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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/5778-0.txt b/5778-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3220730 --- /dev/null +++ b/5778-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,8760 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Try and Trust, by Horatio Alger + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Try and Trust + +Author: Horatio Alger + + +Release Date: May, 2004 [EBook #5778] +This file was first posted on September 1, 2002 +Last Updated: March 3, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TRY AND TRUST *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Charles Franks and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + + + + + + + +TRY AND TRUST + +Or, Abner Holden's Bound Boy + +By Horatio Alger, Jr. + + +Author Of “Paul The Peddler,” “From Farm Boy To Senator,” “Slow And +Sure,” Etc. + +The Mershon Company + +Rahway, N.J., New York + + +TO MY YOUNG FRIEND, + +A. FLORIAN HENRIQUES (BOISIE), + +THIS VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED + + + +CONTENTS + + I. AROUND THE BREAKFAST TABLE + II. INTRODUCING THE HERO + III. A COLLISION + IV. A DISAGREEABLE SURPRISE + V. THE ENVELOPE + VI. ON THE WAY + VII. A NEW HOME + VIII. THE GHOST IN THE ATTIC + IX. EXPOSING A FRAUD + X. THE CLOUDS GATHER + XI. A CRISIS + XII. RALPH THE RANGER + XIII. A MOMENT OF PERIL + XIV. TAKEN PRISONER + XV. A FOUR-FOOTED FOE + XVI. JUST TOO LATE + XVII. NEW ACQUAINTANCES + XVIII. A YOUNG ARISTOCRAT + XIX. A SUSPICIOUS CHARACTER + XX. FACING A BURGLAR + XXI. HERBERT'S REWARD + XXII. ROBBED IN THE NIGHT + XXIII. A BUSINESS CALL + XXIV. FINDING A BOARDING PLACE + XXV. GETTING A SITUATION + XXVI. A FAMILY COUNCIL + XXVII. AT THE CONCERT + XXVIII. PETER GREENLEAF AGAIN + XXIX. SPARRING + XXX. AN UNEXPECTED BLOW + XXXI. MR. STANTON IS SURPRISED + XXXII. RISEN FROM THE DEAD + XXXIII. A FRIEND IN NEED + XXXIV. CONCLUSION + + + + +CHAPTER I + +AROUND THE BREAKFAST TABLE + + +“Well, wife,” said Mr. Benjamin Stanton, as he sat down to a late +breakfast, “I had a letter from Ohio yesterday.” + +“From Ohio? Who should write you from Ohio? Anyone I know?” + +“My sister, Margaret, you remember, moved out there with her husband ten +years ago.” + +“Oh, it's from her, is it?” said Mrs. Stanton, indifferently. + +“No,” said her husband with momentary gravity. “It's from a Dr. Kent, +who attended her in her last illness. Margaret is dead!” + +“Dear me!” returned Mrs. Stanton, uncomfortably; “and I am just out of +mourning for my aunt. Do you think it will be necessary for us to go +into mourning for your sister?” + +“No, I think not,” said her husband. “Margaret has lived away from us +so long, and people won't know that we have had a death in the family +unless we mention it.” + +“Was that all the letter said--about the death, I mean?” + +“Why, no,” said Mr. Stanton, with a little frown. “It seems Margaret +left a child--a boy of fourteen; and, as she left no property, the +doctor suggests that I should send for the boy and assume the care of +him.” + +“Upon my word!” said Mrs. Stanton; “you will find yourself in business +if you undertake to provide for all the beggars' brats that apply to you +for assistance.” + +“You must remember that you are speaking of my sister's child,” said Mr. +Stanton, who, cold and selfish and worldly as he was, had some touch +of decency about him, and did not relish the term “beggars' brats,” as +applied to one so nearly related to him. + +“Well, call him what you like,” said his wife; “only don't be so foolish +as to go spending your money on him when our children need all we have. +There's Maria needs a new dress immediately. She says all the girls at +Signor Madalini's dancing academy dress elegantly, and she's positively +ashamed to appear in any of her present dresses.” + +“How much will it cost?” asked Mr. Stanton, opening his pocketbook. + +“You may hand me seventy-five dollars. I think I can make that do.” + +Without a word of remonstrance, the money was placed in her hand. + +“I want some money, too,” said Tom Stanton, who had just disposed of a +very hearty meal. + +“What do you want it for, Tom?” + +“Oh, some of the fellows are getting up a club. It's going to be a +select affair, and of course each of us has got to contribute some +money. You see, we are going to hire a room, furnish it nicely with a +carpet, black walnut furniture, and so on, and that'll cost something.” + +“Whose idea is it?” + +“Well, Sam Paget was the first boy that mentioned it.” + +“Whose son is he?” + +“His father belongs to the firm of Paget, Norwood & Co. He's awful +rich.” + +“Yes, it is one of our first families,” said Mr. Stanton, with +satisfaction. “Is he a friend of yours, Tom?” + +“Oh, yes, we are quit intimate.” + +“That's right!” said his father, approvingly. “I am glad you choose your +friends so well. That's one of the principal reasons I have for sending +you to an expensive school, to get you well launched into good society.” + +“Yes, father, I understand,” said Tom. “You won't find me associating +with common boys. I hold my head a little too high for that, I can tell +you.” + +“That's right, my boy,” said Mr. Stanton, with satisfaction. “And now +how much money do you want for this club of yours?” + +“Well,” said Tom, hesitatingly, “thirty or forty dollars.” + +“Isn't that considerable?” said his father, surprised at the amount. + +“Well, you see, father, I want to contribute as much as any of the boys. +It would seem mean if I didn't. There's only a few of us to stand the +expense, and we don't want to let in any out of our own set.” + +“That's true,” said Mr. Stanton; “I approve of that. It's all very well +to talk about democracy, but I believe in those of the higher orders +keeping by themselves.” + +“Then you'll give the money, father?” said Tom, eagerly. + +“Yes, Tom, there's forty dollars. It's more than I ought to spare, but +I am determined you shall stand as good a chance as any of your +school-fellows. They shan't be able to say that your father stints you +in anything that your position requires.” + +“Thank you, father,” said Tom, pocketing the two twenty-dollar bills +with great satisfaction. + +The fact was that Tom's assessment amounted to only twenty dollars, but +he thought it would be a good excuse for getting more out of his father. +As to the extra money, Tom felt confident that he could find uses enough +for it. He had latterly, though but fourteen years of age, contracted +the habit of smoking cigars; a habit which he found rather expensive, +especially as he felt bound occasionally to treat his companions. +Then he liked, now and then, to drop in and get an ice-cream or some +confectionery, and these little expenses counted up. + +Mr. Stanton was a vain, worldly man. He was anxious to obtain an +entrance into the best society. For this reason, he made it a point +to send his children to the most expensive schools; trusting to their +forming fashionable acquaintances, through whom his whole family might +obtain recognition into those select circles for which he cherished +a most undemocratic respect. For this reason it was that, though not +naturally liberal, he had opened his purse willingly at the demands of +Mrs. Stanton and Tom. + +“Well,” said Mrs. Stanton, after Tom's little financial affair had been +adjusted, “what are you going to write to this doctor? Of course you +won't think of sending for your nephew?” + +“By no means. He is much better off where he is. I shall write Dr. Kent +that he is old enough to earn his own living, and I shall recommend that +he be bound out to some farmer or mechanic in the neighborhood. It is +an imposition to expect, because I am tolerably well off, that it is my +duty to support other people's children. My own are entitled to all I +can do for them.” + +“That's so, father,” said Tom, who was ready enough to give his consent +to any proposition of a selfish nature. “Charity begins at home.” + +With Tom, by the way, it not only began at home, but it ended there, and +the same may be said of his father. From time to time Mr. Stanton's name +was found in the list of donors to some charitable object, provided his +benevolence was likely to obtain sufficient publicity, Mr. Stanton did +not believe in giving in secret. What was the use of giving away money +unless you could get credit for it? That was the principle upon which he +always acted. + +“I suppose,” continued Tom, “this country cousin of mine wears cowhide +boots and overalls, and has got rough, red hands like a common laborer. +I wonder what Sam Paget would say if I should introduce such a fellow +to him as my cousin. I rather guess he would not want to be quite so +intimate with me as he is now.” + +If anything had been needed, this consideration would have been +sufficient to deter Mr. Stanton from sending for his nephew. He could +not permit the social standing of his family to be compromised by the +presence of a poor relation from the country, rough and unpolished as he +doubtless was. + +Maria, too, who had been for some time silent, here contributed to +strengthen the effect of Tom's words. + +“Yes,” said she, “and Laura Brooks, my most intimate friend, who is +shocked at anything vulgar or countrified--I wouldn't have her know that +I have such a cousin--oh, not for the world!” + +“There will be no occasion for it,” said her father, decidedly. “I shall +write at once to this Dr. Kent, explaining to him my views and +wishes, and how impossible it is for me to do as he so inconsiderately +suggests.” + +“It's the wisest thing you can do, Mr. Stanton,” said his wife, who was +to the full as selfish as her husband. + +“What is his name, father?” asked Maria. + +“Whose name?” + +“The boy's.” + +“Herbert Mason.” + +“Herbert? I thought it might be Jonathan, or Zeke, or some such name. +Herbert isn't at all countrified.” + +“No,” said Tom, slyly; “of course not. We all know why you like that +name.” + +“Oh, you're mighty wise, Mr. Tom!” retorted his sister. + +“It's because you like Herbert Dartmouth; but it isn't any use. He's in +love with Lizzie Graves.” + +“You seem to know all about it,” said Maria, with vexation; for Tom was +not far from right in speaking of her preference for Herbert Dartmouth. + +“Of course I do,” said Tom; “I ought to, for he told me so himself.” + +“I don't believe it!” said Maria, who looked ready to cry. + +“Well, you needn't; but it's so.” + +“Be quiet, children,” said Mrs. Stanton. “Thomas, you mustn't plague +your sister.” + +“Don't take it so hard, Maria,” said Tom, in rather an aggravating tone. +“There's other boys you could get. I guess you could get Jim Gorham for +a beau, if you tried hard enough.” + +“I wouldn't have him,” said Maria. “His face is all over freckles.” + +“Enough of this quarreling, children,” said Mrs. Stanton. “I hope,” she +continued, addressing her husband, “you won't fail to write at once. +They might be sending on the boy, and then we should be in a pretty +predicament.” + +“I will write at once. I don't know but I ought to inclose some money.” + +“I don't see why you need to.” + +“Perhaps I had better, as this is the last I intend to do for him.” + +“At any rate, it won't be necessary to send much,” said Mrs. Stanton. + +“How much?” + +“Five dollars will do, I should think. Because he happens to be your +nephew, there is no good reason why he should be thrown upon you for +support.” + +“Perhaps it will be best to send ten dollars,” said Mr. Stanton. “People +are unreasonable, you know, and they might charge me with meanness, if I +sent less.” + +“Then make it ten. It's only for once. I hope that will be the last we +shall hear of him.” + +The room in which this conversation took place was a handsomely +furnished breakfast room, all the appointments of which spoke not only +of comfort, but of luxury. Mr. Stanton had been made rich by a series of +lucky speculations, and he was at present carrying on a large wholesale +store downtown. He had commenced with small means twenty years before, +and for some years had advanced slowly, until the tide of fortune set in +and made him rich. His present handsome residence he had only occupied +three years, having moved to it from one of much smaller pretensions on +Bleecker Street. Tom and Maria were forbidden to speak of their former +home to their present fashionable acquaintances, and this prohibition +they were likely to observe, having inherited to the full the worldly +spirit which actuated their parents. It will be seen that Herbert Mason +was little likely to be benefited by having such prosperous relations. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +INTRODUCING THE HERO + + +If my young readers do not find the town of Waverley on the map of Ohio, +they may conclude that it was too small to attract the notice of the +map-makers. The village is small, consisting of about a dozen houses, +a church, a schoolhouse, and, as a matter of course, one of that +well-known class of stores in which everything required for the family +is sold, from a dress-pattern to a pound of sugar. Outside of the +village there are farmhouses, surrounded by broad acres, which keep them +at respectable distances from each other, like the feudal castles of +the Middle Ages. The land is good, and the farmers are thrifty and +well-to-do; but probably the whole town contains less than a thousand +inhabitants. + +In one of the houses, near the church, lived Dr. Kent, whose letter has +already been referred to. He was a skillful physician, and a very worthy +man, who would have been very glad to be benevolent if his limited +practice had supplied him with the requisite means. But chance had +directed him to a healthy and sparsely-settled neighborhood, where he +was able only to earn a respectable livelihood, and indeed found himself +compelled to economize at times where he would have liked to indulge +himself in expense. + +When Mrs. Mason died it was found that the sale of her furniture barely +realized enough to defray the expenses of her funeral. Herbert, her only +son, was left wholly unprovided for. Dr. Kent, knowing that he had a +rich uncle in New York, undertook to communicate to him the position in +which his nephew had been left, never doubting that he would cheerfully +extend a helping hand to him. Meanwhile he invited Herbert to come to +his house and make it his home till his uncle should send for him. + +Herbert was a handsome, well-grown boy of fourteen, and a general +favorite in the village. While his mother lived he had done all he could +to lighten her tasks, and he grieved deeply for her loss now that she +was gone. His father had ten years before failed in business in the city +of New York, and, in a fit of depression, had emigrated to this obscure +country village, where he had invested the few hundred dollars remaining +to him in a farm, from which he was able to draw a scanty income. +Being a man of liberal education, he had personally superintended the +education of his son till his death, two years before, so that Herbert's +attainments were considerably in advance of those of other boys of his +age in the neighborhood. He knew something of Latin and French, which +made him looked upon as quite a model of learning by his playmates. +After his father's death he had continued the daily study of the +languages, so that he was able to read ordinary French with nearly as +much ease as if it were English. Though studious, he was not a bookworm, +but was distinguished in athletic sports popular with boys of his age. + +Enough has been said of our hero by way of introduction. Herbert's +faults and virtues will appear as the record of his adventures is +continued. It may be hinted only that, while he was frank, manly, and +generous in his disposition, he was proud and high-spirited also, and +perhaps these qualities were sometimes carried to excess. He would not +allow himself to be imposed upon if he could help it. Being strong for +his age, he was always able to maintain his rights, but never abused his +strength by making it the instrument of tyrannizing over weaker boys. + +Of course Herbert felt somewhat anxious as to his future prospects. He +knew that the doctor had written to his Uncle Benjamin about him, and he +hoped that he might be sent for to New York, having a great curiosity to +see the city, of which he had heard so much. + +“Have you heard from my uncle, Dr. Kent?” he inquired, a few days after +the scene recorded in our first chapter. + +His question was prompted by seeing the doctor coming into the yard with +an open letter in his hand. + +“Yes,” said Dr. Kent, with troubled expression and perplexed took. + +“What does Uncle Benjamin say?” asked our young hero, eagerly. + +“Nothing very encouraging, Herbert, I am sorry to say,” returned the +doctor. “However, here is the letter; you may read it for yourself.” + +Herbert received the letter from the doctor's hands and read it through +with feelings of mortification and anger. + +Here it is: + +“DEAR SIR: I have to acknowledge yours of the 10th inst. I regret to +hear of my sister's decease. I regret, also, to hear that her son, +Herbert, is left without a provision for his support. My brother-in-law +I cannot but consider culpable in neglecting to lay up something during +his life upon which his widow and son might depend. I suspect that he +must have lived with inconsiderate extravagance. + +“As for myself, I have a family of my own to provide for, and the +expense of living in a city like this is very great. In justice to them, +I do not feel that it would be right for me to incur extra expense. You +tell me that he is now fourteen and a stout boy. He is able, I should +think, to earn his own living. I should recommend that he be bound out +to a farmer or mechanic. To defray any little expenses that may arise, I +enclose ten dollars, which I hope he may find serviceable. Yours etc., + +“BENJAMIN STANTON.” + +This cold and selfish letter Herbert read with rising color, and a +feeling of bitterness found a place in his young heart, which was quite +foreign to him. + +“Well, Herbert, what do you think of it?” asked the doctor. + +“I think,” said Herbert, hotly, “that I don't want to have anything to +do with an uncle who could write such a letter as that.” + +“He doesn't seem to write with much feeling.” acknowledged the doctor. + +“Feeling!” repeated Herbert; “he writes as if I were a beggar, and asked +charity. Where is the money he inclosed, Dr. Kent?” + +“I have it here in my vest pocket. I was afraid it would slip out of the +letter, and so took care of it.” + +“Will you let me send it back to my uncle?” asked Herbert. + +“Send it back?” + +“Yes, Dr. Kent; I don't want any of his charity, and I'll tell him so.” + +“I am afraid, Herbert, that you are giving way to your pride.” + +“But isn't it a proper pride, doctor?” + +“I hardly know what to say, Herbert. You must remember, however, that, +as you are left quite unprovided for, even this small sum may be of use +to you.” + +“It isn't the smallness of the sum that I mind,” said Herbert. “If Uncle +Benjamin had written a kind letter, or showed the least feeling in it +for me, or for--for mother [his voice faltered a moment], I would have +accepted it thankfully. But I couldn't accept money thrown at me in +that way. He didn't want to give it to me, I am sure, and wouldn't if he +hadn't felt obliged to.” + +Dr. Kent paced the room thoughtfully. He respected Herbert's feelings, +but he saw that it was not wise for him to indulge them. He was in a +dependent situation, and it was to be feared that he would have much to +suffer in time to come from the coldness and selfishness of the world. + +“I will tell you what to do, Herbert,” he said, after a while. “You can +accept this money as a loan, and repay it when you are able.” + +“With interest?” + +“Yes, with interest, if you prefer it.” + +“I shall be willing to accept it on those terms,” said Herbert; “but I +want my uncle to understand it.” + +“You may write to your uncle to that effect, if you like.” + +“Very well, Dr. Kent. Then I will write to him at once.” + +“You will find some paper in my desk, Herbert. I suppose you will not +object to my seeing your letter.” + +“No, doctor, I intended to show it to you. You won't expect me to show +much gratitude, I hope?” + +“I won't insist upon it, Herbert,” said the doctor, smiling. + +Herbert in about half an hour submitted the following note to the +doctor's inspection. It had cost him considerable thought to determine +how to express himself, but he succeeded at last to his tolerable +satisfaction. + +“UNCLE BENJAMIN [so the letter commenced]: Dr. Kent has just shown +me your reply to his letter about me. You seem to think I wish you to +support me, which is not the case. All I should have asked was your +influence to help me in obtaining a situation in the city, where I +might support myself. I am willing to work, and shall probably find some +opportunity here. The ten dollars, which you inclose, I will accept AS +A LOAN, and will repay you as soon as I am able, WITH INTEREST. HERBERT +MASON.” + +“Will that do?” asked Herbert. + +Dr. Kent smiled. + +“You were careful not to express any gratitude, Herbert,” he said. + +“Because I don't feel any,” returned Herbert, promptly. “I feel grateful +to you, Dr. Kent, for your great kindness. I wish I could pay you for +that. I shall never forget how you attended my mother in her sickness, +when there was small prospect of your being paid.” + +“My dear boy,” said the doctor, resting his hand affectionately on +Herbert's shoulder, “I have been able to do but very little. I wish I +could do more. If you wish to repay me, you can do it a hundred times +over by growing up a good and honorable man; one upon whom your mother +in heaven can look down with grateful joy, if it is permitted her to +watch your progress here.” + +“I will do my best, doctor,” said Herbert. + +“The world is all before you,” proceeded Dr. Kent. “You may not achieve +a brilliant destiny. It is permitted to few to do that. But whether your +sphere is wide or narrow, you may exert an influence for good, AND LEAVE +THE WORLD BETTER FOR YOUR HAVING LIVED IN IT.” + +“I hope it may be so,” said Herbert, thoughtfully. “When I am tempted to +do wrong, I will think of my mother.” + +“It is the very best thing you can do, Herbert. And now for your plans. +I wish I were in a situation to have you remain with me. But as that +cannot be, I will do my best to get you a place.” + +“I ought to be at work,” said Herbert, “as I have my living to get. I +want you to take that ten dollars, doctor, as part payment of the debt I +owe you.” + +The doctor shook his head. + +“I can't do that, Herbert, not even to oblige you. You were too proud +to accept a favor from your uncle. You will not be too proud, I hope, to +accept one from me?” + +“No, doctor; I am not too proud for that. You are my friend, and my +uncle cares nothing for me.” + +When Herbert's letter reached New York, his uncle felt a momentary +shame, for he saw that his nephew had rightfully interpreted his own +selfishness and lack of feeling, and he could not help involuntarily +admiring the independent spirit which would not allow him to accept +the proffered money, except as a loan. But mingled with his shame was a +feeling of relief, as he foresaw that Herbert's pride would not suffer +him to become a burden upon him in the future. He hardly expected ever +to see the ten dollars returned with interest; but even if he lost it, +he felt that he should be getting off cheap. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +A COLLISION + + +It was a week later when an incident befell Herbert which is worthy of +mention, since it brought him into collision with a man who was destined +to have some influence over his future life. + +A neighboring farmer, for whom, during his mother's life, he had +occasionally gone on errands, drove up in front of the doctor's house, +and asked Herbert if he could take his horse and wagon and drive over +to the mill village to get some corn ground. Herbert was rather glad +to accept this proposal, not only because he was to receive twenty-five +cents for so doing, but also because he was fond of driving a horse. + +He was only about a mile from the mill village, when he saw approaching +him a man in a light open buggy. Herbert knew every horse in Waverley, +and every man, woman, and child, for that matter, and he perceived at +once that the driver was a stranger. To tell the truth, he was not very +favorably impressed by his appearance. The man was very dark, with black +hair and an unshaven beard of three days' growth, which did not set off +his irregular and repulsive features. His mouth, partly open, revealed +several yellow tusks, stained with tobacco juice. On his head he wore a +broad-brimmed straw hat, rather the worse for wear. + +It so happened that just at this point the middle of the road was much +better than the sides, which sloped considerably, terminating in gullies +which were partly full from the recent rains. The road was narrow, being +wide enough for two vehicles to pass each other, if each veered to the +side, but not otherwise. + +Herbert observed that the buggy, which was now rapidly approaching, was +kept in the center of the road, and that the driver appeared to have no +intention of turning out. + +“What does he mean?” thought our hero. “He cannot expect me to do the +whole of the turning out. I will turn out my half, and if he wants to +get by, he must do the same.” + +Accordingly, he turned partially to one side, as much as could be +reasonably expected, and quietly awaited the approach of the man in the +buggy. The latter still kept the center of the road, and did not turn +out his carriage at all. As soon as it was close at hand, the driver +leaned forward and exclaimed angrily: + +“Turn out, boy!” + +If he expected that Herbert would be intimidated by his tone he was +much mistaken. Our hero was bold, and not easily frightened. He looked +quietly in the man's face, and said composedly, “I have turned out.” + +“Then turn out more, you young vagabond! Do you hear me?” + +“Yes, sir, I hear you, and should if you didn't speak half so loud.” + +“Curse your impudence! I tell you, turn out more!” exclaimed the +stranger, becoming more and more angry. He had expected to get his own +way without trouble. If Herbert had been a man, he would not have been +so unreasonable; but he supposed he could browbeat a boy into doing +whatever he chose to dictate. But he had met his match, as it turned +out. + +“I have already given you half the road,” said Herbert, firmly, “and I +don't intend to give you any more.” + +“You don't, eh? Young man, how old are you?” + +“I am fourteen.” + +“I should think you were forty by the airs you put on.” + +“Is it putting on airs to insist on my rights?” asked our hero. + +“Your rights!” retorted the other, laughing contemptuously. + +“Yes, my rights,” returned Herbert, quietly. “I have a right to half of +the road, and I have taken it. If I turn out any more, I shall go into +the gully.” + +“That makes no difference. A wetting won't do you any harm. Your +impudence needs cooling.” + +“That may be,” said Herbert, who did not choose to get angry, but was +resolved to maintain his rights; “but I object to the wetting, for all +that, and as this wagon is not mine, I do not choose to upset it.” + +“You are the most insolent young scamp I ever came across!” exclaimed +the other, furiously. “I've a good mind to give you something much worse +than a wetting.” + +“Such as what?” asked our hero, coolly. In reply the man flourished his +whip significantly. “Do you see that?” he asked. + +“Yes.” + +“Oh, very well,” said the other, ironically; “I'm glad you do. Perhaps +you wouldn't like to feel it?” + +“No, I don't think I should,” said Herbert, not exhibiting the least +apprehension. + +The stranger handled his whip, eyeing our hero viciously at the same +time, as if it would have afforded him uncommon pleasure to lay it +over his back. But there was something in the look of our hero which +unconsciously cowed him, and, much as he wished to strike him, he held +back. + +“Well, you're a cool hand,” he said, after a moment's hesitation. + +To this our hero did not see fit to make any reply. But he grasped his +own whip a little tighter. So brutal had been the tone assumed by the +stranger, that he was not sure but he might proceed to carry out his +threat, and lay the whip over his back. He determined, in that case, to +give him as good as he sent. I will not express any opinion as to the +propriety of this determination, but I am certain, from what I know of +our hero's fearless spirit, that he would not have hesitated to do +it, be the consequences what they might. But he did not have the +opportunity. + +“Once more,” demanded the stranger, furiously; “are you going to turn +out?” + +“No,” said the boy, decidedly. + +“Then--I'll run you down.” + +So saying, he brought the whip violently on the horse's back. The latter +gave a convulsive spring forward. But his driver had not taken into +consideration that the farm-wagon was the stronger of the two vehicles, +and that in any collision the buggy must come off second best. So it +happened that a wheel of the buggy was broken, and the driver, in the +shock, thrown sprawling into a puddle on the other side of the road. +The wagon suffered no damage, but the old horse, terrified, set off at a +rapid pace. Herbert looked back to see if the stranger was injured, but +seeing that he had already picked himself up unwounded, but decidedly +dirty, he concluded to keep on his way to the mill. + +The driver of the overturned vehicle was considerably more angry than +hurt at this catastrophe. + +It chafed his pride not a little to think that, after all his vaunts, +the boy had maintained his ground, and got the better of him. For a +man of forty-five to be worsted by a boy of fourteen was, it must be +confessed, a little mortifying. It was something like a great ship of +the line being compelled to surrender to a little monitor. + +No one feels particularly dignified or good-natured when he is picking +himself out of a mud puddle. Our black-haired acquaintance proved no +exception to this remark. He shook his fist at the receding wagon +and its occupant--a demonstration of defiance which our hero did not +witness, his back being now turned to his late opponent. + +Mr. Abner Holden--for this was the stranger's name--next turned his +attention to the buggy, which had been damaged to some extent, and so +was likely to involve him in expense. This was another uncomfortable +reflection. Meanwhile, as it was no longer in a fit state for travel, +he must contrive some way to have it carried back to the stable, and, +unless he could procure another vehicle, perform the rest of the journey +on foot. + +Luckily, some men in a neighboring field had witnessed the collision, +and, supposing their services might be required, were now present to +lend their aid. + +“Pretty bad accident,” remarked one of them. “That 'ere wheel'll need +considerable tinkering afore it's fit for use. How came you to get it +broke so, squire?” + +“A little rascal had the impudence to dispute the road with me, and +would not turn out at my bidding,” said Mr. Holden, in a tone of +exasperation, which showed that his temper had been considerably soured +by the accident. + +“Wouldn't turn out? Seems to me from the marks of the wheels, you must +have been drivin' along in the middle of the road. I guess you didn't +take the trouble to turn out, yourself.” + +“Well, there was room enough for the boy to turn out one side,” said +Holden, doggedly. + +“You are slightly mistaken, stranger,” said the other, who was disgusted +at the traveler's unreasonableness. “There wasn't room; as anyone can +see that's got eyes in his head. Didn't the youngster turn out at all?” + +“Yes,” snapped Holden, not relishing the other's free speech. + +“Then it seems you were the one that would not turn out. If you had been +a leetle more accommodating, this accident couldn't have happened. Fair +play's my motto. If a feller meets you halfway, it's all you have a +right to expect. I reckon it'll cost you a matter of ten dollars to get +that 'ere buggy fixed.” + +Holden looked savagely at the broken wheel, but that didn't mend +matters. He would have answered the countryman angrily, but, as he stood +in need of assistance, this was not good policy. + +“What would you advise me to do about it?” he inquired. + +“You will have to leave the buggy where it is just now. Where did you +get it?” + +“Over at the mill village.” + +“Well, you'd better lead the horse back--'tain't more'n a mile or +so--get another wagon, and tell 'em to send for this.” + +“Well, perhaps that is the best way.” + +“Where was you goin'?” + +“Over to Waverley.” + +“That's where the boy came from.” + +“What boy?” + +“The boy that upset you.” + +“What is his name?” asked Abner Holden, scowling. + +“His name is Herbert Mason, son of the Widder Mason that died two or +three weeks since. Poor boy, he's left alone in the world.” + +“Where's he stopping?” asked Holden, hardly knowing why he asked the +question. + +“Dr. Kent took him in after the funeral, so I heard; but the selectmen +of Waverley are trying to find him a place somewheres, where he can earn +his own livin'. He's a smart, capable boy, and I guess he can do 'most a +man's work.” + +Abner Holden looked thoughtful. Some plan had suggested itself to him +which appeared to yield him satisfaction, for he began to look decidedly +more comfortable, and he muttered to himself: “I'll be even with him +YET. See if I don't.” + +“How far am I from Waverley?” he asked, after a slight pause. + +“Well, risin' three miles,” drawled the other. + +“If I could get somebody to go back with this horse, I don't know but +what I'd walk to Waverley. Are you very busy?” + +“Well, I don't know but I could leave off for a short time,” said the +other, cautiously. “Work's pretty drivin', to be sure. What do you +cal'late to pay?” + +“How much would it be worth?” + +“Well, there's the walk there and back, and then again there's the +time.” + +“You can mount the horse going.” + +“I guess fifty cents'll about pay me.” + +Mr. Holden took out his pocketbook and paid the required sum. + +“By the way,” he said, as if incidentally, “who is the chairman of the +selectmen in the village of Waverley?” + +“You ain't thinkin' of takin' that boy, be you?” said the other, +curiously. + +“I've had enough to do with him; I don't want ever to lay eyes on him +again.” + +“Well, I dunno as I should, if I was you,” said the countryman, rather +slyly. + +“You haven't answered my question yet,” said Holden, impatiently. + +“Oh, about the cheerman of the selectmen. It's Captain Joseph Ross.” + +“Where does he live?” + +“A leetle this side of the village. You'll know the house, well enough. +It's a large, square house painted white, with a well-sweep in front.” + +Without a word of thanks for the information, Abner Holden turned, +and began to walk toward Waverley. Perhaps his object in making these +inquiries has been guessed. It happened that he needed a boy, and, for +more reasons than one, he thought he should like to have Herbert bound +to him. Herbert, as he had noticed, was a stout boy, and he probably +could get a good deal of work out of him. Then, again, it would be +gratifying to him to have our hero in subjection to him. He could pay +him off then, ten times over, for his insolence, as he chose to term it. + +“I'll break his proud spirit,” thought Abner Holden. “He'll find he's +got a master, if I get hold of him. He don't know me yet, but he will +some time.” + +Mr. Holden resolved to wait on Captain Ross at once, and conclude +arrangements with him to take Herbert before our hero had returned from +the mill village. He pictured, with a grim smile, Herbert's dismay when +he learned who was to be his future master. + +With the help of a handkerchief dipped into a crystal stream at the +roadside, Abner Holden succeeded in effacing some of the muddy stains +upon his coat and pantaloons, and at length got himself into presentable +trim for calling upon a “selectman.” + +At length he came in sight of the house which had been described to him +as that of Captain Ross. There was a woman at the well-sweep engaged in +drawing water. + +“Does Captain Ross live here?” he inquired. + +“Yes, sir.” + +“Is he at home?” + +“He's over in the three-acre lot. Was you wantin' to see him?” + +“I should like to. Is the field far away?” + +“No, it's just behind the house.” + +“Then I guess I'll go and find him. I want to see him on a little matter +of business.” + +Mr. Holden crossed a mowing-field, and then, climbing over a stone +wall, found himself at the edge of the three-acre lot. The captain was +superintending one or two hired men, and, as he had his coat off, had +probably been assisting them. + +“Captain Ross?” said Abner Holden, interrogatively. + +“That's my name.” + +“You are chairman of the selectmen, I believe?” + +“Yes, sir.” + +“I understand that you have a boy that you want to bind out.” + +“I reckon you mean Herbert Mason.” + +“Yes, I believe that's the name I heard.” + +“Are you in want of a boy?” + +“Yes, I am looking out for one.” + +“What is your business?” + +“I keep a store, but I should want him to work on land part of the +time.” + +“Do you live hereabouts?” + +“Over at Cranston.” + +“If you'll come to the house, we'll talk the matter over. The boy's +a good boy, and we want to get a good place for him. His mother was a +widder, and he's her only son. He's a smart, capable lad, and good to +work.” + +“I've no doubt he'll suit me. I'll take him on your recommendation.” + +“We should want him to go to school winters. He's a pretty good scholar +already. His father was a larned man, and used to teach him before he +died. If he had lived, I reckon Herbert would certainly have gone to +college.” + +“I'll agree to send him to school in the winter for the next two +years,” said Holden, “and will give him board and clothes, and when he's +twenty-one a freedom suit, and a hundred dollars. Will that do?” + +“I don't know but that's reasonable,” said Captain Ross, slowly. “The +boy's a bit high-spirited, but if you manage him right, I guess you'll +like him.” + +“I'll manage him!” thought Abner Holden. “Can I take him with me +to-morrow?” he asked. “I don't come this way very often.” + +“Well, I guess that can be arranged. We'll go over to Dr. Kent's after +dinner, and see if they can get him ready.” + +“In the meantime,” said Holden, afraid that the prize might slip through +his fingers, “suppose we make out the papers. I suppose you have full +authority in the matter.” + +Captain Ross had no objection, and thus poor Herbert was unconsciously +delivered over to the tender mercies of a man who had very little love +for him. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +A DISAGREEABLE SURPRISE + + +After his collision with the traveler, Herbert hurried on to the mill, +intent upon making up for lost time. He was satisfied with having +successfully maintained his rights; and, as he had no reason to suppose +he should ever again see his unreasonable opponent, dismissed him from +his thoughts. + +On reaching the mill, he found he should have to remain an hour or two +before he could have his grain ground. He was not sorry for this, as it +would give him an opportunity to walk around the village. + +“I wish,” he thought, “I could get a place in one of the stores here. +There's more going on than there is in Waverley, and I could go over +Sundays to see Dr. Kent's family.” + +On the spur of the moment, he resolved to inquire if some of the +storekeepers did not require help. There was a large dry-goods +store--the largest in the village--kept by Beckford & Keyes. He entered +and inquired for the senior partner. + +“Mr. Beckford is not in,” said the clerk. “Mr. Keyes is standing at that +desk.” + +Herbert went up to the desk, and said inquiringly, “Mr. Keyes?” + +“That is my name,” said that gentleman, pleasantly. “Is there anything I +can do for you?” + +“I am in search of a place,” said our hero, “and I thought you might +have a vacancy here.” + +“We have none just at present,” said Mr. Keyes, who was favorably +impressed by Herbert's appearance; “but it is possible we may have in a +few weeks. Where do you live? Not in the village, I suppose?” + +“No, sir,” said Herbert, and a shadow passed over his face, “My mother +died three weeks since, and I am now stopping at the house of Dr. Kent.” + +“Dr. Kent--ah, yes, I know the doctor. He is an excellent man.” + +“He is,” said Herbert, warmly. “He has been very kind to me.” + +“What is your name?” + +“Herbert Mason.” + +“Then, Herbert, I will promise to bear you in mind. I will note down +your name and address, and as soon as we have a vacancy I will write to +you. Come into the store whenever you come this way.” + +“Thank you,” said Herbert. + +He left the store feeling quite encouraged. Even if the chance never +amounted to anything, the kind words and manner of the storekeeper gave +him courage to hope that he would meet with equal kindness from others. +Kind words cost nothing, but they have a marvelous power in lightening +the burdens of the sorrowful and cheering the desponding. + +Herbert left the store, feeling that he should consider himself truly +fortunate if he could obtain a place in such an establishment. But +there was a rough experience before him, of which at present he guessed +nothing. + +After sauntering about the village a little longer, and buying a stick +of candy for little Mary Kent, the doctor's only daughter, who was quite +attached to Herbert, our hero got back to the mill in time to receive +his bags of meal, with which he was soon on his way homeward. + +About the place where he met Mr. Holden he was hailed by a man at work +in the field--the same who had taken back that gentleman's horse to the +stable. + +“Well, boy, you had a kind of scrimmage, didn't you, coming over?” + +“Did you see it?” asked Herbert. + +“Yes,” said the other, grinning. “I seed the other feller in the mud +puddle. He was considerably riled about it.” + +“It was his own fault. I gave him half the road.” + +“I know it; but there's some folks that want more than their share.” + +“Was his buggy broken? I don't know but I ought to have stopped to help +him, but he had been so unreasonable that I didn't feel much like it.” + +“His wheel got broken. I drawed the buggy into the bushes. There 'tis +now. It'll cost him a matter of ten dollars to fix it.” + +“I'm sorry for that,” said Herbert; “but I can't see that I was to blame +in the matter. If I had turned out as he wanted me to, I should have +tipped over, and, as the wagon didn't belong to me, I didn't think it +right to risk it.” + +“Of course not. You wasn't called on to give in to such +unreasonableness.” + +“Where did the man go?” + +“He concluded to walk on to Waverley, and hired me to take the horse +back to the stable. He wanted to know who you were.” + +“Did he?” + +“Maybe he's goin' to sue you for damages.” + +“I don't believe he'll get much if he does,” laughed our hero. “My +property is where he can't get hold of it.” + +“Ho! ho!” laughed the other, understanding the joke. + +After this conversation Herbert continued on his way, and, after +delivering the grain, took his way across the fields to his temporary +home. He entered by the back yard. Little Mary came running out to meet +him. + +“Have oo come back, Herbert?” she said. “Where have oo been?” + +“Been to buy Mary some candy,” he said, lifting her up and kissing her. + +“Whose horse is that at the gate?” asked Herbert, as the doctor's wife +entered the room. + +“It belongs to Captain Ross,” she said. “He has come on business +connected with you.” + +“Connected with me!” repeated Herbert, in surprise. + +“Yes, my dear boy, I am afraid we must make up our minds to lose you.” + +“Has he found a place for me?” asked Herbert, in a tone of +disappointment. + +“Yes, I believe he has bound you out to a man in Cranston.” + +“I am sorry,” said Herbert. + +“I shall be sorry to have you go, Herbert, but I thought you wanted to +go.” + +“So I do; but by waiting a few weeks I could probably get a place in +Beckford & Keyes' store, at the mill village.” + +“What makes you think so?” + +Herbert detailed his interview of the morning with the junior partner. +Just at this moment the doctor entered the kitchen. + +“Have you told him?” he inquired, looking at his wife. + +“Yes, and he says that but for this he might probably have got a chance +to go into Beckford's store at the mill village.” + +“I am sorry for this. They are good men, and he would have been near us, +while Cranston is forty miles away.” + +“Who is the man that wants me?” asked Herbert. + +“A Mr. Holden. He is in the other room with Captain Ross. It was +all arranged before they came. He wants you to go with him to-morrow +morning.” + +“So soon?” said Herbert, in dismay. + +“Yes. At first he wished you to set off with him this afternoon; but I +told him decidedly you could not be ready.” + +“Quite impossible,” said Mrs. Kent. “Some of Herbert's clothes are in +the wash, and I can't have them ready till evening.” + +“You had better come into the other room, Herbert,” said the doctor. “I +will introduce you to your new employer.” + +Herbert followed the doctor into the sitting-room. His first glance +rested on Captain Ross, whom he knew. He went up and shook hands +with him. Next he turned to Mr. Holden, and to his inexpressible +astonishment, recognized his opponent of the morning. + +“Mr. Holden, Herbert,” introduced the doctor. “Mr. Holden, this is the +boy we have been speaking of.” + +“I have seen Mr. Holden before,” said Herbert, coldly. + +“Yes,” said Mr. Holden, writhing his disagreeable features into an +unpleasant smile. “We have met before.” + +Dr. Kent looked from one to the other in surprise, as if seeking an +explanation. + +“Our acquaintance doesn't date very far back,” said Mr. Holden. “We met +this morning between here and the mill village.” + +“Indeed,” said the doctor; “you passed each other, I suppose.” + +“Well, no; I can't say we did exactly,” said Mr. Holden, with the same +unpleasant smile, “We tried to, but the road being narrow, there was a +collision, and I came off second-best.” + +“I hope there was no accident.” + +“Oh, nothing to speak of. I got tipped out, and my clothes, as you +may observe, suffered some. As for my young friend here, he rode on +uninjured.” + +“You must excuse my not stopping to inquire if I could help you,” said +Herbert; “but my horse was frightened by the collision, and I could not +easily stop him.” + +“Oh, it's of no consequence,” said Mr. Holden, in an off-hand manner. He +was determined not to show himself out in his true colors until he had +got Herbert absolutely under his control. + +“But where is your horse, Mr. Holden?” asked Captain Ross. “I think you +were walking when you came to my house.” + +“I sent it back to the village by a man I met on the road, my buggy +being disabled.” + +“Your carriage wasn't much injured, I hope.” + +“Oh, no, not much.” + +“I don't see exactly how it could happen,” said Captain Ross. “I thought +the road from here to the mill village was broad enough at any point for +carriages to pass each other.” + +“I didn't dream,” said Mr. Holden, not noticing this remark, “that the +young man I had engaged was my young acquaintance of the morning.” + +Herbert looked at him, puzzled by his entire change of manner--a change +so sudden that he suspected its genuineness. + +The more he thought of it, the more unwilling he felt to live with Mr. +Holden. But could it be avoided? He resolved to try. He accordingly told +the doctor and Captain Ross of the promise that Mr. Keyes had made him. + +“It would be a good place,” said the captain; “but it ain't certain. +Now, here's Mr. Holden, ready to take you at once.” + +“If I was in the mill village I could come over and see my friends here +now and then. Besides, I think I should like being in a store.” + +“Oh, I've got a store, too,” said Mr. Holden, “and I should expect you +to tend there part of the time. I don't think I can let you off, my +young friend,” he added, with a disagreeable smile. “I think we shall +get along very well together.” + +Herbert did not feel at all sure of this, but he saw that it would do +no good to remonstrate farther, and kept silence. Soon after, Mr. Holden +and Captain Ross rose to go. + +“I'll call round for my young friend about nine to-morrow morning,” said +Abner Holden, with an ingratiating smile. + +“We will endeavor to have him ready,” said the doctor. + +After they went away Herbert wandered about in not the best of spirits. +He was convinced that he should not be happy with Mr. Holden, against +whom he had conceived an aversion, founded partly upon the occurrences +of the morning, and partly on the disagreeable impression made upon him +by Abner Holden's personal appearance. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +THE ENVELOPE + + +Herbert woke up early the next morning, and a feeling of sadness came +over him as he reflected that it was his last morning in Waverley. He +was going out into the world, and, as he could not help thinking, under +very unfavorable auspices. New scenes and new experiences usually have a +charm for a boy, but Mr. Holden's disagreeable face and unpleasant smile +rose before him, and the prospect seemed far from tempting. + +When he came downstairs, he found Mrs. Kent in the kitchen. + +“You are up early, Mrs. Kent,” said Herbert. + +“Yes, Herbert; I want you to have a good breakfast before you go.” + +It certainly was a nice breakfast. Tender beefsteak, warm biscuit, +golden butter, potatoes fried crisp and brown, and excellent coffee, +might have tempted any appetite. Herbert, in spite of his sadness, did +full justice to the bountiful meal. + +The family had hardly risen from breakfast when the sound of wheels was +heard outside, and directly there was a knock at the door. + +“It's Mr. Holden,” said the doctor, looking from the front window. + +“Must we part from you so soon, Herbert?” said Mrs. Kent, +affectionately. + +“Where oo goin', Herbert?” asked little Mary, clinging to his knee, + +“Herbert's going away, Mary,” said he, stooping and kissing his little +friend. + +“Herbert mustn't go 'way,” said the little girl, in discontent. + +“Herbert come back soon, and bring candy for Mary,” he said, wishing +that his words might come true. + +By that time Mr. Holden had entered, and was surveying the scene with +his disagreeable smile. + +“Little Mary is quite attached to Herbert,” said the doctor. + +“I am sorry,” said Mr. Holden, “that I have no little girls, as Herbert +seems fond of them.” + +Herbert doubted if he could become attached to anyone related to Mr. +Holden. + +“I'm a bachelor,” said Mr. Holden, “though perhaps I ought to be ashamed +to say so. If I had had the good fortune early in life to encounter a +lady like your good wife here, it might have been different.” + +“It isn't too late yet, Mr. Holden,” said the doctor. + +“Well, perhaps not. If Mrs. Kent is ever a widow, I may try my luck.” + +“What a disagreeable man,” thought the doctor's wife, not propitiated by +the compliment. “Herbert,” she said, “here are a couple of handkerchiefs +I bought in the village yesterday. I hope you will find them useful.” + +“Yes; no doubt he will,” said Mr. Holden, laughing. “He will think of +you whenever he has a bad cold.” + +Nobody even smiled at this witty sally, and, Mr. Holden, a little +disappointed, remarked: “Well, time's getting on. I guess we must be +going, as we have a long journey before us.” + +The whole family accompanied Herbert to the road. After kissing Mary and +Mrs. Kent, and shaking the doctor cordially by the hand, Herbert jumped +into the wagon. Just before the horse started the doctor handed our hero +a sealed envelope, saying, “You can open it after a while.” + +Though, like most boys of his age, Herbert had a great horror of making +a baby of himself, he could hardly help crying as he rode up the street, +and felt that he had parted from his best friends. His eyes filled with +tears, which he quietly wiped away with the corner of his handkerchief. + +“Come, come, don't blubber, boy,” said Mr. Holden, coarsely. + +Herbert was not weak enough to melt into tears at an unkind word. It +roused his indignation, and he answered, shortly, “When you see me +blubbering, it'll be time enough to speak, Mr. Holden.” + +“It looked a good deal like it, at any rate,” said Abner. “However, I'm +glad if I'm mistaken. There's nothing to cry about that I can see.” + +“No, perhaps not,” said Herbert; “but there's something to be sorry +for.” + +“Something to be sorry for, is there?” said Abner Holden. + +“Yes.” + +“Well, what is it?” + +“I've left my best friends, and I don't know when I shall see them +again.” + +“Nor I,” said Mr. Holden. “But I think it's high time you left them.” + +“Why?” asked Herbert, indignantly. + +“Because they were petting you and making too much of you. You won't get +such treatment as that from me.” + +“I don't expect it,” said our hero. + +“That's lucky,” said Abner Holden, dryly. “It's well that people +shouldn't expect what they are not likely to get.” + +Here a sense of the ludicrous came over Herbert as he thought of being +Mr. Holden's pet, and he laughed heartily. Not understanding the reason +of his sudden mirth, that gentleman demanded, in a tone of irritation, +“What are you making a fool of yourself about?” + +“What am I laughing at?” said Herbert, not liking the form of the +question. + +“Yes,” snarled Abner. + +“The idea of being your pet,” explained Herbert, frankly. + +Mr. Holden did not appreciate the joke, and said roughly, “You better +shut up, if you know what's best for yourself.” + +They rode along in silence for a few minutes. Then Abner Holden, +thinking suddenly of the envelope which Dr. Kent had placed in Herbert's +hand at parting, and feeling curious as to its contents, asked: + +“What did the doctor give you just as you were starting?” + +“It was an envelope.” + +“I know that; but what was there in it?” + +“I haven't looked,” said our hero. + +He felt a little satisfaction in snubbing Mr. Holden, whom he saw he +would never like. + +“Why don't you open it?” + +“I didn't think of it before.” + +“I suppose there is some present inside.” + +Herbert decided to open the envelope, out of respect for Dr. Kent. On +opening it, he drew out a five-dollar bill, and a few penciled words, +which were as follows: + +“DEAR HERBERT: I would gladly give you more if I had the means. I hope +you will use the inclosed money in any way that may be most serviceable +to you. You must write to me often. Be a good boy, as you always have +been; let your aims be noble; try to do right at all hazards, and may +God bless your efforts, and make you a good and true man. Such is the +prayer of your affectionate friend, GEORGE KENT.” + +Herbert read these lines with emotion, and inwardly resolved that he +would try to carry out the recommendations laid down. His thoughts were +broken in upon by Mr. Holden, whose sharp eyes detected the bank-note. + +“There's money in the letter, isn't there?” + +“Yes.” + +“How much?” + +“Five dollars.” + +“Five dollars, hey?” he said. “You'd better give it to me to keep for +you.” + +“Thank you, Mr. Holden; I can take care of it, myself.” + +“It isn't a good plan for boys to have so large a sum of money in their +possession,” said Abner Holden, who was anxious to secure it himself. + +“Why not?” asked Herbert. + +“Because they are likely to spend it improperly.” + +“Dr. Kent didn't seem to think I was likely to do that.” + +“No; he trusted you too much.” + +“I hope it won't prove so.” + +“You'd better keep out of the way of temptation. You might lose it, +besides.” + +“I don't often lose things.” + +“Come, boy,” said Mr. Holden, getting impatient; “Dr. Kent, no doubt, +intended that I should take care of the money for you. You'd better give +it up without further trouble.” + +“Why didn't he give it to you, then?” demanded Herbert. + +“He supposed you would give it to me.” + +Mr. Holden's motive for getting the money into his own hands was +twofold. First, he knew that without money Herbert would be more +helpless and more in his power. Secondly, as he had agreed to supply +Herbert with clothing, he thought he might appropriate the money towards +this purpose, and it would be so much of a saving to his own pocket. +Perhaps Herbert suspected some such design. At any rate, he had no +intention of gratifying Mr. Holden by giving up the money. + +“Well, are you going to give me the money?” blustered Abner Holden, +taking out his pocketbook, ready to receive it. + +“No,” said Herbert. + +“You'll repent this conduct, young man,” said Holden, scowling. + +“I don't think I shall,” said our hero. “I don't understand why you are +so anxious to get hold of the money.” + +“It is for your good,” said Abner. + +“I'd rather keep it,” said Herbert. + +Abner Holden hardly knew what to do. The money was by this time safely +stowed away in Herbert's pocket, where he could not very well get at +it. However, he had a plan for getting it which he resolved to put into +practice when they stopped for dinner. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +ON THE WAY + + +By the time they had ridden twenty miles both Herbert and Mr. Holden +felt hungry. The fresh air had produced a similar effect upon both. They +approached a broad, low building with a swinging sign and a long piazza +in front, which it was easy to see was a country tavern. + +“Do you feel hungry, boy?” inquired Abner Holden. + +“Yes, sir,” returned our hero. + +“So do I. I think I shall get some dinner here. You can get some, too, +if you like.” + +“Thank you, sir.” + +“Oh, there's no occasion to thank me,” said Mr. Holden, dryly. “I shall +pay for my dinner, and if you want any, you can pay for yours.” + +Herbert looked surprised. As he had entered Mr. Holden's employ, he +supposed of course that the latter would feel bound to provide for him, +and it certainly seemed mean that he should be compelled to pay for his +own dinner. However, he was beginning to suspect that his new employer +was essentially a mean man. + +“How much will it cost?” asked Herbert, at length. + +“Thirty-seven cents,” was the reply. + +It must be remembered that this was in the day of low prices, when gold +was at par, and board could be obtained at first-class city hotels for +two dollars and a half a day, and in country villages at that amount by +the week. + +“Thirty-seven cents!” Herbert hardly liked to break in upon his scanty +hoard, but the morning air had sharpened his appetite, and he felt that +he must have something to eat. Besides, he remembered one thing which +fortunately Mr. Holden did not know, that in addition to the five +dollars which Dr. Kent had given him he had the ten dollars sent him +by his uncle, and not only that, but a little loose change which he had +earned. + +“Well, are you going to get out?” asked Abner Holden. “It's nothing to +me whether you take dinner or not.” + +“Yes, I guess I will.” + +“Very well,” said Holden, who had a reason for being pleased with his +decision. + +Both went into the tavern. There were two or three loungers on a settle, +who gazed at them curiously. One of them at once appeared to recognize +Abner Holden. + +“How dy do, Holden?” he said. “Who've you got with you?” + +“A boy I've taken,” said Holden, shortly. + +“A pretty smart-looking boy. Where'd you pick him up?” + +“Over in Waverley. He's got some pretty high notions, but I guess I'll +take 'em out of him in time.” + +“Yes,” chuckled the other; “I warrant you will.” + +While this conversation was going on Herbert had entered the tavern, but +he could not avoid hearing what was said, including Mr. Holden's reply. +He was not frightened, but inwardly determined that he would do his +duty, and then if Mr. Holden saw fit to impose upon him, he would make +what resistance he was able. + +“I wonder what high notions he means,” thought our hero. “If he expects +to make a slave of me, he will be mistaken, that's all.” + +“Sit down there, and I'll go and order dinner,” said Mr. Holden, +entering. + +Just then, however, the landlord came in and greeted Abner Holden, whom +he appeared to know. + +“I want dinner for two, Mr. Robinson,” he said. + +“For two! You haven't brought your wife along with you, Holden?” he +said, jocosely. + +“No, I haven't come across any such lady yet. I've got a boy here who is +bound to me. And hark you, landlord,” he added, in a lower voice, +that Herbert might not hear, “he will pay you for his dinner out of a +five-dollar bill which he has with him. YOU NEEDN'T GIVE BACK THE CHANGE +TO HIM, BUT TO ME.” + +“Yes, I understand,” said the landlord, winking. + +“I prefer to keep the money for him. He has refused to give it up and +this will give me a chance to get hold of it without any fuss.” + +“All right.” + +“If he kept it himself he'd spend it in some improper way.” + +“Just so. I'll attend to it.” + +Now our hero was gifted with pretty sharp ears, and he caught enough of +this conversation to understand Mr. Holden's plot, which he straightway +determined should not succeed. + +“You shan't take me in this time, Mr. Holden,” he thought. + +He opened his pocketbook to see if he had enough small change to pay +for his dinner without intrenching upon his bill. There proved to be a +quarter and two half-dimes, amounting, of course, to thirty-five cents. +This would not be quite sufficient. + +“I must change the bill somewhere,” he said to himself. + +Looking out of the tavern window, he saw the village store nearly +opposite. He took his cap and ran over. There was a clerk leaning with +his elbows upon the counter, appearing unoccupied. + +It occurred to Herbert that he might want some paper and envelopes. He +inquired the price. + +“We sell the paper at a penny a sheet, and the envelopes will cost you +eight cents a package.” + +“Then you may give me twelve sheets of paper and a package of +envelopes,” said Herbert. + +The package was done up for him and in payment he tendered the bill. + +The clerk gave him back four dollars and eighty cents in change. He +put the money in his pocketbook, and the paper and envelopes in his +jacket-pocket, and returned to the tavern well pleased with his success. +Mr. Holden was in the barroom, taking a glass of “bitters,” and had not +noticed the absence of our hero. + +Dinner was soon ready. + +There was some beefsteak and coffee and a whole apple pie. Herbert +surveyed the viands with satisfaction, having a decidedly good appetite. +He soon found, however, that hungry as he was, he stood a poor chance +with Abner Holden; that gentleman, being a very rapid eater, managed to +appropriate two-thirds of the beefsteak and three-quarters of the +pie. However, the supply being abundant, Herbert succeeded in making +a satisfactory repast, and did not grudge the amount which he knew he +should have to pay for it before leaving. + +“Now,” said Abner Holden, his eyes twinkling at the thought of our +hero's coming discomfiture, “we'll go and settle our bill.” + +“Very well,” said Herbert, quietly. + +They entered the public room and advanced to the bar. + +“This boy wants to pay for his dinner, Mr. Robinson,” said Abner, +significantly. + +“How much will it be?” asked Herbert. + +“Thirty-seven cents.” + +Herbert took out of his vest pocket a quarter, a dime and two cents, and +handed them over. + +To say that Abner Holden looked amazed is not sufficient. He looked +disgusted and wronged, and glared at Herbert as if to inquire how he +could have the face to outrage his feelings in that way. + +“Ho! ho!” laughed the landlord, who, having no interest in the matter, +was amused at the course affairs had taken. + +Herbert suppressed his desire to laugh, and looked as if he had no +knowledge of Mr. Holden's plans. + +“Where did you get that money?” growled Abner, with a scowl. + +“Out of my vest pocket,” said Herbert, innocently. + +“I know that, of course, but I thought you had only a bill.” + +“Oh, I got that changed at the store.” + +“How dared you go over there without my permission?” roared Abner. + +“I didn't think it necessary to ask your permission to go across the +street.” + +“Well, you know it now. Don't you go there again without my knowledge.” + +“Very well, sir.” + +“Did you buy anything at the store?” continued Mr. Holden. + +“Yes, sir.” + +“What was it?” + +“Some paper and envelopes.” + +“Humph!” muttered Abner, discontentedly. + +He proceeded to pay his own bill and in a few minutes got into the wagon +and drove off rather sulkily. Herbert saw that Mr. Holden was disturbed +by the failure of his little plan, and felt amused rather than +otherwise. But when he reflected that he was going to live with this +man, and be, to a considerable extent under his control, he felt +inclined to be sad. One thing he resolved that he would not submit to +tyranny. The world was wide, and he felt able to earn his own living. +He would give Mr. Holden a trial, and if he treated him with reasonable +fairness he would remain with him. But he was not going to be any man's +slave. + +Meanwhile they were getting over the road, and a few more hours brought +them to their journey's end. + +Abner Holden's house stood in considerable need of paint. It had no +great pretensions to architectural beauty, being about as handsome for +a house as Abner Holden was for a man. There was a dilapidated barn, a +little to one side, and the yard was littered up with a broken wagon, a +woodpile and various odds and ends, giving the whole a very untidy look. + +“Is this where you live, Mr. Holden?” asked Herbert, looking about him. + +“Yes, and I'm glad to get home. Do you know how to unharness a horse?” + +“Yes, sir.” + +“Then jump out and unharness this horse. A man will come for it +to-morrow.” + +Herbert did as directed. Then he took his little trunk from the wagon, +and went with it to the back door and knocked. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +A NEW HOME + + +The door was opened by an elderly woman, rather stout, who acted as +Abner Holden's housekeeper. Though decidedly homely, she had a pleasant +look, which impressed Herbert favorably. He had feared she might turn +out another edition of Mr. Holden, and with two such persons he felt +that it would be difficult to get along. + +“Come right in,” said Mrs. Bickford, for that was her name. “Let me help +you with your trunk. You can set it down here for the present.” + +“Thank you,” said Herbert. + +“You must be tired,” said the housekeeper. + +“No, not very,” said our hero. “We rode all the way.” + +“Well, it's tiresome riding, at any rate, when it's such a long +distance. You came from Waverley, Mr. Holden tells me.” + +“Yes.” + +“And that is more than thirty miles away, isn't it?” + +“Yes, I believe so.” + +“So you've come to help Mr. Holden?” she added, after a pause. + +“Yes, I suppose so,” said Herbert, rather seriously. + +“What is your name?” + +“Herbert Mason.” + +“I hope, Herbert, we shall be able to make you comfortable.” + +“Thank you,” said Herbert, a little more cheerful, as he perceived that +he was to have one friend in Mr. Holden's household. + +“Has Mr. Holden generally kept a boy?” he asked. + +“Yes, he calculates to keep one most of the time.” + +“Who was the last one?” + +“His name was Frank Miles.” + +“Was he here long?” asked Herbert, in some curiosity. + +“Well, no,” said the housekeeper, “he did not stay very long.” + +“How long?” + +“He was here 'most a month.” + +“'Most a month? Didn't he like it?” + +“Well, no; he didn't seem to like Mr. Holden much.” + +Herbert was not much surprised to hear this. He would have thought Frank +Miles a singular sort of a boy if he had liked Abner Holden. + +“Have any of the boys that have been here liked Mr. Holden?” he asked. + +“I can't say as they have,” said Mrs. Bickford, frankly; “and somehow +they don't seem to stay long.” + +“Why didn't they like him?” + +“Sh!” said the housekeeper, warningly. + +Herbert looked round and saw his employer entering the room. + +“Well, boy, have you put up the horse?” he asked, abruptly. + +“Yes sir.” + +“Did you give him some hay?” + +“Yes, sir.” + +“And some grain?” + +“No, I didn't know where it was kept. If you'll tell me, I'll do it +now.” + +“No, you needn't. He isn't to have any. He's only a hired horse.” + +Considering that the hired horse had traveled over thirty miles, Herbert +thought he was entitled to some oats; but Mr. Holden was a mean man, and +decided otherwise. + +“Where is Herbert to sleep, Mr. Holden?” asked the housekeeper. + +“Up garret.” + +“There's a small corner bedroom in the second story,” suggested Mrs. +Bickford, who knew that the garret was not very desirable. + +“I guess he won't be too proud to sleep in the garret,” said Mr. Holden. +“Shall you?” he continued, turning to Herbert. + +“Put me where you please,” said Herbert, coldly. + +“Then it shall be the garret. You can take your trunk up now. Mrs. +Bickford will show you the way.” + +“It's too heavy for you, Herbert,” said the housekeeper; “I will help +you.” + +“Oh, he can carry it alone,” said Abner Holden. “He isn't a baby.” + +“I'd rather help him,” said the housekeeper, taking one handle of the +trunk. “You go first, Herbert, You're young and spry, and can go faster +than I.” + +On the second landing Herbert saw the little bedroom in which the +housekeeper wanted to put him. It was plainly furnished, but it was +light and cheerful, and he was sorry he was not to have it. + +“You could have had that bedroom just as well as not,” said Mrs. +Bickford. “It's never used. But Mr. Holden's rather contrary, and as +hard to turn as a--” + +“A mule?” suggested Herbert, laughing. + +“It's pretty much so,” said the housekeeper, joining in the laugh. + +They went up a narrow staircase and emerged into a dark garret, running +the whole length of the house without a partition. The beams and rafters +were visible, for the sloping sides were not plastered. Herbert felt +that he might as well have been in the barn, except that there was a +small cot bedstead in the center of the floor. + +“It isn't very pleasant,” said the housekeeper. + +“No,” said Herbert, “I don't think it is.” + +“I declare, it's too bad you should have to sleep here. Mr. Holden isn't +very considerate.” + +“I guess I can stand it,” said our hero, “though I should rather be +downstairs.” + +“I'll bring up the trap and set it before you go to bed,” said Mrs. +Bickford. + +“The trap!” repeated Herbert, in surprise. + +“Yes, there's rats about, and I suppose you'd rather have a trap than a +cat.” + +“Yes; the cat would be about as bad as the rats.” + +At this moment Abner Holden's voice was heard at the bottom of the +stairs, and Mrs. Bickford hurried down, followed by our hero. + +“I thought you were going to stay up there all day,” said Mr. Holden. +“What were you about up there?” + +“That is my business,” said Mrs. Bickford, shortly. + +The housekeeper was independent in her feelings, and, knowing that she +could readily obtain another situation, did not choose to be browbeaten +by Mr. Holden. He was quite aware of her value, and the difficulty he +would experience in supplying her place, and he put some constraint over +himself in the effort not to be rude to her. With Herbert, however, it +was different. HE was BOUND to him, and therefore in his power. Abner +Holden exulted in this knowledge, and with the instinct of a petty +tyrant determined to let Herbert realize his dependence. + +“You may go out and saw some wood,” he said. “You'll find the saw in the +woodshed.” + +“What wood shall I saw?” + +“The wood in the woodpile, stupid.” + +“Very well, sir,” said our hero, quietly. + +Herbert thought Mr. Holden was losing no time in setting him to work. +However, he had resolved to do his duty, unpleasant as it might be, as +long as Abner Holden only exacted what was reasonable, and Herbert was +aware that he had a right to require him to go to work at once. Mrs. +Bickford, however, said a word in his favor. + +“I've got wood enough to last till to-morrow, Mr. Holden,” she said. + +“Well, what of it?” + +“It's likely the boy is tired.” + +“What's he done to make him tired, I should like to know? Ridden thirty +miles, and eaten a good dinner!” + +“Which I paid for myself,” said Herbert. + +“What if you did?” said Abner Holden, turning to him. “I suppose you'll +eat supper at my expense, and you'd better do something, first, to earn +it.” + +“That I am willing to do.” + +“Then go out to the woodpile without any more palavering.” + +“Mr. Holden,” said the housekeeper, seriously, after Herbert had gone +out, “if you want to keep that boy, I think you had better be careful +how you treat him.” + +“Why do you say that?” demanded Abner, eying her sharply. “Has he been +saying anything to you about me?” + +“No.” + +“Then why did you say that?” + +“Because I can see what kind of a boy he is.” + +“Well, what kind of a boy is he?” asked Abner, with a sneer. + +“He is high-spirited, and will work faithfully if he's treated well, but +he won't allow himself to be imposed upon.” + +“How do you know that?” + +“I can read it in his face. I have had some experience with boys, and +you may depend upon it that I am not mistaken.” + +“He had better do his duty,” blustered Abner, “if he knows what's best +for himself.” + +“He will do his duty,” said the housekeeper, firmly, “but there is a +duty which you owe to him, as well as he to you.” + +“Don't I always do my duty by boys, Mrs. Bickford?” + +“No, Mr. Holden, I don't think you do. You know very well you can never +get a boy to stay with you.” + +“This boy is bound to me, Mrs. Bickford--legally bound.” + +“That may be; but if you don't treat him as he ought to be treated, he +will run away, take my word for it.” + +“If he does, he'll be brought back, take my word for that, Mrs. +Bickford. I shall treat him as I think he deserves, but as to petting +and pampering the young rascal I shall do nothing of the kind.” + +“I don't think you will,” said the housekeeper. “However, I've warned +you.” + +“You seem to take a good deal of interest in the boy,” said Abner, +sneeringly. + +“Yes, I do.” + +“After half an hour's acquaintance.” + +“I've known him long enough to see that he's better than the common run +of boys, and I hope that he'll stay.” + +“There's no doubt about that,” said Abner Holden, significantly. “He'll +have to stay, whether he wants to or not.” + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +THE GHOST IN THE ATTIC + + +After working two hours at the woodpile, Herbert was called in to tea. +There was no great variety, Abner Holden not being a bountiful provider. +But the bread was sweet and good, and the gingerbread fresh. Herbert's +two hours of labor had given him a hearty appetite, and he made a good +meal. Mrs. Bickford looked on approvingly. She was glad to see that our +hero enjoyed his supper. + +There was tea on the table, and, after pouring out a cup for Mr. Holden, +the housekeeper was about to pour out one for Herbert. + +“He don't want any tea,” said Abner, noticing the action. “Keep the cup +for yourself, Mrs. Bickford.” + +“What do you mean, Mr. Holden?” asked the housekeeper, in surprise. + +“Tea isn't good for a growing boy. A glass of cold water will be best +for him.” + +“I don't agree with you, Mr. Holden,” said the housekeeper, decidedly. +“Herbert has been hard at work, and needs his tea as much as you or I +do.” + +Therefore, without waiting for his permission, she handed the cup to +Herbert, who proceeded to taste it. + +Abner Holden frowned, but neither Herbert nor the housekeeper took much +notice of it. The latter was somewhat surprised at this new freak on +the part of Abner, as he had never tried to deprive any of Herbert's +predecessors of tea or coffee. But the fact was, Mr. Holden disliked +Herbert, and was disposed to act the petty tyrant over him. He had +neither forgotten nor forgiven the boy's spirited defiance when they +first met, nor his refusal to surrender into his hands the five dollars +which the doctor had given him. + +Feeling tired by eight o'clock, Herbert went up to his garret room and +undressed himself. An instinct of caution led him to take out the money +in his porte-monnaie, and put it in his trunk, which he then locked, and +put the key under the sheet, so that no one could get hold of it without +awakening him. This precaution proved to be well taken. + +Herbert lay down upon the bed, but did not immediately go to sleep. He +could not help thinking of his new home, and the new circumstances +in which he was placed. He did not feel very well contented, and felt +convinced from what he had already seen of Mr. Holden, that he should +never like him. Then thoughts of his mother, and of her constant and +tender love, and the kind face he would never more see on earth, swept +over him, and almost unmanned him. To have had her still alive he would +have been content to live on dry bread and water. + +He thought, too, of the doctor's family and their kindness. How +different it would have been if he might have continued to find a +home with them! But when he was tempted to repine, the thought of his +mother's Christian instructions came to him, and he was comforted by the +reflection, that whatever happened to him was with the knowledge of his +Father in heaven, who would not try him above his strength. + +Try and trust! That was almost the last advice his mother had given him, +as the surest way of winning the best success. + +“Yes,” he thought, “I will try and trust, and leave the rest with God.” + +Meanwhile Mr. Holden had not been able to keep out of his head the five +dollars which he knew Herbert possessed. He was a mean man, and wished +to appropriate it to his own use. Besides this, he was a stubborn man, +and our hero's resistance only made him the more determined to triumph +over his opposition by fair means or foul. It struck him that it would +be a good idea to take advantage of our hero's slumber, and take the +money quietly from his pocketbook while he was unconscious. + +Accordingly, about eleven o'clock, he went softly up the attic stairs +with a candle in his hand, and, with noiseless steps, approached the +bed. Herbert's regular breathing assured him that he was asleep. Abner +Holden took up his pants and felt for his pocketbook. He found it, and +drew it out with exultation. + +“Aha!” he thought; “I've got it.” + +But this brief exultation was succeeded by quick disappointment. The +pocketbook proved to be quite empty. + +“Curse it!” muttered Abner, “what has the boy done with his money?” + +It was at this moment that Herbert, his eyes possibly affected by the +light, awoke, and he discovered his employer examining his pocketbook. + +His first feeling was indignation, but the sight of Abner Holden's +disappointed face amused him, and he determined not to reveal his +wakefulness, but to watch, him quietly. + +“Perhaps he's got two pocketbooks,” thought Abner. But in this he was +mistaken. + +Next he went to Herbert's trunk, and tried it, but found it locked. + +“I wonder where he keeps the key,” was his next thought. + +He searched Herbert's pockets, but the search was in vain. + +“Plague take the young rascal!” he muttered, loud enough for Herbert to +hear. + +Herbert turned in bed, and Abner Holden, fearing that he might wake up, +and being on the whole, rather ashamed of his errand, and unwilling to +be caught in it, went downstairs. + +“Well, he didn't make much,” thought our hero. “It's lucky I thought +to put the money in my trunk. If he only knew I had fifteen dollars, +instead of five, he would be all the more anxious to get hold of it.” + +“How did you sleep last night, Herbert?” inquired the housekeeper at +breakfast. + +“Very well, thank you, Mrs. Bickford.” + +He was resolved not to drop a hint of what had happened, being curious +to see if Mr. Holden would make any further attempts to obtain his +money. As his employer might possibly find a key that would unlock the +trunk, he thought it prudent, during the day, to carry the money about +with him. + +He hardly knew whether to expect a visit from Abner the next night, but +formed a little plan for frightening him if such a visit should take +place. + +It so happened that he had in his trunk a fish horn which had been +given him by someone in Waverley. This he took out of the trunk before +retiring and hid it under his pillow. It was about nine o'clock when he +went to bed, but by considerable effort he succeeded in keeping awake +for an hour or two. + +About eleven o'clock, Abner Holden, before going to bed himself, decided +to make one more attempt to obtain possession of Herbert's money. He +reflected that possibly our hero had only put away his money by chance +on the previous evening, and might have neglected to do so on the +present occasion. He desired to get possession of it before any part of +it was spent, as, judging from what he knew of boys, it would not remain +long unexpended. + +Once more, therefore, he took his candle, and removing his thick-soled +shoes, which might betray him by their sound, crept softly up the steep +and narrow staircase. + +But Herbert heard him, and moreover was warned of his visit by the light +of the candle which he carried. He closed his eyes, and awaited his +coming in silent expectation. + +Abner Holden looked towards the bed. Herbert's eyes were closed, and his +breathing was deep and regular. + +“He's sound asleep,” thought Abner, with satisfaction. + +He set down the candle on a chair beside the bed, and began to examine +our hero's pocketbook once more. But it proved to be empty as before. +In the pocketbook, however, he found a key, the key, as he supposed, to +Herbert's trunk. It was not, however, being only a key which Herbert had +picked up one day in the street, and kept. He had put it in his pocket +with a view to mislead his employer. + +That gentleman uttered a low exclamation of satisfaction when his +fingers closed upon the key, never doubting for a moment that it would +open the trunk. + +Leaving the candle in its place, he rose from his recumbent position, +threw the pants on the bed, and went round on the other side, to try the +key. + +He got down on his knees before the trunk, and had inserted the key +in the lock, or rather had made an ineffectual attempt to do so, when +suddenly the candle was extinguished, and a horrible blast on the fish +horn resounded through the garret. + +Now, Abner Holden was not a very courageous man. In fact, he was +inclined to superstition. He knew that he was engaged in a dishonorable +attempt to rob a boy who was placed in his charge, and there is an +old proverb that says “conscience makes cowards of us all.” It must +be admitted that it was rather calculated to affect the nerves to find +one's self suddenly in the dark, and at the same time to hear such a +fearful noise proceeding from an unknown quarter. + +Abner Holden jumped to his feet in dire dismay, and, without stopping to +reflect on the probable cause of this startling interruption, “struck +a bee line” for the staircase, and descended quicker, probably, than he +had ever done before, narrowly escaping tumbling the entire distance, in +his headlong haste. + +Herbert had to stuff the bedclothes into his mouth to keep from bursting +into a shout of laughter, which would have revealed his agency in +producing the mysterious noise. + +“I thought I heard a frightful noise last night soon after I went to +bed,” said Mrs. Bickford, at the breakfast table. “Didn't you hear +anything, Mr. Holden?” + +“No,” said Abner, “I heard nothing. You were probably dreaming.” + +“Perhaps I was. Didn't you hear anything, Herbert?” + +“I sleep pretty sound,” said Herbert, quietly. + +Abner Holden watched him as he said this, and was evidently more +perplexed than ever. But that was the last visit he paid to the garret +at night. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +EXPOSING A FRAUD + + +It would be hard to tell what Abner Holden's precise occupation was. He +had thirty or forty acres of land, but only cultivated enough to produce +supplies of vegetables for his own table, and grain for his horses. +He kept four cows, and he had, at this time, three horses. He had the +Yankee propensity for “swapping,” and from time to time traded horses, +generally managing to get the best of the bargain, for he was tolerably +sharp and not much troubled by conscientious scruples about misstating +the merits of his horses. + +But, about two months before Herbert came into his employ, he had +himself been overreached, and found himself the possessor of a horse +of excellent outward appearance, but blind of one eye, and with a +very vicious temper. He accepted the situation with a bad grace, and +determined, as soon as possible, to “trade” the horse to another party. + +One day, about a fortnight after Herbert's arrival, a +gentlemanly-looking stranger knocked at Abner Holden's door. + +The call was answered by the housekeeper. + +“Is Mr. Holden at home?” he inquired. + +“Yes, sir,” was the reply. + +“I should like to see him.” + +Abner Holden soon made his appearance. + +“Mr. Holden.” said the stranger “I am in search of a good family horse. +I am told that you have some animals for sale, and called on you, +thinking I might get suited through you.” + +“You've come to the right place,” said Abner, glibly. “I've got just the +animal that will suit you.” + +“I should like to see it.” + +“He's in the pasture now. If you don't object to walking a short +distance, I will show him to you. I feel sure he will suit you.” + +“Very well, I will go with you.” + +“This way, then.” + +The two walked down a green lane at the back of the house to the +entrance of the pasture, where the three horses, at present comprising +Abner Holden's entire stock, were grazing leisurely. + +Now, it happened that, of the three, the blind and vicious horse was +much the best looking. He held his head erect, had a graceful form, and +was likely to attract favorable notice at first sight. + +Abner Holden paused at a little distance, and pointed him out. + +“What do you think of that horse, Mr. Richmond?” he said. + +“A very good-looking animal,” said the stranger, with an approving +glance; “but I must explain that I want such an animal as my wife can +drive. It is absolutely necessary that he should be good-tempered +and gentle. If, with this, he is handsome, and of good speed, all the +better. Now you know what I am in search of. Can you recommend this +horse of yours?” + +“Yes,” said Abner, confidently, “he will just suit you. I did calculate +to keep him for my own use, but I'm rather short of money, and I shall +have to let him go.” + +“You say he is gentle?” + +“Oh, yes, as gentle as need be.” + +“Could a woman drive him?” + +“Oh, no trouble about that,” said Abner. + +“And he has no serious defect?” + +“No.” + +“Well, that seems satisfactory. I like his appearance. He would look +well in harness. What is your price?” + +“Two hundred and fifty dollars, cash down,” said Abner. “That's too +cheap. He's worth a cool hundred more, but I got him cheap, and can +afford to sell him cheap.” + +The horse had cost Mr. Holden just a hundred and ten dollars, and at +this price he considered himself decidedly taken in; but this he did not +particularly care to mention. + +“Two hundred and fifty dollars!” mused the stranger. “It is a little +more than I intended to pay. Still, if the animal is what you describe, +I don't know that I shall object on that score.” + +“You had better take him,” said Abner. “It'll be the best bargain you +ever made, I'll warrant. You'll pay cash down, I suppose?” + +“Of course.” + +“Then shall we say it's a bargain?” + +“Not quite yet. I'll take till the afternoon to think about it.” + +“Better decide now. The fact is, Mr. Richmond, I ought not to let the +horse go at that figure, and I may change my mind.” + +“I think I shall take your horse, but I have agreed to look at another, +and must see that first.” + +“Whose?” + +“It belongs to a man named Nichols.” + +“Sam Nichols?” + +“I believe so.” + +“I wouldn't advise you to have anything to do with him.” + +“Why not?” + +“He's a regular sharper. You can't depend on anything he says.” + +“Thank you for the caution. I will be on my guard. But I promised to +take a look at his horse before deciding. If I don't come to terms +with him, and I don't think I shall, I will come round some time this +afternoon and make a bargain with you.” + +Mr. Holden thought it was hardly politic to urge him farther. With a +renewed caution as to dealing with Sam Nichols, he let him go. + +“Well,” thought Abner, after he was gone, “it will be a pretty good +thing if I get rid of Spitfire”--he had named him thus--“for two +hundred and fifty dollars. He's a bad-tempered brute, and blind into the +bargain. But I'm not bound to tell Mr. Richmond that, and so spoil my +trade. I've put a flea in his ear about Nichols, and I guess he will be +back again.” + +The prospect of making a good bargain caused Abner to be unusually +pleasant and good-humored, so much so that Mrs. Bickford regarded him +with surprise. He voluntarily asked her if she did not wish something at +the store, volunteering to bring home whatever was needed. + +“What's come over the man?” thought the housekeeper. “It's too good to +last.” + +She was quite correct there. Mr. Holden was naturally crabbed, and fair +weather with him was the exception rather than the rule. On the present +occasion it did not last many hours. + +Abner Holden went to the store, but made other calls on the way, so that +he was three hours absent, and did not return till twelve o'clock, the +usual dinner hour in his household. + +Meanwhile, Mr. Richmond, his caller of the morning, had been to see Sam +Nichols, and inspected the horse he had for sale. He did not altogether +like its appearance, and, moreover, he was prejudiced against him by +what he had heard from Abner Holden, and came away without effecting a +purchase. + +“I don't think I can do better,” he reflected, “than to take that horse +of Holden's. Let me see, it is only half-past ten. I shall have time to +go up there this morning. I suppose I might as well settle matters at +once.” + +Accordingly, eleven o'clock found him again in Abner Holden's yard. + +Herbert was out in the yard, engaged in splitting wood. + +“Is Mr. Holden at home?” inquired the stranger, pausing. + +“No, sir.” + +“Will he be at home soon?” + +“Yes, sir, I think so. He only went out to the store. He ought to be +home now.” + +“Then I think I will wait. I was here once before this morning. I was +talking with him about buying one of his horses. If you can spare the +time, I would like to have you go with me to the pasture, and I will +take another look at the one I saw this morning.” + +“Certainly, sir,” said Herbert, driving the ax into the block upon +which he had been splitting, prepared to accompany Mr. Richmond to the +pasture. + +They reached the bars dividing the pasture from the next field. Spitfire +was cropping the grass just on the other side. + +“There,” said the stranger, pointing him out, “that is the horse I was +looking at.” + +“THAT ONE!” repeated Herbert, in a tone of surprise. + +“Yes, he is a fine-looking animal.” + +“Ye-es,” said Herbert, hesitatingly. + +“However, I don't so much care about that, as for his being gentle. I +want him for a family horse, such as my wife may drive, without fear, +while I am away.” + +“Did Mr. Holden say he's gentle?” asked Herbert. + +“Yes. He recommended him highly for that, and told me he had no serious +defect.” + +“Are you sure this is the horse?” asked Herbert. + +“Certainly. I am not likely to be mistaken in it. I suppose it is all as +he says?” + +Herbert was in a perplexing position. He knew that if he told the truth +he should incur Abner Holden's anger, but his conscience revolted at +suffering the stranger to be taken in, and thus, perhaps, exposing his +wife to serious danger. + +“I am afraid I cannot confirm what Mr. Holden says,” he answered, +reluctantly. “The horse is very ill-tempered, and is blind of one eye.” + +“Is it possible? Then I have had a narrow escape. You have done me a +good service, my boy, in telling me the truth, for I am, myself, +unused to horses, and should have taken the animal on your employer's +recommendation. Accept this acknowledgment of my indebtedness.” + +He would have placed a five-dollar bill in Herbert's hand, but our hero +firmly refused to receive it. + +“I have only done my duty, sir. I cannot accept money for doing that. +Thank you all the same.” + +“Perhaps you are right, my lad. If I ever have a chance to serve you, +don't hesitate to let me know it.” + +“There'll be a storm if Mr. Holden hears of this,” thought Herbert. “But +I could not do otherwise.” + + + + +CHAPTER X + +THE CLOUDS GATHER + + +At twelve o'clock Abner Holden returned home, still in good humor. As +he did not anticipate another call from his expected customer until the +afternoon, he made no inquiries. + +“Perhaps he won't hear about it,” thought Herbert, and as he did not +wish to have any trouble with Mr. Holden, he hoped it might prove so. + +Abner was so elated at the thought of his good bargain in prospect, that +he could not keep it to himself. + +“I've about sold Spitfire, Mrs. Bickford,” he said to the housekeeper. + +“Sold Spitfire! Who wants to buy him?” + +“A man that called here this morning. What do you think he wants him +for?” + +“To break his neck,” suggested the housekeeper. + +“He wants him for a good family horse for his wife to drive,” and Abner +Holden burst into a laugh. + +“Perhaps he's anxious to become a widower,” said Mrs. Bickford. + +“No; the fact is he thinks the horse is gentle.” + +“You told him so, I suppose?” + +“Of course, I did.” + +“Knowing it to be false?” + +“Shut up, Mrs. Bickford. You know all is fair in trade.” + +“No, I don't, Mr. Holden. To my mind, a lie's just as much a lie +in trade as in anything else. I suppose the man trusted to your +recommendation.” + +“Suppose he did. I got cheated on the horse, and I've got to get rid of +it, somehow. As it is, I shall make a handsome profit.” + +“Well, Mr. Holden, all I've got to say is, I am glad I haven't got as +tough a conscience as you have.” + +“You don't know anything about business, Mrs. Bickford.” + +“Well, manage things your own way. I ain't responsible, but I pity the +poor man if he buys Spitfire.” + +“So do I,” chuckled Abner. “That's where you and I agree, Mrs. +Bickford.” + +Herbert listened in silence. He was disgusted with the utter disregard +of fair dealing exhibited by Abner Holden, though he was not surprised +at it. He felt glad that he had been the means of saving Mr. Richmond +from being overreached, though he know very well that Mr. Holden's rage +would be furious when he learned what had interfered with the trade. +He did not feel under any obligations to reveal his own agency in the +matter, unless direct inquiry was made of him. In that case, he would +manfully stand by his acts. + +“I'm expecting the man this afternoon, Mrs. Bickford,” said Mr. Holden, +“and shall stay around home to see him. When he comes, call me at once; +and mind, not a word about Spitfire.” + +“Just as you say. I wash my hands of the whole affair.” + +“Washing your hands won't do you any harm,” said Abner, with a laugh at +what he supposed to be a witticism. + +Mrs. Bickford took no notice of this remark. It was not quite easy to +say why she remained in charge of Mr. Holden's household, for certainly, +she had no respect for her employer. However, he did not meddle with +her, or, if he did, he got the worst of it, and it was perhaps the +independence that she enjoyed which led her to remain in the house. +Knowing Abner's character, she was not particularly shocked at this +last evidence of it, but went about her work as usual, with scarcely a +thought of what had passed. + +Abner Holden sat at the window, and looked up the road, awaiting +anxiously the appearance of the customer. + +“I hope he'll bring the money with him,” he thought. “I'd like to have +matters all arranged to-day, before he smells a rat. If I get the money +once in my hands, he may scold all he pleases about the horse. It won't +disturb my rest.” + +But the old clock in the corner kept ticking--minute after minute +passed--and still the stranger did not appear. + +“He can't have struck a bargain with Sam Nichols,” muttered Abner, +apprehensively. “If he has, it'll be sort of a swindle on me. Maybe +Nichols has been telling him lies about me.” + +Abner waxed so angry over this supposition, that although it was merely +conjecture, he already began to consider in what way he could “come up +with Sam Nichols.” + +“That money would come very handy,” thought Abner. “There's a horse +worth two of Spitfire, I can get for a hundred and fifty, and that would +leave me a hundred. I wish he would come.” + +He looked out of the window, and, not content with that, went out of the +front door, and, shading his eyes with his hands, looked up the road. +But he could see nothing of Mr. Richmond. Abner began to fear that he +had lost his bargain. + +“I guess I'll put on my hat and go round to the tavern,” he said to Mrs. +Bickford. “If the gentleman I spoke of should call while I am away, just +send the boy around after me as quick as possible.” + +“Very well.” + +Abner Holden walked hurriedly to the tavern, determined to bring about +a bargain, which would be so desirable for him, if it were a possible +thing. He must and would get rid of Spitfire, however many falsehoods +he might have to tell. What was truth in comparison to two hundred and +fifty dollars! Suppose Spitfire should run away with the stranger's wife +and break her limbs, or even her neck, it was everybody's duty to look +out for himself in this world. + +Thus reasoned Abner Holden. There is no particular need of my commenting +upon the fallacy of this reasoning, since it is not likely that any of +my young readers will sufficiently admire his character to be in any +danger of being led into imitation of it. + +At the end of a very few minutes, Abner stood on the piazza, of the +tavern, a little out of breath with rapid walking. + +“Is Mr. Richmond still here?” he inquired of the landlord, anxiously. + +“Yes, but he means to leave in five minutes.” + +“Where is he?” + +“In his room.” + +“I want to see him on particular business--I wish you would send up and +ask him to come down.” + +“Very well.” + +“William,” said the landlord, summoning his son, “go up and tell Mr. +Richmond that Mr. Holden wishes to see him.” + +“You don't know of his having bought a horse of Sam Nichols, do you?” + asked Abner, nervously, of the landlord. + +“No, I am sure he has not.” + +Abner felt somewhat relieved by this. As long as he was still unprovided +with a horse, there was still a chance of Spitfire. He resolved, if +necessary, to abate something from the rather high price he had demanded +in the morning. + +Mr. Richmond followed William downstairs. + +“You wish to see me?” he asked, glancing toward Mr. Holden. + +“Yes, about the horse you were looking at this morning.” + +“I have concluded not to take him,” said the other, coldly. + +“You didn't buy of Sam Nichols, did you?” + +“No; his horse did not suit me.” + +“You haven't any other in your eye, have you?” asked Mr. Holden. + +“No.” + +“Then, hadn't you better look at mine again?” he said, persuasively. + +“It would be of no use.” + +“If the price is any objection,” said Abner, insinuatingly, “I don't +know but I might say a LEETLE less, though the animal's wuth more'n I +ask for it.” + +“It isn't the price that stands in the way, Mr. Holden.” + +“What is it, then? Sam Nichols hain't been slandering me, I hope. If he +has, I'll be even with him.” + +“Spare your anger against Sam Nichols. He said nothing against you; +though I believe you warned me against him.” + +“Yes, I did. I felt it my duty to caution you, so you might not be +overreached by him.” + +“You prefer to overreach me yourself,” said the other, quietly. + +Abner started, and changed color. + +“What do you mean?” he said. “Who told you I wanted to overreach you?” + +“Why, this is the way the matter stands. I asked you for a good family +horse, such as my wife might drive with safety. Didn't you understand me +so?” + +“Of course.” + +“And you tried to sell me an ill-tempered brute, blind of one eye, for +an extortionate price. Can you deny it?” + +“Somebody's been telling you a pack of lies,” said Abner, hoarsely. + +“I don't think they are lies. I have every reason to think they are +true. By the way, what is the animal's name?” + +“Spitfire,” said Abner, rather reluctantly. + +“A good name for a family horse,” said the stranger, sarcastically. + +“Where did you learn all this?” demanded Abner. “Who's been slandering +the horse?” + +“I got my information at your place, from one who ought to know.” + +A light dawned upon Abner Holden's mind. + +“Herbert told him,” muttered Abner to himself. “That cursed boy has +spoiled my bargain, and he shall smart for it.” + +In a furious rage, he retraced his steps homeward, breathing threats of +vengeance dire against our hero. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +A CRISIS + + +Abner Holden's disappointment was excessive at the sudden falling +through of his horse trade, and his feeling of anger against Herbert for +his agency in the matter was in proportion to his disappointment. His +chief thought, as he hurried home from the tavern, was that he would +make the boy smart for his interference. + +“I'll give him a good flogging,” muttered Abner to himself, and he felt +that this would be some slight compensation for the injury and slight +loss which Herbert had caused him to sustain. + +“I'll teach him to spoil my bargains,” he said, while his face wore an +expression decidedly ugly. “I reckon he won't do it a second time.” + +It was in this frame of mind that he reached home. + +Herbert had just entered the kitchen with an armful of wood for the +housekeeper, and having thrown down his burden, was about to go back, +when, on turning, he confronted the stormy and wrathful face of his +employer. + +“He's found out,” Herbert concluded at once, and he braced his nerves +for the storm which he knew must come. + +“Well, young man, I've an account to settle with you,” said Abner, +abruptly. + +Herbert did not reply, but waited for Mr. Holden to state the matter. +But in Abner's present angry condition, he chose to construe his silence +into cause of offense. + +“Why don't you speak?” he said. “What do you mean by looking me +impudently in the face?” + +“I have no intention of being impudent,” said Herbert. “I think you are +mistaken, Mr. Holden.” + +“Do you dare to tell me I am mistaken?” roared Holden, lashing himself +into a rage. + +“I don't mean to do or say anything that is not perfectly respectful,” + said Herbert, manfully, looking steadily in his employer's face. + +“Why did you tell a pack of lies about my horse this morning, and so +make me lose my trade?” + +“I didn't tell a pack of lies,” said Herbert. + +“Didn't you tell the man who came here that he was an ill-tempered +brute, and blind of one eye?” + +Abner Holden glared upon the boy as if he wanted to spring upon him, and +give him a thrashing on the spot. + +“I told him that Spitfire was not suitable for a family horse.” + +“What did you tell him that for?” + +“Because it was true.” + +“Supposing it was true, didn't you know that you were spoiling my +trade?” + +“I am sorry for that, Mr. Holden, but if he had bought the horse, +supposing it to be gentle, it might have broken his wife's neck.” + +“What business was that of yours? That was his lookout.” + +“I didn't look upon it in that way. I thought he ought to buy the horse +with his eyes open.” + +“You did, did you?” roared Abner. “Then I advise you to open your own +eyes, for you're going to get one of the worst lickings you ever had.” + +Abner Holden's anger now reached an ungovernable pitch. Looking about +him for a weapon, he espied the broom resting against the wall. He +seized it, and with a scream of rage, made for Herbert, shaking off the +grasp of the housekeeper, who tried to stay him. + +Herbert, perceiving the peril in which he stood, ran round the table, +which stood, with leaves open, in the middle of the floor. Abner pursued +him with headlong haste. + +“Lord preserve us! The man is mad!” ejaculated the housekeeper, trying +to get out of the way. But in this she was not successful. The kitchen +was small, and before she could guard against a collision, Abner had +stumbled over Mrs. Bickford, and both came down together. She uttered a +succession of piercing shrieks, and, with a view of relieving Herbert, +pretended that her life was in danger, grasping Abner by the hair and +holding him fast. + +Herbert saw that this was the favorable moment for escape, and, seizing +his hat, dashed out of the house. He ran across the fields as fast as +his limbs could carry him, expecting that he would be pursued. Before we +follow him, we will describe the scene that took place after his flight. + +“Let go my hair, Mrs. Bickford!” exclaimed Abner, tugging vainly to +break from the housekeeper's grasp. + +“I dare not,” she said. “I'm afraid you'll murder me.” + +“You are making a fool of yourself,” retorted Abner. “What should I +murder you for? But I will, if you don't let go!” + +“Hello, who's talking of murder?” demanded a rough voice. + +The speaker was a neighbor, who chanced to be passing, and was led to +enter by the uproar, which was plainly audible outside. + +“Save me!” exclaimed Mrs. Bickford. “He's threatened to murder me.” + +“Stop your nonsense, you old fool!” retorted Abner, vexed at the +equivocal position in which he was placed. + +“What's all this row about? Mr. Holden, you ought to be ashamed of +yourself for attacking a defenseless woman.” + +“I didn't intend to,” said Abner, sullenly. “She got in my way, and I +stumbled over her; and then she seized me by the hair.” + +“What were you going to do with that broom?” demanded the other, +suspiciously. + +“What was I going to do? I was going to thrash that rascally boy of +mine, and Mrs. Bickford knew it perfectly well.” + +“What has he done?” + +“He? He's spoiled a trade of mine by his lying, and I was going to flog +him for it, when Mrs. Bickford got in my way.” + +“Well,” said the visitor, shrugging his shoulders, “I don't want to +interfere in your affairs. I suppose that you've a right to flog the +boy, but it strikes me that a broom handle is rather an ugly weapon.” + +“It isn't half heavy enough,” said Abner, savagely; “but where is the +boy? Did you see him?” + +“Given leg-bail, I reckon, and I don't wonder at it.” + +“Run away?” ejaculated Abner, disappointed. “Did you see where he went?” + +“No, I didn't, and if I had, I'm not sure that I would tell you.” + +Abner would like to have thrashed the man who showed so little sympathy +with his anger, but he felt that it would hardly be prudent. He went +to the door and looked out. But there was no trace of Herbert to be +discovered. + +“He'll get it when he does come back,” he said to himself. + +The idea that Herbert might not come back at all never once occurred +to him. He resolved that the flogging should lose nothing by being +deferred. + +We must now return to Herbert, whom we left running across the fields. + +His departure had been so sudden, that his prominent idea was to get +out of the way of his employer's violence. He was at first under the +impression that he was pursued, but when, after running perhaps a +quarter of a mile, he ventured to look around, he saw, to his great +relief, that there was no one on his track. Being out of breath, he +stopped, and, throwing himself down on the grass in the shadow of a +stone wall, began to consider his plans for the future. + +Everything was in doubt except one point. He felt that he had broken, +finally, the tie that bound him to Mr. Holden. He would not return to +him. He had experienced enough of Abner's ugly and unreasonable +temper to feel that there could be no harmony between them, and as +to submitting to personal violence from such a man as that, his blood +boiled at the thought. He knew that he should resist with all the +strength he possessed, and what the result might be he did not dare to +think. What lay before him in the future he could not conjecture, but +whatever it might be, he felt that it was better than to remain an +inmate of Abner Holden's household, and in his power. + +But where should he go? That was a question not easily answered. After +his experience of his uncle's indifference to him, he did not wish to +appeal to him for aid, yet he felt that he should like to go to New York +and try his fortune there. Thousands of people lived there, and earned +enough to support them comfortably. Why not he? It was a thousand miles +off, and he might be some time in getting there. He might have to stop +and work on the way. But, sooner or later, he resolved that he would +find his way to the great metropolis. + +But there was one difficulty which presented itself at the outset. This +difficulty related to his clothing. He had on a pair of overalls and a +ragged vest which Abner had provided for him, intending that he should +save the good suit he brought with him for Sundays. His present suit, +which had been worn by half a dozen of his predecessors, Herbert +decidedly objected to wearing, as, in addition to being faded and worn, +it was by no means a good fit. He must get his other suit. + +But this was in Mr. Holden's attic, and it would hardly be prudent to +venture back for it, as Abner was on the lookout for him, and there +would be a collision, and perhaps he might be forcibly detained. +Fortunately, his money he had about him. This amounted, as the reader +already knows, to nearly fifteen dollars, and would, no doubt, be of +essential service to him in the project which he had undertaken. As to +the clothes, he must think of a way of securing them, before setting out +on his journey to New York. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +RALPH THE RANGER + + +One thing was certain. There was no chance of obtaining the clothes at +present. Probably his best course would be to wait till night, and +then come back to the house on the chance of gaining Mrs. Bickford's +attention. In the meantime, probably, the best thing to be done was to +conceal himself temporarily in a belt of woods lying about a mile back +of Abner Holden's house. + +As soon as his breath was recovered, Herbert got up, and headed for +these woods. A few minutes found him in the midst of them. He made his +way with some difficulty through the underbrush, parting the thick stems +with his hands, until he reached a comparatively open space of perhaps +an acre in extent. In the midst of this space a rude hut was visible, +constructed of logs, and covered with the branches of trees. In front +of it, sitting on the stump of a tree, which perhaps had been spared +for that purpose, sat a tall man, with very brown complexion, clad in +a rough hunting suit. His form, though spare, was tough and sinewy, and +the muscles of his bare arms seemed like whipcords. A short, black pipe +was in his mouth. The only covering of his head was the rough, grizzled +hair, which looked as if for months it had never felt the touch of a +comb or brush. + +Herbert, though he had never before seen this singular being, recognized +him at once as Ralph the Ranger, as he was properly called in the +village. For years he had lived a hermit-like existence in the forest, +supporting himself mainly by his rifle. This was not difficult, for his +wants were few and simple. What cause led him to shun the habitations of +his kind, and make his dwelling in the woods, no one knew, and perhaps +no one ever would know, for of himself he was silent, and it was not +easy to draw him out. + +He looked up as he heard Herbert's step, and said, abruptly: “Well, boy, +what do you want?” + +His manner was rough, but our hero was not afraid. He answered frankly, +“I am hiding.” + +“Hiding? Who from?” + +“From Abner Holden.” + +“Humph! Why should you hide from him? What has he to do with you?” + +“I am bound to him, and he is angry with me because he thinks I +interfered in a trade of his. He wanted to beat me, so I ran away.” + +“Good!” said Ralph, approvingly. “Tell me about it.” + +Herbert drew near, and told his story. + +Ralph listened attentively. + +“Boy,” said he, “I think you are honest. There are not many that can be +said of. As for Abner Holden, I know him. He's a mean skinflint. Pah!” + and he spit, contemptuously. “You'd better not go back to him.” + +“I don't mean to,” said Herbert, promptly. + +“What are your plans? Have you formed any?” + +“I want to go to New York.” + +“To New York,” repeated Ralph, thoughtfully. “You wish to get into the +crowd, while I seek to avoid it. But it is natural to youth. At your +age, it was so with me. I hope, my boy, the time will not come when you, +like me, will wish to shun the sight of men.” + +Herbert listened in sympathy, not unmingled with surprise, to the speech +of this man, which was quite superior to what might have been expected +from one of his appearance. + +“When do you wish to start?” asked Ralph, after a pause. + +“First, I want to get my clothes.” + +“Where are they?” + +“In my room, at Mr. Holden's house.” + +“How do you expect to get them?” + +“Mrs. Bickford, the housekeeper, is a friend of mine. I thought I might +go there to-night, and attract her attention without rousing Mr. Holden. +She would get them for me.” + +“Good! I will go with you.” + +“Will you?” asked Herbert, gladly. + +He had felt a little doubt as to the result of his expedition, as, if +Mr. Holden should be awake and start in pursuit, he would stand a good +chance of being captured, which, above all things, he most dreaded. But +with so able an auxiliary as Ralph, he knew he could bid easy defiance +to Abner, however much the latter might desire to molest him. + +“Yes, I will stand by you, and you shall share my cabin with me as long +as you like. You are not afraid of me?” + +“No,” said Herbert, quickly. + +Ralph looked kindly at him. + +“Some of the children run from me,” he said. “It is not strange, +perhaps, for I look savage, I suppose, but you do well to trust me. I +will be your friend, and that is something I have not said to any living +being for years. I like your face. It is brave and true.” + +“Thank you for your favorable opinion, Mr.--” Here Herbert paused in +uncertainty, for he had never heard Ralph's surname. + +“Call me Ralph. I have done with the title of \ civilization. Call me +Ralph. That will suit me best.” + +“Thank you for your kindness, then, Ralph.” + +“What is your name?” + +“Herbert--Herbert Mason.” + +“Then, Herbert, I think you must be hungry. Have you eaten your dinner?” + +“No,” said Herbert. + +“Then you shall share mine. My food is of the plainest, but such as it +is, you are welcome. Come in.” + +Herbert entered the cabin. The only table was a plank supported at each +end by a barrel. From a box in the corner Ralph drew out some corn-bread +and some cold meat. He took a tin measure, and, going out of the cabin, +filled it with water from a brook near by. This he placed on the rude +table. + +“All is ready,” he said. “Take and eat, if my food is not too rude.” + +Herbert did eat, and with appetite. He was a growing boy, whose appetite +seldom failed him, and he had been working hard since breakfast, which +he had taken at six, while it was now one o'clock. No wonder he was +hungry. + +Ralph looked on with approval. + +“You are the first that has shared my meal for many a long day,” he +said. “Day after day, and year after year, I have broken my fast +alone, but it seems pleasant, after all,” he said, musingly. “Men are +treacherous and deceitful, but you,” he said, resting his glance on the +frank, ingenuous face of his youthful guest, “you must be honest and +true, or I am greatly deceived.” + +“I hope you will find me so,” said Herbert, interested more and more in +the rough-looking recluse, about whose life he suspected there must be +some sad secret, of which the world knew nothing. + +After dispatching the meal provided by his hospitable entertainer, +Herbert sat down on the grass just outside the cabin, and watched lazily +the smoke which issued from Ralph's pipe, as it rose in many a fantastic +curl. + +“How long have you lived here, Ralph?” asked our hero at length. + +“Ten years,” said the recluse, removing his pipe from his lips. + +“It is a long time.” + +“Yes, boy, a long time in the life of one as young as you, but to me +it seems but yesterday that I built this cabin and established myself +here.” + +“Are you not often lonely?” + +“Lonely? Yes, but not more so than I should be in the haunts of men. I +have company, too. There are the squirrels that leap from bough to bough +of the tall trees. Then there are the birds that wake me with their +singing. They are company for me. They are better company than men. +They, at least, will not deceive me.” + +He paused, and bent his eyes upon the ground. He was thinking, not of +the boy beside him, but of some time in the past, and the recollection +apparently was not pleasant. + +The afternoon wore away at length, and the shadows deepened in the +woods. Herbert wandered about, and succeeded in gathering some nuts, +which he carried to Ralph's cabin. When eight o'clock came, the Ranger +said: “You had better lie down and rest, my boy; I will wake you up at +twelve, and we will go together to Holden's place, and see if we can get +your clothes.” + +To this proposal Herbert willingly assented, as he began to feel tired. + +He slept, he knew not how long, when he was gently shaken by Ralph. + +“Where am I?” he asked, rubbing his eyes. + +The sight of the Ranger bending over him soon brought back the +recollection of his position, and he sprang up promptly. Ralph showed +him an easier way out of the woods than that by which he had entered, +and less embarrassed by the growth of underbrush. + +In half an hour they were standing by Abner Holden's house. It was +perfectly dark, the inmates probably being fast asleep. + +“I know where the housekeeper sleeps,” said Herbert. “I'll throw up a +pebble at her window, and perhaps it will wake her up.” + +He did as proposed. Mrs. Bickford, who was a light sleeper, heard, and +went to the window. + +“Who's there?” she asked. + +“It is I, Mrs. Bickford,” said Herbert. + +“What, Herbert? Shall I let you in?” + +“No; I don't want to come in. All I want is my clothes. They are up in +my trunk.” + +“I'll go up and get them for you.” + +She went upstairs and quickly returned with the clothes, which she let +down from the window. + +“Are you hungry, Herbert?” she asked. “Let me bring you something to +eat.” + +“No, thank you, Mrs. Bickford; I am stopping with Ralph the Ranger. He +has kindly given me all the food I want.” + +“What are you going to do? Are you going to stop with him?” + +“No, I am going East in a day or two. I am going to New York. I will +write to you from there.” + +“I am sorry to have you go, Herbert. I wish things could have been +pleasanter, so that you might have stayed. But I think I hear Mr. Holden +stirring. Good-by, and may God be with you!” + +She closed the window hastily, and Herbert, not wishing to get into +a collision with Abner Holden, who he suspected might have heard +something, withdrew swiftly. Ralph, who was standing near by, joined +him, and both together went back to the woods. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +A MOMENT OF PERIL + + +Abner Holden did not suspect that Herbert actually intended to leave +him permanently; but when evening came, and he did not return, he became +apprehensive that such was the case. Now, for more than one reason, he +objected to our hero's leaving. First, because he was a strong, capable +boy, and his services were worth considerable, and, secondly, because +he disliked Herbert, and it was a satisfaction to tyrannize over him, as +his position enabled him to do. There are some men in whom the instinct +of petty tyranny exists to such an extent that they cannot feel happy +without someone to exercise their authority over. Such a man was Abner +Holden. He was a bully and a tyrant by nature, and decidedly objected to +losing one so completely in his power as Herbert was. + +When night came and Herbert did not return, he decided to search for +him, and bring him back, if found, the very next day. He did not impart +his purpose to Mrs. Bickford, for he was at no loss to discover that the +sympathies of the kind-hearted housekeeper were not with him, but with +the boy whom he wished to abuse. When breakfast was over, therefore, he +merely said: “Mrs. Bickford, I am going out for a short time. If Herbert +should return while I am absent, you may tell him to finish hoeing those +potatoes in the garden.” + +“Do you think he will come back, Mr. Holden?” asked the housekeeper. + +“Yes; he will soon be tired of wandering about. He will learn to prize a +good home after he has slept out of doors one night.” + +Mrs. Bickford did not reply; but she did not feel quite so much +confidence as her employer appeared to do in the excellence of the home +which Herbert had enjoyed under Abner Holden's roof. + +“It's just as well he doesn't suspect Herbert's plan,” she thought, and +without further words, began to clear away the breakfast dishes. + +Abner was not long in deciding that Herbert was hidden in the woods. +That, indeed, seemed the most natural place of refuge for one placed in +his circumstances. He determined, therefore, to seek there first. + +We must now return to Herbert. + +“If you will wait till nightfall,” said Ralph, “you will be more safe +from pursuit, and I will accompany you for a few miles.” + +This seemed plausible, and our hero consented. + +Ralph went off on a hunting expedition, but Herbert remained behind, +fearing that he might tear or stain his clothes, of which it was +necessary, now, to be careful. How to pass the time was the question. To +tell the truth, the hunter's cabin contained little that would help +him. There were no books visible, for Ralph seemed to have discarded +everything that would remind him of that civilization which he had +forsaken in disgust. + +Herbert went outside, and watched the squirrels that occasionally made +their appearance flitting from branch to branch of the tall trees. After +a while his attention was drawn to a bird, which flew with something in +its beak nearly to the top of a tall tree not far off. + +“I shouldn't wonder,” thought Herbert, interested, “if she's got a nest, +and some young ones up there. I have a great mind to climb up and see +whether she has or not.” + +He measured the tree with his eye. It was very tall, exceeding in its +height most of its forest neighbors. + +“I don't know as I can climb it,” he said to himself, a little +doubtfully; “but anyway, I am going to try. There's nothing like +trying.” + +This was a lucky determination for Herbert, as will speedily appear. + +It was twenty feet to the first branching off, and this was, of course, +the most difficult part of the ascent, since it was necessary to “shin +up,” and the body of the tree was rather too large to clasp comfortably. +However, it was not the first time that Herbert had climbed a tree, and +he was not deficient in courage as well as skill. So he pushed on +his way, and though once or twice in danger of falling, he at length +succeeded in reaching the first bough. From this point the ascent was +comparatively easy. + +In a short time our hero was elated to find himself probably fifty feet +from the ground, so high it made him feel a little dizzy to look down. +He reached the nest, and found the young birds--three in number. The +parent bird hovered near by, evidently quite alarmed for the safety of +her brood. But Herbert had no intention of harming them. He only climbed +up to gratify his curiosity, and because he had nothing more important +to do. Though he did not know it, his own danger was greater than that +which threatened the birds. For, just at that moment, Mr. Holden, in +his wanderings, had reached Ralph's cabin, and Herbert, looking down, +beheld, with some anxiety, the figure of the unwelcome visitor. He saw +Abner enter the cabin, and, after a few moments' interval, issue from it +with an air of disappointment and dissatisfaction. + +“How lucky,” thought our hero, “that he did not find me inside!” + +Abner Holden looked about him in every direction but the right one. He +little dreamed that the object of his pursuit was looking down upon him, +securely, from above. + +“I don't think he'll find me,” thought Herbert. “Wouldn't he give +something, though, to know where I am?” + +But our young hero was doomed to disappointment. Just at that +moment--the unluckiest that could have been selected--he was seized with +a strong inclination to sneeze. + +Alarmed lest the sound should betray him, he made desperate efforts +to suppress it but Nature would have its way, and probably did so with +greater violence than if no resistance had been made. + +“Ker-chew!” sneezed Herbert, violently. + +As he anticipated, Abner's attention was attracted by the loud noise, +which he rightly concluded could hardly proceed from a bird or squirrel. +He had just been on the point of leaving the cabin for some other part +of the woods, but at this sound he stood still. Looking up to discover +whence it proceeded, his keen eyes detected Herbert in his lofty perch. +His eyes sparkled with joy. + +“Ha, you young rascal!” he exclaimed. “So you are there, are you? You +were going to run away, were you?” + +Now that Herbert was actually discovered, his fear left him, and he +became perfectly self-possessed and confident. + +“Yes, Mr. Holden,” he answered, quietly; “such is my intention.” + +“Boldly spoken,” said Abner, provoked by our hero's coolness, for he had +hoped to find him terrified and pleading for forgiveness. “I admire your +frankness, and will try to equal it. I suppose you'll give it up as a +bad job now.” + +“No, sir,” said Herbert, firmly. + +“Take care, sir,” said Abner, in anger and astonishment. “Take care how +you defy me. Come down here at once.” + +“What for?” inquired Herbert, without stirring. + +“What for?” repeated Abner Holden. “That I may flog you within an inch +of your life.” + +“That's no inducement,” said our hero, coolly. + +“Do you refuse to obey me?” shouted Abner, stamping angrily. + +“I refuse to be flogged. You don't get me down for any such purpose, Mr. +Holden.” + +“Then, by Heaven, if you won't come otherwise, I'll come up and help you +down.” + +The angry man at once commenced the ascent. Anger gave him strength, +and, though he was unaccustomed to climbing, he continued to mount +up about halfway to the first branching off, somewhat to Herbert's +uneasiness, for he felt there was a chance that he might fall into +Abner's clutches. + +But Abner's success was only temporary. At the height of a dozen feet he +began to slip, and, despite his frantic struggles, he slid gradually to +the ground, tearing his coat, which he had not taken the precaution to +remove, and blistering his hands. + +What was to be done? + +In his anger and excitement, he drew a pistol from his breast pocket, +and pointed upward, saying menacingly, “Come down at once, you young +rascal, or I will fire!” + +Herbert was startled. He did not believe the pistol to be loaded. Still +it might be. + +“Will you come down?” repeated Abner, fiercely. “Quick, or I fire.” + +Herbert's cheek was pale, but in a resolute voice he answered, “I will +not.” + +Abner Holder, laid his finger upon the trigger, and would, in his anger, +have carried his threat into execution; but at the critical moment he +was conscious of a violent blow, and the pistol was wrenched from his +hand. + +Turning quickly, he met the stern glance of Ralph the Ranger. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +TAKEN PRISONER + + +“What does all this mean?” demanded Ralph, in a tone of command. + +“What right have you to interfere?” said Abner Holden, sulkily. + +“The right that any man has to prevent murder,” said Ralph, briefly. + +“I wasn't going to murder him.” + +“What were you going to do?” asked Ralph, looking keenly at Abner. “Why +were you pointing the pistol at him?” + +“I wanted to frighten him.” + +“You meant to have him think you were going to fire. I believe you +were.” + +“Why didn't he come down when I bade him?” + +“I'll answer that question,” said Herbert, from the top of the tree. +“Mr. Holden promised to beat me if I would come down, but I didn't think +that a sufficient inducement.” + +“I have a right to beat you,” said Abner, doggedly. “Ain't you bound to +me; tell me that?” + +“I was,” said Herbert, “and if you had treated me well, I would have +stayed with you; but I don't mean to remain to be abused.” + +“You hear the lad's answer,” said Ralph. “I like his spirit, and I'll +stand by him. He won't return with you.” + +While this conversation had been going on, Abner had been slowly edging +himself toward the spot upon which Ralph had thrown the pistol, which +he had wrenched from him. While Ralph was speaking, he suddenly darted +forward, seized the weapon, and, facing about, said, with malicious +triumph, “Now, you're in my power, both of you. We'll see whether he'll +go back with me or not.” + +As he spoke he pointed the pistol toward Ralph. + +The latter laughed contemptuously. + +This irritated Abner Holden. + +“I will count ten,” he said. “Unless the boy begins to come down before +I stop, I fire at you. One--two----” + +“Hold!” said Ralph, and, drawing his revolver from beneath his +hunting-jacket, he pointed it at Abner. “Two can play at that game, +Abner Holden. This revolver is fully loaded. It gives me six chances of +hitting you. You have but one chance with your pistol. The moment your +finger touches the trigger, your doom is sealed. I never miss my aim.” + +A sickly hue overspread the face of Abner Holden. He had counted on +Ralph's being unarmed. He saw that he had made an important and most +unlucky mistake. + +“Put down your revolver,” he said, in a very different tone. “I wasn't +in earnest, you know.” + +“I know nothing of the kind,” retorted Ralph. “You looked to me as if +you were very much in earnest.” + +Still with his revolver he covered Abner. + +“Put down your weapon,” said Abner, nervously. “It might go off.” + +“Yes, it might,” returned Ralph. “I will lower it, on one condition.” + +“What is that?” + +“That you lay down your pistol on the ground.” + +Abner demurred, but finally felt compelled to do as he was commanded. + +“That is well,” said Ralph, quietly. “Now, I will take care that you are +not tempted by it again.” + +He walked toward the pistol, lifted it, and, pointing it in the reverse +direction, fired it off among the trees. + +“So much for that,” he said. “Now, Herbert, you may come down.” + +Herbert complied promptly. He felt the utmost confidence in the prowess +and good faith of his new friend, and did not fear to descend, though +his bitterest enemy awaited him beneath. + +Meanwhile an idea struck Abner Holden. He saw that he was no match for +Herbert as long as Ralph chose to befriend him. He resolved to enlist +the latter on his side. + +“Hark you, Ralph,” he said, “come aside with me. I wish to speak to you +a moment.” + +Ralph followed him a few paces in silence. + +“Now what is it you have to say to me?” he demanded. + +“About this boy,” said Abner, insinuatingly. “He is bound to me.” + +“Well?” + +“And the law gives me authority over him.” + +“Well?” + +“I want him to go back with me.” + +“Well?” + +“Will you promise not to interfere between us?” + +“I can't promise that,” said Ralph, briefly. + +“Stay a moment,” said Abner, seeing that he was on the point of leaving +him; “of course, I am willing to make it worth your while. I'll give +you--well, three dollars, to help me secure him, and carry him back to +my house.” + +“What do you take me for?” asked Ralph, looking at the other, steadily. + +“For a poor man,” said Abner. “Think a moment. Three dollars will buy +you provisions for a week. They couldn't be more easily earned. In fact, +you needn't do anything. Only promise not to interfere between the boy +and myself.” + +Ralph turned upon him scornfully. + +“I have promised the boy my protection,” he said, “and you would have me +forfeit my word for a paltry three dollars?” + +“I'll give you five,” said Abner, supposing that the sum he had offered +was not sufficient. + +“Not for five dollars, nor five thousand,” returned Ralph, shortly. “I +thought you meant to insult me, but I see you only judge me by yourself. +The boy shall not return with you. Make up your mind to that.” + +“I can have you arrested,” said Abner, angrily. + +Ralph laughed. + +“Let that comfort you for the loss of the boy,” he said. + +“I'll have the boy, too,” muttered Abner, turning to leave them. + +“Where are you going?” demanded Ralph. + +“I am going home.” + +“Not yet.” + +“Why not?” demanded Abner, facing about. + +“Because I can't spare you yet.” + +“What right have you to interfere with my movements?” said Abner. + +“None, perhaps; but I will inquire into that afterward. It is enough +that, for the present, you must stay here.” + +“I shall do no such thing,” said Abner, and he again turned to go. + +Ralph deliberately lifted his weapon, and took aim. + +“What do you say now?” he asked. + +“Surely, you will not fire at me,” said Abner, turning pale. + +“Not if you remain where you are.” + +“How long do you mean to keep me?” demanded Abner, sullenly. + +“As long as may be necessary. That is all. Herbert, go into the cabin +and look in one corner for a cord.” + +Herbert soon returned with a stout cord, tough and strong. + +“What are you going to do with that?” asked Abner suspiciously. + +“I'm going to bind you,” said Ralph, coolly. + +“I'll have the law on you for this,” said Abner, hoarsely. + +“All in good time,” said Ralph. “But I advise you to consider whether +the law has nothing to say against attempted murder.” + +“What do you mean by that?” + +“I mean that you attempted to murder this boy, and would have done so, +in all probability, if I had not interfered. When I am arrested, I shall +feel it my duty to make this known to the authorities.” + +Abner was silent. He felt that Ralph's testimony would have an ugly +look. + +“Let me go,” he said, after a pause. “You needn't be afraid of my +troubling either of you. Don't tie me.” + +“Abner Holden,” said Ralph, “I know you, and I know you are not to be +trusted. I have resolved to help this boy to escape from you, and I mean +to do it effectually. For this purpose, I must subject you to temporary +inconvenience. I advise you not to resist.” + +He had already tied the hands of Abner Holden, who, as he looked into +the fearless, resolute face of the Ranger, felt that it would not do to +resist. It chafed him most to think that Herbert, his bound boy, should +be a witness of his humiliation, and he scowled savagely at our hero. +But Herbert showed no triumph. His was a brave and generous nature, and +had it rested with him, he would have let Mr. Holden go, but he did not +think it best to interfere. + +Ralph quickly tied both hands and feet, and then took the helpless body +of Abner into the cabin, where he placed him in one corner. + +“Are you thirsty?” he asked. + +“Yes,” said Abner, sullenly. + +Ralph placed a cup of water to his lips. He also placed a loaf of bread +beside him, which, though his hands were tied at the wrist, he would +still be able to reach, and then beckoned to Herbert. + +“Come,” he said, “it is time that we were going.” + +Abner gnashed his teeth with anger, as he watched them issue from the +cabin together, and felt how utterly helpless he was to prevent them. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +A FOUR-FOOTED FOE + + +Abner Holden's reflections, when he found himself left alone in Ralph's +cabin, bound hand and foot, were not of the most agreeable nature. It +was humiliating to find himself baffled at every point, and, for once, +completely defeated in his attempt to exercise his authority over the +boy who had been bound to him. + +That Herbert should escape from him beyond the chance of recovery seemed +now almost certain. If he were free, something might be done. But he was +so securely bound that it was impossible to get free without help, and +the lonely situation of the cabin made it very doubtful whether anyone +would come within hearing until the return of Ralph himself. When that +would be was uncertain. + +Three hours passed, and still no prospect of release. The bonds chafed +his wrists, and his situation was far from comfortable. He tried to +loosen the cords, but without success. + +“Must I stay here all night?” he thought, in alarm. + +But deliverance was at hand, though its first approach was disagreeable. + +A large dog entered the cabin through the open door, drawn thither, +probably, by curiosity. When he saw Abner he appeared to take a dislike +to him, and barked vehemently. + +“Go away, you brute!” said Abner, wrathfully. + +The dog, however, appeared instinctively to understand that Abner Holden +was able only to threaten him, and barked more furiously than before; +sometimes approaching within a foot of the helpless prisoner, and +showing a formidable row of teeth, which Abner feared every moment might +fasten upon his arm or leg. + +Abner Holden was not a man of courage. Though his disposition was that +of a bully, he was easily frightened, and the fierce look of the dog +alarmed him not a little. In fact, it might have tested the courage of a +much braver man than Mr. Holden. + +“Go away!” he shrieked, shrinking back as far as he could from the open +mouth of his persecutor. + +A hoarse bark was the only reply, and the dog made an artful spring, +which was only a feint, but had too much the appearance of earnest to +suit his enemy. + +“Oh, will nobody save me from the brute?” groaned Abner, in an +ecstasy of terror. “If I could only get my hands loose!” and he tugged +frantically at the cord. + +Feeling how utterly he was at a disadvantage, he condescended to coax +his fierce antagonist. + +“Be quiet, that's a good dog,” he said, with hypocritical softness. + +The dog noticed a change in his tone, and evidently viewed it with +some suspicion. Still his bark became less fierce and his looks less +threatening. + +“Good dog!” repeated Abner, in wheedling tones. “There's some dinner.” + +And he pushed over the provisions which Ralph had left. + +While the dog was apparently taking his offer into consideration, a +boy's voice was heard outside, calling “Carlo, Carlo!” + +The dog pricked up his ears and ran out of the cabin. + +“So you are here, you truant,” said the boy. “Why did you run away? What +have you to say for yourself, sir?” + +The dog answered by a wag of his tail. + +“Oh, yes, you may wag your tail, but I've a great mind to punish you for +running away, and putting me to the trouble of finding you.” + +“Hello!” cried Abner, in a loud voice. + +“Who's that?” thought the boy, surprised. + +As the voice evidently came from within the cabin, he ventured to the +door, and looked in. He was considerably surprised to see Abner Holden, +whom he knew well by sight, lying bound hand and foot in the corner. + +“Is that you, Mr. Holden?” he asked, in a tone of surprise. + +“Of course it is,” said Abner, who was not in a very pleasant frame of +mind. + +“Are you tied?” + +“Don't you see I am?” snarled Abner. + +“Who tied you?” + +“That rascal Ralph. I mean to have him hung, if I live.” + +“Ralph! Why, I thought he was quiet and peaceable.” + +“He tried to murder me, but changed his mind, and tied me, as you see.” + +“I can't understand it.” + +“There is no need of understanding it. Come and unfasten these cords. I +feel stiff and cramped.” + +The boy tried to unfasten the cord, but it was too securely tied. + +“Where is your knife?” + +“I haven't got any.” + +“Then take the axe.” + +There was an axe standing at the corner of the room. This the boy got, +and, with the keen edge, severed the string. + +Abner stretched himself to relieve his cramped limbs. Then he bethought +himself of his late persecutor. + +“Is that your dog?” he asked, surveying his four-legged enemy with no +friendly expression. + +“Yes, that's Carlo. Come here, Carlo.” + +“He's been in here barking at me, and threatening to bite me, and now +I'll have my revenge.” + +“What do you mean?” inquired the boy, in alarm, as Abner seized the axe +and swung it over his head. + +“Stand aside, boy!” + +“What are you going to do?” + +“I'm going to kill that brute.” + +“No, no, he's a good dog. He won't do any harm,” said the boy, in alarm. + +“I'll kill him,” said Abner, fiercely. + +The dog surveyed his enemy with suspicion. He seemed to understand that +danger menaced him. He growled in a low, hoarse, ominous tone, which +showed that he was on his guard, and meant to do his part of the +fighting, if necessary. + +His owner had retreated to the door, and now tried to call him away. + +“Carlo, Carlo, come out here, sir.” + +But Carlo would not come. He had no intention of shrinking from the +danger that threatened him, but was bent on defending himself, as became +a brave and dauntless dog, whose courage was above suspicion. + +If Abner had not been so exasperated, he might have been terrified, but +anger re-enforced his courage, and, moreover, he had a great deal of +confidence that the axe which he held in his hand would make him more +than a match for the dog. + +“I'll kill him!” he exclaimed, and once more he swung the axe over his +head, and brought it down with a tremendous force in the direction of +the dog. + +Alas for poor Carlo, if the axe had struck him! But he was wary, and +knew something of warlike tactics, and with watchful eye carefully noted +Abner's movements. The boy uttered a cry of alarm at the peril of his +favorite, but Carlo sprang to one side just as the axe descended, and it +was buried in the earthen floor of the cabin so deeply that Abner could +not immediately recover it. + +The advantage was thus transferred to the other side, and the dog was +not slow in perceiving it. + +With a bound he sprang upon his adversary, and bore him to the floor, +seizing his coat between his strong teeth. He pulled and tugged at this +with a strength which no ordinary cloth could possibly withstand. + +“Take him off! take him off!” shrieked Abner in terror. + +The boy sprang to the rescue. + +“Come away, Carlo,” he said, grasping him by the collar; “come away, +that's a good dog.” + +But, habitually obedient as Carlo was, his young master found it +difficult to get him away. He felt that he had received a grievous +injury--that his life had been attempted--and he wanted to have +satisfaction. Finally his master succeeded in drawing him away, but not +till Mr. Holden's coat was badly torn. + +The latter was crestfallen and angry, and not so grateful as he ought to +have been to his young defender. + +“I'll make your father pay for this coat, you young rascal!” he said. + +“It isn't my fault, Mr. Holden,” said the boy. + +“Yes, it is. It was your dog that tore my coat.” + +“Carlo wouldn't have torn it, if you hadn't attacked him.” + +“He attacked me first.” + +“You had better go away, Mr. Holden, or he may go at you again.” + +A low growl from the dog whom he held by the collar re-enforced this +suggestion, and Abner, uttering threats both against the dog and his +master, strode out of the cabin and bent his steps homeward. + +As he entered the kitchen, the housekeeper turned, and, noticing his +torn coat, exclaimed, “Good gracious, Mr. Holden, what's happened to +you? How came your coat so badly torn?” + +“It was a dog,” muttered Abner, who did not care to be questioned. + +Mrs. Bickford supposed he must have taken off the coat, and the dog had +torn it as it lay upon the ground. + +“What a pity!” she exclaimed. “Whose dog was it?” + +“Alfred Martin's. I'll make Martin pay for the coat. He has no right to +keep such a brute.” + +“You must be hungry, Mr. Holden.” + +“Yes, get me something as quick as possible.” + +“Have you seen anything of Herbert?” asked the housekeeper. + +“No,” snapped Abner. + +This was a falsehood, of course, but he felt rather ashamed to confess +that he had seen Herbert, and that the latter had got the better of him. +Mrs. Bickford perceived that he was out of humor, and did not press the +question. She concluded that he was angry because his quest had been +unsuccessful. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +JUST TOO LATE + + +Leaving Abner Holden bound in his cabin, Ralph led Herbert, by a short +path, out of the woods. + +“Your best course,” he said, “will be to take the cars for Columbus at +Vernon. At Columbus you will go to Wheeling, and from there, over the +Baltimore & Ohio Railroad to Baltimore, and thence to New York. But all +this will cost money.” + +“I have money,” said Herbert. + +“How much?” + +“About fifteen dollars.” + +“Is that all?” + +“Is it not enough to carry me to New York?” + +“Hardly. Besides, when you get there, how will you get along? Have you +any relations in the city?” + +“Yes, an uncle.” + +“Then you will go to him?” + +“No,” said Herbert, hastily. + +“Why not?” + +“He does not care to see me. Shall I tell you what sort of a letter he +wrote to Dr. Kent about me?” + +“Yes, tell me.” + +Herbert, in indignant language, which correctly represented his +feelings, gave the substance of the letter, which is already known to +us. + +“I shall not feel easy,” he said, “until I am able to return the +ten dollars which my uncle sent me. I am not willing to remain under +obligations to one who cares so little for me.” + +“I think you are proud,” said Ralph, bending his eyes upon the lad's +glowing countenance. + +“Perhaps I am,” said Herbert; “but is it not a proper pride?” + +“I cannot say no,” answered Ralph; “but would you feel the same about +incurring obligations to a friend?” + +“No,” said Herbert; “that would be different.” + +“I am glad to hear you say so, for I am going to ask you to accept help +from me.” + +To Herbert's surprise, Ralph drew out a small bag, originally intended +for shot, and drew therefrom five golden coins, of five dollars each. + +“Take them,” he said, simply. + +Herbert hesitated, while his face indicated extreme surprise. + +“I thought--” he commenced, and then paused. + +“You thought me poor,” said Ralph, finishing the sentence for him. “Is +it not so?” + +“Yes,” said Herbert. + +“Most people think so,” said Ralph. “But it was not poverty that drove +me from the busy world to this solitude. Rich or poor, I had money +enough for my wants. Here I have little use for money. To me it is a +useless and valueless thing. You need have no hesitation in taking this. +But on second thoughts, I had better give you more.” And he was about to +draw forth more. + +“No, no,” said Herbert, hastily. “It is quite sufficient. You are very, +very kind. Some time I hope to repay you.” + +“No,” said Ralph. “Do not talk of repayment. Let me have the pleasure of +giving you this small sum.” + +“How kind you are,” said Herbert, impulsively, “and to a stranger.” + +“Yet my obligation to you is greater than yours to me,” said Ralph. + +“How can that be?” asked the boy, raising his eyes to Ralph's grave +face. + +“You are the first human being in whose society I have taken pleasure +for years. Deeply injured by man, I conceived a hatred for the whole +race. But in your frank face I see much to like. I think I could trust +you.” + +“I hope so,” said Herbert. + +“You have inspired in me a new feeling, for which I cannot account. +Yesterday the world had no attractions for me. To-day I feel an interest +in your welfare, at least.” + +“Why do you bury yourself in this lonely place?” said Herbert. “You +cannot be happy in it. Come with me to New York. It must be a beautiful +place.” + +Ralph smiled gravely. + +“To the young the world seems bright,” he said. “It is after years have +swept away one illusion after another, after faith in one's fellowmen +has been sorely tried, and the hollowness of the world's friendship has +been proved, that the brightness fades.” + +“You have seen more of life than I,” said Herbert, “and perhaps it is +presumption in me to question what you say; but I cannot help feeling +that you are mistaken. I am sure that there is such a thing as true +friendship.” + +“How many true friends are you blessed with?” asked Ralph, a little +sarcasm in his tone. + +“Not many, perhaps, but some. There is good Dr. Kent and his family. I +am sure of their friendship. Then,” he added, his color slightly rising, +“I think I have found another friend,” and he looked in the face of his +guide. + +The grave face softened. + +“Thank you, my lad,” said Ralph. “You are right there, at least. You can +rely upon my friendship being sincere.” + +“Then I am right, am I not?” said Herbert, smiling brightly. + +“I believe you are,” said the guide, after a pause, “and I thank you for +teaching me a lesson.” + +“Man was made in the image of God,” said Herbert. “If we doubt man, I +think it is the same as doubting God.” + +Ralph did not reply, but walked on in thoughtful silence. + +“How far is it to Vernon?” asked Herbert, when they had emerged from the +woods. + +“It is five miles farther. Can you walk so far?” + +“Oh, yes; I have good stout legs. But suppose Mr. Holden should escape. +He might pursue us.” + +Ralph smiled. + +“I think I shall find him in the same place when I return,” he said. + +“He will be very angry with you.” + +“Yes, I suppose so,” said Ralph, indifferently. + +“Are you not afraid he will have you arrested?” + +“No, I care little. If I am fined, I will pay the fine, and that will be +the end of it.” + +“But you might be imprisoned?” + +“If I see any danger of that, I shall be tempted to charge Abner Holden +with his attempt upon your life. Don't make yourself anxious about me, +my lad. I have little fear of what the law may do as far as my agency in +this affair is concerned.” + +Ralph seemed so entirely unconcerned that something of his confidence +was imparted to Herbert. Noting the erect mien and fearless glance of +his guide, every movement betokening strength, he could not help feeling +that Abner Holden would be rash to make such a man his enemy. He felt +safe in his protection, and his apprehensions of capture passed away. +So with lightened heart he walked the five dusty miles to the village of +Vernon, accompanied by Ralph. + +It was a thrifty village, with neat and tasteful dwellings lining the +principal street. The railroad and manufactories had built it up rapidly +and given it an air of prosperity which was pleasant to see. + +“We will go at once to the railway station,” said Ralph. “You may catch +the next train, and it will be as well to leave this neighborhood as +soon as possible.” + +They were fortunate enough to reach the station fifteen minutes before +the eastern train departed. + +Herbert bought a ticket for Columbus, fifty miles distant, and entered +the train. + +“Good-by, Herbert,” said Ralph, from the platform. + +“Good-by,” said Herbert. “Thank you for all your kindness to me. Shall I +not see you again?” + +“I do not know,” said Ralph, musing. “I have no wish nor intention of +going to New York at present, yet I have a feeling that we shall meet +again.” + +“I hope it may be so,” said Herbert. “I shall be glad to see you again.” + +While he spoke the shrill sound of the railway whistle was heard, the +train started, and Herbert was fairly off on his journey. + +Just as he was leaving the depot, a wagon drove hastily up to the +station, and Abner Holden jumped out. Herbert saw him as he looked from +the window, and for a moment he was apprehensive, but the train was +fairly on the way. + +“Stop! stop!” vociferated Abner. “Stop, I say!” for he had also caught +sight of his bound boy on the way to freedom. + +“You don't think they will stop the train for you, you fool!” said a man +standing by. “You ought to have come sooner if you wanted to go by this +train.” + +“I don't want to go by it,” said Abner. + +“What do you want, then?” + +“My boy's run away, and I have just seen him aboard the train.” + +“Oh, that's it, is it? Your son?” + +“No, I hope not. It's a young rascal that's bound to me.” + +“If he's a young rascal, I shouldn't think you'd want him back.” + +Turning away, for he saw that he had failed, his glance rested on Ralph. + +Instantly his anger rose. + +“It's your doings,” said he, shaking his fist in impotent wrath at the +sturdy hunter, whom he would have attacked had he dared. “It's your +fault, and you shall pay for it if there's law in the land.” + +“What will the law say to your attempt to shoot the boy?” demanded +Ralph, coolly. + +Abner turned pale, and realized that his best course was to keep quiet +about an affair which might seriously compromise himself. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +NEW ACQUAINTANCES + + +Herbert stopped overnight at Columbus. + +The first train eastward left Columbus at seven o'clock in the morning. +It was Herbert's intention to take this train, but unfortunately, as he +thought at the time, the clock at the hotel by which his movements were +guided was ten minutes too slow. The consequence was, that before he had +quite reached the depot he saw the cars going out at the other end. He +ran as fast as possible, hoping still to make up for lost time, but it +was in vain. + +“You're too late, youngster,” said a porter, who had been assisting to +stow away baggage. “You'll have to wait till the next train.” + +“When does the next train start?” asked our hero. + +“Twelve o'clock.” + +“Then I shall have to wait till that time,” Herbert concluded, with +regret. + +Yet, as he directly afterwards thought, it could make no particular +difference, since he had no stated engagement to meet, and this +consideration enabled him to bear the inevitable delay with a better +grace. + +“I suppose,” he reflected, “I might as well go back to the hotel.” + +He turned to leave the building when a carriage drove hastily up to the +station. It was drawn by two horses, and driven by a negro in livery. A +lady put her head out of the window and inquired anxiously if the train +had started. She addressed this question to Herbert, who happened to be +nearest. + +“Yes, madam,” he answered, respectfully. + +“I am so sorry,” said the lady, in a tone of vexation and perplexity. +“It was very important that my father should take that train.” + +“There is another train that starts at twelve,” said Herbert. “It will +make a difference of a few hours only.” + +“Yes,” said the lady, “but you do not understand my difficulty. The few +hours' difference in time would be of small importance, but my father is +blind, and is, of course, for that reason, dependent upon the kindness +of others. A gentleman of our acquaintance was going by this train, who +would have taken charge of him and seen him safe to his destination. By +losing the train we lose his services.” + +“My dear,” said an elderly gentleman, sitting on the opposite seat, “if +I can get somebody to see me on board, I think I can manage very well.” + +“On no account, father,” was the hasty reply, “particularly under +present circumstances.” + +“Where is the gentleman going?” asked Herbert, with interest. + +“To Philadelphia.” + +“I am going on to New York,” said our hero. “I have been disappointed +like you. I expected to take the early train.” + +“Do you intend to go by the next train, then?” asked the lady. + +“Yes, madam.” + +“Then, perhaps--I have a great mind to ask you to take charge of my +father.” + +“I shall be very glad to be of service to you,” said Herbert. “There is +only one objection,” he added, with some embarrassment. + +“What is that?” + +“Why,” said Herbert, frankly, “I am obliged to be economical, and I was +thinking of buying a second-class ticket.” + +“Oh,” said the lady, promptly, “there need be no difficulty about that. +If you will take the trouble to look after my father, we will gladly pay +for your ticket.” + +“I am afraid my services will not be worth so much,” said Herbert, +modestly. + +“You must leave us to estimate them. If you do what you have undertaken, +we shall consider the expense well incurred.” + +Herbert made no further objection. He felt, indeed, that it would be +quite a lift to him, in the present state of his finances, and besides +would be a very easy way of earning the money. He therefore signified +his thanks and his acceptance of the offer. + +“When did you say the train starts?” asked the lady. + +“At twelve.” + +“Nearly five hours. That will be too long to wait. I think, father, we +will go home.” + +“Yes, my dear, I think that will be best.” + +“Are you obliged to go home before starting?” the lady inquired, +addressing Herbert. + +“No, madam, I have no home in Columbus. I passed last night at a hotel.” + +“Have you any particular plan for spending the next few hours?” + +Herbert answered in the negative. + +“Then will you not ride home with us? You will then be ready to start +with my father.” + +“I shall be happy to do so.” + +“I think that will be much the best plan. Pompey, open the carriage door +for the young gentleman.” + +Our hero was about to say that he could just as well open the door +for himself, but he reflected that it was best to adapt himself to the +customs of those he was with. He bowed, therefore, and waited till the +coachman had opened the door for him, and stepped into the carriage. The +lady signed to him to take a seat beside her, and the door was closed. + +“Home, Pompey,” said she, briefly. + +The coachman ascended to his seat, and the spirited grays were soon +whirling the party rapidly homeward. + +It was a new position for our hero, and he felt it to be so. His parents +had never been rich, and latterly had been very poor. Living in a small +country village, he had never even seen so elegant a carriage as that +in which he was now riding He sank back upon the luxuriously cushioned +seat, and he could not help thinking how pleasant it would be if he +could command so comfortable a conveyance whenever he wanted to ride +out. But another thought succeeded this. If he were blind, like the +gentleman whom he was to take charge of, it would be a very poor +compensation to ride in a luxurious carriage. After all, things were not +so unequal as they seemed at first sight. + +“Since you are to be my father's traveling companion,” said the lady, +“perhaps you will not object to telling us your name.” + +“Certainly,” said our hero, “my name is Herbert Mason.” + +“Are you going from home for the first time?” inquired the lady. + +“I have no home,” said Herbert. “My father and mother are both dead.” + +“Excuse me,” said the lady, gently. “I am sorry to have touched upon a +subject which must awaken sorrowful recollections. My father's name is +Carroll. Father, you have heard that your young escort is Mr. Herbert +Mason.” + +The old gentleman extended his hand, which Herbert took respectfully. + +“I am afraid you will find me a troublesome charge,” he said. “Since I +have become blind I have been compelled to tax the kindness of others.” + +“The journey will be pleasanter to me,” said Herbert, politely, “than if +I were alone.” + +Mr. Carroll was evidently pleased with this remark, for he turned toward +Herbert with increased interest. + +“You can imagine how much more so it will be to me,” he said. “I have +not your resources for beguiling the tedium of the way. I would give all +my possessions gladly, for your young eyes. All journeys are alike to me +now, since, however interesting the scenery, it is a blank to me.” + +“That is indeed a privation, sir.” + +“Especially in the journey we are about to take. The Baltimore & Ohio +Railroad, as it is called, runs through a romantic and charming country, +and affords views at once bold and beautiful. Have you ever traveled +over the road?” + +“No, sir.” + +“Then you will have all the pleasure of a first discovery. Before I +became blind, before, indeed, the railway was located, I became, as a +young man, familiar with this whole section of country, so that I +have, at least, the remembrance of it. I am obliged now to live upon my +memory.” + +“You say you have never been over this railroad,” said the lady. “Have +you ever been to the East?” + +“No, madam, I have always lived in the State of Ohio.” + +“And you are now going to Philadelphia?” she inquired. + +“I am going to New York,” said Herbert. + +“Indeed! Is it on a visit?” + +“No, madam, I am expecting to live there; that is, if I can make a +living.” + +“Are you dependent, then, upon your own exertions for support?” + +“Yes, madam.” + +“You seem very young for such a responsibility.” + +“I am fourteen.” + +“I thought you a year older. My Oscar is fourteen, and I am afraid +he would make a poor hand at supporting himself. What do you think, +father?” + +“I think you are right, my dear. Oscar has not been placed in +circumstances to develop his self-reliance.” + +“No; that probably has something to do with it. But, Herbert, if you +will permit me to call you so, do you not look forward to the future +with apprehension?” + +“No, madam,” said Herbert. “I am not afraid but that I shall be able +to get along somehow. I think I shall find friends, and I am willing to +work.” + +“That is the spirit that leads to success,” said the old gentleman, +approvingly. “Work comes to willing hands. I think you will succeed.” + +“I hope so, sir.” + +Our hero was gratified to meet with so much sympathy from those whose +wealth placed them far above him in the social scale. But it was not +surprising, for Herbert had a fine appearance and gentlemanly manners, +marked, too, by a natural politeness which enabled him to appear better +than most boys of his age. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +A YOUNG ARISTOCRAT + + +After a drive of three miles, which was accomplished in a short time by +the spirited horses, the carriage entered, through an ornamental gate, +upon a smooth driveway, which led up to a handsome mansion, of large +size, with a veranda stretching along the entire front. + +A boy, a little smaller than Herbert, ran out of the front door, and +opened the door of the carriage before Pompey had time to descend from +the box. + +“What, grandpa, come back?” he said, in surprise. + +“Yes, Oscar, we were too late for the train,” said his mother. “I +brought you back a companion for a few hours. This is Herbert Mason, +whom I intrust to your care, depending upon you to see that he passes +his time pleasantly.” + +Oscar looked at Herbert inquisitively. + +Herbert offered his hand, saying, “I am glad to make your acquaintance, +Oscar.” + +“How long are you going to stay?” asked Oscar, as his mother and +grandfather went into the house. + +“I must return in time to take the twelve o'clock train.” + +“Is grandpa going, too?” + +“Yes.” + +“And are you going to take care of him?” + +“I believe so.” + +“I wouldn't want to.' + +“Why not?” + +“Oh, it's an awful bore to be tied to a blind man.” + +“You'd find it more of a bore to be blind yourself,” said Herbert. + +“Yes, I suppose I should. Grandpa wants me to go to walk with him +sometimes, but I don't like it.” + +“If I had a grandfather who was blind, I think I should be willing.” + +“Wait till you have one, and you'll see how it is then.” + +“I suppose he needs somebody.” + +“Oh, well, he can take one of the servants, then. It's their business to +work.” + +“Where do you live?” he asked, after a pause. + +“I am going to live in New York.” + +“Are you? I should like to go there.” + +“Perhaps you wouldn't want to go as I am going.” + +“What, alone? Yes, I should rather go that way. Then I could do as I +pleased. Now it's 'Oscar, do this,' and 'You mustn't do that,' all the +time.” + +“That isn't what I mean exactly. I've got to earn my own living after I +get there, and I don't know anybody in the city.” + +“You haven't run away from home, have you?” + +“I haven't got any home.” + +“Where's your father and mother?” + +“They are both dead.” + +“What are you going to do?” + +“I hope to get into a store or counting-room and learn to be a +merchant.” + +“I shan't have to work for a living,” said Oscar, in a tone of +importance. + +“Because your family is rich, I suppose,” said Herbert. + +“Yes, we've got a large estate, ever so many acres. That's what mother's +got. Then grandpa is rich besides, and I expect he will leave me a good +deal of his money. He's pretty old, and I don't believe he'll live very +long.” + +Oscar said this with such evident satisfaction that Herbert was +disgusted, thinking it not very creditable to him to speculate so +complacently upon his grandfather's speedy death. + +“You seem to be well off, then,” said he, at last, to the boy. + +“Yes,” said Oscar, “our family is one of the first in the State. My +father is a Peyton.” + +“Is he?” asked Herbert, not appearing as much awestruck as Oscar +expected. + +“We've got a plantation in Virginia. We live there part of the year. My +father's there now. I hope we shall go there soon.” + +“Do you like it better than here?” + +“Yes, a good deal.” + +“This is a handsome place.” + +“Yes, this is mother's estate. The other belongs to father.” + +“Have you any brothers and sisters, Oscar?” + +“I've got one sister. She's about twelve. But, I say, I thought you were +a gentleman's son when I first saw you.” + +“So I am,” said Herbert, emphatically. + +“Was your father rich?” + +“No.” + +“Did he have to work for a living?” + +“Yes.” + +“Then he wasn't a gentleman,” said Oscar, decidedly. + +“Isn't anybody a gentleman that has to work for a living?” asked +Herbert, his indignation excited by his companion's assumption of +superiority. + +“Of course not,” said Oscar, coolly. “It isn't respectable to work. +Niggers and servants work.” + +“That is where I don't agree with you,” said Herbert, his face flushing. + +“You don't pretend to be a gentleman, do you?” demanded Oscar, +insolently. + +“Yes, I do,” said Herbert, firmly. + +“But you're not one, you know.” + +“I don't know anything of the kind,” said Herbert, angrily. “I suppose +you call yourself one.” + +“Of course, I am a gentleman,” said Oscar, complacently. + +“You don't talk like one, at any rate,” retorted Herbert. + +This was new language for Oscar to hear. He had been accustomed to have +his own way pretty much, and had been used to order round his father's +servants and slaves like a little despot. The idea of being told by a +boy who had to work for a living that he did not talk like a gentleman, +did not suit him at all. His black eyes flashed and he clenched his +fists. + +“Do you mean to insult me?” he demanded. + +“I never insult anybody,” said Herbert, not feeling particularly alarmed +by this hostile demonstration. “It is you that have insulted me.” + +“Didn't you tell me I was not a gentleman?” said Oscar, hotly. + +“I said you did not talk like one.” + +“That's about the same thing,” said Oscar. + +“Just as you like. Even if I did say so, you said the same of me.” + +“Well, suppose I did.” + +“I am as much a gentleman as you, to say the least,” asserted Herbert. + +“If you say that again, I'll knock you down,” said Oscar, furiously. + +“I'll say it all day, if I like,” said Herbert, defiantly. + +Perhaps it would have been better for Herbert to stop disputing, and to +have taken no notice of Oscar's words. But Herbert was not perfect. He +had plenty of spirit, and he was provoked by the airs Oscar chose to +assume, and by no means inclined to allow him to arrogate a superiority +over himself, merely on account of his wealth. Though manly and +generous, he was quick to resent an insult, and accordingly, when Oscar +dared to repeat what he had said, he instantly accepted the challenge as +recorded above. + +Had Oscar been prudent, he would have hesitated before endeavoring to +carry his threat into execution. A moment's glance at the two boys would +have satisfied anyone that the chances, in a personal contest, were +decidedly in our hero's favor. Herbert was not only a little taller than +Oscar, perhaps an inch and a half, but his shoulders were broader and +his frame more muscular. Oscar had never done any work to strengthen his +arms, while Herbert had been forced by circumstances to do so. + +Oscar flung himself upon Herbert, and endeavored to bear him to the +ground. But the latter, without an effort, repelled the charge, and +flung himself free from his antagonist's grasp. + +This naturally made Oscar more determined to overcome his foe. His +face red with passion, he showered blows upon Herbert, which the latter +parried with ease. At first he acted wholly upon the defensive, but, +finding that Oscar's impetuosity did not abate, suddenly closed with him +and threw him down. + +Oscar rose but little hurt, for Herbert used no unnecessary force, and +recommenced the assault. But the result was the same as before. Oscar +was almost beside himself with mingled rage and mortification, and it is +hard to tell how long the contest would have lasted, had not a servant +come up and informed the boys that Mrs. Peyton wished to see them +immediately. She had witnessed the whole scene from a window and felt +called upon to interfere. + +“How is this, young gentleman?” she asked, gravely. “You have scarcely +been together twenty minutes, and I find you fighting.” + +“I beg your pardon, Mrs. Peyton,” said Herbert, in a manly tone. “I feel +ashamed of myself, but Oscar attacked me for claiming to be a gentleman, +and I am afraid that my blood was up, and so we got into a fight.” + +“How is this, Oscar?” said his mother. “Did you so wholly lose your +politeness as to attack your guest for asserting his claims to be a +gentleman? I am annoyed with you.” + +“He says he has to work for a living,” said Oscar, sullenly. + +“So may you, some time.” + +“I am rich.” + +“You may not always be. At any rate, being rich doesn't insure +gentlemanly behavior, as your conduct to-day clearly shows. Herbert, I +hope you will excuse my son's rudeness.” + +“Here is my hand, Oscar,” said Herbert, cordially. “Let us be friends.” + +Oscar hardly knew how to receive this overture, but he was finally +thawed by Herbert's manner, and they were soon sauntering about on the +lawn on the best of terms. + +At half-past eleven, after an inviting lunch, the carriage was ordered, +and Herbert and Mr. Carroll were driven to the depot, accompanied by +Oscar, who went in his mother's place. + +Herbert purchased tickets for both, being intrusted with Mr. Carrol's +pocketbook for that purpose. He found a comfortable seat for the old +gentleman, and sat down beside him. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +A SUSPICIOUS CHARACTER + + +I pass over the route pursued by the travelers from Columbus to +Wheeling, in West Virginia, as it possesses no special interest. + +But after leaving Wheeling there is quite a change. Those of my readers +who are familiar with the Baltimore & Ohio Railway will be able to +understand the enjoyment which Herbert derived from the bold and +romantic scenery visible from the car windows. Mr. Carroll made him take +the seat nearest the window, that he might have a better view, and +from time to time Herbert described what he saw to his sightless +fellow-traveler. + +Northwestern Virginia is very mountainous and the construction of a +railway through such a region was a triumph of engineering skill. At +times the road makes bold curves, so that the traveler, looking from the +car window, can see opposite him, across an intervening gulf, the track +over which the train was passing five minutes before. At some places +the track is laid on a narrow shelf, midway of the mountain, a steep and +rugged ascent on one side, a deep ravine on the other, somewhat like +the old diligence road over the Alpine Mt. Cenis. Here and there appear +small hamlets, consisting of one-story cabins, with the chimney built +alongside, instead of rising from the roof in the usual manner. + +How long shall we be in reaching Baltimore, Mr. Carroll? “asked Herbert. + +“I believe it takes about twenty-six hours,” said the old gentleman. +“But I do not mean to go through without stopping.” + +“I didn't know what your plan was,” said Herbert. + +“I have been meaning to tell you. Our tickets will allow us to stop +anywhere, and resume our journey the next morning, or even stop two or +three days, if we like.” + +“That is convenient.” + +“Yes. If it had been otherwise, I should have purchased the ticket +piecemeal. I cannot endure to travel all night. It fatigues me too +much.” + +“Where shall we stop, then?” + +“I have not yet quite made up my mind. We will ride till about eight +o'clock, and then stop over at whatever place we chance to have +reached.” + +This arrangement struck Herbert favorably. He was in no particular +hurry, and the scenery was so fine, that he feared that he should lose +a great deal by traveling at night, when, of course, he could not see +anything. + +They sat for a while in silence. Then Mr. Carroll inquired, suddenly, +“Did you ever fire a pistol, Herbert?” + +“Yes, sir,” was the surprised reply. + +“Then you understand how to use one?” + +“Oh, yes, sir. There was a young man in Waverley, the town where I used +to live, who owned one, and I sometimes borrowed it to fire at a mark.” + +“Then I think I will intrust this weapon to your charge,” said the old +gentleman, drawing from his pocket a handsome pistol, and placing it in +Herbert's hand. + +“Is it loaded, sir?” + +“No, not at present. We will have it loaded before going to bed. I will +tell you,” he added, in a lower tone, “my reason for going armed. It so +happens that I have a large amount of money with me, and, of course, I +feel a little concerned about its safety.” + +“Perhaps it will be well not to say anything more about it at present, +sir,” suggested Herbert, in a low voice. “You may be heard by someone +who would like to take advantage of his discovery.” + +“No doubt you are right. I will follow your advice.” + +Herbert would not have thought to give this caution, but, just as Mr. +Carroll uttered the words, “I have a large sum of money with me,” a +man dressed in a rough frieze coat, with black whiskers, and a general +appearance, which, to say the least, did not prepossess Herbert in his +favor, chanced to walk through the car. Whether he caught the words +Herbert could not tell, but he paused a moment, and fixed an unpleasant +eye upon the two, as if determined to know them when he should meet them +again. There was another suspicious circumstance. It had evidently been +his intention to pass through the car, but he paused abruptly, and, +turning back, sank into an unoccupied seat a few feet back of that +occupied by Mr. Carroll and his young companion. + +His attention naturally drawn by this suspicious conduct, Herbert was +impelled to glance back once or twice. Each time he met the watchful +look of the man fixed upon them, instead of being directed at the +scenery outside, as was the case with the other passengers. When he +saw that the boy was watching him, he turned his head carelessly, and +commenced whistling. But this apparent indifference did not deceive +Herbert for a moment. + +“I will watch him,” thought our hero. “I do not like his looks. If he +means mischief, as I think very probable, it is necessary that I should +be on my guard against him.” + +At half-past seven o'clock Mr. Carroll signified his intention of +getting out at the next station. “I am beginning to feel tired,” he +said, “and shall feel the better for a good supper and a night's rest.” + +“Very well, sir,” said Herbert. + +It occurred to him that now they would get rid of the man who was +watching them so closely. + +“If he gets out of the train with us,” he thought, “I shall know what it +means.” + +The train slackened its speed, the sound of the whistle was heard, the +brakes were applied, and soon the conductor, putting his head in at the +door, called out “Oakland!” + +“Here we are,” said Herbert. “Give me your hand, Mr. Carroll, and I will +lead you out.” + +The old gentleman rose from his seat, and, guided by Herbert, walked to +the car door. At the door Herbert turned and looked back. + +The man with the black whiskers, who a moment before seemed absorbed in +a newspaper, had left his seat, and was but a few feet behind him. + +Herbert did not believe that this was an accident. He felt sure that it +meant mischief. But he did not on that account feel nervous, or regret +that he had assumed a charge which seemed likely to expose him to peril. +He had the pistol in his pocket, and that he knew would make him even +with the rascal who was following them. + +There was a covered carriage waiting outside to convey passengers to the +only hotel which the village afforded. + +“Shall we take the carriage, Mr. Carroll?” asked Herbert. + +“Yes,” was the reply. + +Herbert assisted him in, and placed himself in a seat opposite. + +There were two or three other passengers, but the man with the black +whiskers was not to be seen among them. + +“I may be mistaken,” thought Herbert, who had rather expected to see +him. “Perhaps he lives here, and I have been alarming myself without +reason. Still, it is always best to be on one's guard.” + +A ride of half a mile brought them to a small but comfortable-looking +inn. Herbert assisted Mr. Carroll to descend, and together they entered +the house of entertainment. + +“We shall want some supper. Herbert,” said Mr. Carroll. “You may order +some.” + +“What shall I order, sir?” + +“I should like some tea and toast and some beef-steak. If there is +anything that you would prefer, you may order that also.” + +“No, sir, I should not wish anything better than you have ordered.” + +“Tell them to get it ready as soon as possible. I feel weary with my +day's ride, and shall retire early.” + +“I feel tired, too.” thought Herbert, “but it won't do for me to sleep. +I must keep my eyes open, if possible.” + +Supper was soon served. The toast was well browned, and spread with +excellent butter. The steak was juicy and tender, contrary to the usual +custom of country inns, and the tea was fragrant and strong. Both the +travelers partook heartily, having eaten nothing since noon, with the +exception of a little fruit purchased from the car window at one of the +stations. Herbert was not usually in the habit of drinking tea at night, +but on this particular occasion he wanted to keep awake, and therefore +drank two cups, of undiminished strength. + +“Now, Herbert,” said Mr. Carroll, when they had finished supper, “you +may ask the clerk to assign me to a large room with a couple of beds in +it. I should prefer to have you in the same room with me.” + +“Very well, sir.” + +He rose from the table, and went to the public room, one portion of +which was occupied by the office. As he made his way to the desk, he +observed the man with black whiskers on a settee at one end of the room. +He was smoking a clay pipe. Herbert caught a stealthy glance directed +towards himself, but that was all. The man continued smoking, fixing +his eyes with apparent interest on a large yellow handbill pasted on the +opposite wall, announcing a performance by “The Great American Circus +Company” the succeeding evening. + +Herbert succeeded in obtaining such a room as he sought, and accompanied +by a servant bearing a lamp, went back to the dining-room to accompany +Mr. Carroll to it. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +FACING A BURGLAR + + +Herbert deliberated as to whether it would be best to inform his aged +traveling companion of the suspicious-looking man, who appeared to have +followed them for no good purpose. He finally decided not to do so, +since it would only alarm Mr. Carroll, and prevent his sleeping off his +fatigue, while there would be no advantage gained, since a blind and +feeble man could be of little use in repelling the burglar, should the +stranger prove to be such. + +The bedroom was large and square, and contained two beds. The larger +of these was placed in the corner, and this was assigned to the old +gentleman. The smaller was situated between the two side windows, and +was, of course, the more exposed of the two. This Herbert was to occupy. + +“Do you know how to load the pistol, Herbert?” asked Mr. Carroll. + +“Yes, sir,” said Herbert, confidently. + +“I don't anticipate any occasion for using it,” continued the old +gentleman. “Still, it will be best to be prepared.” + +“So I think, sir.” + +“You won't be afraid to use it, if it should be necessary?” + +“No, sir.” + +Mr. Carroll took a package from his carpet-bag and showed it to Herbert. + +“This package,” he said, “contains five thousand dollars in bank bills. +If it were known that I had it, I should be in danger. I suppose it will +be best to put it back in the carpet-bag.” + +“If it were mine,” said Herbert, “I would not do that.” + +“Where, then, would you put it?” + +“I would put it between the mattresses. If anyone should get into the +room, they would seize the carpet-bag first, and, perhaps, make off +before they could be stopped.” + +“I don't know but you are right,” said Mr. Carroll. “Perhaps it will be +well to put my watch in the same place.” + +“Yes, sir; I think it would be well.” + +“You see, Herbert,” continued the old gentleman, “how much confidence +I repose in you. Knowing where my watch and money are, it would be very +easy for you to secure both, and leave me here, destitute and helpless.” + +“But you don't think there is any danger of my doing so?” + +“No,” said the old gentleman. “Though our acquaintance is so recent, I +feel great confidence in you. As I cannot see the face, I have learned +to judge of the character by the tone of the voice, and I am very much +mistaken if you are not thoroughly honest and trustworthy.” + +“Thank you, sir,” said Herbert, his face flushed with pleasure at this +evidently sincere commendation. “You shall not repent your confidence.” + +“I am sure of that, Herbert,” said Mr. Carroll, kindly. “But I must bid +you good-night. This has been a fatiguing day, and I shall lose no time +in getting to sleep.” + +“Good-night. I hope you will sleep well, sir,” said Herbert. “There +won't be much sleep for me,” he thought. + +Mr. Carroll lay down, and his deep, tranquil breathing soon assured our +hero that he was asleep. He rose from his bed and examined the windows. +All but one were provided with fastenings. But the one on the right-hand +side of his bed could be raised from the outside without difficulty. + +“I wish I had a nail,” thought Herbert. “I could soon make it fast.” + +But there was none in the room, and he did not wish to go downstairs +for one, since he would probably meet the stranger, who would then learn +what precautions he was taking, and so, perhaps, vary his attack. + +“That window will need watching,” thought Herbert. “I wonder whether I +shall be able to keep awake.” + +The excitement of his situation, and, perhaps, the strong tea, to which +he was unaccustomed, helped him to remain vigilant. His mind was active +and on the alert, and his ears were open to catch the least sound. + +It was only half-past ten. Probably the attempt to enter the room would +not be made before twelve, at least, in order to insure their being +asleep. + +Herbert examined his pistol. It was in excellent order, and was provided +with two barrels, both of which he loaded. Thus, he would have a double +chance to defend himself. He did not remove all his clothing, but kept +on his pants, in order to be prepared for emergencies. + +There was an hour and a half to wait before midnight. The minutes passed +slowly. Herbert for a time heard the murmur of voices in the barroom +below, then steps ascended the stairs, and, after a while, all was +hushed. + +“I wish the fellow would come quick,” he thought, “if he is coming at +all, so that it might be all over, and I might go to sleep.” + +Time sped on. Herbert could hear the village clock striking twelve; but +still all around remained quiet. + +It might have been a half an hour later when he heard a slight noise, as +he thought, under the window. Jumping softly out of bed, he took a peep +out. It was just light enough for him to distinguish a dark form moving +about, bearing something, which he soon perceived to be a ladder. That +it was the black-whiskered man who had followed them, he did not doubt, +and he felt confident that he intended to place the ladder against +the window. He was not mistaken. He heard the top of the ladder softly +inclined against the house, and then he felt that the critical moment, +which was to test his courage, was close at hand. + +Herbert's heart began to beat rapidly. He felt that he was taking upon +himself a fearful responsibility in shooting this man, as he would +probably be obliged to do in self-defense. But one thing he resolved +upon. He would not take his life. He would only use such a degree of +violence as should be absolutely necessary. He would even give him a +chance by firing the first barrel in the air, in hope of frightening +the robber. If that failed, he must wound him. There was little time for +these thoughts to pass through his mind, for all the while the man was +creeping up the ladder. + +Herbert had moved a little aside, that he might not be seen. + +Soon he perceived, by the indistinct light, the face of the stranger +rising above the window-sill. Next, the window was slowly raised, and he +began to make preparations to enter the room. Then Herbert felt that it +was time for him to appear. + +Stepping intrepidly to the window, he said: “I know your purpose. Unless +you go down instantly, I will shoot you.” + +There was no tremor in his voice as he said this. Courage came with the +occasion, and his tone was resolute, and self-possessed. + +“So you're awake, are you, my chicken?” was the reply. “If you know +what's best for yourself, you'll hand over the old man's money, and save +me the trouble of getting in.” + +“Never!” said Herbert, firmly. + +“Then I will take it myself, and give you something to remember me by, +you little fool!” + +He placed his knee on the window-sill, and prepared to jump in. + +“One step farther,” said Herbert, resolutely, “and I fire!” + +He displayed the pistol, at the sight of which the burglar hesitated. + +“Hold on a bit,” said he, pausing. “I'll give you some of the plunder, +if you'll put up that shooting iron, and make no trouble.” + +“Do you think me a villain, like yourself?” asked Herbert. + +“By ----, you shall repent this,” said the robber, with an oath, and he +made another attempt to enter. + +Click! + +There was a sharp report, but Herbert had fired in the air, and the +burglar was unhurt. + +“Confusion!” he exclaimed; “that will raise the house!” + +Then, espying the carpet-bag, he determined to jump in, seize it, and +get away before the people in the house were fairly awake. As for the +pistol, that had been discharged, and he supposed that nothing was to +be feared from it. But he reckoned without his host. As he put one leg +over, and had all but succeeded in getting in, Herbert fired once more, +this time hitting him in the shoulder. He uttered a shriek of pain, and, +losing his hold, tumbled backward to the ground. + +The two reports alarmed the house. + +“What's the matter?” exclaimed Mr. Carroll, awakened and alarmed. + +“Don't be alarmed, sir,” said Herbert. “A man just attempted to get in +through the window, and I have wounded him.” + +“You are a brave boy,” said Mr. Carroll. “Where is he now?” + +“He has tumbled to the ground, shot through the shoulder, I think.” + +There was a loud thumping at the door. Herbert opened it, and admitted +half a dozen guests, headed by the landlord. + +“What's the matter?” exclaimed all, in chorus. + +“If you will come to the window, gentlemen, I will show you,” said +Herbert. + +They followed him curiously, and the sight of the ladder and the wounded +man, who was uttering groans of pain from the ground below, told the +story at once. + +“Served the rascal right,” said the landlord. “Who is he?” + +“The black-whiskered man who was in the barroom last night,” said +Herbert. + +“I remember now; he asked particularly where you were to sleep--you and +the old gentleman--but I did not suspect his purpose.” + +“I did,” said Herbert, “and kept awake to be ready for him.” + +“You are a brave lad.” + +“I only did my duty,” said Herbert, modestly. + +“Help! help!” groaned the wretch below. + +Herbert heard the cry of pain, and his heart was filled with pity. +The man was, indeed, a villain. He had only been served right, as the +landlord said. Still, he was a fellow-creature, and he was in pain. +Herbert could not regret that he had shot him; but he did regret the +necessity, and he felt sympathy for him in his suffering. + +“Poor fellow!” he said, compassionately; “I am afraid he is a good deal +hurt.” + +“Poor fellow!” echoed the landlord. “It serves him right.” + +“Still, he is in pain, and he ought to be cared for.” + +“He has no claim upon us. He may be there till morning.” + +“No,” said Mr. Carroll. “Herbert is right. He is guilty, but he is in +pain, and it is the part of humanity to succor him. Landlord, if you +will have him brought in, and send for the doctor, you may look to me +for your pay.” + +“Yet, he was going to rob you, sir,” said the landlord, considerably +surprised. + +“Yes, that is true; but you don't know how strongly he was tempted.” + +“He looks like a hard ticket. I didn't like to give him a bed, but we +can't well refuse travelers, if they have money to pay their reckoning. +I made him pay in advance.” + +“Pray, lose no time,” said Herbert, as another groan was heard; “I will +go out and help you bring him in.” + +A lantern was lit, and the whole company followed the landlord out. + +“Well,” said he, throwing the light of the candle full on the sufferer's +face, “you've got yourself into a fine pickle, haven't you?” + +“Oh,” groaned the burglar, “if it hadn't been for that accursed boy!” + +“You'd have got off with the old gentleman's money. Well, it was rather +unkind to interfere.” + +“Are you in much pain?” asked Herbert, bending over him. + +There was something in his voice that betrayed the compassion he really +felt. + +The burglar looked up. + +“You're the boy that wounded me, ain't you?” he asked. + +“Yes,” said Herbert. + +“Curse you! I don't know but you've killed me. I'm shot through the +shoulder. Then, that cursed fall! I feel as if I had broken my back.” + +“I did not want to shoot you,” said Herbert. + +“What did you do it for, then?” + +“Because you forced me to it. You were after Mr. Carroll's money.” + +“Didn't I offer to divide with you?” + +“Yes, but, of course, I would not agree to that.” + +“Are you so much better than common folks?” sneered the burglar. + +“I don't know about that. I would not steal.” + +“Take him up,” said the landlord to the hotel servants. “He don't +deserve it, but I've promised the old gentleman we'd see to him. Tom +White, you may go for the doctor.” + +Two men approached and attempted to lift the wounded burglar. But, +in the first attempt, they touched the injured shoulder. He uttered a +shriek of pain, and exclaimed, “You'll murder me!” + +“Let me lift him,” said Herbert. “Perhaps you were too rough.” + +At length, but not without much groaning on the part of the burglar, he +was got into the house, and laid on a bed in a small room on the first +floor. + +“Do you feel better?” asked Herbert. + +“A little.” + +“Do you think you have broken any bones in falling?” + +“I thought so at first, but perhaps I am only bruised.” + +“When the doctor comes, he will extract the bullet, and relieve you of a +good deal of your pain.” + +“You are a strange boy,” said the burglar, with a look of surprise. + +“Why am I?” + +“You shot me, and yet you pretend to be sorry for me now.” + +“So I am.” + +“Then, why did you shoot me?” + +“I have already told you. Because I was obliged to. I would not have +done it, if there had been any other way. I shot the first barrel in the +air.” + +“By accident?” + +“No; I thought it would alarm you, and I might save the money without +injuring you.” + +“Do you really mean that?” + +“Yes.” + +“And you don't have any ill-will against me now?” + +“No.” + +“That is strange.” + +“I don't know why it should be.” + +“I suppose I ought to hate you, because you have brought me to this +pass,” said the burglar, thoughtfully, “but I don't. That is strange, +too.” + +“I am so glad you feel so,” said Herbert. “I am very sorry for your +pain, and I will do what I can to relieve it.” + +“I have no money to pay the landlord and the doctor.” + +“Mr. Carroll says he will pay all needed expenses.” + +“The man I wanted to rob?” + +“Yes.” + +“Then hang me, if I ain't ashamed of trying to rob him,” said the +burglar, earnestly. + +“Have you ever robbed anyone before?” + +“No, I haven't. I'm a rough customer, and have done plenty of mean +things, but this is the first job of the kind I ever attempted. I +wouldn't have done it, only I heard the old man say in the cars, that he +had a lot of money with him. I was hard up, and on my way to Cedarville, +to try to get work, but when I heard what he said, the devil tempted me, +I believe, and I determined to keep you both in sight, and get out where +you did. I've tried and failed, and that's the end of it. It's my first +attempt at burglary.” + +“I hope it will be the last.” + +“You may bet your life on that!” + +“Then,” said Herbert, quietly, “I will intercede with Mr. Carroll for +you, and ask him not to have you arrested.” + +“Will you do that?” asked the wounded man, eagerly. + +“I promise it.” + +“If you will, boy, I will bless you, and if God would listen to such a +scamp as I am, I'd pray for you.” + +“He will listen to you,” said Herbert. “Try to lead a better life, and +He will help you.” + +“I wish I'd met with such as you before,” said the burglar. “I'd have +been a better man than I am.” + +Here the doctor entered, and Herbert gave place to him. The wound was +discovered not to be serious, and, the bullet being extracted, the +sufferer found relief. Herbert returned to bed, and this time, having no +anxious thoughts to weigh upon his mind, he soon sank into a refreshing +sleep, in which the fatigues and excitements of the day were completely +forgotten. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +HERBERT'S REWARD + + +“I owe the safety of my money to you, my brave boy,” said Mr. Carroll, +the next morning, as, after rising, he replaced the package of bank +notes in his carpet-bag. + +“I only did my duty,” said Herbert, but his face flushed with pleasure +at the commendations bestowed upon him. + +“But in doing your duty, you displayed a courage and fidelity rare in +one of your age.” + +“I am glad you approve of my conduct,” said Herbert. + +“If you continue to deserve as well of those who employ you, I am sure +you will achieve success.” + +“I hope so, sir,” said our hero. “I shall try to do my duty in whatever +situation in life I may be placed.” + +“What are your plans when you reach New York?” + +“I shall try to find a place in a store, or counting-room.” + +“Have you friends in the city on whose influence you can rely to help +you to such a situation as you desire?” + +“No, sir; I have only myself to look to.” + +“Only yourself! It is a bold undertaking.” + +“Don't you think I shall succeed?” asked Herbert, a little anxiously. + +“I do not doubt that you will succeed, after finding a place, but that +is the difficulty.” + +“I supposed there must be plenty to do in a great city like New York.” + +“There is truth in what you say, but, nevertheless, many are led astray +by it. There is, indeed, a great deal to do, but there are a great many +ready to do it, and generally--I may say, always--the laborers exceed +the work to be done.” + +“Perhaps,” said Herbert, “many fail to get work, because they are +particular what they do. If I can find nothing better to do, I will +black boots.” + +“With such a spirit, I think you will succeed. But, perhaps, I can +smooth away some of the difficulties in your path. I know a firm in New +York--connections of our family--to whom I will give you a letter of +introduction. If they have no room for you in their house, they may +influence someone else to take you.” + +“I shall feel very much obliged to you for such a letter. It will do me +a great deal of good,” said Herbert, gratefully. + +“I will gladly write it, but now let us go down to breakfast.” + +After breakfast was over, they looked in upon the wounded man. + +“How do you feel this morning?” asked Herbert, going up to the bedside. + +“Rather stiff, but I am not in such pain as I was.” + +“I am glad to hear it.” + +“That is the gentleman I was going to rob?” said the burglar, looking in +the direction of Mr. Carroll. + +“Yes.” + +“Is he--did you say anything to him about not prosecuting me?” he asked, +nervously. + +“Be under no apprehension,” said Mr. Carroll, mildly. “I do not care to +punish you more than you have already been punished. I prefer that you +should lead a better life.” + +“I will try to do so, sir; but I was poor, and that made the temptation +stronger.” + +“I can easily believe it. Are you wholly without means?” + +“Nearly so.” + +“Here, then, is a purse containing a hundred dollars. It will probably +pay your expenses during your illness.” + +The wounded man looked up in surprise. + +“There ain't many that would pay a man for trying to rob them,” he said. + +“I do not pay you for that,” said Mr. Carroll, “but because I do not +wish you to be subjected to a similar temptation again.” + +The wounded man, who, under different treatment would have been defiant +and profane, seemed quite subdued by such unexpected kindness. + +“Well, sir,” he said, “all I can say is, that I am very much obliged to +you, and I hope you will be rewarded for your kindness.” + +“It is easier to lead men than to drive them,” said Mr. Carroll, as +they left the chamber. “This man is rough, and not troubled much with a +conscience, but harshness would make him still worse.” + +“Yes, sir,” said Herbert; “I think you are right.” + +After breakfast they resumed their journey. In due time they reached +Baltimore, and remained over night at a hotel. In the course of the +succeeding day they arrived at Philadelphia, which was the termination +of Mr. Carroll's journey. As the country through which they passed was +unknown to Herbert, the journey was full of interest, but there was no +adventure worth recording. + +The time came when the two travelers were compelled to part. + +“If I were going to a hotel, Herbert,” said Mr. Carroll, “I would invite +you to remain with me a day or two; but I shall proceed at once to the +house of a friend, and I shall not feel at liberty to invite you.” + +“Thank you, sir,” said Herbert. “I think it will be best for me to go on +to New York at once. I have got my living to make, and I am anxious to +get to work as soon as possible.” + +“It is a praiseworthy feeling,” said the old gentleman. “Life lies +before you. I have left nearly the whole of it behind me. I am drawing +near the end of my journey. You are just at the beginning. I shall hope +to meet you again, but, if not, be assured that I shall always remember, +with pleasure, my young traveling companion.” + +“Thank you, sir,” said Herbert. + +“I shall not soon forget the essential service which you have rendered +me,” continued the old gentleman. + +“Don't think of it, sir,” said Herbert, modestly, “Anyone would have +done the same thing in my place.” + +“I am by no means sure of that. At any rate, the obligation remains. You +must allow me to acknowledge it in some measure.” + +Mr. Carroll drew out his pocketbook and handed it to Herbert. + +“Will you oblige me,” he said, “by counting the bills in this +pocketbook?” + +Herbert did so. + +“There are sixty-five dollars,” he said, passing it back. + +“Will you take out fifty dollars?” + +“Yes, sir--I have done it.” + +“That's the sum you will oblige me by keeping,” said Mr. Carroll. “I +hope it may be of service to you.” + +“You give me so much money?” said Herbert, in surprise. + +“It is but a very small sum, compared with that which you have saved +me.” + +“I don't think I ought to take so much,” said Herbert, hesitating. + +“You need not hesitate, my young friend. I am blessed with abundant +means, and very well able to part with it. Besides, it is only one per +cent. of the money which you have been instrumental in saving me, and +you are certainly entitled to as much as that.” + +“I thank you very much for the gift, Mr. Carroll,” said our hero, “and +still more for the kind manner in which you give it to me.” + +“You accept it, then? That is well,” said the old gentleman, with +satisfaction. “There is one thing more. You remember that I spoke to you +of a business firm in Pearl Street, New York, with the members of which +I am acquainted. Last evening I prepared a letter of introduction to +them for you. Here it is.” + +“Thank you, sir,” said Herbert. “I was very fortunate in meeting with +one so able and willing to assist me.” + +“You are very welcome to all the help I am able to give you. I shall be +very glad if your life shall be as prosperous as mine has been. I must +trouble you to do me one more service. If you will find me a cab, I will +go at once to my friend's house.” + +No difficulty was experienced in obtaining a carriage. There was a +cordial leave-taking, and Herbert once more found himself alone. But +with rather more than sixty dollars in his pocket, he felt rich, and +looked forward eagerly to his arrival in the great city, where he hoped +to deserve and win success. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +ROBBED IN THE NIGHT + + +Herbert entered the cars, and took a seat by the window. His small +bundle, containing all the extra clothing he had been able to bring away +from the inhospitable home of Mr. Holden, he placed in the seat beside +him. + +It was yet early, and there were but few persons in the car. But as the +hour for starting approached, it gradually filled up. Still, the seat +next to Herbert remained untaken. + +At length a young man, apparently about nineteen, walked up the aisle, +and, pausing, inquired, “Is this seat engaged?” + +“No,” said Herbert, at the same time removing his bundle. + +“Then, if you have no objection, I'll take possession.” + +He accordingly seated himself, and commenced a conversation. + +“Going to New York?” he asked. + +“Yes,” said Herbert. + +“Do you live there?” + +“No; I have never been there before.” + +“Are you going on a visit?” + +“No; I am going to live there; that is, if I can find anything to do.” + +“Are you alone?” + +“Yes.” + +“So am I. Suppose we hitch teams.” + +“I don't understand.” + +“Suppose we go to some hotel together. I have been there before, and can +tell you where to go. It's awful dull being alone. I always like to pick +up company.” + +Herbert hardly knew what to say to this proposition. He did not exactly +like the appearance, or fancy the free and easy manners of his new +acquaintance, but he felt lonely, and, besides, he hardly knew what +excuse to make. He, therefore, gave his assent to the arrangement +proposed. + +“What's your name?” asked his new friend, familiarly. + +“Herbert Mason.” + +“Mine is Greenleaf--Peter Greenleaf. Have you come from a distance?” + +“From Waverley, in Ohio, not far from Cincinnati.” + +“I am from Philadelphia. I've been in a store there, but I didn't like +the style, and I concluded to go to New York. There's more chance for a +fellow of enterprise there.” + +“What sort of a store were you in?” + +“Dry-goods store--Hatch & Macy. Old Hatch is a mean skinflint, and +wouldn't pay me half what I was worth. I don't want to brag, but there +wasn't a man in that store that sold as much as I did. And how much do +you think I got?” + +“I don't know.” + +“Only seven dollars a week. If I hadn't made something another way. I +couldn't have paid my expenses.” + +“I should think you might live on seven dollars a week.” + +This was before the war had increased the expenses of living. + +“Couldn't do it. Board cost me four dollars a week, and that only left +three for other expenses. My cigars cost me nearly that. Then I wanted +to go to the theater now and then, and, of course, I must dress like a +gentleman. I tell you what, seven dollars a week didn't begin to do me.” + +“How did you manage, then?” + +“Oh, I made so much more by banking.” + +“By banking?” repeated Herbert, in astonishment. + +“Yes; only it was a faro bank. I used to pick up considerable that way, +sometimes.” + +“A faro bank!” repeated Herbert, in dismay. “Why, that's the same as +gambling, isn't it?” + +“Well, what's the odds? You take your chance, and you may win or lose. +It's a pretty fair thing.” + +After this confession, Herbert became more than ever doubtful whether he +should care to remain long in the company of his present companion. + +Meanwhile, the cars were moving rapidly. Peter Greenleaf, as he called +himself, talked volubly, and appeared to have a considerable familiarity +with certain phases of life, the knowledge of which was not likely to +have been very profitable to him. Still, Herbert was interested in his +communications, though the opinion which he formed of him was far from +favorable. + +“Where are you going to stop when you get to New York?” inquired Peter. + +“I don't know anything about the city. I suppose I shall have to go to a +hotel first.” + +“Suppose we go to French's Hotel?” + +“Where is that?” + +“Near the park. It's on the European plan. You pay fifty cents a day for +your rooms, and whatever you please for your meals.” + +“I think I shall like that. I shall want to get into a boarding-house as +soon as possible.” + +“All right. We'll take a room together at the hotel.” + +This arrangement was not to Herbert's taste, but he did not care to +offend his companion by objecting to it, so by his silence, he gave +consent. + +“What are you going to do in New York?” he asked. + +“I shall look up a situation. I won't take less than fifteen dollars +a week. A man of my experience ought to be worth that. Don't you think +so?” + +“Yes,” said Herbert, dubiously, though it occurred to him that if he +were an employer, he would not be likely to engage such a clerk at any +price. But it is rather fortunate, all things considered, that we are +able to keep our thoughts to ourselves, otherwise, the complacency +of our companions, and sometimes our own, would run the risk of being +rudely disturbed. + +In course of time the terminus of the road was reached, and, crossing +over from Jersey City, Herbert found himself, for the first time in his +life, in the noise and whirl of the great city. + +“And I am actually to live here,” thought Herbert. “I wonder what Mr. +Holden would say if he knew where I was?” Uncertain as his prospects +were, he felt very glad that he was out of the clutches of the petty +despot, whose chief pleasure was to make him uncomfortable. Here, at +least, the future was full of possibilities of good fortune; there, it +was certain discomfort and little to hope for. + +“Where is the hotel you spoke of?” he asked, turning to Greenleaf. + +“I'll lead you to it.” + +They walked up to Broadway, then up by the Astor House, and across the +park to the hotel. + +“We'll go in and secure a room the first thing,” he said. + +They entered, Greenleaf taking the lead. + +“Show us a room with two beds,” said Peter to the clerk. + +A servant was summoned, and the room assigned to them was indicated. + +“Have you any baggage?” asked the clerk. + +“No,” said Greenleaf, carelessly. “Mine was checked through from +Philadelphia. I shan't send for it till morning.” + +“Then I must ask you to pay in advance.” + +“All right. Fifty cents, isn't it?” + +“Yes.” + +“Mason,” said Greenleaf, “have you got a dollar about you? I've got +nothing less than a ten.” + +Herbert drew out a dollar and paid for himself and his companion. + +They were now shown up to a room on the third floor, which proved to be +a very comfortable one, looking out on the street. Herbert was glad to +get a chance to wash himself thoroughly after the dusty journey which he +had just completed. This ceremony over, they went down to the restaurant +connected with the hotel, and took a hearty meal. Greenleaf made an +effort to have Herbert pay for both, but this time Herbert also had a +bill to change. It was rather a suspicious circumstance, he thought, +that Greenleaf, who had no bill smaller than a ten, paid for his meal +out of a one-dollar bill. + +After supper Greenleaf bought a couple of cigars, and offered Herbert +one. + +“No, thank you,” said our hero. + +“Don't you smoke?” + +“No.” + +“Where have you been living all your life? I couldn't get along without +my cigar.” + +“Don't you think it hurtful to a boy to smoke?” + +“I don't know about that. I'm a man now, but I've smoked ever since I +was a boy. I think it does a fellow good.” + +“But it's expensive.” + +“Yes, that's so. I expect I've smoked a thousand dollars' worth of +cigars in the course of my life.” + +“Don't you wish you had the money instead?” + +“Yes; I should rather like the money, but I shouldn't be half the man +I am if I hadn't smoked. It's mostly milksops that don't smoke. Nothing +personal, you know, Mason.” + +“Of course not,” said Herbert, smiling. + +“Better have a cigar.” + +“No; I guess not.” + +“You'll come to it in time. I'll smoke it for you, then.” + +After smoking, Greenleaf expressed his intention of going to the +theater. Herbert preferred to go to bed early, feeling rather tired. He +was kept awake at first by the noise of the horse-cars and the bustle +of the street outside, as well as by the exciting thoughts that crowded +upon him, suggested by his actual arrival in the city, where he hoped +to make a place for himself by energy and industry. But at last he fell +asleep. + +He slept soundly through the night. But towards morning he had a dream +in which Abner Holden figured. His old employer seemed to be approaching +him with a smile of exultation, and was about to lay violent hands upon +him, when he awoke. It was broad daylight, being already seven o'clock +in the morning. Herbert remembered where he was, and looked across the +room for Greenleaf. But he was not visible. The bed was disarranged, and +evidently had been slept in, but the occupant had risen. + +“I didn't think he was a fellow to rise early,” thought Herbert. “I +suppose he is downstairs. I might as well get up, too.” + +Herbert jumped out of bed, and, going to the wash-stand, washed his face +and hands. He then proceeded to dress. + +“I wonder Greenleaf didn't wake me up,” he thought. + +But the reason was too soon made evident. Happening to put his hand +in the pocket where he usually kept his pocketbook, he was startled +at finding it empty. Somewhat alarmed, he began to hunt round upon the +floor, thinking it possible that it might have dropped out. But his +search was vain. It was not to be found. He then examined carefully the +remaining pockets, still without success. + +It was not until this moment that a suspicion entered his mind +concerning his companion. + +“Is it possible,” he thought, “that Greenleaf has been mean enough to +strip me of my money?” + +Herbert did not want to believe this. He disliked to think badly of +anyone, and he still hoped it would prove otherwise. It was barely +possible that Greenleaf had taken his money by way of playing a +practical joke upon him, and he might now be downstairs, waiting to +be amused at Herbert's look of dismay when he discovered that he was +penniless. Drowning men will catch at straws, and Herbert, in his +trouble, tried to think this was probably the way it had happened. + +“Greenleaf is rather a hard case, according to his own account,” he said +to himself, “but I can't believe he would be mean enough to rob me. I +will go downstairs and see if I can find him.” + +Accordingly, leaving his chamber, he descended the staircase, and made +his way to the office. + +Herbert went up and spoke to the clerk who chanced to be inside. + +“Have you seen my roommate?” he asked. + +“What is the number of your room?” + +“No. ----.” + +“I remember now. He has gone.” + +“Gone!” echoed Herbert, in dismay. + +“Yes; didn't you know of it?” + +“He went away while I was asleep. How long since did he go?” + +“He came to the office two hours since, and said he should not require +the room any longer.” + +“Did he leave any message for me?” + +“No.” + +“Did he say where he was going?” + +“No.” + +Such an expression of dismay and perplexity overspread Herbert's face +that the clerk could not help observing it. + +“Is anything wrong?” he asked. + +“Yes,” said Herbert. “He has robbed me of my pocketbook, containing all +my money.” + +“Whew!” whistled the clerk. “How much had you?” + +“About sixty dollars.” + +“You're unlucky, that's a fact. Have you nothing left?” + +Just then it flashed across Herbert's mind that when he had paid for his +supper he had changed a five-dollar bill, and placed the balance, about +four dollars and a half in his vest pocket. He at once felt in that +pocket, and found it still there. Greenleaf had contented himself with +the pocketbook. + +“I have a little left,” he said. + +He paid for his room in advance for another day, and went down to +breakfast. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +A BUSINESS CALL + + +It was certainly a startling discovery for Herbert to make, that out of +sixty dollars he had only four left, now that he had paid for another +day at the hotel, and this small sum must be further diminished by the +expense of a breakfast. Unfortunately, too, he was quite hungry, for his +misfortune had not taken away his appetite. + +“I will make a good breakfast, at any rate,” said Herbert, +philosophically. “Afterwards, I will consider what to do.” + +He ordered a substantial breakfast, which, even at the low prices of a +dozen years ago, amounted to fifty cents, and did full justice to what +was set before him. + +After paying at the desk, he went outside. + +It was a bright, sunshiny morning, and this, with the comfortable +feeling produced by having eaten a good breakfast, gave him courage for +the new career upon which he was about to enter. + +While considering what he should do first, the thought of the letter +given him by Mr. Carroll flashed upon him. He felt for it hastily, and +was rejoiced to find that that was safe, at least. Greenleaf had not +taken that away, fortunately. + +He looked at the direction. It was addressed to + +“Messrs. Godfrey & Lynn, + +“No. ---- Pearl St.” + +It was not sealed, and was probably meant to be read by Herbert. At +any rate, our hero so concluded, and opened the letter, not without +curiosity as to what Mr. Carroll had written about him. He knew it must +be favorable, of course, but found it even more so than he anticipated. + +Here it is: + +“MY DEAR MR. GODFREY: This letter will be handed you by a young friend +of mine, by name Herbert Mason. My acquaintance with him has been brief, +but he has been able, by his coolness and bravery, to do me a most +important service, having saved me from being robbed of a large sum of +money while acting as my escort from Ohio to Philadelphia. I have talked +with him freely about his plans, and find that he will reach New York +without friends, and with a very small sum of money, hoping before it +is gone to secure a place in some counting-room, where he can make an +honest living. I feel a strong interest in his success, and am persuaded +that wherever he is placed, he will show rare capacity and fidelity. +I wish it might be in your power to receive him into your own +counting-room. But, of course, that must be according to your +convenience. At any rate, may I rely on you to act a friendly part by +my young friend, and to exert your influence toward procuring him a +position elsewhere, if you cannot employ him yourself? Anything that you +may have it in your power to do for Herbert, I shall consider as a favor +done to myself. + +I have just left my daughter, who, with her family, is well. Sincerely, +your friend, + +JAMES CARROLL.” + +“That is a very kind letter,” thought Herbert, gratefully. “I hope it +will do me good.” + +He decided to call and deliver it the same forenoon. If he had not been +robbed of nearly the whole of his small capital, he would, first, have +gone about the city, which was entirely new to him. But, with less than +four dollars between himself and utter destitution, he felt that he had +no time for sight-seeing. It was necessary that he should get to work as +soon as possible. + +He waited till ten o'clock, thinking it possible that the heads of the +firm might not reach the counting-room till about that time. It was now +eight o'clock only. He had two hours, therefore, to look about him. + +“Shine yer boots?” said a ragged urchin, approaching, with a suggestive +look at his soiled shoes. + +It occurred to Herbert that it would be best to look as well as possible +when visiting Godfrey. + +“Ten cents.” + +“It's too much,” said Herbert, thinking how few dimes constituted his +entire worldly wealth. + +“Well, five, then,” said the bootblack, coming down to his regular +price. + +“Do you get much to do?” asked our hero. + +“Some days I get considerable.” + +“How much do you make?” + +“Pleasant days I makes a dollar, but when it rains, there ain't much to +do.” + +“How much do you have to pay for sleeping?” + +“Six cents.” + +“Six cents!” repeated Herbert, in surprise. “Where can you get lodged +for that?” + +“At the lodgin' house, corner of Fulton and Nassau Streets.” + +“Well,” thought Herbert, “I needn't starve. If I can't get anything +better to do, I can buy a box of blacking and a brush, and set up in +business for myself.” + +To be sure, this would not be an agreeable occupation, but Herbert was +bound to make a living by honest labor. If one avenue was closed to +him, he must enter such as were open to him. He could not afford to be +particular. + +After his shoes were brushed, he crossed the park, and walked up +Broadway. It was a wonderful sight to the country-bred boy, this gay +thoroughfare, with its busy and bustling crowds, and its throngs of +vehicles, never ceasing wholly, save at the dead hours of night. He +thought to himself what a quantity of business there must be to do. +Certainly, there must be room for one more worker. So, on the whole, the +busy scene gave him courage, and he sauntered along as cheerfully as if +he were not next-door to a beggar. + +But at last the time came when he might safely seek out the gentleman +to whom he had an introduction. Being a stranger in the city, he had to +inquire for Pearl Street from a policeman, who answered his inquiry +very civilly. He followed the direction, and found it at length. But the +number of which he was in search was not so easily found, for he found +the street meandered in a very perplexing way, so that at times he was +not quite sure whether he was still in it, or had wandered from his way. + +At last he found the place. It was a large, solid-looking building, +of four stories in height. There were a number of boxes outside on the +sidewalk. Inside, there was a large apartment occupying the entire +first floor, with the exception of a room in the rear, which had been +partitioned off for a counting-room. The partition was of glass, and, as +he looked from the entrance, he could see a couple of high desks and a +table. + +“Is this Godfrey & Lynn's?” he asked of a porter at the entrance. + +“Yes,” said the porter. + +“I want to see Mr. Godfrey.” + +“I don't think he's in. You can go to the office and inquire.” + +Accordingly, Herbert passed down the length of the warehouse, and, +pausing a moment before the door, he opened it, and entered. + +There were two persons in the office. One was a thin-faced man, who sat +on a high stool at one of the desks, making entries apparently in the +ledger. This was the bookkeeper, Mr. Pratt, a man with a melancholy +face, who looked as if he had lived to see the vanity of all things +earthly. He had a high forehead naturally--made still higher by the loss +of his front hair. Apparently, he was not a man to enjoy conviviality, +or to shine on any festive occasion. + +Besides Mr. Pratt, there was a boy, if we may take the liberty of +calling him such, of about Herbert's age. He was fashionably dressed, +and his hair was arranged with exceeding care. In fact, as Herbert +entered, he was examining the set of his necktie in a little hand-glass, +which he had taken from his coat pocket. Not quite suiting him, he set +himself to rearranging it. + +“Have you copied that bill, Thomas?” asked Mr. Pratt, looking up. + +“Not yet, sir.” + +“You have been long enough about it. Put back that glass. You are quite +too much troubled about your appearance.” + +“Yes, sir. + +“If I didn't look any better than some people,” said Thomas, sotto voce, +“I shouldn't look in a glass very often.” + +Herbert naturally concluded that Mr. Pratt was the man to whom his +inquiries should be addressed. + +“I would like to see Mr. Godfrey, sir.” he said. + +“He is out of the city.” + +“Out of the city!” repeated Herbert, disappointed. “When will he be +back?” + +“Nor till day after to-morrow.” + +Herbert's countenance fell. In his reduced circumstances, he could +hardly afford to wait two days. At his present rate of expenditure, he +would be penniless by that time. + +“Is Mr. Lynn likely to be in soon?” he asked, thinking that perhaps he +would do in Mr. Godfrey's absence. + +“No; he is sick at home. He may not be here for a week. Perhaps, I can +attend to your business,” he added. “What is it?” + +“I think,” said Herbert, “that I will wait till day after to-morrow, if +you think Mr. Godfrey will be back then. I have a letter for him.” + +“If it's a business letter, you had better leave it.” + +“It is a letter of introduction,” said Herbert. “I would rather present +it in person.” + +“Very well,” and Mr. Pratt went back to his ledger. + +Thomas looked critically at the boy who had a letter of introduction +to Mr. Godfrey, and said to himself, “He got his clothes from a country +tailor, I'll bet a hat.” + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +FINDING A BOARDING PLACE + + +Herbert left the counting-room of Godfrey & Lynn, not a little depressed +in spirits. The two days which must elapse before he could see Mr. +Godfrey were to him a formidable delay. By that time his money would be +almost exhausted. Then, suppose, which was very probable, Mr. Godfrey +could do nothing for him immediately, but only hold out his promise of +future assistance, how was he to live in the meantime? After all, he +might have to realize his thought of the morning, and join the ranks +of the bootblacks. That was not a pleasant thought to a boy of +his education. All labor is honorable, to be sure, but, then, some +occupations are more congenial than others. + +If Greenleaf had not robbed him so basely, he could have afforded to +wait. He felt sore and indignant about that. Nobody likes to own that he +has been victimized, but Herbert was obliged to confess to himself that +such was the case with him. + +He walked about rather aimlessly, feeling miserable enough. But, all at +once, it occurred to him, “Would it not be cheaper for him to take board +by the week in some boarding-house?” Reckoning up, he found that his +hotel bill would be three dollars and a half a week, while his meals, +even if he were quite abstemious, would make as much more; in all, seven +dollars. Surely, he could be boarded somewhere for less than that. + +In the reading-room of the hotel he found a daily paper, and carefully +ran his eye down the advertisements for boarders and lodgers. The +following attracted his attention: + +“BOARDERS WANTED.--A few mechanics may obtain comfortable rooms and +board at No. ---- Stanton Street, at three dollars per week.” + +This, be it remembered, was previous to the war, and before the price of +board had doubled. + +“Three dollars a week!” repeated Herbert. “Less than half my present +rate of expense. I must go at once and secure it.” + +He found the way to Stanton Street, and found that No. ---- was a +shabby-looking house in a shabby neighborhood. But he could not afford +to be fastidious. He accordingly stepped up without hesitation, and rang +the bell, which emitted a shrill sound in reply. + +A middle-aged woman, with a red handkerchief tied around her head, and a +broom in her hand, opened the door and looked inquiringly at our hero. + +“What's wanted?” she said. + +“I saw your advertisement for boarders,” said Herbert. + +“Yes; I advertised in the paper this morning.” + +“Will you let me see your rooms?” + +“Who are you looking for?” + +“Myself.” + +“I don't know as you'll be suited. My price is low, and I can't give +first-class accommodations for three dollars.” + +“No; I suppose not.” + +“Come up, if you would like to see what I've got.” + +The interior of the house was shabby like the outside, the oilcloth +carpet faded, and the wall paper torn off in places. The stairs, too, +were narrow and uncarpeted. All this Herbert observed, but he could not +afford to be critical. + +On the third floor, his guide threw open the door of a dark, little hall +bedroom, meagerly furnished. + +“I could give you this room by yourself,” she said, “or a larger room +with someone else.” + +“I would rather be alone.” + +“That's the only single room I have. Will you take it?” + +“I think so,” said Herbert, though he did not anticipate much enjoyment +in such a poor place. + +“When do you want to come?” + +“To-morrow morning.” + +“Very well. I shall expect a deposit, so that I may be sure the room is +let.” + +“How much?” + +“A dollar will do.” + +Herbert drew a dollar from his pocket, and handed it to Mrs. Morgan, for +such, she informed him, was her name. + +Then he went downstairs and out into the air again. + +“Well,” he said to himself, “I'm sure of a home, such as it is, for a +week. In that time something must turn up.” + +Examining his pocketbook he found that he had two dollars and a half +left. Of that sum, two dollars must be reserved to pay the balance of +his week's board. Out of the remaining fifty cents he must pay for his +meals until the next morning, when he would take possession of his new +boarding place. He wished that he had proposed to come to breakfast, but +it was too late now. + +With such a small sum in hand, he could not afford to dine on the +same magnificent scale as he had breakfasted, but he must be rigidly +economical. He decided that the cheapest food he could buy was a +five-cent loaf at some baker's. This would probably last him through the +day, and might prove sufficient for breakfast also, since he would +take a regular dinner, though he doubted, from what he had seen of the +establishment in Stanton Street, whether it would be a very inviting +repast. But it was the best he could afford, and that was all he need +consider. + +Late in the afternoon, it occurred to Herbert to wonder where, in the +city, his Uncle Stanton lived. Not that he had any intention of applying +to him for assistance, even if matters came to a crisis, but he felt +a natural curiosity as to how his uncle was situated. He found the +directory readily, and, turning to the letter S, ran down the list of +names till he came to Stanton, Benjamin. + +He learned that his uncle's store was in the lower part of Broadway, +while his house was in West Seventeenth Street, between Fifth and Sixth +Avenues. + +“I should like to see what sort of a house Uncle Benjamin lives in,” + thought Herbert. + +There was nothing to prevent his gratifying this wish, as he had plenty +of time on his hands. If he had had more money, he would have taken the +horse cars, but in his present circumstances this would be imprudent. +He decided, as it was only five o'clock, to take a leisurely walk up +Broadway, noticing his uncle's place of business on the way. + +A few minutes brought him in front of the latter--an imposing-looking +building, with all the appearance of belonging to a prosperous merchant. +Appearances are deceitful, to be sure, and no doubt there are some +merchants, as outwardly prosperous, who might profitably change places +with their head clerks. But Herbert naturally judged from appearances, +and he could not help contrasting in his mind his own condition with +that of his uncle's. But he was too manly to be despondent on this +account, and thought rather, “I am young and ready to work, Some time, +if I am patient and work hard. I may be as well off as Uncle Benjamin.” + The thought of applying to him for assistance was as far off as ever. + +He pursued his way uptown, finding it a longer walk than he anticipated, +arriving at half-past five at Union Square. At the upper end he turned +off, and went down Seventeenth Street. + +Carefully noting the numbers, he at length found his uncle's house. It +was a handsome, substantial city mansion, and seemed appropriate as the +residence of a rich New York merchant. + +“So my uncle lives here,” thought Herbert, and there rose involuntarily +in his mind the memory of the humble Western home where he and his +mother had struggled against poverty, while his uncle, who was evidently +so amply provided with the world's goods, coldly held aloof, and forbore +to offer the assistance which he could so well afford. + +“If I had a sister, I could never treat her like that,” thought Herbert, +indignantly. “He would not help my mother. I will starve before I ask +him to help me.” + +He paused a moment on the opposite side of the street to look at his +uncle's house. While he was standing there, a boy of about his own age, +apparently, came down the street whistling, and ascended the steps of +his uncle's house. + +“I wonder if that is my cousin Tom,” thought Herbert. He knew the names +of his cousins from his mother, though he had never seen them. + +While he looked, he was struck by something familiar in the appearance +of this boy. Where had he seen him before? + +All at once it flashed upon him. It was the same boy he had seen in +the counting-room of Godfrey He knew him by his dandified dress and his +face, which he had noticed at the time. + +This was certainly a strange coincidence, that his cousin, for it was +doubtless he, should be the first boy he encountered after reaching +New York. It would be still stranger if Mr. Godfrey should offer him +employment, and he should find himself a clerk in the same office as the +son of his rich uncle. But it was by no means certain that he would be +lucky enough to obtain such employment. Therefore there was no need of +wondering whether, under such circumstances, Tom would recognize him as +a relation. + +Herbert walked thoughtfully back, and on reaching his room ate the +remainder of the loaf which he had purchased at the baker's in the +morning. It was not a very luxurious repast, but his walk had given him +an appetite, and he had no difficulty in disposing of all that was left. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +GETTING A SITUATION + + +The next morning Herbert reported himself at his new boarding place. +He found the fare very far from first-class, while his fellow-boarders +appeared at the table mostly in shirt-sleeves, and were evidently +workingmen. Our hero would have preferred a greater degree of neatness +both in the table and in the guests, but he felt that he would be lucky, +if he should find himself able to pay his expenses even here. He was not +to be daunted by little annoyances, but looked for compensation in the +future. + +He waited impatiently for the next day, when Mr. Godfrey would return. +Upon the success of the interview with him much depended. + +At length it came, and Herbert once more set out for the warehouse +on Pearl Street. He entered without question, and made his way to the +counting-room. Looking through the glass door, he saw his cousin--whom +he surveyed with new interest now that he knew the relationship--and the +bookkeeper. But, besides these, there was an elderly gentleman, rather +stout, with a pleasant face, the expression of which reassured him. + +“Is Mr. Godfrey in?” he asked, on entering, with a look of inquiry at +the gentleman just described. + +“That is my name. What can I do for you?” said Mr. Godfrey, turning +towards him. + +“I have a letter for you, sir,” said Herbert, producing it from his +pocket. + +Mr. Godfrey held out his hand for it, and ran his eye rapidly over its +contents. + +“So your name is Herbert Mason?” he said, raising his eyes after +finishing it. + +“Yes, sir.” + +At the mention of this name, Tom Stanton, whose curiosity had led him +to listen to the conversation, wheeled rapidly round on his stool and +surveyed our hero with intense curiosity. He knew that Herbert Mason +was the name of his cousin. Could it be possible that this boy was the +cousin whom he had never seen? A little later, and he was convinced of +it. + +“You have just come from Ohio, I suppose?” + +“Yes, sir.” + +“My friend, Mr. Carroll, writes me that you were instrumental in saving +him from being robbed while acting as his escort to Philadelphia.” + +“It wasn't worth mentioning,” said Herbert modestly. + +Mr. Godfrey noticed his modest tone, and it pleased him--modesty not +being an unvarying characteristic of young America. + +“My friend refers to it as an important service. I should like to know +the particulars. Mr. Carroll is a connection of mine, and I am naturally +interested in all that relates to him.” + +In reply Herbert gave a brief, but clear and intelligent account of +the attempted burglary, passing over his own achievement as lightly as +possible. But it was easy to infer, even from the little he said, that +he had acted with bravery and self-possession. + +“You behaved in a very creditable manner,” said Mr. Godfrey, +approvingly. “Many boys would have lost their self-possession. You have +come to New York in search of employment, Mr. Carroll writes me?” + +“Yes, sir.” + +“I don't, of course, know how you were situated in Ohio,” said the +merchant, “but as a general rule I think boys make a mistake in leaving +the country for the city. Here the competition for work is sharp, and +there is a surplus of laborers in every department of labor. Still,” he +proceeded, scanning Herbert's earnest face, “you look like a boy capable +of making his way if an opportunity offers. You have but little money, +Mr. Carroll writes.” + +“I have lost nearly all I had,” said Herbert, “so that now I have very +little left.” + +“You have met with a loss? Tell me about it. Indeed, I should be glad +if you would confide to me freely your situation and hopes, and then I +shall be better able to help you.” + +“I am almost ashamed to tell you how I was taken in,” said our hero. “I +suppose I ought to have been more prudent.” + +He recounted the manner in which Greenleaf had robbed him. Mr. Godfrey +listened with interest, and so did Tom Stanton, who burst into a laugh +when the narrative was concluded. + +“What are you laughing at, Thomas?” asked the merchant, rather sharply. + +“I was thinking how neatly he was taken in,” said Tom, a little abashed. + +“I should apply a different word to it,” said Mr. Godfrey. “It appears +to me the height, or rather the depth of meanness, to take advantage of +a boy's confidence, and defraud him so scandalously. How much money have +you left, Herbert?” + +“Forty cents, sir.” + +“Only forty cents to begin life with in a great city!” + +“Yes, sir; I have paid my board in advance for a week.” + +“Where do you board?” + +“In Stanton Street.” + +Tom turned up his nose at the name of this street, which he knew was +very far from fashionable, but this demonstration our hero did not +observe. + +“What board do you pay?” + +“Three dollars a week, sir.” + +“A poor place, probably.” + +“Yes, sir, but I could afford no better.” + +“You are sensible to accommodate yourself to circumstances. Well, my +young friend, it appears that you can't wait long for employment. Mr. +Carroll has asked me to do something for you, and I am disposed to +oblige him, not wholly for his sake, but partly for your own, for you +seem to me a very modest and sensible boy. Mr. Pratt, do we need another +boy?” + +“No, sir, I don't think we do.” + +“Well, business will be brisker by and by. I think you can find a little +for this young man to do in the meantime. He can go to the post office, +and I believe I have a little extra writing to be done. Pass him a pen, +and let him give us a specimen of his handwriting.” + +Fortunately, Herbert was a handsome writer, and this went a considerable +way in his favor. + +“Very neat,” said the merchant. “By the way, Herbert, I suppose, of +course, you know nothing of French?” + +“Yes, sir, I can read it pretty well.” + +“Indeed!” said Mr. Godfrey, surprised. “Then you can be of service to +me, that is, if you know it well enough. I received, this morning, +a letter from a silk house at Lyons, a part of which I don't quite +understand. The fact is, my French is rather poor. Do you think you +could help me translate it?” + +“If you will show me the letter, I will try, sir.” + +The merchant took a letter from the table before him and handed it to +Herbert. + +Our hero ran his eye rapidly over it, and then rendered it into English +in a clear and grammatical way. + +“Bless me, you're quite a scholar,” said Mr. Godfrey. “I understand now. +You've made it all plain. Where did you learn so much French?” + +“My father taught me, sir. He also taught me Latin.” + +“Indeed, I congratulate you on possessing so good an education. Latin, +however, isn't so much in my way. I haven't many Latin correspondents.” + +“I suppose not, sir,” said Herbert, laughing. + +“Still, it does no harm to know something of it.” + +Tom Stanton had listened with considerable surprise, mingled with +mortification, to what had passed. It appeared then, that his country +cousin, whom he had looked upon as a country boor, was his superior in +education, and, as Tom secretly knew, in courage. And now he was going +to be his fellow-clerk. He felt jealous and angry, fearing that Herbert, +who appeared to be high in favor already, would eclipse him in the +office. + +“How much can you live upon economically?” asked the merchant. + +“I know little of the city,” said Herbert. “You can judge better than I, +sir.” + +“You pay three dollars a week board. You'll need double that amount. +Mr. Pratt, you may pay him six dollars a week. He will come to work +to-morrow morning, and you may pay him Saturday, as if it was a whole +week.” + +“Thank you, sir,” said Herbert, gratefully. “You are very kind.” + +“Do your duty, my young friend, and I shall be satisfied.” + +Tom Stanton listened in indignant surprise. He only got four dollars a +week, and here was a country boy placed over his head. He was imprudent +enough to give expression to his feelings. + +“Won't you give me six dollars a week, also?” he said. + +“Why should I?” + +“Don't I deserve as much as he?” + +“Perhaps you do. But I don't give it to Herbert because he earns it, +for it is not likely that he will do so at present. But he has no other +resources. You have a comfortable home, and are not obliged to pay for +your board out of your wages.” + +“No, I hope not,” said Tom. + +“Therefore you do not need as much as he does. You are not entitled +to this explanation, but I give it, nevertheless, that you may know my +motives.” + +Tom did not reply, feeling that it would be imprudent to do so, but he +bent sullenly to his work, by no mans satisfied with the explanation. He +began to feel a dislike for his cousin, and determined to injure him, if +he could, in the estimation of the firm. It would have been satisfactory +if he could have looked down upon him as an inferior, but that was not +easy. + +“I hope the fellow won't find out the relationship between us,” he said +to himself. “He'd be calling me Cousin Tom all the time, and I don't +care about owning a cousin that lives in Stanton Street.” + +Tom need not have troubled himself. Herbert had no idea of claiming +relationship, though, as we know, he was fully aware of its existence. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI + +A FAMILY COUNCIL + + +As soon as he was released from business, Tom Stanton hurried home to +impart the unexpected intelligence that his cousin Herbert had arrived +in the city. As might be expected, the news gave no particular pleasure +in the Stanton homestead. + +“Did you tell him who you were, Thomas?” asked his mother. + +“Catch me doing it!” said Tom. “I ain't quite a fool. I don't care about +owning any pauper relations.” + +“He isn't a pauper,” said Mr. Stanton, who, hard man of the world as he +was, could not forget that Herbert was the son of his sister. + +“He's the next door to it,” said Tom, carelessly. + +“Thomas is right,” said Mrs. Stanton. “You may depend upon it, Mr. +Stanton, that when this boy finds you out, he will apply to you for +assistance.” + +“Possibly he may.” + +“I hope you won't be such a fool as to encourage him in his +application.” + +“If he were in actual distress, my dear,” said Mr. Stanton, “I should +feel that I ought to do something.” + +“Then you'd allow yourself to be imposed upon, that's all I've got to +say. There is no need of his being in distress. He is a stout boy, and +capable of earning his own living.” + +“He might get sick,” suggested Mr. Stanton, who was not so hard-hearted +as his wife. + +“Then let him go to the hospital. It's provided for such cases.” + +“Is Herbert good-looking?” asked Maria, with interest. + +“He won't get a prize for his beauty,” said Tom, disparagingly. + +“Is he homely?” + +“No,” said Tom, reluctantly. “I suppose he'll pass; but he's +countrified. He hasn't got any style,” and he glanced complacently +at his own reflection in a mirror, for Tom was vain of his personal +appearance, though by no means as good-looking as Herbert. In fact, he +was compelled secretly to confess this to himself, and for this reason +was more than ever disposed to view his cousin with prejudice. + +“I should like to see Herbert,” said Maria, who had her share of female +curiosity, and thought it would be pleasant to have a cousin to escort +her round. + +“Perhaps I'd better invite him round to dinner tomorrow,” said Thomas, +sarcastically. + +“I wish you would.” + +“Thomas will do no such thing!” said Mrs. Stanton, decidedly. “It's my +opinion that the less notice we take of him the better. Your father is +in good circumstances, to be sure, but whatever he is able to do, ought, +of right, to go to his own family. We don't want any poor relations +coming here to get their living out of us.” + +“Just my sentiments, mother,” said Tom Stanton, approvingly. + +“It doesn't seem quite right,” said Mr. Stanton, uncomfortably, “to +neglect my sister's child.” + +“Don't make yourself ridiculous with your scruples, Mr. Stanton,” said +his wife. “It's the boy's duty to take care of himself. It would only do +him harm, and lead to false expectations, if we allowed him the run of +the house.” + +“Besides,” said Tom, “I shouldn't want to have Tom Paget and Percy +Mortimer, and other fellows that I associate with, ask me who he is, and +have to tell them that he is my cousin.” + +This argument had considerable weight with Mr. Stanton, who was anxious +to elevate himself in society, and looked with complacency upon the +school acquaintances Tom had formed with the scions of distinguished +families. + +“Well,” said he, rising from the table, “let it be as you will. We won't +go out of our way to invite the boy here, but if he presents himself, as +he doubtless will, we must take a little notice of him.” + +“I don't see why he couldn't have stayed in the country,” said Mrs. +Stanton. “It was the best place for him.” + +“Of course, it was,” said Tom. + +“He could have had no other object than to seek us out, and see what he +could get out of us. For my part, I would advise you to recommend him to +go back.” + +“He has secured a place, it seems, and would not be likely to give it +up.” + +“It's a great pity he should have got into the same counting-room with +Tom. He will presume on the relationship as soon as he finds it out.” + +Mrs. Stanton need not have been alarmed, for Herbert was too +high-spirited to seek an intimacy where he had reason to think it would +be disagreeable. But his aunt knew nothing of him, and judged him by +herself. + +“He's there, and it can't be helped,” said Mr. Stanton. + +“At any rate, if he does stay in the city,” persisted Mrs. Stanton, “I +hope you'll give him to understand that he needn't call here more than +once in three months. That is as much as he can expect.” + +“After all, he is my sister's son,” said Mr. Stanton. “I can't feel that +this would be quite kind in us.” + +“Leave it to me, then. If you're too soft-hearted, Mr. Stanton, I will +take all the responsibility, and the blame, if there is any.” + +“Well, I think you've said enough on the subject,” said her husband. +“Tom, run upstairs and bring me a cigar. You know where I keep the cigar +box.” + +“You'd better send a servant, father,” said Tom, coolly. + +“It appears to me you are getting lazy, Thomas,” said his father. + +“Thomas is right,” said Mrs. Stanton. “What do we keep servants for but +to run errands?” + +“Still, Tom might have obliged me in such a little matter.” + +“You shouldn't have asked him, Mr. Stanton. You seem to forget that we +are not living in the style of half a dozen years ago. You should adapt +yourself to circumstances.” + +Mr. Stanton said no more, but sent a servant in Tom's place. But he +could not help thinking that the outward prosperity for which he was +striving was not without its drawbacks, since it compelled him to look +to servants for the most ordinary services. + +The next morning Tom went to the counting-room, fully expecting that +Herbert would claim relationship as soon as he discovered his name. +While he would be compelled to admit it, he determined to treat Herbert +with such a degree of coolness that he would take the hint, and keep his +distance. + +When he arrived at the counting-room, Herbert was already there, and Mr. +Pratt also. + +“Good-morning,” said Herbert. + +“Morning,” muttered Tom. + +“This is Thomas Stanton, your fellow-clerk,” said Mr. Pratt, the +bookkeeper. “I believe you have not been introduced.” + +“Now for it,” thought Tom. + +But rather to his surprise, Herbert made no demonstration, but merely +bowed slightly. + +“What does it mean?” thought Tom, a little perplexed. “Is it possible +that he is not my cousin, after all?” + +“I think you came from Ohio?” inquired Tom, impelled by his curiosity to +ask the question. + +“Yes,” said Herbert. + +“Why didn't you stay there? Couldn't you make a living there?” asked +Tom, not over-politely. + +“Probably I might,” said Herbert, quietly. + +“Then I think you should have stayed there.” + +“Which do you like best, the city or the country?” asked our hero. + +“The city.” + +“So do I.” + +“But there's a difference. I have always lived in the city.” + +“I suppose boys often do come from the country to the city,” said +Herbert. “Was your father born in the city?” + +“No,” said Tom, glancing keenly at Herbert, to see if he meant anything +by the question. + +“Then it seems he must have preferred the city to the country.” + +Tom had his share of curiosity. He knew that it would be better not to +pursue this subject further if he wished his cousin to remain ignorant +of the relationship between them. Still, he was anxious to know what +Herbert's actual knowledge was, and whether he would be likely to avail +himself of it. He was therefore tempted to say, “I suppose you have no +relations in the city?” + +“What makes you think I haven't?” asked Herbert, looking at Tom rather +peculiarly. + +“I don't think anything about it. I only asked,” said Tom, a little +confused. + +“Yes, I have an uncle in the city,” said Herbert, quietly. + +“Oh, indeed,” said Tom. + +He said nothing more, for he felt that he might betray his knowledge of +the relationship unintentionally. Herbert's manner left him as much in +the dark as ever. + +Mr. Pratt set Herbert to work on some writing, and Tom, also, was soon +busy. After a while Mr. Godfrey came in. + +“Good-morning, Herbert,” he said, pleasantly, offering his hand. “So Mr. +Pratt has set you to work, has he?” + +“Yes, sir.” + +“I think we shall find enough for him to do, eh, Mr. Pratt?” + +“Yes, sir, I think so,” said the bookkeeper, who perceived that Herbert +was in favor, and it was as well to fall in with his employer. + +“That's well. How do you like your boarding place, Herbert?” + +“It isn't a very nice one, sir, but it is as good a one as I have a +right to expect for the money I pay.” + +“Come round and dine with us to-night,” said the merchant. “Mrs. Godfrey +will be glad to see you. I'll give you my street and number.” + +“Thank you, sir,” said Herbert. “I shall be glad to accept your kind +invitation.” + +Tom listened to this invitation with envy. Mr. Godfrey occupied a high +social position. Moreover, he had a pretty daughter, whom he, Tom, had +met at dancing school, and he would have been very glad to receive the +invitation which had been extended to “that beggar, Herbert,” as he +mentally styled him. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII + +AT THE CONCERT + + +Herbert felt a little diffident about accepting his employer's +invitation to dinner. Brought up in the country in comparative +poverty, he felt afraid that he should show, in some way, his want of +acquaintance with the etiquette of the dining table. But he had a better +than ordinary education, and, having read diligently whatever books he +could get hold of, possessed a fund of general information which enabled +him to converse intelligently. Then his modest self-possession was of +value to him, and enabled him to acquit himself very creditably. + +Julia Godfrey, the merchant's only daughter, was a lively and animated +girl, a year or two younger than Herbert. She had been the belle of the +dancing school, and Tom Stanton, among other boys, had always been proud +to have her for a partner. She, however, had taken no particular fancy +to Tom, whose evident satisfaction with himself naturally provoked +criticisms on the part of others. Of this, however, Tom was unconscious, +and flattered himself that his personal appearance was strikingly +attractive, and was quite convinced that his elaborate and gorgeous +neckties must attract admiration. + +Julia awaited the advent of her father's young guest with interest, and +her verdict was favorable. He was, to be sure, very plainly dressed, +but his frank and open face and pleasant expression did not need +fine clothes to set them off. Julia at once commenced an animated +conversation with our hero. + +“Weren't you frightened when you saw the robber?” she asked, for her +father had told her of Herbert's adventure with the burglar. + +“No,” said Herbert, “I did not feel afraid.” + +“How brave you must be?” said Julia, with evident admiration. + +“There was no need of my being frightened,” said Herbert, modestly. “I +was expecting him.” + +“I know I should have been frightened to death,” said Julia, decidedly. + +“You are a girl, you know,” said Herbert. “I suppose it is natural for +girls to be timid.” + +“I don't know but it is, but I am sure it is not natural to all boys to +be brave.” + +Herbert smiled. + +“I was out in the country, one day, walking with Frank Percy,” proceeded +Julia, “when a big, ugly-looking dog met us. Frank, instead of standing +by, and defending me, ran away as fast as his feet could carry him. I +laughed at him so much about it that he doesn't like to come near me +since that.” + +“How did you escape?” asked Herbert, with interest. + +“I saw there was no use in running away, so I patted him on the head, +and called him 'Poor dog,' though I expected every minute he was going +to bite me. That calmed him down, and he went off without doing any +harm.” + +Herbert found Mrs. Godfrey to be a pleasant, motherly-looking lady, who +received him kindly. He felt that he should like it very much if she was +his aunt, instead of Mrs. Stanton, whom he had never seen, and did not +think he should care about meeting. + +“What do you think of Tom Stanton?” asked Julia, “Of course, you know +him--the other boy in pa's counting-room.” + +“I am not very well acquainted with him yet,” said Herbert, evasively, +for he did not care to say anything unfavorable of Tom. “Do you know +him?” + +“Yes, he used to go to the same dancing school with me last winter.” + +“Then you know him better than I do.” + +“I don't like him much,” said Julia. “He's always thinking of himself +and his neckties. He always came to dancing school in a different +necktie; to let us know how many he had, I suppose. Didn't you notice +his necktie?” + +“It was pretty large, I thought,” said Herbert, smiling. + +“Yes, he's fond of wearing large ones.” + +“I am afraid you are talking uncharitably, Julia,” said her mother, +mildly. “Girls, you know, are sometimes fond of dress.” + +So the conversation drifted on to other topics. Julia, at first, +addressed our hero as Mr. Mason, until he requested her to call him +Herbert, a request which she readily complied with. They were soon on +excellent terms, and appeared to be mutually pleased. + +“Young people,” said Mr. Godfrey, after dinner, “there is to be an +attractive concert at the Academy of Music this evening. I secured seats +this morning for four. Suppose we all go?” + +“I shall be delighted, for one, papa,” said Julia. “You will like to go, +Herbert, won't you?” + +“Very much,” said our hero. + +“Then you can escort me, while papa and mamma walk together.” + +Herbert felt that this arrangement would be very agreeable, so far as +he was concerned. It was, in fact, adopted, and the four paired off +together, as Julia had suggested, Julia amusing Herbert by her lively +remarks. + +Entering the hall, they followed the usher to their seats, which were +eligibly located only a few rows back from the stage. + +Just behind them sat a party, among whom the new arrivals produced quite +a sensation. Not to keep the reader in suspense, that party consisted of +Mr. and Mrs. Stanton, Tom and Maria. There was but slight acquaintance +between the two families, as Mr. Godfrey's stood higher, socially, than +Mr. Stanton's. The gentlemen, however, had a bowing acquaintance, and +the young people had met at dancing school. + +“Why, there's Mr. Godfrey and his family, Tom,” said Maria, turning +towards her brother. “Who's that boy with them? Julia hasn't got any +brother, has she?” + +Tom had watched the entrance of the party with lively dissatisfaction. +That his beggarly cousin should appear in public on such intimate terms +with Julia Godfrey, to whom he himself had paid attention, but without +any special encouragement, struck him as particularly mortifying. + +“Mr. Godfrey's son!” he said, disdainfully. “That boy is Herbert Mason.” + +“Our cousin?” asked Maria, with interest. “Ma, did you hear?” she +whispered, eagerly. “That boy in front of us is Cousin Herbert.” + +“That boy with the Godfreys?” said Mrs. Stanton, in surprise. + +“Yes, he's talking with Julia now.” + +“Are you sure? Who told you?” + +“Tom.” + +“Is it true, Tom?” + +“Yes,” said Tom, frowning. + +“What could have induced the Godfreys to bring him along?” said Mrs. +Stanton, who was no better pleased than Tom at the social success of the +poor relation. + +“He's quite good-looking,” said Maria. + +“Nonsense,” said her mother, sharply. “He has a very countrified look.” + +The news was communicated to Mr. Stanton, who looked with interest at +his sister's son, whom he had not seen since he was a very young child. +He fervently wished him back again in Ohio, where he might conveniently +forget his existence. Here in New York, especially since an unlucky +chance, as he considered it, had brought him into the same counting-room +as his son, it would be difficult to avoid taking some notice of +him. But, so far as pecuniary assistance was concerned, Mr. Stanton +determined that he would give none, unless it was forced upon him. Had +he known our hero better, he would have been less alarmed. + +With all his prejudices, Mr. Stanton could not help confessing that +Herbert was a boy of whom any uncle might be proud. Though plainly +dressed, he did not seem out of place at a fashionable concert, +surrounded by well-dressed people. + +It must not be supposed that Herbert was left in ignorance of the +vicinity of the only relations he had in the city. + +“There's Tom Stanton, just behind you, with his father and mother and +sister,” whispered Julia. + +Herbert turned his head slightly. He was desirous of seeing what +his uncle and aunt were like. His uncle met his gaze, and turned +uncomfortably away, appearing not to know him, yet conscious that in his +affected ignorance he was acting shabbily. Mrs. Stanton did not flinch, +but bent a cold gaze of scrutiny upon the unwelcome nephew. Tom looked +supercilious, and elevated his pug nose a trifle. Maria, only, looked as +if she would like to know her cousin. + +It was only a hasty glance on Herbert's part, but it brought him to a +rapid conclusion that he would not claim relationship. If any advances +were made, they must come from the other side. + +Tom fidgeted in his seat, watching with ill-concealed vexation the +confidential conversation which appeared to be going on between Julia +and his cousin. + +“What she can see in that boor, I can't imagine,” he said to himself. + +Moreover, though Julia had looked around, she had not deigned any +recognition of himself, and this hurt his pride. He finally determined +to overlook the neglect, and address her, which he could readily do, as +he sat almost directly behind her. + +“Good-evening, Miss Julia,” he said, familiarly, bending forward. + +“Oh, good-evening, Mr. Stanton,” said Julia, coldly, just turning +slightly. “Herbert, isn't that a beautiful song?” + +“She calls him Herbert,” said Tom, in scornful disgust. “I wonder if she +knows he is nothing but a beggar?” + +“How are you enjoying the concert, Miss Julia?” he continued, resolved +not to take the rebuff. + +“Very well,” said Julia. “By the way,” she continued, with a sudden +thought, “I believe you are acquainted with Mr. Mason.” + +Herbert, upon this, bowed pleasantly, but Tom said, in rather a +disagreeable tone, “I know Mr. Mason slightly.” + +“Oh,” said Julia, arching her eyebrows, “I thought you were both in +papa's counting-room.” + +“We shall know each other better by and by,” said Herbert, smiling. + +Tom did not appear to hear this, but tried to keep up the conversation +with Julia, desiring to have it appear that they were intimate friends; +but the young lady gave brief replies, and finally, turning away, +devoted herself once more to Herbert, much to Tom's disgust. In fact, +what he saw made Tom pass a very unpleasant evening, and when, on their +return home, Maria suggested that Julia had taken a fancy to Herbert, he +told her to mind her own business, which Maria justly considered a piece +of rudeness wholly uncalled for. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII + +PETER GREENLEAF AGAIN + + +Notwithstanding he was receiving a salary larger than is usually paid +boys of his age, Herbert felt cramped for the want of money. Six dollars +a week would have paid his expenses comfortably, if he had been well +provided to begin with. But all the clothing he had, besides what he +wore, he had brought with him in a small bundle, the greatest part +having been left in his trunk at the house of Abner Holden. He often +wished that he could have them with him, but, of course, this wish was +vain. Indeed, Mr. Holden, when the conviction was forced upon him that +there was no chance of recovering his bound boy, quietly confiscated the +trunk and its contents; and this, to some extent, consoled him for the +departure of the owner. + +Herbert found himself sadly in need of underclothing; and, of course, +his only suit, from constant wear, was likely to deteriorate rapidly. He +saved all the money he could from his weekly wages toward purchasing +a new one, but his savings were inconsiderable. Besides, he needed a +trunk, or would need one, when he had anything to put in it. + +“If I only had that money Greenleaf stole from me, I should be all +right,” he said to himself, after long and anxious thought on the great +question of ways and means. “I don't see how I can save up more than two +dollars a week out of my wages, and it will take a long time for that to +amount to much.” + +There certainly did not appear to be much chance of saving more. His +boarding place was as cheap as he could obtain, or, if there were +cheaper anywhere, they would probably be also poorer, and our hero felt +that Mrs. Morgan's was as poor as he should be able to endure. + +He was rather mortified, too, at the poverty of his wardrobe. Mrs. +Morgan asked him one day, “When is your trunk coming?” and Herbert was +obliged to own, with some shame, that he had none. The landlady looked +surprised, but he had no explanation to offer. + +“I suppose I shall have to wait till my wages are raised,” thought +Herbert, with a little sigh. This, he reflected, would not be very soon, +as he had started with a salary greater than he was likely to earn, as +Mr. Godfrey had said. + +But relief was nearer than he anticipated. + +One day, as he was walking up the Bowery, he saw, at a little distance +in front of him, a figure which he well remembered. The careless, jaunty +step and well-satisfied air were familiar to him. In short, it was Peter +Greenleaf, who had played so mean a trick upon him at the hotel. + +Herbert's heart beat quick with excitement, mingled with pleasure. He +felt a natural indignation against this young man, who had cheated +him so remorselessly, and left him, indifferent to his fate, alone and +almost penniless in a strange city. + +What should he do? + +Close behind him was a policeman slowly pacing his regular round. +Herbert went up to him, and, pointing to Greenleaf, rapidly recounted +his grievances. + +“It was a mean trick,” said the policeman, who was a favorable specimen +of his class. “Is this the first time you have seen him?” + +“Yes.” + +“Tell me what you want to do.” + +“I want to get my money back.” + +“Probably he has spent it. How long since he robbed you?” + +“Three weeks.” + +“Not much chance, then. Probably his pocket's empty, unless he's fleeced +somebody else in the meantime. However, it's as well to see what can +be done. Now, I'll tell you how to act. Go up to him boldly, and demand +your money. If he bluffs you off, call me.” + +“All right,” said Herbert. + +He hastened his step, and, advancing, tapped Greenleaf on the shoulder. + +Greenleaf turned. When he recognized Herbert, he looked surprised and +disconcerted. But he had plenty of assurance, and quickly determined +upon his course. Assuming a stolid look, he said: “Well, my lad, who are +you; and what do you want?” + +“You know who I am, well enough,” said Herbert, angrily. + +“Do I? Then I'm uncommonly forgetful. I haven't any recollection of your +interesting countenance,” he said, with a sneer. + +“I suppose you don't want to remember me, Mr. Greenleaf,” said Herbert. + +“Greenleaf! You are thinking of somebody else. My name's Thompson.” + +“Your name was Greenleaf when you stopped with me at French's Hotel,” + said Herbert, sturdily. + +“You're crazy, I fancy,” said Greenleaf, shrugging his shoulders. “I +never stopped at the hotel you mention, in my life.” + +“Where's the money you took from me?” demanded Herbert, who felt +convinced of Greenleaf's identity, in spite of his denial. + +“What are you talking about?” said Greenleaf, assuming a look of +surprise. + +“You went off before I was awake, with more than fifty dollars of mine.” + +“Do you mean to insult me?” said Greenleaf, drawing himself up. “I've a +great mind to knock you over!” + +“Mr. Greenleaf,” said Herbert, firmly, “either return my money, or as +much as you have got left, or I will call a policeman.” + +“Just what I shall do, myself, unless you stop this nonsense,” said +Greenleaf, angrily; but not without a sensation of uneasiness, as it +struck his mind that Herbert might really intend to do what he had said. + +“Once more, will you give up that money?” said Herbert, firmly. + +“Stand out of the way,” said Greenleaf, “if you know what is best for +yourself!” + +He was about to push by, thrusting Herbert roughly out of the way, when +our hero turned, and his look summoned the policeman, who hastened to +the spot. + +“Give this boy his money,” he said, authoritatively. “I know all about +your little game. It's up now. Unless you hand over your plunder, you +must go with me.” + +Greenleaf changed color, and was evidently alarmed. + +“I've got nobody's money, except my own,” he said. + +“Come along, then,” said the officer, taking him by the arm. + +“Stop a minute,” said he, hurriedly, finding that matters had come to a +crisis. “If I give up what I have, will you let me go?” + +“Well, that depends on how much you have.” + +“I've got twenty dollars.” + +Herbert was about to say that this would do, but the policeman shook his +head. + +“Won't do,” said he. “Come along.” + +After a little haggling, Greenleaf produced forty dollars, which Herbert +pocketed, with much satisfaction. + +“Now go along, and mind you don't try any more such games.” + +Greenleaf needed no second permission to be gone. He feared that the +officer might change his mind, and he might, after all, be consigned to +the station house. + +“Thank you,” said Herbert, gratefully. “I needed the money badly. I +shouldn't have recovered it but for you.” + +“Take better care of it next time,” said the officer, not unkindly. +“Take care not to trust a stranger too easily. Better take my advice, +and put it in a savings bank.” + +“I shall be obliged to use most of it,” said Herbert. “What I don't +need, I will put in the bank.” + +The recovery of so much of his lost money seemed to Herbert quite a +lucky windfall. He went at once to a trunk store, and, for five dollars, +purchased a good, durable trunk, which he ordered sent home to his +lodgings. Fifteen dollars more he invested in necessary underclothing, +and this left him one-half of the money for future use. Besides this +he had six dollars, which, in three weeks, he had saved from his wages. +With this sum, and the articles he had purchased, he felt quite rich, +and returned to the counting-room--this happened during the hour given +him for dinner--in unusually good spirits. He had other reasons +for encouragement. He was getting accustomed to his duties at the +counting-room. Mr. Godfrey always treated him kindly, and had called +upon him again that very morning to assist him in translating a French +letter, complimenting him, at the same time, upon his scholarship. + +“I'll do my best,” thought Herbert. “'Try and Trust,' that's my motto. I +think it will bring me success.” + +But even while he spoke, an unforeseen danger menaced him. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX + +SPARRING + + +After the concert, Tom Stanton took even a greater dislike to his cousin +than before. To say that he was in love with Julia Godfrey would be +rather ridiculous, considering his youth. Even if he had been older, Tom +cared too much about himself to fall in love with another. But Julia had +been a belle among the children of her own age at the dancing school, +and there was considerable rivalry among the boys--or, I should, +perhaps, say young gentlemen--for the honor of her notice. Tom desired +it, because it would give him a kind of distinction among his fellows. +So, though he was not in love with Julia, he was jealous when she showed +favor to anyone else. But this feeling was mild compared with that he +experienced when Julia bestowed her notice upon his penniless cousin. +That Herbert should be preferred to himself, he thought, not only showed +great lack of taste on the part of the young heiress, but was a grievous +wrong to himself. + +“I can't understand how girls can be such fools,” thought Tom, as +that evening, after returning from the concert, he surveyed his rather +perturbed face in the mirror surmounting his bureau. “I wouldn't have +believed Julia Godfrey would stoop to notice such a pauper.” + +Then a cheerful thought came to him. Perhaps she was only trying to +rouse his jealousy. He had heard of such things. But, if so, why should +she choose such a beggar as Herbert to practice her arts upon? + +Certainly, to an unprejudiced observer, such a thought would never have +suggested itself. The cool indifference with which Julia had treated Tom +did not appear to argue any such feeling as would lead to the attempt to +rouse his jealousy. But, then, Tom was not an unprejudiced observer, and +considered his personal attractions such that any girl might appreciate +them. + +When he arrived at the counting-room the next morning, he found Herbert +already there. Indeed, our hero was very particular to be punctual in +his attendance, while Tom was generally at least a quarter of an hour +behind time. + +“I saw you at the concert last evening, Mason,” said Tom, who wanted to +get a chance to say something disagreeable. + +“Yes, I was there,” said Herbert. “You sat in the row just behind us.” + +“Yes. I suppose you were never at a concert before.” + +“Not in New York.” + +“Mr. Godfrey was very kind to take you.” + +That was what Herbert thought himself. But as Tom expressed it, there +was something in his tone which implied a conviction of Herbert's social +inferiority, which our hero did not like. + +“I have found Mr. Godfrey very kind,” he said, briefly. + +“There are not many employers who would invite a boy in your position to +a concert with his family,” said Tom. + +“I believe my position is the same as yours,” said Herbert, nettled. + +“I don't see it,” said Tom, haughtily. “Will you explain yourself?” + +“I believe we are both in Mr. Godfrey's employ,” said Herbert. + +“Oh, yes, so far as that goes. But I am the son of a rich man,” said +Tom, pompously. + +Herbert might have replied that he was the nephew of a rich man, but he +had no disposition to boast of his relationship to his cousin's family. + +“I don't see that that makes any difference,” said Herbert. + +“Don't you? Well, I do.” + +“We are both boys in Mr. Godfrey's employ.” + +“That's true, but then, he took you out of pity, you know.” + +Tom's tone as he said this was very aggravating, and Herbert's face +flushed. + +“I don't know anything of the sort,” he retorted. + +“No, I suppose you don't consider it in that light,” said Tom, +carelessly; “but, of course, it is clear enough to others. Where would +you have been, if Mr. Godfrey hadn't given you a place? Blacking boots, +probably, among the street ragamuffins.” + +“Perhaps I might,” said Herbert, quietly, “if I couldn't have got +anything better to do.” + +“It's a very genteel occupation,” sneered Tom. + +“I don't think it is,” said Herbert, “but it's an honest one.” + +“You may have to take it yet.” + +“Perhaps so. So may you.” + +“Do you mean to insult me?” demanded Tom, haughtily, his face flushing. + +“I only said to you the same thing you said to me. If it's an insult on +one side, it is on the other.” + +“You seem to forget that our circumstances are very different,” said +Tom. + +“They are just now, so far as money goes. I get a larger salary than +you.” + +Tom was very much incensed at this remark, being aggrieved by the fact +that Herbert received more than he. + +“I didn't mean that,” said he. “Of course, if Mr. Godfrey chooses to +give away money in charity, it is none of my business. I don't need any +charity.” + +“Mr. Godfrey pays me for my services,” said Herbert. “If he pays me too +liberally now, I hope to make it up to him afterward.” + +“You seemed to be very intimate with Julia Godfrey last evening,” said +Tom, unpleasantly. + +“I found her very pleasant.” + +“Yes; she is very kind to take notice of you.” + +“I suppose the notice you have taken of me this morning is meant in +kindness,” said Herbert, thinking his cousin very disagreeable. + +“Yes, of course, being in the same counting-room, I think it right to +take some notice of you,” said Tom, condescendingly. + +“I am very much obliged to you,” said Herbert, sarcastically. + +“But there's one piece of advice I should like to give you,” proceeded +Tom. + +“What is that?” inquired Herbert, looking his cousin in the face. + +“Don't feel too much set up by Julia Godfrey's notice. She only took +notice of you out of pity, and to encourage you. If you had been in her +own position in society--” + +“Like you, for instance!” + +“Yes, like me,” said Tom, complacently, “she would have been more +ceremonious. I thought I would just mention it to you, Mason, or you +might not understand it.” + +It was only natural that Herbert should be provoked by this elaborate +humiliation suggested by Tom, and his cousin's offensive assumption of +superiority. This led him to a retort in kind. + +“I suppose that is the reason she took so little notice of you,” he +said. + +Tom was nettled at this statement of a fact, but he answered in an +off-hand manner, “Oh, Julia and I are old friends. I've danced with her +frequently at dancing school.” + +Herbert happened to remember what Julia had said of his cousin, and was +rather amused at this assumption of intimacy. + +“I am much obliged to you for your information,” said Herbert, “though +I am rather surprised that you should take so great an interest in my +affairs.” + +“Oh, you're new in the city, and I know all the ropes,” said Tom. “I +thought I might as well give you a friendly hint.” + +“I am lucky in having such a friend,” said Herbert, “and will take the +advice as it was given.” + +Here the bookkeeper entered, and, soon after, Mr. Godfrey made his +appearance. + +“I hope you had a pleasant evening, Herbert,” he said, kindly. + +“Very pleasant, sir; thank you,” said Herbert, in a very different tone +from the one he had used in addressing Tom. + +“I believe I saw you, also, at the concert, Thomas,” said Mr. Godfrey. + +“Yes, sir,” said Tom. “I am very fond of music, and attend all the +first-class musical entertainments.” + +“Indeed?” said Mr. Godfrey, but this was all the reply he made. + +“My daughter insists that I shall invite you to the house again soon,” + said Mr. Godfrey, again addressing Herbert. + +“I am very much obliged to her, and to you, sir,” said Herbert, +modestly. “I shall be very glad to come.” + +Tom's face darkened, as he heard this. He would have given considerable +to receive such an invitation himself, but the prospect did not seem +very promising. + +“Mr. Godfrey must be infatuated,” he said to himself, impatiently, “to +invite such a beggar to his house. Mason ought to have good sense enough +to feel that he is out of place in such a house. I wouldn't accept any +invitation given out of pity.” + +“I wonder why Tom dislikes me so much?” thought Herbert. “He certainly +takes pains enough to show his feeling. Would it be different, I wonder, +if he knew that I was his cousin?” + +Herbert thought of mentioning to Mr. Godfrey that he had recovered +three-quarters of the money of which he had been robbed. It would +have been well if he had done so, but Mr. Godfrey seemed particularly +engaged, and he thought it best not to interrupt him. + + + + +CHAPTER XXX + +AN UNEXPECTED BLOW + + +Herbert felt happier than usual. He had recovered the greater part of +his money, and thus was relieved from various inconveniences which had +resulted from his straitened circumstances, He was the more elated at +this, as it had seemed extremely improbable that the lost money would +ever have found its way back to the pocket of its rightful owner. +Then, he had a good place, and a salary sufficient to defray his modest +expenses, and the prospect of promotion, if he should be faithful to +the interests of his employer, as he firmly intended to be. It was +agreeable, also, to reflect that he was in favor with Mr. Godfrey, who +had thus far treated him with as much kindness as if he had been his own +son. + +There was, to be sure, the drawback of Tom's enmity, but, as there was +no good reason for this, he would not allow it to trouble him much, +though, of course, it would have been more agreeable if all in the +office had been his friends. He determined to take an early opportunity +to write to his good friend, Dr. Kent, an account of his present +position. He would have done so before, but had hesitated from the fear +that in some way the intelligence would reach Abner Holden, whom he +preferred to leave in ignorance of all that concerned him. + +These thoughts passed through Herbert's mind as he went about his daily +work. Meanwhile, a painful experience awaited him, for which he was not +in the least prepared. + +About one o'clock a gentleman entered the counting-room hastily, and +said, “Mr. Godfrey, I wonder whether I happened to leave my pocketbook +anywhere about your office when I was here an hour ago?” + +“I don't think so. When did you miss it?” + +“A few minutes since. I went to a restaurant to get a lunch, and, on +finishing it, felt for my pocketbook, and found it gone.” + +“Was there much in it?” + +“No sum of any consequence. Between twenty and thirty dollars, I +believe. There were, however, some papers of value, which I shall be +sorry to lose.” + +“I hardly think you could have left it here. However, I will inquire. +Mr. Pratt, have you seen anything of Mr. Walton's pocketbook?” + +“No, sir,” said the bookkeeper, promptly. + +“Herbert, have you seen it?” + +“No, sir,” said our hero. + +“Thomas?” + +Tom Stanton was assailed by a sudden and dangerous temptation. His +dislike to Herbert had been increased in various ways, and especially +had been rendered more intense by the independent tone assumed by our +hero in the conversation which had taken place between them that very +morning. Now, here was an opportunity of getting him into disgrace, and +probably cause him to lose his situation. True, he would have to tell a +falsehood, but Tom had never been a scrupulous lover of truth, and would +violate it for a less object without any particular compunction. + +He hesitated when the question was asked him, and thus, as he expected, +fixed Mr. Godfrey's attention. + +“Why don't you answer, Thomas?” he said, in surprise. + +“I don't like to,” said Tom, artfully. + +“Why not?” demanded his employer, suspiciously. + +“Because I don't want to get anybody into trouble.” + +“Speak out what you mean.” + +“If you insist upon it,” said Tom, with pretended reluctance, “I suppose +I must obey you.” + +“Of course, if any wrong has been done, it is your duty to expose it.” + +“Then, sir,” said Tom. “I saw Mason pick up a wallet from the floor, +and put it in his pocket just after the gentleman went out. He did it so +quickly that no one probably observed it but myself.” + +Herbert listened to this accusation as if stunned. It was utterly beyond +his conception how anyone could be guilty of such a deliberate falsehood +as he had just listened to. So he remained silent, and this operated +against him. + +“Herbert,” said Mr. Godfrey, mildly, for he was unwilling to believe our +hero guilty of intentional dishonesty, “you should have mentioned having +found the pocketbook.” + +“So I would, sir,” said Herbert, having found his voice at last, “if I +had found one.” + +“Do you mean to say that you have not?” demanded Mr. Godfrey, with a +searching look. + +“Yes, sir,” said Herbert, firmly. + +“What, then, does Thomas mean when he asserts that he saw you do so?” + +“I don't know, sir. I think he means to injure me, as I have noticed +ever since I entered the office that he seems to dislike me.” + +“How is that, Thomas? Do you again declare that you saw Herbert pick up +the wallet? + +“I do,” said Tom, boldly. “Of course, I expected that he would deny it. +I leave it to you, sir, if he does not show his guilt in his face? Just +look at him!” + +Now it, unfortunately for Herbert, happened that his indignation had +brought a flush to his face, and he certainly did look as a guilty +person is supposed to do. Mr. Godfrey observed this, and his heart sank +within him, for, unable to conceive of such wickedness as Tom's, he saw +no other way except to believe in Herbert's guilt. + +“Have you nothing to say, Herbert?” he asked, more in sorrow than in +anger. + +“No, sir,” said Herbert, in a low voice; “nothing, except what I have +already said. Tom has uttered a wicked falsehood, and he knows it.” + +“Of course, I expected you would say that,” said Tom, with effrontery. + +“This is a serious charge, Herbert,” proceeded Mr. Godfrey. “I shall +have to ask you to produce whatever you have in your pockets.” + +“Certainly, sir,” said our hero, calmly. + +But, as he spoke, it flashed upon him that he had in his pocket +twenty-six dollars, and the discovery of this sum would be likely to +involve him in suspicion. He could, indeed, explain where he got it; +but would his explanation be believed? Under present circumstances, he +feared that it would not. So it was with a sinking heart that he drew +out the contents of his pockets, and among them his own pocketbook. + +“Is that yours?” asked Mr. Godfrey, turning to Mr. Walton. + +“No, it is not; but he may have transferred my money to it.” + +Upon this hint, Mr. Godfrey opened the pocketbook, and drew out the +small roll of bills, which he proceeded to count. + +“Twenty-six dollars,” he said. “How much did you lose?” + +“Between twenty and thirty dollars. I cannot be sure how much.” + +“Here are two tens and three twos.” + +“I had two tens. I don't remember the denomination of the other bills.” + +Even Tom was struck with astonishment at this discovery. He knew that +his charge was groundless, yet here it was substantiated in a very +remarkable manner. Was it possible that he had, after all, struck upon +the truth of the matter? He did not know what to think. + +“Herbert,” said his employer, sorrowfully, “this discovery gives me more +pain than I can express. I had a very high idea of you. I could not have +believed you capable of so mean a thing as deliberate dishonesty.” + +“I am not guilty,” said Herbert, proudly. + +“How can you say this in the face of all this evidence? Do you mean to +say that this money is yours?” + +“I do,” said Herbert, firmly. + +“Where could you have got it?” said his employer, incredulously. +“Did you not tell me when you entered my employ that you were almost +penniless? You have been with me three weeks only, and half your wages +have been paid for board.” + +“Yes, sir; you are right.” + +“What explanation, then, can you offer? Your case looks bad.” + +“The six dollars I saved from my wages, at the rate of two dollars +a week. The twenty dollars is a part of the money I was robbed of. I +succeeded in recovering forty dollars of it yesterday.” + +Here, Herbert related the circumstances already known to the reader. + +“A likely story,” said Tom, scornfully. + +“Be silent, Thomas,” said Mr. Godfrey. “Your story does not seem +probable,” he proceeded, speaking to Herbert. + +“It is true, sir,” said our hero, firmly. + +“What could he have done with your wallet, however?” said the merchant, +turning to Mr. Walton. + +“He has been out to the post office since,” said Tom. “He might have +thrown it away.” + +This unfortunately for Herbert, was true. He had been out, and, of +course, could have disposed of the wallet in the way mentioned. + +“I don't know what to think, Mr. Walton,” said Mr. Godfrey. “I'm afraid +the boy's guilty.” + +“I'm afraid so. I don't care so much for the money, if he will give me +back the papers.” + +“I can't do it, sir,” said Herbert, “for I never had them.” + +“What shall we do?” + +“The other boy declares that he saw this one take the wallet from the +floor, where I probably dropped it. It seems to me that settles the +matter.” + +“I am afraid it does.” + +“Once more, Herbert, will you confess?” asked Mr. Godfrey. + +“I can only say, sir, that I am innocent.” + +“Mr. Walton, what shall we do?” + +“Let the boy go. I will leave it to his honor to return me the papers, +and he may keep the money. I think he will make up his mind to do so by +tomorrow.” + +“You hear, Herbert,” said Mr. Godfrey. “While this matter remains in +doubt, you cannot retain your situation.” + +“Thank you, Mr. Walton, for your indulgence,” said Herbert; “but I am +sorry you think me guilty. The truth will some time appear. I shall TRY +to do my duty, and TRUST to God to clear me.” + +He took his hat and left the counting-room with a heavy heart, feeling +himself in disgrace. + +“I had great confidence in that boy, Walton,” said Mr. Godfrey. “Even +now, I can hardly believe him guilty.” + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI + +MR. STANTON IS SURPRISED + + +While the events recorded in the last chapter were taking place in Mr. +Godfrey's counting-room another and a different scene took place at the +office of Mr. Stanton. + +He had just finished reading the morning paper, and, as it slipped +from his hand, his thoughts turned, transiently, to the nephew whose +persistent failure to claim relationship puzzled him not a little. He +was glad not to be called upon for money, of course; still, he felt a +little annoyed at Herbert's reticence, especially as it left him unable +to decide whether our hero knew of the tie which connected them. It was +scarcely possible to suppose that he did not. But in that case, why did +he not make some sign? The truth did suggest itself to Mr. Stanton's +mind that the boy resented his cold and indifferent letter, and this +thought made him feel a little uncomfortable. + +While he was thinking over this subject, one of his clerks entered the +office. + +“A gentleman to see you, Mr. Stanton,” he said, briefly. + +Mr. Stanton raised his head, and his glance rested on a tall, vigorous +man of perhaps thirty-five years of age, who closely followed the clerk. +The stranger's face was brown from exposure, and there was a certain +appearance of unconventionality about his movements which seemed +to indicate that he was not a dweller in cities or a frequenter of +drawing-rooms, but accustomed to make his home in the wilder haunts of +nature. + +In brief, for there is no occasion for mystery, Mr. Stanton's visitor +was Ralph the Ranger, who had assisted Herbert from the clutches of +Abner Holden. + +Mr. Stanton gazed at the stranger with some curiosity, but was unable to +recognize him. + +“Have you any business with me?” he asked. + +“Yes,” said the visitor, in a voice whose depth carried with it an +assurance of strength. + +“State it, then, as briefly as possible,” said the merchant, with a +little asperity, for there was not as much deference in the manner of +the other as he thought there should have been. Like most new men, +he was jealous of his position, and solicitous lest he should not be +treated with due respect. + +“I will do so,” said the stranger, “but as it cannot be summed up in a +sentence, I will take the liberty of seating myself.” + +As he spoke he sat down in an office chair, which was placed not far +from that in which Mr. Stanton was sitting. + +“My time is valuable,” said the merchant, coldly. “I cannot listen to a +long story.” + +As the visitor was plainly, if not roughly, dressed, he suspected that +he desired pecuniary assistance on some pretext or other, and that his +story was one of misfortune, intended to appeal to his sympathies. Had +such been the case, there was very little prospect of help from Mr. +Stanton, and that gentleman already enjoyed in anticipation the pleasure +of refusing him. + +“Don't you know me?” demanded Ralph, abruptly. + +Mr. Stanton did not anticipate such a commencement. It had never +occurred to him to suppose that his rough visitor was one whom he had +ever before met. + +“No,” he said, “I never saw you before.” + +Ralph smiled a little bitterly. + +“So I have passed entirely out of your remembrance, have I?” he said. +“Well, it is twelve years since we met.” + +“Twelve years,” repeated Mr. Stanton. He scanned the stranger's face +with curiosity, but not a glimmer of recollection came to him. + +“I dare say I met many persons at that distance of time, whom I cannot +remember in the least now, even by name.” + +“I think you will remember my name,” said Ralph, quietly. “Your memory +of Ralph Pendleton cannot be wholly obliterated.” + +Mr. Stanton started, and it was evident from the expression of his face +that the memory was not a welcome one. + +“Are you Ralph Pendleton?” he asked, in an undecided voice. + +“Yes, but not the Ralph Pendleton you once knew. Then I was an +inexperienced boy; now I am a man.” + +“Yes, you have changed considerably,” said Mr. Stanton, uncomfortably, +“Where have you kept yourself all these years? Why have you not made +yourself known before?” + +“Before I answer these questions, I must refer to some circumstances +well known to both of us. I hope I shall not be tiresome; I will, at +least, be brief. You were my father's friend. At least, he so considered +you.” + +“I was so.” + +“When he died, as I had not yet attained my majority, he left you my +guardian.” + +“Yes.” + +“I was in rather an idle frame, and being possessed, as I supposed, of +fifty thousand dollars, I felt no necessity impelling me to work. You +gave me no advice, but rather encouraged me in my idle propensities. +When I was of age, I took a fancy to travel, and left my property +in your hands, with full power to manage it for me. This trust you +accepted.” + +“Well, this is an old story.” + +“An old one, but it shall not be a long one. My income being sufficient +to defray my expenses abroad, I traveled leisurely, with no thought +for the future. In your integrity I had the utmost confidence. Imagine, +then, my dismay when, while resident in Paris, I received a letter from +you stating that, owing to a series of unlucky investments, nearly +all my money had been sunk, and in place of fifty thousand dollars, my +property was reduced to a few hundreds.' + +“It was unlucky, I admit,” said Mr. Stanton, moving uneasily in his +chair. “My investments were unlucky, as it turned out, but the best and +most judicious cannot always foresee how an investment will turn out. +Besides, I lost largely, myself.” + +“So you wrote me,” said Ralph, quietly. “However, that did not make it +any the easier for me to bear.” + +“Perhaps not, but it shows, at any rate, that I took the same risk for +my own money that I did for others.” + +Ralph proceeded without noticing this remark. “What made matters worse +for me was that I had fallen in love with a young American lady who, +with her parents, was then traveling in Europe. My circumstances, as I +supposed them to be, justified me in proposing marriage. I was accepted +by the young lady, and my choice was approved by the parents. When, +however, I learned of my loss of fortune, I at once made it known, and +that approval was withdrawn. The father told me that, under the altered +circumstances, the engagement must be considered broken. Still, he held +out the prospect that, should I ever again obtain a property as large as +that I had lost, I might marry his daughter. She, on her part, promised +to wait for me.” + +“Well?” + +“I came to New York, received from you the remnant of my lost fortune, +and sailed the next week for California, then just open to American +enterprise. The most glowing stories were told of fortunes won in an +incredibly short time, Having no regular occupation, and having a strong +motive for acquiring money, it is not surprising that I should have been +dazzled with the rest, and persuaded to make the journey to the land of +gold.” + +“A Quixotic scheme, as I thought at the time,” said Mr. Stanton, coldly. +“For one that succeeded, there were fifty who failed. You had better +have taken the clerkship I offered you.” + +“You are wrong,” said Ralph, composedly. “There were many who were +disappointed, but I was not among the number.” + +“Did you succeed?” asked Mr. Stanton, surprised. + +“So well,” answered the other, “that at the end of two years' residence, +I found myself as rich as I had ever been.” + +“Had you made fifty thousand dollars?” demanded the merchant, in +amazement. + +“I had.” + +“What did you do? Why did you not let me know of your success?” + +“When I once more found myself possessed of a fortune, I took the next +vessel home with my money. I had but one thought, and that was to claim +the hand of my promised bride, who had promised to wait for me ten +years, if necessary.” + +“Well?” + +“I found her married,” said Ralph, bitterly. “She had forgotten her +promise, or had been over-persuaded by her parents--I do not know +which--and had proved false to me.” + +“That was unfortunate. But do you still possess the money?” + +“I do.” + +“Indeed! I congratulate you,” said Mr. Stanton, with suavity, and he +held out his hand, which Ralph did not appear to see. Ralph Pendleton +rich was a very different person from Ralph Pendleton poor, and it +occurred to him that he might so far ingratiate himself into the favor +of his former ward as to obtain the charge of his second fortune. He saw +that it would be safe, as well as politic, to exchange his coldness for +a warm and cordial welcome. + +“Proceed with your story,” he said; “I am quite interested in it.” + + + + +CHAPTER XXXII + +RISEN FROM THE DEAD + + +Ralph Pendleton proceeded. + +“This blow overwhelmed me. All that I had been laboring for seemed +suddenly snatched from me.” + +“You had your money,” suggested Mr. Stanton. + +“Yes, I had my money; but for money itself I cared little.” + +Mr. Stanton shrugged his shoulders a little contemptuously. He could not +understand how anyone could think slightingly of money, and he decided +in his own mind that Ralph was an unpractical enthusiast. + +“I valued money only as a means to an end, and that end was to make +Margaret Lindsay my wife. She failed me, and my money lost its charm.” + +“There were plenty who could have consoled you in her place.” + +“No doubt, I might have been successful in other quarters, but I did +not care to try. I left New York in disgust, and, going West, I buried +myself in the forest, where I built a rude cabin, and there I have lived +since, an unsocial, solitary life. Years have passed since I visited New +York.” + +“What did you do with your money all this while?” + +“I left it in the hands of men whom I could trust. It has been +accumulating all these years, and I find that the fifty thousand dollars +have swelled to ninety thousand.” + +“Indeed!” ejaculated Mr. Stanton, his respect for Ralph considerably +raised. “And now you have come here to enjoy it, I suppose?” + +“A different motive has led to my coming--a motive connected with you,” + said Ralph, fixing his eyes steadily upon Mr. Stanton. + +“Connected with me!” repeated the merchant, uneasily. + +“Yes.” + +“May I ask in what manner?” + +“I expected the question, and am come to answer it. When I returned +from Europe impoverished, you gave me a brief statement of the manner in +which you had invested my fortune, and showed me how it had melted away +like snow before the sun.” + +“You remember rightly. I bought, on your account, shares in Lake +Superior Mining Company, which promised excellently, and bade fair +to make handsome returns. But it proved to be under the management of +knaves, and ran quickly down from par to two per cent., at which price I +thought best to sell out, considering that a little saved from the wreck +was better than nothing.” + +“This is according to the statement you made me,” said Ralph, quietly. + +“I am sure,” said Mr. Stanton, “that no one regretted more than I do +the disastrous result. Indeed, I had reason to do so, for I was myself +involved, and suffered considerable loss.” + +“I am aware now that you were concerned in the matter,” said Ralph, +significantly. + +“What do you mean?” asked Mr. Stanton, quickly, detecting something +peculiar in his tone. + +“I will tell you. You were right in denouncing the management as +knavish. The company was got up by knaves, on a basis of fraud, and +was from the first intended as a trap for the unwary. But there is one +important circumstance which you have neglected to mention.” + +“What is that?” asked Mr. Stanton, in a voice which strove to be +composed. + +“I mean this,” said Ralph, firmly, “that you yourself were the prime +originator of the company--that you engineered it through to the +end--that you invested my money with the express intention of converting +it to your own profit. I charge you with this, that all, or nearly all +the property I lost, went into your pocket.” + +The color came and went in Mr. Stanton's face. He seemed staggered by +this sudden and unexpected accusation, and did not at first make reply. + +Feeling forced to speak at last, he said: “This is very strange +language, Mr. Pendleton.” + +“It is unexpected, no doubt, for after all these years you probably +thought it would remain forever unknown; but in what respect is it +strange? I have given you a statement of facts as directly as I could.” + +“They are not facts. Your charge is wholly false,” said the merchant, +but his tone was not that of a man who speaks the truth boldly. + +“I wish I could believe it,” said Ralph. “I wish I could believe that +I was not deliberately swindled by one who professed to be my father's +friend.” + +“On what authority do you bring this monstrous charge?” demanded Mr. +Stanton, more boldly. “How happens it that you have not made it before?” + +“For the simple reason that I myself did not suspect any fraud. I +presumed that it was as you stated to me, and that your only fault was +your injudicious investment.” + +“Well, I admit that, as it turned out, the investment was injudicious. +Everything else I deny.” + +“Your denial is vain.” + +“You cannot prove the truth of what you say.” + +“So you fall back on that? But you are mistaken. I can prove the truth +of what I say,” said Ralph firmly. + +“How?” + +“Do you remember a man named David Marston?” + +“He is dead,” said Mr. Stanton, hastily. + +“So you have supposed,” said Ralph; “but you were deceived. He is not +dead. I only encountered him a week since, quite by accident, in my +Western home. He was your confidential clerk, you remember, and fully +acquainted with all your business transactions at the time of which I +am speaking. From him I learned how basely I had been deceived, and +with what deliberate cruelty you conspired to rob the son of your dead +friend.” + +“I don't believe David Marston is alive,” said Mr. Stanton, hoarsely, +with a certain terror in his face. “Indeed, I have proof that he is +dead.” + +“I know the character of your proof. A paper was forwarded to you +from Australia, whither you had sent him, containing the record of his +death.” + +“Yes? What have you to say against this?” + +“That the publication was a mistake. He was dangerously sick, and it was +falsely announced that he was dead. That notice was sent to you, and you +believed it to be true.” + +“I believe it now,” said Mr. Stanton, doggedly. “Why should I not?” + +“If you wish to be convinced, proof is at hand. Wait a moment.” + +Ralph Pendleton rose from his seat and left the counting-room. Two +minutes had not passed when he returned with an elderly man, thin of +face and wasted in figure, looking twenty years older than Mr. Stanton, +though really of about the same age. + +“This is David Marston,” said Ralph--“the living proof that I have told +you the truth.” + +Mr. Stanton gazed at him wildly, for to him it was as the face of one +risen from the dead. + +“How do you do, Mr. Stanton?” said David Marston, humbly. “It is many, +many years since we met, sir.” + +“Are you really David Marston?” demanded Mr. Stanton, never taking his +eyes off the shrunken figure of his old clerk. + +“I am, sir; greatly changed indeed, but still the David Marston who was +formerly in your employ. Time hasn't treated me as well as it has you, +sir. I've been unlucky, and aged fast.” + +“I am afraid your mind is also affected. You have been telling strange +stories to Mr. Pendleton here.” + +“True stories, sir,” said David, firmly. + +“Come, come, how much is he going to give you for this evidence of +yours?” + +“Stop, Mr. Stanton! You insult us both,” said Ralph Pendleton, sternly. +“I am not the man to buy false evidence, nor is David Marston the man to +perjure himself for pay. David, I want you, in Mr. Stanton's presence, +to make a clear statement of his connection with the mining company by +which I lost my fortune.” + +David Marston obeyed, and in a few words as possible unfolded the +story. It is not necessary to repeat it here. Enough that it fully +substantiated the charge which Ralph had brought against his early +guardian. + +When he had finished, Ralph said, “You can judge what weight Marston's +testimony would have before a court of justice, and whether it would +help your commercial standing to have his story made public.” + +“What is it you want of me?” said Mr. Stanton, sullenly. + +“I want restitution, dollar for dollar, of my lost money. I will +waive interest, though I might justly claim it. But, were it all paid, +interest and principal, the wrong would not be redressed. You cannot +restore the bride who would have been mine but for your villainy.” + +“How much time will you give me to pay this money?” asked the merchant, +moodily. + +“Ten days.” + +“It is a short time.” + +“It must suffice. Do you agree?” + +“I must.” + +“Bind yourself to that, and for ten days I leave you free.” + +Satisfactory security was given that the engagement would be met, and +Ralph Pendleton left the counting-room. But his countenance was scarcely +more cheerful than that of the man he had conquered. + +“I am rich,” he said to himself; “but of what avail is it? Whom can I +benefit with my wealth?” + +This thought had scarcely crossed his mind when he came face to face +with Herbert, walking with a sad and downcast face in the opposite +direction. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIII + +A FRIEND IN NEED + + +Herbert left Mr. Godfrey's counting-room very much depressed in spirits. +But an hour before he had rejoiced in his excellent prospects, and, +depending on the favor of his employer and his own fidelity, had looked +forward to a bright future. Now all was changed. He was dismissed from +his situation in disgrace, suspected of a mean theft. He had, to be +sure, the consciousness of innocence, and that was a great deal. He was +not weighed down by the feeling of guilt, at least. Still his prospects +were dark. Suppose the matter should not be cleared up, and he should +still remain under suspicion? How could he hope to obtain another place +without a recommendation from his late employer? No; he must resign all +hope of a position and adopt some street occupation, such as selling +papers or vending small articles in a basket, as he had seen boys of +his own age doing. He did not doubt but that in some way he could get +a living, but still he would be under suspicion, and that was hard to +bear. + +While these things were passing through his mind he walked down +Broadway, with his eyes fixed upon the sidewalk. All at once he started +to hear his name called, and, looking up, to his unbounded astonishment +he saw before him Ralph the Ranger, whom he had supposed a thousand +miles away in his cabin in the Ohio woods. + +The sight of a friendly face was most welcome to him at such a time, and +Ralph's face was friendly. + +“Ralph!” he exclaimed, seizing the Ranger's hand. “How did you come +here? When did you arrive? You are the last person I expected to see.” + +“And you are the one I most wanted to see,” said Ralph, his tone +unconsciously softened by his friendly interest in the boy before him. + +“I can say the same, Ralph,” said Herbert, soberly, “for I am in +trouble.” + +“In trouble, boy? I am sorry for that. Is it money? I can get you out of +that trouble.” + +“It is not that exactly, Ralph. If you will come into the City Hall Park +and sit down on a bench with me I will tell you all about it.” + +“Instead of that, let us go into the Astor House,” said Ralph. “It is +where I am stopping.” + +“You are stopping at the Astor House?” said Herbert, in momentary +surprise. “Perhaps you do not know that there are cheaper hotels. Shall +I direct you to one?” + +“No, Herbert, I am not poor, as you perhaps think. I suppose I should +be called rich; but that I can explain afterwards. For the present your +affairs require attention. Come in.” + +They went up the steps of the Astor House, and Ralph led the way to his +room, an apartment of good size and handsomely furnished. + +“Now, Herbert, take a chair and tell me all,” he said. + +To repeat Herbert's story here is unnecessary. Ralph listened with +attention, and when it was concluded he said: “The main thing is to +account for the money in your possession. Do you think you should +remember the policeman who aided you in recovering your money?” + +“I am sure I should.” + +“Did he know how much money you recovered?” + +“Yes, for he saw me count the bills.” + +“Then we must seek him out and induce him to go with us to Mr. Godfrey's +counting-room and give his testimony.” + +“I never thought of that,” said Herbert, his face brightening. “When +shall we go?” + +“Now. I have nothing else to occupy me, and the sooner you are righted +the better.” + +They went out together, and made their way at once to the spot where +Herbert had encountered Greenleaf. They had to wait but a brief time +when the policeman came up. + +“Do you remember me?” asked Herbert, going up to him. + +“Yes,” he replied; “you are the boy that overhauled a thief the other +day, and got back his money.” + +“You see, he remembers,” said Herbert, with satisfaction. + +“My friend,” said Ralph, “when will you be off duty?” + +“In half an hour,” said the policeman, in surprise. + +“In half an hour, then, I want you to go with me to this boys employer +and repeat your story. The possession of the money has caused him to +be suspected, and your evidence, confirming his own, will clear him of +having obtained it improperly.” + +“I will go,” said the officer, “and shall be glad to get him out of a +scrape. It was all fair and above-board, and I'll say so cheerfully.” + +At the end of the half hour the three made their way to Mr. Godfrey's +place of business and entered together. + +Mr. Godfrey marked their entrance with surprise, and looked inquiringly +at Herbert. + +“Mr. Godfrey,” said Herbert, respectfully, “I have come to prove to you +that the money I have in my pocketbook is my own.” + +“I shall be very glad if you can do so,” said Mr. Godfrey; and it was +evident from his manner that he spoke sincerely. + +“This officer knows all the circumstances, and will tell you what he +knows.” + +The policeman made his statement, partly in answer to questions from Mr. +Godfrey. + +“The explanation is satisfactory,” said Mr. Godfrey, “and convinces me. +It does not, however, absolutely clear you, since between the time of +the money being lost and your being searched you went out to the post +office, and you might have disposed of the pocketbook and its contents +on the way.” + +Herbert's countenance fell, but Mr. Godfrey hastened to add. “Although +your vindication is not complete, I will say that I believe you fully, +and will receive you back into my employ.” + +“You have forgotten one thing, sir,” said Herbert. “Thomas declares that +he saw me pick up the wallet and put it in my pocket.” + +“So I did,” said Tom, boldly. + +Mr. Godfrey looked perplexed, and was hesitating what to say when Mr. +Walton, the owner of the lost pocketbook, hurriedly entered. + +“Mr. Godfrey,” he said, “I have to beg your pardon, and, most of +all, the pardon of this boy,” indicating Herbert. “I have found my +pocketbook. I didn't lose it here, but my pocket was picked in the +street. The pickpocket was arrested, and the wallet has been returned to +me. This boy is innocent.” + +“I am very glad to hear it,” said Mr. Godfrey, with emphasis. “Herbert, +I will try to make amends to you for my transient suspicions of your +honesty. As for you,” he continued, turning to Thomas and speaking +sternly, “I despise you for your mean attempt to injure your +fellow-clerk. You must leave my employment to-day. I shall write to your +father the reasons for dismissing you.” + +“I can get along without your paltry four dollars a week,” said Tom, +with bravado. “I am not a beggar.” + +“You may be something worse, if you do not amend,” said Mr. Godfrey.” + Mr. Pratt, you may pay him for the entire week, and he can go at once.” + +Although Tom professed so much disdain for the four dollars a week, he +did not decline the week's pay directed to be paid to him, but placed +the money in his vest pocket and went out with assumed nonchalance, +though, in reality, deeply mortified at the unexpected discovery of his +meanness. + +“As for you, Herbert,” said Mr. Godfrey, “you can come back at once, and +I will raise your pay to eight dollars a week. I owe you some reparation +for the injury you came so near suffering. I will never again doubt your +integrity.” + +“Thank you, sir,” said Herbert; “I shall be glad to come back.” + +“Before this matter is decided,” said Ralph, “I have a proposition +to make to Herbert. I am rich, and have no one to share or inherit my +wealth. I propose to adopt him--to give him an opportunity to complete +his education in Europe, whither I propose going, and if some years +hence you shall be willing to receive him, he can then enter your +counting-room to learn business. The amount of compensation will be +unimportant, as I shall provide for him amply.” + +Herbert stared at Ralph in amazement. He could hardly realize that the +offer was indeed a genuine one. + +“Do you mean that I am to go to Europe with you, Ralph?” he said. + +“Yes, if you like.” + +“I shall like it VERY MUCH,” said Herbert, enthusiastically. “How can I +thank you for so much generous kindness!” + +“Your companionship will cheer me, and give me something to live for, +Herbert,” said Ralph. “Through you I hope some day to enjoy life again.” + +Herbert's clasped the Ranger's hand in impulsive gratitude, while his +face beamed with pleasure. + +“I congratulate you, Herbert,” said Mr. Godfrey, kindly, “though I am +sorry to lose you. Whenever your guardian is ready to have you enter on +a business career, a place in my counting-room shall be open to you.” + +“Ralph,” said Herbert, seriously, as they went from the counting-room +in company, “all that has happened seems so wonderful that I am a little +afraid I shall wake up to find it all a dream.” + +“It is a change to me also,” said Ralph, “to have a new interest in +life. The past is a sealed book. Let us look forward to a bright and +pleasant future. Whatever pleasures and advantages money can obtain for +you shall be yours.” + +“Thank you,” said Herbert, gratefully. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIV + +CONCLUSION + + +“Where are you boarding, Herbert?” asked Ralph. + +“In Stanton Street.” + +“I shall wish you at once to remove to the Astor House, in order that we +may be together until we sail for Europe.” + +To this pleasant arrangement Herbert made no opposition. He found it a +great change from the dirty and slipshod boarding-house to the elegant +arrangements of a first-class hotel. It is needless to say that he +enjoyed that change not a little. He often had the feeling, of which he +had spoken to Ralph, that it was a dream from which he would some time +awake. But the dream was destined to be a pretty long one. + +Within a week, much against his will, Mr. Stanton paid over to Ralph +Pendleton the fifty thousand dollars of which he had years ago defrauded +him, and thus the Ranger found himself master of a fortune of nearly +one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. He settled without delay a +comfortable annuity on David Marston, the old clerk, through whose +evidence he had been able to ferret out the treachery of Mr. Stanton. +Marston needed it, for his health was broken down and he was an invalid, +prematurely old. He is now settled in a comfortable boarding-house +in Clinton Street, and usually spends his mornings at the Mercantile +Library Reading-Room, in Astor Place, reading the morning papers. +Sometimes he ventures downtown, and takes a slow walk through the +streets, crowded with busy, bustling men, and recalls the years when he, +too, was one of them. + +Before sailing for Europe, Herbert expressed a desire to repay his uncle +the sum of ten dollars, which the latter had sent to him. Ralph was +surprised when he learned that this uncle, of whom Herbert spoke, was +the same man who had been his former guardian. He approved our hero's +determination, and one morning Herbert entered for the first time his +uncle's place of business. + +“Is Mr. Stanton in?” he asked of a clerk. + +The clerk, in reply, pointed to the office. + +Herbert entered. + +His uncle looked up, but although he had seen our hero at a concert +at the Academy of Music, he did not recognize him in the new and +fashionable suit which Ralph had purchased for him. + +“Mr. Stanton, I suppose?” said Herbert, with quiet self-possession. + +“Yes. Do you wish to speak with me?” + +“I must introduce myself,” said Herbert. “I am Herbert Mason, your +nephew.” + +“Indeed!” said Mr. Stanton, surprised. “When did you come to the city?” + +“Some weeks since.” + +“What brought you here?” + +“I had my living to make. I preferred to make it in the city.” + +“The city is crowded. You had better have remained in the country.” + +“I do not think so,” said Herbert. + +“You could have got a place on a farm, and in time perhaps might have +bought a little land for yourself.” + +Herbert smiled. + +“I did get a place on a farm,” he said; “but I did not like it.” + +“What are you doing in the city? Have you got a place?” + +“Not at present.” + +“So I supposed,” said his uncle, frowning. “I told you the city was +overcrowded. You should not have come here. I suppose you relied on me +to help you to something. But I have my own family to take care of, and +my first duty is to them, as you must be aware.” + +“I don't think you quite understand my object in calling,” said Herbert, +quietly. “I have not come for assistance of any kind.” + +“Indeed!” returned Mr. Stanton, appearing to be puzzled. + +“You sent me ten dollars in a letter to Dr. Kent some months since?” + +“Yes. I felt that it was best for you to depend on yourself, and that +more would only encourage you to idleness.” + +“I have come to thank you for the LOAN,” said Herbert, emphasizing the +last word, “and to return the money.” + +“What!” exclaimed Mr. Stanton, now thoroughly amazed. + +Herbert repeated his former words. + +“But I don't understand this. You are out of a place; yet you do not +need this money.” + +“No, I do not need it.” + +This was certainly astonishing, and Mr. Stanton gazed at his nephew as +if he did not know what to make of it. + +“What are your plans?” he asked. “What are you going to do?” + +“I sail for Europe next week,” said Herbert, enjoying his uncle's +surprise. + +“Sail for Europe!” ejaculated Mr. Stanton, scarcely believing his ears. + +“Yes, I am to go to school there, and shall probably remain three or +four years.” + +“You are trifling with me,” said his uncle, irritably. “How can you go +to Europe without money?” + +Herbert felt that the time had come for an explanation. + +“A friend,” he said, “kindly undertakes to pay all my expenses. I go +with him.” + +“Who is your friend?” + +“Mr. Ralph Pendleton. I believe you know him.” + +“Ralph Pendleton!” repeated Mr. Stanton, in renewed surprise. “How did +you become acquainted with him?” + +“The farmer with whom I was placed in Ohio ill-treated me. Ralph lived +near by, and helped me to run away.” + +Mr. Stanton made no comment. Indeed, his surprise was such that he knew +not what to say. His friendless and penniless nephew, as he had regarded +him, was about to share advantages which he would gladly have obtained +for his own son. When, that evening, at home, he told his family of +Herbert's good fortune, Tom was filled with bitter envy. If it had been +any other boy he would have cared less, but for “that begger Herbert” + to go to Europe in charge of a man of wealth was very mortifying to his +pride. + +Mr. Stanton made a faint protest against receiving the ten dollars +tendered by his nephew, but Herbert was determined to repay it. He +placed it on the desk and eventually Mr. Stanton placed it in his +pocketbook. + +After some reflection, finding his nephew very differently situated from +what he had supposed, Mr. Stanton, with the concurrence of his wife, +whose opinion also had been changed, sent an invitation to Ralph and +Herbert to dine with them previous to their sailing for Europe. Herbert, +by his new guardian's direction, returned a polite reply, to the effect +that they were too busy in making preparations for their departure to +accept the invitation. Ralph did not feel like sitting as the guest of a +man who had cruelly defrauded him, and had only done him justice when he +was actually compelled to do so. + +In due time our hero sailed for Europe with Mr. Ralph Pendleton. They +divided their time between Paris and Berlin, Herbert studying at both +places. With his natural good abilities, he made rapid progress, and at +the end of four years was an accomplished scholar, able to speak +both French and German with facility. In watching his progress, Ralph +Pendleton found a new and fresh interest in life. He recovered from his +old, morbid feeling, and became cheerful and happy. On returning to New +York, Herbert, who felt that he should enjoy a life of business better +than a professional career, entered the counting-room of Mr. Godfrey. At +twenty-one, the junior partner retiring, he was received as partner in +his place, his guardian, Ralph Pendleton, purchasing an interest for +him at a cost of fifty thousand dollars. He developed good business +abilities, and bid fair to swell this sum, in time, to a large fortune. +There is a prospect that he will, in time, sustain a closer relation to +his senior partner, as it is rumored that Julia Godfrey, now a brilliant +young belle, prefers her father's young partner to any of the crowd of +young men who pay her court. + +The other characters in our story demand a few closing words. First, +for Mr. Stanton. It might have been the sudden withdrawal of the fifty +thousand dollars from his business that embarrassed him. At any rate, +from that time nothing prospered with him. He met with loss after loss, +until, in a time of financial panic he failed. He saved but a little +from the wreck of his fortune, That little started him in a modest +business, yielding him, perhaps, one-tenth his former income. The +brownstone house was sold. He moved into a shabby house in an obscure +street, where Mrs. Stanton spends her time mostly in bewailing the loss +of her former splendor. + +Tom developed habits of extravagance, and seemed indisposed to work +steadily. Finally, when his reverses came, his father was compelled to +refuse further assistance, and now Tom, in an inferior clerkship, on a +small salary, gazes with envy at his once-despised cousin, with whom +he has completely changed places. How he will come out eventually is +doubtful. Unless he changes considerably, it is not likely that his +circumstances will ever be much better than at present. + +Abner Holden died suddenly last year in a fit of delirium tremens. His +habits of intemperance grew upon him until they led to this sad result. +His death did not excite any very prolonged grief in the community, as +his temper and uncertain honesty had made him very far from popular. To +the housekeeper who had been kind to him, Herbert sent a valuable silk +dress, of the richest fabric, of which Mrs. Bickford is very proud. She +only wears it on great occasions, and then is particular to mention that +it was presented to her by Herbert Mason, of the great New York firm of +Godfrey & Mason, who was once Abner Holden's bound boy. + +Nor was Herbert forgetful of his good friends, the Kents. He paid off +the mortgage on the doctor's place, and insisted on putting the house +in thorough repair, and newly furnishing it, so that now the town of +Waverley does not contain a handsomer house, inside and out, than that +of Dr. Kent. + +So we bid farewell to our young hero, fairly launched on a prosperous +career, trusting that his life-path may be bright to the end, and that +he may leave behind him, at the end of his career, the reputation of a +noble and honorable merchant, and a life filled with good deeds. + +THE END + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Try and Trust, by Horatio Alger + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TRY AND TRUST *** + +***** This file should be named 5778-0.txt or 5778-0.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/5/7/7/5778/ + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Charles Franks and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Try and Trust + +Author: Horatio Alger + + +Release Date: May, 2004 [EBook #5778] +This file was first posted on September 1, 2002 +Last Updated: January 10, 2019 + + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TRY AND TRUST *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Charles Franks and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team + +This HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + +</pre> + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + TRY AND TRUST + </h1> + <h3> + Or, Abner Holden's Bound Boy + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Horatio Alger, Jr. + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h5> + Author Of “Paul The Peddler,” “From Farm Boy To Senator,” + “Slow And Sure,” Etc. + </h5> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h4> + The Mershon Company <br /> <br /> Rahway, N.J., New York + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + TO MY YOUNG FRIEND, <br /> <br /> A. FLORIAN HENRIQUES (BOISIE), <br /> <br /> + THIS VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I -- AROUND THE BREAKFAST TABLE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II -- INTRODUCING THE HERO </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III -- A COLLISION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV -- A DISAGREEABLE SURPRISE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V -- THE ENVELOPE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI -- ON THE WAY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII -- A NEW HOME </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII -- THE GHOST IN THE ATTIC </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX -- EXPOSING A FRAUD </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X -- THE CLOUDS GATHER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI -- A CRISIS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII -- RALPH THE RANGER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII -- A MOMENT OF PERIL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV -- TAKEN PRISONER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV -- A FOUR-FOOTED FOE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI -- JUST TOO LATE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII -- NEW ACQUAINTANCES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII -- A YOUNG ARISTOCRAT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX -- A SUSPICIOUS CHARACTER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX -- FACING A BURGLAR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI -- HERBERT'S REWARD </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII -- ROBBED IN THE NIGHT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII -- A BUSINESS CALL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV -- FINDING A BOARDING PLACE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV -- GETTING A SITUATION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI -- A FAMILY COUNCIL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII -- AT THE CONCERT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII -- PETER GREENLEAF AGAIN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX -- SPARRING </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX -- AN UNEXPECTED BLOW </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI -- MR. STANTON IS SURPRISED </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXII -- RISEN FROM THE DEAD </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXIII -- A FRIEND IN NEED </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XXXIV -- CONCLUSION </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I + </h2> + <h3> + AROUND THE BREAKFAST TABLE + </h3> + <p> + “Well, wife,” said Mr. Benjamin Stanton, as he sat down to a + late breakfast, “I had a letter from Ohio yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “From Ohio? Who should write you from Ohio? Anyone I know?” + </p> + <p> + “My sister, Margaret, you remember, moved out there with her husband + ten years ago.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it's from her, is it?” said Mrs. Stanton, indifferently. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said her husband with momentary gravity. “It's + from a Dr. Kent, who attended her in her last illness. Margaret is dead!” + </p> + <p> + “Dear me!” returned Mrs. Stanton, uncomfortably; “and I + am just out of mourning for my aunt. Do you think it will be necessary for + us to go into mourning for your sister?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I think not,” said her husband. “Margaret has lived + away from us so long, and people won't know that we have had a death in + the family unless we mention it.” + </p> + <p> + “Was that all the letter said—about the death, I mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, no,” said Mr. Stanton, with a little frown. “It + seems Margaret left a child—a boy of fourteen; and, as she left no + property, the doctor suggests that I should send for the boy and assume + the care of him.” + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word!” said Mrs. Stanton; “you will find + yourself in business if you undertake to provide for all the beggars' + brats that apply to you for assistance.” + </p> + <p> + “You must remember that you are speaking of my sister's child,” + said Mr. Stanton, who, cold and selfish and worldly as he was, had some + touch of decency about him, and did not relish the term “beggars' + brats,” as applied to one so nearly related to him. + </p> + <p> + “Well, call him what you like,” said his wife; “only + don't be so foolish as to go spending your money on him when our children + need all we have. There's Maria needs a new dress immediately. She says + all the girls at Signor Madalini's dancing academy dress elegantly, and + she's positively ashamed to appear in any of her present dresses.” + </p> + <p> + “How much will it cost?” asked Mr. Stanton, opening his + pocketbook. + </p> + <p> + “You may hand me seventy-five dollars. I think I can make that do.” + </p> + <p> + Without a word of remonstrance, the money was placed in her hand. + </p> + <p> + “I want some money, too,” said Tom Stanton, who had just + disposed of a very hearty meal. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want it for, Tom?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, some of the fellows are getting up a club. It's going to be a + select affair, and of course each of us has got to contribute some money. + You see, we are going to hire a room, furnish it nicely with a carpet, + black walnut furniture, and so on, and that'll cost something.” + </p> + <p> + “Whose idea is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Sam Paget was the first boy that mentioned it.” + </p> + <p> + “Whose son is he?” + </p> + <p> + “His father belongs to the firm of Paget, Norwood & Co. He's + awful rich.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is one of our first families,” said Mr. Stanton, with + satisfaction. “Is he a friend of yours, Tom?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, we are quit intimate.” + </p> + <p> + “That's right!” said his father, approvingly. “I am glad + you choose your friends so well. That's one of the principal reasons I + have for sending you to an expensive school, to get you well launched into + good society.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, father, I understand,” said Tom. “You won't find + me associating with common boys. I hold my head a little too high for + that, I can tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “That's right, my boy,” said Mr. Stanton, with satisfaction. + “And now how much money do you want for this club of yours?” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Tom, hesitatingly, “thirty or forty + dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn't that considerable?” said his father, surprised at the + amount. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you see, father, I want to contribute as much as any of the + boys. It would seem mean if I didn't. There's only a few of us to stand + the expense, and we don't want to let in any out of our own set.” + </p> + <p> + “That's true,” said Mr. Stanton; “I approve of that. + It's all very well to talk about democracy, but I believe in those of the + higher orders keeping by themselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you'll give the money, father?” said Tom, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Tom, there's forty dollars. It's more than I ought to spare, + but I am determined you shall stand as good a chance as any of your + school-fellows. They shan't be able to say that your father stints you in + anything that your position requires.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, father,” said Tom, pocketing the two twenty-dollar + bills with great satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + The fact was that Tom's assessment amounted to only twenty dollars, but he + thought it would be a good excuse for getting more out of his father. As + to the extra money, Tom felt confident that he could find uses enough for + it. He had latterly, though but fourteen years of age, contracted the + habit of smoking cigars; a habit which he found rather expensive, + especially as he felt bound occasionally to treat his companions. Then he + liked, now and then, to drop in and get an ice-cream or some + confectionery, and these little expenses counted up. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Stanton was a vain, worldly man. He was anxious to obtain an entrance + into the best society. For this reason, he made it a point to send his + children to the most expensive schools; trusting to their forming + fashionable acquaintances, through whom his whole family might obtain + recognition into those select circles for which he cherished a most + undemocratic respect. For this reason it was that, though not naturally + liberal, he had opened his purse willingly at the demands of Mrs. Stanton + and Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Mrs. Stanton, after Tom's little financial affair + had been adjusted, “what are you going to write to this doctor? Of + course you won't think of sending for your nephew?” + </p> + <p> + “By no means. He is much better off where he is. I shall write Dr. + Kent that he is old enough to earn his own living, and I shall recommend + that he be bound out to some farmer or mechanic in the neighborhood. It is + an imposition to expect, because I am tolerably well off, that it is my + duty to support other people's children. My own are entitled to all I can + do for them.” + </p> + <p> + “That's so, father,” said Tom, who was ready enough to give + his consent to any proposition of a selfish nature. “Charity begins + at home.” + </p> + <p> + With Tom, by the way, it not only began at home, but it ended there, and + the same may be said of his father. From time to time Mr. Stanton's name + was found in the list of donors to some charitable object, provided his + benevolence was likely to obtain sufficient publicity, Mr. Stanton did not + believe in giving in secret. What was the use of giving away money unless + you could get credit for it? That was the principle upon which he always + acted. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose,” continued Tom, “this country cousin of mine + wears cowhide boots and overalls, and has got rough, red hands like a + common laborer. I wonder what Sam Paget would say if I should introduce + such a fellow to him as my cousin. I rather guess he would not want to be + quite so intimate with me as he is now.” + </p> + <p> + If anything had been needed, this consideration would have been sufficient + to deter Mr. Stanton from sending for his nephew. He could not permit the + social standing of his family to be compromised by the presence of a poor + relation from the country, rough and unpolished as he doubtless was. + </p> + <p> + Maria, too, who had been for some time silent, here contributed to + strengthen the effect of Tom's words. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said she, “and Laura Brooks, my most intimate + friend, who is shocked at anything vulgar or countrified—I wouldn't + have her know that I have such a cousin—oh, not for the world!” + </p> + <p> + “There will be no occasion for it,” said her father, + decidedly. “I shall write at once to this Dr. Kent, explaining to + him my views and wishes, and how impossible it is for me to do as he so + inconsiderately suggests.” + </p> + <p> + “It's the wisest thing you can do, Mr. Stanton,” said his + wife, who was to the full as selfish as her husband. + </p> + <p> + “What is his name, father?” asked Maria. + </p> + <p> + “Whose name?” + </p> + <p> + “The boy's.” + </p> + <p> + “Herbert Mason.” + </p> + <p> + “Herbert? I thought it might be Jonathan, or Zeke, or some such + name. Herbert isn't at all countrified.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Tom, slyly; “of course not. We all know why + you like that name.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you're mighty wise, Mr. Tom!” retorted his sister. + </p> + <p> + “It's because you like Herbert Dartmouth; but it isn't any use. He's + in love with Lizzie Graves.” + </p> + <p> + “You seem to know all about it,” said Maria, with vexation; + for Tom was not far from right in speaking of her preference for Herbert + Dartmouth. + </p> + <p> + “Of course I do,” said Tom; “I ought to, for he told me + so himself.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe it!” said Maria, who looked ready to cry. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you needn't; but it's so.” + </p> + <p> + “Be quiet, children,” said Mrs. Stanton. “Thomas, you + mustn't plague your sister.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't take it so hard, Maria,” said Tom, in rather an + aggravating tone. “There's other boys you could get. I guess you + could get Jim Gorham for a beau, if you tried hard enough.” + </p> + <p> + “I wouldn't have him,” said Maria. “His face is all over + freckles.” + </p> + <p> + “Enough of this quarreling, children,” said Mrs. Stanton. + “I hope,” she continued, addressing her husband, “you + won't fail to write at once. They might be sending on the boy, and then we + should be in a pretty predicament.” + </p> + <p> + “I will write at once. I don't know but I ought to inclose some + money.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't see why you need to.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I had better, as this is the last I intend to do for him.” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate, it won't be necessary to send much,” said Mrs. + Stanton. + </p> + <p> + “How much?” + </p> + <p> + “Five dollars will do, I should think. Because he happens to be your + nephew, there is no good reason why he should be thrown upon you for + support.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps it will be best to send ten dollars,” said Mr. + Stanton. “People are unreasonable, you know, and they might charge + me with meanness, if I sent less.” + </p> + <p> + “Then make it ten. It's only for once. I hope that will be the last + we shall hear of him.” + </p> + <p> + The room in which this conversation took place was a handsomely furnished + breakfast room, all the appointments of which spoke not only of comfort, + but of luxury. Mr. Stanton had been made rich by a series of lucky + speculations, and he was at present carrying on a large wholesale store + downtown. He had commenced with small means twenty years before, and for + some years had advanced slowly, until the tide of fortune set in and made + him rich. His present handsome residence he had only occupied three years, + having moved to it from one of much smaller pretensions on Bleecker + Street. Tom and Maria were forbidden to speak of their former home to + their present fashionable acquaintances, and this prohibition they were + likely to observe, having inherited to the full the worldly spirit which + actuated their parents. It will be seen that Herbert Mason was little + likely to be benefited by having such prosperous relations. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II + </h2> + <h3> + INTRODUCING THE HERO + </h3> + <p> + If my young readers do not find the town of Waverley on the map of Ohio, + they may conclude that it was too small to attract the notice of the + map-makers. The village is small, consisting of about a dozen houses, a + church, a schoolhouse, and, as a matter of course, one of that well-known + class of stores in which everything required for the family is sold, from + a dress-pattern to a pound of sugar. Outside of the village there are + farmhouses, surrounded by broad acres, which keep them at respectable + distances from each other, like the feudal castles of the Middle Ages. The + land is good, and the farmers are thrifty and well-to-do; but probably the + whole town contains less than a thousand inhabitants. + </p> + <p> + In one of the houses, near the church, lived Dr. Kent, whose letter has + already been referred to. He was a skillful physician, and a very worthy + man, who would have been very glad to be benevolent if his limited + practice had supplied him with the requisite means. But chance had + directed him to a healthy and sparsely-settled neighborhood, where he was + able only to earn a respectable livelihood, and indeed found himself + compelled to economize at times where he would have liked to indulge + himself in expense. + </p> + <p> + When Mrs. Mason died it was found that the sale of her furniture barely + realized enough to defray the expenses of her funeral. Herbert, her only + son, was left wholly unprovided for. Dr. Kent, knowing that he had a rich + uncle in New York, undertook to communicate to him the position in which + his nephew had been left, never doubting that he would cheerfully extend a + helping hand to him. Meanwhile he invited Herbert to come to his house and + make it his home till his uncle should send for him. + </p> + <p> + Herbert was a handsome, well-grown boy of fourteen, and a general favorite + in the village. While his mother lived he had done all he could to lighten + her tasks, and he grieved deeply for her loss now that she was gone. His + father had ten years before failed in business in the city of New York, + and, in a fit of depression, had emigrated to this obscure country + village, where he had invested the few hundred dollars remaining to him in + a farm, from which he was able to draw a scanty income. Being a man of + liberal education, he had personally superintended the education of his + son till his death, two years before, so that Herbert's attainments were + considerably in advance of those of other boys of his age in the + neighborhood. He knew something of Latin and French, which made him looked + upon as quite a model of learning by his playmates. After his father's + death he had continued the daily study of the languages, so that he was + able to read ordinary French with nearly as much ease as if it were + English. Though studious, he was not a bookworm, but was distinguished in + athletic sports popular with boys of his age. + </p> + <p> + Enough has been said of our hero by way of introduction. Herbert's faults + and virtues will appear as the record of his adventures is continued. It + may be hinted only that, while he was frank, manly, and generous in his + disposition, he was proud and high-spirited also, and perhaps these + qualities were sometimes carried to excess. He would not allow himself to + be imposed upon if he could help it. Being strong for his age, he was + always able to maintain his rights, but never abused his strength by + making it the instrument of tyrannizing over weaker boys. + </p> + <p> + Of course Herbert felt somewhat anxious as to his future prospects. He + knew that the doctor had written to his Uncle Benjamin about him, and he + hoped that he might be sent for to New York, having a great curiosity to + see the city, of which he had heard so much. + </p> + <p> + “Have you heard from my uncle, Dr. Kent?” he inquired, a few + days after the scene recorded in our first chapter. + </p> + <p> + His question was prompted by seeing the doctor coming into the yard with + an open letter in his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Dr. Kent, with troubled expression and perplexed + took. + </p> + <p> + “What does Uncle Benjamin say?” asked our young hero, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing very encouraging, Herbert, I am sorry to say,” + returned the doctor. “However, here is the letter; you may read it + for yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert received the letter from the doctor's hands and read it through + with feelings of mortification and anger. + </p> + <p> + Here it is: + </p> + <p> + “DEAR SIR: I have to acknowledge yours of the 10th inst. I regret to + hear of my sister's decease. I regret, also, to hear that her son, + Herbert, is left without a provision for his support. My brother-in-law I + cannot but consider culpable in neglecting to lay up something during his + life upon which his widow and son might depend. I suspect that he must + have lived with inconsiderate extravagance. + </p> + <p> + “As for myself, I have a family of my own to provide for, and the + expense of living in a city like this is very great. In justice to them, I + do not feel that it would be right for me to incur extra expense. You tell + me that he is now fourteen and a stout boy. He is able, I should think, to + earn his own living. I should recommend that he be bound out to a farmer + or mechanic. To defray any little expenses that may arise, I enclose ten + dollars, which I hope he may find serviceable. Yours etc., + </p> + <h3> + “BENJAMIN STANTON.” + </h3> + <p> + This cold and selfish letter Herbert read with rising color, and a feeling + of bitterness found a place in his young heart, which was quite foreign to + him. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Herbert, what do you think of it?” asked the doctor. + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said Herbert, hotly, “that I don't want to + have anything to do with an uncle who could write such a letter as that.” + </p> + <p> + “He doesn't seem to write with much feeling.” acknowledged the + doctor. + </p> + <p> + “Feeling!” repeated Herbert; “he writes as if I were a + beggar, and asked charity. Where is the money he inclosed, Dr. Kent?” + </p> + <p> + “I have it here in my vest pocket. I was afraid it would slip out of + the letter, and so took care of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you let me send it back to my uncle?” asked Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Send it back?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Dr. Kent; I don't want any of his charity, and I'll tell him + so.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid, Herbert, that you are giving way to your pride.” + </p> + <p> + “But isn't it a proper pride, doctor?” + </p> + <p> + “I hardly know what to say, Herbert. You must remember, however, + that, as you are left quite unprovided for, even this small sum may be of + use to you.” + </p> + <p> + “It isn't the smallness of the sum that I mind,” said Herbert. + “If Uncle Benjamin had written a kind letter, or showed the least + feeling in it for me, or for—for mother [his voice faltered a + moment], I would have accepted it thankfully. But I couldn't accept money + thrown at me in that way. He didn't want to give it to me, I am sure, and + wouldn't if he hadn't felt obliged to.” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Kent paced the room thoughtfully. He respected Herbert's feelings, but + he saw that it was not wise for him to indulge them. He was in a dependent + situation, and it was to be feared that he would have much to suffer in + time to come from the coldness and selfishness of the world. + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you what to do, Herbert,” he said, after a while. + “You can accept this money as a loan, and repay it when you are + able.” + </p> + <p> + “With interest?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, with interest, if you prefer it.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be willing to accept it on those terms,” said + Herbert; “but I want my uncle to understand it.” + </p> + <p> + “You may write to your uncle to that effect, if you like.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, Dr. Kent. Then I will write to him at once.” + </p> + <p> + “You will find some paper in my desk, Herbert. I suppose you will + not object to my seeing your letter.” + </p> + <p> + “No, doctor, I intended to show it to you. You won't expect me to + show much gratitude, I hope?” + </p> + <p> + “I won't insist upon it, Herbert,” said the doctor, smiling. + </p> + <p> + Herbert in about half an hour submitted the following note to the doctor's + inspection. It had cost him considerable thought to determine how to + express himself, but he succeeded at last to his tolerable satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “UNCLE BENJAMIN [so the letter commenced]: Dr. Kent has just shown + me your reply to his letter about me. You seem to think I wish you to + support me, which is not the case. All I should have asked was your + influence to help me in obtaining a situation in the city, where I might + support myself. I am willing to work, and shall probably find some + opportunity here. The ten dollars, which you inclose, I will accept AS A + LOAN, and will repay you as soon as I am able, WITH INTEREST. HERBERT + MASON.” + </p> + <p> + “Will that do?” asked Herbert. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Kent smiled. + </p> + <p> + “You were careful not to express any gratitude, Herbert,” he + said. + </p> + <p> + “Because I don't feel any,” returned Herbert, promptly. + “I feel grateful to you, Dr. Kent, for your great kindness. I wish I + could pay you for that. I shall never forget how you attended my mother in + her sickness, when there was small prospect of your being paid.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear boy,” said the doctor, resting his hand + affectionately on Herbert's shoulder, “I have been able to do but + very little. I wish I could do more. If you wish to repay me, you can do + it a hundred times over by growing up a good and honorable man; one upon + whom your mother in heaven can look down with grateful joy, if it is + permitted her to watch your progress here.” + </p> + <p> + “I will do my best, doctor,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “The world is all before you,” proceeded Dr. Kent. “You + may not achieve a brilliant destiny. It is permitted to few to do that. + But whether your sphere is wide or narrow, you may exert an influence for + good, AND LEAVE THE WORLD BETTER FOR YOUR HAVING LIVED IN IT.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope it may be so,” said Herbert, thoughtfully. “When + I am tempted to do wrong, I will think of my mother.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the very best thing you can do, Herbert. And now for your + plans. I wish I were in a situation to have you remain with me. But as + that cannot be, I will do my best to get you a place.” + </p> + <p> + “I ought to be at work,” said Herbert, “as I have my + living to get. I want you to take that ten dollars, doctor, as part + payment of the debt I owe you.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “I can't do that, Herbert, not even to oblige you. You were too + proud to accept a favor from your uncle. You will not be too proud, I + hope, to accept one from me?” + </p> + <p> + “No, doctor; I am not too proud for that. You are my friend, and my + uncle cares nothing for me.” + </p> + <p> + When Herbert's letter reached New York, his uncle felt a momentary shame, + for he saw that his nephew had rightfully interpreted his own selfishness + and lack of feeling, and he could not help involuntarily admiring the + independent spirit which would not allow him to accept the proffered + money, except as a loan. But mingled with his shame was a feeling of + relief, as he foresaw that Herbert's pride would not suffer him to become + a burden upon him in the future. He hardly expected ever to see the ten + dollars returned with interest; but even if he lost it, he felt that he + should be getting off cheap. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III + </h2> + <h3> + A COLLISION + </h3> + <p> + It was a week later when an incident befell Herbert which is worthy of + mention, since it brought him into collision with a man who was destined + to have some influence over his future life. + </p> + <p> + A neighboring farmer, for whom, during his mother's life, he had + occasionally gone on errands, drove up in front of the doctor's house, and + asked Herbert if he could take his horse and wagon and drive over to the + mill village to get some corn ground. Herbert was rather glad to accept + this proposal, not only because he was to receive twenty-five cents for so + doing, but also because he was fond of driving a horse. + </p> + <p> + He was only about a mile from the mill village, when he saw approaching + him a man in a light open buggy. Herbert knew every horse in Waverley, and + every man, woman, and child, for that matter, and he perceived at once + that the driver was a stranger. To tell the truth, he was not very + favorably impressed by his appearance. The man was very dark, with black + hair and an unshaven beard of three days' growth, which did not set off + his irregular and repulsive features. His mouth, partly open, revealed + several yellow tusks, stained with tobacco juice. On his head he wore a + broad-brimmed straw hat, rather the worse for wear. + </p> + <p> + It so happened that just at this point the middle of the road was much + better than the sides, which sloped considerably, terminating in gullies + which were partly full from the recent rains. The road was narrow, being + wide enough for two vehicles to pass each other, if each veered to the + side, but not otherwise. + </p> + <p> + Herbert observed that the buggy, which was now rapidly approaching, was + kept in the center of the road, and that the driver appeared to have no + intention of turning out. + </p> + <p> + “What does he mean?” thought our hero. “He cannot expect + me to do the whole of the turning out. I will turn out my half, and if he + wants to get by, he must do the same.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, he turned partially to one side, as much as could be + reasonably expected, and quietly awaited the approach of the man in the + buggy. The latter still kept the center of the road, and did not turn out + his carriage at all. As soon as it was close at hand, the driver leaned + forward and exclaimed angrily: + </p> + <p> + “Turn out, boy!” + </p> + <p> + If he expected that Herbert would be intimidated by his tone he was much + mistaken. Our hero was bold, and not easily frightened. He looked quietly + in the man's face, and said composedly, “I have turned out.” + </p> + <p> + “Then turn out more, you young vagabond! Do you hear me?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, I hear you, and should if you didn't speak half so loud.” + </p> + <p> + “Curse your impudence! I tell you, turn out more!” exclaimed + the stranger, becoming more and more angry. He had expected to get his own + way without trouble. If Herbert had been a man, he would not have been so + unreasonable; but he supposed he could browbeat a boy into doing whatever + he chose to dictate. But he had met his match, as it turned out. + </p> + <p> + “I have already given you half the road,” said Herbert, + firmly, “and I don't intend to give you any more.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't, eh? Young man, how old are you?” + </p> + <p> + “I am fourteen.” + </p> + <p> + “I should think you were forty by the airs you put on.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it putting on airs to insist on my rights?” asked our + hero. + </p> + <p> + “Your rights!” retorted the other, laughing contemptuously. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my rights,” returned Herbert, quietly. “I have a + right to half of the road, and I have taken it. If I turn out any more, I + shall go into the gully.” + </p> + <p> + “That makes no difference. A wetting won't do you any harm. Your + impudence needs cooling.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be,” said Herbert, who did not choose to get angry, + but was resolved to maintain his rights; “but I object to the + wetting, for all that, and as this wagon is not mine, I do not choose to + upset it.” + </p> + <p> + “You are the most insolent young scamp I ever came across!” + exclaimed the other, furiously. “I've a good mind to give you + something much worse than a wetting.” + </p> + <p> + “Such as what?” asked our hero, coolly. In reply the man + flourished his whip significantly. “Do you see that?” he + asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, very well,” said the other, ironically; “I'm glad + you do. Perhaps you wouldn't like to feel it?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I don't think I should,” said Herbert, not exhibiting the + least apprehension. + </p> + <p> + The stranger handled his whip, eyeing our hero viciously at the same time, + as if it would have afforded him uncommon pleasure to lay it over his + back. But there was something in the look of our hero which unconsciously + cowed him, and, much as he wished to strike him, he held back. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you're a cool hand,” he said, after a moment's + hesitation. + </p> + <p> + To this our hero did not see fit to make any reply. But he grasped his own + whip a little tighter. So brutal had been the tone assumed by the + stranger, that he was not sure but he might proceed to carry out his + threat, and lay the whip over his back. He determined, in that case, to + give him as good as he sent. I will not express any opinion as to the + propriety of this determination, but I am certain, from what I know of our + hero's fearless spirit, that he would not have hesitated to do it, be the + consequences what they might. But he did not have the opportunity. + </p> + <p> + “Once more,” demanded the stranger, furiously; “are you + going to turn out?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said the boy, decidedly. + </p> + <p> + “Then—I'll run you down.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he brought the whip violently on the horse's back. The latter + gave a convulsive spring forward. But his driver had not taken into + consideration that the farm-wagon was the stronger of the two vehicles, + and that in any collision the buggy must come off second best. So it + happened that a wheel of the buggy was broken, and the driver, in the + shock, thrown sprawling into a puddle on the other side of the road. The + wagon suffered no damage, but the old horse, terrified, set off at a rapid + pace. Herbert looked back to see if the stranger was injured, but seeing + that he had already picked himself up unwounded, but decidedly dirty, he + concluded to keep on his way to the mill. + </p> + <p> + The driver of the overturned vehicle was considerably more angry than hurt + at this catastrophe. + </p> + <p> + It chafed his pride not a little to think that, after all his vaunts, the + boy had maintained his ground, and got the better of him. For a man of + forty-five to be worsted by a boy of fourteen was, it must be confessed, a + little mortifying. It was something like a great ship of the line being + compelled to surrender to a little monitor. + </p> + <p> + No one feels particularly dignified or good-natured when he is picking + himself out of a mud puddle. Our black-haired acquaintance proved no + exception to this remark. He shook his fist at the receding wagon and its + occupant—a demonstration of defiance which our hero did not witness, + his back being now turned to his late opponent. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Abner Holden—for this was the stranger's name—next turned + his attention to the buggy, which had been damaged to some extent, and so + was likely to involve him in expense. This was another uncomfortable + reflection. Meanwhile, as it was no longer in a fit state for travel, he + must contrive some way to have it carried back to the stable, and, unless + he could procure another vehicle, perform the rest of the journey on foot. + </p> + <p> + Luckily, some men in a neighboring field had witnessed the collision, and, + supposing their services might be required, were now present to lend their + aid. + </p> + <p> + “Pretty bad accident,” remarked one of them. “That 'ere + wheel'll need considerable tinkering afore it's fit for use. How came you + to get it broke so, squire?” + </p> + <p> + “A little rascal had the impudence to dispute the road with me, and + would not turn out at my bidding,” said Mr. Holden, in a tone of + exasperation, which showed that his temper had been considerably soured by + the accident. + </p> + <p> + “Wouldn't turn out? Seems to me from the marks of the wheels, you + must have been drivin' along in the middle of the road. I guess you didn't + take the trouble to turn out, yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, there was room enough for the boy to turn out one side,” + said Holden, doggedly. + </p> + <p> + “You are slightly mistaken, stranger,” said the other, who was + disgusted at the traveler's unreasonableness. “There wasn't room; as + anyone can see that's got eyes in his head. Didn't the youngster turn out + at all?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” snapped Holden, not relishing the other's free speech. + </p> + <p> + “Then it seems you were the one that would not turn out. If you had + been a leetle more accommodating, this accident couldn't have happened. + Fair play's my motto. If a feller meets you halfway, it's all you have a + right to expect. I reckon it'll cost you a matter of ten dollars to get + that 'ere buggy fixed.” + </p> + <p> + Holden looked savagely at the broken wheel, but that didn't mend matters. + He would have answered the countryman angrily, but, as he stood in need of + assistance, this was not good policy. + </p> + <p> + “What would you advise me to do about it?” he inquired. + </p> + <p> + “You will have to leave the buggy where it is just now. Where did + you get it?” + </p> + <p> + “Over at the mill village.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you'd better lead the horse back—'tain't more'n a mile + or so—get another wagon, and tell 'em to send for this.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, perhaps that is the best way.” + </p> + <p> + “Where was you goin'?” + </p> + <p> + “Over to Waverley.” + </p> + <p> + “That's where the boy came from.” + </p> + <p> + “What boy?” + </p> + <p> + “The boy that upset you.” + </p> + <p> + “What is his name?” asked Abner Holden, scowling. + </p> + <p> + “His name is Herbert Mason, son of the Widder Mason that died two or + three weeks since. Poor boy, he's left alone in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Where's he stopping?” asked Holden, hardly knowing why he + asked the question. + </p> + <p> + “Dr. Kent took him in after the funeral, so I heard; but the + selectmen of Waverley are trying to find him a place somewheres, where he + can earn his own livin'. He's a smart, capable boy, and I guess he can do + 'most a man's work.” + </p> + <p> + Abner Holden looked thoughtful. Some plan had suggested itself to him + which appeared to yield him satisfaction, for he began to look decidedly + more comfortable, and he muttered to himself: “I'll be even with him + YET. See if I don't.” + </p> + <p> + “How far am I from Waverley?” he asked, after a slight pause. + </p> + <p> + “Well, risin' three miles,” drawled the other. + </p> + <p> + “If I could get somebody to go back with this horse, I don't know + but what I'd walk to Waverley. Are you very busy?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don't know but I could leave off for a short time,” + said the other, cautiously. “Work's pretty drivin', to be sure. What + do you cal'late to pay?” + </p> + <p> + “How much would it be worth?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, there's the walk there and back, and then again there's the + time.” + </p> + <p> + “You can mount the horse going.” + </p> + <p> + “I guess fifty cents'll about pay me.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Holden took out his pocketbook and paid the required sum. + </p> + <p> + “By the way,” he said, as if incidentally, “who is the + chairman of the selectmen in the village of Waverley?” + </p> + <p> + “You ain't thinkin' of takin' that boy, be you?” said the + other, curiously. + </p> + <p> + “I've had enough to do with him; I don't want ever to lay eyes on + him again.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I dunno as I should, if I was you,” said the + countryman, rather slyly. + </p> + <p> + “You haven't answered my question yet,” said Holden, + impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, about the cheerman of the selectmen. It's Captain Joseph Ross.” + </p> + <p> + “Where does he live?” + </p> + <p> + “A leetle this side of the village. You'll know the house, well + enough. It's a large, square house painted white, with a well-sweep in + front.” + </p> + <p> + Without a word of thanks for the information, Abner Holden turned, and + began to walk toward Waverley. Perhaps his object in making these + inquiries has been guessed. It happened that he needed a boy, and, for + more reasons than one, he thought he should like to have Herbert bound to + him. Herbert, as he had noticed, was a stout boy, and he probably could + get a good deal of work out of him. Then, again, it would be gratifying to + him to have our hero in subjection to him. He could pay him off then, ten + times over, for his insolence, as he chose to term it. + </p> + <p> + “I'll break his proud spirit,” thought Abner Holden. “He'll + find he's got a master, if I get hold of him. He don't know me yet, but he + will some time.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Holden resolved to wait on Captain Ross at once, and conclude + arrangements with him to take Herbert before our hero had returned from + the mill village. He pictured, with a grim smile, Herbert's dismay when he + learned who was to be his future master. + </p> + <p> + With the help of a handkerchief dipped into a crystal stream at the + roadside, Abner Holden succeeded in effacing some of the muddy stains upon + his coat and pantaloons, and at length got himself into presentable trim + for calling upon a “selectman.” + </p> + <p> + At length he came in sight of the house which had been described to him as + that of Captain Ross. There was a woman at the well-sweep engaged in + drawing water. + </p> + <p> + “Does Captain Ross live here?” he inquired. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he at home?” + </p> + <p> + “He's over in the three-acre lot. Was you wantin' to see him?” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to. Is the field far away?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it's just behind the house.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I guess I'll go and find him. I want to see him on a little + matter of business.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Holden crossed a mowing-field, and then, climbing over a stone wall, + found himself at the edge of the three-acre lot. The captain was + superintending one or two hired men, and, as he had his coat off, had + probably been assisting them. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Ross?” said Abner Holden, interrogatively. + </p> + <p> + “That's my name.” + </p> + <p> + “You are chairman of the selectmen, I believe?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand that you have a boy that you want to bind out.” + </p> + <p> + “I reckon you mean Herbert Mason.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I believe that's the name I heard.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you in want of a boy?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am looking out for one.” + </p> + <p> + “What is your business?” + </p> + <p> + “I keep a store, but I should want him to work on land part of the + time.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you live hereabouts?” + </p> + <p> + “Over at Cranston.” + </p> + <p> + “If you'll come to the house, we'll talk the matter over. The boy's + a good boy, and we want to get a good place for him. His mother was a + widder, and he's her only son. He's a smart, capable lad, and good to + work.” + </p> + <p> + “I've no doubt he'll suit me. I'll take him on your recommendation.” + </p> + <p> + “We should want him to go to school winters. He's a pretty good + scholar already. His father was a larned man, and used to teach him before + he died. If he had lived, I reckon Herbert would certainly have gone to + college.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll agree to send him to school in the winter for the next two + years,” said Holden, “and will give him board and clothes, and + when he's twenty-one a freedom suit, and a hundred dollars. Will that do?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know but that's reasonable,” said Captain Ross, + slowly. “The boy's a bit high-spirited, but if you manage him right, + I guess you'll like him.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll manage him!” thought Abner Holden. “Can I take him + with me to-morrow?” he asked. “I don't come this way very + often.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I guess that can be arranged. We'll go over to Dr. Kent's + after dinner, and see if they can get him ready.” + </p> + <p> + “In the meantime,” said Holden, afraid that the prize might + slip through his fingers, “suppose we make out the papers. I suppose + you have full authority in the matter.” + </p> + <p> + Captain Ross had no objection, and thus poor Herbert was unconsciously + delivered over to the tender mercies of a man who had very little love for + him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV + </h2> + <h3> + A DISAGREEABLE SURPRISE + </h3> + <p> + After his collision with the traveler, Herbert hurried on to the mill, + intent upon making up for lost time. He was satisfied with having + successfully maintained his rights; and, as he had no reason to suppose he + should ever again see his unreasonable opponent, dismissed him from his + thoughts. + </p> + <p> + On reaching the mill, he found he should have to remain an hour or two + before he could have his grain ground. He was not sorry for this, as it + would give him an opportunity to walk around the village. + </p> + <p> + “I wish,” he thought, “I could get a place in one of the + stores here. There's more going on than there is in Waverley, and I could + go over Sundays to see Dr. Kent's family.” + </p> + <p> + On the spur of the moment, he resolved to inquire if some of the + storekeepers did not require help. There was a large dry-goods store—the + largest in the village—kept by Beckford & Keyes. He entered and + inquired for the senior partner. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Beckford is not in,” said the clerk. “Mr. Keyes is + standing at that desk.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert went up to the desk, and said inquiringly, “Mr. Keyes?” + </p> + <p> + “That is my name,” said that gentleman, pleasantly. “Is + there anything I can do for you?” + </p> + <p> + “I am in search of a place,” said our hero, “and I + thought you might have a vacancy here.” + </p> + <p> + “We have none just at present,” said Mr. Keyes, who was + favorably impressed by Herbert's appearance; “but it is possible we + may have in a few weeks. Where do you live? Not in the village, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” said Herbert, and a shadow passed over his face, + “My mother died three weeks since, and I am now stopping at the + house of Dr. Kent.” + </p> + <p> + “Dr. Kent—ah, yes, I know the doctor. He is an excellent man.” + </p> + <p> + “He is,” said Herbert, warmly. “He has been very kind to + me.” + </p> + <p> + “What is your name?” + </p> + <p> + “Herbert Mason.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, Herbert, I will promise to bear you in mind. I will note down + your name and address, and as soon as we have a vacancy I will write to + you. Come into the store whenever you come this way.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + He left the store feeling quite encouraged. Even if the chance never + amounted to anything, the kind words and manner of the storekeeper gave + him courage to hope that he would meet with equal kindness from others. + Kind words cost nothing, but they have a marvelous power in lightening the + burdens of the sorrowful and cheering the desponding. + </p> + <p> + Herbert left the store, feeling that he should consider himself truly + fortunate if he could obtain a place in such an establishment. But there + was a rough experience before him, of which at present he guessed nothing. + </p> + <p> + After sauntering about the village a little longer, and buying a stick of + candy for little Mary Kent, the doctor's only daughter, who was quite + attached to Herbert, our hero got back to the mill in time to receive his + bags of meal, with which he was soon on his way homeward. + </p> + <p> + About the place where he met Mr. Holden he was hailed by a man at work in + the field—the same who had taken back that gentleman's horse to the + stable. + </p> + <p> + “Well, boy, you had a kind of scrimmage, didn't you, coming over?” + </p> + <p> + “Did you see it?” asked Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the other, grinning. “I seed the other + feller in the mud puddle. He was considerably riled about it.” + </p> + <p> + “It was his own fault. I gave him half the road.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it; but there's some folks that want more than their share.” + </p> + <p> + “Was his buggy broken? I don't know but I ought to have stopped to + help him, but he had been so unreasonable that I didn't feel much like it.” + </p> + <p> + “His wheel got broken. I drawed the buggy into the bushes. There + 'tis now. It'll cost him a matter of ten dollars to fix it.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm sorry for that,” said Herbert; “but I can't see + that I was to blame in the matter. If I had turned out as he wanted me to, + I should have tipped over, and, as the wagon didn't belong to me, I didn't + think it right to risk it.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course not. You wasn't called on to give in to such + unreasonableness.” + </p> + <p> + “Where did the man go?” + </p> + <p> + “He concluded to walk on to Waverley, and hired me to take the horse + back to the stable. He wanted to know who you were.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he?” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe he's goin' to sue you for damages.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe he'll get much if he does,” laughed our hero. + “My property is where he can't get hold of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ho! ho!” laughed the other, understanding the joke. + </p> + <p> + After this conversation Herbert continued on his way, and, after + delivering the grain, took his way across the fields to his temporary + home. He entered by the back yard. Little Mary came running out to meet + him. + </p> + <p> + “Have oo come back, Herbert?” she said. “Where have oo + been?” + </p> + <p> + “Been to buy Mary some candy,” he said, lifting her up and + kissing her. + </p> + <p> + “Whose horse is that at the gate?” asked Herbert, as the + doctor's wife entered the room. + </p> + <p> + “It belongs to Captain Ross,” she said. “He has come on + business connected with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Connected with me!” repeated Herbert, in surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my dear boy, I am afraid we must make up our minds to lose + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Has he found a place for me?” asked Herbert, in a tone of + disappointment. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I believe he has bound you out to a man in Cranston.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “I shall be sorry to have you go, Herbert, but I thought you wanted + to go.” + </p> + <p> + “So I do; but by waiting a few weeks I could probably get a place in + Beckford & Keyes' store, at the mill village.” + </p> + <p> + “What makes you think so?” + </p> + <p> + Herbert detailed his interview of the morning with the junior partner. + Just at this moment the doctor entered the kitchen. + </p> + <p> + “Have you told him?” he inquired, looking at his wife. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and he says that but for this he might probably have got a + chance to go into Beckford's store at the mill village.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry for this. They are good men, and he would have been near + us, while Cranston is forty miles away.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is the man that wants me?” asked Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “A Mr. Holden. He is in the other room with Captain Ross. It was all + arranged before they came. He wants you to go with him to-morrow morning.” + </p> + <p> + “So soon?” said Herbert, in dismay. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. At first he wished you to set off with him this afternoon; but + I told him decidedly you could not be ready.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite impossible,” said Mrs. Kent. “Some of Herbert's + clothes are in the wash, and I can't have them ready till evening.” + </p> + <p> + “You had better come into the other room, Herbert,” said the + doctor. “I will introduce you to your new employer.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert followed the doctor into the sitting-room. His first glance rested + on Captain Ross, whom he knew. He went up and shook hands with him. Next + he turned to Mr. Holden, and to his inexpressible astonishment, recognized + his opponent of the morning. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Holden, Herbert,” introduced the doctor. “Mr. + Holden, this is the boy we have been speaking of.” + </p> + <p> + “I have seen Mr. Holden before,” said Herbert, coldly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Mr. Holden, writhing his disagreeable features + into an unpleasant smile. “We have met before.” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Kent looked from one to the other in surprise, as if seeking an + explanation. + </p> + <p> + “Our acquaintance doesn't date very far back,” said Mr. + Holden. “We met this morning between here and the mill village.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” said the doctor; “you passed each other, I + suppose.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, no; I can't say we did exactly,” said Mr. Holden, with + the same unpleasant smile, “We tried to, but the road being narrow, + there was a collision, and I came off second-best.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope there was no accident.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, nothing to speak of. I got tipped out, and my clothes, as you + may observe, suffered some. As for my young friend here, he rode on + uninjured.” + </p> + <p> + “You must excuse my not stopping to inquire if I could help you,” + said Herbert; “but my horse was frightened by the collision, and I + could not easily stop him.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it's of no consequence,” said Mr. Holden, in an off-hand + manner. He was determined not to show himself out in his true colors until + he had got Herbert absolutely under his control. + </p> + <p> + “But where is your horse, Mr. Holden?” asked Captain Ross. + “I think you were walking when you came to my house.” + </p> + <p> + “I sent it back to the village by a man I met on the road, my buggy + being disabled.” + </p> + <p> + “Your carriage wasn't much injured, I hope.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, not much.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't see exactly how it could happen,” said Captain Ross. + “I thought the road from here to the mill village was broad enough + at any point for carriages to pass each other.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't dream,” said Mr. Holden, not noticing this remark, + “that the young man I had engaged was my young acquaintance of the + morning.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert looked at him, puzzled by his entire change of manner—a + change so sudden that he suspected its genuineness. + </p> + <p> + The more he thought of it, the more unwilling he felt to live with Mr. + Holden. But could it be avoided? He resolved to try. He accordingly told + the doctor and Captain Ross of the promise that Mr. Keyes had made him. + </p> + <p> + “It would be a good place,” said the captain; “but it + ain't certain. Now, here's Mr. Holden, ready to take you at once.” + </p> + <p> + “If I was in the mill village I could come over and see my friends + here now and then. Besides, I think I should like being in a store.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I've got a store, too,” said Mr. Holden, “and I + should expect you to tend there part of the time. I don't think I can let + you off, my young friend,” he added, with a disagreeable smile. + “I think we shall get along very well together.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert did not feel at all sure of this, but he saw that it would do no + good to remonstrate farther, and kept silence. Soon after, Mr. Holden and + Captain Ross rose to go. + </p> + <p> + “I'll call round for my young friend about nine to-morrow morning,” + said Abner Holden, with an ingratiating smile. + </p> + <p> + “We will endeavor to have him ready,” said the doctor. + </p> + <p> + After they went away Herbert wandered about in not the best of spirits. He + was convinced that he should not be happy with Mr. Holden, against whom he + had conceived an aversion, founded partly upon the occurrences of the + morning, and partly on the disagreeable impression made upon him by Abner + Holden's personal appearance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V + </h2> + <h3> + THE ENVELOPE + </h3> + <p> + Herbert woke up early the next morning, and a feeling of sadness came over + him as he reflected that it was his last morning in Waverley. He was going + out into the world, and, as he could not help thinking, under very + unfavorable auspices. New scenes and new experiences usually have a charm + for a boy, but Mr. Holden's disagreeable face and unpleasant smile rose + before him, and the prospect seemed far from tempting. + </p> + <p> + When he came downstairs, he found Mrs. Kent in the kitchen. + </p> + <p> + “You are up early, Mrs. Kent,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Herbert; I want you to have a good breakfast before you go.” + </p> + <p> + It certainly was a nice breakfast. Tender beefsteak, warm biscuit, golden + butter, potatoes fried crisp and brown, and excellent coffee, might have + tempted any appetite. Herbert, in spite of his sadness, did full justice + to the bountiful meal. + </p> + <p> + The family had hardly risen from breakfast when the sound of wheels was + heard outside, and directly there was a knock at the door. + </p> + <p> + “It's Mr. Holden,” said the doctor, looking from the front + window. + </p> + <p> + “Must we part from you so soon, Herbert?” said Mrs. Kent, + affectionately. + </p> + <p> + “Where oo goin', Herbert?” asked little Mary, clinging to his + knee, + </p> + <p> + “Herbert's going away, Mary,” said he, stooping and kissing + his little friend. + </p> + <p> + “Herbert mustn't go 'way,” said the little girl, in + discontent. + </p> + <p> + “Herbert come back soon, and bring candy for Mary,” he said, + wishing that his words might come true. + </p> + <p> + By that time Mr. Holden had entered, and was surveying the scene with his + disagreeable smile. + </p> + <p> + “Little Mary is quite attached to Herbert,” said the doctor. + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry,” said Mr. Holden, “that I have no little + girls, as Herbert seems fond of them.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert doubted if he could become attached to anyone related to Mr. + Holden. + </p> + <p> + “I'm a bachelor,” said Mr. Holden, “though perhaps I + ought to be ashamed to say so. If I had had the good fortune early in life + to encounter a lady like your good wife here, it might have been + different.” + </p> + <p> + “It isn't too late yet, Mr. Holden,” said the doctor. + </p> + <p> + “Well, perhaps not. If Mrs. Kent is ever a widow, I may try my luck.” + </p> + <p> + “What a disagreeable man,” thought the doctor's wife, not + propitiated by the compliment. “Herbert,” she said, “here + are a couple of handkerchiefs I bought in the village yesterday. I hope + you will find them useful.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; no doubt he will,” said Mr. Holden, laughing. “He + will think of you whenever he has a bad cold.” + </p> + <p> + Nobody even smiled at this witty sally, and, Mr. Holden, a little + disappointed, remarked: “Well, time's getting on. I guess we must be + going, as we have a long journey before us.” + </p> + <p> + The whole family accompanied Herbert to the road. After kissing Mary and + Mrs. Kent, and shaking the doctor cordially by the hand, Herbert jumped + into the wagon. Just before the horse started the doctor handed our hero a + sealed envelope, saying, “You can open it after a while.” + </p> + <p> + Though, like most boys of his age, Herbert had a great horror of making a + baby of himself, he could hardly help crying as he rode up the street, and + felt that he had parted from his best friends. His eyes filled with tears, + which he quietly wiped away with the corner of his handkerchief. + </p> + <p> + “Come, come, don't blubber, boy,” said Mr. Holden, coarsely. + </p> + <p> + Herbert was not weak enough to melt into tears at an unkind word. It + roused his indignation, and he answered, shortly, “When you see me + blubbering, it'll be time enough to speak, Mr. Holden.” + </p> + <p> + “It looked a good deal like it, at any rate,” said Abner. + “However, I'm glad if I'm mistaken. There's nothing to cry about + that I can see.” + </p> + <p> + “No, perhaps not,” said Herbert; “but there's something + to be sorry for.” + </p> + <p> + “Something to be sorry for, is there?” said Abner Holden. + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what is it?” + </p> + <p> + “I've left my best friends, and I don't know when I shall see them + again.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor I,” said Mr. Holden. “But I think it's high time + you left them.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” asked Herbert, indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “Because they were petting you and making too much of you. You won't + get such treatment as that from me.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't expect it,” said our hero. + </p> + <p> + “That's lucky,” said Abner Holden, dryly. “It's well + that people shouldn't expect what they are not likely to get.” + </p> + <p> + Here a sense of the ludicrous came over Herbert as he thought of being Mr. + Holden's pet, and he laughed heartily. Not understanding the reason of his + sudden mirth, that gentleman demanded, in a tone of irritation, “What + are you making a fool of yourself about?” + </p> + <p> + “What am I laughing at?” said Herbert, not liking the form of + the question. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” snarled Abner. + </p> + <p> + “The idea of being your pet,” explained Herbert, frankly. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Holden did not appreciate the joke, and said roughly, “You + better shut up, if you know what's best for yourself.” + </p> + <p> + They rode along in silence for a few minutes. Then Abner Holden, thinking + suddenly of the envelope which Dr. Kent had placed in Herbert's hand at + parting, and feeling curious as to its contents, asked: + </p> + <p> + “What did the doctor give you just as you were starting?” + </p> + <p> + “It was an envelope.” + </p> + <p> + “I know that; but what was there in it?” + </p> + <p> + “I haven't looked,” said our hero. + </p> + <p> + He felt a little satisfaction in snubbing Mr. Holden, whom he saw he would + never like. + </p> + <p> + “Why don't you open it?” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't think of it before.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose there is some present inside.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert decided to open the envelope, out of respect for Dr. Kent. On + opening it, he drew out a five-dollar bill, and a few penciled words, + which were as follows: + </p> + <p> + “DEAR HERBERT: I would gladly give you more if I had the means. I + hope you will use the inclosed money in any way that may be most + serviceable to you. You must write to me often. Be a good boy, as you + always have been; let your aims be noble; try to do right at all hazards, + and may God bless your efforts, and make you a good and true man. Such is + the prayer of your affectionate friend, GEORGE KENT.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert read these lines with emotion, and inwardly resolved that he would + try to carry out the recommendations laid down. His thoughts were broken + in upon by Mr. Holden, whose sharp eyes detected the bank-note. + </p> + <p> + “There's money in the letter, isn't there?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “How much?” + </p> + <p> + “Five dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “Five dollars, hey?” he said. “You'd better give it to + me to keep for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Mr. Holden; I can take care of it, myself.” + </p> + <p> + “It isn't a good plan for boys to have so large a sum of money in + their possession,” said Abner Holden, who was anxious to secure it + himself. + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” asked Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Because they are likely to spend it improperly.” + </p> + <p> + “Dr. Kent didn't seem to think I was likely to do that.” + </p> + <p> + “No; he trusted you too much.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope it won't prove so.” + </p> + <p> + “You'd better keep out of the way of temptation. You might lose it, + besides.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't often lose things.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, boy,” said Mr. Holden, getting impatient; “Dr. + Kent, no doubt, intended that I should take care of the money for you. + You'd better give it up without further trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “Why didn't he give it to you, then?” demanded Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “He supposed you would give it to me.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Holden's motive for getting the money into his own hands was twofold. + First, he knew that without money Herbert would be more helpless and more + in his power. Secondly, as he had agreed to supply Herbert with clothing, + he thought he might appropriate the money towards this purpose, and it + would be so much of a saving to his own pocket. Perhaps Herbert suspected + some such design. At any rate, he had no intention of gratifying Mr. + Holden by giving up the money. + </p> + <p> + “Well, are you going to give me the money?” blustered Abner + Holden, taking out his pocketbook, ready to receive it. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “You'll repent this conduct, young man,” said Holden, + scowling. + </p> + <p> + “I don't think I shall,” said our hero. “I don't + understand why you are so anxious to get hold of the money.” + </p> + <p> + “It is for your good,” said Abner. + </p> + <p> + “I'd rather keep it,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + Abner Holden hardly knew what to do. The money was by this time safely + stowed away in Herbert's pocket, where he could not very well get at it. + However, he had a plan for getting it which he resolved to put into + practice when they stopped for dinner. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI + </h2> + <h3> + ON THE WAY + </h3> + <p> + By the time they had ridden twenty miles both Herbert and Mr. Holden felt + hungry. The fresh air had produced a similar effect upon both. They + approached a broad, low building with a swinging sign and a long piazza in + front, which it was easy to see was a country tavern. + </p> + <p> + “Do you feel hungry, boy?” inquired Abner Holden. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” returned our hero. + </p> + <p> + “So do I. I think I shall get some dinner here. You can get some, + too, if you like.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, there's no occasion to thank me,” said Mr. Holden, dryly. + “I shall pay for my dinner, and if you want any, you can pay for + yours.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert looked surprised. As he had entered Mr. Holden's employ, he + supposed of course that the latter would feel bound to provide for him, + and it certainly seemed mean that he should be compelled to pay for his + own dinner. However, he was beginning to suspect that his new employer was + essentially a mean man. + </p> + <p> + “How much will it cost?” asked Herbert, at length. + </p> + <p> + “Thirty-seven cents,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + It must be remembered that this was in the day of low prices, when gold + was at par, and board could be obtained at first-class city hotels for two + dollars and a half a day, and in country villages at that amount by the + week. + </p> + <p> + “Thirty-seven cents!” Herbert hardly liked to break in upon + his scanty hoard, but the morning air had sharpened his appetite, and he + felt that he must have something to eat. Besides, he remembered one thing + which fortunately Mr. Holden did not know, that in addition to the five + dollars which Dr. Kent had given him he had the ten dollars sent him by + his uncle, and not only that, but a little loose change which he had + earned. + </p> + <p> + “Well, are you going to get out?” asked Abner Holden. “It's + nothing to me whether you take dinner or not.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I guess I will.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said Holden, who had a reason for being pleased + with his decision. + </p> + <p> + Both went into the tavern. There were two or three loungers on a settle, + who gazed at them curiously. One of them at once appeared to recognize + Abner Holden. + </p> + <p> + “How dy do, Holden?” he said. “Who've you got with you?” + </p> + <p> + “A boy I've taken,” said Holden, shortly. + </p> + <p> + “A pretty smart-looking boy. Where'd you pick him up?” + </p> + <p> + “Over in Waverley. He's got some pretty high notions, but I guess + I'll take 'em out of him in time.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” chuckled the other; “I warrant you will.” + </p> + <p> + While this conversation was going on Herbert had entered the tavern, but + he could not avoid hearing what was said, including Mr. Holden's reply. He + was not frightened, but inwardly determined that he would do his duty, and + then if Mr. Holden saw fit to impose upon him, he would make what + resistance he was able. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder what high notions he means,” thought our hero. + “If he expects to make a slave of me, he will be mistaken, that's + all.” + </p> + <p> + “Sit down there, and I'll go and order dinner,” said Mr. + Holden, entering. + </p> + <p> + Just then, however, the landlord came in and greeted Abner Holden, whom he + appeared to know. + </p> + <p> + “I want dinner for two, Mr. Robinson,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “For two! You haven't brought your wife along with you, Holden?” + he said, jocosely. + </p> + <p> + “No, I haven't come across any such lady yet. I've got a boy here + who is bound to me. And hark you, landlord,” he added, in a lower + voice, that Herbert might not hear, “he will pay you for his dinner + out of a five-dollar bill which he has with him. YOU NEEDN'T GIVE BACK THE + CHANGE TO HIM, BUT TO ME.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I understand,” said the landlord, winking. + </p> + <p> + “I prefer to keep the money for him. He has refused to give it up + and this will give me a chance to get hold of it without any fuss.” + </p> + <p> + “All right.” + </p> + <p> + “If he kept it himself he'd spend it in some improper way.” + </p> + <p> + “Just so. I'll attend to it.” + </p> + <p> + Now our hero was gifted with pretty sharp ears, and he caught enough of + this conversation to understand Mr. Holden's plot, which he straightway + determined should not succeed. + </p> + <p> + “You shan't take me in this time, Mr. Holden,” he thought. + </p> + <p> + He opened his pocketbook to see if he had enough small change to pay for + his dinner without intrenching upon his bill. There proved to be a quarter + and two half-dimes, amounting, of course, to thirty-five cents. This would + not be quite sufficient. + </p> + <p> + “I must change the bill somewhere,” he said to himself. + </p> + <p> + Looking out of the tavern window, he saw the village store nearly + opposite. He took his cap and ran over. There was a clerk leaning with his + elbows upon the counter, appearing unoccupied. + </p> + <p> + It occurred to Herbert that he might want some paper and envelopes. He + inquired the price. + </p> + <p> + “We sell the paper at a penny a sheet, and the envelopes will cost + you eight cents a package.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you may give me twelve sheets of paper and a package of + envelopes,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + The package was done up for him and in payment he tendered the bill. + </p> + <p> + The clerk gave him back four dollars and eighty cents in change. He put + the money in his pocketbook, and the paper and envelopes in his + jacket-pocket, and returned to the tavern well pleased with his success. + Mr. Holden was in the barroom, taking a glass of “bitters,” + and had not noticed the absence of our hero. + </p> + <p> + Dinner was soon ready. + </p> + <p> + There was some beefsteak and coffee and a whole apple pie. Herbert + surveyed the viands with satisfaction, having a decidedly good appetite. + He soon found, however, that hungry as he was, he stood a poor chance with + Abner Holden; that gentleman, being a very rapid eater, managed to + appropriate two-thirds of the beefsteak and three-quarters of the pie. + However, the supply being abundant, Herbert succeeded in making a + satisfactory repast, and did not grudge the amount which he knew he should + have to pay for it before leaving. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said Abner Holden, his eyes twinkling at the thought of + our hero's coming discomfiture, “we'll go and settle our bill.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said Herbert, quietly. + </p> + <p> + They entered the public room and advanced to the bar. + </p> + <p> + “This boy wants to pay for his dinner, Mr. Robinson,” said + Abner, significantly. + </p> + <p> + “How much will it be?” asked Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Thirty-seven cents.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert took out of his vest pocket a quarter, a dime and two cents, and + handed them over. + </p> + <p> + To say that Abner Holden looked amazed is not sufficient. He looked + disgusted and wronged, and glared at Herbert as if to inquire how he could + have the face to outrage his feelings in that way. + </p> + <p> + “Ho! ho!” laughed the landlord, who, having no interest in the + matter, was amused at the course affairs had taken. + </p> + <p> + Herbert suppressed his desire to laugh, and looked as if he had no + knowledge of Mr. Holden's plans. + </p> + <p> + “Where did you get that money?” growled Abner, with a scowl. + </p> + <p> + “Out of my vest pocket,” said Herbert, innocently. + </p> + <p> + “I know that, of course, but I thought you had only a bill.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I got that changed at the store.” + </p> + <p> + “How dared you go over there without my permission?” roared + Abner. + </p> + <p> + “I didn't think it necessary to ask your permission to go across the + street.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you know it now. Don't you go there again without my + knowledge.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you buy anything at the store?” continued Mr. Holden. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “What was it?” + </p> + <p> + “Some paper and envelopes.” + </p> + <p> + “Humph!” muttered Abner, discontentedly. + </p> + <p> + He proceeded to pay his own bill and in a few minutes got into the wagon + and drove off rather sulkily. Herbert saw that Mr. Holden was disturbed by + the failure of his little plan, and felt amused rather than otherwise. But + when he reflected that he was going to live with this man, and be, to a + considerable extent under his control, he felt inclined to be sad. One + thing he resolved that he would not submit to tyranny. The world was wide, + and he felt able to earn his own living. He would give Mr. Holden a trial, + and if he treated him with reasonable fairness he would remain with him. + But he was not going to be any man's slave. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile they were getting over the road, and a few more hours brought + them to their journey's end. + </p> + <p> + Abner Holden's house stood in considerable need of paint. It had no great + pretensions to architectural beauty, being about as handsome for a house + as Abner Holden was for a man. There was a dilapidated barn, a little to + one side, and the yard was littered up with a broken wagon, a woodpile and + various odds and ends, giving the whole a very untidy look. + </p> + <p> + “Is this where you live, Mr. Holden?” asked Herbert, looking + about him. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and I'm glad to get home. Do you know how to unharness a + horse?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Then jump out and unharness this horse. A man will come for it + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert did as directed. Then he took his little trunk from the wagon, and + went with it to the back door and knocked. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII + </h2> + <h3> + A NEW HOME + </h3> + <p> + The door was opened by an elderly woman, rather stout, who acted as Abner + Holden's housekeeper. Though decidedly homely, she had a pleasant look, + which impressed Herbert favorably. He had feared she might turn out + another edition of Mr. Holden, and with two such persons he felt that it + would be difficult to get along. + </p> + <p> + “Come right in,” said Mrs. Bickford, for that was her name. + “Let me help you with your trunk. You can set it down here for the + present.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “You must be tired,” said the housekeeper. + </p> + <p> + “No, not very,” said our hero. “We rode all the way.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it's tiresome riding, at any rate, when it's such a long + distance. You came from Waverley, Mr. Holden tells me.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “And that is more than thirty miles away, isn't it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I believe so.” + </p> + <p> + “So you've come to help Mr. Holden?” she added, after a pause. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I suppose so,” said Herbert, rather seriously. + </p> + <p> + “What is your name?” + </p> + <p> + “Herbert Mason.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope, Herbert, we shall be able to make you comfortable.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” said Herbert, a little more cheerful, as he + perceived that he was to have one friend in Mr. Holden's household. + </p> + <p> + “Has Mr. Holden generally kept a boy?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he calculates to keep one most of the time.” + </p> + <p> + “Who was the last one?” + </p> + <p> + “His name was Frank Miles.” + </p> + <p> + “Was he here long?” asked Herbert, in some curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “Well, no,” said the housekeeper, “he did not stay very + long.” + </p> + <p> + “How long?” + </p> + <p> + “He was here 'most a month.” + </p> + <p> + “'Most a month? Didn't he like it?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, no; he didn't seem to like Mr. Holden much.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert was not much surprised to hear this. He would have thought Frank + Miles a singular sort of a boy if he had liked Abner Holden. + </p> + <p> + “Have any of the boys that have been here liked Mr. Holden?” + he asked. + </p> + <p> + “I can't say as they have,” said Mrs. Bickford, frankly; + “and somehow they don't seem to stay long.” + </p> + <p> + “Why didn't they like him?” + </p> + <p> + “Sh!” said the housekeeper, warningly. + </p> + <p> + Herbert looked round and saw his employer entering the room. + </p> + <p> + “Well, boy, have you put up the horse?” he asked, abruptly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you give him some hay?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “And some grain?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I didn't know where it was kept. If you'll tell me, I'll do it + now.” + </p> + <p> + “No, you needn't. He isn't to have any. He's only a hired horse.” + </p> + <p> + Considering that the hired horse had traveled over thirty miles, Herbert + thought he was entitled to some oats; but Mr. Holden was a mean man, and + decided otherwise. + </p> + <p> + “Where is Herbert to sleep, Mr. Holden?” asked the + housekeeper. + </p> + <p> + “Up garret.” + </p> + <p> + “There's a small corner bedroom in the second story,” + suggested Mrs. Bickford, who knew that the garret was not very desirable. + </p> + <p> + “I guess he won't be too proud to sleep in the garret,” said + Mr. Holden. “Shall you?” he continued, turning to Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Put me where you please,” said Herbert, coldly. + </p> + <p> + “Then it shall be the garret. You can take your trunk up now. Mrs. + Bickford will show you the way.” + </p> + <p> + “It's too heavy for you, Herbert,” said the housekeeper; + “I will help you.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he can carry it alone,” said Abner Holden. “He + isn't a baby.” + </p> + <p> + “I'd rather help him,” said the housekeeper, taking one handle + of the trunk. “You go first, Herbert, You're young and spry, and can + go faster than I.” + </p> + <p> + On the second landing Herbert saw the little bedroom in which the + housekeeper wanted to put him. It was plainly furnished, but it was light + and cheerful, and he was sorry he was not to have it. + </p> + <p> + “You could have had that bedroom just as well as not,” said + Mrs. Bickford. “It's never used. But Mr. Holden's rather contrary, + and as hard to turn as a—” + </p> + <p> + “A mule?” suggested Herbert, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “It's pretty much so,” said the housekeeper, joining in the + laugh. + </p> + <p> + They went up a narrow staircase and emerged into a dark garret, running + the whole length of the house without a partition. The beams and rafters + were visible, for the sloping sides were not plastered. Herbert felt that + he might as well have been in the barn, except that there was a small cot + bedstead in the center of the floor. + </p> + <p> + “It isn't very pleasant,” said the housekeeper. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Herbert, “I don't think it is.” + </p> + <p> + “I declare, it's too bad you should have to sleep here. Mr. Holden + isn't very considerate.” + </p> + <p> + “I guess I can stand it,” said our hero, “though I + should rather be downstairs.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll bring up the trap and set it before you go to bed,” said + Mrs. Bickford. + </p> + <p> + “The trap!” repeated Herbert, in surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, there's rats about, and I suppose you'd rather have a trap + than a cat.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; the cat would be about as bad as the rats.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment Abner Holden's voice was heard at the bottom of the stairs, + and Mrs. Bickford hurried down, followed by our hero. + </p> + <p> + “I thought you were going to stay up there all day,” said Mr. + Holden. “What were you about up there?” + </p> + <p> + “That is my business,” said Mrs. Bickford, shortly. + </p> + <p> + The housekeeper was independent in her feelings, and, knowing that she + could readily obtain another situation, did not choose to be browbeaten by + Mr. Holden. He was quite aware of her value, and the difficulty he would + experience in supplying her place, and he put some constraint over himself + in the effort not to be rude to her. With Herbert, however, it was + different. HE was BOUND to him, and therefore in his power. Abner Holden + exulted in this knowledge, and with the instinct of a petty tyrant + determined to let Herbert realize his dependence. + </p> + <p> + “You may go out and saw some wood,” he said. “You'll + find the saw in the woodshed.” + </p> + <p> + “What wood shall I saw?” + </p> + <p> + “The wood in the woodpile, stupid.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, sir,” said our hero, quietly. + </p> + <p> + Herbert thought Mr. Holden was losing no time in setting him to work. + However, he had resolved to do his duty, unpleasant as it might be, as + long as Abner Holden only exacted what was reasonable, and Herbert was + aware that he had a right to require him to go to work at once. Mrs. + Bickford, however, said a word in his favor. + </p> + <p> + “I've got wood enough to last till to-morrow, Mr. Holden,” she + said. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what of it?” + </p> + <p> + “It's likely the boy is tired.” + </p> + <p> + “What's he done to make him tired, I should like to know? Ridden + thirty miles, and eaten a good dinner!” + </p> + <p> + “Which I paid for myself,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “What if you did?” said Abner Holden, turning to him. “I + suppose you'll eat supper at my expense, and you'd better do something, + first, to earn it.” + </p> + <p> + “That I am willing to do.” + </p> + <p> + “Then go out to the woodpile without any more palavering.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Holden,” said the housekeeper, seriously, after Herbert + had gone out, “if you want to keep that boy, I think you had better + be careful how you treat him.” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you say that?” demanded Abner, eying her sharply. + “Has he been saying anything to you about me?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why did you say that?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I can see what kind of a boy he is.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what kind of a boy is he?” asked Abner, with a sneer. + </p> + <p> + “He is high-spirited, and will work faithfully if he's treated well, + but he won't allow himself to be imposed upon.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know that?” + </p> + <p> + “I can read it in his face. I have had some experience with boys, + and you may depend upon it that I am not mistaken.” + </p> + <p> + “He had better do his duty,” blustered Abner, “if he + knows what's best for himself.” + </p> + <p> + “He will do his duty,” said the housekeeper, firmly, “but + there is a duty which you owe to him, as well as he to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't I always do my duty by boys, Mrs. Bickford?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Mr. Holden, I don't think you do. You know very well you can + never get a boy to stay with you.” + </p> + <p> + “This boy is bound to me, Mrs. Bickford—legally bound.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be; but if you don't treat him as he ought to be treated, + he will run away, take my word for it.” + </p> + <p> + “If he does, he'll be brought back, take my word for that, Mrs. + Bickford. I shall treat him as I think he deserves, but as to petting and + pampering the young rascal I shall do nothing of the kind.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think you will,” said the housekeeper. “However, + I've warned you.” + </p> + <p> + “You seem to take a good deal of interest in the boy,” said + Abner, sneeringly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I do.” + </p> + <p> + “After half an hour's acquaintance.” + </p> + <p> + “I've known him long enough to see that he's better than the common + run of boys, and I hope that he'll stay.” + </p> + <p> + “There's no doubt about that,” said Abner Holden, + significantly. “He'll have to stay, whether he wants to or not.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII + </h2> + <h3> + THE GHOST IN THE ATTIC + </h3> + <p> + After working two hours at the woodpile, Herbert was called in to tea. + There was no great variety, Abner Holden not being a bountiful provider. + But the bread was sweet and good, and the gingerbread fresh. Herbert's two + hours of labor had given him a hearty appetite, and he made a good meal. + Mrs. Bickford looked on approvingly. She was glad to see that our hero + enjoyed his supper. + </p> + <p> + There was tea on the table, and, after pouring out a cup for Mr. Holden, + the housekeeper was about to pour out one for Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “He don't want any tea,” said Abner, noticing the action. + “Keep the cup for yourself, Mrs. Bickford.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean, Mr. Holden?” asked the housekeeper, in + surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Tea isn't good for a growing boy. A glass of cold water will be + best for him.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't agree with you, Mr. Holden,” said the housekeeper, + decidedly. “Herbert has been hard at work, and needs his tea as much + as you or I do.” + </p> + <p> + Therefore, without waiting for his permission, she handed the cup to + Herbert, who proceeded to taste it. + </p> + <p> + Abner Holden frowned, but neither Herbert nor the housekeeper took much + notice of it. The latter was somewhat surprised at this new freak on the + part of Abner, as he had never tried to deprive any of Herbert's + predecessors of tea or coffee. But the fact was, Mr. Holden disliked + Herbert, and was disposed to act the petty tyrant over him. He had neither + forgotten nor forgiven the boy's spirited defiance when they first met, + nor his refusal to surrender into his hands the five dollars which the + doctor had given him. + </p> + <p> + Feeling tired by eight o'clock, Herbert went up to his garret room and + undressed himself. An instinct of caution led him to take out the money in + his porte-monnaie, and put it in his trunk, which he then locked, and put + the key under the sheet, so that no one could get hold of it without + awakening him. This precaution proved to be well taken. + </p> + <p> + Herbert lay down upon the bed, but did not immediately go to sleep. He + could not help thinking of his new home, and the new circumstances in + which he was placed. He did not feel very well contented, and felt + convinced from what he had already seen of Mr. Holden, that he should + never like him. Then thoughts of his mother, and of her constant and + tender love, and the kind face he would never more see on earth, swept + over him, and almost unmanned him. To have had her still alive he would + have been content to live on dry bread and water. + </p> + <p> + He thought, too, of the doctor's family and their kindness. How different + it would have been if he might have continued to find a home with them! + But when he was tempted to repine, the thought of his mother's Christian + instructions came to him, and he was comforted by the reflection, that + whatever happened to him was with the knowledge of his Father in heaven, + who would not try him above his strength. + </p> + <p> + Try and trust! That was almost the last advice his mother had given him, + as the surest way of winning the best success. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he thought, “I will try and trust, and leave the + rest with God.” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Mr. Holden had not been able to keep out of his head the five + dollars which he knew Herbert possessed. He was a mean man, and wished to + appropriate it to his own use. Besides this, he was a stubborn man, and + our hero's resistance only made him the more determined to triumph over + his opposition by fair means or foul. It struck him that it would be a + good idea to take advantage of our hero's slumber, and take the money + quietly from his pocketbook while he was unconscious. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, about eleven o'clock, he went softly up the attic stairs with + a candle in his hand, and, with noiseless steps, approached the bed. + Herbert's regular breathing assured him that he was asleep. Abner Holden + took up his pants and felt for his pocketbook. He found it, and drew it + out with exultation. + </p> + <p> + “Aha!” he thought; “I've got it.” + </p> + <p> + But this brief exultation was succeeded by quick disappointment. The + pocketbook proved to be quite empty. + </p> + <p> + “Curse it!” muttered Abner, “what has the boy done with + his money?” + </p> + <p> + It was at this moment that Herbert, his eyes possibly affected by the + light, awoke, and he discovered his employer examining his pocketbook. + </p> + <p> + His first feeling was indignation, but the sight of Abner Holden's + disappointed face amused him, and he determined not to reveal his + wakefulness, but to watch, him quietly. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps he's got two pocketbooks,” thought Abner. But in this + he was mistaken. + </p> + <p> + Next he went to Herbert's trunk, and tried it, but found it locked. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder where he keeps the key,” was his next thought. + </p> + <p> + He searched Herbert's pockets, but the search was in vain. + </p> + <p> + “Plague take the young rascal!” he muttered, loud enough for + Herbert to hear. + </p> + <p> + Herbert turned in bed, and Abner Holden, fearing that he might wake up, + and being on the whole, rather ashamed of his errand, and unwilling to be + caught in it, went downstairs. + </p> + <p> + “Well, he didn't make much,” thought our hero. “It's + lucky I thought to put the money in my trunk. If he only knew I had + fifteen dollars, instead of five, he would be all the more anxious to get + hold of it.” + </p> + <p> + “How did you sleep last night, Herbert?” inquired the + housekeeper at breakfast. + </p> + <p> + “Very well, thank you, Mrs. Bickford.” + </p> + <p> + He was resolved not to drop a hint of what had happened, being curious to + see if Mr. Holden would make any further attempts to obtain his money. As + his employer might possibly find a key that would unlock the trunk, he + thought it prudent, during the day, to carry the money about with him. + </p> + <p> + He hardly knew whether to expect a visit from Abner the next night, but + formed a little plan for frightening him if such a visit should take + place. + </p> + <p> + It so happened that he had in his trunk a fish horn which had been given + him by someone in Waverley. This he took out of the trunk before retiring + and hid it under his pillow. It was about nine o'clock when he went to + bed, but by considerable effort he succeeded in keeping awake for an hour + or two. + </p> + <p> + About eleven o'clock, Abner Holden, before going to bed himself, decided + to make one more attempt to obtain possession of Herbert's money. He + reflected that possibly our hero had only put away his money by chance on + the previous evening, and might have neglected to do so on the present + occasion. He desired to get possession of it before any part of it was + spent, as, judging from what he knew of boys, it would not remain long + unexpended. + </p> + <p> + Once more, therefore, he took his candle, and removing his thick-soled + shoes, which might betray him by their sound, crept softly up the steep + and narrow staircase. + </p> + <p> + But Herbert heard him, and moreover was warned of his visit by the light + of the candle which he carried. He closed his eyes, and awaited his coming + in silent expectation. + </p> + <p> + Abner Holden looked towards the bed. Herbert's eyes were closed, and his + breathing was deep and regular. + </p> + <p> + “He's sound asleep,” thought Abner, with satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + He set down the candle on a chair beside the bed, and began to examine our + hero's pocketbook once more. But it proved to be empty as before. In the + pocketbook, however, he found a key, the key, as he supposed, to Herbert's + trunk. It was not, however, being only a key which Herbert had picked up + one day in the street, and kept. He had put it in his pocket with a view + to mislead his employer. + </p> + <p> + That gentleman uttered a low exclamation of satisfaction when his fingers + closed upon the key, never doubting for a moment that it would open the + trunk. + </p> + <p> + Leaving the candle in its place, he rose from his recumbent position, + threw the pants on the bed, and went round on the other side, to try the + key. + </p> + <p> + He got down on his knees before the trunk, and had inserted the key in the + lock, or rather had made an ineffectual attempt to do so, when suddenly + the candle was extinguished, and a horrible blast on the fish horn + resounded through the garret. + </p> + <p> + Now, Abner Holden was not a very courageous man. In fact, he was inclined + to superstition. He knew that he was engaged in a dishonorable attempt to + rob a boy who was placed in his charge, and there is an old proverb that + says “conscience makes cowards of us all.” It must be admitted + that it was rather calculated to affect the nerves to find one's self + suddenly in the dark, and at the same time to hear such a fearful noise + proceeding from an unknown quarter. + </p> + <p> + Abner Holden jumped to his feet in dire dismay, and, without stopping to + reflect on the probable cause of this startling interruption, “struck + a bee line” for the staircase, and descended quicker, probably, than + he had ever done before, narrowly escaping tumbling the entire distance, + in his headlong haste. + </p> + <p> + Herbert had to stuff the bedclothes into his mouth to keep from bursting + into a shout of laughter, which would have revealed his agency in + producing the mysterious noise. + </p> + <p> + “I thought I heard a frightful noise last night soon after I went to + bed,” said Mrs. Bickford, at the breakfast table. “Didn't you + hear anything, Mr. Holden?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Abner, “I heard nothing. You were probably + dreaming.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I was. Didn't you hear anything, Herbert?” + </p> + <p> + “I sleep pretty sound,” said Herbert, quietly. + </p> + <p> + Abner Holden watched him as he said this, and was evidently more perplexed + than ever. But that was the last visit he paid to the garret at night. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX + </h2> + <h3> + EXPOSING A FRAUD + </h3> + <p> + It would be hard to tell what Abner Holden's precise occupation was. He + had thirty or forty acres of land, but only cultivated enough to produce + supplies of vegetables for his own table, and grain for his horses. He + kept four cows, and he had, at this time, three horses. He had the Yankee + propensity for “swapping,” and from time to time traded + horses, generally managing to get the best of the bargain, for he was + tolerably sharp and not much troubled by conscientious scruples about + misstating the merits of his horses. + </p> + <p> + But, about two months before Herbert came into his employ, he had himself + been overreached, and found himself the possessor of a horse of excellent + outward appearance, but blind of one eye, and with a very vicious temper. + He accepted the situation with a bad grace, and determined, as soon as + possible, to “trade” the horse to another party. + </p> + <p> + One day, about a fortnight after Herbert's arrival, a gentlemanly-looking + stranger knocked at Abner Holden's door. + </p> + <p> + The call was answered by the housekeeper. + </p> + <p> + “Is Mr. Holden at home?” he inquired. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “I should like to see him.” + </p> + <p> + Abner Holden soon made his appearance. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Holden.” said the stranger “I am in search of a + good family horse. I am told that you have some animals for sale, and + called on you, thinking I might get suited through you.” + </p> + <p> + “You've come to the right place,” said Abner, glibly. “I've + got just the animal that will suit you.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to see it.” + </p> + <p> + “He's in the pasture now. If you don't object to walking a short + distance, I will show him to you. I feel sure he will suit you.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, I will go with you.” + </p> + <p> + “This way, then.” + </p> + <p> + The two walked down a green lane at the back of the house to the entrance + of the pasture, where the three horses, at present comprising Abner + Holden's entire stock, were grazing leisurely. + </p> + <p> + Now, it happened that, of the three, the blind and vicious horse was much + the best looking. He held his head erect, had a graceful form, and was + likely to attract favorable notice at first sight. + </p> + <p> + Abner Holden paused at a little distance, and pointed him out. + </p> + <p> + “What do you think of that horse, Mr. Richmond?” he said. + </p> + <p> + “A very good-looking animal,” said the stranger, with an + approving glance; “but I must explain that I want such an animal as + my wife can drive. It is absolutely necessary that he should be + good-tempered and gentle. If, with this, he is handsome, and of good + speed, all the better. Now you know what I am in search of. Can you + recommend this horse of yours?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Abner, confidently, “he will just suit you. + I did calculate to keep him for my own use, but I'm rather short of money, + and I shall have to let him go.” + </p> + <p> + “You say he is gentle?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, as gentle as need be.” + </p> + <p> + “Could a woman drive him?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no trouble about that,” said Abner. + </p> + <p> + “And he has no serious defect?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that seems satisfactory. I like his appearance. He would look + well in harness. What is your price?” + </p> + <p> + “Two hundred and fifty dollars, cash down,” said Abner. + “That's too cheap. He's worth a cool hundred more, but I got him + cheap, and can afford to sell him cheap.” + </p> + <p> + The horse had cost Mr. Holden just a hundred and ten dollars, and at this + price he considered himself decidedly taken in; but this he did not + particularly care to mention. + </p> + <p> + “Two hundred and fifty dollars!” mused the stranger. “It + is a little more than I intended to pay. Still, if the animal is what you + describe, I don't know that I shall object on that score.” + </p> + <p> + “You had better take him,” said Abner. “It'll be the + best bargain you ever made, I'll warrant. You'll pay cash down, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course.” + </p> + <p> + “Then shall we say it's a bargain?” + </p> + <p> + “Not quite yet. I'll take till the afternoon to think about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Better decide now. The fact is, Mr. Richmond, I ought not to let + the horse go at that figure, and I may change my mind.” + </p> + <p> + “I think I shall take your horse, but I have agreed to look at + another, and must see that first.” + </p> + <p> + “Whose?” + </p> + <p> + “It belongs to a man named Nichols.” + </p> + <p> + “Sam Nichols?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe so.” + </p> + <p> + “I wouldn't advise you to have anything to do with him.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “He's a regular sharper. You can't depend on anything he says.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you for the caution. I will be on my guard. But I promised to + take a look at his horse before deciding. If I don't come to terms with + him, and I don't think I shall, I will come round some time this afternoon + and make a bargain with you.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Holden thought it was hardly politic to urge him farther. With a + renewed caution as to dealing with Sam Nichols, he let him go. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” thought Abner, after he was gone, “it will be a + pretty good thing if I get rid of Spitfire”—he had named him + thus—“for two hundred and fifty dollars. He's a bad-tempered + brute, and blind into the bargain. But I'm not bound to tell Mr. Richmond + that, and so spoil my trade. I've put a flea in his ear about Nichols, and + I guess he will be back again.” + </p> + <p> + The prospect of making a good bargain caused Abner to be unusually + pleasant and good-humored, so much so that Mrs. Bickford regarded him with + surprise. He voluntarily asked her if she did not wish something at the + store, volunteering to bring home whatever was needed. + </p> + <p> + “What's come over the man?” thought the housekeeper. “It's + too good to last.” + </p> + <p> + She was quite correct there. Mr. Holden was naturally crabbed, and fair + weather with him was the exception rather than the rule. On the present + occasion it did not last many hours. + </p> + <p> + Abner Holden went to the store, but made other calls on the way, so that + he was three hours absent, and did not return till twelve o'clock, the + usual dinner hour in his household. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Mr. Richmond, his caller of the morning, had been to see Sam + Nichols, and inspected the horse he had for sale. He did not altogether + like its appearance, and, moreover, he was prejudiced against him by what + he had heard from Abner Holden, and came away without effecting a + purchase. + </p> + <p> + “I don't think I can do better,” he reflected, “than to + take that horse of Holden's. Let me see, it is only half-past ten. I shall + have time to go up there this morning. I suppose I might as well settle + matters at once.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, eleven o'clock found him again in Abner Holden's yard. + </p> + <p> + Herbert was out in the yard, engaged in splitting wood. + </p> + <p> + “Is Mr. Holden at home?” inquired the stranger, pausing. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Will he be at home soon?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, I think so. He only went out to the store. He ought to be + home now.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I think I will wait. I was here once before this morning. I + was talking with him about buying one of his horses. If you can spare the + time, I would like to have you go with me to the pasture, and I will take + another look at the one I saw this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, sir,” said Herbert, driving the ax into the block + upon which he had been splitting, prepared to accompany Mr. Richmond to + the pasture. + </p> + <p> + They reached the bars dividing the pasture from the next field. Spitfire + was cropping the grass just on the other side. + </p> + <p> + “There,” said the stranger, pointing him out, “that is + the horse I was looking at.” + </p> + <p> + “THAT ONE!” repeated Herbert, in a tone of surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he is a fine-looking animal.” + </p> + <p> + “Ye-es,” said Herbert, hesitatingly. + </p> + <p> + “However, I don't so much care about that, as for his being gentle. + I want him for a family horse, such as my wife may drive, without fear, + while I am away.” + </p> + <p> + “Did Mr. Holden say he's gentle?” asked Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. He recommended him highly for that, and told me he had no + serious defect.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure this is the horse?” asked Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly. I am not likely to be mistaken in it. I suppose it is + all as he says?” + </p> + <p> + Herbert was in a perplexing position. He knew that if he told the truth he + should incur Abner Holden's anger, but his conscience revolted at + suffering the stranger to be taken in, and thus, perhaps, exposing his + wife to serious danger. + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid I cannot confirm what Mr. Holden says,” he + answered, reluctantly. “The horse is very ill-tempered, and is blind + of one eye.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible? Then I have had a narrow escape. You have done me a + good service, my boy, in telling me the truth, for I am, myself, unused to + horses, and should have taken the animal on your employer's + recommendation. Accept this acknowledgment of my indebtedness.” + </p> + <p> + He would have placed a five-dollar bill in Herbert's hand, but our hero + firmly refused to receive it. + </p> + <p> + “I have only done my duty, sir. I cannot accept money for doing + that. Thank you all the same.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you are right, my lad. If I ever have a chance to serve + you, don't hesitate to let me know it.” + </p> + <p> + “There'll be a storm if Mr. Holden hears of this,” thought + Herbert. “But I could not do otherwise.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X + </h2> + <h3> + THE CLOUDS GATHER + </h3> + <p> + At twelve o'clock Abner Holden returned home, still in good humor. As he + did not anticipate another call from his expected customer until the + afternoon, he made no inquiries. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps he won't hear about it,” thought Herbert, and as he + did not wish to have any trouble with Mr. Holden, he hoped it might prove + so. + </p> + <p> + Abner was so elated at the thought of his good bargain in prospect, that + he could not keep it to himself. + </p> + <p> + “I've about sold Spitfire, Mrs. Bickford,” he said to the + housekeeper. + </p> + <p> + “Sold Spitfire! Who wants to buy him?” + </p> + <p> + “A man that called here this morning. What do you think he wants him + for?” + </p> + <p> + “To break his neck,” suggested the housekeeper. + </p> + <p> + “He wants him for a good family horse for his wife to drive,” + and Abner Holden burst into a laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps he's anxious to become a widower,” said Mrs. + Bickford. + </p> + <p> + “No; the fact is he thinks the horse is gentle.” + </p> + <p> + “You told him so, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, I did.” + </p> + <p> + “Knowing it to be false?” + </p> + <p> + “Shut up, Mrs. Bickford. You know all is fair in trade.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I don't, Mr. Holden. To my mind, a lie's just as much a lie in + trade as in anything else. I suppose the man trusted to your + recommendation.” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose he did. I got cheated on the horse, and I've got to get rid + of it, somehow. As it is, I shall make a handsome profit.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mr. Holden, all I've got to say is, I am glad I haven't got + as tough a conscience as you have.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't know anything about business, Mrs. Bickford.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, manage things your own way. I ain't responsible, but I pity + the poor man if he buys Spitfire.” + </p> + <p> + “So do I,” chuckled Abner. “That's where you and I + agree, Mrs. Bickford.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert listened in silence. He was disgusted with the utter disregard of + fair dealing exhibited by Abner Holden, though he was not surprised at it. + He felt glad that he had been the means of saving Mr. Richmond from being + overreached, though he know very well that Mr. Holden's rage would be + furious when he learned what had interfered with the trade. He did not + feel under any obligations to reveal his own agency in the matter, unless + direct inquiry was made of him. In that case, he would manfully stand by + his acts. + </p> + <p> + “I'm expecting the man this afternoon, Mrs. Bickford,” said + Mr. Holden, “and shall stay around home to see him. When he comes, + call me at once; and mind, not a word about Spitfire.” + </p> + <p> + “Just as you say. I wash my hands of the whole affair.” + </p> + <p> + “Washing your hands won't do you any harm,” said Abner, with a + laugh at what he supposed to be a witticism. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bickford took no notice of this remark. It was not quite easy to say + why she remained in charge of Mr. Holden's household, for certainly, she + had no respect for her employer. However, he did not meddle with her, or, + if he did, he got the worst of it, and it was perhaps the independence + that she enjoyed which led her to remain in the house. Knowing Abner's + character, she was not particularly shocked at this last evidence of it, + but went about her work as usual, with scarcely a thought of what had + passed. + </p> + <p> + Abner Holden sat at the window, and looked up the road, awaiting anxiously + the appearance of the customer. + </p> + <p> + “I hope he'll bring the money with him,” he thought. “I'd + like to have matters all arranged to-day, before he smells a rat. If I get + the money once in my hands, he may scold all he pleases about the horse. + It won't disturb my rest.” + </p> + <p> + But the old clock in the corner kept ticking—minute after minute + passed—and still the stranger did not appear. + </p> + <p> + “He can't have struck a bargain with Sam Nichols,” muttered + Abner, apprehensively. “If he has, it'll be sort of a swindle on me. + Maybe Nichols has been telling him lies about me.” + </p> + <p> + Abner waxed so angry over this supposition, that although it was merely + conjecture, he already began to consider in what way he could “come + up with Sam Nichols.” + </p> + <p> + “That money would come very handy,” thought Abner. “There's + a horse worth two of Spitfire, I can get for a hundred and fifty, and that + would leave me a hundred. I wish he would come.” + </p> + <p> + He looked out of the window, and, not content with that, went out of the + front door, and, shading his eyes with his hands, looked up the road. But + he could see nothing of Mr. Richmond. Abner began to fear that he had lost + his bargain. + </p> + <p> + “I guess I'll put on my hat and go round to the tavern,” he + said to Mrs. Bickford. “If the gentleman I spoke of should call + while I am away, just send the boy around after me as quick as possible.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well.” + </p> + <p> + Abner Holden walked hurriedly to the tavern, determined to bring about a + bargain, which would be so desirable for him, if it were a possible thing. + He must and would get rid of Spitfire, however many falsehoods he might + have to tell. What was truth in comparison to two hundred and fifty + dollars! Suppose Spitfire should run away with the stranger's wife and + break her limbs, or even her neck, it was everybody's duty to look out for + himself in this world. + </p> + <p> + Thus reasoned Abner Holden. There is no particular need of my commenting + upon the fallacy of this reasoning, since it is not likely that any of my + young readers will sufficiently admire his character to be in any danger + of being led into imitation of it. + </p> + <p> + At the end of a very few minutes, Abner stood on the piazza, of the + tavern, a little out of breath with rapid walking. + </p> + <p> + “Is Mr. Richmond still here?” he inquired of the landlord, + anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but he means to leave in five minutes.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is he?” + </p> + <p> + “In his room.” + </p> + <p> + “I want to see him on particular business—I wish you would + send up and ask him to come down.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well.” + </p> + <p> + “William,” said the landlord, summoning his son, “go up + and tell Mr. Richmond that Mr. Holden wishes to see him.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't know of his having bought a horse of Sam Nichols, do you?” + asked Abner, nervously, of the landlord. + </p> + <p> + “No, I am sure he has not.” + </p> + <p> + Abner felt somewhat relieved by this. As long as he was still unprovided + with a horse, there was still a chance of Spitfire. He resolved, if + necessary, to abate something from the rather high price he had demanded + in the morning. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Richmond followed William downstairs. + </p> + <p> + “You wish to see me?” he asked, glancing toward Mr. Holden. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, about the horse you were looking at this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “I have concluded not to take him,” said the other, coldly. + </p> + <p> + “You didn't buy of Sam Nichols, did you?” + </p> + <p> + “No; his horse did not suit me.” + </p> + <p> + “You haven't any other in your eye, have you?” asked Mr. + Holden. + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, hadn't you better look at mine again?” he said, + persuasively. + </p> + <p> + “It would be of no use.” + </p> + <p> + “If the price is any objection,” said Abner, insinuatingly, + “I don't know but I might say a LEETLE less, though the animal's + wuth more'n I ask for it.” + </p> + <p> + “It isn't the price that stands in the way, Mr. Holden.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it, then? Sam Nichols hain't been slandering me, I hope. If + he has, I'll be even with him.” + </p> + <p> + “Spare your anger against Sam Nichols. He said nothing against you; + though I believe you warned me against him.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I did. I felt it my duty to caution you, so you might not be + overreached by him.” + </p> + <p> + “You prefer to overreach me yourself,” said the other, + quietly. + </p> + <p> + Abner started, and changed color. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” he said. “Who told you I wanted to + overreach you?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, this is the way the matter stands. I asked you for a good + family horse, such as my wife might drive with safety. Didn't you + understand me so?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course.” + </p> + <p> + “And you tried to sell me an ill-tempered brute, blind of one eye, + for an extortionate price. Can you deny it?” + </p> + <p> + “Somebody's been telling you a pack of lies,” said Abner, + hoarsely. + </p> + <p> + “I don't think they are lies. I have every reason to think they are + true. By the way, what is the animal's name?” + </p> + <p> + “Spitfire,” said Abner, rather reluctantly. + </p> + <p> + “A good name for a family horse,” said the stranger, + sarcastically. + </p> + <p> + “Where did you learn all this?” demanded Abner. “Who's + been slandering the horse?” + </p> + <p> + “I got my information at your place, from one who ought to know.” + </p> + <p> + A light dawned upon Abner Holden's mind. + </p> + <p> + “Herbert told him,” muttered Abner to himself. “That + cursed boy has spoiled my bargain, and he shall smart for it.” + </p> + <p> + In a furious rage, he retraced his steps homeward, breathing threats of + vengeance dire against our hero. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI + </h2> + <h3> + A CRISIS + </h3> + <p> + Abner Holden's disappointment was excessive at the sudden falling through + of his horse trade, and his feeling of anger against Herbert for his + agency in the matter was in proportion to his disappointment. His chief + thought, as he hurried home from the tavern, was that he would make the + boy smart for his interference. + </p> + <p> + “I'll give him a good flogging,” muttered Abner to himself, + and he felt that this would be some slight compensation for the injury and + slight loss which Herbert had caused him to sustain. + </p> + <p> + “I'll teach him to spoil my bargains,” he said, while his face + wore an expression decidedly ugly. “I reckon he won't do it a second + time.” + </p> + <p> + It was in this frame of mind that he reached home. + </p> + <p> + Herbert had just entered the kitchen with an armful of wood for the + housekeeper, and having thrown down his burden, was about to go back, + when, on turning, he confronted the stormy and wrathful face of his + employer. + </p> + <p> + “He's found out,” Herbert concluded at once, and he braced his + nerves for the storm which he knew must come. + </p> + <p> + “Well, young man, I've an account to settle with you,” said + Abner, abruptly. + </p> + <p> + Herbert did not reply, but waited for Mr. Holden to state the matter. But + in Abner's present angry condition, he chose to construe his silence into + cause of offense. + </p> + <p> + “Why don't you speak?” he said. “What do you mean by + looking me impudently in the face?” + </p> + <p> + “I have no intention of being impudent,” said Herbert. “I + think you are mistaken, Mr. Holden.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you dare to tell me I am mistaken?” roared Holden, lashing + himself into a rage. + </p> + <p> + “I don't mean to do or say anything that is not perfectly + respectful,” said Herbert, manfully, looking steadily in his + employer's face. + </p> + <p> + “Why did you tell a pack of lies about my horse this morning, and so + make me lose my trade?” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't tell a pack of lies,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Didn't you tell the man who came here that he was an ill-tempered + brute, and blind of one eye?” + </p> + <p> + Abner Holden glared upon the boy as if he wanted to spring upon him, and + give him a thrashing on the spot. + </p> + <p> + “I told him that Spitfire was not suitable for a family horse.” + </p> + <p> + “What did you tell him that for?” + </p> + <p> + “Because it was true.” + </p> + <p> + “Supposing it was true, didn't you know that you were spoiling my + trade?” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry for that, Mr. Holden, but if he had bought the horse, + supposing it to be gentle, it might have broken his wife's neck.” + </p> + <p> + “What business was that of yours? That was his lookout.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't look upon it in that way. I thought he ought to buy the + horse with his eyes open.” + </p> + <p> + “You did, did you?” roared Abner. “Then I advise you to + open your own eyes, for you're going to get one of the worst lickings you + ever had.” + </p> + <p> + Abner Holden's anger now reached an ungovernable pitch. Looking about him + for a weapon, he espied the broom resting against the wall. He seized it, + and with a scream of rage, made for Herbert, shaking off the grasp of the + housekeeper, who tried to stay him. + </p> + <p> + Herbert, perceiving the peril in which he stood, ran round the table, + which stood, with leaves open, in the middle of the floor. Abner pursued + him with headlong haste. + </p> + <p> + “Lord preserve us! The man is mad!” ejaculated the + housekeeper, trying to get out of the way. But in this she was not + successful. The kitchen was small, and before she could guard against a + collision, Abner had stumbled over Mrs. Bickford, and both came down + together. She uttered a succession of piercing shrieks, and, with a view + of relieving Herbert, pretended that her life was in danger, grasping + Abner by the hair and holding him fast. + </p> + <p> + Herbert saw that this was the favorable moment for escape, and, seizing + his hat, dashed out of the house. He ran across the fields as fast as his + limbs could carry him, expecting that he would be pursued. Before we + follow him, we will describe the scene that took place after his flight. + </p> + <p> + “Let go my hair, Mrs. Bickford!” exclaimed Abner, tugging + vainly to break from the housekeeper's grasp. + </p> + <p> + “I dare not,” she said. “I'm afraid you'll murder me.” + </p> + <p> + “You are making a fool of yourself,” retorted Abner. “What + should I murder you for? But I will, if you don't let go!” + </p> + <p> + “Hello, who's talking of murder?” demanded a rough voice. + </p> + <p> + The speaker was a neighbor, who chanced to be passing, and was led to + enter by the uproar, which was plainly audible outside. + </p> + <p> + “Save me!” exclaimed Mrs. Bickford. “He's threatened to + murder me.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop your nonsense, you old fool!” retorted Abner, vexed at + the equivocal position in which he was placed. + </p> + <p> + “What's all this row about? Mr. Holden, you ought to be ashamed of + yourself for attacking a defenseless woman.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't intend to,” said Abner, sullenly. “She got in + my way, and I stumbled over her; and then she seized me by the hair.” + </p> + <p> + “What were you going to do with that broom?” demanded the + other, suspiciously. + </p> + <p> + “What was I going to do? I was going to thrash that rascally boy of + mine, and Mrs. Bickford knew it perfectly well.” + </p> + <p> + “What has he done?” + </p> + <p> + “He? He's spoiled a trade of mine by his lying, and I was going to + flog him for it, when Mrs. Bickford got in my way.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said the visitor, shrugging his shoulders, “I + don't want to interfere in your affairs. I suppose that you've a right to + flog the boy, but it strikes me that a broom handle is rather an ugly + weapon.” + </p> + <p> + “It isn't half heavy enough,” said Abner, savagely; “but + where is the boy? Did you see him?” + </p> + <p> + “Given leg-bail, I reckon, and I don't wonder at it.” + </p> + <p> + “Run away?” ejaculated Abner, disappointed. “Did you see + where he went?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I didn't, and if I had, I'm not sure that I would tell you.” + </p> + <p> + Abner would like to have thrashed the man who showed so little sympathy + with his anger, but he felt that it would hardly be prudent. He went to + the door and looked out. But there was no trace of Herbert to be + discovered. + </p> + <p> + “He'll get it when he does come back,” he said to himself. + </p> + <p> + The idea that Herbert might not come back at all never once occurred to + him. He resolved that the flogging should lose nothing by being deferred. + </p> + <p> + We must now return to Herbert, whom we left running across the fields. + </p> + <p> + His departure had been so sudden, that his prominent idea was to get out + of the way of his employer's violence. He was at first under the + impression that he was pursued, but when, after running perhaps a quarter + of a mile, he ventured to look around, he saw, to his great relief, that + there was no one on his track. Being out of breath, he stopped, and, + throwing himself down on the grass in the shadow of a stone wall, began to + consider his plans for the future. + </p> + <p> + Everything was in doubt except one point. He felt that he had broken, + finally, the tie that bound him to Mr. Holden. He would not return to him. + He had experienced enough of Abner's ugly and unreasonable temper to feel + that there could be no harmony between them, and as to submitting to + personal violence from such a man as that, his blood boiled at the + thought. He knew that he should resist with all the strength he possessed, + and what the result might be he did not dare to think. What lay before him + in the future he could not conjecture, but whatever it might be, he felt + that it was better than to remain an inmate of Abner Holden's household, + and in his power. + </p> + <p> + But where should he go? That was a question not easily answered. After his + experience of his uncle's indifference to him, he did not wish to appeal + to him for aid, yet he felt that he should like to go to New York and try + his fortune there. Thousands of people lived there, and earned enough to + support them comfortably. Why not he? It was a thousand miles off, and he + might be some time in getting there. He might have to stop and work on the + way. But, sooner or later, he resolved that he would find his way to the + great metropolis. + </p> + <p> + But there was one difficulty which presented itself at the outset. This + difficulty related to his clothing. He had on a pair of overalls and a + ragged vest which Abner had provided for him, intending that he should + save the good suit he brought with him for Sundays. His present suit, + which had been worn by half a dozen of his predecessors, Herbert decidedly + objected to wearing, as, in addition to being faded and worn, it was by no + means a good fit. He must get his other suit. + </p> + <p> + But this was in Mr. Holden's attic, and it would hardly be prudent to + venture back for it, as Abner was on the lookout for him, and there would + be a collision, and perhaps he might be forcibly detained. Fortunately, + his money he had about him. This amounted, as the reader already knows, to + nearly fifteen dollars, and would, no doubt, be of essential service to + him in the project which he had undertaken. As to the clothes, he must + think of a way of securing them, before setting out on his journey to New + York. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII + </h2> + <h3> + RALPH THE RANGER + </h3> + <p> + One thing was certain. There was no chance of obtaining the clothes at + present. Probably his best course would be to wait till night, and then + come back to the house on the chance of gaining Mrs. Bickford's attention. + In the meantime, probably, the best thing to be done was to conceal + himself temporarily in a belt of woods lying about a mile back of Abner + Holden's house. + </p> + <p> + As soon as his breath was recovered, Herbert got up, and headed for these + woods. A few minutes found him in the midst of them. He made his way with + some difficulty through the underbrush, parting the thick stems with his + hands, until he reached a comparatively open space of perhaps an acre in + extent. In the midst of this space a rude hut was visible, constructed of + logs, and covered with the branches of trees. In front of it, sitting on + the stump of a tree, which perhaps had been spared for that purpose, sat a + tall man, with very brown complexion, clad in a rough hunting suit. His + form, though spare, was tough and sinewy, and the muscles of his bare arms + seemed like whipcords. A short, black pipe was in his mouth. The only + covering of his head was the rough, grizzled hair, which looked as if for + months it had never felt the touch of a comb or brush. + </p> + <p> + Herbert, though he had never before seen this singular being, recognized + him at once as Ralph the Ranger, as he was properly called in the village. + For years he had lived a hermit-like existence in the forest, supporting + himself mainly by his rifle. This was not difficult, for his wants were + few and simple. What cause led him to shun the habitations of his kind, + and make his dwelling in the woods, no one knew, and perhaps no one ever + would know, for of himself he was silent, and it was not easy to draw him + out. + </p> + <p> + He looked up as he heard Herbert's step, and said, abruptly: “Well, + boy, what do you want?” + </p> + <p> + His manner was rough, but our hero was not afraid. He answered frankly, + “I am hiding.” + </p> + <p> + “Hiding? Who from?” + </p> + <p> + “From Abner Holden.” + </p> + <p> + “Humph! Why should you hide from him? What has he to do with you?” + </p> + <p> + “I am bound to him, and he is angry with me because he thinks I + interfered in a trade of his. He wanted to beat me, so I ran away.” + </p> + <p> + “Good!” said Ralph, approvingly. “Tell me about it.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert drew near, and told his story. + </p> + <p> + Ralph listened attentively. + </p> + <p> + “Boy,” said he, “I think you are honest. There are not + many that can be said of. As for Abner Holden, I know him. He's a mean + skinflint. Pah!” and he spit, contemptuously. “You'd better + not go back to him.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't mean to,” said Herbert, promptly. + </p> + <p> + “What are your plans? Have you formed any?” + </p> + <p> + “I want to go to New York.” + </p> + <p> + “To New York,” repeated Ralph, thoughtfully. “You wish + to get into the crowd, while I seek to avoid it. But it is natural to + youth. At your age, it was so with me. I hope, my boy, the time will not + come when you, like me, will wish to shun the sight of men.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert listened in sympathy, not unmingled with surprise, to the speech + of this man, which was quite superior to what might have been expected + from one of his appearance. + </p> + <p> + “When do you wish to start?” asked Ralph, after a pause. + </p> + <p> + “First, I want to get my clothes.” + </p> + <p> + “Where are they?” + </p> + <p> + “In my room, at Mr. Holden's house.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you expect to get them?” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Bickford, the housekeeper, is a friend of mine. I thought I + might go there to-night, and attract her attention without rousing Mr. + Holden. She would get them for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Good! I will go with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you?” asked Herbert, gladly. + </p> + <p> + He had felt a little doubt as to the result of his expedition, as, if Mr. + Holden should be awake and start in pursuit, he would stand a good chance + of being captured, which, above all things, he most dreaded. But with so + able an auxiliary as Ralph, he knew he could bid easy defiance to Abner, + however much the latter might desire to molest him. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I will stand by you, and you shall share my cabin with me as + long as you like. You are not afraid of me?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Herbert, quickly. + </p> + <p> + Ralph looked kindly at him. + </p> + <p> + “Some of the children run from me,” he said. “It is not + strange, perhaps, for I look savage, I suppose, but you do well to trust + me. I will be your friend, and that is something I have not said to any + living being for years. I like your face. It is brave and true.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you for your favorable opinion, Mr.—” Here + Herbert paused in uncertainty, for he had never heard Ralph's surname. + </p> + <p> + “Call me Ralph. I have done with the title of \ civilization. Call + me Ralph. That will suit me best.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you for your kindness, then, Ralph.” + </p> + <p> + “What is your name?” + </p> + <p> + “Herbert—Herbert Mason.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, Herbert, I think you must be hungry. Have you eaten your + dinner?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Then you shall share mine. My food is of the plainest, but such as + it is, you are welcome. Come in.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert entered the cabin. The only table was a plank supported at each + end by a barrel. From a box in the corner Ralph drew out some corn-bread + and some cold meat. He took a tin measure, and, going out of the cabin, + filled it with water from a brook near by. This he placed on the rude + table. + </p> + <p> + “All is ready,” he said. “Take and eat, if my food is + not too rude.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert did eat, and with appetite. He was a growing boy, whose appetite + seldom failed him, and he had been working hard since breakfast, which he + had taken at six, while it was now one o'clock. No wonder he was hungry. + </p> + <p> + Ralph looked on with approval. + </p> + <p> + “You are the first that has shared my meal for many a long day,” + he said. “Day after day, and year after year, I have broken my fast + alone, but it seems pleasant, after all,” he said, musingly. “Men + are treacherous and deceitful, but you,” he said, resting his glance + on the frank, ingenuous face of his youthful guest, “you must be + honest and true, or I am greatly deceived.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you will find me so,” said Herbert, interested more + and more in the rough-looking recluse, about whose life he suspected there + must be some sad secret, of which the world knew nothing. + </p> + <p> + After dispatching the meal provided by his hospitable entertainer, Herbert + sat down on the grass just outside the cabin, and watched lazily the smoke + which issued from Ralph's pipe, as it rose in many a fantastic curl. + </p> + <p> + “How long have you lived here, Ralph?” asked our hero at + length. + </p> + <p> + “Ten years,” said the recluse, removing his pipe from his + lips. + </p> + <p> + “It is a long time.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, boy, a long time in the life of one as young as you, but to me + it seems but yesterday that I built this cabin and established myself + here.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you not often lonely?” + </p> + <p> + “Lonely? Yes, but not more so than I should be in the haunts of men. + I have company, too. There are the squirrels that leap from bough to bough + of the tall trees. Then there are the birds that wake me with their + singing. They are company for me. They are better company than men. They, + at least, will not deceive me.” + </p> + <p> + He paused, and bent his eyes upon the ground. He was thinking, not of the + boy beside him, but of some time in the past, and the recollection + apparently was not pleasant. + </p> + <p> + The afternoon wore away at length, and the shadows deepened in the woods. + Herbert wandered about, and succeeded in gathering some nuts, which he + carried to Ralph's cabin. When eight o'clock came, the Ranger said: + “You had better lie down and rest, my boy; I will wake you up at + twelve, and we will go together to Holden's place, and see if we can get + your clothes.” + </p> + <p> + To this proposal Herbert willingly assented, as he began to feel tired. + </p> + <p> + He slept, he knew not how long, when he was gently shaken by Ralph. + </p> + <p> + “Where am I?” he asked, rubbing his eyes. + </p> + <p> + The sight of the Ranger bending over him soon brought back the + recollection of his position, and he sprang up promptly. Ralph showed him + an easier way out of the woods than that by which he had entered, and less + embarrassed by the growth of underbrush. + </p> + <p> + In half an hour they were standing by Abner Holden's house. It was + perfectly dark, the inmates probably being fast asleep. + </p> + <p> + “I know where the housekeeper sleeps,” said Herbert. “I'll + throw up a pebble at her window, and perhaps it will wake her up.” + </p> + <p> + He did as proposed. Mrs. Bickford, who was a light sleeper, heard, and + went to the window. + </p> + <p> + “Who's there?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “It is I, Mrs. Bickford,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “What, Herbert? Shall I let you in?” + </p> + <p> + “No; I don't want to come in. All I want is my clothes. They are up + in my trunk.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll go up and get them for you.” + </p> + <p> + She went upstairs and quickly returned with the clothes, which she let + down from the window. + </p> + <p> + “Are you hungry, Herbert?” she asked. “Let me bring you + something to eat.” + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you, Mrs. Bickford; I am stopping with Ralph the Ranger. + He has kindly given me all the food I want.” + </p> + <p> + “What are you going to do? Are you going to stop with him?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I am going East in a day or two. I am going to New York. I will + write to you from there.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry to have you go, Herbert. I wish things could have been + pleasanter, so that you might have stayed. But I think I hear Mr. Holden + stirring. Good-by, and may God be with you!” + </p> + <p> + She closed the window hastily, and Herbert, not wishing to get into a + collision with Abner Holden, who he suspected might have heard something, + withdrew swiftly. Ralph, who was standing near by, joined him, and both + together went back to the woods. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII + </h2> + <h3> + A MOMENT OF PERIL + </h3> + <p> + Abner Holden did not suspect that Herbert actually intended to leave him + permanently; but when evening came, and he did not return, he became + apprehensive that such was the case. Now, for more than one reason, he + objected to our hero's leaving. First, because he was a strong, capable + boy, and his services were worth considerable, and, secondly, because he + disliked Herbert, and it was a satisfaction to tyrannize over him, as his + position enabled him to do. There are some men in whom the instinct of + petty tyranny exists to such an extent that they cannot feel happy without + someone to exercise their authority over. Such a man was Abner Holden. He + was a bully and a tyrant by nature, and decidedly objected to losing one + so completely in his power as Herbert was. + </p> + <p> + When night came and Herbert did not return, he decided to search for him, + and bring him back, if found, the very next day. He did not impart his + purpose to Mrs. Bickford, for he was at no loss to discover that the + sympathies of the kind-hearted housekeeper were not with him, but with the + boy whom he wished to abuse. When breakfast was over, therefore, he merely + said: “Mrs. Bickford, I am going out for a short time. If Herbert + should return while I am absent, you may tell him to finish hoeing those + potatoes in the garden.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think he will come back, Mr. Holden?” asked the + housekeeper. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; he will soon be tired of wandering about. He will learn to + prize a good home after he has slept out of doors one night.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bickford did not reply; but she did not feel quite so much confidence + as her employer appeared to do in the excellence of the home which Herbert + had enjoyed under Abner Holden's roof. + </p> + <p> + “It's just as well he doesn't suspect Herbert's plan,” she + thought, and without further words, began to clear away the breakfast + dishes. + </p> + <p> + Abner was not long in deciding that Herbert was hidden in the woods. That, + indeed, seemed the most natural place of refuge for one placed in his + circumstances. He determined, therefore, to seek there first. + </p> + <p> + We must now return to Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “If you will wait till nightfall,” said Ralph, “you will + be more safe from pursuit, and I will accompany you for a few miles.” + </p> + <p> + This seemed plausible, and our hero consented. + </p> + <p> + Ralph went off on a hunting expedition, but Herbert remained behind, + fearing that he might tear or stain his clothes, of which it was + necessary, now, to be careful. How to pass the time was the question. To + tell the truth, the hunter's cabin contained little that would help him. + There were no books visible, for Ralph seemed to have discarded everything + that would remind him of that civilization which he had forsaken in + disgust. + </p> + <p> + Herbert went outside, and watched the squirrels that occasionally made + their appearance flitting from branch to branch of the tall trees. After a + while his attention was drawn to a bird, which flew with something in its + beak nearly to the top of a tall tree not far off. + </p> + <p> + “I shouldn't wonder,” thought Herbert, interested, “if + she's got a nest, and some young ones up there. I have a great mind to + climb up and see whether she has or not.” + </p> + <p> + He measured the tree with his eye. It was very tall, exceeding in its + height most of its forest neighbors. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know as I can climb it,” he said to himself, a little + doubtfully; “but anyway, I am going to try. There's nothing like + trying.” + </p> + <p> + This was a lucky determination for Herbert, as will speedily appear. + </p> + <p> + It was twenty feet to the first branching off, and this was, of course, + the most difficult part of the ascent, since it was necessary to “shin + up,” and the body of the tree was rather too large to clasp + comfortably. However, it was not the first time that Herbert had climbed a + tree, and he was not deficient in courage as well as skill. So he pushed + on his way, and though once or twice in danger of falling, he at length + succeeded in reaching the first bough. From this point the ascent was + comparatively easy. + </p> + <p> + In a short time our hero was elated to find himself probably fifty feet + from the ground, so high it made him feel a little dizzy to look down. He + reached the nest, and found the young birds—three in number. The + parent bird hovered near by, evidently quite alarmed for the safety of her + brood. But Herbert had no intention of harming them. He only climbed up to + gratify his curiosity, and because he had nothing more important to do. + Though he did not know it, his own danger was greater than that which + threatened the birds. For, just at that moment, Mr. Holden, in his + wanderings, had reached Ralph's cabin, and Herbert, looking down, beheld, + with some anxiety, the figure of the unwelcome visitor. He saw Abner enter + the cabin, and, after a few moments' interval, issue from it with an air + of disappointment and dissatisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “How lucky,” thought our hero, “that he did not find me + inside!” + </p> + <p> + Abner Holden looked about him in every direction but the right one. He + little dreamed that the object of his pursuit was looking down upon him, + securely, from above. + </p> + <p> + “I don't think he'll find me,” thought Herbert. “Wouldn't + he give something, though, to know where I am?” + </p> + <p> + But our young hero was doomed to disappointment. Just at that moment—the + unluckiest that could have been selected—he was seized with a strong + inclination to sneeze. + </p> + <p> + Alarmed lest the sound should betray him, he made desperate efforts to + suppress it but Nature would have its way, and probably did so with + greater violence than if no resistance had been made. + </p> + <p> + “Ker-chew!” sneezed Herbert, violently. + </p> + <p> + As he anticipated, Abner's attention was attracted by the loud noise, + which he rightly concluded could hardly proceed from a bird or squirrel. + He had just been on the point of leaving the cabin for some other part of + the woods, but at this sound he stood still. Looking up to discover whence + it proceeded, his keen eyes detected Herbert in his lofty perch. His eyes + sparkled with joy. + </p> + <p> + “Ha, you young rascal!” he exclaimed. “So you are there, + are you? You were going to run away, were you?” + </p> + <p> + Now that Herbert was actually discovered, his fear left him, and he became + perfectly self-possessed and confident. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Mr. Holden,” he answered, quietly; “such is my + intention.” + </p> + <p> + “Boldly spoken,” said Abner, provoked by our hero's coolness, + for he had hoped to find him terrified and pleading for forgiveness. + “I admire your frankness, and will try to equal it. I suppose you'll + give it up as a bad job now.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” said Herbert, firmly. + </p> + <p> + “Take care, sir,” said Abner, in anger and astonishment. + “Take care how you defy me. Come down here at once.” + </p> + <p> + “What for?” inquired Herbert, without stirring. + </p> + <p> + “What for?” repeated Abner Holden. “That I may flog you + within an inch of your life.” + </p> + <p> + “That's no inducement,” said our hero, coolly. + </p> + <p> + “Do you refuse to obey me?” shouted Abner, stamping angrily. + </p> + <p> + “I refuse to be flogged. You don't get me down for any such purpose, + Mr. Holden.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, by Heaven, if you won't come otherwise, I'll come up and help + you down.” + </p> + <p> + The angry man at once commenced the ascent. Anger gave him strength, and, + though he was unaccustomed to climbing, he continued to mount up about + halfway to the first branching off, somewhat to Herbert's uneasiness, for + he felt there was a chance that he might fall into Abner's clutches. + </p> + <p> + But Abner's success was only temporary. At the height of a dozen feet he + began to slip, and, despite his frantic struggles, he slid gradually to + the ground, tearing his coat, which he had not taken the precaution to + remove, and blistering his hands. + </p> + <p> + What was to be done? + </p> + <p> + In his anger and excitement, he drew a pistol from his breast pocket, and + pointed upward, saying menacingly, “Come down at once, you young + rascal, or I will fire!” + </p> + <p> + Herbert was startled. He did not believe the pistol to be loaded. Still it + might be. + </p> + <p> + “Will you come down?” repeated Abner, fiercely. “Quick, + or I fire.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert's cheek was pale, but in a resolute voice he answered, “I + will not.” + </p> + <p> + Abner Holder, laid his finger upon the trigger, and would, in his anger, + have carried his threat into execution; but at the critical moment he was + conscious of a violent blow, and the pistol was wrenched from his hand. + </p> + <p> + Turning quickly, he met the stern glance of Ralph the Ranger. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV + </h2> + <h3> + TAKEN PRISONER + </h3> + <p> + “What does all this mean?” demanded Ralph, in a tone of + command. + </p> + <p> + “What right have you to interfere?” said Abner Holden, + sulkily. + </p> + <p> + “The right that any man has to prevent murder,” said Ralph, + briefly. + </p> + <p> + “I wasn't going to murder him.” + </p> + <p> + “What were you going to do?” asked Ralph, looking keenly at + Abner. “Why were you pointing the pistol at him?” + </p> + <p> + “I wanted to frighten him.” + </p> + <p> + “You meant to have him think you were going to fire. I believe you + were.” + </p> + <p> + “Why didn't he come down when I bade him?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll answer that question,” said Herbert, from the top of the + tree. “Mr. Holden promised to beat me if I would come down, but I + didn't think that a sufficient inducement.” + </p> + <p> + “I have a right to beat you,” said Abner, doggedly. “Ain't + you bound to me; tell me that?” + </p> + <p> + “I was,” said Herbert, “and if you had treated me well, + I would have stayed with you; but I don't mean to remain to be abused.” + </p> + <p> + “You hear the lad's answer,” said Ralph. “I like his + spirit, and I'll stand by him. He won't return with you.” + </p> + <p> + While this conversation had been going on, Abner had been slowly edging + himself toward the spot upon which Ralph had thrown the pistol, which he + had wrenched from him. While Ralph was speaking, he suddenly darted + forward, seized the weapon, and, facing about, said, with malicious + triumph, “Now, you're in my power, both of you. We'll see whether + he'll go back with me or not.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he pointed the pistol toward Ralph. + </p> + <p> + The latter laughed contemptuously. + </p> + <p> + This irritated Abner Holden. + </p> + <p> + “I will count ten,” he said. “Unless the boy begins to + come down before I stop, I fire at you. One—two——” + </p> + <p> + “Hold!” said Ralph, and, drawing his revolver from beneath his + hunting-jacket, he pointed it at Abner. “Two can play at that game, + Abner Holden. This revolver is fully loaded. It gives me six chances of + hitting you. You have but one chance with your pistol. The moment your + finger touches the trigger, your doom is sealed. I never miss my aim.” + </p> + <p> + A sickly hue overspread the face of Abner Holden. He had counted on + Ralph's being unarmed. He saw that he had made an important and most + unlucky mistake. + </p> + <p> + “Put down your revolver,” he said, in a very different tone. + “I wasn't in earnest, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “I know nothing of the kind,” retorted Ralph. “You + looked to me as if you were very much in earnest.” + </p> + <p> + Still with his revolver he covered Abner. + </p> + <p> + “Put down your weapon,” said Abner, nervously. “It might + go off.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it might,” returned Ralph. “I will lower it, on + one condition.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” + </p> + <p> + “That you lay down your pistol on the ground.” + </p> + <p> + Abner demurred, but finally felt compelled to do as he was commanded. + </p> + <p> + “That is well,” said Ralph, quietly. “Now, I will take + care that you are not tempted by it again.” + </p> + <p> + He walked toward the pistol, lifted it, and, pointing it in the reverse + direction, fired it off among the trees. + </p> + <p> + “So much for that,” he said. “Now, Herbert, you may come + down.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert complied promptly. He felt the utmost confidence in the prowess + and good faith of his new friend, and did not fear to descend, though his + bitterest enemy awaited him beneath. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile an idea struck Abner Holden. He saw that he was no match for + Herbert as long as Ralph chose to befriend him. He resolved to enlist the + latter on his side. + </p> + <p> + “Hark you, Ralph,” he said, “come aside with me. I wish + to speak to you a moment.” + </p> + <p> + Ralph followed him a few paces in silence. + </p> + <p> + “Now what is it you have to say to me?” he demanded. + </p> + <p> + “About this boy,” said Abner, insinuatingly. “He is + bound to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “And the law gives me authority over him.” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “I want him to go back with me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “Will you promise not to interfere between us?” + </p> + <p> + “I can't promise that,” said Ralph, briefly. + </p> + <p> + “Stay a moment,” said Abner, seeing that he was on the point + of leaving him; “of course, I am willing to make it worth your + while. I'll give you—well, three dollars, to help me secure him, and + carry him back to my house.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you take me for?” asked Ralph, looking at the other, + steadily. + </p> + <p> + “For a poor man,” said Abner. “Think a moment. Three + dollars will buy you provisions for a week. They couldn't be more easily + earned. In fact, you needn't do anything. Only promise not to interfere + between the boy and myself.” + </p> + <p> + Ralph turned upon him scornfully. + </p> + <p> + “I have promised the boy my protection,” he said, “and + you would have me forfeit my word for a paltry three dollars?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll give you five,” said Abner, supposing that the sum he + had offered was not sufficient. + </p> + <p> + “Not for five dollars, nor five thousand,” returned Ralph, + shortly. “I thought you meant to insult me, but I see you only judge + me by yourself. The boy shall not return with you. Make up your mind to + that.” + </p> + <p> + “I can have you arrested,” said Abner, angrily. + </p> + <p> + Ralph laughed. + </p> + <p> + “Let that comfort you for the loss of the boy,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “I'll have the boy, too,” muttered Abner, turning to leave + them. + </p> + <p> + “Where are you going?” demanded Ralph. + </p> + <p> + “I am going home.” + </p> + <p> + “Not yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” demanded Abner, facing about. + </p> + <p> + “Because I can't spare you yet.” + </p> + <p> + “What right have you to interfere with my movements?” said + Abner. + </p> + <p> + “None, perhaps; but I will inquire into that afterward. It is enough + that, for the present, you must stay here.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall do no such thing,” said Abner, and he again turned to + go. + </p> + <p> + Ralph deliberately lifted his weapon, and took aim. + </p> + <p> + “What do you say now?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Surely, you will not fire at me,” said Abner, turning pale. + </p> + <p> + “Not if you remain where you are.” + </p> + <p> + “How long do you mean to keep me?” demanded Abner, sullenly. + </p> + <p> + “As long as may be necessary. That is all. Herbert, go into the + cabin and look in one corner for a cord.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert soon returned with a stout cord, tough and strong. + </p> + <p> + “What are you going to do with that?” asked Abner + suspiciously. + </p> + <p> + “I'm going to bind you,” said Ralph, coolly. + </p> + <p> + “I'll have the law on you for this,” said Abner, hoarsely. + </p> + <p> + “All in good time,” said Ralph. “But I advise you to + consider whether the law has nothing to say against attempted murder.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by that?” + </p> + <p> + “I mean that you attempted to murder this boy, and would have done + so, in all probability, if I had not interfered. When I am arrested, I + shall feel it my duty to make this known to the authorities.” + </p> + <p> + Abner was silent. He felt that Ralph's testimony would have an ugly look. + </p> + <p> + “Let me go,” he said, after a pause. “You needn't be + afraid of my troubling either of you. Don't tie me.” + </p> + <p> + “Abner Holden,” said Ralph, “I know you, and I know you + are not to be trusted. I have resolved to help this boy to escape from + you, and I mean to do it effectually. For this purpose, I must subject you + to temporary inconvenience. I advise you not to resist.” + </p> + <p> + He had already tied the hands of Abner Holden, who, as he looked into the + fearless, resolute face of the Ranger, felt that it would not do to + resist. It chafed him most to think that Herbert, his bound boy, should be + a witness of his humiliation, and he scowled savagely at our hero. But + Herbert showed no triumph. His was a brave and generous nature, and had it + rested with him, he would have let Mr. Holden go, but he did not think it + best to interfere. + </p> + <p> + Ralph quickly tied both hands and feet, and then took the helpless body of + Abner into the cabin, where he placed him in one corner. + </p> + <p> + “Are you thirsty?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Abner, sullenly. + </p> + <p> + Ralph placed a cup of water to his lips. He also placed a loaf of bread + beside him, which, though his hands were tied at the wrist, he would still + be able to reach, and then beckoned to Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Come,” he said, “it is time that we were going.” + </p> + <p> + Abner gnashed his teeth with anger, as he watched them issue from the + cabin together, and felt how utterly helpless he was to prevent them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV + </h2> + <h3> + A FOUR-FOOTED FOE + </h3> + <p> + Abner Holden's reflections, when he found himself left alone in Ralph's + cabin, bound hand and foot, were not of the most agreeable nature. It was + humiliating to find himself baffled at every point, and, for once, + completely defeated in his attempt to exercise his authority over the boy + who had been bound to him. + </p> + <p> + That Herbert should escape from him beyond the chance of recovery seemed + now almost certain. If he were free, something might be done. But he was + so securely bound that it was impossible to get free without help, and the + lonely situation of the cabin made it very doubtful whether anyone would + come within hearing until the return of Ralph himself. When that would be + was uncertain. + </p> + <p> + Three hours passed, and still no prospect of release. The bonds chafed his + wrists, and his situation was far from comfortable. He tried to loosen the + cords, but without success. + </p> + <p> + “Must I stay here all night?” he thought, in alarm. + </p> + <p> + But deliverance was at hand, though its first approach was disagreeable. + </p> + <p> + A large dog entered the cabin through the open door, drawn thither, + probably, by curiosity. When he saw Abner he appeared to take a dislike to + him, and barked vehemently. + </p> + <p> + “Go away, you brute!” said Abner, wrathfully. + </p> + <p> + The dog, however, appeared instinctively to understand that Abner Holden + was able only to threaten him, and barked more furiously than before; + sometimes approaching within a foot of the helpless prisoner, and showing + a formidable row of teeth, which Abner feared every moment might fasten + upon his arm or leg. + </p> + <p> + Abner Holden was not a man of courage. Though his disposition was that of + a bully, he was easily frightened, and the fierce look of the dog alarmed + him not a little. In fact, it might have tested the courage of a much + braver man than Mr. Holden. + </p> + <p> + “Go away!” he shrieked, shrinking back as far as he could from + the open mouth of his persecutor. + </p> + <p> + A hoarse bark was the only reply, and the dog made an artful spring, which + was only a feint, but had too much the appearance of earnest to suit his + enemy. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, will nobody save me from the brute?” groaned Abner, in an + ecstasy of terror. “If I could only get my hands loose!” and + he tugged frantically at the cord. + </p> + <p> + Feeling how utterly he was at a disadvantage, he condescended to coax his + fierce antagonist. + </p> + <p> + “Be quiet, that's a good dog,” he said, with hypocritical + softness. + </p> + <p> + The dog noticed a change in his tone, and evidently viewed it with some + suspicion. Still his bark became less fierce and his looks less + threatening. + </p> + <p> + “Good dog!” repeated Abner, in wheedling tones. “There's + some dinner.” + </p> + <p> + And he pushed over the provisions which Ralph had left. + </p> + <p> + While the dog was apparently taking his offer into consideration, a boy's + voice was heard outside, calling “Carlo, Carlo!” + </p> + <p> + The dog pricked up his ears and ran out of the cabin. + </p> + <p> + “So you are here, you truant,” said the boy. “Why did + you run away? What have you to say for yourself, sir?” + </p> + <p> + The dog answered by a wag of his tail. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, you may wag your tail, but I've a great mind to punish you + for running away, and putting me to the trouble of finding you.” + </p> + <p> + “Hello!” cried Abner, in a loud voice. + </p> + <p> + “Who's that?” thought the boy, surprised. + </p> + <p> + As the voice evidently came from within the cabin, he ventured to the + door, and looked in. He was considerably surprised to see Abner Holden, + whom he knew well by sight, lying bound hand and foot in the corner. + </p> + <p> + “Is that you, Mr. Holden?” he asked, in a tone of surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Of course it is,” said Abner, who was not in a very pleasant + frame of mind. + </p> + <p> + “Are you tied?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you see I am?” snarled Abner. + </p> + <p> + “Who tied you?” + </p> + <p> + “That rascal Ralph. I mean to have him hung, if I live.” + </p> + <p> + “Ralph! Why, I thought he was quiet and peaceable.” + </p> + <p> + “He tried to murder me, but changed his mind, and tied me, as you + see.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't understand it.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no need of understanding it. Come and unfasten these + cords. I feel stiff and cramped.” + </p> + <p> + The boy tried to unfasten the cord, but it was too securely tied. + </p> + <p> + “Where is your knife?” + </p> + <p> + “I haven't got any.” + </p> + <p> + “Then take the axe.” + </p> + <p> + There was an axe standing at the corner of the room. This the boy got, + and, with the keen edge, severed the string. + </p> + <p> + Abner stretched himself to relieve his cramped limbs. Then he bethought + himself of his late persecutor. + </p> + <p> + “Is that your dog?” he asked, surveying his four-legged enemy + with no friendly expression. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that's Carlo. Come here, Carlo.” + </p> + <p> + “He's been in here barking at me, and threatening to bite me, and + now I'll have my revenge.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” inquired the boy, in alarm, as Abner + seized the axe and swung it over his head. + </p> + <p> + “Stand aside, boy!” + </p> + <p> + “What are you going to do?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm going to kill that brute.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, he's a good dog. He won't do any harm,” said the boy, + in alarm. + </p> + <p> + “I'll kill him,” said Abner, fiercely. + </p> + <p> + The dog surveyed his enemy with suspicion. He seemed to understand that + danger menaced him. He growled in a low, hoarse, ominous tone, which + showed that he was on his guard, and meant to do his part of the fighting, + if necessary. + </p> + <p> + His owner had retreated to the door, and now tried to call him away. + </p> + <p> + “Carlo, Carlo, come out here, sir.” + </p> + <p> + But Carlo would not come. He had no intention of shrinking from the danger + that threatened him, but was bent on defending himself, as became a brave + and dauntless dog, whose courage was above suspicion. + </p> + <p> + If Abner had not been so exasperated, he might have been terrified, but + anger re-enforced his courage, and, moreover, he had a great deal of + confidence that the axe which he held in his hand would make him more than + a match for the dog. + </p> + <p> + “I'll kill him!” he exclaimed, and once more he swung the axe + over his head, and brought it down with a tremendous force in the + direction of the dog. + </p> + <p> + Alas for poor Carlo, if the axe had struck him! But he was wary, and knew + something of warlike tactics, and with watchful eye carefully noted + Abner's movements. The boy uttered a cry of alarm at the peril of his + favorite, but Carlo sprang to one side just as the axe descended, and it + was buried in the earthen floor of the cabin so deeply that Abner could + not immediately recover it. + </p> + <p> + The advantage was thus transferred to the other side, and the dog was not + slow in perceiving it. + </p> + <p> + With a bound he sprang upon his adversary, and bore him to the floor, + seizing his coat between his strong teeth. He pulled and tugged at this + with a strength which no ordinary cloth could possibly withstand. + </p> + <p> + “Take him off! take him off!” shrieked Abner in terror. + </p> + <p> + The boy sprang to the rescue. + </p> + <p> + “Come away, Carlo,” he said, grasping him by the collar; + “come away, that's a good dog.” + </p> + <p> + But, habitually obedient as Carlo was, his young master found it difficult + to get him away. He felt that he had received a grievous injury—that + his life had been attempted—and he wanted to have satisfaction. + Finally his master succeeded in drawing him away, but not till Mr. + Holden's coat was badly torn. + </p> + <p> + The latter was crestfallen and angry, and not so grateful as he ought to + have been to his young defender. + </p> + <p> + “I'll make your father pay for this coat, you young rascal!” + he said. + </p> + <p> + “It isn't my fault, Mr. Holden,” said the boy. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is. It was your dog that tore my coat.” + </p> + <p> + “Carlo wouldn't have torn it, if you hadn't attacked him.” + </p> + <p> + “He attacked me first.” + </p> + <p> + “You had better go away, Mr. Holden, or he may go at you again.” + </p> + <p> + A low growl from the dog whom he held by the collar re-enforced this + suggestion, and Abner, uttering threats both against the dog and his + master, strode out of the cabin and bent his steps homeward. + </p> + <p> + As he entered the kitchen, the housekeeper turned, and, noticing his torn + coat, exclaimed, “Good gracious, Mr. Holden, what's happened to you? + How came your coat so badly torn?” + </p> + <p> + “It was a dog,” muttered Abner, who did not care to be + questioned. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bickford supposed he must have taken off the coat, and the dog had + torn it as it lay upon the ground. + </p> + <p> + “What a pity!” she exclaimed. “Whose dog was it?” + </p> + <p> + “Alfred Martin's. I'll make Martin pay for the coat. He has no right + to keep such a brute.” + </p> + <p> + “You must be hungry, Mr. Holden.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, get me something as quick as possible.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you seen anything of Herbert?” asked the housekeeper. + </p> + <p> + “No,” snapped Abner. + </p> + <p> + This was a falsehood, of course, but he felt rather ashamed to confess + that he had seen Herbert, and that the latter had got the better of him. + Mrs. Bickford perceived that he was out of humor, and did not press the + question. She concluded that he was angry because his quest had been + unsuccessful. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI + </h2> + <h3> + JUST TOO LATE + </h3> + <p> + Leaving Abner Holden bound in his cabin, Ralph led Herbert, by a short + path, out of the woods. + </p> + <p> + “Your best course,” he said, “will be to take the cars + for Columbus at Vernon. At Columbus you will go to Wheeling, and from + there, over the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad to Baltimore, and thence to + New York. But all this will cost money.” + </p> + <p> + “I have money,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “How much?” + </p> + <p> + “About fifteen dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that all?” + </p> + <p> + “Is it not enough to carry me to New York?” + </p> + <p> + “Hardly. Besides, when you get there, how will you get along? Have + you any relations in the city?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, an uncle.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you will go to him?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Herbert, hastily. + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “He does not care to see me. Shall I tell you what sort of a letter + he wrote to Dr. Kent about me?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, tell me.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert, in indignant language, which correctly represented his feelings, + gave the substance of the letter, which is already known to us. + </p> + <p> + “I shall not feel easy,” he said, “until I am able to + return the ten dollars which my uncle sent me. I am not willing to remain + under obligations to one who cares so little for me.” + </p> + <p> + “I think you are proud,” said Ralph, bending his eyes upon the + lad's glowing countenance. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I am,” said Herbert; “but is it not a proper + pride?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot say no,” answered Ralph; “but would you feel + the same about incurring obligations to a friend?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Herbert; “that would be different.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear you say so, for I am going to ask you to accept + help from me.” + </p> + <p> + To Herbert's surprise, Ralph drew out a small bag, originally intended for + shot, and drew therefrom five golden coins, of five dollars each. + </p> + <p> + “Take them,” he said, simply. + </p> + <p> + Herbert hesitated, while his face indicated extreme surprise. + </p> + <p> + “I thought—” he commenced, and then paused. + </p> + <p> + “You thought me poor,” said Ralph, finishing the sentence for + him. “Is it not so?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Most people think so,” said Ralph. “But it was not + poverty that drove me from the busy world to this solitude. Rich or poor, + I had money enough for my wants. Here I have little use for money. To me + it is a useless and valueless thing. You need have no hesitation in taking + this. But on second thoughts, I had better give you more.” And he + was about to draw forth more. + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” said Herbert, hastily. “It is quite + sufficient. You are very, very kind. Some time I hope to repay you.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Ralph. “Do not talk of repayment. Let me have + the pleasure of giving you this small sum.” + </p> + <p> + “How kind you are,” said Herbert, impulsively, “and to a + stranger.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet my obligation to you is greater than yours to me,” said + Ralph. + </p> + <p> + “How can that be?” asked the boy, raising his eyes to Ralph's + grave face. + </p> + <p> + “You are the first human being in whose society I have taken + pleasure for years. Deeply injured by man, I conceived a hatred for the + whole race. But in your frank face I see much to like. I think I could + trust you.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “You have inspired in me a new feeling, for which I cannot account. + Yesterday the world had no attractions for me. To-day I feel an interest + in your welfare, at least.” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you bury yourself in this lonely place?” said Herbert. + “You cannot be happy in it. Come with me to New York. It must be a + beautiful place.” + </p> + <p> + Ralph smiled gravely. + </p> + <p> + “To the young the world seems bright,” he said. “It is + after years have swept away one illusion after another, after faith in + one's fellowmen has been sorely tried, and the hollowness of the world's + friendship has been proved, that the brightness fades.” + </p> + <p> + “You have seen more of life than I,” said Herbert, “and + perhaps it is presumption in me to question what you say; but I cannot + help feeling that you are mistaken. I am sure that there is such a thing + as true friendship.” + </p> + <p> + “How many true friends are you blessed with?” asked Ralph, a + little sarcasm in his tone. + </p> + <p> + “Not many, perhaps, but some. There is good Dr. Kent and his family. + I am sure of their friendship. Then,” he added, his color slightly + rising, “I think I have found another friend,” and he looked + in the face of his guide. + </p> + <p> + The grave face softened. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, my lad,” said Ralph. “You are right there, + at least. You can rely upon my friendship being sincere.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I am right, am I not?” said Herbert, smiling brightly. + </p> + <p> + “I believe you are,” said the guide, after a pause, “and + I thank you for teaching me a lesson.” + </p> + <p> + “Man was made in the image of God,” said Herbert. “If we + doubt man, I think it is the same as doubting God.” + </p> + <p> + Ralph did not reply, but walked on in thoughtful silence. + </p> + <p> + “How far is it to Vernon?” asked Herbert, when they had + emerged from the woods. + </p> + <p> + “It is five miles farther. Can you walk so far?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes; I have good stout legs. But suppose Mr. Holden should + escape. He might pursue us.” + </p> + <p> + Ralph smiled. + </p> + <p> + “I think I shall find him in the same place when I return,” he + said. + </p> + <p> + “He will be very angry with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I suppose so,” said Ralph, indifferently. + </p> + <p> + “Are you not afraid he will have you arrested?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I care little. If I am fined, I will pay the fine, and that + will be the end of it.” + </p> + <p> + “But you might be imprisoned?” + </p> + <p> + “If I see any danger of that, I shall be tempted to charge Abner + Holden with his attempt upon your life. Don't make yourself anxious about + me, my lad. I have little fear of what the law may do as far as my agency + in this affair is concerned.” + </p> + <p> + Ralph seemed so entirely unconcerned that something of his confidence was + imparted to Herbert. Noting the erect mien and fearless glance of his + guide, every movement betokening strength, he could not help feeling that + Abner Holden would be rash to make such a man his enemy. He felt safe in + his protection, and his apprehensions of capture passed away. So with + lightened heart he walked the five dusty miles to the village of Vernon, + accompanied by Ralph. + </p> + <p> + It was a thrifty village, with neat and tasteful dwellings lining the + principal street. The railroad and manufactories had built it up rapidly + and given it an air of prosperity which was pleasant to see. + </p> + <p> + “We will go at once to the railway station,” said Ralph. + “You may catch the next train, and it will be as well to leave this + neighborhood as soon as possible.” + </p> + <p> + They were fortunate enough to reach the station fifteen minutes before the + eastern train departed. + </p> + <p> + Herbert bought a ticket for Columbus, fifty miles distant, and entered the + train. + </p> + <p> + “Good-by, Herbert,” said Ralph, from the platform. + </p> + <p> + “Good-by,” said Herbert. “Thank you for all your + kindness to me. Shall I not see you again?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know,” said Ralph, musing. “I have no wish nor + intention of going to New York at present, yet I have a feeling that we + shall meet again.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope it may be so,” said Herbert. “I shall be glad to + see you again.” + </p> + <p> + While he spoke the shrill sound of the railway whistle was heard, the + train started, and Herbert was fairly off on his journey. + </p> + <p> + Just as he was leaving the depot, a wagon drove hastily up to the station, + and Abner Holden jumped out. Herbert saw him as he looked from the window, + and for a moment he was apprehensive, but the train was fairly on the way. + </p> + <p> + “Stop! stop!” vociferated Abner. “Stop, I say!” + for he had also caught sight of his bound boy on the way to freedom. + </p> + <p> + “You don't think they will stop the train for you, you fool!” + said a man standing by. “You ought to have come sooner if you wanted + to go by this train.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't want to go by it,” said Abner. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want, then?” + </p> + <p> + “My boy's run away, and I have just seen him aboard the train.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that's it, is it? Your son?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I hope not. It's a young rascal that's bound to me.” + </p> + <p> + “If he's a young rascal, I shouldn't think you'd want him back.” + </p> + <p> + Turning away, for he saw that he had failed, his glance rested on Ralph. + </p> + <p> + Instantly his anger rose. + </p> + <p> + “It's your doings,” said he, shaking his fist in impotent + wrath at the sturdy hunter, whom he would have attacked had he dared. + “It's your fault, and you shall pay for it if there's law in the + land.” + </p> + <p> + “What will the law say to your attempt to shoot the boy?” + demanded Ralph, coolly. + </p> + <p> + Abner turned pale, and realized that his best course was to keep quiet + about an affair which might seriously compromise himself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII + </h2> + <h3> + NEW ACQUAINTANCES + </h3> + <p> + Herbert stopped overnight at Columbus. + </p> + <p> + The first train eastward left Columbus at seven o'clock in the morning. It + was Herbert's intention to take this train, but unfortunately, as he + thought at the time, the clock at the hotel by which his movements were + guided was ten minutes too slow. The consequence was, that before he had + quite reached the depot he saw the cars going out at the other end. He ran + as fast as possible, hoping still to make up for lost time, but it was in + vain. + </p> + <p> + “You're too late, youngster,” said a porter, who had been + assisting to stow away baggage. “You'll have to wait till the next + train.” + </p> + <p> + “When does the next train start?” asked our hero. + </p> + <p> + “Twelve o'clock.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I shall have to wait till that time,” Herbert concluded, + with regret. + </p> + <p> + Yet, as he directly afterwards thought, it could make no particular + difference, since he had no stated engagement to meet, and this + consideration enabled him to bear the inevitable delay with a better + grace. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose,” he reflected, “I might as well go back to + the hotel.” + </p> + <p> + He turned to leave the building when a carriage drove hastily up to the + station. It was drawn by two horses, and driven by a negro in livery. A + lady put her head out of the window and inquired anxiously if the train + had started. She addressed this question to Herbert, who happened to be + nearest. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, madam,” he answered, respectfully. + </p> + <p> + “I am so sorry,” said the lady, in a tone of vexation and + perplexity. “It was very important that my father should take that + train.” + </p> + <p> + “There is another train that starts at twelve,” said Herbert. + “It will make a difference of a few hours only.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the lady, “but you do not understand my + difficulty. The few hours' difference in time would be of small + importance, but my father is blind, and is, of course, for that reason, + dependent upon the kindness of others. A gentleman of our acquaintance was + going by this train, who would have taken charge of him and seen him safe + to his destination. By losing the train we lose his services.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear,” said an elderly gentleman, sitting on the opposite + seat, “if I can get somebody to see me on board, I think I can + manage very well.” + </p> + <p> + “On no account, father,” was the hasty reply, “particularly + under present circumstances.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is the gentleman going?” asked Herbert, with interest. + </p> + <p> + “To Philadelphia.” + </p> + <p> + “I am going on to New York,” said our hero. “I have been + disappointed like you. I expected to take the early train.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you intend to go by the next train, then?” asked the lady. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, perhaps—I have a great mind to ask you to take charge + of my father.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be very glad to be of service to you,” said Herbert. + “There is only one objection,” he added, with some + embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” + </p> + <p> + “Why,” said Herbert, frankly, “I am obliged to be + economical, and I was thinking of buying a second-class ticket.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said the lady, promptly, “there need be no + difficulty about that. If you will take the trouble to look after my + father, we will gladly pay for your ticket.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid my services will not be worth so much,” said + Herbert, modestly. + </p> + <p> + “You must leave us to estimate them. If you do what you have + undertaken, we shall consider the expense well incurred.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert made no further objection. He felt, indeed, that it would be quite + a lift to him, in the present state of his finances, and besides would be + a very easy way of earning the money. He therefore signified his thanks + and his acceptance of the offer. + </p> + <p> + “When did you say the train starts?” asked the lady. + </p> + <p> + “At twelve.” + </p> + <p> + “Nearly five hours. That will be too long to wait. I think, father, + we will go home.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my dear, I think that will be best.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you obliged to go home before starting?” the lady + inquired, addressing Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “No, madam, I have no home in Columbus. I passed last night at a + hotel.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you any particular plan for spending the next few hours?” + </p> + <p> + Herbert answered in the negative. + </p> + <p> + “Then will you not ride home with us? You will then be ready to + start with my father.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be happy to do so.” + </p> + <p> + “I think that will be much the best plan. Pompey, open the carriage + door for the young gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + Our hero was about to say that he could just as well open the door for + himself, but he reflected that it was best to adapt himself to the customs + of those he was with. He bowed, therefore, and waited till the coachman + had opened the door for him, and stepped into the carriage. The lady + signed to him to take a seat beside her, and the door was closed. + </p> + <p> + “Home, Pompey,” said she, briefly. + </p> + <p> + The coachman ascended to his seat, and the spirited grays were soon + whirling the party rapidly homeward. + </p> + <p> + It was a new position for our hero, and he felt it to be so. His parents + had never been rich, and latterly had been very poor. Living in a small + country village, he had never even seen so elegant a carriage as that in + which he was now riding He sank back upon the luxuriously cushioned seat, + and he could not help thinking how pleasant it would be if he could + command so comfortable a conveyance whenever he wanted to ride out. But + another thought succeeded this. If he were blind, like the gentleman whom + he was to take charge of, it would be a very poor compensation to ride in + a luxurious carriage. After all, things were not so unequal as they seemed + at first sight. + </p> + <p> + “Since you are to be my father's traveling companion,” said + the lady, “perhaps you will not object to telling us your name.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said our hero, “my name is Herbert Mason.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you going from home for the first time?” inquired the + lady. + </p> + <p> + “I have no home,” said Herbert. “My father and mother + are both dead.” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me,” said the lady, gently. “I am sorry to have + touched upon a subject which must awaken sorrowful recollections. My + father's name is Carroll. Father, you have heard that your young escort is + Mr. Herbert Mason.” + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman extended his hand, which Herbert took respectfully. + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid you will find me a troublesome charge,” he said. + “Since I have become blind I have been compelled to tax the kindness + of others.” + </p> + <p> + “The journey will be pleasanter to me,” said Herbert, + politely, “than if I were alone.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Carroll was evidently pleased with this remark, for he turned toward + Herbert with increased interest. + </p> + <p> + “You can imagine how much more so it will be to me,” he said. + “I have not your resources for beguiling the tedium of the way. I + would give all my possessions gladly, for your young eyes. All journeys + are alike to me now, since, however interesting the scenery, it is a blank + to me.” + </p> + <p> + “That is indeed a privation, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Especially in the journey we are about to take. The Baltimore & + Ohio Railroad, as it is called, runs through a romantic and charming + country, and affords views at once bold and beautiful. Have you ever + traveled over the road?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you will have all the pleasure of a first discovery. Before I + became blind, before, indeed, the railway was located, I became, as a + young man, familiar with this whole section of country, so that I have, at + least, the remembrance of it. I am obliged now to live upon my memory.” + </p> + <p> + “You say you have never been over this railroad,” said the + lady. “Have you ever been to the East?” + </p> + <p> + “No, madam, I have always lived in the State of Ohio.” + </p> + <p> + “And you are now going to Philadelphia?” she inquired. + </p> + <p> + “I am going to New York,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed! Is it on a visit?” + </p> + <p> + “No, madam, I am expecting to live there; that is, if I can make a + living.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you dependent, then, upon your own exertions for support?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “You seem very young for such a responsibility.” + </p> + <p> + “I am fourteen.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought you a year older. My Oscar is fourteen, and I am afraid + he would make a poor hand at supporting himself. What do you think, + father?” + </p> + <p> + “I think you are right, my dear. Oscar has not been placed in + circumstances to develop his self-reliance.” + </p> + <p> + “No; that probably has something to do with it. But, Herbert, if you + will permit me to call you so, do you not look forward to the future with + apprehension?” + </p> + <p> + “No, madam,” said Herbert. “I am not afraid but that I + shall be able to get along somehow. I think I shall find friends, and I am + willing to work.” + </p> + <p> + “That is the spirit that leads to success,” said the old + gentleman, approvingly. “Work comes to willing hands. I think you + will succeed.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so, sir.” + </p> + <p> + Our hero was gratified to meet with so much sympathy from those whose + wealth placed them far above him in the social scale. But it was not + surprising, for Herbert had a fine appearance and gentlemanly manners, + marked, too, by a natural politeness which enabled him to appear better + than most boys of his age. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII + </h2> + <h3> + A YOUNG ARISTOCRAT + </h3> + <p> + After a drive of three miles, which was accomplished in a short time by + the spirited horses, the carriage entered, through an ornamental gate, + upon a smooth driveway, which led up to a handsome mansion, of large size, + with a veranda stretching along the entire front. + </p> + <p> + A boy, a little smaller than Herbert, ran out of the front door, and + opened the door of the carriage before Pompey had time to descend from the + box. + </p> + <p> + “What, grandpa, come back?” he said, in surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Oscar, we were too late for the train,” said his mother. + “I brought you back a companion for a few hours. This is Herbert + Mason, whom I intrust to your care, depending upon you to see that he + passes his time pleasantly.” + </p> + <p> + Oscar looked at Herbert inquisitively. + </p> + <p> + Herbert offered his hand, saying, “I am glad to make your + acquaintance, Oscar.” + </p> + <p> + “How long are you going to stay?” asked Oscar, as his mother + and grandfather went into the house. + </p> + <p> + “I must return in time to take the twelve o'clock train.” + </p> + <p> + “Is grandpa going, too?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “And are you going to take care of him?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe so.” + </p> + <p> + “I wouldn't want to.' + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it's an awful bore to be tied to a blind man.” + </p> + <p> + “You'd find it more of a bore to be blind yourself,” said + Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I suppose I should. Grandpa wants me to go to walk with him + sometimes, but I don't like it.” + </p> + <p> + “If I had a grandfather who was blind, I think I should be willing.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait till you have one, and you'll see how it is then.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose he needs somebody.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, well, he can take one of the servants, then. It's their + business to work.” + </p> + <p> + “Where do you live?” he asked, after a pause. + </p> + <p> + “I am going to live in New York.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you? I should like to go there.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you wouldn't want to go as I am going.” + </p> + <p> + “What, alone? Yes, I should rather go that way. Then I could do as I + pleased. Now it's 'Oscar, do this,' and 'You mustn't do that,' all the + time.” + </p> + <p> + “That isn't what I mean exactly. I've got to earn my own living + after I get there, and I don't know anybody in the city.” + </p> + <p> + “You haven't run away from home, have you?” + </p> + <p> + “I haven't got any home.” + </p> + <p> + “Where's your father and mother?” + </p> + <p> + “They are both dead.” + </p> + <p> + “What are you going to do?” + </p> + <p> + “I hope to get into a store or counting-room and learn to be a + merchant.” + </p> + <p> + “I shan't have to work for a living,” said Oscar, in a tone of + importance. + </p> + <p> + “Because your family is rich, I suppose,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we've got a large estate, ever so many acres. That's what + mother's got. Then grandpa is rich besides, and I expect he will leave me + a good deal of his money. He's pretty old, and I don't believe he'll live + very long.” + </p> + <p> + Oscar said this with such evident satisfaction that Herbert was disgusted, + thinking it not very creditable to him to speculate so complacently upon + his grandfather's speedy death. + </p> + <p> + “You seem to be well off, then,” said he, at last, to the boy. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Oscar, “our family is one of the first in + the State. My father is a Peyton.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he?” asked Herbert, not appearing as much awestruck as + Oscar expected. + </p> + <p> + “We've got a plantation in Virginia. We live there part of the year. + My father's there now. I hope we shall go there soon.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you like it better than here?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, a good deal.” + </p> + <p> + “This is a handsome place.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, this is mother's estate. The other belongs to father.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you any brothers and sisters, Oscar?” + </p> + <p> + “I've got one sister. She's about twelve. But, I say, I thought you + were a gentleman's son when I first saw you.” + </p> + <p> + “So I am,” said Herbert, emphatically. + </p> + <p> + “Was your father rich?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he have to work for a living?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he wasn't a gentleman,” said Oscar, decidedly. + </p> + <p> + “Isn't anybody a gentleman that has to work for a living?” + asked Herbert, his indignation excited by his companion's assumption of + superiority. + </p> + <p> + “Of course not,” said Oscar, coolly. “It isn't + respectable to work. Niggers and servants work.” + </p> + <p> + “That is where I don't agree with you,” said Herbert, his face + flushing. + </p> + <p> + “You don't pretend to be a gentleman, do you?” demanded Oscar, + insolently. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I do,” said Herbert, firmly. + </p> + <p> + “But you're not one, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know anything of the kind,” said Herbert, angrily. + “I suppose you call yourself one.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, I am a gentleman,” said Oscar, complacently. + </p> + <p> + “You don't talk like one, at any rate,” retorted Herbert. + </p> + <p> + This was new language for Oscar to hear. He had been accustomed to have + his own way pretty much, and had been used to order round his father's + servants and slaves like a little despot. The idea of being told by a boy + who had to work for a living that he did not talk like a gentleman, did + not suit him at all. His black eyes flashed and he clenched his fists. + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to insult me?” he demanded. + </p> + <p> + “I never insult anybody,” said Herbert, not feeling + particularly alarmed by this hostile demonstration. “It is you that + have insulted me.” + </p> + <p> + “Didn't you tell me I was not a gentleman?” said Oscar, hotly. + </p> + <p> + “I said you did not talk like one.” + </p> + <p> + “That's about the same thing,” said Oscar. + </p> + <p> + “Just as you like. Even if I did say so, you said the same of me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, suppose I did.” + </p> + <p> + “I am as much a gentleman as you, to say the least,” asserted + Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “If you say that again, I'll knock you down,” said Oscar, + furiously. + </p> + <p> + “I'll say it all day, if I like,” said Herbert, defiantly. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps it would have been better for Herbert to stop disputing, and to + have taken no notice of Oscar's words. But Herbert was not perfect. He had + plenty of spirit, and he was provoked by the airs Oscar chose to assume, + and by no means inclined to allow him to arrogate a superiority over + himself, merely on account of his wealth. Though manly and generous, he + was quick to resent an insult, and accordingly, when Oscar dared to repeat + what he had said, he instantly accepted the challenge as recorded above. + </p> + <p> + Had Oscar been prudent, he would have hesitated before endeavoring to + carry his threat into execution. A moment's glance at the two boys would + have satisfied anyone that the chances, in a personal contest, were + decidedly in our hero's favor. Herbert was not only a little taller than + Oscar, perhaps an inch and a half, but his shoulders were broader and his + frame more muscular. Oscar had never done any work to strengthen his arms, + while Herbert had been forced by circumstances to do so. + </p> + <p> + Oscar flung himself upon Herbert, and endeavored to bear him to the + ground. But the latter, without an effort, repelled the charge, and flung + himself free from his antagonist's grasp. + </p> + <p> + This naturally made Oscar more determined to overcome his foe. His face + red with passion, he showered blows upon Herbert, which the latter parried + with ease. At first he acted wholly upon the defensive, but, finding that + Oscar's impetuosity did not abate, suddenly closed with him and threw him + down. + </p> + <p> + Oscar rose but little hurt, for Herbert used no unnecessary force, and + recommenced the assault. But the result was the same as before. Oscar was + almost beside himself with mingled rage and mortification, and it is hard + to tell how long the contest would have lasted, had not a servant come up + and informed the boys that Mrs. Peyton wished to see them immediately. She + had witnessed the whole scene from a window and felt called upon to + interfere. + </p> + <p> + “How is this, young gentleman?” she asked, gravely. “You + have scarcely been together twenty minutes, and I find you fighting.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, Mrs. Peyton,” said Herbert, in a manly + tone. “I feel ashamed of myself, but Oscar attacked me for claiming + to be a gentleman, and I am afraid that my blood was up, and so we got + into a fight.” + </p> + <p> + “How is this, Oscar?” said his mother. “Did you so + wholly lose your politeness as to attack your guest for asserting his + claims to be a gentleman? I am annoyed with you.” + </p> + <p> + “He says he has to work for a living,” said Oscar, sullenly. + </p> + <p> + “So may you, some time.” + </p> + <p> + “I am rich.” + </p> + <p> + “You may not always be. At any rate, being rich doesn't insure + gentlemanly behavior, as your conduct to-day clearly shows. Herbert, I + hope you will excuse my son's rudeness.” + </p> + <p> + “Here is my hand, Oscar,” said Herbert, cordially. “Let + us be friends.” + </p> + <p> + Oscar hardly knew how to receive this overture, but he was finally thawed + by Herbert's manner, and they were soon sauntering about on the lawn on + the best of terms. + </p> + <p> + At half-past eleven, after an inviting lunch, the carriage was ordered, + and Herbert and Mr. Carroll were driven to the depot, accompanied by + Oscar, who went in his mother's place. + </p> + <p> + Herbert purchased tickets for both, being intrusted with Mr. Carrol's + pocketbook for that purpose. He found a comfortable seat for the old + gentleman, and sat down beside him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX + </h2> + <h3> + A SUSPICIOUS CHARACTER + </h3> + <p> + I pass over the route pursued by the travelers from Columbus to Wheeling, + in West Virginia, as it possesses no special interest. + </p> + <p> + But after leaving Wheeling there is quite a change. Those of my readers + who are familiar with the Baltimore & Ohio Railway will be able to + understand the enjoyment which Herbert derived from the bold and romantic + scenery visible from the car windows. Mr. Carroll made him take the seat + nearest the window, that he might have a better view, and from time to + time Herbert described what he saw to his sightless fellow-traveler. + </p> + <p> + Northwestern Virginia is very mountainous and the construction of a + railway through such a region was a triumph of engineering skill. At times + the road makes bold curves, so that the traveler, looking from the car + window, can see opposite him, across an intervening gulf, the track over + which the train was passing five minutes before. At some places the track + is laid on a narrow shelf, midway of the mountain, a steep and rugged + ascent on one side, a deep ravine on the other, somewhat like the old + diligence road over the Alpine Mt. Cenis. Here and there appear small + hamlets, consisting of one-story cabins, with the chimney built alongside, + instead of rising from the roof in the usual manner. + </p> + <p> + How long shall we be in reaching Baltimore, Mr. Carroll? “asked + Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “I believe it takes about twenty-six hours,” said the old + gentleman. “But I do not mean to go through without stopping.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't know what your plan was,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “I have been meaning to tell you. Our tickets will allow us to stop + anywhere, and resume our journey the next morning, or even stop two or + three days, if we like.” + </p> + <p> + “That is convenient.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. If it had been otherwise, I should have purchased the ticket + piecemeal. I cannot endure to travel all night. It fatigues me too much.” + </p> + <p> + “Where shall we stop, then?” + </p> + <p> + “I have not yet quite made up my mind. We will ride till about eight + o'clock, and then stop over at whatever place we chance to have reached.” + </p> + <p> + This arrangement struck Herbert favorably. He was in no particular hurry, + and the scenery was so fine, that he feared that he should lose a great + deal by traveling at night, when, of course, he could not see anything. + </p> + <p> + They sat for a while in silence. Then Mr. Carroll inquired, suddenly, + “Did you ever fire a pistol, Herbert?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” was the surprised reply. + </p> + <p> + “Then you understand how to use one?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, sir. There was a young man in Waverley, the town where I + used to live, who owned one, and I sometimes borrowed it to fire at a + mark.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I think I will intrust this weapon to your charge,” said + the old gentleman, drawing from his pocket a handsome pistol, and placing + it in Herbert's hand. + </p> + <p> + “Is it loaded, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “No, not at present. We will have it loaded before going to bed. I + will tell you,” he added, in a lower tone, “my reason for + going armed. It so happens that I have a large amount of money with me, + and, of course, I feel a little concerned about its safety.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps it will be well not to say anything more about it at + present, sir,” suggested Herbert, in a low voice. “You may be + heard by someone who would like to take advantage of his discovery.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt you are right. I will follow your advice.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert would not have thought to give this caution, but, just as Mr. + Carroll uttered the words, “I have a large sum of money with me,” + a man dressed in a rough frieze coat, with black whiskers, and a general + appearance, which, to say the least, did not prepossess Herbert in his + favor, chanced to walk through the car. Whether he caught the words + Herbert could not tell, but he paused a moment, and fixed an unpleasant + eye upon the two, as if determined to know them when he should meet them + again. There was another suspicious circumstance. It had evidently been + his intention to pass through the car, but he paused abruptly, and, + turning back, sank into an unoccupied seat a few feet back of that + occupied by Mr. Carroll and his young companion. + </p> + <p> + His attention naturally drawn by this suspicious conduct, Herbert was + impelled to glance back once or twice. Each time he met the watchful look + of the man fixed upon them, instead of being directed at the scenery + outside, as was the case with the other passengers. When he saw that the + boy was watching him, he turned his head carelessly, and commenced + whistling. But this apparent indifference did not deceive Herbert for a + moment. + </p> + <p> + “I will watch him,” thought our hero. “I do not like his + looks. If he means mischief, as I think very probable, it is necessary + that I should be on my guard against him.” + </p> + <p> + At half-past seven o'clock Mr. Carroll signified his intention of getting + out at the next station. “I am beginning to feel tired,” he + said, “and shall feel the better for a good supper and a night's + rest.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, sir,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + It occurred to him that now they would get rid of the man who was watching + them so closely. + </p> + <p> + “If he gets out of the train with us,” he thought, “I + shall know what it means.” + </p> + <p> + The train slackened its speed, the sound of the whistle was heard, the + brakes were applied, and soon the conductor, putting his head in at the + door, called out “Oakland!” + </p> + <p> + “Here we are,” said Herbert. “Give me your hand, Mr. + Carroll, and I will lead you out.” + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman rose from his seat, and, guided by Herbert, walked to + the car door. At the door Herbert turned and looked back. + </p> + <p> + The man with the black whiskers, who a moment before seemed absorbed in a + newspaper, had left his seat, and was but a few feet behind him. + </p> + <p> + Herbert did not believe that this was an accident. He felt sure that it + meant mischief. But he did not on that account feel nervous, or regret + that he had assumed a charge which seemed likely to expose him to peril. + He had the pistol in his pocket, and that he knew would make him even with + the rascal who was following them. + </p> + <p> + There was a covered carriage waiting outside to convey passengers to the + only hotel which the village afforded. + </p> + <p> + “Shall we take the carriage, Mr. Carroll?” asked Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + Herbert assisted him in, and placed himself in a seat opposite. + </p> + <p> + There were two or three other passengers, but the man with the black + whiskers was not to be seen among them. + </p> + <p> + “I may be mistaken,” thought Herbert, who had rather expected + to see him. “Perhaps he lives here, and I have been alarming myself + without reason. Still, it is always best to be on one's guard.” + </p> + <p> + A ride of half a mile brought them to a small but comfortable-looking inn. + Herbert assisted Mr. Carroll to descend, and together they entered the + house of entertainment. + </p> + <p> + “We shall want some supper. Herbert,” said Mr. Carroll. + “You may order some.” + </p> + <p> + “What shall I order, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “I should like some tea and toast and some beef-steak. If there is + anything that you would prefer, you may order that also.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, I should not wish anything better than you have ordered.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell them to get it ready as soon as possible. I feel weary with my + day's ride, and shall retire early.” + </p> + <p> + “I feel tired, too.” thought Herbert, “but it won't do + for me to sleep. I must keep my eyes open, if possible.” + </p> + <p> + Supper was soon served. The toast was well browned, and spread with + excellent butter. The steak was juicy and tender, contrary to the usual + custom of country inns, and the tea was fragrant and strong. Both the + travelers partook heartily, having eaten nothing since noon, with the + exception of a little fruit purchased from the car window at one of the + stations. Herbert was not usually in the habit of drinking tea at night, + but on this particular occasion he wanted to keep awake, and therefore + drank two cups, of undiminished strength. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Herbert,” said Mr. Carroll, when they had finished + supper, “you may ask the clerk to assign me to a large room with a + couple of beds in it. I should prefer to have you in the same room with + me.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, sir.” + </p> + <p> + He rose from the table, and went to the public room, one portion of which + was occupied by the office. As he made his way to the desk, he observed + the man with black whiskers on a settee at one end of the room. He was + smoking a clay pipe. Herbert caught a stealthy glance directed towards + himself, but that was all. The man continued smoking, fixing his eyes with + apparent interest on a large yellow handbill pasted on the opposite wall, + announcing a performance by “The Great American Circus Company” + the succeeding evening. + </p> + <p> + Herbert succeeded in obtaining such a room as he sought, and accompanied + by a servant bearing a lamp, went back to the dining-room to accompany Mr. + Carroll to it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX + </h2> + <h3> + FACING A BURGLAR + </h3> + <p> + Herbert deliberated as to whether it would be best to inform his aged + traveling companion of the suspicious-looking man, who appeared to have + followed them for no good purpose. He finally decided not to do so, since + it would only alarm Mr. Carroll, and prevent his sleeping off his fatigue, + while there would be no advantage gained, since a blind and feeble man + could be of little use in repelling the burglar, should the stranger prove + to be such. + </p> + <p> + The bedroom was large and square, and contained two beds. The larger of + these was placed in the corner, and this was assigned to the old + gentleman. The smaller was situated between the two side windows, and was, + of course, the more exposed of the two. This Herbert was to occupy. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know how to load the pistol, Herbert?” asked Mr. + Carroll. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” said Herbert, confidently. + </p> + <p> + “I don't anticipate any occasion for using it,” continued the + old gentleman. “Still, it will be best to be prepared.” + </p> + <p> + “So I think, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “You won't be afraid to use it, if it should be necessary?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Carroll took a package from his carpet-bag and showed it to Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “This package,” he said, “contains five thousand dollars + in bank bills. If it were known that I had it, I should be in danger. I + suppose it will be best to put it back in the carpet-bag.” + </p> + <p> + “If it were mine,” said Herbert, “I would not do that.” + </p> + <p> + “Where, then, would you put it?” + </p> + <p> + “I would put it between the mattresses. If anyone should get into + the room, they would seize the carpet-bag first, and, perhaps, make off + before they could be stopped.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know but you are right,” said Mr. Carroll. “Perhaps + it will be well to put my watch in the same place.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir; I think it would be well.” + </p> + <p> + “You see, Herbert,” continued the old gentleman, “how + much confidence I repose in you. Knowing where my watch and money are, it + would be very easy for you to secure both, and leave me here, destitute + and helpless.” + </p> + <p> + “But you don't think there is any danger of my doing so?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said the old gentleman. “Though our acquaintance + is so recent, I feel great confidence in you. As I cannot see the face, I + have learned to judge of the character by the tone of the voice, and I am + very much mistaken if you are not thoroughly honest and trustworthy.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir,” said Herbert, his face flushed with pleasure + at this evidently sincere commendation. “You shall not repent your + confidence.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure of that, Herbert,” said Mr. Carroll, kindly. + “But I must bid you good-night. This has been a fatiguing day, and I + shall lose no time in getting to sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “Good-night. I hope you will sleep well, sir,” said Herbert. + “There won't be much sleep for me,” he thought. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Carroll lay down, and his deep, tranquil breathing soon assured our + hero that he was asleep. He rose from his bed and examined the windows. + All but one were provided with fastenings. But the one on the right-hand + side of his bed could be raised from the outside without difficulty. + </p> + <p> + “I wish I had a nail,” thought Herbert. “I could soon + make it fast.” + </p> + <p> + But there was none in the room, and he did not wish to go downstairs for + one, since he would probably meet the stranger, who would then learn what + precautions he was taking, and so, perhaps, vary his attack. + </p> + <p> + “That window will need watching,” thought Herbert. “I + wonder whether I shall be able to keep awake.” + </p> + <p> + The excitement of his situation, and, perhaps, the strong tea, to which he + was unaccustomed, helped him to remain vigilant. His mind was active and + on the alert, and his ears were open to catch the least sound. + </p> + <p> + It was only half-past ten. Probably the attempt to enter the room would + not be made before twelve, at least, in order to insure their being + asleep. + </p> + <p> + Herbert examined his pistol. It was in excellent order, and was provided + with two barrels, both of which he loaded. Thus, he would have a double + chance to defend himself. He did not remove all his clothing, but kept on + his pants, in order to be prepared for emergencies. + </p> + <p> + There was an hour and a half to wait before midnight. The minutes passed + slowly. Herbert for a time heard the murmur of voices in the barroom + below, then steps ascended the stairs, and, after a while, all was hushed. + </p> + <p> + “I wish the fellow would come quick,” he thought, “if he + is coming at all, so that it might be all over, and I might go to sleep.” + </p> + <p> + Time sped on. Herbert could hear the village clock striking twelve; but + still all around remained quiet. + </p> + <p> + It might have been a half an hour later when he heard a slight noise, as + he thought, under the window. Jumping softly out of bed, he took a peep + out. It was just light enough for him to distinguish a dark form moving + about, bearing something, which he soon perceived to be a ladder. That it + was the black-whiskered man who had followed them, he did not doubt, and + he felt confident that he intended to place the ladder against the window. + He was not mistaken. He heard the top of the ladder softly inclined + against the house, and then he felt that the critical moment, which was to + test his courage, was close at hand. + </p> + <p> + Herbert's heart began to beat rapidly. He felt that he was taking upon + himself a fearful responsibility in shooting this man, as he would + probably be obliged to do in self-defense. But one thing he resolved upon. + He would not take his life. He would only use such a degree of violence as + should be absolutely necessary. He would even give him a chance by firing + the first barrel in the air, in hope of frightening the robber. If that + failed, he must wound him. There was little time for these thoughts to + pass through his mind, for all the while the man was creeping up the + ladder. + </p> + <p> + Herbert had moved a little aside, that he might not be seen. + </p> + <p> + Soon he perceived, by the indistinct light, the face of the stranger + rising above the window-sill. Next, the window was slowly raised, and he + began to make preparations to enter the room. Then Herbert felt that it + was time for him to appear. + </p> + <p> + Stepping intrepidly to the window, he said: “I know your purpose. + Unless you go down instantly, I will shoot you.” + </p> + <p> + There was no tremor in his voice as he said this. Courage came with the + occasion, and his tone was resolute, and self-possessed. + </p> + <p> + “So you're awake, are you, my chicken?” was the reply. “If + you know what's best for yourself, you'll hand over the old man's money, + and save me the trouble of getting in.” + </p> + <p> + “Never!” said Herbert, firmly. + </p> + <p> + “Then I will take it myself, and give you something to remember me + by, you little fool!” + </p> + <p> + He placed his knee on the window-sill, and prepared to jump in. + </p> + <p> + “One step farther,” said Herbert, resolutely, “and I + fire!” + </p> + <p> + He displayed the pistol, at the sight of which the burglar hesitated. + </p> + <p> + “Hold on a bit,” said he, pausing. “I'll give you some + of the plunder, if you'll put up that shooting iron, and make no trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think me a villain, like yourself?” asked Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “By ——, you shall repent this,” said the robber, + with an oath, and he made another attempt to enter. + </p> + <p> + Click! + </p> + <p> + There was a sharp report, but Herbert had fired in the air, and the + burglar was unhurt. + </p> + <p> + “Confusion!” he exclaimed; “that will raise the house!” + </p> + <p> + Then, espying the carpet-bag, he determined to jump in, seize it, and get + away before the people in the house were fairly awake. As for the pistol, + that had been discharged, and he supposed that nothing was to be feared + from it. But he reckoned without his host. As he put one leg over, and had + all but succeeded in getting in, Herbert fired once more, this time + hitting him in the shoulder. He uttered a shriek of pain, and, losing his + hold, tumbled backward to the ground. + </p> + <p> + The two reports alarmed the house. + </p> + <p> + “What's the matter?” exclaimed Mr. Carroll, awakened and + alarmed. + </p> + <p> + “Don't be alarmed, sir,” said Herbert. “A man just + attempted to get in through the window, and I have wounded him.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a brave boy,” said Mr. Carroll. “Where is he + now?” + </p> + <p> + “He has tumbled to the ground, shot through the shoulder, I think.” + </p> + <p> + There was a loud thumping at the door. Herbert opened it, and admitted + half a dozen guests, headed by the landlord. + </p> + <p> + “What's the matter?” exclaimed all, in chorus. + </p> + <p> + “If you will come to the window, gentlemen, I will show you,” + said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + They followed him curiously, and the sight of the ladder and the wounded + man, who was uttering groans of pain from the ground below, told the story + at once. + </p> + <p> + “Served the rascal right,” said the landlord. “Who is + he?” + </p> + <p> + “The black-whiskered man who was in the barroom last night,” + said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “I remember now; he asked particularly where you were to sleep—you + and the old gentleman—but I did not suspect his purpose.” + </p> + <p> + “I did,” said Herbert, “and kept awake to be ready for + him.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a brave lad.” + </p> + <p> + “I only did my duty,” said Herbert, modestly. + </p> + <p> + “Help! help!” groaned the wretch below. + </p> + <p> + Herbert heard the cry of pain, and his heart was filled with pity. The man + was, indeed, a villain. He had only been served right, as the landlord + said. Still, he was a fellow-creature, and he was in pain. Herbert could + not regret that he had shot him; but he did regret the necessity, and he + felt sympathy for him in his suffering. + </p> + <p> + “Poor fellow!” he said, compassionately; “I am afraid he + is a good deal hurt.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor fellow!” echoed the landlord. “It serves him + right.” + </p> + <p> + “Still, he is in pain, and he ought to be cared for.” + </p> + <p> + “He has no claim upon us. He may be there till morning.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Mr. Carroll. “Herbert is right. He is guilty, + but he is in pain, and it is the part of humanity to succor him. Landlord, + if you will have him brought in, and send for the doctor, you may look to + me for your pay.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet, he was going to rob you, sir,” said the landlord, + considerably surprised. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that is true; but you don't know how strongly he was tempted.” + </p> + <p> + “He looks like a hard ticket. I didn't like to give him a bed, but + we can't well refuse travelers, if they have money to pay their reckoning. + I made him pay in advance.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray, lose no time,” said Herbert, as another groan was + heard; “I will go out and help you bring him in.” + </p> + <p> + A lantern was lit, and the whole company followed the landlord out. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said he, throwing the light of the candle full on the + sufferer's face, “you've got yourself into a fine pickle, haven't + you?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” groaned the burglar, “if it hadn't been for that + accursed boy!” + </p> + <p> + “You'd have got off with the old gentleman's money. Well, it was + rather unkind to interfere.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you in much pain?” asked Herbert, bending over him. + </p> + <p> + There was something in his voice that betrayed the compassion he really + felt. + </p> + <p> + The burglar looked up. + </p> + <p> + “You're the boy that wounded me, ain't you?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Curse you! I don't know but you've killed me. I'm shot through the + shoulder. Then, that cursed fall! I feel as if I had broken my back.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not want to shoot you,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “What did you do it for, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Because you forced me to it. You were after Mr. Carroll's money.” + </p> + <p> + “Didn't I offer to divide with you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but, of course, I would not agree to that.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you so much better than common folks?” sneered the + burglar. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know about that. I would not steal.” + </p> + <p> + “Take him up,” said the landlord to the hotel servants. + “He don't deserve it, but I've promised the old gentleman we'd see + to him. Tom White, you may go for the doctor.” + </p> + <p> + Two men approached and attempted to lift the wounded burglar. But, in the + first attempt, they touched the injured shoulder. He uttered a shriek of + pain, and exclaimed, “You'll murder me!” + </p> + <p> + “Let me lift him,” said Herbert. “Perhaps you were too + rough.” + </p> + <p> + At length, but not without much groaning on the part of the burglar, he + was got into the house, and laid on a bed in a small room on the first + floor. + </p> + <p> + “Do you feel better?” asked Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “A little.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think you have broken any bones in falling?” + </p> + <p> + “I thought so at first, but perhaps I am only bruised.” + </p> + <p> + “When the doctor comes, he will extract the bullet, and relieve you + of a good deal of your pain.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a strange boy,” said the burglar, with a look of + surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Why am I?” + </p> + <p> + “You shot me, and yet you pretend to be sorry for me now.” + </p> + <p> + “So I am.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, why did you shoot me?” + </p> + <p> + “I have already told you. Because I was obliged to. I would not have + done it, if there had been any other way. I shot the first barrel in the + air.” + </p> + <p> + “By accident?” + </p> + <p> + “No; I thought it would alarm you, and I might save the money + without injuring you.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you really mean that?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “And you don't have any ill-will against me now?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “That is strange.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know why it should be.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose I ought to hate you, because you have brought me to this + pass,” said the burglar, thoughtfully, “but I don't. That is + strange, too.” + </p> + <p> + “I am so glad you feel so,” said Herbert. “I am very + sorry for your pain, and I will do what I can to relieve it.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no money to pay the landlord and the doctor.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Carroll says he will pay all needed expenses.” + </p> + <p> + “The man I wanted to rob?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Then hang me, if I ain't ashamed of trying to rob him,” said + the burglar, earnestly. + </p> + <p> + “Have you ever robbed anyone before?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I haven't. I'm a rough customer, and have done plenty of mean + things, but this is the first job of the kind I ever attempted. I wouldn't + have done it, only I heard the old man say in the cars, that he had a lot + of money with him. I was hard up, and on my way to Cedarville, to try to + get work, but when I heard what he said, the devil tempted me, I believe, + and I determined to keep you both in sight, and get out where you did. + I've tried and failed, and that's the end of it. It's my first attempt at + burglary.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope it will be the last.” + </p> + <p> + “You may bet your life on that!” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said Herbert, quietly, “I will intercede with + Mr. Carroll for you, and ask him not to have you arrested.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you do that?” asked the wounded man, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “I promise it.” + </p> + <p> + “If you will, boy, I will bless you, and if God would listen to such + a scamp as I am, I'd pray for you.” + </p> + <p> + “He will listen to you,” said Herbert. “Try to lead a + better life, and He will help you.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I'd met with such as you before,” said the burglar. + “I'd have been a better man than I am.” + </p> + <p> + Here the doctor entered, and Herbert gave place to him. The wound was + discovered not to be serious, and, the bullet being extracted, the + sufferer found relief. Herbert returned to bed, and this time, having no + anxious thoughts to weigh upon his mind, he soon sank into a refreshing + sleep, in which the fatigues and excitements of the day were completely + forgotten. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI + </h2> + <h3> + HERBERT'S REWARD + </h3> + <p> + “I owe the safety of my money to you, my brave boy,” said Mr. + Carroll, the next morning, as, after rising, he replaced the package of + bank notes in his carpet-bag. + </p> + <p> + “I only did my duty,” said Herbert, but his face flushed with + pleasure at the commendations bestowed upon him. + </p> + <p> + “But in doing your duty, you displayed a courage and fidelity rare + in one of your age.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad you approve of my conduct,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “If you continue to deserve as well of those who employ you, I am + sure you will achieve success.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so, sir,” said our hero. “I shall try to do my + duty in whatever situation in life I may be placed.” + </p> + <p> + “What are your plans when you reach New York?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall try to find a place in a store, or counting-room.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you friends in the city on whose influence you can rely to + help you to such a situation as you desire?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; I have only myself to look to.” + </p> + <p> + “Only yourself! It is a bold undertaking.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you think I shall succeed?” asked Herbert, a little + anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “I do not doubt that you will succeed, after finding a place, but + that is the difficulty.” + </p> + <p> + “I supposed there must be plenty to do in a great city like New + York.” + </p> + <p> + “There is truth in what you say, but, nevertheless, many are led + astray by it. There is, indeed, a great deal to do, but there are a great + many ready to do it, and generally—I may say, always—the + laborers exceed the work to be done.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” said Herbert, “many fail to get work, because + they are particular what they do. If I can find nothing better to do, I + will black boots.” + </p> + <p> + “With such a spirit, I think you will succeed. But, perhaps, I can + smooth away some of the difficulties in your path. I know a firm in New + York—connections of our family—to whom I will give you a + letter of introduction. If they have no room for you in their house, they + may influence someone else to take you.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall feel very much obliged to you for such a letter. It will do + me a great deal of good,” said Herbert, gratefully. + </p> + <p> + “I will gladly write it, but now let us go down to breakfast.” + </p> + <p> + After breakfast was over, they looked in upon the wounded man. + </p> + <p> + “How do you feel this morning?” asked Herbert, going up to the + bedside. + </p> + <p> + “Rather stiff, but I am not in such pain as I was.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear it.” + </p> + <p> + “That is the gentleman I was going to rob?” said the burglar, + looking in the direction of Mr. Carroll. + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he—did you say anything to him about not prosecuting me?” + he asked, nervously. + </p> + <p> + “Be under no apprehension,” said Mr. Carroll, mildly. “I + do not care to punish you more than you have already been punished. I + prefer that you should lead a better life.” + </p> + <p> + “I will try to do so, sir; but I was poor, and that made the + temptation stronger.” + </p> + <p> + “I can easily believe it. Are you wholly without means?” + </p> + <p> + “Nearly so.” + </p> + <p> + “Here, then, is a purse containing a hundred dollars. It will + probably pay your expenses during your illness.” + </p> + <p> + The wounded man looked up in surprise. + </p> + <p> + “There ain't many that would pay a man for trying to rob them,” + he said. + </p> + <p> + “I do not pay you for that,” said Mr. Carroll, “but + because I do not wish you to be subjected to a similar temptation again.” + </p> + <p> + The wounded man, who, under different treatment would have been defiant + and profane, seemed quite subdued by such unexpected kindness. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir,” he said, “all I can say is, that I am very + much obliged to you, and I hope you will be rewarded for your kindness.” + </p> + <p> + “It is easier to lead men than to drive them,” said Mr. + Carroll, as they left the chamber. “This man is rough, and not + troubled much with a conscience, but harshness would make him still worse.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” said Herbert; “I think you are right.” + </p> + <p> + After breakfast they resumed their journey. In due time they reached + Baltimore, and remained over night at a hotel. In the course of the + succeeding day they arrived at Philadelphia, which was the termination of + Mr. Carroll's journey. As the country through which they passed was + unknown to Herbert, the journey was full of interest, but there was no + adventure worth recording. + </p> + <p> + The time came when the two travelers were compelled to part. + </p> + <p> + “If I were going to a hotel, Herbert,” said Mr. Carroll, + “I would invite you to remain with me a day or two; but I shall + proceed at once to the house of a friend, and I shall not feel at liberty + to invite you.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir,” said Herbert. “I think it will be best + for me to go on to New York at once. I have got my living to make, and I + am anxious to get to work as soon as possible.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a praiseworthy feeling,” said the old gentleman. + “Life lies before you. I have left nearly the whole of it behind me. + I am drawing near the end of my journey. You are just at the beginning. I + shall hope to meet you again, but, if not, be assured that I shall always + remember, with pleasure, my young traveling companion.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “I shall not soon forget the essential service which you have + rendered me,” continued the old gentleman. + </p> + <p> + “Don't think of it, sir,” said Herbert, modestly, “Anyone + would have done the same thing in my place.” + </p> + <p> + “I am by no means sure of that. At any rate, the obligation remains. + You must allow me to acknowledge it in some measure.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Carroll drew out his pocketbook and handed it to Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Will you oblige me,” he said, “by counting the bills in + this pocketbook?” + </p> + <p> + Herbert did so. + </p> + <p> + “There are sixty-five dollars,” he said, passing it back. + </p> + <p> + “Will you take out fifty dollars?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir—I have done it.” + </p> + <p> + “That's the sum you will oblige me by keeping,” said Mr. + Carroll. “I hope it may be of service to you.” + </p> + <p> + “You give me so much money?” said Herbert, in surprise. + </p> + <p> + “It is but a very small sum, compared with that which you have saved + me.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think I ought to take so much,” said Herbert, + hesitating. + </p> + <p> + “You need not hesitate, my young friend. I am blessed with abundant + means, and very well able to part with it. Besides, it is only one per + cent. of the money which you have been instrumental in saving me, and you + are certainly entitled to as much as that.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you very much for the gift, Mr. Carroll,” said our + hero, “and still more for the kind manner in which you give it to + me.” + </p> + <p> + “You accept it, then? That is well,” said the old gentleman, + with satisfaction. “There is one thing more. You remember that I + spoke to you of a business firm in Pearl Street, New York, with the + members of which I am acquainted. Last evening I prepared a letter of + introduction to them for you. Here it is.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir,” said Herbert. “I was very fortunate in + meeting with one so able and willing to assist me.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very welcome to all the help I am able to give you. I shall + be very glad if your life shall be as prosperous as mine has been. I must + trouble you to do me one more service. If you will find me a cab, I will + go at once to my friend's house.” + </p> + <p> + No difficulty was experienced in obtaining a carriage. There was a cordial + leave-taking, and Herbert once more found himself alone. But with rather + more than sixty dollars in his pocket, he felt rich, and looked forward + eagerly to his arrival in the great city, where he hoped to deserve and + win success. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII + </h2> + <h3> + ROBBED IN THE NIGHT + </h3> + <p> + Herbert entered the cars, and took a seat by the window. His small bundle, + containing all the extra clothing he had been able to bring away from the + inhospitable home of Mr. Holden, he placed in the seat beside him. + </p> + <p> + It was yet early, and there were but few persons in the car. But as the + hour for starting approached, it gradually filled up. Still, the seat next + to Herbert remained untaken. + </p> + <p> + At length a young man, apparently about nineteen, walked up the aisle, + and, pausing, inquired, “Is this seat engaged?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Herbert, at the same time removing his bundle. + </p> + <p> + “Then, if you have no objection, I'll take possession.” + </p> + <p> + He accordingly seated himself, and commenced a conversation. + </p> + <p> + “Going to New York?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Do you live there?” + </p> + <p> + “No; I have never been there before.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you going on a visit?” + </p> + <p> + “No; I am going to live there; that is, if I can find anything to + do.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you alone?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “So am I. Suppose we hitch teams.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't understand.” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose we go to some hotel together. I have been there before, and + can tell you where to go. It's awful dull being alone. I always like to + pick up company.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert hardly knew what to say to this proposition. He did not exactly + like the appearance, or fancy the free and easy manners of his new + acquaintance, but he felt lonely, and, besides, he hardly knew what excuse + to make. He, therefore, gave his assent to the arrangement proposed. + </p> + <p> + “What's your name?” asked his new friend, familiarly. + </p> + <p> + “Herbert Mason.” + </p> + <p> + “Mine is Greenleaf—Peter Greenleaf. Have you come from a + distance?” + </p> + <p> + “From Waverley, in Ohio, not far from Cincinnati.” + </p> + <p> + “I am from Philadelphia. I've been in a store there, but I didn't + like the style, and I concluded to go to New York. There's more chance for + a fellow of enterprise there.” + </p> + <p> + “What sort of a store were you in?” + </p> + <p> + “Dry-goods store—Hatch & Macy. Old Hatch is a mean + skinflint, and wouldn't pay me half what I was worth. I don't want to + brag, but there wasn't a man in that store that sold as much as I did. And + how much do you think I got?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know.” + </p> + <p> + “Only seven dollars a week. If I hadn't made something another way. + I couldn't have paid my expenses.” + </p> + <p> + “I should think you might live on seven dollars a week.” + </p> + <p> + This was before the war had increased the expenses of living. + </p> + <p> + “Couldn't do it. Board cost me four dollars a week, and that only + left three for other expenses. My cigars cost me nearly that. Then I + wanted to go to the theater now and then, and, of course, I must dress + like a gentleman. I tell you what, seven dollars a week didn't begin to do + me.” + </p> + <p> + “How did you manage, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I made so much more by banking.” + </p> + <p> + “By banking?” repeated Herbert, in astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; only it was a faro bank. I used to pick up considerable that + way, sometimes.” + </p> + <p> + “A faro bank!” repeated Herbert, in dismay. “Why, that's + the same as gambling, isn't it?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what's the odds? You take your chance, and you may win or + lose. It's a pretty fair thing.” + </p> + <p> + After this confession, Herbert became more than ever doubtful whether he + should care to remain long in the company of his present companion. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the cars were moving rapidly. Peter Greenleaf, as he called + himself, talked volubly, and appeared to have a considerable familiarity + with certain phases of life, the knowledge of which was not likely to have + been very profitable to him. Still, Herbert was interested in his + communications, though the opinion which he formed of him was far from + favorable. + </p> + <p> + “Where are you going to stop when you get to New York?” + inquired Peter. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know anything about the city. I suppose I shall have to go + to a hotel first.” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose we go to French's Hotel?” + </p> + <p> + “Where is that?” + </p> + <p> + “Near the park. It's on the European plan. You pay fifty cents a day + for your rooms, and whatever you please for your meals.” + </p> + <p> + “I think I shall like that. I shall want to get into a + boarding-house as soon as possible.” + </p> + <p> + “All right. We'll take a room together at the hotel.” + </p> + <p> + This arrangement was not to Herbert's taste, but he did not care to offend + his companion by objecting to it, so by his silence, he gave consent. + </p> + <p> + “What are you going to do in New York?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “I shall look up a situation. I won't take less than fifteen dollars + a week. A man of my experience ought to be worth that. Don't you think so?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Herbert, dubiously, though it occurred to him that + if he were an employer, he would not be likely to engage such a clerk at + any price. But it is rather fortunate, all things considered, that we are + able to keep our thoughts to ourselves, otherwise, the complacency of our + companions, and sometimes our own, would run the risk of being rudely + disturbed. + </p> + <p> + In course of time the terminus of the road was reached, and, crossing over + from Jersey City, Herbert found himself, for the first time in his life, + in the noise and whirl of the great city. + </p> + <p> + “And I am actually to live here,” thought Herbert. “I + wonder what Mr. Holden would say if he knew where I was?” Uncertain + as his prospects were, he felt very glad that he was out of the clutches + of the petty despot, whose chief pleasure was to make him uncomfortable. + Here, at least, the future was full of possibilities of good fortune; + there, it was certain discomfort and little to hope for. + </p> + <p> + “Where is the hotel you spoke of?” he asked, turning to + Greenleaf. + </p> + <p> + “I'll lead you to it.” + </p> + <p> + They walked up to Broadway, then up by the Astor House, and across the + park to the hotel. + </p> + <p> + “We'll go in and secure a room the first thing,” he said. + </p> + <p> + They entered, Greenleaf taking the lead. + </p> + <p> + “Show us a room with two beds,” said Peter to the clerk. + </p> + <p> + A servant was summoned, and the room assigned to them was indicated. + </p> + <p> + “Have you any baggage?” asked the clerk. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Greenleaf, carelessly. “Mine was checked + through from Philadelphia. I shan't send for it till morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I must ask you to pay in advance.” + </p> + <p> + “All right. Fifty cents, isn't it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Mason,” said Greenleaf, “have you got a dollar about + you? I've got nothing less than a ten.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert drew out a dollar and paid for himself and his companion. + </p> + <p> + They were now shown up to a room on the third floor, which proved to be a + very comfortable one, looking out on the street. Herbert was glad to get a + chance to wash himself thoroughly after the dusty journey which he had + just completed. This ceremony over, they went down to the restaurant + connected with the hotel, and took a hearty meal. Greenleaf made an effort + to have Herbert pay for both, but this time Herbert also had a bill to + change. It was rather a suspicious circumstance, he thought, that + Greenleaf, who had no bill smaller than a ten, paid for his meal out of a + one-dollar bill. + </p> + <p> + After supper Greenleaf bought a couple of cigars, and offered Herbert one. + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you,” said our hero. + </p> + <p> + “Don't you smoke?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Where have you been living all your life? I couldn't get along + without my cigar.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you think it hurtful to a boy to smoke?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know about that. I'm a man now, but I've smoked ever since + I was a boy. I think it does a fellow good.” + </p> + <p> + “But it's expensive.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that's so. I expect I've smoked a thousand dollars' worth of + cigars in the course of my life.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you wish you had the money instead?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I should rather like the money, but I shouldn't be half the + man I am if I hadn't smoked. It's mostly milksops that don't smoke. + Nothing personal, you know, Mason.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course not,” said Herbert, smiling. + </p> + <p> + “Better have a cigar.” + </p> + <p> + “No; I guess not.” + </p> + <p> + “You'll come to it in time. I'll smoke it for you, then.” + </p> + <p> + After smoking, Greenleaf expressed his intention of going to the theater. + Herbert preferred to go to bed early, feeling rather tired. He was kept + awake at first by the noise of the horse-cars and the bustle of the street + outside, as well as by the exciting thoughts that crowded upon him, + suggested by his actual arrival in the city, where he hoped to make a + place for himself by energy and industry. But at last he fell asleep. + </p> + <p> + He slept soundly through the night. But towards morning he had a dream in + which Abner Holden figured. His old employer seemed to be approaching him + with a smile of exultation, and was about to lay violent hands upon him, + when he awoke. It was broad daylight, being already seven o'clock in the + morning. Herbert remembered where he was, and looked across the room for + Greenleaf. But he was not visible. The bed was disarranged, and evidently + had been slept in, but the occupant had risen. + </p> + <p> + “I didn't think he was a fellow to rise early,” thought + Herbert. “I suppose he is downstairs. I might as well get up, too.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert jumped out of bed, and, going to the wash-stand, washed his face + and hands. He then proceeded to dress. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder Greenleaf didn't wake me up,” he thought. + </p> + <p> + But the reason was too soon made evident. Happening to put his hand in the + pocket where he usually kept his pocketbook, he was startled at finding it + empty. Somewhat alarmed, he began to hunt round upon the floor, thinking + it possible that it might have dropped out. But his search was vain. It + was not to be found. He then examined carefully the remaining pockets, + still without success. + </p> + <p> + It was not until this moment that a suspicion entered his mind concerning + his companion. + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible,” he thought, “that Greenleaf has been + mean enough to strip me of my money?” + </p> + <p> + Herbert did not want to believe this. He disliked to think badly of + anyone, and he still hoped it would prove otherwise. It was barely + possible that Greenleaf had taken his money by way of playing a practical + joke upon him, and he might now be downstairs, waiting to be amused at + Herbert's look of dismay when he discovered that he was penniless. + Drowning men will catch at straws, and Herbert, in his trouble, tried to + think this was probably the way it had happened. + </p> + <p> + “Greenleaf is rather a hard case, according to his own account,” + he said to himself, “but I can't believe he would be mean enough to + rob me. I will go downstairs and see if I can find him.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, leaving his chamber, he descended the staircase, and made his + way to the office. + </p> + <p> + Herbert went up and spoke to the clerk who chanced to be inside. + </p> + <p> + “Have you seen my roommate?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “What is the number of your room?” + </p> + <p> + “No. ——.” + </p> + <p> + “I remember now. He has gone.” + </p> + <p> + “Gone!” echoed Herbert, in dismay. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; didn't you know of it?” + </p> + <p> + “He went away while I was asleep. How long since did he go?” + </p> + <p> + “He came to the office two hours since, and said he should not + require the room any longer.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he leave any message for me?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he say where he was going?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + Such an expression of dismay and perplexity overspread Herbert's face that + the clerk could not help observing it. + </p> + <p> + “Is anything wrong?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Herbert. “He has robbed me of my pocketbook, + containing all my money.” + </p> + <p> + “Whew!” whistled the clerk. “How much had you?” + </p> + <p> + “About sixty dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “You're unlucky, that's a fact. Have you nothing left?” + </p> + <p> + Just then it flashed across Herbert's mind that when he had paid for his + supper he had changed a five-dollar bill, and placed the balance, about + four dollars and a half in his vest pocket. He at once felt in that + pocket, and found it still there. Greenleaf had contented himself with the + pocketbook. + </p> + <p> + “I have a little left,” he said. + </p> + <p> + He paid for his room in advance for another day, and went down to + breakfast. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII + </h2> + <h3> + A BUSINESS CALL + </h3> + <p> + It was certainly a startling discovery for Herbert to make, that out of + sixty dollars he had only four left, now that he had paid for another day + at the hotel, and this small sum must be further diminished by the expense + of a breakfast. Unfortunately, too, he was quite hungry, for his + misfortune had not taken away his appetite. + </p> + <p> + “I will make a good breakfast, at any rate,” said Herbert, + philosophically. “Afterwards, I will consider what to do.” + </p> + <p> + He ordered a substantial breakfast, which, even at the low prices of a + dozen years ago, amounted to fifty cents, and did full justice to what was + set before him. + </p> + <p> + After paying at the desk, he went outside. + </p> + <p> + It was a bright, sunshiny morning, and this, with the comfortable feeling + produced by having eaten a good breakfast, gave him courage for the new + career upon which he was about to enter. + </p> + <p> + While considering what he should do first, the thought of the letter given + him by Mr. Carroll flashed upon him. He felt for it hastily, and was + rejoiced to find that that was safe, at least. Greenleaf had not taken + that away, fortunately. + </p> + <p> + He looked at the direction. It was addressed to + </p> + <p> + “Messrs. Godfrey & Lynn, + </p> + <p> + “No. —— Pearl St.” + </p> + <p> + It was not sealed, and was probably meant to be read by Herbert. At any + rate, our hero so concluded, and opened the letter, not without curiosity + as to what Mr. Carroll had written about him. He knew it must be + favorable, of course, but found it even more so than he anticipated. + </p> + <p> + Here it is: + </p> + <p> + “MY DEAR MR. GODFREY: This letter will be handed you by a young + friend of mine, by name Herbert Mason. My acquaintance with him has been + brief, but he has been able, by his coolness and bravery, to do me a most + important service, having saved me from being robbed of a large sum of + money while acting as my escort from Ohio to Philadelphia. I have talked + with him freely about his plans, and find that he will reach New York + without friends, and with a very small sum of money, hoping before it is + gone to secure a place in some counting-room, where he can make an honest + living. I feel a strong interest in his success, and am persuaded that + wherever he is placed, he will show rare capacity and fidelity. I wish it + might be in your power to receive him into your own counting-room. But, of + course, that must be according to your convenience. At any rate, may I + rely on you to act a friendly part by my young friend, and to exert your + influence toward procuring him a position elsewhere, if you cannot employ + him yourself? Anything that you may have it in your power to do for + Herbert, I shall consider as a favor done to myself. + </p> + <p> + I have just left my daughter, who, with her family, is well. Sincerely, + your friend, + </p> + <h3> + JAMES CARROLL.” + </h3> + <p> + “That is a very kind letter,” thought Herbert, gratefully. + “I hope it will do me good.” + </p> + <p> + He decided to call and deliver it the same forenoon. If he had not been + robbed of nearly the whole of his small capital, he would, first, have + gone about the city, which was entirely new to him. But, with less than + four dollars between himself and utter destitution, he felt that he had no + time for sight-seeing. It was necessary that he should get to work as soon + as possible. + </p> + <p> + He waited till ten o'clock, thinking it possible that the heads of the + firm might not reach the counting-room till about that time. It was now + eight o'clock only. He had two hours, therefore, to look about him. + </p> + <p> + “Shine yer boots?” said a ragged urchin, approaching, with a + suggestive look at his soiled shoes. + </p> + <p> + It occurred to Herbert that it would be best to look as well as possible + when visiting Godfrey. + </p> + <p> + “Ten cents.” + </p> + <p> + “It's too much,” said Herbert, thinking how few dimes + constituted his entire worldly wealth. + </p> + <p> + “Well, five, then,” said the bootblack, coming down to his + regular price. + </p> + <p> + “Do you get much to do?” asked our hero. + </p> + <p> + “Some days I get considerable.” + </p> + <p> + “How much do you make?” + </p> + <p> + “Pleasant days I makes a dollar, but when it rains, there ain't much + to do.” + </p> + <p> + “How much do you have to pay for sleeping?” + </p> + <p> + “Six cents.” + </p> + <p> + “Six cents!” repeated Herbert, in surprise. “Where can + you get lodged for that?” + </p> + <p> + “At the lodgin' house, corner of Fulton and Nassau Streets.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” thought Herbert, “I needn't starve. If I can't + get anything better to do, I can buy a box of blacking and a brush, and + set up in business for myself.” + </p> + <p> + To be sure, this would not be an agreeable occupation, but Herbert was + bound to make a living by honest labor. If one avenue was closed to him, + he must enter such as were open to him. He could not afford to be + particular. + </p> + <p> + After his shoes were brushed, he crossed the park, and walked up Broadway. + It was a wonderful sight to the country-bred boy, this gay thoroughfare, + with its busy and bustling crowds, and its throngs of vehicles, never + ceasing wholly, save at the dead hours of night. He thought to himself + what a quantity of business there must be to do. Certainly, there must be + room for one more worker. So, on the whole, the busy scene gave him + courage, and he sauntered along as cheerfully as if he were not next-door + to a beggar. + </p> + <p> + But at last the time came when he might safely seek out the gentleman to + whom he had an introduction. Being a stranger in the city, he had to + inquire for Pearl Street from a policeman, who answered his inquiry very + civilly. He followed the direction, and found it at length. But the number + of which he was in search was not so easily found, for he found the street + meandered in a very perplexing way, so that at times he was not quite sure + whether he was still in it, or had wandered from his way. + </p> + <p> + At last he found the place. It was a large, solid-looking building, of + four stories in height. There were a number of boxes outside on the + sidewalk. Inside, there was a large apartment occupying the entire first + floor, with the exception of a room in the rear, which had been + partitioned off for a counting-room. The partition was of glass, and, as + he looked from the entrance, he could see a couple of high desks and a + table. + </p> + <p> + “Is this Godfrey & Lynn's?” he asked of a porter at the + entrance. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the porter. + </p> + <p> + “I want to see Mr. Godfrey.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think he's in. You can go to the office and inquire.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, Herbert passed down the length of the warehouse, and, pausing + a moment before the door, he opened it, and entered. + </p> + <p> + There were two persons in the office. One was a thin-faced man, who sat on + a high stool at one of the desks, making entries apparently in the ledger. + This was the bookkeeper, Mr. Pratt, a man with a melancholy face, who + looked as if he had lived to see the vanity of all things earthly. He had + a high forehead naturally—made still higher by the loss of his front + hair. Apparently, he was not a man to enjoy conviviality, or to shine on + any festive occasion. + </p> + <p> + Besides Mr. Pratt, there was a boy, if we may take the liberty of calling + him such, of about Herbert's age. He was fashionably dressed, and his hair + was arranged with exceeding care. In fact, as Herbert entered, he was + examining the set of his necktie in a little hand-glass, which he had + taken from his coat pocket. Not quite suiting him, he set himself to + rearranging it. + </p> + <p> + “Have you copied that bill, Thomas?” asked Mr. Pratt, looking + up. + </p> + <p> + “Not yet, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “You have been long enough about it. Put back that glass. You are + quite too much troubled about your appearance.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir. + </p> + <p> + “If I didn't look any better than some people,” said Thomas, + sotto voce, “I shouldn't look in a glass very often.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert naturally concluded that Mr. Pratt was the man to whom his + inquiries should be addressed. + </p> + <p> + “I would like to see Mr. Godfrey, sir.” he said. + </p> + <p> + “He is out of the city.” + </p> + <p> + “Out of the city!” repeated Herbert, disappointed. “When + will he be back?” + </p> + <p> + “Nor till day after to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert's countenance fell. In his reduced circumstances, he could hardly + afford to wait two days. At his present rate of expenditure, he would be + penniless by that time. + </p> + <p> + “Is Mr. Lynn likely to be in soon?” he asked, thinking that + perhaps he would do in Mr. Godfrey's absence. + </p> + <p> + “No; he is sick at home. He may not be here for a week. Perhaps, I + can attend to your business,” he added. “What is it?” + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said Herbert, “that I will wait till day + after to-morrow, if you think Mr. Godfrey will be back then. I have a + letter for him.” + </p> + <p> + “If it's a business letter, you had better leave it.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a letter of introduction,” said Herbert. “I would + rather present it in person.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” and Mr. Pratt went back to his ledger. + </p> + <p> + Thomas looked critically at the boy who had a letter of introduction to + Mr. Godfrey, and said to himself, “He got his clothes from a country + tailor, I'll bet a hat.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV + </h2> + <h3> + FINDING A BOARDING PLACE + </h3> + <p> + Herbert left the counting-room of Godfrey & Lynn, not a little + depressed in spirits. The two days which must elapse before he could see + Mr. Godfrey were to him a formidable delay. By that time his money would + be almost exhausted. Then, suppose, which was very probable, Mr. Godfrey + could do nothing for him immediately, but only hold out his promise of + future assistance, how was he to live in the meantime? After all, he might + have to realize his thought of the morning, and join the ranks of the + bootblacks. That was not a pleasant thought to a boy of his education. All + labor is honorable, to be sure, but, then, some occupations are more + congenial than others. + </p> + <p> + If Greenleaf had not robbed him so basely, he could have afforded to wait. + He felt sore and indignant about that. Nobody likes to own that he has + been victimized, but Herbert was obliged to confess to himself that such + was the case with him. + </p> + <p> + He walked about rather aimlessly, feeling miserable enough. But, all at + once, it occurred to him, “Would it not be cheaper for him to take + board by the week in some boarding-house?” Reckoning up, he found + that his hotel bill would be three dollars and a half a week, while his + meals, even if he were quite abstemious, would make as much more; in all, + seven dollars. Surely, he could be boarded somewhere for less than that. + </p> + <p> + In the reading-room of the hotel he found a daily paper, and carefully ran + his eye down the advertisements for boarders and lodgers. The following + attracted his attention: + </p> + <p> + “BOARDERS WANTED.—A few mechanics may obtain comfortable rooms + and board at No. —— Stanton Street, at three dollars per week.” + </p> + <p> + This, be it remembered, was previous to the war, and before the price of + board had doubled. + </p> + <p> + “Three dollars a week!” repeated Herbert. “Less than + half my present rate of expense. I must go at once and secure it.” + </p> + <p> + He found the way to Stanton Street, and found that No. —— was + a shabby-looking house in a shabby neighborhood. But he could not afford + to be fastidious. He accordingly stepped up without hesitation, and rang + the bell, which emitted a shrill sound in reply. + </p> + <p> + A middle-aged woman, with a red handkerchief tied around her head, and a + broom in her hand, opened the door and looked inquiringly at our hero. + </p> + <p> + “What's wanted?” she said. + </p> + <p> + “I saw your advertisement for boarders,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I advertised in the paper this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you let me see your rooms?” + </p> + <p> + “Who are you looking for?” + </p> + <p> + “Myself.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know as you'll be suited. My price is low, and I can't give + first-class accommodations for three dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “No; I suppose not.” + </p> + <p> + “Come up, if you would like to see what I've got.” + </p> + <p> + The interior of the house was shabby like the outside, the oilcloth carpet + faded, and the wall paper torn off in places. The stairs, too, were narrow + and uncarpeted. All this Herbert observed, but he could not afford to be + critical. + </p> + <p> + On the third floor, his guide threw open the door of a dark, little hall + bedroom, meagerly furnished. + </p> + <p> + “I could give you this room by yourself,” she said, “or + a larger room with someone else.” + </p> + <p> + “I would rather be alone.” + </p> + <p> + “That's the only single room I have. Will you take it?” + </p> + <p> + “I think so,” said Herbert, though he did not anticipate much + enjoyment in such a poor place. + </p> + <p> + “When do you want to come?” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well. I shall expect a deposit, so that I may be sure the room + is let.” + </p> + <p> + “How much?” + </p> + <p> + “A dollar will do.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert drew a dollar from his pocket, and handed it to Mrs. Morgan, for + such, she informed him, was her name. + </p> + <p> + Then he went downstairs and out into the air again. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” he said to himself, “I'm sure of a home, such as + it is, for a week. In that time something must turn up.” + </p> + <p> + Examining his pocketbook he found that he had two dollars and a half left. + Of that sum, two dollars must be reserved to pay the balance of his week's + board. Out of the remaining fifty cents he must pay for his meals until + the next morning, when he would take possession of his new boarding place. + He wished that he had proposed to come to breakfast, but it was too late + now. + </p> + <p> + With such a small sum in hand, he could not afford to dine on the same + magnificent scale as he had breakfasted, but he must be rigidly + economical. He decided that the cheapest food he could buy was a five-cent + loaf at some baker's. This would probably last him through the day, and + might prove sufficient for breakfast also, since he would take a regular + dinner, though he doubted, from what he had seen of the establishment in + Stanton Street, whether it would be a very inviting repast. But it was the + best he could afford, and that was all he need consider. + </p> + <p> + Late in the afternoon, it occurred to Herbert to wonder where, in the + city, his Uncle Stanton lived. Not that he had any intention of applying + to him for assistance, even if matters came to a crisis, but he felt a + natural curiosity as to how his uncle was situated. He found the directory + readily, and, turning to the letter S, ran down the list of names till he + came to Stanton, Benjamin. + </p> + <p> + He learned that his uncle's store was in the lower part of Broadway, while + his house was in West Seventeenth Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. + </p> + <p> + “I should like to see what sort of a house Uncle Benjamin lives in,” + thought Herbert. + </p> + <p> + There was nothing to prevent his gratifying this wish, as he had plenty of + time on his hands. If he had had more money, he would have taken the horse + cars, but in his present circumstances this would be imprudent. He + decided, as it was only five o'clock, to take a leisurely walk up + Broadway, noticing his uncle's place of business on the way. + </p> + <p> + A few minutes brought him in front of the latter—an imposing-looking + building, with all the appearance of belonging to a prosperous merchant. + Appearances are deceitful, to be sure, and no doubt there are some + merchants, as outwardly prosperous, who might profitably change places + with their head clerks. But Herbert naturally judged from appearances, and + he could not help contrasting in his mind his own condition with that of + his uncle's. But he was too manly to be despondent on this account, and + thought rather, “I am young and ready to work, Some time, if I am + patient and work hard. I may be as well off as Uncle Benjamin.” The + thought of applying to him for assistance was as far off as ever. + </p> + <p> + He pursued his way uptown, finding it a longer walk than he anticipated, + arriving at half-past five at Union Square. At the upper end he turned + off, and went down Seventeenth Street. + </p> + <p> + Carefully noting the numbers, he at length found his uncle's house. It was + a handsome, substantial city mansion, and seemed appropriate as the + residence of a rich New York merchant. + </p> + <p> + “So my uncle lives here,” thought Herbert, and there rose + involuntarily in his mind the memory of the humble Western home where he + and his mother had struggled against poverty, while his uncle, who was + evidently so amply provided with the world's goods, coldly held aloof, and + forbore to offer the assistance which he could so well afford. + </p> + <p> + “If I had a sister, I could never treat her like that,” + thought Herbert, indignantly. “He would not help my mother. I will + starve before I ask him to help me.” + </p> + <p> + He paused a moment on the opposite side of the street to look at his + uncle's house. While he was standing there, a boy of about his own age, + apparently, came down the street whistling, and ascended the steps of his + uncle's house. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder if that is my cousin Tom,” thought Herbert. He knew + the names of his cousins from his mother, though he had never seen them. + </p> + <p> + While he looked, he was struck by something familiar in the appearance of + this boy. Where had he seen him before? + </p> + <p> + All at once it flashed upon him. It was the same boy he had seen in the + counting-room of Godfrey He knew him by his dandified dress and his face, + which he had noticed at the time. + </p> + <p> + This was certainly a strange coincidence, that his cousin, for it was + doubtless he, should be the first boy he encountered after reaching New + York. It would be still stranger if Mr. Godfrey should offer him + employment, and he should find himself a clerk in the same office as the + son of his rich uncle. But it was by no means certain that he would be + lucky enough to obtain such employment. Therefore there was no need of + wondering whether, under such circumstances, Tom would recognize him as a + relation. + </p> + <p> + Herbert walked thoughtfully back, and on reaching his room ate the + remainder of the loaf which he had purchased at the baker's in the + morning. It was not a very luxurious repast, but his walk had given him an + appetite, and he had no difficulty in disposing of all that was left. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV + </h2> + <h3> + GETTING A SITUATION + </h3> + <p> + The next morning Herbert reported himself at his new boarding place. He + found the fare very far from first-class, while his fellow-boarders + appeared at the table mostly in shirt-sleeves, and were evidently + workingmen. Our hero would have preferred a greater degree of neatness + both in the table and in the guests, but he felt that he would be lucky, + if he should find himself able to pay his expenses even here. He was not + to be daunted by little annoyances, but looked for compensation in the + future. + </p> + <p> + He waited impatiently for the next day, when Mr. Godfrey would return. + Upon the success of the interview with him much depended. + </p> + <p> + At length it came, and Herbert once more set out for the warehouse on + Pearl Street. He entered without question, and made his way to the + counting-room. Looking through the glass door, he saw his cousin—whom + he surveyed with new interest now that he knew the relationship—and + the bookkeeper. But, besides these, there was an elderly gentleman, rather + stout, with a pleasant face, the expression of which reassured him. + </p> + <p> + “Is Mr. Godfrey in?” he asked, on entering, with a look of + inquiry at the gentleman just described. + </p> + <p> + “That is my name. What can I do for you?” said Mr. Godfrey, + turning towards him. + </p> + <p> + “I have a letter for you, sir,” said Herbert, producing it + from his pocket. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Godfrey held out his hand for it, and ran his eye rapidly over its + contents. + </p> + <p> + “So your name is Herbert Mason?” he said, raising his eyes + after finishing it. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + At the mention of this name, Tom Stanton, whose curiosity had led him to + listen to the conversation, wheeled rapidly round on his stool and + surveyed our hero with intense curiosity. He knew that Herbert Mason was + the name of his cousin. Could it be possible that this boy was the cousin + whom he had never seen? A little later, and he was convinced of it. + </p> + <p> + “You have just come from Ohio, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “My friend, Mr. Carroll, writes me that you were instrumental in + saving him from being robbed while acting as his escort to Philadelphia.” + </p> + <p> + “It wasn't worth mentioning,” said Herbert modestly. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Godfrey noticed his modest tone, and it pleased him—modesty not + being an unvarying characteristic of young America. + </p> + <p> + “My friend refers to it as an important service. I should like to + know the particulars. Mr. Carroll is a connection of mine, and I am + naturally interested in all that relates to him.” + </p> + <p> + In reply Herbert gave a brief, but clear and intelligent account of the + attempted burglary, passing over his own achievement as lightly as + possible. But it was easy to infer, even from the little he said, that he + had acted with bravery and self-possession. + </p> + <p> + “You behaved in a very creditable manner,” said Mr. Godfrey, + approvingly. “Many boys would have lost their self-possession. You + have come to New York in search of employment, Mr. Carroll writes me?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't, of course, know how you were situated in Ohio,” said + the merchant, “but as a general rule I think boys make a mistake in + leaving the country for the city. Here the competition for work is sharp, + and there is a surplus of laborers in every department of labor. Still,” + he proceeded, scanning Herbert's earnest face, “you look like a boy + capable of making his way if an opportunity offers. You have but little + money, Mr. Carroll writes.” + </p> + <p> + “I have lost nearly all I had,” said Herbert, “so that + now I have very little left.” + </p> + <p> + “You have met with a loss? Tell me about it. Indeed, I should be + glad if you would confide to me freely your situation and hopes, and then + I shall be better able to help you.” + </p> + <p> + “I am almost ashamed to tell you how I was taken in,” said our + hero. “I suppose I ought to have been more prudent.” + </p> + <p> + He recounted the manner in which Greenleaf had robbed him. Mr. Godfrey + listened with interest, and so did Tom Stanton, who burst into a laugh + when the narrative was concluded. + </p> + <p> + “What are you laughing at, Thomas?” asked the merchant, rather + sharply. + </p> + <p> + “I was thinking how neatly he was taken in,” said Tom, a + little abashed. + </p> + <p> + “I should apply a different word to it,” said Mr. Godfrey. + “It appears to me the height, or rather the depth of meanness, to + take advantage of a boy's confidence, and defraud him so scandalously. How + much money have you left, Herbert?” + </p> + <p> + “Forty cents, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Only forty cents to begin life with in a great city!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir; I have paid my board in advance for a week.” + </p> + <p> + “Where do you board?” + </p> + <p> + “In Stanton Street.” + </p> + <p> + Tom turned up his nose at the name of this street, which he knew was very + far from fashionable, but this demonstration our hero did not observe. + </p> + <p> + “What board do you pay?” + </p> + <p> + “Three dollars a week, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “A poor place, probably.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, but I could afford no better.” + </p> + <p> + “You are sensible to accommodate yourself to circumstances. Well, my + young friend, it appears that you can't wait long for employment. Mr. + Carroll has asked me to do something for you, and I am disposed to oblige + him, not wholly for his sake, but partly for your own, for you seem to me + a very modest and sensible boy. Mr. Pratt, do we need another boy?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, I don't think we do.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, business will be brisker by and by. I think you can find a + little for this young man to do in the meantime. He can go to the post + office, and I believe I have a little extra writing to be done. Pass him a + pen, and let him give us a specimen of his handwriting.” + </p> + <p> + Fortunately, Herbert was a handsome writer, and this went a considerable + way in his favor. + </p> + <p> + “Very neat,” said the merchant. “By the way, Herbert, I + suppose, of course, you know nothing of French?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, I can read it pretty well.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed!” said Mr. Godfrey, surprised. “Then you can be + of service to me, that is, if you know it well enough. I received, this + morning, a letter from a silk house at Lyons, a part of which I don't + quite understand. The fact is, my French is rather poor. Do you think you + could help me translate it?” + </p> + <p> + “If you will show me the letter, I will try, sir.” + </p> + <p> + The merchant took a letter from the table before him and handed it to + Herbert. + </p> + <p> + Our hero ran his eye rapidly over it, and then rendered it into English in + a clear and grammatical way. + </p> + <p> + “Bless me, you're quite a scholar,” said Mr. Godfrey. “I + understand now. You've made it all plain. Where did you learn so much + French?” + </p> + <p> + “My father taught me, sir. He also taught me Latin.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, I congratulate you on possessing so good an education. + Latin, however, isn't so much in my way. I haven't many Latin + correspondents.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose not, sir,” said Herbert, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Still, it does no harm to know something of it.” + </p> + <p> + Tom Stanton had listened with considerable surprise, mingled with + mortification, to what had passed. It appeared then, that his country + cousin, whom he had looked upon as a country boor, was his superior in + education, and, as Tom secretly knew, in courage. And now he was going to + be his fellow-clerk. He felt jealous and angry, fearing that Herbert, who + appeared to be high in favor already, would eclipse him in the office. + </p> + <p> + “How much can you live upon economically?” asked the merchant. + </p> + <p> + “I know little of the city,” said Herbert. “You can + judge better than I, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “You pay three dollars a week board. You'll need double that amount. + Mr. Pratt, you may pay him six dollars a week. He will come to work + to-morrow morning, and you may pay him Saturday, as if it was a whole + week.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir,” said Herbert, gratefully. “You are + very kind.” + </p> + <p> + “Do your duty, my young friend, and I shall be satisfied.” + </p> + <p> + Tom Stanton listened in indignant surprise. He only got four dollars a + week, and here was a country boy placed over his head. He was imprudent + enough to give expression to his feelings. + </p> + <p> + “Won't you give me six dollars a week, also?” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Why should I?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't I deserve as much as he?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you do. But I don't give it to Herbert because he earns it, + for it is not likely that he will do so at present. But he has no other + resources. You have a comfortable home, and are not obliged to pay for + your board out of your wages.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I hope not,” said Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Therefore you do not need as much as he does. You are not entitled + to this explanation, but I give it, nevertheless, that you may know my + motives.” + </p> + <p> + Tom did not reply, feeling that it would be imprudent to do so, but he + bent sullenly to his work, by no mans satisfied with the explanation. He + began to feel a dislike for his cousin, and determined to injure him, if + he could, in the estimation of the firm. It would have been satisfactory + if he could have looked down upon him as an inferior, but that was not + easy. + </p> + <p> + “I hope the fellow won't find out the relationship between us,” + he said to himself. “He'd be calling me Cousin Tom all the time, and + I don't care about owning a cousin that lives in Stanton Street.” + </p> + <p> + Tom need not have troubled himself. Herbert had no idea of claiming + relationship, though, as we know, he was fully aware of its existence. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI + </h2> + <h3> + A FAMILY COUNCIL + </h3> + <p> + As soon as he was released from business, Tom Stanton hurried home to + impart the unexpected intelligence that his cousin Herbert had arrived in + the city. As might be expected, the news gave no particular pleasure in + the Stanton homestead. + </p> + <p> + “Did you tell him who you were, Thomas?” asked his mother. + </p> + <p> + “Catch me doing it!” said Tom. “I ain't quite a fool. I + don't care about owning any pauper relations.” + </p> + <p> + “He isn't a pauper,” said Mr. Stanton, who, hard man of the + world as he was, could not forget that Herbert was the son of his sister. + </p> + <p> + “He's the next door to it,” said Tom, carelessly. + </p> + <p> + “Thomas is right,” said Mrs. Stanton. “You may depend + upon it, Mr. Stanton, that when this boy finds you out, he will apply to + you for assistance.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly he may.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you won't be such a fool as to encourage him in his + application.” + </p> + <p> + “If he were in actual distress, my dear,” said Mr. Stanton, + “I should feel that I ought to do something.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you'd allow yourself to be imposed upon, that's all I've got + to say. There is no need of his being in distress. He is a stout boy, and + capable of earning his own living.” + </p> + <p> + “He might get sick,” suggested Mr. Stanton, who was not so + hard-hearted as his wife. + </p> + <p> + “Then let him go to the hospital. It's provided for such cases.” + </p> + <p> + “Is Herbert good-looking?” asked Maria, with interest. + </p> + <p> + “He won't get a prize for his beauty,” said Tom, + disparagingly. + </p> + <p> + “Is he homely?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Tom, reluctantly. “I suppose he'll pass; but + he's countrified. He hasn't got any style,” and he glanced + complacently at his own reflection in a mirror, for Tom was vain of his + personal appearance, though by no means as good-looking as Herbert. In + fact, he was compelled secretly to confess this to himself, and for this + reason was more than ever disposed to view his cousin with prejudice. + </p> + <p> + “I should like to see Herbert,” said Maria, who had her share + of female curiosity, and thought it would be pleasant to have a cousin to + escort her round. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I'd better invite him round to dinner tomorrow,” said + Thomas, sarcastically. + </p> + <p> + “I wish you would.” + </p> + <p> + “Thomas will do no such thing!” said Mrs. Stanton, decidedly. + “It's my opinion that the less notice we take of him the better. + Your father is in good circumstances, to be sure, but whatever he is able + to do, ought, of right, to go to his own family. We don't want any poor + relations coming here to get their living out of us.” + </p> + <p> + “Just my sentiments, mother,” said Tom Stanton, approvingly. + </p> + <p> + “It doesn't seem quite right,” said Mr. Stanton, + uncomfortably, “to neglect my sister's child.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't make yourself ridiculous with your scruples, Mr. Stanton,” + said his wife. “It's the boy's duty to take care of himself. It + would only do him harm, and lead to false expectations, if we allowed him + the run of the house.” + </p> + <p> + “Besides,” said Tom, “I shouldn't want to have Tom Paget + and Percy Mortimer, and other fellows that I associate with, ask me who he + is, and have to tell them that he is my cousin.” + </p> + <p> + This argument had considerable weight with Mr. Stanton, who was anxious to + elevate himself in society, and looked with complacency upon the school + acquaintances Tom had formed with the scions of distinguished families. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said he, rising from the table, “let it be as + you will. We won't go out of our way to invite the boy here, but if he + presents himself, as he doubtless will, we must take a little notice of + him.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't see why he couldn't have stayed in the country,” said + Mrs. Stanton. “It was the best place for him.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, it was,” said Tom. + </p> + <p> + “He could have had no other object than to seek us out, and see what + he could get out of us. For my part, I would advise you to recommend him + to go back.” + </p> + <p> + “He has secured a place, it seems, and would not be likely to give + it up.” + </p> + <p> + “It's a great pity he should have got into the same counting-room + with Tom. He will presume on the relationship as soon as he finds it out.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Stanton need not have been alarmed, for Herbert was too high-spirited + to seek an intimacy where he had reason to think it would be disagreeable. + But his aunt knew nothing of him, and judged him by herself. + </p> + <p> + “He's there, and it can't be helped,” said Mr. Stanton. + </p> + <p> + “At any rate, if he does stay in the city,” persisted Mrs. + Stanton, “I hope you'll give him to understand that he needn't call + here more than once in three months. That is as much as he can expect.” + </p> + <p> + “After all, he is my sister's son,” said Mr. Stanton. “I + can't feel that this would be quite kind in us.” + </p> + <p> + “Leave it to me, then. If you're too soft-hearted, Mr. Stanton, I + will take all the responsibility, and the blame, if there is any.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I think you've said enough on the subject,” said her + husband. “Tom, run upstairs and bring me a cigar. You know where I + keep the cigar box.” + </p> + <p> + “You'd better send a servant, father,” said Tom, coolly. + </p> + <p> + “It appears to me you are getting lazy, Thomas,” said his + father. + </p> + <p> + “Thomas is right,” said Mrs. Stanton. “What do we keep + servants for but to run errands?” + </p> + <p> + “Still, Tom might have obliged me in such a little matter.” + </p> + <p> + “You shouldn't have asked him, Mr. Stanton. You seem to forget that + we are not living in the style of half a dozen years ago. You should adapt + yourself to circumstances.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Stanton said no more, but sent a servant in Tom's place. But he could + not help thinking that the outward prosperity for which he was striving + was not without its drawbacks, since it compelled him to look to servants + for the most ordinary services. + </p> + <p> + The next morning Tom went to the counting-room, fully expecting that + Herbert would claim relationship as soon as he discovered his name. While + he would be compelled to admit it, he determined to treat Herbert with + such a degree of coolness that he would take the hint, and keep his + distance. + </p> + <p> + When he arrived at the counting-room, Herbert was already there, and Mr. + Pratt also. + </p> + <p> + “Good-morning,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Morning,” muttered Tom. + </p> + <p> + “This is Thomas Stanton, your fellow-clerk,” said Mr. Pratt, + the bookkeeper. “I believe you have not been introduced.” + </p> + <p> + “Now for it,” thought Tom. + </p> + <p> + But rather to his surprise, Herbert made no demonstration, but merely + bowed slightly. + </p> + <p> + “What does it mean?” thought Tom, a little perplexed. “Is + it possible that he is not my cousin, after all?” + </p> + <p> + “I think you came from Ohio?” inquired Tom, impelled by his + curiosity to ask the question. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Why didn't you stay there? Couldn't you make a living there?” + asked Tom, not over-politely. + </p> + <p> + “Probably I might,” said Herbert, quietly. + </p> + <p> + “Then I think you should have stayed there.” + </p> + <p> + “Which do you like best, the city or the country?” asked our + hero. + </p> + <p> + “The city.” + </p> + <p> + “So do I.” + </p> + <p> + “But there's a difference. I have always lived in the city.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose boys often do come from the country to the city,” + said Herbert. “Was your father born in the city?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Tom, glancing keenly at Herbert, to see if he meant + anything by the question. + </p> + <p> + “Then it seems he must have preferred the city to the country.” + </p> + <p> + Tom had his share of curiosity. He knew that it would be better not to + pursue this subject further if he wished his cousin to remain ignorant of + the relationship between them. Still, he was anxious to know what + Herbert's actual knowledge was, and whether he would be likely to avail + himself of it. He was therefore tempted to say, “I suppose you have + no relations in the city?” + </p> + <p> + “What makes you think I haven't?” asked Herbert, looking at + Tom rather peculiarly. + </p> + <p> + “I don't think anything about it. I only asked,” said Tom, a + little confused. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have an uncle in the city,” said Herbert, quietly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, indeed,” said Tom. + </p> + <p> + He said nothing more, for he felt that he might betray his knowledge of + the relationship unintentionally. Herbert's manner left him as much in the + dark as ever. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Pratt set Herbert to work on some writing, and Tom, also, was soon + busy. After a while Mr. Godfrey came in. + </p> + <p> + “Good-morning, Herbert,” he said, pleasantly, offering his + hand. “So Mr. Pratt has set you to work, has he?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I think we shall find enough for him to do, eh, Mr. Pratt?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, I think so,” said the bookkeeper, who perceived + that Herbert was in favor, and it was as well to fall in with his + employer. + </p> + <p> + “That's well. How do you like your boarding place, Herbert?” + </p> + <p> + “It isn't a very nice one, sir, but it is as good a one as I have a + right to expect for the money I pay.” + </p> + <p> + “Come round and dine with us to-night,” said the merchant. + “Mrs. Godfrey will be glad to see you. I'll give you my street and + number.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir,” said Herbert. “I shall be glad to + accept your kind invitation.” + </p> + <p> + Tom listened to this invitation with envy. Mr. Godfrey occupied a high + social position. Moreover, he had a pretty daughter, whom he, Tom, had met + at dancing school, and he would have been very glad to receive the + invitation which had been extended to “that beggar, Herbert,” + as he mentally styled him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII + </h2> + <h3> + AT THE CONCERT + </h3> + <p> + Herbert felt a little diffident about accepting his employer's invitation + to dinner. Brought up in the country in comparative poverty, he felt + afraid that he should show, in some way, his want of acquaintance with the + etiquette of the dining table. But he had a better than ordinary + education, and, having read diligently whatever books he could get hold + of, possessed a fund of general information which enabled him to converse + intelligently. Then his modest self-possession was of value to him, and + enabled him to acquit himself very creditably. + </p> + <p> + Julia Godfrey, the merchant's only daughter, was a lively and animated + girl, a year or two younger than Herbert. She had been the belle of the + dancing school, and Tom Stanton, among other boys, had always been proud + to have her for a partner. She, however, had taken no particular fancy to + Tom, whose evident satisfaction with himself naturally provoked criticisms + on the part of others. Of this, however, Tom was unconscious, and + flattered himself that his personal appearance was strikingly attractive, + and was quite convinced that his elaborate and gorgeous neckties must + attract admiration. + </p> + <p> + Julia awaited the advent of her father's young guest with interest, and + her verdict was favorable. He was, to be sure, very plainly dressed, but + his frank and open face and pleasant expression did not need fine clothes + to set them off. Julia at once commenced an animated conversation with our + hero. + </p> + <p> + “Weren't you frightened when you saw the robber?” she asked, + for her father had told her of Herbert's adventure with the burglar. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Herbert, “I did not feel afraid.” + </p> + <p> + “How brave you must be?” said Julia, with evident admiration. + </p> + <p> + “There was no need of my being frightened,” said Herbert, + modestly. “I was expecting him.” + </p> + <p> + “I know I should have been frightened to death,” said Julia, + decidedly. + </p> + <p> + “You are a girl, you know,” said Herbert. “I suppose it + is natural for girls to be timid.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know but it is, but I am sure it is not natural to all boys + to be brave.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert smiled. + </p> + <p> + “I was out in the country, one day, walking with Frank Percy,” + proceeded Julia, “when a big, ugly-looking dog met us. Frank, + instead of standing by, and defending me, ran away as fast as his feet + could carry him. I laughed at him so much about it that he doesn't like to + come near me since that.” + </p> + <p> + “How did you escape?” asked Herbert, with interest. + </p> + <p> + “I saw there was no use in running away, so I patted him on the + head, and called him 'Poor dog,' though I expected every minute he was + going to bite me. That calmed him down, and he went off without doing any + harm.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert found Mrs. Godfrey to be a pleasant, motherly-looking lady, who + received him kindly. He felt that he should like it very much if she was + his aunt, instead of Mrs. Stanton, whom he had never seen, and did not + think he should care about meeting. + </p> + <p> + “What do you think of Tom Stanton?” asked Julia, “Of + course, you know him—the other boy in pa's counting-room.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not very well acquainted with him yet,” said Herbert, + evasively, for he did not care to say anything unfavorable of Tom. “Do + you know him?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he used to go to the same dancing school with me last winter.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you know him better than I do.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't like him much,” said Julia. “He's always + thinking of himself and his neckties. He always came to dancing school in + a different necktie; to let us know how many he had, I suppose. Didn't you + notice his necktie?” + </p> + <p> + “It was pretty large, I thought,” said Herbert, smiling. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he's fond of wearing large ones.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid you are talking uncharitably, Julia,” said her + mother, mildly. “Girls, you know, are sometimes fond of dress.” + </p> + <p> + So the conversation drifted on to other topics. Julia, at first, addressed + our hero as Mr. Mason, until he requested her to call him Herbert, a + request which she readily complied with. They were soon on excellent + terms, and appeared to be mutually pleased. + </p> + <p> + “Young people,” said Mr. Godfrey, after dinner, “there + is to be an attractive concert at the Academy of Music this evening. I + secured seats this morning for four. Suppose we all go?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be delighted, for one, papa,” said Julia. “You + will like to go, Herbert, won't you?” + </p> + <p> + “Very much,” said our hero. + </p> + <p> + “Then you can escort me, while papa and mamma walk together.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert felt that this arrangement would be very agreeable, so far as he + was concerned. It was, in fact, adopted, and the four paired off together, + as Julia had suggested, Julia amusing Herbert by her lively remarks. + </p> + <p> + Entering the hall, they followed the usher to their seats, which were + eligibly located only a few rows back from the stage. + </p> + <p> + Just behind them sat a party, among whom the new arrivals produced quite a + sensation. Not to keep the reader in suspense, that party consisted of Mr. + and Mrs. Stanton, Tom and Maria. There was but slight acquaintance between + the two families, as Mr. Godfrey's stood higher, socially, than Mr. + Stanton's. The gentlemen, however, had a bowing acquaintance, and the + young people had met at dancing school. + </p> + <p> + “Why, there's Mr. Godfrey and his family, Tom,” said Maria, + turning towards her brother. “Who's that boy with them? Julia hasn't + got any brother, has she?” + </p> + <p> + Tom had watched the entrance of the party with lively dissatisfaction. + That his beggarly cousin should appear in public on such intimate terms + with Julia Godfrey, to whom he himself had paid attention, but without any + special encouragement, struck him as particularly mortifying. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Godfrey's son!” he said, disdainfully. “That boy is + Herbert Mason.” + </p> + <p> + “Our cousin?” asked Maria, with interest. “Ma, did you + hear?” she whispered, eagerly. “That boy in front of us is + Cousin Herbert.” + </p> + <p> + “That boy with the Godfreys?” said Mrs. Stanton, in surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he's talking with Julia now.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure? Who told you?” + </p> + <p> + “Tom.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it true, Tom?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Tom, frowning. + </p> + <p> + “What could have induced the Godfreys to bring him along?” + said Mrs. Stanton, who was no better pleased than Tom at the social + success of the poor relation. + </p> + <p> + “He's quite good-looking,” said Maria. + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense,” said her mother, sharply. “He has a very + countrified look.” + </p> + <p> + The news was communicated to Mr. Stanton, who looked with interest at his + sister's son, whom he had not seen since he was a very young child. He + fervently wished him back again in Ohio, where he might conveniently + forget his existence. Here in New York, especially since an unlucky + chance, as he considered it, had brought him into the same counting-room + as his son, it would be difficult to avoid taking some notice of him. But, + so far as pecuniary assistance was concerned, Mr. Stanton determined that + he would give none, unless it was forced upon him. Had he known our hero + better, he would have been less alarmed. + </p> + <p> + With all his prejudices, Mr. Stanton could not help confessing that + Herbert was a boy of whom any uncle might be proud. Though plainly + dressed, he did not seem out of place at a fashionable concert, surrounded + by well-dressed people. + </p> + <p> + It must not be supposed that Herbert was left in ignorance of the vicinity + of the only relations he had in the city. + </p> + <p> + “There's Tom Stanton, just behind you, with his father and mother + and sister,” whispered Julia. + </p> + <p> + Herbert turned his head slightly. He was desirous of seeing what his uncle + and aunt were like. His uncle met his gaze, and turned uncomfortably away, + appearing not to know him, yet conscious that in his affected ignorance he + was acting shabbily. Mrs. Stanton did not flinch, but bent a cold gaze of + scrutiny upon the unwelcome nephew. Tom looked supercilious, and elevated + his pug nose a trifle. Maria, only, looked as if she would like to know + her cousin. + </p> + <p> + It was only a hasty glance on Herbert's part, but it brought him to a + rapid conclusion that he would not claim relationship. If any advances + were made, they must come from the other side. + </p> + <p> + Tom fidgeted in his seat, watching with ill-concealed vexation the + confidential conversation which appeared to be going on between Julia and + his cousin. + </p> + <p> + “What she can see in that boor, I can't imagine,” he said to + himself. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, though Julia had looked around, she had not deigned any + recognition of himself, and this hurt his pride. He finally determined to + overlook the neglect, and address her, which he could readily do, as he + sat almost directly behind her. + </p> + <p> + “Good-evening, Miss Julia,” he said, familiarly, bending + forward. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, good-evening, Mr. Stanton,” said Julia, coldly, just + turning slightly. “Herbert, isn't that a beautiful song?” + </p> + <p> + “She calls him Herbert,” said Tom, in scornful disgust. + “I wonder if she knows he is nothing but a beggar?” + </p> + <p> + “How are you enjoying the concert, Miss Julia?” he continued, + resolved not to take the rebuff. + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said Julia. “By the way,” she + continued, with a sudden thought, “I believe you are acquainted with + Mr. Mason.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert, upon this, bowed pleasantly, but Tom said, in rather a + disagreeable tone, “I know Mr. Mason slightly.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said Julia, arching her eyebrows, “I thought you + were both in papa's counting-room.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall know each other better by and by,” said Herbert, + smiling. + </p> + <p> + Tom did not appear to hear this, but tried to keep up the conversation + with Julia, desiring to have it appear that they were intimate friends; + but the young lady gave brief replies, and finally, turning away, devoted + herself once more to Herbert, much to Tom's disgust. In fact, what he saw + made Tom pass a very unpleasant evening, and when, on their return home, + Maria suggested that Julia had taken a fancy to Herbert, he told her to + mind her own business, which Maria justly considered a piece of rudeness + wholly uncalled for. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII + </h2> + <h3> + PETER GREENLEAF AGAIN + </h3> + <p> + Notwithstanding he was receiving a salary larger than is usually paid boys + of his age, Herbert felt cramped for the want of money. Six dollars a week + would have paid his expenses comfortably, if he had been well provided to + begin with. But all the clothing he had, besides what he wore, he had + brought with him in a small bundle, the greatest part having been left in + his trunk at the house of Abner Holden. He often wished that he could have + them with him, but, of course, this wish was vain. Indeed, Mr. Holden, + when the conviction was forced upon him that there was no chance of + recovering his bound boy, quietly confiscated the trunk and its contents; + and this, to some extent, consoled him for the departure of the owner. + </p> + <p> + Herbert found himself sadly in need of underclothing; and, of course, his + only suit, from constant wear, was likely to deteriorate rapidly. He saved + all the money he could from his weekly wages toward purchasing a new one, + but his savings were inconsiderable. Besides, he needed a trunk, or would + need one, when he had anything to put in it. + </p> + <p> + “If I only had that money Greenleaf stole from me, I should be all + right,” he said to himself, after long and anxious thought on the + great question of ways and means. “I don't see how I can save up + more than two dollars a week out of my wages, and it will take a long time + for that to amount to much.” + </p> + <p> + There certainly did not appear to be much chance of saving more. His + boarding place was as cheap as he could obtain, or, if there were cheaper + anywhere, they would probably be also poorer, and our hero felt that Mrs. + Morgan's was as poor as he should be able to endure. + </p> + <p> + He was rather mortified, too, at the poverty of his wardrobe. Mrs. Morgan + asked him one day, “When is your trunk coming?” and Herbert + was obliged to own, with some shame, that he had none. The landlady looked + surprised, but he had no explanation to offer. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose I shall have to wait till my wages are raised,” + thought Herbert, with a little sigh. This, he reflected, would not be very + soon, as he had started with a salary greater than he was likely to earn, + as Mr. Godfrey had said. + </p> + <p> + But relief was nearer than he anticipated. + </p> + <p> + One day, as he was walking up the Bowery, he saw, at a little distance in + front of him, a figure which he well remembered. The careless, jaunty step + and well-satisfied air were familiar to him. In short, it was Peter + Greenleaf, who had played so mean a trick upon him at the hotel. + </p> + <p> + Herbert's heart beat quick with excitement, mingled with pleasure. He felt + a natural indignation against this young man, who had cheated him so + remorselessly, and left him, indifferent to his fate, alone and almost + penniless in a strange city. + </p> + <p> + What should he do? + </p> + <p> + Close behind him was a policeman slowly pacing his regular round. Herbert + went up to him, and, pointing to Greenleaf, rapidly recounted his + grievances. + </p> + <p> + “It was a mean trick,” said the policeman, who was a favorable + specimen of his class. “Is this the first time you have seen him?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me what you want to do.” + </p> + <p> + “I want to get my money back.” + </p> + <p> + “Probably he has spent it. How long since he robbed you?” + </p> + <p> + “Three weeks.” + </p> + <p> + “Not much chance, then. Probably his pocket's empty, unless he's + fleeced somebody else in the meantime. However, it's as well to see what + can be done. Now, I'll tell you how to act. Go up to him boldly, and + demand your money. If he bluffs you off, call me.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + He hastened his step, and, advancing, tapped Greenleaf on the shoulder. + </p> + <p> + Greenleaf turned. When he recognized Herbert, he looked surprised and + disconcerted. But he had plenty of assurance, and quickly determined upon + his course. Assuming a stolid look, he said: “Well, my lad, who are + you; and what do you want?” + </p> + <p> + “You know who I am, well enough,” said Herbert, angrily. + </p> + <p> + “Do I? Then I'm uncommonly forgetful. I haven't any recollection of + your interesting countenance,” he said, with a sneer. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you don't want to remember me, Mr. Greenleaf,” said + Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Greenleaf! You are thinking of somebody else. My name's Thompson.” + </p> + <p> + “Your name was Greenleaf when you stopped with me at French's Hotel,” + said Herbert, sturdily. + </p> + <p> + “You're crazy, I fancy,” said Greenleaf, shrugging his + shoulders. “I never stopped at the hotel you mention, in my life.” + </p> + <p> + “Where's the money you took from me?” demanded Herbert, who + felt convinced of Greenleaf's identity, in spite of his denial. + </p> + <p> + “What are you talking about?” said Greenleaf, assuming a look + of surprise. + </p> + <p> + “You went off before I was awake, with more than fifty dollars of + mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to insult me?” said Greenleaf, drawing himself + up. “I've a great mind to knock you over!” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Greenleaf,” said Herbert, firmly, “either return my + money, or as much as you have got left, or I will call a policeman.” + </p> + <p> + “Just what I shall do, myself, unless you stop this nonsense,” + said Greenleaf, angrily; but not without a sensation of uneasiness, as it + struck his mind that Herbert might really intend to do what he had said. + </p> + <p> + “Once more, will you give up that money?” said Herbert, + firmly. + </p> + <p> + “Stand out of the way,” said Greenleaf, “if you know + what is best for yourself!” + </p> + <p> + He was about to push by, thrusting Herbert roughly out of the way, when + our hero turned, and his look summoned the policeman, who hastened to the + spot. + </p> + <p> + “Give this boy his money,” he said, authoritatively. “I + know all about your little game. It's up now. Unless you hand over your + plunder, you must go with me.” + </p> + <p> + Greenleaf changed color, and was evidently alarmed. + </p> + <p> + “I've got nobody's money, except my own,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Come along, then,” said the officer, taking him by the arm. + </p> + <p> + “Stop a minute,” said he, hurriedly, finding that matters had + come to a crisis. “If I give up what I have, will you let me go?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that depends on how much you have.” + </p> + <p> + “I've got twenty dollars.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert was about to say that this would do, but the policeman shook his + head. + </p> + <p> + “Won't do,” said he. “Come along.” + </p> + <p> + After a little haggling, Greenleaf produced forty dollars, which Herbert + pocketed, with much satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “Now go along, and mind you don't try any more such games.” + </p> + <p> + Greenleaf needed no second permission to be gone. He feared that the + officer might change his mind, and he might, after all, be consigned to + the station house. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” said Herbert, gratefully. “I needed the + money badly. I shouldn't have recovered it but for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Take better care of it next time,” said the officer, not + unkindly. “Take care not to trust a stranger too easily. Better take + my advice, and put it in a savings bank.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be obliged to use most of it,” said Herbert. “What + I don't need, I will put in the bank.” + </p> + <p> + The recovery of so much of his lost money seemed to Herbert quite a lucky + windfall. He went at once to a trunk store, and, for five dollars, + purchased a good, durable trunk, which he ordered sent home to his + lodgings. Fifteen dollars more he invested in necessary underclothing, and + this left him one-half of the money for future use. Besides this he had + six dollars, which, in three weeks, he had saved from his wages. With this + sum, and the articles he had purchased, he felt quite rich, and returned + to the counting-room—this happened during the hour given him for + dinner—in unusually good spirits. He had other reasons for + encouragement. He was getting accustomed to his duties at the + counting-room. Mr. Godfrey always treated him kindly, and had called upon + him again that very morning to assist him in translating a French letter, + complimenting him, at the same time, upon his scholarship. + </p> + <p> + “I'll do my best,” thought Herbert. “'Try and Trust,' + that's my motto. I think it will bring me success.” + </p> + <p> + But even while he spoke, an unforeseen danger menaced him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX + </h2> + <h3> + SPARRING + </h3> + <p> + After the concert, Tom Stanton took even a greater dislike to his cousin + than before. To say that he was in love with Julia Godfrey would be rather + ridiculous, considering his youth. Even if he had been older, Tom cared + too much about himself to fall in love with another. But Julia had been a + belle among the children of her own age at the dancing school, and there + was considerable rivalry among the boys—or, I should, perhaps, say + young gentlemen—for the honor of her notice. Tom desired it, because + it would give him a kind of distinction among his fellows. So, though he + was not in love with Julia, he was jealous when she showed favor to anyone + else. But this feeling was mild compared with that he experienced when + Julia bestowed her notice upon his penniless cousin. That Herbert should + be preferred to himself, he thought, not only showed great lack of taste + on the part of the young heiress, but was a grievous wrong to himself. + </p> + <p> + “I can't understand how girls can be such fools,” thought Tom, + as that evening, after returning from the concert, he surveyed his rather + perturbed face in the mirror surmounting his bureau. “I wouldn't + have believed Julia Godfrey would stoop to notice such a pauper.” + </p> + <p> + Then a cheerful thought came to him. Perhaps she was only trying to rouse + his jealousy. He had heard of such things. But, if so, why should she + choose such a beggar as Herbert to practice her arts upon? + </p> + <p> + Certainly, to an unprejudiced observer, such a thought would never have + suggested itself. The cool indifference with which Julia had treated Tom + did not appear to argue any such feeling as would lead to the attempt to + rouse his jealousy. But, then, Tom was not an unprejudiced observer, and + considered his personal attractions such that any girl might appreciate + them. + </p> + <p> + When he arrived at the counting-room the next morning, he found Herbert + already there. Indeed, our hero was very particular to be punctual in his + attendance, while Tom was generally at least a quarter of an hour behind + time. + </p> + <p> + “I saw you at the concert last evening, Mason,” said Tom, who + wanted to get a chance to say something disagreeable. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I was there,” said Herbert. “You sat in the row + just behind us.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. I suppose you were never at a concert before.” + </p> + <p> + “Not in New York.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Godfrey was very kind to take you.” + </p> + <p> + That was what Herbert thought himself. But as Tom expressed it, there was + something in his tone which implied a conviction of Herbert's social + inferiority, which our hero did not like. + </p> + <p> + “I have found Mr. Godfrey very kind,” he said, briefly. + </p> + <p> + “There are not many employers who would invite a boy in your + position to a concert with his family,” said Tom. + </p> + <p> + “I believe my position is the same as yours,” said Herbert, + nettled. + </p> + <p> + “I don't see it,” said Tom, haughtily. “Will you explain + yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe we are both in Mr. Godfrey's employ,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, so far as that goes. But I am the son of a rich man,” + said Tom, pompously. + </p> + <p> + Herbert might have replied that he was the nephew of a rich man, but he + had no disposition to boast of his relationship to his cousin's family. + </p> + <p> + “I don't see that that makes any difference,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Don't you? Well, I do.” + </p> + <p> + “We are both boys in Mr. Godfrey's employ.” + </p> + <p> + “That's true, but then, he took you out of pity, you know.” + </p> + <p> + Tom's tone as he said this was very aggravating, and Herbert's face + flushed. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know anything of the sort,” he retorted. + </p> + <p> + “No, I suppose you don't consider it in that light,” said Tom, + carelessly; “but, of course, it is clear enough to others. Where + would you have been, if Mr. Godfrey hadn't given you a place? Blacking + boots, probably, among the street ragamuffins.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I might,” said Herbert, quietly, “if I couldn't + have got anything better to do.” + </p> + <p> + “It's a very genteel occupation,” sneered Tom. + </p> + <p> + “I don't think it is,” said Herbert, “but it's an honest + one.” + </p> + <p> + “You may have to take it yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps so. So may you.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to insult me?” demanded Tom, haughtily, his face + flushing. + </p> + <p> + “I only said to you the same thing you said to me. If it's an insult + on one side, it is on the other.” + </p> + <p> + “You seem to forget that our circumstances are very different,” + said Tom. + </p> + <p> + “They are just now, so far as money goes. I get a larger salary than + you.” + </p> + <p> + Tom was very much incensed at this remark, being aggrieved by the fact + that Herbert received more than he. + </p> + <p> + “I didn't mean that,” said he. “Of course, if Mr. + Godfrey chooses to give away money in charity, it is none of my business. + I don't need any charity.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Godfrey pays me for my services,” said Herbert. “If + he pays me too liberally now, I hope to make it up to him afterward.” + </p> + <p> + “You seemed to be very intimate with Julia Godfrey last evening,” + said Tom, unpleasantly. + </p> + <p> + “I found her very pleasant.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; she is very kind to take notice of you.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose the notice you have taken of me this morning is meant in + kindness,” said Herbert, thinking his cousin very disagreeable. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, of course, being in the same counting-room, I think it right + to take some notice of you,” said Tom, condescendingly. + </p> + <p> + “I am very much obliged to you,” said Herbert, sarcastically. + </p> + <p> + “But there's one piece of advice I should like to give you,” + proceeded Tom. + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” inquired Herbert, looking his cousin in the + face. + </p> + <p> + “Don't feel too much set up by Julia Godfrey's notice. She only took + notice of you out of pity, and to encourage you. If you had been in her + own position in society—” + </p> + <p> + “Like you, for instance!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, like me,” said Tom, complacently, “she would have + been more ceremonious. I thought I would just mention it to you, Mason, or + you might not understand it.” + </p> + <p> + It was only natural that Herbert should be provoked by this elaborate + humiliation suggested by Tom, and his cousin's offensive assumption of + superiority. This led him to a retort in kind. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose that is the reason she took so little notice of you,” + he said. + </p> + <p> + Tom was nettled at this statement of a fact, but he answered in an + off-hand manner, “Oh, Julia and I are old friends. I've danced with + her frequently at dancing school.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert happened to remember what Julia had said of his cousin, and was + rather amused at this assumption of intimacy. + </p> + <p> + “I am much obliged to you for your information,” said Herbert, + “though I am rather surprised that you should take so great an + interest in my affairs.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you're new in the city, and I know all the ropes,” said + Tom. “I thought I might as well give you a friendly hint.” + </p> + <p> + “I am lucky in having such a friend,” said Herbert, “and + will take the advice as it was given.” + </p> + <p> + Here the bookkeeper entered, and, soon after, Mr. Godfrey made his + appearance. + </p> + <p> + “I hope you had a pleasant evening, Herbert,” he said, kindly. + </p> + <p> + “Very pleasant, sir; thank you,” said Herbert, in a very + different tone from the one he had used in addressing Tom. + </p> + <p> + “I believe I saw you, also, at the concert, Thomas,” said Mr. + Godfrey. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” said Tom. “I am very fond of music, and + attend all the first-class musical entertainments.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed?” said Mr. Godfrey, but this was all the reply he + made. + </p> + <p> + “My daughter insists that I shall invite you to the house again + soon,” said Mr. Godfrey, again addressing Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “I am very much obliged to her, and to you, sir,” said + Herbert, modestly. “I shall be very glad to come.” + </p> + <p> + Tom's face darkened, as he heard this. He would have given considerable to + receive such an invitation himself, but the prospect did not seem very + promising. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Godfrey must be infatuated,” he said to himself, + impatiently, “to invite such a beggar to his house. Mason ought to + have good sense enough to feel that he is out of place in such a house. I + wouldn't accept any invitation given out of pity.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder why Tom dislikes me so much?” thought Herbert. + “He certainly takes pains enough to show his feeling. Would it be + different, I wonder, if he knew that I was his cousin?” + </p> + <p> + Herbert thought of mentioning to Mr. Godfrey that he had recovered + three-quarters of the money of which he had been robbed. It would have + been well if he had done so, but Mr. Godfrey seemed particularly engaged, + and he thought it best not to interrupt him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX + </h2> + <h3> + AN UNEXPECTED BLOW + </h3> + <p> + Herbert felt happier than usual. He had recovered the greater part of his + money, and thus was relieved from various inconveniences which had + resulted from his straitened circumstances, He was the more elated at + this, as it had seemed extremely improbable that the lost money would ever + have found its way back to the pocket of its rightful owner. Then, he had + a good place, and a salary sufficient to defray his modest expenses, and + the prospect of promotion, if he should be faithful to the interests of + his employer, as he firmly intended to be. It was agreeable, also, to + reflect that he was in favor with Mr. Godfrey, who had thus far treated + him with as much kindness as if he had been his own son. + </p> + <p> + There was, to be sure, the drawback of Tom's enmity, but, as there was no + good reason for this, he would not allow it to trouble him much, though, + of course, it would have been more agreeable if all in the office had been + his friends. He determined to take an early opportunity to write to his + good friend, Dr. Kent, an account of his present position. He would have + done so before, but had hesitated from the fear that in some way the + intelligence would reach Abner Holden, whom he preferred to leave in + ignorance of all that concerned him. + </p> + <p> + These thoughts passed through Herbert's mind as he went about his daily + work. Meanwhile, a painful experience awaited him, for which he was not in + the least prepared. + </p> + <p> + About one o'clock a gentleman entered the counting-room hastily, and said, + “Mr. Godfrey, I wonder whether I happened to leave my pocketbook + anywhere about your office when I was here an hour ago?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think so. When did you miss it?” + </p> + <p> + “A few minutes since. I went to a restaurant to get a lunch, and, on + finishing it, felt for my pocketbook, and found it gone.” + </p> + <p> + “Was there much in it?” + </p> + <p> + “No sum of any consequence. Between twenty and thirty dollars, I + believe. There were, however, some papers of value, which I shall be sorry + to lose.” + </p> + <p> + “I hardly think you could have left it here. However, I will + inquire. Mr. Pratt, have you seen anything of Mr. Walton's pocketbook?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” said the bookkeeper, promptly. + </p> + <p> + “Herbert, have you seen it?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” said our hero. + </p> + <p> + “Thomas?” + </p> + <p> + Tom Stanton was assailed by a sudden and dangerous temptation. His dislike + to Herbert had been increased in various ways, and especially had been + rendered more intense by the independent tone assumed by our hero in the + conversation which had taken place between them that very morning. Now, + here was an opportunity of getting him into disgrace, and probably cause + him to lose his situation. True, he would have to tell a falsehood, but + Tom had never been a scrupulous lover of truth, and would violate it for a + less object without any particular compunction. + </p> + <p> + He hesitated when the question was asked him, and thus, as he expected, + fixed Mr. Godfrey's attention. + </p> + <p> + “Why don't you answer, Thomas?” he said, in surprise. + </p> + <p> + “I don't like to,” said Tom, artfully. + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” demanded his employer, suspiciously. + </p> + <p> + “Because I don't want to get anybody into trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak out what you mean.” + </p> + <p> + “If you insist upon it,” said Tom, with pretended reluctance, + “I suppose I must obey you.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, if any wrong has been done, it is your duty to expose + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, sir,” said Tom. “I saw Mason pick up a wallet + from the floor, and put it in his pocket just after the gentleman went + out. He did it so quickly that no one probably observed it but myself.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert listened to this accusation as if stunned. It was utterly beyond + his conception how anyone could be guilty of such a deliberate falsehood + as he had just listened to. So he remained silent, and this operated + against him. + </p> + <p> + “Herbert,” said Mr. Godfrey, mildly, for he was unwilling to + believe our hero guilty of intentional dishonesty, “you should have + mentioned having found the pocketbook.” + </p> + <p> + “So I would, sir,” said Herbert, having found his voice at + last, “if I had found one.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to say that you have not?” demanded Mr. Godfrey, + with a searching look. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” said Herbert, firmly. + </p> + <p> + “What, then, does Thomas mean when he asserts that he saw you do so?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know, sir. I think he means to injure me, as I have noticed + ever since I entered the office that he seems to dislike me.” + </p> + <p> + “How is that, Thomas? Do you again declare that you saw Herbert pick + up the wallet? + </p> + <p> + “I do,” said Tom, boldly. “Of course, I expected that he + would deny it. I leave it to you, sir, if he does not show his guilt in + his face? Just look at him!” + </p> + <p> + Now it, unfortunately for Herbert, happened that his indignation had + brought a flush to his face, and he certainly did look as a guilty person + is supposed to do. Mr. Godfrey observed this, and his heart sank within + him, for, unable to conceive of such wickedness as Tom's, he saw no other + way except to believe in Herbert's guilt. + </p> + <p> + “Have you nothing to say, Herbert?” he asked, more in sorrow + than in anger. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” said Herbert, in a low voice; “nothing, + except what I have already said. Tom has uttered a wicked falsehood, and + he knows it.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, I expected you would say that,” said Tom, with + effrontery. + </p> + <p> + “This is a serious charge, Herbert,” proceeded Mr. Godfrey. + “I shall have to ask you to produce whatever you have in your + pockets.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, sir,” said our hero, calmly. + </p> + <p> + But, as he spoke, it flashed upon him that he had in his pocket twenty-six + dollars, and the discovery of this sum would be likely to involve him in + suspicion. He could, indeed, explain where he got it; but would his + explanation be believed? Under present circumstances, he feared that it + would not. So it was with a sinking heart that he drew out the contents of + his pockets, and among them his own pocketbook. + </p> + <p> + “Is that yours?” asked Mr. Godfrey, turning to Mr. Walton. + </p> + <p> + “No, it is not; but he may have transferred my money to it.” + </p> + <p> + Upon this hint, Mr. Godfrey opened the pocketbook, and drew out the small + roll of bills, which he proceeded to count. + </p> + <p> + “Twenty-six dollars,” he said. “How much did you lose?” + </p> + <p> + “Between twenty and thirty dollars. I cannot be sure how much.” + </p> + <p> + “Here are two tens and three twos.” + </p> + <p> + “I had two tens. I don't remember the denomination of the other + bills.” + </p> + <p> + Even Tom was struck with astonishment at this discovery. He knew that his + charge was groundless, yet here it was substantiated in a very remarkable + manner. Was it possible that he had, after all, struck upon the truth of + the matter? He did not know what to think. + </p> + <p> + “Herbert,” said his employer, sorrowfully, “this + discovery gives me more pain than I can express. I had a very high idea of + you. I could not have believed you capable of so mean a thing as + deliberate dishonesty.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not guilty,” said Herbert, proudly. + </p> + <p> + “How can you say this in the face of all this evidence? Do you mean + to say that this money is yours?” + </p> + <p> + “I do,” said Herbert, firmly. + </p> + <p> + “Where could you have got it?” said his employer, + incredulously. “Did you not tell me when you entered my employ that + you were almost penniless? You have been with me three weeks only, and + half your wages have been paid for board.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir; you are right.” + </p> + <p> + “What explanation, then, can you offer? Your case looks bad.” + </p> + <p> + “The six dollars I saved from my wages, at the rate of two dollars a + week. The twenty dollars is a part of the money I was robbed of. I + succeeded in recovering forty dollars of it yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + Here, Herbert related the circumstances already known to the reader. + </p> + <p> + “A likely story,” said Tom, scornfully. + </p> + <p> + “Be silent, Thomas,” said Mr. Godfrey. “Your story does + not seem probable,” he proceeded, speaking to Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “It is true, sir,” said our hero, firmly. + </p> + <p> + “What could he have done with your wallet, however?” said the + merchant, turning to Mr. Walton. + </p> + <p> + “He has been out to the post office since,” said Tom. “He + might have thrown it away.” + </p> + <p> + This unfortunately for Herbert, was true. He had been out, and, of course, + could have disposed of the wallet in the way mentioned. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know what to think, Mr. Walton,” said Mr. Godfrey. + “I'm afraid the boy's guilty.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid so. I don't care so much for the money, if he will give + me back the papers.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't do it, sir,” said Herbert, “for I never had + them.” + </p> + <p> + “What shall we do?” + </p> + <p> + “The other boy declares that he saw this one take the wallet from + the floor, where I probably dropped it. It seems to me that settles the + matter.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid it does.” + </p> + <p> + “Once more, Herbert, will you confess?” asked Mr. Godfrey. + </p> + <p> + “I can only say, sir, that I am innocent.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Walton, what shall we do?” + </p> + <p> + “Let the boy go. I will leave it to his honor to return me the + papers, and he may keep the money. I think he will make up his mind to do + so by tomorrow.” + </p> + <p> + “You hear, Herbert,” said Mr. Godfrey. “While this + matter remains in doubt, you cannot retain your situation.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Mr. Walton, for your indulgence,” said Herbert; + “but I am sorry you think me guilty. The truth will some time + appear. I shall TRY to do my duty, and TRUST to God to clear me.” + </p> + <p> + He took his hat and left the counting-room with a heavy heart, feeling + himself in disgrace. + </p> + <p> + “I had great confidence in that boy, Walton,” said Mr. + Godfrey. “Even now, I can hardly believe him guilty.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI + </h2> + <h3> + MR. STANTON IS SURPRISED + </h3> + <p> + While the events recorded in the last chapter were taking place in Mr. + Godfrey's counting-room another and a different scene took place at the + office of Mr. Stanton. + </p> + <p> + He had just finished reading the morning paper, and, as it slipped from + his hand, his thoughts turned, transiently, to the nephew whose persistent + failure to claim relationship puzzled him not a little. He was glad not to + be called upon for money, of course; still, he felt a little annoyed at + Herbert's reticence, especially as it left him unable to decide whether + our hero knew of the tie which connected them. It was scarcely possible to + suppose that he did not. But in that case, why did he not make some sign? + The truth did suggest itself to Mr. Stanton's mind that the boy resented + his cold and indifferent letter, and this thought made him feel a little + uncomfortable. + </p> + <p> + While he was thinking over this subject, one of his clerks entered the + office. + </p> + <p> + “A gentleman to see you, Mr. Stanton,” he said, briefly. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Stanton raised his head, and his glance rested on a tall, vigorous man + of perhaps thirty-five years of age, who closely followed the clerk. The + stranger's face was brown from exposure, and there was a certain + appearance of unconventionality about his movements which seemed to + indicate that he was not a dweller in cities or a frequenter of + drawing-rooms, but accustomed to make his home in the wilder haunts of + nature. + </p> + <p> + In brief, for there is no occasion for mystery, Mr. Stanton's visitor was + Ralph the Ranger, who had assisted Herbert from the clutches of Abner + Holden. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Stanton gazed at the stranger with some curiosity, but was unable to + recognize him. + </p> + <p> + “Have you any business with me?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the visitor, in a voice whose depth carried with + it an assurance of strength. + </p> + <p> + “State it, then, as briefly as possible,” said the merchant, + with a little asperity, for there was not as much deference in the manner + of the other as he thought there should have been. Like most new men, he + was jealous of his position, and solicitous lest he should not be treated + with due respect. + </p> + <p> + “I will do so,” said the stranger, “but as it cannot be + summed up in a sentence, I will take the liberty of seating myself.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he sat down in an office chair, which was placed not far from + that in which Mr. Stanton was sitting. + </p> + <p> + “My time is valuable,” said the merchant, coldly. “I + cannot listen to a long story.” + </p> + <p> + As the visitor was plainly, if not roughly, dressed, he suspected that he + desired pecuniary assistance on some pretext or other, and that his story + was one of misfortune, intended to appeal to his sympathies. Had such been + the case, there was very little prospect of help from Mr. Stanton, and + that gentleman already enjoyed in anticipation the pleasure of refusing + him. + </p> + <p> + “Don't you know me?” demanded Ralph, abruptly. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Stanton did not anticipate such a commencement. It had never occurred + to him to suppose that his rough visitor was one whom he had ever before + met. + </p> + <p> + “No,” he said, “I never saw you before.” + </p> + <p> + Ralph smiled a little bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “So I have passed entirely out of your remembrance, have I?” + he said. “Well, it is twelve years since we met.” + </p> + <p> + “Twelve years,” repeated Mr. Stanton. He scanned the + stranger's face with curiosity, but not a glimmer of recollection came to + him. + </p> + <p> + “I dare say I met many persons at that distance of time, whom I + cannot remember in the least now, even by name.” + </p> + <p> + “I think you will remember my name,” said Ralph, quietly. + “Your memory of Ralph Pendleton cannot be wholly obliterated.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Stanton started, and it was evident from the expression of his face + that the memory was not a welcome one. + </p> + <p> + “Are you Ralph Pendleton?” he asked, in an undecided voice. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but not the Ralph Pendleton you once knew. Then I was an + inexperienced boy; now I am a man.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you have changed considerably,” said Mr. Stanton, + uncomfortably, “Where have you kept yourself all these years? Why + have you not made yourself known before?” + </p> + <p> + “Before I answer these questions, I must refer to some circumstances + well known to both of us. I hope I shall not be tiresome; I will, at + least, be brief. You were my father's friend. At least, he so considered + you.” + </p> + <p> + “I was so.” + </p> + <p> + “When he died, as I had not yet attained my majority, he left you my + guardian.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “I was in rather an idle frame, and being possessed, as I supposed, + of fifty thousand dollars, I felt no necessity impelling me to work. You + gave me no advice, but rather encouraged me in my idle propensities. When + I was of age, I took a fancy to travel, and left my property in your + hands, with full power to manage it for me. This trust you accepted.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, this is an old story.” + </p> + <p> + “An old one, but it shall not be a long one. My income being + sufficient to defray my expenses abroad, I traveled leisurely, with no + thought for the future. In your integrity I had the utmost confidence. + Imagine, then, my dismay when, while resident in Paris, I received a + letter from you stating that, owing to a series of unlucky investments, + nearly all my money had been sunk, and in place of fifty thousand dollars, + my property was reduced to a few hundreds.' + </p> + <p> + “It was unlucky, I admit,” said Mr. Stanton, moving uneasily + in his chair. “My investments were unlucky, as it turned out, but + the best and most judicious cannot always foresee how an investment will + turn out. Besides, I lost largely, myself.” + </p> + <p> + “So you wrote me,” said Ralph, quietly. “However, that + did not make it any the easier for me to bear.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps not, but it shows, at any rate, that I took the same risk + for my own money that I did for others.” + </p> + <p> + Ralph proceeded without noticing this remark. “What made matters + worse for me was that I had fallen in love with a young American lady who, + with her parents, was then traveling in Europe. My circumstances, as I + supposed them to be, justified me in proposing marriage. I was accepted by + the young lady, and my choice was approved by the parents. When, however, + I learned of my loss of fortune, I at once made it known, and that + approval was withdrawn. The father told me that, under the altered + circumstances, the engagement must be considered broken. Still, he held + out the prospect that, should I ever again obtain a property as large as + that I had lost, I might marry his daughter. She, on her part, promised to + wait for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “I came to New York, received from you the remnant of my lost + fortune, and sailed the next week for California, then just open to + American enterprise. The most glowing stories were told of fortunes won in + an incredibly short time, Having no regular occupation, and having a + strong motive for acquiring money, it is not surprising that I should have + been dazzled with the rest, and persuaded to make the journey to the land + of gold.” + </p> + <p> + “A Quixotic scheme, as I thought at the time,” said Mr. + Stanton, coldly. “For one that succeeded, there were fifty who + failed. You had better have taken the clerkship I offered you.” + </p> + <p> + “You are wrong,” said Ralph, composedly. “There were + many who were disappointed, but I was not among the number.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you succeed?” asked Mr. Stanton, surprised. + </p> + <p> + “So well,” answered the other, “that at the end of two + years' residence, I found myself as rich as I had ever been.” + </p> + <p> + “Had you made fifty thousand dollars?” demanded the merchant, + in amazement. + </p> + <p> + “I had.” + </p> + <p> + “What did you do? Why did you not let me know of your success?” + </p> + <p> + “When I once more found myself possessed of a fortune, I took the + next vessel home with my money. I had but one thought, and that was to + claim the hand of my promised bride, who had promised to wait for me ten + years, if necessary.” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “I found her married,” said Ralph, bitterly. “She had + forgotten her promise, or had been over-persuaded by her parents—I + do not know which—and had proved false to me.” + </p> + <p> + “That was unfortunate. But do you still possess the money?” + </p> + <p> + “I do.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed! I congratulate you,” said Mr. Stanton, with suavity, + and he held out his hand, which Ralph did not appear to see. Ralph + Pendleton rich was a very different person from Ralph Pendleton poor, and + it occurred to him that he might so far ingratiate himself into the favor + of his former ward as to obtain the charge of his second fortune. He saw + that it would be safe, as well as politic, to exchange his coldness for a + warm and cordial welcome. + </p> + <p> + “Proceed with your story,” he said; “I am quite + interested in it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII + </h2> + <h3> + RISEN FROM THE DEAD + </h3> + <p> + Ralph Pendleton proceeded. + </p> + <p> + “This blow overwhelmed me. All that I had been laboring for seemed + suddenly snatched from me.” + </p> + <p> + “You had your money,” suggested Mr. Stanton. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I had my money; but for money itself I cared little.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Stanton shrugged his shoulders a little contemptuously. He could not + understand how anyone could think slightingly of money, and he decided in + his own mind that Ralph was an unpractical enthusiast. + </p> + <p> + “I valued money only as a means to an end, and that end was to make + Margaret Lindsay my wife. She failed me, and my money lost its charm.” + </p> + <p> + “There were plenty who could have consoled you in her place.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt, I might have been successful in other quarters, but I did + not care to try. I left New York in disgust, and, going West, I buried + myself in the forest, where I built a rude cabin, and there I have lived + since, an unsocial, solitary life. Years have passed since I visited New + York.” + </p> + <p> + “What did you do with your money all this while?” + </p> + <p> + “I left it in the hands of men whom I could trust. It has been + accumulating all these years, and I find that the fifty thousand dollars + have swelled to ninety thousand.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed!” ejaculated Mr. Stanton, his respect for Ralph + considerably raised. “And now you have come here to enjoy it, I + suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “A different motive has led to my coming—a motive connected + with you,” said Ralph, fixing his eyes steadily upon Mr. Stanton. + </p> + <p> + “Connected with me!” repeated the merchant, uneasily. + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “May I ask in what manner?” + </p> + <p> + “I expected the question, and am come to answer it. When I returned + from Europe impoverished, you gave me a brief statement of the manner in + which you had invested my fortune, and showed me how it had melted away + like snow before the sun.” + </p> + <p> + “You remember rightly. I bought, on your account, shares in Lake + Superior Mining Company, which promised excellently, and bade fair to make + handsome returns. But it proved to be under the management of knaves, and + ran quickly down from par to two per cent., at which price I thought best + to sell out, considering that a little saved from the wreck was better + than nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “This is according to the statement you made me,” said Ralph, + quietly. + </p> + <p> + “I am sure,” said Mr. Stanton, “that no one regretted + more than I do the disastrous result. Indeed, I had reason to do so, for I + was myself involved, and suffered considerable loss.” + </p> + <p> + “I am aware now that you were concerned in the matter,” said + Ralph, significantly. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” asked Mr. Stanton, quickly, detecting + something peculiar in his tone. + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you. You were right in denouncing the management as + knavish. The company was got up by knaves, on a basis of fraud, and was + from the first intended as a trap for the unwary. But there is one + important circumstance which you have neglected to mention.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” asked Mr. Stanton, in a voice which strove to + be composed. + </p> + <p> + “I mean this,” said Ralph, firmly, “that you yourself + were the prime originator of the company—that you engineered it + through to the end—that you invested my money with the express + intention of converting it to your own profit. I charge you with this, + that all, or nearly all the property I lost, went into your pocket.” + </p> + <p> + The color came and went in Mr. Stanton's face. He seemed staggered by this + sudden and unexpected accusation, and did not at first make reply. + </p> + <p> + Feeling forced to speak at last, he said: “This is very strange + language, Mr. Pendleton.” + </p> + <p> + “It is unexpected, no doubt, for after all these years you probably + thought it would remain forever unknown; but in what respect is it + strange? I have given you a statement of facts as directly as I could.” + </p> + <p> + “They are not facts. Your charge is wholly false,” said the + merchant, but his tone was not that of a man who speaks the truth boldly. + </p> + <p> + “I wish I could believe it,” said Ralph. “I wish I could + believe that I was not deliberately swindled by one who professed to be my + father's friend.” + </p> + <p> + “On what authority do you bring this monstrous charge?” + demanded Mr. Stanton, more boldly. “How happens it that you have not + made it before?” + </p> + <p> + “For the simple reason that I myself did not suspect any fraud. I + presumed that it was as you stated to me, and that your only fault was + your injudicious investment.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I admit that, as it turned out, the investment was + injudicious. Everything else I deny.” + </p> + <p> + “Your denial is vain.” + </p> + <p> + “You cannot prove the truth of what you say.” + </p> + <p> + “So you fall back on that? But you are mistaken. I can prove the + truth of what I say,” said Ralph firmly. + </p> + <p> + “How?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you remember a man named David Marston?” + </p> + <p> + “He is dead,” said Mr. Stanton, hastily. + </p> + <p> + “So you have supposed,” said Ralph; “but you were + deceived. He is not dead. I only encountered him a week since, quite by + accident, in my Western home. He was your confidential clerk, you + remember, and fully acquainted with all your business transactions at the + time of which I am speaking. From him I learned how basely I had been + deceived, and with what deliberate cruelty you conspired to rob the son of + your dead friend.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe David Marston is alive,” said Mr. Stanton, + hoarsely, with a certain terror in his face. “Indeed, I have proof + that he is dead.” + </p> + <p> + “I know the character of your proof. A paper was forwarded to you + from Australia, whither you had sent him, containing the record of his + death.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes? What have you to say against this?” + </p> + <p> + “That the publication was a mistake. He was dangerously sick, and it + was falsely announced that he was dead. That notice was sent to you, and + you believed it to be true.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe it now,” said Mr. Stanton, doggedly. “Why + should I not?” + </p> + <p> + “If you wish to be convinced, proof is at hand. Wait a moment.” + </p> + <p> + Ralph Pendleton rose from his seat and left the counting-room. Two minutes + had not passed when he returned with an elderly man, thin of face and + wasted in figure, looking twenty years older than Mr. Stanton, though + really of about the same age. + </p> + <p> + “This is David Marston,” said Ralph—“the living + proof that I have told you the truth.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Stanton gazed at him wildly, for to him it was as the face of one + risen from the dead. + </p> + <p> + “How do you do, Mr. Stanton?” said David Marston, humbly. + “It is many, many years since we met, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you really David Marston?” demanded Mr. Stanton, never + taking his eyes off the shrunken figure of his old clerk. + </p> + <p> + “I am, sir; greatly changed indeed, but still the David Marston who + was formerly in your employ. Time hasn't treated me as well as it has you, + sir. I've been unlucky, and aged fast.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid your mind is also affected. You have been telling + strange stories to Mr. Pendleton here.” + </p> + <p> + “True stories, sir,” said David, firmly. + </p> + <p> + “Come, come, how much is he going to give you for this evidence of + yours?” + </p> + <p> + “Stop, Mr. Stanton! You insult us both,” said Ralph Pendleton, + sternly. “I am not the man to buy false evidence, nor is David + Marston the man to perjure himself for pay. David, I want you, in Mr. + Stanton's presence, to make a clear statement of his connection with the + mining company by which I lost my fortune.” + </p> + <p> + David Marston obeyed, and in a few words as possible unfolded the story. + It is not necessary to repeat it here. Enough that it fully substantiated + the charge which Ralph had brought against his early guardian. + </p> + <p> + When he had finished, Ralph said, “You can judge what weight + Marston's testimony would have before a court of justice, and whether it + would help your commercial standing to have his story made public.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it you want of me?” said Mr. Stanton, sullenly. + </p> + <p> + “I want restitution, dollar for dollar, of my lost money. I will + waive interest, though I might justly claim it. But, were it all paid, + interest and principal, the wrong would not be redressed. You cannot + restore the bride who would have been mine but for your villainy.” + </p> + <p> + “How much time will you give me to pay this money?” asked the + merchant, moodily. + </p> + <p> + “Ten days.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a short time.” + </p> + <p> + “It must suffice. Do you agree?” + </p> + <p> + “I must.” + </p> + <p> + “Bind yourself to that, and for ten days I leave you free.” + </p> + <p> + Satisfactory security was given that the engagement would be met, and + Ralph Pendleton left the counting-room. But his countenance was scarcely + more cheerful than that of the man he had conquered. + </p> + <p> + “I am rich,” he said to himself; “but of what avail is + it? Whom can I benefit with my wealth?” + </p> + <p> + This thought had scarcely crossed his mind when he came face to face with + Herbert, walking with a sad and downcast face in the opposite direction. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII + </h2> + <h3> + A FRIEND IN NEED + </h3> + <p> + Herbert left Mr. Godfrey's counting-room very much depressed in spirits. + But an hour before he had rejoiced in his excellent prospects, and, + depending on the favor of his employer and his own fidelity, had looked + forward to a bright future. Now all was changed. He was dismissed from his + situation in disgrace, suspected of a mean theft. He had, to be sure, the + consciousness of innocence, and that was a great deal. He was not weighed + down by the feeling of guilt, at least. Still his prospects were dark. + Suppose the matter should not be cleared up, and he should still remain + under suspicion? How could he hope to obtain another place without a + recommendation from his late employer? No; he must resign all hope of a + position and adopt some street occupation, such as selling papers or + vending small articles in a basket, as he had seen boys of his own age + doing. He did not doubt but that in some way he could get a living, but + still he would be under suspicion, and that was hard to bear. + </p> + <p> + While these things were passing through his mind he walked down Broadway, + with his eyes fixed upon the sidewalk. All at once he started to hear his + name called, and, looking up, to his unbounded astonishment he saw before + him Ralph the Ranger, whom he had supposed a thousand miles away in his + cabin in the Ohio woods. + </p> + <p> + The sight of a friendly face was most welcome to him at such a time, and + Ralph's face was friendly. + </p> + <p> + “Ralph!” he exclaimed, seizing the Ranger's hand. “How + did you come here? When did you arrive? You are the last person I expected + to see.” + </p> + <p> + “And you are the one I most wanted to see,” said Ralph, his + tone unconsciously softened by his friendly interest in the boy before + him. + </p> + <p> + “I can say the same, Ralph,” said Herbert, soberly, “for + I am in trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “In trouble, boy? I am sorry for that. Is it money? I can get you + out of that trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not that exactly, Ralph. If you will come into the City Hall + Park and sit down on a bench with me I will tell you all about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Instead of that, let us go into the Astor House,” said Ralph. + “It is where I am stopping.” + </p> + <p> + “You are stopping at the Astor House?” said Herbert, in + momentary surprise. “Perhaps you do not know that there are cheaper + hotels. Shall I direct you to one?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Herbert, I am not poor, as you perhaps think. I suppose I + should be called rich; but that I can explain afterwards. For the present + your affairs require attention. Come in.” + </p> + <p> + They went up the steps of the Astor House, and Ralph led the way to his + room, an apartment of good size and handsomely furnished. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Herbert, take a chair and tell me all,” he said. + </p> + <p> + To repeat Herbert's story here is unnecessary. Ralph listened with + attention, and when it was concluded he said: “The main thing is to + account for the money in your possession. Do you think you should remember + the policeman who aided you in recovering your money?” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure I should.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he know how much money you recovered?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, for he saw me count the bills.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we must seek him out and induce him to go with us to Mr. + Godfrey's counting-room and give his testimony.” + </p> + <p> + “I never thought of that,” said Herbert, his face brightening. + “When shall we go?” + </p> + <p> + “Now. I have nothing else to occupy me, and the sooner you are + righted the better.” + </p> + <p> + They went out together, and made their way at once to the spot where + Herbert had encountered Greenleaf. They had to wait but a brief time when + the policeman came up. + </p> + <p> + “Do you remember me?” asked Herbert, going up to him. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he replied; “you are the boy that overhauled a + thief the other day, and got back his money.” + </p> + <p> + “You see, he remembers,” said Herbert, with satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “My friend,” said Ralph, “when will you be off duty?” + </p> + <p> + “In half an hour,” said the policeman, in surprise. + </p> + <p> + “In half an hour, then, I want you to go with me to this boys + employer and repeat your story. The possession of the money has caused him + to be suspected, and your evidence, confirming his own, will clear him of + having obtained it improperly.” + </p> + <p> + “I will go,” said the officer, “and shall be glad to get + him out of a scrape. It was all fair and above-board, and I'll say so + cheerfully.” + </p> + <p> + At the end of the half hour the three made their way to Mr. Godfrey's + place of business and entered together. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Godfrey marked their entrance with surprise, and looked inquiringly at + Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Godfrey,” said Herbert, respectfully, “I have come + to prove to you that the money I have in my pocketbook is my own.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be very glad if you can do so,” said Mr. Godfrey; and + it was evident from his manner that he spoke sincerely. + </p> + <p> + “This officer knows all the circumstances, and will tell you what he + knows.” + </p> + <p> + The policeman made his statement, partly in answer to questions from Mr. + Godfrey. + </p> + <p> + “The explanation is satisfactory,” said Mr. Godfrey, “and + convinces me. It does not, however, absolutely clear you, since between + the time of the money being lost and your being searched you went out to + the post office, and you might have disposed of the pocketbook and its + contents on the way.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert's countenance fell, but Mr. Godfrey hastened to add. “Although + your vindication is not complete, I will say that I believe you fully, and + will receive you back into my employ.” + </p> + <p> + “You have forgotten one thing, sir,” said Herbert. “Thomas + declares that he saw me pick up the wallet and put it in my pocket.” + </p> + <p> + “So I did,” said Tom, boldly. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Godfrey looked perplexed, and was hesitating what to say when Mr. + Walton, the owner of the lost pocketbook, hurriedly entered. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Godfrey,” he said, “I have to beg your pardon, and, + most of all, the pardon of this boy,” indicating Herbert. “I + have found my pocketbook. I didn't lose it here, but my pocket was picked + in the street. The pickpocket was arrested, and the wallet has been + returned to me. This boy is innocent.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very glad to hear it,” said Mr. Godfrey, with emphasis. + “Herbert, I will try to make amends to you for my transient + suspicions of your honesty. As for you,” he continued, turning to + Thomas and speaking sternly, “I despise you for your mean attempt to + injure your fellow-clerk. You must leave my employment to-day. I shall + write to your father the reasons for dismissing you.” + </p> + <p> + “I can get along without your paltry four dollars a week,” + said Tom, with bravado. “I am not a beggar.” + </p> + <p> + “You may be something worse, if you do not amend,” said Mr. + Godfrey.” Mr. Pratt, you may pay him for the entire week, and he can + go at once.” + </p> + <p> + Although Tom professed so much disdain for the four dollars a week, he did + not decline the week's pay directed to be paid to him, but placed the + money in his vest pocket and went out with assumed nonchalance, though, in + reality, deeply mortified at the unexpected discovery of his meanness. + </p> + <p> + “As for you, Herbert,” said Mr. Godfrey, “you can come + back at once, and I will raise your pay to eight dollars a week. I owe you + some reparation for the injury you came so near suffering. I will never + again doubt your integrity.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir,” said Herbert; “I shall be glad to come + back.” + </p> + <p> + “Before this matter is decided,” said Ralph, “I have a + proposition to make to Herbert. I am rich, and have no one to share or + inherit my wealth. I propose to adopt him—to give him an opportunity + to complete his education in Europe, whither I propose going, and if some + years hence you shall be willing to receive him, he can then enter your + counting-room to learn business. The amount of compensation will be + unimportant, as I shall provide for him amply.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert stared at Ralph in amazement. He could hardly realize that the + offer was indeed a genuine one. + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean that I am to go to Europe with you, Ralph?” he + said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, if you like.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall like it VERY MUCH,” said Herbert, enthusiastically. + “How can I thank you for so much generous kindness!” + </p> + <p> + “Your companionship will cheer me, and give me something to live + for, Herbert,” said Ralph. “Through you I hope some day to + enjoy life again.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert's clasped the Ranger's hand in impulsive gratitude, while his face + beamed with pleasure. + </p> + <p> + “I congratulate you, Herbert,” said Mr. Godfrey, kindly, + “though I am sorry to lose you. Whenever your guardian is ready to + have you enter on a business career, a place in my counting-room shall be + open to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Ralph,” said Herbert, seriously, as they went from the + counting-room in company, “all that has happened seems so wonderful + that I am a little afraid I shall wake up to find it all a dream.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a change to me also,” said Ralph, “to have a new + interest in life. The past is a sealed book. Let us look forward to a + bright and pleasant future. Whatever pleasures and advantages money can + obtain for you shall be yours.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” said Herbert, gratefully. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIV + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_CONC" id="link2H_CONC"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CONCLUSION + </h2> + <p> + “Where are you boarding, Herbert?” asked Ralph. + </p> + <p> + “In Stanton Street.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall wish you at once to remove to the Astor House, in order + that we may be together until we sail for Europe.” + </p> + <p> + To this pleasant arrangement Herbert made no opposition. He found it a + great change from the dirty and slipshod boarding-house to the elegant + arrangements of a first-class hotel. It is needless to say that he enjoyed + that change not a little. He often had the feeling, of which he had spoken + to Ralph, that it was a dream from which he would some time awake. But the + dream was destined to be a pretty long one. + </p> + <p> + Within a week, much against his will, Mr. Stanton paid over to Ralph + Pendleton the fifty thousand dollars of which he had years ago defrauded + him, and thus the Ranger found himself master of a fortune of nearly one + hundred and fifty thousand dollars. He settled without delay a comfortable + annuity on David Marston, the old clerk, through whose evidence he had + been able to ferret out the treachery of Mr. Stanton. Marston needed it, + for his health was broken down and he was an invalid, prematurely old. He + is now settled in a comfortable boarding-house in Clinton Street, and + usually spends his mornings at the Mercantile Library Reading-Room, in + Astor Place, reading the morning papers. Sometimes he ventures downtown, + and takes a slow walk through the streets, crowded with busy, bustling + men, and recalls the years when he, too, was one of them. + </p> + <p> + Before sailing for Europe, Herbert expressed a desire to repay his uncle + the sum of ten dollars, which the latter had sent to him. Ralph was + surprised when he learned that this uncle, of whom Herbert spoke, was the + same man who had been his former guardian. He approved our hero's + determination, and one morning Herbert entered for the first time his + uncle's place of business. + </p> + <p> + “Is Mr. Stanton in?” he asked of a clerk. + </p> + <p> + The clerk, in reply, pointed to the office. + </p> + <p> + Herbert entered. + </p> + <p> + His uncle looked up, but although he had seen our hero at a concert at the + Academy of Music, he did not recognize him in the new and fashionable suit + which Ralph had purchased for him. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Stanton, I suppose?” said Herbert, with quiet + self-possession. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Do you wish to speak with me?” + </p> + <p> + “I must introduce myself,” said Herbert. “I am Herbert + Mason, your nephew.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed!” said Mr. Stanton, surprised. “When did you + come to the city?” + </p> + <p> + “Some weeks since.” + </p> + <p> + “What brought you here?” + </p> + <p> + “I had my living to make. I preferred to make it in the city.” + </p> + <p> + “The city is crowded. You had better have remained in the country.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not think so,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “You could have got a place on a farm, and in time perhaps might + have bought a little land for yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert smiled. + </p> + <p> + “I did get a place on a farm,” he said; “but I did not + like it.” + </p> + <p> + “What are you doing in the city? Have you got a place?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at present.” + </p> + <p> + “So I supposed,” said his uncle, frowning. “I told you + the city was overcrowded. You should not have come here. I suppose you + relied on me to help you to something. But I have my own family to take + care of, and my first duty is to them, as you must be aware.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think you quite understand my object in calling,” + said Herbert, quietly. “I have not come for assistance of any kind.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed!” returned Mr. Stanton, appearing to be puzzled. + </p> + <p> + “You sent me ten dollars in a letter to Dr. Kent some months since?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. I felt that it was best for you to depend on yourself, and + that more would only encourage you to idleness.” + </p> + <p> + “I have come to thank you for the LOAN,” said Herbert, + emphasizing the last word, “and to return the money.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” exclaimed Mr. Stanton, now thoroughly amazed. + </p> + <p> + Herbert repeated his former words. + </p> + <p> + “But I don't understand this. You are out of a place; yet you do not + need this money.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I do not need it.” + </p> + <p> + This was certainly astonishing, and Mr. Stanton gazed at his nephew as if + he did not know what to make of it. + </p> + <p> + “What are your plans?” he asked. “What are you going to + do?” + </p> + <p> + “I sail for Europe next week,” said Herbert, enjoying his + uncle's surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Sail for Europe!” ejaculated Mr. Stanton, scarcely believing + his ears. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am to go to school there, and shall probably remain three or + four years.” + </p> + <p> + “You are trifling with me,” said his uncle, irritably. “How + can you go to Europe without money?” + </p> + <p> + Herbert felt that the time had come for an explanation. + </p> + <p> + “A friend,” he said, “kindly undertakes to pay all my + expenses. I go with him.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is your friend?” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Ralph Pendleton. I believe you know him.” + </p> + <p> + “Ralph Pendleton!” repeated Mr. Stanton, in renewed surprise. + “How did you become acquainted with him?” + </p> + <p> + “The farmer with whom I was placed in Ohio ill-treated me. Ralph + lived near by, and helped me to run away.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Stanton made no comment. Indeed, his surprise was such that he knew + not what to say. His friendless and penniless nephew, as he had regarded + him, was about to share advantages which he would gladly have obtained for + his own son. When, that evening, at home, he told his family of Herbert's + good fortune, Tom was filled with bitter envy. If it had been any other + boy he would have cared less, but for “that begger Herbert” to + go to Europe in charge of a man of wealth was very mortifying to his + pride. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Stanton made a faint protest against receiving the ten dollars + tendered by his nephew, but Herbert was determined to repay it. He placed + it on the desk and eventually Mr. Stanton placed it in his pocketbook. + </p> + <p> + After some reflection, finding his nephew very differently situated from + what he had supposed, Mr. Stanton, with the concurrence of his wife, whose + opinion also had been changed, sent an invitation to Ralph and Herbert to + dine with them previous to their sailing for Europe. Herbert, by his new + guardian's direction, returned a polite reply, to the effect that they + were too busy in making preparations for their departure to accept the + invitation. Ralph did not feel like sitting as the guest of a man who had + cruelly defrauded him, and had only done him justice when he was actually + compelled to do so. + </p> + <p> + In due time our hero sailed for Europe with Mr. Ralph Pendleton. They + divided their time between Paris and Berlin, Herbert studying at both + places. With his natural good abilities, he made rapid progress, and at + the end of four years was an accomplished scholar, able to speak both + French and German with facility. In watching his progress, Ralph Pendleton + found a new and fresh interest in life. He recovered from his old, morbid + feeling, and became cheerful and happy. On returning to New York, Herbert, + who felt that he should enjoy a life of business better than a + professional career, entered the counting-room of Mr. Godfrey. At + twenty-one, the junior partner retiring, he was received as partner in his + place, his guardian, Ralph Pendleton, purchasing an interest for him at a + cost of fifty thousand dollars. He developed good business abilities, and + bid fair to swell this sum, in time, to a large fortune. There is a + prospect that he will, in time, sustain a closer relation to his senior + partner, as it is rumored that Julia Godfrey, now a brilliant young belle, + prefers her father's young partner to any of the crowd of young men who + pay her court. + </p> + <p> + The other characters in our story demand a few closing words. First, for + Mr. Stanton. It might have been the sudden withdrawal of the fifty + thousand dollars from his business that embarrassed him. At any rate, from + that time nothing prospered with him. He met with loss after loss, until, + in a time of financial panic he failed. He saved but a little from the + wreck of his fortune, That little started him in a modest business, + yielding him, perhaps, one-tenth his former income. The brownstone house + was sold. He moved into a shabby house in an obscure street, where Mrs. + Stanton spends her time mostly in bewailing the loss of her former + splendor. + </p> + <p> + Tom developed habits of extravagance, and seemed indisposed to work + steadily. Finally, when his reverses came, his father was compelled to + refuse further assistance, and now Tom, in an inferior clerkship, on a + small salary, gazes with envy at his once-despised cousin, with whom he + has completely changed places. How he will come out eventually is + doubtful. Unless he changes considerably, it is not likely that his + circumstances will ever be much better than at present. + </p> + <p> + Abner Holden died suddenly last year in a fit of delirium tremens. His + habits of intemperance grew upon him until they led to this sad result. + His death did not excite any very prolonged grief in the community, as his + temper and uncertain honesty had made him very far from popular. To the + housekeeper who had been kind to him, Herbert sent a valuable silk dress, + of the richest fabric, of which Mrs. Bickford is very proud. She only + wears it on great occasions, and then is particular to mention that it was + presented to her by Herbert Mason, of the great New York firm of Godfrey + & Mason, who was once Abner Holden's bound boy. + </p> + <p> + Nor was Herbert forgetful of his good friends, the Kents. He paid off the + mortgage on the doctor's place, and insisted on putting the house in + thorough repair, and newly furnishing it, so that now the town of Waverley + does not contain a handsomer house, inside and out, than that of Dr. Kent. + </p> + <p> + So we bid farewell to our young hero, fairly launched on a prosperous + career, trusting that his life-path may be bright to the end, and that he + may leave behind him, at the end of his career, the reputation of a noble + and honorable merchant, and a life filled with good deeds. + </p> + <h3> + THE END + </h3> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Try and Trust, by Horatio Alger + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TRY AND TRUST *** + +***** This file should be named 5778-h.htm or 5778-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/5/7/7/5778/ + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Charles Franks and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team + +This HTML file produced by David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Try and Trust + +Author: Horatio Alger + + +Release Date: May, 2004 [EBook #5778] +This file was first posted on September 1, 2002 +Last Updated: April 10, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TRY AND TRUST *** + + + + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Charles Franks and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + + + + + + + +TRY AND TRUST + +Or, Abner Holden's Bound Boy + +By Horatio Alger, Jr. + + +Author Of "Paul The Peddler," "From Farm Boy To Senator," "Slow And +Sure," Etc. + +The Mershon Company + +Rahway, N.J., New York + + +TO MY YOUNG FRIEND, + +A. FLORIAN HENRIQUES (BOISIE), + +THIS VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED + + + +CONTENTS + + I. AROUND THE BREAKFAST TABLE + II. INTRODUCING THE HERO + III. A COLLISION + IV. A DISAGREEABLE SURPRISE + V. THE ENVELOPE + VI. ON THE WAY + VII. A NEW HOME + VIII. THE GHOST IN THE ATTIC + IX. EXPOSING A FRAUD + X. THE CLOUDS GATHER + XI. A CRISIS + XII. RALPH THE RANGER + XIII. A MOMENT OF PERIL + XIV. TAKEN PRISONER + XV. A FOUR-FOOTED FOE + XVI. JUST TOO LATE + XVII. NEW ACQUAINTANCES + XVIII. A YOUNG ARISTOCRAT + XIX. A SUSPICIOUS CHARACTER + XX. FACING A BURGLAR + XXI. HERBERT'S REWARD + XXII. ROBBED IN THE NIGHT + XXIII. A BUSINESS CALL + XXIV. FINDING A BOARDING PLACE + XXV. GETTING A SITUATION + XXVI. A FAMILY COUNCIL + XXVII. AT THE CONCERT + XXVIII. PETER GREENLEAF AGAIN + XXIX. SPARRING + XXX. AN UNEXPECTED BLOW + XXXI. MR. STANTON IS SURPRISED + XXXII. RISEN FROM THE DEAD + XXXIII. A FRIEND IN NEED + XXXIV. CONCLUSION + + + + +CHAPTER I + +AROUND THE BREAKFAST TABLE + + +"Well, wife," said Mr. Benjamin Stanton, as he sat down to a late +breakfast, "I had a letter from Ohio yesterday." + +"From Ohio? Who should write you from Ohio? Anyone I know?" + +"My sister, Margaret, you remember, moved out there with her husband ten +years ago." + +"Oh, it's from her, is it?" said Mrs. Stanton, indifferently. + +"No," said her husband with momentary gravity. "It's from a Dr. Kent, +who attended her in her last illness. Margaret is dead!" + +"Dear me!" returned Mrs. Stanton, uncomfortably; "and I am just out of +mourning for my aunt. Do you think it will be necessary for us to go +into mourning for your sister?" + +"No, I think not," said her husband. "Margaret has lived away from us +so long, and people won't know that we have had a death in the family +unless we mention it." + +"Was that all the letter said--about the death, I mean?" + +"Why, no," said Mr. Stanton, with a little frown. "It seems Margaret +left a child--a boy of fourteen; and, as she left no property, the +doctor suggests that I should send for the boy and assume the care of +him." + +"Upon my word!" said Mrs. Stanton; "you will find yourself in business +if you undertake to provide for all the beggars' brats that apply to you +for assistance." + +"You must remember that you are speaking of my sister's child," said Mr. +Stanton, who, cold and selfish and worldly as he was, had some touch +of decency about him, and did not relish the term "beggars' brats," as +applied to one so nearly related to him. + +"Well, call him what you like," said his wife; "only don't be so foolish +as to go spending your money on him when our children need all we have. +There's Maria needs a new dress immediately. She says all the girls at +Signor Madalini's dancing academy dress elegantly, and she's positively +ashamed to appear in any of her present dresses." + +"How much will it cost?" asked Mr. Stanton, opening his pocketbook. + +"You may hand me seventy-five dollars. I think I can make that do." + +Without a word of remonstrance, the money was placed in her hand. + +"I want some money, too," said Tom Stanton, who had just disposed of a +very hearty meal. + +"What do you want it for, Tom?" + +"Oh, some of the fellows are getting up a club. It's going to be a +select affair, and of course each of us has got to contribute some +money. You see, we are going to hire a room, furnish it nicely with a +carpet, black walnut furniture, and so on, and that'll cost something." + +"Whose idea is it?" + +"Well, Sam Paget was the first boy that mentioned it." + +"Whose son is he?" + +"His father belongs to the firm of Paget, Norwood & Co. He's awful +rich." + +"Yes, it is one of our first families," said Mr. Stanton, with +satisfaction. "Is he a friend of yours, Tom?" + +"Oh, yes, we are quit intimate." + +"That's right!" said his father, approvingly. "I am glad you choose your +friends so well. That's one of the principal reasons I have for sending +you to an expensive school, to get you well launched into good society." + +"Yes, father, I understand," said Tom. "You won't find me associating +with common boys. I hold my head a little too high for that, I can tell +you." + +"That's right, my boy," said Mr. Stanton, with satisfaction. "And now +how much money do you want for this club of yours?" + +"Well," said Tom, hesitatingly, "thirty or forty dollars." + +"Isn't that considerable?" said his father, surprised at the amount. + +"Well, you see, father, I want to contribute as much as any of the boys. +It would seem mean if I didn't. There's only a few of us to stand the +expense, and we don't want to let in any out of our own set." + +"That's true," said Mr. Stanton; "I approve of that. It's all very well +to talk about democracy, but I believe in those of the higher orders +keeping by themselves." + +"Then you'll give the money, father?" said Tom, eagerly. + +"Yes, Tom, there's forty dollars. It's more than I ought to spare, but +I am determined you shall stand as good a chance as any of your +school-fellows. They shan't be able to say that your father stints you +in anything that your position requires." + +"Thank you, father," said Tom, pocketing the two twenty-dollar bills +with great satisfaction. + +The fact was that Tom's assessment amounted to only twenty dollars, but +he thought it would be a good excuse for getting more out of his father. +As to the extra money, Tom felt confident that he could find uses enough +for it. He had latterly, though but fourteen years of age, contracted +the habit of smoking cigars; a habit which he found rather expensive, +especially as he felt bound occasionally to treat his companions. +Then he liked, now and then, to drop in and get an ice-cream or some +confectionery, and these little expenses counted up. + +Mr. Stanton was a vain, worldly man. He was anxious to obtain an +entrance into the best society. For this reason, he made it a point +to send his children to the most expensive schools; trusting to their +forming fashionable acquaintances, through whom his whole family might +obtain recognition into those select circles for which he cherished +a most undemocratic respect. For this reason it was that, though not +naturally liberal, he had opened his purse willingly at the demands of +Mrs. Stanton and Tom. + +"Well," said Mrs. Stanton, after Tom's little financial affair had been +adjusted, "what are you going to write to this doctor? Of course you +won't think of sending for your nephew?" + +"By no means. He is much better off where he is. I shall write Dr. Kent +that he is old enough to earn his own living, and I shall recommend that +he be bound out to some farmer or mechanic in the neighborhood. It is +an imposition to expect, because I am tolerably well off, that it is my +duty to support other people's children. My own are entitled to all I +can do for them." + +"That's so, father," said Tom, who was ready enough to give his consent +to any proposition of a selfish nature. "Charity begins at home." + +With Tom, by the way, it not only began at home, but it ended there, and +the same may be said of his father. From time to time Mr. Stanton's name +was found in the list of donors to some charitable object, provided his +benevolence was likely to obtain sufficient publicity, Mr. Stanton did +not believe in giving in secret. What was the use of giving away money +unless you could get credit for it? That was the principle upon which he +always acted. + +"I suppose," continued Tom, "this country cousin of mine wears cowhide +boots and overalls, and has got rough, red hands like a common laborer. +I wonder what Sam Paget would say if I should introduce such a fellow +to him as my cousin. I rather guess he would not want to be quite so +intimate with me as he is now." + +If anything had been needed, this consideration would have been +sufficient to deter Mr. Stanton from sending for his nephew. He could +not permit the social standing of his family to be compromised by the +presence of a poor relation from the country, rough and unpolished as he +doubtless was. + +Maria, too, who had been for some time silent, here contributed to +strengthen the effect of Tom's words. + +"Yes," said she, "and Laura Brooks, my most intimate friend, who is +shocked at anything vulgar or countrified--I wouldn't have her know that +I have such a cousin--oh, not for the world!" + +"There will be no occasion for it," said her father, decidedly. "I shall +write at once to this Dr. Kent, explaining to him my views and +wishes, and how impossible it is for me to do as he so inconsiderately +suggests." + +"It's the wisest thing you can do, Mr. Stanton," said his wife, who was +to the full as selfish as her husband. + +"What is his name, father?" asked Maria. + +"Whose name?" + +"The boy's." + +"Herbert Mason." + +"Herbert? I thought it might be Jonathan, or Zeke, or some such name. +Herbert isn't at all countrified." + +"No," said Tom, slyly; "of course not. We all know why you like that +name." + +"Oh, you're mighty wise, Mr. Tom!" retorted his sister. + +"It's because you like Herbert Dartmouth; but it isn't any use. He's in +love with Lizzie Graves." + +"You seem to know all about it," said Maria, with vexation; for Tom was +not far from right in speaking of her preference for Herbert Dartmouth. + +"Of course I do," said Tom; "I ought to, for he told me so himself." + +"I don't believe it!" said Maria, who looked ready to cry. + +"Well, you needn't; but it's so." + +"Be quiet, children," said Mrs. Stanton. "Thomas, you mustn't plague +your sister." + +"Don't take it so hard, Maria," said Tom, in rather an aggravating tone. +"There's other boys you could get. I guess you could get Jim Gorham for +a beau, if you tried hard enough." + +"I wouldn't have him," said Maria. "His face is all over freckles." + +"Enough of this quarreling, children," said Mrs. Stanton. "I hope," she +continued, addressing her husband, "you won't fail to write at once. +They might be sending on the boy, and then we should be in a pretty +predicament." + +"I will write at once. I don't know but I ought to inclose some money." + +"I don't see why you need to." + +"Perhaps I had better, as this is the last I intend to do for him." + +"At any rate, it won't be necessary to send much," said Mrs. Stanton. + +"How much?" + +"Five dollars will do, I should think. Because he happens to be your +nephew, there is no good reason why he should be thrown upon you for +support." + +"Perhaps it will be best to send ten dollars," said Mr. Stanton. "People +are unreasonable, you know, and they might charge me with meanness, if I +sent less." + +"Then make it ten. It's only for once. I hope that will be the last we +shall hear of him." + +The room in which this conversation took place was a handsomely +furnished breakfast room, all the appointments of which spoke not only +of comfort, but of luxury. Mr. Stanton had been made rich by a series of +lucky speculations, and he was at present carrying on a large wholesale +store downtown. He had commenced with small means twenty years before, +and for some years had advanced slowly, until the tide of fortune set in +and made him rich. His present handsome residence he had only occupied +three years, having moved to it from one of much smaller pretensions on +Bleecker Street. Tom and Maria were forbidden to speak of their former +home to their present fashionable acquaintances, and this prohibition +they were likely to observe, having inherited to the full the worldly +spirit which actuated their parents. It will be seen that Herbert Mason +was little likely to be benefited by having such prosperous relations. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +INTRODUCING THE HERO + + +If my young readers do not find the town of Waverley on the map of Ohio, +they may conclude that it was too small to attract the notice of the +map-makers. The village is small, consisting of about a dozen houses, +a church, a schoolhouse, and, as a matter of course, one of that +well-known class of stores in which everything required for the family +is sold, from a dress-pattern to a pound of sugar. Outside of the +village there are farmhouses, surrounded by broad acres, which keep them +at respectable distances from each other, like the feudal castles of +the Middle Ages. The land is good, and the farmers are thrifty and +well-to-do; but probably the whole town contains less than a thousand +inhabitants. + +In one of the houses, near the church, lived Dr. Kent, whose letter has +already been referred to. He was a skillful physician, and a very worthy +man, who would have been very glad to be benevolent if his limited +practice had supplied him with the requisite means. But chance had +directed him to a healthy and sparsely-settled neighborhood, where he +was able only to earn a respectable livelihood, and indeed found himself +compelled to economize at times where he would have liked to indulge +himself in expense. + +When Mrs. Mason died it was found that the sale of her furniture barely +realized enough to defray the expenses of her funeral. Herbert, her only +son, was left wholly unprovided for. Dr. Kent, knowing that he had a +rich uncle in New York, undertook to communicate to him the position in +which his nephew had been left, never doubting that he would cheerfully +extend a helping hand to him. Meanwhile he invited Herbert to come to +his house and make it his home till his uncle should send for him. + +Herbert was a handsome, well-grown boy of fourteen, and a general +favorite in the village. While his mother lived he had done all he could +to lighten her tasks, and he grieved deeply for her loss now that she +was gone. His father had ten years before failed in business in the city +of New York, and, in a fit of depression, had emigrated to this obscure +country village, where he had invested the few hundred dollars remaining +to him in a farm, from which he was able to draw a scanty income. +Being a man of liberal education, he had personally superintended the +education of his son till his death, two years before, so that Herbert's +attainments were considerably in advance of those of other boys of his +age in the neighborhood. He knew something of Latin and French, which +made him looked upon as quite a model of learning by his playmates. +After his father's death he had continued the daily study of the +languages, so that he was able to read ordinary French with nearly as +much ease as if it were English. Though studious, he was not a bookworm, +but was distinguished in athletic sports popular with boys of his age. + +Enough has been said of our hero by way of introduction. Herbert's +faults and virtues will appear as the record of his adventures is +continued. It may be hinted only that, while he was frank, manly, and +generous in his disposition, he was proud and high-spirited also, and +perhaps these qualities were sometimes carried to excess. He would not +allow himself to be imposed upon if he could help it. Being strong for +his age, he was always able to maintain his rights, but never abused his +strength by making it the instrument of tyrannizing over weaker boys. + +Of course Herbert felt somewhat anxious as to his future prospects. He +knew that the doctor had written to his Uncle Benjamin about him, and he +hoped that he might be sent for to New York, having a great curiosity to +see the city, of which he had heard so much. + +"Have you heard from my uncle, Dr. Kent?" he inquired, a few days after +the scene recorded in our first chapter. + +His question was prompted by seeing the doctor coming into the yard with +an open letter in his hand. + +"Yes," said Dr. Kent, with troubled expression and perplexed took. + +"What does Uncle Benjamin say?" asked our young hero, eagerly. + +"Nothing very encouraging, Herbert, I am sorry to say," returned the +doctor. "However, here is the letter; you may read it for yourself." + +Herbert received the letter from the doctor's hands and read it through +with feelings of mortification and anger. + +Here it is: + +"DEAR SIR: I have to acknowledge yours of the 10th inst. I regret to +hear of my sister's decease. I regret, also, to hear that her son, +Herbert, is left without a provision for his support. My brother-in-law +I cannot but consider culpable in neglecting to lay up something during +his life upon which his widow and son might depend. I suspect that he +must have lived with inconsiderate extravagance. + +"As for myself, I have a family of my own to provide for, and the +expense of living in a city like this is very great. In justice to them, +I do not feel that it would be right for me to incur extra expense. You +tell me that he is now fourteen and a stout boy. He is able, I should +think, to earn his own living. I should recommend that he be bound out +to a farmer or mechanic. To defray any little expenses that may arise, I +enclose ten dollars, which I hope he may find serviceable. Yours etc., + +"BENJAMIN STANTON." + +This cold and selfish letter Herbert read with rising color, and a +feeling of bitterness found a place in his young heart, which was quite +foreign to him. + +"Well, Herbert, what do you think of it?" asked the doctor. + +"I think," said Herbert, hotly, "that I don't want to have anything to +do with an uncle who could write such a letter as that." + +"He doesn't seem to write with much feeling." acknowledged the doctor. + +"Feeling!" repeated Herbert; "he writes as if I were a beggar, and asked +charity. Where is the money he inclosed, Dr. Kent?" + +"I have it here in my vest pocket. I was afraid it would slip out of the +letter, and so took care of it." + +"Will you let me send it back to my uncle?" asked Herbert. + +"Send it back?" + +"Yes, Dr. Kent; I don't want any of his charity, and I'll tell him so." + +"I am afraid, Herbert, that you are giving way to your pride." + +"But isn't it a proper pride, doctor?" + +"I hardly know what to say, Herbert. You must remember, however, that, +as you are left quite unprovided for, even this small sum may be of use +to you." + +"It isn't the smallness of the sum that I mind," said Herbert. "If Uncle +Benjamin had written a kind letter, or showed the least feeling in it +for me, or for--for mother [his voice faltered a moment], I would have +accepted it thankfully. But I couldn't accept money thrown at me in +that way. He didn't want to give it to me, I am sure, and wouldn't if he +hadn't felt obliged to." + +Dr. Kent paced the room thoughtfully. He respected Herbert's feelings, +but he saw that it was not wise for him to indulge them. He was in a +dependent situation, and it was to be feared that he would have much to +suffer in time to come from the coldness and selfishness of the world. + +"I will tell you what to do, Herbert," he said, after a while. "You can +accept this money as a loan, and repay it when you are able." + +"With interest?" + +"Yes, with interest, if you prefer it." + +"I shall be willing to accept it on those terms," said Herbert; "but I +want my uncle to understand it." + +"You may write to your uncle to that effect, if you like." + +"Very well, Dr. Kent. Then I will write to him at once." + +"You will find some paper in my desk, Herbert. I suppose you will not +object to my seeing your letter." + +"No, doctor, I intended to show it to you. You won't expect me to show +much gratitude, I hope?" + +"I won't insist upon it, Herbert," said the doctor, smiling. + +Herbert in about half an hour submitted the following note to the +doctor's inspection. It had cost him considerable thought to determine +how to express himself, but he succeeded at last to his tolerable +satisfaction. + +"UNCLE BENJAMIN [so the letter commenced]: Dr. Kent has just shown +me your reply to his letter about me. You seem to think I wish you to +support me, which is not the case. All I should have asked was your +influence to help me in obtaining a situation in the city, where I +might support myself. I am willing to work, and shall probably find some +opportunity here. The ten dollars, which you inclose, I will accept AS +A LOAN, and will repay you as soon as I am able, WITH INTEREST. HERBERT +MASON." + +"Will that do?" asked Herbert. + +Dr. Kent smiled. + +"You were careful not to express any gratitude, Herbert," he said. + +"Because I don't feel any," returned Herbert, promptly. "I feel grateful +to you, Dr. Kent, for your great kindness. I wish I could pay you for +that. I shall never forget how you attended my mother in her sickness, +when there was small prospect of your being paid." + +"My dear boy," said the doctor, resting his hand affectionately on +Herbert's shoulder, "I have been able to do but very little. I wish I +could do more. If you wish to repay me, you can do it a hundred times +over by growing up a good and honorable man; one upon whom your mother +in heaven can look down with grateful joy, if it is permitted her to +watch your progress here." + +"I will do my best, doctor," said Herbert. + +"The world is all before you," proceeded Dr. Kent. "You may not achieve +a brilliant destiny. It is permitted to few to do that. But whether your +sphere is wide or narrow, you may exert an influence for good, AND LEAVE +THE WORLD BETTER FOR YOUR HAVING LIVED IN IT." + +"I hope it may be so," said Herbert, thoughtfully. "When I am tempted to +do wrong, I will think of my mother." + +"It is the very best thing you can do, Herbert. And now for your plans. +I wish I were in a situation to have you remain with me. But as that +cannot be, I will do my best to get you a place." + +"I ought to be at work," said Herbert, "as I have my living to get. I +want you to take that ten dollars, doctor, as part payment of the debt I +owe you." + +The doctor shook his head. + +"I can't do that, Herbert, not even to oblige you. You were too proud +to accept a favor from your uncle. You will not be too proud, I hope, to +accept one from me?" + +"No, doctor; I am not too proud for that. You are my friend, and my +uncle cares nothing for me." + +When Herbert's letter reached New York, his uncle felt a momentary +shame, for he saw that his nephew had rightfully interpreted his own +selfishness and lack of feeling, and he could not help involuntarily +admiring the independent spirit which would not allow him to accept +the proffered money, except as a loan. But mingled with his shame was a +feeling of relief, as he foresaw that Herbert's pride would not suffer +him to become a burden upon him in the future. He hardly expected ever +to see the ten dollars returned with interest; but even if he lost it, +he felt that he should be getting off cheap. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +A COLLISION + + +It was a week later when an incident befell Herbert which is worthy of +mention, since it brought him into collision with a man who was destined +to have some influence over his future life. + +A neighboring farmer, for whom, during his mother's life, he had +occasionally gone on errands, drove up in front of the doctor's house, +and asked Herbert if he could take his horse and wagon and drive over +to the mill village to get some corn ground. Herbert was rather glad +to accept this proposal, not only because he was to receive twenty-five +cents for so doing, but also because he was fond of driving a horse. + +He was only about a mile from the mill village, when he saw approaching +him a man in a light open buggy. Herbert knew every horse in Waverley, +and every man, woman, and child, for that matter, and he perceived at +once that the driver was a stranger. To tell the truth, he was not very +favorably impressed by his appearance. The man was very dark, with black +hair and an unshaven beard of three days' growth, which did not set off +his irregular and repulsive features. His mouth, partly open, revealed +several yellow tusks, stained with tobacco juice. On his head he wore a +broad-brimmed straw hat, rather the worse for wear. + +It so happened that just at this point the middle of the road was much +better than the sides, which sloped considerably, terminating in gullies +which were partly full from the recent rains. The road was narrow, being +wide enough for two vehicles to pass each other, if each veered to the +side, but not otherwise. + +Herbert observed that the buggy, which was now rapidly approaching, was +kept in the center of the road, and that the driver appeared to have no +intention of turning out. + +"What does he mean?" thought our hero. "He cannot expect me to do the +whole of the turning out. I will turn out my half, and if he wants to +get by, he must do the same." + +Accordingly, he turned partially to one side, as much as could be +reasonably expected, and quietly awaited the approach of the man in the +buggy. The latter still kept the center of the road, and did not turn +out his carriage at all. As soon as it was close at hand, the driver +leaned forward and exclaimed angrily: + +"Turn out, boy!" + +If he expected that Herbert would be intimidated by his tone he was +much mistaken. Our hero was bold, and not easily frightened. He looked +quietly in the man's face, and said composedly, "I have turned out." + +"Then turn out more, you young vagabond! Do you hear me?" + +"Yes, sir, I hear you, and should if you didn't speak half so loud." + +"Curse your impudence! I tell you, turn out more!" exclaimed the +stranger, becoming more and more angry. He had expected to get his own +way without trouble. If Herbert had been a man, he would not have been +so unreasonable; but he supposed he could browbeat a boy into doing +whatever he chose to dictate. But he had met his match, as it turned +out. + +"I have already given you half the road," said Herbert, firmly, "and I +don't intend to give you any more." + +"You don't, eh? Young man, how old are you?" + +"I am fourteen." + +"I should think you were forty by the airs you put on." + +"Is it putting on airs to insist on my rights?" asked our hero. + +"Your rights!" retorted the other, laughing contemptuously. + +"Yes, my rights," returned Herbert, quietly. "I have a right to half of +the road, and I have taken it. If I turn out any more, I shall go into +the gully." + +"That makes no difference. A wetting won't do you any harm. Your +impudence needs cooling." + +"That may be," said Herbert, who did not choose to get angry, but was +resolved to maintain his rights; "but I object to the wetting, for all +that, and as this wagon is not mine, I do not choose to upset it." + +"You are the most insolent young scamp I ever came across!" exclaimed +the other, furiously. "I've a good mind to give you something much worse +than a wetting." + +"Such as what?" asked our hero, coolly. In reply the man flourished his +whip significantly. "Do you see that?" he asked. + +"Yes." + +"Oh, very well," said the other, ironically; "I'm glad you do. Perhaps +you wouldn't like to feel it?" + +"No, I don't think I should," said Herbert, not exhibiting the least +apprehension. + +The stranger handled his whip, eyeing our hero viciously at the same +time, as if it would have afforded him uncommon pleasure to lay it +over his back. But there was something in the look of our hero which +unconsciously cowed him, and, much as he wished to strike him, he held +back. + +"Well, you're a cool hand," he said, after a moment's hesitation. + +To this our hero did not see fit to make any reply. But he grasped his +own whip a little tighter. So brutal had been the tone assumed by the +stranger, that he was not sure but he might proceed to carry out his +threat, and lay the whip over his back. He determined, in that case, to +give him as good as he sent. I will not express any opinion as to the +propriety of this determination, but I am certain, from what I know of +our hero's fearless spirit, that he would not have hesitated to do +it, be the consequences what they might. But he did not have the +opportunity. + +"Once more," demanded the stranger, furiously; "are you going to turn +out?" + +"No," said the boy, decidedly. + +"Then--I'll run you down." + +So saying, he brought the whip violently on the horse's back. The latter +gave a convulsive spring forward. But his driver had not taken into +consideration that the farm-wagon was the stronger of the two vehicles, +and that in any collision the buggy must come off second best. So it +happened that a wheel of the buggy was broken, and the driver, in the +shock, thrown sprawling into a puddle on the other side of the road. +The wagon suffered no damage, but the old horse, terrified, set off at a +rapid pace. Herbert looked back to see if the stranger was injured, but +seeing that he had already picked himself up unwounded, but decidedly +dirty, he concluded to keep on his way to the mill. + +The driver of the overturned vehicle was considerably more angry than +hurt at this catastrophe. + +It chafed his pride not a little to think that, after all his vaunts, +the boy had maintained his ground, and got the better of him. For a +man of forty-five to be worsted by a boy of fourteen was, it must be +confessed, a little mortifying. It was something like a great ship of +the line being compelled to surrender to a little monitor. + +No one feels particularly dignified or good-natured when he is picking +himself out of a mud puddle. Our black-haired acquaintance proved no +exception to this remark. He shook his fist at the receding wagon +and its occupant--a demonstration of defiance which our hero did not +witness, his back being now turned to his late opponent. + +Mr. Abner Holden--for this was the stranger's name--next turned his +attention to the buggy, which had been damaged to some extent, and so +was likely to involve him in expense. This was another uncomfortable +reflection. Meanwhile, as it was no longer in a fit state for travel, +he must contrive some way to have it carried back to the stable, and, +unless he could procure another vehicle, perform the rest of the journey +on foot. + +Luckily, some men in a neighboring field had witnessed the collision, +and, supposing their services might be required, were now present to +lend their aid. + +"Pretty bad accident," remarked one of them. "That 'ere wheel'll need +considerable tinkering afore it's fit for use. How came you to get it +broke so, squire?" + +"A little rascal had the impudence to dispute the road with me, and +would not turn out at my bidding," said Mr. Holden, in a tone of +exasperation, which showed that his temper had been considerably soured +by the accident. + +"Wouldn't turn out? Seems to me from the marks of the wheels, you must +have been drivin' along in the middle of the road. I guess you didn't +take the trouble to turn out, yourself." + +"Well, there was room enough for the boy to turn out one side," said +Holden, doggedly. + +"You are slightly mistaken, stranger," said the other, who was disgusted +at the traveler's unreasonableness. "There wasn't room; as anyone can +see that's got eyes in his head. Didn't the youngster turn out at all?" + +"Yes," snapped Holden, not relishing the other's free speech. + +"Then it seems you were the one that would not turn out. If you had been +a leetle more accommodating, this accident couldn't have happened. Fair +play's my motto. If a feller meets you halfway, it's all you have a +right to expect. I reckon it'll cost you a matter of ten dollars to get +that 'ere buggy fixed." + +Holden looked savagely at the broken wheel, but that didn't mend +matters. He would have answered the countryman angrily, but, as he stood +in need of assistance, this was not good policy. + +"What would you advise me to do about it?" he inquired. + +"You will have to leave the buggy where it is just now. Where did you +get it?" + +"Over at the mill village." + +"Well, you'd better lead the horse back--'tain't more'n a mile or +so--get another wagon, and tell 'em to send for this." + +"Well, perhaps that is the best way." + +"Where was you goin'?" + +"Over to Waverley." + +"That's where the boy came from." + +"What boy?" + +"The boy that upset you." + +"What is his name?" asked Abner Holden, scowling. + +"His name is Herbert Mason, son of the Widder Mason that died two or +three weeks since. Poor boy, he's left alone in the world." + +"Where's he stopping?" asked Holden, hardly knowing why he asked the +question. + +"Dr. Kent took him in after the funeral, so I heard; but the selectmen +of Waverley are trying to find him a place somewheres, where he can earn +his own livin'. He's a smart, capable boy, and I guess he can do 'most a +man's work." + +Abner Holden looked thoughtful. Some plan had suggested itself to him +which appeared to yield him satisfaction, for he began to look decidedly +more comfortable, and he muttered to himself: "I'll be even with him +YET. See if I don't." + +"How far am I from Waverley?" he asked, after a slight pause. + +"Well, risin' three miles," drawled the other. + +"If I could get somebody to go back with this horse, I don't know but +what I'd walk to Waverley. Are you very busy?" + +"Well, I don't know but I could leave off for a short time," said the +other, cautiously. "Work's pretty drivin', to be sure. What do you +cal'late to pay?" + +"How much would it be worth?" + +"Well, there's the walk there and back, and then again there's the +time." + +"You can mount the horse going." + +"I guess fifty cents'll about pay me." + +Mr. Holden took out his pocketbook and paid the required sum. + +"By the way," he said, as if incidentally, "who is the chairman of the +selectmen in the village of Waverley?" + +"You ain't thinkin' of takin' that boy, be you?" said the other, +curiously. + +"I've had enough to do with him; I don't want ever to lay eyes on him +again." + +"Well, I dunno as I should, if I was you," said the countryman, rather +slyly. + +"You haven't answered my question yet," said Holden, impatiently. + +"Oh, about the cheerman of the selectmen. It's Captain Joseph Ross." + +"Where does he live?" + +"A leetle this side of the village. You'll know the house, well enough. +It's a large, square house painted white, with a well-sweep in front." + +Without a word of thanks for the information, Abner Holden turned, +and began to walk toward Waverley. Perhaps his object in making these +inquiries has been guessed. It happened that he needed a boy, and, for +more reasons than one, he thought he should like to have Herbert bound +to him. Herbert, as he had noticed, was a stout boy, and he probably +could get a good deal of work out of him. Then, again, it would be +gratifying to him to have our hero in subjection to him. He could pay +him off then, ten times over, for his insolence, as he chose to term it. + +"I'll break his proud spirit," thought Abner Holden. "He'll find he's +got a master, if I get hold of him. He don't know me yet, but he will +some time." + +Mr. Holden resolved to wait on Captain Ross at once, and conclude +arrangements with him to take Herbert before our hero had returned from +the mill village. He pictured, with a grim smile, Herbert's dismay when +he learned who was to be his future master. + +With the help of a handkerchief dipped into a crystal stream at the +roadside, Abner Holden succeeded in effacing some of the muddy stains +upon his coat and pantaloons, and at length got himself into presentable +trim for calling upon a "selectman." + +At length he came in sight of the house which had been described to him +as that of Captain Ross. There was a woman at the well-sweep engaged in +drawing water. + +"Does Captain Ross live here?" he inquired. + +"Yes, sir." + +"Is he at home?" + +"He's over in the three-acre lot. Was you wantin' to see him?" + +"I should like to. Is the field far away?" + +"No, it's just behind the house." + +"Then I guess I'll go and find him. I want to see him on a little matter +of business." + +Mr. Holden crossed a mowing-field, and then, climbing over a stone +wall, found himself at the edge of the three-acre lot. The captain was +superintending one or two hired men, and, as he had his coat off, had +probably been assisting them. + +"Captain Ross?" said Abner Holden, interrogatively. + +"That's my name." + +"You are chairman of the selectmen, I believe?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"I understand that you have a boy that you want to bind out." + +"I reckon you mean Herbert Mason." + +"Yes, I believe that's the name I heard." + +"Are you in want of a boy?" + +"Yes, I am looking out for one." + +"What is your business?" + +"I keep a store, but I should want him to work on land part of the +time." + +"Do you live hereabouts?" + +"Over at Cranston." + +"If you'll come to the house, we'll talk the matter over. The boy's +a good boy, and we want to get a good place for him. His mother was a +widder, and he's her only son. He's a smart, capable lad, and good to +work." + +"I've no doubt he'll suit me. I'll take him on your recommendation." + +"We should want him to go to school winters. He's a pretty good scholar +already. His father was a larned man, and used to teach him before he +died. If he had lived, I reckon Herbert would certainly have gone to +college." + +"I'll agree to send him to school in the winter for the next two +years," said Holden, "and will give him board and clothes, and when he's +twenty-one a freedom suit, and a hundred dollars. Will that do?" + +"I don't know but that's reasonable," said Captain Ross, slowly. "The +boy's a bit high-spirited, but if you manage him right, I guess you'll +like him." + +"I'll manage him!" thought Abner Holden. "Can I take him with me +to-morrow?" he asked. "I don't come this way very often." + +"Well, I guess that can be arranged. We'll go over to Dr. Kent's after +dinner, and see if they can get him ready." + +"In the meantime," said Holden, afraid that the prize might slip through +his fingers, "suppose we make out the papers. I suppose you have full +authority in the matter." + +Captain Ross had no objection, and thus poor Herbert was unconsciously +delivered over to the tender mercies of a man who had very little love +for him. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +A DISAGREEABLE SURPRISE + + +After his collision with the traveler, Herbert hurried on to the mill, +intent upon making up for lost time. He was satisfied with having +successfully maintained his rights; and, as he had no reason to suppose +he should ever again see his unreasonable opponent, dismissed him from +his thoughts. + +On reaching the mill, he found he should have to remain an hour or two +before he could have his grain ground. He was not sorry for this, as it +would give him an opportunity to walk around the village. + +"I wish," he thought, "I could get a place in one of the stores here. +There's more going on than there is in Waverley, and I could go over +Sundays to see Dr. Kent's family." + +On the spur of the moment, he resolved to inquire if some of the +storekeepers did not require help. There was a large dry-goods +store--the largest in the village--kept by Beckford & Keyes. He entered +and inquired for the senior partner. + +"Mr. Beckford is not in," said the clerk. "Mr. Keyes is standing at that +desk." + +Herbert went up to the desk, and said inquiringly, "Mr. Keyes?" + +"That is my name," said that gentleman, pleasantly. "Is there anything I +can do for you?" + +"I am in search of a place," said our hero, "and I thought you might +have a vacancy here." + +"We have none just at present," said Mr. Keyes, who was favorably +impressed by Herbert's appearance; "but it is possible we may have in a +few weeks. Where do you live? Not in the village, I suppose?" + +"No, sir," said Herbert, and a shadow passed over his face, "My mother +died three weeks since, and I am now stopping at the house of Dr. Kent." + +"Dr. Kent--ah, yes, I know the doctor. He is an excellent man." + +"He is," said Herbert, warmly. "He has been very kind to me." + +"What is your name?" + +"Herbert Mason." + +"Then, Herbert, I will promise to bear you in mind. I will note down +your name and address, and as soon as we have a vacancy I will write to +you. Come into the store whenever you come this way." + +"Thank you," said Herbert. + +He left the store feeling quite encouraged. Even if the chance never +amounted to anything, the kind words and manner of the storekeeper gave +him courage to hope that he would meet with equal kindness from others. +Kind words cost nothing, but they have a marvelous power in lightening +the burdens of the sorrowful and cheering the desponding. + +Herbert left the store, feeling that he should consider himself truly +fortunate if he could obtain a place in such an establishment. But +there was a rough experience before him, of which at present he guessed +nothing. + +After sauntering about the village a little longer, and buying a stick +of candy for little Mary Kent, the doctor's only daughter, who was quite +attached to Herbert, our hero got back to the mill in time to receive +his bags of meal, with which he was soon on his way homeward. + +About the place where he met Mr. Holden he was hailed by a man at work +in the field--the same who had taken back that gentleman's horse to the +stable. + +"Well, boy, you had a kind of scrimmage, didn't you, coming over?" + +"Did you see it?" asked Herbert. + +"Yes," said the other, grinning. "I seed the other feller in the mud +puddle. He was considerably riled about it." + +"It was his own fault. I gave him half the road." + +"I know it; but there's some folks that want more than their share." + +"Was his buggy broken? I don't know but I ought to have stopped to help +him, but he had been so unreasonable that I didn't feel much like it." + +"His wheel got broken. I drawed the buggy into the bushes. There 'tis +now. It'll cost him a matter of ten dollars to fix it." + +"I'm sorry for that," said Herbert; "but I can't see that I was to blame +in the matter. If I had turned out as he wanted me to, I should have +tipped over, and, as the wagon didn't belong to me, I didn't think it +right to risk it." + +"Of course not. You wasn't called on to give in to such +unreasonableness." + +"Where did the man go?" + +"He concluded to walk on to Waverley, and hired me to take the horse +back to the stable. He wanted to know who you were." + +"Did he?" + +"Maybe he's goin' to sue you for damages." + +"I don't believe he'll get much if he does," laughed our hero. "My +property is where he can't get hold of it." + +"Ho! ho!" laughed the other, understanding the joke. + +After this conversation Herbert continued on his way, and, after +delivering the grain, took his way across the fields to his temporary +home. He entered by the back yard. Little Mary came running out to meet +him. + +"Have oo come back, Herbert?" she said. "Where have oo been?" + +"Been to buy Mary some candy," he said, lifting her up and kissing her. + +"Whose horse is that at the gate?" asked Herbert, as the doctor's wife +entered the room. + +"It belongs to Captain Ross," she said. "He has come on business +connected with you." + +"Connected with me!" repeated Herbert, in surprise. + +"Yes, my dear boy, I am afraid we must make up our minds to lose you." + +"Has he found a place for me?" asked Herbert, in a tone of +disappointment. + +"Yes, I believe he has bound you out to a man in Cranston." + +"I am sorry," said Herbert. + +"I shall be sorry to have you go, Herbert, but I thought you wanted to +go." + +"So I do; but by waiting a few weeks I could probably get a place in +Beckford & Keyes' store, at the mill village." + +"What makes you think so?" + +Herbert detailed his interview of the morning with the junior partner. +Just at this moment the doctor entered the kitchen. + +"Have you told him?" he inquired, looking at his wife. + +"Yes, and he says that but for this he might probably have got a chance +to go into Beckford's store at the mill village." + +"I am sorry for this. They are good men, and he would have been near us, +while Cranston is forty miles away." + +"Who is the man that wants me?" asked Herbert. + +"A Mr. Holden. He is in the other room with Captain Ross. It was +all arranged before they came. He wants you to go with him to-morrow +morning." + +"So soon?" said Herbert, in dismay. + +"Yes. At first he wished you to set off with him this afternoon; but I +told him decidedly you could not be ready." + +"Quite impossible," said Mrs. Kent. "Some of Herbert's clothes are in +the wash, and I can't have them ready till evening." + +"You had better come into the other room, Herbert," said the doctor. "I +will introduce you to your new employer." + +Herbert followed the doctor into the sitting-room. His first glance +rested on Captain Ross, whom he knew. He went up and shook hands +with him. Next he turned to Mr. Holden, and to his inexpressible +astonishment, recognized his opponent of the morning. + +"Mr. Holden, Herbert," introduced the doctor. "Mr. Holden, this is the +boy we have been speaking of." + +"I have seen Mr. Holden before," said Herbert, coldly. + +"Yes," said Mr. Holden, writhing his disagreeable features into an +unpleasant smile. "We have met before." + +Dr. Kent looked from one to the other in surprise, as if seeking an +explanation. + +"Our acquaintance doesn't date very far back," said Mr. Holden. "We met +this morning between here and the mill village." + +"Indeed," said the doctor; "you passed each other, I suppose." + +"Well, no; I can't say we did exactly," said Mr. Holden, with the same +unpleasant smile, "We tried to, but the road being narrow, there was a +collision, and I came off second-best." + +"I hope there was no accident." + +"Oh, nothing to speak of. I got tipped out, and my clothes, as you +may observe, suffered some. As for my young friend here, he rode on +uninjured." + +"You must excuse my not stopping to inquire if I could help you," said +Herbert; "but my horse was frightened by the collision, and I could not +easily stop him." + +"Oh, it's of no consequence," said Mr. Holden, in an off-hand manner. He +was determined not to show himself out in his true colors until he had +got Herbert absolutely under his control. + +"But where is your horse, Mr. Holden?" asked Captain Ross. "I think you +were walking when you came to my house." + +"I sent it back to the village by a man I met on the road, my buggy +being disabled." + +"Your carriage wasn't much injured, I hope." + +"Oh, no, not much." + +"I don't see exactly how it could happen," said Captain Ross. "I thought +the road from here to the mill village was broad enough at any point for +carriages to pass each other." + +"I didn't dream," said Mr. Holden, not noticing this remark, "that the +young man I had engaged was my young acquaintance of the morning." + +Herbert looked at him, puzzled by his entire change of manner--a change +so sudden that he suspected its genuineness. + +The more he thought of it, the more unwilling he felt to live with Mr. +Holden. But could it be avoided? He resolved to try. He accordingly told +the doctor and Captain Ross of the promise that Mr. Keyes had made him. + +"It would be a good place," said the captain; "but it ain't certain. +Now, here's Mr. Holden, ready to take you at once." + +"If I was in the mill village I could come over and see my friends here +now and then. Besides, I think I should like being in a store." + +"Oh, I've got a store, too," said Mr. Holden, "and I should expect you +to tend there part of the time. I don't think I can let you off, my +young friend," he added, with a disagreeable smile. "I think we shall +get along very well together." + +Herbert did not feel at all sure of this, but he saw that it would do +no good to remonstrate farther, and kept silence. Soon after, Mr. Holden +and Captain Ross rose to go. + +"I'll call round for my young friend about nine to-morrow morning," said +Abner Holden, with an ingratiating smile. + +"We will endeavor to have him ready," said the doctor. + +After they went away Herbert wandered about in not the best of spirits. +He was convinced that he should not be happy with Mr. Holden, against +whom he had conceived an aversion, founded partly upon the occurrences +of the morning, and partly on the disagreeable impression made upon him +by Abner Holden's personal appearance. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +THE ENVELOPE + + +Herbert woke up early the next morning, and a feeling of sadness came +over him as he reflected that it was his last morning in Waverley. He +was going out into the world, and, as he could not help thinking, under +very unfavorable auspices. New scenes and new experiences usually have a +charm for a boy, but Mr. Holden's disagreeable face and unpleasant smile +rose before him, and the prospect seemed far from tempting. + +When he came downstairs, he found Mrs. Kent in the kitchen. + +"You are up early, Mrs. Kent," said Herbert. + +"Yes, Herbert; I want you to have a good breakfast before you go." + +It certainly was a nice breakfast. Tender beefsteak, warm biscuit, +golden butter, potatoes fried crisp and brown, and excellent coffee, +might have tempted any appetite. Herbert, in spite of his sadness, did +full justice to the bountiful meal. + +The family had hardly risen from breakfast when the sound of wheels was +heard outside, and directly there was a knock at the door. + +"It's Mr. Holden," said the doctor, looking from the front window. + +"Must we part from you so soon, Herbert?" said Mrs. Kent, +affectionately. + +"Where oo goin', Herbert?" asked little Mary, clinging to his knee, + +"Herbert's going away, Mary," said he, stooping and kissing his little +friend. + +"Herbert mustn't go 'way," said the little girl, in discontent. + +"Herbert come back soon, and bring candy for Mary," he said, wishing +that his words might come true. + +By that time Mr. Holden had entered, and was surveying the scene with +his disagreeable smile. + +"Little Mary is quite attached to Herbert," said the doctor. + +"I am sorry," said Mr. Holden, "that I have no little girls, as Herbert +seems fond of them." + +Herbert doubted if he could become attached to anyone related to Mr. +Holden. + +"I'm a bachelor," said Mr. Holden, "though perhaps I ought to be ashamed +to say so. If I had had the good fortune early in life to encounter a +lady like your good wife here, it might have been different." + +"It isn't too late yet, Mr. Holden," said the doctor. + +"Well, perhaps not. If Mrs. Kent is ever a widow, I may try my luck." + +"What a disagreeable man," thought the doctor's wife, not propitiated by +the compliment. "Herbert," she said, "here are a couple of handkerchiefs +I bought in the village yesterday. I hope you will find them useful." + +"Yes; no doubt he will," said Mr. Holden, laughing. "He will think of +you whenever he has a bad cold." + +Nobody even smiled at this witty sally, and, Mr. Holden, a little +disappointed, remarked: "Well, time's getting on. I guess we must be +going, as we have a long journey before us." + +The whole family accompanied Herbert to the road. After kissing Mary and +Mrs. Kent, and shaking the doctor cordially by the hand, Herbert jumped +into the wagon. Just before the horse started the doctor handed our hero +a sealed envelope, saying, "You can open it after a while." + +Though, like most boys of his age, Herbert had a great horror of making +a baby of himself, he could hardly help crying as he rode up the street, +and felt that he had parted from his best friends. His eyes filled with +tears, which he quietly wiped away with the corner of his handkerchief. + +"Come, come, don't blubber, boy," said Mr. Holden, coarsely. + +Herbert was not weak enough to melt into tears at an unkind word. It +roused his indignation, and he answered, shortly, "When you see me +blubbering, it'll be time enough to speak, Mr. Holden." + +"It looked a good deal like it, at any rate," said Abner. "However, I'm +glad if I'm mistaken. There's nothing to cry about that I can see." + +"No, perhaps not," said Herbert; "but there's something to be sorry +for." + +"Something to be sorry for, is there?" said Abner Holden. + +"Yes." + +"Well, what is it?" + +"I've left my best friends, and I don't know when I shall see them +again." + +"Nor I," said Mr. Holden. "But I think it's high time you left them." + +"Why?" asked Herbert, indignantly. + +"Because they were petting you and making too much of you. You won't get +such treatment as that from me." + +"I don't expect it," said our hero. + +"That's lucky," said Abner Holden, dryly. "It's well that people +shouldn't expect what they are not likely to get." + +Here a sense of the ludicrous came over Herbert as he thought of being +Mr. Holden's pet, and he laughed heartily. Not understanding the reason +of his sudden mirth, that gentleman demanded, in a tone of irritation, +"What are you making a fool of yourself about?" + +"What am I laughing at?" said Herbert, not liking the form of the +question. + +"Yes," snarled Abner. + +"The idea of being your pet," explained Herbert, frankly. + +Mr. Holden did not appreciate the joke, and said roughly, "You better +shut up, if you know what's best for yourself." + +They rode along in silence for a few minutes. Then Abner Holden, +thinking suddenly of the envelope which Dr. Kent had placed in Herbert's +hand at parting, and feeling curious as to its contents, asked: + +"What did the doctor give you just as you were starting?" + +"It was an envelope." + +"I know that; but what was there in it?" + +"I haven't looked," said our hero. + +He felt a little satisfaction in snubbing Mr. Holden, whom he saw he +would never like. + +"Why don't you open it?" + +"I didn't think of it before." + +"I suppose there is some present inside." + +Herbert decided to open the envelope, out of respect for Dr. Kent. On +opening it, he drew out a five-dollar bill, and a few penciled words, +which were as follows: + +"DEAR HERBERT: I would gladly give you more if I had the means. I hope +you will use the inclosed money in any way that may be most serviceable +to you. You must write to me often. Be a good boy, as you always have +been; let your aims be noble; try to do right at all hazards, and may +God bless your efforts, and make you a good and true man. Such is the +prayer of your affectionate friend, GEORGE KENT." + +Herbert read these lines with emotion, and inwardly resolved that he +would try to carry out the recommendations laid down. His thoughts were +broken in upon by Mr. Holden, whose sharp eyes detected the bank-note. + +"There's money in the letter, isn't there?" + +"Yes." + +"How much?" + +"Five dollars." + +"Five dollars, hey?" he said. "You'd better give it to me to keep for +you." + +"Thank you, Mr. Holden; I can take care of it, myself." + +"It isn't a good plan for boys to have so large a sum of money in their +possession," said Abner Holden, who was anxious to secure it himself. + +"Why not?" asked Herbert. + +"Because they are likely to spend it improperly." + +"Dr. Kent didn't seem to think I was likely to do that." + +"No; he trusted you too much." + +"I hope it won't prove so." + +"You'd better keep out of the way of temptation. You might lose it, +besides." + +"I don't often lose things." + +"Come, boy," said Mr. Holden, getting impatient; "Dr. Kent, no doubt, +intended that I should take care of the money for you. You'd better give +it up without further trouble." + +"Why didn't he give it to you, then?" demanded Herbert. + +"He supposed you would give it to me." + +Mr. Holden's motive for getting the money into his own hands was +twofold. First, he knew that without money Herbert would be more +helpless and more in his power. Secondly, as he had agreed to supply +Herbert with clothing, he thought he might appropriate the money towards +this purpose, and it would be so much of a saving to his own pocket. +Perhaps Herbert suspected some such design. At any rate, he had no +intention of gratifying Mr. Holden by giving up the money. + +"Well, are you going to give me the money?" blustered Abner Holden, +taking out his pocketbook, ready to receive it. + +"No," said Herbert. + +"You'll repent this conduct, young man," said Holden, scowling. + +"I don't think I shall," said our hero. "I don't understand why you are +so anxious to get hold of the money." + +"It is for your good," said Abner. + +"I'd rather keep it," said Herbert. + +Abner Holden hardly knew what to do. The money was by this time safely +stowed away in Herbert's pocket, where he could not very well get at +it. However, he had a plan for getting it which he resolved to put into +practice when they stopped for dinner. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +ON THE WAY + + +By the time they had ridden twenty miles both Herbert and Mr. Holden +felt hungry. The fresh air had produced a similar effect upon both. They +approached a broad, low building with a swinging sign and a long piazza +in front, which it was easy to see was a country tavern. + +"Do you feel hungry, boy?" inquired Abner Holden. + +"Yes, sir," returned our hero. + +"So do I. I think I shall get some dinner here. You can get some, too, +if you like." + +"Thank you, sir." + +"Oh, there's no occasion to thank me," said Mr. Holden, dryly. "I shall +pay for my dinner, and if you want any, you can pay for yours." + +Herbert looked surprised. As he had entered Mr. Holden's employ, he +supposed of course that the latter would feel bound to provide for him, +and it certainly seemed mean that he should be compelled to pay for his +own dinner. However, he was beginning to suspect that his new employer +was essentially a mean man. + +"How much will it cost?" asked Herbert, at length. + +"Thirty-seven cents," was the reply. + +It must be remembered that this was in the day of low prices, when gold +was at par, and board could be obtained at first-class city hotels for +two dollars and a half a day, and in country villages at that amount by +the week. + +"Thirty-seven cents!" Herbert hardly liked to break in upon his scanty +hoard, but the morning air had sharpened his appetite, and he felt that +he must have something to eat. Besides, he remembered one thing which +fortunately Mr. Holden did not know, that in addition to the five +dollars which Dr. Kent had given him he had the ten dollars sent him +by his uncle, and not only that, but a little loose change which he had +earned. + +"Well, are you going to get out?" asked Abner Holden. "It's nothing to +me whether you take dinner or not." + +"Yes, I guess I will." + +"Very well," said Holden, who had a reason for being pleased with his +decision. + +Both went into the tavern. There were two or three loungers on a settle, +who gazed at them curiously. One of them at once appeared to recognize +Abner Holden. + +"How dy do, Holden?" he said. "Who've you got with you?" + +"A boy I've taken," said Holden, shortly. + +"A pretty smart-looking boy. Where'd you pick him up?" + +"Over in Waverley. He's got some pretty high notions, but I guess I'll +take 'em out of him in time." + +"Yes," chuckled the other; "I warrant you will." + +While this conversation was going on Herbert had entered the tavern, but +he could not avoid hearing what was said, including Mr. Holden's reply. +He was not frightened, but inwardly determined that he would do his +duty, and then if Mr. Holden saw fit to impose upon him, he would make +what resistance he was able. + +"I wonder what high notions he means," thought our hero. "If he expects +to make a slave of me, he will be mistaken, that's all." + +"Sit down there, and I'll go and order dinner," said Mr. Holden, +entering. + +Just then, however, the landlord came in and greeted Abner Holden, whom +he appeared to know. + +"I want dinner for two, Mr. Robinson," he said. + +"For two! You haven't brought your wife along with you, Holden?" he +said, jocosely. + +"No, I haven't come across any such lady yet. I've got a boy here who is +bound to me. And hark you, landlord," he added, in a lower voice, +that Herbert might not hear, "he will pay you for his dinner out of a +five-dollar bill which he has with him. YOU NEEDN'T GIVE BACK THE CHANGE +TO HIM, BUT TO ME." + +"Yes, I understand," said the landlord, winking. + +"I prefer to keep the money for him. He has refused to give it up and +this will give me a chance to get hold of it without any fuss." + +"All right." + +"If he kept it himself he'd spend it in some improper way." + +"Just so. I'll attend to it." + +Now our hero was gifted with pretty sharp ears, and he caught enough of +this conversation to understand Mr. Holden's plot, which he straightway +determined should not succeed. + +"You shan't take me in this time, Mr. Holden," he thought. + +He opened his pocketbook to see if he had enough small change to pay +for his dinner without intrenching upon his bill. There proved to be a +quarter and two half-dimes, amounting, of course, to thirty-five cents. +This would not be quite sufficient. + +"I must change the bill somewhere," he said to himself. + +Looking out of the tavern window, he saw the village store nearly +opposite. He took his cap and ran over. There was a clerk leaning with +his elbows upon the counter, appearing unoccupied. + +It occurred to Herbert that he might want some paper and envelopes. He +inquired the price. + +"We sell the paper at a penny a sheet, and the envelopes will cost you +eight cents a package." + +"Then you may give me twelve sheets of paper and a package of +envelopes," said Herbert. + +The package was done up for him and in payment he tendered the bill. + +The clerk gave him back four dollars and eighty cents in change. He +put the money in his pocketbook, and the paper and envelopes in his +jacket-pocket, and returned to the tavern well pleased with his success. +Mr. Holden was in the barroom, taking a glass of "bitters," and had not +noticed the absence of our hero. + +Dinner was soon ready. + +There was some beefsteak and coffee and a whole apple pie. Herbert +surveyed the viands with satisfaction, having a decidedly good appetite. +He soon found, however, that hungry as he was, he stood a poor chance +with Abner Holden; that gentleman, being a very rapid eater, managed to +appropriate two-thirds of the beefsteak and three-quarters of the +pie. However, the supply being abundant, Herbert succeeded in making +a satisfactory repast, and did not grudge the amount which he knew he +should have to pay for it before leaving. + +"Now," said Abner Holden, his eyes twinkling at the thought of our +hero's coming discomfiture, "we'll go and settle our bill." + +"Very well," said Herbert, quietly. + +They entered the public room and advanced to the bar. + +"This boy wants to pay for his dinner, Mr. Robinson," said Abner, +significantly. + +"How much will it be?" asked Herbert. + +"Thirty-seven cents." + +Herbert took out of his vest pocket a quarter, a dime and two cents, and +handed them over. + +To say that Abner Holden looked amazed is not sufficient. He looked +disgusted and wronged, and glared at Herbert as if to inquire how he +could have the face to outrage his feelings in that way. + +"Ho! ho!" laughed the landlord, who, having no interest in the matter, +was amused at the course affairs had taken. + +Herbert suppressed his desire to laugh, and looked as if he had no +knowledge of Mr. Holden's plans. + +"Where did you get that money?" growled Abner, with a scowl. + +"Out of my vest pocket," said Herbert, innocently. + +"I know that, of course, but I thought you had only a bill." + +"Oh, I got that changed at the store." + +"How dared you go over there without my permission?" roared Abner. + +"I didn't think it necessary to ask your permission to go across the +street." + +"Well, you know it now. Don't you go there again without my knowledge." + +"Very well, sir." + +"Did you buy anything at the store?" continued Mr. Holden. + +"Yes, sir." + +"What was it?" + +"Some paper and envelopes." + +"Humph!" muttered Abner, discontentedly. + +He proceeded to pay his own bill and in a few minutes got into the wagon +and drove off rather sulkily. Herbert saw that Mr. Holden was disturbed +by the failure of his little plan, and felt amused rather than +otherwise. But when he reflected that he was going to live with this +man, and be, to a considerable extent under his control, he felt +inclined to be sad. One thing he resolved that he would not submit to +tyranny. The world was wide, and he felt able to earn his own living. +He would give Mr. Holden a trial, and if he treated him with reasonable +fairness he would remain with him. But he was not going to be any man's +slave. + +Meanwhile they were getting over the road, and a few more hours brought +them to their journey's end. + +Abner Holden's house stood in considerable need of paint. It had no +great pretensions to architectural beauty, being about as handsome for +a house as Abner Holden was for a man. There was a dilapidated barn, a +little to one side, and the yard was littered up with a broken wagon, a +woodpile and various odds and ends, giving the whole a very untidy look. + +"Is this where you live, Mr. Holden?" asked Herbert, looking about him. + +"Yes, and I'm glad to get home. Do you know how to unharness a horse?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Then jump out and unharness this horse. A man will come for it +to-morrow." + +Herbert did as directed. Then he took his little trunk from the wagon, +and went with it to the back door and knocked. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +A NEW HOME + + +The door was opened by an elderly woman, rather stout, who acted as +Abner Holden's housekeeper. Though decidedly homely, she had a pleasant +look, which impressed Herbert favorably. He had feared she might turn +out another edition of Mr. Holden, and with two such persons he felt +that it would be difficult to get along. + +"Come right in," said Mrs. Bickford, for that was her name. "Let me help +you with your trunk. You can set it down here for the present." + +"Thank you," said Herbert. + +"You must be tired," said the housekeeper. + +"No, not very," said our hero. "We rode all the way." + +"Well, it's tiresome riding, at any rate, when it's such a long +distance. You came from Waverley, Mr. Holden tells me." + +"Yes." + +"And that is more than thirty miles away, isn't it?" + +"Yes, I believe so." + +"So you've come to help Mr. Holden?" she added, after a pause. + +"Yes, I suppose so," said Herbert, rather seriously. + +"What is your name?" + +"Herbert Mason." + +"I hope, Herbert, we shall be able to make you comfortable." + +"Thank you," said Herbert, a little more cheerful, as he perceived that +he was to have one friend in Mr. Holden's household. + +"Has Mr. Holden generally kept a boy?" he asked. + +"Yes, he calculates to keep one most of the time." + +"Who was the last one?" + +"His name was Frank Miles." + +"Was he here long?" asked Herbert, in some curiosity. + +"Well, no," said the housekeeper, "he did not stay very long." + +"How long?" + +"He was here 'most a month." + +"'Most a month? Didn't he like it?" + +"Well, no; he didn't seem to like Mr. Holden much." + +Herbert was not much surprised to hear this. He would have thought Frank +Miles a singular sort of a boy if he had liked Abner Holden. + +"Have any of the boys that have been here liked Mr. Holden?" he asked. + +"I can't say as they have," said Mrs. Bickford, frankly; "and somehow +they don't seem to stay long." + +"Why didn't they like him?" + +"Sh!" said the housekeeper, warningly. + +Herbert looked round and saw his employer entering the room. + +"Well, boy, have you put up the horse?" he asked, abruptly. + +"Yes sir." + +"Did you give him some hay?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"And some grain?" + +"No, I didn't know where it was kept. If you'll tell me, I'll do it +now." + +"No, you needn't. He isn't to have any. He's only a hired horse." + +Considering that the hired horse had traveled over thirty miles, Herbert +thought he was entitled to some oats; but Mr. Holden was a mean man, and +decided otherwise. + +"Where is Herbert to sleep, Mr. Holden?" asked the housekeeper. + +"Up garret." + +"There's a small corner bedroom in the second story," suggested Mrs. +Bickford, who knew that the garret was not very desirable. + +"I guess he won't be too proud to sleep in the garret," said Mr. Holden. +"Shall you?" he continued, turning to Herbert. + +"Put me where you please," said Herbert, coldly. + +"Then it shall be the garret. You can take your trunk up now. Mrs. +Bickford will show you the way." + +"It's too heavy for you, Herbert," said the housekeeper; "I will help +you." + +"Oh, he can carry it alone," said Abner Holden. "He isn't a baby." + +"I'd rather help him," said the housekeeper, taking one handle of the +trunk. "You go first, Herbert, You're young and spry, and can go faster +than I." + +On the second landing Herbert saw the little bedroom in which the +housekeeper wanted to put him. It was plainly furnished, but it was +light and cheerful, and he was sorry he was not to have it. + +"You could have had that bedroom just as well as not," said Mrs. +Bickford. "It's never used. But Mr. Holden's rather contrary, and as +hard to turn as a--" + +"A mule?" suggested Herbert, laughing. + +"It's pretty much so," said the housekeeper, joining in the laugh. + +They went up a narrow staircase and emerged into a dark garret, running +the whole length of the house without a partition. The beams and rafters +were visible, for the sloping sides were not plastered. Herbert felt +that he might as well have been in the barn, except that there was a +small cot bedstead in the center of the floor. + +"It isn't very pleasant," said the housekeeper. + +"No," said Herbert, "I don't think it is." + +"I declare, it's too bad you should have to sleep here. Mr. Holden isn't +very considerate." + +"I guess I can stand it," said our hero, "though I should rather be +downstairs." + +"I'll bring up the trap and set it before you go to bed," said Mrs. +Bickford. + +"The trap!" repeated Herbert, in surprise. + +"Yes, there's rats about, and I suppose you'd rather have a trap than a +cat." + +"Yes; the cat would be about as bad as the rats." + +At this moment Abner Holden's voice was heard at the bottom of the +stairs, and Mrs. Bickford hurried down, followed by our hero. + +"I thought you were going to stay up there all day," said Mr. Holden. +"What were you about up there?" + +"That is my business," said Mrs. Bickford, shortly. + +The housekeeper was independent in her feelings, and, knowing that she +could readily obtain another situation, did not choose to be browbeaten +by Mr. Holden. He was quite aware of her value, and the difficulty he +would experience in supplying her place, and he put some constraint over +himself in the effort not to be rude to her. With Herbert, however, it +was different. HE was BOUND to him, and therefore in his power. Abner +Holden exulted in this knowledge, and with the instinct of a petty +tyrant determined to let Herbert realize his dependence. + +"You may go out and saw some wood," he said. "You'll find the saw in the +woodshed." + +"What wood shall I saw?" + +"The wood in the woodpile, stupid." + +"Very well, sir," said our hero, quietly. + +Herbert thought Mr. Holden was losing no time in setting him to work. +However, he had resolved to do his duty, unpleasant as it might be, as +long as Abner Holden only exacted what was reasonable, and Herbert was +aware that he had a right to require him to go to work at once. Mrs. +Bickford, however, said a word in his favor. + +"I've got wood enough to last till to-morrow, Mr. Holden," she said. + +"Well, what of it?" + +"It's likely the boy is tired." + +"What's he done to make him tired, I should like to know? Ridden thirty +miles, and eaten a good dinner!" + +"Which I paid for myself," said Herbert. + +"What if you did?" said Abner Holden, turning to him. "I suppose you'll +eat supper at my expense, and you'd better do something, first, to earn +it." + +"That I am willing to do." + +"Then go out to the woodpile without any more palavering." + +"Mr. Holden," said the housekeeper, seriously, after Herbert had gone +out, "if you want to keep that boy, I think you had better be careful +how you treat him." + +"Why do you say that?" demanded Abner, eying her sharply. "Has he been +saying anything to you about me?" + +"No." + +"Then why did you say that?" + +"Because I can see what kind of a boy he is." + +"Well, what kind of a boy is he?" asked Abner, with a sneer. + +"He is high-spirited, and will work faithfully if he's treated well, but +he won't allow himself to be imposed upon." + +"How do you know that?" + +"I can read it in his face. I have had some experience with boys, and +you may depend upon it that I am not mistaken." + +"He had better do his duty," blustered Abner, "if he knows what's best +for himself." + +"He will do his duty," said the housekeeper, firmly, "but there is a +duty which you owe to him, as well as he to you." + +"Don't I always do my duty by boys, Mrs. Bickford?" + +"No, Mr. Holden, I don't think you do. You know very well you can never +get a boy to stay with you." + +"This boy is bound to me, Mrs. Bickford--legally bound." + +"That may be; but if you don't treat him as he ought to be treated, he +will run away, take my word for it." + +"If he does, he'll be brought back, take my word for that, Mrs. +Bickford. I shall treat him as I think he deserves, but as to petting +and pampering the young rascal I shall do nothing of the kind." + +"I don't think you will," said the housekeeper. "However, I've warned +you." + +"You seem to take a good deal of interest in the boy," said Abner, +sneeringly. + +"Yes, I do." + +"After half an hour's acquaintance." + +"I've known him long enough to see that he's better than the common run +of boys, and I hope that he'll stay." + +"There's no doubt about that," said Abner Holden, significantly. "He'll +have to stay, whether he wants to or not." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +THE GHOST IN THE ATTIC + + +After working two hours at the woodpile, Herbert was called in to tea. +There was no great variety, Abner Holden not being a bountiful provider. +But the bread was sweet and good, and the gingerbread fresh. Herbert's +two hours of labor had given him a hearty appetite, and he made a good +meal. Mrs. Bickford looked on approvingly. She was glad to see that our +hero enjoyed his supper. + +There was tea on the table, and, after pouring out a cup for Mr. Holden, +the housekeeper was about to pour out one for Herbert. + +"He don't want any tea," said Abner, noticing the action. "Keep the cup +for yourself, Mrs. Bickford." + +"What do you mean, Mr. Holden?" asked the housekeeper, in surprise. + +"Tea isn't good for a growing boy. A glass of cold water will be best +for him." + +"I don't agree with you, Mr. Holden," said the housekeeper, decidedly. +"Herbert has been hard at work, and needs his tea as much as you or I +do." + +Therefore, without waiting for his permission, she handed the cup to +Herbert, who proceeded to taste it. + +Abner Holden frowned, but neither Herbert nor the housekeeper took much +notice of it. The latter was somewhat surprised at this new freak on +the part of Abner, as he had never tried to deprive any of Herbert's +predecessors of tea or coffee. But the fact was, Mr. Holden disliked +Herbert, and was disposed to act the petty tyrant over him. He had +neither forgotten nor forgiven the boy's spirited defiance when they +first met, nor his refusal to surrender into his hands the five dollars +which the doctor had given him. + +Feeling tired by eight o'clock, Herbert went up to his garret room and +undressed himself. An instinct of caution led him to take out the money +in his porte-monnaie, and put it in his trunk, which he then locked, and +put the key under the sheet, so that no one could get hold of it without +awakening him. This precaution proved to be well taken. + +Herbert lay down upon the bed, but did not immediately go to sleep. He +could not help thinking of his new home, and the new circumstances +in which he was placed. He did not feel very well contented, and felt +convinced from what he had already seen of Mr. Holden, that he should +never like him. Then thoughts of his mother, and of her constant and +tender love, and the kind face he would never more see on earth, swept +over him, and almost unmanned him. To have had her still alive he would +have been content to live on dry bread and water. + +He thought, too, of the doctor's family and their kindness. How +different it would have been if he might have continued to find a +home with them! But when he was tempted to repine, the thought of his +mother's Christian instructions came to him, and he was comforted by the +reflection, that whatever happened to him was with the knowledge of his +Father in heaven, who would not try him above his strength. + +Try and trust! That was almost the last advice his mother had given him, +as the surest way of winning the best success. + +"Yes," he thought, "I will try and trust, and leave the rest with God." + +Meanwhile Mr. Holden had not been able to keep out of his head the five +dollars which he knew Herbert possessed. He was a mean man, and wished +to appropriate it to his own use. Besides this, he was a stubborn man, +and our hero's resistance only made him the more determined to triumph +over his opposition by fair means or foul. It struck him that it would +be a good idea to take advantage of our hero's slumber, and take the +money quietly from his pocketbook while he was unconscious. + +Accordingly, about eleven o'clock, he went softly up the attic stairs +with a candle in his hand, and, with noiseless steps, approached the +bed. Herbert's regular breathing assured him that he was asleep. Abner +Holden took up his pants and felt for his pocketbook. He found it, and +drew it out with exultation. + +"Aha!" he thought; "I've got it." + +But this brief exultation was succeeded by quick disappointment. The +pocketbook proved to be quite empty. + +"Curse it!" muttered Abner, "what has the boy done with his money?" + +It was at this moment that Herbert, his eyes possibly affected by the +light, awoke, and he discovered his employer examining his pocketbook. + +His first feeling was indignation, but the sight of Abner Holden's +disappointed face amused him, and he determined not to reveal his +wakefulness, but to watch, him quietly. + +"Perhaps he's got two pocketbooks," thought Abner. But in this he was +mistaken. + +Next he went to Herbert's trunk, and tried it, but found it locked. + +"I wonder where he keeps the key," was his next thought. + +He searched Herbert's pockets, but the search was in vain. + +"Plague take the young rascal!" he muttered, loud enough for Herbert to +hear. + +Herbert turned in bed, and Abner Holden, fearing that he might wake up, +and being on the whole, rather ashamed of his errand, and unwilling to +be caught in it, went downstairs. + +"Well, he didn't make much," thought our hero. "It's lucky I thought +to put the money in my trunk. If he only knew I had fifteen dollars, +instead of five, he would be all the more anxious to get hold of it." + +"How did you sleep last night, Herbert?" inquired the housekeeper at +breakfast. + +"Very well, thank you, Mrs. Bickford." + +He was resolved not to drop a hint of what had happened, being curious +to see if Mr. Holden would make any further attempts to obtain his +money. As his employer might possibly find a key that would unlock the +trunk, he thought it prudent, during the day, to carry the money about +with him. + +He hardly knew whether to expect a visit from Abner the next night, but +formed a little plan for frightening him if such a visit should take +place. + +It so happened that he had in his trunk a fish horn which had been +given him by someone in Waverley. This he took out of the trunk before +retiring and hid it under his pillow. It was about nine o'clock when he +went to bed, but by considerable effort he succeeded in keeping awake +for an hour or two. + +About eleven o'clock, Abner Holden, before going to bed himself, decided +to make one more attempt to obtain possession of Herbert's money. He +reflected that possibly our hero had only put away his money by chance +on the previous evening, and might have neglected to do so on the +present occasion. He desired to get possession of it before any part of +it was spent, as, judging from what he knew of boys, it would not remain +long unexpended. + +Once more, therefore, he took his candle, and removing his thick-soled +shoes, which might betray him by their sound, crept softly up the steep +and narrow staircase. + +But Herbert heard him, and moreover was warned of his visit by the light +of the candle which he carried. He closed his eyes, and awaited his +coming in silent expectation. + +Abner Holden looked towards the bed. Herbert's eyes were closed, and his +breathing was deep and regular. + +"He's sound asleep," thought Abner, with satisfaction. + +He set down the candle on a chair beside the bed, and began to examine +our hero's pocketbook once more. But it proved to be empty as before. +In the pocketbook, however, he found a key, the key, as he supposed, to +Herbert's trunk. It was not, however, being only a key which Herbert had +picked up one day in the street, and kept. He had put it in his pocket +with a view to mislead his employer. + +That gentleman uttered a low exclamation of satisfaction when his +fingers closed upon the key, never doubting for a moment that it would +open the trunk. + +Leaving the candle in its place, he rose from his recumbent position, +threw the pants on the bed, and went round on the other side, to try the +key. + +He got down on his knees before the trunk, and had inserted the key +in the lock, or rather had made an ineffectual attempt to do so, when +suddenly the candle was extinguished, and a horrible blast on the fish +horn resounded through the garret. + +Now, Abner Holden was not a very courageous man. In fact, he was +inclined to superstition. He knew that he was engaged in a dishonorable +attempt to rob a boy who was placed in his charge, and there is an +old proverb that says "conscience makes cowards of us all." It must +be admitted that it was rather calculated to affect the nerves to find +one's self suddenly in the dark, and at the same time to hear such a +fearful noise proceeding from an unknown quarter. + +Abner Holden jumped to his feet in dire dismay, and, without stopping to +reflect on the probable cause of this startling interruption, "struck +a bee line" for the staircase, and descended quicker, probably, than he +had ever done before, narrowly escaping tumbling the entire distance, in +his headlong haste. + +Herbert had to stuff the bedclothes into his mouth to keep from bursting +into a shout of laughter, which would have revealed his agency in +producing the mysterious noise. + +"I thought I heard a frightful noise last night soon after I went to +bed," said Mrs. Bickford, at the breakfast table. "Didn't you hear +anything, Mr. Holden?" + +"No," said Abner, "I heard nothing. You were probably dreaming." + +"Perhaps I was. Didn't you hear anything, Herbert?" + +"I sleep pretty sound," said Herbert, quietly. + +Abner Holden watched him as he said this, and was evidently more +perplexed than ever. But that was the last visit he paid to the garret +at night. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +EXPOSING A FRAUD + + +It would be hard to tell what Abner Holden's precise occupation was. He +had thirty or forty acres of land, but only cultivated enough to produce +supplies of vegetables for his own table, and grain for his horses. +He kept four cows, and he had, at this time, three horses. He had the +Yankee propensity for "swapping," and from time to time traded horses, +generally managing to get the best of the bargain, for he was tolerably +sharp and not much troubled by conscientious scruples about misstating +the merits of his horses. + +But, about two months before Herbert came into his employ, he had +himself been overreached, and found himself the possessor of a horse +of excellent outward appearance, but blind of one eye, and with a +very vicious temper. He accepted the situation with a bad grace, and +determined, as soon as possible, to "trade" the horse to another party. + +One day, about a fortnight after Herbert's arrival, a +gentlemanly-looking stranger knocked at Abner Holden's door. + +The call was answered by the housekeeper. + +"Is Mr. Holden at home?" he inquired. + +"Yes, sir," was the reply. + +"I should like to see him." + +Abner Holden soon made his appearance. + +"Mr. Holden." said the stranger "I am in search of a good family horse. +I am told that you have some animals for sale, and called on you, +thinking I might get suited through you." + +"You've come to the right place," said Abner, glibly. "I've got just the +animal that will suit you." + +"I should like to see it." + +"He's in the pasture now. If you don't object to walking a short +distance, I will show him to you. I feel sure he will suit you." + +"Very well, I will go with you." + +"This way, then." + +The two walked down a green lane at the back of the house to the +entrance of the pasture, where the three horses, at present comprising +Abner Holden's entire stock, were grazing leisurely. + +Now, it happened that, of the three, the blind and vicious horse was +much the best looking. He held his head erect, had a graceful form, and +was likely to attract favorable notice at first sight. + +Abner Holden paused at a little distance, and pointed him out. + +"What do you think of that horse, Mr. Richmond?" he said. + +"A very good-looking animal," said the stranger, with an approving +glance; "but I must explain that I want such an animal as my wife can +drive. It is absolutely necessary that he should be good-tempered +and gentle. If, with this, he is handsome, and of good speed, all the +better. Now you know what I am in search of. Can you recommend this +horse of yours?" + +"Yes," said Abner, confidently, "he will just suit you. I did calculate +to keep him for my own use, but I'm rather short of money, and I shall +have to let him go." + +"You say he is gentle?" + +"Oh, yes, as gentle as need be." + +"Could a woman drive him?" + +"Oh, no trouble about that," said Abner. + +"And he has no serious defect?" + +"No." + +"Well, that seems satisfactory. I like his appearance. He would look +well in harness. What is your price?" + +"Two hundred and fifty dollars, cash down," said Abner. "That's too +cheap. He's worth a cool hundred more, but I got him cheap, and can +afford to sell him cheap." + +The horse had cost Mr. Holden just a hundred and ten dollars, and at +this price he considered himself decidedly taken in; but this he did not +particularly care to mention. + +"Two hundred and fifty dollars!" mused the stranger. "It is a little +more than I intended to pay. Still, if the animal is what you describe, +I don't know that I shall object on that score." + +"You had better take him," said Abner. "It'll be the best bargain you +ever made, I'll warrant. You'll pay cash down, I suppose?" + +"Of course." + +"Then shall we say it's a bargain?" + +"Not quite yet. I'll take till the afternoon to think about it." + +"Better decide now. The fact is, Mr. Richmond, I ought not to let the +horse go at that figure, and I may change my mind." + +"I think I shall take your horse, but I have agreed to look at another, +and must see that first." + +"Whose?" + +"It belongs to a man named Nichols." + +"Sam Nichols?" + +"I believe so." + +"I wouldn't advise you to have anything to do with him." + +"Why not?" + +"He's a regular sharper. You can't depend on anything he says." + +"Thank you for the caution. I will be on my guard. But I promised to +take a look at his horse before deciding. If I don't come to terms +with him, and I don't think I shall, I will come round some time this +afternoon and make a bargain with you." + +Mr. Holden thought it was hardly politic to urge him farther. With a +renewed caution as to dealing with Sam Nichols, he let him go. + +"Well," thought Abner, after he was gone, "it will be a pretty good +thing if I get rid of Spitfire"--he had named him thus--"for two +hundred and fifty dollars. He's a bad-tempered brute, and blind into the +bargain. But I'm not bound to tell Mr. Richmond that, and so spoil my +trade. I've put a flea in his ear about Nichols, and I guess he will be +back again." + +The prospect of making a good bargain caused Abner to be unusually +pleasant and good-humored, so much so that Mrs. Bickford regarded him +with surprise. He voluntarily asked her if she did not wish something at +the store, volunteering to bring home whatever was needed. + +"What's come over the man?" thought the housekeeper. "It's too good to +last." + +She was quite correct there. Mr. Holden was naturally crabbed, and fair +weather with him was the exception rather than the rule. On the present +occasion it did not last many hours. + +Abner Holden went to the store, but made other calls on the way, so that +he was three hours absent, and did not return till twelve o'clock, the +usual dinner hour in his household. + +Meanwhile, Mr. Richmond, his caller of the morning, had been to see Sam +Nichols, and inspected the horse he had for sale. He did not altogether +like its appearance, and, moreover, he was prejudiced against him by +what he had heard from Abner Holden, and came away without effecting a +purchase. + +"I don't think I can do better," he reflected, "than to take that horse +of Holden's. Let me see, it is only half-past ten. I shall have time to +go up there this morning. I suppose I might as well settle matters at +once." + +Accordingly, eleven o'clock found him again in Abner Holden's yard. + +Herbert was out in the yard, engaged in splitting wood. + +"Is Mr. Holden at home?" inquired the stranger, pausing. + +"No, sir." + +"Will he be at home soon?" + +"Yes, sir, I think so. He only went out to the store. He ought to be +home now." + +"Then I think I will wait. I was here once before this morning. I was +talking with him about buying one of his horses. If you can spare the +time, I would like to have you go with me to the pasture, and I will +take another look at the one I saw this morning." + +"Certainly, sir," said Herbert, driving the ax into the block upon +which he had been splitting, prepared to accompany Mr. Richmond to the +pasture. + +They reached the bars dividing the pasture from the next field. Spitfire +was cropping the grass just on the other side. + +"There," said the stranger, pointing him out, "that is the horse I was +looking at." + +"THAT ONE!" repeated Herbert, in a tone of surprise. + +"Yes, he is a fine-looking animal." + +"Ye-es," said Herbert, hesitatingly. + +"However, I don't so much care about that, as for his being gentle. I +want him for a family horse, such as my wife may drive, without fear, +while I am away." + +"Did Mr. Holden say he's gentle?" asked Herbert. + +"Yes. He recommended him highly for that, and told me he had no serious +defect." + +"Are you sure this is the horse?" asked Herbert. + +"Certainly. I am not likely to be mistaken in it. I suppose it is all as +he says?" + +Herbert was in a perplexing position. He knew that if he told the truth +he should incur Abner Holden's anger, but his conscience revolted at +suffering the stranger to be taken in, and thus, perhaps, exposing his +wife to serious danger. + +"I am afraid I cannot confirm what Mr. Holden says," he answered, +reluctantly. "The horse is very ill-tempered, and is blind of one eye." + +"Is it possible? Then I have had a narrow escape. You have done me a +good service, my boy, in telling me the truth, for I am, myself, +unused to horses, and should have taken the animal on your employer's +recommendation. Accept this acknowledgment of my indebtedness." + +He would have placed a five-dollar bill in Herbert's hand, but our hero +firmly refused to receive it. + +"I have only done my duty, sir. I cannot accept money for doing that. +Thank you all the same." + +"Perhaps you are right, my lad. If I ever have a chance to serve you, +don't hesitate to let me know it." + +"There'll be a storm if Mr. Holden hears of this," thought Herbert. "But +I could not do otherwise." + + + + +CHAPTER X + +THE CLOUDS GATHER + + +At twelve o'clock Abner Holden returned home, still in good humor. As +he did not anticipate another call from his expected customer until the +afternoon, he made no inquiries. + +"Perhaps he won't hear about it," thought Herbert, and as he did not +wish to have any trouble with Mr. Holden, he hoped it might prove so. + +Abner was so elated at the thought of his good bargain in prospect, that +he could not keep it to himself. + +"I've about sold Spitfire, Mrs. Bickford," he said to the housekeeper. + +"Sold Spitfire! Who wants to buy him?" + +"A man that called here this morning. What do you think he wants him +for?" + +"To break his neck," suggested the housekeeper. + +"He wants him for a good family horse for his wife to drive," and Abner +Holden burst into a laugh. + +"Perhaps he's anxious to become a widower," said Mrs. Bickford. + +"No; the fact is he thinks the horse is gentle." + +"You told him so, I suppose?" + +"Of course, I did." + +"Knowing it to be false?" + +"Shut up, Mrs. Bickford. You know all is fair in trade." + +"No, I don't, Mr. Holden. To my mind, a lie's just as much a lie +in trade as in anything else. I suppose the man trusted to your +recommendation." + +"Suppose he did. I got cheated on the horse, and I've got to get rid of +it, somehow. As it is, I shall make a handsome profit." + +"Well, Mr. Holden, all I've got to say is, I am glad I haven't got as +tough a conscience as you have." + +"You don't know anything about business, Mrs. Bickford." + +"Well, manage things your own way. I ain't responsible, but I pity the +poor man if he buys Spitfire." + +"So do I," chuckled Abner. "That's where you and I agree, Mrs. +Bickford." + +Herbert listened in silence. He was disgusted with the utter disregard +of fair dealing exhibited by Abner Holden, though he was not surprised +at it. He felt glad that he had been the means of saving Mr. Richmond +from being overreached, though he know very well that Mr. Holden's rage +would be furious when he learned what had interfered with the trade. +He did not feel under any obligations to reveal his own agency in the +matter, unless direct inquiry was made of him. In that case, he would +manfully stand by his acts. + +"I'm expecting the man this afternoon, Mrs. Bickford," said Mr. Holden, +"and shall stay around home to see him. When he comes, call me at once; +and mind, not a word about Spitfire." + +"Just as you say. I wash my hands of the whole affair." + +"Washing your hands won't do you any harm," said Abner, with a laugh at +what he supposed to be a witticism. + +Mrs. Bickford took no notice of this remark. It was not quite easy to +say why she remained in charge of Mr. Holden's household, for certainly, +she had no respect for her employer. However, he did not meddle with +her, or, if he did, he got the worst of it, and it was perhaps the +independence that she enjoyed which led her to remain in the house. +Knowing Abner's character, she was not particularly shocked at this +last evidence of it, but went about her work as usual, with scarcely a +thought of what had passed. + +Abner Holden sat at the window, and looked up the road, awaiting +anxiously the appearance of the customer. + +"I hope he'll bring the money with him," he thought. "I'd like to have +matters all arranged to-day, before he smells a rat. If I get the money +once in my hands, he may scold all he pleases about the horse. It won't +disturb my rest." + +But the old clock in the corner kept ticking--minute after minute +passed--and still the stranger did not appear. + +"He can't have struck a bargain with Sam Nichols," muttered Abner, +apprehensively. "If he has, it'll be sort of a swindle on me. Maybe +Nichols has been telling him lies about me." + +Abner waxed so angry over this supposition, that although it was merely +conjecture, he already began to consider in what way he could "come up +with Sam Nichols." + +"That money would come very handy," thought Abner. "There's a horse +worth two of Spitfire, I can get for a hundred and fifty, and that would +leave me a hundred. I wish he would come." + +He looked out of the window, and, not content with that, went out of the +front door, and, shading his eyes with his hands, looked up the road. +But he could see nothing of Mr. Richmond. Abner began to fear that he +had lost his bargain. + +"I guess I'll put on my hat and go round to the tavern," he said to Mrs. +Bickford. "If the gentleman I spoke of should call while I am away, just +send the boy around after me as quick as possible." + +"Very well." + +Abner Holden walked hurriedly to the tavern, determined to bring about +a bargain, which would be so desirable for him, if it were a possible +thing. He must and would get rid of Spitfire, however many falsehoods +he might have to tell. What was truth in comparison to two hundred and +fifty dollars! Suppose Spitfire should run away with the stranger's wife +and break her limbs, or even her neck, it was everybody's duty to look +out for himself in this world. + +Thus reasoned Abner Holden. There is no particular need of my commenting +upon the fallacy of this reasoning, since it is not likely that any of +my young readers will sufficiently admire his character to be in any +danger of being led into imitation of it. + +At the end of a very few minutes, Abner stood on the piazza, of the +tavern, a little out of breath with rapid walking. + +"Is Mr. Richmond still here?" he inquired of the landlord, anxiously. + +"Yes, but he means to leave in five minutes." + +"Where is he?" + +"In his room." + +"I want to see him on particular business--I wish you would send up and +ask him to come down." + +"Very well." + +"William," said the landlord, summoning his son, "go up and tell Mr. +Richmond that Mr. Holden wishes to see him." + +"You don't know of his having bought a horse of Sam Nichols, do you?" +asked Abner, nervously, of the landlord. + +"No, I am sure he has not." + +Abner felt somewhat relieved by this. As long as he was still unprovided +with a horse, there was still a chance of Spitfire. He resolved, if +necessary, to abate something from the rather high price he had demanded +in the morning. + +Mr. Richmond followed William downstairs. + +"You wish to see me?" he asked, glancing toward Mr. Holden. + +"Yes, about the horse you were looking at this morning." + +"I have concluded not to take him," said the other, coldly. + +"You didn't buy of Sam Nichols, did you?" + +"No; his horse did not suit me." + +"You haven't any other in your eye, have you?" asked Mr. Holden. + +"No." + +"Then, hadn't you better look at mine again?" he said, persuasively. + +"It would be of no use." + +"If the price is any objection," said Abner, insinuatingly, "I don't +know but I might say a LEETLE less, though the animal's wuth more'n I +ask for it." + +"It isn't the price that stands in the way, Mr. Holden." + +"What is it, then? Sam Nichols hain't been slandering me, I hope. If he +has, I'll be even with him." + +"Spare your anger against Sam Nichols. He said nothing against you; +though I believe you warned me against him." + +"Yes, I did. I felt it my duty to caution you, so you might not be +overreached by him." + +"You prefer to overreach me yourself," said the other, quietly. + +Abner started, and changed color. + +"What do you mean?" he said. "Who told you I wanted to overreach you?" + +"Why, this is the way the matter stands. I asked you for a good family +horse, such as my wife might drive with safety. Didn't you understand me +so?" + +"Of course." + +"And you tried to sell me an ill-tempered brute, blind of one eye, for +an extortionate price. Can you deny it?" + +"Somebody's been telling you a pack of lies," said Abner, hoarsely. + +"I don't think they are lies. I have every reason to think they are +true. By the way, what is the animal's name?" + +"Spitfire," said Abner, rather reluctantly. + +"A good name for a family horse," said the stranger, sarcastically. + +"Where did you learn all this?" demanded Abner. "Who's been slandering +the horse?" + +"I got my information at your place, from one who ought to know." + +A light dawned upon Abner Holden's mind. + +"Herbert told him," muttered Abner to himself. "That cursed boy has +spoiled my bargain, and he shall smart for it." + +In a furious rage, he retraced his steps homeward, breathing threats of +vengeance dire against our hero. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +A CRISIS + + +Abner Holden's disappointment was excessive at the sudden falling +through of his horse trade, and his feeling of anger against Herbert for +his agency in the matter was in proportion to his disappointment. His +chief thought, as he hurried home from the tavern, was that he would +make the boy smart for his interference. + +"I'll give him a good flogging," muttered Abner to himself, and he felt +that this would be some slight compensation for the injury and slight +loss which Herbert had caused him to sustain. + +"I'll teach him to spoil my bargains," he said, while his face wore an +expression decidedly ugly. "I reckon he won't do it a second time." + +It was in this frame of mind that he reached home. + +Herbert had just entered the kitchen with an armful of wood for the +housekeeper, and having thrown down his burden, was about to go back, +when, on turning, he confronted the stormy and wrathful face of his +employer. + +"He's found out," Herbert concluded at once, and he braced his nerves +for the storm which he knew must come. + +"Well, young man, I've an account to settle with you," said Abner, +abruptly. + +Herbert did not reply, but waited for Mr. Holden to state the matter. +But in Abner's present angry condition, he chose to construe his silence +into cause of offense. + +"Why don't you speak?" he said. "What do you mean by looking me +impudently in the face?" + +"I have no intention of being impudent," said Herbert. "I think you are +mistaken, Mr. Holden." + +"Do you dare to tell me I am mistaken?" roared Holden, lashing himself +into a rage. + +"I don't mean to do or say anything that is not perfectly respectful," +said Herbert, manfully, looking steadily in his employer's face. + +"Why did you tell a pack of lies about my horse this morning, and so +make me lose my trade?" + +"I didn't tell a pack of lies," said Herbert. + +"Didn't you tell the man who came here that he was an ill-tempered +brute, and blind of one eye?" + +Abner Holden glared upon the boy as if he wanted to spring upon him, and +give him a thrashing on the spot. + +"I told him that Spitfire was not suitable for a family horse." + +"What did you tell him that for?" + +"Because it was true." + +"Supposing it was true, didn't you know that you were spoiling my +trade?" + +"I am sorry for that, Mr. Holden, but if he had bought the horse, +supposing it to be gentle, it might have broken his wife's neck." + +"What business was that of yours? That was his lookout." + +"I didn't look upon it in that way. I thought he ought to buy the horse +with his eyes open." + +"You did, did you?" roared Abner. "Then I advise you to open your own +eyes, for you're going to get one of the worst lickings you ever had." + +Abner Holden's anger now reached an ungovernable pitch. Looking about +him for a weapon, he espied the broom resting against the wall. He +seized it, and with a scream of rage, made for Herbert, shaking off the +grasp of the housekeeper, who tried to stay him. + +Herbert, perceiving the peril in which he stood, ran round the table, +which stood, with leaves open, in the middle of the floor. Abner pursued +him with headlong haste. + +"Lord preserve us! The man is mad!" ejaculated the housekeeper, trying +to get out of the way. But in this she was not successful. The kitchen +was small, and before she could guard against a collision, Abner had +stumbled over Mrs. Bickford, and both came down together. She uttered a +succession of piercing shrieks, and, with a view of relieving Herbert, +pretended that her life was in danger, grasping Abner by the hair and +holding him fast. + +Herbert saw that this was the favorable moment for escape, and, seizing +his hat, dashed out of the house. He ran across the fields as fast as +his limbs could carry him, expecting that he would be pursued. Before we +follow him, we will describe the scene that took place after his flight. + +"Let go my hair, Mrs. Bickford!" exclaimed Abner, tugging vainly to +break from the housekeeper's grasp. + +"I dare not," she said. "I'm afraid you'll murder me." + +"You are making a fool of yourself," retorted Abner. "What should I +murder you for? But I will, if you don't let go!" + +"Hello, who's talking of murder?" demanded a rough voice. + +The speaker was a neighbor, who chanced to be passing, and was led to +enter by the uproar, which was plainly audible outside. + +"Save me!" exclaimed Mrs. Bickford. "He's threatened to murder me." + +"Stop your nonsense, you old fool!" retorted Abner, vexed at the +equivocal position in which he was placed. + +"What's all this row about? Mr. Holden, you ought to be ashamed of +yourself for attacking a defenseless woman." + +"I didn't intend to," said Abner, sullenly. "She got in my way, and I +stumbled over her; and then she seized me by the hair." + +"What were you going to do with that broom?" demanded the other, +suspiciously. + +"What was I going to do? I was going to thrash that rascally boy of +mine, and Mrs. Bickford knew it perfectly well." + +"What has he done?" + +"He? He's spoiled a trade of mine by his lying, and I was going to flog +him for it, when Mrs. Bickford got in my way." + +"Well," said the visitor, shrugging his shoulders, "I don't want to +interfere in your affairs. I suppose that you've a right to flog the +boy, but it strikes me that a broom handle is rather an ugly weapon." + +"It isn't half heavy enough," said Abner, savagely; "but where is the +boy? Did you see him?" + +"Given leg-bail, I reckon, and I don't wonder at it." + +"Run away?" ejaculated Abner, disappointed. "Did you see where he went?" + +"No, I didn't, and if I had, I'm not sure that I would tell you." + +Abner would like to have thrashed the man who showed so little sympathy +with his anger, but he felt that it would hardly be prudent. He went +to the door and looked out. But there was no trace of Herbert to be +discovered. + +"He'll get it when he does come back," he said to himself. + +The idea that Herbert might not come back at all never once occurred +to him. He resolved that the flogging should lose nothing by being +deferred. + +We must now return to Herbert, whom we left running across the fields. + +His departure had been so sudden, that his prominent idea was to get +out of the way of his employer's violence. He was at first under the +impression that he was pursued, but when, after running perhaps a +quarter of a mile, he ventured to look around, he saw, to his great +relief, that there was no one on his track. Being out of breath, he +stopped, and, throwing himself down on the grass in the shadow of a +stone wall, began to consider his plans for the future. + +Everything was in doubt except one point. He felt that he had broken, +finally, the tie that bound him to Mr. Holden. He would not return to +him. He had experienced enough of Abner's ugly and unreasonable +temper to feel that there could be no harmony between them, and as +to submitting to personal violence from such a man as that, his blood +boiled at the thought. He knew that he should resist with all the +strength he possessed, and what the result might be he did not dare to +think. What lay before him in the future he could not conjecture, but +whatever it might be, he felt that it was better than to remain an +inmate of Abner Holden's household, and in his power. + +But where should he go? That was a question not easily answered. After +his experience of his uncle's indifference to him, he did not wish to +appeal to him for aid, yet he felt that he should like to go to New York +and try his fortune there. Thousands of people lived there, and earned +enough to support them comfortably. Why not he? It was a thousand miles +off, and he might be some time in getting there. He might have to stop +and work on the way. But, sooner or later, he resolved that he would +find his way to the great metropolis. + +But there was one difficulty which presented itself at the outset. This +difficulty related to his clothing. He had on a pair of overalls and a +ragged vest which Abner had provided for him, intending that he should +save the good suit he brought with him for Sundays. His present suit, +which had been worn by half a dozen of his predecessors, Herbert +decidedly objected to wearing, as, in addition to being faded and worn, +it was by no means a good fit. He must get his other suit. + +But this was in Mr. Holden's attic, and it would hardly be prudent to +venture back for it, as Abner was on the lookout for him, and there +would be a collision, and perhaps he might be forcibly detained. +Fortunately, his money he had about him. This amounted, as the reader +already knows, to nearly fifteen dollars, and would, no doubt, be of +essential service to him in the project which he had undertaken. As to +the clothes, he must think of a way of securing them, before setting out +on his journey to New York. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +RALPH THE RANGER + + +One thing was certain. There was no chance of obtaining the clothes at +present. Probably his best course would be to wait till night, and +then come back to the house on the chance of gaining Mrs. Bickford's +attention. In the meantime, probably, the best thing to be done was to +conceal himself temporarily in a belt of woods lying about a mile back +of Abner Holden's house. + +As soon as his breath was recovered, Herbert got up, and headed for +these woods. A few minutes found him in the midst of them. He made his +way with some difficulty through the underbrush, parting the thick stems +with his hands, until he reached a comparatively open space of perhaps +an acre in extent. In the midst of this space a rude hut was visible, +constructed of logs, and covered with the branches of trees. In front +of it, sitting on the stump of a tree, which perhaps had been spared +for that purpose, sat a tall man, with very brown complexion, clad in +a rough hunting suit. His form, though spare, was tough and sinewy, and +the muscles of his bare arms seemed like whipcords. A short, black pipe +was in his mouth. The only covering of his head was the rough, grizzled +hair, which looked as if for months it had never felt the touch of a +comb or brush. + +Herbert, though he had never before seen this singular being, recognized +him at once as Ralph the Ranger, as he was properly called in the +village. For years he had lived a hermit-like existence in the forest, +supporting himself mainly by his rifle. This was not difficult, for his +wants were few and simple. What cause led him to shun the habitations of +his kind, and make his dwelling in the woods, no one knew, and perhaps +no one ever would know, for of himself he was silent, and it was not +easy to draw him out. + +He looked up as he heard Herbert's step, and said, abruptly: "Well, boy, +what do you want?" + +His manner was rough, but our hero was not afraid. He answered frankly, +"I am hiding." + +"Hiding? Who from?" + +"From Abner Holden." + +"Humph! Why should you hide from him? What has he to do with you?" + +"I am bound to him, and he is angry with me because he thinks I +interfered in a trade of his. He wanted to beat me, so I ran away." + +"Good!" said Ralph, approvingly. "Tell me about it." + +Herbert drew near, and told his story. + +Ralph listened attentively. + +"Boy," said he, "I think you are honest. There are not many that can be +said of. As for Abner Holden, I know him. He's a mean skinflint. Pah!" +and he spit, contemptuously. "You'd better not go back to him." + +"I don't mean to," said Herbert, promptly. + +"What are your plans? Have you formed any?" + +"I want to go to New York." + +"To New York," repeated Ralph, thoughtfully. "You wish to get into the +crowd, while I seek to avoid it. But it is natural to youth. At your +age, it was so with me. I hope, my boy, the time will not come when you, +like me, will wish to shun the sight of men." + +Herbert listened in sympathy, not unmingled with surprise, to the speech +of this man, which was quite superior to what might have been expected +from one of his appearance. + +"When do you wish to start?" asked Ralph, after a pause. + +"First, I want to get my clothes." + +"Where are they?" + +"In my room, at Mr. Holden's house." + +"How do you expect to get them?" + +"Mrs. Bickford, the housekeeper, is a friend of mine. I thought I might +go there to-night, and attract her attention without rousing Mr. Holden. +She would get them for me." + +"Good! I will go with you." + +"Will you?" asked Herbert, gladly. + +He had felt a little doubt as to the result of his expedition, as, if +Mr. Holden should be awake and start in pursuit, he would stand a good +chance of being captured, which, above all things, he most dreaded. But +with so able an auxiliary as Ralph, he knew he could bid easy defiance +to Abner, however much the latter might desire to molest him. + +"Yes, I will stand by you, and you shall share my cabin with me as long +as you like. You are not afraid of me?" + +"No," said Herbert, quickly. + +Ralph looked kindly at him. + +"Some of the children run from me," he said. "It is not strange, +perhaps, for I look savage, I suppose, but you do well to trust me. I +will be your friend, and that is something I have not said to any living +being for years. I like your face. It is brave and true." + +"Thank you for your favorable opinion, Mr.--" Here Herbert paused in +uncertainty, for he had never heard Ralph's surname. + +"Call me Ralph. I have done with the title of \ civilization. Call me +Ralph. That will suit me best." + +"Thank you for your kindness, then, Ralph." + +"What is your name?" + +"Herbert--Herbert Mason." + +"Then, Herbert, I think you must be hungry. Have you eaten your dinner?" + +"No," said Herbert. + +"Then you shall share mine. My food is of the plainest, but such as it +is, you are welcome. Come in." + +Herbert entered the cabin. The only table was a plank supported at each +end by a barrel. From a box in the corner Ralph drew out some corn-bread +and some cold meat. He took a tin measure, and, going out of the cabin, +filled it with water from a brook near by. This he placed on the rude +table. + +"All is ready," he said. "Take and eat, if my food is not too rude." + +Herbert did eat, and with appetite. He was a growing boy, whose appetite +seldom failed him, and he had been working hard since breakfast, which +he had taken at six, while it was now one o'clock. No wonder he was +hungry. + +Ralph looked on with approval. + +"You are the first that has shared my meal for many a long day," he +said. "Day after day, and year after year, I have broken my fast +alone, but it seems pleasant, after all," he said, musingly. "Men are +treacherous and deceitful, but you," he said, resting his glance on the +frank, ingenuous face of his youthful guest, "you must be honest and +true, or I am greatly deceived." + +"I hope you will find me so," said Herbert, interested more and more in +the rough-looking recluse, about whose life he suspected there must be +some sad secret, of which the world knew nothing. + +After dispatching the meal provided by his hospitable entertainer, +Herbert sat down on the grass just outside the cabin, and watched lazily +the smoke which issued from Ralph's pipe, as it rose in many a fantastic +curl. + +"How long have you lived here, Ralph?" asked our hero at length. + +"Ten years," said the recluse, removing his pipe from his lips. + +"It is a long time." + +"Yes, boy, a long time in the life of one as young as you, but to me +it seems but yesterday that I built this cabin and established myself +here." + +"Are you not often lonely?" + +"Lonely? Yes, but not more so than I should be in the haunts of men. I +have company, too. There are the squirrels that leap from bough to bough +of the tall trees. Then there are the birds that wake me with their +singing. They are company for me. They are better company than men. +They, at least, will not deceive me." + +He paused, and bent his eyes upon the ground. He was thinking, not of +the boy beside him, but of some time in the past, and the recollection +apparently was not pleasant. + +The afternoon wore away at length, and the shadows deepened in the +woods. Herbert wandered about, and succeeded in gathering some nuts, +which he carried to Ralph's cabin. When eight o'clock came, the Ranger +said: "You had better lie down and rest, my boy; I will wake you up at +twelve, and we will go together to Holden's place, and see if we can get +your clothes." + +To this proposal Herbert willingly assented, as he began to feel tired. + +He slept, he knew not how long, when he was gently shaken by Ralph. + +"Where am I?" he asked, rubbing his eyes. + +The sight of the Ranger bending over him soon brought back the +recollection of his position, and he sprang up promptly. Ralph showed +him an easier way out of the woods than that by which he had entered, +and less embarrassed by the growth of underbrush. + +In half an hour they were standing by Abner Holden's house. It was +perfectly dark, the inmates probably being fast asleep. + +"I know where the housekeeper sleeps," said Herbert. "I'll throw up a +pebble at her window, and perhaps it will wake her up." + +He did as proposed. Mrs. Bickford, who was a light sleeper, heard, and +went to the window. + +"Who's there?" she asked. + +"It is I, Mrs. Bickford," said Herbert. + +"What, Herbert? Shall I let you in?" + +"No; I don't want to come in. All I want is my clothes. They are up in +my trunk." + +"I'll go up and get them for you." + +She went upstairs and quickly returned with the clothes, which she let +down from the window. + +"Are you hungry, Herbert?" she asked. "Let me bring you something to +eat." + +"No, thank you, Mrs. Bickford; I am stopping with Ralph the Ranger. He +has kindly given me all the food I want." + +"What are you going to do? Are you going to stop with him?" + +"No, I am going East in a day or two. I am going to New York. I will +write to you from there." + +"I am sorry to have you go, Herbert. I wish things could have been +pleasanter, so that you might have stayed. But I think I hear Mr. Holden +stirring. Good-by, and may God be with you!" + +She closed the window hastily, and Herbert, not wishing to get into +a collision with Abner Holden, who he suspected might have heard +something, withdrew swiftly. Ralph, who was standing near by, joined +him, and both together went back to the woods. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +A MOMENT OF PERIL + + +Abner Holden did not suspect that Herbert actually intended to leave +him permanently; but when evening came, and he did not return, he became +apprehensive that such was the case. Now, for more than one reason, he +objected to our hero's leaving. First, because he was a strong, capable +boy, and his services were worth considerable, and, secondly, because +he disliked Herbert, and it was a satisfaction to tyrannize over him, as +his position enabled him to do. There are some men in whom the instinct +of petty tyranny exists to such an extent that they cannot feel happy +without someone to exercise their authority over. Such a man was Abner +Holden. He was a bully and a tyrant by nature, and decidedly objected to +losing one so completely in his power as Herbert was. + +When night came and Herbert did not return, he decided to search for +him, and bring him back, if found, the very next day. He did not impart +his purpose to Mrs. Bickford, for he was at no loss to discover that the +sympathies of the kind-hearted housekeeper were not with him, but with +the boy whom he wished to abuse. When breakfast was over, therefore, he +merely said: "Mrs. Bickford, I am going out for a short time. If Herbert +should return while I am absent, you may tell him to finish hoeing those +potatoes in the garden." + +"Do you think he will come back, Mr. Holden?" asked the housekeeper. + +"Yes; he will soon be tired of wandering about. He will learn to prize a +good home after he has slept out of doors one night." + +Mrs. Bickford did not reply; but she did not feel quite so much +confidence as her employer appeared to do in the excellence of the home +which Herbert had enjoyed under Abner Holden's roof. + +"It's just as well he doesn't suspect Herbert's plan," she thought, and +without further words, began to clear away the breakfast dishes. + +Abner was not long in deciding that Herbert was hidden in the woods. +That, indeed, seemed the most natural place of refuge for one placed in +his circumstances. He determined, therefore, to seek there first. + +We must now return to Herbert. + +"If you will wait till nightfall," said Ralph, "you will be more safe +from pursuit, and I will accompany you for a few miles." + +This seemed plausible, and our hero consented. + +Ralph went off on a hunting expedition, but Herbert remained behind, +fearing that he might tear or stain his clothes, of which it was +necessary, now, to be careful. How to pass the time was the question. To +tell the truth, the hunter's cabin contained little that would help +him. There were no books visible, for Ralph seemed to have discarded +everything that would remind him of that civilization which he had +forsaken in disgust. + +Herbert went outside, and watched the squirrels that occasionally made +their appearance flitting from branch to branch of the tall trees. After +a while his attention was drawn to a bird, which flew with something in +its beak nearly to the top of a tall tree not far off. + +"I shouldn't wonder," thought Herbert, interested, "if she's got a nest, +and some young ones up there. I have a great mind to climb up and see +whether she has or not." + +He measured the tree with his eye. It was very tall, exceeding in its +height most of its forest neighbors. + +"I don't know as I can climb it," he said to himself, a little +doubtfully; "but anyway, I am going to try. There's nothing like +trying." + +This was a lucky determination for Herbert, as will speedily appear. + +It was twenty feet to the first branching off, and this was, of course, +the most difficult part of the ascent, since it was necessary to "shin +up," and the body of the tree was rather too large to clasp comfortably. +However, it was not the first time that Herbert had climbed a tree, and +he was not deficient in courage as well as skill. So he pushed on +his way, and though once or twice in danger of falling, he at length +succeeded in reaching the first bough. From this point the ascent was +comparatively easy. + +In a short time our hero was elated to find himself probably fifty feet +from the ground, so high it made him feel a little dizzy to look down. +He reached the nest, and found the young birds--three in number. The +parent bird hovered near by, evidently quite alarmed for the safety of +her brood. But Herbert had no intention of harming them. He only climbed +up to gratify his curiosity, and because he had nothing more important +to do. Though he did not know it, his own danger was greater than that +which threatened the birds. For, just at that moment, Mr. Holden, in +his wanderings, had reached Ralph's cabin, and Herbert, looking down, +beheld, with some anxiety, the figure of the unwelcome visitor. He saw +Abner enter the cabin, and, after a few moments' interval, issue from it +with an air of disappointment and dissatisfaction. + +"How lucky," thought our hero, "that he did not find me inside!" + +Abner Holden looked about him in every direction but the right one. He +little dreamed that the object of his pursuit was looking down upon him, +securely, from above. + +"I don't think he'll find me," thought Herbert. "Wouldn't he give +something, though, to know where I am?" + +But our young hero was doomed to disappointment. Just at that +moment--the unluckiest that could have been selected--he was seized with +a strong inclination to sneeze. + +Alarmed lest the sound should betray him, he made desperate efforts +to suppress it but Nature would have its way, and probably did so with +greater violence than if no resistance had been made. + +"Ker-chew!" sneezed Herbert, violently. + +As he anticipated, Abner's attention was attracted by the loud noise, +which he rightly concluded could hardly proceed from a bird or squirrel. +He had just been on the point of leaving the cabin for some other part +of the woods, but at this sound he stood still. Looking up to discover +whence it proceeded, his keen eyes detected Herbert in his lofty perch. +His eyes sparkled with joy. + +"Ha, you young rascal!" he exclaimed. "So you are there, are you? You +were going to run away, were you?" + +Now that Herbert was actually discovered, his fear left him, and he +became perfectly self-possessed and confident. + +"Yes, Mr. Holden," he answered, quietly; "such is my intention." + +"Boldly spoken," said Abner, provoked by our hero's coolness, for he had +hoped to find him terrified and pleading for forgiveness. "I admire your +frankness, and will try to equal it. I suppose you'll give it up as a +bad job now." + +"No, sir," said Herbert, firmly. + +"Take care, sir," said Abner, in anger and astonishment. "Take care how +you defy me. Come down here at once." + +"What for?" inquired Herbert, without stirring. + +"What for?" repeated Abner Holden. "That I may flog you within an inch +of your life." + +"That's no inducement," said our hero, coolly. + +"Do you refuse to obey me?" shouted Abner, stamping angrily. + +"I refuse to be flogged. You don't get me down for any such purpose, Mr. +Holden." + +"Then, by Heaven, if you won't come otherwise, I'll come up and help you +down." + +The angry man at once commenced the ascent. Anger gave him strength, +and, though he was unaccustomed to climbing, he continued to mount +up about halfway to the first branching off, somewhat to Herbert's +uneasiness, for he felt there was a chance that he might fall into +Abner's clutches. + +But Abner's success was only temporary. At the height of a dozen feet he +began to slip, and, despite his frantic struggles, he slid gradually to +the ground, tearing his coat, which he had not taken the precaution to +remove, and blistering his hands. + +What was to be done? + +In his anger and excitement, he drew a pistol from his breast pocket, +and pointed upward, saying menacingly, "Come down at once, you young +rascal, or I will fire!" + +Herbert was startled. He did not believe the pistol to be loaded. Still +it might be. + +"Will you come down?" repeated Abner, fiercely. "Quick, or I fire." + +Herbert's cheek was pale, but in a resolute voice he answered, "I will +not." + +Abner Holder, laid his finger upon the trigger, and would, in his anger, +have carried his threat into execution; but at the critical moment he +was conscious of a violent blow, and the pistol was wrenched from his +hand. + +Turning quickly, he met the stern glance of Ralph the Ranger. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +TAKEN PRISONER + + +"What does all this mean?" demanded Ralph, in a tone of command. + +"What right have you to interfere?" said Abner Holden, sulkily. + +"The right that any man has to prevent murder," said Ralph, briefly. + +"I wasn't going to murder him." + +"What were you going to do?" asked Ralph, looking keenly at Abner. "Why +were you pointing the pistol at him?" + +"I wanted to frighten him." + +"You meant to have him think you were going to fire. I believe you +were." + +"Why didn't he come down when I bade him?" + +"I'll answer that question," said Herbert, from the top of the tree. +"Mr. Holden promised to beat me if I would come down, but I didn't think +that a sufficient inducement." + +"I have a right to beat you," said Abner, doggedly. "Ain't you bound to +me; tell me that?" + +"I was," said Herbert, "and if you had treated me well, I would have +stayed with you; but I don't mean to remain to be abused." + +"You hear the lad's answer," said Ralph. "I like his spirit, and I'll +stand by him. He won't return with you." + +While this conversation had been going on, Abner had been slowly edging +himself toward the spot upon which Ralph had thrown the pistol, which +he had wrenched from him. While Ralph was speaking, he suddenly darted +forward, seized the weapon, and, facing about, said, with malicious +triumph, "Now, you're in my power, both of you. We'll see whether he'll +go back with me or not." + +As he spoke he pointed the pistol toward Ralph. + +The latter laughed contemptuously. + +This irritated Abner Holden. + +"I will count ten," he said. "Unless the boy begins to come down before +I stop, I fire at you. One--two----" + +"Hold!" said Ralph, and, drawing his revolver from beneath his +hunting-jacket, he pointed it at Abner. "Two can play at that game, +Abner Holden. This revolver is fully loaded. It gives me six chances of +hitting you. You have but one chance with your pistol. The moment your +finger touches the trigger, your doom is sealed. I never miss my aim." + +A sickly hue overspread the face of Abner Holden. He had counted on +Ralph's being unarmed. He saw that he had made an important and most +unlucky mistake. + +"Put down your revolver," he said, in a very different tone. "I wasn't +in earnest, you know." + +"I know nothing of the kind," retorted Ralph. "You looked to me as if +you were very much in earnest." + +Still with his revolver he covered Abner. + +"Put down your weapon," said Abner, nervously. "It might go off." + +"Yes, it might," returned Ralph. "I will lower it, on one condition." + +"What is that?" + +"That you lay down your pistol on the ground." + +Abner demurred, but finally felt compelled to do as he was commanded. + +"That is well," said Ralph, quietly. "Now, I will take care that you are +not tempted by it again." + +He walked toward the pistol, lifted it, and, pointing it in the reverse +direction, fired it off among the trees. + +"So much for that," he said. "Now, Herbert, you may come down." + +Herbert complied promptly. He felt the utmost confidence in the prowess +and good faith of his new friend, and did not fear to descend, though +his bitterest enemy awaited him beneath. + +Meanwhile an idea struck Abner Holden. He saw that he was no match for +Herbert as long as Ralph chose to befriend him. He resolved to enlist +the latter on his side. + +"Hark you, Ralph," he said, "come aside with me. I wish to speak to you +a moment." + +Ralph followed him a few paces in silence. + +"Now what is it you have to say to me?" he demanded. + +"About this boy," said Abner, insinuatingly. "He is bound to me." + +"Well?" + +"And the law gives me authority over him." + +"Well?" + +"I want him to go back with me." + +"Well?" + +"Will you promise not to interfere between us?" + +"I can't promise that," said Ralph, briefly. + +"Stay a moment," said Abner, seeing that he was on the point of leaving +him; "of course, I am willing to make it worth your while. I'll give +you--well, three dollars, to help me secure him, and carry him back to +my house." + +"What do you take me for?" asked Ralph, looking at the other, steadily. + +"For a poor man," said Abner. "Think a moment. Three dollars will buy +you provisions for a week. They couldn't be more easily earned. In fact, +you needn't do anything. Only promise not to interfere between the boy +and myself." + +Ralph turned upon him scornfully. + +"I have promised the boy my protection," he said, "and you would have me +forfeit my word for a paltry three dollars?" + +"I'll give you five," said Abner, supposing that the sum he had offered +was not sufficient. + +"Not for five dollars, nor five thousand," returned Ralph, shortly. "I +thought you meant to insult me, but I see you only judge me by yourself. +The boy shall not return with you. Make up your mind to that." + +"I can have you arrested," said Abner, angrily. + +Ralph laughed. + +"Let that comfort you for the loss of the boy," he said. + +"I'll have the boy, too," muttered Abner, turning to leave them. + +"Where are you going?" demanded Ralph. + +"I am going home." + +"Not yet." + +"Why not?" demanded Abner, facing about. + +"Because I can't spare you yet." + +"What right have you to interfere with my movements?" said Abner. + +"None, perhaps; but I will inquire into that afterward. It is enough +that, for the present, you must stay here." + +"I shall do no such thing," said Abner, and he again turned to go. + +Ralph deliberately lifted his weapon, and took aim. + +"What do you say now?" he asked. + +"Surely, you will not fire at me," said Abner, turning pale. + +"Not if you remain where you are." + +"How long do you mean to keep me?" demanded Abner, sullenly. + +"As long as may be necessary. That is all. Herbert, go into the cabin +and look in one corner for a cord." + +Herbert soon returned with a stout cord, tough and strong. + +"What are you going to do with that?" asked Abner suspiciously. + +"I'm going to bind you," said Ralph, coolly. + +"I'll have the law on you for this," said Abner, hoarsely. + +"All in good time," said Ralph. "But I advise you to consider whether +the law has nothing to say against attempted murder." + +"What do you mean by that?" + +"I mean that you attempted to murder this boy, and would have done so, +in all probability, if I had not interfered. When I am arrested, I shall +feel it my duty to make this known to the authorities." + +Abner was silent. He felt that Ralph's testimony would have an ugly +look. + +"Let me go," he said, after a pause. "You needn't be afraid of my +troubling either of you. Don't tie me." + +"Abner Holden," said Ralph, "I know you, and I know you are not to be +trusted. I have resolved to help this boy to escape from you, and I mean +to do it effectually. For this purpose, I must subject you to temporary +inconvenience. I advise you not to resist." + +He had already tied the hands of Abner Holden, who, as he looked into +the fearless, resolute face of the Ranger, felt that it would not do to +resist. It chafed him most to think that Herbert, his bound boy, should +be a witness of his humiliation, and he scowled savagely at our hero. +But Herbert showed no triumph. His was a brave and generous nature, and +had it rested with him, he would have let Mr. Holden go, but he did not +think it best to interfere. + +Ralph quickly tied both hands and feet, and then took the helpless body +of Abner into the cabin, where he placed him in one corner. + +"Are you thirsty?" he asked. + +"Yes," said Abner, sullenly. + +Ralph placed a cup of water to his lips. He also placed a loaf of bread +beside him, which, though his hands were tied at the wrist, he would +still be able to reach, and then beckoned to Herbert. + +"Come," he said, "it is time that we were going." + +Abner gnashed his teeth with anger, as he watched them issue from the +cabin together, and felt how utterly helpless he was to prevent them. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +A FOUR-FOOTED FOE + + +Abner Holden's reflections, when he found himself left alone in Ralph's +cabin, bound hand and foot, were not of the most agreeable nature. It +was humiliating to find himself baffled at every point, and, for once, +completely defeated in his attempt to exercise his authority over the +boy who had been bound to him. + +That Herbert should escape from him beyond the chance of recovery seemed +now almost certain. If he were free, something might be done. But he was +so securely bound that it was impossible to get free without help, and +the lonely situation of the cabin made it very doubtful whether anyone +would come within hearing until the return of Ralph himself. When that +would be was uncertain. + +Three hours passed, and still no prospect of release. The bonds chafed +his wrists, and his situation was far from comfortable. He tried to +loosen the cords, but without success. + +"Must I stay here all night?" he thought, in alarm. + +But deliverance was at hand, though its first approach was disagreeable. + +A large dog entered the cabin through the open door, drawn thither, +probably, by curiosity. When he saw Abner he appeared to take a dislike +to him, and barked vehemently. + +"Go away, you brute!" said Abner, wrathfully. + +The dog, however, appeared instinctively to understand that Abner Holden +was able only to threaten him, and barked more furiously than before; +sometimes approaching within a foot of the helpless prisoner, and +showing a formidable row of teeth, which Abner feared every moment might +fasten upon his arm or leg. + +Abner Holden was not a man of courage. Though his disposition was that +of a bully, he was easily frightened, and the fierce look of the dog +alarmed him not a little. In fact, it might have tested the courage of a +much braver man than Mr. Holden. + +"Go away!" he shrieked, shrinking back as far as he could from the open +mouth of his persecutor. + +A hoarse bark was the only reply, and the dog made an artful spring, +which was only a feint, but had too much the appearance of earnest to +suit his enemy. + +"Oh, will nobody save me from the brute?" groaned Abner, in an +ecstasy of terror. "If I could only get my hands loose!" and he tugged +frantically at the cord. + +Feeling how utterly he was at a disadvantage, he condescended to coax +his fierce antagonist. + +"Be quiet, that's a good dog," he said, with hypocritical softness. + +The dog noticed a change in his tone, and evidently viewed it with +some suspicion. Still his bark became less fierce and his looks less +threatening. + +"Good dog!" repeated Abner, in wheedling tones. "There's some dinner." + +And he pushed over the provisions which Ralph had left. + +While the dog was apparently taking his offer into consideration, a +boy's voice was heard outside, calling "Carlo, Carlo!" + +The dog pricked up his ears and ran out of the cabin. + +"So you are here, you truant," said the boy. "Why did you run away? What +have you to say for yourself, sir?" + +The dog answered by a wag of his tail. + +"Oh, yes, you may wag your tail, but I've a great mind to punish you for +running away, and putting me to the trouble of finding you." + +"Hello!" cried Abner, in a loud voice. + +"Who's that?" thought the boy, surprised. + +As the voice evidently came from within the cabin, he ventured to the +door, and looked in. He was considerably surprised to see Abner Holden, +whom he knew well by sight, lying bound hand and foot in the corner. + +"Is that you, Mr. Holden?" he asked, in a tone of surprise. + +"Of course it is," said Abner, who was not in a very pleasant frame of +mind. + +"Are you tied?" + +"Don't you see I am?" snarled Abner. + +"Who tied you?" + +"That rascal Ralph. I mean to have him hung, if I live." + +"Ralph! Why, I thought he was quiet and peaceable." + +"He tried to murder me, but changed his mind, and tied me, as you see." + +"I can't understand it." + +"There is no need of understanding it. Come and unfasten these cords. I +feel stiff and cramped." + +The boy tried to unfasten the cord, but it was too securely tied. + +"Where is your knife?" + +"I haven't got any." + +"Then take the axe." + +There was an axe standing at the corner of the room. This the boy got, +and, with the keen edge, severed the string. + +Abner stretched himself to relieve his cramped limbs. Then he bethought +himself of his late persecutor. + +"Is that your dog?" he asked, surveying his four-legged enemy with no +friendly expression. + +"Yes, that's Carlo. Come here, Carlo." + +"He's been in here barking at me, and threatening to bite me, and now +I'll have my revenge." + +"What do you mean?" inquired the boy, in alarm, as Abner seized the axe +and swung it over his head. + +"Stand aside, boy!" + +"What are you going to do?" + +"I'm going to kill that brute." + +"No, no, he's a good dog. He won't do any harm," said the boy, in alarm. + +"I'll kill him," said Abner, fiercely. + +The dog surveyed his enemy with suspicion. He seemed to understand that +danger menaced him. He growled in a low, hoarse, ominous tone, which +showed that he was on his guard, and meant to do his part of the +fighting, if necessary. + +His owner had retreated to the door, and now tried to call him away. + +"Carlo, Carlo, come out here, sir." + +But Carlo would not come. He had no intention of shrinking from the +danger that threatened him, but was bent on defending himself, as became +a brave and dauntless dog, whose courage was above suspicion. + +If Abner had not been so exasperated, he might have been terrified, but +anger re-enforced his courage, and, moreover, he had a great deal of +confidence that the axe which he held in his hand would make him more +than a match for the dog. + +"I'll kill him!" he exclaimed, and once more he swung the axe over his +head, and brought it down with a tremendous force in the direction of +the dog. + +Alas for poor Carlo, if the axe had struck him! But he was wary, and +knew something of warlike tactics, and with watchful eye carefully noted +Abner's movements. The boy uttered a cry of alarm at the peril of his +favorite, but Carlo sprang to one side just as the axe descended, and it +was buried in the earthen floor of the cabin so deeply that Abner could +not immediately recover it. + +The advantage was thus transferred to the other side, and the dog was +not slow in perceiving it. + +With a bound he sprang upon his adversary, and bore him to the floor, +seizing his coat between his strong teeth. He pulled and tugged at this +with a strength which no ordinary cloth could possibly withstand. + +"Take him off! take him off!" shrieked Abner in terror. + +The boy sprang to the rescue. + +"Come away, Carlo," he said, grasping him by the collar; "come away, +that's a good dog." + +But, habitually obedient as Carlo was, his young master found it +difficult to get him away. He felt that he had received a grievous +injury--that his life had been attempted--and he wanted to have +satisfaction. Finally his master succeeded in drawing him away, but not +till Mr. Holden's coat was badly torn. + +The latter was crestfallen and angry, and not so grateful as he ought to +have been to his young defender. + +"I'll make your father pay for this coat, you young rascal!" he said. + +"It isn't my fault, Mr. Holden," said the boy. + +"Yes, it is. It was your dog that tore my coat." + +"Carlo wouldn't have torn it, if you hadn't attacked him." + +"He attacked me first." + +"You had better go away, Mr. Holden, or he may go at you again." + +A low growl from the dog whom he held by the collar re-enforced this +suggestion, and Abner, uttering threats both against the dog and his +master, strode out of the cabin and bent his steps homeward. + +As he entered the kitchen, the housekeeper turned, and, noticing his +torn coat, exclaimed, "Good gracious, Mr. Holden, what's happened to +you? How came your coat so badly torn?" + +"It was a dog," muttered Abner, who did not care to be questioned. + +Mrs. Bickford supposed he must have taken off the coat, and the dog had +torn it as it lay upon the ground. + +"What a pity!" she exclaimed. "Whose dog was it?" + +"Alfred Martin's. I'll make Martin pay for the coat. He has no right to +keep such a brute." + +"You must be hungry, Mr. Holden." + +"Yes, get me something as quick as possible." + +"Have you seen anything of Herbert?" asked the housekeeper. + +"No," snapped Abner. + +This was a falsehood, of course, but he felt rather ashamed to confess +that he had seen Herbert, and that the latter had got the better of him. +Mrs. Bickford perceived that he was out of humor, and did not press the +question. She concluded that he was angry because his quest had been +unsuccessful. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +JUST TOO LATE + + +Leaving Abner Holden bound in his cabin, Ralph led Herbert, by a short +path, out of the woods. + +"Your best course," he said, "will be to take the cars for Columbus at +Vernon. At Columbus you will go to Wheeling, and from there, over the +Baltimore & Ohio Railroad to Baltimore, and thence to New York. But all +this will cost money." + +"I have money," said Herbert. + +"How much?" + +"About fifteen dollars." + +"Is that all?" + +"Is it not enough to carry me to New York?" + +"Hardly. Besides, when you get there, how will you get along? Have you +any relations in the city?" + +"Yes, an uncle." + +"Then you will go to him?" + +"No," said Herbert, hastily. + +"Why not?" + +"He does not care to see me. Shall I tell you what sort of a letter he +wrote to Dr. Kent about me?" + +"Yes, tell me." + +Herbert, in indignant language, which correctly represented his +feelings, gave the substance of the letter, which is already known to +us. + +"I shall not feel easy," he said, "until I am able to return the +ten dollars which my uncle sent me. I am not willing to remain under +obligations to one who cares so little for me." + +"I think you are proud," said Ralph, bending his eyes upon the lad's +glowing countenance. + +"Perhaps I am," said Herbert; "but is it not a proper pride?" + +"I cannot say no," answered Ralph; "but would you feel the same about +incurring obligations to a friend?" + +"No," said Herbert; "that would be different." + +"I am glad to hear you say so, for I am going to ask you to accept help +from me." + +To Herbert's surprise, Ralph drew out a small bag, originally intended +for shot, and drew therefrom five golden coins, of five dollars each. + +"Take them," he said, simply. + +Herbert hesitated, while his face indicated extreme surprise. + +"I thought--" he commenced, and then paused. + +"You thought me poor," said Ralph, finishing the sentence for him. "Is +it not so?" + +"Yes," said Herbert. + +"Most people think so," said Ralph. "But it was not poverty that drove +me from the busy world to this solitude. Rich or poor, I had money +enough for my wants. Here I have little use for money. To me it is a +useless and valueless thing. You need have no hesitation in taking this. +But on second thoughts, I had better give you more." And he was about to +draw forth more. + +"No, no," said Herbert, hastily. "It is quite sufficient. You are very, +very kind. Some time I hope to repay you." + +"No," said Ralph. "Do not talk of repayment. Let me have the pleasure of +giving you this small sum." + +"How kind you are," said Herbert, impulsively, "and to a stranger." + +"Yet my obligation to you is greater than yours to me," said Ralph. + +"How can that be?" asked the boy, raising his eyes to Ralph's grave +face. + +"You are the first human being in whose society I have taken pleasure +for years. Deeply injured by man, I conceived a hatred for the whole +race. But in your frank face I see much to like. I think I could trust +you." + +"I hope so," said Herbert. + +"You have inspired in me a new feeling, for which I cannot account. +Yesterday the world had no attractions for me. To-day I feel an interest +in your welfare, at least." + +"Why do you bury yourself in this lonely place?" said Herbert. "You +cannot be happy in it. Come with me to New York. It must be a beautiful +place." + +Ralph smiled gravely. + +"To the young the world seems bright," he said. "It is after years have +swept away one illusion after another, after faith in one's fellowmen +has been sorely tried, and the hollowness of the world's friendship has +been proved, that the brightness fades." + +"You have seen more of life than I," said Herbert, "and perhaps it is +presumption in me to question what you say; but I cannot help feeling +that you are mistaken. I am sure that there is such a thing as true +friendship." + +"How many true friends are you blessed with?" asked Ralph, a little +sarcasm in his tone. + +"Not many, perhaps, but some. There is good Dr. Kent and his family. I +am sure of their friendship. Then," he added, his color slightly rising, +"I think I have found another friend," and he looked in the face of his +guide. + +The grave face softened. + +"Thank you, my lad," said Ralph. "You are right there, at least. You can +rely upon my friendship being sincere." + +"Then I am right, am I not?" said Herbert, smiling brightly. + +"I believe you are," said the guide, after a pause, "and I thank you for +teaching me a lesson." + +"Man was made in the image of God," said Herbert. "If we doubt man, I +think it is the same as doubting God." + +Ralph did not reply, but walked on in thoughtful silence. + +"How far is it to Vernon?" asked Herbert, when they had emerged from the +woods. + +"It is five miles farther. Can you walk so far?" + +"Oh, yes; I have good stout legs. But suppose Mr. Holden should escape. +He might pursue us." + +Ralph smiled. + +"I think I shall find him in the same place when I return," he said. + +"He will be very angry with you." + +"Yes, I suppose so," said Ralph, indifferently. + +"Are you not afraid he will have you arrested?" + +"No, I care little. If I am fined, I will pay the fine, and that will be +the end of it." + +"But you might be imprisoned?" + +"If I see any danger of that, I shall be tempted to charge Abner Holden +with his attempt upon your life. Don't make yourself anxious about me, +my lad. I have little fear of what the law may do as far as my agency in +this affair is concerned." + +Ralph seemed so entirely unconcerned that something of his confidence +was imparted to Herbert. Noting the erect mien and fearless glance of +his guide, every movement betokening strength, he could not help feeling +that Abner Holden would be rash to make such a man his enemy. He felt +safe in his protection, and his apprehensions of capture passed away. +So with lightened heart he walked the five dusty miles to the village of +Vernon, accompanied by Ralph. + +It was a thrifty village, with neat and tasteful dwellings lining the +principal street. The railroad and manufactories had built it up rapidly +and given it an air of prosperity which was pleasant to see. + +"We will go at once to the railway station," said Ralph. "You may catch +the next train, and it will be as well to leave this neighborhood as +soon as possible." + +They were fortunate enough to reach the station fifteen minutes before +the eastern train departed. + +Herbert bought a ticket for Columbus, fifty miles distant, and entered +the train. + +"Good-by, Herbert," said Ralph, from the platform. + +"Good-by," said Herbert. "Thank you for all your kindness to me. Shall I +not see you again?" + +"I do not know," said Ralph, musing. "I have no wish nor intention of +going to New York at present, yet I have a feeling that we shall meet +again." + +"I hope it may be so," said Herbert. "I shall be glad to see you again." + +While he spoke the shrill sound of the railway whistle was heard, the +train started, and Herbert was fairly off on his journey. + +Just as he was leaving the depot, a wagon drove hastily up to the +station, and Abner Holden jumped out. Herbert saw him as he looked from +the window, and for a moment he was apprehensive, but the train was +fairly on the way. + +"Stop! stop!" vociferated Abner. "Stop, I say!" for he had also caught +sight of his bound boy on the way to freedom. + +"You don't think they will stop the train for you, you fool!" said a man +standing by. "You ought to have come sooner if you wanted to go by this +train." + +"I don't want to go by it," said Abner. + +"What do you want, then?" + +"My boy's run away, and I have just seen him aboard the train." + +"Oh, that's it, is it? Your son?" + +"No, I hope not. It's a young rascal that's bound to me." + +"If he's a young rascal, I shouldn't think you'd want him back." + +Turning away, for he saw that he had failed, his glance rested on Ralph. + +Instantly his anger rose. + +"It's your doings," said he, shaking his fist in impotent wrath at the +sturdy hunter, whom he would have attacked had he dared. "It's your +fault, and you shall pay for it if there's law in the land." + +"What will the law say to your attempt to shoot the boy?" demanded +Ralph, coolly. + +Abner turned pale, and realized that his best course was to keep quiet +about an affair which might seriously compromise himself. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +NEW ACQUAINTANCES + + +Herbert stopped overnight at Columbus. + +The first train eastward left Columbus at seven o'clock in the morning. +It was Herbert's intention to take this train, but unfortunately, as he +thought at the time, the clock at the hotel by which his movements were +guided was ten minutes too slow. The consequence was, that before he had +quite reached the depot he saw the cars going out at the other end. He +ran as fast as possible, hoping still to make up for lost time, but it +was in vain. + +"You're too late, youngster," said a porter, who had been assisting to +stow away baggage. "You'll have to wait till the next train." + +"When does the next train start?" asked our hero. + +"Twelve o'clock." + +"Then I shall have to wait till that time," Herbert concluded, with +regret. + +Yet, as he directly afterwards thought, it could make no particular +difference, since he had no stated engagement to meet, and this +consideration enabled him to bear the inevitable delay with a better +grace. + +"I suppose," he reflected, "I might as well go back to the hotel." + +He turned to leave the building when a carriage drove hastily up to the +station. It was drawn by two horses, and driven by a negro in livery. A +lady put her head out of the window and inquired anxiously if the train +had started. She addressed this question to Herbert, who happened to be +nearest. + +"Yes, madam," he answered, respectfully. + +"I am so sorry," said the lady, in a tone of vexation and perplexity. +"It was very important that my father should take that train." + +"There is another train that starts at twelve," said Herbert. "It will +make a difference of a few hours only." + +"Yes," said the lady, "but you do not understand my difficulty. The few +hours' difference in time would be of small importance, but my father is +blind, and is, of course, for that reason, dependent upon the kindness +of others. A gentleman of our acquaintance was going by this train, who +would have taken charge of him and seen him safe to his destination. By +losing the train we lose his services." + +"My dear," said an elderly gentleman, sitting on the opposite seat, "if +I can get somebody to see me on board, I think I can manage very well." + +"On no account, father," was the hasty reply, "particularly under +present circumstances." + +"Where is the gentleman going?" asked Herbert, with interest. + +"To Philadelphia." + +"I am going on to New York," said our hero. "I have been disappointed +like you. I expected to take the early train." + +"Do you intend to go by the next train, then?" asked the lady. + +"Yes, madam." + +"Then, perhaps--I have a great mind to ask you to take charge of my +father." + +"I shall be very glad to be of service to you," said Herbert. "There is +only one objection," he added, with some embarrassment. + +"What is that?" + +"Why," said Herbert, frankly, "I am obliged to be economical, and I was +thinking of buying a second-class ticket." + +"Oh," said the lady, promptly, "there need be no difficulty about that. +If you will take the trouble to look after my father, we will gladly pay +for your ticket." + +"I am afraid my services will not be worth so much," said Herbert, +modestly. + +"You must leave us to estimate them. If you do what you have undertaken, +we shall consider the expense well incurred." + +Herbert made no further objection. He felt, indeed, that it would be +quite a lift to him, in the present state of his finances, and besides +would be a very easy way of earning the money. He therefore signified +his thanks and his acceptance of the offer. + +"When did you say the train starts?" asked the lady. + +"At twelve." + +"Nearly five hours. That will be too long to wait. I think, father, we +will go home." + +"Yes, my dear, I think that will be best." + +"Are you obliged to go home before starting?" the lady inquired, +addressing Herbert. + +"No, madam, I have no home in Columbus. I passed last night at a hotel." + +"Have you any particular plan for spending the next few hours?" + +Herbert answered in the negative. + +"Then will you not ride home with us? You will then be ready to start +with my father." + +"I shall be happy to do so." + +"I think that will be much the best plan. Pompey, open the carriage door +for the young gentleman." + +Our hero was about to say that he could just as well open the door +for himself, but he reflected that it was best to adapt himself to the +customs of those he was with. He bowed, therefore, and waited till the +coachman had opened the door for him, and stepped into the carriage. The +lady signed to him to take a seat beside her, and the door was closed. + +"Home, Pompey," said she, briefly. + +The coachman ascended to his seat, and the spirited grays were soon +whirling the party rapidly homeward. + +It was a new position for our hero, and he felt it to be so. His parents +had never been rich, and latterly had been very poor. Living in a small +country village, he had never even seen so elegant a carriage as that +in which he was now riding He sank back upon the luxuriously cushioned +seat, and he could not help thinking how pleasant it would be if he +could command so comfortable a conveyance whenever he wanted to ride +out. But another thought succeeded this. If he were blind, like the +gentleman whom he was to take charge of, it would be a very poor +compensation to ride in a luxurious carriage. After all, things were not +so unequal as they seemed at first sight. + +"Since you are to be my father's traveling companion," said the lady, +"perhaps you will not object to telling us your name." + +"Certainly," said our hero, "my name is Herbert Mason." + +"Are you going from home for the first time?" inquired the lady. + +"I have no home," said Herbert. "My father and mother are both dead." + +"Excuse me," said the lady, gently. "I am sorry to have touched upon a +subject which must awaken sorrowful recollections. My father's name is +Carroll. Father, you have heard that your young escort is Mr. Herbert +Mason." + +The old gentleman extended his hand, which Herbert took respectfully. + +"I am afraid you will find me a troublesome charge," he said. "Since I +have become blind I have been compelled to tax the kindness of others." + +"The journey will be pleasanter to me," said Herbert, politely, "than if +I were alone." + +Mr. Carroll was evidently pleased with this remark, for he turned toward +Herbert with increased interest. + +"You can imagine how much more so it will be to me," he said. "I have +not your resources for beguiling the tedium of the way. I would give all +my possessions gladly, for your young eyes. All journeys are alike to me +now, since, however interesting the scenery, it is a blank to me." + +"That is indeed a privation, sir." + +"Especially in the journey we are about to take. The Baltimore & Ohio +Railroad, as it is called, runs through a romantic and charming country, +and affords views at once bold and beautiful. Have you ever traveled +over the road?" + +"No, sir." + +"Then you will have all the pleasure of a first discovery. Before I +became blind, before, indeed, the railway was located, I became, as a +young man, familiar with this whole section of country, so that I +have, at least, the remembrance of it. I am obliged now to live upon my +memory." + +"You say you have never been over this railroad," said the lady. "Have +you ever been to the East?" + +"No, madam, I have always lived in the State of Ohio." + +"And you are now going to Philadelphia?" she inquired. + +"I am going to New York," said Herbert. + +"Indeed! Is it on a visit?" + +"No, madam, I am expecting to live there; that is, if I can make a +living." + +"Are you dependent, then, upon your own exertions for support?" + +"Yes, madam." + +"You seem very young for such a responsibility." + +"I am fourteen." + +"I thought you a year older. My Oscar is fourteen, and I am afraid +he would make a poor hand at supporting himself. What do you think, +father?" + +"I think you are right, my dear. Oscar has not been placed in +circumstances to develop his self-reliance." + +"No; that probably has something to do with it. But, Herbert, if you +will permit me to call you so, do you not look forward to the future +with apprehension?" + +"No, madam," said Herbert. "I am not afraid but that I shall be able +to get along somehow. I think I shall find friends, and I am willing to +work." + +"That is the spirit that leads to success," said the old gentleman, +approvingly. "Work comes to willing hands. I think you will succeed." + +"I hope so, sir." + +Our hero was gratified to meet with so much sympathy from those whose +wealth placed them far above him in the social scale. But it was not +surprising, for Herbert had a fine appearance and gentlemanly manners, +marked, too, by a natural politeness which enabled him to appear better +than most boys of his age. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +A YOUNG ARISTOCRAT + + +After a drive of three miles, which was accomplished in a short time by +the spirited horses, the carriage entered, through an ornamental gate, +upon a smooth driveway, which led up to a handsome mansion, of large +size, with a veranda stretching along the entire front. + +A boy, a little smaller than Herbert, ran out of the front door, and +opened the door of the carriage before Pompey had time to descend from +the box. + +"What, grandpa, come back?" he said, in surprise. + +"Yes, Oscar, we were too late for the train," said his mother. "I +brought you back a companion for a few hours. This is Herbert Mason, +whom I intrust to your care, depending upon you to see that he passes +his time pleasantly." + +Oscar looked at Herbert inquisitively. + +Herbert offered his hand, saying, "I am glad to make your acquaintance, +Oscar." + +"How long are you going to stay?" asked Oscar, as his mother and +grandfather went into the house. + +"I must return in time to take the twelve o'clock train." + +"Is grandpa going, too?" + +"Yes." + +"And are you going to take care of him?" + +"I believe so." + +"I wouldn't want to.' + +"Why not?" + +"Oh, it's an awful bore to be tied to a blind man." + +"You'd find it more of a bore to be blind yourself," said Herbert. + +"Yes, I suppose I should. Grandpa wants me to go to walk with him +sometimes, but I don't like it." + +"If I had a grandfather who was blind, I think I should be willing." + +"Wait till you have one, and you'll see how it is then." + +"I suppose he needs somebody." + +"Oh, well, he can take one of the servants, then. It's their business to +work." + +"Where do you live?" he asked, after a pause. + +"I am going to live in New York." + +"Are you? I should like to go there." + +"Perhaps you wouldn't want to go as I am going." + +"What, alone? Yes, I should rather go that way. Then I could do as I +pleased. Now it's 'Oscar, do this,' and 'You mustn't do that,' all the +time." + +"That isn't what I mean exactly. I've got to earn my own living after I +get there, and I don't know anybody in the city." + +"You haven't run away from home, have you?" + +"I haven't got any home." + +"Where's your father and mother?" + +"They are both dead." + +"What are you going to do?" + +"I hope to get into a store or counting-room and learn to be a +merchant." + +"I shan't have to work for a living," said Oscar, in a tone of +importance. + +"Because your family is rich, I suppose," said Herbert. + +"Yes, we've got a large estate, ever so many acres. That's what mother's +got. Then grandpa is rich besides, and I expect he will leave me a good +deal of his money. He's pretty old, and I don't believe he'll live very +long." + +Oscar said this with such evident satisfaction that Herbert was +disgusted, thinking it not very creditable to him to speculate so +complacently upon his grandfather's speedy death. + +"You seem to be well off, then," said he, at last, to the boy. + +"Yes," said Oscar, "our family is one of the first in the State. My +father is a Peyton." + +"Is he?" asked Herbert, not appearing as much awestruck as Oscar +expected. + +"We've got a plantation in Virginia. We live there part of the year. My +father's there now. I hope we shall go there soon." + +"Do you like it better than here?" + +"Yes, a good deal." + +"This is a handsome place." + +"Yes, this is mother's estate. The other belongs to father." + +"Have you any brothers and sisters, Oscar?" + +"I've got one sister. She's about twelve. But, I say, I thought you were +a gentleman's son when I first saw you." + +"So I am," said Herbert, emphatically. + +"Was your father rich?" + +"No." + +"Did he have to work for a living?" + +"Yes." + +"Then he wasn't a gentleman," said Oscar, decidedly. + +"Isn't anybody a gentleman that has to work for a living?" asked +Herbert, his indignation excited by his companion's assumption of +superiority. + +"Of course not," said Oscar, coolly. "It isn't respectable to work. +Niggers and servants work." + +"That is where I don't agree with you," said Herbert, his face flushing. + +"You don't pretend to be a gentleman, do you?" demanded Oscar, +insolently. + +"Yes, I do," said Herbert, firmly. + +"But you're not one, you know." + +"I don't know anything of the kind," said Herbert, angrily. "I suppose +you call yourself one." + +"Of course, I am a gentleman," said Oscar, complacently. + +"You don't talk like one, at any rate," retorted Herbert. + +This was new language for Oscar to hear. He had been accustomed to have +his own way pretty much, and had been used to order round his father's +servants and slaves like a little despot. The idea of being told by a +boy who had to work for a living that he did not talk like a gentleman, +did not suit him at all. His black eyes flashed and he clenched his +fists. + +"Do you mean to insult me?" he demanded. + +"I never insult anybody," said Herbert, not feeling particularly alarmed +by this hostile demonstration. "It is you that have insulted me." + +"Didn't you tell me I was not a gentleman?" said Oscar, hotly. + +"I said you did not talk like one." + +"That's about the same thing," said Oscar. + +"Just as you like. Even if I did say so, you said the same of me." + +"Well, suppose I did." + +"I am as much a gentleman as you, to say the least," asserted Herbert. + +"If you say that again, I'll knock you down," said Oscar, furiously. + +"I'll say it all day, if I like," said Herbert, defiantly. + +Perhaps it would have been better for Herbert to stop disputing, and to +have taken no notice of Oscar's words. But Herbert was not perfect. He +had plenty of spirit, and he was provoked by the airs Oscar chose to +assume, and by no means inclined to allow him to arrogate a superiority +over himself, merely on account of his wealth. Though manly and +generous, he was quick to resent an insult, and accordingly, when Oscar +dared to repeat what he had said, he instantly accepted the challenge as +recorded above. + +Had Oscar been prudent, he would have hesitated before endeavoring to +carry his threat into execution. A moment's glance at the two boys would +have satisfied anyone that the chances, in a personal contest, were +decidedly in our hero's favor. Herbert was not only a little taller than +Oscar, perhaps an inch and a half, but his shoulders were broader and +his frame more muscular. Oscar had never done any work to strengthen his +arms, while Herbert had been forced by circumstances to do so. + +Oscar flung himself upon Herbert, and endeavored to bear him to the +ground. But the latter, without an effort, repelled the charge, and +flung himself free from his antagonist's grasp. + +This naturally made Oscar more determined to overcome his foe. His +face red with passion, he showered blows upon Herbert, which the latter +parried with ease. At first he acted wholly upon the defensive, but, +finding that Oscar's impetuosity did not abate, suddenly closed with him +and threw him down. + +Oscar rose but little hurt, for Herbert used no unnecessary force, and +recommenced the assault. But the result was the same as before. Oscar +was almost beside himself with mingled rage and mortification, and it is +hard to tell how long the contest would have lasted, had not a servant +come up and informed the boys that Mrs. Peyton wished to see them +immediately. She had witnessed the whole scene from a window and felt +called upon to interfere. + +"How is this, young gentleman?" she asked, gravely. "You have scarcely +been together twenty minutes, and I find you fighting." + +"I beg your pardon, Mrs. Peyton," said Herbert, in a manly tone. "I feel +ashamed of myself, but Oscar attacked me for claiming to be a gentleman, +and I am afraid that my blood was up, and so we got into a fight." + +"How is this, Oscar?" said his mother. "Did you so wholly lose your +politeness as to attack your guest for asserting his claims to be a +gentleman? I am annoyed with you." + +"He says he has to work for a living," said Oscar, sullenly. + +"So may you, some time." + +"I am rich." + +"You may not always be. At any rate, being rich doesn't insure +gentlemanly behavior, as your conduct to-day clearly shows. Herbert, I +hope you will excuse my son's rudeness." + +"Here is my hand, Oscar," said Herbert, cordially. "Let us be friends." + +Oscar hardly knew how to receive this overture, but he was finally +thawed by Herbert's manner, and they were soon sauntering about on the +lawn on the best of terms. + +At half-past eleven, after an inviting lunch, the carriage was ordered, +and Herbert and Mr. Carroll were driven to the depot, accompanied by +Oscar, who went in his mother's place. + +Herbert purchased tickets for both, being intrusted with Mr. Carrol's +pocketbook for that purpose. He found a comfortable seat for the old +gentleman, and sat down beside him. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +A SUSPICIOUS CHARACTER + + +I pass over the route pursued by the travelers from Columbus to +Wheeling, in West Virginia, as it possesses no special interest. + +But after leaving Wheeling there is quite a change. Those of my readers +who are familiar with the Baltimore & Ohio Railway will be able to +understand the enjoyment which Herbert derived from the bold and +romantic scenery visible from the car windows. Mr. Carroll made him take +the seat nearest the window, that he might have a better view, and +from time to time Herbert described what he saw to his sightless +fellow-traveler. + +Northwestern Virginia is very mountainous and the construction of a +railway through such a region was a triumph of engineering skill. At +times the road makes bold curves, so that the traveler, looking from the +car window, can see opposite him, across an intervening gulf, the track +over which the train was passing five minutes before. At some places +the track is laid on a narrow shelf, midway of the mountain, a steep and +rugged ascent on one side, a deep ravine on the other, somewhat like +the old diligence road over the Alpine Mt. Cenis. Here and there appear +small hamlets, consisting of one-story cabins, with the chimney built +alongside, instead of rising from the roof in the usual manner. + +How long shall we be in reaching Baltimore, Mr. Carroll? "asked Herbert. + +"I believe it takes about twenty-six hours," said the old gentleman. +"But I do not mean to go through without stopping." + +"I didn't know what your plan was," said Herbert. + +"I have been meaning to tell you. Our tickets will allow us to stop +anywhere, and resume our journey the next morning, or even stop two or +three days, if we like." + +"That is convenient." + +"Yes. If it had been otherwise, I should have purchased the ticket +piecemeal. I cannot endure to travel all night. It fatigues me too +much." + +"Where shall we stop, then?" + +"I have not yet quite made up my mind. We will ride till about eight +o'clock, and then stop over at whatever place we chance to have +reached." + +This arrangement struck Herbert favorably. He was in no particular +hurry, and the scenery was so fine, that he feared that he should lose +a great deal by traveling at night, when, of course, he could not see +anything. + +They sat for a while in silence. Then Mr. Carroll inquired, suddenly, +"Did you ever fire a pistol, Herbert?" + +"Yes, sir," was the surprised reply. + +"Then you understand how to use one?" + +"Oh, yes, sir. There was a young man in Waverley, the town where I used +to live, who owned one, and I sometimes borrowed it to fire at a mark." + +"Then I think I will intrust this weapon to your charge," said the old +gentleman, drawing from his pocket a handsome pistol, and placing it in +Herbert's hand. + +"Is it loaded, sir?" + +"No, not at present. We will have it loaded before going to bed. I will +tell you," he added, in a lower tone, "my reason for going armed. It so +happens that I have a large amount of money with me, and, of course, I +feel a little concerned about its safety." + +"Perhaps it will be well not to say anything more about it at present, +sir," suggested Herbert, in a low voice. "You may be heard by someone +who would like to take advantage of his discovery." + +"No doubt you are right. I will follow your advice." + +Herbert would not have thought to give this caution, but, just as Mr. +Carroll uttered the words, "I have a large sum of money with me," a +man dressed in a rough frieze coat, with black whiskers, and a general +appearance, which, to say the least, did not prepossess Herbert in his +favor, chanced to walk through the car. Whether he caught the words +Herbert could not tell, but he paused a moment, and fixed an unpleasant +eye upon the two, as if determined to know them when he should meet them +again. There was another suspicious circumstance. It had evidently been +his intention to pass through the car, but he paused abruptly, and, +turning back, sank into an unoccupied seat a few feet back of that +occupied by Mr. Carroll and his young companion. + +His attention naturally drawn by this suspicious conduct, Herbert was +impelled to glance back once or twice. Each time he met the watchful +look of the man fixed upon them, instead of being directed at the +scenery outside, as was the case with the other passengers. When he +saw that the boy was watching him, he turned his head carelessly, and +commenced whistling. But this apparent indifference did not deceive +Herbert for a moment. + +"I will watch him," thought our hero. "I do not like his looks. If he +means mischief, as I think very probable, it is necessary that I should +be on my guard against him." + +At half-past seven o'clock Mr. Carroll signified his intention of +getting out at the next station. "I am beginning to feel tired," he +said, "and shall feel the better for a good supper and a night's rest." + +"Very well, sir," said Herbert. + +It occurred to him that now they would get rid of the man who was +watching them so closely. + +"If he gets out of the train with us," he thought, "I shall know what it +means." + +The train slackened its speed, the sound of the whistle was heard, the +brakes were applied, and soon the conductor, putting his head in at the +door, called out "Oakland!" + +"Here we are," said Herbert. "Give me your hand, Mr. Carroll, and I will +lead you out." + +The old gentleman rose from his seat, and, guided by Herbert, walked to +the car door. At the door Herbert turned and looked back. + +The man with the black whiskers, who a moment before seemed absorbed in +a newspaper, had left his seat, and was but a few feet behind him. + +Herbert did not believe that this was an accident. He felt sure that it +meant mischief. But he did not on that account feel nervous, or regret +that he had assumed a charge which seemed likely to expose him to peril. +He had the pistol in his pocket, and that he knew would make him even +with the rascal who was following them. + +There was a covered carriage waiting outside to convey passengers to the +only hotel which the village afforded. + +"Shall we take the carriage, Mr. Carroll?" asked Herbert. + +"Yes," was the reply. + +Herbert assisted him in, and placed himself in a seat opposite. + +There were two or three other passengers, but the man with the black +whiskers was not to be seen among them. + +"I may be mistaken," thought Herbert, who had rather expected to see +him. "Perhaps he lives here, and I have been alarming myself without +reason. Still, it is always best to be on one's guard." + +A ride of half a mile brought them to a small but comfortable-looking +inn. Herbert assisted Mr. Carroll to descend, and together they entered +the house of entertainment. + +"We shall want some supper. Herbert," said Mr. Carroll. "You may order +some." + +"What shall I order, sir?" + +"I should like some tea and toast and some beef-steak. If there is +anything that you would prefer, you may order that also." + +"No, sir, I should not wish anything better than you have ordered." + +"Tell them to get it ready as soon as possible. I feel weary with my +day's ride, and shall retire early." + +"I feel tired, too." thought Herbert, "but it won't do for me to sleep. +I must keep my eyes open, if possible." + +Supper was soon served. The toast was well browned, and spread with +excellent butter. The steak was juicy and tender, contrary to the usual +custom of country inns, and the tea was fragrant and strong. Both the +travelers partook heartily, having eaten nothing since noon, with the +exception of a little fruit purchased from the car window at one of the +stations. Herbert was not usually in the habit of drinking tea at night, +but on this particular occasion he wanted to keep awake, and therefore +drank two cups, of undiminished strength. + +"Now, Herbert," said Mr. Carroll, when they had finished supper, "you +may ask the clerk to assign me to a large room with a couple of beds in +it. I should prefer to have you in the same room with me." + +"Very well, sir." + +He rose from the table, and went to the public room, one portion of +which was occupied by the office. As he made his way to the desk, he +observed the man with black whiskers on a settee at one end of the room. +He was smoking a clay pipe. Herbert caught a stealthy glance directed +towards himself, but that was all. The man continued smoking, fixing +his eyes with apparent interest on a large yellow handbill pasted on the +opposite wall, announcing a performance by "The Great American Circus +Company" the succeeding evening. + +Herbert succeeded in obtaining such a room as he sought, and accompanied +by a servant bearing a lamp, went back to the dining-room to accompany +Mr. Carroll to it. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +FACING A BURGLAR + + +Herbert deliberated as to whether it would be best to inform his aged +traveling companion of the suspicious-looking man, who appeared to have +followed them for no good purpose. He finally decided not to do so, +since it would only alarm Mr. Carroll, and prevent his sleeping off his +fatigue, while there would be no advantage gained, since a blind and +feeble man could be of little use in repelling the burglar, should the +stranger prove to be such. + +The bedroom was large and square, and contained two beds. The larger +of these was placed in the corner, and this was assigned to the old +gentleman. The smaller was situated between the two side windows, and +was, of course, the more exposed of the two. This Herbert was to occupy. + +"Do you know how to load the pistol, Herbert?" asked Mr. Carroll. + +"Yes, sir," said Herbert, confidently. + +"I don't anticipate any occasion for using it," continued the old +gentleman. "Still, it will be best to be prepared." + +"So I think, sir." + +"You won't be afraid to use it, if it should be necessary?" + +"No, sir." + +Mr. Carroll took a package from his carpet-bag and showed it to Herbert. + +"This package," he said, "contains five thousand dollars in bank bills. +If it were known that I had it, I should be in danger. I suppose it will +be best to put it back in the carpet-bag." + +"If it were mine," said Herbert, "I would not do that." + +"Where, then, would you put it?" + +"I would put it between the mattresses. If anyone should get into the +room, they would seize the carpet-bag first, and, perhaps, make off +before they could be stopped." + +"I don't know but you are right," said Mr. Carroll. "Perhaps it will be +well to put my watch in the same place." + +"Yes, sir; I think it would be well." + +"You see, Herbert," continued the old gentleman, "how much confidence +I repose in you. Knowing where my watch and money are, it would be very +easy for you to secure both, and leave me here, destitute and helpless." + +"But you don't think there is any danger of my doing so?" + +"No," said the old gentleman. "Though our acquaintance is so recent, I +feel great confidence in you. As I cannot see the face, I have learned +to judge of the character by the tone of the voice, and I am very much +mistaken if you are not thoroughly honest and trustworthy." + +"Thank you, sir," said Herbert, his face flushed with pleasure at this +evidently sincere commendation. "You shall not repent your confidence." + +"I am sure of that, Herbert," said Mr. Carroll, kindly. "But I must bid +you good-night. This has been a fatiguing day, and I shall lose no time +in getting to sleep." + +"Good-night. I hope you will sleep well, sir," said Herbert. "There +won't be much sleep for me," he thought. + +Mr. Carroll lay down, and his deep, tranquil breathing soon assured our +hero that he was asleep. He rose from his bed and examined the windows. +All but one were provided with fastenings. But the one on the right-hand +side of his bed could be raised from the outside without difficulty. + +"I wish I had a nail," thought Herbert. "I could soon make it fast." + +But there was none in the room, and he did not wish to go downstairs +for one, since he would probably meet the stranger, who would then learn +what precautions he was taking, and so, perhaps, vary his attack. + +"That window will need watching," thought Herbert. "I wonder whether I +shall be able to keep awake." + +The excitement of his situation, and, perhaps, the strong tea, to which +he was unaccustomed, helped him to remain vigilant. His mind was active +and on the alert, and his ears were open to catch the least sound. + +It was only half-past ten. Probably the attempt to enter the room would +not be made before twelve, at least, in order to insure their being +asleep. + +Herbert examined his pistol. It was in excellent order, and was provided +with two barrels, both of which he loaded. Thus, he would have a double +chance to defend himself. He did not remove all his clothing, but kept +on his pants, in order to be prepared for emergencies. + +There was an hour and a half to wait before midnight. The minutes passed +slowly. Herbert for a time heard the murmur of voices in the barroom +below, then steps ascended the stairs, and, after a while, all was +hushed. + +"I wish the fellow would come quick," he thought, "if he is coming at +all, so that it might be all over, and I might go to sleep." + +Time sped on. Herbert could hear the village clock striking twelve; but +still all around remained quiet. + +It might have been a half an hour later when he heard a slight noise, as +he thought, under the window. Jumping softly out of bed, he took a peep +out. It was just light enough for him to distinguish a dark form moving +about, bearing something, which he soon perceived to be a ladder. That +it was the black-whiskered man who had followed them, he did not doubt, +and he felt confident that he intended to place the ladder against +the window. He was not mistaken. He heard the top of the ladder softly +inclined against the house, and then he felt that the critical moment, +which was to test his courage, was close at hand. + +Herbert's heart began to beat rapidly. He felt that he was taking upon +himself a fearful responsibility in shooting this man, as he would +probably be obliged to do in self-defense. But one thing he resolved +upon. He would not take his life. He would only use such a degree of +violence as should be absolutely necessary. He would even give him a +chance by firing the first barrel in the air, in hope of frightening +the robber. If that failed, he must wound him. There was little time for +these thoughts to pass through his mind, for all the while the man was +creeping up the ladder. + +Herbert had moved a little aside, that he might not be seen. + +Soon he perceived, by the indistinct light, the face of the stranger +rising above the window-sill. Next, the window was slowly raised, and he +began to make preparations to enter the room. Then Herbert felt that it +was time for him to appear. + +Stepping intrepidly to the window, he said: "I know your purpose. Unless +you go down instantly, I will shoot you." + +There was no tremor in his voice as he said this. Courage came with the +occasion, and his tone was resolute, and self-possessed. + +"So you're awake, are you, my chicken?" was the reply. "If you know +what's best for yourself, you'll hand over the old man's money, and save +me the trouble of getting in." + +"Never!" said Herbert, firmly. + +"Then I will take it myself, and give you something to remember me by, +you little fool!" + +He placed his knee on the window-sill, and prepared to jump in. + +"One step farther," said Herbert, resolutely, "and I fire!" + +He displayed the pistol, at the sight of which the burglar hesitated. + +"Hold on a bit," said he, pausing. "I'll give you some of the plunder, +if you'll put up that shooting iron, and make no trouble." + +"Do you think me a villain, like yourself?" asked Herbert. + +"By ----, you shall repent this," said the robber, with an oath, and he +made another attempt to enter. + +Click! + +There was a sharp report, but Herbert had fired in the air, and the +burglar was unhurt. + +"Confusion!" he exclaimed; "that will raise the house!" + +Then, espying the carpet-bag, he determined to jump in, seize it, and +get away before the people in the house were fairly awake. As for the +pistol, that had been discharged, and he supposed that nothing was to +be feared from it. But he reckoned without his host. As he put one leg +over, and had all but succeeded in getting in, Herbert fired once more, +this time hitting him in the shoulder. He uttered a shriek of pain, and, +losing his hold, tumbled backward to the ground. + +The two reports alarmed the house. + +"What's the matter?" exclaimed Mr. Carroll, awakened and alarmed. + +"Don't be alarmed, sir," said Herbert. "A man just attempted to get in +through the window, and I have wounded him." + +"You are a brave boy," said Mr. Carroll. "Where is he now?" + +"He has tumbled to the ground, shot through the shoulder, I think." + +There was a loud thumping at the door. Herbert opened it, and admitted +half a dozen guests, headed by the landlord. + +"What's the matter?" exclaimed all, in chorus. + +"If you will come to the window, gentlemen, I will show you," said +Herbert. + +They followed him curiously, and the sight of the ladder and the wounded +man, who was uttering groans of pain from the ground below, told the +story at once. + +"Served the rascal right," said the landlord. "Who is he?" + +"The black-whiskered man who was in the barroom last night," said +Herbert. + +"I remember now; he asked particularly where you were to sleep--you and +the old gentleman--but I did not suspect his purpose." + +"I did," said Herbert, "and kept awake to be ready for him." + +"You are a brave lad." + +"I only did my duty," said Herbert, modestly. + +"Help! help!" groaned the wretch below. + +Herbert heard the cry of pain, and his heart was filled with pity. +The man was, indeed, a villain. He had only been served right, as the +landlord said. Still, he was a fellow-creature, and he was in pain. +Herbert could not regret that he had shot him; but he did regret the +necessity, and he felt sympathy for him in his suffering. + +"Poor fellow!" he said, compassionately; "I am afraid he is a good deal +hurt." + +"Poor fellow!" echoed the landlord. "It serves him right." + +"Still, he is in pain, and he ought to be cared for." + +"He has no claim upon us. He may be there till morning." + +"No," said Mr. Carroll. "Herbert is right. He is guilty, but he is in +pain, and it is the part of humanity to succor him. Landlord, if you +will have him brought in, and send for the doctor, you may look to me +for your pay." + +"Yet, he was going to rob you, sir," said the landlord, considerably +surprised. + +"Yes, that is true; but you don't know how strongly he was tempted." + +"He looks like a hard ticket. I didn't like to give him a bed, but we +can't well refuse travelers, if they have money to pay their reckoning. +I made him pay in advance." + +"Pray, lose no time," said Herbert, as another groan was heard; "I will +go out and help you bring him in." + +A lantern was lit, and the whole company followed the landlord out. + +"Well," said he, throwing the light of the candle full on the sufferer's +face, "you've got yourself into a fine pickle, haven't you?" + +"Oh," groaned the burglar, "if it hadn't been for that accursed boy!" + +"You'd have got off with the old gentleman's money. Well, it was rather +unkind to interfere." + +"Are you in much pain?" asked Herbert, bending over him. + +There was something in his voice that betrayed the compassion he really +felt. + +The burglar looked up. + +"You're the boy that wounded me, ain't you?" he asked. + +"Yes," said Herbert. + +"Curse you! I don't know but you've killed me. I'm shot through the +shoulder. Then, that cursed fall! I feel as if I had broken my back." + +"I did not want to shoot you," said Herbert. + +"What did you do it for, then?" + +"Because you forced me to it. You were after Mr. Carroll's money." + +"Didn't I offer to divide with you?" + +"Yes, but, of course, I would not agree to that." + +"Are you so much better than common folks?" sneered the burglar. + +"I don't know about that. I would not steal." + +"Take him up," said the landlord to the hotel servants. "He don't +deserve it, but I've promised the old gentleman we'd see to him. Tom +White, you may go for the doctor." + +Two men approached and attempted to lift the wounded burglar. But, +in the first attempt, they touched the injured shoulder. He uttered a +shriek of pain, and exclaimed, "You'll murder me!" + +"Let me lift him," said Herbert. "Perhaps you were too rough." + +At length, but not without much groaning on the part of the burglar, he +was got into the house, and laid on a bed in a small room on the first +floor. + +"Do you feel better?" asked Herbert. + +"A little." + +"Do you think you have broken any bones in falling?" + +"I thought so at first, but perhaps I am only bruised." + +"When the doctor comes, he will extract the bullet, and relieve you of a +good deal of your pain." + +"You are a strange boy," said the burglar, with a look of surprise. + +"Why am I?" + +"You shot me, and yet you pretend to be sorry for me now." + +"So I am." + +"Then, why did you shoot me?" + +"I have already told you. Because I was obliged to. I would not have +done it, if there had been any other way. I shot the first barrel in the +air." + +"By accident?" + +"No; I thought it would alarm you, and I might save the money without +injuring you." + +"Do you really mean that?" + +"Yes." + +"And you don't have any ill-will against me now?" + +"No." + +"That is strange." + +"I don't know why it should be." + +"I suppose I ought to hate you, because you have brought me to this +pass," said the burglar, thoughtfully, "but I don't. That is strange, +too." + +"I am so glad you feel so," said Herbert. "I am very sorry for your +pain, and I will do what I can to relieve it." + +"I have no money to pay the landlord and the doctor." + +"Mr. Carroll says he will pay all needed expenses." + +"The man I wanted to rob?" + +"Yes." + +"Then hang me, if I ain't ashamed of trying to rob him," said the +burglar, earnestly. + +"Have you ever robbed anyone before?" + +"No, I haven't. I'm a rough customer, and have done plenty of mean +things, but this is the first job of the kind I ever attempted. I +wouldn't have done it, only I heard the old man say in the cars, that he +had a lot of money with him. I was hard up, and on my way to Cedarville, +to try to get work, but when I heard what he said, the devil tempted me, +I believe, and I determined to keep you both in sight, and get out where +you did. I've tried and failed, and that's the end of it. It's my first +attempt at burglary." + +"I hope it will be the last." + +"You may bet your life on that!" + +"Then," said Herbert, quietly, "I will intercede with Mr. Carroll for +you, and ask him not to have you arrested." + +"Will you do that?" asked the wounded man, eagerly. + +"I promise it." + +"If you will, boy, I will bless you, and if God would listen to such a +scamp as I am, I'd pray for you." + +"He will listen to you," said Herbert. "Try to lead a better life, and +He will help you." + +"I wish I'd met with such as you before," said the burglar. "I'd have +been a better man than I am." + +Here the doctor entered, and Herbert gave place to him. The wound was +discovered not to be serious, and, the bullet being extracted, the +sufferer found relief. Herbert returned to bed, and this time, having no +anxious thoughts to weigh upon his mind, he soon sank into a refreshing +sleep, in which the fatigues and excitements of the day were completely +forgotten. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +HERBERT'S REWARD + + +"I owe the safety of my money to you, my brave boy," said Mr. Carroll, +the next morning, as, after rising, he replaced the package of bank +notes in his carpet-bag. + +"I only did my duty," said Herbert, but his face flushed with pleasure +at the commendations bestowed upon him. + +"But in doing your duty, you displayed a courage and fidelity rare in +one of your age." + +"I am glad you approve of my conduct," said Herbert. + +"If you continue to deserve as well of those who employ you, I am sure +you will achieve success." + +"I hope so, sir," said our hero. "I shall try to do my duty in whatever +situation in life I may be placed." + +"What are your plans when you reach New York?" + +"I shall try to find a place in a store, or counting-room." + +"Have you friends in the city on whose influence you can rely to help +you to such a situation as you desire?" + +"No, sir; I have only myself to look to." + +"Only yourself! It is a bold undertaking." + +"Don't you think I shall succeed?" asked Herbert, a little anxiously. + +"I do not doubt that you will succeed, after finding a place, but that +is the difficulty." + +"I supposed there must be plenty to do in a great city like New York." + +"There is truth in what you say, but, nevertheless, many are led astray +by it. There is, indeed, a great deal to do, but there are a great many +ready to do it, and generally--I may say, always--the laborers exceed +the work to be done." + +"Perhaps," said Herbert, "many fail to get work, because they are +particular what they do. If I can find nothing better to do, I will +black boots." + +"With such a spirit, I think you will succeed. But, perhaps, I can +smooth away some of the difficulties in your path. I know a firm in New +York--connections of our family--to whom I will give you a letter of +introduction. If they have no room for you in their house, they may +influence someone else to take you." + +"I shall feel very much obliged to you for such a letter. It will do me +a great deal of good," said Herbert, gratefully. + +"I will gladly write it, but now let us go down to breakfast." + +After breakfast was over, they looked in upon the wounded man. + +"How do you feel this morning?" asked Herbert, going up to the bedside. + +"Rather stiff, but I am not in such pain as I was." + +"I am glad to hear it." + +"That is the gentleman I was going to rob?" said the burglar, looking in +the direction of Mr. Carroll. + +"Yes." + +"Is he--did you say anything to him about not prosecuting me?" he asked, +nervously. + +"Be under no apprehension," said Mr. Carroll, mildly. "I do not care to +punish you more than you have already been punished. I prefer that you +should lead a better life." + +"I will try to do so, sir; but I was poor, and that made the temptation +stronger." + +"I can easily believe it. Are you wholly without means?" + +"Nearly so." + +"Here, then, is a purse containing a hundred dollars. It will probably +pay your expenses during your illness." + +The wounded man looked up in surprise. + +"There ain't many that would pay a man for trying to rob them," he said. + +"I do not pay you for that," said Mr. Carroll, "but because I do not +wish you to be subjected to a similar temptation again." + +The wounded man, who, under different treatment would have been defiant +and profane, seemed quite subdued by such unexpected kindness. + +"Well, sir," he said, "all I can say is, that I am very much obliged to +you, and I hope you will be rewarded for your kindness." + +"It is easier to lead men than to drive them," said Mr. Carroll, as +they left the chamber. "This man is rough, and not troubled much with a +conscience, but harshness would make him still worse." + +"Yes, sir," said Herbert; "I think you are right." + +After breakfast they resumed their journey. In due time they reached +Baltimore, and remained over night at a hotel. In the course of the +succeeding day they arrived at Philadelphia, which was the termination +of Mr. Carroll's journey. As the country through which they passed was +unknown to Herbert, the journey was full of interest, but there was no +adventure worth recording. + +The time came when the two travelers were compelled to part. + +"If I were going to a hotel, Herbert," said Mr. Carroll, "I would invite +you to remain with me a day or two; but I shall proceed at once to the +house of a friend, and I shall not feel at liberty to invite you." + +"Thank you, sir," said Herbert. "I think it will be best for me to go on +to New York at once. I have got my living to make, and I am anxious to +get to work as soon as possible." + +"It is a praiseworthy feeling," said the old gentleman. "Life lies +before you. I have left nearly the whole of it behind me. I am drawing +near the end of my journey. You are just at the beginning. I shall hope +to meet you again, but, if not, be assured that I shall always remember, +with pleasure, my young traveling companion." + +"Thank you, sir," said Herbert. + +"I shall not soon forget the essential service which you have rendered +me," continued the old gentleman. + +"Don't think of it, sir," said Herbert, modestly, "Anyone would have +done the same thing in my place." + +"I am by no means sure of that. At any rate, the obligation remains. You +must allow me to acknowledge it in some measure." + +Mr. Carroll drew out his pocketbook and handed it to Herbert. + +"Will you oblige me," he said, "by counting the bills in this +pocketbook?" + +Herbert did so. + +"There are sixty-five dollars," he said, passing it back. + +"Will you take out fifty dollars?" + +"Yes, sir--I have done it." + +"That's the sum you will oblige me by keeping," said Mr. Carroll. "I +hope it may be of service to you." + +"You give me so much money?" said Herbert, in surprise. + +"It is but a very small sum, compared with that which you have saved +me." + +"I don't think I ought to take so much," said Herbert, hesitating. + +"You need not hesitate, my young friend. I am blessed with abundant +means, and very well able to part with it. Besides, it is only one per +cent. of the money which you have been instrumental in saving me, and +you are certainly entitled to as much as that." + +"I thank you very much for the gift, Mr. Carroll," said our hero, "and +still more for the kind manner in which you give it to me." + +"You accept it, then? That is well," said the old gentleman, with +satisfaction. "There is one thing more. You remember that I spoke to you +of a business firm in Pearl Street, New York, with the members of which +I am acquainted. Last evening I prepared a letter of introduction to +them for you. Here it is." + +"Thank you, sir," said Herbert. "I was very fortunate in meeting with +one so able and willing to assist me." + +"You are very welcome to all the help I am able to give you. I shall be +very glad if your life shall be as prosperous as mine has been. I must +trouble you to do me one more service. If you will find me a cab, I will +go at once to my friend's house." + +No difficulty was experienced in obtaining a carriage. There was a +cordial leave-taking, and Herbert once more found himself alone. But +with rather more than sixty dollars in his pocket, he felt rich, and +looked forward eagerly to his arrival in the great city, where he hoped +to deserve and win success. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +ROBBED IN THE NIGHT + + +Herbert entered the cars, and took a seat by the window. His small +bundle, containing all the extra clothing he had been able to bring away +from the inhospitable home of Mr. Holden, he placed in the seat beside +him. + +It was yet early, and there were but few persons in the car. But as the +hour for starting approached, it gradually filled up. Still, the seat +next to Herbert remained untaken. + +At length a young man, apparently about nineteen, walked up the aisle, +and, pausing, inquired, "Is this seat engaged?" + +"No," said Herbert, at the same time removing his bundle. + +"Then, if you have no objection, I'll take possession." + +He accordingly seated himself, and commenced a conversation. + +"Going to New York?" he asked. + +"Yes," said Herbert. + +"Do you live there?" + +"No; I have never been there before." + +"Are you going on a visit?" + +"No; I am going to live there; that is, if I can find anything to do." + +"Are you alone?" + +"Yes." + +"So am I. Suppose we hitch teams." + +"I don't understand." + +"Suppose we go to some hotel together. I have been there before, and can +tell you where to go. It's awful dull being alone. I always like to pick +up company." + +Herbert hardly knew what to say to this proposition. He did not exactly +like the appearance, or fancy the free and easy manners of his new +acquaintance, but he felt lonely, and, besides, he hardly knew what +excuse to make. He, therefore, gave his assent to the arrangement +proposed. + +"What's your name?" asked his new friend, familiarly. + +"Herbert Mason." + +"Mine is Greenleaf--Peter Greenleaf. Have you come from a distance?" + +"From Waverley, in Ohio, not far from Cincinnati." + +"I am from Philadelphia. I've been in a store there, but I didn't like +the style, and I concluded to go to New York. There's more chance for a +fellow of enterprise there." + +"What sort of a store were you in?" + +"Dry-goods store--Hatch & Macy. Old Hatch is a mean skinflint, and +wouldn't pay me half what I was worth. I don't want to brag, but there +wasn't a man in that store that sold as much as I did. And how much do +you think I got?" + +"I don't know." + +"Only seven dollars a week. If I hadn't made something another way. I +couldn't have paid my expenses." + +"I should think you might live on seven dollars a week." + +This was before the war had increased the expenses of living. + +"Couldn't do it. Board cost me four dollars a week, and that only left +three for other expenses. My cigars cost me nearly that. Then I wanted +to go to the theater now and then, and, of course, I must dress like a +gentleman. I tell you what, seven dollars a week didn't begin to do me." + +"How did you manage, then?" + +"Oh, I made so much more by banking." + +"By banking?" repeated Herbert, in astonishment. + +"Yes; only it was a faro bank. I used to pick up considerable that way, +sometimes." + +"A faro bank!" repeated Herbert, in dismay. "Why, that's the same as +gambling, isn't it?" + +"Well, what's the odds? You take your chance, and you may win or lose. +It's a pretty fair thing." + +After this confession, Herbert became more than ever doubtful whether he +should care to remain long in the company of his present companion. + +Meanwhile, the cars were moving rapidly. Peter Greenleaf, as he called +himself, talked volubly, and appeared to have a considerable familiarity +with certain phases of life, the knowledge of which was not likely to +have been very profitable to him. Still, Herbert was interested in his +communications, though the opinion which he formed of him was far from +favorable. + +"Where are you going to stop when you get to New York?" inquired Peter. + +"I don't know anything about the city. I suppose I shall have to go to a +hotel first." + +"Suppose we go to French's Hotel?" + +"Where is that?" + +"Near the park. It's on the European plan. You pay fifty cents a day for +your rooms, and whatever you please for your meals." + +"I think I shall like that. I shall want to get into a boarding-house as +soon as possible." + +"All right. We'll take a room together at the hotel." + +This arrangement was not to Herbert's taste, but he did not care to +offend his companion by objecting to it, so by his silence, he gave +consent. + +"What are you going to do in New York?" he asked. + +"I shall look up a situation. I won't take less than fifteen dollars +a week. A man of my experience ought to be worth that. Don't you think +so?" + +"Yes," said Herbert, dubiously, though it occurred to him that if he +were an employer, he would not be likely to engage such a clerk at any +price. But it is rather fortunate, all things considered, that we are +able to keep our thoughts to ourselves, otherwise, the complacency +of our companions, and sometimes our own, would run the risk of being +rudely disturbed. + +In course of time the terminus of the road was reached, and, crossing +over from Jersey City, Herbert found himself, for the first time in his +life, in the noise and whirl of the great city. + +"And I am actually to live here," thought Herbert. "I wonder what Mr. +Holden would say if he knew where I was?" Uncertain as his prospects +were, he felt very glad that he was out of the clutches of the petty +despot, whose chief pleasure was to make him uncomfortable. Here, at +least, the future was full of possibilities of good fortune; there, it +was certain discomfort and little to hope for. + +"Where is the hotel you spoke of?" he asked, turning to Greenleaf. + +"I'll lead you to it." + +They walked up to Broadway, then up by the Astor House, and across the +park to the hotel. + +"We'll go in and secure a room the first thing," he said. + +They entered, Greenleaf taking the lead. + +"Show us a room with two beds," said Peter to the clerk. + +A servant was summoned, and the room assigned to them was indicated. + +"Have you any baggage?" asked the clerk. + +"No," said Greenleaf, carelessly. "Mine was checked through from +Philadelphia. I shan't send for it till morning." + +"Then I must ask you to pay in advance." + +"All right. Fifty cents, isn't it?" + +"Yes." + +"Mason," said Greenleaf, "have you got a dollar about you? I've got +nothing less than a ten." + +Herbert drew out a dollar and paid for himself and his companion. + +They were now shown up to a room on the third floor, which proved to be +a very comfortable one, looking out on the street. Herbert was glad to +get a chance to wash himself thoroughly after the dusty journey which he +had just completed. This ceremony over, they went down to the restaurant +connected with the hotel, and took a hearty meal. Greenleaf made an +effort to have Herbert pay for both, but this time Herbert also had a +bill to change. It was rather a suspicious circumstance, he thought, +that Greenleaf, who had no bill smaller than a ten, paid for his meal +out of a one-dollar bill. + +After supper Greenleaf bought a couple of cigars, and offered Herbert +one. + +"No, thank you," said our hero. + +"Don't you smoke?" + +"No." + +"Where have you been living all your life? I couldn't get along without +my cigar." + +"Don't you think it hurtful to a boy to smoke?" + +"I don't know about that. I'm a man now, but I've smoked ever since I +was a boy. I think it does a fellow good." + +"But it's expensive." + +"Yes, that's so. I expect I've smoked a thousand dollars' worth of +cigars in the course of my life." + +"Don't you wish you had the money instead?" + +"Yes; I should rather like the money, but I shouldn't be half the man +I am if I hadn't smoked. It's mostly milksops that don't smoke. Nothing +personal, you know, Mason." + +"Of course not," said Herbert, smiling. + +"Better have a cigar." + +"No; I guess not." + +"You'll come to it in time. I'll smoke it for you, then." + +After smoking, Greenleaf expressed his intention of going to the +theater. Herbert preferred to go to bed early, feeling rather tired. He +was kept awake at first by the noise of the horse-cars and the bustle +of the street outside, as well as by the exciting thoughts that crowded +upon him, suggested by his actual arrival in the city, where he hoped +to make a place for himself by energy and industry. But at last he fell +asleep. + +He slept soundly through the night. But towards morning he had a dream +in which Abner Holden figured. His old employer seemed to be approaching +him with a smile of exultation, and was about to lay violent hands upon +him, when he awoke. It was broad daylight, being already seven o'clock +in the morning. Herbert remembered where he was, and looked across the +room for Greenleaf. But he was not visible. The bed was disarranged, and +evidently had been slept in, but the occupant had risen. + +"I didn't think he was a fellow to rise early," thought Herbert. "I +suppose he is downstairs. I might as well get up, too." + +Herbert jumped out of bed, and, going to the wash-stand, washed his face +and hands. He then proceeded to dress. + +"I wonder Greenleaf didn't wake me up," he thought. + +But the reason was too soon made evident. Happening to put his hand +in the pocket where he usually kept his pocketbook, he was startled +at finding it empty. Somewhat alarmed, he began to hunt round upon the +floor, thinking it possible that it might have dropped out. But his +search was vain. It was not to be found. He then examined carefully the +remaining pockets, still without success. + +It was not until this moment that a suspicion entered his mind +concerning his companion. + +"Is it possible," he thought, "that Greenleaf has been mean enough to +strip me of my money?" + +Herbert did not want to believe this. He disliked to think badly of +anyone, and he still hoped it would prove otherwise. It was barely +possible that Greenleaf had taken his money by way of playing a +practical joke upon him, and he might now be downstairs, waiting to +be amused at Herbert's look of dismay when he discovered that he was +penniless. Drowning men will catch at straws, and Herbert, in his +trouble, tried to think this was probably the way it had happened. + +"Greenleaf is rather a hard case, according to his own account," he said +to himself, "but I can't believe he would be mean enough to rob me. I +will go downstairs and see if I can find him." + +Accordingly, leaving his chamber, he descended the staircase, and made +his way to the office. + +Herbert went up and spoke to the clerk who chanced to be inside. + +"Have you seen my roommate?" he asked. + +"What is the number of your room?" + +"No. ----." + +"I remember now. He has gone." + +"Gone!" echoed Herbert, in dismay. + +"Yes; didn't you know of it?" + +"He went away while I was asleep. How long since did he go?" + +"He came to the office two hours since, and said he should not require +the room any longer." + +"Did he leave any message for me?" + +"No." + +"Did he say where he was going?" + +"No." + +Such an expression of dismay and perplexity overspread Herbert's face +that the clerk could not help observing it. + +"Is anything wrong?" he asked. + +"Yes," said Herbert. "He has robbed me of my pocketbook, containing all +my money." + +"Whew!" whistled the clerk. "How much had you?" + +"About sixty dollars." + +"You're unlucky, that's a fact. Have you nothing left?" + +Just then it flashed across Herbert's mind that when he had paid for his +supper he had changed a five-dollar bill, and placed the balance, about +four dollars and a half in his vest pocket. He at once felt in that +pocket, and found it still there. Greenleaf had contented himself with +the pocketbook. + +"I have a little left," he said. + +He paid for his room in advance for another day, and went down to +breakfast. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +A BUSINESS CALL + + +It was certainly a startling discovery for Herbert to make, that out of +sixty dollars he had only four left, now that he had paid for another +day at the hotel, and this small sum must be further diminished by the +expense of a breakfast. Unfortunately, too, he was quite hungry, for his +misfortune had not taken away his appetite. + +"I will make a good breakfast, at any rate," said Herbert, +philosophically. "Afterwards, I will consider what to do." + +He ordered a substantial breakfast, which, even at the low prices of a +dozen years ago, amounted to fifty cents, and did full justice to what +was set before him. + +After paying at the desk, he went outside. + +It was a bright, sunshiny morning, and this, with the comfortable +feeling produced by having eaten a good breakfast, gave him courage for +the new career upon which he was about to enter. + +While considering what he should do first, the thought of the letter +given him by Mr. Carroll flashed upon him. He felt for it hastily, and +was rejoiced to find that that was safe, at least. Greenleaf had not +taken that away, fortunately. + +He looked at the direction. It was addressed to + +"Messrs. Godfrey & Lynn, + +"No. ---- Pearl St." + +It was not sealed, and was probably meant to be read by Herbert. At +any rate, our hero so concluded, and opened the letter, not without +curiosity as to what Mr. Carroll had written about him. He knew it must +be favorable, of course, but found it even more so than he anticipated. + +Here it is: + +"MY DEAR MR. GODFREY: This letter will be handed you by a young friend +of mine, by name Herbert Mason. My acquaintance with him has been brief, +but he has been able, by his coolness and bravery, to do me a most +important service, having saved me from being robbed of a large sum of +money while acting as my escort from Ohio to Philadelphia. I have talked +with him freely about his plans, and find that he will reach New York +without friends, and with a very small sum of money, hoping before it +is gone to secure a place in some counting-room, where he can make an +honest living. I feel a strong interest in his success, and am persuaded +that wherever he is placed, he will show rare capacity and fidelity. +I wish it might be in your power to receive him into your own +counting-room. But, of course, that must be according to your +convenience. At any rate, may I rely on you to act a friendly part by +my young friend, and to exert your influence toward procuring him a +position elsewhere, if you cannot employ him yourself? Anything that you +may have it in your power to do for Herbert, I shall consider as a favor +done to myself. + +I have just left my daughter, who, with her family, is well. Sincerely, +your friend, + +JAMES CARROLL." + +"That is a very kind letter," thought Herbert, gratefully. "I hope it +will do me good." + +He decided to call and deliver it the same forenoon. If he had not been +robbed of nearly the whole of his small capital, he would, first, have +gone about the city, which was entirely new to him. But, with less than +four dollars between himself and utter destitution, he felt that he had +no time for sight-seeing. It was necessary that he should get to work as +soon as possible. + +He waited till ten o'clock, thinking it possible that the heads of the +firm might not reach the counting-room till about that time. It was now +eight o'clock only. He had two hours, therefore, to look about him. + +"Shine yer boots?" said a ragged urchin, approaching, with a suggestive +look at his soiled shoes. + +It occurred to Herbert that it would be best to look as well as possible +when visiting Godfrey. + +"Ten cents." + +"It's too much," said Herbert, thinking how few dimes constituted his +entire worldly wealth. + +"Well, five, then," said the bootblack, coming down to his regular +price. + +"Do you get much to do?" asked our hero. + +"Some days I get considerable." + +"How much do you make?" + +"Pleasant days I makes a dollar, but when it rains, there ain't much to +do." + +"How much do you have to pay for sleeping?" + +"Six cents." + +"Six cents!" repeated Herbert, in surprise. "Where can you get lodged +for that?" + +"At the lodgin' house, corner of Fulton and Nassau Streets." + +"Well," thought Herbert, "I needn't starve. If I can't get anything +better to do, I can buy a box of blacking and a brush, and set up in +business for myself." + +To be sure, this would not be an agreeable occupation, but Herbert was +bound to make a living by honest labor. If one avenue was closed to +him, he must enter such as were open to him. He could not afford to be +particular. + +After his shoes were brushed, he crossed the park, and walked up +Broadway. It was a wonderful sight to the country-bred boy, this gay +thoroughfare, with its busy and bustling crowds, and its throngs of +vehicles, never ceasing wholly, save at the dead hours of night. He +thought to himself what a quantity of business there must be to do. +Certainly, there must be room for one more worker. So, on the whole, the +busy scene gave him courage, and he sauntered along as cheerfully as if +he were not next-door to a beggar. + +But at last the time came when he might safely seek out the gentleman +to whom he had an introduction. Being a stranger in the city, he had to +inquire for Pearl Street from a policeman, who answered his inquiry +very civilly. He followed the direction, and found it at length. But the +number of which he was in search was not so easily found, for he found +the street meandered in a very perplexing way, so that at times he was +not quite sure whether he was still in it, or had wandered from his way. + +At last he found the place. It was a large, solid-looking building, +of four stories in height. There were a number of boxes outside on the +sidewalk. Inside, there was a large apartment occupying the entire +first floor, with the exception of a room in the rear, which had been +partitioned off for a counting-room. The partition was of glass, and, as +he looked from the entrance, he could see a couple of high desks and a +table. + +"Is this Godfrey & Lynn's?" he asked of a porter at the entrance. + +"Yes," said the porter. + +"I want to see Mr. Godfrey." + +"I don't think he's in. You can go to the office and inquire." + +Accordingly, Herbert passed down the length of the warehouse, and, +pausing a moment before the door, he opened it, and entered. + +There were two persons in the office. One was a thin-faced man, who sat +on a high stool at one of the desks, making entries apparently in the +ledger. This was the bookkeeper, Mr. Pratt, a man with a melancholy +face, who looked as if he had lived to see the vanity of all things +earthly. He had a high forehead naturally--made still higher by the loss +of his front hair. Apparently, he was not a man to enjoy conviviality, +or to shine on any festive occasion. + +Besides Mr. Pratt, there was a boy, if we may take the liberty of +calling him such, of about Herbert's age. He was fashionably dressed, +and his hair was arranged with exceeding care. In fact, as Herbert +entered, he was examining the set of his necktie in a little hand-glass, +which he had taken from his coat pocket. Not quite suiting him, he set +himself to rearranging it. + +"Have you copied that bill, Thomas?" asked Mr. Pratt, looking up. + +"Not yet, sir." + +"You have been long enough about it. Put back that glass. You are quite +too much troubled about your appearance." + +"Yes, sir. + +"If I didn't look any better than some people," said Thomas, sotto voce, +"I shouldn't look in a glass very often." + +Herbert naturally concluded that Mr. Pratt was the man to whom his +inquiries should be addressed. + +"I would like to see Mr. Godfrey, sir." he said. + +"He is out of the city." + +"Out of the city!" repeated Herbert, disappointed. "When will he be +back?" + +"Nor till day after to-morrow." + +Herbert's countenance fell. In his reduced circumstances, he could +hardly afford to wait two days. At his present rate of expenditure, he +would be penniless by that time. + +"Is Mr. Lynn likely to be in soon?" he asked, thinking that perhaps he +would do in Mr. Godfrey's absence. + +"No; he is sick at home. He may not be here for a week. Perhaps, I can +attend to your business," he added. "What is it?" + +"I think," said Herbert, "that I will wait till day after to-morrow, if +you think Mr. Godfrey will be back then. I have a letter for him." + +"If it's a business letter, you had better leave it." + +"It is a letter of introduction," said Herbert. "I would rather present +it in person." + +"Very well," and Mr. Pratt went back to his ledger. + +Thomas looked critically at the boy who had a letter of introduction +to Mr. Godfrey, and said to himself, "He got his clothes from a country +tailor, I'll bet a hat." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +FINDING A BOARDING PLACE + + +Herbert left the counting-room of Godfrey & Lynn, not a little depressed +in spirits. The two days which must elapse before he could see Mr. +Godfrey were to him a formidable delay. By that time his money would be +almost exhausted. Then, suppose, which was very probable, Mr. Godfrey +could do nothing for him immediately, but only hold out his promise of +future assistance, how was he to live in the meantime? After all, he +might have to realize his thought of the morning, and join the ranks +of the bootblacks. That was not a pleasant thought to a boy of +his education. All labor is honorable, to be sure, but, then, some +occupations are more congenial than others. + +If Greenleaf had not robbed him so basely, he could have afforded to +wait. He felt sore and indignant about that. Nobody likes to own that he +has been victimized, but Herbert was obliged to confess to himself that +such was the case with him. + +He walked about rather aimlessly, feeling miserable enough. But, all at +once, it occurred to him, "Would it not be cheaper for him to take board +by the week in some boarding-house?" Reckoning up, he found that his +hotel bill would be three dollars and a half a week, while his meals, +even if he were quite abstemious, would make as much more; in all, seven +dollars. Surely, he could be boarded somewhere for less than that. + +In the reading-room of the hotel he found a daily paper, and carefully +ran his eye down the advertisements for boarders and lodgers. The +following attracted his attention: + +"BOARDERS WANTED.--A few mechanics may obtain comfortable rooms and +board at No. ---- Stanton Street, at three dollars per week." + +This, be it remembered, was previous to the war, and before the price of +board had doubled. + +"Three dollars a week!" repeated Herbert. "Less than half my present +rate of expense. I must go at once and secure it." + +He found the way to Stanton Street, and found that No. ---- was a +shabby-looking house in a shabby neighborhood. But he could not afford +to be fastidious. He accordingly stepped up without hesitation, and rang +the bell, which emitted a shrill sound in reply. + +A middle-aged woman, with a red handkerchief tied around her head, and a +broom in her hand, opened the door and looked inquiringly at our hero. + +"What's wanted?" she said. + +"I saw your advertisement for boarders," said Herbert. + +"Yes; I advertised in the paper this morning." + +"Will you let me see your rooms?" + +"Who are you looking for?" + +"Myself." + +"I don't know as you'll be suited. My price is low, and I can't give +first-class accommodations for three dollars." + +"No; I suppose not." + +"Come up, if you would like to see what I've got." + +The interior of the house was shabby like the outside, the oilcloth +carpet faded, and the wall paper torn off in places. The stairs, too, +were narrow and uncarpeted. All this Herbert observed, but he could not +afford to be critical. + +On the third floor, his guide threw open the door of a dark, little hall +bedroom, meagerly furnished. + +"I could give you this room by yourself," she said, "or a larger room +with someone else." + +"I would rather be alone." + +"That's the only single room I have. Will you take it?" + +"I think so," said Herbert, though he did not anticipate much enjoyment +in such a poor place. + +"When do you want to come?" + +"To-morrow morning." + +"Very well. I shall expect a deposit, so that I may be sure the room is +let." + +"How much?" + +"A dollar will do." + +Herbert drew a dollar from his pocket, and handed it to Mrs. Morgan, for +such, she informed him, was her name. + +Then he went downstairs and out into the air again. + +"Well," he said to himself, "I'm sure of a home, such as it is, for a +week. In that time something must turn up." + +Examining his pocketbook he found that he had two dollars and a half +left. Of that sum, two dollars must be reserved to pay the balance of +his week's board. Out of the remaining fifty cents he must pay for his +meals until the next morning, when he would take possession of his new +boarding place. He wished that he had proposed to come to breakfast, but +it was too late now. + +With such a small sum in hand, he could not afford to dine on the +same magnificent scale as he had breakfasted, but he must be rigidly +economical. He decided that the cheapest food he could buy was a +five-cent loaf at some baker's. This would probably last him through the +day, and might prove sufficient for breakfast also, since he would +take a regular dinner, though he doubted, from what he had seen of the +establishment in Stanton Street, whether it would be a very inviting +repast. But it was the best he could afford, and that was all he need +consider. + +Late in the afternoon, it occurred to Herbert to wonder where, in the +city, his Uncle Stanton lived. Not that he had any intention of applying +to him for assistance, even if matters came to a crisis, but he felt +a natural curiosity as to how his uncle was situated. He found the +directory readily, and, turning to the letter S, ran down the list of +names till he came to Stanton, Benjamin. + +He learned that his uncle's store was in the lower part of Broadway, +while his house was in West Seventeenth Street, between Fifth and Sixth +Avenues. + +"I should like to see what sort of a house Uncle Benjamin lives in," +thought Herbert. + +There was nothing to prevent his gratifying this wish, as he had plenty +of time on his hands. If he had had more money, he would have taken the +horse cars, but in his present circumstances this would be imprudent. +He decided, as it was only five o'clock, to take a leisurely walk up +Broadway, noticing his uncle's place of business on the way. + +A few minutes brought him in front of the latter--an imposing-looking +building, with all the appearance of belonging to a prosperous merchant. +Appearances are deceitful, to be sure, and no doubt there are some +merchants, as outwardly prosperous, who might profitably change places +with their head clerks. But Herbert naturally judged from appearances, +and he could not help contrasting in his mind his own condition with +that of his uncle's. But he was too manly to be despondent on this +account, and thought rather, "I am young and ready to work, Some time, +if I am patient and work hard. I may be as well off as Uncle Benjamin." +The thought of applying to him for assistance was as far off as ever. + +He pursued his way uptown, finding it a longer walk than he anticipated, +arriving at half-past five at Union Square. At the upper end he turned +off, and went down Seventeenth Street. + +Carefully noting the numbers, he at length found his uncle's house. It +was a handsome, substantial city mansion, and seemed appropriate as the +residence of a rich New York merchant. + +"So my uncle lives here," thought Herbert, and there rose involuntarily +in his mind the memory of the humble Western home where he and his +mother had struggled against poverty, while his uncle, who was evidently +so amply provided with the world's goods, coldly held aloof, and forbore +to offer the assistance which he could so well afford. + +"If I had a sister, I could never treat her like that," thought Herbert, +indignantly. "He would not help my mother. I will starve before I ask +him to help me." + +He paused a moment on the opposite side of the street to look at his +uncle's house. While he was standing there, a boy of about his own age, +apparently, came down the street whistling, and ascended the steps of +his uncle's house. + +"I wonder if that is my cousin Tom," thought Herbert. He knew the names +of his cousins from his mother, though he had never seen them. + +While he looked, he was struck by something familiar in the appearance +of this boy. Where had he seen him before? + +All at once it flashed upon him. It was the same boy he had seen in +the counting-room of Godfrey He knew him by his dandified dress and his +face, which he had noticed at the time. + +This was certainly a strange coincidence, that his cousin, for it was +doubtless he, should be the first boy he encountered after reaching +New York. It would be still stranger if Mr. Godfrey should offer him +employment, and he should find himself a clerk in the same office as the +son of his rich uncle. But it was by no means certain that he would be +lucky enough to obtain such employment. Therefore there was no need of +wondering whether, under such circumstances, Tom would recognize him as +a relation. + +Herbert walked thoughtfully back, and on reaching his room ate the +remainder of the loaf which he had purchased at the baker's in the +morning. It was not a very luxurious repast, but his walk had given him +an appetite, and he had no difficulty in disposing of all that was left. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +GETTING A SITUATION + + +The next morning Herbert reported himself at his new boarding place. +He found the fare very far from first-class, while his fellow-boarders +appeared at the table mostly in shirt-sleeves, and were evidently +workingmen. Our hero would have preferred a greater degree of neatness +both in the table and in the guests, but he felt that he would be lucky, +if he should find himself able to pay his expenses even here. He was not +to be daunted by little annoyances, but looked for compensation in the +future. + +He waited impatiently for the next day, when Mr. Godfrey would return. +Upon the success of the interview with him much depended. + +At length it came, and Herbert once more set out for the warehouse +on Pearl Street. He entered without question, and made his way to the +counting-room. Looking through the glass door, he saw his cousin--whom +he surveyed with new interest now that he knew the relationship--and the +bookkeeper. But, besides these, there was an elderly gentleman, rather +stout, with a pleasant face, the expression of which reassured him. + +"Is Mr. Godfrey in?" he asked, on entering, with a look of inquiry at +the gentleman just described. + +"That is my name. What can I do for you?" said Mr. Godfrey, turning +towards him. + +"I have a letter for you, sir," said Herbert, producing it from his +pocket. + +Mr. Godfrey held out his hand for it, and ran his eye rapidly over its +contents. + +"So your name is Herbert Mason?" he said, raising his eyes after +finishing it. + +"Yes, sir." + +At the mention of this name, Tom Stanton, whose curiosity had led him +to listen to the conversation, wheeled rapidly round on his stool and +surveyed our hero with intense curiosity. He knew that Herbert Mason +was the name of his cousin. Could it be possible that this boy was the +cousin whom he had never seen? A little later, and he was convinced of +it. + +"You have just come from Ohio, I suppose?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"My friend, Mr. Carroll, writes me that you were instrumental in saving +him from being robbed while acting as his escort to Philadelphia." + +"It wasn't worth mentioning," said Herbert modestly. + +Mr. Godfrey noticed his modest tone, and it pleased him--modesty not +being an unvarying characteristic of young America. + +"My friend refers to it as an important service. I should like to know +the particulars. Mr. Carroll is a connection of mine, and I am naturally +interested in all that relates to him." + +In reply Herbert gave a brief, but clear and intelligent account of +the attempted burglary, passing over his own achievement as lightly as +possible. But it was easy to infer, even from the little he said, that +he had acted with bravery and self-possession. + +"You behaved in a very creditable manner," said Mr. Godfrey, +approvingly. "Many boys would have lost their self-possession. You have +come to New York in search of employment, Mr. Carroll writes me?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"I don't, of course, know how you were situated in Ohio," said the +merchant, "but as a general rule I think boys make a mistake in leaving +the country for the city. Here the competition for work is sharp, and +there is a surplus of laborers in every department of labor. Still," he +proceeded, scanning Herbert's earnest face, "you look like a boy capable +of making his way if an opportunity offers. You have but little money, +Mr. Carroll writes." + +"I have lost nearly all I had," said Herbert, "so that now I have very +little left." + +"You have met with a loss? Tell me about it. Indeed, I should be glad +if you would confide to me freely your situation and hopes, and then I +shall be better able to help you." + +"I am almost ashamed to tell you how I was taken in," said our hero. "I +suppose I ought to have been more prudent." + +He recounted the manner in which Greenleaf had robbed him. Mr. Godfrey +listened with interest, and so did Tom Stanton, who burst into a laugh +when the narrative was concluded. + +"What are you laughing at, Thomas?" asked the merchant, rather sharply. + +"I was thinking how neatly he was taken in," said Tom, a little abashed. + +"I should apply a different word to it," said Mr. Godfrey. "It appears +to me the height, or rather the depth of meanness, to take advantage of +a boy's confidence, and defraud him so scandalously. How much money have +you left, Herbert?" + +"Forty cents, sir." + +"Only forty cents to begin life with in a great city!" + +"Yes, sir; I have paid my board in advance for a week." + +"Where do you board?" + +"In Stanton Street." + +Tom turned up his nose at the name of this street, which he knew was +very far from fashionable, but this demonstration our hero did not +observe. + +"What board do you pay?" + +"Three dollars a week, sir." + +"A poor place, probably." + +"Yes, sir, but I could afford no better." + +"You are sensible to accommodate yourself to circumstances. Well, my +young friend, it appears that you can't wait long for employment. Mr. +Carroll has asked me to do something for you, and I am disposed to +oblige him, not wholly for his sake, but partly for your own, for you +seem to me a very modest and sensible boy. Mr. Pratt, do we need another +boy?" + +"No, sir, I don't think we do." + +"Well, business will be brisker by and by. I think you can find a little +for this young man to do in the meantime. He can go to the post office, +and I believe I have a little extra writing to be done. Pass him a pen, +and let him give us a specimen of his handwriting." + +Fortunately, Herbert was a handsome writer, and this went a considerable +way in his favor. + +"Very neat," said the merchant. "By the way, Herbert, I suppose, of +course, you know nothing of French?" + +"Yes, sir, I can read it pretty well." + +"Indeed!" said Mr. Godfrey, surprised. "Then you can be of service to +me, that is, if you know it well enough. I received, this morning, +a letter from a silk house at Lyons, a part of which I don't quite +understand. The fact is, my French is rather poor. Do you think you +could help me translate it?" + +"If you will show me the letter, I will try, sir." + +The merchant took a letter from the table before him and handed it to +Herbert. + +Our hero ran his eye rapidly over it, and then rendered it into English +in a clear and grammatical way. + +"Bless me, you're quite a scholar," said Mr. Godfrey. "I understand now. +You've made it all plain. Where did you learn so much French?" + +"My father taught me, sir. He also taught me Latin." + +"Indeed, I congratulate you on possessing so good an education. Latin, +however, isn't so much in my way. I haven't many Latin correspondents." + +"I suppose not, sir," said Herbert, laughing. + +"Still, it does no harm to know something of it." + +Tom Stanton had listened with considerable surprise, mingled with +mortification, to what had passed. It appeared then, that his country +cousin, whom he had looked upon as a country boor, was his superior in +education, and, as Tom secretly knew, in courage. And now he was going +to be his fellow-clerk. He felt jealous and angry, fearing that Herbert, +who appeared to be high in favor already, would eclipse him in the +office. + +"How much can you live upon economically?" asked the merchant. + +"I know little of the city," said Herbert. "You can judge better than I, +sir." + +"You pay three dollars a week board. You'll need double that amount. +Mr. Pratt, you may pay him six dollars a week. He will come to work +to-morrow morning, and you may pay him Saturday, as if it was a whole +week." + +"Thank you, sir," said Herbert, gratefully. "You are very kind." + +"Do your duty, my young friend, and I shall be satisfied." + +Tom Stanton listened in indignant surprise. He only got four dollars a +week, and here was a country boy placed over his head. He was imprudent +enough to give expression to his feelings. + +"Won't you give me six dollars a week, also?" he said. + +"Why should I?" + +"Don't I deserve as much as he?" + +"Perhaps you do. But I don't give it to Herbert because he earns it, +for it is not likely that he will do so at present. But he has no other +resources. You have a comfortable home, and are not obliged to pay for +your board out of your wages." + +"No, I hope not," said Tom. + +"Therefore you do not need as much as he does. You are not entitled +to this explanation, but I give it, nevertheless, that you may know my +motives." + +Tom did not reply, feeling that it would be imprudent to do so, but he +bent sullenly to his work, by no mans satisfied with the explanation. He +began to feel a dislike for his cousin, and determined to injure him, if +he could, in the estimation of the firm. It would have been satisfactory +if he could have looked down upon him as an inferior, but that was not +easy. + +"I hope the fellow won't find out the relationship between us," he said +to himself. "He'd be calling me Cousin Tom all the time, and I don't +care about owning a cousin that lives in Stanton Street." + +Tom need not have troubled himself. Herbert had no idea of claiming +relationship, though, as we know, he was fully aware of its existence. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI + +A FAMILY COUNCIL + + +As soon as he was released from business, Tom Stanton hurried home to +impart the unexpected intelligence that his cousin Herbert had arrived +in the city. As might be expected, the news gave no particular pleasure +in the Stanton homestead. + +"Did you tell him who you were, Thomas?" asked his mother. + +"Catch me doing it!" said Tom. "I ain't quite a fool. I don't care about +owning any pauper relations." + +"He isn't a pauper," said Mr. Stanton, who, hard man of the world as he +was, could not forget that Herbert was the son of his sister. + +"He's the next door to it," said Tom, carelessly. + +"Thomas is right," said Mrs. Stanton. "You may depend upon it, Mr. +Stanton, that when this boy finds you out, he will apply to you for +assistance." + +"Possibly he may." + +"I hope you won't be such a fool as to encourage him in his +application." + +"If he were in actual distress, my dear," said Mr. Stanton, "I should +feel that I ought to do something." + +"Then you'd allow yourself to be imposed upon, that's all I've got to +say. There is no need of his being in distress. He is a stout boy, and +capable of earning his own living." + +"He might get sick," suggested Mr. Stanton, who was not so hard-hearted +as his wife. + +"Then let him go to the hospital. It's provided for such cases." + +"Is Herbert good-looking?" asked Maria, with interest. + +"He won't get a prize for his beauty," said Tom, disparagingly. + +"Is he homely?" + +"No," said Tom, reluctantly. "I suppose he'll pass; but he's +countrified. He hasn't got any style," and he glanced complacently +at his own reflection in a mirror, for Tom was vain of his personal +appearance, though by no means as good-looking as Herbert. In fact, he +was compelled secretly to confess this to himself, and for this reason +was more than ever disposed to view his cousin with prejudice. + +"I should like to see Herbert," said Maria, who had her share of female +curiosity, and thought it would be pleasant to have a cousin to escort +her round. + +"Perhaps I'd better invite him round to dinner tomorrow," said Thomas, +sarcastically. + +"I wish you would." + +"Thomas will do no such thing!" said Mrs. Stanton, decidedly. "It's my +opinion that the less notice we take of him the better. Your father is +in good circumstances, to be sure, but whatever he is able to do, ought, +of right, to go to his own family. We don't want any poor relations +coming here to get their living out of us." + +"Just my sentiments, mother," said Tom Stanton, approvingly. + +"It doesn't seem quite right," said Mr. Stanton, uncomfortably, "to +neglect my sister's child." + +"Don't make yourself ridiculous with your scruples, Mr. Stanton," said +his wife. "It's the boy's duty to take care of himself. It would only do +him harm, and lead to false expectations, if we allowed him the run of +the house." + +"Besides," said Tom, "I shouldn't want to have Tom Paget and Percy +Mortimer, and other fellows that I associate with, ask me who he is, and +have to tell them that he is my cousin." + +This argument had considerable weight with Mr. Stanton, who was anxious +to elevate himself in society, and looked with complacency upon the +school acquaintances Tom had formed with the scions of distinguished +families. + +"Well," said he, rising from the table, "let it be as you will. We won't +go out of our way to invite the boy here, but if he presents himself, as +he doubtless will, we must take a little notice of him." + +"I don't see why he couldn't have stayed in the country," said Mrs. +Stanton. "It was the best place for him." + +"Of course, it was," said Tom. + +"He could have had no other object than to seek us out, and see what he +could get out of us. For my part, I would advise you to recommend him to +go back." + +"He has secured a place, it seems, and would not be likely to give it +up." + +"It's a great pity he should have got into the same counting-room with +Tom. He will presume on the relationship as soon as he finds it out." + +Mrs. Stanton need not have been alarmed, for Herbert was too +high-spirited to seek an intimacy where he had reason to think it would +be disagreeable. But his aunt knew nothing of him, and judged him by +herself. + +"He's there, and it can't be helped," said Mr. Stanton. + +"At any rate, if he does stay in the city," persisted Mrs. Stanton, "I +hope you'll give him to understand that he needn't call here more than +once in three months. That is as much as he can expect." + +"After all, he is my sister's son," said Mr. Stanton. "I can't feel that +this would be quite kind in us." + +"Leave it to me, then. If you're too soft-hearted, Mr. Stanton, I will +take all the responsibility, and the blame, if there is any." + +"Well, I think you've said enough on the subject," said her husband. +"Tom, run upstairs and bring me a cigar. You know where I keep the cigar +box." + +"You'd better send a servant, father," said Tom, coolly. + +"It appears to me you are getting lazy, Thomas," said his father. + +"Thomas is right," said Mrs. Stanton. "What do we keep servants for but +to run errands?" + +"Still, Tom might have obliged me in such a little matter." + +"You shouldn't have asked him, Mr. Stanton. You seem to forget that we +are not living in the style of half a dozen years ago. You should adapt +yourself to circumstances." + +Mr. Stanton said no more, but sent a servant in Tom's place. But he +could not help thinking that the outward prosperity for which he was +striving was not without its drawbacks, since it compelled him to look +to servants for the most ordinary services. + +The next morning Tom went to the counting-room, fully expecting that +Herbert would claim relationship as soon as he discovered his name. +While he would be compelled to admit it, he determined to treat Herbert +with such a degree of coolness that he would take the hint, and keep his +distance. + +When he arrived at the counting-room, Herbert was already there, and Mr. +Pratt also. + +"Good-morning," said Herbert. + +"Morning," muttered Tom. + +"This is Thomas Stanton, your fellow-clerk," said Mr. Pratt, the +bookkeeper. "I believe you have not been introduced." + +"Now for it," thought Tom. + +But rather to his surprise, Herbert made no demonstration, but merely +bowed slightly. + +"What does it mean?" thought Tom, a little perplexed. "Is it possible +that he is not my cousin, after all?" + +"I think you came from Ohio?" inquired Tom, impelled by his curiosity to +ask the question. + +"Yes," said Herbert. + +"Why didn't you stay there? Couldn't you make a living there?" asked +Tom, not over-politely. + +"Probably I might," said Herbert, quietly. + +"Then I think you should have stayed there." + +"Which do you like best, the city or the country?" asked our hero. + +"The city." + +"So do I." + +"But there's a difference. I have always lived in the city." + +"I suppose boys often do come from the country to the city," said +Herbert. "Was your father born in the city?" + +"No," said Tom, glancing keenly at Herbert, to see if he meant anything +by the question. + +"Then it seems he must have preferred the city to the country." + +Tom had his share of curiosity. He knew that it would be better not to +pursue this subject further if he wished his cousin to remain ignorant +of the relationship between them. Still, he was anxious to know what +Herbert's actual knowledge was, and whether he would be likely to avail +himself of it. He was therefore tempted to say, "I suppose you have no +relations in the city?" + +"What makes you think I haven't?" asked Herbert, looking at Tom rather +peculiarly. + +"I don't think anything about it. I only asked," said Tom, a little +confused. + +"Yes, I have an uncle in the city," said Herbert, quietly. + +"Oh, indeed," said Tom. + +He said nothing more, for he felt that he might betray his knowledge of +the relationship unintentionally. Herbert's manner left him as much in +the dark as ever. + +Mr. Pratt set Herbert to work on some writing, and Tom, also, was soon +busy. After a while Mr. Godfrey came in. + +"Good-morning, Herbert," he said, pleasantly, offering his hand. "So Mr. +Pratt has set you to work, has he?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"I think we shall find enough for him to do, eh, Mr. Pratt?" + +"Yes, sir, I think so," said the bookkeeper, who perceived that Herbert +was in favor, and it was as well to fall in with his employer. + +"That's well. How do you like your boarding place, Herbert?" + +"It isn't a very nice one, sir, but it is as good a one as I have a +right to expect for the money I pay." + +"Come round and dine with us to-night," said the merchant. "Mrs. Godfrey +will be glad to see you. I'll give you my street and number." + +"Thank you, sir," said Herbert. "I shall be glad to accept your kind +invitation." + +Tom listened to this invitation with envy. Mr. Godfrey occupied a high +social position. Moreover, he had a pretty daughter, whom he, Tom, had +met at dancing school, and he would have been very glad to receive the +invitation which had been extended to "that beggar, Herbert," as he +mentally styled him. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII + +AT THE CONCERT + + +Herbert felt a little diffident about accepting his employer's +invitation to dinner. Brought up in the country in comparative +poverty, he felt afraid that he should show, in some way, his want of +acquaintance with the etiquette of the dining table. But he had a better +than ordinary education, and, having read diligently whatever books he +could get hold of, possessed a fund of general information which enabled +him to converse intelligently. Then his modest self-possession was of +value to him, and enabled him to acquit himself very creditably. + +Julia Godfrey, the merchant's only daughter, was a lively and animated +girl, a year or two younger than Herbert. She had been the belle of the +dancing school, and Tom Stanton, among other boys, had always been proud +to have her for a partner. She, however, had taken no particular fancy +to Tom, whose evident satisfaction with himself naturally provoked +criticisms on the part of others. Of this, however, Tom was unconscious, +and flattered himself that his personal appearance was strikingly +attractive, and was quite convinced that his elaborate and gorgeous +neckties must attract admiration. + +Julia awaited the advent of her father's young guest with interest, and +her verdict was favorable. He was, to be sure, very plainly dressed, +but his frank and open face and pleasant expression did not need +fine clothes to set them off. Julia at once commenced an animated +conversation with our hero. + +"Weren't you frightened when you saw the robber?" she asked, for her +father had told her of Herbert's adventure with the burglar. + +"No," said Herbert, "I did not feel afraid." + +"How brave you must be?" said Julia, with evident admiration. + +"There was no need of my being frightened," said Herbert, modestly. "I +was expecting him." + +"I know I should have been frightened to death," said Julia, decidedly. + +"You are a girl, you know," said Herbert. "I suppose it is natural for +girls to be timid." + +"I don't know but it is, but I am sure it is not natural to all boys to +be brave." + +Herbert smiled. + +"I was out in the country, one day, walking with Frank Percy," proceeded +Julia, "when a big, ugly-looking dog met us. Frank, instead of standing +by, and defending me, ran away as fast as his feet could carry him. I +laughed at him so much about it that he doesn't like to come near me +since that." + +"How did you escape?" asked Herbert, with interest. + +"I saw there was no use in running away, so I patted him on the head, +and called him 'Poor dog,' though I expected every minute he was going +to bite me. That calmed him down, and he went off without doing any +harm." + +Herbert found Mrs. Godfrey to be a pleasant, motherly-looking lady, who +received him kindly. He felt that he should like it very much if she was +his aunt, instead of Mrs. Stanton, whom he had never seen, and did not +think he should care about meeting. + +"What do you think of Tom Stanton?" asked Julia, "Of course, you know +him--the other boy in pa's counting-room." + +"I am not very well acquainted with him yet," said Herbert, evasively, +for he did not care to say anything unfavorable of Tom. "Do you know +him?" + +"Yes, he used to go to the same dancing school with me last winter." + +"Then you know him better than I do." + +"I don't like him much," said Julia. "He's always thinking of himself +and his neckties. He always came to dancing school in a different +necktie; to let us know how many he had, I suppose. Didn't you notice +his necktie?" + +"It was pretty large, I thought," said Herbert, smiling. + +"Yes, he's fond of wearing large ones." + +"I am afraid you are talking uncharitably, Julia," said her mother, +mildly. "Girls, you know, are sometimes fond of dress." + +So the conversation drifted on to other topics. Julia, at first, +addressed our hero as Mr. Mason, until he requested her to call him +Herbert, a request which she readily complied with. They were soon on +excellent terms, and appeared to be mutually pleased. + +"Young people," said Mr. Godfrey, after dinner, "there is to be an +attractive concert at the Academy of Music this evening. I secured seats +this morning for four. Suppose we all go?" + +"I shall be delighted, for one, papa," said Julia. "You will like to go, +Herbert, won't you?" + +"Very much," said our hero. + +"Then you can escort me, while papa and mamma walk together." + +Herbert felt that this arrangement would be very agreeable, so far as +he was concerned. It was, in fact, adopted, and the four paired off +together, as Julia had suggested, Julia amusing Herbert by her lively +remarks. + +Entering the hall, they followed the usher to their seats, which were +eligibly located only a few rows back from the stage. + +Just behind them sat a party, among whom the new arrivals produced quite +a sensation. Not to keep the reader in suspense, that party consisted of +Mr. and Mrs. Stanton, Tom and Maria. There was but slight acquaintance +between the two families, as Mr. Godfrey's stood higher, socially, than +Mr. Stanton's. The gentlemen, however, had a bowing acquaintance, and +the young people had met at dancing school. + +"Why, there's Mr. Godfrey and his family, Tom," said Maria, turning +towards her brother. "Who's that boy with them? Julia hasn't got any +brother, has she?" + +Tom had watched the entrance of the party with lively dissatisfaction. +That his beggarly cousin should appear in public on such intimate terms +with Julia Godfrey, to whom he himself had paid attention, but without +any special encouragement, struck him as particularly mortifying. + +"Mr. Godfrey's son!" he said, disdainfully. "That boy is Herbert Mason." + +"Our cousin?" asked Maria, with interest. "Ma, did you hear?" she +whispered, eagerly. "That boy in front of us is Cousin Herbert." + +"That boy with the Godfreys?" said Mrs. Stanton, in surprise. + +"Yes, he's talking with Julia now." + +"Are you sure? Who told you?" + +"Tom." + +"Is it true, Tom?" + +"Yes," said Tom, frowning. + +"What could have induced the Godfreys to bring him along?" said Mrs. +Stanton, who was no better pleased than Tom at the social success of the +poor relation. + +"He's quite good-looking," said Maria. + +"Nonsense," said her mother, sharply. "He has a very countrified look." + +The news was communicated to Mr. Stanton, who looked with interest at +his sister's son, whom he had not seen since he was a very young child. +He fervently wished him back again in Ohio, where he might conveniently +forget his existence. Here in New York, especially since an unlucky +chance, as he considered it, had brought him into the same counting-room +as his son, it would be difficult to avoid taking some notice of +him. But, so far as pecuniary assistance was concerned, Mr. Stanton +determined that he would give none, unless it was forced upon him. Had +he known our hero better, he would have been less alarmed. + +With all his prejudices, Mr. Stanton could not help confessing that +Herbert was a boy of whom any uncle might be proud. Though plainly +dressed, he did not seem out of place at a fashionable concert, +surrounded by well-dressed people. + +It must not be supposed that Herbert was left in ignorance of the +vicinity of the only relations he had in the city. + +"There's Tom Stanton, just behind you, with his father and mother and +sister," whispered Julia. + +Herbert turned his head slightly. He was desirous of seeing what +his uncle and aunt were like. His uncle met his gaze, and turned +uncomfortably away, appearing not to know him, yet conscious that in his +affected ignorance he was acting shabbily. Mrs. Stanton did not flinch, +but bent a cold gaze of scrutiny upon the unwelcome nephew. Tom looked +supercilious, and elevated his pug nose a trifle. Maria, only, looked as +if she would like to know her cousin. + +It was only a hasty glance on Herbert's part, but it brought him to a +rapid conclusion that he would not claim relationship. If any advances +were made, they must come from the other side. + +Tom fidgeted in his seat, watching with ill-concealed vexation the +confidential conversation which appeared to be going on between Julia +and his cousin. + +"What she can see in that boor, I can't imagine," he said to himself. + +Moreover, though Julia had looked around, she had not deigned any +recognition of himself, and this hurt his pride. He finally determined +to overlook the neglect, and address her, which he could readily do, as +he sat almost directly behind her. + +"Good-evening, Miss Julia," he said, familiarly, bending forward. + +"Oh, good-evening, Mr. Stanton," said Julia, coldly, just turning +slightly. "Herbert, isn't that a beautiful song?" + +"She calls him Herbert," said Tom, in scornful disgust. "I wonder if she +knows he is nothing but a beggar?" + +"How are you enjoying the concert, Miss Julia?" he continued, resolved +not to take the rebuff. + +"Very well," said Julia. "By the way," she continued, with a sudden +thought, "I believe you are acquainted with Mr. Mason." + +Herbert, upon this, bowed pleasantly, but Tom said, in rather a +disagreeable tone, "I know Mr. Mason slightly." + +"Oh," said Julia, arching her eyebrows, "I thought you were both in +papa's counting-room." + +"We shall know each other better by and by," said Herbert, smiling. + +Tom did not appear to hear this, but tried to keep up the conversation +with Julia, desiring to have it appear that they were intimate friends; +but the young lady gave brief replies, and finally, turning away, +devoted herself once more to Herbert, much to Tom's disgust. In fact, +what he saw made Tom pass a very unpleasant evening, and when, on their +return home, Maria suggested that Julia had taken a fancy to Herbert, he +told her to mind her own business, which Maria justly considered a piece +of rudeness wholly uncalled for. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII + +PETER GREENLEAF AGAIN + + +Notwithstanding he was receiving a salary larger than is usually paid +boys of his age, Herbert felt cramped for the want of money. Six dollars +a week would have paid his expenses comfortably, if he had been well +provided to begin with. But all the clothing he had, besides what he +wore, he had brought with him in a small bundle, the greatest part +having been left in his trunk at the house of Abner Holden. He often +wished that he could have them with him, but, of course, this wish was +vain. Indeed, Mr. Holden, when the conviction was forced upon him that +there was no chance of recovering his bound boy, quietly confiscated the +trunk and its contents; and this, to some extent, consoled him for the +departure of the owner. + +Herbert found himself sadly in need of underclothing; and, of course, +his only suit, from constant wear, was likely to deteriorate rapidly. He +saved all the money he could from his weekly wages toward purchasing +a new one, but his savings were inconsiderable. Besides, he needed a +trunk, or would need one, when he had anything to put in it. + +"If I only had that money Greenleaf stole from me, I should be all +right," he said to himself, after long and anxious thought on the great +question of ways and means. "I don't see how I can save up more than two +dollars a week out of my wages, and it will take a long time for that to +amount to much." + +There certainly did not appear to be much chance of saving more. His +boarding place was as cheap as he could obtain, or, if there were +cheaper anywhere, they would probably be also poorer, and our hero felt +that Mrs. Morgan's was as poor as he should be able to endure. + +He was rather mortified, too, at the poverty of his wardrobe. Mrs. +Morgan asked him one day, "When is your trunk coming?" and Herbert was +obliged to own, with some shame, that he had none. The landlady looked +surprised, but he had no explanation to offer. + +"I suppose I shall have to wait till my wages are raised," thought +Herbert, with a little sigh. This, he reflected, would not be very soon, +as he had started with a salary greater than he was likely to earn, as +Mr. Godfrey had said. + +But relief was nearer than he anticipated. + +One day, as he was walking up the Bowery, he saw, at a little distance +in front of him, a figure which he well remembered. The careless, jaunty +step and well-satisfied air were familiar to him. In short, it was Peter +Greenleaf, who had played so mean a trick upon him at the hotel. + +Herbert's heart beat quick with excitement, mingled with pleasure. He +felt a natural indignation against this young man, who had cheated +him so remorselessly, and left him, indifferent to his fate, alone and +almost penniless in a strange city. + +What should he do? + +Close behind him was a policeman slowly pacing his regular round. +Herbert went up to him, and, pointing to Greenleaf, rapidly recounted +his grievances. + +"It was a mean trick," said the policeman, who was a favorable specimen +of his class. "Is this the first time you have seen him?" + +"Yes." + +"Tell me what you want to do." + +"I want to get my money back." + +"Probably he has spent it. How long since he robbed you?" + +"Three weeks." + +"Not much chance, then. Probably his pocket's empty, unless he's fleeced +somebody else in the meantime. However, it's as well to see what can +be done. Now, I'll tell you how to act. Go up to him boldly, and demand +your money. If he bluffs you off, call me." + +"All right," said Herbert. + +He hastened his step, and, advancing, tapped Greenleaf on the shoulder. + +Greenleaf turned. When he recognized Herbert, he looked surprised and +disconcerted. But he had plenty of assurance, and quickly determined +upon his course. Assuming a stolid look, he said: "Well, my lad, who are +you; and what do you want?" + +"You know who I am, well enough," said Herbert, angrily. + +"Do I? Then I'm uncommonly forgetful. I haven't any recollection of your +interesting countenance," he said, with a sneer. + +"I suppose you don't want to remember me, Mr. Greenleaf," said Herbert. + +"Greenleaf! You are thinking of somebody else. My name's Thompson." + +"Your name was Greenleaf when you stopped with me at French's Hotel," +said Herbert, sturdily. + +"You're crazy, I fancy," said Greenleaf, shrugging his shoulders. "I +never stopped at the hotel you mention, in my life." + +"Where's the money you took from me?" demanded Herbert, who felt +convinced of Greenleaf's identity, in spite of his denial. + +"What are you talking about?" said Greenleaf, assuming a look of +surprise. + +"You went off before I was awake, with more than fifty dollars of mine." + +"Do you mean to insult me?" said Greenleaf, drawing himself up. "I've a +great mind to knock you over!" + +"Mr. Greenleaf," said Herbert, firmly, "either return my money, or as +much as you have got left, or I will call a policeman." + +"Just what I shall do, myself, unless you stop this nonsense," said +Greenleaf, angrily; but not without a sensation of uneasiness, as it +struck his mind that Herbert might really intend to do what he had said. + +"Once more, will you give up that money?" said Herbert, firmly. + +"Stand out of the way," said Greenleaf, "if you know what is best for +yourself!" + +He was about to push by, thrusting Herbert roughly out of the way, when +our hero turned, and his look summoned the policeman, who hastened to +the spot. + +"Give this boy his money," he said, authoritatively. "I know all about +your little game. It's up now. Unless you hand over your plunder, you +must go with me." + +Greenleaf changed color, and was evidently alarmed. + +"I've got nobody's money, except my own," he said. + +"Come along, then," said the officer, taking him by the arm. + +"Stop a minute," said he, hurriedly, finding that matters had come to a +crisis. "If I give up what I have, will you let me go?" + +"Well, that depends on how much you have." + +"I've got twenty dollars." + +Herbert was about to say that this would do, but the policeman shook his +head. + +"Won't do," said he. "Come along." + +After a little haggling, Greenleaf produced forty dollars, which Herbert +pocketed, with much satisfaction. + +"Now go along, and mind you don't try any more such games." + +Greenleaf needed no second permission to be gone. He feared that the +officer might change his mind, and he might, after all, be consigned to +the station house. + +"Thank you," said Herbert, gratefully. "I needed the money badly. I +shouldn't have recovered it but for you." + +"Take better care of it next time," said the officer, not unkindly. +"Take care not to trust a stranger too easily. Better take my advice, +and put it in a savings bank." + +"I shall be obliged to use most of it," said Herbert. "What I don't +need, I will put in the bank." + +The recovery of so much of his lost money seemed to Herbert quite a +lucky windfall. He went at once to a trunk store, and, for five dollars, +purchased a good, durable trunk, which he ordered sent home to his +lodgings. Fifteen dollars more he invested in necessary underclothing, +and this left him one-half of the money for future use. Besides this +he had six dollars, which, in three weeks, he had saved from his wages. +With this sum, and the articles he had purchased, he felt quite rich, +and returned to the counting-room--this happened during the hour given +him for dinner--in unusually good spirits. He had other reasons +for encouragement. He was getting accustomed to his duties at the +counting-room. Mr. Godfrey always treated him kindly, and had called +upon him again that very morning to assist him in translating a French +letter, complimenting him, at the same time, upon his scholarship. + +"I'll do my best," thought Herbert. "'Try and Trust,' that's my motto. I +think it will bring me success." + +But even while he spoke, an unforeseen danger menaced him. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX + +SPARRING + + +After the concert, Tom Stanton took even a greater dislike to his cousin +than before. To say that he was in love with Julia Godfrey would be +rather ridiculous, considering his youth. Even if he had been older, Tom +cared too much about himself to fall in love with another. But Julia had +been a belle among the children of her own age at the dancing school, +and there was considerable rivalry among the boys--or, I should, +perhaps, say young gentlemen--for the honor of her notice. Tom desired +it, because it would give him a kind of distinction among his fellows. +So, though he was not in love with Julia, he was jealous when she showed +favor to anyone else. But this feeling was mild compared with that he +experienced when Julia bestowed her notice upon his penniless cousin. +That Herbert should be preferred to himself, he thought, not only showed +great lack of taste on the part of the young heiress, but was a grievous +wrong to himself. + +"I can't understand how girls can be such fools," thought Tom, as +that evening, after returning from the concert, he surveyed his rather +perturbed face in the mirror surmounting his bureau. "I wouldn't have +believed Julia Godfrey would stoop to notice such a pauper." + +Then a cheerful thought came to him. Perhaps she was only trying to +rouse his jealousy. He had heard of such things. But, if so, why should +she choose such a beggar as Herbert to practice her arts upon? + +Certainly, to an unprejudiced observer, such a thought would never have +suggested itself. The cool indifference with which Julia had treated Tom +did not appear to argue any such feeling as would lead to the attempt to +rouse his jealousy. But, then, Tom was not an unprejudiced observer, and +considered his personal attractions such that any girl might appreciate +them. + +When he arrived at the counting-room the next morning, he found Herbert +already there. Indeed, our hero was very particular to be punctual in +his attendance, while Tom was generally at least a quarter of an hour +behind time. + +"I saw you at the concert last evening, Mason," said Tom, who wanted to +get a chance to say something disagreeable. + +"Yes, I was there," said Herbert. "You sat in the row just behind us." + +"Yes. I suppose you were never at a concert before." + +"Not in New York." + +"Mr. Godfrey was very kind to take you." + +That was what Herbert thought himself. But as Tom expressed it, there +was something in his tone which implied a conviction of Herbert's social +inferiority, which our hero did not like. + +"I have found Mr. Godfrey very kind," he said, briefly. + +"There are not many employers who would invite a boy in your position to +a concert with his family," said Tom. + +"I believe my position is the same as yours," said Herbert, nettled. + +"I don't see it," said Tom, haughtily. "Will you explain yourself?" + +"I believe we are both in Mr. Godfrey's employ," said Herbert. + +"Oh, yes, so far as that goes. But I am the son of a rich man," said +Tom, pompously. + +Herbert might have replied that he was the nephew of a rich man, but he +had no disposition to boast of his relationship to his cousin's family. + +"I don't see that that makes any difference," said Herbert. + +"Don't you? Well, I do." + +"We are both boys in Mr. Godfrey's employ." + +"That's true, but then, he took you out of pity, you know." + +Tom's tone as he said this was very aggravating, and Herbert's face +flushed. + +"I don't know anything of the sort," he retorted. + +"No, I suppose you don't consider it in that light," said Tom, +carelessly; "but, of course, it is clear enough to others. Where would +you have been, if Mr. Godfrey hadn't given you a place? Blacking boots, +probably, among the street ragamuffins." + +"Perhaps I might," said Herbert, quietly, "if I couldn't have got +anything better to do." + +"It's a very genteel occupation," sneered Tom. + +"I don't think it is," said Herbert, "but it's an honest one." + +"You may have to take it yet." + +"Perhaps so. So may you." + +"Do you mean to insult me?" demanded Tom, haughtily, his face flushing. + +"I only said to you the same thing you said to me. If it's an insult on +one side, it is on the other." + +"You seem to forget that our circumstances are very different," said +Tom. + +"They are just now, so far as money goes. I get a larger salary than +you." + +Tom was very much incensed at this remark, being aggrieved by the fact +that Herbert received more than he. + +"I didn't mean that," said he. "Of course, if Mr. Godfrey chooses to +give away money in charity, it is none of my business. I don't need any +charity." + +"Mr. Godfrey pays me for my services," said Herbert. "If he pays me too +liberally now, I hope to make it up to him afterward." + +"You seemed to be very intimate with Julia Godfrey last evening," said +Tom, unpleasantly. + +"I found her very pleasant." + +"Yes; she is very kind to take notice of you." + +"I suppose the notice you have taken of me this morning is meant in +kindness," said Herbert, thinking his cousin very disagreeable. + +"Yes, of course, being in the same counting-room, I think it right to +take some notice of you," said Tom, condescendingly. + +"I am very much obliged to you," said Herbert, sarcastically. + +"But there's one piece of advice I should like to give you," proceeded +Tom. + +"What is that?" inquired Herbert, looking his cousin in the face. + +"Don't feel too much set up by Julia Godfrey's notice. She only took +notice of you out of pity, and to encourage you. If you had been in her +own position in society--" + +"Like you, for instance!" + +"Yes, like me," said Tom, complacently, "she would have been more +ceremonious. I thought I would just mention it to you, Mason, or you +might not understand it." + +It was only natural that Herbert should be provoked by this elaborate +humiliation suggested by Tom, and his cousin's offensive assumption of +superiority. This led him to a retort in kind. + +"I suppose that is the reason she took so little notice of you," he +said. + +Tom was nettled at this statement of a fact, but he answered in an +off-hand manner, "Oh, Julia and I are old friends. I've danced with her +frequently at dancing school." + +Herbert happened to remember what Julia had said of his cousin, and was +rather amused at this assumption of intimacy. + +"I am much obliged to you for your information," said Herbert, "though +I am rather surprised that you should take so great an interest in my +affairs." + +"Oh, you're new in the city, and I know all the ropes," said Tom. "I +thought I might as well give you a friendly hint." + +"I am lucky in having such a friend," said Herbert, "and will take the +advice as it was given." + +Here the bookkeeper entered, and, soon after, Mr. Godfrey made his +appearance. + +"I hope you had a pleasant evening, Herbert," he said, kindly. + +"Very pleasant, sir; thank you," said Herbert, in a very different tone +from the one he had used in addressing Tom. + +"I believe I saw you, also, at the concert, Thomas," said Mr. Godfrey. + +"Yes, sir," said Tom. "I am very fond of music, and attend all the +first-class musical entertainments." + +"Indeed?" said Mr. Godfrey, but this was all the reply he made. + +"My daughter insists that I shall invite you to the house again soon," +said Mr. Godfrey, again addressing Herbert. + +"I am very much obliged to her, and to you, sir," said Herbert, +modestly. "I shall be very glad to come." + +Tom's face darkened, as he heard this. He would have given considerable +to receive such an invitation himself, but the prospect did not seem +very promising. + +"Mr. Godfrey must be infatuated," he said to himself, impatiently, "to +invite such a beggar to his house. Mason ought to have good sense enough +to feel that he is out of place in such a house. I wouldn't accept any +invitation given out of pity." + +"I wonder why Tom dislikes me so much?" thought Herbert. "He certainly +takes pains enough to show his feeling. Would it be different, I wonder, +if he knew that I was his cousin?" + +Herbert thought of mentioning to Mr. Godfrey that he had recovered +three-quarters of the money of which he had been robbed. It would +have been well if he had done so, but Mr. Godfrey seemed particularly +engaged, and he thought it best not to interrupt him. + + + + +CHAPTER XXX + +AN UNEXPECTED BLOW + + +Herbert felt happier than usual. He had recovered the greater part of +his money, and thus was relieved from various inconveniences which had +resulted from his straitened circumstances, He was the more elated at +this, as it had seemed extremely improbable that the lost money would +ever have found its way back to the pocket of its rightful owner. +Then, he had a good place, and a salary sufficient to defray his modest +expenses, and the prospect of promotion, if he should be faithful to +the interests of his employer, as he firmly intended to be. It was +agreeable, also, to reflect that he was in favor with Mr. Godfrey, who +had thus far treated him with as much kindness as if he had been his own +son. + +There was, to be sure, the drawback of Tom's enmity, but, as there was +no good reason for this, he would not allow it to trouble him much, +though, of course, it would have been more agreeable if all in the +office had been his friends. He determined to take an early opportunity +to write to his good friend, Dr. Kent, an account of his present +position. He would have done so before, but had hesitated from the fear +that in some way the intelligence would reach Abner Holden, whom he +preferred to leave in ignorance of all that concerned him. + +These thoughts passed through Herbert's mind as he went about his daily +work. Meanwhile, a painful experience awaited him, for which he was not +in the least prepared. + +About one o'clock a gentleman entered the counting-room hastily, and +said, "Mr. Godfrey, I wonder whether I happened to leave my pocketbook +anywhere about your office when I was here an hour ago?" + +"I don't think so. When did you miss it?" + +"A few minutes since. I went to a restaurant to get a lunch, and, on +finishing it, felt for my pocketbook, and found it gone." + +"Was there much in it?" + +"No sum of any consequence. Between twenty and thirty dollars, I +believe. There were, however, some papers of value, which I shall be +sorry to lose." + +"I hardly think you could have left it here. However, I will inquire. +Mr. Pratt, have you seen anything of Mr. Walton's pocketbook?" + +"No, sir," said the bookkeeper, promptly. + +"Herbert, have you seen it?" + +"No, sir," said our hero. + +"Thomas?" + +Tom Stanton was assailed by a sudden and dangerous temptation. His +dislike to Herbert had been increased in various ways, and especially +had been rendered more intense by the independent tone assumed by our +hero in the conversation which had taken place between them that very +morning. Now, here was an opportunity of getting him into disgrace, and +probably cause him to lose his situation. True, he would have to tell a +falsehood, but Tom had never been a scrupulous lover of truth, and would +violate it for a less object without any particular compunction. + +He hesitated when the question was asked him, and thus, as he expected, +fixed Mr. Godfrey's attention. + +"Why don't you answer, Thomas?" he said, in surprise. + +"I don't like to," said Tom, artfully. + +"Why not?" demanded his employer, suspiciously. + +"Because I don't want to get anybody into trouble." + +"Speak out what you mean." + +"If you insist upon it," said Tom, with pretended reluctance, "I suppose +I must obey you." + +"Of course, if any wrong has been done, it is your duty to expose it." + +"Then, sir," said Tom. "I saw Mason pick up a wallet from the floor, +and put it in his pocket just after the gentleman went out. He did it so +quickly that no one probably observed it but myself." + +Herbert listened to this accusation as if stunned. It was utterly beyond +his conception how anyone could be guilty of such a deliberate falsehood +as he had just listened to. So he remained silent, and this operated +against him. + +"Herbert," said Mr. Godfrey, mildly, for he was unwilling to believe our +hero guilty of intentional dishonesty, "you should have mentioned having +found the pocketbook." + +"So I would, sir," said Herbert, having found his voice at last, "if I +had found one." + +"Do you mean to say that you have not?" demanded Mr. Godfrey, with a +searching look. + +"Yes, sir," said Herbert, firmly. + +"What, then, does Thomas mean when he asserts that he saw you do so?" + +"I don't know, sir. I think he means to injure me, as I have noticed +ever since I entered the office that he seems to dislike me." + +"How is that, Thomas? Do you again declare that you saw Herbert pick up +the wallet? + +"I do," said Tom, boldly. "Of course, I expected that he would deny it. +I leave it to you, sir, if he does not show his guilt in his face? Just +look at him!" + +Now it, unfortunately for Herbert, happened that his indignation had +brought a flush to his face, and he certainly did look as a guilty +person is supposed to do. Mr. Godfrey observed this, and his heart sank +within him, for, unable to conceive of such wickedness as Tom's, he saw +no other way except to believe in Herbert's guilt. + +"Have you nothing to say, Herbert?" he asked, more in sorrow than in +anger. + +"No, sir," said Herbert, in a low voice; "nothing, except what I have +already said. Tom has uttered a wicked falsehood, and he knows it." + +"Of course, I expected you would say that," said Tom, with effrontery. + +"This is a serious charge, Herbert," proceeded Mr. Godfrey. "I shall +have to ask you to produce whatever you have in your pockets." + +"Certainly, sir," said our hero, calmly. + +But, as he spoke, it flashed upon him that he had in his pocket +twenty-six dollars, and the discovery of this sum would be likely to +involve him in suspicion. He could, indeed, explain where he got it; +but would his explanation be believed? Under present circumstances, he +feared that it would not. So it was with a sinking heart that he drew +out the contents of his pockets, and among them his own pocketbook. + +"Is that yours?" asked Mr. Godfrey, turning to Mr. Walton. + +"No, it is not; but he may have transferred my money to it." + +Upon this hint, Mr. Godfrey opened the pocketbook, and drew out the +small roll of bills, which he proceeded to count. + +"Twenty-six dollars," he said. "How much did you lose?" + +"Between twenty and thirty dollars. I cannot be sure how much." + +"Here are two tens and three twos." + +"I had two tens. I don't remember the denomination of the other bills." + +Even Tom was struck with astonishment at this discovery. He knew that +his charge was groundless, yet here it was substantiated in a very +remarkable manner. Was it possible that he had, after all, struck upon +the truth of the matter? He did not know what to think. + +"Herbert," said his employer, sorrowfully, "this discovery gives me more +pain than I can express. I had a very high idea of you. I could not have +believed you capable of so mean a thing as deliberate dishonesty." + +"I am not guilty," said Herbert, proudly. + +"How can you say this in the face of all this evidence? Do you mean to +say that this money is yours?" + +"I do," said Herbert, firmly. + +"Where could you have got it?" said his employer, incredulously. +"Did you not tell me when you entered my employ that you were almost +penniless? You have been with me three weeks only, and half your wages +have been paid for board." + +"Yes, sir; you are right." + +"What explanation, then, can you offer? Your case looks bad." + +"The six dollars I saved from my wages, at the rate of two dollars +a week. The twenty dollars is a part of the money I was robbed of. I +succeeded in recovering forty dollars of it yesterday." + +Here, Herbert related the circumstances already known to the reader. + +"A likely story," said Tom, scornfully. + +"Be silent, Thomas," said Mr. Godfrey. "Your story does not seem +probable," he proceeded, speaking to Herbert. + +"It is true, sir," said our hero, firmly. + +"What could he have done with your wallet, however?" said the merchant, +turning to Mr. Walton. + +"He has been out to the post office since," said Tom. "He might have +thrown it away." + +This unfortunately for Herbert, was true. He had been out, and, of +course, could have disposed of the wallet in the way mentioned. + +"I don't know what to think, Mr. Walton," said Mr. Godfrey. "I'm afraid +the boy's guilty." + +"I'm afraid so. I don't care so much for the money, if he will give me +back the papers." + +"I can't do it, sir," said Herbert, "for I never had them." + +"What shall we do?" + +"The other boy declares that he saw this one take the wallet from the +floor, where I probably dropped it. It seems to me that settles the +matter." + +"I am afraid it does." + +"Once more, Herbert, will you confess?" asked Mr. Godfrey. + +"I can only say, sir, that I am innocent." + +"Mr. Walton, what shall we do?" + +"Let the boy go. I will leave it to his honor to return me the papers, +and he may keep the money. I think he will make up his mind to do so by +tomorrow." + +"You hear, Herbert," said Mr. Godfrey. "While this matter remains in +doubt, you cannot retain your situation." + +"Thank you, Mr. Walton, for your indulgence," said Herbert; "but I am +sorry you think me guilty. The truth will some time appear. I shall TRY +to do my duty, and TRUST to God to clear me." + +He took his hat and left the counting-room with a heavy heart, feeling +himself in disgrace. + +"I had great confidence in that boy, Walton," said Mr. Godfrey. "Even +now, I can hardly believe him guilty." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI + +MR. STANTON IS SURPRISED + + +While the events recorded in the last chapter were taking place in Mr. +Godfrey's counting-room another and a different scene took place at the +office of Mr. Stanton. + +He had just finished reading the morning paper, and, as it slipped +from his hand, his thoughts turned, transiently, to the nephew whose +persistent failure to claim relationship puzzled him not a little. He +was glad not to be called upon for money, of course; still, he felt a +little annoyed at Herbert's reticence, especially as it left him unable +to decide whether our hero knew of the tie which connected them. It was +scarcely possible to suppose that he did not. But in that case, why did +he not make some sign? The truth did suggest itself to Mr. Stanton's +mind that the boy resented his cold and indifferent letter, and this +thought made him feel a little uncomfortable. + +While he was thinking over this subject, one of his clerks entered the +office. + +"A gentleman to see you, Mr. Stanton," he said, briefly. + +Mr. Stanton raised his head, and his glance rested on a tall, vigorous +man of perhaps thirty-five years of age, who closely followed the clerk. +The stranger's face was brown from exposure, and there was a certain +appearance of unconventionality about his movements which seemed +to indicate that he was not a dweller in cities or a frequenter of +drawing-rooms, but accustomed to make his home in the wilder haunts of +nature. + +In brief, for there is no occasion for mystery, Mr. Stanton's visitor +was Ralph the Ranger, who had assisted Herbert from the clutches of +Abner Holden. + +Mr. Stanton gazed at the stranger with some curiosity, but was unable to +recognize him. + +"Have you any business with me?" he asked. + +"Yes," said the visitor, in a voice whose depth carried with it an +assurance of strength. + +"State it, then, as briefly as possible," said the merchant, with a +little asperity, for there was not as much deference in the manner of +the other as he thought there should have been. Like most new men, +he was jealous of his position, and solicitous lest he should not be +treated with due respect. + +"I will do so," said the stranger, "but as it cannot be summed up in a +sentence, I will take the liberty of seating myself." + +As he spoke he sat down in an office chair, which was placed not far +from that in which Mr. Stanton was sitting. + +"My time is valuable," said the merchant, coldly. "I cannot listen to a +long story." + +As the visitor was plainly, if not roughly, dressed, he suspected that +he desired pecuniary assistance on some pretext or other, and that his +story was one of misfortune, intended to appeal to his sympathies. Had +such been the case, there was very little prospect of help from Mr. +Stanton, and that gentleman already enjoyed in anticipation the pleasure +of refusing him. + +"Don't you know me?" demanded Ralph, abruptly. + +Mr. Stanton did not anticipate such a commencement. It had never +occurred to him to suppose that his rough visitor was one whom he had +ever before met. + +"No," he said, "I never saw you before." + +Ralph smiled a little bitterly. + +"So I have passed entirely out of your remembrance, have I?" he said. +"Well, it is twelve years since we met." + +"Twelve years," repeated Mr. Stanton. He scanned the stranger's face +with curiosity, but not a glimmer of recollection came to him. + +"I dare say I met many persons at that distance of time, whom I cannot +remember in the least now, even by name." + +"I think you will remember my name," said Ralph, quietly. "Your memory +of Ralph Pendleton cannot be wholly obliterated." + +Mr. Stanton started, and it was evident from the expression of his face +that the memory was not a welcome one. + +"Are you Ralph Pendleton?" he asked, in an undecided voice. + +"Yes, but not the Ralph Pendleton you once knew. Then I was an +inexperienced boy; now I am a man." + +"Yes, you have changed considerably," said Mr. Stanton, uncomfortably, +"Where have you kept yourself all these years? Why have you not made +yourself known before?" + +"Before I answer these questions, I must refer to some circumstances +well known to both of us. I hope I shall not be tiresome; I will, at +least, be brief. You were my father's friend. At least, he so considered +you." + +"I was so." + +"When he died, as I had not yet attained my majority, he left you my +guardian." + +"Yes." + +"I was in rather an idle frame, and being possessed, as I supposed, of +fifty thousand dollars, I felt no necessity impelling me to work. You +gave me no advice, but rather encouraged me in my idle propensities. +When I was of age, I took a fancy to travel, and left my property +in your hands, with full power to manage it for me. This trust you +accepted." + +"Well, this is an old story." + +"An old one, but it shall not be a long one. My income being sufficient +to defray my expenses abroad, I traveled leisurely, with no thought +for the future. In your integrity I had the utmost confidence. Imagine, +then, my dismay when, while resident in Paris, I received a letter from +you stating that, owing to a series of unlucky investments, nearly +all my money had been sunk, and in place of fifty thousand dollars, my +property was reduced to a few hundreds.' + +"It was unlucky, I admit," said Mr. Stanton, moving uneasily in his +chair. "My investments were unlucky, as it turned out, but the best and +most judicious cannot always foresee how an investment will turn out. +Besides, I lost largely, myself." + +"So you wrote me," said Ralph, quietly. "However, that did not make it +any the easier for me to bear." + +"Perhaps not, but it shows, at any rate, that I took the same risk for +my own money that I did for others." + +Ralph proceeded without noticing this remark. "What made matters worse +for me was that I had fallen in love with a young American lady who, +with her parents, was then traveling in Europe. My circumstances, as I +supposed them to be, justified me in proposing marriage. I was accepted +by the young lady, and my choice was approved by the parents. When, +however, I learned of my loss of fortune, I at once made it known, and +that approval was withdrawn. The father told me that, under the altered +circumstances, the engagement must be considered broken. Still, he held +out the prospect that, should I ever again obtain a property as large as +that I had lost, I might marry his daughter. She, on her part, promised +to wait for me." + +"Well?" + +"I came to New York, received from you the remnant of my lost fortune, +and sailed the next week for California, then just open to American +enterprise. The most glowing stories were told of fortunes won in an +incredibly short time, Having no regular occupation, and having a strong +motive for acquiring money, it is not surprising that I should have been +dazzled with the rest, and persuaded to make the journey to the land of +gold." + +"A Quixotic scheme, as I thought at the time," said Mr. Stanton, coldly. +"For one that succeeded, there were fifty who failed. You had better +have taken the clerkship I offered you." + +"You are wrong," said Ralph, composedly. "There were many who were +disappointed, but I was not among the number." + +"Did you succeed?" asked Mr. Stanton, surprised. + +"So well," answered the other, "that at the end of two years' residence, +I found myself as rich as I had ever been." + +"Had you made fifty thousand dollars?" demanded the merchant, in +amazement. + +"I had." + +"What did you do? Why did you not let me know of your success?" + +"When I once more found myself possessed of a fortune, I took the next +vessel home with my money. I had but one thought, and that was to claim +the hand of my promised bride, who had promised to wait for me ten +years, if necessary." + +"Well?" + +"I found her married," said Ralph, bitterly. "She had forgotten her +promise, or had been over-persuaded by her parents--I do not know +which--and had proved false to me." + +"That was unfortunate. But do you still possess the money?" + +"I do." + +"Indeed! I congratulate you," said Mr. Stanton, with suavity, and he +held out his hand, which Ralph did not appear to see. Ralph Pendleton +rich was a very different person from Ralph Pendleton poor, and it +occurred to him that he might so far ingratiate himself into the favor +of his former ward as to obtain the charge of his second fortune. He saw +that it would be safe, as well as politic, to exchange his coldness for +a warm and cordial welcome. + +"Proceed with your story," he said; "I am quite interested in it." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXII + +RISEN FROM THE DEAD + + +Ralph Pendleton proceeded. + +"This blow overwhelmed me. All that I had been laboring for seemed +suddenly snatched from me." + +"You had your money," suggested Mr. Stanton. + +"Yes, I had my money; but for money itself I cared little." + +Mr. Stanton shrugged his shoulders a little contemptuously. He could not +understand how anyone could think slightingly of money, and he decided +in his own mind that Ralph was an unpractical enthusiast. + +"I valued money only as a means to an end, and that end was to make +Margaret Lindsay my wife. She failed me, and my money lost its charm." + +"There were plenty who could have consoled you in her place." + +"No doubt, I might have been successful in other quarters, but I did +not care to try. I left New York in disgust, and, going West, I buried +myself in the forest, where I built a rude cabin, and there I have lived +since, an unsocial, solitary life. Years have passed since I visited New +York." + +"What did you do with your money all this while?" + +"I left it in the hands of men whom I could trust. It has been +accumulating all these years, and I find that the fifty thousand dollars +have swelled to ninety thousand." + +"Indeed!" ejaculated Mr. Stanton, his respect for Ralph considerably +raised. "And now you have come here to enjoy it, I suppose?" + +"A different motive has led to my coming--a motive connected with you," +said Ralph, fixing his eyes steadily upon Mr. Stanton. + +"Connected with me!" repeated the merchant, uneasily. + +"Yes." + +"May I ask in what manner?" + +"I expected the question, and am come to answer it. When I returned +from Europe impoverished, you gave me a brief statement of the manner in +which you had invested my fortune, and showed me how it had melted away +like snow before the sun." + +"You remember rightly. I bought, on your account, shares in Lake +Superior Mining Company, which promised excellently, and bade fair +to make handsome returns. But it proved to be under the management of +knaves, and ran quickly down from par to two per cent., at which price I +thought best to sell out, considering that a little saved from the wreck +was better than nothing." + +"This is according to the statement you made me," said Ralph, quietly. + +"I am sure," said Mr. Stanton, "that no one regretted more than I do +the disastrous result. Indeed, I had reason to do so, for I was myself +involved, and suffered considerable loss." + +"I am aware now that you were concerned in the matter," said Ralph, +significantly. + +"What do you mean?" asked Mr. Stanton, quickly, detecting something +peculiar in his tone. + +"I will tell you. You were right in denouncing the management as +knavish. The company was got up by knaves, on a basis of fraud, and +was from the first intended as a trap for the unwary. But there is one +important circumstance which you have neglected to mention." + +"What is that?" asked Mr. Stanton, in a voice which strove to be +composed. + +"I mean this," said Ralph, firmly, "that you yourself were the prime +originator of the company--that you engineered it through to the +end--that you invested my money with the express intention of converting +it to your own profit. I charge you with this, that all, or nearly all +the property I lost, went into your pocket." + +The color came and went in Mr. Stanton's face. He seemed staggered by +this sudden and unexpected accusation, and did not at first make reply. + +Feeling forced to speak at last, he said: "This is very strange +language, Mr. Pendleton." + +"It is unexpected, no doubt, for after all these years you probably +thought it would remain forever unknown; but in what respect is it +strange? I have given you a statement of facts as directly as I could." + +"They are not facts. Your charge is wholly false," said the merchant, +but his tone was not that of a man who speaks the truth boldly. + +"I wish I could believe it," said Ralph. "I wish I could believe that +I was not deliberately swindled by one who professed to be my father's +friend." + +"On what authority do you bring this monstrous charge?" demanded Mr. +Stanton, more boldly. "How happens it that you have not made it before?" + +"For the simple reason that I myself did not suspect any fraud. I +presumed that it was as you stated to me, and that your only fault was +your injudicious investment." + +"Well, I admit that, as it turned out, the investment was injudicious. +Everything else I deny." + +"Your denial is vain." + +"You cannot prove the truth of what you say." + +"So you fall back on that? But you are mistaken. I can prove the truth +of what I say," said Ralph firmly. + +"How?" + +"Do you remember a man named David Marston?" + +"He is dead," said Mr. Stanton, hastily. + +"So you have supposed," said Ralph; "but you were deceived. He is not +dead. I only encountered him a week since, quite by accident, in my +Western home. He was your confidential clerk, you remember, and fully +acquainted with all your business transactions at the time of which I +am speaking. From him I learned how basely I had been deceived, and +with what deliberate cruelty you conspired to rob the son of your dead +friend." + +"I don't believe David Marston is alive," said Mr. Stanton, hoarsely, +with a certain terror in his face. "Indeed, I have proof that he is +dead." + +"I know the character of your proof. A paper was forwarded to you +from Australia, whither you had sent him, containing the record of his +death." + +"Yes? What have you to say against this?" + +"That the publication was a mistake. He was dangerously sick, and it was +falsely announced that he was dead. That notice was sent to you, and you +believed it to be true." + +"I believe it now," said Mr. Stanton, doggedly. "Why should I not?" + +"If you wish to be convinced, proof is at hand. Wait a moment." + +Ralph Pendleton rose from his seat and left the counting-room. Two +minutes had not passed when he returned with an elderly man, thin of +face and wasted in figure, looking twenty years older than Mr. Stanton, +though really of about the same age. + +"This is David Marston," said Ralph--"the living proof that I have told +you the truth." + +Mr. Stanton gazed at him wildly, for to him it was as the face of one +risen from the dead. + +"How do you do, Mr. Stanton?" said David Marston, humbly. "It is many, +many years since we met, sir." + +"Are you really David Marston?" demanded Mr. Stanton, never taking his +eyes off the shrunken figure of his old clerk. + +"I am, sir; greatly changed indeed, but still the David Marston who was +formerly in your employ. Time hasn't treated me as well as it has you, +sir. I've been unlucky, and aged fast." + +"I am afraid your mind is also affected. You have been telling strange +stories to Mr. Pendleton here." + +"True stories, sir," said David, firmly. + +"Come, come, how much is he going to give you for this evidence of +yours?" + +"Stop, Mr. Stanton! You insult us both," said Ralph Pendleton, sternly. +"I am not the man to buy false evidence, nor is David Marston the man to +perjure himself for pay. David, I want you, in Mr. Stanton's presence, +to make a clear statement of his connection with the mining company by +which I lost my fortune." + +David Marston obeyed, and in a few words as possible unfolded the +story. It is not necessary to repeat it here. Enough that it fully +substantiated the charge which Ralph had brought against his early +guardian. + +When he had finished, Ralph said, "You can judge what weight Marston's +testimony would have before a court of justice, and whether it would +help your commercial standing to have his story made public." + +"What is it you want of me?" said Mr. Stanton, sullenly. + +"I want restitution, dollar for dollar, of my lost money. I will +waive interest, though I might justly claim it. But, were it all paid, +interest and principal, the wrong would not be redressed. You cannot +restore the bride who would have been mine but for your villainy." + +"How much time will you give me to pay this money?" asked the merchant, +moodily. + +"Ten days." + +"It is a short time." + +"It must suffice. Do you agree?" + +"I must." + +"Bind yourself to that, and for ten days I leave you free." + +Satisfactory security was given that the engagement would be met, and +Ralph Pendleton left the counting-room. But his countenance was scarcely +more cheerful than that of the man he had conquered. + +"I am rich," he said to himself; "but of what avail is it? Whom can I +benefit with my wealth?" + +This thought had scarcely crossed his mind when he came face to face +with Herbert, walking with a sad and downcast face in the opposite +direction. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIII + +A FRIEND IN NEED + + +Herbert left Mr. Godfrey's counting-room very much depressed in spirits. +But an hour before he had rejoiced in his excellent prospects, and, +depending on the favor of his employer and his own fidelity, had looked +forward to a bright future. Now all was changed. He was dismissed from +his situation in disgrace, suspected of a mean theft. He had, to be +sure, the consciousness of innocence, and that was a great deal. He was +not weighed down by the feeling of guilt, at least. Still his prospects +were dark. Suppose the matter should not be cleared up, and he should +still remain under suspicion? How could he hope to obtain another place +without a recommendation from his late employer? No; he must resign all +hope of a position and adopt some street occupation, such as selling +papers or vending small articles in a basket, as he had seen boys of +his own age doing. He did not doubt but that in some way he could get +a living, but still he would be under suspicion, and that was hard to +bear. + +While these things were passing through his mind he walked down +Broadway, with his eyes fixed upon the sidewalk. All at once he started +to hear his name called, and, looking up, to his unbounded astonishment +he saw before him Ralph the Ranger, whom he had supposed a thousand +miles away in his cabin in the Ohio woods. + +The sight of a friendly face was most welcome to him at such a time, and +Ralph's face was friendly. + +"Ralph!" he exclaimed, seizing the Ranger's hand. "How did you come +here? When did you arrive? You are the last person I expected to see." + +"And you are the one I most wanted to see," said Ralph, his tone +unconsciously softened by his friendly interest in the boy before him. + +"I can say the same, Ralph," said Herbert, soberly, "for I am in +trouble." + +"In trouble, boy? I am sorry for that. Is it money? I can get you out of +that trouble." + +"It is not that exactly, Ralph. If you will come into the City Hall Park +and sit down on a bench with me I will tell you all about it." + +"Instead of that, let us go into the Astor House," said Ralph. "It is +where I am stopping." + +"You are stopping at the Astor House?" said Herbert, in momentary +surprise. "Perhaps you do not know that there are cheaper hotels. Shall +I direct you to one?" + +"No, Herbert, I am not poor, as you perhaps think. I suppose I should +be called rich; but that I can explain afterwards. For the present your +affairs require attention. Come in." + +They went up the steps of the Astor House, and Ralph led the way to his +room, an apartment of good size and handsomely furnished. + +"Now, Herbert, take a chair and tell me all," he said. + +To repeat Herbert's story here is unnecessary. Ralph listened with +attention, and when it was concluded he said: "The main thing is to +account for the money in your possession. Do you think you should +remember the policeman who aided you in recovering your money?" + +"I am sure I should." + +"Did he know how much money you recovered?" + +"Yes, for he saw me count the bills." + +"Then we must seek him out and induce him to go with us to Mr. Godfrey's +counting-room and give his testimony." + +"I never thought of that," said Herbert, his face brightening. "When +shall we go?" + +"Now. I have nothing else to occupy me, and the sooner you are righted +the better." + +They went out together, and made their way at once to the spot where +Herbert had encountered Greenleaf. They had to wait but a brief time +when the policeman came up. + +"Do you remember me?" asked Herbert, going up to him. + +"Yes," he replied; "you are the boy that overhauled a thief the other +day, and got back his money." + +"You see, he remembers," said Herbert, with satisfaction. + +"My friend," said Ralph, "when will you be off duty?" + +"In half an hour," said the policeman, in surprise. + +"In half an hour, then, I want you to go with me to this boys employer +and repeat your story. The possession of the money has caused him to +be suspected, and your evidence, confirming his own, will clear him of +having obtained it improperly." + +"I will go," said the officer, "and shall be glad to get him out of a +scrape. It was all fair and above-board, and I'll say so cheerfully." + +At the end of the half hour the three made their way to Mr. Godfrey's +place of business and entered together. + +Mr. Godfrey marked their entrance with surprise, and looked inquiringly +at Herbert. + +"Mr. Godfrey," said Herbert, respectfully, "I have come to prove to you +that the money I have in my pocketbook is my own." + +"I shall be very glad if you can do so," said Mr. Godfrey; and it was +evident from his manner that he spoke sincerely. + +"This officer knows all the circumstances, and will tell you what he +knows." + +The policeman made his statement, partly in answer to questions from Mr. +Godfrey. + +"The explanation is satisfactory," said Mr. Godfrey, "and convinces me. +It does not, however, absolutely clear you, since between the time of +the money being lost and your being searched you went out to the post +office, and you might have disposed of the pocketbook and its contents +on the way." + +Herbert's countenance fell, but Mr. Godfrey hastened to add. "Although +your vindication is not complete, I will say that I believe you fully, +and will receive you back into my employ." + +"You have forgotten one thing, sir," said Herbert. "Thomas declares that +he saw me pick up the wallet and put it in my pocket." + +"So I did," said Tom, boldly. + +Mr. Godfrey looked perplexed, and was hesitating what to say when Mr. +Walton, the owner of the lost pocketbook, hurriedly entered. + +"Mr. Godfrey," he said, "I have to beg your pardon, and, most of +all, the pardon of this boy," indicating Herbert. "I have found my +pocketbook. I didn't lose it here, but my pocket was picked in the +street. The pickpocket was arrested, and the wallet has been returned to +me. This boy is innocent." + +"I am very glad to hear it," said Mr. Godfrey, with emphasis. "Herbert, +I will try to make amends to you for my transient suspicions of your +honesty. As for you," he continued, turning to Thomas and speaking +sternly, "I despise you for your mean attempt to injure your +fellow-clerk. You must leave my employment to-day. I shall write to your +father the reasons for dismissing you." + +"I can get along without your paltry four dollars a week," said Tom, +with bravado. "I am not a beggar." + +"You may be something worse, if you do not amend," said Mr. Godfrey." +Mr. Pratt, you may pay him for the entire week, and he can go at once." + +Although Tom professed so much disdain for the four dollars a week, he +did not decline the week's pay directed to be paid to him, but placed +the money in his vest pocket and went out with assumed nonchalance, +though, in reality, deeply mortified at the unexpected discovery of his +meanness. + +"As for you, Herbert," said Mr. Godfrey, "you can come back at once, and +I will raise your pay to eight dollars a week. I owe you some reparation +for the injury you came so near suffering. I will never again doubt your +integrity." + +"Thank you, sir," said Herbert; "I shall be glad to come back." + +"Before this matter is decided," said Ralph, "I have a proposition +to make to Herbert. I am rich, and have no one to share or inherit my +wealth. I propose to adopt him--to give him an opportunity to complete +his education in Europe, whither I propose going, and if some years +hence you shall be willing to receive him, he can then enter your +counting-room to learn business. The amount of compensation will be +unimportant, as I shall provide for him amply." + +Herbert stared at Ralph in amazement. He could hardly realize that the +offer was indeed a genuine one. + +"Do you mean that I am to go to Europe with you, Ralph?" he said. + +"Yes, if you like." + +"I shall like it VERY MUCH," said Herbert, enthusiastically. "How can I +thank you for so much generous kindness!" + +"Your companionship will cheer me, and give me something to live for, +Herbert," said Ralph. "Through you I hope some day to enjoy life again." + +Herbert's clasped the Ranger's hand in impulsive gratitude, while his +face beamed with pleasure. + +"I congratulate you, Herbert," said Mr. Godfrey, kindly, "though I am +sorry to lose you. Whenever your guardian is ready to have you enter on +a business career, a place in my counting-room shall be open to you." + +"Ralph," said Herbert, seriously, as they went from the counting-room +in company, "all that has happened seems so wonderful that I am a little +afraid I shall wake up to find it all a dream." + +"It is a change to me also," said Ralph, "to have a new interest in +life. The past is a sealed book. Let us look forward to a bright and +pleasant future. Whatever pleasures and advantages money can obtain for +you shall be yours." + +"Thank you," said Herbert, gratefully. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIV + +CONCLUSION + + +"Where are you boarding, Herbert?" asked Ralph. + +"In Stanton Street." + +"I shall wish you at once to remove to the Astor House, in order that we +may be together until we sail for Europe." + +To this pleasant arrangement Herbert made no opposition. He found it a +great change from the dirty and slipshod boarding-house to the elegant +arrangements of a first-class hotel. It is needless to say that he +enjoyed that change not a little. He often had the feeling, of which he +had spoken to Ralph, that it was a dream from which he would some time +awake. But the dream was destined to be a pretty long one. + +Within a week, much against his will, Mr. Stanton paid over to Ralph +Pendleton the fifty thousand dollars of which he had years ago defrauded +him, and thus the Ranger found himself master of a fortune of nearly +one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. He settled without delay a +comfortable annuity on David Marston, the old clerk, through whose +evidence he had been able to ferret out the treachery of Mr. Stanton. +Marston needed it, for his health was broken down and he was an invalid, +prematurely old. He is now settled in a comfortable boarding-house +in Clinton Street, and usually spends his mornings at the Mercantile +Library Reading-Room, in Astor Place, reading the morning papers. +Sometimes he ventures downtown, and takes a slow walk through the +streets, crowded with busy, bustling men, and recalls the years when he, +too, was one of them. + +Before sailing for Europe, Herbert expressed a desire to repay his uncle +the sum of ten dollars, which the latter had sent to him. Ralph was +surprised when he learned that this uncle, of whom Herbert spoke, was +the same man who had been his former guardian. He approved our hero's +determination, and one morning Herbert entered for the first time his +uncle's place of business. + +"Is Mr. Stanton in?" he asked of a clerk. + +The clerk, in reply, pointed to the office. + +Herbert entered. + +His uncle looked up, but although he had seen our hero at a concert +at the Academy of Music, he did not recognize him in the new and +fashionable suit which Ralph had purchased for him. + +"Mr. Stanton, I suppose?" said Herbert, with quiet self-possession. + +"Yes. Do you wish to speak with me?" + +"I must introduce myself," said Herbert. "I am Herbert Mason, your +nephew." + +"Indeed!" said Mr. Stanton, surprised. "When did you come to the city?" + +"Some weeks since." + +"What brought you here?" + +"I had my living to make. I preferred to make it in the city." + +"The city is crowded. You had better have remained in the country." + +"I do not think so," said Herbert. + +"You could have got a place on a farm, and in time perhaps might have +bought a little land for yourself." + +Herbert smiled. + +"I did get a place on a farm," he said; "but I did not like it." + +"What are you doing in the city? Have you got a place?" + +"Not at present." + +"So I supposed," said his uncle, frowning. "I told you the city was +overcrowded. You should not have come here. I suppose you relied on me +to help you to something. But I have my own family to take care of, and +my first duty is to them, as you must be aware." + +"I don't think you quite understand my object in calling," said Herbert, +quietly. "I have not come for assistance of any kind." + +"Indeed!" returned Mr. Stanton, appearing to be puzzled. + +"You sent me ten dollars in a letter to Dr. Kent some months since?" + +"Yes. I felt that it was best for you to depend on yourself, and that +more would only encourage you to idleness." + +"I have come to thank you for the LOAN," said Herbert, emphasizing the +last word, "and to return the money." + +"What!" exclaimed Mr. Stanton, now thoroughly amazed. + +Herbert repeated his former words. + +"But I don't understand this. You are out of a place; yet you do not +need this money." + +"No, I do not need it." + +This was certainly astonishing, and Mr. Stanton gazed at his nephew as +if he did not know what to make of it. + +"What are your plans?" he asked. "What are you going to do?" + +"I sail for Europe next week," said Herbert, enjoying his uncle's +surprise. + +"Sail for Europe!" ejaculated Mr. Stanton, scarcely believing his ears. + +"Yes, I am to go to school there, and shall probably remain three or +four years." + +"You are trifling with me," said his uncle, irritably. "How can you go +to Europe without money?" + +Herbert felt that the time had come for an explanation. + +"A friend," he said, "kindly undertakes to pay all my expenses. I go +with him." + +"Who is your friend?" + +"Mr. Ralph Pendleton. I believe you know him." + +"Ralph Pendleton!" repeated Mr. Stanton, in renewed surprise. "How did +you become acquainted with him?" + +"The farmer with whom I was placed in Ohio ill-treated me. Ralph lived +near by, and helped me to run away." + +Mr. Stanton made no comment. Indeed, his surprise was such that he knew +not what to say. His friendless and penniless nephew, as he had regarded +him, was about to share advantages which he would gladly have obtained +for his own son. When, that evening, at home, he told his family of +Herbert's good fortune, Tom was filled with bitter envy. If it had been +any other boy he would have cared less, but for "that begger Herbert" +to go to Europe in charge of a man of wealth was very mortifying to his +pride. + +Mr. Stanton made a faint protest against receiving the ten dollars +tendered by his nephew, but Herbert was determined to repay it. He +placed it on the desk and eventually Mr. Stanton placed it in his +pocketbook. + +After some reflection, finding his nephew very differently situated from +what he had supposed, Mr. Stanton, with the concurrence of his wife, +whose opinion also had been changed, sent an invitation to Ralph and +Herbert to dine with them previous to their sailing for Europe. Herbert, +by his new guardian's direction, returned a polite reply, to the effect +that they were too busy in making preparations for their departure to +accept the invitation. Ralph did not feel like sitting as the guest of a +man who had cruelly defrauded him, and had only done him justice when he +was actually compelled to do so. + +In due time our hero sailed for Europe with Mr. Ralph Pendleton. They +divided their time between Paris and Berlin, Herbert studying at both +places. With his natural good abilities, he made rapid progress, and at +the end of four years was an accomplished scholar, able to speak +both French and German with facility. In watching his progress, Ralph +Pendleton found a new and fresh interest in life. He recovered from his +old, morbid feeling, and became cheerful and happy. On returning to New +York, Herbert, who felt that he should enjoy a life of business better +than a professional career, entered the counting-room of Mr. Godfrey. At +twenty-one, the junior partner retiring, he was received as partner in +his place, his guardian, Ralph Pendleton, purchasing an interest for +him at a cost of fifty thousand dollars. He developed good business +abilities, and bid fair to swell this sum, in time, to a large fortune. +There is a prospect that he will, in time, sustain a closer relation to +his senior partner, as it is rumored that Julia Godfrey, now a brilliant +young belle, prefers her father's young partner to any of the crowd of +young men who pay her court. + +The other characters in our story demand a few closing words. First, +for Mr. Stanton. It might have been the sudden withdrawal of the fifty +thousand dollars from his business that embarrassed him. At any rate, +from that time nothing prospered with him. He met with loss after loss, +until, in a time of financial panic he failed. He saved but a little +from the wreck of his fortune, That little started him in a modest +business, yielding him, perhaps, one-tenth his former income. The +brownstone house was sold. He moved into a shabby house in an obscure +street, where Mrs. Stanton spends her time mostly in bewailing the loss +of her former splendor. + +Tom developed habits of extravagance, and seemed indisposed to work +steadily. Finally, when his reverses came, his father was compelled to +refuse further assistance, and now Tom, in an inferior clerkship, on a +small salary, gazes with envy at his once-despised cousin, with whom +he has completely changed places. How he will come out eventually is +doubtful. Unless he changes considerably, it is not likely that his +circumstances will ever be much better than at present. + +Abner Holden died suddenly last year in a fit of delirium tremens. His +habits of intemperance grew upon him until they led to this sad result. +His death did not excite any very prolonged grief in the community, as +his temper and uncertain honesty had made him very far from popular. To +the housekeeper who had been kind to him, Herbert sent a valuable silk +dress, of the richest fabric, of which Mrs. Bickford is very proud. She +only wears it on great occasions, and then is particular to mention that +it was presented to her by Herbert Mason, of the great New York firm of +Godfrey & Mason, who was once Abner Holden's bound boy. + +Nor was Herbert forgetful of his good friends, the Kents. He paid off +the mortgage on the doctor's place, and insisted on putting the house +in thorough repair, and newly furnishing it, so that now the town of +Waverley does not contain a handsomer house, inside and out, than that +of Dr. Kent. + +So we bid farewell to our young hero, fairly launched on a prosperous +career, trusting that his life-path may be bright to the end, and that +he may leave behind him, at the end of his career, the reputation of a +noble and honorable merchant, and a life filled with good deeds. + +THE END + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Try and Trust, by Horatio Alger + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TRY AND TRUST *** + +***** This file should be named 5778.txt or 5778.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/5/7/7/5778/ + +Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Charles Franks and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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