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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Facing the World, 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: Facing the World
+
+Author: Horatio Alger
+
+
+Release Date: September, 2004 [EBook #6461]
+This file was first posted on December 17, 2002
+Last Updated: September 18, 2016
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FACING THE WORLD ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Karen Fabrizius, Charles Franks and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+FACING THE WORLD
+
+By Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+Horatio Alger, Jr., in “Facing the World,” gives us as his hero a boy
+whose parents have both died and the man appointed as his guardian is
+unjust and unkind to him. In desperation he runs away and is very
+fortunate in finding a true friend in a man who aids him and makes him
+his helper in his work as magician.
+
+They travel over the country and have many interesting experiences,
+some narrow escapes and thrilling adventures.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+HARRY RECEIVES A LETTER
+
+
+“Here’s a letter for you, Harry,” said George Howard. “I was passing
+the hotel on my way home from school when Abner Potts called out to me
+from the piazza, and asked me to bring it.”
+
+The speaker was a bright, round-faced boy of ten. The boy whom he
+addressed was five or six years older. Only a week previous he had
+lost his father, and as the family consisted only of these two, he was
+left, so far as near relatives were concerned, alone in the world.
+
+Immediately after the funeral he had been invited home by Mr. Benjamin
+Howard, a friend of his father, but in no manner connected with him by
+ties of relationship.
+
+“You can stay here as long as you like, Harry,” said Mr. Howard,
+kindly. “It will take you some time to form your plans, perhaps, and
+George will be glad to have your company.”
+
+“Thank you, Mr. Howard,” said Harry, gratefully.
+
+“Shall you look for some employment here?”
+
+“No; my father has a second cousin in Colebrook, named John Fox.
+Before he died he advised me to write to Mr. Fox, and go to his house
+if I should receive an invitation.”
+
+“I hope for your sake, he will prove a good man. What is his
+business?”
+
+“I don’t know, nor did my father. All I know is, that he is considered
+a prosperous man. This letter is from him.”
+
+It was inclosed in a brown envelope, and ran as follows:
+
+“HARRY VANE: I have received your letter saying that your father wants
+me to be your guardeen. I don’t know as I have any objections, bein’ a
+business man it will come easy to me, and I think your father was wise
+to seleck me. I am reddy to receave you any time. You will come to
+Bolton on the cars. That is eight miles from here, and there is a
+stage that meats the trane. It wouldn’t do you any harm to walk, but
+boys ain’t so active as they were in my young days. The stage fare is
+fifty cents, which I shall expect you to pay yourself, if you ride.
+
+“There is one thing you don’t say anything about--how much proparty
+your pa left. I hope it is a good round sum, and I will take good care
+of it for you. Ennybody round here will tell you that John Fox is a
+good man of business, and about as sharp as most people. Mrs. Fox will
+be glad to see you, and my boy, Joel, will be glad to have someone to
+keep him company. He is about sixteen years old. You don’t say how old
+you are, but from your letter I surmise that you are as much as that.
+You will find a happy united famerly, consistin’ of me and my wife,
+Joel and his sister, Sally. Sally is fourteen, just two years younger
+than Joel. We live in a comfortable way, but we don’t gorge ourselves
+on rich, unhelthy food. No more at present. Yours to command,
+
+“JOHN FOX.”
+
+Harry smiled more than once as he read this letter.
+
+“Your relative isn’t strong on spelling,” remarked Mr. Howard, as he
+laid the letter on the table.
+
+“No, sir; but he appears to be strong on economy. It is a comfort to
+know that I shall not be injured by ‘rich, unhelthy food.’”
+
+“When do you mean to start for Colebrook?” asked Mr. Howard.
+
+“To-morrow morning. I have been looking at a railroad guide, and I
+find it will bring me to Colebrook in time for supper.”
+
+“We should be glad to have you stay with us as long as possible,
+Harry.”
+
+“Thank you, Mr. Howard, I don’t doubt that, but the struggle of life
+is before me, and I may as well enter upon it at once.”
+
+At four o’clock in the afternoon the conductor of the train on which
+Harry was a passenger called out Bolton.
+
+Harry snatched up his carpetbag, and made his way to the door, for
+this was the place where he was to take the stage for Colebrook.
+
+Two other passengers got out at the same time. One was an elderly man,
+and the other a young man of twenty-five. They appeared to be father
+and son, and, as Harry learned afterward they were engaged in farming.
+
+“Any passengers for Colebrook?” inquired the driver of the
+old-fashioned Concord stage, which was drawn up beside the platform.
+
+“There’s Obed and me,” said the old farmer.
+
+“May I ride on the seat with you?” asked Harry of the driver.
+
+“Sartain. Where are you going?”
+
+“To Colebrook.”
+
+“Then this is your team.”
+
+Harry climbed up with a boy’s activity, and sat down on the broad
+seat, congratulating himself that he would have a chance to see the
+country, and breathe better air than those confined inside.
+
+Soon the driver sat down on the box beside him, and started the
+horses.
+
+“You’re a stranger, ain’t you?” he remarked, with an inquisitive
+glance at his young traveling companion.
+
+“Yes; I’ve never been here before.”
+
+“Are you going to the tavern?”
+
+“No; I’m going to the house of Mr. John Fox. Do you know him?”
+
+“I reckon everybody round here knows John Fox.”
+
+“I don’t know him. He is to be my guardian.”
+
+“Sho! You’ll have a queer guardeen.”
+
+“Why queer?”
+
+“The fact is, old John’ll cheat you out of your eye teeth ef he gets a
+chance. He’s about the sharpest man round.”
+
+“He can’t cheat me out of much,” returned Harry, not especially
+reassured by this remark. “What is the business of Mr. Fox?”
+
+“Well, he’s got some land, but he makes his livin’ chiefly by tradin’
+hosses, auctioneerin’, and such like.”
+
+“What sort of a woman is Mrs. Fox?”
+
+“She’s a good match for the old man. She’s about as mean as he is.”
+
+“Mr. Fox wrote me that he had two children.”
+
+“Yes, there’s Joel--he’s about your age. He’s a chip of the old
+block--red-headed and freckled, just like the old man. I don’t believe
+Joel ever spent a cent in his life. He hangs on to money as tight as
+ef his life depended on it.”
+
+“There’s a girl, too, isn’t there?”
+
+“Yes, Sally. She looks like her ma, except she’s red-headed like her
+pa.”
+
+“I’m glad to know something of the family, but I’m afraid I shan’t
+enjoy myself very much among the Foxes.”
+
+With such conversation Harry beguiled the way. On the whole, he
+enjoyed the ride. There were hills and here and there the road ran
+through the woods. He could hear the singing of birds, and,
+notwithstanding what he had heard he felt in good spirits.
+
+At length the stage entered the village of Colebrook. It was a village
+of moderate size--about two hundred houses being scattered over a
+tract half a mile square. Occupying a central position was the tavern,
+a square, two-story building, with a piazza in front, on which was
+congregated a number of villagers. After rapidly scanning them, the
+driver said:
+
+“Do you see that tall man over there leanin’ against a post?”
+
+“Yes.”
+
+“That’s your guardeen! That’s John Fox himself, as large as life, and
+just about as homely.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE DANGER SIGNAL
+
+
+The man pointed out to Harry as his guardian was tall, loosely put
+together, with a sharp, thin visage surrounded by a thicket of
+dull-red hair. He came forward as Harry jumped to the ground after
+descending from the elevated perch, and said: “I reckon this is Harry
+Vane?”
+
+“That is my name, sir.”
+
+“Glad to see you. Just take your traps, and come along with me.
+Mrs. Fox will have supper ready by the time we come.”
+
+Harry was not, on the whole, attracted by the appearance of his
+guardian. There was a crafty look about the eyes of Mr. Fox which
+seemed to make his name appropriate. He surveyed his young ward
+critically.
+
+“You’re pretty well grown,” he said.
+
+“Yes, sir.”
+
+“And look stout and strong.”
+
+“I believe I am both.”
+
+“My boy, Joel, is as tall as you, but not so hefty. He’s goin’ to be
+tall like me. He’s a sharp boy--Joel.”
+
+“By the way, you didn’t write how much property your father left.”
+
+“After the funeral bills are paid, I presume there’ll be only about
+three hundred dollars left.”
+
+Mr. Fox stopped short and whistled.
+
+“Father hadn’t much talent at making money,” said Harry, soberly.
+
+“I should say not. Why, that money won’t last you no time at all.”
+
+“I am old enough to work for a living. Isn’t there something I can
+find to do in Colebrook?”
+
+“I guess I can give you work myself--There’s always more or less to do
+‘round a place. I keep a man part of the time, but I reckon I can let
+him go and take you on instead. You see, that will count on your
+board, and you don’t want to spend your money too fast.”
+
+“Very well, sir. There’s only one thing I will stipulate; I will wait
+a day or two before going to work. I want to look about the place a
+little.”
+
+While this conversation was going on, they had traveled a considerable
+distance. A little distance ahead appeared a square house, painted
+yellow, with a barn a little back on the left, and two old wagons
+alongside.
+
+“That’s my house,” said John Fox. “There’s Joel.”
+
+Joel, a tall boy in figure, like his father, came forward and eyed
+Harry with sharp curiosity.
+
+“How are ye?” said Joel, extending a red hand, covered with warts.
+
+“Pretty well, thank you,” said Harry, not much attracted to his new
+acquaintance.
+
+“Here’s Sally, too!” said John Fox. “Sally, this is my ward, Harry
+Vane.”
+
+Sally, who bore a striking family resemblance to her father and
+brother, giggled.
+
+Mrs. Fox, to whom Harry was introduced at the supper table, was as
+peculiar in her appearance and as destitute of beauty as the rest of
+the family.
+
+The next day, Harry, feeling it must be confessed, rather homesick,
+declined Joel’s company, and took an extended stroll about the town.
+He found that though the railway by which he had come was eight miles
+distant, there was another, passing within a mile of the village. He
+struck upon it, and before proceeding far made a startling discovery.
+There had been some heavy rains, which had washed out the road for a
+considerable distance, causing the track to give way.
+
+“Good heavens!” thought Harry, “if a train comes over the road before
+this is mended, there’ll be a wreck and loss of life. What can I do?”
+
+Just across the field stood a small house. In the yard the week’s
+washing was hung out. Among the articles was a red tablecloth.
+
+“May I borrow that tablecloth?” asked Harry, in excitement, of a woman
+in the doorway.
+
+“Land sakes! what for?” she asked.
+
+“To signal the train. The road’s washed away.”
+
+“Yes, yes; I’m expectin’ my darter on that train,” answered the woman,
+now as excited as our hero. “Hurry up! the train’s due in fifteen
+minutes.”
+
+Seizing the tablecloth, Harry gathered it quickly into a bundle and
+ran back to the railroad. He hurried down the track west of a curve
+which was a few hundred feet beyond the washout, and saw the train
+coming at full speed. He jumped on a fence skirting the tracks, and
+waved the tablecloth wildly.
+
+“Will they see it?” he asked himself, anxiously.
+
+It was an anxious moment for Harry as he stood waving the danger
+signal, uncertain whether it would attract the attention of the
+engineer. It did! The engineer, though not understanding the meaning
+of the signal, not knowing indeed, but it might be a boy’s freak,
+prudently heeded it, and reversing the engine, stopped the train a
+short distance of the place of danger.
+
+“Thank God!” exclaimed Harry, breathing a deep sigh of relief.
+
+The engineer alighted from the train, and when he looked ahead, needed
+no explanation.
+
+“My boy!” he said, with a shudder, “you have saved the train.”
+
+“I am glad of it, sir. My heart was in my mouth, lest you should not
+see my signal.”
+
+By this time the passengers, whose curiosity had been roused by the
+sudden halt, began to pour out of the cars.
+
+When they saw the washout, strong men turned pale, and ladies grew
+faint, while many a fervent ejaculation of gratitude was heard at the
+wonderful escape.
+
+“We owe our lives to this boy!” said the engineer. “It was he who
+stood on the fence and signaled me. We owe our deliverance to
+this--tablecloth.”
+
+A small man, somewhat portly, pushed his way up to Harry.
+
+“What is your name, my lad?” he asked, brusquely.
+
+“Harry Vane.”
+
+“I am the president and leading stockholder of the road, and my
+property has come very near being the death of me. Gentlemen”--here
+the president turned to the group of gentlemen around him--“don’t you
+think this boy deserves a testimonial?”
+
+“Yes, yes!” returned the gentlemen, in chorus.
+
+“So do I, and I lead off with a subscription of twenty dollars.”
+
+One after another followed the president’s lead, the president himself
+making the rounds bareheaded, and gathering the contributions in his
+hat.
+
+“Oh, sir!” said Harry, as soon as he understood what was going
+forward, “don’t reward me for what was only my duty. I should be
+ashamed to accept anything for the little I have done.”
+
+“You may count it little to save the lives of a train full of people,”
+ said the president, dryly, “but we set a slight value upon our lives
+and limbs. Are you rich?”
+
+“No, sir.”
+
+“So I thought. Well, you needn’t be ashamed to accept a little
+testimonial of our gratitude. You must not refuse.”
+
+When all so disposed had contributed, the president gathered the bills
+from the hat and handed the pile to Harry.
+
+“Take them, my boy,” he said, “and make good use of them. I shall owe
+you a considerable balance, for I value my life at more than twenty
+dollars. Here is my card. If you ever need a friend, or a service,
+call on me.”
+
+Then the president gave directions to the engineer to run back to the
+preceding station, where there was a telegraph office, from which
+messages could be sent in both directions to warn trains of the
+washout.
+
+Harry was left with his hands full of money, hardly knowing whether he
+was awake or dreaming.
+
+One thing seemed to him only fair--to give the owner of the tablecloth
+some small share of the money, as an acknowledgment for the use of her
+property.
+
+“Here, Madam,” said Harry, when he had retraced his steps to the
+house, “is your tablecloth, for which I am much obliged. It saved the
+train.”
+
+“Well, I’m thankful! Little did I ever think a tablecloth would do so
+much good. Why, it only cost me a dollar and a quarter.”
+
+“Allow me to ask your acceptance of this bill to pay you for the use
+of it.”
+
+“Land sakes! why, you’ve given me ten dollars!”
+
+“It’s all right. It came from the passengers. They gave me something
+too.”
+
+“You didn’t tell me your name.”
+
+“My name is Harry Vane.”
+
+“Do you live round here? I never heerd the name afore.”
+
+“I’ve just come to the village. I’m going to live with John Fox.”
+
+“You don’t say! Be you any kin to Fox?”
+
+“Not very near. He’s my guardian.”
+
+“If he hears you’ve had any money give you, he’ll want to take care of
+it for you.”
+
+This consideration had not occurred to Harry. Indeed, he had for so
+short a time been the possessor of the money, of which he did not know
+the amount, that this was not surprising.
+
+“Well, good-morning!” he said.
+
+“Good-morning! It’s been a lucky mornin’ for both of us.”
+
+“I must go somewhere where I can count this money unobserved,” he said
+to himself.
+
+Not far away he saw a ruined shed.
+
+Harry entered the shed, and sitting down on a log, took out the bills,
+which he had hurriedly stuffed in his pocket, and began to count them.
+
+“Almost three hundred dollars!” murmured Harry, joyously. “It has
+been, indeed, a lucky morning for me. It has nearly doubled my
+property.”
+
+The question arose in his mind: “Should he give this money to Mr. Fox
+to keep for him?”
+
+“No,” he decided, “I won’t give him this money. I won’t even let him
+know I have it.” Where, then, could he conceal it? Looking about him,
+he noticed a little, leather-covered, black trunk, not more than a
+foot long, and six inches deep. It was locked, but a small key was in
+the lock.
+
+Opening the trunk he found it empty. The lock seemed in good
+condition. He made a pile of the bills, and depositing them in this
+receptacle, locked the trunk and put the key in his pocket.
+
+Now for a place of concealment.
+
+Harry came out of the shed, and looked scrutinizingly around him. Not
+far away was a sharp elevation surmounted by trees. The hill was a
+gravelly formation, and therefore dry. At one point near a withered
+tree, our hero detected a cavity, made either by accident or design.
+Its location near the tree made it easy to discover.
+
+With a little labor he enlarged and deepened the hole, till he could
+easily store away the box in its recess, then covered it up carefully,
+and strewed grass and leaves over all to hide the traces of
+excavation.
+
+“There that will do,” he said, in a tone of satisfaction.
+
+He had reserved for possible need fifteen dollars in small bills,
+which he put into his pocketbook.
+
+John Fox had heard the news in the post office, and started off at
+once for the scene of danger.
+
+“How’d they hear of the washout?” he asked, puzzled.
+
+“I heerd that a boy discovered it, and signaled the train,” said his
+neighbor.
+
+“How did he do it?”
+
+“Waved a shawl or somethin’.”
+
+“That don’t seem likely; where would a boy find a shawl?”
+
+His informant looked puzzled.
+
+“Like as not he borrowed it of Mrs. Brock,” he suggested.
+
+Mrs. Brock was the woman living in the small house near by, so that
+the speaker’s surmise was correct. It struck John Fox as possible, and
+he said so.
+
+“I guess I’ll go and ask the Widder Brock,” he said. “She must have
+seen the train, livin’ so near as she does.”
+
+“I’ll go along with you.”
+
+The two men soon found themselves on Mrs. Brock’s premises.
+
+“Good-mornin,’ Mrs. Brock,” said John Fox.
+
+“You’ve come nigh havin’ a causality here.”
+
+“You’re right there, Mr. Fox,” answered Mrs. Brock. “I was awful
+skeered about it, for I thought my Nancy might be on the train. When
+the boy run into my yard----”
+
+“The boy! What boy?” asked Fox, eagerly.
+
+“It was that boy you are guardeen of.”
+
+“What, Harry Vane?” ejaculated Fox, in genuine surprise.
+
+“Tell me all about it, Mrs. Brock.”
+
+“Well, you see, he ran into my yard all out of breath, and grabbin’ a
+red tablecloth from the line, asked me if I would lend it to him.
+‘Land sakes!’ says I, ‘what do you want of a tablecloth?’”
+
+“‘The track’s washed away,’ he said, ‘and I want to signal the train.
+There’s danger of an accident.’ Of course, I let him have it, and he
+did signal the train, standin’ on the fence, and wavin’ the
+tablecloth. So the train was saved!”
+
+“And did he bring back the tablecloth?”
+
+“Of course, he did, and that wasn’t all. He brought me a ten-dollar
+bill to pay for the use of it.”
+
+“Gave you a ten-dollar bill!” exclaimed John Fox, in amazement. “That
+was very wrong.”
+
+“You hadn’t no claim on the money if you are his guardeen. A
+collection was took up by the passengers, and given to the boy, and he
+thought I ought to have pay for use of the tablecloth, so he gave me a
+ten-dollar bill--and a little gentleman he is, too.”
+
+“A collection taken up for my ward?” repeated Fox, pricking up his
+ears. “Well, well! that is news.”
+
+John Fox was already on his way back to the road. He was anxious to
+find his ward.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+HARRY DISAGREES WITH HIS GUARDIAN
+
+
+Harry and his guardian met at the dinner table. Mrs. Fox had provided
+a boiled dinner, to which Harry was ready to do justice.
+
+Mr. Fox seemed unusually pleasant.
+
+“I find, Harry,” he said, clearing his throat, “that you have already
+been distinguishing yourself.”
+
+“Then you heard of the narrow escape of the train?” said Harry.
+
+“Yes, I heard that but for your presence of mind, and Mrs. Brock’s
+tablecloth, there would have been a smash-up.”
+
+“What on earth are you talkin’ about, John Fox?” demanded his wife,
+curiously.
+
+“Well, you see, Maria, the rain of last night washed away part of the
+railroad track, and the train would have been plunged into a gully if
+our young boarder here hadn’t seen the danger, and, borrowin’ a
+tablecloth from Mrs. Brock, signaled the train.”
+
+“You don’t say?”
+
+“That isn’t all,” resumed John Fox. “The passengers took up a
+contribution, and I expect gave quite a handsome sum to our young
+friend.”
+
+“How much did the folks give you?” asked Joel eagerly.
+
+“I’ve got fifteen dollars left,” he replied. “I gave some money to
+Mrs. Brock for the use of the tablecloth.”
+
+John Fox looked disappointed and disgusted.
+
+“You don’t mean to say,” he ejaculated, sharply, “that you gave away
+almost half of your money for the use of an old tablecloth that would
+be dear at a dollar?”
+
+“If I hadn’t had the tablecloth, I couldn’t have attracted the
+engineer’s attention,” said Harry, mildly.
+
+There was a little more conversation on the subject, but Harry
+remained tranquil, and did not appear disturbed by the criticisms
+elicited by his conduct. He heartily hoped that his guardian’s family
+would not find out how large a sum he had received.
+
+When dinner was over, Harry was about to leave the house, when John
+Fox said, insinuatingly: “Don’t you think you’d better give me that
+money to keep for you? It will be safer in my hands.”
+
+“Thank you, Mr. Fox,” said Harry, “but I think I can take care of it
+myself.”
+
+“Fifteen dollars is a good deal of money for a boy like you to carry
+round with you,” said his guardian.
+
+“I don’t think I shall lose it, sir,” replied the boy.
+
+“Perhaps not, but you will be tempted to spend it wastefully.”
+
+John Fox didn’t look amiable. He was in doubt whether he might not
+properly take from his ward the money by force, but it occurred to him
+that it would be better not to assert his authority quite so soon.
+
+“We will speak of this again,” he said.
+
+“It is well I didn’t bring all the money home. I wonder how soon
+Mr. Fox will make another attempt to secure the sum I have with me,”
+ thought Harry.
+
+The attempt was made that same night.
+
+Harry was afraid he would be expected to occupy the same room with
+Joel, in which case he could hope for no privacy, and would be unable
+to conceal his money, which he had little doubt his guardian intended
+to secure, either by fair means or foul. It chanced, however, that
+Joel slept in a small bedroom opening out of his parents’ chamber. So
+Harry was assigned an attic room, in the end of the house, the sides
+sloping down to the eaves. It was inferior to the chambers on the
+second floor, but our hero was not disposed to complain. He valued
+solitude more than superior finish.
+
+Harry’s suspicion was roused by the circumstance that his guardian did
+not again refer to his money, nor did he manifest any disappointment
+at his ward’s declining to intrust him with it.
+
+During the evening, Joel brought out a backgammon board, and proposed
+to Harry to play. If there would have been anything to read Harry
+would have preferred entertaining himself in that way, but Mr. Fox
+didn’t appear to be literary. There were a few books in the house, but
+they were not of an attractive character.
+
+Partly in backgammon, partly in conversation with the son and heir of
+the Foxes, the time passed till half-past eight o’clock.
+
+“Joel, you can go to bed,” said his mother. “It is half-past eight.”
+
+Joel yawned, and interposed no objection.
+
+“You may as well go, too, Harry,” said Mrs. Fox.
+
+“I am ready to go to bed,” said Harry.
+
+In fact, he felt rather sleepy, and anticipated little pleasure in
+sitting up in the far from exciting company of Mr. and Mrs. Fox.
+
+“Joel!” said his mother, “take this candle and show Harry upstairs in
+the attic chamber.”
+
+“Yes, mam.”
+
+So, preceded by Joel, Harry went up two flights of stairs to the attic
+room reserved for him. It was the only room that had been finished
+off, and the garret outside looked dark and forbidding.
+
+“I would be scared to sleep up here,” said his companion.
+
+“I shall not be at all frightened, Joel,” said Harry.
+
+“Good-night. Just hold the candle while I go downstairs.”
+
+When he was fairly all alone, Harry began to look about him, to
+ascertain in what kind of quarters he was to pass the night. To begin
+with he examined the door, he ascertained that it was a common latch
+door, and there was no lock. There was nothing to prevent anyone
+entering the room during the night. There was a small cot bed in one
+corner, a chair, and an old wooden chest. There was no bureau nor
+washstand. The absence of the latter annoyed Harry.
+
+He learned afterward that he was expected to go downstairs and wash in
+a large basin in the kitchen sink--wiping his face on a brown, roll
+towel which was used by the entire family. This was quite
+unsatisfactory to Harry, who was scrupulously neat in his tastes.
+
+“This isn’t a palace exactly,” Harry said to himself.
+
+Then came the thought, “What was he to do with his money?”
+
+Now, it so happened that Harry was the possessor of two
+pocketbooks--one--shabby, and well worn, which he had failed to throw
+away on buying another just before he left home. In connection with
+this, a scheme for outwitting Mr. Fox came into his mind. He folded up
+a fragment of newspaper, and put it into the old pocketbook, bulging
+it out till it looked well filled, and this he left in the pocket of
+his pantaloons.
+
+“Now to hide the other,” said he to himself.
+
+He looked about the room seeking for some place of concealment.
+Finally he noticed in one portion of the floor a square board, which
+looked as if it might be lifted. He stooped over and succeeded in
+raising it. The space beneath was about a foot in depth--the lower
+level being the lathing and plastering of the room below.
+
+“That will do,” said Harry, in a tone of satisfaction. “I don’t think
+Mr. Fox will find my money here,” and dropping the pocketbook into the
+cavity he replaced the square board. Then he went to bed and awaited
+results.
+
+When Harry had gone up to his bed, Mr. and Mrs. Fox naturally began to
+compare notes respecting him.
+
+“That new boy rides a high horse,” said Mrs. Fox, grimly. “Are you
+going to allow it?”
+
+“Certainly not.”
+
+“He wouldn’t give up his money to you, though you are his guardeen.”
+
+“Very true, but I mean to have it all the same. I shall go up to his
+bedroom after he is asleep, and then it will be the easiest thing in
+the world to take the pocketbook without his knowin’ anything about
+it.”
+
+“He’ll know it in the mornin’.”
+
+“Let him! Possession is nine p’ints of the law, Mrs. Fox.”
+
+“He might say you stole it.”
+
+“He can’t do that, for I’m his guardeen, don’t you see?”
+
+A little after ten Mr. Fox, considering that Harry must be sound
+asleep, decided to make him a visit. He removed his shoes, and in his
+stocking feet, candle in hand, began to ascend the narrow and steep
+staircase which led to the attic.
+
+“Shall I go with you, John?” queried his helpmeet.
+
+“No, I guess I can manage alone.”
+
+His wife wanted to share in the excitement of the night visit. There
+was something alluring in the thought of creeping upstairs, and
+removing by stealth, the pocketbook of the new inmate of their home.
+
+Left to himself, Mr. Fox pursued his way up the attic stairs. They
+creaked a little under his weight, and, much to his annoyance, when he
+reached the landing at the top he coughed.
+
+“I hope the boy won’t hear me,” he said to himself.
+
+He paused an instant, then softly opened the door of Harry’s chamber.
+
+All seemed satisfactory. Our hero was lying quietly in bed, apparently
+in a peaceful sleep. Ordinarily he would have been fast asleep by this
+time, but the expectation of a visit from his guardian had kept him
+awake beyond his usual time. He had heard Mr. Fox cough, and so, even
+before the door opened, he had warning of the visit.
+
+Harry was not a nervous boy, and had such command of himself, that,
+even when Mr. Fox bent over, and, by the light of the candle, examined
+his face, he never stirred nor winked, though he very much wanted to
+laugh.
+
+“All is safe! The boy is sound asleep,” whispered Mr. Fox to himself.
+
+He set the candle on the floor, and then taking up Harry’s pantaloons,
+thrust his hand into the pocket.
+
+The very first pocket contained the pocketbook which our hero had put
+there. Mr. Fox would have opened and examined the contents on the
+spot, but he heard a cough from the bed, and, quickly put the
+pocketbook into his own pocket, apprehending that his ward might wake
+up, and taking up the candle, noiselessly withdrew from the chamber.
+
+After he had fairly gone, Harry had a quiet laugh to himself.
+
+Mr. Fox returned in triumph to his own chamber, where his wife was
+anxiously waiting for him.
+
+“Have you got it, Mr. F.,” she asked, eagerly.
+
+“Got it? Why shouldn’t I get it?”
+
+“Well, open it, and let us see what it contains.”
+
+This Mr. Fox proceeded to do. But no sooner did his glance rest on its
+contents than his lower jaw fell, and his eyes opened wide in
+perplexity.
+
+“Well, what are you staring at like a fool?” demanded his wife, who
+was not so situated that she could see the contents of the pocketbook.
+
+“Look at this, Mrs. F.,” said her husband, in a hollow voice. “There’s
+no money here--only this piece of newspaper.”
+
+“Well, well, of all the fools I ever saw you are about the most
+stupid!” ejaculated Mrs. Fox. “What you undertake you generally carry
+through, do you? After all the fuss you’ve brought down a pocketbook
+stuffed with waste paper.”
+
+“I don’t understand it,” said Fox, his face assuming a look of
+perplexity. “Surely the boy told the truth when he said he had fifteen
+dollars.”
+
+“Of course! Joel saw the money--a roll of bills, and saw him take them
+out of his pocketbook. He must have taken them out. Did you search all
+his pockets?”
+
+“No; when I found the pocketbook I thought I was all right.”
+
+“Just like a man!” retorted Mrs. Fox. “I’ll go up myself, and see if I
+can’t manage better than you.”
+
+“Then you’d better take this wallet, and put it back in his pocket.”
+
+“Give it to me, then.”
+
+With a firm step Mrs. Fox took the candle, and took her turn in going
+up the attic stairs.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+MRS. FOX COMES TO GRIEF
+
+
+Harry confidently anticipated a second visit to his chamber.
+
+He was rather surprised when the door was again opened, and Mrs. Fox
+entered. Opening his eyes a little way, he saw her, after a brief
+glance at the bed, go to the chair containing his pantaloons, and put
+back the deceptive wallet. She was about to prosecute a further
+search, when Harry decided that matters had gone far enough. He did
+not fancy their night visits, and meant to stop them if he could.
+
+Chance favored his design. A puff of air from the door, which Mrs. Fox
+had left wide open, extinguished the candle, and left the room, as
+there was no moon, in profound darkness.
+
+“Drat the candle!” he heard Mrs. Fox say.
+
+Then a mischievous idea came to Harry. In his native village lived a
+man who had passed a considerable time in the wild region beyond the
+Missouri River, and had mingled familiarly with the Indians. From him
+Harry had learned how to imitate the Indian warwhoop.
+
+“I’ll scare the old lady,” thought Harry, smiling to himself.
+
+Immediately there rang out from the bed, in the darkness and silence,
+a terrific warwhoop, given in Harry’s most effective style.
+
+Mrs. Fox was not a nervous woman ordinarily, but she was undeniably
+frightened at the unexpected sound.
+
+“Heavens and earth, what’s that?” she ejaculated, and dropping our
+hero’s clothes, retreated in disorder, almost stumbling downstairs in
+her precipitate flight. Dashing into the chamber where Mr. Fox was
+waiting for her, she sank into a chair, gasping for breath.
+
+“Good gracious, Maria, what’s the matter?” exclaimed her husband,
+gazing at her in astonishment.
+
+“I--don’t--know,” she gasped.
+
+“You look as if you had seen a ghost.”
+
+“I haven’t seen anything,” said his wife, recovering her breath, “but
+I’ve heard something terrible. It’s my belief the attic is haunted. I
+went upstairs and put back the wallet, and was looking to see if I
+could find another, when all at once the candle went out, and a
+terrible noise shook the chamber.”
+
+“What was it like, Mrs. F.?”
+
+“I can’t tell you. I never heard anything like it before. All I know
+is, I wouldn’t go up there again tonight for anything.”
+
+“Did the boy sleep through it all?”
+
+“How can I tell? The candle was out.”
+
+“Perhaps he blew it out.”
+
+“Perhaps you’re a fool Mr. Fox. It wasn’t near the bed, and he was
+fast asleep, for I looked at him. It made me think of--of Peter,” and
+Mrs. Fox shuddered.
+
+Peter had been taken from the poorhouse three years ago by Mr. Fox,
+and apprenticed to him by the town authorities. According to popular
+report he had been cruelly treated and insufficiently fed, until he
+was taken sick and had died in the very bedroom where Mrs. Fox had
+been so frightened. This may explain how it was that a woman so
+strong-minded had had her nerves so easily upset.
+
+“We won’t talk of Peter,” said Mr. Fox, shortly, for to him, also, the
+subject was an unpleasant one. “I suppose you didn’t find another
+wallet?”
+
+“No, I didn’t. You can order the boy to give it up to-morrow. The best
+thing to do now is to go to bed and rest.”
+
+The breakfast hour at the house of Mr. Fox was half past six. Harry
+was called at six, and was punctual at the table. Mr. Fox cast a
+suspicious glance at his ward, but the boy looked so perfectly
+unconcerned, that he acquitted him of any knowledge of the night
+visit.
+
+“How did you sleep, Harry?” asked Mrs. Fox.
+
+“Soundly, thank you,” answered Harry, politely.
+
+“You didn’t hear any--strange noises, then?”
+
+“No.”
+
+“Now, Harry,” said Mr. Fox, after breakfast, “we may as well speak of
+our future arrangements. I have considerable to do on my twenty acres
+of land, and I can give you work here.”
+
+“What compensation do you offer, sir?”
+
+“As a boarder I should have to charge you five dollars a week for your
+board, and fifty cents extra for your washing--that would go to
+Mrs. Fox; as well as pay twenty-five cents a week for your mending.
+That also would go to my wife. Now, if you work for me, I will take
+off three dollars, making the charge to you only two dollars and
+seventy-five cents per week.”
+
+“Don’t you think, Mr. Fox, that is rather low pay for my services?”
+
+“I might say two dollars and a quarter,” said Mr. Fox, deliberating.
+
+Harry smiled to himself. He had not the slightest idea of working for
+any such trifle, but he did not care to announce his determination
+yet.
+
+“I will pay full price for a week, Mr. Fox,” he said, “and during that
+time I will consider your offer.”
+
+“I may not offer you as favorable terms a week from now,” said Fox,
+who wanted to get his ward to work at once.
+
+“I will take my chance of it, sir. I prefer to have a few days of
+freedom.”
+
+“By the way, Harry, don’t you think you had better give me your money
+to keep? You might lose it.”
+
+“You are very kind, Mr. Fox; but I am not afraid of losing it.”
+
+After breakfast Harry went to walk. His steps naturally tended to the
+place where he had left the greater part of his treasure. It was
+possible that he had been seen hiding it, and he thought on the whole
+it would be better to find another place of concealment.
+
+“Joel,” said his mother, “follow Harry, and see where he goes. He may
+be goin’ to hide his money. But don’t let him see you.”
+
+“All right, mam; I’ll do it. I wish I had followed him yesterday.”
+
+A position as detective would have suited Joel. Whatever was secret or
+stealthy had a charm for him.
+
+In the present instance he managed to shadow Harry very successfully.
+The task was made easier, because our hero had no idea that anyone was
+following him.
+
+“So he’s goin’ to the railroad,” said Joel, to himself
+
+Arrived at the railroad track, Harry’s course diverged to the hillock,
+at the top of which he had concealed his treasure.
+
+Joel posted himself at a point where he had a good view of the
+elevation, and could see what Harry was doing. He saw our hero digging
+at a particular spot, and concluded that he was going to hide the
+fifteen dollars there. What was his surprise and delight when he saw
+him dig up and expose to view a large roll of bills.
+
+“Oh, cracky!” ejaculated Joel, “there must be a hundred dollars in
+that roll of bills. Wouldn’t dad open his eyes if he saw it?”
+
+Unconscious of observation, Harry held the money in his hand and
+deliberated. Then he put it in his pocket, resolved to think over at
+his leisure its ultimate place of deposit.
+
+Now, unfortunately for Joel, just at this moment he slipped from his
+perch on the branch of a small tree, and for about half a minute what
+Harry did was concealed from him. He clambered into the tree again,
+but only to see Harry filling up the hole again.
+
+He didn’t want Harry to catch sight of him when he descended from the
+hill, and accordingly scuttled away sufficiently far to escape
+suspicion, yet not too far to entirely lose sight of Harry’s
+movements.
+
+Five minutes later Harry descended from the hill, and bent his steps
+toward that part of the railway where the accident had occurred. Joel,
+who had hastened away in a different direction, went back to the hill
+as soon as he thought it would be safe, and eagerly ascended it. He
+found without difficulty the spot where Harry had been digging. With
+the help of a fragment of wood which he had picked up below, he in
+turn began to dig--his eyes glistening with expectation and cupidity.
+
+He kept digging, but gradually became anxious, as the expected
+treasure did not show itself.
+
+“I’m sure I have dug deep enough,” he said to himself.
+
+“He must have took the money when I fell from the tree,” thought Joel,
+crestfallen. “He’s served me a mean trick. Won’t I tell dad, though,
+and get him into trouble? Oh, no!”
+
+Meanwhile Harry, not knowing how narrowly he had escaped being robbed,
+pursued his way to the railway.
+
+“If I were only in my old home,” he thought, “I would ask Mr. Howard
+to take care of it for me. Then I should know it was all right.”
+
+He thought of the president of the railroad, to whom he was
+principally indebted for the money.
+
+“If I could only see him,” he thought, “I would ask him to take care
+of it for me.”
+
+What was his surprise, when, on reaching the depot, the first person
+on whom his eyes fell was the very gentleman of whom he was thinking.
+
+“How do you do, sir?” said Harry, politely.
+
+“Ah, my young friend that saved the train!” said the president
+cordially. “I hope you haven’t spent the money you received on riotous
+living.”
+
+“No. Will you take care of it for me? I don’t want to spend it, and I
+am afraid of losing it.”
+
+“Well, my boy, if you really desire it, I will take the money.”
+
+“I shall regard it as a very great favor.”
+
+No sooner said than done. They went into the depot and Harry, counting
+out two hundred and fifty dollars, passed it over to the president.
+
+He made out a brief receipt, signing it, “Thomas Conway, President of
+the Craven County Railroad,” and Harry pocketed it with a feeling of
+relief.
+
+While he was standing in front of the depot waiting for the arrival of
+the eight-thirty train, Joel came up.
+
+“Goin’ a-travelin’?” asked Joel, with a grin.
+
+“Not this morning.”
+
+“I wish I had a hundred dollars!” continued Joel, surveying Harry
+sharply. “I’d make a journey out West. Say, Harry, did you ever have a
+hundred dollars in your pocket?”
+
+“Yes.”
+
+“Maybe you’ve got it now?”
+
+“Where should I get it?” demanded Harry.
+
+“I do’no. Jest empty your pockets, and le’me see how much you’ve got.”
+
+“Thank you; I don’t see any use in it,” said Harry.
+
+“You dassent!”
+
+“Very well! Call it that.”
+
+“Joel’s been spying on me. He must have seen me on the hill,”
+ concluded Harry. “It’s well I gave most of my money to Mr. Conway.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+MR. FOX LEARNS HARRY’S SECRET
+
+
+Harry had acted none too soon. It happened that his secret had been
+discovered not only by Joel, but by Joel’s father, that very morning.
+
+About ten o’clock Mr. Fox had occasion to go to the village. In the
+post office he met an acquaintance from a neighboring town, with whom
+he passed the usual compliments.
+
+“By the way, Fox,” said his friend, “I had a narrow escape the other
+day.”
+
+“What was it, Pearson?”
+
+“Came near being smashed up on the railroad. There would have been an
+end to us, but for a brave boy, who signaled the train in time.”
+
+“That boy was my ward,” said John Fox, complacently.
+
+“You don’t say so! Well, he was a lucky chap.”
+
+“I don’t think so. He didn’t get much for his bravery.”
+
+“I don’t see how you can say that. How much money did he get?”
+
+“Twenty-five dollars, and of that he gave ten to the woman whose
+tablecloth he borrowed.”
+
+“There’s some mistake about that. There must have been forty or fifty
+bills put into his hands.”
+
+“Is this true?” ejaculated Fox, in amazement.
+
+“Just as true as I’m standing here. If there wasn’t two or three
+hundred dollars I’ll eat my head.”
+
+“The artful young rascal!” exclaimed Fox, in virtuous indignation.
+
+“Perhaps he thought you would take it from him. The boy was smart,”
+ said Pearson, laughing.
+
+“You call it smart! I call it base and treacherous!”
+
+Mr. Fox walked thoughtfully away. He was considering how he should get
+hold of his ward’s money. It was not a question easy to answer.
+Evidently Harry was a boy who kept his own counsel, and knew how to
+take care of himself.
+
+“Joel seems to have a great partiality for my society,” thought Harry,
+when, after dinner, his guardian’s son continued to follow him about.
+
+Our hero would have been quite willing to dispense with Joel’s
+companionship, but, being good-natured, he did not feel like
+dismissing him, as he would have done had he suspected that the boy
+was acting as a spy upon him, at his father’s request.
+
+Mr. Fox said very little to his ward at the table, but Harry felt that
+he was eyeing him intently.
+
+After supper Harry was about to leave the room when Mr. Fox stopped
+him.
+
+“Wait a moment, young man,” he said, in a commanding tone.
+
+“Very well, sir,” returned Harry, quietly.
+
+“How much money did the passengers give you?”
+
+“Almost three hundred dollars,” answered Harry, composedly.
+
+“Did you ever hear the like?” exclaimed Mrs. Fox, in amazement. “If it
+had only been Joel.”
+
+“Thunder!” exclaimed that young gentleman. “Well, you was lucky. No
+such luck for me!”
+
+“It is well you have told me,” said John Fox; “not but I knew before.
+I met one of the passengers to-day, and he gave me an idea how much it
+was. You will please hand it over to me, and I will take care of it.”
+
+“I shall not be able to comply with your request, Mr. Fox,” said
+Harry. “I have not the money with me.”
+
+“I don’t believe it. You had it this morning. And Joel has been with
+you ever since; so you haven’t had time to hide it.”
+
+“So that was the reason you favored me with your company, Joel,” said
+Harry, with a glance at his guardian’s son.
+
+“All you’ve got to do is to hand over that money now, Harry Vane.
+Mind, I intend to have it.”
+
+“I assure you, Mr. Fox, that I haven’t the money with me.”
+
+“Where is it, then?” asked Mr. Fox, incredulous.
+
+“I have put it into the hands of a gentleman in whom I have
+confidence, who will take care of it for me.”
+
+“What’s the man’s name?” demanded John Fox.
+
+“That is my secret.”
+
+“You have rebelled against my lawful authority. Maria, what is it my
+duty to do with this boy?”
+
+“Lock him up!” answered Mrs. Fox, grimly.
+
+“A good suggestion, Mrs. F. Imprisonment may change the boy’s ideas.
+He may repent his base conduct.”
+
+“Now, young man,” said Fox, in a tone of authority, “go up to your
+chamber, and stay there till you’re ready to obey orders.”
+
+Harry hesitated a moment, then quietly went upstairs. Mr. Fox was
+relieved, for he was a little apprehensive that his ward would prove
+rebellious and decline to obey.
+
+John Fox stole up after his ward, and Harry heard the door bolted on
+the outside.
+
+He was a prisoner.
+
+When he heard the bolt slide in the lock, he said to himself: “Mr. Fox
+and I can never agree. He has not yet been appointed my guardian, and
+he never will receive the appointment. I have the right to choose for
+myself, as Mr. Howard told me, and I mean to exercise it.”
+
+Some of my readers may, perhaps, picture Harry as forcing open the
+door of his chamber and rushing from the house, breathing loud
+defiance as he went. But he was a sensible boy, and meditated nothing
+of the kind.
+
+“I can wait till morning,” he reflected. “I don’t think I shall be
+here twenty hours hence, but I mean to get a good night’s sleep. It
+will be time enough to decide in the morning what I will do.”
+
+So, in spite of his imprisonment, Harry enjoyed a comfortable night’s
+sleep, and was awakened in the morning by hearing his door opened.
+
+Mr. Fox entered, and sat down on a chair by the bed.
+
+“Good-morning, sir,” said Harry, composedly.
+
+“What I want to know is, have you made up your mind to do as I told
+you last night?”
+
+“I prefer to keep it in my possession.”
+
+“I guess I’ll have to keep you here a little longer.”
+
+“Then be kind enough to send me up some breakfast. I am paying my
+board. I shall object to paying unless I get my meals regularly.”
+
+This consideration weighed with John Fox, and he sent Joel up with a
+cup of coffee and some dry bread, five minutes later.
+
+“By the way, Joel, come up here about the middle of the forenoon; I
+want to say a few words to you in private.”
+
+“All right, I’ll come. I must go downstairs now.”
+
+“I wonder what he wants to see me about?” said Joel, to himself.
+
+Joel made a pretty shrewd guess, and resolved, by all means, to keep
+the appointment.
+
+He was anxious to get his father out of the way, but John Fox was
+unusually deliberate in his motions. Finally, about half-past nine, he
+left the house for the village.
+
+Presently his mother said: “Joel, if you’ll stay and mind the house,
+I’ll run over to Mrs. Bean’s and borrow some sugar.”
+
+His mother put on her bonnet, and started across a field to her
+nearest neighbor’s.
+
+“Now’s my time,” thought Joel. “Mam’s sure to get talkin’ with
+Mrs. Bean and stay half an hour or more.”
+
+He ran up the garret stairs, and drew the bolt that held Harry
+captive.
+
+“Joel, I want you to let me out of this place.”
+
+“Oh, gracious!” exclaimed Joel, in apparent dismay. “Dad would give me
+the wu’st kind of a lickin’.”
+
+“Would he know how I got out?” asked Harry.
+
+“I don’t know. What are you willing to give?”
+
+Harry saw that it was merely a matter of bargaining, and finally
+prevailed upon Joel to release him for a five-dollar bill.
+
+“I want the money now,” said Joel.
+
+“How do I know that you will do as you have agreed?”
+
+“Give me the money, and I’ll tell you.”
+
+Harry passed over the bank bill, and Joel said:
+
+“Dad’s gone to the village, and mam’s gone over to Mrs. Bean’s. All
+you’ve got to do is to go downstairs, and walk out.”
+
+Harry was by no means slow to take the hint.
+
+“Good-by, Joel,” he said, extending his hand; “I won’t forget the
+favor you’ve done me.”
+
+“I don’t know what dad’ll say. There’ll be an awful fuss. Just give me
+a box on the ear, won’t you?”
+
+“What for?”
+
+“I’ll tell dad you gave me an awful clip on the side of the head, and
+ran off, though I tried to stop you.”
+
+“All right,” said Harry, laughing.
+
+He gave Joel the required box on the ear, tripped him up, laying him
+gently on his back on the landing, and then, with a friendly
+“good-by,” he ran down the stairs, and before Mrs. Fox returned from
+her call was a mile away.
+
+She found Joel wiping his eyes.
+
+“What’s the matter, Joel?” she asked.
+
+“That boy, Harry, called me upstairs, and got me to open the door.
+Then he gave me an almighty clip on the side of my head that almost
+stunned me, then he knocked me over, and ran out of the house as fast
+as he could run--my head aches awful!”
+
+“The owdacious young ruffian!” ejaculated Mrs. Fox. “To beat my poor,
+dear Joel so! Never mind. Joel, dear, I’ll give you a piece of pie and
+some cake. As for that boy, he’ll be hung some day, I reckon!”
+
+After eating the cake and pie, which were luxuries in that frugal
+household, Joel said he felt better. He went out behind the house, and
+taking out the five-dollar note, surveyed it with great satisfaction.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+AN EXCITING CHASE
+
+
+When John Fox went to the village he usually stopped first at the
+tavern, and invested ten cents in a glass of whisky. Here he met two
+or three of his cronies.
+
+“Folks say you’ve got a new boarder, Fox,” said Bill Latimer, as he
+laid down his glass on the counter.
+
+“Yes,” answered Fox, complacently. “I’m his guardeen.”
+
+“Folks say he got a pile of money for saving the train.”
+
+“He got a pretty stiff sum,” answered Fox cautiously.
+
+“Do you keep his money?”
+
+“Yes.”
+
+“Is he easy to manage?” asked John Blake.
+
+“Well, some folks might find trouble with him,” said Fox,
+complacently. “The fact is, gentlemen, I don’t mind telling you that
+he’s been trying to buck agin’ his guardeen a’ready. Where do you
+think I left him?” continued Fox, chuckling.
+
+“Where?”
+
+“Up in the attic, locked up in his chamber. I’m goin’ to feed him on
+bread and water a while, just to show him what sort of a man John Fox
+is.”
+
+A grin overspread the face of Eben Bond, who had just looked out of
+the front window.
+
+“So you left him in the attic, hey?” he said, waggishly.
+
+“Yes, I did. Do you mean to say I didn’t?”
+
+“I’m willin’ to bet he isn’t there now.”
+
+“You just tell me what you mean, Eben Bond!” said John Fox, provoked.
+
+“I mean that I saw that boy of yours go by the tavern only two minutes
+since.”
+
+“Where did he go? In what direction?” demanded Fox, eagerly.
+
+“Down toward the river.”
+
+“He’s running away,” Fox said to himself, in dismay. “How in the the
+world did he get out?”
+
+He ran up the road, gazing anxiously on this side and on that, hoping
+to come upon the runaway. One thing was favorable; it was a straight
+road, with no roads opening out of it at least a mile beyond the
+tavern. It led by the river at a point half a mile on.
+
+“I’ll catch him yet. He can’t escape me!” Fox reflected.
+
+John Fox pushed on breathless, and a minute later came in sight of the
+fugitive.
+
+Harry had sobered down to a walk, thinking himself no longer in
+danger. If Mr. Fox had been wise enough to keep silent till he had
+come within a few rods he might have caught him easily, but excitement
+and anger were too much for prudence, and he called out, angrily:
+“Just wait till I get hold of you, you young villain! I’ll give you a
+lesson.”
+
+Harry turned quickly and saw his enemy close upon him.
+
+That was enough. He set out on what the boys call a dead run, though
+he hardly knew in what direction to look for refuge. But through the
+trees at the west side of the road he caught sight of something that
+put new hope into his heart. It was a boat, floating within three feet
+of shore. In it sat a boy of about Harry’s own age. It was Willie
+Foster.
+
+There was no time for ceremony, Harry sprang into the boat, and,
+seizing an idle oar, pushed out into the river.
+
+The owner of the boat, who had been thoughtfully gazing into the
+water, looked up in surprise.
+
+“Well, that’s cool!” he ejaculated.
+
+“I beg your pardon,” said Harry, still plying the oar; “I couldn’t
+help it; Mr. Fox is after me.”
+
+John Fox, by this time, stood on the river bank shaking his fist, with
+a discomfited expression, at his intended victim.
+
+“Come back here!” he shouted.
+
+“Thank you, I would rather not,” answered Harry, still increasing the
+distance between himself and his guardian.
+
+“You Willie Foster, row the boat back!” bawled John Fox,
+
+“Is your name Willie Foster?” asked Harry, turning to his companion,
+who was looking, with a puzzled expression, from one to the other.
+
+“Yes.”
+
+“Then, Willie, if you will help me row over to the other side of the
+river and set me off there, I’ll give you a dollar.”
+
+“I’ll do it,” said Willie, seizing the other oar, “but you needn’t
+give me any money.”
+
+To his intense disgust, Fox saw the boat, propelled by the two boys,
+leaping forward energetically, while he stood helplessly on the bank.
+
+The other bank was half a mile away, and could not be reached except
+by a bridge a considerable distance away. The two boys said little
+until the trip was accomplished.
+
+“I hope you won’t get into any serious trouble with Mr. Fox,” said
+Harry, as they drew near the bank.
+
+“I don’t care for old Fox, and father doesn’t like him, either.”
+
+As he got out of the boat he pressed a dollar into Willie’s reluctant
+hand.
+
+“Now, which way had I better go?”
+
+“Take that footpath. It will lead to Medfield. There you can take the
+cars.”
+
+“Good-by, Willie; and thank you.”
+
+Willie didn’t row back immediately. John Fox was lying in wait on the
+other side, and he didn’t care to meet him.
+
+Harry pushed on till he reached a highway. He felt in doubt as to
+where it might lead him, but followed it at a venture. He wondered
+whether John Fox would pursue him, and from time to time looked back
+to make sure that his guardian was not on his trail. In about three
+hours he found himself eight miles away. Then, for the first time, he
+felt that it might be safe to stop and rest. In a village a little way
+back he had entered a bakeshop and purchased some rolls and a glass of
+milk, which he ate with a good relish.
+
+He resumed his walk, but had not gone a quarter of a mile when he
+heard the noise of wheels, which on coming up with him, came to a
+halt.
+
+“Shall I give you a lift?” said the driver of the team.
+
+Looking up, he saw that it was a covered wagon with four wheels, such
+as is often to be met in New England towns. The man who held the reins
+was of large frame and portly, with dark hair and whiskers. He might
+be about forty-five years of age.
+
+“Thank you, sir, said Harry.
+
+“Where are you bound, if you don’t mind my being inquisitive?”
+
+“I don’t know,” answered Harry, doubtfully. “I’m seeking my fortune,
+as they say.”
+
+“Well you ought to find it,” returned the other, after a deliberate
+survey of his young companion. “You’re well-built, and look healthy
+and strong. Have you got any money?”
+
+“A little. My father died lately and left me three hundred dollars. He
+recommended to me as guardian a man named John Fox, living eight miles
+back. Well, I have tried Mr. Fox, and I prefer to be my own guardian.”
+
+“I’ve heard of John Fox. He’s fox by name and fox by nature. So you
+and he didn’t hitch horses. When did you leave him?”
+
+“This morning. I don’t know but I may say that I am running away from
+him, as I left without his knowledge or permission, but as he is not
+yet my legal guardian, I don’t consider that he has any right to
+interfere with me.”
+
+“You haven’t told me your name yet.”
+
+“My name is Harry Vane.”
+
+“I am the Magician of Madagascar. You may have heard of me.”
+
+“I don’t think I have,” said Harry, puzzled.
+
+“I have been before the public many years,” he said. “I give magical
+entertainments, and, in the course of the last twenty years, have
+traveled all over the continent.”
+
+“You see,” explained Harry, apologetically, “I have always lived in a
+small country town, where there were few amusements, and so I know
+very little of such things. I never saw a magical entertainment in my
+life.”
+
+“Didn’t you, indeed? Then you shall see me perform to-night. I am to
+give a magical soiree in Conway, the town we are coming to.”
+
+“I should like it very much, Mr. ----” and Harry paused in doubt.
+
+“I am called Professor Hemenway--Hiram Hemenway,” said the magician.
+
+“Do you like your business?” asked Harry, curiously.
+
+“Why shouldn’t I? I have a chance to travel. The people appreciate my
+efforts and reward me generously.”
+
+By a fortunate accident Harry happened to turn in his seat and look
+through a small window in the back part of the wagon. What he saw
+startled him. In a buggy, ten rods back, he recognized his late
+guardian and Joel. They were making good speed, and were doubtless in
+pursuit of him.
+
+Harry quickly imparted his discovery to his companion.
+
+“Don’t let them capture me!” he said.
+
+“I should like to see him do it,” responded the professor. “Get into
+the back part of the wagon, and crouch down.”
+
+Harry did as directed.
+
+Then the professor slackened his speed, and allowed the pursuers to
+overtake him.
+
+“I say, stranger,” said Fox, as he drew up alongside. “A boy ran away
+from me this morning. Perhaps you have seen him?”
+
+“I saw a boy about a mile back,” said the magician, reflectively, “a
+stout, good-looking lad, dark-brown hair, and a pleasant expression;
+didn’t look at all like you. I chatted with him a while. He said he
+was leaving a man who claimed to be his guardian, but wasn’t.”
+
+“The young liar!” ejaculated Fox, wrathfully. “Where is he now?”
+
+“Is he in your wagon?” put in Joel, sharply.
+
+“If he were you’d see him, wouldn’t you?”
+
+“In behind you?”
+
+“Yes, are you kidnapping him?” demanded Fox, fiercely.
+
+“There is a boy in the back part of my wagon,” said the magician,
+coolly. “If you ain’t afraid of smallpox, you may see him. Which shall
+it be, you or the boy?”
+
+A pallid hue overspread the face of John Fox, which was increased by
+an agonizing moan, which appeared to proceed from behind the magician.
+
+“Turn the horse, Joel,” was all he said.
+
+He whipped up his horse without a word, and did not pull up for half a
+mile.
+
+“You can come out now, Harry,” said the professor, with a queer smile.
+“I am a ventriloquist, and that moan did the business.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+A NEW ENGAGEMENT
+
+
+Harry was not a little relieved at his narrow escape. He did not
+propose to be taken captive without making a strong resistance; but
+still, in a struggle with Mr. Fox and Joel, he felt that he would be
+considerably at a disadvantage.
+
+“I am much obliged to you for saving me, Professor Hemenway,” he said.
+
+“You are quite welcome. So you didn’t like old Fox?”
+
+“Not much.”
+
+“He doesn’t appear to like you any better.”
+
+“There isn’t much love lost between us,” returned Harry, laughing.
+
+“How do you like the boy?”
+
+“He served me a good turn--for five dollars--but he would help capture
+me for the same money, or less.”
+
+“You seem to know him.”
+
+“He is fond of money, and would do almost anything for it.”
+
+“You thank me for saving you from capture, my lad,” continued the
+magician. “Well, I had an object in it--a selfish object.”
+
+Harry looked puzzled.
+
+“It struck me that I needed a boy about your size, and character, for
+a general assistant, to sell tickets, take money, and help me on the
+stage. How do you like the idea?”
+
+“I like it,” answered Harry; “but there is one objection.”
+
+“What is that?”
+
+“I don’t come from Madagascar,” responded Harry, slyly.
+
+Professor Hemenway laughed.
+
+“You’ve been as near there as I have,” he said. “Did you really think
+I came from Madagascar?”
+
+“You look more as if you came from Maine, sir.”
+
+“You’ve hit it! There’s where I did come from. I was raised
+twenty-five miles from Portland on a farm. But it would never do to
+put that on the bills. People are ready to pay more for imported than
+for native curiosities. However, to come to business. I had a young
+man traveling with me who wasn’t suited to the business. He was a
+dry-goods clerk when I took him, and is better adapted to that
+business than to mine. He left me last week, and I have been in a
+quandary about his successor. How much do you consider your time
+worth?”
+
+“Just at present it isn’t worth much. If you will pay my traveling
+expenses, that will satisfy me.”
+
+“I will do better than that I will give you five dollars a week
+besides, if business is good.”
+
+“Thank you, sir. I think I shall enjoy traveling.”
+
+There are few boys who do not like change of scene, and the chance of
+seeing new places is attractive to all. Harry was decidedly of the
+opinion that he had a streak of luck. It would be much better in all
+ways than living with his late guardian, and working for partial
+board.
+
+As they approached the village of Conway, Harry’s attention was drawn
+to a variety of posters setting forth, in mammoth letters, that the
+world-renowned Magician of Madagascar would give a magical _soiree_ at
+the Town Hall in the evening. Tickets, fifteen cents; children under
+twelve years, ten cents. The posters, furthermore, attracted attention
+by a large figure of the professor, dressed in bizarre style,
+performing one of his tricks.
+
+“That draws attention,” observed the professor, “particularly among
+the boys. I think I shall have a hall full this evening. An audience
+of three hundred will pay very well. My expenses are light. I do most
+of my traveling in this wagon, and at hotels I get the usual
+professional reduction.”
+
+“Did it take you long to learn the business?”
+
+“I have been learning all along. Every now and then I add a new
+trick. I will teach you some.”
+
+“I might leave you and set up on my own hook when I have learned,”
+ suggested Harry, with a smile.
+
+“It will be some time before you look old enough for a magician. When
+you are, I’ll give you my blessing and send you out.”
+
+Meanwhile they had been jogging along, and were already in the main
+street of Conway. The professor drew up in front of the village hotel,
+and a groom came forward and took his horse.
+
+“Wait a minute my friend,” said the professor. “Harry, you can help me
+take my implements out of the back of the wagon.”
+
+These “implements” were of a heterogeneous character, but all would
+come in use in the evening. A number of boys watched their transfer
+with mingled awe and curiosity.
+
+“What’s them?” Harry heard one ask another, in a half-whispered tone.
+
+“Those,” said the professor, in an impressive tone, turning toward the
+boys. “Those are paraphernalia!”
+
+The boys looked more awestruck than ever. All inwardly resolved to go
+to the Town Hall that evening, and get a nearer view of the articles
+which had such a grand name.
+
+After a while Harry came downstairs from the room assigned him, and
+stood on the piazza.
+
+One of the boys drew near him cautiously.
+
+“Are you the magician’s son?” he asked.
+
+“No,” answered Harry, smiling.
+
+“Do you come from Madagascar?”
+
+“I have not been there recently.”
+
+“Are all the people there magicians?”
+
+“Not quite all.”
+
+This information was rather scanty, but it was whispered about among
+the boys, the first boy boasting that he had a talk with the young man
+magician. If Harry had heard himself called thus, he would have been
+very much amused.
+
+Directly after supper Harry went with his employer to assist in
+preparing the stage for the evening performance. Though novice, he
+acquitted himself to the satisfaction of his employer, who
+congratulated himself on having secured so efficient an assistant.
+Half an hour before the performance he stationed himself in the entry,
+provided with tickets. He sat at a small table, and received the
+crowd. Though new to the business, he managed to make change rapidly.
+He found his position one in which he had a chance to study human
+nature.
+
+During the evening Harry was called upon to assist the professor in
+some of his tricks. Some boys would have been embarrassed upon finding
+themselves objects of general attention, but Harry was by temperament
+cool and self-possessed. He had been fond of declamation at school,
+and this had accustomed him, to some extent, to a public appearance.
+
+The entertainment was in two parts, with an intermission of ten
+minutes.
+
+“I wish you were a singer,” said the professor, when they were
+standing behind the screen.
+
+“Why?” asked Harry.
+
+“Because the audience sometimes gets impatient during the
+intermission. If I could put you on for a song, it would help quiet
+them.”
+
+“I can sing a little,” said Harry, modestly.
+
+“What can you sing?”
+
+“How would ‘The Last Rose of Summer’ do?”
+
+“Capital. Can you sing it?”
+
+“I can try.”
+
+“You are sure you won’t break down? That would make a bad impression.”
+
+“I can promise you I won’t break down, sir.”
+
+“Then I’ll give you a trial. Are you ready to appear at once?”
+
+“Yes, sir.”
+
+“Wait, then, till I announce you.”
+
+The professor came from behind the screen, and, addressing the
+audience, said: “Ladies and gentlemen, lest you should find the
+necessary intermission tedious, I am happy to announce to you that the
+young vocalist, Master Harry Vane, has kindly consented to favor you
+with one of his popular melodies. He has selected by request, ‘The
+Last Rose of Summer.’”
+
+Harry could hardly refrain from laughing when he heard this
+introduction.
+
+“One would think I was a well-known singer,” he said to himself.
+
+He came forward, and, standing before the audience, with his face a
+little flushed, made a graceful bow. Then, pausing an instant, he
+commenced the song announced. He had not sung two lines before the
+professor, who waited the result with some curiosity and some anxiety,
+found that he could sing. His voice was high, clear, and musical, and
+his rendition was absolutely correct. The fact was, Harry had taken
+lessons in a singing school at home, and had practiced privately also,
+so that he had reason to feel confidence in himself.
+
+The song was listened to with earnest attention and evident enjoyment
+by all. When the last strain died away, and Harry made his farewell
+bow, there was an enthusiastic burst of applause, emphasized by the
+clapping of hands and the stamping of feet.
+
+“You did yourself proud, my boy!” said the gratified Professor. “They
+want you on again.”
+
+This seemed evident from the noise.
+
+“Can’t you sing something else?”
+
+“Very well, sir.”
+
+Harry was certainly pleased with this evidence of popular favor. He
+had never before sung a solo before an audience, and, although he had
+felt that he could, he was glad to find that he had not overestimated
+his powers.
+
+Once more he stood before the audience.
+
+“I thank you for your kindness,” he said. “I will now sing you a comic
+song.”
+
+He sang a song very popular at that time, the words and air of which
+were familiar to all. While it did not afford him so good a chance to
+show his musical capacity, it was received with much greater favor
+than the first song.
+
+There was a perfect whirlwind of applause, and a third song was called
+for.
+
+“I would rather not sing again, professor,” said Harry.
+
+“You needn’t. They would keep you singing all the evening if you would
+allow it. Better leave off when they are unsatisfied.”
+
+“Ladies and gentlemen,” he said, “Master Vane thanks you for your kind
+applause, but he makes it an unvarying rule never to sing but two
+songs in an evening. He never broke that rule but once, and that was
+at the special request of the governor-general of Canada. I shall now
+have the pleasure of performing for your amusement, one of my most
+popular experiments.”
+
+“Well, you have pleased the people, and that is the main point. By
+Jove! my boy, you’ve got a lovely voice.”
+
+“I am glad you think so, sir.”
+
+“You will prove a very valuable addition to my entertainments. I mean
+to show my appreciation, too. How much did I agree to give you?”
+
+“Five dollars a week if business was good.”
+
+“It’s bound to be good. I’ll raise your wages to ten dollars a week,
+if you’ll agree to sing one song, and two, if called for, at each of
+my evening entertainments.”
+
+“I’ll do it, sir,” said Harry, promptly. “It’s a surprise to me,
+though, to find my voice so valuable to me.”
+
+“It’s a popular gift, my boy; and all popular gifts are valuable. When
+I get my new bill printed, I must have your name on it.”
+
+They left Conway about noon the next day.
+
+The Foxes, were destined to hear of Harry’s success. The Conway
+_Citizen_ was taken in the family, and, much to their astonishment,
+this is what they found, prominently placed, in the next number:
+
+“The magical entertainment of Professor Hemenway, on Thursday evening,
+was even more successful than usual. He had had the good fortune to
+secure the services of a young vocalist named Harry Vane, who charmed
+both young and old by two popular selections. His voice and execution
+are both admirable, and we predict for him a brilliant future.”
+
+Mr. Fox read this aloud in evident wonder and excitement.
+
+“Did you ever hear the like?” he said.
+
+“Who’d have thought it?” chimed in Mrs. Fox.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+A LIBERAL OFFER
+
+
+Then commenced a round of travel--what the professor called a
+professional tour. By day they traveled in the wagon, carrying their
+paraphernalia with them, stopping at the principal towns, and giving
+evening entertainments. At many of these places the magician was well
+known, and his tricks were not new. But he had an attraction in his
+young assistant, who was regularly advertised on the posters as the
+“celebrated young vocalist, whose songs are everywhere received with
+admiring applause.”
+
+Indeed it was very near the truth. Harry was really a fine singer, and
+his fresh, attractive face and manly appearance won him a welcome in
+all the towns on their route. Sometimes a young girl in the audience
+threw him a bouquet. This made him blush and smile, and the donor felt
+rewarded.
+
+Where was it going to end? Was he to continue in the service of the
+professor, and in time become himself a magician and a traveling
+celebrity? Harry was not sure about it. He saw that it would pay him
+better than most kinds of business, and he also discovered that
+Professor Hemenway was even better off than he had represented. Yet,
+he was not quite ready to select the same profession, but, being only
+sixteen, felt that he could afford to remain in it a while longer.
+
+One day the professor gave him a surprise.
+
+“Harry,” he said, as they were jogging along a dusty road, “do you
+think you would like to travel?”
+
+“I am traveling now,” answered Harry, with a smile.
+
+“True, but I don’t mean that. Would you like to go on a long journey?”
+
+“I should like nothing better,” replied Harry, promptly.
+
+“I’ll tell you what I’ve been thinking about. I recently read in some
+paper that a man in my line had made a trip to Australia, and reaped a
+rich harvest. Everywhere he was received with enthusiasm, and made as
+much money, in one month as he would do here in four. Now why
+shouldn’t I go to Australia?”
+
+Harry’s eyes sparkled.
+
+“It would be a fine thing to do,” he said.
+
+“Then you would be willing to accompany me?”
+
+“I would thank you for taking me,” answered the boy.
+
+“That is well!” said the professor, in a tone of satisfaction. “I
+confess I shouldn’t like to go alone. It would be a great undertaking,
+but with a companion it would seem different. But, is there anyone who
+would object to your going?”
+
+“Yes,” answered Harry, smiling, “Mr. Fox, my ‘guardeen,’ would.”
+
+“We won’t mind Mr. Fox. Very well, then, Harry, we will consider it
+settled. I shall rely on you to help me by your singing there as you
+do here. As to your wages, I may be able to pay you more.”
+
+“Never mind about that, professor. It will cost you a good deal to get
+us there. I am perfectly willing to work for the same sum I do now, or
+even less, on account of the extension of the trip.”
+
+“Then you leave that matter to me. I won’t take advantage of your
+confidence, but you shall prosper if I do.”
+
+“How soon do you propose to go, professor?” asked Harry, with
+interest.
+
+“As soon as possible. I shall ascertain when the first packet leaves
+Boston, and we will take passage in her.”
+
+The professor’s decision pleased Harry. He had been a good scholar in
+geography--indeed, it was his favorite study--and had, besides, read
+as many books of travel as he could lay his hands on. Often he had
+wondered if it ever would be his fortune to see some of the distant
+countries of which he read with so much interest. Though he had
+cherished vague hopes, he had never really expected it. Now, however,
+the unattainable seemed within his grasp. He would not have to wait
+until he was a rich man, but when still a boy he could travel to the
+opposite side of the world, paying his expenses as he went along.
+
+Two weeks passed. Each day they halted in some new place, and gave an
+evening performance. This life of constant motion had, at first,
+seemed strange to Harry. Now he was accustomed to it. He never felt
+nervous when he appeared before an audience to sing, but looked upon
+it as a matter of course.
+
+At last they reached Boston. They were to give two entertainments at a
+hall at the south end. It was the first large city in which Harry had
+sung, but he received a welcome no less cordial than that which had
+been accorded to him in country towns.
+
+They were staying at a modest hotel, comfortable, but not expensive.
+Harry was sitting in the reading room, when a servant brought in a
+card. It bore the rather remarkable name of
+
+  “DR. MENDELSSOHN BROWN.”
+
+“A gentleman to see you, Mr. Vane,” said the servant.
+
+Harry rose and surveyed the stranger in some surprise. He had long
+hair, of a reddish yellow, with an abundant beard of the same hue. His
+suit of worn black fitted him poorly, but Dr. Brown evidently was not
+a devotee of dress. No tailor could ever point to him, and say with
+pride: “That man’s clothes were made at my shop.”
+
+“Do I speak to Mr. Harry Vane, the young vocalist?” asked the
+stranger, with a deferential smile.
+
+“That’s my name,” answered our hero.
+
+“You are alone?”
+
+“Yes, sir,” said Harry, a little puzzled.
+
+“It is well. I will come to business at once. You have probably heard
+of me, eh?”
+
+“Probably I have, but I do not remember names well.”
+
+“The name of Mendelssohn Brown, is pretty well known, I flatter
+myself,” said the visitor, complacently. “To be brief--I heard you
+sing last evening, and was much pleased with your rendition of the
+various selections.”
+
+Harry bowed.
+
+“I am about to form a juvenile Pinafore company, and would like to
+have you take the leading part. You would make an excellent _Admiral_.
+I propose to take my opera company all over the United States. I
+should be willing to pay you, as the star performer, twenty-five
+dollars a week.”
+
+Harry opened his eyes in amazement.
+
+“Do you think me capable of singing in opera?” he asked.
+
+“Yes, after being trained by your humble servant. What do you say?”
+
+“I thank you for your flattering offer, Dr. Brown, but I don’t feel at
+liberty to leave Professor Hemenway.”
+
+The doctor frowned.
+
+“Let me tell you, you stand in your own light, Mr. Vane,” he said,
+impatiently. “There is some difference between a common juggler, like
+the Magician of Madagascar,”--the doctor laughed ironically--“and a
+well-known musical director, who could make you famous. Does Hemenway
+pay you as much as I offer?”
+
+“No, sir.”
+
+“I thought so. Then how can you hesitate?”
+
+“We are about to make an Australian tour,” answered Harry, “and, apart
+from all other considerations, I am glad to have a chance to travel.”
+
+“Couldn’t you put it off?”
+
+“No, sir.”
+
+“Then,” said Dr. Brown, rather crestfallen, “I can only bid you
+good-morning. I think you are making a mistake.”
+
+“Perhaps, after I return from Australia, I might be ready to accept
+your offer.”
+
+“It will be too late,” said the doctor, gloomily.
+
+“Twenty-five dollars a week is large pay,” thought Harry, “but I don’t
+believe I should ever get it. Dr. Brown doesn’t look much like a
+capitalist.”
+
+Half an hour later Professor Hemenway entered the hotel.
+
+“Well, my boy,” he said, “the die is cast! Next Saturday we sail from
+Long Wharf, bound for Australia.”
+
+“But professor, I have just had an offer of twenty-five dollars a week
+to sing in Pinafore.”
+
+“And have accepted!” exclaimed the magician in dismay.
+
+“No; I respectfully declined. I would rather go with you.”
+
+“You shan’t regret it, Harry!” said the professor, relieved. “If I am
+prosperous, you shall share in my prosperity.”
+
+“Thank you, professor; I am sure of that. What is the name of our
+vessel?”
+
+“The Nantucket. It’s a good, solid-looking craft, and I think it will
+bear us in safety to our destination.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE PASSENGERS
+
+
+The Nantucket, Capt. Jabez Hill, master, was a large vessel, stanch
+and strong, and bore a good record, having been in service six years,
+and never having in that time met a serious disaster. It was a sailing
+vessel, and primarily intended to convey freight, but had
+accommodations for six passengers. Of these it had a full complement.
+Harry and the professor I name first, as those in whom we are most
+interested.
+
+Next came John Appleton, a business man from Melbourne, who
+had visited the United States on business. He was a plain,
+substantial-looking person, of perhaps forty-five. Next came
+Montgomery Clinton, from Brooklyn, a young man of twenty-four,
+foolishly attired, who wore an eyeglass and anxiously aped the Londen
+swell, though born within sight of Boston State house. Harry regarded
+him with considerable amusement, and though he treated him with
+outward respect, mentally voted him very soft. Fifth on the list was a
+tall, sallow, thin individual, with a melancholy countenance, who was
+troubled with numerous symptoms, and was persuaded that he had not
+long to live. He was from Pennsylvania. He carried with him in his
+trunk a large assortment of pills and liquid medicines, one or another
+of which he took about once an hour. This gentleman’s name was
+Marmaduke Timmins. Last came a tall, lean Yankee, the discoverer and
+proprietor of a valuable invention, which it was his purpose to
+introduce into Australia. Mr. Jonathan Stubbs, for this was his name,
+was by no means an undesirable addition to the little circle, and
+often excited a smile by his quaintly put and shrewd observations on
+topics of passing interest.
+
+It was the third day at sea, when Harry, who had suffered but little
+from seasickness, came on deck, after a good dinner, and saw the
+dudish passenger, till now invisible, holding himself steady with an
+effort, and gazing sadly out upon the wild waste of waters without the
+help of his eyeglass.
+
+“How do you feel, Mr. Clinton?” asked Harry.
+
+“Horribly, Mr. Vane,” answered Clinton, with a languid shudder. “I
+never thought it was such a bore, crossing the ocean, don’t you know.
+I’ve a great idea of offering the captain a handsome sum to land
+somewhere, I don’t care where.”
+
+“I don’t think we shall go near any land, Mr. Clinton. I think you
+will have to make the best of it.”
+
+Hearing a step behind him, Harry turned, and his eyes rested on the
+melancholy countenance of Marmaduke Timmins, the chronic invalid.
+
+“Good-morning, Mr. Timmins,” said our hero. “I hope you stand the
+voyage well?”
+
+“I’ve had several new symptoms since I came on board,” responded
+Mr. Timmins, gloomily, “and I’ve made a dreadful discovery.”
+
+“What is it?” inquired Montgomery Clinton, in alarm.
+
+“I find I’ve mislaid or forgotten to bring my box of Remedial pills. I
+don’t know what I shall do without them.”
+
+“I’ve got a box of Brandeth’s pills downstairs,” said Clinton. “You’re
+welcome to a part of them, I’m sure.”
+
+“They wouldn’t do! What can you be thinking of, young man? Do you
+think there’s no difference between pills?”
+
+“I’m sure I can’t tell, don’t you know?”
+
+“Young man, you are sadly ignorant,” said Timmins, severely. “I’ve got
+five other kinds of pills downstairs, for different maladies I am
+subject to, but none of them will take the place of Remedial pills.”
+
+“Will any of them cure seasickness?” asked the dude, eagerly.
+
+“I can give you a remedy for seasickness, Mr. Clinton,” said
+Mr. Holdfast, the mate, who chanced to overhear the inquiry.
+
+“What is it, Mr. Holdfast? I shall be really grateful, I assure you,
+if you can cure that beastly malady.”
+
+“Swallow a piece of raw salt pork about an inch square,” said the mate
+gravely, “and follow it up by a glass of sea water, taken at a gulp.”
+
+“That’s horrid, awfully horrid!” gasped Clinton, shuddering, and
+looking very pale. “It actually makes me sick to think of it, don’t
+you know,” and he retreated to the cabin, with one hand pressed on his
+stomach.
+
+“That young man’s a fool!” said Mr. Timmins. “He knows no more about
+pills than a baby.”
+
+“Nor do I, Mr. Timmins,” said Harry, smiling.
+
+“I pity you then. My life has been saved several times by pills.”
+
+“I’d rather live without them.”
+
+Marmaduke sadly shook his head as he walked away.
+
+“That man’s a walking drug store,” said the mate, looking after him.
+“I’d rather go to Davy’s locker, and be done with it, than to fill
+myself up with pills and potions.”
+
+“You’re looking chipper, my boy,” said a newcomer, in a nasal
+voice. “Haven’t been seasick, I guess.”
+
+Harry recognized the voice of the Yankee inventor, Jonathan Stubbs.
+
+“No, sir; I have had very little trouble.”
+
+“I’m goin’ to get up a cure for seasickness when I have time--a kind
+of a self-acting, automatic belt--I guess there’d be plenty of money
+in it.”
+
+“It would be a great blessing, Mr. Stubbs. Poor Mr. Clinton would no
+doubt be glad to buy it.”
+
+“Do you mean that languishin’ creeter with an eyeglass and spindle
+legs? What are such fellows made for?”
+
+“Rather for ornament than use,” answered Harry, gravely.
+
+The Yankee burst into a loud guffaw, and regarded Harry’s remark a
+capital joke.
+
+The voyage was to be a long one, and after a couple of weeks they all
+had their sea legs on. All had become acquainted, and settled down to
+a regular routine. But the time dragged, and as there were no morning
+or evening papers, something seemed necessary to break the monotony.
+
+“Harry,” said the professor, “I have an idea.”
+
+“What is it, professor?”
+
+“Suppose we give an exhibition for the benefit of our fellow
+passengers and the crew.”
+
+“I am ready to do my part.”
+
+“Then I will speak to the captain.”
+
+The result was that on the first quiet day Professor Hemenway and his
+assistant gave a matinee performance on the deck of the Nantucket, at
+which all who could possibly be spared were present. To some of the
+sailors it was a novelty, and the magician’s tricks actually inspired
+some with the feeling that he was possessed of supernatural powers.
+
+“Will you lend me your hat, Mr. Clinton?” he asked presently, of the
+dude.
+
+“Certainly, professor,” drawled the young man.
+
+The professor took it, and tapped it.
+
+“Are you sure there is nothing in it?” he asked.
+
+“I am sure of it. Really, I don’t carry things in my hat, don’t you
+know.”
+
+“What do you say to this, then?” and Professor Hemenway drew out of
+the hat half a dozen onions, a couple of potatoes, and a ship biscuit.
+
+“My dear sir, I think you are mistaken,” he said. “I see you carry
+your lunch in your hat.”
+
+All present laughed at the horrified face of the dude.
+
+“On my honor, I don’t know how those horrid things came in my hat,” he
+stammered.
+
+“Are you fond of onions, Mr. Clinton?” asked Harry.
+
+“I wouldn’t eat one for--for a new suit of clothes!” protested
+Clinton, earnestly.
+
+“Allow me to return your hat, Mr. Clinton,” said the professor,
+politely. “I suppose you want the vegetables too. Here are the onions,
+and the rest.”
+
+“They are not mine, on my honor,” said Clinton, very much embarrassed.
+“Here, my good man, can you make use of these?”
+
+The sailor whom he addressed accepted the gift with a grin.
+
+“Thank you kindly, sir,” he said, “If so be as I ain’t a-robbin’ you.”
+
+“I have no use for them, my good man. I never ate an onion in my
+life.”
+
+“Then I don’t think you know what’s good,” said Mr. Stubbs. “An onion,
+let me tell you, is mighty good eatin’, and healthy, too.”
+
+At the close of the magical entertainment, Harry sang by request, and
+no part of the performance was more popular. He received many warm
+congratulations.
+
+“Really, Mr. Vane, you sing like a nightingale, don’t you know,” was
+the tribute of Clinton.
+
+“Bless me!” said Mr. Timmins; “I was so absorbed in your song that I
+have forgotten to take my catarrh medicine.”
+
+“Thank you, sir; that is the best compliment I have received,”
+ returned Harry, with a smile.
+
+Little has been said thus far of Captain Hill, the chief officer of
+the Nantucket. He was a stout, red-faced seaman, nearing fifty years
+of age, and had been in service ever since he was fifteen. He was a
+thorough sailor, and fitted in every way but one to take charge of a
+ship bound to any part of the world. His one disqualification may be
+stated briefly--he had a passion for drink.
+
+It was not immediately that this was found out. He took his meals with
+the passengers, but it was not then that he indulged his appetite. He
+kept a private store of liquors in his cabin, and had recourse to them
+when by himself, under the impression that he could keep it a secret.
+But intemperance, like murder, will out.
+
+Harry and the professor were standing by the rail looking out at sea,
+one day, when a thick voice greeted them, “Good-mor’n’, gentlemen,”
+ this address being followed by a hiccough.
+
+Both turned quickly, and exchanged a significant glance when they
+recognized the captain.
+
+“Yes,” answered Professor Hemenway, “it is indeed a fine morning.”
+
+“I am sorry to see this, Harry,” said the professor.
+
+“Yes, sir; it is a pity any gentleman should drink too much.”
+
+“Yes, but that isn’t all,” said the professor, earnestly; “it is a
+pity, of course, that Captain Hill should so sin against his own
+health, but we must consider furthermore, that he has our lives under
+his control. Our safety depends on his prudent management.”
+
+“He seems to understand his business,” said Harry.
+
+“Granted; but no man, however good a seaman, is fit to manage a vessel
+when he allows liquor to rob him of his senses. I wish I had had a
+knowledge beforehand of the captain’s infirmity.”
+
+“Suppose you had, sir?”
+
+“I wouldn’t have trusted myself on board the Nantucket, you may be
+sure of that.”
+
+“It may be only an exceptional case.”
+
+“Let us hope so.”
+
+The next occasion on which the captain displayed his infirmity was
+rather a laughable one. He came up from the cabin about three o’clock
+in the afternoon so full that he was forced to stagger as he walked.
+Directly in front of him the young dude, Montgomery Clinton, was
+pacing the deck, carrying in his hand a rattan cane such as he used on
+shore. As he overhauled him, Captain Hill, with the instinct of a
+drunken man, locked arms with the young man, and forced him to
+promenade in his company, talking rather incoherently meanwhile.
+Clinton’s look of distress and perplexity, as he submitted to his
+fate, caused Harry nearly to explode with laughter. They were indeed a
+singular pair.
+
+Finally there came a disaster. A lurch of the vessel proved too much
+for the captain, who, in losing his equilibrium, also upset Clinton,
+and the two rolled down under one of the ship’s boats, which was slung
+on one side.
+
+Montgomery Clinton picked himself up, and hurriedly betook himself to
+his cabin, fearing that he might fall again into the clutches of his
+unwelcome companion. The captain was helped to his feet by the mate,
+and was persuaded also to go downstairs.
+
+“The captain was pretty well slewed, professor,” said Mr. Stubbs, who
+chanced to be on deck at the time.
+
+“It looks like it,” answered Professor Hemenway.
+
+“If he does that often it’ll be a bad lookout for us.”
+
+“Just what I am thinking, Mr. Stubbs.”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE YOUNG SAILOR
+
+
+The crew of the Nantucket consisted of twelve sailors and a boy, not
+counting the officers. This boy was about Harry’s age, but an inch or
+two shorter, and with great breadth of shoulders. He had a
+good-natured face, and was a general favorite on board, as is apt to
+be the case with a boy, if he possesses any attractive qualities. He
+came from New Hampshire and he was known as Jack.
+
+It was natural that Harry, as the only other boy on board, though a
+passenger, should be attracted to Jack. He took an opportunity when
+Jack was off duty to have a chat with him.
+
+“How long have you been a sailor, Jack?” he asked.
+
+“Three years; I first went to sea when I was thirteen.”
+
+“How did you happen to go in the first place?”
+
+“I may say to begin with, that I always liked the water. I was born in
+a little village bordering Lake Winnipiseogee, and was out on the lake
+whenever I could get the chance, either in a rowboat or sailboat. I
+felt as much at home on the water as on the land. Still, I never
+should have gone to sea had it not been for my stepfather.”
+
+“Then you have a stepfather?”
+
+“Yes. My father died when I was ten, leaving my mother a little farm
+and a comfortable house. I was a young boy, and it is hard for a woman
+to carry on a farm. A man came into town, and started in some small
+business. He pretended that he had money, but I guess he had precious
+little. At any rate, he didn’t object to more. Pretty soon he fixed
+his eyes on our farm, and, finding that mother owned it clear, he got
+to coming round pretty often. I never liked him, though he pretended
+to be fond of me, and used to pat me on the head, and bring me candy.
+I wondered what made him come so often, but I didn’t mistrust anything
+till one day mother called me and said she had something important to
+say to me.
+
+“‘Jack,’ she said, ‘what do you think of Mr. Bannock?’
+
+“‘I don’t think much of him,’ I answered.
+
+“‘He is to be your father, Jack. I have promised to marry him.’
+
+“‘You may marry him,’ I answered hotly, ‘but he will be no father of
+mine. My father lies in the churchyard. I wish he were alive again.’
+
+“‘So do I, Jack’ said mother, wiping her eyes, ‘but we know that can’t
+be.’”
+
+“How did he treat you, Jack?” asked Harry, interested.
+
+“He never liked me, and I didn’t like him at all He tried to impose
+upon me, and order me round, but he didn’t make out much. Still, he
+was always annoying me in mean little ways, and finally I got all I
+could stand, and the long and short of it is that I ran away to
+Portsmouth, and went on a coasting voyage. After I got back I shipped
+from Boston for Liverpool, and ever since I’ve kept sailing in one
+direction or another. This will be my longest voyage.”
+
+“Haven’t you been to see your mother since you left home three years
+ago?” Harry inquired.
+
+“Of course I have,” said Jack, promptly. “I always go to see her as
+soon as I get home from a voyage. Poor mother! She was looking pale
+and thin when I saw her three weeks ago. I am sure she has repented
+marrying, but she won’t own up. When I’m a man----”
+
+“Well, Jack; when you’re a man?”
+
+“I’ll see that she has a better time, and if old Bannock don’t like it
+he can clear out. I think he will anyway.”
+
+“Clear out?”
+
+“Yes; he will have spent all the property by that time, and when that
+is done, he won’t make much objection to going away. Then I will take
+care of mother, and see that she does not suffer for anything.”
+
+“You are right, Jack. I sympathize with you. I hope you’ll succeed. I
+only wish I had a mother to look out for,” and Harry’s fine face wore
+an expression of sadness. “But there’s one thing I can’t help saying,
+though I don’t want to discourage you.”
+
+“What is that, Harry?”
+
+“I don’t see how you are going to lay up much money in going before
+the mast. Your pay must be small.”
+
+“It is. I only earn ten dollars a month,” replied Jack.
+
+“And out of that you must buy your clothes?”
+
+“Yes, that’s true.”
+
+“Then how do you expect to better yourself?” asked Harry, looking
+perplexed.
+
+“I’ll tell you, if you won’t say anything about it,” answered Jack, in
+a lower tone.
+
+“Go ahead.”
+
+“We are going to Australia, you know. I’ve heard there are good
+chances of making money there, in mining or herding cattle, and I mean
+to leave the ship at Melbourne. Of course, I don’t want anything said
+about it.”
+
+“Do you think the captain would try to prevent you, Jack?”
+
+“I think he would. He don’t like me, at any rate.”
+
+“Why not?”
+
+“That is more than I can tell, but I can see that he has a prejudice
+against me.”
+
+The boys were so absorbed in their talk that they did not notice the
+approach of the captain till his harsh voice was heard.
+
+“What are you two boys chattering about?” he demanded, with a frown.
+
+Jack turned round startled, but Harry faced the captain calmly, and
+did not speak.
+
+“Will you answer me?” he repeated, raising his voice.
+
+“I was talking about home and my mother,” said Jack.
+
+“Mighty interesting, upon my word! And what were you talking about?”
+ continued Captain Hill, turning to Harry.
+
+“That can be of no interest to you, Captain Hill,” said Harry, coldly.
+“You appear to forget that I am a passenger.”
+
+As he walked away, the captain regarded him with an ominous scowl. He
+wished that for fifteen minutes Harry had been one of the crew. It was
+fortunate for Jack that his temper was diverted, for, apparently
+forgetting the young sailor, he strode on, and Jack managed to slip
+down to the forecastle.
+
+This was not by any means the last conversation Harry had with Jack
+Pendleton--for this he found to be the young sailor’s name--and they
+soon became excellent friends.
+
+“Jack,” said Harry, one day, “I never should take you to be a sailor
+if I met you on land.”
+
+“Why not?”
+
+“Because you talk like a well-educated boy.”
+
+“So I am. I was always fond of my books, and stood high in school. But
+for my stepfather I might be there yet. As it is, my education stopped
+at the age of thirteen.”
+
+“Not necessarily. You have learned a good deal since.”
+
+“Yes, but not of books. I hope sometime to be able to continue my
+studies. At present it is my business to learn seamanship.”
+
+Harry had the more time on his hands, as his traveling companion, the
+professor, took sick, and was confined for three or four weeks to his
+cabin. There was no danger, but still the ship’s surgeon advised him
+to stay below.
+
+“What makes you keep company with that boy, Mr. Vane?” asked
+Montgomery Clinton, who would have liked more of Harry’s society
+himself.
+
+“Why shouldn’t I?”
+
+“Because he is a common sailor, don’t you know.”
+
+“I think he is rather an uncommon sailor. He is very well educated.”
+
+“Oh, yes; I suppose he can read and write; but, of course, he can
+never be admitted into society, don’t you know?”
+
+“No, I don’t, Mr. Clinton. He may be a captain some day.”
+
+“But he isn’t now. I give you my word, I noticed this morning, when
+you were speaking with him, that his fingers were all soiled with tar.
+That’s horrid, don’t you know.”
+
+“Don’t you think he’s a good-looking boy, Mr. Clinton?”
+
+“Well, yes; I suppose, for one of the lower order, Mr. Vane.”
+
+“You forget we don’t have any distinction of classes in America.”
+
+“Don’t we though? By Jove! Mr. Vane, you don’t put yourself on a level
+with those creatures that dig ditches and climb masts, and such
+things?”
+
+“Your sentiments are very undemocratic, Mr. Clinton. You ought to have
+been born in England.”
+
+“I wish I had been. I like their institutions a good deal better than
+ours, don’t you know?”
+
+“When I first spoke with you, Mr. Clinton, I thought you might be an
+Englishman.”
+
+“Did you, really?” inquired Clinton, with evident pleasure. “I’m often
+taken for an Englishman, on my honor. I don’t know why it is, but
+positively, I’m often asked when I came from the other side.”
+
+“Would you rather be taken for an Englishman than an American?”
+
+“Well, you see, there are some Americans that are so vulgar, don’t you
+know--talk through their noses, and all that.”
+
+“Where were you born, Mr. Clinton?”
+
+“In Massachusetts, not far from Boston.”
+
+“By the way, Mr. Vane, are you descended from Sir Henry Vane, one of
+the royal governors of Massachusetts? I have been meaning to ask you.”
+
+“I can’t tell you, Mr. Clinton; but my name happens to be the
+same--Harry.”
+
+“Really, that is very interesting. I should think you would look up
+the matter.”
+
+“Perhaps I will when I return home!” said Harry, who cared very little
+about the matter. From this time, however, Clinton regarded him with
+increased respect, and manifested an increased liking for his society,
+from his supposed aristocratic lineage. Our hero treated him with
+good-natured toleration, but much preferred the company of Jack
+Pendleton, sailor as he was, though his fingers were not infrequently
+smeared with tar. Harry did not mind this; but was attracted by the
+frank, good-humored face of young Jack, and was always glad to have a
+chat with him. He had a chance, though at considerable personal risk,
+to do him a signal service before long.
+
+The captain’s habits, it must be said, did not improve. His stock of
+liquor was ample, and he continued to indulge himself. Generally he
+kept within safe bounds, but at times he allowed his appetite to get
+the better of him. Whenever that happened, it was fortunate if he
+drank himself into a state of stupefaction, and remained in his cabin,
+leaving the management of the ship to the mate, Mr. Holdfast, who was
+thoroughly temperate. Unfortunately, he was not always content to
+remain in the cabin. He would stagger upstairs and give orders which
+might or might not, be judicious.
+
+One day--it was about a month after they left port--Captain Hill came
+up on deck in one of his worst fits of intoxication. All the
+passengers were on deck, it being a fair day. They regarded the
+captain with alarm, for in his hand he held a pistol, which he carried
+in such careless style that it might be discharged at any time.
+
+Jack Pendleton had been sent up to the masthead on some duty by the
+mate. The captain’s roving eyes fell upon him, and the dislike he felt
+for the boy found vent.
+
+“What are you doing up there, you young lubber?” he shouted.
+
+“Mr. Holdfast sent me,” answered Jack.
+
+“You lie!” roared the captain. “I’ll teach you to lie to me!”
+
+“I’ll come down, sir,” said Jack, “if you say so.”
+
+“I’ll bring you down!” shouted the captain, furiously, as he
+deliberately pointed the pistol at the cabin boy, and prepared to pull
+the trigger.
+
+There was a cry of horror on the part of the passengers as they saw
+the insane act of the captain, and realized the peril of poor Jack.
+But, in spite of all, the boy would probably have fallen a victim to
+the drunken fury of Captain Hill. Jack himself fully understood his
+danger, and his ruddy face turned pale. His life hung in the balance,
+and was saved only by the courage of his boy friend, Harry.
+
+Of all the passengers, Harry stood nearest to the captain. When he saw
+the pistol pointed at Jack, he did not stop to think, but made a
+bound, and dashed the weapon from the captain’s hand. It was
+discharged but the bullet sped over the rail and dropped into the
+ocean. Nor did Harry stop here. He seized the fallen pistol, and
+hurled it over the side of the vessel.
+
+The captain was for the moment stupefied by the suddenness of the act.
+Then, in a voice of fury, he exclaimed, pointing to Harry: “Put that
+boy in irons!”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+A SENSATIONAL SCENE
+
+
+“Put that boy in irons!” repeated Captain Hill, his eyes blazing with
+anger.
+
+Not a sailor stirred. There was not one that did not admire Harry’s
+promptness, which had saved Jack’s life, and prevented the captain
+from becoming a murderer.
+
+“Here, you two men, seize the boy, and carry him below!” exclaimed the
+captain, addressing Brown and Higgins, the two sailors nearest.
+
+The two men looked at each other, moved a step forward, and then
+stopped.
+
+“Is this mutiny?” roared the captain, with a bloodcurdling oath. “Am I
+master in my own ship or not?”
+
+What might have been the issue is hard to tell, had not the Yankee
+passenger already referred to, Jonathan Stubbs, come forward and taken
+up the gauntlet.
+
+“Look here, cap’n,” he commenced, in a drawling tone, “what’s all this
+fuss you’re kickin’ up? You’re kinder riled, ain’t you?”
+
+“Who are you that dare to bandy words with me? Men, do you hear me?
+Put that boy in irons, or must I do it myself?”
+
+“Look here, cap’n, let’s argy that matter a little,” said Stubbs.
+“What’s the boy to be put in irons for?”
+
+“For grossly insulting me, and defying my authority.”
+
+“He has prevented your committing murder, if that’s what you mean. You
+ought to thank him.”
+
+“Take care, sir!” thundered the captain, “or I may put you in irons,
+also.”
+
+“I reckon you might find a little opposition,” said the Yankee,
+quietly. “I’m a passenger on this vessel, Captain Hill, and your
+authority doesn’t extend to me.”
+
+“We’ll see about that, sir,” said the captain, and he grasped Stubbs
+by the collar.
+
+Now, the Yankee was not a heavy man, but he was very strong and wiry,
+and, moreover, in his early days, like Abraham Lincoln, he had been
+the best wrestler in the Vermont village in which he was born. He was
+a very quiet, peaceable man, but he was accustomed to resent insult in
+an effective way. He wrenched himself free by a powerful effort; then,
+with a dexterous movement of one of his long legs, he tripped up the
+captain, who fell in a heap upon the deck. The shock, added to the
+effects of his intoxication, seemed to stupefy the captain, who
+remained where he fell.
+
+“Boys,” said Stubbs, coolly, to the two sailors, who had been ordered
+to put Harry in irons, “hadn’t you better help the captain into his
+cabin? He seems to be unwell.”
+
+Just then the mate came on deck. He didn’t make inquiries, but took in
+the situation at a glance, and assisted the captain to his feet.
+
+“Shall I help you downstairs, sir?” he asked.
+
+The captain silently acquiesced, and the prime actor in this rather
+startling scene left the deck.
+
+Jack Pendleton scrambled down from his elevated perch with the agility
+of a cat. He ran up to Harry, and grasped his hand with evident
+emotion.
+
+“You have saved my life!” he said. “I will always be your friend. I
+would lay down my life for you.”
+
+“It’s all right, Jack,” said Harry, rather shyly. “You would have done
+the same for me.”
+
+“Yes, I would,” answered Jack, heartily, “But there’s no one else who
+would have done it for me.”
+
+“Are you going to leave me out, my boy?” asked the Yankee, with a
+smile on his plain but good-natured face.
+
+“No, sir,” responded Jack. “You stood up to the captain like a man. He
+didn’t frighten you.”
+
+“No, I wasn’t much scared,” drawled Stubbs, contorting his features
+drolly. “But, I say, young man, I’ve got a piece of advice to give
+you. You don’t seem to be much of a favorite with the captain.”
+
+“It doesn’t look so,” said Jack, laughing in spite of the danger
+through which he had passed.
+
+“Just you keep out of his way as much as you can. When a man gets as
+full as he does, he’s apt to be dangerous.”
+
+“Thank you, sir; I will.”
+
+Among the spectators of the scene just described, the most
+panic-stricken, probably was Montgomery Clinton, the Brooklyn dude.
+
+After the captain had gone below, he walked up to Harry, whom he
+regarded with evident admiration.
+
+“I say, you’re quite a hero. I was awfully frightened, don’t you know,
+when that big bully aimed at the sailor boy.”
+
+“You looked a little nervous, Mr. Clinton,” said Harry, smiling.
+
+“You were awfully brave, to knock the pistol out of his hand. I don’t
+see how you dared to do it.”
+
+“I didn’t stop to think of danger. I saw that Jack’s life was in
+danger, and I did the only thing I could to save him.”
+
+“I’m glad you’re not put in irons. It must be awful to be in irons.”
+
+“I don’t think I should like it, though I never had any experience.
+You’d have stood by me, wouldn’t you, Mr. Clinton?”
+
+Clinton was evidently alarmed at the suggestion.
+
+“Yes, of course,” he said, nervously; “that is, I would have gone down
+to see you on the sly. You wouldn’t expect me to fight the captain,
+don’t you know.”
+
+Harry could hardly refrain from smiling at the idea of the
+spindle-shaped dude resisting the captain; but he kept a straight face
+as he answered:
+
+“I look upon you as a brave man, Mr. Clinton. When I get into trouble,
+I shall be sure to call upon you.”
+
+“Oh, certainly,” stammered Clinton. “But I say, Mr. Vane, I hope
+you’ll be prudent; I do, really. Captain Hill might shoot you, you
+know, as he tried to shoot the sailor boy just now.”
+
+“If he does, Mr. Clinton, I shall expect you to interfere, You are not
+as strong as the captain, but a bold front will go a great way. If you
+threaten to--to horsewhip him, I think it might produce an effect upon
+him.”
+
+“Really, my dear Mr. Vane,” said Clinton, turning pale, “I don’t think
+I could go as far as that.”
+
+“I thought you were my friend, Mr. Clinton,” said Harry,
+reproachfully.
+
+“So I am, but I think you are, too--too bloodthirsty, Mr. Vane. It is
+best to be prudent, don’t you know. There’s that Yankee, Mr. Stubbs;
+he would do a great deal better than I. He’s stronger, and older,
+and--you’d better speak to him, don’t you know.”
+
+“A very good suggestion, Mr. Clinton,” said Harry.
+
+“I am afraid I should fare badly,” thought our hero, “if I depended
+upon Clinton to stand by me. He isn’t of the stuff they make heroes
+of.”
+
+Twenty-four hours passed before Captain Hill reappeared on deck.
+Meanwhile Harry had received congratulations from all the passengers
+on his display of pluck, and from some of the sailors besides. In
+fact, if he had not been a sensible boy, he might have been in danger
+of being spoiled by praise. But he answered, very modestly, that he
+had only acted from impulse, actuated by a desire to save Jack, and
+had not had time to count the consequences.
+
+“I’ll stand by you, my lad,” said Hirman Stubbs. “The captain may try
+to do you wrong, but he will have somebody else to reckon with--I
+won’t see you hurt.”
+
+“Thank you, Mr. Stubbs,” said Harry, heartily. “I know the value of
+your help already. Mr. Clinton also is willing to stand by me, though
+he says he don’t want to get into a fight with the captain.”
+
+“Clinton! That spindle-legged dude!” said Stubbs, exploding with
+laughter. “My! he couldn’t scare a fly.”
+
+Harry laughed, too. He could not help doing so.
+
+“He seems a good fellow, though not exactly a hero,” he said. “I am
+glad to have his good will.”
+
+“He is more of a tailor’s dummy than a man,” said Stubbs. “I always
+want to laugh when I look at him. Hist! there’s the captain.”
+
+Harry turned quickly toward the companionway, and saw Captain Hill set
+foot on the deck. A glance satisfied him that the captain was sober.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+A STORM
+
+
+Captain Hill must have observed Harry and Mr. Stubbs, but walked by
+them without notice, and attended to his duties, giving his orders in
+a sharp quick tone. He was an experienced seaman, and thoroughly
+fitted for the post of chief, when not under the influence of liquor.
+
+“I am glad to see that the captain is sober,” said Stubbs, in a low
+voice.
+
+“So am I,” answered Harry.
+
+One change, all noticed in Captain Hill. He became silent, reserved,
+morose. His orders were given in a quick, peremptory tone, and he
+seemed to cherish a grudge against all on board. Some captains add
+much to the pleasure of the passengers by their social and cheery
+manners, but whenever Captain Hill appeared, a wet blanket seemed to
+fall on the spirits of passengers and crew, and they conversed in an
+undertone, as if under restraint.
+
+Between the captain and the mate there was a great difference.
+Mr. Holdfast had a bluff, hearty way with him, which made him popular
+with all on board. As an officer, he was strict, and expected his
+orders to be executed promptly, but in private he was affable and
+agreeable. The sailors felt instinctively that he was their friend,
+and regarded him with attachment, while they respected his seamanship.
+If a vote had been taken, there was not one but would have preferred
+him as captain to Captain Hill.
+
+Thus far--I am speaking of a time when the Nantucket was three months
+out--there had been no serious storm. Rough weather there had been,
+and wet, disagreeable weather, but the staunch ship had easily
+overcome all the perils of the sea, and, with the exception of
+Montgomery Clinton, no one had been seriously alarmed. But one
+afternoon a cloud appeared in the hitherto clear sky, which would have
+attracted no attention from a landsman. Mr. Holdfast observed it,
+however, and, quietly calling the captain, directed his attention to
+it.
+
+“I think we are going to have a bad storm, Captain Hill,” he said.
+“That’s a weather breeder.”
+
+The captain watched the cloud for a moment, and then answered,
+quietly: “I think you are right, Mr. Holdfast. You may give your
+orders accordingly.”
+
+The sails were reefed, and the vessel was prepared for the warfare
+with the elements which awaited it.
+
+The little cloud increased portentiously in size. All at once a strong
+wind sprang up, the sea roughened, and the billows grew white with
+fury, while the good ship, stanch as she was, creaked and groaned and
+was tossed as if it were a toy boat on the wrathful ocean.
+
+The passengers were all seriously alarmed. They had never before
+realized what a storm at sea was. Even a man of courage may well be
+daunted by the terrific power of the sea when it is roused to such an
+exhibition.
+
+“Harry,” said the professor, “this is terrible.”
+
+“Yes, indeed,” answered the boy, gravely.
+
+It became so rough and difficult to stand on deck, on account of the
+vessel being tossed about like a cockleshell, that Harry felt
+constrained to go below.
+
+As he passed the cabin of Montgomery Clinton, he heard a faint voice
+call his name.
+
+Entering, he saw the dude stretched out in his berth, with an
+expression of helpless terror in his weak face.
+
+“Oh! Mr. Vane,” he said; “do you think we are going to the bottom?”
+
+“I hope not, Mr. Clinton. Our officers are skillful men. They will do
+all they can for us.”
+
+It was a terrible night. None of the passengers ventured upon deck.
+Indeed, such was the motion that it would have been dangerous, as even
+the sailors found it difficult to keep their footing. Harry was pale
+and quiet, unlike his friend from Brooklyn, whose moans were heard
+mingled with the noise of the tempest.
+
+It was about three o’clock in the morning when those below heard, with
+terror, a fearful crash, and a trampling of feet above. One of the
+masts had fallen before the fury of the storm, and the shock made the
+good ship careen to a dangerous extent. What happened, however, was
+not understood below.
+
+“I wonder what has happened,” said the professor, nervously. “I think
+I will go up and see.”
+
+He got out of his berth, but only to be pitched helpless to the other
+end of the cabin.
+
+“This is terrible!” he said, as he picked himself up.
+
+“I will try my luck, professor,” said Harry.
+
+He scrambled out of his berth, and, with great difficulty, made his
+way upstairs.
+
+One glance told him what had occurred. The crippled ship was laboring
+through the sea. It seemed like a very unequal combat, and Harry might
+be excused for deciding that the ship was doomed. All about the sea
+wore its fiercest aspect. Harry returned cautiously to his cabin.
+
+“Well?” said the professor.
+
+“One of the masts is gone,” answered the boy. “The ship is having a
+hard time.”
+
+“Is there danger?” asked the professor, anxiously.
+
+“I am afraid so,” said Harry, gravely.
+
+At length the night wore away. The violence of the storm seemed to
+have abated, for, after a time, the motion diminished. More
+enterprising than the rest of the passengers, Harry resolved to go on
+deck.
+
+“Won’t you come with me, Mr. Clinton?” he asked.
+
+“I--I couldn’t, ‘pon my honor. I’m as weak as a rag. I don’t think I
+could get out of my berth, really, now.”
+
+“I’ll go with you, my young friend,” said Mr. Stubbs.
+
+Harry and his Yankee friend set foot cautiously on deck. The prospect
+was not reassuring. The ship rolled heavily, and from the creaking it
+seemed that the timbers of the hull were strained. The sailors looked
+fagged out, and there was a set, stern look on the face of the
+captain, whom, nevertheless, Mr. Stubbs ventured to accost.
+
+“What’s the prospect, captain?” he asked.
+
+“You’d better make your will,” said the captain, grimly.
+
+“That’s cheerful,” commented Stubbs, turning to Harry.
+
+“Yes, sir,” answered Harry, soberly.
+
+“Don’t tell our foppish friend below, or he’ll rend our ears with his
+howls. But you, my young friend, it’s rather rough on you. How old are
+you?”
+
+“Sixteen.”
+
+“And I’m rising fifty. Even if I am taken away, I’ve a good thirty
+years the advantage of you. I’ve had a good time, on the whole, and
+enjoyed myself as well as the average. Still, I don’t quite like going
+to the bottom in the Nantucket. I was looking forward to at least
+twenty years or so more of life.”
+
+“We must submit to the will of God,” said Harry.
+
+“You are quite right, my boy! It is easy to see that you have been
+well trained. Mr. Holdfast”--for they had reached the place where the
+mate was standing--“shall we outlive the storm?”
+
+“It is hard to say, Mr. Stubbs. It depends on the stanchness of the
+ship. We’ll do all we can.”
+
+Ten minutes later there was a sinister answer to the inquiry of
+Mr. Stubbs. A sailor, who had been sent down into the hold, came with
+the information that the ship had sprung a leak.
+
+Then commenced the weary work at the pumps. The sailors were already
+worn out with fighting the storm under the direction of the captain
+and mate, and it seemed almost more than flesh and blood could stand
+to undertake the additional labor.
+
+Harry and Mr. Stubbs had a hurried conference.
+
+“Can’t we help at this work, Mr. Stubbs?” asked Harry. “The poor men
+look utterly exhausted.”
+
+“Well thought of, my boy! I am with you. I will speak to the captain.”
+
+But Mr. Holdfast, the mate, chanced to be nearer, and to him
+Mr. Stubbs put the question:
+
+“Can’t I help at the pumps?”
+
+“And I, too, Mr. Holdfast,” put in Harry.
+
+“I accept your offer with thanks. The men are very tired.”
+
+So Harry and Mr. Stubbs helped at this necessary work, and when the
+professor and the Melbourne merchant heard of it they, too,
+volunteered. But Marmaduke Timmins, the valetudinarian, and Montgomery
+Clinton felt quite inadequate to the task.
+
+Harry found his work tiresome and fatiguing, but he had the comfort of
+feeling that he was relieving the exhausted sailors, and doing
+something to save his own life and the lives of his companions.
+
+He caught sight of poor Jack, looking ready to drop.
+
+“Jack, you must be very tired,” he said, in a tone of deep sympathy.
+
+“If I stood still I should drop on the deck fast asleep,” said Jack.
+
+“Can’t you lie down for an hour? I am taking your place.”
+
+Mr. Holdfast coming up at this moment, Harry suggested this to him,
+and the mate said kindly:
+
+“Jack, my lad, go below and catch a little nap. I will call you when I
+want you.”
+
+So Jack, much relieved, went below, and, without a thought of the
+danger, so fatigued was he, fell asleep the moment he got into his
+bunk, and was not called up for four hours.
+
+After a while they reduced the flow of water, but ascertained that the
+ship was badly strained, and by no means safe. It was not till the
+next day, however, that an important decision was reached.
+
+All were called on deck.
+
+“It is my duty to tell you,” said Captain Hill, “that the ship is so
+damaged by the recent storm that it is liable to sink at any time.
+Those who choose to run the risk may remain, however. I propose, with
+such as choose to join me, to take to the boats. I will give you
+fifteen minutes to decide.”
+
+Excitement and dismay were painted on the faces of all. The ship might
+be insecure, but to launch out upon the great ocean in a frail boat
+seemed to involve still greater danger.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+“WHO WILL STAY?”
+
+
+The decision was a momentous one. It might be death to remain on the
+ship, but to a landsman it seemed still more perilous to embark on an
+angry sea in a frail boat.
+
+The passengers looked at each other in doubt and perplexity.
+
+They had but fifteen minutes in which to make up their minds.
+
+The mate stood by, his face and manner serious and thoughtful.
+
+“Mr. Holdfast,” said Mr. Stubbs, “do you agree with the captain that
+it is our best course to take to the boats?”
+
+“I should prefer to try the ship a little longer. I say so with
+diffidence, since the captain has a longer experience than I.”
+
+“I don’t think much of your judgment, Mr. Holdfast,” said Captain
+Hill, in a tone of contempt.
+
+The mate’s face flushed--not so much at the words as the tone.
+
+“Nevertheless Captain Hill,” he said, “I stand by what I have said.”
+
+“Mr. Holdfast,” said Mr. Stubbs, who seemed to speak for the
+passengers, “if some of us decide to remain on the ship, will you
+remain with us?”
+
+“I will!” answered the mate, promptly.
+
+“Then set me down as the first to remain,” said Stubbs.
+
+Somehow this man, rough and abrupt as he was, had impressed Harry as a
+man in whom confidence might be reposed. He felt safe in following
+where he led.
+
+“I am but a boy,” he said, “but I have to decide for my life. I shall
+remain with the mate and Mr. Stubbs.”
+
+Quietly Stubbs shook hands with Harry.
+
+“I am glad to have you with us,” he said earnestly. “We will die or
+live together.”
+
+Next came Professor Hemenway.
+
+“Put me down as the third,” he said. “Harry, we sailed together, and
+we will remain together to the end.”
+
+“I go in the boat,” said John Appleton. “I have a great respect for
+Mr. Holdfast, but I defer to the captain’s judgment as superior.”
+
+He went over and ranged himself beside the captain.
+
+“You are a sensible man, sir,” said Captain Hill, with a scornful
+glance at the mate and the passengers who sided with him.
+“Mr. Holdfast can go down with the ship, if he desires. I prefer to
+cut loose from a doomed vessel.”
+
+Marmaduke Timmins, the invalid, looked more sallow and nervous than
+ever. He had swallowed a pill while the others were speaking, to give
+himself confidence.
+
+“I will go with the captain,” he said. “My life is likely to be short,
+for my diseases are many, but I owe it to myself to do my best to save
+it.”
+
+“In deciding to go with me, you are doing your best, sir,” said
+Captain Hill.
+
+He had not hitherto paid much attention to Mr. Timmins, whom he looked
+upon as a crank on the subject of health, but he was disposed to look
+upon him now with more favor.
+
+At this moment Montgomery Clinton appeared at the head of the stairs.
+The poor fellow was pale, and disheveled, and tottered from weakness.
+
+“What’s going on?” he asked, feebly. Harry took it upon himself to
+explain, using as few words as possible.
+
+“Will you go with the captain, or stay on the Nantucket?” asked Harry.
+
+“Really, I couldn’t stand sailing in a little boat, you know.”
+
+“That’s settled, then!” said the captain. “Into the boats with you!”
+
+The sailors and two passengers lowered themselves into the long boat,
+which was large enough to receive them all, till only Jack Pendleton
+and the captain remained.
+
+“Get in, boy!” said the captain, harshly.
+
+Jack stepped back, and said, manfully: “I will remain on board the
+ship, sir.”
+
+While this discussion had been going on, the boat was being stored
+with kegs of water and provisions, and soon after the sailors began to
+ply the oars.
+
+The little band that remained looked silently and solemnly, as they
+saw their late companions borne farther and farther away from them on
+the crested waves.
+
+“It’s a question which will last longer, the ship or the boat,” said
+Mr. Holdfast.
+
+“We must work--I know that,” said Mr. Stubbs. “Captain Holdfast, I
+salute you as my commander. Give us your orders.”
+
+“Are you all agreed, gentlemen?” asked Holdfast.
+
+“We are,” answered all except Montgomery Clinton, who was clinging to
+the side with a greenish pallor on his face.
+
+“Then I shall set you to work at the pumps. Jack I assign you and the
+professor to duty first. You will work an hour; then Mr. Stubbs and
+Mr. Vane will relieve you. I will look out for the vessel’s course.”
+
+“I am afraid I couldn’t pump,” said Montgomery Clinton. “I feel so
+awfully weak, you know, I think I’m going to die!”
+
+Harry looked out to sea and saw the little boat containing the remnant
+of their company growing smaller and smaller. A sudden feeling of
+loneliness overcame him, and he asked himself, seriously: “Is death,
+then, so near?”
+
+The sea was still rough, but the violence of the storm was past. In a
+few hours the surface of the sea was much less agitated. The spirits
+of the passengers rose, especially after learning from the mate that
+he had been able to stop the leak, through the experience which he
+acquired in his younger days as assistant to a ship carpenter.
+
+“Then the old ship is likely to float a while longer?” said
+Mr. Stubbs, cheerfully.
+
+“Not a short time, either, if the weather continues favorable.”
+
+“Captain Hill was in too much of a hurry to leave the vessel,”
+ remarked Harry.
+
+“Yes,” answered Holdfast. “Such was my opinion when I thought the
+Nantucket in much worse condition than at present. If the captain and
+sailors had remained on board, we could have continued our voyage to
+Melbourne without difficulty.
+
+“And now?” said Mr. Stubbs, interrogatively.
+
+“Now we have no force to man her. Little Jack and myself are the only
+sailors on board.”
+
+“But not the only men.”
+
+“That is true. I think, however, that you or the professor would find
+it rather hard to spread or take in sail.”
+
+Mr. Stubbs looked up into the rigging and shrugged his shoulders.
+
+The next day Mr. Clinton appeared on deck. He looked faded and played
+out, but he was no longer the woebegone creature of a day or two
+previous. Even he turned out to be of use, for he knew something about
+cooking, and volunteered to assist in preparing the meals, the ship’s
+cook having left the ship with the captain. Accordingly, he rose in
+the estimation of the passengers--having proved that he was not wholly
+a drone.
+
+Jack and Harry grew still more intimate. The young sailor was under no
+restraint now that the captain was not on board, for with the mate he
+had always been a favorite.
+
+All efforts were made to keep the ship on her course. They could not
+put up all the sails, however, and made but slow progress. They did
+little but drift. Nor did they encounter any other vessel for several
+days, so that there was no chance of obtaining the desired assistance.
+
+“I wonder where it will all end, Jack?” said Harry, one evening.
+
+“I don’t trouble myself much about that, Harry,” said the young
+sailor. “I am content as I am.”
+
+“Don’t you look ahead, then?”
+
+“I am happy with you and the few we have on board. They are kind to
+me; what more do I need?”
+
+“I can’t be contented so easily, Jack. I hope there is a long life
+before us. Here we are, making no progress. We are doing nothing to
+advance ourselves.”
+
+But this did not make much impression on Jack. He did not look beyond
+the present, and so that this was comfortable, he left the future to
+look out for itself.
+
+“What do you think has become of Captain Hill and his companions,
+Mr. Holdfast?” asked Mr. Stubbs, on the third evening after the
+separation.
+
+“He is probably still afloat, unless he has been fortunate enough to
+be picked up by some vessel.”
+
+“There is no hope of reaching land in the Nantucket is there,”
+ continued Mr. Stubbs.
+
+“There is considerable fear of it,” said the mate.
+
+“Why do you use the word fear?” asked Stubbs, puzzled.
+
+“What I mean is, that we are likely to run aground upon some unknown
+island. If the shore is rocky, it may break us to pieces, and that, of
+course, will be attended with danger to life or limb.”
+
+Stubbs looked thoughtful.
+
+“I should like to see land,” he said, “but I wouldn’t like to land in
+that way. It reminds me of an old lady who, traveling by cars for the
+first time, was upset in a collision. As she crawled out of the
+window, she asked, innocently: ‘Do you always stop this way?’”
+
+“There are dangers on land as well as on the sea,” said the mate, “as
+your story proves; though one is not so likely to realize them. In our
+present circumstances, there is one thing I earnestly hope for.”
+
+“What is that?”
+
+“That we may not have another storm. I fear, in her dismantled
+condition, the Nantucket would have a poor chance of outliving it,
+particularly as we have no one but Jack and myself to do seamen’s
+work.”
+
+Mr. Stubbs walked thoughtfully away.
+
+Harry, who had seen him talking with the mate, asked him what the
+nature of the conversation was.
+
+Mr. Stubbs told him.
+
+“The fact is, Harry,” he said, “we are in a critical condition.
+Whether we are ever to see old terry firmy again”--Mr. Stubbs was not
+a classical scholar--“seems a matter of doubt.”
+
+“And the worst of it is,” said Harry, “there seems to be nothing you
+or I can do to increase our chances of safety.”
+
+“No, unless we could manage to see a ship which the chief officer had
+overlooked. That, I take it, is not very likely.”
+
+It was toward morning of the fifth night after the captain had left
+the ship that all on board were startled by a mighty thumping,
+accompanied by a shock that threw the sleepers out of bed.
+
+Harry ran hastily on deck. The mate was there already.
+
+“What’s happened, Mr. Holdfast?” asked the boy, anxiously.
+
+“The ship has struck on a rocky ledge!”
+
+“Are we in danger?”
+
+“In great danger. Call all the passengers. We must take to the boat,
+for the Nantucket is doomed!”
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+THE WRECK OF THE NANTUCKET
+
+
+It was still quite dark, but it was light enough to see that the ship
+had struck upon a reef. Straining their eyes, the alarmed passengers
+could descry land. Indeed, the reef was an outlying part of it.
+
+All eyes were turned upon the captain, as Mr. Holdfast was now called.
+
+“If I had had men enough to stand watch, this would not have
+happened,” he said.
+
+“Is there any hope, Mr. Holdfast?” asked Montgomery Clinton, clasping
+his hands in terror.
+
+“Plenty of it,” answered the mate, curtly, “but we must leave the
+ship.”
+
+Under his direction the remaining boat--for Captain Hill and his
+companions had only taken away one--was lowered. Steering clear of the
+reef, they found themselves in a cove, bordered on three sides by
+land. By the light, now rapidly increasing, they saw grass and trees,
+and the sight gladdened them in spite of the grave peril that menaced
+them.
+
+They put in the boat as large a supply of stores as they dared, and
+then rowed ashore. Landing the passengers, Holdfast selected Jack and
+Harry, and went back to the ship for a further supply.
+
+“We must lay in as much as we can, for we don’t know how long we are
+to remain here,” he said.
+
+When the second trip had been made, it was decided to rest for a time
+and eat breakfast.
+
+The little group gathered on a bluff looking out to sea, and, sitting
+down, ate heartily. By this time the sun had made its appearance, and
+it bade fair to be a pleasant day.
+
+“Have you any idea where we are, Mr. Holdfast?” asked Mr. Stubbs.
+
+“I only know that we are on an island. There is no mainland near
+here,” answered the commander.
+
+“It seems to be a large one, then. While you were gone with the boys,
+I ascended a tree, and, looking inland, could not see the ocean in
+that direction.”
+
+“I feel like exploring the island,” said Harry; “who will go with me?”
+
+Curious to see what kind of a new home they had, all set out. First,
+however, the professor asked:
+
+“How long before the ship is likely to go to pieces, Mr. Holdfast?”
+
+“Not under a day or two in this weather,” was the answer. “Later in
+the day I will board her again.”
+
+They struck inland and walked for about two miles. There were trees
+and plants such as they had never seen before, and the songs of
+unknown birds floated out upon the air. It was certainly a delightful
+change from the contracted life they had been leading upon shipboard.
+
+“Do you think the island is inhabited?” asked Harry.
+
+“I know no more about it than you do, my lad,” answered Holdfast.
+
+“Suppose we should meet with a pack of savages armed with spears!”
+ suggested Harry, with a side look at Clinton, who was walking by him.
+
+“Oh, good gracious! Mr. Holdfast, do you think we will?” asked that
+young gentleman, nervously.
+
+“We must do the best we can. I take it we are all brave, and would be
+willing to fight.”
+
+After a considerable walk, they reached a grove of trees, bearing a
+different leaf from any to which they were accustomed. They did not
+appear to produce fruit of any kind, but were comely and afforded a
+grateful shade. This was the more appreciated, because the sun had
+begun to make its heat felt, and a feeling of languor diffused itself
+over all.
+
+“I move we squat here a while,” said Mr. Stubbs.
+
+“Very well,” said the mate. “We have all day before us, and I am
+afraid a great many more to come, in which we may explore the island.”
+
+All threw themselves on the grass without ceremony.
+
+They returned to the shore about noon, and sitting down on the bluff,
+ate heartily of the stores they had brought with them from the ship.
+They had brought no water, but, fortunately, discovered a spring on
+their homeward walk, which promised a constant supply of refreshing
+drink.
+
+“This seems a great deal like a picnic,” said Harry, as they sat down
+on the grass with the food in the center.
+
+“I am afraid it will prove a larger picnic than we care for,” remarked
+the professor.
+
+When dinner was over, if their informal meal can be dignified by that
+name, Mr. Holdfast said:
+
+“I think we had better make another trip to the ship, and bring back
+what we can. We shall need a further supply of provisions, and there
+will be other things that will occur to us as likely to be needed.”
+
+“May I go with you, Mr. Holdfast?” asked Harry.
+
+“Yes,” answered the mate; “I will take you and Jack, and Mr. Stubbs,
+too, may come, if he will.”
+
+“I am quite at your command, captain,” said the Yankee.
+
+Nothing suited Harry better than to make one of the expeditions. He
+and Jack clambered up the ship’s sides, and chased each other in
+boyish fun. Jack had no fear of a stern rebuke from Mr. Holdfast, who
+had a sympathy with the young. He would not have dared to take such
+liberties with Captain Hill.
+
+“How long do you think the ship will hold together, Mr. Holdfast?”
+ asked Stubbs.
+
+“For a week, perhaps, unless the sea becomes rough, and dashes her
+against the reef with violence.”
+
+“At present she seems motionless.”
+
+“Yes, she is not at present receiving any damage. It will be a sad day
+when she goes to pieces,” continued the mate, gravely.
+
+“Yes, but it will hardly make our position worse. There is no chance
+of our making any use of her, I take it.”
+
+“You don’t quite understand me,” said Holdfast. “A sailor gets to feel
+an attachment for the craft he sails on, and she seems to him
+something like a living creature. This is my first voyage on the old
+Nantucket, but it will grieve me to see her disappear.”
+
+It was not easy to decide of what the boat’s load should consist. In
+the main, provisions were taken as an article of first necessity. Some
+clothing, also, was selected, and among the rest, at Harry’s instance,
+an extra pair of Mr. Clinton’s trousers.
+
+It was decided not to make another trip to the ship that day.
+Mr. Holdfast expressed the opinion that the Nantucket was not in any
+immediate danger of going to pieces, and there was much other work in
+hand.
+
+“Do you know anything about the climate here, Mr. Holdfast?” asked the
+professor.
+
+“I don’t think it is ever cold. It is too far south for that.”
+
+“I mean as to the chance of rain. I am told that in these tropical
+places, rain comes on very suddenly at times.”
+
+“I suspect that this is the dry season, professor.”
+
+“Still, it may be wise to provide ourselves with some shelter.”
+
+“True; have you anything to suggest?”
+
+“It occurred to me that we might procure some of the sails, and use as
+a roof covering to shield us from the heat of the sun, and from any
+unexpected showers.”
+
+“A good idea. I am glad you mentioned it. On the whole, I think I will
+make one more trip to the ship this afternoon for the special purpose
+of bringing back materials for a roof. Then we can put it up
+to-night.”
+
+“Better bring hatchets, if there are any on board, some nails and
+cordage.”
+
+“Also well thought of. You are a practical man, professor.”
+
+“We shall all have to think for the general benefit. I am sorry I
+can’t do more work, but I never was handy with tools.”
+
+“I am,” said Stubbs. “In fact, most Yankees are, and I am a Yankee.
+You can command my services, Mr. Holdfast, in any way that you see
+fit.”
+
+Mr. Holdfast made another trip to the vessel, and brought back quite
+an expanse of sailcloth. All hands, with the exception of Mr. Clinton,
+went to work at once, and by sunset a considerable space was roofed
+over, which the little company regarded with complacency.
+
+“Aren’t you going to have any sides or doors?” asked Clinton.
+
+“That can be considered hereafter,” said Holdfast. “I don’t think we
+shall need any, since the probability is that the island is not
+inhabited.”
+
+The next morning a great surprise awaited them.
+
+It might have been because it was the first night on land, or perhaps
+because they were unusually fatigued, but at any rate the little party
+slept unusually late. The first one to awake was Harry Vane. It took
+very little time for him to dress, since he had only taken off his
+coat. He glanced at his slumbering companions, who were scattered
+about in different postures.
+
+“I’ll go up to the spring, and have a wash,” Harry decided. “I won’t
+wake anybody, for there’s no hurry about waking up.”
+
+Returning from the spring, Harry for the first time looked in the
+direction of the ship. What he saw filled him with amazement. The
+wreck which he had thought deserted, was alive with men. He saw a
+dozen on deck, including two who were obviously not sailors. He could
+not immediately discern the figures, and ran hastily to the top of the
+bluff. Then he made the startling discovery that these intruders were
+the captain and his companions, who had abandoned the ship in the
+expectation that it was doomed, and, after floating about in the long
+boat, had by a wonderful coincidence drifted to the very point which
+they themselves had reached.
+
+The news was too important to keep, and he returned to the encampment,
+and entering, approached the mate, who was sleeping soundly. He leaned
+over and shook him gently.
+
+“Mr. Holdfast!” he cried.
+
+The mate slowly opened his eyes and started up.
+
+“What’s the matter?” he asked. “Has anything happened?”
+
+“I’ve got great news for you, Mr. Holdfast. Captain Hill has arrived.”
+
+“What!” exclaimed the mate, in amazement. “Arrived--where?”
+
+“He is at this moment on the Nantucket, with all the men that
+accompanied him in the long boat.”
+
+Uttering an expression of amazement, Mr. Holdfast sprang from the
+ground, and hastily made his way to the edge of the bluff.
+
+“By Jove!” said he, “you’re right. I never heard of anything more
+wonderful.”
+
+Harry could not tell from the expression of his face whether he
+considered the news good or not.
+
+“Go and wake up the rest, Harry,” he said. “They will be surprised,
+too.”
+
+It is needless to say that the news produced surprise and excitement.
+All hurried to the edge of the bluff.
+
+“Will they come on shore, do you think?” asked Harry of the mate.
+
+“They will have to; but I shall at once go out to the ship and report
+to my superior officer. You and Jack may go with me.”
+
+It is needless to say that both boys were very glad to accept this
+invitation. The rest of the party remained on shore and watched the
+boat’s course.
+
+“What will be the issue of this, Mr. Stubbs?” asked the professor,
+thoughtfully.
+
+“I am afraid there will be friction. The captain is a natural despot,
+and he will undertake to control us.”
+
+“He can have no authority after the ship is wrecked.”
+
+“He will claim it, as sure as my name is Stubbs. The fact is, I am
+rather sorry he hadn’t managed to drift to another island.
+Mr. Holdfast is a much more agreeable man to deal with.”
+
+“I agree with you. As a passenger, I shall not recognize the captain’s
+authority on shore.”
+
+“Nor I.”
+
+Meanwhile, the mate and the two boys had pulled to the ship, and,
+securing the boat, scrambled on deck.
+
+“Good-morning, Captain Hill; I am glad to meet you once more,” said
+the mate.
+
+“Humph!” growled the captain, not over politely. “When did you reach
+here?”
+
+“Yesterday morning.”
+
+“Where are the rest of the party?”
+
+“We have a little camp just back of the bluff.”
+
+“I see you have been removing articles from the ship,” continued the
+captain, in a tone of disapproval.
+
+“Certainly,” answered the mate. “We need them, and I didn’t know how
+long the ship would last.”
+
+“It seems in no immediate danger of going to pieces.”
+
+“Things look more favorable than they did yesterday morning. What sort
+of a trip did you have in the boat?”
+
+“A curious question to ask,” said the captain, captiously. “We were in
+danger of being swamped more than once.”
+
+“We had better have remained on board the Nantucket with you,
+Mr. Holdfast,” said Appleton, the Melbourne merchant.
+
+Captain Hill chose to take offense at this remark.
+
+“You were quite at liberty to stay, Mr. Appleton,” he said. “I didn’t
+urge you to go with me.”
+
+“True, Captain Hill; but I trusted to your opinion that the ship was
+unsafe.”
+
+The captain looked angry, but did not make any reply.
+
+By the sailors Mr. Holdfast was warmly greeted. He was much better
+liked than the captain, being a man of even temper and reasonable in
+his demands.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE LAST OF THE “NANTUCKET”
+
+
+Though the mate had removed some of the stores, much the larger
+portion was left on board, for the Nantucket had been provisioned for
+a long voyage. Yet Captain Hill saw fit to complain.
+
+“It is fortunate that you didn’t take all the stores, Mr. Holdfast,”
+ he remarked, in a sarcastic tone.
+
+The mate eyed the captain steadily.
+
+“May I ask your meaning, Captain Hill?” he asked.
+
+“I mean what I say, sir. I think my language requires no interpreter.”
+
+“Then I can only reply that it would have made no difference if I had
+removed all the provisions.”
+
+“You appear to forget that I am your superior officer,” said the
+captain in a heat.
+
+“I had no superior officer at the time I ordered the removal.”
+
+“You have now, at any rate.”
+
+“We are not at sea, Captain Hill. The vessel is wrecked, and all
+distinctions are at an end. Now it is each for himself.”
+
+“So, sir, you defy my authority!” exclaimed the captain, looking
+black.
+
+“I don’t recognize it, that is all.”
+
+“You shall, sir!” retorted the captain, frowning. “You shall learn,
+also, that I have means to enforce it. I have nearly a dozen seamen
+under me, and you have only the boy, Jack Pendleton.”
+
+“Captain Hill, all this is very foolish. We are ship-wrecked, and have
+taken refuge on the same island. Instead of quarreling, we should help
+each other.”
+
+“So you presume to lecture me!” sneered the captain.
+
+Mr. Holdfast didn’t care to continue the dispute.
+
+“I am ready to help you remove what you require,” he said, quietly.
+“It will be well to remove as much as possible today, for we may at
+any time have a storm, that will effectually put an end to our work.”
+
+“Very well, sir; I am glad you show a better spirit.”
+
+The mate was both annoyed and amused at this evident intention to
+throw upon him the whole onus of the quarrel, but he did not care to
+reply. He and the two boys helped remove the stores, and it being
+quite early, by noon several boatloads had been deposited on shore, to
+be removed farther inland when there was a good opportunity. One thing
+Mr. Holdfast noted with apprehension. There was a considerable
+quantity of brandy and other spirits in the captain’s cabin, which he
+took care to have included in the articles removed. Remembering the
+captain’s weakness, he feared this might lead to trouble. But he did
+not take it upon himself to remonstrate, knowing that in the state of
+the captain’s feelings toward him it would be worse than useless.
+
+By three o’clock about all the stores, with other needful articles,
+had been removed, and there was a large pile on the bluff.
+
+“Captain, will you walk over and see my encampment?” asked Holdfast,
+now that there was leisure.
+
+“Lead on, sir,” said the captain, though not overpolitely. It was not
+far away, and a short walk brought them in front of it.
+
+“Perhaps you will feel inclined to settle near by,” suggested
+Holdfast.
+
+“No, sir; I don’t care to intrude upon you.”
+
+Eventually the captain selected a spot about half a mile away. Here an
+encampment was made, very similar to the mate’s but on a larger scale.
+
+“I am glad the captain is not close alongside,” said Jack Pendleton.
+
+“So am I,” answered Harry, to whom this remark was made. “We are
+better off by ourselves.”
+
+“He would be sure to interfere with us. I saw him scowling at me more
+than once this morning. You know he don’t like me.”
+
+“Nor me, either, Jack. It will be well for both of us to keep out of
+his way.”
+
+To the great delight of Clinton, more of his “wardrobe,” as he called
+it, was brought ashore. For this he was indebted to the good-natured
+persistence of Harry, who, though amused at the vanity of the young
+man from Brooklyn, felt disposed to gratify him in a harmless whim.
+
+The two parties remained apart, the original company remaining with
+the captain, while four passengers and Jack Pendleton stayed with the
+mate. Captain Hill showed a disposition to claim Jack, but Holdfast
+said, quietly: “I think captain, Jack had better stay with me for the
+present, as he is company for Harry Vane.”
+
+The captain looked dissatisfied, but was too tired to remonstrate at
+that time. He went to his own encampment, and indulged in liberal
+potations of brandy, which had the effect of sending him to sleep.
+
+That night a violent wind sprang up. It blew from the sea inland, and
+though it did not affect the ship-wrecked parties or their encampment
+seriously, on account of their being screened by the intervening
+bluff, it had another effect which a day or two previous might have
+been disasterous. The ill-fated Nantucket was driven with such force
+against the reef that the strength of its hull was overtaxed. When the
+mate went to the bluff in the morning to take an observation, he was
+startled to find in place of the wreck a confused debris of timbers
+and fragments of the wreck.
+
+As the mate was surveying the scene of ruin, Jack and Harry joined
+him.
+
+“Look there, my lads!” said Holdfast. “That’s the last of the poor old
+Nantucket. She will never float again.”
+
+They had known this before, but it was now impressed upon their minds
+forcibly, and a feeling of sadness came over the three.
+
+“That settles it,” said Harry, giving expression to a common feeling.
+“We are prisoners on the island now, and no mistake.”
+
+“When we leave here, it won’t be on the Nantucket, anyway,” said Jack.
+
+“It is lucky this happened after we had brought our stock of
+provisions ashore,” said the mate.
+
+“Let us go down and see what these kegs and boxes contain,” suggested
+Harry.
+
+So the three descended to the reef, and began to examine the articles
+thrown ashore. For the most part they were of little value, though
+here and there were articles that might prove useful.
+
+“Couldn’t we make a raft out of the timbers of the old ship?” asked
+Jack.
+
+“That is worth thinking of, though a raft would not do for a long
+voyage,” said Holdfast. “No, but we might be picked up.”
+
+“When the captain’s party is awake it will be well for us to haul the
+loose timbers up to a place of safety.”
+
+“Here’s Clinton’s trunk,” said Harry, bending over and recognizing the
+initials. “Here is the name, ‘M. C., Brooklyn.’ He will be overjoyed.
+Suppose we take it up between us.”
+
+No opposition being made by Mr. Holdfast, the boys took the trunk up
+between them, preceding the mate. They had just reached the summit of
+the bluff.
+
+“Put down that trunk!” said a stern voice.
+
+Looking up, the boys saw that the speaker was Captain Hill.
+
+The captain’s face was of dull, brick-red, and it was clear that he
+had already been drinking, early as it was. Naturally the boys, on
+hearing his voice, put down the trunk in their surprise, but they
+maintained their position, one on each side of it. Of the two, Jack
+was the more impressed, having been one of the crew, and subject to
+the captain’s authority on shipboard. Harry, as a passenger, felt more
+independent. Indeed, he was indignant, and ready to resist what he
+thought uncalled-for interference on the part of the captain.
+
+“This is Mr. Clinton’s trunk,” he said. “We are going to carry it to
+him.”
+
+“Do you dare to dispute my authority?” roared the captain, his red
+face becoming still redder.
+
+“I don’t see what you have to do with the trunk,” answered Harry,
+boldly.
+
+“This to me!” shrieked the captain, looking as if he were going to
+have a fit of apoplexy. “Do you know who I am?”
+
+“You were the captain of the Nantucket,” said Harry, quietly.
+
+The captain, notwithstanding his inebriated condition, did not fail to
+notice that Harry used the past tense.
+
+“I am still the captain of the Nantucket, as I mean to show you,” he
+retorted.
+
+“Then, sir, you are captain of a wreck that has gone to pieces.”
+
+Captain Hill upon this looked at the fragments of the unfortunate
+ship, and for the first time took in what had happened.
+
+“It doesn’t matter,” said he, after a brief pause, “I am in command
+here, and”--here he interpolated an oath--“I don’t allow any
+interference with my authority.”
+
+“You are not captain of Mr. Clinton’s trunk,” said Harry, in a
+spirited tone. “Jack, let us carry it along.”
+
+This was too much for the captain. With a look of fury on his face, he
+dashed toward Harry, and there is no doubt that our hero was in
+serious danger. He paled slightly, for he knew he was no match for the
+tall, sinewy captain, and was half regretting his independence when he
+felt himself drawn forcibly to one side, and in his place stood the
+mate, sternly eyeing the infuriated captain.
+
+“What do you want to do, Captain Hill?” he asked.
+
+“To crush that young viper!” shouted the captain, fiercely.
+
+“You shall not harm a hair of his head!”
+
+By this time the captain’s wrath had been diverted to the mate. He
+struck out with his right hand, intending to fell him to the ground,
+but, the mate swerving, he fell from the force of his abortive blow,
+and, being under the influence of his morning potations, could not
+immediately rise.
+
+“Boys,” said Mr. Holdfast, “you may take hold of the trunk again and
+go on with it. Don’t be afraid. If the captain makes any attempt to
+assault you, he will have me to deal with.”
+
+Harry and Jack did as directed. Jack, however, could not help feeling
+a little nervous, his old fear of the captain asserting itself. But
+Harry, confident in the protection of his good friend, the mate, was
+quite unconcerned.
+
+Mr. Holdfast walked on beside them.
+
+“The captain seems disposed to make trouble,” he said. “He fancies
+that he is captain of this island, as he was chief officer of the
+Nantucket. I shall convince him of his mistake.”
+
+“I hope you won’t get into any trouble on my account, Mr. Holdfast,”
+ said Harry, considerately.
+
+“Thank you, my lad; but Tom Holdfast doesn’t propose to let any man
+walk over him, even if it is his old skipper. Now that the ship is
+gone, Captain Hill has no more authority here than I have.”
+
+As the captain fell, his head came in contact with a timber with such
+violence that, combined with his condition, he was forced to lie where
+he fell for over an hour.
+
+As the boys emerged upon the bluff with the trunk, Clinton, who had
+just got up, recognized it, and ran up to them, his face beaming with
+delight.
+
+“Oh, Mr. Vane!” he said, “have you really brought my trunk? You are
+awfully kind.”
+
+Then they had breakfast--a very plain meal, as might be supposed. Some
+of the sailors came over from the other camp, and one of them asked
+Mr. Holdfast if he had seen the captain.
+
+“You will find him on the beach,” answered the mate. “He has been
+carrying too much sail, I think,” he added, dryly.
+
+After a while the captain picked himself up, and gazed moodily at the
+wreck, of which so little remained. Then, the events of the morning
+recurring to him, he frowned savagely, and, turning toward the bluff,
+he shook his fist angrily in the direction of the mate’s encampment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+CONCLUSION
+
+
+Among the sailors was an Italian named Francesco. Probably he had
+another name, but no one knew what it was. In fact, a sailor’s last
+name is very little used. He was a man of middle height, very swarthy,
+with bright, black eyes, not unpopular, for the most part, but with a
+violent temper. His chief fault was a love of strong drink. On board
+the Nantucket grog had been served to the crew; and with that he had
+been content. But at the time of the wreck no spirits had been saved
+but the captain’s stock of brandy. Francesco felt this to be a great
+hardship. More than any other sailor he felt the need of his usual
+stimulant. It was very tantalizing to him to see the captain partaking
+of his private stock of brandy while he was compelled to get along on
+water.
+
+“The captain is too mucha selfish,” he said one day to a
+fellow-sailor. “He should share his brandy with the men.”
+
+Ben Brady, the sailor to whom he was speaking, shrugged his shoulders.
+
+“I think I will try some of the captain’s brandy when he is away,”
+ said Francesco, slyly.
+
+“If you do, you will get into trouble. The captain will half murder
+you if he finds it out.”
+
+“He is not captain now--we are all equal--all comrades. We are not on
+ze sheep.”
+
+“Take my advice, Francesco, and leave the brandy alone.”
+
+Francesco did not reply, but he became more and more bent on his
+design.
+
+He watched the captain, and ascertained where he kept his secret
+store. Then he watched his opportunity to help himself. It was some
+time before he had an opportunity to do so unobserved, but at length
+the chance came.
+
+The first draught brought light to his eyes, and made him smack his
+lips with enjoyment. It was so long since he had tasted the forbidden
+nectar that he drank again and again. Finally he found himself
+overcome by his potations, and sank upon the ground in a drunken
+stupor.
+
+He was getting over the effects when, to his ill-luck, the captain
+returned from his usual solitary ramble.
+
+“He has been at my brandy!” Captain Hill said to himself, with flaming
+eyes. “The fool shall pay dearly for his temerity.”
+
+He advanced hastily to the prostrate man, and administered a severe
+kick, which at once aroused the half-stupefied man.
+
+Francesco looked up with alarm, for the captain was a much larger and
+stronger man than himself.
+
+“Pardon, signor captain,” he entreated.
+
+“You have been drinking my brandy, you beast,” said Captain Hill,
+furiously.
+
+I draw a veil over the brutal treatment poor Francesco received. When
+it was over he crawled away, beaten and humiliated, but in his eye
+there was a dangerous light that boded no good to the captain.
+
+Presently Francesco began to absent himself. Where he went no one knew
+or cared, but he, too, would be away all day. His small, black eyes
+glowed with smoldering fires of hatred whenever he looked at the
+captain, but his looks were always furtive, and so for the most part
+escaped observation.
+
+One day Captain Hill stood in contemplation on the edge of a
+precipitous bluff, looking seaward. His hands were folded, and he
+looked thoughtful. His back was turned, so he could not, therefore,
+see a figure stealthily approaching, the face distorted by murderous
+hate, the hand holding a long, slender knife. Fate was approaching him
+in the person of a deadly enemy. He did not know that day by day
+Francesco had dogged his steps, watching for the opportunity which had
+at last come.
+
+So stealthy was the pace, and so silent the approach of the foe, that
+the captain believed himself wholly alone till he felt a sharp lunge,
+as the stiletto entered his back between his shoulders. He staggered,
+but turned suddenly, all his senses now on the alert, and discovered
+who had assailed him.
+
+“Ha! it is you!” he exclaimed wrathfully, seizing the Italian by the
+throat. “Dog, what would you do?”
+
+“Kill you!” hissed the Italian, and with the remnant of his strength
+he thrust the knife farther into his enemy’s body.
+
+The captain turned white, and he staggered, still standing on the
+brink of the precipice.
+
+Perceiving it, and not thinking of his own danger, Francesco gave him
+a push, and losing his balance the captain fell over the edge, a
+distance of sixty feet, upon the jagged rocks beneath. But not alone!
+Still retaining his fierce clutch upon the Italian’s throat, the
+murderer, too, fell with him, and both were stretched in an instant,
+mangled and lifeless, at the bottom of the precipice.
+
+When night came, and neither returned, it was thought singular, but
+the night was dark, and they were unprovided with lanterns, so that
+the search was postponed till morning. It was only after a search of
+several hours that the two were found.
+
+After the captain’s death two distinct camps were still maintained,
+but the most cordial relations existed between them. At the suggestion
+of the mate, an inventory was made of the stock of provisions, and to
+each camp was assigned an amount proportioned to the number of men
+which it contained.
+
+There was no immediate prospect of want. Still, the more prudent
+regarded with anxiety the steady diminution of the stock remaining,
+and an attempt to eke them out by fresh fish caught off the island.
+But the inevitable day was only postponed. At length only a week’s
+provisions remained. The condition was becoming serious.
+
+“What shall we do?” was the question put to Mr. Holdfast, who was now
+looked upon by all as their leader and chief.
+
+Upon this the mate called a general meeting of all upon the island,
+sailors and passengers alike.
+
+“My friends,” he said, “it is useless to conceal our situation. We are
+nearly out of provisions, and though we may manage to subsist upon the
+fish we catch, and other esculents native to this spot, it will be a
+daily fight against starvation. I have been asked what we are to do. I
+prefer rather to call for suggestions from you. What have you to
+suggest?”
+
+“In my view there are two courses open to us,” said Mr. Stubbs,
+finding that no one else appeared to have anything to propose. “We
+must remain here and eat the rest of our provisions, but there seems
+very little chance of our attracting the attention of any passing
+vessel. We appear to be out of the ordinary course. Of course, it is
+possible that some ship may have passed the island without attracting
+our notice. What is your opinion, Mr. Holdfast?”
+
+“The flag of the Nantucket, as you know, has floated night and day
+from a pole erected on a high bluff,” said the mate. “The chances are
+that if any vessel had come sufficiently near it would have attracted
+attention, and led to a boat being lowered, and an exploring party
+sent thither.”
+
+“While we’ve got any provisions left,” said the boatswain, “let us
+take the boats, and pull out to sea. We can go where the ships are,
+and then we’ll have some chance. They’ll never find us here,
+leastways, such is my opinion.”
+
+“My friends,” said the mate, “you have heard the proposal made by the
+boatswain. All who are in favor of it will please raise their right
+hand.”
+
+All voted in the affirmative.
+
+“My friends,” said Mr. Holdfast, “it seems to be the unanimous
+sentiment that we leave the island, and sail out far enough to be in
+the course of passing vessels. I concur in the expediency of this
+step, and am ready to command one of the boats. Mr. Harrison will
+command the other.”
+
+“How soon shall we start?” asked a passenger.
+
+“The sooner the better! To-morrow morning, if it is pleasant.”
+
+This decision pleased all. Something was to be done, and hope was
+rekindled in the breasts of all. Heretofore they had been living on,
+without hope or prospect of release. Now they were to set out boldly,
+and though there was the possibility of failure, there was also a
+chance of deliverance.
+
+No sooner was the decision made than all hands went to work to prepare
+for embarking.
+
+In the appointment of passengers, Mr. Holdfast, who commanded the long
+boat, retained Harry, the professor and Clinton. Six sailors,
+including Jack Pendleton, made up the complement.
+
+“I am glad you are going to be with us, Jack,” said Harry, joyfully.
+“I shouldn’t like to be separated from you.”
+
+“Nor I from you, Harry,” returned Jack.
+
+At eight o’clock the next morning they started. As the island faded in
+the distance, all looked back thoughtfully at their sometime home.
+
+Three days the boats floated about on the bosom of the ocean--three
+days and nights of anxiety, during which no sail was visible. But at
+length a ship was sighted.
+
+“In one way or another we must try to attract attention,” said the
+mate.
+
+Not to protract the reader’s suspense, let me say that by great good
+fortune the mate of the approaching ship, in sweeping the ocean with
+his glass caught sight of the two boats, and changed the course of the
+vessel so as to fall in with them.
+
+“Who are you?” he hailed.
+
+“Shipwrecked sailors and passengers of the ship Nantucket,” was the
+answer of Mr. Holdfast.
+
+They were taken on board, and discovered that the vessel was the
+Phocis, from New York, bound for Melbourne.
+
+“We shall reach our destination after all, then, professor,” said
+Harry, “and you will be able to give your entertainments as you at
+first proposed.”
+
+Professor Hemenway shook his head.
+
+“I shall take the first steamer home,” he said. “My wife will be
+anxious about me, and even now is in doubt whether I am alive or dead.
+You can return with me, if you like.”
+
+“No,” answered Harry. “After the trouble I have had in getting to
+Australia, I mean to stay long enough to see what sort of a country it
+is. I think I can make a living in one way or another, and if I can’t,
+I will send to America for the money I have there.”
+
+In due time they reached Melbourne, without further mischance. Harry
+induced Jack to remain with him, but Mr. Clinton, with a new stock of
+trousers, purchased in Melbourne, returned to America on the same
+steamer with the professor.
+
+Here we leave Harry and Jack to pursue their course to such eminence
+as they may desire from the characteristics they have portrayed in
+this narrative.
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Facing the World, by Horatio Alger
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+    <title>
+      Facing the World, by Horatio Alger, Jr.
+    </title>
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+
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+    P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; }
+    H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; }
+    hr  { width: 50%; text-align: center;}
+    .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; }
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Facing the World, 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: Facing the World
+
+Author: Horatio Alger
+
+
+Release Date: September, 2004 [EBook #6461]
+This file was first posted on December 17, 2002
+Last Updated: January 10, 2019
+
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FACING THE WORLD ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Karen Fabrizius, 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>
+      FACING THE WORLD
+    </h1>
+    <h2>
+      By Horatio Alger, Jr.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CONTENTS</b>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I -- HARRY RECEIVES A LETTER </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II -- THE DANGER SIGNAL </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III -- HARRY DISAGREES WITH HIS GUARDIAN </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV -- MRS. FOX COMES TO GRIEF </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V -- MR. FOX LEARNS HARRY’S SECRET </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI -- AN EXCITING CHASE</a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII -- A NEW ENGAGEMENT </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII -- A LIBERAL OFFER </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX -- THE PASSENGERS </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X -- THE YOUNG SAILOR </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI -- A SENSATIONAL SCENE </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII -- A STORM </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII -- “WHO WILL STAY?” </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV -- THE WRECK OF THE NANTUCKET </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV -- THE LAST OF THE “NANTUCKET” </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI -- CONCLUSION</a>
+    </p>
+
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      PREFACE
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Horatio Alger, Jr., in &ldquo;Facing the World,&rdquo; gives us as his hero a boy
+      whose parents have both died and the man appointed as his guardian is
+      unjust and unkind to him. In desperation he runs away and is very
+      fortunate in finding a true friend in a man who aids him and makes him his
+      helper in his work as magician.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They travel over the country and have many interesting experiences, some
+      narrow escapes and thrilling adventures.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <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>
+      HARRY RECEIVES A LETTER
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Here&rsquo;s a letter for you, Harry,&rdquo; said George Howard. &ldquo;I was passing the
+      hotel on my way home from school when Abner Potts called out to me from
+      the piazza, and asked me to bring it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The speaker was a bright, round-faced boy of ten. The boy whom he
+      addressed was five or six years older. Only a week previous he had lost
+      his father, and as the family consisted only of these two, he was left, so
+      far as near relatives were concerned, alone in the world.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Immediately after the funeral he had been invited home by Mr. Benjamin
+      Howard, a friend of his father, but in no manner connected with him by
+      ties of relationship.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You can stay here as long as you like, Harry,&rdquo; said Mr. Howard, kindly.
+      &ldquo;It will take you some time to form your plans, perhaps, and George will
+      be glad to have your company.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, Mr. Howard,&rdquo; said Harry, gratefully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Shall you look for some employment here?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; my father has a second cousin in Colebrook, named John Fox. Before he
+      died he advised me to write to Mr. Fox, and go to his house if I should
+      receive an invitation.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope for your sake, he will prove a good man. What is his business?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know, nor did my father. All I know is, that he is considered a
+      prosperous man. This letter is from him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      It was inclosed in a brown envelope, and ran as follows:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;HARRY VANE: I have received your letter saying that your father wants me
+      to be your guardeen. I don&rsquo;t know as I have any objections, bein&rsquo; a
+      business man it will come easy to me, and I think your father was wise to
+      seleck me. I am reddy to receave you any time. You will come to Bolton on
+      the cars. That is eight miles from here, and there is a stage that meats
+      the trane. It wouldn&rsquo;t do you any harm to walk, but boys ain&rsquo;t so active
+      as they were in my young days. The stage fare is fifty cents, which I
+      shall expect you to pay yourself, if you ride.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is one thing you don&rsquo;t say anything about&mdash;how much proparty
+      your pa left. I hope it is a good round sum, and I will take good care of
+      it for you. Ennybody round here will tell you that John Fox is a good man
+      of business, and about as sharp as most people. Mrs. Fox will be glad to
+      see you, and my boy, Joel, will be glad to have someone to keep him
+      company. He is about sixteen years old. You don&rsquo;t say how old you are, but
+      from your letter I surmise that you are as much as that. You will find a
+      happy united famerly, consistin&rsquo; of me and my wife, Joel and his sister,
+      Sally. Sally is fourteen, just two years younger than Joel. We live in a
+      comfortable way, but we don&rsquo;t gorge ourselves on rich, unhelthy food. No
+      more at present. Yours to command,
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      &ldquo;JOHN FOX.&rdquo;
+     </h3>
+    <p>
+      Harry smiled more than once as he read this letter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your relative isn&rsquo;t strong on spelling,&rdquo; remarked Mr. Howard, as he laid
+      the letter on the table.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; but he appears to be strong on economy. It is a comfort to know
+      that I shall not be injured by &lsquo;rich, unhelthy food.&rsquo;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;When do you mean to start for Colebrook?&rdquo; asked Mr. Howard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To-morrow morning. I have been looking at a railroad guide, and I find it
+      will bring me to Colebrook in time for supper.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We should be glad to have you stay with us as long as possible, Harry.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, Mr. Howard, I don&rsquo;t doubt that, but the struggle of life is
+      before me, and I may as well enter upon it at once.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      At four o&rsquo;clock in the afternoon the conductor of the train on which Harry
+      was a passenger called out Bolton.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry snatched up his carpetbag, and made his way to the door, for this
+      was the place where he was to take the stage for Colebrook.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Two other passengers got out at the same time. One was an elderly man, and
+      the other a young man of twenty-five. They appeared to be father and son,
+      and, as Harry learned afterward they were engaged in farming.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Any passengers for Colebrook?&rdquo; inquired the driver of the old-fashioned
+      Concord stage, which was drawn up beside the platform.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There&rsquo;s Obed and me,&rdquo; said the old farmer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;May I ride on the seat with you?&rdquo; asked Harry of the driver.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Sartain. Where are you going?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To Colebrook.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then this is your team.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry climbed up with a boy&rsquo;s activity, and sat down on the broad seat,
+      congratulating himself that he would have a chance to see the country, and
+      breathe better air than those confined inside.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Soon the driver sat down on the box beside him, and started the horses.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;re a stranger, ain&rsquo;t you?&rdquo; he remarked, with an inquisitive glance at
+      his young traveling companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; I&rsquo;ve never been here before.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you going to the tavern?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; I&rsquo;m going to the house of Mr. John Fox. Do you know him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I reckon everybody round here knows John Fox.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know him. He is to be my guardian.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Sho! You&rsquo;ll have a queer guardeen.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why queer?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The fact is, old John&rsquo;ll cheat you out of your eye teeth ef he gets a
+      chance. He&rsquo;s about the sharpest man round.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He can&rsquo;t cheat me out of much,&rdquo; returned Harry, not especially reassured
+      by this remark. &ldquo;What is the business of Mr. Fox?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, he&rsquo;s got some land, but he makes his livin&rsquo; chiefly by tradin&rsquo;
+      hosses, auctioneerin&rsquo;, and such like.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What sort of a woman is Mrs. Fox?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She&rsquo;s a good match for the old man. She&rsquo;s about as mean as he is.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Fox wrote me that he had two children.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, there&rsquo;s Joel&mdash;he&rsquo;s about your age. He&rsquo;s a chip of the old block&mdash;red-headed
+      and freckled, just like the old man. I don&rsquo;t believe Joel ever spent a
+      cent in his life. He hangs on to money as tight as ef his life depended on
+      it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There&rsquo;s a girl, too, isn&rsquo;t there?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, Sally. She looks like her ma, except she&rsquo;s red-headed like her pa.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;m glad to know something of the family, but I&rsquo;m afraid I shan&rsquo;t enjoy
+      myself very much among the Foxes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      With such conversation Harry beguiled the way. On the whole, he enjoyed
+      the ride. There were hills and here and there the road ran through the
+      woods. He could hear the singing of birds, and, notwithstanding what he
+      had heard he felt in good spirits.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At length the stage entered the village of Colebrook. It was a village of
+      moderate size&mdash;about two hundred houses being scattered over a tract
+      half a mile square. Occupying a central position was the tavern, a square,
+      two-story building, with a piazza in front, on which was congregated a
+      number of villagers. After rapidly scanning them, the driver said:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you see that tall man over there leanin&rsquo; against a post?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s your guardeen! That&rsquo;s John Fox himself, as large as life, and just
+      about as homely.&rdquo;
+     </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>
+      THE DANGER SIGNAL
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      The man pointed out to Harry as his guardian was tall, loosely put
+      together, with a sharp, thin visage surrounded by a thicket of dull-red
+      hair. He came forward as Harry jumped to the ground after descending from
+      the elevated perch, and said: &ldquo;I reckon this is Harry Vane?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is my name, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Glad to see you. Just take your traps, and come along with me. Mrs. Fox
+      will have supper ready by the time we come.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry was not, on the whole, attracted by the appearance of his guardian.
+      There was a crafty look about the eyes of Mr. Fox which seemed to make his
+      name appropriate. He surveyed his young ward critically.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;re pretty well grown,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And look stout and strong.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I believe I am both.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My boy, Joel, is as tall as you, but not so hefty. He&rsquo;s goin&rsquo; to be tall
+      like me. He&rsquo;s a sharp boy&mdash;Joel.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way, you didn&rsquo;t write how much property your father left.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;After the funeral bills are paid, I presume there&rsquo;ll be only about three
+      hundred dollars left.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Fox stopped short and whistled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Father hadn&rsquo;t much talent at making money,&rdquo; said Harry, soberly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should say not. Why, that money won&rsquo;t last you no time at all.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am old enough to work for a living. Isn&rsquo;t there something I can find to
+      do in Colebrook?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I guess I can give you work myself&mdash;There&rsquo;s always more or less to
+      do &lsquo;round a place. I keep a man part of the time, but I reckon I can let
+      him go and take you on instead. You see, that will count on your board,
+      and you don&rsquo;t want to spend your money too fast.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well, sir. There&rsquo;s only one thing I will stipulate; I will wait a
+      day or two before going to work. I want to look about the place a little.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      While this conversation was going on, they had traveled a considerable
+      distance. A little distance ahead appeared a square house, painted yellow,
+      with a barn a little back on the left, and two old wagons alongside.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s my house,&rdquo; said John Fox. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s Joel.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Joel, a tall boy in figure, like his father, came forward and eyed Harry
+      with sharp curiosity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How are ye?&rdquo; said Joel, extending a red hand, covered with warts.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Pretty well, thank you,&rdquo; said Harry, not much attracted to his new
+      acquaintance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Here&rsquo;s Sally, too!&rdquo; said John Fox. &ldquo;Sally, this is my ward, Harry Vane.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Sally, who bore a striking family resemblance to her father and brother,
+      giggled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Fox, to whom Harry was introduced at the supper table, was as
+      peculiar in her appearance and as destitute of beauty as the rest of the
+      family.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The next day, Harry, feeling it must be confessed, rather homesick,
+      declined Joel&rsquo;s company, and took an extended stroll about the town. He
+      found that though the railway by which he had come was eight miles
+      distant, there was another, passing within a mile of the village. He
+      struck upon it, and before proceeding far made a startling discovery.
+      There had been some heavy rains, which had washed out the road for a
+      considerable distance, causing the track to give way.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good heavens!&rdquo; thought Harry, &ldquo;if a train comes over the road before this
+      is mended, there&rsquo;ll be a wreck and loss of life. What can I do?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Just across the field stood a small house. In the yard the week&rsquo;s washing
+      was hung out. Among the articles was a red tablecloth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;May I borrow that tablecloth?&rdquo; asked Harry, in excitement, of a woman in
+      the doorway.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Land sakes! what for?&rdquo; she asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To signal the train. The road&rsquo;s washed away.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, yes; I&rsquo;m expectin&rsquo; my darter on that train,&rdquo; answered the woman, now
+      as excited as our hero. &ldquo;Hurry up! the train&rsquo;s due in fifteen minutes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Seizing the tablecloth, Harry gathered it quickly into a bundle and ran
+      back to the railroad. He hurried down the track west of a curve which was
+      a few hundred feet beyond the washout, and saw the train coming at full
+      speed. He jumped on a fence skirting the tracks, and waved the tablecloth
+      wildly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will they see it?&rdquo; he asked himself, anxiously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was an anxious moment for Harry as he stood waving the danger signal,
+      uncertain whether it would attract the attention of the engineer. It did!
+      The engineer, though not understanding the meaning of the signal, not
+      knowing indeed, but it might be a boy&rsquo;s freak, prudently heeded it, and
+      reversing the engine, stopped the train a short distance of the place of
+      danger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank God!&rdquo; exclaimed Harry, breathing a deep sigh of relief.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The engineer alighted from the train, and when he looked ahead, needed no
+      explanation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My boy!&rdquo; he said, with a shudder, &ldquo;you have saved the train.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad of it, sir. My heart was in my mouth, lest you should not see
+      my signal.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      By this time the passengers, whose curiosity had been roused by the sudden
+      halt, began to pour out of the cars.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When they saw the washout, strong men turned pale, and ladies grew faint,
+      while many a fervent ejaculation of gratitude was heard at the wonderful
+      escape.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We owe our lives to this boy!&rdquo; said the engineer. &ldquo;It was he who stood on
+      the fence and signaled me. We owe our deliverance to this&mdash;tablecloth.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      A small man, somewhat portly, pushed his way up to Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is your name, my lad?&rdquo; he asked, brusquely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Harry Vane.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am the president and leading stockholder of the road, and my property
+      has come very near being the death of me. Gentlemen&rdquo;&mdash;here the
+      president turned to the group of gentlemen around him&mdash;&ldquo;don&rsquo;t you
+      think this boy deserves a testimonial?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, yes!&rdquo; returned the gentlemen, in chorus.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So do I, and I lead off with a subscription of twenty dollars.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      One after another followed the president&rsquo;s lead, the president himself
+      making the rounds bareheaded, and gathering the contributions in his hat.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, sir!&rdquo; said Harry, as soon as he understood what was going forward,
+      &ldquo;don&rsquo;t reward me for what was only my duty. I should be ashamed to accept
+      anything for the little I have done.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You may count it little to save the lives of a train full of people,&rdquo;
+       said the president, dryly, &ldquo;but we set a slight value upon our lives and
+      limbs. Are you rich?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So I thought. Well, you needn&rsquo;t be ashamed to accept a little testimonial
+      of our gratitude. You must not refuse.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      When all so disposed had contributed, the president gathered the bills
+      from the hat and handed the pile to Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Take them, my boy,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;and make good use of them. I shall owe you
+      a considerable balance, for I value my life at more than twenty dollars.
+      Here is my card. If you ever need a friend, or a service, call on me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the president gave directions to the engineer to run back to the
+      preceding station, where there was a telegraph office, from which messages
+      could be sent in both directions to warn trains of the washout.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry was left with his hands full of money, hardly knowing whether he was
+      awake or dreaming.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One thing seemed to him only fair&mdash;to give the owner of the
+      tablecloth some small share of the money, as an acknowledgment for the use
+      of her property.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Here, Madam,&rdquo; said Harry, when he had retraced his steps to the house,
+      &ldquo;is your tablecloth, for which I am much obliged. It saved the train.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, I&rsquo;m thankful! Little did I ever think a tablecloth would do so much
+      good. Why, it only cost me a dollar and a quarter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Allow me to ask your acceptance of this bill to pay you for the use of
+      it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Land sakes! why, you&rsquo;ve given me ten dollars!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s all right. It came from the passengers. They gave me something too.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You didn&rsquo;t tell me your name.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My name is Harry Vane.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you live round here? I never heerd the name afore.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve just come to the village. I&rsquo;m going to live with John Fox.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t say! Be you any kin to Fox?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not very near. He&rsquo;s my guardian.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If he hears you&rsquo;ve had any money give you, he&rsquo;ll want to take care of it
+      for you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This consideration had not occurred to Harry. Indeed, he had for so short
+      a time been the possessor of the money, of which he did not know the
+      amount, that this was not surprising.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, good-morning!&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-morning! It&rsquo;s been a lucky mornin&rsquo; for both of us.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I must go somewhere where I can count this money unobserved,&rdquo; he said to
+      himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Not far away he saw a ruined shed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry entered the shed, and sitting down on a log, took out the bills,
+      which he had hurriedly stuffed in his pocket, and began to count them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Almost three hundred dollars!&rdquo; murmured Harry, joyously. &ldquo;It has been,
+      indeed, a lucky morning for me. It has nearly doubled my property.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The question arose in his mind: &ldquo;Should he give this money to Mr. Fox to
+      keep for him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No,&rdquo; he decided, &ldquo;I won&rsquo;t give him this money. I won&rsquo;t even let him know
+      I have it.&rdquo; Where, then, could he conceal it? Looking about him, he
+      noticed a little, leather-covered, black trunk, not more than a foot long,
+      and six inches deep. It was locked, but a small key was in the lock.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Opening the trunk he found it empty. The lock seemed in good condition. He
+      made a pile of the bills, and depositing them in this receptacle, locked
+      the trunk and put the key in his pocket.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now for a place of concealment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry came out of the shed, and looked scrutinizingly around him. Not far
+      away was a sharp elevation surmounted by trees. The hill was a gravelly
+      formation, and therefore dry. At one point near a withered tree, our hero
+      detected a cavity, made either by accident or design. Its location near
+      the tree made it easy to discover.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With a little labor he enlarged and deepened the hole, till he could
+      easily store away the box in its recess, then covered it up carefully, and
+      strewed grass and leaves over all to hide the traces of excavation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There that will do,&rdquo; he said, in a tone of satisfaction.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He had reserved for possible need fifteen dollars in small bills, which he
+      put into his pocketbook.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      John Fox had heard the news in the post office, and started off at once
+      for the scene of danger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How&rsquo;d they hear of the washout?&rdquo; he asked, puzzled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I heerd that a boy discovered it, and signaled the train,&rdquo; said his
+      neighbor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How did he do it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Waved a shawl or somethin&rsquo;.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That don&rsquo;t seem likely; where would a boy find a shawl?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      His informant looked puzzled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Like as not he borrowed it of Mrs. Brock,&rdquo; he suggested.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Brock was the woman living in the small house near by, so that the
+      speaker&rsquo;s surmise was correct. It struck John Fox as possible, and he said
+      so.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I guess I&rsquo;ll go and ask the Widder Brock,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;She must have seen
+      the train, livin&rsquo; so near as she does.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll go along with you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The two men soon found themselves on Mrs. Brock&rsquo;s premises.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-mornin,&rsquo; Mrs. Brock,&rdquo; said John Fox.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;ve come nigh havin&rsquo; a causality here.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;re right there, Mr. Fox,&rdquo; answered Mrs. Brock. &ldquo;I was awful skeered
+      about it, for I thought my Nancy might be on the train. When the boy run
+      into my yard&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The boy! What boy?&rdquo; asked Fox, eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It was that boy you are guardeen of.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What, Harry Vane?&rdquo; ejaculated Fox, in genuine surprise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Tell me all about it, Mrs. Brock.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, you see, he ran into my yard all out of breath, and grabbin&rsquo; a red
+      tablecloth from the line, asked me if I would lend it to him. &lsquo;Land
+      sakes!&rsquo; says I, &lsquo;what do you want of a tablecloth?&rsquo;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;&lsquo;The track&rsquo;s washed away,&rsquo; he said, &lsquo;and I want to signal the train.
+      There&rsquo;s danger of an accident.&rsquo; Of course, I let him have it, and he did
+      signal the train, standin&rsquo; on the fence, and wavin&rsquo; the tablecloth. So the
+      train was saved!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And did he bring back the tablecloth?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of course, he did, and that wasn&rsquo;t all. He brought me a ten-dollar bill
+      to pay for the use of it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Gave you a ten-dollar bill!&rdquo; exclaimed John Fox, in amazement. &ldquo;That was
+      very wrong.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You hadn&rsquo;t no claim on the money if you are his guardeen. A collection
+      was took up by the passengers, and given to the boy, and he thought I
+      ought to have pay for use of the tablecloth, so he gave me a ten-dollar
+      bill&mdash;and a little gentleman he is, too.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A collection taken up for my ward?&rdquo; repeated Fox, pricking up his ears.
+      &ldquo;Well, well! that is news.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      John Fox was already on his way back to the road. He was anxious to find
+      his ward.
+    </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>
+      HARRY DISAGREES WITH HIS GUARDIAN
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Harry and his guardian met at the dinner table. Mrs. Fox had provided a
+      boiled dinner, to which Harry was ready to do justice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Fox seemed unusually pleasant.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I find, Harry,&rdquo; he said, clearing his throat, &ldquo;that you have already been
+      distinguishing yourself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you heard of the narrow escape of the train?&rdquo; said Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I heard that but for your presence of mind, and Mrs. Brock&rsquo;s
+      tablecloth, there would have been a smash-up.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What on earth are you talkin&rsquo; about, John Fox?&rdquo; demanded his wife,
+      curiously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, you see, Maria, the rain of last night washed away part of the
+      railroad track, and the train would have been plunged into a gully if our
+      young boarder here hadn&rsquo;t seen the danger, and, borrowin&rsquo; a tablecloth
+      from Mrs. Brock, signaled the train.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t say?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That isn&rsquo;t all,&rdquo; resumed John Fox. &ldquo;The passengers took up a
+      contribution, and I expect gave quite a handsome sum to our young friend.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How much did the folks give you?&rdquo; asked Joel eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve got fifteen dollars left,&rdquo; he replied. &ldquo;I gave some money to Mrs.
+      Brock for the use of the tablecloth.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      John Fox looked disappointed and disgusted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t mean to say,&rdquo; he ejaculated, sharply, &ldquo;that you gave away
+      almost half of your money for the use of an old tablecloth that would be
+      dear at a dollar?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If I hadn&rsquo;t had the tablecloth, I couldn&rsquo;t have attracted the engineer&rsquo;s
+      attention,&rdquo; said Harry, mildly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a little more conversation on the subject, but Harry remained
+      tranquil, and did not appear disturbed by the criticisms elicited by his
+      conduct. He heartily hoped that his guardian&rsquo;s family would not find out
+      how large a sum he had received.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When dinner was over, Harry was about to leave the house, when John Fox
+      said, insinuatingly: &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t you think you&rsquo;d better give me that money to
+      keep for you? It will be safer in my hands.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, Mr. Fox,&rdquo; said Harry, &ldquo;but I think I can take care of it
+      myself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Fifteen dollars is a good deal of money for a boy like you to carry round
+      with you,&rdquo; said his guardian.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think I shall lose it, sir,&rdquo; replied the boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps not, but you will be tempted to spend it wastefully.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      John Fox didn&rsquo;t look amiable. He was in doubt whether he might not
+      properly take from his ward the money by force, but it occurred to him
+      that it would be better not to assert his authority quite so soon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We will speak of this again,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is well I didn&rsquo;t bring all the money home. I wonder how soon Mr. Fox
+      will make another attempt to secure the sum I have with me,&rdquo; thought
+      Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The attempt was made that same night.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry was afraid he would be expected to occupy the same room with Joel,
+      in which case he could hope for no privacy, and would be unable to conceal
+      his money, which he had little doubt his guardian intended to secure,
+      either by fair means or foul. It chanced, however, that Joel slept in a
+      small bedroom opening out of his parents&rsquo; chamber. So Harry was assigned
+      an attic room, in the end of the house, the sides sloping down to the
+      eaves. It was inferior to the chambers on the second floor, but our hero
+      was not disposed to complain. He valued solitude more than superior
+      finish.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry&rsquo;s suspicion was roused by the circumstance that his guardian did not
+      again refer to his money, nor did he manifest any disappointment at his
+      ward&rsquo;s declining to intrust him with it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      During the evening, Joel brought out a backgammon board, and proposed to
+      Harry to play. If there would have been anything to read Harry would have
+      preferred entertaining himself in that way, but Mr. Fox didn&rsquo;t appear to
+      be literary. There were a few books in the house, but they were not of an
+      attractive character.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Partly in backgammon, partly in conversation with the son and heir of the
+      Foxes, the time passed till half-past eight o&rsquo;clock.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Joel, you can go to bed,&rdquo; said his mother. &ldquo;It is half-past eight.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Joel yawned, and interposed no objection.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You may as well go, too, Harry,&rdquo; said Mrs. Fox.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am ready to go to bed,&rdquo; said Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In fact, he felt rather sleepy, and anticipated little pleasure in sitting
+      up in the far from exciting company of Mr. and Mrs. Fox.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Joel!&rdquo; said his mother, &ldquo;take this candle and show Harry upstairs in the
+      attic chamber.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, mam.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      So, preceded by Joel, Harry went up two flights of stairs to the attic
+      room reserved for him. It was the only room that had been finished off,
+      and the garret outside looked dark and forbidding.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I would be scared to sleep up here,&rdquo; said his companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall not be at all frightened, Joel,&rdquo; said Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-night. Just hold the candle while I go downstairs.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      When he was fairly all alone, Harry began to look about him, to ascertain
+      in what kind of quarters he was to pass the night. To begin with he
+      examined the door, he ascertained that it was a common latch door, and
+      there was no lock. There was nothing to prevent anyone entering the room
+      during the night. There was a small cot bed in one corner, a chair, and an
+      old wooden chest. There was no bureau nor washstand. The absence of the
+      latter annoyed Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He learned afterward that he was expected to go downstairs and wash in a
+      large basin in the kitchen sink&mdash;wiping his face on a brown, roll
+      towel which was used by the entire family. This was quite unsatisfactory
+      to Harry, who was scrupulously neat in his tastes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This isn&rsquo;t a palace exactly,&rdquo; Harry said to himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then came the thought, &ldquo;What was he to do with his money?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Now, it so happened that Harry was the possessor of two pocketbooks&mdash;one&mdash;shabby,
+      and well worn, which he had failed to throw away on buying another just
+      before he left home. In connection with this, a scheme for outwitting Mr.
+      Fox came into his mind. He folded up a fragment of newspaper, and put it
+      into the old pocketbook, bulging it out till it looked well filled, and
+      this he left in the pocket of his pantaloons.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now to hide the other,&rdquo; said he to himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He looked about the room seeking for some place of concealment. Finally he
+      noticed in one portion of the floor a square board, which looked as if it
+      might be lifted. He stooped over and succeeded in raising it. The space
+      beneath was about a foot in depth&mdash;the lower level being the lathing
+      and plastering of the room below.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That will do,&rdquo; said Harry, in a tone of satisfaction. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think Mr.
+      Fox will find my money here,&rdquo; and dropping the pocketbook into the cavity
+      he replaced the square board. Then he went to bed and awaited results.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Harry had gone up to his bed, Mr. and Mrs. Fox naturally began to
+      compare notes respecting him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That new boy rides a high horse,&rdquo; said Mrs. Fox, grimly. &ldquo;Are you going
+      to allow it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly not.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He wouldn&rsquo;t give up his money to you, though you are his guardeen.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very true, but I mean to have it all the same. I shall go up to his
+      bedroom after he is asleep, and then it will be the easiest thing in the
+      world to take the pocketbook without his knowin&rsquo; anything about it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He&rsquo;ll know it in the mornin&rsquo;.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Let him! Possession is nine p&rsquo;ints of the law, Mrs. Fox.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He might say you stole it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He can&rsquo;t do that, for I&rsquo;m his guardeen, don&rsquo;t you see?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      A little after ten Mr. Fox, considering that Harry must be sound asleep,
+      decided to make him a visit. He removed his shoes, and in his stocking
+      feet, candle in hand, began to ascend the narrow and steep staircase which
+      led to the attic.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Shall I go with you, John?&rdquo; queried his helpmeet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, I guess I can manage alone.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      His wife wanted to share in the excitement of the night visit. There was
+      something alluring in the thought of creeping upstairs, and removing by
+      stealth, the pocketbook of the new inmate of their home.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Left to himself, Mr. Fox pursued his way up the attic stairs. They creaked
+      a little under his weight, and, much to his annoyance, when he reached the
+      landing at the top he coughed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope the boy won&rsquo;t hear me,&rdquo; he said to himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He paused an instant, then softly opened the door of Harry&rsquo;s chamber.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All seemed satisfactory. Our hero was lying quietly in bed, apparently in
+      a peaceful sleep. Ordinarily he would have been fast asleep by this time,
+      but the expectation of a visit from his guardian had kept him awake beyond
+      his usual time. He had heard Mr. Fox cough, and so, even before the door
+      opened, he had warning of the visit.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry was not a nervous boy, and had such command of himself, that, even
+      when Mr. Fox bent over, and, by the light of the candle, examined his
+      face, he never stirred nor winked, though he very much wanted to laugh.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All is safe! The boy is sound asleep,&rdquo; whispered Mr. Fox to himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He set the candle on the floor, and then taking up Harry&rsquo;s pantaloons,
+      thrust his hand into the pocket.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The very first pocket contained the pocketbook which our hero had put
+      there. Mr. Fox would have opened and examined the contents on the spot,
+      but he heard a cough from the bed, and, quickly put the pocketbook into
+      his own pocket, apprehending that his ward might wake up, and taking up
+      the candle, noiselessly withdrew from the chamber.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After he had fairly gone, Harry had a quiet laugh to himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Fox returned in triumph to his own chamber, where his wife was
+      anxiously waiting for him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Have you got it, Mr. F.,&rdquo; she asked, eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Got it? Why shouldn&rsquo;t I get it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, open it, and let us see what it contains.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This Mr. Fox proceeded to do. But no sooner did his glance rest on its
+      contents than his lower jaw fell, and his eyes opened wide in perplexity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, what are you staring at like a fool?&rdquo; demanded his wife, who was
+      not so situated that she could see the contents of the pocketbook.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Look at this, Mrs. F.,&rdquo; said her husband, in a hollow voice. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s no
+      money here&mdash;only this piece of newspaper.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, well, of all the fools I ever saw you are about the most stupid!&rdquo;
+       ejaculated Mrs. Fox. &ldquo;What you undertake you generally carry through, do
+      you? After all the fuss you&rsquo;ve brought down a pocketbook stuffed with
+      waste paper.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t understand it,&rdquo; said Fox, his face assuming a look of perplexity.
+      &ldquo;Surely the boy told the truth when he said he had fifteen dollars.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of course! Joel saw the money&mdash;a roll of bills, and saw him take
+      them out of his pocketbook. He must have taken them out. Did you search
+      all his pockets?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; when I found the pocketbook I thought I was all right.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Just like a man!&rdquo; retorted Mrs. Fox. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll go up myself, and see if I
+      can&rsquo;t manage better than you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you&rsquo;d better take this wallet, and put it back in his pocket.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Give it to me, then.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      With a firm step Mrs. Fox took the candle, and took her turn in going up
+      the attic stairs.
+    </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>
+      MRS. FOX COMES TO GRIEF
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Harry confidently anticipated a second visit to his chamber.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He was rather surprised when the door was again opened, and Mrs. Fox
+      entered. Opening his eyes a little way, he saw her, after a brief glance
+      at the bed, go to the chair containing his pantaloons, and put back the
+      deceptive wallet. She was about to prosecute a further search, when Harry
+      decided that matters had gone far enough. He did not fancy their night
+      visits, and meant to stop them if he could.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chance favored his design. A puff of air from the door, which Mrs. Fox had
+      left wide open, extinguished the candle, and left the room, as there was
+      no moon, in profound darkness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Drat the candle!&rdquo; he heard Mrs. Fox say.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then a mischievous idea came to Harry. In his native village lived a man
+      who had passed a considerable time in the wild region beyond the Missouri
+      River, and had mingled familiarly with the Indians. From him Harry had
+      learned how to imitate the Indian warwhoop.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll scare the old lady,&rdquo; thought Harry, smiling to himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Immediately there rang out from the bed, in the darkness and silence, a
+      terrific warwhoop, given in Harry&rsquo;s most effective style.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Fox was not a nervous woman ordinarily, but she was undeniably
+      frightened at the unexpected sound.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Heavens and earth, what&rsquo;s that?&rdquo; she ejaculated, and dropping our hero&rsquo;s
+      clothes, retreated in disorder, almost stumbling downstairs in her
+      precipitate flight. Dashing into the chamber where Mr. Fox was waiting for
+      her, she sank into a chair, gasping for breath.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good gracious, Maria, what&rsquo;s the matter?&rdquo; exclaimed her husband, gazing
+      at her in astonishment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;don&rsquo;t&mdash;know,&rdquo; she gasped.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You look as if you had seen a ghost.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I haven&rsquo;t seen anything,&rdquo; said his wife, recovering her breath, &ldquo;but I&rsquo;ve
+      heard something terrible. It&rsquo;s my belief the attic is haunted. I went
+      upstairs and put back the wallet, and was looking to see if I could find
+      another, when all at once the candle went out, and a terrible noise shook
+      the chamber.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What was it like, Mrs. F.?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t tell you. I never heard anything like it before. All I know is, I
+      wouldn&rsquo;t go up there again tonight for anything.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did the boy sleep through it all?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How can I tell? The candle was out.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps he blew it out.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps you&rsquo;re a fool Mr. Fox. It wasn&rsquo;t near the bed, and he was fast
+      asleep, for I looked at him. It made me think of&mdash;of Peter,&rdquo; and Mrs.
+      Fox shuddered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Peter had been taken from the poorhouse three years ago by Mr. Fox, and
+      apprenticed to him by the town authorities. According to popular report he
+      had been cruelly treated and insufficiently fed, until he was taken sick
+      and had died in the very bedroom where Mrs. Fox had been so frightened.
+      This may explain how it was that a woman so strong-minded had had her
+      nerves so easily upset.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We won&rsquo;t talk of Peter,&rdquo; said Mr. Fox, shortly, for to him, also, the
+      subject was an unpleasant one. &ldquo;I suppose you didn&rsquo;t find another wallet?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, I didn&rsquo;t. You can order the boy to give it up to-morrow. The best
+      thing to do now is to go to bed and rest.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The breakfast hour at the house of Mr. Fox was half past six. Harry was
+      called at six, and was punctual at the table. Mr. Fox cast a suspicious
+      glance at his ward, but the boy looked so perfectly unconcerned, that he
+      acquitted him of any knowledge of the night visit.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How did you sleep, Harry?&rdquo; asked Mrs. Fox.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Soundly, thank you,&rdquo; answered Harry, politely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You didn&rsquo;t hear any&mdash;strange noises, then?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now, Harry,&rdquo; said Mr. Fox, after breakfast, &ldquo;we may as well speak of our
+      future arrangements. I have considerable to do on my twenty acres of land,
+      and I can give you work here.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What compensation do you offer, sir?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;As a boarder I should have to charge you five dollars a week for your
+      board, and fifty cents extra for your washing&mdash;that would go to Mrs.
+      Fox; as well as pay twenty-five cents a week for your mending. That also
+      would go to my wife. Now, if you work for me, I will take off three
+      dollars, making the charge to you only two dollars and seventy-five cents
+      per week.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t you think, Mr. Fox, that is rather low pay for my services?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I might say two dollars and a quarter,&rdquo; said Mr. Fox, deliberating.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry smiled to himself. He had not the slightest idea of working for any
+      such trifle, but he did not care to announce his determination yet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will pay full price for a week, Mr. Fox,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;and during that
+      time I will consider your offer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I may not offer you as favorable terms a week from now,&rdquo; said Fox, who
+      wanted to get his ward to work at once.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will take my chance of it, sir. I prefer to have a few days of
+      freedom.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way, Harry, don&rsquo;t you think you had better give me your money to
+      keep? You might lose it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are very kind, Mr. Fox; but I am not afraid of losing it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      After breakfast Harry went to walk. His steps naturally tended to the
+      place where he had left the greater part of his treasure. It was possible
+      that he had been seen hiding it, and he thought on the whole it would be
+      better to find another place of concealment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Joel,&rdquo; said his mother, &ldquo;follow Harry, and see where he goes. He may be
+      goin&rsquo; to hide his money. But don&rsquo;t let him see you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All right, mam; I&rsquo;ll do it. I wish I had followed him yesterday.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      A position as detective would have suited Joel. Whatever was secret or
+      stealthy had a charm for him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the present instance he managed to shadow Harry very successfully. The
+      task was made easier, because our hero had no idea that anyone was
+      following him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So he&rsquo;s goin&rsquo; to the railroad,&rdquo; said Joel, to himself
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Arrived at the railroad track, Harry&rsquo;s course diverged to the hillock, at
+      the top of which he had concealed his treasure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Joel posted himself at a point where he had a good view of the elevation,
+      and could see what Harry was doing. He saw our hero digging at a
+      particular spot, and concluded that he was going to hide the fifteen
+      dollars there. What was his surprise and delight when he saw him dig up
+      and expose to view a large roll of bills.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, cracky!&rdquo; ejaculated Joel, &ldquo;there must be a hundred dollars in that
+      roll of bills. Wouldn&rsquo;t dad open his eyes if he saw it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Unconscious of observation, Harry held the money in his hand and
+      deliberated. Then he put it in his pocket, resolved to think over at his
+      leisure its ultimate place of deposit.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now, unfortunately for Joel, just at this moment he slipped from his perch
+      on the branch of a small tree, and for about half a minute what Harry did
+      was concealed from him. He clambered into the tree again, but only to see
+      Harry filling up the hole again.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He didn&rsquo;t want Harry to catch sight of him when he descended from the
+      hill, and accordingly scuttled away sufficiently far to escape suspicion,
+      yet not too far to entirely lose sight of Harry&rsquo;s movements.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Five minutes later Harry descended from the hill, and bent his steps
+      toward that part of the railway where the accident had occurred. Joel, who
+      had hastened away in a different direction, went back to the hill as soon
+      as he thought it would be safe, and eagerly ascended it. He found without
+      difficulty the spot where Harry had been digging. With the help of a
+      fragment of wood which he had picked up below, he in turn began to dig&mdash;his
+      eyes glistening with expectation and cupidity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He kept digging, but gradually became anxious, as the expected treasure
+      did not show itself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;m sure I have dug deep enough,&rdquo; he said to himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He must have took the money when I fell from the tree,&rdquo; thought Joel,
+      crestfallen. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s served me a mean trick. Won&rsquo;t I tell dad, though, and
+      get him into trouble? Oh, no!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Meanwhile Harry, not knowing how narrowly he had escaped being robbed,
+      pursued his way to the railway.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If I were only in my old home,&rdquo; he thought, &ldquo;I would ask Mr. Howard to
+      take care of it for me. Then I should know it was all right.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He thought of the president of the railroad, to whom he was principally
+      indebted for the money.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If I could only see him,&rdquo; he thought, &ldquo;I would ask him to take care of it
+      for me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      What was his surprise, when, on reaching the depot, the first person on
+      whom his eyes fell was the very gentleman of whom he was thinking.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How do you do, sir?&rdquo; said Harry, politely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Ah, my young friend that saved the train!&rdquo; said the president cordially.
+      &ldquo;I hope you haven&rsquo;t spent the money you received on riotous living.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No. Will you take care of it for me? I don&rsquo;t want to spend it, and I am
+      afraid of losing it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, my boy, if you really desire it, I will take the money.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall regard it as a very great favor.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      No sooner said than done. They went into the depot and Harry, counting out
+      two hundred and fifty dollars, passed it over to the president.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He made out a brief receipt, signing it, &ldquo;Thomas Conway, President of the
+      Craven County Railroad,&rdquo; and Harry pocketed it with a feeling of relief.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      While he was standing in front of the depot waiting for the arrival of the
+      eight-thirty train, Joel came up.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Goin&rsquo; a-travelin&rsquo;?&rdquo; asked Joel, with a grin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not this morning.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish I had a hundred dollars!&rdquo; continued Joel, surveying Harry sharply.
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;d make a journey out West. Say, Harry, did you ever have a hundred
+      dollars in your pocket?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Maybe you&rsquo;ve got it now?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where should I get it?&rdquo; demanded Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I do&rsquo;no. Jest empty your pockets, and le&rsquo;me see how much you&rsquo;ve got.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you; I don&rsquo;t see any use in it,&rdquo; said Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You dassent!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well! Call it that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Joel&rsquo;s been spying on me. He must have seen me on the hill,&rdquo; concluded
+      Harry. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s well I gave most of my money to Mr. Conway.&rdquo;
+     </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>
+      MR. FOX LEARNS HARRY&rsquo;S SECRET
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Harry had acted none too soon. It happened that his secret had been
+      discovered not only by Joel, but by Joel&rsquo;s father, that very morning.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      About ten o&rsquo;clock Mr. Fox had occasion to go to the village. In the post
+      office he met an acquaintance from a neighboring town, with whom he passed
+      the usual compliments.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way, Fox,&rdquo; said his friend, &ldquo;I had a narrow escape the other day.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What was it, Pearson?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Came near being smashed up on the railroad. There would have been an end
+      to us, but for a brave boy, who signaled the train in time.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That boy was my ward,&rdquo; said John Fox, complacently.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t say so! Well, he was a lucky chap.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think so. He didn&rsquo;t get much for his bravery.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t see how you can say that. How much money did he get?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Twenty-five dollars, and of that he gave ten to the woman whose
+      tablecloth he borrowed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There&rsquo;s some mistake about that. There must have been forty or fifty
+      bills put into his hands.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is this true?&rdquo; ejaculated Fox, in amazement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Just as true as I&rsquo;m standing here. If there wasn&rsquo;t two or three hundred
+      dollars I&rsquo;ll eat my head.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The artful young rascal!&rdquo; exclaimed Fox, in virtuous indignation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps he thought you would take it from him. The boy was smart,&rdquo; said
+      Pearson, laughing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You call it smart! I call it base and treacherous!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Fox walked thoughtfully away. He was considering how he should get
+      hold of his ward&rsquo;s money. It was not a question easy to answer. Evidently
+      Harry was a boy who kept his own counsel, and knew how to take care of
+      himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Joel seems to have a great partiality for my society,&rdquo; thought Harry,
+      when, after dinner, his guardian&rsquo;s son continued to follow him about.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Our hero would have been quite willing to dispense with Joel&rsquo;s
+      companionship, but, being good-natured, he did not feel like dismissing
+      him, as he would have done had he suspected that the boy was acting as a
+      spy upon him, at his father&rsquo;s request.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Fox said very little to his ward at the table, but Harry felt that he
+      was eyeing him intently.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After supper Harry was about to leave the room when Mr. Fox stopped him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Wait a moment, young man,&rdquo; he said, in a commanding tone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well, sir,&rdquo; returned Harry, quietly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How much money did the passengers give you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Almost three hundred dollars,&rdquo; answered Harry, composedly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you ever hear the like?&rdquo; exclaimed Mrs. Fox, in amazement. &ldquo;If it had
+      only been Joel.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thunder!&rdquo; exclaimed that young gentleman. &ldquo;Well, you was lucky. No such
+      luck for me!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is well you have told me,&rdquo; said John Fox; &ldquo;not but I knew before. I
+      met one of the passengers to-day, and he gave me an idea how much it was.
+      You will please hand it over to me, and I will take care of it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall not be able to comply with your request, Mr. Fox,&rdquo; said Harry. &ldquo;I
+      have not the money with me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t believe it. You had it this morning. And Joel has been with you
+      ever since; so you haven&rsquo;t had time to hide it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So that was the reason you favored me with your company, Joel,&rdquo; said
+      Harry, with a glance at his guardian&rsquo;s son.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All you&rsquo;ve got to do is to hand over that money now, Harry Vane. Mind, I
+      intend to have it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I assure you, Mr. Fox, that I haven&rsquo;t the money with me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where is it, then?&rdquo; asked Mr. Fox, incredulous.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have put it into the hands of a gentleman in whom I have confidence,
+      who will take care of it for me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What&rsquo;s the man&rsquo;s name?&rdquo; demanded John Fox.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is my secret.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have rebelled against my lawful authority. Maria, what is it my duty
+      to do with this boy?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Lock him up!&rdquo; answered Mrs. Fox, grimly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A good suggestion, Mrs. F. Imprisonment may change the boy&rsquo;s ideas. He
+      may repent his base conduct.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now, young man,&rdquo; said Fox, in a tone of authority, &ldquo;go up to your
+      chamber, and stay there till you&rsquo;re ready to obey orders.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry hesitated a moment, then quietly went upstairs. Mr. Fox was
+      relieved, for he was a little apprehensive that his ward would prove
+      rebellious and decline to obey.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      John Fox stole up after his ward, and Harry heard the door bolted on the
+      outside.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He was a prisoner.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When he heard the bolt slide in the lock, he said to himself: &ldquo;Mr. Fox and
+      I can never agree. He has not yet been appointed my guardian, and he never
+      will receive the appointment. I have the right to choose for myself, as
+      Mr. Howard told me, and I mean to exercise it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Some of my readers may, perhaps, picture Harry as forcing open the door of
+      his chamber and rushing from the house, breathing loud defiance as he
+      went. But he was a sensible boy, and meditated nothing of the kind.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can wait till morning,&rdquo; he reflected. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think I shall be here
+      twenty hours hence, but I mean to get a good night&rsquo;s sleep. It will be
+      time enough to decide in the morning what I will do.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      So, in spite of his imprisonment, Harry enjoyed a comfortable night&rsquo;s
+      sleep, and was awakened in the morning by hearing his door opened.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Fox entered, and sat down on a chair by the bed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-morning, sir,&rdquo; said Harry, composedly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What I want to know is, have you made up your mind to do as I told you
+      last night?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I prefer to keep it in my possession.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I guess I&rsquo;ll have to keep you here a little longer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then be kind enough to send me up some breakfast. I am paying my board. I
+      shall object to paying unless I get my meals regularly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This consideration weighed with John Fox, and he sent Joel up with a cup
+      of coffee and some dry bread, five minutes later.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way, Joel, come up here about the middle of the forenoon; I want
+      to say a few words to you in private.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All right, I&rsquo;ll come. I must go downstairs now.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wonder what he wants to see me about?&rdquo; said Joel, to himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Joel made a pretty shrewd guess, and resolved, by all means, to keep the
+      appointment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He was anxious to get his father out of the way, but John Fox was
+      unusually deliberate in his motions. Finally, about half-past nine, he
+      left the house for the village.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Presently his mother said: &ldquo;Joel, if you&rsquo;ll stay and mind the house, I&rsquo;ll
+      run over to Mrs. Bean&rsquo;s and borrow some sugar.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      His mother put on her bonnet, and started across a field to her nearest
+      neighbor&rsquo;s.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now&rsquo;s my time,&rdquo; thought Joel. &ldquo;Mam&rsquo;s sure to get talkin&rsquo; with Mrs. Bean
+      and stay half an hour or more.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He ran up the garret stairs, and drew the bolt that held Harry captive.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Joel, I want you to let me out of this place.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, gracious!&rdquo; exclaimed Joel, in apparent dismay. &ldquo;Dad would give me the
+      wu&rsquo;st kind of a lickin&rsquo;.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Would he know how I got out?&rdquo; asked Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know. What are you willing to give?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry saw that it was merely a matter of bargaining, and finally prevailed
+      upon Joel to release him for a five-dollar bill.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I want the money now,&rdquo; said Joel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How do I know that you will do as you have agreed?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Give me the money, and I&rsquo;ll tell you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry passed over the bank bill, and Joel said:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Dad&rsquo;s gone to the village, and mam&rsquo;s gone over to Mrs. Bean&rsquo;s. All you&rsquo;ve
+      got to do is to go downstairs, and walk out.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry was by no means slow to take the hint.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-by, Joel,&rdquo; he said, extending his hand; &ldquo;I won&rsquo;t forget the favor
+      you&rsquo;ve done me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know what dad&rsquo;ll say. There&rsquo;ll be an awful fuss. Just give me a
+      box on the ear, won&rsquo;t you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What for?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll tell dad you gave me an awful clip on the side of the head, and ran
+      off, though I tried to stop you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All right,&rdquo; said Harry, laughing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He gave Joel the required box on the ear, tripped him up, laying him
+      gently on his back on the landing, and then, with a friendly &ldquo;good-by,&rdquo; he
+      ran down the stairs, and before Mrs. Fox returned from her call was a mile
+      away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She found Joel wiping his eyes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What&rsquo;s the matter, Joel?&rdquo; she asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That boy, Harry, called me upstairs, and got me to open the door. Then he
+      gave me an almighty clip on the side of my head that almost stunned me,
+      then he knocked me over, and ran out of the house as fast as he could run&mdash;my
+      head aches awful!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The owdacious young ruffian!&rdquo; ejaculated Mrs. Fox. &ldquo;To beat my poor, dear
+      Joel so! Never mind. Joel, dear, I&rsquo;ll give you a piece of pie and some
+      cake. As for that boy, he&rsquo;ll be hung some day, I reckon!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      After eating the cake and pie, which were luxuries in that frugal
+      household, Joel said he felt better. He went out behind the house, and
+      taking out the five-dollar note, surveyed it with great satisfaction.
+    </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>
+      AN EXCITING CHASE
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      When John Fox went to the village he usually stopped first at the tavern,
+      and invested ten cents in a glass of whisky. Here he met two or three of
+      his cronies.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Folks say you&rsquo;ve got a new boarder, Fox,&rdquo; said Bill Latimer, as he laid
+      down his glass on the counter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; answered Fox, complacently. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m his guardeen.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Folks say he got a pile of money for saving the train.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He got a pretty stiff sum,&rdquo; answered Fox cautiously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you keep his money?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is he easy to manage?&rdquo; asked John Blake.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, some folks might find trouble with him,&rdquo; said Fox, complacently.
+      &ldquo;The fact is, gentlemen, I don&rsquo;t mind telling you that he&rsquo;s been trying to
+      buck agin&rsquo; his guardeen a&rsquo;ready. Where do you think I left him?&rdquo; continued
+      Fox, chuckling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Up in the attic, locked up in his chamber. I&rsquo;m goin&rsquo; to feed him on bread
+      and water a while, just to show him what sort of a man John Fox is.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      A grin overspread the face of Eben Bond, who had just looked out of the
+      front window.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So you left him in the attic, hey?&rdquo; he said, waggishly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I did. Do you mean to say I didn&rsquo;t?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;m willin&rsquo; to bet he isn&rsquo;t there now.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You just tell me what you mean, Eben Bond!&rdquo; said John Fox, provoked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I mean that I saw that boy of yours go by the tavern only two minutes
+      since.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where did he go? In what direction?&rdquo; demanded Fox, eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Down toward the river.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He&rsquo;s running away,&rdquo; Fox said to himself, in dismay. &ldquo;How in the the world
+      did he get out?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He ran up the road, gazing anxiously on this side and on that, hoping to
+      come upon the runaway. One thing was favorable; it was a straight road,
+      with no roads opening out of it at least a mile beyond the tavern. It led
+      by the river at a point half a mile on.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll catch him yet. He can&rsquo;t escape me!&rdquo; Fox reflected.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      John Fox pushed on breathless, and a minute later came in sight of the
+      fugitive.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry had sobered down to a walk, thinking himself no longer in danger. If
+      Mr. Fox had been wise enough to keep silent till he had come within a few
+      rods he might have caught him easily, but excitement and anger were too
+      much for prudence, and he called out, angrily: &ldquo;Just wait till I get hold
+      of you, you young villain! I&rsquo;ll give you a lesson.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry turned quickly and saw his enemy close upon him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      That was enough. He set out on what the boys call a dead run, though he
+      hardly knew in what direction to look for refuge. But through the trees at
+      the west side of the road he caught sight of something that put new hope
+      into his heart. It was a boat, floating within three feet of shore. In it
+      sat a boy of about Harry&rsquo;s own age. It was Willie Foster.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was no time for ceremony, Harry sprang into the boat, and, seizing
+      an idle oar, pushed out into the river.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The owner of the boat, who had been thoughtfully gazing into the water,
+      looked up in surprise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, that&rsquo;s cool!&rdquo; he ejaculated.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I beg your pardon,&rdquo; said Harry, still plying the oar; &ldquo;I couldn&rsquo;t help
+      it; Mr. Fox is after me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      John Fox, by this time, stood on the river bank shaking his fist, with a
+      discomfited expression, at his intended victim.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Come back here!&rdquo; he shouted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, I would rather not,&rdquo; answered Harry, still increasing the
+      distance between himself and his guardian.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You Willie Foster, row the boat back!&rdquo; bawled John Fox,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is your name Willie Foster?&rdquo; asked Harry, turning to his companion, who
+      was looking, with a puzzled expression, from one to the other.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then, Willie, if you will help me row over to the other side of the river
+      and set me off there, I&rsquo;ll give you a dollar.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll do it,&rdquo; said Willie, seizing the other oar, &ldquo;but you needn&rsquo;t give me
+      any money.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      To his intense disgust, Fox saw the boat, propelled by the two boys,
+      leaping forward energetically, while he stood helplessly on the bank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The other bank was half a mile away, and could not be reached except by a
+      bridge a considerable distance away. The two boys said little until the
+      trip was accomplished.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope you won&rsquo;t get into any serious trouble with Mr. Fox,&rdquo; said Harry,
+      as they drew near the bank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t care for old Fox, and father doesn&rsquo;t like him, either.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      As he got out of the boat he pressed a dollar into Willie&rsquo;s reluctant
+      hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now, which way had I better go?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Take that footpath. It will lead to Medfield. There you can take the
+      cars.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-by, Willie; and thank you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Willie didn&rsquo;t row back immediately. John Fox was lying in wait on the
+      other side, and he didn&rsquo;t care to meet him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry pushed on till he reached a highway. He felt in doubt as to where it
+      might lead him, but followed it at a venture. He wondered whether John Fox
+      would pursue him, and from time to time looked back to make sure that his
+      guardian was not on his trail. In about three hours he found himself eight
+      miles away. Then, for the first time, he felt that it might be safe to
+      stop and rest. In a village a little way back he had entered a bakeshop
+      and purchased some rolls and a glass of milk, which he ate with a good
+      relish.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He resumed his walk, but had not gone a quarter of a mile when he heard
+      the noise of wheels, which on coming up with him, came to a halt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Shall I give you a lift?&rdquo; said the driver of the team.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Looking up, he saw that it was a covered wagon with four wheels, such as
+      is often to be met in New England towns. The man who held the reins was of
+      large frame and portly, with dark hair and whiskers. He might be about
+      forty-five years of age.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir, said Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where are you bound, if you don&rsquo;t mind my being inquisitive?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know,&rdquo; answered Harry, doubtfully. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m seeking my fortune, as
+      they say.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well you ought to find it,&rdquo; returned the other, after a deliberate survey
+      of his young companion. &ldquo;You&rsquo;re well-built, and look healthy and strong.
+      Have you got any money?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A little. My father died lately and left me three hundred dollars. He
+      recommended to me as guardian a man named John Fox, living eight miles
+      back. Well, I have tried Mr. Fox, and I prefer to be my own guardian.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve heard of John Fox. He&rsquo;s fox by name and fox by nature. So you and he
+      didn&rsquo;t hitch horses. When did you leave him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This morning. I don&rsquo;t know but I may say that I am running away from him,
+      as I left without his knowledge or permission, but as he is not yet my
+      legal guardian, I don&rsquo;t consider that he has any right to interfere with
+      me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You haven&rsquo;t told me your name yet.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My name is Harry Vane.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am the Magician of Madagascar. You may have heard of me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think I have,&rdquo; said Harry, puzzled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have been before the public many years,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I give magical
+      entertainments, and, in the course of the last twenty years, have traveled
+      all over the continent.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You see,&rdquo; explained Harry, apologetically, &ldquo;I have always lived in a
+      small country town, where there were few amusements, and so I know very
+      little of such things. I never saw a magical entertainment in my life.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Didn&rsquo;t you, indeed? Then you shall see me perform to-night. I am to give
+      a magical soiree in Conway, the town we are coming to.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should like it very much, Mr. &mdash;&mdash;&rdquo; and Harry paused in
+      doubt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am called Professor Hemenway&mdash;Hiram Hemenway,&rdquo; said the magician.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you like your business?&rdquo; asked Harry, curiously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why shouldn&rsquo;t I? I have a chance to travel. The people appreciate my
+      efforts and reward me generously.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      By a fortunate accident Harry happened to turn in his seat and look
+      through a small window in the back part of the wagon. What he saw startled
+      him. In a buggy, ten rods back, he recognized his late guardian and Joel.
+      They were making good speed, and were doubtless in pursuit of him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry quickly imparted his discovery to his companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t let them capture me!&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should like to see him do it,&rdquo; responded the professor. &ldquo;Get into the
+      back part of the wagon, and crouch down.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry did as directed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the professor slackened his speed, and allowed the pursuers to
+      overtake him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I say, stranger,&rdquo; said Fox, as he drew up alongside. &ldquo;A boy ran away from
+      me this morning. Perhaps you have seen him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I saw a boy about a mile back,&rdquo; said the magician, reflectively, &ldquo;a
+      stout, good-looking lad, dark-brown hair, and a pleasant expression;
+      didn&rsquo;t look at all like you. I chatted with him a while. He said he was
+      leaving a man who claimed to be his guardian, but wasn&rsquo;t.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The young liar!&rdquo; ejaculated Fox, wrathfully. &ldquo;Where is he now?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is he in your wagon?&rdquo; put in Joel, sharply.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If he were you&rsquo;d see him, wouldn&rsquo;t you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In behind you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, are you kidnapping him?&rdquo; demanded Fox, fiercely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is a boy in the back part of my wagon,&rdquo; said the magician, coolly.
+      &ldquo;If you ain&rsquo;t afraid of smallpox, you may see him. Which shall it be, you
+      or the boy?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      A pallid hue overspread the face of John Fox, which was increased by an
+      agonizing moan, which appeared to proceed from behind the magician.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Turn the horse, Joel,&rdquo; was all he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He whipped up his horse without a word, and did not pull up for half a
+      mile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You can come out now, Harry,&rdquo; said the professor, with a queer smile. &ldquo;I
+      am a ventriloquist, and that moan did the business.&rdquo;
+     </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 ENGAGEMENT
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Harry was not a little relieved at his narrow escape. He did not propose
+      to be taken captive without making a strong resistance; but still, in a
+      struggle with Mr. Fox and Joel, he felt that he would be considerably at a
+      disadvantage.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am much obliged to you for saving me, Professor Hemenway,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are quite welcome. So you didn&rsquo;t like old Fox?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not much.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He doesn&rsquo;t appear to like you any better.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There isn&rsquo;t much love lost between us,&rdquo; returned Harry, laughing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How do you like the boy?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He served me a good turn&mdash;for five dollars&mdash;but he would help
+      capture me for the same money, or less.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You seem to know him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is fond of money, and would do almost anything for it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You thank me for saving you from capture, my lad,&rdquo; continued the
+      magician. &ldquo;Well, I had an object in it&mdash;a selfish object.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry looked puzzled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It struck me that I needed a boy about your size, and character, for a
+      general assistant, to sell tickets, take money, and help me on the stage.
+      How do you like the idea?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I like it,&rdquo; answered Harry; &ldquo;but there is one objection.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is that?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t come from Madagascar,&rdquo; responded Harry, slyly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Professor Hemenway laughed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;ve been as near there as I have,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Did you really think I
+      came from Madagascar?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You look more as if you came from Maine, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;ve hit it! There&rsquo;s where I did come from. I was raised twenty-five
+      miles from Portland on a farm. But it would never do to put that on the
+      bills. People are ready to pay more for imported than for native
+      curiosities. However, to come to business. I had a young man traveling
+      with me who wasn&rsquo;t suited to the business. He was a dry-goods clerk when I
+      took him, and is better adapted to that business than to mine. He left me
+      last week, and I have been in a quandary about his successor. How much do
+      you consider your time worth?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Just at present it isn&rsquo;t worth much. If you will pay my traveling
+      expenses, that will satisfy me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will do better than that I will give you five dollars a week besides,
+      if business is good.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir. I think I shall enjoy traveling.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      There are few boys who do not like change of scene, and the chance of
+      seeing new places is attractive to all. Harry was decidedly of the opinion
+      that he had a streak of luck. It would be much better in all ways than
+      living with his late guardian, and working for partial board.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As they approached the village of Conway, Harry&rsquo;s attention was drawn to a
+      variety of posters setting forth, in mammoth letters, that the
+      world-renowned Magician of Madagascar would give a magical <i>soiree</i>
+      at the Town Hall in the evening. Tickets, fifteen cents; children under
+      twelve years, ten cents. The posters, furthermore, attracted attention by
+      a large figure of the professor, dressed in bizarre style, performing one
+      of his tricks.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That draws attention,&rdquo; observed the professor, &ldquo;particularly among the
+      boys. I think I shall have a hall full this evening. An audience of three
+      hundred will pay very well. My expenses are light. I do most of my
+      traveling in this wagon, and at hotels I get the usual professional
+      reduction.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did it take you long to learn the business?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have been learning all along. Every now and then I add a new trick. I
+      will teach you some.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I might leave you and set up on my own hook when I have learned,&rdquo;
+       suggested Harry, with a smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It will be some time before you look old enough for a magician. When you
+      are, I&rsquo;ll give you my blessing and send you out.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Meanwhile they had been jogging along, and were already in the main street
+      of Conway. The professor drew up in front of the village hotel, and a
+      groom came forward and took his horse.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Wait a minute my friend,&rdquo; said the professor. &ldquo;Harry, you can help me
+      take my implements out of the back of the wagon.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      These &ldquo;implements&rdquo; were of a heterogeneous character, but all would come
+      in use in the evening. A number of boys watched their transfer with
+      mingled awe and curiosity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What&rsquo;s them?&rdquo; Harry heard one ask another, in a half-whispered tone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Those,&rdquo; said the professor, in an impressive tone, turning toward the
+      boys. &ldquo;Those are paraphernalia!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The boys looked more awestruck than ever. All inwardly resolved to go to
+      the Town Hall that evening, and get a nearer view of the articles which
+      had such a grand name.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After a while Harry came downstairs from the room assigned him, and stood
+      on the piazza.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One of the boys drew near him cautiously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you the magician&rsquo;s son?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No,&rdquo; answered Harry, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you come from Madagascar?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have not been there recently.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are all the people there magicians?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not quite all.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This information was rather scanty, but it was whispered about among the
+      boys, the first boy boasting that he had a talk with the young man
+      magician. If Harry had heard himself called thus, he would have been very
+      much amused.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Directly after supper Harry went with his employer to assist in preparing
+      the stage for the evening performance. Though novice, he acquitted himself
+      to the satisfaction of his employer, who congratulated himself on having
+      secured so efficient an assistant. Half an hour before the performance he
+      stationed himself in the entry, provided with tickets. He sat at a small
+      table, and received the crowd. Though new to the business, he managed to
+      make change rapidly. He found his position one in which he had a chance to
+      study human nature.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      During the evening Harry was called upon to assist the professor in some
+      of his tricks. Some boys would have been embarrassed upon finding
+      themselves objects of general attention, but Harry was by temperament cool
+      and self-possessed. He had been fond of declamation at school, and this
+      had accustomed him, to some extent, to a public appearance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The entertainment was in two parts, with an intermission of ten minutes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish you were a singer,&rdquo; said the professor, when they were standing
+      behind the screen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why?&rdquo; asked Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Because the audience sometimes gets impatient during the intermission. If
+      I could put you on for a song, it would help quiet them.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can sing a little,&rdquo; said Harry, modestly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What can you sing?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How would &lsquo;The Last Rose of Summer&rsquo; do?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Capital. Can you sing it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can try.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are sure you won&rsquo;t break down? That would make a bad impression.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can promise you I won&rsquo;t break down, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I&rsquo;ll give you a trial. Are you ready to appear at once?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Wait, then, till I announce you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The professor came from behind the screen, and, addressing the audience,
+      said: &ldquo;Ladies and gentlemen, lest you should find the necessary
+      intermission tedious, I am happy to announce to you that the young
+      vocalist, Master Harry Vane, has kindly consented to favor you with one of
+      his popular melodies. He has selected by request, &lsquo;The Last Rose of
+      Summer.&rsquo;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry could hardly refrain from laughing when he heard this introduction.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;One would think I was a well-known singer,&rdquo; he said to himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He came forward, and, standing before the audience, with his face a little
+      flushed, made a graceful bow. Then, pausing an instant, he commenced the
+      song announced. He had not sung two lines before the professor, who waited
+      the result with some curiosity and some anxiety, found that he could sing.
+      His voice was high, clear, and musical, and his rendition was absolutely
+      correct. The fact was, Harry had taken lessons in a singing school at
+      home, and had practiced privately also, so that he had reason to feel
+      confidence in himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The song was listened to with earnest attention and evident enjoyment by
+      all. When the last strain died away, and Harry made his farewell bow,
+      there was an enthusiastic burst of applause, emphasized by the clapping of
+      hands and the stamping of feet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You did yourself proud, my boy!&rdquo; said the gratified Professor. &ldquo;They want
+      you on again.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This seemed evident from the noise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can&rsquo;t you sing something else?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry was certainly pleased with this evidence of popular favor. He had
+      never before sung a solo before an audience, and, although he had felt
+      that he could, he was glad to find that he had not overestimated his
+      powers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Once more he stood before the audience.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I thank you for your kindness,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I will now sing you a comic
+      song.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He sang a song very popular at that time, the words and air of which were
+      familiar to all. While it did not afford him so good a chance to show his
+      musical capacity, it was received with much greater favor than the first
+      song.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a perfect whirlwind of applause, and a third song was called
+      for.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I would rather not sing again, professor,&rdquo; said Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You needn&rsquo;t. They would keep you singing all the evening if you would
+      allow it. Better leave off when they are unsatisfied.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Ladies and gentlemen,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;Master Vane thanks you for your kind
+      applause, but he makes it an unvarying rule never to sing but two songs in
+      an evening. He never broke that rule but once, and that was at the special
+      request of the governor-general of Canada. I shall now have the pleasure
+      of performing for your amusement, one of my most popular experiments.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, you have pleased the people, and that is the main point. By Jove!
+      my boy, you&rsquo;ve got a lovely voice.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad you think so, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You will prove a very valuable addition to my entertainments. I mean to
+      show my appreciation, too. How much did I agree to give you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Five dollars a week if business was good.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s bound to be good. I&rsquo;ll raise your wages to ten dollars a week, if
+      you&rsquo;ll agree to sing one song, and two, if called for, at each of my
+      evening entertainments.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll do it, sir,&rdquo; said Harry, promptly. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a surprise to me, though,
+      to find my voice so valuable to me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a popular gift, my boy; and all popular gifts are valuable. When I
+      get my new bill printed, I must have your name on it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      They left Conway about noon the next day.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Foxes, were destined to hear of Harry&rsquo;s success. The Conway <i>Citizen</i>
+      was taken in the family, and, much to their astonishment, this is what
+      they found, prominently placed, in the next number:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The magical entertainment of Professor Hemenway, on Thursday evening, was
+      even more successful than usual. He had had the good fortune to secure the
+      services of a young vocalist named Harry Vane, who charmed both young and
+      old by two popular selections. His voice and execution are both admirable,
+      and we predict for him a brilliant future.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Fox read this aloud in evident wonder and excitement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you ever hear the like?&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who&rsquo;d have thought it?&rdquo; chimed in Mrs. Fox.
+    </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>
+      A LIBERAL OFFER
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Then commenced a round of travel&mdash;what the professor called a
+      professional tour. By day they traveled in the wagon, carrying their
+      paraphernalia with them, stopping at the principal towns, and giving
+      evening entertainments. At many of these places the magician was well
+      known, and his tricks were not new. But he had an attraction in his young
+      assistant, who was regularly advertised on the posters as the &ldquo;celebrated
+      young vocalist, whose songs are everywhere received with admiring
+      applause.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Indeed it was very near the truth. Harry was really a fine singer, and his
+      fresh, attractive face and manly appearance won him a welcome in all the
+      towns on their route. Sometimes a young girl in the audience threw him a
+      bouquet. This made him blush and smile, and the donor felt rewarded.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Where was it going to end? Was he to continue in the service of the
+      professor, and in time become himself a magician and a traveling
+      celebrity? Harry was not sure about it. He saw that it would pay him
+      better than most kinds of business, and he also discovered that Professor
+      Hemenway was even better off than he had represented. Yet, he was not
+      quite ready to select the same profession, but, being only sixteen, felt
+      that he could afford to remain in it a while longer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One day the professor gave him a surprise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Harry,&rdquo; he said, as they were jogging along a dusty road, &ldquo;do you think
+      you would like to travel?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am traveling now,&rdquo; answered Harry, with a smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;True, but I don&rsquo;t mean that. Would you like to go on a long journey?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should like nothing better,&rdquo; replied Harry, promptly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll tell you what I&rsquo;ve been thinking about. I recently read in some
+      paper that a man in my line had made a trip to Australia, and reaped a
+      rich harvest. Everywhere he was received with enthusiasm, and made as much
+      money, in one month as he would do here in four. Now why shouldn&rsquo;t I go to
+      Australia?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry&rsquo;s eyes sparkled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It would be a fine thing to do,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you would be willing to accompany me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I would thank you for taking me,&rdquo; answered the boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is well!&rdquo; said the professor, in a tone of satisfaction. &ldquo;I confess
+      I shouldn&rsquo;t like to go alone. It would be a great undertaking, but with a
+      companion it would seem different. But, is there anyone who would object
+      to your going?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; answered Harry, smiling, &ldquo;Mr. Fox, my &lsquo;guardeen,&rsquo; would.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We won&rsquo;t mind Mr. Fox. Very well, then, Harry, we will consider it
+      settled. I shall rely on you to help me by your singing there as you do
+      here. As to your wages, I may be able to pay you more.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Never mind about that, professor. It will cost you a good deal to get us
+      there. I am perfectly willing to work for the same sum I do now, or even
+      less, on account of the extension of the trip.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you leave that matter to me. I won&rsquo;t take advantage of your
+      confidence, but you shall prosper if I do.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How soon do you propose to go, professor?&rdquo; asked Harry, with interest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;As soon as possible. I shall ascertain when the first packet leaves
+      Boston, and we will take passage in her.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The professor&rsquo;s decision pleased Harry. He had been a good scholar in
+      geography&mdash;indeed, it was his favorite study&mdash;and had, besides,
+      read as many books of travel as he could lay his hands on. Often he had
+      wondered if it ever would be his fortune to see some of the distant
+      countries of which he read with so much interest. Though he had cherished
+      vague hopes, he had never really expected it. Now, however, the
+      unattainable seemed within his grasp. He would not have to wait until he
+      was a rich man, but when still a boy he could travel to the opposite side
+      of the world, paying his expenses as he went along.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Two weeks passed. Each day they halted in some new place, and gave an
+      evening performance. This life of constant motion had, at first, seemed
+      strange to Harry. Now he was accustomed to it. He never felt nervous when
+      he appeared before an audience to sing, but looked upon it as a matter of
+      course.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At last they reached Boston. They were to give two entertainments at a
+      hall at the south end. It was the first large city in which Harry had
+      sung, but he received a welcome no less cordial than that which had been
+      accorded to him in country towns.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They were staying at a modest hotel, comfortable, but not expensive. Harry
+      was sitting in the reading room, when a servant brought in a card. It bore
+      the rather remarkable name of
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+  &ldquo;DR. MENDELSSOHN BROWN.&rdquo;
+ </pre>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A gentleman to see you, Mr. Vane,&rdquo; said the servant.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry rose and surveyed the stranger in some surprise. He had long hair,
+      of a reddish yellow, with an abundant beard of the same hue. His suit of
+      worn black fitted him poorly, but Dr. Brown evidently was not a devotee of
+      dress. No tailor could ever point to him, and say with pride: &ldquo;That man&rsquo;s
+      clothes were made at my shop.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do I speak to Mr. Harry Vane, the young vocalist?&rdquo; asked the stranger,
+      with a deferential smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s my name,&rdquo; answered our hero.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are alone?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir,&rdquo; said Harry, a little puzzled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is well. I will come to business at once. You have probably heard of
+      me, eh?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Probably I have, but I do not remember names well.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The name of Mendelssohn Brown, is pretty well known, I flatter myself,&rdquo;
+       said the visitor, complacently. &ldquo;To be brief&mdash;I heard you sing last
+      evening, and was much pleased with your rendition of the various
+      selections.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry bowed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am about to form a juvenile Pinafore company, and would like to have
+      you take the leading part. You would make an excellent <i>Admiral</i>. I
+      propose to take my opera company all over the United States. I should be
+      willing to pay you, as the star performer, twenty-five dollars a week.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry opened his eyes in amazement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think me capable of singing in opera?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, after being trained by your humble servant. What do you say?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I thank you for your flattering offer, Dr. Brown, but I don&rsquo;t feel at
+      liberty to leave Professor Hemenway.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The doctor frowned.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Let me tell you, you stand in your own light, Mr. Vane,&rdquo; he said,
+      impatiently. &ldquo;There is some difference between a common juggler, like the
+      Magician of Madagascar,&rdquo;&mdash;the doctor laughed ironically&mdash;&ldquo;and a
+      well-known musical director, who could make you famous. Does Hemenway pay
+      you as much as I offer?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I thought so. Then how can you hesitate?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We are about to make an Australian tour,&rdquo; answered Harry, &ldquo;and, apart
+      from all other considerations, I am glad to have a chance to travel.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Couldn&rsquo;t you put it off?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then,&rdquo; said Dr. Brown, rather crestfallen, &ldquo;I can only bid you
+      good-morning. I think you are making a mistake.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps, after I return from Australia, I might be ready to accept your
+      offer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It will be too late,&rdquo; said the doctor, gloomily.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Twenty-five dollars a week is large pay,&rdquo; thought Harry, &ldquo;but I don&rsquo;t
+      believe I should ever get it. Dr. Brown doesn&rsquo;t look much like a
+      capitalist.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Half an hour later Professor Hemenway entered the hotel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, my boy,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;the die is cast! Next Saturday we sail from Long
+      Wharf, bound for Australia.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But professor, I have just had an offer of twenty-five dollars a week to
+      sing in Pinafore.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And have accepted!&rdquo; exclaimed the magician in dismay.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; I respectfully declined. I would rather go with you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You shan&rsquo;t regret it, Harry!&rdquo; said the professor, relieved. &ldquo;If I am
+      prosperous, you shall share in my prosperity.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, professor; I am sure of that. What is the name of our vessel?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The Nantucket. It&rsquo;s a good, solid-looking craft, and I think it will bear
+      us in safety to our destination.&rdquo;
+     </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>
+      THE PASSENGERS
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      The Nantucket, Capt. Jabez Hill, master, was a large vessel, stanch and
+      strong, and bore a good record, having been in service six years, and
+      never having in that time met a serious disaster. It was a sailing vessel,
+      and primarily intended to convey freight, but had accommodations for six
+      passengers. Of these it had a full complement. Harry and the professor I
+      name first, as those in whom we are most interested.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Next came John Appleton, a business man from Melbourne, who had visited
+      the United States on business. He was a plain, substantial-looking person,
+      of perhaps forty-five. Next came Montgomery Clinton, from Brooklyn, a
+      young man of twenty-four, foolishly attired, who wore an eyeglass and
+      anxiously aped the Londen swell, though born within sight of Boston State
+      house. Harry regarded him with considerable amusement, and though he
+      treated him with outward respect, mentally voted him very soft. Fifth on
+      the list was a tall, sallow, thin individual, with a melancholy
+      countenance, who was troubled with numerous symptoms, and was persuaded
+      that he had not long to live. He was from Pennsylvania. He carried with
+      him in his trunk a large assortment of pills and liquid medicines, one or
+      another of which he took about once an hour. This gentleman&rsquo;s name was
+      Marmaduke Timmins. Last came a tall, lean Yankee, the discoverer and
+      proprietor of a valuable invention, which it was his purpose to introduce
+      into Australia. Mr. Jonathan Stubbs, for this was his name, was by no
+      means an undesirable addition to the little circle, and often excited a
+      smile by his quaintly put and shrewd observations on topics of passing
+      interest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was the third day at sea, when Harry, who had suffered but little from
+      seasickness, came on deck, after a good dinner, and saw the dudish
+      passenger, till now invisible, holding himself steady with an effort, and
+      gazing sadly out upon the wild waste of waters without the help of his
+      eyeglass.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How do you feel, Mr. Clinton?&rdquo; asked Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Horribly, Mr. Vane,&rdquo; answered Clinton, with a languid shudder. &ldquo;I never
+      thought it was such a bore, crossing the ocean, don&rsquo;t you know. I&rsquo;ve a
+      great idea of offering the captain a handsome sum to land somewhere, I
+      don&rsquo;t care where.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think we shall go near any land, Mr. Clinton. I think you will
+      have to make the best of it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Hearing a step behind him, Harry turned, and his eyes rested on the
+      melancholy countenance of Marmaduke Timmins, the chronic invalid.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-morning, Mr. Timmins,&rdquo; said our hero. &ldquo;I hope you stand the voyage
+      well?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve had several new symptoms since I came on board,&rdquo; responded Mr.
+      Timmins, gloomily, &ldquo;and I&rsquo;ve made a dreadful discovery.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is it?&rdquo; inquired Montgomery Clinton, in alarm.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I find I&rsquo;ve mislaid or forgotten to bring my box of Remedial pills. I
+      don&rsquo;t know what I shall do without them.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve got a box of Brandeth&rsquo;s pills downstairs,&rdquo; said Clinton. &ldquo;You&rsquo;re
+      welcome to a part of them, I&rsquo;m sure.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;They wouldn&rsquo;t do! What can you be thinking of, young man? Do you think
+      there&rsquo;s no difference between pills?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;m sure I can&rsquo;t tell, don&rsquo;t you know?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Young man, you are sadly ignorant,&rdquo; said Timmins, severely. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve got
+      five other kinds of pills downstairs, for different maladies I am subject
+      to, but none of them will take the place of Remedial pills.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will any of them cure seasickness?&rdquo; asked the dude, eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can give you a remedy for seasickness, Mr. Clinton,&rdquo; said Mr. Holdfast,
+      the mate, who chanced to overhear the inquiry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is it, Mr. Holdfast? I shall be really grateful, I assure you, if
+      you can cure that beastly malady.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Swallow a piece of raw salt pork about an inch square,&rdquo; said the mate
+      gravely, &ldquo;and follow it up by a glass of sea water, taken at a gulp.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s horrid, awfully horrid!&rdquo; gasped Clinton, shuddering, and looking
+      very pale. &ldquo;It actually makes me sick to think of it, don&rsquo;t you know,&rdquo; and
+      he retreated to the cabin, with one hand pressed on his stomach.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That young man&rsquo;s a fool!&rdquo; said Mr. Timmins. &ldquo;He knows no more about pills
+      than a baby.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Nor do I, Mr. Timmins,&rdquo; said Harry, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I pity you then. My life has been saved several times by pills.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;d rather live without them.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Marmaduke sadly shook his head as he walked away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That man&rsquo;s a walking drug store,&rdquo; said the mate, looking after him. &ldquo;I&rsquo;d
+      rather go to Davy&rsquo;s locker, and be done with it, than to fill myself up
+      with pills and potions.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;re looking chipper, my boy,&rdquo; said a newcomer, in a nasal voice.
+      &ldquo;Haven&rsquo;t been seasick, I guess.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry recognized the voice of the Yankee inventor, Jonathan Stubbs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; I have had very little trouble.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;m goin&rsquo; to get up a cure for seasickness when I have time&mdash;a kind
+      of a self-acting, automatic belt&mdash;I guess there&rsquo;d be plenty of money
+      in it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It would be a great blessing, Mr. Stubbs. Poor Mr. Clinton would no doubt
+      be glad to buy it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you mean that languishin&rsquo; creeter with an eyeglass and spindle legs?
+      What are such fellows made for?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Rather for ornament than use,&rdquo; answered Harry, gravely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Yankee burst into a loud guffaw, and regarded Harry&rsquo;s remark a capital
+      joke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The voyage was to be a long one, and after a couple of weeks they all had
+      their sea legs on. All had become acquainted, and settled down to a
+      regular routine. But the time dragged, and as there were no morning or
+      evening papers, something seemed necessary to break the monotony.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Harry,&rdquo; said the professor, &ldquo;I have an idea.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is it, professor?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Suppose we give an exhibition for the benefit of our fellow passengers
+      and the crew.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am ready to do my part.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I will speak to the captain.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The result was that on the first quiet day Professor Hemenway and his
+      assistant gave a matinee performance on the deck of the Nantucket, at
+      which all who could possibly be spared were present. To some of the
+      sailors it was a novelty, and the magician&rsquo;s tricks actually inspired some
+      with the feeling that he was possessed of supernatural powers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will you lend me your hat, Mr. Clinton?&rdquo; he asked presently, of the dude.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly, professor,&rdquo; drawled the young man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The professor took it, and tapped it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you sure there is nothing in it?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am sure of it. Really, I don&rsquo;t carry things in my hat, don&rsquo;t you know.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do you say to this, then?&rdquo; and Professor Hemenway drew out of the
+      hat half a dozen onions, a couple of potatoes, and a ship biscuit.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My dear sir, I think you are mistaken,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I see you carry your
+      lunch in your hat.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      All present laughed at the horrified face of the dude.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;On my honor, I don&rsquo;t know how those horrid things came in my hat,&rdquo; he
+      stammered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you fond of onions, Mr. Clinton?&rdquo; asked Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wouldn&rsquo;t eat one for&mdash;for a new suit of clothes!&rdquo; protested
+      Clinton, earnestly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Allow me to return your hat, Mr. Clinton,&rdquo; said the professor, politely.
+      &ldquo;I suppose you want the vegetables too. Here are the onions, and the
+      rest.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;They are not mine, on my honor,&rdquo; said Clinton, very much embarrassed.
+      &ldquo;Here, my good man, can you make use of these?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The sailor whom he addressed accepted the gift with a grin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you kindly, sir,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;If so be as I ain&rsquo;t a-robbin&rsquo; you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have no use for them, my good man. I never ate an onion in my life.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I don&rsquo;t think you know what&rsquo;s good,&rdquo; said Mr. Stubbs. &ldquo;An onion, let
+      me tell you, is mighty good eatin&rsquo;, and healthy, too.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      At the close of the magical entertainment, Harry sang by request, and no
+      part of the performance was more popular. He received many warm
+      congratulations.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Really, Mr. Vane, you sing like a nightingale, don&rsquo;t you know,&rdquo; was the
+      tribute of Clinton.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Bless me!&rdquo; said Mr. Timmins; &ldquo;I was so absorbed in your song that I have
+      forgotten to take my catarrh medicine.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir; that is the best compliment I have received,&rdquo; returned
+      Harry, with a smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Little has been said thus far of Captain Hill, the chief officer of the
+      Nantucket. He was a stout, red-faced seaman, nearing fifty years of age,
+      and had been in service ever since he was fifteen. He was a thorough
+      sailor, and fitted in every way but one to take charge of a ship bound to
+      any part of the world. His one disqualification may be stated briefly&mdash;he
+      had a passion for drink.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was not immediately that this was found out. He took his meals with the
+      passengers, but it was not then that he indulged his appetite. He kept a
+      private store of liquors in his cabin, and had recourse to them when by
+      himself, under the impression that he could keep it a secret. But
+      intemperance, like murder, will out.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry and the professor were standing by the rail looking out at sea, one
+      day, when a thick voice greeted them, &ldquo;Good-mor&rsquo;n&rsquo;, gentlemen,&rdquo; this
+      address being followed by a hiccough.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Both turned quickly, and exchanged a significant glance when they
+      recognized the captain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; answered Professor Hemenway, &ldquo;it is indeed a fine morning.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am sorry to see this, Harry,&rdquo; said the professor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; it is a pity any gentleman should drink too much.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, but that isn&rsquo;t all,&rdquo; said the professor, earnestly; &ldquo;it is a pity,
+      of course, that Captain Hill should so sin against his own health, but we
+      must consider furthermore, that he has our lives under his control. Our
+      safety depends on his prudent management.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He seems to understand his business,&rdquo; said Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Granted; but no man, however good a seaman, is fit to manage a vessel
+      when he allows liquor to rob him of his senses. I wish I had had a
+      knowledge beforehand of the captain&rsquo;s infirmity.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Suppose you had, sir?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wouldn&rsquo;t have trusted myself on board the Nantucket, you may be sure of
+      that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It may be only an exceptional case.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Let us hope so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The next occasion on which the captain displayed his infirmity was rather
+      a laughable one. He came up from the cabin about three o&rsquo;clock in the
+      afternoon so full that he was forced to stagger as he walked. Directly in
+      front of him the young dude, Montgomery Clinton, was pacing the deck,
+      carrying in his hand a rattan cane such as he used on shore. As he
+      overhauled him, Captain Hill, with the instinct of a drunken man, locked
+      arms with the young man, and forced him to promenade in his company,
+      talking rather incoherently meanwhile. Clinton&rsquo;s look of distress and
+      perplexity, as he submitted to his fate, caused Harry nearly to explode
+      with laughter. They were indeed a singular pair.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Finally there came a disaster. A lurch of the vessel proved too much for
+      the captain, who, in losing his equilibrium, also upset Clinton, and the
+      two rolled down under one of the ship&rsquo;s boats, which was slung on one
+      side.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Montgomery Clinton picked himself up, and hurriedly betook himself to his
+      cabin, fearing that he might fall again into the clutches of his unwelcome
+      companion. The captain was helped to his feet by the mate, and was
+      persuaded also to go downstairs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The captain was pretty well slewed, professor,&rdquo; said Mr. Stubbs, who
+      chanced to be on deck at the time.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It looks like it,&rdquo; answered Professor Hemenway.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If he does that often it&rsquo;ll be a bad lookout for us.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Just what I am thinking, Mr. Stubbs.&rdquo;
+     </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 YOUNG SAILOR
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      The crew of the Nantucket consisted of twelve sailors and a boy, not
+      counting the officers. This boy was about Harry&rsquo;s age, but an inch or two
+      shorter, and with great breadth of shoulders. He had a good-natured face,
+      and was a general favorite on board, as is apt to be the case with a boy,
+      if he possesses any attractive qualities. He came from New Hampshire and
+      he was known as Jack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was natural that Harry, as the only other boy on board, though a
+      passenger, should be attracted to Jack. He took an opportunity when Jack
+      was off duty to have a chat with him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How long have you been a sailor, Jack?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Three years; I first went to sea when I was thirteen.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How did you happen to go in the first place?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I may say to begin with, that I always liked the water. I was born in a
+      little village bordering Lake Winnipiseogee, and was out on the lake
+      whenever I could get the chance, either in a rowboat or sailboat. I felt
+      as much at home on the water as on the land. Still, I never should have
+      gone to sea had it not been for my stepfather.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you have a stepfather?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes. My father died when I was ten, leaving my mother a little farm and a
+      comfortable house. I was a young boy, and it is hard for a woman to carry
+      on a farm. A man came into town, and started in some small business. He
+      pretended that he had money, but I guess he had precious little. At any
+      rate, he didn&rsquo;t object to more. Pretty soon he fixed his eyes on our farm,
+      and, finding that mother owned it clear, he got to coming round pretty
+      often. I never liked him, though he pretended to be fond of me, and used
+      to pat me on the head, and bring me candy. I wondered what made him come
+      so often, but I didn&rsquo;t mistrust anything till one day mother called me and
+      said she had something important to say to me.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;&lsquo;Jack,&rsquo; she said, &lsquo;what do you think of Mr. Bannock?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;&lsquo;I don&rsquo;t think much of him,&rsquo; I answered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;&lsquo;He is to be your father, Jack. I have promised to marry him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;&lsquo;You may marry him,&rsquo; I answered hotly, &lsquo;but he will be no father of mine.
+      My father lies in the churchyard. I wish he were alive again.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;&lsquo;So do I, Jack&rsquo; said mother, wiping her eyes, &lsquo;but we know that can&rsquo;t
+      be.&rsquo;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How did he treat you, Jack?&rdquo; asked Harry, interested.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He never liked me, and I didn&rsquo;t like him at all He tried to impose upon
+      me, and order me round, but he didn&rsquo;t make out much. Still, he was always
+      annoying me in mean little ways, and finally I got all I could stand, and
+      the long and short of it is that I ran away to Portsmouth, and went on a
+      coasting voyage. After I got back I shipped from Boston for Liverpool, and
+      ever since I&rsquo;ve kept sailing in one direction or another. This will be my
+      longest voyage.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Haven&rsquo;t you been to see your mother since you left home three years ago?&rdquo;
+       Harry inquired.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of course I have,&rdquo; said Jack, promptly. &ldquo;I always go to see her as soon
+      as I get home from a voyage. Poor mother! She was looking pale and thin
+      when I saw her three weeks ago. I am sure she has repented marrying, but
+      she won&rsquo;t own up. When I&rsquo;m a man&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, Jack; when you&rsquo;re a man?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll see that she has a better time, and if old Bannock don&rsquo;t like it he
+      can clear out. I think he will anyway.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Clear out?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; he will have spent all the property by that time, and when that is
+      done, he won&rsquo;t make much objection to going away. Then I will take care of
+      mother, and see that she does not suffer for anything.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are right, Jack. I sympathize with you. I hope you&rsquo;ll succeed. I only
+      wish I had a mother to look out for,&rdquo; and Harry&rsquo;s fine face wore an
+      expression of sadness. &ldquo;But there&rsquo;s one thing I can&rsquo;t help saying, though
+      I don&rsquo;t want to discourage you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is that, Harry?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t see how you are going to lay up much money in going before the
+      mast. Your pay must be small.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is. I only earn ten dollars a month,&rdquo; replied Jack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And out of that you must buy your clothes?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, that&rsquo;s true.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then how do you expect to better yourself?&rdquo; asked Harry, looking
+      perplexed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll tell you, if you won&rsquo;t say anything about it,&rdquo; answered Jack, in a
+      lower tone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Go ahead.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We are going to Australia, you know. I&rsquo;ve heard there are good chances of
+      making money there, in mining or herding cattle, and I mean to leave the
+      ship at Melbourne. Of course, I don&rsquo;t want anything said about it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think the captain would try to prevent you, Jack?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think he would. He don&rsquo;t like me, at any rate.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why not?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is more than I can tell, but I can see that he has a prejudice
+      against me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The boys were so absorbed in their talk that they did not notice the
+      approach of the captain till his harsh voice was heard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What are you two boys chattering about?&rdquo; he demanded, with a frown.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Jack turned round startled, but Harry faced the captain calmly, and did
+      not speak.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will you answer me?&rdquo; he repeated, raising his voice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I was talking about home and my mother,&rdquo; said Jack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mighty interesting, upon my word! And what were you talking about?&rdquo;
+       continued Captain Hill, turning to Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That can be of no interest to you, Captain Hill,&rdquo; said Harry, coldly.
+      &ldquo;You appear to forget that I am a passenger.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      As he walked away, the captain regarded him with an ominous scowl. He
+      wished that for fifteen minutes Harry had been one of the crew. It was
+      fortunate for Jack that his temper was diverted, for, apparently
+      forgetting the young sailor, he strode on, and Jack managed to slip down
+      to the forecastle.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This was not by any means the last conversation Harry had with Jack
+      Pendleton&mdash;for this he found to be the young sailor&rsquo;s name&mdash;and
+      they soon became excellent friends.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Jack,&rdquo; said Harry, one day, &ldquo;I never should take you to be a sailor if I
+      met you on land.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why not?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Because you talk like a well-educated boy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So I am. I was always fond of my books, and stood high in school. But for
+      my stepfather I might be there yet. As it is, my education stopped at the
+      age of thirteen.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not necessarily. You have learned a good deal since.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, but not of books. I hope sometime to be able to continue my studies.
+      At present it is my business to learn seamanship.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry had the more time on his hands, as his traveling companion, the
+      professor, took sick, and was confined for three or four weeks to his
+      cabin. There was no danger, but still the ship&rsquo;s surgeon advised him to
+      stay below.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What makes you keep company with that boy, Mr. Vane?&rdquo; asked Montgomery
+      Clinton, who would have liked more of Harry&rsquo;s society himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why shouldn&rsquo;t I?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Because he is a common sailor, don&rsquo;t you know.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think he is rather an uncommon sailor. He is very well educated.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, yes; I suppose he can read and write; but, of course, he can never be
+      admitted into society, don&rsquo;t you know?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, I don&rsquo;t, Mr. Clinton. He may be a captain some day.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But he isn&rsquo;t now. I give you my word, I noticed this morning, when you
+      were speaking with him, that his fingers were all soiled with tar. That&rsquo;s
+      horrid, don&rsquo;t you know.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t you think he&rsquo;s a good-looking boy, Mr. Clinton?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, yes; I suppose, for one of the lower order, Mr. Vane.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You forget we don&rsquo;t have any distinction of classes in America.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t we though? By Jove! Mr. Vane, you don&rsquo;t put yourself on a level
+      with those creatures that dig ditches and climb masts, and such things?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your sentiments are very undemocratic, Mr. Clinton. You ought to have
+      been born in England.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish I had been. I like their institutions a good deal better than
+      ours, don&rsquo;t you know?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;When I first spoke with you, Mr. Clinton, I thought you might be an
+      Englishman.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you, really?&rdquo; inquired Clinton, with evident pleasure. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m often
+      taken for an Englishman, on my honor. I don&rsquo;t know why it is, but
+      positively, I&rsquo;m often asked when I came from the other side.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Would you rather be taken for an Englishman than an American?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, you see, there are some Americans that are so vulgar, don&rsquo;t you
+      know&mdash;talk through their noses, and all that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where were you born, Mr. Clinton?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In Massachusetts, not far from Boston.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way, Mr. Vane, are you descended from Sir Henry Vane, one of the
+      royal governors of Massachusetts? I have been meaning to ask you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t tell you, Mr. Clinton; but my name happens to be the same&mdash;Harry.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Really, that is very interesting. I should think you would look up the
+      matter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps I will when I return home!&rdquo; said Harry, who cared very little
+      about the matter. From this time, however, Clinton regarded him with
+      increased respect, and manifested an increased liking for his society,
+      from his supposed aristocratic lineage. Our hero treated him with
+      good-natured toleration, but much preferred the company of Jack Pendleton,
+      sailor as he was, though his fingers were not infrequently smeared with
+      tar. Harry did not mind this; but was attracted by the frank, good-humored
+      face of young Jack, and was always glad to have a chat with him. He had a
+      chance, though at considerable personal risk, to do him a signal service
+      before long.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The captain&rsquo;s habits, it must be said, did not improve. His stock of
+      liquor was ample, and he continued to indulge himself. Generally he kept
+      within safe bounds, but at times he allowed his appetite to get the better
+      of him. Whenever that happened, it was fortunate if he drank himself into
+      a state of stupefaction, and remained in his cabin, leaving the management
+      of the ship to the mate, Mr. Holdfast, who was thoroughly temperate.
+      Unfortunately, he was not always content to remain in the cabin. He would
+      stagger upstairs and give orders which might or might not, be judicious.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One day&mdash;it was about a month after they left port&mdash;Captain Hill
+      came up on deck in one of his worst fits of intoxication. All the
+      passengers were on deck, it being a fair day. They regarded the captain
+      with alarm, for in his hand he held a pistol, which he carried in such
+      careless style that it might be discharged at any time.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Jack Pendleton had been sent up to the masthead on some duty by the mate.
+      The captain&rsquo;s roving eyes fell upon him, and the dislike he felt for the
+      boy found vent.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What are you doing up there, you young lubber?&rdquo; he shouted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Holdfast sent me,&rdquo; answered Jack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You lie!&rdquo; roared the captain. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll teach you to lie to me!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll come down, sir,&rdquo; said Jack, &ldquo;if you say so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll bring you down!&rdquo; shouted the captain, furiously, as he deliberately
+      pointed the pistol at the cabin boy, and prepared to pull the trigger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a cry of horror on the part of the passengers as they saw the
+      insane act of the captain, and realized the peril of poor Jack. But, in
+      spite of all, the boy would probably have fallen a victim to the drunken
+      fury of Captain Hill. Jack himself fully understood his danger, and his
+      ruddy face turned pale. His life hung in the balance, and was saved only
+      by the courage of his boy friend, Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Of all the passengers, Harry stood nearest to the captain. When he saw the
+      pistol pointed at Jack, he did not stop to think, but made a bound, and
+      dashed the weapon from the captain&rsquo;s hand. It was discharged but the
+      bullet sped over the rail and dropped into the ocean. Nor did Harry stop
+      here. He seized the fallen pistol, and hurled it over the side of the
+      vessel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The captain was for the moment stupefied by the suddenness of the act.
+      Then, in a voice of fury, he exclaimed, pointing to Harry: &ldquo;Put that boy
+      in irons!&rdquo;
+     </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 SENSATIONAL SCENE
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Put that boy in irons!&rdquo; repeated Captain Hill, his eyes blazing with
+      anger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Not a sailor stirred. There was not one that did not admire Harry&rsquo;s
+      promptness, which had saved Jack&rsquo;s life, and prevented the captain from
+      becoming a murderer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Here, you two men, seize the boy, and carry him below!&rdquo; exclaimed the
+      captain, addressing Brown and Higgins, the two sailors nearest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The two men looked at each other, moved a step forward, and then stopped.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is this mutiny?&rdquo; roared the captain, with a bloodcurdling oath. &ldquo;Am I
+      master in my own ship or not?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      What might have been the issue is hard to tell, had not the Yankee
+      passenger already referred to, Jonathan Stubbs, come forward and taken up
+      the gauntlet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Look here, cap&rsquo;n,&rdquo; he commenced, in a drawling tone, &ldquo;what&rsquo;s all this
+      fuss you&rsquo;re kickin&rsquo; up? You&rsquo;re kinder riled, ain&rsquo;t you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who are you that dare to bandy words with me? Men, do you hear me? Put
+      that boy in irons, or must I do it myself?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Look here, cap&rsquo;n, let&rsquo;s argy that matter a little,&rdquo; said Stubbs. &ldquo;What&rsquo;s
+      the boy to be put in irons for?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;For grossly insulting me, and defying my authority.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He has prevented your committing murder, if that&rsquo;s what you mean. You
+      ought to thank him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Take care, sir!&rdquo; thundered the captain, &ldquo;or I may put you in irons,
+      also.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I reckon you might find a little opposition,&rdquo; said the Yankee, quietly.
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;m a passenger on this vessel, Captain Hill, and your authority doesn&rsquo;t
+      extend to me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We&rsquo;ll see about that, sir,&rdquo; said the captain, and he grasped Stubbs by
+      the collar.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now, the Yankee was not a heavy man, but he was very strong and wiry, and,
+      moreover, in his early days, like Abraham Lincoln, he had been the best
+      wrestler in the Vermont village in which he was born. He was a very quiet,
+      peaceable man, but he was accustomed to resent insult in an effective way.
+      He wrenched himself free by a powerful effort; then, with a dexterous
+      movement of one of his long legs, he tripped up the captain, who fell in a
+      heap upon the deck. The shock, added to the effects of his intoxication,
+      seemed to stupefy the captain, who remained where he fell.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Boys,&rdquo; said Stubbs, coolly, to the two sailors, who had been ordered to
+      put Harry in irons, &ldquo;hadn&rsquo;t you better help the captain into his cabin? He
+      seems to be unwell.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Just then the mate came on deck. He didn&rsquo;t make inquiries, but took in the
+      situation at a glance, and assisted the captain to his feet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Shall I help you downstairs, sir?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The captain silently acquiesced, and the prime actor in this rather
+      startling scene left the deck.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Jack Pendleton scrambled down from his elevated perch with the agility of
+      a cat. He ran up to Harry, and grasped his hand with evident emotion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have saved my life!&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I will always be your friend. I would
+      lay down my life for you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s all right, Jack,&rdquo; said Harry, rather shyly. &ldquo;You would have done the
+      same for me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I would,&rdquo; answered Jack, heartily, &ldquo;But there&rsquo;s no one else who
+      would have done it for me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you going to leave me out, my boy?&rdquo; asked the Yankee, with a smile on
+      his plain but good-natured face.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir,&rdquo; responded Jack. &ldquo;You stood up to the captain like a man. He
+      didn&rsquo;t frighten you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, I wasn&rsquo;t much scared,&rdquo; drawled Stubbs, contorting his features
+      drolly. &ldquo;But, I say, young man, I&rsquo;ve got a piece of advice to give you.
+      You don&rsquo;t seem to be much of a favorite with the captain.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It doesn&rsquo;t look so,&rdquo; said Jack, laughing in spite of the danger through
+      which he had passed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Just you keep out of his way as much as you can. When a man gets as full
+      as he does, he&rsquo;s apt to be dangerous.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir; I will.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Among the spectators of the scene just described, the most panic-stricken,
+      probably was Montgomery Clinton, the Brooklyn dude.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After the captain had gone below, he walked up to Harry, whom he regarded
+      with evident admiration.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I say, you&rsquo;re quite a hero. I was awfully frightened, don&rsquo;t you know,
+      when that big bully aimed at the sailor boy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You looked a little nervous, Mr. Clinton,&rdquo; said Harry, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You were awfully brave, to knock the pistol out of his hand. I don&rsquo;t see
+      how you dared to do it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t stop to think of danger. I saw that Jack&rsquo;s life was in danger,
+      and I did the only thing I could to save him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;m glad you&rsquo;re not put in irons. It must be awful to be in irons.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think I should like it, though I never had any experience. You&rsquo;d
+      have stood by me, wouldn&rsquo;t you, Mr. Clinton?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Clinton was evidently alarmed at the suggestion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, of course,&rdquo; he said, nervously; &ldquo;that is, I would have gone down to
+      see you on the sly. You wouldn&rsquo;t expect me to fight the captain, don&rsquo;t you
+      know.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry could hardly refrain from smiling at the idea of the spindle-shaped
+      dude resisting the captain; but he kept a straight face as he answered:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I look upon you as a brave man, Mr. Clinton. When I get into trouble, I
+      shall be sure to call upon you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, certainly,&rdquo; stammered Clinton. &ldquo;But I say, Mr. Vane, I hope you&rsquo;ll be
+      prudent; I do, really. Captain Hill might shoot you, you know, as he tried
+      to shoot the sailor boy just now.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If he does, Mr. Clinton, I shall expect you to interfere, You are not as
+      strong as the captain, but a bold front will go a great way. If you
+      threaten to&mdash;to horsewhip him, I think it might produce an effect
+      upon him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Really, my dear Mr. Vane,&rdquo; said Clinton, turning pale, &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think I
+      could go as far as that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I thought you were my friend, Mr. Clinton,&rdquo; said Harry, reproachfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So I am, but I think you are, too&mdash;too bloodthirsty, Mr. Vane. It is
+      best to be prudent, don&rsquo;t you know. There&rsquo;s that Yankee, Mr. Stubbs; he
+      would do a great deal better than I. He&rsquo;s stronger, and older, and&mdash;you&rsquo;d
+      better speak to him, don&rsquo;t you know.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A very good suggestion, Mr. Clinton,&rdquo; said Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am afraid I should fare badly,&rdquo; thought our hero, &ldquo;if I depended upon
+      Clinton to stand by me. He isn&rsquo;t of the stuff they make heroes of.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Twenty-four hours passed before Captain Hill reappeared on deck. Meanwhile
+      Harry had received congratulations from all the passengers on his display
+      of pluck, and from some of the sailors besides. In fact, if he had not
+      been a sensible boy, he might have been in danger of being spoiled by
+      praise. But he answered, very modestly, that he had only acted from
+      impulse, actuated by a desire to save Jack, and had not had time to count
+      the consequences.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll stand by you, my lad,&rdquo; said Hirman Stubbs. &ldquo;The captain may try to
+      do you wrong, but he will have somebody else to reckon with&mdash;I won&rsquo;t
+      see you hurt.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, Mr. Stubbs,&rdquo; said Harry, heartily. &ldquo;I know the value of your
+      help already. Mr. Clinton also is willing to stand by me, though he says
+      he don&rsquo;t want to get into a fight with the captain.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Clinton! That spindle-legged dude!&rdquo; said Stubbs, exploding with laughter.
+      &ldquo;My! he couldn&rsquo;t scare a fly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry laughed, too. He could not help doing so.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He seems a good fellow, though not exactly a hero,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I am glad
+      to have his good will.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is more of a tailor&rsquo;s dummy than a man,&rdquo; said Stubbs. &ldquo;I always want
+      to laugh when I look at him. Hist! there&rsquo;s the captain.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry turned quickly toward the companionway, and saw Captain Hill set
+      foot on the deck. A glance satisfied him that the captain was sober.
+    </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>
+      A STORM
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Captain Hill must have observed Harry and Mr. Stubbs, but walked by them
+      without notice, and attended to his duties, giving his orders in a sharp
+      quick tone. He was an experienced seaman, and thoroughly fitted for the
+      post of chief, when not under the influence of liquor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad to see that the captain is sober,&rdquo; said Stubbs, in a low voice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So am I,&rdquo; answered Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One change, all noticed in Captain Hill. He became silent, reserved,
+      morose. His orders were given in a quick, peremptory tone, and he seemed
+      to cherish a grudge against all on board. Some captains add much to the
+      pleasure of the passengers by their social and cheery manners, but
+      whenever Captain Hill appeared, a wet blanket seemed to fall on the
+      spirits of passengers and crew, and they conversed in an undertone, as if
+      under restraint.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Between the captain and the mate there was a great difference. Mr.
+      Holdfast had a bluff, hearty way with him, which made him popular with all
+      on board. As an officer, he was strict, and expected his orders to be
+      executed promptly, but in private he was affable and agreeable. The
+      sailors felt instinctively that he was their friend, and regarded him with
+      attachment, while they respected his seamanship. If a vote had been taken,
+      there was not one but would have preferred him as captain to Captain Hill.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Thus far&mdash;I am speaking of a time when the Nantucket was three months
+      out&mdash;there had been no serious storm. Rough weather there had been,
+      and wet, disagreeable weather, but the staunch ship had easily overcome
+      all the perils of the sea, and, with the exception of Montgomery Clinton,
+      no one had been seriously alarmed. But one afternoon a cloud appeared in
+      the hitherto clear sky, which would have attracted no attention from a
+      landsman. Mr. Holdfast observed it, however, and, quietly calling the
+      captain, directed his attention to it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think we are going to have a bad storm, Captain Hill,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s
+      a weather breeder.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The captain watched the cloud for a moment, and then answered, quietly: &ldquo;I
+      think you are right, Mr. Holdfast. You may give your orders accordingly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The sails were reefed, and the vessel was prepared for the warfare with
+      the elements which awaited it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The little cloud increased portentiously in size. All at once a strong
+      wind sprang up, the sea roughened, and the billows grew white with fury,
+      while the good ship, stanch as she was, creaked and groaned and was tossed
+      as if it were a toy boat on the wrathful ocean.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The passengers were all seriously alarmed. They had never before realized
+      what a storm at sea was. Even a man of courage may well be daunted by the
+      terrific power of the sea when it is roused to such an exhibition.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Harry,&rdquo; said the professor, &ldquo;this is terrible.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, indeed,&rdquo; answered the boy, gravely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It became so rough and difficult to stand on deck, on account of the
+      vessel being tossed about like a cockleshell, that Harry felt constrained
+      to go below.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As he passed the cabin of Montgomery Clinton, he heard a faint voice call
+      his name.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Entering, he saw the dude stretched out in his berth, with an expression
+      of helpless terror in his weak face.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh! Mr. Vane,&rdquo; he said; &ldquo;do you think we are going to the bottom?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope not, Mr. Clinton. Our officers are skillful men. They will do all
+      they can for us.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a terrible night. None of the passengers ventured upon deck.
+      Indeed, such was the motion that it would have been dangerous, as even the
+      sailors found it difficult to keep their footing. Harry was pale and
+      quiet, unlike his friend from Brooklyn, whose moans were heard mingled
+      with the noise of the tempest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was about three o&rsquo;clock in the morning when those below heard, with
+      terror, a fearful crash, and a trampling of feet above. One of the masts
+      had fallen before the fury of the storm, and the shock made the good ship
+      careen to a dangerous extent. What happened, however, was not understood
+      below.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wonder what has happened,&rdquo; said the professor, nervously. &ldquo;I think I
+      will go up and see.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He got out of his berth, but only to be pitched helpless to the other end
+      of the cabin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This is terrible!&rdquo; he said, as he picked himself up.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will try my luck, professor,&rdquo; said Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He scrambled out of his berth, and, with great difficulty, made his way
+      upstairs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One glance told him what had occurred. The crippled ship was laboring
+      through the sea. It seemed like a very unequal combat, and Harry might be
+      excused for deciding that the ship was doomed. All about the sea wore its
+      fiercest aspect. Harry returned cautiously to his cabin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well?&rdquo; said the professor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;One of the masts is gone,&rdquo; answered the boy. &ldquo;The ship is having a hard
+      time.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is there danger?&rdquo; asked the professor, anxiously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am afraid so,&rdquo; said Harry, gravely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At length the night wore away. The violence of the storm seemed to have
+      abated, for, after a time, the motion diminished. More enterprising than
+      the rest of the passengers, Harry resolved to go on deck.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Won&rsquo;t you come with me, Mr. Clinton?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;I couldn&rsquo;t, &lsquo;pon my honor. I&rsquo;m as weak as a rag. I don&rsquo;t think I
+      could get out of my berth, really, now.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll go with you, my young friend,&rdquo; said Mr. Stubbs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry and his Yankee friend set foot cautiously on deck. The prospect was
+      not reassuring. The ship rolled heavily, and from the creaking it seemed
+      that the timbers of the hull were strained. The sailors looked fagged out,
+      and there was a set, stern look on the face of the captain, whom,
+      nevertheless, Mr. Stubbs ventured to accost.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What&rsquo;s the prospect, captain?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;d better make your will,&rdquo; said the captain, grimly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s cheerful,&rdquo; commented Stubbs, turning to Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir,&rdquo; answered Harry, soberly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t tell our foppish friend below, or he&rsquo;ll rend our ears with his
+      howls. But you, my young friend, it&rsquo;s rather rough on you. How old are
+      you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Sixteen.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And I&rsquo;m rising fifty. Even if I am taken away, I&rsquo;ve a good thirty years
+      the advantage of you. I&rsquo;ve had a good time, on the whole, and enjoyed
+      myself as well as the average. Still, I don&rsquo;t quite like going to the
+      bottom in the Nantucket. I was looking forward to at least twenty years or
+      so more of life.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We must submit to the will of God,&rdquo; said Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are quite right, my boy! It is easy to see that you have been well
+      trained. Mr. Holdfast&rdquo;&mdash;for they had reached the place where the mate
+      was standing&mdash;&ldquo;shall we outlive the storm?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is hard to say, Mr. Stubbs. It depends on the stanchness of the ship.
+      We&rsquo;ll do all we can.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Ten minutes later there was a sinister answer to the inquiry of Mr.
+      Stubbs. A sailor, who had been sent down into the hold, came with the
+      information that the ship had sprung a leak.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then commenced the weary work at the pumps. The sailors were already worn
+      out with fighting the storm under the direction of the captain and mate,
+      and it seemed almost more than flesh and blood could stand to undertake
+      the additional labor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry and Mr. Stubbs had a hurried conference.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can&rsquo;t we help at this work, Mr. Stubbs?&rdquo; asked Harry. &ldquo;The poor men look
+      utterly exhausted.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well thought of, my boy! I am with you. I will speak to the captain.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      But Mr. Holdfast, the mate, chanced to be nearer, and to him Mr. Stubbs
+      put the question:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can&rsquo;t I help at the pumps?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And I, too, Mr. Holdfast,&rdquo; put in Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I accept your offer with thanks. The men are very tired.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      So Harry and Mr. Stubbs helped at this necessary work, and when the
+      professor and the Melbourne merchant heard of it they, too, volunteered.
+      But Marmaduke Timmins, the valetudinarian, and Montgomery Clinton felt
+      quite inadequate to the task.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry found his work tiresome and fatiguing, but he had the comfort of
+      feeling that he was relieving the exhausted sailors, and doing something
+      to save his own life and the lives of his companions.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He caught sight of poor Jack, looking ready to drop.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Jack, you must be very tired,&rdquo; he said, in a tone of deep sympathy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If I stood still I should drop on the deck fast asleep,&rdquo; said Jack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can&rsquo;t you lie down for an hour? I am taking your place.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Holdfast coming up at this moment, Harry suggested this to him, and
+      the mate said kindly:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Jack, my lad, go below and catch a little nap. I will call you when I
+      want you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      So Jack, much relieved, went below, and, without a thought of the danger,
+      so fatigued was he, fell asleep the moment he got into his bunk, and was
+      not called up for four hours.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After a while they reduced the flow of water, but ascertained that the
+      ship was badly strained, and by no means safe. It was not till the next
+      day, however, that an important decision was reached.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All were called on deck.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is my duty to tell you,&rdquo; said Captain Hill, &ldquo;that the ship is so
+      damaged by the recent storm that it is liable to sink at any time. Those
+      who choose to run the risk may remain, however. I propose, with such as
+      choose to join me, to take to the boats. I will give you fifteen minutes
+      to decide.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Excitement and dismay were painted on the faces of all. The ship might be
+      insecure, but to launch out upon the great ocean in a frail boat seemed to
+      involve still greater danger.
+    </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>
+      &ldquo;WHO WILL STAY?&rdquo;
+     </h3>
+    <p>
+      The decision was a momentous one. It might be death to remain on the ship,
+      but to a landsman it seemed still more perilous to embark on an angry sea
+      in a frail boat.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The passengers looked at each other in doubt and perplexity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They had but fifteen minutes in which to make up their minds.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The mate stood by, his face and manner serious and thoughtful.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Holdfast,&rdquo; said Mr. Stubbs, &ldquo;do you agree with the captain that it is
+      our best course to take to the boats?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should prefer to try the ship a little longer. I say so with
+      diffidence, since the captain has a longer experience than I.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think much of your judgment, Mr. Holdfast,&rdquo; said Captain Hill, in
+      a tone of contempt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The mate&rsquo;s face flushed&mdash;not so much at the words as the tone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Nevertheless Captain Hill,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;I stand by what I have said.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Holdfast,&rdquo; said Mr. Stubbs, who seemed to speak for the passengers,
+      &ldquo;if some of us decide to remain on the ship, will you remain with us?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will!&rdquo; answered the mate, promptly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then set me down as the first to remain,&rdquo; said Stubbs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Somehow this man, rough and abrupt as he was, had impressed Harry as a man
+      in whom confidence might be reposed. He felt safe in following where he
+      led.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am but a boy,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;but I have to decide for my life. I shall
+      remain with the mate and Mr. Stubbs.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Quietly Stubbs shook hands with Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad to have you with us,&rdquo; he said earnestly. &ldquo;We will die or live
+      together.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Next came Professor Hemenway.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Put me down as the third,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Harry, we sailed together, and we
+      will remain together to the end.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I go in the boat,&rdquo; said John Appleton. &ldquo;I have a great respect for Mr.
+      Holdfast, but I defer to the captain&rsquo;s judgment as superior.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He went over and ranged himself beside the captain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are a sensible man, sir,&rdquo; said Captain Hill, with a scornful glance
+      at the mate and the passengers who sided with him. &ldquo;Mr. Holdfast can go
+      down with the ship, if he desires. I prefer to cut loose from a doomed
+      vessel.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Marmaduke Timmins, the invalid, looked more sallow and nervous than ever.
+      He had swallowed a pill while the others were speaking, to give himself
+      confidence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will go with the captain,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;My life is likely to be short, for
+      my diseases are many, but I owe it to myself to do my best to save it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In deciding to go with me, you are doing your best, sir,&rdquo; said Captain
+      Hill.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He had not hitherto paid much attention to Mr. Timmins, whom he looked
+      upon as a crank on the subject of health, but he was disposed to look upon
+      him now with more favor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this moment Montgomery Clinton appeared at the head of the stairs. The
+      poor fellow was pale, and disheveled, and tottered from weakness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What&rsquo;s going on?&rdquo; he asked, feebly. Harry took it upon himself to
+      explain, using as few words as possible.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will you go with the captain, or stay on the Nantucket?&rdquo; asked Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Really, I couldn&rsquo;t stand sailing in a little boat, you know.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s settled, then!&rdquo; said the captain. &ldquo;Into the boats with you!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The sailors and two passengers lowered themselves into the long boat,
+      which was large enough to receive them all, till only Jack Pendleton and
+      the captain remained.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Get in, boy!&rdquo; said the captain, harshly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Jack stepped back, and said, manfully: &ldquo;I will remain on board the ship,
+      sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      While this discussion had been going on, the boat was being stored with
+      kegs of water and provisions, and soon after the sailors began to ply the
+      oars.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The little band that remained looked silently and solemnly, as they saw
+      their late companions borne farther and farther away from them on the
+      crested waves.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a question which will last longer, the ship or the boat,&rdquo; said Mr.
+      Holdfast.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We must work&mdash;I know that,&rdquo; said Mr. Stubbs. &ldquo;Captain Holdfast, I
+      salute you as my commander. Give us your orders.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you all agreed, gentlemen?&rdquo; asked Holdfast.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We are,&rdquo; answered all except Montgomery Clinton, who was clinging to the
+      side with a greenish pallor on his face.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I shall set you to work at the pumps. Jack I assign you and the
+      professor to duty first. You will work an hour; then Mr. Stubbs and Mr.
+      Vane will relieve you. I will look out for the vessel&rsquo;s course.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am afraid I couldn&rsquo;t pump,&rdquo; said Montgomery Clinton. &ldquo;I feel so awfully
+      weak, you know, I think I&rsquo;m going to die!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry looked out to sea and saw the little boat containing the remnant of
+      their company growing smaller and smaller. A sudden feeling of loneliness
+      overcame him, and he asked himself, seriously: &ldquo;Is death, then, so near?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The sea was still rough, but the violence of the storm was past. In a few
+      hours the surface of the sea was much less agitated. The spirits of the
+      passengers rose, especially after learning from the mate that he had been
+      able to stop the leak, through the experience which he acquired in his
+      younger days as assistant to a ship carpenter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then the old ship is likely to float a while longer?&rdquo; said Mr. Stubbs,
+      cheerfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not a short time, either, if the weather continues favorable.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Captain Hill was in too much of a hurry to leave the vessel,&rdquo; remarked
+      Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; answered Holdfast. &ldquo;Such was my opinion when I thought the
+      Nantucket in much worse condition than at present. If the captain and
+      sailors had remained on board, we could have continued our voyage to
+      Melbourne without difficulty.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And now?&rdquo; said Mr. Stubbs, interrogatively.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now we have no force to man her. Little Jack and myself are the only
+      sailors on board.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But not the only men.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is true. I think, however, that you or the professor would find it
+      rather hard to spread or take in sail.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Stubbs looked up into the rigging and shrugged his shoulders.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The next day Mr. Clinton appeared on deck. He looked faded and played out,
+      but he was no longer the woebegone creature of a day or two previous. Even
+      he turned out to be of use, for he knew something about cooking, and
+      volunteered to assist in preparing the meals, the ship&rsquo;s cook having left
+      the ship with the captain. Accordingly, he rose in the estimation of the
+      passengers&mdash;having proved that he was not wholly a drone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Jack and Harry grew still more intimate. The young sailor was under no
+      restraint now that the captain was not on board, for with the mate he had
+      always been a favorite.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All efforts were made to keep the ship on her course. They could not put
+      up all the sails, however, and made but slow progress. They did little but
+      drift. Nor did they encounter any other vessel for several days, so that
+      there was no chance of obtaining the desired assistance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wonder where it will all end, Jack?&rdquo; said Harry, one evening.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t trouble myself much about that, Harry,&rdquo; said the young sailor. &ldquo;I
+      am content as I am.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t you look ahead, then?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am happy with you and the few we have on board. They are kind to me;
+      what more do I need?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t be contented so easily, Jack. I hope there is a long life before
+      us. Here we are, making no progress. We are doing nothing to advance
+      ourselves.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      But this did not make much impression on Jack. He did not look beyond the
+      present, and so that this was comfortable, he left the future to look out
+      for itself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do you think has become of Captain Hill and his companions, Mr.
+      Holdfast?&rdquo; asked Mr. Stubbs, on the third evening after the separation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is probably still afloat, unless he has been fortunate enough to be
+      picked up by some vessel.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is no hope of reaching land in the Nantucket is there,&rdquo; continued
+      Mr. Stubbs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is considerable fear of it,&rdquo; said the mate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why do you use the word fear?&rdquo; asked Stubbs, puzzled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What I mean is, that we are likely to run aground upon some unknown
+      island. If the shore is rocky, it may break us to pieces, and that, of
+      course, will be attended with danger to life or limb.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Stubbs looked thoughtful.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should like to see land,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;but I wouldn&rsquo;t like to land in that
+      way. It reminds me of an old lady who, traveling by cars for the first
+      time, was upset in a collision. As she crawled out of the window, she
+      asked, innocently: &lsquo;Do you always stop this way?&rsquo;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There are dangers on land as well as on the sea,&rdquo; said the mate, &ldquo;as your
+      story proves; though one is not so likely to realize them. In our present
+      circumstances, there is one thing I earnestly hope for.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is that?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That we may not have another storm. I fear, in her dismantled condition,
+      the Nantucket would have a poor chance of outliving it, particularly as we
+      have no one but Jack and myself to do seamen&rsquo;s work.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Stubbs walked thoughtfully away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry, who had seen him talking with the mate, asked him what the nature
+      of the conversation was.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Stubbs told him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The fact is, Harry,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;we are in a critical condition. Whether we
+      are ever to see old terry firmy again&rdquo;&mdash;Mr. Stubbs was not a
+      classical scholar&mdash;&ldquo;seems a matter of doubt.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And the worst of it is,&rdquo; said Harry, &ldquo;there seems to be nothing you or I
+      can do to increase our chances of safety.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, unless we could manage to see a ship which the chief officer had
+      overlooked. That, I take it, is not very likely.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      It was toward morning of the fifth night after the captain had left the
+      ship that all on board were startled by a mighty thumping, accompanied by
+      a shock that threw the sleepers out of bed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry ran hastily on deck. The mate was there already.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What&rsquo;s happened, Mr. Holdfast?&rdquo; asked the boy, anxiously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The ship has struck on a rocky ledge!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are we in danger?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In great danger. Call all the passengers. We must take to the boat, for
+      the Nantucket is doomed!&rdquo;
+     </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>
+      THE WRECK OF THE NANTUCKET
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      It was still quite dark, but it was light enough to see that the ship had
+      struck upon a reef. Straining their eyes, the alarmed passengers could
+      descry land. Indeed, the reef was an outlying part of it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All eyes were turned upon the captain, as Mr. Holdfast was now called.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If I had had men enough to stand watch, this would not have happened,&rdquo; he
+      said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is there any hope, Mr. Holdfast?&rdquo; asked Montgomery Clinton, clasping his
+      hands in terror.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Plenty of it,&rdquo; answered the mate, curtly, &ldquo;but we must leave the ship.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Under his direction the remaining boat&mdash;for Captain Hill and his
+      companions had only taken away one&mdash;was lowered. Steering clear of
+      the reef, they found themselves in a cove, bordered on three sides by
+      land. By the light, now rapidly increasing, they saw grass and trees, and
+      the sight gladdened them in spite of the grave peril that menaced them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They put in the boat as large a supply of stores as they dared, and then
+      rowed ashore. Landing the passengers, Holdfast selected Jack and Harry,
+      and went back to the ship for a further supply.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We must lay in as much as we can, for we don&rsquo;t know how long we are to
+      remain here,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the second trip had been made, it was decided to rest for a time and
+      eat breakfast.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The little group gathered on a bluff looking out to sea, and, sitting
+      down, ate heartily. By this time the sun had made its appearance, and it
+      bade fair to be a pleasant day.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Have you any idea where we are, Mr. Holdfast?&rdquo; asked Mr. Stubbs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I only know that we are on an island. There is no mainland near here,&rdquo;
+       answered the commander.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It seems to be a large one, then. While you were gone with the boys, I
+      ascended a tree, and, looking inland, could not see the ocean in that
+      direction.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I feel like exploring the island,&rdquo; said Harry; &ldquo;who will go with me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Curious to see what kind of a new home they had, all set out. First,
+      however, the professor asked:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How long before the ship is likely to go to pieces, Mr. Holdfast?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not under a day or two in this weather,&rdquo; was the answer. &ldquo;Later in the
+      day I will board her again.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      They struck inland and walked for about two miles. There were trees and
+      plants such as they had never seen before, and the songs of unknown birds
+      floated out upon the air. It was certainly a delightful change from the
+      contracted life they had been leading upon shipboard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think the island is inhabited?&rdquo; asked Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I know no more about it than you do, my lad,&rdquo; answered Holdfast.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Suppose we should meet with a pack of savages armed with spears!&rdquo;
+       suggested Harry, with a side look at Clinton, who was walking by him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, good gracious! Mr. Holdfast, do you think we will?&rdquo; asked that young
+      gentleman, nervously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We must do the best we can. I take it we are all brave, and would be
+      willing to fight.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      After a considerable walk, they reached a grove of trees, bearing a
+      different leaf from any to which they were accustomed. They did not appear
+      to produce fruit of any kind, but were comely and afforded a grateful
+      shade. This was the more appreciated, because the sun had begun to make
+      its heat felt, and a feeling of languor diffused itself over all.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I move we squat here a while,&rdquo; said Mr. Stubbs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well,&rdquo; said the mate. &ldquo;We have all day before us, and I am afraid a
+      great many more to come, in which we may explore the island.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      All threw themselves on the grass without ceremony.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They returned to the shore about noon, and sitting down on the bluff, ate
+      heartily of the stores they had brought with them from the ship. They had
+      brought no water, but, fortunately, discovered a spring on their homeward
+      walk, which promised a constant supply of refreshing drink.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This seems a great deal like a picnic,&rdquo; said Harry, as they sat down on
+      the grass with the food in the center.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am afraid it will prove a larger picnic than we care for,&rdquo; remarked the
+      professor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When dinner was over, if their informal meal can be dignified by that
+      name, Mr. Holdfast said:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think we had better make another trip to the ship, and bring back what
+      we can. We shall need a further supply of provisions, and there will be
+      other things that will occur to us as likely to be needed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;May I go with you, Mr. Holdfast?&rdquo; asked Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; answered the mate; &ldquo;I will take you and Jack, and Mr. Stubbs, too,
+      may come, if he will.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am quite at your command, captain,&rdquo; said the Yankee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nothing suited Harry better than to make one of the expeditions. He and
+      Jack clambered up the ship&rsquo;s sides, and chased each other in boyish fun.
+      Jack had no fear of a stern rebuke from Mr. Holdfast, who had a sympathy
+      with the young. He would not have dared to take such liberties with
+      Captain Hill.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How long do you think the ship will hold together, Mr. Holdfast?&rdquo; asked
+      Stubbs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;For a week, perhaps, unless the sea becomes rough, and dashes her against
+      the reef with violence.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;At present she seems motionless.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, she is not at present receiving any damage. It will be a sad day
+      when she goes to pieces,&rdquo; continued the mate, gravely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, but it will hardly make our position worse. There is no chance of
+      our making any use of her, I take it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t quite understand me,&rdquo; said Holdfast. &ldquo;A sailor gets to feel an
+      attachment for the craft he sails on, and she seems to him something like
+      a living creature. This is my first voyage on the old Nantucket, but it
+      will grieve me to see her disappear.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      It was not easy to decide of what the boat&rsquo;s load should consist. In the
+      main, provisions were taken as an article of first necessity. Some
+      clothing, also, was selected, and among the rest, at Harry&rsquo;s instance, an
+      extra pair of Mr. Clinton&rsquo;s trousers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was decided not to make another trip to the ship that day. Mr. Holdfast
+      expressed the opinion that the Nantucket was not in any immediate danger
+      of going to pieces, and there was much other work in hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you know anything about the climate here, Mr. Holdfast?&rdquo; asked the
+      professor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think it is ever cold. It is too far south for that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I mean as to the chance of rain. I am told that in these tropical places,
+      rain comes on very suddenly at times.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suspect that this is the dry season, professor.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Still, it may be wise to provide ourselves with some shelter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;True; have you anything to suggest?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It occurred to me that we might procure some of the sails, and use as a
+      roof covering to shield us from the heat of the sun, and from any
+      unexpected showers.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A good idea. I am glad you mentioned it. On the whole, I think I will
+      make one more trip to the ship this afternoon for the special purpose of
+      bringing back materials for a roof. Then we can put it up to-night.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Better bring hatchets, if there are any on board, some nails and
+      cordage.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Also well thought of. You are a practical man, professor.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We shall all have to think for the general benefit. I am sorry I can&rsquo;t do
+      more work, but I never was handy with tools.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am,&rdquo; said Stubbs. &ldquo;In fact, most Yankees are, and I am a Yankee. You
+      can command my services, Mr. Holdfast, in any way that you see fit.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Holdfast made another trip to the vessel, and brought back quite an
+      expanse of sailcloth. All hands, with the exception of Mr. Clinton, went
+      to work at once, and by sunset a considerable space was roofed over, which
+      the little company regarded with complacency.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Aren&rsquo;t you going to have any sides or doors?&rdquo; asked Clinton.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That can be considered hereafter,&rdquo; said Holdfast. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think we shall
+      need any, since the probability is that the island is not inhabited.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The next morning a great surprise awaited them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It might have been because it was the first night on land, or perhaps
+      because they were unusually fatigued, but at any rate the little party
+      slept unusually late. The first one to awake was Harry Vane. It took very
+      little time for him to dress, since he had only taken off his coat. He
+      glanced at his slumbering companions, who were scattered about in
+      different postures.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll go up to the spring, and have a wash,&rdquo; Harry decided. &ldquo;I won&rsquo;t wake
+      anybody, for there&rsquo;s no hurry about waking up.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Returning from the spring, Harry for the first time looked in the
+      direction of the ship. What he saw filled him with amazement. The wreck
+      which he had thought deserted, was alive with men. He saw a dozen on deck,
+      including two who were obviously not sailors. He could not immediately
+      discern the figures, and ran hastily to the top of the bluff. Then he made
+      the startling discovery that these intruders were the captain and his
+      companions, who had abandoned the ship in the expectation that it was
+      doomed, and, after floating about in the long boat, had by a wonderful
+      coincidence drifted to the very point which they themselves had reached.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The news was too important to keep, and he returned to the encampment, and
+      entering, approached the mate, who was sleeping soundly. He leaned over
+      and shook him gently.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Holdfast!&rdquo; he cried.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The mate slowly opened his eyes and started up.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What&rsquo;s the matter?&rdquo; he asked. &ldquo;Has anything happened?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve got great news for you, Mr. Holdfast. Captain Hill has arrived.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What!&rdquo; exclaimed the mate, in amazement. &ldquo;Arrived&mdash;where?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is at this moment on the Nantucket, with all the men that accompanied
+      him in the long boat.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Uttering an expression of amazement, Mr. Holdfast sprang from the ground,
+      and hastily made his way to the edge of the bluff.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By Jove!&rdquo; said he, &ldquo;you&rsquo;re right. I never heard of anything more
+      wonderful.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry could not tell from the expression of his face whether he considered
+      the news good or not.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Go and wake up the rest, Harry,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;They will be surprised, too.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      It is needless to say that the news produced surprise and excitement. All
+      hurried to the edge of the bluff.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will they come on shore, do you think?&rdquo; asked Harry of the mate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;They will have to; but I shall at once go out to the ship and report to
+      my superior officer. You and Jack may go with me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      It is needless to say that both boys were very glad to accept this
+      invitation. The rest of the party remained on shore and watched the boat&rsquo;s
+      course.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What will be the issue of this, Mr. Stubbs?&rdquo; asked the professor,
+      thoughtfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am afraid there will be friction. The captain is a natural despot, and
+      he will undertake to control us.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He can have no authority after the ship is wrecked.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He will claim it, as sure as my name is Stubbs. The fact is, I am rather
+      sorry he hadn&rsquo;t managed to drift to another island. Mr. Holdfast is a much
+      more agreeable man to deal with.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I agree with you. As a passenger, I shall not recognize the captain&rsquo;s
+      authority on shore.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Nor I.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Meanwhile, the mate and the two boys had pulled to the ship, and, securing
+      the boat, scrambled on deck.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-morning, Captain Hill; I am glad to meet you once more,&rdquo; said the
+      mate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Humph!&rdquo; growled the captain, not over politely. &ldquo;When did you reach
+      here?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yesterday morning.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where are the rest of the party?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We have a little camp just back of the bluff.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I see you have been removing articles from the ship,&rdquo; continued the
+      captain, in a tone of disapproval.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly,&rdquo; answered the mate. &ldquo;We need them, and I didn&rsquo;t know how long
+      the ship would last.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It seems in no immediate danger of going to pieces.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Things look more favorable than they did yesterday morning. What sort of
+      a trip did you have in the boat?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A curious question to ask,&rdquo; said the captain, captiously. &ldquo;We were in
+      danger of being swamped more than once.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We had better have remained on board the Nantucket with you, Mr.
+      Holdfast,&rdquo; said Appleton, the Melbourne merchant.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Captain Hill chose to take offense at this remark.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You were quite at liberty to stay, Mr. Appleton,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t urge
+      you to go with me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;True, Captain Hill; but I trusted to your opinion that the ship was
+      unsafe.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The captain looked angry, but did not make any reply.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      By the sailors Mr. Holdfast was warmly greeted. He was much better liked
+      than the captain, being a man of even temper and reasonable in his
+      demands.
+    </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>
+      THE LAST OF THE &ldquo;NANTUCKET&rdquo;
+     </h3>
+    <p>
+      Though the mate had removed some of the stores, much the larger portion
+      was left on board, for the Nantucket had been provisioned for a long
+      voyage. Yet Captain Hill saw fit to complain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is fortunate that you didn&rsquo;t take all the stores, Mr. Holdfast,&rdquo; he
+      remarked, in a sarcastic tone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The mate eyed the captain steadily.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;May I ask your meaning, Captain Hill?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I mean what I say, sir. I think my language requires no interpreter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I can only reply that it would have made no difference if I had
+      removed all the provisions.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You appear to forget that I am your superior officer,&rdquo; said the captain
+      in a heat.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I had no superior officer at the time I ordered the removal.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have now, at any rate.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We are not at sea, Captain Hill. The vessel is wrecked, and all
+      distinctions are at an end. Now it is each for himself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So, sir, you defy my authority!&rdquo; exclaimed the captain, looking black.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t recognize it, that is all.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You shall, sir!&rdquo; retorted the captain, frowning. &ldquo;You shall learn, also,
+      that I have means to enforce it. I have nearly a dozen seamen under me,
+      and you have only the boy, Jack Pendleton.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Captain Hill, all this is very foolish. We are ship-wrecked, and have
+      taken refuge on the same island. Instead of quarreling, we should help
+      each other.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So you presume to lecture me!&rdquo; sneered the captain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Holdfast didn&rsquo;t care to continue the dispute.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am ready to help you remove what you require,&rdquo; he said, quietly. &ldquo;It
+      will be well to remove as much as possible today, for we may at any time
+      have a storm, that will effectually put an end to our work.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well, sir; I am glad you show a better spirit.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The mate was both annoyed and amused at this evident intention to throw
+      upon him the whole onus of the quarrel, but he did not care to reply. He
+      and the two boys helped remove the stores, and it being quite early, by
+      noon several boatloads had been deposited on shore, to be removed farther
+      inland when there was a good opportunity. One thing Mr. Holdfast noted
+      with apprehension. There was a considerable quantity of brandy and other
+      spirits in the captain&rsquo;s cabin, which he took care to have included in the
+      articles removed. Remembering the captain&rsquo;s weakness, he feared this might
+      lead to trouble. But he did not take it upon himself to remonstrate,
+      knowing that in the state of the captain&rsquo;s feelings toward him it would be
+      worse than useless.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      By three o&rsquo;clock about all the stores, with other needful articles, had
+      been removed, and there was a large pile on the bluff.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Captain, will you walk over and see my encampment?&rdquo; asked Holdfast, now
+      that there was leisure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Lead on, sir,&rdquo; said the captain, though not overpolitely. It was not far
+      away, and a short walk brought them in front of it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps you will feel inclined to settle near by,&rdquo; suggested Holdfast.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; I don&rsquo;t care to intrude upon you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Eventually the captain selected a spot about half a mile away. Here an
+      encampment was made, very similar to the mate&rsquo;s but on a larger scale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad the captain is not close alongside,&rdquo; said Jack Pendleton.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So am I,&rdquo; answered Harry, to whom this remark was made. &ldquo;We are better
+      off by ourselves.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He would be sure to interfere with us. I saw him scowling at me more than
+      once this morning. You know he don&rsquo;t like me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Nor me, either, Jack. It will be well for both of us to keep out of his
+      way.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      To the great delight of Clinton, more of his &ldquo;wardrobe,&rdquo; as he called it,
+      was brought ashore. For this he was indebted to the good-natured
+      persistence of Harry, who, though amused at the vanity of the young man
+      from Brooklyn, felt disposed to gratify him in a harmless whim.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The two parties remained apart, the original company remaining with the
+      captain, while four passengers and Jack Pendleton stayed with the mate.
+      Captain Hill showed a disposition to claim Jack, but Holdfast said,
+      quietly: &ldquo;I think captain, Jack had better stay with me for the present,
+      as he is company for Harry Vane.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The captain looked dissatisfied, but was too tired to remonstrate at that
+      time. He went to his own encampment, and indulged in liberal potations of
+      brandy, which had the effect of sending him to sleep.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      That night a violent wind sprang up. It blew from the sea inland, and
+      though it did not affect the ship-wrecked parties or their encampment
+      seriously, on account of their being screened by the intervening bluff, it
+      had another effect which a day or two previous might have been
+      disasterous. The ill-fated Nantucket was driven with such force against
+      the reef that the strength of its hull was overtaxed. When the mate went
+      to the bluff in the morning to take an observation, he was startled to
+      find in place of the wreck a confused debris of timbers and fragments of
+      the wreck.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As the mate was surveying the scene of ruin, Jack and Harry joined him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Look there, my lads!&rdquo; said Holdfast. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s the last of the poor old
+      Nantucket. She will never float again.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      They had known this before, but it was now impressed upon their minds
+      forcibly, and a feeling of sadness came over the three.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That settles it,&rdquo; said Harry, giving expression to a common feeling. &ldquo;We
+      are prisoners on the island now, and no mistake.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;When we leave here, it won&rsquo;t be on the Nantucket, anyway,&rdquo; said Jack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is lucky this happened after we had brought our stock of provisions
+      ashore,&rdquo; said the mate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Let us go down and see what these kegs and boxes contain,&rdquo; suggested
+      Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So the three descended to the reef, and began to examine the articles
+      thrown ashore. For the most part they were of little value, though here
+      and there were articles that might prove useful.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Couldn&rsquo;t we make a raft out of the timbers of the old ship?&rdquo; asked Jack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is worth thinking of, though a raft would not do for a long voyage,&rdquo;
+       said Holdfast. &ldquo;No, but we might be picked up.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;When the captain&rsquo;s party is awake it will be well for us to haul the
+      loose timbers up to a place of safety.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Here&rsquo;s Clinton&rsquo;s trunk,&rdquo; said Harry, bending over and recognizing the
+      initials. &ldquo;Here is the name, &lsquo;M. C., Brooklyn.&rsquo; He will be overjoyed.
+      Suppose we take it up between us.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      No opposition being made by Mr. Holdfast, the boys took the trunk up
+      between them, preceding the mate. They had just reached the summit of the
+      bluff.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Put down that trunk!&rdquo; said a stern voice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Looking up, the boys saw that the speaker was Captain Hill.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The captain&rsquo;s face was of dull, brick-red, and it was clear that he had
+      already been drinking, early as it was. Naturally the boys, on hearing his
+      voice, put down the trunk in their surprise, but they maintained their
+      position, one on each side of it. Of the two, Jack was the more impressed,
+      having been one of the crew, and subject to the captain&rsquo;s authority on
+      shipboard. Harry, as a passenger, felt more independent. Indeed, he was
+      indignant, and ready to resist what he thought uncalled-for interference
+      on the part of the captain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This is Mr. Clinton&rsquo;s trunk,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;We are going to carry it to him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you dare to dispute my authority?&rdquo; roared the captain, his red face
+      becoming still redder.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t see what you have to do with the trunk,&rdquo; answered Harry, boldly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This to me!&rdquo; shrieked the captain, looking as if he were going to have a
+      fit of apoplexy. &ldquo;Do you know who I am?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You were the captain of the Nantucket,&rdquo; said Harry, quietly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The captain, notwithstanding his inebriated condition, did not fail to
+      notice that Harry used the past tense.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am still the captain of the Nantucket, as I mean to show you,&rdquo; he
+      retorted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then, sir, you are captain of a wreck that has gone to pieces.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Captain Hill upon this looked at the fragments of the unfortunate ship,
+      and for the first time took in what had happened.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It doesn&rsquo;t matter,&rdquo; said he, after a brief pause, &ldquo;I am in command here,
+      and&rdquo;&mdash;here he interpolated an oath&mdash;&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t allow any
+      interference with my authority.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are not captain of Mr. Clinton&rsquo;s trunk,&rdquo; said Harry, in a spirited
+      tone. &ldquo;Jack, let us carry it along.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This was too much for the captain. With a look of fury on his face, he
+      dashed toward Harry, and there is no doubt that our hero was in serious
+      danger. He paled slightly, for he knew he was no match for the tall,
+      sinewy captain, and was half regretting his independence when he felt
+      himself drawn forcibly to one side, and in his place stood the mate,
+      sternly eyeing the infuriated captain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do you want to do, Captain Hill?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To crush that young viper!&rdquo; shouted the captain, fiercely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You shall not harm a hair of his head!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      By this time the captain&rsquo;s wrath had been diverted to the mate. He struck
+      out with his right hand, intending to fell him to the ground, but, the
+      mate swerving, he fell from the force of his abortive blow, and, being
+      under the influence of his morning potations, could not immediately rise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Boys,&rdquo; said Mr. Holdfast, &ldquo;you may take hold of the trunk again and go on
+      with it. Don&rsquo;t be afraid. If the captain makes any attempt to assault you,
+      he will have me to deal with.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry and Jack did as directed. Jack, however, could not help feeling a
+      little nervous, his old fear of the captain asserting itself. But Harry,
+      confident in the protection of his good friend, the mate, was quite
+      unconcerned.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Holdfast walked on beside them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The captain seems disposed to make trouble,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;He fancies that he
+      is captain of this island, as he was chief officer of the Nantucket. I
+      shall convince him of his mistake.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope you won&rsquo;t get into any trouble on my account, Mr. Holdfast,&rdquo; said
+      Harry, considerately.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, my lad; but Tom Holdfast doesn&rsquo;t propose to let any man walk
+      over him, even if it is his old skipper. Now that the ship is gone,
+      Captain Hill has no more authority here than I have.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      As the captain fell, his head came in contact with a timber with such
+      violence that, combined with his condition, he was forced to lie where he
+      fell for over an hour.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As the boys emerged upon the bluff with the trunk, Clinton, who had just
+      got up, recognized it, and ran up to them, his face beaming with delight.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, Mr. Vane!&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;have you really brought my trunk? You are
+      awfully kind.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Then they had breakfast&mdash;a very plain meal, as might be supposed.
+      Some of the sailors came over from the other camp, and one of them asked
+      Mr. Holdfast if he had seen the captain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You will find him on the beach,&rdquo; answered the mate. &ldquo;He has been carrying
+      too much sail, I think,&rdquo; he added, dryly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After a while the captain picked himself up, and gazed moodily at the
+      wreck, of which so little remained. Then, the events of the morning
+      recurring to him, he frowned savagely, and, turning toward the bluff, he
+      shook his fist angrily in the direction of the mate&rsquo;s encampment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XVI
+    </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>
+      Among the sailors was an Italian named Francesco. Probably he had another
+      name, but no one knew what it was. In fact, a sailor&rsquo;s last name is very
+      little used. He was a man of middle height, very swarthy, with bright,
+      black eyes, not unpopular, for the most part, but with a violent temper.
+      His chief fault was a love of strong drink. On board the Nantucket grog
+      had been served to the crew; and with that he had been content. But at the
+      time of the wreck no spirits had been saved but the captain&rsquo;s stock of
+      brandy. Francesco felt this to be a great hardship. More than any other
+      sailor he felt the need of his usual stimulant. It was very tantalizing to
+      him to see the captain partaking of his private stock of brandy while he
+      was compelled to get along on water.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The captain is too mucha selfish,&rdquo; he said one day to a fellow-sailor.
+      &ldquo;He should share his brandy with the men.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Ben Brady, the sailor to whom he was speaking, shrugged his shoulders.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think I will try some of the captain&rsquo;s brandy when he is away,&rdquo; said
+      Francesco, slyly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you do, you will get into trouble. The captain will half murder you if
+      he finds it out.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is not captain now&mdash;we are all equal&mdash;all comrades. We are
+      not on ze sheep.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Take my advice, Francesco, and leave the brandy alone.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Francesco did not reply, but he became more and more bent on his design.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He watched the captain, and ascertained where he kept his secret store.
+      Then he watched his opportunity to help himself. It was some time before
+      he had an opportunity to do so unobserved, but at length the chance came.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The first draught brought light to his eyes, and made him smack his lips
+      with enjoyment. It was so long since he had tasted the forbidden nectar
+      that he drank again and again. Finally he found himself overcome by his
+      potations, and sank upon the ground in a drunken stupor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He was getting over the effects when, to his ill-luck, the captain
+      returned from his usual solitary ramble.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He has been at my brandy!&rdquo; Captain Hill said to himself, with flaming
+      eyes. &ldquo;The fool shall pay dearly for his temerity.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He advanced hastily to the prostrate man, and administered a severe kick,
+      which at once aroused the half-stupefied man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Francesco looked up with alarm, for the captain was a much larger and
+      stronger man than himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Pardon, signor captain,&rdquo; he entreated.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have been drinking my brandy, you beast,&rdquo; said Captain Hill,
+      furiously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      I draw a veil over the brutal treatment poor Francesco received. When it
+      was over he crawled away, beaten and humiliated, but in his eye there was
+      a dangerous light that boded no good to the captain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Presently Francesco began to absent himself. Where he went no one knew or
+      cared, but he, too, would be away all day. His small, black eyes glowed
+      with smoldering fires of hatred whenever he looked at the captain, but his
+      looks were always furtive, and so for the most part escaped observation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One day Captain Hill stood in contemplation on the edge of a precipitous
+      bluff, looking seaward. His hands were folded, and he looked thoughtful.
+      His back was turned, so he could not, therefore, see a figure stealthily
+      approaching, the face distorted by murderous hate, the hand holding a
+      long, slender knife. Fate was approaching him in the person of a deadly
+      enemy. He did not know that day by day Francesco had dogged his steps,
+      watching for the opportunity which had at last come.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So stealthy was the pace, and so silent the approach of the foe, that the
+      captain believed himself wholly alone till he felt a sharp lunge, as the
+      stiletto entered his back between his shoulders. He staggered, but turned
+      suddenly, all his senses now on the alert, and discovered who had assailed
+      him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Ha! it is you!&rdquo; he exclaimed wrathfully, seizing the Italian by the
+      throat. &ldquo;Dog, what would you do?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Kill you!&rdquo; hissed the Italian, and with the remnant of his strength he
+      thrust the knife farther into his enemy&rsquo;s body.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The captain turned white, and he staggered, still standing on the brink of
+      the precipice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Perceiving it, and not thinking of his own danger, Francesco gave him a
+      push, and losing his balance the captain fell over the edge, a distance of
+      sixty feet, upon the jagged rocks beneath. But not alone! Still retaining
+      his fierce clutch upon the Italian&rsquo;s throat, the murderer, too, fell with
+      him, and both were stretched in an instant, mangled and lifeless, at the
+      bottom of the precipice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When night came, and neither returned, it was thought singular, but the
+      night was dark, and they were unprovided with lanterns, so that the search
+      was postponed till morning. It was only after a search of several hours
+      that the two were found.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After the captain&rsquo;s death two distinct camps were still maintained, but
+      the most cordial relations existed between them. At the suggestion of the
+      mate, an inventory was made of the stock of provisions, and to each camp
+      was assigned an amount proportioned to the number of men which it
+      contained.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was no immediate prospect of want. Still, the more prudent regarded
+      with anxiety the steady diminution of the stock remaining, and an attempt
+      to eke them out by fresh fish caught off the island. But the inevitable
+      day was only postponed. At length only a week&rsquo;s provisions remained. The
+      condition was becoming serious.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What shall we do?&rdquo; was the question put to Mr. Holdfast, who was now
+      looked upon by all as their leader and chief.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Upon this the mate called a general meeting of all upon the island,
+      sailors and passengers alike.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My friends,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;it is useless to conceal our situation. We are
+      nearly out of provisions, and though we may manage to subsist upon the
+      fish we catch, and other esculents native to this spot, it will be a daily
+      fight against starvation. I have been asked what we are to do. I prefer
+      rather to call for suggestions from you. What have you to suggest?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In my view there are two courses open to us,&rdquo; said Mr. Stubbs, finding
+      that no one else appeared to have anything to propose. &ldquo;We must remain
+      here and eat the rest of our provisions, but there seems very little
+      chance of our attracting the attention of any passing vessel. We appear to
+      be out of the ordinary course. Of course, it is possible that some ship
+      may have passed the island without attracting our notice. What is your
+      opinion, Mr. Holdfast?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The flag of the Nantucket, as you know, has floated night and day from a
+      pole erected on a high bluff,&rdquo; said the mate. &ldquo;The chances are that if any
+      vessel had come sufficiently near it would have attracted attention, and
+      led to a boat being lowered, and an exploring party sent thither.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;While we&rsquo;ve got any provisions left,&rdquo; said the boatswain, &ldquo;let us take
+      the boats, and pull out to sea. We can go where the ships are, and then
+      we&rsquo;ll have some chance. They&rsquo;ll never find us here, leastways, such is my
+      opinion.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My friends,&rdquo; said the mate, &ldquo;you have heard the proposal made by the
+      boatswain. All who are in favor of it will please raise their right hand.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      All voted in the affirmative.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My friends,&rdquo; said Mr. Holdfast, &ldquo;it seems to be the unanimous sentiment
+      that we leave the island, and sail out far enough to be in the course of
+      passing vessels. I concur in the expediency of this step, and am ready to
+      command one of the boats. Mr. Harrison will command the other.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How soon shall we start?&rdquo; asked a passenger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The sooner the better! To-morrow morning, if it is pleasant.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This decision pleased all. Something was to be done, and hope was
+      rekindled in the breasts of all. Heretofore they had been living on,
+      without hope or prospect of release. Now they were to set out boldly, and
+      though there was the possibility of failure, there was also a chance of
+      deliverance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      No sooner was the decision made than all hands went to work to prepare for
+      embarking.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the appointment of passengers, Mr. Holdfast, who commanded the long
+      boat, retained Harry, the professor and Clinton. Six sailors, including
+      Jack Pendleton, made up the complement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad you are going to be with us, Jack,&rdquo; said Harry, joyfully. &ldquo;I
+      shouldn&rsquo;t like to be separated from you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Nor I from you, Harry,&rdquo; returned Jack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At eight o&rsquo;clock the next morning they started. As the island faded in the
+      distance, all looked back thoughtfully at their sometime home.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Three days the boats floated about on the bosom of the ocean&mdash;three
+      days and nights of anxiety, during which no sail was visible. But at
+      length a ship was sighted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In one way or another we must try to attract attention,&rdquo; said the mate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Not to protract the reader&rsquo;s suspense, let me say that by great good
+      fortune the mate of the approaching ship, in sweeping the ocean with his
+      glass caught sight of the two boats, and changed the course of the vessel
+      so as to fall in with them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who are you?&rdquo; he hailed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Shipwrecked sailors and passengers of the ship Nantucket,&rdquo; was the answer
+      of Mr. Holdfast.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They were taken on board, and discovered that the vessel was the Phocis,
+      from New York, bound for Melbourne.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We shall reach our destination after all, then, professor,&rdquo; said Harry,
+      &ldquo;and you will be able to give your entertainments as you at first
+      proposed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Professor Hemenway shook his head.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall take the first steamer home,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;My wife will be anxious
+      about me, and even now is in doubt whether I am alive or dead. You can
+      return with me, if you like.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No,&rdquo; answered Harry. &ldquo;After the trouble I have had in getting to
+      Australia, I mean to stay long enough to see what sort of a country it is.
+      I think I can make a living in one way or another, and if I can&rsquo;t, I will
+      send to America for the money I have there.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      In due time they reached Melbourne, without further mischance. Harry
+      induced Jack to remain with him, but Mr. Clinton, with a new stock of
+      trousers, purchased in Melbourne, returned to America on the same steamer
+      with the professor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Here we leave Harry and Jack to pursue their course to such eminence as
+      they may desire from the characteristics they have portrayed in this
+      narrative.
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      THE END
+    </h3>
+    <div style="height: 6em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Facing the World, by Horatio Alger
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Facing the World, 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: Facing the World
+
+Author: Horatio Alger
+
+
+Release Date: September, 2004 [EBook #6461]
+This file was first posted on December 17, 2002
+Last Updated: April 10, 2013
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FACING THE WORLD ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Karen Fabrizius, Charles Franks and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+FACING THE WORLD
+
+By Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+Horatio Alger, Jr., in "Facing the World," gives us as his hero a boy
+whose parents have both died and the man appointed as his guardian is
+unjust and unkind to him. In desperation he runs away and is very
+fortunate in finding a true friend in a man who aids him and makes him
+his helper in his work as magician.
+
+They travel over the country and have many interesting experiences,
+some narrow escapes and thrilling adventures.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+HARRY RECEIVES A LETTER
+
+
+"Here's a letter for you, Harry," said George Howard. "I was passing
+the hotel on my way home from school when Abner Potts called out to me
+from the piazza, and asked me to bring it."
+
+The speaker was a bright, round-faced boy of ten. The boy whom he
+addressed was five or six years older. Only a week previous he had
+lost his father, and as the family consisted only of these two, he was
+left, so far as near relatives were concerned, alone in the world.
+
+Immediately after the funeral he had been invited home by Mr. Benjamin
+Howard, a friend of his father, but in no manner connected with him by
+ties of relationship.
+
+"You can stay here as long as you like, Harry," said Mr. Howard,
+kindly. "It will take you some time to form your plans, perhaps, and
+George will be glad to have your company."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Howard," said Harry, gratefully.
+
+"Shall you look for some employment here?"
+
+"No; my father has a second cousin in Colebrook, named John Fox.
+Before he died he advised me to write to Mr. Fox, and go to his house
+if I should receive an invitation."
+
+"I hope for your sake, he will prove a good man. What is his
+business?"
+
+"I don't know, nor did my father. All I know is, that he is considered
+a prosperous man. This letter is from him."
+
+It was inclosed in a brown envelope, and ran as follows:
+
+"HARRY VANE: I have received your letter saying that your father wants
+me to be your guardeen. I don't know as I have any objections, bein' a
+business man it will come easy to me, and I think your father was wise
+to seleck me. I am reddy to receave you any time. You will come to
+Bolton on the cars. That is eight miles from here, and there is a
+stage that meats the trane. It wouldn't do you any harm to walk, but
+boys ain't so active as they were in my young days. The stage fare is
+fifty cents, which I shall expect you to pay yourself, if you ride.
+
+"There is one thing you don't say anything about--how much proparty
+your pa left. I hope it is a good round sum, and I will take good care
+of it for you. Ennybody round here will tell you that John Fox is a
+good man of business, and about as sharp as most people. Mrs. Fox will
+be glad to see you, and my boy, Joel, will be glad to have someone to
+keep him company. He is about sixteen years old. You don't say how old
+you are, but from your letter I surmise that you are as much as that.
+You will find a happy united famerly, consistin' of me and my wife,
+Joel and his sister, Sally. Sally is fourteen, just two years younger
+than Joel. We live in a comfortable way, but we don't gorge ourselves
+on rich, unhelthy food. No more at present. Yours to command,
+
+"JOHN FOX."
+
+Harry smiled more than once as he read this letter.
+
+"Your relative isn't strong on spelling," remarked Mr. Howard, as he
+laid the letter on the table.
+
+"No, sir; but he appears to be strong on economy. It is a comfort to
+know that I shall not be injured by 'rich, unhelthy food.'"
+
+"When do you mean to start for Colebrook?" asked Mr. Howard.
+
+"To-morrow morning. I have been looking at a railroad guide, and I
+find it will bring me to Colebrook in time for supper."
+
+"We should be glad to have you stay with us as long as possible,
+Harry."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Howard, I don't doubt that, but the struggle of life
+is before me, and I may as well enter upon it at once."
+
+At four o'clock in the afternoon the conductor of the train on which
+Harry was a passenger called out Bolton.
+
+Harry snatched up his carpetbag, and made his way to the door, for
+this was the place where he was to take the stage for Colebrook.
+
+Two other passengers got out at the same time. One was an elderly man,
+and the other a young man of twenty-five. They appeared to be father
+and son, and, as Harry learned afterward they were engaged in farming.
+
+"Any passengers for Colebrook?" inquired the driver of the
+old-fashioned Concord stage, which was drawn up beside the platform.
+
+"There's Obed and me," said the old farmer.
+
+"May I ride on the seat with you?" asked Harry of the driver.
+
+"Sartain. Where are you going?"
+
+"To Colebrook."
+
+"Then this is your team."
+
+Harry climbed up with a boy's activity, and sat down on the broad
+seat, congratulating himself that he would have a chance to see the
+country, and breathe better air than those confined inside.
+
+Soon the driver sat down on the box beside him, and started the
+horses.
+
+"You're a stranger, ain't you?" he remarked, with an inquisitive
+glance at his young traveling companion.
+
+"Yes; I've never been here before."
+
+"Are you going to the tavern?"
+
+"No; I'm going to the house of Mr. John Fox. Do you know him?"
+
+"I reckon everybody round here knows John Fox."
+
+"I don't know him. He is to be my guardian."
+
+"Sho! You'll have a queer guardeen."
+
+"Why queer?"
+
+"The fact is, old John'll cheat you out of your eye teeth ef he gets a
+chance. He's about the sharpest man round."
+
+"He can't cheat me out of much," returned Harry, not especially
+reassured by this remark. "What is the business of Mr. Fox?"
+
+"Well, he's got some land, but he makes his livin' chiefly by tradin'
+hosses, auctioneerin', and such like."
+
+"What sort of a woman is Mrs. Fox?"
+
+"She's a good match for the old man. She's about as mean as he is."
+
+"Mr. Fox wrote me that he had two children."
+
+"Yes, there's Joel--he's about your age. He's a chip of the old
+block--red-headed and freckled, just like the old man. I don't believe
+Joel ever spent a cent in his life. He hangs on to money as tight as
+ef his life depended on it."
+
+"There's a girl, too, isn't there?"
+
+"Yes, Sally. She looks like her ma, except she's red-headed like her
+pa."
+
+"I'm glad to know something of the family, but I'm afraid I shan't
+enjoy myself very much among the Foxes."
+
+With such conversation Harry beguiled the way. On the whole, he
+enjoyed the ride. There were hills and here and there the road ran
+through the woods. He could hear the singing of birds, and,
+notwithstanding what he had heard he felt in good spirits.
+
+At length the stage entered the village of Colebrook. It was a village
+of moderate size--about two hundred houses being scattered over a
+tract half a mile square. Occupying a central position was the tavern,
+a square, two-story building, with a piazza in front, on which was
+congregated a number of villagers. After rapidly scanning them, the
+driver said:
+
+"Do you see that tall man over there leanin' against a post?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"That's your guardeen! That's John Fox himself, as large as life, and
+just about as homely."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE DANGER SIGNAL
+
+
+The man pointed out to Harry as his guardian was tall, loosely put
+together, with a sharp, thin visage surrounded by a thicket of
+dull-red hair. He came forward as Harry jumped to the ground after
+descending from the elevated perch, and said: "I reckon this is Harry
+Vane?"
+
+"That is my name, sir."
+
+"Glad to see you. Just take your traps, and come along with me.
+Mrs. Fox will have supper ready by the time we come."
+
+Harry was not, on the whole, attracted by the appearance of his
+guardian. There was a crafty look about the eyes of Mr. Fox which
+seemed to make his name appropriate. He surveyed his young ward
+critically.
+
+"You're pretty well grown," he said.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"And look stout and strong."
+
+"I believe I am both."
+
+"My boy, Joel, is as tall as you, but not so hefty. He's goin' to be
+tall like me. He's a sharp boy--Joel."
+
+"By the way, you didn't write how much property your father left."
+
+"After the funeral bills are paid, I presume there'll be only about
+three hundred dollars left."
+
+Mr. Fox stopped short and whistled.
+
+"Father hadn't much talent at making money," said Harry, soberly.
+
+"I should say not. Why, that money won't last you no time at all."
+
+"I am old enough to work for a living. Isn't there something I can
+find to do in Colebrook?"
+
+"I guess I can give you work myself--There's always more or less to do
+'round a place. I keep a man part of the time, but I reckon I can let
+him go and take you on instead. You see, that will count on your
+board, and you don't want to spend your money too fast."
+
+"Very well, sir. There's only one thing I will stipulate; I will wait
+a day or two before going to work. I want to look about the place a
+little."
+
+While this conversation was going on, they had traveled a considerable
+distance. A little distance ahead appeared a square house, painted
+yellow, with a barn a little back on the left, and two old wagons
+alongside.
+
+"That's my house," said John Fox. "There's Joel."
+
+Joel, a tall boy in figure, like his father, came forward and eyed
+Harry with sharp curiosity.
+
+"How are ye?" said Joel, extending a red hand, covered with warts.
+
+"Pretty well, thank you," said Harry, not much attracted to his new
+acquaintance.
+
+"Here's Sally, too!" said John Fox. "Sally, this is my ward, Harry
+Vane."
+
+Sally, who bore a striking family resemblance to her father and
+brother, giggled.
+
+Mrs. Fox, to whom Harry was introduced at the supper table, was as
+peculiar in her appearance and as destitute of beauty as the rest of
+the family.
+
+The next day, Harry, feeling it must be confessed, rather homesick,
+declined Joel's company, and took an extended stroll about the town.
+He found that though the railway by which he had come was eight miles
+distant, there was another, passing within a mile of the village. He
+struck upon it, and before proceeding far made a startling discovery.
+There had been some heavy rains, which had washed out the road for a
+considerable distance, causing the track to give way.
+
+"Good heavens!" thought Harry, "if a train comes over the road before
+this is mended, there'll be a wreck and loss of life. What can I do?"
+
+Just across the field stood a small house. In the yard the week's
+washing was hung out. Among the articles was a red tablecloth.
+
+"May I borrow that tablecloth?" asked Harry, in excitement, of a woman
+in the doorway.
+
+"Land sakes! what for?" she asked.
+
+"To signal the train. The road's washed away."
+
+"Yes, yes; I'm expectin' my darter on that train," answered the woman,
+now as excited as our hero. "Hurry up! the train's due in fifteen
+minutes."
+
+Seizing the tablecloth, Harry gathered it quickly into a bundle and
+ran back to the railroad. He hurried down the track west of a curve
+which was a few hundred feet beyond the washout, and saw the train
+coming at full speed. He jumped on a fence skirting the tracks, and
+waved the tablecloth wildly.
+
+"Will they see it?" he asked himself, anxiously.
+
+It was an anxious moment for Harry as he stood waving the danger
+signal, uncertain whether it would attract the attention of the
+engineer. It did! The engineer, though not understanding the meaning
+of the signal, not knowing indeed, but it might be a boy's freak,
+prudently heeded it, and reversing the engine, stopped the train a
+short distance of the place of danger.
+
+"Thank God!" exclaimed Harry, breathing a deep sigh of relief.
+
+The engineer alighted from the train, and when he looked ahead, needed
+no explanation.
+
+"My boy!" he said, with a shudder, "you have saved the train."
+
+"I am glad of it, sir. My heart was in my mouth, lest you should not
+see my signal."
+
+By this time the passengers, whose curiosity had been roused by the
+sudden halt, began to pour out of the cars.
+
+When they saw the washout, strong men turned pale, and ladies grew
+faint, while many a fervent ejaculation of gratitude was heard at the
+wonderful escape.
+
+"We owe our lives to this boy!" said the engineer. "It was he who
+stood on the fence and signaled me. We owe our deliverance to
+this--tablecloth."
+
+A small man, somewhat portly, pushed his way up to Harry.
+
+"What is your name, my lad?" he asked, brusquely.
+
+"Harry Vane."
+
+"I am the president and leading stockholder of the road, and my
+property has come very near being the death of me. Gentlemen"--here
+the president turned to the group of gentlemen around him--"don't you
+think this boy deserves a testimonial?"
+
+"Yes, yes!" returned the gentlemen, in chorus.
+
+"So do I, and I lead off with a subscription of twenty dollars."
+
+One after another followed the president's lead, the president himself
+making the rounds bareheaded, and gathering the contributions in his
+hat.
+
+"Oh, sir!" said Harry, as soon as he understood what was going
+forward, "don't reward me for what was only my duty. I should be
+ashamed to accept anything for the little I have done."
+
+"You may count it little to save the lives of a train full of people,"
+said the president, dryly, "but we set a slight value upon our lives
+and limbs. Are you rich?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"So I thought. Well, you needn't be ashamed to accept a little
+testimonial of our gratitude. You must not refuse."
+
+When all so disposed had contributed, the president gathered the bills
+from the hat and handed the pile to Harry.
+
+"Take them, my boy," he said, "and make good use of them. I shall owe
+you a considerable balance, for I value my life at more than twenty
+dollars. Here is my card. If you ever need a friend, or a service,
+call on me."
+
+Then the president gave directions to the engineer to run back to the
+preceding station, where there was a telegraph office, from which
+messages could be sent in both directions to warn trains of the
+washout.
+
+Harry was left with his hands full of money, hardly knowing whether he
+was awake or dreaming.
+
+One thing seemed to him only fair--to give the owner of the tablecloth
+some small share of the money, as an acknowledgment for the use of her
+property.
+
+"Here, Madam," said Harry, when he had retraced his steps to the
+house, "is your tablecloth, for which I am much obliged. It saved the
+train."
+
+"Well, I'm thankful! Little did I ever think a tablecloth would do so
+much good. Why, it only cost me a dollar and a quarter."
+
+"Allow me to ask your acceptance of this bill to pay you for the use
+of it."
+
+"Land sakes! why, you've given me ten dollars!"
+
+"It's all right. It came from the passengers. They gave me something
+too."
+
+"You didn't tell me your name."
+
+"My name is Harry Vane."
+
+"Do you live round here? I never heerd the name afore."
+
+"I've just come to the village. I'm going to live with John Fox."
+
+"You don't say! Be you any kin to Fox?"
+
+"Not very near. He's my guardian."
+
+"If he hears you've had any money give you, he'll want to take care of
+it for you."
+
+This consideration had not occurred to Harry. Indeed, he had for so
+short a time been the possessor of the money, of which he did not know
+the amount, that this was not surprising.
+
+"Well, good-morning!" he said.
+
+"Good-morning! It's been a lucky mornin' for both of us."
+
+"I must go somewhere where I can count this money unobserved," he said
+to himself.
+
+Not far away he saw a ruined shed.
+
+Harry entered the shed, and sitting down on a log, took out the bills,
+which he had hurriedly stuffed in his pocket, and began to count them.
+
+"Almost three hundred dollars!" murmured Harry, joyously. "It has
+been, indeed, a lucky morning for me. It has nearly doubled my
+property."
+
+The question arose in his mind: "Should he give this money to Mr. Fox
+to keep for him?"
+
+"No," he decided, "I won't give him this money. I won't even let him
+know I have it." Where, then, could he conceal it? Looking about him,
+he noticed a little, leather-covered, black trunk, not more than a
+foot long, and six inches deep. It was locked, but a small key was in
+the lock.
+
+Opening the trunk he found it empty. The lock seemed in good
+condition. He made a pile of the bills, and depositing them in this
+receptacle, locked the trunk and put the key in his pocket.
+
+Now for a place of concealment.
+
+Harry came out of the shed, and looked scrutinizingly around him. Not
+far away was a sharp elevation surmounted by trees. The hill was a
+gravelly formation, and therefore dry. At one point near a withered
+tree, our hero detected a cavity, made either by accident or design.
+Its location near the tree made it easy to discover.
+
+With a little labor he enlarged and deepened the hole, till he could
+easily store away the box in its recess, then covered it up carefully,
+and strewed grass and leaves over all to hide the traces of
+excavation.
+
+"There that will do," he said, in a tone of satisfaction.
+
+He had reserved for possible need fifteen dollars in small bills,
+which he put into his pocketbook.
+
+John Fox had heard the news in the post office, and started off at
+once for the scene of danger.
+
+"How'd they hear of the washout?" he asked, puzzled.
+
+"I heerd that a boy discovered it, and signaled the train," said his
+neighbor.
+
+"How did he do it?"
+
+"Waved a shawl or somethin'."
+
+"That don't seem likely; where would a boy find a shawl?"
+
+His informant looked puzzled.
+
+"Like as not he borrowed it of Mrs. Brock," he suggested.
+
+Mrs. Brock was the woman living in the small house near by, so that
+the speaker's surmise was correct. It struck John Fox as possible, and
+he said so.
+
+"I guess I'll go and ask the Widder Brock," he said. "She must have
+seen the train, livin' so near as she does."
+
+"I'll go along with you."
+
+The two men soon found themselves on Mrs. Brock's premises.
+
+"Good-mornin,' Mrs. Brock," said John Fox.
+
+"You've come nigh havin' a causality here."
+
+"You're right there, Mr. Fox," answered Mrs. Brock. "I was awful
+skeered about it, for I thought my Nancy might be on the train. When
+the boy run into my yard----"
+
+"The boy! What boy?" asked Fox, eagerly.
+
+"It was that boy you are guardeen of."
+
+"What, Harry Vane?" ejaculated Fox, in genuine surprise.
+
+"Tell me all about it, Mrs. Brock."
+
+"Well, you see, he ran into my yard all out of breath, and grabbin' a
+red tablecloth from the line, asked me if I would lend it to him.
+'Land sakes!' says I, 'what do you want of a tablecloth?'"
+
+"'The track's washed away,' he said, 'and I want to signal the train.
+There's danger of an accident.' Of course, I let him have it, and he
+did signal the train, standin' on the fence, and wavin' the
+tablecloth. So the train was saved!"
+
+"And did he bring back the tablecloth?"
+
+"Of course, he did, and that wasn't all. He brought me a ten-dollar
+bill to pay for the use of it."
+
+"Gave you a ten-dollar bill!" exclaimed John Fox, in amazement. "That
+was very wrong."
+
+"You hadn't no claim on the money if you are his guardeen. A
+collection was took up by the passengers, and given to the boy, and he
+thought I ought to have pay for use of the tablecloth, so he gave me a
+ten-dollar bill--and a little gentleman he is, too."
+
+"A collection taken up for my ward?" repeated Fox, pricking up his
+ears. "Well, well! that is news."
+
+John Fox was already on his way back to the road. He was anxious to
+find his ward.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+HARRY DISAGREES WITH HIS GUARDIAN
+
+
+Harry and his guardian met at the dinner table. Mrs. Fox had provided
+a boiled dinner, to which Harry was ready to do justice.
+
+Mr. Fox seemed unusually pleasant.
+
+"I find, Harry," he said, clearing his throat, "that you have already
+been distinguishing yourself."
+
+"Then you heard of the narrow escape of the train?" said Harry.
+
+"Yes, I heard that but for your presence of mind, and Mrs. Brock's
+tablecloth, there would have been a smash-up."
+
+"What on earth are you talkin' about, John Fox?" demanded his wife,
+curiously.
+
+"Well, you see, Maria, the rain of last night washed away part of the
+railroad track, and the train would have been plunged into a gully if
+our young boarder here hadn't seen the danger, and, borrowin' a
+tablecloth from Mrs. Brock, signaled the train."
+
+"You don't say?"
+
+"That isn't all," resumed John Fox. "The passengers took up a
+contribution, and I expect gave quite a handsome sum to our young
+friend."
+
+"How much did the folks give you?" asked Joel eagerly.
+
+"I've got fifteen dollars left," he replied. "I gave some money to
+Mrs. Brock for the use of the tablecloth."
+
+John Fox looked disappointed and disgusted.
+
+"You don't mean to say," he ejaculated, sharply, "that you gave away
+almost half of your money for the use of an old tablecloth that would
+be dear at a dollar?"
+
+"If I hadn't had the tablecloth, I couldn't have attracted the
+engineer's attention," said Harry, mildly.
+
+There was a little more conversation on the subject, but Harry
+remained tranquil, and did not appear disturbed by the criticisms
+elicited by his conduct. He heartily hoped that his guardian's family
+would not find out how large a sum he had received.
+
+When dinner was over, Harry was about to leave the house, when John
+Fox said, insinuatingly: "Don't you think you'd better give me that
+money to keep for you? It will be safer in my hands."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Fox," said Harry, "but I think I can take care of it
+myself."
+
+"Fifteen dollars is a good deal of money for a boy like you to carry
+round with you," said his guardian.
+
+"I don't think I shall lose it, sir," replied the boy.
+
+"Perhaps not, but you will be tempted to spend it wastefully."
+
+John Fox didn't look amiable. He was in doubt whether he might not
+properly take from his ward the money by force, but it occurred to him
+that it would be better not to assert his authority quite so soon.
+
+"We will speak of this again," he said.
+
+"It is well I didn't bring all the money home. I wonder how soon
+Mr. Fox will make another attempt to secure the sum I have with me,"
+thought Harry.
+
+The attempt was made that same night.
+
+Harry was afraid he would be expected to occupy the same room with
+Joel, in which case he could hope for no privacy, and would be unable
+to conceal his money, which he had little doubt his guardian intended
+to secure, either by fair means or foul. It chanced, however, that
+Joel slept in a small bedroom opening out of his parents' chamber. So
+Harry was assigned an attic room, in the end of the house, the sides
+sloping down to the eaves. It was inferior to the chambers on the
+second floor, but our hero was not disposed to complain. He valued
+solitude more than superior finish.
+
+Harry's suspicion was roused by the circumstance that his guardian did
+not again refer to his money, nor did he manifest any disappointment
+at his ward's declining to intrust him with it.
+
+During the evening, Joel brought out a backgammon board, and proposed
+to Harry to play. If there would have been anything to read Harry
+would have preferred entertaining himself in that way, but Mr. Fox
+didn't appear to be literary. There were a few books in the house, but
+they were not of an attractive character.
+
+Partly in backgammon, partly in conversation with the son and heir of
+the Foxes, the time passed till half-past eight o'clock.
+
+"Joel, you can go to bed," said his mother. "It is half-past eight."
+
+Joel yawned, and interposed no objection.
+
+"You may as well go, too, Harry," said Mrs. Fox.
+
+"I am ready to go to bed," said Harry.
+
+In fact, he felt rather sleepy, and anticipated little pleasure in
+sitting up in the far from exciting company of Mr. and Mrs. Fox.
+
+"Joel!" said his mother, "take this candle and show Harry upstairs in
+the attic chamber."
+
+"Yes, mam."
+
+So, preceded by Joel, Harry went up two flights of stairs to the attic
+room reserved for him. It was the only room that had been finished
+off, and the garret outside looked dark and forbidding.
+
+"I would be scared to sleep up here," said his companion.
+
+"I shall not be at all frightened, Joel," said Harry.
+
+"Good-night. Just hold the candle while I go downstairs."
+
+When he was fairly all alone, Harry began to look about him, to
+ascertain in what kind of quarters he was to pass the night. To begin
+with he examined the door, he ascertained that it was a common latch
+door, and there was no lock. There was nothing to prevent anyone
+entering the room during the night. There was a small cot bed in one
+corner, a chair, and an old wooden chest. There was no bureau nor
+washstand. The absence of the latter annoyed Harry.
+
+He learned afterward that he was expected to go downstairs and wash in
+a large basin in the kitchen sink--wiping his face on a brown, roll
+towel which was used by the entire family. This was quite
+unsatisfactory to Harry, who was scrupulously neat in his tastes.
+
+"This isn't a palace exactly," Harry said to himself.
+
+Then came the thought, "What was he to do with his money?"
+
+Now, it so happened that Harry was the possessor of two
+pocketbooks--one--shabby, and well worn, which he had failed to throw
+away on buying another just before he left home. In connection with
+this, a scheme for outwitting Mr. Fox came into his mind. He folded up
+a fragment of newspaper, and put it into the old pocketbook, bulging
+it out till it looked well filled, and this he left in the pocket of
+his pantaloons.
+
+"Now to hide the other," said he to himself.
+
+He looked about the room seeking for some place of concealment.
+Finally he noticed in one portion of the floor a square board, which
+looked as if it might be lifted. He stooped over and succeeded in
+raising it. The space beneath was about a foot in depth--the lower
+level being the lathing and plastering of the room below.
+
+"That will do," said Harry, in a tone of satisfaction. "I don't think
+Mr. Fox will find my money here," and dropping the pocketbook into the
+cavity he replaced the square board. Then he went to bed and awaited
+results.
+
+When Harry had gone up to his bed, Mr. and Mrs. Fox naturally began to
+compare notes respecting him.
+
+"That new boy rides a high horse," said Mrs. Fox, grimly. "Are you
+going to allow it?"
+
+"Certainly not."
+
+"He wouldn't give up his money to you, though you are his guardeen."
+
+"Very true, but I mean to have it all the same. I shall go up to his
+bedroom after he is asleep, and then it will be the easiest thing in
+the world to take the pocketbook without his knowin' anything about
+it."
+
+"He'll know it in the mornin'."
+
+"Let him! Possession is nine p'ints of the law, Mrs. Fox."
+
+"He might say you stole it."
+
+"He can't do that, for I'm his guardeen, don't you see?"
+
+A little after ten Mr. Fox, considering that Harry must be sound
+asleep, decided to make him a visit. He removed his shoes, and in his
+stocking feet, candle in hand, began to ascend the narrow and steep
+staircase which led to the attic.
+
+"Shall I go with you, John?" queried his helpmeet.
+
+"No, I guess I can manage alone."
+
+His wife wanted to share in the excitement of the night visit. There
+was something alluring in the thought of creeping upstairs, and
+removing by stealth, the pocketbook of the new inmate of their home.
+
+Left to himself, Mr. Fox pursued his way up the attic stairs. They
+creaked a little under his weight, and, much to his annoyance, when he
+reached the landing at the top he coughed.
+
+"I hope the boy won't hear me," he said to himself.
+
+He paused an instant, then softly opened the door of Harry's chamber.
+
+All seemed satisfactory. Our hero was lying quietly in bed, apparently
+in a peaceful sleep. Ordinarily he would have been fast asleep by this
+time, but the expectation of a visit from his guardian had kept him
+awake beyond his usual time. He had heard Mr. Fox cough, and so, even
+before the door opened, he had warning of the visit.
+
+Harry was not a nervous boy, and had such command of himself, that,
+even when Mr. Fox bent over, and, by the light of the candle, examined
+his face, he never stirred nor winked, though he very much wanted to
+laugh.
+
+"All is safe! The boy is sound asleep," whispered Mr. Fox to himself.
+
+He set the candle on the floor, and then taking up Harry's pantaloons,
+thrust his hand into the pocket.
+
+The very first pocket contained the pocketbook which our hero had put
+there. Mr. Fox would have opened and examined the contents on the
+spot, but he heard a cough from the bed, and, quickly put the
+pocketbook into his own pocket, apprehending that his ward might wake
+up, and taking up the candle, noiselessly withdrew from the chamber.
+
+After he had fairly gone, Harry had a quiet laugh to himself.
+
+Mr. Fox returned in triumph to his own chamber, where his wife was
+anxiously waiting for him.
+
+"Have you got it, Mr. F.," she asked, eagerly.
+
+"Got it? Why shouldn't I get it?"
+
+"Well, open it, and let us see what it contains."
+
+This Mr. Fox proceeded to do. But no sooner did his glance rest on its
+contents than his lower jaw fell, and his eyes opened wide in
+perplexity.
+
+"Well, what are you staring at like a fool?" demanded his wife, who
+was not so situated that she could see the contents of the pocketbook.
+
+"Look at this, Mrs. F.," said her husband, in a hollow voice. "There's
+no money here--only this piece of newspaper."
+
+"Well, well, of all the fools I ever saw you are about the most
+stupid!" ejaculated Mrs. Fox. "What you undertake you generally carry
+through, do you? After all the fuss you've brought down a pocketbook
+stuffed with waste paper."
+
+"I don't understand it," said Fox, his face assuming a look of
+perplexity. "Surely the boy told the truth when he said he had fifteen
+dollars."
+
+"Of course! Joel saw the money--a roll of bills, and saw him take them
+out of his pocketbook. He must have taken them out. Did you search all
+his pockets?"
+
+"No; when I found the pocketbook I thought I was all right."
+
+"Just like a man!" retorted Mrs. Fox. "I'll go up myself, and see if I
+can't manage better than you."
+
+"Then you'd better take this wallet, and put it back in his pocket."
+
+"Give it to me, then."
+
+With a firm step Mrs. Fox took the candle, and took her turn in going
+up the attic stairs.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+MRS. FOX COMES TO GRIEF
+
+
+Harry confidently anticipated a second visit to his chamber.
+
+He was rather surprised when the door was again opened, and Mrs. Fox
+entered. Opening his eyes a little way, he saw her, after a brief
+glance at the bed, go to the chair containing his pantaloons, and put
+back the deceptive wallet. She was about to prosecute a further
+search, when Harry decided that matters had gone far enough. He did
+not fancy their night visits, and meant to stop them if he could.
+
+Chance favored his design. A puff of air from the door, which Mrs. Fox
+had left wide open, extinguished the candle, and left the room, as
+there was no moon, in profound darkness.
+
+"Drat the candle!" he heard Mrs. Fox say.
+
+Then a mischievous idea came to Harry. In his native village lived a
+man who had passed a considerable time in the wild region beyond the
+Missouri River, and had mingled familiarly with the Indians. From him
+Harry had learned how to imitate the Indian warwhoop.
+
+"I'll scare the old lady," thought Harry, smiling to himself.
+
+Immediately there rang out from the bed, in the darkness and silence,
+a terrific warwhoop, given in Harry's most effective style.
+
+Mrs. Fox was not a nervous woman ordinarily, but she was undeniably
+frightened at the unexpected sound.
+
+"Heavens and earth, what's that?" she ejaculated, and dropping our
+hero's clothes, retreated in disorder, almost stumbling downstairs in
+her precipitate flight. Dashing into the chamber where Mr. Fox was
+waiting for her, she sank into a chair, gasping for breath.
+
+"Good gracious, Maria, what's the matter?" exclaimed her husband,
+gazing at her in astonishment.
+
+"I--don't--know," she gasped.
+
+"You look as if you had seen a ghost."
+
+"I haven't seen anything," said his wife, recovering her breath, "but
+I've heard something terrible. It's my belief the attic is haunted. I
+went upstairs and put back the wallet, and was looking to see if I
+could find another, when all at once the candle went out, and a
+terrible noise shook the chamber."
+
+"What was it like, Mrs. F.?"
+
+"I can't tell you. I never heard anything like it before. All I know
+is, I wouldn't go up there again tonight for anything."
+
+"Did the boy sleep through it all?"
+
+"How can I tell? The candle was out."
+
+"Perhaps he blew it out."
+
+"Perhaps you're a fool Mr. Fox. It wasn't near the bed, and he was
+fast asleep, for I looked at him. It made me think of--of Peter," and
+Mrs. Fox shuddered.
+
+Peter had been taken from the poorhouse three years ago by Mr. Fox,
+and apprenticed to him by the town authorities. According to popular
+report he had been cruelly treated and insufficiently fed, until he
+was taken sick and had died in the very bedroom where Mrs. Fox had
+been so frightened. This may explain how it was that a woman so
+strong-minded had had her nerves so easily upset.
+
+"We won't talk of Peter," said Mr. Fox, shortly, for to him, also, the
+subject was an unpleasant one. "I suppose you didn't find another
+wallet?"
+
+"No, I didn't. You can order the boy to give it up to-morrow. The best
+thing to do now is to go to bed and rest."
+
+The breakfast hour at the house of Mr. Fox was half past six. Harry
+was called at six, and was punctual at the table. Mr. Fox cast a
+suspicious glance at his ward, but the boy looked so perfectly
+unconcerned, that he acquitted him of any knowledge of the night
+visit.
+
+"How did you sleep, Harry?" asked Mrs. Fox.
+
+"Soundly, thank you," answered Harry, politely.
+
+"You didn't hear any--strange noises, then?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Now, Harry," said Mr. Fox, after breakfast, "we may as well speak of
+our future arrangements. I have considerable to do on my twenty acres
+of land, and I can give you work here."
+
+"What compensation do you offer, sir?"
+
+"As a boarder I should have to charge you five dollars a week for your
+board, and fifty cents extra for your washing--that would go to
+Mrs. Fox; as well as pay twenty-five cents a week for your mending.
+That also would go to my wife. Now, if you work for me, I will take
+off three dollars, making the charge to you only two dollars and
+seventy-five cents per week."
+
+"Don't you think, Mr. Fox, that is rather low pay for my services?"
+
+"I might say two dollars and a quarter," said Mr. Fox, deliberating.
+
+Harry smiled to himself. He had not the slightest idea of working for
+any such trifle, but he did not care to announce his determination
+yet.
+
+"I will pay full price for a week, Mr. Fox," he said, "and during that
+time I will consider your offer."
+
+"I may not offer you as favorable terms a week from now," said Fox,
+who wanted to get his ward to work at once.
+
+"I will take my chance of it, sir. I prefer to have a few days of
+freedom."
+
+"By the way, Harry, don't you think you had better give me your money
+to keep? You might lose it."
+
+"You are very kind, Mr. Fox; but I am not afraid of losing it."
+
+After breakfast Harry went to walk. His steps naturally tended to the
+place where he had left the greater part of his treasure. It was
+possible that he had been seen hiding it, and he thought on the whole
+it would be better to find another place of concealment.
+
+"Joel," said his mother, "follow Harry, and see where he goes. He may
+be goin' to hide his money. But don't let him see you."
+
+"All right, mam; I'll do it. I wish I had followed him yesterday."
+
+A position as detective would have suited Joel. Whatever was secret or
+stealthy had a charm for him.
+
+In the present instance he managed to shadow Harry very successfully.
+The task was made easier, because our hero had no idea that anyone was
+following him.
+
+"So he's goin' to the railroad," said Joel, to himself
+
+Arrived at the railroad track, Harry's course diverged to the hillock,
+at the top of which he had concealed his treasure.
+
+Joel posted himself at a point where he had a good view of the
+elevation, and could see what Harry was doing. He saw our hero digging
+at a particular spot, and concluded that he was going to hide the
+fifteen dollars there. What was his surprise and delight when he saw
+him dig up and expose to view a large roll of bills.
+
+"Oh, cracky!" ejaculated Joel, "there must be a hundred dollars in
+that roll of bills. Wouldn't dad open his eyes if he saw it?"
+
+Unconscious of observation, Harry held the money in his hand and
+deliberated. Then he put it in his pocket, resolved to think over at
+his leisure its ultimate place of deposit.
+
+Now, unfortunately for Joel, just at this moment he slipped from his
+perch on the branch of a small tree, and for about half a minute what
+Harry did was concealed from him. He clambered into the tree again,
+but only to see Harry filling up the hole again.
+
+He didn't want Harry to catch sight of him when he descended from the
+hill, and accordingly scuttled away sufficiently far to escape
+suspicion, yet not too far to entirely lose sight of Harry's
+movements.
+
+Five minutes later Harry descended from the hill, and bent his steps
+toward that part of the railway where the accident had occurred. Joel,
+who had hastened away in a different direction, went back to the hill
+as soon as he thought it would be safe, and eagerly ascended it. He
+found without difficulty the spot where Harry had been digging. With
+the help of a fragment of wood which he had picked up below, he in
+turn began to dig--his eyes glistening with expectation and cupidity.
+
+He kept digging, but gradually became anxious, as the expected
+treasure did not show itself.
+
+"I'm sure I have dug deep enough," he said to himself.
+
+"He must have took the money when I fell from the tree," thought Joel,
+crestfallen. "He's served me a mean trick. Won't I tell dad, though,
+and get him into trouble? Oh, no!"
+
+Meanwhile Harry, not knowing how narrowly he had escaped being robbed,
+pursued his way to the railway.
+
+"If I were only in my old home," he thought, "I would ask Mr. Howard
+to take care of it for me. Then I should know it was all right."
+
+He thought of the president of the railroad, to whom he was
+principally indebted for the money.
+
+"If I could only see him," he thought, "I would ask him to take care
+of it for me."
+
+What was his surprise, when, on reaching the depot, the first person
+on whom his eyes fell was the very gentleman of whom he was thinking.
+
+"How do you do, sir?" said Harry, politely.
+
+"Ah, my young friend that saved the train!" said the president
+cordially. "I hope you haven't spent the money you received on riotous
+living."
+
+"No. Will you take care of it for me? I don't want to spend it, and I
+am afraid of losing it."
+
+"Well, my boy, if you really desire it, I will take the money."
+
+"I shall regard it as a very great favor."
+
+No sooner said than done. They went into the depot and Harry, counting
+out two hundred and fifty dollars, passed it over to the president.
+
+He made out a brief receipt, signing it, "Thomas Conway, President of
+the Craven County Railroad," and Harry pocketed it with a feeling of
+relief.
+
+While he was standing in front of the depot waiting for the arrival of
+the eight-thirty train, Joel came up.
+
+"Goin' a-travelin'?" asked Joel, with a grin.
+
+"Not this morning."
+
+"I wish I had a hundred dollars!" continued Joel, surveying Harry
+sharply. "I'd make a journey out West. Say, Harry, did you ever have a
+hundred dollars in your pocket?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Maybe you've got it now?"
+
+"Where should I get it?" demanded Harry.
+
+"I do'no. Jest empty your pockets, and le'me see how much you've got."
+
+"Thank you; I don't see any use in it," said Harry.
+
+"You dassent!"
+
+"Very well! Call it that."
+
+"Joel's been spying on me. He must have seen me on the hill,"
+concluded Harry. "It's well I gave most of my money to Mr. Conway."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+MR. FOX LEARNS HARRY'S SECRET
+
+
+Harry had acted none too soon. It happened that his secret had been
+discovered not only by Joel, but by Joel's father, that very morning.
+
+About ten o'clock Mr. Fox had occasion to go to the village. In the
+post office he met an acquaintance from a neighboring town, with whom
+he passed the usual compliments.
+
+"By the way, Fox," said his friend, "I had a narrow escape the other
+day."
+
+"What was it, Pearson?"
+
+"Came near being smashed up on the railroad. There would have been an
+end to us, but for a brave boy, who signaled the train in time."
+
+"That boy was my ward," said John Fox, complacently.
+
+"You don't say so! Well, he was a lucky chap."
+
+"I don't think so. He didn't get much for his bravery."
+
+"I don't see how you can say that. How much money did he get?"
+
+"Twenty-five dollars, and of that he gave ten to the woman whose
+tablecloth he borrowed."
+
+"There's some mistake about that. There must have been forty or fifty
+bills put into his hands."
+
+"Is this true?" ejaculated Fox, in amazement.
+
+"Just as true as I'm standing here. If there wasn't two or three
+hundred dollars I'll eat my head."
+
+"The artful young rascal!" exclaimed Fox, in virtuous indignation.
+
+"Perhaps he thought you would take it from him. The boy was smart,"
+said Pearson, laughing.
+
+"You call it smart! I call it base and treacherous!"
+
+Mr. Fox walked thoughtfully away. He was considering how he should get
+hold of his ward's money. It was not a question easy to answer.
+Evidently Harry was a boy who kept his own counsel, and knew how to
+take care of himself.
+
+"Joel seems to have a great partiality for my society," thought Harry,
+when, after dinner, his guardian's son continued to follow him about.
+
+Our hero would have been quite willing to dispense with Joel's
+companionship, but, being good-natured, he did not feel like
+dismissing him, as he would have done had he suspected that the boy
+was acting as a spy upon him, at his father's request.
+
+Mr. Fox said very little to his ward at the table, but Harry felt that
+he was eyeing him intently.
+
+After supper Harry was about to leave the room when Mr. Fox stopped
+him.
+
+"Wait a moment, young man," he said, in a commanding tone.
+
+"Very well, sir," returned Harry, quietly.
+
+"How much money did the passengers give you?"
+
+"Almost three hundred dollars," answered Harry, composedly.
+
+"Did you ever hear the like?" exclaimed Mrs. Fox, in amazement. "If it
+had only been Joel."
+
+"Thunder!" exclaimed that young gentleman. "Well, you was lucky. No
+such luck for me!"
+
+"It is well you have told me," said John Fox; "not but I knew before.
+I met one of the passengers to-day, and he gave me an idea how much it
+was. You will please hand it over to me, and I will take care of it."
+
+"I shall not be able to comply with your request, Mr. Fox," said
+Harry. "I have not the money with me."
+
+"I don't believe it. You had it this morning. And Joel has been with
+you ever since; so you haven't had time to hide it."
+
+"So that was the reason you favored me with your company, Joel," said
+Harry, with a glance at his guardian's son.
+
+"All you've got to do is to hand over that money now, Harry Vane.
+Mind, I intend to have it."
+
+"I assure you, Mr. Fox, that I haven't the money with me."
+
+"Where is it, then?" asked Mr. Fox, incredulous.
+
+"I have put it into the hands of a gentleman in whom I have
+confidence, who will take care of it for me."
+
+"What's the man's name?" demanded John Fox.
+
+"That is my secret."
+
+"You have rebelled against my lawful authority. Maria, what is it my
+duty to do with this boy?"
+
+"Lock him up!" answered Mrs. Fox, grimly.
+
+"A good suggestion, Mrs. F. Imprisonment may change the boy's ideas.
+He may repent his base conduct."
+
+"Now, young man," said Fox, in a tone of authority, "go up to your
+chamber, and stay there till you're ready to obey orders."
+
+Harry hesitated a moment, then quietly went upstairs. Mr. Fox was
+relieved, for he was a little apprehensive that his ward would prove
+rebellious and decline to obey.
+
+John Fox stole up after his ward, and Harry heard the door bolted on
+the outside.
+
+He was a prisoner.
+
+When he heard the bolt slide in the lock, he said to himself: "Mr. Fox
+and I can never agree. He has not yet been appointed my guardian, and
+he never will receive the appointment. I have the right to choose for
+myself, as Mr. Howard told me, and I mean to exercise it."
+
+Some of my readers may, perhaps, picture Harry as forcing open the
+door of his chamber and rushing from the house, breathing loud
+defiance as he went. But he was a sensible boy, and meditated nothing
+of the kind.
+
+"I can wait till morning," he reflected. "I don't think I shall be
+here twenty hours hence, but I mean to get a good night's sleep. It
+will be time enough to decide in the morning what I will do."
+
+So, in spite of his imprisonment, Harry enjoyed a comfortable night's
+sleep, and was awakened in the morning by hearing his door opened.
+
+Mr. Fox entered, and sat down on a chair by the bed.
+
+"Good-morning, sir," said Harry, composedly.
+
+"What I want to know is, have you made up your mind to do as I told
+you last night?"
+
+"I prefer to keep it in my possession."
+
+"I guess I'll have to keep you here a little longer."
+
+"Then be kind enough to send me up some breakfast. I am paying my
+board. I shall object to paying unless I get my meals regularly."
+
+This consideration weighed with John Fox, and he sent Joel up with a
+cup of coffee and some dry bread, five minutes later.
+
+"By the way, Joel, come up here about the middle of the forenoon; I
+want to say a few words to you in private."
+
+"All right, I'll come. I must go downstairs now."
+
+"I wonder what he wants to see me about?" said Joel, to himself.
+
+Joel made a pretty shrewd guess, and resolved, by all means, to keep
+the appointment.
+
+He was anxious to get his father out of the way, but John Fox was
+unusually deliberate in his motions. Finally, about half-past nine, he
+left the house for the village.
+
+Presently his mother said: "Joel, if you'll stay and mind the house,
+I'll run over to Mrs. Bean's and borrow some sugar."
+
+His mother put on her bonnet, and started across a field to her
+nearest neighbor's.
+
+"Now's my time," thought Joel. "Mam's sure to get talkin' with
+Mrs. Bean and stay half an hour or more."
+
+He ran up the garret stairs, and drew the bolt that held Harry
+captive.
+
+"Joel, I want you to let me out of this place."
+
+"Oh, gracious!" exclaimed Joel, in apparent dismay. "Dad would give me
+the wu'st kind of a lickin'."
+
+"Would he know how I got out?" asked Harry.
+
+"I don't know. What are you willing to give?"
+
+Harry saw that it was merely a matter of bargaining, and finally
+prevailed upon Joel to release him for a five-dollar bill.
+
+"I want the money now," said Joel.
+
+"How do I know that you will do as you have agreed?"
+
+"Give me the money, and I'll tell you."
+
+Harry passed over the bank bill, and Joel said:
+
+"Dad's gone to the village, and mam's gone over to Mrs. Bean's. All
+you've got to do is to go downstairs, and walk out."
+
+Harry was by no means slow to take the hint.
+
+"Good-by, Joel," he said, extending his hand; "I won't forget the
+favor you've done me."
+
+"I don't know what dad'll say. There'll be an awful fuss. Just give me
+a box on the ear, won't you?"
+
+"What for?"
+
+"I'll tell dad you gave me an awful clip on the side of the head, and
+ran off, though I tried to stop you."
+
+"All right," said Harry, laughing.
+
+He gave Joel the required box on the ear, tripped him up, laying him
+gently on his back on the landing, and then, with a friendly
+"good-by," he ran down the stairs, and before Mrs. Fox returned from
+her call was a mile away.
+
+She found Joel wiping his eyes.
+
+"What's the matter, Joel?" she asked.
+
+"That boy, Harry, called me upstairs, and got me to open the door.
+Then he gave me an almighty clip on the side of my head that almost
+stunned me, then he knocked me over, and ran out of the house as fast
+as he could run--my head aches awful!"
+
+"The owdacious young ruffian!" ejaculated Mrs. Fox. "To beat my poor,
+dear Joel so! Never mind. Joel, dear, I'll give you a piece of pie and
+some cake. As for that boy, he'll be hung some day, I reckon!"
+
+After eating the cake and pie, which were luxuries in that frugal
+household, Joel said he felt better. He went out behind the house, and
+taking out the five-dollar note, surveyed it with great satisfaction.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+AN EXCITING CHASE
+
+
+When John Fox went to the village he usually stopped first at the
+tavern, and invested ten cents in a glass of whisky. Here he met two
+or three of his cronies.
+
+"Folks say you've got a new boarder, Fox," said Bill Latimer, as he
+laid down his glass on the counter.
+
+"Yes," answered Fox, complacently. "I'm his guardeen."
+
+"Folks say he got a pile of money for saving the train."
+
+"He got a pretty stiff sum," answered Fox cautiously.
+
+"Do you keep his money?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Is he easy to manage?" asked John Blake.
+
+"Well, some folks might find trouble with him," said Fox,
+complacently. "The fact is, gentlemen, I don't mind telling you that
+he's been trying to buck agin' his guardeen a'ready. Where do you
+think I left him?" continued Fox, chuckling.
+
+"Where?"
+
+"Up in the attic, locked up in his chamber. I'm goin' to feed him on
+bread and water a while, just to show him what sort of a man John Fox
+is."
+
+A grin overspread the face of Eben Bond, who had just looked out of
+the front window.
+
+"So you left him in the attic, hey?" he said, waggishly.
+
+"Yes, I did. Do you mean to say I didn't?"
+
+"I'm willin' to bet he isn't there now."
+
+"You just tell me what you mean, Eben Bond!" said John Fox, provoked.
+
+"I mean that I saw that boy of yours go by the tavern only two minutes
+since."
+
+"Where did he go? In what direction?" demanded Fox, eagerly.
+
+"Down toward the river."
+
+"He's running away," Fox said to himself, in dismay. "How in the the
+world did he get out?"
+
+He ran up the road, gazing anxiously on this side and on that, hoping
+to come upon the runaway. One thing was favorable; it was a straight
+road, with no roads opening out of it at least a mile beyond the
+tavern. It led by the river at a point half a mile on.
+
+"I'll catch him yet. He can't escape me!" Fox reflected.
+
+John Fox pushed on breathless, and a minute later came in sight of the
+fugitive.
+
+Harry had sobered down to a walk, thinking himself no longer in
+danger. If Mr. Fox had been wise enough to keep silent till he had
+come within a few rods he might have caught him easily, but excitement
+and anger were too much for prudence, and he called out, angrily:
+"Just wait till I get hold of you, you young villain! I'll give you a
+lesson."
+
+Harry turned quickly and saw his enemy close upon him.
+
+That was enough. He set out on what the boys call a dead run, though
+he hardly knew in what direction to look for refuge. But through the
+trees at the west side of the road he caught sight of something that
+put new hope into his heart. It was a boat, floating within three feet
+of shore. In it sat a boy of about Harry's own age. It was Willie
+Foster.
+
+There was no time for ceremony, Harry sprang into the boat, and,
+seizing an idle oar, pushed out into the river.
+
+The owner of the boat, who had been thoughtfully gazing into the
+water, looked up in surprise.
+
+"Well, that's cool!" he ejaculated.
+
+"I beg your pardon," said Harry, still plying the oar; "I couldn't
+help it; Mr. Fox is after me."
+
+John Fox, by this time, stood on the river bank shaking his fist, with
+a discomfited expression, at his intended victim.
+
+"Come back here!" he shouted.
+
+"Thank you, I would rather not," answered Harry, still increasing the
+distance between himself and his guardian.
+
+"You Willie Foster, row the boat back!" bawled John Fox,
+
+"Is your name Willie Foster?" asked Harry, turning to his companion,
+who was looking, with a puzzled expression, from one to the other.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then, Willie, if you will help me row over to the other side of the
+river and set me off there, I'll give you a dollar."
+
+"I'll do it," said Willie, seizing the other oar, "but you needn't
+give me any money."
+
+To his intense disgust, Fox saw the boat, propelled by the two boys,
+leaping forward energetically, while he stood helplessly on the bank.
+
+The other bank was half a mile away, and could not be reached except
+by a bridge a considerable distance away. The two boys said little
+until the trip was accomplished.
+
+"I hope you won't get into any serious trouble with Mr. Fox," said
+Harry, as they drew near the bank.
+
+"I don't care for old Fox, and father doesn't like him, either."
+
+As he got out of the boat he pressed a dollar into Willie's reluctant
+hand.
+
+"Now, which way had I better go?"
+
+"Take that footpath. It will lead to Medfield. There you can take the
+cars."
+
+"Good-by, Willie; and thank you."
+
+Willie didn't row back immediately. John Fox was lying in wait on the
+other side, and he didn't care to meet him.
+
+Harry pushed on till he reached a highway. He felt in doubt as to
+where it might lead him, but followed it at a venture. He wondered
+whether John Fox would pursue him, and from time to time looked back
+to make sure that his guardian was not on his trail. In about three
+hours he found himself eight miles away. Then, for the first time, he
+felt that it might be safe to stop and rest. In a village a little way
+back he had entered a bakeshop and purchased some rolls and a glass of
+milk, which he ate with a good relish.
+
+He resumed his walk, but had not gone a quarter of a mile when he
+heard the noise of wheels, which on coming up with him, came to a
+halt.
+
+"Shall I give you a lift?" said the driver of the team.
+
+Looking up, he saw that it was a covered wagon with four wheels, such
+as is often to be met in New England towns. The man who held the reins
+was of large frame and portly, with dark hair and whiskers. He might
+be about forty-five years of age.
+
+"Thank you, sir, said Harry.
+
+"Where are you bound, if you don't mind my being inquisitive?"
+
+"I don't know," answered Harry, doubtfully. "I'm seeking my fortune,
+as they say."
+
+"Well you ought to find it," returned the other, after a deliberate
+survey of his young companion. "You're well-built, and look healthy
+and strong. Have you got any money?"
+
+"A little. My father died lately and left me three hundred dollars. He
+recommended to me as guardian a man named John Fox, living eight miles
+back. Well, I have tried Mr. Fox, and I prefer to be my own guardian."
+
+"I've heard of John Fox. He's fox by name and fox by nature. So you
+and he didn't hitch horses. When did you leave him?"
+
+"This morning. I don't know but I may say that I am running away from
+him, as I left without his knowledge or permission, but as he is not
+yet my legal guardian, I don't consider that he has any right to
+interfere with me."
+
+"You haven't told me your name yet."
+
+"My name is Harry Vane."
+
+"I am the Magician of Madagascar. You may have heard of me."
+
+"I don't think I have," said Harry, puzzled.
+
+"I have been before the public many years," he said. "I give magical
+entertainments, and, in the course of the last twenty years, have
+traveled all over the continent."
+
+"You see," explained Harry, apologetically, "I have always lived in a
+small country town, where there were few amusements, and so I know
+very little of such things. I never saw a magical entertainment in my
+life."
+
+"Didn't you, indeed? Then you shall see me perform to-night. I am to
+give a magical soiree in Conway, the town we are coming to."
+
+"I should like it very much, Mr. ----" and Harry paused in doubt.
+
+"I am called Professor Hemenway--Hiram Hemenway," said the magician.
+
+"Do you like your business?" asked Harry, curiously.
+
+"Why shouldn't I? I have a chance to travel. The people appreciate my
+efforts and reward me generously."
+
+By a fortunate accident Harry happened to turn in his seat and look
+through a small window in the back part of the wagon. What he saw
+startled him. In a buggy, ten rods back, he recognized his late
+guardian and Joel. They were making good speed, and were doubtless in
+pursuit of him.
+
+Harry quickly imparted his discovery to his companion.
+
+"Don't let them capture me!" he said.
+
+"I should like to see him do it," responded the professor. "Get into
+the back part of the wagon, and crouch down."
+
+Harry did as directed.
+
+Then the professor slackened his speed, and allowed the pursuers to
+overtake him.
+
+"I say, stranger," said Fox, as he drew up alongside. "A boy ran away
+from me this morning. Perhaps you have seen him?"
+
+"I saw a boy about a mile back," said the magician, reflectively, "a
+stout, good-looking lad, dark-brown hair, and a pleasant expression;
+didn't look at all like you. I chatted with him a while. He said he
+was leaving a man who claimed to be his guardian, but wasn't."
+
+"The young liar!" ejaculated Fox, wrathfully. "Where is he now?"
+
+"Is he in your wagon?" put in Joel, sharply.
+
+"If he were you'd see him, wouldn't you?"
+
+"In behind you?"
+
+"Yes, are you kidnapping him?" demanded Fox, fiercely.
+
+"There is a boy in the back part of my wagon," said the magician,
+coolly. "If you ain't afraid of smallpox, you may see him. Which shall
+it be, you or the boy?"
+
+A pallid hue overspread the face of John Fox, which was increased by
+an agonizing moan, which appeared to proceed from behind the magician.
+
+"Turn the horse, Joel," was all he said.
+
+He whipped up his horse without a word, and did not pull up for half a
+mile.
+
+"You can come out now, Harry," said the professor, with a queer smile.
+"I am a ventriloquist, and that moan did the business."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+A NEW ENGAGEMENT
+
+
+Harry was not a little relieved at his narrow escape. He did not
+propose to be taken captive without making a strong resistance; but
+still, in a struggle with Mr. Fox and Joel, he felt that he would be
+considerably at a disadvantage.
+
+"I am much obliged to you for saving me, Professor Hemenway," he said.
+
+"You are quite welcome. So you didn't like old Fox?"
+
+"Not much."
+
+"He doesn't appear to like you any better."
+
+"There isn't much love lost between us," returned Harry, laughing.
+
+"How do you like the boy?"
+
+"He served me a good turn--for five dollars--but he would help capture
+me for the same money, or less."
+
+"You seem to know him."
+
+"He is fond of money, and would do almost anything for it."
+
+"You thank me for saving you from capture, my lad," continued the
+magician. "Well, I had an object in it--a selfish object."
+
+Harry looked puzzled.
+
+"It struck me that I needed a boy about your size, and character, for
+a general assistant, to sell tickets, take money, and help me on the
+stage. How do you like the idea?"
+
+"I like it," answered Harry; "but there is one objection."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"I don't come from Madagascar," responded Harry, slyly.
+
+Professor Hemenway laughed.
+
+"You've been as near there as I have," he said. "Did you really think
+I came from Madagascar?"
+
+"You look more as if you came from Maine, sir."
+
+"You've hit it! There's where I did come from. I was raised
+twenty-five miles from Portland on a farm. But it would never do to
+put that on the bills. People are ready to pay more for imported than
+for native curiosities. However, to come to business. I had a young
+man traveling with me who wasn't suited to the business. He was a
+dry-goods clerk when I took him, and is better adapted to that
+business than to mine. He left me last week, and I have been in a
+quandary about his successor. How much do you consider your time
+worth?"
+
+"Just at present it isn't worth much. If you will pay my traveling
+expenses, that will satisfy me."
+
+"I will do better than that I will give you five dollars a week
+besides, if business is good."
+
+"Thank you, sir. I think I shall enjoy traveling."
+
+There are few boys who do not like change of scene, and the chance of
+seeing new places is attractive to all. Harry was decidedly of the
+opinion that he had a streak of luck. It would be much better in all
+ways than living with his late guardian, and working for partial
+board.
+
+As they approached the village of Conway, Harry's attention was drawn
+to a variety of posters setting forth, in mammoth letters, that the
+world-renowned Magician of Madagascar would give a magical _soiree_ at
+the Town Hall in the evening. Tickets, fifteen cents; children under
+twelve years, ten cents. The posters, furthermore, attracted attention
+by a large figure of the professor, dressed in bizarre style,
+performing one of his tricks.
+
+"That draws attention," observed the professor, "particularly among
+the boys. I think I shall have a hall full this evening. An audience
+of three hundred will pay very well. My expenses are light. I do most
+of my traveling in this wagon, and at hotels I get the usual
+professional reduction."
+
+"Did it take you long to learn the business?"
+
+"I have been learning all along. Every now and then I add a new
+trick. I will teach you some."
+
+"I might leave you and set up on my own hook when I have learned,"
+suggested Harry, with a smile.
+
+"It will be some time before you look old enough for a magician. When
+you are, I'll give you my blessing and send you out."
+
+Meanwhile they had been jogging along, and were already in the main
+street of Conway. The professor drew up in front of the village hotel,
+and a groom came forward and took his horse.
+
+"Wait a minute my friend," said the professor. "Harry, you can help me
+take my implements out of the back of the wagon."
+
+These "implements" were of a heterogeneous character, but all would
+come in use in the evening. A number of boys watched their transfer
+with mingled awe and curiosity.
+
+"What's them?" Harry heard one ask another, in a half-whispered tone.
+
+"Those," said the professor, in an impressive tone, turning toward the
+boys. "Those are paraphernalia!"
+
+The boys looked more awestruck than ever. All inwardly resolved to go
+to the Town Hall that evening, and get a nearer view of the articles
+which had such a grand name.
+
+After a while Harry came downstairs from the room assigned him, and
+stood on the piazza.
+
+One of the boys drew near him cautiously.
+
+"Are you the magician's son?" he asked.
+
+"No," answered Harry, smiling.
+
+"Do you come from Madagascar?"
+
+"I have not been there recently."
+
+"Are all the people there magicians?"
+
+"Not quite all."
+
+This information was rather scanty, but it was whispered about among
+the boys, the first boy boasting that he had a talk with the young man
+magician. If Harry had heard himself called thus, he would have been
+very much amused.
+
+Directly after supper Harry went with his employer to assist in
+preparing the stage for the evening performance. Though novice, he
+acquitted himself to the satisfaction of his employer, who
+congratulated himself on having secured so efficient an assistant.
+Half an hour before the performance he stationed himself in the entry,
+provided with tickets. He sat at a small table, and received the
+crowd. Though new to the business, he managed to make change rapidly.
+He found his position one in which he had a chance to study human
+nature.
+
+During the evening Harry was called upon to assist the professor in
+some of his tricks. Some boys would have been embarrassed upon finding
+themselves objects of general attention, but Harry was by temperament
+cool and self-possessed. He had been fond of declamation at school,
+and this had accustomed him, to some extent, to a public appearance.
+
+The entertainment was in two parts, with an intermission of ten
+minutes.
+
+"I wish you were a singer," said the professor, when they were
+standing behind the screen.
+
+"Why?" asked Harry.
+
+"Because the audience sometimes gets impatient during the
+intermission. If I could put you on for a song, it would help quiet
+them."
+
+"I can sing a little," said Harry, modestly.
+
+"What can you sing?"
+
+"How would 'The Last Rose of Summer' do?"
+
+"Capital. Can you sing it?"
+
+"I can try."
+
+"You are sure you won't break down? That would make a bad impression."
+
+"I can promise you I won't break down, sir."
+
+"Then I'll give you a trial. Are you ready to appear at once?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Wait, then, till I announce you."
+
+The professor came from behind the screen, and, addressing the
+audience, said: "Ladies and gentlemen, lest you should find the
+necessary intermission tedious, I am happy to announce to you that the
+young vocalist, Master Harry Vane, has kindly consented to favor you
+with one of his popular melodies. He has selected by request, 'The
+Last Rose of Summer.'"
+
+Harry could hardly refrain from laughing when he heard this
+introduction.
+
+"One would think I was a well-known singer," he said to himself.
+
+He came forward, and, standing before the audience, with his face a
+little flushed, made a graceful bow. Then, pausing an instant, he
+commenced the song announced. He had not sung two lines before the
+professor, who waited the result with some curiosity and some anxiety,
+found that he could sing. His voice was high, clear, and musical, and
+his rendition was absolutely correct. The fact was, Harry had taken
+lessons in a singing school at home, and had practiced privately also,
+so that he had reason to feel confidence in himself.
+
+The song was listened to with earnest attention and evident enjoyment
+by all. When the last strain died away, and Harry made his farewell
+bow, there was an enthusiastic burst of applause, emphasized by the
+clapping of hands and the stamping of feet.
+
+"You did yourself proud, my boy!" said the gratified Professor. "They
+want you on again."
+
+This seemed evident from the noise.
+
+"Can't you sing something else?"
+
+"Very well, sir."
+
+Harry was certainly pleased with this evidence of popular favor. He
+had never before sung a solo before an audience, and, although he had
+felt that he could, he was glad to find that he had not overestimated
+his powers.
+
+Once more he stood before the audience.
+
+"I thank you for your kindness," he said. "I will now sing you a comic
+song."
+
+He sang a song very popular at that time, the words and air of which
+were familiar to all. While it did not afford him so good a chance to
+show his musical capacity, it was received with much greater favor
+than the first song.
+
+There was a perfect whirlwind of applause, and a third song was called
+for.
+
+"I would rather not sing again, professor," said Harry.
+
+"You needn't. They would keep you singing all the evening if you would
+allow it. Better leave off when they are unsatisfied."
+
+"Ladies and gentlemen," he said, "Master Vane thanks you for your kind
+applause, but he makes it an unvarying rule never to sing but two
+songs in an evening. He never broke that rule but once, and that was
+at the special request of the governor-general of Canada. I shall now
+have the pleasure of performing for your amusement, one of my most
+popular experiments."
+
+"Well, you have pleased the people, and that is the main point. By
+Jove! my boy, you've got a lovely voice."
+
+"I am glad you think so, sir."
+
+"You will prove a very valuable addition to my entertainments. I mean
+to show my appreciation, too. How much did I agree to give you?"
+
+"Five dollars a week if business was good."
+
+"It's bound to be good. I'll raise your wages to ten dollars a week,
+if you'll agree to sing one song, and two, if called for, at each of
+my evening entertainments."
+
+"I'll do it, sir," said Harry, promptly. "It's a surprise to me,
+though, to find my voice so valuable to me."
+
+"It's a popular gift, my boy; and all popular gifts are valuable. When
+I get my new bill printed, I must have your name on it."
+
+They left Conway about noon the next day.
+
+The Foxes, were destined to hear of Harry's success. The Conway
+_Citizen_ was taken in the family, and, much to their astonishment,
+this is what they found, prominently placed, in the next number:
+
+"The magical entertainment of Professor Hemenway, on Thursday evening,
+was even more successful than usual. He had had the good fortune to
+secure the services of a young vocalist named Harry Vane, who charmed
+both young and old by two popular selections. His voice and execution
+are both admirable, and we predict for him a brilliant future."
+
+Mr. Fox read this aloud in evident wonder and excitement.
+
+"Did you ever hear the like?" he said.
+
+"Who'd have thought it?" chimed in Mrs. Fox.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+A LIBERAL OFFER
+
+
+Then commenced a round of travel--what the professor called a
+professional tour. By day they traveled in the wagon, carrying their
+paraphernalia with them, stopping at the principal towns, and giving
+evening entertainments. At many of these places the magician was well
+known, and his tricks were not new. But he had an attraction in his
+young assistant, who was regularly advertised on the posters as the
+"celebrated young vocalist, whose songs are everywhere received with
+admiring applause."
+
+Indeed it was very near the truth. Harry was really a fine singer, and
+his fresh, attractive face and manly appearance won him a welcome in
+all the towns on their route. Sometimes a young girl in the audience
+threw him a bouquet. This made him blush and smile, and the donor felt
+rewarded.
+
+Where was it going to end? Was he to continue in the service of the
+professor, and in time become himself a magician and a traveling
+celebrity? Harry was not sure about it. He saw that it would pay him
+better than most kinds of business, and he also discovered that
+Professor Hemenway was even better off than he had represented. Yet,
+he was not quite ready to select the same profession, but, being only
+sixteen, felt that he could afford to remain in it a while longer.
+
+One day the professor gave him a surprise.
+
+"Harry," he said, as they were jogging along a dusty road, "do you
+think you would like to travel?"
+
+"I am traveling now," answered Harry, with a smile.
+
+"True, but I don't mean that. Would you like to go on a long journey?"
+
+"I should like nothing better," replied Harry, promptly.
+
+"I'll tell you what I've been thinking about. I recently read in some
+paper that a man in my line had made a trip to Australia, and reaped a
+rich harvest. Everywhere he was received with enthusiasm, and made as
+much money, in one month as he would do here in four. Now why
+shouldn't I go to Australia?"
+
+Harry's eyes sparkled.
+
+"It would be a fine thing to do," he said.
+
+"Then you would be willing to accompany me?"
+
+"I would thank you for taking me," answered the boy.
+
+"That is well!" said the professor, in a tone of satisfaction. "I
+confess I shouldn't like to go alone. It would be a great undertaking,
+but with a companion it would seem different. But, is there anyone who
+would object to your going?"
+
+"Yes," answered Harry, smiling, "Mr. Fox, my 'guardeen,' would."
+
+"We won't mind Mr. Fox. Very well, then, Harry, we will consider it
+settled. I shall rely on you to help me by your singing there as you
+do here. As to your wages, I may be able to pay you more."
+
+"Never mind about that, professor. It will cost you a good deal to get
+us there. I am perfectly willing to work for the same sum I do now, or
+even less, on account of the extension of the trip."
+
+"Then you leave that matter to me. I won't take advantage of your
+confidence, but you shall prosper if I do."
+
+"How soon do you propose to go, professor?" asked Harry, with
+interest.
+
+"As soon as possible. I shall ascertain when the first packet leaves
+Boston, and we will take passage in her."
+
+The professor's decision pleased Harry. He had been a good scholar in
+geography--indeed, it was his favorite study--and had, besides, read
+as many books of travel as he could lay his hands on. Often he had
+wondered if it ever would be his fortune to see some of the distant
+countries of which he read with so much interest. Though he had
+cherished vague hopes, he had never really expected it. Now, however,
+the unattainable seemed within his grasp. He would not have to wait
+until he was a rich man, but when still a boy he could travel to the
+opposite side of the world, paying his expenses as he went along.
+
+Two weeks passed. Each day they halted in some new place, and gave an
+evening performance. This life of constant motion had, at first,
+seemed strange to Harry. Now he was accustomed to it. He never felt
+nervous when he appeared before an audience to sing, but looked upon
+it as a matter of course.
+
+At last they reached Boston. They were to give two entertainments at a
+hall at the south end. It was the first large city in which Harry had
+sung, but he received a welcome no less cordial than that which had
+been accorded to him in country towns.
+
+They were staying at a modest hotel, comfortable, but not expensive.
+Harry was sitting in the reading room, when a servant brought in a
+card. It bore the rather remarkable name of
+
+  "DR. MENDELSSOHN BROWN."
+
+"A gentleman to see you, Mr. Vane," said the servant.
+
+Harry rose and surveyed the stranger in some surprise. He had long
+hair, of a reddish yellow, with an abundant beard of the same hue. His
+suit of worn black fitted him poorly, but Dr. Brown evidently was not
+a devotee of dress. No tailor could ever point to him, and say with
+pride: "That man's clothes were made at my shop."
+
+"Do I speak to Mr. Harry Vane, the young vocalist?" asked the
+stranger, with a deferential smile.
+
+"That's my name," answered our hero.
+
+"You are alone?"
+
+"Yes, sir," said Harry, a little puzzled.
+
+"It is well. I will come to business at once. You have probably heard
+of me, eh?"
+
+"Probably I have, but I do not remember names well."
+
+"The name of Mendelssohn Brown, is pretty well known, I flatter
+myself," said the visitor, complacently. "To be brief--I heard you
+sing last evening, and was much pleased with your rendition of the
+various selections."
+
+Harry bowed.
+
+"I am about to form a juvenile Pinafore company, and would like to
+have you take the leading part. You would make an excellent _Admiral_.
+I propose to take my opera company all over the United States. I
+should be willing to pay you, as the star performer, twenty-five
+dollars a week."
+
+Harry opened his eyes in amazement.
+
+"Do you think me capable of singing in opera?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, after being trained by your humble servant. What do you say?"
+
+"I thank you for your flattering offer, Dr. Brown, but I don't feel at
+liberty to leave Professor Hemenway."
+
+The doctor frowned.
+
+"Let me tell you, you stand in your own light, Mr. Vane," he said,
+impatiently. "There is some difference between a common juggler, like
+the Magician of Madagascar,"--the doctor laughed ironically--"and a
+well-known musical director, who could make you famous. Does Hemenway
+pay you as much as I offer?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"I thought so. Then how can you hesitate?"
+
+"We are about to make an Australian tour," answered Harry, "and, apart
+from all other considerations, I am glad to have a chance to travel."
+
+"Couldn't you put it off?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Then," said Dr. Brown, rather crestfallen, "I can only bid you
+good-morning. I think you are making a mistake."
+
+"Perhaps, after I return from Australia, I might be ready to accept
+your offer."
+
+"It will be too late," said the doctor, gloomily.
+
+"Twenty-five dollars a week is large pay," thought Harry, "but I don't
+believe I should ever get it. Dr. Brown doesn't look much like a
+capitalist."
+
+Half an hour later Professor Hemenway entered the hotel.
+
+"Well, my boy," he said, "the die is cast! Next Saturday we sail from
+Long Wharf, bound for Australia."
+
+"But professor, I have just had an offer of twenty-five dollars a week
+to sing in Pinafore."
+
+"And have accepted!" exclaimed the magician in dismay.
+
+"No; I respectfully declined. I would rather go with you."
+
+"You shan't regret it, Harry!" said the professor, relieved. "If I am
+prosperous, you shall share in my prosperity."
+
+"Thank you, professor; I am sure of that. What is the name of our
+vessel?"
+
+"The Nantucket. It's a good, solid-looking craft, and I think it will
+bear us in safety to our destination."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE PASSENGERS
+
+
+The Nantucket, Capt. Jabez Hill, master, was a large vessel, stanch
+and strong, and bore a good record, having been in service six years,
+and never having in that time met a serious disaster. It was a sailing
+vessel, and primarily intended to convey freight, but had
+accommodations for six passengers. Of these it had a full complement.
+Harry and the professor I name first, as those in whom we are most
+interested.
+
+Next came John Appleton, a business man from Melbourne, who
+had visited the United States on business. He was a plain,
+substantial-looking person, of perhaps forty-five. Next came
+Montgomery Clinton, from Brooklyn, a young man of twenty-four,
+foolishly attired, who wore an eyeglass and anxiously aped the Londen
+swell, though born within sight of Boston State house. Harry regarded
+him with considerable amusement, and though he treated him with
+outward respect, mentally voted him very soft. Fifth on the list was a
+tall, sallow, thin individual, with a melancholy countenance, who was
+troubled with numerous symptoms, and was persuaded that he had not
+long to live. He was from Pennsylvania. He carried with him in his
+trunk a large assortment of pills and liquid medicines, one or another
+of which he took about once an hour. This gentleman's name was
+Marmaduke Timmins. Last came a tall, lean Yankee, the discoverer and
+proprietor of a valuable invention, which it was his purpose to
+introduce into Australia. Mr. Jonathan Stubbs, for this was his name,
+was by no means an undesirable addition to the little circle, and
+often excited a smile by his quaintly put and shrewd observations on
+topics of passing interest.
+
+It was the third day at sea, when Harry, who had suffered but little
+from seasickness, came on deck, after a good dinner, and saw the
+dudish passenger, till now invisible, holding himself steady with an
+effort, and gazing sadly out upon the wild waste of waters without the
+help of his eyeglass.
+
+"How do you feel, Mr. Clinton?" asked Harry.
+
+"Horribly, Mr. Vane," answered Clinton, with a languid shudder. "I
+never thought it was such a bore, crossing the ocean, don't you know.
+I've a great idea of offering the captain a handsome sum to land
+somewhere, I don't care where."
+
+"I don't think we shall go near any land, Mr. Clinton. I think you
+will have to make the best of it."
+
+Hearing a step behind him, Harry turned, and his eyes rested on the
+melancholy countenance of Marmaduke Timmins, the chronic invalid.
+
+"Good-morning, Mr. Timmins," said our hero. "I hope you stand the
+voyage well?"
+
+"I've had several new symptoms since I came on board," responded
+Mr. Timmins, gloomily, "and I've made a dreadful discovery."
+
+"What is it?" inquired Montgomery Clinton, in alarm.
+
+"I find I've mislaid or forgotten to bring my box of Remedial pills. I
+don't know what I shall do without them."
+
+"I've got a box of Brandeth's pills downstairs," said Clinton. "You're
+welcome to a part of them, I'm sure."
+
+"They wouldn't do! What can you be thinking of, young man? Do you
+think there's no difference between pills?"
+
+"I'm sure I can't tell, don't you know?"
+
+"Young man, you are sadly ignorant," said Timmins, severely. "I've got
+five other kinds of pills downstairs, for different maladies I am
+subject to, but none of them will take the place of Remedial pills."
+
+"Will any of them cure seasickness?" asked the dude, eagerly.
+
+"I can give you a remedy for seasickness, Mr. Clinton," said
+Mr. Holdfast, the mate, who chanced to overhear the inquiry.
+
+"What is it, Mr. Holdfast? I shall be really grateful, I assure you,
+if you can cure that beastly malady."
+
+"Swallow a piece of raw salt pork about an inch square," said the mate
+gravely, "and follow it up by a glass of sea water, taken at a gulp."
+
+"That's horrid, awfully horrid!" gasped Clinton, shuddering, and
+looking very pale. "It actually makes me sick to think of it, don't
+you know," and he retreated to the cabin, with one hand pressed on his
+stomach.
+
+"That young man's a fool!" said Mr. Timmins. "He knows no more about
+pills than a baby."
+
+"Nor do I, Mr. Timmins," said Harry, smiling.
+
+"I pity you then. My life has been saved several times by pills."
+
+"I'd rather live without them."
+
+Marmaduke sadly shook his head as he walked away.
+
+"That man's a walking drug store," said the mate, looking after him.
+"I'd rather go to Davy's locker, and be done with it, than to fill
+myself up with pills and potions."
+
+"You're looking chipper, my boy," said a newcomer, in a nasal
+voice. "Haven't been seasick, I guess."
+
+Harry recognized the voice of the Yankee inventor, Jonathan Stubbs.
+
+"No, sir; I have had very little trouble."
+
+"I'm goin' to get up a cure for seasickness when I have time--a kind
+of a self-acting, automatic belt--I guess there'd be plenty of money
+in it."
+
+"It would be a great blessing, Mr. Stubbs. Poor Mr. Clinton would no
+doubt be glad to buy it."
+
+"Do you mean that languishin' creeter with an eyeglass and spindle
+legs? What are such fellows made for?"
+
+"Rather for ornament than use," answered Harry, gravely.
+
+The Yankee burst into a loud guffaw, and regarded Harry's remark a
+capital joke.
+
+The voyage was to be a long one, and after a couple of weeks they all
+had their sea legs on. All had become acquainted, and settled down to
+a regular routine. But the time dragged, and as there were no morning
+or evening papers, something seemed necessary to break the monotony.
+
+"Harry," said the professor, "I have an idea."
+
+"What is it, professor?"
+
+"Suppose we give an exhibition for the benefit of our fellow
+passengers and the crew."
+
+"I am ready to do my part."
+
+"Then I will speak to the captain."
+
+The result was that on the first quiet day Professor Hemenway and his
+assistant gave a matinee performance on the deck of the Nantucket, at
+which all who could possibly be spared were present. To some of the
+sailors it was a novelty, and the magician's tricks actually inspired
+some with the feeling that he was possessed of supernatural powers.
+
+"Will you lend me your hat, Mr. Clinton?" he asked presently, of the
+dude.
+
+"Certainly, professor," drawled the young man.
+
+The professor took it, and tapped it.
+
+"Are you sure there is nothing in it?" he asked.
+
+"I am sure of it. Really, I don't carry things in my hat, don't you
+know."
+
+"What do you say to this, then?" and Professor Hemenway drew out of
+the hat half a dozen onions, a couple of potatoes, and a ship biscuit.
+
+"My dear sir, I think you are mistaken," he said. "I see you carry
+your lunch in your hat."
+
+All present laughed at the horrified face of the dude.
+
+"On my honor, I don't know how those horrid things came in my hat," he
+stammered.
+
+"Are you fond of onions, Mr. Clinton?" asked Harry.
+
+"I wouldn't eat one for--for a new suit of clothes!" protested
+Clinton, earnestly.
+
+"Allow me to return your hat, Mr. Clinton," said the professor,
+politely. "I suppose you want the vegetables too. Here are the onions,
+and the rest."
+
+"They are not mine, on my honor," said Clinton, very much embarrassed.
+"Here, my good man, can you make use of these?"
+
+The sailor whom he addressed accepted the gift with a grin.
+
+"Thank you kindly, sir," he said, "If so be as I ain't a-robbin' you."
+
+"I have no use for them, my good man. I never ate an onion in my
+life."
+
+"Then I don't think you know what's good," said Mr. Stubbs. "An onion,
+let me tell you, is mighty good eatin', and healthy, too."
+
+At the close of the magical entertainment, Harry sang by request, and
+no part of the performance was more popular. He received many warm
+congratulations.
+
+"Really, Mr. Vane, you sing like a nightingale, don't you know," was
+the tribute of Clinton.
+
+"Bless me!" said Mr. Timmins; "I was so absorbed in your song that I
+have forgotten to take my catarrh medicine."
+
+"Thank you, sir; that is the best compliment I have received,"
+returned Harry, with a smile.
+
+Little has been said thus far of Captain Hill, the chief officer of
+the Nantucket. He was a stout, red-faced seaman, nearing fifty years
+of age, and had been in service ever since he was fifteen. He was a
+thorough sailor, and fitted in every way but one to take charge of a
+ship bound to any part of the world. His one disqualification may be
+stated briefly--he had a passion for drink.
+
+It was not immediately that this was found out. He took his meals with
+the passengers, but it was not then that he indulged his appetite. He
+kept a private store of liquors in his cabin, and had recourse to them
+when by himself, under the impression that he could keep it a secret.
+But intemperance, like murder, will out.
+
+Harry and the professor were standing by the rail looking out at sea,
+one day, when a thick voice greeted them, "Good-mor'n', gentlemen,"
+this address being followed by a hiccough.
+
+Both turned quickly, and exchanged a significant glance when they
+recognized the captain.
+
+"Yes," answered Professor Hemenway, "it is indeed a fine morning."
+
+"I am sorry to see this, Harry," said the professor.
+
+"Yes, sir; it is a pity any gentleman should drink too much."
+
+"Yes, but that isn't all," said the professor, earnestly; "it is a
+pity, of course, that Captain Hill should so sin against his own
+health, but we must consider furthermore, that he has our lives under
+his control. Our safety depends on his prudent management."
+
+"He seems to understand his business," said Harry.
+
+"Granted; but no man, however good a seaman, is fit to manage a vessel
+when he allows liquor to rob him of his senses. I wish I had had a
+knowledge beforehand of the captain's infirmity."
+
+"Suppose you had, sir?"
+
+"I wouldn't have trusted myself on board the Nantucket, you may be
+sure of that."
+
+"It may be only an exceptional case."
+
+"Let us hope so."
+
+The next occasion on which the captain displayed his infirmity was
+rather a laughable one. He came up from the cabin about three o'clock
+in the afternoon so full that he was forced to stagger as he walked.
+Directly in front of him the young dude, Montgomery Clinton, was
+pacing the deck, carrying in his hand a rattan cane such as he used on
+shore. As he overhauled him, Captain Hill, with the instinct of a
+drunken man, locked arms with the young man, and forced him to
+promenade in his company, talking rather incoherently meanwhile.
+Clinton's look of distress and perplexity, as he submitted to his
+fate, caused Harry nearly to explode with laughter. They were indeed a
+singular pair.
+
+Finally there came a disaster. A lurch of the vessel proved too much
+for the captain, who, in losing his equilibrium, also upset Clinton,
+and the two rolled down under one of the ship's boats, which was slung
+on one side.
+
+Montgomery Clinton picked himself up, and hurriedly betook himself to
+his cabin, fearing that he might fall again into the clutches of his
+unwelcome companion. The captain was helped to his feet by the mate,
+and was persuaded also to go downstairs.
+
+"The captain was pretty well slewed, professor," said Mr. Stubbs, who
+chanced to be on deck at the time.
+
+"It looks like it," answered Professor Hemenway.
+
+"If he does that often it'll be a bad lookout for us."
+
+"Just what I am thinking, Mr. Stubbs."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE YOUNG SAILOR
+
+
+The crew of the Nantucket consisted of twelve sailors and a boy, not
+counting the officers. This boy was about Harry's age, but an inch or
+two shorter, and with great breadth of shoulders. He had a
+good-natured face, and was a general favorite on board, as is apt to
+be the case with a boy, if he possesses any attractive qualities. He
+came from New Hampshire and he was known as Jack.
+
+It was natural that Harry, as the only other boy on board, though a
+passenger, should be attracted to Jack. He took an opportunity when
+Jack was off duty to have a chat with him.
+
+"How long have you been a sailor, Jack?" he asked.
+
+"Three years; I first went to sea when I was thirteen."
+
+"How did you happen to go in the first place?"
+
+"I may say to begin with, that I always liked the water. I was born in
+a little village bordering Lake Winnipiseogee, and was out on the lake
+whenever I could get the chance, either in a rowboat or sailboat. I
+felt as much at home on the water as on the land. Still, I never
+should have gone to sea had it not been for my stepfather."
+
+"Then you have a stepfather?"
+
+"Yes. My father died when I was ten, leaving my mother a little farm
+and a comfortable house. I was a young boy, and it is hard for a woman
+to carry on a farm. A man came into town, and started in some small
+business. He pretended that he had money, but I guess he had precious
+little. At any rate, he didn't object to more. Pretty soon he fixed
+his eyes on our farm, and, finding that mother owned it clear, he got
+to coming round pretty often. I never liked him, though he pretended
+to be fond of me, and used to pat me on the head, and bring me candy.
+I wondered what made him come so often, but I didn't mistrust anything
+till one day mother called me and said she had something important to
+say to me.
+
+"'Jack,' she said, 'what do you think of Mr. Bannock?'
+
+"'I don't think much of him,' I answered.
+
+"'He is to be your father, Jack. I have promised to marry him.'
+
+"'You may marry him,' I answered hotly, 'but he will be no father of
+mine. My father lies in the churchyard. I wish he were alive again.'
+
+"'So do I, Jack' said mother, wiping her eyes, 'but we know that can't
+be.'"
+
+"How did he treat you, Jack?" asked Harry, interested.
+
+"He never liked me, and I didn't like him at all He tried to impose
+upon me, and order me round, but he didn't make out much. Still, he
+was always annoying me in mean little ways, and finally I got all I
+could stand, and the long and short of it is that I ran away to
+Portsmouth, and went on a coasting voyage. After I got back I shipped
+from Boston for Liverpool, and ever since I've kept sailing in one
+direction or another. This will be my longest voyage."
+
+"Haven't you been to see your mother since you left home three years
+ago?" Harry inquired.
+
+"Of course I have," said Jack, promptly. "I always go to see her as
+soon as I get home from a voyage. Poor mother! She was looking pale
+and thin when I saw her three weeks ago. I am sure she has repented
+marrying, but she won't own up. When I'm a man----"
+
+"Well, Jack; when you're a man?"
+
+"I'll see that she has a better time, and if old Bannock don't like it
+he can clear out. I think he will anyway."
+
+"Clear out?"
+
+"Yes; he will have spent all the property by that time, and when that
+is done, he won't make much objection to going away. Then I will take
+care of mother, and see that she does not suffer for anything."
+
+"You are right, Jack. I sympathize with you. I hope you'll succeed. I
+only wish I had a mother to look out for," and Harry's fine face wore
+an expression of sadness. "But there's one thing I can't help saying,
+though I don't want to discourage you."
+
+"What is that, Harry?"
+
+"I don't see how you are going to lay up much money in going before
+the mast. Your pay must be small."
+
+"It is. I only earn ten dollars a month," replied Jack.
+
+"And out of that you must buy your clothes?"
+
+"Yes, that's true."
+
+"Then how do you expect to better yourself?" asked Harry, looking
+perplexed.
+
+"I'll tell you, if you won't say anything about it," answered Jack, in
+a lower tone.
+
+"Go ahead."
+
+"We are going to Australia, you know. I've heard there are good
+chances of making money there, in mining or herding cattle, and I mean
+to leave the ship at Melbourne. Of course, I don't want anything said
+about it."
+
+"Do you think the captain would try to prevent you, Jack?"
+
+"I think he would. He don't like me, at any rate."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"That is more than I can tell, but I can see that he has a prejudice
+against me."
+
+The boys were so absorbed in their talk that they did not notice the
+approach of the captain till his harsh voice was heard.
+
+"What are you two boys chattering about?" he demanded, with a frown.
+
+Jack turned round startled, but Harry faced the captain calmly, and
+did not speak.
+
+"Will you answer me?" he repeated, raising his voice.
+
+"I was talking about home and my mother," said Jack.
+
+"Mighty interesting, upon my word! And what were you talking about?"
+continued Captain Hill, turning to Harry.
+
+"That can be of no interest to you, Captain Hill," said Harry, coldly.
+"You appear to forget that I am a passenger."
+
+As he walked away, the captain regarded him with an ominous scowl. He
+wished that for fifteen minutes Harry had been one of the crew. It was
+fortunate for Jack that his temper was diverted, for, apparently
+forgetting the young sailor, he strode on, and Jack managed to slip
+down to the forecastle.
+
+This was not by any means the last conversation Harry had with Jack
+Pendleton--for this he found to be the young sailor's name--and they
+soon became excellent friends.
+
+"Jack," said Harry, one day, "I never should take you to be a sailor
+if I met you on land."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Because you talk like a well-educated boy."
+
+"So I am. I was always fond of my books, and stood high in school. But
+for my stepfather I might be there yet. As it is, my education stopped
+at the age of thirteen."
+
+"Not necessarily. You have learned a good deal since."
+
+"Yes, but not of books. I hope sometime to be able to continue my
+studies. At present it is my business to learn seamanship."
+
+Harry had the more time on his hands, as his traveling companion, the
+professor, took sick, and was confined for three or four weeks to his
+cabin. There was no danger, but still the ship's surgeon advised him
+to stay below.
+
+"What makes you keep company with that boy, Mr. Vane?" asked
+Montgomery Clinton, who would have liked more of Harry's society
+himself.
+
+"Why shouldn't I?"
+
+"Because he is a common sailor, don't you know."
+
+"I think he is rather an uncommon sailor. He is very well educated."
+
+"Oh, yes; I suppose he can read and write; but, of course, he can
+never be admitted into society, don't you know?"
+
+"No, I don't, Mr. Clinton. He may be a captain some day."
+
+"But he isn't now. I give you my word, I noticed this morning, when
+you were speaking with him, that his fingers were all soiled with tar.
+That's horrid, don't you know."
+
+"Don't you think he's a good-looking boy, Mr. Clinton?"
+
+"Well, yes; I suppose, for one of the lower order, Mr. Vane."
+
+"You forget we don't have any distinction of classes in America."
+
+"Don't we though? By Jove! Mr. Vane, you don't put yourself on a level
+with those creatures that dig ditches and climb masts, and such
+things?"
+
+"Your sentiments are very undemocratic, Mr. Clinton. You ought to have
+been born in England."
+
+"I wish I had been. I like their institutions a good deal better than
+ours, don't you know?"
+
+"When I first spoke with you, Mr. Clinton, I thought you might be an
+Englishman."
+
+"Did you, really?" inquired Clinton, with evident pleasure. "I'm often
+taken for an Englishman, on my honor. I don't know why it is, but
+positively, I'm often asked when I came from the other side."
+
+"Would you rather be taken for an Englishman than an American?"
+
+"Well, you see, there are some Americans that are so vulgar, don't you
+know--talk through their noses, and all that."
+
+"Where were you born, Mr. Clinton?"
+
+"In Massachusetts, not far from Boston."
+
+"By the way, Mr. Vane, are you descended from Sir Henry Vane, one of
+the royal governors of Massachusetts? I have been meaning to ask you."
+
+"I can't tell you, Mr. Clinton; but my name happens to be the
+same--Harry."
+
+"Really, that is very interesting. I should think you would look up
+the matter."
+
+"Perhaps I will when I return home!" said Harry, who cared very little
+about the matter. From this time, however, Clinton regarded him with
+increased respect, and manifested an increased liking for his society,
+from his supposed aristocratic lineage. Our hero treated him with
+good-natured toleration, but much preferred the company of Jack
+Pendleton, sailor as he was, though his fingers were not infrequently
+smeared with tar. Harry did not mind this; but was attracted by the
+frank, good-humored face of young Jack, and was always glad to have a
+chat with him. He had a chance, though at considerable personal risk,
+to do him a signal service before long.
+
+The captain's habits, it must be said, did not improve. His stock of
+liquor was ample, and he continued to indulge himself. Generally he
+kept within safe bounds, but at times he allowed his appetite to get
+the better of him. Whenever that happened, it was fortunate if he
+drank himself into a state of stupefaction, and remained in his cabin,
+leaving the management of the ship to the mate, Mr. Holdfast, who was
+thoroughly temperate. Unfortunately, he was not always content to
+remain in the cabin. He would stagger upstairs and give orders which
+might or might not, be judicious.
+
+One day--it was about a month after they left port--Captain Hill came
+up on deck in one of his worst fits of intoxication. All the
+passengers were on deck, it being a fair day. They regarded the
+captain with alarm, for in his hand he held a pistol, which he carried
+in such careless style that it might be discharged at any time.
+
+Jack Pendleton had been sent up to the masthead on some duty by the
+mate. The captain's roving eyes fell upon him, and the dislike he felt
+for the boy found vent.
+
+"What are you doing up there, you young lubber?" he shouted.
+
+"Mr. Holdfast sent me," answered Jack.
+
+"You lie!" roared the captain. "I'll teach you to lie to me!"
+
+"I'll come down, sir," said Jack, "if you say so."
+
+"I'll bring you down!" shouted the captain, furiously, as he
+deliberately pointed the pistol at the cabin boy, and prepared to pull
+the trigger.
+
+There was a cry of horror on the part of the passengers as they saw
+the insane act of the captain, and realized the peril of poor Jack.
+But, in spite of all, the boy would probably have fallen a victim to
+the drunken fury of Captain Hill. Jack himself fully understood his
+danger, and his ruddy face turned pale. His life hung in the balance,
+and was saved only by the courage of his boy friend, Harry.
+
+Of all the passengers, Harry stood nearest to the captain. When he saw
+the pistol pointed at Jack, he did not stop to think, but made a
+bound, and dashed the weapon from the captain's hand. It was
+discharged but the bullet sped over the rail and dropped into the
+ocean. Nor did Harry stop here. He seized the fallen pistol, and
+hurled it over the side of the vessel.
+
+The captain was for the moment stupefied by the suddenness of the act.
+Then, in a voice of fury, he exclaimed, pointing to Harry: "Put that
+boy in irons!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+A SENSATIONAL SCENE
+
+
+"Put that boy in irons!" repeated Captain Hill, his eyes blazing with
+anger.
+
+Not a sailor stirred. There was not one that did not admire Harry's
+promptness, which had saved Jack's life, and prevented the captain
+from becoming a murderer.
+
+"Here, you two men, seize the boy, and carry him below!" exclaimed the
+captain, addressing Brown and Higgins, the two sailors nearest.
+
+The two men looked at each other, moved a step forward, and then
+stopped.
+
+"Is this mutiny?" roared the captain, with a bloodcurdling oath. "Am I
+master in my own ship or not?"
+
+What might have been the issue is hard to tell, had not the Yankee
+passenger already referred to, Jonathan Stubbs, come forward and taken
+up the gauntlet.
+
+"Look here, cap'n," he commenced, in a drawling tone, "what's all this
+fuss you're kickin' up? You're kinder riled, ain't you?"
+
+"Who are you that dare to bandy words with me? Men, do you hear me?
+Put that boy in irons, or must I do it myself?"
+
+"Look here, cap'n, let's argy that matter a little," said Stubbs.
+"What's the boy to be put in irons for?"
+
+"For grossly insulting me, and defying my authority."
+
+"He has prevented your committing murder, if that's what you mean. You
+ought to thank him."
+
+"Take care, sir!" thundered the captain, "or I may put you in irons,
+also."
+
+"I reckon you might find a little opposition," said the Yankee,
+quietly. "I'm a passenger on this vessel, Captain Hill, and your
+authority doesn't extend to me."
+
+"We'll see about that, sir," said the captain, and he grasped Stubbs
+by the collar.
+
+Now, the Yankee was not a heavy man, but he was very strong and wiry,
+and, moreover, in his early days, like Abraham Lincoln, he had been
+the best wrestler in the Vermont village in which he was born. He was
+a very quiet, peaceable man, but he was accustomed to resent insult in
+an effective way. He wrenched himself free by a powerful effort; then,
+with a dexterous movement of one of his long legs, he tripped up the
+captain, who fell in a heap upon the deck. The shock, added to the
+effects of his intoxication, seemed to stupefy the captain, who
+remained where he fell.
+
+"Boys," said Stubbs, coolly, to the two sailors, who had been ordered
+to put Harry in irons, "hadn't you better help the captain into his
+cabin? He seems to be unwell."
+
+Just then the mate came on deck. He didn't make inquiries, but took in
+the situation at a glance, and assisted the captain to his feet.
+
+"Shall I help you downstairs, sir?" he asked.
+
+The captain silently acquiesced, and the prime actor in this rather
+startling scene left the deck.
+
+Jack Pendleton scrambled down from his elevated perch with the agility
+of a cat. He ran up to Harry, and grasped his hand with evident
+emotion.
+
+"You have saved my life!" he said. "I will always be your friend. I
+would lay down my life for you."
+
+"It's all right, Jack," said Harry, rather shyly. "You would have done
+the same for me."
+
+"Yes, I would," answered Jack, heartily, "But there's no one else who
+would have done it for me."
+
+"Are you going to leave me out, my boy?" asked the Yankee, with a
+smile on his plain but good-natured face.
+
+"No, sir," responded Jack. "You stood up to the captain like a man. He
+didn't frighten you."
+
+"No, I wasn't much scared," drawled Stubbs, contorting his features
+drolly. "But, I say, young man, I've got a piece of advice to give
+you. You don't seem to be much of a favorite with the captain."
+
+"It doesn't look so," said Jack, laughing in spite of the danger
+through which he had passed.
+
+"Just you keep out of his way as much as you can. When a man gets as
+full as he does, he's apt to be dangerous."
+
+"Thank you, sir; I will."
+
+Among the spectators of the scene just described, the most
+panic-stricken, probably was Montgomery Clinton, the Brooklyn dude.
+
+After the captain had gone below, he walked up to Harry, whom he
+regarded with evident admiration.
+
+"I say, you're quite a hero. I was awfully frightened, don't you know,
+when that big bully aimed at the sailor boy."
+
+"You looked a little nervous, Mr. Clinton," said Harry, smiling.
+
+"You were awfully brave, to knock the pistol out of his hand. I don't
+see how you dared to do it."
+
+"I didn't stop to think of danger. I saw that Jack's life was in
+danger, and I did the only thing I could to save him."
+
+"I'm glad you're not put in irons. It must be awful to be in irons."
+
+"I don't think I should like it, though I never had any experience.
+You'd have stood by me, wouldn't you, Mr. Clinton?"
+
+Clinton was evidently alarmed at the suggestion.
+
+"Yes, of course," he said, nervously; "that is, I would have gone down
+to see you on the sly. You wouldn't expect me to fight the captain,
+don't you know."
+
+Harry could hardly refrain from smiling at the idea of the
+spindle-shaped dude resisting the captain; but he kept a straight face
+as he answered:
+
+"I look upon you as a brave man, Mr. Clinton. When I get into trouble,
+I shall be sure to call upon you."
+
+"Oh, certainly," stammered Clinton. "But I say, Mr. Vane, I hope
+you'll be prudent; I do, really. Captain Hill might shoot you, you
+know, as he tried to shoot the sailor boy just now."
+
+"If he does, Mr. Clinton, I shall expect you to interfere, You are not
+as strong as the captain, but a bold front will go a great way. If you
+threaten to--to horsewhip him, I think it might produce an effect upon
+him."
+
+"Really, my dear Mr. Vane," said Clinton, turning pale, "I don't think
+I could go as far as that."
+
+"I thought you were my friend, Mr. Clinton," said Harry,
+reproachfully.
+
+"So I am, but I think you are, too--too bloodthirsty, Mr. Vane. It is
+best to be prudent, don't you know. There's that Yankee, Mr. Stubbs;
+he would do a great deal better than I. He's stronger, and older,
+and--you'd better speak to him, don't you know."
+
+"A very good suggestion, Mr. Clinton," said Harry.
+
+"I am afraid I should fare badly," thought our hero, "if I depended
+upon Clinton to stand by me. He isn't of the stuff they make heroes
+of."
+
+Twenty-four hours passed before Captain Hill reappeared on deck.
+Meanwhile Harry had received congratulations from all the passengers
+on his display of pluck, and from some of the sailors besides. In
+fact, if he had not been a sensible boy, he might have been in danger
+of being spoiled by praise. But he answered, very modestly, that he
+had only acted from impulse, actuated by a desire to save Jack, and
+had not had time to count the consequences.
+
+"I'll stand by you, my lad," said Hirman Stubbs. "The captain may try
+to do you wrong, but he will have somebody else to reckon with--I
+won't see you hurt."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Stubbs," said Harry, heartily. "I know the value of
+your help already. Mr. Clinton also is willing to stand by me, though
+he says he don't want to get into a fight with the captain."
+
+"Clinton! That spindle-legged dude!" said Stubbs, exploding with
+laughter. "My! he couldn't scare a fly."
+
+Harry laughed, too. He could not help doing so.
+
+"He seems a good fellow, though not exactly a hero," he said. "I am
+glad to have his good will."
+
+"He is more of a tailor's dummy than a man," said Stubbs. "I always
+want to laugh when I look at him. Hist! there's the captain."
+
+Harry turned quickly toward the companionway, and saw Captain Hill set
+foot on the deck. A glance satisfied him that the captain was sober.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+A STORM
+
+
+Captain Hill must have observed Harry and Mr. Stubbs, but walked by
+them without notice, and attended to his duties, giving his orders in
+a sharp quick tone. He was an experienced seaman, and thoroughly
+fitted for the post of chief, when not under the influence of liquor.
+
+"I am glad to see that the captain is sober," said Stubbs, in a low
+voice.
+
+"So am I," answered Harry.
+
+One change, all noticed in Captain Hill. He became silent, reserved,
+morose. His orders were given in a quick, peremptory tone, and he
+seemed to cherish a grudge against all on board. Some captains add
+much to the pleasure of the passengers by their social and cheery
+manners, but whenever Captain Hill appeared, a wet blanket seemed to
+fall on the spirits of passengers and crew, and they conversed in an
+undertone, as if under restraint.
+
+Between the captain and the mate there was a great difference.
+Mr. Holdfast had a bluff, hearty way with him, which made him popular
+with all on board. As an officer, he was strict, and expected his
+orders to be executed promptly, but in private he was affable and
+agreeable. The sailors felt instinctively that he was their friend,
+and regarded him with attachment, while they respected his seamanship.
+If a vote had been taken, there was not one but would have preferred
+him as captain to Captain Hill.
+
+Thus far--I am speaking of a time when the Nantucket was three months
+out--there had been no serious storm. Rough weather there had been,
+and wet, disagreeable weather, but the staunch ship had easily
+overcome all the perils of the sea, and, with the exception of
+Montgomery Clinton, no one had been seriously alarmed. But one
+afternoon a cloud appeared in the hitherto clear sky, which would have
+attracted no attention from a landsman. Mr. Holdfast observed it,
+however, and, quietly calling the captain, directed his attention to
+it.
+
+"I think we are going to have a bad storm, Captain Hill," he said.
+"That's a weather breeder."
+
+The captain watched the cloud for a moment, and then answered,
+quietly: "I think you are right, Mr. Holdfast. You may give your
+orders accordingly."
+
+The sails were reefed, and the vessel was prepared for the warfare
+with the elements which awaited it.
+
+The little cloud increased portentiously in size. All at once a strong
+wind sprang up, the sea roughened, and the billows grew white with
+fury, while the good ship, stanch as she was, creaked and groaned and
+was tossed as if it were a toy boat on the wrathful ocean.
+
+The passengers were all seriously alarmed. They had never before
+realized what a storm at sea was. Even a man of courage may well be
+daunted by the terrific power of the sea when it is roused to such an
+exhibition.
+
+"Harry," said the professor, "this is terrible."
+
+"Yes, indeed," answered the boy, gravely.
+
+It became so rough and difficult to stand on deck, on account of the
+vessel being tossed about like a cockleshell, that Harry felt
+constrained to go below.
+
+As he passed the cabin of Montgomery Clinton, he heard a faint voice
+call his name.
+
+Entering, he saw the dude stretched out in his berth, with an
+expression of helpless terror in his weak face.
+
+"Oh! Mr. Vane," he said; "do you think we are going to the bottom?"
+
+"I hope not, Mr. Clinton. Our officers are skillful men. They will do
+all they can for us."
+
+It was a terrible night. None of the passengers ventured upon deck.
+Indeed, such was the motion that it would have been dangerous, as even
+the sailors found it difficult to keep their footing. Harry was pale
+and quiet, unlike his friend from Brooklyn, whose moans were heard
+mingled with the noise of the tempest.
+
+It was about three o'clock in the morning when those below heard, with
+terror, a fearful crash, and a trampling of feet above. One of the
+masts had fallen before the fury of the storm, and the shock made the
+good ship careen to a dangerous extent. What happened, however, was
+not understood below.
+
+"I wonder what has happened," said the professor, nervously. "I think
+I will go up and see."
+
+He got out of his berth, but only to be pitched helpless to the other
+end of the cabin.
+
+"This is terrible!" he said, as he picked himself up.
+
+"I will try my luck, professor," said Harry.
+
+He scrambled out of his berth, and, with great difficulty, made his
+way upstairs.
+
+One glance told him what had occurred. The crippled ship was laboring
+through the sea. It seemed like a very unequal combat, and Harry might
+be excused for deciding that the ship was doomed. All about the sea
+wore its fiercest aspect. Harry returned cautiously to his cabin.
+
+"Well?" said the professor.
+
+"One of the masts is gone," answered the boy. "The ship is having a
+hard time."
+
+"Is there danger?" asked the professor, anxiously.
+
+"I am afraid so," said Harry, gravely.
+
+At length the night wore away. The violence of the storm seemed to
+have abated, for, after a time, the motion diminished. More
+enterprising than the rest of the passengers, Harry resolved to go on
+deck.
+
+"Won't you come with me, Mr. Clinton?" he asked.
+
+"I--I couldn't, 'pon my honor. I'm as weak as a rag. I don't think I
+could get out of my berth, really, now."
+
+"I'll go with you, my young friend," said Mr. Stubbs.
+
+Harry and his Yankee friend set foot cautiously on deck. The prospect
+was not reassuring. The ship rolled heavily, and from the creaking it
+seemed that the timbers of the hull were strained. The sailors looked
+fagged out, and there was a set, stern look on the face of the
+captain, whom, nevertheless, Mr. Stubbs ventured to accost.
+
+"What's the prospect, captain?" he asked.
+
+"You'd better make your will," said the captain, grimly.
+
+"That's cheerful," commented Stubbs, turning to Harry.
+
+"Yes, sir," answered Harry, soberly.
+
+"Don't tell our foppish friend below, or he'll rend our ears with his
+howls. But you, my young friend, it's rather rough on you. How old are
+you?"
+
+"Sixteen."
+
+"And I'm rising fifty. Even if I am taken away, I've a good thirty
+years the advantage of you. I've had a good time, on the whole, and
+enjoyed myself as well as the average. Still, I don't quite like going
+to the bottom in the Nantucket. I was looking forward to at least
+twenty years or so more of life."
+
+"We must submit to the will of God," said Harry.
+
+"You are quite right, my boy! It is easy to see that you have been
+well trained. Mr. Holdfast"--for they had reached the place where the
+mate was standing--"shall we outlive the storm?"
+
+"It is hard to say, Mr. Stubbs. It depends on the stanchness of the
+ship. We'll do all we can."
+
+Ten minutes later there was a sinister answer to the inquiry of
+Mr. Stubbs. A sailor, who had been sent down into the hold, came with
+the information that the ship had sprung a leak.
+
+Then commenced the weary work at the pumps. The sailors were already
+worn out with fighting the storm under the direction of the captain
+and mate, and it seemed almost more than flesh and blood could stand
+to undertake the additional labor.
+
+Harry and Mr. Stubbs had a hurried conference.
+
+"Can't we help at this work, Mr. Stubbs?" asked Harry. "The poor men
+look utterly exhausted."
+
+"Well thought of, my boy! I am with you. I will speak to the captain."
+
+But Mr. Holdfast, the mate, chanced to be nearer, and to him
+Mr. Stubbs put the question:
+
+"Can't I help at the pumps?"
+
+"And I, too, Mr. Holdfast," put in Harry.
+
+"I accept your offer with thanks. The men are very tired."
+
+So Harry and Mr. Stubbs helped at this necessary work, and when the
+professor and the Melbourne merchant heard of it they, too,
+volunteered. But Marmaduke Timmins, the valetudinarian, and Montgomery
+Clinton felt quite inadequate to the task.
+
+Harry found his work tiresome and fatiguing, but he had the comfort of
+feeling that he was relieving the exhausted sailors, and doing
+something to save his own life and the lives of his companions.
+
+He caught sight of poor Jack, looking ready to drop.
+
+"Jack, you must be very tired," he said, in a tone of deep sympathy.
+
+"If I stood still I should drop on the deck fast asleep," said Jack.
+
+"Can't you lie down for an hour? I am taking your place."
+
+Mr. Holdfast coming up at this moment, Harry suggested this to him,
+and the mate said kindly:
+
+"Jack, my lad, go below and catch a little nap. I will call you when I
+want you."
+
+So Jack, much relieved, went below, and, without a thought of the
+danger, so fatigued was he, fell asleep the moment he got into his
+bunk, and was not called up for four hours.
+
+After a while they reduced the flow of water, but ascertained that the
+ship was badly strained, and by no means safe. It was not till the
+next day, however, that an important decision was reached.
+
+All were called on deck.
+
+"It is my duty to tell you," said Captain Hill, "that the ship is so
+damaged by the recent storm that it is liable to sink at any time.
+Those who choose to run the risk may remain, however. I propose, with
+such as choose to join me, to take to the boats. I will give you
+fifteen minutes to decide."
+
+Excitement and dismay were painted on the faces of all. The ship might
+be insecure, but to launch out upon the great ocean in a frail boat
+seemed to involve still greater danger.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+"WHO WILL STAY?"
+
+
+The decision was a momentous one. It might be death to remain on the
+ship, but to a landsman it seemed still more perilous to embark on an
+angry sea in a frail boat.
+
+The passengers looked at each other in doubt and perplexity.
+
+They had but fifteen minutes in which to make up their minds.
+
+The mate stood by, his face and manner serious and thoughtful.
+
+"Mr. Holdfast," said Mr. Stubbs, "do you agree with the captain that
+it is our best course to take to the boats?"
+
+"I should prefer to try the ship a little longer. I say so with
+diffidence, since the captain has a longer experience than I."
+
+"I don't think much of your judgment, Mr. Holdfast," said Captain
+Hill, in a tone of contempt.
+
+The mate's face flushed--not so much at the words as the tone.
+
+"Nevertheless Captain Hill," he said, "I stand by what I have said."
+
+"Mr. Holdfast," said Mr. Stubbs, who seemed to speak for the
+passengers, "if some of us decide to remain on the ship, will you
+remain with us?"
+
+"I will!" answered the mate, promptly.
+
+"Then set me down as the first to remain," said Stubbs.
+
+Somehow this man, rough and abrupt as he was, had impressed Harry as a
+man in whom confidence might be reposed. He felt safe in following
+where he led.
+
+"I am but a boy," he said, "but I have to decide for my life. I shall
+remain with the mate and Mr. Stubbs."
+
+Quietly Stubbs shook hands with Harry.
+
+"I am glad to have you with us," he said earnestly. "We will die or
+live together."
+
+Next came Professor Hemenway.
+
+"Put me down as the third," he said. "Harry, we sailed together, and
+we will remain together to the end."
+
+"I go in the boat," said John Appleton. "I have a great respect for
+Mr. Holdfast, but I defer to the captain's judgment as superior."
+
+He went over and ranged himself beside the captain.
+
+"You are a sensible man, sir," said Captain Hill, with a scornful
+glance at the mate and the passengers who sided with him.
+"Mr. Holdfast can go down with the ship, if he desires. I prefer to
+cut loose from a doomed vessel."
+
+Marmaduke Timmins, the invalid, looked more sallow and nervous than
+ever. He had swallowed a pill while the others were speaking, to give
+himself confidence.
+
+"I will go with the captain," he said. "My life is likely to be short,
+for my diseases are many, but I owe it to myself to do my best to save
+it."
+
+"In deciding to go with me, you are doing your best, sir," said
+Captain Hill.
+
+He had not hitherto paid much attention to Mr. Timmins, whom he looked
+upon as a crank on the subject of health, but he was disposed to look
+upon him now with more favor.
+
+At this moment Montgomery Clinton appeared at the head of the stairs.
+The poor fellow was pale, and disheveled, and tottered from weakness.
+
+"What's going on?" he asked, feebly. Harry took it upon himself to
+explain, using as few words as possible.
+
+"Will you go with the captain, or stay on the Nantucket?" asked Harry.
+
+"Really, I couldn't stand sailing in a little boat, you know."
+
+"That's settled, then!" said the captain. "Into the boats with you!"
+
+The sailors and two passengers lowered themselves into the long boat,
+which was large enough to receive them all, till only Jack Pendleton
+and the captain remained.
+
+"Get in, boy!" said the captain, harshly.
+
+Jack stepped back, and said, manfully: "I will remain on board the
+ship, sir."
+
+While this discussion had been going on, the boat was being stored
+with kegs of water and provisions, and soon after the sailors began to
+ply the oars.
+
+The little band that remained looked silently and solemnly, as they
+saw their late companions borne farther and farther away from them on
+the crested waves.
+
+"It's a question which will last longer, the ship or the boat," said
+Mr. Holdfast.
+
+"We must work--I know that," said Mr. Stubbs. "Captain Holdfast, I
+salute you as my commander. Give us your orders."
+
+"Are you all agreed, gentlemen?" asked Holdfast.
+
+"We are," answered all except Montgomery Clinton, who was clinging to
+the side with a greenish pallor on his face.
+
+"Then I shall set you to work at the pumps. Jack I assign you and the
+professor to duty first. You will work an hour; then Mr. Stubbs and
+Mr. Vane will relieve you. I will look out for the vessel's course."
+
+"I am afraid I couldn't pump," said Montgomery Clinton. "I feel so
+awfully weak, you know, I think I'm going to die!"
+
+Harry looked out to sea and saw the little boat containing the remnant
+of their company growing smaller and smaller. A sudden feeling of
+loneliness overcame him, and he asked himself, seriously: "Is death,
+then, so near?"
+
+The sea was still rough, but the violence of the storm was past. In a
+few hours the surface of the sea was much less agitated. The spirits
+of the passengers rose, especially after learning from the mate that
+he had been able to stop the leak, through the experience which he
+acquired in his younger days as assistant to a ship carpenter.
+
+"Then the old ship is likely to float a while longer?" said
+Mr. Stubbs, cheerfully.
+
+"Not a short time, either, if the weather continues favorable."
+
+"Captain Hill was in too much of a hurry to leave the vessel,"
+remarked Harry.
+
+"Yes," answered Holdfast. "Such was my opinion when I thought the
+Nantucket in much worse condition than at present. If the captain and
+sailors had remained on board, we could have continued our voyage to
+Melbourne without difficulty.
+
+"And now?" said Mr. Stubbs, interrogatively.
+
+"Now we have no force to man her. Little Jack and myself are the only
+sailors on board."
+
+"But not the only men."
+
+"That is true. I think, however, that you or the professor would find
+it rather hard to spread or take in sail."
+
+Mr. Stubbs looked up into the rigging and shrugged his shoulders.
+
+The next day Mr. Clinton appeared on deck. He looked faded and played
+out, but he was no longer the woebegone creature of a day or two
+previous. Even he turned out to be of use, for he knew something about
+cooking, and volunteered to assist in preparing the meals, the ship's
+cook having left the ship with the captain. Accordingly, he rose in
+the estimation of the passengers--having proved that he was not wholly
+a drone.
+
+Jack and Harry grew still more intimate. The young sailor was under no
+restraint now that the captain was not on board, for with the mate he
+had always been a favorite.
+
+All efforts were made to keep the ship on her course. They could not
+put up all the sails, however, and made but slow progress. They did
+little but drift. Nor did they encounter any other vessel for several
+days, so that there was no chance of obtaining the desired assistance.
+
+"I wonder where it will all end, Jack?" said Harry, one evening.
+
+"I don't trouble myself much about that, Harry," said the young
+sailor. "I am content as I am."
+
+"Don't you look ahead, then?"
+
+"I am happy with you and the few we have on board. They are kind to
+me; what more do I need?"
+
+"I can't be contented so easily, Jack. I hope there is a long life
+before us. Here we are, making no progress. We are doing nothing to
+advance ourselves."
+
+But this did not make much impression on Jack. He did not look beyond
+the present, and so that this was comfortable, he left the future to
+look out for itself.
+
+"What do you think has become of Captain Hill and his companions,
+Mr. Holdfast?" asked Mr. Stubbs, on the third evening after the
+separation.
+
+"He is probably still afloat, unless he has been fortunate enough to
+be picked up by some vessel."
+
+"There is no hope of reaching land in the Nantucket is there,"
+continued Mr. Stubbs.
+
+"There is considerable fear of it," said the mate.
+
+"Why do you use the word fear?" asked Stubbs, puzzled.
+
+"What I mean is, that we are likely to run aground upon some unknown
+island. If the shore is rocky, it may break us to pieces, and that, of
+course, will be attended with danger to life or limb."
+
+Stubbs looked thoughtful.
+
+"I should like to see land," he said, "but I wouldn't like to land in
+that way. It reminds me of an old lady who, traveling by cars for the
+first time, was upset in a collision. As she crawled out of the
+window, she asked, innocently: 'Do you always stop this way?'"
+
+"There are dangers on land as well as on the sea," said the mate, "as
+your story proves; though one is not so likely to realize them. In our
+present circumstances, there is one thing I earnestly hope for."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"That we may not have another storm. I fear, in her dismantled
+condition, the Nantucket would have a poor chance of outliving it,
+particularly as we have no one but Jack and myself to do seamen's
+work."
+
+Mr. Stubbs walked thoughtfully away.
+
+Harry, who had seen him talking with the mate, asked him what the
+nature of the conversation was.
+
+Mr. Stubbs told him.
+
+"The fact is, Harry," he said, "we are in a critical condition.
+Whether we are ever to see old terry firmy again"--Mr. Stubbs was not
+a classical scholar--"seems a matter of doubt."
+
+"And the worst of it is," said Harry, "there seems to be nothing you
+or I can do to increase our chances of safety."
+
+"No, unless we could manage to see a ship which the chief officer had
+overlooked. That, I take it, is not very likely."
+
+It was toward morning of the fifth night after the captain had left
+the ship that all on board were startled by a mighty thumping,
+accompanied by a shock that threw the sleepers out of bed.
+
+Harry ran hastily on deck. The mate was there already.
+
+"What's happened, Mr. Holdfast?" asked the boy, anxiously.
+
+"The ship has struck on a rocky ledge!"
+
+"Are we in danger?"
+
+"In great danger. Call all the passengers. We must take to the boat,
+for the Nantucket is doomed!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+THE WRECK OF THE NANTUCKET
+
+
+It was still quite dark, but it was light enough to see that the ship
+had struck upon a reef. Straining their eyes, the alarmed passengers
+could descry land. Indeed, the reef was an outlying part of it.
+
+All eyes were turned upon the captain, as Mr. Holdfast was now called.
+
+"If I had had men enough to stand watch, this would not have
+happened," he said.
+
+"Is there any hope, Mr. Holdfast?" asked Montgomery Clinton, clasping
+his hands in terror.
+
+"Plenty of it," answered the mate, curtly, "but we must leave the
+ship."
+
+Under his direction the remaining boat--for Captain Hill and his
+companions had only taken away one--was lowered. Steering clear of the
+reef, they found themselves in a cove, bordered on three sides by
+land. By the light, now rapidly increasing, they saw grass and trees,
+and the sight gladdened them in spite of the grave peril that menaced
+them.
+
+They put in the boat as large a supply of stores as they dared, and
+then rowed ashore. Landing the passengers, Holdfast selected Jack and
+Harry, and went back to the ship for a further supply.
+
+"We must lay in as much as we can, for we don't know how long we are
+to remain here," he said.
+
+When the second trip had been made, it was decided to rest for a time
+and eat breakfast.
+
+The little group gathered on a bluff looking out to sea, and, sitting
+down, ate heartily. By this time the sun had made its appearance, and
+it bade fair to be a pleasant day.
+
+"Have you any idea where we are, Mr. Holdfast?" asked Mr. Stubbs.
+
+"I only know that we are on an island. There is no mainland near
+here," answered the commander.
+
+"It seems to be a large one, then. While you were gone with the boys,
+I ascended a tree, and, looking inland, could not see the ocean in
+that direction."
+
+"I feel like exploring the island," said Harry; "who will go with me?"
+
+Curious to see what kind of a new home they had, all set out. First,
+however, the professor asked:
+
+"How long before the ship is likely to go to pieces, Mr. Holdfast?"
+
+"Not under a day or two in this weather," was the answer. "Later in
+the day I will board her again."
+
+They struck inland and walked for about two miles. There were trees
+and plants such as they had never seen before, and the songs of
+unknown birds floated out upon the air. It was certainly a delightful
+change from the contracted life they had been leading upon shipboard.
+
+"Do you think the island is inhabited?" asked Harry.
+
+"I know no more about it than you do, my lad," answered Holdfast.
+
+"Suppose we should meet with a pack of savages armed with spears!"
+suggested Harry, with a side look at Clinton, who was walking by him.
+
+"Oh, good gracious! Mr. Holdfast, do you think we will?" asked that
+young gentleman, nervously.
+
+"We must do the best we can. I take it we are all brave, and would be
+willing to fight."
+
+After a considerable walk, they reached a grove of trees, bearing a
+different leaf from any to which they were accustomed. They did not
+appear to produce fruit of any kind, but were comely and afforded a
+grateful shade. This was the more appreciated, because the sun had
+begun to make its heat felt, and a feeling of languor diffused itself
+over all.
+
+"I move we squat here a while," said Mr. Stubbs.
+
+"Very well," said the mate. "We have all day before us, and I am
+afraid a great many more to come, in which we may explore the island."
+
+All threw themselves on the grass without ceremony.
+
+They returned to the shore about noon, and sitting down on the bluff,
+ate heartily of the stores they had brought with them from the ship.
+They had brought no water, but, fortunately, discovered a spring on
+their homeward walk, which promised a constant supply of refreshing
+drink.
+
+"This seems a great deal like a picnic," said Harry, as they sat down
+on the grass with the food in the center.
+
+"I am afraid it will prove a larger picnic than we care for," remarked
+the professor.
+
+When dinner was over, if their informal meal can be dignified by that
+name, Mr. Holdfast said:
+
+"I think we had better make another trip to the ship, and bring back
+what we can. We shall need a further supply of provisions, and there
+will be other things that will occur to us as likely to be needed."
+
+"May I go with you, Mr. Holdfast?" asked Harry.
+
+"Yes," answered the mate; "I will take you and Jack, and Mr. Stubbs,
+too, may come, if he will."
+
+"I am quite at your command, captain," said the Yankee.
+
+Nothing suited Harry better than to make one of the expeditions. He
+and Jack clambered up the ship's sides, and chased each other in
+boyish fun. Jack had no fear of a stern rebuke from Mr. Holdfast, who
+had a sympathy with the young. He would not have dared to take such
+liberties with Captain Hill.
+
+"How long do you think the ship will hold together, Mr. Holdfast?"
+asked Stubbs.
+
+"For a week, perhaps, unless the sea becomes rough, and dashes her
+against the reef with violence."
+
+"At present she seems motionless."
+
+"Yes, she is not at present receiving any damage. It will be a sad day
+when she goes to pieces," continued the mate, gravely.
+
+"Yes, but it will hardly make our position worse. There is no chance
+of our making any use of her, I take it."
+
+"You don't quite understand me," said Holdfast. "A sailor gets to feel
+an attachment for the craft he sails on, and she seems to him
+something like a living creature. This is my first voyage on the old
+Nantucket, but it will grieve me to see her disappear."
+
+It was not easy to decide of what the boat's load should consist. In
+the main, provisions were taken as an article of first necessity. Some
+clothing, also, was selected, and among the rest, at Harry's instance,
+an extra pair of Mr. Clinton's trousers.
+
+It was decided not to make another trip to the ship that day.
+Mr. Holdfast expressed the opinion that the Nantucket was not in any
+immediate danger of going to pieces, and there was much other work in
+hand.
+
+"Do you know anything about the climate here, Mr. Holdfast?" asked the
+professor.
+
+"I don't think it is ever cold. It is too far south for that."
+
+"I mean as to the chance of rain. I am told that in these tropical
+places, rain comes on very suddenly at times."
+
+"I suspect that this is the dry season, professor."
+
+"Still, it may be wise to provide ourselves with some shelter."
+
+"True; have you anything to suggest?"
+
+"It occurred to me that we might procure some of the sails, and use as
+a roof covering to shield us from the heat of the sun, and from any
+unexpected showers."
+
+"A good idea. I am glad you mentioned it. On the whole, I think I will
+make one more trip to the ship this afternoon for the special purpose
+of bringing back materials for a roof. Then we can put it up
+to-night."
+
+"Better bring hatchets, if there are any on board, some nails and
+cordage."
+
+"Also well thought of. You are a practical man, professor."
+
+"We shall all have to think for the general benefit. I am sorry I
+can't do more work, but I never was handy with tools."
+
+"I am," said Stubbs. "In fact, most Yankees are, and I am a Yankee.
+You can command my services, Mr. Holdfast, in any way that you see
+fit."
+
+Mr. Holdfast made another trip to the vessel, and brought back quite
+an expanse of sailcloth. All hands, with the exception of Mr. Clinton,
+went to work at once, and by sunset a considerable space was roofed
+over, which the little company regarded with complacency.
+
+"Aren't you going to have any sides or doors?" asked Clinton.
+
+"That can be considered hereafter," said Holdfast. "I don't think we
+shall need any, since the probability is that the island is not
+inhabited."
+
+The next morning a great surprise awaited them.
+
+It might have been because it was the first night on land, or perhaps
+because they were unusually fatigued, but at any rate the little party
+slept unusually late. The first one to awake was Harry Vane. It took
+very little time for him to dress, since he had only taken off his
+coat. He glanced at his slumbering companions, who were scattered
+about in different postures.
+
+"I'll go up to the spring, and have a wash," Harry decided. "I won't
+wake anybody, for there's no hurry about waking up."
+
+Returning from the spring, Harry for the first time looked in the
+direction of the ship. What he saw filled him with amazement. The
+wreck which he had thought deserted, was alive with men. He saw a
+dozen on deck, including two who were obviously not sailors. He could
+not immediately discern the figures, and ran hastily to the top of the
+bluff. Then he made the startling discovery that these intruders were
+the captain and his companions, who had abandoned the ship in the
+expectation that it was doomed, and, after floating about in the long
+boat, had by a wonderful coincidence drifted to the very point which
+they themselves had reached.
+
+The news was too important to keep, and he returned to the encampment,
+and entering, approached the mate, who was sleeping soundly. He leaned
+over and shook him gently.
+
+"Mr. Holdfast!" he cried.
+
+The mate slowly opened his eyes and started up.
+
+"What's the matter?" he asked. "Has anything happened?"
+
+"I've got great news for you, Mr. Holdfast. Captain Hill has arrived."
+
+"What!" exclaimed the mate, in amazement. "Arrived--where?"
+
+"He is at this moment on the Nantucket, with all the men that
+accompanied him in the long boat."
+
+Uttering an expression of amazement, Mr. Holdfast sprang from the
+ground, and hastily made his way to the edge of the bluff.
+
+"By Jove!" said he, "you're right. I never heard of anything more
+wonderful."
+
+Harry could not tell from the expression of his face whether he
+considered the news good or not.
+
+"Go and wake up the rest, Harry," he said. "They will be surprised,
+too."
+
+It is needless to say that the news produced surprise and excitement.
+All hurried to the edge of the bluff.
+
+"Will they come on shore, do you think?" asked Harry of the mate.
+
+"They will have to; but I shall at once go out to the ship and report
+to my superior officer. You and Jack may go with me."
+
+It is needless to say that both boys were very glad to accept this
+invitation. The rest of the party remained on shore and watched the
+boat's course.
+
+"What will be the issue of this, Mr. Stubbs?" asked the professor,
+thoughtfully.
+
+"I am afraid there will be friction. The captain is a natural despot,
+and he will undertake to control us."
+
+"He can have no authority after the ship is wrecked."
+
+"He will claim it, as sure as my name is Stubbs. The fact is, I am
+rather sorry he hadn't managed to drift to another island.
+Mr. Holdfast is a much more agreeable man to deal with."
+
+"I agree with you. As a passenger, I shall not recognize the captain's
+authority on shore."
+
+"Nor I."
+
+Meanwhile, the mate and the two boys had pulled to the ship, and,
+securing the boat, scrambled on deck.
+
+"Good-morning, Captain Hill; I am glad to meet you once more," said
+the mate.
+
+"Humph!" growled the captain, not over politely. "When did you reach
+here?"
+
+"Yesterday morning."
+
+"Where are the rest of the party?"
+
+"We have a little camp just back of the bluff."
+
+"I see you have been removing articles from the ship," continued the
+captain, in a tone of disapproval.
+
+"Certainly," answered the mate. "We need them, and I didn't know how
+long the ship would last."
+
+"It seems in no immediate danger of going to pieces."
+
+"Things look more favorable than they did yesterday morning. What sort
+of a trip did you have in the boat?"
+
+"A curious question to ask," said the captain, captiously. "We were in
+danger of being swamped more than once."
+
+"We had better have remained on board the Nantucket with you,
+Mr. Holdfast," said Appleton, the Melbourne merchant.
+
+Captain Hill chose to take offense at this remark.
+
+"You were quite at liberty to stay, Mr. Appleton," he said. "I didn't
+urge you to go with me."
+
+"True, Captain Hill; but I trusted to your opinion that the ship was
+unsafe."
+
+The captain looked angry, but did not make any reply.
+
+By the sailors Mr. Holdfast was warmly greeted. He was much better
+liked than the captain, being a man of even temper and reasonable in
+his demands.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE LAST OF THE "NANTUCKET"
+
+
+Though the mate had removed some of the stores, much the larger
+portion was left on board, for the Nantucket had been provisioned for
+a long voyage. Yet Captain Hill saw fit to complain.
+
+"It is fortunate that you didn't take all the stores, Mr. Holdfast,"
+he remarked, in a sarcastic tone.
+
+The mate eyed the captain steadily.
+
+"May I ask your meaning, Captain Hill?" he asked.
+
+"I mean what I say, sir. I think my language requires no interpreter."
+
+"Then I can only reply that it would have made no difference if I had
+removed all the provisions."
+
+"You appear to forget that I am your superior officer," said the
+captain in a heat.
+
+"I had no superior officer at the time I ordered the removal."
+
+"You have now, at any rate."
+
+"We are not at sea, Captain Hill. The vessel is wrecked, and all
+distinctions are at an end. Now it is each for himself."
+
+"So, sir, you defy my authority!" exclaimed the captain, looking
+black.
+
+"I don't recognize it, that is all."
+
+"You shall, sir!" retorted the captain, frowning. "You shall learn,
+also, that I have means to enforce it. I have nearly a dozen seamen
+under me, and you have only the boy, Jack Pendleton."
+
+"Captain Hill, all this is very foolish. We are ship-wrecked, and have
+taken refuge on the same island. Instead of quarreling, we should help
+each other."
+
+"So you presume to lecture me!" sneered the captain.
+
+Mr. Holdfast didn't care to continue the dispute.
+
+"I am ready to help you remove what you require," he said, quietly.
+"It will be well to remove as much as possible today, for we may at
+any time have a storm, that will effectually put an end to our work."
+
+"Very well, sir; I am glad you show a better spirit."
+
+The mate was both annoyed and amused at this evident intention to
+throw upon him the whole onus of the quarrel, but he did not care to
+reply. He and the two boys helped remove the stores, and it being
+quite early, by noon several boatloads had been deposited on shore, to
+be removed farther inland when there was a good opportunity. One thing
+Mr. Holdfast noted with apprehension. There was a considerable
+quantity of brandy and other spirits in the captain's cabin, which he
+took care to have included in the articles removed. Remembering the
+captain's weakness, he feared this might lead to trouble. But he did
+not take it upon himself to remonstrate, knowing that in the state of
+the captain's feelings toward him it would be worse than useless.
+
+By three o'clock about all the stores, with other needful articles,
+had been removed, and there was a large pile on the bluff.
+
+"Captain, will you walk over and see my encampment?" asked Holdfast,
+now that there was leisure.
+
+"Lead on, sir," said the captain, though not overpolitely. It was not
+far away, and a short walk brought them in front of it.
+
+"Perhaps you will feel inclined to settle near by," suggested
+Holdfast.
+
+"No, sir; I don't care to intrude upon you."
+
+Eventually the captain selected a spot about half a mile away. Here an
+encampment was made, very similar to the mate's but on a larger scale.
+
+"I am glad the captain is not close alongside," said Jack Pendleton.
+
+"So am I," answered Harry, to whom this remark was made. "We are
+better off by ourselves."
+
+"He would be sure to interfere with us. I saw him scowling at me more
+than once this morning. You know he don't like me."
+
+"Nor me, either, Jack. It will be well for both of us to keep out of
+his way."
+
+To the great delight of Clinton, more of his "wardrobe," as he called
+it, was brought ashore. For this he was indebted to the good-natured
+persistence of Harry, who, though amused at the vanity of the young
+man from Brooklyn, felt disposed to gratify him in a harmless whim.
+
+The two parties remained apart, the original company remaining with
+the captain, while four passengers and Jack Pendleton stayed with the
+mate. Captain Hill showed a disposition to claim Jack, but Holdfast
+said, quietly: "I think captain, Jack had better stay with me for the
+present, as he is company for Harry Vane."
+
+The captain looked dissatisfied, but was too tired to remonstrate at
+that time. He went to his own encampment, and indulged in liberal
+potations of brandy, which had the effect of sending him to sleep.
+
+That night a violent wind sprang up. It blew from the sea inland, and
+though it did not affect the ship-wrecked parties or their encampment
+seriously, on account of their being screened by the intervening
+bluff, it had another effect which a day or two previous might have
+been disasterous. The ill-fated Nantucket was driven with such force
+against the reef that the strength of its hull was overtaxed. When the
+mate went to the bluff in the morning to take an observation, he was
+startled to find in place of the wreck a confused debris of timbers
+and fragments of the wreck.
+
+As the mate was surveying the scene of ruin, Jack and Harry joined
+him.
+
+"Look there, my lads!" said Holdfast. "That's the last of the poor old
+Nantucket. She will never float again."
+
+They had known this before, but it was now impressed upon their minds
+forcibly, and a feeling of sadness came over the three.
+
+"That settles it," said Harry, giving expression to a common feeling.
+"We are prisoners on the island now, and no mistake."
+
+"When we leave here, it won't be on the Nantucket, anyway," said Jack.
+
+"It is lucky this happened after we had brought our stock of
+provisions ashore," said the mate.
+
+"Let us go down and see what these kegs and boxes contain," suggested
+Harry.
+
+So the three descended to the reef, and began to examine the articles
+thrown ashore. For the most part they were of little value, though
+here and there were articles that might prove useful.
+
+"Couldn't we make a raft out of the timbers of the old ship?" asked
+Jack.
+
+"That is worth thinking of, though a raft would not do for a long
+voyage," said Holdfast. "No, but we might be picked up."
+
+"When the captain's party is awake it will be well for us to haul the
+loose timbers up to a place of safety."
+
+"Here's Clinton's trunk," said Harry, bending over and recognizing the
+initials. "Here is the name, 'M. C., Brooklyn.' He will be overjoyed.
+Suppose we take it up between us."
+
+No opposition being made by Mr. Holdfast, the boys took the trunk up
+between them, preceding the mate. They had just reached the summit of
+the bluff.
+
+"Put down that trunk!" said a stern voice.
+
+Looking up, the boys saw that the speaker was Captain Hill.
+
+The captain's face was of dull, brick-red, and it was clear that he
+had already been drinking, early as it was. Naturally the boys, on
+hearing his voice, put down the trunk in their surprise, but they
+maintained their position, one on each side of it. Of the two, Jack
+was the more impressed, having been one of the crew, and subject to
+the captain's authority on shipboard. Harry, as a passenger, felt more
+independent. Indeed, he was indignant, and ready to resist what he
+thought uncalled-for interference on the part of the captain.
+
+"This is Mr. Clinton's trunk," he said. "We are going to carry it to
+him."
+
+"Do you dare to dispute my authority?" roared the captain, his red
+face becoming still redder.
+
+"I don't see what you have to do with the trunk," answered Harry,
+boldly.
+
+"This to me!" shrieked the captain, looking as if he were going to
+have a fit of apoplexy. "Do you know who I am?"
+
+"You were the captain of the Nantucket," said Harry, quietly.
+
+The captain, notwithstanding his inebriated condition, did not fail to
+notice that Harry used the past tense.
+
+"I am still the captain of the Nantucket, as I mean to show you," he
+retorted.
+
+"Then, sir, you are captain of a wreck that has gone to pieces."
+
+Captain Hill upon this looked at the fragments of the unfortunate
+ship, and for the first time took in what had happened.
+
+"It doesn't matter," said he, after a brief pause, "I am in command
+here, and"--here he interpolated an oath--"I don't allow any
+interference with my authority."
+
+"You are not captain of Mr. Clinton's trunk," said Harry, in a
+spirited tone. "Jack, let us carry it along."
+
+This was too much for the captain. With a look of fury on his face, he
+dashed toward Harry, and there is no doubt that our hero was in
+serious danger. He paled slightly, for he knew he was no match for the
+tall, sinewy captain, and was half regretting his independence when he
+felt himself drawn forcibly to one side, and in his place stood the
+mate, sternly eyeing the infuriated captain.
+
+"What do you want to do, Captain Hill?" he asked.
+
+"To crush that young viper!" shouted the captain, fiercely.
+
+"You shall not harm a hair of his head!"
+
+By this time the captain's wrath had been diverted to the mate. He
+struck out with his right hand, intending to fell him to the ground,
+but, the mate swerving, he fell from the force of his abortive blow,
+and, being under the influence of his morning potations, could not
+immediately rise.
+
+"Boys," said Mr. Holdfast, "you may take hold of the trunk again and
+go on with it. Don't be afraid. If the captain makes any attempt to
+assault you, he will have me to deal with."
+
+Harry and Jack did as directed. Jack, however, could not help feeling
+a little nervous, his old fear of the captain asserting itself. But
+Harry, confident in the protection of his good friend, the mate, was
+quite unconcerned.
+
+Mr. Holdfast walked on beside them.
+
+"The captain seems disposed to make trouble," he said. "He fancies
+that he is captain of this island, as he was chief officer of the
+Nantucket. I shall convince him of his mistake."
+
+"I hope you won't get into any trouble on my account, Mr. Holdfast,"
+said Harry, considerately.
+
+"Thank you, my lad; but Tom Holdfast doesn't propose to let any man
+walk over him, even if it is his old skipper. Now that the ship is
+gone, Captain Hill has no more authority here than I have."
+
+As the captain fell, his head came in contact with a timber with such
+violence that, combined with his condition, he was forced to lie where
+he fell for over an hour.
+
+As the boys emerged upon the bluff with the trunk, Clinton, who had
+just got up, recognized it, and ran up to them, his face beaming with
+delight.
+
+"Oh, Mr. Vane!" he said, "have you really brought my trunk? You are
+awfully kind."
+
+Then they had breakfast--a very plain meal, as might be supposed. Some
+of the sailors came over from the other camp, and one of them asked
+Mr. Holdfast if he had seen the captain.
+
+"You will find him on the beach," answered the mate. "He has been
+carrying too much sail, I think," he added, dryly.
+
+After a while the captain picked himself up, and gazed moodily at the
+wreck, of which so little remained. Then, the events of the morning
+recurring to him, he frowned savagely, and, turning toward the bluff,
+he shook his fist angrily in the direction of the mate's encampment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+CONCLUSION
+
+
+Among the sailors was an Italian named Francesco. Probably he had
+another name, but no one knew what it was. In fact, a sailor's last
+name is very little used. He was a man of middle height, very swarthy,
+with bright, black eyes, not unpopular, for the most part, but with a
+violent temper. His chief fault was a love of strong drink. On board
+the Nantucket grog had been served to the crew; and with that he had
+been content. But at the time of the wreck no spirits had been saved
+but the captain's stock of brandy. Francesco felt this to be a great
+hardship. More than any other sailor he felt the need of his usual
+stimulant. It was very tantalizing to him to see the captain partaking
+of his private stock of brandy while he was compelled to get along on
+water.
+
+"The captain is too mucha selfish," he said one day to a
+fellow-sailor. "He should share his brandy with the men."
+
+Ben Brady, the sailor to whom he was speaking, shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"I think I will try some of the captain's brandy when he is away,"
+said Francesco, slyly.
+
+"If you do, you will get into trouble. The captain will half murder
+you if he finds it out."
+
+"He is not captain now--we are all equal--all comrades. We are not on
+ze sheep."
+
+"Take my advice, Francesco, and leave the brandy alone."
+
+Francesco did not reply, but he became more and more bent on his
+design.
+
+He watched the captain, and ascertained where he kept his secret
+store. Then he watched his opportunity to help himself. It was some
+time before he had an opportunity to do so unobserved, but at length
+the chance came.
+
+The first draught brought light to his eyes, and made him smack his
+lips with enjoyment. It was so long since he had tasted the forbidden
+nectar that he drank again and again. Finally he found himself
+overcome by his potations, and sank upon the ground in a drunken
+stupor.
+
+He was getting over the effects when, to his ill-luck, the captain
+returned from his usual solitary ramble.
+
+"He has been at my brandy!" Captain Hill said to himself, with flaming
+eyes. "The fool shall pay dearly for his temerity."
+
+He advanced hastily to the prostrate man, and administered a severe
+kick, which at once aroused the half-stupefied man.
+
+Francesco looked up with alarm, for the captain was a much larger and
+stronger man than himself.
+
+"Pardon, signor captain," he entreated.
+
+"You have been drinking my brandy, you beast," said Captain Hill,
+furiously.
+
+I draw a veil over the brutal treatment poor Francesco received. When
+it was over he crawled away, beaten and humiliated, but in his eye
+there was a dangerous light that boded no good to the captain.
+
+Presently Francesco began to absent himself. Where he went no one knew
+or cared, but he, too, would be away all day. His small, black eyes
+glowed with smoldering fires of hatred whenever he looked at the
+captain, but his looks were always furtive, and so for the most part
+escaped observation.
+
+One day Captain Hill stood in contemplation on the edge of a
+precipitous bluff, looking seaward. His hands were folded, and he
+looked thoughtful. His back was turned, so he could not, therefore,
+see a figure stealthily approaching, the face distorted by murderous
+hate, the hand holding a long, slender knife. Fate was approaching him
+in the person of a deadly enemy. He did not know that day by day
+Francesco had dogged his steps, watching for the opportunity which had
+at last come.
+
+So stealthy was the pace, and so silent the approach of the foe, that
+the captain believed himself wholly alone till he felt a sharp lunge,
+as the stiletto entered his back between his shoulders. He staggered,
+but turned suddenly, all his senses now on the alert, and discovered
+who had assailed him.
+
+"Ha! it is you!" he exclaimed wrathfully, seizing the Italian by the
+throat. "Dog, what would you do?"
+
+"Kill you!" hissed the Italian, and with the remnant of his strength
+he thrust the knife farther into his enemy's body.
+
+The captain turned white, and he staggered, still standing on the
+brink of the precipice.
+
+Perceiving it, and not thinking of his own danger, Francesco gave him
+a push, and losing his balance the captain fell over the edge, a
+distance of sixty feet, upon the jagged rocks beneath. But not alone!
+Still retaining his fierce clutch upon the Italian's throat, the
+murderer, too, fell with him, and both were stretched in an instant,
+mangled and lifeless, at the bottom of the precipice.
+
+When night came, and neither returned, it was thought singular, but
+the night was dark, and they were unprovided with lanterns, so that
+the search was postponed till morning. It was only after a search of
+several hours that the two were found.
+
+After the captain's death two distinct camps were still maintained,
+but the most cordial relations existed between them. At the suggestion
+of the mate, an inventory was made of the stock of provisions, and to
+each camp was assigned an amount proportioned to the number of men
+which it contained.
+
+There was no immediate prospect of want. Still, the more prudent
+regarded with anxiety the steady diminution of the stock remaining,
+and an attempt to eke them out by fresh fish caught off the island.
+But the inevitable day was only postponed. At length only a week's
+provisions remained. The condition was becoming serious.
+
+"What shall we do?" was the question put to Mr. Holdfast, who was now
+looked upon by all as their leader and chief.
+
+Upon this the mate called a general meeting of all upon the island,
+sailors and passengers alike.
+
+"My friends," he said, "it is useless to conceal our situation. We are
+nearly out of provisions, and though we may manage to subsist upon the
+fish we catch, and other esculents native to this spot, it will be a
+daily fight against starvation. I have been asked what we are to do. I
+prefer rather to call for suggestions from you. What have you to
+suggest?"
+
+"In my view there are two courses open to us," said Mr. Stubbs,
+finding that no one else appeared to have anything to propose. "We
+must remain here and eat the rest of our provisions, but there seems
+very little chance of our attracting the attention of any passing
+vessel. We appear to be out of the ordinary course. Of course, it is
+possible that some ship may have passed the island without attracting
+our notice. What is your opinion, Mr. Holdfast?"
+
+"The flag of the Nantucket, as you know, has floated night and day
+from a pole erected on a high bluff," said the mate. "The chances are
+that if any vessel had come sufficiently near it would have attracted
+attention, and led to a boat being lowered, and an exploring party
+sent thither."
+
+"While we've got any provisions left," said the boatswain, "let us
+take the boats, and pull out to sea. We can go where the ships are,
+and then we'll have some chance. They'll never find us here,
+leastways, such is my opinion."
+
+"My friends," said the mate, "you have heard the proposal made by the
+boatswain. All who are in favor of it will please raise their right
+hand."
+
+All voted in the affirmative.
+
+"My friends," said Mr. Holdfast, "it seems to be the unanimous
+sentiment that we leave the island, and sail out far enough to be in
+the course of passing vessels. I concur in the expediency of this
+step, and am ready to command one of the boats. Mr. Harrison will
+command the other."
+
+"How soon shall we start?" asked a passenger.
+
+"The sooner the better! To-morrow morning, if it is pleasant."
+
+This decision pleased all. Something was to be done, and hope was
+rekindled in the breasts of all. Heretofore they had been living on,
+without hope or prospect of release. Now they were to set out boldly,
+and though there was the possibility of failure, there was also a
+chance of deliverance.
+
+No sooner was the decision made than all hands went to work to prepare
+for embarking.
+
+In the appointment of passengers, Mr. Holdfast, who commanded the long
+boat, retained Harry, the professor and Clinton. Six sailors,
+including Jack Pendleton, made up the complement.
+
+"I am glad you are going to be with us, Jack," said Harry, joyfully.
+"I shouldn't like to be separated from you."
+
+"Nor I from you, Harry," returned Jack.
+
+At eight o'clock the next morning they started. As the island faded in
+the distance, all looked back thoughtfully at their sometime home.
+
+Three days the boats floated about on the bosom of the ocean--three
+days and nights of anxiety, during which no sail was visible. But at
+length a ship was sighted.
+
+"In one way or another we must try to attract attention," said the
+mate.
+
+Not to protract the reader's suspense, let me say that by great good
+fortune the mate of the approaching ship, in sweeping the ocean with
+his glass caught sight of the two boats, and changed the course of the
+vessel so as to fall in with them.
+
+"Who are you?" he hailed.
+
+"Shipwrecked sailors and passengers of the ship Nantucket," was the
+answer of Mr. Holdfast.
+
+They were taken on board, and discovered that the vessel was the
+Phocis, from New York, bound for Melbourne.
+
+"We shall reach our destination after all, then, professor," said
+Harry, "and you will be able to give your entertainments as you at
+first proposed."
+
+Professor Hemenway shook his head.
+
+"I shall take the first steamer home," he said. "My wife will be
+anxious about me, and even now is in doubt whether I am alive or dead.
+You can return with me, if you like."
+
+"No," answered Harry. "After the trouble I have had in getting to
+Australia, I mean to stay long enough to see what sort of a country it
+is. I think I can make a living in one way or another, and if I can't,
+I will send to America for the money I have there."
+
+In due time they reached Melbourne, without further mischance. Harry
+induced Jack to remain with him, but Mr. Clinton, with a new stock of
+trousers, purchased in Melbourne, returned to America on the same
+steamer with the professor.
+
+Here we leave Harry and Jack to pursue their course to such eminence
+as they may desire from the characteristics they have portrayed in
+this narrative.
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Facing the World, by Horatio Alger
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #6461 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/6461)
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+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en">
+  <head>
+    <title>
+      Facing the World, by Horatio Alger, Jr.
+    </title>
+    <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve">
+
+    body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify}
+    P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; }
+    H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; }
+    hr  { width: 50%; text-align: center;}
+    .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; }
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+    .mynote    {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;}
+    .toc       { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;}
+    .toc2      { margin-left: 20%;}
+    div.fig    { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; }
+    div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; }
+    .figleft   {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;}
+    .figright  {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;}
+    .pagenum   {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal;
+               margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%;
+               text-align: right;}
+    pre        { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;}
+
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Facing the World, 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: Facing the World
+
+Author: Horatio Alger
+
+
+Release Date: September, 2004 [EBook #6461]
+This file was first posted on December 17, 2002
+Last Updated: January 10, 2019
+
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FACING THE WORLD ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Karen Fabrizius, Charles Franks and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+This HTML file produced by David Widger
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+
+
+</pre>
+
+    <div style="height: 8em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h1>
+      FACING THE WORLD
+    </h1>
+    <h2>
+      By Horatio Alger, Jr.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <b>CONTENTS</b>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I -- HARRY RECEIVES A LETTER </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II -- THE DANGER SIGNAL </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III -- HARRY DISAGREES WITH HIS GUARDIAN </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV -- MRS. FOX COMES TO GRIEF </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V -- MR. FOX LEARNS HARRY’S SECRET </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI -- AN EXCITING CHASE</a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII -- A NEW ENGAGEMENT </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII -- A LIBERAL OFFER </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX -- THE PASSENGERS </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X -- THE YOUNG SAILOR </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI -- A SENSATIONAL SCENE </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII -- A STORM </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII -- “WHO WILL STAY?” </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV -- THE WRECK OF THE NANTUCKET </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV -- THE LAST OF THE “NANTUCKET” </a>
+    </p>
+    <p class="toc">
+      <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI -- CONCLUSION</a>
+    </p>
+
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      PREFACE
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      Horatio Alger, Jr., in &ldquo;Facing the World,&rdquo; gives us as his hero a boy
+      whose parents have both died and the man appointed as his guardian is
+      unjust and unkind to him. In desperation he runs away and is very
+      fortunate in finding a true friend in a man who aids him and makes him his
+      helper in his work as magician.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They travel over the country and have many interesting experiences, some
+      narrow escapes and thrilling adventures.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <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>
+      HARRY RECEIVES A LETTER
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Here&rsquo;s a letter for you, Harry,&rdquo; said George Howard. &ldquo;I was passing the
+      hotel on my way home from school when Abner Potts called out to me from
+      the piazza, and asked me to bring it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The speaker was a bright, round-faced boy of ten. The boy whom he
+      addressed was five or six years older. Only a week previous he had lost
+      his father, and as the family consisted only of these two, he was left, so
+      far as near relatives were concerned, alone in the world.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Immediately after the funeral he had been invited home by Mr. Benjamin
+      Howard, a friend of his father, but in no manner connected with him by
+      ties of relationship.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You can stay here as long as you like, Harry,&rdquo; said Mr. Howard, kindly.
+      &ldquo;It will take you some time to form your plans, perhaps, and George will
+      be glad to have your company.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, Mr. Howard,&rdquo; said Harry, gratefully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Shall you look for some employment here?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; my father has a second cousin in Colebrook, named John Fox. Before he
+      died he advised me to write to Mr. Fox, and go to his house if I should
+      receive an invitation.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope for your sake, he will prove a good man. What is his business?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know, nor did my father. All I know is, that he is considered a
+      prosperous man. This letter is from him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      It was inclosed in a brown envelope, and ran as follows:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;HARRY VANE: I have received your letter saying that your father wants me
+      to be your guardeen. I don&rsquo;t know as I have any objections, bein&rsquo; a
+      business man it will come easy to me, and I think your father was wise to
+      seleck me. I am reddy to receave you any time. You will come to Bolton on
+      the cars. That is eight miles from here, and there is a stage that meats
+      the trane. It wouldn&rsquo;t do you any harm to walk, but boys ain&rsquo;t so active
+      as they were in my young days. The stage fare is fifty cents, which I
+      shall expect you to pay yourself, if you ride.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is one thing you don&rsquo;t say anything about&mdash;how much proparty
+      your pa left. I hope it is a good round sum, and I will take good care of
+      it for you. Ennybody round here will tell you that John Fox is a good man
+      of business, and about as sharp as most people. Mrs. Fox will be glad to
+      see you, and my boy, Joel, will be glad to have someone to keep him
+      company. He is about sixteen years old. You don&rsquo;t say how old you are, but
+      from your letter I surmise that you are as much as that. You will find a
+      happy united famerly, consistin&rsquo; of me and my wife, Joel and his sister,
+      Sally. Sally is fourteen, just two years younger than Joel. We live in a
+      comfortable way, but we don&rsquo;t gorge ourselves on rich, unhelthy food. No
+      more at present. Yours to command,
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      &ldquo;JOHN FOX.&rdquo;
+     </h3>
+    <p>
+      Harry smiled more than once as he read this letter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your relative isn&rsquo;t strong on spelling,&rdquo; remarked Mr. Howard, as he laid
+      the letter on the table.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; but he appears to be strong on economy. It is a comfort to know
+      that I shall not be injured by &lsquo;rich, unhelthy food.&rsquo;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;When do you mean to start for Colebrook?&rdquo; asked Mr. Howard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To-morrow morning. I have been looking at a railroad guide, and I find it
+      will bring me to Colebrook in time for supper.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We should be glad to have you stay with us as long as possible, Harry.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, Mr. Howard, I don&rsquo;t doubt that, but the struggle of life is
+      before me, and I may as well enter upon it at once.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      At four o&rsquo;clock in the afternoon the conductor of the train on which Harry
+      was a passenger called out Bolton.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry snatched up his carpetbag, and made his way to the door, for this
+      was the place where he was to take the stage for Colebrook.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Two other passengers got out at the same time. One was an elderly man, and
+      the other a young man of twenty-five. They appeared to be father and son,
+      and, as Harry learned afterward they were engaged in farming.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Any passengers for Colebrook?&rdquo; inquired the driver of the old-fashioned
+      Concord stage, which was drawn up beside the platform.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There&rsquo;s Obed and me,&rdquo; said the old farmer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;May I ride on the seat with you?&rdquo; asked Harry of the driver.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Sartain. Where are you going?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To Colebrook.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then this is your team.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry climbed up with a boy&rsquo;s activity, and sat down on the broad seat,
+      congratulating himself that he would have a chance to see the country, and
+      breathe better air than those confined inside.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Soon the driver sat down on the box beside him, and started the horses.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;re a stranger, ain&rsquo;t you?&rdquo; he remarked, with an inquisitive glance at
+      his young traveling companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; I&rsquo;ve never been here before.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you going to the tavern?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; I&rsquo;m going to the house of Mr. John Fox. Do you know him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I reckon everybody round here knows John Fox.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know him. He is to be my guardian.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Sho! You&rsquo;ll have a queer guardeen.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why queer?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The fact is, old John&rsquo;ll cheat you out of your eye teeth ef he gets a
+      chance. He&rsquo;s about the sharpest man round.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He can&rsquo;t cheat me out of much,&rdquo; returned Harry, not especially reassured
+      by this remark. &ldquo;What is the business of Mr. Fox?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, he&rsquo;s got some land, but he makes his livin&rsquo; chiefly by tradin&rsquo;
+      hosses, auctioneerin&rsquo;, and such like.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What sort of a woman is Mrs. Fox?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She&rsquo;s a good match for the old man. She&rsquo;s about as mean as he is.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Fox wrote me that he had two children.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, there&rsquo;s Joel&mdash;he&rsquo;s about your age. He&rsquo;s a chip of the old block&mdash;red-headed
+      and freckled, just like the old man. I don&rsquo;t believe Joel ever spent a
+      cent in his life. He hangs on to money as tight as ef his life depended on
+      it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There&rsquo;s a girl, too, isn&rsquo;t there?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, Sally. She looks like her ma, except she&rsquo;s red-headed like her pa.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;m glad to know something of the family, but I&rsquo;m afraid I shan&rsquo;t enjoy
+      myself very much among the Foxes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      With such conversation Harry beguiled the way. On the whole, he enjoyed
+      the ride. There were hills and here and there the road ran through the
+      woods. He could hear the singing of birds, and, notwithstanding what he
+      had heard he felt in good spirits.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At length the stage entered the village of Colebrook. It was a village of
+      moderate size&mdash;about two hundred houses being scattered over a tract
+      half a mile square. Occupying a central position was the tavern, a square,
+      two-story building, with a piazza in front, on which was congregated a
+      number of villagers. After rapidly scanning them, the driver said:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you see that tall man over there leanin&rsquo; against a post?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s your guardeen! That&rsquo;s John Fox himself, as large as life, and just
+      about as homely.&rdquo;
+     </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>
+      THE DANGER SIGNAL
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      The man pointed out to Harry as his guardian was tall, loosely put
+      together, with a sharp, thin visage surrounded by a thicket of dull-red
+      hair. He came forward as Harry jumped to the ground after descending from
+      the elevated perch, and said: &ldquo;I reckon this is Harry Vane?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is my name, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Glad to see you. Just take your traps, and come along with me. Mrs. Fox
+      will have supper ready by the time we come.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry was not, on the whole, attracted by the appearance of his guardian.
+      There was a crafty look about the eyes of Mr. Fox which seemed to make his
+      name appropriate. He surveyed his young ward critically.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;re pretty well grown,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And look stout and strong.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I believe I am both.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My boy, Joel, is as tall as you, but not so hefty. He&rsquo;s goin&rsquo; to be tall
+      like me. He&rsquo;s a sharp boy&mdash;Joel.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way, you didn&rsquo;t write how much property your father left.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;After the funeral bills are paid, I presume there&rsquo;ll be only about three
+      hundred dollars left.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Fox stopped short and whistled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Father hadn&rsquo;t much talent at making money,&rdquo; said Harry, soberly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should say not. Why, that money won&rsquo;t last you no time at all.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am old enough to work for a living. Isn&rsquo;t there something I can find to
+      do in Colebrook?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I guess I can give you work myself&mdash;There&rsquo;s always more or less to
+      do &lsquo;round a place. I keep a man part of the time, but I reckon I can let
+      him go and take you on instead. You see, that will count on your board,
+      and you don&rsquo;t want to spend your money too fast.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well, sir. There&rsquo;s only one thing I will stipulate; I will wait a
+      day or two before going to work. I want to look about the place a little.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      While this conversation was going on, they had traveled a considerable
+      distance. A little distance ahead appeared a square house, painted yellow,
+      with a barn a little back on the left, and two old wagons alongside.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s my house,&rdquo; said John Fox. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s Joel.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Joel, a tall boy in figure, like his father, came forward and eyed Harry
+      with sharp curiosity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How are ye?&rdquo; said Joel, extending a red hand, covered with warts.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Pretty well, thank you,&rdquo; said Harry, not much attracted to his new
+      acquaintance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Here&rsquo;s Sally, too!&rdquo; said John Fox. &ldquo;Sally, this is my ward, Harry Vane.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Sally, who bore a striking family resemblance to her father and brother,
+      giggled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Fox, to whom Harry was introduced at the supper table, was as
+      peculiar in her appearance and as destitute of beauty as the rest of the
+      family.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The next day, Harry, feeling it must be confessed, rather homesick,
+      declined Joel&rsquo;s company, and took an extended stroll about the town. He
+      found that though the railway by which he had come was eight miles
+      distant, there was another, passing within a mile of the village. He
+      struck upon it, and before proceeding far made a startling discovery.
+      There had been some heavy rains, which had washed out the road for a
+      considerable distance, causing the track to give way.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good heavens!&rdquo; thought Harry, &ldquo;if a train comes over the road before this
+      is mended, there&rsquo;ll be a wreck and loss of life. What can I do?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Just across the field stood a small house. In the yard the week&rsquo;s washing
+      was hung out. Among the articles was a red tablecloth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;May I borrow that tablecloth?&rdquo; asked Harry, in excitement, of a woman in
+      the doorway.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Land sakes! what for?&rdquo; she asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To signal the train. The road&rsquo;s washed away.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, yes; I&rsquo;m expectin&rsquo; my darter on that train,&rdquo; answered the woman, now
+      as excited as our hero. &ldquo;Hurry up! the train&rsquo;s due in fifteen minutes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Seizing the tablecloth, Harry gathered it quickly into a bundle and ran
+      back to the railroad. He hurried down the track west of a curve which was
+      a few hundred feet beyond the washout, and saw the train coming at full
+      speed. He jumped on a fence skirting the tracks, and waved the tablecloth
+      wildly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will they see it?&rdquo; he asked himself, anxiously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was an anxious moment for Harry as he stood waving the danger signal,
+      uncertain whether it would attract the attention of the engineer. It did!
+      The engineer, though not understanding the meaning of the signal, not
+      knowing indeed, but it might be a boy&rsquo;s freak, prudently heeded it, and
+      reversing the engine, stopped the train a short distance of the place of
+      danger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank God!&rdquo; exclaimed Harry, breathing a deep sigh of relief.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The engineer alighted from the train, and when he looked ahead, needed no
+      explanation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My boy!&rdquo; he said, with a shudder, &ldquo;you have saved the train.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad of it, sir. My heart was in my mouth, lest you should not see
+      my signal.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      By this time the passengers, whose curiosity had been roused by the sudden
+      halt, began to pour out of the cars.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When they saw the washout, strong men turned pale, and ladies grew faint,
+      while many a fervent ejaculation of gratitude was heard at the wonderful
+      escape.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We owe our lives to this boy!&rdquo; said the engineer. &ldquo;It was he who stood on
+      the fence and signaled me. We owe our deliverance to this&mdash;tablecloth.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      A small man, somewhat portly, pushed his way up to Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is your name, my lad?&rdquo; he asked, brusquely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Harry Vane.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am the president and leading stockholder of the road, and my property
+      has come very near being the death of me. Gentlemen&rdquo;&mdash;here the
+      president turned to the group of gentlemen around him&mdash;&ldquo;don&rsquo;t you
+      think this boy deserves a testimonial?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, yes!&rdquo; returned the gentlemen, in chorus.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So do I, and I lead off with a subscription of twenty dollars.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      One after another followed the president&rsquo;s lead, the president himself
+      making the rounds bareheaded, and gathering the contributions in his hat.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, sir!&rdquo; said Harry, as soon as he understood what was going forward,
+      &ldquo;don&rsquo;t reward me for what was only my duty. I should be ashamed to accept
+      anything for the little I have done.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You may count it little to save the lives of a train full of people,&rdquo;
+       said the president, dryly, &ldquo;but we set a slight value upon our lives and
+      limbs. Are you rich?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So I thought. Well, you needn&rsquo;t be ashamed to accept a little testimonial
+      of our gratitude. You must not refuse.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      When all so disposed had contributed, the president gathered the bills
+      from the hat and handed the pile to Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Take them, my boy,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;and make good use of them. I shall owe you
+      a considerable balance, for I value my life at more than twenty dollars.
+      Here is my card. If you ever need a friend, or a service, call on me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the president gave directions to the engineer to run back to the
+      preceding station, where there was a telegraph office, from which messages
+      could be sent in both directions to warn trains of the washout.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry was left with his hands full of money, hardly knowing whether he was
+      awake or dreaming.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One thing seemed to him only fair&mdash;to give the owner of the
+      tablecloth some small share of the money, as an acknowledgment for the use
+      of her property.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Here, Madam,&rdquo; said Harry, when he had retraced his steps to the house,
+      &ldquo;is your tablecloth, for which I am much obliged. It saved the train.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, I&rsquo;m thankful! Little did I ever think a tablecloth would do so much
+      good. Why, it only cost me a dollar and a quarter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Allow me to ask your acceptance of this bill to pay you for the use of
+      it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Land sakes! why, you&rsquo;ve given me ten dollars!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s all right. It came from the passengers. They gave me something too.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You didn&rsquo;t tell me your name.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My name is Harry Vane.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you live round here? I never heerd the name afore.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve just come to the village. I&rsquo;m going to live with John Fox.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t say! Be you any kin to Fox?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not very near. He&rsquo;s my guardian.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If he hears you&rsquo;ve had any money give you, he&rsquo;ll want to take care of it
+      for you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This consideration had not occurred to Harry. Indeed, he had for so short
+      a time been the possessor of the money, of which he did not know the
+      amount, that this was not surprising.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, good-morning!&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-morning! It&rsquo;s been a lucky mornin&rsquo; for both of us.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I must go somewhere where I can count this money unobserved,&rdquo; he said to
+      himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Not far away he saw a ruined shed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry entered the shed, and sitting down on a log, took out the bills,
+      which he had hurriedly stuffed in his pocket, and began to count them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Almost three hundred dollars!&rdquo; murmured Harry, joyously. &ldquo;It has been,
+      indeed, a lucky morning for me. It has nearly doubled my property.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The question arose in his mind: &ldquo;Should he give this money to Mr. Fox to
+      keep for him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No,&rdquo; he decided, &ldquo;I won&rsquo;t give him this money. I won&rsquo;t even let him know
+      I have it.&rdquo; Where, then, could he conceal it? Looking about him, he
+      noticed a little, leather-covered, black trunk, not more than a foot long,
+      and six inches deep. It was locked, but a small key was in the lock.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Opening the trunk he found it empty. The lock seemed in good condition. He
+      made a pile of the bills, and depositing them in this receptacle, locked
+      the trunk and put the key in his pocket.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now for a place of concealment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry came out of the shed, and looked scrutinizingly around him. Not far
+      away was a sharp elevation surmounted by trees. The hill was a gravelly
+      formation, and therefore dry. At one point near a withered tree, our hero
+      detected a cavity, made either by accident or design. Its location near
+      the tree made it easy to discover.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      With a little labor he enlarged and deepened the hole, till he could
+      easily store away the box in its recess, then covered it up carefully, and
+      strewed grass and leaves over all to hide the traces of excavation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There that will do,&rdquo; he said, in a tone of satisfaction.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He had reserved for possible need fifteen dollars in small bills, which he
+      put into his pocketbook.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      John Fox had heard the news in the post office, and started off at once
+      for the scene of danger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How&rsquo;d they hear of the washout?&rdquo; he asked, puzzled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I heerd that a boy discovered it, and signaled the train,&rdquo; said his
+      neighbor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How did he do it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Waved a shawl or somethin&rsquo;.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That don&rsquo;t seem likely; where would a boy find a shawl?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      His informant looked puzzled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Like as not he borrowed it of Mrs. Brock,&rdquo; he suggested.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Brock was the woman living in the small house near by, so that the
+      speaker&rsquo;s surmise was correct. It struck John Fox as possible, and he said
+      so.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I guess I&rsquo;ll go and ask the Widder Brock,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;She must have seen
+      the train, livin&rsquo; so near as she does.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll go along with you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The two men soon found themselves on Mrs. Brock&rsquo;s premises.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-mornin,&rsquo; Mrs. Brock,&rdquo; said John Fox.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;ve come nigh havin&rsquo; a causality here.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;re right there, Mr. Fox,&rdquo; answered Mrs. Brock. &ldquo;I was awful skeered
+      about it, for I thought my Nancy might be on the train. When the boy run
+      into my yard&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The boy! What boy?&rdquo; asked Fox, eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It was that boy you are guardeen of.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What, Harry Vane?&rdquo; ejaculated Fox, in genuine surprise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Tell me all about it, Mrs. Brock.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, you see, he ran into my yard all out of breath, and grabbin&rsquo; a red
+      tablecloth from the line, asked me if I would lend it to him. &lsquo;Land
+      sakes!&rsquo; says I, &lsquo;what do you want of a tablecloth?&rsquo;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;&lsquo;The track&rsquo;s washed away,&rsquo; he said, &lsquo;and I want to signal the train.
+      There&rsquo;s danger of an accident.&rsquo; Of course, I let him have it, and he did
+      signal the train, standin&rsquo; on the fence, and wavin&rsquo; the tablecloth. So the
+      train was saved!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And did he bring back the tablecloth?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of course, he did, and that wasn&rsquo;t all. He brought me a ten-dollar bill
+      to pay for the use of it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Gave you a ten-dollar bill!&rdquo; exclaimed John Fox, in amazement. &ldquo;That was
+      very wrong.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You hadn&rsquo;t no claim on the money if you are his guardeen. A collection
+      was took up by the passengers, and given to the boy, and he thought I
+      ought to have pay for use of the tablecloth, so he gave me a ten-dollar
+      bill&mdash;and a little gentleman he is, too.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A collection taken up for my ward?&rdquo; repeated Fox, pricking up his ears.
+      &ldquo;Well, well! that is news.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      John Fox was already on his way back to the road. He was anxious to find
+      his ward.
+    </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>
+      HARRY DISAGREES WITH HIS GUARDIAN
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Harry and his guardian met at the dinner table. Mrs. Fox had provided a
+      boiled dinner, to which Harry was ready to do justice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Fox seemed unusually pleasant.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I find, Harry,&rdquo; he said, clearing his throat, &ldquo;that you have already been
+      distinguishing yourself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you heard of the narrow escape of the train?&rdquo; said Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I heard that but for your presence of mind, and Mrs. Brock&rsquo;s
+      tablecloth, there would have been a smash-up.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What on earth are you talkin&rsquo; about, John Fox?&rdquo; demanded his wife,
+      curiously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, you see, Maria, the rain of last night washed away part of the
+      railroad track, and the train would have been plunged into a gully if our
+      young boarder here hadn&rsquo;t seen the danger, and, borrowin&rsquo; a tablecloth
+      from Mrs. Brock, signaled the train.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t say?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That isn&rsquo;t all,&rdquo; resumed John Fox. &ldquo;The passengers took up a
+      contribution, and I expect gave quite a handsome sum to our young friend.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How much did the folks give you?&rdquo; asked Joel eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve got fifteen dollars left,&rdquo; he replied. &ldquo;I gave some money to Mrs.
+      Brock for the use of the tablecloth.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      John Fox looked disappointed and disgusted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t mean to say,&rdquo; he ejaculated, sharply, &ldquo;that you gave away
+      almost half of your money for the use of an old tablecloth that would be
+      dear at a dollar?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If I hadn&rsquo;t had the tablecloth, I couldn&rsquo;t have attracted the engineer&rsquo;s
+      attention,&rdquo; said Harry, mildly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a little more conversation on the subject, but Harry remained
+      tranquil, and did not appear disturbed by the criticisms elicited by his
+      conduct. He heartily hoped that his guardian&rsquo;s family would not find out
+      how large a sum he had received.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When dinner was over, Harry was about to leave the house, when John Fox
+      said, insinuatingly: &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t you think you&rsquo;d better give me that money to
+      keep for you? It will be safer in my hands.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, Mr. Fox,&rdquo; said Harry, &ldquo;but I think I can take care of it
+      myself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Fifteen dollars is a good deal of money for a boy like you to carry round
+      with you,&rdquo; said his guardian.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think I shall lose it, sir,&rdquo; replied the boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps not, but you will be tempted to spend it wastefully.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      John Fox didn&rsquo;t look amiable. He was in doubt whether he might not
+      properly take from his ward the money by force, but it occurred to him
+      that it would be better not to assert his authority quite so soon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We will speak of this again,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is well I didn&rsquo;t bring all the money home. I wonder how soon Mr. Fox
+      will make another attempt to secure the sum I have with me,&rdquo; thought
+      Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The attempt was made that same night.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry was afraid he would be expected to occupy the same room with Joel,
+      in which case he could hope for no privacy, and would be unable to conceal
+      his money, which he had little doubt his guardian intended to secure,
+      either by fair means or foul. It chanced, however, that Joel slept in a
+      small bedroom opening out of his parents&rsquo; chamber. So Harry was assigned
+      an attic room, in the end of the house, the sides sloping down to the
+      eaves. It was inferior to the chambers on the second floor, but our hero
+      was not disposed to complain. He valued solitude more than superior
+      finish.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry&rsquo;s suspicion was roused by the circumstance that his guardian did not
+      again refer to his money, nor did he manifest any disappointment at his
+      ward&rsquo;s declining to intrust him with it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      During the evening, Joel brought out a backgammon board, and proposed to
+      Harry to play. If there would have been anything to read Harry would have
+      preferred entertaining himself in that way, but Mr. Fox didn&rsquo;t appear to
+      be literary. There were a few books in the house, but they were not of an
+      attractive character.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Partly in backgammon, partly in conversation with the son and heir of the
+      Foxes, the time passed till half-past eight o&rsquo;clock.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Joel, you can go to bed,&rdquo; said his mother. &ldquo;It is half-past eight.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Joel yawned, and interposed no objection.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You may as well go, too, Harry,&rdquo; said Mrs. Fox.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am ready to go to bed,&rdquo; said Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In fact, he felt rather sleepy, and anticipated little pleasure in sitting
+      up in the far from exciting company of Mr. and Mrs. Fox.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Joel!&rdquo; said his mother, &ldquo;take this candle and show Harry upstairs in the
+      attic chamber.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, mam.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      So, preceded by Joel, Harry went up two flights of stairs to the attic
+      room reserved for him. It was the only room that had been finished off,
+      and the garret outside looked dark and forbidding.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I would be scared to sleep up here,&rdquo; said his companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall not be at all frightened, Joel,&rdquo; said Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-night. Just hold the candle while I go downstairs.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      When he was fairly all alone, Harry began to look about him, to ascertain
+      in what kind of quarters he was to pass the night. To begin with he
+      examined the door, he ascertained that it was a common latch door, and
+      there was no lock. There was nothing to prevent anyone entering the room
+      during the night. There was a small cot bed in one corner, a chair, and an
+      old wooden chest. There was no bureau nor washstand. The absence of the
+      latter annoyed Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He learned afterward that he was expected to go downstairs and wash in a
+      large basin in the kitchen sink&mdash;wiping his face on a brown, roll
+      towel which was used by the entire family. This was quite unsatisfactory
+      to Harry, who was scrupulously neat in his tastes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This isn&rsquo;t a palace exactly,&rdquo; Harry said to himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then came the thought, &ldquo;What was he to do with his money?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Now, it so happened that Harry was the possessor of two pocketbooks&mdash;one&mdash;shabby,
+      and well worn, which he had failed to throw away on buying another just
+      before he left home. In connection with this, a scheme for outwitting Mr.
+      Fox came into his mind. He folded up a fragment of newspaper, and put it
+      into the old pocketbook, bulging it out till it looked well filled, and
+      this he left in the pocket of his pantaloons.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now to hide the other,&rdquo; said he to himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He looked about the room seeking for some place of concealment. Finally he
+      noticed in one portion of the floor a square board, which looked as if it
+      might be lifted. He stooped over and succeeded in raising it. The space
+      beneath was about a foot in depth&mdash;the lower level being the lathing
+      and plastering of the room below.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That will do,&rdquo; said Harry, in a tone of satisfaction. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think Mr.
+      Fox will find my money here,&rdquo; and dropping the pocketbook into the cavity
+      he replaced the square board. Then he went to bed and awaited results.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Harry had gone up to his bed, Mr. and Mrs. Fox naturally began to
+      compare notes respecting him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That new boy rides a high horse,&rdquo; said Mrs. Fox, grimly. &ldquo;Are you going
+      to allow it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly not.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He wouldn&rsquo;t give up his money to you, though you are his guardeen.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very true, but I mean to have it all the same. I shall go up to his
+      bedroom after he is asleep, and then it will be the easiest thing in the
+      world to take the pocketbook without his knowin&rsquo; anything about it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He&rsquo;ll know it in the mornin&rsquo;.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Let him! Possession is nine p&rsquo;ints of the law, Mrs. Fox.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He might say you stole it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He can&rsquo;t do that, for I&rsquo;m his guardeen, don&rsquo;t you see?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      A little after ten Mr. Fox, considering that Harry must be sound asleep,
+      decided to make him a visit. He removed his shoes, and in his stocking
+      feet, candle in hand, began to ascend the narrow and steep staircase which
+      led to the attic.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Shall I go with you, John?&rdquo; queried his helpmeet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, I guess I can manage alone.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      His wife wanted to share in the excitement of the night visit. There was
+      something alluring in the thought of creeping upstairs, and removing by
+      stealth, the pocketbook of the new inmate of their home.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Left to himself, Mr. Fox pursued his way up the attic stairs. They creaked
+      a little under his weight, and, much to his annoyance, when he reached the
+      landing at the top he coughed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope the boy won&rsquo;t hear me,&rdquo; he said to himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He paused an instant, then softly opened the door of Harry&rsquo;s chamber.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All seemed satisfactory. Our hero was lying quietly in bed, apparently in
+      a peaceful sleep. Ordinarily he would have been fast asleep by this time,
+      but the expectation of a visit from his guardian had kept him awake beyond
+      his usual time. He had heard Mr. Fox cough, and so, even before the door
+      opened, he had warning of the visit.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry was not a nervous boy, and had such command of himself, that, even
+      when Mr. Fox bent over, and, by the light of the candle, examined his
+      face, he never stirred nor winked, though he very much wanted to laugh.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All is safe! The boy is sound asleep,&rdquo; whispered Mr. Fox to himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He set the candle on the floor, and then taking up Harry&rsquo;s pantaloons,
+      thrust his hand into the pocket.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The very first pocket contained the pocketbook which our hero had put
+      there. Mr. Fox would have opened and examined the contents on the spot,
+      but he heard a cough from the bed, and, quickly put the pocketbook into
+      his own pocket, apprehending that his ward might wake up, and taking up
+      the candle, noiselessly withdrew from the chamber.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After he had fairly gone, Harry had a quiet laugh to himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Fox returned in triumph to his own chamber, where his wife was
+      anxiously waiting for him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Have you got it, Mr. F.,&rdquo; she asked, eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Got it? Why shouldn&rsquo;t I get it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, open it, and let us see what it contains.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This Mr. Fox proceeded to do. But no sooner did his glance rest on its
+      contents than his lower jaw fell, and his eyes opened wide in perplexity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, what are you staring at like a fool?&rdquo; demanded his wife, who was
+      not so situated that she could see the contents of the pocketbook.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Look at this, Mrs. F.,&rdquo; said her husband, in a hollow voice. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s no
+      money here&mdash;only this piece of newspaper.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, well, of all the fools I ever saw you are about the most stupid!&rdquo;
+       ejaculated Mrs. Fox. &ldquo;What you undertake you generally carry through, do
+      you? After all the fuss you&rsquo;ve brought down a pocketbook stuffed with
+      waste paper.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t understand it,&rdquo; said Fox, his face assuming a look of perplexity.
+      &ldquo;Surely the boy told the truth when he said he had fifteen dollars.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of course! Joel saw the money&mdash;a roll of bills, and saw him take
+      them out of his pocketbook. He must have taken them out. Did you search
+      all his pockets?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; when I found the pocketbook I thought I was all right.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Just like a man!&rdquo; retorted Mrs. Fox. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll go up myself, and see if I
+      can&rsquo;t manage better than you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you&rsquo;d better take this wallet, and put it back in his pocket.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Give it to me, then.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      With a firm step Mrs. Fox took the candle, and took her turn in going up
+      the attic stairs.
+    </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>
+      MRS. FOX COMES TO GRIEF
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Harry confidently anticipated a second visit to his chamber.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He was rather surprised when the door was again opened, and Mrs. Fox
+      entered. Opening his eyes a little way, he saw her, after a brief glance
+      at the bed, go to the chair containing his pantaloons, and put back the
+      deceptive wallet. She was about to prosecute a further search, when Harry
+      decided that matters had gone far enough. He did not fancy their night
+      visits, and meant to stop them if he could.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Chance favored his design. A puff of air from the door, which Mrs. Fox had
+      left wide open, extinguished the candle, and left the room, as there was
+      no moon, in profound darkness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Drat the candle!&rdquo; he heard Mrs. Fox say.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then a mischievous idea came to Harry. In his native village lived a man
+      who had passed a considerable time in the wild region beyond the Missouri
+      River, and had mingled familiarly with the Indians. From him Harry had
+      learned how to imitate the Indian warwhoop.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll scare the old lady,&rdquo; thought Harry, smiling to himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Immediately there rang out from the bed, in the darkness and silence, a
+      terrific warwhoop, given in Harry&rsquo;s most effective style.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Fox was not a nervous woman ordinarily, but she was undeniably
+      frightened at the unexpected sound.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Heavens and earth, what&rsquo;s that?&rdquo; she ejaculated, and dropping our hero&rsquo;s
+      clothes, retreated in disorder, almost stumbling downstairs in her
+      precipitate flight. Dashing into the chamber where Mr. Fox was waiting for
+      her, she sank into a chair, gasping for breath.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good gracious, Maria, what&rsquo;s the matter?&rdquo; exclaimed her husband, gazing
+      at her in astonishment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;don&rsquo;t&mdash;know,&rdquo; she gasped.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You look as if you had seen a ghost.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I haven&rsquo;t seen anything,&rdquo; said his wife, recovering her breath, &ldquo;but I&rsquo;ve
+      heard something terrible. It&rsquo;s my belief the attic is haunted. I went
+      upstairs and put back the wallet, and was looking to see if I could find
+      another, when all at once the candle went out, and a terrible noise shook
+      the chamber.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What was it like, Mrs. F.?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t tell you. I never heard anything like it before. All I know is, I
+      wouldn&rsquo;t go up there again tonight for anything.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did the boy sleep through it all?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How can I tell? The candle was out.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps he blew it out.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps you&rsquo;re a fool Mr. Fox. It wasn&rsquo;t near the bed, and he was fast
+      asleep, for I looked at him. It made me think of&mdash;of Peter,&rdquo; and Mrs.
+      Fox shuddered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Peter had been taken from the poorhouse three years ago by Mr. Fox, and
+      apprenticed to him by the town authorities. According to popular report he
+      had been cruelly treated and insufficiently fed, until he was taken sick
+      and had died in the very bedroom where Mrs. Fox had been so frightened.
+      This may explain how it was that a woman so strong-minded had had her
+      nerves so easily upset.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We won&rsquo;t talk of Peter,&rdquo; said Mr. Fox, shortly, for to him, also, the
+      subject was an unpleasant one. &ldquo;I suppose you didn&rsquo;t find another wallet?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, I didn&rsquo;t. You can order the boy to give it up to-morrow. The best
+      thing to do now is to go to bed and rest.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The breakfast hour at the house of Mr. Fox was half past six. Harry was
+      called at six, and was punctual at the table. Mr. Fox cast a suspicious
+      glance at his ward, but the boy looked so perfectly unconcerned, that he
+      acquitted him of any knowledge of the night visit.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How did you sleep, Harry?&rdquo; asked Mrs. Fox.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Soundly, thank you,&rdquo; answered Harry, politely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You didn&rsquo;t hear any&mdash;strange noises, then?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now, Harry,&rdquo; said Mr. Fox, after breakfast, &ldquo;we may as well speak of our
+      future arrangements. I have considerable to do on my twenty acres of land,
+      and I can give you work here.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What compensation do you offer, sir?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;As a boarder I should have to charge you five dollars a week for your
+      board, and fifty cents extra for your washing&mdash;that would go to Mrs.
+      Fox; as well as pay twenty-five cents a week for your mending. That also
+      would go to my wife. Now, if you work for me, I will take off three
+      dollars, making the charge to you only two dollars and seventy-five cents
+      per week.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t you think, Mr. Fox, that is rather low pay for my services?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I might say two dollars and a quarter,&rdquo; said Mr. Fox, deliberating.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry smiled to himself. He had not the slightest idea of working for any
+      such trifle, but he did not care to announce his determination yet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will pay full price for a week, Mr. Fox,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;and during that
+      time I will consider your offer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I may not offer you as favorable terms a week from now,&rdquo; said Fox, who
+      wanted to get his ward to work at once.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will take my chance of it, sir. I prefer to have a few days of
+      freedom.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way, Harry, don&rsquo;t you think you had better give me your money to
+      keep? You might lose it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are very kind, Mr. Fox; but I am not afraid of losing it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      After breakfast Harry went to walk. His steps naturally tended to the
+      place where he had left the greater part of his treasure. It was possible
+      that he had been seen hiding it, and he thought on the whole it would be
+      better to find another place of concealment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Joel,&rdquo; said his mother, &ldquo;follow Harry, and see where he goes. He may be
+      goin&rsquo; to hide his money. But don&rsquo;t let him see you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All right, mam; I&rsquo;ll do it. I wish I had followed him yesterday.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      A position as detective would have suited Joel. Whatever was secret or
+      stealthy had a charm for him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the present instance he managed to shadow Harry very successfully. The
+      task was made easier, because our hero had no idea that anyone was
+      following him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So he&rsquo;s goin&rsquo; to the railroad,&rdquo; said Joel, to himself
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Arrived at the railroad track, Harry&rsquo;s course diverged to the hillock, at
+      the top of which he had concealed his treasure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Joel posted himself at a point where he had a good view of the elevation,
+      and could see what Harry was doing. He saw our hero digging at a
+      particular spot, and concluded that he was going to hide the fifteen
+      dollars there. What was his surprise and delight when he saw him dig up
+      and expose to view a large roll of bills.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, cracky!&rdquo; ejaculated Joel, &ldquo;there must be a hundred dollars in that
+      roll of bills. Wouldn&rsquo;t dad open his eyes if he saw it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Unconscious of observation, Harry held the money in his hand and
+      deliberated. Then he put it in his pocket, resolved to think over at his
+      leisure its ultimate place of deposit.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now, unfortunately for Joel, just at this moment he slipped from his perch
+      on the branch of a small tree, and for about half a minute what Harry did
+      was concealed from him. He clambered into the tree again, but only to see
+      Harry filling up the hole again.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He didn&rsquo;t want Harry to catch sight of him when he descended from the
+      hill, and accordingly scuttled away sufficiently far to escape suspicion,
+      yet not too far to entirely lose sight of Harry&rsquo;s movements.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Five minutes later Harry descended from the hill, and bent his steps
+      toward that part of the railway where the accident had occurred. Joel, who
+      had hastened away in a different direction, went back to the hill as soon
+      as he thought it would be safe, and eagerly ascended it. He found without
+      difficulty the spot where Harry had been digging. With the help of a
+      fragment of wood which he had picked up below, he in turn began to dig&mdash;his
+      eyes glistening with expectation and cupidity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He kept digging, but gradually became anxious, as the expected treasure
+      did not show itself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;m sure I have dug deep enough,&rdquo; he said to himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He must have took the money when I fell from the tree,&rdquo; thought Joel,
+      crestfallen. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s served me a mean trick. Won&rsquo;t I tell dad, though, and
+      get him into trouble? Oh, no!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Meanwhile Harry, not knowing how narrowly he had escaped being robbed,
+      pursued his way to the railway.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If I were only in my old home,&rdquo; he thought, &ldquo;I would ask Mr. Howard to
+      take care of it for me. Then I should know it was all right.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He thought of the president of the railroad, to whom he was principally
+      indebted for the money.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If I could only see him,&rdquo; he thought, &ldquo;I would ask him to take care of it
+      for me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      What was his surprise, when, on reaching the depot, the first person on
+      whom his eyes fell was the very gentleman of whom he was thinking.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How do you do, sir?&rdquo; said Harry, politely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Ah, my young friend that saved the train!&rdquo; said the president cordially.
+      &ldquo;I hope you haven&rsquo;t spent the money you received on riotous living.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No. Will you take care of it for me? I don&rsquo;t want to spend it, and I am
+      afraid of losing it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, my boy, if you really desire it, I will take the money.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall regard it as a very great favor.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      No sooner said than done. They went into the depot and Harry, counting out
+      two hundred and fifty dollars, passed it over to the president.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He made out a brief receipt, signing it, &ldquo;Thomas Conway, President of the
+      Craven County Railroad,&rdquo; and Harry pocketed it with a feeling of relief.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      While he was standing in front of the depot waiting for the arrival of the
+      eight-thirty train, Joel came up.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Goin&rsquo; a-travelin&rsquo;?&rdquo; asked Joel, with a grin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not this morning.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish I had a hundred dollars!&rdquo; continued Joel, surveying Harry sharply.
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;d make a journey out West. Say, Harry, did you ever have a hundred
+      dollars in your pocket?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Maybe you&rsquo;ve got it now?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where should I get it?&rdquo; demanded Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I do&rsquo;no. Jest empty your pockets, and le&rsquo;me see how much you&rsquo;ve got.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you; I don&rsquo;t see any use in it,&rdquo; said Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You dassent!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well! Call it that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Joel&rsquo;s been spying on me. He must have seen me on the hill,&rdquo; concluded
+      Harry. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s well I gave most of my money to Mr. Conway.&rdquo;
+     </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>
+      MR. FOX LEARNS HARRY&rsquo;S SECRET
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Harry had acted none too soon. It happened that his secret had been
+      discovered not only by Joel, but by Joel&rsquo;s father, that very morning.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      About ten o&rsquo;clock Mr. Fox had occasion to go to the village. In the post
+      office he met an acquaintance from a neighboring town, with whom he passed
+      the usual compliments.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way, Fox,&rdquo; said his friend, &ldquo;I had a narrow escape the other day.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What was it, Pearson?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Came near being smashed up on the railroad. There would have been an end
+      to us, but for a brave boy, who signaled the train in time.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That boy was my ward,&rdquo; said John Fox, complacently.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t say so! Well, he was a lucky chap.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think so. He didn&rsquo;t get much for his bravery.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t see how you can say that. How much money did he get?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Twenty-five dollars, and of that he gave ten to the woman whose
+      tablecloth he borrowed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There&rsquo;s some mistake about that. There must have been forty or fifty
+      bills put into his hands.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is this true?&rdquo; ejaculated Fox, in amazement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Just as true as I&rsquo;m standing here. If there wasn&rsquo;t two or three hundred
+      dollars I&rsquo;ll eat my head.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The artful young rascal!&rdquo; exclaimed Fox, in virtuous indignation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps he thought you would take it from him. The boy was smart,&rdquo; said
+      Pearson, laughing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You call it smart! I call it base and treacherous!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Fox walked thoughtfully away. He was considering how he should get
+      hold of his ward&rsquo;s money. It was not a question easy to answer. Evidently
+      Harry was a boy who kept his own counsel, and knew how to take care of
+      himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Joel seems to have a great partiality for my society,&rdquo; thought Harry,
+      when, after dinner, his guardian&rsquo;s son continued to follow him about.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Our hero would have been quite willing to dispense with Joel&rsquo;s
+      companionship, but, being good-natured, he did not feel like dismissing
+      him, as he would have done had he suspected that the boy was acting as a
+      spy upon him, at his father&rsquo;s request.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Fox said very little to his ward at the table, but Harry felt that he
+      was eyeing him intently.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After supper Harry was about to leave the room when Mr. Fox stopped him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Wait a moment, young man,&rdquo; he said, in a commanding tone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well, sir,&rdquo; returned Harry, quietly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How much money did the passengers give you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Almost three hundred dollars,&rdquo; answered Harry, composedly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you ever hear the like?&rdquo; exclaimed Mrs. Fox, in amazement. &ldquo;If it had
+      only been Joel.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thunder!&rdquo; exclaimed that young gentleman. &ldquo;Well, you was lucky. No such
+      luck for me!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is well you have told me,&rdquo; said John Fox; &ldquo;not but I knew before. I
+      met one of the passengers to-day, and he gave me an idea how much it was.
+      You will please hand it over to me, and I will take care of it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall not be able to comply with your request, Mr. Fox,&rdquo; said Harry. &ldquo;I
+      have not the money with me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t believe it. You had it this morning. And Joel has been with you
+      ever since; so you haven&rsquo;t had time to hide it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So that was the reason you favored me with your company, Joel,&rdquo; said
+      Harry, with a glance at his guardian&rsquo;s son.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All you&rsquo;ve got to do is to hand over that money now, Harry Vane. Mind, I
+      intend to have it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I assure you, Mr. Fox, that I haven&rsquo;t the money with me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where is it, then?&rdquo; asked Mr. Fox, incredulous.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have put it into the hands of a gentleman in whom I have confidence,
+      who will take care of it for me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What&rsquo;s the man&rsquo;s name?&rdquo; demanded John Fox.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is my secret.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have rebelled against my lawful authority. Maria, what is it my duty
+      to do with this boy?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Lock him up!&rdquo; answered Mrs. Fox, grimly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A good suggestion, Mrs. F. Imprisonment may change the boy&rsquo;s ideas. He
+      may repent his base conduct.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now, young man,&rdquo; said Fox, in a tone of authority, &ldquo;go up to your
+      chamber, and stay there till you&rsquo;re ready to obey orders.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry hesitated a moment, then quietly went upstairs. Mr. Fox was
+      relieved, for he was a little apprehensive that his ward would prove
+      rebellious and decline to obey.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      John Fox stole up after his ward, and Harry heard the door bolted on the
+      outside.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He was a prisoner.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When he heard the bolt slide in the lock, he said to himself: &ldquo;Mr. Fox and
+      I can never agree. He has not yet been appointed my guardian, and he never
+      will receive the appointment. I have the right to choose for myself, as
+      Mr. Howard told me, and I mean to exercise it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Some of my readers may, perhaps, picture Harry as forcing open the door of
+      his chamber and rushing from the house, breathing loud defiance as he
+      went. But he was a sensible boy, and meditated nothing of the kind.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can wait till morning,&rdquo; he reflected. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think I shall be here
+      twenty hours hence, but I mean to get a good night&rsquo;s sleep. It will be
+      time enough to decide in the morning what I will do.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      So, in spite of his imprisonment, Harry enjoyed a comfortable night&rsquo;s
+      sleep, and was awakened in the morning by hearing his door opened.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Fox entered, and sat down on a chair by the bed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-morning, sir,&rdquo; said Harry, composedly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What I want to know is, have you made up your mind to do as I told you
+      last night?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I prefer to keep it in my possession.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I guess I&rsquo;ll have to keep you here a little longer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then be kind enough to send me up some breakfast. I am paying my board. I
+      shall object to paying unless I get my meals regularly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This consideration weighed with John Fox, and he sent Joel up with a cup
+      of coffee and some dry bread, five minutes later.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way, Joel, come up here about the middle of the forenoon; I want
+      to say a few words to you in private.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All right, I&rsquo;ll come. I must go downstairs now.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wonder what he wants to see me about?&rdquo; said Joel, to himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Joel made a pretty shrewd guess, and resolved, by all means, to keep the
+      appointment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He was anxious to get his father out of the way, but John Fox was
+      unusually deliberate in his motions. Finally, about half-past nine, he
+      left the house for the village.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Presently his mother said: &ldquo;Joel, if you&rsquo;ll stay and mind the house, I&rsquo;ll
+      run over to Mrs. Bean&rsquo;s and borrow some sugar.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      His mother put on her bonnet, and started across a field to her nearest
+      neighbor&rsquo;s.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now&rsquo;s my time,&rdquo; thought Joel. &ldquo;Mam&rsquo;s sure to get talkin&rsquo; with Mrs. Bean
+      and stay half an hour or more.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He ran up the garret stairs, and drew the bolt that held Harry captive.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Joel, I want you to let me out of this place.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, gracious!&rdquo; exclaimed Joel, in apparent dismay. &ldquo;Dad would give me the
+      wu&rsquo;st kind of a lickin&rsquo;.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Would he know how I got out?&rdquo; asked Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know. What are you willing to give?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry saw that it was merely a matter of bargaining, and finally prevailed
+      upon Joel to release him for a five-dollar bill.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I want the money now,&rdquo; said Joel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How do I know that you will do as you have agreed?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Give me the money, and I&rsquo;ll tell you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry passed over the bank bill, and Joel said:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Dad&rsquo;s gone to the village, and mam&rsquo;s gone over to Mrs. Bean&rsquo;s. All you&rsquo;ve
+      got to do is to go downstairs, and walk out.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry was by no means slow to take the hint.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-by, Joel,&rdquo; he said, extending his hand; &ldquo;I won&rsquo;t forget the favor
+      you&rsquo;ve done me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know what dad&rsquo;ll say. There&rsquo;ll be an awful fuss. Just give me a
+      box on the ear, won&rsquo;t you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What for?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll tell dad you gave me an awful clip on the side of the head, and ran
+      off, though I tried to stop you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All right,&rdquo; said Harry, laughing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He gave Joel the required box on the ear, tripped him up, laying him
+      gently on his back on the landing, and then, with a friendly &ldquo;good-by,&rdquo; he
+      ran down the stairs, and before Mrs. Fox returned from her call was a mile
+      away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She found Joel wiping his eyes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What&rsquo;s the matter, Joel?&rdquo; she asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That boy, Harry, called me upstairs, and got me to open the door. Then he
+      gave me an almighty clip on the side of my head that almost stunned me,
+      then he knocked me over, and ran out of the house as fast as he could run&mdash;my
+      head aches awful!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The owdacious young ruffian!&rdquo; ejaculated Mrs. Fox. &ldquo;To beat my poor, dear
+      Joel so! Never mind. Joel, dear, I&rsquo;ll give you a piece of pie and some
+      cake. As for that boy, he&rsquo;ll be hung some day, I reckon!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      After eating the cake and pie, which were luxuries in that frugal
+      household, Joel said he felt better. He went out behind the house, and
+      taking out the five-dollar note, surveyed it with great satisfaction.
+    </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>
+      AN EXCITING CHASE
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      When John Fox went to the village he usually stopped first at the tavern,
+      and invested ten cents in a glass of whisky. Here he met two or three of
+      his cronies.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Folks say you&rsquo;ve got a new boarder, Fox,&rdquo; said Bill Latimer, as he laid
+      down his glass on the counter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; answered Fox, complacently. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m his guardeen.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Folks say he got a pile of money for saving the train.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He got a pretty stiff sum,&rdquo; answered Fox cautiously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you keep his money?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is he easy to manage?&rdquo; asked John Blake.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, some folks might find trouble with him,&rdquo; said Fox, complacently.
+      &ldquo;The fact is, gentlemen, I don&rsquo;t mind telling you that he&rsquo;s been trying to
+      buck agin&rsquo; his guardeen a&rsquo;ready. Where do you think I left him?&rdquo; continued
+      Fox, chuckling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Up in the attic, locked up in his chamber. I&rsquo;m goin&rsquo; to feed him on bread
+      and water a while, just to show him what sort of a man John Fox is.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      A grin overspread the face of Eben Bond, who had just looked out of the
+      front window.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So you left him in the attic, hey?&rdquo; he said, waggishly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I did. Do you mean to say I didn&rsquo;t?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;m willin&rsquo; to bet he isn&rsquo;t there now.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You just tell me what you mean, Eben Bond!&rdquo; said John Fox, provoked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I mean that I saw that boy of yours go by the tavern only two minutes
+      since.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where did he go? In what direction?&rdquo; demanded Fox, eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Down toward the river.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He&rsquo;s running away,&rdquo; Fox said to himself, in dismay. &ldquo;How in the the world
+      did he get out?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He ran up the road, gazing anxiously on this side and on that, hoping to
+      come upon the runaway. One thing was favorable; it was a straight road,
+      with no roads opening out of it at least a mile beyond the tavern. It led
+      by the river at a point half a mile on.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll catch him yet. He can&rsquo;t escape me!&rdquo; Fox reflected.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      John Fox pushed on breathless, and a minute later came in sight of the
+      fugitive.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry had sobered down to a walk, thinking himself no longer in danger. If
+      Mr. Fox had been wise enough to keep silent till he had come within a few
+      rods he might have caught him easily, but excitement and anger were too
+      much for prudence, and he called out, angrily: &ldquo;Just wait till I get hold
+      of you, you young villain! I&rsquo;ll give you a lesson.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry turned quickly and saw his enemy close upon him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      That was enough. He set out on what the boys call a dead run, though he
+      hardly knew in what direction to look for refuge. But through the trees at
+      the west side of the road he caught sight of something that put new hope
+      into his heart. It was a boat, floating within three feet of shore. In it
+      sat a boy of about Harry&rsquo;s own age. It was Willie Foster.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was no time for ceremony, Harry sprang into the boat, and, seizing
+      an idle oar, pushed out into the river.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The owner of the boat, who had been thoughtfully gazing into the water,
+      looked up in surprise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, that&rsquo;s cool!&rdquo; he ejaculated.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I beg your pardon,&rdquo; said Harry, still plying the oar; &ldquo;I couldn&rsquo;t help
+      it; Mr. Fox is after me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      John Fox, by this time, stood on the river bank shaking his fist, with a
+      discomfited expression, at his intended victim.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Come back here!&rdquo; he shouted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, I would rather not,&rdquo; answered Harry, still increasing the
+      distance between himself and his guardian.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You Willie Foster, row the boat back!&rdquo; bawled John Fox,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is your name Willie Foster?&rdquo; asked Harry, turning to his companion, who
+      was looking, with a puzzled expression, from one to the other.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then, Willie, if you will help me row over to the other side of the river
+      and set me off there, I&rsquo;ll give you a dollar.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll do it,&rdquo; said Willie, seizing the other oar, &ldquo;but you needn&rsquo;t give me
+      any money.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      To his intense disgust, Fox saw the boat, propelled by the two boys,
+      leaping forward energetically, while he stood helplessly on the bank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The other bank was half a mile away, and could not be reached except by a
+      bridge a considerable distance away. The two boys said little until the
+      trip was accomplished.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope you won&rsquo;t get into any serious trouble with Mr. Fox,&rdquo; said Harry,
+      as they drew near the bank.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t care for old Fox, and father doesn&rsquo;t like him, either.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      As he got out of the boat he pressed a dollar into Willie&rsquo;s reluctant
+      hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now, which way had I better go?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Take that footpath. It will lead to Medfield. There you can take the
+      cars.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-by, Willie; and thank you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Willie didn&rsquo;t row back immediately. John Fox was lying in wait on the
+      other side, and he didn&rsquo;t care to meet him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry pushed on till he reached a highway. He felt in doubt as to where it
+      might lead him, but followed it at a venture. He wondered whether John Fox
+      would pursue him, and from time to time looked back to make sure that his
+      guardian was not on his trail. In about three hours he found himself eight
+      miles away. Then, for the first time, he felt that it might be safe to
+      stop and rest. In a village a little way back he had entered a bakeshop
+      and purchased some rolls and a glass of milk, which he ate with a good
+      relish.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He resumed his walk, but had not gone a quarter of a mile when he heard
+      the noise of wheels, which on coming up with him, came to a halt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Shall I give you a lift?&rdquo; said the driver of the team.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Looking up, he saw that it was a covered wagon with four wheels, such as
+      is often to be met in New England towns. The man who held the reins was of
+      large frame and portly, with dark hair and whiskers. He might be about
+      forty-five years of age.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir, said Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where are you bound, if you don&rsquo;t mind my being inquisitive?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know,&rdquo; answered Harry, doubtfully. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m seeking my fortune, as
+      they say.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well you ought to find it,&rdquo; returned the other, after a deliberate survey
+      of his young companion. &ldquo;You&rsquo;re well-built, and look healthy and strong.
+      Have you got any money?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A little. My father died lately and left me three hundred dollars. He
+      recommended to me as guardian a man named John Fox, living eight miles
+      back. Well, I have tried Mr. Fox, and I prefer to be my own guardian.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve heard of John Fox. He&rsquo;s fox by name and fox by nature. So you and he
+      didn&rsquo;t hitch horses. When did you leave him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This morning. I don&rsquo;t know but I may say that I am running away from him,
+      as I left without his knowledge or permission, but as he is not yet my
+      legal guardian, I don&rsquo;t consider that he has any right to interfere with
+      me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You haven&rsquo;t told me your name yet.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My name is Harry Vane.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am the Magician of Madagascar. You may have heard of me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think I have,&rdquo; said Harry, puzzled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have been before the public many years,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I give magical
+      entertainments, and, in the course of the last twenty years, have traveled
+      all over the continent.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You see,&rdquo; explained Harry, apologetically, &ldquo;I have always lived in a
+      small country town, where there were few amusements, and so I know very
+      little of such things. I never saw a magical entertainment in my life.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Didn&rsquo;t you, indeed? Then you shall see me perform to-night. I am to give
+      a magical soiree in Conway, the town we are coming to.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should like it very much, Mr. &mdash;&mdash;&rdquo; and Harry paused in
+      doubt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am called Professor Hemenway&mdash;Hiram Hemenway,&rdquo; said the magician.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you like your business?&rdquo; asked Harry, curiously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why shouldn&rsquo;t I? I have a chance to travel. The people appreciate my
+      efforts and reward me generously.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      By a fortunate accident Harry happened to turn in his seat and look
+      through a small window in the back part of the wagon. What he saw startled
+      him. In a buggy, ten rods back, he recognized his late guardian and Joel.
+      They were making good speed, and were doubtless in pursuit of him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry quickly imparted his discovery to his companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t let them capture me!&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should like to see him do it,&rdquo; responded the professor. &ldquo;Get into the
+      back part of the wagon, and crouch down.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry did as directed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the professor slackened his speed, and allowed the pursuers to
+      overtake him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I say, stranger,&rdquo; said Fox, as he drew up alongside. &ldquo;A boy ran away from
+      me this morning. Perhaps you have seen him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I saw a boy about a mile back,&rdquo; said the magician, reflectively, &ldquo;a
+      stout, good-looking lad, dark-brown hair, and a pleasant expression;
+      didn&rsquo;t look at all like you. I chatted with him a while. He said he was
+      leaving a man who claimed to be his guardian, but wasn&rsquo;t.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The young liar!&rdquo; ejaculated Fox, wrathfully. &ldquo;Where is he now?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is he in your wagon?&rdquo; put in Joel, sharply.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If he were you&rsquo;d see him, wouldn&rsquo;t you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In behind you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, are you kidnapping him?&rdquo; demanded Fox, fiercely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is a boy in the back part of my wagon,&rdquo; said the magician, coolly.
+      &ldquo;If you ain&rsquo;t afraid of smallpox, you may see him. Which shall it be, you
+      or the boy?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      A pallid hue overspread the face of John Fox, which was increased by an
+      agonizing moan, which appeared to proceed from behind the magician.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Turn the horse, Joel,&rdquo; was all he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He whipped up his horse without a word, and did not pull up for half a
+      mile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You can come out now, Harry,&rdquo; said the professor, with a queer smile. &ldquo;I
+      am a ventriloquist, and that moan did the business.&rdquo;
+     </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 ENGAGEMENT
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Harry was not a little relieved at his narrow escape. He did not propose
+      to be taken captive without making a strong resistance; but still, in a
+      struggle with Mr. Fox and Joel, he felt that he would be considerably at a
+      disadvantage.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am much obliged to you for saving me, Professor Hemenway,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are quite welcome. So you didn&rsquo;t like old Fox?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not much.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He doesn&rsquo;t appear to like you any better.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There isn&rsquo;t much love lost between us,&rdquo; returned Harry, laughing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How do you like the boy?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He served me a good turn&mdash;for five dollars&mdash;but he would help
+      capture me for the same money, or less.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You seem to know him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is fond of money, and would do almost anything for it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You thank me for saving you from capture, my lad,&rdquo; continued the
+      magician. &ldquo;Well, I had an object in it&mdash;a selfish object.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry looked puzzled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It struck me that I needed a boy about your size, and character, for a
+      general assistant, to sell tickets, take money, and help me on the stage.
+      How do you like the idea?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I like it,&rdquo; answered Harry; &ldquo;but there is one objection.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is that?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t come from Madagascar,&rdquo; responded Harry, slyly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Professor Hemenway laughed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;ve been as near there as I have,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Did you really think I
+      came from Madagascar?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You look more as if you came from Maine, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;ve hit it! There&rsquo;s where I did come from. I was raised twenty-five
+      miles from Portland on a farm. But it would never do to put that on the
+      bills. People are ready to pay more for imported than for native
+      curiosities. However, to come to business. I had a young man traveling
+      with me who wasn&rsquo;t suited to the business. He was a dry-goods clerk when I
+      took him, and is better adapted to that business than to mine. He left me
+      last week, and I have been in a quandary about his successor. How much do
+      you consider your time worth?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Just at present it isn&rsquo;t worth much. If you will pay my traveling
+      expenses, that will satisfy me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will do better than that I will give you five dollars a week besides,
+      if business is good.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir. I think I shall enjoy traveling.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      There are few boys who do not like change of scene, and the chance of
+      seeing new places is attractive to all. Harry was decidedly of the opinion
+      that he had a streak of luck. It would be much better in all ways than
+      living with his late guardian, and working for partial board.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As they approached the village of Conway, Harry&rsquo;s attention was drawn to a
+      variety of posters setting forth, in mammoth letters, that the
+      world-renowned Magician of Madagascar would give a magical <i>soiree</i>
+      at the Town Hall in the evening. Tickets, fifteen cents; children under
+      twelve years, ten cents. The posters, furthermore, attracted attention by
+      a large figure of the professor, dressed in bizarre style, performing one
+      of his tricks.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That draws attention,&rdquo; observed the professor, &ldquo;particularly among the
+      boys. I think I shall have a hall full this evening. An audience of three
+      hundred will pay very well. My expenses are light. I do most of my
+      traveling in this wagon, and at hotels I get the usual professional
+      reduction.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did it take you long to learn the business?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have been learning all along. Every now and then I add a new trick. I
+      will teach you some.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I might leave you and set up on my own hook when I have learned,&rdquo;
+       suggested Harry, with a smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It will be some time before you look old enough for a magician. When you
+      are, I&rsquo;ll give you my blessing and send you out.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Meanwhile they had been jogging along, and were already in the main street
+      of Conway. The professor drew up in front of the village hotel, and a
+      groom came forward and took his horse.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Wait a minute my friend,&rdquo; said the professor. &ldquo;Harry, you can help me
+      take my implements out of the back of the wagon.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      These &ldquo;implements&rdquo; were of a heterogeneous character, but all would come
+      in use in the evening. A number of boys watched their transfer with
+      mingled awe and curiosity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What&rsquo;s them?&rdquo; Harry heard one ask another, in a half-whispered tone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Those,&rdquo; said the professor, in an impressive tone, turning toward the
+      boys. &ldquo;Those are paraphernalia!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The boys looked more awestruck than ever. All inwardly resolved to go to
+      the Town Hall that evening, and get a nearer view of the articles which
+      had such a grand name.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After a while Harry came downstairs from the room assigned him, and stood
+      on the piazza.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One of the boys drew near him cautiously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you the magician&rsquo;s son?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No,&rdquo; answered Harry, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you come from Madagascar?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have not been there recently.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are all the people there magicians?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not quite all.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This information was rather scanty, but it was whispered about among the
+      boys, the first boy boasting that he had a talk with the young man
+      magician. If Harry had heard himself called thus, he would have been very
+      much amused.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Directly after supper Harry went with his employer to assist in preparing
+      the stage for the evening performance. Though novice, he acquitted himself
+      to the satisfaction of his employer, who congratulated himself on having
+      secured so efficient an assistant. Half an hour before the performance he
+      stationed himself in the entry, provided with tickets. He sat at a small
+      table, and received the crowd. Though new to the business, he managed to
+      make change rapidly. He found his position one in which he had a chance to
+      study human nature.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      During the evening Harry was called upon to assist the professor in some
+      of his tricks. Some boys would have been embarrassed upon finding
+      themselves objects of general attention, but Harry was by temperament cool
+      and self-possessed. He had been fond of declamation at school, and this
+      had accustomed him, to some extent, to a public appearance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The entertainment was in two parts, with an intermission of ten minutes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish you were a singer,&rdquo; said the professor, when they were standing
+      behind the screen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why?&rdquo; asked Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Because the audience sometimes gets impatient during the intermission. If
+      I could put you on for a song, it would help quiet them.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can sing a little,&rdquo; said Harry, modestly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What can you sing?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How would &lsquo;The Last Rose of Summer&rsquo; do?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Capital. Can you sing it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can try.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are sure you won&rsquo;t break down? That would make a bad impression.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can promise you I won&rsquo;t break down, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I&rsquo;ll give you a trial. Are you ready to appear at once?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Wait, then, till I announce you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The professor came from behind the screen, and, addressing the audience,
+      said: &ldquo;Ladies and gentlemen, lest you should find the necessary
+      intermission tedious, I am happy to announce to you that the young
+      vocalist, Master Harry Vane, has kindly consented to favor you with one of
+      his popular melodies. He has selected by request, &lsquo;The Last Rose of
+      Summer.&rsquo;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry could hardly refrain from laughing when he heard this introduction.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;One would think I was a well-known singer,&rdquo; he said to himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He came forward, and, standing before the audience, with his face a little
+      flushed, made a graceful bow. Then, pausing an instant, he commenced the
+      song announced. He had not sung two lines before the professor, who waited
+      the result with some curiosity and some anxiety, found that he could sing.
+      His voice was high, clear, and musical, and his rendition was absolutely
+      correct. The fact was, Harry had taken lessons in a singing school at
+      home, and had practiced privately also, so that he had reason to feel
+      confidence in himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The song was listened to with earnest attention and evident enjoyment by
+      all. When the last strain died away, and Harry made his farewell bow,
+      there was an enthusiastic burst of applause, emphasized by the clapping of
+      hands and the stamping of feet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You did yourself proud, my boy!&rdquo; said the gratified Professor. &ldquo;They want
+      you on again.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This seemed evident from the noise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can&rsquo;t you sing something else?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry was certainly pleased with this evidence of popular favor. He had
+      never before sung a solo before an audience, and, although he had felt
+      that he could, he was glad to find that he had not overestimated his
+      powers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Once more he stood before the audience.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I thank you for your kindness,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I will now sing you a comic
+      song.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He sang a song very popular at that time, the words and air of which were
+      familiar to all. While it did not afford him so good a chance to show his
+      musical capacity, it was received with much greater favor than the first
+      song.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a perfect whirlwind of applause, and a third song was called
+      for.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I would rather not sing again, professor,&rdquo; said Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You needn&rsquo;t. They would keep you singing all the evening if you would
+      allow it. Better leave off when they are unsatisfied.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Ladies and gentlemen,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;Master Vane thanks you for your kind
+      applause, but he makes it an unvarying rule never to sing but two songs in
+      an evening. He never broke that rule but once, and that was at the special
+      request of the governor-general of Canada. I shall now have the pleasure
+      of performing for your amusement, one of my most popular experiments.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, you have pleased the people, and that is the main point. By Jove!
+      my boy, you&rsquo;ve got a lovely voice.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad you think so, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You will prove a very valuable addition to my entertainments. I mean to
+      show my appreciation, too. How much did I agree to give you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Five dollars a week if business was good.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s bound to be good. I&rsquo;ll raise your wages to ten dollars a week, if
+      you&rsquo;ll agree to sing one song, and two, if called for, at each of my
+      evening entertainments.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll do it, sir,&rdquo; said Harry, promptly. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a surprise to me, though,
+      to find my voice so valuable to me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a popular gift, my boy; and all popular gifts are valuable. When I
+      get my new bill printed, I must have your name on it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      They left Conway about noon the next day.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Foxes, were destined to hear of Harry&rsquo;s success. The Conway <i>Citizen</i>
+      was taken in the family, and, much to their astonishment, this is what
+      they found, prominently placed, in the next number:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The magical entertainment of Professor Hemenway, on Thursday evening, was
+      even more successful than usual. He had had the good fortune to secure the
+      services of a young vocalist named Harry Vane, who charmed both young and
+      old by two popular selections. His voice and execution are both admirable,
+      and we predict for him a brilliant future.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Fox read this aloud in evident wonder and excitement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you ever hear the like?&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who&rsquo;d have thought it?&rdquo; chimed in Mrs. Fox.
+    </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>
+      A LIBERAL OFFER
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Then commenced a round of travel&mdash;what the professor called a
+      professional tour. By day they traveled in the wagon, carrying their
+      paraphernalia with them, stopping at the principal towns, and giving
+      evening entertainments. At many of these places the magician was well
+      known, and his tricks were not new. But he had an attraction in his young
+      assistant, who was regularly advertised on the posters as the &ldquo;celebrated
+      young vocalist, whose songs are everywhere received with admiring
+      applause.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Indeed it was very near the truth. Harry was really a fine singer, and his
+      fresh, attractive face and manly appearance won him a welcome in all the
+      towns on their route. Sometimes a young girl in the audience threw him a
+      bouquet. This made him blush and smile, and the donor felt rewarded.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Where was it going to end? Was he to continue in the service of the
+      professor, and in time become himself a magician and a traveling
+      celebrity? Harry was not sure about it. He saw that it would pay him
+      better than most kinds of business, and he also discovered that Professor
+      Hemenway was even better off than he had represented. Yet, he was not
+      quite ready to select the same profession, but, being only sixteen, felt
+      that he could afford to remain in it a while longer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One day the professor gave him a surprise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Harry,&rdquo; he said, as they were jogging along a dusty road, &ldquo;do you think
+      you would like to travel?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am traveling now,&rdquo; answered Harry, with a smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;True, but I don&rsquo;t mean that. Would you like to go on a long journey?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should like nothing better,&rdquo; replied Harry, promptly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll tell you what I&rsquo;ve been thinking about. I recently read in some
+      paper that a man in my line had made a trip to Australia, and reaped a
+      rich harvest. Everywhere he was received with enthusiasm, and made as much
+      money, in one month as he would do here in four. Now why shouldn&rsquo;t I go to
+      Australia?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry&rsquo;s eyes sparkled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It would be a fine thing to do,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you would be willing to accompany me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I would thank you for taking me,&rdquo; answered the boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is well!&rdquo; said the professor, in a tone of satisfaction. &ldquo;I confess
+      I shouldn&rsquo;t like to go alone. It would be a great undertaking, but with a
+      companion it would seem different. But, is there anyone who would object
+      to your going?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; answered Harry, smiling, &ldquo;Mr. Fox, my &lsquo;guardeen,&rsquo; would.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We won&rsquo;t mind Mr. Fox. Very well, then, Harry, we will consider it
+      settled. I shall rely on you to help me by your singing there as you do
+      here. As to your wages, I may be able to pay you more.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Never mind about that, professor. It will cost you a good deal to get us
+      there. I am perfectly willing to work for the same sum I do now, or even
+      less, on account of the extension of the trip.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you leave that matter to me. I won&rsquo;t take advantage of your
+      confidence, but you shall prosper if I do.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How soon do you propose to go, professor?&rdquo; asked Harry, with interest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;As soon as possible. I shall ascertain when the first packet leaves
+      Boston, and we will take passage in her.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The professor&rsquo;s decision pleased Harry. He had been a good scholar in
+      geography&mdash;indeed, it was his favorite study&mdash;and had, besides,
+      read as many books of travel as he could lay his hands on. Often he had
+      wondered if it ever would be his fortune to see some of the distant
+      countries of which he read with so much interest. Though he had cherished
+      vague hopes, he had never really expected it. Now, however, the
+      unattainable seemed within his grasp. He would not have to wait until he
+      was a rich man, but when still a boy he could travel to the opposite side
+      of the world, paying his expenses as he went along.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Two weeks passed. Each day they halted in some new place, and gave an
+      evening performance. This life of constant motion had, at first, seemed
+      strange to Harry. Now he was accustomed to it. He never felt nervous when
+      he appeared before an audience to sing, but looked upon it as a matter of
+      course.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At last they reached Boston. They were to give two entertainments at a
+      hall at the south end. It was the first large city in which Harry had
+      sung, but he received a welcome no less cordial than that which had been
+      accorded to him in country towns.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They were staying at a modest hotel, comfortable, but not expensive. Harry
+      was sitting in the reading room, when a servant brought in a card. It bore
+      the rather remarkable name of
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+  &ldquo;DR. MENDELSSOHN BROWN.&rdquo;
+ </pre>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A gentleman to see you, Mr. Vane,&rdquo; said the servant.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry rose and surveyed the stranger in some surprise. He had long hair,
+      of a reddish yellow, with an abundant beard of the same hue. His suit of
+      worn black fitted him poorly, but Dr. Brown evidently was not a devotee of
+      dress. No tailor could ever point to him, and say with pride: &ldquo;That man&rsquo;s
+      clothes were made at my shop.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do I speak to Mr. Harry Vane, the young vocalist?&rdquo; asked the stranger,
+      with a deferential smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s my name,&rdquo; answered our hero.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are alone?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir,&rdquo; said Harry, a little puzzled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is well. I will come to business at once. You have probably heard of
+      me, eh?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Probably I have, but I do not remember names well.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The name of Mendelssohn Brown, is pretty well known, I flatter myself,&rdquo;
+       said the visitor, complacently. &ldquo;To be brief&mdash;I heard you sing last
+      evening, and was much pleased with your rendition of the various
+      selections.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry bowed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am about to form a juvenile Pinafore company, and would like to have
+      you take the leading part. You would make an excellent <i>Admiral</i>. I
+      propose to take my opera company all over the United States. I should be
+      willing to pay you, as the star performer, twenty-five dollars a week.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry opened his eyes in amazement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think me capable of singing in opera?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, after being trained by your humble servant. What do you say?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I thank you for your flattering offer, Dr. Brown, but I don&rsquo;t feel at
+      liberty to leave Professor Hemenway.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The doctor frowned.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Let me tell you, you stand in your own light, Mr. Vane,&rdquo; he said,
+      impatiently. &ldquo;There is some difference between a common juggler, like the
+      Magician of Madagascar,&rdquo;&mdash;the doctor laughed ironically&mdash;&ldquo;and a
+      well-known musical director, who could make you famous. Does Hemenway pay
+      you as much as I offer?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I thought so. Then how can you hesitate?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We are about to make an Australian tour,&rdquo; answered Harry, &ldquo;and, apart
+      from all other considerations, I am glad to have a chance to travel.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Couldn&rsquo;t you put it off?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then,&rdquo; said Dr. Brown, rather crestfallen, &ldquo;I can only bid you
+      good-morning. I think you are making a mistake.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps, after I return from Australia, I might be ready to accept your
+      offer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It will be too late,&rdquo; said the doctor, gloomily.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Twenty-five dollars a week is large pay,&rdquo; thought Harry, &ldquo;but I don&rsquo;t
+      believe I should ever get it. Dr. Brown doesn&rsquo;t look much like a
+      capitalist.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Half an hour later Professor Hemenway entered the hotel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, my boy,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;the die is cast! Next Saturday we sail from Long
+      Wharf, bound for Australia.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But professor, I have just had an offer of twenty-five dollars a week to
+      sing in Pinafore.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And have accepted!&rdquo; exclaimed the magician in dismay.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; I respectfully declined. I would rather go with you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You shan&rsquo;t regret it, Harry!&rdquo; said the professor, relieved. &ldquo;If I am
+      prosperous, you shall share in my prosperity.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, professor; I am sure of that. What is the name of our vessel?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The Nantucket. It&rsquo;s a good, solid-looking craft, and I think it will bear
+      us in safety to our destination.&rdquo;
+     </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>
+      THE PASSENGERS
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      The Nantucket, Capt. Jabez Hill, master, was a large vessel, stanch and
+      strong, and bore a good record, having been in service six years, and
+      never having in that time met a serious disaster. It was a sailing vessel,
+      and primarily intended to convey freight, but had accommodations for six
+      passengers. Of these it had a full complement. Harry and the professor I
+      name first, as those in whom we are most interested.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Next came John Appleton, a business man from Melbourne, who had visited
+      the United States on business. He was a plain, substantial-looking person,
+      of perhaps forty-five. Next came Montgomery Clinton, from Brooklyn, a
+      young man of twenty-four, foolishly attired, who wore an eyeglass and
+      anxiously aped the Londen swell, though born within sight of Boston State
+      house. Harry regarded him with considerable amusement, and though he
+      treated him with outward respect, mentally voted him very soft. Fifth on
+      the list was a tall, sallow, thin individual, with a melancholy
+      countenance, who was troubled with numerous symptoms, and was persuaded
+      that he had not long to live. He was from Pennsylvania. He carried with
+      him in his trunk a large assortment of pills and liquid medicines, one or
+      another of which he took about once an hour. This gentleman&rsquo;s name was
+      Marmaduke Timmins. Last came a tall, lean Yankee, the discoverer and
+      proprietor of a valuable invention, which it was his purpose to introduce
+      into Australia. Mr. Jonathan Stubbs, for this was his name, was by no
+      means an undesirable addition to the little circle, and often excited a
+      smile by his quaintly put and shrewd observations on topics of passing
+      interest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was the third day at sea, when Harry, who had suffered but little from
+      seasickness, came on deck, after a good dinner, and saw the dudish
+      passenger, till now invisible, holding himself steady with an effort, and
+      gazing sadly out upon the wild waste of waters without the help of his
+      eyeglass.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How do you feel, Mr. Clinton?&rdquo; asked Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Horribly, Mr. Vane,&rdquo; answered Clinton, with a languid shudder. &ldquo;I never
+      thought it was such a bore, crossing the ocean, don&rsquo;t you know. I&rsquo;ve a
+      great idea of offering the captain a handsome sum to land somewhere, I
+      don&rsquo;t care where.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think we shall go near any land, Mr. Clinton. I think you will
+      have to make the best of it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Hearing a step behind him, Harry turned, and his eyes rested on the
+      melancholy countenance of Marmaduke Timmins, the chronic invalid.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-morning, Mr. Timmins,&rdquo; said our hero. &ldquo;I hope you stand the voyage
+      well?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve had several new symptoms since I came on board,&rdquo; responded Mr.
+      Timmins, gloomily, &ldquo;and I&rsquo;ve made a dreadful discovery.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is it?&rdquo; inquired Montgomery Clinton, in alarm.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I find I&rsquo;ve mislaid or forgotten to bring my box of Remedial pills. I
+      don&rsquo;t know what I shall do without them.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve got a box of Brandeth&rsquo;s pills downstairs,&rdquo; said Clinton. &ldquo;You&rsquo;re
+      welcome to a part of them, I&rsquo;m sure.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;They wouldn&rsquo;t do! What can you be thinking of, young man? Do you think
+      there&rsquo;s no difference between pills?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;m sure I can&rsquo;t tell, don&rsquo;t you know?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Young man, you are sadly ignorant,&rdquo; said Timmins, severely. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve got
+      five other kinds of pills downstairs, for different maladies I am subject
+      to, but none of them will take the place of Remedial pills.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will any of them cure seasickness?&rdquo; asked the dude, eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can give you a remedy for seasickness, Mr. Clinton,&rdquo; said Mr. Holdfast,
+      the mate, who chanced to overhear the inquiry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is it, Mr. Holdfast? I shall be really grateful, I assure you, if
+      you can cure that beastly malady.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Swallow a piece of raw salt pork about an inch square,&rdquo; said the mate
+      gravely, &ldquo;and follow it up by a glass of sea water, taken at a gulp.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s horrid, awfully horrid!&rdquo; gasped Clinton, shuddering, and looking
+      very pale. &ldquo;It actually makes me sick to think of it, don&rsquo;t you know,&rdquo; and
+      he retreated to the cabin, with one hand pressed on his stomach.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That young man&rsquo;s a fool!&rdquo; said Mr. Timmins. &ldquo;He knows no more about pills
+      than a baby.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Nor do I, Mr. Timmins,&rdquo; said Harry, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I pity you then. My life has been saved several times by pills.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;d rather live without them.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Marmaduke sadly shook his head as he walked away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That man&rsquo;s a walking drug store,&rdquo; said the mate, looking after him. &ldquo;I&rsquo;d
+      rather go to Davy&rsquo;s locker, and be done with it, than to fill myself up
+      with pills and potions.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;re looking chipper, my boy,&rdquo; said a newcomer, in a nasal voice.
+      &ldquo;Haven&rsquo;t been seasick, I guess.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry recognized the voice of the Yankee inventor, Jonathan Stubbs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; I have had very little trouble.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;m goin&rsquo; to get up a cure for seasickness when I have time&mdash;a kind
+      of a self-acting, automatic belt&mdash;I guess there&rsquo;d be plenty of money
+      in it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It would be a great blessing, Mr. Stubbs. Poor Mr. Clinton would no doubt
+      be glad to buy it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you mean that languishin&rsquo; creeter with an eyeglass and spindle legs?
+      What are such fellows made for?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Rather for ornament than use,&rdquo; answered Harry, gravely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The Yankee burst into a loud guffaw, and regarded Harry&rsquo;s remark a capital
+      joke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The voyage was to be a long one, and after a couple of weeks they all had
+      their sea legs on. All had become acquainted, and settled down to a
+      regular routine. But the time dragged, and as there were no morning or
+      evening papers, something seemed necessary to break the monotony.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Harry,&rdquo; said the professor, &ldquo;I have an idea.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is it, professor?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Suppose we give an exhibition for the benefit of our fellow passengers
+      and the crew.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am ready to do my part.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I will speak to the captain.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The result was that on the first quiet day Professor Hemenway and his
+      assistant gave a matinee performance on the deck of the Nantucket, at
+      which all who could possibly be spared were present. To some of the
+      sailors it was a novelty, and the magician&rsquo;s tricks actually inspired some
+      with the feeling that he was possessed of supernatural powers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will you lend me your hat, Mr. Clinton?&rdquo; he asked presently, of the dude.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly, professor,&rdquo; drawled the young man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The professor took it, and tapped it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you sure there is nothing in it?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am sure of it. Really, I don&rsquo;t carry things in my hat, don&rsquo;t you know.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do you say to this, then?&rdquo; and Professor Hemenway drew out of the
+      hat half a dozen onions, a couple of potatoes, and a ship biscuit.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My dear sir, I think you are mistaken,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I see you carry your
+      lunch in your hat.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      All present laughed at the horrified face of the dude.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;On my honor, I don&rsquo;t know how those horrid things came in my hat,&rdquo; he
+      stammered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you fond of onions, Mr. Clinton?&rdquo; asked Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wouldn&rsquo;t eat one for&mdash;for a new suit of clothes!&rdquo; protested
+      Clinton, earnestly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Allow me to return your hat, Mr. Clinton,&rdquo; said the professor, politely.
+      &ldquo;I suppose you want the vegetables too. Here are the onions, and the
+      rest.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;They are not mine, on my honor,&rdquo; said Clinton, very much embarrassed.
+      &ldquo;Here, my good man, can you make use of these?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The sailor whom he addressed accepted the gift with a grin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you kindly, sir,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;If so be as I ain&rsquo;t a-robbin&rsquo; you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have no use for them, my good man. I never ate an onion in my life.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I don&rsquo;t think you know what&rsquo;s good,&rdquo; said Mr. Stubbs. &ldquo;An onion, let
+      me tell you, is mighty good eatin&rsquo;, and healthy, too.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      At the close of the magical entertainment, Harry sang by request, and no
+      part of the performance was more popular. He received many warm
+      congratulations.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Really, Mr. Vane, you sing like a nightingale, don&rsquo;t you know,&rdquo; was the
+      tribute of Clinton.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Bless me!&rdquo; said Mr. Timmins; &ldquo;I was so absorbed in your song that I have
+      forgotten to take my catarrh medicine.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir; that is the best compliment I have received,&rdquo; returned
+      Harry, with a smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Little has been said thus far of Captain Hill, the chief officer of the
+      Nantucket. He was a stout, red-faced seaman, nearing fifty years of age,
+      and had been in service ever since he was fifteen. He was a thorough
+      sailor, and fitted in every way but one to take charge of a ship bound to
+      any part of the world. His one disqualification may be stated briefly&mdash;he
+      had a passion for drink.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was not immediately that this was found out. He took his meals with the
+      passengers, but it was not then that he indulged his appetite. He kept a
+      private store of liquors in his cabin, and had recourse to them when by
+      himself, under the impression that he could keep it a secret. But
+      intemperance, like murder, will out.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry and the professor were standing by the rail looking out at sea, one
+      day, when a thick voice greeted them, &ldquo;Good-mor&rsquo;n&rsquo;, gentlemen,&rdquo; this
+      address being followed by a hiccough.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Both turned quickly, and exchanged a significant glance when they
+      recognized the captain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; answered Professor Hemenway, &ldquo;it is indeed a fine morning.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am sorry to see this, Harry,&rdquo; said the professor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; it is a pity any gentleman should drink too much.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, but that isn&rsquo;t all,&rdquo; said the professor, earnestly; &ldquo;it is a pity,
+      of course, that Captain Hill should so sin against his own health, but we
+      must consider furthermore, that he has our lives under his control. Our
+      safety depends on his prudent management.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He seems to understand his business,&rdquo; said Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Granted; but no man, however good a seaman, is fit to manage a vessel
+      when he allows liquor to rob him of his senses. I wish I had had a
+      knowledge beforehand of the captain&rsquo;s infirmity.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Suppose you had, sir?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wouldn&rsquo;t have trusted myself on board the Nantucket, you may be sure of
+      that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It may be only an exceptional case.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Let us hope so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The next occasion on which the captain displayed his infirmity was rather
+      a laughable one. He came up from the cabin about three o&rsquo;clock in the
+      afternoon so full that he was forced to stagger as he walked. Directly in
+      front of him the young dude, Montgomery Clinton, was pacing the deck,
+      carrying in his hand a rattan cane such as he used on shore. As he
+      overhauled him, Captain Hill, with the instinct of a drunken man, locked
+      arms with the young man, and forced him to promenade in his company,
+      talking rather incoherently meanwhile. Clinton&rsquo;s look of distress and
+      perplexity, as he submitted to his fate, caused Harry nearly to explode
+      with laughter. They were indeed a singular pair.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Finally there came a disaster. A lurch of the vessel proved too much for
+      the captain, who, in losing his equilibrium, also upset Clinton, and the
+      two rolled down under one of the ship&rsquo;s boats, which was slung on one
+      side.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Montgomery Clinton picked himself up, and hurriedly betook himself to his
+      cabin, fearing that he might fall again into the clutches of his unwelcome
+      companion. The captain was helped to his feet by the mate, and was
+      persuaded also to go downstairs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The captain was pretty well slewed, professor,&rdquo; said Mr. Stubbs, who
+      chanced to be on deck at the time.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It looks like it,&rdquo; answered Professor Hemenway.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If he does that often it&rsquo;ll be a bad lookout for us.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Just what I am thinking, Mr. Stubbs.&rdquo;
+     </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 YOUNG SAILOR
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      The crew of the Nantucket consisted of twelve sailors and a boy, not
+      counting the officers. This boy was about Harry&rsquo;s age, but an inch or two
+      shorter, and with great breadth of shoulders. He had a good-natured face,
+      and was a general favorite on board, as is apt to be the case with a boy,
+      if he possesses any attractive qualities. He came from New Hampshire and
+      he was known as Jack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was natural that Harry, as the only other boy on board, though a
+      passenger, should be attracted to Jack. He took an opportunity when Jack
+      was off duty to have a chat with him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How long have you been a sailor, Jack?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Three years; I first went to sea when I was thirteen.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How did you happen to go in the first place?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I may say to begin with, that I always liked the water. I was born in a
+      little village bordering Lake Winnipiseogee, and was out on the lake
+      whenever I could get the chance, either in a rowboat or sailboat. I felt
+      as much at home on the water as on the land. Still, I never should have
+      gone to sea had it not been for my stepfather.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you have a stepfather?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes. My father died when I was ten, leaving my mother a little farm and a
+      comfortable house. I was a young boy, and it is hard for a woman to carry
+      on a farm. A man came into town, and started in some small business. He
+      pretended that he had money, but I guess he had precious little. At any
+      rate, he didn&rsquo;t object to more. Pretty soon he fixed his eyes on our farm,
+      and, finding that mother owned it clear, he got to coming round pretty
+      often. I never liked him, though he pretended to be fond of me, and used
+      to pat me on the head, and bring me candy. I wondered what made him come
+      so often, but I didn&rsquo;t mistrust anything till one day mother called me and
+      said she had something important to say to me.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;&lsquo;Jack,&rsquo; she said, &lsquo;what do you think of Mr. Bannock?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;&lsquo;I don&rsquo;t think much of him,&rsquo; I answered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;&lsquo;He is to be your father, Jack. I have promised to marry him.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;&lsquo;You may marry him,&rsquo; I answered hotly, &lsquo;but he will be no father of mine.
+      My father lies in the churchyard. I wish he were alive again.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;&lsquo;So do I, Jack&rsquo; said mother, wiping her eyes, &lsquo;but we know that can&rsquo;t
+      be.&rsquo;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How did he treat you, Jack?&rdquo; asked Harry, interested.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He never liked me, and I didn&rsquo;t like him at all He tried to impose upon
+      me, and order me round, but he didn&rsquo;t make out much. Still, he was always
+      annoying me in mean little ways, and finally I got all I could stand, and
+      the long and short of it is that I ran away to Portsmouth, and went on a
+      coasting voyage. After I got back I shipped from Boston for Liverpool, and
+      ever since I&rsquo;ve kept sailing in one direction or another. This will be my
+      longest voyage.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Haven&rsquo;t you been to see your mother since you left home three years ago?&rdquo;
+       Harry inquired.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of course I have,&rdquo; said Jack, promptly. &ldquo;I always go to see her as soon
+      as I get home from a voyage. Poor mother! She was looking pale and thin
+      when I saw her three weeks ago. I am sure she has repented marrying, but
+      she won&rsquo;t own up. When I&rsquo;m a man&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, Jack; when you&rsquo;re a man?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll see that she has a better time, and if old Bannock don&rsquo;t like it he
+      can clear out. I think he will anyway.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Clear out?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; he will have spent all the property by that time, and when that is
+      done, he won&rsquo;t make much objection to going away. Then I will take care of
+      mother, and see that she does not suffer for anything.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are right, Jack. I sympathize with you. I hope you&rsquo;ll succeed. I only
+      wish I had a mother to look out for,&rdquo; and Harry&rsquo;s fine face wore an
+      expression of sadness. &ldquo;But there&rsquo;s one thing I can&rsquo;t help saying, though
+      I don&rsquo;t want to discourage you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is that, Harry?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t see how you are going to lay up much money in going before the
+      mast. Your pay must be small.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is. I only earn ten dollars a month,&rdquo; replied Jack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And out of that you must buy your clothes?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, that&rsquo;s true.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then how do you expect to better yourself?&rdquo; asked Harry, looking
+      perplexed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll tell you, if you won&rsquo;t say anything about it,&rdquo; answered Jack, in a
+      lower tone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Go ahead.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We are going to Australia, you know. I&rsquo;ve heard there are good chances of
+      making money there, in mining or herding cattle, and I mean to leave the
+      ship at Melbourne. Of course, I don&rsquo;t want anything said about it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think the captain would try to prevent you, Jack?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think he would. He don&rsquo;t like me, at any rate.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why not?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is more than I can tell, but I can see that he has a prejudice
+      against me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The boys were so absorbed in their talk that they did not notice the
+      approach of the captain till his harsh voice was heard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What are you two boys chattering about?&rdquo; he demanded, with a frown.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Jack turned round startled, but Harry faced the captain calmly, and did
+      not speak.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will you answer me?&rdquo; he repeated, raising his voice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I was talking about home and my mother,&rdquo; said Jack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mighty interesting, upon my word! And what were you talking about?&rdquo;
+       continued Captain Hill, turning to Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That can be of no interest to you, Captain Hill,&rdquo; said Harry, coldly.
+      &ldquo;You appear to forget that I am a passenger.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      As he walked away, the captain regarded him with an ominous scowl. He
+      wished that for fifteen minutes Harry had been one of the crew. It was
+      fortunate for Jack that his temper was diverted, for, apparently
+      forgetting the young sailor, he strode on, and Jack managed to slip down
+      to the forecastle.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This was not by any means the last conversation Harry had with Jack
+      Pendleton&mdash;for this he found to be the young sailor&rsquo;s name&mdash;and
+      they soon became excellent friends.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Jack,&rdquo; said Harry, one day, &ldquo;I never should take you to be a sailor if I
+      met you on land.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why not?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Because you talk like a well-educated boy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So I am. I was always fond of my books, and stood high in school. But for
+      my stepfather I might be there yet. As it is, my education stopped at the
+      age of thirteen.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not necessarily. You have learned a good deal since.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, but not of books. I hope sometime to be able to continue my studies.
+      At present it is my business to learn seamanship.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry had the more time on his hands, as his traveling companion, the
+      professor, took sick, and was confined for three or four weeks to his
+      cabin. There was no danger, but still the ship&rsquo;s surgeon advised him to
+      stay below.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What makes you keep company with that boy, Mr. Vane?&rdquo; asked Montgomery
+      Clinton, who would have liked more of Harry&rsquo;s society himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why shouldn&rsquo;t I?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Because he is a common sailor, don&rsquo;t you know.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think he is rather an uncommon sailor. He is very well educated.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, yes; I suppose he can read and write; but, of course, he can never be
+      admitted into society, don&rsquo;t you know?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, I don&rsquo;t, Mr. Clinton. He may be a captain some day.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But he isn&rsquo;t now. I give you my word, I noticed this morning, when you
+      were speaking with him, that his fingers were all soiled with tar. That&rsquo;s
+      horrid, don&rsquo;t you know.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t you think he&rsquo;s a good-looking boy, Mr. Clinton?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, yes; I suppose, for one of the lower order, Mr. Vane.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You forget we don&rsquo;t have any distinction of classes in America.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t we though? By Jove! Mr. Vane, you don&rsquo;t put yourself on a level
+      with those creatures that dig ditches and climb masts, and such things?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your sentiments are very undemocratic, Mr. Clinton. You ought to have
+      been born in England.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish I had been. I like their institutions a good deal better than
+      ours, don&rsquo;t you know?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;When I first spoke with you, Mr. Clinton, I thought you might be an
+      Englishman.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you, really?&rdquo; inquired Clinton, with evident pleasure. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m often
+      taken for an Englishman, on my honor. I don&rsquo;t know why it is, but
+      positively, I&rsquo;m often asked when I came from the other side.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Would you rather be taken for an Englishman than an American?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, you see, there are some Americans that are so vulgar, don&rsquo;t you
+      know&mdash;talk through their noses, and all that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where were you born, Mr. Clinton?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In Massachusetts, not far from Boston.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way, Mr. Vane, are you descended from Sir Henry Vane, one of the
+      royal governors of Massachusetts? I have been meaning to ask you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t tell you, Mr. Clinton; but my name happens to be the same&mdash;Harry.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Really, that is very interesting. I should think you would look up the
+      matter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps I will when I return home!&rdquo; said Harry, who cared very little
+      about the matter. From this time, however, Clinton regarded him with
+      increased respect, and manifested an increased liking for his society,
+      from his supposed aristocratic lineage. Our hero treated him with
+      good-natured toleration, but much preferred the company of Jack Pendleton,
+      sailor as he was, though his fingers were not infrequently smeared with
+      tar. Harry did not mind this; but was attracted by the frank, good-humored
+      face of young Jack, and was always glad to have a chat with him. He had a
+      chance, though at considerable personal risk, to do him a signal service
+      before long.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The captain&rsquo;s habits, it must be said, did not improve. His stock of
+      liquor was ample, and he continued to indulge himself. Generally he kept
+      within safe bounds, but at times he allowed his appetite to get the better
+      of him. Whenever that happened, it was fortunate if he drank himself into
+      a state of stupefaction, and remained in his cabin, leaving the management
+      of the ship to the mate, Mr. Holdfast, who was thoroughly temperate.
+      Unfortunately, he was not always content to remain in the cabin. He would
+      stagger upstairs and give orders which might or might not, be judicious.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One day&mdash;it was about a month after they left port&mdash;Captain Hill
+      came up on deck in one of his worst fits of intoxication. All the
+      passengers were on deck, it being a fair day. They regarded the captain
+      with alarm, for in his hand he held a pistol, which he carried in such
+      careless style that it might be discharged at any time.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Jack Pendleton had been sent up to the masthead on some duty by the mate.
+      The captain&rsquo;s roving eyes fell upon him, and the dislike he felt for the
+      boy found vent.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What are you doing up there, you young lubber?&rdquo; he shouted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Holdfast sent me,&rdquo; answered Jack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You lie!&rdquo; roared the captain. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll teach you to lie to me!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll come down, sir,&rdquo; said Jack, &ldquo;if you say so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll bring you down!&rdquo; shouted the captain, furiously, as he deliberately
+      pointed the pistol at the cabin boy, and prepared to pull the trigger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a cry of horror on the part of the passengers as they saw the
+      insane act of the captain, and realized the peril of poor Jack. But, in
+      spite of all, the boy would probably have fallen a victim to the drunken
+      fury of Captain Hill. Jack himself fully understood his danger, and his
+      ruddy face turned pale. His life hung in the balance, and was saved only
+      by the courage of his boy friend, Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Of all the passengers, Harry stood nearest to the captain. When he saw the
+      pistol pointed at Jack, he did not stop to think, but made a bound, and
+      dashed the weapon from the captain&rsquo;s hand. It was discharged but the
+      bullet sped over the rail and dropped into the ocean. Nor did Harry stop
+      here. He seized the fallen pistol, and hurled it over the side of the
+      vessel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The captain was for the moment stupefied by the suddenness of the act.
+      Then, in a voice of fury, he exclaimed, pointing to Harry: &ldquo;Put that boy
+      in irons!&rdquo;
+     </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 SENSATIONAL SCENE
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Put that boy in irons!&rdquo; repeated Captain Hill, his eyes blazing with
+      anger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Not a sailor stirred. There was not one that did not admire Harry&rsquo;s
+      promptness, which had saved Jack&rsquo;s life, and prevented the captain from
+      becoming a murderer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Here, you two men, seize the boy, and carry him below!&rdquo; exclaimed the
+      captain, addressing Brown and Higgins, the two sailors nearest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The two men looked at each other, moved a step forward, and then stopped.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is this mutiny?&rdquo; roared the captain, with a bloodcurdling oath. &ldquo;Am I
+      master in my own ship or not?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      What might have been the issue is hard to tell, had not the Yankee
+      passenger already referred to, Jonathan Stubbs, come forward and taken up
+      the gauntlet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Look here, cap&rsquo;n,&rdquo; he commenced, in a drawling tone, &ldquo;what&rsquo;s all this
+      fuss you&rsquo;re kickin&rsquo; up? You&rsquo;re kinder riled, ain&rsquo;t you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who are you that dare to bandy words with me? Men, do you hear me? Put
+      that boy in irons, or must I do it myself?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Look here, cap&rsquo;n, let&rsquo;s argy that matter a little,&rdquo; said Stubbs. &ldquo;What&rsquo;s
+      the boy to be put in irons for?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;For grossly insulting me, and defying my authority.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He has prevented your committing murder, if that&rsquo;s what you mean. You
+      ought to thank him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Take care, sir!&rdquo; thundered the captain, &ldquo;or I may put you in irons,
+      also.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I reckon you might find a little opposition,&rdquo; said the Yankee, quietly.
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;m a passenger on this vessel, Captain Hill, and your authority doesn&rsquo;t
+      extend to me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We&rsquo;ll see about that, sir,&rdquo; said the captain, and he grasped Stubbs by
+      the collar.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Now, the Yankee was not a heavy man, but he was very strong and wiry, and,
+      moreover, in his early days, like Abraham Lincoln, he had been the best
+      wrestler in the Vermont village in which he was born. He was a very quiet,
+      peaceable man, but he was accustomed to resent insult in an effective way.
+      He wrenched himself free by a powerful effort; then, with a dexterous
+      movement of one of his long legs, he tripped up the captain, who fell in a
+      heap upon the deck. The shock, added to the effects of his intoxication,
+      seemed to stupefy the captain, who remained where he fell.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Boys,&rdquo; said Stubbs, coolly, to the two sailors, who had been ordered to
+      put Harry in irons, &ldquo;hadn&rsquo;t you better help the captain into his cabin? He
+      seems to be unwell.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Just then the mate came on deck. He didn&rsquo;t make inquiries, but took in the
+      situation at a glance, and assisted the captain to his feet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Shall I help you downstairs, sir?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The captain silently acquiesced, and the prime actor in this rather
+      startling scene left the deck.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Jack Pendleton scrambled down from his elevated perch with the agility of
+      a cat. He ran up to Harry, and grasped his hand with evident emotion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have saved my life!&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I will always be your friend. I would
+      lay down my life for you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s all right, Jack,&rdquo; said Harry, rather shyly. &ldquo;You would have done the
+      same for me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I would,&rdquo; answered Jack, heartily, &ldquo;But there&rsquo;s no one else who
+      would have done it for me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you going to leave me out, my boy?&rdquo; asked the Yankee, with a smile on
+      his plain but good-natured face.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir,&rdquo; responded Jack. &ldquo;You stood up to the captain like a man. He
+      didn&rsquo;t frighten you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, I wasn&rsquo;t much scared,&rdquo; drawled Stubbs, contorting his features
+      drolly. &ldquo;But, I say, young man, I&rsquo;ve got a piece of advice to give you.
+      You don&rsquo;t seem to be much of a favorite with the captain.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It doesn&rsquo;t look so,&rdquo; said Jack, laughing in spite of the danger through
+      which he had passed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Just you keep out of his way as much as you can. When a man gets as full
+      as he does, he&rsquo;s apt to be dangerous.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir; I will.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Among the spectators of the scene just described, the most panic-stricken,
+      probably was Montgomery Clinton, the Brooklyn dude.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After the captain had gone below, he walked up to Harry, whom he regarded
+      with evident admiration.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I say, you&rsquo;re quite a hero. I was awfully frightened, don&rsquo;t you know,
+      when that big bully aimed at the sailor boy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You looked a little nervous, Mr. Clinton,&rdquo; said Harry, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You were awfully brave, to knock the pistol out of his hand. I don&rsquo;t see
+      how you dared to do it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t stop to think of danger. I saw that Jack&rsquo;s life was in danger,
+      and I did the only thing I could to save him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;m glad you&rsquo;re not put in irons. It must be awful to be in irons.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think I should like it, though I never had any experience. You&rsquo;d
+      have stood by me, wouldn&rsquo;t you, Mr. Clinton?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Clinton was evidently alarmed at the suggestion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, of course,&rdquo; he said, nervously; &ldquo;that is, I would have gone down to
+      see you on the sly. You wouldn&rsquo;t expect me to fight the captain, don&rsquo;t you
+      know.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry could hardly refrain from smiling at the idea of the spindle-shaped
+      dude resisting the captain; but he kept a straight face as he answered:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I look upon you as a brave man, Mr. Clinton. When I get into trouble, I
+      shall be sure to call upon you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, certainly,&rdquo; stammered Clinton. &ldquo;But I say, Mr. Vane, I hope you&rsquo;ll be
+      prudent; I do, really. Captain Hill might shoot you, you know, as he tried
+      to shoot the sailor boy just now.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If he does, Mr. Clinton, I shall expect you to interfere, You are not as
+      strong as the captain, but a bold front will go a great way. If you
+      threaten to&mdash;to horsewhip him, I think it might produce an effect
+      upon him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Really, my dear Mr. Vane,&rdquo; said Clinton, turning pale, &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think I
+      could go as far as that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I thought you were my friend, Mr. Clinton,&rdquo; said Harry, reproachfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So I am, but I think you are, too&mdash;too bloodthirsty, Mr. Vane. It is
+      best to be prudent, don&rsquo;t you know. There&rsquo;s that Yankee, Mr. Stubbs; he
+      would do a great deal better than I. He&rsquo;s stronger, and older, and&mdash;you&rsquo;d
+      better speak to him, don&rsquo;t you know.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A very good suggestion, Mr. Clinton,&rdquo; said Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am afraid I should fare badly,&rdquo; thought our hero, &ldquo;if I depended upon
+      Clinton to stand by me. He isn&rsquo;t of the stuff they make heroes of.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Twenty-four hours passed before Captain Hill reappeared on deck. Meanwhile
+      Harry had received congratulations from all the passengers on his display
+      of pluck, and from some of the sailors besides. In fact, if he had not
+      been a sensible boy, he might have been in danger of being spoiled by
+      praise. But he answered, very modestly, that he had only acted from
+      impulse, actuated by a desire to save Jack, and had not had time to count
+      the consequences.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll stand by you, my lad,&rdquo; said Hirman Stubbs. &ldquo;The captain may try to
+      do you wrong, but he will have somebody else to reckon with&mdash;I won&rsquo;t
+      see you hurt.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, Mr. Stubbs,&rdquo; said Harry, heartily. &ldquo;I know the value of your
+      help already. Mr. Clinton also is willing to stand by me, though he says
+      he don&rsquo;t want to get into a fight with the captain.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Clinton! That spindle-legged dude!&rdquo; said Stubbs, exploding with laughter.
+      &ldquo;My! he couldn&rsquo;t scare a fly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry laughed, too. He could not help doing so.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He seems a good fellow, though not exactly a hero,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I am glad
+      to have his good will.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is more of a tailor&rsquo;s dummy than a man,&rdquo; said Stubbs. &ldquo;I always want
+      to laugh when I look at him. Hist! there&rsquo;s the captain.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry turned quickly toward the companionway, and saw Captain Hill set
+      foot on the deck. A glance satisfied him that the captain was sober.
+    </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>
+      A STORM
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Captain Hill must have observed Harry and Mr. Stubbs, but walked by them
+      without notice, and attended to his duties, giving his orders in a sharp
+      quick tone. He was an experienced seaman, and thoroughly fitted for the
+      post of chief, when not under the influence of liquor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad to see that the captain is sober,&rdquo; said Stubbs, in a low voice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So am I,&rdquo; answered Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One change, all noticed in Captain Hill. He became silent, reserved,
+      morose. His orders were given in a quick, peremptory tone, and he seemed
+      to cherish a grudge against all on board. Some captains add much to the
+      pleasure of the passengers by their social and cheery manners, but
+      whenever Captain Hill appeared, a wet blanket seemed to fall on the
+      spirits of passengers and crew, and they conversed in an undertone, as if
+      under restraint.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Between the captain and the mate there was a great difference. Mr.
+      Holdfast had a bluff, hearty way with him, which made him popular with all
+      on board. As an officer, he was strict, and expected his orders to be
+      executed promptly, but in private he was affable and agreeable. The
+      sailors felt instinctively that he was their friend, and regarded him with
+      attachment, while they respected his seamanship. If a vote had been taken,
+      there was not one but would have preferred him as captain to Captain Hill.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Thus far&mdash;I am speaking of a time when the Nantucket was three months
+      out&mdash;there had been no serious storm. Rough weather there had been,
+      and wet, disagreeable weather, but the staunch ship had easily overcome
+      all the perils of the sea, and, with the exception of Montgomery Clinton,
+      no one had been seriously alarmed. But one afternoon a cloud appeared in
+      the hitherto clear sky, which would have attracted no attention from a
+      landsman. Mr. Holdfast observed it, however, and, quietly calling the
+      captain, directed his attention to it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think we are going to have a bad storm, Captain Hill,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s
+      a weather breeder.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The captain watched the cloud for a moment, and then answered, quietly: &ldquo;I
+      think you are right, Mr. Holdfast. You may give your orders accordingly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The sails were reefed, and the vessel was prepared for the warfare with
+      the elements which awaited it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The little cloud increased portentiously in size. All at once a strong
+      wind sprang up, the sea roughened, and the billows grew white with fury,
+      while the good ship, stanch as she was, creaked and groaned and was tossed
+      as if it were a toy boat on the wrathful ocean.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The passengers were all seriously alarmed. They had never before realized
+      what a storm at sea was. Even a man of courage may well be daunted by the
+      terrific power of the sea when it is roused to such an exhibition.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Harry,&rdquo; said the professor, &ldquo;this is terrible.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, indeed,&rdquo; answered the boy, gravely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It became so rough and difficult to stand on deck, on account of the
+      vessel being tossed about like a cockleshell, that Harry felt constrained
+      to go below.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As he passed the cabin of Montgomery Clinton, he heard a faint voice call
+      his name.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Entering, he saw the dude stretched out in his berth, with an expression
+      of helpless terror in his weak face.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh! Mr. Vane,&rdquo; he said; &ldquo;do you think we are going to the bottom?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope not, Mr. Clinton. Our officers are skillful men. They will do all
+      they can for us.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a terrible night. None of the passengers ventured upon deck.
+      Indeed, such was the motion that it would have been dangerous, as even the
+      sailors found it difficult to keep their footing. Harry was pale and
+      quiet, unlike his friend from Brooklyn, whose moans were heard mingled
+      with the noise of the tempest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was about three o&rsquo;clock in the morning when those below heard, with
+      terror, a fearful crash, and a trampling of feet above. One of the masts
+      had fallen before the fury of the storm, and the shock made the good ship
+      careen to a dangerous extent. What happened, however, was not understood
+      below.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wonder what has happened,&rdquo; said the professor, nervously. &ldquo;I think I
+      will go up and see.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He got out of his berth, but only to be pitched helpless to the other end
+      of the cabin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This is terrible!&rdquo; he said, as he picked himself up.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will try my luck, professor,&rdquo; said Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He scrambled out of his berth, and, with great difficulty, made his way
+      upstairs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One glance told him what had occurred. The crippled ship was laboring
+      through the sea. It seemed like a very unequal combat, and Harry might be
+      excused for deciding that the ship was doomed. All about the sea wore its
+      fiercest aspect. Harry returned cautiously to his cabin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well?&rdquo; said the professor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;One of the masts is gone,&rdquo; answered the boy. &ldquo;The ship is having a hard
+      time.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is there danger?&rdquo; asked the professor, anxiously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am afraid so,&rdquo; said Harry, gravely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At length the night wore away. The violence of the storm seemed to have
+      abated, for, after a time, the motion diminished. More enterprising than
+      the rest of the passengers, Harry resolved to go on deck.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Won&rsquo;t you come with me, Mr. Clinton?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;I couldn&rsquo;t, &lsquo;pon my honor. I&rsquo;m as weak as a rag. I don&rsquo;t think I
+      could get out of my berth, really, now.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll go with you, my young friend,&rdquo; said Mr. Stubbs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry and his Yankee friend set foot cautiously on deck. The prospect was
+      not reassuring. The ship rolled heavily, and from the creaking it seemed
+      that the timbers of the hull were strained. The sailors looked fagged out,
+      and there was a set, stern look on the face of the captain, whom,
+      nevertheless, Mr. Stubbs ventured to accost.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What&rsquo;s the prospect, captain?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;d better make your will,&rdquo; said the captain, grimly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s cheerful,&rdquo; commented Stubbs, turning to Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir,&rdquo; answered Harry, soberly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t tell our foppish friend below, or he&rsquo;ll rend our ears with his
+      howls. But you, my young friend, it&rsquo;s rather rough on you. How old are
+      you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Sixteen.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And I&rsquo;m rising fifty. Even if I am taken away, I&rsquo;ve a good thirty years
+      the advantage of you. I&rsquo;ve had a good time, on the whole, and enjoyed
+      myself as well as the average. Still, I don&rsquo;t quite like going to the
+      bottom in the Nantucket. I was looking forward to at least twenty years or
+      so more of life.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We must submit to the will of God,&rdquo; said Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are quite right, my boy! It is easy to see that you have been well
+      trained. Mr. Holdfast&rdquo;&mdash;for they had reached the place where the mate
+      was standing&mdash;&ldquo;shall we outlive the storm?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is hard to say, Mr. Stubbs. It depends on the stanchness of the ship.
+      We&rsquo;ll do all we can.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Ten minutes later there was a sinister answer to the inquiry of Mr.
+      Stubbs. A sailor, who had been sent down into the hold, came with the
+      information that the ship had sprung a leak.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then commenced the weary work at the pumps. The sailors were already worn
+      out with fighting the storm under the direction of the captain and mate,
+      and it seemed almost more than flesh and blood could stand to undertake
+      the additional labor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry and Mr. Stubbs had a hurried conference.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can&rsquo;t we help at this work, Mr. Stubbs?&rdquo; asked Harry. &ldquo;The poor men look
+      utterly exhausted.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well thought of, my boy! I am with you. I will speak to the captain.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      But Mr. Holdfast, the mate, chanced to be nearer, and to him Mr. Stubbs
+      put the question:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can&rsquo;t I help at the pumps?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And I, too, Mr. Holdfast,&rdquo; put in Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I accept your offer with thanks. The men are very tired.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      So Harry and Mr. Stubbs helped at this necessary work, and when the
+      professor and the Melbourne merchant heard of it they, too, volunteered.
+      But Marmaduke Timmins, the valetudinarian, and Montgomery Clinton felt
+      quite inadequate to the task.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry found his work tiresome and fatiguing, but he had the comfort of
+      feeling that he was relieving the exhausted sailors, and doing something
+      to save his own life and the lives of his companions.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He caught sight of poor Jack, looking ready to drop.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Jack, you must be very tired,&rdquo; he said, in a tone of deep sympathy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If I stood still I should drop on the deck fast asleep,&rdquo; said Jack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can&rsquo;t you lie down for an hour? I am taking your place.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Holdfast coming up at this moment, Harry suggested this to him, and
+      the mate said kindly:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Jack, my lad, go below and catch a little nap. I will call you when I
+      want you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      So Jack, much relieved, went below, and, without a thought of the danger,
+      so fatigued was he, fell asleep the moment he got into his bunk, and was
+      not called up for four hours.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After a while they reduced the flow of water, but ascertained that the
+      ship was badly strained, and by no means safe. It was not till the next
+      day, however, that an important decision was reached.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All were called on deck.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is my duty to tell you,&rdquo; said Captain Hill, &ldquo;that the ship is so
+      damaged by the recent storm that it is liable to sink at any time. Those
+      who choose to run the risk may remain, however. I propose, with such as
+      choose to join me, to take to the boats. I will give you fifteen minutes
+      to decide.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Excitement and dismay were painted on the faces of all. The ship might be
+      insecure, but to launch out upon the great ocean in a frail boat seemed to
+      involve still greater danger.
+    </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>
+      &ldquo;WHO WILL STAY?&rdquo;
+     </h3>
+    <p>
+      The decision was a momentous one. It might be death to remain on the ship,
+      but to a landsman it seemed still more perilous to embark on an angry sea
+      in a frail boat.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The passengers looked at each other in doubt and perplexity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They had but fifteen minutes in which to make up their minds.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The mate stood by, his face and manner serious and thoughtful.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Holdfast,&rdquo; said Mr. Stubbs, &ldquo;do you agree with the captain that it is
+      our best course to take to the boats?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should prefer to try the ship a little longer. I say so with
+      diffidence, since the captain has a longer experience than I.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think much of your judgment, Mr. Holdfast,&rdquo; said Captain Hill, in
+      a tone of contempt.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The mate&rsquo;s face flushed&mdash;not so much at the words as the tone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Nevertheless Captain Hill,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;I stand by what I have said.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Holdfast,&rdquo; said Mr. Stubbs, who seemed to speak for the passengers,
+      &ldquo;if some of us decide to remain on the ship, will you remain with us?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will!&rdquo; answered the mate, promptly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then set me down as the first to remain,&rdquo; said Stubbs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Somehow this man, rough and abrupt as he was, had impressed Harry as a man
+      in whom confidence might be reposed. He felt safe in following where he
+      led.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am but a boy,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;but I have to decide for my life. I shall
+      remain with the mate and Mr. Stubbs.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Quietly Stubbs shook hands with Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad to have you with us,&rdquo; he said earnestly. &ldquo;We will die or live
+      together.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Next came Professor Hemenway.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Put me down as the third,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Harry, we sailed together, and we
+      will remain together to the end.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I go in the boat,&rdquo; said John Appleton. &ldquo;I have a great respect for Mr.
+      Holdfast, but I defer to the captain&rsquo;s judgment as superior.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He went over and ranged himself beside the captain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are a sensible man, sir,&rdquo; said Captain Hill, with a scornful glance
+      at the mate and the passengers who sided with him. &ldquo;Mr. Holdfast can go
+      down with the ship, if he desires. I prefer to cut loose from a doomed
+      vessel.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Marmaduke Timmins, the invalid, looked more sallow and nervous than ever.
+      He had swallowed a pill while the others were speaking, to give himself
+      confidence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will go with the captain,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;My life is likely to be short, for
+      my diseases are many, but I owe it to myself to do my best to save it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In deciding to go with me, you are doing your best, sir,&rdquo; said Captain
+      Hill.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He had not hitherto paid much attention to Mr. Timmins, whom he looked
+      upon as a crank on the subject of health, but he was disposed to look upon
+      him now with more favor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At this moment Montgomery Clinton appeared at the head of the stairs. The
+      poor fellow was pale, and disheveled, and tottered from weakness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What&rsquo;s going on?&rdquo; he asked, feebly. Harry took it upon himself to
+      explain, using as few words as possible.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will you go with the captain, or stay on the Nantucket?&rdquo; asked Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Really, I couldn&rsquo;t stand sailing in a little boat, you know.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s settled, then!&rdquo; said the captain. &ldquo;Into the boats with you!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The sailors and two passengers lowered themselves into the long boat,
+      which was large enough to receive them all, till only Jack Pendleton and
+      the captain remained.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Get in, boy!&rdquo; said the captain, harshly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Jack stepped back, and said, manfully: &ldquo;I will remain on board the ship,
+      sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      While this discussion had been going on, the boat was being stored with
+      kegs of water and provisions, and soon after the sailors began to ply the
+      oars.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The little band that remained looked silently and solemnly, as they saw
+      their late companions borne farther and farther away from them on the
+      crested waves.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a question which will last longer, the ship or the boat,&rdquo; said Mr.
+      Holdfast.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We must work&mdash;I know that,&rdquo; said Mr. Stubbs. &ldquo;Captain Holdfast, I
+      salute you as my commander. Give us your orders.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you all agreed, gentlemen?&rdquo; asked Holdfast.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We are,&rdquo; answered all except Montgomery Clinton, who was clinging to the
+      side with a greenish pallor on his face.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I shall set you to work at the pumps. Jack I assign you and the
+      professor to duty first. You will work an hour; then Mr. Stubbs and Mr.
+      Vane will relieve you. I will look out for the vessel&rsquo;s course.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am afraid I couldn&rsquo;t pump,&rdquo; said Montgomery Clinton. &ldquo;I feel so awfully
+      weak, you know, I think I&rsquo;m going to die!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry looked out to sea and saw the little boat containing the remnant of
+      their company growing smaller and smaller. A sudden feeling of loneliness
+      overcame him, and he asked himself, seriously: &ldquo;Is death, then, so near?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The sea was still rough, but the violence of the storm was past. In a few
+      hours the surface of the sea was much less agitated. The spirits of the
+      passengers rose, especially after learning from the mate that he had been
+      able to stop the leak, through the experience which he acquired in his
+      younger days as assistant to a ship carpenter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then the old ship is likely to float a while longer?&rdquo; said Mr. Stubbs,
+      cheerfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not a short time, either, if the weather continues favorable.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Captain Hill was in too much of a hurry to leave the vessel,&rdquo; remarked
+      Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; answered Holdfast. &ldquo;Such was my opinion when I thought the
+      Nantucket in much worse condition than at present. If the captain and
+      sailors had remained on board, we could have continued our voyage to
+      Melbourne without difficulty.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And now?&rdquo; said Mr. Stubbs, interrogatively.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now we have no force to man her. Little Jack and myself are the only
+      sailors on board.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But not the only men.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is true. I think, however, that you or the professor would find it
+      rather hard to spread or take in sail.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Stubbs looked up into the rigging and shrugged his shoulders.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The next day Mr. Clinton appeared on deck. He looked faded and played out,
+      but he was no longer the woebegone creature of a day or two previous. Even
+      he turned out to be of use, for he knew something about cooking, and
+      volunteered to assist in preparing the meals, the ship&rsquo;s cook having left
+      the ship with the captain. Accordingly, he rose in the estimation of the
+      passengers&mdash;having proved that he was not wholly a drone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Jack and Harry grew still more intimate. The young sailor was under no
+      restraint now that the captain was not on board, for with the mate he had
+      always been a favorite.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All efforts were made to keep the ship on her course. They could not put
+      up all the sails, however, and made but slow progress. They did little but
+      drift. Nor did they encounter any other vessel for several days, so that
+      there was no chance of obtaining the desired assistance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wonder where it will all end, Jack?&rdquo; said Harry, one evening.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t trouble myself much about that, Harry,&rdquo; said the young sailor. &ldquo;I
+      am content as I am.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t you look ahead, then?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am happy with you and the few we have on board. They are kind to me;
+      what more do I need?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t be contented so easily, Jack. I hope there is a long life before
+      us. Here we are, making no progress. We are doing nothing to advance
+      ourselves.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      But this did not make much impression on Jack. He did not look beyond the
+      present, and so that this was comfortable, he left the future to look out
+      for itself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do you think has become of Captain Hill and his companions, Mr.
+      Holdfast?&rdquo; asked Mr. Stubbs, on the third evening after the separation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is probably still afloat, unless he has been fortunate enough to be
+      picked up by some vessel.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is no hope of reaching land in the Nantucket is there,&rdquo; continued
+      Mr. Stubbs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is considerable fear of it,&rdquo; said the mate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why do you use the word fear?&rdquo; asked Stubbs, puzzled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What I mean is, that we are likely to run aground upon some unknown
+      island. If the shore is rocky, it may break us to pieces, and that, of
+      course, will be attended with danger to life or limb.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Stubbs looked thoughtful.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should like to see land,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;but I wouldn&rsquo;t like to land in that
+      way. It reminds me of an old lady who, traveling by cars for the first
+      time, was upset in a collision. As she crawled out of the window, she
+      asked, innocently: &lsquo;Do you always stop this way?&rsquo;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There are dangers on land as well as on the sea,&rdquo; said the mate, &ldquo;as your
+      story proves; though one is not so likely to realize them. In our present
+      circumstances, there is one thing I earnestly hope for.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is that?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That we may not have another storm. I fear, in her dismantled condition,
+      the Nantucket would have a poor chance of outliving it, particularly as we
+      have no one but Jack and myself to do seamen&rsquo;s work.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Stubbs walked thoughtfully away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry, who had seen him talking with the mate, asked him what the nature
+      of the conversation was.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Stubbs told him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The fact is, Harry,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;we are in a critical condition. Whether we
+      are ever to see old terry firmy again&rdquo;&mdash;Mr. Stubbs was not a
+      classical scholar&mdash;&ldquo;seems a matter of doubt.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And the worst of it is,&rdquo; said Harry, &ldquo;there seems to be nothing you or I
+      can do to increase our chances of safety.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, unless we could manage to see a ship which the chief officer had
+      overlooked. That, I take it, is not very likely.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      It was toward morning of the fifth night after the captain had left the
+      ship that all on board were startled by a mighty thumping, accompanied by
+      a shock that threw the sleepers out of bed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry ran hastily on deck. The mate was there already.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What&rsquo;s happened, Mr. Holdfast?&rdquo; asked the boy, anxiously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The ship has struck on a rocky ledge!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are we in danger?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In great danger. Call all the passengers. We must take to the boat, for
+      the Nantucket is doomed!&rdquo;
+     </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>
+      THE WRECK OF THE NANTUCKET
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      It was still quite dark, but it was light enough to see that the ship had
+      struck upon a reef. Straining their eyes, the alarmed passengers could
+      descry land. Indeed, the reef was an outlying part of it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      All eyes were turned upon the captain, as Mr. Holdfast was now called.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If I had had men enough to stand watch, this would not have happened,&rdquo; he
+      said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is there any hope, Mr. Holdfast?&rdquo; asked Montgomery Clinton, clasping his
+      hands in terror.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Plenty of it,&rdquo; answered the mate, curtly, &ldquo;but we must leave the ship.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Under his direction the remaining boat&mdash;for Captain Hill and his
+      companions had only taken away one&mdash;was lowered. Steering clear of
+      the reef, they found themselves in a cove, bordered on three sides by
+      land. By the light, now rapidly increasing, they saw grass and trees, and
+      the sight gladdened them in spite of the grave peril that menaced them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They put in the boat as large a supply of stores as they dared, and then
+      rowed ashore. Landing the passengers, Holdfast selected Jack and Harry,
+      and went back to the ship for a further supply.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We must lay in as much as we can, for we don&rsquo;t know how long we are to
+      remain here,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the second trip had been made, it was decided to rest for a time and
+      eat breakfast.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The little group gathered on a bluff looking out to sea, and, sitting
+      down, ate heartily. By this time the sun had made its appearance, and it
+      bade fair to be a pleasant day.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Have you any idea where we are, Mr. Holdfast?&rdquo; asked Mr. Stubbs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I only know that we are on an island. There is no mainland near here,&rdquo;
+       answered the commander.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It seems to be a large one, then. While you were gone with the boys, I
+      ascended a tree, and, looking inland, could not see the ocean in that
+      direction.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I feel like exploring the island,&rdquo; said Harry; &ldquo;who will go with me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Curious to see what kind of a new home they had, all set out. First,
+      however, the professor asked:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How long before the ship is likely to go to pieces, Mr. Holdfast?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not under a day or two in this weather,&rdquo; was the answer. &ldquo;Later in the
+      day I will board her again.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      They struck inland and walked for about two miles. There were trees and
+      plants such as they had never seen before, and the songs of unknown birds
+      floated out upon the air. It was certainly a delightful change from the
+      contracted life they had been leading upon shipboard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think the island is inhabited?&rdquo; asked Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I know no more about it than you do, my lad,&rdquo; answered Holdfast.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Suppose we should meet with a pack of savages armed with spears!&rdquo;
+       suggested Harry, with a side look at Clinton, who was walking by him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, good gracious! Mr. Holdfast, do you think we will?&rdquo; asked that young
+      gentleman, nervously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We must do the best we can. I take it we are all brave, and would be
+      willing to fight.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      After a considerable walk, they reached a grove of trees, bearing a
+      different leaf from any to which they were accustomed. They did not appear
+      to produce fruit of any kind, but were comely and afforded a grateful
+      shade. This was the more appreciated, because the sun had begun to make
+      its heat felt, and a feeling of languor diffused itself over all.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I move we squat here a while,&rdquo; said Mr. Stubbs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well,&rdquo; said the mate. &ldquo;We have all day before us, and I am afraid a
+      great many more to come, in which we may explore the island.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      All threw themselves on the grass without ceremony.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They returned to the shore about noon, and sitting down on the bluff, ate
+      heartily of the stores they had brought with them from the ship. They had
+      brought no water, but, fortunately, discovered a spring on their homeward
+      walk, which promised a constant supply of refreshing drink.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This seems a great deal like a picnic,&rdquo; said Harry, as they sat down on
+      the grass with the food in the center.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am afraid it will prove a larger picnic than we care for,&rdquo; remarked the
+      professor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When dinner was over, if their informal meal can be dignified by that
+      name, Mr. Holdfast said:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think we had better make another trip to the ship, and bring back what
+      we can. We shall need a further supply of provisions, and there will be
+      other things that will occur to us as likely to be needed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;May I go with you, Mr. Holdfast?&rdquo; asked Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; answered the mate; &ldquo;I will take you and Jack, and Mr. Stubbs, too,
+      may come, if he will.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am quite at your command, captain,&rdquo; said the Yankee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Nothing suited Harry better than to make one of the expeditions. He and
+      Jack clambered up the ship&rsquo;s sides, and chased each other in boyish fun.
+      Jack had no fear of a stern rebuke from Mr. Holdfast, who had a sympathy
+      with the young. He would not have dared to take such liberties with
+      Captain Hill.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How long do you think the ship will hold together, Mr. Holdfast?&rdquo; asked
+      Stubbs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;For a week, perhaps, unless the sea becomes rough, and dashes her against
+      the reef with violence.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;At present she seems motionless.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, she is not at present receiving any damage. It will be a sad day
+      when she goes to pieces,&rdquo; continued the mate, gravely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, but it will hardly make our position worse. There is no chance of
+      our making any use of her, I take it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t quite understand me,&rdquo; said Holdfast. &ldquo;A sailor gets to feel an
+      attachment for the craft he sails on, and she seems to him something like
+      a living creature. This is my first voyage on the old Nantucket, but it
+      will grieve me to see her disappear.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      It was not easy to decide of what the boat&rsquo;s load should consist. In the
+      main, provisions were taken as an article of first necessity. Some
+      clothing, also, was selected, and among the rest, at Harry&rsquo;s instance, an
+      extra pair of Mr. Clinton&rsquo;s trousers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was decided not to make another trip to the ship that day. Mr. Holdfast
+      expressed the opinion that the Nantucket was not in any immediate danger
+      of going to pieces, and there was much other work in hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you know anything about the climate here, Mr. Holdfast?&rdquo; asked the
+      professor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think it is ever cold. It is too far south for that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I mean as to the chance of rain. I am told that in these tropical places,
+      rain comes on very suddenly at times.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suspect that this is the dry season, professor.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Still, it may be wise to provide ourselves with some shelter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;True; have you anything to suggest?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It occurred to me that we might procure some of the sails, and use as a
+      roof covering to shield us from the heat of the sun, and from any
+      unexpected showers.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A good idea. I am glad you mentioned it. On the whole, I think I will
+      make one more trip to the ship this afternoon for the special purpose of
+      bringing back materials for a roof. Then we can put it up to-night.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Better bring hatchets, if there are any on board, some nails and
+      cordage.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Also well thought of. You are a practical man, professor.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We shall all have to think for the general benefit. I am sorry I can&rsquo;t do
+      more work, but I never was handy with tools.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am,&rdquo; said Stubbs. &ldquo;In fact, most Yankees are, and I am a Yankee. You
+      can command my services, Mr. Holdfast, in any way that you see fit.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Holdfast made another trip to the vessel, and brought back quite an
+      expanse of sailcloth. All hands, with the exception of Mr. Clinton, went
+      to work at once, and by sunset a considerable space was roofed over, which
+      the little company regarded with complacency.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Aren&rsquo;t you going to have any sides or doors?&rdquo; asked Clinton.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That can be considered hereafter,&rdquo; said Holdfast. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think we shall
+      need any, since the probability is that the island is not inhabited.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The next morning a great surprise awaited them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It might have been because it was the first night on land, or perhaps
+      because they were unusually fatigued, but at any rate the little party
+      slept unusually late. The first one to awake was Harry Vane. It took very
+      little time for him to dress, since he had only taken off his coat. He
+      glanced at his slumbering companions, who were scattered about in
+      different postures.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll go up to the spring, and have a wash,&rdquo; Harry decided. &ldquo;I won&rsquo;t wake
+      anybody, for there&rsquo;s no hurry about waking up.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Returning from the spring, Harry for the first time looked in the
+      direction of the ship. What he saw filled him with amazement. The wreck
+      which he had thought deserted, was alive with men. He saw a dozen on deck,
+      including two who were obviously not sailors. He could not immediately
+      discern the figures, and ran hastily to the top of the bluff. Then he made
+      the startling discovery that these intruders were the captain and his
+      companions, who had abandoned the ship in the expectation that it was
+      doomed, and, after floating about in the long boat, had by a wonderful
+      coincidence drifted to the very point which they themselves had reached.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The news was too important to keep, and he returned to the encampment, and
+      entering, approached the mate, who was sleeping soundly. He leaned over
+      and shook him gently.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Holdfast!&rdquo; he cried.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The mate slowly opened his eyes and started up.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What&rsquo;s the matter?&rdquo; he asked. &ldquo;Has anything happened?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve got great news for you, Mr. Holdfast. Captain Hill has arrived.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What!&rdquo; exclaimed the mate, in amazement. &ldquo;Arrived&mdash;where?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is at this moment on the Nantucket, with all the men that accompanied
+      him in the long boat.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Uttering an expression of amazement, Mr. Holdfast sprang from the ground,
+      and hastily made his way to the edge of the bluff.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By Jove!&rdquo; said he, &ldquo;you&rsquo;re right. I never heard of anything more
+      wonderful.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry could not tell from the expression of his face whether he considered
+      the news good or not.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Go and wake up the rest, Harry,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;They will be surprised, too.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      It is needless to say that the news produced surprise and excitement. All
+      hurried to the edge of the bluff.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will they come on shore, do you think?&rdquo; asked Harry of the mate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;They will have to; but I shall at once go out to the ship and report to
+      my superior officer. You and Jack may go with me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      It is needless to say that both boys were very glad to accept this
+      invitation. The rest of the party remained on shore and watched the boat&rsquo;s
+      course.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What will be the issue of this, Mr. Stubbs?&rdquo; asked the professor,
+      thoughtfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am afraid there will be friction. The captain is a natural despot, and
+      he will undertake to control us.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He can have no authority after the ship is wrecked.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He will claim it, as sure as my name is Stubbs. The fact is, I am rather
+      sorry he hadn&rsquo;t managed to drift to another island. Mr. Holdfast is a much
+      more agreeable man to deal with.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I agree with you. As a passenger, I shall not recognize the captain&rsquo;s
+      authority on shore.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Nor I.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Meanwhile, the mate and the two boys had pulled to the ship, and, securing
+      the boat, scrambled on deck.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-morning, Captain Hill; I am glad to meet you once more,&rdquo; said the
+      mate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Humph!&rdquo; growled the captain, not over politely. &ldquo;When did you reach
+      here?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yesterday morning.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where are the rest of the party?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We have a little camp just back of the bluff.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I see you have been removing articles from the ship,&rdquo; continued the
+      captain, in a tone of disapproval.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly,&rdquo; answered the mate. &ldquo;We need them, and I didn&rsquo;t know how long
+      the ship would last.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It seems in no immediate danger of going to pieces.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Things look more favorable than they did yesterday morning. What sort of
+      a trip did you have in the boat?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A curious question to ask,&rdquo; said the captain, captiously. &ldquo;We were in
+      danger of being swamped more than once.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We had better have remained on board the Nantucket with you, Mr.
+      Holdfast,&rdquo; said Appleton, the Melbourne merchant.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Captain Hill chose to take offense at this remark.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You were quite at liberty to stay, Mr. Appleton,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t urge
+      you to go with me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;True, Captain Hill; but I trusted to your opinion that the ship was
+      unsafe.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The captain looked angry, but did not make any reply.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      By the sailors Mr. Holdfast was warmly greeted. He was much better liked
+      than the captain, being a man of even temper and reasonable in his
+      demands.
+    </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>
+      THE LAST OF THE &ldquo;NANTUCKET&rdquo;
+     </h3>
+    <p>
+      Though the mate had removed some of the stores, much the larger portion
+      was left on board, for the Nantucket had been provisioned for a long
+      voyage. Yet Captain Hill saw fit to complain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is fortunate that you didn&rsquo;t take all the stores, Mr. Holdfast,&rdquo; he
+      remarked, in a sarcastic tone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The mate eyed the captain steadily.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;May I ask your meaning, Captain Hill?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I mean what I say, sir. I think my language requires no interpreter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I can only reply that it would have made no difference if I had
+      removed all the provisions.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You appear to forget that I am your superior officer,&rdquo; said the captain
+      in a heat.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I had no superior officer at the time I ordered the removal.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have now, at any rate.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We are not at sea, Captain Hill. The vessel is wrecked, and all
+      distinctions are at an end. Now it is each for himself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So, sir, you defy my authority!&rdquo; exclaimed the captain, looking black.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t recognize it, that is all.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You shall, sir!&rdquo; retorted the captain, frowning. &ldquo;You shall learn, also,
+      that I have means to enforce it. I have nearly a dozen seamen under me,
+      and you have only the boy, Jack Pendleton.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Captain Hill, all this is very foolish. We are ship-wrecked, and have
+      taken refuge on the same island. Instead of quarreling, we should help
+      each other.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So you presume to lecture me!&rdquo; sneered the captain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Holdfast didn&rsquo;t care to continue the dispute.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am ready to help you remove what you require,&rdquo; he said, quietly. &ldquo;It
+      will be well to remove as much as possible today, for we may at any time
+      have a storm, that will effectually put an end to our work.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well, sir; I am glad you show a better spirit.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The mate was both annoyed and amused at this evident intention to throw
+      upon him the whole onus of the quarrel, but he did not care to reply. He
+      and the two boys helped remove the stores, and it being quite early, by
+      noon several boatloads had been deposited on shore, to be removed farther
+      inland when there was a good opportunity. One thing Mr. Holdfast noted
+      with apprehension. There was a considerable quantity of brandy and other
+      spirits in the captain&rsquo;s cabin, which he took care to have included in the
+      articles removed. Remembering the captain&rsquo;s weakness, he feared this might
+      lead to trouble. But he did not take it upon himself to remonstrate,
+      knowing that in the state of the captain&rsquo;s feelings toward him it would be
+      worse than useless.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      By three o&rsquo;clock about all the stores, with other needful articles, had
+      been removed, and there was a large pile on the bluff.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Captain, will you walk over and see my encampment?&rdquo; asked Holdfast, now
+      that there was leisure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Lead on, sir,&rdquo; said the captain, though not overpolitely. It was not far
+      away, and a short walk brought them in front of it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps you will feel inclined to settle near by,&rdquo; suggested Holdfast.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; I don&rsquo;t care to intrude upon you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Eventually the captain selected a spot about half a mile away. Here an
+      encampment was made, very similar to the mate&rsquo;s but on a larger scale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad the captain is not close alongside,&rdquo; said Jack Pendleton.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So am I,&rdquo; answered Harry, to whom this remark was made. &ldquo;We are better
+      off by ourselves.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He would be sure to interfere with us. I saw him scowling at me more than
+      once this morning. You know he don&rsquo;t like me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Nor me, either, Jack. It will be well for both of us to keep out of his
+      way.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      To the great delight of Clinton, more of his &ldquo;wardrobe,&rdquo; as he called it,
+      was brought ashore. For this he was indebted to the good-natured
+      persistence of Harry, who, though amused at the vanity of the young man
+      from Brooklyn, felt disposed to gratify him in a harmless whim.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The two parties remained apart, the original company remaining with the
+      captain, while four passengers and Jack Pendleton stayed with the mate.
+      Captain Hill showed a disposition to claim Jack, but Holdfast said,
+      quietly: &ldquo;I think captain, Jack had better stay with me for the present,
+      as he is company for Harry Vane.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The captain looked dissatisfied, but was too tired to remonstrate at that
+      time. He went to his own encampment, and indulged in liberal potations of
+      brandy, which had the effect of sending him to sleep.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      That night a violent wind sprang up. It blew from the sea inland, and
+      though it did not affect the ship-wrecked parties or their encampment
+      seriously, on account of their being screened by the intervening bluff, it
+      had another effect which a day or two previous might have been
+      disasterous. The ill-fated Nantucket was driven with such force against
+      the reef that the strength of its hull was overtaxed. When the mate went
+      to the bluff in the morning to take an observation, he was startled to
+      find in place of the wreck a confused debris of timbers and fragments of
+      the wreck.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As the mate was surveying the scene of ruin, Jack and Harry joined him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Look there, my lads!&rdquo; said Holdfast. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s the last of the poor old
+      Nantucket. She will never float again.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      They had known this before, but it was now impressed upon their minds
+      forcibly, and a feeling of sadness came over the three.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That settles it,&rdquo; said Harry, giving expression to a common feeling. &ldquo;We
+      are prisoners on the island now, and no mistake.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;When we leave here, it won&rsquo;t be on the Nantucket, anyway,&rdquo; said Jack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is lucky this happened after we had brought our stock of provisions
+      ashore,&rdquo; said the mate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Let us go down and see what these kegs and boxes contain,&rdquo; suggested
+      Harry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So the three descended to the reef, and began to examine the articles
+      thrown ashore. For the most part they were of little value, though here
+      and there were articles that might prove useful.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Couldn&rsquo;t we make a raft out of the timbers of the old ship?&rdquo; asked Jack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is worth thinking of, though a raft would not do for a long voyage,&rdquo;
+       said Holdfast. &ldquo;No, but we might be picked up.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;When the captain&rsquo;s party is awake it will be well for us to haul the
+      loose timbers up to a place of safety.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Here&rsquo;s Clinton&rsquo;s trunk,&rdquo; said Harry, bending over and recognizing the
+      initials. &ldquo;Here is the name, &lsquo;M. C., Brooklyn.&rsquo; He will be overjoyed.
+      Suppose we take it up between us.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      No opposition being made by Mr. Holdfast, the boys took the trunk up
+      between them, preceding the mate. They had just reached the summit of the
+      bluff.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Put down that trunk!&rdquo; said a stern voice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Looking up, the boys saw that the speaker was Captain Hill.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The captain&rsquo;s face was of dull, brick-red, and it was clear that he had
+      already been drinking, early as it was. Naturally the boys, on hearing his
+      voice, put down the trunk in their surprise, but they maintained their
+      position, one on each side of it. Of the two, Jack was the more impressed,
+      having been one of the crew, and subject to the captain&rsquo;s authority on
+      shipboard. Harry, as a passenger, felt more independent. Indeed, he was
+      indignant, and ready to resist what he thought uncalled-for interference
+      on the part of the captain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This is Mr. Clinton&rsquo;s trunk,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;We are going to carry it to him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you dare to dispute my authority?&rdquo; roared the captain, his red face
+      becoming still redder.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t see what you have to do with the trunk,&rdquo; answered Harry, boldly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This to me!&rdquo; shrieked the captain, looking as if he were going to have a
+      fit of apoplexy. &ldquo;Do you know who I am?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You were the captain of the Nantucket,&rdquo; said Harry, quietly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The captain, notwithstanding his inebriated condition, did not fail to
+      notice that Harry used the past tense.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am still the captain of the Nantucket, as I mean to show you,&rdquo; he
+      retorted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then, sir, you are captain of a wreck that has gone to pieces.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Captain Hill upon this looked at the fragments of the unfortunate ship,
+      and for the first time took in what had happened.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It doesn&rsquo;t matter,&rdquo; said he, after a brief pause, &ldquo;I am in command here,
+      and&rdquo;&mdash;here he interpolated an oath&mdash;&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t allow any
+      interference with my authority.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are not captain of Mr. Clinton&rsquo;s trunk,&rdquo; said Harry, in a spirited
+      tone. &ldquo;Jack, let us carry it along.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This was too much for the captain. With a look of fury on his face, he
+      dashed toward Harry, and there is no doubt that our hero was in serious
+      danger. He paled slightly, for he knew he was no match for the tall,
+      sinewy captain, and was half regretting his independence when he felt
+      himself drawn forcibly to one side, and in his place stood the mate,
+      sternly eyeing the infuriated captain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do you want to do, Captain Hill?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To crush that young viper!&rdquo; shouted the captain, fiercely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You shall not harm a hair of his head!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      By this time the captain&rsquo;s wrath had been diverted to the mate. He struck
+      out with his right hand, intending to fell him to the ground, but, the
+      mate swerving, he fell from the force of his abortive blow, and, being
+      under the influence of his morning potations, could not immediately rise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Boys,&rdquo; said Mr. Holdfast, &ldquo;you may take hold of the trunk again and go on
+      with it. Don&rsquo;t be afraid. If the captain makes any attempt to assault you,
+      he will have me to deal with.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Harry and Jack did as directed. Jack, however, could not help feeling a
+      little nervous, his old fear of the captain asserting itself. But Harry,
+      confident in the protection of his good friend, the mate, was quite
+      unconcerned.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Holdfast walked on beside them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The captain seems disposed to make trouble,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;He fancies that he
+      is captain of this island, as he was chief officer of the Nantucket. I
+      shall convince him of his mistake.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope you won&rsquo;t get into any trouble on my account, Mr. Holdfast,&rdquo; said
+      Harry, considerately.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, my lad; but Tom Holdfast doesn&rsquo;t propose to let any man walk
+      over him, even if it is his old skipper. Now that the ship is gone,
+      Captain Hill has no more authority here than I have.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      As the captain fell, his head came in contact with a timber with such
+      violence that, combined with his condition, he was forced to lie where he
+      fell for over an hour.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As the boys emerged upon the bluff with the trunk, Clinton, who had just
+      got up, recognized it, and ran up to them, his face beaming with delight.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, Mr. Vane!&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;have you really brought my trunk? You are
+      awfully kind.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Then they had breakfast&mdash;a very plain meal, as might be supposed.
+      Some of the sailors came over from the other camp, and one of them asked
+      Mr. Holdfast if he had seen the captain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You will find him on the beach,&rdquo; answered the mate. &ldquo;He has been carrying
+      too much sail, I think,&rdquo; he added, dryly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After a while the captain picked himself up, and gazed moodily at the
+      wreck, of which so little remained. Then, the events of the morning
+      recurring to him, he frowned savagely, and, turning toward the bluff, he
+      shook his fist angrily in the direction of the mate&rsquo;s encampment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XVI
+    </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>
+      Among the sailors was an Italian named Francesco. Probably he had another
+      name, but no one knew what it was. In fact, a sailor&rsquo;s last name is very
+      little used. He was a man of middle height, very swarthy, with bright,
+      black eyes, not unpopular, for the most part, but with a violent temper.
+      His chief fault was a love of strong drink. On board the Nantucket grog
+      had been served to the crew; and with that he had been content. But at the
+      time of the wreck no spirits had been saved but the captain&rsquo;s stock of
+      brandy. Francesco felt this to be a great hardship. More than any other
+      sailor he felt the need of his usual stimulant. It was very tantalizing to
+      him to see the captain partaking of his private stock of brandy while he
+      was compelled to get along on water.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The captain is too mucha selfish,&rdquo; he said one day to a fellow-sailor.
+      &ldquo;He should share his brandy with the men.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Ben Brady, the sailor to whom he was speaking, shrugged his shoulders.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think I will try some of the captain&rsquo;s brandy when he is away,&rdquo; said
+      Francesco, slyly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you do, you will get into trouble. The captain will half murder you if
+      he finds it out.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is not captain now&mdash;we are all equal&mdash;all comrades. We are
+      not on ze sheep.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Take my advice, Francesco, and leave the brandy alone.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Francesco did not reply, but he became more and more bent on his design.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He watched the captain, and ascertained where he kept his secret store.
+      Then he watched his opportunity to help himself. It was some time before
+      he had an opportunity to do so unobserved, but at length the chance came.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The first draught brought light to his eyes, and made him smack his lips
+      with enjoyment. It was so long since he had tasted the forbidden nectar
+      that he drank again and again. Finally he found himself overcome by his
+      potations, and sank upon the ground in a drunken stupor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He was getting over the effects when, to his ill-luck, the captain
+      returned from his usual solitary ramble.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He has been at my brandy!&rdquo; Captain Hill said to himself, with flaming
+      eyes. &ldquo;The fool shall pay dearly for his temerity.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He advanced hastily to the prostrate man, and administered a severe kick,
+      which at once aroused the half-stupefied man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Francesco looked up with alarm, for the captain was a much larger and
+      stronger man than himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Pardon, signor captain,&rdquo; he entreated.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have been drinking my brandy, you beast,&rdquo; said Captain Hill,
+      furiously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      I draw a veil over the brutal treatment poor Francesco received. When it
+      was over he crawled away, beaten and humiliated, but in his eye there was
+      a dangerous light that boded no good to the captain.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Presently Francesco began to absent himself. Where he went no one knew or
+      cared, but he, too, would be away all day. His small, black eyes glowed
+      with smoldering fires of hatred whenever he looked at the captain, but his
+      looks were always furtive, and so for the most part escaped observation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      One day Captain Hill stood in contemplation on the edge of a precipitous
+      bluff, looking seaward. His hands were folded, and he looked thoughtful.
+      His back was turned, so he could not, therefore, see a figure stealthily
+      approaching, the face distorted by murderous hate, the hand holding a
+      long, slender knife. Fate was approaching him in the person of a deadly
+      enemy. He did not know that day by day Francesco had dogged his steps,
+      watching for the opportunity which had at last come.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So stealthy was the pace, and so silent the approach of the foe, that the
+      captain believed himself wholly alone till he felt a sharp lunge, as the
+      stiletto entered his back between his shoulders. He staggered, but turned
+      suddenly, all his senses now on the alert, and discovered who had assailed
+      him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Ha! it is you!&rdquo; he exclaimed wrathfully, seizing the Italian by the
+      throat. &ldquo;Dog, what would you do?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Kill you!&rdquo; hissed the Italian, and with the remnant of his strength he
+      thrust the knife farther into his enemy&rsquo;s body.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The captain turned white, and he staggered, still standing on the brink of
+      the precipice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Perceiving it, and not thinking of his own danger, Francesco gave him a
+      push, and losing his balance the captain fell over the edge, a distance of
+      sixty feet, upon the jagged rocks beneath. But not alone! Still retaining
+      his fierce clutch upon the Italian&rsquo;s throat, the murderer, too, fell with
+      him, and both were stretched in an instant, mangled and lifeless, at the
+      bottom of the precipice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When night came, and neither returned, it was thought singular, but the
+      night was dark, and they were unprovided with lanterns, so that the search
+      was postponed till morning. It was only after a search of several hours
+      that the two were found.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After the captain&rsquo;s death two distinct camps were still maintained, but
+      the most cordial relations existed between them. At the suggestion of the
+      mate, an inventory was made of the stock of provisions, and to each camp
+      was assigned an amount proportioned to the number of men which it
+      contained.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was no immediate prospect of want. Still, the more prudent regarded
+      with anxiety the steady diminution of the stock remaining, and an attempt
+      to eke them out by fresh fish caught off the island. But the inevitable
+      day was only postponed. At length only a week&rsquo;s provisions remained. The
+      condition was becoming serious.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What shall we do?&rdquo; was the question put to Mr. Holdfast, who was now
+      looked upon by all as their leader and chief.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Upon this the mate called a general meeting of all upon the island,
+      sailors and passengers alike.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My friends,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;it is useless to conceal our situation. We are
+      nearly out of provisions, and though we may manage to subsist upon the
+      fish we catch, and other esculents native to this spot, it will be a daily
+      fight against starvation. I have been asked what we are to do. I prefer
+      rather to call for suggestions from you. What have you to suggest?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In my view there are two courses open to us,&rdquo; said Mr. Stubbs, finding
+      that no one else appeared to have anything to propose. &ldquo;We must remain
+      here and eat the rest of our provisions, but there seems very little
+      chance of our attracting the attention of any passing vessel. We appear to
+      be out of the ordinary course. Of course, it is possible that some ship
+      may have passed the island without attracting our notice. What is your
+      opinion, Mr. Holdfast?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The flag of the Nantucket, as you know, has floated night and day from a
+      pole erected on a high bluff,&rdquo; said the mate. &ldquo;The chances are that if any
+      vessel had come sufficiently near it would have attracted attention, and
+      led to a boat being lowered, and an exploring party sent thither.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;While we&rsquo;ve got any provisions left,&rdquo; said the boatswain, &ldquo;let us take
+      the boats, and pull out to sea. We can go where the ships are, and then
+      we&rsquo;ll have some chance. They&rsquo;ll never find us here, leastways, such is my
+      opinion.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My friends,&rdquo; said the mate, &ldquo;you have heard the proposal made by the
+      boatswain. All who are in favor of it will please raise their right hand.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      All voted in the affirmative.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My friends,&rdquo; said Mr. Holdfast, &ldquo;it seems to be the unanimous sentiment
+      that we leave the island, and sail out far enough to be in the course of
+      passing vessels. I concur in the expediency of this step, and am ready to
+      command one of the boats. Mr. Harrison will command the other.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How soon shall we start?&rdquo; asked a passenger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The sooner the better! To-morrow morning, if it is pleasant.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This decision pleased all. Something was to be done, and hope was
+      rekindled in the breasts of all. Heretofore they had been living on,
+      without hope or prospect of release. Now they were to set out boldly, and
+      though there was the possibility of failure, there was also a chance of
+      deliverance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      No sooner was the decision made than all hands went to work to prepare for
+      embarking.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the appointment of passengers, Mr. Holdfast, who commanded the long
+      boat, retained Harry, the professor and Clinton. Six sailors, including
+      Jack Pendleton, made up the complement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad you are going to be with us, Jack,&rdquo; said Harry, joyfully. &ldquo;I
+      shouldn&rsquo;t like to be separated from you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Nor I from you, Harry,&rdquo; returned Jack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At eight o&rsquo;clock the next morning they started. As the island faded in the
+      distance, all looked back thoughtfully at their sometime home.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Three days the boats floated about on the bosom of the ocean&mdash;three
+      days and nights of anxiety, during which no sail was visible. But at
+      length a ship was sighted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In one way or another we must try to attract attention,&rdquo; said the mate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Not to protract the reader&rsquo;s suspense, let me say that by great good
+      fortune the mate of the approaching ship, in sweeping the ocean with his
+      glass caught sight of the two boats, and changed the course of the vessel
+      so as to fall in with them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who are you?&rdquo; he hailed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Shipwrecked sailors and passengers of the ship Nantucket,&rdquo; was the answer
+      of Mr. Holdfast.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They were taken on board, and discovered that the vessel was the Phocis,
+      from New York, bound for Melbourne.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We shall reach our destination after all, then, professor,&rdquo; said Harry,
+      &ldquo;and you will be able to give your entertainments as you at first
+      proposed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Professor Hemenway shook his head.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall take the first steamer home,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;My wife will be anxious
+      about me, and even now is in doubt whether I am alive or dead. You can
+      return with me, if you like.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No,&rdquo; answered Harry. &ldquo;After the trouble I have had in getting to
+      Australia, I mean to stay long enough to see what sort of a country it is.
+      I think I can make a living in one way or another, and if I can&rsquo;t, I will
+      send to America for the money I have there.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      In due time they reached Melbourne, without further mischance. Harry
+      induced Jack to remain with him, but Mr. Clinton, with a new stock of
+      trousers, purchased in Melbourne, returned to America on the same steamer
+      with the professor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Here we leave Harry and Jack to pursue their course to such eminence as
+      they may desire from the characteristics they have portrayed in this
+      narrative.
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      THE END
+    </h3>
+    <div style="height: 6em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Facing the World, by Horatio Alger
+
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