr.---- ahem! Mr. Kenyon. I feared under the
+circumstances you might have forgotten me."
+
+"How came you here?" demanded Kenyon abruptly.
+
+"A little matter of business brought me to New York, and a matter of
+curiosity brought me to this place."
+
+"How did you trace me to--to Brentville?" asked Mr. Kenyon, with
+evident uneasiness.
+
+"I suppose that means you didn't wish to be traced, eh?"
+
+"And suppose I did not?"
+
+"I am really sorry to have disturbed you, Mr. Crandall--I beg pardon,
+Kenyon; but I thought you might like to hear directly from your wife."
+
+"For Heaven's sake, hush!" exclaimed Kenyon, looking round him
+nervously.
+
+He rose, and, walking to the door, shut it, first peering into the hall
+to see if anyone were listening.
+
+Dr. Fox laughed again.
+
+"It's well to be cautious," he said. "I quite approve of it--under
+the circumstances, Mr. Kenyon," he proceeded, leering at him with
+unpleasant familiarity. "You're a deep one! I give you credit for being
+deeper than I supposed. You've played your cards well, that's a fact."
+
+Mr. Kenyon bit his finger-nails to the quick in his alarm and
+irritation. He would like to have choked the man who sat before him, if
+he had dared, and possessed the requisite strength.
+
+"You only made one mistake, my dear sir. You shouldn't have tried to
+deceive me. You should have taken me into your confidence. You might
+have known I would find out your little game."
+
+"Dr. Fox," said Mr. Kenyon, frowning, "your tone is very offensive. You
+will bear in mind that you are addressing a gentleman."
+
+"Ho! ho!" laughed the visitor. "I really beg pardon," he said, marking
+the dark look on the face of the other. "No offence is intended. In
+fact, I was rather expressing my admiration for your sharpness. It was
+an admirable plan, that of yours."
+
+"I don't care for compliments. Why have you sought me out?"
+
+"A moment's patience, Mr. Kenyon. I was about to say Crandall--force of
+habit, sir. As I remarked, it was a capital plan to commit your wife
+to an insane asylum, and then take possession of her property. Did you
+have any difficulty about that, by the way?"
+
+"None of your business!" snapped Mr. Kenyon.
+
+"I am naturally a little curious on the subject."
+
+"Confound your curiosity!"
+
+"And so--ho! ho!--you are popularly regarded as a widower? Perhaps you
+have reared a monument in the cemetery to the dear departed? Ho! ho!"
+
+"This is too much, sir!" exploded Kenyon, in wrath. "Drop this subject,
+or I may do you a mischief."
+
+"You'd better think twice before you permit your feelings to overmaster
+you," said the stranger significantly. "That's an ugly secret I possess
+of yours. What would the good people of Brentville say if they knew
+that your wife, supposed to be dead, is really confined in an insane
+asylum, while you, without any sanction of law, are living luxuriously
+on her wealth? I think, Mr. Kenyon, they would be very apt to lynch
+you."
+
+"You have nothing to complain of, at least. You are well paid for the
+care of--of the person you mention."
+
+"I am paid my regular price--that is all, sir."
+
+"Is not that enough?"
+
+"Under the circumstances, it is not."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Do you need to ask? To begin with, your wife----"
+
+"Hush!" said Kenyon nervously. "Call her Mrs. Crandall."
+
+"Mrs. Crandall, if you will. Well, Mrs. Crandall is as sane as you are."
+
+"Then she is less trouble."
+
+"Not at all! She is continually imploring us to release her. It is
+quite a strain upon our feelings, I do assure you."
+
+"Your feelings!" repeated Kenyon disdainfully.
+
+Dr. Fox laughed.
+
+"Really," he said, "I am quite affected at times by her urgency."
+
+"Does she--ever mention me?" asked Mr. Kenyon slowly.
+
+"Yes, but it wouldn't flatter you to hear her. She speaks of you as a
+cruel tyrant, who has separated her from her boy. His name is Oliver,
+isn't it?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"She mourns for him, and prays to see him once more before she dies."
+
+"Is her physical health failing?" enquired Kenyon, with sudden
+hopefulness.
+
+"No; that is the strangest part of it. She retains her strength.
+Apparently she is determined to husband her strength, and resolved to
+live on in the hope of some day being restored to her son."
+
+Mr. Kenyon gnawed his nails more viciously than before. It had been
+his cherished hope that the wife whom he had so cruelly consigned to a
+living death would succumb beneath the accumulated weight of woe, and
+relieve him of all future anxiety by dying in reality. The report just
+received showed that such hopes were fallacious.
+
+"Well, sir," he commenced, after a brief pause. "I do not wish to
+prolong this interview. Tell me why you have tracked me here? What is
+it you require?"
+
+"The fact is, Mr. Kenyon,--you'll excuse my dropping the name of
+Crandall,--I want some money."
+
+"A month since I paid, through my agent, your last quarterly bill. No
+more money will be due you till the 1st of December."
+
+"I want a thousand dollars," said the visitor quietly.
+
+"What!" ejaculated Kenyon.
+
+"I want a thousand dollars before I leave Brentville."
+
+"You won't get it from me!"
+
+"Consider a moment, Mr. Crandall,--I mean Mr. Kenyon,--the result of
+my publishing this secret of yours. I understand that your wife's
+property, which you wrongfully hold, amounts to a quarter of a
+million of dollars. If all were known, your step-son Oliver and his
+mother would step into it, and you would be left out in the cold.
+Disagreeable, very! Can't you introduce me to Oliver?"
+
+Mr. Kenyon's face was a study. He was like a fly in the meshes of a
+spider, absolutely helpless.
+
+"If I give you a check," he said, "will you leave Brentville at once?"
+
+"First thing to-morrow morning."
+
+"Can't you go before?"
+
+"Not conveniently. The next town is five miles away, and I don't like
+night travel."
+
+Mr. Kenyon opened his desk and hastily dashed off a check.
+
+"Now," said he, "leave, and don't come back."
+
+"You waive ceremony with a vengeance, Mr. Kenyon," said the visitor,
+depositing the check in his pocket-book with an air of satisfaction.
+"Permit me to thank you for your liberality."
+
+As he was about to leave the room Roland dashed in. The two looked at
+each other curiously.
+
+"Is this Oliver?" asked Dr. Fox.
+
+"No, it is my son Roland. Good-evening."
+
+"I am glad to make the young gentleman's acquaintance. Hope he'll
+inherit his father's virtues, ha, ha!"
+
+"Who is that, father?" asked Roland when the visitor had retired.
+
+"A mere acquaintance, Roland--a man with whom I have had a little
+business."
+
+"I don't like him."
+
+"Nor I. But I must bid you good-night, my son. I am tired and need
+rest."
+
+"I wanted to speak to you about Oliver."
+
+"We will defer that till morning."
+
+"Good-night, then!" and Roland left his father a prey to anxieties
+which kept him awake for hours.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+MR. KENYON'S RESOLVE.
+
+
+Mr. Kenyon felt that a sword was impending over his head which might at
+any time fall and destroy him. Four years before he had married Mrs.
+Conrad, a wealthy widow, whose acquaintance he had made at a Saratoga
+boarding-house. Why Mrs. Conrad should have been willing to sacrifice
+her independence for such a man is one of the mysteries which I do not
+pretend to solve. I can only record the fact. Oliver was away at the
+time, or his influence--for he never fancied Mr. Kenyon--might have
+turned the scale against the marriage.
+
+Mr. Kenyon professed to be wealthy, but his new wife never was able
+to learn in what his property consisted or where it was located.
+Shortly after marriage he tried to get the management of his wife's
+property into his own hands; but she was a cautious woman,--a trait
+she inherited from Scotch ancestry,--and, moreover, she was devotedly
+attached to her son Oliver. She came to know Mr. Kenyon better after
+she had assumed his name, and to distrust him more. Three months had
+not passed when she bitterly repented having accepted him; but she
+had taken a step which she could not retrace. She allowed Mr. Kenyon
+a liberal sum for his personal expenses, and gave a home to his son
+Roland, who was allowed every advantage which her own son enjoyed.
+Further than this she was not willing to go, and Mr. Kenyon was, in
+consequence, bitterly disappointed. He had supposed his wife to be of a
+more yielding temperament.
+
+So matters went on for three years. Then Mr. Kenyon all at once fancied
+himself in very poor health, at any rate he so represented. He induced
+a physician to recommend travelling, and to urge the importance of
+his wife accompanying him. She fell into the trap, for it proved to
+be a trap. The boys were left at home, at a boarding school, and Mr.
+and Mrs. Kenyon set out on their travels. They sailed for Cuba, where
+they remained two months; then they embarked for Charleston. In the
+neighborhood of Charleston Mr. Kenyon was enabled at length to carry
+out his nefarious design. He made the acquaintance of Dr. Fox, an
+unprincipled keeper of a private insane asylum, and left Mrs. Kenyon in
+his charge, under the name of Mrs. Crandall, with the strictest orders
+that under no circumstances should she be permitted to leave the asylum.
+
+Three months from the time of his departure he reappeared in
+Brentville, wearing deep mourning--a widower. According to his account,
+Mrs. Kenyon had been attacked by a malignant fever, and died in four
+days. He also produced a will, made by his wife, conveying to him
+absolutely her property, all and entire. The only reference to her son
+Oliver was couched in these terms:
+
+"I commend my dear son Oliver to my husband's charge, fully satisfied
+that he will provide for him in all ways as I would myself, urging
+him to do all in his power to promote my dear Oliver's welfare, and
+prepare him for a creditable and useful position in the world."
+
+But for this clause doubts would have been expressed as to the
+genuineness of the will. As it was, it was generally supposed to be
+authentic, but Mrs. Kenyon was severely criticised for reposing so much
+confidence in her husband, and leaving Oliver wholly dependent upon him.
+
+It was a great blow to Oliver,--his mother's death,--and the world
+seemed very lonely to him. Besides, he could not fail to notice a
+great difference in the manner of Mr. Kenyon and Roland toward him.
+The former laid aside his velvety manner and assumed airs of command.
+He felt secure in the position he had so wrongfully assumed, and hated
+Oliver all the more because he knew how much he had wronged him.
+
+Roland, too, was quick to understand the new state of things. He was
+older than Oliver, and tried to exact deference from him on that
+account. His father had promised to make him his chief heir, and both
+had a tacit understanding that Oliver was to be treated as a poor
+relation, with no money and no rights except such as they might be
+graciously pleased to accord.
+
+But Oliver did not fit well into this rôle. He was too spirited and too
+independent to be browbeaten, and did not choose to flatter or fawn
+upon his step-father though he did bear the purse.
+
+The outbreak recorded in the first chapter would have come sooner had
+Oliver been steadily at home. But he had spent some weeks in visiting
+a cousin out of town, and was thus saved from a conflict with Roland.
+Soon after he came home the scene already described took place.
+
+Thus far things had gone to suit Mr. Kenyon. But the arrival of Dr.
+Fox, and his extortionate demand, with the absolute certainty that it
+would be followed at frequent intervals by others, was like a clap of
+thunder in a clear sky. Henceforth peril was imminent. At any time his
+wife might escape from her asylum, and appear on the scene to convict
+him of conspiracy and falsehood. This would mean ruin. At any time Dr.
+Fox, if his exactions were resisted, might reveal the whole plot, and
+this, again, would be destruction. If not, he might be emboldened, by
+the possession of a damaging secret, to the most exorbitant demands.
+
+These thoughts worried Mr. Kenyon, and robbed him of sleep.
+
+What should he, or could he do?
+
+Two things seemed desirable--to get rid of Oliver, and to leave
+Brentville for some place where neither Dr. Fox nor his injured wife
+could seek him out.
+
+The more he thought of this way out of the difficulty the better he
+liked it. There was nothing to bind him to Brentville except the
+possession of a handsome place. But this comprised in value not more
+than a tenth part of his--that is, his wife's--possessions. Why
+should he not let or, still better, sell it, and at once and forever
+leave Brentville? There were no friendly ties to sunder. He was not
+popular in the village, and he knew it. He was popularly regarded as
+an interloper, who had no business with the property of which he had
+usurped the charge. Neither was Roland liked, as much on his own
+account as on his father's, for he strutted about the village, turning
+up his nose at boys who would have been better off than himself in
+a worldly point of view but for his father's lucky marriage, and
+declining to engage in any game in which the first place was not
+accorded to him.
+
+It was very different with Oliver. He was born to be popular. Though
+he possessed his share of pride, doubtless, he never showed it in an
+offensive manner. No poor boy ever felt ill at ease in his company. He
+was the life and soul of the playground, though he obtained an easy
+pre-eminence in the schoolroom.
+
+"Oliver is worth a dozen of Roland!" was the common remark. "What a
+pity he was left dependent on his step-father!"
+
+The last remark was often made to Oliver himself, but it was a subject
+which he was not willing to discuss. It seemed to him that he would be
+reproaching his mother, to find fault with the provision she had made
+for his future.
+
+It did seem to him, however, in his secret heart, that his mother had
+been misled by too blind a confidence in his step-father.
+
+"I wish she had left me only one-quarter of the property, and left it
+independent of him," he thought more than once. "She couldn't know how
+disagreeable it would be to me to be dependent upon him."
+
+Oliver thought this, but he did not say it.
+
+The thought came to him again as he walked home from the house of Frank
+Dudley, twenty minutes after Roland had travelled over the same road.
+
+"I wonder whether Mr. Kenyon will be up," he asked himself, as he rang
+the bell. "If he is, I suppose I must make up my mind for another
+volley. How different it was when my poor mother was alive!"
+
+The door was opened by Maggie, the servant.
+
+"Has Roland come home?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, Mr. Oliver; he is in bed by this time."
+
+"That's good!" thought Oliver. "Is Mr. Kenyon up?"
+
+"No, Mr. Oliver. Did you wish to see him?"
+
+"Oh, no," said Oliver, feeling relieved. "I only enquired out of
+curiosity. You'd better shut up the house, Maggie."
+
+"I was going to, Mr. Oliver."
+
+Oliver took his lamp and went up slowly to bed. His room was just
+opposite to Roland's, which adjoined the apartment occupied by his
+father.
+
+Remembering the scene of the previous day, Oliver expected it would
+be renewed when he met his stepfather and Roland at breakfast in the
+morning. Such, also, was the expectation of Roland. He wanted Oliver to
+be humiliated, and fully anticipated that he would be.
+
+What, then, was the surprise of the two boys when Mr. Kenyon displayed
+an unusually gracious manner at table!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+MR. KENYON'S CHANGE OF BASE.
+
+
+"Good-morning, Oliver," he said pleasantly, when our hero entered the
+room.
+
+"Good-morning, sir," returned Oliver in surprise.
+
+"We missed you at supper last evening," continued the step-father.
+
+"Yes, sir; I took supper at Dr. Dudley's," explained Oliver, not quite
+certain whether this would be considered satisfactory.
+
+"Dr. Dudley is a very worthy man," said Mr. Kenyon. "His son is about
+your age, is he not?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"He has a daughter, also--rather a pretty girl."
+
+"I believe Roland thinks so," said Oliver, glancing at his
+step-brother.
+
+"Roland has taste, then," said Mr. Kenyon. "You two boys mustn't
+quarrel about the young lady."
+
+"I shan't quarrel," said Roland stiffly. "There are plenty other girls
+in this world."
+
+"You are a philosopher, I see," said his father.
+
+Roland felt that this had gone far enough. Why should his father talk
+pleasantly to Oliver, who had defied his authority the day before? If
+this went on, Oliver would be encouraged in his insubordination. He
+felt that it was necessary to revive the subject.
+
+"I expect my ball is lost," he said in an aggrieved tone.
+
+"What ball?" asked his father.
+
+"The ball I batted out into the road yesterday afternoon."
+
+"Probably someone has picked it up," said Mr. Kenyon, proceeding to
+open an egg.
+
+Roland was provoked at his father's coolness and unconcern.
+
+"If Oliver had picked it up for me it would not have been lost," he
+continued, with a scowl at our hero.
+
+"If you had picked it up yourself, wouldn't it have answered the same
+purpose?"
+
+Roland stared at his father in anger and dismay. Could he really mean
+it? Had he been won over to Oliver's side? Oliver, too, was surprised.
+He began to entertain a much more favorable opinion of his step-father.
+
+"Didn't you tell Oliver to pick it up yesterday afternoon?" demanded
+Roland, making a charge upon his father.
+
+"Yes, I believe I did."
+
+"Well, he didn't do it."
+
+"He was wrong, then," said Mr. Kenyon mildly. "He should have respected
+my authority."
+
+"I'll go and look for it directly breakfast is over," said Oliver,
+quite won over by Mr. Kenyon's mildness.
+
+"It wouldn't be any use," said Roland. "I've been looking for it myself
+this morning, and it isn't there."
+
+"Of course, it wouldn't stay there all night," said Mr. Kenyon. "It
+has, no doubt, been picked up."
+
+"Aint you going to punish Oliver for disobeying you?" burst out the
+disappointed Roland.
+
+Oliver turned to his step-father with interest to hear his answer.
+
+"No, Roland. On second thought, I don't think it was his place to go
+for the ball. You should have gone after it yourself."
+
+Oliver smiled to himself with secret satisfaction. He had never thought
+so well of his step-father before. He even felt better disposed toward
+Roland.
+
+"Why didn't you ask me politely, Roland?" he said. "Then we should have
+saved all this trouble."
+
+"Because I am older than you, and you ought to obey me."
+
+"I can't agree with you there," said Oliver composedly.
+
+"Come, boys, I can't allow any quarrelling at the table," said Mr.
+Kenyon, but still pleasantly. "I don't see why we can't live together
+in peace and quietness."
+
+"If he will only be like that all the time," thought Oliver, "there
+will be some pleasure in living with him. I am only afraid it won't
+last. What a difference there is between his manner to-day and
+yesterday."
+
+Oliver was destined to be still more astonished when breakfast was over.
+
+He had known for some time that Roland was better supplied with money
+than himself. In fact, he had been pinched for the want of a little
+ready money more than once, and whenever he applied to Mr. Kenyon, he
+was either refused or the favor was grudgingly accorded. To-day, as he
+rose from the table, Mr. Kenyon asked:
+
+"How are you off for pocket-money, Oliver?"
+
+"I have twenty-five cents in my pocket," said Oliver with a smile.
+
+"Then it is about time for a new supply?"
+
+"If you please, sir."
+
+Mr. Kenyon took a five-dollar bill from his pocket, and passed it over
+to our hero.
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Oliver, with mingled surprise and gratitude.
+
+"How much did you give him?" asked Roland crossly.
+
+"The same that I give you, my son;" and Mr. Kenyon produced another
+bill.
+
+Roland took the bill discontentedly. He was not satisfied to receive no
+more than Oliver.
+
+"I think," he said to our hero, "you ought to buy me a new ball out of
+your money."
+
+Oliver did not reply, but looked toward Mr. Kenyon.
+
+"I will buy you a new ball myself," he said. "There is no call for
+Oliver to buy one, unless he wants one for his own use."
+
+"If you will excuse me, sir," said Oliver respectfully, "I will get
+ready to go to school."
+
+"Certainly, Oliver."
+
+Roland and his father were left alone.
+
+"It seems to me you've taken a great fancy to Oliver all at once," said
+Roland.
+
+"What makes you think so?"
+
+"You take his part against me. Didn't you tell him yesterday to go
+after my ball?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"To-day you blame me for not going myself. You reward him for his
+impudence besides by giving him five dollars."
+
+Mr. Kenyon smiled.
+
+"So my conduct puzzles you, does it?" he inquired complacently.
+
+"Yes, it does. I should think Oliver was your son instead of me."
+
+"Have I not treated you as well as Oliver?"
+
+"I think you ought to treat me better, considering I am your own son,"
+grumbled Roland.
+
+"I have good reasons for my conduct," said Mr. Kenyon mysteriously.
+
+"What are they?"
+
+"You are a boy, and it is not fitting I should tell you everything."
+
+"You aint afraid of Oliver, are you?" demanded Roland bluntly.
+
+Mr. Kenyon smiled pleasantly, showing a set of very white teeth as he
+did so.
+
+"Really, that is amusing," he answered. "What on earth should make me
+afraid of Oliver?"
+
+"I don't see what other reason you can have for backing down as you
+have."
+
+"Listen, Roland. There is more than one way of arriving at a result,
+but there is always one way that is wiser than any other. Now it
+would not be wise for me to treat Oliver in such a way as to create
+unfavorable comment in the village."
+
+"What do you care for what people in the village think?" asked Roland
+bluntly. "Haven't you got the money?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And Oliver hasn't a cent?"
+
+"He has nothing except what I choose to give him."
+
+"Good!" said Roland with satisfaction. "I hope you don't mean to give
+him as much as you do me," he added.
+
+"Not in the end. Just at present I may."
+
+"I don't see why you should."
+
+"Then you must be content to take my word for it, and trust to my
+judgment. In the end you may be assured that I shall look out for your
+interests, and that you will be far better off than Oliver."
+
+With this promise Roland was measurably satisfied. The thing that
+troubled him was that Oliver seemed to have triumphed over him in
+their recent little difference. Perhaps, could he have fathomed his
+step-father's secret designs respecting Oliver, he would have felt less
+dissatisfied. Mr. Kenyon was never more to be dreaded than when he
+professed to be friendly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+ROLAND'S DISCOMFITURE.
+
+
+On the way to school Oliver overtook Frank Dudley.
+
+"Well, Oliver, how's the weather at home?" asked Frank. "Cloudy, eh?"
+
+"No; it's all clear and serene."
+
+Frank looked astonished.
+
+"Didn't Mr. Kenyon blow you up, then?" he asked.
+
+"Not a bit of it. He gave me a five-dollar bill without my asking for
+it."
+
+"What's come over him?" asked Frank in amazement. "His mind isn't
+getting affected, is it?"
+
+Oliver laughed.
+
+"Not that I know of," he said. "I don't wonder you ask. I never saw
+such a change come over a man since yesterday. Then he wanted Roland to
+flog me. Now he is like an indulgent parent."
+
+"It's queer, decidedly. I hope, for your sake, it'll hold out."
+
+"So do I. Roland doesn't seem to fancy it, though. He tried hard to
+revive the quarrel of yesterday, but without success."
+
+"He's an amiable cub, that Roland."
+
+"Do you speak thus of your future brother-in-law?"
+
+"Carrie would sooner be an old maid a dozen times over than give any
+encouragement to such a fellow."
+
+All of which was pleasant for Oliver to hear.
+
+Mr. Kenyon was not through with his surprises.
+
+Two weeks before, Roland had a new suit of clothes. Oliver's envy
+had been a little excited, because he needed new clothes more than
+his step-brother, but he was too proud to give expression to his
+dissatisfaction or to ask for a similar favor. On the way home from
+school, in company with Frank Dudley, Oliver met Mr. Kenyon.
+
+"Are you just coming home from school, Oliver?" asked his step-father
+pleasantly.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I have told Mr. Crimp, the tailor, to measure you for a new suit of
+clothes. You may as well call in now and be measured."
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Oliver, in a tone of satisfaction.
+
+What boy ever was indifferent to new clothes?
+
+"Have you selected the cloth, sir?" he asked.
+
+"No; you may make the selection yourself. You need not regard the
+price. It is best to get a good article."
+
+Mr. Kenyon waved his hand, and smiling pleasantly, walked away.
+
+"Look here, Oliver," said Frank, "I begin to think you have
+misrepresented Mr. Kenyon to me. Such a man as that tyrannical! Why, he
+looks as if butter wouldn't melt in his mouth."
+
+"I don't know what to make of it myself, Frank. I never saw such a
+change in a man, If he'll keep on treating me like this I shall really
+begin to like him. Will you come to the tailor's with me?"
+
+"Willingly. It'll be the next thing to ordering a suit for myself."
+
+The tailor's shop was near by, and the boys entered, with their
+school-books in their hands.
+
+Oliver, with his friend's approval, selected a piece of expensive
+cloth, and was measured for a suit. As they left the shop they fell in
+with Roland, who, cane in hand, was walking leisurely down the main
+street, cherishing the complacent delusion that he was the object of
+general admiration.
+
+"Hallo, Frank!" he said, by way of greeting. To Oliver he did not
+vouchsafe a word.
+
+Frank Dudley nodded.
+
+"Are you out for a walk?" he added.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Have you been into Crimp's?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Been ordering new clothes?" enquired Roland, with interest, for he was
+rather a dandy, and was as much interested in clothes as a lady.
+
+"I haven't. Oliver has."
+
+Roland arched his brows in displeasure.
+
+"Have you ordered a suit of clothes?" he enquired.
+
+"I have," answered Oliver coldly.
+
+"Who authorized you to do it?"
+
+"It is none of your business," said Oliver, justly provoked at the
+other's impertinence.
+
+"It is my father's business," said Roland. "I suppose you expect to pay
+for them."
+
+"The bill won't be sent to you, at any rate. You may be assured of
+that. Come on, Frank."
+
+The two boys walked off, leaving Roland in front of the tailor's shop.
+
+"I'll go in and see what he's ordered," thought he. "If it's without
+authority I'll tell my father, and he'll soon put a spoke in his wheel."
+
+"Good-evening, Crimp," said he consequentially.
+
+Considering the tailor quite beneath him he dispensed with any title.
+
+"Good-evening," returned the tailor.
+
+"Oliver has ordered a suit here, hasn't he?"
+
+"Yes; he just ordered it."
+
+"Will you show me the cloth he selected?"
+
+"If you wish."
+
+Mr. Crimp displayed the cloth. Roland was enough of a judge to see that
+it was high priced.
+
+"It's nice cloth. Is it expensive?"
+
+"It's the best I have in stock."
+
+Roland frowned.
+
+"Is it any better than the suit you made me a short time since?"
+
+"It is a little dearer."
+
+"Why didn't you show me this, then? I wanted the best."
+
+"Because it has come in since."
+
+"Look here, Crimp," said Roland, "you'd better wait till you hear from
+my father before you begin on this suit."
+
+"Why should I?"
+
+"I don't believe he will allow Oliver to have such a high-priced suit."
+
+Mr. Crimp had had orders from Mr. Kenyon that very afternoon to follow
+Oliver's directions implicitly, but he did not choose to say this to
+Roland. The truth was, he was provoked at the liberty the ill-bred
+boy took in addressing him without a title, and he didn't see fit to
+enlighten him on this point.
+
+"You must excuse me," he said. "Oliver has ordered the suit, and I
+shall not take such a liberty with him as to question his order."
+
+"I rather think my father will have something to say about that," said
+Roland. "I presume you expect him to pay your bill."
+
+"The bill will be paid; I am not afraid of that. Why shouldn't it be?"
+
+"You may have to depend on Oliver to pay it himself."
+
+"Well, he has money enough, or ought to have," said the tailor
+significantly. "His mother left a large property."
+
+Roland did not like the turn the conversation was taking, and stalked
+out of the shop.
+
+"Crimp is getting impudent," he said to himself. "If there was another
+good tailor in the village I would patronize him."
+
+However, Roland had one other resource, and this consoled him.
+
+"I'll tell my father, and we'll see if he don't put a stop to it," he
+thought. "Oliver will find he can't do just as he likes. I wish Crimp
+would make the suit, and then father refuse to pay for it. It would
+teach him a lesson."
+
+Roland selected the supper-table for the revelation of what he supposed
+to be Oliver's unauthorized conduct.
+
+"I met Oliver coming out of Crimp's this afternoon," he commenced.
+
+Oliver did not appear alarmed at this opening. He continued to eat his
+toast in silence.
+
+As no one said anything, Roland continued:
+
+"He had just been ordering a new suit of clothes."
+
+"Did you find any cloth to suit you, Oliver?" asked Mr. Kenyon.
+
+"Yes, sir, I found a very nice piece."
+
+"I should think it was nice. It was the dearest in Crimp's stock!" said
+Roland.
+
+"How do you know?" asked Oliver quickly.
+
+"Crimp told me so."
+
+"Then you went in and enquired," said Oliver, his lip curling.
+
+"Yes, I did."
+
+"I am glad you selected a good article, Oliver," said Mr. Kenyon
+quietly. "It will wear longer."
+
+Roland stared at his father in open-mouthed amazement. He so fully
+anticipated getting Oliver into hot water that his father quite
+disconcerted him.
+
+"His suit is going to be better than mine," he grumbled, in a tone of
+vexation.
+
+"That is your own fault. Why didn't you select the same cloth?" asked
+his father.
+
+"It is some new cloth that has just come in."
+
+"You can make it up next time," said Mr. Kenyon; "your suit seems to me
+to be a very nice one."
+
+This was all the satisfaction Roland got.
+
+The next day he met Mr. Crimp in the street.
+
+"Well, does your father object to Oliver's order?" he asked with a
+smile.
+
+Roland was too provoked to notice what he regarded as an impertinent
+question.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+A DANGEROUS LETTER.
+
+
+There are some men who seem to be utterly destitute of principle.
+These are the men who in cold blood show themselves guilty of the
+most appalling crimes if their interest requires it. They are more
+detestable than those who, a prey to strong passion, are hurried into
+the commission of acts which in their cooler moments they deeply regret.
+
+To the first class belonged Mr. Kenyon, who, as we have already seen,
+had committed his wife to the horrible confinement of a mad-house that
+he might be free to spend her fortune. Hitherto he had not injured
+Oliver, though he had made his life uncomfortable; but the time was
+coming when our hero would be himself in peril. It was because he
+foresaw that Oliver might need to be removed that he began to treat
+him with unusual indulgence.
+
+"Should anything happen," he said to himself, "this will disarm
+suspicion."
+
+The time came sooner than he anticipated. Action was precipitated by
+a most unlooked for occurrence, which filled the soul of the guilty
+husband with terror.
+
+One day he stopped at the post-office to enquire for letters.
+
+"There is no letter for you, Mr. Kenyon, but here is one for Oliver.
+Will you take it?"
+
+Mr. Kenyon was curious to learn with whom his step-son corresponded,
+and said:
+
+"Yes, I will take it."
+
+It was put into his hands. No sooner did he scan the handwriting and
+the postmark than he turned actually livid.
+
+It was in the handwriting of his wife, whom all the world supposed to
+be dead, and it was postmarked Charleston.
+
+"Good Heavens! What a narrow escape!" he ejaculated, the perspiration
+standing in large drops on his brow. "Suppose Oliver had received this
+letter, I might have been lynched. I must go home and consider what is
+to be done. How could Dr. Fox be so criminally--idiotically careless as
+to suffer such a letter to leave his establishment?"
+
+Mr. Kenyon hurried home, much perturbed.
+
+On the way he met Roland, who could not help observing his father's
+agitation.
+
+"What is the matter, father?" he enquired carelessly, for he cared very
+little for anyone but himself.
+
+"I have a sick headache," said his father abruptly. "I am going home to
+lie down."
+
+Roland made no further enquiries, and Mr. Kenyon gained the house
+without any other encounter.
+
+He went up to his own room and locked himself in. Then he took out his
+pocket-knife and cut open the envelope. The letter was as follows:
+
+    MY DEAR OLIVER:
+
+  This letter is from your unhappy mother, who is languishing in a
+  private mad-house, the victim of your step-father's detestable
+  machinations. Oh, Oliver, how can I reveal to you the hypocrisy and
+  the baseness of that man, whom in an evil hour I accepted as the
+  successor of your dear father. It was not because I loved him, but
+  rather because of his importunity, that I yielded my assent to his
+  proposals. I did not know his character then. I did not know, as I do
+  now, that he only wanted to secure my property. He professed himself
+  to be wealthy, but I have reason to think that in this, as in other
+  things, he deceived me.
+
+  When we came South he pretended that it was on account of his health,
+  and I unsuspectingly fell into the snare. I need not dwell upon the
+  details of that journey. Enough that he lured me here and placed me
+  under the charge of a Dr. Fox, a fitting tool of his, under the plea
+  that I was insane.
+
+  I am given to understand that on his return to the North Mr. Kenyon
+  represented me as dead. Such is his art that I do not doubt his story
+  has been believed. Perhaps you, my dearest son, have mourned for me
+  as dead. If this be so, my letter will be a revelation. I have been
+  trying for a long time to get an opportunity to write you, but this is
+  the first time I have met with success. I do not yet know if I can get
+  it safely to the mail, but that is my hope.
+
+  When you receive this letter consult with friends whom you can trust,
+  and be guided by their advice. Do what you can to rescue me from this
+  living death. Do not arouse the suspicions of Mr. Kenyon if you can
+  avoid it. He is capable of anything.
+
+  My dear son, my paper is exhausted, and I dare not write more, at any
+  rate, lest I should be interrupted and detected. Heaven bless you and
+  restore you to my longing sight.
+
+  Your loving mother,
+
+  MARGARET CONRAD.
+
+Mr. Kenyon's face darkened, especially when his attention was drawn to
+the signature.
+
+"Conrad! So she discards my name!" he muttered. "Fortunately the object
+of this accursed letter will not be attained, nor will Oliver have an
+opportunity of making mischief by showing it to the neighbors."
+
+Mr. Kenyon lighted a candle and deliberately held the dangerous letter
+in the flame till it was consumed.
+
+"There," he said, breathing a sigh of relief, "that peril is over. But
+suppose she should write another?"
+
+Again his face wore an expression of nervous apprehension.
+
+"I must write to Dr. Fox at once," he mused, "and warn him to keep
+close guard over his patient. Otherwise I may have to dread an
+explosion at any time."
+
+He threw himself into an easy chair and began to think over the
+situation.
+
+The man was alert and watchful. Danger was at hand, and he resolved to
+head it off at any hazard.
+
+Meanwhile Oliver had occasion to pass the post-office on his way
+home from school. Thinking there might be a letter or paper for his
+step-father, he entered and made enquiry.
+
+"Is there anything for us, Mr. Herman?" he said.
+
+"No," said the postmaster, adding jocularly: "Isn't one letter a day
+enough for you?"
+
+"I have received no letter," answered Oliver, rather surprised.
+
+"I gave a letter to Mr. Kenyon for you this morning."
+
+"Oh, I haven't been home from school yet," said Oliver. "I suppose it
+is waiting for me there."
+
+"Very likely. It looked to be in a lady's handwriting," added the
+postmaster, disposed to banter Oliver, who was a favorite with him.
+
+"I can't think who can have written it, then," said our hero.
+
+At first he thought it might be from an intimate boy friend of about
+his own age, but the postmaster's remark seemed to render that
+unlikely.
+
+We all like to receive letters, however disinclined we may be to answer
+them. Oliver was no exception in this respect. His desire to see the
+letter was increased by his being quite unable to conjecture who could
+have written to him in a feminine handwriting. As soon, therefore, as
+he reached home, he enquired for Mr. Kenyon.
+
+"He's in his room, Mr. Oliver," said the servant.
+
+"Did he leave any letter for me, Maggie?"
+
+"I didn't hear of any, Mr. Oliver."
+
+"Then he's got it upstairs, I suppose."
+
+Oliver went up the stairs and knocked at Mr. Kenyon's door. The latter
+had now recovered his wonted composure, and called out to him to enter.
+
+"I heard you had a letter for me, Mr. Kenyon," said Oliver abruptly.
+
+Again Mr. Kenyon looked disturbed. He had hoped that Oliver would hear
+nothing of it, and that no enquiry might be made.
+
+"Who told you I had a letter for you?"
+
+"The postmaster."
+
+Mr. Kenyon saw that it was useless to deny it.
+
+"Yes, I believe there was one," he said carelessly. "Where could I have
+put it?"
+
+He began to search his pockets; then he looked into the drawers of his
+desk.
+
+"I don't remember laying it down," he said slowly. "In fact, I don't
+remember seeing it since I got home. I may have dropped it in the road."
+
+"Won't you oblige me by looking again, sir?" asked Oliver, disappointed.
+
+Mr. Kenyon looked again, but, of course, in vain.
+
+"It may turn up," he said at length. "Not that it was of any
+importance. It looked like a circular."
+
+"Mr. Herman told me it was in feminine handwriting," said Oliver.
+
+"Oho! that accounts for your anxiety!" said Mr. Kenyon, with affected
+jocularity, "Come, I'll look again."
+
+But the letter was not found.
+
+Oliver did not fail to notice something singular in his step-father's
+manner.
+
+"Has he suppressed my letter?" he asked himself, as he slowly retired
+from the room. "What does it all mean?"
+
+"He suspects me," muttered Mr. Kenyon, "He is in my way, and I must get
+rid of him."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+OLIVER'S MOTHER.
+
+
+It is time to introduce Oliver's mother, who was suffering such cruel
+imprisonment within the walls of a mad-house.
+
+It was by a subterfuge she had first been induced to enter the asylum
+of Dr. Fox. Her husband had spoken of it as a boarding-school under the
+charge of an old friend of his.
+
+"I think, my dear," he said, as they dismounted at the gate, "that you
+will be interested to look over the institution, and I know it will
+afford my friend great pleasure to show it to you."
+
+"I dare say I shall find it interesting," she answered, and they
+entered.
+
+Dr. Fox met them at the door. He had received previous notice of their
+arrival, and a bargain had been struck between Mr. Kenyon and the
+doctor. A meaning look was exchanged between them which Mrs. Kenyon
+did not notice.
+
+"I have brought my wife to look over your establishment, doctor," said
+Mr. Kenyon.
+
+"I don't think it is worth looking at," said the doctor, "but I shall
+be very glad to show it. Will you come upstairs?"
+
+They were moving up the main staircase when a loud scream was heard
+from above, proceeding from one of the insane inmates.
+
+"What is that?" asked Mrs. Kenyon, stopping short and turning pale.
+
+Mr. Kenyon bit his lip. He feared that his wife would suspect too soon
+the character of the institution. But Dr. Fox was prepared for the
+question.
+
+"It is poor Tommy Briggs," he said, shrugging his shoulders. "He is in
+the sick-ward."
+
+"But what is the matter with him?" asked Mrs. Kenyon, shuddering as
+another wild shriek was borne to her ears.
+
+"He has fits," answered the doctor.
+
+"Ought he to be here, then?"
+
+"He has them only at intervals, say once a month. To-morrow he will be
+all right again."
+
+Mrs. Kenyon accepted this explanation without suspicion.
+
+"How old is he?" she asked.
+
+"Fifteen."
+
+"About the age of Oliver," she remarked, turning to her husband.
+
+"Or Roland."
+
+"What a misfortune it must be to have a boy so afflicted! How I pity
+his poor mother!"
+
+"Come up another flight, please," said Dr. Fox. "We will begin our
+examination there."
+
+They went up to the next story.
+
+Dr. Fox drew a bunch of keys from his pocket, and applying one to the
+door opened it.
+
+"Do you keep them locked in?" asked Mrs. Kenyon, surprised.
+
+"This is one of the dormitories," answered the doctor, who never lost
+his self-possession. "Come in, please."
+
+It was a large square room. In one corner was a bed, surrounded by
+curtains. In the opposite corner was another bed--a cot.
+
+"Sit down one moment, Mrs. Kenyon," said the doctor. "I want to call a
+servant."
+
+He left the room, and Mr. Kenyon followed him.
+
+The two men regarded each other with a complacent smile.
+
+"Well, it's done," said the doctor, rubbing his hands. "She walked into
+the trap without any suspicion or fuss."
+
+"You'd better lock the door," said Mr. Kenyon nervously.
+
+The doctor did so.
+
+"Now," said he, "if you will follow me downstairs we will attend to the
+business part of the matter."
+
+"Willingly," said Kenyon.
+
+The business referred to consisted of the payment of three months'
+board in advance.
+
+"Now, Dr. Fox," said his new patron, "you may rely upon punctual
+payment of your bills. On your part, I depend on your safe custody of
+my wife as long as her mind remains unsound."
+
+"And that will be a long time, I fancy," said the doctor, laughing.
+
+Mr. Kenyon appreciated the joke, and laughed too.
+
+"I must leave you now," he said. "I hope you won't have much trouble
+with her."
+
+"Oh, have no anxiety on that score," said the doctor nonchalantly. "I
+am used to such cases; I know how to manage."
+
+The two men shook hands, and Mr. Kenyon left the asylum a free man.
+
+"So far, well," he said, when he was in the open air. "At last--at
+last, I am rich! And I mean to enjoy my wealth!"
+
+Mrs. Kenyon remained in the seat assigned her for two or three minutes.
+Then she began to wonder why her husband and the doctor did not return.
+
+"It's strange they leave me here so long," she said to herself.
+
+Then she rose and went to the door.
+
+She tried to open it, but it resisted her efforts.
+
+"What does this mean?" she asked herself, bewildered.
+
+She turned, and was startled by seeing a tall woman, in a long calico
+robe, in the act of emerging from the curtained bed. The woman had long
+hair, which, unconfined, descended over her shoulders. Her features
+wore a strange look, which startled and alarmed Mrs. Kenyon.
+
+"How did you get into my room?" asked the woman sharply.
+
+"Is this your room?" asked Mrs. Kenyon, unable to remove her eyes from
+the strange apparition.
+
+"Yes, it is my audience chamber," was the reply. "Why are you here?"
+
+"I hardly know," said Mrs. Kenyon hurriedly. "I think there must be
+some mistake. I would go out if I could, but the door is locked."
+
+"They always lock it," said the other composedly.
+
+"Do you live here?" asked Mrs. Kenyon nervously.
+
+"Oh, yes, I have lived here for five hundred years, more or less."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Mrs. Kenyon, terror-stricken.
+
+"I said more or less," repeated the woman sharply. "How can I tell
+within fifty years? Do you know who I am?"
+
+"No."
+
+"You have often heard of me," said the other complacently. "The whole
+world has heard about me. I am Queen Cleopatra."
+
+Mrs. Kenyon knew where she was now. She realized it with a heart full
+of horror. But what could it mean? Could Mr. Kenyon have left her there
+intentionally? In spite of all she had learned about it she could
+hardly credit it.
+
+"What place is this, tell me?" she implored.
+
+"I'll tell you," said the woman, "but you mustn't tell," she added,
+with a look of cunning. "I've found it all out. It's a place where they
+send crazy people."
+
+"Good Heaven!"
+
+"They are all crazy here--all but me," continued Cleopatra, to call her
+by the name she assumed. "I am only here for my health," she continued.
+"That's what the doctor tells me, though why they should keep me so
+long I cannot understand. Sometimes I suspect----"
+
+"In Heaven's name, what?"
+
+The woman advanced toward Mrs. Kenyon, who shrank from her
+instinctively, and whispered:
+
+"They want to separate me and Mark Antony," she said. "I am convinced
+of it, though whether it's Cæsar or my ministers who have done it
+I can't tell. What do you think?" she demanded, fixing her eyes
+searchingly upon Mrs. Kenyon.
+
+"I don't know," answered Mrs. Kenyon, shrinking away from her.
+
+"You needn't be afraid of me," said Cleopatra, observing the movement.
+"I am not crazy, you know. I am perfectly harmless. Are you crazy?"
+
+"Heaven forbid!" exclaimed Mrs. Kenyon with a shudder.
+
+"They all say so," said Cleopatra shrewdly, "but they are all crazy
+except me. Do you hear that?"
+
+There was another wild shriek, proceeding from a room on the same
+floor.
+
+"Who is it?" asked Mrs. Kenyon, in alarm.
+
+"It's crazy Nancy," answered Cleopatra. "She thinks she's the wife of
+Henry VIII., and she is always afraid he will have her executed. It's
+queer what fancies these people have," added Cleopatra, laughing.
+
+"How unconscious she is of her infirmity!" thought Mrs. Kenyon. "I hope
+she's never violent."
+
+"Is there a bell here?" she asked.
+
+"What for?"
+
+"I wish to ring for the doctor and my husband."
+
+"Ho! ho! Do you think they would notice your ringing?"
+
+"Do you think they mean to leave me here?" asked Mrs. Kenyon, with a
+gasp of horror.
+
+"To be sure they do. The doctor told me this morning he was going to
+give me a nice, agreeable room-mate."
+
+The full horror of her situation was revealed to the unfortunate woman,
+and she sank upon the floor in a swoon.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE ROYAL LUNATIC.
+
+
+When Mrs. Kenyon recovered from her swoon, she saw Dr. Fox bending over
+her.
+
+"You are recovering," he said. "You mustn't give way like this, my good
+madam."
+
+It all came back to her--her desertion, and the terrible imprisonment
+which awaited her.
+
+"Where is my husband--where is Mr. Kenyon?" she demanded imperatively.
+
+Dr. Fox shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"I wish you to send him here at once, or to take me to him."
+
+"Quite impossible, my dear madam. He has gone."
+
+"Mr. Kenyon gone, and left me here!"
+
+"It is for your own good, my dear madam. I hope soon to restore you to
+him."
+
+It was as she expected, and the first shock being over, she took
+the announcement calmly. But her soul was stirred with anger and
+resentment, for she was a woman of spirit.
+
+"This is all a base plot," she said scornfully. "Has Mr. Kenyon--have
+you--the assurance to assert that my mind is disordered?"
+
+"Unhappily there is no doubt of it," said the doctor, in a tone of
+affected regret. "Your present excitement shows it."
+
+"My excitement! Who would not be excited at being entrapped in such a
+way? But I quite comprehend Mr. Kenyon's motives. How much does he pay
+you for your share in this conspiracy?"
+
+"He pays your board on my usual terms," said Dr. Fox composedly. "I
+have agreed to do my best to cure you of your unhappy malady, but I can
+do little while you suffer yourself to become so excited."
+
+His tone was significant, and contained a menace, but for this Mrs.
+Kenyon cared little. She had been blind, but she was clear-sighted now.
+She felt that it was her husband's object to keep her in perpetual
+imprisonment. Thus only could his ends be attained.
+
+She was silent for a moment. She perceived that craft must be met with
+craft, and that it was best to control her excitement. She would speak
+her mind, however, to avoid being misunderstood.
+
+"I will not judge you, Dr. Fox," she said. "Possibly Mr. Kenyon may
+have deceived you for his own purposes. If you are really skilled in
+mental diseases you will soon perceive that I am as sane as you are
+yourself."
+
+"When I make that discovery I will send you back to your husband," said
+the doctor with oily suavity.
+
+"I shall never return to my husband," said Mrs. Kenyon coldly. "I only
+ask to be released. I hope your promise is made in good faith."
+
+"Certainly it is; but, my dear madam, let me beg you to lay aside this
+prejudice against your husband, who sincerely regrets the necessity of
+your temporary seclusion from the world."
+
+Mrs. Kenyon smiled bitterly.
+
+"I understand Mr. Kenyon probably better than you do," she said. "We
+won't discuss him now. But if I am to remain here, even for a short
+time, I have a favor to ask."
+
+"You may ask it, certainly," said the doctor, who did not, however,
+couple with the permission any promise to grant the request.
+
+"Or, rather, I have two requests to make," said Mrs. Kenyon.
+
+"Name them."
+
+"The first is, to be supplied with pens, ink, and paper, that I may
+communicate with my friends."
+
+"Meaning your husband?"
+
+"He is not my friend, but I shall address one letter to him."
+
+"Very well. You shall have what you require. You can hand the letters
+to me, and I will have them posted."
+
+"You will not read them?"
+
+"It is our usual rule to read all letters written from this
+establishment, but in your case we will waive the rule, and allow them
+to go unread. What is your second request?"
+
+"I should like a room alone," said Mrs. Kenyon, glancing at Cleopatra,
+who was sitting on the side of the bed listening to the conversation.
+
+"I am sorry that I can't grant that request," said the doctor. "The
+fact is, my establishment is too full to give anyone a single room."
+
+"But you won't keep me in the same room with a----"
+
+"What do you call me?" interrupted Cleopatra angrily. "Do you mean to
+say I am crazy? You ought to feel proud of having the Queen of Egypt
+for a room-mate. I will make you the Mistress of the Robes."
+
+All this was ludicrous enough, considering the shabby attire of the
+self-styled queen, but Mrs. Kenyon did not feel in a laughing humor.
+She did not reply, but glanced meaningly at the door.
+
+"I am sure you will like Cleopatra," he said, adding, with a wink
+unobserved by the Egyptian sovereign, "she is the only sane person in
+my establishment."
+
+Cleopatra nodded in a tone of satisfaction.
+
+"You hear what he says?" she said, turning to Mrs. Kenyon.
+
+The latter saw that it was not wise to provoke one who would probably
+be her room-mate.
+
+"I don't object to her," she said; "but to anyone. Give me any room,
+however small, so that I occupy it alone."
+
+"Impossible, my dear madam," said her keeper decisively. "I can assure
+you that Cleopatra, though confined here for political reasons," here
+he bowed to the royal lunatic, "never gives any trouble, but is quite
+calm and patient."
+
+"Thank you, doctor," said Cleopatra. "You understand me. Did you
+forward my last letter to Mark Antony?"
+
+"Yes, your Majesty. I have no doubt he will answer it as soon as his
+duties in the field will permit."
+
+"Where is he now?"
+
+"I think he is heading an expedition somewhere in Asia Minor."
+
+"Very well," nodded Cleopatra. "As soon as a letter comes, send it to
+me."
+
+"At once," said the doctor. "You must look after this lady, and cheer
+her up."
+
+"Yes, I will. What is your name?"
+
+"My name used to be Conrad. You may call me that."
+
+She shrank from wearing the name of the man who had confined her in
+this terrible asylum.
+
+"That isn't classical. I will call you Claudia--may I?"
+
+"You may call me anything you like," said Mrs. Kenyon wearily.
+
+"When will you send me the paper and ink?" she asked.
+
+"They shall be sent up at once."
+
+Ten minutes later, writing materials were brought. Anxious to do
+something which might lead to her release, she sat down and wrote
+letters to two gentlemen of influence with whom she was acquainted,
+giving the details of the plot which had been so successfully carried
+out against her liberty.
+
+Cleopatra watched her curiously. Presently she said:
+
+"Will you let me have a sheet of your paper? I wish to write a letter
+to Mark Antony."
+
+"Certainly," said Mrs. Kenyon, regarding her with pity and sympathy.
+
+The other seated herself and wrote rapidly, in an elegant feminine
+hand, which surprised Mrs. Kenyon. She did not know that the poor lady
+had once been classical teacher in a prominent female seminary, and
+that it was a disappointment in love which had alienated her mind and
+reduced her to her present condition.
+
+"Shall I read you the letter?" she enquired.
+
+"If you like."
+
+It was a very well written appeal to her imaginary correspondent to
+hasten to her and restore her to her throne.
+
+"I thought," said Mrs. Kenyon cautiously, "that Mark Antony died many
+centuries ago."
+
+"Quite a mistake, I assure you. Who could have told you such nonsense,
+Claudia?" demanded Cleopatra sharply.
+
+"You are quite sure, then?"
+
+"Of course. You will begin to say next that Cleopatra is dead."
+
+"I thought so."
+
+"That is because I have remained here so long in concealment. The world
+supposes me dead, but the time will come when people will learn their
+mistake. Have you finished your letters?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"When they send us our supper you can send them to the doctor."
+
+"Will he be sure to post them?" asked Mrs. Kenyon, with a natural
+suspicion.
+
+"Of course. Doesn't he always send my letters to Mark Antony?"
+
+This was not as satisfactory as it might have been.
+
+"Have you ever received any answers?" asked Mrs. Kenyon.
+
+"Here is a letter from Mark Antony," said Cleopatra, taking a dirty and
+crumpled note from her pocket. "Read it, Claudia."
+
+This was the note:
+
+  FAIR CLEOPATRA:
+
+  I have read your letter, my heart's sovereign, and I kiss the hand
+  that wrote it. I am driving the enemy before me, and hope soon to
+  kneel before you, crowned with laurels. Be patient, and soon expect
+  your captive,
+
+  MARK ANTONY.
+
+"Is it not a beautiful letter?" asked Cleopatra proudly.
+
+"Yes," said Mrs. Kenyon, feeling it best to humor her delusion.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+HOW THE LETTER WAS MAILED.
+
+
+Several months passed, and Mrs. Kenyon remained in confinement. She was
+not badly treated, except in being vigilantly guarded, and prevented
+from making her escape. Dr. Fox always treated her with suavity, but
+she felt that though covered with velvet his hand was of iron, and that
+there was little to hope for from him. He never made any objection to
+her writing letters, but always insisted on their being handed to him.
+
+It was not long before she began seriously to doubt whether the letters
+thus committed to him were really mailed, since no answers came. One
+day she asked him abruptly:
+
+"Why is it, Dr. Fox, that I get no answers to my letters?"
+
+"I suppose," he answered, "that your friends are afraid you may be
+excited, and your recovery retarded, by hearing from them."
+
+"Has my--has Mr. Kenyon reported that I am insane?"
+
+"Undoubtedly."
+
+"False and treacherous!" she exclaimed bitterly. "Why was I ever mad
+enough to marry him?"
+
+Dr. Fox shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"Really," he said, "I couldn't pretend to explain your motives, my dear
+madam. Women are enigmas."
+
+"Are my letters regularly mailed, Dr. Fox?" asked Mrs. Kenyon
+searchingly.
+
+"How can you ask such a question? Do you not commit them to me?"
+
+"So does Cleopatra," said Mrs. Kenyon, who had fallen into the habit of
+addressing her room-mate by the name she assumed. "Do you forward her
+letters to Mark Antony?"
+
+"Does she doubt it?" asked the doctor, bowing to the mad queen.
+
+"No, doctor," replied Cleopatra promptly. "I have the utmost faith in
+your loyalty, and it shall be rewarded. I have long intended to make
+you Lord High Baron of the Nile. Let this be the emblem."
+
+In a dignified manner Cleopatra advanced toward Dr. Fox, and passed a
+bit of faded ribbon through his button-hole.
+
+"Thanks, your Majesty," said the doctor. "Your confidence is not
+misplaced. I will keep this among my chief treasures."
+
+Cleopatra looked pleased, and Mrs. Kenyon impatient and disgusted.
+
+"He deceives me as he does her, without doubt. It is useless to
+question him further."
+
+From this time she sedulously watched for an opportunity to write a
+letter and commit it to other hands than the doctor's. But, that he
+might not suspect her design, she also wrote regularly, and placed the
+letters in his hands.
+
+One day the opportunity came. A young man, related to Cleopatra,
+visited the institution. He understood very well the character of his
+aunt's aberration, but was surprised to be told that the quiet lady who
+bore her company was also crazy.
+
+"What is the nature of her malady?" he enquired of the doctor. "Is she
+ever violent?"
+
+"Oh, no."
+
+"She seems rational enough."
+
+"So she is on all points except one."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"She thinks her husband has confined her here in order to enjoy her
+property. In point of fact she has no property and no husband."
+
+"That is curious. Why, then, does she require to be confined?"
+
+"Probably she will soon be released. She has improved very much since
+she came here."
+
+"I am glad my aunt has so quiet a companion."
+
+"Yes, they harmonize very well. They have never disagreed."
+
+During one of Mr. Arthur Holman's visits Mrs. Kenyon managed to slip
+into his hands a sealed letter.
+
+"Will you have the kindness," she asked quickly, "to put this into the
+post-office without informing the doctor?"
+
+"I will," he answered readily.
+
+"Poor woman!" he thought to himself. "It will gratify her, and her
+letter will do no harm."
+
+"I shall have to be indebted to your kindness for a postage-stamp," she
+said. "I cannot obtain them here."
+
+"Oh, don't mention it," he said.
+
+"You will be sure not to mention this to the doctor?" said Mrs. Kenyon
+earnestly.
+
+"On my honor as a gentleman."
+
+"I believe you," she said quietly.
+
+This was the letter, directed to Oliver, which found its way into the
+hands of Mr. Kenyon, and occasioned him so much uneasiness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+OLIVER'S JOURNEY.
+
+
+The more Oliver thought about it, the stranger it seemed to him that
+the letter intended for him should have been lost. In spite of Mr.
+Kenyon's plausible explanations, he felt that it had been suppressed.
+But why? He could conceive of no motive for the deed. He had no secret
+correspondent, nor had he any secret to conceal. He was quite at sea in
+his conjectures.
+
+He could not help showing by his manner the suspicion he entertained.
+Mr. Kenyon did not appear to notice it, but it was far from escaping
+his attention. He knew something about character reading, and he saw
+that Oliver was very determined, and, once aroused, would make trouble.
+
+"There is only one way," he muttered, as he furtively regarded the
+grave look on the boyish face of his step-son. "There is only one way,
+and I must try it!"
+
+He felt that there was daily peril. Any day another letter might arrive
+at the post-office, and it might fall this time into Oliver's hands.
+True, he had received a letter from Dr. Fox, in which he expressed
+his inability to discover how the letter had been mailed without his
+knowledge, but assuring Mr. Kenyon that it should not happen again.
+
+"I shall not hereafter allow your wife the use of writing materials,"
+he said. "This will remove all danger."
+
+Still Mr. Kenyon felt unsettled and ill at ease. In spite of all Dr.
+Fox's precautions, a letter might be written, and this would be most
+disastrous to him.
+
+"Oliver," said Mr. Kenyon one evening, "I have to go to New York on
+business to-morrow; would you like to go with me?"
+
+"Yes, sir," said Oliver promptly.
+
+To a country boy, who had not been in New York more than half a dozen
+times in the course of his life, such a trip promised great enjoyment,
+even where the company was uncongenial.
+
+"We shall probably remain over night," said his step-father. "I don't
+think I can get through all my business in one day."
+
+"All the better, sir," said Oliver. "I never stopped over night in New
+York."
+
+"Then you will enjoy it. If I have a chance I will take you to the
+theatre."
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Oliver, forgetting for the moment his prejudice
+against his step-father. "Is Roland going?" he asked.
+
+"No," answered Mr. Kenyon.
+
+Oliver stared in surprise. It seemed strange to him that he should be
+offered an enjoyment of which Roland was deprived.
+
+"I can't undertake to manage two boys at a time," said Mr. Kenyon
+decisively. "Roland will have to wait till the next time."
+
+"That's queer," thought Oliver, but he did not dwell too much on the
+thought. He was too well satisfied with having been the favored one,
+for this time at least.
+
+Roland was not present when his father made this proposal, but he soon
+heard of it. His dissatisfaction may well be imagined. What! Was he,
+Mr. Kenyon's own son, to be passed over in favor of Oliver? He became
+alarmed. Was he losing his old place, and was Oliver going to supplant
+him? To his mind Oliver had of late been treated altogether too well,
+and he did not like it.
+
+He rushed into his father's presence, his cheeks pale with anger.
+
+"What is this I hear?" he burst out. "Are you going to take Oliver to
+New York, and leave me at home?"
+
+"Yes, Roland, but----"
+
+"Then it's a mean shame. Anyone would think he was your son, and not I."
+
+"You don't understand, Roland. I have an object in view."
+
+"What is it?" asked Roland, his curiosity overcoming his anger.
+
+"It will be better for you in the end, Roland. You don't like Oliver,
+do you?"
+
+"No. I hate him."
+
+"You wouldn't mind if he didn't come back, would you?"
+
+"Is that what you mean, father?" asked Roland, pricking up his ears.
+
+"Yes. I am going to place him in a cheap boarding-school where he will
+be ruled with a rod of iron. Of course Oliver doesn't understand that.
+He thinks only that he is going to take a little trip to New York. Your
+presence would interfere with my plans, don't you see?"
+
+"That's good," chuckled Roland with malicious merriment. "Do they flog
+at the school he's going to?"
+
+"With great severity."
+
+"Ho! ho! He'll get more than he bargains for. I don't mind staying at
+home now, father."
+
+"Hope you'll have a good time, Oliver," said Roland, with a chuckle,
+when Oliver and his father were on the point of starting. "How lonely
+I'll feel without you!"
+
+Oliver thought it rather strange that Roland should acquiesce so
+readily in the plan which left him at home, but it soon passed away
+from his mind.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+MR. KENYON'S PLANS FOR OLIVER.
+
+
+Soon after they were seated in the cars, bound for New York, Mr. Kenyon
+remarked:
+
+"Perhaps you are surprised, Oliver, that I take you with me instead of
+Roland."
+
+Oliver admitted that he was surprised.
+
+"The fact is," said Mr. Kenyon candidly, "I don't think Roland treats
+you as well as he should."
+
+Oliver was more and more surprised.
+
+"I don't complain of Roland," he said. "I don't think he likes me, but
+perhaps that is not his fault. We are quite different."
+
+"Still he might treat you well."
+
+"Don't think of that, Mr. Kenyon; Roland has never done me any serious
+harm, and if he proposed to do it, I am able to take care of myself."
+
+Oliver did not say this in an offensive tone, but with manly
+independence.
+
+"You are quite magnanimous," said Mr. Kenyon. "I am just beginning to
+appreciate you. I own that I used to have a prejudice against you, and
+it is possible I may have treated you harshly; but I have learned to
+know you better. I find you a straightforward, manly young fellow."
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Oliver, very much astonished. "I am afraid you
+do me more than justice. I hope to retain your good opinion."
+
+"I have no doubt you will," said Mr. Kenyon, in a quiet and paternal
+tone. "You have probably noticed that my manner toward you has changed
+of late?"
+
+"Yes, sir, I have noticed the change, and been glad to see it."
+
+"Of course, of course. Now, I have got something to tell you."
+
+Oliver naturally felt curious.
+
+"I want to tell you why I have brought you to New York to-day. You
+probably thought it was merely for a pleasant excursion."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I have another object in view. Noticing as I have the dislike--well,
+the incompatibility between you and Roland, I have thought it best to
+make separate arrangements for you."
+
+Now Oliver was strangely interested. What plan had Mr. Kenyon formed
+for him?
+
+"I intend you to remain in the city. How does that suit you?"
+
+There are not many boys of Oliver's age to whom such a prospect would
+not be pleasing. He answered promptly:
+
+"I should like it very much."
+
+"No doubt Roland will envy you," said Mr. Kenyon. "I am sure he would
+prefer the city to our quiet little country village. But I cannot make
+up my mind to part with him. He is my own son, and though I endeavor to
+treat you both alike, of course that makes some difference," said Mr.
+Kenyon, in rather an apologetic tone.
+
+"Of course it does," said Oliver, who did not feel in the least
+sensitive about his step-father's superior affection for Roland.
+
+"Where am I to live in the city?" he asked next.
+
+"There are two courses open to you," said Mr. Kenyon. "You might either
+go to some school in the city or enter some place of business. Which
+would you prefer?"
+
+Had Oliver been an enthusiastic student, he would have decided in favor
+of school. He was a good scholar for his age, but, like all boys, he
+fancied a change. It seemed to him that he would like to obtain a
+business position, and he said so.
+
+His step-father anticipated this, and wished it. Had Oliver decided
+otherwise, he would have exerted his influence to have him change his
+plan.
+
+"Perhaps you are right," said Mr. Kenyon meditatively. "A bright, smart
+boy like you, is, of course, anxious to get to work and do something
+for himself. Besides, business men tell me that it is always best to
+begin young. How old are you?"
+
+"Almost sixteen," answered Oliver.
+
+"I was only fourteen when I commenced business. Yes, I think you are
+right."
+
+"Is it easy to get a position in the city?" asked Oliver, getting
+interested.
+
+"Not unless you have influence; but I think I have influence enough to
+secure you one."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"In fact, I know of a party who is in want of a boy--an old
+acquaintance of mine. He will take you to oblige me."
+
+"What business is he in?"
+
+"He has a gentlemen's furnishing store," answered Mr. Kenyon.
+
+"Do you think that business is as good as some other kinds?" said
+Oliver dubiously.
+
+"It is a capital business," said his step-father emphatically. "Pays
+splendid profits."
+
+"Who is the gentleman you refer to?" enquired Oliver, with natural
+interest.
+
+"Well, to be frank with you, it is a nephew of my own. I set him up in
+business three years ago, and he has paid back every cent of my loan
+with interest out of the profits of his business. I can assure you it
+is a paying business."
+
+"I would judge so, from what you say," returned Oliver thoughtfully.
+
+Somehow he felt disappointed to learn that the employer proposed to
+him should be a relation of his step-father. This, however, was not an
+objection he could very well express.
+
+"Suppose I should not like business," he suggested, "could I give it up
+and go to school?"
+
+"Certainly," answered Mr. Kenyon. "Bear in mind, Oliver, that I
+exercise no compulsion over you. I think you are old enough now to be
+judge of your own affairs."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+The conversation which we have reported took some time. After it was
+over Mr. Kenyon devoted his attention to the morning papers, and Oliver
+was sufficiently amused looking out of the window and examining his
+fellow-passengers.
+
+Presently they reached the city. Leaving the cars, they got into a
+horse-car, for distances are great in New York.
+
+Oliver looked out of the car windows with a lively sense of
+satisfaction. How much gayer and more agreeable it would be, he
+thought, to be in business in a great city like New York than to live
+in a quiet little country village where nothing was going on. This
+was a natural feeling, but there was another side to the question
+which Oliver did not consider. How many families in the great, gay
+city are compelled to live in miserable tenements, amid noise and
+vicious surroundings, who, on the same income, could live comfortably
+and independently in the country, breathing God's pure air, and with
+nothing to repel or disgust them?
+
+"New York is rather a lively place, Oliver," said Mr. Kenyon, who read
+his young companion's thoughts. "I think you will like to live here."
+
+"I am sure I shall," said Oliver eagerly. "I should think you would
+prefer it yourself, Mr. Kenyon."
+
+"Perhaps I may remove here some day, Oliver. I own that I have thought
+of it. Roland would like it better, I am sure."
+
+"Yes, sir, I think he would."
+
+"Where is the store you spoke of, Mr. Kenyon?" he queried, after a
+pause. "Are we going there now?"
+
+"Yes; we will go there in the first place. We may as well get matters
+settled as soon as possible. Of course, you won't have to go to work
+immediately. You can take a little time to see the city--say till next
+Monday."
+
+"Thank, you, sir. I should prefer that."
+
+"We get out here," said Mr. Kenyon after a while.
+
+They were on the Third Avenue line of cars, and it was to a shop on
+the Bowery that Mr. Kenyon directed his steps. It was by no means a
+large shop, but the windows were full of articles, labelled with cheap
+prices, and some even were displayed on the sidewalk. This is a very
+common practice with shops on the Bowery and Third Avenue, as visitors
+to New York need not be reminded. On a sign-board over the door the
+name of the proprietor was conspicuously displayed thus:
+
+  EZEKIEL BOND,
+  Cheap Furnishing Store.
+
+"This is the place, Oliver," said Mr. Kenyon. "Ezekiel Bond is my
+nephew."
+
+"It seems rather small," commented Oliver, feeling a little
+disappointed.
+
+"You mustn't judge of the amount of business done by the size of the
+shop. My nephew's plan is to avoid a large rent, and to replenish his
+stock frequently. He is a very shrewd and successful man of business.
+He understands how to manage. The great thing is to make money, Oliver,
+and Ezekiel knows how to do it. There are many men with large stores,
+heavy stocks, and great expenses who scarcely make both ends meet. Now,
+my nephew cleared ten thousand dollars last year. What do you say to
+that?"
+
+"I shouldn't think it possible to have such a large trade in such a
+small place," answered Oliver, surprised.
+
+"It is a fact, though. That's a nice income to look forward to, eh,
+Oliver?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+While this was going on they were standing in front of the window.
+
+"Now," said Mr. Kenyon, "come in and I will introduce you to my
+nephew."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+A STORE IN THE BOWERY.
+
+
+The store was crowded with a miscellaneous collection of cheap
+articles. That such a business should yield such large profits struck
+Oliver with surprise, but he reflected that it was possible, and that
+he was not qualified to judge of the extent of trade in a city store.
+
+A tall man, pock-marked, and with reddish hair, stood behind the
+counter, and, with the exception of a young clerk of nineteen, appeared
+to be the only salesman. This was Ezekiel Bond.
+
+"How are you, Ezekiel?" said Mr. Kenyon affably, advancing to the
+counter.
+
+"Pretty well, thank you, uncle," said the other, twisting his features
+into the semblance of a smile. "When did you come into town?"
+
+"This morning only."
+
+"That isn't Roland, is it?"
+
+"Oh, no; it is my step-son, Oliver Conrad. Oliver, this is my nephew,
+Ezekiel Bond."
+
+"Glad to see you, Mr. Conrad," said Ezekiel, putting out his hand as if
+he were a pump-handle. "Do you like New York?"
+
+"I haven't seen much of it yet. I think I shall."
+
+"Ezekiel," said Mr. Kenyon, "can I see you a few minutes in private?"
+
+"Oh, certainly. We'll go into the back room. Will Mr. Conrad come, too?"
+
+"No; he can remain with your clerk while we converse."
+
+"John, take care of Mr. Conrad," said Ezekiel.
+
+"All right, sir."
+
+John Meadows was a Bowery boy, and better adapted for the store he was
+in than for one in a more fashionable thoroughfare.
+
+"The boss wants me to entertain you," he remarked, when they were
+alone. "How shall I do it?"
+
+"Don't trouble yourself," said Oliver, smiling.
+
+"I'd offer you a cigarette, only the boss don't allow smoking in the
+store."
+
+"I don't smoke," said Oliver.
+
+"You don't! Where was you brung up?" asked John.
+
+"In the country."
+
+"Oh, that accounts for it. Mean ter say you've never puffed a weed?"
+
+"I never have."
+
+"Then you don't know what 'tis to enjoy yourself. Who's that man you
+came in with?"
+
+"My step-father."
+
+"I've seen him here before. He's related to my boss. I don't think any
+more of him for that."
+
+"Why not?" asked Oliver, rather amused. "Don't you like Mr. Bond?"
+
+"Come here," said John.
+
+Oliver approached the counter, and leaning over, John whispered
+mysteriously:
+
+"He's a file!"
+
+"A what?"
+
+"A file, and an awful rasping one at that. He's as mean as dirt."
+
+"I am sorry to hear that, for Mr. Kenyon wants me to begin business in
+this store."
+
+John whistled.
+
+"That's a go," he said. "Are you going to do it?"
+
+"I suppose I shall try it. If I don't like it I can give it up at any
+time."
+
+"Then I wish I was you. I don't like it, but I can't give it up, or I
+might have to live on nothing a week. I don't see what the boss wants
+an extra hand for. There aint enough trade to keep us busy."
+
+"Mr. Kenyon tells me Mr. Bond has made money."
+
+"Well, I am glad to hear it. The boss is always a-complainin' that
+trade is dull, and he must cut me down. If he does I'll sink into a
+hungry grave, that's all."
+
+"How much do you get?" asked Oliver, amused by his companion's tone.
+
+"Eight dollars a week; and what's that to support a gentleman on? I
+tell you what, I haven't had a new necktie for three months."
+
+"That is hard."
+
+"Hard! I should say it was hard. Look at them shoes!"
+
+And John, bounding over the counter, displayed a foot which had
+successfully struggled out of its encasement on one side. "Isn't it
+disgraceful that a gentleman should have to wear such foot-cases as
+them?"
+
+"Won't Mr. Bond pay you more?" asked Oliver.
+
+"I guess not. I asked him last week, and he lectured me on the dulness
+of trade. Then he went on for to show that eight dollars was a fortune,
+and I'd orter keep my carriage on it. He's a regular old file, he is."
+
+"From what you say, I don't think I shall get very high pay," said
+Oliver.
+
+"It's different with you. You're a relation. You'll be took care of."
+
+"I'm not related to Mr. Bond," said Oliver, sensible of a feeling of
+repugnance. "If it depends on that, I shall expect no favors."
+
+"You'll get 'em, all the same. His uncle's your step-father."
+
+"Where do you live?"
+
+"Oh, I've got a room round on Bleecker Street. It's about big enough
+for a good-sized cat to live in. I have to double myself up nights so
+as not to overflow into the entry."
+
+"Why don't you get a better room?"
+
+"Why don't I live on Fifth Avenue, and set up my carriage? 'Cause it
+can't be done on eight dollars a week. I have to live accordin' to my
+income."
+
+"That's where you are right. How much do you have to pay for your room?"
+
+"A dollar and a half a week."
+
+"I don't ask from curiosity. I suppose I shall have to get a place
+somewhere."
+
+"When you get ready, come to me. I'll find you a place."
+
+Here an old lady entered--an old lady from the country evidently, in a
+bombazine dress and a bonnet which might have been in fashion twenty
+years before. She was short-sighted, and peered inquisitively at Oliver
+and John.
+
+"Which of you youngsters keeps this store?" she enquired.
+
+"I am the gentleman, ma'am," said John, with a flourish.
+
+"Oh, you be! Well, I'm from the country."
+
+"Never should have thought it, ma'am. You look like an uptown lady I
+know--Mrs. General Buster."
+
+"You don't say," returned the old lady, evidently feeling complimented.
+"I'm Mrs. Deacon Grimes of Pottsville."
+
+"Is the deacon well?" asked John, with a ludicrous assumption of
+interest.
+
+"He's pooty smart," answered Mrs. Grimes, "though he's troubled
+sometimes with a pain in the back."
+
+"So am I," said John; "but I know what to do for it."
+
+"What do you do?"
+
+"Have somebody rub me down with a brick-bat."
+
+"The deacon wouldn't allow no one to do that," said the old lady,
+accepting the remedy in good faith.
+
+"Can I sell you a silk necktie this morning, ma'am?" asked John.
+
+"No; I want some handkerchers for the deacon; red silk ones he wants."
+
+"We haven't any of that kind. Here's some nice cotton ones, a good deal
+cheaper."
+
+"Will they wash?" asked Mrs. Grimes cautiously.
+
+"Of course they will. We import 'em ourselves."
+
+"Well, I don't know. If you'll sell 'em real cheap I'll take two."
+
+Then ensued a discussion of the price, which Oliver found very amusing.
+Finally the old lady took two handkerchiefs and retired.
+
+"Is that the way you do business?" asked Oliver.
+
+"Yes. We have all sorts of customers, and have to please 'em all. The
+old woman wanted to know if they would wash. The color'll all wash out
+in one washing."
+
+"I am afraid you cheated her, then."
+
+"What's the odds? She wasn't willing to pay for a good article."
+
+"I don't believe I can do business that way," thought Oliver.
+
+Just then Mr. Kenyon returned with Ezekiel Bond from the back room in
+which they had been conferring.
+
+"It's all settled, Oliver," he said. "Mr. Bond has agreed to take you,
+and you are to begin work next Monday morning."
+
+Oliver bowed. The place did not seem quite so desirable to him now.
+
+"I will be on hand," he answered.
+
+When Mr. Kenyon and he had left the store, the former said:
+
+"Every Saturday evening Mr. Bond will hand you twelve dollars, out of
+which you will be expected to defray all your expenses."
+
+"The other clerk told me he only got eight."
+
+"Part of this sum comes from me. I don't want you to be pinched. You
+have been brought up differently from him. I hope you'll like my
+nephew."
+
+"I hope I shall," said Oliver, but his tone implied doubt.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+JOHN'S COURTSHIP.
+
+
+Oliver didn't go back to his native village. Mr. Kenyon sent on his
+trunk, and thus obviated the necessity. Our hero took up his quarters
+at a cheap hotel until, with the help of John Meadows, he obtained a
+room in St. Mark's Place. The room was a large square one, tolerably
+well furnished. The price asked was four dollars a week.
+
+"That is rather more than I ought to pay just for a room," said Oliver.
+
+"I'll tell you how you can get it cheaper," said John Meadows.
+
+"How?"
+
+"Take me for your room-mate. I'll pay a dollar and a half toward the
+rent."
+
+Oliver hesitated, but finally decided to accept John's offer. Though
+his fellow-clerk was not altogether to his taste, it would prevent his
+feeling lonely, and he had no other acquaintances to select from.
+
+"All right," he said.
+
+"Is it a bargain?" said John, delighted. "I'll give my Bleecker Street
+landlady notice right off. Why, I shall feel like a prince here!"
+
+"Then this is better than your room?"
+
+"You bet! That's only big enough for a middling sized cat, while
+this----"
+
+"Is big enough for two large ones," said Oliver, smiling.
+
+"Yes, and a whole litter of kittens into the bargain. We'll have a
+jolly time together."
+
+"I hope so."
+
+"Of course," said John seriously, "when I get married that'll terminate
+the contract."
+
+"Do you think of getting married soon?" asked Oliver, surprised and
+amused.
+
+"I'll tell you about it," said John, with the utmost gravity. "Last
+month I had my fortune told."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"It was told by Mme. Catalina, the seventh daughter of a seventh
+daughter; so, of course, she wasn't a humbug."
+
+"Does that make any difference--being the seventh daughter?"
+
+"Of course it does. Well, she told me that I should marry a rich widow,
+and ever after live in luxury," said John, evidently elated by his
+prospects.
+
+"Did you believe her?"
+
+"Of course I did. She told things that I knew to be true about the
+past, and that convinced me she could foretell the future."
+
+"Such as what?"
+
+"She told me I had lately had a letter from a person who was interested
+in me. So I had. I got a letter from Charlie Cameron only a week
+before. Me and Charlie went to school together, so, of course, he feels
+interested in me."
+
+"What else?"
+
+"She said a girl with black eyes was in love with me."
+
+"Is that true?"
+
+John nodded complacently.
+
+"Who is it?"
+
+"I don't know her name, but I've met her two or three times on the
+street, and she always looked at me and smiled."
+
+"Struck with your looks, I suppose," suggested Oliver.
+
+John stroked an incipient mustache and stole a look into the glass.
+
+"Looks like it," he said.
+
+"If she were only a rich widow you wouldn't mind cultivating her
+acquaintance?"
+
+"I wish she were," said John thoughtfully.
+
+"You haven't any widow in view, have you?"
+
+"Yes, I have," said John, rather to Oliver's surprise.
+
+"Who is it?"
+
+"Her husband used to keep a lager-beer saloon on Bleecker Street, and
+now the widow carries it on. I've enquired about, and I hear she's
+worth ten thousand dollars. Would you like to see her?"
+
+"Very much," answered Oliver, whose curiosity was excited.
+
+"Come along, then. We'll drop in and get a couple of glasses of
+something."
+
+Following his guide, or rather side by side, Oliver walked round to the
+saloon.
+
+"Does she know you admire her?" enquired Oliver.
+
+"I don't," said John. "I admire her money."
+
+"Would you be willing to sell yourself?"
+
+"For ten thousand dollars? I guess I would. That's the easiest way of
+getting rich. It would take me two hundred years, at eight dollars a
+week, to make such a fortune."
+
+They entered the saloon. Behind the counter stood a woman of
+thirty-five, weighing upward of two hundred pounds. She looked
+good-natured, but the idea of a marriage between her and John Meadows,
+a youth of nineteen, seemed too ridiculous.
+
+"What will you have?" she asked, in a Teutonic accent.
+
+"Sarsaparilla and lager!" answered John.
+
+Frau Winterhammer filled two mugs in the most business-like manner. She
+evidently had no idea that John was an admirer.
+
+In the same business-like manner she received the money he laid on the
+counter.
+
+John smacked his lips in affected delight.
+
+"It is very good," he said. "Your lager is always good, Mrs.
+Winterhammer."
+
+"So!" replied the good woman.
+
+"That's so!" repeated John.
+
+"Then perhaps you comes again," said the frau, with an eye to business.
+
+"Oh, yes; I'll be sure to come again," said John, with a tender
+significance which was quite lost upon the matter-of-fact lady.
+
+"And you bring your friends, too," she suggested.
+
+"Yes; I will bring my friends."
+
+"Dat is good," said Mrs. Winterhammer, in a satisfied tone.
+
+Having no excuse for stopping longer the two friends went out.
+
+"What do you think of her, Oliver?" asked John.
+
+"There's a good deal of her," answered Oliver, using a non-committal
+phrase.
+
+"Yes, she's rather plump," said John. "I don't like a skeleton, for my
+part."
+
+"She doesn't look much like one."
+
+"She's good-looking; don't you think so?" enquired John, looking
+anxiously in his companion's face.
+
+"She looks pleasant; but, John, she's a good deal older than you."
+
+"She's about thirty."
+
+"Nearer forty."
+
+"Oh, no, she isn't. And she's worth ten thousand dollars! Think,
+Oliver, how nice it would be to be worth ten thousand dollars! I
+wouldn't clerk it for old Bond any more, I can tell you that."
+
+"Would you keep the saloon?"
+
+"No, I'd let her keep that and I'd set up in something else. We'd
+double the money in a short time and then I'd retire and go to Europe."
+
+"That's all very well, John; but suppose she won't have you?"
+
+John smiled--a self-satisfied smile.
+
+"She wouldn't reject a stylish young fellow like me--do you think she
+would? She'd feel flattered to get such a young husband."
+
+"Perhaps she would," said Oliver, who thought John under a strange
+hallucination. "You must invite me to the wedding whenever it comes
+off, John."
+
+"You shall be my groomsman," answered John confidently.
+
+A week later John said to Oliver after supper:
+
+"Oliver, I'm goin' to do it."
+
+"To do what?"
+
+"I'm goin' to propose to the widder to-night."
+
+"So soon!"
+
+"Yes; I'm tired of workin' for old Bond; I want to go in for myself."
+
+"Well, John, I wish you good luck, but I shall be sorry to lose you for
+a room-mate."
+
+"Lend me a necktie, won't you, Oliver? I want to take her eye, you
+know."
+
+So Oliver lent his most showy necktie to his room-mate, and John
+departed on his important mission.
+
+About half an hour later John rushed into the room in a violent state
+of excitement, his collar and bosom looking as if they had been soaked
+in dirty water, and sank into a chair.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked Oliver.
+
+"I've cast her off!" answered John in a hollow voice. "She is a
+faithless deceiver."
+
+"Tell me all about it, Jack."
+
+John told his story. He went to the saloon, ordered a glass of lager,
+and after drinking it asked the momentous question. Frau Winterhammer
+seemed surprised, said "So!" and then called "Fritz!" A stout fellow in
+shirt-sleeves came out of a rear room, and the widow said something to
+him in German. Then he seized John's arms, and the widow deliberately
+threw the contents of a pitcher of lager in his face and bosom. Then
+both laughed rudely, and John was released.
+
+"What shall you do about it, John?" asked Oliver, with difficulty
+refraining from laughing.
+
+"I have cast her off!" he said gloomily, "I will never enter the saloon
+again."
+
+"I wouldn't," said Oliver.
+
+Oliver would have felt less like laughing had he known that at that
+very moment Ezekiel Bond, prompted by Mr. Kenyon, was conspiring to get
+him into trouble.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE CONSPIRACY.
+
+
+Oliver did not find his work in the store very laborious. During some
+parts of the day there was little custom, and therefore little to do.
+At such times he found John Meadows, though not a refined, at any rate
+an amusing companion. With his friendly help he soon got a general idea
+of the stock and the prices. He found that the former was generally of
+an inferior quality, and the customers belonged to the poorer classes.
+Obtaining a general idea of the receipts, he began to doubt Mr.
+Kenyon's assurance of the profits of the business. He intimated as much
+to his fellow-clerk.
+
+"The old man sold you," he said. "Bond doesn't take in more than twenty
+thousand dollars a year, and there isn't more than a tenth profit."
+
+"You are sure of that, John?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then Mr. Kenyon has deceived me. I wonder what for."
+
+"Does he love you very much?"
+
+"Who?"
+
+"Old Kenyon."
+
+"Not enough to hurt him," said Oliver, with a smile.
+
+"Then he wanted to get rid of you, and made you think this was a
+splendid opening."
+
+"I don't know but you are right," returned Oliver thoughtfully. "He
+seemed very kind, though."
+
+"He's an old fox. I knew it as soon as I set eyes on him."
+
+"I didn't enjoy myself much at home. I would just as soon be here. I
+don't like this store particularly, but I like New York."
+
+"Lots goin' on here all the time. Don't you want to go out in a
+torchlight procession to-night? I can get you the chance."
+
+"No, I think not."
+
+"I like it. I've been out ever so many times. Sometimes I'm a Democrat
+and sometimes I'm a Republican. It makes no difference to me so long
+as I have fun."
+
+Three weeks passed without developing anything to affect our hero's
+fortunes.
+
+About this time Ezekiel Bond received the following note from his uncle:
+
+  I think you may as well carry out, without any further delay, the plan
+  on which you agreed when Oliver entered your employment. I consider it
+  desirable that he should be got rid of at once. As soon as anything
+  happens, apprise me by letter.
+
+  B. KENYON.
+
+Ezekiel Bond shrugged his shoulders when he received this letter.
+
+"I can't quite understand what Uncle Benjamin is driving at," he said
+to himself. "He's got the property, and I can't see how the boy stands
+in the way. However, I am under obligations to him, and must carry out
+his wishes."
+
+Ten minutes later he entered the store from the back room, and said to
+Oliver:
+
+"Have you any objection to going out for me?"
+
+"No, sir," answered Oliver with alacrity.
+
+He was glad to escape for a time from the confinement of the store and
+breathe the outside air. John Meadows would have rebelled against being
+employed as an errand boy, but Oliver had no such pride.
+
+"Here is a sealed letter which I wish carried to the address marked on
+it. Be careful of it for it contains a twenty-dollar bill. Look out for
+pick-pockets."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+Oliver put the letter in his coat pocket, put on his hat, and went
+out into the street. The distance was about a mile, but as trade was
+dull at that hour, he decided to walk, knowing that he could easily be
+spared from the store.
+
+The note was addressed to a tailor who had been making a business coat
+for Mr. Bond.
+
+Oliver entered the tailor's shop and inquired for James Norcross, the
+head of the establishment.
+
+An elderly man said: "That is my name," and opened the letter.
+
+He read it, and then turned to Oliver.
+
+"Where is the money!" he demanded.
+
+"What money?" asked Oliver, surprised.
+
+"Your employer writes me that he encloses twenty dollars--the amount
+due me--and wishes me to send back a receipt by you."
+
+"Well, sir?"
+
+"There is no money in the letter," said the tailor, looking sharply at
+Oliver.
+
+"I don't understand it at all, sir," said Oliver, disturbed.
+
+"Has the letter gone out of your possession?"
+
+"No, sir. I put it in my pocket and it has remained there."
+
+"How, then, could the money be lost?"
+
+"I think Mr. Bond may have neglected to put it in. Shall I go back and
+ask him about it?"
+
+Again Mr. Norcross looked in Oliver's face. Certainly there was no
+guilt expressed there, only concerned surprise.
+
+"Perhaps you had better," he said. "You saw me open the letter?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Then you can bear witness that there was nothing in it. Report this to
+Mr. Bond, and ask him to send me up the money to-morrow at latest, as
+I need it to help meet a note."
+
+"I will, sir. I am sorry there has been any mistake about it."
+
+"Mr. Bond must certainly have forgotten to put in the bill. I presume
+he has found out his mistake by this time," thought Oliver.
+
+He had no suspicion that there was no mistake at all--that it was a
+conspiracy against his own reputation, instigated by Mr. Kenyon, and
+artfully carried out by Ezekiel Bond.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+OLIVER LOSES HIS PLACE.
+
+
+Oliver re-entered the store and went up to Mr. Bond, who was standing
+behind the counter awaiting his return.
+
+"Have you brought back the receipt?" asked his employer, before he had
+a chance to speak.
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Why not?" demanded Bond, frowning.
+
+"There was some mistake, Mr. Bond. The letter you gave me contained no
+money."
+
+"Contained no money! What do you mean?" exclaimed the storekeeper.
+
+Oliver briefly related the circumstances, repeating that the letter
+contained no money.
+
+"Do you mean to tell me such an unblushing falsehood," demanded Ezekiel
+Bond, "expecting me to believe it?"
+
+"Mr. Bond," said Oliver, with dignity, "it is just as I say. There was
+no money in the letter."
+
+"Silence!" roared Bond, working himself up into a premeditated
+excitement. "I tell you I put the money in myself. I think I ought to
+know whether there was any money in it."
+
+"It is very strange, sir. I saw Mr. Norcross open the letter. If he had
+taken any bill out, I should have seen it."
+
+"I presume you would," sneered Bond. "I dare say he did find the letter
+empty."
+
+Oliver looked puzzled. He was not yet prepared for an accusation. He
+attributed Mr. Bond's anger to his annoyance at the loss of twenty
+dollars. He kept silent, but waited to hear what else his employer had
+to say.
+
+"I can understand this strange matter," continued Ezekiel, with another
+sneer. "I am not altogether a fool, and I can tell you why no bill was
+found."
+
+"Why, sir?"
+
+"Because you opened the letter and took the money out before you
+reached the tailor's."
+
+He was about to say more, but Oliver interrupted him by an indignant
+denial.
+
+"That's a lie, sir!" he said hotly. "I don't care who says it."
+
+"Do you mean to tell me I lie?" exclaimed Ezekiel Bond, purple with
+rage.
+
+"If you charge me with stealing the money, I do!" said Oliver, his face
+flaming with just indignation.
+
+"You hear that, John Meadows?" said Ezekiel, turning to his other
+clerk. "Did you ever hear such impudence?"
+
+John Meadows was not a coward nor a sneak, and he had not the slightest
+belief in Oliver's guilt. To his credit, he dared manfully to avow it.
+
+"Mr. Bond," he answered, "I don't believe Oliver would do such a thing.
+I know him well, and I've always found him right side up with care."
+
+"Thank you, John," said Oliver gratefully. "I am glad there is one who
+believes I am not a thief."
+
+"You don't believe he is guilty because you are honest yourself, John,"
+said Mr. Bond, willing to gain over his older clerk by a little
+flattery. "But how can it be otherwise? I put the money very carefully
+in the envelope. Oliver put it in his pocket, and when he hands the
+letter to Mr. Norcross it is empty."
+
+"Are you sure you put the money in, sir?" asked John.
+
+"Am I sure the sun rose this morning?" retorted Mr. Bond. "Of course, I
+am certain; and I am morally certain that Oliver took the money. Hark,
+you! I will give you one chance to redeem yourself," he continued,
+addressing our hero. "Give me back the money and I will forgive you
+this time."
+
+"Mr. Bond," said Oliver indignantly, "you insult me by speaking in that
+way! Once for all, I tell you that I don't know anything about the
+money, and no one who knows me will believe your charge. You may search
+me if you want to."
+
+"It would do no great good," said Bond sarcastically. "You have had
+plenty of chances to dispose of the money. You could easily pass it
+over to some confederate."
+
+"Mr. Bond," said Oliver, "I see that you are determined to have people
+believe me guilty. I think I understand what it all means. It is a
+conspiracy to destroy my reputation. You know there was no money in the
+letter you sent by me."
+
+"Say that again, you young rascal, and I will give you a flogging!"
+shouted Ezekiel Bond, now really angry, for he was conscious that
+Oliver spoke the truth, and the truth is very distasteful sometimes.
+
+"I don't think you will," retorted our hero undauntedly; "there are
+policemen in the city, and I should give you in charge."
+
+"You would, would you? I have a great mind to have you arrested for
+theft."
+
+"Do, if you like. I am willing to have the matter investigated."
+
+It was evident that in attempting to frighten Oliver Mr. Bond had
+undertaken a difficult job. He would really have liked to give Oliver
+in charge, but he knew very well that he could prove nothing against
+him. Besides, he would be exceeding the instructions which Mr. Kenyon
+had given him, and this he did not venture to do. There was, however,
+one way of revenge open to him, and this was in strict accordance with
+his orders.
+
+"I will spare you the disgrace of arrest," he said, "not for your own
+sake, but for the sake of my esteemed uncle, who will be deeply grieved
+when he hears of this occurrence. But I cannot consent any longer to
+retain you in my employment. I will not ask my faithful clerk, John
+Meadows, to associate with a thief."
+
+"I don't care to remain in your employment, Mr. Bond. I would not
+consent to, until you retracted your false charge. As to you, John," he
+continued, turning to John Meadows, with a smile, "I hope you are not
+afraid to associate with me."
+
+"I guess 'twon't hurt me much," said John courageously. "I think Mr.
+Bond has made a great mistake in suspecting you."
+
+"You judge him by yourself," said Mr. Bond, who chose not to fall out
+with John. "You may do as you please, but I can no longer employ a
+suspicious character."
+
+"Good-morning, Mr. Bond," said Oliver proudly. "I will lose no time in
+relieving you of my presence. John, I will see you to-night."
+
+"One word more," said his employer. "I shall deem it my duty to
+acquaint my uncle with my reasons for dismissing you. I know it will
+grieve him deeply."
+
+"I think he will manage to live through it," said Oliver sarcastically.
+"I shall also send him an account of the occurrence, and he may believe
+whichever of us he pleases."
+
+Oliver took his hat and left the store.
+
+"I fear he is a hardened young rascal, John," Bond remarked to his
+remaining clerk, with a hypocritical sigh. "My uncle warned me that I
+might have trouble with him, when he first placed him here."
+
+"I never saw anything bad in him, Mr. Bond," said John. "I am sorry he
+is gone."
+
+"He has deceived you, and I am not surprised. He is very
+artful--exceedingly artful!" repeated Ezekiel, emphasizing the adverb
+by prolonging its pronunciation. "I don't mind the loss of the money
+so much as I do losing my confidence in him. So young, and such a
+reprobate! It is sad--sad!"
+
+"He does it well," thought John. "What a precious old file he is, to be
+sure! I don't believe old Kenyon is any better, either. They come of
+the same stock, and it's a bad one."
+
+Before the store closed for the day, Ezekiel said:
+
+"Shall you see Oliver to-night?"
+
+"I expect to, sir."
+
+"Then I will trouble you to give him this money--six dollars. I owe him
+for half a week, and it was at that rate my uncle requested me to pay
+him. Twelve dollars a week! Why, he might have grown rich on that, if
+he had remained honest."
+
+"I wish you would give me the same chance, Mr. Bond," said John. "I
+can't rub along very well on eight."
+
+"Don't ask me now, just after I have been robbed of twenty dollars. I
+can't afford it."
+
+"I wish I could get another place," thought John. "I should like to
+work for a man I could respect, even if he didn't pay me any more."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+OLIVER, THE OUTCAST.
+
+
+Without much hope of obtaining sympathy or credence, Oliver wrote to
+his step-father an account of the charge which Mr. Bond had brought
+against him, and denied in the most positive terms its truth.
+
+"There," he said to himself as he posted the letter, "that is all I can
+do. Mr. Kenyon must now decide which he will believe."
+
+Until he should hear from his step-father he decided not to form any
+plans for the future. One thing he was decided upon, not to return
+home. Since his mother's death (for he supposed her dead) it was no
+home for him. He had been in the city long enough to become fond of
+city life, and he meant to remain there. If Mr. Kenyon chose to assist
+him to procure another situation, he would accept his proffered aid,
+otherwise he would try to earn his own living.
+
+Two days later he received a letter, which he at once perceived to be
+in his step-father's handwriting. He tore it open eagerly and began to
+read. His lip curled with scorn before he had read far.
+
+These were the material portions of the letter:
+
+  The same mail brought me letters from you and Mr. Bond. I need not
+  say how grieved I am to hear that you have subjected yourself to a
+  criminal charge. The circumstances leave no doubt of your guilt.
+  Unhappy boy! how, with the liberal allowance you received, could
+  you stoop to so mean, so dishonorable a theft? My nephew writes me
+  that with brazen effrontery you denied your guilt, though it was
+  self-evident, and treated his remonstrances with the most outrageous
+  insolence. It is well, indeed, that your poor mother did not live to
+  see this day.
+
+"How dare he refer to my mother!" exclaimed Oliver indignantly, when he
+came to this passage.
+
+He went on with the letter:
+
+  I didn't expect that my well-meant and earnest effort to start you on
+  a business career would terminate in this way. I confess I am puzzled
+  to know what to do with you. I cannot take you home, for I do not wish
+  Roland corrupted by your example.
+
+Here Oliver's lip curled again with scorn.
+
+  Nor can I recommend you to another place. Knowing you to be dishonest,
+  I should feel that I was doing wrong to give you a good character. I
+  will not tell your old acquaintances here of your sad wickedness. I
+  have too much consideration for you. I have only told Roland, hoping
+  that it may be a warning to him, though I am thankful that he at least
+  is incapable of theft.
+
+  After anxious consideration, I have decided that you have forfeited
+  all claim to any further help from me. I cast you off, and shall leave
+  you henceforth to shift for yourself. You cannot justly complain,
+  for you must be sensible that you have brought this upon yourself. I
+  intended, sooner or later, to buy an interest for you in my nephew's
+  business,--that is, if you behaved properly,--but all this is at an
+  end now. I enclose twenty dollars to help you along until you can get
+  something to do. I advise you to enlist on some ship as cabin-boy.
+  There you will be out of reach of temptation, and may, in time, lead a
+  useful, though humble career.
+
+  I need not say with how much grief I write these words. It pains me to
+  cast you off, but I cannot own any connection with a thief. Roland is
+  also grieved by the news. Hoping that you may live to see the error of
+  your ways, I subscribe myself,
+
+  BENJAMIN KENYON.
+
+Oliver read this letter with indignation and amazement.
+
+Was it possible that Mr. Kenyon, while in the possession of a large
+property left him by his mother, could thus coolly cast him off, and
+leave him to support himself?
+
+He wrote the following reply:
+
+  MR. KENYON:
+
+  I have received your harsh and unjust letter. I am innocent, and
+  you know it. Of the large property which my mother left, you send
+  me twenty dollars, and keep the remainder. I shall keep and use the
+  money, for it is justly mine. Sometime you will repent defrauding an
+  orphan. I don't think I shall starve, but I shall not soon forget your
+  treachery. Some day--I don't know when--I will punish you for it.
+
+  OLIVER CONRAD.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+A STRANGE ACQUAINTANCE.
+
+
+Mr. Kenyon shrugged his shoulders, and smiled, when he read Oliver's
+letter.
+
+"So the young cub is showing his claws, is he?" he said to himself.
+"I fancy he will find it harder to punish me than he supposes. Where
+will he get the power? Money is power, and I have the money." "Yes," he
+continued, his sallow face lighting up with exultation, "I have played
+boldly for it, and it is mine! Who shall dispute my claim? My wife is
+in a mad-house, and likely to remain there, and now Oliver is disposed
+of. I wish he would go to sea, and never be heard of again. But at any
+rate I am pretty safe so far as he is concerned."
+
+Oliver did not expect to terrify Mr. Kenyon with his threats. He, too,
+felt his present want of power; but he was young, and he could wait.
+Indeed, the question of punishing his step-father was not the one that
+first demanded his attention. He had but twenty dollars in the world,
+and no expectations. He must find work of some kind, and that soon.
+Now, unluckily for Oliver, the times were hard. There were thousands
+out of employment, and fifty applications where there was one vacancy.
+Day after day he answered advertisements without effect. Only once he
+had a favorable answer. This was in a great dry-goods house.
+
+"Yes," said the superintendent, who was pleased with his appearance and
+manners, "we will take you, if you like to come."
+
+Oliver brightened up. His sky seemed to be clearing.
+
+"Perhaps you will object to the pay we give," said the superintendent.
+
+"I don't expect much," said our hero, who thought he would accept for
+the present, if he were only offered six dollars.
+
+"We will pay you two dollars a week for the first six months."
+
+"Two dollars a week!" exclaimed Oliver in dismay.
+
+"For the first six months. Then we will raise you to four if you do
+well."
+
+"Then I can't come," said Oliver despondently. "I shall have to live on
+my salary, and I couldn't possibly live on two dollars a week."
+
+"I am sorry," said the superintendent; "but as we can get plenty of
+boys for two dollars, we cannot break our rule."
+
+Oliver went out, rather indignant.
+
+"No wonder boys are tempted to steal," he thought, "when employers are
+so mean."
+
+It was getting rather serious for him. His money had been dwindling
+daily.
+
+"John," he said to his room-mate one evening, "I must give up this room
+at the end of the week."
+
+"Are you out of funds?"
+
+"I have but fifty cents left in the world."
+
+"I can't keep the room alone. When is our week up?"
+
+"To-morrow evening."
+
+"I will take my old room. I know it is still vacant. What will you do?"
+
+"I don't know. I haven't money enough to take any room."
+
+"I wish I had some money to lend you; I'd do it in a minute," said John
+heartily.
+
+"I know you would, John, but you have hard work scraping along
+yourself."
+
+"I'll tell you what I can do. Come to my little room, and we'll take
+turns sleeping in the bed. It is only eighteen inches wide, or we could
+both occupy it at a time."
+
+"I'll come round and sleep on the floor, John. I won't deprive you of
+your bed. I wish I knew what to do."
+
+"Perhaps Mr. Bond would take you back."
+
+"No, he wouldn't. I am convinced that there was a conspiracy to get rid
+of me. I might try my hand at selling papers."
+
+"You are too much of a gentleman to go into the street with the ragged
+street boys."
+
+"My gentility won't supply me with board and lodging. I mustn't think
+of that."
+
+"Something may turn up for you to-morrow, Oliver."
+
+"It won't do to depend on that. If I can turn up something, that will
+be more to the purpose. However, this is our last night in this room,
+and I won't worry myself into a sleepless night. I will get my money's
+worth out of the bed."
+
+Oliver was not given to dismal forebodings or to anticipating trouble,
+though he certainly might have been excused for feeling depressed under
+present circumstances. He slept soundly, and went out in the morning,
+active and alert.
+
+He took a cheap breakfast--a cup of coffee and some tea-biscuit--for
+ten cents. He rose from the table with an appetite, but he didn't dare
+to spend more money. As it was, he had but forty cents left.
+
+About one o'clock, after applying at several stores for employment, but
+ineffectually, he found himself standing at the corner of Fifth Avenue
+and Fourteenth Street.
+
+A tall gentleman, with a dignified air, probably seventy years of age,
+accosted him as he stood there.
+
+"My young friend," he said, "will you dine with me?"
+
+Oliver looked at him in astonishment to see if he was in earnest.
+
+"I do not wish to dine alone," said the other. "Be my guest unless you
+have dined."
+
+"No, sir, I have not dined; but I am a stranger to you."
+
+"Very true; we shall get acquainted before dinner is over."
+
+"Then I will accept your invitation with pleasure, sir. It is the more
+acceptable because I am out of a situation and have very little money."
+
+"You are well dressed."
+
+"Very true, sir. My dress is deceptive, however."
+
+"All that is irrelevant. Come, if you please."
+
+So Oliver followed his new acquaintance to Delmonico's restaurant. They
+selected a small table, and a waiter approached to receive orders.
+
+"I hope you are hungry," said the old gentleman. "Pray do justice to my
+invitation."
+
+Oliver smiled.
+
+"I can easily do that, sir," he said. "I made but a light breakfast."
+
+"So much the better. What kind of soup will you have?"
+
+Oliver selected turtle soup, which was speedily brought.
+
+It is unnecessary to enter into an elaborate description of the dinner.
+It is enough that Oliver redeemed his promise, and ate heartily; his
+new acquaintance regarding him with approval.
+
+"Will you have some wine?" he asked.
+
+"No, sir," replied Oliver.
+
+"You had better try some champagne."
+
+"No, thank you."
+
+"At least you will take some coffee?"
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+The coffee was brought, and at length the dinner was over.
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Oliver, preparing to leave his hospitable
+entertainer. "You have been very kind. I will bid you good-day."
+
+"No, no, come home with me. I want to have a talk with you."
+
+Oliver reflected that his new acquaintance, who had been so
+mysteriously kind, might be disposed to furnish him with some
+employment, and thought it best to accept the invitation, especially as
+his time was of little value.
+
+Twenty minutes' walk brought them to the door of a fine brown-stone
+house on a street leading out of Fifth Avenue.
+
+The old gentleman took out a latch-key, opened the front door, and
+signed to Oliver to follow him upstairs. He paused before a front room
+on the third floor. Both entered. The room was in part an ordinary
+bed-chamber, but not wholly. In one corner was a rosewood case
+containing a number of steel instruments.
+
+The old gentleman's face lighted up with strange triumph, and he locked
+the door.
+
+Oliver thought it singular, but suspected no harm.
+
+"Now, my young friend," said the old man, "I will tell you why I
+brought you here."
+
+"If you please, sir."
+
+"I am a physician, and am in search of a hidden principle of nature,
+which I am satisfied can only be arrived at by vivisection."
+
+"By what, sir?" exclaimed Oliver, whom the feverish, excited air of the
+old man began to startle.
+
+"I propose to cut you up," said the old man composedly, selecting an
+ugly looking instrument, "and watch carefully the----"
+
+"Are you mad, sir?" exclaimed Oliver, aghast. "Do you wish to murder
+me?"
+
+"You will die in behalf of science," said the old doctor calmly. "Your
+death, through my observations, will be a blessing to the race. Be good
+enough to take off your coat."
+
+Oliver was horror-struck. The door was locked, and the old man stood
+between him and escape. It was evident that he was in the power of a
+maniac.
+
+"Is my life to end thus?" he asked himself, in affright.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+A TERRIBLE SITUATION.
+
+
+"Be good enough to remove your coat," said the old man with a
+politeness hardly consistent with his fearful purpose.
+
+"Sir," said Oliver, hoping that he might be accessible to reason, "you
+have no right to experiment upon me without my permission."
+
+"I should prefer your permission," said the old doctor.
+
+"I can't give it," said Oliver hastily.
+
+"My young friend," said the old man, with an air of superior wisdom,
+"you do not appreciate the important part you are invited to take in
+the progress of scientific discovery. You will lose your life, to be
+sure, but what is a single life to the discovery of a great truth! Your
+name will live for ages in connection with the great principle which I
+shall have the honor of discovering."
+
+"I would rather live myself," said Oliver bluntly. "Science may be all
+very well, but I prefer that somebody else should have the privilege of
+dying to promote it."
+
+"They all say so," said the old man musingly. "No one has the noble
+courage to sacrifice himself for the truth."
+
+"I shouldn't think they would," retorted Oliver. "Why don't you
+experiment on yourself?"
+
+"I would willingly, but there are two impediments. I cannot at once
+be operator and subject. Besides, I am too old. My natural force is
+abated, while you are young, strong, and vigorous. Oh, yes," and he
+looked gloatingly at our hero, "you will be a capital subject."
+
+"Look here," said Oliver desperately, "I tell you I won't be a subject."
+
+"Then I must proceed without your permission," said the old doctor
+calmly. "I have already waited too long. I cannot let this opportunity
+slip."
+
+"If you kill me you will be hanged!" exclaimed Oliver, the perspiration
+starting from every pore.
+
+"I will submit cheerfully to an ignominious death, if time is only
+given me to complete and announce my discovery," said the old man
+composedly.
+
+Evidently he was in earnest. Poor Oliver did not know what to do. He
+determined, however, to keep the old man in conversation as long as
+possible, hoping that help might yet arrive, and the struggle--for he
+meant to fight for his life--be avoided.
+
+"Did you have this in view when you invited me to dine with you?" he
+asked.
+
+"Surely I did."
+
+"Why did you select me rather than someone else?"
+
+"Because you are so young and vigorous. You are in the full flush of
+health."
+
+Now this is a very pleasant assurance in ordinary cases, but under the
+circumstances Oliver did not enjoy the compliment. A thought struck him.
+
+"You are mistaken," he said. "I am not as well as I look. I have--heart
+disease."
+
+"I can hardly believe it," said the old man. "Heart disease does not go
+with such a physique."
+
+"I've got it," said Oliver. "If you want a perfectly healthy subject,
+you must apply to someone else."
+
+"I will test it," said the old man, approaching. "If you really are
+subject to disease of the heart, you will not answer my purpose."
+
+"Put down that knife, then," said Oliver.
+
+The doctor put it down. Oliver shuddered while the relentless devotee
+of science placed his hand over his heart, and waited anxiously his
+decision.
+
+It came.
+
+"You are mistaken, my young friend," he said. "The movement of your
+heart is slightly accelerated, but it is in a perfectly healthy state."
+
+"I don't believe you can tell," said Oliver desperately, "just by
+holding your hand over it a minute."
+
+"Science is unerring, my young friend," said the old man calmly.
+"But we waste time. Take off your coat and prepare yourself for the
+operation."
+
+The crisis had come, the old man approached with his dangerous weapon.
+At this supreme moment Oliver espied a bell-knob. He sprang to it, and
+rang a peal that echoed through the house, and was distinctly heard
+even in the chamber where they were standing.
+
+"What did you do that for?" demanded the old man angrily.
+
+"I am not going to stay here to be murdered!" exclaimed Oliver. "I give
+you warning that I will resist you with all my strength."
+
+"You would foil me, would you?" exclaimed the maniac, now thoroughly
+excited. "It must not be."
+
+Oliver hurriedly put a chair between himself and the old man.
+
+At that moment steps were heard on the staircase, and someone tried the
+door.
+
+"Help!" shouted Oliver, encouraged by what he heard.
+
+"What is the matter?" demanded a voice outside. "Father, what are you
+doing?"
+
+The old man looked disgusted and mortified.
+
+"Go away!" he said querulously.
+
+"Who is there with you?"
+
+"No one."
+
+"It's a lie!" said Oliver, in a loud voice. "I am a boy who has been
+lured in here by this old man, who wants to murder me."
+
+"Open the door at once, father," said the voice outside sternly.
+
+The old man was apparently overawed and afraid to refuse. He advanced
+sullenly and turned the key. The door was at once opened from outside.
+
+A man in middle life entered. He took in the situation at a glance.
+
+"You are at your tricks again, sir," he said sternly to the old man.
+"Put down that knife."
+
+The old man obeyed.
+
+"Don't be harsh, Samuel," he said, in an apologetic tone. "You know
+that I am working in the interests of science."
+
+"Don't try to impose on me with such nonsense. What were you going to
+do with that boy?"
+
+"I wished to experiment upon him."
+
+"You were going to murder him, and the law would have exacted the
+penalty had I not interfered."
+
+"I would have submitted, if I could have only demonstrated the great
+principle which----"
+
+"The great humbug! Promise me that you will never again attempt any
+such folly, or I shall be compelled to send you back to the hospital."
+
+"Don't send me there, Samuel!" said the old man, shuddering.
+
+"Then take care you do not make it necessary. Young man, come with me."
+
+It may be imagined that Oliver gladly accepted the invitation.
+
+He followed his guide downstairs, and into the parlor, which was very
+handsomely furnished.
+
+"What is your name?" enquired the other.
+
+"Oliver Conrad."
+
+"How came you with my father?"
+
+Oliver told the story briefly.
+
+"I am very much mortified at the imposition that has been practised
+upon you, and alarmed at the thought of what might have happened but
+for my accidental presence at home. Of course you can see for yourself
+that my father is insane."
+
+"Yes, sir, I can see it now; but I did not suspect it when we first
+met."
+
+"I suppose not. In fact, he is not generally insane. He is rather a
+monomaniac."
+
+"It seems a dangerous kind of monomania."
+
+"You are right; it is. Unless I can control him at home, I must send
+him back to the hospital. He has been an eminent physician, and until
+two years ago was in active practice. His delusion is connected
+with his profession, and is therefore less likely to be cured. I am
+surprised that you accepted a stranger's invitation to dine."
+
+"I will tell you frankly, sir," said Oliver, "that I am out of
+employment, and have but forty cents in the world. You could hardly
+expect me to decline a dinner at Delmonico's under the circumstances."
+
+"To be sure," said the other thoughtfully. "Wait here one minute,
+please."
+
+He left the room, but returned in less than five minutes. He handed a
+sealed envelope to Oliver.
+
+"I owe you some reparation for the danger to which you have been
+exposed. Accept the enclosure, and do me the favor not to mention the
+events of to-day."
+
+Oliver thanked him and made the promise requested.
+
+When he was in the street he opened the envelope. To his amazement, it
+proved to contain one hundred dollars in bills!
+
+"Shall I take this!" he asked himself.
+
+Necessity answered for him.
+
+"It is a strange way of earning money," he thought. "I shouldn't like
+to go through it again. On the whole, however, this is a lucky day. I
+have had a dinner at Delmonico's, and I have money enough to last me
+ten weeks at least."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+ROLAND IS SURPRISED.
+
+
+Oliver was walking along Broadway in very good spirits, as he well
+might, after such an extraordinary piece of good fortune, when all at
+once he became sensible that his step-brother, Roland, was approaching
+him.
+
+His first impulse was to avoid the meeting by crossing the street;
+but, after all, why should he avoid Roland? He had done nothing to be
+ashamed of. Certainly, Roland was not his friend, but he had been his
+companion so long that there was something homelike in his face.
+
+Roland recognized him at the instant of meeting.
+
+"Oliver!" he exclaimed in surprise.
+
+"How are you, Roland?" said Oliver composedly.
+
+Roland colored and looked embarrassed.
+
+"Are you still in the city?" he asked.
+
+"You see I am."
+
+"My father told me you were going to sea."
+
+"He advised me to go to sea, but I have not followed his advice."
+
+"I should think you would."
+
+"Why should you think I would? Do you think of going to sea?"
+
+"Of course not."
+
+"Then why should I?"
+
+"It must be rather awkward for you to stay in New York. Are you not
+afraid of being arrested?"
+
+"Arrested!" repeated Oliver haughtily. "What do you mean?"
+
+"You know well enough what I mean. On account of the money you stole
+from my cousin."
+
+"Say that again and I will knock you over!"
+
+"You wouldn't dare to--in the public street!" said Roland, startled.
+
+"Don't depend on that. If you insult me, I will."
+
+"I was only repeating what my father told me."
+
+"Your father chose to tell you a lie," said Oliver contemptuously.
+
+"Didn't you lose your place? Tell me that."
+
+"I did lose my place, or rather left it of my own accord."
+
+"Wasn't there a reason for it?" insisted Roland triumphantly.
+
+"There was a charge trumped up against me," said Oliver--"a false
+charge. Probably your father and your cousin were at the bottom of it.
+But that isn't what I care to talk about. Is there anything new in
+Brentville?"
+
+"Carrie Dudley is very well," said Roland significantly.
+
+"I am glad to hear it."
+
+"I called there last evening. I had a splendid time," said Roland.
+
+If Roland expected to excite Oliver's jealousy, he was not likely to
+succeed. Our hero knew too well Carrie Dudley's real opinion of his
+step-brother to feel the least fear on the subject.
+
+"I should like to see Frank and Carrie," said Oliver quietly. "They are
+the only persons I regret in Brentville."
+
+"No love lost between us," returned Roland at once, applying the remark
+to himself.
+
+"Probably not," said Oliver, with a smile.
+
+"Have you got another place?" enquired Roland curiously.
+
+"Not yet."
+
+"I suppose you will find it hard, as you can't bring any
+recommendation."
+
+"I wouldn't accept one from Mr. Bond," said Oliver haughtily.
+
+"How do you get along then?"
+
+"Pretty well, thank you."
+
+"I mean, how do you pay your expenses?" persisted Roland. "You have no
+income, you know."
+
+"I ought to have," blazed out Oliver indignantly. "My mother left
+a hundred thousand dollars, which you and your father have coolly
+appropriated."
+
+"My father has no money that is not his own," retorted Roland, "and
+that is more than----"
+
+"Stop there, Roland, or I may forget myself," interrupted Oliver
+sternly.
+
+There was a menace in his tone which startled Roland, and he thought it
+best not to complete his sentence.
+
+"I must be going," said Roland. "Have you dined?"
+
+He asked the question chiefly out of curiosity.
+
+"I dined at Delmonico's," replied Oliver, in a matter-of-fact tone,
+enjoying Roland's amazement.
+
+"You did!" exclaimed Roland, well aware how expensive Delmonico's
+famous restaurant is.
+
+"Yes; I had a capital dinner."
+
+"I don't believe it. You are joking," said Roland incredulously.
+
+"What makes you say that?"
+
+"You can't afford to dine at such a place, a boy in your position. I
+don't believe you have five dollars in the world."
+
+Now was the time for Oliver to confound his incredulous enemy.
+
+He took out the roll of bills he had recently received and displayed
+it to Roland, letting him see five, ten, and twenty-dollar bills.
+
+"I am not quite reduced to beggary, as you see," he said.
+
+"How did you get all that money?" gasped Roland.
+
+"I don't choose to tell you. I will only say this, that I have made
+more money since I left Mr. Bond's than I made while I was in his
+employment--three times over."
+
+"You have?" ejaculated Roland, who was beginning to feel some respect
+for the boy who could make so much money, even though he disliked him.
+"I thought you hadn't got a place," he said, after a moment's thought.
+
+"No more I have," replied Oliver. "I am my own employer."
+
+"In business for yourself, hey?"
+
+Oliver nodded.
+
+"Well, good-morning. I'll tell Frank Dudley I have seen you."
+
+"I wish you would."
+
+He looked after Oliver, as he walked away, with the same feeling of
+wonder.
+
+"How can a boy earn so much money?" he thought. "Oliver must be smart.
+I thought he'd be a beggar by this time."
+
+In his secret heart Roland had never credited the charge of theft
+brought against Oliver. He didn't like him, and was ready enough to
+join in the charge of dishonesty fabricated by his father and Mr. Bond,
+but really he knew Oliver too well to believe it. Otherwise he might
+have suspected that Oliver's supply of money was dishonestly obtained.
+He concluded that his step-brother must be doing some business of a
+very profitable character.
+
+With a hundred dollars in his pocket, Oliver felt justified in
+re-engaging the room he had in the morning resolved to leave. He
+managed to see John Meadows at the time of his leaving the store, and
+enquired if he had yet hired his old room.
+
+"No," said John, "I am just going round there. Will you go with me?"
+
+"It won't be necessary," said Oliver. "We had better remain where we
+are."
+
+John stared.
+
+"But how will we pay the rent?" he asked. "You have nothing."
+
+"Haven't I? I made a hundred dollars to-day."
+
+John whistled.
+
+"Come, now, you're gassin'," he said.
+
+"Does that look like gassing?" said Oliver, displaying a roll of bills.
+
+"Good gracious! where did you get it!"
+
+Oliver smiled.
+
+"I thought you would be surprised," he answered. "I'll tell you the
+story when we get home," he said. "Now let us go and tell our landlady
+we have changed our minds and will keep the room."
+
+"I'm glad we can," said John Meadows. "I felt bad about going back to
+my old room, and I felt anxious about you, too."
+
+"I think I shall get along," said Oliver hopefully.
+
+"Perhaps there is more money to be made where you made your money
+to-day."
+
+"I think not. At any rate, I don't care to earn any more the same way."
+
+The same evening Oliver strayed into a prominent hotel on Broadway. He
+was alone, his room-mate having retired early on account of fatigue. In
+the smoking-room he saw, sitting by himself, a tall, bronzed, rather
+roughly dressed man, evidently not a dweller in cities, but having all
+the outward marks of a frontiersman. Something in Oliver attracted this
+man's attention, and led him to address our hero.
+
+"Young man," he said, "do you live in New York?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Then, perhaps you can recommend me to a quiet house where I can obtain
+a lodging. I aint used to fine hotels; they don't suit me."
+
+"I can recommend the house where I am living," said Oliver. "It is
+quiet and comfortable, but not stylish."
+
+"Style aint for me," said the stranger. "If it's where you live, I'll
+like it better. I like your looks and would like to get acquainted with
+you."
+
+"Then," said Oliver, "I'll call here to-morrow morning and accompany
+you to the house. It would be too late to-night to make a change."
+
+"That will do," said the stranger. "I will be here at nine o'clock. If
+you don't see me enquire for Nicholas Bundy."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+OLIVER ADOPTS A NEW GUARDIAN.
+
+
+Mrs. Hill, Oliver's landlady, was glad to obtain another lodger. She
+had a vacant square room which she was willing to let for five dollars
+a week. Oliver reported this to Nicholas Bundy at the hotel the next
+morning.
+
+"If the price is too high," he added, with an involuntary glance at the
+stranger's shabby appearance, "perhaps Mrs. Hill will take less."
+
+"I am willing to pay five dollars," said Nicholas promptly. "If you
+recommend it I have no doubt it will suit me."
+
+When Mr. Bundy presented himself to the landlady, she, too,--for
+necessity had made her sharp-sighted and experience had made her
+suspicious,--evidently felt the same distrust as to his pecuniary
+status.
+
+"Would you mind paying weekly in advance?" she asked doubtfully.
+
+A smile lighted up his rough features.
+
+"No, ma'am," he said; "that'll suit me just as well."
+
+He drew out a large pouch, which appeared to be full of gold pieces,
+and drew therefrom an eagle.
+
+"That'll pay for two weeks," he said, as he placed the coin in her hand.
+
+The display of so much gold and his willingness to pay for his room two
+weeks in advance at once increased the lady's respect for him.
+
+"I shall try to make your room comfortable for you," she said. "There's
+a sofa I can put in, and I've got an extra rocking-chair."
+
+The stranger smiled.
+
+"I'm afraid you'll spoil me," he said. "I'm used to roughing it, but
+you may put 'em in. When my young friend here comes to see me, he can
+sit on either."
+
+A shabby-looking trunk and a heavy wooden box were deposited in the
+room before sunset.
+
+"Now I'm at home," said Nicholas Bundy, with satisfaction. "You'll
+come and see me often, won't you, Oliver?"
+
+He had already begun to call our hero by his Christian name, and
+evidently felt quite an interest in him.
+
+"I can promise that," said Oliver, "for I am a gentleman of leisure
+just now."
+
+"How is that?" asked Bundy quickly.
+
+"I have lost my situation, and have all my time at my own disposal."
+
+"How do you pay your way, then?" enquired Nicholas.
+
+"I have money enough on hand to last me about ten weeks, or, with rigid
+economy, even longer. Before that time passes, I hope to get another
+situation."
+
+"How much does it cost you to live?"
+
+"About ten dollars a week."
+
+"Suppose I employ you for about a week," proposed Bundy.
+
+"Is it any work I am fit for?" asked Oliver. "If so, I say yes, and
+thank you."
+
+"It is something you can do. You must know that it is twenty years
+since I have set foot in New York, and it's grown beyond my knowledge.
+I want to go about and see for myself what changes have taken place in
+it. Will you go with me?"
+
+"Yes, Mr. Bundy, I will go with you, and charge nothing for it."
+
+"That won't do," said the stranger. "I shall insist on paying you ten
+dollars a week."
+
+"But it seems like robbing you."
+
+"Don't you trouble yourself about that. You think I am poor, perhaps?"
+
+"You don't look as if you were rich," said Oliver, hesitating.
+
+"No, I suppose not," said Mr. Bundy slowly. "I don't look it, but I am
+worth fifty thousand dollars--in fact, more."
+
+Oliver looked surprised.
+
+"You wonder that I am so rough-looking--that I don't wear fine clothes,
+and sport a gold watch and chain. It aint in my way, boy. I've been
+used to roughing it so long that it wouldn't come nat'ral for me to
+change--that's all."
+
+"I am glad you are so well off, Mr. Bundy," said Oliver heartily.
+
+"Thank you, boy. It's well off in a way, I suppose, but it takes more
+than money to make a man well off."
+
+"I suppose it does," assented Oliver, but he privately thought that a
+man with so much money was "well off" after all.
+
+"Suppose, after twenty years' absence, you came back to your old home
+and found not a friend left,--that you were alone in the world, and had
+no one to take the least interest in you,--is that being well off?"
+
+"That is very nearly my own situation," said Oliver. "I have a
+step-father, but he has cast me off."
+
+"Did you care for him?"
+
+"He never gave me cause to."
+
+"Then you don't miss him?"
+
+"He has all my mother's property,--property that should be mine,--and
+he cast me off with twenty dollars."
+
+"He must be a mean skunk," said Mr. Bundy indignantly. "Tell me more
+about it."
+
+Upon this Oliver told his story. Mr. Bundy listened with sympathizing
+interest. At one point he smote the table with his hard fist and
+exclaimed:
+
+"The rhinoceros! I'd like to hammer him with my fist!"
+
+"I should pity him if you did, Mr. Bundy," said Oliver smiling.
+
+When the story was ended Nicholas took the boy's hand in his, while his
+rough features worked with friendly emotion.
+
+"You've been treated bad, Oliver," he said, "but don't mind it, boy.
+Nicholas Bundy'll be your friend. He won't see you want. You shan't
+suffer as long as I have an ounce of gold."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Bundy," said Oliver gratefully. "I may need your help,
+but, remember, I have no claim on you."
+
+"You have as much claim as anyone. Look upon me as your guardian, and
+don't be anxious about the future. I, too, have been wrongly used, and
+some day I'll tell you the story."
+
+Two days later, as they sat on the deck of a Staten Island steamer,
+Nicholas Bundy told Oliver his story.
+
+"Twenty years ago," he said, "I was a clerk in a store in New York. I
+was a spruce young man then--you wouldn't think it, but I was. I was
+earning a moderate salary, and spending it nearly all as I went along.
+About this time I fell in love with a young girl of sweet face and
+lovely disposition, and she returned my love. I've been battered about
+since, and the years have used me hard, but I wasn't so then. Well, I
+had a fellow-clerk, by name Jones,--Rupert Jones,--who took a fancy to
+the same girl. But he found she liked me better, and would say nothing
+to him, and he plotted my ruin. He was an artful, scheming villain, but
+I didn't know it then. I thought him to be my friend. That made it the
+easier for him to succeed in his fiendish plot. I needn't dwell upon
+details, but there was a sum of money missing by our employers, and
+through this man's ingenuity it was made to appear that I took it. It
+was charged upon me, and my denial was disbelieved. My employers were
+merciful men, and they wouldn't have me arrested. But I was dismissed
+in disgrace, and I learned too late that he did it. I charged him
+with it, and he laughed in my face. 'Addie won't marry you now!' he
+said. Then I knew his motive. I am glad to say he made nothing by it. I
+resigned all claim to my betrothed, but though she consented to this,
+she spurned him.
+
+"Well, my career in New York was ended. I had a little money, and,
+after selling my watch, I secured a cheap passage to California. I
+made my way direct to the mines, and at once began work. I had varying
+luck. At times I prospered; at times I suffered privation. I made my
+home away from the coast in the interior. At last, after twenty years,
+I found myself rich. Then I became restless. I turned my money into
+gold and sailed for New York. Here I am, and I have just one purpose in
+view--to find my old enemy and to punish him if I get the chance."
+
+"I can't blame you," said Oliver. "He spoiled your life."
+
+"Yes, he robbed me of my dearest hopes. I have suffered for his sin,
+for I have no doubt he took the money himself."
+
+"Do you know where he is now?"
+
+"No; he may be in this city. If he is, I will find him. This is the
+great object of my life, and you must help me in it."
+
+"I?"
+
+"Yes. I will take care of you. You shall not want for anything. In
+return, you can be my companion, my assistant, and my friend. Is it a
+bargain?"
+
+"Yes," said Oliver impulsively.
+
+"So be it, then. If you ever get tired of your engagement I will
+release you from it; but I don't think you will."
+
+"Do you know, or have you any idea, where this man is--this Rupert
+Jones?"
+
+"I have heard that such a man is living on Staten Island. I saw his
+name in the New York Directory. That is why I wished to come here
+to-day."
+
+"We are at the first landing," said Oliver. "Shall we land?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+The two passed over the gang-plank upon the pier, and the boat went on
+its way to the second landing.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+MR. BUNDY IS DISAPPOINTED, AND OLIVER MEETS SOME FRIENDS.
+
+
+The village lay farther up on the hill. Oliver and his companion
+followed the road, looking about them enquiringly.
+
+"Suppose you find this man, what will you do?" asked Oliver curiously.
+
+He had an idea that Nicholas Bundy might pull out a revolver and lay
+his old enemy dead at his feet. This, in a law-abiding community, might
+entail uncomfortable consequences, and he might be deprived of his new
+friend almost as soon as the friendship had begun.
+
+"I will punish him," said Nicholas, his brow contracting into a frown.
+
+"You won't shoot him?"
+
+"No. I shall bide my time, and consider how best to ruin him. If he is
+rich, I will strip him of his wealth; if he is respected and honored,
+I will bring a stain upon his name. I will do for him what he has done
+for me."
+
+The provincialisms which at times disfigured his speech were dropped
+as he spoke of his enemy, and his face grew hard and his expression
+unrelenting.
+
+"How he must hate this man!" thought Oliver.
+
+They stepped into a grocery store on the way, and here Mr. Bundy
+enquired for Rupert Jones.
+
+"Do you know any such man?" he asked.
+
+"Oh, yes; he trades here."
+
+Nicholas Bundy's face lighted up with joy.
+
+"Is he a friend of yours?"
+
+"No," he replied hastily. "But I want to see him; that is, if he is the
+man I mean. Will you describe him?"
+
+The grocer paused, and then said:
+
+"Well, he is about thirty-five years old, and----"
+
+"Only thirty-five?" repeated Nicholas in deep disappointment.
+
+"I don't think he can be any more. He has a young wife."
+
+"Is he tall or short?"
+
+"Quite tall."
+
+"Then it is not the man I mean," said Bundy. "Oliver, come."
+
+As they left the store he said:
+
+"I thought it was too good news to be true. I must search for him
+longer; but I have nothing else to do. There are many Joneses in the
+world."
+
+"Yes, but Rupert Jones is not a common name," said Oliver.
+
+"You say right, boy, Rupert is not a common name. That is what
+encourages me. Well, shall we go back?"
+
+"I think as we are over here we may as well stay a while," said Oliver.
+"The day is pleasant and we can look upon it as an excursion."
+
+"Just as you say, Oliver. There is no more to be done to-day. Have you
+never been here before?"
+
+"No."
+
+"I used to come over when I was a clerk. I often engaged a boat at the
+Battery and rowed down here myself."
+
+"That must have been pleasant."
+
+"If you like rowing we can go back to the ferry pier and engage a boat
+for an hour."
+
+"I should like that very much."
+
+"I shall like it also. It is long since I did anything at rowing."
+
+They engaged a stout row-boat, and rowed out half a mile from shore.
+Oliver knew something about rowing, as there was a pond in his native
+village, where he had obtained some practice, generally with Frank
+Dudley. What was his surprise when bending over the oar to hear his
+name called. Looking up, he recognized Frank and Carrie Dudley and
+their father.
+
+"Why, it's Oliver!" exclaimed Frank joyfully. "Where have you come
+from, Oliver?"
+
+"From the shore."
+
+"I mean, how do you happen to be here?"
+
+"Only an excursion, Frank. What brings you here? And Carrie, too. I
+hope you are well, Carrie."
+
+"All the better for meeting you, Oliver," said Carrie, smiling and
+blushing. "I have been missing you very much."
+
+Oliver was pleased to hear this. What boy would not be pleased to hear
+such a confession from the lips of a pretty girl?
+
+"I thought Roland would make up for my absence," he said slyly. "He
+told me when we met the other day what pleasant calls he had at your
+house."
+
+"The pleasure is all on his side, then," said Carrie, tossing her head.
+"I hate the sight of him."
+
+"Poor Roland! He is to be pitied!"
+
+"You needn't pity him, Oliver," said Frank. "He loses no opportunity of
+trying to set us against you. But he hasn't succeeded yet."
+
+"And he won't!" chimed in Carrie, with emphasis.
+
+This conversation scarcely occupied a minute, though it may seem
+longer. Meanwhile Dr. Dudley and Nicholas Bundy were left out of the
+conversation. Oliver remembered this, and introduced them.
+
+"Dr. Dudley," he said, "permit me to introduce my friend, Mr. Bundy."
+
+"I am glad to make the acquaintance of any friend of yours, Oliver.
+We are just going in. Won't you and Mr. Bundy join us at dinner in the
+hotel?"
+
+Nicholas Bundy did not in general take kindly to new friends, but he
+saw that Oliver wished the invitation to be accepted, and he assented
+with a good grace. The boat was turned, and they were soon on land
+again.
+
+"Who is this man, Oliver?" asked Frank in a low tone.
+
+"He is a new acquaintance, but he has been very kind to me, and I have
+needed friends."
+
+"Is it true that your step-father has cast you off? Roland has been
+spreading that report."
+
+"It is true enough."
+
+"What an outrage!" exclaimed Frank indignantly. "But, at least, he
+makes you an allowance out of your mother's property?"
+
+"He sent me twenty dollars, and let me understand that I was to expect
+no more of him."
+
+"What an old rascal!"
+
+"I hate him!" said Carrie. "I would like to pull his hair."
+
+"That's a regular girl's wish," said Frank, laughing. "Perhaps you can
+make it do by pulling Roland's, sis."
+
+"I will, when he next says anything against Oliver."
+
+"Look here, Oliver," said Frank, lowering his voice, "if you are in
+want of money, I've got five dollars at home that I can let you have as
+well as not. I'll send it in a letter."
+
+"I've got three dollars, Oliver," said Carrie eagerly. "You'll take
+that, too, won't you?"
+
+Oliver was moved by these offers.
+
+"You are true friends, both of you," he said; "but I have been lucky,
+and I shall not need to accept your kindness just yet. I have nearly
+a hundred dollars in my pocket-book, and Mr. Bundy is paying me ten
+dollars a week for going around with him. But, though I don't need it,
+I thank you all the same."
+
+"He looks rough," said Carrie, stealing a look at the tall, slouching
+figure walking beside her father; "but if he is kind, I shall like him."
+
+"He has done more than I have yet told you. He has promised to provide
+for me as long as I will stay with him."
+
+"He's a good man," said Carrie impulsively. "I'm going to thank him."
+
+She went up to Nicholas Bundy and took his rough hand in hers.
+
+"Mr. Bundy," she said, "Oliver tells me you have been very kind to him.
+I want to thank you for it."
+
+"My little lady," said Nicholas, surprised and pleased, "if I'd been
+kind, that would pay me; but I've only been kind to myself. I'm alone
+in the world. I've got no wife nor child, nor a single relation, but
+I've got enough to keep two on, and as long as Oliver will stay with me
+he shall want for nothing. He's company to me, and that's what I need."
+
+"I wish you were his step-father instead of Mr. Kenyon."
+
+"What sort of a man is Mr. Kenyon?" asked Nicholas of Dr. Dudley.
+
+"He is a very unprincipled schemer, in my opinion," was the reply. "He
+has managed to defraud Oliver of his mother's property and cast him
+penniless on the world."
+
+"He is a scoundrel, no doubt; but I am not sorry for what he has
+done," replied Mr. Bundy. "But for him I should be a solitary man. Now
+I have a young friend to keep me company. Let the boy's inheritance go?
+I will provide for him!"
+
+They dined together, and then Dr. Dudley and his family were obliged to
+return.
+
+"Shall I give your love to Roland?" asked Frank.
+
+"I think you had better keep it yourself, Frank," and Oliver pressed
+his hand warmly. "You needn't tell Roland that I am prospering, nor his
+father, either. I prefer, at present, that they should not know it."
+
+They parted, with mutual promises to write at regular intervals.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+ANOTHER CLUE.
+
+
+Nicholas Bundy was disappointed by his first failure, but by no means
+discouraged.
+
+"There are many Joneses in the world," he said, "but Rupert is an
+uncommon name. I didn't think there'd be more than one with that handle
+to his name. If he's alive I'll find him."
+
+"Why don't you enquire of somebody that knew him?" asked Oliver.
+
+"The thing is to find such a one," said Bundy. "There's been many
+changes in twenty years."
+
+"Don't you know of some tradesman that he used to patronize, Mr. Bundy?"
+
+"The very thing!" exclaimed the miner, for so I shall sometimes
+designate Mr. Bundy. "There's one man that may tell me about him."
+
+"Who is that?"
+
+"He kept a drinking-place down near Fulton Ferry. He may be living yet.
+I'll go and see him."
+
+So one morning Nicholas Bundy, accompanied by Oliver, took the Third
+Avenue cars and went downtown. They got out near the Astor House, and
+made their way to the old place, which Bundy remembered well. To his
+great joy he found it--a little shabbier, a little dirtier, but in
+other respects the same.
+
+They entered. Behind the bar stood a man of nearly sixty, whose bloated
+figure and dull red face indicated that he appreciated what he sold to
+others.
+
+"What will you have, gentlemen?" he asked briskly.
+
+Nicholas Bundy surveyed his countenance attentively.
+
+"Are you Jacob Spratt?" he asked.
+
+"Yes," answered the bartender. "Do you know me?"
+
+"I knew you twenty years ago," answered the miner.
+
+"I don't remember you."
+
+"You once knew me well."
+
+"I have seen many faces in my time. I can't remember so many years
+back."
+
+"Do you recall the name of Nicholas Bundy?"
+
+"Ay, that I do. You used to come here with a man named Jones."
+
+"Yes--Rupert Jones. Can you tell me where he is now?"
+
+Jacob shook his head.
+
+"He left New York not long after you did," he answered. "He went to
+Chicago."
+
+"Are you sure of that?"
+
+"Yes, and I'll tell you why. He came here one evening and says:
+'Jacob, I'm going away. You won't see me for a long time--I'm going to
+Chicago.'"
+
+"Did he tell you why he was going there?"
+
+"He said he was going there as an agent for a New York house--that he
+had a good chance."
+
+"You have never seen him since?"
+
+"No," said Jacob. Then he added meditatively: "Once I thought I saw
+him. There was a man I met in the street looking as like him as two
+peas, makin' allowance for the years he was older. I went up to him and
+called him by name, but he colored up and looked annoyed, and told me I
+was quite mistaken; that his name wasn't Jones, but something else--I
+don't remember what now. Of course I axed his pardon and walked on, but
+he was the very picture of Rupert Jones."
+
+"Then you feel sure that he went to Chicago?"
+
+"Yes, he told me so, and that was the last time I saw him. If he had
+stayed in the city he would have kept on comin' to my place, or I
+should have met him somewhere."
+
+Nicholas Bundy thanked the old man for his information, and ordered
+glasses of lemonade for himself and Oliver.
+
+"Won't you have something stronger, Mr. Bundy?" asked the barkeeper
+insinuatingly.
+
+Bundy shook his head.
+
+"I've given up liquor," he said. "I'm better off without it, and so
+will the boy be. What do you say, Oliver?"
+
+"I agree with you, sir," said Oliver promptly.
+
+"Lucky for me all don't think so," said Spratt. "It 'ould ruin my
+business."
+
+When they left the bar-room Nicholas Bundy turned to his young
+companion.
+
+"Oliver," he said, "will you go with me to Chicago?"
+
+"I shall be glad to go," said Oliver promptly.
+
+"Then we will start in two or three days, as soon as I have made some
+business arrangements."
+
+"Mr. Bundy," said Oliver honestly, "it will cost you considerable to
+pay my expenses. I should like very much to go, but do you think it
+will pay you to take me?"
+
+"You're considerate, boy, but don't trouble yourself about that. You
+are company to me, and I'm willing to pay your expenses for that, let
+alone the help you may give me."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Bundy. Then I will say no more. What day do you think
+you will start?"
+
+"To-day is Tuesday. We will start on Saturday. Can you be ready?"
+
+Oliver laughed.
+
+"There won't be much getting ready for me," he said. "All my business
+arrangements can be made in half an hour."
+
+Bundy smiled. Our hero's good spirits seemed to enliven his own. He was
+not only getting used to Oliver's company, but sincerely attached to
+him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+MAKING ARRANGEMENTS.
+
+
+Nicholas Bundy went downtown the next morning. Contrary to his usual
+custom, he did not invite Oliver to accompany him.
+
+"Perhaps you have some places to visit," he said. "If so, take the day
+to yourself. I shall not need you."
+
+He proceeded to the office of a well-known broker in the vicinity of
+Wall Street, and, entering, looked around him. His rusty appearance did
+not promise a profitable customer, and he had to wait some time before
+any attention was paid him. Finally a young clerk came to him and
+enquired carelessly:
+
+"Can we do anything for you this morning?"
+
+"Are you one of the proprietors?" asked Nicholas.
+
+"No," answered the young man, smiling.
+
+"I should like to see your employer, then."
+
+"I can attend to any little commission you may have," said the young
+man pertly.
+
+"Who told you my commission was a little one, young man?"
+
+"It seems large to him, I suppose," thought the clerk, again smiling.
+"If it's only a few hundred dollars----" he commenced.
+
+"I want to consult your employer about the investment of fifty thousand
+dollars in gold," said Nicholas deliberately.
+
+"Oh, I beg your pardon, sir," said the young man, his manner entirely
+altered. "I will speak to Mr. Hamlin at once."
+
+Though the broker was engaged with another person he waited upon
+Nicholas without delay, inviting him to take a seat in his private
+office.
+
+"Are you desirous of obtaining large interest, Mr. Bundy?" he asked.
+
+"No, sir; I want something solid, that won't fly away. I've worked for
+my money and don't want to lose it."
+
+"Precisely. Then I can recommend you nothing better than Government
+bonds. They pay a fair interest and the security is unquestionable."
+
+"Government bonds will suit me," said the miner. "You may buy them."
+
+The purchase was made and Nicholas enquired:
+
+"What shall I do with them? I don't want to carry them around with me.
+Is there any place of safety where I can leave them while I am absent
+on a journey?"
+
+"Yes, sir; you want to place them with a safe deposit company. I will
+give you a note to one that I can recommend."
+
+This advice seemed good to Mr. Bundy. He presented himself at the
+office of the company and deposited the bonds, receiving a suitable
+certificate.
+
+"One thing more," he said to himself, "and my arrangements will be
+made."
+
+He visited the office of a lawyer and dictated his will. It was very
+brief, scarcely ten lines in length. This also he deposited with the
+safe deposit company.
+
+"Oliver," he said, in the evening, "I've got through my business
+sooner than I expected. Can you start to-morrow?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Then we'll go. We'll pay our landlady to the end of the month, so
+that she can't complain. One thing more, Oliver, I want to tell you.
+I've left the bulk of my property, in bonds, and my will with the Safe
+Deposit Company, No.---- Broadway. If anything happens to me you are to
+go there and call for the will. Whatever there is in it I want you to
+see carried out."
+
+"All right, sir."
+
+The next day they started for Chicago.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+WHO RUPERT JONES WAS.
+
+
+Just before leaving New York Oliver wrote a letter to Frank Dudley,
+announcing the plan he had in view.
+
+  My new guardian, Mr. Bundy, goes to Chicago on business [he wrote] and
+  I am to go with him. I don't know how long we shall be away. I shall
+  be well provided for, and expect to have a good time. I may write
+  you from the West. Remember me to Carrie, and believe me to be your
+  affectionate friend,
+
+  OLIVER CONRAD.
+
+"So Oliver is going to Chicago," said Frank Dudley to Roland Kenyon, on
+the afternoon of the same day.
+
+Roland looked surprised.
+
+"How do you know?" he asked.
+
+Frank showed him the passage quoted above.
+
+"He doesn't send his love to you," said Frank mischievously.
+
+"I don't care for his love," returned Roland, tossing his head. "I'm
+glad he is going to a distance."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"So he needn't disgrace the family."
+
+"Are you really afraid of that?" asked Frank, in rather a sarcastic
+tone.
+
+"Yes; he's a bad fellow, and you'll find it out sooner or later."
+
+"I don't agree with you; I think Oliver a fine, manly fellow."
+
+"Oh, I know you have always stuck up for him!" said Roland, annoyed.
+"You are deceived--that is all."
+
+"Carrie is deceived, too, then," said Frank, knowing that this would
+tease Roland. "She has just as high an opinion of Oliver as I have."
+
+"She'll find him out sometime," said Roland, and walked moodily away.
+
+Reaching home, he told his father the news.
+
+"Oliver gone to Chicago!" repeated Mr. Kenyon, with evident pleasure.
+"I am glad of it. I hope he'll never come back to annoy us."
+
+"I hope so, too."
+
+"But I am afraid he will get out of money and write for help."
+
+"He's found some flat who has taken a fancy to him, and is paying his
+expenses. Very likely he'll get tired of him, though."
+
+"Who is it?" asked Mr. Kenyon, with some curiosity.
+
+"It's a rough sort of a man. Frank Dudley met him one day at Staten
+Island. An old miner from California, I believe, named Bundy."
+
+"What!" exclaimed his father hastily and in visible agitation. "What is
+the man's name?"
+
+"Bundy."
+
+"What is his first name?"
+
+"Nicholas, I believe."
+
+"Is it possible?" exclaimed Mr. Kenyon, moved in some unaccountable
+manner. "How strange the boy should have fallen in with him!"
+
+"Why, do you know him, father?" asked Roland, whose turn it was now to
+be surprised.
+
+"I have heard of him," answered Mr. Kenyon, in an embarrassed voice;
+"not lately--years ago."
+
+"What sort of a man is he?" asked Roland, who was endowed with a full
+share of curiosity.
+
+"His character was bad," answered his father briefly. "He was
+discharged from his place for dishonesty. I knew very little of him."
+
+"Then he's good company for Oliver," said Roland, shrugging his
+shoulders. "They are well matched. I'll tell Frank Dudley what sort of
+a guardian his dear friend has chosen."
+
+"I desire you will do nothing of the kind," said his father hastily.
+
+"Why not?" asked Roland, in surprise.
+
+"I don't care to have it known that I ever heard of the man. Frank
+Dudley might write to Oliver what I have said, and then it would get to
+the ears of this man Bundy. I have nothing against him, remember. In
+fact I am grateful to him for taking the boy off my hands. If we are
+wise, we shall say nothing to separate them."
+
+"I see," said Roland. "I guess you're right, father. I'd like to tell
+Frank, but I won't."
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+"How strange things turn out in this world!" said Kenyon to himself,
+when Roland had left him. "Of all men in the world Oliver has drifted
+into the care of the man who hates me most. It is fortunate that I have
+changed my name. He will never suspect that the step-father of the boy
+he is befriending is the man he once knew as--Rupert Jones."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+A STARTLING TELEGRAM.
+
+
+Meanwhile, in her Southern prison-house, Mrs. Kenyon languished in
+hopeless captivity. There was only one thing to add to her unhappiness,
+and that was supplied by the cruel ingenuity of her unprincipled
+husband.
+
+  Tell her [wrote Mr. Kenyon to Dr. Fox] that her son Oliver is dead. He
+  has just died of typhoid fever, after a week's illness. We did all we
+  could to save him, but the disease obtained too great headway to be
+  resisted, and he finally succumbed to it.
+
+"If she's not insane already that may make her so," he said to himself
+cunningly. "I shall not tell even Dr. Fox that the story is false. If
+he believes it he will be the more likely to persuade her of it."
+
+Dr. Fox did believe it. Had it been an invention he supposed Mr.
+Kenyon would have taken him into his confidence. So he made haste to
+impart the news to his patient. Essentially a coarse-minded man, he
+was not withheld, as many would have been, by a feeling of pity or
+consideration, but imparted it abruptly.
+
+"I've got bad news for you, Mrs. Kenyon," he said, entering the room
+where she was confined.
+
+"What is it?" she asked quickly.
+
+"Your son Oliver is dead!"
+
+She uttered one cry of deep suffering, then fixed her eyes upon the
+doctor's face.
+
+"You say this to torment me," she said. "It is not true."
+
+"On my honor, it is true," he answered; and he believed what he said.
+
+"When did you learn it? Tell me all you know, in Heaven's name! Would
+you drive me mad?"
+
+Dr. Fox shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"I only got the letter this morning," he said. "It was from Mr. Kenyon."
+
+"May I see the letter?"
+
+Reflecting that it contained nothing of a private nature, Dr. Fox
+consented, and put the letter into her hands. It carried conviction to
+the grief-stricken woman.
+
+"I have nothing to live for now," she said mournfully. "My poor Oliver!
+So young to die!"
+
+"Who's dead?" enquired Cleopatra, advancing to where they stood.
+
+"My boy Oliver."
+
+"Is that all? I thought it might be Mark Antony. Dr. Fox, have you
+received a letter from Antony lately?"
+
+"No, your Majesty. If I had I would immediately have informed you."
+
+The effect of this news was, for a time, to plunge Mrs. Kenyon into a
+fit of despondency. Freedom no longer had for her the old attractions.
+What was life to her now that her boy was dead?
+
+Mr. Kenyon heard with pleasure of the effect produced by his cruel
+message.
+
+"Why don't she die, or grow mad?" he said to himself. "I shall never
+feel safe while she is still alive. What would the world say if it
+should discover that my wife is not dead, but confined in a mad-house?"
+
+Still, he felt moderately secure. All his plans thus far had succeeded.
+He had won the hand of a wealthy widow, he had put her out of the way;
+he had cast off her son, appropriated her property, and there seemed to
+lie before him years of luxury and self-indulgence.
+
+In the midst of this pleasant day-dream there came a rude awakening.
+
+One day, as he was sitting in dressing-gown and slippers, complacently
+scanning a schedule of bonds and bank shares, a servant entered.
+
+"Please, sir; here's a telegram. Will you sign the book? The boy is
+waiting."
+
+He took the book and signed it calmly. He was expecting a telegram from
+his broker, and this was doubtless the message looked for.
+
+He tore open the envelope and read:
+
+  Your wife has escaped. We have no clue yet to her whereabouts.
+
+  FOX.
+
+He turned actually livid.
+
+"What's the matter, sir?" asked the servant, alarmed by his appearance.
+"Is it bad news?"
+
+He had his wits about him, and realized the importance of assigning a
+reason for his emotion.
+
+"Yes, Betty, I have lost five thousand dollars!"
+
+"Shure the master must care a sight about his money!" thought Betty.
+"He looked just like a ghost."
+
+Mr. Kenyon sent a message to Dr. Fox, exhorting him to spare no pains
+to capture the fugitive. Not content with this, he followed the
+telegram, taking the next train southward.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+OLD NANCY'S HUT.
+
+
+Mrs. Kenyon's depression and apparent submission to her fate had
+relaxed the vigilance of her keepers. Still, it is doubtful if she
+would have escaped but for the help of her insane room-mate.
+
+Late one evening Cleopatra, with a cunning expression, showed her a key.
+
+"Do you know what this is?" she asked.
+
+"It is a key."
+
+"It is the key of this door."
+
+"How did you get it?"
+
+Upon this point the queen would give no information. But she lowered
+her voice and whispered:
+
+"Mark Antony is waiting for me outside. He is going to carry me away."
+
+It was useless to question her delusion, and Mrs. Kenyon contented
+herself with asking:
+
+"Do you mean to leave this house?"
+
+"Yes," said Cleopatra. "Antony expects me. Will you go with me? I will
+make you one of my maids of honor."
+
+"Do you think we can get out?" asked Mrs. Kenyon dubiously. "The outer
+door is locked."
+
+"I know where to find the key. Time presses. Will you go?"
+
+Believing in the death of her son, Mrs. Kenyon had supposed
+herself indifferent to liberty, but now that the hope of escape was
+presented a wild desire to throw off the shackles of confinement came
+to her. What her future life might be she did not care to ask; but once
+to breathe the free air, a free woman, excited and exhilarated her.
+
+"Yes; I will go," she said quickly. "Come!"
+
+The two women dressed themselves hurriedly, softly they opened the door
+of their room, went downstairs, and from under the mat in the unlighted
+hall Cleopatra stooped down and drew out the key of the outer door.
+
+"See!" she said exultantly.
+
+"Quick! Open the door!" exclaimed Mrs. Kenyon nervously.
+
+The key turned in the lock with a grating sound which she feared might
+lead to discovery, but fortunately it did not. A moment and they stood
+on the outside of their prison-house.
+
+Now Mrs. Kenyon assumed the lead.
+
+"Come," she said.
+
+"Do you know where to find Mark Antony?" asked Cleopatra.
+
+"Yes; follow me."
+
+They did not venture to take the highway. The chances of discovery
+were too great. Neither knew much about the country, but Mrs. Kenyon
+remembered that a colored woman, sometimes employed at the asylum,
+lived in a lonely hut a mile back from the road. This woman--old
+Nancy--she had specially employed by permission of Dr. Fox, and to her
+hut she resolved to go.
+
+Cleopatra, no longer self-reliant, followed her confidingly. Just on
+the verge of a wood, with no other dwelling near at hand, dwelt the old
+black woman. It was a rude cabin, dark and unpainted. Cleopatra looked
+doubtfully at it.
+
+"Where are you going?" she asked, standing still. "Antony is not here."
+
+It was not a time to reason, nor was the assumed queen a person to
+reason with. There was no choice but to be positive and peremptory.
+
+"No," she answered, "Antony is not here, but here he will meet you. It
+is a poor place, but his enemies lie in wait for him, and he wishes to
+see you in secret."
+
+This explanation suited Cleopatra's humor.
+
+She nodded her head in a satisfied way and said:
+
+"I know it. Augustus would murder my Antony if he could."
+
+"Then you must not expose him to danger. Come with me."
+
+Mrs. Kenyon advanced, not without some misgivings, since Nancy was
+unaware of her visit. She could hear the old woman snoring, and was
+compelled to knock loudly. At last old Nancy heard, and awoke in a
+great fright.
+
+"Who's there?" she called out, in a quavering voice.
+
+"It's I, Nancy. It's Mrs. Kenyon."
+
+This only seemed to alarm the old woman the more. She was
+superstitious, like most of her race, and straightway fancied that it
+was some evil spirit who had assumed Mrs. Kenyon's voice.
+
+"Go away, you debbil!" she answered, in tremulous accents. "I know you.
+You's an evil sperrit. Go away, and leave old Nancy alone."
+
+Had her situation been less critical, Mrs. Kenyon would have been
+amused at the old woman's alarm, but in the dead of night, a fugitive
+from the confinement of a mad-house, she was in no mood for amusement.
+
+"Don't be frightened, Nancy," she said, "I have escaped from the asylum
+with Cleopatra, and we want you to hide us for to-night. I will give
+you ten dollars if you will open your door and help us."
+
+Now, avarice was a besetting weakness in old Nancy's character, and
+though Mrs. Kenyon did not know it, she had unwittingly made the right
+appeal to the old woman. Ten dollars was an immense sum to Nancy, who
+counted her savings by the smallest sums. She drew back the bolt, and
+opened her door, not wholly without fear that her first suspicions
+might be correct, and her nocturnal visitors turn out to be emissaries
+of Satan.
+
+"Are you sure you aint bad sperrits?" she asked, through a narrow
+crevice.
+
+"Don't be foolish, Nancy. You know me well enough, and Cleopatra, too.
+Open the door wider, and let us in."
+
+Reassured in a degree by the testimony of her eyes, Nancy complied and
+the two entered.
+
+"Laws, missus, it's you shure nuff," she said, "and Clopatry, too."
+(This was as near as she ever got to the name of the royal Egyptian.)
+"Who'd a thought to see you this time o' night?"
+
+"We've run away, Nancy. You won't let Dr. Fox know?"
+
+"I reckon not, missus. He's a drefful mean man, the old doctor is. I
+won't give you up to him nohow."
+
+Luckily for Mrs. Kenyon old Nancy had some months before had a quarrel
+with Dr. Fox about some money matter in which she felt he had cheated
+her. So she was glad of this opportunity to do him an ill turn.
+
+"Is Antony here, Nancy?" asked Cleopatra, looking about her with an air
+of expectation.
+
+Nancy was about to reply in the negative, when she caught a significant
+look from Mrs. Kenyon, and altered her intended answer.
+
+"He aint here yet, missus, but I expect him in the morning sure."
+
+"Likely he's her man," thought Nancy, who was entirely unacquainted
+with that episode in Roman history in which Cleopatra figured. "Likely
+he's her man, though she do look old to have one."
+
+The cabin consisted of one room on the ground floor, but overhead was
+a loft covered with straw, and used partly as a lumber-room by the old
+woman. A pallet filled with straw lay in one corner of the lower room,
+this being old Nancy's bed, from which she had hastily risen when she
+heard the knocking at the outer door.
+
+"Lie down there, honeys," she said with generous hospitality, proposing
+to resign her own bed to her unexpected guests.
+
+But the position was too exposed for Mrs. Kenyon.
+
+Looking up she espied the loft and said:
+
+"No, Nancy, we would rather go up there. Then if Dr. Fox comes for us
+he won't discover us."
+
+To this arrangement both Nancy and Cleopatra assented, and a rude
+ladder was brought into requisition. When they had reached the loft
+Cleopatra looked around her with discontent.
+
+"Am I to lie here?" she asked.
+
+"Yes; we will lie down together."
+
+"But this is no fit couch for a great queen," she complained. "What
+will Mark Antony--what will my courtiers say?"
+
+"They will praise you for sacrificing your royal state for your lover,"
+answered Mrs. Kenyon, who was quick-witted, and readily understood the
+warped mind she had to deal with.
+
+"Then I will be content," said Cleopatra, evidently pleased with the
+suggestion, "if you think Antony will approve."
+
+"There is no doubt of it. He will love you better than ever."
+
+Cleopatra reclined upon the straw, and was soon in a profound slumber.
+Mrs. Kenyon was longer awake. She was anxious and troubled, but at
+length she, too, yielded to sleep.
+
+She awoke to find old Nancy bending over her.
+
+"Don't be frightened, honey," she said; "but the old doctor is ridin'
+straight to the door. Don't you move or say a word, and I'll send him
+off as wise as he came."
+
+Nancy had scarcely got downstairs and drawn the ladder after her, when
+the smart tap of a riding-whip was heard on the outer door.
+
+Mrs. Kenyon trembled in anxious suspense.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+DR. FOX IN PURSUIT.
+
+
+Opening the outer door, old Nancy counterfeited great surprise at
+seeing Dr. Fox mounted on horseback, waiting impatiently to have his
+summons answered.
+
+"Lor' bress us!" she exclaimed, holding up both hands, "what bring you
+on here so airly, Massa Fox?"
+
+"Nancy, have you seen anything of Mrs. Kenyon and Cleopatra?" asked the
+doctor abruptly.
+
+"How should I see them?" asked Nancy. "I haven't been to the 'sylum
+sence las' week."
+
+"They have run away," explained Dr. Fox.
+
+"Run away! Good Lor'! What they gone and run away for?"
+
+"Out of pure cussedness, I expect," returned the doctor in a tone of
+disgust. "Then you haven't seen them?--they haven't passed this way?"
+
+"Not as I knows on. They wouldn't come to old Nancy. She couldn't help
+'em."
+
+"I was hoping you might have seen them," said Dr. Fox, disappointed. "I
+don't know where to look for them."
+
+"How did they get away?" asked Nancy, fixing her round, bead-like eyes
+on the doctor, with an appearance of curiosity.
+
+"I can't stop to talk," said Dr. Fox impatiently. "I must search for
+them, though I don't know where."
+
+"I hope you'll find 'em, Massa Fox," said Nancy, rolling her eyes.
+
+A sudden idea struck Dr. Fox. For a small sum he could enlist Nancy on
+his side, he thought.
+
+"Look here, Nancy," he said, "these foolish woman may yet come this
+way. If they do, let me know in some way, so that I can catch them, and
+I'll give you--let me see--I'll give you five silver dollars."
+
+"Will you really, Massa Fox?" exclaimed Nancy, in affected delight.
+"Oh, golly, how rich I'll be!"
+
+"Of course you don't get it unless you earn it, Nancy."
+
+"Oh, I'll work for it; I will, sure, Massa Fox."
+
+"If they come here, manage to lock them up in your cabin, and then come
+to me."
+
+"You may 'pend on me, Massa Doctor. Oh, yes, you may 'pend on me."
+
+"That secures her co-operation," thought the deluded doctor. "Five
+dollars is a fortune to her."
+
+He would not have felt quite so confident if he had heard Nancy's
+soliloquy after his departure.
+
+"Mean old hunks!" she exclaimed. "So he thinks he's gwine to buy old
+Nancy for five dollars! He's mighty mistaken, I reckon, I won't give up
+the poor darlings for no such money."
+
+No doubt the ten dollars she had received from Mrs. Kenyon had its
+effect; but, to do old Nancy justice, she had a good heart, and, fond
+as she was of money, would not have sold the secret of those who put
+confidence in her, even if there had been no money paid her for keeping
+it.
+
+Mrs. Kenyon, hidden in the loft, heard the conversation with anxiety,
+lest Nancy should yield to the temptation and betray her place of
+concealment. When the colloquy was over, and Dr. Fox had ridden away,
+she felt relieved.
+
+"Thank you, Nancy," she said gratefully, peering over the edge. "You
+are indeed a good friend to me."
+
+"I sent Massa Fox off with a flea in his ear," said Nancy, her portly
+form shaken by a broad laugh.
+
+"I shall not forget your kindness, Nancy."
+
+"Is Clopatry awake?" asked Nancy.
+
+"Yes," said a smothered voice from the straw. "Is Antony come?"
+
+"Aint seen no gemman of that name, Miss Clopatry."
+
+"I hope he hasn't forgotten his appointment," said the queen anxiously.
+
+"What does he look like, in case I see him, Miss Clopatry?"
+
+"He looks like a prince," said Cleopatra. "He has an air of command.
+He's a general, you know."
+
+"You couldn't tell me what color hair he's got!" said the practical
+Nancy. "I don't know much about princes."
+
+Cleopatra looked perplexed. She had never thought particularly about
+the personal appearance of her hero.
+
+"I expect it's black," she said; "but he'll ask for me. You'll know him
+by that."
+
+"All right, Miss Clopatry. If I see him, I'll send him right along.
+Now, what'll you have for breakfast?"
+
+"Anything you have, Nancy. We don't want to put you to too much
+trouble."
+
+"Oh, Lor', Mis' Kenyon, you needn't be afeared. What do you say, now,
+to some eggs and hoe-cake?"
+
+"I would like some," said Cleopatra, brightening up. "Can I come down,
+Nancy?"
+
+"Just as you please, Miss Clopatry."
+
+"I think we may venture," said Mrs. Kenyon. "Dr. Fox will not be likely
+to come back at present."
+
+The two ladies went down the ladder rather awkwardly, not being used
+to such a staircase. In fact, Cleopatra lost her footing, and fell in
+a very unqueenly attitude on the earthen floor. She was picked up,
+however, without having sustained any serious injury.
+
+After breakfast Mrs. Kenyon held a consultation with Nancy as to the
+course she had better pursue.
+
+"Better stay here till night, Mis' Kenyon," advised the old woman, "and
+then I'll take you through the woods to Scranton, where the railroad
+is. Ef you go now, the doctor'll come cross you and take you back."
+
+"Where do the cars go, Nancy? To Charleston?"
+
+"No, Miss Kenyon. They go down souf to Georgia."
+
+Until then Mrs. Kenyon had had no fixed plan, except it had occurred
+to her that it would be best to go to Charleston. But a moment's
+reflection satisfied her that she would be more likely to be sought
+after there than farther south. Dr. Fox would hardly think of following
+her to Georgia.
+
+"That plan will suit me, Nancy," she said, after a short pause. "I
+don't much care where I go, as long as I increase the distance between
+me and that horrible mad-house."
+
+"Will Clopatry go with you?" asked Nancy, indicating the queen with a
+jerk of her finger.
+
+"I will ask her."
+
+The plan was broached to Cleopatra, but it met with unexpected
+opposition.
+
+"I can't go away from Antony," she said. "He is to meet me here. You
+said he was."
+
+This was true, and it was found impossible to remove the impression
+from her mind.
+
+Mrs. Kenyon looked at Nancy in perplexity.
+
+"What shall we do?" she asked.
+
+"Let her stay," said Nancy. "You can go with me. You aint goin' to be
+caught so easy if you are alone."
+
+Mrs. Kenyon realized the force of this consideration. Cleopatra was
+really insane, and her insanity could hardly be concealed from those
+whom they might encounter in their flight. Dr. Fox would, of course,
+post notices of their escape, and Cleopatra's appearance and remarks
+would, in all probability, make the success of their plans very dubious.
+
+"You are right, Nancy," said Mrs. Kenyon; "but it seems selfish to go
+away and leave Cleopatra here."
+
+"The doctor didn't treat her bad, did he?" asked Nancy in a whisper.
+
+"No."
+
+"Then it won't do her any harm if she does get took back. It's
+different with you. Jest let her stay here as long as she wants to.
+When she finds her man don't come, she'll go back likely herself."
+
+This was finally agreed to.
+
+During the day there were no more visitors, much to the relief of Mrs.
+Kenyon.
+
+At nightfall old Nancy and Mrs. Kenyon set out on their journey. The
+latter was disguised in an old gown belonging to her hostess, her
+gown stuffed out to like ample proportions, while a huge bonnet, also
+belonging to Nancy, effectually concealed her face.
+
+"You look like my sister, Mis' Kenyon," she said. "Lor', I'd never know
+you!"
+
+"I'll pass for your sister, Nancy, if any enquiry is made."
+
+Nancy nodded acquiescence.
+
+"That'll do," she said, in a satisfied tone. "Now, bid good-by to Miss
+Clopatry, and we'll go."
+
+Cleopatra was quite willing to be left. She was quite persuaded that
+Antony would come for her during the evening, and urged Mrs. Kenyon to
+hurry him in case they met him.
+
+For two miles Nancy and her companion travelled through the woods,
+until they came to the bank of a river.
+
+"We must go 'cross here, Mis' Kenyon," she said. "There is a boat just
+here. Get in and I'll row you across."
+
+Mrs. Kenyon got into the boat, and Nancy was about to put off, when a
+horseman rode up rapidly.
+
+"Halt, there!" he shouted. "Who have you got with you, Nancy?"
+
+Mrs. Kenyon's heart stood still with sickening fear, for the voice was
+that of Dr. Fox.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+HOW DR. FOX WAS FOOLED.
+
+
+Nancy was not likely to turn pale, even if she had been frightened.
+Really, however, she was not frightened, having considerable nerve.
+
+"Is that you, Massa Fox?" she replied composedly, pushing the boat off
+at the same time. "Where did you come from?"
+
+"Who have you got with you?" demanded the doctor, in a peremptory tone.
+
+"Lor', doctor, what's the matter? It's my sister Chloe from 'cross the
+river. She cum over to see me yes'day, and I'm agwine to take her home."
+
+Dr. Fox surveyed the pretended sister critically, and was inclined to
+believe the story. The dress, the stuffed form, and general appearance
+certainly resembled Nancy. But he was not satisfied.
+
+"Are you sure that you haven't got one of my runaways in the boat with
+you?" he asked suspiciously.
+
+Nancy's fat sides shook with laughter.
+
+"One of them crazy critters!" she exclaimed. "Chloe, he thinks you're a
+crazy critter run away from his 'sylum. Won't Dinah laugh when you tell
+her!"
+
+Mrs. Kenyon possessed an admirable talent for mimicry, though she had
+not exercised it much of late years. Now, however, the occasion seemed
+to call for an effort in that direction, and she did not hesitate. She
+burst into a laugh, rich and hearty, so like Nancy's that the latter
+was almost startled, as if she heard the echo of her own amusement. No
+one who heard it would have doubted that it was the laugh of a negro
+woman.
+
+The laugh convinced Dr. Fox. He no longer entertained any doubt that it
+was really Nancy's sister.
+
+"It's all right, Nancy," he said apologetically. "I see I am mistaken.
+If you see either of the runaways let me know," and he turned his horse
+from the bank.
+
+Not a word passed between Nancy and her passenger till they had got
+beyond earshot of the pursuer. Then Nancy began:
+
+"You did dat well, Mis' Kenyon. Ef I hadn't knowed I'd have thought it
+was ole Chloe herself. Where did you learn dat laugh?"
+
+"I think I might make a pretty good actress, Nancy," said Mrs. Kenyon,
+smiling. "I knew something must be done as Dr. Fox's suspicions were
+aroused. But I didn't dare to speak. I was not so sure of my voice."
+
+"Lor', how we fooled Massa Fox!" exclaimed Nancy, bursting once more
+into a rollicking laugh.
+
+"So we did," said Mrs. Kenyon, echoing the laugh as before.
+
+"You almost frighten me, Mis' Kenyon," said Nancy. "I didn't think no
+one but a nigger could laugh like dat. Are you sure you aint black
+blood?"
+
+"I think not, Nancy," said Mrs. Kenyon. "I don't look like it, do I?"
+
+"No, Mis' Kenyon; you're as white as a lily; but I can't understand dat
+laugh nohow."
+
+Presently they reached the other shore, and Nancy securely fastened the
+boat.
+
+"How far is it to the depot, Nancy?" asked the runaway.
+
+"Only 'bout a mile, Mis' Kenyon. Are you tired?"
+
+"Oh, no; and if I were, I wouldn't mind, so long as I am escaping from
+that horrible asylum. I can't help thinking of that poor Cleopatra. I
+wish she might be as fortunate as I, but I am afraid she will be taken
+back."
+
+"She an' you's different, Mis' Kenyon. She's crazy, an' you aint."
+
+"Then you think I can be trusted out of the doctor's hands?"
+
+"How came you there, anyway, Mis' Kenyon?" asked Nancy curiously.
+
+"It is too long a story to tell, Nancy. It is enough to say that I was
+put there by a cruel enemy, and that since I have been confined I have
+met with a great loss."
+
+"Did you lose your money, Mis' Kenyon?" asked Nancy sympathetically.
+
+"It was worse than that, Nancy. My only boy is dead."
+
+"Dat's awful; but brace up, Mis' Kenyon. De Lor' don't let it blow so
+hard on de sheep dat's lost his fleece."
+
+"I feel that I have very little to live for, Nancy," continued Mrs.
+Kenyon, in a tone of depression.
+
+"Don't you take it so much to heart, Mis' Kenyon. I've had three
+chil'en myself, an' I don't know where they is."
+
+"How does that happen, Nancy?"
+
+"When we was all slaves dey was sold away from me, down in Alabama, I
+reckon, and I never expec' to see any of 'em ag'in."
+
+"That is very hard, Nancy," said Mrs. Kenyon, roused to sympathy.
+
+"So it is, Mis' Kenyon," said Nancy, wiping her eyes; "but I hope to
+see 'em in a better land."
+
+Then Nancy, pausing in her rowing, began to sing in an untrained but
+rich voice a rude plantation hymn:
+
+   "We'se all a-goin',
+    We'se all a-goin',
+    We'se all a-goin',
+      To de Promised Land.
+
+   "We shall see our faders.
+    We shall see our moders,
+    We shall see our chil'en,
+    Dead an' gone before us,
+      In de Promised Land.
+
+   "Don't you cry, poor sinner,
+    Don't you cry, poor sinner,
+    We'se all a-goin
+      To de Promised Land."
+
+"It makes me feel better to sing them words, Mis' Kenyon," said Nancy;
+"for it's all true. De Lord will care for us in de Promised Land."
+
+"I am glad you have so much faith, Nancy," said her companion. "Your
+words cheer me, in spite of myself. For the first time, I begin to
+hope."
+
+"Dat's right, Mis' Kenyon," said Nancy, heartily. "Dat's de way to
+talk."
+
+They were walking while this conversation took place, and soon they
+reached the station--a small rude hut, or little better.
+
+A man with a flag stood in front of it, while a gentleman and lady were
+standing just in the door-way.
+
+Mrs. Kenyon had on the way disencumbered herself of the gown and other
+disguises which she had worn in the boat, and appeared a quiet,
+lady-like figure, who might readily be taken for a Southern matron,
+with a colored attendant.
+
+"When will the next train start, sir?" she asked, addressing the
+flagman.
+
+"In five or ten minutes."
+
+"Going South?"
+
+"Yes, ma'am."
+
+"Can I get a ticket of you?"
+
+"The ticket agent is away. You will have to buy one on board the train."
+
+"Very well, sir."
+
+They went into the small depot and waited till the train arrived. Then
+Mrs. Kenyon bade a hurried good-by to Nancy, pressed another piece of
+gold into her not unwilling hand, and was quickly on her way.
+
+As the train started she breathed a sigh of relief.
+
+"At last I feel that I am free!" she said to herself. "But where am I
+going and what is to be my future life?"
+
+They were questions which she could not answer. The future must decide.
+
+Nancy bent her steps toward her humble home, congratulating herself on
+the success with which their mutual plans had been carried out.
+
+"I wonder how Miss Clopatry is gettin' along," she reflected.
+
+We can answer that question.
+
+Dr. Fox, on his way back, thought he would again visit Nancy's cottage.
+The two refugees might possibly be in the neighborhood, although he no
+longer suspected Nancy's connivance with them. He was destined to be
+gratified and at the same time disappointed.
+
+As he approached the house he caught sight of Cleopatra looking out of
+the window.
+
+"Is that you, Antony?" she called.
+
+Dr. Fox's face lighted up with satisfaction.
+
+"There they are! I've got them!" he exclaimed, and quickened his
+horse's pace.
+
+"Open the door, Cleopatra!" he ordered.
+
+She meekly obeyed.
+
+He peered round for her companion, but saw no one else.
+
+"Where is Antony?" asked Cleopatra.
+
+"Where is Mrs. Kenyon?" he demanded sternly.
+
+"Gone away with Nancy," answered Cleopatra simply.
+
+Dr. Fox swore fearfully.
+
+"Then it was she!" he exclaimed, "after all; and I have been preciously
+fooled. I'd like to wring Nancy's neck!"
+
+"Where is Antony?" asked Cleopatra anxiously.
+
+"He is at the asylum, waiting to see you," said the doctor. "Come with
+me, and don't keep him waiting!"
+
+That was enough. Poor Cleopatra put on her bonnet at once, and
+went back with the doctor, only to weep unavailing tears over the
+disappointment that awaited her.
+
+"I'd rather it was the other one," muttered Dr. Fox. "Who would have
+thought she was so cunning? Where did she get that laugh? I'd swear it
+was a nigger!"
+
+For three months Nancy was not allowed any work from the asylum, but
+she contented herself with the fifteen dollars in gold which Mrs.
+Kenyon had given her.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+MRS. KENYON FINDS FRIENDS.
+
+
+Mrs. Kenyon thought it best to put two hundred miles between herself
+and Dr. Fox. She left the cars the next morning at a town of about
+three thousand inhabitants, which we will call Crawford.
+
+"Is there a hotel here?" she enquired of the depot-master.
+
+"Yes, ma'am."
+
+"Is it far off?"
+
+"About three-quarters of a mile up in the village."
+
+"Can I get a carriage to convey me there?"
+
+"Certainly, ma'am," answered the depot-master briskly. My son drives
+the depot carriage. There it is, near the platform.
+
+"Peter!" he called. "Here's a lady to go to the hotel. Have you a check
+for your trunk, ma'am?"
+
+Mrs. Kenyon was rather embarrassed. She had no luggage except a small
+bundle which she carried in her hand, and this, she feared, might look
+suspicious. She had a trunk of clothing at the asylum, but of course it
+was out of the question to send for this.
+
+"My luggage has been delayed," she said; "it will be sent me."
+
+"Very well, ma'am."
+
+Mrs. Kenyon got into the carriage and was soon landed at the hotel.
+It might be called rather a boarding-house than a hotel, as it could
+hardly accommodate more than a dozen guests. It was by no means
+stylish, but looked tolerably comfortable. In Mrs. Kenyon's state
+of mind she was not likely to care much for luxury, and she said to
+herself wearily:
+
+"This will do as well as any other place."
+
+She enquired the terms of board, and found them very reasonable. This
+was a relief, for she had but two hundred dollars with her, and a part
+of this must be expended for the replenishing of her wardrobe. This
+she attended to at once, and, though she studied economy, it consumed
+about one-half of her scanty supply.
+
+Four weeks passed. Mrs. Kenyon found time hanging heavily upon her
+hands. She appeared to have no object left in life. Her boy was dead,
+or at least she supposed so. She had a husband, but he had proved
+himself her bitterest foe. She had abstained from making acquaintances,
+because acquaintances are apt to be curious, and she did not wish to
+talk of the past.
+
+There was one exception, however. One afternoon when out walking, a
+pretty little girl, perhaps four years of age, ran up to her, crying:
+
+"Take me to mamma. I'm so frightened!"
+
+She was always fond of children, and her heart opened to the little
+girl.
+
+"What is the matter, my dear?" she asked soothingly.
+
+"I've lost my mamma," sobbed the little girl.
+
+"How did it happen, my child?"
+
+"I went out with nurse, and I can't find her."
+
+By enquiry Mrs. Kenyon ascertained that the little girl had run after
+some flowers, while the careless nurse, not observing her absence, had
+gone on, and so lost her.
+
+"What is your name, my little dear?" she asked.
+
+"Florette."
+
+"And what is your mamma's name?"
+
+"Her name is mamma," answered the child, rather surprised. "Don't you
+know my mamma?"
+
+Then it occurred to Mrs. Kenyon that the child was the daughter of
+a Mrs. Graham, a Northern visitor, who was spending some weeks with
+a family of relatives in the village. She had seen the little girl
+before, and even recalled the house where her mother was staying.
+
+"Don't cry, Florette," she said. "I know where mamma lives. We will go
+and find mamma."
+
+The little girl put her hand confidingly in that of her new friend,
+and they walked together, chatting pleasantly, till suddenly Florette,
+espying the house, clapped her tiny hands, and exclaimed joyfully:
+
+"There's our house. There's where mamma lives."
+
+Mrs. Graham met them at the door. Not having heard of the little girl's
+loss, she was surprised to see her returning in the care of a stranger.
+
+"Mrs. Graham," said Mrs. Kenyon, "I am glad to be the means of
+restoring your little girl to you."
+
+"But where is Susan--where is the nurse?" asked Mrs. Graham, bewildered.
+
+"I lost her," said little Florette.
+
+"I found the little girl crying," continued Mrs. Kenyon, "and
+fortunately learned where you were staying. She was very anxious to
+find her mamma."
+
+"I am very much indebted to you," said Mrs. Graham warmly. "Let me know
+who has been so kind to my little girl."
+
+"My name is Conrad, and I am boarding at the hotel," answered Mrs.
+Kenyon.
+
+She had resumed the name of her first husband, not being willing to
+acknowledge the tie that bound her to a man that she had reason to
+detest.
+
+Mrs. Graham pressed her so strongly to enter the house that she at
+length yielded. In truth she was longing for human sympathy and
+companionship. Always fond of children, the little girl attracted her,
+and for her sake she wished to make acquaintance with the mother.
+
+This was the beginning of friendship between them. Afterward Mrs.
+Kenyon, or Conrad, as we may now call her, called, and, assuming the
+nurse's place, took Florette to walk. She exerted herself to amuse the
+child, and was repaid by her attachment.
+
+"I wish you'd come and be my nurse," she said one day.
+
+"I hope you will excuse Florette," said Mrs. Graham apologetically.
+"She is attached to you, and is too young to know of social
+distinctions."
+
+"I am very much pleased to think that she cares for me," said Mrs.
+Conrad, looking the pleasure she felt. "Do you really like me, then,
+Florette?"
+
+The answer was a caress, which was very grateful to the lonely woman.
+
+"It does me good," she said to Mrs. Graham. "I am quite alone in the
+world, and treasure more than you can imagine your little girl's
+affection."
+
+"I am sure she has suffered," thought Mrs. Graham, who was of a kindly,
+sympathetic nature. "How unhappy I should be if I, too, were alone in
+the world!"
+
+Mr. Graham was a merchant in Chicago, where business detained him and
+prevented his joining his wife. She was only to stay a few weeks, and
+the time had nearly expired when little Florette was taken sick with a
+contagious disease. The mercenary nurse fled. Mrs. Graham's relations,
+also concerned for their safety, left the sorrow-stricken mother alone
+in the house, going to a neighboring town to remain till the danger was
+over. Human nature was unlovely in some of its phases, as Mrs. Graham
+was to find out.
+
+But she was not without a friend in the hour of her need.
+
+Mrs. Conrad presented herself, and said:
+
+"I have heard of Florette's sickness, and I have come to help you."
+
+"But do you know the danger?" asked the poor mother. "Do you know that
+her disease is contagious, and that you run the risk of taking it?"
+
+"I know all, but life is not very precious to me. I love your little
+daughter, and I am willing to risk my life for her."
+
+Mrs. Graham made no further opposition. In truth, she was glad
+and encouraged to find a friend who was willing to help her--more
+especially one whom the little girl loved nearly as much as herself.
+
+So these two faithful women watched by day and by night at the bedside
+of little Florette, relieving each other when nature's demand for rest
+became imperative, and the result was that Florette was saved. The
+crisis was safely past, and neither contracted the disease.
+
+When Florette was well enough, Mrs. Graham prepared to set out for her
+Northern home.
+
+"How lonely I shall feel without you," exclaimed Mrs. Conrad, with a
+sigh.
+
+"Then come with us," said Mrs. Graham. "Florette loves you, and after
+what has passed I look upon you as a sister. I have a pleasant home in
+Chicago, and wish you to share it."
+
+"But I am a stranger to you, Mrs. Graham. How do you know that I am
+worthy?"
+
+"The woman who has nursed my child back from death is worthy of all
+honor in my household."
+
+"But your husband?"
+
+"He knows of you through me, and we both invite you."
+
+Mrs. Conrad made no further opposition. She had found friends. Now she
+had something to live for.
+
+By a strange coincidence, she and Oliver reached Chicago the same day.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+MR. DENTON OF CHICAGO.
+
+
+In due time, Nicholas Bundy and Oliver arrived at Chicago. They took up
+their residence at a small hotel, and Mr. Bundy prepared to search for
+some trace of Rupert Jones. He couldn't find the name in the directory,
+but after diligent search ascertained that such a man had been in
+business in Chicago ten years before. Where he went or what became of
+him could not immediately be learned. Time was required, and it became
+necessary to prolong their stay in the city.
+
+Mr. Bundy did not care to make acquaintances. With Oliver he was not
+lonely. But one evening, while sitting in the public room, a stranger
+entered into conversation with him.
+
+"My dear sir," he said to Mr. Bundy, "I perceive that you smoke. Won't
+you oblige me by accepting one of my cigars? I flatter myself that you
+will find it superior to the one you are smoking."
+
+If there was one thing that Nicholas Bundy enjoyed it was a good cigar.
+
+"Thank you, sir," he said. "You are very obliging."
+
+"Oh, don't mention it," said the other. "The fact is I am rather an
+enthusiast on the subject of cigars. I would like your opinion of this
+one."
+
+Nicholas took the proffered cigar and lighted it. He was sufficient
+of a judge to see that it was really superior, and his manner became
+almost genial toward the stranger who had procured him this pleasure.
+
+"It is capital," he said. "Where can I get more like it?"
+
+"Oh, I'll undertake that," said the other. "How many would you like?"
+
+"A hundred to begin with."
+
+"You shall have them. By the way, do you remain long in the city?"
+
+"I can't tell. It depends upon my business."
+
+"Why do you stay at a hotel? You would find a boarding-house more
+comfortable and cheaper."
+
+"Do you know of a good one?"
+
+"I can recommend the one where I am myself living. There is a chamber
+next to my own that is vacant, if you would like to look at it."
+
+The proposal struck Nicholas favorably and he agreed to accompany his
+new acquaintance the next morning to look at it.
+
+The house was one of fair appearance, with a tolerably good location.
+The chamber referred to by Denton (this was the stranger's name) was
+superior to the room in the hotel, while the terms were more reasonable.
+
+"What do you say, Oliver?" asked Mr. Bundy. "Shall we remove here?"
+
+"Just as you like, sir. It seems a very pleasant room."
+
+The landlady was seen, and the arrangement was made for an immediate
+removal. She was a woman of middle age, bland in her manners, but there
+was something shifty and evasive in her eyes not calculated to inspire
+confidence. Neither Nicholas nor Oliver thought much of this at the
+time, though it occurred to them afterward.
+
+"You'll find her a good landlady," said Denton, who seemed pleased at
+the success of the negotiations. "I have been here over a year, and I
+have never had anything to complain of. The table is excellent."
+
+"I am not likely to find fault with it," said Nicholas. "I've roughed
+it a good deal in my time, and I aint much used to luxury. If I get a
+comfortable bed, and good plain victuals, it's enough for me."
+
+"So you've been a rolling stone, Mr. Bundy," said the stranger
+enquiringly.
+
+"Yes, I have wandered about the world more or less."
+
+"They say 'a rolling stone gathers no moss,'" continued Mr. Denton. "I
+hope you have gathered enough to retire upon."
+
+"I have got enough to see me through," said Nicholas quietly.
+
+"So have I," said Denton. "Queer coincidence, isn't it? When I was
+fifteen years old I hadn't a cent, and being without shoes I had to go
+barefoot. Now I've got enough to see me through. Do you see that ring?"
+displaying at the same time a ring with an immense colorless stone.
+"It's worth a cool thousand,--genuine diamond, in fact,--and I am able
+to wear it. Whenever I get hard up--though there's no fear of that--I
+have that to fall back upon."
+
+Nicholas examined the ring briefly.
+
+"I never took a fancy to such things," he said quietly. "I'd as soon
+have a piece of glass, as far as looks go."
+
+"You're right," said Denton. "But I have a weakness for diamonds. They
+are a good investment, too. This ring is worth two hundred dollars more
+than I gave for it."
+
+"Is it?" asked Nicholas. "Well, all have their tastes. I'd rather have
+what the ring cost in gold or Government bonds."
+
+Denton laughed.
+
+"I see you are a plain man with plain tastes," he said. "Well, it takes
+all sorts of men to make a world, and I don't mind confessing that I
+like show."
+
+The same day they moved into the boarding-house. It was arranged that
+Oliver, as before, should occupy the same room with his new guardian,
+and for his use a small extra bed was put in.
+
+"We are next-door neighbors," said Denton, "I hope you won't find me an
+unpleasant neighbor. The fact is, I sleep like a top all night. Never
+know anything from the minute I lie down till it's time to get up. Are
+you gentlemen good sleepers?"
+
+"I sleep well," said Nicholas. "It's with me very much as it is with
+you."
+
+"Of course you sleep well, my young friend," said the new acquaintance
+to Oliver. "Boys of your age ought not to wake up during the night."
+
+"I believe I am a pretty good sleeper," said Oliver. "Why is he so
+particular about enquiring whether we sleep well?" thought our hero.
+
+He was not particularly inclined to suspicion, but somehow he had
+never liked Mr. Denton. The man's manner was hearty and cordial, but
+there was a sly, searching, crafty look which Oliver had occasionally
+detected, which set him to thinking. Not so with Nicholas. He had
+seen much of men's treachery, he had suffered much from it also, but
+at heart he was disposed to judge favorably of his fellow-men, except
+where he had special reason to know that they were unreliable.
+
+"Our neighbor seems very obliging," he said to Oliver, after Denton had
+left the room.
+
+"Yes, sir," answered Oliver. "I wonder why I don't like him."
+
+"Don't like him!" repeated. Nicholas in surprise.
+
+"No. I can't seem to trust him."
+
+"He appears pleasant enough," said Mr. Bundy. "A little vain, perhaps,
+or he wouldn't wear a thousand dollars on his finger. There wouldn't be
+many diamonds sold if all were like me."
+
+"I wonder what his business is?"
+
+"He has never told me. From what he says he probably lives upon his
+means."
+
+Oliver did not continue the conversation. Very likely his distrust was
+undeserved by the man who inspired it, and he did not feel justified
+in trying to prejudice Mr. Bundy against him.
+
+Finding Nicholas was tired in the evening, Oliver went out after supper
+by himself. He was naturally drawn to the more brilliantly lighted
+streets, which, even at ten o'clock in the evening, were gay with foot
+passengers. Sauntering along, he found himself walking behind two
+gentlemen, and could not avoid hearing their conversation.
+
+"Do you see that man in front of us?" asked one.
+
+"The one with the diamond ring?" for the stone sparkled in the light.
+
+"Yes; he is the one I mean."
+
+"What of him?"
+
+"He is one of the most notorious gamblers and confidence men in
+Chicago."
+
+"Indeed! What is his name?"
+
+"He has several--Denton, Forbes, Cranmer, and half a dozen others."
+
+Naturally Oliver's curiosity was excited by what he heard. Passing the
+speakers, he scanned the man of whom they had been conversing.
+
+It was Denton--the man who had been so friendly to Nicholas Bundy and
+himself.
+
+"I was right in distrusting him," he thought. "He is a dangerous man.
+Now, what shall I do?"
+
+Oliver decided not to tell Mr. Bundy immediately of what he had heard;
+but, for his own part, he decided to watch carefully, lest Denton might
+attempt in any way to injure them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+A MIDNIGHT ATTACK.
+
+
+Oliver and his guardian retired about ten o'clock. Mr. Bundy was not
+long in going to sleep. Unlike Oliver, he had no care or anxiety on his
+mind. As we have said, he was not a man to harbor suspicion.
+
+With our hero it was different. He knew the real character of Denton,
+and could not help fancying that he must have some personal object in
+bringing them to this house, and installing them in a room adjoining
+his own.
+
+Oliver carefully locked the door, leaving the key in the lock. There
+was but one door, and this led into the hall.
+
+"Now," thought our hero, "Denton can't get in except through the
+keyhole."
+
+This ought to have quieted him for the night, but it did not. An
+indefinable suspicion, which he could not explain, made him uneasy. It
+was this, probably, that prompted him to go to the closet in which he
+knew that Nicholas Bundy kept a pistol. At times he placed the pistol
+under his pillow, but he had not done so to-night, considering it quite
+unnecessary in a quiet boarding-house.
+
+"I don't suppose there's any need of it," thought Oliver; "but I'll
+take it and put it under my own pillow."
+
+Nicholas Bundy was already asleep. He was a sound sleeper and did
+not observe what Oliver was doing, otherwise he would have asked an
+explanation.
+
+This might have been hard to give, except the chance knowledge he had
+gained of Denton's character.
+
+An hour passed and still Oliver remained awake. At about this time he
+heard a noise in the adjoining room as of someone moving about.
+
+"It is Denton come home," he said to himself.
+
+Presently the noise ceased, and Oliver concluded that his disreputable
+neighbor had gone to bed.
+
+He began to be rather ashamed of his suspicions.
+
+"Of course he can't get in here, since there is but one door, and that
+locked," he reflected. "It is foolish for me to lie awake all night. I
+may as well imitate Mr. Bundy's example and go to sleep."
+
+Oliver was himself fatigued, having been about the streets all day, and
+now that his anxiety was relieved he, too, soon fell into a slumber.
+But his sleep was neither deep nor refreshing; it was troubled by
+dreams, or rather by one dream, in which Denton figured.
+
+It was this, perhaps, that broke the bonds of sleep. At any rate, he
+found himself almost in an instant broad awake, with his eyes resting
+on a figure, clearly seen in the moonlight, standing beside Nicholas
+Bundy's bed examining the pockets of his coat and pantaloons, which
+rested on a chair close beside.
+
+Immediately all his senses were on the alert. In one swift glance he
+saw all. The figure was that of Denton, and an opening in the panel
+between the two rooms showed how he had got in. It was clear that this
+was a decoy house, especially intended to admit of such nefarious deeds.
+
+Denton's back was turned to Oliver, and he was quite unaware,
+therefore, that the boy had awakened. Bundy lay before him in profound
+sleep, and from a careless glance he had concluded that the boy also
+was asleep.
+
+"Now," thought Oliver, "what shall I do? Shall I shoot at once?"
+
+This course was repugnant to him. He had a horror of shedding blood
+unless it were absolutely necessary, but at the same time he was bold
+and resolute, and by no means willing to lie quietly and see his
+guardian robbed.
+
+It was certainly a critical moment, and required some courage to face
+and defy a midnight robber, who might himself be armed. But Oliver was
+plucky, and didn't shrink.
+
+In a clear, distinct voice he asked:
+
+"What are you doing there?"
+
+Denton wheeled round and saw Oliver sitting up in bed. He had a black
+mask over his eyes, and thought he was not recognized.
+
+"Confusion!" Oliver heard him mutter, under his breath. "Cover up your
+head, boy, and don't interfere with me, or I'll murder you!" he said in
+a low, stern voice.
+
+"I want to know what you are doing?" demanded our hero, undaunted.
+
+"None of your business. Do as I tell you!" answered Denton, in a
+menacing tone.
+
+"It is my business," said Oliver firmly. "You have no business here,
+Mr. Denton. Go back into your own room."
+
+Denton started, and was visibly annoyed to find that he was recognized
+after all.
+
+"Denton is not my name," he said. "You mistake me for somebody else."
+
+"Denton is the name by which we know you," said Oliver. "Whether it is
+your real name or not I don't know or care. I know you have no business
+here, and you must leave instantly."
+
+Denton laughed, a low, mocking laugh.
+
+"You crow well, my young bantam," he said; "but you're a fool, or you
+would know that I am not a man to be trifled with. Cover up your head,
+and in five minutes you may uncover it again, and I will do you no
+harm."
+
+"No, but you'll rob Mr. Bundy, and I don't intend you shall do it."
+
+"You don't!" exclaimed the ruffian, in a tone of suppressed passion.
+"Come, I must teach you a lesson!"
+
+He sprang toward Oliver's bed, with the evident intention of doing him
+an injury, but our hero was prompt and prepared for the attack which
+he anticipated. He seized the pistol and presented it full at the
+approaching burglar, and said coolly:
+
+"Don't be in a hurry, Mr. Denton. This pistol is loaded, and if you
+touch me I will shoot."
+
+Denton stopped short, with a feeling bordering on dismay. It was a
+resistance he had not anticipated. Indeed, he was so far from expecting
+any interference with his designs that he had come unprovided with any
+weapon himself.
+
+"The boy's fooling me!" it occurred to him. "I don't believe the
+pistol is loaded. I'll find out. You must be a fool to think I am
+afraid of an empty pistol," he said, looking searchingly at the boy's
+face.
+
+"You will find out whether it is loaded or not," said Oliver coolly;
+"but I wouldn't advise you to try. Just go through the same door you
+came in at, and I won't shoot."
+
+If it had been a man, Denton would have seen that there was no further
+chance for him to carry out his design; but it angered him to give in
+to a boy. He felt that it was disgraceful to a man, whose strength
+could outmatch Oliver twice over. Besides, he had felt Bundy's
+pocket-book, and he hated to leave the room without it.
+
+"I'll bribe the boy," he thought. "Look here, boy," said he; "put down
+that weapon of yours. I want to speak to you."
+
+"Go ahead!" said Oliver.
+
+"You haven't laid down your pistol."
+
+"And I don't intend to," said Oliver firmly. "I am not in the habit of
+entertaining company in my chamber at midnight, and I prefer to be on
+my guard."
+
+Denton was enraged at the boy's coolness, but he dissembled the feeling.
+
+"Oh, well," he said carelessly, "do as you please. Now, I've got a
+proposal to make to you."
+
+"Go ahead."
+
+"I'm very hard up, and I want money."
+
+"So I supposed."
+
+"The man you're with has plenty of it."
+
+"How do you know?"
+
+"Confound you, why do you interrupt me? You know it as well as I. Now,
+I want some of that money."
+
+"That is what you came in for."
+
+"Yes, that is what I came in for. Now, I'll tell you what I will do.
+I will take the money out of the pocketbook, and give you half, if
+you won't interfere. You can tell the old man that a burglar took the
+whole, and he'll believe you fast enough. So you see you will profit by
+it as well as I."
+
+"You don't know me, Mr. Denton," said Oliver. "I am not a thief, and if
+I were I wouldn't rob the man that has been kind to me. I've heard all
+I want to, and you have stayed in this room long enough. If you don't
+disappear through that panel before I count three, I'll shoot you."
+
+With a muttered execration, Denton obeyed, and once more Oliver found
+himself alone. He got up and looked at his watch. It indicated a
+quarter to one. What should he do? The night was less than half-spent,
+and Denton might attempt another entrance.
+
+"There is no help for it," thought Oliver. "I must remain awake the
+rest of the night."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+DENTON SEES HIS INTENDED VICTIMS ESCAPE.
+
+
+Oliver was rejoiced to see the sunshine entering the window. He felt
+that his long vigil was over, and the danger was passed. He saw Bundy's
+eyes open, and he spoke to him.
+
+"Are you awake, Mr. Bundy?"
+
+"Yes, Oliver; I have slept well, though this is a new place."
+
+"I have not slept since midnight," said our hero.
+
+"Why not? Are you sick?" asked Bundy anxiously.
+
+"No, I was afraid to sleep."
+
+Then, in a few words, Oliver sketched the events of the night, and
+added what he had heard about Denton's character.
+
+"The skunk!" exclaimed Bundy indignantly. "But why didn't you wake me
+up, Oliver?"
+
+"I would, if there had been any need of it. I was able to manage him
+alone."
+
+"You're a brave boy, Oliver," said Bundy admiringly. "Not many boys
+would have shown your pluck."
+
+"I don't know about that, Mr. Bundy," said Oliver modestly. "You must
+remember that I had a pistol in my hand and had no need to be afraid."
+
+"It needed a brave heart and steady hand for all that. But now you must
+get some sleep. I am awake and there is no danger. If that skunk tries
+to get in he'll get a warm reception."
+
+Oliver was glad to feel at liberty to sleep. He closed his eyes and did
+not open them again till nine o'clock. When he opened his eyes he saw
+Bundy, already dressed, sitting in a chair beside the window.
+
+"Hallo! it's late," he exclaimed; "isn't it, Mr. Bundy?"
+
+"Nine o'clock."
+
+"Haven't you had your breakfast?"
+
+"No; I am waiting for you."
+
+"Why didn't you wake me up before? I don't like to keep you waiting."
+
+"My boy," said Bundy in an affectionate tone, "it is the least I can
+do when you lay awake for me all night. I shall not soon forget your
+friendly devotion."
+
+"You mustn't flatter me, Mr. Bundy," said Oliver. "You may make me
+vain."
+
+"I'll take the risk."
+
+"Have you been out?"
+
+"Yes; I went out to get a paper, and I have seen our landlady. I gave
+her warning--told her I should leave to-day."
+
+"What did she say?"
+
+"She seemed surprised and wanted to know my reasons. I told her that
+I wasn't used to midnight interruptions. She colored, but did not ask
+any explanation. I paid her, and we will move to-day back to our old
+quarters. Now, when you are dressed, we will go and get some breakfast."
+
+"Suppose we meet Denton?"
+
+"He will keep out of our way. If he don't, I may take him by the collar
+and shake him out of his boots."
+
+"I guess you could do it, Mr. Bundy," said Oliver, surveying the wiry,
+muscular form of his companion.
+
+"I should not be afraid to try," said Nicholas, with a grim smile.
+
+After breakfast they arranged to remove their trunks back to their old
+quarters.
+
+"Our stay here has been short, but it has been long enough," said
+Nicholas. "Next time we will put less confidence in fair words and a
+smooth tongue."
+
+They did not meet Denton, but that gentleman was quite aware of their
+movements. From the window of his chamber he saw Oliver and his
+guardian depart, and later he saw their luggage carried away.
+
+"So they've given me the slip, have they?" he soliloquized. "Well, that
+doesn't end it. The old man is worth plucking, and the boy I am paid to
+watch. Confound the young bantam! I will see that he don't crow so loud
+the next time we meet. But why does Kenyon take such an interest in
+him? That's what I don't understand."
+
+Denton took from his pocket a letter signed "Benjamin Kenyon," and
+read carefully the following passage:
+
+  When you find the boy--and I think you cannot fail with the full
+  description of himself and his companion which I send you--watch
+  his movements. Note especially whether he appears to have any
+  communication with a woman who may claim to be his mother. Probably
+  they will not meet, but it is possible that they may. If so, it is
+  important that I should be apprised at once, I will send you further
+  instructions hereafter.
+
+Denton folded the letter, and gave himself up to reflection.
+
+"Why don't he take me into his confidence? Why don't he tell me just
+what he wants, just what this woman and this boy are to him? I suppose
+I have made a mistake in showing my hand so soon, and incorporating a
+little scheme of my own with my principal's. But I was so very hard
+up I couldn't resist the temptation of trying to obtain a forced
+loan from the old man. If that cursed boy hadn't been awake I should
+have succeeded, and could then have given my attention to Kenyon's
+instructions. I wonder, by the way, why he calls himself Kenyon. When
+I knew him he was Rupert Jones, and he didn't particularly honor the
+name, either. Well, time will make things clearer. Now I must keep my
+clue, and ascertain where my frightened birds are flitting to."
+
+He went downstairs just as the expressman was leaving the house, and
+carelessly enquired where he was carrying the luggage. Suspecting no
+harm, the expressman answered his question, and Denton thanked him with
+a smile.
+
+"So far, so good," he thought. "That will save me some trouble."
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+The explanation of Mr. Kenyon's letter is briefly this. His visit South
+had done no good. He had had an interview with Dr. Fox, in which he had
+so severely censured the doctor that the latter finally became angry
+and defiant, and intimated that if pushed to extremity he would turn
+against Kenyon, and make public the conspiracy in which he had joined,
+together with Kenyon's motive in imprisoning his wife.
+
+This threat had the effect of cooling Mr. Kenyon's excitement, and a
+reconciliation was patched up.
+
+An attempt was made to trace Mrs. Kenyon through old Nancy, but the
+faithful old colored woman was proof alike against threats, entreaties,
+and bribes, and steadily refused to give any information as to the
+plans of the refugee. Indeed, she would have found it difficult to give
+any information of value, having heard nothing of Mrs. Kenyon since
+they parted at the railroad station.
+
+Nancy would have been as much surprised as anyone to hear of the
+subsequent escape of her guest to Chicago.
+
+Mr. Kenyon's greatest fear was lest Oliver and his mother should meet.
+He knew the boy's resolute bravery, and feared the effects of his just
+resentment when he learned the facts of his mother's ill-treatment at
+the hands of his step-father. These considerations led to his opening
+communication with Denton, whom he had known years before, when he was
+Rupert Jones.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+ON THE TRACK.
+
+
+One day Nicholas Bundy entered the apartment occupied jointly by
+himself and Oliver, his face wearing an expression of satisfaction.
+
+Oliver looked up from the book he was engaged in reading.
+
+"I've found a clue, Oliver," he exclaimed.
+
+"A clue to what, Mr. Bundy?"
+
+"To Rupert Jones. I have ascertained that when he left Chicago he
+settled down at the town of Kelso, about seventy-five miles from
+Chicago, in Indiana."
+
+"What do you propose to do?"
+
+"To go there at once. Pack up your carpet-bag, and we will take the
+afternoon train."
+
+"All right, Mr. Bundy."
+
+Oliver was by no means averse to a journey. He had a youthful love of
+adventure that delighted in new scenes and new experiences.
+
+At two o'clock they were at the depot, and bought tickets for Kelso.
+They did not observe that they were watched narrowly by a red-headed
+man, whose eyes were concealed by a pair of green glasses. Neither did
+they notice that he too purchased a ticket for Kelso.
+
+This man was Denton, who had so skilfully disguised himself with a red
+wig and the glasses that Oliver, though his eyes casually fell upon
+him, never dreamed who he was.
+
+Denton bought a paper and seated himself just behind Oliver and his
+guardian, so that he might, under cover of the paper, listen to their
+conversation.
+
+"What business can they have at Kelso?" he soliloquized. Then partially
+answering his own question, "Rupert Jones once lived there, and their
+visit must have some connection with him. There's something behind all
+this that I don't understand myself. Perhaps I shall find out. Jones
+was always crafty, and, as far as he could, kept his own counsel."
+
+Denton did not glean much information from the conversation between
+Oliver and Bundy. The latter, though he had no suspicion of being
+watched, did not care to converse on private matters in a public place.
+He was a man of prudence and kept his tongue under control.
+
+I have said that the three passengers bought tickets to Kelso. Kelso,
+however, was not on the road, and a stage for that place connected with
+the station at Conway. Through tickets, however, had been purchased,
+including stage tickets.
+
+It was about half-past five when the cars halted at Conway. There was a
+small depot, and a covered wagon stood beside the platform.
+
+Oliver, Bundy, and Denton alighted.
+
+"Any passengers for Kelso?" asked the driver of the wagon.
+
+"Here are two," said Oliver, pointing to Bundy.
+
+"Anyone else?"
+
+Denton came forward, and in a low voice intimated that he was going to
+Kelso.
+
+These three proved to be the only passengers.
+
+Now, for the first time, Oliver and his guardian looked with some
+curiosity at their fellow-traveller.
+
+"He's a queer-looking customer," thought Oliver.
+
+Bundy thought, "Perhaps he lives at Kelso, and can tell us something
+about it. I may obtain the information I want on the way there. I'll
+speak to him."
+
+"It's a pity we couldn't go all the way by cars," he said.
+
+"Yes," said Denton briefly.
+
+"Do you know if our ride is a long one?"
+
+"Six miles," answered Denton, who had enquired.
+
+"May I ask if you live in Kelso?"
+
+"No, sir," answered Denton.
+
+"Perhaps you can tell me if there is a hotel there?"
+
+"I don't know."
+
+By this time the stranger's evident disinclination to talk had
+attracted Oliver's attention. He looked inquisitively at the man with
+green glasses.
+
+"There's something about that man's voice that sounds familiar," he
+said to himself. "Where can I have seen him before?"
+
+Still, the red wig and the glasses put him off the scent.
+
+Denton grew uneasy under the boy's fixed gaze.
+
+"Does he suspect me!" he thought. "It wouldn't do for me to speak
+again."
+
+When Bundy asked another question, he said:
+
+"I hope you'll excuse me, sir, but I have a severe headache, and find
+it difficult to converse."
+
+"Oh, certainly," apologized Bundy.
+
+Denton leaned his head against the back of the carriage in support of
+his assertion.
+
+The road was a bad one, jolting the vehicle without mercy. To Oliver it
+was fun, but Denton evidently did not relish it. At last one jolt came,
+nearly overturning the conveyance. It dislodged the green spectacles
+from Denton's nose, and for a moment his eyes were exposed. He
+replaced them hurriedly, but not in time. Oliver's sharp eyes detected
+him.
+
+"It's Denton!" he exclaimed internally, but he controlled his surprise
+so far as not to say a word.
+
+"He is on our track," thought our hero. "What can be his purpose?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+DENTON IS CHECKMATED.
+
+
+Oliver wished to communicate his discovery to Bundy, but Denton's
+presence interfered. His guardian was not an observant man, and thus
+far suspected nothing. Before Oliver obtained any opportunity the stage
+reached its destination.
+
+Kelso was a village of moderate size. A small hotel provided
+accommodation for passing travellers. Here the three stage passengers
+descended and sought accommodation. The house was almost empty, and no
+difficulty was experienced. Denton registered his name as Felix Graham,
+from Milwaukee. He registered first, and for a special reason, that the
+false name might divert suspicion, if any was entertained.
+
+"Do you know our fellow-passenger, Mr. Bundy?" asked Oliver, when they
+were in the room assigned them, preparing for supper.
+
+Bundy looked surprised.
+
+"I only know that he is from Milwaukee," he answered.
+
+Oliver laughed.
+
+"My eyes are sharper than yours, Mr. Bundy," he said. "He is our old
+acquaintance, Denton, who tried to rob you in Chicago."
+
+Nicholas Bundy was amazed.
+
+"How do you know?" he asked. "Surely it cannot be. Denton had black
+hair."
+
+"And this man wears a red wig," said Oliver.
+
+"Are you sure of this?" asked Nicholas thoughtfully.
+
+"I am certain."
+
+"When did you recognize him?"
+
+"In the stage, when his glasses came off."
+
+"What does this mean?" said Bundy, half to himself.
+
+"It means that he is on our track," said Oliver coolly.
+
+"But why? What object can he have?"
+
+"You have asked me too much. Ask me some other conundrum."
+
+"Can he hope to rob me again? It must be that."
+
+"We will see that he don't."
+
+"Possibly he has some other object in view. I should like to know."
+
+"I'll tell you how to do it, Mr. Bundy. Will you authorize me to
+manage?"
+
+"Yes, Oliver."
+
+"Then I will take pains to mention in his presence before the landlord
+that we are going back to Chicago in the morning, and wish to engage
+seats in the stage. If he is following us he will do the same."
+
+"A good idea, Oliver."
+
+After supper Denton took out a cigar, and began to smoke in the office
+of the inn. Oliver enquired of the landlord:
+
+"When does the stage start in the morning?"
+
+"At eight o'clock."
+
+"Can I engage two seats in it?"
+
+"Yes, sir. Your stay is short."
+
+"True, but our business takes little time to transact. Let us have
+breakfast in time."
+
+Denton listened, but made no movement.
+
+The next morning when the stage drew up before the door, not only
+Oliver and Bundy, but Denton also, were standing on the piazza, with
+their carpet-bags, ready to depart.
+
+All got into the stage, and it set out.
+
+It had hardly proceeded half a mile when, by previous arrangement,
+Bundy said suddenly:
+
+"Oliver, I believe we must go back. There is one thing I quite forgot
+to attend to in Kelso."
+
+"All right!" said Oliver. "It makes no difference to me."
+
+The driver was signalled, and Oliver and Bundy got out.
+
+Oliver glanced at Denton. He looked terribly amazed, and seemed
+undecided whether to get out also.
+
+"Good-morning, Mr. Graham," said Oliver, with a great show of
+politeness. "I am sorry you will have a lonely ride."
+
+"Good-by," muttered Denton, and the stage rolled on.
+
+"He wanted to get out and follow us back," said Oliver, "but he
+couldn't think of any excuse."
+
+"We have got rid of him," said Bundy; "and now I must attend to the
+business that brought me here."
+
+On his return to the hotel he interviewed the landlord, and asked if he
+ever heard of a man named Rupert Jones.
+
+"I should think so," answered the landlord. "He cheated me out of a
+hundred dollars."
+
+"He did? How?"
+
+"By a forged check upon the Bank of Conway. I wish I could get hold of
+him!" he ended.
+
+Nicholas Bundy's eyes sparkled.
+
+"What could you do in that case?" he enquired.
+
+"What could I do? I could send him to State prison."
+
+"Then you have preserved the forged check?"
+
+"Yes, I have taken care of that."
+
+"Mr. Ferguson," said Nicholas, "will you sell me that check for a
+hundred and fifty dollars?"
+
+"Will you give it?" asked the landlord eagerly.
+
+"I will."
+
+"What is your object? Is this man a friend of yours?"
+
+"No; he's my enemy. I want to get him into my power!"
+
+"Then you shall have it for a hundred, and I hope you may catch him."
+
+In five minutes the change was effected.
+
+One object more Nicholas had in view. He tried to ascertain what had
+become of Rupert Jones, but in this he was unsuccessful. No one in
+Kelso had seen or heard of him for years.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII.
+
+DENTON'S LITTLE ADVENTURE IN THE CARS.
+
+
+When Denton, to his infinite disgust, saw his scheme foiled by the
+return of Oliver and Bundy to the inn at Kelso, he was strongly tempted
+to go back also. But prudence withheld him. It was by no means certain
+that he had been recognized. Very probably Bundy really went back on
+account of some slight matter which he had forgotten.
+
+Denton was of opinion that his visit to Kelso was not connected with
+the interest of his employer. Therefore he decided to return to Chicago
+and await the reappearance of Oliver and Bundy. Undoubtedly they would
+return to the same hotel where they had been stopping.
+
+By the time he took his seat in the car he was in quite a philosophical
+frame of mind, and reconciled to the turn that events had taken.
+
+It would have been well for Mr. Denton if he had become involved in no
+new adventures, but his lucky star was not in the ascendant.
+
+He took a seat beside a stout, red-haired, coarse-featured man, with a
+mottled complexion, who might have been a butcher or a returned miner,
+but would hardly be taken for a "gentleman and a scholar." Yet there
+was something about this man that charmed and fascinated Denton. Not to
+keep the reader in suspense, it was an enormous diamond breastpin which
+he wore conspicuously in his shirt-front. Denton knew something about
+diamonds, and to his practised eyes it seemed that the pin was worth at
+least five thousand dollars. He only ventured to glance furtively at
+it, lest he should excite suspicion.
+
+The stout man proved to be sociable.
+
+"Fine mornin'," he remarked.
+
+"It is, indeed," said Denton, who had no objection to cultivating the
+acquaintance of the possessor of such a gem. "Pleasant for travelling."
+
+"Yes, so 'tis. Speakin' of travelling I've travelled some in my time."
+
+"Indeed," commented Denton.
+
+"Yes, I've just come from Californy."
+
+"Been at the mines?"
+
+"Well, not exactly. When I fust went out I mined a little, but it
+didn't pay; so I set up a liquor saloon in the minin' deestrict, an'
+that paid."
+
+"I suppose it did."
+
+"Of course it did. You see, them fellers got dry mighty easy, and
+they'd pay anything for a drink. When they hadn't silver, I took
+gold-dust, an' that way I got paid better."
+
+"You must have made money," said Denton, getting more and more
+interested.
+
+"You bet I did. Why, they used to call me the Rich Red-head. Hallo!
+why, you're a red-head, too!"
+
+Denton was about to disclaim the imputation, when he chanced to think
+of his red wig, and answered, with a smile:
+
+"Queer, isn't it, that two red-heads should come together?"
+
+"Your hair's redder than mine," said the stout man with a critical
+glance.
+
+"Perhaps it is," said Denton, who was not sensitive, since the hair
+belonged to a wig. "So you became rich?"
+
+"I went to California without fifty dollars in my pocket," said the
+other complacently. "Now I can afford to wear this," and he pointed to
+the diamond.
+
+"Dear me! why, what a splendid diamond!" exclaimed Denton, as if he saw
+it for the first time.
+
+"It's a smasher, isn't it!" said the stout man proudly.
+
+"May I ask where you got it?"
+
+"I bought it of a poor cuss that drunk hisself to death. Gave a
+thousand dollars for it!"
+
+"Why, it must be worth more!" said Denton almost involuntarily.
+
+"Of course 'tis. It's worth three thousand easy."
+
+And two thousand on top of that, thought Denton. He doesn't know the
+value of it. "How long have you had it?" he enquired.
+
+"Risin' six months."
+
+"It's a beautiful thing," said Denton. "Are you going to stop in
+Chicago, may I ask?"
+
+"Maybe I'll stop a day, but I guess not. I live in Vermont--that is, I
+was raised there. I'm goin' back to astonish the natives. When I left
+there I was a poor man, without money or credit. Then nobody noticed
+me. I guess they will now," and he slapped his pockets significantly.
+
+"Money makes the man," said Denton philosophically.
+
+"So it does, so it does!" answered the stranger. Then, with a loud
+laugh at his own wit, he added: "And man makes the money, too, I guess.
+Ho, ho!"
+
+Denton laughed as if he thought the joke a capital one.
+
+"By George, I never said a better thing!" said the stout man,
+apparently amazed at his own wit.
+
+"Didn't you? Then I pity you," thought Denton. But he only said:
+
+"It's a good joke."
+
+"So 'tis, so 'tis. Do you live in Chicago?"
+
+"Yes; I reside there for the present."
+
+"In business, eh?"
+
+"No, I have retired from business. I am living on my income," answered
+Denton with unblushing effrontery.
+
+"Got money, hey?" said the stout man respectfully.
+
+"I have some," answered Denton modestly. "I am not as rich as you, of
+course. I can't afford to wear a breastpin worth thousands of dollars."
+
+"Kinder gorgeous, aint it?" said the other complacently. "I like to
+make a show, I do. That's me. I like to have folks say, 'He's worth
+money.'"
+
+"Only natural," said Denton. "What a consummate ass!" he muttered to
+himself.
+
+There was a little more conversation, and then the stout man gaped and
+looked sleepy.
+
+"I didn't sleep much last night," he said. "I guess I'll get a nap if I
+can."
+
+"You'd better," said Denton, an eager hope rising in his breast. "A man
+can't do without sleep."
+
+"Of course he can't. You jest wake me up when we get to the depot."
+
+"Have no trouble about that," said Denton quickly. "I'll be sure to let
+you know."
+
+In less than five minutes the stranger was breathing heavily, his head
+thrown back and his eyes closed beneath the red handkerchief that
+covered his face. Denton looked at him with glittering eyes.
+
+"If I only had that diamond," he said to himself, "my fortune would be
+made. I'd realize on it and go to Europe till all was blown over."
+
+Everything seemed favorable to his purpose. First, he was in disguise.
+He would not easily be identified as the thief by anyone who noticed
+his present appearance, since he would, as soon as he reached Chicago,
+lay aside the glasses and the wig together. Again, the man was asleep
+and off his guard. True, it was open day, and there were twenty other
+passengers in the car at the very least. But Denton had experience. He
+had begun life as a pickpocket, though later he saw fit to direct his
+attention to gambling and other arts as, on the whole, a safer and more
+lucrative business.
+
+Denton riveted his eyes covetously on the captivating diamond. His
+fingers itched to get hold of it. Was it safe? A deep snore from the
+stout man seemed to answer him.
+
+"What a fool he is to leave such a jewel in open sight!" thought
+Denton. "He deserves to lose it."
+
+An adroit movement, quick as a flash, and the pin was in his
+possession. He timed the movement just as the cars reached a way
+station, and he instantly rose, with the intention of leaving the car.
+
+But he reckoned without his host.
+
+As he rose to his feet his companion dashed the handkerchief from his
+face, rose also, and clutched him by the arm.
+
+"Not so fast, Mr. Denton," he said, in a tone different from his former
+one. "You've made a little mistake."
+
+"Let go, then!" said Denton. "I am going to get out."
+
+"No, you are not. You are going back to Chicago as my prisoner."
+
+"Who are you?" demanded Denton, startled.
+
+The red-headed man laughed.
+
+"I am Pierce, the detective," he said. "We have long wanted to get hold
+of you, and I have succeeded at last, thanks to the diamond pin. By the
+way, the diamond is false--a capital imitation, but not worth over ten
+dollars. You may as well give it up."
+
+"Is this true?" asked Denton, his face showing his mortification.
+
+"You can rely upon it."
+
+"I'll buy it of you. I'll give you twenty dollars for it."
+
+"Too late, my man. You must go back with me as a prisoner. Suppose we
+take off our wigs. My hair is no more red than yours."
+
+He removed his wig, and now, in spite of his skin, which had been
+stained, Denton recognized in him a well-known detective, whose name
+was a terror to evil-doers.
+
+"It's all up, I suppose," he said bitterly. "I don't mind the arrest so
+much as the being fooled and duped."
+
+"It's diamond cut diamond--ha! ha!" said the detective--"or, we'll
+say, red-head _versus_ red-head."
+
+When Denton reached Chicago he became a guest of the city--an honor he
+would have been glad to decline.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII.
+
+THE MEETING AT LINCOLN PARK.
+
+
+For weeks Oliver and his mother had lived in the same city, yet never
+met. Each believed the other to be dead; each had mourned for the
+other. No subtle instinct led either to doubt the truth of the sad
+reports which, for base ends, Mr. Kenyon had caused to be circulated.
+
+But for her unhappy domestic troubles, Mrs. Conrad (for she had assumed
+the name of her first husband) was happily situated. Mrs. Graham was
+bound to her by the devoted care which she had taken of the little
+Florette. Indeed, the bereaved woman had come to love the little girl
+almost as if she were her own, and had voluntarily assumed the constant
+care of her, though regarded as a guest in the house.
+
+Mr. Graham was very wealthy, and his house, situated on the Boulevard,
+was as attractive as elegance and taste, unhampered by a regard for
+expense, could make it. A spacious, well-appointed chamber was assigned
+to Mrs. Conrad, and she lived in a style superior to which she had been
+accustomed. Surely it was a fortunate haven into which her storm-tossed
+bark had drifted. If happiness could be secured by comfort or luxury,
+then she would have been happy. But neither comfort nor luxury can
+satisfy the heart, and it was the heart which, in her case, had
+suffered a severe wound.
+
+One day, as Mrs. Graham and Mrs. Conrad sat together, the little
+Florette in the arms of the latter, Mrs. Graham said:
+
+"I am afraid you let that child burden you, Mrs. Conrad. She never
+gives you a moment to yourself."
+
+Mrs. Conrad smiled sadly.
+
+"I don't wish to have a moment to myself. When I am alone, and with
+nothing to occupy me, I give myself up to sad thoughts of the happiness
+I once enjoyed."
+
+"I understand," said Mrs. Graham gently, for she was familiar with
+Mrs. Conrad's story. "I can understand what it must be to lose a
+cherished son."
+
+"If he had only been spared to me I believe I could bear without
+a murmur the loss of fortune, and live contentedly in the deepest
+poverty."
+
+"No doubt; but would that be necessary? Certainly your husband has no
+claim to the fortune, which he withholds from you."
+
+"I suppose not."
+
+"If you should make the effort you could doubtless get it back."
+
+"Probably I could."
+
+"You had better let me ask Mr. Graham to select a reliable lawyer whom
+you could consult with reference to it."
+
+Mrs. Conrad shook her head.
+
+"Let him have it," she said. "I care nothing for money. As long as you,
+my dear friend, are content to give me a home I am happier here than I
+could be with him."
+
+"My dear Mrs. Conrad, it would indeed grieve me if anything should take
+you from us, even if to your own advantage. You see how selfish I am?
+But I can't bear to think that that brutal husband of yours is enjoying
+your money, and thus reaping the benefit of his bad deeds."
+
+"Sometimes I feel so," Mrs. Conrad admitted. "If Oliver were alive I
+should feel more like asserting my rights, but now all ambition has
+left me. If I should institute proceedings I should be compelled to
+return to New York, where everything would remind me of my sad loss.
+No, my dear friend, your advice is no doubt meant for the best, but I
+prefer to leave Mr. Kenyon in ignorance of my whereabouts and to keep
+away from his vicinity. You don't want me to go away, Florette, do you?"
+
+"Don't doe away," pleaded the little girl, putting her arms round Mrs.
+Conrad's neck.
+
+"You little darling!" said Mrs. Conrad, returning the embrace. "I have
+something to live for while you love me."
+
+"I love you so much," said the child.
+
+"I don't know but what I shall become jealous," said Mrs. Graham
+playfully.
+
+"Go and tell your mamma that you love her best," said Mrs. Conrad.
+
+She felt that a mother's claim was first, beyond all others. Nothing
+would have induced her to come between Florette and the affection which
+she owed to her mother.
+
+Little Florette ran to her mother and climbed in her lap.
+
+"I love you best, mamma," she said, "but I love my other mamma, too."
+
+"And quite right, my dear child," said Mrs. Graham, with a bright
+smile. "It was but in jest, Mrs. Conrad. No mother who deserves her
+child's love need fear rivalry. Florette's heart is large enough and
+warm enough to love us both."
+
+Mrs. Conrad rejoiced in the liberty to love Florette and to be loved by
+her, and if ever she forgot her special cause of sorrow it was when she
+had the little girl in her arms.
+
+"I have a favor to ask of you, Mrs. Conrad," said Mrs. Graham, a little
+later.
+
+"It is granted already."
+
+"This afternoon I want to pay some calls. Will you be willing to go out
+with Florette?"
+
+"Most certainly. I shall be glad to do so."
+
+"I am sorry I cannot place the carriage at your disposal, as I should
+like to use it myself."
+
+"Oh, we can manage without it. Can't we, Florette?"
+
+"Let us yide in the horse-cars," said the little girl. "I like to yide
+in the cars better than in mamma's carriage."
+
+"It shall be as you like, Florette," said Mrs. Conrad.
+
+Florette clapped her little hands. Accustomed to ride in the carriage,
+it was a change and variety to her to ride in the more democratic
+conveyance, the people's carriage.
+
+Mrs. Conrad, intent on amusing her little charge, decided to take
+her to Lincoln Park, in the northern division of the city. This is a
+beautiful pleasure-ground, comprising over two hundred acres, with
+fine trees, miniature lakes and streams, and is a favorite resort for
+children and their guardians, especially on Saturday afternoons, when
+there are open-air concerts. It was a bright, sunny day, and even
+Mrs. Conrad felt her spirits enlivened as she descended from the cars,
+and, entering the park, mingled with the gay throngs who were giving
+themselves up to enjoyment.
+
+Little Florette wanted to go to the lake, and her companion yielded to
+her request.
+
+It was early autumn. The trees had lost none of their full, rich
+foliage, and the lawns were covered with soft verdure. Little Florette
+laughed and clapped her hands with childish hilarity. Mrs. Conrad sat
+down on the grass, while Florette ran hither and thither as caprice
+dictated.
+
+"Don't go far away, Florette," said Mrs. Conrad.
+
+"No, I won't," said the child.
+
+But a child's promises are soon forgotten. She ran to the lake, and
+while standing on the brink managed to tumble in. It was not deep,
+yet for a little child there was danger. Florette screamed, and Mrs.
+Conrad, hearing her cry, sprang to her feet in dismay.
+
+But Florette found a helper.
+
+Oliver had strayed out to Lincoln Park like the rest in search of
+enjoyment, and was standing close at hand when the little girl fell
+into the lake.
+
+It was the work of an instant to plunge in and rescue the little girl.
+Then he looked about to find out to whom he should yield her up.
+
+His eyes fell upon Mrs. Conrad hastening to her young charge. As yet
+she had not noticed Oliver. She only saw Florette.
+
+Oliver's heart gave a great bound. Could it be his mother--his mother
+whom he believed dead--or was it only a wonderful resemblance?
+
+"Mother!" he exclaimed, almost involuntarily.
+
+At that word Mrs. Conrad turned her eyes upon him. She, too, was
+amazed, and something of awe crept over her as she looked upon one whom
+she thought a tenant of the tomb.
+
+"Oliver!" she said wistfully, and in an instant he was folded in her
+arms.
+
+"Then it is you, mother, and you are not dead!" exclaimed Oliver
+joyfully, kissing her.
+
+"Did you think me dead, then? Mr. Kenyon wrote me that you were dead."
+
+"Mr. Kenyon is a scoundrel, mother; but I can forgive him--I can
+forgive everybody, since you are alive."
+
+"God is indeed good to me. I will never murmur again," ejaculated Mrs.
+Conrad, with heartfelt gratitude.
+
+"But, mother, I don't understand. How came you here--in Chicago?"
+
+"Come home with me, Oliver, and you shall hear. My little Florette's
+clothes are wet, and I must take her home immediately."
+
+A cab was hired, for delay might be dangerous. On the way Mrs. Conrad
+and Oliver exchanged confidences. Oliver's anger was deeply stirred by
+the story of his mother's incarceration in a mad-house.
+
+"I take back what I said. I won't forgive Mr. Kenyon after that!" he
+said. "He shall bitterly repent what he has done!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX.
+
+THE COMMON ENEMY.
+
+
+Mrs. Graham heartily sympathized in the joy of the mother and son, who,
+parted by death, as each supposed, had come together so strangely.
+
+"You look ten years younger, Mrs. Conrad," she declared. "I never saw
+such a transformation."
+
+"It is joy that has done it, my dear friend. I was as one without hope
+or object in life. Now I have both."
+
+"Your husband has your fortune yet."
+
+"I care not for that. Oliver is more to me than money."
+
+"Thank you, mother," said Oliver; "but we must be practical, too. I
+have learned that money is a good thing to have. Mr. Kenyon has been
+led to wrong us, and make us unhappy, by his greed for money. We will
+punish him by depriving him of it."
+
+"I quite agree with you, Oliver," said Mr. Graham, who was present.
+"Your step-father should be punished in the way he will feel it the
+most."
+
+"What course would you advise me to pursue, Mr. Graham?" asked Oliver.
+
+"I am not prepared with an immediate answer. We will speak of it
+to-morrow."
+
+Learning how much kindness Oliver had received from Nicholas Bundy,
+Mrs. Conrad invited him to bring his friend with him in the evening,
+and the invitation was cordially seconded by Mr. Graham.
+
+Nicholas was overjoyed to hear of the good fortune of Oliver, but
+hesitated at first to accept the invitation.
+
+"I'm a rough backwoodsman, Oliver," he said. "In my early life I was
+not so much a stranger to society, but now I shan't know how to behave."
+
+"You underrate yourself, Mr. Bundy," said Oliver. "I can promise you
+won't feel awkward in my mother's society, and Mrs. Graham is very much
+like her."
+
+Nicholas looked doubtful.
+
+"You judge me by yourself, my boy," he answered. "Boys adapt themselves
+to ladies' society easy, but I'm an old crooked stick that don't lay
+straight with the rest of the pile."
+
+"I don't care what you are, Mr. Bundy," said Oliver, with playful
+imperiousness; "my mother wants to see you, and come you must!"
+
+Nicholas Bundy laughed.
+
+"Well, Oliver," he said, "things seem turned round, and you have become
+my guardian. Well, if it must be, it must, but I'm afraid you'll be
+ashamed of me."
+
+"If I am, Mr. Bundy, set me down as a conceited puppy," said Oliver
+warmly. "Haven't you been my kind and constant friend?"
+
+Nicholas looked pleased at Oliver's warm-hearted persistence.
+
+"I'll go, Oliver," he said. "Come to think of it, I should like to see
+your mother."
+
+When Nicholas and Oliver entered the elegant Graham mansion, the
+former looked a little uneasy, but his countenance lighted up when
+Mrs. Conrad, her face genial with smiles, thanked him warmly for his
+kindness to her boy.
+
+"I couldn't help it, ma'am," he said. "I've got nobody to care for
+except him, and I hope you'll let me look after him a little still."
+
+"I shall never wish to come between you, Mr. Bundy. I am glad that he
+has found in you a kind and faithful friend. His step-father, as you
+know, has been his worst enemy and mine. I hoped he would prove a kind
+and faithful guardian to my boy, but I have been bitterly disappointed."
+
+"He's a regular scamp, as far as I can learn," said Nicholas bluntly.
+"You haven't got a picture of him, have you? I should like to know how
+the villain looks."
+
+"I have," said Oliver. "This morning, in looking over my carpet-bag,
+I found an inner pocket, in which was a photograph of Mr. Kenyon. I
+believe Roland once used the bag, and in that way probably it got in."
+
+"Have you the picture here?" asked Mr. Bundy.
+
+"Here it is," answered Oliver, drawing it from his pocket.
+
+Nicholas took it, and as he examined it his face wore a look of
+amazement.
+
+"Who did you say this was?" he asked.
+
+"Mr. Kenyon."
+
+"Your step-father?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"It is very singular," he remarked, in an undertone, his face still
+wearing the same look of wonder.
+
+"What is very singular, Mr. Bundy?" Oliver asked curiously.
+
+"I'll tell you," answered Nicholas Bundy slowly. "This picture, which
+you say is the picture of your step-father, is the picture of Rupert
+Jones, my early enemy."
+
+Both Oliver and his mother uttered exclamations of surprise.
+
+"Can this be true, Mr. Bundy?"
+
+"There is no doubt about it, ma'am. It is a face I can never forget.
+There is the same foxy look about the eyes--the same treacherous smile.
+I should know that face anywhere, and I would swear to it in any court
+in the United States."
+
+"But the name! My step-father's name is Kenyon."
+
+"Names are easily changed, Oliver, my boy. The man's real name is
+Rupert Jones. I don't care what he calls himself now. He's misused us
+all. He's been my worst enemy, as well as yours, ma'am, and yours,
+Oliver. Now, I move we both join forces and punish him."
+
+"There's my hand, Mr. Bundy," said Oliver.
+
+"He's your husband, ma'am," said Nicholas, "What do you say?"
+
+"I was mad to marry him; I will never live with him again. I am out of
+patience with myself when I think that through my means I have brought
+misfortune upon my son."
+
+"I don't look upon it just that way, ma'am," said Bundy. "But for that,
+I might never have met Oliver or you, and that would have been a great
+misfortune. He's played a desperate game, but we've got the trump cards
+in our hand, and we'll take his tricks."
+
+"I fear that he may harm you," said Mrs. Conrad. "He is a bad man."
+
+"That is true enough, but I think I shall prove a match for him. I've
+got a little document in my pocket which I think will check-mate him."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"A note which he has forged. I picked it up at Kelso."
+
+The next day a consultation was held, and it was decided that Oliver
+and his mother and Mr. Bundy should go on to New York at once, and that
+hostilities should be initiated against Mr. Kenyon.
+
+During the day a note was received from the city prison, to this effect:
+
+  I have a secret of importance to your young friend, to divulge. Come
+  and see me.
+
+  DENTON.
+
+"Shall you go, Mr. Bundy?" asked Oliver.
+
+"Certainly. It is worth while to strengthen our evidence as much as
+possible."
+
+"May I go with you?"
+
+"I wish you would. You are the most interested, and it is proper that
+you should be present."
+
+There was no opposition made on the part of the authorities, and Oliver
+and Mr. Bundy were introduced into the presence of the prisoner.
+
+Denton smiled.
+
+"You see I'm hauled up for moral repairs," he said coolly. "Well, it's
+my luck."
+
+"Did you have a pleasant return from Kelso, Mr. Denton?" asked Oliver.
+
+"So you recognized me?"
+
+"Yes, in spite of your red wig!"
+
+"Someone else recognized me, too--a detective. That is why I am here.
+But let us proceed to business."
+
+"Go on."
+
+"I can give you information of importance touching this boy's
+step-father."
+
+"Perhaps we know it already."
+
+"It is hardly likely. His name is not Kenyon. I can tell you his real
+name."
+
+"It is Rupert Jones," said Bundy.
+
+"Where the deuce did you learn that?" asked Denton, astonished.
+
+"I recognized his picture. Is that all you have to tell us?"
+
+"No. I have been in his employ. As his agent, I dogged you."
+
+"Prove that to us, and we will give you a hundred dollars."
+
+"Make it a hundred and fifty."
+
+"Done!"
+
+Denton placed in the hands of Nicholas Bundy his letters of instruction
+from Mr. Kenyon.
+
+"They will help our case," said Nicholas. "I think we shall be able to
+bring our common enemy to terms."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XL.
+
+THE THUNDERBOLT FALLS.
+
+
+Mr. Kenyon returned from the South baffled in his enquiries about his
+wife. Henceforth his life was one unceasing anxiety. He had pretended
+that his wife was dead, and she might at any time return alive to the
+village. This would place him in a very disagreeable position. He
+might, indeed, say that she was insane, and that he had been compelled
+to place her in an asylum. But everybody would ask: "Why did you not
+say this before? Why report that your wife was dead?" and he would be
+unprepared with an answer.
+
+Indeed, he feared that the discovery of his conduct would make him
+legally liable to an unpleasant extent.
+
+We already know that he had employed Denton to dog the steps of Oliver
+and Bundy. All at once Denton ceased to communicate with him. For
+five days not a word had come to him from Chicago. He naturally felt
+disturbed.
+
+"What has got into Denton? Why doesn't he write to me? Can he have
+betrayed me?"
+
+This is what he said to himself one morning as he sat at his desk in
+the house which had once been his wife's.
+
+"If I could only sell this place even at a sacrifice, I would go to
+Europe, taking Roland with me," he muttered. "Even as it is, perhaps it
+will be as well."
+
+Mr. Kenyon looked at the morning paper, searching for the advertisement
+of the Cunard Line. "A steamer sails on Saturday," he read, "and it is
+now Tuesday. I will go to the city to-morrow and engage passage. In
+Europe I shall be safe. Then if my wife turns up I need not fear her."
+
+At this point a servant--one recently engaged--came to the door of his
+room and informed him that a gentleman wished to see him.
+
+"Do you know who it is?" he enquired.
+
+"No, sir. I never saw him before."
+
+"Bring him up, then; or, stay--is he in the parlor?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I will see him there."
+
+Mr. Kenyon came downstairs quite unprepared for the visitor who awaited
+him.
+
+He started back when his glance fell on Oliver.
+
+"Why do you come here?" he demanded with a frown.
+
+"That is a strange question to ask, Mr. Kenyon. This is the house where
+I was born. It was built by my father. It ought to be mine."
+
+"Indeed!" answered Kenyon, with a sneer.
+
+"You know it as well as I do, sir."
+
+"I know that the place is mine, and that you are an intruder."
+
+"Upon what do you rest your claim, Mr. Kenyon?" asked our hero.
+
+"Upon your mother's will, as you know very well."
+
+"I don't believe that my mother would make a will depriving me of my
+rightful inheritance."
+
+"I care very little what you believe. The will has been admitted to
+probate and is in force. I don't think it will do you any good to
+dispute it."
+
+"Where did my mother die, Mr. Kenyon?" demanded Oliver, looking fixedly
+at his step-father.
+
+"Can he have met his mother?" thought Kenyon, momentarily disturbed.
+But he inwardly decided in the negative. Of course they might meet some
+day, but then he would be in Europe and out of harm's reach.
+
+"You know very well where she died."
+
+"Do you object to tell me?"
+
+"I object to answering foolish questions. What is your motive in
+reviving this melancholy subject?"
+
+"I want to ask you to have my mother's remains brought to this town and
+laid beside the body of my father in our family tomb."
+
+"He is still in the dark!" thought Mr. Kenyon.
+
+"Impossible!" he answered.
+
+"That's true enough," thought Oliver.
+
+"Have you any other business?" asked his step-father.
+
+"I wish you to give me a fair portion of the property which my mother
+left."
+
+Mr. Kenyon smiled disagreeably. He felt his power.
+
+"Really, your request is very modest," he answered, "but it can't be
+complied with."
+
+"Mr. Kenyon, do you think it right to deprive me of all share in my
+father's property?"
+
+"You have forfeited it by your misconduct," said his step-father
+decisively.
+
+Just then the door opened, and Roland entered.
+
+"Has he come back?" he demanded disagreeably.
+
+"He has favored us with a call, Roland," said Mr. Kenyon. "He thought
+we might be glad to see him."
+
+"I wonder he has the face to show himself in this house," said Roland.
+
+"Why?" asked Oliver.
+
+"Oh, you know why well enough. You are a common thief."
+
+"Roland Kenyon, you will see the time when you will regret that insult,
+and that very soon," said Oliver, with honest indignation.
+
+"Oh, shall I? I'm not afraid of you," retorted Roland.
+
+"I permit no threats here," said Mr. Kenyon angrily.
+
+"He is safe for the present," said Oliver.
+
+"Thank you for nothing," said Roland. "Father, how long are you going
+to let him stay in the house?"
+
+"That is not for your father to say, Roland," said Oliver coolly.
+
+"What do you mean, you young reprobate?" demanded the step-father
+angrily. "If you have come here to make a disturbance, you have come
+to the wrong place, and selected the wrong man. Will you oblige me by
+leaving the house?"
+
+Oliver sat near the window. He saw, though neither of the others did,
+that a carriage stood at the gate, and that Nicholas Bundy and a New
+York lawyer were descending from it. The time had now come for a change
+of tone.
+
+"Mr. Kenyon," he said, "My answer is briefly that this house is not
+yours. I have a better right here than you."
+
+"This insolence is a little too much!" exclaimed his step-father, pale
+with passion. "Leave this house instantly or I will have you put out!"
+
+Before there could be an answer the bell rang. Mr. Kenyon put a
+restraint on himself.
+
+"Go out at once," he said, "I have other visitors who require my
+attention."
+
+The door opened, and the lawyer and Mr. Bundy were admitted. To Mr.
+Kenyon's surprise both nodded to Oliver. It was revealed to him that
+they were his friends.
+
+"Gentlemen," he said, with less courtesy than he would otherwise have
+shown, "I do not know you. I am occupied, and cannot spare you any time
+this morning."
+
+"We cannot excuse you, Mr. Kenyon," said Nicholas Bundy. "We come here
+as the friends of this boy, your step-son. My companion is Mr. Brief, a
+lawyer, and my name is Bundy--Nicholas Bundy."
+
+Mr. Kenyon winced at this name.
+
+"I don't understand you," he said. "We have no business together. I
+must request you to excuse me."
+
+"Plain words are best," said the lawyer. "Mr. Kenyon, I am authorized
+to demand your instant relinquishment of the property and estates of
+the late Mr. Conrad."
+
+"In whose favor?" asked Mr. Kenyon, whose manner betrayed agitation.
+
+"In favor of Oliver Conrad and his mother."
+
+"His mother is dead!" said Kenyon nervously; "and by her will the
+property is mine."
+
+"The will is a forgery."
+
+"Take care what you say, sir. I require you to prove it."
+
+"I shall prove it by Mrs. Conrad herself."
+
+As he spoke, Mrs. Conrad, who had been in the carriage, entered the
+room. She never spoke to her husband, but sat down quietly, while
+Roland stared at her, open-mouthed, as at one from the grave.
+
+"Father," he exclaimed, "didn't you tell me she was dead?"
+
+"She never died, but was incarcerated by your father in an insane
+asylum, while he forged a will bequeathing him the property," said the
+lawyer. "Well, Mr. Kenyon, what have you to say?"
+
+"Gentlemen, the game is up," said Kenyon sullenly. "I played for high
+stakes, and have lost. That's all."
+
+"You have placed yourself in the power of the wife you have wronged.
+You could be indicted for forgery and conspiracy. Do you admit that?"
+
+"I suppose I must."
+
+"What have you to say why we should not so proceed?"
+
+"Spare me, and I will go away and trouble you no more."
+
+"First, you must render an account of the property in your possession,
+and make an absolute surrender of it all."
+
+"Would you leave me a beggar?" asked Kenyon, in a tone of anguish.
+
+"If so, we should only treat you as you treated your step-son. But
+my client is merciful. She is willing to allow you and your son an
+annuity of five hundred dollars each, on condition that you leave this
+neighborhood and do not return to it."
+
+"It is small, but I accept," said Mr. Kenyon sullenly.
+
+"For your own good, I advise you to go to-day, before your treatment of
+your wife becomes known in the village," said Mr. Brief. "Call at my
+office in the city, and business arrangements can be made there."
+
+"I am willing," said Kenyon.
+
+"Wait a minute, Kenyon," said Nicholas Bundy, "I've got a word of
+advice. Don't go to Kelso, in Indiana."
+
+"Why not?" asked Kenyon mechanically.
+
+"Because you look so much like a certain Rupert Jones, who once
+flourished and forged there, that there might be trouble. I used to
+know Rupert Jones myself, and he did me an injury. You remember that. I
+have wanted to be revenged for years, but I am satisfied now. Once you
+were up and I was down. Now it's the other way. I am rich, and when I
+die, that boy"--pointing to Oliver--"is my heir."
+
+Roland looked as if a thunderbolt had fallen. He had never been aware
+of his father's perfidy before. He had himself acted meanly, but at
+that moment Oliver pitied him.
+
+"Roland," said he, "I once thought I should enjoy this moment, but I
+don't. I wish you good luck. Will you take my hand?"
+
+Roland's thin lips compressed. He hesitated, but hate prevailed.
+
+"No," he answered. "I won't take your hand. I hate you!"
+
+"I am sorry for it," said Oliver. "I am glad you won't be unprovided
+for, and won't suffer. If ever you feel differently, come to me."
+
+Mr. Kenyon and Roland left the house together, and took the first train
+for the city. They called at the office of Mr. Brief, and the final
+arrangements were concluded. Oliver and his mother came back to their
+own, and Nicholas Bundy came to live with them. Oliver concluded his
+preparations for college, where in due time he graduated.
+
+Three years later Mr. Kenyon died, by a strange coincidence, in an
+insane asylum. Then Roland, chastened by suffering and privation, for
+his father had squandered their joint allowance on drink, and many
+times he had fasted for twenty-four hours together, came back to his
+old home, and sought a reconciliation with those he had once hated. He
+was generously received, a mercantile position was found for him, his
+old allowance was doubled, and he grew to like Oliver as much as he had
+once detested him.
+
+If Mrs. Conrad is ever married again it will be to Mr. Bundy, who is
+her devoted admirer. Oliver has decided to become a lawyer. If he
+carries out his purpose, he will always be ready to champion the cause
+of the poor and the oppressed. He is engaged to Carrie Dudley, and the
+wedding will take place immediately after he is admitted to the bar.
+The clouds are dispersed, and henceforth, we may hope, his pathway will
+be lighted by sunshine to
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+HORATIO ALGER, JR.
+
+
+The enormous sales of the books of Horatio Alger, Jr., show the
+greatness of his popularity among the boys, and prove that he is one
+of their most favored writers. I am told that more than half a million
+copies altogether have been sold, and that all the large circulating
+libraries in the country have several complete sets, of which only two
+or three volumes are ever on the shelves at one time. If this is true,
+what thousands and thousands of boys have read and are reading Mr.
+Alger's books! His peculiar style of stories, often imitated but never
+equaled, have taken a hold upon the young people, and, despite their
+similarity, are eagerly read as soon as they appear.
+
+Mr. Alger became famous with the publication of that undying book,
+"Ragged Dick, or Street Life in New York." It was his first book for
+young people, and its success was so great that he immediately devoted
+himself to that kind of writing. It was a new and fertile field for a
+writer then, and Mr. Alger's treatment of it at once caught the fancy
+of the boys. "Ragged Dick" first appeared in 1868, and ever since then
+it has been selling steadily, until now it is estimated that about
+200,000 copies of the series have been sold.
+
+    --"Pleasant Hours for Boys and Girls."
+
+
+A writer for boys should have an abundant sympathy with them. He should
+be able to enter into their plans, hopes, and aspirations. He should
+learn to look upon life as they do. Boys object to be written down to.
+A boy's heart opens to the man or writer who understands him.
+
+    --From "Writing Stories for Boys," by Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+
+
+
+RAGGED DICK SERIES.
+
+    6 vols. By Horatio Alger, Jr. $6.00
+
+    Ragged Dick.
+    Fame and Fortune.
+    Mark the Match Boy.
+    Rough and Ready.
+    Ben the Luggage Boy.
+    Rufus and Rose.
+
+
+TATTERED TOM SERIES--First Series.
+
+    4 vols. By Horatio Alger, Jr. $4.00
+
+    Tattered Tom.
+    Paul the Peddler.
+    Phil the Fiddler.
+    Slow and Sure.
+
+
+TATTERED TOM SERIES--Second Series.
+
+    4 vols. $4.00
+
+    Julius.
+    The Young Outlaw.
+    Sam's Chance.
+    The Telegraph Boy.
+
+
+CAMPAIGN SERIES.
+
+    3 vols. By Horatio Alger, Jr. $3.00
+
+    Frank's Campaign.
+    Paul Prescott's Charge.
+    Charlie Codman's Cruise.
+
+
+LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES--First Series.
+
+    4 vols. By Horatio Alger, Jr. $4.00
+
+    Luck and Pluck.
+    Sink or Swim.
+    Strong and Steady.
+    Strive and Succeed.
+
+
+LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES--Second Series.
+
+    4 vols. $4.00
+
+    Try and Trust.
+    Bound to Rise.
+    Risen from the Ranks.
+    Herbert Carter's Legacy.
+
+
+BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES.
+
+    4 vols. By Horatio Alger, Jr. $4.00
+
+    Brave and Bold.
+    Jack's Ward.
+    Shifting for Himself.
+    Wait and Hope.
+
+
+
+
+VICTORY SERIES.
+
+    3 vols. By Horatio Alger, Jr. $3.00
+
+    Only an Irish Boy.
+    Victor Vane, or the Young Secretary.
+    Adrift in the City.
+
+
+FRANK AND FEARLESS SERIES.
+
+    3 vols. By Horatio Alger, Jr. $3.00
+
+    Frank Hunter's Peril.
+    The Young Salesman.
+    Frank and Fearless.
+
+
+GOOD FORTUNE LIBRARY.
+
+    3 vols. By Horatio Alger, Jr. $3.00
+
+    Walter Sherwood's Probation.
+    The Young Bank Messenger.
+    A Boy's Fortune.
+
+
+HOW TO RISE LIBRARY.
+
+    3 vols. By Horatio Alger, Jr. $3.00
+
+    Jed, the Poorhouse Boy.
+    Lester's Luck.
+    Rupert's Ambition.
+
+
+    COMPLETE CATALOG OF BEST BOOKS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS
+    MAILED ON APPLICATION TO THE PUBLISHERS
+    THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., PHILADELPHIA
+
+
+
+
+THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.'S POPULAR JUVENILES.
+
+
+
+
+J. T. TROWBRIDGE.
+
+
+Neither as a writer does he stand apart from the great currents of life
+and select some exceptional phase or odd combination of circumstances.
+He stands on the common level and appeals to the universal heart, and
+all that he suggests or achieves is on the plane and in the line of
+march of the great body of humanity.
+
+The Jack Hazard series of stories, published in the late _Our Young
+Folks_, and continued in the first volume of _St. Nicholas_, under the
+title of "Fast Friends," is no doubt destined to hold a high place
+in this class of literature. The delight of the boys in them (and of
+their seniors, too) is well founded. They go to the right spot every
+time. Trowbridge knows the heart of a boy like a book, and the heart
+of a man, too, and he has laid them both open in these books in a most
+successful manner. Apart from the qualities that render the series so
+attractive to all young readers, they have great value on account of
+their portraitures of American country life and character. The drawing
+is wonderfully accurate, and as spirited as it is true. The constable,
+Sellick, is an original character, and as minor figures where will
+we find anything better than Miss Wansey, and Mr. P. Pipkin, Esq.
+The picture of Mr. Dink's school, too, is capital, and where else in
+fiction is there a better nick-name than that the boys gave to poor
+little Stephen Treadwell, "Step Hen," as he himself pronounced his name
+in an unfortunate moment when he saw it in print for the first time in
+his lesson in school.
+
+On the whole, these books are very satisfactory, and afford the
+critical reader the rare pleasure of the works that are just adequate,
+that easily fulfill themselves and accomplish all they set out to
+do.--_Scribner's Monthly._
+
+
+
+
+JACK HAZARD SERIES.
+
+    6 vols. By J. T. TROWBRIDGE $7.25
+
+    Jack Hazard and His Fortunes.
+    The Young Surveyor.
+    Fast Friends.
+    Doing His Best.
+    A Chance for Himself.
+    Lawrence's Adventures.
+
+
+
+
+CHARLES ASBURY STEPHENS.
+
+
+This author wrote his "Camping Out Series" at the very height of his
+mental and physical powers.
+
+   "We do not wonder at the popularity of these books; there is a
+   freshness and variety about them, and an enthusiasm in the description
+   of sport and adventure, which even the older folk can hardly fail to
+   share."--_Worcester Spy._
+
+   "The author of the Camping Out Series is entitled to rank as decidedly
+   at the head of what may be called boys' literature."--_Buffalo
+   Courier._
+
+
+CAMPING OUT SERIES.
+
+By C. A. STEPHENS.
+
+All books in this series are 12mo. with eight full page illustrations.
+Cloth, extra, 75 cents.
+
+CAMPING OUT. As Recorded by "Kit."
+
+   "This book is bright, breezy, wholesome, instructive, and stands
+   above the ordinary boys' books of the day by a whole head and
+   shoulders."--_The Christian Register_, Boston.
+
+LEFT ON LABRADOR; OR, THE CRUISE OF THE SCHOONER YACHT "CURLEW." As
+Recorded by "Wash."
+
+   "The perils of the voyagers, the narrow escapes, their strange
+   expedients, and the fun and jollity when danger had passed, will make
+   boys even unconscious of hunger."--_New Bedford Mercury._
+
+OFF TO THE GEYSERS; OR THE YOUNG YACHTERS IN ICELAND. As Recorded by
+"Wade."
+
+   "It is difficult to believe that Wade and Read and Kit and Wash were
+   not live boys, sailing up Hudson Straits, and reigning temporarily
+   over an Esquimaux tribe."--_The Independent_, New York.
+
+LYNX HUNTING: From Notes by the Author of "Camping Out."
+
+   "Of _first quality_ as a boys' book, and fit to take its place beside
+   the best."--_Richmond Enquirer._
+
+FOX HUNTING. As Recorded by "Read."
+
+   "The most spirited and entertaining book that has as yet appeared. It
+   overflows with incident, and is characterized by dash and brilliancy
+   throughout."--_Boston Gazette._
+
+ON THE AMAZON; OR, THE CRUISE OF THE "RAMBLER." As Recorded by "Wash."
+
+   "Gives vivid pictures of Brazilian adventure and scenery."--_Buffalo
+   Courier._
+
+
+
+
+THE RENOWNED STANDARD JUVENILES
+
+BY EDWARD S. ELLIS
+
+Edward S. Ellis is regarded as the later day Cooper. His books will
+always be read for the accurate pen pictures of pioneer life they
+portray.
+
+
+LIST OF TITLES
+
+
+DEERFOOT SERIES
+
+    Hunters of the Ozark.
+    The Last War Trail.
+    Camp in the Mountains.
+
+
+LOG CABIN SERIES
+
+    Lost Trail.
+    Footprints in the Forest.
+    Camp Fire and Wigwam.
+
+
+BOY PIONEER SERIES
+
+    Ned in the Block-House.
+    Ned on the River.
+    Ned in the Woods.
+
+
+THE NORTHWEST SERIES
+
+    Two Boys in Wyoming.
+    Cowmen and Rustlers.
+    A Strange Craft and Its Wonderful Voyage.
+
+
+BOONE AND KENTON SERIES
+
+    Shod with Silence.
+    In the Days of the Pioneers.
+    Phantom of the River.
+
+
+WAR CHIEF SERIES
+
+    Red Eagle.
+    Blazing Arrow.
+    Iron Heart, War Chief of the Iroquois.
+
+
+THE NEW DEERFOOT SERIES
+
+    Deerfoot in the Forest.
+    Deerfoot on the Prairie.
+    Deerfoot in the Mountains.
+
+
+TRUE GRIT SERIES
+
+    Jim and Joe.
+    Dorsey, the Young Inventor.
+    Secret of Coffin Island.
+
+
+GREAT AMERICAN SERIES
+
+    Teddy and Towser; or, Early Days in California.
+    Up the Forked River.
+
+
+COLONIAL SERIES
+
+    An American King.
+    The Cromwell of Virginia.
+    The Last Emperor of the Old Dominion.
+
+
+FOREIGN ADVENTURE SERIES
+
+    Lost in the Forbidden Land.
+    River and Jungle.
+    The Hunt of the White Elephant.
+
+
+PADDLE YOUR OWN CANOE SERIES
+
+    The Forest Messengers.
+    The Mountain Star.
+    Queen of the Clouds.
+
+
+ARIZONA SERIES
+
+    Off the Reservation; or, Caught in an Apache Raid.
+    Trailing Geronimo; or, Campaigning with Crook.
+    The Round-Up; or, Geronimo's Last Raid.
+
+
+OTHER TITLES IN PREPARATION
+
+    PRICE $1.00 PER VOLUME Sold separately and in set
+
+Complete Catalogue of Famous Alger Books, Celebrated Castlemon Books
+and Renowned Ellis Books mailed on application.
+
+
+    THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO. PHILADELPHIA, PA.
+
+  Transcriber's Notes
+
+  Italics are denoted by _underscore_.
+
+  Minor punctuation errors corrected: added several periods, removed
+  extraneous quotes.
+
+  Occasional inconsistency in hyphenation has been retained.
+
+  A few instances of exclamation points at the end of questions have been
+  retained.
+
+  P41: "immiment" corrected to "imminent"
+
+  P93: "loyality" corrected to "loyalty"
+
+  P187: added "you": "I hope you are well, Carrie"
+
+  P214: duplicated word removed 'was'
+
+  P254: "gnardian" replaced with "guardian"
+
+  P285: "power?": corrected to "power!"
+
+  P289: "Gave a thousand dollars for it?" corrected to "Gave a thousand
+  dollars for it!"
+
+  P289: Speech marks removed from "And two thousand..." and "He doesn't
+  know....", retained around "How long have you had it?"
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Adrift in The City, by Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 56973 ***