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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12741 ***
+
+RISEN FROM THE RANKS,
+
+OR,
+
+HARRY WALTON'S SUCCESS.
+
+
+
+
+
+BY
+
+HORATIO ALGER, JR.,
+
+
+AUTHOR OF "RAGGED DICK," "TATTERED TOM," "LUCK AND PLUCK,"
+"BRAVE AND BOLD" SERIES.
+
+
+
+
+
+1874.
+
+
+
+
+To
+
+THOMAS E. BARRY,
+
+of the
+
+BOSTON BAR,
+
+THIS VOLUME
+
+INSCRIBED WITH FRIENDLY REGARD
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+"Risen from the Ranks" contains the further
+history of Harry Walton, who was first
+introduced to the public in the pages of "Bound to
+Rise."  Those who are interested in learning
+how far he made good the promise of his
+boyhood, may here find their curiosity gratified.
+For the benefit of those who may only read the
+present volume, a synopsis of Harry's previous
+life is given in the first chapter.
+
+In describing Harry's rise from the ranks I
+have studiously avoided the extraordinary
+incidents and pieces of good luck, which the story
+writer has always at command, being desirous
+of presenting my hero's career as one which may
+be imitated by the thousands of boys similarly
+placed, who, like him, are anxious to rise from
+the ranks.  It is my hope that this story,
+suggested in part by the career of an eminent
+American editor, may afford encouragement to
+such boys, and teach them that "where there is
+a will there is always a way."
+
+New York, October 1874.
+
+
+
+
+RISEN FROM THE RANKS;
+
+OR,
+
+HARRY WALTON'S SUCCESS.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+HARRY WALTON.
+
+"I am sorry to part with you, Harry," said Professor Henderson.  "You
+have been a very satisfactory and efficient assistant, and I shall
+miss you."
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Harry.  "I have tried to be faithful to your
+interests."
+
+"You have been so," said the Professor emphatically.  "I have had
+perfect confidence in you, and this has relieved me of a great deal
+of anxiety.  It would have been very easy for one in your position to
+cheat me out of a considerable sum of money."
+
+"It was no credit to me to resist such a temptation as that," said
+Harry.
+
+"I am glad to hear you say so, but it shows your inexperience
+nevertheless.  Money is the great tempter nowadays.  Consider how
+many defalcations and breaches of trust we read of daily in
+confidential positions, and we are forced to conclude that honesty is
+a rarer virtue than we like to think it.  I have every reason to
+believe that my assistant last winter purloined, at the least, a
+hundred dollars, but I was unable to prove it, and submitted to the
+loss.  It may be the same next winter.  Can't I induce you to change
+your resolution, and remain in my employ?  I will advance your pay."
+
+"Thank you, Professor Henderson," said Harry gratefully.  "I
+appreciate your offer, even if I do not accept it.  But I have made
+up mind to learn the printing business."
+
+"You are to enter the office of the 'Centreville Gazette,' I believe."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"How much pay will you get?"
+
+"I shall receive my board the first month, and for the next six
+months have agreed to take two dollars a week and board."
+
+"That won't pay your expenses."
+
+"It must," said Harry, firmly.
+
+"You have laid up some money while with me, haven't you!"
+
+"Yes, sir; I have fifty dollars in my pocket-book, besides having
+given eighty dollars at home."
+
+"That is doing well, but you won't be able to lay up anything for the
+next year."
+
+"Perhaps not in money, but I shall be gaining the knowledge of a good
+trade."
+
+"And you like that better than remaining with me, and learning my
+business?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Well, perhaps you are right.  I don't fancy being a magician myself;
+but I am too old to change.  I like moving round, and I make a good
+living for my family.  Besides I contribute to the innocent amusement
+of the public, and earn my money fairly."
+
+"I agree with you, sir," said Harry.  "I think yours is a useful
+employment, but it would not suit everybody.  Ever since I read the
+life of Benjamin Franklin, I have wanted to learn to be a printer."
+
+"It is an excellent business, no doubt, and if you have made up your
+mind I will not dissuade you.  When you have a paper of your own, you
+can give your old friend, Professor Henderson, an occasional puff."
+
+"I shall be glad to do that," said Harry, smiling, "but I shall have
+to wait some time first."
+
+"How old are you now?"
+
+"Sixteen."
+
+"Then you may qualify yourself for an editor in five or six years.  I
+advise you to try it at any rate.  The editor in America is a man of
+influence."
+
+"I do look forward to it," said Harry, seriously.  "I should not be
+satisfied to remain a journeyman all my life, nor even the half of
+it."
+
+"I sympathize with your ambition, Harry," said the Professor,
+earnestly, "and I wish you the best success.  Let me hear from you
+occasionally."
+
+"I should be very glad to write you, sir."
+
+"I see the stage is at the door, and I must bid you good-by.  When
+you have a vacation, if you get a chance to come our way, Mrs.
+Henderson and myself will be glad to receive a visit from you.
+Good-by!" And with a hearty shake of the hand, Professor Henderson
+bade farewell to his late assistant.
+
+Those who have read "Bound to Rise," and are thus familiar with Harry
+Walton's early history, will need no explanation of the preceding
+conversation.  But for the benefit of new readers, I will
+recapitulate briefly the leading events in the history of the boy of
+sixteen who is to be our hero.
+
+Harry Walton was the oldest son of a poor New Hampshire farmer, who
+found great difficulty is wresting from his few sterile acres a
+living for his family.  Nearly a year before, he had lost his only
+cow by a prevalent disease, and being without money, was compelled to
+buy another of Squire Green, a rich but mean neighbor, on a six
+months' note, on very unfavorable terms.  As it required great
+economy to make both ends meet, there seemed no possible chance of
+his being able to meet the note at maturity.  Beside, Mr. Walton was
+to forfeit ten dollars if he did not have the principal and interest
+ready for Squire Green.   The hard-hearted creditor was mean enough
+to take advantage of his poor neighbor's necessities, and there was
+not the slightest chance of his receding from his unreasonable
+demand.  Under these circumstances Harry, the oldest boy, asked his
+father's permission to go out into the world and earn his own living.
+He hoped not only to do this, but to save something toward paying his
+father's note.  His ambition had been kindled by reading the life of
+Benjamin Franklin, which had been awarded to him as a school prize.
+He did not expect to emulate Franklin, but he thought that by
+imitating him he might attain an honorable position in the community.
+
+Harry's request was not at first favorably received.  To send a boy
+out into the world to earn his own living is a hazardous experiment,
+and fathers are less sanguine than their sons.  Their experience
+suggests difficulties and obstacles of which the inexperienced youth
+knows and possesses nothing.  But in the present case Mr. Walton
+reflected that the little farming town in which he lived offered
+small inducements for a boy to remain there, unless he was content to
+be a farmer, and this required capital.  His farm was too small for
+himself, and of course he could not give Harry a part when be came of
+age.  On the whole, therefore, Harry's plan of becoming a mechanic
+seemed not so bad a one after all.  So permission was accorded, and
+our hero, with his little bundle of clothes, left the paternal roof,
+and went out in quest of employment.
+
+After some adventures Harry obtained employment in a shoe-shop as
+pegger.  A few weeks sufficed to make him a good workman, and he was
+then able to earn three dollars a week and board.  Out of this sum be
+hoped to save enough to pay the note held by Squire Green against his
+father, but there were two unforeseen obstacles.  He had the
+misfortune to lose his pocket-book, which was picked up by an
+unprincipled young man, by name Luke Harrison, also a shoemaker, who
+was always in pecuniary difficulties, though he earned much higher
+wages than Harry.  Luke was unable to resist the temptation, and
+appropriated the money to his own use.  This Harry ascertained after
+a while, but thus far had succeeded in obtaining the restitution of
+but a small portion of his hard-earned savings.  The second obstacle
+was a sudden depression in the shoe trade which threw him out of
+work.  More than most occupations the shoe business is liable to
+these sudden fluctuations and suspensions, and the most industrious
+and ambitious workman is often compelled to spend in his enforced
+weeks of idleness all that he had been able to save when employed,
+and thus at the end of the year finds himself, through no fault of
+his own, no better off than at the beginning.  Finding himself out of
+work, our hero visited other shoe establishments in the hope of
+employment.  But his search was in vain.  Chance in this emergency
+made him acquainted with Professor Henderson, a well-known magician
+and conjurer, whose custom it was to travel, through the fall and
+winter, from town to town, giving public exhibitions of his skill.
+He was in want of an assistant, to sell tickets and help him
+generally, and he offered the position to our hero, at a salary of
+five dollars a week.  It is needless to say that the position was
+gladly accepted.  It was not the business that Harry preferred, but
+he reasoned justly that it was honorable, and was far better than
+remaining idle.  He found Professor Henderson as he called himself, a
+considerate and agreeable employer, and as may be inferred from the
+conversation with which this chapter begins, his services were very
+satisfactory.  At the close of the six months, he had the
+satisfaction of paying the note which his father had given, and so of
+disappointing the selfish schemes of the grasping creditor.
+
+This was not all.  He met with an adventure while travelling for the
+Professor, in which a highwayman who undertook to rob him, came off
+second best, and he was thus enabled to add fifty dollars to his
+savings.  His financial condition at the opening of the present story
+has already been set forth.
+
+Though I have necessarily omitted many interesting details, to be
+found in "Bound to Rise," I have given the reader all the information
+required to enable him to understand the narrative of Harry's
+subsequent fortunes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 11.
+
+THE PRINTING OFFICE.
+
+Jotham Anderson, editor and publisher of the "Centreville Gazette,"
+was sitting at his desk penning an editorial paragraph, when the
+office door opened, and Harry Walton entered.
+
+"Good-morning, Mr. Anderson," said our hero, removing his hat.
+
+"Good-morning, my friend.  I believe you have the advantage of me,"
+replied the editor.
+
+Our hero was taken aback.  It didn't occur to him that the engagement
+was a far less important event to the publisher than to himself.  He
+began to be afraid that the place had not been kept open for him.
+
+"My name is Harry Walton," he explained.  "I was travelling with
+Prof. Henderson last winter, and called here to get some bills
+printed."
+
+"Oh yes, I remember you now.  I agreed to take you into the office,"
+said the editor, to Harry's great relief.
+
+"Yes, air."
+
+"You haven't changed your mind, then?--You still want to be a
+printer?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"You have left the Professor, I suppose."
+
+"I left him yesterday."
+
+"What did he pay you?"
+
+"Five dollars a week.  He offered me six, if I would stay with him."
+
+"Of course you know that I can't pay you any such wages at present."
+
+"Yes, sir.  You agreed to give me my board the first month, and two
+dollars a week for six months afterward."
+
+"That is all you will be worth to me at first.  It is a good deal
+less than you would earn with Professor Henderson."
+
+"I know that, sir; but I am willing to come for that."
+
+"Good.  I see you are in earnest about printing, and that is a good
+sign.  I wanted you to understand just what you had to expect, so
+that you need not be disappointed."
+
+"I sha'n't be disappointed, sir," said Harry confidently.  "I have
+made up my mind to be a printer, and if you didn't receive me into
+your office, I would try to get in somewhere else."
+
+"Then no more need be said.  When do you want to begin?"
+
+"I am ready any time."
+
+"Where is your trunk?"
+
+"At the tavern."
+
+"You can have it brought over to my house whenever you please.  The
+hotel-keeper will send it over for you.  He is our expressman.  Come
+into the house now, and I will introduce you to my wife."
+
+The editor's home was just across the street from his printing
+office.  Followed by Harry he crossed the street, opened the front
+door, and led the way into the sitting-room, where a pleasant-looking
+lady of middle age was seated.
+
+"My dear," he said, "I bring you a new boarder."
+
+She looked at Harry inquiringly.
+
+"This young man," her husband explained, "is going into the office to
+learn printing.  I have taken a contract to make a second Benjamin
+Franklin of him."
+
+"Then you'll do more for him than you have been able to do for
+yourself," said Mrs. Anderson, smiling.
+
+"You are inclined to be severe, Mrs. Anderson, but I fear you are
+correct.  However, I can be like a guide-post, which points the way
+which it does not travel.  Can you show Harry Walton--for that is his
+name--where you propose to put him?"
+
+"I am afraid I must give you a room in the attic," said Mrs.
+Anderson.  "Our house is small, and all the chambers on the second
+floor are occupied."
+
+"I am not at all particular," said Harry.  "I have not been
+accustomed to elegant accommodations."
+
+"If you will follow me upstairs, I will show you your room."
+
+Pausing on the third landing, Mrs. Anderson found the door of a small
+but comfortable bed-room.  There was no carpet on the floor, but it
+was painted yellow, and scrupulously clean.  A bed, two chairs, a
+bureau and wash-stand completed the list of furniture.
+
+"I shall like this room very well," said our hero.
+
+"There is a closet," said the lady, pointing to a door in the corner.
+"It is large enough to contain your trunk, if you choose to put it in
+there.  I hope you don't smoke."
+
+"Oh, no, indeed," said Harry, laughing.  "I haven't got so far along
+as that."
+
+"Mr. Anderson's last apprentice--he is a journeyman now--was a
+smoker.  He not only scented up the room, but as he was very careless
+about lights, I was continually alarmed lest he should set the house
+on fire.  Finally, I got so nervous that I asked him to board
+somewhere else."
+
+"Is he working for Mr. Anderson now?"
+
+"Yes; you probably saw him in the office."
+
+"I saw two young men at the case."
+
+"The one I speak of is the youngest.  His name is John Clapp."
+
+"There is no danger of my smoking.  I don't think it would do me any
+good.  Besides, it is expensive, and I can't afford it."
+
+"I see we think alike," said Mrs. Anderson, smiling.  "I am sure we
+will get along well together."
+
+"I shall try not to give you any trouble," said our hero, and his
+tone, which was evidently sincere, impressed Mrs. Anderson still more
+favorably.
+
+"You won't find me very hard to suit, I hope.  I suppose you will be
+here to supper?"
+
+"If it will he quite convenient.  My trunk is at the tavern, and I
+could stay there till morning, if you wished."
+
+"Oh, no, come at once.  Take possession of the room now, if you like,
+and leave an order to have your trunk brought here."
+
+"Thank you.  What is your hour for supper?"
+
+"Half-past five."
+
+"Thank you.  I will go over and speak to Mr. Anderson a minute."
+
+The editor looked up as Harry reappeared.
+
+"Well, have you settled arrangements with Mrs. Anderson?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, sir, I believe so."
+
+"I hope you like your room."
+
+"It is very comfortable.  It won't take me long to feel at home
+there."
+
+"Did she ask you whether you smoked?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I thought she would.  That's where Clapp and she fell out."
+
+Harry's attention was drawn to a thin, sallow young man of about
+twenty, who stood at a case on the opposite side of the room.
+
+"Mrs. Anderson was afraid I would set the house on fire," said the
+young man thus referred to.
+
+"Yes, she felt nervous about it.  However, it is not surprising.  An
+uncle of hers lost his house in that way.  I suppose you don't smoke,
+Walton?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Clapp smokes for his health.  You see how stout and robust he is,"
+said the editor, a little satirically.
+
+"It doesn't do me any harm," said Clapp, a little testily.
+
+"Oh, well, I don't interfere with you, though I think you would be
+better off if you should give up the habit.  Ferguson don't smoke."
+
+This was the other compositor, a man of thirty, whose case was not
+far distant from Clapp's.
+
+"I can't afford it," said Ferguson; "nor could Clapp, if he had a
+wife and two young children to support."
+
+"Smoking doesn't cost much," said the younger journeyman.
+
+"So you think; but did you ever reckon it up?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Don't you keep any accounts?"
+
+"No; I spend when I need to, and I can always tell how much I have
+left.  What's the use of keeping accounts?"
+
+"You can tell how you stand."
+
+"I can tell that without taking so much trouble."
+
+"You see we must all agree to disagree," said Mr. Anderson.  "I am
+afraid Clapp isn't going to be a second Benjamin Franklin."
+
+"Who is?" asked Clapp.
+
+"Our young friend here," said the editor.
+
+"Oh, is he?" queried the other with a sneer.  "It'll be a great honor
+I'm sure, to have him in the office."
+
+"Come, no chaffing, Clapp," said Mr. Anderson.
+
+Harry hastened to disclaim the charge, for Clapp's sneer affected him
+disagreeably.
+
+"I admire Franklin," he said, "but there isn't much danger of my
+turning out a second edition of him."
+
+"Professional already, I see, Walton," said the editor.
+
+"When shall I go to work, Mr. Anderson?"
+
+"Whenever you are ready."
+
+"I am ready now."
+
+"You are prompt."
+
+"You won't be in such a hurry to go to work a week hence," said Clapp.
+
+"I think I shall," said Harry.  "I am anxious to learn as fast as
+possible."
+
+"Oh, I forgot.  You want to become a second Franklin."
+
+"I sha'n't like him," thought our hero.  "He seems to try to make
+himself disagreeable."
+
+"Mr. Ferguson will give you some instruction, and set you to work,"
+said his employer.
+
+Harry was glad that it was from the older journeyman that he was to
+receive his first lesson, and not from the younger.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+HARRY STUMBLES UPON AN ACQUAINTANCE.
+
+After supper Harry went round to the tavern to see about his trunk.
+A group of young men were in the bar-room, some of whom looked up as
+he entered.  Among these was Luke Harrison, who was surprised and by
+no means pleased to see his creditor.  Harry recognized him at the
+same instant, and said, "How are you, Luke?"
+
+"Is that you, Walton?" said Luke.  "What brings you to Centreville?
+Professor Henderson isn't here, is he?"
+
+"No; I have left him."
+
+"Oh, you're out of a job, are you?" asked Luke, in a tone of
+satisfaction, for we are apt to dislike those whom we have injured,
+and for this reason he felt by no means friendly.
+
+"No, I'm not," said Harry, quietly.  "I've found work in Centreville."
+
+"Gone back to pegging, have you?  Whose shop are you in?"
+
+"I am in a different business."
+
+"You don't say!  What is it?" asked Luke, with some curiosity.
+
+"I'm in the office of the 'Centreville Gazette.'  I'm going to learn
+the printing business."
+
+"You are?  Why, I've got a friend in the office,--John Clapp.  He
+never told me about your being there."
+
+"He didn't know I was coming.  I only went to work this afternoon."
+
+"So you are the printer's devil?" said Luke, with a slight sneer.
+
+"I believe so," answered our hero, quietly.
+
+"Do you get good pay?"
+
+"Not much at first.  However, I can get along with what money I have,
+_and what is due me_."
+
+Luke Harrison understood the last allusion, and turned away abruptly.
+He had no wish to pay up the money which he owed Harry, and for this
+reason was sorry to see him in the village.  He feared, if the
+conversation were continued, Harry would be asking for the money, and
+this would be disagreeable.
+
+At this moment John Clapp entered the bar-room.  He nodded slightly
+to Harry, but walked up to Luke, and greeted him cordially.  There
+were many points of resemblance between them, and this drew them into
+habits of intimacy.
+
+"Will you have something to drink, Harrison?" said Clapp.
+
+"I don't mind if I do," answered Luke, with alacrity.
+
+They walked up to the bar, and they were soon pledging each other in
+a fiery fluid which was not very likely to benefit either of them.
+Meanwhile Harry gave directions about his trunk, and left the room.
+
+"So you've got a new 'devil' in your office," said Luke, after
+draining his glass.
+
+"Yes.  He came this afternoon.  How did you hear?"
+
+"He told me."
+
+"Do you know him?" asked Clapp, in some surprise.
+
+"Yes.  I know him as well as I want to."
+
+"What sort of a fellow is he?"
+
+"Oh, he's a sneak--one of your pious chaps, that 'wants to be an
+angel, and with the angels stand.'"
+
+"Then he's made a mistake in turning 'devil,'" said Clapp.
+
+"Good for you!" said Luke, laughing.  "You're unusually brilliant
+to-night, Clapp."
+
+"So he's a saint, is he?"
+
+"He set up for one; but I don't like his style myself.  He's as mean
+as dirt.  Why I knew him several months, and he never offered to
+treat in all that time.  He's as much afraid of spending a cent as if
+it were a dollar."
+
+"He won't have many dollars to spend just at present.  He's working
+for his board."
+
+"Oh, he's got money saved up," said Luke.  "Fellows like him hang on
+to a cent when they get it.  I once asked him to lend me a few
+dollars, just for a day or two, but he wouldn't do it.  I hate such
+mean fellows."
+
+"So do I.  Will you have a cigar?"
+
+"I'll treat this time," said Luke, who thought it polite to take his
+turn in treating once to his companion's four or five times.
+
+"Thank you.  From what you say, I am sorry Anderson has taken the
+fellow into the office."
+
+"You needn't have much to say to him."
+
+"I shan't trouble myself much about him.  I didn't like his looks
+when I first set eyes on him.  I suppose old Mother Anderson will
+like him.  She couldn't abide my smoking, and he won't trouble her
+that way."
+
+"So; he's too mean to buy the cigars."
+
+"He said he couldn't afford it."
+
+"That's what it comes to.  By the way, Clapp, when shall we take
+another ride?"
+
+"I can get away nest Monday afternoon, at three."
+
+"All right.  I'll manage to get off at the same time.  We'll go to
+Whiston and take supper at the hotel.  It does a fellow good to get
+off now and then.  It won't cost more than five dollars apiece
+altogether."
+
+"We'll get the carriage charged.  The fact is, I'm little low on
+funds."
+
+"So am I, but it won't matter.  Griffin will wait for his pay."
+
+While Harry's character waa being so unfavorably discussed, he was
+taking a walk by himself, observing with interest the main features
+of his new home.  He had been here before with Professor Henderson,
+but had been too much occupied at that time to get a very clear idea
+of Centreville, nor had it then the interest for him which it had
+acquired since.  He went upon a hill overlooking the village, and
+obtained an excellent view from its summit.  It was a pleasant,
+well-built village of perhaps three thousand inhabitants, with
+outlying farms and farm-houses.  Along the principal streets the
+dwellings and stores were closely built, so as to make it seem quite
+city-like.  It was the shire town of the county, and being the
+largest place in the neighborhood, country people for miles around
+traded at its stores.  Farmers' wives came to Centreville to make
+purchases, just as ladies living within a radius of thirty miles
+visit New York and Boston, for a similar purpose.  Altogether,
+therefore, Centreville was quite a lively place, and a town of
+considerable local importance.  The fact that it had a weekly paper
+of its own, contributed to bring it into notice.  Nor was that all.
+Situated on a little hillock was a building with a belfry, which
+might have been taken for a church but for a play-ground near by,
+which indicated that it had a different character.  It was in fact
+the Prescott Academy, so called from the name of its founder, who had
+endowed it with a fund of ten thousand dollars, besides erecting the
+building at his own expense on land bought for the purpose.  This
+academy also had a local reputation, and its benefits were not
+confined to the children of Centreville.  There were about twenty
+pupils from other towns who boarded with the Principal or elsewhere
+in the town, and made up the whole number of students in
+attendance--about eighty on an average.
+
+Standing on the eminence referred to, Harry's attention was drawn to
+the Academy, and he could not help forming the wish that he, too,
+might share in its advantages.
+
+"There is so much to learn, and I know so little," he thought.
+
+But he did not brood over the poverty which prevented him from
+gratifying his desire.  He knew it would do no good, and he also
+reflected that knowledge may be acquired in a printing office as well
+as within the walls of an academy or college.
+
+"As soon as I get well settled," he said to himself, "I mean to get
+some books and study a little every day.  That is the way Franklin
+did.  I never can be an editor, that's certain, without knowing more
+than I do now.  Before I am qualified to teach others, I must know
+something myself."
+
+Looking at the village which lay below him, Harry was disposed to
+congratulate himself on his new residence.
+
+"It looks like a pleasant place," he said to himself, "and when I get
+a little acquainted, I shall enjoy myself very well, I am sure.  Of
+course I shall feel rather lonely just at first."
+
+He was so engrossed by his thoughts that he did not take heed to his
+steps, and was only reminded of his abstraction by his foot suddenly
+coming in contact with a boy who was lying under a tree, and pitching
+headfirst over him.
+
+"Holloa!" exclaimed the latter, "what are you about?  You didn't take
+me for a foot-ball, did you?"
+
+"I beg your pardon," said Harry, jumping up in some confusion.  "I
+was so busy thinking that I didn't see you.  I hope I didn't hurt
+you."
+
+"Nothing serious.  Didn't you hurt yourself?"
+
+"I bumped my head a little, but it only struck the earth.  If it had
+been a stone, it might have been different.  I had no idea there was
+any one up here except myself."
+
+"It was very kind of you to bow so low to a perfect stranger," said
+the other, his eyes twinkling humorously.  "I suppose it would only
+be polite for me to follow your example."
+
+"I'll excuse you," said Harry laughing.
+
+"Thank you.  That takes a great burden off my mind.  I don't like to
+be outdone in politeness, but really I shouldn't like to tumble over
+you.  My head may be softer than yours.  There's one thing clear.  We
+ought to know each other.  As you've taken the trouble to come up
+here, and stumble over me, I really feel as if we ought to strike up
+a friendship.  What do you say?"
+
+"With all my heart," said our hero.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+OSCAR VINCENT.
+
+"Allow me to introduce myself," said the stranger boy.  "My name is
+Oscar Vincent, from Boston, at present a student at the Prescott
+Academy, at your service."
+
+As he spoke, he doffed his hat and bowed, showing a profusion of
+chestnut hair, a broad, open brow, and an attractive face, lighted up
+by a pleasant smile.
+
+Harry felt drawn to him by a feeling which was not long in ripening
+into friendship.
+
+Imitating the other's frankness, he also took off his hat and
+replied,--
+
+"Let me introduce myself, in turn, as Harry Walton, junior apprentice
+in the office of the 'Centreville Gazette,' sometimes profanely
+called 'printer's devil.'"
+
+"Good!" said Oscar, laughing.  "How do you like the business?"
+
+"I think I shall like it, but I have only just started in it.  I went
+into the office for the first time to-day."
+
+"I have an uncle who started as you are doing," said Oscar.  "He is
+now chief editor of a daily paper in Boston."
+
+"Is he?" said Harry, with interest.  "Did he find it hard to rise?"
+
+"He is a hard worker.  I have heard him say that he used to sit up
+late of nights during his apprenticeship, studying and improving
+himself."
+
+"That is what I mean to do," said Harry.
+
+"I don't think he was as lazy as his nephew," said Oscar.  "I am
+afraid if I had been in his place I should have remained in it."
+
+"Are you lazy?" asked Harry, smiling at the other's frankness.
+
+"A little so; that is, I don't improve my opportunities as I might.
+Father wants to make a lawyer of me so he has put me here, and I am
+preparing for Harvard."
+
+"I envy you," said Harry.  "There is nothing I should like so much as
+entering college."
+
+"I daresay I shall like it tolerably well," said Oscar; "but I don't
+_hanker_ after it, as the boy said after swallowing a dose of castor
+oil.  I'll tell you what I should like better--"
+
+"What?" asked Harry, as the other paused.
+
+"I should like to enter the Naval Academy, and qualify myself for the
+naval service.  I always liked the sea."
+
+"Doesn't your father approve of your doing this?"
+
+"He wouldn't mind my entering the navy as an officer, but he is not
+willing to have me enter the merchant service."
+
+"Then why doesn't he send you to the Naval Academy?"
+
+"Because I can't enter without receiving the appointment from a
+member of Congress.  Our member can only appoint one, and there is no
+vacancy.  So, as I can't go where I want to, I am preparing for
+Harvard."
+
+"Are you studying Latin and Greek?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Have you studied them long?"
+
+"About two years.  I was looking over my Greek lesson when you
+playfully tumbled over me."
+
+"Will you let me look at your book?  I never saw a Greek book."
+
+"I sometimes wish I never had," said Oscar; "but that's when I am
+lazy."
+
+Harry opened the book--a Greek reader--in the middle of an extract
+from Xenophon, and looked with some awe at the unintelligible letters.
+
+"Can you read it?  Can you understand what it means?" he asked,
+looking up from the book.
+
+"So-so."
+
+"You must know a great deal."
+
+Oscar laughed.
+
+"I wonder what Dr. Burton would say if he heard you," he said.
+
+"Who is he?"
+
+"Principal of our Academy.   He gave me a blowing up for my ignorance
+to-day, because I missed an irregular Greek verb.  I'm not exactly a
+dunce, but I don't think I shall ever be a Greek professor."
+
+"If you speak of yourself that way, what will you think of me?  I
+don't know a word of Latin, of Greek, or any language except my own."
+
+"Because you have had no chance to learn.  There's one language I
+know more about than Latin or Greek."
+
+"English?"
+
+"I mean French; I spent a year at a French boarding-school, three
+years since."
+
+"What!  Have you been in France?"
+
+"Yes; an uncle of mine--in fact, the editor--was going over, and
+urged father to send me.  I learned considerable French, but not much
+else.  I can speak and understand it pretty well."
+
+"How I wish I had had your advantages," said Harry.  "How did you
+like your French schoolmates?"
+
+"They wouldn't come near me at first.  Because I was an American they
+thought I carried a revolver and a dirk-knife, and was dangerous.
+That is their idea of American boys.  When they found I was tame, and
+carried no deadly weapons, they ventured to speak with me, and after
+that we got along pretty well."
+
+"How soon do you expect to go to college?"
+
+"A year from next summer.  I suppose I shall be ready by that time.
+You are going to stay in town, I suppose?"
+
+"Yes, if I keep my place."
+
+"Oh, you'll do that.  Then we can see something of each other.  You
+must come up to my room, and see me.  Come almost any evening."
+
+"I should like to.  Do you live in Dr. Barton's family?"
+
+"No, I hope not."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Oh, the Doctor has a way of looking after the fellows that room in
+the house, and of keeping them at work all the time.  That wouldn't
+suit me.  I board at Mrs. Greyson's, at the south-east corner of the
+church common.  Have you got anything to do this evening?"
+
+"Nothing in particular."
+
+"Then come round and take a look at my den, or sanctum I ought to
+call it; as I am talking to a member of the editorial profession."
+
+"Not quite yet," said Harry, smiling.
+
+"Oh, well that'll come in due time.  Will you come?"
+
+"Sha'n't I be disturbing you?"
+
+"Not a bit.  My Greek lesson is about finished, and that's all I've
+got to do this evening.  Come round, and we will sit over the fire,
+and chat like old friends."
+
+"Thank you, Oscar," said Harry, irresistibly attracted by his bright
+and lively acquaintance, "I shall enjoy calling.  I have made no
+acquaintances yet, and I feel lonely."
+
+"I have got over that," said Oscar.  "I am used to being away from
+home and don't mind it."
+
+The two boys walked together to Oscar's boarding-place.  It was a
+large house, of considerable pretension for a village, and Oscar's
+room was large and handsomely furnished.  But what attracted Harry's
+attention was not the furniture, but a collection of over a hundred
+books, ranged on shelves at one end of the room.  In his father's
+house it had always been so difficult to obtain the necessaries of
+life that books had necessarily been regarded as superfluities, and
+beyond a dozen volumes which Harry had read and re-read, he was
+compelled to depend on such as he could borrow.  Here again his
+privileges were scanty, for most of the neighbors were as poorly
+supplied as his father.
+
+"What a fine library you have, Oscar!" he exclaimed.
+
+"I have a few books," said Oscar.  "My father filled a couple of
+boxes, and sent me.  He has a large library."
+
+"This seems a large library to me," said Harry.  "My father likes
+reading, but he is poor, and cannot afford to buy books."
+
+He said that in a matter-of-fact tone, without the least attempt to
+conceal what many boys would have been tempted to hide.  Oscar noted
+this, and liked his new friend the better for it.
+
+"Yes," he said, "books cost money, and one hasn't always the money to
+spare."
+
+"Have you read all these books?"
+
+"Not more than half of them.  I like reading better than studying, I
+am afraid.  I am reading the Waverley novels now.  Have you read any
+of them?"
+
+"So; I never saw any of them before."
+
+"If you see anything you would like to read, I will lend it to you
+with pleasure," said Oscar, noticing the interest with which Harry
+regarded the books.
+
+"Will you?" said Harry, eagerly.  "I can't tell you how much obliged
+I am.  I will take good care of it."
+
+"Oh, I am sure of that.  Here, try Ivanhoe.  I've just read it, and
+it's tip-top."
+
+"Thank you; I will take it on your recommendation.  What a nice room
+you have!"
+
+"Yes, it's pretty comfortable.  Father told me to fix it up to suit
+me.  He said he wouldn't mind the expense if I would only study."
+
+"I should think anybody might study in such a room as this, and with
+such a fine collection of books."
+
+"I'm rather lazy sometimes," said Oscar, "but I shall turn over a new
+leaf some of these days, and astonish everybody.  To-night, as I have
+no studying to do, I'll tell you what we'll do.  Did you ever pop
+corn?"
+
+"Sometimes."
+
+"I've got some corn here, and Ma'am Greyson has a popper.  Stay here
+alone a minute, and I'll run down and get it."
+
+Oscar ran down stairs, and speedily returned with a corn-popper.
+
+"Now we'll have a jolly time," said he.  "Draw up that arm-chair, and
+make yourself at home.  If Xenophon, or Virgil, or any of those Greek
+and Latin chaps call, we'll tell 'em we are transacting important
+business and can't be disturbed.  What do you say?"
+
+"They won't be apt to call on me," said Harry.  I haven't the
+pleasure of knowing them."
+
+"It isn't always a pleasure, I can assure you, Harry.  Pass over the
+corn-popper."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER  V.
+
+A YOUNG F. F. B.
+
+As the two boys sat in front of the fire, popping and eating the
+corn, and chatting of one thing and another, their acquaintance
+improved rapidly.  Harry learned that Oscar's father was a Boston
+merchant, in the Calcutta trade, with a counting-room on Long Wharf.
+Oscar was a year older than himself, and the oldest child.  He had a
+sister of thirteen, named Florence, and a younger brother, Charlie,
+now ten.  They lived on Beacon Street, opposite the Common.  Though
+Harry had never lived in Boston, be knew that this was a fashionable
+street, and he had no difficulty in inferring that Mr. Vincent was a
+rich man.  He felt what a wide gulf there was socially between
+himself and Oscar; one the son of a very poor country farmer, the
+other the son of a merchant prince.  But nothing in Oscar's manner
+indicated the faintest feeling of superiority, and this pleased
+Harry.  I may as well say, however, that our hero was not one to show
+any foolish subserviency to a richer boy; he thought mainly of
+Oscar's superiority in knowledge; and although the latter was far
+ahead of Harry on this score, he was not one to boast of it.
+
+Harry, in return for Oscar's confidence, acquainted him with his own
+adventures since he had started out to earn his own living.  Oscar
+was most interested in his apprenticeship to the ventriloquist.
+
+"It must have been jolly fun," he said.   "I shouldn't mind
+travelling round with him myself.  Can you perform any tricks?"
+
+"A few," said Harry.
+
+"Show me some, that's a good fellow."
+
+"If you won't show others.  Professor Henderson wouldn't like to have
+his tricks generally known.  I could show more if I had the articles
+he uses.  But I can do some without."
+
+"Go ahead, Professor.  I'm all attention."
+
+Not having served an apprenticeship to a magician, as Harry did, I
+will not undertake to describe the few simple tricks which he had
+picked up, and now exhibited for the entertainment of his companion.
+It is enough to say that they were quite satisfactory, and that Oscar
+professed his intention to puzzle his Boston friends with them, when
+his vacation arrived.
+
+About half-past eight, a knock was heard at the door.
+
+"Come in!" called out Oscar.
+
+The door was opened, and a boy about his own age entered.   His name
+was Fitzgerald Fletcher.  He was also a Boston boy, and the son of a
+retail merchant, doing business on Washington street.  His father
+lived handsomely, and was supposed to be rich.  At any rate
+Fitzgerald supposed him to be so, and was very proud of the fact.  He
+generally let any new acquaintances understand very speedily that his
+father was a man of property, and that his family moved in the first
+circles of Boston Society.  He cultivated the acquaintance of those
+boys who belonged to rich families, and did not fail to show the
+superiority which he felt to those of less abundant means.  For
+example, he liked to be considered intimate with Oscar, as the social
+position of Mr. Vincent was higher than that of his own family.  It
+gave him an excuse also for calling on Oscar in Boston.  He had tried
+to ingratiate himself also with Oscar's sister Florence, but had only
+disgusted her with his airs, so that he could not flatter himself
+with his success in this direction.  Oscar had very little liking for
+him, but as school-fellows they often met, and Fitzgerald often
+called upon him.  On such occasions he treated him politely enough,
+for it was not in his nature to be rude without cause.
+
+Fitz was elaborately dressed, feeling that handsome clothes would
+help convey the impression of wealth, which he was anxious to
+establish.  In particular he paid attention to his neckties, of which
+he boasted a greater variety than any of his school-mates.  It was
+not a lofty ambition, but, such as it was, he was able to gratify it.
+
+"How are you, Fitz?" said Oscar, when he saw who was his visitor.
+"Draw up a chair to the fire, and make yourself comfortable."
+
+"Thank you, Oscar," said Fitzgerald, leisurely drawing off a pair of
+kid gloves; "I thought I would drop in and see you."
+
+"All right!  Will you have some popped corn?"
+
+"No, thank you," answered Fitzgerald, shrugging his shoulders.  "I
+don't fancy the article."
+
+"Don't you?  Then you don't know what's good."
+
+"Fancy passing round popped corn at a party in Boston," said the
+other.  "How people would stare!"
+
+"Would they?  I don't know about that.  I think some would be more
+sensible and eat.  But, I beg your pardon, I haven't introduced you
+to my friend, Harry Walton.  Harry, this is a classmate of mine.
+Fitzgerald Fletcher, Esq., of Boston."
+
+Fitzgerald did not appear to perceive that the title Esq. was
+sportively added to his name.  He took it seriously, and was pleased
+with it, as a recognition of his social superiority.  He bowed
+ceremoniously to our hero, and said, formally, "I am pleased to make
+your acquaintance, Mr. Walton."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Fletcher," replied Harry, bowing in turn.
+
+"I wonder who he is," thought Fitzgerald.
+
+He had no idea of the true position of our young hero, or he would
+not have wasted so much politeness upon him.  The fact was, that
+Harry was well dressed, having on the suit which had been given him
+by a friend from the city.  It was therefore fashionably cut, and had
+been so well kept as still to be in very good condition.  It occurred
+to Fitz--to give him the short name he received from his
+school-fellows--that it might be a Boston friend of Oscar's, just
+entering the Academy.  This might account for his not having met him
+before.  Perhaps he was from an aristocratic Boston family.  His
+intimacy with Oscar rendered it probable, and it might be well to
+cultivate his acquaintance.  On this hint he spoke.
+
+"Are you about to enter the Academy, Mr. Walton?"
+
+"No; I should like to do so, but cannot."
+
+"You are one of Oscar's friends from the city, I suppose, then?"
+
+"Oh no; I am living in Centreville."
+
+"Who can he be?" thought Fitz.  With considerable less cordiality in
+his manner, he continued, impelled by curiosity,--
+
+"I don't think I have met you before."
+
+"No: I have only just come to the village."
+
+Oscar understood thoroughly the bewilderment of his visitor, and
+enjoyed it.  He knew the weakness of Fitz, and he could imagine how
+his feelings would change when be ascertained the real position of
+Harry.
+
+"My friend," he explained, "is connected with the 'Centreville
+Gazette.'"
+
+"In what capacity?" asked Fitz, in surprise.
+
+"He is profanely termed the 'printer's devil.' Isn't that so, Harry?"
+
+"I believe you are right," said our hero, smiling.  He had a
+suspicion that this relation would shock his new acquaintance.
+
+"Indeed!" ejaculated Fitz, pursing up his lips, and, I was about to
+say, turning up his nose, but nature had saved him the little trouble
+of doing that.
+
+"What in the world brings him here, then?" he thought; but there was
+no need of saying it, for both Oscar and Harry read it in his manner.
+"Strange that Oscar Vincent, from one of the first families of
+Boston, should demean himself by keeping company with a low printer
+boy!"
+
+"Harry and I have had a jolly time popping corn this evening!" said
+Oscar, choosing to ignore his school-mate's changed manner.
+
+"Indeed!  I can't see what fun there is in it."
+
+"Oh, you've got no taste.  Has he, Harry?"
+
+"His taste differs from ours," said our hero, politely.
+
+"I should think so," remarked Fitz, with significant emphasis.  "Was
+that all you had to amuse yourself?"
+
+In using the singular pronoun, he expressly ignored the presence of
+the young printer.
+
+"No, that wasn't all.  My friend Harry has been amusing me with some
+tricks which he learned while he was travelling round with Professor
+Henderson, the ventriloquist and magician."
+
+"Really, he is quite accomplished," said Fitz, with a covert sneer.
+"Pretty company Oscar has taken up with!" he thought.  "How long were
+you in the circus business?" he asked, turning to Harry.
+
+"I never was in the circus business."
+
+"Excuse me.  I should say, travelling about with the ventriloquist."
+
+"About three months.  I was with him when he performed here last
+winter."
+
+"Ah! indeed.  I didn't go.   My father doesn't approve of my
+attending such common performances.  I only attend first-class
+theatres, and the Italian opera."
+
+"That's foolish," said Oscar.  "You miss a good deal of fun, then.  I
+went to Professor Henderson's entertainment, and I now remember
+seeing you there, Harry.  You took money at the door, didn't you?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Now I understand what made your face seem so familiar to me, when I
+saw it this afternoon.  By the way, I have never been into a printing
+office.  If I come round to yours, will you show me round?"
+
+"I should be very glad to, Oscar, but perhaps you had better wait
+till I have been there a little while, and learned the ropes.  I know
+very little about it yet."
+
+"Won't you come too, Fitz?" asked Oscar.
+
+"You must really excuse me," drawled Fitz.  "I have heard that a
+printing office is a very dirty place.  I should be afraid of soiling
+my clothes."
+
+"Especially that stunning cravat."
+
+"Do you like it?  I flatter myself it's something a little extra,"
+said Fitz, who was always gratified by a compliment to his cravats.
+
+"Then you won't go?"
+
+"I haven't the slightest curiosity about such a place, I assure you."
+
+"Then I shall have to go alone.  Let me know when you are ready to
+receive me, Harry."
+
+"I won't forget, Oscar."
+
+"I wonder he allows such a low fellow to call him by his first name,"
+thought Fitz.  "Really, he has no proper pride."
+
+"Well," he said, rising, "I must be going."
+
+"What's your hurry, Fitz?"
+
+"I've got to write a letter home this evening.  Besides, I haven't
+finished my Greek.  Good-evening, Oscar."
+
+"Good-evening, Fitz."
+
+"Good-evening, Mr. Fletcher," said Harry.
+
+"Evening!" ejaculated Fitz, briefly; and without a look at the low
+"printer-boy," he closed the door and went down stairs.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+OSCAR BECOMES A PROFESSOR
+
+"I am afraid your friend won't thank you for introducing me to him,"
+said Harry, after Fitz had left the room.
+
+"Fitz is a snob," said Oscar.  "He makes himself ridiculous by
+putting on airs, and assuming to be more than he is.  His father is
+in a good business, and may be rich--I don't know about that--but
+that isn't much to boast of."
+
+"I don't think we shall be very intimate," said Harry, smiling.
+"Evidently a printer's apprentice is something very low in his eyes."
+
+"When you are an influential editor he will be willing to recognize
+you.  Let that stimulate your ambition."
+
+"It isn't easy for a half-educated boy to rise to such a position.  I
+feel that I know very little."
+
+"If I can help you any, Harry, I shall be very glad to do it.  I'm
+not much of a scholar, but I can help you a little.  For instance, if
+you wanted to learn French, I could hear your lessons, and correct
+your exercises."
+
+"Will you?" said Harry, eagerly.  "There is nothing I should like
+better."
+
+"Then I'll tell you what I'll do.  You shall buy a French grammar,
+and come to my room two evenings a week, and recite what you get time
+to study at home."
+
+"Won't it give you a great deal of trouble, Oscar?"
+
+"Not a bit of it; I shall rather like it.  Until you can buy a
+grammar, I will lend you mine.  I'll set you a lesson out of it now."
+
+He took from the book-shelves a French grammar, and inviting Harry to
+sit down beside him, gave him some necessary explanations as to the
+pronunciation of words according to the first lesson.
+
+"It seems easy," said Harry.  "I can take more than that."
+
+"It is the easiest of the modern languages, to us at least, on
+account of its having so many words similar to ours."
+
+"What evening shall I come, Oscar?"
+
+"Tuesday and Friday will suit me as well as any.  And remember,
+Harry, I mean to be very strict in discipline.  And, by the way, how
+will it do to call myself Professor?"
+
+"I'll call you Professor if you want me to."
+
+"We'll leave all high titles to Fitz, and I won't use the rod any
+oftener than it is absolutely necessary."
+
+"All right, Professor Vincent," said Harry laughing, "I'll endeavor
+to behave with propriety."
+
+"I wonder what they would say at home," said Oscar, "if they knew I
+had taken up the profession of teacher.  Strange as it may seem to
+you, Harry, I have the reputation in the home-circle of being
+decidedly lazy.  How do you account for it?"
+
+"Great men are seldom appreciated."
+
+"You hit the nail on the head that time--glad I am not the nail, by
+the way.  Henceforth I will submit with resignation to injustice and
+misconstruction, since I am only meeting with the common fate of
+great men."
+
+"What time is it, Oscar?"
+
+"Nearly ten."
+
+"Then I will bid you good-night," and Harry rose to go.  "I can't
+tell how much I am obliged to you for your kind offer."
+
+"Just postpone thanks till you find out whether I am a good teacher
+or not."
+
+"I am sure of that."
+
+"I am not so sure, but I will do what I can for you.  Good-night.
+I'll expect you Friday evening.  I shall see Fitz to-morrow.  Shall I
+give him your love?"
+
+"Never mind!" said Harry, smiling.  "I'm afraid it wouldn't be
+appreciated."
+
+"Perhaps not."
+
+As Harry left his lively companion, he felt that he had been most
+fortunate in securing his friendship--not only that he found him very
+agreeable and attractive, but he was likely to be of great use to him
+in promoting his plans of self-education.  He had too much good sense
+not to perceive that the only chance he had of rising to an
+influential position lay in qualifying himself for it, by enlarging
+his limited knowledge and improving his mind.
+
+"I have made a good beginning," he thought.  "After I have learned
+something of French, I will take up Latin, and I think Oscar will be
+willing to help me in that too."
+
+The next morning he commenced work in the printing office.  With a
+few hints from Ferguson, he soon comprehended what he had to do, and
+made very rapid progress.
+
+"You're getting on fast, Harry," said Ferguson approvingly.
+
+"I like it," said our hero.  "I am glad I decided to be a printer."
+
+"I wish I wasn't one," grumbled Clapp, the younger journeyman.
+
+"Don't you like it?"
+
+"Not much.  It's hard work and poor pay.  I just wish I was in my
+brother's shoes.  He is a bookkeeper in Boston, with a salary of
+twelve hundred a year, while I am plodding along on fifteen dollars
+week."
+
+"You may do better some day," said Ferguson.
+
+"Don't see any chance of it."
+
+"If I were in your place, I would save up part of my salary, and by
+and by have an office, and perhaps a paper of my own."
+
+"Why don't you do it, then?" sneered Clapp.
+
+"Because I have a family to support from my earnings--you have only
+yourself."
+
+"It doesn't help me any; I can't save anything out of fifteen dollars
+a week."
+
+"You mean you won't," said Ferguson quietly.
+
+"No I don't.  I mean I can't."
+
+"How do you expect I get along, then?  I have a wife and two children
+to support, and only get two dollars a week more than you."
+
+"Perhaps you get into debt."
+
+"No; I owe no man a dollar," said Ferguson emphatically.  "That isn't
+all.  I save two dollars a week; so that I actually support four on
+fifteen dollars a week--your salary.  What do you say to that?"
+
+"I don't want to be mean," said Clapp.
+
+"Nor I.  I mean to live comfortably, but of course I have to be
+economical."
+
+"Oh, hang economy!" said Clapp impatiently.  "The old man used to
+lecture me about economy till I got sick of hearing the word."
+
+"It is a good thing, for all that," persisted Ferguson.  "You'll
+think so some day, even if you don't now."
+
+"I guess you mean to run opposition to young Franklin, over there,"
+sneered Clapp, indicating Harry, who had listened to the discussion
+with not a little interest.
+
+"I think he and I will agree together pretty well," said Ferguson,
+smiling.  "Franklin's a good man to imitate."
+
+"If there are going to be two Franklins in the office, it will be
+time for me to clear out," returned Clapp.
+
+"You can do better."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"Become Franklin No. 3."
+
+"You don't catch me imitating any old fogy like that.  As far as I
+know anything about him, he was a mean, stingy old curmudgeon!"
+exclaimed Clapp with irritation.
+
+"That's rather strong language, Clapp," said Mr. Anderson, looking up
+from his desk with a smile.  "It doesn't correspond with the general
+estimate of Franklin's character."
+
+"I don't care," said Clapp doggedly, "I wouldn't be like Franklin if
+I could.  I have too much self-respect."
+
+Ferguson laughed, and Harry wanted to, but feared he should offend
+the younger journeyman, who evidently had worked himself into a bad
+humor.
+
+"I don't think you're in any danger," said Ferguson, who did not mind
+his fellow-workman's little ebullitions of temper.
+
+Clapp scowled, but did not deign to reply, partly, perhaps, because
+he knew that there was nothing to say.
+
+From the outset Ferguson took a fancy to the young apprentice.
+
+"He's got good, solid ideas," said he to Mr. Anderson, when Harry was
+absent.  "He isn't so thoughtless as most boys of his age.  He looks
+ahead."
+
+"I think you are right in your judgment of him," said Mr. Anderson.
+"He promises to be a faithful workman."
+
+"He promises more than that," said Ferguson.  "Mark my words, Mr.
+Anderson; that boy is going to make his mark some day."
+
+"It is a little too soon to say that, isn't it?"
+
+"No; I judge from what I see.  He is industrious and ambitious, and
+is bound to succeed.  The world will hear of him yet."
+
+Mr. Anderson smiled.  He liked what he had seen of his new
+apprentice, but he thought Ferguson altogether too sanguine.
+
+"He's a good, faithful boy," he admitted, "but it takes more than
+that to rise to distinction.  If all the smart boys turned out smart
+men, they'd be a drug in the market."
+
+But Ferguson held to his own opinion, notwithstanding.  Time will
+show which was right.
+
+The next day Ferguson said, "Harry, come round to my house, and take
+tea to-night.  I've spoken to my wife about you, and she wants to see
+you."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Ferguson," said Harry.  "I shall be very glad to
+come."
+
+"I'll wait till you are ready, and you can walk along with me."
+
+"All right; I will be ready in five minutes."
+
+They set out together for Ferguson's modest home, which was about
+half a mile distant.  As they passed up the village street Harry's
+attention was drawn to two boys who were approaching them.  One he
+recognized at once as Fitzgerald Fletcher.  He had an even more
+stunning necktie than when Harry first met him, and sported a jaunty
+little cane, which he swung in his neatly gloved hand.
+
+"I wonder if he'll notice me," thought Harry.  "At any rate, I won't
+be wanting in politeness."
+
+"Good-afternoon, Mr. Fletcher," he said, as they met.
+
+Fitzgerald stared at him superciliously, and made the slightest
+possible nod.
+
+"Who is that?" asked Ferguson.
+
+"It is a boy who has great contempt for printers' devils and low
+apprentices," answered Harry.  "I was introduced to him two evenings
+ago, but he evidently doesn't care about keeping up the acquaintance."
+
+"Who is that, Fitz?" asked his companion in turn.
+
+"It's a low fellow--a printer's devil," answered Fitz, shortly.
+
+"How do you happen to know him?"
+
+"Oscar Vincent introduced him to me.  Oscar's a queer fellow.  He
+belongs to one of the first families in Boston--one of my set, you
+know, and yet he actually invited that boy to his room."
+
+"He's rather a good-looking boy--the printer."
+
+"Think so?" drawled Fitz.  "He's low--all apprentices are.  I mean to
+keep him at a distance."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+A PLEASANT EVENING.
+
+"This is my house," said Ferguson, pausing at the gate.
+
+Harry looked at it with interest.
+
+It was a cottage, containing four rooms, and a kitchen in the ell
+part.  There was a plot of about a quarter of an acre connected with
+it.  Everything about it was neat, though very unpretentious.
+
+"It isn't a palace," said Ferguson, "but," he added cheerfully, "it's
+a happy home, and from all I've read, that is more than can be said
+of some palaces.  Step right in and make yourself at home."
+
+They entered a tiny entry, and Mrs. Ferguson opened the door of the
+sitting-room.  She was a pleasant-looking woman, and her face wore a
+smile st welcome.
+
+"Hannah," said Ferguson, "this is our new apprentice, Harry Walton."
+
+"I am glad to see you," she said, offering her hand.  "My husband has
+spoken of you.  You are quite welcome, if you can put up with humble
+fare."
+
+"That is what I have always been accustomed to," said Harry,
+beginning to feel quite at home.
+
+"Where are the children, Hannah?"
+
+Two children, a boy and a girl, of six and four years respectively,
+bounded into the room and answered for themselves.  They looked shyly
+at Harry, but before many minutes their shyness had worn off, and the
+little girl was sitting on his knee, while the boy stood beside him.
+Harry was fond of children, and readily adapted himself to his young
+acquaintances.
+
+Supper was soon ready--a plain meal, but one that Harry enjoyed.  He
+could not help comparing Ferguson's plain, but pleasant home, with
+Clapp's mode of life.
+
+The latter spent on himself as much as sufficed his fellow-workman to
+support a wife and two children, yet it was easy to see which found
+the best enjoyment in life.
+
+"How do you like your new business?" asked Mrs. Ferguson, as she
+handed Harry a cup of tea.
+
+"I like all but the name," said our hero, smiling.
+
+"I wonder how the name came to be applied to a printer's apprentice
+any more than to any other apprentice," said Mrs. Ferguson.
+
+"I never heard," said her husband.  "It seems to me to be a libel
+upon our trade.  But there is one comfort.  If you stick to the
+business, you'll outgrow the name."
+
+"That is lucky; I shouldn't like to be called the wife of a ----.  I
+won't pronounce the word lest the children should catch it."
+
+"What is it, mother?" asked Willie, with his mouth full.
+
+"It isn't necessary for you to know, my boy."
+
+"Do you know Mr. Clapp?" asked Harry.
+
+"I have seen him, but never spoke with him."
+
+"I never asked him round to tea," said Ferguson.
+
+"I don't think he would enjoy it any better than I.  His tastes are
+very different from mine, and his views of life are equally
+different."
+
+"I should think so," said Harry.
+
+"Now I think you and I would agree very well.  Clapp dislikes the
+business, and only sticks to it because he must get his living in
+some way.  As for me, if I had a sum of money, say five thousand
+dollars, I would still remain a printer, but in that case I would
+probably buy out a paper, or start one, and be a publisher, as well
+as a printer."
+
+"That's just what I should like," said Harry.
+
+"Who knows but we may be able to go into partnership some day, and
+carry out our plan."
+
+"I would like it," said Harry; "but I am afraid it will be a good
+while before we can raise the five thousand dollars."
+
+"We don't need as much.  Mr. Anderson started on a capital of a
+thousand dollars, and now he is in comfortable circumstances."
+
+"Then there's hopes for us."
+
+"At any rate I cherish hopes of doing better some day.  I shouldn't
+like always to be a journeyman.  I manage to save up a hundred
+dollars a year.  How much have we in the savings bank, Hannah?"
+
+"Between four and five hundred dollars, with interest."
+
+"It has taken me four years to save it up.  In five more, if nothing
+happens, I should be worth a thousand dollars.  Journeymen printers
+don't get rich very fast."
+
+"I hope to have saved up something myself, in five years," said Harry.
+
+"Then our plan may come to pass, after all.  You shall be editor, and
+I publisher."
+
+"I should think you would prefer to be an editor," said his wife.
+
+"I am diffident of my powers in the line of composition," said
+Ferguson.  "I shouldn't be afraid to undertake local items, but when
+it comes to an elaborate editorial, I should rather leave it in other
+hands."
+
+"I always liked writing," said Harry.  "Of course I have only had a
+school-boy's practice, but I mean to practise more in my leisure
+hours."
+
+"Suppose you write a poem for the 'Gazette,' Walton."
+
+Harry smiled.
+
+"I am not ambitious enough for that," he replied.  "I will try plain
+prose."
+
+"Do so," said Ferguson, earnestly.  "Our plan may come to something
+after all, if we wait patiently.  It will do no harm to prepare
+yourself as well as you can.  After a while you might write something
+for the 'Gazette.'  I think Mr. Anderson would put it in."
+
+"Shall I sign it P. D.?" asked Harry.
+
+"P. D. stands for Doctor of Philosophy."
+
+"I don't aspire to such a learned title.  P. D. also stands for
+Printer's Devil."
+
+"I see.  Well, joking aside, I advise you to improve yourself in
+writing."
+
+"I will.  That is the way Franklin did."
+
+"I remember.  He wrote an article, and slipped it under the door of
+the printing office, not caring to have it known that he was the
+author."
+
+"Shall I give you a piece of pie, Mr. Walton?" said Mrs. Ferguson.
+
+"Thank you.".
+
+"Me too," said Willie, extending his plate.
+
+"Willie is always fond of pie," said his father, "In a printing
+office _pi_ is not such a favorite."
+
+When supper was over, Mr. Ferguson showed Harry a small collection of
+books, about twenty-five in number, neatly arranged on shelves.
+
+"It isn't much of a library," he said, "but a few books are better
+than none.  I should like to buy as many every year; but books are
+expensive, and the outlay would make too great an inroad upon my
+small surplus."
+
+"I always thought I should like a library," said Harry, "but my
+father is very poor, and has fewer books than you.  As for me, I have
+but one book besides the school-books I studied, and that I gained as
+a school prize--The Life of Franklin."
+
+"If one has few books he is apt to prize them more," said Ferguson,
+"and is apt to profit by them more."
+
+"Have you read the History of China?" asked Harry, who had been
+looking over his friend's books.
+
+"No; I have never seen it."
+
+"Why, there it is," said our hero, "In two volumes."
+
+"Take it down," said Ferguson, laughing.
+
+Harry did so, and to his surprise it opened in his hands, and
+revealed a checker-board.
+
+"You see appearances are deceitful.  Can you play checkers?"
+
+"I never tried."
+
+"You will easily learn.  Shall I teach you the game?"
+
+"I wish you would."
+
+They sat down; and Harry soon became interested in the game, which
+requires a certain degree of thought and foresight.
+
+"You will make a good player after a while," said his companion.
+"You must come in often and play with me."
+
+"Thank you, I should like to do so.  It may not be often, for I am
+taking lessons in French, and I want to get on as fast as possible."
+
+"I did not know there was any one in the village who gave lessons in
+French."
+
+"Oh, he's not a professional teacher.  Oscar Vincent, one of the
+Academy boys, is teaching me.  I am to take two lessons a week, on
+Tuesday and Friday evenings."
+
+"Indeed, that is a good arrangement.  How did it come about?"
+
+Harry related the particulars of his meeting with Oscar.
+
+"He's a capital fellow," he concluded.  "Very different from another
+boy I met in his room.  I pointed him out to you in the street.
+Oscar seems to be rich, but he doesn't put on any airs, and he
+treated me very kindly."
+
+"That is to his credit.  It's the sham aristocrats that put on most
+airs.   I believe you will make somebody, Walton.  You have lost no
+time in getting to work."
+
+"I have no time to lose.  I wish I was in Oscar's place.  He is
+preparing for Harvard, and has nothing to do but to learn."
+
+"I heard a lecturer once who said that the printing office is the
+poor man's college, and he gave a great many instances of printers
+who had risen high in the world, particularly in our own country."
+
+"Well, that is encouraging.  I should like to have heard the lecture."
+
+"I begin to think, Harry, that I should have done well to follow your
+example.  When I was in your position, I might have studied too, but
+I didn't realize the importance as I do now.  I read some useful
+books, to be sure, but that isn't like studying."
+
+"It isn't too late now."
+
+Ferguson shook his head.
+
+"Now I have a wife and children," he said.  "I am away from them
+during the day, and the evening I like to pass socially with them."
+
+"Perhaps you would like to be divorced," said his wife, smiling.
+"Then you would get time for study."
+
+"I doubt if that would make me as happy, Hannah.  I am not ready to
+part with you just yet.  But our young friend here is not quite old
+enough to be married, and there is nothing to prevent his pursuing
+his studies.  So, Harry, go on, and prepare yourself for your
+editorial duties."
+
+Harry smiled thoughtfully.  For the first time he had formed definite
+plans for his future.  Why should not Ferguson's plans be realized?
+
+"If I live long enough," he said to himself, "I will be an editor,
+and exert some influence in the world."
+
+At ten o'clock he bade good-night to Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson, feeling
+that he had passed a pleasant and what might prove a profitable
+evening.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+FLETCHER'S VIEWS ON SOCIAL POSITION.
+
+"You are getting on finely, Harry," said Oscar Vincent, a fortnight
+later.  "You do credit to my teaching.  As you have been over all the
+regular verbs now, I will give you a lesson in translating."
+
+"I shall find that interesting," said Harry, with satisfaction.
+
+"Here is a French Reader," said Oscar, taking one down from the
+shelves.  "It has a dictionary at the end.  I won't give you a
+lesson.  You may take as much as you have time for, and at the same
+time three or four of the irregular verbs.  You are going about three
+times as fast as I did when I commenced French."
+
+"Perhaps I have a better teacher than you had," said Harry, smiling.
+
+"I shouldn't wonder," said Oscar.  "That explains it to my
+satisfaction.  Well, now the lesson is over, sit down and we'll have
+a chat.  Oh, by the way, there's one thing I want to speak to you
+about.  We've got a debating society at our school.  It is called
+'The Clionian Society.'  Most of the students belong to it.  How
+would you like to join?"
+
+"I should like it very much.  Do you think they would admit me?"
+
+"I don't see why not.  I'll propose you at the next meeting, Thursday
+evening.  Then the nomination will lie over a week, and be acted upon
+at the next meeting."
+
+"I wish you would.  I never belonged to a debating society, but I
+should like to learn to speak."
+
+"It's nothing when you're used to it.  It's only the first time you
+know, that troubles you.  By Jove!  I remember how my knees trembled
+when I first got up and said Mr. President.  I felt as if all eyes
+were upon me, and I wanted to sink through the floor.  Now I can get
+up and chatter with the best of them.  I don't mean that I can make
+an eloquent speech or anything of that kind, but I can talk at a
+minute's notice on almost any subject."
+
+"I wish I could."
+
+"Oh, you can, after you've tried a few times.  Well, then, it's
+settled.  I'll propose you at the next meeting."
+
+"How lucky I am to have fallen in with you, Oscar."
+
+"I know what you mean.  I'm your guide, philosopher, and friend, and
+all that sort of thing.  I hope you'll have proper veneration for me.
+It's rather a new character for me.  Would you believe it, Harry,--at
+home I am regarded as a rattle-brained chap, instead of the dignified
+Professor that you know me to be.  Isn't it a shame?"
+
+"Great men are seldom appreciated at home, Oscar."
+
+"I know that.  I shall have to get a certificate from you, certifying
+to my being a steady and erudite young man."
+
+"I'll give it with the greatest pleasure."
+
+"Holloa, there's a knock.  Come in!" shouted Oscar.
+
+The door opened, and Fitzgerald Fletcher entered the room.
+
+"How are you, Fitz?" said Oscar.  "Sit down and make yourself
+comfortable.  You know my friend, Harry Walton, I believe?"
+
+"I believe I had the honor to meet him here one evening," said
+Fitzgerald stiffly, slightly emphasizing the word "honor."
+
+"I hope you are well, Mr. Fletcher," said Harry, more amused than
+disturbed by the manner of the aristocratic visitor.
+
+"Thank you, my health is good," said Fitzgerald with equal stiffness,
+and forthwith turned to Oscar, not deigning to devote any more
+attention to Harry.
+
+Our hero had intended to remain a short time longer, but, under the
+circumstances, as Oscar's attention would be occupied by Fletcher,
+with whom he was not on intimate terms, he thought he might spend the
+evening more profitably at home in study.
+
+"If you'll excuse me, Oscar," he said, rising, "I will leave you now,
+as I have something to do this evening."
+
+"If you insist upon it, Harry, I will excuse you.  Come round Friday
+evening."
+
+"Thank you."
+
+"Do you have to work at the printing office in the evening?" Fletcher
+deigned to inquire.
+
+"No; I have some studying to do."
+
+"Reading and spelling, I suppose," sneered Fletcher.
+
+"I am studying French."
+
+"Indeed!" returned Fletcher, rather surprised.  "How can you study it
+without a teacher?"
+
+"I have a teacher."
+
+"Who is it?"
+
+"Professor Vincent," said Harry, smiling.
+
+"You didn't know that I had developed into a French Professor, did
+you, Fitz?  Well, it's so, and whether it's the superior teaching or
+not, I can't say, but my scholar is getting on famously."
+
+"It must be a great bore to teach," said Fletcher.
+
+"Not at all.  I like it."
+
+"Every one to his taste," said Fitzgerald unpleasantly.
+
+"Good-night, Oscar.  Good-night, Mr. Fletcher," said Harry, and made
+his exit.
+
+"You're a strange fellow, Oscar," said Fletcher, after Harry's
+departure.
+
+"Very likely, but what particular strangeness do you refer to now?"
+
+"No one but you would think of giving lessons to a printer's devil."
+
+"I don't know about that."
+
+"No one, I mean, that holds your position in society."
+
+"I don't know that I hold any particular position in society."
+
+"Your family live on Beacon Street, and move in the first circles.  I
+am sure my mother would be disgusted if I should demean myself so far
+as to give lessons to any vulgar apprentice."
+
+"I don't propose to give lessons to any vulgar apprentice."
+
+"You know whom I mean.  This Walton is only a printer's devil."
+
+"I don't know that that is any objection to him.  It isn't morally
+wrong to be a printer's devil, is it?"
+
+"What a queer fellow you are, Oscar.  Of course I don't mean that.  I
+daresay he's well enough in his place, though he seems to be very
+forward and presuming, but you know that he's not your equal."
+
+"He is not my equal in knowledge, but I shouldn't be surprised if he
+would be some time.  You'd be astonished to see how fast he gets on."
+
+"I daresay.  But I mean in social position."
+
+"It seems to me you can't think of anything but social position."
+
+"Well, it's worth thinking about."
+
+"No doubt, as far as it is deserved.  But when it is founded on
+nothing but money, I wouldn't give much for it."
+
+"Of course we all know that the higher classes are more refined--"
+
+"Than printers' devils and vulgar apprentices, I suppose," put in
+Oscar, laughing,
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, if refinement consists in wearing kid gloves and stunning
+neckties, I suppose the higher classes, as you call them, are more
+refined."
+
+"Do you mean me?" demanded Fletcher, who was noted for the character
+of his neckties.
+
+"Well, I can't say I don't.  I suppose you regard yourself as a
+representative of the higher classes, don't you?"
+
+"To be sure I do," said Fletcher, complacently.
+
+"So I supposed.  Then you see I had a right to refer to you.  Now
+listen to my prediction.  Twenty-five years from now, the boy whom
+you look down upon as a vulgar apprentice will occupy a high
+position, and you will be glad to number him among your
+acquaintances."
+
+"Speak for yourself, Oscar," said Fletcher, scornfully.
+
+"I speak for both of us."
+
+"Then I say I hope I can command better associates than this friend
+of yours."
+
+"You may, but I doubt it."
+
+"You seem to be carried away by him," said Fitzgerald, pettishly.  "I
+don't see anything very wonderful about him, except dirty hands."
+
+"Then you have seen more than I have."
+
+"Of course a fellow who meddles with printer's ink must have dirty
+hands.  Faugh!" said Fletcher, turning up his nose.
+
+At the same time he regarded complacently his own fingers, which he
+carefully kept aloof from anything that would soil or mar their
+aristocratic whiteness.
+
+"The fact is, Fitz," said Oscar, argumentatively, "our upper ten, as
+we call them, spring from just such beginnings as my friend Harry
+Walton.  My own father commenced life in a printing office.  But, as
+you say, he occupies a high position at present."
+
+"Really!" said Fletcher, a little taken aback, for he knew that
+Vincent's father ranked higher than his own.
+
+"I daresay your own ancestors were not always patricians."
+
+Fletcher winced.  He knew well enough that his father commenced life
+as a boy in a country grocery, but in the mutations of fortune had
+risen to be the proprietor of a large dry-goods store on Washington
+Street.  None of the family cared to look back to the beginning of
+his career.  They overlooked the fact that it was creditable to him
+to have risen from the ranks, though the rise was only in wealth, for
+Mr. Fletcher was a purse-proud parvenu, who owed all the
+consideration he enjoyed to his commercial position.  Fitz liked to
+have it understood that he was of patrician lineage, and carefully
+ignored the little grocery, and certain country relations who
+occasionally paid a visit to their wealthy relatives, in spite of the
+rather frigid welcome they received.
+
+"Oh, I suppose there are exceptions," Fletcher admitted reluctantly.
+"Your father was smart."
+
+"So is Harry Walton.  I know what he is aiming at, and I predict that
+he will be an influential editor some day."
+
+"Have you got your Greek lesson?" asked Fletcher, abruptly, who did
+not relish the course the conversation had taken.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then I want you to translate a passage for me.  I couldn't make it
+out."
+
+"All right."
+
+Half an hour later Fletcher left Vincent's room.
+
+"What a snob he is!" thought Oscar.
+
+And Oscar was right.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE CLIONIAN SOCIETY.
+
+On Thursday evening the main school of the Academy building was
+lighted up, and groups of boys, varying in age from thirteen to
+nineteen, were standing in different parts of the room.  These were
+members of the Clionian Society, whose weekly meeting was about to
+take place.
+
+At eight o'clock precisely the President took his place at the
+teacher's desk, with the Secretary at his side, and rapped for order.
+The presiding officer was Alfred DeWitt, a member of the Senior
+Class, and now nearly ready for college.  The Secretary was a member
+of the same class, by name George Sanborn.
+
+"The Secretary will read the minutes of the last meeting," said the
+President, when order had been obtained.
+
+George Sanborn rose and read his report, which was accepted.
+
+"Are any committees prepared to report?" asked the President.
+
+The Finance Committee reported through its chairman, recommending
+that the fee for admission be established at one dollar, and that
+each member be assessed twenty-five cents monthly.
+
+"Mr. President," said Fitzgerald Fletcher, rising to his feet, "I
+would like to say a word in reference to this report."
+
+"Mr. Fletcher has the floor."
+
+"Then, Mr. President, I wish to say that I disagree with the Report
+of the Committee.  I think a dollar is altogether too small.  It
+ought to be at least three dollars, and I myself should prefer five
+dollars.  Again, sir, the Committee has recommended for the monthly
+assessment the ridiculously small sum of twenty-five cents.  I think
+it ought to be a dollar."
+
+"Mr. President, I should like to ask the gentleman his reason," said
+Henry Fairbanks, Chairman of the Finance Committee.  "Why should we
+tax the members to such an extent, when the sums reported are
+sufficient to defray the ordinary expenses of the Society, and to
+leave a small surplus besides?"
+
+"Mr. President," returned Fletcher, "I will answer the gentleman.  We
+don't want to throw open the Society to every one that can raise a
+dollar.  We want to have an exclusive society."
+
+"Mr. President," said Oscar Vincent, rising, "I should like to ask
+the gentleman for how many he is speaking.  He certainly is not
+speaking for me.  I don't want the Society to be exclusive.  There
+are not many who can afford to pay the exorbitant sums which he
+desires fixed for admission fee and for monthly assessments, and I
+for one am not willing to exclude any good fellow who desires to
+become one of us, but does not boast as heavy a purse as the
+gentleman who has just spoken."
+
+These remarks of Oscar were greeted with applause, general enough to
+show that the opinions of nearly all were with him.
+
+"Mr. President," said Henry Fairbanks, "though I am opposed to the
+gentleman's suggestion, (does he offer it as an amendment?) I have no
+possible objection to his individually paying the increased rates
+which he recommends, and I am sure the Treasurer will gladly receive
+them."
+
+Laughter and applause greeted this hit, and Fletcher once more arose,
+somewhat vexed at the reception of his suggestion.
+
+"I don't choose--" he commenced.
+
+"The gentleman will address the chair," interrupted the President.
+
+"Mr. President, I don't choose to pay more than the other members,
+though I can do it without inconvenience.  But, as I said, I don't
+believe in being too democratic.  I am not in favor of admitting
+anybody and everybody into the Society."
+
+"Mr. President," said James Hooper, "I congratulate the gentleman on
+the flourishing state of his finances.  For my own part, I am not
+ashamed to say that I cannot afford to pay a dollar a month
+assessment, and, were it required, I should be obliged to offer my
+resignation."
+
+"So much the better," thought Fitzgerald, for, as Hooper was poor,
+and went coarsely clothed, he looked down upon him.  Fortunately for
+himself he did not give utterance to his thought.
+
+"Does Mr. Fletcher put his recommendation into the form of an
+amendment?" asked, the President.
+
+"I do."
+
+"Be kind enough to state it, then."
+
+Fletcher did so, but as no one seconded it, no action was of course
+taken.
+
+"Nominations for membership are now in order," said the President.
+
+"I should like to propose my friend Henry Walton."
+
+"Who is Henry Walton?" asked a member.
+
+"Mr. President, may I answer the gentleman?" asked Fitzgerald
+Fletcher, rising to his feet.
+
+"As the nominee is not to be voted upon this evening, it is not in
+order."
+
+"Mr. President," said Oscar, "I should be glad to have the gentleman
+report his information."
+
+"Mr. Fletcher may speak if he desires it, but as the name will be
+referred to the Committee on Nominations, it is hardly necessary."
+
+"Mr. President, I merely wish to inform the Society, that Mr. Walton
+occupies the dignified position of printer's devil in the office of
+the 'Centreville Gazette.'"
+
+"Mr. President," said Oscar, "may I ask the indulgence of the Society
+long enough to say that I am quite aware of the fact.  I will add
+that Mr. Walton is a young man of excellent abilities, and I am
+confident will prove an accession to the Society."
+
+"I cannot permit further remarks on a matter which will come in due
+course before the Committee on Nominations," said the President.
+
+"The next business in order is the debate."
+
+Of the debate, and the further proceedings, I shall not speak, as
+they are of no special interest.  But after the meeting was over,
+groups of members discussed matters which had come up during the
+evening.  Fletcher approached Oscar Vincent, and said, "I can't see,
+Oscar, why you are trying to get that printer's devil into our
+Society."
+
+"Because he's a good fellow, and smart enough to do us credit."
+
+"If there were any bootblacks in Centreville I suppose you'd be
+proposing them?" said Fletcher with a sneer.
+
+"I might, if they were as smart as my friend Walton."
+
+"You are not very particular about your friends," said Fletcher in
+the same tone.
+
+"I don't ask them to open their pocket-books, and show me how much
+money they have."
+
+"I prefer to associate with gentlemen."
+
+"So do I."
+
+"Yet you associate with that printer's devil."
+
+"I consider him a gentleman."
+
+Fletcher laughed scornfully.
+
+"You have strange ideas of a gentleman," he said.
+
+"I hold the same," said James Hooper, who had come up in time to hear
+the last portion of the conversation.  "I don't think a full purse is
+the only or the chief qualification of a gentleman.  If labor is to
+be a disqualification, then I must resign all claims to be considered
+a gentleman, as I worked on a farm for two years before coming to
+school, and in that way earned the money to pay my expenses here."
+
+Fletcher turned up his nose, but did not reply.
+
+Hooper was a good scholar and influential in the Society, but in
+Fletcher's eyes he was unworthy of consideration.
+
+"Look here, Fletcher,--what makes you so confoundedly exclusive is
+your ideas?" asked Henry Fairbanks.
+
+"Because I respect myself," said Fletcher in rather a surly tone.
+
+"Then you have one admirer," said Fairbanks.
+
+"What do you mean by that?" asked Fletcher, suspiciously.
+
+"Nothing out of the way.  I believe in self-respect, but I don't see
+how it is going to be endangered by the admission of Oscar's friend
+to the Society."
+
+"Am I expected to associate on equal terms with a printer's devil?"
+
+"I can't answer for you.  As for me, if he is a good fellow, I shall
+welcome him to our ranks.  Some of our most eminent men have been
+apprenticed to the trade of printer.  I believe, after all, it is the
+name that has prejudiced you."
+
+"No it isn't.  I have seen him."
+
+"Henry Walton?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"In Oscar's room."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"I don't like his appearance."
+
+"What's the matter with his appearance?" asked Oscar.
+
+"He looks low."
+
+"That's where I must decidedly contradict you, Fitz, and I shall
+appeal confidently to the members of the Society when they come to
+know him, as they soon will, for I am sure no one else shares your
+ridiculous prejudices.  Harry Walton, in my opinion, is a true
+gentleman, without reference to his purse, and he is bound to rise
+hereafter, take my word for it."
+
+"There's plenty of room for him to rise," said Fletcher with a sneer.
+
+"That is true not only of him, but of all of us, I take it."
+
+"Do you refer to me?"
+
+"Oh no," said Oscar with sarcasm.  "I am quite aware that you are at
+the pinnacle of eminence, even if you do flunk in Greek occasionally."
+
+Fitzgerald had failed in the Greek recitation during the day, and
+that in school parlance is sometimes termed a "flunk."  He bit his
+lip in mortification at this reference, and walked away, leaving
+Oscar master of the situation.
+
+"You had the best of him there, Vincent," said George Sanborn.  "He
+has gone off in disgust."
+
+"I like to see Fletcher taken down," said Henry Fairbanks.  "I never
+saw a fellow put on so many airs.  He is altogether too aristocratic
+to associate with ordinary people."
+
+"Yes," said Oscar, "he has a foolish pride, which I hope he will some
+time get rid of."
+
+"He ought to have been born in England, and not in a republic."
+
+"If he had been born in England, he would have been unhappy unless he
+had belonged to the nobility," said Alfred DeWitt.
+
+"Look here, boys," said Tom Carver, "what do you say to mortifying
+Fitz's pride?"
+
+"Have you got a plan in view, Tom?  If so, out with it."
+
+"Yes: you know the pedler that comes into town about once a month to
+buy up rags, and sell his tinwares."
+
+"I have seen him.  Well, what of him?"
+
+"He is coming early next week.  Some of us will see him privately,
+and post him up as to Fitz's relations and position, and hire him to
+come up to school, and inquire for Fitz, representing himself as his
+cousin.  Of course Fitz will deny it indignantly, but he will persist
+and show that he knows all about the family."
+
+"Good!  Splendid!" exclaimed the boys laughing.  "Won't Fitz be
+raving?"
+
+"There's no doubt about that.   Well, boys, I'll arrange it all, if
+you'll authorize me."
+
+"Go ahead, Tom.  You can draw upon us for the necessary funds."
+
+Fletcher had retired to his room, angry at the opposition his
+proposal had received, and without any warning of the humiliation
+which awaited him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE TIN-PEDLER.
+
+Those of my readers who live in large cities are probably not
+familiar with the travelling tin-pedler, who makes his appearance at
+frequent intervals in the country towns and villages of New England.
+His stock of tinware embraces a large variety of articles for
+culinary purposes, ranging from milk-pans to nutmeg-graters.  These
+are contained in a wagon of large capacity, in shape like a box, on
+which he sits enthroned a merchant prince.  Unlike most traders, he
+receives little money, most of his transactions being in the form of
+a barter, whereby be exchanges his merchandise for rags, white and
+colored, which have accumulated in the household, and are gladly
+traded off for bright tinware.  Behind the cart usually depend two
+immense bags, one for white, the other for colored rags, which, in
+time, are sold to paper manufacturers.  It may be that the very paper
+on which this description is printed, was manufactured from rags so
+collected.
+
+Abner Bickford was the proprietor of such an establishment as I have
+described.  No one, at first sight, would have hesitated to class him
+as a Yankee.  He was long in the limbs, and long in the face, with a
+shrewd twinkle in the eye, a long nose, and the expression of a man
+who respected himself and feared nobody.  He was unpolished, in his
+manners, and knew little of books, but he belonged to the same
+resolute and hardy type of men who in years past sprang to arms, and
+fought bravely for an idea.  He was strong in his manhood, and would
+have stood unabashed before a king.  Such was the man who was to
+mortify the pride of Fitzgerald Fletcher.
+
+Tom Carver watched for his arrival in Centreville, and walking up to
+his cart, accosted him.
+
+"Good-morning, Mr. Bickford."
+
+"Good-mornin', young man.  You've got the advantage of me.  I never
+saw you before as I know of."
+
+"I am Tom Carver, at your service."
+
+"Glad to know you.  Where do you live?  Maybe your wife would like
+some tinware this mornin'?" said Abner, relaxing his gaunt features
+into a smile.
+
+"She didn't say anything about it when I came out," said Tom,
+entering into the joke.
+
+"Maybe you'd like a tin-dipper for your youngest boy?"
+
+"Maybe I would, if you've got any to give away."
+
+"I see you've cut your eye-teeth.  Is there anything else I can do
+for you?  I'm in for a trade."
+
+"I don't know, unless I sell myself for rags."
+
+"Anything for a trade.  I'll give you two cents a pound."
+
+"That's too cheap.  I came to ask your help in a trick we boys want
+to play on one of our number."
+
+"Sho! you don't say so.  That aint exactly in my line."
+
+"I'll tell you all about it.  There's a chap at our school--the
+Academy, you know--who's awfully stuck up.  He's all the time
+bragging about belonging to a first family in Boston, and turning up
+his nose at poorer boys.  We want to mortify him."
+
+"Just so!" said Abner, nodding.  "Drive ahead!"
+
+"Well, we thought if you'd call at the school and ask after him, and
+pretend he was a cousin of yours, and all that, it would make him
+mad."
+
+"Oh, I see," said Abner, nodding, "he wouldn't like to own a
+tin-pedler for his cousin."
+
+"No," said Tom; "he wants us to think all his relations are rich.  I
+wouldn't mind at all myself," he added, it suddenly occurring to him
+that Abner's feelings might be hurt.
+
+"Good!" said Abner, "I see you aint one of the stuck-up kind.  I've
+got some relations in Boston myself, that are rich and stuck up.  I
+never go near 'em.  What's the name of this chap you're talkin'
+about?"
+
+"Fletcher--Fitzgerald Fletcher."
+
+"Fletcher!" repeated Abner.  "Whew! well, that's a joke!"
+
+"What's a joke?" asked Tom, rather surprised.
+
+"Why, he _is_ my relation--a sort of second cousin.  Why, my mother
+and his father are own cousins.  So, don't you see we're second
+cousins?"
+
+"That's splendid!" exclaimed Tom.  "I can hardly believe it."
+
+"It's so.  My mother's name was Fletcher--Roxanna Fletcher--afore she
+married.  Jim Fletcher--this boy's father--used to work in my
+grandfather's store, up to Hampton, but he got kinder discontented,
+and went off to Boston, where he's been lucky, and they do say he's
+mighty rich now.  I never go nigh him, 'cause I know he looks down on
+his country cousins, and I don't believe in pokin' my nose in where I
+aint wanted."
+
+"Then you are really and truly Fitz's cousin?"
+
+"If that's the boy's name.  Seems to me it's a kinder queer one.  I
+s'pose it's a fust-claas name.  Sounds rather stuck up."
+
+"Won't the boys roar when they hear about it!  Are you willing to
+enter into our plan?"
+
+"Well," said Abner, "I'll do it.  I can't abide folks that's stuck
+up.  I'd rather own a cousin like you."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Bickford."
+
+"When do you want me to come round?"
+
+"How long do you stay in town?"
+
+"Well, I expect to stop overnight at the tavern; I can't get through
+in one day."
+
+"Then come round to the Academy to-morrow morning, about half-past
+eight.  School don't begin till nine, but the boys will be playing
+ball alongside.  Then we'll give you an introduction to your cousin."
+
+"That'll suit me well enough.  I'll come."
+
+Tom Carver returned in triumph, and communicated to the other boys
+the arrangement be had made with Mr. Bickford, and his unexpected
+discovery of the genuine relationship that existed between Fitz and
+the tin-pedler.  His communication was listened to with great
+delight, and no little hilarity, and the boys discussed the probable
+effect of the projected meeting.
+
+"Fitz will be perfectly raving," said Henry Fairbanks.  "There's
+nothing that will take down his pride so much."
+
+"He'll deny the relationship, probably," said Oscar.
+
+"How can he?"
+
+"He'll do it.  See if he don't.  It would be death to all his
+aristocratic claims to admit it."
+
+"Suppose it were yourself, Oscar?"
+
+"I'd say, 'How are you, cousin?  How's the the business?'" answered
+Oscar, promptly.
+
+"I believe you would, Oscar.  There's nothing of the snob about you."
+
+"I hope not."
+
+"Yet your family stands as high as Fletcher's."
+
+"That's a point I leave to others to discuss," said Oscar.  "My
+father is universally respected, I am sure, but he rose from the
+ranks.  He was once a printer's devil, like my friend Harry Walton.
+Wouldn't it be ridiculous in me to turn up my nose at Walton, just
+because be stands now where my father did thirty years ago?  It would
+be the same thing as sneering at father."
+
+"Give us your hand, Oscar," said Henry Fairbanks.  "You've got no
+nonsense about you--I like you."
+
+"I'm not sure whether your compliment is deserved, Henry," said
+Oscar, "but if I have any nonsense it isn't of that kind."
+
+"Do you believe Fitz has any suspicion that he has a cousin in the
+tin business?"
+
+"No; I don't believe he has.  He must know he has poor relations,
+living in the country, but he probably thinks as little as possible
+about them.  As long as they don't intrude themselves upon his
+greatness, I suppose he is satisfied."
+
+"And as long as no one suspects that he has any connection with such
+plebeians."
+
+"Of course."
+
+"What sort of a man is this tin-pedler, Tom?" asked Oscar.
+
+"He's a pretty sharp fellow--not educated, or polished, you know, but
+he seems to have some sensible ideas.  He said he had never seen the
+Fletchers; because he didn't want to poke his nose in where he wasn't
+wanted.  He showed his good sense also by saying that he had rather
+have me for a cousin than Fitz."
+
+"That isn't a very high compliment--I'd say the same myself."
+
+"Thank you, Oscar.  Your compliment exalts me.  You won't mind my
+strutting a little."
+
+And Tom humorously threw back his head, and strutted about with mock
+pride.
+
+"To be sure," said Oscar, "you don't belong to one of the first
+families of Boston, like our friend, Fitz."
+
+"No, I belong to one of the second families.  You can't blame me, for
+I can't help it."
+
+"No, I won't blame you, but of course I consider you low."
+
+"I am afraid, Tom, I haven't got any cousins in the tin trade, like
+Fitz."
+
+"Poor Fitz! he little dreams of his impending trial.  If he did, I am
+afraid he wouldn't sleep a wink to-night."
+
+"I wish I thought as much of myself as Fitz does," said Henry
+Fairbanks.  "You can see by his dignified pace, and the way he tosses
+his head, how well satisfied he is with being Fitzgerald Fletcher,
+Esq."
+
+"I'll bet five cents he won't strut round so much to-morrow
+afternoon," said Tom, "after his interview with his new cousin.  But
+hush, boys!  Not a word more of this.  There's Fitz coming up the
+hill.  I wouldn't have him suspect what's going on, or he might
+defeat our plans by staying away."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+FITZ AND HIS COUSIN.
+
+The next morning at eight the boys began to gather in the field
+beside the Seminary.  They began to play ball, but took little
+interest in the game, compared with the "tragedy in real life," as
+Tom jocosely called it, which was expected soon to come off.
+
+Fitz appeared upon the scene early.  In fact one of the boys called
+for him, and induced him to come round to school earlier than usual.
+Significant glances were exchanged when he made his appearance, but
+Fitz suspected nothing, and was quite unaware that he was attracting
+more attention than usual.
+
+Punctually at half-past eight, Abner Bickford with his tin-cart
+appeared in the street, and with a twitch of the rein began to ascend
+the Academy Hill.
+
+"Look there," said Tom Carver, "the tin-pedler's coming up the hill.
+Wonder if he expects to sell any of his wares to us boys.  Do you
+know him, Fitz?"
+
+"I!" answered Fitzgerald with a scornful look, "what should I know of
+a tin-pedler?"
+
+Tom's mouth twitched, and his eyes danced with the anticipation of
+fun.
+
+By this time Mr. Bickford had brought his horse to a halt, and
+jumping from his box, approached the group of boys, who suspended
+their game.
+
+"We don't want any tinware," said one of the boys, who was not in the
+secret.
+
+"Want to know!  Perhaps you haven't got tin enough to pay for it.
+Never mind, I'll buy you for old rags, at two cents a pound."
+
+"He has you there, Harvey," said Tom Carver.  "Can I do anything for
+you, sir?"
+
+"Is your name Fletcher?" asked Abner, not appearing to recognize Tom.
+
+"Why, he wants you, Fitz!" said Harvey, in surprise.
+
+"This gentleman's name is Fletcher," said Tom, placing his hand on
+the shoulder of the astonished Fitzgerald.
+
+"Not Fitz Fletcher?" said Abner, interrogatively.
+
+"My name is Fitzgerald Fletcher," said the young Bostonian,
+haughtily, "but I am at a loss to understand why you should desire to
+see me."
+
+Abner advanced with hand extended, his face lighted up with an
+expansive grin.
+
+"Why, Cousin Fitz," he said heartily, "do you mean to say you don't
+know me?"
+
+"Sir," said Fitzgerald, drawing back, "you are entirely mistaken in
+the person.  I don't know you."
+
+"I guess it's you that are mistaken, Fitz," said the pedler,
+familiarly; "why, don't you remember Cousin Abner, that used to trot
+you on his knee when you was a baby?  Give us your hand, in memory of
+old times."
+
+"You must be crazy," said Fitzgerald, his cheeks red with
+indignation, and all the more exasperated because he saw significant
+smiles on the faces of his school-companions.
+
+"I s'pose you was too young to remember me," said Abner.  "I haint
+seen you for ten years."
+
+"Sir," said Fitz, wrathfully, "you are trying to impose upon me.  I
+am a native of Boston."
+
+"Of course you be," said the imperturbable pedler.  "Cousin
+Jim--that's your father--went to Boston when he was a boy, and they
+do say he's worked his way up to be a mighty rich man.  Your father
+is rich, aint he?"
+
+"My father is wealthy, and always was," said Fitzgerald.
+
+"No he wasn't, Cousin Fitz," said Abner.  "When he was a boy, he used
+to work in grandfather's store up to Hampton; but he got sort of
+discontented and went to Boston.  Did you ever hear him tell of his
+cousin Roxanna?  That's my mother."
+
+"I see that you mean to insult me, fellow," said Fitz, pale with
+passion.  "I don't know what your object is, in pretending that I am
+your relation.  If you want any pecuniary help--"
+
+"Hear the boy talk!" said the pedler, bursting into a horse laugh.
+"Abner Bickford don't want no pecuniary help, as you call it.  My
+tin-cart'll keep me, I guess."
+
+"You needn't claim relationship with me," said Fitzgerald,
+scornfully; "I haven't any low relations."
+
+"That's so," said Abner, emphatically; "but I aint sure whether I can
+say that for myself."
+
+"Do you mean to insult me?"
+
+"How can I?  I was talkin' of my relations.  You say you aint one of
+'em."
+
+"I am not."
+
+"Then you needn't go for to put on the coat.  But you're out of your
+reckoning, I guess.  I remember your mother very well.  She was Susan
+Baker."
+
+"Is that true, Fitz?"
+
+"Ye--es," answered Fitz, reluctantly.
+
+"I told you so," said the pedler, triumphantly.
+
+"Perhaps he is your cousin, after all," said Henry Fairbanks.
+
+"I tell you he isn't," said Fletcher, impetuously.
+
+"How should he know your mother's name, then, Fitz?" asked Tom.
+
+"Some of you fellows told him," said Fitzgerald.
+
+"I can say, for one, that I never knew it," said Tom.
+
+"Nor I."
+
+"Nor I."
+
+"We used to call her Sukey Baker," said Abner.  "She used to go to
+the deestrict school along of Mother.  They was in the same class.  I
+haven't seen your mother since you was a baby.  How many children has
+she got?"
+
+"I must decline answering your impertinent questions." said
+Fitzgerald, desperately.  He began to entertain, for the first time,
+the horrible suspicion that the pedler's story might be true--that he
+might after all be his cousin.  But he resolved that he never would
+admit it--NEVER!  Where would be his pretentious claims to
+aristocracy--where his pride--if this humiliating discovery were
+made?  Judging of his school-fellows and himself, he feared that they
+would look down upon him.
+
+"You seem kind o' riled to find that I am your cousin," said Abner.
+"Now, Fitz, that's foolish.  I aint rich, to be sure, but I'm
+respectable.  I don't drink nor chew, and I've got five hundred
+dollars laid away in the bank."
+
+"You're welcome to your five hundred dollars," said Fitz, in what was
+meant to be a tone of withering sarcasm.
+
+"Am I?  Well, I'd orter be, considerin' I earned it by hard work.
+Seems to me you've got high notions, Fitz.  Your mother was kind of
+flighty, and I've heard mine say Cousin Jim--that's your father--was
+mighty sot up by gettin' rich.  But seems to me you ought not to deny
+your own flesh and blood."
+
+"I don't know who you refer to, sir."
+
+"Why, you don't seem to want to own me as your cousin."
+
+"Of course not.  You're only a common tin-pedler."
+
+"Well, I know I'm a tin-pedler, but that don't change my bein' your
+cousin."
+
+"I wish my father was here to expose your falsehood."
+
+"Hold on there!" said Abner.  "You're goin' a leetle too far.  I
+don't let no man, nor boy neither, charge me with lyin', if he is my
+cousin, I don't stand that, nohow."
+
+There was something in Abner's tone which convinced Fitzgerald that
+he was in earnest, and that he himself must take care not to go too
+far.
+
+"I don't wish to have anything more to say to you," said Fitz."
+
+"I say, boys," said Abner, turning to the crowd who had now formed a
+circle around the cousins, "I leave it to you if it aint mean for
+Fitz to treat me in that way.  If he was to come to my house, that
+aint the way I'd treat him."
+
+"Come, Fitz," said Tom, "you are not behaving right.  I would not
+treat my cousin that way."
+
+"He isn't my cousin, and you know it," said Fitz, stamping with rage.
+
+"I wish I wasn't," said Abner.  "If I could have my pick, I'd rather
+have him," indicating Tom.  "But blood can't be wiped out.  We're
+cousins, even if we don't like it."
+
+"Are you quite sure you are right about this relationship?" asked
+Henry Fairbanks, gravely.  "Fitz, here, says he belongs to one of the
+first families of Boston."
+
+"Well, I belong to one of the first families of Hampton," said Abner,
+with a grin.  "Nobody don't look down on me, I guess."
+
+"You hear that, Fitz," said Oscar.  "Be sensible, and shake hands
+with your cousin."
+
+"Yes, shake hands with your cousin!" echoed the boys.
+
+"You all seem to want to insult me," said Fitz, sullenly.
+
+"Not I," said Oscar, "and I'll prove it--will you shake hands with
+me, sir?"
+
+"That I will," said Abner, heartily.  "I can see that you're a young
+gentleman, and I wish I could say as much for my cousin, Fitz."
+
+Oscar's example was followed by the rest of the boys, who advanced in
+turn, and shook hands with the tin-pedler.
+
+"Now Fitz, it's your turn," said Tom.
+
+"I decline," said Fitz, holding his hands behind his back.
+
+"How much he looks like his marm did when she was young," said Abner.
+"Well, boys, I can't stop no longer.  I didn't think Cousin Fitz
+would be so stuck up, just because his father's made some money.
+Good-mornin'!"
+
+"Three cheers for Fitz's cousin!" shouted Tom.
+
+They were given with a will, and Mr. Bickford made acknowledgment by
+a nod and a grin.
+
+"Remember me to your mother when you write, Cousin Fitz," he said at
+parting.
+
+Fitz was too angry to reply.  He walked off sullenly, deeply
+mortified and humiliated, and for weeks afterward nothing would more
+surely throw him into a rage than any allusion to his cousin the
+tin-pedler.  One good effect, however, followed.  He did not venture
+to allude to the social position of his family in presence of his
+school-mates, and found it politic to lay aside some of his airs of
+superiority.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+HARRY JOINS THE CLIONIAN SOCIETY.
+
+A week later Harry Walton received the following note:--
+
+        "Centreville, May 16th, 18--,
+  "Dear Sir: At the last meeting of the Clionian
+  Society you were elected a member.  The next meeting
+  will be held on Thursday evening, in the Academy
+  building.
+    "Yours truly,
+      "GEORGE SANBORN,
+          "Secretary.
+    "MR. HARRY WALTON."
+
+Our hero read this letter with satisfaction.  It would be pleasant
+for him to become acquainted with the Academy students, but he
+thought most of the advantages which his membership would afford him
+in the way of writing and speaking.  He had never attempted to
+debate, and dreaded attempting it for the first time; but he knew
+that nothing desirable would be accomplished without effort, and he
+was willing to make that effort.
+
+"What have you there, Walton?" asked Clapp, noticing the letter which
+he held in his hand.
+
+"You can read it if you like," said Harry.
+
+"Humph!" said Clapp; "so you are getting in with the Academy boys?"
+
+"Why shouldn't he?" said Ferguson.
+
+"Oh, they're a stuck-up set."
+
+"I don't find them so--that is, with one exception," said Harry.
+
+"They are mostly the sones of rich men, and look down on those who
+have to work for a living."
+
+Clapp was of a jealous and envious disposition, and he was always
+fancying slights where they were not intended.
+
+"If I thought so," said Harry, "I would not join the Society, but as
+they have elected me, I shall become a member, and see how things
+turn out."
+
+"It is a good plan, Harry," said Ferguson.  "It will be a great
+advantage to you."
+
+"I wish I had a chance to attend the Academy for a couple of years,"
+said our hero, thoughtfully.
+
+"I don't," said Clapp.  "What's the good of studying Latin and Greek,
+and all that rigmarole?  It won't bring you money, will it?"
+
+"Yes," said Ferguson.  "Education will make a man more competent to
+earn money, at any rate in many cases.  I have a cousin, who used to
+go to school with me, but his father was able to send him to college.
+He is now a lawyer in Boston, making four or five times my income.
+But it isn't for the money alone that an education is worth having.
+There is a pleasure in being educated."
+
+"So I think," said Harry.
+
+"I don't see it," said Clapp.  "I wouldn't be a bookworm for anybody.
+There's Walton learning French.  What good is it ever going to do
+him?"
+
+"I can tell you better by and by, when I know a little more," said
+Harry.  "I am only a beginner now."
+
+"Dr. Franklin would never have become distinguished if he had been
+satisfied with what he knew as an apprentice," said Ferguson.
+
+"Oh, if you're going to bring up Franklin again, I've got through,"
+said Clapp with a sneer.  "I forgot that Walton was trying to be a
+second Franklin."
+
+"I don't see much chance of it," said Harry, good-humoredly.  "I
+should like to be if I could."
+
+Clapp seemed to be in an ill-humor, and the conversation was not
+continued.  He had been up late the night before with Luke Harrison,
+and both had drank more than was good for them.  In consequence,
+Clapp had a severe headache, and this did not improve his temper.
+
+
+"Come round Thursday evening, Harry," said Oscar Vincent, "and go to
+the Society with me.  I will introduce you to the fellows.  It will
+be less awkward, you know."
+
+"Thank you, Oscar.  I shall be glad to accept your escort."
+
+When Thursday evening came, Oscar and Harry entered the Society hall
+arm in arm.  Oscar led his companion up to the Secretary and
+introduced him.
+
+"I am glad to see you, Mr. Walton," said he.  "Will you sign your
+name to the Constitution?  That is all the formality we require."
+
+"Except a slight pecuniary disbursement," added Oscar.
+
+"How much is the entrance fee?" asked Harry.
+
+"One dollar.  You win pay that to the Treasurer."
+
+Oscar next introduced our hero to the President, and some of the
+leading members, all of whom welcomed him cordially.
+
+"Good-evening, Mr. Fletcher," said Harry, observing that young
+gentleman near him.
+
+"Good-evening, sir," said Fletcher stiffly, and turned on his heel
+without offering his hand.
+
+"Fletcher don't feel well," whispered Oscar.  "He had a visit from a
+poor relation the other day--a tin-pedler--and it gave such a shock
+to his sensitive system that he hasn't recovered from it yet."
+
+"I didn't imagine Mr. Fletcher had such a plebeian relative," said
+Harry.
+
+"Nor did any of us.  The interview was rich.  It amused us all, but
+what was sport to us was death to poor Fitz.  You have only to make
+the most distant allusion to a tin-pedler in his hearing, and he will
+become furious."
+
+"Then I will be careful."
+
+"Oh, it won't do any harm.  The fact was, the boy was getting too
+overbearing, and putting on altogether too many airs.  The lesson
+will do him good, or ought to."
+
+Here the Society was called to order, and Oscar and Harry took their
+seats.
+
+The exercises proceeded in regular order until the President
+announced a declamation by Fitzgerald Fletcher.
+
+"Mr. President," said Fletcher, rising, "I must ask to be excused.  I
+have not had time to prepare a declamation."
+
+"Mr. President," said Tom Carver, "under the circumstances I hope you
+will excuse Mr. Fletcher, as during the last week he has had an
+addition to his family."
+
+There was a chorus of laughter, loud and long, at this sally.  All
+were amused except Fletcher himself, who looked flushed and provoked.
+
+"Mr. Fletcher is excused," said the President, unable to refrain from
+smiling.  "Will any member volunteer to speak in his place?  It will
+be a pity to have our exercises incomplete."
+
+Fletcher was angry, and wanted to be revenged on somebody.  A bright
+idea came to him.  He would place the "printer's devil," whose
+admission to the Society he resented, in an awkward position.  He
+rose with a malicious smile upon his face.
+
+"Mr. President," he said, "doubtless Mr. Walton, the new member who
+has done us the _honor_ to join our society, will be willing to
+supply my place."
+
+"We shall certainly be glad to hear a declamation from Mr. Walton,
+though it is hardly fair to call upon him at such short notice."
+
+"Can't you speak something, Harry?" whispered Oscar.  "Don't do it,
+unless you are sure you can get through."
+
+Harry started in surprise when his name was first mentioned, but he
+quickly resolved to accept his duty.  He had a high reputation at
+home for speaking, and he had recently learned a spirited poem,
+familiar, no doubt, to many of my young readers, called "Shamus
+O'Brien."  It is the story of an Irish volunteer, who was arrested
+for participating in the Irish rebellion of '98, and is by turns
+spirited and pathetic.  Harry had rehearsed it to himself only the
+night before, and he had confidence in a strong and retentive memory.
+At the President's invitation he rose to his feet, and said, "Mr.
+President, I will do as well as I can, but I hope the members of the
+Society will make allowance for me, as I have had no time for special
+preparation."
+
+All eyes were fixed with interest upon our hero, as he advanced to
+the platform, and, bowing composedly, commenced his declamation.  It
+was not long before that interest increased, as Harry proceeded in
+his recitation.  He lost all diffidence, forgot the audience, and
+entered thoroughly into the spirit of the piece.  Especially when, in
+the trial scene, Shamus is called upon to plead guilty or not guilty,
+Harry surpassed himself, and spoke with a spirit and fire which
+brought down the house.  This is the passage:--
+
+  "My lord, if you ask me, if in my life-time
+  I thought any treason, or did any crime,
+  That should call to my cheek, as I stand alone here,
+  The hot blush of shame, or the coldness of fear,
+  Though I stood by the grave to receive my death-blow,
+  Before God and the world I would answer you, no!
+  But if you would ask me, as I think it like,
+  If in the rebellion I carried a pike,
+  An' fought for ould Ireland from the first to the close,
+  An' shed the heart's blood of her bitterest foes,
+  I answer you, _yes_; and I tell you again,
+  Though I stand here to perish, it's my glory that then
+  In her cause I was willing my veins should run dhry,
+  An' that now for her sake I am ready to die."
+
+After the applause had subsided, Harry proceeded, and at the
+conclusion of the declamation, when he bowed modestly and left the
+platform, the hall fairly shook with the stamping, in which all
+joined except Fletcher, who sat scowling with dissatisfaction at a
+result so different from his hopes.  He had expected to bring
+discomfiture to our hero.  Instead, he had given him an opportunity
+to achieve a memorable triumph.
+
+"You did yourself credit, old boy!" said Oscar, seizing and wringing
+the hand of Harry, as the latter resumed his seat.  "Why, you ought
+to go on the stage!"
+
+"Thank you," said Harry; "I am glad I got through well."
+
+"Isn't Fitz mad, though?  He thought you'd break down.  Look at him!"
+
+Harry looked over to Fletcher, who, with a sour expression, was
+sitting upright, and looking straight before him.
+
+"He don't look happy, does he?" whispered Oscar, comically.
+
+Harry came near laughing aloud, but luckily for Fletcher's peace of
+mind, succeeded in restraining himself.
+
+"He won't call you up again in a hurry; see if he does," continued
+Oscar.
+
+"I am sure we have all been gratified by Mr. Walton's spirited
+declamation," said the President, rising.  "We congratulate ourselves
+upon adding so fine a speaker to our society, and hope often to have
+the pleasure of hearing him declaim."
+
+There was a fresh outbreak of applause, after which the other
+exercises followed.  When the meeting was over the members of the
+Society crowded around Harry, and congratulated him on his success.
+These congratulations he received so modestly, as to confirm the
+favorable impression he had made by his declamation.
+
+"By Jove! old fellow," said Oscar, as they were walking home, "I am
+beginning to be proud of you.  You are doing great credit to your
+teacher."
+
+"Thank you, Professor," said Harry.  "Don't compliment me too much,
+or I may become vain, and put on airs."
+
+"If you do, I'll get Fitz to call, and remind you that you are only a
+printer's devil, after all."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+VACATION BEGINS AT THE ACADEMY.
+
+Not long after his election as a member of the Clionian Society, the
+summer term of the Prescott Academy closed.  The examination took
+place about the tenth of June, and a vacation followed, lasting till
+the first day of September.  Of course, the Clionian Society, which
+was composed of Academy students, suspended its meetings for the same
+length of time.  Indeed, the last meeting for the season took place
+during the first week in June, as the evenings were too short and too
+warm, and the weather was not favorable to oratory.  At the last
+meeting, an election was held of officers to serve for the following
+term.  The same President and Vice-President were chosen; but as the
+Secretary declined to serve another term, Harry Walton, considerably
+to his surprise, found himself elected in his place.
+
+Fitzgerald Fletcher did not vote for him.  Indeed, he expressed it as
+his opinion that it was a shame to elect a "printer's devil"
+Secretary of the Society.
+
+"Why is it?" said Oscar.  "Printing is a department of literature,
+and the Clionian is a literary society, isn't it?"
+
+"Of course it is a literary society, but a printer's devil is not
+literary."
+
+"He's as literary as a tin-pedler," said Tom Carver, maliciously.
+
+Fletcher turned red, but managed to say, "And what does that prove?"
+
+"We don't object to you because you are connected with the tin
+business."
+
+"Do you mean to insult me?" demanded Fletcher, angrily.  "What have I
+to do with the tin business?"
+
+"Oh, I beg pardon, it's your cousin that's in it."
+
+"I deny the relationship," said Fletcher, "and I will thank you not
+to refer again to that vulgar pedler."
+
+"Really, Fitz, you speak rather roughly, considering he's your
+cousin.  But as to Harry Walton, he's a fine fellow, and he has an
+excellent handwriting, and I was very glad to vote for him."
+
+Fitzgerald walked away, not a little disgusted, as well at the
+allusion to the tin-pedler, as at the success of Harry Walton in
+obtaining an office to which he had himself secretly aspired.  He had
+fancied that it would sound well to put "Secretary of the Clionian
+Society" after his name, and would give him increased consequence at
+home.  As to the tin-pedler, it would have relieved his mind to hear
+that Mr. Bickford had been carried off suddenly by an apoplectic fit,
+and notwithstanding the tie of kindred, he would not have taken the
+trouble to put on mourning in his honor.
+
+Harry Walton sat in Oscar Vincent's room, on the last evening of the
+term.  He had just finished reciting the last French lesson in which
+he would have Oscar's assistance for some time to come.
+
+"You have made excellent progress," said Oscar.  "It is only two
+months since you began French, and now you take a long lesson in
+translation."
+
+"That is because I have so good a teacher.  But do you think I can
+get along without help during the summer?"
+
+"No doubt of it.  You may find some difficulties, but those you can
+mark, and I will explain when I come back.  Or I'll tell you what is
+still better.  Write to me, and I'll answer.  Shall I write in
+French?"
+
+"I wish you would, Oscar."
+
+"Then I will.  I'm rather lazy with the pen, but I can find time for
+you.  Besides, it will be a good way for me to keep up my French."
+
+"Shall you be in Boston all summer, Oscar?"
+
+"No; our family has a summer residence at Nahant, a sea-shore place
+twelve miles from Boston.  Then I hope father will let me travel
+about a little on my own account.  I want to go to Saratoga and Lake
+George."
+
+"That would be splendid."
+
+"I wish you could go with me, Harry."
+
+"Thank you, Oscar, but perhaps you can secure Fletcher's company.
+That will be much better than that of a 'printer's devil' like
+myself."
+
+"It may show bad taste, but I should prefer your company,
+notwithstanding your low employment."
+
+"Thank you, Oscar.  I am much obliged."
+
+"Fitz has been hinting to me how nice it would be for us to go off
+somewhere together, but I don't see it in that light.  I asked him
+why he didn't secure board with his cousin, the tin-pedler, but that
+made him angry, and he walked away in disgust.  But I can't help
+pitying you a little, Harry."
+
+"Why?  On account of my occupation?"
+
+"Partly.  All these warm summer days, you have got to be working at
+the case, while I can lounge in the shade, or travel for pleasure.
+Sha'n't you have a vacation?"
+
+"I don't expect any.  I don't think I could well be spared.  However,
+I don't mind it.  I hope to do good deal of studying while you are
+gone."
+
+"And I sha'n't do any."
+
+"Neither would I, perhaps, in your position.  But there's a good deal
+of difference between us.  You are a Latin and Greek scholar, and can
+talk French, while I am at the bottom of the ladder.  I have no time
+to lose."
+
+"You have begun to mount the ladder, Harry.  Don't be discouraged.
+You can climb up."
+
+"But I must work for it.  I haven't got high enough up to stop and
+rest.  But there is one question I want to ask you, before you go."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"What French book would you recommend after I have finished this
+Reader?  I am nearly through now."
+
+"Telemaque will be a good book to take next.  It is easy and
+interesting.  Have you got a French dictionary?"
+
+"No; but I can buy one."
+
+"You can use mine while I am gone.  You may as well have it as not.
+I have no copy of Telemaque, but I will send you one from Boston."
+
+"Agreed, provided you will let me pay you for it."
+
+"So I would, if I had to buy one.  But I have got an old copy, not
+very ornamental, but complete.  I will send it through the mail."
+
+"Thank you, Oscar.  How kind you are!"
+
+"Don't flatter me, Harry.  The favors you refer to are but trifles.
+I will ask a favor of you in return."
+
+"I wish you would."
+
+"Then help me pack my trunk.  There's nothing I detest so much.
+Generally I tumble things in helter-skelter, and get a good scolding
+from mother for doing it, when she inspects my trunk."
+
+"I'll save you the trouble, then.  Bring what you want to carry home,
+and pile it on the floor, and I'll do the packing."
+
+"A thousand thanks, as the French say.  It takes a load off my mind.
+By the way, here's a lot of my photographs.  Would you like one to
+remember your professor by?"
+
+"Very much, Oscar."
+
+"Then take your choice.  They don't do justice to my beauty, which is
+of a stunning description, as you are aware, nor do they convey an
+idea of the lofty intellect which sits enthroned behind my classic
+brow; but such as they are, you are welcome to one."
+
+"Any one would think, to hear you, that you had no end of
+self-conceit, Oscar," said Harry, laughing.
+
+"How do you know that I haven't?  Most people think they are
+beautiful.  A photographer told my sister that he was once visited by
+a frightfully homely man from the the country, who wanted his 'picter
+took.'  When the result was placed before him, he seemed
+dissatisfied.  'Don't you think it like?' said the artist.--'Well,
+ye-es,' he answered slowly, 'but it hasn't got my sweet expression
+about the mouth!'"
+
+"Very good," said Harry, laughing; "that's what's the matter with
+your picture."
+
+"Precisely.  I am glad your artistic eye detects what is wanting.
+But, hold! there's a knock.  It's Fitz, I'll bet a hat."
+
+"Come in!" he cried, and Fletcher walked in.
+
+"Good-evening, Fletcher," said Oscar.  "You see I'm packing, or
+rather Walton is packing.  He's a capital packer."
+
+"Indeed!" sneered Fletcher.  "I was not aware that Mr. Walton was in
+that line of business.  What are his terms?"
+
+"I refer you to him."
+
+"What do you charge for packing trunks, Mr. Walton?"
+
+"I think fifty cents would be about right," answered Harry, with
+perfect gravity.  "Can you give me a job, Mr. Fletcher?"
+
+"I might, if I had known it in time, though I am particular who
+handles my things."
+
+"Walton is careful, and I can vouch for his honesty," said Oscar,
+carrying out the joke.  "His wages in the printing office are not
+large, and he would be glad to make a little extra money."
+
+"It must be very inconvenient to be poor," said Fletcher, with a
+supercilious glance at our hero, who was kneeling before Oscar's
+trunk.
+
+"It is," answered Harry, quietly, "but as long as work is to be had I
+shall not complain."
+
+"To be sure!" said Fletcher.  "My father is wealthy, and I shall not
+have to work."
+
+"Suppose he should fail?" suggested Oscar.
+
+"That is a very improbable supposition," said Fletcher, loftily.
+
+"But not impossible?"
+
+"Nothing is impossible."
+
+"Of course.  I say, Fitz, if such a thing should happen, you've got
+something to fall back upon."
+
+"To what do you refer?"
+
+"Mr. Bickford could give you an interest in the tin business."
+
+"Good-evening!" said Fletcher, not relishing the allusion.
+
+"Good-evening!  Of course I shall see you in the city."
+
+"I suppose I ought not to tease Fitz," said Oscar, after his visitor
+had departed, "but I enjoy seeing how disgusted he looks."
+
+In due time the trunk was packed, and Harry, not without regret, took
+leave of his friend for the summer.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+HARRY BECOMES AN AUTHOR.
+
+The closing of the Academy made quite a difference in the life of
+Centreville.  The number of boarding scholars was about thirty, and
+these, though few in number, were often seen in the street and at the
+postoffice, and their withdrawal left a vacancy.  Harry Walton felt
+quite lonely at first; but there is no cure for loneliness like
+occupation, and he had plenty of that.  The greater part of the day
+was spent in the printing office, while his evenings and early
+mornings were occupied in study and reading.  He had become very much
+interested in French, in which he found himself advancing rapidly.
+Occasionally he took tea at Mr. Ferguson's, and this he always
+enjoyed; for, as I have already said, he and Ferguson held very
+similar views on many important subjects.  One evening, at the house
+of the latter, he saw a file of weekly papers, which proved, on
+examination, to be back numbers of the "Weekly Standard," a literary
+paper issued in Boston.
+
+"I take the paper for my family," said Ferguson.  "It contains quite
+a variety of reading matter, stories, sketches and essays."
+
+"It seems quite interesting," said Harry.
+
+"Yes, it is.  I will lend you some of the back numbers, if you like."
+
+"I would like it.  My father never took a literary paper; his means
+were so limited that he could not afford it."
+
+"I think it is a good investment.  There are few papers from which
+you cannot obtain in a year more than the worth of the subscription.
+Besides, if you are going to be an editor, it will be useful for you
+to become familiar with the manner in which such papers are
+conducted."
+
+When Harry went home he took a dozen copies of the paper, and sat up
+late reading them.  While thus engaged an idea struck him.  It was
+this: Could not he write something which would be accepted for
+publication in the "Standard"?  It was his great ambition to learn to
+write for the press, and he felt that he was old enough to commence.
+
+"If I don't succeed the first time, I can try again," he reflected.
+
+The more he thought of it, the more he liked the plan.  It is very
+possible that he was influenced by the example of Franklin, who,
+while yet a boy in his teens, contributed articles to his brother's
+paper though at the time the authorship was not suspected.  Finally
+he decided to commence writing as soon as he could think of a
+suitable subject.  This he found was not easy.  He could think of
+plenty of subjects of which he was not qualified to write, or in
+which he felt little interest; but he rightly decided that he could
+succeed better with something that had a bearing upon his own
+experience or hopes for the future.
+
+Finally he decided to write on Ambition.
+
+I do not propose to introduce Harry's essay in these pages, but will
+give a general idea of it, as tending to show his views of life.
+
+He began by defining ambition as a desire for superiority, by which
+most men were more or less affected, though it manifested itself in
+very different ways, according to the character of him with whom it
+was found.  Here I will quote a passage, as a specimen of Harry's
+style and mode of expression.
+
+"There are some who denounce ambition as wholly bad and to be avoided
+by all; but I think we ought to make a distinction between true and
+false ambition.  The desire of superiority is an honorable motive, if
+it leads to honorable exertion.  I will mention Napoleon as an
+illustration of false ambition, which is selfish in itself, and has
+brought misery and ruin, to prosperous nations.  Again, there are
+some who are ambitious to dress better than their neighbors, and
+their principal thoughts are centred upon the tie of their cravat, or
+the cut of their coat, if young men; or upon the richness and style
+of their dresses, if they belong to the other sex.  Beau Brummel is a
+noted instance of this kind of ambition.  It is said that fully half
+of his time was devoted to his toilet, and the other half to
+displaying it in the streets, or in society.  Now this is a very low
+form of ambition, and it is wrong to indulge it, because it is a
+waste of time which could be much better employed."
+
+Harry now proceeded to describe what he regarded as a true and
+praiseworthy ambition.  He defined it as a desire to excel in what
+would be of service to the human race, and he instanced his old
+Franklin, who, induced by an honorable ambition, worked his way up to
+a high civil station, as well as a commanding position in the
+scientific world.  He mentioned Columbus as ambitious to extend the
+limits of geographical knowledge, and made a brief reference to the
+difficulties and discouragements over which he triumphed on the way
+to success.  He closed by an appeal to boys and young men to direct
+their ambition into worthy channels, so that even if they could not
+leave behind a great name, they might at least lead useful lives, and
+in dying have the satisfaction of thinking that they done some
+service to the race.
+
+This will give a very fair idea of Harry's essay.  There was nothing
+remarkable about it, and no striking originality in the ideas, but it
+was very creditably expressed for a boy of his years, and did even
+more credit to his good judgment, since it was an unfolding of the
+principles by which he meant to guide his own life.
+
+It must not be supposed that our hero was a genius, and that he wrote
+his essay without difficulty.  It occupied him two evenings to write
+it, and he employed the third in revising and copying it.  It covered
+about five pages of manuscript, and, according to his estimate, would
+fill about two-thirds of a long column in the "Standard."
+
+After preparing it, the next thing was to find a _nom de plume_, for
+he shrank from signing his own name.  After long consideration, he at
+last decided upon Franklin, and this was the name he signed to his
+maiden contribution to the press.
+
+He carried it to the post-office one afternoon, after his work in the
+printing office was over, and dropped it unobserved into the
+letter-box.  He did not want the postmaster to learn his secret, as
+he would have done had he received it directly from him, and noted
+the address on the envelope.
+
+For the rest of the week, Harry went about his work weighed down with
+his important secret--a secret which he had not even shared with
+Ferguson.  If the essay was declined, as he thought it might very
+possibly be, he did not want any one to know it.  If it were
+accepted, and printed, it would be time enough then to make it known.
+But there were few minutes in which his mind was not on his literary
+venture.  His preoccupation was observed by his fellow-workmen in the
+office, and he was rallied upon it, good-naturedly, by Ferguson, but
+in a different spirit by Clapp.
+
+"It seems to me you are unusually silent, Harry," said Ferguson.
+"You're not in love, are you?"
+
+"Not that I know of," said Harry, smiling.  "It's rather too early
+yet."
+
+"I've known boys of your age to fancy themselves in love."
+
+"He is is more likely thinking up some great discovery," said Clapp,
+sneering.  "You know he's a second Franklin."
+
+"Thank you for the compliment," said our hero, good-humoredly, "but I
+don't deserve it.  I don't expect to make any great discovery at
+present."
+
+"I suppose you expect to set the river on fire, some day," said
+Clapp, sarcastically.
+
+"I am afraid it wouldn't do much good to try," said Harry, who was
+too sensible to take offence.  "It isn't so easily done."
+
+"I suppose some day we shall be proud of having been in the same
+office with so great a man," pursued Clapp.
+
+"Really, Clapp, you're rather hard on our young friend," said
+Ferguson.  "He doesn't put on any airs of superiority, or pretend to
+anything uncommon."
+
+"He's very kind--such an intellect as he's got, too!" said Clapp.
+
+"I'm glad you found it out," said Harry.  "I haven't a very high idea
+of my intellect yet.  I wish I had more reason to do so."
+
+Finding that he had failed in his attempt to provoke Harry by his
+ridicule, Clapp desisted, but he disliked him none the less.
+
+The fact was, that Clapp was getting into a bad way.  He had no high
+aim in life, and cared chiefly for the pleasure of the present
+moment.  He had found Luke Harrison a congenial companion, and they
+had been associated in more than one excess.  The morning previous,
+Clapp had entered the printing office so evidently under the
+influence of liquor, that he had been sharply reprimanded by Mr.
+Anderson.
+
+"I don't choose to interfere with your mode of life, unwise and
+ruinous as I may consider it," he said, "as long as it does not
+interfere with your discharge of duty.  But to-day you are clearly
+incapacitated for labor, and I have a right to complain.  If it
+happens again, I shall be obliged to look for another journeyman."
+
+Clapp did not care to leave his place just at present, for he had no
+money saved up, and was even somewhat in debt, and it might be some
+time before he got another place.  So he rather sullenly agreed to be
+more careful in future, and did not go to work till the afternoon.
+But though circumstances compelled him to submit, it put him in bad
+humor, and made him more disposed to sneer than ever.  He had an
+unreasoning prejudice against Harry, which was stimulated by Luke
+Harrison, who had this very sufficient reason for hating our hero,
+that he had succeeded in injuring him.  As an old proverb has it "We
+are slow to forgive those whom we have injured."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+A LITERARY DEBUT.
+
+Harry waited eagerly for the next issue of the "Weekly Standard." It
+was received by Mr. Anderson in exchange for the "Centreville
+Gazette," and usually came to hand on Saturday morning.  Harry was
+likely to obtain the first chance of examining the paper, as he was
+ordinarily sent to the post-office on the arrival of the morning mail.
+
+His hands trembled as he unfolded the paper and hurriedly scanned the
+contents.  But he looked in vain for his essay on Ambition.  There
+was not even a reference to it.  He was disappointed, but he soon
+became hopeful again.
+
+"I couldn't expect it to appear so soon," he reflected.  "These city
+weeklies have to be printed some days in advance.  It may appear yet."
+
+So he was left in suspense another week, hopeful and doubtful by
+turns of the success of his first offering for the press.  He was
+rallied from time to time on his silence in the office, but he
+continued to keep his secret.  If his contribution was slighted, no
+one should know it but himself.
+
+At last another Saturday morning came around and again he set out for
+the post-office.  Again he opened the paper with trembling fingers,
+and eagerly scanned the well-filled columns.  This time his search
+was rewarded.  There, on the first column of the last page, in all
+the glory of print, was his treasured essay!
+
+A flash of pleasure tinged his cheek, and his heart beat rapidly, as
+he read his first printed production.  It is a great event in the
+life of a literary novice, when he first sees himself.  Even Byron
+says,--
+
+  "'Tis pleasant, sure, to see one's self in print."
+
+To our young hero the essay read remarkably well--better than he had
+expected; but then, very likely he was prejudiced in its favor.  He
+read it through three times on his way back to the printing office,
+and each time felt better satisfied.
+
+"I wonder if any of the readers will think it was written by a boy?"
+thought Harry.  Probably many did so suspect, for, as I have said,
+though the thoughts were good and sensible, the article was only
+moderately well expressed.  A practised critic would readily have
+detected marks of immaturity, although it was a very creditable
+production for a boy of sixteen.
+
+"Shall I tell Ferguson?" thought Harry.
+
+On the whole he concluded to remain silent just at present.  He knew
+Ferguson took the paper, and waited to see if he would make any
+remark about it.
+
+"I should like to hear him speak of it, without knowing that I was
+the writer," thought our hero.
+
+Just before he reached the office, he discovered with satisfaction
+the following editorial reference to his article:--
+
+"We print in another column an essay on 'ambition' by a new
+contributor.  It contains some good ideas, and we especially commend
+it to the perusal of our young readers.  We hope to hear from
+'Franklin' again."
+
+"That's good," thought Harry.  "I am glad the editor likes it.  I
+shall write again as soon as possible."
+
+"What makes you look so bright, Harry?" asked Ferguson, as he
+re-entered the office.  "Has any one left you a fortune?"
+
+"Not that I know of," said Harry.  "Do I look happier than usual?"
+
+"So it seems to me."
+
+Harry was spared answering this question, for Clapp struck in,
+grumbling, as usual: "I wish somebody'd leave me a fortune.  You
+wouldn't see me here long."
+
+"What would you do?" asked his fellow-workman.
+
+"Cut work to begin with.  I'd go to Europe and have a jolly time."
+
+"You can do that without a fortune."
+
+"I should like to know how?"
+
+"Be economical, and you can save enough in three years to pay for a
+short trip.  Bayard Taylor was gone two years, and only spent five
+hundred dollars."
+
+"Oh, hang economy!" drawled Clapp.  "It don't suit me.  I should like
+to know how a feller's going to economize on fifteen dollars a week."
+
+"I could."
+
+"Oh, no doubt," sneered Clapp, "but a man can't starve."
+
+"Come round and take supper with me, some night," said Ferguson,
+good-humoredly, "and you can judge for yourself whether I believe in
+starving."
+
+Clapp didn't reply to this invitation.  He would not have enjoyed a
+quiet evening with his fellow-workman.  An evening at billiards or
+cards, accompanied by bets on the games, would have been much more to
+his mind.
+
+"Who is Bayard Taylor, that made such a cheap tour in Europe?" asked
+Harry, soon afterward.
+
+"A young journalist who had a great desire to travel.  He has lately
+published an account of his tour.  I don't buy many books, but I
+bought that.  Would you like to read it?"
+
+"Very much."
+
+"You can have it any time."
+
+"Thank you."
+
+On Monday, a very agreeable surprise awaited Harry.
+
+"I am out of copy," he said, going up to Mr. Anderson's table.
+
+"Here's a selection for the first page," said Mr. Anderson.  "Cut it
+in two, and give part of it to Clapp."
+
+Could Harry believe his eyes!  It was his own article on ambition,
+and it was to be reproduced in the "Gazette."  Next to the delight of
+seeing one's self in print for the first time, is the delight of
+seeing that first article copied.  It is a mark of appreciation which
+cannot be mistaken.
+
+Still Harry said nothing, but, with a manner as unconcerned as
+possible, handed the lower half of the essay to Clapp to set up.  The
+signature "Franklin" had been cut off, and the name of the paper from
+which the essay had been cut was substituted.
+
+"Wouldn't Clapp feel disgusted," thought Harry, "if he knew that he
+was setting up an article of mine.  I believe he would have a fit."
+
+He was too considerate to expose his fellow-workman to such a
+contingency, and went about his work in silence.
+
+That evening he wrote to the publisher of the "Standard," inclosing
+the price of two copies of the last number, which he desired should
+be sent to him by mail.  He wished to keep one himself, and the other
+he intended to forward to his father, who, he knew, would sympathize
+with him in his success as well as his aspirations.  He accompanied
+the paper by a letter in which he said,--
+
+"I want to improve in writing as much as, I can.  I want to be
+something more than a printer, sometime.  I shall try to qualify
+myself for an editor; for an editor can exert a good deal of
+influence in the community.  I hope you will approve my plans."
+
+In due time Harry received the following reply:--
+
+
+"My dear son:--I am indeed pleased and proud to hear of your success,
+not that it is a great matter in itself, but because I think it shows
+that you are in earnest in your determination to win an honorable
+position by honorable labor.  I am sorry that my narrow means have
+not permitted me to give you those advantages which wealthy fathers
+can bestow upon their sons.  I should like to have sent you to
+college and given you an opportunity afterward of studying for a
+profession.  I think your natural abilities would have justified such
+an outlay.  But, alas! poverty has always held me back.  It shuts out
+you, as it has shut out me, from the chance of culture.  Your
+college, my boy, must be the printing office.  If you make the best
+of that, you will find that it is no mean instructor.  Not Franklin
+alone, but many of our most eminent and influential men have
+graduated from it.
+
+"You will be glad to hear that we are all well.  I have sold the cow
+which I bought of Squire Green, and got another in her place that
+proves to be much better.  We all send much love, and your mother
+wishes me to say that she misses you very much, as indeed we all do.
+But we know that you are better off in Centreville than you would be
+at home, and that helps to make us contented.  Don't forget to write
+every week.
+
+  "Your affectionate father,
+    "HIRAM WALTON.
+
+"P. S.--If you print any more articles, we shall be interested to
+read them."
+
+
+Harry read this letter with eager interest.  He felt glad that his
+father was pleased with him, and it stimulated him to increased
+exertions.
+
+"Poor father!" he said to himself.  "He has led a hard life,
+cultivating that rocky little farm.  It has been hard work and poor
+pay with him.  I hope there is something better in store for him.  If
+I ever get rich, or even well off, I will take care that he has an
+easier time."
+
+After the next issue of the "Gazette" had appeared, Harry informed
+Ferguson in confidence that he was the author of the article on
+Ambition.
+
+"I congratulate you, Harry," said his friend.  "It is an excellent
+essay, well thought out, and well expressed.  I don't wonder, now you
+tell me of it.  It sounds like you.  Without knowing the authorship,
+I asked Clapp his opinion of it."
+
+"What did he say?"
+
+"Are you sure it won't hurt your feelings?"
+
+"It may; but I shall get over it.  Go ahead."
+
+"He said it was rubbish."
+
+Harry laughed.
+
+"He would be confirmed in his decision, if he knew that I wrote it,"
+he said.
+
+"No doubt.  But don't let that discourage you.  Keep on writing by
+all means, and you'll become an editor in time."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+FERDINAND B. KENSINGTON.
+
+It has already been mentioned that John Clapp and Luke Harrison were
+intimate.  Though their occupations differed, one being a printer and
+the other a shoemaker, they had similar tastes, and took similar
+views of life.  Both were discontented with the lot which Fortune had
+assigned them.  To work at the case, or the shoe-bench, seemed
+equally irksome, and they often lamented to each other the hard
+necessity which compelled them to it.  Suppose we listen to their
+conversation, as they walked up the village street, one evening about
+this time, smoking cigars.
+
+"I say, Luke," said John Clapp, "I've got tired of this kind of life.
+Here I've been in the office a year, and I'm not a cent richer than
+when I entered it, besides working like a dog all the while."
+
+"Just my case," said Luke.  "I've been shoe-makin' ever since I was
+fourteen, and I'll be blest if I can show five dollars, to save my
+life."
+
+"What's worse," said Clapp, "there isn't any prospect of anything
+better in my case.  What's a feller to do on fifteen dollars a week?"
+
+"Won't old Anderson raise your wages?"
+
+"Not he!  He thinks I ought to get rich on what he pays me now," and
+Clapp laughed scornfully.  "If I were like Ferguson, I might.  He
+never spends a cent without taking twenty-four hours to think it over
+beforehand."
+
+My readers, who are familiar with Mr. Ferguson's views and ways of
+life, will at once see that this was unjust, but justice cannot be
+expected from an angry and discontented man.
+
+"Just so," said Luke.  "If a feller was to live on bread and water,
+and get along with one suit of clothes a year, he might save
+something, but that aint _my_ style."
+
+"Nor mine."
+
+"It's strange how lucky some men are," said Luke.  "They get rich
+without tryin'.  I never was lucky.  I bought a ticket in a lottery
+once, but of course I didn't draw anything.  Just my luck!"
+
+"So did I," said Clapp, "but I fared no better.  It seemed as if
+Fortune had a spite against me.  Here I am twenty-five years old, and
+all I'm worth is two dollars and a half, and I owe more than that to
+the tailor."
+
+"You're as rich as I am," said Luke.  "I only get fourteen dollars a
+week.  That's less than you do."
+
+"A dollar more or less don't amount to much," said Clapp.  "I'll tell
+you what it is, Luke," he resumed after a pause, "I'm getting sick of
+Centreville."
+
+"So am I," said Luke, "but it don't make much difference.  If I had
+fifty dollars, I'd go off and try my luck somewhere else, but I'll
+have to wait till I'm gray-headed before I get as much as that."
+
+"Can't you borrow it?"
+
+"Who'd lend it to me?"
+
+"I don't know.  If I did, I'd go in for borrowing myself.  I wish
+there was some way of my getting to California."
+
+"California!" repeated Luke with interest.  "What would you do there?"
+
+"I'd go to the mines."
+
+"Do you think there's money to be made there?"
+
+"I know there is," said Clapp, emphatically.
+
+"How do you know it?"
+
+"There's an old school-mate of mine--Ralph Smith--went out there two
+years ago.  Last week he returned home--I heard it in a letter--and
+how much do you think he brought with him?"
+
+"How much?"
+
+"Eight thousand dollars!"
+
+"Eight thousand dollars!  He didn't make it all at the mines, did he?"
+
+"Yes, he did.  When he went out there, he had just money enough to
+pay his passage.  Now, after only two years, he can lay off and live
+like a gentleman."
+
+"He's been lucky, and no mistake."
+
+"You bet he has.  But we might be as lucky if we were only out there."
+
+"Ay, there's the rub.  A fellow can't travel for nothing."
+
+At this point in their conversation, a well-dressed young man,
+evidently a stranger in the village, met them, and stopping, asked
+politely for a light.
+
+This Clapp afforded him.
+
+"You are a stranger in the village?" he said, with some curiosity.
+
+"Yes, I was never here before.  I come from New York."
+
+"Indeed!  If I lived in New York I'd stay there, and not come to such
+a beastly place as Centreville."
+
+"Do you live here?" asked the stranger.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I wonder you live in such a beastly place," he said, with a smile.
+
+"You wouldn't, if you knew the reason."
+
+"What is the reason?"
+
+"I can't get away."
+
+The stranger laughed.
+
+"Cruel parents?" he asked.
+
+"Not much," said Clapp.  "The plain reason is, that I haven't got
+money enough to get me out of town."
+
+"It's the same with me," said Luke Harrison.
+
+"Gentlemen, we are well met," said the stranger.  "I'm hard up
+myself."
+
+"You don't look like it," said Luke, glancing at his rather flashy
+attire.
+
+"These clothes are not paid for," said the stranger, laughing; "and
+what's more, I don't think they are likely to be.  But, I take it,
+you gentlemen are better off than I in one respect.  You've got
+situations--something to do."
+
+"Yes, but on starvation pay," said Clapp.  "I'm in the office of the
+'Centreville Gazette.'"
+
+"And I'm in a shoemaker's shop.  It's a beastly business for a young
+man of spirit," said Luke.
+
+"Well, I'm a gentleman at large, living on my wits, and pretty poor
+living it is sometimes," said the stranger.  "As I think we'll agree
+together pretty well, I'm glad I've met you.  We ought to know each
+other better.  There's my card."
+
+He drew from his pocket a highly glazed piece of pasteboard, bearing
+the name,
+
+    FREDERICK B. KENSINGTON.
+
+"I haven't any cards with me," said Clapp, "but my name is John
+Clapp."
+
+"And mine is Luke Harrison," said the bearer of that appellation.
+
+"I'm proud to know you, gentlemen.   If you have no objection, we'll
+walk on together."
+
+To this Clapp and Luke acceded readily.  Indeed, they were rather
+proud of being seen in company with a young man so dashing in manner,
+and fashionably dressed, though in a pecuniary way their new
+acquaintance, by his own confession, was scarcely as well off as
+themselves.
+
+"Where are you staying, Mr. Kensington?" said Clapp.
+
+"At the hotel.  It's a poor place.  No style."
+
+"Of course not.  I can't help wondering, Mr. Kensington, what can
+bring you to such a one-horse place as this."
+
+"I don't mind telling you, then.  The fact is, I've got an old aunt
+living about two miles from here.  She's alone in the world--got
+neither chick nor child--and is worth at least ten thousand dollars.
+Do you see?"
+
+"I think I do," said Clapp.  "You want to come in for a share of the
+stamps."
+
+"Yes; I want to see if I can't get something out of the old girl,"
+said Kensington, carelessly.
+
+"Do you think the chance is good?"
+
+"I don't know.  I hear she's pretty tight-fisted.  But I've run on
+here on the chance of doing something.  If she will only make me her
+heir, and give me five hundred dollars in hand, I'll go to
+California, and see what'll turn up."
+
+"California!" repeated John Clapp and Luke in unison.
+
+"Yes; were you ever there?"
+
+"No; but we were talking of going there just as you came up," said
+John.  "An old school-mate of mine has just returned from there with
+eight thousand dollars in gold."
+
+"Lucky fellow!  That's the kind of haul I'd like to make."
+
+"Do you know how much it costs to go out there?"
+
+"The prices are down just at present.  You can go for a hundred
+dollars--second cabin."
+
+"It might as well be a thousand!" said Luke.  "Clapp and I can't
+raise a hundred dollars apiece to save our lives."
+
+"I'll tell you what," said Kensington.  "You two fellows are just the
+company I'd like.  If I can raise five hundred dollars out of the old
+girl, I'll take you along with me, and you can pay me after you get
+out there."
+
+John Clapp and Luke Harrison were astounded at this liberal offer
+from a perfect stranger, but they had no motives of delicacy about
+accepting it.  They grasped the hand of their new friend, and assured
+him that nothing would suit them so well.
+
+"All right!" said Kensington.  "Then it's agreed.  Now, boys, suppose
+we go round to the tavern, and ratify our compact by a drink."
+
+"I say amen to that," answered Clapp, "but I insist on standing
+treat."
+
+"Just as you say," said Kensington.  "Come along."
+
+It was late when the three parted company.  Luke and John Clapp were
+delighted with their new friend, and, as they staggered home with
+uncertain steps, they indulged in bright visions of future prosperity.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+AUNT DEBORAH.
+
+Miss Deborah Kensington sat in an old-fashioned rocking-chair covered
+with a cheap print, industriously engaged in footing a stocking.  She
+was a maiden lady of about sixty, with a thin face, thick seamed with
+wrinkles, a prominent nose, bridged by spectacles, sharp gray eyes,
+and thin lips.   She was a shrewd New England woman, who knew very
+well how to take care of and increase the property which she had
+inherited.  Her nephew had been correctly informed as to her being
+close-fisted.  All her establishment was carried on with due regard
+to economy, and though her income in the eyes of a city man would be
+counted small, she saved half of it every year, thus increasing her
+accumulations.
+
+As she sat placidly knitting, an interruption came in the shape of a
+knock at the front door.
+
+"I'll go myself," she said, rising, and laying down the stocking.
+"Hannah's out in the back room, and won't hear.  I hope it aint Mrs.
+Smith, come to borrow some butter.  She aint returned that last
+half-pound she borrowed.  She seems to think her neighbors have got
+to support her."
+
+These thoughts were in her mind as she opened the door.  But no Mrs.
+Smith presented her figure to the old lady's gaze.  She saw instead,
+with considerable surprise, a stylish young man with a book under his
+arm.  She jumped to the conclusion that he was a book-pedler, having
+been annoyed by several persistent specimens of that class of
+travelling merchants.
+
+"If you've got books to sell," she said, opening the attack, "you may
+as well go away.  I aint got no money to throw away."
+
+Mr. Ferdinand B. Kensington--for he was the young man in
+question--laughed heartily, while the old lady stared at him half
+amazed, half angry.
+
+"I don't see what there is to laugh at," said she, offended.
+
+"I was laughing at the idea of my being taken for a book-pedler."
+
+"Well, aint you one?" she retorted.  "If you aint, what be you?"
+
+"Aunt Deborah, don't you know me?" asked the young man, familiarly.
+
+"Who are you that calls me aunt?" demanded the old lady, puzzled.
+
+"I'm your brother Henry's son.  My name is Ferdinand."
+
+"You don't say so!" ejaculated the old lady.  "Why, I'd never 'ave
+thought it.  I aint seen you since you was a little boy."
+
+"This don't look as if I was a little boy, aunt," said the young man,
+touching his luxuriant whiskers.
+
+"How time passes, I do declare!" said Deborah.  "Well, come in, and
+we'll talk over old times.  Where did you come from?"
+
+"From the city of New York.  That's where I've been living for some
+time."
+
+"You don't say!  Well, what brings you this way?"
+
+"To see you, Aunt Deborah.  It's so long since I've seen you that I
+thought I'd like to come."
+
+"I'm glad to see you, Ferdinand," said the old lady, flattered by
+such a degree of dutiful attention from a fine-looking young man.
+"So your poor father's dead?"
+
+"Yes, aunt, he's been dead three years."
+
+"I suppose he didn't leave much.  He wasn't very forehanded."
+
+"No, aunt; he left next to nothing."
+
+"Well, it didn't matter much, seein' as you was the only child, and
+big enough to take care of yourself."
+
+"Still, aunt, it would have been comfortable if he had left me a few
+thousand dollars."
+
+"Aint you doin' well?  You look as if you was," said Deborah,
+surveying critically her nephew's good clothes.
+
+"Well, I've been earning a fair salary, but it's very expensive
+living in a great city like New York."
+
+"Humph! that's accordin' as you manage.  If you live snug, you can
+get along there cheap as well as anywhere, I reckon.  What was you
+doin'?"
+
+"I was a salesman for A. T. Stewart, our leading dry-goods merchant."
+
+"What pay did you get?"
+
+"A thousand dollars a year."
+
+"Why, that's a fine salary.  You'd ought to save up a good deal."
+
+"You don't realize how much it costs to live in New York, aunt.  Of
+course, if I lived here, I could live on half the sum, but I have to
+pay high prices for everything in New York."
+
+"You don't need to spend such a sight on dress," said Deborah,
+disapprovingly.
+
+"I beg your pardon, Aunt Deborah; that's where you are mistaken.  The
+store-keepers in New York expect you to dress tip-top and look
+genteel, so as to do credit to them.  If it hadn't been for that, I
+shouldn't have spent half so much for dress.  Then, board's very
+expensive."
+
+"You can get boarded here for two dollars and a half a week," said
+Aunt Deborah.
+
+"Two dollars and a half!  Why, I never paid less than eight dollars a
+week in the city, and you can only get poor board for that."
+
+"The boarding-houses must make a great deal of money," said Deborah.
+"If I was younger, I'd maybe go to New York, and keep one myself."
+
+"You're rich, aunt.  You don't need to do that."
+
+"Who told you I was rich?" said the old lady, quickly.
+
+"Why, you've only got yourself to take care of, and you own this
+farm, don't you?"
+
+"Yes, but farmin' don't pay much."
+
+"I always heard you were pretty comfortable."
+
+"So I am," said the old lady, "and maybe I save something; but my
+income aint as great as yours."
+
+"You have only yourself to look after, and it is cheap living in
+Centreville."
+
+"I don't fling money away.  I don't spend quarter as much as you on
+dress."
+
+Looking at the old lady'a faded bombazine dress, Ferdinand was very
+ready to believe this.
+
+"You don't have to dress here, I suppose," he answered.  "But, aunt,
+we won't talk about money matters just yet.  It was funny you took me
+for a book-pedler."
+
+"It was that book you had, that made me think so."
+
+"It's a book I brought as a present to you, Aunt Deborah."
+
+"You don't say!" said the old lady, gratified.  "What is it?  Let me
+look at it."
+
+"It's a copy of 'Pilgrim's Progress,' illustrated.  I knew you
+wouldn't like the trashy books they write nowadays, so I brought you
+this."
+
+"Really, Ferdinand, you're very considerate," said Aunt Deborah,
+turning over the leaves with manifest pleasure.  "It's a good book,
+and I shall be glad to have it.  Where are you stoppin'?"
+
+"At the hotel in the village."
+
+"You must come and stay here.  You can get 'em to send round your
+things any time."
+
+"Thank you, aunt, I shall be delighted to do so.  It seems so
+pleasant to see you again after so many years.  You don't look any
+older than when I saw you last."
+
+Miss Deborah knew very well that she did look older, but still she
+was pleased by the compliment.  Is there any one who does not like to
+receive the same assurance?
+
+"I'm afraid your eyes aint very sharp, Ferdinand," she said.  "I feel
+I'm gettin' old.  Why, I'm sixty-one, come October."
+
+"Are you?  I shouldn't call you over fifty, from your looks, aunt.
+Really I shouldn't."
+
+"I'm afraid you tell fibs sometimes," said Aunt Deborah, but she said
+it very graciously, and surveyed her nephew very kindly.  "Heigh ho!
+it's a good while since your poor father and I were children
+together, and went to the school-house on the hill.  Now he's gone,
+and I'm left alone."
+
+"Not alone, aunt.  If he is dead, you have got a nephew."
+
+"Well, Ferdinand, I'm glad to see you, and I shall be glad to have
+you pay me a good long visit.  But how can you be away from your
+place so long?  Did Mr. Stewart give you a vacation?"
+
+"No, aunt; I left him."
+
+"For good?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Left a place where you was gettin' a thousand dollars a year!" said
+the old lady in accents of strong disapproval.
+
+"Yes, aunt."
+
+"Then I think you was very foolish," said Deborah with emphasis.
+
+"Perhaps you won't, when you know why I left it."
+
+"Why did you?"
+
+"Because I could do better."
+
+"Better than a thousand dollars a year!" said Deborah with surprise.
+
+"Yes, I am offered two thousand dollars in San Francisco."
+
+"You don't say!" ejaculated Deborah, letting her stocking drop in
+sheer amazement.
+
+"Yes, I do.  It's a positive fact."
+
+"You must be a smart clerk!"
+
+"Well, it isn't for me to say," said Ferdinand, laughing.
+
+"When be you goin' out?"
+
+"In a week, but I thought I must come and bid you good-by first."
+
+"I'm real glad to see you, Ferdinand," said Aunt Deborah, the more
+warmly because she considered him so prosperous that she would have
+no call to help him.  But here she was destined to find herself
+mistaken.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+AUNT AND NEPHEW.
+
+"I don't think I can come here till to-morrow, Aunt Deborah," said
+Ferdinand, a little later.  "I'll stay at the hotel to-night, and
+come round with my baggage in the morning."
+
+"Very well, nephew, but now you're here, you must stay to tea."
+
+"Thank you, aunt, I will."
+
+"I little thought this mornin', I should have Henry's son to tea,"
+said Aunt Deborah, half to herself.  "You don't look any like him,
+Ferdinand."
+
+"No, I don't think I do."
+
+"It's curis too, for you was his very picter when you was a boy."
+
+"I've changed a good deal since then, Aunt Deborah," said her nephew,
+a little uneasily.
+
+"So you have, to be sure.  Now there's your hair used to be almost
+black, now it's brown.  Really I can't account for it," and Aunt
+Deborah surveyed the young man over her spectacles.
+
+"You've got a good memory, aunt," said Ferdinand with a forced laugh.
+
+"Now ef your hair had grown darker, I shouldn't have wondered,"
+pursued Aunt Deborah; "but it aint often black turns to brown."
+
+"That's so, aunt, but I can explain it," said Ferdinand, after a
+slight pause.
+
+"How was it?"
+
+"You know the French barbers can change your hair to any shade you
+want."
+
+"Can they?"
+
+"Yes, to be sure.  Now--don't laugh at me, aunt--a young lady I used
+to like didn't fancy dark hair, so I went to a French barber, and he
+changed the color for me in three months."
+
+"You don't say!"
+
+"Fact, aunt; but he made me pay him well too."
+
+"How much did you give him?"
+
+"Fifty dollars, aunt."
+
+"That's what I call wasteful," said Aunt Deborah, disapprovingly.
+
+"Couldn't you be satisfied with the nat'ral color of your hair?  To
+my mind black's handsomer than brown."
+
+"You're right, aunt.  I wouldn't have done it if it hadn't been for
+Miss Percival."
+
+"Are you engaged to her?"
+
+"No, Aunt Deborah.  The fact was, I found she wasn't domestic, and
+didn't know anything about keeping house, but only cared for dress,
+so I drew off, and she's married to somebody else now."
+
+"I'm glad to hear it," said Deborah, emphatically.  "The jade!  She
+wouldn't have been a proper wife for you.  You want some good girl
+that's willin' to go into the kitchen, and look after things, and not
+carry all she's worth on her back."
+
+"I agree with you, aunt," said Ferdinand, who thought it politic, in
+view of the request he meant to make by and by, to agree with hie
+aunt in her views of what a wife should be.
+
+Aunt Deborah began to regard her nephew as quite a sensible young
+man, and to look upon him with complacency.
+
+"I wish, Ferdinand," she said, "you liked farmin'."
+
+"Why, aunt?"
+
+"You could stay here, and manage my farm for me."
+
+"Heaven forbid!" thought the young man with a shudder.  "I should be
+bored to death.  Does the old lady think I would put on a frock and
+overalls, and go out and plough, or hoe potatoes?"
+
+"It's a good, healthy business," pursued Aunt Deborah, unconscious of
+the thoughts which were passing through her nephew's mind, "and you
+wouldn't have to spend much for dress.  Then I'm gittin' old, and
+though I don't want to make no promises, I'd very likely will it to
+you, ef I was satisfied with the way you managed."
+
+"You're very kind, aunt," said Ferdinand, "but I'm afraid I wasn't
+cut out for farming.  You know I never lived in the country."
+
+"Why, yes, you did," said the old lady.  "You was born in the
+country, and lived there till you was ten years old."
+
+"To be sure," said Ferdinand, hastily, "but I was too young then to
+take notice of farming.   What does a boy of ten know of such things?"
+
+"To be sure.  You're right there."
+
+"The fact is, Aunt Deborah, some men are born to be farmers, and some
+are born to be traders.  Now, I've got a talent for trading.  That's
+the reason I've got such a good offer from San Francisco."
+
+"How did you get it?  Did you know the man?"
+
+"He used to be in business in New York.  He was the first man I
+worked for, and he knew what I was.  San Francisco is full of money,
+and traders make more than they do here.  That's the reason he can
+afford to offer me so large a salary."
+
+"When did he send for you?"
+
+"I got the letter last week."
+
+"Have you got it with you?"
+
+"No, aunt; I may have it at the hotel," said the young man,
+hesitating, "but I am not certain."
+
+"Well, it's a good offer.  There isn't nobody in Centreville gets so
+large a salary."
+
+"No, I suppose not.  They don't need it, as it is cheap living here."
+
+"I hope when you get out there, Ferdinand, you'll save up money.
+You'd ought to save two-thirds of your pay."
+
+"I will try to, aunt."
+
+"You'll be wantin' to get married bimeby, and then it'll be
+convenient to have some money to begin with."
+
+"To be sure, aunt.   I see you know how to manage."
+
+"I was always considered a good manager," said Deborah, complacently.
+"Ef your poor father had had _my_ faculty, he wouldn't have died as
+poor as he did, I can tell you."
+
+"What a conceited old woman she is, with her faculty!" thought
+Ferdinand, but what he said was quite different.
+
+"I wish he had had, aunt.  It would have been better for me."
+
+"Well, you ought to get along, with your prospects."
+
+"Little the old woman knows what my real prospects are!" thought the
+young man.
+
+"Of course I ought," he said.
+
+"Excuse me a few minutes, nephew," said Aunt Deborah, gathering up
+her knitting and rising from her chair.  "I must go out and see about
+tea.  Maybe you'd like to read that nice book you brought."
+
+"No, I thank you, aunt.  I think I'll take a little walk round your
+place, if you'll allow me."
+
+"Sartin, Ferdinand.  Only come back in half an hour; tea'll be ready
+then."
+
+"Yea, aunt, I'll remember."
+
+So while Deborah was in the kitchen, Ferdinand took a walk in the
+fields, laughing to himself from time to time, as if something amused
+him.
+
+He returned in due time, and sat down to supper Aunt Deborah had
+provided her best, and, though the dishes were plain, they were quite
+palatable.
+
+When supper was over, the young man said,--
+
+"Now, aunt, I think I will be getting back to the hotel."
+
+"You'll come over in the morning, Ferdinand, and fetch your trunk?"
+
+"Yes, aunt.  Good-night."
+
+"Good-night."
+
+"Well," thought the young man, as he tramped back to the hotel.
+"I've opened the campaign, and made, I believe, a favorable
+impression.  But what a pack of lies I have had to tell, to be sure!
+The old lady came near catching me once or twice, particularly about
+the color of my hair.  It was a lucky thought, that about the French
+barber.  It deceived the poor old soul.  I don't think she could ever
+have been very handsome.  If she was she must have changed fearfully."
+
+In the evening, John Clapp and Luke Harrison came round to the hotel
+to see him.
+
+"Have you been to see your aunt?" asked Clapp.
+
+"Yes, I took tea there."
+
+"Have a good time?"
+
+"Oh, I played the dutiful nephew to perfection.  The old lady thinks
+a sight of me."
+
+"How did you do it?"
+
+"I agreed with all she said, told her how young she looked, and
+humbugged her generally."
+
+Clapp laughed.
+
+"The best part of the joke is--will you promise to keep dark?"
+
+"Of course."
+
+"Don't breathe it to a living soul, you two fellows.  _She isn't my
+aunt of all_!"
+
+"Isn't your aunt?"
+
+"No, her true nephew is in New York--I know him.--but I know enough
+of family matters to gull the old lady, and, I hope, raise a few
+hundred dollars out of her."
+
+This was a joke which Luke and Clapp could appreciate, and they
+laughed heartily at the deception which was being practised on simple
+Aunt Deborah, particularly when Ferdinand explained how he got over
+the difficulty of having different colored hair from the real owner
+of the name he assumed.
+
+"We must have a drink on that," said Luke.  "Walk up, gentlemen."
+
+"I'm agreeable," said Ferdinand.
+
+"And I," said Clapp.  "Never refuse a good offer, say I."
+
+Poor Aunt Deborah!  She little dreamed that she was the dupe of a
+designing adventurer who bore no relationship to her.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+THE ROMANCE OF A RING.
+
+Ferdinand B. Kensington, as he called himself, removed the next
+morning to the house of Aunt Deborah.  The latter received him very
+cordially, partly because it was a pleasant relief to her solitude to
+have a lively and active young man in the house, partly because she
+was not forced to look upon him as a poor relation in need of
+pecuniary assistance.  She even felt considerable respect for the
+prospective recipient of an income of two thousand dollars, which in
+her eyes was a magnificent salary.
+
+Ferdinand, on his part, spared no pains to make himself agreeable to
+the old lady, whom he had a mercenary object in pleasing.  Finding
+that she was curious to hear about the great city, which to her was
+as unknown as London or Paris, be gratified her by long accounts,
+chiefly of as imaginative character, to which she listened greedily.
+These included some personal adventures, in all of which he figured
+very creditably.
+
+Here is a specimen.
+
+"By the way, Aunt Deborah," he said, casually, "have you noticed this
+ring on my middle finger?"
+
+"No, I didn't notice it before, Ferdinand.  It's very handsome."
+
+"I should think it ought to be, Aunt Deborah," said the young man.
+
+"Why?"
+
+"It cost enough to be handsome."
+
+"How much did it cost?" asked the old lady, not without curiosity.
+
+"Guess."
+
+"I aint no judge of such things; I've only got this plain gold ring.
+Yours has got some sort of a stone in it."
+
+"That stone is a diamond, Aunt Deborah!"
+
+"You don't say so!  Let me look at it.  It aint got no color.  Looks
+like glass."
+
+"It's very expensive, though.  How much do you think it cost?"
+
+"Well, maybe five dollars."
+
+"Five dollars!" ejaculated the young man.  "Why, what can you be
+thinking of, Aunt Deborah?"
+
+"I shouldn't have guessed so much," said the old lady,
+misunderstanding him, "only you said it was expensive."
+
+"So it is.  Five dollars would be nothing at all."
+
+"You don't say it cost more?"
+
+"A great deal more."
+
+"Did it cost ten dollars?"
+
+"More."
+
+"Fifteen?"
+
+"I see, aunt, you have no idea of the cost of diamond rings!  You may
+believe me or not, but that ring cost six hundred and fifty dollars."
+
+"What!" almost screamed Aunt Deborah, letting fall her knitting in
+her surprise.
+
+"It's true."
+
+"Six hundred and fifty dollars for a little piece of gold and glass!"
+ejaculated the old lady.
+
+"Diamond, aunt, not glass."
+
+"Well, it don't look a bit better'n glass, and I do say," proceeded
+Deborah, with energy, "that it's a sin and a shame to pay so much
+money for a ring.  Why, it was more than half your year's salary,
+Ferdinand."
+
+"I agree with you, aunt; it would have been very foolish and wrong
+for a young man on a small salary like mine to buy so expensive a
+ring as this.  I hope, Aunt Deborah, I have inherited too much of
+your good sense to do that."
+
+"Then where did you get it?" asked the old lady, moderating her tone.
+
+"It was given to me."
+
+"Given to you!  Who would give you such a costly present?"
+
+"A rich man whose life I once saved, Aunt Deborah."
+
+"You don't say so, Ferdinand!" said Aunt Deborah, interested.  "Tell
+me all about it."
+
+"So I will, aunt, though I don't often speak of it," said Ferdinand,
+modestly.  "It seems like boasting, you know, and I never like to do
+that.  But this is the way it happened.
+
+"Now for a good tough lie!" said Ferdinand to himself, as the old
+lady suspended her work, and bent forward with eager attention.
+
+"You know, of course, that New York and Brooklyn are on opposite
+sides of the river, and that people have to go across in ferry-boats."
+
+"Yes, I've heard that, Ferdinand."
+
+"I'm glad of that, because now you'll know that my story is correct.
+Well, one summer I boarded over in Brooklyn--on the Heights--and used
+to cross the ferry morning and night.  It was the Wall street ferry,
+and a great many bankers and rich merchants used to cross daily also.
+One of these was a Mr. Clayton, a wholesale dry-goods merchant,
+immensely rich, whom I knew by sight, though I had never spoken to
+him.  It was one Thursday morning--I remember even the day of the
+week--when the boat was unusually full.  Mr. Clayton was leaning
+against the side-railing talking to a friend, when all at once the
+railing gave way, and he fell backward into the water, which
+immediately swallowed him up."
+
+"Merciful man!" ejaculated Aunt Deborah, intensely interested.  "Go
+on, Ferdinand."
+
+"Of course there was a scene of confusion and excitement," continued
+Ferdinand, dramatically.  'Man overboard!  Who will save him?' said
+more than one.  'I will,' I exclaimed, and in an instant I had sprang
+over the railing into the boiling current."
+
+"Weren't you frightened to death?" asked the old lady.  "Could you
+swim?"
+
+"Of course I could.   More than once I have swum all the way from New
+York to Brooklyn.  I caught Mr. Clayton by the collar, as he was
+sinking for the third time, and shouted to a boatman near by to come
+to my help.  Well, there isn't much more to tell.  We were taken on
+board the boat, and rowed to shore.  Mr. Clayton recovered his senses
+so far as to realize that I had saved his life.
+
+"'What is your name, young man?' he asked, grasping my hand.
+
+"'Ferdinand B. Kensington,' I answered modestly.
+
+"'You have saved my life,' he said warmly.
+
+"'I am very glad of it,' said I.
+
+"'You have shown wonderful bravery."
+
+"'Oh no,' I answered.  'I know how to swim, and I wasn't going to see
+you drown before my eyes.'
+
+"'I shall never cease to be grateful to you.'
+
+"'Oh, don't think of it,' said I.
+
+"'But I must think of it,' he answered.  'But for you I should now be
+a senseless corpse lying in the bottom of the river,' and he
+shuddered.
+
+"'Mr. Clayton,' said I, 'let me advise you to get home as soon as
+possible, or you will catch your death of cold.'
+
+"'So will you,' he said.  'You must come with me.'
+
+"He insisted, so I went, and was handsomely treated, you may depend.
+Mr. Clayton gave me a new suit of clothes, and the next morning he
+took me to Tiffany's--that's the best jeweller in New York--and
+bought me this diamond ring.  He first offered me money, but I felt
+delicate about taking money for such a service, and told him so.  So
+he bought me this ring."
+
+"Well, I declare!" ejaculated Aunt Deborah.
+
+"That was an adventure.  But it seems to me, Ferdinand, I would have
+taken the money."
+
+"As to that, aunt, I can sell this ring, if ever I get hard up, but I
+hope I sha'n't be obliged to."
+
+"You certainly behaved very well, Ferdinand.  Do you ever see Mr.
+Clayton now?"
+
+"Sometimes, but I don't seek his society, for fear he would think I
+wanted to get something more out of him."
+
+"How much money do you think he'd have given you?" asked Aunt
+Deborah, who was of a practical nature.
+
+"A thousand dollars, perhaps more."
+
+"Seems to me I would have taken it."
+
+"If I had, people would have said that's why I jumped into the water,
+whereas I wasn't thinking anything about getting a reward.  So now,
+aunt, you won't think it very strange that I wear such an expensive
+ring."
+
+"Of course it makes a difference, as you didn't buy it yourself.  I
+don't see how folks can be such fools as to throw away hundreds of
+dollars for such a trifle."
+
+"Well, aunt, everybody isn't as sensible and practical as you.  Now I
+agree with you; I think it's very foolish.  Still I'm glad I've got
+the ring, because I can turn it into money when I need to.  Only, you
+see, I don't like to part with a gift, although I don't think Mr.
+Clayton would blame me."
+
+"Of course he wouldn't, Ferdinand.  But I don't see why you should
+need money when you're goin' to get such a handsome salary in San
+Francisco."
+
+"To be sure, aunt, but there's something else.  However, I won't
+speak of it to-day.  To-morrow I may want to ask your advice on a
+matter of business."
+
+"I'll advise you the best I can, Ferdinand," said the flattered
+spinster.
+
+"You see, aunt, you're so clear-headed, I shall place great
+dependence on your advice.  But I think I'll take a little walk now,
+just to stretch my limbs."
+
+"I've made good progress," said the young man to himself, as he
+lounged over the farm.  "The old lady swallows it all.  To-morrow
+must come my grand stroke.  I thought I wouldn't propose it to-day,
+for fear she'd suspect the ring story."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+A BUSINESS TRANSACTION.
+
+Ferdinand found life at the farm-house rather slow, nor did he
+particularly enjoy the society of the spinster whom he called aunt.
+But he was playing for a valuable stake, and meant to play out his
+game.
+
+"Strike while the iron is hot!" said he to himself; "That's a good
+rule; but how shall I know when it is hot?  However, I must risk
+something, and take my chances with the old lady."
+
+Aunt Deborah herself hastened his action.  Her curiosity had been
+aroused by Ferdinand's intimation that he wished her advice on a
+matter of business, and the next morning, after breakfast, she said,
+"Ferdinand, what was that you wanted to consult me about?  You may as
+well tell me now as any time."
+
+"Here goes, then!" thought the young man.
+
+"I'll tell you, aunt.  You know I am offered a large salary in San
+Francisco?"
+
+"Yes, you told me so."
+
+"And, as you said the other day, I can lay up half my salary, and in
+time become a rich man."
+
+"To be sure you can."
+
+"But there is one difficulty in the way."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"I must go out there."
+
+"Of course you must," said the old lady, who did not yet see the
+point.
+
+"And unfortunately it costs considerable money."
+
+"Haven't you got enough money to pay your fare out there?"
+
+"No, aunt; it is very expensive living in New York, and I was unable
+to save anything from my salary."
+
+"How much does it cost to go out there?"
+
+"About two hundred and fifty dollars."
+
+"That's a good deal of money."
+
+"So it is; but it will be a great deal better to pay it than to lose
+so good a place."
+
+"I hope," said the old lady, sharply, "you don't expect me to pay
+your expenses out there."
+
+"My dear aunt," said Ferdinand, hastily, "how can you suspect such a
+thing?"
+
+"Then what do you propose to do?" asked the spinster, somewhat
+relieved.
+
+"I wanted to ask your advice."
+
+"Sell your ring.  It's worth over six hundred dollars."
+
+"Very true; but I should hardly like to part with it.  I'll tell you
+what I have thought of.  It cost six hundred and fifty dollars.  I
+will give it as security to any one who will lend me five hundred
+dollars, with permission to sell it if I fail to pay up the note in
+six months.  By the way, aunt, why can't you accommodate me in this
+matter?  You will lose nothing, and I will pay handsome interest."
+
+"How do you know I have the money?"
+
+"I don't know; but I think you must have.  But, although I am your
+nephew, I wouldn't think of asking you to lend me money without
+security.  Business is business, so I say."
+
+"Very true, Ferdinand."
+
+"I ask nothing on the score of relationship, but I will make a
+business proposal."
+
+"I don't believe the ring would fetch over six hundred dollars."
+
+"It would bring just about that.  The other fifty dollars represent
+the profit.  Now, aunt, I'll make you a regular business proposal.
+If you'll lend me five hundred dollars, I'll give you my note for
+five hundred and fifty, bearing interest at six per cent., payable in
+six months, or, to make all sure, say in a year.  I place the ring in
+your hands, with leave to sell it at the end of that time if I fail
+to carry out my agreement.  But I sha'n't if I keep my health."
+
+The old lady was attracted by the idea of making a bonus of fifty
+dollars, but she was cautious, and averse to parting with her money.
+
+"I don't know what to say, Ferdinand," she replied.  "Five hundred
+dollars is a good deal of money."
+
+"So it is, aunt.  Well, I don't know but I can offer you a little
+better terms.  Give me four hundred and seventy-five, and I'll give
+you a note for five hundred and fifty.  You can't make as much
+interest anywhere else."
+
+"I'd like to accommodate you," said the old lady, hesitating, for,
+like most avaricious persons, she was captivated by the prospect of
+making extra-legal interest.
+
+"I know you would.  Aunt Deborah, but I don't want to ask the money
+as a favor.  It is a strictly business transaction."
+
+"I am afraid I couldn't spare more than four hundred and fifty."
+
+"Very well, I won't dispute about the extra twenty-five dollars.
+Considering how much income I'm going to get, it isn't of any great
+importance."
+
+"And you'll give me a note for five hundred and fifty?"
+
+"Yes, certainly."
+
+"I don't know as I ought to take so much interest."
+
+"It's worth that to me, for though, of course, I could raise it by
+selling the ring, I don't like to do that."
+
+"Well, I don't know but I'll do it.  I'll get some ink, and you can
+write me the due bill."
+
+"Why, Aunt Deborah, you haven't got the money here, have you?"
+
+"Yes, I've got it in the house.  A man paid up a mortgage last week,
+and I haven't yet invested the money.  I meant to put it in the
+savings bank."
+
+"You wouldn't get but six per cent there.  Now the bonus I offer you
+will be equal to about twenty per cent."
+
+"And you really feel able to pay so much?"
+
+"Yes, aunt; as I told you, it will be worth more than that to me."
+
+"Well, Ferdinand, we'll settle the matter now.  I'll go and get the
+money, and you shall give me the note and the ring."
+
+"Triumph!" said the young man to himself, when the old lady had left
+the room.  "You're badly sold, Aunt Deborah, but it's a good job for
+me.  I didn't think I would have so little trouble."
+
+Within fifteen minutes the money was handed over, and Aunt Deborah
+took charge of the note and the valuable diamond ring.
+
+"Be careful of the ring, Aunt Deborah," said Ferdinand.  "Remember, I
+expect to redeem it again."
+
+"I'll take good care of it, nephew, never fear!"
+
+"If it were a little smaller, you could wear it, yourself."
+
+"How would Deborah Kensington look with a diamond ring?  The
+neighbors would think I was crazy.  No: I'll keep it in a safe place,
+but I won't wear it."
+
+"Now, Aunt Deborah, I must speak about other arrangements.  Don't you
+think it would be well to start for San Francisco as soon as
+possible?  You know I enter upon my duties as soon as I get there."
+
+"Yes, Ferdinand, I think you ought to."
+
+"I wish I could spare the time to spend a week with you, aunt; but
+business is business, and my motto is, business before pleasure."
+
+"And very proper, too, Ferdinand," said the old lady, approvingly.
+
+"So I think I had better leave Centreville tomorrow."
+
+"May be you had.  You must write and let me know when you get there,
+and how you like your place."
+
+"So I will, and I shall be glad to know that you take an interest in
+me.  Now, aunt, as I have some errands to do, I will walk to the
+village and come back about the middle of the afternoon."
+
+"Won't you be back to dinner?"
+
+"No, I think not, aunt."
+
+"Very well, Ferdinand.  Come as soon as you can."
+
+Half an hour later, Ferdinand entered the office of the "Centreville
+Gazette."
+
+"How do you do, Mr. Kensington?" said Clapp, eagerly.  "Anything new?"
+
+"I should like to speak with you a moment in private, Mr. Clapp."
+
+"All right!"
+
+Clapp put on his coat, and went outside, shutting the door behind him.
+
+"Well," said Ferdinand, "I've succeeded."
+
+"Have you got the money?"
+
+"Yes, but not quite as much as I anticipated."
+
+"Can't you carry out your plan?" asked Clapp, soberly, fearing he was
+to be left out in the cold.
+
+"I've formed a new one.  Instead of going to California, which is
+very expensive, we'll go out West, say to St. Louis, and try our
+fortune there.  What do you say?"
+
+"I'm agreed.  Can Luke go too?"
+
+"Yes.  I'll take you both out there, and lend you fifty dollars each
+besides, and you shall pay me back as soon as you are able.  Will you
+let your friend know?"
+
+"Yes, I'll undertake that; but when do you propose to start?"
+
+"To-morrow morning."
+
+"Whew!  That's short notice."
+
+"I want to get away as soon as possible, for fear the old lady should
+change her mind, and want her money back."
+
+"That's where you're right."
+
+"Of course you must give up your situation at once, as there is short
+time to get ready."
+
+"No trouble about that," said Clapp.  "I've hated the business for a
+long time, and shall be only too glad to leave.  It's the same with
+Luke.  He won't shed many tears at leaving Centreville."
+
+"Well, we'll all meet this evening at the hotel.  I depend upon your
+both being ready to start in the morning."
+
+"All right, I'll let Luke know."
+
+It may be thought singular that Ferdinand should have made so liberal
+an offer to two comparative strangers; but, to do the young man
+justice, though he had plenty of faults, he was disposed to be
+generous when he had money, though he was not particular how he
+obtained it.  Clapp and Luke Harrison he recognized as congenial
+spirits, and he was willing to sacrifice something to obtain their
+companionship.  How long his fancy was likely to last was perhaps
+doubtful; but for the present he was eager to associate them with his
+own plans.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+HARRY IS PROMOTED.
+
+Clapp re-entered the printing office highly elated.
+
+"Mr. Anderson," said he to the editor, "I am going to leave you."
+
+Ferguson and Harry Walton looked up in surprise, and Mr. Anderson
+asked,--
+
+"Have you got another place?"
+
+"No; I am going West."
+
+"Indeed!  How long have you had that in view?"
+
+"Not long.  I am going with Mr. Kensington."
+
+"The one who just called on you?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How soon do you want to leave?"
+
+"Now."
+
+"That is rather short notice."
+
+"I know it, but I leave town to-morrow morning."
+
+"Well, I wish you success.  Here is the money I owe you."
+
+"Sha'n't we see you again, Clapp?" asked Ferguson.
+
+"Yes; I'll just look in and say good-by.  Now I must go home and get
+ready."
+
+"Well, Ferguson," said Mr. Andersen, after Clapp's departure, "that
+is rather sudden."
+
+"So I think."
+
+"How can we get along with only two hands?"
+
+"Very well, sir.  I'm willing to work a little longer, and Harry here
+is a pretty quick compositor now.  The fact is, there isn't enough
+work for three."
+
+"Then you think I needn't hire another journeyman?"
+
+"No."
+
+"If you both work harder I must increase your wages, and then I shall
+save money."
+
+"I sha'n't object to that," said Ferguson, smiling.
+
+"Nor I," said Harry.
+
+"I was intending at any rate to raise Harry's wages, as I find he
+does nearly as much as a journeyman.  Hereafter I will give you five
+dollars a week besides your board."
+
+"Oh, thank you, sir!" said Harry, overjoyed at his good fortune.
+
+"As for you, Ferguson, if you will give me an hour more daily, I will
+add three dollars a week to your pay."
+
+"Thank you, sir.  I think I can afford now to give Mrs. Ferguson the
+new bonnet she was asking for this morning."
+
+"I don't want to overwork you two, but if that arrangement proves
+satisfactory, we will continue it."
+
+"I suppose you will be buying your wife a new bonnet too; eh, Harry?"
+said Ferguson.
+
+"I may buy myself a new hat.  Luke Harrison turned up his nose at my
+old one the other day."
+
+"What will Luke do without Clapp?  They were always together."
+
+"Perhaps he is going too."
+
+"I don't know where he will raise the money, nor Clapp either, for
+that matter."
+
+"Perhaps their new friend furnishes the money."
+
+"If he does, he is indeed a friend."
+
+"Well, it has turned out to our advantage, at any rate, Harry.
+Suppose you celebrate it by coming round and taking supper with me?"
+
+"With the greatest pleasure."
+
+Harry was indeed made happy by his promotion.  Having been employed
+for some months on board-wages, he had been compelled to trench upon
+the small stock of money which he had saved up when in the employ of
+Prof. Henderson, and he had been unable to send any money to his
+father, whose circumstances were straitened, and who found it very
+hard to make both ends meet.  That evening he wrote a letter to his
+father, in which he inclosed ten dollars remaining to him from his
+fund of savings, at the same time informing him of his promotion.  A
+few days later, he received the following reply:--
+
+
+"MY DEAR SON:
+
+"Your letter has given me great satisfaction, for I conclude from
+your promotion that you have done your duty faithfully, and won the
+approbation of your employer.  The wages you now earn will amply pay
+your expenses, while you may reasonably hope that they will be still
+further increased, as you become more skilful and experienced.  I am
+glad to hear that you are using your leisure hours to such good
+purpose, and are trying daily to improve your education.  In this way
+you may hope in time to qualify yourself for the position of an
+editor, which is an honorable and influential profession, to which I
+should be proud to have you belong.
+
+"The money which you so considerately inclose comes at the right
+time.  Your brother needs some new clothes, and this will enable me
+to provide them.  We all send love, and hope to hear from you often.
+
+  "Your affectionate father,
+    "HIRAM WALTON."
+
+
+Harry's promotion took place just before the beginning of September.
+During the next week the fall term of the Prescott Academy commenced,
+and the village streets again became lively with returning students.
+Harry was busy at the case, when Oscar Vincent entered the printing
+office, and greeted him warmly.
+
+"How are you, Oscar?" said Harry, his face lighting up with pleasure.
+"I am glad to see you back.  I would shake hands, but I am afraid you
+wouldn't like it," and Harry displayed his hands soiled with
+printer's ink.
+
+"Well, we'll shake hands in spirit, then, Harry.  How have you passed
+the time?"
+
+"I have been very busy, Oscar."
+
+"And I have been very lazy.  I have scarcely opened a book, that is,
+a study-book, during the vacation.  How much have you done in French?"
+
+"I have nearly finished Telemachus."
+
+"You have!  Then you have done splendidly.  By the way, Harry, I
+received the paper you sent, containing your essay.  It does you
+credit, my boy."
+
+Mr. Anderson, who was sitting at his desk, caught the last words.
+
+"What is that, Harry?" he asked.  "Have you been writing for the
+papers?"
+
+Harry blushed.
+
+"Yes, sir," he replied.  "I have written two or three articles for
+the 'Boston Weekly Standard.'"
+
+"Indeed!  I should like to see them."
+
+"You republished one of them in the 'Gazette,' Mr. Anderson," said
+Ferguson.
+
+"What do you refer to?"
+
+"Don't you remember an article on 'Ambition,' which you inserted some
+weeks ago?"
+
+"Yes, it was a good article.  Did you write it, Walton?"
+
+"Yes, air."
+
+"Why didn't you tell me of it?"
+
+"He was too bashful," said Ferguson.
+
+"I am glad to know that you can write," said the editor.  "I shall
+call upon you for assistance, in getting up paragraphs occasionally."
+
+"I shall be very glad to do what I can," said Harry, gratified.
+
+"Harry is learning to be an editor," said Ferguson.
+
+"I will give him a chance for practice, then," and Mr. Anderson
+returned to his exchanges.
+
+"By the way, Oscar," said Harry, "I am not a printer's devil any
+longer.  I am promoted to be a journeyman."
+
+"I congratulate you, Harry, but what will Fitz do now?  He used to
+take so much pleasure in speaking of you as a printer's devil."
+
+"I am sorry to deprive him of that pleasure.  Did you see much of him
+in vacation, Oscar?"
+
+"I used to meet him almost every day walking down Washington Street,
+swinging a light cane, and wearing a stunning necktie, as usual."
+
+"Is he coming back this term?"
+
+"Yes, he came on the same train with me.  Hasn't he called to pay his
+respects to you?"
+
+"No," answered Harry, with a smile.  "He hasn't done me that honor.
+He probably expects me to make the first call."
+
+"Well, Harry, I suppose you will be on hand next week, when the
+Clionian holds its first meeting?"
+
+"Yes, I will be there."
+
+"And don't forget to call at my room before that time.  I want to
+examine you in French, and see how much progress you have made."
+
+"Thank you, Oscar."
+
+"Now I must be going.  I have got a tough Greek lesson to prepare for
+to-morrow.  I suppose it will take me twice as long as usual.  It is
+always hard to get to work again after a long vacation.  So
+good-morning, and don't forget to call at my room soon--say to-morrow
+evening."
+
+"I will come."
+
+"What a gentlemanly fellow your friend is!" said Ferguson.
+
+"What is his name, Harry?" asked Mr. Anderson.
+
+"Oscar Vincent.  His father is an editor in Boston."
+
+"What! the son of John Vincent?" said Mr. Anderson, surprised.
+
+"Yes, sir; do you know his father?"
+
+"Only by reputation.  He is a man of great ability."
+
+"Oscar is a smart fellow, too, but not a hard student."
+
+"I shall be glad to have you bring him round to the house some
+evening, Harry.  I shall be glad to become better acquainted with
+him."
+
+"Thank you, sir.  I will give him the invitation."
+
+It is very possible that Harry rose in the estimation of his
+employer, from his intimacy with the son of a man who stood so high
+in his own profession.  At all events, Harry found himself from this
+time treated with greater respect and consideration than before, and
+Mr. Anderson often called upon him to write paragraphs upon local
+matters, so that his position might be regarded except as to pay, as
+that of an assistant editor.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+MISS DEBORAH'S EYES ARE OPENED.
+
+Aunt Deborah felt that she had done a good stroke of business.  She
+had lent Ferdinand four hundred and fifty dollars, and received in
+return a note for five hundred and fifty, secured by a diamond ring
+worth even more.  She plumed herself on her shrewdness, though at
+times she felt a little twinge at the idea of the exorbitant interest
+which she had exacted from so near a relative.
+
+"But he said the money was worth that to him," she said to herself in
+extenuation, "and he's goin' to get two thousand dollars a year.  I
+didn't want to lend the money, I'd rather have had it in the savings
+bank, but I did it to obleege him."
+
+By such casuistry Aunt Deborah quieted her conscience, and carefully
+put the ring away among her bonds and mortgages.
+
+"Who'd think a little ring like that should be worth so much?" she
+said to herself.  "It's clear waste of money.  But then Ferdinand
+didn't buy it.  It was give to him, and a very foolish gift it was
+too.  Railly, it makes me nervous to have it to take care of.  It's
+so little it might get lost easy."
+
+Aunt Deborah plumed herself upon her shrewdness.  It was not easy to
+get the advantage of her in a bargain, and yet she had accepted the
+ring as security for a considerable loan without once questioning its
+genuineness.  She relied implicitly upon her nephew's assurance of
+its genuineness, just as she had relied upon his assertion of
+relationship.  But the time was soon coming when she was to be
+undeceived.
+
+One day, a neighbor stopped his horse in front of her house, and
+jumping out of his wagon, walked up to the door and knocked.
+
+"Good-morning, Mr. Simpson," said the old lady, answering the knock
+herself; "won't you come in?"
+
+"Thank you, Miss Deborah, I can't stop this morning.  I was at the
+post-office just now, when I saw there was a letter for you, and
+thought I'd bring it along."
+
+"A letter for me!" said Aunt Deborah in some surprise, for her
+correspondence was very limited.  "Who's it from?"
+
+"It is post-marked New York," said Mr. Simpson.
+
+"I don't know no one in New York," said the old lady, fumbling in her
+pockets for her spectacles.
+
+"Maybe it's one of your old beaux," said Mr. Simpson, humorously, a
+joke which brought a grim smile to the face of the old spinster.
+"But I must be goin'.  If it's an offer of marriage, don't forget to
+invite me to the wedding."
+
+Aunt Deborah went into the house, and seating herself in her
+accustomed place, carefully opened the letter.  She turned over the
+page, and glanced at the signature.  To her astonishment it was
+signed,
+
+  "Your affectionate nephew,
+    "FERDINAND B. KENSINGTON."
+
+"Ferdinand!" she exclaimed in surprise.  "Why, I thought he was in
+Californy by this time.  How could he write from New York?  I s'pose
+he'll explain.  I hope he didn't lose the money I lent him."
+
+The first sentence in the letter was destined to surprise Miss
+Deborah yet more.
+
+"Dear aunt," it commenced, "it is so many years since we have met,
+that I am afraid you have forgotten me."
+
+"So many years!" repeated Miss Deborah in bewilderment.  "What on
+earth can Ferdinand mean?  Why, it's only five weeks yesterday since
+he was here.  He must be crazy."
+
+She resumed reading.
+
+"I have often had it in mind to make you a little visit, but I have
+been so engrossed by business that I have been unable to get away.  I
+am a salesman for A. T. Stewart, whom you must have heard of, as he
+is the largest retail dealer in the city.  I have been three years in
+his employ, and have been promoted by degrees, till I now receive
+quite a good salary, until--and that is the news I have to write
+you--I have felt justifed in getting married.  My wedding is fixed
+for next week, Thursday.  I should be very glad if you could attend,
+though I suppose you would consider it a long journey.  But at any
+rate I can assure you that I should be delighted to see you present
+on the occasion, and so would Maria.  If you can't come, write to me,
+at any rate, in memory of old times.  It is just possible that during
+our bridal tour--we are to go to the White Mountains for a week--we
+shall call on you.  Let me know if it will be convenient for you to
+receive us for a day.
+
+  "Your affectionate nephew,
+    "FERDINAND B. KENSINGTON."
+
+
+Miss Deborah read this letter like one dazed.  She had to read it a
+second time before she could comprehend its purport.
+
+"Ferdinand going to be married!  He never said a word about it when
+he was here.  And he don't say a word about Californy.  Then again he
+says he hasn't seen me for years.  Merciful man!  I see it now--the
+other fellow was an impostor!" exclaimed Miss Deborah, jumping, to
+her feet in excitement.  "What did he want to deceive an old woman
+for?"
+
+It flashed upon her at once.  He came after money, and he had
+succeeded only too well.  He had carried away four hundred and fifty
+dollars with him.  True, he had left a note, and security.  But
+another terrible suspicion had entered the old lady's mind; the ring
+might not be genuine.
+
+"I must know at once," exclaimed the disturbed spinster.  "I'll go
+over to Brandon, to the jeweller's, and inquire.  If it's paste,
+then, Deborah Kensington, you're the biggest fool in Centreville."
+
+Miss Deborah summoned Abner, her farm servant from the field, and
+ordered him instantly to harness the horse, as she wanted to go to
+Brandon.
+
+"Do you want me to go with you?" asked Abner.
+
+"To be sure, I can't drive so fur, and take care of the horse."
+
+"It'll interrupt the work," objected Abner.
+
+"Never mind about the work," said Deborah, impatiently.  "I must go
+right off.  It's on very important business."
+
+"Wouldn't it be best to go after dinner?"
+
+"No, we'll get some dinner over there, at the tavern."
+
+"What's got into the old woman?" thought Abner.  "It isn't like her
+to spend money at a tavern for dinner, when she might as well dine at
+home.  Interruptin' the work, too!  However, it's her business!"
+
+Deborah was ready and waiting when the horse drove up the door.  She
+got in, and they set out.  Abner tried to open a conversation, but he
+found Miss Deborah strangely unsocial.  She appeared to take no
+interest in the details of farm work of which he spoke.
+
+"Something's on her mind, I guess," thought Abner; and, as we know,
+he was right.
+
+In her hand Deborah clutched the ring, of whose genuineness she had
+come to entertain such painful doubts.  It might be genuine, she
+tried to hope, even if it came from an impostor; but her hope was
+small.  She felt a presentiment that it would prove as false as the
+man from whom she received it.  As for the story of the manner in
+which he became possessed of it, doubtless that was as false as the
+rest.
+
+"How blind I was!" groaned Deborah in secret.  "I saw he didn't look
+like the family.  What a goose I was to believe that story about his
+changin' the color of his hair!  I was an old fool, and that's all
+about it."
+
+"Drive to the jeweller's," said Miss Deborah, when they reached
+Brandon.
+
+In some surprise, Abner complied.
+
+Deborah got out of the wagon hastily and entered the store.
+
+"What can I do for you, Miss Kensington?" asked the jeweller, who
+recognized the old lady.
+
+"I want to show you a ring," said Aunt Deborah, abruptly.  "Tell me
+what it's worth."
+
+She produced the ring which the false Ferdinand had intrusted to her.
+
+The jeweller scanned it closely.
+
+"It's a good imitation of a diamond ring," he said.
+
+"Imitation!" gasped Deborah.
+
+"Yes; you didn't think it was genuine?"
+
+"What's it worth?"
+
+"The value of the gold.  That appears to be genuine.  It may be worth
+three dollars."
+
+"Three dollars!" ejaculated Deborah.  "He told me it cost six hundred
+and fifty."
+
+"Whoever told you that was trying to deceive you."
+
+"You're sure about its being imitation, are you?"
+
+"There can be no doubt about it."
+
+"That's what I thought," muttered the old lady, her face pale and
+rigid.  "Is there anything to pay?"
+
+"Oh, no; I am glad to be of service to you."
+
+"Good-afternoon, then," said Deborah, abruptly, and she left the
+store.
+
+"Drive home, Abner, as quick as you can," she said.
+
+"I haven't had any dinner," Abner remarked, "You said you'd get some
+at the tavern."
+
+"Did I?  Well, drive over there.  I'm not hungry myself, but I'll pay
+for some dinner for you."
+
+Poor Aunt Deborah! it was not the loss alone that troubled her,
+though she was fond of money; but it was humiliating to think that
+she had fallen such an easy prey to a designing adventurer.  In her
+present bitter mood, she would gladly have ridden fifty miles to see
+the false Ferdinand hanged.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+THE PLOT AGAINST FLETCHER.
+
+The intimacy between Harry and Oscar Vincent continued, and, as
+during the former term, the latter volunteered to continue giving
+French lessons to our hero.  These were now partly of a
+conversational character, and, as Harry was thoroughly in earnest, it
+was not long before he was able to speak quite creditably.
+
+About the first of November, Fitzgerald Fletcher left the Prescott
+Academy, and returned to his home in Boston.  It was not because he
+had finished his education, but because he felt that he was not
+appreciated by his fellow-students.  He had been ambitious to be
+elected to an official position in the Clionian Society, but his
+aspirations were not gratified.  He might have accepted this
+disappointment, and borne it as well as he could, had it not been
+aggravated by the elevation of Harry Walton to the presidency.  To be
+only a common member, while a boy so far his social inferior was
+President, was more than Fitzgerald could stand.  He was so incensed
+that upon the announcement of the vote he immediately rose to a point
+of order.
+
+"Mr. President," he said warmly, "I must protest against this
+election.  Walton is not a member of the Prescott Academy, and it is
+unconstitutional to elect him President."
+
+"Will the gentleman point out the constitutional clause which has
+been violated by Walton's election?" said Oscar Vincent.
+
+"Mr. President," said Fletcher, "this Society was founded by students
+of the Prescott Academy; and the offices should be confined to the
+members of the school."
+
+Harry Walton rose and said: "Mr. President, my election has been a
+great surprise to myself.  I had no idea that any one had thought of
+me for the position.  I feel highly complimented by your kindness,
+and deeply grateful for it; but there is something in what Mr.
+Fletcher says.  You have kindly allowed me to share in the benefits
+of the Society, and that satisfies me.  I think it will be well for
+you to make another choice as President."
+
+"I will put it to vote," said the presiding officer.  "Those who are
+ready to accept Mr. Walton's resignation will signify it in the usual
+way."
+
+Fletcher raised his hand, but he was alone.
+
+"Those who are opposed," said the President.
+
+Every other hand except Harry's was now raised.
+
+"Mr. Walton, your resignation is not accepted," said the presiding
+officer.  "I call upon you to assume the duties of your new position."
+
+Harry rose, and, modestly advanced to the chair.  "I have already
+thanked you, gentlemen," he said, "for the honor you have conferred
+upon me in selecting me as your presiding officer.  I have only to
+add that I will discharge its duties to the best of my ability."
+
+All applauded except Fletcher.  He sat with an unpleasant scowl upon
+his face, and waited for the result of the balloting for
+Vice-President and Secretary.  Had he been elected to either
+position, the Clionian would probably have retained his illustrious
+name upon its roll.  But as these honors were conferred upon other
+members, he formed the heroic resolution no longer to remain a member.
+
+"Mr. President," he said, when the last vote was announced, "I desire
+to terminate my connection with this Society."
+
+"I hope Mr. Fletcher will reconsider his determination," said Harry
+from the chair.
+
+"I would like to inquire the gentleman's reasons," said Tom Carver.
+
+"I don't like the way in which the Society is managed," said
+Fletcher.  "I predict that it will soon disband."
+
+"I don't see any signs of it," said Oscar.  "If the gentleman is
+really sincere, he should not desert the Clionian in the hour of
+danger."
+
+"I insist upon my resignation," said Fletcher.
+
+"I move that it be accepted," said Tom Carver.
+
+"Second the motion," said the boy who sat next him.
+
+The resignation was unanimously accepted.  Fletcher ought to have
+felt gratified at the prompt granting of his request, but he was not.
+He had intended to strike dismay into the Society by his proposal to
+withdraw, but there was no consternation visible.  Apparently they
+were willing to let him go.
+
+He rose from his seat mortified and wrathful.
+
+"Gentlemen," he said, "you have complied with my request, and I am
+deeply grateful.  I no longer consider it an honor to belong to the
+Clionian.  I trust your new President may succeed as well in his new
+office as he has in the capacity of a printer's devil."
+
+Fletcher was unable to proceed, being interrupted by a storm of
+hisses, in the midst of which he hurriedly made his exit.
+
+"He wanted to be President himself--that's what's the matter," said
+Tom Carver in a whisper to his neighbor.  "But he couldn't blame us
+for not wanting to have him."
+
+Other members of the Society came to the same conclusion, and it was
+generally said that Fletcher had done himself no good by his
+undignified resentment.  His parting taunt levelled at Harry was
+regarded as mean and ungenerous, and only strengthened the sentiment
+in favor of our hero who bore his honors modestly.  In fact Tom
+Carver, who was fond of fun, conceived a project for mortifying
+Fletcher, and readily obtained the co-operation of his classmates.
+
+It must be premised that Fitz was vain of his reading and
+declamation.  He had a secret suspicion that, if he should choose to
+devote his talents to the stage, he would make a second Booth.  This
+self-conceit of his made it the more easy to play off the following
+joke upon him.
+
+A fortnight later, the young ladies of the village proposed to hold a
+Fair to raise funds for some public object.  At the head of the
+committee of arrangements was a sister of the doctor's wife, named
+Pauline Clinton.  This will explain the following letter which,
+Fletcher received the succeeding day:--
+
+
+"FITZGERALD FLETCHER, ESQ.--Dear Sir: Understanding that you are a
+superior reader, we should be glad of your assistance in lending
+_eclat_ to the Fair which we propose to hold on the evening of the
+29th.  Will you be kind enough to occupy twenty minutes by reading
+such selections as in your opinion will be of popular interest?  It
+is desirable that you should let me know as soon as possible what
+pieces you have selected, that they may be printed on the programme.
+
+  "Yours respectfully,
+    "PAULINE CLINTON,
+      "(for the Committee)."
+
+
+This note reached Fletcher at a time when he was still smarting from
+his disappointment in obtaining promotion from the Clionian Society.
+He read it with a flushed and triumphant face.  He never thought of
+questioning its genuineness.  Was it not true that he was a superior
+reader?  What more natural than that he should be invited to give
+_eclat_ to the Fair by the exercise of his talents!  He felt it to be
+a deserved compliment.  It was a greater honor to be solicited to
+give a public reading than to be elected President of the Clionian
+Society.
+
+"They won't laugh at me now," thought Fletcher.
+
+He immediately started for Oscar's room to make known his new honors.
+
+"How are you, Fitz?" said Oscar, who was in the secret, and guessed
+the errand on which he came.
+
+"Very well, thank you, Oscar,"  answered Fletcher, in a stately
+manner.
+
+"Anything new with you?" asked Oscar, carelessly.
+
+"Not much," said Fletcher.  "There's a note I just received.
+
+"Whew!" exclaimed Oscar, in affected astonishment.  "Are you going to
+accept?"
+
+"I suppose I ought to oblige them," said Fletcher.  "It won't be much
+trouble to me, you know."
+
+"To be sure; it's in a good cause.  But how did they hear of your
+reading?"
+
+"Oh, there are no secrets in a small village like this," said
+Fletcher.
+
+"It's certainly a great compliment.  Has anybody else been invited to
+read?"
+
+"I think not," said Fletcher, proudly.  "They rely upon me."
+
+"Couldn't you get a chance for me?  It would be quite an honor, and I
+should like it for the sake of the family."
+
+"I shouldn't feel at liberty to interfere with their arrangements,"
+said Fletcher, who didn't wish to share the glory with any one.
+"Besides, you don't read well enough."
+
+"Well, I suppose I must give it up," said Oscar, in a tone of
+resignation.  "By the way, what have you decided to read?"
+
+"I haven't quite made up my mind," said Fletcher, in a tone of
+importance.  "I have only just received the invitation, you know."
+
+"Haven't you answered it yet?"
+
+"No; but I shall as soon as I go home.  Good-night, Oscar."
+
+"Good-night, Fitz."
+
+"How mad Fitz will be when he finds he has been sold!" said Oscar to
+himself.  "But he deserves it for treating Harry so meanly."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+READING UNDER DIFFICULTIES.
+
+On reaching home, Fletcher looked over his "Speaker," and selected
+three poems which he thought he could read with best effect.  The
+selection made, he sat down to his desk, and wrote a reply to the
+invitation, as follows:--
+
+
+"MISS PAULINE CLINTON: I hasten to acknowledge your polite invitation
+to occupy twenty minutes in reading choice selections at your
+approaching Fair.  I have paid much attention to reading, and hope to
+be able to give pleasure to the large numbers who will doubtless
+honor the occasion with their presence.  I have selected three
+poems,--Poe's Raven, the Battle of Ivry, by Macaulay, and Marco
+Bozarris, by Halleck.  I shall be much pleased if my humble efforts
+add _eclat_ to the occasion.
+
+  "Yours, very respectfully,
+    "FITZGERALD FLETCHER."
+
+
+"There," said Fletcher, reading his letter through with satisfaction.
+"I think that will do.  It is high-toned and dignified, and shows
+that I am highly cultured and refined.  I will copy it off, and mail
+it."
+
+Fletcher saw his letter deposited in the post-office, and returned to
+his room.
+
+"I ought to practise reading these poems, so as to do it up
+handsomely," he said.  "I suppose I shall get a good notice in the
+'Gazette.'  If I do, I will buy a dozen papers, and send to my
+friends.  They will see that I am a person of consequence in
+Centreville, even if I didn't get elected to any office in the high
+and mighty Clionian Society."
+
+I am sorry that I cannot reproduce the withering sarcasm which
+Fletcher put into his tone in the last sentence.
+
+When Demosthenes was practising oratory, he sought the sea-shore; but
+Fitzgerald repaired instead to a piece of woods about half a mile
+distant.  It was rather an unfortunate selection, as will appear.
+
+It so happened that Tom Carver and Hiram Huntley were strolling about
+the woods, when they espied Fletcher approaching with an open book in
+his hand.
+
+"Hiram," said Tom, "there's fun coming.  There's Fitz Fletcher with
+his 'Speaker' in his hand.  He's going to practise reading in the
+woods.  Let us hide, and hear the fun."
+
+"I'm in for it," said Hiram, "but where will be the best place to
+hide?"
+
+"Here in this hollow tree.  He'll be very apt to halt here."
+
+"All right!  Go ahead, I'll follow."
+
+They quickly concealed themselves in the tree, unobserved by
+Fletcher, whose eyes were on his book.
+
+About ten feet from the tree he paused.
+
+"I guess this'll be a good place," he said aloud.  "There's no one to
+disturb me here.  Now, which shall I begin with?  I think I'll try
+The Raven.  But first it may be well to practise an appropriate
+little speech.  Something like this:"--
+
+Fletcher made a low bow to the assembled trees, cleared his throat,
+and commenced,--
+
+"Ladies and Gentlemen: It gives me great pleasure to appear before
+you this evening, in compliance with the request of the committee,
+who have thought that my humble efforts would give _eclat_ to the
+fair.  I am not a professional reader, but I have ever found pleasure
+in reciting the noble productions of our best authors, and I hope to
+give you pleasure."
+
+"That'll do, I think," said Fletcher, complacently.  "Now I'll try
+The Raven."
+
+In a deep, sepulchral tone, Fletcher read the first verse, which is
+quoted below:--
+
+  "Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,
+  Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
+  While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
+  As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
+  ''Tis some visitor,' I muttered, 'tapping at my chamber door--
+  Only this and nothing more.'"
+
+Was it fancy, or did Fletcher really hear a slow, measured tapping
+near him--upon one of the trees, as it seemed?  He started, and
+looked nervously; but the noise stopped, and he decided that he had
+been deceived, since no one was visible.
+
+The boys within the tree made no other demonstration till Fletcher
+had read the following verse:--
+
+  "Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,
+  Soon again I heard a tapping, something louder than before.
+  'Surely,' said I, 'surely that is something at my window lattice;
+  Let me see then what thereat is, and this mystery explore--
+  Let my heart be still a moment, and this mystery explore;
+  'Tis the wind, and nothing more.'"
+
+Here an indescribable, unearthly noise was heard from the interior of
+the tree, like the wailing of some discontented ghost.
+
+"Good  heavens! what's that?" ejaculated Fletcher, turning pale, and
+looking nervously around him.
+
+It was growing late, and the branches above him, partially stripped
+of their leaves, rustled in the wind.  Fletcher was somewhat nervous,
+and the weird character of the poem probably increased this feeling,
+and made him very uncomfortable.  He summoned up courage enough,
+however, to go on, though his voice shook a little.  He was permitted
+to go on without interruption to the end.  Those who are familiar
+with the poem, know that it becomes more and more wild and weird as
+it draws to the conclusion.  This, with his gloomy surroundings, had
+its effect upon the mind of Fletcher.  Scarcely had he uttered the
+last words, when a burst of wild and sepulchral laughter was heard
+within a few feet of him.  A cry of fear proceeded from Fletcher,
+and, clutching his book, he ran at wild speed from the enchanted
+spot, not daring to look behind him.  Indeed, he never stopped
+running till he passed out of the shadow of the woods, and was well
+on his way homeward.
+
+Tom Carver and Hiram crept out from their place of concealment.  They
+threw themselves on the ground, and roared with laughter.
+
+"I never had such fun in my life," said Tom.
+
+"Nor I."
+
+"I wonder what Fitz thought."
+
+"That the wood was enchanted, probably; he left in a hurry."
+
+"Yes; he stood not on the order of his going, but went at once."
+
+"I wish I could have seen him.  We must have made a fearful noise."
+
+"I was almost frightened myself.  He must be almost home by this
+time."
+
+"When do you think he'll find out about the trick?"
+
+"About the invitation?  Not till he gets a letter from Miss Clinton,
+telling him it is all a mistake.  He will be terribly mortified."
+
+Meanwhile Fletcher reached home, tired and out of breath.  His
+temporary fear was over, but he was quite at sea as to the cause of
+the noises he had heard.  He could not suspect any of his
+school-fellows, for no one was visible, nor had he any idea that any
+were in the wood at the time.
+
+"I wonder if it was an animal," he reflected.  "It was a fearful
+noise.  I must find some other place to practise reading in.  I
+wouldn't go to that wood again for fifty dollars."
+
+But Fletcher's readings were not destined to be long continued.  When
+he got home from school the next day, he found the following note,
+which had been left for him during the forenoon:--
+
+
+"MR. FITZGERALD FLETCHER,--Dear Sir: I beg to thank you for your kind
+proposal to read at our Fair; but I think there must be some mistake
+in the matter, as we have never contemplated having any readings, nor
+have I written to you on the subject, as you intimate.  I fear that
+we shall not have time to spare for such a feature, though, under
+other circumstances, it might be attractive.  In behalf of the
+committee, I beg to tender thanks for your kind proposal.
+
+  "Yours respectfully,
+    "PAULINE CLINTON."
+
+Fletcher read this letter with feelings which can better be imagined
+than described.  He had already written home in the most boastful
+manner about the invitation he had received, and he knew that before
+he could contradict it, it would have been generally reported by his
+gratified parents to his city friends.  And now he would be compelled
+to explain that he had been duped, besides enduring the jeers of
+those who had planned the trick.
+
+This was more than he could endure.  He formed a sudden resolution.
+He would feign illness, and go home the next day.  He could let it be
+inferred that it was sickness alone which had compelled him to give
+up the idea of appearing as a public reader.
+
+Fitz immediately acted upon his decision, and the next day found him
+on the way to Boston.  He never returned to the Prescott Academy as a
+student.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+AN INVITATION TO BOSTON.
+
+Harry was doubly glad that he was now in receipt of a moderate
+salary.  He welcomed it as an evidence that he was rising in the
+estimation of his employer, which was of itself satisfactory, and
+also because in his circumstances the money was likely to be useful.
+
+"Five dollars a week!" said Harry to himself.  "Half of that ought to
+be enough to pay for my clothes and miscellaneous expenses, and the
+rest I will give to father.  It will help him take care of the rest
+of the family."
+
+Our hero at once made this proposal by letter.  This is a paragraph
+from his father's letter in reply:--
+
+
+"I am glad, my dear son, to find you so considerate and dutiful, as
+your offer indicates.  I have indeed had a hard time in supporting my
+family, and have not always been able to give them the comforts I
+desired.  Perhaps it is my own fault in part.  I am afraid I have not
+the faculty of getting along and making money that many others have.
+But I have had an unexpected stroke of good fortune.  Last evening a
+letter reached your mother, stating that her cousin Nancy had
+recently died at St. Albans, Vermont, and that, in accordance with
+her will, your mother is to receive a legacy of four thousand
+dollars.  With your mother's consent, one-fourth of this is to be
+devoted to the purchase of the ten acres adjoining my little farm,
+and the balance will be so invested as to yield us an annual income
+of one hundred and eighty dollars.  Many would think this a small
+addition to an income, but it will enable us to live much more
+comfortably.  You remember the ten-acre lot to the east of us,
+belonging to the heirs of Reuben Todd.  It is excellent land, well
+adapted for cultivation, and will fully double the value of my farm.
+
+"You see, therefore, my dear son, that a new era of prosperity has
+opened for us.  I am now relieved from the care and anxiety which for
+years have oppressed me, and feel sure of a comfortable support.
+Instead of accepting the half of your salary, I desire you, if
+possible, to save it, depositing in some reliable savings
+institution.  If you do this every year till you are twenty-one, you
+will have a little capital to start you in business, and will be able
+to lead a more prosperous career than your father.  Knowing you as
+well as I do, I do not feel it necessary to caution you against
+unnecessary expenditures.  I will only remind you that extravagance
+is comparative, and that what would be only reasonable expenditure
+for one richer than yourself would be imprudent in you."
+
+
+Harry read this letter with great joy.  He was warmly attached to the
+little home circle, and the thought that they were comparatively
+provided for gave him fresh courage.  He decided to adopt his
+father's suggestion, and the very next week deposited three dollars
+in the savings bank.
+
+"That is to begin an account," he thought.  "If I can only keep that
+up, I shall feel quite rich at the end of a year."
+
+Several weeks rolled by, and Thanksgiving approached.
+
+Harry was toiling at his case one day, when Oscar Vincent entered the
+office.
+
+"Hard at work, I see, Harry," he said.
+
+"Yes," said Harry; "I can't afford to be idle."
+
+"I want you to be idle for three days," said Oscar.
+
+Harry looked up in surprise.
+
+"How is that?" he asked.
+
+"You know we have a vacation from Wednesday to Monday at the Academy."
+
+"Over Thanksgiving?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, I am going home to spend that time, and I want you to go with
+me."
+
+"What, to Boston?" asked Harry, startled, for to him, inexperienced
+as he was, that seemed a very long journey.
+
+"Yes.  Father and mother gave me permission to invite you.  Shall I
+show you the letter?"
+
+"I'll take it for granted, Oscar, but I am afraid I can't go."
+
+"Nonsense!  What's to prevent?"
+
+"In the first place, Mr. Anderson can't spare me."
+
+"Ask him."
+
+"What's that?" asked the editor, hearing his name mentioned.
+
+"I have invited Harry to spend the Thanksgiving vacation with me in
+Boston, and he is afraid you can't spare him?"
+
+"Does your father sanction your invitation?"
+
+"Yes, he wrote me this morning--that is, I got the letter this
+morning--telling me to ask Harry to come."
+
+Now the country editor had a great respect for the city editor, who
+was indeed known by reputation throughout New England as a man of
+influence and ability, and he felt disposed to accede to any request
+of his.
+
+So he said pleasantly, "Of course, Harry, we shall miss you, but if
+Mr. Ferguson is disposed to do a little additional work, we will get
+along till Monday.  What do you say, Mr. Ferguson?"
+
+"I shall be very glad to oblige Harry," said the older workman, "and
+I hope he will have a good time."
+
+"That settles the question, Harry," said Oscar, joyfully.  "So all
+you've got to do is to pack up and be ready to start to-morrow
+morning.  It's Tuesday, you know, already."
+
+Harry hesitated, and Oscar observed it.
+
+"Well, what's the matter now?" he said; "out with it."
+
+"I'll tell you, Oscar," said Harry, coloring a little.  "Your father
+is a rich man, and lives handsomely.  I haven't any clothes good
+enough to wear on a visit to your house."
+
+"Oh, hang your clothes!" said Oscar, impetuously.  "It isn't your
+clothes we invite.  It's yourself."
+
+"Still, Oscar--"
+
+"Come, I see you think I am like Fitz Fletcher, after all.  Say you
+think me a snob, and done with it."
+
+"But I don't," said Harry, smiling.
+
+"Then don't make any more ridiculous objections.  Don't you think
+they are ridiculous, Mr. Ferguson?"
+
+"They wouldn't be in some places," said Ferguson, "but here I think
+they are out of place.  I feel sure you are right, and that you value
+Harry more than the clothes he wears."
+
+"Well, Harry, do you surrender at discretion?" said Oscar.  "You see
+Ferguson is on my side."
+
+"I suppose I shall have to," said Harry, "as long as you are not
+ashamed of me."
+
+"None of that, Harry."
+
+"I'll go."
+
+"The first sensible words you've spoken this morning."
+
+"I want to tell you how much I appreciate your kindness, Oscar," said
+Harry, earnestly.
+
+"Why shouldn't I be kind to my friend?"
+
+"Even if he was once a printer's devil."
+
+"Very true.  It is a great objection, but still I will overlook it.
+By the way, there is one inducement I didn't mention."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"We may very likely see Fitz in the city.  He is studying at home
+now, I hear.  Who knows but he may get up a great party in your
+honor?"
+
+"Do you think it likely?" asked Harry, smiling.
+
+"It might not happen to occur to him, I admit.  Still, if we made him
+a ceremonious call--"
+
+"I am afraid he might send word that he was not at home."
+
+"That would be a loss to him, no doubt.  However, we will leave time
+to settle that question.  Be sure to be on hand in time for the
+morning train."
+
+"All right, Oscar."
+
+Harry had all the love of new scenes natural to a boy of sixteen.  He
+had heard so much of Boston that he felt a strong curiosity to see
+it.  Besides, was not that the city where the "Weekly Standard" was
+printed, the paper in which he had already appeared as an author?  In
+connection with this, I must here divulge a secret of Harry's.  He
+was ambitious not only to contribute to the literary papers, but to
+be paid for his contributions.  He judged that essays were not very
+marketable, and he had therefore in his leisure moments written a
+humorous sketch, entitled "The Tin Pedler's Daughter."  I shall not
+give any idea of the plot here; I will only say that it was really
+humorous, and did not betray as much of the novice as might have been
+expected.  Harry had copied it out in his best hand, and resolved to
+carry it to Boston, and offer it in person to the editor of the
+"Standard" with an effort, if accepted, to obtain compensation for it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+THE VINCENTS AT HOME.
+
+When Harry rather bashfully imparted to Oscar his plans respecting
+the manuscript, the latter entered enthusiastically into them, and at
+once requested the privilege of reading the story.  Harry awaited his
+judgment with some anxiety.
+
+"Why, Harry, this is capital," said Oscar, looking up from the
+perusal.
+
+"Do you really think so, Oscar?"
+
+"If I didn't think so, I wouldn't say so."
+
+"I thought you might say so out of friendship."
+
+"I don't say it is the best I ever read, mind you, but I have read a
+good many that are worse.  I think you managed the _denouement_
+(you're a French scholar, so I'll venture on the word) admirably."
+
+"I only hope the editor of the 'Standard' will think so."
+
+"If he doesn't, there are other papers in Boston; the 'Argus' for
+instance."
+
+"I'll try the 'Standard' first, because I have already written for
+it."
+
+"All right.  Don't you want me to go to the office with you?"
+
+"I wish you would.  I shall be bashful."
+
+"I am not troubled that way.  Besides, my father's name is well
+known, and I'll take care to mention it.  Sometimes influence goes
+farther than merit, you know."
+
+"I should like to increase my income by writing for the city papers.
+Even if I only made fifty dollars a year, it would all be clear gain."
+
+Harry's desire was natural.  He had no idea how many shared it.
+Every editor of a successful weekly could give information on this
+subject.  Certainly there is no dearth of aspiring young
+writers--Scotts and Shakspeares in embryo--in our country, and if all
+that were written for publication succeeded in getting into print,
+the world would scarcely contain the books and papers which would
+pour in uncounted thousands from the groaning press.
+
+When the two boys arrived in Boston they took a carriage to Oscar's
+house.  It was situated on Beacon Street, not far from the Common,--a
+handsome brick house with a swell front, such as they used to build
+in Boston.  No one of the family was in, and Oscar and Harry went up
+at once to the room of the former, which they were to share together.
+It was luxuriously furnished, so Harry thought, but then our hero had
+been always accustomed to the plainness of a country home.
+
+"Now, old fellow, make yourself at home," said Oscar.  "You can get
+yourself up for dinner.  There's water and towels, and a brush."
+
+"I don't expect to look very magnificent," said Harry.  "You must
+tell your mother I am from the country."
+
+"I would make you an offer if I dared," said Oscar.
+
+"I am always open to a good offer."
+
+"It's this: I'm one size larger than you, and my last year's suits
+are in that wardrobe.  If any will fit you, they are yours."
+
+"Thank you, Oscar," said Harry; "I'll accept your offer to-morrow."
+
+"Why not to-day?"
+
+"You may not understand me, but when I first appear before your
+family, I don't want to wear false colors."
+
+"I understand," said Oscar, with instinctive delicacy.
+
+An hour later, the bell rang for dinner.
+
+Harry went down, and was introduced to his friend's mother and
+sister.  The former was a true lady, refined and kindly, and her
+smile made our hero feel quite at home.
+
+"I am glad to meet you, Mr.  Walton," she said.  "Oscar has spoken of
+you frequently."
+
+With Oscar's sister Maud--a beautiful girl two years younger than
+himself--Harry felt a little more bashful; but the young lady soon
+entered into an animated conversation with him.
+
+"Do you often come to Boston, Mr. Walton?" she asked.
+
+"This is my first visit," said Harry.
+
+"Then I dare say Oscar will play all sorts of tricks upon you.  We
+had a cousin visit us from the country, and the poor fellow had a
+hard time."
+
+"Yes," said Oscar, laughing, "I used to leave him at a street corner,
+and dodge into a doorway.  It was amusing to see his perplexity when
+he looked about, and couldn't find me."
+
+"Shall you try that on me?" asked Harry.
+
+"Very likely."
+
+"Then I'll be prepared."
+
+"You might tie him with a rope, Mr. Walton," said Maud, "and keep
+firm hold."
+
+"I will, if Oscar consents."
+
+"I will see about it.  But here is my father.  Father, this is my
+friend, Harry Walton."
+
+"I am glad to see you, Mr. Walton," said Mr. Vincent.  "Then you
+belong to my profession?"
+
+"I hope to, some time, sir; but I am only a printer as yet."
+
+"You are yet to rise from the ranks.  I know all about that.  I was
+once a compositor."
+
+Harry looked at the editor with great respect.  He was stout,
+squarely built, with a massive head and a thoughtful expression.  His
+appearance was up to Harry's anticipations.  He felt that he would be
+prouder to be Mr. Vincent than any man in Boston, He could hardly
+believe that this man, who controlled so influential an organ, and
+was so honored in the community, was once a printer boy like himself.
+
+"What paper are you connected with?" asked Mr. Vincent.
+
+"The 'Centreville Gazette.'"
+
+"I have seen it.  It is quite a respectable paper."
+
+"But how different," thought Harry, "from a great city daily!"
+
+"Let us go out to dinner," said Mr. Vincent, consulting his watch.
+"I have an engagement immediately afterward."
+
+At table Harry sat between Maud and Oscar.  If at first he felt a
+little bashful, the feeling soon wore away.  The dinner hour passed
+very pleasantly.  Mr. Vincent chatted very agreeably about men and
+things.  There is no one better qualified to shine in this kind of
+conversation than the editor of a city daily, who is compelled to be
+exceptionally well informed.  Harry listened with such interest that
+he almost forgot to eat, till Oscar charged him with want of appetite.
+
+"I must leave in haste," said Mr. Vincent, when dinner was over.
+"Oscar, I take it for granted that you will take care of your friend."
+
+"Certainly, father.  I shall look upon myself as his guardian,
+adviser and friend."
+
+"You are not very well fitted to be a mentor, Oscar," said Maud.
+
+"Why not, young lady?"
+
+"You need a guardian yourself.  You are young and frivolous."
+
+"And you, I suppose, are old and judicious."
+
+"Thank you.  I will own to the last, and the first will come in time."
+
+"Isn't it singular, Harry, that my sister should have so much
+conceit, whereas I am remarkably modest?"
+
+"I never discovered it, Oscar," said Harry, smiling.
+
+"That is right, Mr. Walton," said Maud.  "I see you are on my side.
+Look after my brother, Mr. Walton.  He needs an experienced friend."
+
+"I am afraid I don't answer the description, Miss Maud."
+
+"I don't doubt you will prove competent.  I wish you a pleasant walk."
+
+"My sister's a jolly girl, don't you think so?" asked Oscar, as Maud
+left the room.
+
+"That isn't exactly what I should say of her, but I can describe her
+as even more attractive than her brother."
+
+"You couldn't pay her a higher compliment.  But come; we'll take a
+walk on the Common."
+
+They were soon on the Common, dear to every Bostonian, and sauntered
+along the walks, under the pleasant shade of the stately elms.
+
+"Look there," said Oscar, suddenly; "isn't that Fitz Fletcher?"
+
+"Yes," said Harry, "but he doesn't see us."
+
+"We'll join him.  How are you, Fitz?"
+
+"Glad to see you, Oscar," said Fletcher, extending a gloved band,
+while in the other he tossed a light cane.  "When did you arrive?"
+
+"Only this morning; but you don't see Harry Walton."
+
+Fletcher arched his brows in surprise, and said coldly, "Indeed, I
+was not aware Mr. Walton was in the city."
+
+"He is visiting me," said Oscar.
+
+Fletcher looked surprised.  He knew the Vincents stood high socially,
+and it seemed extraordinary that they should receive a printer's
+devil as a guest.
+
+"Have you given up the printing business?" he asked superciliously.
+
+"No; I only have a little vacation from it."
+
+"Ah, indeed!  It's a very dirty business.  I would as soon be a
+chimney-sweep."
+
+"Each to his taste, Fitz," said Oscar.  "If you have a taste for
+chimneys, I hope your father won't interfere."
+
+"I haven't a taste for such a low business," said Fletcher,
+haughtily.  "I should like it as well as being a printer's devil
+though."
+
+"Would you?  At any rate, if you take it up, you'll be sure to be
+well _sooted_."
+
+Fletcher did not laugh at the joke.  He never could see any wit in
+jokes directed at himself.
+
+"How long are you going to stay at that beastly school?" he asked.
+
+"I am not staying at any beastly school."
+
+"I mean the Academy."
+
+"Till I am ready for college.  Where are you studying?"
+
+"I recite to a private tutor."
+
+"Well, we shall meet at 'Harvard' if we are lucky enough to get in."
+
+Fletcher rather hoped Oscar would invite him to call at his house,
+for he liked to visit a family of high social position; but he waited
+in vain.
+
+"What a fool Oscar makes of himself about that country clod-hopper!"
+thought the stylish young man, as he walked away.  "The idea of
+associating with a printer's devil!  I hope I know what is due to
+myself better."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+THE OFFICE OF THE "STANDARD."
+
+On the day after Thanksgiving, Harry brought out from his carpet-bag
+his manuscript story, and started with Oscar for the office of the
+"Weekly Standard." He bought the last copy of the paper, and thus
+ascertained the location of the office.
+
+Oscar turned the last page, and ran through a sketch of about the
+same length as Harry's.
+
+"Yours is fully as good as this, Harry," he said.
+
+"The editor may not think so."
+
+"Then he ought to."
+
+"This story is by one of his regular contributors, Kenella Kent."
+
+"You'll have to take a name yourself,--a _nom de plume_, I mean."
+
+"I have written so far over the name of Franklin."
+
+"That will do very well for essays, but is not appropriate for
+stories."
+
+"Suppose you suggest a name, Oscar."
+
+"How will 'Fitz Fletcher' do?"
+
+"Mr. Fletcher would not permit me to take such a liberty."
+
+"And you wouldn't want to take it."
+
+"Not much."
+
+"Let me see.  I suppose I must task my invention, then.  How will Old
+Nick do?"
+
+"People would think you wrote the story."
+
+"A fair hit.  Hold on, I've got just the name.  Frank Lynn."
+
+"I thought you objected to that name."
+
+"You don't understand me.  I mean two names, not one.  Frank Lynn!
+Don't you see?"
+
+"Yes, it's a good plan.  I'll adopt it."
+
+"Who knows but you may make the name illustrious, Harry?"
+
+"If I do, I'll dedicate my first boot to Oscar Vincent."
+
+"Shake hands on that.  I accept the dedication with mingled feelings
+of gratitude and pleasure."
+
+"Better wait till you get it," said Harry, laughing.  "Don't count
+your chickens before they're hatched."
+
+"The first egg is laid, and that's something.  But here we are at the
+office."
+
+It was a building containing a large number of offices.  The names of
+the respective occupants were printed on slips of black tin at the
+entrance.  From this, Harry found that the office of the "Weekly
+Standard" was located at No. 6.
+
+"My heart begins to beat, Oscar," said Harry, naturally excited in
+anticipation of an interview with one who could open the gates of
+authorship to him.
+
+"Does it?" asked Oscar.  "Mine has been beating for a number of
+years."
+
+"You are too matter-of-fact for me, Oscar.  If it was your own story,
+you might feel differently."
+
+"Shall I pass it off as my own, and make the negotiation?"
+
+Harry was half tempted to say yes, but it occurred to him that this
+might prove an embarrassment in the future, and he declined the
+proposal.
+
+They climbed rather a dark, and not very elegant staircase, and found
+themselves before No. 6.
+
+Harry knocked, or was about to do so, when a young lady with long
+ringlets, and a roll of manuscript in her hand, who had followed them
+upstairs advanced confidently, and, opening the door, went in.  The
+two boys followed, thinking the ceremony of knocking needless.
+
+They found themselves in a large room, one corner of which was
+partitioned off for the editor's sanctum.  A middle-aged man was
+directing papers in the larger room, while piles of papers were
+ranged on shelves at the sides of the apartment.
+
+The two boys hesitated to advance, but the young lady in ringlets
+went on, and entered the office through the open door.
+
+"We'll wait till she is through," said Harry.
+
+It was easy to hear the conversation that passed between the young
+lady and the editor, whom they could not see.
+
+"Good-morning, Mr. Houghton," she said.
+
+"Good-morning.  Take a seat, please," said the editor, pleasantly.
+"Are you one of our contributors?"
+
+"No, sir, not yet," answered the young lady, "but I would become so."
+
+"We are not engaging any new contributors at present, but still if
+you have brought anything for examination you may leave it."
+
+"I am not wholly unknown to fame," said the young lady, with an air
+of consequence.  "You have probably heard of Prunella Prune."
+
+"Possibly, but I don't at present recall it.  We editors meet with so
+many names, you know.  What is the character of your articles?"
+
+"I am a poetess, sir, and I also write stories."
+
+"Poetry is a drug in the market.  We have twice as much offered us as
+we can accept.  Still we are always glad to welcome really
+meritorious poems."
+
+"I trust my humble efforts will please you," said Prunella.  "I have
+here some lines to a nightingale, which have been very much praised
+in our village.  Shall I read them?"
+
+"If you wish," said the editor, by no means cheerfully.
+
+Miss Prune raised her voice, and commenced:--
+
+  "O star-eyed Nightingale,
+  How nobly thou dost sail
+  Through the air!
+  No other bird can compare
+  With the tuneful song
+  Which to thee doth belong.
+  I sit and hear thee sing,
+  While with tireless wing
+    Thou dost fly.
+  And it makes me feel so sad,
+  It makes me feel so bad,
+    I know not why,
+  And I heave so many sighs,
+  O warbler of the skies!"
+
+"Is there much more?" asked the editor.
+
+"That is the first verse.  There are fifteen more," said Prunella.
+
+"Then I think I shall not have time at present to hear you read it
+all.  You may leave it, and I will look it over at my leisure."
+
+"If it suits you," said Prunella, "how much will it be worth?"
+
+"I don't understand."
+
+"How much would you be willing to pay for it?"
+
+"Oh, we never pay for poems," said Mr. Houghton.
+
+"Why not?" asked Miss Prune, evidently disappointed.
+
+"Our contributors are kind enough to send them gratuitously."
+
+"Is that fostering American talent?" demanded Prunella, indignantly.
+
+"American poetical talent doesn't require fostering, judging from the
+loads of poems which are sent in to us."
+
+"You pay for stories, I presume?"
+
+"Yes, we pay for good, popular stories."
+
+"I have one here," said Prunella, untying her manuscript, "which I
+should like to read to you."
+
+"You may read the first paragraph, if you please.  I haven't time to
+hear more.  What is the title?"
+
+"'The Bandit's Bride.'  This is the way it opens:--
+
+"'The night was tempestuous.  Lightnings flashed in the cerulean sky,
+and the deep-voiced thunder rolled from one end of the firmament to
+the other.  It was a landscape in Spain.  From a rocky defile gayly
+pranced forth a masked cavalier, Roderigo di Lima, a famous bandit
+chief.
+
+"'"Ha! ha!" he laughed in demoniac glee, "the night is well fitted to
+my purpose.  Ere it passes, Isabella Gomez shall be mine."'"
+
+"I think that will do," said Mr. Houghton, hastily.  "I am afraid
+that style won't suit our readers."
+
+"Why not?" demanded Prunella, sharply.  "I can assure you, sir, that
+it has been praised by _excellent_ judges in our village."
+
+"It is too exciting for our readers.  You had better carry it to 'The
+Weekly Corsair.'"
+
+"Do they pay well for contributions?"
+
+"I really can't say.  How much do you expect?"
+
+"This story will make about five columns.  I think twenty-five
+dollars will be about right."
+
+"I am afraid you will be disappointed.  We can't afford to pay such
+prices, and the 'Corsair' has a smaller circulation than our paper."
+
+"How much do you pay?"
+
+"Two dollars a column."
+
+"I expected more," said Prunella, "but I will write for you at that
+price."
+
+"Send us something suited to our paper, and we will pay for it at
+that price."
+
+"I will write you a story to-morrow.  Good-morning, sir."
+
+"Good-morning, Miss Prune."
+
+The young lady with ringlets sailed out of the editor's room, and
+Oscar, nudging Harry, said, "Now it is our turn.  Come along.  Follow
+me, and don't be frightened."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+ACCEPTED.
+
+The editor of the "Standard" looked with some surprise at the two
+boys.  As editor, he was not accustomed to receive such young
+visitors.  He was courteous, however, and said, pleasantly:--
+
+"What can I do for you, young gentlemen?"
+
+"Are you the editor of the 'Standard'?" asked Harry, diffidently.
+
+"I am.  Do you wish to subscribe?"
+
+"I have already written something for your paper," Harry continued.
+
+"Indeed!" said the editor.  "Was it poetry or prose?"
+
+Harry felt flattered by the question.  To be mistaken for a poet he
+felt to be very complimentary.  If he had known how much trash weekly
+found its way to the "Standard" office, under the guise of poetry, he
+would have felt less flattered.
+
+"I have written some essays over the name of 'Franklin,'" he hastened
+to say.
+
+"Ah, yes, I remember, and very sensible essays too.  You are young to
+write."
+
+"Yes, sir; I hope to improve as I grow older."
+
+By this time Oscar felt impelled to speak for his friend.  It seemed
+to him that Harry was too modest.
+
+"My friend is assistant editor of a New Hampshire paper,--'The
+Centreville Gazette,'" he announced.
+
+"Indeed!" said the editor, looking surprised.  "He is certainly young
+for an editor."
+
+"My friend is not quite right," said Harry, hastily.  "I am one of
+the compositors on that paper."
+
+"But you write editorial paragraphs," said Oscar.
+
+"Yes, unimportant ones."
+
+"And are you, too, an editor?" asked the editor of the "Standard,"
+addressing Oscar with a smile.
+
+"Not exactly," said Oscar; "but I am an editor's son.  Perhaps you
+are acquainted with my father,--John Vincent of this city."
+
+"Are you his son?" said the editor, respectfully.  "I know your
+father slightly.  He is one of our ablest journalists."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"I am very glad to receive a visit from you, and should be glad to
+print anything from your pen."
+
+"I am not sure about that," said Oscar, smiling.  "If I have a talent
+for writing, it hasn't developed itself yet.  But my friend here
+takes to it as naturally as a duck takes to water."
+
+"Have you brought me another essay, Mr. 'Franklin'?" asked the
+editor, turning to Harry.  "I address you by your _nom de plume_, not
+knowing your real name."
+
+"Permit me to introduce my friend, Harry Walton," said Oscar.
+"Harry, where is your story?"
+
+"I have brought you in a story," said Harry, blushing.  "It is my
+first attempt, and may not suit you, but I shall be glad if you will
+take the trouble to examine it."
+
+"With pleasure," said the editor.  "Is it long?"
+
+"About two columns.  It is of a humorous character."
+
+The editor reached out his hand, and, taking the manuscript, unrolled
+it.  He read the first few lines, and they seemed to strike his
+attention.
+
+"If you will amuse yourselves for a few minutes, I will read it at
+once," he said.  "I don't often do it, but I will break over my
+custom this time."
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Harry.
+
+"There are some of my exchanges," said the editor, pointing to a pile
+on the floor.  "You may find something to interest you in some of
+them."
+
+They picked up some papers, and began to read.  But Harry could not
+help thinking of the verdict that was to be pronounced on his
+manuscript.  Upon that a great deal hinged.  If he could feel that he
+was able to produce anything that would command compensation, however
+small, it would make him proud and happy.  He tried, as he gazed
+furtively over his paper at the editor's face, to anticipate his
+decision, but the latter was too much accustomed to reading
+manuscript to show the impression made upon him.
+
+Fifteen minutes passed, and he looked up.
+
+"Well, Mr. Walton," he said, "your first attempt is a success."
+
+Harry's face brightened.
+
+"May I ask if the plot is original?"
+
+"It is so far as I know, sir.  I don't think I ever read anything
+like it."
+
+"Of course there are some faults in the construction, and the
+dialogue might be amended here and there.  But it is very creditable,
+and I will use it in the 'Standard' if you desire it."
+
+"I do, sir."
+
+"And how much are you willing to pay for it?" Oscar struck in.
+
+The editor hesitated.
+
+"It is not our custom to pay novices just at first," he said.  "If
+Mr. Walton keeps on writing, he would soon command compensation."
+
+Harry would not have dared to press the matter, but Oscar was not so
+diffident.  Indeed, it is easier to be bold in a friend's cause than
+one's own.
+
+"Don't you think it is worth being paid for, if it is worth
+printing?" he persisted.
+
+"Upon that principle, we should feel obliged to pay for poetry," said
+the editor.
+
+"Oh," said Oscar, "poets don't need money.  They live on flowers and
+dew-drops."
+
+The editor smiled.
+
+"You think prose-writers require something more substantial?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I will tell you how the matter stands," said the editor.  "Mr.
+Walton is a beginner.  He has his reputation to make.  When it is
+made he will be worth a fair price to me, or any of my brother
+editors."
+
+"I see," said Oscar; "but his story must be worth something.  It will
+fill up two columns.  If you didn't print it, you would have to pay
+somebody for writing these two columns."
+
+"You have some reason in what you say.  Still our ordinary rule is
+based on justice.  A distinction should be made between new
+contributors and old favorites."
+
+"Yes, sir.  Pay the first smaller sums."
+
+If the speaker had not been John Vincent's son, it would have been
+doubtful if his reasoning would have prevailed.  As it was, the
+editor yielded.
+
+"I may break over my rule in the case of your friend," said the
+editor; "but he must be satisfied with a very small sum for the
+present."
+
+"Anything will satisfy me, sir," said Harry, eagerly.
+
+"Your story will fill two columns.  I commonly pay two dollars a
+column for such articles, if by practised writers.  I will give you
+half that."
+
+"Thank you, sir.  I accept it," said Harry, promptly.
+
+"In a year or so I may see my way clear to paying you more, Mr.
+Walton; but you must consider that I give you the opportunity of
+winning popularity, and regard this as part of your compensation, at
+present."
+
+"I am quite satisfied, sir," said Harry, his heart fluttering with
+joy and triumph.  "May I write you some more sketches?"
+
+"I shall be happy to receive and examine them; but you must not be
+disappointed if from time to time I reject your manuscripts."
+
+"No, sir; I will take it as a hint that they need improving."
+
+"I will revise my friend's stories, sir," said Oscar, humorously,
+"and give him such hints as my knowledge of the world may suggest."
+
+"No doubt such suggestions from so mature a friend will materially
+benefit them," said the editor, smiling.
+
+He opened his pocket-book, and, drawing out a two-dollar bill, handed
+it to Harry.
+
+"I shall hope to pay you often," he said, "for similar contributions."
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Harry.
+
+Feeling that their business was at an end, the boys withdrew.  As
+they reached the foot of the stairs, Oscar took off his cap, and
+bowed low.
+
+"Mr. Lynn, I congratulate you," he said.
+
+"I can't tell you how glad I feel, Oscar," said Harry, his face
+radiant.
+
+"Let me suggest that you owe me a commission for impressing upon the
+editor the propriety of paying you."
+
+"How much do you ask?"
+
+"An ice-cream will be satisfactory."
+
+"All right."
+
+"Come round to Copeland's then.  We'll celebrate your success in a
+becoming manner."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+MRS. CLINTON'S PARTY.
+
+When Oscar and Harry reached home they were met by Maud, who
+flourished in her hand what appeared to be a note.
+
+"What is it, Maud?" asked Oscar.  "A love-letter for me?"
+
+"Don't flatter yourself, Oscar.  No girl would be so foolish as to
+write you a love-letter.  It is an invitation to a party on Saturday
+evening."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"At Mrs. Clinton's."
+
+"I think I will decline," said Oscar.  "I wouldn't like to leave
+Harry alone."
+
+"Oh, he is included too.  Mrs. Clinton heard of his being here, and
+expressly included him in the invitation."
+
+"That alters the case.  You'll go, Harry, won't you?"
+
+"I am afraid I shouldn't know how to behave at a fashionable party,"
+said Harry.
+
+"Oh, you've only got to make me your model," said Oscar, "and you'll
+be all right."
+
+"Did you ever see such conceit, Mr. Walton?" said Maud.
+
+"It reminds me of Fletcher," said Harry.
+
+"Fitz Fletcher?  By the way, he will probably be there.  His family
+are acquainted with the Clintons."
+
+"Yes, he is invited," said Maud.
+
+"Good!  Then there's promise of fun," said Oscar.  "You'll see Fitz
+with his best company manners on."
+
+"I am afraid he won't enjoy meeting me there," said Harry.
+
+"Probably not."
+
+"I don't see why," said Maud.
+
+"Shall I tell, Harry?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"To begin with, Fletcher regards himself as infinitely superior to
+Walton here, because his father is rich, and Walton's poor.  Again,
+Harry is a printer, and works for a living, which Fitz considers
+degrading.  Besides all this, Harry was elected President of our
+Debating Society,--an office which Fitz wanted."
+
+"I hope" said Maud, "that Mr. Fletcher's dislike does not affect your
+peace of mind, Mr. Walton."
+
+"Not materially," said Harry, laughing.
+
+"By the way, Maud," said Oscar, "did I ever tell you how Fletcher's
+pride was mortified at school by our discovering his relationship to
+a tin-pedler?"
+
+"No, tell me about it."
+
+The story, already familiar to the reader, was graphically told by
+Oscar, and served to amuse his sister.
+
+"He deserved the mortification," she said.  "I shall remember it if
+he shows any of his arrogance at the party."
+
+"Fletcher rather admires Maud," said Oscar, after his sister had gone
+out of the room; "but the favor isn't reciprocated.  If he undertakes
+to say anything to her against you, she will take him down, depend
+upon it."
+
+Saturday evening came, and Harry, with Oscar and his sister, started
+for the party.  Our hero, having confessed his inability to dance,
+had been diligently instructed in the Lancers by Oscar, so that he
+felt some confidence in being able to get through without any serious
+blunder.
+
+"Of course you must dance, Harry," he said.  "You don't want to be a
+wall-flower."
+
+"I may have to be," said Harry.  "I shall know none of the young
+ladies except your sister."
+
+"Maud will dance the first Lancers with you, and I will get you a
+partner for the second."
+
+"You may dispose of me as you like, Oscar."
+
+"Wisely said.  Don't forget that I am your Mentor."
+
+When they entered the brilliantly lighted parlors, they were already
+half full.  Oscar introduced his friend to Mrs. Clinton.
+
+"I am glad to see you here, Mr. Walton," said the hostess,
+graciously.  "Oscar, I depend upon you to introduce your friend to
+some of the young ladies."
+
+"You forget my diffidence, Mrs. Clinton."
+
+"I didn't know you were troubled in that way.'"
+
+"See how I am misjudged.  I am painfully bashful."
+
+"You hide it well," said the hostess, with a smile.
+
+"Escort my sister to a seat, Harry," said Oscar.  "By the way, you
+two will dance in the first Lancers."
+
+"If Miss Maud will accept so awkward a partner," said Harry.
+
+"Oh, yes, Mr. Walton.  I'll give you a hint if you are going wrong."
+
+Five minutes later Fletcher touched Oscar on the shoulder.
+
+"Oscar, where is your sister?" he asked.
+
+"There," said Oscar, pointing her out.
+
+Fletcher, who was rather near-sighted, did not at first notice that
+Harry Walton was sitting beside the young lady.
+
+He advanced, and made a magnificent bow, on which he rather prided
+himself.
+
+"Good-evening, Miss Vincent," he said.
+
+"Good-evening, Mr. Fletcher."
+
+"I am very glad you have favored the party with your presence."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Fletcher.  Don't turn my head with your compliments."
+
+"May I hope you will favor me with your hand in the first Lancers?"
+
+"I am sorry, Mr. Fletcher, but I am engaged to Mr. Walton.  I believe
+you are acquainted with him."
+
+Fletcher for the first time observed our hero, and his face wore a
+look of mingled annoyance and scorn.
+
+"I have met the gentleman," he said, haughtily.
+
+"Mr. Fletcher and I have met frequently," said Harry, pleasantly.
+
+"I didn't expect to meet you _here_," said Fletcher with marked
+emphasis.
+
+"Probably not," said Harry.  "My invitation is due to my being a
+friend of Oscar's."
+
+"I was not aware that you danced," said Fletcher who was rather
+curious on the subject.
+
+"I don't--much."
+
+"Where did you learn--in the printing office?"
+
+"No, in the city."
+
+"Ah!  Indeed!"
+
+Fletcher thought he had wasted time enough on our hero, and turned
+again to Maud.
+
+"May I have the pleasure of your hand in the second dance?" he asked.
+
+"I will put you down for that, if you desire it."
+
+"Thank you."
+
+It so happened that when Harry and Maud took the floor, they found
+Fletcher their _vis-a-vis_.  Perhaps it was this that made Harry more
+emulous to get through without making any blunders.  At any rate, he
+succeeded, and no one in the set suspected that it was his first
+appearance in public as a dancer.
+
+Fletcher was puzzled.  He had hoped that Harry would make himself
+ridiculous, and throw the set into confusion.  But the dance passed
+off smoothly, and in due time Fletcher led out Maud.  If he had known
+his own interest, he would have kept silent about Harry, but he had
+little discretion.
+
+"I was rather surprised to see Walton here," he began.
+
+"Didn't you know he was in the city?
+
+"Yes, I met him with Oscar."
+
+"Then why were you surprised?"
+
+"Because his social position does not entitle him to appear in such a
+company.  When I first knew him, he was only a printer's apprentice."
+
+Fletcher wanted to say printer's devil, but did not venture to do so
+in presence of a young lady.
+
+"He will rise higher than that."
+
+"I dare say," said Fletcher, with a sneer, "he will rise in time to
+be a journeyman with a salary of fifteen dollars a week."
+
+"If I am not mistaken in Mr. Walton, he will rise much higher than
+that.  Many of our prominent men have sprung from beginnings like
+his."
+
+"It must be rather a trial to him to come here.  His father is a
+day-laborer, I believe, and of course he has never been accustomed to
+any refinement or polish."
+
+"I don't detect the absence of either," said Maud, quietly.
+
+"Do you believe in throwing down all social distinctions, and meeting
+the sons of laborers on equal terms?"
+
+"As to that," said Maud, meeting her partner's glance, "I am rather
+democratic.  I could even meet the son of a tin-pedler on equal
+terms, provided he were a gentleman."
+
+The blood rushed to Fletcher's cheeks.
+
+"A tin-pedler!" he ejaculated.
+
+"Yes!  Suppose you were the son, or relation, of a tin-pedler, why
+should I consider that?  It would make you neither better nor worse."
+
+"I have no connection with tin-pedlers," said Fletcher, hastily.
+"Who told you I had?"
+
+"I only made a supposition, Mr. Fletcher."
+
+But Fletcher thought otherwise.  He was sure that Maud had heard of
+his mortification at school, and it disturbed him not a little, for,
+in spite of her assurance, he felt that she believed the story, and
+it annoyed him so much that he did not venture to make any other
+reference to Harry.
+
+"Poor Fitz!" said Oscar, when on their way home Maud gave an account
+of their conversation, "I am afraid he will murder the tin-pedler
+some time, to get rid of such an odious relationship."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+TWO LETTERS FROM THE WEST.
+
+The vacation was over all too soon, yet, brief as it was, Harry
+looked back upon it with great satisfaction.  He had been kindly
+received in the family of a man who stood high in the profession
+which he was ambitious to enter; he had gratified his curiosity to
+see the chief city of New England; and, by no means least, he had
+secured a position as paid contributor for the "Standard."
+
+"I suppose you will be writing another story soon," said Oscar.
+
+"Yes," said Harry, "I have got the plan of one already."
+
+"If you should write more than you can get into the 'Standard,' you
+had better send something to the 'Weekly Argus.'"
+
+"I will; but I will wait till the 'Standard' prints my first sketch,
+so that I can refer to that in writing to the 'Argus.'"
+
+"Perhaps you are right.  There's one advantage to not presenting
+yourself.  They won't know you're only a boy."
+
+"Unless they judge so from my style."
+
+"I don't think they would infer it from that.  By the way, Harry,
+suppose my father could find an opening for you as a reporter on his
+paper,--would you be willing to accept it?"
+
+"I am not sure whether it would be best for me," said Harry, slowly,
+"even if I were qualified."
+
+"There is more chance to rise on a city paper."
+
+"I don't know.  If I stay here I may before many years control a
+paper of my own.  Then, if I want to go into politics, there would be
+more chance in the country than in the city."
+
+"Would you like to go into politics?"
+
+"I am rather too young to decide about that; but if I could be of
+service in that way, I don't see why I should not desire it."
+
+"Well, Harry, I think you are going the right way to work."
+
+"I hope so.  I don't want to be promoted till I am fit for it.  I am
+going to work hard for the next two or three years."
+
+"I wish I were as industrious as you are, Harry."
+
+"And I wish I knew as much as you do, Oscar."
+
+"Say no more, or we shall be forming a Mutual Admiration Society,"
+said Oscar, laughing.
+
+Harry received a cordial welcome back to the printing office.  Mr.
+Anderson asked him many questions about Mr. Vincent; and our hero
+felt that his employer regarded him with increased consideration, on
+account of his acquaintance with the great city editor.  This
+consideration was still farther increased when Mr. Anderson learned
+our hero's engagement by the "Weekly Standard."
+
+Three weeks later, the "Standard" published Harry's sketch, and
+accepted another, at the same price.  Before this latter was printed,
+Harry wrote a third sketch, which he called "Phineas Popkin's
+Engagement."  This he inclosed to the "Weekly Argus," with a letter
+in which he referred to his engagement by the "Standard." In reply he
+received the following letter:--
+
+
+  "BOSTON, Jan., 18--,
+
+"MR. FRANK LYNN,--Dear Sir: We enclose three dollars for your
+sketch,--'Phineas Popkin's Engagement.'  We shall be glad to receive
+other sketches, of similar character and length, and, if accepted, we
+will pay the same price therefor.
+
+  "I. B. FITCH & Co."
+
+
+This was highly satisfactory to Harry.  He was now an accepted
+contributor to two weekly papers, and the addition to his income
+would be likely to reach a hundred dollars a year.  All this he would
+be able to lay up, and as much or more from his salary on the
+"Gazette."  He felt on the high road to success.  Seeing that his
+young compositor was meeting with success and appreciation abroad,
+Mr. Anderson called upon him more frequently to write paragraphs for
+the "Gazette."  Though this work was gratuitous, Harry willingly
+undertook it.  He felt that in this way he was preparing himself for
+the career to which he steadily looked forward.  Present
+compensation, he justly reasoned, was of small importance, compared
+with the chance of improvement.  In this view, Ferguson, who proved
+to be a very judicious friend, fully concurred.  Indeed Harry and he
+became more intimate than before, if that were possible, and they
+felt that Clapp's departure was by no means to be regretted.  They
+were remarking this one day, when Mr. Anderson, who had been
+examining his mail, looked up suddenly, and said, "What do you think,
+Mr. Ferguson?  I've got a letter from Clapp."
+
+"A letter from Clapp?  Where is he?" inquired Ferguson, with interest.
+
+"This letter is dated at St. Louis.  He doesn't appear to be doing
+very well."
+
+"I thought he was going to California."
+
+"So he represented.  But here is the letter." Ferguson took it, and,
+after reading, handed it to Harry.
+
+It ran thus:--
+
+
+  "ST. LOUIS, April 4, 18--.
+
+"JOTHAM ANDERSON, ESQ.,--Dear Sir: Perhaps you will be surprised to
+hear from me, but I feel as if I would like to hear from Centreville,
+where I worked so long.  The man that induced me and Harrison to come
+out here left us in the lurch three days after we reached St. Louis.
+He said he was going on to San Francisco, and he had only money
+enough to pay his own expenses.  As Luke and I were not provided with
+money, we had a pretty hard time at first, and had to pawn some of
+our clothes, or we should have starved.  Finally I got a job in the
+'Democrat' office, and a week after, Luke got something to do, though
+it didn't pay very well.  So we scratched along as well as we could.
+Part of the time since we have been out of work, and we haven't found
+'coming West' all that it was cracked up to be.
+
+"Are Ferguson and Harry Walton still working for you?  I should like
+to come back to the 'Gazette' office, and take my old place; but I
+haven't got five dollars ahead to pay my travelling expenses.  If you
+will send me out thirty dollars, I will come right on, and work it
+out after I come back.  Hoping for an early reply, I am,
+
+  "Yours respectfully,
+    "HENRY CLAPP."
+
+
+"Are you going to send out the money, Mr. Anderson?" asked Ferguson.
+
+"Not I.  Now that Walton has got well learnt, I don't need another
+workman.  I shall respectfully decline his offer."
+
+Both Harry and Ferguson were glad to hear this, for they felt that
+Clapp's presence would be far from making the office more agreeable.
+
+"Here's a letter for you, Walton, also post-marked St. Louis," said
+Mr. Anderson, just afterward.
+
+Harry took it with surprise, and opened it at once.
+
+"It's from Luke Harrison," he said, looking at the signature.
+
+"Does he want you to send him thirty dollars?" asked Ferguson.
+
+"Listen and I will read the letter."
+
+
+"DEAR HARRY," it commenced, "you will perhaps think it strange that I
+have written to you; but we used to be good friends.  I write to tell
+you that I don't like this place.  I haven't got along well, and I
+want to get back.  Now I am going to ask of you a favor.  Will you
+lend me thirty or forty dollars, to pay my fare home?  I will pay you
+back in a month or two months sure, after I get to work.  I will also
+pay you the few dollars which I borrowed some time ago.  I ought to
+have done it before, but I was thoughtless, and I kept putting it
+off.  Now, Harry, I know you have the money, and you can lend it to
+me just as well as not, and I'll be sure to pay it back before you
+need it.  Just get a post-office order, and send it to Luke Harrison,
+17 R---- Street, St. Louis, and I'll be sure to get it.  Give my
+respects to Mr. Anderson, and also to Mr. Ferguson.
+
+  "Your friend,
+    "LUKE HARRISON."
+
+
+"There is a chance for a first-class investment, Harry," said
+Ferguson.
+
+"Do you want to join me in it?"
+
+"No, I would rather pay the money to have 'your friend' keep away."
+
+"I don't want to be unkind or disobliging," said Harry, "but I don't
+feel like giving Luke this money.  I know he would never pay me back."
+
+"Say no, then."
+
+"I will.  Luke will be mad, but I can't help it."
+
+So both Mr. Anderson and Harry wrote declining to lend.  The latter,
+in return, received a letter from Luke, denouncing him as a "mean,
+miserly hunks;" but even this did not cause him to regret his
+decision.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+ONE STEP UPWARD.
+
+In real life the incidents that call for notice do not occur daily.
+Months and years pass, sometimes, where the course of life is quiet
+and uneventful.  So it was with Harry Walton.  He went to his daily
+work with unfailing regularity, devoted a large part of his leisure
+to reading and study, or writing sketches for the Boston papers, and
+found himself growing steadily wiser and better informed.  His
+account in the savings-bank grew slowly, but steadily; and on his
+nineteenth birthday, when we propose to look in upon him again, he
+was worth five hundred dollars.
+
+Some of my readers who are favored by fortune may regard this as a
+small sum.  It is small in itself, but it was not small for a youth
+in Harry's position to have saved from his small earnings.  But of
+greater value than the sum itself was the habit of self-denial and
+saving which our hero had formed.  He had started in the right way,
+and made a beginning which was likely to lead to prosperity in the
+end.  It had not been altogether easy to save this sum.  Harry's
+income had always been small, and he might, without incurring the
+charge of excessive extravagance, have spent the whole.  He had
+denied himself on many occasions, where most boys of his age would
+have yielded to the temptation of spending money for pleasure or
+personal gratification; but he had been rewarded by the thought that
+he was getting on in the world.
+
+"This is my birthday, Mr. Ferguson," he said, as he entered the
+printing-office on that particular morning.
+
+"Is it?" asked Ferguson, looking up from his case with interest.
+"How venerable are you, may I ask?"
+
+"I don't feel very venerable as yet," said Harry, with a smile.  "I
+am nineteen."
+
+"You were sixteen when you entered the office."
+
+"As printer's devil--yes."
+
+"You have learned the business pretty thoroughly.  You are as good a
+workman as I now, though I am fifteen years older."
+
+"You are too modest, Mr. Ferguson."
+
+"No, it is quite true.  You are as rapid and accurate as I am, and
+you ought to receive as high pay."
+
+"That will come in time.  You know I make something by writing for
+the papers."
+
+"That's extra work.  How much did you make in that way last year?"
+
+"I can tell you, because I figured it up last night.  It was one
+hundred and twenty-five dollars, and I put every cent into the
+savings-bank."
+
+"That is quite an addition to your income."
+
+"I shall make more this year.  I am to receive two dollars a column,
+hereafter, for my sketches."
+
+"I congratulate you, Harry,--the more heartily, because I think you
+deserve it.  Your recent sketches show quite an improvement over
+those you wrote a year ago."
+
+"Do you really think so?" said Harry, with evident pleasure.
+
+"I have no hesitation in saying so.  You write with greater ease than
+formerly, and your style is less that of a novice."
+
+"So I have hoped and thought; but of course I was prejudiced in my
+own favor."
+
+"You may rely upon it.  Indeed, your increased pay is proof of it.
+Did you ask it?"
+
+"The increase?  No, the editor of the 'Standard' wrote me voluntarily
+that he considered my contributions worth the additional amount."
+
+"That must be very pleasant.  I tell you what, Harry, I've a great
+mind to set up opposition to you in the story line."
+
+"Do so," said Harry, smiling.
+
+"I would if I had the slightest particle of imagination; but the fact
+is, I'm too practical and matter-of-fact.  Besides, I never had any
+talent for writing of any kind.  Some time I may become publisher of
+a village paper like this; but farther than that I don't aspire."
+
+"We are to be partners in that, you know, Ferguson."
+
+"That may be, for a time; but you will rise higher than that, Harry."
+
+"I am afraid you overrate me."
+
+"No; I have observed you closely in the time we have been together,
+and I have long felt that you are destined to rise from the ranks in
+which I am content to remain.  Haven't you ever felt so, yourself,
+Harry?"
+
+Harry's cheek flushed, and his eye lighted up.
+
+"I won't deny that I have such thoughts sometimes," he said; "but it
+may end in that."
+
+"It often does end in that; but it is only where ambition is not
+accompanied by faithful work.  Now you are always at work.  You are
+doing what you can to help fortune, and the end will be that fortune
+will help you."
+
+"I hope so, at any rate," said Harry, thoughtfully.  "I should like
+to fill an honorable position, and do some work by which I might be
+known in after years."
+
+"Why not?  The boys and young men of to-day are hereafter to fill the
+highest positions in the community and State.  Why may not the lot
+fall to you?"
+
+"I will try, at any rate, to qualify myself.  Then if
+responsibilities come, I will try to discharge them."
+
+The conversation was here interrupted by the entrance of Mr.
+Anderson, the editor of the "Gazette."  He was not as well or strong
+as when we first made his acquaintance.  Then he seemed robust
+enough, but now he was thinner, and moved with slower gait.  It was
+not easy to say what had undermined his strength, for he had had no
+severe fit of sickness; but certainly he was in appearance several
+years older than when Harry entered the office.
+
+"How do you feel this morning, Mr. Anderson?" asked Ferguson.
+
+"I feel weak and languid, and indisposed to exertion of any kind."
+
+"You need some change."
+
+"That is precisely what I have thought myself.  The doctor advises
+change of scene, and this very morning I had a letter from a brother
+in Wisconsin, asking me to come out and visit him."
+
+"I have no doubt it would do you good."
+
+"So it would.  But how can I go?  I can't take the paper with me,"
+said Mr. Andersen, rather despondently.
+
+"No; but you can leave Harry to edit it in your absence."
+
+"Mr. Ferguson!" exclaimed Harry, startled by the proposition.
+
+"Harry as editor!" repeated Mr. Anderson.
+
+"Yes; why not?  He is a practised writer.  For more than two years he
+has written for two Boston papers."
+
+"But he is so young.  How old are you, Harry?" asked the editor.
+
+"Nineteen to-day, sir."
+
+"Nineteen.  That's very young for an editor."
+
+"Very true; but, after all, it isn't so much the age as the
+qualifications, is it, Mr. Anderson?"
+
+"True," said the editor, meditatively.  "Harry, do you think you
+could edit the paper for two or three months?"
+
+"I think I could," said Harry, with modest confidence.  His heart
+beat high at the thought of the important position which was likely
+to be opened to him; and plans of what he would do to make the paper
+interesting already began to be formed in his mind.
+
+"It never occurred to me before, but I really think you could," said
+the editor, "and that would remove every obstacle to my going.  By
+the way, Harry, you would have to find a new boarding-place, for Mrs.
+Anderson would accompany me, and we should shut up the house."
+
+"Perhaps Ferguson would take me in?" said Harry.
+
+"I should be glad to do so; but I don't know that my humble fare
+would be good enough for an editor."
+
+Harry smiled.  "I won't put on airs," he said, "till my commission is
+made out."
+
+"I am afraid that I can't offer high pay for your services in that
+capacity," said Mr.  Anderson.
+
+"I shall charge nothing, sir," said Harry, "but thank you for the
+opportunity of entering, if only for a short time, a profession to
+which it is my ambition to belong."
+
+After a brief consultation with his wife, Mr. Anderson appointed
+Harry editor pro tem., and began to make arrangements for his
+journey.  Harry's weekly wages were raised to fifteen dollars, out of
+which he waa to pay Ferguson four dollars a week for board.
+
+So our hero found himself, at nineteen, the editor of an old
+established paper, which, though published in a country village, was
+not without its share of influence in the county and State.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+THE YOUNG EDITOR.
+
+The next number of the Centreville "Gazette" contained the following
+notice from the pen of Mr. Anderson:--
+
+"For the first time since our connection with the 'Gazette,' we
+purpose taking a brief respite from our duties.  The state of our
+health renders a vacation desirable, and an opportune invitation from
+a brother at the West has been accepted.  Our absence may extend to
+two or three months.  In the interim we have committed the editorial
+management to Mr. Harry Walton, who has been connected with the
+paper, in a different capacity, for nearly three years.  Though Mr.
+Walton is a very young man, he has already acquired a reputation, as
+contributor to papers of high standing in Boston, and we feel assured
+that our subscribers will have no reason to complain of the temporary
+change in the editorship."
+
+"The old man has given you quite a handsome notice, Harry," said
+Ferguson.
+
+"I hope I shall deserve it," said Harry; "but I begin now to realize
+that I am young to assume such responsible duties.  It would have
+seemed more appropriate for you to undertake them."
+
+"I can't write well enough, Harry.  I like to read, but I can't
+produce.  In regard to the business management I feel competent to
+advise."
+
+"I shall certainly be guided by your advice, Ferguson."
+
+As it may interest the reader, we will raise the curtain and show our
+young hero in the capacity of editor.  The time is ten days after Mr.
+Anderson's absence.  Harry was accustomed to do his work as
+compositor in the forenoon and the early part of the afternoon.  From
+three to five he occupied the editorial chair, read letters, wrote
+paragraphs, and saw visitors.  He had just seated himself, when a man
+entered the office and looked about him inquisitively.
+
+"I would like to see the editor," he said.
+
+"I am the editor," said Harry, with dignity.
+
+The visitor looked surprised.
+
+"You are the youngest-looking editor I have met," he said.  "Have you
+filled the office long?"
+
+"Not long," said Harry.  "Can I do anything for you?"
+
+"Yes, sir, you can.  First let me introduce myself.  I am Dr.
+Theophilus Peabody."
+
+"Will you be seated, Dr. Peabody?"
+
+"You have probably heard of me before," said the visitor.
+
+"I can't say that I have."
+
+"I am surprised at that," said the doctor, rather disgusted to find
+himself unknown.  "You must have heard of Peabody's Unfailing
+Panacea."
+
+"I am afraid I have not."
+
+"You are young," said Dr. Peabody, compassionately; "that accounts
+for it.  Peabody's Panacea, let me tell you, sir, is the great remedy
+of the age.  It has effected more cures, relieved more pain, soothed
+more aching bosoms, and done more good, than any other medicine in
+existence."
+
+"It must be a satisfaction to you to have conferred such a blessing
+on mankind," said Harry, inclined to laugh at the doctor's
+magniloquent style.
+
+"It is.  I consider myself one of the benefactors of mankind; but,
+sir, the medicine has not yet been fully introduced.  There are
+thousands, who groan on beds of pain, who are ignorant that for the
+small sum of fifty cents they could be restored to health and
+activity."
+
+"That's a pity."
+
+"It is a pity, Mr. ----"
+
+"Walton."
+
+"Mr. Walton,--I have called, sir, to ask you to co-operate with me in
+making it known to the world, so far as your influence extends."
+
+"Is your medicine a liquid?"
+
+"No, sir; it is in the form of pills, twenty-four in a box.  Let me
+show you."
+
+The doctor opened a wooden box, and displayed a collection of very
+unwholesome-looking brown pills.
+
+"Try one, sir; it won't do you any harm."
+
+"Thank you; I would rather not.  I don't like pills.  What will they
+cure?"
+
+"What won't they cure?  I've got a list of fifty-nine diseases in my
+circular, all of which are relieved by Peabody's Panacea.  They may
+cure more; in fact, I've been told of a consumptive patient who was
+considerably relieved by a single box.  You won't try one?"
+
+"I would rather not."
+
+"Well, here is my circular, containing accounts of remarkable cures
+performed.  Permit me to present you a box."
+
+"Thank you," said Harry, dubiously.
+
+"You'll probably be sick before long," said the doctor, cheerfully,
+"and then the pills will come handy."
+
+"Doctor," said Ferguson, gravely, "I find my hair getting thin on top
+of the head.  Do you think the panacea would restore it?"
+
+"Yes," said the doctor, unexpectedly.  "I had a case, in Portsmouth,
+of a gentleman whose head was as smooth as a billiard-ball.  He took
+the pills for another complaint, and was surprised, in the course of
+three weeks, to find young hair sprouting all over the bald spot.
+Can't I sell you half-a-dozen boxes?  You may have half a dozen for
+two dollars and a half."
+
+Ferguson, who of course had been in jest, found it hard to forbear
+laughing, especially when Harry joined the doctor in urging him to
+purchase.
+
+"Not to-day," he answered.  "I can try Mr. Walton's box, and if it
+helps me I can order some more."
+
+"You may not be able to get it, then," said the doctor, persuasively.
+"I may not be in Centreville."
+
+"If the panacea is well known, I can surely get it without
+difficulty."
+
+"Not so cheap as I will sell it."
+
+"I won't take any to-day," said Ferguson, decisively.
+
+"You haven't told me what I can do for you," said Harry, who found
+the doctor's call rather long.
+
+"I would like you to insert my circular to your paper.  It won't take
+more than two columns."
+
+"We shall be happy to insert it at regular advertising rates."
+
+"I thought," said Dr. Peabody, disappointed, "that you might do it
+gratuitously, as I had given you a box."
+
+"We don't do business on such terms," said Harry.  "I think I had
+better return the box."
+
+"No, keep it," said the doctor.  "You will be willing to notice it,
+doubtless."
+
+Harry rapidly penned this paragraph, and read it aloud:--
+
+"Dr. Theophilus Peabody has left with us a box of his Unfailing
+Panacea, which he claims will cure a large variety of diseases."
+
+"Couldn't you give a list of the diseases?" insinuated the doctor.
+
+"There are fifty-nine, you said?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Then I am afraid we must decline."
+
+Harry resumed his writing, and the doctor took his leave, looking far
+from satisfied.
+
+"Here, Ferguson," said Harry, after the visitor had retired, "take
+the pills, and much good may they do you.  Better take one now for
+the growth of your hair."
+
+It was fortunate that Dr. Peabody did not hear the merriment that
+followed, or he would have given up the editorial staff of the
+Centreville "Gazette" as maliciously disposed to underrate his
+favorite medicine.
+
+"Who wouldn't be an editor?" said Harry.
+
+"I notice," said Ferguson, "that pill-tenders and blacking
+manufacturers are most liberal to the editorial profession.  I only
+wish jewellers and piano manufacturers were as free with their
+manufactures.  I would like a good gold watch, and I shall soon want
+a piano for my daughter."
+
+"You may depend upon it, Ferguson, when such gifts come in, that I
+shall claim them as editorial perquisites."
+
+"We won't quarrel about them till they come, Harry."
+
+Our hero here opened a bulky communication.
+
+"What is that?" asked Ferguson.
+
+"An essay on 'The Immortality of the Soul,'--covers fifteen pages
+foolscap.  What shall I do with it?"
+
+"Publish it in a supplement with Dr. Peabody's circular."
+
+"I am not sure but the circular would be more interesting reading."
+
+"From whom does the essay come?"
+
+"It is signed 'L. S.'"
+
+"Then it is by Lemuel Snodgrass, a retired schoolteacher, who fancies
+himself a great writer."
+
+"He'll be offended if I don't print it, won't he?"
+
+"I'll tell you how to get over that.  Say, in an editorial paragraph,
+'We have received a thoughtful essay from 'L. S.', on 'The
+Immortality of the Soul.' We regret that its length precludes our
+publishing it in the 'Gazette.'  We would suggest to the author to
+print it in a pamphlet.'  That suggestion will be regarded as
+complimentary, and we may get the job of printing it."
+
+"I see you are shrewd, Ferguson.  I will follow your advice."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+AN UNEXPECTED PROPOSAL.
+
+During his temporary editorship, Harry did not feel at liberty to
+make any decided changes in the character or arrangement of the
+paper; but he was ambitious to improve it, as far as he was able, in
+its different departments.  Mr. Anderson had become rather indolent
+in the collection of local news, merely publishing such items as were
+voluntarily contributed.  Harry, after his day's work was over, made
+a little tour of the village, gathering any news that he thought
+would be of interest to the public.  Moreover he made arrangements to
+obtain news of a similar nature from neighboring villages, and the
+result was, that in the course of a month he made the "Gazette" much
+more readable.
+
+"Really, the 'Gazette' gives a good deal more news than it used to,"
+was a common remark.
+
+It was probably in consequence of this improvement that new
+subscriptions began to come in, not from Centreville alone, but from
+towns in the neighborhood.  This gratified and encouraged Harry, who
+now felt that he was on the right tack.
+
+There was another department to which he devoted considerable
+attention.  This was a condensed summary of news from all parts of
+the world, giving the preference and the largest space, of course, to
+American news.  He aimed to supply those who did not take a daily
+paper with a brief record of events, such as they would not be
+likely, otherwise, to hear of.  Of course all this work added to his
+labors as compositor; and his occasional sketches for Boston papers
+absorbed a large share of his time.  Indeed, he had very little left
+at his disposal for rest and recreation.
+
+"I am afraid you are working too hard, Harry," said Ferguson.  "You
+are doing Mr. Anderson's work better than he ever did it, and your
+own too."
+
+"I enjoy it," said Harry.  "I work hard I know, but I feel paid by
+the satisfaction of finding that my labors are appreciated."
+
+"When Mr. Anderson gets back, he will find it necessary to employ you
+as assistant editor, for it won't do to let the paper get back to its
+former dulness."
+
+"I will accept," said Harry, "if he makes the offer.  I feel more and
+more that I must be an editor."
+
+"You are certainly showing yourself competent for the position."
+
+"I have only made a beginning," said our hero, modestly.  "In time I
+think I could make a satisfactory paper."
+
+One day, about two months after Mr. Anderson's departure, Ferguson
+and Harry were surprised, and not altogether agreeably, by the
+entrance of John Clapp and Luke Harrison.  They looked far from
+prosperous.  In fact, both of them were decidedly seedy.  Going West
+had not effected an improvement in their fortunes.
+
+"Is that you, Clapp?" asked Ferguson.  "Where did you come from?"
+
+"From St. Louis."
+
+"Then you didn't feel inclined to stay there?"
+
+"Not I.  It's a beastly place.  I came near starving."
+
+Clapp would have found any place beastly where a fair day's work was
+required for fair wages, and my young readers in St. Louis,
+therefore, need not heed his disparaging remarks.
+
+"How was it with you, Luke?" asked Harry.  "Do you like the West no
+better than Clapp?"
+
+"You don't catch me out there again," said Luke.  "It isn't what it's
+cracked up to be.  We had the hardest work in getting money enough to
+get us back."
+
+As Luke did not mention the kind of hard work by which the money was
+obtained, I may state here that an evening's luck at the faro table
+had supplied them with money enough to pay the fare to Boston by
+railway; otherwise another year might have found them still in St.
+Louis.
+
+"Hard work doesn't suit your constitution, does it?" said Ferguson,
+slyly.
+
+"I can work as well as anybody," said Luke; "but I haven't had the
+luck of some people."
+
+"You were lucky enough to have your fare paid to the West for you."
+
+"Yes, and when we got there, the rascal left us to shift for
+ourselves.  That aint much luck."
+
+"I've always had to shift for myself, and always expect to," was the
+reply.
+
+"Oh, you're a model!" sneered Clapp.  "You always were as sober and
+steady as a deacon.  I wonder they didn't make you one."
+
+"And Walton there is one of the same sort," said Luke.  "I say,
+Harry, it was real mean in you not to send me the money I wrote for.
+You hadn't it, had you?"
+
+"Yes," said Harry, firmly; "but I worked hard for it, and I didn't
+feel like giving it away."
+
+"Who asked you to give it away?  I only wanted to borrow it."
+
+"That's the same thing--with you.  You were not likely to repay it
+again."
+
+"Do you mean to insult me?" blustered Luke.
+
+"No, I never insult anybody.  I only tell the truth.  You know, Luke
+Harrison, whether I have reason for what I say."
+
+"I wouldn't leave a friend to suffer when I had plenty of money in my
+pocket," said Luke, with an injured air.  "If you had been a
+different sort of fellow I would have asked you for five dollars to
+keep me along till I can get work.  I've come back with empty
+pockets."
+
+"I'll lend you five dollars if you need it," said Harry, who judged
+from Luke's appearance that he told the truth.
+
+"Will you?" said Luke, brightening up.  "That's a good fellow.  I'll
+pay you just as soon as I can."
+
+Harry did not place much reliance on this assurance; but he felt that
+he could afford the loss of five dollars, if loss it should prove,
+and it might prevent Luke's obtaining the money in a more
+questionable way.
+
+"Where's Mr. Anderson?" asked Clapp, looking round the office.
+
+"He's been in Michigan for a couple of months."
+
+"You don't say so!  Why, who runs the paper?"
+
+"Ferguson and I," said Harry.
+
+"I mean who edits it?"
+
+"Harry does that," said his fellow-workman.
+
+"Whew!" ejaculated Clapp, in surprise.  "Why, but two years ago you
+was only a printer's devil!"
+
+"He's risen from the ranks," said Ferguson, "and I can say with truth
+that the 'Gazette' has never been better than since it has been under
+his charge."
+
+"How much does old Anderson pay you for taking his place?" asked
+Luke, who was quite as much surprised as Clapp.
+
+"I don't ask anything extra.  He pays me fifteen dollars a week as
+compositor."
+
+"You're doing well," said Luke, enviously.  "Got a big pile of money
+laid up, haven't you?"
+
+"I have something in the bank."
+
+"Harry writes stories for the Boston papers, also," said Ferguson.
+"He makes a hundred or two that way."
+
+"Some folks are born to luck," said Clapp, discontentedly.  "Here am
+I, six or eight years older, out of a place, and without a cent to
+fall back upon.  I wish I was one of your lucky ones."
+
+"You might have had a few hundred dollars, at any rate," said
+Ferguson, "if you hadn't chosen to spend all your money when you were
+earning good wages."
+
+"A man must have a little enjoyment.  We can't drudge all the time."
+
+"It's better to do that than to be where you are now."
+
+But Clapp was not to be convinced that he was himself to blame for
+his present disagreeable position.  He laid the blame on fortune,
+like thousands of others.  He could not see that Harry's good luck
+was the legitimate consequence of industry and frugality.
+
+After a while the two left the office.  They decided to seek their
+old boarding-house, and remain there for a week, waiting for
+something to turn up.
+
+The next day Harry received the following letter from Mr. Anderson:--
+
+
+"DEAR WALTON:  My brother urges me to settle permanently at the West.
+I am offered a partnership in a paper in this vicinity, and my health
+has much improved here.  The West seems the place for me.  My only
+embarrassment is the paper.  If I could dispose of the 'Gazette' for
+two thousand dollars cash, I could see my way clear to remove.  Why
+can't you and Ferguson buy it?  The numbers which you have sent me
+show that you are quite capable of filling the post of editor; and
+you and Ferguson can do the mechanical part.  I think it will be a
+good chance for you.  Write me at once whether there us any
+likelihood of your purchasing.
+
+  "Your friend,
+    "JOTHAM ANDERSON."
+
+
+Harry's face flushed eagerly as he read this letter, Nothing would
+suit him better than to make this arrangement, if only he could
+provide the purchase money.  But this was likely to present a
+difficulty.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+A FRIEND IN NEED.
+
+Harry at once showed Ferguson the letter he had received.
+
+"What are you going to do about it?" asked his friend.
+
+"I should like to buy the paper, but I don't see how I can.  Mr.
+Anderson wants two thousand dollars cash."
+
+"How much have you got?"
+
+"Only five hundred."
+
+"I have seven hundred and fifty," said Ferguson, thoughtfully.
+
+Harry's face brightened.
+
+"Why can't we go into partnership?" he asked.
+
+"That is what we spoke of once," said Ferguson, "and it would suit me
+perfectly; but there is a difficulty.  Your money and mine added
+together will not be enough."
+
+"Perhaps Mr. Anderson would take a mortgage on the establishment for
+the balance."
+
+"I don't think so.  He says expressly that he wants cash."
+
+Harry looked disturbed.
+
+"Do you think any one would lend us the money on the same terms?" he
+asked, after a while.
+
+"Squire Trevor is the only man in the village likely to have money to
+lend.  There he is in the street now.  Run down, Harry, and ask him
+to step in a minute."
+
+Our hero seized his hat, and did as requested.  He returned
+immediately, followed by Squire Trevor, a stout, puffy little man,
+reputed shrewd and a capitalist.
+
+"Excuse our calling you in, Squire Trevor," said Ferguson, "but we
+want to consult you on a matter of business.  Harry, just show the
+squire Mr. Anderson's letter."
+
+The squire read it deliberately.
+
+"Do you want my advice?" he said, looking up from the perusal.  "Buy
+the paper.  It is worth what Anderson asks for it."
+
+"So I think, but there is a difficulty.  Harry and I can only raise
+twelve hundred dollars or so between us."
+
+"Give a note for the balance.  You'll be able to pay it off in two
+years, if you prosper."
+
+"I am afraid that won't do.  Mr. Anderson wants cash.  Can't you lend
+us the money, Squire Trevor?" continued Ferguson, bluntly.
+
+The village capitalist shook his head.
+
+"If you had asked me last week I could have obliged you," he said;
+"but I was in Boston day before yesterday, and bought some railway
+stock which is likely to enhance in value.  That leaves me short."
+
+"Then you couldn't manage it?" said Ferguson, soberly.
+
+"Not at present," said the squire, decidedly.
+
+"Then we must write to Mr. Anderson, offering what we have, and a
+mortgage to secure the rest."
+
+"That will be your best course."
+
+"He may agree to our terms," said Harry, hopefully, after their
+visitor had left the office.
+
+"We will hope so, at all events."
+
+A letter was at once despatched, and in a week the answer was
+received.
+
+"I am sorry," Mr. Anderson wrote, "to decline your proposals, but, I
+have immediate need of the whole sum which I ask for the paper.  If I
+cannot obtain it, I shall come back to Centreville, though I would
+prefer to remain here."
+
+Upon the receipt of this letter, Ferguson gave up his work for the
+forenoon, and made a tour of the Village, calling upon all who he
+thought were likely to have money to lend.  He had small expectation
+of success, but felt that he ought to try everywhere before giving up
+so good a chance.
+
+While he was absent, Harry had a welcome visitor.  It was no other
+than Professor Henderson, the magician, in whose employ he had spent
+three months some years before, as related in "Bound to Rise."
+
+"Take a seat, professor," said Harry, cordially.  "I am delighted to
+see you."
+
+"How you have grown, Harry!" said the professor.  "Why, I should
+hardly have known you!"
+
+"We haven't met since I left you to enter this office."
+
+"No; it is nearly three years.  How do you like the business?"
+
+"Very much indeed."
+
+"Are you doing well?"
+
+"I receive fifteen dollars a week."
+
+"That is good.  What are your prospects for the future?"
+
+"They would be excellent if I had a little more capital."
+
+"I don't see how you need capital, as a journeyman printer."
+
+"I have a chance to buy out the paper."
+
+"But who would edit it?"
+
+"I would."
+
+"You!" said the magician, rather incredulously.
+
+"I have been the editor for the last two months."
+
+"You--a boy!"
+
+"I am nineteen, professor."
+
+"I shouldn't have dreamed of editing a paper at nineteen; or, indeed,
+as old as I am now."
+
+Harry laughed.
+
+"You are too modest, professor.  Let me show you our last two issues."
+
+The professor took out his glasses, and sat down, not without
+considerable curiosity, to read a paper edited by one who only three
+years before had been his assistant.
+
+"Did you write this article?" he asked, after a pause, pointing to
+the leader in the last issue of the "Gazette."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Then, by Jove, you can write.  Why, it's worthy of a man of twice
+your age!"
+
+"Thank you, professor," said Harry, gratified.
+
+"Where did you learn to write?"
+
+Harry gave his old employer some account of his literary experiences,
+mentioning his connection with the two Boston weekly papers.
+
+"You ought to be an editor," said the professor.  "If you can do as
+much at nineteen, you have a bright future before you."
+
+"That depends a little on circumstances.  If I only could buy this
+paper, I would try to win reputation as well as money."
+
+"What is your difficulty?"
+
+"The want of money."
+
+"How much do you need?"
+
+"Eight hundred dollars."
+
+"Is that all the price such a paper commands?"
+
+"No.  The price is two thousand dollars; but Ferguson and I can raise
+twelve hundred between us."
+
+"Do you consider it good property?"
+
+"Mr. Anderson made a comfortable living out of it, besides paying for
+office work.  We should have this advantage, that we should be our
+own compositors."
+
+"That would give you considerable to do, if you were editor also."
+
+"I shouldn't mind," said Harry, "if I only had a paper of my own.  I
+think I should be willing to work night and day."
+
+"What are your chances of raising the sum you need?"
+
+"Very small.  Ferguson has gone out at this moment to see if he can
+find any one willing to lend; but we don't expect success."
+
+"Why don't you apply to me?" asked the professor.
+
+"I didn't know if you had the money to spare."
+
+"I might conjure up some.  Presto!--change!--you know.  We professors
+of magic can find money anywhere."
+
+"But you need some to work with.  I have been behind the scenes,"
+said Harry, smiling.
+
+"But you don't know all my secrets, for all that.  In sober earnest,
+I haven't been practising magic these twenty-five years for nothing.
+I can lend you the money you want, and I will."
+
+Harry seized his hand, and shook it with delight.
+
+"How can I express my gratitude?" he said.
+
+"By sending me your paper gratis, and paying me seven per cent.
+interest on my money."
+
+"Agreed.  Anything more?"
+
+"Yes.  I am to give an exhibition in the village to-morrow night.
+You must give me a good puff."
+
+"With the greatest pleasure.  I'll write it now."
+
+"Before it takes place?  I see you are following the example of some
+of the city dailies."
+
+"And I'll print you some handbills for nothing."
+
+"Good.  When do you want the money?  Will next week do?"
+
+"Yes.  Mr. Anderson won't expect the money before."
+
+Here Ferguson entered the efface.  Harry made a signal of silence to
+the professor, whom he introduced.  Then he said:--
+
+"Well, Ferguson, what luck?"
+
+"None at all," answered his fellow-compositor, evidently dispirited.
+"Nobody seems to have any money.  We shall have to give up our plan."
+
+"I don't mean to give it up."
+
+"Then perhaps you'll tell me where to find the money."
+
+"I will."
+
+"You don't mean to say--" began Ferguson, eagerly.
+
+"Yes, I do.  I mean to say that the money is found."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"Prof. Henderson has agreed to let us have it."
+
+"Is that true?" said Ferguson, bewildered.
+
+"I believe so," said the professor, smiling.  "Harry has juggled the
+money out of me,--you know he used to be in the business,--and you
+can make your bargain as soon as you like."
+
+It is hardly necessary to say that Prof. Henderson got an excellent
+notice in the next number of the Centreville "Gazette;" and it is my
+opinion that he deserved it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+FLETCHER'S OPINION OF HARRY WALTON.
+
+In two weeks all the business arrangements were completed, and
+Ferguson and Harry became joint proprietors of the "Centreville
+Gazette," the latter being sole editor.  The change was received with
+favor in the village, as Harry had, as editor pro tem. for two
+months, shown his competence for the position.  It gave him
+prominence also in town, and, though only nineteen, he already was
+classed with the minister, the doctor and the lawyer.  It helped him
+also with the weekly papers to which he contributed in Boston, and
+his pay was once more raised, while his sketches were more frequently
+printed.  Now this was all very pleasant, but it was not long before
+our hero found himself overburdened with work.
+
+"What is the matter Harry?  You look pale," said Ferguson, one
+morning.
+
+"I have a bad headache, and am feeling out of sorts."
+
+"I don't wonder at it.  You are working too hard."
+
+"I don't know about that."
+
+"I do.  You do nearly as much as I, as a compositor.  Then you do all
+the editorial work, besides writing sketches for the Boston papers."
+
+"How can I get along with less?  The paper must be edited, and I
+shouldn't like giving up writing for the Boston papers."
+
+"I'll tell you what to do.  Take a boy and train him up as a printer.
+After a while he will relieve you almost wholly, while, by the time
+he commands good wages, we shall be able to pay them."
+
+"It is a good idea, Ferguson.  Do you know of any boy that wants to
+learn printing?"
+
+"Haven't you got a younger brother?"
+
+"The very thing," said Harry, briskly.  "Father wrote to me last week
+that he should like to get something for ----."
+
+"Better write and offer him a place in the office."
+
+"I will."
+
+The letter was written at once.  An immediate answer was received, of
+a favorable nature.  The boy was glad to leave home, and the father
+was pleased to have him under the charge of his older brother.
+
+After he had become editor, and part proprietor of the "Gazette,"
+Harry wrote to Oscar Vincent to announce his promotion.  Though Oscar
+had been in college now nearly two years, and they seldom met, the
+two were as warm friends as ever, and from time to time exchanged
+letters.
+
+This was Oscar's reply:--
+
+
+  "HARVARD COLLEGE, June 10.
+
+"DEAR MR. EDITOR: I suppose that's the proper way to address you now.
+I congratulate you with all my heart on your brilliant success and
+rapid advancement.  Here you are at nineteen, while I am only a
+rattle-brained sophomore.  I don't mind being called that, by the
+way, for at least it credits me with the possession of brains.  Not
+that I am doing so very badly.  I am probably in the first third of
+the class, and that implies respectable scholarship here.
+
+"But you--I can hardly realize that you, whom I knew only two or
+three years since as a printer's apprentice (I won't use Fletcher's
+word), have lifted yourself to the responsible position of sole
+editor.  Truly you have risen from the ranks!
+
+"Speaking of Fletcher, by the way, you know he is my classmate.  He
+occupies an honorable position somewhere near the foot of the class,
+where he is likely to stay, unless he receives from the faculty leave
+of absence for an unlimited period.  I met him yesterday, swinging
+his little cane, and looking as dandified as he used to.
+
+"'Hallo! Fletcher,' said I, 'I've just got a letter from a friend of
+yours.'
+
+"'Who is it?' he asked.
+
+"'Harry Walton.'
+
+"'He never was a friend of mine,' said Fitz, turning up his
+delicately chiselled nose,--'the beggarly printer's devil!'
+
+"I hope you won't feel sensitive about the manner in which Fitz spoke
+of you.
+
+"'You've made two mistakes,' said I.  'He's neither a beggar nor a
+printer's devil.'
+
+"'He used to be,' retorted Fitz.
+
+"'The last, not the first.  You'll be glad to hear that he's getting
+on well.'
+
+"'Has he had his wages raised twenty-five cents a week?' sneered Fitz.
+
+"'He has lost his place,' said I.
+
+"Fletcher actually looked happy, but I dashed his happiness by
+adding, 'but he's got a better one.'
+
+"'What's that?' he snarled.
+
+"'He has bought out the paper of Mr. Anderson, and is now sole editor
+and part proprietor.'
+
+"'A boy like him buy a paper, without a cent of money and no
+education!'
+
+"'You are mistaken.  He had several hundred dollars, and as a writer
+he is considerably ahead of either of us.'
+
+"'He'll run the paper into the ground,' said Fitz, prophetically.
+
+"'If he does, it'll only be to give it firmer root.'
+
+"'You are crazy about that country lout,' said Fitz.  'It isn't much
+to edit a little village paper like that, after all.'
+
+"So you see what your friend Fitz thinks about it.  As you may be in
+danger of having your vanity fed by compliments from other sources, I
+thought I would offset them by the candid opinion of a disinterested
+and impartial scholar like Fitz.
+
+"I told my father of the step you have taken.  'Oscar,' said he,
+'that boy is going to succeed.  He shows the right spirit.  I would
+have given him a place on my paper, but very likely he does better to
+stay where he is.'
+
+"Perhaps you noticed the handsome notice he gave you in his paper
+yesterday.  I really think he has a higher opinion of your talents
+than of mine; which, of course, shows singular lack of
+discrimination.  However, you're my friend, and I won't make a fuss
+about it.
+
+"I am cramming for the summer examinations and hot work I find it, I
+can tell you.  This summer I am going to Niagara, and shall return by
+way of the St. Lawrence and Montreal, seeing the Thousand Islands,
+the rapids, and so on.  I may send you a letter or two for the
+'Gazette,' if you will give me a puff in your editorial columns."
+
+
+These letters were actually written, and, being very lively and
+readable, Harry felt quite justified in referring to them in a
+complimentary way.  Fletcher's depreciation of him troubled him very
+little.
+
+"It will make me neither worse nor better," he reflected.  "The time
+will come, I hope, when I shall have risen high enough to be wholly
+indifferent to such ill-natured sneers."
+
+His brother arrived in due time, and was set to work as Harry himself
+had been three years before.  He was not as smart as Harry, nor was
+he ever likely to rise as high; but he worked satisfactorily, and
+made good progress, so that in six months he was able to relieve
+Harry of half his labors as compositor.  This, enabled him to give
+more time to his editorial duties.  Both boarded at Ferguson's, where
+they had a comfortable home and good, plain fare.
+
+Meanwhile, Harry was acknowledged by all to have improved the paper,
+and the most satisfactory evidence of the popular approval of his
+efforts came in an increased subscription list, and this, of course,
+made the paper more profitable.  At the end of twelve months, the two
+partners had paid off the money borrowed from Professor Henderson,
+and owned the paper without incumbrance.
+
+"A pretty good year's work, Harry," said Ferguson, cheerfully.
+
+"Yes," said Harry; "but we'll do still better next year."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+I have thus traced in detail the steps by which Harry Walton ascended
+from the condition of a poor farmer's son to the influential position
+of editor of a weekly newspaper.  I call to mind now, however, that
+he is no longer a boy, and his future career will be of less interest
+to my young readers.  Yet I hope they may be interested to hear,
+though not in detail, by what successive steps he rose still higher
+in position and influence.
+
+Harry was approaching his twenty-first birthday when he was waited
+upon by a deputation of citizens from a neighboring town, inviting
+him to deliver a Fourth of July oration.  He was at first disposed,
+out of modesty, to decline; but, on consultation with Ferguson,
+decided to accept and do his best.  He was ambitious to produce a
+good impression, and his experience in the Debating Society gave him
+a moderate degree of confidence and self-reliance.  When the time
+came he fully satisfied public expectation.  I do not say that his
+oration was a model of eloquence, for that could not have been
+expected of one whose advantages had been limited, and one for whom I
+have never claimed extraordinary genius.  But it certainly was well
+written and well delivered, and very creditable to the young orator.
+The favor with which it was received may have had something to do in
+influencing the people of Centreville to nominate and elect him, to
+the New Hampshire Legislature a few months later.
+
+He entered that body, the youngest member in it.  But his long
+connection with a Debating Society, and the experience he had gained
+in parliamentary proceedings, enabled him at once to become a useful
+working Member.  He was successively re-elected for several years,
+during which he showed such practical ability that he obtained a
+State reputation.  At twenty-eight he received a nomination for
+Congress, and was elected by a close vote.  During all this time he
+remained in charge of the Centreville "Gazette," but of course had
+long relinquished the task of a compositor into his brother's hands.
+He had no foolish ideas about this work being beneath him; but he
+felt that he could employ his time more profitably in other ways.
+Under his judicious management, the "Gazette" attained a circulation
+and influence that it had never before reached.  The income derived
+from it was double that which it yielded in the days of his
+predecessor; and both he and Ferguson were enabled to lay by a few
+hundred dollars every year.  But Harry had never sought wealth.  He
+was content with a comfortable support and a competence.  He liked
+influence and the popular respect, and he was gratified by the
+important trusts which he received.  He was ambitious, but it was a
+creditable and honorable ambition.  He sought to promote the public
+welfare, and advance the public interests, both as a speaker and as a
+writer; and though sometimes misrepresented, the people on the whole
+did him justice.
+
+A few weeks after he had taken his seat in Congress, a young man was
+ushered into his private room.  Looking up, he saw a man of about his
+own age, dressed with some attempt at style, but on the whole wearing
+a look of faded gentility.
+
+"Mr. Walton," said the visitor, with some hesitation.
+
+"That is my name.  Won't you take a seat?"
+
+The visitor sat down, but appeared ill at ease.  He nervously fumbled
+at his hat, and did not speak.
+
+"Can I do anything for you?" asked Harry, at length.
+
+"I see you don't know me," said the stranger.
+
+"I can't say I recall your features; but then I see a great many
+persons."
+
+"I went to school at the Prescott Academy, when you were in the
+office of the Centreville 'Gazette.'"
+
+Harry looked more closely, and exclaimed, in astonished recognition,
+"Fitzgerald Fletcher!"
+
+"Yes," said the other, flushing with mortification, "I am Fitzgerald
+Fletcher."
+
+"I am glad to see you," said Harry, cordially, forgetting the old
+antagonism that had existed between them.
+
+He rose and offered his hand, which Fletcher took with an air of
+relief, for he had felt uncertain of his reception.
+
+"You have prospered wonderfully," said Fletcher, with a shade of envy.
+
+"Yes," said Harry, smiling.  "I was a printer's devil when you knew
+me; but I never meant to stay in that position.  I have risen from
+the ranks."
+
+"I haven't," said Fletcher, bitterly.
+
+"Have you been unfortunate?  Tell me about it, if you don't mind,"
+said Harry, sympathetically.
+
+"My father failed three years ago," said Fletcher, "and I found
+myself adrift with nothing to do, and no money to fall back upon.  I
+have drifted about since then; but now I am out of employment.  I
+came to you to-day to see if you will exert your influence to get me
+a government clerkship, even of the lowest class.  You may rest
+assured, Mr. Walton, that I need it."
+
+Was this the proud Fitzgerald Fletcher, suing, for the means of
+supporting himself, to one whom, as a boy, he had despised and looked
+down upon?  Surely, the world is full of strange changes and
+mutations of fortune.  Here was a chance for Harry to triumph over
+his old enemy; but he never thought of doing it.  Instead, he was
+filled with sympathy for one who, unlike himself, had gone down in
+the social scale, and he cordially promised to see what he could do
+for Fletcher, and that without delay.
+
+On inquiry, he found that Fletcher was qualified to discharge the
+duties of a clerk, and secured his appointment to a clerkship in the
+Treasury Department, on a salary of twelve hundred dollars a year.
+It was an income which Fletcher would once have regarded as wholly
+insufficient for his needs; but adversity had made him humble, and he
+thankfully accepted it.  He holds the position still, discharging the
+duties satisfactorily.  He is glad to claim the Hon. Harry Walton
+among his acquaintances, and never sneers at him now as a "printer's
+devil."
+
+Oscar Vincent spent several years abroad, after graduation, acting as
+foreign correspondent of his father's paper.  He is now his father's
+junior partner, and is not only respected for his ability, but a
+general favorite in society, on account of his sunny disposition and
+cordial good nature.  He keeps up his intimacy with Harry Walton.
+Indeed, there is good reason for this, since Harry, four years since,
+married his sister Maud, and the two friends are brothers-in-law.
+
+Harry's parents are still living, no longer weighed down by poverty,
+as when we first made their acquaintance.  The legacy which came so
+opportunely improved their condition, and provided them with comforts
+to which they had long been strangers.  But their chief satisfaction
+comes from Harry's unlooked-for success in life.  Their past life of
+poverty and privation is all forgotten in their gratitude for this
+great happiness.
+
+
+
+The next and concluding volume of this series will be
+
+  HERBERT CARTER'S LEGACY.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Risen from the Ranks, by Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12741 ***
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #12741 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/12741)
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Risen from the Ranks, by Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+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: Risen from the Ranks
+       Harry Walton's Success
+
+Author: Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+Release Date: June 25, 2004 [EBook #12741]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RISEN FROM THE RANKS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Al Haines
+
+
+
+
+RISEN FROM THE RANKS,
+
+OR,
+
+HARRY WALTON'S SUCCESS.
+
+
+
+
+
+BY
+
+HORATIO ALGER, JR.,
+
+
+AUTHOR OF "RAGGED DICK," "TATTERED TOM," "LUCK AND PLUCK,"
+"BRAVE AND BOLD" SERIES.
+
+
+
+
+
+1874.
+
+
+
+
+To
+
+THOMAS E. BARRY,
+
+of the
+
+BOSTON BAR,
+
+THIS VOLUME
+
+INSCRIBED WITH FRIENDLY REGARD
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+"Risen from the Ranks" contains the further
+history of Harry Walton, who was first
+introduced to the public in the pages of "Bound to
+Rise."  Those who are interested in learning
+how far he made good the promise of his
+boyhood, may here find their curiosity gratified.
+For the benefit of those who may only read the
+present volume, a synopsis of Harry's previous
+life is given in the first chapter.
+
+In describing Harry's rise from the ranks I
+have studiously avoided the extraordinary
+incidents and pieces of good luck, which the story
+writer has always at command, being desirous
+of presenting my hero's career as one which may
+be imitated by the thousands of boys similarly
+placed, who, like him, are anxious to rise from
+the ranks.  It is my hope that this story,
+suggested in part by the career of an eminent
+American editor, may afford encouragement to
+such boys, and teach them that "where there is
+a will there is always a way."
+
+New York, October 1874.
+
+
+
+
+RISEN FROM THE RANKS;
+
+OR,
+
+HARRY WALTON'S SUCCESS.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+HARRY WALTON.
+
+"I am sorry to part with you, Harry," said Professor Henderson.  "You
+have been a very satisfactory and efficient assistant, and I shall
+miss you."
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Harry.  "I have tried to be faithful to your
+interests."
+
+"You have been so," said the Professor emphatically.  "I have had
+perfect confidence in you, and this has relieved me of a great deal
+of anxiety.  It would have been very easy for one in your position to
+cheat me out of a considerable sum of money."
+
+"It was no credit to me to resist such a temptation as that," said
+Harry.
+
+"I am glad to hear you say so, but it shows your inexperience
+nevertheless.  Money is the great tempter nowadays.  Consider how
+many defalcations and breaches of trust we read of daily in
+confidential positions, and we are forced to conclude that honesty is
+a rarer virtue than we like to think it.  I have every reason to
+believe that my assistant last winter purloined, at the least, a
+hundred dollars, but I was unable to prove it, and submitted to the
+loss.  It may be the same next winter.  Can't I induce you to change
+your resolution, and remain in my employ?  I will advance your pay."
+
+"Thank you, Professor Henderson," said Harry gratefully.  "I
+appreciate your offer, even if I do not accept it.  But I have made
+up mind to learn the printing business."
+
+"You are to enter the office of the 'Centreville Gazette,' I believe."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"How much pay will you get?"
+
+"I shall receive my board the first month, and for the next six
+months have agreed to take two dollars a week and board."
+
+"That won't pay your expenses."
+
+"It must," said Harry, firmly.
+
+"You have laid up some money while with me, haven't you!"
+
+"Yes, sir; I have fifty dollars in my pocket-book, besides having
+given eighty dollars at home."
+
+"That is doing well, but you won't be able to lay up anything for the
+next year."
+
+"Perhaps not in money, but I shall be gaining the knowledge of a good
+trade."
+
+"And you like that better than remaining with me, and learning my
+business?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Well, perhaps you are right.  I don't fancy being a magician myself;
+but I am too old to change.  I like moving round, and I make a good
+living for my family.  Besides I contribute to the innocent amusement
+of the public, and earn my money fairly."
+
+"I agree with you, sir," said Harry.  "I think yours is a useful
+employment, but it would not suit everybody.  Ever since I read the
+life of Benjamin Franklin, I have wanted to learn to be a printer."
+
+"It is an excellent business, no doubt, and if you have made up your
+mind I will not dissuade you.  When you have a paper of your own, you
+can give your old friend, Professor Henderson, an occasional puff."
+
+"I shall be glad to do that," said Harry, smiling, "but I shall have
+to wait some time first."
+
+"How old are you now?"
+
+"Sixteen."
+
+"Then you may qualify yourself for an editor in five or six years.  I
+advise you to try it at any rate.  The editor in America is a man of
+influence."
+
+"I do look forward to it," said Harry, seriously.  "I should not be
+satisfied to remain a journeyman all my life, nor even the half of
+it."
+
+"I sympathize with your ambition, Harry," said the Professor,
+earnestly, "and I wish you the best success.  Let me hear from you
+occasionally."
+
+"I should be very glad to write you, sir."
+
+"I see the stage is at the door, and I must bid you good-by.  When
+you have a vacation, if you get a chance to come our way, Mrs.
+Henderson and myself will be glad to receive a visit from you.
+Good-by!" And with a hearty shake of the hand, Professor Henderson
+bade farewell to his late assistant.
+
+Those who have read "Bound to Rise," and are thus familiar with Harry
+Walton's early history, will need no explanation of the preceding
+conversation.  But for the benefit of new readers, I will
+recapitulate briefly the leading events in the history of the boy of
+sixteen who is to be our hero.
+
+Harry Walton was the oldest son of a poor New Hampshire farmer, who
+found great difficulty is wresting from his few sterile acres a
+living for his family.  Nearly a year before, he had lost his only
+cow by a prevalent disease, and being without money, was compelled to
+buy another of Squire Green, a rich but mean neighbor, on a six
+months' note, on very unfavorable terms.  As it required great
+economy to make both ends meet, there seemed no possible chance of
+his being able to meet the note at maturity.  Beside, Mr. Walton was
+to forfeit ten dollars if he did not have the principal and interest
+ready for Squire Green.   The hard-hearted creditor was mean enough
+to take advantage of his poor neighbor's necessities, and there was
+not the slightest chance of his receding from his unreasonable
+demand.  Under these circumstances Harry, the oldest boy, asked his
+father's permission to go out into the world and earn his own living.
+He hoped not only to do this, but to save something toward paying his
+father's note.  His ambition had been kindled by reading the life of
+Benjamin Franklin, which had been awarded to him as a school prize.
+He did not expect to emulate Franklin, but he thought that by
+imitating him he might attain an honorable position in the community.
+
+Harry's request was not at first favorably received.  To send a boy
+out into the world to earn his own living is a hazardous experiment,
+and fathers are less sanguine than their sons.  Their experience
+suggests difficulties and obstacles of which the inexperienced youth
+knows and possesses nothing.  But in the present case Mr. Walton
+reflected that the little farming town in which he lived offered
+small inducements for a boy to remain there, unless he was content to
+be a farmer, and this required capital.  His farm was too small for
+himself, and of course he could not give Harry a part when be came of
+age.  On the whole, therefore, Harry's plan of becoming a mechanic
+seemed not so bad a one after all.  So permission was accorded, and
+our hero, with his little bundle of clothes, left the paternal roof,
+and went out in quest of employment.
+
+After some adventures Harry obtained employment in a shoe-shop as
+pegger.  A few weeks sufficed to make him a good workman, and he was
+then able to earn three dollars a week and board.  Out of this sum be
+hoped to save enough to pay the note held by Squire Green against his
+father, but there were two unforeseen obstacles.  He had the
+misfortune to lose his pocket-book, which was picked up by an
+unprincipled young man, by name Luke Harrison, also a shoemaker, who
+was always in pecuniary difficulties, though he earned much higher
+wages than Harry.  Luke was unable to resist the temptation, and
+appropriated the money to his own use.  This Harry ascertained after
+a while, but thus far had succeeded in obtaining the restitution of
+but a small portion of his hard-earned savings.  The second obstacle
+was a sudden depression in the shoe trade which threw him out of
+work.  More than most occupations the shoe business is liable to
+these sudden fluctuations and suspensions, and the most industrious
+and ambitious workman is often compelled to spend in his enforced
+weeks of idleness all that he had been able to save when employed,
+and thus at the end of the year finds himself, through no fault of
+his own, no better off than at the beginning.  Finding himself out of
+work, our hero visited other shoe establishments in the hope of
+employment.  But his search was in vain.  Chance in this emergency
+made him acquainted with Professor Henderson, a well-known magician
+and conjurer, whose custom it was to travel, through the fall and
+winter, from town to town, giving public exhibitions of his skill.
+He was in want of an assistant, to sell tickets and help him
+generally, and he offered the position to our hero, at a salary of
+five dollars a week.  It is needless to say that the position was
+gladly accepted.  It was not the business that Harry preferred, but
+he reasoned justly that it was honorable, and was far better than
+remaining idle.  He found Professor Henderson as he called himself, a
+considerate and agreeable employer, and as may be inferred from the
+conversation with which this chapter begins, his services were very
+satisfactory.  At the close of the six months, he had the
+satisfaction of paying the note which his father had given, and so of
+disappointing the selfish schemes of the grasping creditor.
+
+This was not all.  He met with an adventure while travelling for the
+Professor, in which a highwayman who undertook to rob him, came off
+second best, and he was thus enabled to add fifty dollars to his
+savings.  His financial condition at the opening of the present story
+has already been set forth.
+
+Though I have necessarily omitted many interesting details, to be
+found in "Bound to Rise," I have given the reader all the information
+required to enable him to understand the narrative of Harry's
+subsequent fortunes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER 11.
+
+THE PRINTING OFFICE.
+
+Jotham Anderson, editor and publisher of the "Centreville Gazette,"
+was sitting at his desk penning an editorial paragraph, when the
+office door opened, and Harry Walton entered.
+
+"Good-morning, Mr. Anderson," said our hero, removing his hat.
+
+"Good-morning, my friend.  I believe you have the advantage of me,"
+replied the editor.
+
+Our hero was taken aback.  It didn't occur to him that the engagement
+was a far less important event to the publisher than to himself.  He
+began to be afraid that the place had not been kept open for him.
+
+"My name is Harry Walton," he explained.  "I was travelling with
+Prof. Henderson last winter, and called here to get some bills
+printed."
+
+"Oh yes, I remember you now.  I agreed to take you into the office,"
+said the editor, to Harry's great relief.
+
+"Yes, air."
+
+"You haven't changed your mind, then?--You still want to be a
+printer?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"You have left the Professor, I suppose."
+
+"I left him yesterday."
+
+"What did he pay you?"
+
+"Five dollars a week.  He offered me six, if I would stay with him."
+
+"Of course you know that I can't pay you any such wages at present."
+
+"Yes, sir.  You agreed to give me my board the first month, and two
+dollars a week for six months afterward."
+
+"That is all you will be worth to me at first.  It is a good deal
+less than you would earn with Professor Henderson."
+
+"I know that, sir; but I am willing to come for that."
+
+"Good.  I see you are in earnest about printing, and that is a good
+sign.  I wanted you to understand just what you had to expect, so
+that you need not be disappointed."
+
+"I sha'n't be disappointed, sir," said Harry confidently.  "I have
+made up my mind to be a printer, and if you didn't receive me into
+your office, I would try to get in somewhere else."
+
+"Then no more need be said.  When do you want to begin?"
+
+"I am ready any time."
+
+"Where is your trunk?"
+
+"At the tavern."
+
+"You can have it brought over to my house whenever you please.  The
+hotel-keeper will send it over for you.  He is our expressman.  Come
+into the house now, and I will introduce you to my wife."
+
+The editor's home was just across the street from his printing
+office.  Followed by Harry he crossed the street, opened the front
+door, and led the way into the sitting-room, where a pleasant-looking
+lady of middle age was seated.
+
+"My dear," he said, "I bring you a new boarder."
+
+She looked at Harry inquiringly.
+
+"This young man," her husband explained, "is going into the office to
+learn printing.  I have taken a contract to make a second Benjamin
+Franklin of him."
+
+"Then you'll do more for him than you have been able to do for
+yourself," said Mrs. Anderson, smiling.
+
+"You are inclined to be severe, Mrs. Anderson, but I fear you are
+correct.  However, I can be like a guide-post, which points the way
+which it does not travel.  Can you show Harry Walton--for that is his
+name--where you propose to put him?"
+
+"I am afraid I must give you a room in the attic," said Mrs.
+Anderson.  "Our house is small, and all the chambers on the second
+floor are occupied."
+
+"I am not at all particular," said Harry.  "I have not been
+accustomed to elegant accommodations."
+
+"If you will follow me upstairs, I will show you your room."
+
+Pausing on the third landing, Mrs. Anderson found the door of a small
+but comfortable bed-room.  There was no carpet on the floor, but it
+was painted yellow, and scrupulously clean.  A bed, two chairs, a
+bureau and wash-stand completed the list of furniture.
+
+"I shall like this room very well," said our hero.
+
+"There is a closet," said the lady, pointing to a door in the corner.
+"It is large enough to contain your trunk, if you choose to put it in
+there.  I hope you don't smoke."
+
+"Oh, no, indeed," said Harry, laughing.  "I haven't got so far along
+as that."
+
+"Mr. Anderson's last apprentice--he is a journeyman now--was a
+smoker.  He not only scented up the room, but as he was very careless
+about lights, I was continually alarmed lest he should set the house
+on fire.  Finally, I got so nervous that I asked him to board
+somewhere else."
+
+"Is he working for Mr. Anderson now?"
+
+"Yes; you probably saw him in the office."
+
+"I saw two young men at the case."
+
+"The one I speak of is the youngest.  His name is John Clapp."
+
+"There is no danger of my smoking.  I don't think it would do me any
+good.  Besides, it is expensive, and I can't afford it."
+
+"I see we think alike," said Mrs. Anderson, smiling.  "I am sure we
+will get along well together."
+
+"I shall try not to give you any trouble," said our hero, and his
+tone, which was evidently sincere, impressed Mrs. Anderson still more
+favorably.
+
+"You won't find me very hard to suit, I hope.  I suppose you will be
+here to supper?"
+
+"If it will he quite convenient.  My trunk is at the tavern, and I
+could stay there till morning, if you wished."
+
+"Oh, no, come at once.  Take possession of the room now, if you like,
+and leave an order to have your trunk brought here."
+
+"Thank you.  What is your hour for supper?"
+
+"Half-past five."
+
+"Thank you.  I will go over and speak to Mr. Anderson a minute."
+
+The editor looked up as Harry reappeared.
+
+"Well, have you settled arrangements with Mrs. Anderson?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, sir, I believe so."
+
+"I hope you like your room."
+
+"It is very comfortable.  It won't take me long to feel at home
+there."
+
+"Did she ask you whether you smoked?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I thought she would.  That's where Clapp and she fell out."
+
+Harry's attention was drawn to a thin, sallow young man of about
+twenty, who stood at a case on the opposite side of the room.
+
+"Mrs. Anderson was afraid I would set the house on fire," said the
+young man thus referred to.
+
+"Yes, she felt nervous about it.  However, it is not surprising.  An
+uncle of hers lost his house in that way.  I suppose you don't smoke,
+Walton?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Clapp smokes for his health.  You see how stout and robust he is,"
+said the editor, a little satirically.
+
+"It doesn't do me any harm," said Clapp, a little testily.
+
+"Oh, well, I don't interfere with you, though I think you would be
+better off if you should give up the habit.  Ferguson don't smoke."
+
+This was the other compositor, a man of thirty, whose case was not
+far distant from Clapp's.
+
+"I can't afford it," said Ferguson; "nor could Clapp, if he had a
+wife and two young children to support."
+
+"Smoking doesn't cost much," said the younger journeyman.
+
+"So you think; but did you ever reckon it up?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Don't you keep any accounts?"
+
+"No; I spend when I need to, and I can always tell how much I have
+left.  What's the use of keeping accounts?"
+
+"You can tell how you stand."
+
+"I can tell that without taking so much trouble."
+
+"You see we must all agree to disagree," said Mr. Anderson.  "I am
+afraid Clapp isn't going to be a second Benjamin Franklin."
+
+"Who is?" asked Clapp.
+
+"Our young friend here," said the editor.
+
+"Oh, is he?" queried the other with a sneer.  "It'll be a great honor
+I'm sure, to have him in the office."
+
+"Come, no chaffing, Clapp," said Mr. Anderson.
+
+Harry hastened to disclaim the charge, for Clapp's sneer affected him
+disagreeably.
+
+"I admire Franklin," he said, "but there isn't much danger of my
+turning out a second edition of him."
+
+"Professional already, I see, Walton," said the editor.
+
+"When shall I go to work, Mr. Anderson?"
+
+"Whenever you are ready."
+
+"I am ready now."
+
+"You are prompt."
+
+"You won't be in such a hurry to go to work a week hence," said Clapp.
+
+"I think I shall," said Harry.  "I am anxious to learn as fast as
+possible."
+
+"Oh, I forgot.  You want to become a second Franklin."
+
+"I sha'n't like him," thought our hero.  "He seems to try to make
+himself disagreeable."
+
+"Mr. Ferguson will give you some instruction, and set you to work,"
+said his employer.
+
+Harry was glad that it was from the older journeyman that he was to
+receive his first lesson, and not from the younger.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+HARRY STUMBLES UPON AN ACQUAINTANCE.
+
+After supper Harry went round to the tavern to see about his trunk.
+A group of young men were in the bar-room, some of whom looked up as
+he entered.  Among these was Luke Harrison, who was surprised and by
+no means pleased to see his creditor.  Harry recognized him at the
+same instant, and said, "How are you, Luke?"
+
+"Is that you, Walton?" said Luke.  "What brings you to Centreville?
+Professor Henderson isn't here, is he?"
+
+"No; I have left him."
+
+"Oh, you're out of a job, are you?" asked Luke, in a tone of
+satisfaction, for we are apt to dislike those whom we have injured,
+and for this reason he felt by no means friendly.
+
+"No, I'm not," said Harry, quietly.  "I've found work in Centreville."
+
+"Gone back to pegging, have you?  Whose shop are you in?"
+
+"I am in a different business."
+
+"You don't say!  What is it?" asked Luke, with some curiosity.
+
+"I'm in the office of the 'Centreville Gazette.'  I'm going to learn
+the printing business."
+
+"You are?  Why, I've got a friend in the office,--John Clapp.  He
+never told me about your being there."
+
+"He didn't know I was coming.  I only went to work this afternoon."
+
+"So you are the printer's devil?" said Luke, with a slight sneer.
+
+"I believe so," answered our hero, quietly.
+
+"Do you get good pay?"
+
+"Not much at first.  However, I can get along with what money I have,
+_and what is due me_."
+
+Luke Harrison understood the last allusion, and turned away abruptly.
+He had no wish to pay up the money which he owed Harry, and for this
+reason was sorry to see him in the village.  He feared, if the
+conversation were continued, Harry would be asking for the money, and
+this would be disagreeable.
+
+At this moment John Clapp entered the bar-room.  He nodded slightly
+to Harry, but walked up to Luke, and greeted him cordially.  There
+were many points of resemblance between them, and this drew them into
+habits of intimacy.
+
+"Will you have something to drink, Harrison?" said Clapp.
+
+"I don't mind if I do," answered Luke, with alacrity.
+
+They walked up to the bar, and they were soon pledging each other in
+a fiery fluid which was not very likely to benefit either of them.
+Meanwhile Harry gave directions about his trunk, and left the room.
+
+"So you've got a new 'devil' in your office," said Luke, after
+draining his glass.
+
+"Yes.  He came this afternoon.  How did you hear?"
+
+"He told me."
+
+"Do you know him?" asked Clapp, in some surprise.
+
+"Yes.  I know him as well as I want to."
+
+"What sort of a fellow is he?"
+
+"Oh, he's a sneak--one of your pious chaps, that 'wants to be an
+angel, and with the angels stand.'"
+
+"Then he's made a mistake in turning 'devil,'" said Clapp.
+
+"Good for you!" said Luke, laughing.  "You're unusually brilliant
+to-night, Clapp."
+
+"So he's a saint, is he?"
+
+"He set up for one; but I don't like his style myself.  He's as mean
+as dirt.  Why I knew him several months, and he never offered to
+treat in all that time.  He's as much afraid of spending a cent as if
+it were a dollar."
+
+"He won't have many dollars to spend just at present.  He's working
+for his board."
+
+"Oh, he's got money saved up," said Luke.  "Fellows like him hang on
+to a cent when they get it.  I once asked him to lend me a few
+dollars, just for a day or two, but he wouldn't do it.  I hate such
+mean fellows."
+
+"So do I.  Will you have a cigar?"
+
+"I'll treat this time," said Luke, who thought it polite to take his
+turn in treating once to his companion's four or five times.
+
+"Thank you.  From what you say, I am sorry Anderson has taken the
+fellow into the office."
+
+"You needn't have much to say to him."
+
+"I shan't trouble myself much about him.  I didn't like his looks
+when I first set eyes on him.  I suppose old Mother Anderson will
+like him.  She couldn't abide my smoking, and he won't trouble her
+that way."
+
+"So; he's too mean to buy the cigars."
+
+"He said he couldn't afford it."
+
+"That's what it comes to.  By the way, Clapp, when shall we take
+another ride?"
+
+"I can get away nest Monday afternoon, at three."
+
+"All right.  I'll manage to get off at the same time.  We'll go to
+Whiston and take supper at the hotel.  It does a fellow good to get
+off now and then.  It won't cost more than five dollars apiece
+altogether."
+
+"We'll get the carriage charged.  The fact is, I'm little low on
+funds."
+
+"So am I, but it won't matter.  Griffin will wait for his pay."
+
+While Harry's character waa being so unfavorably discussed, he was
+taking a walk by himself, observing with interest the main features
+of his new home.  He had been here before with Professor Henderson,
+but had been too much occupied at that time to get a very clear idea
+of Centreville, nor had it then the interest for him which it had
+acquired since.  He went upon a hill overlooking the village, and
+obtained an excellent view from its summit.  It was a pleasant,
+well-built village of perhaps three thousand inhabitants, with
+outlying farms and farm-houses.  Along the principal streets the
+dwellings and stores were closely built, so as to make it seem quite
+city-like.  It was the shire town of the county, and being the
+largest place in the neighborhood, country people for miles around
+traded at its stores.  Farmers' wives came to Centreville to make
+purchases, just as ladies living within a radius of thirty miles
+visit New York and Boston, for a similar purpose.  Altogether,
+therefore, Centreville was quite a lively place, and a town of
+considerable local importance.  The fact that it had a weekly paper
+of its own, contributed to bring it into notice.  Nor was that all.
+Situated on a little hillock was a building with a belfry, which
+might have been taken for a church but for a play-ground near by,
+which indicated that it had a different character.  It was in fact
+the Prescott Academy, so called from the name of its founder, who had
+endowed it with a fund of ten thousand dollars, besides erecting the
+building at his own expense on land bought for the purpose.  This
+academy also had a local reputation, and its benefits were not
+confined to the children of Centreville.  There were about twenty
+pupils from other towns who boarded with the Principal or elsewhere
+in the town, and made up the whole number of students in
+attendance--about eighty on an average.
+
+Standing on the eminence referred to, Harry's attention was drawn to
+the Academy, and he could not help forming the wish that he, too,
+might share in its advantages.
+
+"There is so much to learn, and I know so little," he thought.
+
+But he did not brood over the poverty which prevented him from
+gratifying his desire.  He knew it would do no good, and he also
+reflected that knowledge may be acquired in a printing office as well
+as within the walls of an academy or college.
+
+"As soon as I get well settled," he said to himself, "I mean to get
+some books and study a little every day.  That is the way Franklin
+did.  I never can be an editor, that's certain, without knowing more
+than I do now.  Before I am qualified to teach others, I must know
+something myself."
+
+Looking at the village which lay below him, Harry was disposed to
+congratulate himself on his new residence.
+
+"It looks like a pleasant place," he said to himself, "and when I get
+a little acquainted, I shall enjoy myself very well, I am sure.  Of
+course I shall feel rather lonely just at first."
+
+He was so engrossed by his thoughts that he did not take heed to his
+steps, and was only reminded of his abstraction by his foot suddenly
+coming in contact with a boy who was lying under a tree, and pitching
+headfirst over him.
+
+"Holloa!" exclaimed the latter, "what are you about?  You didn't take
+me for a foot-ball, did you?"
+
+"I beg your pardon," said Harry, jumping up in some confusion.  "I
+was so busy thinking that I didn't see you.  I hope I didn't hurt
+you."
+
+"Nothing serious.  Didn't you hurt yourself?"
+
+"I bumped my head a little, but it only struck the earth.  If it had
+been a stone, it might have been different.  I had no idea there was
+any one up here except myself."
+
+"It was very kind of you to bow so low to a perfect stranger," said
+the other, his eyes twinkling humorously.  "I suppose it would only
+be polite for me to follow your example."
+
+"I'll excuse you," said Harry laughing.
+
+"Thank you.  That takes a great burden off my mind.  I don't like to
+be outdone in politeness, but really I shouldn't like to tumble over
+you.  My head may be softer than yours.  There's one thing clear.  We
+ought to know each other.  As you've taken the trouble to come up
+here, and stumble over me, I really feel as if we ought to strike up
+a friendship.  What do you say?"
+
+"With all my heart," said our hero.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+OSCAR VINCENT.
+
+"Allow me to introduce myself," said the stranger boy.  "My name is
+Oscar Vincent, from Boston, at present a student at the Prescott
+Academy, at your service."
+
+As he spoke, he doffed his hat and bowed, showing a profusion of
+chestnut hair, a broad, open brow, and an attractive face, lighted up
+by a pleasant smile.
+
+Harry felt drawn to him by a feeling which was not long in ripening
+into friendship.
+
+Imitating the other's frankness, he also took off his hat and
+replied,--
+
+"Let me introduce myself, in turn, as Harry Walton, junior apprentice
+in the office of the 'Centreville Gazette,' sometimes profanely
+called 'printer's devil.'"
+
+"Good!" said Oscar, laughing.  "How do you like the business?"
+
+"I think I shall like it, but I have only just started in it.  I went
+into the office for the first time to-day."
+
+"I have an uncle who started as you are doing," said Oscar.  "He is
+now chief editor of a daily paper in Boston."
+
+"Is he?" said Harry, with interest.  "Did he find it hard to rise?"
+
+"He is a hard worker.  I have heard him say that he used to sit up
+late of nights during his apprenticeship, studying and improving
+himself."
+
+"That is what I mean to do," said Harry.
+
+"I don't think he was as lazy as his nephew," said Oscar.  "I am
+afraid if I had been in his place I should have remained in it."
+
+"Are you lazy?" asked Harry, smiling at the other's frankness.
+
+"A little so; that is, I don't improve my opportunities as I might.
+Father wants to make a lawyer of me so he has put me here, and I am
+preparing for Harvard."
+
+"I envy you," said Harry.  "There is nothing I should like so much as
+entering college."
+
+"I daresay I shall like it tolerably well," said Oscar; "but I don't
+_hanker_ after it, as the boy said after swallowing a dose of castor
+oil.  I'll tell you what I should like better--"
+
+"What?" asked Harry, as the other paused.
+
+"I should like to enter the Naval Academy, and qualify myself for the
+naval service.  I always liked the sea."
+
+"Doesn't your father approve of your doing this?"
+
+"He wouldn't mind my entering the navy as an officer, but he is not
+willing to have me enter the merchant service."
+
+"Then why doesn't he send you to the Naval Academy?"
+
+"Because I can't enter without receiving the appointment from a
+member of Congress.  Our member can only appoint one, and there is no
+vacancy.  So, as I can't go where I want to, I am preparing for
+Harvard."
+
+"Are you studying Latin and Greek?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Have you studied them long?"
+
+"About two years.  I was looking over my Greek lesson when you
+playfully tumbled over me."
+
+"Will you let me look at your book?  I never saw a Greek book."
+
+"I sometimes wish I never had," said Oscar; "but that's when I am
+lazy."
+
+Harry opened the book--a Greek reader--in the middle of an extract
+from Xenophon, and looked with some awe at the unintelligible letters.
+
+"Can you read it?  Can you understand what it means?" he asked,
+looking up from the book.
+
+"So-so."
+
+"You must know a great deal."
+
+Oscar laughed.
+
+"I wonder what Dr. Burton would say if he heard you," he said.
+
+"Who is he?"
+
+"Principal of our Academy.   He gave me a blowing up for my ignorance
+to-day, because I missed an irregular Greek verb.  I'm not exactly a
+dunce, but I don't think I shall ever be a Greek professor."
+
+"If you speak of yourself that way, what will you think of me?  I
+don't know a word of Latin, of Greek, or any language except my own."
+
+"Because you have had no chance to learn.  There's one language I
+know more about than Latin or Greek."
+
+"English?"
+
+"I mean French; I spent a year at a French boarding-school, three
+years since."
+
+"What!  Have you been in France?"
+
+"Yes; an uncle of mine--in fact, the editor--was going over, and
+urged father to send me.  I learned considerable French, but not much
+else.  I can speak and understand it pretty well."
+
+"How I wish I had had your advantages," said Harry.  "How did you
+like your French schoolmates?"
+
+"They wouldn't come near me at first.  Because I was an American they
+thought I carried a revolver and a dirk-knife, and was dangerous.
+That is their idea of American boys.  When they found I was tame, and
+carried no deadly weapons, they ventured to speak with me, and after
+that we got along pretty well."
+
+"How soon do you expect to go to college?"
+
+"A year from next summer.  I suppose I shall be ready by that time.
+You are going to stay in town, I suppose?"
+
+"Yes, if I keep my place."
+
+"Oh, you'll do that.  Then we can see something of each other.  You
+must come up to my room, and see me.  Come almost any evening."
+
+"I should like to.  Do you live in Dr. Barton's family?"
+
+"No, I hope not."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Oh, the Doctor has a way of looking after the fellows that room in
+the house, and of keeping them at work all the time.  That wouldn't
+suit me.  I board at Mrs. Greyson's, at the south-east corner of the
+church common.  Have you got anything to do this evening?"
+
+"Nothing in particular."
+
+"Then come round and take a look at my den, or sanctum I ought to
+call it; as I am talking to a member of the editorial profession."
+
+"Not quite yet," said Harry, smiling.
+
+"Oh, well that'll come in due time.  Will you come?"
+
+"Sha'n't I be disturbing you?"
+
+"Not a bit.  My Greek lesson is about finished, and that's all I've
+got to do this evening.  Come round, and we will sit over the fire,
+and chat like old friends."
+
+"Thank you, Oscar," said Harry, irresistibly attracted by his bright
+and lively acquaintance, "I shall enjoy calling.  I have made no
+acquaintances yet, and I feel lonely."
+
+"I have got over that," said Oscar.  "I am used to being away from
+home and don't mind it."
+
+The two boys walked together to Oscar's boarding-place.  It was a
+large house, of considerable pretension for a village, and Oscar's
+room was large and handsomely furnished.  But what attracted Harry's
+attention was not the furniture, but a collection of over a hundred
+books, ranged on shelves at one end of the room.  In his father's
+house it had always been so difficult to obtain the necessaries of
+life that books had necessarily been regarded as superfluities, and
+beyond a dozen volumes which Harry had read and re-read, he was
+compelled to depend on such as he could borrow.  Here again his
+privileges were scanty, for most of the neighbors were as poorly
+supplied as his father.
+
+"What a fine library you have, Oscar!" he exclaimed.
+
+"I have a few books," said Oscar.  "My father filled a couple of
+boxes, and sent me.  He has a large library."
+
+"This seems a large library to me," said Harry.  "My father likes
+reading, but he is poor, and cannot afford to buy books."
+
+He said that in a matter-of-fact tone, without the least attempt to
+conceal what many boys would have been tempted to hide.  Oscar noted
+this, and liked his new friend the better for it.
+
+"Yes," he said, "books cost money, and one hasn't always the money to
+spare."
+
+"Have you read all these books?"
+
+"Not more than half of them.  I like reading better than studying, I
+am afraid.  I am reading the Waverley novels now.  Have you read any
+of them?"
+
+"So; I never saw any of them before."
+
+"If you see anything you would like to read, I will lend it to you
+with pleasure," said Oscar, noticing the interest with which Harry
+regarded the books.
+
+"Will you?" said Harry, eagerly.  "I can't tell you how much obliged
+I am.  I will take good care of it."
+
+"Oh, I am sure of that.  Here, try Ivanhoe.  I've just read it, and
+it's tip-top."
+
+"Thank you; I will take it on your recommendation.  What a nice room
+you have!"
+
+"Yes, it's pretty comfortable.  Father told me to fix it up to suit
+me.  He said he wouldn't mind the expense if I would only study."
+
+"I should think anybody might study in such a room as this, and with
+such a fine collection of books."
+
+"I'm rather lazy sometimes," said Oscar, "but I shall turn over a new
+leaf some of these days, and astonish everybody.  To-night, as I have
+no studying to do, I'll tell you what we'll do.  Did you ever pop
+corn?"
+
+"Sometimes."
+
+"I've got some corn here, and Ma'am Greyson has a popper.  Stay here
+alone a minute, and I'll run down and get it."
+
+Oscar ran down stairs, and speedily returned with a corn-popper.
+
+"Now we'll have a jolly time," said he.  "Draw up that arm-chair, and
+make yourself at home.  If Xenophon, or Virgil, or any of those Greek
+and Latin chaps call, we'll tell 'em we are transacting important
+business and can't be disturbed.  What do you say?"
+
+"They won't be apt to call on me," said Harry.  I haven't the
+pleasure of knowing them."
+
+"It isn't always a pleasure, I can assure you, Harry.  Pass over the
+corn-popper."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER  V.
+
+A YOUNG F. F. B.
+
+As the two boys sat in front of the fire, popping and eating the
+corn, and chatting of one thing and another, their acquaintance
+improved rapidly.  Harry learned that Oscar's father was a Boston
+merchant, in the Calcutta trade, with a counting-room on Long Wharf.
+Oscar was a year older than himself, and the oldest child.  He had a
+sister of thirteen, named Florence, and a younger brother, Charlie,
+now ten.  They lived on Beacon Street, opposite the Common.  Though
+Harry had never lived in Boston, be knew that this was a fashionable
+street, and he had no difficulty in inferring that Mr. Vincent was a
+rich man.  He felt what a wide gulf there was socially between
+himself and Oscar; one the son of a very poor country farmer, the
+other the son of a merchant prince.  But nothing in Oscar's manner
+indicated the faintest feeling of superiority, and this pleased
+Harry.  I may as well say, however, that our hero was not one to show
+any foolish subserviency to a richer boy; he thought mainly of
+Oscar's superiority in knowledge; and although the latter was far
+ahead of Harry on this score, he was not one to boast of it.
+
+Harry, in return for Oscar's confidence, acquainted him with his own
+adventures since he had started out to earn his own living.  Oscar
+was most interested in his apprenticeship to the ventriloquist.
+
+"It must have been jolly fun," he said.   "I shouldn't mind
+travelling round with him myself.  Can you perform any tricks?"
+
+"A few," said Harry.
+
+"Show me some, that's a good fellow."
+
+"If you won't show others.  Professor Henderson wouldn't like to have
+his tricks generally known.  I could show more if I had the articles
+he uses.  But I can do some without."
+
+"Go ahead, Professor.  I'm all attention."
+
+Not having served an apprenticeship to a magician, as Harry did, I
+will not undertake to describe the few simple tricks which he had
+picked up, and now exhibited for the entertainment of his companion.
+It is enough to say that they were quite satisfactory, and that Oscar
+professed his intention to puzzle his Boston friends with them, when
+his vacation arrived.
+
+About half-past eight, a knock was heard at the door.
+
+"Come in!" called out Oscar.
+
+The door was opened, and a boy about his own age entered.   His name
+was Fitzgerald Fletcher.  He was also a Boston boy, and the son of a
+retail merchant, doing business on Washington street.  His father
+lived handsomely, and was supposed to be rich.  At any rate
+Fitzgerald supposed him to be so, and was very proud of the fact.  He
+generally let any new acquaintances understand very speedily that his
+father was a man of property, and that his family moved in the first
+circles of Boston Society.  He cultivated the acquaintance of those
+boys who belonged to rich families, and did not fail to show the
+superiority which he felt to those of less abundant means.  For
+example, he liked to be considered intimate with Oscar, as the social
+position of Mr. Vincent was higher than that of his own family.  It
+gave him an excuse also for calling on Oscar in Boston.  He had tried
+to ingratiate himself also with Oscar's sister Florence, but had only
+disgusted her with his airs, so that he could not flatter himself
+with his success in this direction.  Oscar had very little liking for
+him, but as school-fellows they often met, and Fitzgerald often
+called upon him.  On such occasions he treated him politely enough,
+for it was not in his nature to be rude without cause.
+
+Fitz was elaborately dressed, feeling that handsome clothes would
+help convey the impression of wealth, which he was anxious to
+establish.  In particular he paid attention to his neckties, of which
+he boasted a greater variety than any of his school-mates.  It was
+not a lofty ambition, but, such as it was, he was able to gratify it.
+
+"How are you, Fitz?" said Oscar, when he saw who was his visitor.
+"Draw up a chair to the fire, and make yourself comfortable."
+
+"Thank you, Oscar," said Fitzgerald, leisurely drawing off a pair of
+kid gloves; "I thought I would drop in and see you."
+
+"All right!  Will you have some popped corn?"
+
+"No, thank you," answered Fitzgerald, shrugging his shoulders.  "I
+don't fancy the article."
+
+"Don't you?  Then you don't know what's good."
+
+"Fancy passing round popped corn at a party in Boston," said the
+other.  "How people would stare!"
+
+"Would they?  I don't know about that.  I think some would be more
+sensible and eat.  But, I beg your pardon, I haven't introduced you
+to my friend, Harry Walton.  Harry, this is a classmate of mine.
+Fitzgerald Fletcher, Esq., of Boston."
+
+Fitzgerald did not appear to perceive that the title Esq. was
+sportively added to his name.  He took it seriously, and was pleased
+with it, as a recognition of his social superiority.  He bowed
+ceremoniously to our hero, and said, formally, "I am pleased to make
+your acquaintance, Mr. Walton."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Fletcher," replied Harry, bowing in turn.
+
+"I wonder who he is," thought Fitzgerald.
+
+He had no idea of the true position of our young hero, or he would
+not have wasted so much politeness upon him.  The fact was, that
+Harry was well dressed, having on the suit which had been given him
+by a friend from the city.  It was therefore fashionably cut, and had
+been so well kept as still to be in very good condition.  It occurred
+to Fitz--to give him the short name he received from his
+school-fellows--that it might be a Boston friend of Oscar's, just
+entering the Academy.  This might account for his not having met him
+before.  Perhaps he was from an aristocratic Boston family.  His
+intimacy with Oscar rendered it probable, and it might be well to
+cultivate his acquaintance.  On this hint he spoke.
+
+"Are you about to enter the Academy, Mr. Walton?"
+
+"No; I should like to do so, but cannot."
+
+"You are one of Oscar's friends from the city, I suppose, then?"
+
+"Oh no; I am living in Centreville."
+
+"Who can he be?" thought Fitz.  With considerable less cordiality in
+his manner, he continued, impelled by curiosity,--
+
+"I don't think I have met you before."
+
+"No: I have only just come to the village."
+
+Oscar understood thoroughly the bewilderment of his visitor, and
+enjoyed it.  He knew the weakness of Fitz, and he could imagine how
+his feelings would change when be ascertained the real position of
+Harry.
+
+"My friend," he explained, "is connected with the 'Centreville
+Gazette.'"
+
+"In what capacity?" asked Fitz, in surprise.
+
+"He is profanely termed the 'printer's devil.' Isn't that so, Harry?"
+
+"I believe you are right," said our hero, smiling.  He had a
+suspicion that this relation would shock his new acquaintance.
+
+"Indeed!" ejaculated Fitz, pursing up his lips, and, I was about to
+say, turning up his nose, but nature had saved him the little trouble
+of doing that.
+
+"What in the world brings him here, then?" he thought; but there was
+no need of saying it, for both Oscar and Harry read it in his manner.
+"Strange that Oscar Vincent, from one of the first families of
+Boston, should demean himself by keeping company with a low printer
+boy!"
+
+"Harry and I have had a jolly time popping corn this evening!" said
+Oscar, choosing to ignore his school-mate's changed manner.
+
+"Indeed!  I can't see what fun there is in it."
+
+"Oh, you've got no taste.  Has he, Harry?"
+
+"His taste differs from ours," said our hero, politely.
+
+"I should think so," remarked Fitz, with significant emphasis.  "Was
+that all you had to amuse yourself?"
+
+In using the singular pronoun, he expressly ignored the presence of
+the young printer.
+
+"No, that wasn't all.  My friend Harry has been amusing me with some
+tricks which he learned while he was travelling round with Professor
+Henderson, the ventriloquist and magician."
+
+"Really, he is quite accomplished," said Fitz, with a covert sneer.
+"Pretty company Oscar has taken up with!" he thought.  "How long were
+you in the circus business?" he asked, turning to Harry.
+
+"I never was in the circus business."
+
+"Excuse me.  I should say, travelling about with the ventriloquist."
+
+"About three months.  I was with him when he performed here last
+winter."
+
+"Ah! indeed.  I didn't go.   My father doesn't approve of my
+attending such common performances.  I only attend first-class
+theatres, and the Italian opera."
+
+"That's foolish," said Oscar.  "You miss a good deal of fun, then.  I
+went to Professor Henderson's entertainment, and I now remember
+seeing you there, Harry.  You took money at the door, didn't you?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Now I understand what made your face seem so familiar to me, when I
+saw it this afternoon.  By the way, I have never been into a printing
+office.  If I come round to yours, will you show me round?"
+
+"I should be very glad to, Oscar, but perhaps you had better wait
+till I have been there a little while, and learned the ropes.  I know
+very little about it yet."
+
+"Won't you come too, Fitz?" asked Oscar.
+
+"You must really excuse me," drawled Fitz.  "I have heard that a
+printing office is a very dirty place.  I should be afraid of soiling
+my clothes."
+
+"Especially that stunning cravat."
+
+"Do you like it?  I flatter myself it's something a little extra,"
+said Fitz, who was always gratified by a compliment to his cravats.
+
+"Then you won't go?"
+
+"I haven't the slightest curiosity about such a place, I assure you."
+
+"Then I shall have to go alone.  Let me know when you are ready to
+receive me, Harry."
+
+"I won't forget, Oscar."
+
+"I wonder he allows such a low fellow to call him by his first name,"
+thought Fitz.  "Really, he has no proper pride."
+
+"Well," he said, rising, "I must be going."
+
+"What's your hurry, Fitz?"
+
+"I've got to write a letter home this evening.  Besides, I haven't
+finished my Greek.  Good-evening, Oscar."
+
+"Good-evening, Fitz."
+
+"Good-evening, Mr. Fletcher," said Harry.
+
+"Evening!" ejaculated Fitz, briefly; and without a look at the low
+"printer-boy," he closed the door and went down stairs.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+OSCAR BECOMES A PROFESSOR
+
+"I am afraid your friend won't thank you for introducing me to him,"
+said Harry, after Fitz had left the room.
+
+"Fitz is a snob," said Oscar.  "He makes himself ridiculous by
+putting on airs, and assuming to be more than he is.  His father is
+in a good business, and may be rich--I don't know about that--but
+that isn't much to boast of."
+
+"I don't think we shall be very intimate," said Harry, smiling.
+"Evidently a printer's apprentice is something very low in his eyes."
+
+"When you are an influential editor he will be willing to recognize
+you.  Let that stimulate your ambition."
+
+"It isn't easy for a half-educated boy to rise to such a position.  I
+feel that I know very little."
+
+"If I can help you any, Harry, I shall be very glad to do it.  I'm
+not much of a scholar, but I can help you a little.  For instance, if
+you wanted to learn French, I could hear your lessons, and correct
+your exercises."
+
+"Will you?" said Harry, eagerly.  "There is nothing I should like
+better."
+
+"Then I'll tell you what I'll do.  You shall buy a French grammar,
+and come to my room two evenings a week, and recite what you get time
+to study at home."
+
+"Won't it give you a great deal of trouble, Oscar?"
+
+"Not a bit of it; I shall rather like it.  Until you can buy a
+grammar, I will lend you mine.  I'll set you a lesson out of it now."
+
+He took from the book-shelves a French grammar, and inviting Harry to
+sit down beside him, gave him some necessary explanations as to the
+pronunciation of words according to the first lesson.
+
+"It seems easy," said Harry.  "I can take more than that."
+
+"It is the easiest of the modern languages, to us at least, on
+account of its having so many words similar to ours."
+
+"What evening shall I come, Oscar?"
+
+"Tuesday and Friday will suit me as well as any.  And remember,
+Harry, I mean to be very strict in discipline.  And, by the way, how
+will it do to call myself Professor?"
+
+"I'll call you Professor if you want me to."
+
+"We'll leave all high titles to Fitz, and I won't use the rod any
+oftener than it is absolutely necessary."
+
+"All right, Professor Vincent," said Harry laughing, "I'll endeavor
+to behave with propriety."
+
+"I wonder what they would say at home," said Oscar, "if they knew I
+had taken up the profession of teacher.  Strange as it may seem to
+you, Harry, I have the reputation in the home-circle of being
+decidedly lazy.  How do you account for it?"
+
+"Great men are seldom appreciated."
+
+"You hit the nail on the head that time--glad I am not the nail, by
+the way.  Henceforth I will submit with resignation to injustice and
+misconstruction, since I am only meeting with the common fate of
+great men."
+
+"What time is it, Oscar?"
+
+"Nearly ten."
+
+"Then I will bid you good-night," and Harry rose to go.  "I can't
+tell how much I am obliged to you for your kind offer."
+
+"Just postpone thanks till you find out whether I am a good teacher
+or not."
+
+"I am sure of that."
+
+"I am not so sure, but I will do what I can for you.  Good-night.
+I'll expect you Friday evening.  I shall see Fitz to-morrow.  Shall I
+give him your love?"
+
+"Never mind!" said Harry, smiling.  "I'm afraid it wouldn't be
+appreciated."
+
+"Perhaps not."
+
+As Harry left his lively companion, he felt that he had been most
+fortunate in securing his friendship--not only that he found him very
+agreeable and attractive, but he was likely to be of great use to him
+in promoting his plans of self-education.  He had too much good sense
+not to perceive that the only chance he had of rising to an
+influential position lay in qualifying himself for it, by enlarging
+his limited knowledge and improving his mind.
+
+"I have made a good beginning," he thought.  "After I have learned
+something of French, I will take up Latin, and I think Oscar will be
+willing to help me in that too."
+
+The next morning he commenced work in the printing office.  With a
+few hints from Ferguson, he soon comprehended what he had to do, and
+made very rapid progress.
+
+"You're getting on fast, Harry," said Ferguson approvingly.
+
+"I like it," said our hero.  "I am glad I decided to be a printer."
+
+"I wish I wasn't one," grumbled Clapp, the younger journeyman.
+
+"Don't you like it?"
+
+"Not much.  It's hard work and poor pay.  I just wish I was in my
+brother's shoes.  He is a bookkeeper in Boston, with a salary of
+twelve hundred a year, while I am plodding along on fifteen dollars
+week."
+
+"You may do better some day," said Ferguson.
+
+"Don't see any chance of it."
+
+"If I were in your place, I would save up part of my salary, and by
+and by have an office, and perhaps a paper of my own."
+
+"Why don't you do it, then?" sneered Clapp.
+
+"Because I have a family to support from my earnings--you have only
+yourself."
+
+"It doesn't help me any; I can't save anything out of fifteen dollars
+a week."
+
+"You mean you won't," said Ferguson quietly.
+
+"No I don't.  I mean I can't."
+
+"How do you expect I get along, then?  I have a wife and two children
+to support, and only get two dollars a week more than you."
+
+"Perhaps you get into debt."
+
+"No; I owe no man a dollar," said Ferguson emphatically.  "That isn't
+all.  I save two dollars a week; so that I actually support four on
+fifteen dollars a week--your salary.  What do you say to that?"
+
+"I don't want to be mean," said Clapp.
+
+"Nor I.  I mean to live comfortably, but of course I have to be
+economical."
+
+"Oh, hang economy!" said Clapp impatiently.  "The old man used to
+lecture me about economy till I got sick of hearing the word."
+
+"It is a good thing, for all that," persisted Ferguson.  "You'll
+think so some day, even if you don't now."
+
+"I guess you mean to run opposition to young Franklin, over there,"
+sneered Clapp, indicating Harry, who had listened to the discussion
+with not a little interest.
+
+"I think he and I will agree together pretty well," said Ferguson,
+smiling.  "Franklin's a good man to imitate."
+
+"If there are going to be two Franklins in the office, it will be
+time for me to clear out," returned Clapp.
+
+"You can do better."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"Become Franklin No. 3."
+
+"You don't catch me imitating any old fogy like that.  As far as I
+know anything about him, he was a mean, stingy old curmudgeon!"
+exclaimed Clapp with irritation.
+
+"That's rather strong language, Clapp," said Mr. Anderson, looking up
+from his desk with a smile.  "It doesn't correspond with the general
+estimate of Franklin's character."
+
+"I don't care," said Clapp doggedly, "I wouldn't be like Franklin if
+I could.  I have too much self-respect."
+
+Ferguson laughed, and Harry wanted to, but feared he should offend
+the younger journeyman, who evidently had worked himself into a bad
+humor.
+
+"I don't think you're in any danger," said Ferguson, who did not mind
+his fellow-workman's little ebullitions of temper.
+
+Clapp scowled, but did not deign to reply, partly, perhaps, because
+he knew that there was nothing to say.
+
+From the outset Ferguson took a fancy to the young apprentice.
+
+"He's got good, solid ideas," said he to Mr. Anderson, when Harry was
+absent.  "He isn't so thoughtless as most boys of his age.  He looks
+ahead."
+
+"I think you are right in your judgment of him," said Mr. Anderson.
+"He promises to be a faithful workman."
+
+"He promises more than that," said Ferguson.  "Mark my words, Mr.
+Anderson; that boy is going to make his mark some day."
+
+"It is a little too soon to say that, isn't it?"
+
+"No; I judge from what I see.  He is industrious and ambitious, and
+is bound to succeed.  The world will hear of him yet."
+
+Mr. Anderson smiled.  He liked what he had seen of his new
+apprentice, but he thought Ferguson altogether too sanguine.
+
+"He's a good, faithful boy," he admitted, "but it takes more than
+that to rise to distinction.  If all the smart boys turned out smart
+men, they'd be a drug in the market."
+
+But Ferguson held to his own opinion, notwithstanding.  Time will
+show which was right.
+
+The next day Ferguson said, "Harry, come round to my house, and take
+tea to-night.  I've spoken to my wife about you, and she wants to see
+you."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Ferguson," said Harry.  "I shall be very glad to
+come."
+
+"I'll wait till you are ready, and you can walk along with me."
+
+"All right; I will be ready in five minutes."
+
+They set out together for Ferguson's modest home, which was about
+half a mile distant.  As they passed up the village street Harry's
+attention was drawn to two boys who were approaching them.  One he
+recognized at once as Fitzgerald Fletcher.  He had an even more
+stunning necktie than when Harry first met him, and sported a jaunty
+little cane, which he swung in his neatly gloved hand.
+
+"I wonder if he'll notice me," thought Harry.  "At any rate, I won't
+be wanting in politeness."
+
+"Good-afternoon, Mr. Fletcher," he said, as they met.
+
+Fitzgerald stared at him superciliously, and made the slightest
+possible nod.
+
+"Who is that?" asked Ferguson.
+
+"It is a boy who has great contempt for printers' devils and low
+apprentices," answered Harry.  "I was introduced to him two evenings
+ago, but he evidently doesn't care about keeping up the acquaintance."
+
+"Who is that, Fitz?" asked his companion in turn.
+
+"It's a low fellow--a printer's devil," answered Fitz, shortly.
+
+"How do you happen to know him?"
+
+"Oscar Vincent introduced him to me.  Oscar's a queer fellow.  He
+belongs to one of the first families in Boston--one of my set, you
+know, and yet he actually invited that boy to his room."
+
+"He's rather a good-looking boy--the printer."
+
+"Think so?" drawled Fitz.  "He's low--all apprentices are.  I mean to
+keep him at a distance."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+A PLEASANT EVENING.
+
+"This is my house," said Ferguson, pausing at the gate.
+
+Harry looked at it with interest.
+
+It was a cottage, containing four rooms, and a kitchen in the ell
+part.  There was a plot of about a quarter of an acre connected with
+it.  Everything about it was neat, though very unpretentious.
+
+"It isn't a palace," said Ferguson, "but," he added cheerfully, "it's
+a happy home, and from all I've read, that is more than can be said
+of some palaces.  Step right in and make yourself at home."
+
+They entered a tiny entry, and Mrs. Ferguson opened the door of the
+sitting-room.  She was a pleasant-looking woman, and her face wore a
+smile st welcome.
+
+"Hannah," said Ferguson, "this is our new apprentice, Harry Walton."
+
+"I am glad to see you," she said, offering her hand.  "My husband has
+spoken of you.  You are quite welcome, if you can put up with humble
+fare."
+
+"That is what I have always been accustomed to," said Harry,
+beginning to feel quite at home.
+
+"Where are the children, Hannah?"
+
+Two children, a boy and a girl, of six and four years respectively,
+bounded into the room and answered for themselves.  They looked shyly
+at Harry, but before many minutes their shyness had worn off, and the
+little girl was sitting on his knee, while the boy stood beside him.
+Harry was fond of children, and readily adapted himself to his young
+acquaintances.
+
+Supper was soon ready--a plain meal, but one that Harry enjoyed.  He
+could not help comparing Ferguson's plain, but pleasant home, with
+Clapp's mode of life.
+
+The latter spent on himself as much as sufficed his fellow-workman to
+support a wife and two children, yet it was easy to see which found
+the best enjoyment in life.
+
+"How do you like your new business?" asked Mrs. Ferguson, as she
+handed Harry a cup of tea.
+
+"I like all but the name," said our hero, smiling.
+
+"I wonder how the name came to be applied to a printer's apprentice
+any more than to any other apprentice," said Mrs. Ferguson.
+
+"I never heard," said her husband.  "It seems to me to be a libel
+upon our trade.  But there is one comfort.  If you stick to the
+business, you'll outgrow the name."
+
+"That is lucky; I shouldn't like to be called the wife of a ----.  I
+won't pronounce the word lest the children should catch it."
+
+"What is it, mother?" asked Willie, with his mouth full.
+
+"It isn't necessary for you to know, my boy."
+
+"Do you know Mr. Clapp?" asked Harry.
+
+"I have seen him, but never spoke with him."
+
+"I never asked him round to tea," said Ferguson.
+
+"I don't think he would enjoy it any better than I.  His tastes are
+very different from mine, and his views of life are equally
+different."
+
+"I should think so," said Harry.
+
+"Now I think you and I would agree very well.  Clapp dislikes the
+business, and only sticks to it because he must get his living in
+some way.  As for me, if I had a sum of money, say five thousand
+dollars, I would still remain a printer, but in that case I would
+probably buy out a paper, or start one, and be a publisher, as well
+as a printer."
+
+"That's just what I should like," said Harry.
+
+"Who knows but we may be able to go into partnership some day, and
+carry out our plan."
+
+"I would like it," said Harry; "but I am afraid it will be a good
+while before we can raise the five thousand dollars."
+
+"We don't need as much.  Mr. Anderson started on a capital of a
+thousand dollars, and now he is in comfortable circumstances."
+
+"Then there's hopes for us."
+
+"At any rate I cherish hopes of doing better some day.  I shouldn't
+like always to be a journeyman.  I manage to save up a hundred
+dollars a year.  How much have we in the savings bank, Hannah?"
+
+"Between four and five hundred dollars, with interest."
+
+"It has taken me four years to save it up.  In five more, if nothing
+happens, I should be worth a thousand dollars.  Journeymen printers
+don't get rich very fast."
+
+"I hope to have saved up something myself, in five years," said Harry.
+
+"Then our plan may come to pass, after all.  You shall be editor, and
+I publisher."
+
+"I should think you would prefer to be an editor," said his wife.
+
+"I am diffident of my powers in the line of composition," said
+Ferguson.  "I shouldn't be afraid to undertake local items, but when
+it comes to an elaborate editorial, I should rather leave it in other
+hands."
+
+"I always liked writing," said Harry.  "Of course I have only had a
+school-boy's practice, but I mean to practise more in my leisure
+hours."
+
+"Suppose you write a poem for the 'Gazette,' Walton."
+
+Harry smiled.
+
+"I am not ambitious enough for that," he replied.  "I will try plain
+prose."
+
+"Do so," said Ferguson, earnestly.  "Our plan may come to something
+after all, if we wait patiently.  It will do no harm to prepare
+yourself as well as you can.  After a while you might write something
+for the 'Gazette.'  I think Mr. Anderson would put it in."
+
+"Shall I sign it P. D.?" asked Harry.
+
+"P. D. stands for Doctor of Philosophy."
+
+"I don't aspire to such a learned title.  P. D. also stands for
+Printer's Devil."
+
+"I see.  Well, joking aside, I advise you to improve yourself in
+writing."
+
+"I will.  That is the way Franklin did."
+
+"I remember.  He wrote an article, and slipped it under the door of
+the printing office, not caring to have it known that he was the
+author."
+
+"Shall I give you a piece of pie, Mr. Walton?" said Mrs. Ferguson.
+
+"Thank you.".
+
+"Me too," said Willie, extending his plate.
+
+"Willie is always fond of pie," said his father, "In a printing
+office _pi_ is not such a favorite."
+
+When supper was over, Mr. Ferguson showed Harry a small collection of
+books, about twenty-five in number, neatly arranged on shelves.
+
+"It isn't much of a library," he said, "but a few books are better
+than none.  I should like to buy as many every year; but books are
+expensive, and the outlay would make too great an inroad upon my
+small surplus."
+
+"I always thought I should like a library," said Harry, "but my
+father is very poor, and has fewer books than you.  As for me, I have
+but one book besides the school-books I studied, and that I gained as
+a school prize--The Life of Franklin."
+
+"If one has few books he is apt to prize them more," said Ferguson,
+"and is apt to profit by them more."
+
+"Have you read the History of China?" asked Harry, who had been
+looking over his friend's books.
+
+"No; I have never seen it."
+
+"Why, there it is," said our hero, "In two volumes."
+
+"Take it down," said Ferguson, laughing.
+
+Harry did so, and to his surprise it opened in his hands, and
+revealed a checker-board.
+
+"You see appearances are deceitful.  Can you play checkers?"
+
+"I never tried."
+
+"You will easily learn.  Shall I teach you the game?"
+
+"I wish you would."
+
+They sat down; and Harry soon became interested in the game, which
+requires a certain degree of thought and foresight.
+
+"You will make a good player after a while," said his companion.
+"You must come in often and play with me."
+
+"Thank you, I should like to do so.  It may not be often, for I am
+taking lessons in French, and I want to get on as fast as possible."
+
+"I did not know there was any one in the village who gave lessons in
+French."
+
+"Oh, he's not a professional teacher.  Oscar Vincent, one of the
+Academy boys, is teaching me.  I am to take two lessons a week, on
+Tuesday and Friday evenings."
+
+"Indeed, that is a good arrangement.  How did it come about?"
+
+Harry related the particulars of his meeting with Oscar.
+
+"He's a capital fellow," he concluded.  "Very different from another
+boy I met in his room.  I pointed him out to you in the street.
+Oscar seems to be rich, but he doesn't put on any airs, and he
+treated me very kindly."
+
+"That is to his credit.  It's the sham aristocrats that put on most
+airs.   I believe you will make somebody, Walton.  You have lost no
+time in getting to work."
+
+"I have no time to lose.  I wish I was in Oscar's place.  He is
+preparing for Harvard, and has nothing to do but to learn."
+
+"I heard a lecturer once who said that the printing office is the
+poor man's college, and he gave a great many instances of printers
+who had risen high in the world, particularly in our own country."
+
+"Well, that is encouraging.  I should like to have heard the lecture."
+
+"I begin to think, Harry, that I should have done well to follow your
+example.  When I was in your position, I might have studied too, but
+I didn't realize the importance as I do now.  I read some useful
+books, to be sure, but that isn't like studying."
+
+"It isn't too late now."
+
+Ferguson shook his head.
+
+"Now I have a wife and children," he said.  "I am away from them
+during the day, and the evening I like to pass socially with them."
+
+"Perhaps you would like to be divorced," said his wife, smiling.
+"Then you would get time for study."
+
+"I doubt if that would make me as happy, Hannah.  I am not ready to
+part with you just yet.  But our young friend here is not quite old
+enough to be married, and there is nothing to prevent his pursuing
+his studies.  So, Harry, go on, and prepare yourself for your
+editorial duties."
+
+Harry smiled thoughtfully.  For the first time he had formed definite
+plans for his future.  Why should not Ferguson's plans be realized?
+
+"If I live long enough," he said to himself, "I will be an editor,
+and exert some influence in the world."
+
+At ten o'clock he bade good-night to Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson, feeling
+that he had passed a pleasant and what might prove a profitable
+evening.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+FLETCHER'S VIEWS ON SOCIAL POSITION.
+
+"You are getting on finely, Harry," said Oscar Vincent, a fortnight
+later.  "You do credit to my teaching.  As you have been over all the
+regular verbs now, I will give you a lesson in translating."
+
+"I shall find that interesting," said Harry, with satisfaction.
+
+"Here is a French Reader," said Oscar, taking one down from the
+shelves.  "It has a dictionary at the end.  I won't give you a
+lesson.  You may take as much as you have time for, and at the same
+time three or four of the irregular verbs.  You are going about three
+times as fast as I did when I commenced French."
+
+"Perhaps I have a better teacher than you had," said Harry, smiling.
+
+"I shouldn't wonder," said Oscar.  "That explains it to my
+satisfaction.  Well, now the lesson is over, sit down and we'll have
+a chat.  Oh, by the way, there's one thing I want to speak to you
+about.  We've got a debating society at our school.  It is called
+'The Clionian Society.'  Most of the students belong to it.  How
+would you like to join?"
+
+"I should like it very much.  Do you think they would admit me?"
+
+"I don't see why not.  I'll propose you at the next meeting, Thursday
+evening.  Then the nomination will lie over a week, and be acted upon
+at the next meeting."
+
+"I wish you would.  I never belonged to a debating society, but I
+should like to learn to speak."
+
+"It's nothing when you're used to it.  It's only the first time you
+know, that troubles you.  By Jove!  I remember how my knees trembled
+when I first got up and said Mr. President.  I felt as if all eyes
+were upon me, and I wanted to sink through the floor.  Now I can get
+up and chatter with the best of them.  I don't mean that I can make
+an eloquent speech or anything of that kind, but I can talk at a
+minute's notice on almost any subject."
+
+"I wish I could."
+
+"Oh, you can, after you've tried a few times.  Well, then, it's
+settled.  I'll propose you at the next meeting."
+
+"How lucky I am to have fallen in with you, Oscar."
+
+"I know what you mean.  I'm your guide, philosopher, and friend, and
+all that sort of thing.  I hope you'll have proper veneration for me.
+It's rather a new character for me.  Would you believe it, Harry,--at
+home I am regarded as a rattle-brained chap, instead of the dignified
+Professor that you know me to be.  Isn't it a shame?"
+
+"Great men are seldom appreciated at home, Oscar."
+
+"I know that.  I shall have to get a certificate from you, certifying
+to my being a steady and erudite young man."
+
+"I'll give it with the greatest pleasure."
+
+"Holloa, there's a knock.  Come in!" shouted Oscar.
+
+The door opened, and Fitzgerald Fletcher entered the room.
+
+"How are you, Fitz?" said Oscar.  "Sit down and make yourself
+comfortable.  You know my friend, Harry Walton, I believe?"
+
+"I believe I had the honor to meet him here one evening," said
+Fitzgerald stiffly, slightly emphasizing the word "honor."
+
+"I hope you are well, Mr. Fletcher," said Harry, more amused than
+disturbed by the manner of the aristocratic visitor.
+
+"Thank you, my health is good," said Fitzgerald with equal stiffness,
+and forthwith turned to Oscar, not deigning to devote any more
+attention to Harry.
+
+Our hero had intended to remain a short time longer, but, under the
+circumstances, as Oscar's attention would be occupied by Fletcher,
+with whom he was not on intimate terms, he thought he might spend the
+evening more profitably at home in study.
+
+"If you'll excuse me, Oscar," he said, rising, "I will leave you now,
+as I have something to do this evening."
+
+"If you insist upon it, Harry, I will excuse you.  Come round Friday
+evening."
+
+"Thank you."
+
+"Do you have to work at the printing office in the evening?" Fletcher
+deigned to inquire.
+
+"No; I have some studying to do."
+
+"Reading and spelling, I suppose," sneered Fletcher.
+
+"I am studying French."
+
+"Indeed!" returned Fletcher, rather surprised.  "How can you study it
+without a teacher?"
+
+"I have a teacher."
+
+"Who is it?"
+
+"Professor Vincent," said Harry, smiling.
+
+"You didn't know that I had developed into a French Professor, did
+you, Fitz?  Well, it's so, and whether it's the superior teaching or
+not, I can't say, but my scholar is getting on famously."
+
+"It must be a great bore to teach," said Fletcher.
+
+"Not at all.  I like it."
+
+"Every one to his taste," said Fitzgerald unpleasantly.
+
+"Good-night, Oscar.  Good-night, Mr. Fletcher," said Harry, and made
+his exit.
+
+"You're a strange fellow, Oscar," said Fletcher, after Harry's
+departure.
+
+"Very likely, but what particular strangeness do you refer to now?"
+
+"No one but you would think of giving lessons to a printer's devil."
+
+"I don't know about that."
+
+"No one, I mean, that holds your position in society."
+
+"I don't know that I hold any particular position in society."
+
+"Your family live on Beacon Street, and move in the first circles.  I
+am sure my mother would be disgusted if I should demean myself so far
+as to give lessons to any vulgar apprentice."
+
+"I don't propose to give lessons to any vulgar apprentice."
+
+"You know whom I mean.  This Walton is only a printer's devil."
+
+"I don't know that that is any objection to him.  It isn't morally
+wrong to be a printer's devil, is it?"
+
+"What a queer fellow you are, Oscar.  Of course I don't mean that.  I
+daresay he's well enough in his place, though he seems to be very
+forward and presuming, but you know that he's not your equal."
+
+"He is not my equal in knowledge, but I shouldn't be surprised if he
+would be some time.  You'd be astonished to see how fast he gets on."
+
+"I daresay.  But I mean in social position."
+
+"It seems to me you can't think of anything but social position."
+
+"Well, it's worth thinking about."
+
+"No doubt, as far as it is deserved.  But when it is founded on
+nothing but money, I wouldn't give much for it."
+
+"Of course we all know that the higher classes are more refined--"
+
+"Than printers' devils and vulgar apprentices, I suppose," put in
+Oscar, laughing,
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, if refinement consists in wearing kid gloves and stunning
+neckties, I suppose the higher classes, as you call them, are more
+refined."
+
+"Do you mean me?" demanded Fletcher, who was noted for the character
+of his neckties.
+
+"Well, I can't say I don't.  I suppose you regard yourself as a
+representative of the higher classes, don't you?"
+
+"To be sure I do," said Fletcher, complacently.
+
+"So I supposed.  Then you see I had a right to refer to you.  Now
+listen to my prediction.  Twenty-five years from now, the boy whom
+you look down upon as a vulgar apprentice will occupy a high
+position, and you will be glad to number him among your
+acquaintances."
+
+"Speak for yourself, Oscar," said Fletcher, scornfully.
+
+"I speak for both of us."
+
+"Then I say I hope I can command better associates than this friend
+of yours."
+
+"You may, but I doubt it."
+
+"You seem to be carried away by him," said Fitzgerald, pettishly.  "I
+don't see anything very wonderful about him, except dirty hands."
+
+"Then you have seen more than I have."
+
+"Of course a fellow who meddles with printer's ink must have dirty
+hands.  Faugh!" said Fletcher, turning up his nose.
+
+At the same time he regarded complacently his own fingers, which he
+carefully kept aloof from anything that would soil or mar their
+aristocratic whiteness.
+
+"The fact is, Fitz," said Oscar, argumentatively, "our upper ten, as
+we call them, spring from just such beginnings as my friend Harry
+Walton.  My own father commenced life in a printing office.  But, as
+you say, he occupies a high position at present."
+
+"Really!" said Fletcher, a little taken aback, for he knew that
+Vincent's father ranked higher than his own.
+
+"I daresay your own ancestors were not always patricians."
+
+Fletcher winced.  He knew well enough that his father commenced life
+as a boy in a country grocery, but in the mutations of fortune had
+risen to be the proprietor of a large dry-goods store on Washington
+Street.  None of the family cared to look back to the beginning of
+his career.  They overlooked the fact that it was creditable to him
+to have risen from the ranks, though the rise was only in wealth, for
+Mr. Fletcher was a purse-proud parvenu, who owed all the
+consideration he enjoyed to his commercial position.  Fitz liked to
+have it understood that he was of patrician lineage, and carefully
+ignored the little grocery, and certain country relations who
+occasionally paid a visit to their wealthy relatives, in spite of the
+rather frigid welcome they received.
+
+"Oh, I suppose there are exceptions," Fletcher admitted reluctantly.
+"Your father was smart."
+
+"So is Harry Walton.  I know what he is aiming at, and I predict that
+he will be an influential editor some day."
+
+"Have you got your Greek lesson?" asked Fletcher, abruptly, who did
+not relish the course the conversation had taken.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then I want you to translate a passage for me.  I couldn't make it
+out."
+
+"All right."
+
+Half an hour later Fletcher left Vincent's room.
+
+"What a snob he is!" thought Oscar.
+
+And Oscar was right.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE CLIONIAN SOCIETY.
+
+On Thursday evening the main school of the Academy building was
+lighted up, and groups of boys, varying in age from thirteen to
+nineteen, were standing in different parts of the room.  These were
+members of the Clionian Society, whose weekly meeting was about to
+take place.
+
+At eight o'clock precisely the President took his place at the
+teacher's desk, with the Secretary at his side, and rapped for order.
+The presiding officer was Alfred DeWitt, a member of the Senior
+Class, and now nearly ready for college.  The Secretary was a member
+of the same class, by name George Sanborn.
+
+"The Secretary will read the minutes of the last meeting," said the
+President, when order had been obtained.
+
+George Sanborn rose and read his report, which was accepted.
+
+"Are any committees prepared to report?" asked the President.
+
+The Finance Committee reported through its chairman, recommending
+that the fee for admission be established at one dollar, and that
+each member be assessed twenty-five cents monthly.
+
+"Mr. President," said Fitzgerald Fletcher, rising to his feet, "I
+would like to say a word in reference to this report."
+
+"Mr. Fletcher has the floor."
+
+"Then, Mr. President, I wish to say that I disagree with the Report
+of the Committee.  I think a dollar is altogether too small.  It
+ought to be at least three dollars, and I myself should prefer five
+dollars.  Again, sir, the Committee has recommended for the monthly
+assessment the ridiculously small sum of twenty-five cents.  I think
+it ought to be a dollar."
+
+"Mr. President, I should like to ask the gentleman his reason," said
+Henry Fairbanks, Chairman of the Finance Committee.  "Why should we
+tax the members to such an extent, when the sums reported are
+sufficient to defray the ordinary expenses of the Society, and to
+leave a small surplus besides?"
+
+"Mr. President," returned Fletcher, "I will answer the gentleman.  We
+don't want to throw open the Society to every one that can raise a
+dollar.  We want to have an exclusive society."
+
+"Mr. President," said Oscar Vincent, rising, "I should like to ask
+the gentleman for how many he is speaking.  He certainly is not
+speaking for me.  I don't want the Society to be exclusive.  There
+are not many who can afford to pay the exorbitant sums which he
+desires fixed for admission fee and for monthly assessments, and I
+for one am not willing to exclude any good fellow who desires to
+become one of us, but does not boast as heavy a purse as the
+gentleman who has just spoken."
+
+These remarks of Oscar were greeted with applause, general enough to
+show that the opinions of nearly all were with him.
+
+"Mr. President," said Henry Fairbanks, "though I am opposed to the
+gentleman's suggestion, (does he offer it as an amendment?) I have no
+possible objection to his individually paying the increased rates
+which he recommends, and I am sure the Treasurer will gladly receive
+them."
+
+Laughter and applause greeted this hit, and Fletcher once more arose,
+somewhat vexed at the reception of his suggestion.
+
+"I don't choose--" he commenced.
+
+"The gentleman will address the chair," interrupted the President.
+
+"Mr. President, I don't choose to pay more than the other members,
+though I can do it without inconvenience.  But, as I said, I don't
+believe in being too democratic.  I am not in favor of admitting
+anybody and everybody into the Society."
+
+"Mr. President," said James Hooper, "I congratulate the gentleman on
+the flourishing state of his finances.  For my own part, I am not
+ashamed to say that I cannot afford to pay a dollar a month
+assessment, and, were it required, I should be obliged to offer my
+resignation."
+
+"So much the better," thought Fitzgerald, for, as Hooper was poor,
+and went coarsely clothed, he looked down upon him.  Fortunately for
+himself he did not give utterance to his thought.
+
+"Does Mr. Fletcher put his recommendation into the form of an
+amendment?" asked, the President.
+
+"I do."
+
+"Be kind enough to state it, then."
+
+Fletcher did so, but as no one seconded it, no action was of course
+taken.
+
+"Nominations for membership are now in order," said the President.
+
+"I should like to propose my friend Henry Walton."
+
+"Who is Henry Walton?" asked a member.
+
+"Mr. President, may I answer the gentleman?" asked Fitzgerald
+Fletcher, rising to his feet.
+
+"As the nominee is not to be voted upon this evening, it is not in
+order."
+
+"Mr. President," said Oscar, "I should be glad to have the gentleman
+report his information."
+
+"Mr. Fletcher may speak if he desires it, but as the name will be
+referred to the Committee on Nominations, it is hardly necessary."
+
+"Mr. President, I merely wish to inform the Society, that Mr. Walton
+occupies the dignified position of printer's devil in the office of
+the 'Centreville Gazette.'"
+
+"Mr. President," said Oscar, "may I ask the indulgence of the Society
+long enough to say that I am quite aware of the fact.  I will add
+that Mr. Walton is a young man of excellent abilities, and I am
+confident will prove an accession to the Society."
+
+"I cannot permit further remarks on a matter which will come in due
+course before the Committee on Nominations," said the President.
+
+"The next business in order is the debate."
+
+Of the debate, and the further proceedings, I shall not speak, as
+they are of no special interest.  But after the meeting was over,
+groups of members discussed matters which had come up during the
+evening.  Fletcher approached Oscar Vincent, and said, "I can't see,
+Oscar, why you are trying to get that printer's devil into our
+Society."
+
+"Because he's a good fellow, and smart enough to do us credit."
+
+"If there were any bootblacks in Centreville I suppose you'd be
+proposing them?" said Fletcher with a sneer.
+
+"I might, if they were as smart as my friend Walton."
+
+"You are not very particular about your friends," said Fletcher in
+the same tone.
+
+"I don't ask them to open their pocket-books, and show me how much
+money they have."
+
+"I prefer to associate with gentlemen."
+
+"So do I."
+
+"Yet you associate with that printer's devil."
+
+"I consider him a gentleman."
+
+Fletcher laughed scornfully.
+
+"You have strange ideas of a gentleman," he said.
+
+"I hold the same," said James Hooper, who had come up in time to hear
+the last portion of the conversation.  "I don't think a full purse is
+the only or the chief qualification of a gentleman.  If labor is to
+be a disqualification, then I must resign all claims to be considered
+a gentleman, as I worked on a farm for two years before coming to
+school, and in that way earned the money to pay my expenses here."
+
+Fletcher turned up his nose, but did not reply.
+
+Hooper was a good scholar and influential in the Society, but in
+Fletcher's eyes he was unworthy of consideration.
+
+"Look here, Fletcher,--what makes you so confoundedly exclusive is
+your ideas?" asked Henry Fairbanks.
+
+"Because I respect myself," said Fletcher in rather a surly tone.
+
+"Then you have one admirer," said Fairbanks.
+
+"What do you mean by that?" asked Fletcher, suspiciously.
+
+"Nothing out of the way.  I believe in self-respect, but I don't see
+how it is going to be endangered by the admission of Oscar's friend
+to the Society."
+
+"Am I expected to associate on equal terms with a printer's devil?"
+
+"I can't answer for you.  As for me, if he is a good fellow, I shall
+welcome him to our ranks.  Some of our most eminent men have been
+apprenticed to the trade of printer.  I believe, after all, it is the
+name that has prejudiced you."
+
+"No it isn't.  I have seen him."
+
+"Henry Walton?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"In Oscar's room."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"I don't like his appearance."
+
+"What's the matter with his appearance?" asked Oscar.
+
+"He looks low."
+
+"That's where I must decidedly contradict you, Fitz, and I shall
+appeal confidently to the members of the Society when they come to
+know him, as they soon will, for I am sure no one else shares your
+ridiculous prejudices.  Harry Walton, in my opinion, is a true
+gentleman, without reference to his purse, and he is bound to rise
+hereafter, take my word for it."
+
+"There's plenty of room for him to rise," said Fletcher with a sneer.
+
+"That is true not only of him, but of all of us, I take it."
+
+"Do you refer to me?"
+
+"Oh no," said Oscar with sarcasm.  "I am quite aware that you are at
+the pinnacle of eminence, even if you do flunk in Greek occasionally."
+
+Fitzgerald had failed in the Greek recitation during the day, and
+that in school parlance is sometimes termed a "flunk."  He bit his
+lip in mortification at this reference, and walked away, leaving
+Oscar master of the situation.
+
+"You had the best of him there, Vincent," said George Sanborn.  "He
+has gone off in disgust."
+
+"I like to see Fletcher taken down," said Henry Fairbanks.  "I never
+saw a fellow put on so many airs.  He is altogether too aristocratic
+to associate with ordinary people."
+
+"Yes," said Oscar, "he has a foolish pride, which I hope he will some
+time get rid of."
+
+"He ought to have been born in England, and not in a republic."
+
+"If he had been born in England, he would have been unhappy unless he
+had belonged to the nobility," said Alfred DeWitt.
+
+"Look here, boys," said Tom Carver, "what do you say to mortifying
+Fitz's pride?"
+
+"Have you got a plan in view, Tom?  If so, out with it."
+
+"Yes: you know the pedler that comes into town about once a month to
+buy up rags, and sell his tinwares."
+
+"I have seen him.  Well, what of him?"
+
+"He is coming early next week.  Some of us will see him privately,
+and post him up as to Fitz's relations and position, and hire him to
+come up to school, and inquire for Fitz, representing himself as his
+cousin.  Of course Fitz will deny it indignantly, but he will persist
+and show that he knows all about the family."
+
+"Good!  Splendid!" exclaimed the boys laughing.  "Won't Fitz be
+raving?"
+
+"There's no doubt about that.   Well, boys, I'll arrange it all, if
+you'll authorize me."
+
+"Go ahead, Tom.  You can draw upon us for the necessary funds."
+
+Fletcher had retired to his room, angry at the opposition his
+proposal had received, and without any warning of the humiliation
+which awaited him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE TIN-PEDLER.
+
+Those of my readers who live in large cities are probably not
+familiar with the travelling tin-pedler, who makes his appearance at
+frequent intervals in the country towns and villages of New England.
+His stock of tinware embraces a large variety of articles for
+culinary purposes, ranging from milk-pans to nutmeg-graters.  These
+are contained in a wagon of large capacity, in shape like a box, on
+which he sits enthroned a merchant prince.  Unlike most traders, he
+receives little money, most of his transactions being in the form of
+a barter, whereby be exchanges his merchandise for rags, white and
+colored, which have accumulated in the household, and are gladly
+traded off for bright tinware.  Behind the cart usually depend two
+immense bags, one for white, the other for colored rags, which, in
+time, are sold to paper manufacturers.  It may be that the very paper
+on which this description is printed, was manufactured from rags so
+collected.
+
+Abner Bickford was the proprietor of such an establishment as I have
+described.  No one, at first sight, would have hesitated to class him
+as a Yankee.  He was long in the limbs, and long in the face, with a
+shrewd twinkle in the eye, a long nose, and the expression of a man
+who respected himself and feared nobody.  He was unpolished, in his
+manners, and knew little of books, but he belonged to the same
+resolute and hardy type of men who in years past sprang to arms, and
+fought bravely for an idea.  He was strong in his manhood, and would
+have stood unabashed before a king.  Such was the man who was to
+mortify the pride of Fitzgerald Fletcher.
+
+Tom Carver watched for his arrival in Centreville, and walking up to
+his cart, accosted him.
+
+"Good-morning, Mr. Bickford."
+
+"Good-mornin', young man.  You've got the advantage of me.  I never
+saw you before as I know of."
+
+"I am Tom Carver, at your service."
+
+"Glad to know you.  Where do you live?  Maybe your wife would like
+some tinware this mornin'?" said Abner, relaxing his gaunt features
+into a smile.
+
+"She didn't say anything about it when I came out," said Tom,
+entering into the joke.
+
+"Maybe you'd like a tin-dipper for your youngest boy?"
+
+"Maybe I would, if you've got any to give away."
+
+"I see you've cut your eye-teeth.  Is there anything else I can do
+for you?  I'm in for a trade."
+
+"I don't know, unless I sell myself for rags."
+
+"Anything for a trade.  I'll give you two cents a pound."
+
+"That's too cheap.  I came to ask your help in a trick we boys want
+to play on one of our number."
+
+"Sho! you don't say so.  That aint exactly in my line."
+
+"I'll tell you all about it.  There's a chap at our school--the
+Academy, you know--who's awfully stuck up.  He's all the time
+bragging about belonging to a first family in Boston, and turning up
+his nose at poorer boys.  We want to mortify him."
+
+"Just so!" said Abner, nodding.  "Drive ahead!"
+
+"Well, we thought if you'd call at the school and ask after him, and
+pretend he was a cousin of yours, and all that, it would make him
+mad."
+
+"Oh, I see," said Abner, nodding, "he wouldn't like to own a
+tin-pedler for his cousin."
+
+"No," said Tom; "he wants us to think all his relations are rich.  I
+wouldn't mind at all myself," he added, it suddenly occurring to him
+that Abner's feelings might be hurt.
+
+"Good!" said Abner, "I see you aint one of the stuck-up kind.  I've
+got some relations in Boston myself, that are rich and stuck up.  I
+never go near 'em.  What's the name of this chap you're talkin'
+about?"
+
+"Fletcher--Fitzgerald Fletcher."
+
+"Fletcher!" repeated Abner.  "Whew! well, that's a joke!"
+
+"What's a joke?" asked Tom, rather surprised.
+
+"Why, he _is_ my relation--a sort of second cousin.  Why, my mother
+and his father are own cousins.  So, don't you see we're second
+cousins?"
+
+"That's splendid!" exclaimed Tom.  "I can hardly believe it."
+
+"It's so.  My mother's name was Fletcher--Roxanna Fletcher--afore she
+married.  Jim Fletcher--this boy's father--used to work in my
+grandfather's store, up to Hampton, but he got kinder discontented,
+and went off to Boston, where he's been lucky, and they do say he's
+mighty rich now.  I never go nigh him, 'cause I know he looks down on
+his country cousins, and I don't believe in pokin' my nose in where I
+aint wanted."
+
+"Then you are really and truly Fitz's cousin?"
+
+"If that's the boy's name.  Seems to me it's a kinder queer one.  I
+s'pose it's a fust-claas name.  Sounds rather stuck up."
+
+"Won't the boys roar when they hear about it!  Are you willing to
+enter into our plan?"
+
+"Well," said Abner, "I'll do it.  I can't abide folks that's stuck
+up.  I'd rather own a cousin like you."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Bickford."
+
+"When do you want me to come round?"
+
+"How long do you stay in town?"
+
+"Well, I expect to stop overnight at the tavern; I can't get through
+in one day."
+
+"Then come round to the Academy to-morrow morning, about half-past
+eight.  School don't begin till nine, but the boys will be playing
+ball alongside.  Then we'll give you an introduction to your cousin."
+
+"That'll suit me well enough.  I'll come."
+
+Tom Carver returned in triumph, and communicated to the other boys
+the arrangement be had made with Mr. Bickford, and his unexpected
+discovery of the genuine relationship that existed between Fitz and
+the tin-pedler.  His communication was listened to with great
+delight, and no little hilarity, and the boys discussed the probable
+effect of the projected meeting.
+
+"Fitz will be perfectly raving," said Henry Fairbanks.  "There's
+nothing that will take down his pride so much."
+
+"He'll deny the relationship, probably," said Oscar.
+
+"How can he?"
+
+"He'll do it.  See if he don't.  It would be death to all his
+aristocratic claims to admit it."
+
+"Suppose it were yourself, Oscar?"
+
+"I'd say, 'How are you, cousin?  How's the the business?'" answered
+Oscar, promptly.
+
+"I believe you would, Oscar.  There's nothing of the snob about you."
+
+"I hope not."
+
+"Yet your family stands as high as Fletcher's."
+
+"That's a point I leave to others to discuss," said Oscar.  "My
+father is universally respected, I am sure, but he rose from the
+ranks.  He was once a printer's devil, like my friend Harry Walton.
+Wouldn't it be ridiculous in me to turn up my nose at Walton, just
+because be stands now where my father did thirty years ago?  It would
+be the same thing as sneering at father."
+
+"Give us your hand, Oscar," said Henry Fairbanks.  "You've got no
+nonsense about you--I like you."
+
+"I'm not sure whether your compliment is deserved, Henry," said
+Oscar, "but if I have any nonsense it isn't of that kind."
+
+"Do you believe Fitz has any suspicion that he has a cousin in the
+tin business?"
+
+"No; I don't believe he has.  He must know he has poor relations,
+living in the country, but he probably thinks as little as possible
+about them.  As long as they don't intrude themselves upon his
+greatness, I suppose he is satisfied."
+
+"And as long as no one suspects that he has any connection with such
+plebeians."
+
+"Of course."
+
+"What sort of a man is this tin-pedler, Tom?" asked Oscar.
+
+"He's a pretty sharp fellow--not educated, or polished, you know, but
+he seems to have some sensible ideas.  He said he had never seen the
+Fletchers; because he didn't want to poke his nose in where he wasn't
+wanted.  He showed his good sense also by saying that he had rather
+have me for a cousin than Fitz."
+
+"That isn't a very high compliment--I'd say the same myself."
+
+"Thank you, Oscar.  Your compliment exalts me.  You won't mind my
+strutting a little."
+
+And Tom humorously threw back his head, and strutted about with mock
+pride.
+
+"To be sure," said Oscar, "you don't belong to one of the first
+families of Boston, like our friend, Fitz."
+
+"No, I belong to one of the second families.  You can't blame me, for
+I can't help it."
+
+"No, I won't blame you, but of course I consider you low."
+
+"I am afraid, Tom, I haven't got any cousins in the tin trade, like
+Fitz."
+
+"Poor Fitz! he little dreams of his impending trial.  If he did, I am
+afraid he wouldn't sleep a wink to-night."
+
+"I wish I thought as much of myself as Fitz does," said Henry
+Fairbanks.  "You can see by his dignified pace, and the way he tosses
+his head, how well satisfied he is with being Fitzgerald Fletcher,
+Esq."
+
+"I'll bet five cents he won't strut round so much to-morrow
+afternoon," said Tom, "after his interview with his new cousin.  But
+hush, boys!  Not a word more of this.  There's Fitz coming up the
+hill.  I wouldn't have him suspect what's going on, or he might
+defeat our plans by staying away."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+FITZ AND HIS COUSIN.
+
+The next morning at eight the boys began to gather in the field
+beside the Seminary.  They began to play ball, but took little
+interest in the game, compared with the "tragedy in real life," as
+Tom jocosely called it, which was expected soon to come off.
+
+Fitz appeared upon the scene early.  In fact one of the boys called
+for him, and induced him to come round to school earlier than usual.
+Significant glances were exchanged when he made his appearance, but
+Fitz suspected nothing, and was quite unaware that he was attracting
+more attention than usual.
+
+Punctually at half-past eight, Abner Bickford with his tin-cart
+appeared in the street, and with a twitch of the rein began to ascend
+the Academy Hill.
+
+"Look there," said Tom Carver, "the tin-pedler's coming up the hill.
+Wonder if he expects to sell any of his wares to us boys.  Do you
+know him, Fitz?"
+
+"I!" answered Fitzgerald with a scornful look, "what should I know of
+a tin-pedler?"
+
+Tom's mouth twitched, and his eyes danced with the anticipation of
+fun.
+
+By this time Mr. Bickford had brought his horse to a halt, and
+jumping from his box, approached the group of boys, who suspended
+their game.
+
+"We don't want any tinware," said one of the boys, who was not in the
+secret.
+
+"Want to know!  Perhaps you haven't got tin enough to pay for it.
+Never mind, I'll buy you for old rags, at two cents a pound."
+
+"He has you there, Harvey," said Tom Carver.  "Can I do anything for
+you, sir?"
+
+"Is your name Fletcher?" asked Abner, not appearing to recognize Tom.
+
+"Why, he wants you, Fitz!" said Harvey, in surprise.
+
+"This gentleman's name is Fletcher," said Tom, placing his hand on
+the shoulder of the astonished Fitzgerald.
+
+"Not Fitz Fletcher?" said Abner, interrogatively.
+
+"My name is Fitzgerald Fletcher," said the young Bostonian,
+haughtily, "but I am at a loss to understand why you should desire to
+see me."
+
+Abner advanced with hand extended, his face lighted up with an
+expansive grin.
+
+"Why, Cousin Fitz," he said heartily, "do you mean to say you don't
+know me?"
+
+"Sir," said Fitzgerald, drawing back, "you are entirely mistaken in
+the person.  I don't know you."
+
+"I guess it's you that are mistaken, Fitz," said the pedler,
+familiarly; "why, don't you remember Cousin Abner, that used to trot
+you on his knee when you was a baby?  Give us your hand, in memory of
+old times."
+
+"You must be crazy," said Fitzgerald, his cheeks red with
+indignation, and all the more exasperated because he saw significant
+smiles on the faces of his school-companions.
+
+"I s'pose you was too young to remember me," said Abner.  "I haint
+seen you for ten years."
+
+"Sir," said Fitz, wrathfully, "you are trying to impose upon me.  I
+am a native of Boston."
+
+"Of course you be," said the imperturbable pedler.  "Cousin
+Jim--that's your father--went to Boston when he was a boy, and they
+do say he's worked his way up to be a mighty rich man.  Your father
+is rich, aint he?"
+
+"My father is wealthy, and always was," said Fitzgerald.
+
+"No he wasn't, Cousin Fitz," said Abner.  "When he was a boy, he used
+to work in grandfather's store up to Hampton; but he got sort of
+discontented and went to Boston.  Did you ever hear him tell of his
+cousin Roxanna?  That's my mother."
+
+"I see that you mean to insult me, fellow," said Fitz, pale with
+passion.  "I don't know what your object is, in pretending that I am
+your relation.  If you want any pecuniary help--"
+
+"Hear the boy talk!" said the pedler, bursting into a horse laugh.
+"Abner Bickford don't want no pecuniary help, as you call it.  My
+tin-cart'll keep me, I guess."
+
+"You needn't claim relationship with me," said Fitzgerald,
+scornfully; "I haven't any low relations."
+
+"That's so," said Abner, emphatically; "but I aint sure whether I can
+say that for myself."
+
+"Do you mean to insult me?"
+
+"How can I?  I was talkin' of my relations.  You say you aint one of
+'em."
+
+"I am not."
+
+"Then you needn't go for to put on the coat.  But you're out of your
+reckoning, I guess.  I remember your mother very well.  She was Susan
+Baker."
+
+"Is that true, Fitz?"
+
+"Ye--es," answered Fitz, reluctantly.
+
+"I told you so," said the pedler, triumphantly.
+
+"Perhaps he is your cousin, after all," said Henry Fairbanks.
+
+"I tell you he isn't," said Fletcher, impetuously.
+
+"How should he know your mother's name, then, Fitz?" asked Tom.
+
+"Some of you fellows told him," said Fitzgerald.
+
+"I can say, for one, that I never knew it," said Tom.
+
+"Nor I."
+
+"Nor I."
+
+"We used to call her Sukey Baker," said Abner.  "She used to go to
+the deestrict school along of Mother.  They was in the same class.  I
+haven't seen your mother since you was a baby.  How many children has
+she got?"
+
+"I must decline answering your impertinent questions." said
+Fitzgerald, desperately.  He began to entertain, for the first time,
+the horrible suspicion that the pedler's story might be true--that he
+might after all be his cousin.  But he resolved that he never would
+admit it--NEVER!  Where would be his pretentious claims to
+aristocracy--where his pride--if this humiliating discovery were
+made?  Judging of his school-fellows and himself, he feared that they
+would look down upon him.
+
+"You seem kind o' riled to find that I am your cousin," said Abner.
+"Now, Fitz, that's foolish.  I aint rich, to be sure, but I'm
+respectable.  I don't drink nor chew, and I've got five hundred
+dollars laid away in the bank."
+
+"You're welcome to your five hundred dollars," said Fitz, in what was
+meant to be a tone of withering sarcasm.
+
+"Am I?  Well, I'd orter be, considerin' I earned it by hard work.
+Seems to me you've got high notions, Fitz.  Your mother was kind of
+flighty, and I've heard mine say Cousin Jim--that's your father--was
+mighty sot up by gettin' rich.  But seems to me you ought not to deny
+your own flesh and blood."
+
+"I don't know who you refer to, sir."
+
+"Why, you don't seem to want to own me as your cousin."
+
+"Of course not.  You're only a common tin-pedler."
+
+"Well, I know I'm a tin-pedler, but that don't change my bein' your
+cousin."
+
+"I wish my father was here to expose your falsehood."
+
+"Hold on there!" said Abner.  "You're goin' a leetle too far.  I
+don't let no man, nor boy neither, charge me with lyin', if he is my
+cousin, I don't stand that, nohow."
+
+There was something in Abner's tone which convinced Fitzgerald that
+he was in earnest, and that he himself must take care not to go too
+far.
+
+"I don't wish to have anything more to say to you," said Fitz."
+
+"I say, boys," said Abner, turning to the crowd who had now formed a
+circle around the cousins, "I leave it to you if it aint mean for
+Fitz to treat me in that way.  If he was to come to my house, that
+aint the way I'd treat him."
+
+"Come, Fitz," said Tom, "you are not behaving right.  I would not
+treat my cousin that way."
+
+"He isn't my cousin, and you know it," said Fitz, stamping with rage.
+
+"I wish I wasn't," said Abner.  "If I could have my pick, I'd rather
+have him," indicating Tom.  "But blood can't be wiped out.  We're
+cousins, even if we don't like it."
+
+"Are you quite sure you are right about this relationship?" asked
+Henry Fairbanks, gravely.  "Fitz, here, says he belongs to one of the
+first families of Boston."
+
+"Well, I belong to one of the first families of Hampton," said Abner,
+with a grin.  "Nobody don't look down on me, I guess."
+
+"You hear that, Fitz," said Oscar.  "Be sensible, and shake hands
+with your cousin."
+
+"Yes, shake hands with your cousin!" echoed the boys.
+
+"You all seem to want to insult me," said Fitz, sullenly.
+
+"Not I," said Oscar, "and I'll prove it--will you shake hands with
+me, sir?"
+
+"That I will," said Abner, heartily.  "I can see that you're a young
+gentleman, and I wish I could say as much for my cousin, Fitz."
+
+Oscar's example was followed by the rest of the boys, who advanced in
+turn, and shook hands with the tin-pedler.
+
+"Now Fitz, it's your turn," said Tom.
+
+"I decline," said Fitz, holding his hands behind his back.
+
+"How much he looks like his marm did when she was young," said Abner.
+"Well, boys, I can't stop no longer.  I didn't think Cousin Fitz
+would be so stuck up, just because his father's made some money.
+Good-mornin'!"
+
+"Three cheers for Fitz's cousin!" shouted Tom.
+
+They were given with a will, and Mr. Bickford made acknowledgment by
+a nod and a grin.
+
+"Remember me to your mother when you write, Cousin Fitz," he said at
+parting.
+
+Fitz was too angry to reply.  He walked off sullenly, deeply
+mortified and humiliated, and for weeks afterward nothing would more
+surely throw him into a rage than any allusion to his cousin the
+tin-pedler.  One good effect, however, followed.  He did not venture
+to allude to the social position of his family in presence of his
+school-mates, and found it politic to lay aside some of his airs of
+superiority.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+HARRY JOINS THE CLIONIAN SOCIETY.
+
+A week later Harry Walton received the following note:--
+
+        "Centreville, May 16th, 18--,
+  "Dear Sir: At the last meeting of the Clionian
+  Society you were elected a member.  The next meeting
+  will be held on Thursday evening, in the Academy
+  building.
+    "Yours truly,
+      "GEORGE SANBORN,
+          "Secretary.
+    "MR. HARRY WALTON."
+
+Our hero read this letter with satisfaction.  It would be pleasant
+for him to become acquainted with the Academy students, but he
+thought most of the advantages which his membership would afford him
+in the way of writing and speaking.  He had never attempted to
+debate, and dreaded attempting it for the first time; but he knew
+that nothing desirable would be accomplished without effort, and he
+was willing to make that effort.
+
+"What have you there, Walton?" asked Clapp, noticing the letter which
+he held in his hand.
+
+"You can read it if you like," said Harry.
+
+"Humph!" said Clapp; "so you are getting in with the Academy boys?"
+
+"Why shouldn't he?" said Ferguson.
+
+"Oh, they're a stuck-up set."
+
+"I don't find them so--that is, with one exception," said Harry.
+
+"They are mostly the sones of rich men, and look down on those who
+have to work for a living."
+
+Clapp was of a jealous and envious disposition, and he was always
+fancying slights where they were not intended.
+
+"If I thought so," said Harry, "I would not join the Society, but as
+they have elected me, I shall become a member, and see how things
+turn out."
+
+"It is a good plan, Harry," said Ferguson.  "It will be a great
+advantage to you."
+
+"I wish I had a chance to attend the Academy for a couple of years,"
+said our hero, thoughtfully.
+
+"I don't," said Clapp.  "What's the good of studying Latin and Greek,
+and all that rigmarole?  It won't bring you money, will it?"
+
+"Yes," said Ferguson.  "Education will make a man more competent to
+earn money, at any rate in many cases.  I have a cousin, who used to
+go to school with me, but his father was able to send him to college.
+He is now a lawyer in Boston, making four or five times my income.
+But it isn't for the money alone that an education is worth having.
+There is a pleasure in being educated."
+
+"So I think," said Harry.
+
+"I don't see it," said Clapp.  "I wouldn't be a bookworm for anybody.
+There's Walton learning French.  What good is it ever going to do
+him?"
+
+"I can tell you better by and by, when I know a little more," said
+Harry.  "I am only a beginner now."
+
+"Dr. Franklin would never have become distinguished if he had been
+satisfied with what he knew as an apprentice," said Ferguson.
+
+"Oh, if you're going to bring up Franklin again, I've got through,"
+said Clapp with a sneer.  "I forgot that Walton was trying to be a
+second Franklin."
+
+"I don't see much chance of it," said Harry, good-humoredly.  "I
+should like to be if I could."
+
+Clapp seemed to be in an ill-humor, and the conversation was not
+continued.  He had been up late the night before with Luke Harrison,
+and both had drank more than was good for them.  In consequence,
+Clapp had a severe headache, and this did not improve his temper.
+
+
+"Come round Thursday evening, Harry," said Oscar Vincent, "and go to
+the Society with me.  I will introduce you to the fellows.  It will
+be less awkward, you know."
+
+"Thank you, Oscar.  I shall be glad to accept your escort."
+
+When Thursday evening came, Oscar and Harry entered the Society hall
+arm in arm.  Oscar led his companion up to the Secretary and
+introduced him.
+
+"I am glad to see you, Mr. Walton," said he.  "Will you sign your
+name to the Constitution?  That is all the formality we require."
+
+"Except a slight pecuniary disbursement," added Oscar.
+
+"How much is the entrance fee?" asked Harry.
+
+"One dollar.  You win pay that to the Treasurer."
+
+Oscar next introduced our hero to the President, and some of the
+leading members, all of whom welcomed him cordially.
+
+"Good-evening, Mr. Fletcher," said Harry, observing that young
+gentleman near him.
+
+"Good-evening, sir," said Fletcher stiffly, and turned on his heel
+without offering his hand.
+
+"Fletcher don't feel well," whispered Oscar.  "He had a visit from a
+poor relation the other day--a tin-pedler--and it gave such a shock
+to his sensitive system that he hasn't recovered from it yet."
+
+"I didn't imagine Mr. Fletcher had such a plebeian relative," said
+Harry.
+
+"Nor did any of us.  The interview was rich.  It amused us all, but
+what was sport to us was death to poor Fitz.  You have only to make
+the most distant allusion to a tin-pedler in his hearing, and he will
+become furious."
+
+"Then I will be careful."
+
+"Oh, it won't do any harm.  The fact was, the boy was getting too
+overbearing, and putting on altogether too many airs.  The lesson
+will do him good, or ought to."
+
+Here the Society was called to order, and Oscar and Harry took their
+seats.
+
+The exercises proceeded in regular order until the President
+announced a declamation by Fitzgerald Fletcher.
+
+"Mr. President," said Fletcher, rising, "I must ask to be excused.  I
+have not had time to prepare a declamation."
+
+"Mr. President," said Tom Carver, "under the circumstances I hope you
+will excuse Mr. Fletcher, as during the last week he has had an
+addition to his family."
+
+There was a chorus of laughter, loud and long, at this sally.  All
+were amused except Fletcher himself, who looked flushed and provoked.
+
+"Mr. Fletcher is excused," said the President, unable to refrain from
+smiling.  "Will any member volunteer to speak in his place?  It will
+be a pity to have our exercises incomplete."
+
+Fletcher was angry, and wanted to be revenged on somebody.  A bright
+idea came to him.  He would place the "printer's devil," whose
+admission to the Society he resented, in an awkward position.  He
+rose with a malicious smile upon his face.
+
+"Mr. President," he said, "doubtless Mr. Walton, the new member who
+has done us the _honor_ to join our society, will be willing to
+supply my place."
+
+"We shall certainly be glad to hear a declamation from Mr. Walton,
+though it is hardly fair to call upon him at such short notice."
+
+"Can't you speak something, Harry?" whispered Oscar.  "Don't do it,
+unless you are sure you can get through."
+
+Harry started in surprise when his name was first mentioned, but he
+quickly resolved to accept his duty.  He had a high reputation at
+home for speaking, and he had recently learned a spirited poem,
+familiar, no doubt, to many of my young readers, called "Shamus
+O'Brien."  It is the story of an Irish volunteer, who was arrested
+for participating in the Irish rebellion of '98, and is by turns
+spirited and pathetic.  Harry had rehearsed it to himself only the
+night before, and he had confidence in a strong and retentive memory.
+At the President's invitation he rose to his feet, and said, "Mr.
+President, I will do as well as I can, but I hope the members of the
+Society will make allowance for me, as I have had no time for special
+preparation."
+
+All eyes were fixed with interest upon our hero, as he advanced to
+the platform, and, bowing composedly, commenced his declamation.  It
+was not long before that interest increased, as Harry proceeded in
+his recitation.  He lost all diffidence, forgot the audience, and
+entered thoroughly into the spirit of the piece.  Especially when, in
+the trial scene, Shamus is called upon to plead guilty or not guilty,
+Harry surpassed himself, and spoke with a spirit and fire which
+brought down the house.  This is the passage:--
+
+  "My lord, if you ask me, if in my life-time
+  I thought any treason, or did any crime,
+  That should call to my cheek, as I stand alone here,
+  The hot blush of shame, or the coldness of fear,
+  Though I stood by the grave to receive my death-blow,
+  Before God and the world I would answer you, no!
+  But if you would ask me, as I think it like,
+  If in the rebellion I carried a pike,
+  An' fought for ould Ireland from the first to the close,
+  An' shed the heart's blood of her bitterest foes,
+  I answer you, _yes_; and I tell you again,
+  Though I stand here to perish, it's my glory that then
+  In her cause I was willing my veins should run dhry,
+  An' that now for her sake I am ready to die."
+
+After the applause had subsided, Harry proceeded, and at the
+conclusion of the declamation, when he bowed modestly and left the
+platform, the hall fairly shook with the stamping, in which all
+joined except Fletcher, who sat scowling with dissatisfaction at a
+result so different from his hopes.  He had expected to bring
+discomfiture to our hero.  Instead, he had given him an opportunity
+to achieve a memorable triumph.
+
+"You did yourself credit, old boy!" said Oscar, seizing and wringing
+the hand of Harry, as the latter resumed his seat.  "Why, you ought
+to go on the stage!"
+
+"Thank you," said Harry; "I am glad I got through well."
+
+"Isn't Fitz mad, though?  He thought you'd break down.  Look at him!"
+
+Harry looked over to Fletcher, who, with a sour expression, was
+sitting upright, and looking straight before him.
+
+"He don't look happy, does he?" whispered Oscar, comically.
+
+Harry came near laughing aloud, but luckily for Fletcher's peace of
+mind, succeeded in restraining himself.
+
+"He won't call you up again in a hurry; see if he does," continued
+Oscar.
+
+"I am sure we have all been gratified by Mr. Walton's spirited
+declamation," said the President, rising.  "We congratulate ourselves
+upon adding so fine a speaker to our society, and hope often to have
+the pleasure of hearing him declaim."
+
+There was a fresh outbreak of applause, after which the other
+exercises followed.  When the meeting was over the members of the
+Society crowded around Harry, and congratulated him on his success.
+These congratulations he received so modestly, as to confirm the
+favorable impression he had made by his declamation.
+
+"By Jove! old fellow," said Oscar, as they were walking home, "I am
+beginning to be proud of you.  You are doing great credit to your
+teacher."
+
+"Thank you, Professor," said Harry.  "Don't compliment me too much,
+or I may become vain, and put on airs."
+
+"If you do, I'll get Fitz to call, and remind you that you are only a
+printer's devil, after all."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+VACATION BEGINS AT THE ACADEMY.
+
+Not long after his election as a member of the Clionian Society, the
+summer term of the Prescott Academy closed.  The examination took
+place about the tenth of June, and a vacation followed, lasting till
+the first day of September.  Of course, the Clionian Society, which
+was composed of Academy students, suspended its meetings for the same
+length of time.  Indeed, the last meeting for the season took place
+during the first week in June, as the evenings were too short and too
+warm, and the weather was not favorable to oratory.  At the last
+meeting, an election was held of officers to serve for the following
+term.  The same President and Vice-President were chosen; but as the
+Secretary declined to serve another term, Harry Walton, considerably
+to his surprise, found himself elected in his place.
+
+Fitzgerald Fletcher did not vote for him.  Indeed, he expressed it as
+his opinion that it was a shame to elect a "printer's devil"
+Secretary of the Society.
+
+"Why is it?" said Oscar.  "Printing is a department of literature,
+and the Clionian is a literary society, isn't it?"
+
+"Of course it is a literary society, but a printer's devil is not
+literary."
+
+"He's as literary as a tin-pedler," said Tom Carver, maliciously.
+
+Fletcher turned red, but managed to say, "And what does that prove?"
+
+"We don't object to you because you are connected with the tin
+business."
+
+"Do you mean to insult me?" demanded Fletcher, angrily.  "What have I
+to do with the tin business?"
+
+"Oh, I beg pardon, it's your cousin that's in it."
+
+"I deny the relationship," said Fletcher, "and I will thank you not
+to refer again to that vulgar pedler."
+
+"Really, Fitz, you speak rather roughly, considering he's your
+cousin.  But as to Harry Walton, he's a fine fellow, and he has an
+excellent handwriting, and I was very glad to vote for him."
+
+Fitzgerald walked away, not a little disgusted, as well at the
+allusion to the tin-pedler, as at the success of Harry Walton in
+obtaining an office to which he had himself secretly aspired.  He had
+fancied that it would sound well to put "Secretary of the Clionian
+Society" after his name, and would give him increased consequence at
+home.  As to the tin-pedler, it would have relieved his mind to hear
+that Mr. Bickford had been carried off suddenly by an apoplectic fit,
+and notwithstanding the tie of kindred, he would not have taken the
+trouble to put on mourning in his honor.
+
+Harry Walton sat in Oscar Vincent's room, on the last evening of the
+term.  He had just finished reciting the last French lesson in which
+he would have Oscar's assistance for some time to come.
+
+"You have made excellent progress," said Oscar.  "It is only two
+months since you began French, and now you take a long lesson in
+translation."
+
+"That is because I have so good a teacher.  But do you think I can
+get along without help during the summer?"
+
+"No doubt of it.  You may find some difficulties, but those you can
+mark, and I will explain when I come back.  Or I'll tell you what is
+still better.  Write to me, and I'll answer.  Shall I write in
+French?"
+
+"I wish you would, Oscar."
+
+"Then I will.  I'm rather lazy with the pen, but I can find time for
+you.  Besides, it will be a good way for me to keep up my French."
+
+"Shall you be in Boston all summer, Oscar?"
+
+"No; our family has a summer residence at Nahant, a sea-shore place
+twelve miles from Boston.  Then I hope father will let me travel
+about a little on my own account.  I want to go to Saratoga and Lake
+George."
+
+"That would be splendid."
+
+"I wish you could go with me, Harry."
+
+"Thank you, Oscar, but perhaps you can secure Fletcher's company.
+That will be much better than that of a 'printer's devil' like
+myself."
+
+"It may show bad taste, but I should prefer your company,
+notwithstanding your low employment."
+
+"Thank you, Oscar.  I am much obliged."
+
+"Fitz has been hinting to me how nice it would be for us to go off
+somewhere together, but I don't see it in that light.  I asked him
+why he didn't secure board with his cousin, the tin-pedler, but that
+made him angry, and he walked away in disgust.  But I can't help
+pitying you a little, Harry."
+
+"Why?  On account of my occupation?"
+
+"Partly.  All these warm summer days, you have got to be working at
+the case, while I can lounge in the shade, or travel for pleasure.
+Sha'n't you have a vacation?"
+
+"I don't expect any.  I don't think I could well be spared.  However,
+I don't mind it.  I hope to do good deal of studying while you are
+gone."
+
+"And I sha'n't do any."
+
+"Neither would I, perhaps, in your position.  But there's a good deal
+of difference between us.  You are a Latin and Greek scholar, and can
+talk French, while I am at the bottom of the ladder.  I have no time
+to lose."
+
+"You have begun to mount the ladder, Harry.  Don't be discouraged.
+You can climb up."
+
+"But I must work for it.  I haven't got high enough up to stop and
+rest.  But there is one question I want to ask you, before you go."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"What French book would you recommend after I have finished this
+Reader?  I am nearly through now."
+
+"Telemaque will be a good book to take next.  It is easy and
+interesting.  Have you got a French dictionary?"
+
+"No; but I can buy one."
+
+"You can use mine while I am gone.  You may as well have it as not.
+I have no copy of Telemaque, but I will send you one from Boston."
+
+"Agreed, provided you will let me pay you for it."
+
+"So I would, if I had to buy one.  But I have got an old copy, not
+very ornamental, but complete.  I will send it through the mail."
+
+"Thank you, Oscar.  How kind you are!"
+
+"Don't flatter me, Harry.  The favors you refer to are but trifles.
+I will ask a favor of you in return."
+
+"I wish you would."
+
+"Then help me pack my trunk.  There's nothing I detest so much.
+Generally I tumble things in helter-skelter, and get a good scolding
+from mother for doing it, when she inspects my trunk."
+
+"I'll save you the trouble, then.  Bring what you want to carry home,
+and pile it on the floor, and I'll do the packing."
+
+"A thousand thanks, as the French say.  It takes a load off my mind.
+By the way, here's a lot of my photographs.  Would you like one to
+remember your professor by?"
+
+"Very much, Oscar."
+
+"Then take your choice.  They don't do justice to my beauty, which is
+of a stunning description, as you are aware, nor do they convey an
+idea of the lofty intellect which sits enthroned behind my classic
+brow; but such as they are, you are welcome to one."
+
+"Any one would think, to hear you, that you had no end of
+self-conceit, Oscar," said Harry, laughing.
+
+"How do you know that I haven't?  Most people think they are
+beautiful.  A photographer told my sister that he was once visited by
+a frightfully homely man from the the country, who wanted his 'picter
+took.'  When the result was placed before him, he seemed
+dissatisfied.  'Don't you think it like?' said the artist.--'Well,
+ye-es,' he answered slowly, 'but it hasn't got my sweet expression
+about the mouth!'"
+
+"Very good," said Harry, laughing; "that's what's the matter with
+your picture."
+
+"Precisely.  I am glad your artistic eye detects what is wanting.
+But, hold! there's a knock.  It's Fitz, I'll bet a hat."
+
+"Come in!" he cried, and Fletcher walked in.
+
+"Good-evening, Fletcher," said Oscar.  "You see I'm packing, or
+rather Walton is packing.  He's a capital packer."
+
+"Indeed!" sneered Fletcher.  "I was not aware that Mr. Walton was in
+that line of business.  What are his terms?"
+
+"I refer you to him."
+
+"What do you charge for packing trunks, Mr. Walton?"
+
+"I think fifty cents would be about right," answered Harry, with
+perfect gravity.  "Can you give me a job, Mr. Fletcher?"
+
+"I might, if I had known it in time, though I am particular who
+handles my things."
+
+"Walton is careful, and I can vouch for his honesty," said Oscar,
+carrying out the joke.  "His wages in the printing office are not
+large, and he would be glad to make a little extra money."
+
+"It must be very inconvenient to be poor," said Fletcher, with a
+supercilious glance at our hero, who was kneeling before Oscar's
+trunk.
+
+"It is," answered Harry, quietly, "but as long as work is to be had I
+shall not complain."
+
+"To be sure!" said Fletcher.  "My father is wealthy, and I shall not
+have to work."
+
+"Suppose he should fail?" suggested Oscar.
+
+"That is a very improbable supposition," said Fletcher, loftily.
+
+"But not impossible?"
+
+"Nothing is impossible."
+
+"Of course.  I say, Fitz, if such a thing should happen, you've got
+something to fall back upon."
+
+"To what do you refer?"
+
+"Mr. Bickford could give you an interest in the tin business."
+
+"Good-evening!" said Fletcher, not relishing the allusion.
+
+"Good-evening!  Of course I shall see you in the city."
+
+"I suppose I ought not to tease Fitz," said Oscar, after his visitor
+had departed, "but I enjoy seeing how disgusted he looks."
+
+In due time the trunk was packed, and Harry, not without regret, took
+leave of his friend for the summer.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+HARRY BECOMES AN AUTHOR.
+
+The closing of the Academy made quite a difference in the life of
+Centreville.  The number of boarding scholars was about thirty, and
+these, though few in number, were often seen in the street and at the
+postoffice, and their withdrawal left a vacancy.  Harry Walton felt
+quite lonely at first; but there is no cure for loneliness like
+occupation, and he had plenty of that.  The greater part of the day
+was spent in the printing office, while his evenings and early
+mornings were occupied in study and reading.  He had become very much
+interested in French, in which he found himself advancing rapidly.
+Occasionally he took tea at Mr. Ferguson's, and this he always
+enjoyed; for, as I have already said, he and Ferguson held very
+similar views on many important subjects.  One evening, at the house
+of the latter, he saw a file of weekly papers, which proved, on
+examination, to be back numbers of the "Weekly Standard," a literary
+paper issued in Boston.
+
+"I take the paper for my family," said Ferguson.  "It contains quite
+a variety of reading matter, stories, sketches and essays."
+
+"It seems quite interesting," said Harry.
+
+"Yes, it is.  I will lend you some of the back numbers, if you like."
+
+"I would like it.  My father never took a literary paper; his means
+were so limited that he could not afford it."
+
+"I think it is a good investment.  There are few papers from which
+you cannot obtain in a year more than the worth of the subscription.
+Besides, if you are going to be an editor, it will be useful for you
+to become familiar with the manner in which such papers are
+conducted."
+
+When Harry went home he took a dozen copies of the paper, and sat up
+late reading them.  While thus engaged an idea struck him.  It was
+this: Could not he write something which would be accepted for
+publication in the "Standard"?  It was his great ambition to learn to
+write for the press, and he felt that he was old enough to commence.
+
+"If I don't succeed the first time, I can try again," he reflected.
+
+The more he thought of it, the more he liked the plan.  It is very
+possible that he was influenced by the example of Franklin, who,
+while yet a boy in his teens, contributed articles to his brother's
+paper though at the time the authorship was not suspected.  Finally
+he decided to commence writing as soon as he could think of a
+suitable subject.  This he found was not easy.  He could think of
+plenty of subjects of which he was not qualified to write, or in
+which he felt little interest; but he rightly decided that he could
+succeed better with something that had a bearing upon his own
+experience or hopes for the future.
+
+Finally he decided to write on Ambition.
+
+I do not propose to introduce Harry's essay in these pages, but will
+give a general idea of it, as tending to show his views of life.
+
+He began by defining ambition as a desire for superiority, by which
+most men were more or less affected, though it manifested itself in
+very different ways, according to the character of him with whom it
+was found.  Here I will quote a passage, as a specimen of Harry's
+style and mode of expression.
+
+"There are some who denounce ambition as wholly bad and to be avoided
+by all; but I think we ought to make a distinction between true and
+false ambition.  The desire of superiority is an honorable motive, if
+it leads to honorable exertion.  I will mention Napoleon as an
+illustration of false ambition, which is selfish in itself, and has
+brought misery and ruin, to prosperous nations.  Again, there are
+some who are ambitious to dress better than their neighbors, and
+their principal thoughts are centred upon the tie of their cravat, or
+the cut of their coat, if young men; or upon the richness and style
+of their dresses, if they belong to the other sex.  Beau Brummel is a
+noted instance of this kind of ambition.  It is said that fully half
+of his time was devoted to his toilet, and the other half to
+displaying it in the streets, or in society.  Now this is a very low
+form of ambition, and it is wrong to indulge it, because it is a
+waste of time which could be much better employed."
+
+Harry now proceeded to describe what he regarded as a true and
+praiseworthy ambition.  He defined it as a desire to excel in what
+would be of service to the human race, and he instanced his old
+Franklin, who, induced by an honorable ambition, worked his way up to
+a high civil station, as well as a commanding position in the
+scientific world.  He mentioned Columbus as ambitious to extend the
+limits of geographical knowledge, and made a brief reference to the
+difficulties and discouragements over which he triumphed on the way
+to success.  He closed by an appeal to boys and young men to direct
+their ambition into worthy channels, so that even if they could not
+leave behind a great name, they might at least lead useful lives, and
+in dying have the satisfaction of thinking that they done some
+service to the race.
+
+This will give a very fair idea of Harry's essay.  There was nothing
+remarkable about it, and no striking originality in the ideas, but it
+was very creditably expressed for a boy of his years, and did even
+more credit to his good judgment, since it was an unfolding of the
+principles by which he meant to guide his own life.
+
+It must not be supposed that our hero was a genius, and that he wrote
+his essay without difficulty.  It occupied him two evenings to write
+it, and he employed the third in revising and copying it.  It covered
+about five pages of manuscript, and, according to his estimate, would
+fill about two-thirds of a long column in the "Standard."
+
+After preparing it, the next thing was to find a _nom de plume_, for
+he shrank from signing his own name.  After long consideration, he at
+last decided upon Franklin, and this was the name he signed to his
+maiden contribution to the press.
+
+He carried it to the post-office one afternoon, after his work in the
+printing office was over, and dropped it unobserved into the
+letter-box.  He did not want the postmaster to learn his secret, as
+he would have done had he received it directly from him, and noted
+the address on the envelope.
+
+For the rest of the week, Harry went about his work weighed down with
+his important secret--a secret which he had not even shared with
+Ferguson.  If the essay was declined, as he thought it might very
+possibly be, he did not want any one to know it.  If it were
+accepted, and printed, it would be time enough then to make it known.
+But there were few minutes in which his mind was not on his literary
+venture.  His preoccupation was observed by his fellow-workmen in the
+office, and he was rallied upon it, good-naturedly, by Ferguson, but
+in a different spirit by Clapp.
+
+"It seems to me you are unusually silent, Harry," said Ferguson.
+"You're not in love, are you?"
+
+"Not that I know of," said Harry, smiling.  "It's rather too early
+yet."
+
+"I've known boys of your age to fancy themselves in love."
+
+"He is is more likely thinking up some great discovery," said Clapp,
+sneering.  "You know he's a second Franklin."
+
+"Thank you for the compliment," said our hero, good-humoredly, "but I
+don't deserve it.  I don't expect to make any great discovery at
+present."
+
+"I suppose you expect to set the river on fire, some day," said
+Clapp, sarcastically.
+
+"I am afraid it wouldn't do much good to try," said Harry, who was
+too sensible to take offence.  "It isn't so easily done."
+
+"I suppose some day we shall be proud of having been in the same
+office with so great a man," pursued Clapp.
+
+"Really, Clapp, you're rather hard on our young friend," said
+Ferguson.  "He doesn't put on any airs of superiority, or pretend to
+anything uncommon."
+
+"He's very kind--such an intellect as he's got, too!" said Clapp.
+
+"I'm glad you found it out," said Harry.  "I haven't a very high idea
+of my intellect yet.  I wish I had more reason to do so."
+
+Finding that he had failed in his attempt to provoke Harry by his
+ridicule, Clapp desisted, but he disliked him none the less.
+
+The fact was, that Clapp was getting into a bad way.  He had no high
+aim in life, and cared chiefly for the pleasure of the present
+moment.  He had found Luke Harrison a congenial companion, and they
+had been associated in more than one excess.  The morning previous,
+Clapp had entered the printing office so evidently under the
+influence of liquor, that he had been sharply reprimanded by Mr.
+Anderson.
+
+"I don't choose to interfere with your mode of life, unwise and
+ruinous as I may consider it," he said, "as long as it does not
+interfere with your discharge of duty.  But to-day you are clearly
+incapacitated for labor, and I have a right to complain.  If it
+happens again, I shall be obliged to look for another journeyman."
+
+Clapp did not care to leave his place just at present, for he had no
+money saved up, and was even somewhat in debt, and it might be some
+time before he got another place.  So he rather sullenly agreed to be
+more careful in future, and did not go to work till the afternoon.
+But though circumstances compelled him to submit, it put him in bad
+humor, and made him more disposed to sneer than ever.  He had an
+unreasoning prejudice against Harry, which was stimulated by Luke
+Harrison, who had this very sufficient reason for hating our hero,
+that he had succeeded in injuring him.  As an old proverb has it "We
+are slow to forgive those whom we have injured."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+A LITERARY DEBUT.
+
+Harry waited eagerly for the next issue of the "Weekly Standard." It
+was received by Mr. Anderson in exchange for the "Centreville
+Gazette," and usually came to hand on Saturday morning.  Harry was
+likely to obtain the first chance of examining the paper, as he was
+ordinarily sent to the post-office on the arrival of the morning mail.
+
+His hands trembled as he unfolded the paper and hurriedly scanned the
+contents.  But he looked in vain for his essay on Ambition.  There
+was not even a reference to it.  He was disappointed, but he soon
+became hopeful again.
+
+"I couldn't expect it to appear so soon," he reflected.  "These city
+weeklies have to be printed some days in advance.  It may appear yet."
+
+So he was left in suspense another week, hopeful and doubtful by
+turns of the success of his first offering for the press.  He was
+rallied from time to time on his silence in the office, but he
+continued to keep his secret.  If his contribution was slighted, no
+one should know it but himself.
+
+At last another Saturday morning came around and again he set out for
+the post-office.  Again he opened the paper with trembling fingers,
+and eagerly scanned the well-filled columns.  This time his search
+was rewarded.  There, on the first column of the last page, in all
+the glory of print, was his treasured essay!
+
+A flash of pleasure tinged his cheek, and his heart beat rapidly, as
+he read his first printed production.  It is a great event in the
+life of a literary novice, when he first sees himself.  Even Byron
+says,--
+
+  "'Tis pleasant, sure, to see one's self in print."
+
+To our young hero the essay read remarkably well--better than he had
+expected; but then, very likely he was prejudiced in its favor.  He
+read it through three times on his way back to the printing office,
+and each time felt better satisfied.
+
+"I wonder if any of the readers will think it was written by a boy?"
+thought Harry.  Probably many did so suspect, for, as I have said,
+though the thoughts were good and sensible, the article was only
+moderately well expressed.  A practised critic would readily have
+detected marks of immaturity, although it was a very creditable
+production for a boy of sixteen.
+
+"Shall I tell Ferguson?" thought Harry.
+
+On the whole he concluded to remain silent just at present.  He knew
+Ferguson took the paper, and waited to see if he would make any
+remark about it.
+
+"I should like to hear him speak of it, without knowing that I was
+the writer," thought our hero.
+
+Just before he reached the office, he discovered with satisfaction
+the following editorial reference to his article:--
+
+"We print in another column an essay on 'ambition' by a new
+contributor.  It contains some good ideas, and we especially commend
+it to the perusal of our young readers.  We hope to hear from
+'Franklin' again."
+
+"That's good," thought Harry.  "I am glad the editor likes it.  I
+shall write again as soon as possible."
+
+"What makes you look so bright, Harry?" asked Ferguson, as he
+re-entered the office.  "Has any one left you a fortune?"
+
+"Not that I know of," said Harry.  "Do I look happier than usual?"
+
+"So it seems to me."
+
+Harry was spared answering this question, for Clapp struck in,
+grumbling, as usual: "I wish somebody'd leave me a fortune.  You
+wouldn't see me here long."
+
+"What would you do?" asked his fellow-workman.
+
+"Cut work to begin with.  I'd go to Europe and have a jolly time."
+
+"You can do that without a fortune."
+
+"I should like to know how?"
+
+"Be economical, and you can save enough in three years to pay for a
+short trip.  Bayard Taylor was gone two years, and only spent five
+hundred dollars."
+
+"Oh, hang economy!" drawled Clapp.  "It don't suit me.  I should like
+to know how a feller's going to economize on fifteen dollars a week."
+
+"I could."
+
+"Oh, no doubt," sneered Clapp, "but a man can't starve."
+
+"Come round and take supper with me, some night," said Ferguson,
+good-humoredly, "and you can judge for yourself whether I believe in
+starving."
+
+Clapp didn't reply to this invitation.  He would not have enjoyed a
+quiet evening with his fellow-workman.  An evening at billiards or
+cards, accompanied by bets on the games, would have been much more to
+his mind.
+
+"Who is Bayard Taylor, that made such a cheap tour in Europe?" asked
+Harry, soon afterward.
+
+"A young journalist who had a great desire to travel.  He has lately
+published an account of his tour.  I don't buy many books, but I
+bought that.  Would you like to read it?"
+
+"Very much."
+
+"You can have it any time."
+
+"Thank you."
+
+On Monday, a very agreeable surprise awaited Harry.
+
+"I am out of copy," he said, going up to Mr. Anderson's table.
+
+"Here's a selection for the first page," said Mr. Anderson.  "Cut it
+in two, and give part of it to Clapp."
+
+Could Harry believe his eyes!  It was his own article on ambition,
+and it was to be reproduced in the "Gazette."  Next to the delight of
+seeing one's self in print for the first time, is the delight of
+seeing that first article copied.  It is a mark of appreciation which
+cannot be mistaken.
+
+Still Harry said nothing, but, with a manner as unconcerned as
+possible, handed the lower half of the essay to Clapp to set up.  The
+signature "Franklin" had been cut off, and the name of the paper from
+which the essay had been cut was substituted.
+
+"Wouldn't Clapp feel disgusted," thought Harry, "if he knew that he
+was setting up an article of mine.  I believe he would have a fit."
+
+He was too considerate to expose his fellow-workman to such a
+contingency, and went about his work in silence.
+
+That evening he wrote to the publisher of the "Standard," inclosing
+the price of two copies of the last number, which he desired should
+be sent to him by mail.  He wished to keep one himself, and the other
+he intended to forward to his father, who, he knew, would sympathize
+with him in his success as well as his aspirations.  He accompanied
+the paper by a letter in which he said,--
+
+"I want to improve in writing as much as, I can.  I want to be
+something more than a printer, sometime.  I shall try to qualify
+myself for an editor; for an editor can exert a good deal of
+influence in the community.  I hope you will approve my plans."
+
+In due time Harry received the following reply:--
+
+
+"My dear son:--I am indeed pleased and proud to hear of your success,
+not that it is a great matter in itself, but because I think it shows
+that you are in earnest in your determination to win an honorable
+position by honorable labor.  I am sorry that my narrow means have
+not permitted me to give you those advantages which wealthy fathers
+can bestow upon their sons.  I should like to have sent you to
+college and given you an opportunity afterward of studying for a
+profession.  I think your natural abilities would have justified such
+an outlay.  But, alas! poverty has always held me back.  It shuts out
+you, as it has shut out me, from the chance of culture.  Your
+college, my boy, must be the printing office.  If you make the best
+of that, you will find that it is no mean instructor.  Not Franklin
+alone, but many of our most eminent and influential men have
+graduated from it.
+
+"You will be glad to hear that we are all well.  I have sold the cow
+which I bought of Squire Green, and got another in her place that
+proves to be much better.  We all send much love, and your mother
+wishes me to say that she misses you very much, as indeed we all do.
+But we know that you are better off in Centreville than you would be
+at home, and that helps to make us contented.  Don't forget to write
+every week.
+
+  "Your affectionate father,
+    "HIRAM WALTON.
+
+"P. S.--If you print any more articles, we shall be interested to
+read them."
+
+
+Harry read this letter with eager interest.  He felt glad that his
+father was pleased with him, and it stimulated him to increased
+exertions.
+
+"Poor father!" he said to himself.  "He has led a hard life,
+cultivating that rocky little farm.  It has been hard work and poor
+pay with him.  I hope there is something better in store for him.  If
+I ever get rich, or even well off, I will take care that he has an
+easier time."
+
+After the next issue of the "Gazette" had appeared, Harry informed
+Ferguson in confidence that he was the author of the article on
+Ambition.
+
+"I congratulate you, Harry," said his friend.  "It is an excellent
+essay, well thought out, and well expressed.  I don't wonder, now you
+tell me of it.  It sounds like you.  Without knowing the authorship,
+I asked Clapp his opinion of it."
+
+"What did he say?"
+
+"Are you sure it won't hurt your feelings?"
+
+"It may; but I shall get over it.  Go ahead."
+
+"He said it was rubbish."
+
+Harry laughed.
+
+"He would be confirmed in his decision, if he knew that I wrote it,"
+he said.
+
+"No doubt.  But don't let that discourage you.  Keep on writing by
+all means, and you'll become an editor in time."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+FERDINAND B. KENSINGTON.
+
+It has already been mentioned that John Clapp and Luke Harrison were
+intimate.  Though their occupations differed, one being a printer and
+the other a shoemaker, they had similar tastes, and took similar
+views of life.  Both were discontented with the lot which Fortune had
+assigned them.  To work at the case, or the shoe-bench, seemed
+equally irksome, and they often lamented to each other the hard
+necessity which compelled them to it.  Suppose we listen to their
+conversation, as they walked up the village street, one evening about
+this time, smoking cigars.
+
+"I say, Luke," said John Clapp, "I've got tired of this kind of life.
+Here I've been in the office a year, and I'm not a cent richer than
+when I entered it, besides working like a dog all the while."
+
+"Just my case," said Luke.  "I've been shoe-makin' ever since I was
+fourteen, and I'll be blest if I can show five dollars, to save my
+life."
+
+"What's worse," said Clapp, "there isn't any prospect of anything
+better in my case.  What's a feller to do on fifteen dollars a week?"
+
+"Won't old Anderson raise your wages?"
+
+"Not he!  He thinks I ought to get rich on what he pays me now," and
+Clapp laughed scornfully.  "If I were like Ferguson, I might.  He
+never spends a cent without taking twenty-four hours to think it over
+beforehand."
+
+My readers, who are familiar with Mr. Ferguson's views and ways of
+life, will at once see that this was unjust, but justice cannot be
+expected from an angry and discontented man.
+
+"Just so," said Luke.  "If a feller was to live on bread and water,
+and get along with one suit of clothes a year, he might save
+something, but that aint _my_ style."
+
+"Nor mine."
+
+"It's strange how lucky some men are," said Luke.  "They get rich
+without tryin'.  I never was lucky.  I bought a ticket in a lottery
+once, but of course I didn't draw anything.  Just my luck!"
+
+"So did I," said Clapp, "but I fared no better.  It seemed as if
+Fortune had a spite against me.  Here I am twenty-five years old, and
+all I'm worth is two dollars and a half, and I owe more than that to
+the tailor."
+
+"You're as rich as I am," said Luke.  "I only get fourteen dollars a
+week.  That's less than you do."
+
+"A dollar more or less don't amount to much," said Clapp.  "I'll tell
+you what it is, Luke," he resumed after a pause, "I'm getting sick of
+Centreville."
+
+"So am I," said Luke, "but it don't make much difference.  If I had
+fifty dollars, I'd go off and try my luck somewhere else, but I'll
+have to wait till I'm gray-headed before I get as much as that."
+
+"Can't you borrow it?"
+
+"Who'd lend it to me?"
+
+"I don't know.  If I did, I'd go in for borrowing myself.  I wish
+there was some way of my getting to California."
+
+"California!" repeated Luke with interest.  "What would you do there?"
+
+"I'd go to the mines."
+
+"Do you think there's money to be made there?"
+
+"I know there is," said Clapp, emphatically.
+
+"How do you know it?"
+
+"There's an old school-mate of mine--Ralph Smith--went out there two
+years ago.  Last week he returned home--I heard it in a letter--and
+how much do you think he brought with him?"
+
+"How much?"
+
+"Eight thousand dollars!"
+
+"Eight thousand dollars!  He didn't make it all at the mines, did he?"
+
+"Yes, he did.  When he went out there, he had just money enough to
+pay his passage.  Now, after only two years, he can lay off and live
+like a gentleman."
+
+"He's been lucky, and no mistake."
+
+"You bet he has.  But we might be as lucky if we were only out there."
+
+"Ay, there's the rub.  A fellow can't travel for nothing."
+
+At this point in their conversation, a well-dressed young man,
+evidently a stranger in the village, met them, and stopping, asked
+politely for a light.
+
+This Clapp afforded him.
+
+"You are a stranger in the village?" he said, with some curiosity.
+
+"Yes, I was never here before.  I come from New York."
+
+"Indeed!  If I lived in New York I'd stay there, and not come to such
+a beastly place as Centreville."
+
+"Do you live here?" asked the stranger.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I wonder you live in such a beastly place," he said, with a smile.
+
+"You wouldn't, if you knew the reason."
+
+"What is the reason?"
+
+"I can't get away."
+
+The stranger laughed.
+
+"Cruel parents?" he asked.
+
+"Not much," said Clapp.  "The plain reason is, that I haven't got
+money enough to get me out of town."
+
+"It's the same with me," said Luke Harrison.
+
+"Gentlemen, we are well met," said the stranger.  "I'm hard up
+myself."
+
+"You don't look like it," said Luke, glancing at his rather flashy
+attire.
+
+"These clothes are not paid for," said the stranger, laughing; "and
+what's more, I don't think they are likely to be.  But, I take it,
+you gentlemen are better off than I in one respect.  You've got
+situations--something to do."
+
+"Yes, but on starvation pay," said Clapp.  "I'm in the office of the
+'Centreville Gazette.'"
+
+"And I'm in a shoemaker's shop.  It's a beastly business for a young
+man of spirit," said Luke.
+
+"Well, I'm a gentleman at large, living on my wits, and pretty poor
+living it is sometimes," said the stranger.  "As I think we'll agree
+together pretty well, I'm glad I've met you.  We ought to know each
+other better.  There's my card."
+
+He drew from his pocket a highly glazed piece of pasteboard, bearing
+the name,
+
+    FREDERICK B. KENSINGTON.
+
+"I haven't any cards with me," said Clapp, "but my name is John
+Clapp."
+
+"And mine is Luke Harrison," said the bearer of that appellation.
+
+"I'm proud to know you, gentlemen.   If you have no objection, we'll
+walk on together."
+
+To this Clapp and Luke acceded readily.  Indeed, they were rather
+proud of being seen in company with a young man so dashing in manner,
+and fashionably dressed, though in a pecuniary way their new
+acquaintance, by his own confession, was scarcely as well off as
+themselves.
+
+"Where are you staying, Mr. Kensington?" said Clapp.
+
+"At the hotel.  It's a poor place.  No style."
+
+"Of course not.  I can't help wondering, Mr. Kensington, what can
+bring you to such a one-horse place as this."
+
+"I don't mind telling you, then.  The fact is, I've got an old aunt
+living about two miles from here.  She's alone in the world--got
+neither chick nor child--and is worth at least ten thousand dollars.
+Do you see?"
+
+"I think I do," said Clapp.  "You want to come in for a share of the
+stamps."
+
+"Yes; I want to see if I can't get something out of the old girl,"
+said Kensington, carelessly.
+
+"Do you think the chance is good?"
+
+"I don't know.  I hear she's pretty tight-fisted.  But I've run on
+here on the chance of doing something.  If she will only make me her
+heir, and give me five hundred dollars in hand, I'll go to
+California, and see what'll turn up."
+
+"California!" repeated John Clapp and Luke in unison.
+
+"Yes; were you ever there?"
+
+"No; but we were talking of going there just as you came up," said
+John.  "An old school-mate of mine has just returned from there with
+eight thousand dollars in gold."
+
+"Lucky fellow!  That's the kind of haul I'd like to make."
+
+"Do you know how much it costs to go out there?"
+
+"The prices are down just at present.  You can go for a hundred
+dollars--second cabin."
+
+"It might as well be a thousand!" said Luke.  "Clapp and I can't
+raise a hundred dollars apiece to save our lives."
+
+"I'll tell you what," said Kensington.  "You two fellows are just the
+company I'd like.  If I can raise five hundred dollars out of the old
+girl, I'll take you along with me, and you can pay me after you get
+out there."
+
+John Clapp and Luke Harrison were astounded at this liberal offer
+from a perfect stranger, but they had no motives of delicacy about
+accepting it.  They grasped the hand of their new friend, and assured
+him that nothing would suit them so well.
+
+"All right!" said Kensington.  "Then it's agreed.  Now, boys, suppose
+we go round to the tavern, and ratify our compact by a drink."
+
+"I say amen to that," answered Clapp, "but I insist on standing
+treat."
+
+"Just as you say," said Kensington.  "Come along."
+
+It was late when the three parted company.  Luke and John Clapp were
+delighted with their new friend, and, as they staggered home with
+uncertain steps, they indulged in bright visions of future prosperity.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+AUNT DEBORAH.
+
+Miss Deborah Kensington sat in an old-fashioned rocking-chair covered
+with a cheap print, industriously engaged in footing a stocking.  She
+was a maiden lady of about sixty, with a thin face, thick seamed with
+wrinkles, a prominent nose, bridged by spectacles, sharp gray eyes,
+and thin lips.   She was a shrewd New England woman, who knew very
+well how to take care of and increase the property which she had
+inherited.  Her nephew had been correctly informed as to her being
+close-fisted.  All her establishment was carried on with due regard
+to economy, and though her income in the eyes of a city man would be
+counted small, she saved half of it every year, thus increasing her
+accumulations.
+
+As she sat placidly knitting, an interruption came in the shape of a
+knock at the front door.
+
+"I'll go myself," she said, rising, and laying down the stocking.
+"Hannah's out in the back room, and won't hear.  I hope it aint Mrs.
+Smith, come to borrow some butter.  She aint returned that last
+half-pound she borrowed.  She seems to think her neighbors have got
+to support her."
+
+These thoughts were in her mind as she opened the door.  But no Mrs.
+Smith presented her figure to the old lady's gaze.  She saw instead,
+with considerable surprise, a stylish young man with a book under his
+arm.  She jumped to the conclusion that he was a book-pedler, having
+been annoyed by several persistent specimens of that class of
+travelling merchants.
+
+"If you've got books to sell," she said, opening the attack, "you may
+as well go away.  I aint got no money to throw away."
+
+Mr. Ferdinand B. Kensington--for he was the young man in
+question--laughed heartily, while the old lady stared at him half
+amazed, half angry.
+
+"I don't see what there is to laugh at," said she, offended.
+
+"I was laughing at the idea of my being taken for a book-pedler."
+
+"Well, aint you one?" she retorted.  "If you aint, what be you?"
+
+"Aunt Deborah, don't you know me?" asked the young man, familiarly.
+
+"Who are you that calls me aunt?" demanded the old lady, puzzled.
+
+"I'm your brother Henry's son.  My name is Ferdinand."
+
+"You don't say so!" ejaculated the old lady.  "Why, I'd never 'ave
+thought it.  I aint seen you since you was a little boy."
+
+"This don't look as if I was a little boy, aunt," said the young man,
+touching his luxuriant whiskers.
+
+"How time passes, I do declare!" said Deborah.  "Well, come in, and
+we'll talk over old times.  Where did you come from?"
+
+"From the city of New York.  That's where I've been living for some
+time."
+
+"You don't say!  Well, what brings you this way?"
+
+"To see you, Aunt Deborah.  It's so long since I've seen you that I
+thought I'd like to come."
+
+"I'm glad to see you, Ferdinand," said the old lady, flattered by
+such a degree of dutiful attention from a fine-looking young man.
+"So your poor father's dead?"
+
+"Yes, aunt, he's been dead three years."
+
+"I suppose he didn't leave much.  He wasn't very forehanded."
+
+"No, aunt; he left next to nothing."
+
+"Well, it didn't matter much, seein' as you was the only child, and
+big enough to take care of yourself."
+
+"Still, aunt, it would have been comfortable if he had left me a few
+thousand dollars."
+
+"Aint you doin' well?  You look as if you was," said Deborah,
+surveying critically her nephew's good clothes.
+
+"Well, I've been earning a fair salary, but it's very expensive
+living in a great city like New York."
+
+"Humph! that's accordin' as you manage.  If you live snug, you can
+get along there cheap as well as anywhere, I reckon.  What was you
+doin'?"
+
+"I was a salesman for A. T. Stewart, our leading dry-goods merchant."
+
+"What pay did you get?"
+
+"A thousand dollars a year."
+
+"Why, that's a fine salary.  You'd ought to save up a good deal."
+
+"You don't realize how much it costs to live in New York, aunt.  Of
+course, if I lived here, I could live on half the sum, but I have to
+pay high prices for everything in New York."
+
+"You don't need to spend such a sight on dress," said Deborah,
+disapprovingly.
+
+"I beg your pardon, Aunt Deborah; that's where you are mistaken.  The
+store-keepers in New York expect you to dress tip-top and look
+genteel, so as to do credit to them.  If it hadn't been for that, I
+shouldn't have spent half so much for dress.  Then, board's very
+expensive."
+
+"You can get boarded here for two dollars and a half a week," said
+Aunt Deborah.
+
+"Two dollars and a half!  Why, I never paid less than eight dollars a
+week in the city, and you can only get poor board for that."
+
+"The boarding-houses must make a great deal of money," said Deborah.
+"If I was younger, I'd maybe go to New York, and keep one myself."
+
+"You're rich, aunt.  You don't need to do that."
+
+"Who told you I was rich?" said the old lady, quickly.
+
+"Why, you've only got yourself to take care of, and you own this
+farm, don't you?"
+
+"Yes, but farmin' don't pay much."
+
+"I always heard you were pretty comfortable."
+
+"So I am," said the old lady, "and maybe I save something; but my
+income aint as great as yours."
+
+"You have only yourself to look after, and it is cheap living in
+Centreville."
+
+"I don't fling money away.  I don't spend quarter as much as you on
+dress."
+
+Looking at the old lady'a faded bombazine dress, Ferdinand was very
+ready to believe this.
+
+"You don't have to dress here, I suppose," he answered.  "But, aunt,
+we won't talk about money matters just yet.  It was funny you took me
+for a book-pedler."
+
+"It was that book you had, that made me think so."
+
+"It's a book I brought as a present to you, Aunt Deborah."
+
+"You don't say!" said the old lady, gratified.  "What is it?  Let me
+look at it."
+
+"It's a copy of 'Pilgrim's Progress,' illustrated.  I knew you
+wouldn't like the trashy books they write nowadays, so I brought you
+this."
+
+"Really, Ferdinand, you're very considerate," said Aunt Deborah,
+turning over the leaves with manifest pleasure.  "It's a good book,
+and I shall be glad to have it.  Where are you stoppin'?"
+
+"At the hotel in the village."
+
+"You must come and stay here.  You can get 'em to send round your
+things any time."
+
+"Thank you, aunt, I shall be delighted to do so.  It seems so
+pleasant to see you again after so many years.  You don't look any
+older than when I saw you last."
+
+Miss Deborah knew very well that she did look older, but still she
+was pleased by the compliment.  Is there any one who does not like to
+receive the same assurance?
+
+"I'm afraid your eyes aint very sharp, Ferdinand," she said.  "I feel
+I'm gettin' old.  Why, I'm sixty-one, come October."
+
+"Are you?  I shouldn't call you over fifty, from your looks, aunt.
+Really I shouldn't."
+
+"I'm afraid you tell fibs sometimes," said Aunt Deborah, but she said
+it very graciously, and surveyed her nephew very kindly.  "Heigh ho!
+it's a good while since your poor father and I were children
+together, and went to the school-house on the hill.  Now he's gone,
+and I'm left alone."
+
+"Not alone, aunt.  If he is dead, you have got a nephew."
+
+"Well, Ferdinand, I'm glad to see you, and I shall be glad to have
+you pay me a good long visit.  But how can you be away from your
+place so long?  Did Mr. Stewart give you a vacation?"
+
+"No, aunt; I left him."
+
+"For good?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Left a place where you was gettin' a thousand dollars a year!" said
+the old lady in accents of strong disapproval.
+
+"Yes, aunt."
+
+"Then I think you was very foolish," said Deborah with emphasis.
+
+"Perhaps you won't, when you know why I left it."
+
+"Why did you?"
+
+"Because I could do better."
+
+"Better than a thousand dollars a year!" said Deborah with surprise.
+
+"Yes, I am offered two thousand dollars in San Francisco."
+
+"You don't say!" ejaculated Deborah, letting her stocking drop in
+sheer amazement.
+
+"Yes, I do.  It's a positive fact."
+
+"You must be a smart clerk!"
+
+"Well, it isn't for me to say," said Ferdinand, laughing.
+
+"When be you goin' out?"
+
+"In a week, but I thought I must come and bid you good-by first."
+
+"I'm real glad to see you, Ferdinand," said Aunt Deborah, the more
+warmly because she considered him so prosperous that she would have
+no call to help him.  But here she was destined to find herself
+mistaken.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+AUNT AND NEPHEW.
+
+"I don't think I can come here till to-morrow, Aunt Deborah," said
+Ferdinand, a little later.  "I'll stay at the hotel to-night, and
+come round with my baggage in the morning."
+
+"Very well, nephew, but now you're here, you must stay to tea."
+
+"Thank you, aunt, I will."
+
+"I little thought this mornin', I should have Henry's son to tea,"
+said Aunt Deborah, half to herself.  "You don't look any like him,
+Ferdinand."
+
+"No, I don't think I do."
+
+"It's curis too, for you was his very picter when you was a boy."
+
+"I've changed a good deal since then, Aunt Deborah," said her nephew,
+a little uneasily.
+
+"So you have, to be sure.  Now there's your hair used to be almost
+black, now it's brown.  Really I can't account for it," and Aunt
+Deborah surveyed the young man over her spectacles.
+
+"You've got a good memory, aunt," said Ferdinand with a forced laugh.
+
+"Now ef your hair had grown darker, I shouldn't have wondered,"
+pursued Aunt Deborah; "but it aint often black turns to brown."
+
+"That's so, aunt, but I can explain it," said Ferdinand, after a
+slight pause.
+
+"How was it?"
+
+"You know the French barbers can change your hair to any shade you
+want."
+
+"Can they?"
+
+"Yes, to be sure.  Now--don't laugh at me, aunt--a young lady I used
+to like didn't fancy dark hair, so I went to a French barber, and he
+changed the color for me in three months."
+
+"You don't say!"
+
+"Fact, aunt; but he made me pay him well too."
+
+"How much did you give him?"
+
+"Fifty dollars, aunt."
+
+"That's what I call wasteful," said Aunt Deborah, disapprovingly.
+
+"Couldn't you be satisfied with the nat'ral color of your hair?  To
+my mind black's handsomer than brown."
+
+"You're right, aunt.  I wouldn't have done it if it hadn't been for
+Miss Percival."
+
+"Are you engaged to her?"
+
+"No, Aunt Deborah.  The fact was, I found she wasn't domestic, and
+didn't know anything about keeping house, but only cared for dress,
+so I drew off, and she's married to somebody else now."
+
+"I'm glad to hear it," said Deborah, emphatically.  "The jade!  She
+wouldn't have been a proper wife for you.  You want some good girl
+that's willin' to go into the kitchen, and look after things, and not
+carry all she's worth on her back."
+
+"I agree with you, aunt," said Ferdinand, who thought it politic, in
+view of the request he meant to make by and by, to agree with hie
+aunt in her views of what a wife should be.
+
+Aunt Deborah began to regard her nephew as quite a sensible young
+man, and to look upon him with complacency.
+
+"I wish, Ferdinand," she said, "you liked farmin'."
+
+"Why, aunt?"
+
+"You could stay here, and manage my farm for me."
+
+"Heaven forbid!" thought the young man with a shudder.  "I should be
+bored to death.  Does the old lady think I would put on a frock and
+overalls, and go out and plough, or hoe potatoes?"
+
+"It's a good, healthy business," pursued Aunt Deborah, unconscious of
+the thoughts which were passing through her nephew's mind, "and you
+wouldn't have to spend much for dress.  Then I'm gittin' old, and
+though I don't want to make no promises, I'd very likely will it to
+you, ef I was satisfied with the way you managed."
+
+"You're very kind, aunt," said Ferdinand, "but I'm afraid I wasn't
+cut out for farming.  You know I never lived in the country."
+
+"Why, yes, you did," said the old lady.  "You was born in the
+country, and lived there till you was ten years old."
+
+"To be sure," said Ferdinand, hastily, "but I was too young then to
+take notice of farming.   What does a boy of ten know of such things?"
+
+"To be sure.  You're right there."
+
+"The fact is, Aunt Deborah, some men are born to be farmers, and some
+are born to be traders.  Now, I've got a talent for trading.  That's
+the reason I've got such a good offer from San Francisco."
+
+"How did you get it?  Did you know the man?"
+
+"He used to be in business in New York.  He was the first man I
+worked for, and he knew what I was.  San Francisco is full of money,
+and traders make more than they do here.  That's the reason he can
+afford to offer me so large a salary."
+
+"When did he send for you?"
+
+"I got the letter last week."
+
+"Have you got it with you?"
+
+"No, aunt; I may have it at the hotel," said the young man,
+hesitating, "but I am not certain."
+
+"Well, it's a good offer.  There isn't nobody in Centreville gets so
+large a salary."
+
+"No, I suppose not.  They don't need it, as it is cheap living here."
+
+"I hope when you get out there, Ferdinand, you'll save up money.
+You'd ought to save two-thirds of your pay."
+
+"I will try to, aunt."
+
+"You'll be wantin' to get married bimeby, and then it'll be
+convenient to have some money to begin with."
+
+"To be sure, aunt.   I see you know how to manage."
+
+"I was always considered a good manager," said Deborah, complacently.
+"Ef your poor father had had _my_ faculty, he wouldn't have died as
+poor as he did, I can tell you."
+
+"What a conceited old woman she is, with her faculty!" thought
+Ferdinand, but what he said was quite different.
+
+"I wish he had had, aunt.  It would have been better for me."
+
+"Well, you ought to get along, with your prospects."
+
+"Little the old woman knows what my real prospects are!" thought the
+young man.
+
+"Of course I ought," he said.
+
+"Excuse me a few minutes, nephew," said Aunt Deborah, gathering up
+her knitting and rising from her chair.  "I must go out and see about
+tea.  Maybe you'd like to read that nice book you brought."
+
+"No, I thank you, aunt.  I think I'll take a little walk round your
+place, if you'll allow me."
+
+"Sartin, Ferdinand.  Only come back in half an hour; tea'll be ready
+then."
+
+"Yea, aunt, I'll remember."
+
+So while Deborah was in the kitchen, Ferdinand took a walk in the
+fields, laughing to himself from time to time, as if something amused
+him.
+
+He returned in due time, and sat down to supper Aunt Deborah had
+provided her best, and, though the dishes were plain, they were quite
+palatable.
+
+When supper was over, the young man said,--
+
+"Now, aunt, I think I will be getting back to the hotel."
+
+"You'll come over in the morning, Ferdinand, and fetch your trunk?"
+
+"Yes, aunt.  Good-night."
+
+"Good-night."
+
+"Well," thought the young man, as he tramped back to the hotel.
+"I've opened the campaign, and made, I believe, a favorable
+impression.  But what a pack of lies I have had to tell, to be sure!
+The old lady came near catching me once or twice, particularly about
+the color of my hair.  It was a lucky thought, that about the French
+barber.  It deceived the poor old soul.  I don't think she could ever
+have been very handsome.  If she was she must have changed fearfully."
+
+In the evening, John Clapp and Luke Harrison came round to the hotel
+to see him.
+
+"Have you been to see your aunt?" asked Clapp.
+
+"Yes, I took tea there."
+
+"Have a good time?"
+
+"Oh, I played the dutiful nephew to perfection.  The old lady thinks
+a sight of me."
+
+"How did you do it?"
+
+"I agreed with all she said, told her how young she looked, and
+humbugged her generally."
+
+Clapp laughed.
+
+"The best part of the joke is--will you promise to keep dark?"
+
+"Of course."
+
+"Don't breathe it to a living soul, you two fellows.  _She isn't my
+aunt of all_!"
+
+"Isn't your aunt?"
+
+"No, her true nephew is in New York--I know him.--but I know enough
+of family matters to gull the old lady, and, I hope, raise a few
+hundred dollars out of her."
+
+This was a joke which Luke and Clapp could appreciate, and they
+laughed heartily at the deception which was being practised on simple
+Aunt Deborah, particularly when Ferdinand explained how he got over
+the difficulty of having different colored hair from the real owner
+of the name he assumed.
+
+"We must have a drink on that," said Luke.  "Walk up, gentlemen."
+
+"I'm agreeable," said Ferdinand.
+
+"And I," said Clapp.  "Never refuse a good offer, say I."
+
+Poor Aunt Deborah!  She little dreamed that she was the dupe of a
+designing adventurer who bore no relationship to her.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+THE ROMANCE OF A RING.
+
+Ferdinand B. Kensington, as he called himself, removed the next
+morning to the house of Aunt Deborah.  The latter received him very
+cordially, partly because it was a pleasant relief to her solitude to
+have a lively and active young man in the house, partly because she
+was not forced to look upon him as a poor relation in need of
+pecuniary assistance.  She even felt considerable respect for the
+prospective recipient of an income of two thousand dollars, which in
+her eyes was a magnificent salary.
+
+Ferdinand, on his part, spared no pains to make himself agreeable to
+the old lady, whom he had a mercenary object in pleasing.  Finding
+that she was curious to hear about the great city, which to her was
+as unknown as London or Paris, be gratified her by long accounts,
+chiefly of as imaginative character, to which she listened greedily.
+These included some personal adventures, in all of which he figured
+very creditably.
+
+Here is a specimen.
+
+"By the way, Aunt Deborah," he said, casually, "have you noticed this
+ring on my middle finger?"
+
+"No, I didn't notice it before, Ferdinand.  It's very handsome."
+
+"I should think it ought to be, Aunt Deborah," said the young man.
+
+"Why?"
+
+"It cost enough to be handsome."
+
+"How much did it cost?" asked the old lady, not without curiosity.
+
+"Guess."
+
+"I aint no judge of such things; I've only got this plain gold ring.
+Yours has got some sort of a stone in it."
+
+"That stone is a diamond, Aunt Deborah!"
+
+"You don't say so!  Let me look at it.  It aint got no color.  Looks
+like glass."
+
+"It's very expensive, though.  How much do you think it cost?"
+
+"Well, maybe five dollars."
+
+"Five dollars!" ejaculated the young man.  "Why, what can you be
+thinking of, Aunt Deborah?"
+
+"I shouldn't have guessed so much," said the old lady,
+misunderstanding him, "only you said it was expensive."
+
+"So it is.  Five dollars would be nothing at all."
+
+"You don't say it cost more?"
+
+"A great deal more."
+
+"Did it cost ten dollars?"
+
+"More."
+
+"Fifteen?"
+
+"I see, aunt, you have no idea of the cost of diamond rings!  You may
+believe me or not, but that ring cost six hundred and fifty dollars."
+
+"What!" almost screamed Aunt Deborah, letting fall her knitting in
+her surprise.
+
+"It's true."
+
+"Six hundred and fifty dollars for a little piece of gold and glass!"
+ejaculated the old lady.
+
+"Diamond, aunt, not glass."
+
+"Well, it don't look a bit better'n glass, and I do say," proceeded
+Deborah, with energy, "that it's a sin and a shame to pay so much
+money for a ring.  Why, it was more than half your year's salary,
+Ferdinand."
+
+"I agree with you, aunt; it would have been very foolish and wrong
+for a young man on a small salary like mine to buy so expensive a
+ring as this.  I hope, Aunt Deborah, I have inherited too much of
+your good sense to do that."
+
+"Then where did you get it?" asked the old lady, moderating her tone.
+
+"It was given to me."
+
+"Given to you!  Who would give you such a costly present?"
+
+"A rich man whose life I once saved, Aunt Deborah."
+
+"You don't say so, Ferdinand!" said Aunt Deborah, interested.  "Tell
+me all about it."
+
+"So I will, aunt, though I don't often speak of it," said Ferdinand,
+modestly.  "It seems like boasting, you know, and I never like to do
+that.  But this is the way it happened.
+
+"Now for a good tough lie!" said Ferdinand to himself, as the old
+lady suspended her work, and bent forward with eager attention.
+
+"You know, of course, that New York and Brooklyn are on opposite
+sides of the river, and that people have to go across in ferry-boats."
+
+"Yes, I've heard that, Ferdinand."
+
+"I'm glad of that, because now you'll know that my story is correct.
+Well, one summer I boarded over in Brooklyn--on the Heights--and used
+to cross the ferry morning and night.  It was the Wall street ferry,
+and a great many bankers and rich merchants used to cross daily also.
+One of these was a Mr. Clayton, a wholesale dry-goods merchant,
+immensely rich, whom I knew by sight, though I had never spoken to
+him.  It was one Thursday morning--I remember even the day of the
+week--when the boat was unusually full.  Mr. Clayton was leaning
+against the side-railing talking to a friend, when all at once the
+railing gave way, and he fell backward into the water, which
+immediately swallowed him up."
+
+"Merciful man!" ejaculated Aunt Deborah, intensely interested.  "Go
+on, Ferdinand."
+
+"Of course there was a scene of confusion and excitement," continued
+Ferdinand, dramatically.  'Man overboard!  Who will save him?' said
+more than one.  'I will,' I exclaimed, and in an instant I had sprang
+over the railing into the boiling current."
+
+"Weren't you frightened to death?" asked the old lady.  "Could you
+swim?"
+
+"Of course I could.   More than once I have swum all the way from New
+York to Brooklyn.  I caught Mr. Clayton by the collar, as he was
+sinking for the third time, and shouted to a boatman near by to come
+to my help.  Well, there isn't much more to tell.  We were taken on
+board the boat, and rowed to shore.  Mr. Clayton recovered his senses
+so far as to realize that I had saved his life.
+
+"'What is your name, young man?' he asked, grasping my hand.
+
+"'Ferdinand B. Kensington,' I answered modestly.
+
+"'You have saved my life,' he said warmly.
+
+"'I am very glad of it,' said I.
+
+"'You have shown wonderful bravery."
+
+"'Oh no,' I answered.  'I know how to swim, and I wasn't going to see
+you drown before my eyes.'
+
+"'I shall never cease to be grateful to you.'
+
+"'Oh, don't think of it,' said I.
+
+"'But I must think of it,' he answered.  'But for you I should now be
+a senseless corpse lying in the bottom of the river,' and he
+shuddered.
+
+"'Mr. Clayton,' said I, 'let me advise you to get home as soon as
+possible, or you will catch your death of cold.'
+
+"'So will you,' he said.  'You must come with me.'
+
+"He insisted, so I went, and was handsomely treated, you may depend.
+Mr. Clayton gave me a new suit of clothes, and the next morning he
+took me to Tiffany's--that's the best jeweller in New York--and
+bought me this diamond ring.  He first offered me money, but I felt
+delicate about taking money for such a service, and told him so.  So
+he bought me this ring."
+
+"Well, I declare!" ejaculated Aunt Deborah.
+
+"That was an adventure.  But it seems to me, Ferdinand, I would have
+taken the money."
+
+"As to that, aunt, I can sell this ring, if ever I get hard up, but I
+hope I sha'n't be obliged to."
+
+"You certainly behaved very well, Ferdinand.  Do you ever see Mr.
+Clayton now?"
+
+"Sometimes, but I don't seek his society, for fear he would think I
+wanted to get something more out of him."
+
+"How much money do you think he'd have given you?" asked Aunt
+Deborah, who was of a practical nature.
+
+"A thousand dollars, perhaps more."
+
+"Seems to me I would have taken it."
+
+"If I had, people would have said that's why I jumped into the water,
+whereas I wasn't thinking anything about getting a reward.  So now,
+aunt, you won't think it very strange that I wear such an expensive
+ring."
+
+"Of course it makes a difference, as you didn't buy it yourself.  I
+don't see how folks can be such fools as to throw away hundreds of
+dollars for such a trifle."
+
+"Well, aunt, everybody isn't as sensible and practical as you.  Now I
+agree with you; I think it's very foolish.  Still I'm glad I've got
+the ring, because I can turn it into money when I need to.  Only, you
+see, I don't like to part with a gift, although I don't think Mr.
+Clayton would blame me."
+
+"Of course he wouldn't, Ferdinand.  But I don't see why you should
+need money when you're goin' to get such a handsome salary in San
+Francisco."
+
+"To be sure, aunt, but there's something else.  However, I won't
+speak of it to-day.  To-morrow I may want to ask your advice on a
+matter of business."
+
+"I'll advise you the best I can, Ferdinand," said the flattered
+spinster.
+
+"You see, aunt, you're so clear-headed, I shall place great
+dependence on your advice.  But I think I'll take a little walk now,
+just to stretch my limbs."
+
+"I've made good progress," said the young man to himself, as he
+lounged over the farm.  "The old lady swallows it all.  To-morrow
+must come my grand stroke.  I thought I wouldn't propose it to-day,
+for fear she'd suspect the ring story."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+A BUSINESS TRANSACTION.
+
+Ferdinand found life at the farm-house rather slow, nor did he
+particularly enjoy the society of the spinster whom he called aunt.
+But he was playing for a valuable stake, and meant to play out his
+game.
+
+"Strike while the iron is hot!" said he to himself; "That's a good
+rule; but how shall I know when it is hot?  However, I must risk
+something, and take my chances with the old lady."
+
+Aunt Deborah herself hastened his action.  Her curiosity had been
+aroused by Ferdinand's intimation that he wished her advice on a
+matter of business, and the next morning, after breakfast, she said,
+"Ferdinand, what was that you wanted to consult me about?  You may as
+well tell me now as any time."
+
+"Here goes, then!" thought the young man.
+
+"I'll tell you, aunt.  You know I am offered a large salary in San
+Francisco?"
+
+"Yes, you told me so."
+
+"And, as you said the other day, I can lay up half my salary, and in
+time become a rich man."
+
+"To be sure you can."
+
+"But there is one difficulty in the way."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"I must go out there."
+
+"Of course you must," said the old lady, who did not yet see the
+point.
+
+"And unfortunately it costs considerable money."
+
+"Haven't you got enough money to pay your fare out there?"
+
+"No, aunt; it is very expensive living in New York, and I was unable
+to save anything from my salary."
+
+"How much does it cost to go out there?"
+
+"About two hundred and fifty dollars."
+
+"That's a good deal of money."
+
+"So it is; but it will be a great deal better to pay it than to lose
+so good a place."
+
+"I hope," said the old lady, sharply, "you don't expect me to pay
+your expenses out there."
+
+"My dear aunt," said Ferdinand, hastily, "how can you suspect such a
+thing?"
+
+"Then what do you propose to do?" asked the spinster, somewhat
+relieved.
+
+"I wanted to ask your advice."
+
+"Sell your ring.  It's worth over six hundred dollars."
+
+"Very true; but I should hardly like to part with it.  I'll tell you
+what I have thought of.  It cost six hundred and fifty dollars.  I
+will give it as security to any one who will lend me five hundred
+dollars, with permission to sell it if I fail to pay up the note in
+six months.  By the way, aunt, why can't you accommodate me in this
+matter?  You will lose nothing, and I will pay handsome interest."
+
+"How do you know I have the money?"
+
+"I don't know; but I think you must have.  But, although I am your
+nephew, I wouldn't think of asking you to lend me money without
+security.  Business is business, so I say."
+
+"Very true, Ferdinand."
+
+"I ask nothing on the score of relationship, but I will make a
+business proposal."
+
+"I don't believe the ring would fetch over six hundred dollars."
+
+"It would bring just about that.  The other fifty dollars represent
+the profit.  Now, aunt, I'll make you a regular business proposal.
+If you'll lend me five hundred dollars, I'll give you my note for
+five hundred and fifty, bearing interest at six per cent., payable in
+six months, or, to make all sure, say in a year.  I place the ring in
+your hands, with leave to sell it at the end of that time if I fail
+to carry out my agreement.  But I sha'n't if I keep my health."
+
+The old lady was attracted by the idea of making a bonus of fifty
+dollars, but she was cautious, and averse to parting with her money.
+
+"I don't know what to say, Ferdinand," she replied.  "Five hundred
+dollars is a good deal of money."
+
+"So it is, aunt.  Well, I don't know but I can offer you a little
+better terms.  Give me four hundred and seventy-five, and I'll give
+you a note for five hundred and fifty.  You can't make as much
+interest anywhere else."
+
+"I'd like to accommodate you," said the old lady, hesitating, for,
+like most avaricious persons, she was captivated by the prospect of
+making extra-legal interest.
+
+"I know you would.  Aunt Deborah, but I don't want to ask the money
+as a favor.  It is a strictly business transaction."
+
+"I am afraid I couldn't spare more than four hundred and fifty."
+
+"Very well, I won't dispute about the extra twenty-five dollars.
+Considering how much income I'm going to get, it isn't of any great
+importance."
+
+"And you'll give me a note for five hundred and fifty?"
+
+"Yes, certainly."
+
+"I don't know as I ought to take so much interest."
+
+"It's worth that to me, for though, of course, I could raise it by
+selling the ring, I don't like to do that."
+
+"Well, I don't know but I'll do it.  I'll get some ink, and you can
+write me the due bill."
+
+"Why, Aunt Deborah, you haven't got the money here, have you?"
+
+"Yes, I've got it in the house.  A man paid up a mortgage last week,
+and I haven't yet invested the money.  I meant to put it in the
+savings bank."
+
+"You wouldn't get but six per cent there.  Now the bonus I offer you
+will be equal to about twenty per cent."
+
+"And you really feel able to pay so much?"
+
+"Yes, aunt; as I told you, it will be worth more than that to me."
+
+"Well, Ferdinand, we'll settle the matter now.  I'll go and get the
+money, and you shall give me the note and the ring."
+
+"Triumph!" said the young man to himself, when the old lady had left
+the room.  "You're badly sold, Aunt Deborah, but it's a good job for
+me.  I didn't think I would have so little trouble."
+
+Within fifteen minutes the money was handed over, and Aunt Deborah
+took charge of the note and the valuable diamond ring.
+
+"Be careful of the ring, Aunt Deborah," said Ferdinand.  "Remember, I
+expect to redeem it again."
+
+"I'll take good care of it, nephew, never fear!"
+
+"If it were a little smaller, you could wear it, yourself."
+
+"How would Deborah Kensington look with a diamond ring?  The
+neighbors would think I was crazy.  No: I'll keep it in a safe place,
+but I won't wear it."
+
+"Now, Aunt Deborah, I must speak about other arrangements.  Don't you
+think it would be well to start for San Francisco as soon as
+possible?  You know I enter upon my duties as soon as I get there."
+
+"Yes, Ferdinand, I think you ought to."
+
+"I wish I could spare the time to spend a week with you, aunt; but
+business is business, and my motto is, business before pleasure."
+
+"And very proper, too, Ferdinand," said the old lady, approvingly.
+
+"So I think I had better leave Centreville tomorrow."
+
+"May be you had.  You must write and let me know when you get there,
+and how you like your place."
+
+"So I will, and I shall be glad to know that you take an interest in
+me.  Now, aunt, as I have some errands to do, I will walk to the
+village and come back about the middle of the afternoon."
+
+"Won't you be back to dinner?"
+
+"No, I think not, aunt."
+
+"Very well, Ferdinand.  Come as soon as you can."
+
+Half an hour later, Ferdinand entered the office of the "Centreville
+Gazette."
+
+"How do you do, Mr. Kensington?" said Clapp, eagerly.  "Anything new?"
+
+"I should like to speak with you a moment in private, Mr. Clapp."
+
+"All right!"
+
+Clapp put on his coat, and went outside, shutting the door behind him.
+
+"Well," said Ferdinand, "I've succeeded."
+
+"Have you got the money?"
+
+"Yes, but not quite as much as I anticipated."
+
+"Can't you carry out your plan?" asked Clapp, soberly, fearing he was
+to be left out in the cold.
+
+"I've formed a new one.  Instead of going to California, which is
+very expensive, we'll go out West, say to St. Louis, and try our
+fortune there.  What do you say?"
+
+"I'm agreed.  Can Luke go too?"
+
+"Yes.  I'll take you both out there, and lend you fifty dollars each
+besides, and you shall pay me back as soon as you are able.  Will you
+let your friend know?"
+
+"Yes, I'll undertake that; but when do you propose to start?"
+
+"To-morrow morning."
+
+"Whew!  That's short notice."
+
+"I want to get away as soon as possible, for fear the old lady should
+change her mind, and want her money back."
+
+"That's where you're right."
+
+"Of course you must give up your situation at once, as there is short
+time to get ready."
+
+"No trouble about that," said Clapp.  "I've hated the business for a
+long time, and shall be only too glad to leave.  It's the same with
+Luke.  He won't shed many tears at leaving Centreville."
+
+"Well, we'll all meet this evening at the hotel.  I depend upon your
+both being ready to start in the morning."
+
+"All right, I'll let Luke know."
+
+It may be thought singular that Ferdinand should have made so liberal
+an offer to two comparative strangers; but, to do the young man
+justice, though he had plenty of faults, he was disposed to be
+generous when he had money, though he was not particular how he
+obtained it.  Clapp and Luke Harrison he recognized as congenial
+spirits, and he was willing to sacrifice something to obtain their
+companionship.  How long his fancy was likely to last was perhaps
+doubtful; but for the present he was eager to associate them with his
+own plans.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+HARRY IS PROMOTED.
+
+Clapp re-entered the printing office highly elated.
+
+"Mr. Anderson," said he to the editor, "I am going to leave you."
+
+Ferguson and Harry Walton looked up in surprise, and Mr. Anderson
+asked,--
+
+"Have you got another place?"
+
+"No; I am going West."
+
+"Indeed!  How long have you had that in view?"
+
+"Not long.  I am going with Mr. Kensington."
+
+"The one who just called on you?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How soon do you want to leave?"
+
+"Now."
+
+"That is rather short notice."
+
+"I know it, but I leave town to-morrow morning."
+
+"Well, I wish you success.  Here is the money I owe you."
+
+"Sha'n't we see you again, Clapp?" asked Ferguson.
+
+"Yes; I'll just look in and say good-by.  Now I must go home and get
+ready."
+
+"Well, Ferguson," said Mr. Andersen, after Clapp's departure, "that
+is rather sudden."
+
+"So I think."
+
+"How can we get along with only two hands?"
+
+"Very well, sir.  I'm willing to work a little longer, and Harry here
+is a pretty quick compositor now.  The fact is, there isn't enough
+work for three."
+
+"Then you think I needn't hire another journeyman?"
+
+"No."
+
+"If you both work harder I must increase your wages, and then I shall
+save money."
+
+"I sha'n't object to that," said Ferguson, smiling.
+
+"Nor I," said Harry.
+
+"I was intending at any rate to raise Harry's wages, as I find he
+does nearly as much as a journeyman.  Hereafter I will give you five
+dollars a week besides your board."
+
+"Oh, thank you, sir!" said Harry, overjoyed at his good fortune.
+
+"As for you, Ferguson, if you will give me an hour more daily, I will
+add three dollars a week to your pay."
+
+"Thank you, sir.  I think I can afford now to give Mrs. Ferguson the
+new bonnet she was asking for this morning."
+
+"I don't want to overwork you two, but if that arrangement proves
+satisfactory, we will continue it."
+
+"I suppose you will be buying your wife a new bonnet too; eh, Harry?"
+said Ferguson.
+
+"I may buy myself a new hat.  Luke Harrison turned up his nose at my
+old one the other day."
+
+"What will Luke do without Clapp?  They were always together."
+
+"Perhaps he is going too."
+
+"I don't know where he will raise the money, nor Clapp either, for
+that matter."
+
+"Perhaps their new friend furnishes the money."
+
+"If he does, he is indeed a friend."
+
+"Well, it has turned out to our advantage, at any rate, Harry.
+Suppose you celebrate it by coming round and taking supper with me?"
+
+"With the greatest pleasure."
+
+Harry was indeed made happy by his promotion.  Having been employed
+for some months on board-wages, he had been compelled to trench upon
+the small stock of money which he had saved up when in the employ of
+Prof. Henderson, and he had been unable to send any money to his
+father, whose circumstances were straitened, and who found it very
+hard to make both ends meet.  That evening he wrote a letter to his
+father, in which he inclosed ten dollars remaining to him from his
+fund of savings, at the same time informing him of his promotion.  A
+few days later, he received the following reply:--
+
+
+"MY DEAR SON:
+
+"Your letter has given me great satisfaction, for I conclude from
+your promotion that you have done your duty faithfully, and won the
+approbation of your employer.  The wages you now earn will amply pay
+your expenses, while you may reasonably hope that they will be still
+further increased, as you become more skilful and experienced.  I am
+glad to hear that you are using your leisure hours to such good
+purpose, and are trying daily to improve your education.  In this way
+you may hope in time to qualify yourself for the position of an
+editor, which is an honorable and influential profession, to which I
+should be proud to have you belong.
+
+"The money which you so considerately inclose comes at the right
+time.  Your brother needs some new clothes, and this will enable me
+to provide them.  We all send love, and hope to hear from you often.
+
+  "Your affectionate father,
+    "HIRAM WALTON."
+
+
+Harry's promotion took place just before the beginning of September.
+During the next week the fall term of the Prescott Academy commenced,
+and the village streets again became lively with returning students.
+Harry was busy at the case, when Oscar Vincent entered the printing
+office, and greeted him warmly.
+
+"How are you, Oscar?" said Harry, his face lighting up with pleasure.
+"I am glad to see you back.  I would shake hands, but I am afraid you
+wouldn't like it," and Harry displayed his hands soiled with
+printer's ink.
+
+"Well, we'll shake hands in spirit, then, Harry.  How have you passed
+the time?"
+
+"I have been very busy, Oscar."
+
+"And I have been very lazy.  I have scarcely opened a book, that is,
+a study-book, during the vacation.  How much have you done in French?"
+
+"I have nearly finished Telemachus."
+
+"You have!  Then you have done splendidly.  By the way, Harry, I
+received the paper you sent, containing your essay.  It does you
+credit, my boy."
+
+Mr. Anderson, who was sitting at his desk, caught the last words.
+
+"What is that, Harry?" he asked.  "Have you been writing for the
+papers?"
+
+Harry blushed.
+
+"Yes, sir," he replied.  "I have written two or three articles for
+the 'Boston Weekly Standard.'"
+
+"Indeed!  I should like to see them."
+
+"You republished one of them in the 'Gazette,' Mr. Anderson," said
+Ferguson.
+
+"What do you refer to?"
+
+"Don't you remember an article on 'Ambition,' which you inserted some
+weeks ago?"
+
+"Yes, it was a good article.  Did you write it, Walton?"
+
+"Yes, air."
+
+"Why didn't you tell me of it?"
+
+"He was too bashful," said Ferguson.
+
+"I am glad to know that you can write," said the editor.  "I shall
+call upon you for assistance, in getting up paragraphs occasionally."
+
+"I shall be very glad to do what I can," said Harry, gratified.
+
+"Harry is learning to be an editor," said Ferguson.
+
+"I will give him a chance for practice, then," and Mr. Anderson
+returned to his exchanges.
+
+"By the way, Oscar," said Harry, "I am not a printer's devil any
+longer.  I am promoted to be a journeyman."
+
+"I congratulate you, Harry, but what will Fitz do now?  He used to
+take so much pleasure in speaking of you as a printer's devil."
+
+"I am sorry to deprive him of that pleasure.  Did you see much of him
+in vacation, Oscar?"
+
+"I used to meet him almost every day walking down Washington Street,
+swinging a light cane, and wearing a stunning necktie, as usual."
+
+"Is he coming back this term?"
+
+"Yes, he came on the same train with me.  Hasn't he called to pay his
+respects to you?"
+
+"No," answered Harry, with a smile.  "He hasn't done me that honor.
+He probably expects me to make the first call."
+
+"Well, Harry, I suppose you will be on hand next week, when the
+Clionian holds its first meeting?"
+
+"Yes, I will be there."
+
+"And don't forget to call at my room before that time.  I want to
+examine you in French, and see how much progress you have made."
+
+"Thank you, Oscar."
+
+"Now I must be going.  I have got a tough Greek lesson to prepare for
+to-morrow.  I suppose it will take me twice as long as usual.  It is
+always hard to get to work again after a long vacation.  So
+good-morning, and don't forget to call at my room soon--say to-morrow
+evening."
+
+"I will come."
+
+"What a gentlemanly fellow your friend is!" said Ferguson.
+
+"What is his name, Harry?" asked Mr. Anderson.
+
+"Oscar Vincent.  His father is an editor in Boston."
+
+"What! the son of John Vincent?" said Mr. Anderson, surprised.
+
+"Yes, sir; do you know his father?"
+
+"Only by reputation.  He is a man of great ability."
+
+"Oscar is a smart fellow, too, but not a hard student."
+
+"I shall be glad to have you bring him round to the house some
+evening, Harry.  I shall be glad to become better acquainted with
+him."
+
+"Thank you, sir.  I will give him the invitation."
+
+It is very possible that Harry rose in the estimation of his
+employer, from his intimacy with the son of a man who stood so high
+in his own profession.  At all events, Harry found himself from this
+time treated with greater respect and consideration than before, and
+Mr. Anderson often called upon him to write paragraphs upon local
+matters, so that his position might be regarded except as to pay, as
+that of an assistant editor.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+MISS DEBORAH'S EYES ARE OPENED.
+
+Aunt Deborah felt that she had done a good stroke of business.  She
+had lent Ferdinand four hundred and fifty dollars, and received in
+return a note for five hundred and fifty, secured by a diamond ring
+worth even more.  She plumed herself on her shrewdness, though at
+times she felt a little twinge at the idea of the exorbitant interest
+which she had exacted from so near a relative.
+
+"But he said the money was worth that to him," she said to herself in
+extenuation, "and he's goin' to get two thousand dollars a year.  I
+didn't want to lend the money, I'd rather have had it in the savings
+bank, but I did it to obleege him."
+
+By such casuistry Aunt Deborah quieted her conscience, and carefully
+put the ring away among her bonds and mortgages.
+
+"Who'd think a little ring like that should be worth so much?" she
+said to herself.  "It's clear waste of money.  But then Ferdinand
+didn't buy it.  It was give to him, and a very foolish gift it was
+too.  Railly, it makes me nervous to have it to take care of.  It's
+so little it might get lost easy."
+
+Aunt Deborah plumed herself upon her shrewdness.  It was not easy to
+get the advantage of her in a bargain, and yet she had accepted the
+ring as security for a considerable loan without once questioning its
+genuineness.  She relied implicitly upon her nephew's assurance of
+its genuineness, just as she had relied upon his assertion of
+relationship.  But the time was soon coming when she was to be
+undeceived.
+
+One day, a neighbor stopped his horse in front of her house, and
+jumping out of his wagon, walked up to the door and knocked.
+
+"Good-morning, Mr. Simpson," said the old lady, answering the knock
+herself; "won't you come in?"
+
+"Thank you, Miss Deborah, I can't stop this morning.  I was at the
+post-office just now, when I saw there was a letter for you, and
+thought I'd bring it along."
+
+"A letter for me!" said Aunt Deborah in some surprise, for her
+correspondence was very limited.  "Who's it from?"
+
+"It is post-marked New York," said Mr. Simpson.
+
+"I don't know no one in New York," said the old lady, fumbling in her
+pockets for her spectacles.
+
+"Maybe it's one of your old beaux," said Mr. Simpson, humorously, a
+joke which brought a grim smile to the face of the old spinster.
+"But I must be goin'.  If it's an offer of marriage, don't forget to
+invite me to the wedding."
+
+Aunt Deborah went into the house, and seating herself in her
+accustomed place, carefully opened the letter.  She turned over the
+page, and glanced at the signature.  To her astonishment it was
+signed,
+
+  "Your affectionate nephew,
+    "FERDINAND B. KENSINGTON."
+
+"Ferdinand!" she exclaimed in surprise.  "Why, I thought he was in
+Californy by this time.  How could he write from New York?  I s'pose
+he'll explain.  I hope he didn't lose the money I lent him."
+
+The first sentence in the letter was destined to surprise Miss
+Deborah yet more.
+
+"Dear aunt," it commenced, "it is so many years since we have met,
+that I am afraid you have forgotten me."
+
+"So many years!" repeated Miss Deborah in bewilderment.  "What on
+earth can Ferdinand mean?  Why, it's only five weeks yesterday since
+he was here.  He must be crazy."
+
+She resumed reading.
+
+"I have often had it in mind to make you a little visit, but I have
+been so engrossed by business that I have been unable to get away.  I
+am a salesman for A. T. Stewart, whom you must have heard of, as he
+is the largest retail dealer in the city.  I have been three years in
+his employ, and have been promoted by degrees, till I now receive
+quite a good salary, until--and that is the news I have to write
+you--I have felt justifed in getting married.  My wedding is fixed
+for next week, Thursday.  I should be very glad if you could attend,
+though I suppose you would consider it a long journey.  But at any
+rate I can assure you that I should be delighted to see you present
+on the occasion, and so would Maria.  If you can't come, write to me,
+at any rate, in memory of old times.  It is just possible that during
+our bridal tour--we are to go to the White Mountains for a week--we
+shall call on you.  Let me know if it will be convenient for you to
+receive us for a day.
+
+  "Your affectionate nephew,
+    "FERDINAND B. KENSINGTON."
+
+
+Miss Deborah read this letter like one dazed.  She had to read it a
+second time before she could comprehend its purport.
+
+"Ferdinand going to be married!  He never said a word about it when
+he was here.  And he don't say a word about Californy.  Then again he
+says he hasn't seen me for years.  Merciful man!  I see it now--the
+other fellow was an impostor!" exclaimed Miss Deborah, jumping, to
+her feet in excitement.  "What did he want to deceive an old woman
+for?"
+
+It flashed upon her at once.  He came after money, and he had
+succeeded only too well.  He had carried away four hundred and fifty
+dollars with him.  True, he had left a note, and security.  But
+another terrible suspicion had entered the old lady's mind; the ring
+might not be genuine.
+
+"I must know at once," exclaimed the disturbed spinster.  "I'll go
+over to Brandon, to the jeweller's, and inquire.  If it's paste,
+then, Deborah Kensington, you're the biggest fool in Centreville."
+
+Miss Deborah summoned Abner, her farm servant from the field, and
+ordered him instantly to harness the horse, as she wanted to go to
+Brandon.
+
+"Do you want me to go with you?" asked Abner.
+
+"To be sure, I can't drive so fur, and take care of the horse."
+
+"It'll interrupt the work," objected Abner.
+
+"Never mind about the work," said Deborah, impatiently.  "I must go
+right off.  It's on very important business."
+
+"Wouldn't it be best to go after dinner?"
+
+"No, we'll get some dinner over there, at the tavern."
+
+"What's got into the old woman?" thought Abner.  "It isn't like her
+to spend money at a tavern for dinner, when she might as well dine at
+home.  Interruptin' the work, too!  However, it's her business!"
+
+Deborah was ready and waiting when the horse drove up the door.  She
+got in, and they set out.  Abner tried to open a conversation, but he
+found Miss Deborah strangely unsocial.  She appeared to take no
+interest in the details of farm work of which he spoke.
+
+"Something's on her mind, I guess," thought Abner; and, as we know,
+he was right.
+
+In her hand Deborah clutched the ring, of whose genuineness she had
+come to entertain such painful doubts.  It might be genuine, she
+tried to hope, even if it came from an impostor; but her hope was
+small.  She felt a presentiment that it would prove as false as the
+man from whom she received it.  As for the story of the manner in
+which he became possessed of it, doubtless that was as false as the
+rest.
+
+"How blind I was!" groaned Deborah in secret.  "I saw he didn't look
+like the family.  What a goose I was to believe that story about his
+changin' the color of his hair!  I was an old fool, and that's all
+about it."
+
+"Drive to the jeweller's," said Miss Deborah, when they reached
+Brandon.
+
+In some surprise, Abner complied.
+
+Deborah got out of the wagon hastily and entered the store.
+
+"What can I do for you, Miss Kensington?" asked the jeweller, who
+recognized the old lady.
+
+"I want to show you a ring," said Aunt Deborah, abruptly.  "Tell me
+what it's worth."
+
+She produced the ring which the false Ferdinand had intrusted to her.
+
+The jeweller scanned it closely.
+
+"It's a good imitation of a diamond ring," he said.
+
+"Imitation!" gasped Deborah.
+
+"Yes; you didn't think it was genuine?"
+
+"What's it worth?"
+
+"The value of the gold.  That appears to be genuine.  It may be worth
+three dollars."
+
+"Three dollars!" ejaculated Deborah.  "He told me it cost six hundred
+and fifty."
+
+"Whoever told you that was trying to deceive you."
+
+"You're sure about its being imitation, are you?"
+
+"There can be no doubt about it."
+
+"That's what I thought," muttered the old lady, her face pale and
+rigid.  "Is there anything to pay?"
+
+"Oh, no; I am glad to be of service to you."
+
+"Good-afternoon, then," said Deborah, abruptly, and she left the
+store.
+
+"Drive home, Abner, as quick as you can," she said.
+
+"I haven't had any dinner," Abner remarked, "You said you'd get some
+at the tavern."
+
+"Did I?  Well, drive over there.  I'm not hungry myself, but I'll pay
+for some dinner for you."
+
+Poor Aunt Deborah! it was not the loss alone that troubled her,
+though she was fond of money; but it was humiliating to think that
+she had fallen such an easy prey to a designing adventurer.  In her
+present bitter mood, she would gladly have ridden fifty miles to see
+the false Ferdinand hanged.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+THE PLOT AGAINST FLETCHER.
+
+The intimacy between Harry and Oscar Vincent continued, and, as
+during the former term, the latter volunteered to continue giving
+French lessons to our hero.  These were now partly of a
+conversational character, and, as Harry was thoroughly in earnest, it
+was not long before he was able to speak quite creditably.
+
+About the first of November, Fitzgerald Fletcher left the Prescott
+Academy, and returned to his home in Boston.  It was not because he
+had finished his education, but because he felt that he was not
+appreciated by his fellow-students.  He had been ambitious to be
+elected to an official position in the Clionian Society, but his
+aspirations were not gratified.  He might have accepted this
+disappointment, and borne it as well as he could, had it not been
+aggravated by the elevation of Harry Walton to the presidency.  To be
+only a common member, while a boy so far his social inferior was
+President, was more than Fitzgerald could stand.  He was so incensed
+that upon the announcement of the vote he immediately rose to a point
+of order.
+
+"Mr. President," he said warmly, "I must protest against this
+election.  Walton is not a member of the Prescott Academy, and it is
+unconstitutional to elect him President."
+
+"Will the gentleman point out the constitutional clause which has
+been violated by Walton's election?" said Oscar Vincent.
+
+"Mr. President," said Fletcher, "this Society was founded by students
+of the Prescott Academy; and the offices should be confined to the
+members of the school."
+
+Harry Walton rose and said: "Mr. President, my election has been a
+great surprise to myself.  I had no idea that any one had thought of
+me for the position.  I feel highly complimented by your kindness,
+and deeply grateful for it; but there is something in what Mr.
+Fletcher says.  You have kindly allowed me to share in the benefits
+of the Society, and that satisfies me.  I think it will be well for
+you to make another choice as President."
+
+"I will put it to vote," said the presiding officer.  "Those who are
+ready to accept Mr. Walton's resignation will signify it in the usual
+way."
+
+Fletcher raised his hand, but he was alone.
+
+"Those who are opposed," said the President.
+
+Every other hand except Harry's was now raised.
+
+"Mr. Walton, your resignation is not accepted," said the presiding
+officer.  "I call upon you to assume the duties of your new position."
+
+Harry rose, and, modestly advanced to the chair.  "I have already
+thanked you, gentlemen," he said, "for the honor you have conferred
+upon me in selecting me as your presiding officer.  I have only to
+add that I will discharge its duties to the best of my ability."
+
+All applauded except Fletcher.  He sat with an unpleasant scowl upon
+his face, and waited for the result of the balloting for
+Vice-President and Secretary.  Had he been elected to either
+position, the Clionian would probably have retained his illustrious
+name upon its roll.  But as these honors were conferred upon other
+members, he formed the heroic resolution no longer to remain a member.
+
+"Mr. President," he said, when the last vote was announced, "I desire
+to terminate my connection with this Society."
+
+"I hope Mr. Fletcher will reconsider his determination," said Harry
+from the chair.
+
+"I would like to inquire the gentleman's reasons," said Tom Carver.
+
+"I don't like the way in which the Society is managed," said
+Fletcher.  "I predict that it will soon disband."
+
+"I don't see any signs of it," said Oscar.  "If the gentleman is
+really sincere, he should not desert the Clionian in the hour of
+danger."
+
+"I insist upon my resignation," said Fletcher.
+
+"I move that it be accepted," said Tom Carver.
+
+"Second the motion," said the boy who sat next him.
+
+The resignation was unanimously accepted.  Fletcher ought to have
+felt gratified at the prompt granting of his request, but he was not.
+He had intended to strike dismay into the Society by his proposal to
+withdraw, but there was no consternation visible.  Apparently they
+were willing to let him go.
+
+He rose from his seat mortified and wrathful.
+
+"Gentlemen," he said, "you have complied with my request, and I am
+deeply grateful.  I no longer consider it an honor to belong to the
+Clionian.  I trust your new President may succeed as well in his new
+office as he has in the capacity of a printer's devil."
+
+Fletcher was unable to proceed, being interrupted by a storm of
+hisses, in the midst of which he hurriedly made his exit.
+
+"He wanted to be President himself--that's what's the matter," said
+Tom Carver in a whisper to his neighbor.  "But he couldn't blame us
+for not wanting to have him."
+
+Other members of the Society came to the same conclusion, and it was
+generally said that Fletcher had done himself no good by his
+undignified resentment.  His parting taunt levelled at Harry was
+regarded as mean and ungenerous, and only strengthened the sentiment
+in favor of our hero who bore his honors modestly.  In fact Tom
+Carver, who was fond of fun, conceived a project for mortifying
+Fletcher, and readily obtained the co-operation of his classmates.
+
+It must be premised that Fitz was vain of his reading and
+declamation.  He had a secret suspicion that, if he should choose to
+devote his talents to the stage, he would make a second Booth.  This
+self-conceit of his made it the more easy to play off the following
+joke upon him.
+
+A fortnight later, the young ladies of the village proposed to hold a
+Fair to raise funds for some public object.  At the head of the
+committee of arrangements was a sister of the doctor's wife, named
+Pauline Clinton.  This will explain the following letter which,
+Fletcher received the succeeding day:--
+
+
+"FITZGERALD FLETCHER, ESQ.--Dear Sir: Understanding that you are a
+superior reader, we should be glad of your assistance in lending
+_eclat_ to the Fair which we propose to hold on the evening of the
+29th.  Will you be kind enough to occupy twenty minutes by reading
+such selections as in your opinion will be of popular interest?  It
+is desirable that you should let me know as soon as possible what
+pieces you have selected, that they may be printed on the programme.
+
+  "Yours respectfully,
+    "PAULINE CLINTON,
+      "(for the Committee)."
+
+
+This note reached Fletcher at a time when he was still smarting from
+his disappointment in obtaining promotion from the Clionian Society.
+He read it with a flushed and triumphant face.  He never thought of
+questioning its genuineness.  Was it not true that he was a superior
+reader?  What more natural than that he should be invited to give
+_eclat_ to the Fair by the exercise of his talents!  He felt it to be
+a deserved compliment.  It was a greater honor to be solicited to
+give a public reading than to be elected President of the Clionian
+Society.
+
+"They won't laugh at me now," thought Fletcher.
+
+He immediately started for Oscar's room to make known his new honors.
+
+"How are you, Fitz?" said Oscar, who was in the secret, and guessed
+the errand on which he came.
+
+"Very well, thank you, Oscar,"  answered Fletcher, in a stately
+manner.
+
+"Anything new with you?" asked Oscar, carelessly.
+
+"Not much," said Fletcher.  "There's a note I just received.
+
+"Whew!" exclaimed Oscar, in affected astonishment.  "Are you going to
+accept?"
+
+"I suppose I ought to oblige them," said Fletcher.  "It won't be much
+trouble to me, you know."
+
+"To be sure; it's in a good cause.  But how did they hear of your
+reading?"
+
+"Oh, there are no secrets in a small village like this," said
+Fletcher.
+
+"It's certainly a great compliment.  Has anybody else been invited to
+read?"
+
+"I think not," said Fletcher, proudly.  "They rely upon me."
+
+"Couldn't you get a chance for me?  It would be quite an honor, and I
+should like it for the sake of the family."
+
+"I shouldn't feel at liberty to interfere with their arrangements,"
+said Fletcher, who didn't wish to share the glory with any one.
+"Besides, you don't read well enough."
+
+"Well, I suppose I must give it up," said Oscar, in a tone of
+resignation.  "By the way, what have you decided to read?"
+
+"I haven't quite made up my mind," said Fletcher, in a tone of
+importance.  "I have only just received the invitation, you know."
+
+"Haven't you answered it yet?"
+
+"No; but I shall as soon as I go home.  Good-night, Oscar."
+
+"Good-night, Fitz."
+
+"How mad Fitz will be when he finds he has been sold!" said Oscar to
+himself.  "But he deserves it for treating Harry so meanly."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+READING UNDER DIFFICULTIES.
+
+On reaching home, Fletcher looked over his "Speaker," and selected
+three poems which he thought he could read with best effect.  The
+selection made, he sat down to his desk, and wrote a reply to the
+invitation, as follows:--
+
+
+"MISS PAULINE CLINTON: I hasten to acknowledge your polite invitation
+to occupy twenty minutes in reading choice selections at your
+approaching Fair.  I have paid much attention to reading, and hope to
+be able to give pleasure to the large numbers who will doubtless
+honor the occasion with their presence.  I have selected three
+poems,--Poe's Raven, the Battle of Ivry, by Macaulay, and Marco
+Bozarris, by Halleck.  I shall be much pleased if my humble efforts
+add _eclat_ to the occasion.
+
+  "Yours, very respectfully,
+    "FITZGERALD FLETCHER."
+
+
+"There," said Fletcher, reading his letter through with satisfaction.
+"I think that will do.  It is high-toned and dignified, and shows
+that I am highly cultured and refined.  I will copy it off, and mail
+it."
+
+Fletcher saw his letter deposited in the post-office, and returned to
+his room.
+
+"I ought to practise reading these poems, so as to do it up
+handsomely," he said.  "I suppose I shall get a good notice in the
+'Gazette.'  If I do, I will buy a dozen papers, and send to my
+friends.  They will see that I am a person of consequence in
+Centreville, even if I didn't get elected to any office in the high
+and mighty Clionian Society."
+
+I am sorry that I cannot reproduce the withering sarcasm which
+Fletcher put into his tone in the last sentence.
+
+When Demosthenes was practising oratory, he sought the sea-shore; but
+Fitzgerald repaired instead to a piece of woods about half a mile
+distant.  It was rather an unfortunate selection, as will appear.
+
+It so happened that Tom Carver and Hiram Huntley were strolling about
+the woods, when they espied Fletcher approaching with an open book in
+his hand.
+
+"Hiram," said Tom, "there's fun coming.  There's Fitz Fletcher with
+his 'Speaker' in his hand.  He's going to practise reading in the
+woods.  Let us hide, and hear the fun."
+
+"I'm in for it," said Hiram, "but where will be the best place to
+hide?"
+
+"Here in this hollow tree.  He'll be very apt to halt here."
+
+"All right!  Go ahead, I'll follow."
+
+They quickly concealed themselves in the tree, unobserved by
+Fletcher, whose eyes were on his book.
+
+About ten feet from the tree he paused.
+
+"I guess this'll be a good place," he said aloud.  "There's no one to
+disturb me here.  Now, which shall I begin with?  I think I'll try
+The Raven.  But first it may be well to practise an appropriate
+little speech.  Something like this:"--
+
+Fletcher made a low bow to the assembled trees, cleared his throat,
+and commenced,--
+
+"Ladies and Gentlemen: It gives me great pleasure to appear before
+you this evening, in compliance with the request of the committee,
+who have thought that my humble efforts would give _eclat_ to the
+fair.  I am not a professional reader, but I have ever found pleasure
+in reciting the noble productions of our best authors, and I hope to
+give you pleasure."
+
+"That'll do, I think," said Fletcher, complacently.  "Now I'll try
+The Raven."
+
+In a deep, sepulchral tone, Fletcher read the first verse, which is
+quoted below:--
+
+  "Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,
+  Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
+  While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
+  As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
+  ''Tis some visitor,' I muttered, 'tapping at my chamber door--
+  Only this and nothing more.'"
+
+Was it fancy, or did Fletcher really hear a slow, measured tapping
+near him--upon one of the trees, as it seemed?  He started, and
+looked nervously; but the noise stopped, and he decided that he had
+been deceived, since no one was visible.
+
+The boys within the tree made no other demonstration till Fletcher
+had read the following verse:--
+
+  "Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,
+  Soon again I heard a tapping, something louder than before.
+  'Surely,' said I, 'surely that is something at my window lattice;
+  Let me see then what thereat is, and this mystery explore--
+  Let my heart be still a moment, and this mystery explore;
+  'Tis the wind, and nothing more.'"
+
+Here an indescribable, unearthly noise was heard from the interior of
+the tree, like the wailing of some discontented ghost.
+
+"Good  heavens! what's that?" ejaculated Fletcher, turning pale, and
+looking nervously around him.
+
+It was growing late, and the branches above him, partially stripped
+of their leaves, rustled in the wind.  Fletcher was somewhat nervous,
+and the weird character of the poem probably increased this feeling,
+and made him very uncomfortable.  He summoned up courage enough,
+however, to go on, though his voice shook a little.  He was permitted
+to go on without interruption to the end.  Those who are familiar
+with the poem, know that it becomes more and more wild and weird as
+it draws to the conclusion.  This, with his gloomy surroundings, had
+its effect upon the mind of Fletcher.  Scarcely had he uttered the
+last words, when a burst of wild and sepulchral laughter was heard
+within a few feet of him.  A cry of fear proceeded from Fletcher,
+and, clutching his book, he ran at wild speed from the enchanted
+spot, not daring to look behind him.  Indeed, he never stopped
+running till he passed out of the shadow of the woods, and was well
+on his way homeward.
+
+Tom Carver and Hiram crept out from their place of concealment.  They
+threw themselves on the ground, and roared with laughter.
+
+"I never had such fun in my life," said Tom.
+
+"Nor I."
+
+"I wonder what Fitz thought."
+
+"That the wood was enchanted, probably; he left in a hurry."
+
+"Yes; he stood not on the order of his going, but went at once."
+
+"I wish I could have seen him.  We must have made a fearful noise."
+
+"I was almost frightened myself.  He must be almost home by this
+time."
+
+"When do you think he'll find out about the trick?"
+
+"About the invitation?  Not till he gets a letter from Miss Clinton,
+telling him it is all a mistake.  He will be terribly mortified."
+
+Meanwhile Fletcher reached home, tired and out of breath.  His
+temporary fear was over, but he was quite at sea as to the cause of
+the noises he had heard.  He could not suspect any of his
+school-fellows, for no one was visible, nor had he any idea that any
+were in the wood at the time.
+
+"I wonder if it was an animal," he reflected.  "It was a fearful
+noise.  I must find some other place to practise reading in.  I
+wouldn't go to that wood again for fifty dollars."
+
+But Fletcher's readings were not destined to be long continued.  When
+he got home from school the next day, he found the following note,
+which had been left for him during the forenoon:--
+
+
+"MR. FITZGERALD FLETCHER,--Dear Sir: I beg to thank you for your kind
+proposal to read at our Fair; but I think there must be some mistake
+in the matter, as we have never contemplated having any readings, nor
+have I written to you on the subject, as you intimate.  I fear that
+we shall not have time to spare for such a feature, though, under
+other circumstances, it might be attractive.  In behalf of the
+committee, I beg to tender thanks for your kind proposal.
+
+  "Yours respectfully,
+    "PAULINE CLINTON."
+
+Fletcher read this letter with feelings which can better be imagined
+than described.  He had already written home in the most boastful
+manner about the invitation he had received, and he knew that before
+he could contradict it, it would have been generally reported by his
+gratified parents to his city friends.  And now he would be compelled
+to explain that he had been duped, besides enduring the jeers of
+those who had planned the trick.
+
+This was more than he could endure.  He formed a sudden resolution.
+He would feign illness, and go home the next day.  He could let it be
+inferred that it was sickness alone which had compelled him to give
+up the idea of appearing as a public reader.
+
+Fitz immediately acted upon his decision, and the next day found him
+on the way to Boston.  He never returned to the Prescott Academy as a
+student.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+AN INVITATION TO BOSTON.
+
+Harry was doubly glad that he was now in receipt of a moderate
+salary.  He welcomed it as an evidence that he was rising in the
+estimation of his employer, which was of itself satisfactory, and
+also because in his circumstances the money was likely to be useful.
+
+"Five dollars a week!" said Harry to himself.  "Half of that ought to
+be enough to pay for my clothes and miscellaneous expenses, and the
+rest I will give to father.  It will help him take care of the rest
+of the family."
+
+Our hero at once made this proposal by letter.  This is a paragraph
+from his father's letter in reply:--
+
+
+"I am glad, my dear son, to find you so considerate and dutiful, as
+your offer indicates.  I have indeed had a hard time in supporting my
+family, and have not always been able to give them the comforts I
+desired.  Perhaps it is my own fault in part.  I am afraid I have not
+the faculty of getting along and making money that many others have.
+But I have had an unexpected stroke of good fortune.  Last evening a
+letter reached your mother, stating that her cousin Nancy had
+recently died at St. Albans, Vermont, and that, in accordance with
+her will, your mother is to receive a legacy of four thousand
+dollars.  With your mother's consent, one-fourth of this is to be
+devoted to the purchase of the ten acres adjoining my little farm,
+and the balance will be so invested as to yield us an annual income
+of one hundred and eighty dollars.  Many would think this a small
+addition to an income, but it will enable us to live much more
+comfortably.  You remember the ten-acre lot to the east of us,
+belonging to the heirs of Reuben Todd.  It is excellent land, well
+adapted for cultivation, and will fully double the value of my farm.
+
+"You see, therefore, my dear son, that a new era of prosperity has
+opened for us.  I am now relieved from the care and anxiety which for
+years have oppressed me, and feel sure of a comfortable support.
+Instead of accepting the half of your salary, I desire you, if
+possible, to save it, depositing in some reliable savings
+institution.  If you do this every year till you are twenty-one, you
+will have a little capital to start you in business, and will be able
+to lead a more prosperous career than your father.  Knowing you as
+well as I do, I do not feel it necessary to caution you against
+unnecessary expenditures.  I will only remind you that extravagance
+is comparative, and that what would be only reasonable expenditure
+for one richer than yourself would be imprudent in you."
+
+
+Harry read this letter with great joy.  He was warmly attached to the
+little home circle, and the thought that they were comparatively
+provided for gave him fresh courage.  He decided to adopt his
+father's suggestion, and the very next week deposited three dollars
+in the savings bank.
+
+"That is to begin an account," he thought.  "If I can only keep that
+up, I shall feel quite rich at the end of a year."
+
+Several weeks rolled by, and Thanksgiving approached.
+
+Harry was toiling at his case one day, when Oscar Vincent entered the
+office.
+
+"Hard at work, I see, Harry," he said.
+
+"Yes," said Harry; "I can't afford to be idle."
+
+"I want you to be idle for three days," said Oscar.
+
+Harry looked up in surprise.
+
+"How is that?" he asked.
+
+"You know we have a vacation from Wednesday to Monday at the Academy."
+
+"Over Thanksgiving?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, I am going home to spend that time, and I want you to go with
+me."
+
+"What, to Boston?" asked Harry, startled, for to him, inexperienced
+as he was, that seemed a very long journey.
+
+"Yes.  Father and mother gave me permission to invite you.  Shall I
+show you the letter?"
+
+"I'll take it for granted, Oscar, but I am afraid I can't go."
+
+"Nonsense!  What's to prevent?"
+
+"In the first place, Mr. Anderson can't spare me."
+
+"Ask him."
+
+"What's that?" asked the editor, hearing his name mentioned.
+
+"I have invited Harry to spend the Thanksgiving vacation with me in
+Boston, and he is afraid you can't spare him?"
+
+"Does your father sanction your invitation?"
+
+"Yes, he wrote me this morning--that is, I got the letter this
+morning--telling me to ask Harry to come."
+
+Now the country editor had a great respect for the city editor, who
+was indeed known by reputation throughout New England as a man of
+influence and ability, and he felt disposed to accede to any request
+of his.
+
+So he said pleasantly, "Of course, Harry, we shall miss you, but if
+Mr. Ferguson is disposed to do a little additional work, we will get
+along till Monday.  What do you say, Mr. Ferguson?"
+
+"I shall be very glad to oblige Harry," said the older workman, "and
+I hope he will have a good time."
+
+"That settles the question, Harry," said Oscar, joyfully.  "So all
+you've got to do is to pack up and be ready to start to-morrow
+morning.  It's Tuesday, you know, already."
+
+Harry hesitated, and Oscar observed it.
+
+"Well, what's the matter now?" he said; "out with it."
+
+"I'll tell you, Oscar," said Harry, coloring a little.  "Your father
+is a rich man, and lives handsomely.  I haven't any clothes good
+enough to wear on a visit to your house."
+
+"Oh, hang your clothes!" said Oscar, impetuously.  "It isn't your
+clothes we invite.  It's yourself."
+
+"Still, Oscar--"
+
+"Come, I see you think I am like Fitz Fletcher, after all.  Say you
+think me a snob, and done with it."
+
+"But I don't," said Harry, smiling.
+
+"Then don't make any more ridiculous objections.  Don't you think
+they are ridiculous, Mr. Ferguson?"
+
+"They wouldn't be in some places," said Ferguson, "but here I think
+they are out of place.  I feel sure you are right, and that you value
+Harry more than the clothes he wears."
+
+"Well, Harry, do you surrender at discretion?" said Oscar.  "You see
+Ferguson is on my side."
+
+"I suppose I shall have to," said Harry, "as long as you are not
+ashamed of me."
+
+"None of that, Harry."
+
+"I'll go."
+
+"The first sensible words you've spoken this morning."
+
+"I want to tell you how much I appreciate your kindness, Oscar," said
+Harry, earnestly.
+
+"Why shouldn't I be kind to my friend?"
+
+"Even if he was once a printer's devil."
+
+"Very true.  It is a great objection, but still I will overlook it.
+By the way, there is one inducement I didn't mention."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"We may very likely see Fitz in the city.  He is studying at home
+now, I hear.  Who knows but he may get up a great party in your
+honor?"
+
+"Do you think it likely?" asked Harry, smiling.
+
+"It might not happen to occur to him, I admit.  Still, if we made him
+a ceremonious call--"
+
+"I am afraid he might send word that he was not at home."
+
+"That would be a loss to him, no doubt.  However, we will leave time
+to settle that question.  Be sure to be on hand in time for the
+morning train."
+
+"All right, Oscar."
+
+Harry had all the love of new scenes natural to a boy of sixteen.  He
+had heard so much of Boston that he felt a strong curiosity to see
+it.  Besides, was not that the city where the "Weekly Standard" was
+printed, the paper in which he had already appeared as an author?  In
+connection with this, I must here divulge a secret of Harry's.  He
+was ambitious not only to contribute to the literary papers, but to
+be paid for his contributions.  He judged that essays were not very
+marketable, and he had therefore in his leisure moments written a
+humorous sketch, entitled "The Tin Pedler's Daughter."  I shall not
+give any idea of the plot here; I will only say that it was really
+humorous, and did not betray as much of the novice as might have been
+expected.  Harry had copied it out in his best hand, and resolved to
+carry it to Boston, and offer it in person to the editor of the
+"Standard" with an effort, if accepted, to obtain compensation for it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+THE VINCENTS AT HOME.
+
+When Harry rather bashfully imparted to Oscar his plans respecting
+the manuscript, the latter entered enthusiastically into them, and at
+once requested the privilege of reading the story.  Harry awaited his
+judgment with some anxiety.
+
+"Why, Harry, this is capital," said Oscar, looking up from the
+perusal.
+
+"Do you really think so, Oscar?"
+
+"If I didn't think so, I wouldn't say so."
+
+"I thought you might say so out of friendship."
+
+"I don't say it is the best I ever read, mind you, but I have read a
+good many that are worse.  I think you managed the _denouement_
+(you're a French scholar, so I'll venture on the word) admirably."
+
+"I only hope the editor of the 'Standard' will think so."
+
+"If he doesn't, there are other papers in Boston; the 'Argus' for
+instance."
+
+"I'll try the 'Standard' first, because I have already written for
+it."
+
+"All right.  Don't you want me to go to the office with you?"
+
+"I wish you would.  I shall be bashful."
+
+"I am not troubled that way.  Besides, my father's name is well
+known, and I'll take care to mention it.  Sometimes influence goes
+farther than merit, you know."
+
+"I should like to increase my income by writing for the city papers.
+Even if I only made fifty dollars a year, it would all be clear gain."
+
+Harry's desire was natural.  He had no idea how many shared it.
+Every editor of a successful weekly could give information on this
+subject.  Certainly there is no dearth of aspiring young
+writers--Scotts and Shakspeares in embryo--in our country, and if all
+that were written for publication succeeded in getting into print,
+the world would scarcely contain the books and papers which would
+pour in uncounted thousands from the groaning press.
+
+When the two boys arrived in Boston they took a carriage to Oscar's
+house.  It was situated on Beacon Street, not far from the Common,--a
+handsome brick house with a swell front, such as they used to build
+in Boston.  No one of the family was in, and Oscar and Harry went up
+at once to the room of the former, which they were to share together.
+It was luxuriously furnished, so Harry thought, but then our hero had
+been always accustomed to the plainness of a country home.
+
+"Now, old fellow, make yourself at home," said Oscar.  "You can get
+yourself up for dinner.  There's water and towels, and a brush."
+
+"I don't expect to look very magnificent," said Harry.  "You must
+tell your mother I am from the country."
+
+"I would make you an offer if I dared," said Oscar.
+
+"I am always open to a good offer."
+
+"It's this: I'm one size larger than you, and my last year's suits
+are in that wardrobe.  If any will fit you, they are yours."
+
+"Thank you, Oscar," said Harry; "I'll accept your offer to-morrow."
+
+"Why not to-day?"
+
+"You may not understand me, but when I first appear before your
+family, I don't want to wear false colors."
+
+"I understand," said Oscar, with instinctive delicacy.
+
+An hour later, the bell rang for dinner.
+
+Harry went down, and was introduced to his friend's mother and
+sister.  The former was a true lady, refined and kindly, and her
+smile made our hero feel quite at home.
+
+"I am glad to meet you, Mr.  Walton," she said.  "Oscar has spoken of
+you frequently."
+
+With Oscar's sister Maud--a beautiful girl two years younger than
+himself--Harry felt a little more bashful; but the young lady soon
+entered into an animated conversation with him.
+
+"Do you often come to Boston, Mr. Walton?" she asked.
+
+"This is my first visit," said Harry.
+
+"Then I dare say Oscar will play all sorts of tricks upon you.  We
+had a cousin visit us from the country, and the poor fellow had a
+hard time."
+
+"Yes," said Oscar, laughing, "I used to leave him at a street corner,
+and dodge into a doorway.  It was amusing to see his perplexity when
+he looked about, and couldn't find me."
+
+"Shall you try that on me?" asked Harry.
+
+"Very likely."
+
+"Then I'll be prepared."
+
+"You might tie him with a rope, Mr. Walton," said Maud, "and keep
+firm hold."
+
+"I will, if Oscar consents."
+
+"I will see about it.  But here is my father.  Father, this is my
+friend, Harry Walton."
+
+"I am glad to see you, Mr. Walton," said Mr. Vincent.  "Then you
+belong to my profession?"
+
+"I hope to, some time, sir; but I am only a printer as yet."
+
+"You are yet to rise from the ranks.  I know all about that.  I was
+once a compositor."
+
+Harry looked at the editor with great respect.  He was stout,
+squarely built, with a massive head and a thoughtful expression.  His
+appearance was up to Harry's anticipations.  He felt that he would be
+prouder to be Mr. Vincent than any man in Boston, He could hardly
+believe that this man, who controlled so influential an organ, and
+was so honored in the community, was once a printer boy like himself.
+
+"What paper are you connected with?" asked Mr. Vincent.
+
+"The 'Centreville Gazette.'"
+
+"I have seen it.  It is quite a respectable paper."
+
+"But how different," thought Harry, "from a great city daily!"
+
+"Let us go out to dinner," said Mr. Vincent, consulting his watch.
+"I have an engagement immediately afterward."
+
+At table Harry sat between Maud and Oscar.  If at first he felt a
+little bashful, the feeling soon wore away.  The dinner hour passed
+very pleasantly.  Mr. Vincent chatted very agreeably about men and
+things.  There is no one better qualified to shine in this kind of
+conversation than the editor of a city daily, who is compelled to be
+exceptionally well informed.  Harry listened with such interest that
+he almost forgot to eat, till Oscar charged him with want of appetite.
+
+"I must leave in haste," said Mr. Vincent, when dinner was over.
+"Oscar, I take it for granted that you will take care of your friend."
+
+"Certainly, father.  I shall look upon myself as his guardian,
+adviser and friend."
+
+"You are not very well fitted to be a mentor, Oscar," said Maud.
+
+"Why not, young lady?"
+
+"You need a guardian yourself.  You are young and frivolous."
+
+"And you, I suppose, are old and judicious."
+
+"Thank you.  I will own to the last, and the first will come in time."
+
+"Isn't it singular, Harry, that my sister should have so much
+conceit, whereas I am remarkably modest?"
+
+"I never discovered it, Oscar," said Harry, smiling.
+
+"That is right, Mr. Walton," said Maud.  "I see you are on my side.
+Look after my brother, Mr. Walton.  He needs an experienced friend."
+
+"I am afraid I don't answer the description, Miss Maud."
+
+"I don't doubt you will prove competent.  I wish you a pleasant walk."
+
+"My sister's a jolly girl, don't you think so?" asked Oscar, as Maud
+left the room.
+
+"That isn't exactly what I should say of her, but I can describe her
+as even more attractive than her brother."
+
+"You couldn't pay her a higher compliment.  But come; we'll take a
+walk on the Common."
+
+They were soon on the Common, dear to every Bostonian, and sauntered
+along the walks, under the pleasant shade of the stately elms.
+
+"Look there," said Oscar, suddenly; "isn't that Fitz Fletcher?"
+
+"Yes," said Harry, "but he doesn't see us."
+
+"We'll join him.  How are you, Fitz?"
+
+"Glad to see you, Oscar," said Fletcher, extending a gloved band,
+while in the other he tossed a light cane.  "When did you arrive?"
+
+"Only this morning; but you don't see Harry Walton."
+
+Fletcher arched his brows in surprise, and said coldly, "Indeed, I
+was not aware Mr. Walton was in the city."
+
+"He is visiting me," said Oscar.
+
+Fletcher looked surprised.  He knew the Vincents stood high socially,
+and it seemed extraordinary that they should receive a printer's
+devil as a guest.
+
+"Have you given up the printing business?" he asked superciliously.
+
+"No; I only have a little vacation from it."
+
+"Ah, indeed!  It's a very dirty business.  I would as soon be a
+chimney-sweep."
+
+"Each to his taste, Fitz," said Oscar.  "If you have a taste for
+chimneys, I hope your father won't interfere."
+
+"I haven't a taste for such a low business," said Fletcher,
+haughtily.  "I should like it as well as being a printer's devil
+though."
+
+"Would you?  At any rate, if you take it up, you'll be sure to be
+well _sooted_."
+
+Fletcher did not laugh at the joke.  He never could see any wit in
+jokes directed at himself.
+
+"How long are you going to stay at that beastly school?" he asked.
+
+"I am not staying at any beastly school."
+
+"I mean the Academy."
+
+"Till I am ready for college.  Where are you studying?"
+
+"I recite to a private tutor."
+
+"Well, we shall meet at 'Harvard' if we are lucky enough to get in."
+
+Fletcher rather hoped Oscar would invite him to call at his house,
+for he liked to visit a family of high social position; but he waited
+in vain.
+
+"What a fool Oscar makes of himself about that country clod-hopper!"
+thought the stylish young man, as he walked away.  "The idea of
+associating with a printer's devil!  I hope I know what is due to
+myself better."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+THE OFFICE OF THE "STANDARD."
+
+On the day after Thanksgiving, Harry brought out from his carpet-bag
+his manuscript story, and started with Oscar for the office of the
+"Weekly Standard." He bought the last copy of the paper, and thus
+ascertained the location of the office.
+
+Oscar turned the last page, and ran through a sketch of about the
+same length as Harry's.
+
+"Yours is fully as good as this, Harry," he said.
+
+"The editor may not think so."
+
+"Then he ought to."
+
+"This story is by one of his regular contributors, Kenella Kent."
+
+"You'll have to take a name yourself,--a _nom de plume_, I mean."
+
+"I have written so far over the name of Franklin."
+
+"That will do very well for essays, but is not appropriate for
+stories."
+
+"Suppose you suggest a name, Oscar."
+
+"How will 'Fitz Fletcher' do?"
+
+"Mr. Fletcher would not permit me to take such a liberty."
+
+"And you wouldn't want to take it."
+
+"Not much."
+
+"Let me see.  I suppose I must task my invention, then.  How will Old
+Nick do?"
+
+"People would think you wrote the story."
+
+"A fair hit.  Hold on, I've got just the name.  Frank Lynn."
+
+"I thought you objected to that name."
+
+"You don't understand me.  I mean two names, not one.  Frank Lynn!
+Don't you see?"
+
+"Yes, it's a good plan.  I'll adopt it."
+
+"Who knows but you may make the name illustrious, Harry?"
+
+"If I do, I'll dedicate my first boot to Oscar Vincent."
+
+"Shake hands on that.  I accept the dedication with mingled feelings
+of gratitude and pleasure."
+
+"Better wait till you get it," said Harry, laughing.  "Don't count
+your chickens before they're hatched."
+
+"The first egg is laid, and that's something.  But here we are at the
+office."
+
+It was a building containing a large number of offices.  The names of
+the respective occupants were printed on slips of black tin at the
+entrance.  From this, Harry found that the office of the "Weekly
+Standard" was located at No. 6.
+
+"My heart begins to beat, Oscar," said Harry, naturally excited in
+anticipation of an interview with one who could open the gates of
+authorship to him.
+
+"Does it?" asked Oscar.  "Mine has been beating for a number of
+years."
+
+"You are too matter-of-fact for me, Oscar.  If it was your own story,
+you might feel differently."
+
+"Shall I pass it off as my own, and make the negotiation?"
+
+Harry was half tempted to say yes, but it occurred to him that this
+might prove an embarrassment in the future, and he declined the
+proposal.
+
+They climbed rather a dark, and not very elegant staircase, and found
+themselves before No. 6.
+
+Harry knocked, or was about to do so, when a young lady with long
+ringlets, and a roll of manuscript in her hand, who had followed them
+upstairs advanced confidently, and, opening the door, went in.  The
+two boys followed, thinking the ceremony of knocking needless.
+
+They found themselves in a large room, one corner of which was
+partitioned off for the editor's sanctum.  A middle-aged man was
+directing papers in the larger room, while piles of papers were
+ranged on shelves at the sides of the apartment.
+
+The two boys hesitated to advance, but the young lady in ringlets
+went on, and entered the office through the open door.
+
+"We'll wait till she is through," said Harry.
+
+It was easy to hear the conversation that passed between the young
+lady and the editor, whom they could not see.
+
+"Good-morning, Mr. Houghton," she said.
+
+"Good-morning.  Take a seat, please," said the editor, pleasantly.
+"Are you one of our contributors?"
+
+"No, sir, not yet," answered the young lady, "but I would become so."
+
+"We are not engaging any new contributors at present, but still if
+you have brought anything for examination you may leave it."
+
+"I am not wholly unknown to fame," said the young lady, with an air
+of consequence.  "You have probably heard of Prunella Prune."
+
+"Possibly, but I don't at present recall it.  We editors meet with so
+many names, you know.  What is the character of your articles?"
+
+"I am a poetess, sir, and I also write stories."
+
+"Poetry is a drug in the market.  We have twice as much offered us as
+we can accept.  Still we are always glad to welcome really
+meritorious poems."
+
+"I trust my humble efforts will please you," said Prunella.  "I have
+here some lines to a nightingale, which have been very much praised
+in our village.  Shall I read them?"
+
+"If you wish," said the editor, by no means cheerfully.
+
+Miss Prune raised her voice, and commenced:--
+
+  "O star-eyed Nightingale,
+  How nobly thou dost sail
+  Through the air!
+  No other bird can compare
+  With the tuneful song
+  Which to thee doth belong.
+  I sit and hear thee sing,
+  While with tireless wing
+    Thou dost fly.
+  And it makes me feel so sad,
+  It makes me feel so bad,
+    I know not why,
+  And I heave so many sighs,
+  O warbler of the skies!"
+
+"Is there much more?" asked the editor.
+
+"That is the first verse.  There are fifteen more," said Prunella.
+
+"Then I think I shall not have time at present to hear you read it
+all.  You may leave it, and I will look it over at my leisure."
+
+"If it suits you," said Prunella, "how much will it be worth?"
+
+"I don't understand."
+
+"How much would you be willing to pay for it?"
+
+"Oh, we never pay for poems," said Mr. Houghton.
+
+"Why not?" asked Miss Prune, evidently disappointed.
+
+"Our contributors are kind enough to send them gratuitously."
+
+"Is that fostering American talent?" demanded Prunella, indignantly.
+
+"American poetical talent doesn't require fostering, judging from the
+loads of poems which are sent in to us."
+
+"You pay for stories, I presume?"
+
+"Yes, we pay for good, popular stories."
+
+"I have one here," said Prunella, untying her manuscript, "which I
+should like to read to you."
+
+"You may read the first paragraph, if you please.  I haven't time to
+hear more.  What is the title?"
+
+"'The Bandit's Bride.'  This is the way it opens:--
+
+"'The night was tempestuous.  Lightnings flashed in the cerulean sky,
+and the deep-voiced thunder rolled from one end of the firmament to
+the other.  It was a landscape in Spain.  From a rocky defile gayly
+pranced forth a masked cavalier, Roderigo di Lima, a famous bandit
+chief.
+
+"'"Ha! ha!" he laughed in demoniac glee, "the night is well fitted to
+my purpose.  Ere it passes, Isabella Gomez shall be mine."'"
+
+"I think that will do," said Mr. Houghton, hastily.  "I am afraid
+that style won't suit our readers."
+
+"Why not?" demanded Prunella, sharply.  "I can assure you, sir, that
+it has been praised by _excellent_ judges in our village."
+
+"It is too exciting for our readers.  You had better carry it to 'The
+Weekly Corsair.'"
+
+"Do they pay well for contributions?"
+
+"I really can't say.  How much do you expect?"
+
+"This story will make about five columns.  I think twenty-five
+dollars will be about right."
+
+"I am afraid you will be disappointed.  We can't afford to pay such
+prices, and the 'Corsair' has a smaller circulation than our paper."
+
+"How much do you pay?"
+
+"Two dollars a column."
+
+"I expected more," said Prunella, "but I will write for you at that
+price."
+
+"Send us something suited to our paper, and we will pay for it at
+that price."
+
+"I will write you a story to-morrow.  Good-morning, sir."
+
+"Good-morning, Miss Prune."
+
+The young lady with ringlets sailed out of the editor's room, and
+Oscar, nudging Harry, said, "Now it is our turn.  Come along.  Follow
+me, and don't be frightened."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+ACCEPTED.
+
+The editor of the "Standard" looked with some surprise at the two
+boys.  As editor, he was not accustomed to receive such young
+visitors.  He was courteous, however, and said, pleasantly:--
+
+"What can I do for you, young gentlemen?"
+
+"Are you the editor of the 'Standard'?" asked Harry, diffidently.
+
+"I am.  Do you wish to subscribe?"
+
+"I have already written something for your paper," Harry continued.
+
+"Indeed!" said the editor.  "Was it poetry or prose?"
+
+Harry felt flattered by the question.  To be mistaken for a poet he
+felt to be very complimentary.  If he had known how much trash weekly
+found its way to the "Standard" office, under the guise of poetry, he
+would have felt less flattered.
+
+"I have written some essays over the name of 'Franklin,'" he hastened
+to say.
+
+"Ah, yes, I remember, and very sensible essays too.  You are young to
+write."
+
+"Yes, sir; I hope to improve as I grow older."
+
+By this time Oscar felt impelled to speak for his friend.  It seemed
+to him that Harry was too modest.
+
+"My friend is assistant editor of a New Hampshire paper,--'The
+Centreville Gazette,'" he announced.
+
+"Indeed!" said the editor, looking surprised.  "He is certainly young
+for an editor."
+
+"My friend is not quite right," said Harry, hastily.  "I am one of
+the compositors on that paper."
+
+"But you write editorial paragraphs," said Oscar.
+
+"Yes, unimportant ones."
+
+"And are you, too, an editor?" asked the editor of the "Standard,"
+addressing Oscar with a smile.
+
+"Not exactly," said Oscar; "but I am an editor's son.  Perhaps you
+are acquainted with my father,--John Vincent of this city."
+
+"Are you his son?" said the editor, respectfully.  "I know your
+father slightly.  He is one of our ablest journalists."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"I am very glad to receive a visit from you, and should be glad to
+print anything from your pen."
+
+"I am not sure about that," said Oscar, smiling.  "If I have a talent
+for writing, it hasn't developed itself yet.  But my friend here
+takes to it as naturally as a duck takes to water."
+
+"Have you brought me another essay, Mr. 'Franklin'?" asked the
+editor, turning to Harry.  "I address you by your _nom de plume_, not
+knowing your real name."
+
+"Permit me to introduce my friend, Harry Walton," said Oscar.
+"Harry, where is your story?"
+
+"I have brought you in a story," said Harry, blushing.  "It is my
+first attempt, and may not suit you, but I shall be glad if you will
+take the trouble to examine it."
+
+"With pleasure," said the editor.  "Is it long?"
+
+"About two columns.  It is of a humorous character."
+
+The editor reached out his hand, and, taking the manuscript, unrolled
+it.  He read the first few lines, and they seemed to strike his
+attention.
+
+"If you will amuse yourselves for a few minutes, I will read it at
+once," he said.  "I don't often do it, but I will break over my
+custom this time."
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Harry.
+
+"There are some of my exchanges," said the editor, pointing to a pile
+on the floor.  "You may find something to interest you in some of
+them."
+
+They picked up some papers, and began to read.  But Harry could not
+help thinking of the verdict that was to be pronounced on his
+manuscript.  Upon that a great deal hinged.  If he could feel that he
+was able to produce anything that would command compensation, however
+small, it would make him proud and happy.  He tried, as he gazed
+furtively over his paper at the editor's face, to anticipate his
+decision, but the latter was too much accustomed to reading
+manuscript to show the impression made upon him.
+
+Fifteen minutes passed, and he looked up.
+
+"Well, Mr. Walton," he said, "your first attempt is a success."
+
+Harry's face brightened.
+
+"May I ask if the plot is original?"
+
+"It is so far as I know, sir.  I don't think I ever read anything
+like it."
+
+"Of course there are some faults in the construction, and the
+dialogue might be amended here and there.  But it is very creditable,
+and I will use it in the 'Standard' if you desire it."
+
+"I do, sir."
+
+"And how much are you willing to pay for it?" Oscar struck in.
+
+The editor hesitated.
+
+"It is not our custom to pay novices just at first," he said.  "If
+Mr. Walton keeps on writing, he would soon command compensation."
+
+Harry would not have dared to press the matter, but Oscar was not so
+diffident.  Indeed, it is easier to be bold in a friend's cause than
+one's own.
+
+"Don't you think it is worth being paid for, if it is worth
+printing?" he persisted.
+
+"Upon that principle, we should feel obliged to pay for poetry," said
+the editor.
+
+"Oh," said Oscar, "poets don't need money.  They live on flowers and
+dew-drops."
+
+The editor smiled.
+
+"You think prose-writers require something more substantial?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I will tell you how the matter stands," said the editor.  "Mr.
+Walton is a beginner.  He has his reputation to make.  When it is
+made he will be worth a fair price to me, or any of my brother
+editors."
+
+"I see," said Oscar; "but his story must be worth something.  It will
+fill up two columns.  If you didn't print it, you would have to pay
+somebody for writing these two columns."
+
+"You have some reason in what you say.  Still our ordinary rule is
+based on justice.  A distinction should be made between new
+contributors and old favorites."
+
+"Yes, sir.  Pay the first smaller sums."
+
+If the speaker had not been John Vincent's son, it would have been
+doubtful if his reasoning would have prevailed.  As it was, the
+editor yielded.
+
+"I may break over my rule in the case of your friend," said the
+editor; "but he must be satisfied with a very small sum for the
+present."
+
+"Anything will satisfy me, sir," said Harry, eagerly.
+
+"Your story will fill two columns.  I commonly pay two dollars a
+column for such articles, if by practised writers.  I will give you
+half that."
+
+"Thank you, sir.  I accept it," said Harry, promptly.
+
+"In a year or so I may see my way clear to paying you more, Mr.
+Walton; but you must consider that I give you the opportunity of
+winning popularity, and regard this as part of your compensation, at
+present."
+
+"I am quite satisfied, sir," said Harry, his heart fluttering with
+joy and triumph.  "May I write you some more sketches?"
+
+"I shall be happy to receive and examine them; but you must not be
+disappointed if from time to time I reject your manuscripts."
+
+"No, sir; I will take it as a hint that they need improving."
+
+"I will revise my friend's stories, sir," said Oscar, humorously,
+"and give him such hints as my knowledge of the world may suggest."
+
+"No doubt such suggestions from so mature a friend will materially
+benefit them," said the editor, smiling.
+
+He opened his pocket-book, and, drawing out a two-dollar bill, handed
+it to Harry.
+
+"I shall hope to pay you often," he said, "for similar contributions."
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Harry.
+
+Feeling that their business was at an end, the boys withdrew.  As
+they reached the foot of the stairs, Oscar took off his cap, and
+bowed low.
+
+"Mr. Lynn, I congratulate you," he said.
+
+"I can't tell you how glad I feel, Oscar," said Harry, his face
+radiant.
+
+"Let me suggest that you owe me a commission for impressing upon the
+editor the propriety of paying you."
+
+"How much do you ask?"
+
+"An ice-cream will be satisfactory."
+
+"All right."
+
+"Come round to Copeland's then.  We'll celebrate your success in a
+becoming manner."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+MRS. CLINTON'S PARTY.
+
+When Oscar and Harry reached home they were met by Maud, who
+flourished in her hand what appeared to be a note.
+
+"What is it, Maud?" asked Oscar.  "A love-letter for me?"
+
+"Don't flatter yourself, Oscar.  No girl would be so foolish as to
+write you a love-letter.  It is an invitation to a party on Saturday
+evening."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"At Mrs. Clinton's."
+
+"I think I will decline," said Oscar.  "I wouldn't like to leave
+Harry alone."
+
+"Oh, he is included too.  Mrs. Clinton heard of his being here, and
+expressly included him in the invitation."
+
+"That alters the case.  You'll go, Harry, won't you?"
+
+"I am afraid I shouldn't know how to behave at a fashionable party,"
+said Harry.
+
+"Oh, you've only got to make me your model," said Oscar, "and you'll
+be all right."
+
+"Did you ever see such conceit, Mr. Walton?" said Maud.
+
+"It reminds me of Fletcher," said Harry.
+
+"Fitz Fletcher?  By the way, he will probably be there.  His family
+are acquainted with the Clintons."
+
+"Yes, he is invited," said Maud.
+
+"Good!  Then there's promise of fun," said Oscar.  "You'll see Fitz
+with his best company manners on."
+
+"I am afraid he won't enjoy meeting me there," said Harry.
+
+"Probably not."
+
+"I don't see why," said Maud.
+
+"Shall I tell, Harry?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"To begin with, Fletcher regards himself as infinitely superior to
+Walton here, because his father is rich, and Walton's poor.  Again,
+Harry is a printer, and works for a living, which Fitz considers
+degrading.  Besides all this, Harry was elected President of our
+Debating Society,--an office which Fitz wanted."
+
+"I hope" said Maud, "that Mr. Fletcher's dislike does not affect your
+peace of mind, Mr. Walton."
+
+"Not materially," said Harry, laughing.
+
+"By the way, Maud," said Oscar, "did I ever tell you how Fletcher's
+pride was mortified at school by our discovering his relationship to
+a tin-pedler?"
+
+"No, tell me about it."
+
+The story, already familiar to the reader, was graphically told by
+Oscar, and served to amuse his sister.
+
+"He deserved the mortification," she said.  "I shall remember it if
+he shows any of his arrogance at the party."
+
+"Fletcher rather admires Maud," said Oscar, after his sister had gone
+out of the room; "but the favor isn't reciprocated.  If he undertakes
+to say anything to her against you, she will take him down, depend
+upon it."
+
+Saturday evening came, and Harry, with Oscar and his sister, started
+for the party.  Our hero, having confessed his inability to dance,
+had been diligently instructed in the Lancers by Oscar, so that he
+felt some confidence in being able to get through without any serious
+blunder.
+
+"Of course you must dance, Harry," he said.  "You don't want to be a
+wall-flower."
+
+"I may have to be," said Harry.  "I shall know none of the young
+ladies except your sister."
+
+"Maud will dance the first Lancers with you, and I will get you a
+partner for the second."
+
+"You may dispose of me as you like, Oscar."
+
+"Wisely said.  Don't forget that I am your Mentor."
+
+When they entered the brilliantly lighted parlors, they were already
+half full.  Oscar introduced his friend to Mrs. Clinton.
+
+"I am glad to see you here, Mr. Walton," said the hostess,
+graciously.  "Oscar, I depend upon you to introduce your friend to
+some of the young ladies."
+
+"You forget my diffidence, Mrs. Clinton."
+
+"I didn't know you were troubled in that way.'"
+
+"See how I am misjudged.  I am painfully bashful."
+
+"You hide it well," said the hostess, with a smile.
+
+"Escort my sister to a seat, Harry," said Oscar.  "By the way, you
+two will dance in the first Lancers."
+
+"If Miss Maud will accept so awkward a partner," said Harry.
+
+"Oh, yes, Mr. Walton.  I'll give you a hint if you are going wrong."
+
+Five minutes later Fletcher touched Oscar on the shoulder.
+
+"Oscar, where is your sister?" he asked.
+
+"There," said Oscar, pointing her out.
+
+Fletcher, who was rather near-sighted, did not at first notice that
+Harry Walton was sitting beside the young lady.
+
+He advanced, and made a magnificent bow, on which he rather prided
+himself.
+
+"Good-evening, Miss Vincent," he said.
+
+"Good-evening, Mr. Fletcher."
+
+"I am very glad you have favored the party with your presence."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Fletcher.  Don't turn my head with your compliments."
+
+"May I hope you will favor me with your hand in the first Lancers?"
+
+"I am sorry, Mr. Fletcher, but I am engaged to Mr. Walton.  I believe
+you are acquainted with him."
+
+Fletcher for the first time observed our hero, and his face wore a
+look of mingled annoyance and scorn.
+
+"I have met the gentleman," he said, haughtily.
+
+"Mr. Fletcher and I have met frequently," said Harry, pleasantly.
+
+"I didn't expect to meet you _here_," said Fletcher with marked
+emphasis.
+
+"Probably not," said Harry.  "My invitation is due to my being a
+friend of Oscar's."
+
+"I was not aware that you danced," said Fletcher who was rather
+curious on the subject.
+
+"I don't--much."
+
+"Where did you learn--in the printing office?"
+
+"No, in the city."
+
+"Ah!  Indeed!"
+
+Fletcher thought he had wasted time enough on our hero, and turned
+again to Maud.
+
+"May I have the pleasure of your hand in the second dance?" he asked.
+
+"I will put you down for that, if you desire it."
+
+"Thank you."
+
+It so happened that when Harry and Maud took the floor, they found
+Fletcher their _vis-a-vis_.  Perhaps it was this that made Harry more
+emulous to get through without making any blunders.  At any rate, he
+succeeded, and no one in the set suspected that it was his first
+appearance in public as a dancer.
+
+Fletcher was puzzled.  He had hoped that Harry would make himself
+ridiculous, and throw the set into confusion.  But the dance passed
+off smoothly, and in due time Fletcher led out Maud.  If he had known
+his own interest, he would have kept silent about Harry, but he had
+little discretion.
+
+"I was rather surprised to see Walton here," he began.
+
+"Didn't you know he was in the city?
+
+"Yes, I met him with Oscar."
+
+"Then why were you surprised?"
+
+"Because his social position does not entitle him to appear in such a
+company.  When I first knew him, he was only a printer's apprentice."
+
+Fletcher wanted to say printer's devil, but did not venture to do so
+in presence of a young lady.
+
+"He will rise higher than that."
+
+"I dare say," said Fletcher, with a sneer, "he will rise in time to
+be a journeyman with a salary of fifteen dollars a week."
+
+"If I am not mistaken in Mr. Walton, he will rise much higher than
+that.  Many of our prominent men have sprung from beginnings like
+his."
+
+"It must be rather a trial to him to come here.  His father is a
+day-laborer, I believe, and of course he has never been accustomed to
+any refinement or polish."
+
+"I don't detect the absence of either," said Maud, quietly.
+
+"Do you believe in throwing down all social distinctions, and meeting
+the sons of laborers on equal terms?"
+
+"As to that," said Maud, meeting her partner's glance, "I am rather
+democratic.  I could even meet the son of a tin-pedler on equal
+terms, provided he were a gentleman."
+
+The blood rushed to Fletcher's cheeks.
+
+"A tin-pedler!" he ejaculated.
+
+"Yes!  Suppose you were the son, or relation, of a tin-pedler, why
+should I consider that?  It would make you neither better nor worse."
+
+"I have no connection with tin-pedlers," said Fletcher, hastily.
+"Who told you I had?"
+
+"I only made a supposition, Mr. Fletcher."
+
+But Fletcher thought otherwise.  He was sure that Maud had heard of
+his mortification at school, and it disturbed him not a little, for,
+in spite of her assurance, he felt that she believed the story, and
+it annoyed him so much that he did not venture to make any other
+reference to Harry.
+
+"Poor Fitz!" said Oscar, when on their way home Maud gave an account
+of their conversation, "I am afraid he will murder the tin-pedler
+some time, to get rid of such an odious relationship."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+TWO LETTERS FROM THE WEST.
+
+The vacation was over all too soon, yet, brief as it was, Harry
+looked back upon it with great satisfaction.  He had been kindly
+received in the family of a man who stood high in the profession
+which he was ambitious to enter; he had gratified his curiosity to
+see the chief city of New England; and, by no means least, he had
+secured a position as paid contributor for the "Standard."
+
+"I suppose you will be writing another story soon," said Oscar.
+
+"Yes," said Harry, "I have got the plan of one already."
+
+"If you should write more than you can get into the 'Standard,' you
+had better send something to the 'Weekly Argus.'"
+
+"I will; but I will wait till the 'Standard' prints my first sketch,
+so that I can refer to that in writing to the 'Argus.'"
+
+"Perhaps you are right.  There's one advantage to not presenting
+yourself.  They won't know you're only a boy."
+
+"Unless they judge so from my style."
+
+"I don't think they would infer it from that.  By the way, Harry,
+suppose my father could find an opening for you as a reporter on his
+paper,--would you be willing to accept it?"
+
+"I am not sure whether it would be best for me," said Harry, slowly,
+"even if I were qualified."
+
+"There is more chance to rise on a city paper."
+
+"I don't know.  If I stay here I may before many years control a
+paper of my own.  Then, if I want to go into politics, there would be
+more chance in the country than in the city."
+
+"Would you like to go into politics?"
+
+"I am rather too young to decide about that; but if I could be of
+service in that way, I don't see why I should not desire it."
+
+"Well, Harry, I think you are going the right way to work."
+
+"I hope so.  I don't want to be promoted till I am fit for it.  I am
+going to work hard for the next two or three years."
+
+"I wish I were as industrious as you are, Harry."
+
+"And I wish I knew as much as you do, Oscar."
+
+"Say no more, or we shall be forming a Mutual Admiration Society,"
+said Oscar, laughing.
+
+Harry received a cordial welcome back to the printing office.  Mr.
+Anderson asked him many questions about Mr. Vincent; and our hero
+felt that his employer regarded him with increased consideration, on
+account of his acquaintance with the great city editor.  This
+consideration was still farther increased when Mr. Anderson learned
+our hero's engagement by the "Weekly Standard."
+
+Three weeks later, the "Standard" published Harry's sketch, and
+accepted another, at the same price.  Before this latter was printed,
+Harry wrote a third sketch, which he called "Phineas Popkin's
+Engagement."  This he inclosed to the "Weekly Argus," with a letter
+in which he referred to his engagement by the "Standard." In reply he
+received the following letter:--
+
+
+  "BOSTON, Jan., 18--,
+
+"MR. FRANK LYNN,--Dear Sir: We enclose three dollars for your
+sketch,--'Phineas Popkin's Engagement.'  We shall be glad to receive
+other sketches, of similar character and length, and, if accepted, we
+will pay the same price therefor.
+
+  "I. B. FITCH & Co."
+
+
+This was highly satisfactory to Harry.  He was now an accepted
+contributor to two weekly papers, and the addition to his income
+would be likely to reach a hundred dollars a year.  All this he would
+be able to lay up, and as much or more from his salary on the
+"Gazette."  He felt on the high road to success.  Seeing that his
+young compositor was meeting with success and appreciation abroad,
+Mr. Anderson called upon him more frequently to write paragraphs for
+the "Gazette."  Though this work was gratuitous, Harry willingly
+undertook it.  He felt that in this way he was preparing himself for
+the career to which he steadily looked forward.  Present
+compensation, he justly reasoned, was of small importance, compared
+with the chance of improvement.  In this view, Ferguson, who proved
+to be a very judicious friend, fully concurred.  Indeed Harry and he
+became more intimate than before, if that were possible, and they
+felt that Clapp's departure was by no means to be regretted.  They
+were remarking this one day, when Mr. Anderson, who had been
+examining his mail, looked up suddenly, and said, "What do you think,
+Mr. Ferguson?  I've got a letter from Clapp."
+
+"A letter from Clapp?  Where is he?" inquired Ferguson, with interest.
+
+"This letter is dated at St. Louis.  He doesn't appear to be doing
+very well."
+
+"I thought he was going to California."
+
+"So he represented.  But here is the letter." Ferguson took it, and,
+after reading, handed it to Harry.
+
+It ran thus:--
+
+
+  "ST. LOUIS, April 4, 18--.
+
+"JOTHAM ANDERSON, ESQ.,--Dear Sir: Perhaps you will be surprised to
+hear from me, but I feel as if I would like to hear from Centreville,
+where I worked so long.  The man that induced me and Harrison to come
+out here left us in the lurch three days after we reached St. Louis.
+He said he was going on to San Francisco, and he had only money
+enough to pay his own expenses.  As Luke and I were not provided with
+money, we had a pretty hard time at first, and had to pawn some of
+our clothes, or we should have starved.  Finally I got a job in the
+'Democrat' office, and a week after, Luke got something to do, though
+it didn't pay very well.  So we scratched along as well as we could.
+Part of the time since we have been out of work, and we haven't found
+'coming West' all that it was cracked up to be.
+
+"Are Ferguson and Harry Walton still working for you?  I should like
+to come back to the 'Gazette' office, and take my old place; but I
+haven't got five dollars ahead to pay my travelling expenses.  If you
+will send me out thirty dollars, I will come right on, and work it
+out after I come back.  Hoping for an early reply, I am,
+
+  "Yours respectfully,
+    "HENRY CLAPP."
+
+
+"Are you going to send out the money, Mr. Anderson?" asked Ferguson.
+
+"Not I.  Now that Walton has got well learnt, I don't need another
+workman.  I shall respectfully decline his offer."
+
+Both Harry and Ferguson were glad to hear this, for they felt that
+Clapp's presence would be far from making the office more agreeable.
+
+"Here's a letter for you, Walton, also post-marked St. Louis," said
+Mr. Anderson, just afterward.
+
+Harry took it with surprise, and opened it at once.
+
+"It's from Luke Harrison," he said, looking at the signature.
+
+"Does he want you to send him thirty dollars?" asked Ferguson.
+
+"Listen and I will read the letter."
+
+
+"DEAR HARRY," it commenced, "you will perhaps think it strange that I
+have written to you; but we used to be good friends.  I write to tell
+you that I don't like this place.  I haven't got along well, and I
+want to get back.  Now I am going to ask of you a favor.  Will you
+lend me thirty or forty dollars, to pay my fare home?  I will pay you
+back in a month or two months sure, after I get to work.  I will also
+pay you the few dollars which I borrowed some time ago.  I ought to
+have done it before, but I was thoughtless, and I kept putting it
+off.  Now, Harry, I know you have the money, and you can lend it to
+me just as well as not, and I'll be sure to pay it back before you
+need it.  Just get a post-office order, and send it to Luke Harrison,
+17 R---- Street, St. Louis, and I'll be sure to get it.  Give my
+respects to Mr. Anderson, and also to Mr. Ferguson.
+
+  "Your friend,
+    "LUKE HARRISON."
+
+
+"There is a chance for a first-class investment, Harry," said
+Ferguson.
+
+"Do you want to join me in it?"
+
+"No, I would rather pay the money to have 'your friend' keep away."
+
+"I don't want to be unkind or disobliging," said Harry, "but I don't
+feel like giving Luke this money.  I know he would never pay me back."
+
+"Say no, then."
+
+"I will.  Luke will be mad, but I can't help it."
+
+So both Mr. Anderson and Harry wrote declining to lend.  The latter,
+in return, received a letter from Luke, denouncing him as a "mean,
+miserly hunks;" but even this did not cause him to regret his
+decision.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+ONE STEP UPWARD.
+
+In real life the incidents that call for notice do not occur daily.
+Months and years pass, sometimes, where the course of life is quiet
+and uneventful.  So it was with Harry Walton.  He went to his daily
+work with unfailing regularity, devoted a large part of his leisure
+to reading and study, or writing sketches for the Boston papers, and
+found himself growing steadily wiser and better informed.  His
+account in the savings-bank grew slowly, but steadily; and on his
+nineteenth birthday, when we propose to look in upon him again, he
+was worth five hundred dollars.
+
+Some of my readers who are favored by fortune may regard this as a
+small sum.  It is small in itself, but it was not small for a youth
+in Harry's position to have saved from his small earnings.  But of
+greater value than the sum itself was the habit of self-denial and
+saving which our hero had formed.  He had started in the right way,
+and made a beginning which was likely to lead to prosperity in the
+end.  It had not been altogether easy to save this sum.  Harry's
+income had always been small, and he might, without incurring the
+charge of excessive extravagance, have spent the whole.  He had
+denied himself on many occasions, where most boys of his age would
+have yielded to the temptation of spending money for pleasure or
+personal gratification; but he had been rewarded by the thought that
+he was getting on in the world.
+
+"This is my birthday, Mr. Ferguson," he said, as he entered the
+printing-office on that particular morning.
+
+"Is it?" asked Ferguson, looking up from his case with interest.
+"How venerable are you, may I ask?"
+
+"I don't feel very venerable as yet," said Harry, with a smile.  "I
+am nineteen."
+
+"You were sixteen when you entered the office."
+
+"As printer's devil--yes."
+
+"You have learned the business pretty thoroughly.  You are as good a
+workman as I now, though I am fifteen years older."
+
+"You are too modest, Mr. Ferguson."
+
+"No, it is quite true.  You are as rapid and accurate as I am, and
+you ought to receive as high pay."
+
+"That will come in time.  You know I make something by writing for
+the papers."
+
+"That's extra work.  How much did you make in that way last year?"
+
+"I can tell you, because I figured it up last night.  It was one
+hundred and twenty-five dollars, and I put every cent into the
+savings-bank."
+
+"That is quite an addition to your income."
+
+"I shall make more this year.  I am to receive two dollars a column,
+hereafter, for my sketches."
+
+"I congratulate you, Harry,--the more heartily, because I think you
+deserve it.  Your recent sketches show quite an improvement over
+those you wrote a year ago."
+
+"Do you really think so?" said Harry, with evident pleasure.
+
+"I have no hesitation in saying so.  You write with greater ease than
+formerly, and your style is less that of a novice."
+
+"So I have hoped and thought; but of course I was prejudiced in my
+own favor."
+
+"You may rely upon it.  Indeed, your increased pay is proof of it.
+Did you ask it?"
+
+"The increase?  No, the editor of the 'Standard' wrote me voluntarily
+that he considered my contributions worth the additional amount."
+
+"That must be very pleasant.  I tell you what, Harry, I've a great
+mind to set up opposition to you in the story line."
+
+"Do so," said Harry, smiling.
+
+"I would if I had the slightest particle of imagination; but the fact
+is, I'm too practical and matter-of-fact.  Besides, I never had any
+talent for writing of any kind.  Some time I may become publisher of
+a village paper like this; but farther than that I don't aspire."
+
+"We are to be partners in that, you know, Ferguson."
+
+"That may be, for a time; but you will rise higher than that, Harry."
+
+"I am afraid you overrate me."
+
+"No; I have observed you closely in the time we have been together,
+and I have long felt that you are destined to rise from the ranks in
+which I am content to remain.  Haven't you ever felt so, yourself,
+Harry?"
+
+Harry's cheek flushed, and his eye lighted up.
+
+"I won't deny that I have such thoughts sometimes," he said; "but it
+may end in that."
+
+"It often does end in that; but it is only where ambition is not
+accompanied by faithful work.  Now you are always at work.  You are
+doing what you can to help fortune, and the end will be that fortune
+will help you."
+
+"I hope so, at any rate," said Harry, thoughtfully.  "I should like
+to fill an honorable position, and do some work by which I might be
+known in after years."
+
+"Why not?  The boys and young men of to-day are hereafter to fill the
+highest positions in the community and State.  Why may not the lot
+fall to you?"
+
+"I will try, at any rate, to qualify myself.  Then if
+responsibilities come, I will try to discharge them."
+
+The conversation was here interrupted by the entrance of Mr.
+Anderson, the editor of the "Gazette."  He was not as well or strong
+as when we first made his acquaintance.  Then he seemed robust
+enough, but now he was thinner, and moved with slower gait.  It was
+not easy to say what had undermined his strength, for he had had no
+severe fit of sickness; but certainly he was in appearance several
+years older than when Harry entered the office.
+
+"How do you feel this morning, Mr. Anderson?" asked Ferguson.
+
+"I feel weak and languid, and indisposed to exertion of any kind."
+
+"You need some change."
+
+"That is precisely what I have thought myself.  The doctor advises
+change of scene, and this very morning I had a letter from a brother
+in Wisconsin, asking me to come out and visit him."
+
+"I have no doubt it would do you good."
+
+"So it would.  But how can I go?  I can't take the paper with me,"
+said Mr. Andersen, rather despondently.
+
+"No; but you can leave Harry to edit it in your absence."
+
+"Mr. Ferguson!" exclaimed Harry, startled by the proposition.
+
+"Harry as editor!" repeated Mr. Anderson.
+
+"Yes; why not?  He is a practised writer.  For more than two years he
+has written for two Boston papers."
+
+"But he is so young.  How old are you, Harry?" asked the editor.
+
+"Nineteen to-day, sir."
+
+"Nineteen.  That's very young for an editor."
+
+"Very true; but, after all, it isn't so much the age as the
+qualifications, is it, Mr. Anderson?"
+
+"True," said the editor, meditatively.  "Harry, do you think you
+could edit the paper for two or three months?"
+
+"I think I could," said Harry, with modest confidence.  His heart
+beat high at the thought of the important position which was likely
+to be opened to him; and plans of what he would do to make the paper
+interesting already began to be formed in his mind.
+
+"It never occurred to me before, but I really think you could," said
+the editor, "and that would remove every obstacle to my going.  By
+the way, Harry, you would have to find a new boarding-place, for Mrs.
+Anderson would accompany me, and we should shut up the house."
+
+"Perhaps Ferguson would take me in?" said Harry.
+
+"I should be glad to do so; but I don't know that my humble fare
+would be good enough for an editor."
+
+Harry smiled.  "I won't put on airs," he said, "till my commission is
+made out."
+
+"I am afraid that I can't offer high pay for your services in that
+capacity," said Mr.  Anderson.
+
+"I shall charge nothing, sir," said Harry, "but thank you for the
+opportunity of entering, if only for a short time, a profession to
+which it is my ambition to belong."
+
+After a brief consultation with his wife, Mr. Anderson appointed
+Harry editor pro tem., and began to make arrangements for his
+journey.  Harry's weekly wages were raised to fifteen dollars, out of
+which he waa to pay Ferguson four dollars a week for board.
+
+So our hero found himself, at nineteen, the editor of an old
+established paper, which, though published in a country village, was
+not without its share of influence in the county and State.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+THE YOUNG EDITOR.
+
+The next number of the Centreville "Gazette" contained the following
+notice from the pen of Mr. Anderson:--
+
+"For the first time since our connection with the 'Gazette,' we
+purpose taking a brief respite from our duties.  The state of our
+health renders a vacation desirable, and an opportune invitation from
+a brother at the West has been accepted.  Our absence may extend to
+two or three months.  In the interim we have committed the editorial
+management to Mr. Harry Walton, who has been connected with the
+paper, in a different capacity, for nearly three years.  Though Mr.
+Walton is a very young man, he has already acquired a reputation, as
+contributor to papers of high standing in Boston, and we feel assured
+that our subscribers will have no reason to complain of the temporary
+change in the editorship."
+
+"The old man has given you quite a handsome notice, Harry," said
+Ferguson.
+
+"I hope I shall deserve it," said Harry; "but I begin now to realize
+that I am young to assume such responsible duties.  It would have
+seemed more appropriate for you to undertake them."
+
+"I can't write well enough, Harry.  I like to read, but I can't
+produce.  In regard to the business management I feel competent to
+advise."
+
+"I shall certainly be guided by your advice, Ferguson."
+
+As it may interest the reader, we will raise the curtain and show our
+young hero in the capacity of editor.  The time is ten days after Mr.
+Anderson's absence.  Harry was accustomed to do his work as
+compositor in the forenoon and the early part of the afternoon.  From
+three to five he occupied the editorial chair, read letters, wrote
+paragraphs, and saw visitors.  He had just seated himself, when a man
+entered the office and looked about him inquisitively.
+
+"I would like to see the editor," he said.
+
+"I am the editor," said Harry, with dignity.
+
+The visitor looked surprised.
+
+"You are the youngest-looking editor I have met," he said.  "Have you
+filled the office long?"
+
+"Not long," said Harry.  "Can I do anything for you?"
+
+"Yes, sir, you can.  First let me introduce myself.  I am Dr.
+Theophilus Peabody."
+
+"Will you be seated, Dr. Peabody?"
+
+"You have probably heard of me before," said the visitor.
+
+"I can't say that I have."
+
+"I am surprised at that," said the doctor, rather disgusted to find
+himself unknown.  "You must have heard of Peabody's Unfailing
+Panacea."
+
+"I am afraid I have not."
+
+"You are young," said Dr. Peabody, compassionately; "that accounts
+for it.  Peabody's Panacea, let me tell you, sir, is the great remedy
+of the age.  It has effected more cures, relieved more pain, soothed
+more aching bosoms, and done more good, than any other medicine in
+existence."
+
+"It must be a satisfaction to you to have conferred such a blessing
+on mankind," said Harry, inclined to laugh at the doctor's
+magniloquent style.
+
+"It is.  I consider myself one of the benefactors of mankind; but,
+sir, the medicine has not yet been fully introduced.  There are
+thousands, who groan on beds of pain, who are ignorant that for the
+small sum of fifty cents they could be restored to health and
+activity."
+
+"That's a pity."
+
+"It is a pity, Mr. ----"
+
+"Walton."
+
+"Mr. Walton,--I have called, sir, to ask you to co-operate with me in
+making it known to the world, so far as your influence extends."
+
+"Is your medicine a liquid?"
+
+"No, sir; it is in the form of pills, twenty-four in a box.  Let me
+show you."
+
+The doctor opened a wooden box, and displayed a collection of very
+unwholesome-looking brown pills.
+
+"Try one, sir; it won't do you any harm."
+
+"Thank you; I would rather not.  I don't like pills.  What will they
+cure?"
+
+"What won't they cure?  I've got a list of fifty-nine diseases in my
+circular, all of which are relieved by Peabody's Panacea.  They may
+cure more; in fact, I've been told of a consumptive patient who was
+considerably relieved by a single box.  You won't try one?"
+
+"I would rather not."
+
+"Well, here is my circular, containing accounts of remarkable cures
+performed.  Permit me to present you a box."
+
+"Thank you," said Harry, dubiously.
+
+"You'll probably be sick before long," said the doctor, cheerfully,
+"and then the pills will come handy."
+
+"Doctor," said Ferguson, gravely, "I find my hair getting thin on top
+of the head.  Do you think the panacea would restore it?"
+
+"Yes," said the doctor, unexpectedly.  "I had a case, in Portsmouth,
+of a gentleman whose head was as smooth as a billiard-ball.  He took
+the pills for another complaint, and was surprised, in the course of
+three weeks, to find young hair sprouting all over the bald spot.
+Can't I sell you half-a-dozen boxes?  You may have half a dozen for
+two dollars and a half."
+
+Ferguson, who of course had been in jest, found it hard to forbear
+laughing, especially when Harry joined the doctor in urging him to
+purchase.
+
+"Not to-day," he answered.  "I can try Mr. Walton's box, and if it
+helps me I can order some more."
+
+"You may not be able to get it, then," said the doctor, persuasively.
+"I may not be in Centreville."
+
+"If the panacea is well known, I can surely get it without
+difficulty."
+
+"Not so cheap as I will sell it."
+
+"I won't take any to-day," said Ferguson, decisively.
+
+"You haven't told me what I can do for you," said Harry, who found
+the doctor's call rather long.
+
+"I would like you to insert my circular to your paper.  It won't take
+more than two columns."
+
+"We shall be happy to insert it at regular advertising rates."
+
+"I thought," said Dr. Peabody, disappointed, "that you might do it
+gratuitously, as I had given you a box."
+
+"We don't do business on such terms," said Harry.  "I think I had
+better return the box."
+
+"No, keep it," said the doctor.  "You will be willing to notice it,
+doubtless."
+
+Harry rapidly penned this paragraph, and read it aloud:--
+
+"Dr. Theophilus Peabody has left with us a box of his Unfailing
+Panacea, which he claims will cure a large variety of diseases."
+
+"Couldn't you give a list of the diseases?" insinuated the doctor.
+
+"There are fifty-nine, you said?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Then I am afraid we must decline."
+
+Harry resumed his writing, and the doctor took his leave, looking far
+from satisfied.
+
+"Here, Ferguson," said Harry, after the visitor had retired, "take
+the pills, and much good may they do you.  Better take one now for
+the growth of your hair."
+
+It was fortunate that Dr. Peabody did not hear the merriment that
+followed, or he would have given up the editorial staff of the
+Centreville "Gazette" as maliciously disposed to underrate his
+favorite medicine.
+
+"Who wouldn't be an editor?" said Harry.
+
+"I notice," said Ferguson, "that pill-tenders and blacking
+manufacturers are most liberal to the editorial profession.  I only
+wish jewellers and piano manufacturers were as free with their
+manufactures.  I would like a good gold watch, and I shall soon want
+a piano for my daughter."
+
+"You may depend upon it, Ferguson, when such gifts come in, that I
+shall claim them as editorial perquisites."
+
+"We won't quarrel about them till they come, Harry."
+
+Our hero here opened a bulky communication.
+
+"What is that?" asked Ferguson.
+
+"An essay on 'The Immortality of the Soul,'--covers fifteen pages
+foolscap.  What shall I do with it?"
+
+"Publish it in a supplement with Dr. Peabody's circular."
+
+"I am not sure but the circular would be more interesting reading."
+
+"From whom does the essay come?"
+
+"It is signed 'L. S.'"
+
+"Then it is by Lemuel Snodgrass, a retired schoolteacher, who fancies
+himself a great writer."
+
+"He'll be offended if I don't print it, won't he?"
+
+"I'll tell you how to get over that.  Say, in an editorial paragraph,
+'We have received a thoughtful essay from 'L. S.', on 'The
+Immortality of the Soul.' We regret that its length precludes our
+publishing it in the 'Gazette.'  We would suggest to the author to
+print it in a pamphlet.'  That suggestion will be regarded as
+complimentary, and we may get the job of printing it."
+
+"I see you are shrewd, Ferguson.  I will follow your advice."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+AN UNEXPECTED PROPOSAL.
+
+During his temporary editorship, Harry did not feel at liberty to
+make any decided changes in the character or arrangement of the
+paper; but he was ambitious to improve it, as far as he was able, in
+its different departments.  Mr. Anderson had become rather indolent
+in the collection of local news, merely publishing such items as were
+voluntarily contributed.  Harry, after his day's work was over, made
+a little tour of the village, gathering any news that he thought
+would be of interest to the public.  Moreover he made arrangements to
+obtain news of a similar nature from neighboring villages, and the
+result was, that in the course of a month he made the "Gazette" much
+more readable.
+
+"Really, the 'Gazette' gives a good deal more news than it used to,"
+was a common remark.
+
+It was probably in consequence of this improvement that new
+subscriptions began to come in, not from Centreville alone, but from
+towns in the neighborhood.  This gratified and encouraged Harry, who
+now felt that he was on the right tack.
+
+There was another department to which he devoted considerable
+attention.  This was a condensed summary of news from all parts of
+the world, giving the preference and the largest space, of course, to
+American news.  He aimed to supply those who did not take a daily
+paper with a brief record of events, such as they would not be
+likely, otherwise, to hear of.  Of course all this work added to his
+labors as compositor; and his occasional sketches for Boston papers
+absorbed a large share of his time.  Indeed, he had very little left
+at his disposal for rest and recreation.
+
+"I am afraid you are working too hard, Harry," said Ferguson.  "You
+are doing Mr. Anderson's work better than he ever did it, and your
+own too."
+
+"I enjoy it," said Harry.  "I work hard I know, but I feel paid by
+the satisfaction of finding that my labors are appreciated."
+
+"When Mr. Anderson gets back, he will find it necessary to employ you
+as assistant editor, for it won't do to let the paper get back to its
+former dulness."
+
+"I will accept," said Harry, "if he makes the offer.  I feel more and
+more that I must be an editor."
+
+"You are certainly showing yourself competent for the position."
+
+"I have only made a beginning," said our hero, modestly.  "In time I
+think I could make a satisfactory paper."
+
+One day, about two months after Mr. Anderson's departure, Ferguson
+and Harry were surprised, and not altogether agreeably, by the
+entrance of John Clapp and Luke Harrison.  They looked far from
+prosperous.  In fact, both of them were decidedly seedy.  Going West
+had not effected an improvement in their fortunes.
+
+"Is that you, Clapp?" asked Ferguson.  "Where did you come from?"
+
+"From St. Louis."
+
+"Then you didn't feel inclined to stay there?"
+
+"Not I.  It's a beastly place.  I came near starving."
+
+Clapp would have found any place beastly where a fair day's work was
+required for fair wages, and my young readers in St. Louis,
+therefore, need not heed his disparaging remarks.
+
+"How was it with you, Luke?" asked Harry.  "Do you like the West no
+better than Clapp?"
+
+"You don't catch me out there again," said Luke.  "It isn't what it's
+cracked up to be.  We had the hardest work in getting money enough to
+get us back."
+
+As Luke did not mention the kind of hard work by which the money was
+obtained, I may state here that an evening's luck at the faro table
+had supplied them with money enough to pay the fare to Boston by
+railway; otherwise another year might have found them still in St.
+Louis.
+
+"Hard work doesn't suit your constitution, does it?" said Ferguson,
+slyly.
+
+"I can work as well as anybody," said Luke; "but I haven't had the
+luck of some people."
+
+"You were lucky enough to have your fare paid to the West for you."
+
+"Yes, and when we got there, the rascal left us to shift for
+ourselves.  That aint much luck."
+
+"I've always had to shift for myself, and always expect to," was the
+reply.
+
+"Oh, you're a model!" sneered Clapp.  "You always were as sober and
+steady as a deacon.  I wonder they didn't make you one."
+
+"And Walton there is one of the same sort," said Luke.  "I say,
+Harry, it was real mean in you not to send me the money I wrote for.
+You hadn't it, had you?"
+
+"Yes," said Harry, firmly; "but I worked hard for it, and I didn't
+feel like giving it away."
+
+"Who asked you to give it away?  I only wanted to borrow it."
+
+"That's the same thing--with you.  You were not likely to repay it
+again."
+
+"Do you mean to insult me?" blustered Luke.
+
+"No, I never insult anybody.  I only tell the truth.  You know, Luke
+Harrison, whether I have reason for what I say."
+
+"I wouldn't leave a friend to suffer when I had plenty of money in my
+pocket," said Luke, with an injured air.  "If you had been a
+different sort of fellow I would have asked you for five dollars to
+keep me along till I can get work.  I've come back with empty
+pockets."
+
+"I'll lend you five dollars if you need it," said Harry, who judged
+from Luke's appearance that he told the truth.
+
+"Will you?" said Luke, brightening up.  "That's a good fellow.  I'll
+pay you just as soon as I can."
+
+Harry did not place much reliance on this assurance; but he felt that
+he could afford the loss of five dollars, if loss it should prove,
+and it might prevent Luke's obtaining the money in a more
+questionable way.
+
+"Where's Mr. Anderson?" asked Clapp, looking round the office.
+
+"He's been in Michigan for a couple of months."
+
+"You don't say so!  Why, who runs the paper?"
+
+"Ferguson and I," said Harry.
+
+"I mean who edits it?"
+
+"Harry does that," said his fellow-workman.
+
+"Whew!" ejaculated Clapp, in surprise.  "Why, but two years ago you
+was only a printer's devil!"
+
+"He's risen from the ranks," said Ferguson, "and I can say with truth
+that the 'Gazette' has never been better than since it has been under
+his charge."
+
+"How much does old Anderson pay you for taking his place?" asked
+Luke, who was quite as much surprised as Clapp.
+
+"I don't ask anything extra.  He pays me fifteen dollars a week as
+compositor."
+
+"You're doing well," said Luke, enviously.  "Got a big pile of money
+laid up, haven't you?"
+
+"I have something in the bank."
+
+"Harry writes stories for the Boston papers, also," said Ferguson.
+"He makes a hundred or two that way."
+
+"Some folks are born to luck," said Clapp, discontentedly.  "Here am
+I, six or eight years older, out of a place, and without a cent to
+fall back upon.  I wish I was one of your lucky ones."
+
+"You might have had a few hundred dollars, at any rate," said
+Ferguson, "if you hadn't chosen to spend all your money when you were
+earning good wages."
+
+"A man must have a little enjoyment.  We can't drudge all the time."
+
+"It's better to do that than to be where you are now."
+
+But Clapp was not to be convinced that he was himself to blame for
+his present disagreeable position.  He laid the blame on fortune,
+like thousands of others.  He could not see that Harry's good luck
+was the legitimate consequence of industry and frugality.
+
+After a while the two left the office.  They decided to seek their
+old boarding-house, and remain there for a week, waiting for
+something to turn up.
+
+The next day Harry received the following letter from Mr. Anderson:--
+
+
+"DEAR WALTON:  My brother urges me to settle permanently at the West.
+I am offered a partnership in a paper in this vicinity, and my health
+has much improved here.  The West seems the place for me.  My only
+embarrassment is the paper.  If I could dispose of the 'Gazette' for
+two thousand dollars cash, I could see my way clear to remove.  Why
+can't you and Ferguson buy it?  The numbers which you have sent me
+show that you are quite capable of filling the post of editor; and
+you and Ferguson can do the mechanical part.  I think it will be a
+good chance for you.  Write me at once whether there us any
+likelihood of your purchasing.
+
+  "Your friend,
+    "JOTHAM ANDERSON."
+
+
+Harry's face flushed eagerly as he read this letter, Nothing would
+suit him better than to make this arrangement, if only he could
+provide the purchase money.  But this was likely to present a
+difficulty.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+A FRIEND IN NEED.
+
+Harry at once showed Ferguson the letter he had received.
+
+"What are you going to do about it?" asked his friend.
+
+"I should like to buy the paper, but I don't see how I can.  Mr.
+Anderson wants two thousand dollars cash."
+
+"How much have you got?"
+
+"Only five hundred."
+
+"I have seven hundred and fifty," said Ferguson, thoughtfully.
+
+Harry's face brightened.
+
+"Why can't we go into partnership?" he asked.
+
+"That is what we spoke of once," said Ferguson, "and it would suit me
+perfectly; but there is a difficulty.  Your money and mine added
+together will not be enough."
+
+"Perhaps Mr. Anderson would take a mortgage on the establishment for
+the balance."
+
+"I don't think so.  He says expressly that he wants cash."
+
+Harry looked disturbed.
+
+"Do you think any one would lend us the money on the same terms?" he
+asked, after a while.
+
+"Squire Trevor is the only man in the village likely to have money to
+lend.  There he is in the street now.  Run down, Harry, and ask him
+to step in a minute."
+
+Our hero seized his hat, and did as requested.  He returned
+immediately, followed by Squire Trevor, a stout, puffy little man,
+reputed shrewd and a capitalist.
+
+"Excuse our calling you in, Squire Trevor," said Ferguson, "but we
+want to consult you on a matter of business.  Harry, just show the
+squire Mr. Anderson's letter."
+
+The squire read it deliberately.
+
+"Do you want my advice?" he said, looking up from the perusal.  "Buy
+the paper.  It is worth what Anderson asks for it."
+
+"So I think, but there is a difficulty.  Harry and I can only raise
+twelve hundred dollars or so between us."
+
+"Give a note for the balance.  You'll be able to pay it off in two
+years, if you prosper."
+
+"I am afraid that won't do.  Mr. Anderson wants cash.  Can't you lend
+us the money, Squire Trevor?" continued Ferguson, bluntly.
+
+The village capitalist shook his head.
+
+"If you had asked me last week I could have obliged you," he said;
+"but I was in Boston day before yesterday, and bought some railway
+stock which is likely to enhance in value.  That leaves me short."
+
+"Then you couldn't manage it?" said Ferguson, soberly.
+
+"Not at present," said the squire, decidedly.
+
+"Then we must write to Mr. Anderson, offering what we have, and a
+mortgage to secure the rest."
+
+"That will be your best course."
+
+"He may agree to our terms," said Harry, hopefully, after their
+visitor had left the office.
+
+"We will hope so, at all events."
+
+A letter was at once despatched, and in a week the answer was
+received.
+
+"I am sorry," Mr. Anderson wrote, "to decline your proposals, but, I
+have immediate need of the whole sum which I ask for the paper.  If I
+cannot obtain it, I shall come back to Centreville, though I would
+prefer to remain here."
+
+Upon the receipt of this letter, Ferguson gave up his work for the
+forenoon, and made a tour of the Village, calling upon all who he
+thought were likely to have money to lend.  He had small expectation
+of success, but felt that he ought to try everywhere before giving up
+so good a chance.
+
+While he was absent, Harry had a welcome visitor.  It was no other
+than Professor Henderson, the magician, in whose employ he had spent
+three months some years before, as related in "Bound to Rise."
+
+"Take a seat, professor," said Harry, cordially.  "I am delighted to
+see you."
+
+"How you have grown, Harry!" said the professor.  "Why, I should
+hardly have known you!"
+
+"We haven't met since I left you to enter this office."
+
+"No; it is nearly three years.  How do you like the business?"
+
+"Very much indeed."
+
+"Are you doing well?"
+
+"I receive fifteen dollars a week."
+
+"That is good.  What are your prospects for the future?"
+
+"They would be excellent if I had a little more capital."
+
+"I don't see how you need capital, as a journeyman printer."
+
+"I have a chance to buy out the paper."
+
+"But who would edit it?"
+
+"I would."
+
+"You!" said the magician, rather incredulously.
+
+"I have been the editor for the last two months."
+
+"You--a boy!"
+
+"I am nineteen, professor."
+
+"I shouldn't have dreamed of editing a paper at nineteen; or, indeed,
+as old as I am now."
+
+Harry laughed.
+
+"You are too modest, professor.  Let me show you our last two issues."
+
+The professor took out his glasses, and sat down, not without
+considerable curiosity, to read a paper edited by one who only three
+years before had been his assistant.
+
+"Did you write this article?" he asked, after a pause, pointing to
+the leader in the last issue of the "Gazette."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Then, by Jove, you can write.  Why, it's worthy of a man of twice
+your age!"
+
+"Thank you, professor," said Harry, gratified.
+
+"Where did you learn to write?"
+
+Harry gave his old employer some account of his literary experiences,
+mentioning his connection with the two Boston weekly papers.
+
+"You ought to be an editor," said the professor.  "If you can do as
+much at nineteen, you have a bright future before you."
+
+"That depends a little on circumstances.  If I only could buy this
+paper, I would try to win reputation as well as money."
+
+"What is your difficulty?"
+
+"The want of money."
+
+"How much do you need?"
+
+"Eight hundred dollars."
+
+"Is that all the price such a paper commands?"
+
+"No.  The price is two thousand dollars; but Ferguson and I can raise
+twelve hundred between us."
+
+"Do you consider it good property?"
+
+"Mr. Anderson made a comfortable living out of it, besides paying for
+office work.  We should have this advantage, that we should be our
+own compositors."
+
+"That would give you considerable to do, if you were editor also."
+
+"I shouldn't mind," said Harry, "if I only had a paper of my own.  I
+think I should be willing to work night and day."
+
+"What are your chances of raising the sum you need?"
+
+"Very small.  Ferguson has gone out at this moment to see if he can
+find any one willing to lend; but we don't expect success."
+
+"Why don't you apply to me?" asked the professor.
+
+"I didn't know if you had the money to spare."
+
+"I might conjure up some.  Presto!--change!--you know.  We professors
+of magic can find money anywhere."
+
+"But you need some to work with.  I have been behind the scenes,"
+said Harry, smiling.
+
+"But you don't know all my secrets, for all that.  In sober earnest,
+I haven't been practising magic these twenty-five years for nothing.
+I can lend you the money you want, and I will."
+
+Harry seized his hand, and shook it with delight.
+
+"How can I express my gratitude?" he said.
+
+"By sending me your paper gratis, and paying me seven per cent.
+interest on my money."
+
+"Agreed.  Anything more?"
+
+"Yes.  I am to give an exhibition in the village to-morrow night.
+You must give me a good puff."
+
+"With the greatest pleasure.  I'll write it now."
+
+"Before it takes place?  I see you are following the example of some
+of the city dailies."
+
+"And I'll print you some handbills for nothing."
+
+"Good.  When do you want the money?  Will next week do?"
+
+"Yes.  Mr. Anderson won't expect the money before."
+
+Here Ferguson entered the efface.  Harry made a signal of silence to
+the professor, whom he introduced.  Then he said:--
+
+"Well, Ferguson, what luck?"
+
+"None at all," answered his fellow-compositor, evidently dispirited.
+"Nobody seems to have any money.  We shall have to give up our plan."
+
+"I don't mean to give it up."
+
+"Then perhaps you'll tell me where to find the money."
+
+"I will."
+
+"You don't mean to say--" began Ferguson, eagerly.
+
+"Yes, I do.  I mean to say that the money is found."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"Prof. Henderson has agreed to let us have it."
+
+"Is that true?" said Ferguson, bewildered.
+
+"I believe so," said the professor, smiling.  "Harry has juggled the
+money out of me,--you know he used to be in the business,--and you
+can make your bargain as soon as you like."
+
+It is hardly necessary to say that Prof. Henderson got an excellent
+notice in the next number of the Centreville "Gazette;" and it is my
+opinion that he deserved it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+FLETCHER'S OPINION OF HARRY WALTON.
+
+In two weeks all the business arrangements were completed, and
+Ferguson and Harry became joint proprietors of the "Centreville
+Gazette," the latter being sole editor.  The change was received with
+favor in the village, as Harry had, as editor pro tem. for two
+months, shown his competence for the position.  It gave him
+prominence also in town, and, though only nineteen, he already was
+classed with the minister, the doctor and the lawyer.  It helped him
+also with the weekly papers to which he contributed in Boston, and
+his pay was once more raised, while his sketches were more frequently
+printed.  Now this was all very pleasant, but it was not long before
+our hero found himself overburdened with work.
+
+"What is the matter Harry?  You look pale," said Ferguson, one
+morning.
+
+"I have a bad headache, and am feeling out of sorts."
+
+"I don't wonder at it.  You are working too hard."
+
+"I don't know about that."
+
+"I do.  You do nearly as much as I, as a compositor.  Then you do all
+the editorial work, besides writing sketches for the Boston papers."
+
+"How can I get along with less?  The paper must be edited, and I
+shouldn't like giving up writing for the Boston papers."
+
+"I'll tell you what to do.  Take a boy and train him up as a printer.
+After a while he will relieve you almost wholly, while, by the time
+he commands good wages, we shall be able to pay them."
+
+"It is a good idea, Ferguson.  Do you know of any boy that wants to
+learn printing?"
+
+"Haven't you got a younger brother?"
+
+"The very thing," said Harry, briskly.  "Father wrote to me last week
+that he should like to get something for ----."
+
+"Better write and offer him a place in the office."
+
+"I will."
+
+The letter was written at once.  An immediate answer was received, of
+a favorable nature.  The boy was glad to leave home, and the father
+was pleased to have him under the charge of his older brother.
+
+After he had become editor, and part proprietor of the "Gazette,"
+Harry wrote to Oscar Vincent to announce his promotion.  Though Oscar
+had been in college now nearly two years, and they seldom met, the
+two were as warm friends as ever, and from time to time exchanged
+letters.
+
+This was Oscar's reply:--
+
+
+  "HARVARD COLLEGE, June 10.
+
+"DEAR MR. EDITOR: I suppose that's the proper way to address you now.
+I congratulate you with all my heart on your brilliant success and
+rapid advancement.  Here you are at nineteen, while I am only a
+rattle-brained sophomore.  I don't mind being called that, by the
+way, for at least it credits me with the possession of brains.  Not
+that I am doing so very badly.  I am probably in the first third of
+the class, and that implies respectable scholarship here.
+
+"But you--I can hardly realize that you, whom I knew only two or
+three years since as a printer's apprentice (I won't use Fletcher's
+word), have lifted yourself to the responsible position of sole
+editor.  Truly you have risen from the ranks!
+
+"Speaking of Fletcher, by the way, you know he is my classmate.  He
+occupies an honorable position somewhere near the foot of the class,
+where he is likely to stay, unless he receives from the faculty leave
+of absence for an unlimited period.  I met him yesterday, swinging
+his little cane, and looking as dandified as he used to.
+
+"'Hallo! Fletcher,' said I, 'I've just got a letter from a friend of
+yours.'
+
+"'Who is it?' he asked.
+
+"'Harry Walton.'
+
+"'He never was a friend of mine,' said Fitz, turning up his
+delicately chiselled nose,--'the beggarly printer's devil!'
+
+"I hope you won't feel sensitive about the manner in which Fitz spoke
+of you.
+
+"'You've made two mistakes,' said I.  'He's neither a beggar nor a
+printer's devil.'
+
+"'He used to be,' retorted Fitz.
+
+"'The last, not the first.  You'll be glad to hear that he's getting
+on well.'
+
+"'Has he had his wages raised twenty-five cents a week?' sneered Fitz.
+
+"'He has lost his place,' said I.
+
+"Fletcher actually looked happy, but I dashed his happiness by
+adding, 'but he's got a better one.'
+
+"'What's that?' he snarled.
+
+"'He has bought out the paper of Mr. Anderson, and is now sole editor
+and part proprietor.'
+
+"'A boy like him buy a paper, without a cent of money and no
+education!'
+
+"'You are mistaken.  He had several hundred dollars, and as a writer
+he is considerably ahead of either of us.'
+
+"'He'll run the paper into the ground,' said Fitz, prophetically.
+
+"'If he does, it'll only be to give it firmer root.'
+
+"'You are crazy about that country lout,' said Fitz.  'It isn't much
+to edit a little village paper like that, after all.'
+
+"So you see what your friend Fitz thinks about it.  As you may be in
+danger of having your vanity fed by compliments from other sources, I
+thought I would offset them by the candid opinion of a disinterested
+and impartial scholar like Fitz.
+
+"I told my father of the step you have taken.  'Oscar,' said he,
+'that boy is going to succeed.  He shows the right spirit.  I would
+have given him a place on my paper, but very likely he does better to
+stay where he is.'
+
+"Perhaps you noticed the handsome notice he gave you in his paper
+yesterday.  I really think he has a higher opinion of your talents
+than of mine; which, of course, shows singular lack of
+discrimination.  However, you're my friend, and I won't make a fuss
+about it.
+
+"I am cramming for the summer examinations and hot work I find it, I
+can tell you.  This summer I am going to Niagara, and shall return by
+way of the St. Lawrence and Montreal, seeing the Thousand Islands,
+the rapids, and so on.  I may send you a letter or two for the
+'Gazette,' if you will give me a puff in your editorial columns."
+
+
+These letters were actually written, and, being very lively and
+readable, Harry felt quite justified in referring to them in a
+complimentary way.  Fletcher's depreciation of him troubled him very
+little.
+
+"It will make me neither worse nor better," he reflected.  "The time
+will come, I hope, when I shall have risen high enough to be wholly
+indifferent to such ill-natured sneers."
+
+His brother arrived in due time, and was set to work as Harry himself
+had been three years before.  He was not as smart as Harry, nor was
+he ever likely to rise as high; but he worked satisfactorily, and
+made good progress, so that in six months he was able to relieve
+Harry of half his labors as compositor.  This, enabled him to give
+more time to his editorial duties.  Both boarded at Ferguson's, where
+they had a comfortable home and good, plain fare.
+
+Meanwhile, Harry was acknowledged by all to have improved the paper,
+and the most satisfactory evidence of the popular approval of his
+efforts came in an increased subscription list, and this, of course,
+made the paper more profitable.  At the end of twelve months, the two
+partners had paid off the money borrowed from Professor Henderson,
+and owned the paper without incumbrance.
+
+"A pretty good year's work, Harry," said Ferguson, cheerfully.
+
+"Yes," said Harry; "but we'll do still better next year."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+I have thus traced in detail the steps by which Harry Walton ascended
+from the condition of a poor farmer's son to the influential position
+of editor of a weekly newspaper.  I call to mind now, however, that
+he is no longer a boy, and his future career will be of less interest
+to my young readers.  Yet I hope they may be interested to hear,
+though not in detail, by what successive steps he rose still higher
+in position and influence.
+
+Harry was approaching his twenty-first birthday when he was waited
+upon by a deputation of citizens from a neighboring town, inviting
+him to deliver a Fourth of July oration.  He was at first disposed,
+out of modesty, to decline; but, on consultation with Ferguson,
+decided to accept and do his best.  He was ambitious to produce a
+good impression, and his experience in the Debating Society gave him
+a moderate degree of confidence and self-reliance.  When the time
+came he fully satisfied public expectation.  I do not say that his
+oration was a model of eloquence, for that could not have been
+expected of one whose advantages had been limited, and one for whom I
+have never claimed extraordinary genius.  But it certainly was well
+written and well delivered, and very creditable to the young orator.
+The favor with which it was received may have had something to do in
+influencing the people of Centreville to nominate and elect him, to
+the New Hampshire Legislature a few months later.
+
+He entered that body, the youngest member in it.  But his long
+connection with a Debating Society, and the experience he had gained
+in parliamentary proceedings, enabled him at once to become a useful
+working Member.  He was successively re-elected for several years,
+during which he showed such practical ability that he obtained a
+State reputation.  At twenty-eight he received a nomination for
+Congress, and was elected by a close vote.  During all this time he
+remained in charge of the Centreville "Gazette," but of course had
+long relinquished the task of a compositor into his brother's hands.
+He had no foolish ideas about this work being beneath him; but he
+felt that he could employ his time more profitably in other ways.
+Under his judicious management, the "Gazette" attained a circulation
+and influence that it had never before reached.  The income derived
+from it was double that which it yielded in the days of his
+predecessor; and both he and Ferguson were enabled to lay by a few
+hundred dollars every year.  But Harry had never sought wealth.  He
+was content with a comfortable support and a competence.  He liked
+influence and the popular respect, and he was gratified by the
+important trusts which he received.  He was ambitious, but it was a
+creditable and honorable ambition.  He sought to promote the public
+welfare, and advance the public interests, both as a speaker and as a
+writer; and though sometimes misrepresented, the people on the whole
+did him justice.
+
+A few weeks after he had taken his seat in Congress, a young man was
+ushered into his private room.  Looking up, he saw a man of about his
+own age, dressed with some attempt at style, but on the whole wearing
+a look of faded gentility.
+
+"Mr. Walton," said the visitor, with some hesitation.
+
+"That is my name.  Won't you take a seat?"
+
+The visitor sat down, but appeared ill at ease.  He nervously fumbled
+at his hat, and did not speak.
+
+"Can I do anything for you?" asked Harry, at length.
+
+"I see you don't know me," said the stranger.
+
+"I can't say I recall your features; but then I see a great many
+persons."
+
+"I went to school at the Prescott Academy, when you were in the
+office of the Centreville 'Gazette.'"
+
+Harry looked more closely, and exclaimed, in astonished recognition,
+"Fitzgerald Fletcher!"
+
+"Yes," said the other, flushing with mortification, "I am Fitzgerald
+Fletcher."
+
+"I am glad to see you," said Harry, cordially, forgetting the old
+antagonism that had existed between them.
+
+He rose and offered his hand, which Fletcher took with an air of
+relief, for he had felt uncertain of his reception.
+
+"You have prospered wonderfully," said Fletcher, with a shade of envy.
+
+"Yes," said Harry, smiling.  "I was a printer's devil when you knew
+me; but I never meant to stay in that position.  I have risen from
+the ranks."
+
+"I haven't," said Fletcher, bitterly.
+
+"Have you been unfortunate?  Tell me about it, if you don't mind,"
+said Harry, sympathetically.
+
+"My father failed three years ago," said Fletcher, "and I found
+myself adrift with nothing to do, and no money to fall back upon.  I
+have drifted about since then; but now I am out of employment.  I
+came to you to-day to see if you will exert your influence to get me
+a government clerkship, even of the lowest class.  You may rest
+assured, Mr. Walton, that I need it."
+
+Was this the proud Fitzgerald Fletcher, suing, for the means of
+supporting himself, to one whom, as a boy, he had despised and looked
+down upon?  Surely, the world is full of strange changes and
+mutations of fortune.  Here was a chance for Harry to triumph over
+his old enemy; but he never thought of doing it.  Instead, he was
+filled with sympathy for one who, unlike himself, had gone down in
+the social scale, and he cordially promised to see what he could do
+for Fletcher, and that without delay.
+
+On inquiry, he found that Fletcher was qualified to discharge the
+duties of a clerk, and secured his appointment to a clerkship in the
+Treasury Department, on a salary of twelve hundred dollars a year.
+It was an income which Fletcher would once have regarded as wholly
+insufficient for his needs; but adversity had made him humble, and he
+thankfully accepted it.  He holds the position still, discharging the
+duties satisfactorily.  He is glad to claim the Hon. Harry Walton
+among his acquaintances, and never sneers at him now as a "printer's
+devil."
+
+Oscar Vincent spent several years abroad, after graduation, acting as
+foreign correspondent of his father's paper.  He is now his father's
+junior partner, and is not only respected for his ability, but a
+general favorite in society, on account of his sunny disposition and
+cordial good nature.  He keeps up his intimacy with Harry Walton.
+Indeed, there is good reason for this, since Harry, four years since,
+married his sister Maud, and the two friends are brothers-in-law.
+
+Harry's parents are still living, no longer weighed down by poverty,
+as when we first made their acquaintance.  The legacy which came so
+opportunely improved their condition, and provided them with comforts
+to which they had long been strangers.  But their chief satisfaction
+comes from Harry's unlooked-for success in life.  Their past life of
+poverty and privation is all forgotten in their gratitude for this
+great happiness.
+
+
+
+The next and concluding volume of this series will be
+
+  HERBERT CARTER'S LEGACY.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Risen from the Ranks, by Horatio Alger, Jr.
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