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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Frank and Fearless, by Horatio Alger Jr.
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Frank and Fearless
+       or The Fortunes of Jasper Kent
+
+Author: Horatio Alger Jr.
+
+Release Date: October 20, 2006 [EBook #19592]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRANK AND FEARLESS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was
+produced from scanned images of public domain material
+from the Google Print project.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+FRANK AND FEARLESS
+
+OR
+
+THE FORTUNES OF JASPER KENT
+
+
+
+BY
+
+HORATIO ALGER, JR.
+
+AUTHOR OF "BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES," ETC.
+
+
+
+THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.
+PHILADELPHIA
+CHICAGO    TORONTO
+
+Copyright, 1897 by
+HENRY T. COATES & CO.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+CHAPTER                                                   PAGE
+
+      I. Jasper's Victory,                                   1
+
+     II. Strange News,                                      10
+
+    III. Jasper Recognizes the Visitor,                     19
+
+     IV. Thorn's Revenge,                                   29
+
+      V. Jasper's Return Home,                              37
+
+     VI. The Step-Mother,                                   46
+
+    VII. New Relations,                                     54
+
+   VIII. Sudden Death,                                      63
+
+     IX. A Declaration of War,                              72
+
+      X. Nicholas Appears upon the Scene,                   81
+
+     XI. The Outbreak of Hostilities,                       90
+
+    XII. A Scheme of Vengeance,                            101
+
+   XIII. Mrs. Kent is Foiled,                              108
+
+    XIV. Mediation,                                        117
+
+     XV. Good-Bye,                                         126
+
+    XVI. An Unpleasant Adventure,                          135
+
+   XVII. The Deserted House,                               144
+
+  XVIII. The Kidnapped Child,                              153
+
+    XIX. A Brute in Human Shape,                           158
+
+     XX. A Strange Commission,                             169
+
+    XXI. Jasper is Intrusted with a Delicate Commission,   179
+
+   XXII. A Business Max's Suspicions,                      188
+
+  XXIII. Where Jasper Found Dick,                          197
+
+   XXIV. The Sleeping Potion,                              207
+
+    XXV. Jasper Finds Himself a Prisoner,                  213
+
+   XXVI. In Confinement,                                   217
+
+  XXVII. An Unexpected Friend,                             225
+
+  XVIII. Escape,                                           230
+
+   XXIX. Jasper in a New Character,                        236
+
+    XXX. Jasper Gets a Place,                              245
+
+   XXXI. The Unwelcome Relative,                           255
+
+  XXXII. A Cold Reception,                                 263
+
+ XXXIII. Dick Punishes Nicholas,                           270
+
+  XXXIV. An Important Commission,                          279
+
+   XXXV. An Indian Maiden,                                 283
+
+  XXXVI. In Difficulties,                                  290
+
+ XXXVII. A Startling Summons,                              303
+
+XXXVIII. Dick Comes Back,                                  308
+
+  XXXIX. How It All Ended,                                 318
+
+
+
+
+FRANK AND FEARLESS;
+
+OR,
+
+THE FORTUNES OF JASPER KENT
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+JASPER'S VICTORY.
+
+
+A dozen boys were playing ball in a field adjoining the boarding-school
+of Dr. Pericles Benton, in the town of Walltham, a hundred and
+twenty-five miles northeast of the city of New York. These boys varied
+in age from thirteen to seventeen. In another part of the field a few
+younger boys were amusing themselves. All these boys were
+boarding-scholars connected with the school.
+
+The ball had been knocked to a distance by the batter, and it was the
+duty of Nicholas Thorne, one of the oldest boys, to ran after it. But he
+thought of an easier way.
+
+"Cameron, run for that ball!" he cried, addressing one of the smaller
+boys outside the game.
+
+"I don't want to," said little Cameron.
+
+"Did you hear what I said?" demanded Thorne, imperiously.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then you'd better go if you know what's best for yourself," said the
+bully, frowning.
+
+"I ain't in the game," said Cameron. "Why should I get the ball?"
+
+"Because I say so!" retorted the tyrant.
+
+"Run after it yourself, Thorne," said a lad named Davies. "It's your
+business, not Cameron's."
+
+"It's his business, because I ordered him to do it," said Thorne,
+flushed and angry. "Do you think I will allow him to bully me?"
+
+"The boot's on the other leg," said Davies, dryly. "Run after the ball,
+and don't keep the game waiting."
+
+"That's so," said half a dozen voices. "Let Cameron alone."
+
+"I won't let him alone," said Thorne, who had by this time worked
+himself into a towering passion. "I'll give him the worst flogging he
+ever had, if he doesn't obey me!"
+
+So saying, he advanced toward Cameron in a menacing manner.
+
+Thorne was the acknowledged bully of the school. He was a big, hulking
+fellow, with a heavy figure and a repulsive face, and small ferret eyes,
+emitting a cold and baleful light. He was more than a match for any of
+his fellow-pupils, and availed himself of his superior physical strength
+to abuse and browbeat the smaller boys. Knowing his strength he was not
+afraid of interference, and usually carried his point. If Cameron had
+not been particularly occupied playing marbles with a boy of his own age
+he would not have ventured to object to obey the despot. When he saw
+Thorne advancing toward him with a cruel light in his eyes he became
+frightened, and said, hurriedly:
+
+"Don't pound me, Thorne, I'll go."
+
+"Yes," said Thorne, between his teeth, "you'll go; but you ought to have
+done so at first. I'll give you something to remind you to be more
+prompt next time."
+
+"Don't hit me, Thorne!" pleaded the little boy, with tears in his eyes.
+"I'm going."
+
+"Shame, Thorne!" exclaimed Davies.
+
+Thorne glared at Davies wrathfully.
+
+"Take care how you talk," he said, "or it'll be your turn next!"
+
+Davies was two inches shorter than Thorne, and by no means his equal.
+So, honestly indignant as he was, he didn't venture to say any more.
+
+Little Cameron turned to run, despairing of help, and Thorne started to
+pursue him. Of course there was no chance of the smaller boy's escape,
+or would not have been, but for an unexpected incident.
+
+"Stop!" was heard, in a clear, commanding voice.
+
+Thorne turned in surprise. What boy (for it was a boy's voice) had dared
+to command him to atop?
+
+He wasn't long in doubt.
+
+Jasper Kent, a new scholar, who had only arrived the day before,
+advanced intrepidly to the rescue of the little victim. He was an inch
+shorter than Thorne, of a slight, elegant build, with a clear complexion
+and a bright, attractive face that would have been pronounced handsome
+by anyone. Judging from outward appearances, no one would have thought
+him the equal of Thorne in strength.
+
+When Nicholas Thorne's eye lighted on his antagonist his lip turned in
+scorn and he paused.
+
+"You're the new boy, I believe?" he said.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I thought so. If you had been here longer you would know better than to
+interfere with me."
+
+This was spoken with the utmost arrogance.
+
+"You appear to consider yourself master here," said Jasper, quietly.
+
+"I am master here," returned Nicholas, in the same tone.
+
+"And you claim the right of ordering around smaller boys?"
+
+"I do."
+
+"And of beating them if they dare to disobey your majesty's commands, I
+suppose?" continued Jasper, with sarcasm.
+
+"Yes, I do. Have you anything to say about it?" exclaimed the young
+despot, in a swaggering manner.
+
+"Yes, I have," was the quiet answer.
+
+"What have you got to say, I should like to know?"
+
+"That I won't allow it," said Jasper.
+
+"You won't allow it?" exclaimed Thorne, bursting into a brutal laugh.
+"And who are you, young poppinjay?"
+
+"My name is Jasper Kent, at your service."
+
+"Then, Mr. Jasper Kent, I beg leave to suggest that you mind your own
+business."
+
+"I generally do," said Jasper, coolly; "but that advice comes with a bad
+grace from you."
+
+"Why does it?"
+
+"Because you are not attending to your business."
+
+"What is my business?" demanded Thorne, angrily.
+
+"To go after that ball."
+
+"It's Cameron's business. I ordered him to go after it."
+
+"And I order him not to go for it," said Jasper, resolutely, but without
+excitement.
+
+Thorne answered with an oath.
+
+"I've a great mind to send you for it," he exclaimed, his small eyes
+glaring at his opponent.
+
+"It's one thing to order, and another to secure obedience," said Jasper.
+
+"Your turn will come," growled Thorne, "but just at present I've got
+Cameron's case to dispose of. Cameron, go for that ball!"
+
+The little boy started, but his purpose was interrupted. Jasper Kent
+hurried forward and placed his hand kindly on his shoulder.
+
+"Don't go, Cameron," he said. "I'll protect you."
+
+Cameron stopped, but looked apprehensively at Thorne. He evidently
+doubted the power of his young protector.
+
+Thorne was now thoroughly exasperated. His authority was openly defied.
+He rushed at Jasper, intending to overwhelm him by the suddenness and
+momentum of his attack. But Jasper was prepared for him. He turned
+swiftly aside and planted a blow on Thorne's right ear which sent him
+staggering to the earth.
+
+The bully was astonished, but rallied. Almost foaming at the mouth with
+rage, he sprang to his feet and renewed the attack. He attempted to
+throw his arms round the waist of Jasper and throw him. Had his tactics
+been successful, probably Jasper would have been borne to the earth by
+the superior weight of his opponent. But here, again, he was prepared.
+He stepped back and received Thorne with a blow on his breast, so firmly
+planted that he staggered again.
+
+By this time he had lost all control of himself and was thoroughly under
+the dominion of passion. He "pitched into" Jasper, trying to get in a
+blow wherever he could, and in so doing exposed himself to the skilful
+blows of his slighter foe, who had some knowledge of boxing, while
+Thorne had none whatever.
+
+Finally Thorne was stretched on his back, not immediately to rise.
+
+"Have you had enough?" asked Jasper, bending over him.
+
+"I'll kill you!" shrieked Thorne.
+
+"Wail till you are able," said Jasper.
+
+Thorne struggled to rise. Jasper held him down forcibly.
+
+"You will stay there till you promise to let Cameron alone," he said.
+
+"I won't promise!"
+
+"Then you'll stay where you are."
+
+But at that moment a small boy came across the field from the school.
+
+"Thorne is wanted," he said. "There's a lady to see him."
+
+"You can rise, then," said Jasper.
+
+Thorne rose sullenly, and without a word strode toward the large, square
+building, with an extended wing, which was used for the boarding-school.
+
+Little Cameron seized Jasper's hand and kissed it.
+
+"How brave you are!" he said. "How much I thank you!"
+
+"Oh, it's nothing," said Jasper, modestly. "You just send for me when
+you're in trouble, Cameron. I won't let him hurt you."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+STRANGE NEWS.
+
+
+Entering the house, Thorne reported at the doctor's study. His flushed
+appearance attracted the teacher's attention.
+
+"What's the matter, Thorne?" he asked.
+
+"The new boy pitched into me and I licked him," said Thorne.
+
+But his sullen manner was so unlike that of a victor that the doctor
+shrewdly suspected that his statement was not wholly correct.
+
+"What was the quarrel about?" he asked.
+
+"We were playing ball," said Thorne, evasively.
+
+"I will inquire into it. At present you are wanted in the parlor."
+
+So Thorne left the presence of the principal and entered the opposite
+room. A lady, seated on a sofa, arose quickly, and advanced to meet him.
+She kissed the boy's cheek, to which he submitted without manifesting
+any responsive feeling.
+
+"How long it is since I saw you, Nicholas, my dear boy!" she said.
+
+"It's only about six months," said Nicholas, stolidly.
+
+"And are not six months long for a mother to be separated from her only
+child?" said the lady, tenderly.
+
+"It doesn't seem so long," said Nicholas.
+
+The lady looked pained, but she proceeded:
+
+"How you have grown!"
+
+"Yes, I've grown," said Nicholas, showing a little pleasure now. "I
+think I shall be a large man."
+
+"Like your father. And how are you improving in your studies, Nicholas?"
+
+"Oh! I'm doing well enough," said the boy, indifferently, for Nicholas
+Thorne's taste for study was very moderate. "Did you bring me any money,
+mother?"
+
+"You have your regular allowance, Nicholas."
+
+"It isn't enough. What's a dollar a week?"
+
+"It is a good deal for me to pay," said his mother. "Remember, I have to
+pay your school bills, and my means are but small."
+
+"A dollar a week is very small for a boy of my age," grumbled Thorne.
+"Why, some of the little boys get more; and there's that new boy, Jasper
+Kent, gets five dollars, so they say."
+
+The lady betrayed strong interest at the sound of his name.
+
+"I forgot," she said. "So Jasper Kent has arrived, has he?"
+
+"What, mother, do you know him?" demanded Thorne, surprised in turn.
+
+"Yea, I know him. What do you think of him?"
+
+"Think of him? I hate him!" said Thorne, fiercely.
+
+"Why?"
+
+"He tries to bully me."
+
+"And you permit it? Why, you are larger than he."
+
+"Yes, but he knows how to fight."
+
+"How do you know?"
+
+"I had a fight with him this morning," said Nicholas.
+
+"Did he come off best?" asked the lady.
+
+"No," answered Nicholas, with hesitation. "That is, we were only half
+through the fight when a boy ran up and said you had come. So we had to
+stop."
+
+"Humph! That is strange," said the lady, in a low voice, more to herself
+than to her son, "this sudden antagonism."
+
+"What do you know about Kent?" demanded Nicholas, his curiosity aroused.
+
+"Perhaps I may as well tell you," said his mother, thoughtfully, "but I
+wish you to keep the matter secret from him."
+
+"You won't catch me telling him anything, except that he is a
+scoundrel!" muttered Nicholas.
+
+"Then sit down by me, and I will tell you much that you do not know, but
+ought now to hear. Is the door shut?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Go and see. It is important that no one should overhear us."
+
+Nicholas complied with her request.
+
+"It's shut fast enough," he said. "Now what have you got to tell me?"
+
+"To begin with, do you know where I get the money I pay for your
+schooling and clothes?"
+
+"My father left you some money, didn't he?"
+
+"He left me a small property which rents for two hundred dollars a
+year."
+
+"You pay three hundred a year for me, don't you?"
+
+"For your school bills, yes. Besides, I give you an allowance and buy
+your clothes."
+
+"How do you do it?" asked Nicholas, in surprise. "Have you sold the
+house?"
+
+"No. If I should do that, there would soon be nothing left. That was the
+problem I had to solve three years ago, when your father died."
+
+"What did you do?"
+
+"I felt that the property must not be touched, save the income. I saw
+that it was necessary for me to exert myself, or I should be unable to
+educate you as I desired. I had a good education, and I determined to
+avail myself of it. I therefore went to a teacher's agency in New York
+and set forth my desire to obtain the position of governess in some
+family in the country."
+
+"You a governess!"
+
+"Why not? It was the only way I could think of that would yield me an
+income. After waiting a few weeks I succeeded. A wealthy gentleman,
+living in a country town of moderate size, saw my testimonials, was
+pleased with them, and engaged me to superintend the education of an
+orphan niece resident in his family. He offered me a fair
+salary--enough, added to the rent which I received from the property
+left me by your father, to justify me in putting you at this
+boarding-school. That was three years ago."
+
+"Why didn't you tell me all this before, mother?"
+
+"It would have done no good. I preferred that you should think of me as
+possessing an independent property. I felt that it would enable you the
+better to hold up your head among your school-fellows, as they could
+know nothing of your antecedents."
+
+"Does Dr. Benton know this?" asked Nicholas, quickly.
+
+"No; he only knows that I am a widow, He supposes that I have sufficient
+means."
+
+"I am glad of that."
+
+"Would it make any difference with him?"
+
+"I don't know. Any way, I'd rather he wouldn't know it."
+
+Nicholas Thorne sat by his mother's side thoughtful. He was disappointed
+to think that his mother's means were so limited, since it curtailed his
+future expectations. The thought of that mother working patiently to
+defray his expenses at school made comparatively little impression. He
+was essentially selfish, and, so long as his wants were provided for, he
+cared little who labored for him.
+
+"You don't ask the name of the man who employs me," said his mother.
+
+Nicholas looked up.
+
+"I suppose it is nobody I ever heard of," he said.
+
+"No, you never heard of him, but you know some one connected with him."
+
+"What do you mean?" asked the boy, his curiosity aroused.
+
+"The gentleman who employs me is father of one of your schoolmates."
+
+"Father of one of my school-mates?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Who is it? Why don't you tell me, mother?"
+
+"You have spoken of him to me this morning. It is Jasper Kent."
+
+"You work for Jasper Kent's father!" exclaimed Nicholas in unbounded
+astonishment. "Does he know it?"
+
+"Yes, he knows that I am, or have been, governess in his father's
+family. But he knows nothing of my connection with you."
+
+"If he knew, he'd taunt me with my mother's being obliged to work for a
+living," said Thorne.
+
+"I don't think he would. At any rate, the time is coming very soon when
+he will have no advantage over you."
+
+"How do you make that out, mother?"
+
+"Listen, and keep secret what I tell you. Next week I become his
+father's wife."
+
+"You marry Jasper Kent's father!"
+
+"Yes; I shall be Jasper's step-mother."
+
+"Is old Kent rich?" asked Nicholas, eagerly.
+
+His mother nodded.
+
+"Yes, he is rich; that is, for the country. He is in poor health, too,"
+she added, significantly.
+
+"Good!" said Nicholas, with satisfaction. "You know how to play your
+cards, mother."
+
+The mother smiled.
+
+"My days of dependence are drawing to an end," she said. "Some time I
+can do better for you than I am doing now."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+JASPER RECOGNIZES THE VISITOR.
+
+
+"Will the old man do anything for me after he marries you, mother?"
+asked Nicholas, who never failed to look out for his own interests.
+
+"He doesn't know you are in existence, Nicholas."
+
+"Did you never speak to him of me?"
+
+"No; I didn't dare to tell him."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"It might prevent his marrying me."
+
+"It seems to me," grumbled Nicholas, "you only thought of yourself. You
+didn't care what became of me."
+
+"That is unjust, Nicholas. You must see that it is. Once we are married
+I shall have more control of money, and if Mr. Kent dies I shall be
+entitled to a third of his property."
+
+"I wish he'd leave you the whole, and cut off that upstart Jasper," said
+Nicholas, frowning.
+
+"There is not much chance of that. He thinks everything of Jasper.
+However, I don't think he'll live long, and I shall induce him, if
+possible, to name me as Jasper's guardian."
+
+"That would be a good job for you, mother--not so good for Jasper, I'm
+thinking."
+
+"You are right, Nicholas. Did you say you disliked him?"
+
+"Yes, I hate him."
+
+"So do I," said his mother in a low tone, but one of intense energy.
+
+"Why?" asked Thorne, in some curiosity.
+
+"I'll tell you. From my entrance into his father's family he has never
+treated me with any cordiality. Evidently he didn't like me. I think,
+indeed, he mistrusted me, though I never gave occasion for any
+suspicions. If he should learn now that I am to marry his father, he
+would move heaven and earth to prevent the marriage."
+
+"Has he been home much since you were in the house?"
+
+"No; he was at school elsewhere, and was only at home during his
+vacations."
+
+"How did he come to be sent here to this school? Did you advise it?"
+
+"No; I was opposed to it, but Mr. Kent was recommended by a friend to
+send his son here. I did not venture to say much, lest I should be asked
+how I came to know anything of the school. I was afraid you and he would
+meet, and he would learn the connections between us."
+
+"I suppose you'll own up after the wedding, won't you?"
+
+"I think not at once, Nicholas."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Remember what I told you, that Mr. Kent is in poor health. He may not
+live six months. We can keep the matter secret for that time, can't we,
+Nicholas?"
+
+"If you were only sure he would die in that time."
+
+"He has heart disease, and is liable to die at any time."
+
+"You want him to make his will first, and leave you guardian?"
+
+"Of course."
+
+"After that you wouldn't mourn very much for his loss?"
+
+"No; I don't pretend to care for him."
+
+"He thinks you do, eh, mother?"
+
+"Of course."
+
+"Oh, you're a deep one, you are," said Nicholas, winking in a way to
+indicate his shrewd insight into his mother's motives.
+
+"I have to be, Nicholas. There's no getting on in this world without it.
+But I think I shall have to leave you now."
+
+"Then you don't mean to invite me to the wedding, mother?"
+
+"It will be a private ceremony."
+
+"Will Jasper be invited?"
+
+"His father was anxious to have him at home. Indeed, I have had a great
+deal of trouble to prevent his sending for him, but at length I have
+succeeded. I know too well the danger. The boy has a great influence
+over his father, whose mind is weakened with his body, and I should be
+afraid that the match would be broken off even at the last moment if the
+boy got wind of our plan."
+
+"How mad Jasper will be when he hears of it!" said Thorne, laughing with
+malicious enjoyment. "I wish I could tell him."
+
+"Don't breathe a word of it, Nicholas," said his mother, in evident
+alarm.
+
+"Oh, I'll keep the secret. But it won't do any harm when it's all over,
+will it?"
+
+"Say nothing till I authorize it."
+
+"Well, I won't, then, if I can help it. But I say, mother, the old
+gentleman will come down handsomely when you're married. You ought to
+raise my allowance to two dollars a week."
+
+"I will if I can afford it," said his mother. "But I must leave you now,
+Nicholas. I shall have about time to go to the station and meet the next
+train."
+
+"Shan't I go with you?"
+
+"I should like your company, my dear boy, but we must be prudent. We
+might meet Jasper Kent."
+
+"That's so. Well, good-bye."
+
+"Good-bye, Nicholas," and his mother pressed her lips upon the cheek of
+her son.
+
+He tolerated the kiss, but did not return it. His heart was not very
+impressible, and he cared for no one except himself.
+
+"I won't stop to see Dr. Benton," she said, at parting. "You may tell
+him that I was in haste."
+
+"All right."
+
+Mrs. Thorne emerged from the parlor and from the house. She was tall and
+erect in figure, and walked rapidly. Her face was concealed by a thick
+veil, but, for the information of the reader it may be described as
+narrow and long, with small eyes, like those of Nicholas, and thin,
+tightly-compressed lips. She was not a woman to yield to misfortune or
+give way to sentimental sorrow. She looked rather like one who knew how
+to face fortune and defy it. It was not a pleasant face, but it was
+decidedly a strong one.
+
+The grounds of the school were extensive, and the house stood back two
+or three hundred yards from the street. A long avenue led from the house
+to the main thoroughfare.
+
+Mrs. Thorne looked hurriedly about her as she went out on her way.
+
+"I shouldn't like to meet Jasper Kent," she said to herself. "It might
+lead to unpleasant questions and suspicions on his part, and I don't
+want anything to happen before I am married."
+
+It seemed likely that she would escape the encounter which she dreaded.
+Had there been no interruption or delay she would have done so; but it
+was not so to be. She met Dr. Benton in front of the house, and was
+compelled to stop and speak to him.
+
+"You find Nicholas well?" he said, politely.
+
+"Oh, yes, doctor," she answered, softly. "I have no anxiety on that
+subject, as long as he is under your care. I know that he cannot fail to
+do well."
+
+We all like flattery, and the learned principal was not proof against
+it.
+
+"Ahem! Mrs. Thorne," he said, pompously, "we try to do our duty by the
+young people intrusted to our charge. We do not limit our endeavors to
+their mental culture, but strive to promote their physical well-being
+also."
+
+"And you succeed remarkably well, Dr. Benton. But you must excuse my
+leaving you abruptly. I wish to catch the next train."
+
+"I hope we shall see you again soon, madam," said the doctor, politely.
+
+"I shall endeavor to call again before many weeks, Dr. Benton.
+Good-morning."
+
+"Good-morning, madam."
+
+Mrs. Thorne adjusted her veil and swiftly resumed her course. Her heart
+gave a bound when, just outside the gate, she espied the well-known
+figure of Jasper Kent.
+
+"I hope he won't recognize me," she thought
+
+But she forgot her peculiar gait, and the quick, rapid step, which were
+likely to identify her in the eyes of anyone who had seen her often.
+Jasper Kent's attention was drawn to her, and he observed these
+peculiarities.
+
+"By Jove!" he said to himself, "she walks just like the governess."
+
+Still, having no reason to suspect the presence of Miss Thorne, as he
+called her, at the school, he would have thought the resemblance only
+accidental, but for a whiff of wind which blew the veil aside from her
+face. That face there was no mistaking.
+
+"Miss Thorne!" he exclaimed, in surprise, advancing to meet her.
+
+She was exceedingly vexed, but it would not do to betray it.
+
+"Jasper!" she said, with a smile. "You didn't expect to see me here?"
+
+"No; did you come to see me? Is my father unwell?" he asked, anxiously.
+
+"Your father is quite well."
+
+"Then--"
+
+"Why have I come? I see that is what you wish to ask. I have not come on
+your account at all. I came to see a nephew of my own."
+
+"At this school?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You must mean Nicholas Thorne."
+
+"Yes; do you know him?"
+
+"A little," said Jasper, with reserve.
+
+"Poor fellow! He has neither father nor mother to look after him, only
+myself. I am his only relative living."
+
+"I never heard you speak of him before."
+
+"No; I have not cared to intrude my private concerns upon your father or
+yourself. But I must hurry, or I shall be late at the station. Have you
+any message to send to your father?"
+
+"Give him my love, and tell him to take care of his health for my sake."
+
+"I hope he will do that for all our sakes," said the lady, with affected
+warmth. "Good-bye."
+
+"Good-bye."
+
+Jasper Kent looked after her as she walked rapidly away.
+
+"Why is it that I distrust her so much?" he thought to himself. "So she
+is Thorne's aunt. Well, he is not a relation to be proud of."
+
+"How vexatious that I should meet him," thought Mrs. Thorne. "I ought
+not to have run the risk of coming. If he tells Nicholas that I have
+admitted a relationship it may do harm. Once the wedding is over I shall
+feel more secure."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THORNE'S REVENGE.
+
+
+The unexpected communication which Thorne had received from his mother
+influenced his treatment of Jasper. Under ordinary circumstances he
+would have resented bitterly the humiliating defeat he had received at
+the hands of the "new boy." Now, however, he felt sure of ultimate
+revenge, and was willing to "bide his time."
+
+"Just wait till his father is dead, and mother is his guardian!" he said
+to himself. "Then, my young gentleman, your pride'll be taken down, see
+if it ain't!"
+
+His politic forbearance surprised the other boys, who did not understand
+the secret cause.
+
+"Ain't you goin' to lick that new boy?" asked Tower, a sycophantic
+follower of Thorne.
+
+"What for?" asked Nicholas.
+
+"Because he licked you the other day."
+
+"Who says he licked me?" demanded the young tyrant, with a frown.
+
+"Why, all the boys say so," stammered Tower.
+
+"Do you say so?" demanded Nicholas, savagely.
+
+"N-no," said Tower, timidly.
+
+"Lucky you don't," said Thorne, significantly. "I'll lick any boy that
+tells such a lie about me."
+
+Tower was silent.
+
+"The fact is," he continued, in a milder tone, "we were stopped in the
+middle of the fight. I was called to see a lady visitor. But for that I
+should have licked him in the end."
+
+"I guess you can lick him," said the young sycophant.
+
+"Of course I can," said Nicholas, loftily.
+
+"Are you going to try it?"
+
+"Why should I? I haven't anything against him. We came out even. What's
+the use of bearing malice?"
+
+Tower was astonished to hear such sentiments from Thorne. It did not
+sound at all like him. He was about the last boy who would be singled
+out for forbearance or forgiveness of injuries. So the younger boy
+concluded that his leader was afraid of Jasper. But here he did him
+wrong. Thorne had learned to respect his adversary's strength and skill,
+but he would have hazarded a second encounter but for the prudential
+reasons already suggested. For the present he thought it best to keep
+quiet.
+
+Jasper also had made a discovery, though, as we know, the information he
+had received was not correct. He supposed Thorne to be a nephew of his
+father's governess, whereas she was his mother.
+
+"Does Thorne know this?" he asked himself.
+
+He could not feel quite satisfied on this point, nor could he determine
+precisely how far his feelings were affected by this discovery. He felt
+a dislike toward Thorne on account of his tyrannical disposition and
+ill-treatment of younger boys. He cherished a dislike for the governess,
+the cause of which he could not as well define. Now, it appeared that
+these two were allied to each other. I beg to say that Jasper was too
+sensible and gentlemanly to dislike the governess simply because she was
+poor. That he knew very well had nothing to do with the substantial
+worth of a person. But he could not rid himself of the feeling that Miss
+Thorne's residence in his father's family portended misfortune to the
+parent whom he loved so well.
+
+So a week passed without any new disturbance or outbreak between the two
+boys. Jasper had been on the lookout, fearing that Thorne would take
+some opportunity to wreak vengeance on young Cameron when he was not
+present. But his fears were gradually allayed. Thorne seemed usually
+peaceable--so much so that his school-mates, who knew him well, thought
+he had turned over a new leaf, and speculated as to what had produced
+the change. But neither boys nor men change suddenly and completely,
+though policy and self-interest may for a time lead them to suppress the
+manifestation of their characteristic traits.
+
+Nine days after the fight recorded in my first chapter, as Jasper was
+walking in the school-yard, Davies came up hurriedly.
+
+"Kent," he said, "you're wanted."
+
+"Who wants me?" asked Jasper. "Is it Dr. Benton?"
+
+"No, the doctor's absent."
+
+"Who wants me, then?"
+
+"Little Cameron."
+
+"What! is Thorne at him again?" asked Jasper, stopping short and looking
+toward the house.
+
+"Yes, Thorne's at his old business, bullying him. He took the
+opportunity when he thought you were out of hearing."
+
+"I must stop it," said Jasper. "Where are they?"
+
+"In the back yard."
+
+"I suppose I shall have to fight him again," said Kent, regretfully.
+
+"You needn't be afraid to try it. You are a match for him."
+
+"I think I am. That is not my reason."
+
+"What then?"
+
+"I don't like fighting--it's brutal. Besides, I have another reason,
+which I don't care to mention."
+
+By this time they had reached the scene of the difficulty, Little
+Cameron was half-crying, and Thorne stood over him with upraised arm.
+
+"Do as I tell you, you little blackguard!" he was just saying, when a
+voice he well knew was heard, calm and resolute:
+
+"Thorne, are you bullying that boy again?"
+
+Nicholas turned and saw his old antagonist. He was sorry to see him, but
+he could not well withdraw now.
+
+"It's none of your business," he answered, sullenly.
+
+"I shall make it my business to protect the weak," said Jasper, quietly.
+
+"You may need to protect yourself," sneered Thorne.
+
+"If necessary, I feel competent to do so. Cameron, come here."
+
+"Don't you go!" said Thorne, menacingly.
+
+The little boy looked in terror from one to the other. Evidently he
+dreaded that the immediate result of his obeying Kent would be to
+precipitate a blow from the bully.
+
+Jasper saw the little boy's quandary, and he quickly advanced to the
+rescue. Throwing one arm protectingly round Cameron's waist, he regarded
+Nicholas firmly.
+
+"Well," he said, "what do you propose to do?"
+
+Thorne had had time to think. He hated Jasper worse than ever, but he
+knew that our hero did not care for blows. Moreover, he was likely to
+give back better than he received. There was another way of wounding
+him, which prudence would have led him to hold in reserve. But he was
+too angry to be prudent. Moreover, he had had a note two days before
+from his mother, from which he learned that the wedding was to be
+solemnized on that very day. Probably at that moment his mother was Mrs.
+Kent.
+
+"I won't fight," he said, with an unpleasant smile, "seeing we're
+relations."
+
+"Relations!" repeated Jasper, with a look of surprise and inquiry. "I
+don't know what you mean."
+
+"You'll know soon enough," said Thorne, mockingly.
+
+A suspicion of the truth entered Jasper's mind. He turned pale, and
+said:
+
+"Will you step aside with me, Thorne, and tell me what you mean!"
+
+"If you like," said Thorne, indifferently.
+
+"Now," said Jasper, when they had withdrawn a few rods from the other
+boys.
+
+"It appears you haven't heard the news," said Thorne, with malicious
+enjoyment. "Your father has married my mother. That makes us
+step-brothers, doesn't it?"
+
+"My father married again!" said Jasper, recoiling as if he had received
+a blow.
+
+"Yes. Strange you wasn't invited to the wedding, isn't it?"
+
+An hour later Jasper, having obtained special permission from Dr.
+Benton, was on his way home, sick with apprehension lest this threatened
+misfortune should prove real.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+JASPER'S RETURN HOME.
+
+
+His father married again, and he left in ignorance of his intention!
+Jasper felt hurt that his father, for whom he cherished so deep and warm
+an affection, should have taken such a step without apprising him of it
+in advance. If he was to marry, certainly his only son ought to have
+been present at the wedding.
+
+"But it isn't father's fault," he thought, bitterly. "It's the fault of
+Miss Thorne. She is more artful and designing even than I thought. She
+has married my father for his wealth and position, and she was afraid I
+would dissuade him from such a step."
+
+It was certainly a bitter thought that he must look upon this woman as
+his step-mother--that she was to take the place of the mother whom he
+tenderly remembered, though six years had passed since she left him.
+But, after all, was it true? Might it not be the case that Thorne, who
+evidently disliked him, had fabricated the story in order to annoy him?
+There was a gleam of comfort in this, and he felt that he would
+willingly run the risk of being laughed at for having started on a
+"wild-goose chase" if only his fears could be relieved. But, after all,
+there was the possibility--nay, the probability, considering what he
+knew of Miss Thorne--that Thorne's story was all true.
+
+The cars stopped for a brief minute at the depot in Morton, Jasper's
+destination, and he jumped out. He looked eagerly about him to see if
+there was anyone of whom he could ask information. To his joy he caught
+sight of John, a serving-man in his father's employ.
+
+"Halloo, John!" he cried, "give me a hand with my valise!"
+
+"Why, Master Jasper!" returned John, in evident surprise, "I didn't know
+you were coming home."
+
+"I am not expected," said Jasper. "I came at a moment's notice."
+
+"You're too late for the wedding, Master Jasper."
+
+"For the wedding!" repeated Jasper, his heart sinking at this
+confirmation of his worst fears.
+
+"Yes; didn't you know of it?"
+
+"I heard something, but not much. Tell me about it. When did it take
+place?"
+
+"At ten o'clock this morning."
+
+"At the house?"
+
+"No; your father and the governess walked over to the church, and were
+married private like. There was nobody invited, but we were all
+surprised that you didn't come to it."
+
+"I knew nothing about it," said Jasper, sadly.
+
+"It was Miss Thorne's doings, then--leastways, I must say Mrs. Kent's,
+now."
+
+"I know it, John. My father would not have treated me that way. How long
+has it been going on--the--"
+
+"The courtship? Well, that was all on the side of Miss Thorne, I'm
+thinkin'. She wheedled your father into marrying her."
+
+"I wish I had been here."
+
+"Poor man! he felt too weak to resist, and he did it only because she
+teased him. I can take my oath of that."
+
+"It is infamous!" said Jasper. "Have they gone away?"
+
+"No; they ain't goin', I've heard. Your father don't feel able to
+travel, and the governess--I mean your step-mother--she don't care much.
+They're at home now."
+
+"Then I will go up. I suppose they will be surprised to see me."
+
+"Yes, they will, but your father'll be glad. He sets the world by you,
+Master Jasper."
+
+"I believe he does, John," said Jasper. "I wish I could have saved him
+from this misfortune."
+
+"It's too late now entirely."
+
+"You are right. I don't know but it might be best for me to turn round
+and go back again to school without going to the house at all; but I
+must face this thing, and see for myself. If you've got nothing else to
+do, John, you may carry my valise."
+
+"I'll do it, Master Jasper, directly. You go up to the house, and I'll
+be there in a jiffy."
+
+So Jasper walked thoughtfully and sadly homeward.
+
+We must precede him.
+
+In a sunny sitting-room on the second-floor sat Jasper Kent's father in
+a luxurious arm-chair. He was barely fifty, but evidently a chronic
+invalid. His constitution had been undermined years before by a
+residence of several years in Central America, where he had acquired a
+fortune, but paid a costly price therefor in the loss of his health.
+
+For years he had done no business other than to take care of his
+property, which was amply sufficient to enable him to live luxuriously.
+Yet he did not find the time hanging heavily upon his hands. Of a
+studious taste, he had surrounded himself with books and pictures. He
+received regularly a New York daily paper, and the leading magazines and
+reviews, and barring his ill-health, and occasional seasons of pain,
+passed his time in a placid and agreeable manner. Circumstances,
+perhaps, had fostered a disposition to indolence, and made it more
+difficult to resist the artful schemes of Miss Thorne, whom he had
+admitted into the house as governess of his little niece, Florence
+Grantley, but who had from the first cherished the ambitious design of
+making herself mistress of the establishment.
+
+It is needless to recapitulate the steps she took in this direction. It
+is enough to chronicle her ultimate success.
+
+We introduce the newly-married pair, as they sit conversing in the
+pleasant sitting-room already referred to.
+
+"I think Jasper ought to be at once informed of our marriage," said Mr.
+Kent.
+
+"There is no need of haste, in my opinion, my dear," said Mrs. Kent.
+
+"Indeed, he ought to have been present at the ceremony. I am afraid the
+poor boy will feel hurt that I should have left him wholly in the dark."
+
+Mrs. Kent's lip curled. Evidently she had no particular feeling for the
+"poor boy."
+
+"Lay the whole blame upon me, Mr. Kent," she said. "It was I who advised
+it, and I am willing to take the responsibility."
+
+"I know you advised it, my dear," said Mr. Kent, to whom this phrase was
+yet new; "but I could not understand why."
+
+"I will explain, and I think you will consider my explanation a good
+one. It would have taken Jasper's attention from his studies, and it
+might have been some time before he would have been able to resume them
+to advantage."
+
+"That may be, but still on an occasion of this kind--"
+
+"If the ceremony had not been so private--wholly out of regard to your
+health--of course he should have been recalled. As it is, it is better
+on all accounts not to disturb him. Did I tell you that I saw him last
+week?"
+
+"Saw Jasper?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Was he here? Why did I not see him?" asked Mr. Kent, in surprise.
+
+"It was not here that I saw him--it was at his school."
+
+"At his school! How came you to go there?" inquired her husband in still
+greater surprise.
+
+"I will tell you, though I have hitherto kept it a secret, as a matter
+of my own. Now, since I am your wife, it is only proper that I should
+acquaint you with it. I have a nephew at the same school."
+
+"You have a nephew at Dr. Benton's boarding-school?"
+
+"Yes," answered Mrs. Kent, lowering her voice to a compassionate
+inflection. "Poor boy! he has neither father nor mother! He is entirely
+dependent upon me. Out of my salary I have paid his expenses ever since
+I entered your employ."
+
+"That was generous and kind of you," said her husband, approvingly.
+"What is the boy's name?"
+
+"Nicholas Thorne."
+
+"Your brother's son, I suppose?" said Mr. Kent.
+
+"Ye--es," she replied, hesitatingly.
+
+"What is his age?"
+
+"Sixteen. He is about the same age as Jasper. Do I venture too much in
+asking you to become his friend?"
+
+Mrs. Kent modulated her voice, as she well knew how to do, to
+counterfeit warm and tender feeling, as she proffered this request. Her
+nature was feline, and she knew how to conceal her claws.
+
+"You may rely upon my co-operation, my dear," said Mr. Kent, kindly, "in
+your noble task."
+
+There was a latent gleam of triumph in Mrs. Kent's eyes as she heard
+this promise, which transferred to her husband a burden which had long
+been a drain upon her own slender purse. She had dreaded the effect of
+this announcement upon her husband, and finally, as we have seen,
+thought it best to change the relationship and call Nicholas her nephew,
+and not her son. So that difficulty was well surmounted, and the effect
+had been to impress Mr. Kent with a sense of her generous and unselfish
+devotion.
+
+But her exultation was short-lived. A bustle was heard outside. An
+instant later the door was thrown open, and Jasper entered the room,
+flushed and excited.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE STEP-MOTHER.
+
+
+"Jasper!" exclaimed his father, in surprise, but showing pleasure,
+nevertheless, at his son's unexpected presence.
+
+The boy went straight up to his father, passing within two feet of his
+father's wife, but without even looking at her.
+
+"Father!" he burst forth, impulsively, "is it true?"
+
+"Is what true?" asked his father, embarrassed, for he guessed what
+Jasper meant.
+
+"Are you married--to her?" pointing to Mrs. Kent, who looked indignant
+at the reference.
+
+"Yes, Jasper," answered his father, nervously. "Shake hands with
+your--with Mrs. Kent."
+
+He was about to say "your mother," but something in his memory, perhaps
+something in his son's face, led him to change the expression.
+
+Jasper did not apparently heed the suggestion. Instead, he said,
+reproachfully:
+
+"Why was it, father, that you left me in ignorance of your intention?"
+
+"She thought it best," said his father, in an apologetic tone.
+
+Mrs. Kent spoke for the first time.
+
+"Yes, Jasper, we thought it would only interrupt your studies."
+
+Jasper could not help a slight sneer, as he answered:
+
+"You were very considerate, madam; but it seems to me that such an
+important event in my father's life would justify an interruption."
+
+Mrs. Kent repressed her real feelings of anger and vexation, and
+answered mildly, and with an affectation of good humor:
+
+"I don't know but you are right, Jasper, and we were wrong. At any rate,
+since you have come it is a pity you were not here earlier, so that you
+could have been present at the ceremony. It was quite private, as your
+father can tell you."
+
+"Yes, Jasper, there were no invitations issued," said his father.
+
+"I wish that I had come earlier," said Jasper, slowly.
+
+"At any rate, now that you are here," said Mrs. Kent, with well-feigned
+cordiality, for it was politic to keep on good terms with Jasper, since
+he was his father's favorite, "you will stay a day or two."
+
+"You forget, madam, the interruption to my studies," said Jasper.
+
+"I should like to wring the boy's neck," thought Mrs. Kent, her eyes
+contracting slightly, but she answered, amiably: "I am afraid I have
+thought too much of that already. Let me make amends by welcoming you,
+and asking you to stay as long as you can."
+
+Mr. Kent nodded approvingly at these words of his wife.
+
+"I ought not to complain," said Jasper, "since you treated me no worse
+than you did your own son."
+
+"Nicholas has betrayed my secret!" thought Mrs. Kent, turning pale.
+
+"What are you talking about, Jasper?" demanded Mr. Kent, surprised. "My
+wife has no son."
+
+"Jasper means my nephew," explained Mrs. Kent, recovering her assurance.
+
+"He said you were his mother," said Jasper.
+
+"Yes," said Mrs. Kent, with admirable composure, "the poor boy has
+always looked upon me as a mother, though such is not our relationship.
+Indeed, I may say, orphan as he is, I have been a mother to him."
+
+"And it is very much to your credit, my dear," said Mr. Kent, kindly.
+"We must have him here on a visit. As Jasper's schoolmate, and your
+nephew, he shall be doubly welcome."
+
+"You are very kind, Mr. Kent," said his wife, in a tone which might well
+be mistaken for that of grateful emotion. "It will, indeed, be a treat
+to my poor Nicholas to come here, even for a day."
+
+"He must spend his next vacation here, eh, Jasper? It will be pleasant
+for you to have a boy of your own age here."
+
+"Do as you like, father," said Jasper, who didn't care to say how
+distasteful the proposition was to him, or to explain the nature of the
+relations between Nicholas and himself.
+
+Mrs. Kent looked at him sharply as he spoke, and understood better how
+he felt. But, as he did not openly object, she was satisfied. It was
+what she had wished to bring about, and she felt pleased that the
+proposal had come from Mr. Kent, and that Jasper had not spoken against
+it.
+
+"I will go and order your room to be made ready for you, Jasper," she
+said. "You had better write to Dr. Benton that you will stay with us a
+day or two."
+
+So saying, she left the room, and Jasper was left alone with his father.
+
+"Don't you like this marriage, Jasper?" asked his father, anxiously,
+seeing that his son looked sober.
+
+"No, father," answered Jasper, frankly. "I have not yet got over the
+shock of the first news."
+
+"You think I ought to have told you about it."
+
+"You are not accustomed to keep secrets from me, father."
+
+"I did it for the best, Jasper; I wanted to tell you, but she--Mrs.
+Kent--thought it best not."
+
+"I am afraid, father," said Jasper, sadly, "it will not be the only time
+that she is destined to come between us."
+
+"No, Jasper," answered his father, with more energy than was usual with
+him, "that shall not be. I am sure she would not wish it, and I know I
+wouldn't permit it. I hope, my dear boy, that you will become reconciled
+to the new state of things."
+
+"One thing would reconcile me to it," said Jasper.
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"To be assured that it would promote your happiness."
+
+"I feel sure that it will," said Mr. Kent, but he did not speak very
+confidently.
+
+"If it be so, it is all I ask. But tell me, father, did you marry for
+love?"
+
+Mr. Kent hesitated.
+
+"I am too old for that, Jasper," he answered, pleasantly. "The fact is,
+I need a nurse and Miss Thorne needed a home; and, in fact, without
+pretending to any sentimental reason, we concluded that it would be the
+best thing under the circumstances."
+
+"Was she very much surprised when you made the proposal, father?" asked
+Jasper, significantly.
+
+"No, I can't say she was," answered his father, embarrassed.
+
+"It is as I thought," Jasper said to himself; "she inveigled my father
+into the marriage."
+
+He said aloud:
+
+"Well, father, I heartily hope it will be for your happiness; and now
+let us talk about something else. Shall I tell you about the school?"
+
+"Yes, Jasper."
+
+So Jasper gossiped about school matters in a way that interested his
+father, and the two forgot for a time that a new tie had been formed
+that might possibly make a difference between them.
+
+Meanwhile Mrs. Kent, instead of giving directions about Jasper's room,
+opened her writing-desk and wrote a hurried note to Nicholas. In this
+she said:
+
+    "Remember, Nicholas, you are to pass for my nephew. Why were you
+    so imprudent as to tell Jasper I was your mother? I have explained
+    that you regard me as a mother, though really my nephew. You must
+    give the same explanation. Jasper is at home now, not very well
+    pleased to find that he has a step-mother. But it is done, and he
+    will find it can't be undone. Be prudent, follow my directions
+    implicitly, and you will find it to your account.
+
+    "Your devoted aunt,
+
+    "Matilda Thorne Kent.
+
+    "P.S.--I have told Mr. Kent about you, and he authorizes me to
+    invite you here to spend the next vacation."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+NEW RELATIONS.
+
+
+Jasper remained till the next afternoon. His father urged him to stay
+longer, and his step-mother, with apparent cordiality, seconded the
+invitation; but Jasper felt that the charm of home was gone. The new
+wife had stepped in between his father and himself. He felt sure that
+the marriage had not been of his father's seeking. To him it was no
+object. To the former governess it was a matter of importance, since it
+secured her a permanent home and position, and a share of Mr. Kent's
+property.
+
+There was an old servant in the family, a trusty maid, who had been in
+it before Jasper was born. With her he could speak confidentially.
+
+"Tell me, Margaret," he asked, "how came my father to marry Miss
+Thorne?"
+
+Margaret went to the door and looked out cautiously, then closed it.
+
+"I don't want her to hear what I say," she commenced, when convinced
+that they were in no danger of listeners, "but it's my belief she asked
+your father to marry her."
+
+"Do you really believe that, Margaret?"
+
+"Yes, I do, Master Jasper. She's that bold she wouldn't mind it, not a
+bit. Only she'd do it sly-like. I know just how she'd do it. She'd tell
+him how she hadn't got a home, and must go out into the wide world, and
+get him to pity her. Then, you know, he'd got used to seeing her round,
+and a sick man don't like changes."
+
+"Why couldn't she stay as governess to Florence?"
+
+"According to her father's will Florence is to pass the next four years
+in the family of his sister, and she--that's her aunt--has a governess
+for her own children that'll do for Florence, too. So there wasn't no
+need of Miss Thorne staying here any longer. Your father asked her to
+stay a while, till she could find another place. It's my belief she
+didn't try, being bent on staying here as the mistress. At any rate, she
+told your father she couldn't get a place, and he offered her the one
+she wanted, that of his wife."
+
+"How do you like her, Margaret?" asked Jasper, thoughtfully.
+
+"Me like her! That's what I never did. She's like a cat--soft-spoken
+enough when she has her own way, but she's got claws, and you may depend
+she'll show 'em. I hope she won't do anything to harm you, Master
+Jasper."
+
+"Me!" said Jasper, with the bold confidence of a boy, laughing at the
+thought. "What can Mrs. Kent--a woman--do to injure me? I'll risk that,
+Margaret. It's of my father I'm thinking. Will she treat him well?"
+
+"I think she will, for it's her object to, Master Jasper. She's married
+him for money, you know."
+
+"I don't mind her benefiting by my father's property, if she will make
+him comfortable during his life."
+
+"I think she will; she's too sly, and knows her own interest too well
+not to."
+
+"I'm glad you think that, Margaret. I shall feel better about it."
+
+          *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *
+
+"Then you don't think you can stay, Jasper?" said Mrs. Kent, softly,
+when he announced his determination.
+
+"No, madam, I think I ought to be getting back to school."
+
+"Perhaps you are right. We shall miss you."
+
+"Yes, Jasper, we shall miss you," said his father.
+
+"I will write you often, father. If you are not feeling well at any
+time, write and let me know."
+
+"I will do so, Jasper," said his step-mother, promptly; "but I shall
+have better news to write. Your father shall have the best of care."
+
+"Thank you, madam. If you can contribute to his comfort, you will place
+me under obligations to you."
+
+"As a wife, it will be my duty as well as my pleasure to do so," said
+Mrs. Kent.
+
+Jasper bowed. The suggestion of the relationship always fell
+unpleasantly on his ears.
+
+The carriage came round to take Jasper to the depot. His father and
+step-mother looked out of the front windows, and saw him off.
+
+"He is a noble, warm-hearted boy," said his father, warmly.
+
+"Yes," said Mrs. Kent, assenting, because it was expected.
+
+"Manly and high-spirited, too!" added his father, in a tone full of
+affectionate admiration.
+
+"I'd like to break his spirit!" thought Mrs. Kent, spitefully. "Some
+time I may have the chance." Of course she didn't venture to say this.
+She only inquired, "Were you like him at his age, Mr. Kent?"
+
+Mr. Kent smiled.
+
+"I won't flatter myself so far," he answered. "Jasper is an improvement
+on the parent stock. I see in him more manliness and self-reliance than
+I possessed at his age."
+
+"May it not be parental partiality?" asked Mrs. Kent, who by no means
+enjoyed hearing Jasper's praises.
+
+"No, I don't think so."
+
+"You must let me believe that it is your modesty then. Jasper may be a
+fine boy, but he will do well if he grows up as good a man as you."
+
+"Now you flatter me, my dear," said Mr. Kent, smiling. "You have too
+good an opinion of me."
+
+"I don't know about that," said Mrs. Kent to herself. "I think you are
+an addle-headed old fool, but I won't say so."
+
+Aloud she said, with a smile: "My marrying you is a proof of my good
+opinion, Mr. Kent."
+
+"Thank you," said her husband, politely.
+
+He was not a suspicious man--far from it--but even he knew that his wife
+only married him for a home and an establishment. But he never let his
+mind dwell on such things, and he quietly permitted his wife's assertion
+to go uncontradicted.
+
+          *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *
+
+Meanwhile Jasper Kent had returned to his boarding-school. There was one
+who awaited his return with mingled curiosity and exultation.
+
+This was Nicholas Thorne.
+
+He had received his mother's letter, from which he learned, first, that
+her plan had succeeded, and she was now the wife of a rich man, and,
+secondly, that his own relationship to her must be changed in the eyes
+of the world.
+
+"I suppose mother knows what is best," he said to himself. "So I'm to be
+her nephew, am I? Well, it's all one to me, as long as I fare the better
+for her good fortune."
+
+For the moment it occurred to him that his mother might intend to throw
+him off--in a measure--but he quickly laid it aside. Bad as his mother
+was, she was yet devoted to him, and in so far was superior to him, for
+he cared for himself first and for no one second. The thought originated
+in his own base selfishness, and was laid aside only because he had
+received too many proof's of his mother's affection to doubt her.
+
+When he heard that Jasper had got back he took pains to meet him.
+
+"Well, Kent," he said, with a show of intimacy which Jasper found very
+disagreeable, "what news from home?"
+
+Jasper was about to reply abruptly, when it occurred to him that, after
+all, Nicholas had an interest in the matter.
+
+"I suppose you mean to ask if your mother is well?" he said, eyeing
+Jasper keenly.
+
+But Nicholas was on his guard. His mother's letter had cautioned him.
+
+"No, I don't," he answered, impudently. "She is your mother, not mine."
+
+"My mother!" exclaimed Jasper, coloring.
+
+"Yes, she's your father's wife, isn't she?" said Thorne, with a leer.
+
+"Yes, but I acknowledge no such relationship as you suggest."
+
+"She's your step-mother, whatever you say."
+
+"I shall never call her so. You told me before I went that she was your
+mother."
+
+"I have always called her so, because I have known no other," said
+Thorne, composedly. "She is really my aunt."
+
+"It must be true, then," thought Jasper. "However, it is of little
+importance to me what the relationship may be."
+
+"I suppose this match makes us relations," said Thorne, smiling
+disagreeably.
+
+"I don't see that it does," said Jasper, coldly.
+
+"You'd rather it wouldn't, I suppose," sneered Thorne, provoked.
+
+"I don't know you well enough to desire so close a connection," said
+Jasper, in the same cold tone.
+
+"We shall know each other well enough some time," said Thorne, with
+something of menace in his tone.
+
+Jasper turned on his heel and walked away.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+SUDDEN DEATH.
+
+
+Two months later there was a vacation for a week. Nicholas expected to
+spend this with his mother, but for some reason Mrs. Kent gave him no
+invitation. Probably she thought that Nicholas, though a paragon in her
+eyes, was not likely to win favor in the eyes of Mr. Kent. His rough,
+brutal disposition would have repelled the sick man, who had become
+gentle in his enforced seclusion.
+
+Thorne was disappointed, but his disappointment was softened by a timely
+remittance of ten dollars from his mother, which he spent partly in
+surreptitious games of billiards, partly in overloading his stomach with
+pastry and nearly making himself sick.
+
+Jasper spent the week at home. His company was the source of great
+comfort and joy to his father, and this repaid him for the intrusion of
+his step-mother.
+
+She treated him with politeness and apparent cordiality, but once or
+twice, when he chanced to look up unexpectedly, he detected her eyes
+fixed upon him with a glance that seemed to express detestation. On
+these occasions her expression changed instantly, and she addressed him
+in a soft, friendly voice.
+
+All this puzzled him.
+
+"Does she hate me or not?" he asked himself. "I certainly don't like
+her. Still, I shall force myself to treat her politely as long as she
+treats my father well."
+
+His father seldom spoke of his wife to his son, but sometimes Jasper
+noticed that he breathed a sigh of relief when she left the room, as if
+her presence had been a restraint upon him.
+
+He didn't like to ask his father any question directly as to the
+relations between them. He hoped that at least they did not add to his
+father's discomfort.
+
+At the end of the week Jasper was about to return to school.
+
+"How long before you have another vacation, Jasper?" asked his father,
+wistfully.
+
+"Eleven weeks, father."
+
+"It seems a long time, Jasper."
+
+"I can come home during that time."
+
+"To my mind such interruptions of study are bad for a boy," said Mrs.
+Kent.
+
+"Perhaps they are," assented Mr. Kent, reluctantly.
+
+"I won't let them be an interruption, father," said Jasper. "If you want
+me to come home, I will."
+
+"I hope, Jasper, you will understand my motive for speaking," said Mrs.
+Kent, softly. "I should really be glad to see you, but sometimes we have
+to sacrifice our own inclinations--don't we, Mr. Kent?"
+
+"Yes, my dear," said Mr. Kent, listlessly.
+
+And he turned his eyes once more to Jasper, who had his overcoat on and
+was waiting for the carriage to convey him to the depot.
+
+"Do you feel as well as usual, father?" asked Jasper, anxiously.
+
+"Yes, I don't know but I do; perhaps a little more languid, but that is
+not unusual."
+
+"Well, good-bye, father. If you want to see me at any time, write a
+line, and I'll come at once."
+
+"Thank you, my dear boy. Don't overwork yourself at school."
+
+There was a slight smile on Mrs. Kent's thin lips. Jasper noticed and
+mentally resented it. But the time had come for leave-taking, and he
+hurried away.
+
+Six weeks passed. Jasper heard from home that his father was about the
+same, and this assurance relieved him of anxiety. Still, he made up his
+mind that he would spend the next Sunday at home. He would go on
+Saturday morning and come back on Monday morning, and he knew that his
+father would enjoy even this brief visit. But he was destined to go home
+quicker.
+
+On Thursday afternoon a boy came up to the main entrance of Dr. Benton's
+school.
+
+"It's the boy from the telegraph office," said Wilder to Jasper.
+
+"I wonder whether he's got a message for the doctor or one of us boys?"
+said Jasper, not suspecting that it was for himself.
+
+"I'll ask," said Wilder. "Here, you, boy! who's your telegram for?"
+
+"For Jasper Kent," said the boy. "Will you call him?"
+
+"I am he," said Jasper, hurrying forward, with pale face and beating
+heart, for a telegram always inspires fear.
+
+"Then here it is. Just sign the book," said the boy.
+
+Jasper scrawled his name hurriedly and tore open the envelope.
+
+These were the brief words of the dispatch:
+
+    "Come home, for the Lord's sake, Master Jasper. Your father's dying.
+
+    "Margaret Bower."
+
+The paper swam before Jasper's eyes.
+
+"What is it, Jasper--bad news?" asked Wilder; but Jasper did not wait to
+answer. He rushed to Dr. Benton's office, got his permission to go home,
+packed his valise, and in five minutes was on his way to the depot.
+
+He was just in time for the afternoon train. At seven o'clock in the
+evening he entered the avenue that led to his father's house. Throwing
+open the front door, he met Margaret in the hall.
+
+"I'm glad you're here, Master Jasper," said the faithful handmaiden,
+heartily.
+
+"Is it too late?"
+
+"I hope not; indeed, I hope not."
+
+Jasper waited for no more, but rushed up stairs and into his father's
+room.
+
+There were two persons there--the step-mother and a man of thirty, with
+black whiskers and sallow complexion, with whom she was talking
+earnestly. They, started when Jasper entered, and looked discouraged.
+Mrs. Kent looked displeased and annoyed.
+
+"How is my father?" exclaimed Jasper, excitedly.
+
+"Hush! He is very low," said Mrs. Kent "You shouldn't have dashed in
+here so abruptly."
+
+"Is there no hope for him?" asked the boy, sorrowfully.
+
+"No, my young friend," said the man, smoothly. "All has been done that
+human skill can do, but without avail."
+
+"Are you the doctor?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"Where is Dr. Graham, my father's old doctor?"
+
+"I dismissed him," said his step-mother, "He was not competent to attend
+so critical a case. This is Dr. Kenyon."
+
+"I never before heard Dr. Graham's skill doubted," said Jasper. "Is my
+father conscious?"
+
+"No; he is under the influence of morphine. Do not wake him up."
+
+"Was he, then, in great pain?"
+
+"Yes, in great pain."
+
+Quietly Jasper drew near the bedside.
+
+His father lay unconscious, his form rigid, his face thin and betraying
+marks of weariness and suffering. The tears rose to the eyes of Jasper
+as he realized that his father was passing away. As he looked on there
+was a slight convulsive movement; then repose. In that one moment his
+father had passed on to another world.
+
+The doctor had approached the bedside also, and he, too, saw the
+movement.
+
+"He is dead!" he announced.
+
+"Dead!" repeated Mrs. Kent, in a voice rather of surprise than of
+sorrow.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well," she said, coolly, "we must all die. We have the satisfaction of
+knowing that we have done all we could do to preserve his life."
+
+"Certainly, my dear madam; you may comfort yourself by that thought,"
+said the physician.
+
+"Why did you not send for me before?" asked Jasper, turning with moist
+eyes to his step-mother, "that I might see my father before he died?"
+
+"We could not foresee his sudden death," said Mrs. Kent. "How do you
+happen to be here this afternoon?"
+
+"Didn't you direct Margaret to telegraph for me?" asked Jasper,
+surprised.
+
+"Did Margaret take upon herself to telegraph to you?" asked Mrs. Kent,
+in a tone of displeasure.
+
+"Yes," said Jasper, bitterly. "Did you mean to keep me wholly
+unacquainted with my father's illness?"
+
+"No; I wrote a line this afternoon, which I should have sent to the
+office at once."
+
+"When it was too late!"
+
+"Your reproaches are unseemly and uncalled for," said his step-mother,
+quite coldly.
+
+"I think differently," said Jasper, bitterly. "You should have sent for
+me as soon as my father got worse than usual."
+
+"In consideration of your grief I will overlook your impertinence," said
+Mrs. Kent, compressing her thin lips, as she left the room.
+
+The doctor followed her out, and Jasper was left alone with the dead.
+
+He did not realize it, but his father's death was to seriously affect
+his fortunes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+A DECLARATION OF WAR.
+
+
+Half an hour later Jasper left the room where his father lay dead. He
+did not seek the presence of his step-mother, who, he felt, had done him
+wrong in keeping from him his father's condition. He went instead to the
+kitchen, where he found Margaret.
+
+"This is a sad day for you, Master Jasper," said the sympathizing
+servant.
+
+"It is, indeed, Margaret. I have lost my best friend."
+
+"True for you."
+
+"But for your telegram, I should not have known even now that he was
+dangerously ill, I thought at first Mrs. Kent asked you to telegraph."
+
+"No, she didn't. I asked her would she send for you, and she told me it
+was none of my business."
+
+"It was lucky you didn't heed her," said Jasper. "She is a cold,
+unfeeling woman."
+
+"That she is, Master Jasper," assented Margaret, with emphasis.
+
+"How long has my father been so sick?"
+
+"For a week or more, but he took a sudden turn at the last. I think he
+got worse after the new doctor came."
+
+"I wanted to ask you about that. Why was Dr. Graham dismissed? He has
+attended my father for years."
+
+"Shall I tell you what I think, Master Jasper?" said Margaret, stopping
+short in her work, and looking mysterious.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Let me whisper it, then. Come nearer, Master Jasper."
+
+Rather surprised at her manner, Jasper obeyed.
+
+"It's my belief," she whispered, "that your step-mother didn't want your
+father to get well."
+
+Jasper looked horror-struck.
+
+"Are you crazy, Margaret?" he ejaculated.
+
+She nodded her head positively.
+
+"I know what I'm saying," she answered.
+
+"But what can make you believe such a horrible thing?" he asked.
+
+She answered in the same low voice:
+
+"A month ago she got your father to make his will. What there is in it I
+don't know, but it is likely it suits her. After that she had nothing to
+gain by his living."
+
+"You don't think she'd--" Jasper hesitated to proceed.
+
+"Poison him? No, I don't. It wasn't needful; but your papa was that
+delicate, it would be enough if he was not rightly treated, and I don't
+believe this new doctor did the right thing by him. Dr. Graham and Mrs.
+Kent never could agree, but she and the new doctor have been as thick as
+can be. They understand one another, I'll be bound."
+
+Jasper looked shocked, and was silent for a moment.
+
+"I don't like Mrs. Kent," he said, "but, Margaret, I hope you're wrong
+in this. That any one could wish my dear, gentle father dead I find it
+hard to believe."
+
+"You haven't seen as much of your step-mother as I have, Master Jasper."
+
+"Heaven grant you are wrong, Margaret! If I thought it were true I
+should never want to look at the woman again."
+
+"Hush!" said Margaret, suddenly putting her hand on her lip.
+
+Jasper understood her caution, when he saw his step-mother enter the
+kitchen. She looked from one to the other with a suspicious glance.
+
+"This is a strange place for you, Jasper," said she, in slow, cold
+accents.
+
+"I don't see why, madam," he answered, in a voice equally cold.
+
+"I find you--a young gentleman--conferring with a servant."
+
+"With a trusted servant, who has been in our family for years. Nothing
+could be more natural."
+
+"I don't agree with you," said Mrs. Kent, in a chilly tone.
+
+"I am unfortunate in not winning your approbation," said Jasper, not
+caring to suppress the sarcasm.
+
+"It strikes me you are impertinent," said Mrs. Kent.
+
+She had thrown off the mask. During her husband's life she had taken
+special pains to be polite to Jasper, though in so doing she did
+violence to her feelings. There was no more to be gained by it, and she
+had changed suddenly. Jasper could not help alluding to it.
+
+"How happens it, madam," he said, "that your treatment of me has changed
+so entirely since my father's death? Brief as the interval is, you have
+lost no time."
+
+There was hatred in the glance she shot at him.
+
+"I was silent out of regard to your father, who was blind to your
+faults," she answered. "You must not expect me to be equally blind."
+
+"I don't, madam."
+
+"Do you intend to remain in the kitchen?" demanded Mrs. Kent
+
+"I was questioning Margaret about my father's last days."
+
+"I am the proper one to question."
+
+"Would you have afforded me the information I desired?"
+
+"If the questions you asked were of a proper character."
+
+"Mrs. Kent, I will take you at your word. How does it happen that you
+dismissed Dr. Graham, my father's old family physician?"
+
+His step-mother hesitated and looked angry, but she replied, after a
+brief pause:
+
+"He did not understand the case."
+
+"What makes you think so? He certainly ought to understand my father's
+constitution."
+
+"Perhaps he ought, but he didn't," said Mrs. Kent, sharply.
+
+"You haven't given any reason."
+
+"I have given all I choose. I don't mean to be catechised by a boy."
+
+"Who is this Dr. Kenyon whom you called in afterward?"
+
+"A very skilful physician."
+
+"He looks young."
+
+"He has a high reputation."
+
+"When did he assume charge of my father's case?"
+
+"A week ago."
+
+"And since then he has grown steadily worse."
+
+"Who told you that?" demanded Mrs. Kent, sharply.
+
+"Is it not true?"
+
+"Did Margaret tell you this?"
+
+"I did," said Margaret, quietly.
+
+"I shall remember this," said Mrs. Kent, spitefully.
+
+"I didn't need to ask Margaret," said Jasper, "when my father lies dead
+after a week's treatment by this skilful physician."
+
+Mrs. Kent was white with anger.
+
+"You ought to know that life and death are in the power of no doctor,"
+she said, for, angry as she was, she saw that it was necessary to reply
+to what Jasper said. "In sending for Dr. Kenyon I did not much expect
+that he would cure your father, but I felt that it was my duty to give
+him this last chance. Unfortunately he was too far gone."
+
+"You thought that matters were as bad as that a week ago, and yet you
+didn't send for me?" exclaimed Jasper.
+
+"It would have done no good," said she, coldly.
+
+"But it would have been a satisfaction to me to see something of him in
+his last sickness. Mrs. Kent, you haven't treated me right in this
+matter."
+
+"Is that the way for a boy to talk to his--elder?"
+
+"Yes, if he says only what is strictly true."
+
+"I shall not continue this conversation," said Mrs. Kent, haughtily,
+"nor shall I submit to be talked to in this style. It is not for your
+interest to make me your enemy," she added, significantly.
+
+Jasper was frank and fearless by temperament, and anything in the shape
+of a menace roused his high spirit.
+
+"That consideration doesn't weigh with me a particle," he said, hastily.
+
+"We will see," she retorted, and with a look of anger she swept from the
+room.
+
+"Margaret," said Jasper, abruptly, "did you go into my father's
+sick-chamber at any time?"
+
+"Yes, Master Jasper."
+
+"Did you ever hear my father inquire after me?"
+
+"I heard him say more than once, with a sigh like, that he wished to see
+you."
+
+"And she wouldn't send for me!" exclaimed Jasper, bitterly.
+
+"She always opposed it, saying it wouldn't do no good, and would only
+take you off your studies."
+
+"Much she cared for my studies! Margaret, I will never forgive that
+woman, never!"
+
+"Well, I can't blame you, Master Jasper."
+
+Here Margaret heard her name called in a loud voice, and was forced to
+obey.
+
+"She wants to separate us," thought Jasper, as he slowly and sadly went
+up to his own chamber.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+NICHOLAS APPEARS UPON THE SCENE.
+
+
+The funeral was over. Mrs. Kent was considered by those present to
+display a great deal of fortitude. As she felt no real grief for the
+death of her husband, this was not remarkable. Jasper looked pale and
+sorrowful, but gave way to no violent demonstrations of sorrow, though
+he began to understand that he had not only lost his best friend, but
+become at the same time exposed to the machinations of a resolute and
+relentless enemy.
+
+In due time the will was read.
+
+It was very brief, and clear in its provisions.
+
+To Mrs. Kent was left one-third of the estate, real and personal, of
+which the deceased was possessed, and the balance was willed to his only
+child and dear son Jasper, of whom his step-mother was left guardian.
+
+When this clause was read Mrs. Kent directed a brief and triumphant
+glance at Jasper. He met the glance, and understood what it meant. He
+knew that it boded him no good.
+
+The company assembled gradually dispersed, and Jasper was left alone
+with his step-mother.
+
+"You see that I am left your guardian," she said.
+
+"Yes," answered Jasper, briefly.
+
+"Perhaps you would have chosen a different one if the choice had been
+left to you," she continued, with a sneer.
+
+"I should," said Jasper, promptly.
+
+"Well, that is plain language."
+
+"I suppose you expected a plain answer," said the boy, firmly.
+
+"I did not expect a polite one. You appear to forget that I am a lady."
+
+"You are mistaken, madam. I am ready to treat you as well as you treat
+me. I won't pretend that I like your guardianship, as I fear that we
+shall not agree."
+
+"If we don't, you will have to yield," said his step-mother.
+
+"I would rather not dispute till it is absolutely necessary," said
+Jasper. "May I ask whether you desire me to return to school?"
+
+"I have not made up my mind. I may be able to tell you to-morrow."
+
+"Until you make up your mind you expect me to remain at home, I
+suppose?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+Jasper bowed and turned away. He went down stairs into the hall just as
+the front door was opened, and the familiar voice of Nicholas Thorne was
+heard. Jasper stared in some surprise at the intruder, not knowing that
+he was expected.
+
+"Halloo, Jasper!" said Thorne, boisterously. "How are you?"
+
+"I am well," said Jasper, distantly.
+
+"Where's mother?"
+
+"Your mother? Your aunt, you mean."
+
+"No, I don't. That's all gammon. She's my mother."
+
+"She is!" exclaimed Jasper. "What made you deny it, then?"
+
+"Policy," said Thorne, laughing. "Your father might not have liked it.
+Now it's all right."
+
+"Did your mother send for you?" asked Jasper.
+
+"Yes, of course she did. This is to be my home now."
+
+Jasper made no comment. What could he say? If Thorne were his
+step-mother's son, it was only natural that he should live in the house
+of which she was mistress.
+
+But it seemed to him as if he were being pushed out of his own father's
+house, and these strangers were coming in to occupy it He felt that it
+would no longer seem like home to him.
+
+"Well, where's my mother?" asked Thorne.
+
+"She's up stairs. Shall I show you the way?"
+
+"If you're a mind to. I guess I'll know my own way round here pretty
+soon."
+
+"What a detestable fellow!" thought Jasper. "I am afraid we shall
+quarrel soon."
+
+He led the way up stairs, and ushered Nicholas into his mother's
+presence.
+
+This uncouth boy was the one object this selfish woman loved. She
+uttered an exclamation of delight.
+
+"Welcome home, my dear Nicholas!" she exclaimed, advancing hastily and
+throwing her arms round his neck.
+
+He received the embrace apathetically, but made no opposition, as at
+another time he might have done. He felt on good terms with his mother
+and the whole world, in the face of the brilliant improvement of his
+prospects.
+
+"Are you well, my dear boy?" asked Mrs. Kent.
+
+"Oh, I'm well enough, mother. This is a splendid old place, isn't it?"
+
+Mrs. Kent laughed at Jasper.
+
+"Yes, it is a fine country-place."
+
+Jasper left the two, and went down stairs.
+
+"Say, mother, how about the will?" asked Thorne. "Is it all right?"
+
+"A third of the estate is left to me."
+
+"Only a third! Does Jasper get the rest?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"That's a shame. You ought to have had half."
+
+"I shall have control of the whole till Jasper is of age. I am left his
+guardian."
+
+"That's good, anyhow. You must make him toe the mark, mother."
+
+"I mean to."
+
+"He's always had his own way, and he may give you trouble. He feels high
+and mighty. I can tell you."
+
+"I shall know how to deal with him," said Mrs. Kent, closing her thin
+lips resolutely. "He will find me as firm as himself."
+
+"I guess that's so, mother. You'll prove a tough customer."
+
+Mrs. Kent smiled, as if she enjoyed the compliment.
+
+"I'll stand by you, mother. If you have any trouble, just call me in."
+
+"I don't expect to need any help, Nicholas; but I am glad to find I have
+a brave son, who will stand by his mother."
+
+Certainly no one believed in Nicholas so thoroughly as his mother. To
+the world generally he was a cowardly bully, rough, brutal, and selfish.
+In his mother's eyes he was manly and a paragon of youthful virtue. I
+have already said that Thorne's affection for his mother was far less
+disinterested, as is very apt to be the case with boys. His intention to
+benefit by the change of circumstances was shown at once.
+
+"What allowance are you going to give me, mother?" he asked.
+
+"I have not thought, yet, Nicholas."
+
+"Then I want you to think, mother."
+
+"How much do you want?"
+
+"I want as much as Jasper gets."
+
+"You shall receive as much," said his mother, promptly. "Do you know how
+much he has received?"
+
+"Yes--he has had five dollars a week."
+
+"That's too much."
+
+"It isn't too much for me."
+
+"I shall reduce his allowance to three dollars a week."
+
+"You don't expect me to get along on three dollars?" grumbled Thorne.
+
+"I will give you five."
+
+"And Jasper only three?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Won't he be mad!" exclaimed Nicholas, with malicious satisfaction.
+"What'll you say to him about it?"
+
+"I shall merely announce my decision," said Mrs. Kent, coolly. "I am not
+bound to assign any reasons."
+
+"Won't there be a precious row!" said Thorne.
+
+"I presume he will complain, but he has not conducted himself toward me
+in a manner to secure any favors."
+
+"I say, mother, can you give me my first week's allowance in advance?
+I'm awful hard up."
+
+"Here, my son," said Mrs. Kent, drawing out her pocket-book and placing
+a five-dollar bill in her son's hand.
+
+"Good for you, mother. When are you going to have supper?"
+
+"In an hour."
+
+"How much property did the old man leave?"
+
+"The estate is probably fully up to one hundred thousand dollars. This
+place is worth fifteen thousand. The rest is in good interest-paying
+stocks and bonds."
+
+"And a third belongs to you! I say, mother, you've feathered your nest
+well. I guess I'll go out and take a look round."
+
+In the rear of the house, in front of the stable, Nicholas caught sight
+of Jasper.
+
+He smiled maliciously.
+
+"I'll go and tell him about the reduction in his allowance," he said to
+himself.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE OUTBREAK OF HOSTILITIES.
+
+
+Jasper was quietly thinking over his change of circumstances when he was
+roused by a rather violent slap on the shoulder.
+
+Turning hastily, he saw that it was Nicholas.
+
+"I say, this is a jolly place, Jasper," said Thorne.
+
+"Yes," said Jasper. "It has been my home as far back as I can remember."
+
+"That's where you have the advantage of me, but after all it doesn't
+make much difference, as long as it's going to be my home now."
+
+Jasper didn't reply.
+
+"I say, Kent, it seems odd that me and you are brothers," said Thorne,
+not very grammatically.
+
+"We are not," said Jasper, quickly.
+
+"It's all the same--we've got the same mother."
+
+"You are mistaken," said Jasper, coldly.
+
+"You know what I mean. She's my mother and your step-mother."
+
+"That's very different. Besides, the relationship is so very recent that
+I find it hard to think of your mother as any relation at all."
+
+"She is, though. I suppose me and you will be a good deal together now."
+
+"I don't know what my future plans will be," said Jasper, not very much
+elated by this prospect.
+
+"No, I suppose not. Mother'll arrange about them. How much allowance did
+your father use to give you?"
+
+Jasper thought at first of refusing to reply, but it occurred to him
+that under the new and strange circumstances it was not an improper
+question for Nicholas to ask. He therefore decided to reply.
+
+"Five dollars a week," he answered.
+
+"When was it paid?"
+
+"On Saturday."
+
+"See here," said Thorne, drawing from his vest pocket the five-dollar
+bill his mother had given him.
+
+"What of it?" said Jasper.
+
+"It's my allowance for this week," said Thorne, triumphantly.
+
+"I congratulate you," said Jasper, coldly.
+
+"That's kind in you," returned Thorne, with a sneer, "especially as you
+are cut down."
+
+"What do you mean?" asked Jasper, hastily.
+
+"Mother says five dollars a week is too much for you. She's going to cut
+you down to three."
+
+The indignant color came to Jasper's cheek. Was this interloper--this
+stranger--to be preferred to him in his own father's house? He was not
+excessively fond of money, and had there been need would not have
+objected to a reduction of his allowance. But to be deprived of his
+rights in favor of a fellow like Thorne was intolerable. If Nicholas
+wished to annoy and anger him, he had succeeded.
+
+"Who told you this?" demanded Jasper, sharply.
+
+"My mother," answered Nicholas, with a gratified smile.
+
+"When?"
+
+"About fifteen minutes ago," replied Thorne, with provoking coolness.
+
+"I don't think she would do anything so outrageous."
+
+"Don't you? You'll find mother's got plenty of grit."
+
+"So have I," said Jasper, his face hardening. "If your mother undertakes
+to wrong me she will repent it."
+
+"You had better not say that to her," said Thorne, insolently.
+
+"I shall when the proper time comes. My allowance is not due yet. I
+don't care for the money, but my father knew what it was proper for me
+to have."
+
+"There's going to be a row," thought Nicholas, with satisfaction. "I'll
+bet on mother. She'll put down this whipper-snapper."
+
+Jasper turned away, and walked out of the yard.
+
+"Where are you going?" asked Thorne.
+
+"To walk."
+
+"I guess I'll go along, too."
+
+"I would rather go alone."
+
+"You're not very polite."
+
+"Excuse me," said Jasper, with the instinct of a gentleman. "You would
+find me very poor company. Another time we will walk together."
+
+"Oh, just as you like; I don't want to intrude," said Thorne, sulkily.
+
+They did not meet again till supper. Mrs. Kent presided. On one side sat
+Nicholas, on the other Jasper. Our hero looked sad. The kind, worn face
+he was accustomed to see at the head of the table was gone forever. He
+felt that he was indeed desolate. His appetite was very small, while, on
+the other hand, Nicholas seemed to be famished. His mother kept plying
+him with dainties and tidbits, and he appeared to like the treatment
+amazingly.
+
+"Why don't you eat, Jasper?" asked Thorne with his mouth full.
+
+"I am not hungry."
+
+"I should think your walk might have given you an appetite."
+
+"It doesn't appear to."
+
+"You look awful glum. Is it what I said this afternoon?"
+
+"About what?"
+
+"Your allowance being cut down."
+
+"I wasn't thinking about that particularly. Besides, you are not the one
+from whom I expect to receive such communications."
+
+"It's all true, though, as you will find. Ain't it, mother?" persisted
+Nicholas, who was anxious to have the row come off as soon as possible.
+
+Jasper turned his glance upon Mrs. Kent.
+
+"You needn't have introduced the subject, Nicholas," she said, with
+slight reproof.
+
+"Why not, mother?"
+
+"It isn't a proper subject to introduce at the supper-table."
+
+"You see, Jasper didn't half believe what I told him."
+
+"He may rely upon your statement," said Mrs. Kent.
+
+"Am I to understand that my allowance is reduced to three dollars a
+week?" asked Jasper, who felt that he had been dragged into the
+discussion.
+
+"Yes. I consider that three dollars a week is a liberal allowance for a
+boy of your age."
+
+"My father gave me five."
+
+"Your father acted according to his judgment," said Mrs. Kent, coldly.
+"On some points I differ from him in judgment. I think that he indulged
+you too much, probably because you were his only child."
+
+"He was always kind to me," said Jasper. "It was his nature to be kind."
+
+"You will find me kind, too, if you deserve it," said his step-mother.
+But her tone belied her words.
+
+"Nicholas tells me that his allowance is to be five dollars," said
+Jasper.
+
+"I conceive that the amount of his allowance has nothing to do with
+yours," said Mrs. Kent.
+
+"Is it true?" persisted Jasper.
+
+"It is," said Mrs. Kent, with a defiant look, which Jasper interpreted
+to mean "What are you going to do about it?"
+
+"Why is he to receive five dollars, if I am only to get three?"
+
+"Because I choose."
+
+"You have answered rightly," said Jasper, scornfully. "Even you are
+unable to defend it on the score of fairness or justice."
+
+Mrs. Kent's thin lips compressed.
+
+"Audacious boy!" she exclaimed, "do you dare to speak to me in this
+style?"
+
+"I am not aware of any impropriety, madam. I am protesting against your
+unjust partiality for Nicholas."
+
+"He is my son."
+
+"I am aware of that; but the money out of which the allowance is paid
+came to you from my father."
+
+"Do you dare to continue your impertinent remarks?" exclaimed his
+step-mother, pale with rage.
+
+"Madam, I am only stating the truth," said Jasper, sturdily. "You cannot
+expect me to submit tamely to such an injustice. Had you reduced my
+allowance and given Nicholas no more I would have let it pass."
+
+"I won't submit to this impertinence!" exclaimed Mrs. Kent, furiously.
+"Nicholas, will you sit there and see your mother insulted?"
+
+"What do you want me to do, mother?" asked Thorne, not exactly liking
+the turn matters had taken.
+
+"Put that unmannerly boy out of the room."
+
+"Oh, there ain't any need of that," said Thorne, who knew by experience
+Jasper's strength.
+
+"Do as I say, or I will give you no allowance at all!" said Mrs. Kent,
+stamping her foot angrily.
+
+Nicholas unwillingly arose from his seat and approached Jasper.
+
+"You'd better not try it, Thorne," said Jasper, coolly.
+
+"Do you hear that, sir? He has insulted you, too," said Mrs. Kent, in a
+furious passion.
+
+It was these words, perhaps, that spurred Nicholas to his task. Jasper
+had now risen, and Thorne threw himself upon him.
+
+But Jasper was prepared. In less time than I have required to tell it,
+Thorne found himself prostrate on the floor.
+
+"Madam," said Jasper, turning to his step-mother, "I am ready to leave
+your presence now, but of my own accord."
+
+He left the room. Mrs. Kent was too astonished to speak. She had felt no
+doubt that Nicholas was more than a match for Jasper, as he certainly
+was bigger, and weighed twenty pounds more.
+
+"My poor boy!" she said, pitifully, bending over her son; "are you much
+hurt?"
+
+"Yes," said Nicholas; "and it's all on account of you!"
+
+"I thought you were stronger than he."
+
+"So I am, but he knows how to wrestle; besides, he's so quick."
+
+"I thought you could have put him out easily."
+
+"Well, don't set me to doing it again," said Thorne, sulkily. "I didn't
+want to fight. You made me."
+
+"Don't mind it, my dear boy. It was because I was angry with him."
+
+"Oh, how my head aches!"
+
+"I'll put on some cologne. I'll give you an extra five dollars, too, for
+standing by your mother."
+
+"All right, mother," said Thorne, in a more cheerful tone. "That's the
+way to talk. Give it to me now."
+
+Jasper did not see either of them again that evening. He called on a
+friend, and, entering the house at ten o'clock, went directly to his own
+room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+A SCHEME OF VENGEANCE.
+
+
+Mrs. Kent had never cared for Jasper. Since the marriage she had
+disliked him. Now that he had struck down Nicholas in her presence, she
+positively hated him. She did not stop to consider that he was provoked
+to it, and only acted in self-defense. She thirsted for revenge--more,
+indeed, than Nicholas, who, bully as he was, having been fairly worsted,
+was disposed to accept his defeat philosophically. If he could annoy or
+thwart Jasper he would have been glad to do it, but he did not desire to
+injure him physically.
+
+Not so Mrs. Kent.
+
+Her darling had been assaulted and defeated in her presence. She did not
+again wish to put him against Jasper lest he should be again defeated,
+but she wished Jasper, her detested step-son, to drink the same cup of
+humiliation which had been forced upon Nicholas.
+
+So she sat pondering how to accomplish the object she had in view. She
+could not herself beat Jasper, though, had he been younger and smaller,
+she would certainly have attempted it. She must do it by deputy.
+
+Under the circumstances she thought of Tom Forbes, a strong and stalwart
+hired man, who had been for some months working on the place. Probably
+he would not like the task, but she would threaten to discharge him if
+he refused to obey her commands, and this, she thought, would bring him
+around.
+
+"I wonder where Jasper is?" said Nicholas, about eight o'clock, as he
+sat opposite the little table where his mother was sewing.
+
+"Gone out, I suppose," said Mrs. Kent.
+
+"He found the house too hot to hold him," suggested Thorne.
+
+"He certainly will if he conducts himself in the future as he has
+already done. He makes a mistake if he thinks I will tolerate such
+conduct."
+
+"It's because you're a woman," said her son. "Boys of his age don't make
+much account of women."
+
+"Do you speak for yourself as well as for him?" asked Mrs. Kent,
+sharply.
+
+"Of course not," said Nicholas, whose interest it was to keep on good
+terms with his mother. "Of course not; besides, you are my mother."
+
+"You are much more of a gentleman than Jasper is," said his mother,
+appeased.
+
+"I hope so," said Nicholas.
+
+"As for him, I consider him a young ruffian."
+
+"So he is," said Thorne, who was ready to assent to anything that his
+mother might say.
+
+"And yet his father thought him a paragon!" continued Mrs. Kent, her lip
+curling. "It is strange how parents can be deceived!"
+
+Unconsciously she illustrated the truth of this remark in her own
+person. She considered Nicholas handsome, spirited, and amiable--indeed,
+as an unusually fascinating and attractive boy. To others he was big,
+overgrown, malicious, and stupid. But then mothers are apt to look
+through different spectacles from the rest of the world.
+
+"I guess Jasper'll want to change his guardian," said Thorne, laughing.
+"You and he won't hitch horses very well."
+
+"Don't use such a common expression, Nicholas. I want you to grow up a
+well-bred gentleman."
+
+"Oh, well, I mean to. But I say, if his father liked him so much, what
+made him appoint you to take care of him?"
+
+"He didn't know how I felt toward Jasper. I humored his fancies, and
+treated him better than I felt toward him."
+
+"Then you wanted to be his guardian?"
+
+"Yes, I wanted to pay off old scores," said Mrs. Kent, again compressing
+her lips with unpleasant firmness.
+
+"What made you dislike him?" asked her son, with curiosity.
+
+"He was opposed to my marriage. He would have stopped it if he could,
+but there I got the better of him. When he found that he was too late he
+treated me with coldness. He never liked me."
+
+"By Jove! I don't think he's had much reason," said Nicholas, laughing
+boisterously.
+
+"He'll regret not having treated me with more attention. I can thwart
+all his plans and make his life very uncomfortable."
+
+"I'll trust you to do that, mother. You've got spunk enough."
+
+"Don't say 'spunk,' Nicholas."
+
+"What shall I say, then?"
+
+"Resolution--firmness."
+
+"It's all the same."
+
+"There is a choice in words. Remember, my dear boy, I want you to be a
+refined and cultivated gentleman."
+
+"Well, I can be, now you're rich. But I say, mother, what are you going
+to do? You ain't going to stick down in this dull place all your life,
+are you?"
+
+"No, Nicholas. In the summer we'll go travelling."
+
+"Good!" exclaimed Nicholas, with satisfaction. "Where will we go?"
+
+"How would you like to go to Niagara Falls?"
+
+"Bully!"
+
+"Or to Saratoga?"
+
+"I don't know much about that."
+
+"It is a fashionable place."
+
+"Can a fellow have fun there?"
+
+"Of course he can."
+
+"Then I'd like to go. But I say, are you going to take Jasper, too?"
+
+"No," said Mrs. Kent, decidedly. "I certainly shall not give him so much
+pleasure."
+
+"I don't know. I might like it better if I had a fellow of my own age to
+go around with."
+
+"You will find plenty of companions more agreeable than Jasper."
+
+"All right, mother. I suppose you know best."
+
+"You can trust me to provide for your happiness, Nicholas. It is all I
+live for."
+
+The next morning Mrs. Kent arose early, and summoned the hired man, Tom
+Forbes.
+
+"Tom," said she, "have you a good whip?"
+
+"Yes, ma'am."
+
+"And a strong arm?"
+
+"Middlin', ma'am," answered the wondering hired man.
+
+"I want you to be in the kitchen, provided with your whip, when
+breakfast is over."
+
+"What for?" asked Tom, in surprise.
+
+"Never mind now. I shall inform you at the time."
+
+"All right, ma'am."
+
+Twenty minutes later, Jasper, unaware of his step-mother's benevolent
+intentions, took his seat at the breakfast-table.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+MRS. KENT IS FOILED.
+
+
+Breakfast was a quiet meal. Mrs. Kent preserved a frigid silence toward
+Jasper, interrupted only by necessary questions. Nicholas, who
+understood that there was a row in prospect, occasionally smiled as he
+looked across the table at Jasper, but he, too, was silent.
+
+When breakfast was over, and the three arose from the table, Mrs. Kent
+said, in a cold voice:
+
+"Jasper Kent, I have something to say to you."
+
+"Very well," said Jasper, taking a seat and looking expectant.
+
+"Yesterday you conducted yourself in a most improper manner."
+
+"Please explain," said Jasper, quietly.
+
+"You ought not to require any explanation. You made an assault upon
+Nicholas."
+
+"I beg pardon, Mrs. Kent, but he made an assault upon me."
+
+"You knocked him down."
+
+"Not until he attacked me."
+
+"He did so by my direction."
+
+"Did you expect me to make no resistance?" asked Jasper.
+
+"You had insulted me, and it was his duty, as my son, to resent it."
+
+"I don't think you have any right to say that I insulted you, and you
+would not have any reason to complain of me if you would treat me with
+ordinary justice and politeness."
+
+"You are insulting me now," said Mrs. Kent, angrily.
+
+"I am telling the truth. I am sorry that it is the truth. I would prefer
+to live on good terms with you."
+
+"And have your own way!" said his step-mother, sarcastically. "I
+understand you, but I will have you know that I am mistress in this
+house. Are you ready to apologize for having attacked Nicholas?"
+
+"I did not wish to do it, especially as he didn't attack me of his own
+accord, but if he should do so again I should act in the same manner."
+
+"Insolent!" exclaimed his step-mother, reddening.
+
+"You have peculiar ideas of insolence," said Jasper, quietly. "I believe
+in defending myself, but I shouldn't like to harm Nicholas."
+
+"You have undertaken to rebel against my authority," said Mrs. Kent,
+"but you don't understand me. I am not to be bullied or overcome by a
+boy."
+
+"You are in no danger of either from me, madam."
+
+"I shall take care not to give you the power. Nicholas, call Tom."
+
+Jasper looked at his step-mother in amazement. What had Tom Forbes to do
+with their colloquy.
+
+Nicholas opened the door of the adjoining room, the kitchen, and
+summoned the hired man.
+
+Ignorant of why he was wanted, for Mrs. Kent had not informed him, he
+came into the room, and looked about with a perplexed expression.
+
+He was a tall, strong-looking fellow, country-bred, of about twenty-five
+or six.
+
+"Where is your whip, Tom?" demanded Mrs. Kent.
+
+"My whip?" repeated Tom.
+
+"Yes; didn't I tell you I wanted you to have it?"
+
+"Yes, ma'am; it's in the kitchen."
+
+"Bring it."
+
+Tom went into the kitchen, and returned bringing the whip.
+
+"What am I to do with it?" he asked.
+
+"I will tell you in a moment. Jasper Kent," said his step-mother,
+turning to him, "you have rebelled against my just authority, you have
+insulted me in my own house, you have made a brutal attack upon my son
+in my presence, and now I am going to have you punished. Tom, I order
+you to give Jasper half a dozen lashes with your whip."
+
+It is hard to tell which looked the more surprised at this brutal
+command, Jasper or the hired man. They looked at each other in
+amazement, but Tom did not stir.
+
+"Did you hear me?" asked Mrs. Kent, sharply, impatient of the delay.
+
+"Yes, ma'am, I heard you," answered Tom, slowly.
+
+"Why don't you obey, then?" she continued, in the same tone.
+
+"Because," said Tom, with manly independence, "I didn't hire out to do
+anything of the kind."
+
+"Do you refuse?"
+
+"Yes, I do. You may do your own dirty work."
+
+"It seems you are not only disobedient, but insolent," said Mrs. Kent,
+angrily.
+
+"You must be crazy, ma'am!" said the hired man, bluntly.
+
+"No more of this. I discharge you from my employment."
+
+"What! for not flogging Master Jasper?"
+
+"For not obeying me."
+
+"I'll follow your directions, ma'am, so far as they are in the line of
+duty, but I won't do that."
+
+"I discharge you."
+
+"As to that, ma'am, if I go, I'll let everybody in the village know why
+you sent me away."
+
+For this Mrs. Kent was not altogether prepared. She knew that it was not
+prudent to defy public opinion. Perhaps she had already gone too far.
+She put a great constraint upon herself, and said:
+
+"Go back to your work. I will speak of this matter hereafter."
+
+Tom withdrew at once, glad of the opportunity. Thus far Mrs. Kent had
+been foiled, and she knew it. She could scarcely conceal her
+mortification.
+
+Jasper, who had been passive thus far, now spoke. He felt outraged and
+disgusted by his step-mother's brutal purpose, though it had failed.
+
+"Mrs. Kent," he said with quiet resolution, "after the scene of this
+morning I cannot remain in the same house with you. My father has not
+been dead a week, yet you have treated me in a manner which, though I
+never liked you, I could not have thought possible. You are left my
+guardian. I do not wish to remain another day in this house. Have I your
+permission to return to school?"
+
+"No," said his step-mother.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Because you wish it. I do not mean to let you have your own way."
+
+"I am willing to go to another school, if you insist upon it."
+
+"You will go to no school. You will stay here."
+
+"In this house?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"With the opinion which you have of me, Mrs. Kent, I should hardly think
+this would be very agreeable to you."
+
+"It will not. I hate the sight of you!" said his step-mother, with
+energy.
+
+"I am sorry for that, but I am not surprised. From the way you have
+treated me, I should think so. Won't it be better for as both to be
+separated?"
+
+"It will gratify your wishes, and therefore I order you to remain here."
+
+"That we may have more such scenes as yesterday and to-day?"
+
+"No; I am determined to break your rebellious will, and teach you to
+obey me implicitly."
+
+"I have only to ask if you have fully made up your mind," said Jasper,
+quietly, but with suppressed excitement.
+
+"I mean precisely what I say."
+
+"Then, madam, I shall have to leave this house and go out into the
+world. I shall find more kindness among strangers than here."
+
+"I have heard boys talk like this before," said Mrs. Kent, with
+contemptuous incredulity.
+
+"Boys sometimes mean what they say," retorted Jasper.
+
+He took his hat and left the room without another word.
+
+"I say, mother," said Nicholas, "suppose he don't come back?"
+
+"There's no fear of that," said Mrs. Kent, coldly.
+
+"But I say, mother, he's pretty plucky, Jasper is."
+
+"He won't run away from me as long as I have charge of his property, you
+may be sure of that. He'll be coming back and apologizing pretty soon."
+
+"Suppose he doesn't?"
+
+"Then it'll be his own fault."
+
+"You may as well let him go back to school, mother. He'll be out of our
+way, and we can enjoy ourselves."
+
+"I am not going to gratify him so far. He has defied me and insulted me,
+and he must take the consequences," said Mrs. Kent, with a compression
+of her thin lips.
+
+On the whole, Jasper's prospects could not be said to be very
+flattering.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+MEDIATION.
+
+
+When Jasper left the house he bent his steps to the dwelling of a friend
+of his father, Otis Miller, a man of considerable property and good
+position. He found Mr. Miller at home.
+
+"I am glad to see you, Jasper," said he, cordially.
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"You have met with a great loss," said Mr. Miller, attributing Jasper's
+serious expression to his father's death.
+
+"Yes, sir; I am only just beginning to understand how much."
+
+"A father's place cannot be supplied."
+
+"No, sir; but this is not the extent of my trouble."
+
+"Can I do anything to help you?"
+
+"Yes, sir. I am very much in need of advice."
+
+"I shall be glad to give you the best I can, Jasper. I was your father's
+friend, and I shall be glad to be yours also."
+
+"Thank you, sir. My troubles are connected with my step-mother, who
+treats me like an enemy."
+
+"Can this be so?" asked Mr. Miller, in surprise.
+
+"I will tell you all, and then ask your advice."
+
+"Do so."
+
+Jasper told the story briefly and without excitement. It was only in his
+step-mother's presence that he felt disturbed.
+
+"I have met your step-mother, but I know very little of her," said Mr.
+Miller. "She never impressed me very favorably, but I never dreamed that
+she would act in such an unreasonable manner. Perhaps even now matters
+are not as bad as you think. Sometimes people say things in anger which
+they repent of in their cooler moments."
+
+"I don't think it is the case with Mrs. Kent."
+
+"It is unfortunate, since she is your guardian."
+
+"I wish you were my guardian, Mr. Miller."
+
+"For your sake, Jasper, I wish I were. I don't think we should quarrel."
+
+"I know we should not."
+
+"You wish to know what to do?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You are quite sure you cannot stay at home?"
+
+"I should be subject to constant persecution from Mrs. Kent."
+
+"You think she would not allow you to go back to school?"
+
+"She has refused to do so."
+
+"There is one thing she cannot do, and that is, keep your portion of the
+estate from you when you become of age."
+
+"No, I suppose not."
+
+"You will then be rich."
+
+"But the money won't do me any good now, will it?"
+
+"In this way it will. Suppose I agree to pay your expenses at
+school--that is to say, advancing the money, to be repaid when you
+obtain yours?"
+
+"That would be very kind, Mr. Miller; but I shouldn't like to subject
+you to that risk."
+
+"You mean that a minor's promise would be invalid? Well, Jasper, I have
+too much confidence in you to have any doubt of your integrity."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Miller; but suppose I should die before attaining my
+majority?"
+
+"Then I should probably lose the money."
+
+"That is what I thought of. I should not like to have you run the risk."
+
+"But I am willing to do so. However, it may be as well to ascertain
+definitely your step-mother's intentions first. I will call upon her in
+your interest and find out."
+
+"Thank you, sir. I should like to have you do so, as I don't want to act
+too hastily."
+
+"I will go at once. Will you remain here till I return?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+When Mrs. Kent was told that Mr. Miller had called to see her she went
+down to meet him, not surmising his errand.
+
+"Mrs. Kent," said he, after the ordinary greetings were over, "I have
+called with reference to your relations to your late husband's son,
+Jasper."
+
+"Did he ask you to come?" demanded Mrs. Kent, frowning.
+
+"No; but he came to ask my advice as to what he ought to do. I am sorry
+to hear that you are unfriendly."
+
+"He has treated me with intolerable insolence," said Mrs. Kent, hotly.
+
+"That surprises me. It is wholly contrary to his reputation with those
+who have known him from his infancy," said Mr. Miller, quietly.
+
+"Then you don't know him as he is."
+
+"He tells me you have accorded your own son superior privileges."
+
+"My son treats me with respect."
+
+"Probably you treat him differently from Jasper."
+
+"I have reasons to."
+
+"You will admit that it is aggravating to see a stranger--an intruder, I
+may say--preferred to him in his own home?"
+
+"Who calls my son an intruder?" asked Mrs. Kent, hastily.
+
+"Let us call him a stranger, then. Was Mr. Kent aware that you had a
+son?"
+
+"I decline to answer your question," answered Mrs. Kent, with asperity.
+
+"To pass on, then. Have you refused Jasper permission to return to the
+school at which his father placed him?"
+
+"I have."
+
+"May I ask why?"
+
+"I don't know that I am responsible to you."
+
+"Mrs. Kent," said Mr. Miller, gravely, "I was the friend of your late
+husband. I am the friend of his son, Jasper. As the friend of both, I
+ask you your reason."
+
+"I will answer you, though I do not acknowledge your right to ask. I
+refuse to let Jasper go back to school, because I wish to punish him for
+his insolence and disobedience."
+
+"It cannot be any satisfaction to you to have him at home, I should
+think."
+
+"It is not. I have no reason to like his society."
+
+"Then it appears that you punish yourself in keeping him here."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Do you think, Mrs. Kent, that you have any right to deprive him of the
+opportunity to obtain an education?"
+
+"He can attend school in this village," said Mrs. Kent.
+
+"You know as well as I that there is neither a classical nor a high
+school here. He would be compelled to give up the course of study upon
+which he has commenced."
+
+"That is his own fault," returned Mrs. Kent, doggedly.
+
+"This, then, is your unalterable determination?"
+
+"For the present, yes. If Jasper repents his ill-conduct, and makes up
+his mind to yield me that implicit obedience which is my due, I may
+hereafter consent to return him to school. But he must turn over a new
+leaf."
+
+"Madam," said Mr. Miller, disgusted at the woman's manner, "do you
+consider that you are carrying out his father's wishes in reference to
+his son?"
+
+"That is a question for me to decide," said Mrs. Kent, coldly. "I have
+undertaken the responsibility, and I have no fears about carrying out
+his wishes. I must trust my own judgment, not that of others."
+
+"Madam," said Mr. Miller, after a pause, "there is one other question
+which I should like to put to you."
+
+"Very well, sir."
+
+"This guardianship imposed upon you is a certain amount of care. Are you
+willing to relinquish it to another?"
+
+"To you, perhaps?" suggested Mrs. Kent, with a sneer.
+
+"I should be willing to undertake it for Jasper's sake."
+
+"I have no doubt you would, and I presume Jasper would be very glad to
+have you do so."
+
+"I think he would, though he didn't authorize me to speak to you about
+it," said Mr. Miller.
+
+"Then, sir, I refuse in the most emphatic terms. I shall not relinquish
+the power which his father's will gives me over him. He shall yet repent
+his insolence."
+
+"I regret your animosity, Mrs. Kent," said Mr. Miller, with dignity,
+rising as he spoke. "I was inclined to think that Jasper had exaggerated
+his account of the difficulties. I see now that he was correct. I have
+only, in wishing you good-morning, to predict that you will yet regret
+the manner in which you have treated your step-son."
+
+"I will take my chance of that," said Mrs. Kent. "You may report to
+Jasper that my only terms are unconditional submission."
+
+"I will do so, madam; but you know, as well as I, what his answer will
+be. His nature is too manly to submit to tyranny, even from his
+step-mother."
+
+"You are not over-polite, sir," said Mrs. Kent, angrily.
+
+"I am truthful, madam," was the grave reply.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+GOOD-BYE.
+
+
+"Without exception, Jasper," said Mr. Miller, on his return, "I consider
+your step-mother the most disagreeble woman I ever met."
+
+Jasper could not help smiling at the look of disgust upon the features
+of his father's friend.
+
+"Then, sir, I infer that you did not succeed in your mission," he said.
+
+"Succeed? No. She will offer no terms except unconditional submission on
+your part."
+
+"That I won't agree to." said Jasper, promptly.
+
+"I don't blame you--not a particle," said Mr. Miller.
+
+"So much is settled, then," said Jasper. "Now the question comes
+up--what am I to do?"
+
+"How old are you?"
+
+"Nearly sixteen."
+
+"Then five years must elapse before you come into possession of your
+property?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"And for that length of time you are to be under the guardianship of
+Mrs. Kent?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"It is unfortunate," said the old gentleman, shrugging his shoulders. "I
+took the liberty to suggest to your step-mother that if the cares of a
+guardian should prove burdensome to her I would assume them."
+
+"What did she say?"
+
+"She replied in a sarcastic manner, and avowed her determination to
+remain your guardian."
+
+"What would you advise me to do, then, Mr. Miller?"
+
+"Before answering, Jasper, I will tell you a secret."
+
+Jasper looked curious.
+
+"Your father left in my hands a paper to be opened two years after his
+death. It undoubtedly relates to you."
+
+"What do you think it is?"
+
+"It may relate to the guardianship, but that is only conjecture."
+
+"Does my step-mother know of this?"
+
+"Neither she nor anyone else, save you and myself."
+
+"It will do us no good at present?"
+
+"No; but it influences my advice. Go to school for the next two years. I
+will advance the money to pay your bills. If at the end of that time the
+paper is what I hope it is, you will then be able to pay me, and for the
+balance of your minority I can become your guardian."
+
+"I wish you might, Mr. Miller; but I don't think, under the
+circumstances, I want to go back to school."
+
+"What do you wish to do, Jasper?"
+
+"I am young, and I would like to see something of the world. I would
+like to imagine myself a poor boy, as I really am just now, and see if I
+cannot make my own way."
+
+"I hardly know what to say to that, Jasper. I am afraid you do not
+appreciate the difficulties in your way."
+
+"To battle against them will make me strong."
+
+"Suppose you get in a tight place?"
+
+"Then I will write to you for help."
+
+"That's better. On this condition I will make no further opposition to
+your wishes. But have you any money?"
+
+"Ten dollars."
+
+"Rather a small sum to begin the world with."
+
+"Yes, sir. If you are willing to lend me fifty more I think I can get
+along till I can earn some."
+
+"Willingly. Where do you propose to go?"
+
+"To the West. My father has a cousin, a lady, married, and living in a
+small town on the banks of the Mississippi. I have never been to the
+West. I should like to go out there and see if I can't find some
+employment in that neighborhood."
+
+"I suppose I must not object, but your plan appears to me rather
+quixotic."
+
+"You might not have thought so at my age, Mr. Miller."
+
+"No; we look upon such things differently as we grow older. When do you
+want to start?"
+
+"To-morrow."
+
+"Stay at my house till then."
+
+"Thank you, sir. I will go home this afternoon and get my carpet-bag and
+a few underclothes, and then I shall be ready to start to-morrow
+morning."
+
+Jasper did as proposed. He would gladly have dispensed with this call at
+the house which had once been a home to him, but was so no longer; but
+it was necessary to make it.
+
+He caught sight of Tom Forbes near the house.
+
+"Tom," he called out, "do you know if Mrs. Kent is at home?"
+
+"No, Master Jasper, she went out riding, and her cub went with her."
+
+"I am afraid you're not respectful, Tom," said Jasper, laughing.
+
+"He don't deserve respect. He puts on as many airs as a prince. I
+warrant he was poor enough before his mother took him home. What do you
+think he said to me?"
+
+"What was it?"
+
+"'Look here, Tom, you harness the horse right up, do you hear? Don't
+stand dawdling there, for I and mother are going out to ride.'"
+
+"That sounds like Nicholas."
+
+"You may be sure he ain't used to prosperity, or he wouldn't put on so
+many airs!"
+
+"Well, Tom, I'm glad Mrs. Kent is out. I don't want to meet her, nor
+Nicholas, either."
+
+"You'll see 'em at supper, won't you?"
+
+"No; I shall not be here to supper."
+
+"When are you coming back?"
+
+"Not at all."
+
+"You don't mean that, Master Jasper?"
+
+"Yes, I do."
+
+"Are you going to school?"
+
+"No; I'm going out West."
+
+"Out West?" exclaimed Tom Forbes, stopping work in surprise.
+
+"Yes, Tom, I'm going out there to seek my fortune."
+
+"But there ain't any need of that, Master Jasper. Didn't your father
+leave you a fortune?"
+
+"I'm not to have it till I'm twenty-one, and till then my step-mother is
+my guardian. Now, I put it to you, Tom, can I stay at home to be treated
+as you saw me treated this morning?"
+
+"No, you can't, that's a fact. Master Jasper, I wish you'd take me with
+you as your servant."
+
+"As to that, Tom, I am in no position to have a servant; I've got to
+work for my own living."
+
+"And she here living on the fat of the land!" exclaimed Tom,
+indignantly. "It's an outrageous shame!"
+
+"Strong language, Tom," said Jasper, smiling. "Mind my amiable
+step-mother doesn't hear you."
+
+"I don't care if she does."
+
+"Thank you for your offer, Tom, but I must go alone. Perhaps I shall
+prosper out there. I hope so, at any rate."
+
+"Have you got any money, Master Jasper? I've got a few dollars laid by.
+If they'll do you any good you're welcome to take 'em. I shan't need
+'em."
+
+"Thank you, Tom," said Jasper, cordially grasping his toil-embrowned
+hand, "but I am well provided for. Mr. Miller, my father's friend, is
+mine, too. He has lent me some money, and will lend me more if I need
+it."
+
+"I'm glad of that. You'll always find friends."
+
+Half an hour later, as Jasper was going up the street, with his
+carpet-bag in one hand, he saw the open carriage approaching in which
+Mrs. Kent and Nicholas were seated. He would liked to have escaped
+observation, but there was no chance.
+
+"Why, there's Jasper!" said Nicholas, "and he's got a carpet-bag in his
+hand."
+
+"Stop the carriage!" said Mrs. Kent, peremptorily.
+
+Nicholas, who was driving, obeyed.
+
+"Have you been to the house?" asked the step-mother.
+
+"Yes," said Jasper.
+
+"What does that carpet-bag mean?"
+
+"It means that I am going away."
+
+"Where? As your guardian, I demand to know!"
+
+"As my guardian, will you provide for my expenses?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then I don't feel called upon to tell you."
+
+"You will repent this insubordination," said Mrs. Kent, angrily. "You
+will yet return home in rags."
+
+"Never!" answered Jasper, with emphasis. "Good-afternoon, Mrs. Kent."
+
+"Drive on, Nicholas!" said Mrs. Kent, angrily. "How I hate that boy!"
+she ejaculated.
+
+"It strikes me, mother, you've got the best of it," said Nicholas.
+"You've got his property, and as to his company, we can do without
+that."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+AN UNPLEASANT ADVENTURE.
+
+
+A week later Jasper was one of the passengers on a train bound for St.
+Louis, and already within sixty miles of that flourishing city. He had
+stopped over at Niagara and Cincinnati--a day or so at each place. He
+gratified his desire to see the great cataract, and felt repaid for
+doing so, though the two stops trenched formidably upon his small
+capital. Indeed, at the moment when he is introduced anew to the
+reader's notice he had but ten dollars remaining of the sum with which
+he started. He was, however, provided, besides, with a through ticket to
+St. Louis.
+
+He had been sitting alone, when a stranger entering the car seated
+himself in the vacant seat.
+
+Looking up, Jasper noticed that he was a tall man, shabbily dressed,
+with thin, sallow face and a swelling in the left cheek, probably
+produced by a quid of tobacco.
+
+"Good-mornin', colonel," said the stranger, sociably.
+
+"Good-morning, sir," said Jasper, smiling. "I haven't the honor of being
+a colonel."
+
+"Haven't you, cap'n? Well, that ain't of no account. It'll come in time.
+Where are you travelling?"
+
+"To St. Louis."
+
+"Ever been there afore?"
+
+"No; this will be my first visit."
+
+"You don't say! Where may you be from?"
+
+"From New York State," answered Jasper, amused.
+
+The stranger drew from his pocket a package of chewing tobacco and
+passed it politely to Jasper.
+
+"Help yourself, colonel," he said hospitably.
+
+"No, thank you; I don't chew."
+
+"Shoo, you don't say so! High time you began, then."
+
+"I don't think I shall ever form the habit of chewing."
+
+"Yes, you will, colonel; everybody does. Travellin' on business?"
+
+"Well, not exactly," said Jasper, hesitatingly. "That is, I am looking
+for a chance to go into business."
+
+"Got any capital?" interjected the stranger, carelessly, squirting a
+yellow stream upon the floor of the car.
+
+"Oh, I don't expect to go into business for myself at present," said
+Jasper, amused at the thought.
+
+"No?" said the other, reflectively. "If you had five thousand dollars I
+might take you into partnership."
+
+"What is your business?" asked Jasper, with curiosity.
+
+"Cotton," said the stranger. "I'm a cotton broker. I do a large
+business."
+
+"You don't look like it," thought Jasper, looking at his shabby costume.
+
+"You don't want a clerk, do you?" asked our hero.
+
+"Well, no, colonel. There ain't any vacancy now in my establishment. May
+be soon."
+
+Had Jasper felt favorably impressed with his companion he would have
+inquired where in the city his place of business might be, but it did
+not strike him that he should care to be in his employ.
+
+He accordingly pulled out a copy of a popular magazine which he had
+bought the day before, and began to read. The stranger bought a paper of
+the train-boy, and engaged in a similar way. Fifteen minutes passed in
+this way. At the end of that time the stranger rose leisurely, and with
+a brief "Mornin', colonel," passed out of the car. Whether he got into
+the next one or got out at the station which they were approaching
+Jasper could not distinguish, nor did he feel specially interested in
+the matter.
+
+The time soon came when he felt his interest increased.
+
+A few miles further on the conductor entered the car.
+
+It was one of his usual rounds to look at tickets.
+
+When he came up to Jasper, he said:
+
+"Be lively now. Let me see your ticket."
+
+"Isn't it in my hat?" asked Jasper, taking it off.
+
+"No; did you put it there?"
+
+"I thought I did," said our hero, surprised. "It was there when you last
+passed round."
+
+"Look in your pockets."
+
+Jasper felt in all of them, but the missing ticket could not be found.
+
+"It may have fallen on the floor," he said, and rising he looked under
+the seat.
+
+But in vain.
+
+"Did you have any ticket?" asked the conductor, suspiciously.
+
+"Certainly. You have looked at it yourself several times."
+
+"You are mistaken; I got on at the last station."
+
+"I have come all the way from Cincinnati," said Jasper, uncomfortably.
+"I couldn't have come so far without a ticket. What shall I do?"
+
+"You'll have to pay from the last station to St. Louis."
+
+This was not very agreeable in the state of Jasper's finances.
+
+"How much is it?" he asked.
+
+"Two dollars."
+
+Jasper felt for his pocket-book, when a new surprise awaited him. A look
+of consternation swept over his countenance.
+
+His pocket-book was gone.
+
+"Don't keep me waiting," said the conductor, impatiently.
+
+"My pocket-book is gone!" exclaimed our hero, gazing in blank dismay at
+the expectant official.
+
+"What?"
+
+"I can't find my pocket-book."
+
+"Look here, young man," said the conductor, roughly, "that's too thin."
+
+"It's true!" said Jasper.
+
+"It won't go down, young man. I've seen such customers as you before.
+You're a beat!"
+
+"A what?"
+
+"A beat--a dead-beat, if you prefer it. Off you go at the next station!"
+
+Jasper was greatly alarmed at the unexpected turn affairs had taken.
+
+"Let me go to St. Louis, and I'll get money to pay you."
+
+"It's no use," said the conductor, inexorably. "My orders are strict. If
+you can't pay, you can't ride."
+
+"But my pocket was picked," said Jasper, new light flashing upon him.
+"There was a stranger who sat beside me a while ago. He must have taken
+my ticket and money, too."
+
+"Of course there was," said the conductor, with sarcasm. "That's the way
+it usually happens. I'm used to such games, young man. It won't do you
+any good. Out you go!"
+
+"Let me go through the cars and see if I can't find the man that robbed
+me. I'd know him in a minute."
+
+"Well," said the conductor, relenting slightly, "be quick about it."
+
+Jasper waited for no more. He rose from his seat and, carpet-bag in
+hand, passed into the next car.
+
+It proved to be the smoking car.
+
+Groups of men were playing cards, and, as Jasper judged, were playing
+for money. Among them, to his great joy, he recognized his shabby
+companion, the cotton broker of St. Louis. The latter was playing with
+three other men, black-bearded, and loud both in their dress and speech.
+
+Without a moment's hesitation Jasper advanced and touched his late
+companion on the shoulder.
+
+The latter looked up, and without a sign of recognition said:
+
+"What's wanted, sir?"
+
+For the first time it struck Jasper that his errand was rather an
+awkward one. How could he ask this man if he had taken his property?
+
+"I beg your pardon, sir," said he, "but did you see anything of my
+ticket and money?"
+
+"What do you mean, stranger?"
+
+"You were sitting by me a little while ago, in the rear car."
+
+"I don't remember it."
+
+"And I thought you might have seen my pocket-book and ticket."
+
+"Well, I didn't," said the other, fiercely. "What made you think I did?"
+
+"I can't find them."
+
+"I don't know anything about them. General, it's your deal."
+
+He turned abruptly away from Jasper, and the boy slowly withdrew to a
+little distance, sorely puzzled. On the one hand, he felt convinced that
+this man had abstracted his ticket and money. On the other, he doubted
+whether it would be safe to charge him with it.
+
+While he was hesitating, the cars began to go more slowly.
+
+The conductor entered the car.
+
+"Have you found your ticket?" he asked.
+
+"No."
+
+"Then leave the train at this next stopping-place."
+
+Jasper had no chance to remonstrate. Obeying necessity, he stepped upon
+the platform, and the train swept on.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+THE DESERTED HOUSE.
+
+
+To be without money is far from pleasant under any circumstances, but to
+be penniless a thousand miles from home, in the midst of strangers, is
+far worse. Jasper found himself in this position so unexpectedly that as
+he stood beside the little depot with his carpet-bag in his hand he felt
+utterly bewildered.
+
+He looked around him.
+
+Not a house was in sight. Why the railroad company should have
+established a depot there he could not understand. Probably there must
+be some village not far away.
+
+No other passenger had got out with Jasper. There was no other person in
+sight but the station-master, a tall, sallow-faced man, in a slouched
+hat, who eyed our hero curiously.
+
+Jasper approached him.
+
+"What place is this?" he asked.
+
+"Don't you know?" questioned the man.
+
+"No."
+
+"What made you stop here, then?"
+
+Jasper hesitated. There seemed no use in taking this man into his
+confidence.
+
+"I am going to take a look at the village. I suppose there is a
+village?"
+
+"Well," drawled the man, "there's some houses back."
+
+"What's the name of the place?"
+
+"Croyden."
+
+"How far back is the village?"
+
+"A matter of two miles."
+
+"Is it easy to find the way?"
+
+"There's the road."
+
+The station-master pointed out a road leading through woods.
+
+"Thank you," said Jasper.
+
+"You don't happen to have any 'baccy with you?" asked the
+station-master.
+
+"No, I am sorry to say."
+
+"I thought maybe you might. I'm most out."
+
+Jasper took the road indicated by his informant and pressed on.
+
+When he had walked half a mile along the lonely road he stopped suddenly
+and asked himself:
+
+"What are my plans? What use is there in going to Croyden?"
+
+It was a hard question to answer.
+
+Still, he must go somewhere. He could not go to St. Louis without money,
+and there was a bare possibility that he might find something to do in
+Croyden. If he could earn a few dollars he could go on, and once in a
+large city there would be hope of permanent employment.
+
+How different would have been his situation if he had not lost his
+money, and how unfortunate it was that he should have been set down at
+this dismal place!
+
+He kept on, meeting no one.
+
+Finally he came to a place where the road divided into two forks or
+branches, one leading to the right, the other to the left.
+
+"Which shall I take?" he asked himself.
+
+There seemed no choice so far as he could see. Neither was very
+promising, nor was there any sign-post to inform him of what he wished
+to know.
+
+"I wish somebody would come along," thought Jasper.
+
+But nobody did.
+
+Forced to decide, he decided in favor of the left-hand road, and walked
+on.
+
+After a while he began to suspect that he had made a wrong decision. The
+road became little more than a lane, and seemed unfrequented. But just
+as he was going to turn back he espied at some distance from the road a
+rude dwelling, which, from its weather-beaten appearance, seemed never
+to have been painted.
+
+"I can find out something there, at any rate," thought Jasper, and he
+bent his steps toward it.
+
+Brief time brought him in front of the house. It was certainly a
+quiet-looking place.
+
+"It must be dismal to live here," thought Jasper.
+
+He knocked with his fist at the door. On account of the smallness of the
+house the knock certainly must have been heard, but there was no
+response.
+
+"The people must be deaf," thought Jasper.
+
+He knocked again, this time considerably louder, and waited for some one
+to answer his summons.
+
+He waited in vain.
+
+"It must be a deserted house," thought our hero. "I have a great mind to
+explore it--that is, if I can get in."
+
+He tried the door, and, a little to his surprise, it yielded to his
+touch. The door being in the centre of the house, there was a room on
+each side. The door to the left; opened into a room which was quite bare
+of furniture. On the other side, however, was a room containing a table
+and three chairs. On the table was a dirty clay-pipe and a box of
+tobacco, and there was a dead odor of tobacco-smoke lingering in the
+closely-shut room.
+
+"That looks as if there were somebody living here," thought Jasper.
+
+"Halloo!" he shouted, raising his voice.
+
+He felt that it would be better to make his presence known, as otherwise
+he might be suspected of entering the house with burglarious designs,
+though it would have puzzled a burglar to find anything worth
+purloining.
+
+"There can't be anybody in the house or I should have been heard,"
+thought our hero. "However, I'll call again."
+
+This time there was a faint sound that came to his ears. It seemed like
+the voice of a child.
+
+"Where did that come from?" Jasper considered.
+
+And he waited to hear if it would be repeated.
+
+It was repeated, and now he could make out that it came from above.
+
+"I'll go up," he decided.
+
+He climbed the rude staircase, and pushed open the door of the room
+above the one in which he had been standing a moment before. He gazed in
+wonder at the spectacle before him.
+
+A boy, five years of age, who in spite of his frightened expression
+possessed great personal beauty, was lying on a bed in one corner of the
+room. He looked at Jasper in uncertainty at first, then with confidence,
+and said:
+
+"Did you come for me?"
+
+"Do you live here?" asked Jasper, in surprise, for this boy was not at
+all like the children usually to be found in such houses as this.
+
+His complexion was of dazzling whiteness, his hair was a bright
+chestnut, and his clothing was such as wealthy parents can afford to
+give to their children.
+
+"Do you live here?" repeated Jasper.
+
+"No," said the child.
+
+"How came you here, then?"
+
+"Big man--big, ugly man brought me."
+
+"When?"
+
+"I don't know," said the child.
+
+He was evidently too young to measure the lapse of time.
+
+"Was it yesterday?"
+
+"No; long ago."
+
+"I suppose it seems long to him," thought Jasper.
+
+"Is there nobody else in the house?" asked Jasper.
+
+"There's a woman," said the little boy.
+
+"Is she the wife of the man who took you away?"
+
+But this question the little boy did not seem to comprehend.
+
+"Have you got a mother?" asked Jasper.
+
+"Take me to mamma," said the little fellow, stretching out his arms, and
+beginning to cry. "I want to see my mamma."
+
+Jasper advanced to the bed.
+
+He began to understand that the boy had been kidnapped, and he felt
+great compassion for him.
+
+He tried to raise the boy from the bed and take him in his arms, when he
+made an unexpected discovery.
+
+The boy's ankles were firmly tied by a rope, which connected with the
+bedpost, so that it was impossible for him to leave the bed.
+
+"Who did this?" asked Jasper, indignantly. "Who tied you?"
+
+"It was the man--the big, ugly man," answered the child.
+
+"I will soon unfasten you," said Jasper, and he set to work untying the
+knot.
+
+"Will you take me home?" asked the little boy.
+
+"Yes," said Jasper, soothingly, "I'll take you home."
+
+But just as he had completed his task he heard steps upon the stairs.
+What if it were the man of whom the child spoke!
+
+Jasper threw one arm around the child, and with his teeth set hard fixed
+his eyes expectantly upon the door.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+THE KIDNAPPED CHILD.
+
+
+The woman who entered was of middle size, dressed in a cheap print,
+dirty and faded, which corresponded very well with her general aspect.
+She looked weary and worn, and moved languidly as if she had little
+interest in life. She looked startled at the sight of Jasper, and
+pressed her hand to her heart.
+
+"Who are you?" she asked.
+
+"A stranger," answered our hero.
+
+"How came you here?"
+
+"I suppose I ought to apologize for being here, but I knocked twice and
+got no answer. That made me think the house was deserted. I entered, and
+hearing a low cry, came to this room."
+
+The woman sank into a chair near the door.
+
+"Is this your child?" asked Jasper, in his turn.
+
+The woman answered hesitatingly, after a pause:
+
+"No."
+
+"I knew he could not be. How did he come here?'
+
+"My husband brought him here," answered the woman, with some hesitation.
+
+"Is he any relation to you?"
+
+"N-no."
+
+"Is he boarding here?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+The woman's hesitation increased Jasper's suspicion. He said:
+
+"I found the boy tied to the bedpost. Did you tie him?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why did you do that?"
+
+"I thought he might slip off while I was out I went out for some water.
+That is the reason I did not answer your knock."
+
+"Madam," said Jasper, coming to the point, "you may answer me or not;
+but if you do, tell the truth. Was not this child stolen?"
+
+The woman looked nervous and frightened, and moved restlessly in her
+chair.
+
+"Don't blame me," she said. "It wasn't my fault."
+
+"Whose was it, then?"
+
+"It was my husband's."
+
+"Then the child was stolen?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I suppose your husband kidnapped the child in order to get money from
+the parents for his return?"
+
+"Yes," the woman admitted.
+
+"How can you assist him in such wicked practices?"
+
+"What can I do?" said the woman, helplessly. "I have spoken to him, but
+it does no good. He won't heed anything that I say."
+
+Jasper began to pity the poor woman. It looked as if she were an
+unwilling helper in her husband's crimes.
+
+"Do you know where your husband got this boy from?" he asked.
+
+"No; he didn't tell me."
+
+"Is this the first child he has kidnapped?"
+
+"I ought not to speak against my husband," said the woman, uneasily,
+appearing to think that she had already told too much.
+
+"Yes, you ought. Otherwise you will be as bad as he."
+
+"He will beat me."
+
+"Does he ever do that?" asked Jasper, compassionately.
+
+"He is very rough sometimes," said the wife, shrinking.
+
+"I am sorry for you," said Jasper, gently. "Where is your husband now?"
+
+"He went out this morning. Perhaps he is hunting. He never tells me
+where he is going."
+
+"When do you expect him back?"
+
+"I can't tell. He may be here in five minutes; he may not be here before
+night."
+
+"In that case," thought Jasper, "I had better be off as soon as
+possible. I should be no match for this brute in human form. Judging
+from what I have heard of him, he would kill me without scruple if he
+thought I were interfering with his plans."
+
+"How long has this child been here?" he asked.
+
+"Three or four days."
+
+"I am going to take him away," proceeded Jasper, fixing his eyes
+earnestly upon the woman, to see how she took the proposal.
+
+"No, no!" she exclaimed, quickly. "My husband won't allow it."
+
+"He won't know it."
+
+"It won't do," she continued, rapidly. "He would kill you if he overtook
+you."
+
+This was a serious consideration, truly. Jasper had no weapons, and a
+boy of his age would have been a poor match for a strong man, as the
+kidnapper probably was.
+
+"After all, I had better not interfere," he thought. "It can do no good,
+and will only expose me to great danger."
+
+But just at this instant the little boy's soft hand slid into his, and
+he could not resist the touching appeal for his protection.
+
+"I shall take the risk," he said. "I can't leave the boy here. I will
+try to find his parents and restore him to them."
+
+He had scarcely said this when the woman, who had casually glanced out
+of the window, started up in alarm, exclaiming:
+
+"There is my husband coming! Oh, what shall we do?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+A BRUTE IN HUMAN SHAPE.
+
+
+Jasper could not help feeling that he was in rather a critical position.
+A man whose business it was to kidnap young children in order to extort
+money from their friends was not likely to be very scrupulous, and the
+fear of having his secret divulged might lead him to extreme measures.
+
+"Is your husband likely to come up here?" he asked.
+
+"I don't know; he may," answered the woman, anxiously.
+
+"Can't you hide me?" suggested Jasper.
+
+"Yes, yes," she said, recovering something of her presence of mind.
+"There, get into that closet. I'll come and let you out when he is
+gone."
+
+She opened the door of a closet in one corner of the room. It was quite
+dark inside, and except a stool, it was entirely empty.
+
+"Sit down there," said the woman. "I must go down now."
+
+She buttoned the door, and our hero found himself a close prisoner in
+the dark. It certainly gave him a peculiar sensation. Only a week before
+he had been at his Eastern home. Now he was more than a thousand miles
+away, penniless, and a prisoner. But though he was peculiarly situated,
+he was not discouraged. In fact, with a brave boy's love of adventure,
+he felt a certain exhilaration and wondered what was coming next. His
+courage and enterprise rose with the occasion, and he began to consider
+what course he should take after he got out.
+
+While he is sitting in the closet in dark captivity, we will go below
+and make acquaintance with the man whose arrival had produced so great a
+sensation.
+
+Before going down, the woman said to the child:
+
+"Don't tell anybody about the boy in the closet."
+
+"No, I won't," said the child, obediently.
+
+The woman hurried down stairs, but her husband was already waiting for
+her.
+
+He was a black-browed ruffian, with a rough beard of a week's growth. He
+threw himself sullenly into a chair and growled:
+
+"Where were you? You're always out of the way when I come home."
+
+"I just went up stairs a minute, Dick," she answered.
+
+"To see the brat, I suppose."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I've a great mind to knock him on the head."
+
+"Oh, Dick, you wouldn't injure the little innocent," she said,
+earnestly.
+
+"Wouldn't I? I would if I was paid enough, but there's nothing to be
+made by killing him."
+
+"Thank heaven!" uttered the woman, fervently.
+
+"You haven't got the heart of a chicken!" said the man, contemptuously.
+"Give me something to eat. I'm hungry."
+
+The woman began to bustle around in obedience to his command.
+
+"I haven't got much in the house, Dick," she said, apologetically.
+
+"What have you got?" he growled.
+
+"Some eggs and a little bacon. Shall I make you some tea?"
+
+"No; bring out the whisky."
+
+"There's none left, Dick."
+
+The man uttered an oath expressive of disappointment.
+
+"Well, give me some slops, then," he said. "I must have something to
+drink."
+
+"Didn't you shoot anything?" she ventured to ask.
+
+"I haven't been hunting."
+
+"I thought you took out your gun."
+
+"What if I did? I don't always hunt when I take my gun. I expected to
+hear from the friends of that brat this morning, but I didn't. They must
+hurry up with their money if they don't want me to strangle him."
+
+"Perhaps they didn't get your letter, Dick."
+
+"Yes, they did. I took care of that. I s'pose they're hatching up some
+plot to have me arrested. If they do, it'll be a bad day for the brat."
+
+He looked fierce and brutal enough to execute the dark threat at which
+he indirectly hinted. There was a cruel look in his eye which showed
+that he would have had small scruples about injuring an innocent child,
+if provoked by the desire for revenge.
+
+While his wife was cooking the eggs he filled his pipe and began to
+smoke. She made all the haste she could, knowing that her husband was
+far from patient. Soon the frugal repast was ready. She set it on the
+table, and said:
+
+"It's all ready, Dick. Better eat it while it's hot."
+
+"I'll eat it when I choose," he growled, in his usual spirit of
+contradiction.
+
+However, he was hungry, and laying aside his pipe, did as she requested.
+Soon he had dispatched all the food set before him.
+
+"There isn't enough to keep a kitten from starving," he said.
+
+"I'm sorry, Dick."
+
+"Much you are sorry," he growled. "A pretty wife you are."
+
+"I wish there were more. If you'll give me some money I'll go out and
+buy something."
+
+"Money!" he snarled. "You're always wanting money. Do you think I am
+made of money?"
+
+"No, Dick; but you know I have none. I wish I knew of any way to earn
+it."
+
+"You do?"
+
+"Yes, Dick."
+
+"Then I suppose you'd be leaving me," he said, suspiciously.
+
+"No, I wouldn't. You know I wouldn't, Dick."
+
+"So you say," he answered, brutally, "How's the brat? Has it been
+crying?"
+
+"No; it is a very good child."
+
+"I'll go up and take a look at it."
+
+He arose from his seat, and advanced toward the door.
+
+His wife followed him.
+
+"Where are you going?" he asked, turning upon her.
+
+"I'm going up, too," she answered, meekly.
+
+"What for? Can't you trust me with the brat?"
+
+"Yes, Dick, but it isn't much used to you. You might frighten it, and
+make it cry."
+
+"That's all right," he answered, smiling grimly. "I like to hear
+children cry."
+
+"How can you enjoy the sufferings of a child?"
+
+"Halloo! What's that?" he said, looking sharply at her. "You dare to
+find fault with me, do you?"
+
+"I didn't mean that, Dick," she said, submissively.
+
+"It's lucky you didn't," he said, warningly. "I don't allow none of
+that, wife or no wife."
+
+"May I go up?"
+
+"If you want to."
+
+So the two went up stairs together.
+
+The wife was nervous lest the child in some way might excite the
+suspicions of her husband and betray the presence of Jasper. She felt,
+therefore, very ill at ease.
+
+The child was sitting up in bed.
+
+"Halloo, young 'un, how yer gettin' along?" asked the man, roughly.
+
+The child did not answer, but looked frightened.
+
+"Why don't you answer?" demanded the man, frowning.
+
+The child looked toward the woman, and seemed on the point of crying.
+
+"Can't you say something to the gentleman?" said the woman, soothingly.
+
+Thus adjured, the little boy said:
+
+"Won't you take me to my mamma?"
+
+"Oh, yes, I'll take you as soon as your mamma sends me some money," said
+the man named Dick, "and she'd better do it pretty soon, too," he
+muttered.
+
+He threw himself into a chair, and ceased to notice the child.
+
+"Do you know, old woman," he said in a different tone, "I've heard news
+that'll rather take you by suprise?"
+
+"I hope it is good news," said his wife, anxiously.
+
+"Well, that's as may be," he answered. "It ought to be good news for us,
+but there's no saying. You know my sister?"
+
+"Mrs. Thorne?"
+
+"Yes. Well, she's had a stroke of luck."
+
+"How was that?"
+
+"Well, you see she went as governess into a family. The man was rich and
+an invalid--a widower, too. What does she do but get him to marry her?"
+
+"She has been fortunate."
+
+"That isn't all of it. She hadn't been married but two or three months
+when her husband died, leaving her a third of his property and guardian
+to his son, who inherits the rest. So she's a rich woman. I say she
+ought to do something for her brother Dick. Don't you say so?"
+
+"I think she would be willing," said the wife.
+
+"She ought to be, but she's selfish. She always was. If only I had the
+money I'd go East, and see what I could get out of her."
+
+"You'd take me with you, Dick?"
+
+"No, I wouldn't. It'll be all I can do to raise money enough to pay my
+own expenses, let alone yours. If I get anything I'll come back, and
+you'll get your share. That's why I want the parents of that brat to
+fork over the cash pretty quick."
+
+"How did you learn the news about your sister, Dick?"
+
+"An old pal of mine has just come from that way and told me all about
+it."
+
+Every word of this dialogue was beard by Jasper in his place of
+concealment. He was astonished beyond measure to learn that this ruffian
+was the brother of his step-mother.
+
+"No wonder I don't like her," he thought, "if they have any traits in
+common. What a fate, for my kind and gentle father to marry the sister
+of such a man!"
+
+"I'm glad of it," said his wife.
+
+"Well, so am I, if she'll do the right thing by me; but if she don't,
+then I'm sorry."
+
+"What shall I do when you're away, Dick?"
+
+"Get along as well as you can. Folks'll give you victuals, if you get
+hard up."
+
+"I don't like to beg."
+
+"Wish me good luck, then, and money enough to take care of you. What are
+you starin' at, young 'un?"
+
+This he said to the child, whose eyes, as if by a species of
+fascination, were fixed upon him.
+
+"Take me home to mamma!" pleaded the child, beginning to cry.
+
+"Shut up!" said the ruffian, harshly, striding to the bed and pinching
+the boy's arm till he cried with the pain.
+
+"Oh, don't, Dick," pleaded the woman, who was fond of children, though
+she had never been a mother.
+
+"I'll give the brat something to cry for," said her husband, and he
+pinched him again.
+
+"Oh, Dick, how can you torture the poor child?" said his wife, braver in
+the little boy's defence than in her own.
+
+"What business has it to cry, then? I'd like to choke it. If you don't
+hush I'll serve you the same way."
+
+Jasper had listened to this brutality as long as he could, but his
+indignation became too hot to be repressed. Thoughtless of consequences,
+he burst open the closet door and strode into the presence of the
+astonished ruffian, his fists involuntarily clenched, and his eyes
+kindling with indignation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+A STRANGE COMMISSION.
+
+
+The man whom we have called Dick stopped short and gazed in astonishment
+at the boy who had so fearlessly stepped upon the scene.
+
+"Where did you come from?" he demanded, frowning.
+
+"From that closet," answered Jasper.
+
+"How came you there? What business have you in my house, anyway?"
+demanded the ruffian.
+
+"I entered it supposing it to be deserted," said Jasper. "While I was
+below I heard that poor boy cry, and came up."
+
+"Did you know he was here?" asked the ruffian, turning to his wife, and
+speaking menacingly.
+
+"Yes, Dick."
+
+"Why did you let him in?"
+
+"He came in while I was out."
+
+"Why didn't you tell me he was here?"
+
+"Because I didn't want him injured in any way. I was afraid you would be
+angry with him."
+
+"That is where you are right," said Dick, adding an oath. "The young
+scoundrel shall pay for his impudence in entering my house like a
+thief."
+
+"You have no right to say that," said Jasper. "I have explained to you
+why I came here."
+
+"You hid in the closet, intending to come out and steal when we were out
+of the way."
+
+"What could I steal?" asked Jasper, looking around him.
+
+"Do you mean to taunt me with my poverty?" exclaimed the ruffian,
+enraged.
+
+"No; I am poorer than you."
+
+"You look like it."
+
+"It is true. I was robbed in the cars by a pickpocket, and because I was
+penniless and could not pay my fare I was put off at this station."
+
+"Is this true?" demanded Dick, with a searching look.
+
+"Yes; I wish it were not."
+
+"How came you near this house?"
+
+"I set out to walk to the village, and must have lost my way."
+
+"Why did you come out of that closet?" was the next demand.
+
+"Because I heard you abusing that little boy," said Jasper, fearlessly.
+
+"I have a right to do what I please to my own child."
+
+"It isn't your child."
+
+"What do you mean by that, you impudent young jackanapes?"
+
+Unobserved by her husband, the wife made a warning sign to Jasper not to
+provoke the man, whose evil passion she so well knew.
+
+Jasper comprehended the sign, but it did not influence him. Frank and
+fearless by temperament, he thought it his duty to stand between the
+little boy and this ruffian's brutality. Still he appreciated the
+woman's kindness, and resolved to bear it in mind. Indeed, he saw that
+she was rather to be pitied than blamed. Her natural instincts were
+good, but she was under the control of a bad man.
+
+"I heard what you were saying," said Jasper.
+
+"You heard?"
+
+"Yes, while I was in the closet."
+
+"What did you hear, you young scoundrel?" demanded the ruffian.
+
+"Enough to satisfy me that you have stolen this boy from his parents."
+
+"It's a lie!"
+
+"No; it is the truth. I felt sure of it before, and now I know it. You
+took him in order to extort money from his friends."
+
+"Well," said the ruffian, defiantly, "what if I did? Have you anything
+to say against it?"
+
+"Yes," said Jasper.
+
+"I shall have to wring your neck by and by," muttered Dick. "Well, go
+on. Spit out what you've got to say."
+
+"I say it's a cruel wrong to the parents," said Jasper, boldly, "and to
+the child also. But you make it worse when you try to abuse the boy."
+
+"Come, boy, if you care so much for the brat, suppose you take his
+place, and take the beating I was going to give him," suggested the
+ruffian, mockingly.
+
+"I would rather suffer than have him suffer," said Jasper, quietly; "but
+perhaps you will change your mind when you hear what I have to say."
+
+"Oh, you are going to beg off!" sneered the ruffian, with a look of
+satisfaction. "I thought you'd come to your senses."
+
+"You are mistaken as to my intention. I want to speak to you about your
+sister--formerly Mrs. Thorne."
+
+"What do you know about her?" asked the man, in extreme astonishment.
+
+"A good deal. She is my step-mother."
+
+"What! Are you the son of the man she married?" asked Dick, eagerly.
+
+"I am Jasper Kent."
+
+"That's the name. So she sent you out to me, did she? That's better than
+I thought She hasn't forgotten her brother, after all."
+
+"No; you are mistaken," said Jasper. "She never so much as told me she
+had a brother."
+
+Dick looked disappointed. Then, with sudden suspicion, he said, roughly:
+
+"I believe you are lying. This Jasper Kent is rich--the heir of
+two-thirds of his father's property. You say you are penniless."
+
+"That is true. Both stories are true. I am my father's principal heir,
+but your sister is my guardian. She has treated me in such a way that I
+left the house."
+
+"Ran away, eh?"
+
+"No, I gave her full notice of what I should do. I told her that if I
+were decently treated I would stay, but if she continued to insult me,
+and give the preference in all things to her own boy, Nicholas, I would
+go away."
+
+"You haven't been such a fool as to go off and leave all your property
+in her hands?"
+
+"I shall come in possession of it when I am twenty-one. Till then I will
+try to support myself."
+
+"Come, boy, you're plucky. I'm glad you came, after all. I want to hear
+more about my sister's affairs. Come down stairs, and we'll talk."
+
+Dick appeared suddenly to have forgotten his animosity. He became even
+friendly in his manner, as he gave our hero this invitation.
+
+"Old woman," said he, addressing his wife, "can't you rake up something
+for this boy to eat? I dare say he is hungry."
+
+"I don't think we've got anything more in the house."
+
+"I'll go out directly and get something. Come down, boy, I want to ask
+you a few more questions."
+
+They went down stairs, followed by the wife. She was happily relieved by
+the unexpected good understanding between her husband and Jasper.
+
+"Now tell me," said Dick, eagerly, when they were in the lower room,
+"how much property has my sister got?"
+
+"Probably between thirty and forty thousand dollars."
+
+"As much as that?" said Dick, complacently. "Well, she has feathered her
+nest well."
+
+"I don't like Mrs. Kent," said Jasper. "Though she is your sister, I am
+obliged to say that, but it is not at all on account of the property my
+father left her. If he had given her one-half his estate I would not
+have complained, as long as she treated me fairly."
+
+"Helen was always a hard customer. She's got a will of her own,"
+chuckled Dick.
+
+"There was no hope of our getting on together," said Jasper.
+
+"She ought to do something for me--don't you think so? I'm her only
+brother."
+
+"As to that," said Jasper, "my opinion wouldn't have any weight with
+her. If you are poor and need help, it would be only natural for her to
+help you."
+
+"That's the way to talk! You won't say anything against me to her?"
+
+"Certainly not," said Jasper. "I shall not write to her at all; and even
+if I did, I wouldn't try to interfere with her disposing of her property
+in any way she thinks best."
+
+"Come, you're a trump, after all. I like you. You're plucky, too."
+
+"Thank you."
+
+"I'll say a good word for you to my sister when I see her."
+
+"You'd better not," said Jasper. "If she thinks you are friendly to me
+you'll stand a poor chance of any favors. Better abuse me."
+
+Dick roared with laughter.
+
+"I say, youngster, you're a smart 'un. I see you're friendly by your
+hint. I'll abuse you to her, never fear. You must take a drink on that.
+Say, old woman, where's the whisky?"
+
+"There's not a drop in the house, Dick."
+
+"I forgot. Curse the luck!"
+
+Just then a man entered the house only less brutal-looking than Dick
+himself.
+
+He held a letter in his hand.
+
+Dick seized it eagerly.
+
+"It's from the father of the boy," he said.
+
+The letter proved to contain fifty dollars.
+
+    "I send this in advance," said the writer. "When the boy is safely
+    delivered into my hands a hundred and fifty more will be paid to
+    the one who brings him, and no questions asked.  Herman Fitch."
+
+"Good!" said Dick, "as far as it goes. I'm ready to give up the brat,
+but will his father keep faith? Perhaps he'll have the police on hand
+ready to nab me."
+
+"Haven't you anybody to send--anybody you can trust?"
+
+Dick slapped his knee forcibly. An idea had come to him.
+
+"I'll send him in charge of the brat," he said, pointing to Jasper.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+JASPER IS INTRUSTED WITH A DELICATE COMMISSION.
+
+
+"Look here, boy," said Dick, "do you want a job?"
+
+"Yes," said Jasper, "if it's honest."
+
+"No fear of that. I want you to take that boy home to his father."
+
+"I'll do it," said Jasper, eagerly.
+
+"How much pay do you want?"
+
+"None at all, except money to pay my fare in the cars."
+
+"You're the right sort," said Dick, with satisfaction. "But there's
+another matter I've got to think about. How do I know but you will
+betray me?"
+
+"How?"
+
+"Put the police on my track."
+
+"If you hadn't given up the boy I might," said Jasper, frankly.
+
+Dick regarded him attentively.
+
+"You're bold," he said. "Then you won't betray me now."
+
+"No."
+
+"Promise it."
+
+"I promise--that is, if you send the boy home by me."
+
+"All right; that's understood. Now for another matter. Read that
+letter."
+
+Jasper read the letter of Herman Fitch, already quoted.
+
+"You see this man, the boy's father, agrees to pay one hundred and fifty
+dollars when he is given up."
+
+"I see that."
+
+"He will give you that money--that is, if he means fair--and you will
+bring it to me. Do you understand?"
+
+"I do."
+
+"Do you promise that?"
+
+"I promise that, too. Where am I to find you? Here?"
+
+"No; I'll give you an address in St. Louis."
+
+"Does the father live in St. Louis?"
+
+"He lives a little out of the city. His name is in the directory, so you
+won't have any trouble in finding it."
+
+"How glad he will be to see the little boy again!"
+
+"He ought to be. You don't think he'll back out from his agreement?"
+said Dick, suspiciously.
+
+"No; he'll be so glad to see the child, he will care nothing for the
+money."
+
+"That's what I hope. When I get that money I'm going East."
+
+"You'll take me with you, Dick?" asked his wife.
+
+"What good'll you be?" growled Dick. "It'll cost more."
+
+"What can I do alone, here?"
+
+"I'll leave money for your board."
+
+"But I'll be so lonely, Dick," she persisted.
+
+"Oh, I'll come back! It's business I'm going for, old woman. If I can't
+come back I'll send money to bring you."
+
+"Do let me go with you, Dick."
+
+"Oh, hush up! I can't have you always in my way. What, blubbering?
+Plague take all the women, I say!"
+
+"When do you want me to go?" said Jasper.
+
+"There's a train this afternoon; take that, for the sooner matters are
+arranged the better. Here's five dollars. It'll be more than enough to
+pay your fare, but you'd better have it in case anything happens."
+
+Jasper felt some repugnance in taking money acquired in such a way, but
+it seemed necessary, and he thrust the note into his vest-pocket.
+
+"You'll be able to carry the boy back to-night," said Dick. "To-morrow
+at twelve bring the money to this address."
+
+He handed him a greasy-looking card with the name "Mark Mortimer, No.
+132 S---- Street," scrawled on it in pencil.
+
+"Am I to ask for Mark Mortimer?" asked Jasper.
+
+"Yes, that's me--that is, it's one of my names. Don't fail."
+
+"I won't."
+
+"If you should play me false, you'd better never have been born," said
+the kidnapper, menacingly.
+
+"I'll come, not on account of your threats, but because I have
+promised," said Jasper, quietly.
+
+"You're a plucky boy. You ain't one of the milk-and-water sort," said
+Dick, with respect for the boy's courage.
+
+"Thank you," said Jasper, laughing. "I am not often afraid."
+
+"By Jove! you've got more pluck than half the men. You'd make a fine lad
+for my business."
+
+"I don't think I'd like your business, so far as I know what it is,"
+said Jasper.
+
+"Well, there's some I'd like better myself. If my sister does the right
+thing by me I'll become a model citizen--run for Congress, may be. Eh,
+old woman?"
+
+"I wish you would reform, Dick," said his wife.
+
+"Let the world give me a chance, then. Now, boy, you must be starting."
+
+"Harry," said Jasper to the little boy, whose name he had learned, "do
+you want to go with me?"
+
+The little boy confidingly put his arms round our hero's neck.
+
+"Will you take me to my mamma?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, I will take you to her."
+
+The little boy uttered a cry of delight.
+
+"Me all ready!" he said, eagerly.
+
+"Do you think he can walk to the depot?" asked Jasper.
+
+"Yes; it is only a mile or so."
+
+"Then I will start."
+
+Part of the way he carried the little boy in his arms. They could make
+but slow progress, but luckily there was plenty of time, and they
+reached the depot a quarter of an hour before the train started.
+
+The station-master looked at the two with curiosity.
+
+"Is that boy yours?"
+
+"He isn't my son, if that's what you mean," said Jasper, amused.
+
+"Brother, then?"
+
+"No; he's a friend of mine that I'm taking home to his father and
+mother."
+
+"Been makin' a visit around here?" asked the station-master.
+
+"Yes," replied Jasper, briefly.
+
+The arrival of two passengers, who wanted tickets, relieved him from the
+questions of the curious station-master. He might have asked questions
+which it would have been inconvenient to answer.
+
+"Did you ever ride in the cars, Harry?" asked Jasper.
+
+"I did ride in the cars when the ugly man took me from my mamma."
+
+"Was that the only time?"
+
+The little boy could remember no other.
+
+Jasper led him a little away, to avoid questioning, but was back in time
+to enter the cars when the train arrived. He found a vacant seat, and
+gave the little boy the place next the window. There were many admiring
+glances directed toward the little fellow, who was remarkably handsome.
+Jasper was apprehensive lest the boy should be recognized by some one
+who knew him. This would have brought suspicion upon him, and placed him
+in a very embarrassing position. Fortunately, though the child's
+appearance was much admired, no such recognition took place.
+
+Two hours later they rolled into the central depot at St. Louis.
+
+"Now," thought Jasper, "I must find out as soon as possible where Mr.
+Fitch lives."
+
+Jasper had not been much of a traveller, as we know. Finding himself now
+in a strange city, he felt at first a little bewildered--the more so,
+that he had a young child under his charge. He did not know in which
+direction the boy's father lived, but the natural thought occurred to
+him that he could find his name in the directory. He went into a
+lager-beer saloon near-by and asked:
+
+"Will you let me see your directory?"
+
+"I got no directory," answered the burly Dutchman, who presided over the
+saloon. "I can give you lager."
+
+"Not at present," said Jasper, laughing. "We don't drink."
+
+It occurred to him that it might be as well to get into the central part
+of the city. He accordingly hailed a passing car, and got aboard with
+Harry.
+
+After awhile he judged from the appearance of the buildings that he had
+reached one of the principal streets. He descended from the car, lifting
+Harry carefully down and carrying him in his arms to the sidewalk. There
+was a large and imposing store situated at the corner of the street.
+
+"They must have a directory in there," thought Jasper.
+
+He entered, holding the little boy by the hand. What was his surprise
+when a richly-dressed lady, turning and catching sight of the child,
+sprang to him, seized him in her arms, and began to cry and laugh
+alternately. But the mystery was explained when he heard Harry say:
+
+"Oh, mamma, I am so glad to see you!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+A BUSINESS MAN'S SUSPICIONS.
+
+
+Jasper stood at a little distance, witnessing the happy meeting between
+the mother and child. He did not wish to interrupt their happiness.
+Soon, however, the mother looked up, and then Jasper advanced, raising
+his hat, politely.
+
+"Is this Mrs. Fitch?" he asked.
+
+"Yes," said the lady, surveying him with curiosity.
+
+"Then I have great pleasure in restoring to you your child."
+
+"What? Did he come with you?"
+
+"Yes, madam."
+
+"Did you know I was in here?"
+
+"No; I only came in to consult the directory to learn your residence."
+
+"How could you be so wicked as to steal my boy?" demanded Mrs. Fitch,
+with pardonable indignation, judging that Jasper was the kidnapper.
+
+"I wouldn't have done it for five thousand dollars!" said Jasper,
+impetuously.
+
+"He didn't 'teal me, mamma," said little Harry, coming opportunely to
+Jasper's defense.
+
+"Who did, then, my darling?"
+
+"It was big, ugly man. Jasper good boy--kind to Harry."
+
+Mrs. Fitch, prompt to remedy her injustice, held out her hand to Jasper,
+which he took respectfully.
+
+"Excuse me," she said; "but I thought, as Harry was with you, that you
+had been concerned in his kidnapping."
+
+"I never saw him till this morning," said Jasper. "Chance drew me to a
+lonely house where he was confined."
+
+"And you rescued him! How can I thank you?"
+
+"I would have done so if I could, but I can't take the credit of it.
+Your husband offered a reward, which the kidnapper thought best to
+accept. He did not dare to bring him back himself, and having no one
+else to employ, asked me to become his agent in restoring him. Of
+course, I was very glad to do it."
+
+"It was not chance that directed you to the haunt of these wicked men;
+it was a good and merciful Providence. Did they ill-treat my darling?"
+
+"I found him tied to the bed in which he was lying."
+
+"How could they treat you so my dear boy!" said the mother, piteously.
+"May I ask your name?"
+
+This was, of course, addressed to Jasper.
+
+"My name is Jasper Kent."
+
+"Can you come out and stop at our house over night? We live about two
+miles distant. I want my husband to see you and thank you for bringing
+back our darling boy."
+
+Jasper reflected that he must see Mr. Fitch, at any rate, in order to
+obtain the promised reward. Moreover, he had no means of his own to pay
+for a lodging, and he promptly accepted the offer.
+
+"I will return home at once," said Mrs. Fitch. "I came in to make some
+purchases, but I can't think of those now. Come, Mr. Kent."
+
+"Take hold of my hand," said little Harry to Jasper.
+
+Jasper smilingly took the proffered hand, and Harry, happy in the double
+companionship, went out of the store.
+
+There was a handsome carriage in waiting, with a coachman in livery
+perched on the box.
+
+"Edward," said Mrs. Fitch, her face fairly glowing with delight, "do you
+see? Little Harry has come back."
+
+"So he has, Heaven bless him!" said the coachman, heartily. "How do you
+do, Master Harry?"
+
+"I'm pooty well," answered the little boy.
+
+"Where did you find him, ma'am, if I may be so bold?"
+
+"This young gentleman brought him back, Edward. Now, drive right home."
+
+"Won't you go around to the office, ma'am, and tell master?"
+
+"No; he must have left the office by this time. We shall see him at
+supper to-night."
+
+Half an hour later the carriage drew up in front of a handsome
+residence, far enough from the centre of the city to have a side yard of
+considerable dimensions, in the rear of which stood a brick stable. It
+was clear that Mr. Fitch was a man of wealth, so Jasper decided.
+
+Of the sensation produced in the house by Harry's arrival I will not
+speak. Jasper found himself regarded in the light of the heroic
+deliverer of the little boy from captivity, though he laughingly
+disclaimed the credit attaching to such a character.
+
+They had been home but fifteen minutes when Mr. Fitch arrived. At the
+moment of his arrival Jasper was in a handsome chamber on the second
+floor, which had been assigned to his use, preparing himself for dinner.
+Mr. Fitch was overjoyed at the recovery of his little boy, but he
+listened with some incredulity to the praises lavished upon Jasper by
+his wife.
+
+"You don't seem to realize," he said, "that this young hero of yours is
+a companion and acknowledged agent of a kidnapper."
+
+"Wait till you see him," said Mrs. Fitch, confidently.
+
+Mr. Fitch shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"How the women are carried away by a specious appearance!" he thought.
+"I am a man of the world, and cooler in my judgment."
+
+Yet when Jasper entered the room he could not help acknowledging that
+his appearance was very much in his favor. Frank and manly in his looks,
+he met Mr. Fitch with gentlemanly ease.
+
+"You are the young gentleman who brought back my little boy, I believe,"
+said the father.
+
+"Yes, sir," said Jasper. "I occupy, for the time being, the office of
+agent of the man who kidnapped him."
+
+"Who is this man?"
+
+"I should be willing to tell you if I had not promised secrecy."
+
+"Then," said Mr. Fitch, with slight suspicion, "you are in confidential
+relations with this villain."
+
+"Partly so, but it was forced upon me. I never met him till to-day, and
+he confided in me because there seemed to be no one else that he could
+trust."
+
+"Why did he not come himself?"
+
+"Because he thought it would be dangerous."
+
+"Shall you meet him again?"
+
+"Once only, to finish this business. He said you had promised a certain
+sum on the boy's return, and this I agreed to carry him."
+
+"How much commission are you to receive?" inquired Mr. Fitch.
+
+"Nothing at all," said Jasper. "He handed me five dollars to pay the
+railroad fare of little Harry and myself to St. Louis. What is left over
+I shall return to him."
+
+"Then Harry was not concealed in this city?"
+
+"No, sir; but he was at no great distance from it."
+
+"Are you living here?"
+
+"I never was in St. Louis until this afternoon. I have only just come on
+from the State of New York."
+
+"To find employment, I suppose?"
+
+"Yes, sir. It was by the merest chance that I fell over your little boy
+and his captor. I was contriving plans for getting him away, when
+fortunately the kidnapper received a communication from you which led to
+my being here."
+
+"Suppose you had got Harry away from this man, how could you have found
+me?"
+
+"That would have been the difficulty. I didn't know your name, or where
+you lived. But I meant to come here and get one of the daily papers to
+publish an account of the recovery, in the hope that the paragraph would
+find its way to your notice."
+
+"A very sensible plan," commented Mr. Fitch, approvingly. "When have you
+agreed to meet the kidnapper to carry him the money?"
+
+"To-morrow at twelve."
+
+"And then you will proceed to carry out your own plans?"
+
+"Yes, sir. After supper, if you can spare the time, I will tell you my
+situation, and the circumstances that led me here, and ask for advice."
+
+"Very well. I will gladly give you the best counsel I can."
+
+After supper Jasper told his story briefly, and confirmed the favorable
+impression he had already begun to make. Mr. Fitch cast aside his
+lingering remnant of suspicion, and promised his good offices in
+procuring him employment.
+
+"After you have seen this man and paid him the money," he said, "come to
+my counting-room, and we will talk over your affairs."
+
+The evening was spent socially, little Harry, of course, being the
+central object of interest. The little fellow appeared to have taken a
+great fancy to Jasper, and was unwilling to have him go the next day. He
+was not reconciled till Jasper promised to come back.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+WHERE JASPER FOUND DICK.
+
+
+To find the address given by the kidnapper was not difficult. It was
+only necessary to look over a plan of the city, which Jasper did in Mr.
+Fitch's counting-room.
+
+"Come back when your business is over," said the merchant.
+
+"I will," said Jasper.
+
+He set out with one hundred and fifty dollars in his pocket for 132
+S---- Street.
+
+We will precede him.
+
+It was a shabby house of two stories, with a wide front. It looked
+dilapidated and neglected, but except that it was in an unsavory
+neighborhood there was nothing to draw attention to it, or lead to the
+impression that it was the haunt of lawbreakers and desperate
+characters.
+
+In a back room sat three men, one of whom we recognize as the kidnapper,
+Dick, alias Mark Mortimer. Of the other two, one was under twenty-five,
+with a reckless, dare-devil look, as of one who would stop at little in
+his criminal schemes. He had more than once been engaged in burglary,
+but as yet had escaped detection.
+
+The third was a stout, square-built man, of middle age, with a heavy,
+brutal face, such as might belong to a prize-fighter. He, too, was a
+burglar, an accomplished counterfeiter, a gambler, who supplemented luck
+by various swindling devices, in which he was an adept. This man was
+known as Slippery Bill, while his young companion was Jack, with a
+choice of last names.
+
+The three men were playing a game of euchre, with a pack of greasy
+cards. The time was half-past eleven in the forenoon.
+
+"It's most time for the boy to come," said Dick, looking toward the
+clock.
+
+"How do you know but he'll give you the slip?" suggested Jack.
+
+"If he did I'd break his neck!" exclaimed Dick, hastily. "But he won't.
+Leastways he won't if he can help it."
+
+"It strikes me, Dick," said Bill, "that you ought never to have asked
+him to come here."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Who's to tell but he may bring company?" continued the stout man.
+
+"What kind of company?"
+
+"The police."
+
+"He won't," said Dick.
+
+"How do you know?"
+
+"I'll trust him. He's a good 'un."
+
+"How long have you known him, that you speak with so much confidence?"
+inquired the younger man.
+
+"Since yesterday morning," answered Dick, cornered.
+
+The two men burst into a boisterous laugh.
+
+"Why, Dick, you're as innocent as a baby. You haven't knowed this chap
+more'n twenty-four hours, and you'll stake your life on him."
+
+"Laugh as much as you like," said Dick, stubbornly. "I ought to speak up
+for my own nephew."
+
+"Your nephew!" exclaimed his two companions, in surprise. "What do you
+mean?"
+
+"What I say. He's my sister's son."
+
+"A minute ago you said you never saw him till yesterday," said the stout
+man, suspiciously.
+
+"No more I did. My sister lives at the East."
+
+"Has she sent him to you to be brought up in the way he should go?"
+asked Jack, with a sneer.
+
+"No; the boy's run away. He came across me by chance."
+
+"That's better," said Bill, partially reassured. "He won't be likely to
+betray you--not now--but he may inform against this place."
+
+"I'll answer for him."
+
+"Are you going to let him go as soon as he brings the money, or will he
+stay with you?"
+
+"Oh, he'll go. I can't take care of a lad like him. I've other fish to
+fry."
+
+"Suppose we keep him and train him up to our business?"
+
+"He ain't the right sort for that."
+
+"Shows the white feather, eh?"
+
+"No; he's as brave as any boy I ever saw."
+
+"What's the matter, then?"
+
+"He's too honest and virtuous."
+
+"What! your nephew, Dick?" and the two men laughed loudly. "That's too
+thin. Don't ask us to swallow that."
+
+"It's true."
+
+"Why did he run away from home, then?"
+
+"My sister's got a very rough temper--that's why."
+
+"We can believe that," said Jack, "better than the other."
+
+"Look here, Jack," said Dick, who was getting irritated, "you may find
+that I've got the same kind of temper if you keep on badgering me about
+the boy. I say he's to be trusted."
+
+"He can be trusted under our eye. Have you any objection to our
+detaining him?"
+
+"There's no need."
+
+"I say there is. You've let him into the knowledge of this place. He'll
+blow on us some day."
+
+"Do as you like," said Dick; "I don't care. I wash my hands of the
+responsibility."
+
+"That's all we want," said Bill. "We need a young one to help us in our
+plans. If this nephew of yours is as brave as you say, he'll do. What
+time was he to come here?"
+
+"Twelve."
+
+"Then it's a minute past the time. I don't think he'll come."
+
+"The clock may be wrong." said Dick, but he glanced uneasily at the
+clock, which now indicated a little past the hour.
+
+His suspense was not a long one.
+
+An old man, thin and shriveled, with a crafty eye, and a thin, squeaking
+voice, here put his head in at the door.
+
+"Is Mr. Mark Mortimer here?" he asked.
+
+"That's me!" exclaimed Dick, jumping up eagerly.
+
+"There's a boy wants to see you, Mr. Mark Mortimer," said the old man,
+repeating the name as if he enjoyed it.
+
+"It's my nephew," said Dick.
+
+"Is his name Mortimer, too?" asked the proprietor of the establishment,
+for such the old man was.
+
+"Never mind," said Dick, impatiently. "Bring the boy in."
+
+Almost directly Jasper was ushered into the room--fearlessly, but
+looking about him with some curiosity.
+
+The two men, who had not before seen him, surveyed him with equal
+curiosity.
+
+"He does you credit," said the stout man.
+
+"He's what I was at his age," said Dick. "Now, boy, have you got the
+money?"
+
+"Yes," said Jasper.
+
+"One hundred and fifty dollars?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+Dick's eyes glistened.
+
+"Give it here. You're a trump. Did old Fitch make any difficulties?"
+
+"No; he was glad to get the boy back."
+
+"Did he ask you about me?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How much did you tell him?" demanded the kidnapper, hastily.
+
+"Nothing. I told him that I had made a promise not to tell."
+
+Dick looked triumphantly at his two companions.
+
+"Didn't I tell you?" he said.
+
+"You have the boy's word for it," said Jack, with a quiet sneer. "How
+did you find your way here, boy?"
+
+"I looked at a map of the city," answered Jasper.
+
+"Where?"
+
+"In the office of Mr. Fitch."
+
+"Where did you pass last night?"
+
+"At the house of Mr. Fitch."
+
+"Where are you going when you leave here?"
+
+"I have promised to go to Mr. Fitch's counting-room."
+
+"You seem to be very intimate with this gentleman," said Jack.
+
+"There's nothing strange in that," said Jasper, quietly. "It was I who
+carried his boy home."
+
+"The boy is right," said Dick, who, having obtained his money, felt
+graciously disposed toward our hero, through whose agency he had
+obtained it.
+
+"What does he want of you?" asked Jack, continuing the
+cross-examination.
+
+"I hope he is going to help me to a place," answered Jasper.
+
+"No need of going to him," said the stout man. "We'll give you
+employment."
+
+"You!" repeated Jasper, with an attentive glance, which took in the
+man's disreputable appearance.
+
+"Yes, if you deserve it. What do you say?"
+
+"I feel obliged for your offer," said Jasper, "but having promised Mr.
+Fitch to return, I would prefer to do so."
+
+"Boys," interrupted Dick, at this point, "I'm sorry to leave this
+festive crowd, but I've got other business to attend to, and must be
+going."
+
+"I'll go with you," said Jasper, who was anxious to leave the place.
+
+"No, you don't, just yet," said Jack, rising, and striding between
+Jasper and the door. "We'll have a drink all around first."
+
+"Thank you," said Jasper, "I don't drink."
+
+"You must drink now. It's the law of this establishment."
+
+"All right, Jasper," said Dick. "I'll treat. You can drink what you
+like, though."
+
+Jasper felt that it would be politic to comply, and chose lemonade.
+
+"I'll order the drinks," said Jack, and he left the room for that
+purpose.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+THE SLEEPING POTION.
+
+
+Presently the old man already referred to appeared with the drinks. It
+Is hardly necessary to say that Jasper was alone in his choice of
+lemonade. The rest selected stronger liquors.
+
+"Here's to you, Dick," said Jack, tossing off the contents of his glass,
+"and may you live to treat us many times more!"
+
+"Amen to that!" said Bill.
+
+"Haven't you got anything to say, youngster?" asked Dick, turning to
+Jasper.
+
+"I wish you a pleasant journey," said Jasper, politely.
+
+"As to that, it depends on my success with my sister."
+
+"When do you leave?"
+
+"To-night, if I can."
+
+"What's all that about, Dick? Are you going to leave us?" asked Bill.
+
+"I'm goin' East for the benefit of my health and my purse," said Dick,
+with a grin. "Do you wish me success, mates?"
+
+"To be sure. Is it anything we can help you in?"
+
+"No, no. It's my private venture."
+
+"Anything in my line?"
+
+"No; it's a strictly virtuous and honest undertaking. I don't mind
+giving you a hint of it. I've got a near relative that's come into a
+fortune. Now I think I ought to come in for a share."
+
+"To be sure!"
+
+"Have another game of euchre, Dick?"
+
+"I don't know--I ought to be going," said the kidnapper, hesitating.
+"We'll make it poker, and the boy may take a hand."
+
+"No," said Jasper, languidly. "I don't know how to play."
+
+"We'll teach you."
+
+"I don't care about it."
+
+"You look sleepy, lad," said Dick.
+
+"Yes, I feel so. It's strange. I didn't feel so when I came in."
+
+"Oh, don't mind the boy's looks," said Jack. "Lay down on that settee,
+if you want to, boy."
+
+Jasper felt so heavy and drowsy that he accepted the permission and
+stretched himself out, closing his eyes.
+
+"Why am I so sleepy?" he thought, languidly. "I never was before, in the
+middle of the day, except when I was sick."
+
+He listened at first to the conversation between the players, but
+gradually it sounded only like a confused hum, and at length he could
+not hear it at all.
+
+He was fast asleep.
+
+When this became clear through his heavy breathing, Dick turned to the
+younger man, and pointing to Jasper, asked:
+
+"What have you been doing to him?"
+
+"I put a sleeping potion into his drink," answered Jack.
+
+"What for?"
+
+"I mean to keep him for a while, and that saves a fuss."
+
+"What do you want to do with him?"
+
+"Prevent him from doing mischief."
+
+"There's no need. He can be trusted."
+
+"You can trust him, for you'll be a long way off. He might blow on us
+any time."
+
+Dick shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"Oh, well, do as you please, but you're over careful. Don't hurt him."
+
+"He'll be all right as long as he behaves himself. It's your deal."
+
+The game was over at last, and Dick arose to go. Jasper was sleeping
+soundly, and was wholly unconscious of his departure.
+
+"Give me a hand, Bill, and we'll take the boy up stairs," said the
+younger man.
+
+"What's your plan, Jack?"
+
+"To make him one of us. He'll come to it in time."
+
+There was a windowless room on the second floor, in the centre of the
+house, wholly dark, except when lighted by gas. It was to this room that
+our hero was conveyed, and laid upon some bedding in the corner of the
+room. There was a slide in the partition to admit air, and with it a few
+faint rays of light. Jasper stirred a little while he was being moved,
+but the sleeping potion had too much potency to allow him to wake.
+
+"There," said Jack, in a tone of satisfaction, "he's safe now."
+
+"He'll make a fuss when he gets up."
+
+"Let him. He can't get out."
+
+As they went down stairs, Jack called aside Nathan Gibson, the old man
+who had charge of the house.
+
+"Nathan," said he, "did you see the boy that was with us just now?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"We've put him in the prison" (for this was the name by which the small
+dark room was known). "He's not to be let out."
+
+"Good! I understand."
+
+"You may take him some supper at five or six o'clock. Look in before
+that time to see if he's awake."
+
+"All right!" said the old man, grinning. "What's your game?"
+
+"It's your game as well as mine. The boy ought never to have come here.
+He may blow on us."
+
+The mean-faced little man looked by turns frightened and fierce.
+
+"I'd slit his throat if he did!" he said.
+
+"No need of that. We'll make him join us."
+
+"That would be the best way; but can you?"
+
+"We can try. Don't forget what I told you."
+
+Nathan nodded.
+
+Still Jasper slept, little suspecting into what a trap he had walked.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+JASPER FINDS HIMSELF A PRISONER.
+
+
+It was after five o'clock when Jasper opened his eyes. As soon as
+consciousness returned he looked around him with astonishment and
+wonder.
+
+"Where am I?"
+
+A few rays of light entered at the sliding-door above, and to this his
+eyes were naturally drawn.
+
+Here was another puzzle. He explored his memory, and could recall no
+such place as this. He had never before been in such a room.
+
+At last he recalled the circumstances under which he fell asleep, and he
+jumped to the conclusion that he was in the same house still.
+
+"They must have put me to bed," he said to himself. "They were very
+kind; but this is a queer room."
+
+Thus far no thought that he was a prisoner had entered his mind.
+
+He arose and began to feel his way around by the walls. He judged that
+he was in a room not more than ten feet square. He could form no idea
+what was the time. It might be the middle of the night, so far as he
+knew.
+
+"This is awkward," he thought. "I don't fancy being shut up like this.
+Where's the door? There must be one somewhere."
+
+He found it at last, and tried the lock, but it did not yield to his
+efforts.
+
+Then came the startling thought:
+
+"Am I a prisoner?"
+
+He stopped short and thought over the situation. He recalled all he
+could of the men in whose company he had been at the time he went to
+sleep. The longer he thought the more it seemed probable that it was as
+he suspected.
+
+Though a little startled at this view of the situation, Jasper was by no
+means disposed to be despondent. His courage arose with the difficulties
+of his position.
+
+"I'll find out how matters stand," he said to himself. "I'll pound till
+somebody comes."
+
+He began to pound on the walls of the room with such effect that the old
+man below heard him.
+
+"The bird is beating against the walls of his cage," he thought. "I'll
+go up and see him."
+
+Presently Jasper heard steps ascending the stairs. Almost immediately
+another sliding-door about four feet from the floor was drawn open, and
+the old man's face was poked in.
+
+"Did you knock?" he asked, grinning.
+
+"Yes," said Jasper. "Open the door, and let me out."
+
+"Won't you have some supper first?" asked Nathan, with a leer.
+
+"No; I'd rather go out," said Jasper, in a tone of suspicion.
+
+"I couldn't allow that. Oh, no!" said Nathan.
+
+"What right have you to keep me here against my will?" exclaimed Jasper,
+furiously.
+
+"We like your company so much, my dear young man," said Nathan, nodding
+his head waggishly.
+
+"Who's 'we'?" demanded Jasper.
+
+"Jack, and Bill, and me."
+
+"Let me out, I say."
+
+"Don't be agitated, my dear boy. You'll be taken good care of."
+
+"I'd rather take care of myself. Will you open the door?"
+
+"I couldn't, but I'll bring you up some supper directly."
+
+The sliding-door was closed suddenly, and again Jasper found himself in
+the dark, fully understanding now that he was a prisoner, but why, he
+could not form a conjecture.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+IN CONFINEMENT.
+
+
+Soon the old man reappeared and opened the sliding-door. He carried a
+small waiter containing a cup of tea, a plate of cold meat, and a slice
+of white bread without butter.
+
+"We don't want you to starve," he said. "Here's something to stay your
+stomach. You're hungry, ain't you?"
+
+Jasper admitted that he was.
+
+"I thought so. When I was your age I was always eating. Never could get
+enough."
+
+Jasper wondered, if this were the case, why the old man had not grown
+larger, but he did not say this. He took the waiter from Nathan and set
+it on his lap, there being no table.
+
+"I hope you don't mean to keep me long as a boarder," he said. "You
+won't find it profitable, boarding me for nothing."
+
+"That isn't for me to say," said Nathan. "Jack and Bill will see to
+that."
+
+"Did they tell you to confine me?"
+
+"Yes; I told you that already."
+
+"Will you ask them to come up and speak to me? I want to know why I am
+here."
+
+"They ain't at home now. I'll tell them when they come in."
+
+"Thank you. Do you think that will be to-night?"
+
+"Not likely. They'll come in so late you'll be abed and asleep."
+
+"Don't let them go out to-morrow morning without seeing me."
+
+"I'll tell them."
+
+The old man waited till Jasper had finished eating, and then took the
+waiter back through the window.
+
+"Won't you let me have a light?" asked Jasper. "I don't want to stay
+here in the dark."
+
+"You'll set the house on fire," said the old man, hesitating.
+
+"And get burned up myself? I should be fool to run such a risk as that."
+
+This consideration suggested itself to the old man's judgment, and he
+promised to bring up a lamp before long.
+
+This he really did. Jasper found it a great relief. He was now broad
+awake, the effect of the drug having passed off.
+
+There was nothing to do, indeed, but his thoughts were busy, and he
+tried hard to devise some method of escape, in case he should not be
+released.
+
+The next morning breakfast was brought to him about eight o'clock. It
+was not till ten that the sliding-door was opened and the face of Jack
+appeared at the opening.
+
+"Well, boy, how do you like your quarters?" he asked, with a
+disagreeable smile.
+
+"Not at all," answered Jasper. "Why do you keep me here?"
+
+"We had reasons for putting you here."
+
+"What were they?"
+
+"First and foremost, you knew too much."
+
+"Were you afraid I should betray you?" asked Jasper.
+
+"You might."
+
+"I promise not to, if you will let me go."
+
+"That's all very well, but when you get out you might break your
+promise."
+
+"Then it would be for the first time," said Jasper, proudly. "I never
+break my promises."
+
+"You talk well, boy, but it's easy to talk."
+
+"It's all I can do. There is no way of proving what I say."
+
+"That's so; and that's the reason I'm going to keep you."
+
+"At that rate, you will have to keep me all my life."
+
+"No; there's another way."
+
+"What is it?" asked Jasper, eagerly.
+
+"Join us, and when you're in the same box you won't go to blabbing."
+
+"What do you mean by joining you?" asked Jasper, though he was afraid he
+understood only too well.
+
+"You ought to be smart enough to know that."
+
+"I don't know what your business is," said our hero.
+
+"You don't!" said Jack, ironically. "Perhaps you think we're commission
+merchants, or bankers, or something of that kind, Bill and me?"
+
+"I don't think you are either of them," said Jasper, laughing.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"You don't look like a commission merchant or a banker."
+
+"What do I look like, eh, boy?"
+
+"You may be angry if I answer that question."
+
+"No, I won't. Go ahead!"
+
+"You look as if you didn't get your living in any way so honest as
+that."
+
+"Well, suppose you are right?"
+
+"Then I am sorry. I wish you would reform and lead a different life."
+
+"No preaching! I didn't bargain for that."
+
+"Then all I have to say is, you are in no danger from me. I shall not
+betray you."
+
+"Perhaps you are to be trusted, but I can't run the risk. You must join
+us."
+
+"You may be wicked yourself. You have no right to make me so," said
+Jasper, firmly.
+
+"That's all nonsense. The world owes me a living, and you, too."
+
+"Not without work. I'm going to work for my living."
+
+"I mean you shall. You shall work for me."
+
+"That kind of work will do the world no good. I want to do something
+useful."
+
+"So you shall. You shall help us bleed some of these bloated
+aristocrats. They've got more money than is good for them--more than
+they have any business to keep."
+
+"I don't agree with you," said Jasper.
+
+"You'd better. It is for your interest," said Jack, frowning.
+
+"It can't be for my interest to become a law-breaker."
+
+"Then you can stay here till you rot!" retorted the burglar, roughly.
+"You won't come out of this chamber till you have agreed to become one
+of us."
+
+There was something in this threat which startled Jasper, bold and brave
+as he was.
+
+"Such an outrage won't be permitted," he said.
+
+"Won't it?" sneered Jack. "We'll see about that. I'll take the risk. You
+don't know me yet," he added, with an oath.
+
+"Is it wholly because you are afraid I will betray you that you treat me
+in this way?" asked Jasper.
+
+"No."
+
+"What other reason have you?"
+
+"I'll tell you. You're the sort of boy we want. You ain't any whining,
+milk-and-water sort of boy. You're brave and spirited. You would be
+worth a good deal to us."
+
+Burglar though Jack was, Jasper was not insensible to the compliment.
+Any boy likes to be considered spirited, even if he does not deserve it,
+and he felt flattered by this tribute, which he felt that he deserved,
+at least, in part.
+
+"I am glad you have a good opinion of my courage," he said, "but I think
+I can find a better use for it than in the career you open to me. If I
+accepted your proposal from fear of imprisonment it would show that I
+was not such a boy as you describe."
+
+"You are an obstinate fool!" said Jack, with a frown.
+
+"I am obstinate in this," said Jasper, composedly. "You want to spoil my
+life by making me a criminal."
+
+"Do you mean to call me a criminal!" exclaimed Jack, angrily.
+
+"I call you nothing--I only take you at your word."
+
+"You'll talk differently from this a week from now!" said Jack,
+prepariug to shut the sliding-door.
+
+"Do you mean to keep me in this dark hole a week?" asked Jasper, unable
+to repress a shudder.
+
+"Ha! that disturbs you, does it?" asked the other, smiling sardonically.
+
+"Yes, it does. You don't think I fancy it, do you?"
+
+"Well, you know the way to end your imprisonment."
+
+"Is there only one way?"
+
+"There's only one way. Tell the old man, Nathan, when you've made up
+your mind to accept my offer."
+
+Without waiting for a reply Jack pushed the sliding-door in its place,
+and once more Jasper found himself in the dark.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+AN UNEXPECTED FRIEND.
+
+
+Three days and nights passed, and Jasper was still in confinement. Three
+times a day Nathan came to bring him his meals. Each time he asked our
+hero:
+
+"Are you ready to join our friends?"
+
+And each time Jasper answered:
+
+"No!"
+
+"You must like staying here," said the old man.
+
+"I am very tired of it," said Jasper, with a sigh.
+
+"You can come out any time," said Nathan.
+
+"Let me out now, then."
+
+"Oh, no, my dear young friend," said Nathan, shaking his head, "not
+until you accept Jack's offer."
+
+"Good heavens!" thought Jasper, "can it be possible that in the middle
+of a great city I can be imprisoned like this, with hundreds passing the
+house every hour? I wish I could be heard outside."
+
+But this was impossible, owing to the peculiar situation of the room.
+The prospects of our young hero were certainly gloomy enough. But
+there's an old saying that the darkest hour is just before the dawn, and
+deliverance was nearer than Jasper supposed.
+
+On the fourth day, at noon, Jasper heard steps ascending the stairs. He
+supposed it to be the old man, with his dinner, and he looked up
+listlessly as the sliding-door was opened. But instead of the wrinkled
+face of Nathan he beheld the fresh face of a young girl, apparently
+about sixteen years of age. She regarded the prisoner with curiosity and
+surprise.
+
+"Here's your dinner," she said.
+
+"Thank you," said Jasper. "Where is the old man that generally comes
+up?"
+
+"Uncle Nathan? Oh, he's gone out for a little while."
+
+"He's your uncle, then?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Do you live here?"
+
+"I've only just come. He sent for me. What do they keep you here for?"
+she asked, her face expressing curiosity. "Are you sick?"
+
+"I'm sick of being cooped up here."
+
+"Then why do you stay?"
+
+"Because I have to. Your uncle won't let me out."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Hasn't he told you?"
+
+"No. He only told me to bring up your dinner. I thought it was a man. I
+didn't know it was a boy."
+
+"You want to know why I am confined here?"
+
+"Yes, if you'll tell me."
+
+"It is because your uncle is afraid I'll inform the police against him
+and the men who come here."
+
+"I don't know much about them. Are they bad people, then?"
+
+"I am afraid they are. They do things that make them liable to be
+arrested."
+
+"What! my uncle, too?" asked the girl, who appeared to be startled.
+
+"I am not sure about him, but I feel sure about two men who come here.
+Their names are Jack and Bill."
+
+"I know. I have seen them both. One is a young man, the other must be
+near fifty. He's stout."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How long do you think they will keep you here?"
+
+"Until I agree to join them in breaking the laws."
+
+"That's too bad," said the girl, compassionately. "Isn't it awful to be
+shut up there?"
+
+"Yes, it is. I've been here three or four days, and it seems as many
+weeks. Don't you think you could help me to escape?" asked Jasper, in a
+lower tone.
+
+The girl looked frightened.
+
+"I wouldn't dare to," she said.
+
+"Wouldn't you, if you were sure your uncle wouldn't find out?"
+
+"Yes, I would," she answered, heartily.
+
+"Don't you think you could manage it?" asked Jasper, eagerly.
+
+"I don't know. I wish I could," she answered, with evident sincerity.
+
+"Nancy!" called the old man's voice from below, sharply, "hasn't that
+boy got through yet?"
+
+"Coming, uncle," she answered.
+
+"I'll speak with you again when I bring up your supper," she said, as
+she hurried down stairs.
+
+She left Jasper eager and excited. At last he had made a friend in the
+camp of his enemies, and there was hope ahead.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+ESCAPE.
+
+
+Jasper waited impatiently for supper-time, not that he was hungry, for
+excitement had taken away his appetite, but because he was feverish with
+anxiety as to his prospects of release.
+
+"Suppose the old man should suspect her and come up with the supper
+himself," he thought, anxiously.
+
+But his anxiety proved groundless.
+
+A little after five the door was opened and disclosed the young girl,
+Nancy. His face lighted up joyfully.
+
+"I'm glad it's you, Nancy," he said. "I was afraid I should see your
+uncle. Does he suspect anything?"
+
+"No; he scolded me for allowing you so long to eat your dinner, that's
+all."
+
+"I'll take it off the plate and eat afterward. Now, I want to talk a
+little. Have you found out any way to help me?"
+
+"I don't know. Do you think you could get out of this window?"
+
+Jasper looked at the aperture critically.
+
+"Yes, I think I could," he said, after a pause, "with some one on the
+other side to pull me through."
+
+"I'll do that," said Nancy.
+
+"You will? You're a trump! What am I to do afterward? Can you help me to
+leave the house?"
+
+"That's what I've been thinking," said Nancy. "I'm afraid it wouldn't do
+to let you out at the front door. It's locked and bolted, and the bolt
+squeaks. I've tried it to see."
+
+"The windows?" suggested Jasper, anxiously.
+
+"No, I am afraid not."
+
+"Then if I can't leave the house, it's no use to get out of this room."
+
+"Yes, there's another way out, but it requires courage."
+
+"I'm not a coward," said Jasper.
+
+"No, you don't look like it," said Nancy, who was more favorably
+disposed toward Jasper on account of his good looks.
+
+"Thank you," said Jasper, gratified. "Now tell me, what is your plan?"
+
+"There's a scuttle through which you can get out on the roof. Would you
+dare to do it?"
+
+"Yes; I might get on to some other roof."
+
+"Yes, but you might slip off."
+
+"I am not afraid. You think of that because you are a girl."
+
+"Yes. I would rather stay here than trust myself on the roof."
+
+"Do you know if the next house is higher than this?"
+
+"Yes, it is."
+
+"That's very awkward," said Jasper, thoughtfully.
+
+"But there are some windows in the side of the house. You might get in
+at one of them."
+
+"And be taken for a house-breaker? Well, I must run the risk, any way.
+When do you think I had better try it?"
+
+"To-night. There'll be nobody in the house to-night but uncle and me."
+
+"That's good," said Jasper, reflecting that Nathan looked feeble, and
+being small in size would not be more than a match for his strength if
+the worst came to the worst.
+
+"When does your uncle go to bed?" he asked.
+
+"At eleven."
+
+"When will you come for me?"
+
+"At twelve, or a little after."
+
+"Are the nights dark now?" asked Jasper. "It would be rather ticklish
+being on the roof if it were pitch dark."
+
+"No, the moon will be up then."
+
+"That's all right. If you find out anything else that will help, let me
+know."
+
+"Yes, I will."
+
+"Nancy!"
+
+"Yes, uncle!" answered the girl. "To-night at twelve!" she said, in a
+low voice, and hurried down stairs.
+
+Jasper, in thinking over the plan he had in view, realized that it was
+one that would probably require all his courage and nerve. It would be a
+great relief to get through without accident. But he never thought of
+backing out. He felt that anything was better than to be confined longer
+in his present prison.
+
+It seemed a long time to wait, especially in the darkness, for the oil
+was burned out in his lamp, and there was no chance of asking for a
+further supply. He had forgotten it when Nancy came up with his supper.
+However, he felt that it was of no particular consequence, as he was so
+soon to be released.
+
+So the hours passed. He did not permit himself to fall asleep, lest he
+should not be awake when Nancy came.
+
+At last he heard a faint noise at the door, and saw Nancy standing
+outside with a candle.
+
+"Are you ready?" she whispered.
+
+"Yes, ready and waiting."
+
+"Now try to get through, and I will help you."
+
+She set down the candle, and Jasper set about his task. It was a tight
+squeeze, but at last he got out, and stood on his feet in the entry.
+
+"Now, follow me," said Nancy, in a whisper.
+
+He climbed a narrow, steep staircase, and then a ladder, and unfastening
+the scuttle, he laid it back. The moon shone softly down, bathing the
+city in its beautiful light. He got out lightly on the roof.
+
+"Good-bye!" he said, "and thank you, Nancy."
+
+"Good luck!" said Nancy.
+
+He lowered the scuttle, and sat astride the roof, considering what to do
+next.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+JASPER IN A NEW CHARACTER.
+
+
+It was a relief to be out of his prison, but it must be admitted that
+Jasper's situation was not particularly desirable or agreeable. It was
+midnight, and he was seated astride the roof of the house which had
+served as his prison. There seemed to be no chance to reach the street,
+except to slide down the roof, and that would be certain death.
+
+Jasper looked about him in great perplexity.
+
+As his deliverer had told him, the next house was a story higher than
+the one on whose roof he was seated, and, still more important, there
+was a side-window looking out in that direction. When Jasper saw this,
+hope sprang up in his heart.
+
+"If that window is not fastened I can get in," he thought.
+
+He edged his way along to the window, and found that to reach it he
+would have to slide down a little way and catch hold of the blind to
+prevent sliding too far.
+
+"There's some risk about it," thought Jasper. "Shall I try it?"
+
+I don't know whether Jasper was justified in taking the risk he did, for
+there was great danger of sliding over into the street. I don't think I
+should have ventured to do it; but our hero was fearless and courageous,
+and he resolved that, as this was the only method of escape, he would
+avail himself of it. As a precaution against slipping, however, he took
+off his shoes, and catching the strings in his teeth commenced the
+perilous descent. He succeeded in grasping the blind and staying his
+progress.
+
+"Now, if the window should be fastened, what should I do?" he thought.
+
+But it was not. He succeeded in raising it, and with a feeling of
+intense relief made his way into the chamber.
+
+Then for the first time there flashed upon him the thought that he had
+placed himself in a very suspicious predicament. He had entered a house
+at midnight through the window. Why might he not be taken for a burglar?
+This was the way a burglar was likely to enter, and if he should be
+caught here his explanation would be considered very unsatisfactory.
+
+Jasper, brave as he was, was startled by this thought, while
+simultaneously the difficulty of escape was forced upon him. He looked
+about him in mental disturbance.
+
+It was a small attic chamber. There was a bed in the room, a wash-stand,
+a couple of chairs, and a clothes-press. This, being open, revealed a
+few clothes belonging, apparently, to a man.
+
+"Why isn't he here?" thought Jasper, "and what shall I do if he comes?"
+
+Though his story was true, he nevertheless felt that it was improbable,
+and before he could tell it he thought it likely that an alarm would be
+given, resulting in his being consigned to the care of the police.
+
+An idea came to him.
+
+He opened the bed, drew out one of the sheets and arrayed himself in it,
+after carefully folding back the quilt.
+
+"Now," he said to himself, "if it is necessary, I will see what sort of
+a ghost I can make."
+
+Hardly had he done this than he heard steps ascending the stairs. Jasper
+had little doubt that it was the occupant of the chamber which he had so
+unceremoniously entered.
+
+"I'll get into the wardrobe if I can," he thought.
+
+He managed to squeeze himself into the wardrobe, and waited with anxiety
+for the arrival of the new-comer.
+
+Through a crevice he saw the entrance of a stout, good-natured-looking
+young man, whistling a popular song. He was probably a clerk or young
+mechanic, who, after a hard day's work, had been to some cheap place of
+amusement. Wholly unconscious of Jasper's presence, the young man
+undressed himself, still continuing to whistle, and got into bed. It was
+so light outside that he had not lighted the gas.
+
+"I wonder how long it'll take for him to get to sleep?" thought Jasper.
+"I'm getting tired of being cooped up here."
+
+Unfortunately for him the young man seemed to be in no hurry. He
+whistled to himself, and occasionally sung in a low tone. At length
+Jasper decided to make a desperate move. Observing that the young man
+was lying with his face turned from the wardrobe, he seized his
+opportunity, stepped softly out, and gained the middle of the floor
+before he was seen.
+
+The effect upon the young man was startling. The whistle died away, and
+with blanched cheeks and staring eyes he sat bolt upright in bed.
+
+"Oh, Lord!" he exclaimed, tremulously. "What are you?"
+
+Not a word escaped from the white figure, but it solemnly waved its
+hand.
+
+"Are you a ghost?" asked the young man.
+
+Jasper made a guttural noise and waved his arm again.
+
+"Oh, Lord preserve me!" ejaculated the young man, shaking with terror.
+"Go away, do, good ghost! I haven't done anything!"
+
+As he spoke he covered up his head with the bedclothes, and Jasper could
+see by the convulsive movements that he was in a state of the greatest
+agitation. Our hero felt inclined to laugh, but forebore. He considered
+whether it would be safe, disguised as he was, to make his way down
+stairs and out at the front door. But another course suddenly suggested
+itself. The young man looked good-natured. Why shouldn't he reveal
+himself to him, and throw himself upon him for protection? Besides, he
+was sorry to frighten him so much.
+
+Acting upon his new resolution, he threw off the sheet and said in his
+natural voice:
+
+"Don't be frightened. I am not a ghost."
+
+The young man in bed took courage to uncover his head.
+
+"Ain't you a spirit?" he said, doubtfully.
+
+"No more than you," said Jasper, laughing.
+
+"What made you frighten me so? Who are you?"
+
+"I am a friend of yours."
+
+"I don't think I ever saw you before. How did you get in?"
+
+"Through the window."
+
+"You ain't a burglar, are you?" asked the young man, with fresh
+apprehension.
+
+"Of course not," said Jasper, laughing. "Do I look like a burglar?"
+
+"No; but I don't see what made you come in."
+
+"The fact is, I want you to help me," said Jasper. "Just light the gas,
+and I'll tell you all about it."
+
+He spoke so frankly and straightforwardly that the young man was
+reassured. He got out of bed and lighted the gas.
+
+"There! do I look like a burglar?" asked Jasper.
+
+"No, you don't; but I don't see how you got in."
+
+"Then I'll tell you. I've just escaped from the next house."
+
+"Escaped?"
+
+"Yes. I was locked up in a dark room for four days, and the only way I
+could get out was through the roof. Of course I couldn't slide off into
+the street and break my neck, so I got in here through the window."
+
+"You don't say!" ejaculated the young man. "What did they shut you up
+for? Was it your father?"
+
+"No. It's a long story. I knew something they were afraid I would tell."
+
+"What are you going to do?"
+
+"I am going to ask you to let me out into the street."
+
+"What! so late as this? You would have to stay out all night."
+
+"That would be better than to be locked up as I have been for the last
+four days."
+
+"Suppose you wait till morning. This bed is big enough for both of us."
+
+"Thank you. I should like that, and shall be much obliged to you."
+
+"You are sure you are not a burglar?" said the young man, with a brief
+return of his former suspicion.
+
+"Neither burglar nor ghost," said Jasper.
+
+"What made you put on the sheet?"
+
+"I was afraid you would take me for a burglar, so I meant to frighten
+you and escape, concluding that you would be afraid to pursue me."
+
+"That's so. I really thought you were a spirit."
+
+"If you think so now, just feel my muscle," said Jasper, smiling.
+
+"I don't think so now."
+
+"If I am to sleep with you, here is your sheet. We can make better use
+of it than in masquerading as ghosts."
+
+Jasper undressed himself and got into bed. He learned that his
+companion's name was Adam Diedrich, and that he kept a small cigar store
+near-by.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+JASPER GETS A PLACE.
+
+
+Jasper took breakfast the next morning with the friendly young German,
+whose acquaintance he had so singularly made. Not a word was said as to
+the manner in which he had entered the house. He was introduced by Adam
+as "my friend, Mr. Kent."
+
+After breakfast Jasper went around with his new friend to the place of
+business of the latter. He decided not to call upon Mr. Fitch till about
+ten o'clock.
+
+While on his way to the merchant's counting-room he met the girl, Nancy,
+with a tin pail in her hand. The girl's face lighted up when she saw
+him.
+
+"So you got off the roof," she said. "I was so afraid you would fall."
+
+"Thank you, Nancy," said Jasper. "Thanks to you I am out of prison."
+
+"But how did you get off the roof?"
+
+Jasper gave her an account of his midnight adventures.
+
+"And now tell me," he said, "how does your uncle take my flight?"
+
+"He's awful mad about it," said the girl, shaking her head.
+
+"What does he think? Does he suspect you?" asked Jasper, eagerly.
+
+"He did at first, but he doesn't now. He's puzzled to know how you got
+away. And Jack, he's mad, too."
+
+"Jack, does he know it?"
+
+"Yes; he came around to the house about eight o'clock. He was looking
+seedy, as if he'd been up all night. As near as I can find out, he
+failed in some job last night, and that made him cross."
+
+"Very likely."
+
+"'Have you carried up that boy's breakfast?' I heard him say.
+
+"'No,' said my uncle.
+
+"'Then give it to me, and I'll take it up; I want to talk to him.'
+
+"So Uncle Nathan made me get the breakfast ready. I gave it to him, and
+he went up. A minute after he roared down stairs:
+
+"'Where's the boy? What have you done with him?'
+
+"Uncle Nathan stared, and called out:
+
+"'Where's your eyes, Jack? Can't you see straight this morning?'
+
+"Jack answered, as mad as could be:
+
+"'Come up here, you old fool, and see if your eyes are any better than
+mine!'
+
+"Uncle went up the stairs, two at a time, and looked in the chamber,
+too.
+
+"'There, what do you say to that?' I heard Jack say.
+
+"'I'm dumfounded!' said Uncle Nathan; and then he called me."
+
+"Were you frightened?" asked Jasper.
+
+"A little," said the girl. "I was afraid I'd look guilty.
+
+"'Do you know anything about this?' asked my uncle, sternly.
+
+"'Good gracious! You don't mean to say he's gone?' I said, looking as
+much surprised as possible. 'How did he get out?'
+
+"'That's what I want to know,' said Jack, and he looked suspiciously at
+Uncle Nathan and me.
+
+"'I'm as innocent as a new-born babe,' said Uncle Nathan.
+
+"'Somebody must have let him out,' said Jack.
+
+"'I guess he squeezed through the opening,' said I.
+
+"'Maybe he did,' said Uncle Nathan.
+
+"'Suppose he did, you'd see him or hear him. He couldn't get out.'
+
+"'He might have got out through the door in the night,' said Uncle
+Nathan.
+
+"'Did you find the door unlocked?' asked Jack.
+
+"'Nancy was up first. How was it, Nancy?' asked my uncle.
+
+"'No; it was all right,' said I.
+
+"That puzzled them both. Then they thought of the roof, and went up. I
+was afraid they would find you there, but they didn't. They seemed to
+think you couldn't get away so, and they're dreadfully puzzled to know
+how you did escape. I was afraid you'd fallen off, so I went outside to
+see if I could find any blood on the sidewalk, but I couldn't, and I
+hoped you'd got into the next house."
+
+"Your uncle didn't think of that, did he?"
+
+"No, nor Jack, either."
+
+"Well, I've been lucky. I only hope they won't suspect you."
+
+"They will if they should see me talking to you in the street."
+
+"Then we'd better separate. Good-morning, Nancy. I won't forget the
+service you've done me."
+
+"Good-morning, Jasper. I'm so glad you got away."
+
+"I wish you were away, too, Nancy. It's not a good place for you."
+
+"I don't think I shall stay long," said the girl. "I didn't know uncle
+kept such company or I wouldn't have come to his house. Some day I shall
+leave him, and then I shall go out to service."
+
+"That would be better for you. I advise you to do it soon."
+
+The two parted company, and Jasper proceeded at once to Mr. Fitch's
+office.
+
+"I wonder what he'll think of me?" Jasper said to himself. "I promised
+to come back after carrying the money, and now it is four days late."
+
+"Is Mr. Fitch in the counting-room?" asked our hero of the clerk.
+
+"Yes, but he's busy."
+
+"I will wait, then."
+
+"Can't I attend to your business?"
+
+"I think not."
+
+"Your business must be very important," said the clerk, with a sneer.
+
+"I don't know about that," said Jasper, composedly, "but I think if you
+will tell Mr. Fitch that Jasper Kent is here he will receive me."
+
+"Is your name of such weight?" asked the clerk, with another sneer.
+
+"Suppose you put it to the test," said Jasper, smiling.
+
+The clerk had not seen Jasper when he called before and didn't recognize
+him as the restorer of little Harry; otherwise, he would have treated
+our hero with more attention.
+
+Influenced by curiosity he went into the counting-room and announced
+Jasper's name.
+
+"Bring him in," said the merchant.
+
+Jasper entered, but the manner of Mr. Fitch differed greatly from what
+it had been when they parted four days before. Then it was cordial and
+friendly, now it was cold and suspicious.
+
+"Good-morning, Mr. Fitch," said Jasper.
+
+"Good-morning," responded the merchant, coldly. "You have been a long
+time returning from your errand!"
+
+"That's true, sir; but I would have come sooner if I could."
+
+Mr. Fitch looked up in surprise.
+
+"Do you mean to say that you couldn't come?" demanded he.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"What prevented you?"
+
+"I was in close confinement."
+
+"What! were you arrested?" and again the merchant's face was overspread
+by doubt and suspicion.
+
+"No, sir; I hope I shall never fall into the hands of the police."
+
+"How then could you be in confinement? This is a riddle."
+
+"The house to which I was requested to bring the money was a haunt of
+desperate men--burglars, I found out--and they were afraid I would
+betray their rendezvous. They mixed me some lemonade, which I now think
+must have been drugged, for I went to sleep in the middle of the day,
+soon after drinking it. When I awoke up I found myself in a dark room,
+in the centre of the house."
+
+"Is this true?" asked the merchant, amazed. "Can such things take place
+within earshot of the police?"
+
+"Yes, sir; there was no chance of my making myself heard; if there had
+been I would have called for help."
+
+"How did you get out, and when?"
+
+"Last night, at midnight."
+
+"How?"
+
+"I will tell you, sir. That, I think, is the most interesting part of
+it."
+
+"Proceed."
+
+When Mr. Fitch had heard Jasper's explanation he no longer doubted him.
+His friendly, cordial manner returned, and he congratulated our hero on
+his prompt rejection of Jack's offers, though that rejection exposed him
+to continued imprisonment.
+
+"Now," he asked, "what are your plans?"
+
+"To get something to do," said Jasper.
+
+"Of what kind?"
+
+"Any kind."
+
+"I will engage you, for the present, at ten dollars a week. Will that
+suit you?"
+
+"Yes, sir. Nothing could suit me better."
+
+"Do you think you can live on that?"
+
+"Easily."
+
+"Then that is settled. To-night you will go home with me. To-morrow will
+be soon enough to look for a boarding-place. Here are your first week's
+wages in advance."
+
+"Thank you, sir. You are very kind."
+
+"I have not forgotten that I am indebted to you for the recovery of my
+little Harry. Here, Leonard."
+
+The clerk already mentioned entered the counting-room. He looked
+inquiringly from Jasper to Mr. Fitch.
+
+"Leonard," said the latter, "this young man is to be your fellow-clerk.
+He takes the place of Victor, who left last week. Instruct him in his
+duties."
+
+"Yes, sir," said the clerk, in no little surprise.
+
+Jasper followed him out into the warehouse.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+THE UNWELCOME RELATIVE.
+
+
+Now that Jasper has found a place we can venture to leave him for a time
+and go back to the home which he had felt compelled to leave.
+
+His step-mother felt relieved by his departure. It left her mistress of
+the situation, with no one to interfere with or question her authority.
+How Jasper fared she cared little, or not at all. How he was likely to
+get along without money she never inquired, nor did she feel a twinge of
+remorse for her treatment of one who had been her late husband's sole
+care and hope. It was enough for her that she had Nicholas with her.
+Stern as she generally was toward him, she was weakly indulgent.
+Whatever he wanted she gave him, if it were not utterly unreasonable.
+She was afraid he would tire of the country and want to go away, and
+this led her to gratify him in his wishes, in order that she might
+retain him at her side.
+
+Nicholas was not slow in finding out his power and in using it. He asked
+and obtained a horse for his own use, and later an elegant little
+carriage was ordered from the city, in which he used to drive around the
+neighborhood with the airs of a young prince. To others he might seem
+arrogant and conceited--to his mother he was only possessed of the
+proper spirit of a gentleman. In her eyes he was handsome, though in the
+eyes of no one else.
+
+But perfect happiness is short-lived. In her new prosperity Mrs. Kent
+forgot that she had a brother who was not likely to reflect credit upon
+the family. She had not heard from him for years, and supposed he did
+not know where she was. But in this, as we know, she was mistaken.
+
+One day Nicholas was standing on the lawn in front of the house, waiting
+for his carriage to be brought around from the stable, when his
+attention was drawn to a common-looking man who was standing by the
+fence and looking at him in what he considered an impudently familiar
+way.
+
+Since Nicholas had become a young aristocrat he was easily made angry by
+such familiarity on the part of anyone of the lower orders, and he
+resented it at once.
+
+"Why are you standing there, fellow?" he demanded, frowning.
+
+The man neither seemed overawed nor angry. He only looked amused.
+
+"Because I am tired of walking," he said.
+
+"Then go somewhere else."
+
+"Thank you, this suits me very well," said the man, smiling provokingly.
+
+"It doesn't suit me, though," said Nicholas, bristling up.
+
+"Who are you?" inquired Dick, for it was he, with provoking nonchalance.
+
+"Who am I? I'll let you know!" retorted Nicholas, now very angry.
+
+"I wish you would. That's what I just asked you."
+
+"I'm the owner of this place, and I warn you off."
+
+"Oh, you're the owner of this place!" said the stranger, laughing. "Do
+you own the road, too?"
+
+"Yes," said Nicholas, "I own the road in front of my place."
+
+Dick laughed again.
+
+"You're a young man, ain't you, to be a landed proprietor. How about
+your mother? Doesn't she own anything?"
+
+"What do you know about my mother?" demanded Nicholas, a little
+nonplussed.
+
+"More than you think for, young man," said Dick. "She used to go to
+school with me."
+
+"Did she? Well, I suppose she couldn't help it if there were low persons
+in the school with her."
+
+"That's good!" said the stranger, laughing heartily. "So I am a low
+person, am I?"
+
+"You look like it," said Nicholas, insolently.
+
+He expected the man would be angry, but instead he laughed more heartily
+than before.
+
+Nicholas began to think he was crazy.
+
+"Well, boy," he said, after a pause, "just remember that appearances are
+sometimes deceitful."
+
+"I don't think they are so in this case," said Nicholas, "but I can't
+waste anymore time with you. There's my horse coming around. I'm going
+to ride."
+
+"Is that your team? It's very neat, 'pon my word."
+
+"That's nothing to you."
+
+"Won't you give me a seat? I've never been in this town before, and I
+should like to take a drive."
+
+"Look here, fellow, you've got cheek!" exclaimed Nicholas.
+
+"Have I?"
+
+"Do you think I would be seen in such low company?"
+
+"Why not? I'm a gentleman. If you are a gentleman, then I am, too."
+
+"What do you mean? What have I to do with you?"
+
+"A good deal," said the stranger. "I am your uncle!"
+
+Nicholas gasped for breath. What! this low, common person his uncle? He
+would not credit it.
+
+"That's a lie!" he said. "You are trying to humbug me."
+
+"Not so fast, nephew Nicholas," said Dick. "You can't alter facts. I'm
+your mother's brother. Didn't she ever tell you of your Uncle Dick?"
+
+Uncle Dick! Nicholas did remember that his mother had named such a
+person, and the uncomfortable apprehension dawned upon him that the
+stranger's claim was well founded, after all. He kept silent, but flared
+at the stranger in a state of mental disturbance.
+
+"I see you've heard of me," said Dick, with a short laugh. "Is your
+mother at home?"
+
+"I believe so," said Nicholas, sullenly.
+
+"I've come a long way to see her. Will you go in and tell her I am
+here?"
+
+Nicholas was not overwilling to obey the person whom he had just called
+low, but he felt considerable curiosity as to whether the man was really
+his uncle, and this decided him to comply with his request.
+
+"I will speak to my mother," he said. "She will know whether you are
+what you claim to be."
+
+"Yes, she will know. I don't believe she has forgotten brother Dick."
+
+Nicholas sought and found his mother.
+
+"What, Nicholas, back so soon?" she said, looking up from her sewing.
+
+"No, mother, I haven't started yet. There's a person down stairs who
+says he is my Uncle Dick, and he wants to see you."
+
+"Good heavens! is he here?" exclaimed Mrs. Kent, in a tone of vexation.
+"How in the world did he find me out?"
+
+"Then it is he? He is a very common-looking person."
+
+"He's kept low associates. Where is he?"
+
+"Down on the lawn."
+
+"Tell him to come in. I suppose I shall have to see him."
+
+"It may not be your brother after all," said Nicholas.
+
+"I am afraid it is. I can tell soon as I see him."
+
+Nicholas went down stairs in no very pleasant mood.
+
+"You're to come in," he said, ungraciously. "My mother will see you."
+
+"I thought so," said Dick, smiling complacently.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+A COLD RECEPTION.
+
+
+Richard Varley followed Nicholas into the presence of Mrs. Kent. The
+latter looked scrutinizingly at him as he approached, hoping that it
+might be an impostor. But, no! there was no mistaking his appearance. It
+was, indeed, her brother.
+
+"How d'ye do, Helen," said Dick, with ostentatious cordiality.
+
+"Very well, Richard," she answered coldly, slipping her hand out of his
+grasp as quickly as she could.
+
+"The old girl ain't very glad to see me," thought Dick. "Just as I
+thought."
+
+"How did you find me out?" asked Mrs. Kent.
+
+"There was a man from this way told me of your good luck."
+
+"Where were you, then?"
+
+"In Missouri, near St. Louis."
+
+"Indeed? Have you just come from there?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Did you have any business this way? I suppose you must, or you wouldn't
+have come so far."
+
+"I came on purpose to see you, Helen," said Dick, trying to look like an
+affectionate brother, and signally failing.
+
+"You are certainly very kind," said Mrs. Kent in a cold tone, evincing
+not the slightest pleasure at his devotion. "I am afraid you must have
+put yourself to a good deal of inconvenience on my account."
+
+"Why, yes, I have," answered her brother, perceiving at once that he
+might urge this as a claim upon her; "but what of that? Ain't you my
+only sister, and hasn't it been years since we met?"
+
+"Really, Richard," said Mrs. Kent, with a little quiet sarcasm, "I was
+hardly prepared to expect from you so great an interest in me. I wonder
+you didn't come before. It's a good many years since we met."
+
+"Well, Helen, you see I couldn't afford it before. I wanted to see you,
+but I couldn't raise the money to come East."
+
+"You've raised it now, it seems."
+
+"Yes; I had a little stroke of luck."
+
+"You're doing well, then?" asked his sister, with a slight show of
+interest.
+
+If this were so, she was ready to welcome him.
+
+"I said a little show of luck. I got together money enough to come
+East."
+
+"Oh, indeed!" returned Mrs. Kent, her manner becoming chilly again.
+
+Dick got nettled. He didn't relish his reception.
+
+"It seems to me you ain't very glad to see me," said he, bluntly.
+
+"I never was very demonstrative," said his sister. "Did you expect me to
+fall on your neck and embrace you?"
+
+"No; but--well, you know what I mean. You are as cold as an icicle."
+
+"It's my way, I suppose. Is your wife living?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Is she with you?" asked Mrs. Kent, rather apprehensively.
+
+"No; it was too expensive for me to bring two. I hear you are rich,
+Helen."
+
+"Is that what brought you on?"
+
+"Don't be so suspicious. It's only natural I should congratulate you."
+
+Before this Nicholas had left the room to go out on his proposed drive.
+
+"I've got enough to live on economically," she answered, with reserve.
+"I am not rich."
+
+"Your son, Nicholas, acts as if you were."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+Dick laughed.
+
+"He puts on as many heirs as a prince."
+
+"He has considerable spirit," said Mrs. Kent, proudly.
+
+"There's no doubt of that. He ordered me off with the air of a young
+lord."
+
+"That was before he knew who you were."
+
+"Yes, he didn't know I was his uncle. By the way, you've got a step-son,
+haven't you?"
+
+"Yes; two-thirds of this property belongs to him."
+
+"Where is he?"
+
+"He is absent just now," answered Mrs. Kent, in a tone of reserve.
+
+Dick laughed.
+
+"Oh, you're good at keeping secrets, Helen," he said; "but you can't
+deceive me."
+
+"What do you mean?" inquired his sister, with some indignation.
+
+"I know all about his going away, Helen."
+
+"Who told you--the neighbors? Have you been questioning them about my
+affairs?"
+
+"No, no. You're on the wrong scent this time. He told me himself."
+
+"What! has he got back again?" demanded Mrs. Kent, in surprise and
+dismay.
+
+"No; I met him in Missouri. He told me there."
+
+"How did he know you were related to me?"
+
+"He heard me and my wife talking about you, and then he told me."
+
+"What did he tell you?"
+
+"That you and he couldn't agree, and so he left home."
+
+"He was insubordinate. He disobeyed me, and I wouldn't stand it."
+
+"Oh, well, you two can settle your own affairs. I don't care to
+interfere, only I thought you would like to hear from him."
+
+"What's he doing?" asked Mrs. Kent.
+
+"He was in St. Louis when I left, looking out for a situation."
+
+"I wash my hands of him. He might live easily enough if he would submit
+to me. If not, he will probably have to submit to a great many
+privations."
+
+"He is a pretty smart boy; he'll get along."
+
+"I consider my Nicholas smarter," said Mrs. Kent, coldly.
+
+"Perhaps so," answered her brother, dubiously. "I don't know much about
+Nicholas."
+
+"Where are you staying?" asked his sister.
+
+"Why," said Dick, rather taken aback, "I calculated you would invite me
+to stay here awhile, seeing I've come so far to see you."
+
+Mrs. Kent bit her lips in vexation.
+
+"You can stay a day or two, if you like," she said, "but we live very
+quietly, Nicholas and I. I don't think it will suit one so active as you
+are."
+
+"I'll take the risk, sister Helen. It seems good to be in my own
+sister's house after so many years. Besides, I should like to ride out
+with my nephew behind that gay horse of his."
+
+"You can speak to him about it," said
+
+Mrs. Kent. "I believe he prefers to be alone."
+
+"Oh, he'll be willing to treat his uncle to a ride. I'll give him a few
+hints about driving."
+
+Mrs. Kent winced. She was proud, and she did not fancy exhibiting Dick
+to the village people as her brother. But there seemed no way of
+avoiding it. She privately determined to get rid of him as soon as
+possible.
+
+"I must leave you now," she said, gathering up her work. "I will ask the
+servant to show you your room."
+
+"All right, Helen. Don't trouble yourself about me. I'll make myself at
+home."
+
+"I'm afraid you will," thought his sister.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+DICK PUNISHES NICHOLAS.
+
+
+"Is that man going to stay here?" asked Nicholas, in a tone of
+dissatisfaction.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What made you invite him?"
+
+"I couldn't help it, Nicholas. He is my brother."
+
+"I'm ashamed of the relationship."
+
+"I am not proud of it myself, but I can't help paying him a little
+attention."
+
+"How long is he going to stay?"
+
+"A day or two."
+
+"He'll stay a week or two if you let him."
+
+"I can prevent that."
+
+"How?"
+
+"You'll see."
+
+The manner of Nicholas toward his uncle was far from agreeable. In fact,
+it was almost insolent. Dick retained his temper out of policy, but he
+said to himself:
+
+"Some time or other, my fine nephew, I'll pay off old scores. See if I
+don't."
+
+"Are you going to ride this morning?" he asked the next day.
+
+"I may," answered Nicholas.
+
+"I should like to ride with you."
+
+"I prefer riding by myself."
+
+"Oh, come, nephew. I shan't stay here long. Don't refuse such a small
+favor."
+
+In consequence probably of the first part of this answer, Mrs. Kent
+said:
+
+"Nicholas, you'd better take your uncle out this morning and show him a
+little of the village."
+
+Nicholas grumblingly assented.
+
+So about ten o'clock they started out.
+
+"You've got a good horse here," said Dick.
+
+"He ought to be. Mother paid four hundred dollars for him."
+
+"Did she, though? You ought to have got me to send you one from the
+West. For half the money I'd have sent you a better one."
+
+"I don't believe it."
+
+"Because you don't know. I do."
+
+"It takes a good driver to drive this horse," said Nicholas.
+
+"Does it? I could drive this horse blindfolded."
+
+He spoke contemptuously, and Nicholas was nettled. He prided himself
+upon his driving ability, and now his uncle underestimated it.
+
+"The horse is not as easy to drive as you think," he said. "If you don't
+believe it, take the reins and see."
+
+"All right."
+
+This was what Dick wanted, for he had a plan for revenging himself on
+his upstart nephew. He drove on till he got to a place where there was a
+muddy and miry puddle beside the road. Then by a dexterous manoeuver,
+for he understood driving thoroughly, he managed to overturn the wagon,
+and Nicholas was thrown headlong into the puddle. Dick leaped out just
+at the right time, retaining his hold on the reins.
+
+Bespattered with mud and drenched with mire, Nicholas arose from the
+puddle a sorry figure.
+
+"What did you do that for?" he demanded, wrathfully, surveying himself
+with disgust.
+
+"I'm afraid I can't manage your horse," said Dick, with hypocritical
+meekness. "He was too much for me."
+
+"Didn't I tell you so?" said Nicholas, triumphing in spite of his woful
+condition.
+
+"I'm sorry you fell into the puddle. Why didn't you jump, as I did?"
+
+"I didn't have time," said Nicholas, ruefully. "What a figure I am!"
+
+"I suppose we may as well go home."
+
+"Yes," said Nicholas, sullenly. "That comes of giving you the reins."
+
+"You are right," said Dick. "You'd better drive home yourself."
+
+Nicholas took the reins, but it mortified him not a little to see the
+looks of wonder and amusement which he attracted as he passed through
+the village.
+
+Dick laughed to himself.
+
+"I rather think, my proud nephew, we're about even," he said to himself.
+
+In the course of the next day Dick ventured to suggest to his sister
+that a temporary loan would be very acceptable.
+
+"A loan!" she repeated, curling her lip. "Why not say 'gift' at once?"
+
+"I'm willing to put it on that ground," said Dick, unabashed. "Still,
+I'll give you my note for the amount, if you say so."
+
+"What good would that do?"
+
+"Why, I've got some plans in view which, if successful, will enable me
+to repay you the money, with interest."
+
+"I have small faith in the success of your plans, Richard."
+
+"I haven't been as lucky as you, sister Helen, I admit; but where would
+you have been but for your lucky marriage?"
+
+"As to that, I have always taken care of myself," said his sister,
+coldly.
+
+"May be so. There are some born to good luck."
+
+"How much money do you expect me to give you?" asked Mrs. Kent.
+
+Dick looked at his sister's face attentively. He wished to judge how
+much there was a chance of getting out of her. His survey was not
+particularly encouraging. She didn't appear to be a woman easily
+wheedled out of her money. Still, he spoke up boldly, and said:
+
+"A loan of five hundred dollars, Helen, would be a great lift to me."
+
+"I have no doubt it would," said Mrs. Kent, quietly; "but if you have
+any expectation of getting that sum from me you know very little of me.
+I should be a fool to throw away such a sum of money."
+
+"You would be generous."
+
+"I have no ambition to be considered generous," she answered, coldly. "A
+fool and his money are soon parted. You appear to take me for a fool,
+but I beg to assure you that you are entirely mistaken."
+
+"How much will you lend me, then?" asked Dick, rather sullenly.
+
+"Don't use that ridiculous word 'lend,' when you know there's no
+probability of your ever repaying it, even if you should be able."
+
+"Have your own way, Helen."
+
+"I will give you fifty dollars, though in justice to my boy I ought not
+to do so."
+
+"Fifty dollars!" repeated Dick, chagrined. "Why, that don't pay me for
+coming East."
+
+"You are right. You would have done better to stay where you were."
+
+"You don't seem to consider, Helen, that we hadn't met for years, and I
+wanted to see my only sister."
+
+"Suppose I had had no money, would you have come then?" asked Mrs. Kent,
+with contemptuous incredulity.
+
+"No; I couldn't have afforded it. But, Helen, fifty dollars is nothing
+at all. You might say a hundred."
+
+"I might say a hundred, but there is no chance that I shall. Are you not
+ashamed--a great, strong man, as you are--not to be able to support
+yourself and wife without help from me?"
+
+"Luck's been agin me," said Dick, sullenly. "I could have got ahead but
+for that."
+
+"How has it been against you?"
+
+"I owned a mining claim in California--it didn't pay anything--and I
+sold it for ten dollars. The man I sold it to kept working till he
+struck a vein. He cleared ten thousand dollars."
+
+"As you might have done if you hadn't despaired too quickly."
+
+"Oh, well, it's easy enough to criticise, Helen. You've struck a vein,
+and you're in luck. No more hard work for you."
+
+"There would be if I gave away my money, five hundred dollars at a time.
+You needn't complain of my good fortune. I have had my share of work to
+do. Now I am comfortable, and I mean to keep so."
+
+"No matter what becomes of your poor brother?" whined Dick.
+
+"My poor brother must work as I have done, and he won't starve. Do you
+think, if I were a man," she said, disdainfully, "that I would stoop to
+ask help of a woman!"
+
+"Well, let me have the money, then," said Dick, gloomily.
+
+Mrs. Kent drew from her pocket-book five ten-dollar bills and placed
+them in his hand.
+
+"Don't expect any further help," she said. "In justice to my son I must
+refuse it."
+
+Dick left the house with an execration.
+
+"Was there ever a more selfish, cold-hearted woman?" he muttered. "It's
+all for her son, is it? I'd like to choke the whelp!"
+
+With this sentiment the affectionate uncle left his sister's house.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+AN IMPORTANT COMMISSION.
+
+
+It was nearly a year later, and Jasper Kent still remained in St. Louis,
+and in the employ of Herman Fitch. He had won his way to the favor of
+his employer, not alone on account of his personal good qualities, but
+because in the way of business he manifested an unusual aptitude. For
+this reason he had already had his pay raised to fifteen dollars a week
+and was thoroughly trusted, even in matters of importance.
+
+Of this he was about to receive an additional proof.
+
+"Jasper," said Mr. Fitch one day, as our hero entered his counting-room,
+"how would you like a little journey?"
+
+Jasper's eyes brightened.
+
+"I would like nothing better," he answered, promptly.
+
+"So I supposed. Young men of your age generally like to travel."
+
+"To what place do you wish me to go, may I ask, sir?"
+
+"To Kansas--a small town named Plattville."
+
+"Very well, sir, I will go."
+
+"The business is this: A firm in that town, Watts & Duncan, are
+considerably indebted to me, and I have doubts as their solvency. In the
+event of their failure I want to realize as much as possible of my
+claim. I don't want the other creditors to forestall me."
+
+"Yes, sir; I see."
+
+"It is rather a delicate commission, you perceive. You are to go there
+and quietly find out what you can of their affairs, and report to me by
+mail. Then I shall send you instructions how to proceed."
+
+"Very well, sir."
+
+"Some might blame me for sending so young a messenger, but I have two
+objects in view. A boy of your age will not excite suspicion, and again,
+I repose great confidence in you."
+
+Jasper was not a little gratified by this assurance.
+
+"I will try not to disappoint your expectations," he said, earnestly.
+
+"I don't think you will."
+
+"When do you want me to start?"
+
+"To-morrow."
+
+"I'll be ready," said Jasper, briskly.
+
+"You can go a part of the way by rail, but only a part. It is a frontier
+town, and you may have to ride horseback a part of the way. That I must
+leave to your judgment."
+
+"All the better," said Jasper.
+
+"I see you don't mind roughing it," said Mr. Fitch.
+
+"No; that's the best part of it."
+
+"Well, you may go home now and make preparations. To-morrow morning come
+to the office for instructions and money. One thing only I suggest
+now--take as little baggage as possible. It would only be in your way."
+
+"All right, sir. I've got a small knapsack that will hold all I want to
+carry."
+
+"Good! Be here to-morrow at nine o'clock."
+
+At the appointed hour Jasper received his instructions and a certain sum
+of money. He had provided himself with a belt, into which he put the
+money to guard against possible robbery, carrying only a few dollars in
+a pocket-book for outward show.
+
+In explanation of these precautions it must be stated that the events
+which I am describing took place some years since, when Kansas was more
+sparsely settled and life less secure than at present.
+
+He received his instructions, and set out on his journey, secretly
+envied by other clerks who had been longer in the office than himself,
+but who had not been complimented by having a similar trust reposed in
+them.
+
+We will follow him and see how he fares.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+AN INDIAN MAIDEN.
+
+
+From the information afforded by his employer Jasper was led to expect a
+somewhat adventurous journey. He was not to be disappointed. As long as
+he was in the well-settled part of the country he encountered no
+difficulties nor adventures worth recording. Plattville, as already
+stated, was a frontier town, and there was a large tract of almost
+uninhabited country between it and the nearest settlement.
+
+Late in the afternoon of the fourth day Jasper found himself standing on
+the bank of a river which must be crossed. There was no boat in sight,
+and he was puzzled what to do. While he was considering, a young Indian
+girl glided by in a canoe. She handled the paddle dexterously and as one
+who had been long accustomed to the exercise, though she did not look
+more than twelve years of age.
+
+"I wonder if she understands English?" thought Jasper. "Perhaps I could
+get her to ferry me across."
+
+Acting upon this thought he called out:
+
+"Halloo, there!"
+
+The young girl turned quickly, and discovered Jasper, whom she had not
+before seen.
+
+She stopped paddling, and asked, in a musical voice:
+
+"White boy speak?"
+
+"Yes," said Jasper. "Do you speak English?"
+
+"A little."
+
+"I want to go across the river. Will you take me in your canoe?"
+
+The girl hesitated a moment, perhaps from uncertainty as to whether she
+could trust our hero, for she surveyed him attentively. It appeared that
+her impressions were favorable, for she turned her canoe to the shore
+and said, simply:
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Thank you," said Jasper, and he promptly took his place in the frail
+craft.
+
+The Indian girl pushed off and began to paddle rapidly.
+
+"It seems odd to be ferried by a girl," thought Jasper. "I think I ought
+to offer to take her place." "Shall I paddle instead of you?" he asked.
+
+The girl laughed and shook her head.
+
+"White boy not know how to paddle a canoe--tip it over," and she laughed
+again.
+
+"I don't know but I should," thought Jasper, as he noticed how light and
+frail the little canoe was, and how a slight motion would agitate it.
+
+"Do you live around here?" he asked, in some curiosity.
+
+"Up the river," said the girl, indicating with her head, for her hands
+were occupied.
+
+"Have you a father?"
+
+"Monima's father great chief," said the girl, proudly.
+
+"Monima! Is that your name?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"It is a pretty name."
+
+The girl laughed and appeared to be pleased with the compliment, though
+it was only to her name. She seemed in turn to be possessed by
+curiosity, for she asked:
+
+"What white boy's name?"
+
+"Jasper."
+
+"Jasper," she repeated, with difficulty.
+
+"Isn't it a pretty name?"
+
+"No," said Monima, laughing.
+
+"I am sorry you don't like it, Monima."
+
+"I like white boy. He will be big warrior some day."
+
+"I don't know about that, Monima. So your father is a chief?"
+
+"Yes," said Monima, proudly. "Great chief."
+
+"Did he give you this canoe?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Have you any brothers and sisters?"
+
+"One brother, young man; no sister."
+
+By this time they had reached the other side. Monima skilfully drew up
+the canoe alongside, and Jasper jumped out. He stood on the bank, and
+drew from his vest-pocket a silver half-dollar, which he handed to
+Monima.
+
+"Monima no want money," said the girl, proudly.
+
+"Keep it to remember white boy," said Jasper.
+
+"Monima will remember white boy without money."
+
+Jasper reluctantly put the money in his pocket, but he did not like to
+accept the favor from Monima without rendering her some return. He was
+in doubt at first, but finally an idea occurred to him. He had half a
+dozen photographs of himself, which he had recently had taken in St.
+Louis. He drew out one of these and extended it to Monima.
+
+"Take that, Monima," he said. "Keep that and remember me."
+
+Monima's face lighted up with wonder and admiration when she saw the
+photograph, for she had never seen one before. She looked from the
+picture to Jasper, and from Jasper back again to the picture, and
+laughed softly.
+
+"White boy's picture?" she said.
+
+"Yes, Monima. Do you think it looks like me?"
+
+She nodded emphatically.
+
+"Two white boy--here and there," she said, pointing first to the
+picture, then to Jasper.
+
+"Good-bye, Monima," he said.
+
+But the Indian girl was evidently tired of the river, for she fastened
+the canoe and walked by his side. He kept up a conversation for some
+time, till she turned aside and entered a path which led into the woods.
+
+"Does your father live there?" he asked.
+
+"Yes," said Monima.
+
+"Good-bye," he said.
+
+She didn't say good-bye, but uttered a word which was probably the
+Indian equivalent for it, and was soon lost to his sight.
+
+"Well, that's romantic, to begin with," thought Jasper. "The daughter of
+a great chief has ferried me across the river, and I have given her my
+photograph. The next romantic thing that happens to me may be my losing
+my way, but I hope not."
+
+He had a general idea of the way he wanted to go, but after awhile he
+became perplexed, and was led to doubt whether he had not gone astray.
+
+"I wish I could find somebody to guide me," he thought.
+
+He had his wish. A few rods farther on he came upon a man stretched upon
+the grass under a tree.
+
+"I have lost my way," he began, but before he could finish the sentence
+the man sprang to his feet, and, to his dismay, he recognized Jack, the
+man who had had him locked up in St. Louis.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+IN DIFFICULTIES.
+
+
+Jack looked at first surprised, then smiled with malicious joy as he
+recognized the boy who accosted him.
+
+"Ha! my chicken, it's you, is it?" he said. "You remember me, don't
+you?"
+
+"Yes, I remember you," said Jasper.
+
+"I thought I'd get hold of you again some time," said Jack, "but hang me
+if I expected to find you out here. What brings you here?"
+
+"I came here on business," said Jasper.
+
+"So you are a man of business, are you?" sneered the burglar.
+
+"I am in the employ of Herman Fitch, of St. Louis."
+
+"The father of the boy that Dick kidnapped?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Did he send you out here?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What for?"
+
+"On a little matter of business," said Jasper, with reserve.
+
+"Oh, that's it. Well, you didn't expect the pleasure of seeing me, did
+you?"
+
+"I don't consider it a pleasure," said Jasper, boldly.
+
+"Ha! you are a bold boy."
+
+"I speak the truth."
+
+"Well, it isn't always best to speak the truth," said Jack, frowning.
+
+"Shall I lie to you, then?"
+
+"Don't be impudent."
+
+"I shan't say I am glad to see you when I am not."
+
+"Perhaps you are right, boy. You will have no reason to be glad to see
+me. Follow me."
+
+"I would rather not."
+
+"Follow me, or I will drive this knife into you!" said Jack, savagely,
+displaying a murderous-looking weapon which he carried in his girdle.
+
+Resistance would have been unavailing and dangerous, and Jasper obeyed,
+resolved, however, to escape at the first opportunity.
+
+Jack led the way into the woods, not far, however, and finally paused
+under a large tree.
+
+"Sit down," he said, imperiously.
+
+He threw himself down on the green sward, and Jasper, not very
+comfortable in mind, sat down near him.
+
+"Now, young fellow," said Jack, "I've got some questions to ask you."
+
+"I suppose he is going to ask me about my escape," thought Jasper, and
+he was right.
+
+"How did you get away from that room where you were locked up?"
+
+"I got out of the sliding-door," said Jasper.
+
+"How did you get out of the house? Did the old man help you?"
+
+"No," said Jasper.
+
+"Did you go out through the front door?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Don't keep me asking questions," said Jack, harshly. "How did you get
+out, then?"
+
+"Through the door in the roof. From there I got in through the window
+into a room in the next house."
+
+"Ha!" said Jack. "I never thought of that. Did you have any trouble with
+the people there?"
+
+"No; I got into the room of a German, who let me spend the night with
+him and take breakfast."
+
+"So, that's the way you managed it?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+Jasper felt relieved that no question had been asked him as to Nancy's
+agency in effecting his release. He would not have betrayed her, at any
+rate, but his refusal to speak might have incensed Jack.
+
+"Well," he said, "so much for that. Now, how much money have you got
+with you?"
+
+This was a question which Jasper had expected and dreaded to hear, for
+nearly all the money in his possession belonged to his employer, and not
+to himself.
+
+"Well, boy, I want an answer," said Jack, impatiently.
+
+Jasper reluctantly drew out his pocket-book, containing, as we know, but
+a small portion of his money.
+
+Jack took it, and, opening it, counted the money.
+
+"Only twelve dollars!" he exclaimed, in disgust and disappointment.
+
+"Don't take it," said Jasper, affecting to be very much disturbed.
+
+"What business have you out here with such a paltry sum as twelve
+dollars?" demanded Jack, angrily.
+
+"That's my business!" said Jasper.
+
+"What do you mean, boy?"
+
+"It certainly isn't your business how much money my employer gave me for
+expenses."
+
+"Did he expect you to make the whole journey on this contemptible sum?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Where's the rest, then?"
+
+"I am to collect some money before I return," answered Jasper, with a
+lucky thought.
+
+Jack felt disappointed. The money Jasper was about to collect would do
+him no good, as, doubtless, the boy would take good care, if once
+released, not to be caught again.
+
+"That's a miserable way of doing business," said Jack. "Suppose you
+shouldn't collect it?"
+
+"Then I must write to the firm to send some money."
+
+This gave Jack an idea, on which he afterward acted.
+
+"But," continued Jasper, desirous of getting back some of the money in
+the pocket-book, "if you take away all my money I can't get to
+Plattville to make collections."
+
+"Is that where you are to collect money?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Will you promise me the money after you have collected it?"
+
+"No," answered Jasper.
+
+"You won't, eh?"
+
+"No; I have no right to. The money won't belong to me."
+
+"That makes no difference."
+
+"It makes a great deal of difference to me."
+
+"Look here, boy," said Jack, frowning, "you evidently don't know the man
+you're talking to. You ain't going to bluff me off in that way," and he
+reinforced this declaration with an oath.
+
+"I am trying to be faithful to my employer," said Jasper.
+
+"You've got to be faithful to me."
+
+"What claim have you on me?" asked Jasper.
+
+"You're in my power--that's the claim I have. Do you understand that?"
+
+"I understand what you mean," said Jasper.
+
+"Then I've only to say that it'll be best for you to remember it."
+
+"Tell me again what you want."
+
+"What I did want was, that you should collect this money and bring it to
+me."
+
+"I refuse."
+
+"You needn't, for I don't intend to let you go out of my sight. I can't
+trust you. No; I have another plan in view."
+
+Jasper did not ask what it was. He felt sure that it was nothing that he
+would be willing to do.
+
+"What is the name of your employer?"
+
+"Herman Fitch."
+
+"Very good."
+
+Jack drew from his pocket a small pocket-inkstand, a pen, and some
+paper.
+
+"Now," said he, "I want you to write a letter."
+
+"Write a letter! To whom?" inquired Jasper, in surprise.
+
+"To this man Fitch, telling him that you have had your pocket picked and
+need some money. Tell him you will need at least seventy-five dollars,
+as you haven't been able to collect anything."
+
+"I can't do it," said Jasper.
+
+"Can't do it! What do you mean?"
+
+"I mean that by such a letter I should deceive my employer and be
+obtaining money from him by false pretenses. I can't do it."
+
+"Look here, boy," said Jack, sternly, "you don't know the man you are
+trifling with. I am a desperate man, and will stick at nothing. I have
+taken life before, and I am ready to do so again. Write this letter or I
+will kill you!"
+
+Jasper listened with horror to this terrible confession and his equally
+terrible threat.
+
+"Would you take my life for seventy-five dollars?" he said.
+
+"Yes; your life is nothing to me, and I need the money. Quick, your
+answer!"
+
+As he spoke he drew out a long, murderous-looking knife, and approached
+Jasper menacingly.
+
+It was a terrible moment. Jack looked as if he fully intended to carry
+out his threat At any rate, there was danger of it. On the one side was
+death, on the other breach of trust.
+
+Finally he decided.
+
+"You may kill me if you will," he said at length, "but I won't write the
+letter."
+
+Jack uttered an execration and raised the knife, but suddenly he uttered
+a stifled cry and fell to the ground, with blood spurting from a wound
+in his breast.
+
+Jasper bounded to his feet in astonishment. He had shut his eyes,
+expecting death. His first glance was at the prostrate brigand. He saw
+that the wound was made by an arrow, which had penetrated the region of
+the heart. But who had sped the shaft? And was he also in danger? The
+question was soon answered.
+
+Out from the underbrush emerged three figures. The foremost was the
+Indian maiden, Monima. Following her were two men of the same tribe. It
+was one of these who had shot at Jack.
+
+"Is white boy hurt?" asked Monima, running to Jasper and surveying him
+anxiously.
+
+"No," said Jasper. "Thank you, Monima."
+
+"Monima is glad," said the Indian girl, joyfully.
+
+Jack groaned, and Jasper came to his side and addressed him
+compassionately, though but a minute before Jack had been about to take
+his life. He saw that the blood was gushing forth from his wound.
+
+"Is he badly wounded?" asked Jasper, turning to Monima.
+
+She said something in her native language to the two men.
+
+They spoke briefly, shaking their heads.
+
+"White man will die," she said, interpreting to Jasper.
+
+Our hero was shocked. It was the first time he had ever witnessed a
+violent death, and it struck him with horror.
+
+He kneeled by Jack's side. Just then the wounded man opened his eyes.
+
+"Who shot me?" he asked, with difficulty.
+
+"The Indians."
+
+Jack's glance fell upon the two men, and he tried to lift himself up,
+but the effort caused his wound to bleed more copiously. He burst into a
+volley of oaths, which in his state shocked Jasper.
+
+"Don't swear," he said. "Would you go into the presence of God with an
+oath in your mouth?"
+
+Jack's face grew livid with terror.
+
+"Who says I am going to die?" he asked, wildly.
+
+"The Indians say you cannot live," said Jasper, gravely.
+
+"It's a lie!" exclaimed Jack, violently. "I'll live to kill you all!"
+
+As he spoke he plucked the arrow from his breast; but this only hastened
+his death. He fell back exhausted, and in five minutes breathed his
+last.
+
+Jasper looked so shocked that the Indian girl said, in a tone of
+surprise:
+
+"Is white boy sorry?"
+
+"Yes," said Jasper.
+
+"What for? He try to kill white boy."
+
+"Yes; but it seems awful to see him killed so suddenly. I wish he could
+have lived long enough to repent."
+
+Monima could not understand this.
+
+"He bad man!" she said, emphatically. "He try to kill white boy. Monima
+white boy's friend."
+
+Jasper took the hand of Monima gratefully and said:
+
+"You have saved me, Monima. But for you he would have killed me."
+
+The Indian girl's eyes lighted up, but she only said:
+
+"Monima is glad."
+
+"How fortunate that I fell in with her," thought Jasper, "and that I
+made a friend of her!"
+
+"Where white boy go to-night?" asked Monima.
+
+"I don't know," said Jasper, doubtfully.
+
+"Come to my father's lodge. In the morning Monima will show the way."
+
+"Thank you, Monima," said our hero. "I will go."
+
+He felt that he could not refuse such an offer from one who had rendered
+him such a service. Moreover, it relieved him from embarrassment, as he
+would not have known otherwise where to pass the night, which was now
+close at hand.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII.
+
+A STARTLING SUMMONS.
+
+
+The Indian encampment was only half a mile away. There were assembled
+about fifty persons, men, women, and children, lying on the grass about
+the tents. Monima's favor was sufficient to insure a cordial reception
+to Jasper, who was pressed to partake of supper, an offer he was glad to
+accept, for it was now seven hours since he had eaten food. After the
+repast a pipe was offered him, but this he declined, explaining that he
+never had learned to smoke. On the whole, he enjoyed the adventure,
+except that he could not help thinking from time to time of his late
+companion, cut off so suddenly. He learned from Monima that her two
+attendants had remained behind and buried Jack under the tree where he
+had been killed.
+
+At night he slept on skins in one of the tents, and in the morning he
+was guided on his way by Monima as far as the road.
+
+The Indian maiden looked sad when they were about to part.
+
+"When will white boy come back?" she said.
+
+"I don't know, Monima. I hope to see you again, some time, but perhaps
+you won't remember me."
+
+"Monima never forgets," she answered.
+
+"And I shall not forget."
+
+Attached to his watch was a silver chain which he had bought in St.
+Louis three months before. He had noticed Momma's look of admiration
+directed toward it, and he determined to give it to her. Detaching his
+watch from it, he held it out to the Indian girl.
+
+"Take it, Monima," he said. "It is a gift of friendship."
+
+She uttered a cry of pleasure.
+
+"You give it to Monima?" she said, half incredulous.
+
+"Yes," he said.
+
+"And I have nothing to give white boy," she said, sadly.
+
+"You have given me my life. Is that nothing, Monima? Keep the chain, and
+whenever you look at it remember Jasper."
+
+So they parted, and Jasper pursued his journey to Plattville. He reached
+the town without further adventure, and conducted satisfactorily the
+business with which he was intrusted. He succeeded in obtaining half the
+money due his employer, and in making arrangements for the speedy
+payment of the rest. So it was with a mind well satisfied that he
+returned to St. Louis.
+
+When he told Mr. Fitch the particulars of his encounter with Jack, and
+his escape, the latter said, earnestly:
+
+"Jasper, you are the bravest boy I know."
+
+"I am afraid you overrate my services," said Jasper, modestly.
+
+"And you really refused to write the letter, though you knew your life
+was in danger?"
+
+"I was not willing to betray my trust."
+
+"I honor your courage and fidelity, but you carried them too far. We
+would far rather have lost ten times seventy-five dollars than risked
+your life."
+
+"I didn't think of that, I only thought it would be wrong to defraud
+you."
+
+"We shall not forget your fidelity. You may consider your wages raised
+to twenty dollars a week."
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Jasper, gratified.
+
+"It is not merely on account of your courage and fidelity, but partly
+because of the business ability you have shown in carrying on this
+affair."
+
+Again Jasper thanked his employer, and went about his duties with fresh
+courage, feeling that his services were appreciated.
+
+"I am glad I came to St. Louis," he thought. "How much better I am
+situated than I should have been at home, tyrannized over by a
+step-mother by whom I was disliked."
+
+Three months more passed, when one day a boy entered the store.
+
+"Is Jasper Kent here?" he asked.
+
+"Yes," said Jasper, coming forward, "that is my name."
+
+"I have a telegram for you," said the boy. Jasper tore it open, and read
+these words:
+
+    "Come home at once. Your step-mother is dying.
+
+    "Otis Miller."
+
+Shocked at this startling intelligence, Jasper at once sought his
+employer, obtained leave of absence, and took the next train bound east.
+
+We must precede him and explain what had happened, and what occasioned
+Mrs. Kent's critical condition.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII.
+
+DICK COMES BACK.
+
+
+When Mrs. Kent's brother left her house with fifty dollars in his pocket
+she warned him that it was the last money he could expect to receive
+from her. He did not reply, but he had no intention of remaining
+satisfied with so little.
+
+"What is fifty dollars?" he thought, "to my sister's fortune? She
+needn't think she has got rid of me so easily."
+
+At that time he expected to make her another visit in the course of a
+month or two, but circumstances prevented. The fact is, he was imprudent
+enough to commit theft and incautious enough to be detected, not long
+afterward, and the consequence was a term of imprisonment.
+
+When he was released from confinement he at once made his way to his
+sister's house.
+
+As before, Nicholas was standing on the lawn. His countenance changed
+when he recognized his uncle, though he didn't know that he had just
+come from a prison.
+
+"How are you, Nicholas?" said his uncle.
+
+"I'm well," said his nephew, coldly.
+
+"Really, you have grown a good deal since I saw you."
+
+Even this compliment did not soften Nicholas, who turned his back and
+did not invite his uncle into the house.
+
+Dick scowled in an ugly manner but controlled his voice.
+
+"How is your mother?"
+
+"She's got the headache."
+
+"I am sorry. I have been sick, too."
+
+Nicholas did not exhibit the slightest curiosity on the subject.
+
+"I have just come from the hospital," a slight fiction, as we know.
+
+This aroused Nicholas, who retreated a little as he asked:
+
+"Did you have anything catching?"
+
+"No; besides, I'm well now. I should like to see your mother."
+
+"I don't think she feels well enough to see you."
+
+"Will you go up and see? I want to see her on important business."
+
+Nicholas went up stairs grumbling.
+
+"Well, mother," he said, "that disreputable brother of yours has come
+again."
+
+Mrs. Kent's brow contracted.
+
+"Where is he?" she asked.
+
+"Down stairs. He wants to see you, he says."
+
+"How does he look?"
+
+"Worse than ever. He says he has just come from a hospital."
+
+"From a hospital? He has a good deal of assurance to come here," said
+Mrs. Kent, with a hard look.
+
+"So he has."
+
+"I will tell you why," said his mother, in a lower tone. "He has not
+told you the truth. He has not come from a hospital, as he represents."
+
+"Why should he say so, then?" asked Nicholas, surprised.
+
+"Because he didn't like to say prison."
+
+"Has he been in prison? How do you know?"
+
+"I saw an account in the papers of his arrest and conviction. I suppose
+he has just come out of prison."
+
+"Why didn't you tell me of this before, mother?"
+
+"I wanted to keep the disgrace secret, on account of the relationship.
+When he finds I know it, I shall soon be rid of him."
+
+"Will you see him, then?"
+
+"Yes; I will go down stairs, and you may tell him to come in."
+
+Two minutes later the ex-convict entered his sister's presence. He read
+no welcome in her face.
+
+"Hang it!" he said, "you don't seem very glad to see your only brother."
+
+"You are right," she said; "I do not seem glad, and I do not feel glad."
+
+His face darkened as he sank heavily into an arm-chair.
+
+"I suppose I'm a poor relation," he said, bitterly. "That's the reason,
+isn't it?"
+
+"No."
+
+"You'd treat me better if I came here rich and prosperous."
+
+"Probably I would."
+
+"Didn't I say so? You haven't any feelings for the poor."
+
+"I haven't any feeling for criminals," said Mrs. Kent, in a sharp voice.
+
+He uttered a stifled oath and his face flushed.
+
+"What do you mean?" he asked.
+
+"I mean that you came here straight from a prison; deny it if you can,"
+she said, sternly.
+
+He hesitated. Then he said:
+
+"I'm not the only innocent man that's been locked up."
+
+"You can't deceive me," she answered, "though you protest your innocence
+all day. I shall not believe you. I feel sure that you were guilty of
+the crime for which you were punished."
+
+"It's rather hard that my own flesh and blood should turn against me."
+
+"You have disgraced the family," said Mrs. Kent. "I discard you. I no
+longer look upon you as my brother."
+
+"If you had not turned me off with such a pittance it wouldn't have
+happened," he said, sullenly. "Out of your abundance you only gave me
+fifty dollars."
+
+"And you a stout, broad-shouldered man, must accept charity or steal!"
+she said, sarcastically.
+
+"Luck has always been against me."
+
+"Your own bad habits have always been against you."
+
+"Look here," said he, doggedly, "I won't stand any more of that, even
+from my own sister."
+
+"Very well. What have you come here for?"
+
+"I'm out of money."
+
+"And you expect me to supply you?"
+
+"I think you might give me a little, just to get along."
+
+"I shall not give you a cent. You have no claim upon me. I have already
+said that I no longer look upon you as a brother."
+
+"Is that all you've got to say?" demanded Dick, his face growing dark
+with anger.
+
+"It is my final determination."
+
+"Then all I've got to say is, you'll repent it to the last day of your
+life!" he burst out, furiously. "I'll go away"--here he arose--"but I'll
+never forget your cruelty and harshness."
+
+He strode out of the room, and she looked after him coldly.
+
+"It is as well," she said to herself. "Now he understands that there is
+no more to be got out of me, I hope I shall never lay eyes upon him
+again."
+
+"Well," said Nicholas, entering directly afterward, "what have you said
+to him? He dashed out of the yard, looking as black as a thunder-cloud."
+
+"I told him that he had disgraced the family and I should never more
+acknowledge him as a brother."
+
+"I'm glad you sent him off with a flea in his ear. I don't want to see
+him around here again."
+
+"I don't think we shall."
+
+There was one thing Mrs. Kent forgot--her brother's brutal temper and
+appetite for revenge. Had she thought of this she would, perhaps, have
+been more cautious about provoking him.
+
+          *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *
+
+In the middle of the night Mrs. Kent awoke with a strange sense of
+oppression, the cause of which she did not immediately understand. As
+soon as she recovered her senses she comprehended the occasion--the
+crackling flames--and the fearful thought burst upon her:
+
+"The house is on fire!"
+
+She threw on her dress and dashed hastily from the room. She was about
+to seek the quickest mode of exit when she thought of Nicholas. He might
+be asleep, unconscious of his peril. She was a cold and selfish woman,
+but her one redeeming trait was her affection for her son. She rushed
+frantically to his chamber, screaming:
+
+"Nicholas! Wake up! The house is on fire!"
+
+She entered his chamber, but he was not in it. He had already escaped,
+and, full of selfish thoughts of his own safety, had fled without giving
+heed to his mother, though there would have been time for him to save
+her.
+
+"He is safe!" thought Mrs. Kent, and, relieved of this anxiety, she
+sought to escape.
+
+But the flames had gained too much headway. Her dress caught fire, and
+she ran frantically about, ignorant that in so doing she increased the
+peril. She was barely conscious of being seized and borne out by
+friendly hands. But though the flames were extinguished, she had already
+received fatal injuries. She lingered till the afternoon of the
+following day, and then died. Meanwhile Mr. Miller sent Jasper the
+telegram already referred to.
+
+Nicholas looked serious when he was informed of his mother's death, but
+his was not a temperament to be seriously affected by the misfortune of
+another. His own interests were uppermost in his mind.
+
+"Will I get mother's property?" he asked Mr. Miller, while that mother
+lay dead and disfigured in his presence.
+
+"This is no time to speak of property," said Mr. Miller, coldly. "You
+ought to think of your poor mother's fate."
+
+"Of course I do," said Nicholas, trying to look sorrowful; "but I want
+to know how I'm going to be situated."
+
+"Wait till after the funeral, at any rate," said the other, disgusted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX.
+
+HOW IT ALL ENDED.
+
+
+Jasper did not reach home till after the funeral had taken place and his
+step-mother was buried. Though he had little reason to like her, he was
+shocked and distressed by her sad and untimely fate.
+
+"How could the house catch fire, Mr. Miller?" he asked.
+
+"It is supposed to have been set on fire."
+
+"Who would do it?"
+
+"From what Nicholas tells me I suspect that the fire was the work of
+Mrs. Kent's brother."
+
+"Her brother!" exclaimed Jasper. "I met him in the West."
+
+"Then you probably know that he was not a very respectable character."
+
+"I know that he was concerned in kidnapping a child."
+
+"Nicholas tells me that he had just got out of prison, and applied to
+Mrs. Kent for help, which she refused. Incensed at this, he probably set
+the house on fire."
+
+"I think he would be capable of doing it. Has he been arrested?"
+
+"Not yet, but the police are on his track. I don't think he can escape."
+
+"Nicholas doesn't seem to take his mother's death very hard."
+
+"No. I am disgusted with his selfishness. He seems to be principally
+concerned about property which she leaves."
+
+"I suppose he will inherit it."
+
+"Yes. I don't know in what state it is, but it ought to amount to thirty
+thousand dollars. It is a large slice of your father's fortune."
+
+"I do not begrudge it to him. I shall have enough."
+
+"That reminds me that it is time to open the instrument which your
+father left with me."
+
+The paper was opened then and there, and proved to contain the following
+direction: That in case Jasper and his step-mother did not get along
+harmoniously, his old friend, Mr. Miller, was empowered and requested to
+assume the guardianship of Jasper.
+
+"That arrangement suits me precisely," said Jasper, warmly. "Will you
+accept the trust?"
+
+"Cheerfully," said his friend. "I don't think there is any danger of our
+disagreeing."
+
+Jasper shook his head.
+
+"If there should be any disagreement it would be my fault," he said.
+"But won't Nicholas need a guardian?"
+
+"Yes; one will have to be appointed."
+
+"I suppose his uncle would be willing to take the post."
+
+"His uncle, if found, will hardly be in a position to act in that
+capacity."
+
+Dick was not found. He disappeared, and from that day was not seen in
+the neighborhood. It is supposed that he went West and found a secure
+concealment in some of the distant territories, where probably he is
+engaged in the same discreditable courses for which he was already
+notorious.
+
+As was anticipated, Nicholas inherited about thirty thousand dollars. He
+selected as his guardian the young physician whom his mother had
+employed in her husband's last sickness. But the man proved faithless to
+his trust, and ran away with the entire fortune of his ward, leaving him
+absolutely penniless. In this emergency Nicholas, humbled and mortified,
+appealed to Jasper to help him.
+
+With his guardian's permission, Jasper agreed, during his good behavior,
+to pay for his use an annual sum of five hundred dollars, urging him to
+continue at school. But this did not suit Nicholas. He obtained a place
+in New York, where he soon developed fast tendencies, and ended by
+running away with a considerable sum of money belonging to his employer.
+It was believed that he went to California. His employer took no steps
+to apprehend him, Jasper having agreed to make up to him the sum--nine
+hundred dollars--which Nicholas had appropriated. For him it was a
+saving, since by his conduct Nicholas had forfeited the annual provision
+he had agreed to make for him.
+
+And what became of Jasper? By his guardian's advice he went to school
+for two years more. Then he returned to St. Louis, and again entered the
+employment of Mr. Fitch.
+
+At twenty-one, with a portion of his property, he bought an interest in
+the business and became junior partner, and is now one of the most
+respected and enterprising young business men in that flourishing city.
+He was recently united in marriage to a charming young lady, the
+daughter of a prosperous Western merchant, and so his prospects seem as
+bright as could well be hoped for.
+
+The trials of his early life are safely passed.
+
+By his honesty, courage and generosity he has fairly earned the
+happiness which he enjoys. Nor has he forgotten Nancy and the Indian
+maiden who rendered him so essential a service at a critical point in
+his fortunes. Every year he sends them a handsome present, choosing the
+articles which are best suited to gratify their tastes.
+
+Monima cherishes a romantic attachment for her benefactor, and will not
+soon forget the "white boy," whose picture she carries with her in all
+her wanderings.
+
+
+
+
+THE RENOWNED STANDARD JUVENILES
+
+BY EDWARD S. ELLIS
+
+
+Edward S. Ellis is regarded as the latter day Cooper. His books will
+always be read for the accurate pen pictures of pioneer life they portray.
+
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