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diff --git a/27300-h/27300-h.htm b/27300-h/27300-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..04a1d13 --- /dev/null +++ b/27300-h/27300-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,9247 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Young Adventurer, by Horatio Alger, Jr. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p {margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + text-indent: 1.25em; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + img {border: 0;} + .tnote {border: dashed 1px; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em;} + ins {text-decoration:none; border-bottom: thin dotted gray;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + } /* page numbers */ + .copyright {text-align: center; font-size: 70%;} + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%; text-align: justify;} + + .bbox {border: solid 2px; margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .caption {font-weight: bold;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + .figleft {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: + 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .figright {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .unindent {margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + .right {text-align: right;} + .poem {margin-left: 30%; margin-right: 10%; text-align: left;} + .poem2 {margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 10%; text-align: left;} + .sig {margin-right: 10%; text-align: right;} + .u {text-decoration: underline;} + .hang1 {text-indent: -3em; margin-left: 3em;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Young Adventurer, by Horatio Alger + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Young Adventurer + or Tom's Trip Across the Plains + +Author: Horatio Alger + +Release Date: November 20, 2008 [EBook #27300] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNG ADVENTURER *** + + + + +Produced by Fox in the Stars, Brenda Lewis, Emmy and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 373px;"> +<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="373" height="600" alt="Cover" title="Cover" /> +</div> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>THE</h2> + +<h1>YOUNG ADVENTURER</h1> + +<h4>OR</h4> + +<h3>TOM'S TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS</h3> + +<h3>BY</h3> + +<h2>HORATIO ALGER, JR.</h2> + +<div class='copyright'> +AUTHOR OF "THE BACKWOODS BOY," "FROM CANAL BOY TO<br /> +PRESIDENT," "WALTER SHERWOOD'S PROBATION," "NED<br /> +NEWTON," "ADRIFT IN NEW YORK," ETC.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> +</div> + + +<div class ='center'> +<small>NEW YORK</small><br /> +HURST & COMPANY<br /> +<small>PUBLISHERS</small><br /></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span></p> +<div class='bbox'> +<h3><span class="u">ALGER SERIES FOR BOYS.</span></h3> + + +<div class='center'>UNIFORM WITH THIS VOLUME.<br /> + +<big><span class="smcap">By</span> HORATIO ALGER, JR.</big></div> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Horatio Alger books"> +<tr><td align='left'>Adrift in New York.</td><td align='left'>Making His Way.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Andy Gordon.</td><td align='left'>Only an Irish Boy.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Andy Grant's Pluck.</td><td align='left'>Paul, the Peddler.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Bob Burton.</td><td align='left'>Phil, the Fiddler.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Bound to Rise.</td><td align='left'>Ralph Raymond's Heir.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Brave and Bold.</td><td align='left'>Risen from the Ranks.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Cash Boy.</td><td align='left'>Sam's Chance.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Chester Rand.</td><td align='left'>Shifting for Himself.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Do and Dare.</td><td align='left'>Sink or Swim.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Driven from Home.</td><td align='left'>Slow and Sure.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Erie Train Boy.</td><td align='left'>Store Boy.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Facing the World.</td><td align='left'>Strive and Succeed.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Hector's Inheritance.</td><td align='left'>Strong and Steady.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Helping Himself.</td><td align='left'>Tin Box.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Herbert Carter's Legacy.</td><td align='left'>Tom, the Bootblack.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>In a New World.</td><td align='left'>Tony, the Tramp.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Jack's Ward.</td><td align='left'>Try and Trust.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Jed, the Poor House Boy. </td><td align='left'>Young Acrobat.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Julius, the Street Boy.</td><td align='left'>Young Outlaw.</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'>Luke Walton.</td><td align='left'>Young Salesman.</td></tr> +</table></div> + + + +<div class='center'><br /> +<i>Price Post-Paid, 35c. each, or any three books for $1.00.</i><br /> +<br /> + +HURST & COMPANY<br /> +<span class="smcap">Publishers, New York.</span><br /></div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents"> +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><small>CHAPTER</small></td><td align='right'><small>PAGE</small></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>I</td><td align='left'> MARK NELSON'S FAMILY</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_3">3</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>II</td><td align='left'> TOM FINDS A WALLET</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>III</td><td align='left'> TOM ASKS A LOAN</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_17">17</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>IV</td><td align='left'> TOM ASKS LEAVE OF ABSENCE</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>V</td><td align='left'> TOM RAISES THE MONEY</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>VI</td><td align='left'> TOM ARRIVES IN PITTSBURG</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>VII</td><td align='left'> THE PITTSBURG HOUSE</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_51">51</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>VIII</td><td align='left'> GRAHAM IN HIS TRUE COLORS</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_59">59</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>IX</td><td align='left'> THE "RIVER BELLE"</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_68">68</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>X</td><td align='left'> ON THE STEAMER</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_76">76</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XI</td><td align='left'> THE FIRST DAY ON THE RIVER</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_85">85</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XII</td><td align='left'> NO. 61 AND NO. 62</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_94">94</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XIII</td><td align='left'> GRAHAM'S DISAPPOINTMENT</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_104">104</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XIV</td><td align='left'> COMING TO AN UNDERSTANDING</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_113">113</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XV</td><td align='left'> THE ALLEGHANY HOUSE</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_117">117</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XVI</td><td align='left'> THE EVENTS OF A MORNING</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_122">122</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XVII</td><td align='left'> TOM'S ARREST</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_131">131</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XVIII</td><td align='left'> TOM GETS OUT OF HIS DIFFICULTY</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_140">140</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XIX</td><td align='left'> A MISSOURI TAVERN</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_149">149</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XX</td><td align='left'> ST. JOE</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_158">158</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXI</td><td align='left'> HOW THINGS WENT ON AT HOME</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_167">167</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXII</td><td align='left'> THE YOUNG MAN FROM BOSTON</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_175">175</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXIII</td><td align='left'> MR. PEABODY'S TROUBLES</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_184">184</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXIV</td><td align='left'> A SAD SIGHT</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_192">192</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXV</td><td align='left'> A NIGHT PANIC</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_201">201</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXVI</td><td align='left'> MR. PEABODY IS WORSTED</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_209">209</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXVII</td><td align='left'> THE LOST HORSE</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_217">217</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXVIII</td><td align='left'> INDIAN CASUISTRY</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_221">221</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXIX</td><td align='left'> A RACE FOR LIFE</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_230">230</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXX</td><td align='left'> TOM BECOMES AN INDIAN</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_234">234</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXXI</td><td align='left'> TOM GIVES A MAGICAL SOIREE</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_240">240</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XXXII</td><td align='left'> TOM'S ESCAPE</td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_247">247</a></td></tr> +</table></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>THE YOUNG ADVENTURER.</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<h3>MARK NELSON'S FAMILY.</h3> + + +<p>"<span class="smcap">I wish</span> I could pay off the mortgage on my +farm," said Mark Nelson soberly, taking his +seat on the left of the fireplace, in the room +where his wife and family were assembled.</p> + +<p>"Have you paid the interest, Mark?" asked +his wife.</p> + +<p>"Yes; I paid it this afternoon, and it has +stripped me of money completely. I have less +than five dollars in my pocketbook toward +buying you and the children clothes for the +winter."</p> + +<p>"Never mind me," said his wife cheerfully. +"I am pretty well provided for."</p> + +<p>"Why, mother," said Sarah, the oldest +daughter, a girl of fourteen; "you haven't had +a new dress for a year."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I have enough to last me till spring, at +any rate," said the mother.</p> + +<p>"You never buy anything for yourself."</p> + +<p>"I don't go in rags, do I?" asked Mrs. Nelson, +with a smile.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Nelson had a happy disposition, which +led her to accept uncomplainingly, and even +cheerfully, the sacrifices which, as the wife of +a farmer in poor circumstances, she was compelled +to make.</p> + +<p>"You are right, Sarah," said Mark Nelson. +"Your mother never seems to think of +herself. She might have been much better off +if she had not married me."</p> + +<p>The children did not understand this allusion. +They had never been told that their +mother had received an offer from Squire Hudson, +the wealthiest man in the village, but had +chosen instead to marry Mark Nelson, whose +only property was a small farm, mortgaged for +half its value. Her rejected admirer took the +refusal hard, for, as much as it was possible +for him, he loved the prettiest girl in the village, +as Mary Dale was generally regarded. +But Mary knew him to be cold and selfish, +and could not make up her mind to marry +him. If she had done so, she would now be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span> +living in the finest house in the village, with +the chance of spending the winter in New +York or Boston, instead of drudging in an +humble home, where there was indeed enough +to eat, but little money for even necessary purposes. +She had never regretted her decision. +Her husband, though poor, was generally respected +and liked, while the squire, though his +money procured him a certain degree of consideration, +had no near or attached friends.</p> + +<p>To Squire Hudson many in the village paid +tribute; for he held mortgages on twenty +farms and buildings, and was strict in exacting +prompt payment of the interest semi-annually. +It was he to whom Mark Nelson's +farm was mortgaged for two thousand dollars. +The mortgage had originally been for fifteen +hundred dollars, but five years before it had +been increased to two thousand, which represented +more than half the sum which it would +have fetched, if put up for sale. The interest +on this sum amounted to a hundred and twenty +dollars a year, which Mark Nelson always +found it hard to raise. Could he have retained +it in his hands, and devoted it to the use of +his family, it would have helped them wonderfully, +with Mrs. Nelson's good management.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span></p> + +<p>Tom, the oldest boy, now approaching his +sixteenth birthday, looked up from a book he +was reading. He was a bright-looking boy, +with brown hair, a ruddy complexion, and +dark-blue eyes, who looked, and was, frank +and manly.</p> + +<p>"What is the amount of your interest?" +he asked.</p> + +<p>"Sixty dollars every half-year, Tom. That +is what I paid to Squire Hudson this afternoon. +It would have made us very comfortable, +if I only could have kept it."</p> + +<p>"It would have done you more good than +the squire," said Sarah.</p> + +<p>"He has more money than he knows what +to do with," said her father, almost complainingly. +"It seems hard that money should be +so unevenly distributed."</p> + +<p>"Money is not happiness," said Mrs. Nelson +quietly.</p> + +<p>"No; but it helps to buy happiness."</p> + +<p>"I don't think Squire Hudson is as happy +a man as you, Mark."</p> + +<p>Mark Nelson's face softened as he surveyed +his wife and children.</p> + +<p>"I am happy at home," he said, "and I +don't think the squire is."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I am sure he isn't," said Tom. "Mrs. Hudson +is sour and ill-tempered, and Sinclair—the +only child—is a second edition of his +mother. He is the most unpopular boy in the +village."</p> + +<p>"Still," said the farmer, not quite convinced, +"money is an important element of +happiness, and a farmer stands a very poor +chance of acquiring it. Tom, I advise you not +to be a farmer."</p> + +<p>"I don't mean to be if I can help it," said +Tom. "I am ready for any opening that offers. +I hope some day to pay off the mortgage on the +farm, and make you a free man, father."</p> + +<p>"Thank you for your good intentions, Tom; +but two thousand dollars is a large sum of +money."</p> + +<p>"I know it, father; but I was reading in a +daily paper, not long since, of a boy, as poor +as myself, who was worth twenty-five thousand +dollars by the time he was thirty. Why +shouldn't this happen to me?"</p> + +<p>"Don't build castles in the air, Tom," said +his mother sensibly.</p> + +<p>"At least, mother, I may hope for good luck. +I have been wanting to talk to you both about<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span> +my future prospects. I shall be sixteen next +week, and it is time I did something."</p> + +<p>"You are doing something—working on the +farm now, Tom."</p> + +<p>"That don't count. Father advises me not +to be a farmer, and I agree with him. I think +I am capable of making my way in the world +in some other way, where I can earn more +money. There is Walter, who likes the +country, to stay with you."</p> + +<p>Walter, the third child, was now twelve +years of age, with decided country tastes.</p> + +<p>"I would like to be a farmer as well as +anything," said Walter. "I like the fresh air. +I shouldn't like to be cooped up in a store, or +to live in the city. Let Tom go if he likes."</p> + +<p>"I have no objection," said Mr. Nelson; +"but I have neither money nor influence to +help him. He will have to make his own way."</p> + +<p>"I am not afraid to try," said Tom courageously. +"From this day I will look out for a +chance, if you and mother are willing."</p> + +<p>"I shall not oppose your wishes, Tom," said +Mrs. Nelson gravely, "though it will be a sad +day for me when you leave your home."</p> + +<p>"That isn't the way to look at it, mother," +said Tom. "If gold pieces grew on currant<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span> +bushes, it wouldn't be necessary for me to +leave home to make a living."</p> + +<p>"I wish they did," said Harry, a boy nine +years of age.</p> + +<p>"What would you do then, Harry?" asked +his brother, smiling.</p> + +<p>"I would buy a velocipede and a pair of +skates."</p> + +<p>"I heard of a boy once who found a penny +in the field, right under a potato-vine," said +Walter.</p> + +<p>"I don't believe it," said Harry.</p> + +<p>"It's true, for I was the boy."</p> + +<p>"Where did it come from?"</p> + +<p>"Tom put it there to fool me."</p> + +<p>"Won't you put one there to fool me, +Tom?" asked Harry.</p> + +<p>"You are too smart, Harry," said Tom, +laughing. "My pennies are too few to try such +experiments. I hope, by the time you are as +old as Walter, to give you something better."</p> + +<p>The conversation drifted to other topics, +with which we are not concerned. Tom, however, +did not forget it. He felt that an important +question had that evening been decided +for him. He had only thought of making +a start for himself hitherto. Now he had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span> +broached the subject, and received the permission +of his father and mother. The world was +all before him where to choose. His available +capital was small, it is true, amounting +only to thirty-seven cents and a jack-knife; +but he had, besides, a stout heart, a pair of +strong hands, an honest face, and plenty of +perseverance—not a bad equipment for a +young adventurer.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER II.</h2> + +<h3>TOM FINDS A WALLET.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Since</span> the time of which I am writing, over +sixty years have passed, for it was in the year +1850 that Tom made up his mind to leave home +and seek a fortune. The papers were full of +the new gold discoveries in the new country +which had recently been added to the great republic. +Thousands were hurrying to the land +of gold; men who had been unfortunate at +home, or, though moderately well situated, +were seized by the spirit of adventure. At considerable +sacrifice many raised the means of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span> +reaching the new El Dorado, while others borrowed +or appropriated the necessary sum. +Some, able to do neither, set out on a venture, +determined to get there in some way.</p> + +<p>In the weekly paper, to which Mr. Nelson +had for years been a subscriber, Tom had +read a good deal about California. His youthful +fancy had been wrought upon by the brilliant +pictures of a land where a penniless man +might, if favored by fortune, secure a competence +in a twelvemonth, and he ardently +wished that he, too, might have the chance of +going there. It was a wish, but not an expectation. +It would cost at least two hundred +dollars to reach the Pacific coast, and there was +no hope of getting a tithe of that sum.</p> + +<p>"If I could only go to California," thought +Tom, "I would make my way somehow; I +would cheerfully work twelve hours a day. I +don't see why a boy can't dig gold, as well as +a man. If somebody would lend me money +enough to get there, I could afford to pay high +interest."</p> + +<p>There was one man in Wilton who might +lend him the money if he would. That man +was Squire Hudson. He always had money on +hand in considerable quantities, and two hundred<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span> +dollars would be nothing to him. Tom +would not have dreamed of applying to him, +however, but for a service which just at this +time he was able to render the squire.</p> + +<p>Tom had been in search of huckleberries—for +this was the season—when, in a narrow +country road, not much frequented, his attention +was drawn to an object lying in the road. +His heart hounded with excitement when he +saw that it was a well-filled pocketbook. He +was not long in securing it.</p> + +<p>Opening the wallet, he found it was absolutely +stuffed with bank-bills, some of large +denomination. There were, besides, several +papers, to which he paid but little attention. +They assured him, however, as he had already +surmised, that the wallet was the property of +Squire Hudson.</p> + +<p>"I wonder how much money there is here," +thought Tom, with natural curiosity.</p> + +<p>He stepped into the woods to avoid notice, +and carefully counted the bills. There were +two hundred-dollar bills, and three fifties, +and so many of smaller denominations that +Tom found the whole to amount to five hundred +and sixty-seven dollars.</p> + +<p>"Almost six hundred dollars!" ejaculated<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> +Tom, in excitement, for he had never seen so +much money before. "How happy should I +be if I had as much money! How rich the +squire is! He ought to be a happy man."</p> + +<p>Then the thought stole into our hero's mind, +that the wallet contained nearly three times +as much as he would need to take him to California.</p> + +<p>"If it were only mine!" he thought to himself.</p> + +<p>Perhaps Tom ought to have been above +temptation, but he was not. For one little instant +he was tempted to take out two hundred +dollars, and then drop the wallet where he had +picked it up. No one would probably find out +where the missing money was. But Tom had +been too well brought up to yield to this +temptation. Not even the thought that he +might, perhaps within a year, return the money +with interest, prevailed upon him.</p> + +<p>"It wouldn't be honest," he decided, "and +if I began in that way I could not expect that +God would prosper me. If that is the only way +by which I can go to California I must make +up my mind to stay at home."</p> + +<p>So the question was settled in Tom's mind. +The money must be returned to the owner.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span> +His pail was nearly full of huckleberries, but +he postponed going home, for he felt that +Squire Hudson would be feeling anxious about +his loss, and he thought it his duty to go and +return the money first of all. Accordingly he +made his way directly to the imposing residence +of the rich man.</p> + +<p>Passing up the walk which led to the front +door, Tom rang the bell. This was answered +by a cross-looking servant. She glanced at +the pail of berries, and said quickly: "We +don't want any berries, and if we did you ought +to go round to the side door."</p> + +<p>"I haven't asked you to buy any berries, +have I?" said Tom, rather provoked by the +rudeness of the girl, when he had come to do +the squire a favor.</p> + +<p>"No, but that's what you're after. We have +bought all we want."</p> + +<p>"I tell you I didn't come here to sell berries," +said Tom independently; "I picked these +for use at home."</p> + +<p>"Then what do you come here for, anyway, +takin' up my time wid comin' to the door, +when I'm busy gettin' supper?"</p> + +<p>"I want to see Squire Hudson."</p> + +<p>"I don't know if he's at home."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then you'd better find out, and not keep +me waiting."</p> + +<p>"I never see such impudence," ejaculated +the girl.</p> + +<p>"I mean what I say," continued Tom +stoutly. "I want to see the squire on important +business."</p> + +<p>"Much business you have wid him!" said +the girl scornfully.</p> + +<p>Tom by this time was out of patience.</p> + +<p>"Go and tell your master that I wish to see +him," he said firmly.</p> + +<p>"I've a great mind to slam the door in +your face," returned Bridget angrily.</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't advise you to," said Tom calmly.</p> + +<p>A stop was put to the contention by an irritable +voice.</p> + +<p>"What's all this, hey? Who's at the door, +Bridget?"</p> + +<p>"A boy wid berries, sir."</p> + +<p>"Tell him I don't want any."</p> + +<p>"I have told him, and he won't go."</p> + +<p>"Won't go, hey?" and Squire Hudson came +out into the hall. "What's all this, I say? +Won't go?"</p> + +<p>"I wish to see you, sir," said Tom, undaunted. +"I have told the girl that I didn't<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span> +come here to sell berries; but she objects to my +seeing you."</p> + +<p>Squire Hudson was far from an amiable +man, and this explanation made him angry +with the servant. He turned upon her +fiercely.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean, you trollop," he demanded, +"by refusing to let the boy see me? +What do you mean by your insolence, I say?"</p> + +<p>Bridget was overwhelmed, for the squire's +temper was like a tornado.</p> + +<p>"I thought he wanted to sell berries," she +faltered.</p> + +<p>"That isn't true," said Tom. "I told you +expressly that I picked the berries for use at +home, and had none to sell."</p> + +<p>"Go back to the kitchen, you trollop!" +thundered the squire. "You deserve to go to +jail for your outrageous conduct."</p> + +<p>Bridget did not venture to answer a word, +for it would only have raised a more violent +storm, but retreated crestfallen to her own +realm, and left our hero in possession of the +field. She contented herself with muttering +under her breath what she did not dare to +speak aloud.</p> + +<p>"You are Tom Nelson, are you not?" asked<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span> +the squire, adjusting his spectacles, and looking +more carefully at the boy.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Have you any message from your father?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"Then why did you come here to take up +my time?" demanded the squire, frowning.</p> + +<p>"I came to do you a service, Squire Hudson."</p> + +<p>"You came—to—do—me—a—service?" repeated +the squire slowly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"You may as well come in," said the rich +man, leading into the sitting-room.</p> + +<p>Tom followed him into a handsomely furnished +room, and the two sat down opposite +each other.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER III.</h2> + +<h3>TOM ASKS A LOAN.</h3> + + +<p>"<span class="smcap">I don't</span> know what service you can do +me," said Squire Hudson incredulously.</p> + +<p>His manner implied: "I am a rich man and +you are a poor boy. How can you possibly +serve me?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Have you lost anything lately?" inquired +Tom, coming at once to business.</p> + +<p>I suppose most men, when asked such a +question, would first think of their pocket-books. +It was so with Squire Hudson. He +hastily thrust his hand into his pocket, and +found—a large hole, through which, doubtless, +the wallet had slipped.</p> + +<p>"I have lost my wallet," he said anxiously. +"Have you found it?"</p> + +<p>In reply Tom produced the missing article. +The squire took it hurriedly, and, at once opening +it, counted the money. It was all there, +and he heaved a sigh of relief, for he was a +man who cared for money more than most people.</p> + +<p>"Where did you find it?" he asked.</p> + +<p>Tom answered the question.</p> + +<p>"It is very fortunate you came along before +anyone else saw it. I rode that way on horse-back +this morning. I told Mrs. Hudson that +my pocket needed repairing, but she put it +off, according to her usual custom. If it had +not been found, I would have kept her on short +allowance for a year to come."</p> + +<p>Tom felt rather embarrassed, for, of course, +it would not do to join in with the squire in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> +his complaints of his wife. Suddenly Squire +Hudson said, eying him keenly: "Do you +know how much money there is in this wallet?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Then you counted it?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Why did you do it?"</p> + +<p>"I wanted to know how much there was, so +that no one might blame me if any were missing."</p> + +<p>"Didn't you want to take any?" asked the +squire bluntly.</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Tom promptly.</p> + +<p>"Why didn't you? For fear you would be +found out?"</p> + +<p>"That may have had something to do with +it, but it was principally because it would have +been stealing and stealing is wrong."</p> + +<p>"What would you have done with the money +if you had taken it?"</p> + +<p>"Started for California next week," answered +Tom directly.</p> + +<p>"Eh?" ejaculated the squire, rather astonished. +"Why do you want to go to California—a +boy like you?"</p> + +<p>"To dig gold. I suppose a boy can dig gold,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> +as well as a man. There doesn't seem to be +much chance for me here. There's nothing to +do but to work on the farm, and father and +Walter can do all there is to be done there."</p> + +<p>"How is your father getting along?" asked +the rich man, with an interest which rather +surprised Tom.</p> + +<p>"Poorly," said Tom. "He makes both ends +meet; but we all have to do without a great +many things that we need."</p> + +<p>The squire looked thoughtful. He took half +a dollar from his wallet and tendered it to +Tom.</p> + +<p>"You've done me a service," he said. "Take +that."</p> + +<p>Tom drew back.</p> + +<p>"I would rather not take money for being +honest," he said.</p> + +<p>"That's all nonsense," said Squire Hudson +sharply.</p> + +<p>"That's the way I feel about it," said Tom +stoutly.</p> + +<p>"Then you're a fool."</p> + +<p>"I hope not, sir."</p> + +<p>"This would have been quite a large loss +to me. I am perfectly willing to give you this +money."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span></p> + +<p>Then Tom gathered courage and said boldly, +"You can do me a great favor, Squire Hudson, +if you choose."</p> + +<p>"What is it?"</p> + +<p>"Lend me enough money to go to California," +said Tom nervously.</p> + +<p>"Good gracious! Is the boy crazy?" ejaculated +the astonished squire.</p> + +<p>"No, sir, I am not crazy. I'll tell you what +my plans are. I shall go to work directly I +get there, and shall devote the first money I +make to paying you. Of course, I shall expect +to pay high interest. I am willing to pay you +three hundred dollars for two; unless I am +sick, I think I can do it inside of twelve +months."</p> + +<p>"How much money do you suppose you will +need for this wild-goose expedition?"</p> + +<p>"About two hundred dollars, sir; and, as +I just said, I will give you my note for three."</p> + +<p>"A boy's note is worth nothing."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps it isn't in law; but I wouldn't rest +till it was paid back."</p> + +<p>"What security have you to offer?"</p> + +<p>"None, sir, except my word."</p> + +<p>"Do you know what I would be if I lent +you this money?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You would be very kind."</p> + +<p>"Pish! I should be a fool."</p> + +<p>"I don't think you'd lose anything by it, sir; +but, of course, I can't blame you for refusing," +and Tom rose to go.</p> + +<p>"Sit down again," said the squire; "I want +to talk to you about this matter. How long +have you been thinking of California?"</p> + +<p>"Only two or three days, sir."</p> + +<p>"What made you think of it?"</p> + +<p>"I wanted to help father."</p> + +<p>"Who has told you about California?"</p> + +<p>"I have read about it in the papers."</p> + +<p>"Have you spoken to your father about +going there?"</p> + +<p>"I have spoken to him about leaving home, +and seeking my fortune; but I have not mentioned +going to California, because I thought +it impossible to raise the necessary money."</p> + +<p>"Of course. That's sensible, at least."</p> + +<p>Squire Hudson rose and walked thoughtfully +about the room, occasionally casting a +keen glance at Tom, who remained sitting, +with his pail of huckleberries in his cap.</p> + +<p>After a while the squire spoke again.</p> + +<p>"Your father might let you have the +money," he suggested.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span></p> + +<p>"My father has no money to spare," said +Tom quickly.</p> + +<p>"Couldn't he raise some?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know how."</p> + +<p>"Then I'll tell you. I hold a mortgage for +two thousand dollars on his farm. I suppose +you know that?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"I might be willing to increase the mortgage +to twenty-two hundred, and he could lend you +the extra two hundred."</p> + +<p>This was a new idea to Tom, and he took a +little time to think it over.</p> + +<p>"I don't like to ask father to do that," he +said. "He finds it very hard now to pay the +interest on the mortgage."</p> + +<p>"I thought you intended to pay the money +in a year," said the squire sharply.</p> + +<p>"So I do," said Tom, and he began to think +more favorably of the plan.</p> + +<p>"In that case your father wouldn't suffer."</p> + +<p>"You are right, sir. If father would only +consent to do so, I would be happy. But I +might die."</p> + +<p>"Your father would have to take the risk of +that. You can't expect me to."</p> + +<p>This seemed fair enough, and, in fact, the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span> +danger didn't seem very great to Tom. He was +about sixteen; and to a boy of sixteen death +seems very far off, provided he is strong and +vigorous, as Tom was. He rapidly decided +that the squire's offer was not to be refused +without careful consideration. It opened to +him a career which looked bright and promising. +Once in California, what could he not +do? Tom was hopeful and sanguine, and did +not allow himself to think of failure.</p> + +<p>"I understand that you are willing to advance +the money, Squire Hudson?" he said, +determined to know just what to depend upon.</p> + +<p>"I will advance two hundred dollars, on condition +that your father will secure me by an +increased mortgage. It is no particular object +to me, for I can readily invest the money in +some other way."</p> + +<p>"I will speak to father about it, Squire Hudson, +and meanwhile I am thankful to you for +making the offer."</p> + +<p>"Very well. Let me know as soon as possible," +said the squire carelessly.</p> + +<p>As Tom went out, the rich man soliloquized: +"I have no faith in the boy's scheme, and I +don't believe half the stories they tell about the +California mines; but it will give me an extra<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> +hold on Nelson, and hasten the day when the +farm will come into my hands. When Mary +Nelson refused my hand I resolved some day +to have my revenge. I have waited long, but it +will come at last. When she and her children +are paupers, she may regret the slight she put +upon me."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<h3>TOM ASKS LEAVE OF ABSENCE.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Tom</span> walked home slowly, but the distance +seemed short, for he was absorbed in thought. +In a way very unexpected he seemed to be +likely to realize what he had regarded as a +very pleasant, but impossible, dream. Would +his father consent to the squire's proposal, +and, if so, ought Tom to consent to expose him +to the risk of losing so considerable a sum of +money? If he had been older and more cautious +he would probably have decided in the +negative; but Tom was hopeful and sanguine, +and the stories he had heard of California had +dazzled him. There was, of course, an element +of uncertainty in his calculations, but the fact<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span> +that there seemed to be no prospect before him +in his native village had an important influence +in shaping his decision.</p> + +<p>To ask his father the momentous question, +however, was not easy, and he delayed it, hoping +for a favorable opportunity of introducing +the subject. His thoughtful manner excited +attention, and secured him the opportunity +he sought.</p> + +<p>"You seem deep in thought, Tom," said his +mother.</p> + +<p>"Yes, mother, I have a good deal to think +about."</p> + +<p>"Anybody would think Tom overwhelmed +with business," said Walter, next to Tom in +age, with good-humored banter.</p> + +<p>"I am," said Tom gravely.</p> + +<p>"Won't you take me in partnership, then?" +asked Walter.</p> + +<p>Tom smiled.</p> + +<p>"I don't think I could do that," he answered. +"Not to keep you waiting, Squire +Hudson has made me a business proposal this +afternoon."</p> + +<p>All were surprised and looked to Tom for an +explanation.</p> + +<p>"He offers to advance me two hundred dollars<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span> +for a year, to help me out to California."</p> + +<p>"Squire Hudson makes this offer to a boy +of your age?" said his father slowly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, or rather he makes the offer to you."</p> + +<p>"To me?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you will think me selfish for even +mentioning it," said Tom rapidly, in a hurry +to explain fully now that the ice was broken. +"He will advance the money, on condition that +you increase the mortgage on the farm to +twenty-two hundred dollars."</p> + +<p>Mr. Nelson looked blank.</p> + +<p>"Do you know, Tom," he said, "how hard I +find it now to pay the interest on the mortgage, +and how hopeless I am of ever paying it off?"</p> + +<p>"I know all that, father; but I want to help +you. If I keep my health, and have a chance, +I think I can help you. There's no chance for +me here, and there is a chance in California. +You remember what we have read in the +<i>Weekly Messenger</i> about the gold-fields, and +what large sums have been realized by miners."</p> + +<p>"They are men, and you are a boy."</p> + +<p>"That's true," said Tom, "but," he added, +with natural pride, "I am pretty strong for +a boy. I am willing to work, and I don't see<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span> +why I can't dig gold as well as a man. I may +not make as much, but if I only do half as +well as some that we have read about, I can do +a good deal for you."</p> + +<p>"How far off is California?" asked Mrs. +Nelson.</p> + +<p>"Over three thousand miles, across the continent," +answered her husband. "By sea it is +a good deal more."</p> + +<p>"Why, it is as far off as Europe," said +Walter, who was fresh from his lesson in geography.</p> + +<p>"It is farther than some parts of Europe—England, +for example," said his father.</p> + +<p>"And a wild, unsettled region," said Mrs. +Nelson soberly.</p> + +<p>"I don't think so much of that," said Mark +Nelson. "Tom is no baby. He is a boy of +good sense, not heedless, like some of his age, +and I should feel considerable confidence in his +getting along well."</p> + +<p>"What, Mark, are you in favor of his going +so far—a boy who has never been away from +home in his life?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know what to say. I have not had +time to consider the matter, as it has come upon +me suddenly. I have a good deal of confidence<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span> +in Tom, but there is one difficulty in +my mind."</p> + +<p>"What is that, father?" asked Tom anxiously.</p> + +<p>"The expense of getting to California, and +the method of raising the money; I don't like +to increase the mortgage."</p> + +<p>"I suppose you are right, father," said Tom +slowly. "I know it is more than I have any +right to ask. I wouldn't even have mentioned +it if I hadn't hoped to help you to pay it back."</p> + +<p>"That is understood, Tom," said his father +kindly. "I know you mean what you say, and +that you would redeem your promise if fortune, +or rather Providence, permitted. It is a +serious matter, however, and not to be decided +in a hurry. We will speak of it again."</p> + +<p>Nothing more was said about Tom's plan till +after the children had gone to bed. Then, as +Mark Nelson and his wife sat before the fire +in the open fireplace, the subject was taken up +anew.</p> + +<p>"Mary," said Mark, "I am beginning to +think favorably of Tom's proposal."</p> + +<p>"How can you say so, Mark?" interrupted +his wife. "It seems like madness to send a +young boy so far away."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Tom can't be called a young boy; he is now +sixteen."</p> + +<p>"But he has never been away from home."</p> + +<p>"He must go some time."</p> + +<p>"If it were only to Boston or New York; +but to go more than three thousand miles +away!" and the mother shuddered.</p> + +<p>"There are dangers as great in Boston or +New York as in California, Mary, to a boy of +Tom's age. He can't always be surrounded by +home influences."</p> + +<p>"I wish we could find employment for him +in town," said Mrs. Nelson uneasily.</p> + +<p>"That is a mother's thought, and it would +be pleasant for all of us; but I doubt if it +would be better for Tom."</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"A boy who is thrown upon his own guardianship +and his own resources develops manliness +and self-reliance sooner than at home. +But we need not take that into consideration; +there is nothing to do here, nor is there likely +to be. He must go away from home to find +employment. To obtain a place in Boston or +New York requires influence and friends in +those places; and we can hope for neither. In +California he will become his own employer.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span> +The gold-mines are open to all, and he may +earn in a year as much as he could in five +years in the East."</p> + +<p>"Do you favor his going, then, Mark?"</p> + +<p>"Not against your will, Mary. Indeed, I +should not feel justified in increasing the mortgage +upon our little property against your +wish. That concerns us all."</p> + +<p>"I don't think so much of that. I am so +afraid Tom would get sick in California. +What would become of the poor boy in that +case?"</p> + +<p>"That is a mother's thought. I think Tom +would find friends, who would not let him +suffer. He is a manly, attractive boy, though +he is ours, and I think he is well calculated +to make his way."</p> + +<p>"That he is," said his mother proudly. +"No one can help liking Tom."</p> + +<p>"Then you see he is likely to find friends. +Were he such a boy as Sinclair Hudson, I +should feel afraid that he would fare badly, +if he stood in need of help from others. Sinclair +is certainly a very disagreeable boy."</p> + +<p>"Yes, he is; and he isn't half as smart as +Tom."</p> + +<p>"A mother's vanity," said Mark Nelson,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span> +smiling. "However, you are right there. I +should consider it a misfortune to have such +a cross-grained, selfish son as Sinclair. Squire +Hudson, with all his wealth, is not fortunate +in his only child. There is considerable resemblance +between father and son. I often +wish that some one else than the squire held +the mortgage on our farm."</p> + +<p>"You don't think he would take advantage +of you?"</p> + +<p>"I don't think he would be very lenient to +me if I failed to pay interest promptly. He +has a grudge against me, you know."</p> + +<p>"That is nonsense," said Mrs. Nelson, +blushing, for she understood the allusion.</p> + +<p>"I am glad he doesn't ask me to give him a +mortgage on you, Mary."</p> + +<p>"He has forgotten all that," said Mrs. Nelson. +"I am no longer young and pretty."</p> + +<p>"I think you more attractive than ever," +said the husband.</p> + +<p>"Because you are foolish," said his wife; +but she was well pleased, nevertheless. Poor +as her husband was, she had never dreamed of +regretting her choice.</p> + +<p>"Be it so; but about this affair of Tom—what +shall I say to him in the morning?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mrs. Nelson recovered her gravity instantly.</p> + +<p>"Decide as you think right, Mark," she +said. "If you judge that Tom had better go +I will do my best to become reconciled to his +absence, and set about getting him ready."</p> + +<p>"It is a great responsibility, Mary," said +Mark slowly; "but I accept it. Let the boy +go, if he wishes. He will leave our care, but +we can trust him to the care of his heavenly +Father, who will be as near to him in California +as at home."</p> + +<p>Thus Tom's future was decided. His father +and mother retired to bed, but not to sleep. +They were parting already in imagination +with their first-born, and the thought of that +parting was sad indeed.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<h3>TOM RAISES THE MONEY.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Tom</span> got up early the next morning—in +fact, he was up first in the house—and attended +to his usual "chores." He was splitting +wood when his father passed him on the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span> +way to the barn with the milk-pail in his +hand.</p> + +<p>"You are up early, Tom," he said.</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered our hero.</p> + +<p>Tom could not help wondering whether his +father had come to any decision about letting +him go to California; but he did not like to +ask. In due time he would learn, of course. +He felt that he should like to have it decided +one way or the other. While his plans were +in doubt he felt unsettled and nervous.</p> + +<p>At an early hour the family gathered about +the breakfast table. Tom noticed that his +father and mother looked grave, and spoke +in a subdued tone, as if they had something on +their minds; but he did not know what to infer +from this, except that they had his prospects +still in consideration.</p> + +<p>When breakfast was over, Mark Nelson +pushed back his chair, and said: "How soon +can you get Tom ready to start, Mary?"</p> + +<p>"Am I going, father?" asked Tom, his +heart giving an eager bound.</p> + +<p>"Is Tom really going?" asked the younger +children, with scarcely less eagerness.</p> + +<p>"If Squire Hudson doesn't go back on his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> +promise. Tom, you can go with me to the +squire's."</p> + +<p>"How soon?"</p> + +<p>"In about an hour. He doesn't breakfast +as early as we do. I think he will be ready +to receive us in about an hour."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, father," said Tom. "You are +doing a great deal for me."</p> + +<p>"I can't do much for you, my boy. I can +probably get you to California, and then you +will be thrown upon your own exertions."</p> + +<p>"I mean to work very hard. I think I shall +succeed."</p> + +<p>"I hope so, at least, Tom. When the time +comes to start the other boys, I shall be glad +to have your help in doing it."</p> + +<p>Tom was pleased to hear this, though it +placed upon his shoulders a new and heavy +responsibility. He was assuming the responsibility +not only for his own future, but for that +of his brothers. But it made him feel more +manly, as if the period of his dependent boyhood +were over, and he had become a young +man all at once.</p> + +<p>"I hope I sha'n't disappoint you, father," +he said.</p> + +<p>"If you do, I don't think it will be your<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span> +fault, Tom," said his father kindly. "Fortune +may be against you, but we must take the risk +of that."</p> + +<p>"I don't know what to think about it, Tom," +said his mother, in a tone of doubt and mental +disturbance. "I feel as if you were too young +to go out in the wide world to seek your fortune."</p> + +<p>"I am not so very young, mother. I am +old enough to make my way."</p> + +<p>"So your father says, and I have yielded to +his judgment; but, Tom, I don't know how to +let you go."</p> + +<p>There were tears in Mrs. Nelson's eyes as +she spoke. Tom was moved, and if he needed +anything to strengthen him in the good resolutions +he had formed, his mother's emotion supplied +it.</p> + +<p>"You sha'n't regret giving your consent, +mother," he said manfully, and, rising from +his seat, he went to his mother and kissed her.</p> + +<p>"Mary," said Mr. Nelson, "you haven't +answered my question. How long will it take +to get Tom ready? If he is to go, he may as +well start as soon as possible."</p> + +<p>"Let me see," said Mrs. Nelson, "how many +shirts have you got, Tom?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Five."</p> + +<p>"Are they all in good order?"</p> + +<p>"I believe one needs mending."</p> + +<p>"I don't know whether that will be enough," +said Mrs. Nelson doubtfully.</p> + +<p>"Mary," said her husband, "don't provide +too large a supply of clothing. Tom may find +it a burden. Remember, in California, he will +have to travel on foot and carry his own baggage."</p> + +<p>"Then I think he is already pretty well provided. +But some of his clothes may need +mending. That won't take long, and I will +attend to it at once."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps Squire Hudson will go back on +you, after all," said Walter.</p> + +<p>Tom's face was overcast. That would be a +disappointment he could not easily bear.</p> + +<p>"I shall soon know," he said.</p> + +<p>An hour later Tom and his father set out for +Squire Hudson's residence. Tom felt nervous; +he could not well help it.</p> + +<p>"Tom," said his father, "this is an important +visit for you."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"You are feeling nervous, I see. Try to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span> +take it coolly, and don't feel too low-spirited +if things don't turn out as you hope."</p> + +<p>"I will try to follow your advice, father, +but I am not sure as I can."</p> + +<p>"If you are disappointed, try to think it is +for the best. A boy of your age had made all +arrangements to visit Europe with a party of +friends. The day before starting something +happened which made it impossible for him to +go. For weeks he had been looking forward +with eager anticipation to his journey, and +now it was indefinitely postponed."</p> + +<p>"What a terrible disappointment!" said +Tom.</p> + +<p>"Yes, it seemed so, but mark the issue. The +steamer was lost, and all on board were +drowned. The disappointment saved his life."</p> + +<p>"It might not always turn out so," objected +Tom.</p> + +<p>"No, that is true. Still, if we are willing +to think that our disappointments are not +always misfortunes, we shall go through life +with more cheerfulness and content."</p> + +<p>"Still, I hope I shall not be disappointed +in this," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"You are perhaps too young to be philosophical," +said his father.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mark Nelson had enjoyed only the usual +advantages of education afforded by a common +school; but he was a man of good natural +capacity, and more thoughtful than many in +his vocation. From him Tom inherited good +natural abilities and industrious habits. It +would not be fair, however, to give all the +credit to his father. Mrs. Nelson was a superior +woman, and all her children were well +endowed by nature.</p> + +<p>As they turned into Squire Hudson's gravel-path, +the squire himself opened the front +door.</p> + +<p>"Were you coming to see me?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"We would like to speak with you a few +minutes, squire, if you can spare the time."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, I have nothing pressing on hand," +said the squire, with unusual affability. +"Walk in, Mr. Nelson."</p> + +<p>He led the way into the room where Tom +had had his interview with him the day before.</p> + +<p>"Your son did me a good turn yesterday," +he said graciously. "He behaved in a very +creditable manner."</p> + +<p>"He told me that he found your pocketbook, +Squire Hudson."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes; it contained a large sum of money. +Some boys would have kept it."</p> + +<p>"None of my boys would," said Mark Nelson +proudly.</p> + +<p>"Of course not. They're too well brought +up."</p> + +<p>"Tom told me that you offered to advance +money enough to get him to California," said +Mr. Nelson, coming to business.</p> + +<p>"On satisfactory security," added the squire +cautiously.</p> + +<p>"You proposed to increase the mortgage on +my place?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said the squire. "I wouldn't have +done it, though, Neighbor Nelson, but for the +good turn the boy did me. I am not at all +particular about increasing the amount of +the mortgage, but, if by so doing it I can promote +Tom's views, I won't object."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir," said Tom gratefully.</p> + +<p>"It is a serious step for me to take," continued +Mr. Nelson, "for I feel the incumbrance +to be a heavy one already. In fact, it is with +difficulty that I pay the interest. But the +time has come when Tom should start in life, +and in this village there seems to be no opening."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span></p> + +<p>"None whatever," said the squire, in a tone +of decision.</p> + +<p>"What do you think of the prospects in +California?" asked Mark Nelson. "You are +a man of business, and can judge better than +I. Are the stories we hear of fortunes made +in a short time to be relied upon?"</p> + +<p>"As to that," said the squire deliberately, +"I suppose we can't believe all we hear; we +must make some allowances. But, after all, +there's no doubt of the existence of gold in +large quantities; I am satisfied of that."</p> + +<p>"Then about the wisdom of sending out a +boy like Tom, alone; do you think it best?"</p> + +<p>"It depends altogether on the boy," responded +the squire. "If he is honest, industrious, +and energetic, he will make his +way. You know your own boy better than +I do."</p> + +<p>"He is all you say, Squire Hudson. I have +a great deal of confidence in Tom."</p> + +<p>Tom looked at his father gratefully. Sometimes +it does a boy good to learn that the older +people have confidence in him.</p> + +<p>"Then let him go," said the squire. "I +stand ready to furnish the money. I think +you said you needed two hundred dollars."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span></p> + +<p>This question was put to Tom, and the boy +answered in the affirmative.</p> + +<p>"Very well," said the squire. "As soon as +the necessary writings are made out, the money +shall be ready."</p> + +<p>"It's all settled!" thought Tom triumphantly.</p> + +<p>At that moment Sinclair Hudson, the +squire's only son, opened the door and looked +into the room.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Tom Nelson," said he, rather rudely. +"What brings you here?"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2> + +<h3>TOM ARRIVES IN PITTSBURG.</h3> + + +<p>"<span class="smcap">I came</span> on business, Sinclair," answered +Tom, smiling.</p> + +<p>"Thomas is going to California, Sinclair," +explained Squire Hudson.</p> + +<p>Sinclair opened wide his eyes in amazement. +"What for?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"To dig gold and make my fortune," answered +Tom complacently.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Come out and tell me all about it."</p> + +<p>"You can go, Thomas," said Squire Hudson +graciously. "Your father and I will settle the +business."</p> + +<p>"Is it true that you are going to California?" +asked Sinclair, when they were out +in the front yard.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"How soon do you go?"</p> + +<p>"I want to get away in a week."</p> + +<p>"What has my father to do with it?" inquired +Sinclair.</p> + +<p>"He is going to lend me the money to get +there."</p> + +<p>"How much?"</p> + +<p>"Two hundred dollars."</p> + +<p>"Then he is a greater fool than I thought," +said Sinclair, with characteristic politeness.</p> + +<p>"Why do you say that?" demanded our +hero, justly nettled.</p> + +<p>"Because he'll never see the money again."</p> + +<p>"Yes, he will. My father is responsible for +it."</p> + +<p>"Your father is a poor man."</p> + +<p>"He is able to pay that, if I don't; but I +hope he won't have to."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Do you really expect to find gold?" asked +Sinclair curiously.</p> + +<p>"Certainly I do. Others have, and why +shouldn't I? I am willing to work hard."</p> + +<p>"Do you think you'll come home rich?"</p> + +<p>"I hope so."</p> + +<p>"I have a great mind to ask father to let +me go with you," said Sinclair unexpectedly.</p> + +<p>"You wouldn't like it. You haven't been +brought up to work," said Tom, rather +startled, and not much pleased with the proposal, +for Sinclair Hudson was about the last +boy he wished as a companion.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I wouldn't go to work. I would go as +a gentleman, to see the country. Wait a minute; +I will run in and ask him."</p> + +<p>So Sinclair ran into the house, and preferred +his request.</p> + +<p>"That's a wild idea, Sinclair," said his +father quickly.</p> + +<p>"Why is it? I'm as old as Tom Nelson."</p> + +<p>"He is going because it is necessary for him +to earn his living."</p> + +<p>"He will have a splendid time," grumbled +the spoiled son.</p> + +<p>"You shall travel all you want to when you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span> +are older," said his father. "Now you must +get an education."</p> + +<p>"I want to travel now."</p> + +<p>"I will take you to New York the next time +I go."</p> + +<p>"Give me five dollars besides."</p> + +<p>The money was handed him.</p> + +<p>He went out and reported to Tom that he +was going to travel all over the world when he +was a little older, and had decided not to go +to California now.</p> + +<p>"If you have money enough you can go with +me," he added graciously.</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Tom politely, though +the prospect of having Sinclair for a traveling +companion did not exhilarate him much.</p> + +<p>For a few days Mrs. Nelson was very busy +getting Tom ready to go. It was well, perhaps, +that so much needed to be done, for it +kept her mind from the thought of the separation.</p> + +<p>The question of which route to take, whether +by steamer or across the plains, demanded consideration. +It was finally decided that Tom +should go overland. It was thought he might +join some company at St. Joseph—or St. Joe, +as it was then, and is now, popularly called—and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span> +pay his passage in services, thus saving +a good share of the two hundred dollars. That +was, of course, an important consideration.</p> + +<p>"How shall I carry my money?" asked +Tom.</p> + +<p>"It will be best to take gold, and carry it +for safety in a belt around your waist," said +his father. "You must be very prudent and +careful, or you may be robbed. That would +be a serious thing for you, as I could not forward +you any more money."</p> + +<p>"I will be very prudent, father," said Tom. +"I know the value of money too well to risk +losing it."</p> + +<p>Well, the days of preparation were over at +length, and Tom stood on the threshold, bidding +good-by to his parents and his brothers +and sisters. He had not realized till now what +it was to leave home on a long journey of indefinite +duration. He wanted to be heroic, +but in spite of himself his eyes moistened, and +he came near breaking down.</p> + +<p>"I don't know how to part with you, my +dear child," said his mother.</p> + +<p>"Think that it is all for the best, mother," +said Tom, choking. "Think of the time when +I will come back with plenty of money."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span></p> + +<p>"God bless you, Tom!" said his father. +"Don't forget your good habits and principles +when you are far away from us."</p> + +<p>"I won't, father."</p> + +<p>So Tom's long journey commenced.</p> + +<p>Tom's plan was to go to St. Louis first. His +father made some inquiries about the route, +and recommended going to Pittsburg by cars, +then to take the boat on the Ohio River for +Cincinnati. This seemed to Tom to afford a +pleasant variety, and he gladly accepted the +suggestion.</p> + +<p>As they were approaching Pittsburg, Tom +occupied a whole seat on the left-hand side of +the car. A brisk, plausible young man, of +twenty-five, passing through the aisle, observed +the vacant seat, and, pausing, inquired, "Is +this seat engaged?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir," answered Tom.</p> + +<p>"Then, if you have no objection, I will +occupy it."</p> + +<p>"Certainly, sir."</p> + +<p>The young man was nicely dressed. In his +bosom sparkled a diamond pin, and he wore +three or four rings on his fingers.</p> + +<p>"He must be rich," thought Tom, who was +of an observant turn.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span></p> + +<p>"A pleasant day to travel," remarked the +young man affably.</p> + +<p>"Yes, it is," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"Do you go farther than Pittsburg?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I am going to California," answered +Tom proudly.</p> + +<p>"Is it possible? Are you alone?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"You are young to travel so far."</p> + +<p>"I am sixteen; that is, I shall be in two or +three weeks."</p> + +<p>"Still, you are young to take such a journey +alone. Are you going to join friends there?"</p> + +<p>"No; I am going to seek my fortune."</p> + +<p>Once more the young man looked surprised, +and scanned Tom curiously.</p> + +<p>"I presume you are from the city," he observed, +with a smile which Tom would not +have understood if he had noticed it. The +truth is, that Tom bore evident marks of being +a country boy. I don't like to say that he +looked "green," but he certainly lacked the +air that distinguishes a town-bred boy. His +companion evidently understood boy nature, +for Tom was much flattered by the supposition +that he was a city boy.</p> + +<p>"No," he answered, almost as if apologizing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span> +for a discreditable fact; "I am from the country."</p> + +<p>"You don't say so!" exclaimed the other, +in apparent surprise. "I thought, from your +appearance, that you were from the city. How +do you go from Pittsburg?"</p> + +<p>"By river to Cincinnati."</p> + +<p>"Do you really? I am glad to hear it; I +am going there myself. We shall be fellow +passengers. That will be pleasant."</p> + +<p>Tom thought it would. His companion +seemed very pleasant and social, and he had +been feeling lonely, as was only natural.</p> + +<p>"Yes, it will," he said.</p> + +<p>"By the way, as we may be thrown together, +more or less, we ought to know each other. +My name is Milton Graham. My father is a +rich merchant in New York. I am traveling +partly on business for my father's firm, and +partly for pleasure."</p> + +<p>"My name is Thomas Nelson; most people +call me Tom," said our hero.</p> + +<p>"Then I will call you Tom," said Graham. +"I like the name. I have a favorite cousin +named Tom. Poor boy!—he is an orphan. +His father died two years ago, leaving him +two hundred thousand dollars. My father is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span> +his guardian. He is about your age; only not +quite so good-looking."</p> + +<p>Tom blushed. He had not thought much of +his own looks, but he was human, and no one +is displeased at being considered good-looking. +Mr. Graham spoke meditatively, as if he was +not intending to pay a compliment, only mentioning +a fact, and Tom did not feel called +upon to thank him for this flattering remark.</p> + +<p>"That is a great deal of money," he said.</p> + +<p>"Yes, it is. All my relations are rich; that +is, except one uncle, who probably is not worth +over twenty thousand dollars."</p> + +<p>Tom was impressed. A man who could talk +of such a sum in such terms must certainly +be very rich.</p> + +<p>"Do you know, Mr. Graham," he inquired, +"how soon the steamer will start after we +reach Pittsburg?"</p> + +<p>"No; but I can find out after we reach +there."</p> + +<p>On arriving at Pittsburg, inquiry was made, +and it was ascertained that the steamer <i>River +Belle</i> would leave at nine o'clock the following +morning.</p> + +<p>"We shall have to go to a hotel," said +Graham.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Is there any cheap hotel here?" asked +Tom prudently.</p> + +<p>"Yes; there is the Pittsburg House. Suppose +we both go there."</p> + +<p>"All right."</p> + +<p>Mr. Graham had only a small carpetbag, +smaller than Tom's. They took them in their +hands, and walked for a short distance, till +they reached a plain building, which, from the +sign, Tom discovered to be the hotel which +had been mentioned.</p> + +<p>"Shall we room together? It will cost less," +said Milton Graham carelessly.</p> + +<p>"If you please," said Tom.</p> + +<p>He was lonely and thought he would like +company. Besides, it would be cheaper, and +that was a weighty consideration.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2> + +<h3>THE PITTSBURG HOUSE.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Tom</span> and his companion entered the hotel. +At the left was the clerk's desk. Milton Graham +naturally took the lead. He took a pen<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> +from the clerk, and entered his name with a +flourish. Then he handed the pen to Tom, who +followed his example, omitting the flourish, +however.</p> + +<p>"This young gentleman will room with me," +said Graham.</p> + +<p>"All right, sir," said the clerk. "Will you +go up to your room now?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>The porter was summoned, and handed the +key of No. 16. He took the two carpetbags, +and led the way up-stairs, for the Pittsburg +House had no elevator. Even in the best +hotels at that time this modern convenience +was not to be found.</p> + +<p>The door of No. 16 was opened, revealing +a plain room, about twelve feet square, provided, +as Tom was glad to see, with two narrow +beds.</p> + +<p>"Have you got a quarter, Tom?" asked +Graham.</p> + +<p>Tom drew one from his pocket.</p> + +<p>Graham took it and handed it to the porter, +who expressed his thanks.</p> + +<p>"It's always customary to fee the porter," +he said carelessly, in answer to Tom's look of +surprise.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What for?"</p> + +<p>"For bringing up the baggage."</p> + +<p>"Twenty-five cents for bringing up two +small carpetbags! That's pretty high. I'd +have brought them up myself, if I had known," +said Tom, dissatisfied, for he felt that this +fee was hardly in accordance with his resolutions +of economy.</p> + +<p>"Oh, he expects it. It's his regular perquisite. +When you've traveled more you'll +understand."</p> + +<p>"How much are we to pay for our accommodations?" +asked Tom anxiously.</p> + +<p>"About two dollars apiece, I reckon."</p> + +<p>"That's more than I can afford," said Tom, +alarmed.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps it is less, as we room together."</p> + +<p>"I hope so, for I can't afford to be extravagant."</p> + +<p>"Do you call two dollars a day extravagant?" +asked Graham, smiling.</p> + +<p>"It is for me. My father is poor."</p> + +<p>"Oh, it'll be all right. I'll fix it with the +clerk. If you are ready, suppose we go down +and have some supper."</p> + +<p>To this Tom had no objection. He washed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span> +his hands and face, and brushed his hair; then +he declared himself ready.</p> + +<p>Tom was hungry, and did justice to the supper, +which he found very good. As they +left the table, and reentered the office of the +hotel, Milton Graham said, "I am going to +make a call on some friends. Sorry to leave +you, but we shall meet later in the evening."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Tom.</p> + +<p>On the whole he did not regret being alone. +He began to doubt whether Graham would +make a desirable traveling companion. Tom +felt the need of economy, and he saw that his +companion would make it difficult. If a fee +must be paid, it was fair to divide it; but the +porter's fee had come out of Tom's pocket.</p> + +<p>"Didn't he have a quarter, I wonder?" +thought our hero.</p> + +<p>It was a small matter, but economy must +begin in small matters, or it is not likely to +be practised at all.</p> + +<p>He took the opportunity to go to the desk +and ascertain the sum likely to be charged for +his accommodations.</p> + +<p>"How long do you stay?" asked the clerk +pleasantly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Till to-morrow morning. I am going to +sail in the <i>River Belle</i>."</p> + +<p>"Then we shall charge you a dollar and a +half."</p> + +<p>This seemed large to Tom, but he made no +objection.</p> + +<p>"How much would it have been if I had +roomed alone?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"The same. We make no change in our +terms on that account."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Graham told me it would be cheaper +to room together."</p> + +<p>"He is your roommate, isn't he?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"He is mistaken, so far as our house is +concerned. I suppose you have known him for +some time."</p> + +<p>"No, sir. I met him on the cars yesterday +afternoon for the first time."</p> + +<p>"Then you don't know anything about +him?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes," answered Tom. "He is the son +of a rich merchant in New York."</p> + +<p>"Who told you that?"</p> + +<p>"He did."</p> + +<p>The clerk was a man of middle age. At<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> +home he had a son of Tom's age, and this led +him to feel a friendly interest in our hero.</p> + +<p>"I suppose you have never traveled much," +he said.</p> + +<p>"No, sir. This is my first journey."</p> + +<p>"Are you going far?"</p> + +<p>"To California."</p> + +<p>"That is a long journey for a boy of your +age," said the clerk, looking surprised.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; but I can't get anything to do +at home, and I am going to California to seek +my fortune."</p> + +<p>"I hope you will be successful," said the +clerk, with hearty sympathy. "Will you let +me give you a piece of advice?"</p> + +<p>"I shall be very glad of it, sir," responded +Tom. "I find I am quite inexperienced."</p> + +<p>"Then don't trust strangers too readily. +It is dangerous."</p> + +<p>"Do you refer to Mr. Graham?" asked Tom, +startled.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I refer to him, or any other chance +acquaintance."</p> + +<p>"Don't you think he is all right?" asked +our hero anxiously.</p> + +<p>"I don't think he is the son of a rich merchant +in New York."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then why should he tell me so?"</p> + +<p>Tom was green, and I have no intention +of concealing it.</p> + +<p>"I can't tell what his designs may be. Did +you tell him that you were going to California?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Then he will, of course, conclude that you +have money. Did you tell him where you keep +it?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir. I keep it in a belt around my +waist."</p> + +<p>"You are too ready to tell that, though +with me the information is safe. You are to +room together. What will be easier, then, +for your companion to rob you during the +night?"</p> + +<p>"I'd better take a room alone," said Tom, +now thoroughly alarmed.</p> + +<p>"I should advise you to, in most cases, but +at present it may be as well to let things remain +as they are, as it will save an awkward +explanation."</p> + +<p>"But I don't want to be robbed."</p> + +<p>"We have a safe in the office—there it is—in +which we deposit articles of value intrusted +to us by our guests. Then we become<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span> +responsible for them. I advise you to leave +your money with us overnight."</p> + +<p>"I will," said Tom, relieved. "I shall have +to go to my room to remove it."</p> + +<p>"Very well. If you have a watch, or any +other valuable, it will be well to put those in +our charge also."</p> + +<p>"No, sir, I have nothing of consequence but +the money."</p> + +<p>The belt of money was deposited in the safe, +and Tom felt relieved. He began to realize +for the first time the need of prudence and caution. +It had never occurred to him that a nice, +gentlemanly-looking man, like Milton Graham, +was likely to rob him of his scanty means. +Even now he thought there must be some mistake. +Still he felt that he had done the right +thing in depositing the money with the clerk. +The mere thought of losing it, and finding +himself high and dry—stranded, so to speak—hundreds +of miles from home, made him +shudder. On the whole, Tom had learned a +valuable, though an unpleasant, lesson. The +young are by nature trustful. They are disposed +to put confidence in those whom they +meet, even for the first time. Unhappily, in +a world where there is so much evil as there<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span> +is in ours, such confidence is not justified. +There are too many who make it a business +to prey on their fellows, and select in preference +the young and inexperienced.</p> + +<p>It was only seven o'clock. Tom had a +curiosity to see the city of Pittsburg, with +whose name he had been familiar. So, after +parting with his treasure, he went out for a +walk. He did not much care where he went, +since all was alike new to him. He ascertained, +on inquiry, that Smithfield Street was +the principal business thoroughfare. He inquired +his way thither, and walked slowly +through it, his attention fully occupied by +what he saw.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + +<h3>GRAHAM IN HIS TRUE COLORS.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Tom</span> strayed into a street leading from the +main thoroughfare. Presently he came to a +brilliantly-lighted liquor saloon. As he paused +in front of the door, a heavy hand was laid +upon his shoulder, and, looking up, he met the +glance of a well-dressed gentleman, rather<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span> +portly, whose flushed face and uncertain gait +indicated his condition. He leaned rather +heavily upon Tom, apparently for support, +for he seemed to have been drinking more +than was good for him.</p> + +<p>"My young friend," he said, "come in and +take a drink."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir, but I would rather not," +said Tom, startled.</p> + +<p>"It won't hurt you. It don't hurt me."</p> + +<p>As he uttered these last words he came near +falling. In his effort to save himself he +clutched Tom by the arm, and nearly pulled +him over. Our hero was anxious to get away.</p> + +<p>"Are you sure it don't hurt you?" he could +not help saying.</p> + +<p>"Do you think I'm drunk?" demanded the +other.</p> + +<p>"I think you've taken more than is good +for you, sir," Tom answered bravely.</p> + +<p>"I guess you're right," muttered the gentleman, +trying to stand upright. "The drink's +gone to my legs. That's strange. Does it +ever go to your legs?"</p> + +<p>"I never drink, sir."</p> + +<p>"You're a most extraor'nary young man," +hiccoughed Tom's new acquaintance.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I must bid you good-night, sir," said our +hero, anxious to get away.</p> + +<p>"Don't go. I can't get home alone."</p> + +<p>"Where do you live, sir?"</p> + +<p>"I live in the country."</p> + +<p>"Are you staying at a hotel?"</p> + +<p>"Yes—Pittsburg House. Know Pittsburg +House?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. I am staying there myself. Shall +I lead you there? You'd better not drink any +more."</p> + +<p>"Jus' you say, my young frien'. You know +best."</p> + +<p>It was not a pleasant, or, indeed, an easy +task to lead home the inebriate, for he leaned +heavily on Tom, and, being a large man, it +was as much as our hero could do to get him +along. As they were walking along Tom +caught sight of his roommate, Milton Graham, +just turning into a saloon, in company with +two other young men. They were laughing +loudly, and seemed in high spirits. Graham +did not recognize Tom.</p> + +<p>"I hope he won't come home drunk," +thought our hero. "It seems to me it is fashionable +to drink here."</p> + +<p>Tom's experience of city life was very<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span> +limited. It was not long before he learned +that Pittsburg was by no means exceptional +in this respect.</p> + +<p>He ushered his companion safely into the +hotel, and then a servant took charge of him, +and led him to his room. Tom sat up a little +while longer, reading a paper he found in the +office, and then went to bed.</p> + +<p>"I suppose Mr. Graham will come home +late," he said to himself. "I must leave the +door unlocked."</p> + +<p>He soon went to sleep. How long he slept +he did not know, but suddenly awoke after +an interval. Opening his eyes he became conscious +that Graham had returned. He discovered +something more. His roommate, partially +undressed, and with his back turned to +Tom, was engaged in searching our hero's +pockets. This discovery set Tom broad awake +at once. He was not frightened, but rather +amused when he thought of Graham's disappointment. +He did not think it best to speak, +but counterfeited sleep.</p> + +<p>"I wonder where the boy keeps his money," +he heard Graham mutter. "Perhaps it is in +his coat pocket. No, there is nothing but a +handkerchief. He's more careful than I gave<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span> +him credit for. Perhaps it is under his pillow."</p> + +<p>He laid down the clothes, and approached +the bed. Tom, with some effort, kept his eyes +firmly closed.</p> + +<p>Graham slid his hand lightly under the +pillow, but withdrew it with all exclamation +of disappointment.</p> + +<p>"He must have some money," he muttered. +"Ah, I have it! It is in his valise."</p> + +<p>He approached Tom's valise, but it was +locked. He drew out a bunch of keys, and +tried one after the other, but in vain. Our +hero feared he might resort to violent means +of opening it, and turned in bed. Graham +wheeled round quickly.</p> + +<p>Tom stretched, and opened his eyes languidly.</p> + +<p>"Is that you, Mr. Graham?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Graham nonchalantly, +proceeding to undress himself. "Have you +been abed long?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know," answered Tom. "What +time is it?"</p> + +<p>"Haven't you got a watch?"</p> + +<p>"No, I am not rich enough."</p> + +<p>"It is one o'clock. I hadn't seen my friend<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> +for a long time, and couldn't get away till +late. By the way, have you got a key about +you? I can't open my carpetbag."</p> + +<p>Tom thought of suggesting the bunch of +keys in Graham's pocket, but decided not to.</p> + +<p>"My key is in my pants' pocket."</p> + +<p>"Suppose you get it," said Graham. "I +don't like to feel in another person's pocket. +There might be some money there."</p> + +<p>This was very scrupulous for one who had +already searched all Tom's pockets thoroughly.</p> + +<p>Our hero got up, and got the key for his +roommate.</p> + +<p>"No, it won't fit," said the young man, after +a brief trial. "It is too large."</p> + +<p>Tom replaced the key in his pocket, confident +that Graham would in the course of the +night use it to open his valise. This, however, +did not trouble him.</p> + +<p>"He won't think it worth while to steal my +shirts or stockings," he reflected, "and the +handkerchiefs are not worth taking."</p> + +<p>"It will be rather awkward if I can't find +my keys," said Graham craftily. "I keep my +money in my valise."</p> + +<p>He thought his unsophisticated companion +would reveal in turn where he kept his money;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span> +but Tom only said, "That is a good place," +and, turning over, closed his eyes again.</p> + +<p>During the night Tom's valise was opened, +as he ascertained in a simple way. In the +morning he found that the key was in the right +hand-pocket instead of the left, in which he +had placed it.</p> + +<p>Upon Graham's last failure he began to +suspect what Tom had done with his money.</p> + +<p>"The boy isn't so green as I thought," he +said to himself. "Curse his prudence! I +must get the money somehow, for I am +precious hard up."</p> + +<p>He got up early, when Tom was yet asleep, +and went down to the office.</p> + +<p>"Good morning," he said to the clerk +affably.</p> + +<p>"Good morning, sir."</p> + +<p>"My young friend and roommate left his +money with you last night. Please deliver it +to me."</p> + +<p>"What is the number of your room?" asked +the clerk quietly.</p> + +<p>"No. 16. Tom Nelson is my roommate."</p> + +<p>"Why doesn't he come for it himself?" inquired +the hotel clerk, with a searching glance +at Graham.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span></p> + +<p>"He wishes me to buy his steamboat ticket," +answered Graham coolly. "He is going down +the river in my charge."</p> + +<p>"Are you his guardian?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Graham, with cool effrontery. +"He is the son of an acquaintance of +mine, and I naturally feel an interest in the +boy."</p> + +<p>"He told me he never met you till yesterday."</p> + +<p>Graham was rather taken aback, but he +recovered himself quickly.</p> + +<p>"That's pretty cool in Tom," he returned, +shrugging his shoulders. "I understand it, +though."</p> + +<p>"I am glad you do," said the clerk sarcastically, +"for it <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'dosen't'">doesn't</ins> look to me at all consistent +with what you represent."</p> + +<p>"The fact is," said Graham plausibly, +"Tom has a feeling of independence, and +doesn't like to have it supposed that he is under +anybody's protection. That accounts for +what he told you. It isn't right, though, to +misrepresent. I must give him a scolding. +I am in a little of a hurry, so if you will kindly +give me the boy's money——"</p> + +<p>"It won't do, Mr. Graham," said the clerk,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span> +very firmly. "The money was put in our +charge by the boy, and it will be delivered only +to him."</p> + +<p>"You seem to be very suspicious," said Graham +loftily. "Hand me my bill, if you please. +I will breakfast elsewhere."</p> + +<p>The bill was made out, and paid. Five +minutes later Milton Graham, with an air of +outraged virtue, stalked out of the hotel, quite +forgetting the young friend who was under +his charge.</p> + +<p>When Tom came down-stairs he was told of +the attempt to get possession of his money.</p> + +<p>"I am much obliged to you for not letting +him have it," he said. "He searched my +clothes and valise during the night, but I said +nothing, for I knew he would find nothing +worth taking."</p> + +<p>"He is a dangerous companion. If you +ever meet him again, I advise you to give him +a wide berth."</p> + +<p>"I certainly shall follow your advice. If +you had not warned me against him he would +have stolen my money during the night."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2> + +<h3>THE "RIVER BELLE."</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">As</span> Tom took his place at the breakfast table, +he mechanically lifted his eyes and glanced +at his neighbors. Directly opposite him sat +the gentleman whom he had brought home the +evening before. Now he looked sober and +respectable. Indeed, he looked as if he might +be a person of some prominence. He met +Tom's glance, and recognized him.</p> + +<p>"I think you are the boy who came home +with me last evening," he said.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," answered Tom, rather embarrassed.</p> + +<p>"I am afraid I was not quite myself," continued +the stout gentleman.</p> + +<p>"Not quite, sir."</p> + +<p>"I ought to be ashamed of myself, and I am. +I don't often allow myself to be caught in that +way. You did me a good service."</p> + +<p>"You are quite welcome, sir."</p> + +<p>"I had a good deal of money with me, and,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span> +if I had drank any more, I should probably +have been robbed."</p> + +<p>"Why did you run such a risk, sir?" Tom +could not help asking.</p> + +<p>"Because I was a fool," said the other +bluntly. "I have taste for drink, but when I +am at home I keep it under control."</p> + +<p>"Then you don't live in Pittsburg, sir?"</p> + +<p>"No. My home is in one of the river towns +in Ohio. I came to Pittsburg to collect money +due me for produce, and but for you should +probably have carried none of it home."</p> + +<p>"I am very glad to be of service to you," +said our hero sincerely.</p> + +<p>"What are your plans, my young friend? +I suppose you are only a visitor in this city."</p> + +<p>"I am on my way to California. I expect +to sail in the <i>River Belle</i> at nine o'clock."</p> + +<p>"Then we shall be fellow passengers, and I +shall have a chance to become better acquainted +with you. You are young to go to +California alone. You are alone—are you +not?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>They went down to the boat together, and +on the way Tom told his story. He learned +that his acquaintance was Mr. Nicholas Waterbury;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span> +that he had been a member of the Ohio +Legislature, and, as he inferred, was a prominent +citizen of the town in which he lived.</p> + +<p>"I should be very much ashamed to have +them hear at home how I had forgotten myself," +said Mr. Waterbury.</p> + +<p>"It need not be known," said Tom. "I +shall not mention it to any one."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Mr. Waterbury. "I +would rather you did not, as the news might +reach my home."</p> + +<p>"Where do you live, sir?"</p> + +<p>"In Marietta. I shall be glad to have you +leave the boat there, and stay a day or two +with me."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir, but I am in a hurry to +reach California, on my father's account. I +want to send back as soon as possible the +money he raised to pay my expenses out."</p> + +<p>"That is very commendable; I can enter +into your feelings. I should like to show my +obligation to you in some way."</p> + +<p>"It is not worth thinking about, sir," said +Tom modestly.</p> + +<p>"Permit me to disagree with you. Why, +my young friend, how much money do you +think I had with me?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I don't know, sir."</p> + +<p>"Upward of six hundred dollars."</p> + +<p>As Mr. Waterbury uttered these words, a +young man, very dark, with narrow black +whiskers, passed them. He darted a quick +glance at the speaker, and walked rapidly on. +Tom noticed him, but not with attention.</p> + +<p>"That is a good deal of money, sir," he +remarked.</p> + +<p>"It would have been a good deal to lose," +said Mr. Waterbury, "and I have no doubt I +should have lost it if it had not been for you."</p> + +<p>"I haven't so much money as you, but I +came near losing it last night."</p> + +<p>"How was that?" asked Tom's new acquaintance, +with curiosity.</p> + +<p>Tom explained the attempt of his roommate +to rob him.</p> + +<p>"It would have been a serious loss to you, +my young friend."</p> + +<p>"It would have broken up all my plans, and +I should have had to work my way home, +greatly disappointed."</p> + +<p>"You will need to be careful about forming +acquaintances. There are exceptions, however. +I am a new acquaintance; but I don't +think you need fear me."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, sir," said Tom, smiling.</p> + +<p>"While I have received a great service from +you, who are a new acquaintance. But here +we are at the steamer."</p> + +<p>The <i>River Belle</i> lay at her pier. Tom and +his companion went on board. Both secured +tickets, and Tom provided himself with a stateroom, +for he expected to remain on board till +they reached Cincinnati. Freight of various +kinds was being busily stowed away below. It +was a busy and animated scene, and Tom +looked on with interest.</p> + +<p>"Have you ever been on a steamboat before?" +asked Mr. Waterbury.</p> + +<p>"No, sir. I have never traveled any to +speak of before leaving home on this journey," +replied Tom.</p> + +<p>"It will be a pleasant variety for you, then, +though the scenery is tame. However, some +of the river towns are pretty."</p> + +<p>"I am sure I shall like it, sir."</p> + +<p>"I wish I were going all the way with you—I +mean as far as Cincinnati," said Mr. Waterbury.</p> + +<p>"I wish you were, sir."</p> + +<p>"I have a great mind to do it," said the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span> +gentleman musingly. "I should have to go +very soon on business, at any rate, and I can +attend to it now just as well as later."</p> + +<p>"I shall be very glad if you can make it +convenient, sir. We might occupy the same +stateroom."</p> + +<p>"Are you not afraid that I shall follow the +example of your Pittsburg roommate?" asked +Mr. Waterbury.</p> + +<p>"I have less to lose than you," answered +Tom. "Besides, I shall have to have a roommate, +as there are two berths."</p> + +<p>"Precisely, and I might be safer than some. +I have a great mind to keep on. I shall see +some one on the pier in Marietta by whom I +can send word to my family. By the way, I +have a son about your age, and a daughter +two years younger."</p> + +<p>"Have you, sir?" asked Tom, with interest.</p> + +<p>"I should like you to meet them. Perhaps +you may some day."</p> + +<p>"I hope I may," said Tom politely.</p> + +<p>"I am a manufacturer," continued Mr. +Waterbury, "and sell my goods chiefly in +Pittsburg and Cincinnati. From these places +they are forwarded farther east and west."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I suppose that's a pretty good business, +sir?"</p> + +<p>"Sometimes; but there are intervals of depression. +However, I have no right to complain. +I began a poor boy, and now I am +moderately rich."</p> + +<p>"Were you as poor as I am?" inquired Tom, +beginning to feel a personal interest in his +companion's career.</p> + +<p>"Quite so, I fancy. At the age of sixteen +I couldn't call myself the owner of five dollars."</p> + +<p>"And you have become rich?" said Tom, +feeling very much encouraged.</p> + +<p>"Moderately so. I am probably worth fifty +thousand dollars, and am just fifty years of +age."</p> + +<p>"That seems to me very rich," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"I should have said the same thing at your +age. Our views change as we get older. Still, +I regard myself as very well off, and, with +prudent management, I need not fear reverses."</p> + +<p>"I should think not," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"You don't know how easy it is to lose<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span> +money, my boy. I am not referring to robbery, +but to mismanagement."</p> + +<p>"Your success encourages me, Mr. Waterbury," +said Tom. "I am willing to work +hard."</p> + +<p>"I think you will succeed. You look like +a boy of good habits. Energy, industry, and +good habits can accomplish wonders. But I +think we are on the point of starting."</p> + +<p>Just before the gangplank was drawn in, +two persons hastily crossed it.</p> + +<p>One was the dark young man who had +passed them on the way down to the boat; +the other was Milton Graham.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Waterbury," said Tom hurriedly, "do +you see that man?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"He is the man that tried to rob me."</p> + +<p>"We must be on our guard, then. He may +be up to more mischief."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER X.</h2> + +<h3>ON THE STEAMER.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">In</span> half an hour the <i>River Belle</i> was on her +way. Tom watched the city as it receded from +view. He enjoyed this new mode of travel +better than riding on the cars. He had never +before been on any boat except a ferry-boat, +and congratulated himself on his decision to +journey by boat part of the way.</p> + +<p>Milton Graham had passed him two or +three times, but Tom, though seeing him, had +not volunteered recognition. Finding that +he must make the first advances, Graham +finally stopped short, looked full at our hero, +and his face wore a very natural expression +of surprise and pleasure.</p> + +<p>"Why, Tom, is that you?" he said, offering +his hand, which Tom did not appear to see.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes," said our hero coldly.</p> + +<p>"I didn't expect to see you here."</p> + +<p>"I told you I intended to sail on the <i>River +Belle</i>."</p> + +<p>"So you did; but I thought you had changed +your mind."</p> + +<p>It made very little difference to Tom what +Mr. Graham thought, and he turned from him +to watch the scenery past which the boat was +gliding.</p> + +<p>"I suppose," continued the young man, +"you were surprised to find me gone when you +came down-stairs to breakfast."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I was."</p> + +<p>"He resents it because I left him," thought +Graham. "I guess I can bring him around."</p> + +<p>"The fact was," explained Graham, in a +plausible manner, "I went out to call on a +friend, meaning to come back to breakfast; +but he made me breakfast with him, and when +I did return you were gone. I owe you an +apology, Tom. I hope you will excuse my +unintentional neglect."</p> + +<p>"Oh, certainly," said Tom indifferently; +"it's of no consequence."</p> + +<p>Mr. Graham looked at him sharply. He<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span> +could not tell whether our hero was aware of +his dishonest intentions or not, but as Tom +must still have money, which he wanted to +secure, he thought it best to ignore his coldness.</p> + +<p>"No," said he; "it's of no consequence as +long as we have come together again. By the +way, have you secured a stateroom?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"If the other berth is not taken, I should +like very much to go in with you," said Graham +insinuatingly.</p> + +<p>"I have a roommate," said Tom coolly.</p> + +<p>"You have? Who is it?" demanded Graham, +disappointed.</p> + +<p>"That gentleman," answered Tom, pointing +out Mr. Nicholas Waterbury.</p> + +<p>"Humph! do you know him?"</p> + +<p>"I met him at the Pittsburg House."</p> + +<p>"My young friend," said Graham, with the +air of a friendly mentor, "I want to give you +a piece of advice."</p> + +<p>"Very well."</p> + +<p>"Don't be too ready to trust strangers. This +Mr. Waterbury may be a very good man, but,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span> +on the other hand, he may be a confidence man. +Do you understand me?"</p> + +<p>"I think so."</p> + +<p>"Now, I suppose you have money?"</p> + +<p>"A little."</p> + +<p>"Take care that he doesn't get possession +of it. There are men who go about expressly +to fleece inexperienced strangers."</p> + +<p>"I suppose you know all about that," Tom +could not help saying.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" demanded Graham +suspiciously.</p> + +<p>"You are an old traveler, and must know +all about the sharpers."</p> + +<p>"Oh, to be sure," said Graham, immediately +dismissing his suspicions. "You couldn't +leave your companion, could you, and come +into my stateroom?"</p> + +<p>"I don't think I could."</p> + +<p>"Oh, very well. It's of no consequence. +Keep a good lookout for your roommate."</p> + +<p>Graham turned away, and resumed his walk. +Soon Tom saw him in company with the dark +young man, to whom reference has already +been made.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well," said the latter, "how did you make +out with the boy?"</p> + +<p>"He's offish. I don't know as he suspects +me. I wanted to get him into my stateroom, +but he has already taken up with another man—that +stout party over there."</p> + +<p>"So I suspected. I can tell you something +about that man."</p> + +<p>"What?"</p> + +<p>"He carries six hundred dollars about him."</p> + +<p>"You don't say so! How did you find out?"</p> + +<p>"I overheard him telling the boy so."</p> + +<p>"That's important news. The boy must +have a couple of hundred, or thereabouts, as +he is on his way to California."</p> + +<p>"Eight hundred dollars together! That +would make a good haul."</p> + +<p>"So it would, but it won't be easy to get +it."</p> + +<p>While this conversation was going on Tom +informed Mr. Waterbury of what had passed +between Graham and himself.</p> + +<p>"So he warned you against me, did he?" +said Mr. Waterbury laughingly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, he thought I would be safer in his +company."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span></p> + +<p>"If you want to exchange, I will retire," +said Mr. Waterbury, smiling.</p> + +<p>"Thank you; I would rather not. I am +glad I met you, or he might have managed to +get in with me."</p> + +<p>It was not long before they came to a landing. +It was a small river village, whose neat +white houses, with here and there one of +greater pretensions, presented an attractive +appearance. A lady and her daughter came +on board here. The lady was dressed in black, +and appeared to be a widow. The girl was +perhaps fourteen years of age, with a bright, +attractive face. Two trunks were put on the +boat with them, and as they were the only +passengers from this landing, Tom inferred +that they were their property.</p> + +<p>"That's quite a pretty girl," said Mr. Waterbury.</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Tom.</p> + +<p>"You ought to get acquainted with her," +said Mr. Waterbury jocosely.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps," said Tom shyly, "you will get +acquainted with them, and then you can introduce +me."</p> + +<p>"You are quite sharp," said Mr. Waterbury,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span> +laughing. "However, your hint is a good one. +I may act upon it."</p> + +<p>It happened, however, that Tom required +no introduction. As the lady and her daughter +walked across the deck, to occupy some desirable +seats on the other side, the former +dropped a kid glove, which Tom, espying, +hastened forward and, picking up, politely +tendered to the owner.</p> + +<p>"You are very kind," said the lady, in a +pleasant voice. "I am much obliged."</p> + +<p>"Mama is quite in the habit of dropping +her gloves," said the young girl, with a smiling +glance at Tom. "I really think she does +it on purpose."</p> + +<p>"Then, perhaps, I had better keep near-by +to pick them up," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"Really, Jennie," said her mother, "you are +giving the young gentleman a strange impression +of me."</p> + +<p>"Well, mama, you know you dropped your +gloves in the street the last time you were in +Pittsburg, but there was no gentleman to pick +them up, so I had to. Are you going to Cincinnati?" +she asked, turning to Tom.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, and farther; I am going to California," +replied Tom.</p> + +<p>"Dear me, you will be quite a traveler. I +wish I were going to California."</p> + +<p>"You wouldn't like to go there on the same +business that I am."</p> + +<p>"What is that?"</p> + +<p>"I am going to dig gold."</p> + +<p>"I don't know. I suppose it isn't girl's +work; but if I saw any gold about, I should +like to dig for it. Is that your father that was +standing by you?"</p> + +<p>"No," answered Tom. "I never met him +till yesterday. We were staying at the same +hotel in Pittsburg."</p> + +<p>"He seems like quite a nice old gentleman."</p> + +<p>Mr. Waterbury was not over fifty, but to the +young girl he seemed an old gentleman.</p> + +<p>"I find him very pleasant."</p> + +<p>There was a seat next to Jennie, and Tom +ventured to occupy it.</p> + +<p>"What is your name?" asked the young +lady sociably.</p> + +<p>"Thomas Nelson, but most people call me +Tom."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span></p> + +<p>"My name is Jane Watson, but everybody +calls me Jennie."</p> + +<p>"That is much prettier than Jane."</p> + +<p>"So I think. Jane seems old-maidish, don't +you think so?"</p> + +<p>"Are you afraid of becoming an old maid?" +asked Tom, smiling.</p> + +<p>"Awfully. I wouldn't be an old maid for +anything. My school-teacher is an old maid. +She's horribly prim. She won't let us laugh, +or talk, or anything."</p> + +<p>"I don't think you'll grow up like that."</p> + +<p>"I hope not."</p> + +<p>"How you run on, Jennie!" said her mother. +"What will this young gentleman think of +you?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing very bad, I hope," said Jennie, +smiling archly on Tom. "I suppose," she continued, +addressing him, "I ought to be very +quiet and reserved, as you are a stranger."</p> + +<p>"I hope you won't be," said Tom heartily.</p> + +<p>"Then I won't. Somehow you don't seem +like a stranger. You look a good deal like +a cousin of mine. I suppose that is the +reason."</p> + +<p>So they chatted on for an hour or more.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span> +Jennie was very vivacious, occasionally droll, +and Tom enjoyed her company. The mother +saw that our hero was well-behaved and gentlemanly, +and made no objection to the sudden +intimacy.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<h3>THE FIRST DAY ON THE RIVER.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">About</span> half-past twelve dinner was announced.</p> + +<p>"I hope you'll sit next to us, Tom," said +Jennie Watson.</p> + +<p>"I will, if I can."</p> + +<p>It happened that Milton Graham entered +the saloon at the same time with the new +friends. He took the seat next to Jennie, +much to that young lady's annoyance.</p> + +<p>"Will you be kind enough to take the next +seat?" she asked. "That young gentleman is +to sit next to me."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry to resign the pleasure, but anything<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span> +to oblige," said Graham. "Tom, I congratulate +you," he continued, with a disagreeable smile.</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said our hero briefly.</p> + +<p>"He calls you Tom. Does he know you?" +inquired Jennie, in a low voice.</p> + +<p>"I made his acquaintance yesterday for the +first time."</p> + +<p>"I don't like his looks; do you?"</p> + +<p>"Wait till after dinner and I will tell you," +said Tom, fearing that Graham would hear.</p> + +<p>Milton Graham saw that Jennie was pretty, +and desired to make her acquaintance.</p> + +<p>"Tom," said he—for he sat on the other +side of our hero—"won't you introduce me +to your young lady friend?"</p> + +<p>Tom was not well versed in etiquette, but +his good sense told him that he ought to ask +Jennie's permission first.</p> + +<p>"If Miss Watson is willing," he said, and +asked her the question.</p> + +<p>Jennie was not aware of Graham's real +character, and gave permission. She was perhaps +a little too ready to make new acquaintances.</p> + +<p>"Do you enjoy this mode of travel, Miss<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span> +Watson?" said Graham, after the introduction.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes; I think it very pleasant."</p> + +<p>"I suppose you wouldn't like the ocean as +well. I went to Havana last winter—on business +for my father—and had a very rough passage. +The steamer pitched and tossed, making +us all miserably seasick."</p> + +<p>"I shouldn't like that."</p> + +<p>"I don't think you would; but we business +men must not regard such things."</p> + +<p>Tom listened to him with incredulity. Only +the day before he would have put full confidence +in his statement; but he had learned a +lesson, thanks to Graham himself.</p> + +<p>"How far are you going, Miss Watson?" +continued Graham.</p> + +<p>"To Cincinnati. My mother and I are going +to live there."</p> + +<p>"It is a very pleasant city. I have often +been there—on business."</p> + +<p>"What is your business, Mr. Graham?" +Tom could not help asking.</p> + +<p>"I see you are a Yankee," said Graham, +smiling. "Yankees are very inquisitive—always +asking questions."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Are you a Yankee, Mr. Graham?" asked +Jennie. "You asked me where I was going."</p> + +<p>"A fair hit," said Graham. "No, I am not +a Yankee. I am a native of New York."</p> + +<p>"And I of New Jersey," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"Oh, you are a foreigner then," said Graham. +"We always call Jerseymen foreigners."</p> + +<p>"It is a stupid joke, I think," said Tom, who +was loyal to his native State.</p> + +<p>"You didn't answer Tom's question," said +Jennie, who was a very straightforward young +lady.</p> + +<p>"Oh, my father is a commission merchant," +answered Graham.</p> + +<p>"What does he deal in?"</p> + +<p>"Articles too numerous to mention. Tom, +will you pass me the potatoes?"</p> + +<p>Dinner was soon over, and the passengers +went upon deck. Graham lit a cigar.</p> + +<p>"Have a cigar, Tom?" he said.</p> + +<p>"No, thank you; I don't smoke."</p> + +<p>"You'll soon learn. I'll see you again +soon."</p> + +<p>"Tom," said Jennie, "tell me about this Mr. +Graham. What do you know about him?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I don't like to tell what I know," said +Tom, hesitating.</p> + +<p>"But I want you to. You introduced me, +you know."</p> + +<p>"What I know is not to his advantage. I +don't like to talk against a man."</p> + +<p>"You needn't mind telling me."</p> + +<p>On reflection Tom decided that he ought to +tell what he knew, for he felt that Jennie +ought to be put on her guard against a man +whom he did not consider a suitable acquaintance +for her.</p> + +<p>"Very well," said he, "if you promise not +to let him know that I have told you."</p> + +<p>"I promise."</p> + +<p>"He was my roommate last night at the +Pittsburg House," said Tom, in a low voice. +"During the night he tried to rob me."</p> + +<p>"You don't say so!" ejaculated Jennie, in +round-eyed wonder.</p> + +<p>"I will tell you the particulars."</p> + +<p>This Tom did. Jennie listened with indignation.</p> + +<p>"But I don't understand," she said. "Why +should the son of a merchant need to rob a boy<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span> +like you? He looks as if he had plenty of +money."</p> + +<p>"So I thought; but the hotel clerk told me +that sharpers often appeared like this Mr. +Graham, if that is his name."</p> + +<p>"How strange it seems!" said Jennie. "I +wish you hadn't introduced me."</p> + +<p>"I didn't want to; but he asked, and at the +table I couldn't give my reasons for refusing."</p> + +<p>"My dear child," said her mother, "you are +too ready to form new acquaintances. Let this +be a lesson for you."</p> + +<p>"But some new acquaintances are nice," +pleaded Jennie. "Isn't Tom a new acquaintance?"</p> + +<p>"I will make an exception in his favor," +said Mrs. Watson, smiling pleasantly.</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Tom. "How do you +know but I may be a pickpocket?" he continued, +addressing Jennie.</p> + +<p>"As I have only ten cents in my pocket I +will trust you," said the young lady merrily. +"I'd trust you with any amount, Tom," she +added impulsively.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, for your good opinion, Miss +Jennie."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Don't call me Miss Jennie. If you do, I'll +call you Mr. Tom."</p> + +<p>"I shouldn't know myself by that title. +Then I'll call you Jennie."</p> + +<p>"I wish you were going to live in Cincinnati," +said the young lady. "It would be nice +to have you come and see us."</p> + +<p>"I should like it; but I mustn't think so +much of pleasure as business."</p> + +<p>"Like Mr. Graham."</p> + +<p>"I must work hard at the mines. I suppose +I shall look pretty rough when I am there."</p> + +<p>"When you've made your pile, Tom—that's +what they call it, isn't it?—you'll come back, +won't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"You must stop in Cincinnati on your way +home."</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't know where to find you."</p> + +<p>"I will give you our address before we part. +But that will be some time yet."</p> + +<p>About this time Graham, who had finished +smoking his cigar, strolled back.</p> + +<p>"Miss Watson," said he, "don't you feel +like having a promenade?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes," said Jennie suddenly. "Tom, come +walk with me."</p> + +<p>Our hero readily accepted the invitation, +and the two walked up and down the deck.</p> + +<p>"That's what I call a snub," said Graham's +friend, the dark-complexioned young man, who +was within hearing.</p> + +<p>Graham's face was dark with anger.</p> + +<p>"Curse her impudence, and his too!" he +muttered. "I should like to wring the boy's +neck."</p> + +<p>"He can't help it, if the girl prefers his company," +said the other, rather enjoying Graham's +mortification.</p> + +<p>"I'll punish him all the same."</p> + +<p>By this time Tom and Jennie were near him +again, on their return.</p> + +<p>"You don't treat me with much ceremony, +Miss Watson," said Graham, with an evil +smile.</p> + +<p>"My mother doesn't like me to make too +many acquaintances," said Jennie demurely.</p> + +<p>"She is very prudent," sneered Graham. +"You have known your present companion +quite a long time."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I hope to know him a long time," said the +young lady promptly. "Let's us continue our +walk, Tom."</p> + +<p>In discomfiture which he was unable to hide, +Graham walked away.</p> + +<p>"Evidently, Graham, you are no match for +those two youngsters," said his friend, in +amusement, which Graham did not share.</p> + +<p>Graham did not reply, but seemed moody +and preoccupied.</p> + +<p>Tom and his companion noticed Graham's +displeasure, but they felt indifferent to it. +They had no desire to continue his acquaintance. +Our hero introduced Mr. Waterbury to +his new friends, and this gentleman, who was +a thorough gentleman, except on the rare occasion +when he yielded to the temptation of +strong drink, made a favorable impression +upon both.</p> + +<p>So the day passed. Tom enjoyed it thoroughly. +The river banks afforded a continuous +panorama, while the frequent stops gave +him an opportunity of observing the different +towns in detail. Two or three times he went +ashore, accompanied by Jennie, and remained +till the steamer was ready to start.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span></p> + +<p>Finally night came, and one by one the +weary passengers retired to rest.</p> + +<p>"Good night, Tom," said Jennie Watson. +"Be up early in the morning."</p> + +<p>"So as to get an appetite for breakfast?" +asked Tom, with a smile.</p> + +<p>"I think we shall both have appetites +enough; but it will be pleasant to breathe the +fresh morning air."</p> + +<p>Tom promised to get up, if he wakened in +time.</p> + +<p>"If you don't mind, I will occupy the lower +berth," said Mr. Waterbury. "I can't climb +as well as you."</p> + +<p>"All right, sir. It makes no difference to +me."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XII.</h2> + +<h3>NO. 61 AND NO. 62.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">The</span> stateroom was small, as most staterooms +on river boats are. There appeared to +be no means of ventilation. Mr. Waterbury<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span> +was a stout man, and inclined to be short-breathed. +After an hour he rose and opened +the door, so as to leave it slightly ajar. With +the relief thus afforded he was able to go to +sleep, and sleep soundly. Tom was already +asleep, and knew nothing of what had happened.</p> + +<p>The number of the stateroom was 61. Directly +opposite was 62, occupied by Milton +Graham and his companion.</p> + +<p>If Graham did not go to sleep it was because +his brain was busily scheming how to +obtain possession of the money belonging to +his neighbors.</p> + +<p>"Won't your key fit?" asked Vincent, for +this was the name of the dark-complexioned +young man.</p> + +<p>"No use, even if it does. Of course they will +lock it inside, and probably leave the key in +the lock."</p> + +<p>About midnight, Graham, who had not fully +undressed, having merely taken off his coat, +got up, and, opening the door, peered out. To +his surprise and joy he saw that the door of +No. 61 was ajar. He at first thought of rousing +Vincent, who was asleep; but a selfish<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span> +thought suggested itself. If he did this, he +must share with Vincent anything he might +succeed in stealing; if not, he could keep it all +himself.</p> + +<p>He left his stateroom silently, and looked +cautiously around him. No one seemed to be +stirring in the cabin. Next he stepped across, +and, opening wider the door of 61, looked in. +The two inmates were, to all appearances, +sleeping soundly.</p> + +<p>"So far, so good," he said to himself.</p> + +<p>He stepped in, moderating even his breathing, +and took up a pair of pants which lay on +a chair. They belonged to Mr. Waterbury, +for Tom had merely taken off his coat, and +lain down as he was. His belt of gold he therefore +found it unnecessary to take off.</p> + +<p>Graham saw at once, from the size of the +pants, that they must belong to the elder passenger. +This suited him, however, as he knew +from Vincent's information that Mr. Waterbury +had six hundred dollars, and Tom could +not be supposed to have anything like this +sum. He felt eagerly in the pockets, and +to his great joy his hand came in contact with +a pocketbook. He drew it out without ceremony.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span> +It was a comfortable-looking wallet, +fairly bulging with bills.</p> + +<p>"He's got all his money inside," thought +Graham, delighted. "What a fool he must be +to leave it so exposed—with his door open, +too!"</p> + +<p>At this moment Graham heard a stir in the +lower berth. There was no time to wait. He +glided out of the room, and reentered his own +stateroom. Immediately after his departure +Mr. Waterbury, who had awakened in time to +catch sight of his receding figure, rose in his +berth, and drew toward him the garment which +Graham had rifled. He felt in the pocket, +and discovered that the wallet had been +taken.</p> + +<p>Instead of making a fuss, he smiled quietly, +and said: "Just as I expected."</p> + +<p>"I wonder if they have robbed Tom, too," he +said to himself.</p> + +<p>He rose, closed the door, and then shook +Tom with sufficient energy to awaken him.</p> + +<p>"Who's there?" asked Tom, in some bewilderment, +as he opened his eyes.</p> + +<p>"It's I—Mr. Waterbury."</p> + +<p>"Is it morning? Have we arrived?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, it is about midnight."</p> + +<p>"Is there anything the matter?"</p> + +<p>"I want you to see if you have been robbed.'"</p> + +<p>Tom was broad awake in an instant.</p> + +<p>"Robbed!" he exclaimed, in alarm. He +felt for his belt and was relieved.</p> + +<p>"No," he answered. "What makes you +ask?"</p> + +<p>"Because I have had a wallet taken. It +makes me laugh when I think of it."</p> + +<p>"Makes you laugh!" repeated Tom, under +the transient impression that his companion +was insane. "Why should you laugh at the +loss of your money?"</p> + +<p>"I saw the thief sneak out of the stateroom," +continued Mr. Waterbury; "but I +didn't interfere with him."</p> + +<p>"You didn't!" said Tom, completely mystified. +"I would. Did you see who it was?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; it was your friend and late roommate."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Graham?"</p> + +<p>"As he calls himself. I don't suppose he +has any rightful claim to the name."</p> + +<p>"Surely, Mr. Waterbury, you are not going +to let him keep the money," said Tom energetically;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span> +"I'll go with you, and make him +give it up. Where is his stateroom?"</p> + +<p>"Just opposite—No. 62."</p> + +<p>"We had better go at once," said Tom, sitting +up in his berth.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no; he's welcome to all there is in the +pocketbook."</p> + +<p>"Wasn't there anything in it?"</p> + +<p>"It was stuffed full."</p> + +<p>Tom was more than ever convinced that his +roommate was crazy. He had heard that misfortune +sometimes affected a man's mind; and +he was inclined to think that here was a case +in point.</p> + +<p>"You'll get it back," said he soothingly. +"Graham can't get off the boat. We will report +the matter to the captain."</p> + +<p>"I don't care whether I get it back or not," +said Mr. Waterbury.</p> + +<p>Tom looked so confused and bewildered that +his companion felt called upon to end the +mystification.</p> + +<p>"I know what is in your mind," he said, +smiling. "You think I am crazy."</p> + +<p>"I don't understand how you can take your +loss so coolly, sir."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then I will explain. That wallet was a +dummy."</p> + +<p>"A what, sir?"</p> + +<p>"A sham—a pretense. My pocketbook and +money are safe under my pillow. The wallet +taken by your friend was filled with imitation +greenbacks; in reality, business circulars of a +firm in Marietta."</p> + +<p>Tom saw it all now.</p> + +<p>"It's a capital joke," he said, laughing. +"I'd like to see how Graham looks when he +discovers the value of his prize."</p> + +<p>"He will look green, and feel greener, I suspect," +chuckled Mr. Waterbury. "You are +certain you have lost nothing, Tom?"</p> + +<p>"Perfectly certain, sir."</p> + +<p>"Then we won't trouble ourselves about +what has happened. I fancy, however, it will +be best to keep our own door locked for the remainder +of the night, even at the risk of suffocation."</p> + +<p>"That's a capital trick of yours, Mr. Waterbury," +said Tom admiringly.</p> + +<p>"It has more than once saved me from robbery. +I have occasion to travel considerably, +and so am more or less exposed."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I wonder if Graham will discover the cheat +before morning."</p> + +<p>"I doubt it. The staterooms are dark, and +the imitation is so good that on casual inspection +the strips of paper will appear to be genuine +greenbacks."</p> + +<p>Mr. Waterbury retired to his berth, and was +soon asleep again. Tom, as he lay awake, +from time to time laughed to himself, as he +thought of Graham's coming disappointment, +and congratulated himself that he and that +young man were no longer roommates.</p> + +<p>When Graham returned to his stateroom +Vincent, who was a light sleeper, was aroused +by the slight noise he made.</p> + +<p>"Are you up, Graham?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes; I got up a minute."</p> + +<p>"Have you been out of the stateroom?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"What for?"</p> + +<p>"To get a glass of water."</p> + +<p>There was a vessel of water in the cabin, and +this seemed plausible enough.</p> + +<p>"Any chance of doing anything to-night?"</p> + +<p>"No, I think not."</p> + +<p>Vincent sank back on his pillow, and Graham<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span> +got back into his berth. Quietly he drew +the wallet from his pocket, in which he had +placed it, and eagerly opened it. The huge +roll of bills was a pleasant and welcome +sight.</p> + +<p>"There's all of six hundred dollars here!" +he said to himself. "I mustn't let Vincent +know that I have them."</p> + +<p>It occurred to Graham that, of course, Mr. +Waterbury would proclaim his loss in the +morning, and it also occurred to him that he +might be able to fasten suspicion upon Tom, +who, as his roommate, would naturally have +the best chance to commit the robbery. One +thing might criminate him—the discovery of +the wallet upon his person. He therefore +waited till Vincent was once more asleep, and, +getting up softly, made his way to the deck. +He drew the bills from the wallet, put them +in an inside pocket, and threw the wallet into +the river.</p> + +<p>"Now I'm safe," he muttered, with a sigh of +relief. "The money may be found on me, but +no one can prove it is not my own."</p> + +<p>He gained his berth without again awakening +his companion.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span></p> + +<p>"A pretty good night's work!" he said to +himself, in quiet exultation. "Alone I have +succeeded, while Vincent lies in stupid sleep. +He is no match for me, much as he thinks of +himself. I have stolen a march upon him this +time."</p> + +<p>It is not in accordance with our ideas of +the fitness of things that a man who has committed +a midnight robbery should be able to +sleep tranquilly for the balance of the night, +but it is at any rate certain that Graham slept +soundly till his roommate awakened him in +the morning.</p> + +<p>"Rouse up, Graham," he said. "Breakfast +is nearly ready."</p> + +<p>"Is it?" asked Graham.</p> + +<p>"Instead of sleeping there, you ought to be +thinking how we can make a forced loan from +our acquaintances in 61."</p> + +<p>"To be sure," said Graham, smiling. "I am +rather stupid about such things. Have you +any plan to suggest?"</p> + +<p>"You seem very indifferent all at once," +said Vincent.</p> + +<p>"Not at all. If you think of anything +practical I am your man."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span></p> + +<p>He longed to get rid of Vincent, in order to +have an opportunity of counting his roll of +bills.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + +<h3>GRAHAM'S DISAPPOINTMENT.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Milton Graham</span>, on reaching a place where +he could do so unobserved, drew from his +pocket the roll of bills, with a smile of exultation. +But the smile faded, and was succeeded +by a look of dismay, when he recognized the +worthlessness of his booty. An oath rose to his +lips, and he thrust the roll back into his pocket, +as he noticed the approach of a passenger.</p> + +<p>"It's a cursed imposition!" he muttered to +himself, and he really felt that he had been +wronged by Mr. Waterbury.</p> + +<p>"What are you doing out here, Graham?" +asked Vincent, for it was his confederate who +approached.</p> + +<p>"Nothing in particular. Why?" responded +Graham.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What makes you look so glum?"</p> + +<p>"Do I look glum?"</p> + +<p>"You look as if you had but one friend in +the world, and were about to lose him."</p> + +<p>"That may be true enough," muttered Graham.</p> + +<p>"Come, man, don't look so downcast."</p> + +<p><a name="repeat" id="repeat"></a>"I'm out of luck, and out of cash, Vincent."</p> + +<p>"We're both in the same boat, as far as that +goes; but that isn't going to last. How about +our stout friend? Can't we make him contribute +to our necessities?"</p> + +<p>"I don't believe he's got any money."</p> + +<p>"No? Why, I heard him tell the boy he +had six hundred dollars."</p> + +<p>"Where does he keep it?"</p> + +<p>"In his pocketbook probably."</p> + +<p>"Will you oblige me by stating how we are +going to get hold of it?"</p> + +<p>"I look to you for that."</p> + +<p>"He's too careful. I leave you to try your +hand."</p> + +<p>"Let me go in to breakfast. There's nothing +like a full stomach to suggest ideas."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span></p> + +<p>So the two went to the breakfast table, and +Graham, in spite of his disappointment, managed +to eat a hearty meal.</p> + +<p>An hour later Mr. Waterbury and Tom were +standing on deck, conversing with Jennie +Watson and her mother, when Graham and +Vincent approached arm in arm. As soon as +they were within hearing distance Mr. Waterbury +purposely remarked, "By the way, Mrs. +Watson, I met with a loss last night."</p> + +<p>"Indeed!" returned the lady.</p> + +<p>Graham was about to push on, not wishing +Vincent to hear the disclosure, as it might +awaken his suspicions; but the latter's curiosity +was aroused.</p> + +<p>"Wait, Graham," he said; and Graham, +against his will, was compelled to slacken his +pace.</p> + +<p>"A man entered my stateroom during the +night, and stole a wallet from my coat pocket."</p> + +<p>Graham changed color a little, and Vincent +seemed amazed.</p> + +<p>"Did you hear that, Graham?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"What does it mean?"</p> + +<p>"How can I tell?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I hope you did not lose much," said Mrs. +Watson, in a tone of sympathy.</p> + +<p>"I lost the wallet," said Mr. Waterbury, +laughing.</p> + +<p>"Was there nothing in it?"</p> + +<p>"It was full of bills."</p> + +<p>Vincent looked at Graham with new-born +suspicion, but Graham looked indifferent.</p> + +<p>"It appears to me that you take the loss +cheerfully," said Mrs. Watson, puzzled.</p> + +<p>"I have reason to. The fact is, I was prepared +for the visit, and had filled the wallet +with bogus bills. I fancy they won't do my +visitor much good."</p> + +<p>The lady smiled.</p> + +<p>"You were fortunate, Mr. Waterbury," said +she. "Do you suspect any one of the theft?"</p> + +<p>"I know pretty well who robbed me," returned +Mr. Waterbury, and he suffered his +glance to rest on Graham, who seemed in a +hurry to get away.</p> + +<p>"Come along, Vincent," he said sharply.</p> + +<p>Vincent obeyed. Light dawned upon him, +and he determined to verify his suspicions.</p> + +<p>"Graham," said he, in a low voice, "you did +this."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Did what?"</p> + +<p>"You got that wallet."</p> + +<p>Graham concluded that he might as well +make a clean breast of it, since it had become +a matter of necessity.</p> + +<p>"Well," said he, "suppose I did?"</p> + +<p>"You were not going to let me know of it," +said Vincent suspiciously.</p> + +<p>"That is true. I was ashamed of having +been imposed upon."</p> + +<p>"When did you find out that the money was +bogus?"</p> + +<p>"Immediately."</p> + +<p>"If it had been good, would you have shared +with me honorably?"</p> + +<p>"Of course. What do you take me for?"</p> + +<p>Vincent was silent. He did not believe his +companion. He suspected that the latter had +intended to steal a march on him.</p> + +<p>"You might have told me of it," he continued, +in a tone of dissatisfaction.</p> + +<p>"There was no need to say anything, as +there was nothing to divide."</p> + +<p>"Have you got the wallet with you now?"</p> + +<p>"No; I threw it overboard."</p> + +<p>"And the bills?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You may have them all, if you like."</p> + +<p>"Come into the stateroom, where we can be +unobserved, and show them to me."</p> + +<p>Graham complied with his suggestion.</p> + +<p>"It would have been a good haul if they had +been genuine," said Vincent, as he unfolded +the roll.</p> + +<p>"Yes, but they are not; worse luck!"</p> + +<p>"I didn't give the old fellow credit for being +so sharp."</p> + +<p>"Nor I. There's more in him than I supposed +there was."</p> + +<p>"Well, what is to be done?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing. The old man is on his guard, +and, besides, he suspects me. He was probably +awake when I entered the stateroom. He and +the boy have probably laughed over it together. +I hate that boy."</p> + +<p>"Why?"</p> + +<p>"Because he is a green country boy, and yet +he has succeeded in thwarting me. I am +ashamed whenever I think of it."</p> + +<p>"Would you like to play a trick on him in +turn?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Then give me this roll of bills."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What do you want to do with them?"</p> + +<p>"Put them in his pocket."</p> + +<p>"Can you do it unobserved?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. The fact is, Graham, I served an +apprenticeship as a pickpocket, and flatter +myself I still have some dexterity in that line."</p> + +<p>"Very well, it will be some satisfaction, and +if the old man didn't see me enter the stateroom, +he may be brought to believe that the +boy robbed him. If that could be, I should +feel partly compensated for my disappointment. +I should like to get that boy into +trouble."</p> + +<p>"Consider it done, so far as I am concerned. +Now let us separate, so as to avoid suspicion."</p> + +<p>Vincent began to pace the deck in a leisurely +manner, in each case passing near Tom, who +was still engaged in conversation with Jennie +Watson and her mother. For a time he was +unable to effect his purpose, as our hero was +sitting down. But after a while Tom rose, and +stood with his back to Vincent. He wore a +sack coat, with side pockets. This was favorable +to Vincent, who, as he passed, adroitly +slipped the bills into one of them, without attracting +the attention of our hero.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span></p> + +<p>Presently Tom thrust his hand into his +pocket mechanically. They encountered the +bills. In surprise he drew them out, and +looked at them in amazement.</p> + +<p>"What's that, Tom?" asked Jennie, with +great curiosity.</p> + +<p>"It looks like money," answered Tom, not +yet understanding what had happened.</p> + +<p>"You seem to be rich."</p> + +<p>"By gracious!—it's Mr. Waterbury's +money," exclaimed Tom. Then he colored, as +it flashed upon him that its presence in his +pocket might arouse suspicion. "I don't see +how it got there," he continued, in a bewildered +way.</p> + +<p>Just then Mr. Waterbury came up, and was +made acquainted with the discovery.</p> + +<p>"I don't know what you'll think, Mr. Waterbury," +said Tom, coloring; "I haven't the +slightest idea how the money came in my +pocket."</p> + +<p>"I have," said Mr. Waterbury quietly.</p> + +<p>Tom looked at him, to discover whether he +was under suspicion.</p> + +<p>"The companion of your friend Graham +slipped it into your pocket. He was very<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span> +quick and adroit, but I detected him. He +wanted to throw suspicion upon you."</p> + +<p>"It is lucky you saw him, sir."</p> + +<p>"Why?"</p> + +<p>"You might have suspected me."</p> + +<p>"My dear boy, don't trouble yourself about +that. No circumstantial evidence will shake +my confidence in your integrity."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir," said Tom gratefully.</p> + +<p>"What a wicked man to play a trick on you, +Tom!" exclaimed Jennie indignantly.</p> + +<p>"I see there is somebody else who has confidence +in you, Tom," said Mr. Waterbury, +smiling; "I'd like to give him a piece of my +mind."</p> + +<p>"I am ready to forgive him," said Mr. +Waterbury, "as he has restored the money. +It will do as a bait for the next thief."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + +<h3>COMING TO AN UNDERSTANDING.</h3> + + +<p>"<span class="smcap">I believe</span>, Tom," said Mr. Waterbury, +"that I will come to an understanding with +these officious acquaintances of yours. I will +intimate to them that their persecution must +cease."</p> + +<p>"Will they mind what you say, sir?"</p> + +<p>"I think they will," answered his friend +quietly.</p> + +<p>Graham and Vincent were standing together, +and apart from the rest of the passengers, +when Mr. Waterbury approached them.</p> + +<p>"A word with you, gentlemen," said he +gravely.</p> + +<p>"I don't know you, sir," blustered Vincent.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps not. Permit me to remark that I +have no special desire for your acquaintance."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then why do you take the liberty of addressing +me?"</p> + +<p>"I rather admire the fellow's impudence," +said Mr. Waterbury to himself.</p> + +<p>"Are you associated with this gentleman?" +he asked, indicating Graham.</p> + +<p>"We are friends."</p> + +<p>"Then I will address an inquiry to him. I +am not in the habit of receiving calls in my +stateroom during the hours of sleep."</p> + +<p>"I don't understand you, sir," said Milton +Graham, with hauteur.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, you do, unless your memory is +singularly defective. Our staterooms are close +together. You entered mine last night."</p> + +<p>"You must have been dreaming."</p> + +<p>"If so, I was dreaming with my eyes open. +Perhaps it was in my dreams that I saw you +extract a wallet from my coat pocket."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to insult me, sir?" demanded +Graham.</p> + +<p>"Really, sir, your remarks are rather extraordinary," +chimed in Vincent.</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to say that I robbed you?" +demanded Graham, confident in the knowledge +that the booty was not on his person.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I find a wallet missing. That speaks for +itself."</p> + +<p>"Let me suggest that your roommate probably +took it," said Vincent.</p> + +<p>"Extremely probable," said Graham. "He +roomed with me in Pittsburg, and I caught +him at my pockets during the night."</p> + +<p>"Did you ever hear the fable of the wolf and +the lamb, Mr. Graham?" asked Mr. Waterbury.</p> + +<p>"Can't say I have."</p> + +<p>"It's of no consequence. I am reminded of +it, however."</p> + +<p>"Come to think of it," said Vincent, "I saw +the boy with a roll of bills. You had better +search him. If he is innocent, he can't object."</p> + +<p>"I see your drift," returned Mr. Waterbury, +after a pause. "I saw you thrust the bills into +his pocket, as he stood with his back turned, +conversing with one of the passengers. It was +very skilfully done, but I saw it."</p> + +<p>Vincent started, for he had supposed himself +unobserved.</p> + +<p>"I see you are determined to insult us," he +said. "I will charitably conclude that you +are drunk."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I can't be so charitable with you, sir. I +believe you are a pair of precious scoundrels, +who, if you had your deserts, would be in the +penitentiary instead of at large."</p> + +<p>"I have a mind to knock you down," said +Vincent angrily.</p> + +<p>As Vincent was several inches shorter and +much slighter than the person whom he threatened, +this menace sounded rather ridiculous.</p> + +<p>"You are at liberty to try it," said the latter, +smiling. "First, however, let me warn +you that, if you continue to annoy us, it will be +at your peril. If you remain quiet I shall +leave you alone. Otherwise I will make known +your true character to the captain and passengers, +and you will undoubtedly be set ashore +when we reach the next landing. I have the +honor to wish you good morning."</p> + +<p>"It strikes me, Graham," said Vincent, as +Mr. Waterbury left them, "that we have +tackled the wrong passenger."</p> + +<p>"I believe you are right," said Graham. +"Just my luck."</p> + +<p>"There isn't much use in staying on the +boat. He will keep a good lookout for us."</p> + +<p>"True; but I don't want to give up the boy."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span></p> + +<p>"He is under the guardianship of this determined +old party."</p> + +<p>"They will separate at Cincinnati."</p> + +<p>"Well?"</p> + +<p>"He has money enough to take him to California. +He is worth following up."</p> + +<p>"Then you are in favor of going on to Cincinnati?"</p> + +<p>"By all means."</p> + +<p>"Very well. There are always chances of +making an honest penny in a large city."</p> + +<p>"Money or no money, I want to get even +with the boy."</p> + +<p>So the worthy pair decided to go on to Cincinnati.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XV.</h2> + +<h3>THE ALLEGHANY HOUSE.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">It</span> was a bright, sunny morning when the +<i>River Belle</i> touched her pier at Cincinnati. +The passengers gathered on deck, and discussed +their plans. In one group were Tom,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> +Mr. Waterbury, Jennie Watson, and her +mother.</p> + +<p>"I am sorry you are going to leave us, Tom," +said Jennie; "I shall feel awfully lonely."</p> + +<p>"So shall I," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"What's the use of going to that hateful +California? Why can't you stay here with +us?"</p> + +<p>"Business before pleasure, Jennie," said +her mother. "You mustn't forget that Tom +has his fortune to make."</p> + +<p>"I wish he could make it in Cincinnati, +mother."</p> + +<p>"So do I; but I must admit that California +presents a better prospect just at present. You +are both young, and I hope we may meet +Tom in after years."</p> + +<p>"When I have made my pile," suggested +Tom.</p> + +<p>"Precisely."</p> + +<p>"You won't go right on, Tom, will you?" +asked Jennie. "You'll stay here a day or +two."</p> + +<p>"Yes; I should like to see something of Cincinnati."</p> + +<p>"And you'll call on us?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I shall be very happy to do so. Where are +you going to stay?"</p> + +<p>"At the Burnet House. Won't you come +there, too?"</p> + +<p>"Is it a high-priced hotel?"</p> + +<p>"I believe it is."</p> + +<p>"Then I can't afford to stay there; but I +can call on you all the same."</p> + +<p>"Stay there as my guest, Tom," said Mr. +Waterbury cordially. "It shall not cost you +anything."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir. You are very kind, but I +don't like to accept unnecessary favors. I +will put up at some cheap hotel, and call upon +you both."</p> + +<p>"You would be heartily welcome, my boy," +said Mr. Waterbury.</p> + +<p>"I <ins title="This word not present in original text">don't</ins> doubt it, sir, and the time may +come when I will gladly accept your kindness," +replied Tom.</p> + +<p>"But now you mean to have your own way; +is that it, Tom."</p> + +<p>"You won't be offended, sir?"</p> + +<p>"On the contrary, I respect you for your +manly independence. You won't forget that +I am your friend?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I don't want to forget that, sir."</p> + +<p>So it happened that while Mrs. Watson, +Jennie, and Mr. Waterbury registered at the +Burnet House, Tom, carpetbag in hand, +walked through the streets till he came to a +plain inn, bearing the name Alleghany House. +It is not now in existence, having given way +to an imposing business block.</p> + +<p>"That looks as if it might suit my purse," +thought Tom.</p> + +<p>He walked in, and, approaching the desk, +inquired: "How much do you charge at this +hotel?"</p> + +<p>"A dollar a day," answered the clerk. +"Will you have a room?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Please register your name." Tom did so.</p> + +<p>"Cato," called the clerk—summoning a +colored boy, about Tom's size—"take this +young man to No. 18."</p> + +<p>"All right, sar," said Cato, showing his +ivories.</p> + +<p>"When do you have dinner?" asked Tom.</p> + +<p>"One o'clock."</p> + +<p>Preceded by Cato, Tom walked up-stairs, +and was ushered into a small, dingy room on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span> +the second floor. There was a single window, +looking through dingy panes upon a back +yard. There was a general air of cheerlessness +and discomfort, but at any rate it was +larger than the stateroom on the <i>River Belle</i>.</p> + +<p>"Is this the best room you have?" asked +Tom, not very favorably impressed.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, sar," answered Cato. "If your +wife was with you, sar, we'd give you a +scrumptious room, 'bout twice as big."</p> + +<p>"I didn't bring my wife along, Cato," said +Tom, amused. "Are you married?"</p> + +<p>"Not yet, sar," answered his colored guide, +with a grin.</p> + +<p>"I think we can wait till we are a little +older."</p> + +<p>"Reckon so, sar."</p> + +<p>"Just bring up a little water, Cato. I feel +in need of washing."</p> + +<p>"Dirt don't show on me," said Cato, with +a guffaw.</p> + +<p>"I suppose you do wash, now and then, +don't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sar, sometimes," answered Cato +equivocally.</p> + +<p>When Tom had completed his toilet he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span> +found that it was but ten o'clock. He accordingly +went down-stairs, intending to see +a little of the city before dinner.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + +<h3>THE EVENTS OF A MORNING.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Graham</span> and Vincent had kept quiet during +the latter part of the voyage. They had +a wholesome fear of Mr. Waterbury, and kept +aloof from him and Tom. They even exchanged +their stateroom for one at a different +part of the boat. All was satisfactory to Tom +and his companion.</p> + +<p>When the worthy pair reached Cincinnati +they were hard up. Their united funds +amounted to but seven dollars, and it seemed +quite necessary that they should find the +means of replenishing their purses somewhere. +They managed to ascertain that Tom and his +friend were going to separate, and this afforded +them satisfaction, since it made their designs<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span> +upon our hero more feasible. At a distance +they followed Tom to the Alleghany House, +and themselves took lodgings at a small, cheap +tavern near-by. Like Tom, they set out soon +after their arrival in quest of adventure.</p> + +<p>"We must strike a vein soon, Graham," +said Vincent, "or we shall be in a tight +place."</p> + +<p>"That's so," answered Graham.</p> + +<p>"Thus far our trip hasn't paid very well. +It's been all outgo and no income."</p> + +<p>"You're right, partner; but don't give up +the ship," responded Graham, whose spirits +returned, now that he was on dry land. "I've +been in the same straits about once a month +for the last five years."</p> + +<p>"I've known you for three years, Graham, +and, so far as my knowledge extends, I can +attest the truth of what you say. By the way, +you never say anything of your life before +that date."</p> + +<p>A shadow passed over Graham's face.</p> + +<p>"Because I don't care to think of it; I never +talk of it," he said.</p> + +<p>"Pshaw, man, we all of us have some +ugly secrets. Suppose we confide in each<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span> +other. Tell me your story, and I will tell you +mine. It won't change my opinion of you."</p> + +<p>"Probably not," said Graham. "Well, +there is no use in holding back. For this once +I will go back to the past. Five years ago I +was a favorite in society. One day an +acquaintance introduced me into a gambling +house, and I tried my hand successfully. I +went out with fifty dollars more than I +brought in. It was an unlucky success, for it +made me a frequent visitor. All my surplus +cash found a market there, and when that was +exhausted I borrowed from my employer."</p> + +<p>"Without his knowledge?"</p> + +<p>"Of course. For six months I evaded discovery. +Then I was detected. My friends interceded, +and saved me from the penitentiary, +but I lost my situation, and was required to +leave the city. I went to New York, tried to +obtain a situation there, failed, and then +adopted my present profession. I need not +tell you the rest."</p> + +<p>"My dear friend, I think I know the rest +pretty well. But don't look sober. A fig for +the past. What's the odds, as long as you're +happy?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Are you happy?" inquired Graham.</p> + +<p>"As long as I'm flush," answered Vincent, +shrugging his shoulders. "I'm nearly dead-broke +now, and of course I am miserable. +However, my story comes next in order. I +was a bank teller, appropriated part of the +funds of the bank, fled with it, spent it, and +then became an ornament to our common profession."</p> + +<p>"Where was the bank?"</p> + +<p>"In Canada. I haven't been there since. +The climate don't suit me. It's bleak, but I +fear it might prove too hot for me. Now we +know each other."</p> + +<p>"You don't allow it to worry you, Vincent," +said Graham.</p> + +<p>"No, I don't. Why should I? I let the +dead past bury its dead, as Longfellow says, +and act in the living present. That reminds +me, we ought to be at work. I have a proposal +to make. We won't hunt in couples, but +separate, and each will try to bring home +something to help the common fund. Is it +agreed?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"<i>Au revoir</i>, then!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That fellow has no conscience," thought +Graham. "Mine is callous, but he goes beyond +me. Perhaps he is the better off."</p> + +<p>Graham shook off his transient dull spirits, +and walked on, keeping a sharp lookout for +a chance to fleece somebody. In front of a +railroad ticket office he espied a stolid-looking +German, who was trying to read the placard +in the window.</p> + +<p>Graham approached him, and said politely, +"My friend, perhaps I can help you. Are you +thinking of buying a railroad ticket?"</p> + +<p>The German turned, and his confidence was +inspired by the friendly interest of Graham's +manner.</p> + +<p>"I go to Minnesota," he said, "where my +brother live."</p> + +<p>"Exactly, and you want a ticket to go +there?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I want a ticket. Do they sell him +here?"</p> + +<p>"No," said Graham. "That is, they do +sell tickets here; but they ask too much."</p> + +<p>"I will not pay too much," said the German, +shaking his head decisively.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Of course not; I will take you to a cheaper +place."</p> + +<p>"That is good," said the German, well +pleased. "It is luck I meet mit a friend like +you."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Graham, linking his arm in that +of his new acquaintance. "I don't like to see +a worthy man cheated. Come with me. How +much money have you?"</p> + +<p>This inquiry ought to have excited the suspicions +of the German; but he was trustful, +and answered promptly, "Two hundred dollar."</p> + +<p>Graham's eyes sparkled.</p> + +<p>"If I could only get the whole of it," he +thought. But that didn't seem easy.</p> + +<p>They walked through street after street till +Graham stopped in front of an office.</p> + +<p>"Now," said he, "give me your money, and +I will buy the ticket."</p> + +<p>"How much money?" asked his new +acquaintance.</p> + +<p>"I don't know exactly," said Graham carelessly. +"Just hand me your pocketbook, and +I will pay what is needed."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span></p> + +<p>But here the German's characteristic caution +came in.</p> + +<p>"I will go with you," he said.</p> + +<p>"If you do, I can't get the tickets so cheap. +The agent is a friend of mine, and if he thinks +it is for me he will give it to me for less. Don't +give me all your money. Fifty dollars will +do. I will buy the ticket, and bring you the +rest of the money."</p> + +<p>This seemed plausible enough, and Graham +would have got what he asked for, but for the +interference of Tom, who had come up just +in time to hear Graham's proposal. He +had no difficulty in comprehending his purpose.</p> + +<p>"Don't give him the money," he said. "He +will cheat you."</p> + +<p>Both Graham and his intended victim +wheeled round, and looked at our hero.</p> + +<p>"Clear out of here, you young vagabond!" +said Graham angrily.</p> + +<p>"This man wants to cheat you," persisted +Tom. "Don't give him your money."</p> + +<p>The bewildered foreigner looked from one to +the other.</p> + +<p>"This is no ticket office," said Tom. "I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> +will lead you to one, and you shall buy a +ticket for yourself."</p> + +<p>"He wants to swindle you," said Graham +quickly.</p> + +<p>"You shall keep your money in your own +hands," said Tom. "I don't want it."</p> + +<p>"I go with you, my young friend," said the +German, convinced by Tom's honest face. +"The other man may be all right, but I go +with you."</p> + +<p>Graham protested in vain. His victim went +off with Tom, who saw that he was provided +with the ticket he wanted. His new friend +tried to force a dollar upon him; but this Tom +steadily refused.</p> + +<p>"I'll get even with you yet!" said Graham +furiously; but our hero was not disturbed by +this menace.</p> + +<p>Vincent, meantime, was making a tour of +observation, ready for any adventure that +might put an honest or dishonest penny into +his pocket. About half an hour later he found +himself on the leading retail street in Cincinnati. +In front of him walked a lady, fashionably +attired, holding a mother-of-pearl portemonnaie +carelessly in her hand. He brushed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span> +by her, and at the same moment the pocketbook +was snatched from her hand.</p> + +<p>The lady screamed, and instinctively +clutched Vincent by the arm.</p> + +<p>"This man has robbed me, I think," she +said. The crowd began to gather about Vincent, +and he saw that he was cornered. +Among the crowd, unluckily for himself, +was Tom. By a skilful movement Vincent +thrust the portemonnaie into our hero's +pocket.</p> + +<p>"You are mistaken, madam," he said coolly; +"I saw that boy take your money."</p> + +<p>Instantly two men seized Tom.</p> + +<p>"Search him," said Vincent, "and see it +I am not right."</p> + +<p>The portemonnaie was taken from Tom's +pocket, amid the hootings of the crowd.</p> + +<p>"So young, and yet so wicked!" said the +lady regretfully.</p> + +<p>"I didn't take the money, madam," protested +Tom, his face scarlet with surprise and +mortification.</p> + +<p>"Don't believe him, ma'am. I saw him +take it," said Vincent virtuously.</p> + +<p>Poor Tom looked from one to another; but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span> +all faces were unfriendly. It was a critical +time for him.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XVII.</h2> + +<h3>TOM'S ARREST.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">To</span> one who is scrupulously honest a sudden +charge of dishonesty is almost overwhelming. +Now, Tom was honest, not so much because he +had been taught that honesty was a virtue, +as by temperament and instinct. Yet here +he saw himself surrounded by hostile faces, +for a crowd soon collected. Not one believed +in his innocence, not even the lady, who +thought it was such a pity that he was "so +young and yet so wicked."</p> + +<p>"Will somebody call a policeman?" asked +Vincent.</p> + +<p>A policeman soon made his appearance. He +was a stout, burly man, and pushed his way +through the crowd without ceremony.</p> + +<p>"What's the row?" he inquired.</p> + +<p>"This boy has picked a lady's pocket," exclaimed +Vincent.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span></p> + +<p>The officer placed his hand roughly on +Tom's shoulder.</p> + +<p>"You were a little too smart, young feller!" +said he. "You must come along with +me."</p> + +<p>"I didn't take the money," protested Tom, +pale, but in a firm voice.</p> + +<p>"That's too thin," said Vincent, with a +sneer.</p> + +<p>"Yes, it's too thin," repeated two or three +in the crowd.</p> + +<p>"It's true," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you'll tell us how the money came +in your pocket," suggested a bystander.</p> + +<p>"That man put it in," answered Tom, indicating +Vincent.</p> + +<p>The latter shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>"He says so, because I exposed him," he +remarked, turning to the crowd.</p> + +<p>"Of course; that's a common game," interposed +the policeman.</p> + +<p>"Have you any reason for what you say, +my boy?" asked a quiet-looking man, with a +pleasant face.</p> + +<p>"Of course he hasn't," replied Vincent +hastily.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I spoke to the boy, sir."</p> + +<p>"I have a reason," answered Tom. "A +friend of this man roomed with me at Pittsburg, +and during the night tried to rob me. +We were both passengers on the <i>River Belle</i> +on the last trip. During the trip he entered +our stateroom, and stole a wallet from my +roommate. This man slyly put it into my +pocket, in order to escape suspicion."</p> + +<p>"It's a lie!" exclaimed Vincent uneasily. +"Gentlemen, the boy is very artful, +and the greatest liar out."</p> + +<p>"Of course he is!" assented the policeman. +"Come along, young feller!"</p> + +<p>"Wait a minute," said the quiet man. +"Have you any proof of your statements, my +boy, except your own word?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; my roommate will tell you the +same thing."</p> + +<p>"Who is he? Where can he be found?"</p> + +<p>"He is Mr. Nicholas Waterbury, of Marietta. +He is now at the Burnet House."</p> + +<p>"That's all gammon!" said the officer +roughly. "Come along. I can't wait here all +day."</p> + +<p>"Don't be in a hurry, officer," said the quiet<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span> +man. "I know Mr. Waterbury, and I believe +the boy's story is correct."</p> + +<p>"It ain't any of your business!" said the +officer insolently. "The boy's a thief, and +I'm goin' to lock him up."</p> + +<p>"Look out, sir!" said the quiet man sternly. +"You are overstepping the limits of your duty, +and asserting what you have no possible means +of knowing. There is reason to believe that +this man"—pointing out Vincent—"is the +real thief. I call upon you to arrest him."</p> + +<p>"I don't receive no orders from you, sir," +said the policeman. "I'm more likely to take +you along."</p> + +<p>"That's right, officer," said Vincent approvingly. +"The man is interfering with +you in the exercise of your duty. You have +a perfect right to arrest him."</p> + +<p>"I have a great mind to," said the officer, +who was one of the many who are puffed up +by a little brief authority, and lose no opportunity +of exercising it.</p> + +<p>The quiet man did not seem in the least +alarmed. He smiled, and said, "Perhaps, officer, +it might be well for you to inquire my +name, before proceeding to arrest me."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Who are you?" demanded the officer insolently.</p> + +<p>"I am Alderman Morris."</p> + +<p>A great change came over the policeman. +He knew now that the quiet man before him +was President of the Board of Aldermen, and +he began to be alarmed, remembering with +what rudeness he had treated him.</p> + +<p>"I beg your pardon, sir," he said humbly; +"I didn't know you."</p> + +<p>"What is your name, sir?" demanded the +alderman, in a tone of authority.</p> + +<p>"Jones, sir."</p> + +<p>"How long have you been on the force?"</p> + +<p>"Six months, your honor."</p> + +<p>"Then you ought to be better fitted for your +position by this time."</p> + +<p>"I hope you won't take no offense at what +I said, not knowing you, alderman."</p> + +<p>"That's no personal offense, but I object +to your pronouncing upon the guilt of parties +arrested when you know nothing of the +matter."</p> + +<p>"Shall I take the boy along, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and this man also. I don't wish to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span> +interfere with the exercise of justice, but it is +my opinion that the boy is innocent."</p> + +<p>"I protest against this outrage," said Vincent +nervously. "Am I to be punished because +I expose a thief?"</p> + +<p>"Come along, sir," said the policeman. +"The alderman says so."</p> + +<p>"I appeal to the gentlemen present," said +Vincent, hoping for a forcible deliverance.</p> + +<p>"Madam," said the alderman to the lady +who had been robbed, "did you see the boy +take your pocketbook?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir! I thought it was the man, till he +told me it was the boy, and the money was +found on the boy."</p> + +<p>"I should think that told the story," said +Vincent. "Any man here might be arrested +as soon as I. Fellow citizens, is this a free +country, where a man of reputation can be +summarily arrested at the bidding of another? +If so, I would rather live under a +monarchy."</p> + +<p>There was a murmur of approval, and some +sympathy was excited.</p> + +<p>"There will be no injustice done, sir," said +the alderman. "I propose to follow up this<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span> +matter myself. I will see my friend, Mr. +Waterbury, and I can soon learn whether the +boy's story is correct."</p> + +<p>"He may lie, too!" said Vincent, who had +very good reasons for fearing Mr. Waterbury's +testimony.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Waterbury is a gentleman of veracity," +said Alderman Morris sharply. "I +see you recognize the name."</p> + +<p>"Never heard of him," said Vincent. "I +suppose it is one of the boy's confederates."</p> + +<p>"I will answer for him," said the alderman. +"My boy," he said, "I hope we shall be able +to prove your innocence. Be under no anxiety. +Go with the officer, and I will seek out Mr. +Waterbury. Officer, take care to treat him +gently."</p> + +<p>"All right, sir."</p> + +<p>There was no fear now that Tom would be +roughly treated. He had too much regard for +his own interest, and his tenure of office, to +disoblige a man so influential and powerful +as Alderman Morris.</p> + +<p>Notwithstanding there had been such a turn +in his favor, Tom felt humiliated to feel that +he was under restraint, and his cheeks burned<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span> +with shame as he walked beside the officer. +Vincent, upon the other side, gnashed his teeth +with rage, as he thought of his unexpected detention. +Just as revenge was in his grasp, he +had been caught in the same trap which he +had so willingly set for Tom.</p> + +<p>"That Alderman Morris is a fool!" he said. +"He isn't fit to be in office."</p> + +<p>"Don't you say nothin' against him!" said +the policeman. "It won't be best for you. +He's one of our leadin' citizens, Alderman +Morris is."</p> + +<p>"He snubbed you!" sneered Vincent. "He +talked to you as if you were a dog."</p> + +<p>"No, he didn't. You'd better shut up, prisoner."</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, if you're willing to be trampled +upon, it isn't any of my business. I wouldn't +stand it, alderman or no alderman. Such +things wouldn't be allowed in New York, +where I live."</p> + +<p>"Oh, New York's a model city, so I've +heard," retorted the policeman, in a tone of +sarcasm. "We don't pretend to come up to +New York."</p> + +<p>Finding that nothing was to be gained by<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span> +continuing his attacks upon the alderman, +Vincent became silent; but his brain was active. +He felt that Mr. Waterbury's testimony +would be fatal to him. He must escape, if +possible. Soon a chance came. He seized his +opportunity, shook off the grasp of the officer, +and darted away. Not knowing what to do +with Tom, who was also under arrest, the officer +paused an instant, then, leaving our hero, +hastened in pursuit.</p> + +<p>"Now's your chance to escape, boy!" said +a sympathetic bystander to him.</p> + +<p>"I don't want to escape," answered Tom. +"I want my innocence proved. I shall stay +where I am till the officer returns."</p> + +<p>And he kept his word. Ten minutes later +the officer came back, puffing and panting, +after an unsuccessful pursuit; prepared to +find Tom gone also.</p> + +<p>"What, are you there?" he asked, staring +in wonder.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Tom; "I don't want to escape. +I shall come out right."</p> + +<p>"I believe you will," said the officer, with +a revulsion of sentiment in Tom's favor. +"Just walk along beside me, and I won't take<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span> +hold of you. I'm not afraid of your running +away now."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2> + +<h3>TOM GETS OUT OF HIS DIFFICULTY.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Tom</span> had not been long in the station-house +when Alderman Morris, accompanied by Mr. +Waterbury, entered. The latter looked at +Tom with a humorous smile.</p> + +<p>"You don't appear to get along very well +without my guardianship, Tom," he said.</p> + +<p>"No, sir," answered Tom. "The trouble is, +some of my other friends can't let me alone."</p> + +<p>"Was it in a fit of emotional insanity that +you relieved the lady of her pocketbook?" +asked Mr. Waterbury, bent on keeping up the +joke.</p> + +<p>"If I ever do such a thing, you may be sure +it is because I am insane," answered Tom positively.</p> + +<p>"I shall," said Mr. Waterbury seriously.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span> +"Now, where is this precious acquaintance +of ours who got you into this scrape?"</p> + +<p>"He has escaped."</p> + +<p>"Escaped!" exclaimed the alderman hastily. +"How is that?"</p> + +<p>Here the policeman took up the story, and +explained that Vincent had taken advantage +of his double charge to effect his escape.</p> + +<p>"I suppose, officer," said Mr. Waterbury, +"that you were unwilling to leave Tom in +order to pursue him."</p> + +<p>"I did leave him, sir, and didn't expect to +find him when I got back. But there he was, +waiting for me as quietly as—anything."</p> + +<p>"Didn't you feel tempted to escape, too, +my boy?"</p> + +<p>"Why should I, sir? I had done nothing; +I had nothing to fear."</p> + +<p>"Innocence is not always a protection, for +justice is sometimes far from clear-sighted. +In the present case, however, I think you will +not suffer for your confidence."</p> + +<p>Tom was not brought to trial. Mr. Waterbury's +statement of what had passed on the +voyage of the <i>River Belle</i> was held to be sufficient +to establish Tom's innocence, and he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span> +was allowed to walk out with Mr. Waterbury.</p> + +<p>"Have you anything to do this morning, +Tom?" asked his friend.</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"Then come around and dine with me at +the Burnet House. Afterward we will call +upon your friends, the Watsons."</p> + +<p>Mrs. Watson and Jennie had altered their +plans and gone to a boarding-house, preferring +that to a hotel.</p> + +<p>"That will be agreeable to me, sir."</p> + +<p>The dinner was excellent, and Tom did full +justice to it.</p> + +<p>"At one time this morning, Tom, it looked +as if you would dine at quite a different place," +said Mr. Waterbury, when they were eating +the dessert.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"You won't think much of Cincinnati's +hospitality, eh, Tom?"</p> + +<p>"Any place would be the same, where Vincent +was," returned Tom.</p> + +<p>"Very true; he and Graham will bring discredit +on any city which they adopt as a home. +How long shall you remain here?"</p> + +<p>"I should like to stay long enough to see<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span> +something of the city, but I cannot afford it. +I must reach California as soon as possible."</p> + +<p>"No doubt you are right, in your circumstances. +I have been inquiring for you, and +find that St. Joseph, in Missouri, is the usual +starting-point for travelers across the plains. +I find an acquaintance here in the hotel, who +will start to-morrow for that place. I have +mentioned you to him, and he says he shall +be glad to have your company so far. Whether +you keep together afterward will depend upon +yourselves."</p> + +<p>"I shall be glad to have company, sir," said +Tom. Though manly and self-reliant, he realized +that it was quite a serious undertaking +for a boy of his age to make the trip alone. +He was not sure of meeting with another +friend like Mr. Waterbury, and there might +be danger of falling in with another brace of +worthies like Graham and Vincent.</p> + +<p>"My friend's name is Ferguson—a Scotchman, +rather sedate, but entirely trustworthy. +I will introduce you this evening."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir."</p> + +<p>After dinner they walked to Mrs. Watson's +boarding-house. Somewhere on Vine Street,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span> +Mr. Waterbury paused in front of a jewelry +store.</p> + +<p>"I want to step in here a minute, Tom," he +said.</p> + +<p>"Certainly, sir."</p> + +<p>Tom remained near the door, while Mr. +Waterbury went into the back part of the +store, where he was occupied for a few minutes +with one of the proprietors. When +he came back he held a small box in his +hand.</p> + +<p>"Please carry this for me, Tom," he said.</p> + +<p>"With pleasure, sir."</p> + +<p>They went out into the street together.</p> + +<p>"Do you know what is in the box, Tom?" +asked Mr. Waterbury.</p> + +<p>"No, sir," answered our hero, a little surprised +at the question.</p> + +<p>"You didn't see what I was buying, then?" +continued Mr. Waterbury.</p> + +<p>"No, sir; I was watching the crowds on +the sidewalk."</p> + +<p>"If you have any curiosity, you may open +the box."</p> + +<p>Previously Tom had felt no curiosity. Now +he did feel a little.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span></p> + +<p>Opening the box, his eye rested on a neat +silver watch, with a chain attached. The case +was a pretty one, and Tom glanced at it with +approval.</p> + +<p>"It is very pretty, sir," he said; "but I +thought you had a watch already."</p> + +<p>"I didn't buy it for myself."</p> + +<p>"For your son?" asked Tom innocently.</p> + +<p>Mr. Waterbury smiled.</p> + +<p>"I thought of asking your acceptance of +it," he said.</p> + +<p>"You don't mean that you are going to give +it to me, sir?" said Tom eagerly.</p> + +<p>"If you will accept it."</p> + +<p>"How kind you are, Mr. Waterbury!" exclaimed +Tom gratefully. "There is nothing +in the world that I should like so much. How +can I thank you?"</p> + +<p>"By considering it a proof of my interest +in you. I was sure you would like it. Before +I had reached your age the great object of my +ambition was a watch. I received one from +my uncle, as a gift, on my seventeenth birthday. +I believe I looked at it once in five minutes +on an average during the first day."</p> + +<p>"I dare say it will be so with me, sir," said<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span> +Tom, who, at the moment, had the watch in his +hand, examining it.</p> + +<p>"As you are to rough it, I thought it best +to get you a hunting-case watch, because it +will be less liable to injury. When you become +a man I hope you will be prosperous +enough to buy a gold watch and chain, if you +prefer them. While you are a boy silver will +be good enough."</p> + +<p>"Gold wouldn't correspond very well with +my circumstances," said Tom. "I didn't +dream of even having a silver watch and chain +for years to come. I shall write home this +evening, and tell mother of my good luck."</p> + +<p>"Will you mention that you have already +been under arrest?" asked Mr. Waterbury, +smiling.</p> + +<p>Tom shook his head.</p> + +<p>"I am not proud of that," he answered; +"and it would only trouble them at home to +have an account of it. When I get home, I +may mention it sometime."</p> + +<p>"Better put on your watch and chain, Tom, +before we reach Mrs. Watson's."</p> + +<p>Tom needed no second invitation.</p> + +<p>"It's lucky mother put a watch-pocket in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span> +my vest," he said. "We didn't either of us +suppose there would be any occasion for it; +but I asked her to do it."</p> + +<p>In a nice-looking brick boarding-house—for +brown-stone houses were not then often to be +found—Tom and his friend found Mrs. Watson +and Jennie.</p> + +<p>"I'm so glad to see you, Tom," said Jennie. +"I've missed you awfully."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Tom. "I've come to bid +you good-by."</p> + +<p>"Good-by! You don't mean that?"</p> + +<p>"I expect to start for St. Joseph to-morrow. +I am in a hurry to get to California."</p> + +<p>"That's real mean. I don't see why you +can't stay in Cincinnati a week."</p> + +<p>"I should like to."</p> + +<p>"Then why don't you?" persisted the young +girl.</p> + +<p>"Jennie," said her mother, "we must remember +that Thomas is not traveling for +pleasure. He is going to California to seek +his fortune. It won't do for him to linger on +his way."</p> + +<p>"A week won't make much difference; will +it, Tom?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I am afraid it will, Jennie. Besides, a +friend of Mr. Waterbury will start to-morrow, +and has agreed to take me with him."</p> + +<p>"I suppose you've got to go, then," said +Jennie regretfully. "Oh, where did you get +that watch, Tom?"</p> + +<p>"A kind friend gave it to me."</p> + +<p>"Who do you mean—Mr. Graham?" she +asked archly.</p> + +<p>"He would be more likely to relieve me of +it. No, it is Mr. Waterbury."</p> + +<p>"I am going to kiss you for that, Mr. Waterbury," +said Jennie impulsively; and she suited +the action to the word.</p> + +<p>"What will Mr. Waterbury think, Jennie?" +said her mother.</p> + +<p>"He thinks himself well repaid for his +gift," answered that gentleman, smiling; "and +half inclined to give Tom another watch."</p> + +<p>"Isn't it my turn, now?" asked Tom, with +a courage at which he afterward rather +wondered; but he was fast getting rid of his +country bashfulness.</p> + +<p>"I never kiss boys," said Jennie demurely.</p> + +<p>"Then I will grow into a man as fast as I +can," said Tom, "and give somebody a watch,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span> +and then—— But that will be a good while +to wait."</p> + +<p>"I may kiss you good-by," said Jennie, "if +I feel like it."</p> + +<p>She did feel like it, and Tom received the +kiss.</p> + +<p>"It strikes me, Tom," said Mr. Waterbury, +as they were walking home, "that you and +Jennie are getting along fast."</p> + +<p>"She kissed you first," said Tom, blushing.</p> + +<p>"But the kiss she gave me was wholly on +your account."</p> + +<p>"She seems just like a sister," said Tom. +"She's a tip-top girl."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XIX.</h2> + +<h3>A MISSOURI TAVERN.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">The</span> next day Tom started on his way. His +new companion, Donald Ferguson, was a sedate +Scotchman, and a thoroughly reliable<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span> +man. He was possessed to the full of the frugality +characteristic of the race to which he +belonged, and, being more accustomed to traveling +than Tom, saved our hero something in +the matter of expense. He was always ready +to talk of Scotland, which he evidently thought +the finest country in the world. He admitted +that Glasgow was not as large a city as London, +but that it was more attractive. As for +New York, that city bore no comparison to the +chief city of Scotland.</p> + +<p>"You must go to Scotland some time, Tom," +he said. "If you can't visit but one country +in the Old World, go to Scotland."</p> + +<p>Privately Tom was of opinion that he +should prefer to visit England; but he did not +venture to hurt the feelings of his fellow-traveler +by saying so.</p> + +<p>"I wonder, Mr. Ferguson," he could not +help saying one day, "that you should have +been willing to leave Scotland, since you so +much prefer it to America."</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you, my lad," answered the Scotchman. +"I would rather live in Scotland than +anywhere else on God's footstool; but I won't +be denying that it is a poor place for a man to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span> +make money, if compared with a new country +like this."</p> + +<p>"There are no gold-mines, I suppose, +sir?"</p> + +<p>"No; and the land is not as rich as the land +here. It is rich in historical associations; but +a man, you know, can't live on those," he added +shrewdly.</p> + +<p>"No, I should think not," said Tom. "It +would be pretty dry diet. How long have you +been in the country, Mr. Ferguson?"</p> + +<p>"A matter of three months only, my lad. +It's the gold-mines that brought me over. I +read of them in the papers at home, and I took +the first ship across the Atlantic."</p> + +<p>"Have you a family, Mr. Ferguson?"</p> + +<p>"I've got an old mother at home, my lad, +who looks to me for support. I left fifty +pounds with her when I came away. It'll last +her, I'm thinkin', till I can send her some +from California."</p> + +<p>"Then Mr. Ferguson, you are like me," said +Tom. "I am going to California to work for +my father and mother. Father is poor, and I +have brothers and sisters at home to provide +for. I hope I shall succeed, for their sake."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You will, my lad," said the Scotchman, +in a tone of calm confidence. "It is a noble +purpose, and if you keep to it God will bless +you in your undertaking, and give you a good +fortune."</p> + +<p>"I hope we shall both be fortunate."</p> + +<p>"I have no fear. I put my trust in the +Lord, who is always ready to help those who +are working for him."</p> + +<p>Tom found that Mr. Ferguson, though his +manner was dry and unattractive, was a religious +man, and he respected and esteemed him +for his excellent traits. He was not a man +to inspire warm affection, but no one could +fail to respect him. He felt that he was fortunate +in having such a man for his companion, +and he was glad that Mr. Ferguson appeared +to like him in turn.</p> + +<p>He also found that the Scotchman, though +a man of peace, and very much averse to +quarreling, was by no means deficient in the +trait of personal courage.</p> + +<p>One evening they arrived at a small tavern +in a Missouri town. Neither Tom nor his +companion particularly liked the appearance +of the place nor its frequenters, but it appeared<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span> +to be the only place of entertainment in the +settlement.</p> + +<p>The barroom, which was the only public +room set apart for the use of the guests, was +the resort of a party of drunken roisterers, +who were playing poker in the corner, and betting +on the game. At the elbow of each player +was set a glass of whisky, and the end of +each game was marked by a fresh glass all +around.</p> + +<p>Tom and Mr. Ferguson took a walk after +supper, and then sat down quietly at a little +distance from the card-players, attracting at +first but little attention from them.</p> + +<p>Presently, at the close of a game, glasses +were ordered for the party, at the expense of +those who had suffered defeat.</p> + +<p>"What'll you have, strangers?" inquired +a tipsy fellow, with an Indian complexion and +long black hair, staggering toward Ferguson.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir," said the Scotchman; +"but I don't drink."</p> + +<p>"Don't drink!" exclaimed the former, in +evident surprise. "What sort of a man, pray, +may you be?"</p> + +<p>"I am a temperance man," said Ferguson,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span> +adding indiscreetly, "and it would be well for +you all if you would shun the vile liquor which +is destroying soul and body."</p> + +<p>"—— your impudence!" ejaculated the +other, in a rage. "Do you dare to insult +gentlemen like us?"</p> + +<p>"I never insult anybody," said the Scotchman +calmly. "What I have said is for your +good, and you would admit it if you were +sober."</p> + +<p>"Do you dare to say I'm drunk?" demanded +the man, in a fury.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Ferguson," said Tom, in a low voice, +"I wouldn't provoke him if I were you."</p> + +<p>But the Scotchman was no coward, and, +though generally prudent, he was too fond of +argument to yield the point.</p> + +<p>"Of course, you're drunk," he said calmly. +"If you will reflect, you show all the signs of +a man that has taken too much liquor. Your +face is flushed, your hand is unsteady, and——"</p> + +<p>He was interrupted by a volley of execrations +from the man whom he was coolly describing, +and the latter, in a fit of fury, struck +the Scotchman in the face. Had the blow been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span> +well directed it would, for the time, have +marred the small share of personal beauty +with which nature had endowed Mr. Ferguson; +but it glanced aside and just struck him +on his prominent cheek-bone.</p> + +<p>"A ring! a ring!" shouted the men in the +corner, jumping to their feet in excitement. +"Let Jim and the Scotchman fight it out."</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen," said Mr. Ferguson, "I don't +wish to fight with your friend. He is drunk, +as you can see plainly enough. I don't wish +to fight with a drunken man."</p> + +<p>"Who says I am drunk?" demanded the +champion of whisky. "Let me get at +him."</p> + +<p>But his friends were now holding him back. +They wanted to see a square fight, according +to rule. It would prove, in their opinion, a +pleasant little excitement.</p> + +<p>"I meant no offense," said Ferguson; "I +only told the truth."</p> + +<p>"You are a —— liar!" exclaimed the man, +known as Jim.</p> + +<p>"I do not heed the words of a man in your +condition," said the Scotchman calmly.</p> + +<p>"Pull his nose, Jim! Make him fight!" exclaimed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span> +the friends of the bully. "We'll back +you!"</p> + +<p>The hint was taken. Jim staggered forward, +and, seizing the Scotchman's prominent +nose, gave it a violent tweak.</p> + +<p>Now there are few men, with or without +self-respect, who can calmly submit to an insult +like this. Certainly Mr. Donald Ferguson +was not one of them. The color mantled his +high cheek-bones, and anger gained dominion +over him. He sprang to his feet, grasped the +bully in his strong arms, dashed him backward +upon the floor of the barroom, and, turning +to the companions of the fallen man, he said, +"Now come on, if you want to fight. I'll take +you one by one, and fight the whole of you, if +you like."</p> + +<p>Instead of being angry, they applauded his +pluck. They cared little for the fate of their +champion, but were impressed by the evident +strength of the stranger.</p> + +<p>"Stranger," said one of them, "you've +proved that you're a man of honor. We +thought you were a coward. It's a pity you +don't drink. What may your name be?"</p> + +<p>"Donald Ferguson."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then, boys, here's to the health of Mr. +Ferguson. He's a bully boy, and no coward."</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen," said the Scotchman, "it's a +compliment you mean, no doubt, and I'm suitably +thankful. If you'll allow me, I'll drink +your health in a liquor which will not injure +any one. I'll wish you health and prosperity +in a glass of cold water, if the barkeeper +happens to have any of that beverage handy. +Tom, join with me in the toast."</p> + +<p>Tom did so, and the speech was well received.</p> + +<p>"As for this gentleman," said Mr. Ferguson, +addressing Jim, who had struggled to +his feet, and was surveying the scene in rather +a bewildered way, "I hope he won't harbor +malice; I've only got even with him. We may +as well forgive and forget."</p> + +<p>"That's the talk! Jim, drink the stranger's +health!"</p> + +<p>Jim looked a little doubtful, but when a +glass of whisky was put into his hand he could +not resist the seductive draft, and tossed it +down.</p> + +<p>"Now shake hands!" said one of the +players.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span></p> + +<p>"With all my heart," said Ferguson, and +the two shook hands, to the great delight of +the company.</p> + +<p>"You got off pretty well, Mr. Ferguson," +said Tom, when they retired for the night.</p> + +<p>"Yes, my lad, better than I expected. I +thought once I would have to fight the whole +pack. Poor fellows! I pity them. They are +but slaves to their appetites. I hope, my lad, +you'll never yield to a like temptation."</p> + +<p>"No fear for me, Mr. Ferguson. I feel as +you do on the subject."</p> + +<p>The journey continued till one day, about +noon, they reached the town of St, Joseph, +popularly called St. Joe.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XX.</h2> + +<h3>ST. JOE.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">St. Joe</span> was at that time the fitting-out +point for overland parties bound for California. +As a matter of course it presented a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span> +busy, bustling appearance, and seemed full +of life and movement. There was a large transient +population, of a very miscellaneous character. +It included the thrifty, industrious +emigrant, prepared to work hard and live +poorly, till the hoped-for competence was attained; +but there was also the shiftless adventurer, +whose chief object was to live without +work, and the unscrupulous swindler, who +was ready, if opportunity offered, to appropriate +the hard earnings of others.</p> + +<p>"It's a lively place, Mr. Ferguson," said +Tom.</p> + +<p>"It is, indeed, my young friend," said the +cautious Scot; "but it is a place, to my thinking, +where it behooves a man to look well to +his purse."</p> + +<p>"No doubt you are right, Mr. Ferguson. I +have learned to be cautious since my adventure +with Graham and Vincent."</p> + +<p>"There's many like them in the world, Tom. +They are like lions, going about seeking whom +they may devour."</p> + +<p>St. Joseph could not at that time boast any +first-class hotels. Inns and lodging-houses it +had in plenty. At one of these—a two-story<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span> +building, dignified by the title of "The Pacific +Hotel"—our hero and his Scotch friend found +accommodations. They were charged two dollars +and a half per day—the same price they +charged at first-class hotels in New York and +Boston, while their rooms and fare were very +far from luxurious. The landlord was a stout, +jolly host, with a round, good-natured face.</p> + +<p>"You and your son will room together, I +suppose," he said.</p> + +<p>"He isn't my son, but a young friend of +mine," said Mr. Ferguson.</p> + +<p>"I thought he didn't look much like you," +said the landlord.</p> + +<p>"I am hard and weather-beaten, while he is +young and fresh."</p> + +<p>"Well, gentlemen, I wish you both good +luck. What will you take? I have a superior +article of whisky that I can recommend."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, but I beg you will excuse me, +sir," said Ferguson. "I never drink."</p> + +<p>"Nor I," said Tom; "but I am much +obliged to you all the same."</p> + +<p>"Well, that beats me," said the landlord. +"Why, you don't know what's good. You ain't +a minister, are you?" turning to Ferguson.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I have not that high distinction, my friend. +I am an unworthy member of the church of +Scotland."</p> + +<p>"I don't think your countrymen generally +refuse whisky."</p> + +<p>"So much the worse for them. They are +only too fond of it. My own brother died a +miserable death, brought on by his love of +liquor."</p> + +<p>"Then I won't press you; but I say, +strangers, you won't find many of your way of +thinking in the country you're going to."</p> + +<p>"I don't doubt he's right, Tom," said Ferguson +to Tom, as they entered the chamber assigned +to them. "We may not be together always. +I hope you won't be led away by them +that offer you strong drink. It would be the +ruin of you, boy."</p> + +<p>"Don't fear for me, Mr. Ferguson. I have +no taste for it."</p> + +<p>"Sometimes it's hard to refuse."</p> + +<p>"It won't be hard for me."</p> + +<p>"I am glad to hear you say that, my lad. +You are young, strong, and industrious. +You'll succeed, I'll warrant, if you steer clear +of that quicksand."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span></p> + +<p>Later in the day the two friends began to +make inquiries about overland travel. They +had no wish to remain long at St. Joe. Both +were impatient to reach the land of gold, and +neither cared to incur the expense of living +at the hotel any longer than was absolutely +necessary. Luckily this probably would not +be long, for nearly every day a caravan set +out on the long journey, and doubtless they +would be able to join on agreeing to pay their +share of the expenses. It was a great undertaking, +for the distance to be traversed +was over two thousand miles, through an unsettled +country, some of it a desert, with the +chances of an attack by hostile Indians, and the +certainty of weeks, and perhaps months, of +privation and fatigue. Mr. Donald Ferguson +looked forward to it with some apprehension; +for, with characteristic Scotch caution, he +counted the cost of whatever he undertook, and +did not fail to set before his mind all the contingencies +and dangers attending it.</p> + +<p>"It's a long journey we're going on, my +lad," he said, "and we may not reach the end +of it in safety."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It isn't best to worry about that, Mr. Ferguson," +said Tom cheerfully.</p> + +<p>"You are right, my lad. It's not for the +best to worry, but it is well to make provision +for what may happen. Now, if anything happens +to me, I am minded to make you my executor."</p> + +<p>"But don't you think I am too young, +Mr. Ferguson?"</p> + +<p>"You are o'er young, I grant, but you are a +lad of good parts, temperate, steady, and +honest. I have no other friend I feel like +trusting."</p> + +<p>"I hope, Mr. Ferguson, there will be no +occasion to render you any such service, but +whatever I can I will do."</p> + +<p>"It will be very simple. You will take my +money, and see that it is sent to my mother, +in Glasgow. I will give you her address now, +and then, if any sudden fate overtakes me, +there will be no trouble. You will know just +what to do."</p> + +<p>Tom was flattered by this mark of confidence. +It was evident that the cautious +Scotchman had formed a very favorable opin<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span>ion +of him, or he would not have selected so +young a boy for so important a trust.</p> + +<p>"Will you do the same for me, Mr. +Ferguson?" he asked, with the sudden reflection +that, young as he was, there was no +absolute certainty of his living to reach +California.</p> + +<p>"Surely I will, my lad."</p> + +<p>"If I should die I should want any money +I might have left sent to my father."</p> + +<p>"Give me his address, my lad, and it shall +be done. It is a good precaution, and we +shan't either of us die the sooner for doing +our duty, to the best of our ability, by those +who would mourn our loss."</p> + +<p>Tom and his friend instituted inquiries, and +ascertained that two days later a caravan +was to start on its way across the continent. +They ascertained, also, that the leader of the +expedition was a pioneer named Fletcher, who +was making his home at the California Hotel. +They made their way thither, and were fortunate +enough to find Mr. Fletcher at home. He +was a stout, broad-shouldered man, a practical +farmer, who was emigrating from Illinois. +Unlike the majority of emigrants, he had his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span> +family with him, namely, a wife, and four +children, the oldest a boy of twelve.</p> + +<p>"My friend," said Ferguson, "I hear that +you are soon leaving here with a party for +California."</p> + +<p>"I leave day after to-morrow," answered +Fletcher.</p> + +<p>"Is your party wholly made up?"</p> + +<p>"We are about full; but we might receive +one or two more."</p> + +<p>"My young friend and I wish to join some +good party, as we cannot afford to remain +here, and we are anxious to get to work as +soon as possible."</p> + +<p>Some care needed to be exercised in the +choice of a party, as there were some who +would only give trouble and annoyance, or +perhaps fail to pay their proper share of the +expenses. But Ferguson's appearance was +sufficient guarantee of his reliability, and no +one was likely to object to Tom.</p> + +<p>"Of course," added Ferguson, "we are +ready to bear our share of the expense."</p> + +<p>"Then you can come," said Fletcher. "You +will both need revolvers, for we may be attacked<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span> +by Indians, and must be able to defend +ourselves."</p> + +<p>"Certainly, we will do our part, if need +be."</p> + +<p>This was an expense which Tom had not +foreseen; but he at once saw the importance +of being armed when crossing such a country +as lay before them, and went with Ferguson +to make the needful purchase. His Scotch +friend instructed him in the method of using +his new weapon, and Tom felt a boy's natural +pride in his new acquisition. He felt years +older then he did on the morning when he left +his country home. He had gained some +knowledge of the world, and felt a greater +confidence in himself on that account. He +looked forward to the remainder of his journey +with pleasurable excitement, and lost no time +in making the necessary preparations.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER XXI.</h2> + +<h3>HOW THINGS WENT ON AT HOME.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">While</span> Tom was slowly making his way +westward, there was one place where tidings +from him were anxiously awaited, and where +nightly prayers were offered for his health +and safe progress. Of course this was the +dear, though humble, farmhouse, which had +been his home.</p> + +<p>Twice a week Tom wrote, and his letters +were cheerful and reassuring.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"Don't trouble yourself about me, dear +mother"—he wrote from Cincinnati. "I am +making friends, and learning how to travel. I +feel years older, and rely much more on myself +than when, an inexperienced boy, I bade you +good-by. I am a thousand miles from you, +and the longest and most difficult part of the +journey lies before me; but with health and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span> +strength, and prudence, I hope to arrive in +good condition at my destination. As to health +I never felt better in my life, and I have taken +lessons in prudence and caution which will be +of essential service to me. I have found that +a boy who goes out into the world to seek his +fortune cannot trust everybody he falls in +with. He will find foes as well as friends, and +he will need to be on his guard.</p> + +<p>"I start to-morrow for St. Joseph, in Missouri, +going by way of St. Louis. Mr. Donald +Ferguson, a middle-aged Scotchman, is my +companion. A younger and livelier companion +might prove more agreeable, but perhaps not +so safe. Mr. Ferguson is old enough to be +my father, and I shall be guided by his judgment +where my own is at fault. He is very +frugal, as I believe his countrymen generally +are, and that, of course, just suits me. I don't +know how long I shall be in reaching St. +Joseph, but I shall write you once or twice on +the way. Give my love to father, Sarah, +Walter, and Harry, and keep a great deal for +yourself.</p> + +<div class='sig'> +<span style="margin-right: 2em;">"Your loving son,</span><br /> +"<span class="smcap">Tom.</span>"<br /> +</div></div><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Tom is growing manly, Mary," said Mark +Nelson to his wife. "It's doing him good to +see a little of the world."</p> + +<p>"I suppose it is, Mark," said his wife; "but +the more I think of it the more I feel that he +is very young to undertake such a long journey +alone."</p> + +<p>"He is young, but it will make a man of +him."</p> + +<p>"He must be having a tip-top time," said +Walter; "I wish I were with him."</p> + +<p>"You would be more of a hindrance than +a help to him, Walter," said Mark Nelson.</p> + +<p>"You are only a child, you know," said +Sarah, in an elder-sister tone.</p> + +<p>"What do you call yourself?" retorted +Walter. "You are only two years older than +I am."</p> + +<p>"Girls always know more than boys of the +same age," said Sarah condescendingly. "Besides, +I haven't said anything about going out +to California."</p> + +<p>"No, I should think not. A girl that's +afraid of a mouse had better stay at home."</p> + +<p>Walter referred to an incident of the day<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span> +previous, when the sudden appearance of a +mouse threw Sarah into a panic.</p> + +<p>"Are there any mouses in California?" +asked little Harry, with interest.</p> + +<p>"If there are I could carry a cat with me," +returned Sarah good-humoredly.</p> + +<p>Mark Nelson, though he felt Tom was a boy +to be trusted, did ask himself occasionally +whether he had been wise in permitting him +to leave home under the circumstances. Suppose +he continued in health, there were doubts +of his success. His golden dreams might not +be realized. The two hundred dollars which +he had raised for Tom might be lost, and bring +in no return; and this would prove a serious +loss to Mark, hampered as he was already by a +heavy mortgage on his farm. Would Squire +Hudson be forbearing, if ill-luck came? This +was a question he could not answer. He only +knew that such was not the squire's reputation.</p> + +<p>"Well, Mr. Nelson, what do you hear from +Tom," asked the squire, one day about this +time. "How far is he on his way?"</p> + +<p>"We received a letter from Cincinnati<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span> +yesterday. He then was about starting for +St. Joseph."</p> + +<p>"Does he seem to enjoy the journey?"</p> + +<p>"He writes in excellent spirits. He says he +has met with good friends."</p> + +<p>"Indeed! How does his money hold out?"</p> + +<p>"He does not speak of that."</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, I dare say he is getting along +well;" and the squire walked on.</p> + +<p>"Does he feel interested in Tom, or not?" +queried Mark Nelson, as he looked thoughtfully +after the squire, as he walked on with +stately steps, leaning slightly on his gold-headed +cane. He might have been enlightened +on this point, if he could have heard a conversation, +later in the day, between Squire +Hudson and his son Sinclair.</p> + +<p>"I saw Mark Nelson this morning," he observed +at the supper table.</p> + +<p>"Has he heard from Tom?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; his son wrote him from Cincinnati."</p> + +<p>"I wish I could go to Cincinnati," grumbled +Sinclair; "I think I have a better right to see +the world than Tom Nelson."</p> + +<p>"All in good time, my son. Tom is not +traveling for pleasure."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Still, he is getting the pleasure."</p> + +<p>"He will have to work hard when he reaches +California. Probably he won't have a cent +left when he gets there."</p> + +<p>"What will he do then?"</p> + +<p>"He must earn money."</p> + +<p>"Do you think he will do well, father?"</p> + +<p>"He may, and then again he may not," +answered the squire judicially.</p> + +<p>"If he don't, how is he going to pay you +back the money you lent him?"</p> + +<p>"I always thought your father was foolish +to lend his money to a boy like that," said +Mrs. Hudson querulously.</p> + +<p>"Women know nothing about business," +said the squire, with an air of superior wisdom.</p> + +<p>"Sometimes men don't know much," retorted +his wife.</p> + +<p>"If you refer to me, Mrs. Hudson," said +her husband, "you need have no anxiety. I +did not lend the money to the boy, but to his +father."</p> + +<p>"That isn't much better. Everybody knows +that Mark Nelson has all that he can do to get +along. His wife hasn't had a new dress for +years."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span></p> + +<p>The squire's face grew hard and stern. He +had never loved his wife, and never forgiven +Mrs. Nelson, whom he had loved as much as +he was capable of doing, for refusing his +hand.</p> + +<p>"She has made her bed and she must lie +upon it," he said curtly. "She might have +known that Mark Nelson would never be able +to provide for her."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps she never had any other offer," +said Mrs. Hudson, who was ignorant of a certain +passage of her husband's life.</p> + +<p>"Probably she did, for she was a very pretty +girl."</p> + +<p>"Then she's faded," said Mrs. Hudson, tossing +her head.</p> + +<p>Squire Hudson did not reply; but as his eyes +rested on the sharp, querulous face of his helpmate, +and he compared it mentally with the +pleasant face of Mrs. Nelson, he said to himself +that, faded or not, the latter was still +better looking than his wife had been in the +days of her youth. Of course it would not do +to say so, for Mrs. Hudson was not amiable.</p> + +<p>"Mark Nelson has given me security," said<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span> +the squire, returning to the point under discussion. +"I hold a mortgage on his farm +for the whole amount he owes me."</p> + +<p>"Do you think you shall have to foreclose, +father?" asked Sinclair.</p> + +<p>"If Tom does not succeed in California, I +probably shall," said the squire.</p> + +<p>"Do you think he will succeed?"</p> + +<p>"He may be able to make a living, but I +don't think he will be able to help his father +any."</p> + +<p>"Then why did you lend him the money?"</p> + +<p>"He wanted to go, and was willing to take +the risk. I lent the money as a business operation."</p> + +<p>"Suppose Mr. Nelson loses his farm, what +will he do?" inquired Sinclair.</p> + +<p>"I really don't know," answered the squire, +shrugging his shoulders. "That is no concern +of mine."</p> + +<p>"Tom wouldn't put on so many airs if his +father had to go to the poorhouse," said Sinclair.</p> + +<p>"Does he put on airs?"</p> + +<p>"He seems to think he is as good as I am," +said Squire Hudson's heir.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That is perfectly ridiculous," said Mrs. +Hudson. "The boy must be a fool."</p> + +<p>"He is no fool," said the squire, who did not +allow prejudice to carry him so far as his +wife and son. "He is a boy of very fair +abilities; but I apprehend he will find it harder +to make his fortune than he anticipated. +However, time will show."</p> + +<p>"Most likely he'll come home in rags, and +grow up a day-laborer," said Sinclair complacently. +"When I'm a rich man I'll give +him work. He won't feel like putting on airs, +then."</p> + +<p>"What a good heart Sinclair has!" said +Mrs. Hudson admiringly.</p> + +<p>Squire Hudson said nothing. Possibly the +goodness of his son's heart was not so +manifest to him.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXII.</h2> + +<h3>THE YOUNG MAN FROM BOSTON.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Soon</span> after leaving St. Joe, the emigrant +train which Tom had joined, entered the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span> +territory of Kansas. At that early day the +settlement of this now prosperous State had +scarcely begun. Its rich soil was as yet unvexed +by the plow and the spade, and the tall +prairie grass and virgin forest stretched for +many and many a mile westward in undisturbed +loneliness.</p> + +<p>One afternoon, toward the setting of the +sun, the caravan halted on the site of the +present capital of the State, Topeka. The patient +oxen, wearied with the twenty miles they +had traveled, were permitted to graze. The +ten baggage wagons or "ships of the plain," as +they were sometimes called—came to anchor +in a sea of verdure. They were ranged in a +circle, the interior space being occupied as a +camping-ground. Then began preparations +for supper. Some of the party were sent for +water. A fire was built, and the travelers, with +a luxurious enjoyment of rest, sank upon the +grass.</p> + +<p>Donald Ferguson looked thoughtfully over +the vast expanse of unsettled prairie, and said +to Tom, "It's a great country, Tom. There +seems no end to it."</p> + +<p>"That's the way I felt when I was plodding<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span> +along to-day through the mud," said Tom, +laughing.</p> + +<p>"It's because the soil is so rich," said the +Scotchman. "It'll be a great farming country +some day, I'm thinking."</p> + +<p>"I suppose the soil isn't so rich in Scotland, +Mr. Ferguson?"</p> + +<p>"No, my lad. It's rocky and barren, and +covered with dry heather; but it produces rare +men, for all that."</p> + +<p>Mr. Ferguson was patriotic to the backbone. +He would not claim for Scotland what she +could not fairly claim; but he was all ready +with some compensating claim.</p> + +<p>"How do you stand the walking, Mr. +Ferguson?"</p> + +<p>"I'm getting used to it."</p> + +<p>"Then it's more than I am. I think it's +beastly."</p> + +<p>These words were not uttered by Tom, but +by rather a dandified-looking young man, who +came up limping. He was from Boston, and +gave his name as Lawrence Peabody. He had +always lived in Boston, where he had been +employed in various genteel avocations; but +in an evil hour he had been lured from his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span> +comfortable home by the seductive cry of gold, +and, laying down his yardstick, had set out +for California across the plains. He was a +slender young man, with limbs better fitted for +dancing than for tramping across the prairie, +and he felt bitterly the fatigue of the journey.</p> + +<p>"Are you tired, Mr. Peabody?" asked Tom.</p> + +<p>"I am just about dead. I didn't bargain for +walking all the way across the prairies. Why +couldn't old Fletcher let me ride?"</p> + +<p>"The oxen have had all they could do to-day +to draw the wagons through the mud."</p> + +<p>"Look at those boots," said the Bostonian +ruefully, pointing to a pair of light calfskin +boots, which were so overlaid with mud that +it was hard to tell what was their original +color. "I bought those boots in Boston only +two weeks ago. Everybody called them stylish. +Now they are absolutely disreputable."</p> + +<p>"It seems to me, my friend," said the +Scotchman, "that you did not show much +sagacity in selecting such boots for your journey. +My young friend, Tom, is much better +provided."</p> + +<p>"His boots are cowhide," said Mr. Lawrence<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span> +Peabody disdainfully. "Do you think I +would wear cowhide boots?"</p> + +<p>"You would find them more serviceable, Mr. +Peabody," said Tom. "Besides, I don't believe +anybody could tell the difference now."</p> + +<p>"How much did you pay for them?" asked +the Bostonian.</p> + +<p>"A dollar and a half."</p> + +<p>"Humph! I thought so," returned Peabody +contemptuously. "We don't wear cowhide +boots in Boston."</p> + +<p>"You are not in Boston now."</p> + +<p>"I wish I was," said Peabody energetically. +"I wouldn't have started if I had known what +was before me. I expected to travel like a +gentleman, instead of wading through this +cursed mud till I'm ready to drop. Look at +my pantaloons, all splashed with mire. What +would my friends say if I should appear in this +rig on Washington Street?"</p> + +<p>"They might take you for a bog-trotter," +said Tom, smiling.</p> + +<p>"I have always been particular about my +appearance," said Peabody plaintively. "'He +looks just as if he'd come out of a bandbox,'<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span> +some of my lady friends used to say. How do +I look now?"</p> + +<p>"Like a dirty-handed son of toil," said Tom +humorously.</p> + +<p>"So do you," retorted Peabody, who felt +that this was uncomplimentary.</p> + +<p>"I admit it," said Tom; "and that's just +what I expect to be. You don't expect to dig +gold with kid gloves on, do you, Mr. Peabody?"</p> + +<p>"I wish I had brought some with me," said +the Bostonian seriously. "It would have saved +my hands looking so dingy."</p> + +<p>"How came you to start for California, my +friend?" inquired Ferguson.</p> + +<p>"The fact is," said Peabody, "I am not rich. +There are members of our family who are +wealthy; but I am not one of the lucky +number."</p> + +<p>"You were making a living at home, were +you not?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; but my income was only enough for +myself."</p> + +<p>"I suppose you were in love, then," said +Tom.</p> + +<p>"I don't mind saying that I was; confidentially,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span> +of course," said Mr. Peabody complacently.</p> + +<p>"Was your love returned?"</p> + +<p>"I may say it was. The young lady was the +daughter of a merchant prince. I saw that +she loved me, but her father would not consent +to our union, on account of my limited means. +I read in the <i>Transcript</i> of the gold discoveries +in California. I determined to go out there, +and try my fortune. If I am successful I will +go home, and, with a bag of gold in each hand, +demand the hand of Matilda from her haughty +sire. When he asks me for my credentials, I +will point to the gold, and say, 'Behold them +here!'"</p> + +<p>"If both your hands are full I don't see how +you can point to the bags of gold," said Tom, +who liked to tease the young Bostonian.</p> + +<p>"There are a great many things you don't +understand," said Mr. Peabody, irritably.</p> + +<p>"He is right, Tom," said Ferguson, with a +quiet smile.</p> + +<p>"If you are both against me, I will give it +up," said Tom. "All I can say is, I hope you'll +get the two bags of gold, Mr. Peabody, and +that you'll get the young lady, too."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span></p> + +<p>Here Fletcher came up, and called upon +Tom to assist in preparations for supper. Our +hero readily complied with the request. Indeed, +he always showed himself so obliging +that he won the favorable regards of all.</p> + +<p>Mr. Peabody continued the conversation +with Mr. Ferguson.</p> + +<p>"Do you think there's as much gold in California +as people say?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"No," answered the Scotchman.</p> + +<p>"You don't?" ejaculated the Bostonian, in +dismay.</p> + +<p>"No; people always magnify when they talk +of a new country. Now, my friend, how much +do you expect to get in the first year?"</p> + +<p>"Well, about fifty thousand dollars," answered +Peabody.</p> + +<p>"And how much were you earning in +Boston—a thousand dollars?"</p> + +<p>"About that," answered Peabody vaguely. +In fact, he had been working on a salary of +twelve dollars a week, in a retail dry-goods +store on Washington Street.</p> + +<p>"Then you expect to make fifty times as +much as at home?"</p> + +<p>"Don't you think I will?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I have never had such large expectations. +If I make three or four thousand dollars in +twelve months it will satisfy me."</p> + +<p>"But a man would never get rich, at that +rate," said Lawrence Peabody uneasily.</p> + +<p>"I don't know about that. It depends as +much on what a man does with his money, as +on the amount he makes," said the prudent +Scot.</p> + +<p>"I am afraid I did wrong in leaving Boston," +said Peabody gloomily. "If I am to +travel many weeks through the mud, and get +no more than that, I shall feel that I am poorly +paid."</p> + +<p>"You don't feel like my young friend Tom. +He is full of hope, and enjoys everything."</p> + +<p>"He hasn't been brought up as I have," said +Peabody. "A country boy in cowhide boots +is tough, and don't mind roughing it."</p> + +<p>Ferguson did not have a chance to answer, +for there was a summons to supper—a welcome +call, that made even Mr. Lawrence +Peabody look cheerful for the time being.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2> + +<h3>MR. PEABODY'S TROUBLES.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">When</span> the party camped for the night the +custom was to arrange the baggage wagons in +a semicircle, and provide a resting-place for +the women and children inside. As they were +passing through a country occupied by Indians +it was necessary to post one or more sentinels +to keep watch through the night, and give notice +of any who might be seen lurking near the +camp. Fortunately, however, an Indian attack +was seldom made at night. The time +generally selected was in the morning, when +the party were preparing to start on their +day's march. Tom, as a boy, would have been +excused taking his turn; but this did not suit +him. He requested as a favor, that he might +stand watch with the rest.</p> + +<p>"Can he be relied upon? Is he not too +young?" asked Fletcher, the leader, of Mr. +Ferguson.</p> + +<p>"You can depend upon him," said the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span> +Scotchman confidently. "There's more manliness +in Tom than in many men of twice his +years."</p> + +<p>"Then I will put his name on the list," said +Fletcher.</p> + +<p>"That's right. I'll answer for him."</p> + +<p>But there was one of the travelers who was +by no means eager to stand on watch. This +was Lawrence Peabody, the young man from +Boston. He sought an interview with Fletcher, +and asked to be excused.</p> + +<p>"On what grounds, Mr. Peabody?" asked +Fletcher, surprised.</p> + +<p>"It doesn't agree with me to lose my night's +sleep," said Peabody. "I am naturally delicate, +and——"</p> + +<p>"Your excuse is not satisfactory, Mr. Peabody. +We are banded together in a little community, +having mutual rights and mutual obligations. +In the arrangements made for the +common safety it is your duty to bear your +part."</p> + +<p>"I am willing to provide a substitute," said +Peabody eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Where will you find a substitute?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I have been talking with Tom Nelson. He +says he is willing to serve in my turn."</p> + +<p>"He will serve when his own turn comes; +that will be all we can expect of him."</p> + +<p>"But he is only a boy. Why should he be +expected to take his turn?"</p> + +<p>"If he is old enough to be a substitute, he +is old enough to stand watch for himself."</p> + +<p>"But, Mr. Fletcher, I am very delicate," +protested Lawrence Peabody. "I must have +my regular sleep, or I shall be sick."</p> + +<p>"We must take our chances of that, Mr. +Peabody."</p> + +<p>"I shall be very likely to go to sleep on my +post."</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't advise you to," said Fletcher +seriously. "It might be dangerous."</p> + +<p>"Dangerous!" ejaculated Peabody nervously.</p> + +<p>"Precisely. If a lurking Indian should surprise +you, you might wake up to find yourself +scalped."</p> + +<p>"Good gracious!" exclaimed the Bostonian, +his teeth chattering, for he was not of the stuff +of which heroes are made. "Do you—think +there is any danger of that?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Considerable, if you neglect your duty."</p> + +<p>"But perhaps I can't help falling asleep."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Peabody," said Fletcher sternly, "you +must keep awake. Not only your own safety, +but that of the whole camp, may depend upon +your vigilance. If you choose to risk your +own life, I don't complain of that, but you +shall not imperil ours. I therefore give you +notice, that if you fall asleep on guard you +will be drummed out of camp, and left to shift +for yourself."</p> + +<p>"But I couldn't find my way on the prairie," +said Peabody, very much alarmed.</p> + +<p>"You had better think of that when you are +tempted to close your eyes, Mr. Peabody," replied +Fletcher.</p> + +<p>Lawrence Peabody walked off, feeling very +much disconcerted. Fervently he wished himself +back in Boston, where there are no Indians, +and a man might sleep from one week's +end to another without any danger of losing +his scalp.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter, Mr. Peabody?" asked +Tom, observing his melancholy appearance.</p> + +<p>"I don't think I shall ever live to see California," +answered Mr. Peabody plaintively.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Why, what's the matter now?" asked Tom, +checking an inclination to laugh; "are you +sick?"</p> + +<p>"I don't feel very well, Tom. I'm very +delicate, and this journey is almost too much +for my strength."</p> + +<p>"Oh, cheer up, Mr. Peabody! Think of the +gold that awaits you at the end of the journey."</p> + +<p>"It's all that keeps me up, I do assure you. +But I am afraid I shall never live to get +there," said Peabody, with a groan.</p> + +<p>"Don't think of such things, Mr. Peabody. +Of course none of us is sure of living, but the +chances are, that we shall reach California in +health, make our fortunes, and go home rich. +At any rate, that's what I am looking forward +to."</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't mind so much but for one +thing, Tom."</p> + +<p>"What is that?"</p> + +<p>"Fletcher insists that I shall take my turn +in standing guard. If I were not so delicate +I wouldn't mind; but I know I can't stand it. +I'll give you two dollars to take my place, +every time my turn comes."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I am willing, if Mr. Fletcher is," said Tom, +who was by no means averse to making a little +extra money.</p> + +<p>"But he isn't. I proposed it to him, for I +was sure I could arrange with you; but he refused."</p> + +<p>"I suppose," said Tom slyly, "he thought +I couldn't fill your place. You are a brave, +resolute man, and I am only a boy."</p> + +<p>"Tom—I—I don't mind telling you; but I +am afraid I am not brave."</p> + +<p>"Oh, nonsense, Mr. Peabody! that is only +your modesty."</p> + +<p>"But I assure you," said the young Bostonian +earnestly, "I am speaking the truth. If I +should see an Indian crawling near the camp +I'm really afraid I should faint."</p> + +<p>"You won't know how brave you are till +you are put to the test."</p> + +<p>"But do you think there is any chance of +my being put to the test? Do you think there +are any Indians near?" asked Lawrence Peabody, +wiping the damp perspiration from his +brow.</p> + +<p>"Of course there must be," said Tom.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span> +"We are passing through their hunting-grounds, +you know."</p> + +<p>"Why did I ever leave Boston?" said Mr. +Peabody sadly.</p> + +<p>"You came, as I did, to make your fortune, +Mr. Peabody."</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid I can't keep awake, Tom; Mr. +Fletcher tells me, if I don't, that he will turn +me adrift on the prairie. Isn't that hard?"</p> + +<p>"I am afraid it is a necessary regulation. +But you won't fall asleep. Your turn will +only come about once in two weeks, and that +isn't much."</p> + +<p>"The nights will seem very long."</p> + +<p>"I don't think so. I think it'll be fun, for +my part."</p> + +<p>"But suppose—when you are watching—you +should all at once see an Indian, Tom?" +said Peabody, with a shiver.</p> + +<p>"I think it would be rather unlucky for the +Indian," said Tom coolly.</p> + +<p>"You are a strange boy, Tom," said Mr. +Peabody.</p> + +<p>"What makes you think so?"</p> + +<p>"You don't seem to care anything about the +danger of being scalped."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I don't believe I should like being scalped +any more than you do."</p> + +<p>"You might have got off from standing +watch; but you asked to be allowed to."</p> + +<p>"That is quite true, Mr. Peabody. I want +to meet my fair share of danger and fatigue."</p> + +<p>"You can stand it, for you are strong and +tough. You have not my delicacy of constitution."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps that's it," said Tom, laughing.</p> + +<p>"Would you mind speaking to Fletcher, +and telling him you are willing to take my +place?"</p> + +<p>"I will do it, if you wish me to, Mr. Peabody."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Tom; you are a true friend;" +and Mr. Peabody wrung the hand of his young +companion.</p> + +<p>Tom was as good as his word. He spoke to +Fletcher on the subject; but the leader of the +expedition was obdurate.</p> + +<p>"Can't consent, my boy," he said. "It is +enough for you to take your turn. That young +dandy from Boston needs some discipline to +make a man of him. He will never do anything +in a country like California unless he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span> +has more grit than he shows at present. I +shall do him a favor by not excusing him."</p> + +<p>Tom reported the answer to Peabody, who +groaned in spirit, and nervously waited for +the night when he was to stand watch.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2> + +<h3>A SAD SIGHT.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">A day</span> later, while the wagon-train was +slowly winding through a mountain defile, +they encountered a sight which made even the +stout-hearted leader look grave. Stretched +out stiff and stark were two figures, cold in +death. They were men of middle age, apparently. +From each the scalp had been removed, +thus betraying that the murderers were Indians.</p> + +<p>"I should like to come across the red devils +who did this," said Fletcher.</p> + +<p>"What would you do with them?" asked +Ferguson.</p> + +<p>"Shoot them down like dogs, or if I could +take them captive they should dangle upon the +boughs of yonder tree."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I hope I shall be ready to die when my +time comes," said Ferguson; "but I want it +to be in a Christian bed, and not at the hands +of a dirty savage."</p> + +<p>Just then Lawrence Peabody came up. He +had been lagging in the rear, as usual.</p> + +<p>"What have you found?" he inquired, not +seeing the bodies at first, on account of the +party surrounding them.</p> + +<p>"Come here, and see for yourself, Peabody," +said one of the company.</p> + +<p>Lawrence Peabody peered at the dead men—he +was rather near-sighted—and turned +very pale.</p> + +<p>"Is it the Indians?" he faltered.</p> + +<p>"Yes, it's those devils. You can tell their +work when you see it. Don't you see that they +are scalped?"</p> + +<p>"I believe I shall faint," said Peabody, his +face becoming of a greenish hue. "Tom, let +me lean on your shoulder. Do—do you think +it has been done lately?"</p> + +<p>"Yesterday, probably," said Ferguson. +"The bodies look fresh."</p> + +<p>"Then the Indians that did it must be near +here?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Probably."</p> + +<p>"These men were either traveling by themselves, +or had strayed away from their party," +said Fletcher. "It shows how necessary it is +for us to keep together. In union there is +strength."</p> + +<p>The bodies were examined. In the pocket +of one was found a letter addressed to James +Collins, dated at some town in Maine. The +writer appeared to be his wife. She spoke of +longing for the time when he should return +with money enough to redeem their farm from +a heavy mortgage.</p> + +<p>"Poor woman!" said Ferguson. "She will +wait for her husband in vain. The mortgage +will never be paid through his exertions."</p> + +<p>Tom looked sober, as he glanced compassionately +at the poor emigrant.</p> + +<p>"He came on the same errand that I did," +he said. "I hope my journey will have a happier +ending."</p> + +<p>"Always hope for the best, Tom," said his +Scotch friend. "You will live happier while +you do live, and, if the worst comes, it will be +time enough to submit to it when you must."</p> + +<p>"That is good philosophy, Mr. Ferguson."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Indeed it is, my lad. Don't borrow +trouble."</p> + +<p>"We must bury these poor men," said +Fletcher. "We can't leave them out here, +possibly to be devoured by wild beasts. Who +will volunteer for the service?"</p> + +<p>"Come, Peabody," said John Miles, a broad-shouldered +giant, who had a good-natured contempt +for the young man from Boston. "Suppose +you and I volunteer."</p> + +<p>Lawrence Peabody shrank back in dismay +at the unwelcome proposition.</p> + +<p>"I couldn't do it," he said, shivering. "I +never touched a dead body in my life. I am +so delicate that I couldn't do it, I assure you."</p> + +<p>"It's lucky we are not all delicate," said +Miles, "or the poor fellows would be left unburied. +I suppose if anything happens to you, +Peabody, you will expect us to bury you?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't mention such a thing, Mr. +Miles," entreated Peabody, showing symptoms +of becoming hysterical. "I really can't bear +it."</p> + +<p>"It's my belief that nature has made a mistake, +and Peabody was meant for a woman," +said Miles, shrugging his shoulders.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I will assist you, my friend," said the +Scotchman. "It's all that remains for us to +do for the poor fellows."</p> + +<p>"Not quite all," said Tom. "Somebody +ought to write to the poor wife. We have +her address in the letter you took from the +pocket."</p> + +<p>"Well thought of, my lad," said Fletcher. +"Will you undertake it?"</p> + +<p>"If you think I can do it properly," said +Tom modestly.</p> + +<p>"It'll be grievous news, whoever writes it. +You can do it as well as another."</p> + +<p>In due time Mrs. Collins received a letter +revealing the sad fate of her husband, accompanied +with a few simple words of sympathy.</p> + +<p>Over the grave a rude cross was planted, +fashioned of two boards, with the name of +James Collins, cut out with a jack-knife, upon +them. This inscription was the work of Miles.</p> + +<p>"Somebody may see it who knows Collins," +he said.</p> + +<p>It happened that, on the second night after +the discovery of Collins and his unfortunate +companion, Lawrence Peabody's turn came to +stand watch. He was very uneasy and nervous<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span> +through the day. In the hope of escaping +the ordeal he so much dreaded he bound a +handkerchief round his head.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter, Mr. Peabody?" asked +Fletcher.</p> + +<p>"I've got a fearful headache," groaned Peabody. +"It seems to me as if it would split +open."</p> + +<p>"Let me feel of it," said Fletcher.</p> + +<p>"It doesn't feel hot; it doesn't throb," he +said.</p> + +<p>"It aches terribly," said Peabody. "I'm +very subject to headache. It is the effect of a +delicate constitution."</p> + +<p>"The fellow is shamming," said Fletcher +to himself; and he felt disgust rather than +sympathy.</p> + +<p>"It's a little curious, Mr. Peabody, that this +headache should not come upon you till the +day you are to stand on watch," remarked +the leader, with a sarcasm which even the +young man from Boston detected.</p> + +<p>"Yes, it's strange," he admitted, "and very +unlucky, for of course you won't expect a sick +man to watch."</p> + +<p>"You don't look at it in the right light, Mr.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span> +Peabody. I regard it as rather lucky than +otherwise."</p> + +<p>Lawrence Peabody stared.</p> + +<p>"I don't understand you, Mr. Fletcher," he +said.</p> + +<p>"If you have the headache, it will prevent +you from going to sleep, and you remember +you expressed yourself as afraid that you +might. If you were quite well, I might feel +rather afraid of leaving the camp in your +charge. Now, I am sure you won't fall +asleep."</p> + +<p>Mr. Peabody listened in dismay. The very +plan to which he had resorted in the hope of +evading duty was likely to fasten that duty +upon him.</p> + +<p>"He'll be well before night," thought +Fletcher shrewdly; and he privately imparted +the joke to the rest of the party. The result +was that Mr. Peabody became an object of +general attention.</p> + +<p>In half an hour the young man from Boston +removed his handkerchief from his head.</p> + +<p>"Are you feeling better, Mr. Peabody?" +asked Tom.</p> + +<p>"Very much better," said Peabody.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Your headache seems to pass off suddenly."</p> + +<p>"Yes, it always does," said the young +Bostonian. "I am like mother in that. She +had a delicate constitution, just like mine. +One minute she would have a headache as if +her head would split open, and half an hour +afterward she would feel as well as usual."</p> + +<p>"You are very fortunate. I was afraid +your headache would make it uncomfortable +for you to watch to-night."</p> + +<p>"Yes, it would; but, as the captain said, it +would have kept me awake. Now I don't believe +I can keep from sleeping on my post."</p> + +<p>"Why don't you tell Fletcher so?"</p> + +<p>"Won't you tell him, Tom? He might pay +more attention to it if you told him."</p> + +<p>"No, Mr. Peabody. You are certainly the +most suitable person to speak to him. What +makes you think he would pay more attention +to me, who am only a boy?"</p> + +<p>"He seems to like you, Tom."</p> + +<p>"I hope he does, but really, Mr. Peabody, +you must attend to your own business."</p> + +<p>Fletcher was at the head of the train, walking +beside the first wagon. Hearing hurried<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span> +steps, he turned, and saw Mr. Lawrence Peabody, +panting for breath.</p> + +<p>"Have you got over your headache, Mr. Peabody?" +he asked, with a quiet smile.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Mr. Fletcher, it's all gone."</p> + +<p>"I am glad to hear it."</p> + +<p>"It would have kept me awake to-night, as +you remarked," said Peabody. "Now, I am +really afraid that I shall fall asleep."</p> + +<p>"That would be bad for you."</p> + +<p>"Why so?"</p> + +<p>"You remember those two poor fellows +whom we found scalped the other day?"</p> + +<p>"I shall never forget them," said Lawrence +Peabody, with a shudder.</p> + +<p>"Better think of them to-night. If you go +to sleep on watch, those very Indians may +serve you in the same way."</p> + +<p>"Oh, good gracious!" ejaculated Peabody, +turning pale.</p> + +<p>"They or some of their tribe are, no doubt, +near at hand."</p> + +<p>"Don't you think you could excuse me, +Mr. Fletcher?" stammered Peabody, panic-stricken.</p> + +<p>"No!" thundered Fletcher, so sternly that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span> +the unhappy Bostonian shrank back in dismay.</p> + +<p>For the credit of Boston, it may be said +that John Miles—a broad-shouldered young +giant, who did not know what fear was—more +honorably represented the same city.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXV.</h2> + +<h3>A NIGHT PANIC.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Lawrence Peabody's</span> feelings when night +approached were not unlike those of a prisoner +under sentence of death. He was timid, nervous, +and gifted with a lively imagination. +His fears were heightened by the sad spectacle +that he had recently witnessed. His depression +was apparent to all; but I regret to say that +it inspired more amusement than sympathy. +Men winked at each other as they saw him +pass; and, with the exception of Tom and his +Scotch friend, probably nobody pitied the +poor fellow.</p> + +<p>"He's a poor creature, Tom," said Donald +Ferguson; "but I pity him. We wouldn't<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span> +mind watching to-night; but I doubt it's a +terrible thing to him."</p> + +<p>"I would volunteer in his place, but Mr. +Fletcher won't agree to it," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"He is right. The young man must take +his turn. He won't dread it so much a second +time."</p> + +<p>"What would the poor fellow do if he +should see an Indian?"</p> + +<p>"Faint, likely; but that is not probable."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Fletcher thinks there are some not +far off."</p> + +<p>"They don't attack in the night, so I hear."</p> + +<p>"That seems strange to me. I should think +the night would be most favorable for them."</p> + +<p>"It's their way. Perhaps they have some +superstition that hinders."</p> + +<p>"I am glad of it, at any rate. I can sleep +with greater comfort."</p> + +<p>The rest were not as considerate as Tom +and Ferguson. They tried, indeed, to excite +still further the fears of the young Bostonian.</p> + +<p>"Peabody," said Miles, "have you made +your will?"</p> + +<p>"No," answered Peabody nervously. "Why +should I?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, I was thinking that if anything happened +to you to-night you might like to say +how your things are to be disposed of. You've +got a gold watch, haven't you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Peabody nervously.</p> + +<p>"And a little money, I suppose."</p> + +<p>"Not very much, Mr. Miles."</p> + +<p>"No matter about that. Of course if you +are killed you won't have occasion for it," +said Miles, in a matter-of-fact tone.</p> + +<p>"I wish you wouldn't talk that way," +said Peabody irritably. "It makes me nervous."</p> + +<p>"What's the use of being nervous? It won't +do any good."</p> + +<p>"Do you really think, Mr. Miles, there is +much danger?" faltered Peabody.</p> + +<p>"Of course there is danger. But the post +of danger is the post of honor. Now, Peabody, +I want to give you a piece of advice. If you +spy one of those red devils crouching in the +grass, don't stop to parley, but up with your +revolver, and let him have it in the head. If +you can't hit him in the head, hit him where +you can."</p> + +<p>"Wouldn't it be better," suggested Peabody,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span> +in a tremulous voice, "to wake you up, or Mr. +Fletcher?"</p> + +<p>"While you were doing it the savage would +make mince-meat of you. No, Peabody, fire +at once. This would wake us all up, and if +you didn't kill the reptile we would do it for +you."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps he would see me first," suggested +Peabody, in a troubled tone.</p> + +<p>"You mustn't let him. You must have your +eyes all about you. You are not near-sighted, +are you?"</p> + +<p>"I believe I am—a little," said Peabody +eagerly, thinking that this might be esteemed +a disqualification for the position he dreaded.</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, I guess it won't make any difference, +only you will need to be more vigilant."</p> + +<p>"I wish I was blind; just for to-night," +thought Peabody to himself, with an inward +sigh. "Then they would have to excuse me."</p> + +<p>John Miles overtook Fletcher, who was with +the head wagon.</p> + +<p>"Captain Fletcher," he said, "I am afraid +Peabody will make a mighty poor watch."</p> + +<p>"Just my opinion."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span></p> + +<p>"He is more timid than the average woman. +I've got a sister at home that has ten times his +courage. If she hadn't I wouldn't own the relationship."</p> + +<p>"I am not willing to excuse him."</p> + +<p>"Of course not; but I'll tell you what I'll +do. I'll keep an eye open myself, so that we +sha'n't wholly depend on him."</p> + +<p>"If you are willing to do it, Miles, we shall +all be indebted to you. Don't let him know it, +though."</p> + +<p>"I don't mean to. He shall suppose he is +the only man awake in camp."</p> + +<p>At a comparatively early hour the party +stretched themselves out upon the ground, inviting +sleep. Generally they did not have to +wait long. The day's march brought with it +considerable physical fatigue. Even those who +were light sleepers at home slept well on the +trip across the plains. Few or none remained +awake half an hour after lying down. So +Peabody knew that he would soon be practically +alone.</p> + +<p>With a heavy heart he began to pace slowly +forward and back. He came to where Tom +lay.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Tom—Tom Nelson," he called, in a low +voice.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter?" asked Tom, in a +sleepy tone.</p> + +<p>"Are you asleep?"</p> + +<p>"No; but I soon shall be."</p> + +<p>"Won't you try to keep awake a little +while? It won't seem so lonesome."</p> + +<p>"Sorry I can't accommodate you, Mr. Peabody; +but I'm awfully tired and sleepy."</p> + +<p>"Who's that talking there?" drowsily demanded +the nearest emigrant. "Can't you +keep quiet, and let a fellow sleep?"</p> + +<p>"Good night, Mr. Peabody," said Tom, by +way of putting an end to the conversation.</p> + +<p>"Good night," returned the sentinel disconsolately.</p> + +<p>The hours passed on, and Lawrence Peabody +maintained his watch. He was in no +danger of going to sleep, feeling too timid and +nervous. He began to feel a little more comfortable. +He could see nothing suspicious, +and hear nothing except the deep breathing +of his sleeping comrades.</p> + +<p>"It is not so bad as I expected," he muttered +to himself.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span></p> + +<p>He began to feel a little self-complacent, +and to reflect that he had underrated his own +courage. He privately reflected that he was +doing as well as any of his predecessors in +duty. He began to think that after he had +got back to Boston with a fortune, gained in +California, he could impress his friends with +a narrative of his night-watch on the distant +prairies. But his courage had not yet been +tested.</p> + +<p>He took out his watch to see how time was +passing.</p> + +<p>It pointed to <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'twelev'">twelve</ins> o'clock.</p> + +<p>Why there should be anything more alarming +in twelve o'clock than in any other hour +I can't pretend to say, but the fact none will +question. Mr. Peabody felt a nervous thrill +when his eyes rested on the dial. He looked +about him, and the darkness seemed blacker +and more awe-inspiring than ever, now that +he knew it to be midnight.</p> + +<p>"Will it ever be morning?" he groaned. +"Four long hours at least before there will +be light. I don't know how I am going to +stand it."</p> + +<p>Now, there was attached to the wagon-train +one of those universally despised but useful<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span> +animals, a donkey, the private property of a +man from Iowa, who expected to make it of +service in California. The animal was tethered +near the camp, and was generally quiet. +But to-night he was wakeful, and managed +about midnight to slip his tether, and wandered +off. Peabody did not observe his escape. +His vigilance was somewhat relaxed, +and with his head down he gave way to +mournful reflection. Suddenly the donkey, +who was now but a few rods distant, uplifted +his voice in a roar which the night stillness +made louder than usual. It was too much +for the overwrought nerves of the sentinel. +He gave a shriek of terror, fired wildly in the +air, and sank fainting to the ground. Of +course the camp was roused. Men jumped to +their feet, and, rubbing their eyes, gazed +around them in bewilderment.</p> + +<p>It was not long before the truth dawned +upon them. There lay the sentinel, insensible +from fright, his discharged weapon at his +feet, and the almost equally terrified donkey +was in active flight, making the air vocal with +his peculiar cries.</p> + +<p>There was a great shout of laughter, in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span> +midst of which Peabody recovered consciousness.</p> + +<p>"Where am I?" he asked, looking about +him wildly, and he instinctively felt for his +scalp, which he was relieved to find still in its +place.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter?" asked the leader. +"What made you fire?"</p> + +<p>"I—I thought it was the Indians," faltered +Peabody. "I thought I heard their horrid +war-whoop."</p> + +<p>"Not very complimentary to the Indians to +compare them with donkeys," said Miles.</p> + +<p>Lawrence Peabody was excused from duty +for the remainder of the night, his place being +taken by Miles and Tom in turn.</p> + +<p>It was a long time before he heard the last +of his ridiculous panic, but he was not sensitive +as to his reputation for courage, and he +bore it, on the whole, pretty well.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXVI.</h2> + +<h3>MR. PEABODY IS WORSTED.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">The</span> traveler of to-day who is whirled across +the continent in six days and a half has little<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span> +conception of what the overland journey was +in the year 1850. Week after week and month +after month slipped away between the start +and the arrival on the western slope of the +Sierra Nevadas. Delicate women and children +of tender years developed extraordinary +endurance, and showed remarkable fortitude +on the wearisome trip. But the hope of bettering +their fortunes was the magnet that +drew them steadily on, day after day, in their +march across the plains.</p> + +<p>Tom was at an age when adventure has a +charm. His feet were often weary; but he +never tired of the journey. Every morning +found him active, alert, and ready for the toilsome +walk. He was, indeed, impatient for the +time to come when he could be earning something +to pay up his debt to Squire Hudson, +and so relieve his father from the additional +burden assumed for his sake. Otherwise he +was quite content to plod on, seeing something +new every day.</p> + +<p>"You're always cheerful, Tom, my lad," +said Ferguson, one day.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Tom. "I am having a good +time."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Youth is aye the time for enjoyment. +When I was a lad like you I might have been +the same."</p> + +<p>"Don't you enjoy the journey, Mr. Ferguson?" +asked Tom.</p> + +<p>"I'm getting tired of it, Tom. I look upon +it as a means to an end. I'm in a hurry to +reach the mines."</p> + +<p>"So am I, Mr. Ferguson, for that matter."</p> + +<p>"And I can't help thinking, what if they +don't turn out as well as we expect? Then +there'll be months lost, besides a good bit of +money," replied Ferguson.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm sure there is plenty of gold, and +we shall get our share," said Tom confidently; +"that is, if we have our health."</p> + +<p>"I hope it'll be as you say, my lad. Indeed, +I think you are right. You have taught +me a lesson."</p> + +<p>"Have I, Mr. Ferguson? What is it?"</p> + +<p>"Always to look on the bright side. It is +a lesson worth learning. It makes a man feel +happier, and often gives courage to press on +to the accomplishment of his purpose."</p> + +<p>"I suppose it is natural to me," said Tom.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It is a happy gift. It is a pity that poor +creature from Boston hadn't it."</p> + +<p>Lawrence Peabody was approaching, and +this no doubt led to the allusion. He was +limping along, looking decidedly down in +the mouth, which, indeed, was not unusual.</p> + +<p>"What is the matter with you, Mr. Peabody?" +asked Tom.</p> + +<p>"I'm almost gone," groaned Peabody. +"My strength is exhausted, and, besides, I've +got a terrible corn on my left foot."</p> + +<p>"How long has that been?"</p> + +<p>"For two or three days. It's torture for +me to walk. I don't know but you'll have to +leave me here on the prairie to perish."</p> + +<p>"Not so bad as that, Mr. Peabody, I hope. +Perhaps Mr. Chapman will lend you his donkey +to ride upon."</p> + +<p>The owner of the donkey was within hearing +distance, and at once expressed a willingness +to lend his animal to Mr. Peabody.</p> + +<p>"That will be better than perishing on the +prairies," said Tom cheerfully.</p> + +<p>"I am not much used to riding," said Peabody +cautiously.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span></p> + +<p>"He won't run away with you, Peabody," +said the owner. "He's too lazy."</p> + +<p>Lawrence Peabody was already aware of +this fact, and it gave him courage to accept +the offered help. He mounted Solomon—as +the donkey was called, for some unknown +reason—and for a time enjoyed the relief +from the toil of walking. He became quite +cheerful, and was disposed to congratulate +himself upon his success, when an unfortunate +fit of obstinacy came over Solomon. It +dawned upon the sagacious animal that it +would be much easier to travel without a +load, and, turning his head, he looked thoughtfully +at his rider.</p> + +<p>"Get up, Solomon!" exclaimed Peabody, +striking the animal on the haunch.</p> + +<p>Solomon felt that this was taking a personal +liberty and he stood stock-still, his face +expressive of obstinacy.</p> + +<p>"Why don't he go on?" asked Peabody, +perplexed.</p> + +<p>"He's stopping to rest," said Tom. "I am +afraid he is lazy."</p> + +<p>"Go along!" exclaimed Peabody, again +using his whip. But the animal did not budge.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span></p> + +<p>"This is really very provoking," murmured +the rider. "What shall I do?"</p> + +<p>"Don't give up to him," advised one of the +company. "Here, let me whip him."</p> + +<p>"Thank you; I wish you would."</p> + +<p>It was an unlucky speech. The other complied +with the request, and delivered his blow +with such emphasis that Solomon's equanimity +was seriously disturbed. He dashed forward +with what speed he could command, +Mr. Peabody holding on, in a sort of panic, +till he was a hundred yards away. Then he +stopped suddenly, lowering his head, and his +hapless rider was thrown over it, landing +some distance in advance. Solomon looked at +him with grim humor, if a donkey is capable +of such a feeling, and, apparently satisfied, +turned and walked complacently back to the +wagon-train.</p> + +<p>Several of the company, witnessing the accident, +hurried forward to Mr. Peabody's assistance. +They picked him up, groaning and +bewildered, but not much hurt.</p> + +<p>"None of your limbs broken," said Miles. +"I guess you'll do."</p> + +<p>"I'm badly shaken up," moaned Peabody.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It will do you good," said Miles bluntly.</p> + +<p>"You had better try it yourself, then," retorted +Peabody, with unwonted spirit.</p> + +<p>"Good for you!" laughed Miles. "I suspect +you are not dead yet."</p> + +<p>"What made you put me on such a vicious +beast?" asked Peabody of the owner.</p> + +<p>"Solomon isn't vicious; he's only lazy," +said Chapman. "We can't blame him much."</p> + +<p>"I think he ought to be shot," said Peabody, +painfully rising, and stretching out one +limb after another to make sure that none +was broken.</p> + +<p>"You seem to be unlucky, Mr. Peabody," +said Tom.</p> + +<p>"I'm always unlucky," moaned Peabody.</p> + +<p>"Will you ride again, Mr. Peabody?" asked +Chapman. "I'll catch Solomon for you, if +you like."</p> + +<p>"Not for fifty dollars!" exclaimed Peabody +energetically. "It is as much as anybody's +life is worth."</p> + +<p>"If you will make me the same offer, I +won't refuse, Mr. Chapman," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"You can mount him, if you like."</p> + +<p>Tom waited for no second invitation. He<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span> +approached Solomon cautiously, vaulted upon +his back, and the animal, disagreeably surprised, +had recourse to the same tactics which +had proved so successful in the case of the +young man from Boston. But he had a different +kind of a rider to deal with. Tom had +been accustomed to ride from the time he was +six years of age, and he stuck to his seat in +spite of all attempts to dislodge him. So far +from feeling alarmed, he enjoyed the struggle.</p> + +<p>"It's no go, Solomon!" he said gaily. +"You've tackled the wrong customer this time. +Better make up your mind to go as I want you +to."</p> + +<p>Solomon came to the same conclusion after +a time. He had tried his ordinary tactics, and +they had proved unavailing. The struggle had +been witnessed with some interest by the other +members of the company.</p> + +<p>"You can ride, youngster; that's a fact," +said the owner of the donkey. "I didn't say +anything, but I rather expected to see you follow +Peabody."</p> + +<p>"I'm used to riding," said Tom modestly. +"Mr. Peabody is not."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Every lad ought to know how to ride," +said Ferguson. "It's a deal manlier than +smoking a cigar, to my thinking."</p> + +<p>"I can smoke a cigar," said Peabody, desirous +probably of appearing to possess one +manly accomplishment.</p> + +<p>"You will hardly find it as useful as riding +in the new country you are going to, Mr. Peabody," +said Ferguson dryly.</p> + +<p>"I'd give something for a good cigar myself," +said John Miles.</p> + +<p>"I prefer riding," said Tom. "I never +smoked a cigar in my life."</p> + +<p>"You are just as well off without it, my +lad," said the Scotchman. "It don't do men any +good, and always harms boys."</p> + +<p>Peabody never again mounted Solomon. +One trial was sufficient, and, footsore and lame +as he was, he decidedly preferred to walk.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXVII.</h2> + +<h3>THE LOST HORSE.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Day</span> followed day, and every sunset found +the party from eighteen to twenty miles nearer<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span> +the land of gold. They had not yet been molested +by Indians, though on more than one +occasion they had encountered the remains of +those whom the savages had ruthlessly slaughtered. +When they witnessed such a spectacle +they were moved less by fear than indignation.</p> + +<p>"I didn't think I should ever thirst for a +fellow creature's blood," said John Miles; +"but if I could meet the savages that did this +bloody work, I would shoot them down like +dogs, and sleep all the more soundly for it. +How is it with you, friend Ferguson?"</p> + +<p>"I am inclined to agree with you," said the +Scotchman. "When an Indian makes himself +a beast of prey he should be treated accordingly."</p> + +<p>"Are there any Indians in California?" +asked Peabody nervously.</p> + +<p>"I don't think we shall have any trouble +with them there, Mr. Peabody," said Ferguson.</p> + +<p>"Then I wish I was there now. It must be +terrible to be scalped;" and the young man +from Boston shuddered.</p> + +<p>"I don't think it would be an agreeable surgical +operation," said Fletcher, who had just<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span> +come up. "Let us hope that we shall not be +called upon to undergo it."</p> + +<p>The next morning, when breakfast was +over, and the party was preparing to start, an +unpleasant discovery was made. One of the +most valuable horses was missing. He must +have slipped his tether during the night, and +strayed away; as they were situated, the loss +of such an animal would be felt.</p> + +<p>"He can't be far away," said Fletcher. +"Some of us must go after him."</p> + +<p>"Let Peabody mount the mustang, and +undertake to find him," suggested John Miles, +winking at the captain.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Peabody," said Captain Fletcher +gravely, "will you undertake to recover the +horse? We shall all feel under great obligations +to you."</p> + +<p>"I—I hope you will excuse me, Captain +Fletcher," stammered Peabody, in great alarm. +"I know I couldn't find the horse. I shouldn't +know where to look."</p> + +<p>"This is where he got away. You can see +his trail in the grass," said Scott, a young man +from Indiana. "All you will have to do will +be to follow the trail, Mr. Peabody."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'm very near-sighted," pleaded Peabody. +"I should lose my way, and never come back."</p> + +<p>"Carrying the mustang with you? That +would be a loss indeed," said John Miles pointedly. +"On the whole, Captain Fletcher, we +had better excuse Mr. Peabody."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Peabody is excused," said the leader.</p> + +<p>"Thank you," said Peabody, looking relieved. +"I would go, I am sure, if I could do +any good; but I know I couldn't."</p> + +<p>"Who will volunteer?" asked Fletcher.</p> + +<p>"Let me go," said Tom eagerly.</p> + +<p>"You are not afraid of losing your way, +Tom?" said Miles.</p> + +<p>"No; or if I do, I will find it again."</p> + +<p>"That boy is more of a man now than Peabody +will ever be," said Miles, in a low voice +to Ferguson.</p> + +<p>"That he is," said the Scotchman, who was +a firm friend of our young hero. "There is +the making of a noble man in him."</p> + +<p>"I believe you."</p> + +<p>"I have no objection to your going, Tom," +said Fletcher; "but it is better that you should +have company. Who will go with the boy?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I," said several, among them John Miles +and Henry Scott.</p> + +<p>"You may go, Scott," said the leader. "I +have work for Miles at camp. The sooner you +get started the better."</p> + +<p>"All right, captain. Come along, Tom."</p> + +<p>The two were in the saddle before two minutes +had passed, and, guided by the trail, +struck out upon the prairie.</p> + +<p>Scott was a tall, broad-shouldered young +farmer, not over twenty-five, strong and athletic, +and reported, the best runner, wrestler, +and vaulter in the party. Tom was very well +pleased to have his company.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXVIII.</h2> + +<h3>INDIAN CASUISTRY.</h3> + + +<p>"<span class="smcap">I should</span> like to know when the horse got +away," said Scott, as he and Tom rode on side +by side; "then we could calculate how far we +should have to go before overtaking him."</p> + +<p>"He wouldn't be likely to travel all the time, +would he?" asked Tom.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Probably not. He may have gone only a +mile or two. Are your eyes good?"</p> + +<p>"Pretty good."</p> + +<p>"Look about, then, and see if you can anywhere +see anything of the rover."</p> + +<p>Scott and Tom, drawing rein, looked searchingly +in all directions; but nowhere was the +lost animal visible.</p> + +<p>"Somebody may have found him," suggested +Tom.</p> + +<p>"That may be. If so, we have a harder +job before us."</p> + +<p>The prairie was not quite level, but was +what is called a rolling prairie, and this limited +the view. Otherwise it would have been +easy for a person, whose sight was keen, to +have distinguished an object as large as a +horse at a distance of many miles.</p> + +<p>"Are you sure we are on the right track, +Mr. Scott?" asked Tom.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I can see by the trail."</p> + +<p>"I can see no hoof-marks."</p> + +<p>"Not just here; but look closely, and you +will see slight marks of disturbance in the +grass. As long as these signs last we need<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span> +have no doubts as to our being on the right +track."</p> + +<p>"The same trail will lead us back to our +party," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I shouldn't like to part from them +in this country. It would be rather a bad +place to be lost without provisions."</p> + +<p>They had ridden about five miles, when the +trail became clearer and better defined. In +fact, the marks in the prairie grass appeared +more numerous than a single horse would be +likely to make.</p> + +<p>Scott looked grave.</p> + +<p>"We will halt here a moment, Tom," he +said. "I want to examine the trail."</p> + +<p>"Shall I get off my horse?"</p> + +<p>"No; it is not necessary."</p> + +<p>Scott dismounted and walked about, closely +examining the marks in the grass.</p> + +<p>Finally he looked up.</p> + +<p>"I begin to think it doubtful whether we +shall recover Dan," he said.</p> + +<p>"Why?"</p> + +<p>"He has been found and carried off," was +the reply. "Do you see the double trail?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Tom, after a brief examination.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It means that a horseman has found Dan, +and led him away. This rather complicates +matters."</p> + +<p>"What do you think we had better do?" +inquired Tom.</p> + +<p>"That requires consideration. I could tell +better if I knew by whom the horse had been +found. The finder may be honest, and would, +in that case, surrender it on our appearing, +and claiming him. But, again, he may be dishonest, +and resist our claims."</p> + +<p>"We are two to one," said Tom stoutly.</p> + +<p>"We don't know that. The man may belong +to a party."</p> + +<p>"The members of his party would know +that the horse was not his."</p> + +<p>"Quite true, if the party was composed of +decent persons, like our own; but that is not +certain."</p> + +<p>"Then will you go back without Dan?" +asked Tom.</p> + +<p>"I don't want to do that. In fact I should +be ashamed to. Captain Fletcher would conclude +that he might as well have sent Peabody; +and I am not anxious to be classed with +him."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Nor I," said Tom, smiling.</p> + +<p>"So the only thing is to push on, and make +what discoveries we may."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Tom cheerfully.</p> + +<p>They rode on for a couple of miles, having +no difficulty in following the trail, until they +reached the brow of a small eminence. Here +they were greeted with a sight that startled +them. A group of a dozen Indians were reclining +on the grass, with their horses fastened +near them. Startled as they were, they detected +the animal of which they were in search +among the Indian horses.</p> + +<p>"We've walked into a trap with our eyes +open, Tom," said Scott, halting his horse mechanically. +His bronzed face was a little pale, +for he knew well the character of the savages +before him, the hopelessness of escape, and the +terrible fate that probably awaited them.</p> + +<p>"Shall we turn and fly, Mr. Scott?" asked +Tom hurriedly.</p> + +<p>"It would be of no use, Tom. We must +stay and face the music."</p> + +<p>Upon the appearance of the two friends the +Indians had sprung to their feet, and the +colloquy was scarcely over before there was an<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span> +Indian at each bridle-rein. They made signs, +easily understood, for Tom and Scott to dismount.</p> + +<p>"Stop a minute," said Scott, with creditable +coolness, considering the great peril in which +he knew himself to be. "Is there any one here +who speaks English?"</p> + +<p>An elderly Indian stepped forward quickly, +and said, "Speak, white man. I speak English +a little."</p> + +<p>"Good," said Scott; "then I want you to +tell your friends here that I came after a horse +that left our camp last night. Do you understand?"</p> + +<p>The Indian inclined his head.</p> + +<p>"There he is," continued Scott, pointing +with his finger to Dan. "Give him to me, and +I will go away."</p> + +<p>The interpreter turned to his companions, +and repeated what Scott had said. Evidently +it was not favorably received, as Scott could +see by the menacing looks that were turned +upon him. He waited, with some anxiety, for +the answer to his claim. He had to wait for +some minutes, during which the Indians appeared +to be consulting. It came at last.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The white man has lied," said the Indian +sententiously. "The horse is ours."</p> + +<p>"That's pretty cool, eh, Tom?" said Scott, +provoked; not only by the denial of his claim, +but by the charge of falsehood.</p> + +<p>Tom did not answer, thinking silence more +prudent.</p> + +<p>The Indian interpreter looked suspiciously +from one to the other. He understood what +"cool" meant, but was not familiar with the +special sense in which Scott used it.</p> + +<p>"I will prove that the horse is ours," said +Scott. "Here, Dan!"</p> + +<p>The horse whinnied, and tried to reach +Scott, upon hearing his name pronounced.</p> + +<p>"There," said Scott triumphantly, "you see +the horse knows me. I have not lied."</p> + +<p>The speech was an imprudent one. Indians +are not lawyers, but they understand the familiar +saying, that "possession is nine points +of the law." That the horse was a valuable +one they understood; and they had no intention +of parting with him. Still more, they +looked with covetous eyes at the horses ridden +by Scott and the boy, and they had already +made up their minds to seize them also.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The white man is a magician," said the interpreter. +"He has bewitched the horse. The +horse is ours. He has always belonged to us."</p> + +<p>"It's no use, Tom," said Scott. "They are +bound to keep Dan, and I don't see how we +can help it. We had better give him up, and +get away if we can. All the same, the fellow +is an outrageous liar."</p> + +<p>He spoke in a low voice, and the interpreter, +though listening attentively, did not quite +catch what was said.</p> + +<p>"I guess you are right," said Tom.</p> + +<p>Scott turned to the interpreter.</p> + +<p>"Well, if you think it is yours, squire, I +reckon you will keep it. So we'll say good +morning, and go."</p> + +<p>He pulled the rein, but the Indian at his +bridle did not let go.</p> + +<p>"Good morning, gentlemen," said Scott. +"We are going."</p> + +<p>"White man must stay," said the Indian +interpreter decisively.</p> + +<p>"Why?" demanded Scott impatiently.</p> + +<p>"He has tried to steal Indian's horse," said +the wily savage.</p> + +<p>"Well, by gosh; that's turning the tables<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span> +with a vengeance," ejaculated Scott. "They're +rather ahead of white rogues, Tom. Will you +let the boy go?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"White boy stay, too," answered the interpreter, +after a brief reference to the leader of +the Indian party.</p> + +<p>"Tom," said Scott rapidly, and not appearing +to be excited, lest his excitement should +lead to suspicion, "none of them are mounted. +Lash your horse, and tear from the grasp of +the man that holds him; then follow me. It +is our only chance."</p> + +<p>Tom's heart beat rapidly. He knew that all +his nerve was called for; but he did not falter.</p> + +<p>"Give the signal," he said.</p> + +<p>"One, two, three!" said Scott rapidly. +Simultaneously both lashed their horses. The +startled animals sprang forward. The grips +of the Indians, who were not suspecting any +attempts at escape, were already relaxed, and +before they were fully aware of what was intended +our two friends were galloping away.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIX.</h2> + +<h3>A RACE FOR LIFE.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Indians were taken by surprise. They +so outnumbered their intended captives that +they had not anticipated an attempt at escape. +But they had no intention of losing +their prey. There was a howl of surprise and +disappointment; then they sprang for their +horses, and, with little delay, were on the +track of our two friends.</p> + +<p>The delay was small, but it was improved by +Scott and Tom. Pressing their animals to +their highest speed they gained a lead of several +hundred feet before their savage pursuers +had fairly started. It was well that Tom was +a good rider, or he might not have been able to +keep his seat. In fact, he had never ridden so +rapidly before: but he felt that he was riding +for his life, and was only anxious to ride +faster. Scott had felt a little anxious on this +point; but his anxiety vanished when he saw +how easily and fearlessly his boy companion +kept at his side.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well done, Tom!" he said, as they flew +over the prairie. "Keep up this pace, and we +will escape yet."</p> + +<p>"I can do it, if my horse holds out," returned +Tom briefly.</p> + +<p>Scott looked over his shoulder, and, brave +man as he was, it almost made him shudder. +The whole party of Indians was on his track. +He could see their dusky faces, distorted by +wrath, and the longing for a savage revenge. +He knew that Tom and he had little to hope +for if they were caught. Fortunately their +horses were strong and fleet, and not likely +to break down.</p> + +<p>"Ride for your life, Tom!" he shouted. +"They will show us no mercy if they catch +us."</p> + +<p>"All right, Mr. Scott!" said Tom, his face +flushed, and panting with excitement. If he +had not felt that so much depended upon it; if +he could have thrust out from his mind the +sense of the awful peril in which he stood—he +would have enjoyed the furious pace at which +his horse was carrying him.</p> + +<p>The horses ridden by the Indians were not +equal in speed or endurance to those which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span> +the two friends bestrode. They were fresher +indeed, but they did not make up for the difference +between them. There was one exception, +however: Dan, the stolen horse, was not +only equal to either of their horses, but had +the advantage of being fresher. This, after +a while, began to tell. It was ridden by a +young Indian brave, a brother of the leader. +Soon he drew away from his companions, and, +yard by yard, lessened the distance between +himself and the pursued. At the end of three +miles he was close upon them, and at least +fifty rods in advance of his comrades. Scott +saw this in one of his backward glances.</p> + +<p>"Tom," said he, "the redskin on Dan is +overhauling us."</p> + +<p>"Will he catch us?"</p> + +<p>"I mean to catch him," said Scott coolly.</p> + +<p>Tom did not need to ask for an explanation. +Scott wheeled round, took hasty but accurate +aim at the Indian, and fired. The hapless warrior +reeled in his saddle, loosed his hold of the +reins, and fell to the ground, while his horse, +continuing in his course, his pace accelerated +by fright, soon galloped alongside of Scott. +There was a howl of rage from the main body<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span> +of Indians, who saw the fate of their comrade, +without being able to help him.</p> + +<p>"Now, Tom, ride as you never rode before!" +shouted Scott. "We will circumvent those +Indian devils yet, and bring Dan safe into +camp. Come along, Dan, old fellow; you're +doing nobly."</p> + +<p>Dan recognized the familiar voice. He entered +into the spirit of the race, and, relieved +from the weight of his rider, dashed forward +with increased speed, till he led, and Scott and +Tom were forced to follow.</p> + +<p>The Indians were mad with rage. Their +comrade had received a fatal wound. They +saw the round hole in his breast, from which +the life-blood was gushing, and they thirsted +for vengeance.</p> + +<p>Should two palefaces, one of them a boy, +escape from them? That would be a disgrace, +indeed; the blood of their brother called for +blood in return.</p> + +<p>Could they have inspired their horses with +the same spirit which animated themselves, +they might, perhaps, have overtaken their intended +captives; but, happily for our two<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span> +friends, the horses were less interested than +their riders.</p> + +<p>The danger was well-nigh over. It was +scarcely two miles to the camp. There they +would be so re-enforced that the Indians would +not venture an attack. That was the goal they +had in view. Already they could see in the +distance the wagon-train, ready for a start. +They were surely safe now. But at this unlucky +moment Tom's horse stumbled. The +motion was so rapid that he could not retain +his seat. He was thrown over the horse's head, +and lay stunned and insensible upon the +ground. His horse kept on his way to the +camp.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXX.</h2> + +<h3>TOM BECOMES AN INDIAN.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Scott</span> did not immediately notice Tom's +mishap. The boy had shown himself so good +a rider that such an accident had not occurred +to him as likely to happen. When he did look +back there was already a considerable distance +between them. In fact, Tom lay midway between +the Indians and himself.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span></p> + +<p>What was he to do?</p> + +<p>If he returned there was no hope of rescuing +Tom; and he would infallibly fall into the +hands of the Indian pursuers. In that case +his fate was sealed. He had killed an Indian +warrior, and his life would pay the forfeit. +By going on he could head a rescuing party +from the camp. His heart ached for Tom. It +was hard to leave him in the hands of the savage +foe; but Tom was a boy, and there was +hope that he would be spared; so he felt that it +was better to continue his flight.</p> + +<p>There was a shout of fierce joy when the Indians +saw Tom's fall. They would have preferred +to capture Scott, for he it was who had +killed their comrade; but they were glad to +have one prisoner. They reined up their +horses, and halted beside the still insensible +boy. They held a brief consultation, and decided +not to continue the pursuit. They could +see the encampment, which Scott was sure to +reach before he could be overtaken. They +could not tell the number of the party to +which he belonged; but, being few in numbers +themselves, the risk would be a hazardous one. +They decided to retire with their prisoner.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span> +Tom was lifted to a seat in front of one of the +party, and they rode leisurely back.</p> + +<p>This was the position in which our hero +found himself when he roused from his stupor. +One glance revealed to him the whole. His +heart sank within him. They might kill him. +Remembering the ghastly sights he had seen +on his trip across the plains, he thought it +likely that they would. Life was sweet to +Tom. To what boy of sixteen is it not? It +seemed hard to be cut off in the threshold of an +active career, and by savage hands. But there +was an additional pang in the thought that +now he would be unable to help his father. +The result of his plan would only be to impose +an additional burden upon the modest home +which his father found it so hard to keep up. +Tom sighed; and, for the first time in his life, +he felt discouraged.</p> + +<p>He looked about him, scanning the dark, +grave faces, and read no hope or encouragement +in any. Finally the Indians came to a +halt at their old camping-ground, and Tom +was lifted from the horse. He was placed upon +the ground, in the center of the group. Then +followed a consultation. From the glances<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span> +directed toward him Tom understood that he +was the subject of deliberation. In fact, his +fate was being decided.</p> + +<p>It was certainly a trying ordeal for our +young hero. He was not sure of half an hour's +life. An unfavorable decision might be followed +by immediate execution. Tom felt that +his best course was to remain perfectly passive. +He could not understand what was said; but +we are able to acquaint the reader with the +general purport of the conference.</p> + +<p>Several of the Indians favored immediate +death.</p> + +<p>"Our brother's blood calls for vengeance," +they said. "The white boy must die."</p> + +<p>"The boy did not kill him," said others. +"It was the white warrior who spilled our +brother's blood. He must be pursued and +slain."</p> + +<p>"What, then, shall be done with the boy? +Shall he go?"</p> + +<p>"No; we will keep him. He has strong +limbs. We will adopt him into our tribe. He +will make a brave warrior."</p> + +<p>"He shall be my brother," said the chief.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span> +"I will take him in place of my brother who is +dead."</p> + +<p>There was a low murmur of approval. +Even those who had first recommended the +infliction of death seemed to have changed +their minds. They looked at the boy as he +lay stretched out upon the ground. He was +stout, comely, and strongly made. He had +proved that he was an admirable rider. If +he should join them he would grow up into a +warrior who would do credit to their tribe.</p> + +<p>So the matter was settled. The only thing +that remained was to acquaint the prisoner +with the decision.</p> + +<p>The interpreter approached Tom, and said, +"White boy, you are our captive. Why should +we not kill you?"</p> + +<p>"You can if you wish," answered Tom; +"but why should you kill me? I have done +you no harm."</p> + +<p>"Our brother is killed. He lies dead upon +the plain."</p> + +<p>"I did not kill him," said Tom.</p> + +<p>"The white boy speaks truth. He did not +kill our brother, but his white friend took his +life."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You ought not to kill me for that," said +Tom, gathering courage, for he inferred he +was to live.</p> + +<p>"The white boy speaks truth, and therefore +he shall live, but he must join us. He must +live with us, hunt with us, and fight for us."</p> + +<p>"You want me to become an Indian!" +ejaculated Tom.</p> + +<p>"We will take you in place of the warrior +that is gone," said the interpreter.</p> + +<p>Tom looked thoughtful. He did not enjoy +the prospect before him, but it was, at all +events, better than death. While there was +life there was hope of escape. He concluded +to make one appeal for freedom, and, if that +was denied, to accept the proposal.</p> + +<p>"I have a father and mother far away," he +said; "I have brothers and a sister, who will +mourn for me. My father is poor; he needs +my help. Let me go back to them."</p> + +<p>The interpreter communicated Tom's words +to his companions, but it was easy to see that +they were not favorably received. The original +advocates of the death penalty looked at +our hero with hostile eyes, and he saw that he +had made a mistake.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The white boy must become one of us; he +must take our brother's place, or he must +die," said the interpreter.</p> + +<p>Tom very sensibly concluded that it would +be better to live with the Indians than to be +killed, and signified his acceptance of the offer. +Upon this the Indians formed a circle about +him, and broke into a monotonous chant, accompanied +with sundry movements of the +limbs, which appeared to be their way of welcoming +him into their tribe.</p> + +<p>It seemed like a dream to Tom. He found it +very hard to realize his position, so unexpectedly +had he been placed in it. He could +not help wondering what the family at home +would say when they should learn that he had +joined an Indian tribe far beyond the Mississippi.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXXI.</h2> + +<h3>TOM GIVES A MAGICAL SOIREE.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Tom</span> had no intention of passing his life +with the Indians. In joining them he submitted +to necessity. It gave him a respite, and a +chance to devise plans of escape. He understood<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span> +very well that, if he made the attempt +and failed, his life would be the forfeit. But +Tom determined to take the risk, though his +life was sweet to him; but, of course, he must +wait for a favorable opportunity.</p> + +<p>There was a chance of his being rescued by +his party, but this chance was diminished by +the decision of his Indian captors to break +camp, and proceed in a northerly direction, +while the course of the emigrant train was, of +course, westward. Little time was wasted. +The Indians mounted their horses, Tom being +put on the horse of the fallen brave. The +leader put himself at the head, and Tom was +placed in the center, surrounded by Indians. +It was evident that they were not willing to +trust him yet. They meant to afford him no +chance of escape.</p> + +<p>As the only one of the band with whom Tom +could converse was the interpreter, who rode +at the head with the chief, he rode in silence. +The Indians on either side of him never turned +their heads toward him, but, grave and impassive, +rode on, looking straight before them.</p> + +<p>"This is easier than walking," thought +Tom; "but I would a hundred times rather<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span> +walk with Scott, or Miles, than ride in my +present company."</p> + +<p>They rode for three hours, and then dismounted +for the midday rest.</p> + +<p>Nothing had been seen or heard of his old +friends, and that made Tom anxious and +thoughtful.</p> + +<p>"They have gone on without me, leaving me +to my fate," he said to himself, and the reflection +gave him a pang. He had been on such +pleasant and friendly terms with the whole +party, that this cold desertion—as it appeared—wounded +him. The young are more sensitive +in such cases than their elders. As we grow +older we cease to expect too much of those +whose interests differ from our own.</p> + +<p>Tom felt that his fate was more and more +bound up with the Indians. If some days +should pass before he could escape, he would +find himself in an embarrassing condition. +Suppose he got away safely, he would find himself +in a pathless plain, without provisions, +and with no other guide than the sun. If he +should meet with no party, he would die of +starvation. The prospect seemed by no means +bright.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span></p> + +<p>I am bound to say that, for a time, Tom, in +spite of his bright, sanguine temperament, +was greatly depressed; but his spirits were +elastic.</p> + +<p>"I won't give up to despair," he said to himself. +"Something tells me that I shall come +out right. I must wait and watch my +chances."</p> + +<p>Upon this his face brightened, and his air, +which had been listless, became more animated. +The Indians glanced at him, with grave approval. +They concluded that he was becoming +reconciled to living among them.</p> + +<p>When the simple midday meal was placed +upon the ground, and the Indians gathered +around it in a sitting posture, Tom followed +their example, and did full justice to the dinner. +In fact, he had taken so much exercise +that he felt hungry. Besides, he knew that he +must keep up his strength, if he wished to escape; +so, instead of keeping aloof in sullen dissatisfaction, +he displayed a "healthy appetite."</p> + +<p>After resting several hours the Indians resumed +their journey, but did not travel far. +They were in no hurry. They had no long +journey to make across the continent. They<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span> +only wished to go far enough to be safe from +attack by a rescuing party of Tom's friends. +Again they encamped, and this time, from the +preparations made, he understood that it was +for the night.</p> + +<p>One thing Tom could not help noticing—the +silence of these red children of the plains. +They seemed to make no conversation with +each other, except on necessary matters, and +then their words were few in number, replies +being often made in a monosyllable.</p> + +<p>"They don't seem very social," thought +Tom. "I suppose they have nothing to talk +about. I wonder if the squaws ever have sewing-circles. +If they have, they can't be much +like Yankee women if they don't find plenty +to talk about."</p> + +<p>The silence became oppressive. Tom would +have liked to take a walk, but he knew that +this would not be allowed. It would be +thought that he wanted to escape. Yet to sit +mute hour after hour seemed to Tom intolerably +stupid. A bold idea came to him. He +would try to afford them some amusement.</p> + +<p>Accordingly, he said to the interpreter: +"Shall I show you a trick?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span></p> + +<p>The interpreter communicated the proposal +to his comrades, and permission was granted.</p> + +<p>Tom took from his pocket a penny. He explained +to the interpreter that he would swallow +the penny, and make it come out at his +nose—a common boy's trick. The Indians, to +whom this also was communicated, looked +curious and incredulous, and Tom proceeded.</p> + +<p>Now, I am not going to explain how Tom +accomplished the illusion. That I leave to the +ingenuity of my boy readers to discover. It is +enough to say that he succeeded, to the great +amazement of his copper-colored spectators. +There was a chorus of ughs! and Tom was requested +to repeat the trick.</p> + +<p>He did so, the Indians being as puzzled as +before.</p> + +<p>Now, Indians are, in many respects, like +children. They displayed, on this occasion, a +childish curiosity and wonder that amused +Tom. They insisted on his opening his month, +to ascertain whether there was any hidden +avenue from his mouth to his nose, and found, +to their surprise, that his mouth was like their +own. Then one of the Indians volunteered to +try the experiment, and nearly choked himself<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span> +with the penny, which, it must be remembered, +was one of the large, old-fashioned, copper +coins, in circulation before the war. It cannot +be said that he turned black in the face, +but he certainly gasped, and rolled his eyes +in a manner that alarmed his friends, and +they instinctively looked to Tom for help. +Tom was equal to the emergency. He rose +hastily, slapped the Indian forcibly on the +back, and the cent was ejected from his mouth.</p> + +<p>There was another chorus of ughs! and it +was evident that Tom had risen vastly in their +opinion. They looked upon him as a white +magician, and even were a little afraid that +he might work them injury in some way. But +Tom's frank, good-humored manner reassured +them. They asked him, through the interpreter, +if he could perform any other tricks. +Tom knew a few, that he had learned out of an +old tattered book which had fallen in his way +at home; and such as he had facilities for he +attempted, to the great delight of his new +friends. Tom was becoming popular; and +even those who had at first recommended death +were glad that his life had been spared.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span></p> +<h2>CHAPTER XXXII.</h2> + +<h3>TOM'S ESCAPE.</h3> + + +<p><span class="smcap">Night</span> came, and the Indian camp was +hushed and still. It was long before Tom went +to sleep. Generally he was a good sleeper, but +his mind at present was too active for slumber. +"How long is this strange life going to +last?" he asked himself. "How long am I to +be exiled from civilization?" This was more +easily asked than answered.</p> + +<p>When he slept, his sleep was troubled. He +dreamed that Lawrence Peabody was a captive, +and that the chief was about to scalp +him, when suddenly he awoke. He could not +at first tell where he was, but a glance revealed +the disheartening truth.</p> + +<p>He must have slept several hours, for the +gray dawn was creeping up the sky, heralding +sunrise. He leaned on his elbow, and bent a +searching glance upon his companions. They<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span> +were stretched motionless upon the ground, +hushed in the insensibility of sleep. "Are +they asleep?" Tom asked himself. He satisfied +himself that the slumber was genuine, and +there sprang up in his heart the wild hope of +escape. A few rods distant the horses were +fastened. Could he unfasten and mount one +before any of them a wakened?</p> + +<p>Tom's heart beat quick with excitement. +He knew that he ran a fearful risk; but he +made up his mind that now was his time.</p> + +<p>Slowly, and without noise, he raised himself +to his feet. As he stood erect, he closely +scanned the sleepers. There was not a motion. +With stealthy steps he crept to the horses. +He selected the one he had ridden the day before, +and unloosed him. The animal gave a +slight whinny, and Tom's heart was in his +throat. But no one stirred. He quickly +mounted the animal, and walked him for a few +rods, then gave him a loose rein, and was +soon speeding away. Just then the sun rose, +and this guided him in the direction he was +to take.</p> + +<p>He had got a mile away, when, looking back +through the clear air, he saw, to his dismay,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span> +that his flight had been discovered. The Indians +were mounting their horses.</p> + +<p>"I must gallop for life," thought Tom. +"They will kill me if they catch me."</p> + +<p>He urged on his horse by all the means in +his power. Luckily it was one of the two +fleetest horses the Indians possessed, the other +being ridden by their leader.</p> + +<p>Tom's hope was sustained by this fact, which +he had proof of the day before.</p> + +<p>Rather to his surprise, he did not feel as +much frightened as he anticipated. He felt +excited, and this was his prominent feeling. +Probably he felt like a soldier in the heat of +battle.</p> + +<p>But the odds against Tom were terrible, and +his chance of escape seemed very slender. Behind +him was a band of savages, accustomed to +the plains, strong, wily, enduring, and persistent. +He was new to the plains, and a mere +boy. Moreover, he did not know where to find +his party. There were no sign-boards upon the +prairies, but a vast, uniform expanse stretching +farther than the eye could reach.</p> + +<p>Inch by inch, foot by foot, the Indians<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span> +gained upon him, the leader considerably in +advance.</p> + +<p>Even if he alone were to overtake Tom, our +hero would of course be no match for a strong, +full-grown warrior, more especially as he had +no weapon with him. By some mischance he +had left it in the camp.</p> + +<p>Tom's heart began to fail him. His horse +could not always, perhaps not long, keep up +his headlong speed. Then would follow capture, +and a painful death.</p> + +<p>"It's hard," thought Tom sadly; "hard for +me and for my dear parents and brothers and +sisters. Why did I ever leave home?"</p> + +<p>He turned in the saddle, and saw the Indian +leader, evidently nearer. But he saw something +else. He saw a herd of buffaloes, thousands +in number, impetuously rushing across +the plain from the west. Their speed was +great. They seemed to be blindly following +their leader.</p> + +<p>"Good heavens!" ejaculated Tom, in great +excitement; "the Indians are in their path. +If the herd does not stop, they will be destroyed."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span></p> + +<p>The Indians were fully aware of their great +danger. They knew the plains well, and the +terrible, resistless power of these wild herds +when once on the march. They no longer +thought of Tom, but of their own safety. But +the buffaloes were close at hand. They were +sweeping on like a whirlwind. The Indians +could only ride on, and trust to clear them. +But their pathway was wide. It reached to +within a furlong of where Tom was riding. +They never paused; some of the animals in +the advance might have veered to the right or +left on seeing the Indians, but the pressure +from behind prevented. The savages saw their +fate, and it inspired them with more dread +than an encounter with white foes. Finally, +they halted in despair, and their fate overtook +them. Riders and steeds were overthrown as +by a flash of lightning. The dark, shaggy herd +did not stop, but dashed on. Tom, in awe and +excitement, halted his horse, and watched the +terrible sight. He could not but sympathize +with his late companions, though he knew they +would have taken his life.</p> + +<p>The buffaloes passed on, but left no life behind +them. The Indians and their horses were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span> +all trampled to death. Tom was alone upon +the plains.</p> + +<p>He thanked God in his heart for his self-deliverance; +though he shuddered at the manner +in which it was wrought. He, too, had +been near being overwhelmed, but, through +God's mercy, had escaped.</p> + +<p>But for what had he escaped? Unless he +found his own party, or some other, he would +starve to death, or might fall into the power +of some other tribe of Indians. He must ride +on.</p> + +<p>An hour later he thought he saw in the distance +a solitary horseman. It might be an +Indian; but that was not likely, for they generally +traveled in numbers. It was more likely +to be a white man. Any white man would be +a friend, and could guide him to safety, unless +he were himself lost. At any rate, there +seemed but one course to follow, and that to +ride toward the stranger.</p> + +<p>When Tom drew near his heart was filled +with sudden joy, for, in the new arrival, he +recognized John Miles. Miles was no less delighted.</p> + +<p>"Tom, old boy," he said, "is it you? How<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span> +did you get away? I was afraid we should +never see you again."</p> + +<p>"I feared so myself," said Tom; "but I +have been saved in a wonderful manner. Has +the train moved on?"</p> + +<p>"Do you think we would go on without you? +Not a man was willing to stir till you were +found. Even Peabody, though afraid of falling +into the hands of the Indians, and losing +his scalp, was in favor of our waiting. The +boys are very anxious about you."</p> + +<p>Tom heard this with satisfaction. The esteem +of our friends and associates is dear to +us all; and it is always sad to think that we +may be forgotten in absence.</p> + +<p>"But you have not told me of your escape, +Tom," said Miles. "Where are the Indians +who captured you?"</p> + +<p>"All dead!" answered Tom solemnly.</p> + +<p>"Good heavens! You don't mean to +say——"</p> + +<p>"That I killed them? Oh, no! Look over +there! Can you see anything?"</p> + +<p>Miles looked earnestly.</p> + +<p>"I think I see upon the ground some men +and horses."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It is the Indians. They were pursuing me +when they were trampled to death by a herd of +buffaloes."</p> + +<p>"Wonderful!" ejaculated Miles. "I have +heard of such things, but hardly believed in +them."</p> + +<p>"It was a terrible sight," said Tom soberly. +"I wish I could have been saved in some +other way."</p> + +<p>"It was you or they," said Miles sententiously. +"It is well as it is."</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p>They were warmly welcomed at the camp. +Tom was looked upon as one raised from the +dead; and the particulars of his wonderful +escape were called for again and again.</p> + +<p>"You are sure they didn't scalp you, Tom?" +asked Mr. Peabody.</p> + +<p>"Feel and see, Mr. Peabody," said Tom, +smiling. "I believe my hair is pretty firm."</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't have been in your shoes for all +the gold in California," said Peabody fervently.</p> + +<p>"I believe you, Mr. Peabody. Indeed, I +think I may say that I wouldn't be placed in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span> +the same situation again for all the gold in +the world."</p> + +<p>"Tom," said Scott, "you are bound to succeed."</p> + +<p>"What makes you think so?"</p> + +<p>"You have shown so much pluck and coolness +that you are sure to get along."</p> + +<p>"I hope so, I am sure, for my father's sake."</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p>Some weeks later a wagon-train was seen +slowly climbing a mountain pass on the crest +of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. They +reached the summit, and, looking eagerly to +the westward, saw the land of gold at their +feet. They had been months in reaching it. +Now it lay spread before them, glorious in the +sunlight.</p> + +<p>"Yonder lies the promised land, my lad," +said Ferguson. "It remains to be seen +whether we shall be rewarded for our long and +toilsome journey."</p> + +<p>"If hard work will win success, I mean to +succeed," said Tom stoutly.</p> + +<p>"I don't see any gold," said Lawrence Peabody, +with a disappointed air.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Did you think it grew on trees, Mr. Peabody?" +asked Scott sarcastically.</p> + +<p>"I should like to stop a week at a first-class +hotel before getting to work," remarked Peabody. +"I don't like roughing it."</p> + +<p>"We will leave you at the first hotel of that +sort we meet. Now, boys, gather about me, +and give three rousing cheers for California."</p> + +<p>Thus spoke Miles, and swung his hat. The +cheers were given with a will, and the wagon-train +commenced the descent.</p> + + +<h3>THE END.</h3> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class='tnote'><h3>Transcriber's Notes:</h3> +<p>The original text did not include a table of contents. One was added to +assist the reader.</p> +<p>Obvious punctuation errors repaired.</p> +<p><a href="#repeat">Page 105</a>, a repeated sentence was removed. ("I'm out of luck, and out of cash, Vincent.")</p> +<p>The remaining corrections made are indicated by dotted lines under the corrections. Scroll the mouse over the word and the original text will <ins title="Transcriber's Note: original reads 'apprear'">appear</ins>.</p></div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Young Adventurer, by Horatio Alger + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNG ADVENTURER *** + +***** This file should be named 27300-h.htm or 27300-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/7/3/0/27300/ + +Produced by Fox in the Stars, Brenda Lewis, Emmy and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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