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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/17151-8.txt b/17151-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d160b0a --- /dev/null +++ b/17151-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6093 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, Bob Chester's Grit, by Frank V. Webster + + +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: Bob Chester's Grit + From Ranch to Riches + + +Author: Frank V. Webster + + + +Release Date: November 25, 2005 [eBook #17151] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOB CHESTER'S GRIT*** + + +E-text prepared by Joseph R. Hauser, Emmy, and the Project Gutenberg +Online Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net/) + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original illustrations. + See 17151-h.htm or 17151-h.zip: + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/1/5/17151/17151-h/17151-h.htm) + or + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/1/5/17151/17151-h.zip) + + + + + +BOB CHESTER'S GRIT + +Or + +From Ranch to Riches + +by + +FRANK V. WEBSTER + +Author of "The Newsboy Partners," "Only a Farm Boy," "Bob the Castaway," +Etc. + +Illustrated + + + + + + + +[Illustration: HE URGED FIREFLY TO GREATER SPEED +_Bob Chester's Grit_ Page 190] + + + + + +New York +Cupples & Leon Company +Publishers + + + * * * * * + + +BOOKS FOR BOYS + +By FRANK V. WEBSTER + +12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume, +40 cents, postpaid + + ONLY A FARM BOY + TOM, THE TELEPHONE BOY + THE BOY FROM THE RANCH + THE YOUNG TREASURE HUNTER + BOB, THE CASTAWAY + THE YOUNG FIREMEN OF LAKEVILLE + THE NEWSBOY PARTNERS + THE BOY PILOT OF THE LAKES + TWO BOY GOLD MINERS + JACK, THE RUNAWAY + COMRADES OF THE SADDLE + THE BOYS OF BELLWOOD SCHOOL + THE HIGH SCHOOL RIVALS + AIRSHIP ANDY + BOB CHESTER'S GRIT + BEN HARDY'S FLYING MACHINE + DICK, THE BANK BOY + DARRY, THE LIFE SAVER + + + * * * * * + +Cupples & Leon Co., Publishers, New York +Copyright, 1911, by +Cupples & Leon Company + + + * * * * * + + +BOB CHESTER'S GRIT + + + + +CONTENTS + +CHAPTER PAGE + I UNDER A CLOUD 1 + II BOB FINDS AN UNEXPECTED CHAMPION 11 + III FREE AGAIN 19 + IV BOB DETERMINES TO BE HIS OWN MASTER 31 + V BOB MISSES A FRIEND 40 + VI A KIND-HEARTED WAITRESS 46 + VII GOOD LUCK FROM BAD 57 + VIII BOB'S LUCK CONTINUES 65 + IX A TALE OF THE PLAINS 74 + X BOB DOES A KIND ACT 83 + XI BOB FAILS TO FIND MRS. CAMERON 93 + XII ALONE IN A STRANGE CITY 100 + XIII BOB STARTS AGAIN 108 + XIV AT THE THROTTLE OF A FREIGHT ENGINE 116 + XV BOB EARNS HIS PASSAGE 124 + XVI FAIRFAX AT LAST 133 + XVII SEEKING A JOB 143 +XVIII ON THE TRACK 149 + XIX AN AMAZING RECEPTION 155 + XX BOB BECOMES OWNER OF A DOG 160 + XXI AT THE RANCH 167 + XXII ON THE RANGE STATION 173 +XXIII BOB OVERHEARS A SECOND PLOT 179 + XXIV A RACE FOR LIFE 189 + XXV FROM RANCH TO RICHES 197 + + + + +Bob Chester's Grit + + + + +CHAPTER I + +UNDER A CLOUD + + +"Hey, boy! What's your name?" + +"Bob Chester." + +"Where are you going with that basket of groceries?" + +"To deliver an order to one of my guardian's customers." + +"Are you honest?" + +"I hope so, sir," replied Bob, his face expressing surprise that his +probity should be questioned. + +The man who had hailed Bob Chester appeared to be about twenty-five +years old, and his clothes were well-fitting, giving him the air of a +man of means. With him were two other men; one of whom, several years +older, was also well dressed. The third member of the group was entirely +different from the others. His clothes were grotesque, and bore every +trace of having been purchased in some country store. His derby hat was +green-black, and apparently a size too small, judging from the manner in +which it rested on his head. Had not his appearance bespoken that he was +a stranger come from the country to see the sights of New York, his +face, sunburned and honest, would have proclaimed him as one +unaccustomed and unfamiliar with the wiles of a great city. + +Prior to his having been addressed, the boy who had given his name as +Bob Chester had noticed the difference between the three men as they +stood in earnest conversation on the sidewalk, and instinctively he had +been attracted by the frankness of the countryman's face. He had been +wondering why the two New Yorkers were so interested in the other man, +but the unexpectedness of his being accosted had driven all thought from +his mind, and he had given his answers as though compelled by the +searching glance the younger of the two men had directed at him. + +All three watched him intently, and as he made his answer that he hoped +he was honest, the elder of the New Yorkers exclaimed: + +"I think he will do, Harry." + +"Well, if you say so, all right," returned the other, and then turning +to Bob, he asked: + +"Would your guardian object seriously if you did not deliver your order +for about half an hour?" + +"I don't know. Saturday is always a busy day at the store, and Mr. +Dardus always scolds me if I don't get right back. It doesn't make any +difference to him how far I have to go, he always thinks I should be +back within fifteen minutes after I have started. So I'd rather not +delay--because I don't like to be scolded," added the boy, as though by +way of apologizing for his refusal. + +"Well, if we gave you a dollar, don't you think you could stand the old +man's scolding, if you were half an hour late?" asked the elder of the +New Yorkers, at the same time putting his hand in his pocket and drawing +forth a large roll of bills, which he opened ostentatiously. The figures +were so large that Bob's eyes seemed as though they would pop out of his +head, so eagerly did they scan them. The man extracted a dollar bill. + +The sight of so much money in the possession of one man fairly +hypnotized the boy, and he replied: + +"Do you mean you will give me a whole dollar if I will wait here half an +hour?" + +"That's what!" exclaimed the man with the roll of bills. "But there is a +little more to it. Our friend, Mr. Anthony Simpkins, and we, have an +important business transaction in hand, involving fifteen hundred +dollars. My friend and I don't happen to have more than five hundred +dollars with us, while Mr. Simpkins has seven hundred and fifty, and so +we want you to hold this money while my friend and I go to our bank and +get the two hundred and fifty dollars more, which is our share in the +deal." + +"What, me hold twelve hundred and fifty dollars!" exclaimed Bob, as +though unable to believe his ears. "Why, you don't know anything about +me. I might run off with it." + +"You look honest," replied the man who had hailed him, "and that's why +we stopped you. Besides, you wouldn't be able to run away if you wanted +to, because Mr. Simpkins is going to wait here with you until we +return." + +"And you will give me a dollar just for keeping the money until you come +back?" demanded Bob. + +"Exactly." + +"All right. That's half as much as I get for working a week." + +"That's the boy. I am glad to see that you have the sense of thrift so +strongly developed. Now we will just put Mr. Simpkins' seven hundred and +fifty dollars and our five hundred dollars in this envelope, which you +will keep until we return." + +As he spoke, the elder of the New Yorkers counted out five hundred +dollars, put it in the envelope, and then asked the countryman for his +share. After verifying the amount, he placed it with the other money, +then handed an envelope to Bob, exclaiming: + +"Now you two stay right here, and we will be back within fifteen +minutes." + +"All right, sir," said Bob, as he grasped the envelope. And as his +fingers closed about it, he unconsciously threw back his head, and +squared his shoulders, proud of the thought that he had been selected as +the custodian of such a large sum of money. + +Again repeating their promise to return within a quarter of an hour, the +two New Yorkers hastened away, and were soon lost among the people who +thronged the thoroughfare. + +Oblivious as the people who live in New York are to the presence of +their fellowmen, the sight of the man so obviously from the country and +the bright-eyed, alert boy, closely clasping the envelope in one hand, +while at his feet rested the basket packed with groceries, attracted +many a passing glance. + +Between Simpkins and Bob, however, no words were exchanged; though each, +while apparently gazing at the passersby, kept a sharp lookout upon the +other. + +Minute after minute went by, without the return of the two men, who had +said they were going to the bank for money, and as the time wore on +without their re-appearance, Simpkins exclaimed: + +"I wonder what's keeping them? I don't want to stand here all day." + +"And I can't," said Bob. "I will be more than half an hour late in +getting back to the store, and I know Mr. Dardus will be very angry. I +most wish I hadn't said I'd wait. It just shows that Mr. Dardus is right +when he says there is no pleasure in having money that isn't earned +honestly, and getting a dollar for just holding this money isn't really +honest work." + +"Well, if you think you ought to be delivering your groceries, why not +give the envelope to me? I'll stay here and wait, though I must say I am +getting tired." + +"Oh, no," said Bob. "I gave my word that I would stay, and I will." + +The countryman's suggestion that he be intrusted with the money aroused +Bob's suspicion, for he remembered that the others had placed five +hundred dollars in the envelope, and he thought it was a scheme on the +part of Simpkins to get possession of this money. So that after this +interchange of words, both lapsed into silence. + +As the quarter hour lengthened into a half, then to three-quarters, and +finally to an hour, without the re-appearance of the two well-dressed +New Yorkers, Bob's dread of his guardian's anger outweighed his desire +to earn the dollar, and he finally exclaimed: + +"I can't wait any longer; honest I can't." And then, chancing to catch +sight of a policeman standing on the corner about a hundred feet away, a +way out of the difficulty suggested itself, and he said to the +countryman: + +"I tell you how we can fix it. We will go over to that policeman and +explain the matter to him, and I'll ask him to hold the envelope until +those men come back." + +And without giving Simpkins time to protest, Bob picked up his basket, +and led the way to where the guardian of the law was standing, +indolently surveying the crowd. + +Casting a contemptuous glance at the two ludicrous figures that +approached him, the policeman first listened to the excited explanation +of the boy indifferently, then with incredulity, and finally with +amusement. + +"I have heard of such easy marks, but I never expected to see them in +flesh and blood," exclaimed the officer, when Bob stopped speaking. "So +you think you are holding some money in that envelope, do you, kid? +Well, I'll bet a year's pay that there is nothing in it but old paper." + +And while the countryman and the boy gazed at him in speechless dismay, +the policeman took the envelope from Bob's hand, opened it, and drew +forth to their startled gaze a roll of tissue-paper. + +"I told you so," grunted the policeman, but further comment was +interrupted by the actions of Simpkins. + +No sooner had he discovered that he had been swindled than he shouted at +the top of his lungs: + +"I've been robbed! I've been robbed! They've stolen seven hundred and +fifty dollars from me!" + +The loud, excited words and the gesticulations of the grotesquely-garbed +man quickly drew the attention of the passersby, and in a trice the +victims of the swindlers and the policeman were the center of a curious +throng of people. + +"I want my money! I want my money!" bellowed Simpkins. + +"You stand a fine chance of getting it," returned the policeman, "but I +will do what I can for you. I'll take you around to the police station, +and you can make a complaint to the sergeant and give him a description +of the 'con' men." + +As word of the swindle was passed among the crowd, various were the +comments and bits of advice offered. + +At first Bob had been too stunned by the discovery that he had been made +an innocent party to the swindle even to think, but as he gradually +recovered from the unpleasant surprise, his one thought was to get away +from Simpkins, to deliver his groceries and get back to the store as +quickly as possible. In order to carry out this plan, he began to worm +his way through the constantly increasing crowd. + +One of the men who were offering advice chanced to see him, and cried: + +"There goes the boy! He was probably standing in with the swindlers. Why +don't you arrest him, Mr. Officer?" + +"That's the thing to do," agreed several others, and the policeman, +evidently thinking that it would be a wise procedure for him to seize +some one in connection with the swindle, leaped after Bob, grasped him +roughly by the shoulder, and started for the station-house, followed by +Simpkins and those of the crowd who had nothing better to do. + +Arrived at the police station, the countryman and the patrolman both +talked at once, while Bob stood in silence, overcome by the disgrace of +his arrest. + +Taking his pencil, the sergeant stopped the countryman's torrent of +words, and began to ask him questions as to his meeting with the +strangers, eliciting the information that he had met them coming over on +the ferry-boat from Jersey City, and that the business deal they had +proposed was the betting of fifteen hundred dollars on a race horse that +was sure to win. + +"It's a pity there isn't a law to keep you country people out of the +cities," grunted the sergeant, when the details of the story had been +told him, and then, turning to the policeman, he said: + +"You did right in bringing along the boy, McCarty. He is evidently one +of the gang, or he wouldn't have been passing along the street just as +he was. We may be able to learn from him who the 'con' men are, and +where they hang out. Search him, and then take him back to a cell. I'll +send a couple of plain-clothes men in to talk with him." + +And grabbing Bob by the arm, the policeman dragged him toward the door +which led to a cell. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +BOB FINDS AN UNEXPECTED CHAMPION + + +Among those who had heard the story of the swindling of the countryman +were several reporters for the great metropolitan afternoon papers, and +as the burly policeman dragged the pathetic figure of the grocer's boy +to the cell, one of these, a particularly clean-cut, wide-awake young +fellow, exclaimed: + +"Sergeant, that's the rawest thing I ever saw you do. I don't believe +that boy knows anything more about those 'con' men, and probably not as +much, as you do. It's a shame to lock him up, and I am going to give you +the hottest roast for doing so that the paper will stand for." + +"You do, and you'll never set foot inside this station while I'm in +charge," retorted the officer. "If you knew as much about old Dardus as +I do, you wouldn't be so keen to champion this boy. The old man has been +mixed up in many a questionable transaction, and I shouldn't be +surprised if it turned out that he was in league with these fellows who +got that country bumpkin's seven hundred and fifty dollars, and that he +put the boy up to playing the part he did." + +"I don't know anything about Dardus," announced the reporter who had +taken up the cudgel in Bob's behalf, "and I don't care. If he is mixed +up in questionable dealings, that doesn't mean that the boy is +necessarily a party to them. You can't tell me that a chap, with a face +as honest as that boy has, is a criminal." + +"When you've been doing police stations longer, Foster, you will learn +that you can't judge criminals by their faces," snarled the sergeant, +and as the other reporters heard this caustic comment, they laughed +uproariously. + +"Laugh if you want to," returned Bob's champion, "but I am going to +prove the boy's innocence of any complicity in the swindle." + +And without more ado, the reporter left the police station. + +Although the representatives of the other papers had sided in with the +police official who announced his belief in Bob's guilt, they +nevertheless experienced a feeling of uneasiness, lest Foster might +after all be right, and they were holding consultation as to the +advisability of investigating the story more thoroughly, when the +sergeant exclaimed: + +"Don't let that fellow worry you. I've known Len Dardus for years. He's +as crooked as they make them, and he never had an honest man work for +him that I know of." + +As the acceptance of the police official's theory would save them the +necessity of investigating the story further, the reporters agreed to +accept his version, and to accord with it they wrote their stories. + +As Jack Foster left the police station, his anger at the system which +made it impossible for a person without influence or money to obtain +justice, was strong, and his heart went out to the boy, as he thought +how he would feel, were he himself in his place. + +"If that boy isn't honest from the soles of his feet to the top of his +head, I shall be the most surprised man in New York," he said to +himself, "and if my paper has any influence, I am going to get him out +of his trouble." + +Occupied with considering various plans for aiding Bob, Foster quickly +reached the store of Len Dardus, but as he entered and caught sight of +an old, gray-haired man, with a face in which craftiness was the chief +characteristic, he wondered if, after all, the police sergeant could +have been right. + +"Is this Mr. Len Dardus?" asked Foster, walking up to the counter, +behind which this repelling creature stood. + +"That's my name," snapped the proprietor of the store, adding as he +scrutinized his questioner closely: + +"What do _you_ want?" + +"I want to know if you have a boy working for you by the name of Bob +Chester." + +"I have, but I won't have after to-night, I can tell you. I have no use +for lazy boys, and for laziness he can't be beaten. Here I sent him to +deliver some goods more than two hours ago, and he hasn't got back yet, +and this is my busiest day." + +So disagreeable was the tone in which the old man spoke that Foster +could not refrain from remarking: + +"Well, you do not seem to be overrushed with trade just now. However, +that is neither here nor there. How long have you had Bob in your +employ?" + +"Ever since he was big enough to be of any service to me." + +"He's a good boy, isn't he?" + +"No, he's not. Didn't I just tell you he has been gone over two hours, +delivering an order that should not have taken him more than fifteen +minutes at the most? No good boy would dawdle so about his business. But +why do you ask?" + +Foster, however, was not ready to tell Bob's employer of his predicament +until he had obtained more information about the boy, and instead of +answering the question, said: + +"You misunderstood my meaning. I want to know whether or not he is +honest or has any bad habits." + +"He has the habit of taking a long time to deliver his orders, and he +always has some plausible excuse for the delay--although I never accept +his excuses. It isn't the way to bring up a boy. But he doesn't steal, +and I don't let him go out nights, so he can't have any companions. But +why do you ask? What business of yours is it?" + +"Just one more question before I answer you." + +"You seem mighty long on questions, but I'll not answer another one +until you tell me why you are taking such pains to find out about Bob. +He hasn't any friend but me. I'm his guardian." + +So hostile was the grocer's manner becoming, and with such increasing +suspicion did he view his inquisitor, that Foster realized it would be +necessary to explain Bob's predicament were he to be able to help him, +and briefly he told the story that had been repeated in the police +station. + +"That just goes to show my theory is right," declared the grocer, when +he had been given the particulars of his ward's arrest. "If Bob had gone +about his business and delivered the order, instead of being tempted by +the offer of a dollar, he wouldn't have got into this trouble. It will +be a good lesson for him, and I shall be able to get along some way, I +suppose, until he comes back." + +"But surely you don't mean to say that you are not going to do anything +to help him out of his trouble?" exclaimed Foster in amazement, as he +heard the heartless words. + +With a depreciating shrug of his shoulders, Len Dardus responded: + +"But what can I do? It will cost money to hire a lawyer, or even to bail +him out. Besides, as I said, it will be a good lesson for him." + +"But hasn't he any money of his own?" queried the reporter. + +"What do you want to know for? Are you a lawyer? No, sir! if you are, +and have come to tell me about Bob in the hope that I will hire you, you +might as well go back to your place of business. I won't spend a cent on +him. The lesson will do him good." + +The heartlessness of the grocer incensed Foster, and he retorted: + +"It happens that I am not a lawyer, so it isn't any money that I am +after. I am acting simply from a desire to see the boy get fair +treatment, and if I were his guardian, whether he had any money or not, +I would do everything in my power to help him out of his trouble." + +"But what can I do? There is no one to stay in the store here, and I +don't see how I could help any way." + +"You could go down to the police station and speak a word for the lad. +If you have had the care of him for so long, what you could say in +regard to his honesty ought to be sufficient to cause his release." + +As he mentioned the grocer's going to the police station, Foster thought +he noticed the old man tremble, as though in fear, and what the sergeant +had said about Dardus recurred to him, and while he hesitated as to +whether or not he should press the point, Bob's guardian exclaimed: + +"I can't go now. There is no one to look after the store. But perhaps I +can go down this evening." + +"That would be too late. His case will come up in court this afternoon." + +"Well, if it does, the boy'll have to take the consequences. I always +told him he shouldn't linger over delivering his orders. It will be a +good lesson to him." + +The incessant repetition of the last words grated on Foster's ears, and, +realizing that he was only wasting time in trying to persuade the +hard-hearted guardian to help his ward, he exclaimed: + +"Then you refuse to do anything to assist Bob, do you?" + +"Well, I don't know as I would put it exactly that way. I'll see if I +can't do something this evening." + +"Well, you may be obliged to leave your store, whether you want to or +not," retorted Foster, and with this enigmatical remark, the very +suggestiveness of which caused an expression of fear to settle on the +face of the grocer, the reporter turned on his heel and left the shop. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +FREE AGAIN + + +While Bob's champion, unknown to the boy, was interesting himself in his +cause, Bob was sitting on a little iron bunk his cell contained, staring +about him as though unable to comprehend the situation. + +After a few minutes he heard footsteps approaching down the corridor, +and then he was suddenly aroused from his reverie by a voice exclaiming: + +"Well, kid, you came near making a good-sized bit of money." + +"I don't call a dollar a very large sum," retorted Bob. + +"A dollar? What do you mean?" exclaimed one of the two men whom Bob +beheld standing outside the cell door, staring at him through the bars. +"You had seven hundred and fifty dollars of that countryman's money, +didn't you?" + +"I saw seven hundred and fifty dollars of his money put in the envelope, +but all I was to get for holding the envelope until those bad men +returned was to be one dollar--and they didn't even come back to pay me, +and now I haven't delivered the groceries, and Mr. Dardus will be very +angry." + +"Oh, ho! So you are Len Dardus' kid, are you?" queried the other of +Bob's inquisitors. + +"I'm not his kid, but he is my guardian," corrected the lad in a voice +so full of reproach that the two men could not refrain from smiling. + +"Then you don't like Dardus?" smiled the one who had addressed him +first. + +"I think he is unreasonable," returned Bob. + +"Yes, and none too honest," commented the other. + +With the various methods known only to the police detectives of the +large metropolitan police forces, the two men put Bob through a grilling +examination, trying in every possible way to scare him into admitting +either a knowledge of who the swindlers were, or of direct complicity in +the confidence game, but without being able to shake his story, even in +the slightest detail. + +Loath as the police officials were to admit Bob's innocence, his +straightforward answers and manly manner finally convinced them that he +was, as he had said, entirely guiltless, and they withdrew. + +As they returned to the outer room of the police station, the sergeant +looked at them questioningly. + +"That boy had nothing to do with the swindle," announced one of the men +who had been examining Bob. + +"That's what," confirmed the other. "If there ever was an honest boy in +New York, that poor little chap back in the cell is one. If you take my +advice, sergeant, you will let him go, and you will change the entry on +your police book from 'Arrested and Held for Complicity,' to 'Held for +Examination'." + +"What's the matter with all you guys, anyway?" snarled the sergeant, as +he saw that the weight of opinion was against him. "Has the boy +hypnotized you? It's enough to convict him that he should be working for +Len Dardus." + +"That isn't his fault," returned the officer who had advised the +sergeant to change the entry in his book. "His mother and father died +when he was three years old, and his father provided in his will that +Dardus should be his guardian, though from what the boy has told us, he +hasn't had any too happy a time of it, poor little shaver." + +"Now don't go turning on the sympathy," growled the sergeant. "I don't +care whether the boy is guilty or not. All I know is that we have got to +make a case against him. It would never do to have it said that two +sharpers could rob a countryman in broad daylight in our precinct. +Haven't our reports to headquarters said, and haven't the papers said, +that our precinct has been free from all such crimes for more than six +months, and this is one of the rawest swindles that has been worked for +a long time. So you two get busy and fix up your case if you want to +stay in this precinct. If you don't, I'll tell the captain and the +inspector, and you will be sorry." + +Without response, the two officers, who believed in Bob's innocence, +turned on their heels, and started toward the door of the police +station. + +"Hey, you two! Go down to the court. I am going to send this boy right +down, and mind you remember what I told you," shouted the sergeant. And, +suiting his action to his words, he gave orders for Bob to be brought +from his cell and taken to the police court. + +Just as Bob appeared in the outer room of the station house, Foster +entered. + +As he saw the boy whose cause he had espoused, the reporter exclaimed: + +"So you have decided to release him, have you, sergeant?" + +"Release nothing," growled the official. "He's on his way to court," and +then, as he had read from the expression on Foster's face that his +mission to interview Len Dardus had not been altogether satisfactory, +he continued: "You found I was pretty near right about old Dardus, +didn't you?" + +"He surely isn't a very agreeable person," answered the reporter, "and I +quite agree with you that if there was money enough in the undertaking, +he would never stop to question whether or not it was against the law. +But I tell you one thing, sergeant, you are dead wrong about the boy. +The old man actually hates him." + +"Then it would be an easy way for him to get rid of the kid by getting +him into just this kind of a mess." + +"Maybe you're right," assented Foster, as this theory was announced, +"still I don't believe you are. I am more convinced than ever that the +boy had nothing to do with the swindle, and I don't think old Dardus +did, either." + +"Well, it won't help matters to keep arguing about it here. We'll let +the judge decide. McCarty, call a patrol wagon, and take the kid to +court." + +"Oh, I say! you are surely not going to make that kid ride in the patrol +wagon?" protested one of the other newspaper men. "That would be rubbing +it in too hard." + +Emphatically the others added their protest, and in the face of such +opposition, the sergeant countermanded his order for the police wagon, +and instead instructed Patrolman McCarty to take the boy to court, +which was less than two blocks away. + +Surrounded by the reporters, Bob and the patrolman walked down the +street, closely followed by the countryman, whose desire to make money +without working for it had led to the loss of the seven hundred and +fifty dollars. + +Arrived at the building in which the court was located, Bob was led away +to the detention room, to await the calling of his case, while the +reporters and Simpkins made their way direct to the court room. + +In due course the case was reached. + +When the presiding magistrate caught sight of Bob's sad face, the stern +expression on his own countenance relaxed, and he bestowed upon the +trembling boy a glance full of encouragement. + +Noting this, Foster, who had been watching the judge intently, was +inspired with the hope that the boy would be quickly discharged. But his +pleasure was only momentary, for, as the magistrate read the charge, his +face became even more austere than usual. + +"Well, Chester, what have you to say for yourself?" demanded the judge, +directing a glance at the boy, as though he would pierce his very soul. +"Are you guilty, or not guilty?" + +[Illustration: "WELL CHESTER, WHAT HAVE YOU TO SAY FOR YOURSELF?" +_Bob Chester's Grit_ Page 24] + +The strangeness of the scene and lack of familiarity with the +procedure of a court caused Bob to remain silent. + +Again the magistrate repeated his question, but still Bob made no reply. + +"I think he wants to plead guilty," interposed one of the plain-clothes +men whom the sergeant had ordered to make a case against the boy. +"Perhaps if you offered to give him a light sentence if he would tell us +who the two men are who got away with the money, he would do so." + +"How about that?" demanded the magistrate, again directing his gaze at +the boy. + +But before Bob had a chance to reply, Foster exclaimed: + +"He does not want to plead guilty, your honor. This whole business in +dragging this boy to court is an outrage. He had no more knowledge of +the fact that those men intended to, or were, swindling this man from +the country, than you have." + +The tone in which the reporter spoke was one that could not fail to be +impressive, and after a moment's hesitation, the magistrate, who knew +Foster as a reporter and admired him for his manly fearlessness, asked: + +"What do you know about the case?" + +"I protest, your honor, that this man should not be allowed to interfere +with the case," said one of the plain-clothes officers. "He was not a +witness of the transaction. I think it would be more proper to hear +Simpkins' version of the affair." + +"When I wish your advice, officer, I will ask for it," snapped the +magistrate, and turning again to Foster, he said: + +"Tell me all you know about this business." + +"Thank you, your honor, I will: + +"I happened to be in the police station when the boy was brought in. He +told a straightforward story about having been on the way to deliver +some groceries, when he was hailed by one of three men, who asked him a +few questions, and then offered him a dollar if he would hold an +envelope, which was supposed to contain twelve hundred and fifty +dollars, for a few minutes. The thought of earning such a sum of money +so easily evidently caused the boy to forget all discretion. But as the +minutes went by and the two men did not reappear, the boy grew restless, +and finally suggested that he hand the envelope to Officer McCarty here, +and that he be allowed to go about his errand of delivering the +groceries. Then----" + +Interrupting, the magistrate turned to Simpkins, and demanded suddenly: + +"Is that true?" + +The question was so unexpected that the countryman was surprised into +answering truthfully, and replied: + +"Yes, sir." + +Realizing that the turn of affairs was making them appear ridiculous, +the officer who had suggested that Bob be allowed to plead guilty, and +receive a light sentence, if he would divulge the name of the two +swindlers, hurriedly exclaimed: + +"But the boy has a bad record, your honor." + +"That is not so, your honor," retorted Foster hotly. "When I found that +the sergeant was determined to hold the boy, I went to the man for whom +he works--his name is Len Dardus--and made inquiries about him. Mr. +Dardus is his guardian, and though it was evident that he had no love +for the boy, the worst he could say about him was that he took a half +hour to deliver an order that should have been delivered in twenty +minutes. As to his associating with bad companions, that is not so, for +his guardian said he was never out at night, always preferring to read." + +"If the boy is such a paragon of virtue, why didn't his guardian come to +court himself and try to help the boy, instead of leaving it to a +reporter?" sneered the officer who was trying so hard to make a case +against Bob. + +"I tried to get him to come," exclaimed Foster, "but he refused on the +ground that he could not leave his store." + +"You reporters are certainly good ones at putting up a plausible story," +retorted the officer contemptuously. + +Striking his desk a sharp rap with his gavel, the magistrate exclaimed: + +"When I want to hear from you, sir, I will let you know. You would make +a far better impression if you and the sergeant and every other +available man connected with the precinct were out searching for the two +swindlers, instead of trying to send a poor, almost friendless, lad to +prison. If you arrested half as many criminals as you do innocent men, +it wouldn't take long to rid this city of crime." + +So stinging was this rebuke that the reporters were busy writing down +the words of the judge, and before they had finished, the magistrate +said: + +"Does your guardian treat you well, Bob?" + +"Why, sir, I suppose so, sir; but he scolds me a lot. He seems to think +that every time he sends me out to deliver an order, that I should come +back within a quarter of an hour, no matter whether I have to go one +block or twenty." + +"How much does he pay you?" + +"Two dollars a week, sir." + +"What do you read at night?" + +"About farming and ranching out West, sir." + +"Then you want to go out West?" + +"Yes, sir. I'm going just as soon as I have money enough. I have saved +ten dollars already towards going." + +"Huh! What becomes of your charge that the boy has evil associates, Mr. +Officer?" snapped the magistrate, as he heard Bob's reply. "Any boy who +earns two dollars a week, and has managed to save ten, surely can't have +any bad habits. + +"Bob, you are discharged. The disgrace to which you have been subjected +of being arrested and brought to court is an outrage, and I wish there +was some way that you could obtain redress from the officers who +subjected you to it, but unfortunately there is not." + +Reaching into his pocket, the magistrate drew forth some bills, from +which he selected one of the denomination of five dollars, and handed it +to Bob. + +"Put this with your ten dollars," he continued. "It will help some +toward getting you out West, and now you go back to Mr. Dardus, and tell +him that Judge Bristol said that your arrest was an outrage. Clerk, call +the next case." + +If Bob had been bewildered by the circumstances that had led to his +being brought to court, he was still more so with the sudden turn in +events that had resulted in his release, and it was not until one of +the court attachés good-naturedly advised him to leave the court room as +soon as he could, that he realized he was again free. + +But in his haste to obey, he suddenly remembered the reporter whose +interest in him had been of such assistance, and he stopped and looked +about the courtroom for him. But Foster and the other reporters were +busy telephoning the story to their papers, and repeating the +magistrate's scathing rebuke to the police of the precinct and the city, +so that Bob could not see them. And, after lingering a moment or so, he +finally decided to return to his guardian without more delay, promising +himself that he would search out his champion and thank him another +time. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +BOB DETERMINES TO BE HIS OWN MASTER + + +Fearing that if he hurried too fast through the dismal corridors of the +court building he might arouse suspicion and get into more trouble, Bob +restrained his impulse to break into a run, and endeavored to walk as +unconcernedly as possible. But it was with a feeling of vast relief that +he stepped forth from the stone portal and again breathed the free air +of the street. + +Once he had reached the sidewalk, not long did it take him to mingle +with the throng of passersby. + +Like a bad dream did the trying experiences through which he had passed +seem, and he actually pinched himself to see if, after all, it might not +have been some sleep delusion. But the pain of the sharp nip he gave +himself satisfied him that he was indeed awake, and further evidence of +the fact that his experiences had been all too real was given by the +presence of the five-dollar bill in his pocket. + +His pace had been rapid, and he was within two blocks of his guardian's +store, when he suddenly remembered that the basket full of groceries, +which he had started out to deliver, had been left in the police +station. + +That his employer would berate him sharply for their loss, he was aware, +yet he dared not go for them in the fear that he might be subjected to +further unpleasantness. + +His steps, however, grew slower and slower as he approached the store, +which had been the only home he had known for years. That his guardian +knew of his arrest, the words of his champion to the magistrate had told +him. How his guardian would take the double blow of the loss of the +groceries and his arrest, he did not know, but past experience told him +that he could expect no sympathy, and perhaps a beating, and he was +sorely tempted not to return at all, but to strike out for the great +West of his hopes and ambitions. In this moment of indecision, however, +the admonition of the magistrate to return to his guardian recurred to +him, and he felt that he would not be entitled to keep the five dollars +did he not obey. + +To Bob's surprise, as he entered the store, not a soul was visible, but +at the sound of his footsteps on the hard floor his guardian suddenly +appeared from his private office, his shrewd face suffused by the +ingratiating smirk he always put on when going to meet a prospective +customer. At the sight of his ward standing in the middle of the floor, +however, he started, and then his face assumed a look of forbidding +severity. + +"What, you here!" the grocer exclaimed, as he regained control of +himself. "I thought--that is, I was told--I mean, I heard that you had +been arrested, and I didn't expect to see you again for some time; that +is--I mean not here in the store. If you had been sent to prison I +should, of course, have gone to see you." + +Never before had Bob seen his guardian so ill at ease, and from his +knowledge of the man, he decided that his entrance must have interrupted +him when he was engaged at some unusual task. But how to meet the +situation, Bob did not know, and he was vainly striving to think of the +right thing to say when their relations were brought back to their +normal plane by his guardian snarling: + +"What did you do with my delivery basket? Did you leave it with the +groceries, or didn't you even deliver them?" + +The subtle cruelty of this remark stung Bob to the quick. It was the +straw that broke his endurance of the long term of abuse and harsh words +to which he had been subjected. + +"No, I didn't deliver the groceries," he flashed back. "I had to leave +the basket at the police station when they took me to court, and after +the judge told me I could go, I didn't want to go back to the place for +it." + +"But there were three dollars worth of groceries in it," wailed his +guardian, wringing his hands. "Here, just because you didn't mind what I +told you about stopping to play on the way when you are delivering +orders, you get arrested and leave me here alone for almost four hours, +without any one to deliver goods, and my customers all complaining +because they don't get their orders. And as though that weren't enough, +you deliberately abandon three dollars' worth of groceries. But you'll +pay for them, young man! You'll pay for them! Never fear. I shall take +the two dollars you would have had coming to you to-night in part +payment, and then one dollar from your wages next Saturday night." + +For an instant, Bob was tempted to produce the five dollars the kindly +magistrate had given him and pay for the groceries then and there. But +there swept through his mind an idea fascinating in its boldness. + +As he stood contemplating the thought which had occurred to him, his +guardian snarled: + +"Don't stand there like a gawk! You've delayed my deliveries long +enough. Take those two baskets," and he pointed to two bulging packages +resting on the counter, "and deliver them. On your way back, as you +will pass the police station, you can stop in and get the basket you +left. But I'll make you pay for the groceries just the same. It will be +a good lesson for you." + +If anything were needed to determine Bob to put his idea into action, it +was this command to go to the station, and he exclaimed: + +"I won't go there to get your old basket! I won't pay for the groceries, +and I won't deliver your old orders! I am going to leave you. I won't +work for you another minute," and without giving his amazed guardian +time to say anything, Bob darted away to the room at the back of the +store, in which he had been accustomed to sleep. + +The plan he had decided upon was to get his ten dollars and enough more +of the money his father had left him to pay his fare to some town in +Oklahoma, where he could begin his long-dreamed-of life on a ranch. He +would not be bothered with the packing of any clothes, for his guardian +had never allowed him any extra clothing, and he had nothing but the +suit upon his back; but he did have his money, and two letters which he +had hidden under a board in the floor that he had fixed so that he could +take it up and put it back whenever he wished. + +In the fear that his guardian might follow him to the room and discover +him as he was procuring his money, Bob worked with feverish haste to +lift the board, and so excited was he that it seemed as though he could +never raise it. But at last he did so, secured possession of his +treasures, and then put the board back, just as the grocer called to him +from the doorway: + +"What are you doing? What do you mean by saying you won't deliver my +groceries and do what I tell you?" + +Panting with excitement, Bob stood like some animal at bay, his eyes +flashing defiance, one hand tightly doubled up, the other clasping his +treasures in the pocket where he had thrust them. + +"I mean I am going West. I won't be treated as you have treated me any +longer." + +For a moment, as he heard the amazing announcement of his ward, Mr. +Dardus stood staring at him in silence, and then broke into a mocking +laugh. + +"So you're going West, are you? That is a good one. Why, you couldn't +even get across the river to Jersey City. It takes money, money, my boy, +to travel, and you haven't a cent. And yet you're going West! That _is_ +a good one. Do you think the trains will carry you for nothing, just for +the pleasure of having you travel on them?" and the grocer indulged +himself in another burst of laughter at what he considered his keen +wit. + +But the next words of his ward soon drove all mirth from his soul. + +"I expect you to give me enough money to carry me to Oklahoma City from +what my father left me. When I get settled out there, I will let you +know, and you can send me the rest of the money which was entrusted to +you for me. If I took it with me, I might get robbed." + +When the merciless old man recovered his breath, he exclaimed: + +"What do you mean about the money your father left for you? Don't you +know he didn't have a cent? Don't you know that if I hadn't taken pity +on you, fool that I was--but your father did me a favor once, and so I +thought I could repay it by taking you--that you would have been sent to +an orphan asylum? And this is the return I get. Here I've spent my +hard-earned money for twelve years to buy you food and clothing, and yet +you dare to say that I have money for you which your father left. I +never heard of such ingratitude." + +"I know that you are not telling the truth," retorted Bob. "I have a +letter my father wrote, saying that I was to open it when I was ten +years old, in which he said that he had given you five thousand dollars +to have me educated." + +"What nonsense! What an outrage!" exclaimed the grocer, though Bob's +statement had caused his face to become more than usually ashen-hued. +"I've a mind to thrash you for saying such a thing. Me have five +thousand dollars of yours! I never heard anything so preposterous!" + +"I tell you, you have the money. Here's the letter that says so," +retorted Bob. And, as he spoke, he drew his hand from his pocket, +disclosing to the uneasy gaze of his guardian an envelope yellow with +age, worn and soiled from much handling, but upon which was the writing +which he recognized, all too well, as that of Horace Chester, Bob's +father. + +For an instant the grocer glowered at the boy and the letter, and then +his shrewd mind, suggesting a way out of the embarrassing predicament in +which the boy had placed him, he exclaimed: + +"Poor Horace! I had always hoped to keep from you the fact that he was +insane at the time of his death, but this letter makes it impossible. It +was while laboring under the delusion that he had money, that he wrote +you of this phantom bequest. Poor Horace! The sight of his writing moves +me deeply, especially as I have to disabuse you of the delusion that I +am holding five thousand dollars in trust for you," and he held out his +hand. + +Had it not been for the look of cunning that appeared in his guardian's +eyes as he uttered these words, which cast such a stigma upon the name +of the boy's dead father, Bob might have believed him, but he had been +watching his guardian intently. He saw the look of cunning, and instead +of surrendering the letter, he hastily thrust it back into his pocket. + +Forgetting all discretion, as he saw that his plot for obtaining +possession of the letter had failed, Len Dardus rushed upon the boy, +with the evident purpose of obtaining it by force, exclaiming: + +"You won't give it to me, eh? Well, I will take it, whether you want me +to or not." + +But Bob, in the flush of his youth, was quick and agile, and it was no +task at all for him to dive under the arm stretched forth to seize him, +and then to dash through the door and out onto the street. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +BOB MISSES A FRIEND + + +Never stopping to notice in what direction he was going, Bob dashed +along the street, fearful only lest his guardian would pursue him, and +expecting every moment to hear his voice shouting at him to stop. But as +the moments wore by without any sign of excitement or alarm, Bob gained +confidence, finally slackening his pace to a walk, and began to think of +what he should do, now that he had taken matters into his own hands, and +severed the ties of years that had bound him to his guardian. + +Back in the store the grocer had stood undecided what to do. The +knowledge that his ward had been informed of the bequest, a fact which +he supposed was known only to himself, had unnerved him. And the failure +of his attempt to get the letter and thus destroy all evidence of the +trust fund, had caused him to be seized with a great fear lest +retribution should be visited upon him. + +Instead, therefore, of going in pursuit of Bob, his one idea was to +conceal himself. Going to the front door of the shop, he closed it and +locked it and then betook himself to his private office, the door of +which he also shut, and sitting down in the chair buried his head in his +hands and tried to think what was best for him to do. + +But his sense of guilt would not let him rest, and in the thought that +Bob might seek some lawyer and place the matter in his hands, which +would mean a visit to the grocery store and the necessity of making +embarrassing explanations, the dishonest guardian determined to go away +for a few hours at least. No sooner had he made up his mind upon this +course of action than he seized his hat, stole from his room, glided +across the floor to the front door, listened a moment for the sound of +voices, or any other indication that people were passing, then hurriedly +turned the key in the door, stepped outside, locked the door again, and +after a furtive glance up and down the street, slunk away, keeping close +to the buildings, for all the world like a dog that was hounded, rather +than a man. + +It was because of this action on the part of Mr. Dardus in closing his +store that Foster was unable to gain admittance when he arrived half an +hour later, having come for the purpose of seeing the boy he had +championed so effectively, and of assisting in a reconciliation between +the ward and the guardian, in case it had not already been accomplished. +On his way, his mind had pictured many scenes in which the boy and the +grocer were participants, but none of them had contained the possibility +of the store being closed. And it was with distinct surprise that he +found the door locked, and was unable to arouse any one by his vigorous +pounding upon the weather-worn panels. + +"I wonder what it means," said the reporter to himself. "Perhaps Bob +didn't come back, and the old man, repenting of his refusing to go to +his ward's assistance, is on his way either to the police station or to +the court." + +His occupation, however, necessitated his being resourceful, and, seeing +an elderly woman peering at him closely from a window of the neighboring +house, Foster hastened toward her. + +Bowing politely, he asked: + +"Have you seen anything of Mr. Dardus, or Bob Chester?" + +"Uhuh! I seen 'em both," replied the woman, nodding her head, as though +to confirm her words. But though Foster remained silent in the hope that +she would add to this information, he was at length obliged to renew his +questions, as she vouchsafed nothing more. + +"Were they together?" + +"No." + +"Which way were they going--in the same direction?" + +"No. Bob ran up the street as though the police were after him." + +"Then Mr. Dardus was chasing him," suggested Foster, jumping at the +conclusion that Bob and his guardian had had angry words, that the boy +had run away, and that his guardian had gone in pursuit. + +"No, he wasn't. He came out about twenty minutes after Bob had gone, and +went in the opposite direction." + +This response puzzled the reporter, as he could think of no plausible +explanation, but his thoughts were diverted by the old woman, who +demanded: + +"What's wrong, mister?" + +"What makes you think there is anything wrong?" parried Foster, +determined, if possible, to keep the knowledge of Bob's arrest from so +evident a neighborhood gossip. + +"Because Len Dardus closed his store on a Saturday. I've been living +here thirty years, and he has never done such a thing before, but once, +and that was twelve years ago, the day he brought Bob back with him. So +I know that it must be something important, or the old man wouldn't lose +the opportunity to make a few cents in his store." + +Struck by the coincidence that it was because of Bob the grocer had at +both times shut up his store, Foster considered for a few moments what +it was best to do, and then said with ever so faint a smile: + +"I suppose you will see Bob when he comes back?" + +"I reckon I will. I see most everything going on around here that's to +be seen." + +"Then I will be obliged if you will give him this," and he handed her +one of his calling cards. "Tell him, please, that I am at home any +evening after seven o'clock, and should like to have him call on me." + +"I'll be glad to. I suppose you may be some friend of Bob's who knew his +father? I've often wondered why no one came to see the boy and take him +from that man Dardus." + +These words suggested a new train of thought to the reporter, and, +judging from the remark that his informant had some knowledge of the +boy's antecedents, he determined to learn what he could about them. + +"Then you knew Bob's father?" asked Foster. + +"No. I can't say as I knew him, but I do know that I wouldn't treat a +dog the way Dardus has treated Bob, and I have often wondered why none +of the friends of the lad's father came to find out about him, or to +take him away. And I made up my mind, as soon as I saw you, that you +were one of them. Anyway, I hope so, for Bob is a real bright boy; too +bright to be working for that old miser. He's fond of book reading, and +I've told old man Dardus, every time I saw him, that he ought to have +the boy educated." + +"Well, I _am_ Bob's friend," said the reporter, "and if you think it's a +wise thing, I'll see what I can do about getting him into a different +place. You just tell him to come and see me the first opportunity he +has." + +And again lifting his hat, Foster bowed and took his departure. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +A KIND-HEARTED WAITRESS + + +After Bob had found that no one was pursuing him, he decided that the +first thing to do was to get away from New York, and with this purpose +he headed for one of the ferries that would take him to the Jersey +shore. + +How far his fifteen dollars would carry him, he did not know, but he +realized that it could not be any great distance, and he was trying to +think of some plan by which he could obtain more funds, when he suddenly +remembered the reporter who had taken such an interest in him. + +"I'll go and find him," said Bob to himself. "He'll know about how much +it costs to travel, and all such things, and perhaps he'll help me to +get some work where I can earn more money. Anyway, I will be able to +believe what he tells me, and to depend on his advice." + +So simple a solution of his difficulties gave Bob new courage, until all +at once it flashed upon him that he did not know the name of his +benefactor, or where to find him. + +As this thought occurred to him, Bob stopped still. However, his having +thrown himself upon his own resources was sharpening his wits, and he +suddenly exclaimed: + +"I can find out at the police station. Perhaps he'll be there." + +And though the boy was fully three miles away from the place where he +had suffered such outrageous treatment, he turned his steps to retrace +the distance. + +When at length he was within sight of the grim building, the same fear +of entering it that had made him refuse his guardian's command to fetch +the basket of groceries, again seized him, and he paused. + +"I won't go in," said Bob, shaking his head decidedly, "but I'll wait +over by that pile of boxes on the opposite side of the street. Probably +he'll be coming out before long." + +Though this plan of Bob's would ordinarily have been effective, it +happened that Foster had finished his work for the day even before he +had paid his visit to the closed store of Len Dardus, and thus the boy +was doomed to disappointment, although he stayed at his post of +observation until dark began to fall. + +With the garish flarings of the street lamps, Bob for the first time +realized the true meaning of the step he had taken. Heretofore he had +always possessed a home to which to go, unpleasant as it was, but now +he had no place, and the contemplation of his loneliness caused him to +grow very sober. + +As the pangs of hunger were added to his general feeling of +helplessness, for a moment he thought of returning to his guardian, but +only for a moment. As he left the letter in his pocket and remembered +the awful stigma his guardian had tried to cast upon his dead father, +his pride arose. + +"I will never go back there!" he told himself. "I have money in my +pocket, and I can get something to eat. Then I'll go over to one of the +stations in Jersey City and find some place to sleep. Perhaps there'll +even be a train going out West to-night that will carry me part way to +Oklahoma." + +Coming forth from the pile of boxes from which he had sought in vain to +catch a glimpse of his friend, the reporter, Bob walked up the street +until he came to a restaurant, brilliantly lighted, and with a sign +standing in the door from which the words: "Pork and Beans, 15 cents a +plate," stared at him invitingly. + +Dearly did Bob love pork and beans, but only occasionally had his +guardian provided them, and then in such small quantities that the boy +had never been able to eat all he wanted, and oftentimes had he +promised himself that some day he would have his fill. Consequently, as +he read the sign, he determined to gratify his desire, and timidly +entered the restaurant, where there were stools in front of a high +counter and tables along the wall, upon which stood an array of food +that amazed him, accustomed, as he had been, to living on almost +nothing. + +Making his way diffidently to one of the tables, he sat down. In a +moment a waitress, in what seemed to him a dazzlingly white and gorgeous +dress, approached, and, with a smile, asked: + +"What will you have?" + +"Beans, please, and lots of them." + +"And brown bread, too?" asked the waitress. + +The thought of this with his beans had never entered Bob's head, and as +it was suggested to him, he felt a great longing for it. Yet as no +mention of it had been made on the sign that had attracted him to the +restaurant, he feared it might be too expensive. But the more he thought +of it, the more he wanted it, and finally he stammered: + +"How much does it cost?" + +"Five cents a slice." + +"Then you may bring me two slices," replied the boy, laying emphasis +upon the word "two." + +"Coffee or tea?" + +"I don't believe I'll have either," said Bob, feeling that his +expenditure of twenty-five cents was all that he could afford. + +Divining the reason of his refusal, the waitress smiled: + +"You get either tea or coffee with the order. It doesn't cost any more." + +"Then I'll have coffee," replied Bob. + +And as the waitress went to bring his order, he again felt in his pocket +to make sure he had the money with which to pay for his meal. + +As the heaping plate of beans--for the waitress had not been scrimping +in her measure--was set before Bob, together with the rich brown bread +and coffee, it seemed to him that never had anything smelled quite so +savory, and he began to eat as though he were famished. + +Though the plate of beans had been heaping, so good did they taste to +Bob, that he could not resist the temptation of ordering more, and +calling the waitress to him, he asked: + +"If I have a second plate, will it cost less?" + +For a moment the girl was on the point of laughing at him, but the +wistful seriousness of his face checked the outburst of merriment on her +lips, and instead she replied, in a kindly tone: + +"What's the matter, kid? Haven't you any money?" + +"Oh, yes," Bob hastened to reassure her. + +"Well, if you have money enough, what's to prevent your ordering as much +as you want?" + +For a moment Bob contemplated the question from this new viewpoint, but, +unable to decide, observed: + +"I don't just know as I ought to spend any more." + +"Isn't the money yours?" + +"Oh, yes, it's not that," rejoined Bob, and then, after hesitating a +moment, he determined to leave the decision to this girl, whose face +showed that she was kind and sympathetic, and he said: + +"You see, it's this way: I'm going out West, and I haven't got much +money, and I'm afraid I'll spend too much, because I don't just know how +much it will take." + +"Well, if I was you, I'd eat all I wanted while I had the money. If +you've got to 'hobo' your way, there'll be times when you'll probably be +without both food and money." + +This reasoning struck Bob as being eminently practical, and he was on +the point of ordering another plate, when the girl made it unnecessary +by saying: + +"I'll stake you to another plate, if you want the beans very much. It's +just about time for me to eat my supper, and I will bring it over to +your table and eat with you, and I'll make them think the beans are for +me." + +Bob wasn't quite sure whether such a plan was all right or not, but he +had a healthy boy's appetite for beans, and so he made no objection. + +"You are very kind," he said, when the second plate of the savory food +was placed before him. "I suppose I shall be hungry sometimes before I +get to Oklahoma, but I don't expect to 'hobo' it." + +"Then how do you expect to get along? You say you haven't much money." + +"I guess I don't just understand what it means to 'hobo' it," admitted +Bob. + +"No, I guess you don't. It's the name they give out West to travelling +when you don't have money enough to pay your railroad fare, and have to +beat your way, riding on freight trains." + +As Bob heard this explanation of the term, his eyes sparkled with +delight, and he said earnestly: + +"I'm glad you told me about it. I'd never thought of trying to steal a +ride on a freight train." + +"For pity sake! How did you expect to get away out there?" + +"Walk, unless I could earn money enough in one town to take me to +another." + +Bob's conversation, which showed such a remarkable ignorance of the +world, especially in view of the fact that he was a New York boy, +suggested to the waitress that perhaps he had run away from home. + +Determined to find out, she banished the sympathetic smile from her +face, and becoming very severe, leaned across the table and gazing +straight into Bob's eyes, asked: + +"Look a here, kid, you haven't run away from a good home, have you?" + +The unexpectedness of this question took Bob by surprise. Under the +searching gaze of the girl's eyes, he felt just as he had when the +magistrate had glanced at him, and his voice trembled a little as he +replied: + +"No! Oh, no, indeed!" + +But his manner was not convincing, and the girl continued her +interrogations, but on a different tack. + +"Your folks live in New York?" + +"I haven't any." + +"Then where have you been living?" + +"With my guardian." + +"What do you do?" + +"I used to deliver groceries for him." + +The stress Bob laid upon the word "used," led the girl to inquire: + +"Did he fire you? Or what?" + +"No. I left him." + +"How long ago?" + +"Just this afternoon." + +The close questioning of the waitress was making Bob very uncomfortable, +and he determined to tell her the real reason he had left, especially +as she was so kind and seemed to know so much about traveling in the +West. Having reached this decision, he told, with many hesitations, the +story of his experiences. + +With quick sympathy the girl listened, and, as he concluded, exclaimed +tenderly: + +"You poor kid! I'm sure glad you happened to drop in here. I've got a +sister living out in Chicago, whose husband runs as far as Kansas City +on a freight train. I'll give you a note to her, and her man will give +you a lift, and probably he can arrange with some of the men he knows to +carry you west from Kansas City." + +"That will be very kind of you," returned Bob. "It seems as though +strangers are kinder to me than people I've known all my life." + +"That's often the way," exclaimed the girl, as she rose and went up to +the desk in the front of the restaurant, where she obtained some paper, +an envelope, and pen and ink, which she brought back to Bob's table. + +It was evident from the slowness with which her self-imposed task +advanced that the girl was more ready with her kind-hearted sympathy +than with her pen. But at last the missive was finished, and she gave it +to Bob. + +"Don't forget that address: 'South 101st Street, on the left-hand +corner, in a big, yellow brick building.' It's on the side of the +street nearest New York, and the name is Mrs. John Cameron." + +Gratefully Bob took the letter, which he placed with the one written by +his father, and as he did so he asked: + +"I wonder how much it costs to get to Chicago?" + +"Depends on how you travel. You can go in a plain car for about ten or +eleven dollars. That is on one of the round-about railways, at cut +rates. Or, you can pay between fifty and seventy-five dollars for a +state-room." + +"Oh, goody! If it only costs ten dollars, I can get out there all right, +and still have some money left." + +"I'm glad of that. Now, you sit here a few minutes, and I'll put up a +lunch for you, and then you won't have to buy any food while you are on +the train. They always charge a lot more on trains or in station +restaurants than they ought to." + +"Hadn't I better pay you now?" inquired Bob. + +"No. You wait until I bring the box of lunch. The boss hasn't noticed +how much you had to eat, and he'll think it's all on the check I will +ring in." + +"But that isn't exactly right, is it?" protested Bob. + +"Well, I'll make it right with the boss." + +So well were things working out for him, that it seemed to Bob that he +must be in a dream, but the sight of the people and objects about him +told him that it was indeed a reality. + +In due course the kind waitress returned, bringing a sizeable box, +tightly tied, which she placed on the table before him. + +"Here, kiddo, I wish you good luck," she said. "I must leave you now, +because I've got some more work to do." + +"But you must tell me your name," insisted Bob, looking at her with his +eyes filled with gratitude. "I'm coming back from the West a rich man, +and I shall want to look you up and repay you for your kindness." + +"I hope you strike it fine, kid," laughed the girl, "but I am afraid if +you do, you'll never think of looking up Nellie Porter. Oh, by the way, +do you know to which station to go?" + +"No, I don't," admitted Bob. + +"Well, if you want to get a plain car, you want to go over to Weehawken +and buy your ticket over the West Shore railroad." + +And giving Bob a check for his food, the girl smiled upon him +pleasantly, and hurried away to wait upon some other people who had +entered the restaurant. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +GOOD LUCK FROM BAD + + +By dint of questioning, Bob reached the Weehawken ferry and was soon on +a boat, gliding through the dark waters of the river toward the Jersey +shore. + +Never had the boy been on a ferryboat at night, and the spectacle +presented by the brilliantly lighted buildings filled him with wonder. +Fortunate was it for him that he was so enthralled, for the boat had +bumped into her slip and the people were rushing ashore before he had +time to realize that he was leaving behind all he had ever known of a +home. + +Indeed, so absorbed was he in gazing about him, that it was not till one +of the crew exclaimed: "Hey, kid, get ashore. You can't beat your way +back on this boat," that he knew they had reached Weehawken. + +"I'm not trying to beat my way," rejoined Bob. "I'm not going back to +New York. I'm going to Chicago--and then to Oklahoma," he added in a +boyish attempt to impress the boatman with his importance. + +"Well, you'd better hurry if you want to make the train for Chicago," +returned the other. "This is the last boat before it starts. You'll have +to hustle if you've any baggage, or are you travelling 'light'?" + +But Bob had not waited to hear the comment upon his lack of equipment, +and, before the words had left the mouth of the boatman, was running up +the gangway and into the station. + +The glare of the lights after the darkness of the river and the many +people scurrying to and fro, together with the porters and trainmen +calling and shouting, bewildered the lad who had never been so far away +from home before, and he stood in the middle of the station as though +dazed. + +Noticing the woe-begone figure, the station policeman walked over to +where Bob was standing. + +"What's the matter, kid? Looking for some one?" + +"No. I'm going away, to Chicago. I wish you'd tell me where to go to get +a chair car." + +"Not running away from home, are you?" inquired the official, scanning +Bob's face searchingly. + +This constant suggestion that he was running away angered the boy, and +he determined to put an end to it. + +"No, I'm not," he retorted impatiently. "I'm going out West to become a +ranchman, though I don't see why it is any of your business. The man on +the boat told me I would have to hurry if I was going to catch my +train." + +"Got any money?" inquired the policeman, ignoring the boy's manner. + +"Surely." And Bob drew forth the precious ten dollars he had managed to +save from the pittance his guardian had paid him and all that remained +from the money the magistrate had given him. + +"All right. Come with me. I'll show you," responded the official, +assured by the sight of the money that Bob was not trying to steal a +ride on the train. + +Quickly the two made their way to the ticket office. + +"Ticket for this youngster," announced the policeman. + +"Where to?" asked the agent. + +"Chicago, in a chair car," answered Bob. + +"'Leven thirty," returned the man in the ticket office, turning to his +rack and taking down a long strip of paper, which he stamped rapidly. + +With trembling fingers, Bob counted out the money, and shoved it +through the opening in the window. + +"Correct," muttered the agent, as he counted the roll of bills. "Now +hurry, or you won't get your train." + +As Bob received the amazingly long ticket, his breast swelled with +pride. Its possession meant the beginning of his long-cherished dream, +and he started to study it, when the voice of the officer warned him: + +"Come this way, kid. Go through gate No. 3. You can read your ticket +when you get on the train; you'll have time enough before you reach +Chicago. Good luck on your ranch," he added in a kindly banter. + +But Bob had no time to reply, for the trainmen were already shouting +their "All aboard for Chicago," and it was only by running down the +platform that he was able to get on a car just as the wheels began to +move. + +The car in which Bob found himself was upholstered in dark green, and +the woodwork was of polished mahogany. Never had he seen anything so +magnificent, and as he sank into a high-back seat, he uttered a sigh of +contentment. + +But he was not allowed to enjoy his luxury long. + +While he was gazing with wide-staring eyes at everything about him, a +colored porter entered the car and languidly glanced from one to +another of the occupants, as though making a mental calculation of the +tips he would receive, when his eyes fell on the poorly-clad figure of +Bob, holding his box of lunch on his knees. + +With an exclamation of surprise, the porter hastened to where the lad +was sitting. + +"What you-all doin' in hyar?" he demanded harshly. + +The tone in which the question was asked now caused the other +passengers, who had hitherto been too busy getting themselves +comfortably settled to notice Bob, to turn their gaze upon him. + +"I'm going to Chicago," returned Bob. + +But the hostile look on the porter's face scared him, and he could not +help a tremor that crept into his voice as he made his reply. + +"Whar's yer ticket?" snarled the negro. + +Reaching into his pocket, Bob drew forth the long strip of paper and +presented it to the officious porter. + +"The ticket's all right," grunted the man. "Now, whar's youah parlah +cyar ticket?" + +"My what?" asked Bob. + +"Youah parlah cyar ticket." + +"That's all the ticket I have," returned Bob. "Isn't that enough? I told +the man I wanted a chair-car ticket, and that's what he gave me." + +"Huh! I thought so. This ain't no chair cyar. This is a parlah cyar. +The cyar you-all want is up front, four cyars ahead. Now get out of hyar +lively." + +"But I can't get out while the train's going," protested Bob. "I might +get hurt, and--and besides, I want to go to Chicago, and if I get off +I'll lose my train." + +And in Bob's voice, as he pictured himself in his mind left beside the +railroad tracks in a strange place and at night, there was a plaintive +appeal. + +"You don't have to git off ther train," snarled the porter. "All you +gotta do is to walk right fru ther other cyars, three of 'em, mind you, +and you'll find your chair cyar. The idea of you-all getting into a +parlah cyar with a chair-cyar ticket." + +Reassured by the information that it would be unnecessary for him to +leave the train in order to reach the proper car, Bob rose from the soft +and luxurious seat slowly. + +"Come, hurry," growled the porter, making a move as though to seize Bob +by the arm and drag him from the car. + +But before he could do so, the stern voice of an elderly and +well-dressed man, who was occupying the second seat ahead, exclaimed: + +"Porter, can't you see this boy is unaccustomed to travelling? Why +don't you show him the way to the chair car?" + +"What, _me_ take that crittur fru three coaches? It's----" + +But the negro was not given the opportunity to finish. + +Bumping into the porter so that he knocked him to one side, the man who +had taken the negro to task for his treatment of Bob exclaimed: + +"Then _I_ will show him the way. Come, son." + +And he held out his hand, while all anger had disappeared from his face, +as he looked at Bob kindly. + +"My name is Bob Chester," said the boy, taking the outstretched hand and +shaking it. + +"And mine is Horace Perkins," returned the elder man, unable to restrain +a smile as he thought of the unceremonious introduction to himself, who +practically owned the road. "I am sorry you should have had so +unpleasant an experience." + +And as the railroad magnate and the poorly-clad boy passed from sight of +those in the car, the porter moaned: + +"Oh, lawdy, lawdy! Ah sho has done got mahself in a mess." + +And the comments of the other passengers, as they prophesied the +punishment the railroad president would inflict on his uncivil +employee, told him that they agreed with his opinion thoroughly. + +As Bob and his distinguished guide reached the chair car, the latter +beckoned to the brakeman and said: + +"I am Mr. Perkins. I presume you know that I am the president of this +road. I want you to keep an eye on this boy. He isn't accustomed to +travelling. He'll probably need something to eat to-morrow, so either +take him into one of the railroad restaurants, or bring him some lunch +into the car. Here's some money for his meals." + +But before his benefactor could withdraw his hand from his pocket, Bob +exclaimed: + +"I have my lunch with me, right here in this box, Mr. Perkins. I'm just +as much obliged to you, though." + +A moment the railroad president hesitated, then realizing from the look +on Bob's face that he would give offense should he press his gift, he +smiled and said: + +"All right, son. Just as you wish. But I want you to be my guest at +breakfast in the morning." + +And again shaking hands with Bob, Mr. Perkins left the car. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +BOB'S LUCK CONTINUES + + +After the railroad president had left the car, the brakeman found a +chair for Bob, and showed him how to work its mechanism so that he could +drop it back when he wished to go to sleep, all the while eyeing the +poorly-dressed lad with evident curiosity, which finally he could no +longer restrain, and he asked: + +"Have you known Mr. Perkins long?" + +"No," replied Bob. "I only met him to-night." + +"You must have made a hit with him." + +"No. I just think he is very kind." + +"Huh! That's a new one. You're the first one that ever called old +Perkins kind. If you could hear some of the men talk about how he has +treated them, you wouldn't think he was so kind." + +"I don't know about that. I only know he was very kind to me," returned +Bob, "and I like him. If his men were honest and square with him, I +think he would be with them." + +The approach of the train to a station, necessitating the member of the +train crew going about his duty, prevented him from plying Bob further +with questions, much to the latter's relief. + +Placing his box of lunch on the floor beside him, Bob leaned back in his +chair, partially closed his eyes, and gazed about him at the other +passengers. But there was none who interested him, and he soon turned +his mind to the contemplation of his position. + +It was with difficulty that he could realize that he was actually on his +way to the great West. But the steady motion of the train, the whirl of +the wheels, and the occasional blast of the engine's whistle, told him +that he was not dreaming, and after enjoying for a while the sensation +of travelling he began to think about what he should do when he reached +Chicago. + +He had read much of the enormous area the city covered, and he wondered +if he would have any difficulty in finding the home of the woman whose +husband was to form such a necessary link in his travelling +arrangements. + +"Suppose she shouldn't be at home, or suppose Mr. Cameron doesn't feel +like helping me? I guess under those circumstances it would be necessary +for me to get a job somewhere. But I won't be an errand boy in a grocery +store," he promised himself. But with the custom of looking only on the +bright side of things, which is a fortunate habit of youth, he began to +think of the good times he would have riding the horses on the plains, +and of watching the cowboys as they roped the steers and branded them. +And his fancy even pictured himself as a successful participant in +various nerve-stirring contests. + +"I may be from the East, but I won't let them call me a tenderfoot," Bob +exclaimed earnestly; "and I'll try and get on the right side of them, so +they won't play tricks on me." + +Bob's idea of cowboys had been gathered from his reading of many stories +of life on the plains, and was, therefore, rather vague. And it was +while holding imaginary conversations with ranchmen conjured from his +brain, that his body, wearied by the unusual events through which he had +passed, grew quiet, and he finally dropped off to sleep. + +The motion of the train and frequent stops affected him not at all, and +as soundly as though he were in the bed at the rear of the grocer's +shop, he slept through the night. + +Mindful of Mr. Perkins' request that he look after Bob, the brakeman +brought a coat with which he covered the boy, as the chill of night +settled on the car, and several times as he passed he tucked it about +Bob, when his moving had caused it to slide to the floor. + +About seven o'clock in the morning the trainman, after having waited in +vain for Bob to wake of his own accord, shook him gently by the +shoulder, exclaiming: + +"Come, son, it's time you were up and doing, if you are going to have +breakfast with the 'old man.' He is liable to send in any time for you +now, and after you have known him as long as I have, you'll learn that +he doesn't like to be kept waiting." + +"But where am I going to wash my face and hands? Doesn't the train stop +at the station?" + +At this naïve question, the brakeman looked at Bob for a moment, and +then chuckling heartily to himself, exclaimed: + +"Say, kid, are you trying to jolly me, or have you been kept in a glass +cage all your life? Don't you know that they have washrooms on the +trains?" + +"No. This is the first time I have ever taken a journey on a train in my +life." + +"Where are you going?" + +"To Chicago, first, and then out to Oklahoma." + +"Well, that's far enough, so that if you don't know anything about +travelling now, you will when you get there. What part of Oklahoma are +you going to?" + +"I don't just know exactly," and then, his breast swelling with pride, +he continued: "I'm going on a ranch, but I haven't decided quite yet +where." + +"Folks live out there? Going to friends?" + +"No." + +"Well, I suppose you know your own business, but taking it all in all, +if I was you, I think I'd stay East among people I knew, and whose ways +I was used to." + +"I don't believe you would if you were me," said Bob, and then tiring of +the questioning, he said: "I thought you were going to show me the +washroom. I want to be ready when Mr. Perkins sends for me." + +Smiling at the manner in which Bob changed the conversation, the +brakeman led him to the lavatory, and soon Bob had made his very +primitive toilet. + +In his endeavor to make himself as presentable as possible, he had +washed and wiped his face so vigorously that it almost shone. And no +sooner had he finished the task than the brakeman put his head in the +door, and said: + +"All ready, kid? Mr. Perkins has sent for you." + +Going out into the car, Bob saw a negro clad in a suit of immaculate +linen. + +"Is you Mr. Chester?" asked the darky, restraining the smile Bob's +appearance produced. + +"My name's Bob Chester, if that's what you mean," returned the boy. + +"Then you'se to come with me to the dining-car, where Mr. Perkins is +waiting for you." + +Without more delay, the negro led the way. + +Unmindful of the glances indicative of curiosity that were cast at him, +Bob followed his guide into the dining-car. + +As the railroad president saw his youthful guest approach, he arose, and +with punctilious ceremony shook Bob's hand, murmuring: + +"I hope you slept well, Bob?" + +"Very, thank you. I don't think I should have been awake now, if the +brakeman hadn't called me. He was very kind to me." + +"I'm glad of that," smiled the official. "What would you like to eat?" + +"Most anything, thank you." + +"Then suppose you let me order for you." + +This suggestion brought great relief to Bob, and he listened with wide +eyes as he heard the order for strawberries, bacon and eggs, buckwheat +cakes, maple syrup and coffee. + +"Does that selection meet with your approval?" smiled the railroad +president. + +"Indeed it does, sir! Next to beans, I like buckwheat cakes." + +"I guess all boys do. I know my sons at home are very fond of them." + +[Illustration: "DOES THAT SELECTION MEET WITH YOUR APPROVAL?" SMILED THE +PRESIDENT +_Bob Chester's Grit_ Page 70] + +Bob's enjoyment of his breakfast was so evident that it was almost +pathetic. And as Mr. Perkins watched him eat, he wondered what the boy's +story could be, and from having taken merely a passing interest in him, +his desire to do something for him became keen. + +Under the discreet guidance of the railroad president, Bob was led to +tell him of his life and of the experiences of the day before that had +resulted in the severing of all ties, and the taking of so radical a +step as the trip to the West. + +As he listened to the narrative, his mind reverted to his own boys at +home, surrounded by every luxury that wealth and affection could give +them, and he wondered if, were either of them placed in Bob's +circumstances, they would have the courage to do as he had done. + +When Bob had finished his story, Mr. Perkins sat in silence for several +minutes, evidently in deep thought. + +"I think you have chosen the wisest course, Bob," he finally said. "The +West is a great country, and you have qualities about you that I think +will bring you success. Of course, you will probably be obliged to stand +a good many hard knocks, but they won't hurt you, my boy. Hard knocks +are good for any man. The only thing to be careful about is that they do +not sour you and cause you to feel anger and hatred against your +fellows. + +"I suppose you know, of course, that the West, just like any other part +of the world, contains a lot of bad men as well as good--only out West +the bad men are more noticeable because they act more openly, gambling +and drinking and fighting. + +"You must be very careful whom you choose for your companions. If you +make up your mind to treat every one politely and with kindness, you +will soon be able to determine who are the ones whose friendship is +worth having, and whom to avoid. But if you wish to succeed, you must +keep away from the saloons and gambling dives. + +"This may seem a good deal of a lecture to you, but if you follow my +advice, some day you will thank me for giving it to you. And now, what +do you propose to do, in case you don't find Mrs. Cameron? You know in +big cities people often move, and it may be some time since her sister +saw her. Then again, perhaps her husband won't prove very +accommodating." + +"I've thought of that, Mr. Perkins. If I can't find them, I shall try to +get some work somewhere, so that I can earn money enough to pay my fare +from Chicago." + +"You'll succeed all right, Bob," said the railroad president. "You have +the right spirit of grit. But I have a plan which will do away with the +necessity of depending upon the good nature of Mrs. Cameron or her +husband." + +And taking one of his cards from his pocket, Mr. Perkins wrote several +words on it, and then handed it to Bob. + +"If you'll take this card to the offices of the Grand Pacific, which you +will find in the building directly across from the station where we +arrive in Chicago, they will give you a pass, which will carry you to +any part of Oklahoma you desire to go. I want you to accept it as a +present from me. You can tell them to what place to make it out, and as +it will take many hours to reach your destination, I want you to accept +this money, so that you can buy your food." And he handed Bob a +twenty-dollar bill. "If you are careful, you will have something left +when you reach that part of Oklahoma to which you decide to go." + +Before Bob could recover sufficiently from his surprise to express his +thanks, Mr. Perkins had arisen, and saying that it was necessary for him +to get off the train at the next station, went back to his car, leaving +Bob in contemplation of his pass and money. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +A TALE OF THE PLAINS + + +Placing in his pocket the money and the precious piece of pasteboard +which possessed the magic power of procuring for him transportation to +the land of his dreams, Bob rose from the breakfast-table and made his +way back to his chair. + +As the train stopped at one station after another, people kept getting +aboard, and soon the car in which Bob was riding was filled to its +capacity. + +Having nothing better to do, the lad amused himself by studying each new +passenger, and he was amusing himself in trying to assign them to their +proper vocations, when he was attracted to the man who came in and took +the seat directly in front of him. + +Tall and inordinately thin, the man's clothes seemed simply to hang from +his shoulders. His hair, of a curious rusty gray, seemed to stick out +from under the faded straw hat, and his whole appearance suggested +nothing so much as a scarecrow. + +Despite the man's ungainly appearance, however, his face was one that +would attract and hold attention. So thin was it that it seemed as +though the cheek bones would any minute pierce the bronzed skin, and +from under bushy eyebrows two restless black eyes glistened. + +Like Bob, this man surveyed his fellow passengers, giving them, however, +only a momentary glance, until his eyes rested upon Bob, and upon him +they lingered, glancing him over from head to foot, and then dropping to +the lunch-box which was on the floor. + +During this inspection of himself, Bob had also been examining the man +more closely, and had discovered that his forehead was marked with a +deep scar. + +"You don't happen to have any lunch in that box, do you, that you would +be willing to sell me?" asked the stranger. "I didn't have time to get +any before I started. In fact, I came mighty near losing the train as it +was, and there won't be any station where I can get anything before +noon." + +"Why, yes," replied Bob; "that is, I have some lunch. But I won't sell +it to you. You are welcome to some of it, if you would like it." + +How the man had been able to divine that his package contained food, +Bob could not understand. But had the boy been as keen an observer as +the stranger, he would have noticed that the paper on one end of the box +was saturated with grease, causing the obvious inference that some sort +of food was wrapped up inside. + +"I don't like to take your grub for nothing, son," returned the other, +"but I sure am hungry. I have always made it a rule never to accept +anything from any one without giving something in return. So I tell you +what I'll do. If you're sure you won't accept any money, and will give +me a bite, when the train stops for dinner, I'll pay for whatever you +want to eat." + +"That seems fair," returned Bob, "but I should be just as willing to +give you some, even if you didn't return it." + +While Bob had been speaking, he had picked up the box, broken the +string, unwrapped the paper and opened it, after which he held it out to +the stranger, saying: + +"Help yourself." + +To Bob's surprise, the man accepted the invitation literally--and took +the whole box, which he rested on his knee. Though it contained cake and +pie, hard-boiled eggs, and several sandwiches, the stranger exercised no +choice of selection, but began at one end of the box and ate everything +just as it came. + +Naturally Bob had supposed that the man would eat possibly only a couple +of eggs and one or two sandwiches, with perhaps even a piece of cake or +a piece of pie. But as he saw one piece of food disappearing after +another, and remembered that the stranger had asked only for a bite, he +wondered what he would require to make a full meal. + +As the last piece of food was devoured, the man reached down, put the +cover on the box, folded the paper, wrapped up the box and set it on the +floor, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, then exclaimed: + +"My, but that went to the right spot! I sure was hungry." + +"Yes, I guess you were," assented Bob, a bit ruefully, for he had +expected to have at least a portion of the food, put up for him by the +kind waitress, to eat during the day. + +The stranger, however, ignored the insinuation in Bob's tone, and +proceeded to talk with him. + +"Going far?" he asked. + +"Yes, to Chicago." + +"That's good. So am I. I'm glad to have some one to talk to. It makes +the time pass quicker. Been visiting in the East?" + +"No. I've always lived in New York." + +"Going to Chicago on a visit?" + +"Not exactly. I'm going to call on some friends, and then go on to +Oklahoma." + +The mention of Oklahoma roused the stranger to immediate interest. + +"You don't say! To what part?" + +"I don't know exactly." + +"Going to Oklahoma, and you don't know to what part?" repeated the man +in surprise. + +"I'm going on a ranch somewhere. I was thinking I'd get a map when I got +to Chicago, and decide just where." + +"Well, if that don't beat anything I ever heard!" + +The intonation which the man gave to his words was such that Bob felt +that he must give some explanation of his indecision, and he returned: + +"You see, I'm going to be a cowboy first, and then a ranch owner, and I +didn't want to decide where to go until I could find out where I would +have the best chance." + +"Well, it certainly is fortunate that fate led me to get into this car +of all on the train. I can tell you just the place for you to go." + +"Have you ever been to Oklahoma?" inquired Bob. + +"Have I ever been there? Well, son, I was there off and on for about ten +years, when the government first opened up the land, and you could +travel for miles without seeing anything but Injuns." + +The knowledge that his companion was familiar with Oklahoma set Bob's +heart beating rapidly, and the thought that he could gather much useful +information from this peculiar man caused him to forget all annoyance +over the loss of his lunch. + +"Then you've really seen a live Indian?" asked Bob, his eyes big with +excitement. + +"I seen too many of the critters. See that scar?" + +And he tapped his forehead with one of his long fingers. + +"Yes," said Bob eagerly. + +"Well, it was an Injun gave me that; Flying Horse, they called him." + +At the memory of what had evidently been an exciting adventure, the man +lapsed into silence, as though he were re-enacting the events in his +mind. + +To Bob his silence was tantalizing. He longed to hear of the experience, +and yet he hesitated to ask point-blank. His interest was so keen, +however, that he could not restrain himself entirely, and he squirmed +restively in his chair. + +The movement had the effect of recalling the man from his memories, and +gazing at the lad's eager face, his own broke into a smile, as he said: + +"I suppose you'd like to know how it happened?" + +"Indeed I should." + +"I was punching cows for an old fellow called Sam Ford; a man so mean +you could pull the pith out of a horse-hair and then put his soul +inside, and it would rattle. + +"But this story don't concern old Sam, except in so far as I was working +for him. He'd got together a fine bunch of cattle. Where he got 'em, no +one ever knew exactly, and in them days it wasn't what you'd call +healthy to ask questions. Indeed, I've seen many a perfectly healthy man +took off sudden, just because he got inquisitive about su'thin', that +wasn't none of his business in the first place. But that's neither here +nor there. Sam had the cattle, and I was punchin' for him. + +"One day Sam come to me and said he wanted me to ride over to a creek +near what is now the town of Fairfax, and watch a bunch of about thirty +head he told me he just bought. There was a pack of Crow Injuns that we +knew was somewhere around there. But in them days it was the same with +working for a man as it was about asking questions. If he told you to do +anything, it was up to you to do it, or stand the consequences. So I +saddled a flea-bitten pinto and set out, though I must say I wasn't +particularly keen on going. It had been rumored that Sam had got some +of his cattle from the Injuns, and we'd always expected that if Sam ever +did die--of which we had our doubts, because he was so mean--that it +would be at the hand of a redskin. + +"After riding about thirty mile, I come to the cattle all right, and +they was sure a fine bunch. The place where Sam had left them was filled +with fine grazing grass, and there was a 'drink' near-by, so's I got to +feeling a little better, for I'd been afraid I was going to have some +trouble in locating water. Sam had said he'd come up in three or four +days, and we'd drive 'em back to where we had the main herd. + +"The grass was so rich that a baby could have looked after them cattle; +they stayed so close, and I was taking things easy most of the time, +lying on my back and smoking. + +"On the second night it was cloudy, and I had built a little fire, +before which I curled up and went to sleep. + +"How long I'd been asleep, I don't know. But I do know that I was +suddenly wakened by feeling something sharp drawn across my forehead. + +"Opening my eyes, I saw a face, hideous in white and yellow paint, +peering into mine. + +"Fortunately, I still had my six-shooters on me, and being pretty handy +with them, it didn't take me long to put an end to Mr. Injun. + +"Whether there was more than one buck 'round, I didn't know. But I'd no +sooner got to my feet than I found out, for on all sides of me the air +was split with their awful yells. + +"Dropping to my knees, I crawled into the long grass as fast as I could, +and the only thing that saved me was because they had been busy with the +cattle, and didn't know where I was. + +"After they'd hunted for me a while, they rounded up the critters, +gathered in my pinto, and moved away. + +"Just as soon as I heard 'em going I lit out in the opposite direction, +and hoofed it back to Sam's." + + + + +CHAPTER X + +BOB DOES A KIND ACT + + +As the stranger recounted this exciting adventure, Bob's eyes grew +larger and larger, and his mouth gaped in wonder. Many a time had he +read in story-books of similar attacks by Indians, but the thought that +he was actually gazing at a man who had been through such an ordeal +seemed too delightful to be true. And so reverentially admiring was his +manner toward his travelling companion that the other couldn't but smile +good-naturedly. + +"Where did you say that place was?" inquired Bob, after a silence of +many minutes, as he retold to himself the story of the scar and pictured +the scene before his mind's eye. + +"Fairfax." + +"What part of the state is that?" + +"It's about the middle, as east and west goes, but nearer the northern +than the southern border." + +"Are there--are there any ranches near Fairfax now, do you suppose?" + +"I reckon so, though it's more than seven years since I came East." + +"Aren't you ever going back there?" inquired Bob, in a tone which said +plainly that it was beyond his understanding how a man could give up +life on a ranch and settle down to the very ordinary, prosaic life of +the East. + +For a moment the man looked at Bob searchingly, and then replied: + +"I reckon that it's better for my health here in the East." + +But the significance of this remark was lost on Bob. For a few minutes +he was silent, the expression on his face, however, indicating that he +was thinking earnestly, and at last the cause of his deliberation was +explained in his question: + +"Do you think there are any Indians around Fairfax now?" + +"Not the kind there was in the early days when I was out there. The +government has tried to make them like white people, and now the Injuns +that you would find are either lazy, or they have deteriorated into +half-breeds. Once in a while some of the bucks go on a rampage, but not +very often." + +"I think I'll go to Fairfax," announced Bob after another period of +deliberation. "You don't know any one out there with whom you think I +could get in to work, do you?" + +"No, I can't say as I do, and besides a recommendation from me wouldn't +help you any. But I think so long as you have no particular section of +the state in mind, that Fairfax would be as good as any." + +Bob lost no time in taking advantage of the opportunity afforded by his +companion for asking him about the customs of the cowboys and life on a +ranch in general, and many were the valuable pointers the stranger gave +him, some of which Bob afterwards remembered, but more of which he +forgot. + +Between Bob's inquiries and the stories which his travelling companion +narrated, the morning passed quickly, and what had loomed before the boy +as long and dreary hours, seemed but a minute, so entertaining was the +stranger. + +True to his word, when the train pulled into the station where the stop +was made for those passengers who desired to get lunch, the stranger +insisted upon Bob getting out and eating with him. And Bob found that +the man's appetite was just as keen when he was paying for his food, as +when he was eating that provided by others. + +After the return to the car, the interesting stories were resumed, and +Bob had little opportunity to notice the region through which he was +passing, new and unusual to him as was its scenery, save when his +attention was called to some striking feature by his companion. + +"It won't be long now before we reach Chicago," remarked the man. + +"No, I suppose not," admitted Bob with a sigh. "I only wish you were +going out to Fairfax with me." + +"Oh, well, you'll find, more likely than not, that some of the +passengers on the train you take are bound for Oklahoma, and they will +probably be able to afford you more assistance and information than I." + +The suggestion made by Bob about returning to Oklahoma seemed to make a +deep impression upon the stranger, and he lapsed into silence from which +he only roused himself after the train had pulled into the station at +Chicago, when he jumped up suddenly, grabbed Bob by the shoulder, shook +him with a gentle roughness, and murmured: + +"Good luck to you, boy, and whatever you do, be straight," and rushed +from the car, leaving Bob bewildered by the abruptness of his departure. + +Despite the evident mystery which hung over his travelling companion, +Bob had felt more at ease when he was with him, and it was with a sense +of loss that he saw him leave the car, for the boy had hoped that he +would accompany him to the railway offices while he got his pass, and +he had even dared to think he might be able to persuade him to make the +visit to Mrs. Cameron with him. + +But the man's departure had shattered his hopes, and Bob, with a feeling +of great loneliness, mechanically followed the other passengers from the +car out upon the wide platform. His feeling of isolation was made even +more poignant by the hearty greetings which sounded all around him, as +one after another of the people who had arrived on the same train were +met by their friends or families. + +Following the crowd, he passed through the station out onto the +sidewalk. There he stood for a moment, searching the windows of the +buildings across the street for the name of the railway offices to which +Mr. Perkins had directed him. + +With little difficulty he spied great gilt letters which formed the +words "Grand Pacific Railway," and picking his way carefully through the +throng of carriages, automobiles and trucks, which were passing up and +down the street, he soon reached the building, and was on the way to the +offices in the elevator. + +Entering one of the doors, he beheld several handsomely polished desks, +at which busy men were seated. + +Who the proper person was to whom to present his card for a pass, Bob +did not know, but after scrutinizing the faces of the various men in the +office, he selected one who seemed kind and pleasant, and was making his +way toward him, when he was confronted by a boy several inches smaller +than he was, clad in a green uniform trimmed with gold braid, who +demanded insolently: + +"Here, you! Where do you think you are going? Who do you want to see?" + +"I don't know exactly." + +During this interchange of words, the office-boy had been scanning Bob +and his threadbare clothes contemptuously. And at the lad's reply, he +laughed outright, adding: + +"Well, if you don't know who you want to see, you can't come in here." + +"But I want to get a pass for Fairfax, Oklahoma," protested Bob. + +"_You_ get a pass! Say, are you crazy? Only the general managers and the +other high officers travel on passes." + +"But Mr. Perkins told me to come here," asserted Bob. + +To what lengths this determination of the office-boy to get rid of Bob +would have gone there is no knowing, for the official whose desk was +nearest the railing in front of which Bob stood had been attracted by +the unusual occurrence, and as he heard Mr. Perkins' name spoken, he got +up, and beckoning to Bob, asked: + +"What did you say about Mr. Perkins?" + +"I said he told me to come here to get a pass to Fairfax, Oklahoma. That +is, he didn't say Fairfax," added Bob truthfully, "he just said I was to +get it to any place in Oklahoma where I wanted to go, and I have decided +I want to go to Fairfax." + +"What is your name?" + +"Bob Chester." + +"Well, Mr. Perkins has sent us no instructions for issuing you a pass, +and until he does, we cannot do anything for you." + +And turning on his heel the man walked back to his desk, while the +office-boy grinned in delight. + +Bob, however, was not to be disposed of so easily, and putting his hand +in his pocket, he drew out the card given him by the railroad president, +and said: + +"But Mr. Perkins gave me instructions to give to you." + +The man who had left his desk before paid no attention to Bob's remark, +however, and the boy was wondering if, after all, the card would be of +no service to him when suddenly the door opened and in walked the +porter who had drawn upon himself the anger of the railroad president, +the night before, by his treatment of Bob. + +As the darky entered, one of the clerks happened to be passing the rail, +and he exclaimed: + +"Well, Thomas Jefferson, what do you want here?" + +"Ah come to get my pay. Ah done been discharged." + +"You discharged?" repeated the other incredulously. + +"That's what, and by the 'old man' hisself." + +"Why?" + +"For not treating this hyar gemmen wid de respec' Mr. Perkins thought I +ought to when he set hisself down in my parlah cyar, when his ticket +done call for the chair cyar." + +The tone in which the porter made his reply was so loud that no one in +the office could fail to hear it, and as the officials had already +received instructions by wire to pay off the darky in full upon his +arrival, when they learned that the shabbily-clad boy standing before +the rail was the cause of the discharge, they evinced a very lively +interest in him. + +"The kid was just up here trying to get a pass he said Mr. Perkins had +told him to call for," returned the man who had dismissed Bob so +abruptly. + +"If the gemmen says so, den you'd better give it to him, if you-all +don't want to get what Ah got." + +Deeming the time had come for again calling attention to his card, Bob +exclaimed: + +"Mr. Perkins told me I was to present this, when I asked for the pass." + +Reaching out his hand for the piece of pasteboard, the man who had +refused him before, scanned it hurriedly, and said: + +"You should have given me this in the first place. You see, we don't +issue many passes now, and we are obliged to be very careful." And, +calling to one of his clerks, he gave him instructions for making out +the pass to Fairfax, after having learned from Bob that that was the +destination to which he wished to go. + +"You'd better sit down," said the official, "because it will take a few +minutes to get it ready." + +Bob was not thinking of himself, however. The idea troubled him of the +porter's being discharged on his account, and after a few moments' +deliberation, he called to the man who had given the instructions for +the writing of his pass, and asked: + +"Do you think if I should write a note to Mr. Perkins, that he would +change his mind about discharging this man? I don't like to think he +should have got into trouble on my account. You see, I don't know much +about travelling, and I didn't know a parlor car from a chair car." + +Surprised at this consideration for a fellow in a boy so young, the +official smiled as he replied: + +"I shouldn't be surprised if Mr. Perkins would think about it, if you +asked him. He seems to have taken a great fancy to you." + +"Then if you will give me a piece of paper, I will write to him." + +And when the writing material was provided, Bob, in his crude, boyish +hand, wrote: + + "MR. PERKINS: You have been very kind to me, but I + am sorry you discharged the porter. I wish you + would take him back. Please, Mr. Perkins. From + your friend, BOB CHESTER." + +In open-mouthed wonder, the porter listened to the conversation between +Bob and the official of the railway, and when the note had been written, +and was read aloud by the latter, the darky exclaimed: + +"Mistah Bob, you sho'ly am kind. Ah'll take that note and go to see +Mistah Perkins mahself, and now if you-all would like to see Chicago a +little before you take your train, Ah'll surely be most glad to take you +'round." + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +BOB FAILS TO FIND MRS. CAMERON + + +For a moment after the porter's offer to act as his guide in seeing +Chicago, Bob thought he would accept it, and accordingly they left the +office together, the pass having been made out and delivered to the boy. + +When they appeared upon the street, however, the passersby stopped and +stared at the curious pair--Bob, in his worn, ill-fitting suit, and the +darky, very black, clad in the latest fashion--with amazement. + +One woman, whose hair was tinged with gray, and whose aquiline features, +severe clothes and general mien bespoke the spinster who always had time +to meddle in other people's affairs, exclaimed to the person nearest +her: + +"There is certainly something wrong here. I feel it in my bones. That +colored person is taking this boy somewhere for no good purpose. I think +it is my duty to interfere." + +"Oh, I wouldn't bother," returned the member of the throng whom she had +addressed. "The boy seems to be going along willingly enough." + +"But I think it is my duty to make sure," persisted the officious +spinster. "My conscience will never be easy in the thought that perhaps +if I had spoken, I might have saved the boy from some terrible fate." + +During this conversation, Bob and the porter had walked almost half a +block. But both of them had heard the first remarks, and as the would-be +rescuer set out in pursuit of them, Bob chanced to look back, and saw +her coming, followed by several of the crowd who had first stopped to +watch them in the hopes that they might be afforded some amusement from +the woman's interference. + +Unwilling to become the cause of a street scene, Bob turned to his +companion, and said: + +"I--I guess, after all, it won't be necessary for me to trouble you to +go about with me." + +"It will be no trouble, and Ah sho' am willing to do most anything for +you 'count o' that note you gave me for Massa Perkins." + +"Oh, that's all right," hastily returned Bob. "I was glad to do it. I +only hope that it will be successful in letting you get back your job." + +"Ah think it will, but Chicago's a pretty big place, and Ah'm afraid +something may happen to you so that you will miss your train. It goes in +about four hours. Is there any place particular you want to go?" + +"Yes, I was going out to South 101st Street." + +And Bob described the location of the apartment house where he expected +to find Mrs. Cameron, the sister of the waitress who had been so kind to +him. + +"Then you want to take this cyar. It runs right by the corner, and when +you come back, you keep on it until you get to the Northwestern station, +where you get your train." + +"All right, thank you!" exclaimed Bob, going out into the street to hail +the car that had been pointed out to him. + +The porter stood on the curb, evidently with the intention of seeing +that Bob got aboard without mishap, until turning his head he caught +sight of the sharp-featured woman, whose comment he had overheard. + +"Ma soul, Ah sure don't want to get in any argument with such a woman," +he muttered to himself, and bolted precipitately, soon losing himself in +the crowd of pedestrians. + +The flight of the porter seemed to confirm the woman's suspicions, but +she instantly realized that she could not hope to overtake the darky, +and quickly determined to hail Bob. + +Rushing into the street, she cried in a shrill voice: + +"Little boy! Little boy!" + +Bob, however, had no relish for an interview with her, and quickly +mounted the steps of the car and entered. + +Again the woman repeated her cry, but Bob paid no attention, and it was +with great relief that he heard the conductor pull the signal-bell for +the car to start. + +Determined not to be thwarted, the woman cried: + +"Mr. Conductor! Mr. Conductor! Stop that car!" + +But that individual had developed a deafness as sudden as Bob's and the +car continued on its way. + +For a moment the woman, her philanthropic intentions balked, stood on +the car track, but realizing that she was making a spectacle of herself, +she returned to the sidewalk, where the gibing comments of those who had +witnessed the scene caused her to blush with anger, and she was glad to +escape the words of advice that were called out to her by entering the +doors of a convenient store. + +As soon as Bob found that his escape had been effected, he returned to +the platform. + +"I'm glad you didn't stop the car for that woman," said he to the +conductor. + +"What's the matter, are you running away from her?" + +"No. I never saw her before." + +"Then why did she call you to stop?" asked the conductor, his tone +indicating that he thought perhaps Bob might have picked her pocket. + +"I don't know. When I was walking along with that colored man, I heard +her say she thought he was trying to take me somewhere I shouldn't go." + +Bob's evident lack of familiarity with Chicago and the circumstances +under which he had boarded the car, aroused the conductor's curiosity, +and he inquired: + +"Well, was he?" + +"No, he had just offered to show me about Chicago." + +And then Bob told enough of the story to convince the street-car man +that there was nothing improper about the occurrence, and that he +succeeded was evidenced by the comment of the conductor, as he said: + +"That's just like some women, always meddling in things they don't know +anything about. I'll tell you when you get to 101st street." + +Bob was deeply interested in the scenes through which he was passing, +and it seemed to him that he had scarcely been on the car ten minutes +when the conductor told him he had reached the street he desired. + +Leaving the car, Bob walked to the sidewalk, and then looked about him +to get his bearings. + +Across the street stood the yellow brick apartment house the waitress +had mentioned, and as it was the only building of its kind thereabout, +he made his way to it. + +Entering the vestibule, Bob scanned the names on the letter boxes for +that of Mrs. John Cameron, but though he looked them over three times, +he could not see it. + +As he stood wondering what to do, a woman opened the door to come out. + +Deciding that she was probably one of the people who lived in the +building, Bob asked, taking off his hat, and bowing politely: + +"Can you tell me if Mrs. John Cameron lives here?" + +"No, she doesn't." + +"Well, she used to, didn't she?" + +"Yes, right across the hall from me, on the third floor, but she moved +about six weeks ago." + +"Do you know where she's gone?" cried Bob. + +"She's moved to Kansas City, but I don't know her address. Is there +anything particular you wanted of her?" + +"No--that is, I just had a message to deliver to her from her sister in +New York." + +"Well, I'm sorry that I can't give you the address in Kansas City. You +might find it out, though, from the janitor, possibly," added the woman, +and smiling at Bob, she continued on her way. + +For a moment Bob was undecided whether or not to ring for the janitor in +order that he might inquire about the address of the waitress' sister, +and then realizing that there was no necessity for his so doing, he +concluded to go to the station and wait for his train. + +"It's a mighty good thing I met Mr. Perkins," said Bob to himself, as he +rode back downtown on the street-car. "If I hadn't, I suppose I would +have been obliged to go to work until I could get enough money to take +me to Oklahoma, and it would have been an awful disappointment not to +find Mrs. Cameron. But it's all right now; besides, I'm better off than +I would have been if she had been here, because I have a pass clear to +Fairfax, and her sister said her husband could only help me as far as +Kansas City." + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +ALONE IN A STRANGE CITY + + +Arrived at the Northwestern railway station, for a time Bob wandered +about, enjoying the novelty of the people rushing hither and thither in +their search of either friends or relatives, purchasing tickets, and +tending to the baggage, and he wondered how they could accomplish +anything, so great was the hustle and bustle. + +In the course of his wanderings, he chanced upon the station restaurant, +and though in his excitement and the novelty of the scenes about him, he +had not thought of eating, the sight of food suddenly roused his hunger, +and he went up to one of the counters. + +The prices of the food, however, amazed him, and it was several minutes +before he had picked out anything that he wanted that did not cost too +much. + +So long did Bob linger over the consumption of the modest repast he had +ordered, that the waitress began to eye him with suspicion. And finally +she exclaimed: + +"Say! how long do you think you can stay here eating, or are you hoping +that you will get a chance to sneak off without paying me? But that game +won't work. I'm too wise to get caught by any trick like that. So just +come across with the price of your feed." + +This caustic comment upon the length of time he was lingering over the +meal, and the open charge that he was trying to defraud the waitress, +hurt Bob, and his embarrassment was evident in the flush that mounted to +his face, as he stammered: + +"I'm sorry if I've taken too long over my food. I didn't know I was +expected to eat it all at once. But I don't think you have any right to +say that I was trying to cheat you out of the pay. If I hadn't had the +money in my pocket to pay for what I ordered, I shouldn't have ordered +anything. How much is it, please?" + +"Thirty cents," snapped the waitress. + +Quickly Bob thrust his hand in his pocket, and drew forth a dollar bill +and gave it to her. + +So deeply had Bob been stirred by the unjust reflection upon his +honesty, that his misery was plainly visible on his face, and the +waitress, returning, could not but notice it. + +"I'm sorry if I made you feel bad, kid," she apologized, "but you see, +when people buy things in here, they generally pay for them right off, +and we have so many tricks worked on us that we have to be pretty sly +not to get nailed by some of them. But you're all right. You're only +just green." + +Leaving the restaurant, Bob returned to the waiting-room, where he +picked out a seat nearest the place where the train announcer always +stood when he called out the trains that were ready for the passengers. +But as he sat there, he could not get the words of the girl in the +restaurant out of his mind, and kept repeating to himself: "Only just +green." + +The constant brooding over this remark suggested the thought to him: "If +people here in the cities like New York and Chicago think that I don't +know anything, and am not used to the ways of doing things, what will +they think of me out in Fairfax? I said I wouldn't let them take me for +a tenderfoot, and I won't. I'll just pretend I know all about things and +watch how the other people do." + +This new resolve fascinated the boy, and he fell into a day dream, in +which bronchos, cowboys, and herds of cattle figured prominently, and so +engrossed did he become in it, that it was with a start he heard the +train announcer call out the train for Kansas City and the West, which +he was to take. + +Following the others who were going on the same train, Bob made his way +to the cars. + +Mindful of his recent resolution and the unpleasant experience with the +porter of the parlor car, Bob scrutinized each coach of the train +carefully as he walked along until he came to one that was obviously a +chair car, and this he entered, selecting a seat well in the middle. + +Eager as Bob was to reach his destination, it seemed to him that they +would never start, but when at last the wheels began to squeak as the +train got in motion, he gave vent to a sigh of delight. + +Of the people about him, he took only passing notice, and busied himself +with trying to map out a plan of action after he reached Fairfax. + +When the conductor came along collecting the tickets, Bob proudly drew +forth his pass and presented it. As though unable to reconcile the bit +of paper with the poorly-clad boy, the conductor scrutinized the +official transportation closely, from time to time glancing at Bob. + +Unable satisfactorily to solve the incongruity, the official muttered: + +"The pass is all right, but it doesn't seem right for this boy to have +it." + +This voicing of the thoughts, which were evidently passing through the +conductor's mind, scared Bob, and he asked, assuming an air of +confidence that he did not feel: + +"What's the matter with that pass?" + +"Nothing, provided you are Bob Chester. But I don't see why you should +be given one." + +"Well, if it's all right, and properly made out, I don't know that it's +any concern of yours why it was given to me. If you have any doubt about +it, why don't you find out from the people who issued it?" + +"That's a good idea. It's just what I was going to do. I will just keep +it until I know it's all O.K." + +And, putting the piece of official transportation in his pocket, the +conductor moved along through the car. + +With dismay and a feeling of foreboding, Bob watched the conductor go +from his car with the precious pass. He dared not protest; indeed, the +thought of the proper way to make an objection did not occur to him. In +fact, he did not know that he could do so, and his own temerity in +calling attention to the fact that it was made out had startled him. But +bitterly did he rue his suggestion that the conductor keep the +all-important paper until he was satisfied as to its genuineness. + +In a few minutes Bob noticed the brakeman come into the car and stare at +him. But he did not know that the man had done so in obedience to the +order of the conductor, who had told the trainman to take a look at Bob, +and then to take care that the boy did not try to leave the train until +the matter of the pass had been properly cleared up. + +As the train whirled through the darkness of the night, Bob occasionally +caught a glimpse of light in the scattered houses or towns through which +it passed, but so dark was it that he could see nothing of the country. + +Dropping his chair back, the boy tried to go to sleep, but his anxiety +over the safety of his pass made it impossible, though he dropped into a +doze several times only to awake with a start. + +In the meantime, the conductor had sent a telegram to the offices in +Chicago where Bob had obtained the transportation, asking if a pass had +been issued to Bob Chester, and requesting a description of that +individual. + +Whenever the conductor walked through the car, Bob inquired anxiously as +to when he should receive the important piece of paper back again, but +the man in charge of the train only answered gruffly: + +"You'll get it back soon enough, if it's all right." + +"But if it isn't?" asked Bob, in a boyish eagerness to know the exact +conditions he was facing. + +"You'll be put off the train, anyhow, and perhaps you will have to go to +jail." + +As the conductor announced this alternative, he watched Bob closely, and +the start the latter gave at the mention of the possibility of arrest, +only confirmed the man in his suspicion that there was something +irregular about the boy's having the free transportation. But as the +reader knows, it was no thought of the pass being spurious that +disturbed Bob. The word "jail" had brought to his mind his unpleasant +experience in New York. + +From thinking about his arrest and the men who had been its cause, Bob +went over in his mind all the events that had transpired since that +momentous happening, yet he had no regret at the course he had chosen. + +Not long after daylight, as the train entered what Bob could see was a +good-sized city, and stopped at the station, the boy decided he would +get out and walk up and down the platform in order to stretch his legs. + +Evidently never thinking the lad would be astir so early, the brakeman +had neglected to obey his instructions and keep close watch on Bob, so +that his leaving the car was unnoticed. + +Seeing a place where he could get a drink of water, Bob walked toward +it. + +Just as he was in the midst of drinking from the cup, he was stupefied +to hear the snorting of an engine, and, upon turning his head, to see +the train on which he had been riding disappearing from the station. + +With a cry of alarm, Bob dashed after it, shouting: + +"Wait! Stop the train! The conductor's got my pass!" + +But the few officials about paid no heed to the lad's frantic cries, +and the train continued on its way, while Bob was left in a strange +place, bereft of his pass, and without knowing what to do in order to +regain possession of the precious piece of paper which was to carry him +to Fairfax. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +BOB STARTS AGAIN + + +Bob's lusty shouts, as he vainly tried to stop the train, drew the +attention of the few employees in the station at so early an hour, and +they gathered about him, taking mental stock of his worn clothes and his +honest face, as they approached. + +"What's the matter? Nobody here to meet you?" asked one of the men, on +whose hat were the words, "Station Master." + +"This isn't a very convenient hour to meet any one. Where do your people +live? We can direct you how to get to them." + +Not having heard the words uttered by Bob, the agent's inference that +the boy was disappointed at finding no one to meet him, was natural. But +Bob soon disillusioned him. + +"The train's gone and left me," said he, with ever so slight a shakiness +in his voice, as he thought of the train speeding on its way and with it +his precious pass. + +"Well, there are other trains," declared a second man. "You can take the +next one." + +The quaver in Bob's voice, however, had reached the ears of the station +master, and he asked kindly: + +"How far were you going?" + +"To Fairfax, Oklahoma." + +With the evident purpose of reassuring Bob, the station master said: + +"Oh, well, it will only make the difference of twelve hours or so in +reaching Fairfax. There's another train goes through at four o'clock +this afternoon." + +"It isn't the delay I mind," returned Bob, "but the conductor has my +pass!" + +"_You_ travelling on a pass?" exclaimed another incredulously, as though +unable to reconcile Bob's shabby apparel with the possession of such a +privileged means of transportation. + +"My, that is bad," mused the station master. "But don't worry. I'll have +word telegraphed to the conductor to leave your pass with the agent at +Kansas City, and you can get it there. Come with me, and we'll see about +sending the message." + +"But how shall I get to Kansas City without any ticket?" asked Bob, as +he accompanied his new-found friend into the station. "I only have a few +dollars, which I shall need when I get to Fairfax. I suppose it would +cost a lot to buy a ticket?" + +"If you had a pass, it won't be necessary for you to pay. I'll arrange +that all right." + +Randolph, the city in which Bob was marooned, being a division +headquarters of the railway, there was a train despatcher's office in +the station, and thither the agent led Bob. + +Going over to one of the telegraphers, the station master explained the +situation briefly. + +"What do you want me to wire? Jenkins is the conductor, isn't he?" + +"Yes. Say, 'Jenkins, Aboard No. 6: Leave'," and then he turned to the +boy, asked his name, and continued: "'Bob Chester's pass with the ticket +agent at Kansas City. Will send Bob on the next train. ROBINSON, + + "'Station Master, Randolph.'" + +Scarcely had the operator forwarded the message than he suddenly leaned +over his instrument, listened intently, and then exclaimed: + +"I'll bet Jenkins will be glad to get your wire about the boy. Was there +any trouble about the pass?" and he looked at Bob. + +"Yes," responded the youth, and told them about the conductor's +suspicions. "But why did you ask?" + +"Because I caught a message going to Jenkins from Chicago." + +"It said the pass was all right, didn't it?" queried Bob anxiously. + +"It did," replied the operator, with emphasis, "and more, too. Said you +were a particular friend of 'Old Man' Perkins, and advised Jenkins to +treat you well, as one man had got into trouble through being uncivil to +you." + +"But I made that all right; at least, I wrote a note asking Mr. Perkins +to take the porter back again," answered Bob innocently. + +The overheard message had a salutary effect upon both the operator and +agent, and they took a new interest in the boy who was a protégé of the +railroad president. + +After asking Bob about the incident of the parlor car, they told him to +make himself comfortable, and when he felt hungry to let them know. + +"I could eat now," smiled Bob, his troubles vanished. + +"Then I'll have one of my men go with you to a restaurant just up the +street a little way." + +"You're very kind, but I can go alone," replied Bob. + +"I don't doubt it," laughed the station master. "But, after that wire +from Chicago to Jenkins, I don't want anything to happen to you while I +am responsible. + +"Hey, Tom," he called to one of the trainmen, "take this boy up to +Sweeney's, and see that he has a good feed." + +In that mysterious manner in which news travels, word had been passed +of the instructions to Jenkins, and the man hailed as Tom gladly +accepted his task, saying: + +"Come on, Bob. When you've tasted Sweeney's wheat cakes, you'll always +remember Randolph." + +"I think I'll remember it, anyway," smiled Bob, as he set out for the +restaurant with his guide. + +Bob's appetite had not been in the least impaired by the unpleasant +experience through which he had passed, and he ate three plates of +griddle cakes. + +"My, but those cakes sure were good," he observed, smacking his lips +with relish. + +His companion, with good-natured patience, had watched the boy eat, and, +as Bob expressed his approval of Sweeney's food, he said: + +"Better have another plate. You'll never get any cakes quite as good as +Sweeney's till you get back to Randolph." + +Though with evident reluctance, Bob declined, and, after paying for the +meal, they returned to the station. + +By the time of their arrival, more trainmen were on duty, and to each +the story of Bob's getting left had been told. + +As a result, when they saw the boy, they smiled at him, and proffered +good-natured comments. + +"Feel less hungry, now?" asked the station master, as Tom and Bob +entered his office. + +"Yes, thank you," replied the latter. "Sweeney surely can cook griddle +cakes! I wish he lived out in Fairfax." + +"Take him along," laughed Tom, "and start in business. All Sweeney needs +is a flame to cook on, and the fixin's." + +While they were talking, one of the telegraph operators came in, with a +despatch for the agent. + +"Here's Jenkins' answer," said he, holding out the sheet of yellow +paper. + +Taking it, the station master read aloud: + + "ROBINSON, Randolph: Will leave pass as + instructed. Square me with the boy, if you can. + Buy him all he wants to eat, and I'll settle. + + "JENKINS." + +At the words proclaiming the conductor's evident anxiety over how Bob +felt toward him, they all laughed. + +"It'll do Jenkins good to worry a little," commented Tom. Then, as an +idea occurred to him, he struck his thigh, and exclaimed: "I say, +Jenkins is an awful miser. Let's put up a joke on him. We'll take a +dozen of the boys, have a feed at Sweeney's, and charge it to Jenkins." + +"That's the idea! Great! Fine!" were some of the remarks that greeted +the suggestion. + +But on Bob's face there was a look of doubt, as he said: + +"I don't think that would be exactly fair, would it?" + +"Why not?" asked several. + +"Because Mr. Jenkins would know I couldn't eat so much." + +Tom, however, was loath to abandon his joke, and argued: + +"But he said for Robinson to square him with you, didn't he?" + +"Why, yes." + +"Then, Robinson can tell him the feed for the dozen of us was the only +way he could do it." + +Though he did not wish to be a spoil-sport, Bob, however, did not +approve of the plan. Consequently, it was with relief he beheld a large, +red-faced man, in overalls and jumper, enter the station master's +office, exclaiming as he caught sight of the boy: + +"Are you the kid Conductor Jenkins left here?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"How'd you like to go over to Kansas City on my freight train?" + +"First-rate. I never rode on a freight, and I'd like to." + +"You'll never want to again," commented Tom. "What'll become of our feed +if you go?" + +"Oh, we can have it, just the same," returned another. + +Bob, however, was too engrossed with the prospect of riding on a freight +train, to overhear the remark. + +At first, the station master had thought to protest against letting his +charge go, but, as he noticed the boy's eagerness, he said: + +"Hosmer, shake hands with Bob Chester. Don't let anything happen to him. +He's a special friend of 'Old Man' Perkins. When you get to Kansas City, +take him to the ticket agent, and be sure he gets the pass all right." + +"Never fear; I'll stay with him till his train's in, and then introduce +him to the conductor. Come on, Bob. Train's waiting." + +Quickly saying good-bye to the station master and the others, and +thanking them for their kindness, Bob followed the big conductor, and +was soon started on his way to Fairfax again, aboard the freight train. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +AT THE THROTTLE OF A FREIGHT ENGINE + + +Taking Bob to the caboose, the freight conductor made him known to the +brakemen who were lolling about, smoking. + +"So you're the kid Miser Jenkins thought stole your pass?" exclaimed one +of the trainmen, after a searching scrutiny of the boy. "He must be +losing his eyesight. That face of yours ought to vouch for you, if +nothing else. Crooks don't have such honest faces." + +"Oh, the miser was probably trying to pull off one of his grand-stand +plays," commented another. "Passes are pretty rare birds, nowadays, and +I suppose he thought he could make a hit with the company by inquiring +about this one." + +"And instead of that, he got hit himself. Brown, in the despatcher's +office, told me the message Jenkins received from Chicago was red hot." + +From the remarks, Bob could see plainly that the officious conductor was +not popular, and he was wondering whether or not he was expected to +make any comment, when Hosmer said, his face suffused with a look of +glee: + +"Well, the boys are going to put one over on the 'miser'." + +And, pausing aggravatingly, the freight conductor filled his pipe and +lighted it. + +His action produced the desired effect of tantalizing the brakemen, and +they exclaimed eagerly: + +"Out with it, Hos'! Tell us! Let us in on it!" + +Waiting a moment, to give his words greater emphasis, the conductor +removed his pipe from his mouth, and said: + +"All the boys are going up to Sweeney's, order the swellest meal he can +put up, and send the bill to Jenkins!" + +"Whoopee! Great! I wish we were in on it!" exclaimed the brakemen in +unison. + +"Is that quite fair?" asked Bob, having hoped that his departure would +put an end to Tom's plan. + +"Fair? Sure, it's fair!" laughed Hosmer. "Anyhow, I don't see why you +should care. He treated you mighty mean, taking your pass away from +you." + +As the other trainmen agreed with the opinion of their conductor, Bob +made no further objection, contenting himself with the thought that he +could hardly be held responsible. + +During the conversation, the long freight train had got under way, and +while the boy found many novel things to hold his attention, the +brakemen amused themselves speculating on the effect the joke would have +upon Jenkins. + +As the engine whistled for a station, Hosmer said to Bob: + +"How'd you like to ride on the engine till the next stop?" + +"My, but it would be fun!" replied Bob, his eyes sparkling with delight. + +"Then come on! I'll take you up and fix it with Barney, the engineer." + +As the train stopped, with a loud creaking of brakes and groaning of +wheels, Bob jumped from the caboose and accompanied the burly conductor +to the head of the train. + +"Hey, Barney!" he hailed the engineer. + +The man thus addressed poked a coal-begrimed face from the window of his +cab, asking: + +"What is it--wait orders?" + +"Not this time. I've got a boy here--Bob Chester--who wants to ride with +you to the next station." + +For a moment the engineer scowled, and Bob feared he would refuse. But +quickly the grimy face broke into a smile, as Barney asked: + +"Is that the kid with a pass Jenkins left?" + +"Yes." + +"Sure he can ride with me. Help him up." + +Bob, however, needed no assistance, and no sooner had the permission +been granted than he was climbing into the engine cab. + +Before he had succeeded, Hosmer whispered: + +"Barney's all right--and he doesn't like Jenkins. Tell him about the +joke the boys are going to play." And then he continued aloud: "I'll +either come for you, myself, or send some one when we reach Hastings. +Orders give us the right of way to Hastings, Barney." + +"O.K.," grunted the engineer, as he turned to scrutinize Bob, at the +same time standing so that he could glance up the track toward the +station to catch the signal to start. + +Acting on the conductor's advice, Bob narrated the plan Tom had devised +for having fun at Jenkins' expense, and was rewarded by seeing the +engineer's face break into a broad grin, and then to hear him roar with +laughter. + +"That'll make 'Old Miser's' hair turn gray," he gasped between laughs. +"He'll never get over it, never! + +"Oh, Ned," he called to his fireman, who had been out oiling some part +of the engine, "the boys are going to put one over on 'Miser' Jenkins." + +But before the engineer had an opportunity to tell of the contemplated +joke, he caught the signal from the conductor to start. + +"Get up on that seat on the left-hand side, and hang on," warned Barney, +and, as Bob obeyed, he pulled open the throttle. + +As the iron monster began to move, puffing and smoking at the task of +starting the long train, it seemed to the boy that the noise would +deafen him. But he soon forgot it in the absorption of watching the +fireman open the doors of the firebox, throw in shovels-full of coals, +and then inspect the water and steam gauges. + +With the gradual increasing of the speed, the din subsided. Yet a new +discomfort took its place. So violently did the engine sway, that Bob +was obliged to hang on to the window on his side of the cab to keep from +bouncing to the floor. + +Watching out the corner of his eye, as he scanned the track ahead, the +engineer smiled at the boy's trouble in staying on the seat. + +Bob, however, soon adapted himself to the engine's motion, and was +finally able to sit without clutching the window-frame. + +Noting this, Barney got down, crossed the cab, and putting his mouth +close to the boy's ear, asked: + +"Like to run the engine awhile?" + +"Would I? I should say so!" returned Bob in delight. + +Though his reply was inaudible, the expression on his face was eloquent. + +"Then, take hold of my arm, so you won't get thrown out. That's the way. +Steady, now. Climb on to the seat. Good. Now, put your left hand on that +lever. That's what they call the throttle. When you pull it toward you, +it increases the speed; to slow down, you push it away from you." + +Proud, indeed, did Bob feel as his hand clasped the smooth handle of the +lever. Never had he expected to run a real, snorting locomotive, +dragging a long line of cars, and the realization that he was actually +controlling the speed, set him a-tingle with delight. + +Crowding in behind Bob, the engineer kept watch of the track, but not so +closely that he could not observe and enjoy the boy's pleasure. + +After several minutes, Bob turned and shouted: + +"Can I pull on the throttle a little?" + +"Sure. Open her to the next notch. We've got plenty of steam." + +But Bob found it was not so easy to get the notch as it seemed. He kept +gamely at it, however, and at last succeeded. + +Till they reached the yard limit of Hastings, the engineer allowed him +to hold the throttle, and when he at last took it and began to ease +down the speed, Bob sighed wistfully. + +As the big machine finally came to a stop with a grunt, Barney +exclaimed: + +"You ought to be an engineer, boy. You've got the nerve to drive hard. +We did ten miles in twenty minutes--which is going some with this load." + +Just then, however, the conductor came up. + +"Like it, Bob?" he asked. + +"Indeed, I did! Mr. Barney let me drive, and I made ten miles in twenty +minutes." + +"Good boy! We'll make a railroad man out of you yet. Think you could +follow me back to the caboose over the cars?" + +"I can try," returned Bob. + +But before the attempt could be made, the conductor was called to the +station office to receive orders. + +Swelled with pride at his success in driving the engine, Bob determined +to surprise the conductor by going back to the caboose alone. + +And with a hearty good-bye to the engineer, he clambered over the +coal-stacked tender and up on to the top of a car. + +The orders were to take a siding to allow a passenger train to pass, +and, as the time was short, the conductor was too busy sending his +brakemen to turn the switches and communicating the instructions to +the engineer, to think of Bob. + +[Illustration: HE CLUTCHED FRANTICALLY AT ONE OF THE HAND BARS + _Bob Chester's Grit_ Page 123] + +The boy, however, was making his way back slowly, but without mishap, +until the sudden start of the train. He had just climbed down from a +high car, and was swinging from it to an empty coal car, when the jerk +of starting ran through the line of cars. + +So unexpected was this action, that Bob's feet slipped off the bumpers. + +Crying out in alarm, he clutched frantically at one of the hand-bars on +the end of the coal car, caught it, and managed to draw himself up till +he found foothold on the extension of the floor where he stood, hanging +on for dear life, until the train stopped with another jerk. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +BOB EARNS HIS PASSAGE + + +All of a tremble at his narrow escape from falling under the car, Bob +was trying to recover his self-control before getting down from his +precarious position, when he was startled to hear a voice exclaim: + +"I'll get even with that 'con' for putting me off the blind baggage, see +if I don't!" + +The tone in which the words were uttered was so venomous, that Bob +realized the speaker meant mischief, though he was ignorant of the fact +that in the slang of tramps who beat their way on railroads, "con" +betokened conductor, and "blind baggage" the platform of the coach in a +passenger train nearest the engine. + +Looking about to find out where the angry man was, Bob could see no one. + +But the next instant another voice asking, "How you goin' to do it?" +decided him that the speakers must be crouching against the end of the +empty coal car to which he was holding. + +How he had failed to discover them from the top of the other car, he +could not understand, but he soon ceased to wonder, in his eagerness to +catch every word uttered by the unseen tramps. + +"That's easy," replied the voice the boy recognized as having made the +threat to "get even." + +"Cut out that talk, and get down to business," growled a third voice. + +"All right, 'Bo. We can put all sorts of crimps into this road by +'holding up' the night express! The officials of this road, whose men +are too stingy to let a fellow ride on the blind baggage, are boasting +they haven't had a 'hold-up' for years." + +The various exclamations with which this wicked plan was greeted, told +Bob not only that it met the approval of the tramps, but that there were +more than two of them. + +The full danger of a "hold-up" the boy did not realize. He remembered, +however, having read of such occurrences out West where passengers were +terrorized and robbed of money and jewelry. + +But his speculation was again interrupted by the renewal of the +conversation. + +"That will sure set us even, but when can we do it?" inquired a voice +eagerly. + +"And get away safely?" added another. + +"There's only one place," responded the voice of the man who had +suggested the plot. + +"Where?" chorused the others. + +"On this end of the long bridge across the river." + +"Right you are, 'Bo. We can make our 'get-away' down the bank and find +some of the 'shanty men' to take us across." + +"And into the arms of the police," sneered the ringleader. "We'll use +the bank to escape, but we won't ask any favors of a 'shanty man'." + +"Will there be enough money aboard to make it worth while?" inquired one +of the schemers, with an evidently practical turn of mind. + +"Sure; Number 4 always carries a bunch of gold for Western towns." + +"But how'll we board her?" asked still another. + +"Get a lantern and wave it." + +"Will they stop?" + +"Say, why do you suppose I chose the approach to the bridge?" snapped +the man who had proposed the scheme. + +And then, without giving his companions a chance to speak, he answered +his question himself: + +"Because the engineer'll think there is something wrong on the bridge +and stop. It'll be dead easy." + +Bob's eyes were almost popping out of his head, as, afraid to peep over +the top of the car, he stared at the boards as though striving to see +through them. + +Straining his ears to catch every word, he heard another of the plotters +begin to speak, when a train thundered past, effectually cutting off all +conversation with its roar. + +Though Bob did not know it, so absorbed was he in listening, less than +five minutes had passed since he had started back for the caboose. + +With the necessity of making a quick shift to the siding, the conductor +of the freight train had momentarily forgotten the presence of his +youthful charge, and when at last he did remember, it was with the +supposition that he had remained in the cab with the engineer. + +Accordingly, upon receipt of orders to proceed, Hosmer decided to let +Bob ride longer in the cab, and shouted to his men to get aboard, waving +his arm in the "go ahead" signal to the engineer. + +But Bob had heard the shouts, and divining their meaning, jumped to the +track, having no relish for riding farther in his dangerous position +between the cars. + +Fortunately, both the engineer and conductor saw the boy, as he leaped +to the ground, and the signal to start was not obeyed. + +Recovering his balance, Bob ran toward Hosmer. + +As he drew near enough for the conductor to see his white, excited face, +he exclaimed: + +"Where have you been? I thought you were in the cab with Barney." + +"I--I tried to go back over the cars," stammered Bob. + +"Barney shouldn't have let you. It's too dangerous for a greenhorn." + +Wincing at the words, which slipped out unconsciously as the conductor +thought of what might have happened to the boy, Bob hastened to defend +the engineer by saying: + +"Mr. Barney didn't know I was going. I wanted to surprise you by showing +you I could go back without your help. And--and then the train started, +and I had to hang on to a coal car." + +"Well, so long as you didn't get hurt, it's all right. But don't try it +again. Now, run back and climb into the caboose. Let's see how quick you +can do it." + +The last was a diplomatic means to make the boy hurry, for the conductor +was anxious to start the train, yet would not until he saw his charge +safe in the caboose. + +And his ruse was successful, for Bob, eager to show his speed, raced +down the track and quickly swung aboard. + +Smiling, Hosmer again signalled to Barney, the train started, and as +the last car reached him, the conductor climbed on. + +"Have any trouble when we started?" one of the brakemen was asking Bob +as Hosmer entered the car. + +"Pretty near. I was just crossing from a high to a low car, when the +jerk came. But I managed to hang on." + +"Good boy," chorused the train crew, all of whom realized too well the +danger to which the boy had been subjected. + +"But when we stopped on the siding, why didn't you get down?" asked the +conductor. + +"Because I was listening," announced Bob with a manner of mystery that +would have been droll were his face not so serious. + +"Listening?" exclaimed the others, instantly alert. + +"Yes. I was just going to get down, when I heard some one speak, and +then I waited." + +"Hoboes," growled a brakeman, jumping up and seizing a short club. "What +car were they on, kid?" + +"The first coal car from the engine. But you mustn't go up there. They +are bad men." + +This warning was greeted with laughter by the brakemen, the others of +whom had also picked up clubs. + +The conductor, however, having a son of his own, realized from Bob's +manner that the lad had something he wanted to tell but did not know how +to begin, and accordingly asked him: + +"What did you hear, son?" + +"I heard them plan to hold up Number 4 to get even!" + +"What?" demanded all the trainmen, their faces instantly growing +serious. + +"Yes; the man said he was going to get even for being put off the 'blind +baggage'." + +For a moment the members of the train crew looked at one another in +amazement, then fell to plying Bob with questions, making him repeat the +conversation over and over. + +"Well, you've earned your passage to Fairfax, all right, Bob!" +ejaculated the conductor. "It would break our record for being free from +holdups, to say nothing of the loss to passengers. The company ought to +do something handsome by you, my boy." + +"Then you can prevent it?" queried Bob anxiously. + +"Sure thing. We'll capture them at the next station. Better get ready, +boys," added Hosmer significantly to his brakemen. "They may prove hard +to handle." + +Turning their backs, so Bob could not see exactly what they were doing, +the brakemen opened a cupboard and took out some things which they +slipped into the pockets of their jumpers. + +But their preparations to capture the would-be train robbers went for +naught. + +When, led by Bob to the coal car, the brakemen surrounded and, at a word +from the conductor, mounted it, they found the car empty. + +"They have given us the slip!" growled a brakeman. + +"Examine every car and truck on the train," commanded Hosmer. "I'll go +to the station and send in the alarm. Come, Bob." + +And together the conductor and the boy hastened to the station, where +the full story was quickly flashed to headquarters at Omaha. + +When the officials first received it, they were incredulous, asking if +it could not have been a fancy of Bob's brain. But Hosmer quickly +vouched for the boy's honesty, and word came back to have Bob put off to +meet the road's officers at one of the stations. + +During the run to that city, the brakemen speculated upon the chances of +capturing the miscreants, lamenting the fact that the glory had been +denied them. + +Arrived at the city, Bob was taken to a room and closely questioned by +the officers, who were soon convinced of the truth of his story. + +"Could you identify them if caught?" he was asked. + +"If I could hear them speak, I could recognize the voice of the man who +proposed the plan. I did not get a look at them," replied Bob. + +Satisfied with this answer, the officers sent instructions to have the +tracks patrolled from Hastings to the long bridge, to search all trains, +and to arrest any tramps found. + +This done, arrangements were made to have other detectives at the bridge +in case the men eluded capture. + +The waiting was tedious. But at last, about three in the afternoon, word +was received that four tramps, heavily armed, had been captured about +ten miles from the Mississippi river. + +Putting Bob into the cab of an engine, six officers climbed aboard, and +a record run was made to the scene of the arrest. + +"You sit where you can watch and hear them talk," whispered a detective +in Bob's ear. + +At first the prisoners were silent, but under the taunts of the +officers, their reserve weakened, and they began to rail at the men who +had captured them. + +Eagerly, Bob listened, then cried, pointing to the smallest of the four: + +"That's the man who said he'd get even. I recognize his voice!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +FAIRFAX AT LAST + + +Elated by the capture and identification of the would-be train-robbers, +the officers made much of Bob, praising him for remaining to listen +until he had heard the dastardly plot, and commenting on the good +fortune which had placed him just where the tramps were. + +Modestly Bob bore the words of commendation, for his mind was on other +matters, as the question he asked evidenced: + +"How long before the train arrives that will take me to Fairfax?" + +"I'm afraid it will be several days before you can go, Bob," answered +one of the officers. + +"Why?" demanded the boy, disappointment evident in his voice and on his +face. + +"Because it will be necessary for you to appear in court in order to +convict the prisoners." + +"But I don't see why you need me," protested Bob. "I told what I had +heard and then pointed out the man who said he wanted to get even." + +"That's just it, son. You are the only one who overheard the +conversation and can identify the ringleader." + +"Don't look so unhappy," chimed in another officer. "Kansas City is a +pretty good town, and we'll give you the time of your life. Theatres and +picture-shows, you know. The road will probably do something handsome +for you. Anyhow, you'll have good living until it is necessary to come +back here to testify." + +But even the prospect of going to a theatre--a treat Bob had never +enjoyed while with his guardian--failed to appease him, and his usually +cheerful expression gave way to one of resigned gloom. + +Noting this, and desirous of restoring the boy's good spirits, an +officer suggested: + +"Let's go over to Kansas City. How'd you like that, Bob?" + +"First rate. Then I can get my pass again." And at the prospect of +regaining possession of the precious piece of paper, he grew more +cheerful. + +While the detectives were making ready to start, two of their fellows, +who had accompanied the prisoners to the jail, rushed in, exclaiming +almost at the same time: + +"We've got the case clinched! One of the four has confessed!" + +Just what this meant, Bob did not know, but the news seemed to please +the officers so greatly that their good spirits infected him. + +"How'd you work it? Where's the confession? Let's read it!" exclaimed +the detectives who had remained at the station. + +"One at a time," laughed the chief of the force. "The confession is +here," and he tapped his coat pocket. "It bears out exactly what our +friend Bob told us." + +"But how did you get it?" persisted the others. + +"Promised the fellow who was most scared by his arrest a light sentence +if he'd turn witness against his pals. And say, he jumped at the +chance." + +"Well, you are in luck, Bob!" declared the officer who had striven to +cheer him up. + +"Why?" inquired the boy. + +"Because now you won't be obliged to wait for the trial. This confession +and the evidence of the man will do the trick for us." + +"Whoopee!" cried Bob, dancing about in delight. "Then I can start for +Fairfax to-night?" + +"Just as soon as a through train comes." + +This information restored Bob's good spirits, and eagerly he boarded the +special car which was waiting to take the detectives back to Kansas +City. + +As the officers discussed the incidents of the capture, one of them +turned to the boy and said: + +"Say, you surely are a regular bunch of luck, kid! I'd like to take you +out to the gold regions. I bet you'd tumble into some abandoned mine +that would be worth millions!" + +Every one laughed at this comment upon Bob's good fortune, and the chief +added: + +"I hope it sticks by him. He'll need all the luck he has if any of those +Oklahoma cowboys start in to have fun with him." + +"I guess I will," smiled Bob. "Anyhow, a few knocks won't hurt me. Mr. +Perkins told me all I must look out for was to keep away from the saloon +and gambling dens and not to make friends too quickly." + +"Well, if you follow his advice, you'll get along all right." + +Upon the arrival of the special car at Kansas City, the officers were +met by a messenger with instructions to have Bob taken to the offices of +the railroad company, as the vice-president wished to talk with him. + +"There's more of your luck," commented the chief. "Mr. Nichols will +probably give you a reward." + +Bob, however, was more concerned about regaining possession of his pass +and ascertaining when his train would leave than in speculation as to +whether or not he would be rewarded, and he made no bones about saying +so. + +"Never mind the pass, now," returned the messenger, who was to escort +him to the vice-president's office. "We'll get that in plenty of time so +you won't miss your train." + +Thus reassured, Bob turned to the detectives, saying: + +"Good-bye, if I don't see you again." + +"Oh, you'll see me," replied the chief. "I shall have you make a +deposition to support the confession." + +And amid wishes for the best of success, Bob and the messenger set out +for the company's offices. + +Direct to the vice-president's rooms Bob was taken. + +As the messenger entered with him, a tall, gray-haired man arose from a +desk and came forward with outstretched hand, announcing: + +"I am Mr. Nichols, and I'm glad to know you, Bob." + +For a moment the official gazed earnestly at the honest face before him, +then continued: + +"There's no use telling you that I and every man who works for our +railroad is grateful to you for enabling us to catch the would-be +train-robbers. You know that. I want you to tell me how we can reward +you." + +"I wasn't thinking of any reward, Mr. Nichols," answered Bob. "Mr. +Perkins has been so kind to me that when I heard those bad men planning +to stop the train, I only thought of repaying his kindness by preventing +them if I could." + +At these manly words, which showed that Bob was possessed with +gratitude, in addition to his other good qualities, the vice-president +again shook his hand cordially, exclaiming: + +"You've got the right stuff in you, Bob. I'll let Perkins hear what you +said. And now, sit down, and tell me all about your trip, beginning at +New York." + +Amazed that so important a man should evince interest enough in him to +devote the time necessary to relate his story, Bob sank into the +comfortable chair indicated by Mr. Nichols and began. + +At first he was embarrassed, but with the kindly words now and then +uttered by the vice-president, he regained his composure. + +When the recital was ended, Mr. Nichols thrummed upon his desk for +several minutes, and then asked: + +"What would you like most in the world, Bob?" + +Scarcely hesitating an instant, the boy replied: + +"To prove that Len Dardus did not tell the truth when he said my father +was crazy because father wrote me he had entrusted five thousand dollars +to him for my education." + +The expression that spread over Mr. Nichols' face as he heard this wish +clearly showed surprise, for he had expected that, boy-like, Bob would +have requested money, a rifle, or the like, and again he thrummed the +table before saying: + +"We will prove it, if we can, my boy. What was your father's name?" + +"Horace Chester." + +"Where was your letter written from--I mean the one telling you of the +money?" + +"Red Top, Oklahoma." + +Swinging in his chair, the vice-president drew out a slide from his desk +on which was a map and scanned it eagerly. + +All at once, with an ejaculation of surprise, he murmured: + +"This is remarkable--remarkable!" + +Unable to restrain his curiosity, Bob rose from his chair and approached +till he could see the map. But this afforded him no reason for his +friend's observation, and he asked: + +"What is remarkable, sir?" + +"Why, that you should have chosen to go to Fairfax. Red Top is the next +town, thirty miles west!" + +"O--oh! Then I may find out something about father!" exclaimed Bob +excitedly. + +"Exactly. But you must be careful. If he really had the money, he may +have possessed other property which is being withheld from you. In that +case, should the interested persons learn that Horace Chester's son was +in Fairfax something might happen to you." + +The last words were uttered so significantly that Bob could not fail to +understand Mr. Nichols' meaning, and when the latter continued, "I want +you to promise me you will call yourself Bob Nichols till I have learned +the truth of this matter," the boy solemnly consented. + +"Good! Not only is it for your own safety, but it will enable you to +investigate quietly without arousing suspicion. + +"This will be our secret, Bob. You must not tell a soul, not even Mr. +Perkins." + +"I won't, sir." + +Realizing from Bob's expression that he had aroused sad thoughts and +memories, the vice-president stood up and said: + +"Now that we have made this agreement, we will dismiss it from our minds +for the present. I want you to come to dinner and the theatre with me." + +"But my pass and the train?" exclaimed Bob. + +"Your train, or rather the limited, on which I shall send you, does not +leave until eleven. I'll send for your pass now." And, pressing a +button, he ordered the clerk who responded to fetch Bob's pass. + +This done, Mr. Nichols was signing some papers when word was brought +that the chief of detectives wished to take Bob's deposition. + +"Have them come in here," replied the official, and in due course the +lawyer, notary and detective arrived. + +Briefly Bob told his story, signed it, and solemnly swore to its truth. + +"And now we'll forget all trouble and have a good time," announced Mr. +Nichols. "Give this note to the cashier, chief. Take Bob's pass from the +messenger and meet us at the limited at eleven. Bob and I are going to +the theatre." + +To the boy, it seemed as though he were in fairy-land. First Mr. Nichols +took him to a store, bought him a new suit and a complete outfit of +shirts and clothes, had Bob don some of them, then purchased a trunk, +ordered the things packed in it and sent to the station, finally taking +Bob for a drive about the city. + +At first Bob had protested, but the vice-president silenced him by +saying that the service he had rendered the railroad was worth much more +than the clothes. + +Dinner and theatre were one whirl of pleasure to the boy. And after he +had been put in care of the conductor of the limited, had bidden +good-bye to Mr. Nichols and the detectives, who all gathered to see him +off, bringing various little presents, and the train was in motion, he +sat and pondered over the series of events. + +But his surprises were not ended, for when he opened the envelope +containing his pass, he found two crisp fifty-dollar bills pinned to a +card, which said: + +"For Bob Chester, with the compliments of the Great Western Railroad." + +Nature, however, asserted herself at last, and Bob went to sleep. + +Interesting because of its novelty, the journey proceeded without +further incidents, and in due course Bob reached Fairfax. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +SEEKING A JOB + + +The stopping of the Limited at the little settlement of Fairfax was +sufficient to arouse the curiosity of the dozen or so men who were +lounging about the station, and when they saw that such an unusual +proceeding was to allow a mere boy to alight, they stared at him with +unfeigned interest. + +"Must be the son of some big bug," hazarded one of the idlers. + +"Or else he was put off for trying to beat his way," declared another, +whose surly disposition was evident in his words. + +"Can't a person get off here without starting a guessing match?" +commented a third. + +"Of course," replied the surly man. "But it don't seem natural." + +During these remarks Bob was engrossed in gazing at the place he had +chosen in which to build his fortune, and the prospect was not +reassuring. + +About half a mile from the station he could see a score or more of +houses built in all sorts of shapes, and possessing anything but an +attractive appearance. Beyond the settlement and on all sides, the +prairies stretched in awesome vastness. + +As he surveyed the surroundings, Bob could not restrain a sigh, but +quickly checked it as a pleasant-faced, powerfully built man stepped +briskly from the cabin which served as station and said cheerily: + +"You're Bob Nichols, I suppose. My name is Henry Thomas. Your father +wired me to be on the lookout for you. I had to report the train or I'd +have come out sooner. What can I do for you?" + +Hearing himself addressed as Nichols was a distinct shock to the boy, +but to be taken for the son of the vice-president of the railroad +completely dumfounded him, and for a moment he was on the point of +denying the assumption. Then his promise to adopt the name recurred to +him and he decided that Mr. Nichols' failure to disclaim relationship +was probably with a purpose, so he just muttered something as though in +answer to the first question and said aloud: + +"I should be obliged if you would direct me to the hotel. I suppose they +will send for my trunk." + +"I'll direct you, of course," returned the agent, "and you can't very +well miss it because it's the only one in town. But if you don't mind, +I'd like to have you put up here with me." Then he added in a low voice: +"The Red Indian isn't the sort of place you're used to and I'd feel +safer to have you here." + +"Oh, all right," laughed Bob. "I shan't be in town very long; that is, +if I can find a ranch where they'll take me." + +"So you're bound to ranch it, eh? You'll find it pretty tough," +commented Thomas. + +"That's what I'm here for," answered the boy, smiling. "I guess I can +stand it." + +"Mebbe you can and mebbe you can't," observed the surly-looking man, who +had edged his way to where the agent and Bob were talking and had heard +the boy's last remark. + +"It all depends on whose ranch you strike. Most cowpunchers don't cotton +to tenderfeet. The last one that hit Fairfax stayed just three days and +was mighty glad to light out on a freight train." + +"Now, Higgins, don't try to scare Mr. Nichols," exclaimed Thomas. "His +father's vice-president of the Great Western." + +"So you are Si Nichols' son, eh?" inquired Higgins. + +"I thought out-West people weren't supposed to ask questions," returned +Bob. + +"Good boy! That's one on you, Higgins!" chuckled the other loungers +gleefully, and the station agent added: "Now leave the boy alone. He's +my guest while he's in Fairfax and any trick played on him I shall +consider a personal affront to myself." + +As the agent uttered these words, he drew himself to his full height and +Bob could see that he was a splendid specimen of manhood. And that the +others had a wholesome respect for his prowess was evident in the more +deferential manner which they adopted toward Bob. + +"Oh, if he's _your_ special friend, all right," growled Higgins, but he +added under his breath, "I'll have some fun with you, Mr. Tenderfoot, +see if I don't." + +As he walked with the agent to where his trunk lay beside the track, Bob +could not but wonder what his reception would have been had he not made +the chance acquaintance of such powerful friends, and he thanked his +good fortune that he had done so, for he felt out of place and very +lonely in a strange country and among such rough-mannered men. + +Divining what was passing through the boy's mind from the seriousness of +his face, Thomas said: + +"You mustn't take to heart what these men out here say to you, Mr. +Nichols. Wresting a livelihood from the prairies has accustomed them to +giving and receiving hard knocks, and they don't stop to think how what +they say will sound. Just take it good-naturedly and give them back +better than they send--if you can." + +"I'll try," said the boy. "But please don't call me Mr. Nichols. Just +Bob. I like it better." + +At this request, Bob rose a hundred per cent. in the estimation of the +agent. + +"All right. But if I do, you must call me Hal," he replied. + +When they had carried the trunk into a little room off the station, +Thomas said: + +"Can you ride horseback at all, Bob?" + +"No." + +"That's too bad. You'll have to learn. Everybody rides out here. I've +orders to get you the best pony possible and I wanted to know just what +kind to get. Most of 'em have some mean trick. But there's one, Firefly +they call him, that is as gentle as a lamb. Whether Shorty Simmons will +sell him or not, I don't know, but I'll find out." + +"Is he fast?" asked Bob, fearing that the pony might be slow and old +because he was gentle. + +"There's not a horse in Fairfax that can keep up with him. Now this will +be your room. It's mine too, but I'll move if you wish." + +"If you do, I'll go to the hotel." + +"All right, I won't. While you are changing your clothes, I'll ride over +to town and see if I can buy Firefly." + +The group of loungers was still on the platform when the agent went to +the little lean-to beside the station where he kept his horse, saddled +and mounted it, and as they saw him ride forth a wicked gleam appeared +in Higgins' eyes. + +He calculated that Bob would soon emerge from the seclusion of the +station, and in such event he recognized his opportunity for carrying +out his vow to have some fun with the boy. + +Eager to begin Western life, Bob quickly took off his new suit and put +on a pair of the corduroy trousers and one of the blue flannel shirts +Mr. Nichols had bought him and then proudly placed on his head a +sombrero. + +Standing before the looking glass, he surveyed the effect, saying to +himself as he noted the change the costume made in his appearance: + +"I don't believe Mr. Dardus or anyone back in New York would know me +now." + +But not long did he linger gazing at himself. + +The voices of the men on the platform were audible and he decided to +join the group in the hope that from some chance remark he might learn +of a ranch where he could obtain a job as cowboy. For though he was +grateful to the agent, Bob wanted to be independent. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +ON THE TRACK + + +"Now you look more as though you belonged in Fairfax," declared one of +the loungers as Bob joined them. + +"All except the clothes and hat," grunted Higgins. "Say, you won't have +any trouble getting a job if you go just as you are. Any rancher would +hire you to scare coyotes away from the home ranch." + +This sally at his expense sent a hot flush to Bob's cheeks, but, +remembering the agent's advice to give back better than he received, he +retorted: + +"If there were any such jobs around, I should think they'd pay you +double wages!" + +"_Now_ will you try to get fresh with a tenderfoot?" asked one of the +others when their laughter at Bob's sharp rejoinder had subsided. + +"I ain't trying to get fresh," returned Higgins. "I'm just feeling the +boy out. The sooner he gets used to Fairfax ways, the better." + +But Bob's retort evidently inspired in him a greater respect for the +boy and he refrained from making any more comments on his personal +appearance. + +After the interchange of a few general remarks, Bob said: + +"I should be very grateful if some of you _gentlemen_ would tell me of a +ranch where I can apply for a job. I'd rather like to get one without +Mr. Thomas' assistance." + +In this request Higgins saw his chance. About ten miles from the +settlement there lived a ranchman who was a man of mystery. Though his +grazing ground was good and well-watered, and his pay prompt, he had +such a temper that few cowboys would stay with him longer than a month +or less, and to him Higgins decided to send Bob. + +With this purpose, while the others were evidently trying to think of a +suitable place for the boy, he said: + +"There's only one I can think of and that's John Ford." + +"Ford?" repeated Bob, his memory instantly recalling what the strange +man with the scar had said about Sam and John Ford. "Where does he +live?" + +"Ten miles due west." + +"Now, Higgins, you know better than to send this boy out there. Remember +what Hal said about playing tricks on him." + +Evidently this reminder had an effect upon the schemer, for he answered +apologetically: + +"Well, he asked about a place and I told him. You know as well as I do +that John Ford always wants help." + +"Sure we know it. But it ain't no fit place for such a boy." + +Something suggested to Bob, however, that he should go to this ranchman, +and accordingly he said: + +"You needn't think I am so tender. Just because other men can't get +along with Mr. Ford is no sign I can't. What is the nearest way to get +there?" + +"So long as you've got to walk, go straight down the track till you see +a building with a red roof, on the left hand side," directed Higgins. + +And before the others could protest, Bob uttered a hasty "thank you," +and set off along the track at a dog trot. + +"You'll get yours, Higgins, when Hal gets back," asserted the man who +protested against Bob's being sent to Ford's. + +"And you didn't even warn him about the dog," chided another. + +At this reminder of the savage wolfhound that John Ford kept to guard +his cabin, the idlers grew serious and exchanged uneasy glances. + +"Oh, well! Ford'll probably see the boy so long as he comes from the +direction of the railroad. Yellow Tom told me he sits by the hour +looking toward the track--and he'll call off the brute." + +"Providing the beast don't chew the boy up before John sees him," +interposed another. + +"Now, Tracy, don't always be looking for trouble," growled Higgins. +"Life out West ain't no kindergarten. We had to take our knocks. Let the +kid get his. Just because his father is rich ain't no reason why we +should carry pillows around for him to fall on." + +This crude viewpoint, if not satisfying to the consciences of Higgins' +companions at least afforded relief, and they fell to wondering what Bob +would say to them on his return--for return they expected he would. + +In the meantime, the object of their thoughts was hurrying as rapidly as +he could over the rough roadbed. + +The crisp, bracing air seemed a stimulant to his lungs which had never +breathed any but the contaminated air of New York, and he gloried in the +fact that he was at last in a land where success did not depend on +influence and riches, but where a man "made good" or failed, according +to whether he was made of the right stuff or not. + +For a time, his mind dwelt upon the insinuations Higgins and the others +had made against Ranchman Ford, but the same power that had urged him +to seek a job of this man whispered to him that he had nothing to fear. +Dismissing all forebodings, therefore, Bob began to wonder if there +could be any connection between Ford, the man with the scar and his +father. The subject suggested so many possibilities and was, altogether, +so vague, that, healthy-minded boy as he was, he decided not to ponder +over it longer. + +"There's no use building air castles," he told himself. "If Mr. Ford +hires me and knows anything about father, I'll find it out in due time. +There's one good thing, if I do land the job, Red Top will be ten miles +nearer--and I can get away without exciting so much comment as from +Fairfax." + +From time to time as Bob trudged along, he scanned the plains on both +sides of the track. + +Thanks to the milestones placed at the side of the roadbed he was able +to keep count of the miles he walked. Just after he had passed the +eighth stone from Fairfax, Bob was electrified to see a herd of cattle +in the distance. Pausing, he gazed at them interestedly, noticing that +they were moving steadily instead of grazing. What this meant, he was at +a loss to understand until of a sudden he saw three men on horseback +emerge from the herd and, with arms waving, ride like mad to the head of +the line and gradually change the direction of the cattle away from the +track. + +No need was there to tell him the riders were cowboys, and Bob thrilled +with excitement as he watched their wonderful riding. But he did not +wait till they were out of sight. Instead, he quickened his pace, +murmuring: + +"The sooner I get to Mr. Ford's, the sooner I'll be a cowboy." + +The walk on the track was tiresome, however, unaccustomed to such rough +traveling as he was, and it was with a sigh of relief that he finally +caught sight of a group of buildings, one of which had a red-top roof. + +"That must be the place," he exclaimed and, quickly leaving the track, +started across the prairie. But Bob found that walking on the ties was +easy compared to forcing his way through waist-high grass and stubborn +sage-brush. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +AN AMAZING RECEPTION + + +At last, however, Bob emerged into a clearing and stopped to survey the +group of buildings. The one with the red roof faced the track and was +built of logs. It was only one story high and about twenty feet long. +The other two stood one on each side and were about twice as long but no +higher. Back of the building, toward the west, was an enclosure +surrounded by a high fence. + +Had any one familiar with ranches been with Bob, they could have told +him that enclosure was the corral, into which the cowboys turned their +ponies when at the ranch, that the long building nearest the corral was +the bunkhouse for the cowboys, and that the other long structure was the +eating-house and storeroom of the ranch. But it was not long before Bob +learned these facts for himself. + +To all appearances, there was not a soul in any of the three houses and, +as Bob stood gazing at them, trying to discover some sign of life, for +he was loath to take the long tramp back to Fairfax without at least +having asked Ranchman Ford for a job, he was suddenly startled to see a +huge dog bounding toward him, its lips drawn back disclosing +wickedly-long fangs. + +Bob's first impulse was to flee, but such tremendous leaps did the +creature take that he realized it would be only a few minutes before the +dog would overtake him. Then it flashed through his mind that this might +be the ranchman's way of "trying out" strangers who came to his door, +and the boy determined to stand his ground. + +"I'll show them that a 'tenderfoot' has some courage," Bob said, as he +braced himself for the impact when the dog should leap upon him. + +All the while, he had been steadily looking into the dog's eyes, and +just as the creature was upon him the same power that had urged him to +come to the Ford ranch seemed to tell him to speak to the animal. + +"Steady, boy! Steady! I'm not going to do any harm here," he exclaimed. + +Whether in surprise at the boy's unusual procedure in facing him--most +callers at the ranch either hastened away or yelled to Ford to call off +his dog--or what, the beast hesitated before his last leap that would +have brought him on top of Bob and then, beginning to prance playfully, +he approached fawningly. + +"Good boy! That's the way. We ought to be good friends, you and I. Come +here," exclaimed Bob, and as the dog came up, he patted his head +caressingly. + +The boy's relief was so great at finding the savage beast did not +attempt to tear him limb from limb that he failed to notice the door of +the red-roofed cabin open and a grizzled head emerge. + +But the next instant the presence of the man was called to his attention +by a terrific roar: + +"Chester!" + +Amazed at hearing his name, Bob gazed open-mouthed toward the house. + +By this time, the man had come out onto the ground and the boy beheld a +tall, spare-boned man, with weather-tanned face, a scrubby beard, and a +mass of tousled hair. + +The dog, however, paid no heed to the voice, rubbing against Bob and +licking his hands. + +Again came the bellow. + +"Chester! Come here!" + +Too alarmed by the imperiousness of the tone to wonder how the secret of +his identity could be known by this man of the plains, Bob called: + +"Yes, sir. Right away, sir." + +But if the hearing of his name had caused Bob surprise, his response +created more in the man. + +"Oh! It's not you I want!" he yelled. "It's that fool dog! Come here, +sir!" + +But the dog obeyed no better than before. + +A moment the ranchman glared at it, his face terrible in its anger, then +dropped his hand to his hip and drew forth a revolver. + +Divining his intention, Bob leaped in front of the dog, exclaiming: + +"Don't shoot, sir! The dog has done nothing!" + +"Done nothing, eh? I suppose you call making friends with a stranger +nothing. Stand aside!" + +But Bob did not move. + +"Just because a dog makes friends with me is no reason for shooting +him," he retorted. + +A moment the man glowered sullenly from the dog to the boy, then, +attracted by something about the latter, came closer and peered eagerly +into Bob's face. + +"Who are you?" he demanded. + +"Bob Nichols." + +"Nichols, eh? Then I must have been mistaken," he added in a voice too +low for the boy to hear, and a look of disappointment settled on his +face as he continued aloud: "Well, what do you want?" + +"You are Mr. Ford, I presume?" asked Bob. + +"I am; John Ford, owing no man a cent and afraid of nothing, or no one +on earth." + +Smiling at this unusual introduction, Bob said: + +"I came out to ask if you'd give me a job on your ranch, Mr. Ford." + +"Know anything about ranching?" + +"No, sir. But I can learn." + +"Who sent you to me?" + +"A Mr. Higgins." + +"Ned Higgins, eh? Trying another of his jokes, I suppose. Probably +thought the dog would chew you up." + +Then for a moment that seemed hours to the anxious boy, the ranchman +pondered, finally exclaiming: + +"Well, we'll fool Higgins this time. I'll take you on for a try. You're +sure game or you wouldn't have stood before that fool dog, the way you +did. Come in and we'll talk about wages." + +And, as Bob entered the cabin, Ford turned to look at the dog, muttering +to himself: + +"Strange, mighty strange. I never knew him to make friends with any one +before." + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +BOB BECOMES OWNER OF A DOG + + +Interestedly Bob gazed about him as he entered, for the first time in +his life, the home of a ranchman. At the left of the door, a bunk, +covered with brilliant-colored blankets--which, had the boy known they +were the handiwork of Indians, would have interested him +greatly--extended from the wall. Above this crude bed was a rack holding +three rifles and several revolvers. On the opposite side of the room +were a cupboard and table, while in the rear was another cupboard, and a +stove. A rocking and two straight-backed chairs completed the +furnishings. + +Just what Bob had expected to find in the cabin he could not have told, +but its severity and barrenness disappointed him. + +"Sit down," grunted the ranchman, motioning Bob to one of the +straight-backed chairs while he himself sank into the rocker. + +As Bob obeyed, the dog stretched himself at his feet. + +Searchingly the ranchman scanned the boy's face, and the silence was +becoming embarrassing when Ford broke it by demanding suddenly: + +"What did you say your name was?" + +"Bob Nichols." + +"Where do you come from?" + +"New York." + +This answer caused the ranchman to sit up straight and again scrutinize +the boy's features, as he asked: + +"Got any folks?" + +"No, sir." + +"Live alone in New York?" + +"No, sir. With my guardian." + +"What made you come out here?" + +"I wanted to be a cowboy and make my fortune." + +"Cow punching ain't a paved highway to riches." + +"But you are rich, aren't you?" + +At this leading question, the grizzled man of the plains scowled, a +suspicion of Bob's purpose in seeking a job with him flashing into his +mind as he replied: + +"Mebbe I am and mebbe I ain't. What made you think I was?" + +"Mr. Higgins and the other men said you were." + +"Huh! them fellows had better mind their own business," grunted the +ranchman; but the ingenuous reply and the open honesty of the boy's face +banished his suspicions, and he continued his questioning. + +The length to which the catechising extended amazed Bob, in view of what +he had been told and had read in regard to not asking questions, and he +made his replies as brief as possible, taking good care to give only the +most general information about himself. + +Perceiving this, Ford finally asked: + +"How much wages do you want?" + +"I'll leave that to you, Mr. Ford. As I don't know anything about +ranching, I don't expect much and I'm willing to trust you to do what is +right." + +This confidence in his squareness appealed more to the ranchman than +anything else Bob could have said or done. + +Leading the life of a recluse as he did and assuming a manner of +forbidding austerity when forced to meet his fellows, the man had been +endowed by them with a reputation for close--if not sharp--dealing, and +this trust in him evinced by the boy moved him deeply, and with a voice +in which there was a half sob, he returned: + +"You won't lose by leaving the matter of wages to me, boy. Don't you +worry about that, no matter what Ned Higgins or his cronies tell you." + +"I shall not discuss my affairs with outsiders," replied Bob with +seriousness that brought a smile to the plainsman's face. + +"Good! Now, let's get down to business. Can you ride?" + +"No. But I can learn." + +"You'll have to. A man on a ranch who can't ride is about as useless as +a rifle without cartridges. Let's see, you'll need a safe pony to learn +on. I guess I'll let you try old Sox. He never was mean and he still has +some speed. Pick up that saddle there," and he pointed to what is called +a Mexican saddle, which has a high pommel and back; "the bridle is tied +to it, and we'll go out to the corral. You ought to get so you can do +pretty well by night. You've got to, because I need another puncher with +my short-horn herd over by Red Top." + +The thought that he was to be stationed close to the town that might +hold secrets of the greatest importance to himself so excited Bob that +his hands trembled as he seized the saddle. + +Attributing this action to fear of the broncho, Ford said: + +"You sure ain't scared of riding a pony when you faced Chester, are +you?" + +"No, I'm not." + +"Then why are you trembling so?" + +"Oh, because I'm so happy at having found a job, I guess," dissembled +Bob. And then, in order to direct the ranchman's attention from +himself, he asked: + +"Why do you call your dog Chester?" + +This question served Bob's purpose better than he could have desired, +for it caused the grizzled plainsman to start suddenly. + +Instantly recovering himself, however, he countered by demanding +sharply: + +"What makes you ask that?" + +"Because it's such a queer name for a dog." + +"Well, he's a queer dog," returned Ford tersely. "Now, come along with +that saddle." + +As though aware of their purpose, the dog had preceded them from the +cabin, but as Ford and Bob stepped forth, he stopped, began to sniff the +air and then emitted a long, low growl. + +"Somebody's coming," announced the ranchman, pausing and following the +direction of the wolfhound's gaze. + +Eagerly Bob did the same, and in a few moments beheld a man riding a +horse and leading another. + +Instantly it flashed to the boy's mind that the horseman was his friend +the station agent, who, having learned his destination, had followed, +and he exclaimed: + +"That's Hal Thomas!" + +"What makes you think so?" demanded Ford sharply. + +"Because he's a friend of mine and he was trying to buy a horse for me +when I started for your ranch." + +"Well, you couldn't have a better friend," asserted the ranchman. + +During this colloquy the dog had set up a furious barking and snarling, +leaping about in evident readiness to spring upon the horseman when he +should get well within the clearing. + +By this time the two men and boy were near enough to recognize one +another, and Bob's surmise was correct, for the rider was none other +than Hal Thomas with Firefly. + +"Hey, Ford, call off your dog," yelled the agent. + +"Ain't my dog!" retorted the ranchman harshly. + +"Since when?" inquired Thomas, with difficulty managing the two ponies +that were plunging in fright at the antics of the snarling, snapping +hound. + +"About thirty minutes ago." + +"Whose is it, then?" + +"This boy here." + +"Mine?" exclaimed Bob in amazement. + +"Uhuh! I ain't no use for a dog anybody else can handle." + +But Bob did not hear the last words. No sooner assured that the savage +beast was his, than he called: + +"Steady! Chester! Come here, sir!" + +Uncertain whether or not to obey, the dog looked from Bob to the horses. +But the boy quickly repeated his commands, running toward the hound, and +the animal, with a parting snarl at the agent, turned and trotted to the +side of his new master, where he took his stand as though waiting to +defend him, should it be necessary. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +AT THE RANCH + + +As the ranchman watched this scene, his face was a study, but he soon +forgot it in listening to the conversation between Thomas and Bob. + +"Do you think it was quite fair to run away while I was trying to find a +pony for you?" asked the agent. + +"Don't scold, Hal," returned Bob. "I suppose it wasn't quite fair. But I +wanted to surprise you by getting a job myself, without anybody's help." + +Smiling at the boy's independence, Thomas asked: + +"Have you got it?" + +Before Bob could answer, the ranchman interposed: + +"Looks like it, don't it? First he won my--I mean his--dog, and then he +won me. Yes, Hal, Bob's landed and you can tell Ned Higgins from me that +if he tries to put up any more jokes on Bob, I'll fix him so he can't +speak for a year." + +"All right, John," smiled the agent. "But I reckon he won't try any +more!" + +So significant was the agent's tone that Bob inquired anxiously: + +"You didn't do anything to him for sending me to Mr. Ford, did you, +Hal?" + +"No, not much," returned Thomas grimly. Yet had he told the entire truth +he would have said he had administered such a beating to the practical +joker, upon learning where he had sent Bob, as Fairfax had never seen +given by one man to another. + +"Won't you come in?" asked the ranchman. + +"No, thanks. Can't stop. Got to get back for a train. Here, Bob, come +and mount Firefly. He's yours." + +"What, you bought Firefly for this boy?" exclaimed Ford in surprise. + +"That's what." Then turning to Bob, he added, "Put your left foot in the +stirrup and swing into the saddle. That's the way. Say, John, let Bob +ride back a way with me. I want to show him a few things about a pony." + +"Oh, do!" chimed in Bob. + +"All right, though I was calculating to teach him myself," returned +Ford, a light such as the station agent had never before seen in his +eyes. + +"Can I take Chester?" asked Bob. + +"Sure, he's yours!" + +"Come, boy," called Bob. Then noticing that Hal wanted to say a word to +the ranchman, he exclaimed: "Don't tell him who I am, _please_." And as +the agent hesitated, he added, shrewdly, "Mr. Nichols wouldn't like it." + +"All right, if you say not," returned Hal. + +And wheeling their ponies, the two rode off across the plains, the dog +bounding joyfully along at Bob's side. + +Gazing after them, even when they had disappeared from sight, stood John +Ford. + +As the agent had said, Firefly was so gentle and had such an easy gait +that after the first few minutes' fear had passed Bob found he could not +only keep in the saddle, but could enjoy the motion of the pony. + +Critically Thomas watched him, riding close at his side to be at hand in +case of trouble, finally exclaiming in hearty approval: + +"You take to a horse like a duck to water, Bob." + +"Do you mean that, Hal?" + +"I sure do. Now dismount and I'll show you a trick or two." And as soon +as the boy was on the ground, he continued: "Some ponies have a mean way +of starting just as soon as you put your foot in the stirrups. No matter +how nervous your mount is, by drawing the left rein--remember you always +handle a saddle horse from the left side--so short that it turns the +pony's head, you can make him circle round and round, instead of +running straight ahead, which will give you a chance to swing into the +saddle. Now try it." + +Without difficulty Bob performed the feat. + +"Good," commented his instructor. "We'll both dismount and I'll teach +you how to hobble your pony. Whenever you turn a pony loose on the +plains, whether in the day time or at night, always hobble him. You +never know what may happen when you are 'punching cattle' and oftentimes +by having your pony handy it will save you a lot of trouble, to put it +mildly." + +While he was speaking, Thomas had taken Bob's lariat, which hung from +the pommel of his saddle, and drawing the noose small had slipped it +over his pony's right hoof. + +"There are two ways of hobbling," he continued, "one, to tie the front +and hind feet on the same side, the other, to tie both front feet. As +ponies are often mighty lively animals, I don't need to tell you the +danger or difficulty of trying to put a rope around their hind legs. But +tying the front feet is easy. Allow about seven inches of rope, then +take a couple of turns around the left fetlock, make a half-hitch and +tie the rest of your rope about the pony's neck. + +"Always remember to do that. If you don't, some time the rope end may +catch between the rocks or become tangled in some way and cause +trouble. + +"When you stop to rest after a hard ride, always unsaddle, whether you +unbridle or not, and then wipe the dirt and sweat from where the saddle +has been. It rests a pony more than anything you can do. + +"At night, when you are on the plains, always use your saddle for a +pillow, then no one can steal it from you. + +"Those are the main points. Any special tricks you'll pick up from John +and the boys. + +"Oh, there's one more thing: whenever you dismount for any length of +time, pull the reins over the pony's head and either throw them over a +post or else let them drag on the ground. I don't know why it is, but it +seems to make the pony think he is tied." + +The lesson over, Bob and Hal remounted and rode on. + +At the request of the latter, the boy related his experience at Ford's +ranch. As he did so, the agent looked at him with an expression of +mingled amazement and approval, and as the story was finished, +exclaimed: + +"Bob, you sure are a wonder! How you had the nerve to face that dog on +foot, I don't see. Many a man on horseback has been forced to turn and +flee. How did you do it?" + +"Oh, I don't know. Just looked him in the eye and spoke to him, that's +all." + +But the explanation did not satisfy the agent. + +"I don't understand it," he said. "I fully expected to find you lying in +Ford's cabin all chewed up. And here your clothes aren't even torn. I +don't understand it. This is the first time Chester has ever made +friends with anybody. He only minds Ford because he's afraid of him." + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +ON THE RANGE STATION + + +For some time the boy and the man rode in silence, each occupied with +his own thoughts. + +"Do you know why Mr. Ford calls the dog Chester?" Bob suddenly asked. + +"He had to give him some name, I suppose." + +"But it's such a queer name, Hal. I asked him and he wouldn't tell me." + +A moment the agent was silent, evidently debating something with +himself, and finally said: + +"I suppose you had better know, Bob, that there's something queer about +John Ford. They tell a lot of stories about him, but the one most common +is that he's waiting till he gets one hundred thousand dollars before +starting on a tour of revenge. + +"He told me himself, however, that when he had accumulated that amount +he was going to find a man. But more than that he wouldn't say. + +"If I were you, I wouldn't ask too many questions." + +During the conversation they had covered so much ground that the roofs +of Fairfax village were visible in the distance and as he noticed this, +the agent drew rein, saying: + +"I didn't realize we had come so far. You'd better go back, Bob. Suppose +you can find the way?" + +"Sure. If I can't Chester will show me, won't you, old boy?" + +And in answer, as though he had understood perfectly, the dog started +off in the direction of the ranch. + +"I reckon you'll be safe with him," commented the agent. "Take care of +yourself, Bob. And come over to see me when you can. By the way, has +John said where he was going to send you?" + +"Yes, over near Red Top, with his short-horns." + +"You've certainly made a hit with him, Bob. That's the best and easiest +berth on the ranch. Grazing's good and water plenty. You hardly have to +move from one week to another. So long." And he gave the boy's hand a +hearty grip. "I've wired your father of your safe arrival. When there +are any letters, I'll bring them over." + +And shaking out his reins, the agent galloped away. + +Bob, however, did not hurry on his return to the ranch, his mind being +occupied with trying to find the reason for the grizzled plainsman's +evident liking for him and his kindness, so at variance with his usual +manner. + +But the puzzle was too difficult for him, and he finally abandoned it to +dismount and practice the things the agent had taught him. + +Such action at first mystified Firefly, but Bob patted and spoke to him, +explaining what he was trying to do just as though he were talking to a +human being. + +"You and Chester and I will have many a long day and night together, so +we had better be good friends right away. I've got to learn to hobble +and saddle and I want to do it before I return to the ranch." + +Evidently satisfied with this explanation, Firefly stood quietly, +nibbling at the grass now and again, while the dog sat down and watched +operations. + +Having finally acquired the knack, Bob remounted and was soon at the +ranch, where he turned his pony into the corral and carried his saddle +to the cabin. + +"Then you've learned enough to turn your pony into the corral, eh?" was +Ford's greeting as Bob threw his saddle on the floor. + +"Yes, sir. And to hobble and saddle and make my horse whirl when I'm +mounting." + +"Hal's a good friend to have," commented the ranchman. "Did he show you +how to throw a rope?" + +"Do you mean my lariat?" + +"No, I mean rope; that's what we call it on the plains, though it means +the same thing." + +"No, he didn't." + +"Then I will. You'll find some grub in the cupboard. Eat all you want +and put the rest back." + +"But aren't you going to eat with me?" asked Bob in an injured tone. + +"I'd like to. But I ain't eaten with a man since----" then suddenly +checking himself he stammered, "well, since twelve year ago." + +Eager, indeed, was Bob to ask the reason for this custom, but, +remembering Hal's warning, he restrained the question that was on his +lips just as the ranchman, evidently determined to end the conversation, +went outdoors. + +The mention of eating recalled to Bob that it was hours since he had +breakfasted, and hastily he explored the cupboard, bringing forth some +crisp bacon, biscuits, cookies and pie while from the stove he took the +coffee pot, then sat down to a meal that seemed, to his keen appetite, +the best he had ever tasted. + +As he was finishing, the ranchman came in and, when the food had been +put away, took Bob out to teach him how to throw the rope. + +For this purpose Ford had driven a four-foot stake into the ground. +Making his pupil stand about twenty feet from it, he had him get used to +whirling the rope around his head and then told him to drop the noose +over the post. + +At first Bob failed, but he was soon able to drop the noose over. So +much accomplished, the ranchman ordered him to get his pony and try to +rope the stake while riding past. + +This, however, was more difficult, and Bob made more misses than +"ringers." + +"You can practice that on the range, Bob. We won't waste any more time +here. I want to take you over to the short-horns to-night." + +"You mean I'm to go on duty to-night?" asked the boy in delight. + +"Exactly. Only there won't be much to do. Just keep awake in case +anything happens. I'll have Merry Dick, the best of my boys, stay with +you for a day or so." + +The ranchman had saddled a big bay broncho when Bob saddled Firefly and, +after locking the door of his cabin, they galloped away toward the west. + +On the ride the plainsman gave Bob many valuable pointers about what to +do if trouble broke out in the herd, and for getting along with the +other cowboys. + +After an hour or more of riding, they came to the herd, spread out over +a quarter of a mile of plain, and rode round it till they came to where +four cowboys were lolling on the grass, smoking. + +Looking up lazily at the sight of their boss, when they caught a glimpse +of Bob's fresh, young face they evinced a lively interest. + +"Boys, this is Bob," said Ford, by way of introduction. "Bob, the +homeliest of the lot is Merry Dick; the one next to him to the left is +Yellow Tom; next is Shorty Flinn and the last is Crazy Ned. + +"Dick, you're to go over on the West station with Bob for three days. +Get some grub ready. + +"Now, remember, every man Jack of you, Bob is my special friend. If you +try any funny business, you'll have to settle with me; and don't forget, +cowboys ain't worth near as much as a lean steer." + +And without another word, this strange man wheeled his horse and rode +away. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +BOB OVERHEARS A SECOND PLOT + + +Chester had accompanied Bob and Ford to the cowboys' station, and when +they saw that the dog showed no signs of returning, Yellow Tom called +out: + +"Hey, you Ford. Take this cur of yours with you--or I won't stay on the +job another minute." + +The ranchman, however, either did not hear or pretended not to, and +after a minute Bob said: + +"Mr. Ford has given Chester to me." + +"What?" chorused the cowboys, in amazement. + +"I said that Mr. Ford had given Chester to me," replied Bob. + +"And you let him?" queried Crazy Ned, staring at the boy as though he +must be daft. + +"Why not?" + +"You're liable to wake up in mincemeat some fine day, that's all," +commented Yellow Tom drily. + +"Oh, I guess not," answered Bob. "Chester and I are good friends, aren't +we, my boy?" and dismounting, he called the dog to him and stroked his +head. + +A moment the cowboys watched the proceeding in amazement, then Shorty +Flinn voiced their feelings by saying: + +"Am I dreamin' or is this tenderfoot pattin' that ornery cur?" + +"He's pattin' him, all right," returned Merry Dick. "Say, kid, you're a +wonder. There ain't no man ever dared touch that dog so long as I've +known about him and that's for ten years." + +"But can you make him mind?" demanded Yellow Tom. + +"Surely." + +"Then stop his growlin' at me." + +Recognizing this as a test, Bob stroked the dog's head caressingly, +saying, in a matter-of-fact tone: + +"Stop growling, boy. None of these men are going to harm me." + +A moment the dog looked at Bob, then leisurely glanced from one to +another of the cowboys--and stopped snarling. + +"That beats all," declared Crazy Ned. "Say, kid, you don't need to fear +anybody's playin' tricks on you when that brute is with you." + +"No, I guess not," smiled Bob. And then in a burst of confidence he +added: "But I don't want people to be nice because they are afraid of +Chester. If they don't like me for myself, I don't want them to like me +at all." + +"That's all right, kid. But there's some ornery critturs wearin' the +clothes of cowboys, so just take advice of a man who knows and keep the +dog with you," said Yellow Tom. + +"Yellow's givin' it to you straight," asserted Shorty Flinn. "There's +some folks ain't never happy unless they're makin' others onhappy." + +Bob took the advice in the spirit it was given and, while Merry Dick was +putting together enough food to last them for the three days he was to +be with the boy, chatted and joked with them, answering such questions +as he saw fit and turning off those he did not care to. And such +manliness and good nature did he display that he won the respect of the +four cowpunchers, than whom there were no harder characters riding the +plains. + +At last Merry Dick had stowed the food in his saddle bags, unhobbled and +made ready his broncho, and as he waited for Bob to mount, the others +began to tease him. + +"No tricks, now," said one. "Remember what John said about the +comparative value of cowboys and steers. Don't put salt instead of sugar +in Bob's coffee." + +"Don't worry about _me_," laughed Bob. "With Chester my friend, we're +more likely to play tricks on Merry Dick than he is to play any on us." + +And amid the shouts of merriment this suggestion produced, the cowboy +and his youthful companion galloped away. + +"Ain't that Firefly you're ridin'?" asked Merry Dick, after having tried +in vain to leave Bob behind by sending his own pony at a mad gallop. + +"Y--yes," returned Bob. "Mr. Thomas, the station agent, bought him for +me." + +"_Bought_ him?" repeated the cowboy in amazement. "You must be rollin' +in money, kid. Simons said he'd never sell for less than two hundred +dollars." + +Bob had no idea as to the value of horseflesh, so he asked: + +"Is that much to pay for a pony?" + +"Much? Well, I don't know what you call much, but I do know that you can +buy all the ponies you want, good ones at that, for fifty dollars." + +This knowledge of the expense to which Mr. Nichols had been put to +provide him with a mount, for Bob believed it was he who had ordered the +agent so to do, grieved the boy and he became silent, wondering if he +should not send back the one hundred dollars present in part payment. + +Merry Dick, however, mistook his silence for displeasure and exclaimed: + +"I don't mean Firefly ain't a good pony. He's the best within fifty +mile, so you didn't get stuck." + +In due course of time, they reached a spot where a few trees surrounded +a spring, and there the cowboy said they would pitch camp. + +With surprise, he watched Bob hobble his pony and then rub him down, +observing: + +"I reckon you ain't so green as you make out." + +Ignoring the left-handed compliment, Bob asked: + +"What do I have to do with the cattle?" + +"Mighty little, so long as you have the dog with you. He's as good as +any cowboy." And then Merry Dick explained that Bob's duties lay in +riding around and driving back the cattle that strayed from the herd, +especially in the morning, and in case of a stampede, than which there +is nothing more dreaded by cowboys, in outrunning the leaders and +changing their direction, yelling and waving arms, until the frenzied +animals are made to tire themselves out traveling in a circle. + +The hours till twilight passed quickly with the stories the cowboy told +of experiences he had had and had heard, in both of which he did not +hesitate to draw freely on his imagination. + +As the sunset bathed the plains in a glorious red, the two rode out and +drove the straggling cattle back to the herd, and then Merry Dick showed +Bob how to boil coffee over a bed of coals and fry bacon by holding it +on a fork. + +As night fell, many sounds reached the boy's ears, but none scared him +except the melancholy howl of the coyotes. + +Without incident the hours of darkness passed and the two days that +Merry Dick was with him, and, on the third, Ford rode over to see how +they were getting along. + +"He'll do," announced the cowboy, nodding toward Bob. + +"Then you can go back to the others," returned his boss, who remained +with the boy. + +Day followed day with monotonous regularity, and many a time Bob was +glad of the dog's company. Several times Thomas came to see him, +bringing letters from both Mr. Perkins and Mr. Nichols and taking back +Bob's answers, which told of his experiences, gratitude for their +assistance, and delight in his new life. + +Once a week, Ford came to bring his food, a signal mark of favor, for +the ranch cooks supplied the others. And as month after month passed, +Bob developed wonderfully. The free, outdoor life made his muscles like +steel and the responsibility and solitude matured him, so that instead +of the rather timid boy who had stepped from the limited that morning, +he was a powerful, self-reliant young man. + +Realizing this and feeling his desire growing stronger, at the end of +the sixth month to learn the truth about his father when Ford paid him, +Bob asked if he could ride over to Red Top for a day. + +In reply to the ranchman's question as to the reason, he said he wanted +to find out about a man. + +At this answer, Ford scanned his face closely, but, unable to read its +expression, gave his permission, provided he took the dog, saying he +would stand Bob's tour of duty. + +His heart agog, Bob was on his way early the next morning, the faithful +Chester at his side. + +The village of Red Top was similar to Fairfax, but being the location of +the Land Office was of more importance. As the boy, accompanied by the +dog passed along the one street of the town, they attracted much +attention, for many of the people recognized Chester. + +Drawing rein, Bob dismounted at the store, went inside and asked where +he could find out who owned property in the town fifteen years ago. + +The interest of the loungers in the boy was no whit lessened by this +question and several of them chorused: + +"The Land Office, right next door." + +Thanking them collectively, Bob went out, leaving the idlers to +speculate over his identity and purpose. + +But though he found the Land Office without difficulty, he could make +neither head nor tail out of the records. + +Noticing the perplexity on his face, the clerk, a kindly-faced, +gray-haired man, asked him for what he was searching. + +"To see if Horace Chester ever owned any property in Red Top." + +"I can tell you that without looking," replied the clerk. "He had one of +the best ranches in Oklahoma. It was good when he died. But it's worth +ten times as much now." + +This information set Bob's head in a whirl, and for some minutes he +could not speak, but when he did, he asked hesitatingly: + +"Was he--was he crazy?" + +"Crazy? well, I should say not!" ejaculated the clerk, staring at Bob in +wonder. + +"Who owns the property now?" + +"A. Leon Dardus." + +"How'd he get it?" + +"By will. There was a long legal battle between Sam and John Ford and +Dardus. But Dardus finally won." + +"Where is the ranch?" + +"Twenty miles south of here. Jim Haskins hires it." + +At these surprising answers, Bob's heart seemed to come up in his +throat, stifling his speech. But noticing that his questions had aroused +the clerk's curiosity, he hurriedly left the office. + +Needing time to think, the boy hastened along till he came to a building +which served as a saloon, diningroom and gambling den. + +Attracted by the food sign, he entered, took a seat near a partition, +and ordered some pork and beans. + +But before it was brought, he had forgotten about eating. From behind +the partition, loud voices were audible and he caught the word "Ford." + +Listening intently, he heard a voice say: + +"Sure, we can do it! I've got the papers all ready, old Sam Ford's +signature and all. Just pass over that two thousand five hundred +dollars, and I'll give them to you." + +"But suppose Ford fights us in court?" exclaimed another voice. + +"He won't do that!" growled a third. "Leave it to me!" + +"Now, Bill, there's to be no----" + +But before Bob could catch the last word, the waiter came in with his +pork and beans and, noticing that the boy was listening with head close +to the partition, shouted: + +"What you listenin' to? That don't go in Red Top!" + +And dropping his dishes, he leaped for Bob, just as the men behind the +partition, who had heard the waiter's angry words, struggled to get +through the door. + +Realizing he was no match for so many, Bob took to his heels, the others +in pursuit. + +As he dashed from the restaurant, Chester leaped to his feet and, back +bristling, jaws distended, faced the pursuers. + +"That's Ford's dog!" gasped the waiter. "That fellow must have been one +of his men!" + +The commotion had attracted the attention of the loungers in the store +and as they hurried to the street, the conspirators, pointing to Bob, +yelled: + +"Stop him! Stop him!" + +But Bob, paying no heed, raced to where Firefly stood, vaulted into his +saddle and, with the dog at his heels, dashed up the street. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +A RACE FOR LIFE + + +Believing the men who tried to stop Bob must have been robbed, several +of those about the store leaped onto their horses and gave chase. + +Meantime, the conspirators, balked in their attempt to prevent the boy's +escape, held a consultation. + +"If that is one of Ford's men, our goose is cooked," snarled one of +them. + +"Well, it is, right enough. Don't you remember hearing about the kid +Ford gave his dog to?" + +Too well did they remember, for the story of Bob's call at the ranch had +traveled far and wide. + +"What's to be done, then?" asked the first speaker. + +"Get him!" growled the others. + +So well did these men understand one another that no explanation of this +remark was necessary, and without more ado they hastened to the stable +back of the saloon, ordered their horses, and were soon riding after Bob +at top speed. + +Anticipating that he would be chased, the boy had urged Firefly into a +mad gallop, desirous of getting as long a start as possible. And well it +was that he did, for so mettlesome were the horses of the conspirators +that, despite the start the loungers had, they quickly overhauled them. + +"Which way did he go?" demanded the ringleader, as he rode alongside. + +"To Ford's." + +"What's wrong? What did he do? How much did he get?" demanded others of +the volunteer posse. + +But the conspirators were not eager to go into detail, and their leader +said: + +"This is a private matter. We are obliged to you gentlemen for trying to +stop that boy. But we won't trouble you to ride farther. We are quite +able to attend to this business ourselves." + +Such an abrupt dismissal, however, only piqued the curiosity of the +volunteers the more, and noting this the conspirators clapped spurs to +their ponies and soon left them behind. + +From time to time, as he raced across the plains, Bob had looked back. +With satisfaction, he noted that he more than held his own with the +pursuers. But when he saw the four men pass the leaders as though the +others were standing still, he urged Firefly to greater speed. + +Gamely the pony responded, increasing Bob's lead still more, and the +boy noted from landmarks that he was only about two miles from his +station. Then suddenly Firefly stumbled, hurling Bob over his head. + +Picking himself up, the boy, stopping only to ascertain that he himself +was not injured, ran back to his pony. But as he saw the horse his heart +sank. + +Firefly had stepped in a prairie-dog hole and broken his leg. + +From his moaning Bob realized the pony was in great pain, and for a +moment he stood undecided what to do. Then a hoarse shout of triumph +raised by the conspirators reached his ears, and, gritting his teeth, +Bob pulled out his revolver, placed it against Firefly's head and pulled +the trigger. + +Already he had lost precious minutes and, waiting only to make sure he +had put his faithful pony out of misery, he once more started toward his +station, leaping and bounding through the high grass as best he could. + +Not far had he gone, however, before he realized that unless he could +make greater speed, his pursuers would soon overtake him. + +But the prospect did not daunt him and, as his danger became greater, +his brain became clearer. + +Apparently without effort, Chester was bounding over the plains. Noting +this, an idea flashed into Bob's mind and he called the dog to him. + +As he approached, Bob took a firm grip with his right hand in the mass +of hair on Chester's shoulders, exclaiming: + +"You've got to help me run, boy. Now don't go too fast. Remember, I +can't leap the way you do." + +And, as though understanding, the dog moderated his gait and together +they tore through the grass. + +Yet so uneven was the race that Bob would certainly have been captured +had not aid come from an unexpected quarter. + +So still was the air that the report of Bob's shot had carried to the +ears of John Ford who, sensing trouble, was riding slowly toward Red Top +to meet the lad. + +Shooting not being common on the plains thereabouts, no sooner had he +heard the report than he clapped spurs to his horse and dashed in its +direction, and not far had he ridden before he caught sight of Bob and +Chester and their pursuers. + +At a glance, he realized that the boy was in great danger, and grinding +his teeth savagely, he rode at him like mad, from time to time shouting +to Bob to keep up courage. + +But the plucky boy saw and recognized his employer long before he heard +his reassuring words, and the sight lent him fresh strength. + +The pursuers also saw Ford and redoubled their efforts to reach Bob +first. But the terrific pace was telling on their mounts and they made +little progress. + +With a yell of exultation, Ford reached Bob, gave him a hand and lifted +him up behind to the saddle, asking: + +"What are they after you for?" + +"Because I wanted to warn you!" answered Bob, and hurriedly he related +all he had overheard and the incidents of the pursuit. + +As he listened to the story, the ranchman's face grew terrible to +behold. And as it was finished, he sat in silence a moment, then fairly +hissed: + +"My law is not 'an eye for an eye' or 'a tooth for a tooth.' But four +eyes for an eye!" + +For an instant only was Bob mystified by this speech. + +Swinging his rifle from his back to his shoulder with incredible +rapidity, Ford fired four shots in quick succession. And after each +shot, one of the conspirator's horses fell. + +"So much for Firefly, though I wouldn't take the four for him!" snarled +the ranchman. "Now for the men! Oh, no! I'm not going to shoot them," he +added, noting the look of horror on Bob's face. "I intend to capture +them and hand them over to the law. You're lighter than I am, so you +take my pony and ride for the boys. I'll stay here and keep track of +those scoundrels. They won't be able to walk far." + +Even as he spoke, Ford slipped from the saddle, and Bob taking his place +dashed away for the other cowboys. + +By good fortune, he found them at the end of their range nearest the +scene of trouble, and no urging did they need to ride to their +employer's assistance when they had heard Bob's story. + +Divining the purpose of the boy's departure, the conspirators had +separated and then sought to hide themselves in the long grass. But the +ranchman had kept watch of their general direction, and as his boys rode +up, ordered them to advance abreast toward the spot where the scoundrels +had disappeared. + +As they approached, Ford shouted: + +"If you men will surrender, we won't hurt you! But if you fire so much +as one shot, we'll kindle the prairie and roast you!" + +For a moment after this terrible alternative was pronounced there was +silence and the conspirators made no move. Then one by one they stood +up, glowering with awful hatred at Bob. + +"Hands up!" commanded Ford. "That's the way! Now, boys, take their guns +and knives, then bind their hands behind their backs and each carry one +behind you. We're going to take them to Red Top jail." + +While his cowboys were obeying his instructions with no gentle hands, +Ford mounted his horse, keeping Bob behind him. + +After the troop was under way, the ranchman asked: + +"What made you take such a chance for me, boy?" + +"Because you were a friend of my father!" replied Bob simply. + +"What?" exclaimed Ford, turning so suddenly that he almost unseated the +boy. + +"My name isn't Bob Nichols, Mr. Ford. It's Bob Chester!" + +"Then I wasn't wrong! I wasn't wrong!" murmured the ranchman. And the +next moment he was hugging Bob to his breast, sobbing over him and +caressing him. + +The sight of their stern, unemotional employer weeping like a woman over +Bob astounded the cowboys, and eagerly they closed around him, though +they were too impressed by the scene to speak. + +But as soon as he recovered his composure, Ford exclaimed: + +"Boys, Bob is the son of the best friend I ever had--Horace Chester. I +was struck by the resemblance when I first laid eyes on him. When he +told me his name, I thought I must be mistaken. But Chester knew better. +That's why the dog took to him. He recognized the blood. + +"And now you all ride on. Bob and I want to talk." + +Reluctantly the cowboys obeyed and when they were out of hearing, Bob +spoke, giving a detailed account of the reasons why he had come to +Fairfax, the experiences through which he had passed while on the way, +his discoveries about his father's property, and finally showed the +ranchman the precious letter. + +"And Leon Dardus kept you at drudgery, denying you your money, even +trying to make you believe your father was insane!" remarked Ford, as +the narration ended. "I knew he was a villain. That will is a forgery, +Bob. We'll get back the property for you, never fear. Dardus may have +money. But your friends Perkins and Nichols have more. I made a vow when +Dardus beat me on the will that when I had one hundred thousand dollars +I'd track him down and solve this mystery. But now it won't be necessary +to wait. + +"Right will conquer, every time, Bob!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +FROM RANCH TO RICHES + + +Bob asked many questions about his father on the ride to Red Top, +learning that he had died from pneumonia; that his mother had died soon +after Bob was born, and that it had been his father's dying request that +he be sent to New York, where he could grow up and receive the education +he himself had been denied. But their arrival at Red Top put an end to +their conversation and they turned to the matter at hand. + +As the citizens saw Bob's pursuers return captives they were amazed, and +when they learned the reason they expressed in no uncertain terms their +anger at having been made to chase an innocent boy. + +At the jail, the forged deed and other papers that were to be used in +stealing John Ford's ranch away from him were found on the prisoners and +were filed away to be used against them at the trial. + +To one or two of his firm friends, the ranchman introduced Bob, and +sincere were their expressions of delight both at meeting him and in +knowing that he was to come into his own. Ford, however, swore them to +silence, for there were some of the townsfolk who had supported Dardus +in his lawsuit, and neither the ranchman nor Bob wished a word of his +presence to leak out till they had perfected their plans for bringing +the dishonest guardian to book. + +"But your boys know it, John, and so do the prisoners," asserted one of +these friends. + +"My boys won't talk about it," declared the ranchman. "I'll see to that. +If the prisoners do, you all can say the story is absurd, probably +another of their plots to steal another ranch." + +This decided, the grizzled plainsman summoned his cowboys, explained the +situation briefly, and offered them a year's wages for their silence, +which they promised when Bob added his entreaties. + +But to prevent any possible miscarriage of their plans, Bob wrote his +discoveries to Mr. Nichols, mailing the letter before he left Red Top. +These details attended to, Ford borrowed a horse for Bob, and they set +out for the home ranch, which they reached in due course. + +Leaving Merry Dick on Bob's station, Ford and Bob rode on to Fairfax, +where they held a long consultation with the station agent, at which it +was decided that Bob and the ranchman should both go on to New York to +obtain restitution from Len Dardus. And, with much hurrying, they +prepared to leave Fairfax the next night. + +Thomas asked and obtained permission from Mr. Nichols for the east-bound +limited to stop at the way-station, and when Higgins and the others saw +the ranchman and Bob on the platform, they were consumed with curiosity. + +"Kidnappin' John?" asked Higgins of Bob. + +But no satisfaction did he receive, the boy replying: + +"My sentiments about answering questions haven't changed since the first +morning we met, Mr. Higgins." + +And while the others were laughing at their crony's discomfiture, the +train arrived and the two travelers boarded it, with the well wishes of +the agent ringing in their ears. + +At Kansas City Mr. Nichols joined them, saying he had decided to go on +to New York, where they would meet Mr. Perkins, both being determined to +bring Bob into his own. + +A happy party they made, Bob recounting his experiences, Ford adding his +dry comments, and Mr. Nichols enjoying the boy's development and +manliness. + +As they were rehearsing the story for the twentieth time, Mr. Nichols +asked: + +"Have you learned, Bob, who the man with the scar is?" + +"What sort of a scar?" demanded the ranchman, before the boy could +answer. And as Bob described it, he exclaimed: + +"That's Knuckles, your father's old foreman!" + +"Good. I'll find him and take him back with me," returned Bob; "that is, +if things come out right." + +"Don't worry about that," smiled Mr. Nichols knowingly. And when they +arrived in New York and met Mr. Perkins, these words were explained, for +Bob's patrons had set detectives at work and had learned all there was +to be learned about Len Dardus, even to the banks in which he kept his +money, and how much he had. + +After holding a consultation and marshaling their evidence, it was +decided to call in two members of the city detective force, and upon +their arrival, the party set out for the grocery store where Bob had +passed so many unhappy days. + +No one was about when the six men entered, and, leaving Bob alone, the +others withdrew to the corners of the store where the shadows +practically hid them. + +The proprietor had heard the footsteps, however, and shuffled from his +private office. + +No farther did he get than the threshold before he saw and recognized +Bob. + +"You!" he gasped, turning pale. "What do you want here?" + +"I want the money you have stolen from me, Len Dardus! I want my +father's ranch in Red Top back. I want you to say you lied when you said +my father was crazy when he died!" + +The tone in which the boy spoke was cold and bitter. Yet, instead of +terrifying the storekeeper, it caused him to laugh as he exclaimed: "You +can't blackmail me, you ungrateful young wretch! Get out of here, before +I call the police! I steal your money, indeed! Insanity seems to run in +the Chester family!" + +"Do you think so, Len Dardus?" demanded the ranchman, suddenly emerging +from the shadow. + +"John Ford!" gasped the storekeeper, his bravado deserting him at the +sight of this friend of Bob's father. + +"Yes; John Ford," retorted the ranchman in a voice that cut like steel. +"You remember when you won your lawsuit with that will you forged? I +told you I should trap you some day. _That day has come!_" + +At these words, the others stepped forth. + +From one to another, Dardus looked, then demanded in a terrified voice: + +"What--what do you want?" + +"We want justice for Bob Chester," said Mr. Perkins. + +"We want you to give him every cent you have in bank except the five +hundred dollars you had when Horace Chester died. We want you to sign +this paper admitting that you forged the will bequeathing you the ranch +in Red Top. We want you to acknowledge you lied when you told Bob his +father was insane." + +"And if I refuse?" + +"You go to jail, and we take the money and ranch." + +"But I have no money," whimpered Dardus. + +"Lying won't help you. We know every cent you have in bank and where it +is. Here's the confession, sign it first." + +Glancing from one to another, the storekeeper seemed to seek an avenue +of escape. + +"Officers, if this man does not sign this paper within two minutes, +arrest him," exclaimed Mr. Perkins. + +Quickly the detectives moved one to either side of Len Dardus. + +"All right, I'll sign," he moaned, sinking into a chair. + +And, after reading the words admitting his guilt, he affixed his name. + +"Now, tell Bob you lied to him about his father." + +"Horace--Chester--was--not--insane." + +"Good, I am glad you are reasonable. Now, come with us in our automobile +and withdraw the money you have in the banks." + +Realizing resistance was vain, Dardus obeyed. + +At each bank the boy's benefactors compared their private notes with the +amounts the storekeeper withdrew, and, when the task was ended, Bob had +fifty thousand dollars in addition to the ranch. + +As they emerged from the last bank, however, they did not take the +storekeeper into their car, but left him standing on the steps, the +picture of woe. + +"Now, we'll have a good dinner," announced Mr. Nichols. + +During the meal the men who had been so kind to Bob asked him what he +intended to do. + +"Go back to the ranch and live with John Ford," was the boy's ready +reply. + +"Yes. We're going into partnership," added the grizzled plainsman. + +"And whenever you want a rest or some hunting, there'll be two ranches +at your disposal," chimed in Bob, to the railroad magnates. + +Before the boy returned to the West, he gave a hundred-dollar bill to +Nellie Porter, the waitress who had befriended him, and he also found +Knuckles, who was overjoyed to resume his position as foreman of the +Chester ranch. + +The firm of Ford & Chester prospered. Many times did Mr. Perkins and Mr. +Nichols, as well as Jack Foster, the reporter, visit the partners, +continuing to exercise a kindly interest in their welfare, and +especially the welfare of Bob Chester. + + + + * * * * * + + +Transcriber's Notes: + + Punctuation normalized. + + Varied capitalization on "the limited/the Limited" retained. + + Page 80, "flee-bitten" changed to "flea-bitten." + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOB CHESTER'S GRIT*** + + +******* This file should be named 17151-8.txt or 17151-8.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/1/5/17151 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Webster</title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p {margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + text-indent: 1.25em; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + img {border: 0;} + .tnote {border: dashed 1px; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em;} + ins {text-decoration:none; border-bottom: thin dotted gray;} + .right {text-align: right;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + } /* page numbers */ + + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + .bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} + .bl {border-left: solid 2px;} + .bt {border-top: solid 2px;} + .br {border-right: solid 2px;} + .bbox {border: solid 2px;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + hr.full { width: 100%; } + pre {font-size: 75%;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, Bob Chester's Grit, by Frank V. Webster</h1> +<pre> +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 <a href = "https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: Bob Chester's Grit</p> +<p> From Ranch to Riches</p> +<p>Author: Frank V. Webster</p> +<p>Release Date: November 25, 2005 [eBook #17151]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOB CHESTER'S GRIT***</p> +<p> </p> +<h3>E-text prepared by Joseph R. Hauser, Emmy,<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> + (https://www.pgdp.net/)</h3> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 253px;"> +<img src="images/001.png" width="253" height="400" alt="HE URGED FIREFLY TO GREATER SPEED" title="HE URGED FIREFLY TO GREATER SPEED" /> +</div><div class="center">HE URGED FIREFLY TO GREATER SPEED<br /> +<i>Bob Chester's Grit</i> <a href='#Page_190'>Page 190</a> +</div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h1>Bob Chester's Grit</h1> + +<h3>Or</h3> + +<h3>From Ranch to Riches</h3> + +<h3>BY</h3> + +<h2>FRANK V. WEBSTER</h2> + +<h5>AUTHOR OF "THE NEWSBOY PARTNERS," "ONLY A FARM BOY," "BOB THE CASTAWAY," +ETC.</h5> + +<h3>ILLUSTRATED</h3> +<p> </p> + +<div class='center'>NEW YORK<br /> +CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY<br /> +PUBLISHERS</div> +<hr style='width: 65%;' /> +<p class="center">BOOKS FOR BOYS</p> + +<p class="center">By FRANK V. WEBSTER</p> + +<p class="center">12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume, +40 cents, postpaid</p> + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Books for Boys"> +<tr><td align='center'>ONLY A FARM BOY</td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>TOM, THE TELEPHONE BOY</td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>THE BOY FROM THE RANCH</td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>THE YOUNG TREASURE HUNTER</td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>BOB, THE CASTAWAY</td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>THE YOUNG FIREMEN OF LAKEVILLE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>THE NEWSBOY PARTNERS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>THE BOY PILOT OF THE LAKES</td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>TWO BOY GOLD MINERS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>JACK, THE RUNAWAY</td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>COMRADES OF THE SADDLE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>THE BOYS OF BELLWOOD SCHOOL</td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>THE HIGH SCHOOL RIVALS</td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>AIRSHIP ANDY</td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>BOB CHESTER'S GRIT</td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>BEN HARDY'S FLYING MACHINE</td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>DICK, THE BANK BOY</td></tr> +<tr><td align='center'>DARRY, THE LIFE SAVER</td></tr> +</table></div> + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class="center"><i>Cupples & Leon Co., Publishers, New York</i><br /> +Copyright, 1911, by<br /> +CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY</div> + + +<hr style='width: 25%;' /> + +<div class="center">BOB CHESTER'S GRIT +</div> + +<hr style='width: 65%;' /> + +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents"> +<tr><td align='center'>CHAPTER</td> +<td align='left'></td> +<td align='center'>PAGE</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>I </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Under a Cloud</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_1'>1</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>II </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Bob Finds an Unexpected Champion</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_11'>11</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>III </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Free Again</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_19'>19</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>IV </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Bob Determines to Be His Own Master</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_31'>31</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>V </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Bob Misses a Friend</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_40'>40</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>VI </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Kind-Hearted Waitress</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_46'>46</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>VII </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Good Luck From Bad</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_57'>57</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>VIII </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Bob's Luck Continues</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_65'>65</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>IX </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Tale of the Plains</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_74'>74</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>X </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Bob Does a Kind Act</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_83'>83</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XI </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Bob Fails to Find Mrs. Cameron</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_93'>93</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XII </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Alone in a Strange City</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_100'>100</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XIII </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Bob Starts Again</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_108'>108</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XIV </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">At the Throttle of a Freight Engine</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_116'>116</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XV </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Bob Earns His Passage</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_124'>124</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XVI </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Fairfax at Last</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_133'>133</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XVII </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Seeking a Job</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_143'>143</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XVIII </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">On the Track</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_149'>149</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XIX </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">An Amazing Reception</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_155'>155</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XX </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Bob Becomes Owner of a Dog</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_160'>160</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XXI </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">At the Ranch</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_167'>167</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XXII </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">On the Range Station</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_173'>173</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XXIII </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">Bob Overhears a Second Plot</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_179'>179</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XXIV </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Race for Life</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_189'>189</a></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'>XXV </td> +<td align='left'><span class="smcap">From Ranch to Riches</span></td> +<td align='right'><a href='#Page_197'>197</a></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>Bob Chester's Grit</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER I</h2> + +<h3>UNDER A CLOUD</h3> + + +<p>"Hey, boy! What's your name?"</p> + +<p>"Bob Chester."</p> + +<p>"Where are you going with that basket of groceries?"</p> + +<p>"To deliver an order to one of my guardian's customers."</p> + +<p>"Are you honest?"</p> + +<p>"I hope so, sir," replied Bob, his face expressing surprise that his +probity should be questioned.</p> + +<p>The man who had hailed Bob Chester appeared to be about twenty-five +years old, and his clothes were well-fitting, giving him the air of a +man of means. With him were two other men; one of whom, several years +older, was also well dressed. The third member of the group was entirely +different from the others. His clothes were gro<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span>tesque, and bore every +trace of having been purchased in some country store. His derby hat was +green-black, and apparently a size too small, judging from the manner in +which it rested on his head. Had not his appearance bespoken that he was +a stranger come from the country to see the sights of New York, his +face, sunburned and honest, would have proclaimed him as one +unaccustomed and unfamiliar with the wiles of a great city.</p> + +<p>Prior to his having been addressed, the boy who had given his name as +Bob Chester had noticed the difference between the three men as they +stood in earnest conversation on the sidewalk, and instinctively he had +been attracted by the frankness of the countryman's face. He had been +wondering why the two New Yorkers were so interested in the other man, +but the unexpectedness of his being accosted had driven all thought from +his mind, and he had given his answers as though compelled by the +searching glance the younger of the two men had directed at him.</p> + +<p>All three watched him intently, and as he made his answer that he hoped +he was honest, the elder of the New Yorkers exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"I think he will do, Harry."</p> + +<p>"Well, if you say so, all right," returned the other, and then turning +to Bob, he asked:</p> + +<p>"Would your guardian object seriously if you <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span>did not deliver your order +for about half an hour?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know. Saturday is always a busy day at the store, and Mr. +Dardus always scolds me if I don't get right back. It doesn't make any +difference to him how far I have to go, he always thinks I should be +back within fifteen minutes after I have started. So I'd rather not +delay—because I don't like to be scolded," added the boy, as though by +way of apologizing for his refusal.</p> + +<p>"Well, if we gave you a dollar, don't you think you could stand the old +man's scolding, if you were half an hour late?" asked the elder of the +New Yorkers, at the same time putting his hand in his pocket and drawing +forth a large roll of bills, which he opened ostentatiously. The figures +were so large that Bob's eyes seemed as though they would pop out of his +head, so eagerly did they scan them. The man extracted a dollar bill.</p> + +<p>The sight of so much money in the possession of one man fairly +hypnotized the boy, and he replied:</p> + +<p>"Do you mean you will give me a whole dollar if I will wait here half an +hour?"</p> + +<p>"That's what!" exclaimed the man with the roll of bills. "But there is a +little more to it. Our friend, Mr. Anthony Simpkins, and we, have an +important business transaction in hand, involving fifteen hundred +dollars. My friend and I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span>don't happen to have more than five hundred +dollars with us, while Mr. Simpkins has seven hundred and fifty, and so +we want you to hold this money while my friend and I go to our bank and +get the two hundred and fifty dollars more, which is our share in the +deal."</p> + +<p>"What, me hold twelve hundred and fifty dollars!" exclaimed Bob, as +though unable to believe his ears. "Why, you don't know anything about +me. I might run off with it."</p> + +<p>"You look honest," replied the man who had hailed him, "and that's why +we stopped you. Besides, you wouldn't be able to run away if you wanted +to, because Mr. Simpkins is going to wait here with you until we +return."</p> + +<p>"And you will give me a dollar just for keeping the money until you come +back?" demanded Bob.</p> + +<p>"Exactly."</p> + +<p>"All right. That's half as much as I get for working a week."</p> + +<p>"That's the boy. I am glad to see that you have the sense of thrift so +strongly developed. Now we will just put Mr. Simpkins' seven hundred and +fifty dollars and our five hundred dollars in this envelope, which you +will keep until we return."</p> + +<p>As he spoke, the elder of the New Yorkers counted out five hundred +dollars, put it in the envelope, and then asked the countryman for his +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span>share. After verifying the amount, he placed it with the other money, +then handed an envelope to Bob, exclaiming:</p> + +<p>"Now you two stay right here, and we will be back within fifteen +minutes."</p> + +<p>"All right, sir," said Bob, as he grasped the envelope. And as his +fingers closed about it, he unconsciously threw back his head, and +squared his shoulders, proud of the thought that he had been selected as +the custodian of such a large sum of money.</p> + +<p>Again repeating their promise to return within a quarter of an hour, the +two New Yorkers hastened away, and were soon lost among the people who +thronged the thoroughfare.</p> + +<p>Oblivious as the people who live in New York are to the presence of +their fellowmen, the sight of the man so obviously from the country and +the bright-eyed, alert boy, closely clasping the envelope in one hand, +while at his feet rested the basket packed with groceries, attracted +many a passing glance.</p> + +<p>Between Simpkins and Bob, however, no words were exchanged; though each, +while apparently gazing at the passersby, kept a sharp lookout upon the +other.</p> + +<p>Minute after minute went by, without the return of the two men, who had +said they were going to the bank for money, and as the time wore <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span>on +without their re-appearance, Simpkins exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"I wonder what's keeping them? I don't want to stand here all day."</p> + +<p>"And I can't," said Bob. "I will be more than half an hour late in +getting back to the store, and I know Mr. Dardus will be very angry. I +most wish I hadn't said I'd wait. It just shows that Mr. Dardus is right +when he says there is no pleasure in having money that isn't earned +honestly, and getting a dollar for just holding this money isn't really +honest work."</p> + +<p>"Well, if you think you ought to be delivering your groceries, why not +give the envelope to me? I'll stay here and wait, though I must say I am +getting tired."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no," said Bob. "I gave my word that I would stay, and I will."</p> + +<p>The countryman's suggestion that he be intrusted with the money aroused +Bob's suspicion, for he remembered that the others had placed five +hundred dollars in the envelope, and he thought it was a scheme on the +part of Simpkins to get possession of this money. So that after this +interchange of words, both lapsed into silence.</p> + +<p>As the quarter hour lengthened into a half, then to three-quarters, and +finally to an hour, without the re-appearance of the two well-dressed +New Yorkers, Bob's dread of his guardian's an<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span>ger outweighed his desire +to earn the dollar, and he finally exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"I can't wait any longer; honest I can't." And then, chancing to catch +sight of a policeman standing on the corner about a hundred feet away, a +way out of the difficulty suggested itself, and he said to the +countryman:</p> + +<p>"I tell you how we can fix it. We will go over to that policeman and +explain the matter to him, and I'll ask him to hold the envelope until +those men come back."</p> + +<p>And without giving Simpkins time to protest, Bob picked up his basket, +and led the way to where the guardian of the law was standing, +indolently surveying the crowd.</p> + +<p>Casting a contemptuous glance at the two ludicrous figures that +approached him, the policeman first listened to the excited explanation +of the boy indifferently, then with incredulity, and finally with +amusement.</p> + +<p>"I have heard of such easy marks, but I never expected to see them in +flesh and blood," exclaimed the officer, when Bob stopped speaking. "So +you think you are holding some money in that envelope, do you, kid? +Well, I'll bet a year's pay that there is nothing in it but old paper."</p> + +<p>And while the countryman and the boy gazed at him in speechless dismay, +the policeman took the envelope from Bob's hand, opened it, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span>drew +forth to their startled gaze a roll of tissue-paper.</p> + +<p>"I told you so," grunted the policeman, but further comment was +interrupted by the actions of Simpkins.</p> + +<p>No sooner had he discovered that he had been swindled than he shouted at +the top of his lungs:</p> + +<p>"I've been robbed! I've been robbed! They've stolen seven hundred and +fifty dollars from me!"</p> + +<p>The loud, excited words and the gesticulations of the grotesquely-garbed +man quickly drew the attention of the passersby, and in a trice the +victims of the swindlers and the policeman were the center of a curious +throng of people.</p> + +<p>"I want my money! I want my money!" bellowed Simpkins.</p> + +<p>"You stand a fine chance of getting it," returned the policeman, "but I +will do what I can for you. I'll take you around to the police station, +and you can make a complaint to the sergeant and give him a description +of the 'con' men."</p> + +<p>As word of the swindle was passed among the crowd, various were the +comments and bits of advice offered.</p> + +<p>At first Bob had been too stunned by the discovery that he had been made +an innocent party to the swindle even to think, but as he gradually +recovered from the unpleasant surprise, his one thought was to get away +from Simpkins, to de<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>liver his groceries and get back to the store as +quickly as possible. In order to carry out this plan, he began to worm +his way through the constantly increasing crowd.</p> + +<p>One of the men who were offering advice chanced to see him, and cried:</p> + +<p>"There goes the boy! He was probably standing in with the swindlers. Why +don't you arrest him, Mr. Officer?"</p> + +<p>"That's the thing to do," agreed several others, and the policeman, +evidently thinking that it would be a wise procedure for him to seize +some one in connection with the swindle, leaped after Bob, grasped him +roughly by the shoulder, and started for the station-house, followed by +Simpkins and those of the crowd who had nothing better to do.</p> + +<p>Arrived at the police station, the countryman and the patrolman both +talked at once, while Bob stood in silence, overcome by the disgrace of +his arrest.</p> + +<p>Taking his pencil, the sergeant stopped the countryman's torrent of +words, and began to ask him questions as to his meeting with the +strangers, eliciting the information that he had met them coming over on +the ferry-boat from Jersey City, and that the business deal they had +proposed was the betting of fifteen hundred dollars on a race horse that +was sure to win.</p> + +<p>"It's a pity there isn't a law to keep you coun<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>try people out of the +cities," grunted the sergeant, when the details of the story had been +told him, and then, turning to the policeman, he said:</p> + +<p>"You did right in bringing along the boy, McCarty. He is evidently one +of the gang, or he wouldn't have been passing along the street just as +he was. We may be able to learn from him who the 'con' men are, and +where they hang out. Search him, and then take him back to a cell. I'll +send a couple of plain-clothes men in to talk with him."</p> + +<p>And grabbing Bob by the arm, the policeman dragged him toward the door +which led to a cell.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER II</h2> + +<h3>BOB FINDS AN UNEXPECTED CHAMPION</h3> + + +<p>Among those who had heard the story of the swindling of the countryman +were several reporters for the great metropolitan afternoon papers, and +as the burly policeman dragged the pathetic figure of the grocer's boy +to the cell, one of these, a particularly clean-cut, wide-awake young +fellow, exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Sergeant, that's the rawest thing I ever saw you do. I don't believe +that boy knows anything more about those 'con' men, and probably not as +much, as you do. It's a shame to lock him up, and I am going to give you +the hottest roast for doing so that the paper will stand for."</p> + +<p>"You do, and you'll never set foot inside this station while I'm in +charge," retorted the officer. "If you knew as much about old Dardus as +I do, you wouldn't be so keen to champion this boy. The old man has been +mixed up in many a questionable transaction, and I shouldn't be +surprised if it turned out that he was in league with these <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>fellows who +got that country bumpkin's seven hundred and fifty dollars, and that he +put the boy up to playing the part he did."</p> + +<p>"I don't know anything about Dardus," announced the reporter who had +taken up the cudgel in Bob's behalf, "and I don't care. If he is mixed +up in questionable dealings, that doesn't mean that the boy is +necessarily a party to them. You can't tell me that a chap, with a face +as honest as that boy has, is a criminal."</p> + +<p>"When you've been doing police stations longer, Foster, you will learn +that you can't judge criminals by their faces," snarled the sergeant, +and as the other reporters heard this caustic comment, they laughed +uproariously.</p> + +<p>"Laugh if you want to," returned Bob's champion, "but I am going to +prove the boy's innocence of any complicity in the swindle."</p> + +<p>And without more ado, the reporter left the police station.</p> + +<p>Although the representatives of the other papers had sided in with the +police official who announced his belief in Bob's guilt, they +nevertheless experienced a feeling of uneasiness, lest Foster might +after all be right, and they were holding consultation as to the +advisability of investigating the story more thoroughly, when the +sergeant exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Don't let that fellow worry you. I've known<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> Len Dardus for years. He's +as crooked as they make them, and he never had an honest man work for +him that I know of."</p> + +<p>As the acceptance of the police official's theory would save them the +necessity of investigating the story further, the reporters agreed to +accept his version, and to accord with it they wrote their stories.</p> + +<p>As Jack Foster left the police station, his anger at the system which +made it impossible for a person without influence or money to obtain +justice, was strong, and his heart went out to the boy, as he thought +how he would feel, were he himself in his place.</p> + +<p>"If that boy isn't honest from the soles of his feet to the top of his +head, I shall be the most surprised man in New York," he said to +himself, "and if my paper has any influence, I am going to get him out +of his trouble."</p> + +<p>Occupied with considering various plans for aiding Bob, Foster quickly +reached the store of Len Dardus, but as he entered and caught sight of +an old, gray-haired man, with a face in which craftiness was the chief +characteristic, he wondered if, after all, the police sergeant could +have been right.</p> + +<p>"Is this Mr. Len Dardus?" asked Foster, walking up to the counter, +behind which this repelling creature stood.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That's my name," snapped the proprietor of the store, adding as he +scrutinized his questioner closely:</p> + +<p>"What do <i>you</i> want?"</p> + +<p>"I want to know if you have a boy working for you by the name of Bob +Chester."</p> + +<p>"I have, but I won't have after to-night, I can tell you. I have no use +for lazy boys, and for laziness he can't be beaten. Here I sent him to +deliver some goods more than two hours ago, and he hasn't got back yet, +and this is my busiest day."</p> + +<p>So disagreeable was the tone in which the old man spoke that Foster +could not refrain from remarking:</p> + +<p>"Well, you do not seem to be overrushed with trade just now. However, +that is neither here nor there. How long have you had Bob in your +employ?"</p> + +<p>"Ever since he was big enough to be of any service to me."</p> + +<p>"He's a good boy, isn't he?"</p> + +<p>"No, he's not. Didn't I just tell you he has been gone over two hours, +delivering an order that should not have taken him more than fifteen +minutes at the most? No good boy would dawdle so about his business. But +why do you ask?"</p> + +<p>Foster, however, was not ready to tell Bob's employer of his predicament +until he had ob<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>tained more information about the boy, and instead of +answering the question, said:</p> + +<p>"You misunderstood my meaning. I want to know whether or not he is +honest or has any bad habits."</p> + +<p>"He has the habit of taking a long time to deliver his orders, and he +always has some plausible excuse for the delay—although I never accept +his excuses. It isn't the way to bring up a boy. But he doesn't steal, +and I don't let him go out nights, so he can't have any companions. But +why do you ask? What business of yours is it?"</p> + +<p>"Just one more question before I answer you."</p> + +<p>"You seem mighty long on questions, but I'll not answer another one +until you tell me why you are taking such pains to find out about Bob. +He hasn't any friend but me. I'm his guardian."</p> + +<p>So hostile was the grocer's manner becoming, and with such increasing +suspicion did he view his inquisitor, that Foster realized it would be +necessary to explain Bob's predicament were he to be able to help him, +and briefly he told the story that had been repeated in the police +station.</p> + +<p>"That just goes to show my theory is right," declared the grocer, when +he had been given the particulars of his ward's arrest. "If Bob had gone +about his business and delivered the order, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>instead of being tempted by +the offer of a dollar, he wouldn't have got into this trouble. It will +be a good lesson for him, and I shall be able to get along some way, I +suppose, until he comes back."</p> + +<p>"But surely you don't mean to say that you are not going to do anything +to help him out of his trouble?" exclaimed Foster in amazement, as he +heard the heartless words.</p> + +<p>With a depreciating shrug of his shoulders, Len Dardus responded:</p> + +<p>"But what can I do? It will cost money to hire a lawyer, or even to bail +him out. Besides, as I said, it will be a good lesson for him."</p> + +<p>"But hasn't he any money of his own?" queried the reporter.</p> + +<p>"What do you want to know for? Are you a lawyer? No, sir! if you are, +and have come to tell me about Bob in the hope that I will hire you, you +might as well go back to your place of business. I won't spend a cent on +him. The lesson will do him good."</p> + +<p>The heartlessness of the grocer incensed Foster, and he retorted:</p> + +<p>"It happens that I am not a lawyer, so it isn't any money that I am +after. I am acting simply from a desire to see the boy get fair +treatment, and if I were his guardian, whether <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>he had any money or not, +I would do everything in my power to help him out of his trouble."</p> + +<p>"But what can I do? There is no one to stay in the store here, and I +don't see how I could help any way."</p> + +<p>"You could go down to the police station and speak a word for the lad. +If you have had the care of him for so long, what you could say in +regard to his honesty ought to be sufficient to cause his release."</p> + +<p>As he mentioned the grocer's going to the police station, Foster thought +he noticed the old man tremble, as though in fear, and what the sergeant +had said about Dardus recurred to him, and while he hesitated as to +whether or not he should press the point, Bob's guardian exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"I can't go now. There is no one to look after the store. But perhaps I +can go down this evening."</p> + +<p>"That would be too late. His case will come up in court this afternoon."</p> + +<p>"Well, if it does, the boy'll have to take the consequences. I always +told him he shouldn't linger over delivering his orders. It will be a +good lesson to him."</p> + +<p>The incessant repetition of the last words grated on Foster's ears, and, +realizing that he was only wasting time in trying to persuade the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>hard-hearted guardian to help his ward, he exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Then you refuse to do anything to assist Bob, do you?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't know as I would put it exactly that way. I'll see if I +can't do something this evening."</p> + +<p>"Well, you may be obliged to leave your store, whether you want to or +not," retorted Foster, and with this enigmatical remark, the very +suggestiveness of which caused an expression of fear to settle on the +face of the grocer, the reporter turned on his heel and left the shop.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER III</h2> + +<h3>FREE AGAIN</h3> + + +<p>While Bob's champion, unknown to the boy, was interesting himself in his +cause, Bob was sitting on a little iron bunk his cell contained, staring +about him as though unable to comprehend the situation.</p> + +<p>After a few minutes he heard footsteps approaching down the corridor, +and then he was suddenly aroused from his reverie by a voice exclaiming:</p> + +<p>"Well, kid, you came near making a good-sized bit of money."</p> + +<p>"I don't call a dollar a very large sum," retorted Bob.</p> + +<p>"A dollar? What do you mean?" exclaimed one of the two men whom Bob +beheld standing outside the cell door, staring at him through the bars. +"You had seven hundred and fifty dollars of that countryman's money, +didn't you?"</p> + +<p>"I saw seven hundred and fifty dollars of his money put in the envelope, +but all I was to get <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>for holding the envelope until those bad men +returned was to be one dollar—and they didn't even come back to pay me, +and now I haven't delivered the groceries, and Mr. Dardus will be very +angry."</p> + +<p>"Oh, ho! So you are Len Dardus' kid, are you?" queried the other of +Bob's inquisitors.</p> + +<p>"I'm not his kid, but he is my guardian," corrected the lad in a voice +so full of reproach that the two men could not refrain from smiling.</p> + +<p>"Then you don't like Dardus?" smiled the one who had addressed him +first.</p> + +<p>"I think he is unreasonable," returned Bob.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and none too honest," commented the other.</p> + +<p>With the various methods known only to the police detectives of the +large metropolitan police forces, the two men put Bob through a grilling +examination, trying in every possible way to scare him into admitting +either a knowledge of who the swindlers were, or of direct complicity in +the confidence game, but without being able to shake his story, even in +the slightest detail.</p> + +<p>Loath as the police officials were to admit Bob's innocence, his +straightforward answers and manly manner finally convinced them that he +was, as he had said, entirely guiltless, and they withdrew.</p> + +<p>As they returned to the outer room of the po<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>lice station, the sergeant +looked at them questioningly.</p> + +<p>"That boy had nothing to do with the swindle," announced one of the men +who had been examining Bob.</p> + +<p>"That's what," confirmed the other. "If there ever was an honest boy in +New York, that poor little chap back in the cell is one. If you take my +advice, sergeant, you will let him go, and you will change the entry on +your police book from 'Arrested and Held for Complicity,' to 'Held for +Examination'."</p> + +<p>"What's the matter with all you guys, anyway?" snarled the sergeant, as +he saw that the weight of opinion was against him. "Has the boy +hypnotized you? It's enough to convict him that he should be working for +Len Dardus."</p> + +<p>"That isn't his fault," returned the officer who had advised the +sergeant to change the entry in his book. "His mother and father died +when he was three years old, and his father provided in his will that +Dardus should be his guardian, though from what the boy has told us, he +hasn't had any too happy a time of it, poor little shaver."</p> + +<p>"Now don't go turning on the sympathy," growled the sergeant. "I don't +care whether the boy is guilty or not. All I know is that we have got to +make a case against him. It would never <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>do to have it said that two +sharpers could rob a countryman in broad daylight in our precinct. +Haven't our reports to headquarters said, and haven't the papers said, +that our precinct has been free from all such crimes for more than six +months, and this is one of the rawest swindles that has been worked for +a long time. So you two get busy and fix up your case if you want to +stay in this precinct. If you don't, I'll tell the captain and the +inspector, and you will be sorry."</p> + +<p>Without response, the two officers, who believed in Bob's innocence, +turned on their heels, and started toward the door of the police +station.</p> + +<p>"Hey, you two! Go down to the court. I am going to send this boy right +down, and mind you remember what I told you," shouted the sergeant. And, +suiting his action to his words, he gave orders for Bob to be brought +from his cell and taken to the police court.</p> + +<p>Just as Bob appeared in the outer room of the station house, Foster +entered.</p> + +<p>As he saw the boy whose cause he had espoused, the reporter exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"So you have decided to release him, have you, sergeant?"</p> + +<p>"Release nothing," growled the official. "He's on his way to court," and +then, as he had read from the expression on Foster's face that his +mission to interview Len Dardus had not been <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span>altogether satisfactory, +he continued: "You found I was pretty near right about old Dardus, +didn't you?"</p> + +<p>"He surely isn't a very agreeable person," answered the reporter, "and I +quite agree with you that if there was money enough in the undertaking, +he would never stop to question whether or not it was against the law. +But I tell you one thing, sergeant, you are dead wrong about the boy. +The old man actually hates him."</p> + +<p>"Then it would be an easy way for him to get rid of the kid by getting +him into just this kind of a mess."</p> + +<p>"Maybe you're right," assented Foster, as this theory was announced, +"still I don't believe you are. I am more convinced than ever that the +boy had nothing to do with the swindle, and I don't think old Dardus +did, either."</p> + +<p>"Well, it won't help matters to keep arguing about it here. We'll let +the judge decide. McCarty, call a patrol wagon, and take the kid to +court."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I say! you are surely not going to make that kid ride in the patrol +wagon?" protested one of the other newspaper men. "That would be rubbing +it in too hard."</p> + +<p>Emphatically the others added their protest, and in the face of such +opposition, the sergeant countermanded his order for the police wagon, +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>and instead instructed Patrolman McCarty to take the boy to court, +which was less than two blocks away.</p> + +<p>Surrounded by the reporters, Bob and the patrolman walked down the +street, closely followed by the countryman, whose desire to make money +without working for it had led to the loss of the seven hundred and +fifty dollars.</p> + +<p>Arrived at the building in which the court was located, Bob was led away +to the detention room, to await the calling of his case, while the +reporters and Simpkins made their way direct to the court room.</p> + +<p>In due course the case was reached.</p> + +<p>When the presiding magistrate caught sight of Bob's sad face, the stern +expression on his own countenance relaxed, and he bestowed upon the +trembling boy a glance full of encouragement.</p> + +<p>Noting this, Foster, who had been watching the judge intently, was +inspired with the hope that the boy would be quickly discharged. But his +pleasure was only momentary, for, as the magistrate read the charge, his +face became even more austere than usual.</p> + +<p>"Well, Chester, what have you to say for yourself?" demanded the judge, +directing a glance at the boy, as though he would pierce his very soul. +"Are you guilty, or not guilty?"</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 256px;"> +<img src="images/002.png" width="256" height="400" alt=""WELL CHESTER, WHAT HAVE YOU TO SAY FOR YOURSELF?"" title=""WELL CHESTER, WHAT HAVE YOU TO SAY FOR YOURSELF?"" /> +</div><div class='center'>"WELL CHESTER, WHAT HAVE YOU TO SAY FOR YOURSELF?"<br /> +<i>Bob Chester's Grit</i> <a href='#Page_24'>Page 24</a> +</div> + + +<p>The strangeness of the scene and lack of famil<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span>iarity with the +procedure of a court caused Bob to remain silent.</p> + +<p>Again the magistrate repeated his question, but still Bob made no reply.</p> + +<p>"I think he wants to plead guilty," interposed one of the plain-clothes +men whom the sergeant had ordered to make a case against the boy. +"Perhaps if you offered to give him a light sentence if he would tell us +who the two men are who got away with the money, he would do so."</p> + +<p>"How about that?" demanded the magistrate, again directing his gaze at +the boy.</p> + +<p>But before Bob had a chance to reply, Foster exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"He does not want to plead guilty, your honor. This whole business in +dragging this boy to court is an outrage. He had no more knowledge of +the fact that those men intended to, or were, swindling this man from +the country, than you have."</p> + +<p>The tone in which the reporter spoke was one that could not fail to be +impressive, and after a moment's hesitation, the magistrate, who knew +Foster as a reporter and admired him for his manly fearlessness, asked:</p> + +<p>"What do you know about the case?"</p> + +<p>"I protest, your honor, that this man should not be allowed to interfere +with the case," said one of the plain-clothes officers. "He was not a +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>witness of the transaction. I think it would be more proper to hear +Simpkins' version of the affair."</p> + +<p>"When I wish your advice, officer, I will ask for it," snapped the +magistrate, and turning again to Foster, he said:</p> + +<p>"Tell me all you know about this business."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, your honor, I will:</p> + +<p>"I happened to be in the police station when the boy was brought in. He +told a straightforward story about having been on the way to deliver +some groceries, when he was hailed by one of three men, who asked him a +few questions, and then offered him a dollar if he would hold an +envelope, which was supposed to contain twelve hundred and fifty +dollars, for a few minutes. The thought of earning such a sum of money +so easily evidently caused the boy to forget all discretion. But as the +minutes went by and the two men did not reappear, the boy grew restless, +and finally suggested that he hand the envelope to Officer McCarty here, +and that he be allowed to go about his errand of delivering the +groceries. Then——"</p> + +<p>Interrupting, the magistrate turned to Simpkins, and demanded suddenly:</p> + +<p>"Is that true?"</p> + +<p>The question was so unexpected that the coun<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>tryman was surprised into +answering truthfully, and replied:</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>Realizing that the turn of affairs was making them appear ridiculous, +the officer who had suggested that Bob be allowed to plead guilty, and +receive a light sentence, if he would divulge the name of the two +swindlers, hurriedly exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"But the boy has a bad record, your honor."</p> + +<p>"That is not so, your honor," retorted Foster hotly. "When I found that +the sergeant was determined to hold the boy, I went to the man for whom +he works—his name is Len Dardus—and made inquiries about him. Mr. +Dardus is his guardian, and though it was evident that he had no love +for the boy, the worst he could say about him was that he took a half +hour to deliver an order that should have been delivered in twenty +minutes. As to his associating with bad companions, that is not so, for +his guardian said he was never out at night, always preferring to read."</p> + +<p>"If the boy is such a paragon of virtue, why didn't his guardian come to +court himself and try to help the boy, instead of leaving it to a +reporter?" sneered the officer who was trying so hard to make a case +against Bob.</p> + +<p>"I tried to get him to come," exclaimed Foster, "but he refused on the +ground that he could not leave his store."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You reporters are certainly good ones at putting up a plausible story," +retorted the officer contemptuously.</p> + +<p>Striking his desk a sharp rap with his gavel, the magistrate exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"When I want to hear from you, sir, I will let you know. You would make +a far better impression if you and the sergeant and every other +available man connected with the precinct were out searching for the two +swindlers, instead of trying to send a poor, almost friendless, lad to +prison. If you arrested half as many criminals as you do innocent men, +it wouldn't take long to rid this city of crime."</p> + +<p>So stinging was this rebuke that the reporters were busy writing down +the words of the judge, and before they had finished, the magistrate +said:</p> + +<p>"Does your guardian treat you well, Bob?"</p> + +<p>"Why, sir, I suppose so, sir; but he scolds me a lot. He seems to think +that every time he sends me out to deliver an order, that I should come +back within a quarter of an hour, no matter whether I have to go one +block or twenty."</p> + +<p>"How much does he pay you?"</p> + +<p>"Two dollars a week, sir."</p> + +<p>"What do you read at night?"</p> + +<p>"About farming and ranching out West, sir."</p> + +<p>"Then you want to go out West?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. I'm going just as soon as I have money enough. I have saved +ten dollars already towards going."</p> + +<p>"Huh! What becomes of your charge that the boy has evil associates, Mr. +Officer?" snapped the magistrate, as he heard Bob's reply. "Any boy who +earns two dollars a week, and has managed to save ten, surely can't have +any bad habits.</p> + +<p>"Bob, you are discharged. The disgrace to which you have been subjected +of being arrested and brought to court is an outrage, and I wish there +was some way that you could obtain redress from the officers who +subjected you to it, but unfortunately there is not."</p> + +<p>Reaching into his pocket, the magistrate drew forth some bills, from +which he selected one of the denomination of five dollars, and handed it +to Bob.</p> + +<p>"Put this with your ten dollars," he continued. "It will help some +toward getting you out West, and now you go back to Mr. Dardus, and tell +him that Judge Bristol said that your arrest was an outrage. Clerk, call +the next case."</p> + +<p>If Bob had been bewildered by the circumstances that had led to his +being brought to court, he was still more so with the sudden turn in +events that had resulted in his release, and it was not <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>until one of +the court attachés good-naturedly advised him to leave the court room as +soon as he could, that he realized he was again free.</p> + +<p>But in his haste to obey, he suddenly remembered the reporter whose +interest in him had been of such assistance, and he stopped and looked +about the courtroom for him. But Foster and the other reporters were +busy telephoning the story to their papers, and repeating the +magistrate's scathing rebuke to the police of the precinct and the city, +so that Bob could not see them. And, after lingering a moment or so, he +finally decided to return to his guardian without more delay, promising +himself that he would search out his champion and thank him another +time.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER IV</h2> + +<h3>BOB DETERMINES TO BE HIS OWN MASTER</h3> + + +<p>Fearing that if he hurried too fast through the dismal corridors of the +court building he might arouse suspicion and get into more trouble, Bob +restrained his impulse to break into a run, and endeavored to walk as +unconcernedly as possible. But it was with a feeling of vast relief that +he stepped forth from the stone portal and again breathed the free air +of the street.</p> + +<p>Once he had reached the sidewalk, not long did it take him to mingle +with the throng of passersby.</p> + +<p>Like a bad dream did the trying experiences through which he had passed +seem, and he actually pinched himself to see if, after all, it might not +have been some sleep delusion. But the pain of the sharp nip he gave +himself satisfied him that he was indeed awake, and further evidence of +the fact that his experiences had been all too real was given by the +presence of the five-dollar bill in his pocket.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p> + +<p>His pace had been rapid, and he was within two blocks of his guardian's +store, when he suddenly remembered that the basket full of groceries, +which he had started out to deliver, had been left in the police +station.</p> + +<p>That his employer would berate him sharply for their loss, he was aware, +yet he dared not go for them in the fear that he might be subjected to +further unpleasantness.</p> + +<p>His steps, however, grew slower and slower as he approached the store, +which had been the only home he had known for years. That his guardian +knew of his arrest, the words of his champion to the magistrate had told +him. How his guardian would take the double blow of the loss of the +groceries and his arrest, he did not know, but past experience told him +that he could expect no sympathy, and perhaps a beating, and he was +sorely tempted not to return at all, but to strike out for the great +West of his hopes and ambitions. In this moment of indecision, however, +the admonition of the magistrate to return to his guardian recurred to +him, and he felt that he would not be entitled to keep the five dollars +did he not obey.</p> + +<p>To Bob's surprise, as he entered the store, not a soul was visible, but +at the sound of his footsteps on the hard floor his guardian suddenly +appeared from his private office, his shrewd face <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>suffused by the +ingratiating smirk he always put on when going to meet a prospective +customer. At the sight of his ward standing in the middle of the floor, +however, he started, and then his face assumed a look of forbidding +severity.</p> + +<p>"What, you here!" the grocer exclaimed, as he regained control of +himself. "I thought—that is, I was told—I mean, I heard that you had +been arrested, and I didn't expect to see you again for some time; that +is—I mean not here in the store. If you had been sent to prison I +should, of course, have gone to see you."</p> + +<p>Never before had Bob seen his guardian so ill at ease, and from his +knowledge of the man, he decided that his entrance must have interrupted +him when he was engaged at some unusual task. But how to meet the +situation, Bob did not know, and he was vainly striving to think of the +right thing to say when their relations were brought back to their +normal plane by his guardian snarling:</p> + +<p>"What did you do with my delivery basket? Did you leave it with the +groceries, or didn't you even deliver them?"</p> + +<p>The subtle cruelty of this remark stung Bob to the quick. It was the +straw that broke his endurance of the long term of abuse and harsh words +to which he had been subjected.</p> + +<p>"No, I didn't deliver the groceries," he flashed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>back. "I had to leave +the basket at the police station when they took me to court, and after +the judge told me I could go, I didn't want to go back to the place for +it."</p> + +<p>"But there were three dollars worth of groceries in it," wailed his +guardian, wringing his hands. "Here, just because you didn't mind what I +told you about stopping to play on the way when you are delivering +orders, you get arrested and leave me here alone for almost four hours, +without any one to deliver goods, and my customers all complaining +because they don't get their orders. And as though that weren't enough, +you deliberately abandon three dollars' worth of groceries. But you'll +pay for them, young man! You'll pay for them! Never fear. I shall take +the two dollars you would have had coming to you to-night in part +payment, and then one dollar from your wages next Saturday night."</p> + +<p>For an instant, Bob was tempted to produce the five dollars the kindly +magistrate had given him and pay for the groceries then and there. But +there swept through his mind an idea fascinating in its boldness.</p> + +<p>As he stood contemplating the thought which had occurred to him, his +guardian snarled:</p> + +<p>"Don't stand there like a gawk! You've delayed my deliveries long +enough. Take those two baskets," and he pointed to two bulging packages +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span>resting on the counter, "and deliver them. On your way back, as you +will pass the police station, you can stop in and get the basket you +left. But I'll make you pay for the groceries just the same. It will be +a good lesson for you."</p> + +<p>If anything were needed to determine Bob to put his idea into action, it +was this command to go to the station, and he exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"I won't go there to get your old basket! I won't pay for the groceries, +and I won't deliver your old orders! I am going to leave you. I won't +work for you another minute," and without giving his amazed guardian +time to say anything, Bob darted away to the room at the back of the +store, in which he had been accustomed to sleep.</p> + +<p>The plan he had decided upon was to get his ten dollars and enough more +of the money his father had left him to pay his fare to some town in +Oklahoma, where he could begin his long-dreamed-of life on a ranch. He +would not be bothered with the packing of any clothes, for his guardian +had never allowed him any extra clothing, and he had nothing but the +suit upon his back; but he did have his money, and two letters which he +had hidden under a board in the floor that he had fixed so that he could +take it up and put it back whenever he wished.</p> + +<p>In the fear that his guardian might follow him <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>to the room and discover +him as he was procuring his money, Bob worked with feverish haste to +lift the board, and so excited was he that it seemed as though he could +never raise it. But at last he did so, secured possession of his +treasures, and then put the board back, just as the grocer called to him +from the doorway:</p> + +<p>"What are you doing? What do you mean by saying you won't deliver my +groceries and do what I tell you?"</p> + +<p>Panting with excitement, Bob stood like some animal at bay, his eyes +flashing defiance, one hand tightly doubled up, the other clasping his +treasures in the pocket where he had thrust them.</p> + +<p>"I mean I am going West. I won't be treated as you have treated me any +longer."</p> + +<p>For a moment, as he heard the amazing announcement of his ward, Mr. +Dardus stood staring at him in silence, and then broke into a mocking +laugh.</p> + +<p>"So you're going West, are you? That is a good one. Why, you couldn't +even get across the river to Jersey City. It takes money, money, my boy, +to travel, and you haven't a cent. And yet you're going West! That <i>is</i> +a good one. Do you think the trains will carry you for nothing, just for +the pleasure of having you travel on them?" and the grocer indulged +himself in another burst of laughter at what he considered his keen +wit.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p> + +<p>But the next words of his ward soon drove all mirth from his soul.</p> + +<p>"I expect you to give me enough money to carry me to Oklahoma City from +what my father left me. When I get settled out there, I will let you +know, and you can send me the rest of the money which was entrusted to +you for me. If I took it with me, I might get robbed."</p> + +<p>When the merciless old man recovered his breath, he exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"What do you mean about the money your father left for you? Don't you +know he didn't have a cent? Don't you know that if I hadn't taken pity +on you, fool that I was—but your father did me a favor once, and so I +thought I could repay it by taking you—that you would have been sent to +an orphan asylum? And this is the return I get. Here I've spent my +hard-earned money for twelve years to buy you food and clothing, and yet +you dare to say that I have money for you which your father left. I +never heard of such ingratitude."</p> + +<p>"I know that you are not telling the truth," retorted Bob. "I have a +letter my father wrote, saying that I was to open it when I was ten +years old, in which he said that he had given you five thousand dollars +to have me educated."</p> + +<p>"What nonsense! What an outrage!" exclaimed the grocer, though Bob's +statement had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>caused his face to become more than usually ashen-hued. +"I've a mind to thrash you for saying such a thing. Me have five +thousand dollars of yours! I never heard anything so preposterous!"</p> + +<p>"I tell you, you have the money. Here's the letter that says so," +retorted Bob. And, as he spoke, he drew his hand from his pocket, +disclosing to the uneasy gaze of his guardian an envelope yellow with +age, worn and soiled from much handling, but upon which was the writing +which he recognized, all too well, as that of Horace Chester, Bob's +father.</p> + +<p>For an instant the grocer glowered at the boy and the letter, and then +his shrewd mind, suggesting a way out of the embarrassing predicament in +which the boy had placed him, he exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Poor Horace! I had always hoped to keep from you the fact that he was +insane at the time of his death, but this letter makes it impossible. It +was while laboring under the delusion that he had money, that he wrote +you of this phantom bequest. Poor Horace! The sight of his writing moves +me deeply, especially as I have to disabuse you of the delusion that I +am holding five thousand dollars in trust for you," and he held out his +hand.</p> + +<p>Had it not been for the look of cunning that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>appeared in his guardian's +eyes as he uttered these words, which cast such a stigma upon the name +of the boy's dead father, Bob might have believed him, but he had been +watching his guardian intently. He saw the look of cunning, and instead +of surrendering the letter, he hastily thrust it back into his pocket.</p> + +<p>Forgetting all discretion, as he saw that his plot for obtaining +possession of the letter had failed, Len Dardus rushed upon the boy, +with the evident purpose of obtaining it by force, exclaiming:</p> + +<p>"You won't give it to me, eh? Well, I will take it, whether you want me +to or not."</p> + +<p>But Bob, in the flush of his youth, was quick and agile, and it was no +task at all for him to dive under the arm stretched forth to seize him, +and then to dash through the door and out onto the street.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER V</h2> + +<h3>BOB MISSES A FRIEND</h3> + + +<p>Never stopping to notice in what direction he was going, Bob dashed +along the street, fearful only lest his guardian would pursue him, and +expecting every moment to hear his voice shouting at him to stop. But as +the moments wore by without any sign of excitement or alarm, Bob gained +confidence, finally slackening his pace to a walk, and began to think of +what he should do, now that he had taken matters into his own hands, and +severed the ties of years that had bound him to his guardian.</p> + +<p>Back in the store the grocer had stood undecided what to do. The +knowledge that his ward had been informed of the bequest, a fact which +he supposed was known only to himself, had unnerved him. And the failure +of his attempt to get the letter and thus destroy all evidence of the +trust fund, had caused him to be seized with a great fear lest +retribution should be visited upon him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p> + +<p>Instead, therefore, of going in pursuit of Bob, his one idea was to +conceal himself. Going to the front door of the shop, he closed it and +locked it and then betook himself to his private office, the door of +which he also shut, and sitting down in the chair buried his head in his +hands and tried to think what was best for him to do.</p> + +<p>But his sense of guilt would not let him rest, and in the thought that +Bob might seek some lawyer and place the matter in his hands, which +would mean a visit to the grocery store and the necessity of making +embarrassing explanations, the dishonest guardian determined to go away +for a few hours at least. No sooner had he made up his mind upon this +course of action than he seized his hat, stole from his room, glided +across the floor to the front door, listened a moment for the sound of +voices, or any other indication that people were passing, then hurriedly +turned the key in the door, stepped outside, locked the door again, and +after a furtive glance up and down the street, slunk away, keeping close +to the buildings, for all the world like a dog that was hounded, rather +than a man.</p> + +<p>It was because of this action on the part of Mr. Dardus in closing his +store that Foster was unable to gain admittance when he arrived half an +hour later, having come for the purpose of seeing the boy he had +championed so effectively, and of as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span>sisting in a reconciliation between +the ward and the guardian, in case it had not already been accomplished. +On his way, his mind had pictured many scenes in which the boy and the +grocer were participants, but none of them had contained the possibility +of the store being closed. And it was with distinct surprise that he +found the door locked, and was unable to arouse any one by his vigorous +pounding upon the weather-worn panels.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what it means," said the reporter to himself. "Perhaps Bob +didn't come back, and the old man, repenting of his refusing to go to +his ward's assistance, is on his way either to the police station or to +the court."</p> + +<p>His occupation, however, necessitated his being resourceful, and, seeing +an elderly woman peering at him closely from a window of the neighboring +house, Foster hastened toward her.</p> + +<p>Bowing politely, he asked:</p> + +<p>"Have you seen anything of Mr. Dardus, or Bob Chester?"</p> + +<p>"Uhuh! I seen 'em both," replied the woman, nodding her head, as though +to confirm her words. But though Foster remained silent in the hope that +she would add to this information, he was at length obliged to renew his +questions, as she vouchsafed nothing more.</p> + +<p>"Were they together?"</p> + +<p>"No."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Which way were they going—in the same direction?"</p> + +<p>"No. Bob ran up the street as though the police were after him."</p> + +<p>"Then Mr. Dardus was chasing him," suggested Foster, jumping at the +conclusion that Bob and his guardian had had angry words, that the boy +had run away, and that his guardian had gone in pursuit.</p> + +<p>"No, he wasn't. He came out about twenty minutes after Bob had gone, and +went in the opposite direction."</p> + +<p>This response puzzled the reporter, as he could think of no plausible +explanation, but his thoughts were diverted by the old woman, who +demanded:</p> + +<p>"What's wrong, mister?"</p> + +<p>"What makes you think there is anything wrong?" parried Foster, +determined, if possible, to keep the knowledge of Bob's arrest from so +evident a neighborhood gossip.</p> + +<p>"Because Len Dardus closed his store on a Saturday. I've been living +here thirty years, and he has never done such a thing before, but once, +and that was twelve years ago, the day he brought Bob back with him. So +I know that it must be something important, or the old man wouldn't lose +the opportunity to make a few cents in his store."</p> + +<p>Struck by the coincidence that it was because <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>of Bob the grocer had at +both times shut up his store, Foster considered for a few moments what +it was best to do, and then said with ever so faint a smile:</p> + +<p>"I suppose you will see Bob when he comes back?"</p> + +<p>"I reckon I will. I see most everything going on around here that's to +be seen."</p> + +<p>"Then I will be obliged if you will give him this," and he handed her +one of his calling cards. "Tell him, please, that I am at home any +evening after seven o'clock, and should like to have him call on me."</p> + +<p>"I'll be glad to. I suppose you may be some friend of Bob's who knew his +father? I've often wondered why no one came to see the boy and take him +from that man Dardus."</p> + +<p>These words suggested a new train of thought to the reporter, and, +judging from the remark that his informant had some knowledge of the +boy's antecedents, he determined to learn what he could about them.</p> + +<p>"Then you knew Bob's father?" asked Foster.</p> + +<p>"No. I can't say as I knew him, but I do know that I wouldn't treat a +dog the way Dardus has treated Bob, and I have often wondered why none +of the friends of the lad's father came to find out about him, or to +take him away. And I made up my mind, as soon as I saw you, that you +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>were one of them. Anyway, I hope so, for Bob is a real bright boy; too +bright to be working for that old miser. He's fond of book reading, and +I've told old man Dardus, every time I saw him, that he ought to have +the boy educated."</p> + +<p>"Well, I <i>am</i> Bob's friend," said the reporter, "and if you think it's a +wise thing, I'll see what I can do about getting him into a different +place. You just tell him to come and see me the first opportunity he +has."</p> + +<p>And again lifting his hat, Foster bowed and took his departure.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER VI</h2> + +<h3>A KIND-HEARTED WAITRESS</h3> + + +<p>After Bob had found that no one was pursuing him, he decided that the +first thing to do was to get away from New York, and with this purpose +he headed for one of the ferries that would take him to the Jersey +shore.</p> + +<p>How far his fifteen dollars would carry him, he did not know, but he +realized that it could not be any great distance, and he was trying to +think of some plan by which he could obtain more funds, when he suddenly +remembered the reporter who had taken such an interest in him.</p> + +<p>"I'll go and find him," said Bob to himself. "He'll know about how much +it costs to travel, and all such things, and perhaps he'll help me to +get some work where I can earn more money. Anyway, I will be able to +believe what he tells me, and to depend on his advice."</p> + +<p>So simple a solution of his difficulties gave Bob new courage, until all +at once it flashed upon him that he did not know the name of his +benefactor, or where to find him.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span></p> + +<p>As this thought occurred to him, Bob stopped still. However, his having +thrown himself upon his own resources was sharpening his wits, and he +suddenly exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"I can find out at the police station. Perhaps he'll be there."</p> + +<p>And though the boy was fully three miles away from the place where he +had suffered such outrageous treatment, he turned his steps to retrace +the distance.</p> + +<p>When at length he was within sight of the grim building, the same fear +of entering it that had made him refuse his guardian's command to fetch +the basket of groceries, again seized him, and he paused.</p> + +<p>"I won't go in," said Bob, shaking his head decidedly, "but I'll wait +over by that pile of boxes on the opposite side of the street. Probably +he'll be coming out before long."</p> + +<p>Though this plan of Bob's would ordinarily have been effective, it +happened that Foster had finished his work for the day even before he +had paid his visit to the closed store of Len Dardus, and thus the boy +was doomed to disappointment, although he stayed at his post of +observation until dark began to fall.</p> + +<p>With the garish flarings of the street lamps, Bob for the first time +realized the true meaning of the step he had taken. Heretofore he had +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span>always possessed a home to which to go, unpleasant as it was, but now +he had no place, and the contemplation of his loneliness caused him to +grow very sober.</p> + +<p>As the pangs of hunger were added to his general feeling of +helplessness, for a moment he thought of returning to his guardian, but +only for a moment. As he left the letter in his pocket and remembered +the awful stigma his guardian had tried to cast upon his dead father, +his pride arose.</p> + +<p>"I will never go back there!" he told himself. "I have money in my +pocket, and I can get something to eat. Then I'll go over to one of the +stations in Jersey City and find some place to sleep. Perhaps there'll +even be a train going out West to-night that will carry me part way to +Oklahoma."</p> + +<p>Coming forth from the pile of boxes from which he had sought in vain to +catch a glimpse of his friend, the reporter, Bob walked up the street +until he came to a restaurant, brilliantly lighted, and with a sign +standing in the door from which the words: "Pork and Beans, 15 cents a +plate," stared at him invitingly.</p> + +<p>Dearly did Bob love pork and beans, but only occasionally had his +guardian provided them, and then in such small quantities that the boy +had never been able to eat all he wanted, and often<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>times had he +promised himself that some day he would have his fill. Consequently, as +he read the sign, he determined to gratify his desire, and timidly +entered the restaurant, where there were stools in front of a high +counter and tables along the wall, upon which stood an array of food +that amazed him, accustomed, as he had been, to living on almost +nothing.</p> + +<p>Making his way diffidently to one of the tables, he sat down. In a +moment a waitress, in what seemed to him a dazzlingly white and gorgeous +dress, approached, and, with a smile, asked:</p> + +<p>"What will you have?"</p> + +<p>"Beans, please, and lots of them."</p> + +<p>"And brown bread, too?" asked the waitress.</p> + +<p>The thought of this with his beans had never entered Bob's head, and as +it was suggested to him, he felt a great longing for it. Yet as no +mention of it had been made on the sign that had attracted him to the +restaurant, he feared it might be too expensive. But the more he thought +of it, the more he wanted it, and finally he stammered:</p> + +<p>"How much does it cost?"</p> + +<p>"Five cents a slice."</p> + +<p>"Then you may bring me two slices," replied the boy, laying emphasis +upon the word "two."</p> + +<p>"Coffee or tea?"</p> + +<p>"I don't believe I'll have either," said Bob, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>feeling that his +expenditure of twenty-five cents was all that he could afford.</p> + +<p>Divining the reason of his refusal, the waitress smiled:</p> + +<p>"You get either tea or coffee with the order. It doesn't cost any more."</p> + +<p>"Then I'll have coffee," replied Bob.</p> + +<p>And as the waitress went to bring his order, he again felt in his pocket +to make sure he had the money with which to pay for his meal.</p> + +<p>As the heaping plate of beans—for the waitress had not been scrimping +in her measure—was set before Bob, together with the rich brown bread +and coffee, it seemed to him that never had anything smelled quite so +savory, and he began to eat as though he were famished.</p> + +<p>Though the plate of beans had been heaping, so good did they taste to +Bob, that he could not resist the temptation of ordering more, and +calling the waitress to him, he asked:</p> + +<p>"If I have a second plate, will it cost less?"</p> + +<p>For a moment the girl was on the point of laughing at him, but the +wistful seriousness of his face checked the outburst of merriment on her +lips, and instead she replied, in a kindly tone:</p> + +<p>"What's the matter, kid? Haven't you any money?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes," Bob hastened to reassure her.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, if you have money enough, what's to prevent your ordering as much +as you want?"</p> + +<p>For a moment Bob contemplated the question from this new viewpoint, but, +unable to decide, observed:</p> + +<p>"I don't just know as I ought to spend any more."</p> + +<p>"Isn't the money yours?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, it's not that," rejoined Bob, and then, after hesitating a +moment, he determined to leave the decision to this girl, whose face +showed that she was kind and sympathetic, and he said:</p> + +<p>"You see, it's this way: I'm going out West, and I haven't got much +money, and I'm afraid I'll spend too much, because I don't just know how +much it will take."</p> + +<p>"Well, if I was you, I'd eat all I wanted while I had the money. If +you've got to 'hobo' your way, there'll be times when you'll probably be +without both food and money."</p> + +<p>This reasoning struck Bob as being eminently practical, and he was on +the point of ordering another plate, when the girl made it unnecessary +by saying:</p> + +<p>"I'll stake you to another plate, if you want the beans very much. It's +just about time for me to eat my supper, and I will bring it over to +your table and eat with you, and I'll make them think the beans are for +me."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p> + +<p>Bob wasn't quite sure whether such a plan was all right or not, but he +had a healthy boy's appetite for beans, and so he made no objection.</p> + +<p>"You are very kind," he said, when the second plate of the savory food +was placed before him. "I suppose I shall be hungry sometimes before I +get to Oklahoma, but I don't expect to 'hobo' it."</p> + +<p>"Then how do you expect to get along? You say you haven't much money."</p> + +<p>"I guess I don't just understand what it means to 'hobo' it," admitted +Bob.</p> + +<p>"No, I guess you don't. It's the name they give out West to travelling +when you don't have money enough to pay your railroad fare, and have to +beat your way, riding on freight trains."</p> + +<p>As Bob heard this explanation of the term, his eyes sparkled with +delight, and he said earnestly:</p> + +<p>"I'm glad you told me about it. I'd never thought of trying to steal a +ride on a freight train."</p> + +<p>"For pity sake! How did you expect to get away out there?"</p> + +<p>"Walk, unless I could earn money enough in one town to take me to +another."</p> + +<p>Bob's conversation, which showed such a remarkable ignorance of the +world, especially in view of the fact that he was a New York boy, +suggested to the waitress that perhaps he had run away from home.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p> + +<p>Determined to find out, she banished the sympathetic smile from her +face, and becoming very severe, leaned across the table and gazing +straight into Bob's eyes, asked:</p> + +<p>"Look a here, kid, you haven't run away from a good home, have you?"</p> + +<p>The unexpectedness of this question took Bob by surprise. Under the +searching gaze of the girl's eyes, he felt just as he had when the +magistrate had glanced at him, and his voice trembled a little as he +replied:</p> + +<p>"No! Oh, no, indeed!"</p> + +<p>But his manner was not convincing, and the girl continued her +interrogations, but on a different tack.</p> + +<p>"Your folks live in New York?"</p> + +<p>"I haven't any."</p> + +<p>"Then where have you been living?"</p> + +<p>"With my guardian."</p> + +<p>"What do you do?"</p> + +<p>"I used to deliver groceries for him."</p> + +<p>The stress Bob laid upon the word "used," led the girl to inquire:</p> + +<p>"Did he fire you? Or what?"</p> + +<p>"No. I left him."</p> + +<p>"How long ago?"</p> + +<p>"Just this afternoon."</p> + +<p>The close questioning of the waitress was making Bob very uncomfortable, +and he deter<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>mined to tell her the real reason he had left, especially +as she was so kind and seemed to know so much about traveling in the +West. Having reached this decision, he told, with many hesitations, the +story of his experiences.</p> + +<p>With quick sympathy the girl listened, and, as he concluded, exclaimed +tenderly:</p> + +<p>"You poor kid! I'm sure glad you happened to drop in here. I've got a +sister living out in Chicago, whose husband runs as far as Kansas City +on a freight train. I'll give you a note to her, and her man will give +you a lift, and probably he can arrange with some of the men he knows to +carry you west from Kansas City."</p> + +<p>"That will be very kind of you," returned Bob. "It seems as though +strangers are kinder to me than people I've known all my life."</p> + +<p>"That's often the way," exclaimed the girl, as she rose and went up to +the desk in the front of the restaurant, where she obtained some paper, +an envelope, and pen and ink, which she brought back to Bob's table.</p> + +<p>It was evident from the slowness with which her self-imposed task +advanced that the girl was more ready with her kind-hearted sympathy +than with her pen. But at last the missive was finished, and she gave it +to Bob.</p> + +<p>"Don't forget that address: 'South 101st Street, on the left-hand +corner, in a big, yellow <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>brick building.' It's on the side of the +street nearest New York, and the name is Mrs. John Cameron."</p> + +<p>Gratefully Bob took the letter, which he placed with the one written by +his father, and as he did so he asked:</p> + +<p>"I wonder how much it costs to get to Chicago?"</p> + +<p>"Depends on how you travel. You can go in a plain car for about ten or +eleven dollars. That is on one of the round-about railways, at cut +rates. Or, you can pay between fifty and seventy-five dollars for a +state-room."</p> + +<p>"Oh, goody! If it only costs ten dollars, I can get out there all right, +and still have some money left."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad of that. Now, you sit here a few minutes, and I'll put up a +lunch for you, and then you won't have to buy any food while you are on +the train. They always charge a lot more on trains or in station +restaurants than they ought to."</p> + +<p>"Hadn't I better pay you now?" inquired Bob.</p> + +<p>"No. You wait until I bring the box of lunch. The boss hasn't noticed +how much you had to eat, and he'll think it's all on the check I will +ring in."</p> + +<p>"But that isn't exactly right, is it?" protested Bob.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, I'll make it right with the boss."</p> + +<p>So well were things working out for him, that it seemed to Bob that he +must be in a dream, but the sight of the people and objects about him +told him that it was indeed a reality.</p> + +<p>In due course the kind waitress returned, bringing a sizeable box, +tightly tied, which she placed on the table before him.</p> + +<p>"Here, kiddo, I wish you good luck," she said. "I must leave you now, +because I've got some more work to do."</p> + +<p>"But you must tell me your name," insisted Bob, looking at her with his +eyes filled with gratitude. "I'm coming back from the West a rich man, +and I shall want to look you up and repay you for your kindness."</p> + +<p>"I hope you strike it fine, kid," laughed the girl, "but I am afraid if +you do, you'll never think of looking up Nellie Porter. Oh, by the way, +do you know to which station to go?"</p> + +<p>"No, I don't," admitted Bob.</p> + +<p>"Well, if you want to get a plain car, you want to go over to Weehawken +and buy your ticket over the West Shore railroad."</p> + +<p>And giving Bob a check for his food, the girl smiled upon him +pleasantly, and hurried away to wait upon some other people who had +entered the restaurant.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER VII</h2> + +<h3>GOOD LUCK FROM BAD</h3> + + +<p>By dint of questioning, Bob reached the Weehawken ferry and was soon on +a boat, gliding through the dark waters of the river toward the Jersey +shore.</p> + +<p>Never had the boy been on a ferryboat at night, and the spectacle +presented by the brilliantly lighted buildings filled him with wonder. +Fortunate was it for him that he was so enthralled, for the boat had +bumped into her slip and the people were rushing ashore before he had +time to realize that he was leaving behind all he had ever known of a +home.</p> + +<p>Indeed, so absorbed was he in gazing about him, that it was not till one +of the crew exclaimed: "Hey, kid, get ashore. You can't beat your way +back on this boat," that he knew they had reached Weehawken.</p> + +<p>"I'm not trying to beat my way," rejoined Bob. "I'm not going back to +New York. I'm going <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>to Chicago—and then to Oklahoma," he added in a +boyish attempt to impress the boatman with his importance.</p> + +<p>"Well, you'd better hurry if you want to make the train for Chicago," +returned the other. "This is the last boat before it starts. You'll have +to hustle if you've any baggage, or are you travelling 'light'?"</p> + +<p>But Bob had not waited to hear the comment upon his lack of equipment, +and, before the words had left the mouth of the boatman, was running up +the gangway and into the station.</p> + +<p>The glare of the lights after the darkness of the river and the many +people scurrying to and fro, together with the porters and trainmen +calling and shouting, bewildered the lad who had never been so far away +from home before, and he stood in the middle of the station as though +dazed.</p> + +<p>Noticing the woe-begone figure, the station policeman walked over to +where Bob was standing.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter, kid? Looking for some one?"</p> + +<p>"No. I'm going away, to Chicago. I wish you'd tell me where to go to get +a chair car."</p> + +<p>"Not running away from home, are you?" inquired the official, scanning +Bob's face searchingly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p> + +<p>This constant suggestion that he was running away angered the boy, and +he determined to put an end to it.</p> + +<p>"No, I'm not," he retorted impatiently. "I'm going out West to become a +ranchman, though I don't see why it is any of your business. The man on +the boat told me I would have to hurry if I was going to catch my +train."</p> + +<p>"Got any money?" inquired the policeman, ignoring the boy's manner.</p> + +<p>"Surely." And Bob drew forth the precious ten dollars he had managed to +save from the pittance his guardian had paid him and all that remained +from the money the magistrate had given him.</p> + +<p>"All right. Come with me. I'll show you," responded the official, +assured by the sight of the money that Bob was not trying to steal a +ride on the train.</p> + +<p>Quickly the two made their way to the ticket office.</p> + +<p>"Ticket for this youngster," announced the policeman.</p> + +<p>"Where to?" asked the agent.</p> + +<p>"Chicago, in a chair car," answered Bob.</p> + +<p>"'Leven thirty," returned the man in the ticket office, turning to his +rack and taking down a long strip of paper, which he stamped rapidly.</p> + +<p>With trembling fingers, Bob counted out the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>money, and shoved it +through the opening in the window.</p> + +<p>"Correct," muttered the agent, as he counted the roll of bills. "Now +hurry, or you won't get your train."</p> + +<p>As Bob received the amazingly long ticket, his breast swelled with +pride. Its possession meant the beginning of his long-cherished dream, +and he started to study it, when the voice of the officer warned him:</p> + +<p>"Come this way, kid. Go through gate No. 3. You can read your ticket +when you get on the train; you'll have time enough before you reach +Chicago. Good luck on your ranch," he added in a kindly banter.</p> + +<p>But Bob had no time to reply, for the trainmen were already shouting +their "All aboard for Chicago," and it was only by running down the +platform that he was able to get on a car just as the wheels began to +move.</p> + +<p>The car in which Bob found himself was upholstered in dark green, and +the woodwork was of polished mahogany. Never had he seen anything so +magnificent, and as he sank into a high-back seat, he uttered a sigh of +contentment.</p> + +<p>But he was not allowed to enjoy his luxury long.</p> + +<p>While he was gazing with wide-staring eyes at everything about him, a +colored porter entered <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>the car and languidly glanced from one to +another of the occupants, as though making a mental calculation of the +tips he would receive, when his eyes fell on the poorly-clad figure of +Bob, holding his box of lunch on his knees.</p> + +<p>With an exclamation of surprise, the porter hastened to where the lad +was sitting.</p> + +<p>"What you-all doin' in hyar?" he demanded harshly.</p> + +<p>The tone in which the question was asked now caused the other +passengers, who had hitherto been too busy getting themselves +comfortably settled to notice Bob, to turn their gaze upon him.</p> + +<p>"I'm going to Chicago," returned Bob.</p> + +<p>But the hostile look on the porter's face scared him, and he could not +help a tremor that crept into his voice as he made his reply.</p> + +<p>"Whar's yer ticket?" snarled the negro.</p> + +<p>Reaching into his pocket, Bob drew forth the long strip of paper and +presented it to the officious porter.</p> + +<p>"The ticket's all right," grunted the man. "Now, whar's youah parlah +cyar ticket?"</p> + +<p>"My what?" asked Bob.</p> + +<p>"Youah parlah cyar ticket."</p> + +<p>"That's all the ticket I have," returned Bob. "Isn't that enough? I told +the man I wanted a chair-car ticket, and that's what he gave me."</p> + +<p>"Huh! I thought so. This ain't no chair cyar.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> This is a parlah cyar. +The cyar you-all want is up front, four cyars ahead. Now get out of hyar +lively."</p> + +<p>"But I can't get out while the train's going," protested Bob. "I might +get hurt, and—and besides, I want to go to Chicago, and if I get off +I'll lose my train."</p> + +<p>And in Bob's voice, as he pictured himself in his mind left beside the +railroad tracks in a strange place and at night, there was a plaintive +appeal.</p> + +<p>"You don't have to git off ther train," snarled the porter. "All you +gotta do is to walk right fru ther other cyars, three of 'em, mind you, +and you'll find your chair cyar. The idea of you-all getting into a +parlah cyar with a chair-cyar ticket."</p> + +<p>Reassured by the information that it would be unnecessary for him to +leave the train in order to reach the proper car, Bob rose from the soft +and luxurious seat slowly.</p> + +<p>"Come, hurry," growled the porter, making a move as though to seize Bob +by the arm and drag him from the car.</p> + +<p>But before he could do so, the stern voice of an elderly and +well-dressed man, who was occupying the second seat ahead, exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Porter, can't you see this boy is unaccustomed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>to travelling? Why +don't you show him the way to the chair car?"</p> + +<p>"What, <i>me</i> take that crittur fru three coaches? It's——"</p> + +<p>But the negro was not given the opportunity to finish.</p> + +<p>Bumping into the porter so that he knocked him to one side, the man who +had taken the negro to task for his treatment of Bob exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Then <i>I</i> will show him the way. Come, son."</p> + +<p>And he held out his hand, while all anger had disappeared from his face, +as he looked at Bob kindly.</p> + +<p>"My name is Bob Chester," said the boy, taking the outstretched hand and +shaking it.</p> + +<p>"And mine is Horace Perkins," returned the elder man, unable to restrain +a smile as he thought of the unceremonious introduction to himself, who +practically owned the road. "I am sorry you should have had so +unpleasant an experience."</p> + +<p>And as the railroad magnate and the poorly-clad boy passed from sight of +those in the car, the porter moaned:</p> + +<p>"Oh, lawdy, lawdy! Ah sho has done got mahself in a mess."</p> + +<p>And the comments of the other passengers, as they prophesied the +punishment the railroad presi<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>dent would inflict on his uncivil +employee, told him that they agreed with his opinion thoroughly.</p> + +<p>As Bob and his distinguished guide reached the chair car, the latter +beckoned to the brakeman and said:</p> + +<p>"I am Mr. Perkins. I presume you know that I am the president of this +road. I want you to keep an eye on this boy. He isn't accustomed to +travelling. He'll probably need something to eat to-morrow, so either +take him into one of the railroad restaurants, or bring him some lunch +into the car. Here's some money for his meals."</p> + +<p>But before his benefactor could withdraw his hand from his pocket, Bob +exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"I have my lunch with me, right here in this box, Mr. Perkins. I'm just +as much obliged to you, though."</p> + +<p>A moment the railroad president hesitated, then realizing from the look +on Bob's face that he would give offense should he press his gift, he +smiled and said:</p> + +<p>"All right, son. Just as you wish. But I want you to be my guest at +breakfast in the morning."</p> + +<p>And again shaking hands with Bob, Mr. Perkins left the car.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2> + +<h3>BOB'S LUCK CONTINUES</h3> + + +<p>After the railroad president had left the car, the brakeman found a +chair for Bob, and showed him how to work its mechanism so that he could +drop it back when he wished to go to sleep, all the while eyeing the +poorly-dressed lad with evident curiosity, which finally he could no +longer restrain, and he asked:</p> + +<p>"Have you known Mr. Perkins long?"</p> + +<p>"No," replied Bob. "I only met him to-night."</p> + +<p>"You must have made a hit with him."</p> + +<p>"No. I just think he is very kind."</p> + +<p>"Huh! That's a new one. You're the first one that ever called old +Perkins kind. If you could hear some of the men talk about how he has +treated them, you wouldn't think he was so kind."</p> + +<p>"I don't know about that. I only know he was very kind to me," returned +Bob, "and I like him. If his men were honest and square with him, I +think he would be with them."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p> + +<p>The approach of the train to a station, necessitating the member of the +train crew going about his duty, prevented him from plying Bob further +with questions, much to the latter's relief.</p> + +<p>Placing his box of lunch on the floor beside him, Bob leaned back in his +chair, partially closed his eyes, and gazed about him at the other +passengers. But there was none who interested him, and he soon turned +his mind to the contemplation of his position.</p> + +<p>It was with difficulty that he could realize that he was actually on his +way to the great West. But the steady motion of the train, the whirl of +the wheels, and the occasional blast of the engine's whistle, told him +that he was not dreaming, and after enjoying for a while the sensation +of travelling he began to think about what he should do when he reached +Chicago.</p> + +<p>He had read much of the enormous area the city covered, and he wondered +if he would have any difficulty in finding the home of the woman whose +husband was to form such a necessary link in his travelling +arrangements.</p> + +<p>"Suppose she shouldn't be at home, or suppose Mr. Cameron doesn't feel +like helping me? I guess under those circumstances it would be necessary +for me to get a job somewhere. But I won't be an errand boy in a grocery +store," he promised himself. But with the custom of look<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>ing only on the +bright side of things, which is a fortunate habit of youth, he began to +think of the good times he would have riding the horses on the plains, +and of watching the cowboys as they roped the steers and branded them. +And his fancy even pictured himself as a successful participant in +various nerve-stirring contests.</p> + +<p>"I may be from the East, but I won't let them call me a tenderfoot," Bob +exclaimed earnestly; "and I'll try and get on the right side of them, so +they won't play tricks on me."</p> + +<p>Bob's idea of cowboys had been gathered from his reading of many stories +of life on the plains, and was, therefore, rather vague. And it was +while holding imaginary conversations with ranchmen conjured from his +brain, that his body, wearied by the unusual events through which he had +passed, grew quiet, and he finally dropped off to sleep.</p> + +<p>The motion of the train and frequent stops affected him not at all, and +as soundly as though he were in the bed at the rear of the grocer's +shop, he slept through the night.</p> + +<p>Mindful of Mr. Perkins' request that he look after Bob, the brakeman +brought a coat with which he covered the boy, as the chill of night +settled on the car, and several times as he passed he tucked it about +Bob, when his moving had caused it to slide to the floor.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p> + +<p>About seven o'clock in the morning the trainman, after having waited in +vain for Bob to wake of his own accord, shook him gently by the +shoulder, exclaiming:</p> + +<p>"Come, son, it's time you were up and doing, if you are going to have +breakfast with the 'old man.' He is liable to send in any time for you +now, and after you have known him as long as I have, you'll learn that +he doesn't like to be kept waiting."</p> + +<p>"But where am I going to wash my face and hands? Doesn't the train stop +at the station?"</p> + +<p>At this naïve question, the brakeman looked at Bob for a moment, and +then chuckling heartily to himself, exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Say, kid, are you trying to jolly me, or have you been kept in a glass +cage all your life? Don't you know that they have washrooms on the +trains?"</p> + +<p>"No. This is the first time I have ever taken a journey on a train in my +life."</p> + +<p>"Where are you going?"</p> + +<p>"To Chicago, first, and then out to Oklahoma."</p> + +<p>"Well, that's far enough, so that if you don't know anything about +travelling now, you will when you get there. What part of Oklahoma are +you going to?"</p> + +<p>"I don't just know exactly," and then, his breast swelling with pride, +he continued: "I'm <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>going on a ranch, but I haven't decided quite yet +where."</p> + +<p>"Folks live out there? Going to friends?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"Well, I suppose you know your own business, but taking it all in all, +if I was you, I think I'd stay East among people I knew, and whose ways +I was used to."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe you would if you were me," said Bob, and then tiring of +the questioning, he said: "I thought you were going to show me the +washroom. I want to be ready when Mr. Perkins sends for me."</p> + +<p>Smiling at the manner in which Bob changed the conversation, the +brakeman led him to the lavatory, and soon Bob had made his very +primitive toilet.</p> + +<p>In his endeavor to make himself as presentable as possible, he had +washed and wiped his face so vigorously that it almost shone. And no +sooner had he finished the task than the brakeman put his head in the +door, and said:</p> + +<p>"All ready, kid? Mr. Perkins has sent for you."</p> + +<p>Going out into the car, Bob saw a negro clad in a suit of immaculate +linen.</p> + +<p>"Is you Mr. Chester?" asked the darky, restraining the smile Bob's +appearance produced.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span></p> + +<p>"My name's Bob Chester, if that's what you mean," returned the boy.</p> + +<p>"Then you'se to come with me to the dining-car, where Mr. Perkins is +waiting for you."</p> + +<p>Without more delay, the negro led the way.</p> + +<p>Unmindful of the glances indicative of curiosity that were cast at him, +Bob followed his guide into the dining-car.</p> + +<p>As the railroad president saw his youthful guest approach, he arose, and +with punctilious ceremony shook Bob's hand, murmuring:</p> + +<p>"I hope you slept well, Bob?"</p> + +<p>"Very, thank you. I don't think I should have been awake now, if the +brakeman hadn't called me. He was very kind to me."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad of that," smiled the official. "What would you like to eat?"</p> + +<p>"Most anything, thank you."</p> + +<p>"Then suppose you let me order for you."</p> + +<p>This suggestion brought great relief to Bob, and he listened with wide +eyes as he heard the order for strawberries, bacon and eggs, buckwheat +cakes, maple syrup and coffee.</p> + +<p>"Does that selection meet with your approval?" smiled the railroad +president.</p> + +<p>"Indeed it does, sir! Next to beans, I like buckwheat cakes."</p> + +<p>"I guess all boys do. I know my sons at home are very fond of them."</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 259px;"> +<img src="images/003.png" width="259" height="400" alt=""DOES THAT SELECTION MEET WITH YOUR APPROVAL?" SMILED THE PRESIDENT" title=""DOES THAT SELECTION MEET WITH YOUR APPROVAL?" SMILED THE PRESIDENT" /> +</div><div class="center">"DOES THAT SELECTION MEET WITH YOUR APPROVAL?" SMILED THE PRESIDENT<br /> +<i>Bob Chester's Grit</i> <a href='#Page_71'>Page 71</a> +</div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span></p> + +<p>Bob's enjoyment of his breakfast was so evident that it was almost +pathetic. And as Mr. Perkins watched him eat, he wondered what the boy's +story could be, and from having taken merely a passing interest in him, +his desire to do something for him became keen.</p> + +<p>Under the discreet guidance of the railroad president, Bob was led to +tell him of his life and of the experiences of the day before that had +resulted in the severing of all ties, and the taking of so radical a +step as the trip to the West.</p> + +<p>As he listened to the narrative, his mind reverted to his own boys at +home, surrounded by every luxury that wealth and affection could give +them, and he wondered if, were either of them placed in Bob's +circumstances, they would have the courage to do as he had done.</p> + +<p>When Bob had finished his story, Mr. Perkins sat in silence for several +minutes, evidently in deep thought.</p> + +<p>"I think you have chosen the wisest course, Bob," he finally said. "The +West is a great country, and you have qualities about you that I think +will bring you success. Of course, you will probably be obliged to stand +a good many hard knocks, but they won't hurt you, my boy. Hard knocks +are good for any man. The only thing to be careful about is that they do +not sour you <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span>and cause you to feel anger and hatred against your +fellows.</p> + +<p>"I suppose you know, of course, that the West, just like any other part +of the world, contains a lot of bad men as well as good—only out West +the bad men are more noticeable because they act more openly, gambling +and drinking and fighting.</p> + +<p>"You must be very careful whom you choose for your companions. If you +make up your mind to treat every one politely and with kindness, you +will soon be able to determine who are the ones whose friendship is +worth having, and whom to avoid. But if you wish to succeed, you must +keep away from the saloons and gambling dives.</p> + +<p>"This may seem a good deal of a lecture to you, but if you follow my +advice, some day you will thank me for giving it to you. And now, what +do you propose to do, in case you don't find Mrs. Cameron? You know in +big cities people often move, and it may be some time since her sister +saw her. Then again, perhaps her husband won't prove very +accommodating."</p> + +<p>"I've thought of that, Mr. Perkins. If I can't find them, I shall try to +get some work somewhere, so that I can earn money enough to pay my fare +from Chicago."</p> + +<p>"You'll succeed all right, Bob," said the railroad president. "You have +the right spirit of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>grit. But I have a plan which will do away with the +necessity of depending upon the good nature of Mrs. Cameron or her +husband."</p> + +<p>And taking one of his cards from his pocket, Mr. Perkins wrote several +words on it, and then handed it to Bob.</p> + +<p>"If you'll take this card to the offices of the Grand Pacific, which you +will find in the building directly across from the station where we +arrive in Chicago, they will give you a pass, which will carry you to +any part of Oklahoma you desire to go. I want you to accept it as a +present from me. You can tell them to what place to make it out, and as +it will take many hours to reach your destination, I want you to accept +this money, so that you can buy your food." And he handed Bob a +twenty-dollar bill. "If you are careful, you will have something left +when you reach that part of Oklahoma to which you decide to go."</p> + +<p>Before Bob could recover sufficiently from his surprise to express his +thanks, Mr. Perkins had arisen, and saying that it was necessary for him +to get off the train at the next station, went back to his car, leaving +Bob in contemplation of his pass and money.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER IX</h2> + +<h3>A TALE OF THE PLAINS</h3> + + +<p>Placing in his pocket the money and the precious piece of pasteboard +which possessed the magic power of procuring for him transportation to +the land of his dreams, Bob rose from the breakfast-table and made his +way back to his chair.</p> + +<p>As the train stopped at one station after another, people kept getting +aboard, and soon the car in which Bob was riding was filled to its +capacity.</p> + +<p>Having nothing better to do, the lad amused himself by studying each new +passenger, and he was amusing himself in trying to assign them to their +proper vocations, when he was attracted to the man who came in and took +the seat directly in front of him.</p> + +<p>Tall and inordinately thin, the man's clothes seemed simply to hang from +his shoulders. His hair, of a curious rusty gray, seemed to stick out +from under the faded straw hat, and his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>whole appearance suggested +nothing so much as a scarecrow.</p> + +<p>Despite the man's ungainly appearance, however, his face was one that +would attract and hold attention. So thin was it that it seemed as +though the cheek bones would any minute pierce the bronzed skin, and +from under bushy eyebrows two restless black eyes glistened.</p> + +<p>Like Bob, this man surveyed his fellow passengers, giving them, however, +only a momentary glance, until his eyes rested upon Bob, and upon him +they lingered, glancing him over from head to foot, and then dropping to +the lunch-box which was on the floor.</p> + +<p>During this inspection of himself, Bob had also been examining the man +more closely, and had discovered that his forehead was marked with a +deep scar.</p> + +<p>"You don't happen to have any lunch in that box, do you, that you would +be willing to sell me?" asked the stranger. "I didn't have time to get +any before I started. In fact, I came mighty near losing the train as it +was, and there won't be any station where I can get anything before +noon."</p> + +<p>"Why, yes," replied Bob; "that is, I have some lunch. But I won't sell +it to you. You are welcome to some of it, if you would like it."</p> + +<p>How the man had been able to divine that his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>package contained food, +Bob could not understand. But had the boy been as keen an observer as +the stranger, he would have noticed that the paper on one end of the box +was saturated with grease, causing the obvious inference that some sort +of food was wrapped up inside.</p> + +<p>"I don't like to take your grub for nothing, son," returned the other, +"but I sure am hungry. I have always made it a rule never to accept +anything from any one without giving something in return. So I tell you +what I'll do. If you're sure you won't accept any money, and will give +me a bite, when the train stops for dinner, I'll pay for whatever you +want to eat."</p> + +<p>"That seems fair," returned Bob, "but I should be just as willing to +give you some, even if you didn't return it."</p> + +<p>While Bob had been speaking, he had picked up the box, broken the +string, unwrapped the paper and opened it, after which he held it out to +the stranger, saying:</p> + +<p>"Help yourself."</p> + +<p>To Bob's surprise, the man accepted the invitation literally—and took +the whole box, which he rested on his knee. Though it contained cake and +pie, hard-boiled eggs, and several sandwiches, the stranger exercised no +choice of selection, but began at one end of the box and ate everything +just as it came.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span></p> + +<p>Naturally Bob had supposed that the man would eat possibly only a couple +of eggs and one or two sandwiches, with perhaps even a piece of cake or +a piece of pie. But as he saw one piece of food disappearing after +another, and remembered that the stranger had asked only for a bite, he +wondered what he would require to make a full meal.</p> + +<p>As the last piece of food was devoured, the man reached down, put the +cover on the box, folded the paper, wrapped up the box and set it on the +floor, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, then exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"My, but that went to the right spot! I sure was hungry."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I guess you were," assented Bob, a bit ruefully, for he had +expected to have at least a portion of the food, put up for him by the +kind waitress, to eat during the day.</p> + +<p>The stranger, however, ignored the insinuation in Bob's tone, and +proceeded to talk with him.</p> + +<p>"Going far?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes, to Chicago."</p> + +<p>"That's good. So am I. I'm glad to have some one to talk to. It makes +the time pass quicker. Been visiting in the East?"</p> + +<p>"No. I've always lived in New York."</p> + +<p>"Going to Chicago on a visit?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Not exactly. I'm going to call on some friends, and then go on to +Oklahoma."</p> + +<p>The mention of Oklahoma roused the stranger to immediate interest.</p> + +<p>"You don't say! To what part?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know exactly."</p> + +<p>"Going to Oklahoma, and you don't know to what part?" repeated the man +in surprise.</p> + +<p>"I'm going on a ranch somewhere. I was thinking I'd get a map when I got +to Chicago, and decide just where."</p> + +<p>"Well, if that don't beat anything I ever heard!"</p> + +<p>The intonation which the man gave to his words was such that Bob felt +that he must give some explanation of his indecision, and he returned:</p> + +<p>"You see, I'm going to be a cowboy first, and then a ranch owner, and I +didn't want to decide where to go until I could find out where I would +have the best chance."</p> + +<p>"Well, it certainly is fortunate that fate led me to get into this car +of all on the train. I can tell you just the place for you to go."</p> + +<p>"Have you ever been to Oklahoma?" inquired Bob.</p> + +<p>"Have I ever been there? Well, son, I was there off and on for about ten +years, when the government first opened up the land, and you <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span>could +travel for miles without seeing anything but Injuns."</p> + +<p>The knowledge that his companion was familiar with Oklahoma set Bob's +heart beating rapidly, and the thought that he could gather much useful +information from this peculiar man caused him to forget all annoyance +over the loss of his lunch.</p> + +<p>"Then you've really seen a live Indian?" asked Bob, his eyes big with +excitement.</p> + +<p>"I seen too many of the critters. See that scar?"</p> + +<p>And he tapped his forehead with one of his long fingers.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Bob eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Well, it was an Injun gave me that; Flying Horse, they called him."</p> + +<p>At the memory of what had evidently been an exciting adventure, the man +lapsed into silence, as though he were re-enacting the events in his +mind.</p> + +<p>To Bob his silence was tantalizing. He longed to hear of the experience, +and yet he hesitated to ask point-blank. His interest was so keen, +however, that he could not restrain himself entirely, and he squirmed +restively in his chair.</p> + +<p>The movement had the effect of recalling the man from his memories, and +gazing at the lad's eager face, his own broke into a smile, as he said:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I suppose you'd like to know how it happened?"</p> + +<p>"Indeed I should."</p> + +<p>"I was punching cows for an old fellow called Sam Ford; a man so mean +you could pull the pith out of a horse-hair and then put his soul +inside, and it would rattle.</p> + +<p>"But this story don't concern old Sam, except in so far as I was working +for him. He'd got together a fine bunch of cattle. Where he got 'em, no +one ever knew exactly, and in them days it wasn't what you'd call +healthy to ask questions. Indeed, I've seen many a perfectly healthy man +took off sudden, just because he got inquisitive about su'thin', that +wasn't none of his business in the first place. But that's neither here +nor there. Sam had the cattle, and I was punchin' for him.</p> + +<p>"One day Sam come to me and said he wanted me to ride over to a creek +near what is now the town of Fairfax, and watch a bunch of about thirty +head he told me he just bought. There was a pack of Crow Injuns that we +knew was somewhere around there. But in them days it was the same with +working for a man as it was about asking questions. If he told you to do +anything, it was up to you to do it, or stand the consequences. So I +saddled a flea-bitten pinto and set out, though I must say I wasn't +particularly keen on going. It had been rumored that Sam <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>had got some +of his cattle from the Injuns, and we'd always expected that if Sam ever +did die—of which we had our doubts, because he was so mean—that it +would be at the hand of a redskin.</p> + +<p>"After riding about thirty mile, I come to the cattle all right, and +they was sure a fine bunch. The place where Sam had left them was filled +with fine grazing grass, and there was a 'drink' near-by, so's I got to +feeling a little better, for I'd been afraid I was going to have some +trouble in locating water. Sam had said he'd come up in three or four +days, and we'd drive 'em back to where we had the main herd.</p> + +<p>"The grass was so rich that a baby could have looked after them cattle; +they stayed so close, and I was taking things easy most of the time, +lying on my back and smoking.</p> + +<p>"On the second night it was cloudy, and I had built a little fire, +before which I curled up and went to sleep.</p> + +<p>"How long I'd been asleep, I don't know. But I do know that I was +suddenly wakened by feeling something sharp drawn across my forehead.</p> + +<p>"Opening my eyes, I saw a face, hideous in white and yellow paint, +peering into mine.</p> + +<p>"Fortunately, I still had my six-shooters on me, and being pretty handy +with them, it didn't take me long to put an end to Mr. Injun.</p> + +<p>"Whether there was more than one buck<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> 'round, I didn't know. But I'd no +sooner got to my feet than I found out, for on all sides of me the air +was split with their awful yells.</p> + +<p>"Dropping to my knees, I crawled into the long grass as fast as I could, +and the only thing that saved me was because they had been busy with the +cattle, and didn't know where I was.</p> + +<p>"After they'd hunted for me a while, they rounded up the critters, +gathered in my pinto, and moved away.</p> + +<p>"Just as soon as I heard 'em going I lit out in the opposite direction, +and hoofed it back to Sam's."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER X</h2> + +<h3>BOB DOES A KIND ACT</h3> + + +<p>As the stranger recounted this exciting adventure, Bob's eyes grew +larger and larger, and his mouth gaped in wonder. Many a time had he +read in story-books of similar attacks by Indians, but the thought that +he was actually gazing at a man who had been through such an ordeal +seemed too delightful to be true. And so reverentially admiring was his +manner toward his travelling companion that the other couldn't but smile +good-naturedly.</p> + +<p>"Where did you say that place was?" inquired Bob, after a silence of +many minutes, as he retold to himself the story of the scar and pictured +the scene before his mind's eye.</p> + +<p>"Fairfax."</p> + +<p>"What part of the state is that?"</p> + +<p>"It's about the middle, as east and west goes, but nearer the northern +than the southern border."</p> + +<p>"Are there—are there any ranches near Fairfax now, do you suppose?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I reckon so, though it's more than seven years since I came East."</p> + +<p>"Aren't you ever going back there?" inquired Bob, in a tone which said +plainly that it was beyond his understanding how a man could give up +life on a ranch and settle down to the very ordinary, prosaic life of +the East.</p> + +<p>For a moment the man looked at Bob searchingly, and then replied:</p> + +<p>"I reckon that it's better for my health here in the East."</p> + +<p>But the significance of this remark was lost on Bob. For a few minutes +he was silent, the expression on his face, however, indicating that he +was thinking earnestly, and at last the cause of his deliberation was +explained in his question:</p> + +<p>"Do you think there are any Indians around Fairfax now?"</p> + +<p>"Not the kind there was in the early days when I was out there. The +government has tried to make them like white people, and now the Injuns +that you would find are either lazy, or they have deteriorated into +half-breeds. Once in a while some of the bucks go on a rampage, but not +very often."</p> + +<p>"I think I'll go to Fairfax," announced Bob after another period of +deliberation. "You don't know any one out there with whom you think I +could get in to work, do you?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, I can't say as I do, and besides a recommendation from me wouldn't +help you any. But I think so long as you have no particular section of +the state in mind, that Fairfax would be as good as any."</p> + +<p>Bob lost no time in taking advantage of the opportunity afforded by his +companion for asking him about the customs of the cowboys and life on a +ranch in general, and many were the valuable pointers the stranger gave +him, some of which Bob afterwards remembered, but more of which he +forgot.</p> + +<p>Between Bob's inquiries and the stories which his travelling companion +narrated, the morning passed quickly, and what had loomed before the boy +as long and dreary hours, seemed but a minute, so entertaining was the +stranger.</p> + +<p>True to his word, when the train pulled into the station where the stop +was made for those passengers who desired to get lunch, the stranger +insisted upon Bob getting out and eating with him. And Bob found that +the man's appetite was just as keen when he was paying for his food, as +when he was eating that provided by others.</p> + +<p>After the return to the car, the interesting stories were resumed, and +Bob had little opportunity to notice the region through which he was +passing, new and unusual to him as was its scen<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>ery, save when his +attention was called to some striking feature by his companion.</p> + +<p>"It won't be long now before we reach Chicago," remarked the man.</p> + +<p>"No, I suppose not," admitted Bob with a sigh. "I only wish you were +going out to Fairfax with me."</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, you'll find, more likely than not, that some of the +passengers on the train you take are bound for Oklahoma, and they will +probably be able to afford you more assistance and information than I."</p> + +<p>The suggestion made by Bob about returning to Oklahoma seemed to make a +deep impression upon the stranger, and he lapsed into silence from which +he only roused himself after the train had pulled into the station at +Chicago, when he jumped up suddenly, grabbed Bob by the shoulder, shook +him with a gentle roughness, and murmured:</p> + +<p>"Good luck to you, boy, and whatever you do, be straight," and rushed +from the car, leaving Bob bewildered by the abruptness of his departure.</p> + +<p>Despite the evident mystery which hung over his travelling companion, +Bob had felt more at ease when he was with him, and it was with a sense +of loss that he saw him leave the car, for the boy had hoped that he +would accompany him to the railway offices while he got his pass, and +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>he had even dared to think he might be able to persuade him to make the +visit to Mrs. Cameron with him.</p> + +<p>But the man's departure had shattered his hopes, and Bob, with a feeling +of great loneliness, mechanically followed the other passengers from the +car out upon the wide platform. His feeling of isolation was made even +more poignant by the hearty greetings which sounded all around him, as +one after another of the people who had arrived on the same train were +met by their friends or families.</p> + +<p>Following the crowd, he passed through the station out onto the +sidewalk. There he stood for a moment, searching the windows of the +buildings across the street for the name of the railway offices to which +Mr. Perkins had directed him.</p> + +<p>With little difficulty he spied great gilt letters which formed the +words "Grand Pacific Railway," and picking his way carefully through the +throng of carriages, automobiles and trucks, which were passing up and +down the street, he soon reached the building, and was on the way to the +offices in the elevator.</p> + +<p>Entering one of the doors, he beheld several handsomely polished desks, +at which busy men were seated.</p> + +<p>Who the proper person was to whom to pre<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>sent his card for a pass, Bob +did not know, but after scrutinizing the faces of the various men in the +office, he selected one who seemed kind and pleasant, and was making his +way toward him, when he was confronted by a boy several inches smaller +than he was, clad in a green uniform trimmed with gold braid, who +demanded insolently:</p> + +<p>"Here, you! Where do you think you are going? Who do you want to see?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know exactly."</p> + +<p>During this interchange of words, the office-boy had been scanning Bob +and his threadbare clothes contemptuously. And at the lad's reply, he +laughed outright, adding:</p> + +<p>"Well, if you don't know who you want to see, you can't come in here."</p> + +<p>"But I want to get a pass for Fairfax, Oklahoma," protested Bob.</p> + +<p>"<i>You</i> get a pass! Say, are you crazy? Only the general managers and the +other high officers travel on passes."</p> + +<p>"But Mr. Perkins told me to come here," asserted Bob.</p> + +<p>To what lengths this determination of the office-boy to get rid of Bob +would have gone there is no knowing, for the official whose desk was +nearest the railing in front of which Bob stood <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>had been attracted by +the unusual occurrence, and as he heard Mr. Perkins' name spoken, he got +up, and beckoning to Bob, asked:</p> + +<p>"What did you say about Mr. Perkins?"</p> + +<p>"I said he told me to come here to get a pass to Fairfax, Oklahoma. That +is, he didn't say Fairfax," added Bob truthfully, "he just said I was to +get it to any place in Oklahoma where I wanted to go, and I have decided +I want to go to Fairfax."</p> + +<p>"What is your name?"</p> + +<p>"Bob Chester."</p> + +<p>"Well, Mr. Perkins has sent us no instructions for issuing you a pass, +and until he does, we cannot do anything for you."</p> + +<p>And turning on his heel the man walked back to his desk, while the +office-boy grinned in delight.</p> + +<p>Bob, however, was not to be disposed of so easily, and putting his hand +in his pocket, he drew out the card given him by the railroad president, +and said:</p> + +<p>"But Mr. Perkins gave me instructions to give to you."</p> + +<p>The man who had left his desk before paid no attention to Bob's remark, +however, and the boy was wondering if, after all, the card would be of +no service to him when suddenly the door <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>opened and in walked the +porter who had drawn upon himself the anger of the railroad president, +the night before, by his treatment of Bob.</p> + +<p>As the darky entered, one of the clerks happened to be passing the rail, +and he exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Well, Thomas Jefferson, what do you want here?"</p> + +<p>"Ah come to get my pay. Ah done been discharged."</p> + +<p>"You discharged?" repeated the other incredulously.</p> + +<p>"That's what, and by the 'old man' hisself."</p> + +<p>"Why?"</p> + +<p>"For not treating this hyar gemmen wid de respec' Mr. Perkins thought I +ought to when he set hisself down in my parlah cyar, when his ticket +done call for the chair cyar."</p> + +<p>The tone in which the porter made his reply was so loud that no one in +the office could fail to hear it, and as the officials had already +received instructions by wire to pay off the darky in full upon his +arrival, when they learned that the shabbily-clad boy standing before +the rail was the cause of the discharge, they evinced a very lively +interest in him.</p> + +<p>"The kid was just up here trying to get a pass he said Mr. Perkins had +told him to call for," returned the man who had dismissed Bob so +abruptly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p> + +<p>"If the gemmen says so, den you'd better give it to him, if you-all +don't want to get what Ah got."</p> + +<p>Deeming the time had come for again calling attention to his card, Bob +exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Mr. Perkins told me I was to present this, when I asked for the pass."</p> + +<p>Reaching out his hand for the piece of pasteboard, the man who had +refused him before, scanned it hurriedly, and said:</p> + +<p>"You should have given me this in the first place. You see, we don't +issue many passes now, and we are obliged to be very careful." And, +calling to one of his clerks, he gave him instructions for making out +the pass to Fairfax, after having learned from Bob that that was the +destination to which he wished to go.</p> + +<p>"You'd better sit down," said the official, "because it will take a few +minutes to get it ready."</p> + +<p>Bob was not thinking of himself, however. The idea troubled him of the +porter's being discharged on his account, and after a few moments' +deliberation, he called to the man who had given the instructions for +the writing of his pass, and asked:</p> + +<p>"Do you think if I should write a note to Mr. Perkins, that he would +change his mind about discharging this man? I don't like to think he +should have got into trouble on my account. You <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>see, I don't know much +about travelling, and I didn't know a parlor car from a chair car."</p> + +<p>Surprised at this consideration for a fellow in a boy so young, the +official smiled as he replied:</p> + +<p>"I shouldn't be surprised if Mr. Perkins would think about it, if you +asked him. He seems to have taken a great fancy to you."</p> + +<p>"Then if you will give me a piece of paper, I will write to him."</p> + +<p>And when the writing material was provided, Bob, in his crude, boyish +hand, wrote:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"<span class="smcap">Mr. Perkins</span>: You have been very kind to +me, but I am sorry you discharged the porter. I +wish you would take him back. Please, Mr. Perkins. +From your friend, <span class="smcap">Bob Chester</span>."</p></div> + +<p>In open-mouthed wonder, the porter listened to the conversation between +Bob and the official of the railway, and when the note had been written, +and was read aloud by the latter, the darky exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Mistah Bob, you sho'ly am kind. Ah'll take that note and go to see +Mistah Perkins mahself, and now if you-all would like to see Chicago a +little before you take your train, Ah'll surely be most glad to take you +'round."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XI</h2> + +<h3>BOB FAILS TO FIND MRS. CAMERON</h3> + + +<p>For a moment after the porter's offer to act as his guide in seeing +Chicago, Bob thought he would accept it, and accordingly they left the +office together, the pass having been made out and delivered to the boy.</p> + +<p>When they appeared upon the street, however, the passersby stopped and +stared at the curious pair—Bob, in his worn, ill-fitting suit, and the +darky, very black, clad in the latest fashion—with amazement.</p> + +<p>One woman, whose hair was tinged with gray, and whose aquiline features, +severe clothes and general mien bespoke the spinster who always had time +to meddle in other people's affairs, exclaimed to the person nearest +her:</p> + +<p>"There is certainly something wrong here. I feel it in my bones. That +colored person is taking this boy somewhere for no good purpose. I think +it is my duty to interfere."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I wouldn't bother," returned the member <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>of the throng whom she had +addressed. "The boy seems to be going along willingly enough."</p> + +<p>"But I think it is my duty to make sure," persisted the officious +spinster. "My conscience will never be easy in the thought that perhaps +if I had spoken, I might have saved the boy from some terrible fate."</p> + +<p>During this conversation, Bob and the porter had walked almost half a +block. But both of them had heard the first remarks, and as the would-be +rescuer set out in pursuit of them, Bob chanced to look back, and saw +her coming, followed by several of the crowd who had first stopped to +watch them in the hopes that they might be afforded some amusement from +the woman's interference.</p> + +<p>Unwilling to become the cause of a street scene, Bob turned to his +companion, and said:</p> + +<p>"I—I guess, after all, it won't be necessary for me to trouble you to +go about with me."</p> + +<p>"It will be no trouble, and Ah sho' am willing to do most anything for +you 'count o' that note you gave me for Massa Perkins."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's all right," hastily returned Bob. "I was glad to do it. I +only hope that it will be successful in letting you get back your job."</p> + +<p>"Ah think it will, but Chicago's a pretty big place, and Ah'm afraid +something may happen to you so that you will miss your train. It goes in +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>about four hours. Is there any place particular you want to go?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I was going out to South 101st Street."</p> + +<p>And Bob described the location of the apartment house where he expected +to find Mrs. Cameron, the sister of the waitress who had been so kind to +him.</p> + +<p>"Then you want to take this cyar. It runs right by the corner, and when +you come back, you keep on it until you get to the Northwestern station, +where you get your train."</p> + +<p>"All right, thank you!" exclaimed Bob, going out into the street to hail +the car that had been pointed out to him.</p> + +<p>The porter stood on the curb, evidently with the intention of seeing +that Bob got aboard without mishap, until turning his head he caught +sight of the sharp-featured woman, whose comment he had overheard.</p> + +<p>"Ma soul, Ah sure don't want to get in any argument with such a woman," +he muttered to himself, and bolted precipitately, soon losing himself in +the crowd of pedestrians.</p> + +<p>The flight of the porter seemed to confirm the woman's suspicions, but +she instantly realized that she could not hope to overtake the darky, +and quickly determined to hail Bob.</p> + +<p>Rushing into the street, she cried in a shrill voice:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Little boy! Little boy!"</p> + +<p>Bob, however, had no relish for an interview with her, and quickly +mounted the steps of the car and entered.</p> + +<p>Again the woman repeated her cry, but Bob paid no attention, and it was +with great relief that he heard the conductor pull the signal-bell for +the car to start.</p> + +<p>Determined not to be thwarted, the woman cried:</p> + +<p>"Mr. Conductor! Mr. Conductor! Stop that car!"</p> + +<p>But that individual had developed a deafness as sudden as Bob's and the +car continued on its way.</p> + +<p>For a moment the woman, her philanthropic intentions balked, stood on +the car track, but realizing that she was making a spectacle of herself, +she returned to the sidewalk, where the gibing comments of those who had +witnessed the scene caused her to blush with anger, and she was glad to +escape the words of advice that were called out to her by entering the +doors of a convenient store.</p> + +<p>As soon as Bob found that his escape had been effected, he returned to +the platform.</p> + +<p>"I'm glad you didn't stop the car for that woman," said he to the +conductor.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What's the matter, are you running away from her?"</p> + +<p>"No. I never saw her before."</p> + +<p>"Then why did she call you to stop?" asked the conductor, his tone +indicating that he thought perhaps Bob might have picked her pocket.</p> + +<p>"I don't know. When I was walking along with that colored man, I heard +her say she thought he was trying to take me somewhere I shouldn't go."</p> + +<p>Bob's evident lack of familiarity with Chicago and the circumstances +under which he had boarded the car, aroused the conductor's curiosity, +and he inquired:</p> + +<p>"Well, was he?"</p> + +<p>"No, he had just offered to show me about Chicago."</p> + +<p>And then Bob told enough of the story to convince the street-car man +that there was nothing improper about the occurrence, and that he +succeeded was evidenced by the comment of the conductor, as he said:</p> + +<p>"That's just like some women, always meddling in things they don't know +anything about. I'll tell you when you get to 101st street."</p> + +<p>Bob was deeply interested in the scenes through which he was passing, +and it seemed to him that he had scarcely been on the car ten minutes +when <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>the conductor told him he had reached the street he desired.</p> + +<p>Leaving the car, Bob walked to the sidewalk, and then looked about him +to get his bearings.</p> + +<p>Across the street stood the yellow brick apartment house the waitress +had mentioned, and as it was the only building of its kind thereabout, +he made his way to it.</p> + +<p>Entering the vestibule, Bob scanned the names on the letter boxes for +that of Mrs. John Cameron, but though he looked them over three times, +he could not see it.</p> + +<p>As he stood wondering what to do, a woman opened the door to come out.</p> + +<p>Deciding that she was probably one of the people who lived in the +building, Bob asked, taking off his hat, and bowing politely:</p> + +<p>"Can you tell me if Mrs. John Cameron lives here?"</p> + +<p>"No, she doesn't."</p> + +<p>"Well, she used to, didn't she?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, right across the hall from me, on the third floor, but she moved +about six weeks ago."</p> + +<p>"Do you know where she's gone?" cried Bob.</p> + +<p>"She's moved to Kansas City, but I don't know her address. Is there +anything particular you wanted of her?"</p> + +<p>"No—that is, I just had a message to deliver to her from her sister in +New York."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, I'm sorry that I can't give you the address in Kansas City. You +might find it out, though, from the janitor, possibly," added the woman, +and smiling at Bob, she continued on her way.</p> + +<p>For a moment Bob was undecided whether or not to ring for the janitor in +order that he might inquire about the address of the waitress' sister, +and then realizing that there was no necessity for his so doing, he +concluded to go to the station and wait for his train.</p> + +<p>"It's a mighty good thing I met Mr. Perkins," said Bob to himself, as he +rode back downtown on the street-car. "If I hadn't, I suppose I would +have been obliged to go to work until I could get enough money to take +me to Oklahoma, and it would have been an awful disappointment not to +find Mrs. Cameron. But it's all right now; besides, I'm better off than +I would have been if she had been here, because I have a pass clear to +Fairfax, and her sister said her husband could only help me as far as +Kansas City."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XII</h2> + +<h3>ALONE IN A STRANGE CITY</h3> + + +<p>Arrived at the Northwestern railway station, for a time Bob wandered +about, enjoying the novelty of the people rushing hither and thither in +their search of either friends or relatives, purchasing tickets, and +tending to the baggage, and he wondered how they could accomplish +anything, so great was the hustle and bustle.</p> + +<p>In the course of his wanderings, he chanced upon the station restaurant, +and though in his excitement and the novelty of the scenes about him, he +had not thought of eating, the sight of food suddenly roused his hunger, +and he went up to one of the counters.</p> + +<p>The prices of the food, however, amazed him, and it was several minutes +before he had picked out anything that he wanted that did not cost too +much.</p> + +<p>So long did Bob linger over the consumption of the modest repast he had +ordered, that the waitress began to eye him with suspicion. And finally +she exclaimed:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Say! how long do you think you can stay here eating, or are you hoping +that you will get a chance to sneak off without paying me? But that game +won't work. I'm too wise to get caught by any trick like that. So just +come across with the price of your feed."</p> + +<p>This caustic comment upon the length of time he was lingering over the +meal, and the open charge that he was trying to defraud the waitress, +hurt Bob, and his embarrassment was evident in the flush that mounted to +his face, as he stammered:</p> + +<p>"I'm sorry if I've taken too long over my food. I didn't know I was +expected to eat it all at once. But I don't think you have any right to +say that I was trying to cheat you out of the pay. If I hadn't had the +money in my pocket to pay for what I ordered, I shouldn't have ordered +anything. How much is it, please?"</p> + +<p>"Thirty cents," snapped the waitress.</p> + +<p>Quickly Bob thrust his hand in his pocket, and drew forth a dollar bill +and gave it to her.</p> + +<p>So deeply had Bob been stirred by the unjust reflection upon his +honesty, that his misery was plainly visible on his face, and the +waitress, returning, could not but notice it.</p> + +<p>"I'm sorry if I made you feel bad, kid," she apologized, "but you see, +when people buy things in here, they generally pay for them right off, +and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>we have so many tricks worked on us that we have to be pretty sly +not to get nailed by some of them. But you're all right. You're only +just green."</p> + +<p>Leaving the restaurant, Bob returned to the waiting-room, where he +picked out a seat nearest the place where the train announcer always +stood when he called out the trains that were ready for the passengers. +But as he sat there, he could not get the words of the girl in the +restaurant out of his mind, and kept repeating to himself: "Only just +green."</p> + +<p>The constant brooding over this remark suggested the thought to him: "If +people here in the cities like New York and Chicago think that I don't +know anything, and am not used to the ways of doing things, what will +they think of me out in Fairfax? I said I wouldn't let them take me for +a tenderfoot, and I won't. I'll just pretend I know all about things and +watch how the other people do."</p> + +<p>This new resolve fascinated the boy, and he fell into a day dream, in +which bronchos, cowboys, and herds of cattle figured prominently, and so +engrossed did he become in it, that it was with a start he heard the +train announcer call out the train for Kansas City and the West, which +he was to take.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p> + +<p>Following the others who were going on the same train, Bob made his way +to the cars.</p> + +<p>Mindful of his recent resolution and the unpleasant experience with the +porter of the parlor car, Bob scrutinized each coach of the train +carefully as he walked along until he came to one that was obviously a +chair car, and this he entered, selecting a seat well in the middle.</p> + +<p>Eager as Bob was to reach his destination, it seemed to him that they +would never start, but when at last the wheels began to squeak as the +train got in motion, he gave vent to a sigh of delight.</p> + +<p>Of the people about him, he took only passing notice, and busied himself +with trying to map out a plan of action after he reached Fairfax.</p> + +<p>When the conductor came along collecting the tickets, Bob proudly drew +forth his pass and presented it. As though unable to reconcile the bit +of paper with the poorly-clad boy, the conductor scrutinized the +official transportation closely, from time to time glancing at Bob.</p> + +<p>Unable satisfactorily to solve the incongruity, the official muttered:</p> + +<p>"The pass is all right, but it doesn't seem right for this boy to have +it."</p> + +<p>This voicing of the thoughts, which were evidently passing through the +conductor's mind, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>scared Bob, and he asked, assuming an air of +confidence that he did not feel:</p> + +<p>"What's the matter with that pass?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing, provided you are Bob Chester. But I don't see why you should +be given one."</p> + +<p>"Well, if it's all right, and properly made out, I don't know that it's +any concern of yours why it was given to me. If you have any doubt about +it, why don't you find out from the people who issued it?"</p> + +<p>"That's a good idea. It's just what I was going to do. I will just keep +it until I know it's all O.K."</p> + +<p>And, putting the piece of official transportation in his pocket, the +conductor moved along through the car.</p> + +<p>With dismay and a feeling of foreboding, Bob watched the conductor go +from his car with the precious pass. He dared not protest; indeed, the +thought of the proper way to make an objection did not occur to him. In +fact, he did not know that he could do so, and his own temerity in +calling attention to the fact that it was made out had startled him. But +bitterly did he rue his suggestion that the conductor keep the +all-important paper until he was satisfied as to its genuineness.</p> + +<p>In a few minutes Bob noticed the brakeman come into the car and stare at +him. But he did <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>not know that the man had done so in obedience to the +order of the conductor, who had told the trainman to take a look at Bob, +and then to take care that the boy did not try to leave the train until +the matter of the pass had been properly cleared up.</p> + +<p>As the train whirled through the darkness of the night, Bob occasionally +caught a glimpse of light in the scattered houses or towns through which +it passed, but so dark was it that he could see nothing of the country.</p> + +<p>Dropping his chair back, the boy tried to go to sleep, but his anxiety +over the safety of his pass made it impossible, though he dropped into a +doze several times only to awake with a start.</p> + +<p>In the meantime, the conductor had sent a telegram to the offices in +Chicago where Bob had obtained the transportation, asking if a pass had +been issued to Bob Chester, and requesting a description of that +individual.</p> + +<p>Whenever the conductor walked through the car, Bob inquired anxiously as +to when he should receive the important piece of paper back again, but +the man in charge of the train only answered gruffly:</p> + +<p>"You'll get it back soon enough, if it's all right."</p> + +<p>"But if it isn't?" asked Bob, in a boyish eagerness to know the exact +conditions he was facing.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You'll be put off the train, anyhow, and perhaps you will have to go to +jail."</p> + +<p>As the conductor announced this alternative, he watched Bob closely, and +the start the latter gave at the mention of the possibility of arrest, +only confirmed the man in his suspicion that there was something +irregular about the boy's having the free transportation. But as the +reader knows, it was no thought of the pass being spurious that +disturbed Bob. The word "jail" had brought to his mind his unpleasant +experience in New York.</p> + +<p>From thinking about his arrest and the men who had been its cause, Bob +went over in his mind all the events that had transpired since that +momentous happening, yet he had no regret at the course he had chosen.</p> + +<p>Not long after daylight, as the train entered what Bob could see was a +good-sized city, and stopped at the station, the boy decided he would +get out and walk up and down the platform in order to stretch his legs.</p> + +<p>Evidently never thinking the lad would be astir so early, the brakeman +had neglected to obey his instructions and keep close watch on Bob, so +that his leaving the car was unnoticed.</p> + +<p>Seeing a place where he could get a drink of water, Bob walked toward +it.</p> + +<p>Just as he was in the midst of drinking from the cup, he was stupefied +to hear the snorting <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>of an engine, and, upon turning his head, to see +the train on which he had been riding disappearing from the station.</p> + +<p>With a cry of alarm, Bob dashed after it, shouting:</p> + +<p>"Wait! Stop the train! The conductor's got my pass!"</p> + +<p>But the few officials about paid no heed to the lad's frantic cries, +and the train continued on its way, while Bob was left in a strange +place, bereft of his pass, and without knowing what to do in order to +regain possession of the precious piece of paper which was to carry him +to Fairfax.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XIII</h2> + +<h3>BOB STARTS AGAIN</h3> + + +<p>Bob's lusty shouts, as he vainly tried to stop the train, drew the +attention of the few employees in the station at so early an hour, and +they gathered about him, taking mental stock of his worn clothes and his +honest face, as they approached.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter? Nobody here to meet you?" asked one of the men, on +whose hat were the words, "Station Master."</p> + +<p>"This isn't a very convenient hour to meet any one. Where do your people +live? We can direct you how to get to them."</p> + +<p>Not having heard the words uttered by Bob, the agent's inference that +the boy was disappointed at finding no one to meet him, was natural. But +Bob soon disillusioned him.</p> + +<p>"The train's gone and left me," said he, with ever so slight a shakiness +in his voice, as he thought of the train speeding on its way and with it +his precious pass.</p> + +<p>"Well, there are other trains," declared a second man. "You can take the +next one."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p> + +<p>The quaver in Bob's voice, however, had reached the ears of the station +master, and he asked kindly:</p> + +<p>"How far were you going?"</p> + +<p>"To Fairfax, Oklahoma."</p> + +<p>With the evident purpose of reassuring Bob, the station master said:</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, it will only make the difference of twelve hours or so in +reaching Fairfax. There's another train goes through at four o'clock +this afternoon."</p> + +<p>"It isn't the delay I mind," returned Bob, "but the conductor has my +pass!"</p> + +<p>"<i>You</i> travelling on a pass?" exclaimed another incredulously, as though +unable to reconcile Bob's shabby apparel with the possession of such a +privileged means of transportation.</p> + +<p>"My, that is bad," mused the station master. "But don't worry. I'll have +word telegraphed to the conductor to leave your pass with the agent at +Kansas City, and you can get it there. Come with me, and we'll see about +sending the message."</p> + +<p>"But how shall I get to Kansas City without any ticket?" asked Bob, as +he accompanied his new-found friend into the station. "I only have a few +dollars, which I shall need when I get to Fairfax. I suppose it would +cost a lot to buy a ticket?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p> + +<p>"If you had a pass, it won't be necessary for you to pay. I'll arrange +that all right."</p> + +<p>Randolph, the city in which Bob was marooned, being a division +headquarters of the railway, there was a train despatcher's office in +the station, and thither the agent led Bob.</p> + +<p>Going over to one of the telegraphers, the station master explained the +situation briefly.</p> + +<p>"What do you want me to wire? Jenkins is the conductor, isn't he?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. Say, 'Jenkins, Aboard No. 6: Leave'," and then he turned to the +boy, asked his name, and continued: "'Bob Chester's pass with the ticket +agent at Kansas City. Will send Bob on the next train. +<span class="smcap">Robinson</span>,</p> + +<p> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">"'Station Master, Randolph.'"</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>Scarcely had the operator forwarded the message than he suddenly leaned +over his instrument, listened intently, and then exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"I'll bet Jenkins will be glad to get your wire about the boy. Was there +any trouble about the pass?" and he looked at Bob.</p> + +<p>"Yes," responded the youth, and told them about the conductor's +suspicions. "But why did you ask?"</p> + +<p>"Because I caught a message going to Jenkins from Chicago."</p> + +<p>"It said the pass was all right, didn't it?" queried Bob anxiously.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It did," replied the operator, with emphasis, "and more, too. Said you +were a particular friend of 'Old Man' Perkins, and advised Jenkins to +treat you well, as one man had got into trouble through being uncivil to +you."</p> + +<p>"But I made that all right; at least, I wrote a note asking Mr. Perkins +to take the porter back again," answered Bob innocently.</p> + +<p>The overheard message had a salutary effect upon both the operator and +agent, and they took a new interest in the boy who was a protégé of the +railroad president.</p> + +<p>After asking Bob about the incident of the parlor car, they told him to +make himself comfortable, and when he felt hungry to let them know.</p> + +<p>"I could eat now," smiled Bob, his troubles vanished.</p> + +<p>"Then I'll have one of my men go with you to a restaurant just up the +street a little way."</p> + +<p>"You're very kind, but I can go alone," replied Bob.</p> + +<p>"I don't doubt it," laughed the station master. "But, after that wire +from Chicago to Jenkins, I don't want anything to happen to you while I +am responsible.</p> + +<p>"Hey, Tom," he called to one of the trainmen, "take this boy up to +Sweeney's, and see that he has a good feed."</p> + +<p>In that mysterious manner in which news trav<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>els, word had been passed +of the instructions to Jenkins, and the man hailed as Tom gladly +accepted his task, saying:</p> + +<p>"Come on, Bob. When you've tasted Sweeney's wheat cakes, you'll always +remember Randolph."</p> + +<p>"I think I'll remember it, anyway," smiled Bob, as he set out for the +restaurant with his guide.</p> + +<p>Bob's appetite had not been in the least impaired by the unpleasant +experience through which he had passed, and he ate three plates of +griddle cakes.</p> + +<p>"My, but those cakes sure were good," he observed, smacking his lips +with relish.</p> + +<p>His companion, with good-natured patience, had watched the boy eat, and, +as Bob expressed his approval of Sweeney's food, he said:</p> + +<p>"Better have another plate. You'll never get any cakes quite as good as +Sweeney's till you get back to Randolph."</p> + +<p>Though with evident reluctance, Bob declined, and, after paying for the +meal, they returned to the station.</p> + +<p>By the time of their arrival, more trainmen were on duty, and to each +the story of Bob's getting left had been told.</p> + +<p>As a result, when they saw the boy, they smiled at him, and proffered +good-natured comments.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Feel less hungry, now?" asked the station master, as Tom and Bob +entered his office.</p> + +<p>"Yes, thank you," replied the latter. "Sweeney surely can cook griddle +cakes! I wish he lived out in Fairfax."</p> + +<p>"Take him along," laughed Tom, "and start in business. All Sweeney needs +is a flame to cook on, and the fixin's."</p> + +<p>While they were talking, one of the telegraph operators came in, with a +despatch for the agent.</p> + +<p>"Here's Jenkins' answer," said he, holding out the sheet of yellow +paper.</p> + +<p>Taking it, the station master read aloud:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"<span class="smcap">Robinson</span>, Randolph: Will leave pass as +instructed. Square me with the boy, if you can. +Buy him all he wants to eat, and I'll settle.</p> + +<p>"<span class="smcap">Jenkins</span>."</p></div> + +<p>At the words proclaiming the conductor's evident anxiety over how Bob +felt toward him, they all laughed.</p> + +<p>"It'll do Jenkins good to worry a little," commented Tom. Then, as an +idea occurred to him, he struck his thigh, and exclaimed: "I say, +Jenkins is an awful miser. Let's put up a joke on him. We'll take a +dozen of the boys, have a feed at Sweeney's, and charge it to Jenkins."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That's the idea! Great! Fine!" were some of the remarks that greeted +the suggestion.</p> + +<p>But on Bob's face there was a look of doubt, as he said:</p> + +<p>"I don't think that would be exactly fair, would it?"</p> + +<p>"Why not?" asked several.</p> + +<p>"Because Mr. Jenkins would know I couldn't eat so much."</p> + +<p>Tom, however, was loath to abandon his joke, and argued:</p> + +<p>"But he said for Robinson to square him with you, didn't he?"</p> + +<p>"Why, yes."</p> + +<p>"Then, Robinson can tell him the feed for the dozen of us was the only +way he could do it."</p> + +<p>Though he did not wish to be a spoil-sport, Bob, however, did not +approve of the plan. Consequently, it was with relief he beheld a large, +red-faced man, in overalls and jumper, enter the station master's +office, exclaiming as he caught sight of the boy:</p> + +<p>"Are you the kid Conductor Jenkins left here?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"How'd you like to go over to Kansas City on my freight train?"</p> + +<p>"First-rate. I never rode on a freight, and I'd like to."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You'll never want to again," commented Tom. "What'll become of our feed +if you go?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, we can have it, just the same," returned another.</p> + +<p>Bob, however, was too engrossed with the prospect of riding on a freight +train, to overhear the remark.</p> + +<p>At first, the station master had thought to protest against letting his +charge go, but, as he noticed the boy's eagerness, he said:</p> + +<p>"Hosmer, shake hands with Bob Chester. Don't let anything happen to him. +He's a special friend of 'Old Man' Perkins. When you get to Kansas City, +take him to the ticket agent, and be sure he gets the pass all right."</p> + +<p>"Never fear; I'll stay with him till his train's in, and then introduce +him to the conductor. Come on, Bob. Train's waiting."</p> + +<p>Quickly saying good-bye to the station master and the others, and +thanking them for their kindness, Bob followed the big conductor, and +was soon started on his way to Fairfax again, aboard the freight train.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XIV</h2> + +<h3>AT THE THROTTLE OF A FREIGHT ENGINE</h3> + + +<p>Taking Bob to the caboose, the freight conductor made him known to the +brakemen who were lolling about, smoking.</p> + +<p>"So you're the kid Miser Jenkins thought stole your pass?" exclaimed one +of the trainmen, after a searching scrutiny of the boy. "He must be +losing his eyesight. That face of yours ought to vouch for you, if +nothing else. Crooks don't have such honest faces."</p> + +<p>"Oh, the miser was probably trying to pull off one of his grand-stand +plays," commented another. "Passes are pretty rare birds, nowadays, and +I suppose he thought he could make a hit with the company by inquiring +about this one."</p> + +<p>"And instead of that, he got hit himself. Brown, in the despatcher's +office, told me the message Jenkins received from Chicago was red hot."</p> + +<p>From the remarks, Bob could see plainly that the officious conductor was +not popular, and he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>was wondering whether or not he was expected to +make any comment, when Hosmer said, his face suffused with a look of +glee:</p> + +<p>"Well, the boys are going to put one over on the 'miser'."</p> + +<p>And, pausing aggravatingly, the freight conductor filled his pipe and +lighted it.</p> + +<p>His action produced the desired effect of tantalizing the brakemen, and +they exclaimed eagerly:</p> + +<p>"Out with it, Hos'! Tell us! Let us in on it!"</p> + +<p>Waiting a moment, to give his words greater emphasis, the conductor +removed his pipe from his mouth, and said:</p> + +<p>"All the boys are going up to Sweeney's, order the swellest meal he can +put up, and send the bill to Jenkins!"</p> + +<p>"Whoopee! Great! I wish we were in on it!" exclaimed the brakemen in +unison.</p> + +<p>"Is that quite fair?" asked Bob, having hoped that his departure would +put an end to Tom's plan.</p> + +<p>"Fair? Sure, it's fair!" laughed Hosmer. "Anyhow, I don't see why you +should care. He treated you mighty mean, taking your pass away from +you."</p> + +<p>As the other trainmen agreed with the opinion of their conductor, Bob +made no further objec<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>tion, contenting himself with the thought that he +could hardly be held responsible.</p> + +<p>During the conversation, the long freight train had got under way, and +while the boy found many novel things to hold his attention, the +brakemen amused themselves speculating on the effect the joke would have +upon Jenkins.</p> + +<p>As the engine whistled for a station, Hosmer said to Bob:</p> + +<p>"How'd you like to ride on the engine till the next stop?"</p> + +<p>"My, but it would be fun!" replied Bob, his eyes sparkling with delight.</p> + +<p>"Then come on! I'll take you up and fix it with Barney, the engineer."</p> + +<p>As the train stopped, with a loud creaking of brakes and groaning of +wheels, Bob jumped from the caboose and accompanied the burly conductor +to the head of the train.</p> + +<p>"Hey, Barney!" he hailed the engineer.</p> + +<p>The man thus addressed poked a coal-begrimed face from the window of his +cab, asking:</p> + +<p>"What is it—wait orders?"</p> + +<p>"Not this time. I've got a boy here—Bob Chester—who wants to ride with +you to the next station."</p> + +<p>For a moment the engineer scowled, and Bob feared he would refuse. But +quickly the grimy face broke into a smile, as Barney asked:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Is that the kid with a pass Jenkins left?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Sure he can ride with me. Help him up."</p> + +<p>Bob, however, needed no assistance, and no sooner had the permission +been granted than he was climbing into the engine cab.</p> + +<p>Before he had succeeded, Hosmer whispered:</p> + +<p>"Barney's all right—and he doesn't like Jenkins. Tell him about the +joke the boys are going to play." And then he continued aloud: "I'll +either come for you, myself, or send some one when we reach Hastings. +Orders give us the right of way to Hastings, Barney."</p> + +<p>"O.K.," grunted the engineer, as he turned to scrutinize Bob, at the +same time standing so that he could glance up the track toward the +station to catch the signal to start.</p> + +<p>Acting on the conductor's advice, Bob narrated the plan Tom had devised +for having fun at Jenkins' expense, and was rewarded by seeing the +engineer's face break into a broad grin, and then to hear him roar with +laughter.</p> + +<p>"That'll make 'Old Miser's' hair turn gray," he gasped between laughs. +"He'll never get over it, never!</p> + +<p>"Oh, Ned," he called to his fireman, who had been out oiling some part +of the engine, "the boys are going to put one over on 'Miser' Jenkins."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p> + +<p>But before the engineer had an opportunity to tell of the contemplated +joke, he caught the signal from the conductor to start.</p> + +<p>"Get up on that seat on the left-hand side, and hang on," warned Barney, +and, as Bob obeyed, he pulled open the throttle.</p> + +<p>As the iron monster began to move, puffing and smoking at the task of +starting the long train, it seemed to the boy that the noise would +deafen him. But he soon forgot it in the absorption of watching the +fireman open the doors of the firebox, throw in shovels-full of coals, +and then inspect the water and steam gauges.</p> + +<p>With the gradual increasing of the speed, the din subsided. Yet a new +discomfort took its place. So violently did the engine sway, that Bob +was obliged to hang on to the window on his side of the cab to keep from +bouncing to the floor.</p> + +<p>Watching out the corner of his eye, as he scanned the track ahead, the +engineer smiled at the boy's trouble in staying on the seat.</p> + +<p>Bob, however, soon adapted himself to the engine's motion, and was +finally able to sit without clutching the window-frame.</p> + +<p>Noting this, Barney got down, crossed the cab, and putting his mouth +close to the boy's ear, asked:</p> + +<p>"Like to run the engine awhile?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Would I? I should say so!" returned Bob in delight.</p> + +<p>Though his reply was inaudible, the expression on his face was eloquent.</p> + +<p>"Then, take hold of my arm, so you won't get thrown out. That's the way. +Steady, now. Climb on to the seat. Good. Now, put your left hand on that +lever. That's what they call the throttle. When you pull it toward you, +it increases the speed; to slow down, you push it away from you."</p> + +<p>Proud, indeed, did Bob feel as his hand clasped the smooth handle of the +lever. Never had he expected to run a real, snorting locomotive, +dragging a long line of cars, and the realization that he was actually +controlling the speed, set him a-tingle with delight.</p> + +<p>Crowding in behind Bob, the engineer kept watch of the track, but not so +closely that he could not observe and enjoy the boy's pleasure.</p> + +<p>After several minutes, Bob turned and shouted:</p> + +<p>"Can I pull on the throttle a little?"</p> + +<p>"Sure. Open her to the next notch. We've got plenty of steam."</p> + +<p>But Bob found it was not so easy to get the notch as it seemed. He kept +gamely at it, however, and at last succeeded.</p> + +<p>Till they reached the yard limit of Hastings, the engineer allowed him +to hold the throttle, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>when he at last took it and began to ease +down the speed, Bob sighed wistfully.</p> + +<p>As the big machine finally came to a stop with a grunt, Barney +exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"You ought to be an engineer, boy. You've got the nerve to drive hard. +We did ten miles in twenty minutes—which is going some with this load."</p> + +<p>Just then, however, the conductor came up.</p> + +<p>"Like it, Bob?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Indeed, I did! Mr. Barney let me drive, and I made ten miles in twenty +minutes."</p> + +<p>"Good boy! We'll make a railroad man out of you yet. Think you could +follow me back to the caboose over the cars?"</p> + +<p>"I can try," returned Bob.</p> + +<p>But before the attempt could be made, the conductor was called to the +station office to receive orders.</p> + +<p>Swelled with pride at his success in driving the engine, Bob determined +to surprise the conductor by going back to the caboose alone.</p> + +<p>And with a hearty good-bye to the engineer, he clambered over the +coal-stacked tender and up on to the top of a car.</p> + +<p>The orders were to take a siding to allow a passenger train to pass, +and, as the time was short, the conductor was too busy sending his +brakemen to turn the switches and communicating <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>the instructions to +the engineer, to think of Bob.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 255px;"> +<img src="images/004.png" width="255" height="400" alt="HE CLUTCHED FRANTICALLY AT ONE OF THE HAND BARS" title="HE CLUTCHED FRANTICALLY AT ONE OF THE HAND BARS" /> +</div><div class="center">HE CLUTCHED FRANTICALLY AT ONE OF THE HAND BARS<br /> +<i>Bob Chester's Grit</i> <a href='#Page_123'>Page 123</a> +</div> + + + +<p>The boy, however, was making his way back slowly, but without mishap, +until the sudden start of the train. He had just climbed down from a +high car, and was swinging from it to an empty coal car, when the jerk +of starting ran through the line of cars.</p> + +<p>So unexpected was this action, that Bob's feet slipped off the bumpers.</p> + +<p>Crying out in alarm, he clutched frantically at one of the hand-bars on +the end of the coal car, caught it, and managed to draw himself up till +he found foothold on the extension of the floor where he stood, hanging +on for dear life, until the train stopped with another jerk.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XV</h2> + +<h3>BOB EARNS HIS PASSAGE</h3> + + +<p>All of a tremble at his narrow escape from falling under the car, Bob +was trying to recover his self-control before getting down from his +precarious position, when he was startled to hear a voice exclaim:</p> + +<p>"I'll get even with that 'con' for putting me off the blind baggage, see +if I don't!"</p> + +<p>The tone in which the words were uttered was so venomous, that Bob +realized the speaker meant mischief, though he was ignorant of the fact +that in the slang of tramps who beat their way on railroads, "con" +betokened conductor, and "blind baggage" the platform of the coach in a +passenger train nearest the engine.</p> + +<p>Looking about to find out where the angry man was, Bob could see no one.</p> + +<p>But the next instant another voice asking, "How you goin' to do it?" +decided him that the speakers must be crouching against the end of the +empty coal car to which he was holding.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p> + +<p>How he had failed to discover them from the top of the other car, he +could not understand, but he soon ceased to wonder, in his eagerness to +catch every word uttered by the unseen tramps.</p> + +<p>"That's easy," replied the voice the boy recognized as having made the +threat to "get even."</p> + +<p>"Cut out that talk, and get down to business," growled a third voice.</p> + +<p>"All right, 'Bo. We can put all sorts of crimps into this road by +'holding up' the night express! The officials of this road, whose men +are too stingy to let a fellow ride on the blind baggage, are boasting +they haven't had a 'hold-up' for years."</p> + +<p>The various exclamations with which this wicked plan was greeted, told +Bob not only that it met the approval of the tramps, but that there were +more than two of them.</p> + +<p>The full danger of a "hold-up" the boy did not realize. He remembered, +however, having read of such occurrences out West where passengers were +terrorized and robbed of money and jewelry.</p> + +<p>But his speculation was again interrupted by the renewal of the +conversation.</p> + +<p>"That will sure set us even, but when can we do it?" inquired a voice +eagerly.</p> + +<p>"And get away safely?" added another.</p> + +<p>"There's only one place," responded the voice of the man who had +suggested the plot.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Where?" chorused the others.</p> + +<p>"On this end of the long bridge across the river."</p> + +<p>"Right you are, 'Bo. We can make our 'get-away' down the bank and find +some of the 'shanty men' to take us across."</p> + +<p>"And into the arms of the police," sneered the ringleader. "We'll use +the bank to escape, but we won't ask any favors of a 'shanty man'."</p> + +<p>"Will there be enough money aboard to make it worth while?" inquired one +of the schemers, with an evidently practical turn of mind.</p> + +<p>"Sure; Number 4 always carries a bunch of gold for Western towns."</p> + +<p>"But how'll we board her?" asked still another.</p> + +<p>"Get a lantern and wave it."</p> + +<p>"Will they stop?"</p> + +<p>"Say, why do you suppose I chose the approach to the bridge?" snapped +the man who had proposed the scheme.</p> + +<p>And then, without giving his companions a chance to speak, he answered +his question himself:</p> + +<p>"Because the engineer'll think there is something wrong on the bridge +and stop. It'll be dead easy."</p> + +<p>Bob's eyes were almost popping out of his head, as, afraid to peep over +the top of the car, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>he stared at the boards as though striving to see +through them.</p> + +<p>Straining his ears to catch every word, he heard another of the plotters +begin to speak, when a train thundered past, effectually cutting off all +conversation with its roar.</p> + +<p>Though Bob did not know it, so absorbed was he in listening, less than +five minutes had passed since he had started back for the caboose.</p> + +<p>With the necessity of making a quick shift to the siding, the conductor +of the freight train had momentarily forgotten the presence of his +youthful charge, and when at last he did remember, it was with the +supposition that he had remained in the cab with the engineer.</p> + +<p>Accordingly, upon receipt of orders to proceed, Hosmer decided to let +Bob ride longer in the cab, and shouted to his men to get aboard, waving +his arm in the "go ahead" signal to the engineer.</p> + +<p>But Bob had heard the shouts, and divining their meaning, jumped to the +track, having no relish for riding farther in his dangerous position +between the cars.</p> + +<p>Fortunately, both the engineer and conductor saw the boy, as he leaped +to the ground, and the signal to start was not obeyed.</p> + +<p>Recovering his balance, Bob ran toward Hosmer.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span></p> + +<p>As he drew near enough for the conductor to see his white, excited face, +he exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Where have you been? I thought you were in the cab with Barney."</p> + +<p>"I—I tried to go back over the cars," stammered Bob.</p> + +<p>"Barney shouldn't have let you. It's too dangerous for a greenhorn."</p> + +<p>Wincing at the words, which slipped out unconsciously as the conductor +thought of what might have happened to the boy, Bob hastened to defend +the engineer by saying:</p> + +<p>"Mr. Barney didn't know I was going. I wanted to surprise you by showing +you I could go back without your help. And—and then the train started, +and I had to hang on to a coal car."</p> + +<p>"Well, so long as you didn't get hurt, it's all right. But don't try it +again. Now, run back and climb into the caboose. Let's see how quick you +can do it."</p> + +<p>The last was a diplomatic means to make the boy hurry, for the conductor +was anxious to start the train, yet would not until he saw his charge +safe in the caboose.</p> + +<p>And his ruse was successful, for Bob, eager to show his speed, raced +down the track and quickly swung aboard.</p> + +<p>Smiling, Hosmer again signalled to Barney, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>the train started, and as +the last car reached him, the conductor climbed on.</p> + +<p>"Have any trouble when we started?" one of the brakemen was asking Bob +as Hosmer entered the car.</p> + +<p>"Pretty near. I was just crossing from a high to a low car, when the +jerk came. But I managed to hang on."</p> + +<p>"Good boy," chorused the train crew, all of whom realized too well the +danger to which the boy had been subjected.</p> + +<p>"But when we stopped on the siding, why didn't you get down?" asked the +conductor.</p> + +<p>"Because I was listening," announced Bob with a manner of mystery that +would have been droll were his face not so serious.</p> + +<p>"Listening?" exclaimed the others, instantly alert.</p> + +<p>"Yes. I was just going to get down, when I heard some one speak, and +then I waited."</p> + +<p>"Hoboes," growled a brakeman, jumping up and seizing a short club. "What +car were they on, kid?"</p> + +<p>"The first coal car from the engine. But you mustn't go up there. They +are bad men."</p> + +<p>This warning was greeted with laughter by the brakemen, the others of +whom had also picked up clubs.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p> + +<p>The conductor, however, having a son of his own, realized from Bob's +manner that the lad had something he wanted to tell but did not know how +to begin, and accordingly asked him:</p> + +<p>"What did you hear, son?"</p> + +<p>"I heard them plan to hold up Number 4 to get even!"</p> + +<p>"What?" demanded all the trainmen, their faces instantly growing +serious.</p> + +<p>"Yes; the man said he was going to get even for being put off the 'blind +baggage'."</p> + +<p>For a moment the members of the train crew looked at one another in +amazement, then fell to plying Bob with questions, making him repeat the +conversation over and over.</p> + +<p>"Well, you've earned your passage to Fairfax, all right, Bob!" +ejaculated the conductor. "It would break our record for being free from +holdups, to say nothing of the loss to passengers. The company ought to +do something handsome by you, my boy."</p> + +<p>"Then you can prevent it?" queried Bob anxiously.</p> + +<p>"Sure thing. We'll capture them at the next station. Better get ready, +boys," added Hosmer significantly to his brakemen. "They may prove hard +to handle."</p> + +<p>Turning their backs, so Bob could not see exactly what they were doing, +the brakemen opened <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>a cupboard and took out some things which they +slipped into the pockets of their jumpers.</p> + +<p>But their preparations to capture the would-be train robbers went for +naught.</p> + +<p>When, led by Bob to the coal car, the brakemen surrounded and, at a word +from the conductor, mounted it, they found the car empty.</p> + +<p>"They have given us the slip!" growled a brakeman.</p> + +<p>"Examine every car and truck on the train," commanded Hosmer. "I'll go +to the station and send in the alarm. Come, Bob."</p> + +<p>And together the conductor and the boy hastened to the station, where +the full story was quickly flashed to headquarters at Omaha.</p> + +<p>When the officials first received it, they were incredulous, asking if +it could not have been a fancy of Bob's brain. But Hosmer quickly +vouched for the boy's honesty, and word came back to have Bob put off to +meet the road's officers at one of the stations.</p> + +<p>During the run to that city, the brakemen speculated upon the chances of +capturing the miscreants, lamenting the fact that the glory had been +denied them.</p> + +<p>Arrived at the city, Bob was taken to a room and closely questioned by +the officers, who were soon convinced of the truth of his story.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Could you identify them if caught?" he was asked.</p> + +<p>"If I could hear them speak, I could recognize the voice of the man who +proposed the plan. I did not get a look at them," replied Bob.</p> + +<p>Satisfied with this answer, the officers sent instructions to have the +tracks patrolled from Hastings to the long bridge, to search all trains, +and to arrest any tramps found.</p> + +<p>This done, arrangements were made to have other detectives at the bridge +in case the men eluded capture.</p> + +<p>The waiting was tedious. But at last, about three in the afternoon, word +was received that four tramps, heavily armed, had been captured about +ten miles from the Mississippi river.</p> + +<p>Putting Bob into the cab of an engine, six officers climbed aboard, and +a record run was made to the scene of the arrest.</p> + +<p>"You sit where you can watch and hear them talk," whispered a detective +in Bob's ear.</p> + +<p>At first the prisoners were silent, but under the taunts of the +officers, their reserve weakened, and they began to rail at the men who +had captured them.</p> + +<p>Eagerly, Bob listened, then cried, pointing to the smallest of the four:</p> + +<p>"That's the man who said he'd get even. I recognize his voice!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XVI</h2> + +<h3>FAIRFAX AT LAST</h3> + + +<p>Elated by the capture and identification of the would-be train-robbers, +the officers made much of Bob, praising him for remaining to listen +until he had heard the dastardly plot, and commenting on the good +fortune which had placed him just where the tramps were.</p> + +<p>Modestly Bob bore the words of commendation, for his mind was on other +matters, as the question he asked evidenced:</p> + +<p>"How long before the train arrives that will take me to Fairfax?"</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid it will be several days before you can go, Bob," answered +one of the officers.</p> + +<p>"Why?" demanded the boy, disappointment evident in his voice and on his +face.</p> + +<p>"Because it will be necessary for you to appear in court in order to +convict the prisoners."</p> + +<p>"But I don't see why you need me," protested Bob. "I told what I had +heard and then pointed out the man who said he wanted to get even."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That's just it, son. You are the only one who overheard the +conversation and can identify the ringleader."</p> + +<p>"Don't look so unhappy," chimed in another officer. "Kansas City is a +pretty good town, and we'll give you the time of your life. Theatres and +picture-shows, you know. The road will probably do something handsome +for you. Anyhow, you'll have good living until it is necessary to come +back here to testify."</p> + +<p>But even the prospect of going to a theatre—a treat Bob had never +enjoyed while with his guardian—failed to appease him, and his usually +cheerful expression gave way to one of resigned gloom.</p> + +<p>Noting this, and desirous of restoring the boy's good spirits, an +officer suggested:</p> + +<p>"Let's go over to Kansas City. How'd you like that, Bob?"</p> + +<p>"First rate. Then I can get my pass again." And at the prospect of +regaining possession of the precious piece of paper, he grew more +cheerful.</p> + +<p>While the detectives were making ready to start, two of their fellows, +who had accompanied the prisoners to the jail, rushed in, exclaiming +almost at the same time:</p> + +<p>"We've got the case clinched! One of the four has confessed!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span></p> + +<p>Just what this meant, Bob did not know, but the news seemed to please +the officers so greatly that their good spirits infected him.</p> + +<p>"How'd you work it? Where's the confession? Let's read it!" exclaimed +the detectives who had remained at the station.</p> + +<p>"One at a time," laughed the chief of the force. "The confession is +here," and he tapped his coat pocket. "It bears out exactly what our +friend Bob told us."</p> + +<p>"But how did you get it?" persisted the others.</p> + +<p>"Promised the fellow who was most scared by his arrest a light sentence +if he'd turn witness against his pals. And say, he jumped at the +chance."</p> + +<p>"Well, you are in luck, Bob!" declared the officer who had striven to +cheer him up.</p> + +<p>"Why?" inquired the boy.</p> + +<p>"Because now you won't be obliged to wait for the trial. This confession +and the evidence of the man will do the trick for us."</p> + +<p>"Whoopee!" cried Bob, dancing about in delight. "Then I can start for +Fairfax to-night?"</p> + +<p>"Just as soon as a through train comes."</p> + +<p>This information restored Bob's good spirits, and eagerly he boarded the +special car which was waiting to take the detectives back to Kansas +City.</p> + +<p>As the officers discussed the incidents of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>capture, one of them +turned to the boy and said:</p> + +<p>"Say, you surely are a regular bunch of luck, kid! I'd like to take you +out to the gold regions. I bet you'd tumble into some abandoned mine +that would be worth millions!"</p> + +<p>Every one laughed at this comment upon Bob's good fortune, and the chief +added:</p> + +<p>"I hope it sticks by him. He'll need all the luck he has if any of those +Oklahoma cowboys start in to have fun with him."</p> + +<p>"I guess I will," smiled Bob. "Anyhow, a few knocks won't hurt me. Mr. +Perkins told me all I must look out for was to keep away from the saloon +and gambling dens and not to make friends too quickly."</p> + +<p>"Well, if you follow his advice, you'll get along all right."</p> + +<p>Upon the arrival of the special car at Kansas City, the officers were +met by a messenger with instructions to have Bob taken to the offices of +the railroad company, as the vice-president wished to talk with him.</p> + +<p>"There's more of your luck," commented the chief. "Mr. Nichols will +probably give you a reward."</p> + +<p>Bob, however, was more concerned about regaining possession of his pass +and ascertaining when his train would leave than in speculation as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>to +whether or not he would be rewarded, and he made no bones about saying +so.</p> + +<p>"Never mind the pass, now," returned the messenger, who was to escort +him to the vice-president's office. "We'll get that in plenty of time so +you won't miss your train."</p> + +<p>Thus reassured, Bob turned to the detectives, saying:</p> + +<p>"Good-bye, if I don't see you again."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you'll see me," replied the chief. "I shall have you make a +deposition to support the confession."</p> + +<p>And amid wishes for the best of success, Bob and the messenger set out +for the company's offices.</p> + +<p>Direct to the vice-president's rooms Bob was taken.</p> + +<p>As the messenger entered with him, a tall, gray-haired man arose from a +desk and came forward with outstretched hand, announcing:</p> + +<p>"I am Mr. Nichols, and I'm glad to know you, Bob."</p> + +<p>For a moment the official gazed earnestly at the honest face before him, +then continued:</p> + +<p>"There's no use telling you that I and every man who works for our +railroad is grateful to you for enabling us to catch the would-be +train-robbers. You know that. I want you to tell me how we can reward +you."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I wasn't thinking of any reward, Mr. Nichols," answered Bob. "Mr. +Perkins has been so kind to me that when I heard those bad men planning +to stop the train, I only thought of repaying his kindness by preventing +them if I could."</p> + +<p>At these manly words, which showed that Bob was possessed with +gratitude, in addition to his other good qualities, the vice-president +again shook his hand cordially, exclaiming:</p> + +<p>"You've got the right stuff in you, Bob. I'll let Perkins hear what you +said. And now, sit down, and tell me all about your trip, beginning at +New York."</p> + +<p>Amazed that so important a man should evince interest enough in him to +devote the time necessary to relate his story, Bob sank into the +comfortable chair indicated by Mr. Nichols and began.</p> + +<p>At first he was embarrassed, but with the kindly words now and then +uttered by the vice-president, he regained his composure.</p> + +<p>When the recital was ended, Mr. Nichols thrummed upon his desk for +several minutes, and then asked:</p> + +<p>"What would you like most in the world, Bob?"</p> + +<p>Scarcely hesitating an instant, the boy replied:</p> + +<p>"To prove that Len Dardus did not tell the truth when he said my father +was crazy because father wrote me he had entrusted five thousand dollars +to him for my education."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p> + +<p>The expression that spread over Mr. Nichols' face as he heard this wish +clearly showed surprise, for he had expected that, boy-like, Bob would +have requested money, a rifle, or the like, and again he thrummed the +table before saying:</p> + +<p>"We will prove it, if we can, my boy. What was your father's name?"</p> + +<p>"Horace Chester."</p> + +<p>"Where was your letter written from—I mean the one telling you of the +money?"</p> + +<p>"Red Top, Oklahoma."</p> + +<p>Swinging in his chair, the vice-president drew out a slide from his desk +on which was a map and scanned it eagerly.</p> + +<p>All at once, with an ejaculation of surprise, he murmured:</p> + +<p>"This is remarkable—remarkable!"</p> + +<p>Unable to restrain his curiosity, Bob rose from his chair and approached +till he could see the map. But this afforded him no reason for his +friend's observation, and he asked:</p> + +<p>"What is remarkable, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Why, that you should have chosen to go to Fairfax. Red Top is the next +town, thirty miles west!"</p> + +<p>"O—oh! Then I may find out something about father!" exclaimed Bob +excitedly.</p> + +<p>"Exactly. But you must be careful. If he really had the money, he may +have possessed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span>other property which is being withheld from you. In that +case, should the interested persons learn that Horace Chester's son was +in Fairfax something might happen to you."</p> + +<p>The last words were uttered so significantly that Bob could not fail to +understand Mr. Nichols' meaning, and when the latter continued, "I want +you to promise me you will call yourself Bob Nichols till I have learned +the truth of this matter," the boy solemnly consented.</p> + +<p>"Good! Not only is it for your own safety, but it will enable you to +investigate quietly without arousing suspicion.</p> + +<p>"This will be our secret, Bob. You must not tell a soul, not even Mr. +Perkins."</p> + +<p>"I won't, sir."</p> + +<p>Realizing from Bob's expression that he had aroused sad thoughts and +memories, the vice-president stood up and said:</p> + +<p>"Now that we have made this agreement, we will dismiss it from our minds +for the present. I want you to come to dinner and the theatre with me."</p> + +<p>"But my pass and the train?" exclaimed Bob.</p> + +<p>"Your train, or rather the limited, on which I shall send you, does not +leave until eleven. I'll send for your pass now." And, pressing a +button, he ordered the clerk who responded to fetch Bob's pass.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span></p> + +<p>This done, Mr. Nichols was signing some papers when word was brought +that the chief of detectives wished to take Bob's deposition.</p> + +<p>"Have them come in here," replied the official, and in due course the +lawyer, notary and detective arrived.</p> + +<p>Briefly Bob told his story, signed it, and solemnly swore to its truth.</p> + +<p>"And now we'll forget all trouble and have a good time," announced Mr. +Nichols. "Give this note to the cashier, chief. Take Bob's pass from the +messenger and meet us at the limited at eleven. Bob and I are going to +the theatre."</p> + +<p>To the boy, it seemed as though he were in fairy-land. First Mr. Nichols +took him to a store, bought him a new suit and a complete outfit of +shirts and clothes, had Bob don some of them, then purchased a trunk, +ordered the things packed in it and sent to the station, finally taking +Bob for a drive about the city.</p> + +<p>At first Bob had protested, but the vice-president silenced him by +saying that the service he had rendered the railroad was worth much more +than the clothes.</p> + +<p>Dinner and theatre were one whirl of pleasure to the boy. And after he +had been put in care of the conductor of the limited, had bidden +good-bye to Mr. Nichols and the detectives, who all gathered to see him +off, bringing various little presents, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>and the train was in motion, he +sat and pondered over the series of events.</p> + +<p>But his surprises were not ended, for when he opened the envelope +containing his pass, he found two crisp fifty-dollar bills pinned to a +card, which said:</p> + +<p>"For Bob Chester, with the compliments of the Great Western Railroad."</p> + +<p>Nature, however, asserted herself at last, and Bob went to sleep.</p> + +<p>Interesting because of its novelty, the journey proceeded without +further incidents, and in due course Bob reached Fairfax.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XVII</h2> + +<h3>SEEKING A JOB</h3> + + +<p>The stopping of the Limited at the little settlement of Fairfax was +sufficient to arouse the curiosity of the dozen or so men who were +lounging about the station, and when they saw that such an unusual +proceeding was to allow a mere boy to alight, they stared at him with +unfeigned interest.</p> + +<p>"Must be the son of some big bug," hazarded one of the idlers.</p> + +<p>"Or else he was put off for trying to beat his way," declared another, +whose surly disposition was evident in his words.</p> + +<p>"Can't a person get off here without starting a guessing match?" +commented a third.</p> + +<p>"Of course," replied the surly man. "But it don't seem natural."</p> + +<p>During these remarks Bob was engrossed in gazing at the place he had +chosen in which to build his fortune, and the prospect was not +reassuring.</p> + +<p>About half a mile from the station he could <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>see a score or more of +houses built in all sorts of shapes, and possessing anything but an +attractive appearance. Beyond the settlement and on all sides, the +prairies stretched in awesome vastness.</p> + +<p>As he surveyed the surroundings, Bob could not restrain a sigh, but +quickly checked it as a pleasant-faced, powerfully built man stepped +briskly from the cabin which served as station and said cheerily:</p> + +<p>"You're Bob Nichols, I suppose. My name is Henry Thomas. Your father +wired me to be on the lookout for you. I had to report the train or I'd +have come out sooner. What can I do for you?"</p> + +<p>Hearing himself addressed as Nichols was a distinct shock to the boy, +but to be taken for the son of the vice-president of the railroad +completely dumfounded him, and for a moment he was on the point of +denying the assumption. Then his promise to adopt the name recurred to +him and he decided that Mr. Nichols' failure to disclaim relationship +was probably with a purpose, so he just muttered something as though in +answer to the first question and said aloud:</p> + +<p>"I should be obliged if you would direct me to the hotel. I suppose they +will send for my trunk."</p> + +<p>"I'll direct you, of course," returned the agent,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> "and you can't very +well miss it because it's the only one in town. But if you don't mind, +I'd like to have you put up here with me." Then he added in a low voice: +"The Red Indian isn't the sort of place you're used to and I'd feel +safer to have you here."</p> + +<p>"Oh, all right," laughed Bob. "I shan't be in town very long; that is, +if I can find a ranch where they'll take me."</p> + +<p>"So you're bound to ranch it, eh? You'll find it pretty tough," +commented Thomas.</p> + +<p>"That's what I'm here for," answered the boy, smiling. "I guess I can +stand it."</p> + +<p>"Mebbe you can and mebbe you can't," observed the surly-looking man, who +had edged his way to where the agent and Bob were talking and had heard +the boy's last remark.</p> + +<p>"It all depends on whose ranch you strike. Most cowpunchers don't cotton +to tenderfeet. The last one that hit Fairfax stayed just three days and +was mighty glad to light out on a freight train."</p> + +<p>"Now, Higgins, don't try to scare Mr. Nichols," exclaimed Thomas. "His +father's vice-president of the Great Western."</p> + +<p>"So you are Si Nichols' son, eh?" inquired Higgins.</p> + +<p>"I thought out-West people weren't supposed to ask questions," returned +Bob.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Good boy! That's one on you, Higgins!" chuckled the other loungers +gleefully, and the station agent added: "Now leave the boy alone. He's +my guest while he's in Fairfax and any trick played on him I shall +consider a personal affront to myself."</p> + +<p>As the agent uttered these words, he drew himself to his full height and +Bob could see that he was a splendid specimen of manhood. And that the +others had a wholesome respect for his prowess was evident in the more +deferential manner which they adopted toward Bob.</p> + +<p>"Oh, if he's <i>your</i> special friend, all right," growled Higgins, but he +added under his breath, "I'll have some fun with you, Mr. Tenderfoot, +see if I don't."</p> + +<p>As he walked with the agent to where his trunk lay beside the track, Bob +could not but wonder what his reception would have been had he not made +the chance acquaintance of such powerful friends, and he thanked his +good fortune that he had done so, for he felt out of place and very +lonely in a strange country and among such rough-mannered men.</p> + +<p>Divining what was passing through the boy's mind from the seriousness of +his face, Thomas said:</p> + +<p>"You mustn't take to heart what these men out here say to you, Mr. +Nichols. Wresting a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>livelihood from the prairies has accustomed them to +giving and receiving hard knocks, and they don't stop to think how what +they say will sound. Just take it good-naturedly and give them back +better than they send—if you can."</p> + +<p>"I'll try," said the boy. "But please don't call me Mr. Nichols. Just +Bob. I like it better."</p> + +<p>At this request, Bob rose a hundred per cent. in the estimation of the +agent.</p> + +<p>"All right. But if I do, you must call me Hal," he replied.</p> + +<p>When they had carried the trunk into a little room off the station, +Thomas said:</p> + +<p>"Can you ride horseback at all, Bob?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"That's too bad. You'll have to learn. Everybody rides out here. I've +orders to get you the best pony possible and I wanted to know just what +kind to get. Most of 'em have some mean trick. But there's one, Firefly +they call him, that is as gentle as a lamb. Whether Shorty Simmons will +sell him or not, I don't know, but I'll find out."</p> + +<p>"Is he fast?" asked Bob, fearing that the pony might be slow and old +because he was gentle.</p> + +<p>"There's not a horse in Fairfax that can keep up with him. Now this will +be your room. It's mine too, but I'll move if you wish."</p> + +<p>"If you do, I'll go to the hotel."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p> + +<p>"All right, I won't. While you are changing your clothes, I'll ride over +to town and see if I can buy Firefly."</p> + +<p>The group of loungers was still on the platform when the agent went to +the little lean-to beside the station where he kept his horse, saddled +and mounted it, and as they saw him ride forth a wicked gleam appeared +in Higgins' eyes.</p> + +<p>He calculated that Bob would soon emerge from the seclusion of the +station, and in such event he recognized his opportunity for carrying +out his vow to have some fun with the boy.</p> + +<p>Eager to begin Western life, Bob quickly took off his new suit and put +on a pair of the corduroy trousers and one of the blue flannel shirts +Mr. Nichols had bought him and then proudly placed on his head a +sombrero.</p> + +<p>Standing before the looking glass, he surveyed the effect, saying to +himself as he noted the change the costume made in his appearance:</p> + +<p>"I don't believe Mr. Dardus or anyone back in New York would know me +now."</p> + +<p>But not long did he linger gazing at himself.</p> + +<p>The voices of the men on the platform were audible and he decided to +join the group in the hope that from some chance remark he might learn +of a ranch where he could obtain a job as cowboy. For though he was +grateful to the agent, Bob wanted to be independent.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> + +<h3>ON THE TRACK</h3> + + +<p>"Now you look more as though you belonged in Fairfax," declared one of +the loungers as Bob joined them.</p> + +<p>"All except the clothes and hat," grunted Higgins. "Say, you won't have +any trouble getting a job if you go just as you are. Any rancher would +hire you to scare coyotes away from the home ranch."</p> + +<p>This sally at his expense sent a hot flush to Bob's cheeks, but, +remembering the agent's advice to give back better than he received, he +retorted:</p> + +<p>"If there were any such jobs around, I should think they'd pay you +double wages!"</p> + +<p>"<i>Now</i> will you try to get fresh with a tenderfoot?" asked one of the +others when their laughter at Bob's sharp rejoinder had subsided.</p> + +<p>"I ain't trying to get fresh," returned Higgins. "I'm just feeling the +boy out. The sooner he gets used to Fairfax ways, the better."</p> + +<p>But Bob's retort evidently inspired in him a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>greater respect for the +boy and he refrained from making any more comments on his personal +appearance.</p> + +<p>After the interchange of a few general remarks, Bob said:</p> + +<p>"I should be very grateful if some of you <i>gentlemen</i> would tell me of a +ranch where I can apply for a job. I'd rather like to get one without +Mr. Thomas' assistance."</p> + +<p>In this request Higgins saw his chance. About ten miles from the +settlement there lived a ranchman who was a man of mystery. Though his +grazing ground was good and well-watered, and his pay prompt, he had +such a temper that few cowboys would stay with him longer than a month +or less, and to him Higgins decided to send Bob.</p> + +<p>With this purpose, while the others were evidently trying to think of a +suitable place for the boy, he said:</p> + +<p>"There's only one I can think of and that's John Ford."</p> + +<p>"Ford?" repeated Bob, his memory instantly recalling what the strange +man with the scar had said about Sam and John Ford. "Where does he +live?"</p> + +<p>"Ten miles due west."</p> + +<p>"Now, Higgins, you know better than to send this boy out there. Remember +what Hal said about playing tricks on him."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span></p> + +<p>Evidently this reminder had an effect upon the schemer, for he answered +apologetically:</p> + +<p>"Well, he asked about a place and I told him. You know as well as I do +that John Ford always wants help."</p> + +<p>"Sure we know it. But it ain't no fit place for such a boy."</p> + +<p>Something suggested to Bob, however, that he should go to this ranchman, +and accordingly he said:</p> + +<p>"You needn't think I am so tender. Just because other men can't get +along with Mr. Ford is no sign I can't. What is the nearest way to get +there?"</p> + +<p>"So long as you've got to walk, go straight down the track till you see +a building with a red roof, on the left hand side," directed Higgins.</p> + +<p>And before the others could protest, Bob uttered a hasty "thank you," +and set off along the track at a dog trot.</p> + +<p>"You'll get yours, Higgins, when Hal gets back," asserted the man who +protested against Bob's being sent to Ford's.</p> + +<p>"And you didn't even warn him about the dog," chided another.</p> + +<p>At this reminder of the savage wolfhound that John Ford kept to guard +his cabin, the idlers grew serious and exchanged uneasy glances.</p> + +<p>"Oh, well! Ford'll probably see the boy so long <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span>as he comes from the +direction of the railroad. Yellow Tom told me he sits by the hour +looking toward the track—and he'll call off the brute."</p> + +<p>"Providing the beast don't chew the boy up before John sees him," +interposed another.</p> + +<p>"Now, Tracy, don't always be looking for trouble," growled Higgins. +"Life out West ain't no kindergarten. We had to take our knocks. Let the +kid get his. Just because his father is rich ain't no reason why we +should carry pillows around for him to fall on."</p> + +<p>This crude viewpoint, if not satisfying to the consciences of Higgins' +companions at least afforded relief, and they fell to wondering what Bob +would say to them on his return—for return they expected he would.</p> + +<p>In the meantime, the object of their thoughts was hurrying as rapidly as +he could over the rough roadbed.</p> + +<p>The crisp, bracing air seemed a stimulant to his lungs which had never +breathed any but the contaminated air of New York, and he gloried in the +fact that he was at last in a land where success did not depend on +influence and riches, but where a man "made good" or failed, according +to whether he was made of the right stuff or not.</p> + +<p>For a time, his mind dwelt upon the insinuations Higgins and the others +had made against Ranchman Ford, but the same power that had urged him +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span>to seek a job of this man whispered to him that he had nothing to fear. +Dismissing all forebodings, therefore, Bob began to wonder if there +could be any connection between Ford, the man with the scar and his +father. The subject suggested so many possibilities and was, altogether, +so vague, that, healthy-minded boy as he was, he decided not to ponder +over it longer.</p> + +<p>"There's no use building air castles," he told himself. "If Mr. Ford +hires me and knows anything about father, I'll find it out in due time. +There's one good thing, if I do land the job, Red Top will be ten miles +nearer—and I can get away without exciting so much comment as from +Fairfax."</p> + +<p>From time to time as Bob trudged along, he scanned the plains on both +sides of the track.</p> + +<p>Thanks to the milestones placed at the side of the roadbed he was able +to keep count of the miles he walked. Just after he had passed the +eighth stone from Fairfax, Bob was electrified to see a herd of cattle +in the distance. Pausing, he gazed at them interestedly, noticing that +they were moving steadily instead of grazing. What this meant, he was at +a loss to understand until of a sudden he saw three men on horseback +emerge from the herd and, with arms waving, ride like mad to the head of +the line and gradually change the direction of the cattle away from the +track.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span></p> + +<p>No need was there to tell him the riders were cowboys, and Bob thrilled +with excitement as he watched their wonderful riding. But he did not +wait till they were out of sight. Instead, he quickened his pace, +murmuring:</p> + +<p>"The sooner I get to Mr. Ford's, the sooner I'll be a cowboy."</p> + +<p>The walk on the track was tiresome, however, unaccustomed to such rough +traveling as he was, and it was with a sigh of relief that he finally +caught sight of a group of buildings, one of which had a red-top roof.</p> + +<p>"That must be the place," he exclaimed and, quickly leaving the track, +started across the prairie. But Bob found that walking on the ties was +easy compared to forcing his way through waist-high grass and stubborn +sage-brush.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XIX</h2> + +<h3>AN AMAZING RECEPTION</h3> + + +<p>At last, however, Bob emerged into a clearing and stopped to survey the +group of buildings. The one with the red roof faced the track and was +built of logs. It was only one story high and about twenty feet long. +The other two stood one on each side and were about twice as long but no +higher. Back of the building, toward the west, was an enclosure +surrounded by a high fence.</p> + +<p>Had any one familiar with ranches been with Bob, they could have told +him that enclosure was the corral, into which the cowboys turned their +ponies when at the ranch, that the long building nearest the corral was +the bunkhouse for the cowboys, and that the other long structure was the +eating-house and storeroom of the ranch. But it was not long before Bob +learned these facts for himself.</p> + +<p>To all appearances, there was not a soul in any of the three houses and, +as Bob stood gazing at them, trying to discover some sign of life, for +he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>was loath to take the long tramp back to Fairfax without at least +having asked Ranchman Ford for a job, he was suddenly startled to see a +huge dog bounding toward him, its lips drawn back disclosing +wickedly-long fangs.</p> + +<p>Bob's first impulse was to flee, but such tremendous leaps did the +creature take that he realized it would be only a few minutes before the +dog would overtake him. Then it flashed through his mind that this might +be the ranchman's way of "trying out" strangers who came to his door, +and the boy determined to stand his ground.</p> + +<p>"I'll show them that a 'tenderfoot' has some courage," Bob said, as he +braced himself for the impact when the dog should leap upon him.</p> + +<p>All the while, he had been steadily looking into the dog's eyes, and +just as the creature was upon him the same power that had urged him to +come to the Ford ranch seemed to tell him to speak to the animal.</p> + +<p>"Steady, boy! Steady! I'm not going to do any harm here," he exclaimed.</p> + +<p>Whether in surprise at the boy's unusual procedure in facing him—most +callers at the ranch either hastened away or yelled to Ford to call off +his dog—or what, the beast hesitated before his last leap that would +have brought him on top of Bob and then, beginning to prance playfully, +he approached fawningly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Good boy! That's the way. We ought to be good friends, you and I. Come +here," exclaimed Bob, and as the dog came up, he patted his head +caressingly.</p> + +<p>The boy's relief was so great at finding the savage beast did not +attempt to tear him limb from limb that he failed to notice the door of +the red-roofed cabin open and a grizzled head emerge.</p> + +<p>But the next instant the presence of the man was called to his attention +by a terrific roar:</p> + +<p>"Chester!"</p> + +<p>Amazed at hearing his name, Bob gazed open-mouthed toward the house.</p> + +<p>By this time, the man had come out onto the ground and the boy beheld a +tall, spare-boned man, with weather-tanned face, a scrubby beard, and a +mass of tousled hair.</p> + +<p>The dog, however, paid no heed to the voice, rubbing against Bob and +licking his hands.</p> + +<p>Again came the bellow.</p> + +<p>"Chester! Come here!"</p> + +<p>Too alarmed by the imperiousness of the tone to wonder how the secret of +his identity could be known by this man of the plains, Bob called:</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. Right away, sir."</p> + +<p>But if the hearing of his name had caused Bob surprise, his response +created more in the man.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh! It's not you I want!" he yelled. "It's that fool dog! Come here, +sir!"</p> + +<p>But the dog obeyed no better than before.</p> + +<p>A moment the ranchman glared at it, his face terrible in its anger, then +dropped his hand to his hip and drew forth a revolver.</p> + +<p>Divining his intention, Bob leaped in front of the dog, exclaiming:</p> + +<p>"Don't shoot, sir! The dog has done nothing!"</p> + +<p>"Done nothing, eh? I suppose you call making friends with a stranger +nothing. Stand aside!"</p> + +<p>But Bob did not move.</p> + +<p>"Just because a dog makes friends with me is no reason for shooting +him," he retorted.</p> + +<p>A moment the man glowered sullenly from the dog to the boy, then, +attracted by something about the latter, came closer and peered eagerly +into Bob's face.</p> + +<p>"Who are you?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>"Bob Nichols."</p> + +<p>"Nichols, eh? Then I must have been mistaken," he added in a voice too +low for the boy to hear, and a look of disappointment settled on his +face as he continued aloud: "Well, what do you want?"</p> + +<p>"You are Mr. Ford, I presume?" asked Bob.</p> + +<p>"I am; John Ford, owing no man a cent and afraid of nothing, or no one +on earth."</p> + +<p>Smiling at this unusual introduction, Bob said:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I came out to ask if you'd give me a job on your ranch, Mr. Ford."</p> + +<p>"Know anything about ranching?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir. But I can learn."</p> + +<p>"Who sent you to me?"</p> + +<p>"A Mr. Higgins."</p> + +<p>"Ned Higgins, eh? Trying another of his jokes, I suppose. Probably +thought the dog would chew you up."</p> + +<p>Then for a moment that seemed hours to the anxious boy, the ranchman +pondered, finally exclaiming:</p> + +<p>"Well, we'll fool Higgins this time. I'll take you on for a try. You're +sure game or you wouldn't have stood before that fool dog, the way you +did. Come in and we'll talk about wages."</p> + +<p>And, as Bob entered the cabin, Ford turned to look at the dog, muttering +to himself:</p> + +<p>"Strange, mighty strange. I never knew him to make friends with any one +before."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XX</h2> + +<h3>BOB BECOMES OWNER OF A DOG</h3> + + +<p>Interestedly Bob gazed about him as he entered, for the first time in +his life, the home of a ranchman. At the left of the door, a bunk, +covered with brilliant-colored blankets—which, had the boy known they +were the handiwork of Indians, would have interested him +greatly—extended from the wall. Above this crude bed was a rack holding +three rifles and several revolvers. On the opposite side of the room +were a cupboard and table, while in the rear was another cupboard, and a +stove. A rocking and two straight-backed chairs completed the +furnishings.</p> + +<p>Just what Bob had expected to find in the cabin he could not have told, +but its severity and barrenness disappointed him.</p> + +<p>"Sit down," grunted the ranchman, motioning Bob to one of the +straight-backed chairs while he himself sank into the rocker.</p> + +<p>As Bob obeyed, the dog stretched himself at his feet.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span></p> + +<p>Searchingly the ranchman scanned the boy's face, and the silence was +becoming embarrassing when Ford broke it by demanding suddenly:</p> + +<p>"What did you say your name was?"</p> + +<p>"Bob Nichols."</p> + +<p>"Where do you come from?"</p> + +<p>"New York."</p> + +<p>This answer caused the ranchman to sit up straight and again scrutinize +the boy's features, as he asked:</p> + +<p>"Got any folks?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"Live alone in New York?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir. With my guardian."</p> + +<p>"What made you come out here?"</p> + +<p>"I wanted to be a cowboy and make my fortune."</p> + +<p>"Cow punching ain't a paved highway to riches."</p> + +<p>"But you are rich, aren't you?"</p> + +<p>At this leading question, the grizzled man of the plains scowled, a +suspicion of Bob's purpose in seeking a job with him flashing into his +mind as he replied:</p> + +<p>"Mebbe I am and mebbe I ain't. What made you think I was?"</p> + +<p>"Mr. Higgins and the other men said you were."</p> + +<p>"Huh! them fellows had better mind their own <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>business," grunted the +ranchman; but the ingenuous reply and the open honesty of the boy's face +banished his suspicions, and he continued his questioning.</p> + +<p>The length to which the catechising extended amazed Bob, in view of what +he had been told and had read in regard to not asking questions, and he +made his replies as brief as possible, taking good care to give only the +most general information about himself.</p> + +<p>Perceiving this, Ford finally asked:</p> + +<p>"How much wages do you want?"</p> + +<p>"I'll leave that to you, Mr. Ford. As I don't know anything about +ranching, I don't expect much and I'm willing to trust you to do what is +right."</p> + +<p>This confidence in his squareness appealed more to the ranchman than +anything else Bob could have said or done.</p> + +<p>Leading the life of a recluse as he did and assuming a manner of +forbidding austerity when forced to meet his fellows, the man had been +endowed by them with a reputation for close—if not sharp—dealing, and +this trust in him evinced by the boy moved him deeply, and with a voice +in which there was a half sob, he returned:</p> + +<p>"You won't lose by leaving the matter of wages to me, boy. Don't you +worry about that, no matter what Ned Higgins or his cronies tell you."</p> + +<p>"I shall not discuss my affairs with outsiders,"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> replied Bob with +seriousness that brought a smile to the plainsman's face.</p> + +<p>"Good! Now, let's get down to business. Can you ride?"</p> + +<p>"No. But I can learn."</p> + +<p>"You'll have to. A man on a ranch who can't ride is about as useless as +a rifle without cartridges. Let's see, you'll need a safe pony to learn +on. I guess I'll let you try old Sox. He never was mean and he still has +some speed. Pick up that saddle there," and he pointed to what is called +a Mexican saddle, which has a high pommel and back; "the bridle is tied +to it, and we'll go out to the corral. You ought to get so you can do +pretty well by night. You've got to, because I need another puncher with +my short-horn herd over by Red Top."</p> + +<p>The thought that he was to be stationed close to the town that might +hold secrets of the greatest importance to himself so excited Bob that +his hands trembled as he seized the saddle.</p> + +<p>Attributing this action to fear of the broncho, Ford said:</p> + +<p>"You sure ain't scared of riding a pony when you faced Chester, are +you?"</p> + +<p>"No, I'm not."</p> + +<p>"Then why are you trembling so?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, because I'm so happy at having found a job, I guess," dissembled +Bob. And then, in order <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>to direct the ranchman's attention from +himself, he asked:</p> + +<p>"Why do you call your dog Chester?"</p> + +<p>This question served Bob's purpose better than he could have desired, +for it caused the grizzled plainsman to start suddenly.</p> + +<p>Instantly recovering himself, however, he countered by demanding +sharply:</p> + +<p>"What makes you ask that?"</p> + +<p>"Because it's such a queer name for a dog."</p> + +<p>"Well, he's a queer dog," returned Ford tersely. "Now, come along with +that saddle."</p> + +<p>As though aware of their purpose, the dog had preceded them from the +cabin, but as Ford and Bob stepped forth, he stopped, began to sniff the +air and then emitted a long, low growl.</p> + +<p>"Somebody's coming," announced the ranchman, pausing and following the +direction of the wolfhound's gaze.</p> + +<p>Eagerly Bob did the same, and in a few moments beheld a man riding a +horse and leading another.</p> + +<p>Instantly it flashed to the boy's mind that the horseman was his friend +the station agent, who, having learned his destination, had followed, +and he exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"That's Hal Thomas!"</p> + +<p>"What makes you think so?" demanded Ford sharply.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Because he's a friend of mine and he was trying to buy a horse for me +when I started for your ranch."</p> + +<p>"Well, you couldn't have a better friend," asserted the ranchman.</p> + +<p>During this colloquy the dog had set up a furious barking and snarling, +leaping about in evident readiness to spring upon the horseman when he +should get well within the clearing.</p> + +<p>By this time the two men and boy were near enough to recognize one +another, and Bob's surmise was correct, for the rider was none other +than Hal Thomas with Firefly.</p> + +<p>"Hey, Ford, call off your dog," yelled the agent.</p> + +<p>"Ain't my dog!" retorted the ranchman harshly.</p> + +<p>"Since when?" inquired Thomas, with difficulty managing the two ponies +that were plunging in fright at the antics of the snarling, snapping +hound.</p> + +<p>"About thirty minutes ago."</p> + +<p>"Whose is it, then?"</p> + +<p>"This boy here."</p> + +<p>"Mine?" exclaimed Bob in amazement.</p> + +<p>"Uhuh! I ain't no use for a dog anybody else can handle."</p> + +<p>But Bob did not hear the last words. No sooner assured that the savage +beast was his, than he called:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Steady! Chester! Come here, sir!"</p> + +<p>Uncertain whether or not to obey, the dog looked from Bob to the horses. +But the boy quickly repeated his commands, running toward the hound, and +the animal, with a parting snarl at the agent, turned and trotted to the +side of his new master, where he took his stand as though waiting to +defend him, should it be necessary.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXI</h2> + +<h3>AT THE RANCH</h3> + + +<p>As the ranchman watched this scene, his face was a study, but he soon +forgot it in listening to the conversation between Thomas and Bob.</p> + +<p>"Do you think it was quite fair to run away while I was trying to find a +pony for you?" asked the agent.</p> + +<p>"Don't scold, Hal," returned Bob. "I suppose it wasn't quite fair. But I +wanted to surprise you by getting a job myself, without anybody's help."</p> + +<p>Smiling at the boy's independence, Thomas asked:</p> + +<p>"Have you got it?"</p> + +<p>Before Bob could answer, the ranchman interposed:</p> + +<p>"Looks like it, don't it? First he won my—I mean his—dog, and then he +won me. Yes, Hal, Bob's landed and you can tell Ned Higgins from me that +if he tries to put up any more jokes on Bob, I'll fix him so he can't +speak for a year."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span></p> + +<p>"All right, John," smiled the agent. "But I reckon he won't try any +more!"</p> + +<p>So significant was the agent's tone that Bob inquired anxiously:</p> + +<p>"You didn't do anything to him for sending me to Mr. Ford, did you, +Hal?"</p> + +<p>"No, not much," returned Thomas grimly. Yet had he told the entire truth +he would have said he had administered such a beating to the practical +joker, upon learning where he had sent Bob, as Fairfax had never seen +given by one man to another.</p> + +<p>"Won't you come in?" asked the ranchman.</p> + +<p>"No, thanks. Can't stop. Got to get back for a train. Here, Bob, come +and mount Firefly. He's yours."</p> + +<p>"What, you bought Firefly for this boy?" exclaimed Ford in surprise.</p> + +<p>"That's what." Then turning to Bob, he added, "Put your left foot in the +stirrup and swing into the saddle. That's the way. Say, John, let Bob +ride back a way with me. I want to show him a few things about a pony."</p> + +<p>"Oh, do!" chimed in Bob.</p> + +<p>"All right, though I was calculating to teach him myself," returned +Ford, a light such as the station agent had never before seen in his +eyes.</p> + +<p>"Can I take Chester?" asked Bob.</p> + +<p>"Sure, he's yours!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Come, boy," called Bob. Then noticing that Hal wanted to say a word to +the ranchman, he exclaimed: "Don't tell him who I am, <i>please</i>." And as +the agent hesitated, he added, shrewdly, "Mr. Nichols wouldn't like it."</p> + +<p>"All right, if you say not," returned Hal.</p> + +<p>And wheeling their ponies, the two rode off across the plains, the dog +bounding joyfully along at Bob's side.</p> + +<p>Gazing after them, even when they had disappeared from sight, stood John +Ford.</p> + +<p>As the agent had said, Firefly was so gentle and had such an easy gait +that after the first few minutes' fear had passed Bob found he could not +only keep in the saddle, but could enjoy the motion of the pony.</p> + +<p>Critically Thomas watched him, riding close at his side to be at hand in +case of trouble, finally exclaiming in hearty approval:</p> + +<p>"You take to a horse like a duck to water, Bob."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean that, Hal?"</p> + +<p>"I sure do. Now dismount and I'll show you a trick or two." And as soon +as the boy was on the ground, he continued: "Some ponies have a mean way +of starting just as soon as you put your foot in the stirrups. No matter +how nervous your mount is, by drawing the left rein—remember you always +handle a saddle horse from the left side—so short that it turns the +pony's head, you can <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>make him circle round and round, instead of +running straight ahead, which will give you a chance to swing into the +saddle. Now try it."</p> + +<p>Without difficulty Bob performed the feat.</p> + +<p>"Good," commented his instructor. "We'll both dismount and I'll teach +you how to hobble your pony. Whenever you turn a pony loose on the +plains, whether in the day time or at night, always hobble him. You +never know what may happen when you are 'punching cattle' and oftentimes +by having your pony handy it will save you a lot of trouble, to put it +mildly."</p> + +<p>While he was speaking, Thomas had taken Bob's lariat, which hung from +the pommel of his saddle, and drawing the noose small had slipped it +over his pony's right hoof.</p> + +<p>"There are two ways of hobbling," he continued, "one, to tie the front +and hind feet on the same side, the other, to tie both front feet. As +ponies are often mighty lively animals, I don't need to tell you the +danger or difficulty of trying to put a rope around their hind legs. But +tying the front feet is easy. Allow about seven inches of rope, then +take a couple of turns around the left fetlock, make a half-hitch and +tie the rest of your rope about the pony's neck.</p> + +<p>"Always remember to do that. If you don't, some time the rope end may +catch between the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span>rocks or become tangled in some way and cause +trouble.</p> + +<p>"When you stop to rest after a hard ride, always unsaddle, whether you +unbridle or not, and then wipe the dirt and sweat from where the saddle +has been. It rests a pony more than anything you can do.</p> + +<p>"At night, when you are on the plains, always use your saddle for a +pillow, then no one can steal it from you.</p> + +<p>"Those are the main points. Any special tricks you'll pick up from John +and the boys.</p> + +<p>"Oh, there's one more thing: whenever you dismount for any length of +time, pull the reins over the pony's head and either throw them over a +post or else let them drag on the ground. I don't know why it is, but it +seems to make the pony think he is tied."</p> + +<p>The lesson over, Bob and Hal remounted and rode on.</p> + +<p>At the request of the latter, the boy related his experience at Ford's +ranch. As he did so, the agent looked at him with an expression of +mingled amazement and approval, and as the story was finished, +exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Bob, you sure are a wonder! How you had the nerve to face that dog on +foot, I don't see. Many a man on horseback has been forced to turn and +flee. How did you do it?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't know. Just looked him in the eye and spoke to him, that's +all."</p> + +<p>But the explanation did not satisfy the agent.</p> + +<p>"I don't understand it," he said. "I fully expected to find you lying in +Ford's cabin all chewed up. And here your clothes aren't even torn. I +don't understand it. This is the first time Chester has ever made +friends with anybody. He only minds Ford because he's afraid of him."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXII</h2> + +<h3>ON THE RANGE STATION</h3> + + +<p>For some time the boy and the man rode in silence, each occupied with +his own thoughts.</p> + +<p>"Do you know why Mr. Ford calls the dog Chester?" Bob suddenly asked.</p> + +<p>"He had to give him some name, I suppose."</p> + +<p>"But it's such a queer name, Hal. I asked him and he wouldn't tell me."</p> + +<p>A moment the agent was silent, evidently debating something with +himself, and finally said:</p> + +<p>"I suppose you had better know, Bob, that there's something queer about +John Ford. They tell a lot of stories about him, but the one most common +is that he's waiting till he gets one hundred thousand dollars before +starting on a tour of revenge.</p> + +<p>"He told me himself, however, that when he had accumulated that amount +he was going to find a man. But more than that he wouldn't say.</p> + +<p>"If I were you, I wouldn't ask too many questions."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p> + +<p>During the conversation they had covered so much ground that the roofs +of Fairfax village were visible in the distance and as he noticed this, +the agent drew rein, saying:</p> + +<p>"I didn't realize we had come so far. You'd better go back, Bob. Suppose +you can find the way?"</p> + +<p>"Sure. If I can't Chester will show me, won't you, old boy?"</p> + +<p>And in answer, as though he had understood perfectly, the dog started +off in the direction of the ranch.</p> + +<p>"I reckon you'll be safe with him," commented the agent. "Take care of +yourself, Bob. And come over to see me when you can. By the way, has +John said where he was going to send you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, over near Red Top, with his short-horns."</p> + +<p>"You've certainly made a hit with him, Bob. That's the best and easiest +berth on the ranch. Grazing's good and water plenty. You hardly have to +move from one week to another. So long." And he gave the boy's hand a +hearty grip. "I've wired your father of your safe arrival. When there +are any letters, I'll bring them over."</p> + +<p>And shaking out his reins, the agent galloped away.</p> + +<p>Bob, however, did not hurry on his return to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>the ranch, his mind being +occupied with trying to find the reason for the grizzled plainsman's +evident liking for him and his kindness, so at variance with his usual +manner.</p> + +<p>But the puzzle was too difficult for him, and he finally abandoned it to +dismount and practice the things the agent had taught him.</p> + +<p>Such action at first mystified Firefly, but Bob patted and spoke to him, +explaining what he was trying to do just as though he were talking to a +human being.</p> + +<p>"You and Chester and I will have many a long day and night together, so +we had better be good friends right away. I've got to learn to hobble +and saddle and I want to do it before I return to the ranch."</p> + +<p>Evidently satisfied with this explanation, Firefly stood quietly, +nibbling at the grass now and again, while the dog sat down and watched +operations.</p> + +<p>Having finally acquired the knack, Bob remounted and was soon at the +ranch, where he turned his pony into the corral and carried his saddle +to the cabin.</p> + +<p>"Then you've learned enough to turn your pony into the corral, eh?" was +Ford's greeting as Bob threw his saddle on the floor.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. And to hobble and saddle and make my horse whirl when I'm +mounting."</p> + +<p>"Hal's a good friend to have," commented the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span>ranchman. "Did he show you +how to throw a rope?"</p> + +<p>"Do you mean my lariat?"</p> + +<p>"No, I mean rope; that's what we call it on the plains, though it means +the same thing."</p> + +<p>"No, he didn't."</p> + +<p>"Then I will. You'll find some grub in the cupboard. Eat all you want +and put the rest back."</p> + +<p>"But aren't you going to eat with me?" asked Bob in an injured tone.</p> + +<p>"I'd like to. But I ain't eaten with a man since——" then suddenly +checking himself he stammered, "well, since twelve year ago."</p> + +<p>Eager, indeed, was Bob to ask the reason for this custom, but, +remembering Hal's warning, he restrained the question that was on his +lips just as the ranchman, evidently determined to end the conversation, +went outdoors.</p> + +<p>The mention of eating recalled to Bob that it was hours since he had +breakfasted, and hastily he explored the cupboard, bringing forth some +crisp bacon, biscuits, cookies and pie while from the stove he took the +coffee pot, then sat down to a meal that seemed, to his keen appetite, +the best he had ever tasted.</p> + +<p>As he was finishing, the ranchman came in and, when the food had been +put away, took Bob out to teach him how to throw the rope.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span></p> + +<p>For this purpose Ford had driven a four-foot stake into the ground. +Making his pupil stand about twenty feet from it, he had him get used to +whirling the rope around his head and then told him to drop the noose +over the post.</p> + +<p>At first Bob failed, but he was soon able to drop the noose over. So +much accomplished, the ranchman ordered him to get his pony and try to +rope the stake while riding past.</p> + +<p>This, however, was more difficult, and Bob made more misses than +"ringers."</p> + +<p>"You can practice that on the range, Bob. We won't waste any more time +here. I want to take you over to the short-horns to-night."</p> + +<p>"You mean I'm to go on duty to-night?" asked the boy in delight.</p> + +<p>"Exactly. Only there won't be much to do. Just keep awake in case +anything happens. I'll have Merry Dick, the best of my boys, stay with +you for a day or so."</p> + +<p>The ranchman had saddled a big bay broncho when Bob saddled Firefly and, +after locking the door of his cabin, they galloped away toward the west.</p> + +<p>On the ride the plainsman gave Bob many valuable pointers about what to +do if trouble broke out in the herd, and for getting along with the +other cowboys.</p> + +<p>After an hour or more of riding, they came to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span>the herd, spread out over +a quarter of a mile of plain, and rode round it till they came to where +four cowboys were lolling on the grass, smoking.</p> + +<p>Looking up lazily at the sight of their boss, when they caught a glimpse +of Bob's fresh, young face they evinced a lively interest.</p> + +<p>"Boys, this is Bob," said Ford, by way of introduction. "Bob, the +homeliest of the lot is Merry Dick; the one next to him to the left is +Yellow Tom; next is Shorty Flinn and the last is Crazy Ned.</p> + +<p>"Dick, you're to go over on the West station with Bob for three days. +Get some grub ready.</p> + +<p>"Now, remember, every man Jack of you, Bob is my special friend. If you +try any funny business, you'll have to settle with me; and don't forget, +cowboys ain't worth near as much as a lean steer."</p> + +<p>And without another word, this strange man wheeled his horse and rode +away.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIII</h2> + +<h3>BOB OVERHEARS A SECOND PLOT</h3> + + +<p>Chester had accompanied Bob and Ford to the cowboys' station, and when +they saw that the dog showed no signs of returning, Yellow Tom called +out:</p> + +<p>"Hey, you Ford. Take this cur of yours with you—or I won't stay on the +job another minute."</p> + +<p>The ranchman, however, either did not hear or pretended not to, and +after a minute Bob said:</p> + +<p>"Mr. Ford has given Chester to me."</p> + +<p>"What?" chorused the cowboys, in amazement.</p> + +<p>"I said that Mr. Ford had given Chester to me," replied Bob.</p> + +<p>"And you let him?" queried Crazy Ned, staring at the boy as though he +must be daft.</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"You're liable to wake up in mincemeat some fine day, that's all," +commented Yellow Tom drily.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I guess not," answered Bob. "Chester and I are good friends, aren't +we, my boy?" and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span>dismounting, he called the dog to him and stroked his +head.</p> + +<p>A moment the cowboys watched the proceeding in amazement, then Shorty +Flinn voiced their feelings by saying:</p> + +<p>"Am I dreamin' or is this tenderfoot pattin' that ornery cur?"</p> + +<p>"He's pattin' him, all right," returned Merry Dick. "Say, kid, you're a +wonder. There ain't no man ever dared touch that dog so long as I've +known about him and that's for ten years."</p> + +<p>"But can you make him mind?" demanded Yellow Tom.</p> + +<p>"Surely."</p> + +<p>"Then stop his growlin' at me."</p> + +<p>Recognizing this as a test, Bob stroked the dog's head caressingly, +saying, in a matter-of-fact tone:</p> + +<p>"Stop growling, boy. None of these men are going to harm me."</p> + +<p>A moment the dog looked at Bob, then leisurely glanced from one to +another of the cowboys—and stopped snarling.</p> + +<p>"That beats all," declared Crazy Ned. "Say, kid, you don't need to fear +anybody's playin' tricks on you when that brute is with you."</p> + +<p>"No, I guess not," smiled Bob. And then in a burst of confidence he +added: "But I don't want people to be nice because they are afraid of +Ches<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span>ter. If they don't like me for myself, I don't want them to like me +at all."</p> + +<p>"That's all right, kid. But there's some ornery critturs wearin' the +clothes of cowboys, so just take advice of a man who knows and keep the +dog with you," said Yellow Tom.</p> + +<p>"Yellow's givin' it to you straight," asserted Shorty Flinn. "There's +some folks ain't never happy unless they're makin' others onhappy."</p> + +<p>Bob took the advice in the spirit it was given and, while Merry Dick was +putting together enough food to last them for the three days he was to +be with the boy, chatted and joked with them, answering such questions +as he saw fit and turning off those he did not care to. And such +manliness and good nature did he display that he won the respect of the +four cowpunchers, than whom there were no harder characters riding the +plains.</p> + +<p>At last Merry Dick had stowed the food in his saddle bags, unhobbled and +made ready his broncho, and as he waited for Bob to mount, the others +began to tease him.</p> + +<p>"No tricks, now," said one. "Remember what John said about the +comparative value of cowboys and steers. Don't put salt instead of sugar +in Bob's coffee."</p> + +<p>"Don't worry about <i>me</i>," laughed Bob. "With<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> Chester my friend, we're +more likely to play tricks on Merry Dick than he is to play any on us."</p> + +<p>And amid the shouts of merriment this suggestion produced, the cowboy +and his youthful companion galloped away.</p> + +<p>"Ain't that Firefly you're ridin'?" asked Merry Dick, after having tried +in vain to leave Bob behind by sending his own pony at a mad gallop.</p> + +<p>"Y—yes," returned Bob. "Mr. Thomas, the station agent, bought him for +me."</p> + +<p>"<i>Bought</i> him?" repeated the cowboy in amazement. "You must be rollin' +in money, kid. Simons said he'd never sell for less than two hundred +dollars."</p> + +<p>Bob had no idea as to the value of horseflesh, so he asked:</p> + +<p>"Is that much to pay for a pony?"</p> + +<p>"Much? Well, I don't know what you call much, but I do know that you can +buy all the ponies you want, good ones at that, for fifty dollars."</p> + +<p>This knowledge of the expense to which Mr. Nichols had been put to +provide him with a mount, for Bob believed it was he who had ordered the +agent so to do, grieved the boy and he became silent, wondering if he +should not send back the one hundred dollars present in part payment.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span></p> + +<p>Merry Dick, however, mistook his silence for displeasure and exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"I don't mean Firefly ain't a good pony. He's the best within fifty +mile, so you didn't get stuck."</p> + +<p>In due course of time, they reached a spot where a few trees surrounded +a spring, and there the cowboy said they would pitch camp.</p> + +<p>With surprise, he watched Bob hobble his pony and then rub him down, +observing:</p> + +<p>"I reckon you ain't so green as you make out."</p> + +<p>Ignoring the left-handed compliment, Bob asked:</p> + +<p>"What do I have to do with the cattle?"</p> + +<p>"Mighty little, so long as you have the dog with you. He's as good as +any cowboy." And then Merry Dick explained that Bob's duties lay in +riding around and driving back the cattle that strayed from the herd, +especially in the morning, and in case of a stampede, than which there +is nothing more dreaded by cowboys, in outrunning the leaders and +changing their direction, yelling and waving arms, until the frenzied +animals are made to tire themselves out traveling in a circle.</p> + +<p>The hours till twilight passed quickly with the stories the cowboy told +of experiences he had had and had heard, in both of which he did not +hesitate to draw freely on his imagination.</p> + +<p>As the sunset bathed the plains in a glorious <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span>red, the two rode out and +drove the straggling cattle back to the herd, and then Merry Dick showed +Bob how to boil coffee over a bed of coals and fry bacon by holding it +on a fork.</p> + +<p>As night fell, many sounds reached the boy's ears, but none scared him +except the melancholy howl of the coyotes.</p> + +<p>Without incident the hours of darkness passed and the two days that +Merry Dick was with him, and, on the third, Ford rode over to see how +they were getting along.</p> + +<p>"He'll do," announced the cowboy, nodding toward Bob.</p> + +<p>"Then you can go back to the others," returned his boss, who remained +with the boy.</p> + +<p>Day followed day with monotonous regularity, and many a time Bob was +glad of the dog's company. Several times Thomas came to see him, +bringing letters from both Mr. Perkins and Mr. Nichols and taking back +Bob's answers, which told of his experiences, gratitude for their +assistance, and delight in his new life.</p> + +<p>Once a week, Ford came to bring his food, a signal mark of favor, for +the ranch cooks supplied the others. And as month after month passed, +Bob developed wonderfully. The free, outdoor life made his muscles like +steel and the responsibility and solitude matured him, so that instead +of the rather timid boy who had stepped <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span>from the limited that morning, +he was a powerful, self-reliant young man.</p> + +<p>Realizing this and feeling his desire growing stronger, at the end of +the sixth month to learn the truth about his father when Ford paid him, +Bob asked if he could ride over to Red Top for a day.</p> + +<p>In reply to the ranchman's question as to the reason, he said he wanted +to find out about a man.</p> + +<p>At this answer, Ford scanned his face closely, but, unable to read its +expression, gave his permission, provided he took the dog, saying he +would stand Bob's tour of duty.</p> + +<p>His heart agog, Bob was on his way early the next morning, the faithful +Chester at his side.</p> + +<p>The village of Red Top was similar to Fairfax, but being the location of +the Land Office was of more importance. As the boy, accompanied by the +dog passed along the one street of the town, they attracted much +attention, for many of the people recognized Chester.</p> + +<p>Drawing rein, Bob dismounted at the store, went inside and asked where +he could find out who owned property in the town fifteen years ago.</p> + +<p>The interest of the loungers in the boy was no whit lessened by this +question and several of them chorused:</p> + +<p>"The Land Office, right next door."</p> + +<p>Thanking them collectively, Bob went out, leav<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span>ing the idlers to +speculate over his identity and purpose.</p> + +<p>But though he found the Land Office without difficulty, he could make +neither head nor tail out of the records.</p> + +<p>Noticing the perplexity on his face, the clerk, a kindly-faced, +gray-haired man, asked him for what he was searching.</p> + +<p>"To see if Horace Chester ever owned any property in Red Top."</p> + +<p>"I can tell you that without looking," replied the clerk. "He had one of +the best ranches in Oklahoma. It was good when he died. But it's worth +ten times as much now."</p> + +<p>This information set Bob's head in a whirl, and for some minutes he +could not speak, but when he did, he asked hesitatingly:</p> + +<p>"Was he—was he crazy?"</p> + +<p>"Crazy? well, I should say not!" ejaculated the clerk, staring at Bob in +wonder.</p> + +<p>"Who owns the property now?"</p> + +<p>"A. Leon Dardus."</p> + +<p>"How'd he get it?"</p> + +<p>"By will. There was a long legal battle between Sam and John Ford and +Dardus. But Dardus finally won."</p> + +<p>"Where is the ranch?"</p> + +<p>"Twenty miles south of here. Jim Haskins hires it."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span></p> + +<p>At these surprising answers, Bob's heart seemed to come up in his +throat, stifling his speech. But noticing that his questions had aroused +the clerk's curiosity, he hurriedly left the office.</p> + +<p>Needing time to think, the boy hastened along till he came to a building +which served as a saloon, diningroom and gambling den.</p> + +<p>Attracted by the food sign, he entered, took a seat near a partition, +and ordered some pork and beans.</p> + +<p>But before it was brought, he had forgotten about eating. From behind +the partition, loud voices were audible and he caught the word "Ford."</p> + +<p>Listening intently, he heard a voice say:</p> + +<p>"Sure, we can do it! I've got the papers all ready, old Sam Ford's +signature and all. Just pass over that two thousand five hundred +dollars, and I'll give them to you."</p> + +<p>"But suppose Ford fights us in court?" exclaimed another voice.</p> + +<p>"He won't do that!" growled a third. "Leave it to me!"</p> + +<p>"Now, Bill, there's to be no——"</p> + +<p>But before Bob could catch the last word, the waiter came in with his +pork and beans and, noticing that the boy was listening with head close +to the partition, shouted:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What you listenin' to? That don't go in Red Top!"</p> + +<p>And dropping his dishes, he leaped for Bob, just as the men behind the +partition, who had heard the waiter's angry words, struggled to get +through the door.</p> + +<p>Realizing he was no match for so many, Bob took to his heels, the others +in pursuit.</p> + +<p>As he dashed from the restaurant, Chester leaped to his feet and, back +bristling, jaws distended, faced the pursuers.</p> + +<p>"That's Ford's dog!" gasped the waiter. "That fellow must have been one +of his men!"</p> + +<p>The commotion had attracted the attention of the loungers in the store +and as they hurried to the street, the conspirators, pointing to Bob, +yelled:</p> + +<p>"Stop him! Stop him!"</p> + +<p>But Bob, paying no heed, raced to where Firefly stood, vaulted into his +saddle and, with the dog at his heels, dashed up the street.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIV</h2> + +<h3>A RACE FOR LIFE</h3> + + +<p>Believing the men who tried to stop Bob must have been robbed, several +of those about the store leaped onto their horses and gave chase.</p> + +<p>Meantime, the conspirators, balked in their attempt to prevent the boy's +escape, held a consultation.</p> + +<p>"If that is one of Ford's men, our goose is cooked," snarled one of +them.</p> + +<p>"Well, it is, right enough. Don't you remember hearing about the kid +Ford gave his dog to?"</p> + +<p>Too well did they remember, for the story of Bob's call at the ranch had +traveled far and wide.</p> + +<p>"What's to be done, then?" asked the first speaker.</p> + +<p>"Get him!" growled the others.</p> + +<p>So well did these men understand one another that no explanation of this +remark was necessary, and without more ado they hastened to the stable +back of the saloon, ordered their horses, and were soon riding after Bob +at top speed.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span></p> + +<p>Anticipating that he would be chased, the boy had urged Firefly into a +mad gallop, desirous of getting as long a start as possible. And well it +was that he did, for so mettlesome were the horses of the conspirators +that, despite the start the loungers had, they quickly overhauled them.</p> + +<p>"Which way did he go?" demanded the ringleader, as he rode alongside.</p> + +<p>"To Ford's."</p> + +<p>"What's wrong? What did he do? How much did he get?" demanded others of +the volunteer posse.</p> + +<p>But the conspirators were not eager to go into detail, and their leader +said:</p> + +<p>"This is a private matter. We are obliged to you gentlemen for trying to +stop that boy. But we won't trouble you to ride farther. We are quite +able to attend to this business ourselves."</p> + +<p>Such an abrupt dismissal, however, only piqued the curiosity of the +volunteers the more, and noting this the conspirators clapped spurs to +their ponies and soon left them behind.</p> + +<p>From time to time, as he raced across the plains, Bob had looked back. +With satisfaction, he noted that he more than held his own with the +pursuers. But when he saw the four men pass the leaders as though the +others were standing still, he urged Firefly to greater speed.</p> + +<p>Gamely the pony responded, increasing Bob's <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span>lead still more, and the +boy noted from landmarks that he was only about two miles from his +station. Then suddenly Firefly stumbled, hurling Bob over his head.</p> + +<p>Picking himself up, the boy, stopping only to ascertain that he himself +was not injured, ran back to his pony. But as he saw the horse his heart +sank.</p> + +<p>Firefly had stepped in a prairie-dog hole and broken his leg.</p> + +<p>From his moaning Bob realized the pony was in great pain, and for a +moment he stood undecided what to do. Then a hoarse shout of triumph +raised by the conspirators reached his ears, and, gritting his teeth, +Bob pulled out his revolver, placed it against Firefly's head and pulled +the trigger.</p> + +<p>Already he had lost precious minutes and, waiting only to make sure he +had put his faithful pony out of misery, he once more started toward his +station, leaping and bounding through the high grass as best he could.</p> + +<p>Not far had he gone, however, before he realized that unless he could +make greater speed, his pursuers would soon overtake him.</p> + +<p>But the prospect did not daunt him and, as his danger became greater, +his brain became clearer.</p> + +<p>Apparently without effort, Chester was bound<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span>ing over the plains. Noting +this, an idea flashed into Bob's mind and he called the dog to him.</p> + +<p>As he approached, Bob took a firm grip with his right hand in the mass +of hair on Chester's shoulders, exclaiming:</p> + +<p>"You've got to help me run, boy. Now don't go too fast. Remember, I +can't leap the way you do."</p> + +<p>And, as though understanding, the dog moderated his gait and together +they tore through the grass.</p> + +<p>Yet so uneven was the race that Bob would certainly have been captured +had not aid come from an unexpected quarter.</p> + +<p>So still was the air that the report of Bob's shot had carried to the +ears of John Ford who, sensing trouble, was riding slowly toward Red Top +to meet the lad.</p> + +<p>Shooting not being common on the plains thereabouts, no sooner had he +heard the report than he clapped spurs to his horse and dashed in its +direction, and not far had he ridden before he caught sight of Bob and +Chester and their pursuers.</p> + +<p>At a glance, he realized that the boy was in great danger, and grinding +his teeth savagely, he rode at him like mad, from time to time shouting +to Bob to keep up courage.</p> + +<p>But the plucky boy saw and recognized his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span>employer long before he heard +his reassuring words, and the sight lent him fresh strength.</p> + +<p>The pursuers also saw Ford and redoubled their efforts to reach Bob +first. But the terrific pace was telling on their mounts and they made +little progress.</p> + +<p>With a yell of exultation, Ford reached Bob, gave him a hand and lifted +him up behind to the saddle, asking:</p> + +<p>"What are they after you for?"</p> + +<p>"Because I wanted to warn you!" answered Bob, and hurriedly he related +all he had overheard and the incidents of the pursuit.</p> + +<p>As he listened to the story, the ranchman's face grew terrible to +behold. And as it was finished, he sat in silence a moment, then fairly +hissed:</p> + +<p>"My law is not 'an eye for an eye' or 'a tooth for a tooth.' But four +eyes for an eye!"</p> + +<p>For an instant only was Bob mystified by this speech.</p> + +<p>Swinging his rifle from his back to his shoulder with incredible +rapidity, Ford fired four shots in quick succession. And after each +shot, one of the conspirator's horses fell.</p> + +<p>"So much for Firefly, though I wouldn't take the four for him!" snarled +the ranchman. "Now for the men! Oh, no! I'm not going to shoot them," he +added, noting the look of horror on Bob's face. "I intend to capture +them and hand <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span>them over to the law. You're lighter than I am, so you +take my pony and ride for the boys. I'll stay here and keep track of +those scoundrels. They won't be able to walk far."</p> + +<p>Even as he spoke, Ford slipped from the saddle, and Bob taking his place +dashed away for the other cowboys.</p> + +<p>By good fortune, he found them at the end of their range nearest the +scene of trouble, and no urging did they need to ride to their +employer's assistance when they had heard Bob's story.</p> + +<p>Divining the purpose of the boy's departure, the conspirators had +separated and then sought to hide themselves in the long grass. But the +ranchman had kept watch of their general direction, and as his boys rode +up, ordered them to advance abreast toward the spot where the scoundrels +had disappeared.</p> + +<p>As they approached, Ford shouted:</p> + +<p>"If you men will surrender, we won't hurt you! But if you fire so much +as one shot, we'll kindle the prairie and roast you!"</p> + +<p>For a moment after this terrible alternative was pronounced there was +silence and the conspirators made no move. Then one by one they stood +up, glowering with awful hatred at Bob.</p> + +<p>"Hands up!" commanded Ford. "That's the way! Now, boys, take their guns +and knives, then bind their hands behind their backs and each carry <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span>one +behind you. We're going to take them to Red Top jail."</p> + +<p>While his cowboys were obeying his instructions with no gentle hands, +Ford mounted his horse, keeping Bob behind him.</p> + +<p>After the troop was under way, the ranchman asked:</p> + +<p>"What made you take such a chance for me, boy?"</p> + +<p>"Because you were a friend of my father!" replied Bob simply.</p> + +<p>"What?" exclaimed Ford, turning so suddenly that he almost unseated the +boy.</p> + +<p>"My name isn't Bob Nichols, Mr. Ford. It's Bob Chester!"</p> + +<p>"Then I wasn't wrong! I wasn't wrong!" murmured the ranchman. And the +next moment he was hugging Bob to his breast, sobbing over him and +caressing him.</p> + +<p>The sight of their stern, unemotional employer weeping like a woman over +Bob astounded the cowboys, and eagerly they closed around him, though +they were too impressed by the scene to speak.</p> + +<p>But as soon as he recovered his composure, Ford exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Boys, Bob is the son of the best friend I ever had—Horace Chester. I +was struck by the resemblance when I first laid eyes on him. When <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span>he +told me his name, I thought I must be mistaken. But Chester knew better. +That's why the dog took to him. He recognized the blood.</p> + +<p>"And now you all ride on. Bob and I want to talk."</p> + +<p>Reluctantly the cowboys obeyed and when they were out of hearing, Bob +spoke, giving a detailed account of the reasons why he had come to +Fairfax, the experiences through which he had passed while on the way, +his discoveries about his father's property, and finally showed the +ranchman the precious letter.</p> + +<p>"And Leon Dardus kept you at drudgery, denying you your money, even +trying to make you believe your father was insane!" remarked Ford, as +the narration ended. "I knew he was a villain. That will is a forgery, +Bob. We'll get back the property for you, never fear. Dardus may have +money. But your friends Perkins and Nichols have more. I made a vow when +Dardus beat me on the will that when I had one hundred thousand dollars +I'd track him down and solve this mystery. But now it won't be necessary +to wait.</p> + +<p>"Right will conquer, every time, Bob!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXV</h2> + +<h3>FROM RANCH TO RICHES</h3> + + +<p>Bob asked many questions about his father on the ride to Red Top, +learning that he had died from pneumonia; that his mother had died soon +after Bob was born, and that it had been his father's dying request that +he be sent to New York, where he could grow up and receive the education +he himself had been denied. But their arrival at Red Top put an end to +their conversation and they turned to the matter at hand.</p> + +<p>As the citizens saw Bob's pursuers return captives they were amazed, and +when they learned the reason they expressed in no uncertain terms their +anger at having been made to chase an innocent boy.</p> + +<p>At the jail, the forged deed and other papers that were to be used in +stealing John Ford's ranch away from him were found on the prisoners and +were filed away to be used against them at the trial.</p> + +<p>To one or two of his firm friends, the ranch<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>man introduced Bob, and +sincere were their expressions of delight both at meeting him and in +knowing that he was to come into his own. Ford, however, swore them to +silence, for there were some of the townsfolk who had supported Dardus +in his lawsuit, and neither the ranchman nor Bob wished a word of his +presence to leak out till they had perfected their plans for bringing +the dishonest guardian to book.</p> + +<p>"But your boys know it, John, and so do the prisoners," asserted one of +these friends.</p> + +<p>"My boys won't talk about it," declared the ranchman. "I'll see to that. +If the prisoners do, you all can say the story is absurd, probably +another of their plots to steal another ranch."</p> + +<p>This decided, the grizzled plainsman summoned his cowboys, explained the +situation briefly, and offered them a year's wages for their silence, +which they promised when Bob added his entreaties.</p> + +<p>But to prevent any possible miscarriage of their plans, Bob wrote his +discoveries to Mr. Nichols, mailing the letter before he left Red Top. +These details attended to, Ford borrowed a horse for Bob, and they set +out for the home ranch, which they reached in due course.</p> + +<p>Leaving Merry Dick on Bob's station, Ford and Bob rode on to Fairfax, +where they held a long consultation with the station agent, at which it +was decided that Bob and the ranchman should <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span>both go on to New York to +obtain restitution from Len Dardus. And, with much hurrying, they +prepared to leave Fairfax the next night.</p> + +<p>Thomas asked and obtained permission from Mr. Nichols for the east-bound +limited to stop at the way-station, and when Higgins and the others saw +the ranchman and Bob on the platform, they were consumed with curiosity.</p> + +<p>"Kidnappin' John?" asked Higgins of Bob.</p> + +<p>But no satisfaction did he receive, the boy replying:</p> + +<p>"My sentiments about answering questions haven't changed since the first +morning we met, Mr. Higgins."</p> + +<p>And while the others were laughing at their crony's discomfiture, the +train arrived and the two travelers boarded it, with the well wishes of +the agent ringing in their ears.</p> + +<p>At Kansas City Mr. Nichols joined them, saying he had decided to go on +to New York, where they would meet Mr. Perkins, both being determined to +bring Bob into his own.</p> + +<p>A happy party they made, Bob recounting his experiences, Ford adding his +dry comments, and Mr. Nichols enjoying the boy's development and +manliness.</p> + +<p>As they were rehearsing the story for the twentieth time, Mr. Nichols +asked:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Have you learned, Bob, who the man with the scar is?"</p> + +<p>"What sort of a scar?" demanded the ranchman, before the boy could +answer. And as Bob described it, he exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"That's Knuckles, your father's old foreman!"</p> + +<p>"Good. I'll find him and take him back with me," returned Bob; "that is, +if things come out right."</p> + +<p>"Don't worry about that," smiled Mr. Nichols knowingly. And when they +arrived in New York and met Mr. Perkins, these words were explained, for +Bob's patrons had set detectives at work and had learned all there was +to be learned about Len Dardus, even to the banks in which he kept his +money, and how much he had.</p> + +<p>After holding a consultation and marshaling their evidence, it was +decided to call in two members of the city detective force, and upon +their arrival, the party set out for the grocery store where Bob had +passed so many unhappy days.</p> + +<p>No one was about when the six men entered, and, leaving Bob alone, the +others withdrew to the corners of the store where the shadows +practically hid them.</p> + +<p>The proprietor had heard the footsteps, however, and shuffled from his +private office.</p> + +<p>No farther did he get than the threshold before he saw and recognized +Bob.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You!" he gasped, turning pale. "What do you want here?"</p> + +<p>"I want the money you have stolen from me, Len Dardus! I want my +father's ranch in Red Top back. I want you to say you lied when you said +my father was crazy when he died!"</p> + +<p>The tone in which the boy spoke was cold and bitter. Yet, instead of +terrifying the storekeeper, it caused him to laugh as he exclaimed: "You +can't blackmail me, you ungrateful young wretch! Get out of here, before +I call the police! I steal your money, indeed! Insanity seems to run in +the Chester family!"</p> + +<p>"Do you think so, Len Dardus?" demanded the ranchman, suddenly emerging +from the shadow.</p> + +<p>"John Ford!" gasped the storekeeper, his bravado deserting him at the +sight of this friend of Bob's father.</p> + +<p>"Yes; John Ford," retorted the ranchman in a voice that cut like steel. +"You remember when you won your lawsuit with that will you forged? I +told you I should trap you some day. <i>That day has come!</i>"</p> + +<p>At these words, the others stepped forth.</p> + +<p>From one to another, Dardus looked, then demanded in a terrified voice:</p> + +<p>"What—what do you want?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span></p> + +<p>"We want justice for Bob Chester," said Mr. Perkins.</p> + +<p>"We want you to give him every cent you have in bank except the five +hundred dollars you had when Horace Chester died. We want you to sign +this paper admitting that you forged the will bequeathing you the ranch +in Red Top. We want you to acknowledge you lied when you told Bob his +father was insane."</p> + +<p>"And if I refuse?"</p> + +<p>"You go to jail, and we take the money and ranch."</p> + +<p>"But I have no money," whimpered Dardus.</p> + +<p>"Lying won't help you. We know every cent you have in bank and where it +is. Here's the confession, sign it first."</p> + +<p>Glancing from one to another, the storekeeper seemed to seek an avenue +of escape.</p> + +<p>"Officers, if this man does not sign this paper within two minutes, +arrest him," exclaimed Mr. Perkins.</p> + +<p>Quickly the detectives moved one to either side of Len Dardus.</p> + +<p>"All right, I'll sign," he moaned, sinking into a chair.</p> + +<p>And, after reading the words admitting his guilt, he affixed his name.</p> + +<p>"Now, tell Bob you lied to him about his father."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Horace—Chester—was—not—insane."</p> + +<p>"Good, I am glad you are reasonable. Now, come with us in our automobile +and withdraw the money you have in the banks."</p> + +<p>Realizing resistance was vain, Dardus obeyed.</p> + +<p>At each bank the boy's benefactors compared their private notes with the +amounts the storekeeper withdrew, and, when the task was ended, Bob had +fifty thousand dollars in addition to the ranch.</p> + +<p>As they emerged from the last bank, however, they did not take the +storekeeper into their car, but left him standing on the steps, the +picture of woe.</p> + +<p>"Now, we'll have a good dinner," announced Mr. Nichols.</p> + +<p>During the meal the men who had been so kind to Bob asked him what he +intended to do.</p> + +<p>"Go back to the ranch and live with John Ford," was the boy's ready +reply.</p> + +<p>"Yes. We're going into partnership," added the grizzled plainsman.</p> + +<p>"And whenever you want a rest or some hunting, there'll be two ranches +at your disposal," chimed in Bob, to the railroad magnates.</p> + +<p>Before the boy returned to the West, he gave a hundred-dollar bill to +Nellie Porter, the waitress who had befriended him, and he also found<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> +Knuckles, who was overjoyed to resume his position as foreman of the +Chester ranch.</p> + +<p>The firm of Ford & Chester prospered. Many times did Mr. Perkins and Mr. +Nichols, as well as Jack Foster, the reporter, visit the partners, +continuing to exercise a kindly interest in their welfare, and +especially the welfare of Bob Chester.</p> + + +<p> </p> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span></p> +<p> </p> + +<div class='tnote'>Transcriber's Notes: + +<p>Punctuation normalized.</p> + +<p>Varied capitalization on "the limited/the Limited" retained.</p> + +<p>Page 80, "flee-bitten" changed to "flea-bitten."</p></div> + + +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOB CHESTER'S GRIT***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 17151-h.txt or 17151-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/1/5/17151">https://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/1/5/17151</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Webster + + +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: Bob Chester's Grit + From Ranch to Riches + + +Author: Frank V. Webster + + + +Release Date: November 25, 2005 [eBook #17151] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOB CHESTER'S GRIT*** + + +E-text prepared by Joseph R. Hauser, Emmy, and the Project Gutenberg +Online Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net/) + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original illustrations. + See 17151-h.htm or 17151-h.zip: + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/1/5/17151/17151-h/17151-h.htm) + or + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/1/5/17151/17151-h.zip) + + + + + +BOB CHESTER'S GRIT + +Or + +From Ranch to Riches + +by + +FRANK V. WEBSTER + +Author of "The Newsboy Partners," "Only a Farm Boy," "Bob the Castaway," +Etc. + +Illustrated + + + + + + + +[Illustration: HE URGED FIREFLY TO GREATER SPEED +_Bob Chester's Grit_ Page 190] + + + + + +New York +Cupples & Leon Company +Publishers + + + * * * * * + + +BOOKS FOR BOYS + +By FRANK V. WEBSTER + +12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume, +40 cents, postpaid + + ONLY A FARM BOY + TOM, THE TELEPHONE BOY + THE BOY FROM THE RANCH + THE YOUNG TREASURE HUNTER + BOB, THE CASTAWAY + THE YOUNG FIREMEN OF LAKEVILLE + THE NEWSBOY PARTNERS + THE BOY PILOT OF THE LAKES + TWO BOY GOLD MINERS + JACK, THE RUNAWAY + COMRADES OF THE SADDLE + THE BOYS OF BELLWOOD SCHOOL + THE HIGH SCHOOL RIVALS + AIRSHIP ANDY + BOB CHESTER'S GRIT + BEN HARDY'S FLYING MACHINE + DICK, THE BANK BOY + DARRY, THE LIFE SAVER + + + * * * * * + +Cupples & Leon Co., Publishers, New York +Copyright, 1911, by +Cupples & Leon Company + + + * * * * * + + +BOB CHESTER'S GRIT + + + + +CONTENTS + +CHAPTER PAGE + I UNDER A CLOUD 1 + II BOB FINDS AN UNEXPECTED CHAMPION 11 + III FREE AGAIN 19 + IV BOB DETERMINES TO BE HIS OWN MASTER 31 + V BOB MISSES A FRIEND 40 + VI A KIND-HEARTED WAITRESS 46 + VII GOOD LUCK FROM BAD 57 + VIII BOB'S LUCK CONTINUES 65 + IX A TALE OF THE PLAINS 74 + X BOB DOES A KIND ACT 83 + XI BOB FAILS TO FIND MRS. CAMERON 93 + XII ALONE IN A STRANGE CITY 100 + XIII BOB STARTS AGAIN 108 + XIV AT THE THROTTLE OF A FREIGHT ENGINE 116 + XV BOB EARNS HIS PASSAGE 124 + XVI FAIRFAX AT LAST 133 + XVII SEEKING A JOB 143 +XVIII ON THE TRACK 149 + XIX AN AMAZING RECEPTION 155 + XX BOB BECOMES OWNER OF A DOG 160 + XXI AT THE RANCH 167 + XXII ON THE RANGE STATION 173 +XXIII BOB OVERHEARS A SECOND PLOT 179 + XXIV A RACE FOR LIFE 189 + XXV FROM RANCH TO RICHES 197 + + + + +Bob Chester's Grit + + + + +CHAPTER I + +UNDER A CLOUD + + +"Hey, boy! What's your name?" + +"Bob Chester." + +"Where are you going with that basket of groceries?" + +"To deliver an order to one of my guardian's customers." + +"Are you honest?" + +"I hope so, sir," replied Bob, his face expressing surprise that his +probity should be questioned. + +The man who had hailed Bob Chester appeared to be about twenty-five +years old, and his clothes were well-fitting, giving him the air of a +man of means. With him were two other men; one of whom, several years +older, was also well dressed. The third member of the group was entirely +different from the others. His clothes were grotesque, and bore every +trace of having been purchased in some country store. His derby hat was +green-black, and apparently a size too small, judging from the manner in +which it rested on his head. Had not his appearance bespoken that he was +a stranger come from the country to see the sights of New York, his +face, sunburned and honest, would have proclaimed him as one +unaccustomed and unfamiliar with the wiles of a great city. + +Prior to his having been addressed, the boy who had given his name as +Bob Chester had noticed the difference between the three men as they +stood in earnest conversation on the sidewalk, and instinctively he had +been attracted by the frankness of the countryman's face. He had been +wondering why the two New Yorkers were so interested in the other man, +but the unexpectedness of his being accosted had driven all thought from +his mind, and he had given his answers as though compelled by the +searching glance the younger of the two men had directed at him. + +All three watched him intently, and as he made his answer that he hoped +he was honest, the elder of the New Yorkers exclaimed: + +"I think he will do, Harry." + +"Well, if you say so, all right," returned the other, and then turning +to Bob, he asked: + +"Would your guardian object seriously if you did not deliver your order +for about half an hour?" + +"I don't know. Saturday is always a busy day at the store, and Mr. +Dardus always scolds me if I don't get right back. It doesn't make any +difference to him how far I have to go, he always thinks I should be +back within fifteen minutes after I have started. So I'd rather not +delay--because I don't like to be scolded," added the boy, as though by +way of apologizing for his refusal. + +"Well, if we gave you a dollar, don't you think you could stand the old +man's scolding, if you were half an hour late?" asked the elder of the +New Yorkers, at the same time putting his hand in his pocket and drawing +forth a large roll of bills, which he opened ostentatiously. The figures +were so large that Bob's eyes seemed as though they would pop out of his +head, so eagerly did they scan them. The man extracted a dollar bill. + +The sight of so much money in the possession of one man fairly +hypnotized the boy, and he replied: + +"Do you mean you will give me a whole dollar if I will wait here half an +hour?" + +"That's what!" exclaimed the man with the roll of bills. "But there is a +little more to it. Our friend, Mr. Anthony Simpkins, and we, have an +important business transaction in hand, involving fifteen hundred +dollars. My friend and I don't happen to have more than five hundred +dollars with us, while Mr. Simpkins has seven hundred and fifty, and so +we want you to hold this money while my friend and I go to our bank and +get the two hundred and fifty dollars more, which is our share in the +deal." + +"What, me hold twelve hundred and fifty dollars!" exclaimed Bob, as +though unable to believe his ears. "Why, you don't know anything about +me. I might run off with it." + +"You look honest," replied the man who had hailed him, "and that's why +we stopped you. Besides, you wouldn't be able to run away if you wanted +to, because Mr. Simpkins is going to wait here with you until we +return." + +"And you will give me a dollar just for keeping the money until you come +back?" demanded Bob. + +"Exactly." + +"All right. That's half as much as I get for working a week." + +"That's the boy. I am glad to see that you have the sense of thrift so +strongly developed. Now we will just put Mr. Simpkins' seven hundred and +fifty dollars and our five hundred dollars in this envelope, which you +will keep until we return." + +As he spoke, the elder of the New Yorkers counted out five hundred +dollars, put it in the envelope, and then asked the countryman for his +share. After verifying the amount, he placed it with the other money, +then handed an envelope to Bob, exclaiming: + +"Now you two stay right here, and we will be back within fifteen +minutes." + +"All right, sir," said Bob, as he grasped the envelope. And as his +fingers closed about it, he unconsciously threw back his head, and +squared his shoulders, proud of the thought that he had been selected as +the custodian of such a large sum of money. + +Again repeating their promise to return within a quarter of an hour, the +two New Yorkers hastened away, and were soon lost among the people who +thronged the thoroughfare. + +Oblivious as the people who live in New York are to the presence of +their fellowmen, the sight of the man so obviously from the country and +the bright-eyed, alert boy, closely clasping the envelope in one hand, +while at his feet rested the basket packed with groceries, attracted +many a passing glance. + +Between Simpkins and Bob, however, no words were exchanged; though each, +while apparently gazing at the passersby, kept a sharp lookout upon the +other. + +Minute after minute went by, without the return of the two men, who had +said they were going to the bank for money, and as the time wore on +without their re-appearance, Simpkins exclaimed: + +"I wonder what's keeping them? I don't want to stand here all day." + +"And I can't," said Bob. "I will be more than half an hour late in +getting back to the store, and I know Mr. Dardus will be very angry. I +most wish I hadn't said I'd wait. It just shows that Mr. Dardus is right +when he says there is no pleasure in having money that isn't earned +honestly, and getting a dollar for just holding this money isn't really +honest work." + +"Well, if you think you ought to be delivering your groceries, why not +give the envelope to me? I'll stay here and wait, though I must say I am +getting tired." + +"Oh, no," said Bob. "I gave my word that I would stay, and I will." + +The countryman's suggestion that he be intrusted with the money aroused +Bob's suspicion, for he remembered that the others had placed five +hundred dollars in the envelope, and he thought it was a scheme on the +part of Simpkins to get possession of this money. So that after this +interchange of words, both lapsed into silence. + +As the quarter hour lengthened into a half, then to three-quarters, and +finally to an hour, without the re-appearance of the two well-dressed +New Yorkers, Bob's dread of his guardian's anger outweighed his desire +to earn the dollar, and he finally exclaimed: + +"I can't wait any longer; honest I can't." And then, chancing to catch +sight of a policeman standing on the corner about a hundred feet away, a +way out of the difficulty suggested itself, and he said to the +countryman: + +"I tell you how we can fix it. We will go over to that policeman and +explain the matter to him, and I'll ask him to hold the envelope until +those men come back." + +And without giving Simpkins time to protest, Bob picked up his basket, +and led the way to where the guardian of the law was standing, +indolently surveying the crowd. + +Casting a contemptuous glance at the two ludicrous figures that +approached him, the policeman first listened to the excited explanation +of the boy indifferently, then with incredulity, and finally with +amusement. + +"I have heard of such easy marks, but I never expected to see them in +flesh and blood," exclaimed the officer, when Bob stopped speaking. "So +you think you are holding some money in that envelope, do you, kid? +Well, I'll bet a year's pay that there is nothing in it but old paper." + +And while the countryman and the boy gazed at him in speechless dismay, +the policeman took the envelope from Bob's hand, opened it, and drew +forth to their startled gaze a roll of tissue-paper. + +"I told you so," grunted the policeman, but further comment was +interrupted by the actions of Simpkins. + +No sooner had he discovered that he had been swindled than he shouted at +the top of his lungs: + +"I've been robbed! I've been robbed! They've stolen seven hundred and +fifty dollars from me!" + +The loud, excited words and the gesticulations of the grotesquely-garbed +man quickly drew the attention of the passersby, and in a trice the +victims of the swindlers and the policeman were the center of a curious +throng of people. + +"I want my money! I want my money!" bellowed Simpkins. + +"You stand a fine chance of getting it," returned the policeman, "but I +will do what I can for you. I'll take you around to the police station, +and you can make a complaint to the sergeant and give him a description +of the 'con' men." + +As word of the swindle was passed among the crowd, various were the +comments and bits of advice offered. + +At first Bob had been too stunned by the discovery that he had been made +an innocent party to the swindle even to think, but as he gradually +recovered from the unpleasant surprise, his one thought was to get away +from Simpkins, to deliver his groceries and get back to the store as +quickly as possible. In order to carry out this plan, he began to worm +his way through the constantly increasing crowd. + +One of the men who were offering advice chanced to see him, and cried: + +"There goes the boy! He was probably standing in with the swindlers. Why +don't you arrest him, Mr. Officer?" + +"That's the thing to do," agreed several others, and the policeman, +evidently thinking that it would be a wise procedure for him to seize +some one in connection with the swindle, leaped after Bob, grasped him +roughly by the shoulder, and started for the station-house, followed by +Simpkins and those of the crowd who had nothing better to do. + +Arrived at the police station, the countryman and the patrolman both +talked at once, while Bob stood in silence, overcome by the disgrace of +his arrest. + +Taking his pencil, the sergeant stopped the countryman's torrent of +words, and began to ask him questions as to his meeting with the +strangers, eliciting the information that he had met them coming over on +the ferry-boat from Jersey City, and that the business deal they had +proposed was the betting of fifteen hundred dollars on a race horse that +was sure to win. + +"It's a pity there isn't a law to keep you country people out of the +cities," grunted the sergeant, when the details of the story had been +told him, and then, turning to the policeman, he said: + +"You did right in bringing along the boy, McCarty. He is evidently one +of the gang, or he wouldn't have been passing along the street just as +he was. We may be able to learn from him who the 'con' men are, and +where they hang out. Search him, and then take him back to a cell. I'll +send a couple of plain-clothes men in to talk with him." + +And grabbing Bob by the arm, the policeman dragged him toward the door +which led to a cell. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +BOB FINDS AN UNEXPECTED CHAMPION + + +Among those who had heard the story of the swindling of the countryman +were several reporters for the great metropolitan afternoon papers, and +as the burly policeman dragged the pathetic figure of the grocer's boy +to the cell, one of these, a particularly clean-cut, wide-awake young +fellow, exclaimed: + +"Sergeant, that's the rawest thing I ever saw you do. I don't believe +that boy knows anything more about those 'con' men, and probably not as +much, as you do. It's a shame to lock him up, and I am going to give you +the hottest roast for doing so that the paper will stand for." + +"You do, and you'll never set foot inside this station while I'm in +charge," retorted the officer. "If you knew as much about old Dardus as +I do, you wouldn't be so keen to champion this boy. The old man has been +mixed up in many a questionable transaction, and I shouldn't be +surprised if it turned out that he was in league with these fellows who +got that country bumpkin's seven hundred and fifty dollars, and that he +put the boy up to playing the part he did." + +"I don't know anything about Dardus," announced the reporter who had +taken up the cudgel in Bob's behalf, "and I don't care. If he is mixed +up in questionable dealings, that doesn't mean that the boy is +necessarily a party to them. You can't tell me that a chap, with a face +as honest as that boy has, is a criminal." + +"When you've been doing police stations longer, Foster, you will learn +that you can't judge criminals by their faces," snarled the sergeant, +and as the other reporters heard this caustic comment, they laughed +uproariously. + +"Laugh if you want to," returned Bob's champion, "but I am going to +prove the boy's innocence of any complicity in the swindle." + +And without more ado, the reporter left the police station. + +Although the representatives of the other papers had sided in with the +police official who announced his belief in Bob's guilt, they +nevertheless experienced a feeling of uneasiness, lest Foster might +after all be right, and they were holding consultation as to the +advisability of investigating the story more thoroughly, when the +sergeant exclaimed: + +"Don't let that fellow worry you. I've known Len Dardus for years. He's +as crooked as they make them, and he never had an honest man work for +him that I know of." + +As the acceptance of the police official's theory would save them the +necessity of investigating the story further, the reporters agreed to +accept his version, and to accord with it they wrote their stories. + +As Jack Foster left the police station, his anger at the system which +made it impossible for a person without influence or money to obtain +justice, was strong, and his heart went out to the boy, as he thought +how he would feel, were he himself in his place. + +"If that boy isn't honest from the soles of his feet to the top of his +head, I shall be the most surprised man in New York," he said to +himself, "and if my paper has any influence, I am going to get him out +of his trouble." + +Occupied with considering various plans for aiding Bob, Foster quickly +reached the store of Len Dardus, but as he entered and caught sight of +an old, gray-haired man, with a face in which craftiness was the chief +characteristic, he wondered if, after all, the police sergeant could +have been right. + +"Is this Mr. Len Dardus?" asked Foster, walking up to the counter, +behind which this repelling creature stood. + +"That's my name," snapped the proprietor of the store, adding as he +scrutinized his questioner closely: + +"What do _you_ want?" + +"I want to know if you have a boy working for you by the name of Bob +Chester." + +"I have, but I won't have after to-night, I can tell you. I have no use +for lazy boys, and for laziness he can't be beaten. Here I sent him to +deliver some goods more than two hours ago, and he hasn't got back yet, +and this is my busiest day." + +So disagreeable was the tone in which the old man spoke that Foster +could not refrain from remarking: + +"Well, you do not seem to be overrushed with trade just now. However, +that is neither here nor there. How long have you had Bob in your +employ?" + +"Ever since he was big enough to be of any service to me." + +"He's a good boy, isn't he?" + +"No, he's not. Didn't I just tell you he has been gone over two hours, +delivering an order that should not have taken him more than fifteen +minutes at the most? No good boy would dawdle so about his business. But +why do you ask?" + +Foster, however, was not ready to tell Bob's employer of his predicament +until he had obtained more information about the boy, and instead of +answering the question, said: + +"You misunderstood my meaning. I want to know whether or not he is +honest or has any bad habits." + +"He has the habit of taking a long time to deliver his orders, and he +always has some plausible excuse for the delay--although I never accept +his excuses. It isn't the way to bring up a boy. But he doesn't steal, +and I don't let him go out nights, so he can't have any companions. But +why do you ask? What business of yours is it?" + +"Just one more question before I answer you." + +"You seem mighty long on questions, but I'll not answer another one +until you tell me why you are taking such pains to find out about Bob. +He hasn't any friend but me. I'm his guardian." + +So hostile was the grocer's manner becoming, and with such increasing +suspicion did he view his inquisitor, that Foster realized it would be +necessary to explain Bob's predicament were he to be able to help him, +and briefly he told the story that had been repeated in the police +station. + +"That just goes to show my theory is right," declared the grocer, when +he had been given the particulars of his ward's arrest. "If Bob had gone +about his business and delivered the order, instead of being tempted by +the offer of a dollar, he wouldn't have got into this trouble. It will +be a good lesson for him, and I shall be able to get along some way, I +suppose, until he comes back." + +"But surely you don't mean to say that you are not going to do anything +to help him out of his trouble?" exclaimed Foster in amazement, as he +heard the heartless words. + +With a depreciating shrug of his shoulders, Len Dardus responded: + +"But what can I do? It will cost money to hire a lawyer, or even to bail +him out. Besides, as I said, it will be a good lesson for him." + +"But hasn't he any money of his own?" queried the reporter. + +"What do you want to know for? Are you a lawyer? No, sir! if you are, +and have come to tell me about Bob in the hope that I will hire you, you +might as well go back to your place of business. I won't spend a cent on +him. The lesson will do him good." + +The heartlessness of the grocer incensed Foster, and he retorted: + +"It happens that I am not a lawyer, so it isn't any money that I am +after. I am acting simply from a desire to see the boy get fair +treatment, and if I were his guardian, whether he had any money or not, +I would do everything in my power to help him out of his trouble." + +"But what can I do? There is no one to stay in the store here, and I +don't see how I could help any way." + +"You could go down to the police station and speak a word for the lad. +If you have had the care of him for so long, what you could say in +regard to his honesty ought to be sufficient to cause his release." + +As he mentioned the grocer's going to the police station, Foster thought +he noticed the old man tremble, as though in fear, and what the sergeant +had said about Dardus recurred to him, and while he hesitated as to +whether or not he should press the point, Bob's guardian exclaimed: + +"I can't go now. There is no one to look after the store. But perhaps I +can go down this evening." + +"That would be too late. His case will come up in court this afternoon." + +"Well, if it does, the boy'll have to take the consequences. I always +told him he shouldn't linger over delivering his orders. It will be a +good lesson to him." + +The incessant repetition of the last words grated on Foster's ears, and, +realizing that he was only wasting time in trying to persuade the +hard-hearted guardian to help his ward, he exclaimed: + +"Then you refuse to do anything to assist Bob, do you?" + +"Well, I don't know as I would put it exactly that way. I'll see if I +can't do something this evening." + +"Well, you may be obliged to leave your store, whether you want to or +not," retorted Foster, and with this enigmatical remark, the very +suggestiveness of which caused an expression of fear to settle on the +face of the grocer, the reporter turned on his heel and left the shop. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +FREE AGAIN + + +While Bob's champion, unknown to the boy, was interesting himself in his +cause, Bob was sitting on a little iron bunk his cell contained, staring +about him as though unable to comprehend the situation. + +After a few minutes he heard footsteps approaching down the corridor, +and then he was suddenly aroused from his reverie by a voice exclaiming: + +"Well, kid, you came near making a good-sized bit of money." + +"I don't call a dollar a very large sum," retorted Bob. + +"A dollar? What do you mean?" exclaimed one of the two men whom Bob +beheld standing outside the cell door, staring at him through the bars. +"You had seven hundred and fifty dollars of that countryman's money, +didn't you?" + +"I saw seven hundred and fifty dollars of his money put in the envelope, +but all I was to get for holding the envelope until those bad men +returned was to be one dollar--and they didn't even come back to pay me, +and now I haven't delivered the groceries, and Mr. Dardus will be very +angry." + +"Oh, ho! So you are Len Dardus' kid, are you?" queried the other of +Bob's inquisitors. + +"I'm not his kid, but he is my guardian," corrected the lad in a voice +so full of reproach that the two men could not refrain from smiling. + +"Then you don't like Dardus?" smiled the one who had addressed him +first. + +"I think he is unreasonable," returned Bob. + +"Yes, and none too honest," commented the other. + +With the various methods known only to the police detectives of the +large metropolitan police forces, the two men put Bob through a grilling +examination, trying in every possible way to scare him into admitting +either a knowledge of who the swindlers were, or of direct complicity in +the confidence game, but without being able to shake his story, even in +the slightest detail. + +Loath as the police officials were to admit Bob's innocence, his +straightforward answers and manly manner finally convinced them that he +was, as he had said, entirely guiltless, and they withdrew. + +As they returned to the outer room of the police station, the sergeant +looked at them questioningly. + +"That boy had nothing to do with the swindle," announced one of the men +who had been examining Bob. + +"That's what," confirmed the other. "If there ever was an honest boy in +New York, that poor little chap back in the cell is one. If you take my +advice, sergeant, you will let him go, and you will change the entry on +your police book from 'Arrested and Held for Complicity,' to 'Held for +Examination'." + +"What's the matter with all you guys, anyway?" snarled the sergeant, as +he saw that the weight of opinion was against him. "Has the boy +hypnotized you? It's enough to convict him that he should be working for +Len Dardus." + +"That isn't his fault," returned the officer who had advised the +sergeant to change the entry in his book. "His mother and father died +when he was three years old, and his father provided in his will that +Dardus should be his guardian, though from what the boy has told us, he +hasn't had any too happy a time of it, poor little shaver." + +"Now don't go turning on the sympathy," growled the sergeant. "I don't +care whether the boy is guilty or not. All I know is that we have got to +make a case against him. It would never do to have it said that two +sharpers could rob a countryman in broad daylight in our precinct. +Haven't our reports to headquarters said, and haven't the papers said, +that our precinct has been free from all such crimes for more than six +months, and this is one of the rawest swindles that has been worked for +a long time. So you two get busy and fix up your case if you want to +stay in this precinct. If you don't, I'll tell the captain and the +inspector, and you will be sorry." + +Without response, the two officers, who believed in Bob's innocence, +turned on their heels, and started toward the door of the police +station. + +"Hey, you two! Go down to the court. I am going to send this boy right +down, and mind you remember what I told you," shouted the sergeant. And, +suiting his action to his words, he gave orders for Bob to be brought +from his cell and taken to the police court. + +Just as Bob appeared in the outer room of the station house, Foster +entered. + +As he saw the boy whose cause he had espoused, the reporter exclaimed: + +"So you have decided to release him, have you, sergeant?" + +"Release nothing," growled the official. "He's on his way to court," and +then, as he had read from the expression on Foster's face that his +mission to interview Len Dardus had not been altogether satisfactory, +he continued: "You found I was pretty near right about old Dardus, +didn't you?" + +"He surely isn't a very agreeable person," answered the reporter, "and I +quite agree with you that if there was money enough in the undertaking, +he would never stop to question whether or not it was against the law. +But I tell you one thing, sergeant, you are dead wrong about the boy. +The old man actually hates him." + +"Then it would be an easy way for him to get rid of the kid by getting +him into just this kind of a mess." + +"Maybe you're right," assented Foster, as this theory was announced, +"still I don't believe you are. I am more convinced than ever that the +boy had nothing to do with the swindle, and I don't think old Dardus +did, either." + +"Well, it won't help matters to keep arguing about it here. We'll let +the judge decide. McCarty, call a patrol wagon, and take the kid to +court." + +"Oh, I say! you are surely not going to make that kid ride in the patrol +wagon?" protested one of the other newspaper men. "That would be rubbing +it in too hard." + +Emphatically the others added their protest, and in the face of such +opposition, the sergeant countermanded his order for the police wagon, +and instead instructed Patrolman McCarty to take the boy to court, +which was less than two blocks away. + +Surrounded by the reporters, Bob and the patrolman walked down the +street, closely followed by the countryman, whose desire to make money +without working for it had led to the loss of the seven hundred and +fifty dollars. + +Arrived at the building in which the court was located, Bob was led away +to the detention room, to await the calling of his case, while the +reporters and Simpkins made their way direct to the court room. + +In due course the case was reached. + +When the presiding magistrate caught sight of Bob's sad face, the stern +expression on his own countenance relaxed, and he bestowed upon the +trembling boy a glance full of encouragement. + +Noting this, Foster, who had been watching the judge intently, was +inspired with the hope that the boy would be quickly discharged. But his +pleasure was only momentary, for, as the magistrate read the charge, his +face became even more austere than usual. + +"Well, Chester, what have you to say for yourself?" demanded the judge, +directing a glance at the boy, as though he would pierce his very soul. +"Are you guilty, or not guilty?" + +[Illustration: "WELL CHESTER, WHAT HAVE YOU TO SAY FOR YOURSELF?" +_Bob Chester's Grit_ Page 24] + +The strangeness of the scene and lack of familiarity with the +procedure of a court caused Bob to remain silent. + +Again the magistrate repeated his question, but still Bob made no reply. + +"I think he wants to plead guilty," interposed one of the plain-clothes +men whom the sergeant had ordered to make a case against the boy. +"Perhaps if you offered to give him a light sentence if he would tell us +who the two men are who got away with the money, he would do so." + +"How about that?" demanded the magistrate, again directing his gaze at +the boy. + +But before Bob had a chance to reply, Foster exclaimed: + +"He does not want to plead guilty, your honor. This whole business in +dragging this boy to court is an outrage. He had no more knowledge of +the fact that those men intended to, or were, swindling this man from +the country, than you have." + +The tone in which the reporter spoke was one that could not fail to be +impressive, and after a moment's hesitation, the magistrate, who knew +Foster as a reporter and admired him for his manly fearlessness, asked: + +"What do you know about the case?" + +"I protest, your honor, that this man should not be allowed to interfere +with the case," said one of the plain-clothes officers. "He was not a +witness of the transaction. I think it would be more proper to hear +Simpkins' version of the affair." + +"When I wish your advice, officer, I will ask for it," snapped the +magistrate, and turning again to Foster, he said: + +"Tell me all you know about this business." + +"Thank you, your honor, I will: + +"I happened to be in the police station when the boy was brought in. He +told a straightforward story about having been on the way to deliver +some groceries, when he was hailed by one of three men, who asked him a +few questions, and then offered him a dollar if he would hold an +envelope, which was supposed to contain twelve hundred and fifty +dollars, for a few minutes. The thought of earning such a sum of money +so easily evidently caused the boy to forget all discretion. But as the +minutes went by and the two men did not reappear, the boy grew restless, +and finally suggested that he hand the envelope to Officer McCarty here, +and that he be allowed to go about his errand of delivering the +groceries. Then----" + +Interrupting, the magistrate turned to Simpkins, and demanded suddenly: + +"Is that true?" + +The question was so unexpected that the countryman was surprised into +answering truthfully, and replied: + +"Yes, sir." + +Realizing that the turn of affairs was making them appear ridiculous, +the officer who had suggested that Bob be allowed to plead guilty, and +receive a light sentence, if he would divulge the name of the two +swindlers, hurriedly exclaimed: + +"But the boy has a bad record, your honor." + +"That is not so, your honor," retorted Foster hotly. "When I found that +the sergeant was determined to hold the boy, I went to the man for whom +he works--his name is Len Dardus--and made inquiries about him. Mr. +Dardus is his guardian, and though it was evident that he had no love +for the boy, the worst he could say about him was that he took a half +hour to deliver an order that should have been delivered in twenty +minutes. As to his associating with bad companions, that is not so, for +his guardian said he was never out at night, always preferring to read." + +"If the boy is such a paragon of virtue, why didn't his guardian come to +court himself and try to help the boy, instead of leaving it to a +reporter?" sneered the officer who was trying so hard to make a case +against Bob. + +"I tried to get him to come," exclaimed Foster, "but he refused on the +ground that he could not leave his store." + +"You reporters are certainly good ones at putting up a plausible story," +retorted the officer contemptuously. + +Striking his desk a sharp rap with his gavel, the magistrate exclaimed: + +"When I want to hear from you, sir, I will let you know. You would make +a far better impression if you and the sergeant and every other +available man connected with the precinct were out searching for the two +swindlers, instead of trying to send a poor, almost friendless, lad to +prison. If you arrested half as many criminals as you do innocent men, +it wouldn't take long to rid this city of crime." + +So stinging was this rebuke that the reporters were busy writing down +the words of the judge, and before they had finished, the magistrate +said: + +"Does your guardian treat you well, Bob?" + +"Why, sir, I suppose so, sir; but he scolds me a lot. He seems to think +that every time he sends me out to deliver an order, that I should come +back within a quarter of an hour, no matter whether I have to go one +block or twenty." + +"How much does he pay you?" + +"Two dollars a week, sir." + +"What do you read at night?" + +"About farming and ranching out West, sir." + +"Then you want to go out West?" + +"Yes, sir. I'm going just as soon as I have money enough. I have saved +ten dollars already towards going." + +"Huh! What becomes of your charge that the boy has evil associates, Mr. +Officer?" snapped the magistrate, as he heard Bob's reply. "Any boy who +earns two dollars a week, and has managed to save ten, surely can't have +any bad habits. + +"Bob, you are discharged. The disgrace to which you have been subjected +of being arrested and brought to court is an outrage, and I wish there +was some way that you could obtain redress from the officers who +subjected you to it, but unfortunately there is not." + +Reaching into his pocket, the magistrate drew forth some bills, from +which he selected one of the denomination of five dollars, and handed it +to Bob. + +"Put this with your ten dollars," he continued. "It will help some +toward getting you out West, and now you go back to Mr. Dardus, and tell +him that Judge Bristol said that your arrest was an outrage. Clerk, call +the next case." + +If Bob had been bewildered by the circumstances that had led to his +being brought to court, he was still more so with the sudden turn in +events that had resulted in his release, and it was not until one of +the court attaches good-naturedly advised him to leave the court room as +soon as he could, that he realized he was again free. + +But in his haste to obey, he suddenly remembered the reporter whose +interest in him had been of such assistance, and he stopped and looked +about the courtroom for him. But Foster and the other reporters were +busy telephoning the story to their papers, and repeating the +magistrate's scathing rebuke to the police of the precinct and the city, +so that Bob could not see them. And, after lingering a moment or so, he +finally decided to return to his guardian without more delay, promising +himself that he would search out his champion and thank him another +time. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +BOB DETERMINES TO BE HIS OWN MASTER + + +Fearing that if he hurried too fast through the dismal corridors of the +court building he might arouse suspicion and get into more trouble, Bob +restrained his impulse to break into a run, and endeavored to walk as +unconcernedly as possible. But it was with a feeling of vast relief that +he stepped forth from the stone portal and again breathed the free air +of the street. + +Once he had reached the sidewalk, not long did it take him to mingle +with the throng of passersby. + +Like a bad dream did the trying experiences through which he had passed +seem, and he actually pinched himself to see if, after all, it might not +have been some sleep delusion. But the pain of the sharp nip he gave +himself satisfied him that he was indeed awake, and further evidence of +the fact that his experiences had been all too real was given by the +presence of the five-dollar bill in his pocket. + +His pace had been rapid, and he was within two blocks of his guardian's +store, when he suddenly remembered that the basket full of groceries, +which he had started out to deliver, had been left in the police +station. + +That his employer would berate him sharply for their loss, he was aware, +yet he dared not go for them in the fear that he might be subjected to +further unpleasantness. + +His steps, however, grew slower and slower as he approached the store, +which had been the only home he had known for years. That his guardian +knew of his arrest, the words of his champion to the magistrate had told +him. How his guardian would take the double blow of the loss of the +groceries and his arrest, he did not know, but past experience told him +that he could expect no sympathy, and perhaps a beating, and he was +sorely tempted not to return at all, but to strike out for the great +West of his hopes and ambitions. In this moment of indecision, however, +the admonition of the magistrate to return to his guardian recurred to +him, and he felt that he would not be entitled to keep the five dollars +did he not obey. + +To Bob's surprise, as he entered the store, not a soul was visible, but +at the sound of his footsteps on the hard floor his guardian suddenly +appeared from his private office, his shrewd face suffused by the +ingratiating smirk he always put on when going to meet a prospective +customer. At the sight of his ward standing in the middle of the floor, +however, he started, and then his face assumed a look of forbidding +severity. + +"What, you here!" the grocer exclaimed, as he regained control of +himself. "I thought--that is, I was told--I mean, I heard that you had +been arrested, and I didn't expect to see you again for some time; that +is--I mean not here in the store. If you had been sent to prison I +should, of course, have gone to see you." + +Never before had Bob seen his guardian so ill at ease, and from his +knowledge of the man, he decided that his entrance must have interrupted +him when he was engaged at some unusual task. But how to meet the +situation, Bob did not know, and he was vainly striving to think of the +right thing to say when their relations were brought back to their +normal plane by his guardian snarling: + +"What did you do with my delivery basket? Did you leave it with the +groceries, or didn't you even deliver them?" + +The subtle cruelty of this remark stung Bob to the quick. It was the +straw that broke his endurance of the long term of abuse and harsh words +to which he had been subjected. + +"No, I didn't deliver the groceries," he flashed back. "I had to leave +the basket at the police station when they took me to court, and after +the judge told me I could go, I didn't want to go back to the place for +it." + +"But there were three dollars worth of groceries in it," wailed his +guardian, wringing his hands. "Here, just because you didn't mind what I +told you about stopping to play on the way when you are delivering +orders, you get arrested and leave me here alone for almost four hours, +without any one to deliver goods, and my customers all complaining +because they don't get their orders. And as though that weren't enough, +you deliberately abandon three dollars' worth of groceries. But you'll +pay for them, young man! You'll pay for them! Never fear. I shall take +the two dollars you would have had coming to you to-night in part +payment, and then one dollar from your wages next Saturday night." + +For an instant, Bob was tempted to produce the five dollars the kindly +magistrate had given him and pay for the groceries then and there. But +there swept through his mind an idea fascinating in its boldness. + +As he stood contemplating the thought which had occurred to him, his +guardian snarled: + +"Don't stand there like a gawk! You've delayed my deliveries long +enough. Take those two baskets," and he pointed to two bulging packages +resting on the counter, "and deliver them. On your way back, as you +will pass the police station, you can stop in and get the basket you +left. But I'll make you pay for the groceries just the same. It will be +a good lesson for you." + +If anything were needed to determine Bob to put his idea into action, it +was this command to go to the station, and he exclaimed: + +"I won't go there to get your old basket! I won't pay for the groceries, +and I won't deliver your old orders! I am going to leave you. I won't +work for you another minute," and without giving his amazed guardian +time to say anything, Bob darted away to the room at the back of the +store, in which he had been accustomed to sleep. + +The plan he had decided upon was to get his ten dollars and enough more +of the money his father had left him to pay his fare to some town in +Oklahoma, where he could begin his long-dreamed-of life on a ranch. He +would not be bothered with the packing of any clothes, for his guardian +had never allowed him any extra clothing, and he had nothing but the +suit upon his back; but he did have his money, and two letters which he +had hidden under a board in the floor that he had fixed so that he could +take it up and put it back whenever he wished. + +In the fear that his guardian might follow him to the room and discover +him as he was procuring his money, Bob worked with feverish haste to +lift the board, and so excited was he that it seemed as though he could +never raise it. But at last he did so, secured possession of his +treasures, and then put the board back, just as the grocer called to him +from the doorway: + +"What are you doing? What do you mean by saying you won't deliver my +groceries and do what I tell you?" + +Panting with excitement, Bob stood like some animal at bay, his eyes +flashing defiance, one hand tightly doubled up, the other clasping his +treasures in the pocket where he had thrust them. + +"I mean I am going West. I won't be treated as you have treated me any +longer." + +For a moment, as he heard the amazing announcement of his ward, Mr. +Dardus stood staring at him in silence, and then broke into a mocking +laugh. + +"So you're going West, are you? That is a good one. Why, you couldn't +even get across the river to Jersey City. It takes money, money, my boy, +to travel, and you haven't a cent. And yet you're going West! That _is_ +a good one. Do you think the trains will carry you for nothing, just for +the pleasure of having you travel on them?" and the grocer indulged +himself in another burst of laughter at what he considered his keen +wit. + +But the next words of his ward soon drove all mirth from his soul. + +"I expect you to give me enough money to carry me to Oklahoma City from +what my father left me. When I get settled out there, I will let you +know, and you can send me the rest of the money which was entrusted to +you for me. If I took it with me, I might get robbed." + +When the merciless old man recovered his breath, he exclaimed: + +"What do you mean about the money your father left for you? Don't you +know he didn't have a cent? Don't you know that if I hadn't taken pity +on you, fool that I was--but your father did me a favor once, and so I +thought I could repay it by taking you--that you would have been sent to +an orphan asylum? And this is the return I get. Here I've spent my +hard-earned money for twelve years to buy you food and clothing, and yet +you dare to say that I have money for you which your father left. I +never heard of such ingratitude." + +"I know that you are not telling the truth," retorted Bob. "I have a +letter my father wrote, saying that I was to open it when I was ten +years old, in which he said that he had given you five thousand dollars +to have me educated." + +"What nonsense! What an outrage!" exclaimed the grocer, though Bob's +statement had caused his face to become more than usually ashen-hued. +"I've a mind to thrash you for saying such a thing. Me have five +thousand dollars of yours! I never heard anything so preposterous!" + +"I tell you, you have the money. Here's the letter that says so," +retorted Bob. And, as he spoke, he drew his hand from his pocket, +disclosing to the uneasy gaze of his guardian an envelope yellow with +age, worn and soiled from much handling, but upon which was the writing +which he recognized, all too well, as that of Horace Chester, Bob's +father. + +For an instant the grocer glowered at the boy and the letter, and then +his shrewd mind, suggesting a way out of the embarrassing predicament in +which the boy had placed him, he exclaimed: + +"Poor Horace! I had always hoped to keep from you the fact that he was +insane at the time of his death, but this letter makes it impossible. It +was while laboring under the delusion that he had money, that he wrote +you of this phantom bequest. Poor Horace! The sight of his writing moves +me deeply, especially as I have to disabuse you of the delusion that I +am holding five thousand dollars in trust for you," and he held out his +hand. + +Had it not been for the look of cunning that appeared in his guardian's +eyes as he uttered these words, which cast such a stigma upon the name +of the boy's dead father, Bob might have believed him, but he had been +watching his guardian intently. He saw the look of cunning, and instead +of surrendering the letter, he hastily thrust it back into his pocket. + +Forgetting all discretion, as he saw that his plot for obtaining +possession of the letter had failed, Len Dardus rushed upon the boy, +with the evident purpose of obtaining it by force, exclaiming: + +"You won't give it to me, eh? Well, I will take it, whether you want me +to or not." + +But Bob, in the flush of his youth, was quick and agile, and it was no +task at all for him to dive under the arm stretched forth to seize him, +and then to dash through the door and out onto the street. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +BOB MISSES A FRIEND + + +Never stopping to notice in what direction he was going, Bob dashed +along the street, fearful only lest his guardian would pursue him, and +expecting every moment to hear his voice shouting at him to stop. But as +the moments wore by without any sign of excitement or alarm, Bob gained +confidence, finally slackening his pace to a walk, and began to think of +what he should do, now that he had taken matters into his own hands, and +severed the ties of years that had bound him to his guardian. + +Back in the store the grocer had stood undecided what to do. The +knowledge that his ward had been informed of the bequest, a fact which +he supposed was known only to himself, had unnerved him. And the failure +of his attempt to get the letter and thus destroy all evidence of the +trust fund, had caused him to be seized with a great fear lest +retribution should be visited upon him. + +Instead, therefore, of going in pursuit of Bob, his one idea was to +conceal himself. Going to the front door of the shop, he closed it and +locked it and then betook himself to his private office, the door of +which he also shut, and sitting down in the chair buried his head in his +hands and tried to think what was best for him to do. + +But his sense of guilt would not let him rest, and in the thought that +Bob might seek some lawyer and place the matter in his hands, which +would mean a visit to the grocery store and the necessity of making +embarrassing explanations, the dishonest guardian determined to go away +for a few hours at least. No sooner had he made up his mind upon this +course of action than he seized his hat, stole from his room, glided +across the floor to the front door, listened a moment for the sound of +voices, or any other indication that people were passing, then hurriedly +turned the key in the door, stepped outside, locked the door again, and +after a furtive glance up and down the street, slunk away, keeping close +to the buildings, for all the world like a dog that was hounded, rather +than a man. + +It was because of this action on the part of Mr. Dardus in closing his +store that Foster was unable to gain admittance when he arrived half an +hour later, having come for the purpose of seeing the boy he had +championed so effectively, and of assisting in a reconciliation between +the ward and the guardian, in case it had not already been accomplished. +On his way, his mind had pictured many scenes in which the boy and the +grocer were participants, but none of them had contained the possibility +of the store being closed. And it was with distinct surprise that he +found the door locked, and was unable to arouse any one by his vigorous +pounding upon the weather-worn panels. + +"I wonder what it means," said the reporter to himself. "Perhaps Bob +didn't come back, and the old man, repenting of his refusing to go to +his ward's assistance, is on his way either to the police station or to +the court." + +His occupation, however, necessitated his being resourceful, and, seeing +an elderly woman peering at him closely from a window of the neighboring +house, Foster hastened toward her. + +Bowing politely, he asked: + +"Have you seen anything of Mr. Dardus, or Bob Chester?" + +"Uhuh! I seen 'em both," replied the woman, nodding her head, as though +to confirm her words. But though Foster remained silent in the hope that +she would add to this information, he was at length obliged to renew his +questions, as she vouchsafed nothing more. + +"Were they together?" + +"No." + +"Which way were they going--in the same direction?" + +"No. Bob ran up the street as though the police were after him." + +"Then Mr. Dardus was chasing him," suggested Foster, jumping at the +conclusion that Bob and his guardian had had angry words, that the boy +had run away, and that his guardian had gone in pursuit. + +"No, he wasn't. He came out about twenty minutes after Bob had gone, and +went in the opposite direction." + +This response puzzled the reporter, as he could think of no plausible +explanation, but his thoughts were diverted by the old woman, who +demanded: + +"What's wrong, mister?" + +"What makes you think there is anything wrong?" parried Foster, +determined, if possible, to keep the knowledge of Bob's arrest from so +evident a neighborhood gossip. + +"Because Len Dardus closed his store on a Saturday. I've been living +here thirty years, and he has never done such a thing before, but once, +and that was twelve years ago, the day he brought Bob back with him. So +I know that it must be something important, or the old man wouldn't lose +the opportunity to make a few cents in his store." + +Struck by the coincidence that it was because of Bob the grocer had at +both times shut up his store, Foster considered for a few moments what +it was best to do, and then said with ever so faint a smile: + +"I suppose you will see Bob when he comes back?" + +"I reckon I will. I see most everything going on around here that's to +be seen." + +"Then I will be obliged if you will give him this," and he handed her +one of his calling cards. "Tell him, please, that I am at home any +evening after seven o'clock, and should like to have him call on me." + +"I'll be glad to. I suppose you may be some friend of Bob's who knew his +father? I've often wondered why no one came to see the boy and take him +from that man Dardus." + +These words suggested a new train of thought to the reporter, and, +judging from the remark that his informant had some knowledge of the +boy's antecedents, he determined to learn what he could about them. + +"Then you knew Bob's father?" asked Foster. + +"No. I can't say as I knew him, but I do know that I wouldn't treat a +dog the way Dardus has treated Bob, and I have often wondered why none +of the friends of the lad's father came to find out about him, or to +take him away. And I made up my mind, as soon as I saw you, that you +were one of them. Anyway, I hope so, for Bob is a real bright boy; too +bright to be working for that old miser. He's fond of book reading, and +I've told old man Dardus, every time I saw him, that he ought to have +the boy educated." + +"Well, I _am_ Bob's friend," said the reporter, "and if you think it's a +wise thing, I'll see what I can do about getting him into a different +place. You just tell him to come and see me the first opportunity he +has." + +And again lifting his hat, Foster bowed and took his departure. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +A KIND-HEARTED WAITRESS + + +After Bob had found that no one was pursuing him, he decided that the +first thing to do was to get away from New York, and with this purpose +he headed for one of the ferries that would take him to the Jersey +shore. + +How far his fifteen dollars would carry him, he did not know, but he +realized that it could not be any great distance, and he was trying to +think of some plan by which he could obtain more funds, when he suddenly +remembered the reporter who had taken such an interest in him. + +"I'll go and find him," said Bob to himself. "He'll know about how much +it costs to travel, and all such things, and perhaps he'll help me to +get some work where I can earn more money. Anyway, I will be able to +believe what he tells me, and to depend on his advice." + +So simple a solution of his difficulties gave Bob new courage, until all +at once it flashed upon him that he did not know the name of his +benefactor, or where to find him. + +As this thought occurred to him, Bob stopped still. However, his having +thrown himself upon his own resources was sharpening his wits, and he +suddenly exclaimed: + +"I can find out at the police station. Perhaps he'll be there." + +And though the boy was fully three miles away from the place where he +had suffered such outrageous treatment, he turned his steps to retrace +the distance. + +When at length he was within sight of the grim building, the same fear +of entering it that had made him refuse his guardian's command to fetch +the basket of groceries, again seized him, and he paused. + +"I won't go in," said Bob, shaking his head decidedly, "but I'll wait +over by that pile of boxes on the opposite side of the street. Probably +he'll be coming out before long." + +Though this plan of Bob's would ordinarily have been effective, it +happened that Foster had finished his work for the day even before he +had paid his visit to the closed store of Len Dardus, and thus the boy +was doomed to disappointment, although he stayed at his post of +observation until dark began to fall. + +With the garish flarings of the street lamps, Bob for the first time +realized the true meaning of the step he had taken. Heretofore he had +always possessed a home to which to go, unpleasant as it was, but now +he had no place, and the contemplation of his loneliness caused him to +grow very sober. + +As the pangs of hunger were added to his general feeling of +helplessness, for a moment he thought of returning to his guardian, but +only for a moment. As he left the letter in his pocket and remembered +the awful stigma his guardian had tried to cast upon his dead father, +his pride arose. + +"I will never go back there!" he told himself. "I have money in my +pocket, and I can get something to eat. Then I'll go over to one of the +stations in Jersey City and find some place to sleep. Perhaps there'll +even be a train going out West to-night that will carry me part way to +Oklahoma." + +Coming forth from the pile of boxes from which he had sought in vain to +catch a glimpse of his friend, the reporter, Bob walked up the street +until he came to a restaurant, brilliantly lighted, and with a sign +standing in the door from which the words: "Pork and Beans, 15 cents a +plate," stared at him invitingly. + +Dearly did Bob love pork and beans, but only occasionally had his +guardian provided them, and then in such small quantities that the boy +had never been able to eat all he wanted, and oftentimes had he +promised himself that some day he would have his fill. Consequently, as +he read the sign, he determined to gratify his desire, and timidly +entered the restaurant, where there were stools in front of a high +counter and tables along the wall, upon which stood an array of food +that amazed him, accustomed, as he had been, to living on almost +nothing. + +Making his way diffidently to one of the tables, he sat down. In a +moment a waitress, in what seemed to him a dazzlingly white and gorgeous +dress, approached, and, with a smile, asked: + +"What will you have?" + +"Beans, please, and lots of them." + +"And brown bread, too?" asked the waitress. + +The thought of this with his beans had never entered Bob's head, and as +it was suggested to him, he felt a great longing for it. Yet as no +mention of it had been made on the sign that had attracted him to the +restaurant, he feared it might be too expensive. But the more he thought +of it, the more he wanted it, and finally he stammered: + +"How much does it cost?" + +"Five cents a slice." + +"Then you may bring me two slices," replied the boy, laying emphasis +upon the word "two." + +"Coffee or tea?" + +"I don't believe I'll have either," said Bob, feeling that his +expenditure of twenty-five cents was all that he could afford. + +Divining the reason of his refusal, the waitress smiled: + +"You get either tea or coffee with the order. It doesn't cost any more." + +"Then I'll have coffee," replied Bob. + +And as the waitress went to bring his order, he again felt in his pocket +to make sure he had the money with which to pay for his meal. + +As the heaping plate of beans--for the waitress had not been scrimping +in her measure--was set before Bob, together with the rich brown bread +and coffee, it seemed to him that never had anything smelled quite so +savory, and he began to eat as though he were famished. + +Though the plate of beans had been heaping, so good did they taste to +Bob, that he could not resist the temptation of ordering more, and +calling the waitress to him, he asked: + +"If I have a second plate, will it cost less?" + +For a moment the girl was on the point of laughing at him, but the +wistful seriousness of his face checked the outburst of merriment on her +lips, and instead she replied, in a kindly tone: + +"What's the matter, kid? Haven't you any money?" + +"Oh, yes," Bob hastened to reassure her. + +"Well, if you have money enough, what's to prevent your ordering as much +as you want?" + +For a moment Bob contemplated the question from this new viewpoint, but, +unable to decide, observed: + +"I don't just know as I ought to spend any more." + +"Isn't the money yours?" + +"Oh, yes, it's not that," rejoined Bob, and then, after hesitating a +moment, he determined to leave the decision to this girl, whose face +showed that she was kind and sympathetic, and he said: + +"You see, it's this way: I'm going out West, and I haven't got much +money, and I'm afraid I'll spend too much, because I don't just know how +much it will take." + +"Well, if I was you, I'd eat all I wanted while I had the money. If +you've got to 'hobo' your way, there'll be times when you'll probably be +without both food and money." + +This reasoning struck Bob as being eminently practical, and he was on +the point of ordering another plate, when the girl made it unnecessary +by saying: + +"I'll stake you to another plate, if you want the beans very much. It's +just about time for me to eat my supper, and I will bring it over to +your table and eat with you, and I'll make them think the beans are for +me." + +Bob wasn't quite sure whether such a plan was all right or not, but he +had a healthy boy's appetite for beans, and so he made no objection. + +"You are very kind," he said, when the second plate of the savory food +was placed before him. "I suppose I shall be hungry sometimes before I +get to Oklahoma, but I don't expect to 'hobo' it." + +"Then how do you expect to get along? You say you haven't much money." + +"I guess I don't just understand what it means to 'hobo' it," admitted +Bob. + +"No, I guess you don't. It's the name they give out West to travelling +when you don't have money enough to pay your railroad fare, and have to +beat your way, riding on freight trains." + +As Bob heard this explanation of the term, his eyes sparkled with +delight, and he said earnestly: + +"I'm glad you told me about it. I'd never thought of trying to steal a +ride on a freight train." + +"For pity sake! How did you expect to get away out there?" + +"Walk, unless I could earn money enough in one town to take me to +another." + +Bob's conversation, which showed such a remarkable ignorance of the +world, especially in view of the fact that he was a New York boy, +suggested to the waitress that perhaps he had run away from home. + +Determined to find out, she banished the sympathetic smile from her +face, and becoming very severe, leaned across the table and gazing +straight into Bob's eyes, asked: + +"Look a here, kid, you haven't run away from a good home, have you?" + +The unexpectedness of this question took Bob by surprise. Under the +searching gaze of the girl's eyes, he felt just as he had when the +magistrate had glanced at him, and his voice trembled a little as he +replied: + +"No! Oh, no, indeed!" + +But his manner was not convincing, and the girl continued her +interrogations, but on a different tack. + +"Your folks live in New York?" + +"I haven't any." + +"Then where have you been living?" + +"With my guardian." + +"What do you do?" + +"I used to deliver groceries for him." + +The stress Bob laid upon the word "used," led the girl to inquire: + +"Did he fire you? Or what?" + +"No. I left him." + +"How long ago?" + +"Just this afternoon." + +The close questioning of the waitress was making Bob very uncomfortable, +and he determined to tell her the real reason he had left, especially +as she was so kind and seemed to know so much about traveling in the +West. Having reached this decision, he told, with many hesitations, the +story of his experiences. + +With quick sympathy the girl listened, and, as he concluded, exclaimed +tenderly: + +"You poor kid! I'm sure glad you happened to drop in here. I've got a +sister living out in Chicago, whose husband runs as far as Kansas City +on a freight train. I'll give you a note to her, and her man will give +you a lift, and probably he can arrange with some of the men he knows to +carry you west from Kansas City." + +"That will be very kind of you," returned Bob. "It seems as though +strangers are kinder to me than people I've known all my life." + +"That's often the way," exclaimed the girl, as she rose and went up to +the desk in the front of the restaurant, where she obtained some paper, +an envelope, and pen and ink, which she brought back to Bob's table. + +It was evident from the slowness with which her self-imposed task +advanced that the girl was more ready with her kind-hearted sympathy +than with her pen. But at last the missive was finished, and she gave it +to Bob. + +"Don't forget that address: 'South 101st Street, on the left-hand +corner, in a big, yellow brick building.' It's on the side of the +street nearest New York, and the name is Mrs. John Cameron." + +Gratefully Bob took the letter, which he placed with the one written by +his father, and as he did so he asked: + +"I wonder how much it costs to get to Chicago?" + +"Depends on how you travel. You can go in a plain car for about ten or +eleven dollars. That is on one of the round-about railways, at cut +rates. Or, you can pay between fifty and seventy-five dollars for a +state-room." + +"Oh, goody! If it only costs ten dollars, I can get out there all right, +and still have some money left." + +"I'm glad of that. Now, you sit here a few minutes, and I'll put up a +lunch for you, and then you won't have to buy any food while you are on +the train. They always charge a lot more on trains or in station +restaurants than they ought to." + +"Hadn't I better pay you now?" inquired Bob. + +"No. You wait until I bring the box of lunch. The boss hasn't noticed +how much you had to eat, and he'll think it's all on the check I will +ring in." + +"But that isn't exactly right, is it?" protested Bob. + +"Well, I'll make it right with the boss." + +So well were things working out for him, that it seemed to Bob that he +must be in a dream, but the sight of the people and objects about him +told him that it was indeed a reality. + +In due course the kind waitress returned, bringing a sizeable box, +tightly tied, which she placed on the table before him. + +"Here, kiddo, I wish you good luck," she said. "I must leave you now, +because I've got some more work to do." + +"But you must tell me your name," insisted Bob, looking at her with his +eyes filled with gratitude. "I'm coming back from the West a rich man, +and I shall want to look you up and repay you for your kindness." + +"I hope you strike it fine, kid," laughed the girl, "but I am afraid if +you do, you'll never think of looking up Nellie Porter. Oh, by the way, +do you know to which station to go?" + +"No, I don't," admitted Bob. + +"Well, if you want to get a plain car, you want to go over to Weehawken +and buy your ticket over the West Shore railroad." + +And giving Bob a check for his food, the girl smiled upon him +pleasantly, and hurried away to wait upon some other people who had +entered the restaurant. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +GOOD LUCK FROM BAD + + +By dint of questioning, Bob reached the Weehawken ferry and was soon on +a boat, gliding through the dark waters of the river toward the Jersey +shore. + +Never had the boy been on a ferryboat at night, and the spectacle +presented by the brilliantly lighted buildings filled him with wonder. +Fortunate was it for him that he was so enthralled, for the boat had +bumped into her slip and the people were rushing ashore before he had +time to realize that he was leaving behind all he had ever known of a +home. + +Indeed, so absorbed was he in gazing about him, that it was not till one +of the crew exclaimed: "Hey, kid, get ashore. You can't beat your way +back on this boat," that he knew they had reached Weehawken. + +"I'm not trying to beat my way," rejoined Bob. "I'm not going back to +New York. I'm going to Chicago--and then to Oklahoma," he added in a +boyish attempt to impress the boatman with his importance. + +"Well, you'd better hurry if you want to make the train for Chicago," +returned the other. "This is the last boat before it starts. You'll have +to hustle if you've any baggage, or are you travelling 'light'?" + +But Bob had not waited to hear the comment upon his lack of equipment, +and, before the words had left the mouth of the boatman, was running up +the gangway and into the station. + +The glare of the lights after the darkness of the river and the many +people scurrying to and fro, together with the porters and trainmen +calling and shouting, bewildered the lad who had never been so far away +from home before, and he stood in the middle of the station as though +dazed. + +Noticing the woe-begone figure, the station policeman walked over to +where Bob was standing. + +"What's the matter, kid? Looking for some one?" + +"No. I'm going away, to Chicago. I wish you'd tell me where to go to get +a chair car." + +"Not running away from home, are you?" inquired the official, scanning +Bob's face searchingly. + +This constant suggestion that he was running away angered the boy, and +he determined to put an end to it. + +"No, I'm not," he retorted impatiently. "I'm going out West to become a +ranchman, though I don't see why it is any of your business. The man on +the boat told me I would have to hurry if I was going to catch my +train." + +"Got any money?" inquired the policeman, ignoring the boy's manner. + +"Surely." And Bob drew forth the precious ten dollars he had managed to +save from the pittance his guardian had paid him and all that remained +from the money the magistrate had given him. + +"All right. Come with me. I'll show you," responded the official, +assured by the sight of the money that Bob was not trying to steal a +ride on the train. + +Quickly the two made their way to the ticket office. + +"Ticket for this youngster," announced the policeman. + +"Where to?" asked the agent. + +"Chicago, in a chair car," answered Bob. + +"'Leven thirty," returned the man in the ticket office, turning to his +rack and taking down a long strip of paper, which he stamped rapidly. + +With trembling fingers, Bob counted out the money, and shoved it +through the opening in the window. + +"Correct," muttered the agent, as he counted the roll of bills. "Now +hurry, or you won't get your train." + +As Bob received the amazingly long ticket, his breast swelled with +pride. Its possession meant the beginning of his long-cherished dream, +and he started to study it, when the voice of the officer warned him: + +"Come this way, kid. Go through gate No. 3. You can read your ticket +when you get on the train; you'll have time enough before you reach +Chicago. Good luck on your ranch," he added in a kindly banter. + +But Bob had no time to reply, for the trainmen were already shouting +their "All aboard for Chicago," and it was only by running down the +platform that he was able to get on a car just as the wheels began to +move. + +The car in which Bob found himself was upholstered in dark green, and +the woodwork was of polished mahogany. Never had he seen anything so +magnificent, and as he sank into a high-back seat, he uttered a sigh of +contentment. + +But he was not allowed to enjoy his luxury long. + +While he was gazing with wide-staring eyes at everything about him, a +colored porter entered the car and languidly glanced from one to +another of the occupants, as though making a mental calculation of the +tips he would receive, when his eyes fell on the poorly-clad figure of +Bob, holding his box of lunch on his knees. + +With an exclamation of surprise, the porter hastened to where the lad +was sitting. + +"What you-all doin' in hyar?" he demanded harshly. + +The tone in which the question was asked now caused the other +passengers, who had hitherto been too busy getting themselves +comfortably settled to notice Bob, to turn their gaze upon him. + +"I'm going to Chicago," returned Bob. + +But the hostile look on the porter's face scared him, and he could not +help a tremor that crept into his voice as he made his reply. + +"Whar's yer ticket?" snarled the negro. + +Reaching into his pocket, Bob drew forth the long strip of paper and +presented it to the officious porter. + +"The ticket's all right," grunted the man. "Now, whar's youah parlah +cyar ticket?" + +"My what?" asked Bob. + +"Youah parlah cyar ticket." + +"That's all the ticket I have," returned Bob. "Isn't that enough? I told +the man I wanted a chair-car ticket, and that's what he gave me." + +"Huh! I thought so. This ain't no chair cyar. This is a parlah cyar. +The cyar you-all want is up front, four cyars ahead. Now get out of hyar +lively." + +"But I can't get out while the train's going," protested Bob. "I might +get hurt, and--and besides, I want to go to Chicago, and if I get off +I'll lose my train." + +And in Bob's voice, as he pictured himself in his mind left beside the +railroad tracks in a strange place and at night, there was a plaintive +appeal. + +"You don't have to git off ther train," snarled the porter. "All you +gotta do is to walk right fru ther other cyars, three of 'em, mind you, +and you'll find your chair cyar. The idea of you-all getting into a +parlah cyar with a chair-cyar ticket." + +Reassured by the information that it would be unnecessary for him to +leave the train in order to reach the proper car, Bob rose from the soft +and luxurious seat slowly. + +"Come, hurry," growled the porter, making a move as though to seize Bob +by the arm and drag him from the car. + +But before he could do so, the stern voice of an elderly and +well-dressed man, who was occupying the second seat ahead, exclaimed: + +"Porter, can't you see this boy is unaccustomed to travelling? Why +don't you show him the way to the chair car?" + +"What, _me_ take that crittur fru three coaches? It's----" + +But the negro was not given the opportunity to finish. + +Bumping into the porter so that he knocked him to one side, the man who +had taken the negro to task for his treatment of Bob exclaimed: + +"Then _I_ will show him the way. Come, son." + +And he held out his hand, while all anger had disappeared from his face, +as he looked at Bob kindly. + +"My name is Bob Chester," said the boy, taking the outstretched hand and +shaking it. + +"And mine is Horace Perkins," returned the elder man, unable to restrain +a smile as he thought of the unceremonious introduction to himself, who +practically owned the road. "I am sorry you should have had so +unpleasant an experience." + +And as the railroad magnate and the poorly-clad boy passed from sight of +those in the car, the porter moaned: + +"Oh, lawdy, lawdy! Ah sho has done got mahself in a mess." + +And the comments of the other passengers, as they prophesied the +punishment the railroad president would inflict on his uncivil +employee, told him that they agreed with his opinion thoroughly. + +As Bob and his distinguished guide reached the chair car, the latter +beckoned to the brakeman and said: + +"I am Mr. Perkins. I presume you know that I am the president of this +road. I want you to keep an eye on this boy. He isn't accustomed to +travelling. He'll probably need something to eat to-morrow, so either +take him into one of the railroad restaurants, or bring him some lunch +into the car. Here's some money for his meals." + +But before his benefactor could withdraw his hand from his pocket, Bob +exclaimed: + +"I have my lunch with me, right here in this box, Mr. Perkins. I'm just +as much obliged to you, though." + +A moment the railroad president hesitated, then realizing from the look +on Bob's face that he would give offense should he press his gift, he +smiled and said: + +"All right, son. Just as you wish. But I want you to be my guest at +breakfast in the morning." + +And again shaking hands with Bob, Mr. Perkins left the car. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +BOB'S LUCK CONTINUES + + +After the railroad president had left the car, the brakeman found a +chair for Bob, and showed him how to work its mechanism so that he could +drop it back when he wished to go to sleep, all the while eyeing the +poorly-dressed lad with evident curiosity, which finally he could no +longer restrain, and he asked: + +"Have you known Mr. Perkins long?" + +"No," replied Bob. "I only met him to-night." + +"You must have made a hit with him." + +"No. I just think he is very kind." + +"Huh! That's a new one. You're the first one that ever called old +Perkins kind. If you could hear some of the men talk about how he has +treated them, you wouldn't think he was so kind." + +"I don't know about that. I only know he was very kind to me," returned +Bob, "and I like him. If his men were honest and square with him, I +think he would be with them." + +The approach of the train to a station, necessitating the member of the +train crew going about his duty, prevented him from plying Bob further +with questions, much to the latter's relief. + +Placing his box of lunch on the floor beside him, Bob leaned back in his +chair, partially closed his eyes, and gazed about him at the other +passengers. But there was none who interested him, and he soon turned +his mind to the contemplation of his position. + +It was with difficulty that he could realize that he was actually on his +way to the great West. But the steady motion of the train, the whirl of +the wheels, and the occasional blast of the engine's whistle, told him +that he was not dreaming, and after enjoying for a while the sensation +of travelling he began to think about what he should do when he reached +Chicago. + +He had read much of the enormous area the city covered, and he wondered +if he would have any difficulty in finding the home of the woman whose +husband was to form such a necessary link in his travelling +arrangements. + +"Suppose she shouldn't be at home, or suppose Mr. Cameron doesn't feel +like helping me? I guess under those circumstances it would be necessary +for me to get a job somewhere. But I won't be an errand boy in a grocery +store," he promised himself. But with the custom of looking only on the +bright side of things, which is a fortunate habit of youth, he began to +think of the good times he would have riding the horses on the plains, +and of watching the cowboys as they roped the steers and branded them. +And his fancy even pictured himself as a successful participant in +various nerve-stirring contests. + +"I may be from the East, but I won't let them call me a tenderfoot," Bob +exclaimed earnestly; "and I'll try and get on the right side of them, so +they won't play tricks on me." + +Bob's idea of cowboys had been gathered from his reading of many stories +of life on the plains, and was, therefore, rather vague. And it was +while holding imaginary conversations with ranchmen conjured from his +brain, that his body, wearied by the unusual events through which he had +passed, grew quiet, and he finally dropped off to sleep. + +The motion of the train and frequent stops affected him not at all, and +as soundly as though he were in the bed at the rear of the grocer's +shop, he slept through the night. + +Mindful of Mr. Perkins' request that he look after Bob, the brakeman +brought a coat with which he covered the boy, as the chill of night +settled on the car, and several times as he passed he tucked it about +Bob, when his moving had caused it to slide to the floor. + +About seven o'clock in the morning the trainman, after having waited in +vain for Bob to wake of his own accord, shook him gently by the +shoulder, exclaiming: + +"Come, son, it's time you were up and doing, if you are going to have +breakfast with the 'old man.' He is liable to send in any time for you +now, and after you have known him as long as I have, you'll learn that +he doesn't like to be kept waiting." + +"But where am I going to wash my face and hands? Doesn't the train stop +at the station?" + +At this naive question, the brakeman looked at Bob for a moment, and +then chuckling heartily to himself, exclaimed: + +"Say, kid, are you trying to jolly me, or have you been kept in a glass +cage all your life? Don't you know that they have washrooms on the +trains?" + +"No. This is the first time I have ever taken a journey on a train in my +life." + +"Where are you going?" + +"To Chicago, first, and then out to Oklahoma." + +"Well, that's far enough, so that if you don't know anything about +travelling now, you will when you get there. What part of Oklahoma are +you going to?" + +"I don't just know exactly," and then, his breast swelling with pride, +he continued: "I'm going on a ranch, but I haven't decided quite yet +where." + +"Folks live out there? Going to friends?" + +"No." + +"Well, I suppose you know your own business, but taking it all in all, +if I was you, I think I'd stay East among people I knew, and whose ways +I was used to." + +"I don't believe you would if you were me," said Bob, and then tiring of +the questioning, he said: "I thought you were going to show me the +washroom. I want to be ready when Mr. Perkins sends for me." + +Smiling at the manner in which Bob changed the conversation, the +brakeman led him to the lavatory, and soon Bob had made his very +primitive toilet. + +In his endeavor to make himself as presentable as possible, he had +washed and wiped his face so vigorously that it almost shone. And no +sooner had he finished the task than the brakeman put his head in the +door, and said: + +"All ready, kid? Mr. Perkins has sent for you." + +Going out into the car, Bob saw a negro clad in a suit of immaculate +linen. + +"Is you Mr. Chester?" asked the darky, restraining the smile Bob's +appearance produced. + +"My name's Bob Chester, if that's what you mean," returned the boy. + +"Then you'se to come with me to the dining-car, where Mr. Perkins is +waiting for you." + +Without more delay, the negro led the way. + +Unmindful of the glances indicative of curiosity that were cast at him, +Bob followed his guide into the dining-car. + +As the railroad president saw his youthful guest approach, he arose, and +with punctilious ceremony shook Bob's hand, murmuring: + +"I hope you slept well, Bob?" + +"Very, thank you. I don't think I should have been awake now, if the +brakeman hadn't called me. He was very kind to me." + +"I'm glad of that," smiled the official. "What would you like to eat?" + +"Most anything, thank you." + +"Then suppose you let me order for you." + +This suggestion brought great relief to Bob, and he listened with wide +eyes as he heard the order for strawberries, bacon and eggs, buckwheat +cakes, maple syrup and coffee. + +"Does that selection meet with your approval?" smiled the railroad +president. + +"Indeed it does, sir! Next to beans, I like buckwheat cakes." + +"I guess all boys do. I know my sons at home are very fond of them." + +[Illustration: "DOES THAT SELECTION MEET WITH YOUR APPROVAL?" SMILED THE +PRESIDENT +_Bob Chester's Grit_ Page 70] + +Bob's enjoyment of his breakfast was so evident that it was almost +pathetic. And as Mr. Perkins watched him eat, he wondered what the boy's +story could be, and from having taken merely a passing interest in him, +his desire to do something for him became keen. + +Under the discreet guidance of the railroad president, Bob was led to +tell him of his life and of the experiences of the day before that had +resulted in the severing of all ties, and the taking of so radical a +step as the trip to the West. + +As he listened to the narrative, his mind reverted to his own boys at +home, surrounded by every luxury that wealth and affection could give +them, and he wondered if, were either of them placed in Bob's +circumstances, they would have the courage to do as he had done. + +When Bob had finished his story, Mr. Perkins sat in silence for several +minutes, evidently in deep thought. + +"I think you have chosen the wisest course, Bob," he finally said. "The +West is a great country, and you have qualities about you that I think +will bring you success. Of course, you will probably be obliged to stand +a good many hard knocks, but they won't hurt you, my boy. Hard knocks +are good for any man. The only thing to be careful about is that they do +not sour you and cause you to feel anger and hatred against your +fellows. + +"I suppose you know, of course, that the West, just like any other part +of the world, contains a lot of bad men as well as good--only out West +the bad men are more noticeable because they act more openly, gambling +and drinking and fighting. + +"You must be very careful whom you choose for your companions. If you +make up your mind to treat every one politely and with kindness, you +will soon be able to determine who are the ones whose friendship is +worth having, and whom to avoid. But if you wish to succeed, you must +keep away from the saloons and gambling dives. + +"This may seem a good deal of a lecture to you, but if you follow my +advice, some day you will thank me for giving it to you. And now, what +do you propose to do, in case you don't find Mrs. Cameron? You know in +big cities people often move, and it may be some time since her sister +saw her. Then again, perhaps her husband won't prove very +accommodating." + +"I've thought of that, Mr. Perkins. If I can't find them, I shall try to +get some work somewhere, so that I can earn money enough to pay my fare +from Chicago." + +"You'll succeed all right, Bob," said the railroad president. "You have +the right spirit of grit. But I have a plan which will do away with the +necessity of depending upon the good nature of Mrs. Cameron or her +husband." + +And taking one of his cards from his pocket, Mr. Perkins wrote several +words on it, and then handed it to Bob. + +"If you'll take this card to the offices of the Grand Pacific, which you +will find in the building directly across from the station where we +arrive in Chicago, they will give you a pass, which will carry you to +any part of Oklahoma you desire to go. I want you to accept it as a +present from me. You can tell them to what place to make it out, and as +it will take many hours to reach your destination, I want you to accept +this money, so that you can buy your food." And he handed Bob a +twenty-dollar bill. "If you are careful, you will have something left +when you reach that part of Oklahoma to which you decide to go." + +Before Bob could recover sufficiently from his surprise to express his +thanks, Mr. Perkins had arisen, and saying that it was necessary for him +to get off the train at the next station, went back to his car, leaving +Bob in contemplation of his pass and money. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +A TALE OF THE PLAINS + + +Placing in his pocket the money and the precious piece of pasteboard +which possessed the magic power of procuring for him transportation to +the land of his dreams, Bob rose from the breakfast-table and made his +way back to his chair. + +As the train stopped at one station after another, people kept getting +aboard, and soon the car in which Bob was riding was filled to its +capacity. + +Having nothing better to do, the lad amused himself by studying each new +passenger, and he was amusing himself in trying to assign them to their +proper vocations, when he was attracted to the man who came in and took +the seat directly in front of him. + +Tall and inordinately thin, the man's clothes seemed simply to hang from +his shoulders. His hair, of a curious rusty gray, seemed to stick out +from under the faded straw hat, and his whole appearance suggested +nothing so much as a scarecrow. + +Despite the man's ungainly appearance, however, his face was one that +would attract and hold attention. So thin was it that it seemed as +though the cheek bones would any minute pierce the bronzed skin, and +from under bushy eyebrows two restless black eyes glistened. + +Like Bob, this man surveyed his fellow passengers, giving them, however, +only a momentary glance, until his eyes rested upon Bob, and upon him +they lingered, glancing him over from head to foot, and then dropping to +the lunch-box which was on the floor. + +During this inspection of himself, Bob had also been examining the man +more closely, and had discovered that his forehead was marked with a +deep scar. + +"You don't happen to have any lunch in that box, do you, that you would +be willing to sell me?" asked the stranger. "I didn't have time to get +any before I started. In fact, I came mighty near losing the train as it +was, and there won't be any station where I can get anything before +noon." + +"Why, yes," replied Bob; "that is, I have some lunch. But I won't sell +it to you. You are welcome to some of it, if you would like it." + +How the man had been able to divine that his package contained food, +Bob could not understand. But had the boy been as keen an observer as +the stranger, he would have noticed that the paper on one end of the box +was saturated with grease, causing the obvious inference that some sort +of food was wrapped up inside. + +"I don't like to take your grub for nothing, son," returned the other, +"but I sure am hungry. I have always made it a rule never to accept +anything from any one without giving something in return. So I tell you +what I'll do. If you're sure you won't accept any money, and will give +me a bite, when the train stops for dinner, I'll pay for whatever you +want to eat." + +"That seems fair," returned Bob, "but I should be just as willing to +give you some, even if you didn't return it." + +While Bob had been speaking, he had picked up the box, broken the +string, unwrapped the paper and opened it, after which he held it out to +the stranger, saying: + +"Help yourself." + +To Bob's surprise, the man accepted the invitation literally--and took +the whole box, which he rested on his knee. Though it contained cake and +pie, hard-boiled eggs, and several sandwiches, the stranger exercised no +choice of selection, but began at one end of the box and ate everything +just as it came. + +Naturally Bob had supposed that the man would eat possibly only a couple +of eggs and one or two sandwiches, with perhaps even a piece of cake or +a piece of pie. But as he saw one piece of food disappearing after +another, and remembered that the stranger had asked only for a bite, he +wondered what he would require to make a full meal. + +As the last piece of food was devoured, the man reached down, put the +cover on the box, folded the paper, wrapped up the box and set it on the +floor, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, then exclaimed: + +"My, but that went to the right spot! I sure was hungry." + +"Yes, I guess you were," assented Bob, a bit ruefully, for he had +expected to have at least a portion of the food, put up for him by the +kind waitress, to eat during the day. + +The stranger, however, ignored the insinuation in Bob's tone, and +proceeded to talk with him. + +"Going far?" he asked. + +"Yes, to Chicago." + +"That's good. So am I. I'm glad to have some one to talk to. It makes +the time pass quicker. Been visiting in the East?" + +"No. I've always lived in New York." + +"Going to Chicago on a visit?" + +"Not exactly. I'm going to call on some friends, and then go on to +Oklahoma." + +The mention of Oklahoma roused the stranger to immediate interest. + +"You don't say! To what part?" + +"I don't know exactly." + +"Going to Oklahoma, and you don't know to what part?" repeated the man +in surprise. + +"I'm going on a ranch somewhere. I was thinking I'd get a map when I got +to Chicago, and decide just where." + +"Well, if that don't beat anything I ever heard!" + +The intonation which the man gave to his words was such that Bob felt +that he must give some explanation of his indecision, and he returned: + +"You see, I'm going to be a cowboy first, and then a ranch owner, and I +didn't want to decide where to go until I could find out where I would +have the best chance." + +"Well, it certainly is fortunate that fate led me to get into this car +of all on the train. I can tell you just the place for you to go." + +"Have you ever been to Oklahoma?" inquired Bob. + +"Have I ever been there? Well, son, I was there off and on for about ten +years, when the government first opened up the land, and you could +travel for miles without seeing anything but Injuns." + +The knowledge that his companion was familiar with Oklahoma set Bob's +heart beating rapidly, and the thought that he could gather much useful +information from this peculiar man caused him to forget all annoyance +over the loss of his lunch. + +"Then you've really seen a live Indian?" asked Bob, his eyes big with +excitement. + +"I seen too many of the critters. See that scar?" + +And he tapped his forehead with one of his long fingers. + +"Yes," said Bob eagerly. + +"Well, it was an Injun gave me that; Flying Horse, they called him." + +At the memory of what had evidently been an exciting adventure, the man +lapsed into silence, as though he were re-enacting the events in his +mind. + +To Bob his silence was tantalizing. He longed to hear of the experience, +and yet he hesitated to ask point-blank. His interest was so keen, +however, that he could not restrain himself entirely, and he squirmed +restively in his chair. + +The movement had the effect of recalling the man from his memories, and +gazing at the lad's eager face, his own broke into a smile, as he said: + +"I suppose you'd like to know how it happened?" + +"Indeed I should." + +"I was punching cows for an old fellow called Sam Ford; a man so mean +you could pull the pith out of a horse-hair and then put his soul +inside, and it would rattle. + +"But this story don't concern old Sam, except in so far as I was working +for him. He'd got together a fine bunch of cattle. Where he got 'em, no +one ever knew exactly, and in them days it wasn't what you'd call +healthy to ask questions. Indeed, I've seen many a perfectly healthy man +took off sudden, just because he got inquisitive about su'thin', that +wasn't none of his business in the first place. But that's neither here +nor there. Sam had the cattle, and I was punchin' for him. + +"One day Sam come to me and said he wanted me to ride over to a creek +near what is now the town of Fairfax, and watch a bunch of about thirty +head he told me he just bought. There was a pack of Crow Injuns that we +knew was somewhere around there. But in them days it was the same with +working for a man as it was about asking questions. If he told you to do +anything, it was up to you to do it, or stand the consequences. So I +saddled a flea-bitten pinto and set out, though I must say I wasn't +particularly keen on going. It had been rumored that Sam had got some +of his cattle from the Injuns, and we'd always expected that if Sam ever +did die--of which we had our doubts, because he was so mean--that it +would be at the hand of a redskin. + +"After riding about thirty mile, I come to the cattle all right, and +they was sure a fine bunch. The place where Sam had left them was filled +with fine grazing grass, and there was a 'drink' near-by, so's I got to +feeling a little better, for I'd been afraid I was going to have some +trouble in locating water. Sam had said he'd come up in three or four +days, and we'd drive 'em back to where we had the main herd. + +"The grass was so rich that a baby could have looked after them cattle; +they stayed so close, and I was taking things easy most of the time, +lying on my back and smoking. + +"On the second night it was cloudy, and I had built a little fire, +before which I curled up and went to sleep. + +"How long I'd been asleep, I don't know. But I do know that I was +suddenly wakened by feeling something sharp drawn across my forehead. + +"Opening my eyes, I saw a face, hideous in white and yellow paint, +peering into mine. + +"Fortunately, I still had my six-shooters on me, and being pretty handy +with them, it didn't take me long to put an end to Mr. Injun. + +"Whether there was more than one buck 'round, I didn't know. But I'd no +sooner got to my feet than I found out, for on all sides of me the air +was split with their awful yells. + +"Dropping to my knees, I crawled into the long grass as fast as I could, +and the only thing that saved me was because they had been busy with the +cattle, and didn't know where I was. + +"After they'd hunted for me a while, they rounded up the critters, +gathered in my pinto, and moved away. + +"Just as soon as I heard 'em going I lit out in the opposite direction, +and hoofed it back to Sam's." + + + + +CHAPTER X + +BOB DOES A KIND ACT + + +As the stranger recounted this exciting adventure, Bob's eyes grew +larger and larger, and his mouth gaped in wonder. Many a time had he +read in story-books of similar attacks by Indians, but the thought that +he was actually gazing at a man who had been through such an ordeal +seemed too delightful to be true. And so reverentially admiring was his +manner toward his travelling companion that the other couldn't but smile +good-naturedly. + +"Where did you say that place was?" inquired Bob, after a silence of +many minutes, as he retold to himself the story of the scar and pictured +the scene before his mind's eye. + +"Fairfax." + +"What part of the state is that?" + +"It's about the middle, as east and west goes, but nearer the northern +than the southern border." + +"Are there--are there any ranches near Fairfax now, do you suppose?" + +"I reckon so, though it's more than seven years since I came East." + +"Aren't you ever going back there?" inquired Bob, in a tone which said +plainly that it was beyond his understanding how a man could give up +life on a ranch and settle down to the very ordinary, prosaic life of +the East. + +For a moment the man looked at Bob searchingly, and then replied: + +"I reckon that it's better for my health here in the East." + +But the significance of this remark was lost on Bob. For a few minutes +he was silent, the expression on his face, however, indicating that he +was thinking earnestly, and at last the cause of his deliberation was +explained in his question: + +"Do you think there are any Indians around Fairfax now?" + +"Not the kind there was in the early days when I was out there. The +government has tried to make them like white people, and now the Injuns +that you would find are either lazy, or they have deteriorated into +half-breeds. Once in a while some of the bucks go on a rampage, but not +very often." + +"I think I'll go to Fairfax," announced Bob after another period of +deliberation. "You don't know any one out there with whom you think I +could get in to work, do you?" + +"No, I can't say as I do, and besides a recommendation from me wouldn't +help you any. But I think so long as you have no particular section of +the state in mind, that Fairfax would be as good as any." + +Bob lost no time in taking advantage of the opportunity afforded by his +companion for asking him about the customs of the cowboys and life on a +ranch in general, and many were the valuable pointers the stranger gave +him, some of which Bob afterwards remembered, but more of which he +forgot. + +Between Bob's inquiries and the stories which his travelling companion +narrated, the morning passed quickly, and what had loomed before the boy +as long and dreary hours, seemed but a minute, so entertaining was the +stranger. + +True to his word, when the train pulled into the station where the stop +was made for those passengers who desired to get lunch, the stranger +insisted upon Bob getting out and eating with him. And Bob found that +the man's appetite was just as keen when he was paying for his food, as +when he was eating that provided by others. + +After the return to the car, the interesting stories were resumed, and +Bob had little opportunity to notice the region through which he was +passing, new and unusual to him as was its scenery, save when his +attention was called to some striking feature by his companion. + +"It won't be long now before we reach Chicago," remarked the man. + +"No, I suppose not," admitted Bob with a sigh. "I only wish you were +going out to Fairfax with me." + +"Oh, well, you'll find, more likely than not, that some of the +passengers on the train you take are bound for Oklahoma, and they will +probably be able to afford you more assistance and information than I." + +The suggestion made by Bob about returning to Oklahoma seemed to make a +deep impression upon the stranger, and he lapsed into silence from which +he only roused himself after the train had pulled into the station at +Chicago, when he jumped up suddenly, grabbed Bob by the shoulder, shook +him with a gentle roughness, and murmured: + +"Good luck to you, boy, and whatever you do, be straight," and rushed +from the car, leaving Bob bewildered by the abruptness of his departure. + +Despite the evident mystery which hung over his travelling companion, +Bob had felt more at ease when he was with him, and it was with a sense +of loss that he saw him leave the car, for the boy had hoped that he +would accompany him to the railway offices while he got his pass, and +he had even dared to think he might be able to persuade him to make the +visit to Mrs. Cameron with him. + +But the man's departure had shattered his hopes, and Bob, with a feeling +of great loneliness, mechanically followed the other passengers from the +car out upon the wide platform. His feeling of isolation was made even +more poignant by the hearty greetings which sounded all around him, as +one after another of the people who had arrived on the same train were +met by their friends or families. + +Following the crowd, he passed through the station out onto the +sidewalk. There he stood for a moment, searching the windows of the +buildings across the street for the name of the railway offices to which +Mr. Perkins had directed him. + +With little difficulty he spied great gilt letters which formed the +words "Grand Pacific Railway," and picking his way carefully through the +throng of carriages, automobiles and trucks, which were passing up and +down the street, he soon reached the building, and was on the way to the +offices in the elevator. + +Entering one of the doors, he beheld several handsomely polished desks, +at which busy men were seated. + +Who the proper person was to whom to present his card for a pass, Bob +did not know, but after scrutinizing the faces of the various men in the +office, he selected one who seemed kind and pleasant, and was making his +way toward him, when he was confronted by a boy several inches smaller +than he was, clad in a green uniform trimmed with gold braid, who +demanded insolently: + +"Here, you! Where do you think you are going? Who do you want to see?" + +"I don't know exactly." + +During this interchange of words, the office-boy had been scanning Bob +and his threadbare clothes contemptuously. And at the lad's reply, he +laughed outright, adding: + +"Well, if you don't know who you want to see, you can't come in here." + +"But I want to get a pass for Fairfax, Oklahoma," protested Bob. + +"_You_ get a pass! Say, are you crazy? Only the general managers and the +other high officers travel on passes." + +"But Mr. Perkins told me to come here," asserted Bob. + +To what lengths this determination of the office-boy to get rid of Bob +would have gone there is no knowing, for the official whose desk was +nearest the railing in front of which Bob stood had been attracted by +the unusual occurrence, and as he heard Mr. Perkins' name spoken, he got +up, and beckoning to Bob, asked: + +"What did you say about Mr. Perkins?" + +"I said he told me to come here to get a pass to Fairfax, Oklahoma. That +is, he didn't say Fairfax," added Bob truthfully, "he just said I was to +get it to any place in Oklahoma where I wanted to go, and I have decided +I want to go to Fairfax." + +"What is your name?" + +"Bob Chester." + +"Well, Mr. Perkins has sent us no instructions for issuing you a pass, +and until he does, we cannot do anything for you." + +And turning on his heel the man walked back to his desk, while the +office-boy grinned in delight. + +Bob, however, was not to be disposed of so easily, and putting his hand +in his pocket, he drew out the card given him by the railroad president, +and said: + +"But Mr. Perkins gave me instructions to give to you." + +The man who had left his desk before paid no attention to Bob's remark, +however, and the boy was wondering if, after all, the card would be of +no service to him when suddenly the door opened and in walked the +porter who had drawn upon himself the anger of the railroad president, +the night before, by his treatment of Bob. + +As the darky entered, one of the clerks happened to be passing the rail, +and he exclaimed: + +"Well, Thomas Jefferson, what do you want here?" + +"Ah come to get my pay. Ah done been discharged." + +"You discharged?" repeated the other incredulously. + +"That's what, and by the 'old man' hisself." + +"Why?" + +"For not treating this hyar gemmen wid de respec' Mr. Perkins thought I +ought to when he set hisself down in my parlah cyar, when his ticket +done call for the chair cyar." + +The tone in which the porter made his reply was so loud that no one in +the office could fail to hear it, and as the officials had already +received instructions by wire to pay off the darky in full upon his +arrival, when they learned that the shabbily-clad boy standing before +the rail was the cause of the discharge, they evinced a very lively +interest in him. + +"The kid was just up here trying to get a pass he said Mr. Perkins had +told him to call for," returned the man who had dismissed Bob so +abruptly. + +"If the gemmen says so, den you'd better give it to him, if you-all +don't want to get what Ah got." + +Deeming the time had come for again calling attention to his card, Bob +exclaimed: + +"Mr. Perkins told me I was to present this, when I asked for the pass." + +Reaching out his hand for the piece of pasteboard, the man who had +refused him before, scanned it hurriedly, and said: + +"You should have given me this in the first place. You see, we don't +issue many passes now, and we are obliged to be very careful." And, +calling to one of his clerks, he gave him instructions for making out +the pass to Fairfax, after having learned from Bob that that was the +destination to which he wished to go. + +"You'd better sit down," said the official, "because it will take a few +minutes to get it ready." + +Bob was not thinking of himself, however. The idea troubled him of the +porter's being discharged on his account, and after a few moments' +deliberation, he called to the man who had given the instructions for +the writing of his pass, and asked: + +"Do you think if I should write a note to Mr. Perkins, that he would +change his mind about discharging this man? I don't like to think he +should have got into trouble on my account. You see, I don't know much +about travelling, and I didn't know a parlor car from a chair car." + +Surprised at this consideration for a fellow in a boy so young, the +official smiled as he replied: + +"I shouldn't be surprised if Mr. Perkins would think about it, if you +asked him. He seems to have taken a great fancy to you." + +"Then if you will give me a piece of paper, I will write to him." + +And when the writing material was provided, Bob, in his crude, boyish +hand, wrote: + + "MR. PERKINS: You have been very kind to me, but I + am sorry you discharged the porter. I wish you + would take him back. Please, Mr. Perkins. From + your friend, BOB CHESTER." + +In open-mouthed wonder, the porter listened to the conversation between +Bob and the official of the railway, and when the note had been written, +and was read aloud by the latter, the darky exclaimed: + +"Mistah Bob, you sho'ly am kind. Ah'll take that note and go to see +Mistah Perkins mahself, and now if you-all would like to see Chicago a +little before you take your train, Ah'll surely be most glad to take you +'round." + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +BOB FAILS TO FIND MRS. CAMERON + + +For a moment after the porter's offer to act as his guide in seeing +Chicago, Bob thought he would accept it, and accordingly they left the +office together, the pass having been made out and delivered to the boy. + +When they appeared upon the street, however, the passersby stopped and +stared at the curious pair--Bob, in his worn, ill-fitting suit, and the +darky, very black, clad in the latest fashion--with amazement. + +One woman, whose hair was tinged with gray, and whose aquiline features, +severe clothes and general mien bespoke the spinster who always had time +to meddle in other people's affairs, exclaimed to the person nearest +her: + +"There is certainly something wrong here. I feel it in my bones. That +colored person is taking this boy somewhere for no good purpose. I think +it is my duty to interfere." + +"Oh, I wouldn't bother," returned the member of the throng whom she had +addressed. "The boy seems to be going along willingly enough." + +"But I think it is my duty to make sure," persisted the officious +spinster. "My conscience will never be easy in the thought that perhaps +if I had spoken, I might have saved the boy from some terrible fate." + +During this conversation, Bob and the porter had walked almost half a +block. But both of them had heard the first remarks, and as the would-be +rescuer set out in pursuit of them, Bob chanced to look back, and saw +her coming, followed by several of the crowd who had first stopped to +watch them in the hopes that they might be afforded some amusement from +the woman's interference. + +Unwilling to become the cause of a street scene, Bob turned to his +companion, and said: + +"I--I guess, after all, it won't be necessary for me to trouble you to +go about with me." + +"It will be no trouble, and Ah sho' am willing to do most anything for +you 'count o' that note you gave me for Massa Perkins." + +"Oh, that's all right," hastily returned Bob. "I was glad to do it. I +only hope that it will be successful in letting you get back your job." + +"Ah think it will, but Chicago's a pretty big place, and Ah'm afraid +something may happen to you so that you will miss your train. It goes in +about four hours. Is there any place particular you want to go?" + +"Yes, I was going out to South 101st Street." + +And Bob described the location of the apartment house where he expected +to find Mrs. Cameron, the sister of the waitress who had been so kind to +him. + +"Then you want to take this cyar. It runs right by the corner, and when +you come back, you keep on it until you get to the Northwestern station, +where you get your train." + +"All right, thank you!" exclaimed Bob, going out into the street to hail +the car that had been pointed out to him. + +The porter stood on the curb, evidently with the intention of seeing +that Bob got aboard without mishap, until turning his head he caught +sight of the sharp-featured woman, whose comment he had overheard. + +"Ma soul, Ah sure don't want to get in any argument with such a woman," +he muttered to himself, and bolted precipitately, soon losing himself in +the crowd of pedestrians. + +The flight of the porter seemed to confirm the woman's suspicions, but +she instantly realized that she could not hope to overtake the darky, +and quickly determined to hail Bob. + +Rushing into the street, she cried in a shrill voice: + +"Little boy! Little boy!" + +Bob, however, had no relish for an interview with her, and quickly +mounted the steps of the car and entered. + +Again the woman repeated her cry, but Bob paid no attention, and it was +with great relief that he heard the conductor pull the signal-bell for +the car to start. + +Determined not to be thwarted, the woman cried: + +"Mr. Conductor! Mr. Conductor! Stop that car!" + +But that individual had developed a deafness as sudden as Bob's and the +car continued on its way. + +For a moment the woman, her philanthropic intentions balked, stood on +the car track, but realizing that she was making a spectacle of herself, +she returned to the sidewalk, where the gibing comments of those who had +witnessed the scene caused her to blush with anger, and she was glad to +escape the words of advice that were called out to her by entering the +doors of a convenient store. + +As soon as Bob found that his escape had been effected, he returned to +the platform. + +"I'm glad you didn't stop the car for that woman," said he to the +conductor. + +"What's the matter, are you running away from her?" + +"No. I never saw her before." + +"Then why did she call you to stop?" asked the conductor, his tone +indicating that he thought perhaps Bob might have picked her pocket. + +"I don't know. When I was walking along with that colored man, I heard +her say she thought he was trying to take me somewhere I shouldn't go." + +Bob's evident lack of familiarity with Chicago and the circumstances +under which he had boarded the car, aroused the conductor's curiosity, +and he inquired: + +"Well, was he?" + +"No, he had just offered to show me about Chicago." + +And then Bob told enough of the story to convince the street-car man +that there was nothing improper about the occurrence, and that he +succeeded was evidenced by the comment of the conductor, as he said: + +"That's just like some women, always meddling in things they don't know +anything about. I'll tell you when you get to 101st street." + +Bob was deeply interested in the scenes through which he was passing, +and it seemed to him that he had scarcely been on the car ten minutes +when the conductor told him he had reached the street he desired. + +Leaving the car, Bob walked to the sidewalk, and then looked about him +to get his bearings. + +Across the street stood the yellow brick apartment house the waitress +had mentioned, and as it was the only building of its kind thereabout, +he made his way to it. + +Entering the vestibule, Bob scanned the names on the letter boxes for +that of Mrs. John Cameron, but though he looked them over three times, +he could not see it. + +As he stood wondering what to do, a woman opened the door to come out. + +Deciding that she was probably one of the people who lived in the +building, Bob asked, taking off his hat, and bowing politely: + +"Can you tell me if Mrs. John Cameron lives here?" + +"No, she doesn't." + +"Well, she used to, didn't she?" + +"Yes, right across the hall from me, on the third floor, but she moved +about six weeks ago." + +"Do you know where she's gone?" cried Bob. + +"She's moved to Kansas City, but I don't know her address. Is there +anything particular you wanted of her?" + +"No--that is, I just had a message to deliver to her from her sister in +New York." + +"Well, I'm sorry that I can't give you the address in Kansas City. You +might find it out, though, from the janitor, possibly," added the woman, +and smiling at Bob, she continued on her way. + +For a moment Bob was undecided whether or not to ring for the janitor in +order that he might inquire about the address of the waitress' sister, +and then realizing that there was no necessity for his so doing, he +concluded to go to the station and wait for his train. + +"It's a mighty good thing I met Mr. Perkins," said Bob to himself, as he +rode back downtown on the street-car. "If I hadn't, I suppose I would +have been obliged to go to work until I could get enough money to take +me to Oklahoma, and it would have been an awful disappointment not to +find Mrs. Cameron. But it's all right now; besides, I'm better off than +I would have been if she had been here, because I have a pass clear to +Fairfax, and her sister said her husband could only help me as far as +Kansas City." + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +ALONE IN A STRANGE CITY + + +Arrived at the Northwestern railway station, for a time Bob wandered +about, enjoying the novelty of the people rushing hither and thither in +their search of either friends or relatives, purchasing tickets, and +tending to the baggage, and he wondered how they could accomplish +anything, so great was the hustle and bustle. + +In the course of his wanderings, he chanced upon the station restaurant, +and though in his excitement and the novelty of the scenes about him, he +had not thought of eating, the sight of food suddenly roused his hunger, +and he went up to one of the counters. + +The prices of the food, however, amazed him, and it was several minutes +before he had picked out anything that he wanted that did not cost too +much. + +So long did Bob linger over the consumption of the modest repast he had +ordered, that the waitress began to eye him with suspicion. And finally +she exclaimed: + +"Say! how long do you think you can stay here eating, or are you hoping +that you will get a chance to sneak off without paying me? But that game +won't work. I'm too wise to get caught by any trick like that. So just +come across with the price of your feed." + +This caustic comment upon the length of time he was lingering over the +meal, and the open charge that he was trying to defraud the waitress, +hurt Bob, and his embarrassment was evident in the flush that mounted to +his face, as he stammered: + +"I'm sorry if I've taken too long over my food. I didn't know I was +expected to eat it all at once. But I don't think you have any right to +say that I was trying to cheat you out of the pay. If I hadn't had the +money in my pocket to pay for what I ordered, I shouldn't have ordered +anything. How much is it, please?" + +"Thirty cents," snapped the waitress. + +Quickly Bob thrust his hand in his pocket, and drew forth a dollar bill +and gave it to her. + +So deeply had Bob been stirred by the unjust reflection upon his +honesty, that his misery was plainly visible on his face, and the +waitress, returning, could not but notice it. + +"I'm sorry if I made you feel bad, kid," she apologized, "but you see, +when people buy things in here, they generally pay for them right off, +and we have so many tricks worked on us that we have to be pretty sly +not to get nailed by some of them. But you're all right. You're only +just green." + +Leaving the restaurant, Bob returned to the waiting-room, where he +picked out a seat nearest the place where the train announcer always +stood when he called out the trains that were ready for the passengers. +But as he sat there, he could not get the words of the girl in the +restaurant out of his mind, and kept repeating to himself: "Only just +green." + +The constant brooding over this remark suggested the thought to him: "If +people here in the cities like New York and Chicago think that I don't +know anything, and am not used to the ways of doing things, what will +they think of me out in Fairfax? I said I wouldn't let them take me for +a tenderfoot, and I won't. I'll just pretend I know all about things and +watch how the other people do." + +This new resolve fascinated the boy, and he fell into a day dream, in +which bronchos, cowboys, and herds of cattle figured prominently, and so +engrossed did he become in it, that it was with a start he heard the +train announcer call out the train for Kansas City and the West, which +he was to take. + +Following the others who were going on the same train, Bob made his way +to the cars. + +Mindful of his recent resolution and the unpleasant experience with the +porter of the parlor car, Bob scrutinized each coach of the train +carefully as he walked along until he came to one that was obviously a +chair car, and this he entered, selecting a seat well in the middle. + +Eager as Bob was to reach his destination, it seemed to him that they +would never start, but when at last the wheels began to squeak as the +train got in motion, he gave vent to a sigh of delight. + +Of the people about him, he took only passing notice, and busied himself +with trying to map out a plan of action after he reached Fairfax. + +When the conductor came along collecting the tickets, Bob proudly drew +forth his pass and presented it. As though unable to reconcile the bit +of paper with the poorly-clad boy, the conductor scrutinized the +official transportation closely, from time to time glancing at Bob. + +Unable satisfactorily to solve the incongruity, the official muttered: + +"The pass is all right, but it doesn't seem right for this boy to have +it." + +This voicing of the thoughts, which were evidently passing through the +conductor's mind, scared Bob, and he asked, assuming an air of +confidence that he did not feel: + +"What's the matter with that pass?" + +"Nothing, provided you are Bob Chester. But I don't see why you should +be given one." + +"Well, if it's all right, and properly made out, I don't know that it's +any concern of yours why it was given to me. If you have any doubt about +it, why don't you find out from the people who issued it?" + +"That's a good idea. It's just what I was going to do. I will just keep +it until I know it's all O.K." + +And, putting the piece of official transportation in his pocket, the +conductor moved along through the car. + +With dismay and a feeling of foreboding, Bob watched the conductor go +from his car with the precious pass. He dared not protest; indeed, the +thought of the proper way to make an objection did not occur to him. In +fact, he did not know that he could do so, and his own temerity in +calling attention to the fact that it was made out had startled him. But +bitterly did he rue his suggestion that the conductor keep the +all-important paper until he was satisfied as to its genuineness. + +In a few minutes Bob noticed the brakeman come into the car and stare at +him. But he did not know that the man had done so in obedience to the +order of the conductor, who had told the trainman to take a look at Bob, +and then to take care that the boy did not try to leave the train until +the matter of the pass had been properly cleared up. + +As the train whirled through the darkness of the night, Bob occasionally +caught a glimpse of light in the scattered houses or towns through which +it passed, but so dark was it that he could see nothing of the country. + +Dropping his chair back, the boy tried to go to sleep, but his anxiety +over the safety of his pass made it impossible, though he dropped into a +doze several times only to awake with a start. + +In the meantime, the conductor had sent a telegram to the offices in +Chicago where Bob had obtained the transportation, asking if a pass had +been issued to Bob Chester, and requesting a description of that +individual. + +Whenever the conductor walked through the car, Bob inquired anxiously as +to when he should receive the important piece of paper back again, but +the man in charge of the train only answered gruffly: + +"You'll get it back soon enough, if it's all right." + +"But if it isn't?" asked Bob, in a boyish eagerness to know the exact +conditions he was facing. + +"You'll be put off the train, anyhow, and perhaps you will have to go to +jail." + +As the conductor announced this alternative, he watched Bob closely, and +the start the latter gave at the mention of the possibility of arrest, +only confirmed the man in his suspicion that there was something +irregular about the boy's having the free transportation. But as the +reader knows, it was no thought of the pass being spurious that +disturbed Bob. The word "jail" had brought to his mind his unpleasant +experience in New York. + +From thinking about his arrest and the men who had been its cause, Bob +went over in his mind all the events that had transpired since that +momentous happening, yet he had no regret at the course he had chosen. + +Not long after daylight, as the train entered what Bob could see was a +good-sized city, and stopped at the station, the boy decided he would +get out and walk up and down the platform in order to stretch his legs. + +Evidently never thinking the lad would be astir so early, the brakeman +had neglected to obey his instructions and keep close watch on Bob, so +that his leaving the car was unnoticed. + +Seeing a place where he could get a drink of water, Bob walked toward +it. + +Just as he was in the midst of drinking from the cup, he was stupefied +to hear the snorting of an engine, and, upon turning his head, to see +the train on which he had been riding disappearing from the station. + +With a cry of alarm, Bob dashed after it, shouting: + +"Wait! Stop the train! The conductor's got my pass!" + +But the few officials about paid no heed to the lad's frantic cries, +and the train continued on its way, while Bob was left in a strange +place, bereft of his pass, and without knowing what to do in order to +regain possession of the precious piece of paper which was to carry him +to Fairfax. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +BOB STARTS AGAIN + + +Bob's lusty shouts, as he vainly tried to stop the train, drew the +attention of the few employees in the station at so early an hour, and +they gathered about him, taking mental stock of his worn clothes and his +honest face, as they approached. + +"What's the matter? Nobody here to meet you?" asked one of the men, on +whose hat were the words, "Station Master." + +"This isn't a very convenient hour to meet any one. Where do your people +live? We can direct you how to get to them." + +Not having heard the words uttered by Bob, the agent's inference that +the boy was disappointed at finding no one to meet him, was natural. But +Bob soon disillusioned him. + +"The train's gone and left me," said he, with ever so slight a shakiness +in his voice, as he thought of the train speeding on its way and with it +his precious pass. + +"Well, there are other trains," declared a second man. "You can take the +next one." + +The quaver in Bob's voice, however, had reached the ears of the station +master, and he asked kindly: + +"How far were you going?" + +"To Fairfax, Oklahoma." + +With the evident purpose of reassuring Bob, the station master said: + +"Oh, well, it will only make the difference of twelve hours or so in +reaching Fairfax. There's another train goes through at four o'clock +this afternoon." + +"It isn't the delay I mind," returned Bob, "but the conductor has my +pass!" + +"_You_ travelling on a pass?" exclaimed another incredulously, as though +unable to reconcile Bob's shabby apparel with the possession of such a +privileged means of transportation. + +"My, that is bad," mused the station master. "But don't worry. I'll have +word telegraphed to the conductor to leave your pass with the agent at +Kansas City, and you can get it there. Come with me, and we'll see about +sending the message." + +"But how shall I get to Kansas City without any ticket?" asked Bob, as +he accompanied his new-found friend into the station. "I only have a few +dollars, which I shall need when I get to Fairfax. I suppose it would +cost a lot to buy a ticket?" + +"If you had a pass, it won't be necessary for you to pay. I'll arrange +that all right." + +Randolph, the city in which Bob was marooned, being a division +headquarters of the railway, there was a train despatcher's office in +the station, and thither the agent led Bob. + +Going over to one of the telegraphers, the station master explained the +situation briefly. + +"What do you want me to wire? Jenkins is the conductor, isn't he?" + +"Yes. Say, 'Jenkins, Aboard No. 6: Leave'," and then he turned to the +boy, asked his name, and continued: "'Bob Chester's pass with the ticket +agent at Kansas City. Will send Bob on the next train. ROBINSON, + + "'Station Master, Randolph.'" + +Scarcely had the operator forwarded the message than he suddenly leaned +over his instrument, listened intently, and then exclaimed: + +"I'll bet Jenkins will be glad to get your wire about the boy. Was there +any trouble about the pass?" and he looked at Bob. + +"Yes," responded the youth, and told them about the conductor's +suspicions. "But why did you ask?" + +"Because I caught a message going to Jenkins from Chicago." + +"It said the pass was all right, didn't it?" queried Bob anxiously. + +"It did," replied the operator, with emphasis, "and more, too. Said you +were a particular friend of 'Old Man' Perkins, and advised Jenkins to +treat you well, as one man had got into trouble through being uncivil to +you." + +"But I made that all right; at least, I wrote a note asking Mr. Perkins +to take the porter back again," answered Bob innocently. + +The overheard message had a salutary effect upon both the operator and +agent, and they took a new interest in the boy who was a protege of the +railroad president. + +After asking Bob about the incident of the parlor car, they told him to +make himself comfortable, and when he felt hungry to let them know. + +"I could eat now," smiled Bob, his troubles vanished. + +"Then I'll have one of my men go with you to a restaurant just up the +street a little way." + +"You're very kind, but I can go alone," replied Bob. + +"I don't doubt it," laughed the station master. "But, after that wire +from Chicago to Jenkins, I don't want anything to happen to you while I +am responsible. + +"Hey, Tom," he called to one of the trainmen, "take this boy up to +Sweeney's, and see that he has a good feed." + +In that mysterious manner in which news travels, word had been passed +of the instructions to Jenkins, and the man hailed as Tom gladly +accepted his task, saying: + +"Come on, Bob. When you've tasted Sweeney's wheat cakes, you'll always +remember Randolph." + +"I think I'll remember it, anyway," smiled Bob, as he set out for the +restaurant with his guide. + +Bob's appetite had not been in the least impaired by the unpleasant +experience through which he had passed, and he ate three plates of +griddle cakes. + +"My, but those cakes sure were good," he observed, smacking his lips +with relish. + +His companion, with good-natured patience, had watched the boy eat, and, +as Bob expressed his approval of Sweeney's food, he said: + +"Better have another plate. You'll never get any cakes quite as good as +Sweeney's till you get back to Randolph." + +Though with evident reluctance, Bob declined, and, after paying for the +meal, they returned to the station. + +By the time of their arrival, more trainmen were on duty, and to each +the story of Bob's getting left had been told. + +As a result, when they saw the boy, they smiled at him, and proffered +good-natured comments. + +"Feel less hungry, now?" asked the station master, as Tom and Bob +entered his office. + +"Yes, thank you," replied the latter. "Sweeney surely can cook griddle +cakes! I wish he lived out in Fairfax." + +"Take him along," laughed Tom, "and start in business. All Sweeney needs +is a flame to cook on, and the fixin's." + +While they were talking, one of the telegraph operators came in, with a +despatch for the agent. + +"Here's Jenkins' answer," said he, holding out the sheet of yellow +paper. + +Taking it, the station master read aloud: + + "ROBINSON, Randolph: Will leave pass as + instructed. Square me with the boy, if you can. + Buy him all he wants to eat, and I'll settle. + + "JENKINS." + +At the words proclaiming the conductor's evident anxiety over how Bob +felt toward him, they all laughed. + +"It'll do Jenkins good to worry a little," commented Tom. Then, as an +idea occurred to him, he struck his thigh, and exclaimed: "I say, +Jenkins is an awful miser. Let's put up a joke on him. We'll take a +dozen of the boys, have a feed at Sweeney's, and charge it to Jenkins." + +"That's the idea! Great! Fine!" were some of the remarks that greeted +the suggestion. + +But on Bob's face there was a look of doubt, as he said: + +"I don't think that would be exactly fair, would it?" + +"Why not?" asked several. + +"Because Mr. Jenkins would know I couldn't eat so much." + +Tom, however, was loath to abandon his joke, and argued: + +"But he said for Robinson to square him with you, didn't he?" + +"Why, yes." + +"Then, Robinson can tell him the feed for the dozen of us was the only +way he could do it." + +Though he did not wish to be a spoil-sport, Bob, however, did not +approve of the plan. Consequently, it was with relief he beheld a large, +red-faced man, in overalls and jumper, enter the station master's +office, exclaiming as he caught sight of the boy: + +"Are you the kid Conductor Jenkins left here?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"How'd you like to go over to Kansas City on my freight train?" + +"First-rate. I never rode on a freight, and I'd like to." + +"You'll never want to again," commented Tom. "What'll become of our feed +if you go?" + +"Oh, we can have it, just the same," returned another. + +Bob, however, was too engrossed with the prospect of riding on a freight +train, to overhear the remark. + +At first, the station master had thought to protest against letting his +charge go, but, as he noticed the boy's eagerness, he said: + +"Hosmer, shake hands with Bob Chester. Don't let anything happen to him. +He's a special friend of 'Old Man' Perkins. When you get to Kansas City, +take him to the ticket agent, and be sure he gets the pass all right." + +"Never fear; I'll stay with him till his train's in, and then introduce +him to the conductor. Come on, Bob. Train's waiting." + +Quickly saying good-bye to the station master and the others, and +thanking them for their kindness, Bob followed the big conductor, and +was soon started on his way to Fairfax again, aboard the freight train. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +AT THE THROTTLE OF A FREIGHT ENGINE + + +Taking Bob to the caboose, the freight conductor made him known to the +brakemen who were lolling about, smoking. + +"So you're the kid Miser Jenkins thought stole your pass?" exclaimed one +of the trainmen, after a searching scrutiny of the boy. "He must be +losing his eyesight. That face of yours ought to vouch for you, if +nothing else. Crooks don't have such honest faces." + +"Oh, the miser was probably trying to pull off one of his grand-stand +plays," commented another. "Passes are pretty rare birds, nowadays, and +I suppose he thought he could make a hit with the company by inquiring +about this one." + +"And instead of that, he got hit himself. Brown, in the despatcher's +office, told me the message Jenkins received from Chicago was red hot." + +From the remarks, Bob could see plainly that the officious conductor was +not popular, and he was wondering whether or not he was expected to +make any comment, when Hosmer said, his face suffused with a look of +glee: + +"Well, the boys are going to put one over on the 'miser'." + +And, pausing aggravatingly, the freight conductor filled his pipe and +lighted it. + +His action produced the desired effect of tantalizing the brakemen, and +they exclaimed eagerly: + +"Out with it, Hos'! Tell us! Let us in on it!" + +Waiting a moment, to give his words greater emphasis, the conductor +removed his pipe from his mouth, and said: + +"All the boys are going up to Sweeney's, order the swellest meal he can +put up, and send the bill to Jenkins!" + +"Whoopee! Great! I wish we were in on it!" exclaimed the brakemen in +unison. + +"Is that quite fair?" asked Bob, having hoped that his departure would +put an end to Tom's plan. + +"Fair? Sure, it's fair!" laughed Hosmer. "Anyhow, I don't see why you +should care. He treated you mighty mean, taking your pass away from +you." + +As the other trainmen agreed with the opinion of their conductor, Bob +made no further objection, contenting himself with the thought that he +could hardly be held responsible. + +During the conversation, the long freight train had got under way, and +while the boy found many novel things to hold his attention, the +brakemen amused themselves speculating on the effect the joke would have +upon Jenkins. + +As the engine whistled for a station, Hosmer said to Bob: + +"How'd you like to ride on the engine till the next stop?" + +"My, but it would be fun!" replied Bob, his eyes sparkling with delight. + +"Then come on! I'll take you up and fix it with Barney, the engineer." + +As the train stopped, with a loud creaking of brakes and groaning of +wheels, Bob jumped from the caboose and accompanied the burly conductor +to the head of the train. + +"Hey, Barney!" he hailed the engineer. + +The man thus addressed poked a coal-begrimed face from the window of his +cab, asking: + +"What is it--wait orders?" + +"Not this time. I've got a boy here--Bob Chester--who wants to ride with +you to the next station." + +For a moment the engineer scowled, and Bob feared he would refuse. But +quickly the grimy face broke into a smile, as Barney asked: + +"Is that the kid with a pass Jenkins left?" + +"Yes." + +"Sure he can ride with me. Help him up." + +Bob, however, needed no assistance, and no sooner had the permission +been granted than he was climbing into the engine cab. + +Before he had succeeded, Hosmer whispered: + +"Barney's all right--and he doesn't like Jenkins. Tell him about the +joke the boys are going to play." And then he continued aloud: "I'll +either come for you, myself, or send some one when we reach Hastings. +Orders give us the right of way to Hastings, Barney." + +"O.K.," grunted the engineer, as he turned to scrutinize Bob, at the +same time standing so that he could glance up the track toward the +station to catch the signal to start. + +Acting on the conductor's advice, Bob narrated the plan Tom had devised +for having fun at Jenkins' expense, and was rewarded by seeing the +engineer's face break into a broad grin, and then to hear him roar with +laughter. + +"That'll make 'Old Miser's' hair turn gray," he gasped between laughs. +"He'll never get over it, never! + +"Oh, Ned," he called to his fireman, who had been out oiling some part +of the engine, "the boys are going to put one over on 'Miser' Jenkins." + +But before the engineer had an opportunity to tell of the contemplated +joke, he caught the signal from the conductor to start. + +"Get up on that seat on the left-hand side, and hang on," warned Barney, +and, as Bob obeyed, he pulled open the throttle. + +As the iron monster began to move, puffing and smoking at the task of +starting the long train, it seemed to the boy that the noise would +deafen him. But he soon forgot it in the absorption of watching the +fireman open the doors of the firebox, throw in shovels-full of coals, +and then inspect the water and steam gauges. + +With the gradual increasing of the speed, the din subsided. Yet a new +discomfort took its place. So violently did the engine sway, that Bob +was obliged to hang on to the window on his side of the cab to keep from +bouncing to the floor. + +Watching out the corner of his eye, as he scanned the track ahead, the +engineer smiled at the boy's trouble in staying on the seat. + +Bob, however, soon adapted himself to the engine's motion, and was +finally able to sit without clutching the window-frame. + +Noting this, Barney got down, crossed the cab, and putting his mouth +close to the boy's ear, asked: + +"Like to run the engine awhile?" + +"Would I? I should say so!" returned Bob in delight. + +Though his reply was inaudible, the expression on his face was eloquent. + +"Then, take hold of my arm, so you won't get thrown out. That's the way. +Steady, now. Climb on to the seat. Good. Now, put your left hand on that +lever. That's what they call the throttle. When you pull it toward you, +it increases the speed; to slow down, you push it away from you." + +Proud, indeed, did Bob feel as his hand clasped the smooth handle of the +lever. Never had he expected to run a real, snorting locomotive, +dragging a long line of cars, and the realization that he was actually +controlling the speed, set him a-tingle with delight. + +Crowding in behind Bob, the engineer kept watch of the track, but not so +closely that he could not observe and enjoy the boy's pleasure. + +After several minutes, Bob turned and shouted: + +"Can I pull on the throttle a little?" + +"Sure. Open her to the next notch. We've got plenty of steam." + +But Bob found it was not so easy to get the notch as it seemed. He kept +gamely at it, however, and at last succeeded. + +Till they reached the yard limit of Hastings, the engineer allowed him +to hold the throttle, and when he at last took it and began to ease +down the speed, Bob sighed wistfully. + +As the big machine finally came to a stop with a grunt, Barney +exclaimed: + +"You ought to be an engineer, boy. You've got the nerve to drive hard. +We did ten miles in twenty minutes--which is going some with this load." + +Just then, however, the conductor came up. + +"Like it, Bob?" he asked. + +"Indeed, I did! Mr. Barney let me drive, and I made ten miles in twenty +minutes." + +"Good boy! We'll make a railroad man out of you yet. Think you could +follow me back to the caboose over the cars?" + +"I can try," returned Bob. + +But before the attempt could be made, the conductor was called to the +station office to receive orders. + +Swelled with pride at his success in driving the engine, Bob determined +to surprise the conductor by going back to the caboose alone. + +And with a hearty good-bye to the engineer, he clambered over the +coal-stacked tender and up on to the top of a car. + +The orders were to take a siding to allow a passenger train to pass, +and, as the time was short, the conductor was too busy sending his +brakemen to turn the switches and communicating the instructions to +the engineer, to think of Bob. + +[Illustration: HE CLUTCHED FRANTICALLY AT ONE OF THE HAND BARS + _Bob Chester's Grit_ Page 123] + +The boy, however, was making his way back slowly, but without mishap, +until the sudden start of the train. He had just climbed down from a +high car, and was swinging from it to an empty coal car, when the jerk +of starting ran through the line of cars. + +So unexpected was this action, that Bob's feet slipped off the bumpers. + +Crying out in alarm, he clutched frantically at one of the hand-bars on +the end of the coal car, caught it, and managed to draw himself up till +he found foothold on the extension of the floor where he stood, hanging +on for dear life, until the train stopped with another jerk. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +BOB EARNS HIS PASSAGE + + +All of a tremble at his narrow escape from falling under the car, Bob +was trying to recover his self-control before getting down from his +precarious position, when he was startled to hear a voice exclaim: + +"I'll get even with that 'con' for putting me off the blind baggage, see +if I don't!" + +The tone in which the words were uttered was so venomous, that Bob +realized the speaker meant mischief, though he was ignorant of the fact +that in the slang of tramps who beat their way on railroads, "con" +betokened conductor, and "blind baggage" the platform of the coach in a +passenger train nearest the engine. + +Looking about to find out where the angry man was, Bob could see no one. + +But the next instant another voice asking, "How you goin' to do it?" +decided him that the speakers must be crouching against the end of the +empty coal car to which he was holding. + +How he had failed to discover them from the top of the other car, he +could not understand, but he soon ceased to wonder, in his eagerness to +catch every word uttered by the unseen tramps. + +"That's easy," replied the voice the boy recognized as having made the +threat to "get even." + +"Cut out that talk, and get down to business," growled a third voice. + +"All right, 'Bo. We can put all sorts of crimps into this road by +'holding up' the night express! The officials of this road, whose men +are too stingy to let a fellow ride on the blind baggage, are boasting +they haven't had a 'hold-up' for years." + +The various exclamations with which this wicked plan was greeted, told +Bob not only that it met the approval of the tramps, but that there were +more than two of them. + +The full danger of a "hold-up" the boy did not realize. He remembered, +however, having read of such occurrences out West where passengers were +terrorized and robbed of money and jewelry. + +But his speculation was again interrupted by the renewal of the +conversation. + +"That will sure set us even, but when can we do it?" inquired a voice +eagerly. + +"And get away safely?" added another. + +"There's only one place," responded the voice of the man who had +suggested the plot. + +"Where?" chorused the others. + +"On this end of the long bridge across the river." + +"Right you are, 'Bo. We can make our 'get-away' down the bank and find +some of the 'shanty men' to take us across." + +"And into the arms of the police," sneered the ringleader. "We'll use +the bank to escape, but we won't ask any favors of a 'shanty man'." + +"Will there be enough money aboard to make it worth while?" inquired one +of the schemers, with an evidently practical turn of mind. + +"Sure; Number 4 always carries a bunch of gold for Western towns." + +"But how'll we board her?" asked still another. + +"Get a lantern and wave it." + +"Will they stop?" + +"Say, why do you suppose I chose the approach to the bridge?" snapped +the man who had proposed the scheme. + +And then, without giving his companions a chance to speak, he answered +his question himself: + +"Because the engineer'll think there is something wrong on the bridge +and stop. It'll be dead easy." + +Bob's eyes were almost popping out of his head, as, afraid to peep over +the top of the car, he stared at the boards as though striving to see +through them. + +Straining his ears to catch every word, he heard another of the plotters +begin to speak, when a train thundered past, effectually cutting off all +conversation with its roar. + +Though Bob did not know it, so absorbed was he in listening, less than +five minutes had passed since he had started back for the caboose. + +With the necessity of making a quick shift to the siding, the conductor +of the freight train had momentarily forgotten the presence of his +youthful charge, and when at last he did remember, it was with the +supposition that he had remained in the cab with the engineer. + +Accordingly, upon receipt of orders to proceed, Hosmer decided to let +Bob ride longer in the cab, and shouted to his men to get aboard, waving +his arm in the "go ahead" signal to the engineer. + +But Bob had heard the shouts, and divining their meaning, jumped to the +track, having no relish for riding farther in his dangerous position +between the cars. + +Fortunately, both the engineer and conductor saw the boy, as he leaped +to the ground, and the signal to start was not obeyed. + +Recovering his balance, Bob ran toward Hosmer. + +As he drew near enough for the conductor to see his white, excited face, +he exclaimed: + +"Where have you been? I thought you were in the cab with Barney." + +"I--I tried to go back over the cars," stammered Bob. + +"Barney shouldn't have let you. It's too dangerous for a greenhorn." + +Wincing at the words, which slipped out unconsciously as the conductor +thought of what might have happened to the boy, Bob hastened to defend +the engineer by saying: + +"Mr. Barney didn't know I was going. I wanted to surprise you by showing +you I could go back without your help. And--and then the train started, +and I had to hang on to a coal car." + +"Well, so long as you didn't get hurt, it's all right. But don't try it +again. Now, run back and climb into the caboose. Let's see how quick you +can do it." + +The last was a diplomatic means to make the boy hurry, for the conductor +was anxious to start the train, yet would not until he saw his charge +safe in the caboose. + +And his ruse was successful, for Bob, eager to show his speed, raced +down the track and quickly swung aboard. + +Smiling, Hosmer again signalled to Barney, the train started, and as +the last car reached him, the conductor climbed on. + +"Have any trouble when we started?" one of the brakemen was asking Bob +as Hosmer entered the car. + +"Pretty near. I was just crossing from a high to a low car, when the +jerk came. But I managed to hang on." + +"Good boy," chorused the train crew, all of whom realized too well the +danger to which the boy had been subjected. + +"But when we stopped on the siding, why didn't you get down?" asked the +conductor. + +"Because I was listening," announced Bob with a manner of mystery that +would have been droll were his face not so serious. + +"Listening?" exclaimed the others, instantly alert. + +"Yes. I was just going to get down, when I heard some one speak, and +then I waited." + +"Hoboes," growled a brakeman, jumping up and seizing a short club. "What +car were they on, kid?" + +"The first coal car from the engine. But you mustn't go up there. They +are bad men." + +This warning was greeted with laughter by the brakemen, the others of +whom had also picked up clubs. + +The conductor, however, having a son of his own, realized from Bob's +manner that the lad had something he wanted to tell but did not know how +to begin, and accordingly asked him: + +"What did you hear, son?" + +"I heard them plan to hold up Number 4 to get even!" + +"What?" demanded all the trainmen, their faces instantly growing +serious. + +"Yes; the man said he was going to get even for being put off the 'blind +baggage'." + +For a moment the members of the train crew looked at one another in +amazement, then fell to plying Bob with questions, making him repeat the +conversation over and over. + +"Well, you've earned your passage to Fairfax, all right, Bob!" +ejaculated the conductor. "It would break our record for being free from +holdups, to say nothing of the loss to passengers. The company ought to +do something handsome by you, my boy." + +"Then you can prevent it?" queried Bob anxiously. + +"Sure thing. We'll capture them at the next station. Better get ready, +boys," added Hosmer significantly to his brakemen. "They may prove hard +to handle." + +Turning their backs, so Bob could not see exactly what they were doing, +the brakemen opened a cupboard and took out some things which they +slipped into the pockets of their jumpers. + +But their preparations to capture the would-be train robbers went for +naught. + +When, led by Bob to the coal car, the brakemen surrounded and, at a word +from the conductor, mounted it, they found the car empty. + +"They have given us the slip!" growled a brakeman. + +"Examine every car and truck on the train," commanded Hosmer. "I'll go +to the station and send in the alarm. Come, Bob." + +And together the conductor and the boy hastened to the station, where +the full story was quickly flashed to headquarters at Omaha. + +When the officials first received it, they were incredulous, asking if +it could not have been a fancy of Bob's brain. But Hosmer quickly +vouched for the boy's honesty, and word came back to have Bob put off to +meet the road's officers at one of the stations. + +During the run to that city, the brakemen speculated upon the chances of +capturing the miscreants, lamenting the fact that the glory had been +denied them. + +Arrived at the city, Bob was taken to a room and closely questioned by +the officers, who were soon convinced of the truth of his story. + +"Could you identify them if caught?" he was asked. + +"If I could hear them speak, I could recognize the voice of the man who +proposed the plan. I did not get a look at them," replied Bob. + +Satisfied with this answer, the officers sent instructions to have the +tracks patrolled from Hastings to the long bridge, to search all trains, +and to arrest any tramps found. + +This done, arrangements were made to have other detectives at the bridge +in case the men eluded capture. + +The waiting was tedious. But at last, about three in the afternoon, word +was received that four tramps, heavily armed, had been captured about +ten miles from the Mississippi river. + +Putting Bob into the cab of an engine, six officers climbed aboard, and +a record run was made to the scene of the arrest. + +"You sit where you can watch and hear them talk," whispered a detective +in Bob's ear. + +At first the prisoners were silent, but under the taunts of the +officers, their reserve weakened, and they began to rail at the men who +had captured them. + +Eagerly, Bob listened, then cried, pointing to the smallest of the four: + +"That's the man who said he'd get even. I recognize his voice!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +FAIRFAX AT LAST + + +Elated by the capture and identification of the would-be train-robbers, +the officers made much of Bob, praising him for remaining to listen +until he had heard the dastardly plot, and commenting on the good +fortune which had placed him just where the tramps were. + +Modestly Bob bore the words of commendation, for his mind was on other +matters, as the question he asked evidenced: + +"How long before the train arrives that will take me to Fairfax?" + +"I'm afraid it will be several days before you can go, Bob," answered +one of the officers. + +"Why?" demanded the boy, disappointment evident in his voice and on his +face. + +"Because it will be necessary for you to appear in court in order to +convict the prisoners." + +"But I don't see why you need me," protested Bob. "I told what I had +heard and then pointed out the man who said he wanted to get even." + +"That's just it, son. You are the only one who overheard the +conversation and can identify the ringleader." + +"Don't look so unhappy," chimed in another officer. "Kansas City is a +pretty good town, and we'll give you the time of your life. Theatres and +picture-shows, you know. The road will probably do something handsome +for you. Anyhow, you'll have good living until it is necessary to come +back here to testify." + +But even the prospect of going to a theatre--a treat Bob had never +enjoyed while with his guardian--failed to appease him, and his usually +cheerful expression gave way to one of resigned gloom. + +Noting this, and desirous of restoring the boy's good spirits, an +officer suggested: + +"Let's go over to Kansas City. How'd you like that, Bob?" + +"First rate. Then I can get my pass again." And at the prospect of +regaining possession of the precious piece of paper, he grew more +cheerful. + +While the detectives were making ready to start, two of their fellows, +who had accompanied the prisoners to the jail, rushed in, exclaiming +almost at the same time: + +"We've got the case clinched! One of the four has confessed!" + +Just what this meant, Bob did not know, but the news seemed to please +the officers so greatly that their good spirits infected him. + +"How'd you work it? Where's the confession? Let's read it!" exclaimed +the detectives who had remained at the station. + +"One at a time," laughed the chief of the force. "The confession is +here," and he tapped his coat pocket. "It bears out exactly what our +friend Bob told us." + +"But how did you get it?" persisted the others. + +"Promised the fellow who was most scared by his arrest a light sentence +if he'd turn witness against his pals. And say, he jumped at the +chance." + +"Well, you are in luck, Bob!" declared the officer who had striven to +cheer him up. + +"Why?" inquired the boy. + +"Because now you won't be obliged to wait for the trial. This confession +and the evidence of the man will do the trick for us." + +"Whoopee!" cried Bob, dancing about in delight. "Then I can start for +Fairfax to-night?" + +"Just as soon as a through train comes." + +This information restored Bob's good spirits, and eagerly he boarded the +special car which was waiting to take the detectives back to Kansas +City. + +As the officers discussed the incidents of the capture, one of them +turned to the boy and said: + +"Say, you surely are a regular bunch of luck, kid! I'd like to take you +out to the gold regions. I bet you'd tumble into some abandoned mine +that would be worth millions!" + +Every one laughed at this comment upon Bob's good fortune, and the chief +added: + +"I hope it sticks by him. He'll need all the luck he has if any of those +Oklahoma cowboys start in to have fun with him." + +"I guess I will," smiled Bob. "Anyhow, a few knocks won't hurt me. Mr. +Perkins told me all I must look out for was to keep away from the saloon +and gambling dens and not to make friends too quickly." + +"Well, if you follow his advice, you'll get along all right." + +Upon the arrival of the special car at Kansas City, the officers were +met by a messenger with instructions to have Bob taken to the offices of +the railroad company, as the vice-president wished to talk with him. + +"There's more of your luck," commented the chief. "Mr. Nichols will +probably give you a reward." + +Bob, however, was more concerned about regaining possession of his pass +and ascertaining when his train would leave than in speculation as to +whether or not he would be rewarded, and he made no bones about saying +so. + +"Never mind the pass, now," returned the messenger, who was to escort +him to the vice-president's office. "We'll get that in plenty of time so +you won't miss your train." + +Thus reassured, Bob turned to the detectives, saying: + +"Good-bye, if I don't see you again." + +"Oh, you'll see me," replied the chief. "I shall have you make a +deposition to support the confession." + +And amid wishes for the best of success, Bob and the messenger set out +for the company's offices. + +Direct to the vice-president's rooms Bob was taken. + +As the messenger entered with him, a tall, gray-haired man arose from a +desk and came forward with outstretched hand, announcing: + +"I am Mr. Nichols, and I'm glad to know you, Bob." + +For a moment the official gazed earnestly at the honest face before him, +then continued: + +"There's no use telling you that I and every man who works for our +railroad is grateful to you for enabling us to catch the would-be +train-robbers. You know that. I want you to tell me how we can reward +you." + +"I wasn't thinking of any reward, Mr. Nichols," answered Bob. "Mr. +Perkins has been so kind to me that when I heard those bad men planning +to stop the train, I only thought of repaying his kindness by preventing +them if I could." + +At these manly words, which showed that Bob was possessed with +gratitude, in addition to his other good qualities, the vice-president +again shook his hand cordially, exclaiming: + +"You've got the right stuff in you, Bob. I'll let Perkins hear what you +said. And now, sit down, and tell me all about your trip, beginning at +New York." + +Amazed that so important a man should evince interest enough in him to +devote the time necessary to relate his story, Bob sank into the +comfortable chair indicated by Mr. Nichols and began. + +At first he was embarrassed, but with the kindly words now and then +uttered by the vice-president, he regained his composure. + +When the recital was ended, Mr. Nichols thrummed upon his desk for +several minutes, and then asked: + +"What would you like most in the world, Bob?" + +Scarcely hesitating an instant, the boy replied: + +"To prove that Len Dardus did not tell the truth when he said my father +was crazy because father wrote me he had entrusted five thousand dollars +to him for my education." + +The expression that spread over Mr. Nichols' face as he heard this wish +clearly showed surprise, for he had expected that, boy-like, Bob would +have requested money, a rifle, or the like, and again he thrummed the +table before saying: + +"We will prove it, if we can, my boy. What was your father's name?" + +"Horace Chester." + +"Where was your letter written from--I mean the one telling you of the +money?" + +"Red Top, Oklahoma." + +Swinging in his chair, the vice-president drew out a slide from his desk +on which was a map and scanned it eagerly. + +All at once, with an ejaculation of surprise, he murmured: + +"This is remarkable--remarkable!" + +Unable to restrain his curiosity, Bob rose from his chair and approached +till he could see the map. But this afforded him no reason for his +friend's observation, and he asked: + +"What is remarkable, sir?" + +"Why, that you should have chosen to go to Fairfax. Red Top is the next +town, thirty miles west!" + +"O--oh! Then I may find out something about father!" exclaimed Bob +excitedly. + +"Exactly. But you must be careful. If he really had the money, he may +have possessed other property which is being withheld from you. In that +case, should the interested persons learn that Horace Chester's son was +in Fairfax something might happen to you." + +The last words were uttered so significantly that Bob could not fail to +understand Mr. Nichols' meaning, and when the latter continued, "I want +you to promise me you will call yourself Bob Nichols till I have learned +the truth of this matter," the boy solemnly consented. + +"Good! Not only is it for your own safety, but it will enable you to +investigate quietly without arousing suspicion. + +"This will be our secret, Bob. You must not tell a soul, not even Mr. +Perkins." + +"I won't, sir." + +Realizing from Bob's expression that he had aroused sad thoughts and +memories, the vice-president stood up and said: + +"Now that we have made this agreement, we will dismiss it from our minds +for the present. I want you to come to dinner and the theatre with me." + +"But my pass and the train?" exclaimed Bob. + +"Your train, or rather the limited, on which I shall send you, does not +leave until eleven. I'll send for your pass now." And, pressing a +button, he ordered the clerk who responded to fetch Bob's pass. + +This done, Mr. Nichols was signing some papers when word was brought +that the chief of detectives wished to take Bob's deposition. + +"Have them come in here," replied the official, and in due course the +lawyer, notary and detective arrived. + +Briefly Bob told his story, signed it, and solemnly swore to its truth. + +"And now we'll forget all trouble and have a good time," announced Mr. +Nichols. "Give this note to the cashier, chief. Take Bob's pass from the +messenger and meet us at the limited at eleven. Bob and I are going to +the theatre." + +To the boy, it seemed as though he were in fairy-land. First Mr. Nichols +took him to a store, bought him a new suit and a complete outfit of +shirts and clothes, had Bob don some of them, then purchased a trunk, +ordered the things packed in it and sent to the station, finally taking +Bob for a drive about the city. + +At first Bob had protested, but the vice-president silenced him by +saying that the service he had rendered the railroad was worth much more +than the clothes. + +Dinner and theatre were one whirl of pleasure to the boy. And after he +had been put in care of the conductor of the limited, had bidden +good-bye to Mr. Nichols and the detectives, who all gathered to see him +off, bringing various little presents, and the train was in motion, he +sat and pondered over the series of events. + +But his surprises were not ended, for when he opened the envelope +containing his pass, he found two crisp fifty-dollar bills pinned to a +card, which said: + +"For Bob Chester, with the compliments of the Great Western Railroad." + +Nature, however, asserted herself at last, and Bob went to sleep. + +Interesting because of its novelty, the journey proceeded without +further incidents, and in due course Bob reached Fairfax. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +SEEKING A JOB + + +The stopping of the Limited at the little settlement of Fairfax was +sufficient to arouse the curiosity of the dozen or so men who were +lounging about the station, and when they saw that such an unusual +proceeding was to allow a mere boy to alight, they stared at him with +unfeigned interest. + +"Must be the son of some big bug," hazarded one of the idlers. + +"Or else he was put off for trying to beat his way," declared another, +whose surly disposition was evident in his words. + +"Can't a person get off here without starting a guessing match?" +commented a third. + +"Of course," replied the surly man. "But it don't seem natural." + +During these remarks Bob was engrossed in gazing at the place he had +chosen in which to build his fortune, and the prospect was not +reassuring. + +About half a mile from the station he could see a score or more of +houses built in all sorts of shapes, and possessing anything but an +attractive appearance. Beyond the settlement and on all sides, the +prairies stretched in awesome vastness. + +As he surveyed the surroundings, Bob could not restrain a sigh, but +quickly checked it as a pleasant-faced, powerfully built man stepped +briskly from the cabin which served as station and said cheerily: + +"You're Bob Nichols, I suppose. My name is Henry Thomas. Your father +wired me to be on the lookout for you. I had to report the train or I'd +have come out sooner. What can I do for you?" + +Hearing himself addressed as Nichols was a distinct shock to the boy, +but to be taken for the son of the vice-president of the railroad +completely dumfounded him, and for a moment he was on the point of +denying the assumption. Then his promise to adopt the name recurred to +him and he decided that Mr. Nichols' failure to disclaim relationship +was probably with a purpose, so he just muttered something as though in +answer to the first question and said aloud: + +"I should be obliged if you would direct me to the hotel. I suppose they +will send for my trunk." + +"I'll direct you, of course," returned the agent, "and you can't very +well miss it because it's the only one in town. But if you don't mind, +I'd like to have you put up here with me." Then he added in a low voice: +"The Red Indian isn't the sort of place you're used to and I'd feel +safer to have you here." + +"Oh, all right," laughed Bob. "I shan't be in town very long; that is, +if I can find a ranch where they'll take me." + +"So you're bound to ranch it, eh? You'll find it pretty tough," +commented Thomas. + +"That's what I'm here for," answered the boy, smiling. "I guess I can +stand it." + +"Mebbe you can and mebbe you can't," observed the surly-looking man, who +had edged his way to where the agent and Bob were talking and had heard +the boy's last remark. + +"It all depends on whose ranch you strike. Most cowpunchers don't cotton +to tenderfeet. The last one that hit Fairfax stayed just three days and +was mighty glad to light out on a freight train." + +"Now, Higgins, don't try to scare Mr. Nichols," exclaimed Thomas. "His +father's vice-president of the Great Western." + +"So you are Si Nichols' son, eh?" inquired Higgins. + +"I thought out-West people weren't supposed to ask questions," returned +Bob. + +"Good boy! That's one on you, Higgins!" chuckled the other loungers +gleefully, and the station agent added: "Now leave the boy alone. He's +my guest while he's in Fairfax and any trick played on him I shall +consider a personal affront to myself." + +As the agent uttered these words, he drew himself to his full height and +Bob could see that he was a splendid specimen of manhood. And that the +others had a wholesome respect for his prowess was evident in the more +deferential manner which they adopted toward Bob. + +"Oh, if he's _your_ special friend, all right," growled Higgins, but he +added under his breath, "I'll have some fun with you, Mr. Tenderfoot, +see if I don't." + +As he walked with the agent to where his trunk lay beside the track, Bob +could not but wonder what his reception would have been had he not made +the chance acquaintance of such powerful friends, and he thanked his +good fortune that he had done so, for he felt out of place and very +lonely in a strange country and among such rough-mannered men. + +Divining what was passing through the boy's mind from the seriousness of +his face, Thomas said: + +"You mustn't take to heart what these men out here say to you, Mr. +Nichols. Wresting a livelihood from the prairies has accustomed them to +giving and receiving hard knocks, and they don't stop to think how what +they say will sound. Just take it good-naturedly and give them back +better than they send--if you can." + +"I'll try," said the boy. "But please don't call me Mr. Nichols. Just +Bob. I like it better." + +At this request, Bob rose a hundred per cent. in the estimation of the +agent. + +"All right. But if I do, you must call me Hal," he replied. + +When they had carried the trunk into a little room off the station, +Thomas said: + +"Can you ride horseback at all, Bob?" + +"No." + +"That's too bad. You'll have to learn. Everybody rides out here. I've +orders to get you the best pony possible and I wanted to know just what +kind to get. Most of 'em have some mean trick. But there's one, Firefly +they call him, that is as gentle as a lamb. Whether Shorty Simmons will +sell him or not, I don't know, but I'll find out." + +"Is he fast?" asked Bob, fearing that the pony might be slow and old +because he was gentle. + +"There's not a horse in Fairfax that can keep up with him. Now this will +be your room. It's mine too, but I'll move if you wish." + +"If you do, I'll go to the hotel." + +"All right, I won't. While you are changing your clothes, I'll ride over +to town and see if I can buy Firefly." + +The group of loungers was still on the platform when the agent went to +the little lean-to beside the station where he kept his horse, saddled +and mounted it, and as they saw him ride forth a wicked gleam appeared +in Higgins' eyes. + +He calculated that Bob would soon emerge from the seclusion of the +station, and in such event he recognized his opportunity for carrying +out his vow to have some fun with the boy. + +Eager to begin Western life, Bob quickly took off his new suit and put +on a pair of the corduroy trousers and one of the blue flannel shirts +Mr. Nichols had bought him and then proudly placed on his head a +sombrero. + +Standing before the looking glass, he surveyed the effect, saying to +himself as he noted the change the costume made in his appearance: + +"I don't believe Mr. Dardus or anyone back in New York would know me +now." + +But not long did he linger gazing at himself. + +The voices of the men on the platform were audible and he decided to +join the group in the hope that from some chance remark he might learn +of a ranch where he could obtain a job as cowboy. For though he was +grateful to the agent, Bob wanted to be independent. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +ON THE TRACK + + +"Now you look more as though you belonged in Fairfax," declared one of +the loungers as Bob joined them. + +"All except the clothes and hat," grunted Higgins. "Say, you won't have +any trouble getting a job if you go just as you are. Any rancher would +hire you to scare coyotes away from the home ranch." + +This sally at his expense sent a hot flush to Bob's cheeks, but, +remembering the agent's advice to give back better than he received, he +retorted: + +"If there were any such jobs around, I should think they'd pay you +double wages!" + +"_Now_ will you try to get fresh with a tenderfoot?" asked one of the +others when their laughter at Bob's sharp rejoinder had subsided. + +"I ain't trying to get fresh," returned Higgins. "I'm just feeling the +boy out. The sooner he gets used to Fairfax ways, the better." + +But Bob's retort evidently inspired in him a greater respect for the +boy and he refrained from making any more comments on his personal +appearance. + +After the interchange of a few general remarks, Bob said: + +"I should be very grateful if some of you _gentlemen_ would tell me of a +ranch where I can apply for a job. I'd rather like to get one without +Mr. Thomas' assistance." + +In this request Higgins saw his chance. About ten miles from the +settlement there lived a ranchman who was a man of mystery. Though his +grazing ground was good and well-watered, and his pay prompt, he had +such a temper that few cowboys would stay with him longer than a month +or less, and to him Higgins decided to send Bob. + +With this purpose, while the others were evidently trying to think of a +suitable place for the boy, he said: + +"There's only one I can think of and that's John Ford." + +"Ford?" repeated Bob, his memory instantly recalling what the strange +man with the scar had said about Sam and John Ford. "Where does he +live?" + +"Ten miles due west." + +"Now, Higgins, you know better than to send this boy out there. Remember +what Hal said about playing tricks on him." + +Evidently this reminder had an effect upon the schemer, for he answered +apologetically: + +"Well, he asked about a place and I told him. You know as well as I do +that John Ford always wants help." + +"Sure we know it. But it ain't no fit place for such a boy." + +Something suggested to Bob, however, that he should go to this ranchman, +and accordingly he said: + +"You needn't think I am so tender. Just because other men can't get +along with Mr. Ford is no sign I can't. What is the nearest way to get +there?" + +"So long as you've got to walk, go straight down the track till you see +a building with a red roof, on the left hand side," directed Higgins. + +And before the others could protest, Bob uttered a hasty "thank you," +and set off along the track at a dog trot. + +"You'll get yours, Higgins, when Hal gets back," asserted the man who +protested against Bob's being sent to Ford's. + +"And you didn't even warn him about the dog," chided another. + +At this reminder of the savage wolfhound that John Ford kept to guard +his cabin, the idlers grew serious and exchanged uneasy glances. + +"Oh, well! Ford'll probably see the boy so long as he comes from the +direction of the railroad. Yellow Tom told me he sits by the hour +looking toward the track--and he'll call off the brute." + +"Providing the beast don't chew the boy up before John sees him," +interposed another. + +"Now, Tracy, don't always be looking for trouble," growled Higgins. +"Life out West ain't no kindergarten. We had to take our knocks. Let the +kid get his. Just because his father is rich ain't no reason why we +should carry pillows around for him to fall on." + +This crude viewpoint, if not satisfying to the consciences of Higgins' +companions at least afforded relief, and they fell to wondering what Bob +would say to them on his return--for return they expected he would. + +In the meantime, the object of their thoughts was hurrying as rapidly as +he could over the rough roadbed. + +The crisp, bracing air seemed a stimulant to his lungs which had never +breathed any but the contaminated air of New York, and he gloried in the +fact that he was at last in a land where success did not depend on +influence and riches, but where a man "made good" or failed, according +to whether he was made of the right stuff or not. + +For a time, his mind dwelt upon the insinuations Higgins and the others +had made against Ranchman Ford, but the same power that had urged him +to seek a job of this man whispered to him that he had nothing to fear. +Dismissing all forebodings, therefore, Bob began to wonder if there +could be any connection between Ford, the man with the scar and his +father. The subject suggested so many possibilities and was, altogether, +so vague, that, healthy-minded boy as he was, he decided not to ponder +over it longer. + +"There's no use building air castles," he told himself. "If Mr. Ford +hires me and knows anything about father, I'll find it out in due time. +There's one good thing, if I do land the job, Red Top will be ten miles +nearer--and I can get away without exciting so much comment as from +Fairfax." + +From time to time as Bob trudged along, he scanned the plains on both +sides of the track. + +Thanks to the milestones placed at the side of the roadbed he was able +to keep count of the miles he walked. Just after he had passed the +eighth stone from Fairfax, Bob was electrified to see a herd of cattle +in the distance. Pausing, he gazed at them interestedly, noticing that +they were moving steadily instead of grazing. What this meant, he was at +a loss to understand until of a sudden he saw three men on horseback +emerge from the herd and, with arms waving, ride like mad to the head of +the line and gradually change the direction of the cattle away from the +track. + +No need was there to tell him the riders were cowboys, and Bob thrilled +with excitement as he watched their wonderful riding. But he did not +wait till they were out of sight. Instead, he quickened his pace, +murmuring: + +"The sooner I get to Mr. Ford's, the sooner I'll be a cowboy." + +The walk on the track was tiresome, however, unaccustomed to such rough +traveling as he was, and it was with a sigh of relief that he finally +caught sight of a group of buildings, one of which had a red-top roof. + +"That must be the place," he exclaimed and, quickly leaving the track, +started across the prairie. But Bob found that walking on the ties was +easy compared to forcing his way through waist-high grass and stubborn +sage-brush. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +AN AMAZING RECEPTION + + +At last, however, Bob emerged into a clearing and stopped to survey the +group of buildings. The one with the red roof faced the track and was +built of logs. It was only one story high and about twenty feet long. +The other two stood one on each side and were about twice as long but no +higher. Back of the building, toward the west, was an enclosure +surrounded by a high fence. + +Had any one familiar with ranches been with Bob, they could have told +him that enclosure was the corral, into which the cowboys turned their +ponies when at the ranch, that the long building nearest the corral was +the bunkhouse for the cowboys, and that the other long structure was the +eating-house and storeroom of the ranch. But it was not long before Bob +learned these facts for himself. + +To all appearances, there was not a soul in any of the three houses and, +as Bob stood gazing at them, trying to discover some sign of life, for +he was loath to take the long tramp back to Fairfax without at least +having asked Ranchman Ford for a job, he was suddenly startled to see a +huge dog bounding toward him, its lips drawn back disclosing +wickedly-long fangs. + +Bob's first impulse was to flee, but such tremendous leaps did the +creature take that he realized it would be only a few minutes before the +dog would overtake him. Then it flashed through his mind that this might +be the ranchman's way of "trying out" strangers who came to his door, +and the boy determined to stand his ground. + +"I'll show them that a 'tenderfoot' has some courage," Bob said, as he +braced himself for the impact when the dog should leap upon him. + +All the while, he had been steadily looking into the dog's eyes, and +just as the creature was upon him the same power that had urged him to +come to the Ford ranch seemed to tell him to speak to the animal. + +"Steady, boy! Steady! I'm not going to do any harm here," he exclaimed. + +Whether in surprise at the boy's unusual procedure in facing him--most +callers at the ranch either hastened away or yelled to Ford to call off +his dog--or what, the beast hesitated before his last leap that would +have brought him on top of Bob and then, beginning to prance playfully, +he approached fawningly. + +"Good boy! That's the way. We ought to be good friends, you and I. Come +here," exclaimed Bob, and as the dog came up, he patted his head +caressingly. + +The boy's relief was so great at finding the savage beast did not +attempt to tear him limb from limb that he failed to notice the door of +the red-roofed cabin open and a grizzled head emerge. + +But the next instant the presence of the man was called to his attention +by a terrific roar: + +"Chester!" + +Amazed at hearing his name, Bob gazed open-mouthed toward the house. + +By this time, the man had come out onto the ground and the boy beheld a +tall, spare-boned man, with weather-tanned face, a scrubby beard, and a +mass of tousled hair. + +The dog, however, paid no heed to the voice, rubbing against Bob and +licking his hands. + +Again came the bellow. + +"Chester! Come here!" + +Too alarmed by the imperiousness of the tone to wonder how the secret of +his identity could be known by this man of the plains, Bob called: + +"Yes, sir. Right away, sir." + +But if the hearing of his name had caused Bob surprise, his response +created more in the man. + +"Oh! It's not you I want!" he yelled. "It's that fool dog! Come here, +sir!" + +But the dog obeyed no better than before. + +A moment the ranchman glared at it, his face terrible in its anger, then +dropped his hand to his hip and drew forth a revolver. + +Divining his intention, Bob leaped in front of the dog, exclaiming: + +"Don't shoot, sir! The dog has done nothing!" + +"Done nothing, eh? I suppose you call making friends with a stranger +nothing. Stand aside!" + +But Bob did not move. + +"Just because a dog makes friends with me is no reason for shooting +him," he retorted. + +A moment the man glowered sullenly from the dog to the boy, then, +attracted by something about the latter, came closer and peered eagerly +into Bob's face. + +"Who are you?" he demanded. + +"Bob Nichols." + +"Nichols, eh? Then I must have been mistaken," he added in a voice too +low for the boy to hear, and a look of disappointment settled on his +face as he continued aloud: "Well, what do you want?" + +"You are Mr. Ford, I presume?" asked Bob. + +"I am; John Ford, owing no man a cent and afraid of nothing, or no one +on earth." + +Smiling at this unusual introduction, Bob said: + +"I came out to ask if you'd give me a job on your ranch, Mr. Ford." + +"Know anything about ranching?" + +"No, sir. But I can learn." + +"Who sent you to me?" + +"A Mr. Higgins." + +"Ned Higgins, eh? Trying another of his jokes, I suppose. Probably +thought the dog would chew you up." + +Then for a moment that seemed hours to the anxious boy, the ranchman +pondered, finally exclaiming: + +"Well, we'll fool Higgins this time. I'll take you on for a try. You're +sure game or you wouldn't have stood before that fool dog, the way you +did. Come in and we'll talk about wages." + +And, as Bob entered the cabin, Ford turned to look at the dog, muttering +to himself: + +"Strange, mighty strange. I never knew him to make friends with any one +before." + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +BOB BECOMES OWNER OF A DOG + + +Interestedly Bob gazed about him as he entered, for the first time in +his life, the home of a ranchman. At the left of the door, a bunk, +covered with brilliant-colored blankets--which, had the boy known they +were the handiwork of Indians, would have interested him +greatly--extended from the wall. Above this crude bed was a rack holding +three rifles and several revolvers. On the opposite side of the room +were a cupboard and table, while in the rear was another cupboard, and a +stove. A rocking and two straight-backed chairs completed the +furnishings. + +Just what Bob had expected to find in the cabin he could not have told, +but its severity and barrenness disappointed him. + +"Sit down," grunted the ranchman, motioning Bob to one of the +straight-backed chairs while he himself sank into the rocker. + +As Bob obeyed, the dog stretched himself at his feet. + +Searchingly the ranchman scanned the boy's face, and the silence was +becoming embarrassing when Ford broke it by demanding suddenly: + +"What did you say your name was?" + +"Bob Nichols." + +"Where do you come from?" + +"New York." + +This answer caused the ranchman to sit up straight and again scrutinize +the boy's features, as he asked: + +"Got any folks?" + +"No, sir." + +"Live alone in New York?" + +"No, sir. With my guardian." + +"What made you come out here?" + +"I wanted to be a cowboy and make my fortune." + +"Cow punching ain't a paved highway to riches." + +"But you are rich, aren't you?" + +At this leading question, the grizzled man of the plains scowled, a +suspicion of Bob's purpose in seeking a job with him flashing into his +mind as he replied: + +"Mebbe I am and mebbe I ain't. What made you think I was?" + +"Mr. Higgins and the other men said you were." + +"Huh! them fellows had better mind their own business," grunted the +ranchman; but the ingenuous reply and the open honesty of the boy's face +banished his suspicions, and he continued his questioning. + +The length to which the catechising extended amazed Bob, in view of what +he had been told and had read in regard to not asking questions, and he +made his replies as brief as possible, taking good care to give only the +most general information about himself. + +Perceiving this, Ford finally asked: + +"How much wages do you want?" + +"I'll leave that to you, Mr. Ford. As I don't know anything about +ranching, I don't expect much and I'm willing to trust you to do what is +right." + +This confidence in his squareness appealed more to the ranchman than +anything else Bob could have said or done. + +Leading the life of a recluse as he did and assuming a manner of +forbidding austerity when forced to meet his fellows, the man had been +endowed by them with a reputation for close--if not sharp--dealing, and +this trust in him evinced by the boy moved him deeply, and with a voice +in which there was a half sob, he returned: + +"You won't lose by leaving the matter of wages to me, boy. Don't you +worry about that, no matter what Ned Higgins or his cronies tell you." + +"I shall not discuss my affairs with outsiders," replied Bob with +seriousness that brought a smile to the plainsman's face. + +"Good! Now, let's get down to business. Can you ride?" + +"No. But I can learn." + +"You'll have to. A man on a ranch who can't ride is about as useless as +a rifle without cartridges. Let's see, you'll need a safe pony to learn +on. I guess I'll let you try old Sox. He never was mean and he still has +some speed. Pick up that saddle there," and he pointed to what is called +a Mexican saddle, which has a high pommel and back; "the bridle is tied +to it, and we'll go out to the corral. You ought to get so you can do +pretty well by night. You've got to, because I need another puncher with +my short-horn herd over by Red Top." + +The thought that he was to be stationed close to the town that might +hold secrets of the greatest importance to himself so excited Bob that +his hands trembled as he seized the saddle. + +Attributing this action to fear of the broncho, Ford said: + +"You sure ain't scared of riding a pony when you faced Chester, are +you?" + +"No, I'm not." + +"Then why are you trembling so?" + +"Oh, because I'm so happy at having found a job, I guess," dissembled +Bob. And then, in order to direct the ranchman's attention from +himself, he asked: + +"Why do you call your dog Chester?" + +This question served Bob's purpose better than he could have desired, +for it caused the grizzled plainsman to start suddenly. + +Instantly recovering himself, however, he countered by demanding +sharply: + +"What makes you ask that?" + +"Because it's such a queer name for a dog." + +"Well, he's a queer dog," returned Ford tersely. "Now, come along with +that saddle." + +As though aware of their purpose, the dog had preceded them from the +cabin, but as Ford and Bob stepped forth, he stopped, began to sniff the +air and then emitted a long, low growl. + +"Somebody's coming," announced the ranchman, pausing and following the +direction of the wolfhound's gaze. + +Eagerly Bob did the same, and in a few moments beheld a man riding a +horse and leading another. + +Instantly it flashed to the boy's mind that the horseman was his friend +the station agent, who, having learned his destination, had followed, +and he exclaimed: + +"That's Hal Thomas!" + +"What makes you think so?" demanded Ford sharply. + +"Because he's a friend of mine and he was trying to buy a horse for me +when I started for your ranch." + +"Well, you couldn't have a better friend," asserted the ranchman. + +During this colloquy the dog had set up a furious barking and snarling, +leaping about in evident readiness to spring upon the horseman when he +should get well within the clearing. + +By this time the two men and boy were near enough to recognize one +another, and Bob's surmise was correct, for the rider was none other +than Hal Thomas with Firefly. + +"Hey, Ford, call off your dog," yelled the agent. + +"Ain't my dog!" retorted the ranchman harshly. + +"Since when?" inquired Thomas, with difficulty managing the two ponies +that were plunging in fright at the antics of the snarling, snapping +hound. + +"About thirty minutes ago." + +"Whose is it, then?" + +"This boy here." + +"Mine?" exclaimed Bob in amazement. + +"Uhuh! I ain't no use for a dog anybody else can handle." + +But Bob did not hear the last words. No sooner assured that the savage +beast was his, than he called: + +"Steady! Chester! Come here, sir!" + +Uncertain whether or not to obey, the dog looked from Bob to the horses. +But the boy quickly repeated his commands, running toward the hound, and +the animal, with a parting snarl at the agent, turned and trotted to the +side of his new master, where he took his stand as though waiting to +defend him, should it be necessary. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +AT THE RANCH + + +As the ranchman watched this scene, his face was a study, but he soon +forgot it in listening to the conversation between Thomas and Bob. + +"Do you think it was quite fair to run away while I was trying to find a +pony for you?" asked the agent. + +"Don't scold, Hal," returned Bob. "I suppose it wasn't quite fair. But I +wanted to surprise you by getting a job myself, without anybody's help." + +Smiling at the boy's independence, Thomas asked: + +"Have you got it?" + +Before Bob could answer, the ranchman interposed: + +"Looks like it, don't it? First he won my--I mean his--dog, and then he +won me. Yes, Hal, Bob's landed and you can tell Ned Higgins from me that +if he tries to put up any more jokes on Bob, I'll fix him so he can't +speak for a year." + +"All right, John," smiled the agent. "But I reckon he won't try any +more!" + +So significant was the agent's tone that Bob inquired anxiously: + +"You didn't do anything to him for sending me to Mr. Ford, did you, +Hal?" + +"No, not much," returned Thomas grimly. Yet had he told the entire truth +he would have said he had administered such a beating to the practical +joker, upon learning where he had sent Bob, as Fairfax had never seen +given by one man to another. + +"Won't you come in?" asked the ranchman. + +"No, thanks. Can't stop. Got to get back for a train. Here, Bob, come +and mount Firefly. He's yours." + +"What, you bought Firefly for this boy?" exclaimed Ford in surprise. + +"That's what." Then turning to Bob, he added, "Put your left foot in the +stirrup and swing into the saddle. That's the way. Say, John, let Bob +ride back a way with me. I want to show him a few things about a pony." + +"Oh, do!" chimed in Bob. + +"All right, though I was calculating to teach him myself," returned +Ford, a light such as the station agent had never before seen in his +eyes. + +"Can I take Chester?" asked Bob. + +"Sure, he's yours!" + +"Come, boy," called Bob. Then noticing that Hal wanted to say a word to +the ranchman, he exclaimed: "Don't tell him who I am, _please_." And as +the agent hesitated, he added, shrewdly, "Mr. Nichols wouldn't like it." + +"All right, if you say not," returned Hal. + +And wheeling their ponies, the two rode off across the plains, the dog +bounding joyfully along at Bob's side. + +Gazing after them, even when they had disappeared from sight, stood John +Ford. + +As the agent had said, Firefly was so gentle and had such an easy gait +that after the first few minutes' fear had passed Bob found he could not +only keep in the saddle, but could enjoy the motion of the pony. + +Critically Thomas watched him, riding close at his side to be at hand in +case of trouble, finally exclaiming in hearty approval: + +"You take to a horse like a duck to water, Bob." + +"Do you mean that, Hal?" + +"I sure do. Now dismount and I'll show you a trick or two." And as soon +as the boy was on the ground, he continued: "Some ponies have a mean way +of starting just as soon as you put your foot in the stirrups. No matter +how nervous your mount is, by drawing the left rein--remember you always +handle a saddle horse from the left side--so short that it turns the +pony's head, you can make him circle round and round, instead of +running straight ahead, which will give you a chance to swing into the +saddle. Now try it." + +Without difficulty Bob performed the feat. + +"Good," commented his instructor. "We'll both dismount and I'll teach +you how to hobble your pony. Whenever you turn a pony loose on the +plains, whether in the day time or at night, always hobble him. You +never know what may happen when you are 'punching cattle' and oftentimes +by having your pony handy it will save you a lot of trouble, to put it +mildly." + +While he was speaking, Thomas had taken Bob's lariat, which hung from +the pommel of his saddle, and drawing the noose small had slipped it +over his pony's right hoof. + +"There are two ways of hobbling," he continued, "one, to tie the front +and hind feet on the same side, the other, to tie both front feet. As +ponies are often mighty lively animals, I don't need to tell you the +danger or difficulty of trying to put a rope around their hind legs. But +tying the front feet is easy. Allow about seven inches of rope, then +take a couple of turns around the left fetlock, make a half-hitch and +tie the rest of your rope about the pony's neck. + +"Always remember to do that. If you don't, some time the rope end may +catch between the rocks or become tangled in some way and cause +trouble. + +"When you stop to rest after a hard ride, always unsaddle, whether you +unbridle or not, and then wipe the dirt and sweat from where the saddle +has been. It rests a pony more than anything you can do. + +"At night, when you are on the plains, always use your saddle for a +pillow, then no one can steal it from you. + +"Those are the main points. Any special tricks you'll pick up from John +and the boys. + +"Oh, there's one more thing: whenever you dismount for any length of +time, pull the reins over the pony's head and either throw them over a +post or else let them drag on the ground. I don't know why it is, but it +seems to make the pony think he is tied." + +The lesson over, Bob and Hal remounted and rode on. + +At the request of the latter, the boy related his experience at Ford's +ranch. As he did so, the agent looked at him with an expression of +mingled amazement and approval, and as the story was finished, +exclaimed: + +"Bob, you sure are a wonder! How you had the nerve to face that dog on +foot, I don't see. Many a man on horseback has been forced to turn and +flee. How did you do it?" + +"Oh, I don't know. Just looked him in the eye and spoke to him, that's +all." + +But the explanation did not satisfy the agent. + +"I don't understand it," he said. "I fully expected to find you lying in +Ford's cabin all chewed up. And here your clothes aren't even torn. I +don't understand it. This is the first time Chester has ever made +friends with anybody. He only minds Ford because he's afraid of him." + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +ON THE RANGE STATION + + +For some time the boy and the man rode in silence, each occupied with +his own thoughts. + +"Do you know why Mr. Ford calls the dog Chester?" Bob suddenly asked. + +"He had to give him some name, I suppose." + +"But it's such a queer name, Hal. I asked him and he wouldn't tell me." + +A moment the agent was silent, evidently debating something with +himself, and finally said: + +"I suppose you had better know, Bob, that there's something queer about +John Ford. They tell a lot of stories about him, but the one most common +is that he's waiting till he gets one hundred thousand dollars before +starting on a tour of revenge. + +"He told me himself, however, that when he had accumulated that amount +he was going to find a man. But more than that he wouldn't say. + +"If I were you, I wouldn't ask too many questions." + +During the conversation they had covered so much ground that the roofs +of Fairfax village were visible in the distance and as he noticed this, +the agent drew rein, saying: + +"I didn't realize we had come so far. You'd better go back, Bob. Suppose +you can find the way?" + +"Sure. If I can't Chester will show me, won't you, old boy?" + +And in answer, as though he had understood perfectly, the dog started +off in the direction of the ranch. + +"I reckon you'll be safe with him," commented the agent. "Take care of +yourself, Bob. And come over to see me when you can. By the way, has +John said where he was going to send you?" + +"Yes, over near Red Top, with his short-horns." + +"You've certainly made a hit with him, Bob. That's the best and easiest +berth on the ranch. Grazing's good and water plenty. You hardly have to +move from one week to another. So long." And he gave the boy's hand a +hearty grip. "I've wired your father of your safe arrival. When there +are any letters, I'll bring them over." + +And shaking out his reins, the agent galloped away. + +Bob, however, did not hurry on his return to the ranch, his mind being +occupied with trying to find the reason for the grizzled plainsman's +evident liking for him and his kindness, so at variance with his usual +manner. + +But the puzzle was too difficult for him, and he finally abandoned it to +dismount and practice the things the agent had taught him. + +Such action at first mystified Firefly, but Bob patted and spoke to him, +explaining what he was trying to do just as though he were talking to a +human being. + +"You and Chester and I will have many a long day and night together, so +we had better be good friends right away. I've got to learn to hobble +and saddle and I want to do it before I return to the ranch." + +Evidently satisfied with this explanation, Firefly stood quietly, +nibbling at the grass now and again, while the dog sat down and watched +operations. + +Having finally acquired the knack, Bob remounted and was soon at the +ranch, where he turned his pony into the corral and carried his saddle +to the cabin. + +"Then you've learned enough to turn your pony into the corral, eh?" was +Ford's greeting as Bob threw his saddle on the floor. + +"Yes, sir. And to hobble and saddle and make my horse whirl when I'm +mounting." + +"Hal's a good friend to have," commented the ranchman. "Did he show you +how to throw a rope?" + +"Do you mean my lariat?" + +"No, I mean rope; that's what we call it on the plains, though it means +the same thing." + +"No, he didn't." + +"Then I will. You'll find some grub in the cupboard. Eat all you want +and put the rest back." + +"But aren't you going to eat with me?" asked Bob in an injured tone. + +"I'd like to. But I ain't eaten with a man since----" then suddenly +checking himself he stammered, "well, since twelve year ago." + +Eager, indeed, was Bob to ask the reason for this custom, but, +remembering Hal's warning, he restrained the question that was on his +lips just as the ranchman, evidently determined to end the conversation, +went outdoors. + +The mention of eating recalled to Bob that it was hours since he had +breakfasted, and hastily he explored the cupboard, bringing forth some +crisp bacon, biscuits, cookies and pie while from the stove he took the +coffee pot, then sat down to a meal that seemed, to his keen appetite, +the best he had ever tasted. + +As he was finishing, the ranchman came in and, when the food had been +put away, took Bob out to teach him how to throw the rope. + +For this purpose Ford had driven a four-foot stake into the ground. +Making his pupil stand about twenty feet from it, he had him get used to +whirling the rope around his head and then told him to drop the noose +over the post. + +At first Bob failed, but he was soon able to drop the noose over. So +much accomplished, the ranchman ordered him to get his pony and try to +rope the stake while riding past. + +This, however, was more difficult, and Bob made more misses than +"ringers." + +"You can practice that on the range, Bob. We won't waste any more time +here. I want to take you over to the short-horns to-night." + +"You mean I'm to go on duty to-night?" asked the boy in delight. + +"Exactly. Only there won't be much to do. Just keep awake in case +anything happens. I'll have Merry Dick, the best of my boys, stay with +you for a day or so." + +The ranchman had saddled a big bay broncho when Bob saddled Firefly and, +after locking the door of his cabin, they galloped away toward the west. + +On the ride the plainsman gave Bob many valuable pointers about what to +do if trouble broke out in the herd, and for getting along with the +other cowboys. + +After an hour or more of riding, they came to the herd, spread out over +a quarter of a mile of plain, and rode round it till they came to where +four cowboys were lolling on the grass, smoking. + +Looking up lazily at the sight of their boss, when they caught a glimpse +of Bob's fresh, young face they evinced a lively interest. + +"Boys, this is Bob," said Ford, by way of introduction. "Bob, the +homeliest of the lot is Merry Dick; the one next to him to the left is +Yellow Tom; next is Shorty Flinn and the last is Crazy Ned. + +"Dick, you're to go over on the West station with Bob for three days. +Get some grub ready. + +"Now, remember, every man Jack of you, Bob is my special friend. If you +try any funny business, you'll have to settle with me; and don't forget, +cowboys ain't worth near as much as a lean steer." + +And without another word, this strange man wheeled his horse and rode +away. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +BOB OVERHEARS A SECOND PLOT + + +Chester had accompanied Bob and Ford to the cowboys' station, and when +they saw that the dog showed no signs of returning, Yellow Tom called +out: + +"Hey, you Ford. Take this cur of yours with you--or I won't stay on the +job another minute." + +The ranchman, however, either did not hear or pretended not to, and +after a minute Bob said: + +"Mr. Ford has given Chester to me." + +"What?" chorused the cowboys, in amazement. + +"I said that Mr. Ford had given Chester to me," replied Bob. + +"And you let him?" queried Crazy Ned, staring at the boy as though he +must be daft. + +"Why not?" + +"You're liable to wake up in mincemeat some fine day, that's all," +commented Yellow Tom drily. + +"Oh, I guess not," answered Bob. "Chester and I are good friends, aren't +we, my boy?" and dismounting, he called the dog to him and stroked his +head. + +A moment the cowboys watched the proceeding in amazement, then Shorty +Flinn voiced their feelings by saying: + +"Am I dreamin' or is this tenderfoot pattin' that ornery cur?" + +"He's pattin' him, all right," returned Merry Dick. "Say, kid, you're a +wonder. There ain't no man ever dared touch that dog so long as I've +known about him and that's for ten years." + +"But can you make him mind?" demanded Yellow Tom. + +"Surely." + +"Then stop his growlin' at me." + +Recognizing this as a test, Bob stroked the dog's head caressingly, +saying, in a matter-of-fact tone: + +"Stop growling, boy. None of these men are going to harm me." + +A moment the dog looked at Bob, then leisurely glanced from one to +another of the cowboys--and stopped snarling. + +"That beats all," declared Crazy Ned. "Say, kid, you don't need to fear +anybody's playin' tricks on you when that brute is with you." + +"No, I guess not," smiled Bob. And then in a burst of confidence he +added: "But I don't want people to be nice because they are afraid of +Chester. If they don't like me for myself, I don't want them to like me +at all." + +"That's all right, kid. But there's some ornery critturs wearin' the +clothes of cowboys, so just take advice of a man who knows and keep the +dog with you," said Yellow Tom. + +"Yellow's givin' it to you straight," asserted Shorty Flinn. "There's +some folks ain't never happy unless they're makin' others onhappy." + +Bob took the advice in the spirit it was given and, while Merry Dick was +putting together enough food to last them for the three days he was to +be with the boy, chatted and joked with them, answering such questions +as he saw fit and turning off those he did not care to. And such +manliness and good nature did he display that he won the respect of the +four cowpunchers, than whom there were no harder characters riding the +plains. + +At last Merry Dick had stowed the food in his saddle bags, unhobbled and +made ready his broncho, and as he waited for Bob to mount, the others +began to tease him. + +"No tricks, now," said one. "Remember what John said about the +comparative value of cowboys and steers. Don't put salt instead of sugar +in Bob's coffee." + +"Don't worry about _me_," laughed Bob. "With Chester my friend, we're +more likely to play tricks on Merry Dick than he is to play any on us." + +And amid the shouts of merriment this suggestion produced, the cowboy +and his youthful companion galloped away. + +"Ain't that Firefly you're ridin'?" asked Merry Dick, after having tried +in vain to leave Bob behind by sending his own pony at a mad gallop. + +"Y--yes," returned Bob. "Mr. Thomas, the station agent, bought him for +me." + +"_Bought_ him?" repeated the cowboy in amazement. "You must be rollin' +in money, kid. Simons said he'd never sell for less than two hundred +dollars." + +Bob had no idea as to the value of horseflesh, so he asked: + +"Is that much to pay for a pony?" + +"Much? Well, I don't know what you call much, but I do know that you can +buy all the ponies you want, good ones at that, for fifty dollars." + +This knowledge of the expense to which Mr. Nichols had been put to +provide him with a mount, for Bob believed it was he who had ordered the +agent so to do, grieved the boy and he became silent, wondering if he +should not send back the one hundred dollars present in part payment. + +Merry Dick, however, mistook his silence for displeasure and exclaimed: + +"I don't mean Firefly ain't a good pony. He's the best within fifty +mile, so you didn't get stuck." + +In due course of time, they reached a spot where a few trees surrounded +a spring, and there the cowboy said they would pitch camp. + +With surprise, he watched Bob hobble his pony and then rub him down, +observing: + +"I reckon you ain't so green as you make out." + +Ignoring the left-handed compliment, Bob asked: + +"What do I have to do with the cattle?" + +"Mighty little, so long as you have the dog with you. He's as good as +any cowboy." And then Merry Dick explained that Bob's duties lay in +riding around and driving back the cattle that strayed from the herd, +especially in the morning, and in case of a stampede, than which there +is nothing more dreaded by cowboys, in outrunning the leaders and +changing their direction, yelling and waving arms, until the frenzied +animals are made to tire themselves out traveling in a circle. + +The hours till twilight passed quickly with the stories the cowboy told +of experiences he had had and had heard, in both of which he did not +hesitate to draw freely on his imagination. + +As the sunset bathed the plains in a glorious red, the two rode out and +drove the straggling cattle back to the herd, and then Merry Dick showed +Bob how to boil coffee over a bed of coals and fry bacon by holding it +on a fork. + +As night fell, many sounds reached the boy's ears, but none scared him +except the melancholy howl of the coyotes. + +Without incident the hours of darkness passed and the two days that +Merry Dick was with him, and, on the third, Ford rode over to see how +they were getting along. + +"He'll do," announced the cowboy, nodding toward Bob. + +"Then you can go back to the others," returned his boss, who remained +with the boy. + +Day followed day with monotonous regularity, and many a time Bob was +glad of the dog's company. Several times Thomas came to see him, +bringing letters from both Mr. Perkins and Mr. Nichols and taking back +Bob's answers, which told of his experiences, gratitude for their +assistance, and delight in his new life. + +Once a week, Ford came to bring his food, a signal mark of favor, for +the ranch cooks supplied the others. And as month after month passed, +Bob developed wonderfully. The free, outdoor life made his muscles like +steel and the responsibility and solitude matured him, so that instead +of the rather timid boy who had stepped from the limited that morning, +he was a powerful, self-reliant young man. + +Realizing this and feeling his desire growing stronger, at the end of +the sixth month to learn the truth about his father when Ford paid him, +Bob asked if he could ride over to Red Top for a day. + +In reply to the ranchman's question as to the reason, he said he wanted +to find out about a man. + +At this answer, Ford scanned his face closely, but, unable to read its +expression, gave his permission, provided he took the dog, saying he +would stand Bob's tour of duty. + +His heart agog, Bob was on his way early the next morning, the faithful +Chester at his side. + +The village of Red Top was similar to Fairfax, but being the location of +the Land Office was of more importance. As the boy, accompanied by the +dog passed along the one street of the town, they attracted much +attention, for many of the people recognized Chester. + +Drawing rein, Bob dismounted at the store, went inside and asked where +he could find out who owned property in the town fifteen years ago. + +The interest of the loungers in the boy was no whit lessened by this +question and several of them chorused: + +"The Land Office, right next door." + +Thanking them collectively, Bob went out, leaving the idlers to +speculate over his identity and purpose. + +But though he found the Land Office without difficulty, he could make +neither head nor tail out of the records. + +Noticing the perplexity on his face, the clerk, a kindly-faced, +gray-haired man, asked him for what he was searching. + +"To see if Horace Chester ever owned any property in Red Top." + +"I can tell you that without looking," replied the clerk. "He had one of +the best ranches in Oklahoma. It was good when he died. But it's worth +ten times as much now." + +This information set Bob's head in a whirl, and for some minutes he +could not speak, but when he did, he asked hesitatingly: + +"Was he--was he crazy?" + +"Crazy? well, I should say not!" ejaculated the clerk, staring at Bob in +wonder. + +"Who owns the property now?" + +"A. Leon Dardus." + +"How'd he get it?" + +"By will. There was a long legal battle between Sam and John Ford and +Dardus. But Dardus finally won." + +"Where is the ranch?" + +"Twenty miles south of here. Jim Haskins hires it." + +At these surprising answers, Bob's heart seemed to come up in his +throat, stifling his speech. But noticing that his questions had aroused +the clerk's curiosity, he hurriedly left the office. + +Needing time to think, the boy hastened along till he came to a building +which served as a saloon, diningroom and gambling den. + +Attracted by the food sign, he entered, took a seat near a partition, +and ordered some pork and beans. + +But before it was brought, he had forgotten about eating. From behind +the partition, loud voices were audible and he caught the word "Ford." + +Listening intently, he heard a voice say: + +"Sure, we can do it! I've got the papers all ready, old Sam Ford's +signature and all. Just pass over that two thousand five hundred +dollars, and I'll give them to you." + +"But suppose Ford fights us in court?" exclaimed another voice. + +"He won't do that!" growled a third. "Leave it to me!" + +"Now, Bill, there's to be no----" + +But before Bob could catch the last word, the waiter came in with his +pork and beans and, noticing that the boy was listening with head close +to the partition, shouted: + +"What you listenin' to? That don't go in Red Top!" + +And dropping his dishes, he leaped for Bob, just as the men behind the +partition, who had heard the waiter's angry words, struggled to get +through the door. + +Realizing he was no match for so many, Bob took to his heels, the others +in pursuit. + +As he dashed from the restaurant, Chester leaped to his feet and, back +bristling, jaws distended, faced the pursuers. + +"That's Ford's dog!" gasped the waiter. "That fellow must have been one +of his men!" + +The commotion had attracted the attention of the loungers in the store +and as they hurried to the street, the conspirators, pointing to Bob, +yelled: + +"Stop him! Stop him!" + +But Bob, paying no heed, raced to where Firefly stood, vaulted into his +saddle and, with the dog at his heels, dashed up the street. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +A RACE FOR LIFE + + +Believing the men who tried to stop Bob must have been robbed, several +of those about the store leaped onto their horses and gave chase. + +Meantime, the conspirators, balked in their attempt to prevent the boy's +escape, held a consultation. + +"If that is one of Ford's men, our goose is cooked," snarled one of +them. + +"Well, it is, right enough. Don't you remember hearing about the kid +Ford gave his dog to?" + +Too well did they remember, for the story of Bob's call at the ranch had +traveled far and wide. + +"What's to be done, then?" asked the first speaker. + +"Get him!" growled the others. + +So well did these men understand one another that no explanation of this +remark was necessary, and without more ado they hastened to the stable +back of the saloon, ordered their horses, and were soon riding after Bob +at top speed. + +Anticipating that he would be chased, the boy had urged Firefly into a +mad gallop, desirous of getting as long a start as possible. And well it +was that he did, for so mettlesome were the horses of the conspirators +that, despite the start the loungers had, they quickly overhauled them. + +"Which way did he go?" demanded the ringleader, as he rode alongside. + +"To Ford's." + +"What's wrong? What did he do? How much did he get?" demanded others of +the volunteer posse. + +But the conspirators were not eager to go into detail, and their leader +said: + +"This is a private matter. We are obliged to you gentlemen for trying to +stop that boy. But we won't trouble you to ride farther. We are quite +able to attend to this business ourselves." + +Such an abrupt dismissal, however, only piqued the curiosity of the +volunteers the more, and noting this the conspirators clapped spurs to +their ponies and soon left them behind. + +From time to time, as he raced across the plains, Bob had looked back. +With satisfaction, he noted that he more than held his own with the +pursuers. But when he saw the four men pass the leaders as though the +others were standing still, he urged Firefly to greater speed. + +Gamely the pony responded, increasing Bob's lead still more, and the +boy noted from landmarks that he was only about two miles from his +station. Then suddenly Firefly stumbled, hurling Bob over his head. + +Picking himself up, the boy, stopping only to ascertain that he himself +was not injured, ran back to his pony. But as he saw the horse his heart +sank. + +Firefly had stepped in a prairie-dog hole and broken his leg. + +From his moaning Bob realized the pony was in great pain, and for a +moment he stood undecided what to do. Then a hoarse shout of triumph +raised by the conspirators reached his ears, and, gritting his teeth, +Bob pulled out his revolver, placed it against Firefly's head and pulled +the trigger. + +Already he had lost precious minutes and, waiting only to make sure he +had put his faithful pony out of misery, he once more started toward his +station, leaping and bounding through the high grass as best he could. + +Not far had he gone, however, before he realized that unless he could +make greater speed, his pursuers would soon overtake him. + +But the prospect did not daunt him and, as his danger became greater, +his brain became clearer. + +Apparently without effort, Chester was bounding over the plains. Noting +this, an idea flashed into Bob's mind and he called the dog to him. + +As he approached, Bob took a firm grip with his right hand in the mass +of hair on Chester's shoulders, exclaiming: + +"You've got to help me run, boy. Now don't go too fast. Remember, I +can't leap the way you do." + +And, as though understanding, the dog moderated his gait and together +they tore through the grass. + +Yet so uneven was the race that Bob would certainly have been captured +had not aid come from an unexpected quarter. + +So still was the air that the report of Bob's shot had carried to the +ears of John Ford who, sensing trouble, was riding slowly toward Red Top +to meet the lad. + +Shooting not being common on the plains thereabouts, no sooner had he +heard the report than he clapped spurs to his horse and dashed in its +direction, and not far had he ridden before he caught sight of Bob and +Chester and their pursuers. + +At a glance, he realized that the boy was in great danger, and grinding +his teeth savagely, he rode at him like mad, from time to time shouting +to Bob to keep up courage. + +But the plucky boy saw and recognized his employer long before he heard +his reassuring words, and the sight lent him fresh strength. + +The pursuers also saw Ford and redoubled their efforts to reach Bob +first. But the terrific pace was telling on their mounts and they made +little progress. + +With a yell of exultation, Ford reached Bob, gave him a hand and lifted +him up behind to the saddle, asking: + +"What are they after you for?" + +"Because I wanted to warn you!" answered Bob, and hurriedly he related +all he had overheard and the incidents of the pursuit. + +As he listened to the story, the ranchman's face grew terrible to +behold. And as it was finished, he sat in silence a moment, then fairly +hissed: + +"My law is not 'an eye for an eye' or 'a tooth for a tooth.' But four +eyes for an eye!" + +For an instant only was Bob mystified by this speech. + +Swinging his rifle from his back to his shoulder with incredible +rapidity, Ford fired four shots in quick succession. And after each +shot, one of the conspirator's horses fell. + +"So much for Firefly, though I wouldn't take the four for him!" snarled +the ranchman. "Now for the men! Oh, no! I'm not going to shoot them," he +added, noting the look of horror on Bob's face. "I intend to capture +them and hand them over to the law. You're lighter than I am, so you +take my pony and ride for the boys. I'll stay here and keep track of +those scoundrels. They won't be able to walk far." + +Even as he spoke, Ford slipped from the saddle, and Bob taking his place +dashed away for the other cowboys. + +By good fortune, he found them at the end of their range nearest the +scene of trouble, and no urging did they need to ride to their +employer's assistance when they had heard Bob's story. + +Divining the purpose of the boy's departure, the conspirators had +separated and then sought to hide themselves in the long grass. But the +ranchman had kept watch of their general direction, and as his boys rode +up, ordered them to advance abreast toward the spot where the scoundrels +had disappeared. + +As they approached, Ford shouted: + +"If you men will surrender, we won't hurt you! But if you fire so much +as one shot, we'll kindle the prairie and roast you!" + +For a moment after this terrible alternative was pronounced there was +silence and the conspirators made no move. Then one by one they stood +up, glowering with awful hatred at Bob. + +"Hands up!" commanded Ford. "That's the way! Now, boys, take their guns +and knives, then bind their hands behind their backs and each carry one +behind you. We're going to take them to Red Top jail." + +While his cowboys were obeying his instructions with no gentle hands, +Ford mounted his horse, keeping Bob behind him. + +After the troop was under way, the ranchman asked: + +"What made you take such a chance for me, boy?" + +"Because you were a friend of my father!" replied Bob simply. + +"What?" exclaimed Ford, turning so suddenly that he almost unseated the +boy. + +"My name isn't Bob Nichols, Mr. Ford. It's Bob Chester!" + +"Then I wasn't wrong! I wasn't wrong!" murmured the ranchman. And the +next moment he was hugging Bob to his breast, sobbing over him and +caressing him. + +The sight of their stern, unemotional employer weeping like a woman over +Bob astounded the cowboys, and eagerly they closed around him, though +they were too impressed by the scene to speak. + +But as soon as he recovered his composure, Ford exclaimed: + +"Boys, Bob is the son of the best friend I ever had--Horace Chester. I +was struck by the resemblance when I first laid eyes on him. When he +told me his name, I thought I must be mistaken. But Chester knew better. +That's why the dog took to him. He recognized the blood. + +"And now you all ride on. Bob and I want to talk." + +Reluctantly the cowboys obeyed and when they were out of hearing, Bob +spoke, giving a detailed account of the reasons why he had come to +Fairfax, the experiences through which he had passed while on the way, +his discoveries about his father's property, and finally showed the +ranchman the precious letter. + +"And Leon Dardus kept you at drudgery, denying you your money, even +trying to make you believe your father was insane!" remarked Ford, as +the narration ended. "I knew he was a villain. That will is a forgery, +Bob. We'll get back the property for you, never fear. Dardus may have +money. But your friends Perkins and Nichols have more. I made a vow when +Dardus beat me on the will that when I had one hundred thousand dollars +I'd track him down and solve this mystery. But now it won't be necessary +to wait. + +"Right will conquer, every time, Bob!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +FROM RANCH TO RICHES + + +Bob asked many questions about his father on the ride to Red Top, +learning that he had died from pneumonia; that his mother had died soon +after Bob was born, and that it had been his father's dying request that +he be sent to New York, where he could grow up and receive the education +he himself had been denied. But their arrival at Red Top put an end to +their conversation and they turned to the matter at hand. + +As the citizens saw Bob's pursuers return captives they were amazed, and +when they learned the reason they expressed in no uncertain terms their +anger at having been made to chase an innocent boy. + +At the jail, the forged deed and other papers that were to be used in +stealing John Ford's ranch away from him were found on the prisoners and +were filed away to be used against them at the trial. + +To one or two of his firm friends, the ranchman introduced Bob, and +sincere were their expressions of delight both at meeting him and in +knowing that he was to come into his own. Ford, however, swore them to +silence, for there were some of the townsfolk who had supported Dardus +in his lawsuit, and neither the ranchman nor Bob wished a word of his +presence to leak out till they had perfected their plans for bringing +the dishonest guardian to book. + +"But your boys know it, John, and so do the prisoners," asserted one of +these friends. + +"My boys won't talk about it," declared the ranchman. "I'll see to that. +If the prisoners do, you all can say the story is absurd, probably +another of their plots to steal another ranch." + +This decided, the grizzled plainsman summoned his cowboys, explained the +situation briefly, and offered them a year's wages for their silence, +which they promised when Bob added his entreaties. + +But to prevent any possible miscarriage of their plans, Bob wrote his +discoveries to Mr. Nichols, mailing the letter before he left Red Top. +These details attended to, Ford borrowed a horse for Bob, and they set +out for the home ranch, which they reached in due course. + +Leaving Merry Dick on Bob's station, Ford and Bob rode on to Fairfax, +where they held a long consultation with the station agent, at which it +was decided that Bob and the ranchman should both go on to New York to +obtain restitution from Len Dardus. And, with much hurrying, they +prepared to leave Fairfax the next night. + +Thomas asked and obtained permission from Mr. Nichols for the east-bound +limited to stop at the way-station, and when Higgins and the others saw +the ranchman and Bob on the platform, they were consumed with curiosity. + +"Kidnappin' John?" asked Higgins of Bob. + +But no satisfaction did he receive, the boy replying: + +"My sentiments about answering questions haven't changed since the first +morning we met, Mr. Higgins." + +And while the others were laughing at their crony's discomfiture, the +train arrived and the two travelers boarded it, with the well wishes of +the agent ringing in their ears. + +At Kansas City Mr. Nichols joined them, saying he had decided to go on +to New York, where they would meet Mr. Perkins, both being determined to +bring Bob into his own. + +A happy party they made, Bob recounting his experiences, Ford adding his +dry comments, and Mr. Nichols enjoying the boy's development and +manliness. + +As they were rehearsing the story for the twentieth time, Mr. Nichols +asked: + +"Have you learned, Bob, who the man with the scar is?" + +"What sort of a scar?" demanded the ranchman, before the boy could +answer. And as Bob described it, he exclaimed: + +"That's Knuckles, your father's old foreman!" + +"Good. I'll find him and take him back with me," returned Bob; "that is, +if things come out right." + +"Don't worry about that," smiled Mr. Nichols knowingly. And when they +arrived in New York and met Mr. Perkins, these words were explained, for +Bob's patrons had set detectives at work and had learned all there was +to be learned about Len Dardus, even to the banks in which he kept his +money, and how much he had. + +After holding a consultation and marshaling their evidence, it was +decided to call in two members of the city detective force, and upon +their arrival, the party set out for the grocery store where Bob had +passed so many unhappy days. + +No one was about when the six men entered, and, leaving Bob alone, the +others withdrew to the corners of the store where the shadows +practically hid them. + +The proprietor had heard the footsteps, however, and shuffled from his +private office. + +No farther did he get than the threshold before he saw and recognized +Bob. + +"You!" he gasped, turning pale. "What do you want here?" + +"I want the money you have stolen from me, Len Dardus! I want my +father's ranch in Red Top back. I want you to say you lied when you said +my father was crazy when he died!" + +The tone in which the boy spoke was cold and bitter. Yet, instead of +terrifying the storekeeper, it caused him to laugh as he exclaimed: "You +can't blackmail me, you ungrateful young wretch! Get out of here, before +I call the police! I steal your money, indeed! Insanity seems to run in +the Chester family!" + +"Do you think so, Len Dardus?" demanded the ranchman, suddenly emerging +from the shadow. + +"John Ford!" gasped the storekeeper, his bravado deserting him at the +sight of this friend of Bob's father. + +"Yes; John Ford," retorted the ranchman in a voice that cut like steel. +"You remember when you won your lawsuit with that will you forged? I +told you I should trap you some day. _That day has come!_" + +At these words, the others stepped forth. + +From one to another, Dardus looked, then demanded in a terrified voice: + +"What--what do you want?" + +"We want justice for Bob Chester," said Mr. Perkins. + +"We want you to give him every cent you have in bank except the five +hundred dollars you had when Horace Chester died. We want you to sign +this paper admitting that you forged the will bequeathing you the ranch +in Red Top. We want you to acknowledge you lied when you told Bob his +father was insane." + +"And if I refuse?" + +"You go to jail, and we take the money and ranch." + +"But I have no money," whimpered Dardus. + +"Lying won't help you. We know every cent you have in bank and where it +is. Here's the confession, sign it first." + +Glancing from one to another, the storekeeper seemed to seek an avenue +of escape. + +"Officers, if this man does not sign this paper within two minutes, +arrest him," exclaimed Mr. Perkins. + +Quickly the detectives moved one to either side of Len Dardus. + +"All right, I'll sign," he moaned, sinking into a chair. + +And, after reading the words admitting his guilt, he affixed his name. + +"Now, tell Bob you lied to him about his father." + +"Horace--Chester--was--not--insane." + +"Good, I am glad you are reasonable. Now, come with us in our automobile +and withdraw the money you have in the banks." + +Realizing resistance was vain, Dardus obeyed. + +At each bank the boy's benefactors compared their private notes with the +amounts the storekeeper withdrew, and, when the task was ended, Bob had +fifty thousand dollars in addition to the ranch. + +As they emerged from the last bank, however, they did not take the +storekeeper into their car, but left him standing on the steps, the +picture of woe. + +"Now, we'll have a good dinner," announced Mr. Nichols. + +During the meal the men who had been so kind to Bob asked him what he +intended to do. + +"Go back to the ranch and live with John Ford," was the boy's ready +reply. + +"Yes. We're going into partnership," added the grizzled plainsman. + +"And whenever you want a rest or some hunting, there'll be two ranches +at your disposal," chimed in Bob, to the railroad magnates. + +Before the boy returned to the West, he gave a hundred-dollar bill to +Nellie Porter, the waitress who had befriended him, and he also found +Knuckles, who was overjoyed to resume his position as foreman of the +Chester ranch. + +The firm of Ford & Chester prospered. Many times did Mr. Perkins and Mr. +Nichols, as well as Jack Foster, the reporter, visit the partners, +continuing to exercise a kindly interest in their welfare, and +especially the welfare of Bob Chester. + + + + * * * * * + + +Transcriber's Notes: + + Punctuation normalized. + + Varied capitalization on "the limited/the Limited" retained. + + Page 80, "flee-bitten" changed to "flea-bitten." + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOB CHESTER'S GRIT*** + + +******* This file should be named 17151.txt or 17151.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/1/5/17151 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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