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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 02:36:44 -0700 |
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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/27935-h.zip b/27935-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..889ae6f --- /dev/null +++ b/27935-h.zip diff --git a/27935-h/27935-h.htm b/27935-h/27935-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1c5cd59 --- /dev/null +++ b/27935-h/27935-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,7519 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.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" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Under Fire, by Frank A. Munsey. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p { margin-top: .5em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .5em; + text-indent: 1em; + } + h1 { + text-align: center; font-family: garamond, serif; /* all headings centered */ + } + h5,h6 { + text-align: center; font-family: garamond, serif; /* all headings centered */ + } + h2 { + text-align: center; font-family: garamond, serif; /* centered and coloured */ + } + h3 { + text-align: center; font-family: garamond, serif; /* centered and coloured */ + } + h4 { + text-align: center; font-family: garamond, serif; /* all headings centered */ + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; + } + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + a {text-decoration: none} /* no lines under links */ + div.centered {text-align: center;} /* work around for IE centering with CSS problem part 1 */ + div.centered table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;} /* work around for IE centering with CSS problem part 2 */ + + .cen {text-align: center; text-indent: 0em;} /* centering paragraphs */ + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 95%;} /* small caps, smaller font size */ + .noin {text-indent: 0em;} /* no indenting */ + .blockquot {margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%;} /* block indent */ + .right {text-align: right; padding-right: 2em;} /* right aligning paragraphs */ + .tdr {text-align: right;} /* right align cell */ + .tdl {text-align: left;} /* left align cell */ + .tr {margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; margin-top: 5%; margin-bottom: 5%; padding: 1em; background-color: #f6f2f2; color: black; border: dotted black 1px;} /* transcriber's notes */ + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; right: 2%; + font-size: 75%; + text-align: right; + text-indent: 0em; + font-style: normal; + font-weight: normal; + font-variant: normal;} /* page numbers */ + + .footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 90%;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right; font-size: 90%;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: text-top; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + + .poem {margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span {display: block; margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em;} + .poem span.pn { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; right: 2%; + font-size: 75%; + text-align: right; + text-indent: 0em; + font-style: normal; + font-weight: normal; + font-variant: normal;} /* page numbers in poems */ + + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Under Fire, by Frank A. Munsey + +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: Under Fire + A Tale of New England Village Life + +Author: Frank A. Munsey + +Release Date: January 30, 2009 [EBook #27935] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK UNDER FIRE *** + + + + +Produced by David Edwards, Barbara Kosker and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from scans of public domain material +produced by Microsoft for their Live Search Books site.) + + + + + + +</pre> + + + +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> + +<div class="tr"> +<p class="noin">For the reader's convenience, a Table of Contents has been provided in the html +version. This was not in the original.</p> +</div> + +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> + +<h1>UNDER FIRE</h1> + +<h3><i>A TALE OF NEW ENGLAND VILLAGE LIFE</i></h3> + +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<h4>BY</h4> + +<h2>FRANK A. MUNSEY</h2> + +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> + +<h4> NEW YORK<br /> +FRANK A. MUNSEY</h4> + +<hr style='width: 5%;' /> + +<h4> 1898</h4> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> + +<h4>COPYRIGHT, 1897<br /> +BY<br /> +FRANK A. MUNSEY</h4> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> + +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + +<div class="centered"> +<table border="0" width="40%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="Table of Contents"> + <tr> + <td class="tdl" width="85%"><a href="#Chapter_I">Chapter I.</a></td> + <td class="tdr" width="15%">1</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_II">Chapter II.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">8</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_III">Chapter III.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">17</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_IV">Chapter IV</a></td> + <td class="tdr">23</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_V">Chapter V.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">28</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_VI">Chapter VI.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">37</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_VII">Chapter VII.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">46</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_VIII">Chapter VIII.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">50</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_IX">Chapter IX.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">62</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_X">Chapter X.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">70</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_XI">Chapter XI.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">79</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_XII">Chapter XII.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">85</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_XIII">Chapter XIII.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">93</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_XIV">Chapter XIV.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">101</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_XV">Chapter XV.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">109</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_XVI">Chapter XVI.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">116</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_XVII">Chapter XVII.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">123</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_XVIII">Chapter XVIII.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">131</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_XIX">Chapter XIX.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">136</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_XX">Chapter XX.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">145</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_XXI">Chapter XXI.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">152</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_XXII">Chapter XXII.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">158</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_XXIII">Chapter XXIII.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">163</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_XXIV">Chapter XXIV.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">171</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_XXV">Chapter XXV.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">178</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_XXVI">Chapter XXVI.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">184</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_XXVII">Chapter XXVII.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">194</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_XXVIII">Chapter XXVIII.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">199</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_XXIX">Chapter XXIX.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">204</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_XXX">Chapter XXX.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">209</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_XXXI">Chapter XXXI.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">218</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_XXXII">Chapter XXXII.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">225</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_XXXIII">Chapter XXXIII.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">230</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class="tdl"><a href="#Chapter_XXXIV">Chapter XXXIV.</a></td> + <td class="tdr">234</td> + </tr> +</table> +</div> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> + +<hr /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span> +<br /> +<h2>UNDER FIRE.</h2> + +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_I" id="Chapter_I"></a> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>I.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>"Well, Dave, it was a close game, but we managed to save ourselves after +all their talk," said Tom Martin, referring to a baseball match of the +previous day.</p> + +<p>"Yes, but thanks to our lucky stars that Fred Worthington was with us. +If John Rexford had kept him at the store, as I was afraid, we should +have been badly beaten."</p> + +<p>"He didn't play the whole game, did he?" asked Tom sarcastically.</p> + +<p>"Of course not," retorted Dave Farrington, with some warmth, "but you +know very well we should have lost it, if it had not been for him. If he +saved us from defeat, why not be fair and give him credit for it? I am +sure he would do as much for you if the case were reversed."</p> + +<p>"I didn't say anything against him."</p> + +<p>"No; but you don't appear to say anything for him."</p> + +<p>"Why should I?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I can say frankly that his playing was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span>equal to that of some +professionals that I have seen. The factory boys couldn't get the hang +of his pitching, and the best batters fouled nearly every ball."</p> + +<p>"Don't you want some credit for catching?" asked Tom, with a view to +turning the conversation from Fred.</p> + +<p>"Yes, but——" Here the conversation was interrupted by the sudden +appearance of Matthew De Vere, a rather foppishly dressed boy, who +showed very clearly by his manner that he considered himself the "swell +young man" of the town.</p> + +<p>"Oh, boys, I have a bit of good news for you," he cried. "Guess what it +is."</p> + +<p>"Anything startling?" asked Tom.</p> + +<p>"No; but it is something you and Dave will both like."</p> + +<p>"Tell us what it is. We give it up, don't we, Dave?"</p> + +<p>"Grace Bernard is going to have a party—a birthday party."</p> + +<p>"A party?" echoed Dave. "Who told you?"</p> + +<p>"My sister Annie just came from Mr. Bernard's and said so."</p> + +<p>"When is it to be?" chimed in both boys eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Next Thursday evening," answered their informant.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span>"Well, that strikes me about right," replied Tom, with evident pleasure +at the prospect. "How old is Grace, I wonder?"</p> + +<p>"She will be sixteen next Thursday," returned Matthew.</p> + +<p>"I'm glad some one has life enough to wake us up a little. I'm hungry +for a 'racket,'" put in Dave. "The evenings are getting long, and it is +too cold to rove about much. Three cheers, I say, for Grace Bernard! I +speak for the first waltz with her."</p> + +<p>The cheers were given with a will, for the mere mention of a party, the +first one of the season, was sufficient to make the boys enthusiastic.</p> + +<p>"I wonder who will be invited," said Matthew; and then added, with a +scowl, "well, I don't care who is if Fred Worthington only gets left; <i>I +hate him</i>. He tries to push himself ahead too much for a fellow in his +circumstances, and since he has gone into John Rexford's store he is +worse than ever."</p> + +<p>"I don't know why he should not be invited as well as any of us," said +Dave Farrington. "He is certainly one of the smartest boys in the +village, both at his books and at whatever else he undertakes; and the +fact that his father is a poor man ought not to be against him;" then, +with a sly wink at Tom, he added, "and you may be <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span>certain he won't be +overlooked, for he and Nellie Dutton are getting to be very good +friends, and of course Grace Bernard will ask him on her account, if for +no other reason."</p> + +<p>Now Matthew liked Nellie Dutton himself, and like most rich boys (his +father was a retired sea captain and president of the Mapleton National +Bank), could ill bear the deprivation of anything which his fancy +craved. Therefore the thought that a poor fellow, like Fred Worthington, +might come between him and the object of his fancy was exceedingly +disagreeable.</p> + +<p>This was one reason why he "hated" Fred; the other was, he could not +lord it over him, as he did over most of the Mapleton boys, for Fred had +a will of his own, as well as a perfect physical development, which +convinced Matthew, bully as he was, that it would not be well to grapple +with him.</p> + +<p>Dave's remark was a sharp one, and had the effect of bringing the color +to Matthew's face, though he strove hard to hide his confusion.</p> + +<p>Both boys noticed this, and Tom, who was always ready for fun, even at +the expense of a friend, said:</p> + +<p>"Yes, I saw Fred walk home with Nellie from Sunday school last week; and +it seems to me he has to go up to her father's rather often with goods +from the store. I guess the doctor will <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span>have quite a bill to pay at +Rexford's, unless Fred makes two or three trips up there to carry what +he might take in one. But never mind, Matthew, school will soon +commence; then you will have the advantage of him, for he will be in the +store."</p> + +<p>Matthew grew decidedly angry at these remarks, and said somewhat +savagely:</p> + +<p>"I'll have the advantage of him without waiting for school, now you mark +my words."</p> + +<p>"How are you going to get it?" asked Tom.</p> + +<p>"You just wait and you will see. I don't tell everything I know."</p> + +<p>"Fred has a big muscle," suggested Tom, "and they say he can use his +hands pretty lively, too."</p> + +<p>"There is no need of informing De Vere on that point," remarked Dave, +"for it isn't very long since he and Fred gave a little exhibition at +school."</p> + +<p>"Come, Mat, tell us all about it," said Tom. "I never heard of that +before."</p> + +<p>"I won't tell you anything," answered De Vere gruffly; "he can't put on +airs with me any more; and if he goes to that party and pays any +attention to Nellie Dutton, he will get into trouble."</p> + +<p>"If Nellie wants his attention she will be pretty sure to have it, for +you can't frighten <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span>him—he isn't easily scared," remarked Dave, in a +way that irritated Matthew.</p> + +<p>"I should say not," said Tom, with a sly wink at Dave, "and judging from +appearances Nellie is as pleased with his attentions as he is with her +company."</p> + +<p>But Matthew possessed a good share of conceit, and knowing Nellie to be +quite friendly to himself, he imagined that his advantage over Fred +would be so great that he could readily monopolize the attention of the +young lady in question, and therefore replied with more assurance:</p> + +<p>"There is no fear of her bothering with him, for I propose to take up +her time pretty well myself;" and then he added in language that was a +perfect index to his character, "say, boys, if Worthington should be +there, let's make it so uncomfortable for him that he will never show +himself again at one of our parties. We can occupy the attention of the +girls, so they will leave him alone to slink into the corner and hate +himself, while we enjoy the waltz and make fun of him. If you will only +do this, I hope he will be there, just to let all see how awkward he is +among his betters."</p> + +<p>Some other boys here joined the group, and the conversation was broken +off. But Dave Farrington took occasion to remark in an undertone to +Tom:</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span>"If Mat De Vere and a dozen more just like him should try to keep the +girls away from Fred Worthington, they'd find a big contract on their +hands; and the one who 'hated himself' would not be Fred, either. Just +wait till the party comes off, then look out for fun."</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_II" id="Chapter_II"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>II.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>Mapleton is a good type of a New England village, showing everywhere +plentiful evidences of thrift and energy.</p> + +<p>Of course it has a manufacturing industry of some sort, or it could +hardly be a New England village; and the chief building of Mapleton, in +this line, is a large woolen factory that employs about three hundred +hands. There are also a number of minor industries, together with +stores, churches, and school houses. It is not a large town, there +being, perhaps, three thousand inhabitants all told.</p> + +<p>Among so small a number one might suppose that the people would mingle +freely, and that exclusiveness would not thrive. At the time of which I +am writing it did not thrive to any great extent; still, it was there, +and showed itself principally in the refusal of the "town's people," so +called, to associate with the "factory folks."</p> + +<p>Exceptions were made, however, in the case of the head officers of the +company, and the overseers of certain departments of the mill, who, by +virtue of their positions, which brought them in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>a liberal salary, were +graciously welcomed to the homes of the villagers.</p> + +<p>These two branches of society had their different "sets." That of the +"villagers" was made up, as is usually the case, by the drawing together +of the well to do, the influential, and the better educated citizens, +while the others were left to form such social connections as their +opportunities afforded.</p> + +<p>Fred Worthington's parents mingled with the latter class, for they were +far from rich. His father was a shoemaker, and earned only a small sum +weekly; but through the excellent management of his mother, they had a +neat and comfortable home.</p> + +<p>During Fred's younger days he thought nothing of these dividing lines of +society; but as he had grown to be, as he considered, a young man—and, +indeed, he really did possess more of that enviable bearing than most +boys at the age of sixteen—he had come to realize that there was such a +thing as a social difference between men whose Maker created them equal.</p> + +<p>This fact impressed him more forcibly since he found that some of his +companions with whom he had grown up, played, and studied side by side +in school for years, were now apparently beginning to ignore him.</p> + +<p>"Is there any reason for this?" he often asked <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>himself. "Have they +suddenly accomplished some great thing, or done some heroic deed which +gives them distinction? Or is the trouble with me? If so, where does it +lie? Surely I stood among the very first in my class at school—far +ahead of Matthew De Vere and his sister, and some of the others who +treat me so coolly. I wonder if clerking in a store is disgraceful? I +always thought it an honorable thing to be a merchant. Merchants are +everywhere among our most influential men.</p> + +<p>"I have always kept good company," he reflected, "and never had trouble +with any of the boys, except Matthew De Vere, just before I left school, +and that wasn't my fault. I taught him a lesson, though, that I think he +will remember, and ever since then he has been trying to pay me for it +by turning the girls and boys against me; but only a few of them have +shown any change.</p> + +<p>"I know my father and mother do not belong to the same 'set' as theirs, +but that is no reason why they should slight me, and <i>it shall not be</i>. +I will work my way up and make them acknowledge me if it takes years to +do it. But as long as Nellie Dutton and some others are friendly, I +don't care so much."</p> + +<p>When Fred heard of the party to be given by Grace Bernard, he was in a +feverish state of suspense, wondering whether he would be invited <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span>or +not. He felt that this was a crisis with him.</p> + +<p>He had left school, but he argued that if he were only fortunate enough +to attend this party, he would be placed on a good social footing, one +that he could maintain as he gradually built himself up in the store; +but should luck now go against him, he would be practically separated +from many of his school companions, and separation meant disaster to a +certain friendship that he prized more highly than all the rest, and +which, as he believed, it would not be well to leave uncultivated even +for a short time.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Fred, got your invitation yet?" asked Dave, a few days before +that fixed upon for the party.</p> + +<p>"No, I haven't seen anything of it. Have you had yours?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes; got it yesterday. I don't see where yours is though."</p> + +<p>"It looks as if I were to be left out, Dave," replied Fred, with an +assumed air of cheerfulness.</p> + +<p>"That can't be. There is plenty of time. Don't worry."</p> + +<p>This was a little reassuring, and Fred tried to believe it to be +so—tried hard—but it looked to him, nevertheless, as if his case were +a hopeless one.</p> + +<p>For he reflected that the unfed fire soon <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>dies, while that which is +kept alive even by the smallest spark may at some time become a glowing +blaze. But his fears were all for nothing, as in due time the much +looked for invitation arrived.</p> + +<p>On the eventful night our hero dressed with care and taste, giving his +youthful locks especial attention, as all boys of his age do whenever +they go into company, and then hastened to Dave's home to go with him to +the party.</p> + +<p>The large double parlors of Mr. Bernard's house were well filled with +girls, about Grace's own age, when the two boys arrived. After the +latter had disposed of their coats and hats, and had taken a final look +to see that each particular hair was in its proper place, they entered +the main parlor rather shyly.</p> + +<p>"Good evening, Dave," said Grace. "I'm glad you came early, for nearly +all the girls are here, and I hope you will help entertain them; and +here is Fred," she added, extending her hand to him. "I am very glad you +came. I have hardly spoken with you since you left school, but I see the +store life has not taken away your color yet."</p> + +<p>If Fred had a good share of color to begin with, it was not lessened by +this remark. However, he managed to keep his presence of mind, and +replied heartily:</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>"No, I hope not, but allow me to congratulate you on your birthday, for +you are looking your best. I hope you may have many happy returns of the +occasion."</p> + +<p>Some one else blushed now, and evidently enjoyed the compliment, which +Fred had managed very well, as indeed he ought to have done, for he had +repeated it to himself at least forty five times that afternoon.</p> + +<p>"I didn't know you could say such nice things, Fred, but I don't half +believe you mean it," rejoined Grace. "But there is Nellie all alone on +the sofa. Come with me and take a seat beside her; you two must +entertain each other while I receive Matthew and Tom, and some others +who I see have just come in."</p> + +<p>"I was afraid something would happen so that you couldn't come," said +Nellie, as he took her proffered hand.</p> + +<p>"I couldn't very easily stay away," he replied, sitting down beside her.</p> + +<p>"Why, how funny! And why not?" she inquired, trying to suppress a blush.</p> + +<p>"The evening promised to be such an enjoyable one," he answered; "and +yet I hardly dared to anticipate such good fortune as I have met with +thus far."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Fred, you are learning to flatter, I do believe! I didn't think +that of you."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>"If flattery is saying what one truly means, then I am flattering you; +for if I had arranged my own program, you and I would occupy about the +same positions as we do now. It couldn't suit me better, and I only hope +you are as well pleased," he added.</p> + +<p>"I believe you and Grace arranged this together," she answered +evasively, "without saying anything to me. I must scold her;" and she +partially covered her face with her fan, which seemed to mean that she +was well satisfied.</p> + +<p>"I am sure I had nothing to do with the arrangement. I must thank Grace +for it, and I hope you won't scold her very hard, as this is her +birthday; but before it is too late let me ask you if you will favor me +with the first dance?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, with pleasure," she replied, but at the same time she wondered if +he knew the dance. She had never heard of his dancing, but the first +part of the opening one was to be a march, and she knew he could take +part in that, even if they had to drop out of the waltz later on.</p> + +<p>"Good evening, Nellie," said Matthew, who now came up and extended his +hand, adding, with an air of assurance, "I see the music is ready to +start, shall we not lead the march?"</p> + +<p>"Thank you, but I am already engaged for that," she returned, casting +her eyes towards Fred.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>"Then you won't march with me?" he asked, flushing with evident anger at +the rebuff.</p> + +<p>"I must keep my engagement," she replied.</p> + +<p>"Keep your engagement with a <i>stick</i>," he rejoined, and walked away with +a look of contempt on his face.</p> + +<p>The last remark made young Worthington's blood boil, but he had the good +sense to take no apparent notice of it, though he fixed it well in his +memory for future use.</p> + +<p>De Vere seated himself in a remote corner—the place he had expected to +see Fred occupy—and looked sullenly on as the march progressed, but +evidently with some degree of pleasure at the utter failure he felt sure +our hero would make. In this again he was doomed to disappointment; for +to his surprise and chagrin he found his rival quite at home in the +waltz. He and Nellie were unmistakably the most graceful as well as the +best looking couple on the floor.</p> + +<p>But Matthew was not the only surprised one present. Dave looked on with +amazement, and Nellie hardly seemed to believe her own senses.</p> + +<p>"Why, Fred, when did you learn to dance so well?" she asked, as they +walked around the room arm in arm. "I never had a better partner."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Nellie, for the compliment," he replied, with a slight +blush. "I only hope I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>managed to get through without exhausting your +patience. I was so afraid I should prove very stupid, I know so little +about the waltz."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, you were far from stupid, and I never enjoyed a dance more; but +I am awfully curious to know where you learned so much without attending +dancing school."</p> + +<p>"'Never enjoyed a dance more,' and with me, too," thought Fred, with a +delight which he could not conceal.</p> + +<p>"My cousin from Boston, the young lady who spent the summer at my home, +taught me all I know about it," he replied.</p> + +<p>"And have you never had any other practice?"</p> + +<p>"No, that was all."</p> + +<p>"Well, she must have been an excellent teacher, and you as good a +scholar as you always were at school."</p> + +<p>Presently the music ceased, and Dave, Grace, and others came up and +congratulated Fred upon his waltzing, and Nellie on her partner.</p> + +<p>The party as a whole was a great success, and passed off gayly. It had +no feature to distinguish it from others of its kind in country towns. +This particular event has been briefly referred to, because, as a +consequence of it, something occurred that most cruelly clouded Fred +Worthington's young days, and changed the whole course of his life.</p> + +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_III" id="Chapter_III"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>III.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>De Vere saw plainly that, in spite of his endeavors to injure Fred, the +latter was more of a favorite than himself. He supposed that he had +accomplished something of his design before the party took place, but +there he found that the result of his malicious endeavors practically +extended only as far as his sister.</p> + +<p>Indeed, he almost fancied that his thrusts had been turned against +himself, for no one seemed to care for him especially. He was very moody +and sulky at his disappointment. He had overestimated his strength and +importance, as boys of his stamp always do; moreover, he thought Nellie +treated him very coolly, and it is just possible that she did, as her +time was fully taken up by another person, and the mere absence of +attention on her part was sufficient to make Matthew sullen and +disagreeable.</p> + +<p>This sourness was noticed by all, and they left him to himself, pretty +much as he had hoped to see them treat his rival. The tables were fairly +turned upon him, as he could not fail to see. But he had intimated that +if Fred attended this <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>party, and matters went a certain way, he would +have his revenge.</p> + +<p>He resolved to carry out this threat, and so passed a great part of the +evening in mischievous plotting.</p> + +<p>When it was time for the party to break up, notwithstanding the fact +that he had behaved so rudely and had not participated in any of the +games, or other forms of amusement, he gathered himself together, +approached Miss Nellie, and proposed to serve as her escort.</p> + +<p>But Nellie answered, with a demure look and a twinkle in her eye, that +another young gentleman had kindly offered to do her that favor.</p> + +<p>It is said that under certain conditions even a straw may break a +camel's back, but this refusal of Nellie's was no straw to Matthew. It +was rather a sledge hammer blow, which brought bad temper and made him +desperately angry.</p> + +<p>He seized his hat, and without further conversation with any one, left +the house and strode sullenly down the street. At the first corner he +turned up a by path, and then ran across lots to the main street, and +entered a drinking saloon.</p> + +<p>"Why did you play, then?" the bartender was asking savagely, addressing +a rough looking boy, Tim Short by name. "You have owed me for two +months, and now here is another game of billiards to charge."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>"I thought I should beat," said Tim, with a discouraged and demoralized +look.</p> + +<p>"That's what you've thought every time, but that don't pay me. I'm going +to have my money now. If you don't pay, I will get it from your father; +so come, square up, and be quick about it."</p> + +<p>"I will settle on pay day."</p> + +<p>"No, that won't do; you have promised that before. Either give me +something for security or I will see your father tomorrow."</p> + +<p>"How much is the whole bill?" asked Matthew.</p> + +<p>"One dollar," replied the bartender.</p> + +<p>"Here, Tim, is the dollar. I will lend it to you. Pay him and come with +me."</p> + +<p>Young Short clutched the dollar eagerly, and turned it over to his +creditor with evident reluctance.</p> + +<p>"Come, Tim," went on Matthew, "let us go home; it is late for us to be +out."</p> + +<p>The latter looked upon Matthew as his benefactor, and followed him +promptly into the street. When the two were quite alone by themselves, +De Vere took his companion by the arm and said:</p> + +<p>"I'm in luck finding you, Tim. I rushed down to the saloon, but I was +afraid you had gone home, it is so late."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>"And I'm better off than you to have my bill paid. How is it you are in +luck, and paying out money so free?"</p> + +<p>"Never mind the money, Tim," De Vere replied nervously. "I want you to +do me a favor. Will you?"</p> + +<p>"Will I? Well, I should think I would."</p> + +<p>"Will you promise never to mention what I say to any one?"</p> + +<p>"I promise."</p> + +<p>"It would get us both into trouble if you should, Tim."</p> + +<p>"But it ain't nothin' so awful bad, is it, Matthew?" asked Tim, with a +tremor of alarm in his voice.</p> + +<p>"I think I can trust you, Tim," replied De Vere, ignoring his +companion's question.</p> + +<p>"I know you can, after all you have done for me," replied Tim +gratefully.</p> + +<p>De Vere drew young Short close to him as they turned into a dark, narrow +street.</p> + +<p>"Tim," said he, in suppressed agitation, "you know those tall oak trees +on the old Booker road?"</p> + +<p>"What, them by the cave in the big rock, do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, that's the place."</p> + +<p>Young Short commenced to breathe fast with excitement.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>"You know, Tim," said De Vere, scarcely above a whisper, "you know the +bushes and rock together furnish a good hiding place."</p> + +<p>"I should think they would," responded Tim dubiously.</p> + +<p>"We've got some work to do there."</p> + +<p>"What, not tonight?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, as soon as we can get there, or it will be too late."</p> + +<p>"Don't you think it's too late now, Matthew?" suggested Tim.</p> + +<p>"I tell you to come along," commanded De Vere in anything but a pleasant +mood.</p> + +<p>"You didn't tell me what you are going there for."</p> + +<p>"I have good reasons for going there. I want to get square with a +fellow," responded Matthew, with a ring of revenge in his voice.</p> + +<p>"But couldn't you do it just as well alone?"</p> + +<p>"No, I couldn't."</p> + +<p>"Afraid?" queried Tim.</p> + +<p>This question did not have a good effect upon Matthew's nerves, but he +was too prudent to fly into a passion with Tim at this time.</p> + +<p>"Who is this fellow?" asked young Short doggedly, after a little +silence.</p> + +<p>"Fred Worthington," answered De Vere bitterly. "I'll show him that he +can't interfere with me."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>"Fred Worthington!" echoed Tim; and he stopped short where he was.</p> + +<p>"I think we had better get some good clubs," said De Vere.</p> + +<p>"And then we will get the worst of it," replied Tim. "I know Fred +Worthington too well to take any chances on him."</p> + +<p>"But we will jump out upon him when he is not expecting us," urged +Matthew.</p> + +<p>It was hard work to screw Tim's courage up to the necessary point, but +his sense of obligation to Matthew finally overcame his well founded +fears of Fred Worthington's strong arms, and he promised to take part in +the disappointed rival's dastardly plot.</p> + +<p>The point to which De Vere led his rascally associate was close beside +the path along which Fred Worthington would have to pass on his way home +from Dr. Dutton's. Although not far beyond the limits of the village, it +was a lonely spot, with no houses near by, and the two young highwaymen +could not have found a more suitable place to put their cruel design +into execution.</p> + +<p>Crouching behind the bushes, the cowardly pair lay in wait, each +grasping a heavy stick in his hand, ready to dart out and rain +revengeful blows upon their innocent victim.</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_IV" id="Chapter_IV"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>IV.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>The evening was a memorable one for Fred. His enjoyment had been far +greater than he anticipated; and what a boy of sixteen will not +anticipate is not worth considering.</p> + +<p>It seemed to him, as he left Grace Bernard's with a proud step and +lightsome heart, that he had been blue over the society question for +nothing, for, in fact, had he at this time possessed no friend save the +single one whose arm now rested upon his own, he would have been fully +satisfied. Perchance, in his boyish imaginings, he was more happy than +he could ever be in after years, even though his brightest dreams should +become a living reality.</p> + +<p>And it is but just to Fred to say that his fair companion, as they +walked leisurely toward her home, was almost if not quite as happy as +himself.</p> + +<p>This was the first time they had ever been out together in the evening, +and as he somewhat timidly pressed her arm closely to his side, he felt +all the pride of a hero in performing such delightful, if not dangerous, +escort duty. But indeed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>there was danger enough awaiting him, though it +lay in ambush, and he had not considered the possibility of its +existence.</p> + +<p>The distance to Nellie's home was not great, but it may reasonably be +suspected that the time occupied in traversing it was somewhat +prolonged. Under similar circumstances, with such delightful company, +the reader himself would perhaps have used every honorable device to +consume as many minutes as possible before parting with his fair +associate. I shall not criticise such a course, but will be just frank +enough to say that this is exactly what Fred did do.</p> + +<p>Of course, by way of conversation, it was natural to discuss the evening +party and those present. Young De Vere very justly came in for a degree +of censure.</p> + +<p>"What could have been the trouble with Matthew?" asked Nellie, clinging +closely to Fred as they passed a lonesome lane.</p> + +<p>"I'd rather not discuss him," replied the latter.</p> + +<p>"Why not? Is he such a friend of yours that you will say nothing against +him? Surely you can give no excuse for his acting as he did tonight."</p> + +<p>"Well, you are partially right."</p> + +<p>"In what way?"</p> + +<p>"So far as this—that I dislike to speak against any one."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span>"I thought it could not be you were so friendly that you wished to +shield him."</p> + +<p>"No, for he is very unfriendly towards me. Didn't you notice that when +he asked you to waltz with him?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, but you did not hear his remark about you, I hope."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, I heard it—he probably wanted me to hear it—but I could not +notice it there."</p> + +<p>"It was hateful and mean in him," replied Nellie sympathetically; "and +he was as rude as he could be all the evening."</p> + +<p>Fred had too much spirit to take kindly to being insulted, but Nellie's +warm hearted manner of sympathizing with him, and her criticism of his +rival, made him almost wish De Vere were again present to make some +insolent remark, that he might have the pleasure of hearing Nellie still +further champion his cause.</p> + +<p>"But you did not tell me what made him so uncivil," continued Nellie.</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"Do you know?"</p> + +<p>"I suppose he was vexed."</p> + +<p>"I should think he must have been very much piqued to act as he did."</p> + +<p>"Yes, it would seem so."</p> + +<p>"But what could have caused it, I wonder?" asked Nellie, with much +innocence.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>"Do you really want me to tell you?"</p> + +<p>"Why, to be sure I do."</p> + +<p>"Couldn't you guess?"</p> + +<p>"I know I could not."</p> + +<p>"Not if you were to try very hard?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"You should be more egotistical, then."</p> + +<p>"Why, what do you mean, Fred?"</p> + +<p>"I mean that what made him unhappy was just the thing that made me +happy, and gave me the pleasantest evening of my life," replied Fred, +tightening the pressure slightly on his companion's arm.</p> + +<p>"I cannot see how this affects me, or proves, as you say, that I should +be more egotistical," replied Miss Nellie, continuing, with feminine +perversity, to feign innocence and ignorance, that she might keep Fred +longer on a topic at once so flattering and delightful.</p> + +<p>"Then I will be plainer—very plain—and say that you were the cause +yourself."</p> + +<p>If the night had been a light one, Fred would have seen a bewildering +blush cover the face of his companion. As it was, he guessed the truth, +and realized that the effect of his words was altogether gratifying to +Nellie's pride—it could hardly be anything more sentimental than pride.</p> + +<p>But now they were at her home—all too soon as it seemed to Fred—and +her father and mother <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>had heard them come up the steps; so the "good +night" must be brief.</p> + +<p>Nellie extended her hand, with its graceful, tapering fingers, to him, +and thanked him very prettily for his attention during the evening, and +for escorting her safely home. In return, Fred gave her hand a slight +pressure from the impulse of his honest, manly heart, that meant a +thousand thanks for the pleasure she had given him, which would be a +gratifying recollection for weeks and months to come.</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_V" id="Chapter_V"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>V.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>While Fred was enjoying the latter part of his evening so thoroughly, +Matthew was miserable in his anger, as he and his confederate remained +crouched under the shadow of the bushes, chafing at our hero's failure +to appear.</p> + +<p>Every minute seemed ten to him, there in the cold night wind, as he +meditated upon the events of the past few hours, and imagined his rival +enjoying the pleasure of escorting Nellie home. The more he thought upon +the matter the more vividly he pictured the situation, and the greater +the contrast seemed to be between his own position and that of the boy +he hated.</p> + +<p>And as he dwelt upon this picture, and thought, and thought rightly, +that Fred was prolonging the time in reaching Dr. Dutton's house, his +anger became more bitter against his intended victim, for being kept +there so long in the frosty night.</p> + +<p>It was indeed a galling situation for Matthew, and right well he +deserved to be placed in it. He was on a wicked errand—an errand for +which he should have suffered a severe punishment. Still <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span>the time went +on, and the cold grew more intense, until their teeth chattered, and +their fingers were benumbed; yet Fred did not appear.</p> + +<p>Matthew was so bent on revenge that he hated to give up his evil +project; but he had waited so long, looked, listened, and hoped, and no +sound of footsteps could he hear, that now he broke out angrily:</p> + +<p>"Worthington isn't coming, after all—the sneak!"</p> + +<p>"Don't believe he is," shivered Tim, who was evidently very anxious to +get out of his contract.</p> + +<p>"But he must come this way," continued Matthew.</p> + +<p>"He might go to the other road and cut across the grove."</p> + +<p>"Why should he do that when it is so much farther? Listen, do you hear +it? There is a step now!" exclaimed De Vere, clutching his club tightly.</p> + +<p>"Sure as I'm alive, there he comes," said Tim, pointing to an +approaching object just growing visible.</p> + +<p>"Let him get nearly opposite us before striking. Ah, now I'll get square +with him—the tramp! I'll teach him better than to interfere with me," +continued Matthew, swinging his club as if raining imaginary blows upon +the head of his victim.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>"I should think so," observed Tim.</p> + +<p>"He will think so, too, in about a minute. He will wish he had not +crossed my path."</p> + +<p>"Where shall I hit him?"</p> + +<p>"Hit him on the leg so he can't run."</p> + +<p>"He might get my club if he has the use of his arms, and then it would +be all day with us," put in Tim, with a hint at caution.</p> + +<p>"Don't you worry. I'll fix him quick enough so he won't bother us with +his arms," replied De Vere, in a savage tone.</p> + +<p>"How will you do it?"</p> + +<p>"Hush, now is the time!" returned Matthew, darting from his hiding +place.</p> + +<p>"Stop, you villain!"</p> + +<p>The words suddenly rang out upon the night in a powerful voice. They +struck terror to the heart of the highwayman, whose club was raised high +in the air, ready to descend upon his victim.</p> + +<p>The sudden appearance of a strong man before him, as if by magic, the +disappointment, the danger and the surprise, almost paralyzed Matthew +with fear, and he dropped his club and fled, like the coward that he +was.</p> + +<p>But not so fortunate in escaping was young Tim Short, for before he had +time to realize the unexpected situation his club fell heavily upon the +leg of the man that he had taken for Fred Worthington.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>Though he heard the command to stop, and did actually break the force of +his blow in consequence, nevertheless he struck so hard that Jacob +Simmons, for that was the name of the new comer, thought for a time that +his leg was broken. Notwithstanding this, he made sure of his assailant, +and held him in an iron grasp.</p> + +<p>Jacob was fairly taken aback at first as the two boys rushed out upon +him, but Tim's well aimed club speedily brought him to his senses, and +aroused his temper as well. He consequently fell upon his assailant like +a madman, and choked him till he cried piteously for quarter.</p> + +<p>"What does this mean?" demanded Jacob angrily, at the same time +enforcing his demand by shaking his prisoner as a terrier might shake a +rat.</p> + +<p>"I do—don—don't know," replied the boy, as he, with much difficulty, +forced breath enough through the grasp of the strong man's hand around +his throat to speak at all.</p> + +<p>"Don't, eh?" echoed Mr. Simmons, with another shake, given, probably, +with the view of bringing Tim back to his senses.</p> + +<p>"It was a mistake—oh, don't; you will cho—choke me to death."</p> + +<p>"Well, then, tell me all about this business, and why you assaulted me +in this outrageous manner."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span>"We didn't know it was you. We thought——"</p> + +<p>"The truth, mind you, now."</p> + +<p>"I am telling the truth, and I say we thought you were some one else."</p> + +<p>"It was a plot, then, to rob and murder some one else?"</p> + +<p>"No, it wasn't, and I didn't have anything to do with the plot. Matthew +hired me to——"</p> + +<p>"Matthew who?" interrupted Jacob, whose anger was giving place, to some +extent, to his interest in the affair.</p> + +<p>"Matthew De Vere."</p> + +<p>"Matthew De Vere!" exclaimed Mr. Simmons, with intense surprise, giving +vent to a low whistle. "His father rich, proud, a banker," continued the +wily Jacob, easing his grasp upon the throat of Tim. "And he, Matthew De +Vere, is the villain who raised his club to hit me on the head—to +murder me, perhaps?"</p> + +<p>Young Short caught at the idea of freeing himself by implicating +Matthew, so he replied:</p> + +<p>"Yes, he was the fellow, but when he saw his mistake he dusted out, for +it wasn't you he wanted."</p> + +<p>"Of course you would plead innocent—all outlaws do—and try to throw +the blame on some one else; but you can't get away now. I shall have you +arrested and locked up for an attempt at robbery and murder."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>"Oh, don't—don't!" pleaded Tim, with tears and bitter anguish.</p> + +<p>"Come along. I'll have to put you in safe keeping, where you will not +get a chance to try this game of murder again right away."</p> + +<p>"Please don't! Oh, don't, Mr. Simmons! I will tell you all I know about +it, and do anything—work all my life for you if you will only let me +go."</p> + +<p>"Let you go, after this affair? Yes, I will let you go—go to the +sheriff! Come along, I say."</p> + +<p>"It's all Matthew's fault—wanting to lick Fred Worthington."</p> + +<p>"Do you expect me to believe such a story? It's a fine yarn to try and +clear yourself when you are the one that almost broke my leg with your +club."</p> + +<p>"He told me to hit you——"</p> + +<p>"Told you to hit me?"</p> + +<p>"I mean to hit Fred, for he was waiting for him—said he wanted to get +square with him."</p> + +<p>"Then, according to your own story, you hired yourself to Matthew De +Vere to come here and waylay an innocent boy, and beat him with clubs, +and perhaps murder him."</p> + +<p>"Yes; but I didn't think of it in that way or I wouldn't have come. +Matthew hired me."</p> + +<p>"So much the worse, if you would sell <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>yourself to do such a wicked +deed. You are as guilty as he, and it is my duty to hand you over to the +State."</p> + +<p>It was plainly Mr. Simmons' duty to hand young Short over to the +authorities, but when he found that Matthew De Vere was the principal +offender, a scheme instantly suggested itself to him—a plan to extort +money from the rich banker to keep the affair a secret, and save his +family from disgrace. Thus Jacob's regard for the law and justice, which +was sincere at first, before he saw an opportunity of turning his +knowledge to a money value, was now but an assumed position to draw Tim +out, and to hold over his head the power that would frighten him into +doing his bidding.</p> + +<p>By entertaining this idea of suppressing the knowledge of the crime in +order to get the reward Mr. Simmons became, in a sense, a party to the +assault upon himself, and morally guilty with the boys, though +undoubtedly in a less degree.</p> + +<p>However, this did not trouble his conscience, as he was one who lived +for money, and he saw here a chance to replenish his pocketbook. He took +Tim with him, and, after getting his story in full regarding Matthew's +object in waylaying Fred Worthington, gave him a conditional pardon; +that is, he agreed to wait a few days before <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span>handing him over to the +sheriff, to see if he could get Matthew to buy his liberty by paying +handsomely to suppress the whole affair. If he did not succeed in this, +he assured Tim that he would then be arrested, convicted, and sent to +prison.</p> + +<p>Mr. Simmons next told his prisoner that Matthew was liable with him, and +would be arrested at the same time unless he complied with his +proposition, which was that he should be paid five hundred dollars cash +for the injuries he had received. If Matthew and his father did not +comply with this demand, then he would summon the sheriff at once, have +both offenders arrested, and the entire facts made public.</p> + +<p>Though five hundred dollars seemed an enormous sum to young Short, he +was nevertheless glad to get off temporarily on these conditions. He +promised to try to raise this amount through Matthew, or, if he failed +in so doing, to secure by some means one hundred dollars to free +himself. Jacob had at last very shrewdly, though with seeming +reluctance, agreed, if Tim could do no better, to take the one hundred +dollars in settlement for the part he played in the assault, provided he +would hold himself in readiness to testify against Matthew.</p> + +<p>Short readily agreed to this proposition, and looked upon the +magnanimous Mr. Simmons as a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>paragon of liberality, and as his best +friend. But before leaving the presence of his benefactor, the latter +was careful to note down all the facts touching upon the assault as +related by Tim, and made the boy sign the statement.</p> + +<p>This was a little precaution probably intended to assist Tim's memory if +he should happen to forget some important points.</p> + +<p>Jacob never forgot little matters like these when the interest of his +friends was to be considered, and in this especial instance he was +unusually keen.</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_VI" id="Chapter_VI"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>VI.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>Matthew left the scene of the assault very hastily, without even the +ordinary civility of saying good night. This, however, was in keeping +with his manner of leaving the party, for there he did not so much as +thank Miss Grace for her entertainment.</p> + +<p>Twice that night he had found walking too slow for his purpose, though +his object in the two cases was quite unlike. In the one instance he was +on a mission of revenge, and in the other he was animated by a keen +desire to avoid the immediate neighborhood of Mr. Jacob Simmons.</p> + +<p>He evidently imagined that Jacob's society would not be agreeable to +him. Taking this view of the matter, he thought it would be the wise +thing for him to come away, and not to press himself upon the man at so +late an hour of the night.</p> + +<p>He reasoned that there would be no impropriety in such a course, as Mr. +Simmons couldn't be lonesome, for Tim was with him, and would probably +remain with him for the night at least, so he withdrew from the scene.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>We commend Matthew's worldly wisdom, as things turned out, in doing just +as he did, for had he remained it is altogether probable that Jacob +would have given him also an exhibition of his muscular powers, and +Matthew—the gentle youth of fine clothes and haughty manner—wouldn't +have taken to it kindly. It wouldn't have been a popular entertainment +for him in any sense.</p> + +<p>He seemed fully impressed with this idea of the situation, for never had +he got over the ground so fast as he did that night. He ran the entire +distance to his own home, and even when in his room, with his door +locked, he trembled with fear, and cast nervous glances around, as if +half expecting to see the angry Mr. Simmons rush in and fall upon him +with remorseless blows.</p> + +<p>Matthew's evening had been anything but a success. Every move he had +made had not only failed to accomplish his purpose, but had actually +recoiled upon him. He little imagined, though, to what extent this was +the case in his last effort, for his fear was only of immediate bodily +punishment.</p> + +<p>As time passed, and his door was not burst open, he began to feel safe +once more, and as terror ceased to occupy his thoughts, it was replaced +by jealousy, and a desire for revenge <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>upon Fred Worthington. He cared +little what became of Tim, and gave him hardly a passing thought since +he himself was safe from harm. He was not in the mood for sleep, so +passed the time in thinking over the events of the evening.</p> + +<p>It is a contemptible act of cowardice to lie in wait for a rival, and, +taking him thus at a disadvantage, spring upon him and beat him with +malicious pleasure. But Matthew would have felt no scruples on this +point, for it is just what he had planned to do; and now that he had +made of it a miserable failure, he resolved upon a new plot—an entirely +different form of revenge, but one, in many respects, much more to be +dreaded.</p> + +<p>When Fred Worthington's mind finally descended from the clouds, and he +began to think once more in a natural way, he at once took in the +situation. He knew that Matthew did not like him, and he had seen him +leave the party in an angry mood. Knowing him to be so revengeful, he +anticipated that trouble of some sort would follow; but he little +thought what that trouble would prove to be.</p> + +<p>Imagine his surprise, therefore, when the next afternoon Matthew called +at the store, in a very gracious mood, to see him and to talk over the +previous evening's entertainment. He was very agreeable, and as sociable +as if they had never quarreled.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>After he had gone, Fred began to feel somewhat guilty, thinking he had +unjustly wronged him. He disliked to have trouble with any one, and from +the fact that they had not been very good friends of late, and that now +De Vere had made the first concessions, Fred felt disposed to use every +effort to be on good terms with him.</p> + +<p>Matthew was quick to take note of this, and it suited his plans exactly. +At first he thought he would speak to Tom Martin about his despicable +purpose, and get his assistance. But he knew Dave Farrington would not +listen to it, for he had already shown a preference for Fred; so he +finally concluded to keep his own counsel, for should the facts at any +time become known, as they most probably would, then, if another boy +shared his secret, they would count heavily against him.</p> + +<p>He lost no opportunity in making friends with Fred, and they now +appeared together so much that the other boys could not understand what +had brought about such a marked change. It was a matter of remark to the +girls as well, for they also knew something of Matthew's hostility to +our young hero.</p> + +<p>"I am of the opinion that this sudden friendship is for a purpose that +Fred little suspects," said Dave Farrington, "for you know the +circumstances and remember what Matthew said to us <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>before the party. My +idea is that he is the worst boy in the village, and that we have never +seen how mean he can be. Fred is a good fellow and is working hard to +get ahead, and I am sorry to see him fall in with De Vere. If it wasn't +meddling with the affairs of other folks, I would tell him to be on his +guard."</p> + +<p>"It does seem queer," replied Tom, "that matters should have taken this +turn; but I guess nothing will come of it. I know Matthew always wants +his own way, though, and is bound to have it, and that is why his +actions seem so odd just now."</p> + +<p>It had been Fred's custom to stay in the store nights until he got ready +to go home, but since he had been under the influence of Matthew he had +changed in this respect. Though he firmly intended to do nothing that he +would be ashamed of, or that would injure him in any way, yet he was in +dangerous company, and, like all others under similar circumstances, was +gradually being affected by it.</p> + +<p>One night De Vere suggested, as they were passing a drinking saloon—the +very one where he had found Tim Short—that they should go in and have a +glass of ginger ale. Fred had some conscientious scruples about this, +but, lest he should offend his companion, he yielded, saying to himself: +"There is nothing intoxicating about <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span>it; I don't see any more harm in +it than drinking soda. Still I don't like the surroundings."</p> + +<p>Having once visited that place of ruin, he hesitated less about going +the second time; so when he and Matthew again passed it (and the latter +purposely led him that way), Fred, feeling that he was under obligations +to his companion for his previous treat, invited him in. This time they +lingered a while to watch the billiard playing, and when a table was +unoccupied Matthew asked Fred to have a game with him, adding that he +would pay the expense.</p> + +<p>Fred accepted the proposition and won the game, though he had never +played before, while Matthew had had a good deal of experience.</p> + +<p>Billiards is a fascinating game, and, from the very fact of its +fascination, it is extremely dangerous for boys. It is usually +associated with drinking saloons, where the air is filled with evil +influences and the fumes of rum and tobacco; and, aside from these +degrading surroundings, it is a very expensive game. It is a very common +occurrence for one to find himself two or three dollars short for a +single evening's entertainment of this sort, and this, too, when no +drinking or betting has been done.</p> + +<p>Fred, of course, felt elated that he should win the game with an old +player, while Matthew chuckled over his own success; for, in purposely +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>allowing his opponent to win, and thereby playing on his conceit, he +had scored more points in his own subtle game than he had hoped.</p> + +<p>The obstacle that at first appeared to stand in the way of this young +scoundrel's accomplishing his purpose seemed to be well nigh surmounted. +He had carefully managed his victim, and would soon be paid for all his +trouble by the terrible revenge he would enjoy.</p> + +<p>There now remained the final act, which he arranged with the bartender, +by paying him a certain sum.</p> + +<p>It was agreed that De Vere should bring Fred in for a drink, and that +they would persuade him to take a glass of lager beer, that should +contain a large adulteration of whisky.</p> + +<p>Tim Short was taken into the secret with a view to rendering any service +that might be required of him.</p> + +<p>When the boys next appeared at the saloon, Matthew, with a pompous air, +said:</p> + +<p>"John, give me a glass of lager; I have got sick of drinking ginger ale. +It's nothing but a baby drink, any way. Fred, you'd better try the +lager, too. It's ever so much nicer than that slop. Just try it now, and +if you don't like it you needn't drink it. See how clear it is! I guess +I can beat you at billiards after taking this."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>The bartender laughed, and after indorsing all that De Vere had said, +added:</p> + +<p>"Folks is got about over drinking ginger ale, nowadays. Lager's the +proper stuff!"</p> + +<p>Fred was a good scholar, but there was a little word of two letters that +he had not yet learned how to spell; that is—<i>no</i>.</p> + +<p>He drank the beer, and his fate was sealed. He was now a tool in +Matthew's hands. On some pretense the young hypocrite excused himself +from playing a game of billiards as he had at first proposed, and +induced Fred to follow him into the street, knowing it was not safe for +him to remain longer in the heated saloon.</p> + +<p>It was his first intention to go back to the store, thinking that if Mr. +Rexford should see Fred in a tipsy state he would discharge him. But +just before reaching the merchant's place of business he stopped, and, +taking Fred by the arm, walked quickly up the street.</p> + +<p>Tim followed close enough to answer promptly if Matthew should summon +him.</p> + +<p>The liquor had already begun to have the desired effect. Fred had become +talkative and boisterous, and in such a condition that he could be +influenced to do almost any absurd thing.</p> + +<p>Matthew was bound to make the most of his opportunities, and so he +incited him by flattering words to call at Dr. Dutton's house, opposite +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>which they now stood. Fred assented to this, provided Matthew would +accompany him. This De Vere readily agreed to do, and he led the +intoxicated youth up to the door, and rang the bell sharply.</p> + +<p>Presently the door opened, and on stepping in Fred looked about for his +companion, but he was nowhere to be seen.</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_VII" id="Chapter_VII"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>VII.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>Tim Short made a very wretched attempt to obtain a night's sleep after +escaping from captivity, both because the night was well spent before he +reached home and because matters of too great importance rested upon his +mind to allow him to bury them in slumber.</p> + +<p>He reported at the factory at the usual morning hour, but after working +a little time complained of being sick, and was released for the +remainder of the day. If he was not physically ill, he was doubtless +sick at heart, so he speedily sought Matthew, and told him, with more or +less ill feeling, of his experience at the hands of Jacob Simmons, and +of the latter's demands in settlement (as he called it) for his +injuries.</p> + +<p>"And you 'squealed' on me?" demanded De Vere, with ill suppressed anger.</p> + +<p>"I told him who you were, to save him from choking me to death."</p> + +<p>"Is that all you said?"</p> + +<p>"He told me to tell the truth or——"</p> + +<p>"So you gave him the whole story—you idiot, to tell everything you +know!"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>"I only wish you had been in my place."</p> + +<p>"If I had I wouldn't have been an idiot!" retorted De Vere.</p> + +<p>"Oh, you wouldn't have! Some folks are very smart," replied Tim, getting +angry.</p> + +<p>"I'd have been smart enough for that."</p> + +<p>"A lot you would. If he'd had you as he had me, you would have told more +than I did, and promised anything he asked."</p> + +<p>"I'm not a baby, I want you to understand, to cry if any one looks at +me."</p> + +<p>"No, you are very brave, to have to get some one to help you to get +square with Fred Worthington."</p> + +<p>"I was a fool when I got you."</p> + +<p>"And I was a fool for having anything to do with you in this business. +You will be arrested and sent to prison, and so will I, unless you pay +Mr. Simmons the five hundred."</p> + +<p>"Arrested! What do you mean?" asked Matthew, turning pale.</p> + +<p>"I mean just what I said; if you don't pay him he will come down on us +within three days."</p> + +<p>"Did he say so?" gasped De Vere.</p> + +<p>"Yes, he did. He was going to take me to the sheriff last night, and +that's why I told everything."</p> + +<p>"Five hundred dollars! I can't get it without asking my father for it."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span>"Well, ask him then."</p> + +<p>"He would find out everything, and would whip me almost to death."</p> + +<p>"Better be whipped than go to prison, and have every one know all about +it."</p> + +<p>"I won't do either."</p> + +<p>"How can you avoid it?"</p> + +<p>"Five hundred dollars is too much."</p> + +<p>"You'd better see Mr. Simmons and fix it with him."</p> + +<p>"I don't want to see him."</p> + +<p>"You will have to see him or send the money."</p> + +<p>The two boys finally called upon Jacob Simmons and entered into +negotiations.</p> + +<p>"I ought to have more than five hundred," said the latter.</p> + +<p>"How can I give it to you if I haven't got it?" asked Matthew.</p> + +<p>"Your father is rich, and could give me ten times as much and not miss +it."</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't tell him. I will pay you what I can."</p> + +<p>"If you had the money I would take it and say nothing more to him or any +one; but I must have it or hand you over to the sheriff."</p> + +<p>Matthew shuddered at this thought. He was in a dilemma, and hardly knew +which way to turn.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>After a good deal of parley, Mr. Simmons agreed to take three hundred +dollars in place of the five originally demanded. This act, however, was +not inspired by liberality or a desire to make the penalty less for the +boys, but with a feeling that he might get nothing if he were to take +the matter to the elder De Vere, as he gathered from Matthew's +conversation that the latter would run away from home rather than submit +to the severe punishment his father would be sure to give him.</p> + +<p>"Three hundred dollars," Jacob argued, "is much better than nothing."</p> + +<p>Matthew gave him what cash he had with him—seventeen dollars—and his +watch, and signed an agreement to pay the balance within six weeks. He +also indorsed the statement that Tim had signed about the assault as +being true, and the careful Mr. Simmons replaced it in his large +pocketbook for future use if it should at any time be needed.</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_VIII" id="Chapter_VIII"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>VIII.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>When Fred found that he was in Dr. Dutton's house, and that Matthew had +disappeared and deserted him, he was at a loss to know what to say or +what move to make. His mind was far from clear, and his tongue so +unwieldy that he could hardly manage it.</p> + +<p>He stood silent for a moment, evidently trying to collect his thoughts +and make out his situation; then, muttering some half intelligible +words, he made a start as if to leave the house.</p> + +<p>The doctor, who answered the summons of the bell, was struck nearly dumb +by the sight that greeted his eyes. He closed the door, and, taking the +youth by the shoulder, supported his unsteady steps to the office.</p> + +<p>The fumes of whisky readily indicated the cause of this unfortunate +occurrence, but the doctor was at a loss to know why Fred should be in +such a state. Was he not one of the most exemplary boys in town, and did +he not belong to the school, of which Dr. Dutton himself was +superintendent?</p> + +<p>Surely something must be wrong, thought the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>doctor, and he began to +question the boy, who on going from the cool air to a warm room had +grown so suddenly sick that he looked as if he would faint.</p> + +<p>The kind physician laid him gently on a lounge, and gave him such +professional treatment as the case demanded.</p> + +<p>There is a vast difference between one who has become intoxicated by a +single glass and one who has been drinking for hours, and has thereby +paralyzed his nerves and deadened his brain. In the former case the +liquor can be thrown from the stomach, and the victim soon recovers the +powers of his mind; while in the other event it may take several days to +restore his customary vigor.</p> + +<p>This sickness of Fred's was the very best thing that could have happened +to him, for he got rid of the vile poison before it had time to stupefy +him to any great extent. Nevertheless the dose was so strong and the +shock so great for his stomach that for a time he was extremely sick and +weak.</p> + +<p>But after lying quietly on the lounge for an hour or so, he regained a +little strength.</p> + +<p>The doctor ordered his carriage, helped Fred into it and took him home. +The latter was still so unnerved that he could hardly walk, but the cool +air benefited him so much that when he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>reached home he managed to get +into the house alone, and up to his room without disturbing his parents, +who had retired some time before.</p> + +<p>The next morning he awoke with a severe headache, and seemed generally +out of tune.</p> + +<p>The mere thought of what he had done—how he had disgraced himself by +going to a public bar, and there drinking to intoxication—caused him +the deepest sorrow and regret; but when he fully realized what a severe +wound his conduct would inflict upon his mother and father, and how they +would grieve over it—when he thought what the people of the town would +say, and remembered that he had actually called in this lamentable state +at Dr. Dutton's house—the place of all others he would have wished to +avoid—he became sick at heart as well as in body, and his tumultuous +feelings were only soothed by tears of honest repentance.</p> + +<p>However, Fred hurriedly dressed himself, went to the store as usual, and +commenced his accustomed labors. He saw at once, by Mr. Rexford's +manner, that he did not know what had happened the previous night, and +this afforded him a slight temporary relief; still, he knew it was only +a question of time before his employer would learn the whole story.</p> + +<p>When this took place, what would be the result? Would he lose his +situation? He knew <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>that Mr. Rexford was a stern man, having little +charity for the faults of others. That his clerk should have been +intoxicated the previous night would undoubtedly irritate him greatly.</p> + +<p>Fred imagined that every one whom he saw knew of what he had done, and +looked upon him with disgust. He felt tempted to leave the village, and +never be seen again where he had so disgraced himself. Could he only go +to some new place, among strangers, and commence life over again, he +might have a better chance to work his way upward; but here this shame +would always hang, like a dark cloud, above him.</p> + +<p>On reflection, however, he saw that it would be both unmanly and +ungrateful to leave his parents.</p> + +<p>No; he was the guilty party, and he must stay here, where the +unfortunate occurrence had taken place, and here try, by the strictest +discipline, and the most watchful care, to regain his former standing +among his friends.</p> + +<p>As Fred thought over the occurrences of the past few weeks—of Matthew's +decided hostility, of his course at the party, and his sudden friendship +since that time—of his treachery and meanness the night before, in +getting him to call at Dr. Dutton's while intoxicated, and his deception +in so suddenly leaving him at the door—he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>saw clearly that he had been +made the victim of De Vere's mean and cruel malice.</p> + +<p>Moreover, he did not believe that a single glass of beer would have +produced such an effect upon him, and so he strongly suspected the +truth—that he had been drugged.</p> + +<p>Still, he decided to bear the blame himself, and not throw it upon +another, though there might be justice in such a course. He felt +confident that the truth would at some time come to light, if he said +nothing about it, whereas, should he bring forward his suspicion as an +excuse for getting tipsy, the charge would at once be denied, and then +he would be less liable to fix the guilt upon the young villain who had +made him the plaything of his ill will.</p> + +<p>He knew, also, that he was to blame for having visited the iniquitous +den at all, and much more for allowing himself to be persuaded to +indulge even in what is popularly considered a harmless drink.</p> + +<p>He was so absent minded during the day, and showed so clearly in his +face that something was troubling him, that keen eyed John Rexford +observed it, and wondered what had happened to check the flow of the +boy's spirits.</p> + +<p>Rexford was a selfish man, and thought that possibly something +pertaining to the store had gone wrong. Such an idea was enough to +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>arouse his suspicion, for he was wholly wrapped up in his business. He +could not look beyond that, and had no feeling for others—only making +an occasional show of it for the sake of policy.</p> + +<p>A man who lives in such a way is not half living. He is not broad, +intelligent, liberal, and sympathetic, but is narrowed down to a sordid, +grasping existence.</p> + +<p>I often pity such men, for though they may have wealth in abundance, +they know not how to enjoy it. Neither do they possess the faculty of +deriving pleasure from kindness and generosity.</p> + +<p>They can see no beauty in art or nature, and when they become unfit for +pursuing their vocation, they have nothing to look forward to. The life +beyond is something to which they have given little thought. They have +starved their nobler nature that is nourished on higher things, until it +is dwarfed and shriveled, and the baleful results of such an unnatural +mode of life are pictured in their countenances.</p> + +<p>Fred's most trying ordeal during the day was that of going to Dr. +Dutton's house with goods; for if others did not know of what was on his +mind, surely the doctor's family did. He knew that he had forfeited the +good opinion they had had of him, and he wished to avoid meeting them.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span>To his surprise Mrs. Dutton greeted him pleasantly, and made no +reference whatever to the affair of the previous night. Her motherly +nature pitied him sincerely, for she saw plainly written in his face the +sorrow that he so keenly felt. Bless the dear soul for her kind, +sympathetic heart, and the cheerful, helpful look she gave the boy in +the hour of his trial!</p> + +<p>This unexpected charity helped Fred not a little; but the conspicuous +absence of Miss Nellie, evidently due to a purpose of avoiding him, sent +a chill deep into his very heart, which was plainly reflected in his +face and exhibited in his demeanor. Fred's regard for her, I think we +may safely infer, was much stronger and of a finer type than the +ordinary preferences shown by boys of his age; therefore we can +understand why he was so deeply affected by her turning away from him as +if he were unfit to be her associate.</p> + +<p>Matthew De Vere made the most of his opportunity. He felt that he was +being revenged now. He took great care to spread the report, and to +inform a certain one in particular of the facts concerning Fred. His +version of them was a highly colored one; but of course he made no +allusion to the adulteration of the liquor. He claimed that he induced +Fred to leave the bar room, and intimated that he must have drunk +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>several times before he saw him, "for," he said, "one glass of beer +could not have made him tipsy."</p> + +<p>By afternoon, the report spread nearly through the town, for, as Milton +says:</p> + +<p class="cen">Evil news rides post, while good news baits.</p> + +<p>Dave Farrington and Tom Martin called to see Fred and talk the matter +over with him. The latter did not breathe his suspicions of the real +cause of the occurrence, but simply told the facts. The boys quickly +replied that they considered it a trick of De Vere's, and that this was +the mean way he had taken to carry out his threat of "getting the +advantage of him."</p> + +<p>This conversation confirmed Fred's opinion, and though he felt ashamed +of himself, and was bound to suffer for his foolish act, while the +guilty party went free, yet he reflected:</p> + +<p>"I would rather be in my place than in Matthew's, for I shall learn by +this experience not to be influenced by another to do anything without +first counting the cost, and seeing whether it is right and best. If it +is not, I won't do it for anybody's friendship. This will also teach me +to keep away from suspicious places, and to avoid the temptations and +corrupting influences of a bar room. De Vere's guilt will work more +injury to him, in the long run, than my damaged reputation will to me."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>Towards the close of the day Mr. Rexford heard of the previous night's +occurrence. He immediately called Fred into the counting room, and +sternly, and in an excited manner, questioned him as to the truth of the +report.</p> + +<p>The latter acknowledged its correctness, and told his story, stating +that he drank but one glass of beer, and that that was his first, and +would also be his last.</p> + +<p>The suspicious merchant was very angry, and disposed to doubt the boy's +statement. He said that it was a mystery to him where Fred got the money +to spend for such a purpose—intimating that perhaps it came from his +own cash drawer. Then, after giving him a sharp lecture, he hinted at +discharge, saying that he would have no drinking persons about him.</p> + +<p>John Rexford well knew the value of such a boy as Fred, and had no real +intention of sending him adrift. But he wished to make the most of his +opportunity, and to impress the boy, and the public if possible, with +the idea that in keeping him he was doing a very magnanimous act.</p> + +<p>So he said that he would overlook this fault, though a grave one, and +retain Fred for the present on probation; but he warned the boy that he +must keep a sharp lookout, as the first misdeed, or suspicious act on +his part, would result in immediate discharge.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span>The turn of affairs was anything but pleasant to Fred, though better +than he had expected. And it was far more satisfactory to him than the +previous suspense, when he had not known what his employer would decide +to do.</p> + +<p>When the day's work was over, Fred went directly home, where he found +his father and mother seated before the open fire.</p> + +<p>The latter was somewhat worried about her son, for he looked pale and +worn, and had eaten hardly anything since the night before; still she +knew nothing of the cause of this. His father had received some +intimation of what had happened, but had decided to say nothing to his +wife about it for the present.</p> + +<p>Fred had no intention, however, of keeping his parents in ignorance of +his adventure; but taking his seat by the side of his mother, and where +he could look both parents in the face, he told them the whole story, +going minutely into all of the details.</p> + +<p>He also told them of the conversation which had occurred between himself +and Rexford.</p> + +<p>Both parents listened intently to this statement. The mother at first +sobbed bitterly, on hearing from the lips of her own child—on whom her +hopes and pride were centered—that he had been in such company and in +such a condition.</p> + +<p>The father doubtless felt the disgrace quite as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>keenly, for he was a +sensitive, intelligent man and naturally feared that this was but the +beginning of a dissipated life. Still, he could hardly look for that +from a boy whom he had tried so hard to instruct in what is manly and +right, and who had always seemed to profit by his teaching.</p> + +<p>But as Fred progressed in his narration, and showed how the lamentable +result had been brought about, and that he had been made a victim of De +Vere's revenge in consequence of the latter's jealousy, both parents +looked upon the whole matter in a very different light. Mr. Worthington +was extremely indignant, and expressed his determination to see De +Vere's father and demand redress for the despicable course Matthew had +taken. He also vowed that he would wage war against that bartender, and +drive him out of town.</p> + +<p>Fred, however, urged his father not to do either, since he believed it +would only make a bad matter worse; adding that he had decided that it +would be better for him to say and do nothing about the affair, further +than to mention that Matthew was with him. He requested his father to +adopt the same course. Mrs. Worthington, too, thought this the better +plan, so after some persuasion her husband agreed to accept the +situation and wait for time to bring the truth to light.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>The wisdom of such a course must be apparent to my readers when they +stop to think upon the matter, as did Fred. For, had he charged De Vere +with being the cause of his misfortune, and alleged that the bartender +had drugged him, both villains would instantly have denied it, and +would, doubtless, have thrown the lie upon young Worthington, thus +making him appear more at disadvantage than before. Besides, the +villagers would be disposed to believe them, as it is well known that +every one guilty of a misdemeanor is sure to give some excuse for his +action, though excuses usually have but little weight.</p> + +<p>On the other hand, a secret becomes burdensome to one after a time. If +it is of a trivial nature, and the author finds he is not suspected, he +will finally tell it as a joke, contrasting his cunning with the +stupidity of his victim; while if it be of a graver sort, it will +finally be disclosed, if for no other reason than to unburden the mind.</p> + +<p>While both of Fred's parents regretted most deeply what had happened, +they felt proud to think that he had told the whole truth, without even +waiting to be questioned upon the subject.</p> + +<p>If all boys would follow Fred's example in this respect whenever they +get into any trouble, they would not only retain the confidence of their +parents, but would receive the rewards of a clear conscience and an +unburdened heart.</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_IX" id="Chapter_IX"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>IX.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>There is something rather peculiar about the fact that troubles of any +sort never seem to come singly. This has been noticed by almost every +person of wide experience, and the idea is crystallized in the proverb: +"It never rains but it pours." The adage certainly held true in Fred's +case.</p> + +<p>Only a few days after the occurrence related in the preceding chapter, +and when Fred had begun to feel a little more at ease in his mind, he +was called up sharply one night by his employer, who said to him:</p> + +<p>"Fred, what have you done with the twenty dollar bill that was in this +drawer?"</p> + +<p>"I have seen no such bill there to-day, sir," replied the clerk.</p> + +<p>"You have seen no such bill, do you say? I took a new twenty dollar bill +of James D. Atwood this afternoon, when he settled his account, and I +put it in this drawer," pointing to the open cash drawer before him.</p> + +<p>"It seems queer, sir; but I am sure that I have not paid it out or seen +it. Didn't you give <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>it to Woodman and Hardy's man when you paid him +some money to-day?"</p> + +<p>"No!" replied the merchant nervously, "he was here early in the +afternoon, before I took the bill. There has been no one to the cash +drawer but you and myself—unless you neglected your business and +allowed some scoundrel in behind the counter while I was at tea."</p> + +<p>Fred flushed up at this intimation that he might have been false to his +trust, and replied, with some show of injured feeling:</p> + +<p>"Mr. Rexford, if any money has been lost, I am sorry for you; but as I +said, I know nothing about it. You say you took in a twenty dollar bill, +and that now it is gone. If a mistake has occurred in making change, I +don't know why it should be laid to me any more than yourself, for I am +as careful as I can be."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to say, young man, that I have made a mistake of this size +in making change?"</p> + +<p>"I simply say, there must be a mistake somewhere. Have you figured up +your cash account to know just how it stands?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Rexford had not figured it up, but on discovering that the bill was +missing, and noticing that there was little increase in the other money, +he jumped to the conclusion that the drawer was twenty dollars short. +But on carefully going over his cash and sales accounts, and reckoning +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>the money on hand, he found that there was just eighteen dollars +missing.</p> + +<p>This discovery only added mystery to the already perplexing matter. It +certainly looked now as though some cunning method had been employed to +swindle him.</p> + +<p>The merchant's brow contracted at the thought, and after a few moments +he said, in an excited and angry manner:</p> + +<p>"Worthington, you know about that bill, and are trying to deceive me. I +can see no way but that you took it during my absence, and in trying to +cover up your act put two dollars in the drawer; but, young man, I'd +have you know that such tricks can't be played on me!"</p> + +<p>The flush that had appeared upon Fred's face was now gone, and in its +stead appeared the paleness of anger. He stepped squarely up to his +accuser, and said, in a determined tone:</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to say that I stole your money? If you mean that, sir, you +say what is false, and you shall——"</p> + +<p>"No, no; I don't—er—er—I won't say that—but—but be calm and let me +see!"</p> + +<p>"Do you withdraw your accusation, then?" demanded the youth, whose +manner was such that Rexford was glad, for the time being, to retract +his statement, or make any admission whatever, for he saw that in the +boy's eyes which <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>warned him to adopt a more conciliatory policy and to +do it speedily.</p> + +<p>He consequently retreated from his position, and assured Fred that he +had spoken too hastily in accusing him. He also moved cautiously +backward to another part of the store, doubtless feeling that the air +would circulate more freely between them if they were some distance +apart; then he added:</p> + +<p>"But the bill is gone, and as I have not paid it out, I want it +accounted for."</p> + +<p>"No doubt you do," said Fred. "I should like to know where it is myself. +As long as you put it on that ground I will not object, but you shall +not charge me squarely with committing a theft."</p> + +<p>"No, I won't charge you directly with taking it, but I have my opinion +as to where it has gone," rejoined Rexford, with an insinuating air.</p> + +<p>Fred knew well what that opinion was; but it was beyond his power to +challenge it while unexpressed, and he could not at that time change it +by proving his innocence, so he replied:</p> + +<p>"Very well, you can think as you like, if that gives you any +satisfaction."</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes; very good! But I will get my satisfaction, not in thinking, +but in acting! You were hired as my clerk, and it was your <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>duty to work +for my interest, and look out for this store in my absence. As this bill +disappeared while under your charge, I shall hold you responsible for +it," said the merchant, as he rubbed his thin, bony hands together.</p> + +<p>This made the color again change in Fred's face, which, being noticed by +Rexford, influenced him to move a few paces nearer to the door, as he +possibly thought it still a little warm for his comfort, while young +Worthington exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"You will never get a cent of my money for this purpose! Now you just +remember that!"</p> + +<p>"Not so fast, young man! You forget that I owe you about fifteen +dollars, and I'll keep that amount in partial payment for this loss. +Don't think you are going to get ahead of me quite so easy!"</p> + +<p>"I'm not trying to get ahead of you, but I want my rights and what is +due me, and I will have both. I don't more than half believe there was a +twenty dollar bill here at all! It is one of your mean tricks to beat me +out of my money. It is not much more, sir, than I have seen you do by +customers—adulterating goods, giving short weight and measures, +and——"</p> + +<p>"Stop there! you vil—er—insinuating rascal," yelled the proprietor, in +a rage, his limbs and features twitching nervously. "Do you mean to say +that I cheat my customers, and——"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>"Yes, that is just what I mean," replied Fred firmly.</p> + +<p>"I'll have you arrested at once. I won't be insulted by such a scamp!"</p> + +<p>"Be careful whom you call a scamp!" said Fred, while Rexford again edged +off. "I'd like to have you arrest me, for then I could tell things about +you and your store that would make a stir in this village! What if some +of the folks find out that the XXX St. Louis brand of flour, for which +they pay you ten dollars a barrel, is a cheap grade that you bought in +plain barrels and stamped yourself? Now do you want to arrest me? If you +do there are many other things I can tell, and I wouldn't pass your +accounts by either. I know something of what has been going on +here—more than you think, perhaps."</p> + +<p>These rapid and earnest utterances from young Worthington wrought a +complete change in the merchant. They alarmed him, for he saw that the +boy had the advantage, and out of policy he must stop matters before +they became any worse. So he said, in a humble and subdued tone:</p> + +<p>"Fred, it's no use for us to quarrel about this. You know it is not +proper for you to go outside and tell your employer's business, and——"</p> + +<p>"I know it is not, and I would only do so to defend myself; but when you +threaten to keep <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span>my money, and to have me arrested, then I will show +what kind of a man is trying to take advantage of me."</p> + +<p>"Very well, then, if I pay you your money, you will say nothing about +the business of this store, I suppose?"</p> + +<p>"No, I will say nothing about what I have just mentioned, unless I +should be put on trial; then, of course, I should be obliged to +testify."</p> + +<p>"You will not be put on trial. I take you at your word—your word of +honor," added the merchant impressively.</p> + +<p>"Yes, my word of honor!" repeated Fred, "and that means that your +secrets are safe."</p> + +<p>The wily Rexford had now gained his point—Fred's promise—and he +quickly changed front and cried:</p> + +<p>"Well, there's your money—fifteen dollars—now consider yourself +discharged from my employ!"</p> + +<p>"'Discharged,' did you say, sir?" ejaculated Fred, utterly taken aback +at this sudden turn of events.</p> + +<p>"I said 'discharged,'" repeated the merchant, fidgeting about; "you know +what the word means, I presume?"</p> + +<p>Fred did know what it meant. It meant more than Rexford's narrow spirit +could even comprehend. It meant disgrace, perhaps ruin.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>Fred took the money, the few bills, the last he would earn in the old +store, and stood for a moment turning them over listlessly—evidently +not counting them, but as if to aid him in solving the problem that +rested heavily upon his mind.</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_X" id="Chapter_X"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>X.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>"Isn't the money all right?" asked the merchant, finally.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Rexford," said Fred, not noticing the inquiry, "I want you to tell +me if I lost my place on account of that missing bill."</p> + +<p>"That is exactly why," replied the merchant, "for I have always been +satisfied with your work. Had you never got into that drunken scrape, +though, I probably should not have thought so much of it, even if I +could see no way in which to account for the mystery."</p> + +<p>Fred felt it a cruel injustice that he should be discharged and +disgraced simply on the suspicion of a crime of which he was, in fact, +entirely innocent: still he could see that the merchant had some grounds +for his distrust, for when a boy once gets a stain upon his character it +is almost impossible to utterly efface it. It may be forgotten for a +time, but if any untoward circumstance afterward arises, the remembrance +of the old misdeed comes speedily to the surface and combines with later +developments to work injury to him. Thus my readers can see the great +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>importance of always doing what is right, thereby keeping their +reputations unsullied.</p> + +<p>Had Fred not fallen a victim to De Vere's revengeful plot, he would have +been saved the shame that caused him so much misery; he would have +retained the good opinion of the people of Mapleton; he would not have +forfeited a certain very desirable friendship; and he would, in all +probability, have held his position with Mr. Rexford, regardless of the +mysterious disappearance of the bill.</p> + +<p>Our young friend left the store where he had worked hard and faithfully, +and where he was gaining an insight into a business, the knowledge of +which, he hoped, would some day enable him to become an active and +prosperous merchant. But now, alas! he had been discharged and sent away +in disgrace.</p> + +<p>Fred started for home with a more sorrowful heart than he had ever known +before. His last chance of success seemed, for a time, to be gone. The +villagers would now lose all faith in him, he would have no friends, and +even his father and mother might doubt his honesty. It would be useless +for him to try for a situation in another store, when it became known +why he was discharged from John Rexford's.</p> + +<p>It was not surprising that young Worthington was so cast down, while the +shock was fresh upon <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span>him, for there seemed now to be no way by which he +could build himself up. But in this country there is always a chance for +an honest, ambitious, and determined boy to succeed by careful thought, +patient endurance, and hard work. Sometimes, to be sure, one can see +very little ahead to encourage him to push on and hope to come out +victorious. This is the very point at which many fail. They cannot stand +up "under fire," but fall back when by sufficient will force they might +win a decisive victory in the battle of life.</p> + +<p>When Fred reached home, wearing a most dejected look, Mrs. Worthington +exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Why, my son, what brings you home so early? I hope you are not ill!"</p> + +<p>"No, I'm well enough, mother, but I'm tired of trying to amount to +anything."</p> + +<p>"What has happened now?" exclaimed the mother, with an alarmed +expression on her face.</p> + +<p>"I have been discharged by Mr. Rexford, on suspicion of having stolen +money from the store."</p> + +<p>"Stolen money!" uttered both parents simultaneously, as they grew pale +at the terrible thought.</p> + +<p>"Yes, that is what I am charged with, though I know nothing about the +missing money. That is what makes it so hard to bear."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>"Tell me the particulars," said the anxious father; whereupon his son +related all that had taken place between himself and the merchant—all +save that which related to Rexford's sharp practices, of which he had +promised to say nothing.</p> + +<p>After the story was finished, all were silent for a time. Both mother +and boy looked heart sick, and gazed wistfully into the blaze that +burned brightly in the open grate, as if they might discover there the +secret of the mystery, while the father sat with knitted brows, studying +carefully the statements which Fred had made.</p> + +<p>At length he broke the silence, and said:</p> + +<p>"My son, you have never deceived me. You came to your mother and me with +true manhood, and told us of your first disgrace, while many boys would +have tried hard to keep it from their parents. Though I never had reason +to suspect you of wrong doing, yet that voluntary act upon your part +proved to me that you had the courage to do right and own the truth. Now +something has taken place that seems worse than the other; but as you +say you are innocent, I believe it, and think that some great mistake +has been made. I don't know where it can be, but we must try to clear it +up."</p> + +<p>Though these were welcome words to Fred, he was much cast down +notwithstanding.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>"But, father," he replied, "the people will all believe me guilty when +they see I am out of the store, and learn the circumstances."</p> + +<p>"It is far better for you, my boy, that they should suppose you guilty, +when you are conscious of your innocence, than that the whole world +should believe you innocent, if you were really guilty."</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't see how we can show that I did not take the money."</p> + +<p>"Neither do I, at present; but time will straighten this matter, as it +does almost everything. Don't expect that we can accomplish much while +we are sitting here and talking about it."</p> + +<p>"What shall we do, then, father?"</p> + +<p>"Wait until we can see how to proceed."</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't see any way; and, besides, I am about discouraged, now +this is added to the other disgrace; and to think that I am not +responsible for either!" exclaimed Fred, with deep emotion.</p> + +<p>"I think you were responsible, to a certain extent, for the first," said +his father.</p> + +<p>"How was I responsible when De Vere led me into it, and had my drink +adulterated?"</p> + +<p>"You were to be blamed for going to the bar at all. You should not have +been influenced by such a fellow as that scamp."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>"Yes, I know I didn't do right in that respect, but I had no reason to +suppose that such a result would follow."</p> + +<p>"One hardly ever does when he is being led on to do some wrong act by a +crafty villain."</p> + +<p>"Matthew probably would have had his revenge in some other way, if he +had not succeeded in his first trial."</p> + +<p>"Very true; but had it been in some other form, it might have been shown +that he was the guilty party; whereas now it would seem that you were +the author of your own misfortune, while the real agent of the +occurrence goes unsuspected, and exults in your downfall."</p> + +<p>"I thought he wanted to be friends with me, so I tried not to displease +him."</p> + +<p>"Well, I hope that affair will be a valuable lesson to you. It has +certainly proved itself a costly one. You should learn to look at the +motives of people, and not trust them too far, simply because they smile +upon you once and seem friendly. I don't think that your judgment was +very keen, or you would have seen through De Vere's sudden change of +manner when you had reason to suppose he would maintain a more hostile +attitude than ever."</p> + +<p>"Don't be too hard upon him, Samuel," interrupted Mrs. Worthington, who +saw that Fred was growing restive under his father's rebukes.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>"I am not trying to be hard upon him," replied her husband, "but simply +wish to bring this matter before him in a way that will enable him to +make the most of this experience. I want to teach him to avoid such +errors in the future; for this is an almost fatal mistake in his case, +which will follow him for years, and will, so far as I can see, change +his whole life's career."</p> + +<p>"Why, how is that, father?" inquired Fred, in a half frightened voice.</p> + +<p>"It is simply this: your mother and I always intended that you should +become a merchant. We instilled that idea into you from a child, and as +you grew older, to our satisfaction you showed a decided taste for such +a life. At last I got you a place in a store where I thought you could +build yourself up, and, in course of time, go into business for +yourself. You showed an aptitude for the work, and Mr. Rexford assured +me that you were one of the very best clerks that ever worked for him. +This, however, was before he was led to suspect you because of the De +Vere affair. Now you have been discharged by him on the suspicion of +having stolen money from his drawer. Under these circumstances, no one +in town would take you into his store as clerk; so you may as well give +up, first as last, the idea of becoming a trader."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>"Couldn't I get a place in Boston, or somewhere else?"</p> + +<p>"I think not; and if you could, I should not be willing to have you go +away from home."</p> + +<p>"Why not, father? Wouldn't it be better than for me to stay here, where +I can get nothing to do?"</p> + +<p>"No, my son; you are too young to go away from home, where you would +have no one to look after you, and where you would be subject to many +evil influences."</p> + +<p>"Here every one will think I am a thief, and probably my friends will +not speak to me," added Fred, in a more sorrowful tone than ever.</p> + +<p>"So much the more reason why you should remain here. Were you to go away +now, the people would surely think you guilty. No, no, my son! You must +stay here, where circumstances have conspired against you, and show by +your life that you are innocent. Then, too, by living here, you can +gather evidence that may be of value to you."</p> + +<p>"Where can I get any evidence?"</p> + +<p>"You can give it, if you can't get it," replied his father, "by going to +work tomorrow morning, and thus showing your good intentions."</p> + +<p>"There is nothing to do in this dull town that I know of."</p> + +<p>"There is always something to be done. But <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>work won't come to you; you +must look it up. The important thing with you now is to find something +to do; for nothing so injures a boy or man in the sight of others as +loafing."</p> + +<p>"Can't I be with you in the shop, father?"</p> + +<p>"No, I don't want you to learn a shoemaker's trade. If I had been in +some other business, I might, perhaps, have been rich now. Shoemaking +doesn't afford one much chance to rise, however hard he works. You will +have to give up the idea of being a merchant, for the present, at least, +and perhaps forever; so I want you to engage in something where your +opportunities for advancement will not be limited as mine have been. No +matter if you have to commence at the very bottom of the ladder; you can +build yourself up by hard and intelligent work."</p> + +<p>Fred now began to brighten up a little, and after some further +conversation with his father and mother, in which they tried to +encourage him as much as possible, he said:</p> + +<p>"Father, you know I have always had an ambition to be somebody. When I +saw that De Vere was trying to turn my friends against me, because I was +a poor man's son, I made up my mind that I would push ahead harder than +ever; but now"—he spoke with a good deal of determination and force for +a boy—"I will succeed if I have to work day and night to accomplish +it."</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_XI" id="Chapter_XI"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>XI.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>The village of Mapleton had but three manufacturing industries: a lumber +mill, where logs were sawed up into various dimensions; a box shop, in +which were made wooden boxes of many different sizes and shapes; and a +large woolen factory. After leaving home, Fred went directly to the +agent of the lumber mill and tried to get a chance to work for him, but +in this he was unsuccessful. At the box shop he likewise received no +encouragement, for there they needed no help. So there was but one more +place left to try—that was the woolen factory, where he might still +find a vacancy.</p> + +<p>The idea of becoming a factory hand, after having been behind the +counter as clerk, was repulsive to him; still he must do something; +anything was better than idleness. Consequently he went to the mill, and +climbed four long flights of stairs, which took him to the top of the +building. Here he opened a large, heavy iron door, and entered the +spinning room, down which he passed until he came to the overseer's +desk.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>The latter—a large, gruff, red faced man—was not there at the time, +but on spying Fred he hurriedly came forward and demanded to know the +boy's business. On being informed that employment was wanted, he said he +needed no help, and indicated by his manner that he wished to be +bothered no further.</p> + +<p>Young Worthington now dropped down a flight and tried to get work in the +card room, but with no success. On the next floor below was the weaving +room, and here he soon learned that the overseer considered that he +could get along very successfully without his help.</p> + +<p>But two more departments—the finishing and the dyeing rooms—remained +to be visited, and then the ordeal would be over.</p> + +<p>As the boy descended the stairs to the former, he had very little hope +of accomplishing his purpose, for thus far he had received no +encouragement whatever.</p> + +<p>Fred knew the gentleman in charge of the department perfectly well, for +he was his Sunday school teacher, and moreover, was the father of his +friend Dave; nevertheless he passed down the long hall with many a +misgiving, and approaching the overseer timidly, said:</p> + +<p>"Good morning, Mr. Farrington."</p> + +<p>"Good morning, Fred," said the latter cordially. "What brings you here +this morning?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>"I came in, sir," replied Fred, with an evident sense of humiliation, +"to see if you could give me work in your department."</p> + +<p>"Why, you can't mean it! You have not left the store, I hope?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I do mean that I want a job, and I am sorry to say I got through +in the store last night."</p> + +<p>"You surprise me! What could have been the trouble?"</p> + +<p>Fred knew he was now talking to a large hearted, sympathetic man, and +one who had always seemed to take a keen interest in his welfare, so he +related the entire incident.</p> + +<p>Mr. Farrington watched him closely as he recited what had taken place at +the store, and then the kind hearted man expressed, both by words and +manner, his regret that matters should have taken such a turn. "My boy, +don't look so discouraged," he said. "I will do what I can to help you. +Mr. Rexford should not have judged you so hastily; from what you tell +me, I can't see that he has any good proof that you are guilty."</p> + +<p>"I am certain that I am not guilty, but how can I prove my innocence?"</p> + +<p>"Ah, that may be difficult, as it is a mysterious affair. But I believe +you have told me the truth, and I shall do all I can to help you in +every way."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>Our young friend brightened up somewhat at this cheering statement, and +with a grateful look, replied:</p> + +<p>"You know, Mr. Farrington, I just told you why he so readily suspected +me, and he has had no faith in me ever since that time."</p> + +<p>"That was an unfortunate occurrence, to be sure, but from what Dave +says, I think if the whole truth were known you would be blamed less."</p> + +<p>"I am glad you know something of the facts of that affair, and have some +charity for me; before coming in here, I began to think that every one +had turned against me, and I hardly had courage to ask you for a place, +they treated me so in all the upper rooms."</p> + +<p>"Did you go up there to try to get work?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Why didn't you come to me first?"</p> + +<p>"I hardly know, only I didn't feel like asking you for favors under the +circumstances, for I couldn't tell what you would think of me since +being discharged by Mr. Rexford."</p> + +<p>"Well, that is human nature, I suppose, for I have often noticed that +when one gets into trouble, instead of going to his friends for advice +and assistance, he will seek the aid of those who care nothing for his +welfare. I am glad, however, that you did not get work in the other +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>rooms, for then you would not have come to me, and I should not have +heard your version of this matter. Moreover, I suspect the feeling that +kept you away from me this morning would have influenced you to leave my +class at the Sunday school. But now you won't do that, will you?"</p> + +<p>"No, I will not. Father and mother would not allow me to, any way."</p> + +<p>"You are fortunate in having such parents; but as to coming here to +work, I want to see you get something better. You are too smart and +ambitious a boy to come into a factory, for such labor, as a rule, makes +one stupid and unfits him for anything else."</p> + +<p>"I would like something better," replied Fred more cheerfully. "I +couldn't bear the thought of always being a common mill hand; still I +should be very glad to get even this for a while, rather than lie idle. +Isn't there a chance to work up, the same way that you did?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, there is a chance, but it is a small one; for I should say that +from the great number who enter a factory, not one out of ten thousand +ever gets as high as an overseer. Still, you are right in wanting to get +to work, and you had better be here than on the street corners; but +instead of taking up with this, can't it be shown what became of the +missing money? If so, perhaps I can influence Mr. Rexford to take you +back. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>Or, if I couldn't, yet by your showing yourself innocent of his +charge you would then be in a fair way of getting a position in some +other store, for you were popular with customers, I understand."</p> + +<p>"I don't know of any way to account for the missing bill. I never saw it +at all."</p> + +<p>"You never saw it, and you say there were just eighteen dollars +missing?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>Mr. Farrington mused thoughtfully a moment, then muttered to himself, +yet audibly: "Eighteen dollars missing!"</p> + +<p>Presently he said aloud: "I will think this matter over, and see what I +can do for you. Come and see me tomorrow forenoon."</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_XII" id="Chapter_XII"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>XII.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>John Rexford cared very little for the interests of others. His humanity +was dwarfed and his regard for Fred's feelings or reputation amounted to +nothing. In fact, he cherished malice against the boy for getting the +better of him in the matter of his dealings with his customers.</p> + +<p>That our young friend should have found out so much about his business +methods, and should dare to hold the threat of exposure over his head, +rankled in the breast of J. Rexford, Esq. With something of a spirit of +revenge he took good care to let his suspicions become generally known +regarding his former clerk, knowing, as he must, that the injury to him +would be almost irreparable.</p> + +<p>In consequence of the merchant's free expression of opinion, by noon +nearly all of the villagers knew of Fred's discharge and his +dishonesty—or rather what they supposed and were willing to accept as +his dishonesty.</p> + +<p>They further coupled this episode with the bar room occurrence, and at +once decided that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>Worthington was a dissipated young scamp, and +whatever good opinions they might have held of him before were +straightway forgotten.</p> + +<p>Thus was Fred rated by the people of Mapleton, many of whom he met on +coming from the mill. As he passed up the street towards his home some +of them spoke to him in a strained, unnatural manner, others looked at +him in a knowing way, and a few small boys crowded about him, as though +he was on exhibition.</p> + +<p>Here and there, also, curious feminine heads appeared at the windows, +and though Fred walked with his eyes apparently fixed upon the ground, +they were turned upward sufficiently to catch glimpses of certain well +known forms, and he believed himself the subject of their thoughts and +conversation.</p> + +<p>Once he raised his head as if by an irresistible impulse, for he was +then passing the residence of Dr. Dutton. Why he did so he could not +satisfy himself, for he half expected to see Miss Nellie at the window, +and he dreaded meeting her eyes; yet there was a strange fascination +about the house, and with this sense of dread, strong as it was, he was +conscious of a much stronger desire to look on her sweet face, hoping +that her eyes might show at least a kindly feeling towards him, if +nothing more. But instead of Nellie he saw her mother, who seemed +looking directly at him.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>"She must have heard everything from the new clerk," thought Fred, and +he fancied that in his single hasty glance he saw a look of mingled +sympathy and sorrow.</p> + +<p>He knew her for a noble, tender hearted woman, one who had shown him +many a kindness, and who possessed such delicacy of feeling that she had +never referred in his presence to that wretched night when he called +there in a state of intoxication.</p> + +<p>When our young friend reached home, he was despondent, as you may +imagine. He threw himself upon the lounge, and thought over the +occurrences of the morning—of his unsuccessful attempt to get work, and +of the general attitude of the people—and it seemed to his young and +sensitive mind that he could not bear their unjust suspicions.</p> + +<p>Then he remembered the kindness of Mr. Farrington, who had promised to +assist him in trying to clear his reputation, and expressed a desire to +aid him in other ways. The thought made him sincerely thankful that he +had been one of Mr. Farrington's scholars in Sunday school, and had +thereby gained the friendship of such a man. To have a friend like him +at this time was worth everything, for Mr. Farrington was a prominent +man and had great influence throughout the village.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>Our young friend remained at home the rest of the day. In the evening +his friend Dave called.</p> + +<p>"Tell me how it all happened, Fred," said he, taking him by the hand +with a friendly grasp.</p> + +<p>"I suppose you have heard the whole story long before this."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but I want to hear your side, and then I shall know the truth."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Dave, for your confidence in me. I only wish others had half +as much. Yes, I am through at the old store that I thought so much of."</p> + +<p>"But is it possible you were discharged, as I heard at school?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I was discharged," replied Fred sorrowfully. "I tell you, Dave," +he continued, "it is pretty hard to be discharged on an unjust +suspicion, and to be looked upon in the village as I am tonight."</p> + +<p>"It's too bad! I'm sorry for you, Fred, and I think De Vere is the cause +of the whole trouble."</p> + +<p>"I don't see how he could have been at the bottom of what came up +yesterday between Mr. Rexford and me."</p> + +<p>"Well, I believe, from what he said, that he was the means of your first +trouble, and I can't see why you won't charge him with it, and not <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>let +every one think he is so nice and that you are guilty."</p> + +<p>"What has he said?" asked Fred eagerly, thinking perhaps Matthew had +exultingly told the boys his trick.</p> + +<p>"He told Tom Martin that he was glad you showed up as you did, for it +gave the people a chance to see what kind of a fellow you were."</p> + +<p>"Was that all he said?"</p> + +<p>"No; Tom said to him that he supposed he and you were great friends, as +he had seen you together so much. De Vere replied that he knew what he +was about, and had gained his point. That's all I heard. Isn't that +enough?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, that doesn't count for anything!" replied Fred, turning the matter +off. "But tell me," he continued, "what was said at school about me. You +said you heard the report there."</p> + +<p>"Do you really want me to tell you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; I am not expecting anything complimentary, and may as well know +the worst."</p> + +<p>Dave Farrington hesitated a moment, unwilling to repeat the unkind words +of Fred's former schoolmates.</p> + +<p>"The worst came from De Vere," he said at length.</p> + +<p>Fred's face colored.</p> + +<p>"I expected this," he replied; "but what did he say?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>"When I got to the school house for the afternoon session, De Vere was +there, and knowing that I always stood up for you, he cried out in a +sneering way:</p> + +<p>"'Well, Farrington, what have you to say for your friend Worthington +now? I suppose, of course, you know what he has done, and that John +Rexford discharged him last night?'</p> + +<p>"I said, 'Yes, I know about his discharge, but I don't know that he has +done anything to deserve it.'</p> + +<p>"'He stole some money from the drawer,' he returned.</p> + +<p>"'How do you know that?' I asked.</p> + +<p>"'Why, everybody says so! I always said that you would get enough of +him,' he replied.</p> + +<p>"'That is no proof, and, besides, I want you to know I haven't enough of +him yet,' said I. 'I have not been friends with him for the same reason +that you were, nor do I propose to leave him under such circumstances.' +I guess that must have hit him pretty hard, for he colored up as red as +could be and acted mad."</p> + +<p>Fred found it difficult to restrain his anger as he saw the bitter +enmity of De Vere, and realized his gratification over his own +misfortune—a misfortune of which Matthew was the cause. But he finally +asked what the other scholars had to say about him.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>"Well, they all talked about the matter, and most of them seemed to +think that you were guilty, though Grace Bernard said she heard her +father say that there might have been some mistake about the bill, and +that she didn't believe you stole it, for you were always one of the +best boys in school."</p> + +<p>"That's better than I expected," replied Fred, with a brighter look. +"But is that all?" he asked, with some anxiety.</p> + +<p>Dave noticed this, and suspecting his meaning, hesitated. "I guess it is +about all," he answered.</p> + +<p>Fred seemed disappointed at not getting the answer he sought. Seeing he +was not likely to get at what interested him most—Miss Nellie's +opinion—he asked openly if she were not there, and what she said.</p> + +<p>"I don't remember exactly what she said," replied Dave, "but she seemed +to side with Matthew. You know they are pretty intimate now; he seems to +have better success there than when you went to school. I tell you what +it is, Fred, if you hadn't got tipsy, he wouldn't have had much show, +but that's what killed you. The girls all said more about that than they +did about this."</p> + +<p>Fred had his answer now, and it was anything but welcome intelligence to +him. There is no denying that he cared more for Nellie's good <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>opinion +than for what all the rest of the school thought of him.</p> + +<p>"She has condemned me at once," he said to himself bitterly, "while +Grace Bernard has proved my friend; and she has not only condemned me +without reason, but has taken up with my enemy—with that scoundrel De +Vere, who has been the cause of all my trouble."</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_XIII" id="Chapter_XIII"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>XIII.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>Fred was keenly affected by the spirit Nellie had shown concerning him. +That she had no faith in him, and cared nothing for his downfall, seemed +evident, while the thought that she had gone over to De Vere and joined +with him in his utterances galled our hero sorely.</p> + +<p>Then, too, the fact that Matthew and Nellie had been so much together +during the last few weeks stirred Fred's jealousy and indignation, as +will be seen in the following letter, which he wrote and mailed that +evening:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="right"><span class="smcap">Mapleton</span>, Nov. 26.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Miss Nellie Dutton</span>:—I understand that there is a +report circulating in the school that I am guilty of +dishonesty, and that you seem quite ready to accept it. I am +not surprised that gossips should tell such a story, but I +did not expect you to be one of the first to put faith in it +and condemn me. You have known me intimately since we were +little children, and, I am sure, you have no true reason for +believing this wicked slander. Grace Bernard stood by me, I +hear, while you did not. I suppose you are no longer my +friend, since you find so much pleasure in the society of +such a fellow as Matthew De Vere, who is, as you know, my +enemy. You probably got your idea of my conduct from him, as +I understand he was very much elated over my misfortune. This +matter will all be shown up in time, and when it is I shall +have the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>satisfaction of seeing you regret your present +intimacy with one who has no honor. Perhaps you may then be +sorry for the treatment you are now showing me. Since that +wretched night when I was led to your house by a certain +person you have turned against me and avoided me. Had you not +done so, I could have explained to you in confidence what I +have preferred to keep secret. But since you judge me so +hastily, and seem so happy in the presence of De Vere, I will +not trouble you with my side of the story. <span class="smcap">Fred +Worthington</span>.</p></div> + +<p>During the day Mr. Farrington gave a great deal of careful thought to +the mystery that now enveloped his young friend, and in the morning he +called upon Mr. Rexford, to see if he could learn anything that would be +to Fred's advantage. After chatting awhile with the merchant, he said, +as if he were entirely ignorant of what had taken place:</p> + +<p>"Where is Fred?"</p> + +<p>"He is not here."</p> + +<p>"Out delivering goods?"</p> + +<p>"No; he is through here. I discharged him."</p> + +<p>"Discharged him!" returned Mr. Farrington, with seeming surprise.</p> + +<p>"Yes; I don't want him any longer."</p> + +<p>"I thought he was an excellent clerk."</p> + +<p>"Yes, he was, in some respects; but I suspected him of dishonesty, and +so let him go."</p> + +<p>In the conversation that followed, the trader confirmed the statements +of Fred in every particular. It was a good bit of tact on the part of +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>Mr. Farrington to draw Rexford out as he did, for not only did it prove +that Fred had told the truth, but the merchant's manner gave him some +ideas which he thought would prove valuable in solving the money +mystery.</p> + +<p>When Fred called at the mill to see Mr. Farrington at the time +appointed, the latter greeted him cheerfully.</p> + +<p>"Good morning, my boy; I see you are on time," looking at his handsome +gold watch.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I believe so; I always try to keep my appointments."</p> + +<p>"That is in your favor."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Mr. Farrington. I hope it is. But have you seen Mr. +Rexford?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I just came from there."</p> + +<p>"Did you learn anything new?" asked Fred, with breathless interest.</p> + +<p>"No; not exactly new."</p> + +<p>"I suppose you went over the matter with Mr. Rexford?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, he told the story practically as you gave it, but during our +conversation I gathered a few points that may be of service to us."</p> + +<p>"What is your theory, Mr. Farrington?"</p> + +<p>"As it is little more than a suspicion at best, I think it would be +wiser to keep it to myself at present."</p> + +<p>"But if I knew it couldn't I help you?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span>"No, I think not, and it might even make matters worse. The only way to +work up this affair is to do it quietly. If others find out what is +going on, perhaps we shall never be able to locate the money. Besides, +it wouldn't do for it to get out that I am working up your case."</p> + +<p>"But I would say nothing about it," put in Fred, whose curiosity and +interest were both excited as he thought that perhaps Mr. Farrington had +the secret that would free him from suspicion and prove his honesty.</p> + +<p>"I don't doubt that in the least; but for good reasons of my own I will +say nothing of my theory until I test it thoroughly, though it may take +a long time. If it should prove to be the true solution of the mystery, +I will then tell you all about it."</p> + +<p>Fred colored a little at this, for he had grown somewhat sensitive now, +and said earnestly:</p> + +<p>"I hope, Mr. Farrington, you too don't suspect me. It almost seems——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, my boy," interrupted his good friend, "don't worry about that. +My suspicions run in a totally different direction."</p> + +<p>"I am very glad to hear you say so, for I didn't know but Mr. Rexford +had convinced you that I took the bill."</p> + +<p>"No, indeed; I believe you are innocent, and I shall do all I can to aid +you."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>"You are very kind to me, and I thank you sincerely."</p> + +<p>"I am glad to help you, Fred. It is my duty to do all the good I can."</p> + +<p>"And you are always helping some one," replied Fred gratefully. "Now +that I can do nothing to clear up this mystery, I would like to get to +work. Can you give me anything to do?" he continued.</p> + +<p>"Yes; I have arranged a place for you temporarily down stairs on the +'flockers.' You said yesterday that you would like factory work better +than nothing. This is about the meanest job in the whole mill, but it is +the only thing that I can possibly give you."</p> + +<p>"All right; I guess I can stand it for a while," returned Fred.</p> + +<p>"Then you may try it and see how you get along. I will advance you as +soon as there is a vacancy—if I find that you deserve it," he added, +with a significant smile.</p> + +<p>"Very well, sir; I shall try to satisfy you. When shall I commence?"</p> + +<p>"You may come in tomorrow morning at the regular hour—six o'clock. I +will discharge Tim Short tonight."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you are not going to send him away simply to give me a place, are +you?" inquired Fred, with evident regret.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>"No; I should never discharge one for such a cause, even if I wanted the +place for my own brother. I have been looking around for several days, +trying to find a boy, as I had made up my mind to get rid of Tim, who +isn't faithful in his work."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry to have him discharged; I would rather go without work +myself than to feel I have his place. His parents will be obliged to +support him, and they are very poor."</p> + +<p>"I like to hear you talk that way, for it shows that you have a kind +heart. I, too, am sorry for them, but it will not do to let sympathy +interfere with the proper management of business. Such a course would +not be just to my employers, for I am convinced that Tim causes more +mischief than a little, every day."</p> + +<p>"Then if you are bound to discharge him any way, there would be nothing +wrong in my taking the place, would there?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly not. Some one else will have it if you don't."</p> + +<p>Mr. Farrington's assurance that there would be nothing dishonorable in +the proposed course seemed to satisfy Fred's compunctions to some +extent; still, as he entered the mill the next morning at the call of +the shrill whistle, long before daylight, he could not help feeling a +little guilty. He also felt that he was entering upon <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span>a new career, and +one that seemed anything but pleasing. An utter change had taken place +in his life. He was now only a common factory hand, and was about to +begin work as such.</p> + +<p>The "flockers" were located under the stairs, down in the basement of +the mill, in a dark and dingy corner. When Fred arrived there, he saw +standing beside one of the machines a medium sized man with small gray +eyes, that were shaded with immense bushy brows nearly an inch in +length. His features were dull and expressionless, and over the lower +portion of his wrinkled face a scraggy, mud colored beard seemed +struggling for existence. His clothing appeared to indicate a penurious, +grasping nature.</p> + +<p>A single look at this uncouth specimen was sufficient to make our young +friend shudder at the thought of being under his control; however, he +walked straight up to him, and said:</p> + +<p>"Is this Mr. Hanks?"</p> + +<p>"That's my name—Christopher Hanks. Be you the new boy?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"What's yer name?"</p> + +<p>"My name is Fred Worthington."</p> + +<p>"Fred Worthington, d'ye say?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"I s'pose yer father's the cobbler?"</p> + +<p>"He has a shoe shop, sir."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>"Be you the chap I heerd them men speakin' of as stole some money?" said +Hanks, with a fiendish grin, which revealed two upper front teeth that +seemed long because they alone guarded that portion of his mouth. They +had been in use so many years, or had been so poorly treated, that they +were loose, and rattled together.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps they referred to me, sir," retorted Fred with dignity, "but +they had no right to accuse me of stealing."</p> + +<p>"Yis, yis; that's how such allers talks. But I guess thar ain't nothin' +here fer yer to git yer hands on to, 'ceptin' work—I'll see't yer ain't +sufferin' fer that."</p> + +<p>"Very well, sir; I came here to work."</p> + +<p>"I s'pose ye're perty strong, ain't yer?"</p> + +<p>"I'm strong enough for a boy."</p> + +<p>"Glad yer are, fer yer can do the liftin' work an' help Carl there. He +ain't good for much, any way. Tim Short used ter shirk on him 'ceptin' +when I knowed it, an'—— Hey! here she goes!" (as the machinery +suddenly started). "Set this 'ere flocker again, Carl, and then show +this feller how to run t'other. I'll start up the grinder, an' go up to +the drier."</p> + +<p>Accordingly Christopher Hanks departed, while Fred put on a gingham +frock which his mother had made him as a working blouse, and, at the +hands of Carl, received his first lesson.</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_XIV" id="Chapter_XIV"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>XIV.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>A "flocker" is a large, clumsy looking wooden machine, four or five feet +in length, and just wide enough to take on the cloth, which at that mill +was all made double width. It consists chiefly of heavy rollers, so +arranged that the cloth passes between them. There is a deep pit at the +bottom of the machine, which will hold several bushels of "flocks," in +addition to the bulk of a large web of cloth, from forty to fifty yards +in length.</p> + +<p>"Your name is Carl, I believe," said Fred, by way of introducing +himself.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Carl; that's it."</p> + +<p>"My name is Fred Worthington. I think we shall get along together."</p> + +<p>"I hope so," returned Carl sincerely, and continued: "The first thing to +do is to put the cloth into the machine and set it running."</p> + +<p>Then, showing how to do this, he added:</p> + +<p>"Now we start it up by switching this belt so" (moving the belt from the +loose to the stationary pulley).</p> + +<p>"What's the object in running cloth through here?" inquired Fred; for +though he had always <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>lived in Mapleton, yet in truth his knowledge of a +woolen factory was very limited, and in this respect he did not differ +much from the majority of the villagers.</p> + +<p>"It is to make it weigh more, and to give it a body, so it can be +finished," replied the boy, while he turned a basketful of flocks upon +the revolving rollers between which the beaver cloth was now swiftly +passing.</p> + +<p>"But why do you call that stuff 'flocks'?" inquired Fred. "It looks like +the fine dust that we find at the end of our pants and coats, where it +settles down against the hems."</p> + +<p>"Well, that's just what it is."</p> + +<p>"I thought everybody called that shoddy."</p> + +<p>"I know they do, and I used to do so myself before I came here."</p> + +<p>"But what are the 'flocks' that we have here made of?"</p> + +<p>"Old rags."</p> + +<p>"I thought shoddy was made from old rags."</p> + +<p>"They are both made from them. The best ones are put into shoddy, and +the odds and ends into flocks."</p> + +<p>"Well, if this stuff is flocks, how is shoddy made, and what does it +look like?"</p> + +<p>"It is something like wool. The rags are fed into a 'picker' up in the +'pick room,' and come out all torn apart."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>"What is it used for then?"</p> + +<p>"It is mixed with a little coarse wool, and carded into rope yarn, the +same as wool, ready to be spun."</p> + +<p>"The idea of weaving shoddy into cloth is new to me. It can't make very +good cloth."</p> + +<p>"Well, they only use it for the back of the cloth. Here, look at this +piece! See; it is white on one side and brown on the other. The white +side is the face, and is made from good wool. You see we are beating +these flocks in on the back side."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I see you are; and now as you've told me about shoddy, I'd like to +know about flocks, for that's what I have got to handle, I suppose."</p> + +<p>"I guess you'll know all you want to about them before you've been here +long. I'm 'bout dead from being in this dust so much. It fills a feller +all up. See how thick it is now, and you're drawing it in with every +breath."</p> + +<p>By this time the other machine was ready for action, and Carl, finding +that they were short of flocks, gave Fred a basket, took another +himself, and both boys started for a fresh supply. They went up stairs, +passed through the "gig room," and across a long hall which opened into +a little room by itself, where the rag grinders were humming away. This +was their destination. Carl filled one of the baskets with flocks <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>and +the other with ground rags; then turning to Fred, said:</p> + +<p>"You wanted to know about flocks and how they are made. This is the +first machine they go through. You see that pile of rags and odds and +ends. When they have been run through here, they will come out cut up +fine, like those I just put in your basket. Now we will go back, and I +will show you the next process they go through."</p> + +<p>Each of the boys now shouldered his basket and returned down the stairs. +There Carl turned his flocks upon the cloth that was rapidly being +filled, and then emptied the contents of the other basket into a tub or +tank, which was about five feet wide by fifteen long. It was full of +thick, muddy looking water, which was rapidly going round the tank.</p> + +<p>It struck Fred as a curious proceeding when he saw the fine cut rags +thrown into that place; it looked to him very much like throwing them +away, and he was about to ask an explanation when Carl satisfied his +curiosity by saying:</p> + +<p>"This is the wet grinder. We put the rags in here, and run them in water +about three hours until they are ground up as fine as can be, and look +just like porridge."</p> + +<p>"What do you do with the porridge?"</p> + +<p>"Do you see these little bags at this end of the tank? We bail it out +into them, and after the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>water strains out a little, we tie them up and +load them on one of these cars and run them out to the 'extractor.'"</p> + +<p>"What kind of a thing is an extractor?"</p> + +<p>"It is something that shakes the water out. It has a big basket inside +that goes around like lightning."</p> + +<p>"I'd like to see it; where is it?"</p> + +<p>"Come into this next room; here it is."</p> + +<p>On entering the room Fred's eyes fairly stuck out with amazement. He had +already seen more queer machines that morning than he had ever imagined +had been made, but here was something that surpassed them all. It +consisted of a large cast iron cylinder, about six feet in diameter and +four feet high. Inside was a wire basket, which nearly filled up the +vacant space. This rested on a pivot, and from the top of it extended +upward a short shaft, the end of which was connected with a small +pulley.</p> + +<p>The tender of the machine had just put in two whole pieces of double +width beaver cloth dripping wet from the washers, and was now starting +up the machine slowly.</p> + +<p>Pretty soon it commenced to whirl around rather rapidly, then the speed +increased as the power was let on, until a buzz was heard, which quickly +gave way to a singing, hissing sound; now followed a spark, then another +and another <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>in quick succession, and the whole rim of the extractor +seemed a perfect blaze.</p> + +<p>Fred thought it was going to pieces, and jumped backward for safety; but +by the time he got where he supposed himself out of danger the tender +had shifted the belt to the loose pulley, and by applying the brake had +stopped the whirl of the basket.</p> + +<p>Carl laughed at Fred's timidity, and said:</p> + +<p>"What were you frightened about? The extractor 'most always does that +way, only it was a little worse this time, because it probably wasn't +loaded even. That's why the fire flew so. Just see how it took the water +out of the cloth. That's the way it does to the flocks."</p> + +<p>Fred felt the cloth, and, knowing that two minutes before it was sopping +wet, now found it was only a little damp. The boys returned to the +flockers and straightened out the cloth and got it running even; then +Carl took a car load of the extracted flocks up to the drier, where they +were spread thinly upon it.</p> + +<p>The drier is simply a frame upon which is nailed a large surface of wire +sieving, directly under which are coils of hot steam pipes. On this +drier the flocks become baked dry, and are about as hard as dry mud.</p> + +<p>"It seems to me that these rags have to go through different machines +enough before they <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>get ready for use. I wonder what the next step is?" +said Fred.</p> + +<p>"Only one more machine—the one where you saw me fill my basket with +flocks. I suppose you noticed that it had a big hopper on top? Well, we +just turn these dry lumps right in here, and let them grind out as fast +as they will."</p> + +<p>"Then I've been the rounds of our work, have I?" asked Fred.</p> + +<p>"Yes, unless Mr. Hanks makes you lug the cloth down."</p> + +<p>"Am I supposed to obey him?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, he's your boss; and you will be lucky if you have no trouble with +him."</p> + +<p>"I shall try to have no trouble, even if he is as disagreeable as he +looks; but I will not be crowded too much."</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't if I was strong like you," returned Carl sadly.</p> + +<p>"I thought Mr. Farrington had charge of this room," said Fred, after a +pause.</p> + +<p>"He does; though I believe he had a lot of trouble to keep these +flockers a-going; it is such bad, dirty work that no one would stay on +them. So he made a trade with Mr. Hanks, and let him the job of making +the flocks and putting them into the cloth, and agreed to furnish him +two boys. I don't know how much pay he gets out of it, but Jack Hickey, +that's scouring the wool <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>there in the other corner, says he is making +money out of us every day; besides, he shirks the work upon us, and we +have it almost all to do."</p> + +<p>"Hanks—Christopher Hanks," said Fred to himself, with a curious drawl +through his nose; "not a pleasant sounding name."</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_XV" id="Chapter_XV"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>XV.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>Though Matthew De Vere was much gratified at Fred's misfortunes, and +especially pleased at his own renewed friendship with Nellie Dutton, he +was nevertheless far from happy. Time was going by rapidly—almost +flying—and no money had been raised to meet his promise to Jacob +Simmons. The three hundred dollars was constantly in his mind. Where and +how could it be raised?</p> + +<p>The problem tormented him day and night, and he could see no solution to +it. He did not dare to speak to his father about the money, for the +latter would then find out everything, and would be sure to punish him +severely. Matthew did not look upon such an outcome with any degree of +favor. He considered himself a young man, and did not propose to be +treated with the rod.</p> + +<p>On the other hand, there stared him in the face Jacob Simmons' threat of +exposure and arrest. The situation was desperate. The money must be got, +whether or no, and yet how could it be procured?</p> + +<p>If he failed in raising it, the boy he hated <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span>would be vindicated, while +he would be shown up and disgraced before all the village. Nellie would +have nothing more to do with him—would not so much as look at him—and +she would, he reasoned, again become friendly with Fred, and then he +would have no power to break it off as he had recently done. She would +be lost to him, and his rival would reign in his stead.</p> + +<p>"No, no! This shall not be!" he said angrily, and spurned the thought +from him; but it as quickly returned. He tried to forget it, but could +not. The pressure from Jacob Simmons forced it back upon his mind, and +it remained there and tormented him till he was almost mad.</p> + +<p>In this condition of mind he went to school next day, hoping that a +pleasant greeting and a few smiles from Nellie would dissipate the +vision that had so haunted him. Perhaps they would have done so, but he +had not the pleasure of testing so desirable a remedy.</p> + +<p>Nellie came late—after school had commenced.</p> + +<p>"It is just my luck that she should be late to-day," he thought, "when +she is always so punctual."</p> + +<p>He often looked toward her seat, but could not catch her eye. She seemed +unusually busy with her books.</p> + +<p>Matthew did not know what to make of it. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span>He looked at his watch—a +handsome gold one that his father had given him as a birthday present. +It wanted only fifteen minutes of recess time.</p> + +<p>"I will see her then," thought Matthew.</p> + +<p>The bell rang, and the scholars left their seats and passed out into the +anteroom—all save those who wished to remain and study.</p> + +<p>Matthew grew anxious as Nellie did not come out with the other girls. +Recess was half gone. He made an excuse to go to his seat on the +pretense of getting something, but really to try and speak to Nellie. +She was with the teacher, however, who was assisting her to work a +difficult example.</p> + +<p>Matthew returned to the anteroom angry. He could not bear the +disappointment gracefully.</p> + +<p>"She avoids me for some cause," he said to himself, and then wondered +what it could be. "Last night," he reflected, "we were the best of +friends. Can it be possible that Simmons has already told the secret? He +threatened yesterday that he would unless I made a payment."</p> + +<p>The thought made him wretched. He was unfit for study, and wanted to get +out to learn if any such report had actually been circulated.</p> + +<p>On the reassembling of school he obtained a dismissal for the day on the +plea of feeling ill. He was ill—very ill at ease in his mind, beset as +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>it was with fears, and troubled over the sudden change in Nellie's +manner toward him.</p> + +<p>On his way from school he met Tim Short. He was glad to see him, and yet +shuddered for fear he would say it was all up with them.</p> + +<p>"What brings you here at this time?" finally asked Matthew.</p> + +<p>"I was going up to school to see you."</p> + +<p>"What has happened that you want to see me?" queried Matthew, dreading +the answer.</p> + +<p>"I have been discharged."</p> + +<p>"Is that all?" drawing a long breath of relief.</p> + +<p>"Isn't that enough?" asked Tim indignantly.</p> + +<p>"It might be worse; but what were you discharged for?"</p> + +<p>"Discharged to give Fred Worthington my place, I suppose," answered Tim, +with evident ill feeling toward Fred.</p> + +<p>"Is it possible? And has he your place?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, he went to work this morning."</p> + +<p>"I think you have as much cause now as I have to be down on him."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and more too," returned Tim savagely.</p> + +<p>"On his account we got into this trouble with Simmons, and are liable to +be exposed any day," said Matthew.</p> + +<p>Tim turned pale. "I thought you promised to fix that," he replied.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span>"So I did, but I have not been able to raise the money. Now, something +has got to be done at once. Let us go up to the pines and decide what it +shall be."</p> + +<p>Tim assented, and the two boys soon found themselves quite alone in the +thick pine grove just outside of the village.</p> + +<p>Now the change Nellie Dutton showed toward Matthew was not caused, as he +supposed, by any disclosure from Jacob Simmons, but by the letter she +had received from Fred in the morning before going to school.</p> + +<p>It made a deep impression upon her. She was impulsive, like nearly all +girls of her age, and did not stop to reason much about Fred's case, +especially since Matthew urged his opinions upon her with such +assurance. Her intimacy with Matthew was not from any great regard that +she had for him, but because her nature seemed to demand some favorite, +and when her friendship with Fred ceased, for reasons with which the +reader is already familiar, she accepted Matthew's attentions with a +little more than ordinary courtesy.</p> + +<p>Now she saw she had judged Fred hastily, and the statement in his +letter, that she had not proved as good a friend as Grace Bernard, +touched her as nothing else had ever done. She admitted the truth of his +assertion, and felt truly sorry that she had not been more loyal to +him.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span>"I shall regret my present intimacy with one who has no honor," she +mused. "He must have meant Matthew, and I wonder if he referred to him +in saying, 'when I was led to your house on that wretched night by a +certain person.'" This thought once having taken shape grew upon her.</p> + +<p>Nellie studied over Fred's letter, reading it again and again. "You know +he is my enemy." She did not notice this before, but now it recalls the +night of the party. "Yes, Fred, I do know it," she said to herself +almost audibly, "but I had almost forgotten the spite he showed you."</p> + +<p>This thought placed Matthew under suspicion, and went far toward helping +Fred's cause, though he was now so thoroughly under a cloud.</p> + +<p>Nellie found herself repeating over this sentence: "Grace Bernard stood +by me while you did not." She could hardly drive it from her thoughts, +but why it clung so to her she did not suspect. That evening she wrote +an answer to Fred's letter, and sealed it ready to mail in the morning.</p> + +<p>The night was cloudy and dark. A cold November wind from the northeast +swept over the little village—so icy and damp that none cared to +venture out.</p> + +<p>There was no trade for the merchants, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>they closed their stores +early and hurried shivering to their homes. By ten o'clock not a light +was anywhere to be seen.</p> + +<p>All had retired, and nearly all had entered into happy dreamland when +they were suddenly awakened by the shrill cry of "Fire! fire! fire!"</p> + +<p>Soon the words were taken up by others and yet others till every person +in the village was aroused and startled by the sound.</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_XVI" id="Chapter_XVI"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>XVI.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>A fire in a country village is a great event. There is but one other +attraction that approaches it in importance, and that is the annual +circus.</p> + +<p>Both bring out the entire village, but the fire draws the better of the +two. It is a free show, while the circus is not, and here it has an +immense advantage over the latter—an advantage that can hardly be +overcome by the clowns and menagerie. It gives the men, the boys too, a +chance to be brave—to do daring deeds and a large number of foolish +ones. Then there is the mystery of how it caught, and whether it was the +work of an incendiary or not. Why, a good sized fire in a village will +often serve for months as a theme for discussion when other subjects are +scarce.</p> + +<p>This particular fire was the largest Mapleton had ever known. Every one +had hurriedly dressed, and rushed down the street to see John Rexford's +store burn. Women and children insufficiently wrapped for the chilly air +of this cold November night stood there watching the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>angry flames as +they shot high in the air, fed by barrels of oil and lard. It was a +grand sight to witness, as the blackness of the night made the flames +doubly brilliant.</p> + +<p>Nothing could be done to save the store, and the men directed their +efforts to keeping the flames from spreading. In this they did a good +work. John Rexford did not arrive at the scene until the building was a +sheet of flame and the roof had fallen in. The sight almost crazed him. +He flew at the door as if to enter amid the burning goods and secure +certain valuables, but the fierce flames drove him back. He reluctantly +yielded, and in his helplessness seemed the picture of despair as he saw +before him his store—his idol—a mass of blazing timbers and half +burned goods.</p> + +<p>He was now without a store, even as Fred was without a clerkship, and +could perhaps realize to some extent how the latter felt at being +suddenly thrown out of his chosen vocation.</p> + +<p>Fred was there too. He stood a little back from the front of the crowd, +and at one side, intently watching the progress of the flames, and +seemingly wrapped in thought. Finally he turned his head, and a little +to the right of him saw Nellie and her mother. Nellie was looking +directly at him, evidently studying his face. When his eyes met hers and +she found that she <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>was discovered, a blush, plainly visible by the +light of the flames, covered her pretty face.</p> + +<p>Fred felt his heart beat faster. He longed to speak with her and learn +her thoughts, and yet he did not dare approach her. The peculiar look +she gave him, and that vivid blush—what did it mean? He could not make +up his mind upon these points, and yet there was a fascination in +studying them, for he sometimes persuaded himself that they meant one +thing, and then again perhaps its very opposite.</p> + +<p>Presently she and her mother returned home, and Fred saw no more of +them.</p> + +<p>The fire was now under control. All danger of its spreading was passed, +and the crowd returned to their several homes well nigh chilled through. +A few men remained to watch the fire as it died away, and to see that no +sparks were carried to other buildings by the strong east wind.</p> + +<p>Among those who remained was John Rexford. He was pale and haggard, and +shivered, while the cold wind seemed to penetrate his very bones, yet he +clung to the spot as if he would pluck the mystery—the cause of the +fire—from the burning mass before him. Finally he approached Mr. +Coombs, the sheriff, and said:</p> + +<p>"Who was the first to discover this fire?"</p> + +<p>"I was," replied the sheriff proudly, with a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span>feeling that he must be +looked upon as something of a hero.</p> + +<p>"Did you see it from your house?"</p> + +<p>"No; I saw it just as I turned the corner, coming toward the stable."</p> + +<p>"Coming which way?" asked the merchant, trying to learn something that +might give him a clew to work upon.</p> + +<p>"Coming from the Falls, of course, where I had been attending court."</p> + +<p>"What time was that?"</p> + +<p>"Nigh on to eleven o'clock."</p> + +<p>"And you saw no one here?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"Nor any one on the street?"</p> + +<p>"Not a soul stirring, except Jim, the stable boy."</p> + +<p>"Where was he?"</p> + +<p>"Sound asleep."</p> + +<p>"He couldn't have been stirring very much then," said the merchant, with +a show of disgust.</p> + +<p>"Well, I mean he was the only one about, and I had to wake him up."</p> + +<p>"And you raised the alarm?"</p> + +<p>"I should think I did."</p> + +<p>"Then you didn't come directly here?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I did, but I yelled fire pretty lively all the same, and started +the stable boy up the street to wake everybody up."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span>"Where was the fire burning then?"</p> + +<p>"On the back end of the store. A blaze was just starting up through the +roof."</p> + +<p>"It was on the back end, you say?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; and just as I got here the back windows burst out, and the way the +flames rolled up was a caution."</p> + +<p>"Was there no fire in the front store then?"</p> + +<p>"No, there didn't seem to be when I first got here, but after I went +round to the rear end to see how it was there, and came back, the flames +had come through, and everything was ablaze. I tell you what, I never +saw anything burn like it."</p> + +<p>"It must have started in the back store, then," said Mr. Rexford +thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"No doubt of it," returned officer Coombs.</p> + +<p>"This is important evidence," said the merchant, after a pause.</p> + +<p>The sheriff brightened up at this, and his eyes snapped with delight. +Here was a case for official service.</p> + +<p>"To be sure it is, sir," he replied.</p> + +<p>"There is some mystery about this."</p> + +<p>"'Pears to me so."</p> + +<p>"We had no stove in the back store."</p> + +<p>"I know it—that's so, Mr. Rexford. It looks bad."</p> + +<p>"And I closed up the store myself tonight, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>and went into the back room, +as usual, to see that everything was all right."</p> + +<p>"I dare say it was. You are a careful man."</p> + +<p>"Yes, it was all right. I'm certain of that."</p> + +<p>"Good evidence, too. Capital evidence, Mr. Rexford," said the officer, +rubbing his hands together with evident delight.</p> + +<p>"You are sure there was no fire in the front room when you first got +here?"</p> + +<p>"I am positive there was none."</p> + +<p>"I may want your testimony."</p> + +<p>"I hope so, sir, for crime should be punished."</p> + +<p>"I hope it will, in this case, at least," said the merchant; "for I +believe this store has been fired, and perhaps robbed."</p> + +<p>"Shouldn't wonder if it had been robbed—more than likely it was, now I +think of it."</p> + +<p>"But as everything is burned up, it will be almost impossible to find +this out, as I can't really miss anything."</p> + +<p>"There will be a chance for some pretty sharp detective work, I should +say."</p> + +<p>"You are good at that, I believe," said the merchant.</p> + +<p>"Well, I fancy they can't fool me much, if I do say it."</p> + +<p>"Then I want you to go to work on this case."</p> + +<p>"I will commence at once, Mr. Rexford. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>The guilty party can't escape me +when I give my whole mind to it."</p> + +<p>"I hope you will put your whole mind on it, then."</p> + +<p>"I shall indeed, sir. I will go home now and form my theory. I have the +facts to work on. Early in the morning I will see you, and we will +compare notes and get ready for business—active business, I assure +you."</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_XVII" id="Chapter_XVII"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>XVII.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>After being out during the night at the fire, and consequently having +had his rest broken, Fred found it rather irksome to spring out of bed +at five o'clock, get his breakfast, and be ready to respond to the +factory whistle on a wintry morning.</p> + +<p>He had now got sufficient knowledge of his work, and found very little +difficulty in performing it. Whenever he wanted any instruction or help, +Carl seemed ready and glad to aid him, so the two boys soon became +friends.</p> + +<p>"How long have you been on these flockers, Carl?" asked Fred the morning +after the fire.</p> + +<p>"Only two months."</p> + +<p>"Where did you work before that? I don't remember ever having seen you +till yesterday morning, and I don't know what your last name is now. I +heard Mr. Hanks call you Carl, so I suppose that is your given name?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, my name is Carl Heimann; I have been in here ever since I came to +Mapleton."</p> + +<p>"Where did you come from?"</p> + +<p>"My father and mother came from Germany <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span>when I was a small boy, and +they lived in Rhode Island; but they both got sick and died, so I came +here to live with my uncle."</p> + +<p>"What is your uncle's name?" Fred went on to inquire.</p> + +<p>"His name is Frank Baumgarten."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I've seen him plenty of times. I used to take goods to his house +from the store. It seems queer that I never saw you."</p> + +<p>"I don't go out any nights, for I get tired out by working in here +eleven hours and a half every day, I can tell you," said Carl.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I should think you would; you don't look very strong."</p> + +<p>"Well, I guess I can get along better now that you are here; but Tim +Short used to shirk and crowd me. If Mr. Hanks would do his part of the +work it wouldn't be so hard; but he won't do it, and is cross and finds +fault if we don't hurry things up."</p> + +<p>When Fred's eyes first fell upon the pale, sad face of Carl, and he +noticed his dwarfed and disfigured form, he had a feeling of pity for +him. There was that about his manner which at once interested him. The +boy's features were good, and yet they had that sharp, shrunken +appearance which may be said to be characteristic of the majority of +those afflicted with spinal trouble. He was a little humpback, who, from +his size, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span>would be taken for a lad of not more than thirteen, though he +was then seventeen, one year older than Fred, as the latter afterward +learned.</p> + +<p>The interest our hero felt in Carl had gradually increased as he noticed +how intelligent he appeared, and when he said that he had no father nor +mother, and told how he had been treated, Fred's sympathy was touched, +and he said to himself, almost unconsciously, "I'm glad I'm here, for +now I can do the heavy work, and will protect him from the abuse of this +man Hanks!" Then he said to the boy (for he seemed but such beside his +own sturdy form), "Yes, I think you will get along better now, for I am +strong and well, and will do all the heavy work for you."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm so glad!" replied Carl, with a sense of gratitude which showed +itself in his bright eyes, "for it hurts my back every time I lift one +of the heavy bags of wet flocks, and almost makes me think I will have +to give up the job. Then I think my uncle can't support me, and so I +keep on."</p> + +<p>"You shall not lift any more of them while I am here. I would rather do +that, any way, than stay here in the dust."</p> + +<p>"How long will you be here?" asked the little humpback, anxious lest the +brighter prospect might last but a short time.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span>"I don't know. I don't want to stay in the factory any longer than I am +obliged to; but that may be forever," replied Fred, with a clouded brow, +as his mind reverted to the cause that brought him down to such work.</p> + +<p>"I don't see why you need to stay in here. You have been clerk in a +store, and have a good education, I suppose. If I only had an +education——"</p> + +<p>"Haven't you ever been to school?"</p> + +<p>"I went to school a little in the old country, and three terms in Rhode +Island; then I went into the factory. My father was sick, and couldn't +work. After I had been in there about a year, my coat caught one day in +the shafting and wound me round it so they had to shut down the water +wheel to get me off. Everybody thought I was dead. That's what hurt my +back and made it grow the way it is now."</p> + +<p>"How long ago was that?" inquired Fred sympathetically.</p> + +<p>"It was six years ago that I got hurt, but I did not get out of bed for +almost two years afterward."</p> + +<p>"Does your back trouble you now?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, it aches all the time; but I've got rather used to it. Only when I +do a lot of lifting here, it bothers me so I can't sleep."</p> + +<p>"That's too bad. I'm sorry for you, and, as I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>said, will do all the +heavy work. Then you didn't go to school any after you got out again?"</p> + +<p>"No; I went back into the mill and stayed until my mother died; then I +came here."</p> + +<p>"Did you say your father was dead?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; he died while I was sick."</p> + +<p>"Have you any brothers or sisters?"</p> + +<p>"No; I have no one but my uncle."</p> + +<p>"I suppose he is kind to you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, he is; but Aunt Gretchen don't seem to like me very well, she has +so many children of her own."</p> + +<p>"I should think you would board somewhere else, then."</p> + +<p>"My uncle wants me to stay with him. If I boarded at the factory +boarding house my wages wouldn't more than pay my board, and I shouldn't +have anything left to buy my clothes with. If I should leave him and +then get sick he wouldn't take care of me, and I should have to go to +the poorhouse. I have always dreaded that since the city helped us when +we were all sick."</p> + +<p>"Well, you will soon be strong enough, I hope, to get another job, where +there is more pay."</p> + +<p>This conversation was now interrupted by the appearance of Hanks, who +said to Fred:</p> + +<p>"Come along up stairs with me, Worthington; I want yer ter help me lug +some cloth down. I'll show yer where ter find it; then yer kin git it +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>yerself erlone. Yer look stout 'nuff ter handle it 's well as me."</p> + +<p>Each shouldered a web of cloth which made a bundle about two feet +through and six feet long—rather a heavy burden for a boy; still, Fred +handled it easily and quickly, deposited it by the flockers, and turned +to his superior for further orders.</p> + +<p>"Take out them pieces next; they have run long enough. Carl will help +you about doing it; then you may go up and bring down two more pieces."</p> + +<p>With these orders he vanished, and the boys went to their work.</p> + +<p>"How long do these have to be run?" asked Fred of the little humpback.</p> + +<p>"About three hours. If they stayed in longer than that they would get +too heavy."</p> + +<p>"This light stuff don't make them so very much heavier, does it?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes; we can beat in flocks enough to double the weight of the +cloth."</p> + +<p>"Is that so?" exclaimed the new hand incredulously; and then added, +after a moment's thought, "But I should think they would all tumble +out."</p> + +<p>"I suppose they would if the cloth wasn't fulled as soon as we get +through with it; but that sort of sets them in."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>"Where do they full it?"</p> + +<p>"Out in the fulling mills, near the extractor. Didn't you see those long +wooden things with the covers turned back, and the cloth going up +through them so fast?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I saw them, but didn't know what they were. I don't see how going +through those fulls the cloth."</p> + +<p>"It's the stuff they put in—fuller's earth and soap; they pile the soft +soap in by the dishful, and it makes a great lather. I s'pose the +fuller's earth is what does the most of the work. After the cloth comes +out of the fulling mills it's 'bout twice as thick as when it goes in, +and feels all stiff and heavy. It's no more like what it is now than +nothing."</p> + +<p>"What's the next process it goes through?"</p> + +<p>"It goes into the washers next, and is washed as clean as can be."</p> + +<p>"How did you learn so much about finishing cloth? You have been here but +a little while."</p> + +<p>"My father worked in a mill, and I have heard him talk about it. Then I +have been in a factory enough myself to know pretty nearly everything +that is done."</p> + +<p>"Do we take the cloth direct from the weave room? It doesn't look as +though anything had been done to it when it reaches us."</p> + +<p>"It is 'burled' first; then we get it."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span>"'Burled'? What do you mean by that?"</p> + +<p>"Why, the knots are all cut off. You see the weavers have to tie their +warp on the back side when it breaks, and that is what makes the knots."</p> + +<p>"I don't see what harm those little things would do, as you say they are +on the back of the cloth."</p> + +<p>"They are the worst things there are, for if one of them gets in by +accident it is sure to make a hole through the cloth when it runs +through the shears."</p> + +<p>Thus, with work and talk, the day flew by almost before Fred was aware +of it. In fact, the hours seemed shorter to him than any he had passed +for weeks. Now there was something new to occupy his attention, and work +enough to keep his hands busy. The many curious machines before him, of +which Carl had told him a little, interested him much—so much, indeed, +that even at the end of the first day he felt no small desire to know +more of them.</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_XVIII" id="Chapter_XVIII"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>XVIII.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>In the evening, after Fred's second day in the factory, as he sat with +his parents in their pleasant home, and the thought of Carl and of his +sad deformity and still sadder story recurred to him, he could not help +contrasting the circumstances of the little humpback with his own.</p> + +<p>Two mornings before, as he entered the mill, he had felt that his burden +was almost greater than he could bear. He was disgraced and thrown out +of his position, and was about entering upon a cheerless life, where +there was but little opportunity for advancement.</p> + +<p>But now, as he reflected upon his surroundings, he saw that he was much +better off than many others. He had both father and mother, who loved +and cared for him, who provided for him a cheerful home, and who would +at any time sacrifice their own pleasures and comforts for his. +Moreover, he was well and strong, and had the advantage of attending +school, while Carl had been obliged to go into the mill at a little more +than ten years of age, in order to earn something toward the support of +his mother and invalid <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>father. It was while thus employed that he met +with the terrible accident that so deformed him and blighted his young +life.</p> + +<p>"No wonder he looks so sad," said Fred to himself. "Perhaps he may be as +ambitious to make a success in the world as I am, and yet he is thrown +into the factory, and is probably glad of even such a place, and maybe +he works hard at times when he is really unable to do anything. Poor +boy! I don't see what prospects he can see ahead to cheer him on. He has +neither friends, education, nor health, and with so small a chance as +there is in the factory for advancement, I should think he might as well +give up first as last; but as he has no home, I suppose he must earn a +living somehow or starve. If he only had friends to take care of him, it +would not be so hard on him; but I don't see how he can be very happy +with a woman like his aunt, who is always spluttering about somebody or +something."</p> + +<p>Fred secretly determined to do all he could to help the little cripple, +and made up his mind that Hanks should not abuse him in the future if he +could help it. Then calling to mind Carl's remark that morning, which +showed so clearly his desire for a better education, he felt he could +aid him, and decided to do so.</p> + +<p>"Any new evidence?" asked Sheriff Coombs, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>as he met Mr. Rexford early +in the morning at the scene of the fire.</p> + +<p>"No, nothing except what we discussed last night."</p> + +<p>"That is good as far as it goes."</p> + +<p>"Well, it goes far enough to convince me," replied the merchant tartly.</p> + +<p>"To be sure, sir, but we must convince the court. A mere suspicion, sir, +is not good in law."</p> + +<p>"You said last night you were the first one here, and that the fire +started in the back store."</p> + +<p>"So I did, but I can't say what caused the fire."</p> + +<p>"It shows that it did not catch from the stove."</p> + +<p>"That is so, and it leads us to suspect the store was set on fire—in +fact, that is my belief. We stand agreed on this point; but the court +must have evidence or we can't make out a case."</p> + +<p>"Then we must search for evidence," said the merchant.</p> + +<p>"My official duty, sir, is to bring the wrongdoer to justice, and I +assure you I take a special interest in this case. I shall do my best +work on it; but, by the way, there will be some slight expense connected +with it."</p> + +<p>"I don't understand you," replied the merchant nervously, for he caught +the word "expense."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span>"Nothing of any consequence, to be sure, but of course you know a +detective can't work without means."</p> + +<p>"How much will it cost me?" asked the merchant, after a pause.</p> + +<p>"I will make it light—for you almost nothing," answered the sheriff, +who began to fear he would lose the opportunity to perform official +service.</p> + +<p>"Very well, then, you may go ahead; but I warn you not to come back on +me with a heavy charge for this business."</p> + +<p>"Your wishes shall be heeded, sir. I will commence now. By the way, do +you suspect any one in particular?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I have one or two reasons for believing I know who did it."</p> + +<p>"Good! That will give us an idea to work on; but first let me look +around and see what I can discover for evidence."</p> + +<p>On the rear side of the back room was a window. A few feet from this +window part of a load of sawdust lay upon the ground. Here the sheriff +found several footprints.</p> + +<p>"How long has this sawdust been here?" he called out to Mr. Rexford.</p> + +<p>"It was put there several days ago," he replied.</p> + +<p>"I wish you would look here. I have made an important discovery."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span>The merchant quickly approached the spot.</p> + +<p>"Do you see those footprints? When do you think they were made?"</p> + +<p>"Last night about dark I shoveled up several basketfuls and carried them +into the stable. These tracks must have been made since then."</p> + +<p>"Do you feel sure of this?"</p> + +<p>"I do, and I notice the prints point exactly to where the back window +was."</p> + +<p>"That is a good point, sir; but do you notice that whoever made that +track must have had a small foot?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I see it is small, and that goes to strengthen my suspicions."</p> + +<p>"It measures ten inches long and three wide," said the sheriff, applying +his rule to the footprint.</p> + +<p>In about an hour from this time Sheriff Coombs entered the woolen +factory, and a minute or two later went to the flockers.</p> + +<p>"Do you want to see me?" asked Fred, as he saw the officer fasten his +eyes on him.</p> + +<p>"Yes; I have a warrant for your arrest."</p> + +<p>"For my arrest!" exclaimed Fred in amazement. "What for?"</p> + +<p>"On complaint of John Rexford, for setting fire to his store," replied +the sheriff, in a pompous manner.</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_XIX" id="Chapter_XIX"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>XIX.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>Fred stared at the sheriff in blank amazement at the terrible charge now +brought against him.</p> + +<p>"I am charged with setting fire to John Rexford's store?" he repeated.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"And you say Mr. Rexford makes the charge?" demanded Fred, in great +excitement.</p> + +<p>"Yes, he makes the charge," replied the officer, in a manner that was +extremely irritating to our young hero.</p> + +<p>"I don't know what it means," answered Fred.</p> + +<p>"You know the store was burned, I suppose?" said the sheriff +sarcastically.</p> + +<p>"I do, sir; but what has that to do with me?"</p> + +<p>"The question is one that must be answered by the court. My duty is to +see that you appear there for trial."</p> + +<p>"When will the trial be?" asked Fred, pale and depressed.</p> + +<p>"At two o'clock this afternoon you must appear before Justice Plummer."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>"Can I remain at work till then?"</p> + +<p>"No; you must go with me."</p> + +<p>"Is it necessary for me to go to the lockup?" asked Fred, shrinking with +natural repugnance from such a place.</p> + +<p>"It is, unless you can furnish surety for your appearance at the trial."</p> + +<p>"If I promise to be there, isn't that enough?"</p> + +<p>"I should not be doing my official duty to let you off on your promise," +answered the sheriff.</p> + +<p>"I would rather stay with you until two o'clock than go to the lockup."</p> + +<p>"My time is worth too much to waste. I have a great deal of official +business to attend to," said the officer; and after a pause, he added, +"But if you were to give me five dollars, cash down, I think I could fix +it for you."</p> + +<p>"I haven't so much money with me, but I promise to pay it to you."</p> + +<p>"I should prefer the cash."</p> + +<p>Fred went to Mr. Farrington, accompanied by the sheriff, to try and +borrow money enough to make up the five dollars, and to ask advice. His +kind employer took him to one side and spoke low, so that the officer +could not hear him. After getting the facts of the arrest, and asking a +few questions, which were answered satisfactorily, Mr. Farrington turned +to the sheriff and said:</p> + +<p>"I am surprised, Mr. Coombs, that you should <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span>try to scare this boy into +paying you five dollars, with the threat of taking him to the lockup. I +had a better opinion of you than this," he added emphatically.</p> + +<p>Officer Coombs hung his head and colored. He lost the official bearing +with which he had so impressed our young friend.</p> + +<p>"I am responsible for his appearance at the trial," he at last answered, +in defense of his position.</p> + +<p>"Very well; that is no reason why you should take advantage of an +innocent boy who knows nothing of the law. I will go surety for him, and +will be present at the trial. If you want me to give a bond for his +appearance I will do so."</p> + +<p>"It would be right to have the bond, but I will not ask it from you. I +have faith in you, you see," said the sheriff, trying to win back his +good opinion by a bit of flattery.</p> + +<p>Mr. Farrington shrugged his shoulders. Turning to Fred, he told him to +go to his work, and promised that at the appointed time he would +accompany him to the trial.</p> + +<p>Of course Fred had to tell his parents at noon what had happened. They +were alarmed at first at so grave a charge, but became calm, as they +felt sure they could prove Fred was at home on the night of the fire.</p> + +<p>"I think the tide will turn now, Fred," said <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span>his father. "You have had +more than your share of ill luck, but I am proud of you, that you stand +up under fire like a man."</p> + +<p>"I hope it has turned, father, and I am glad of your approval. This +charge, though, seems to be one of malice."</p> + +<p>"It does seem so; but we can tell at the trial whether it is or not."</p> + +<p>Justice Plummer was a middle aged man, with a kind, intellectual face. +He spoke slowly and thoughtfully. When our hero entered he greeted him +in a kindly way.</p> + +<p>"I am sorry to see you here, Fred," he began, "and I hope no evidence of +guilt will be found against you. Though I feel a friendly interest in +you, it is my duty, as you know, to decide the case impartially."</p> + +<p>"I know it is, judge," replied Fred, "and I think the evidence will +prove my innocence."</p> + +<p>John Rexford now came in with his lawyer, Mr. Clarence Ham, a young man +noted for his eloquence.</p> + +<p>Mr. Rexford was sworn as a witness, and deposed that he had strong +grounds for believing his store was burned by an incendiary, and that he +had reasons for suspecting Fred Worthington to be the guilty party, +though he admitted that he had little or no real proof to sustain this +belief.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span>He gave his evidence upon the facts that led him to think the store was +maliciously burned. Sheriff Coombs added his testimony upon this point. +These facts, having been already given, need not be repeated.</p> + +<p>"This testimony gives no absolute proof that the store was burned by an +incendiary," said the judge.</p> + +<p>"But I submit that the circumstances—the facts, if you please—lead to +that conclusion," put in attorney Ham.</p> + +<p>"To be sure, they give rise to a strong suspicion that it was, but +unless we get further testimony to this end, the court cannot hold the +prisoner for trial."</p> + +<p>Mr. Rexford now gave his evidence, showing why he suspected Fred of +being the guilty party.</p> + +<p>This being simply a hearing before a justice, Mr. Farrington was allowed +to serve Fred in place of a lawyer.</p> + +<p>"You say," said Mr. Farrington, addressing the witness, "you thought at +the time you discharged Fred Worthington from your employ that some sort +of revenge would follow. Will you kindly state why you thought so?"</p> + +<p>"His manner indicated it."</p> + +<p>"In what way, please?"</p> + +<p>"He was very saucy and impudent."</p> + +<p>"In what manner was he impudent?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>"He threatened me."</p> + +<p>"Simply because you informed him you wouldn't need his services longer?"</p> + +<p>"Well, yes, that is about it," answered the witness hesitatingly.</p> + +<p>"The court would like to know the exact facts," said Judge Plummer.</p> + +<p>"I shall endeavor to give them," answered the witness.</p> + +<p>"Then please state in what way he threatened you," said Mr. Farrington.</p> + +<p>"It was in his manner. I had to conciliate him to save trouble. I was +absolutely afraid of him."</p> + +<p>"In what way did you conciliate him?"</p> + +<p>"By modifying my statement."</p> + +<p>"What was your statement?"</p> + +<p>"It was something about his taking money from my drawer."</p> + +<p>"You charged him, then, with stealing?"</p> + +<p>"Not exactly."</p> + +<p>"This was the point, however, that you modified?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Did that satisfy him?"</p> + +<p>"Well, yes, it seemed to," admitted the witness reluctantly.</p> + +<p>"Then, Mr. Rexford, your testimony shows that Fred Worthington did not +complain at being <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>discharged, but at a statement which you had no right +to make. I judge he simply acted as any proud spirited boy would have +done."</p> + +<p>John Rexford grew fidgety.</p> + +<p>"Was there any other cause for his being impudent?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"No question of settlement, I suppose?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing worth speaking of," answered the witness, growing very nervous.</p> + +<p>"As it may have some bearing upon this case, you will please state what +it was."</p> + +<p>Mr. Farrington had a whispered consultation with Fred at this juncture, +which made the merchant very ill at ease, and caused him to testify more +fully upon the point than he otherwise would have done.</p> + +<p>"I at first thought I would keep the amount due him to make up my loss; +but his manner was so hostile that I feared he would injure me in some +way, so I gave him the money."</p> + +<p>"Did he threaten you with personal violence?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"He made no threat at all, then?"</p> + +<p>"As I said, after thinking the matter over, I thought it would be policy +to pay him," answered the witness, trying to evade the point.</p> + +<p>"But you have not answered the question. Did he, or did he not, make any +sort of a threat <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>which caused you to change your mind?" demanded Mr. +Farrington.</p> + +<p>"Well, yes, in a certain sense."</p> + +<p>"In what sense?"</p> + +<p>"He threatened to make false statements about my business."</p> + +<p>"Would these statements have injured you?"</p> + +<p>"They might have, for a time."</p> + +<p>"You are sure the statements he threatened to make were false, with no +foundation of truth," asked Mr. Farrington.</p> + +<p>The witness hesitated. He saw Fred looking him square in the eye, and he +shrank from answering, for he realized that the truth would probably be +brought out by his former clerk.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, I am sure they were false," he finally answered, while +inwardly anathematizing himself at being caught in such a trap. He felt +that Fred was getting the better of the case, and that, too, by his own +testimony.</p> + +<p>"In your testimony, Mr. Rexford, you said Fred Worthington impressed you +at the time of his discharge with the idea that he would do you some +subsequent harm. Was that impression founded upon his attitude of self +defense?" asked Judge Plummer, in his slow, thoughtful way.</p> + +<p>"No, sir, not that."</p> + +<p>"Will you state, then, what caused you to form such an opinion?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>"Of course I could not tell his thoughts, but the deep study he seemed +to be in convinced me that he was revolving in his mind some plot to be +revenged on me for discharging him."</p> + +<p>"This cannot be considered evidence," replied the judge. "His thoughts +might have run upon an entirely different subject."</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_XX" id="Chapter_XX"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>XX.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>The testimony so far had very little weight, and really told against the +merchant more than it did against our young friend.</p> + +<p>The track in the sawdust, however, which was measured, and which was +found to be the same size as Fred's shoe and of the same general shape, +was very good evidence, and being testified to by both Mr. Rexford and +the sheriff, went far toward bringing our hero under suspicion of having +committed the crime.</p> + +<p>The merchant's lawyer grew eloquent over this point, but his spread +eagle style failed to impress the quiet, thoughtful judge to any great +extent.</p> + +<p>The testimony for the prosecution now being all in, Fred was put upon +the stand, and testified that he was at home the night of the fire, had +been at home all the evening, and was in bed when the cry of fire was +sounded.</p> + +<p>"How long had you been in bed?" asked attorney Ham.</p> + +<p>"About two hours, I think," answered Fred.</p> + +<p>"Are you sure about that?"</p> + +<p>"I can't say it was exactly two hours, but I <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span>know it was not far from +nine o'clock when I retired, and it was about eleven when the alarm of +fire awoke me."</p> + +<p>"Were you asleep when the alarm was started?"</p> + +<p>"I was."</p> + +<p>"I have no more questions at present to ask the witness," said the +lawyer to the judge.</p> + +<p>"I have one I would like to ask the witness," said Mr. Farrington, and +then addressing Fred, he said:</p> + +<p>"John Rexford testified that you threatened to make false statements +about his business if he kept the money due you. Is this true?"</p> + +<p>"I object to this question," said attorney Ham, who had learned the +merchant's great desire to avoid further testimony upon this point. "It +has no bearing upon this case."</p> + +<p>"It does have a bearing upon the case, and I have a special reason for +wanting an answer to my question," replied Mr. Farrington.</p> + +<p>"The witness may answer," said the judge.</p> + +<p>"Your honor," put in Ham, "I protest against bringing in the private +business of my client, which has no relation to this case."</p> + +<p>"This case is entirely one of circumstantial evidence," replied the +judge, "and it is important that we get at the facts regarding the boy's +character. The witness will answer the question."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>"No, sir, it is not true."</p> + +<p>"Did you make no threat whatever?"</p> + +<p>"When he said he would keep my money, I told him it was a mean trick, +but not much meaner than I had seen him play upon his customers."</p> + +<p>"What reply did he make?"</p> + +<p>"He asked me if I meant to insinuate that he cheated his customers."</p> + +<p>"And you replied?"</p> + +<p>"I said I did."</p> + +<p>"What followed?"</p> + +<p>"He threatened to have me arrested."</p> + +<p>"And what did you say to that?"</p> + +<p>"I replied that I would like to have him do so, for I could then tell +some things about his methods that would make a stir in the village."</p> + +<p>"This, then, is the threat you made?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, if you call it a threat," answered Fred.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Rexford's testimony does not agree with yours upon this point," +said the judge. "Was there no statement about any special subject which +Mr. Rexford considered false?"</p> + +<p>"There was a reference to one or two matters," replied our young hero +evasively.</p> + +<p>The merchant now looked pale and wretched. His crooked business methods +were about to be made known, and such a disclosure, coming right upon +the loss of his store, was crushing to him.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span>"You will please state one of them," said the judge.</p> + +<p>"I would prefer not to," said Fred.</p> + +<p>"Why do you hesitate?" asked his honor.</p> + +<p>"Because I do not wish to reveal matters about my employer's business +that should be considered confidential."</p> + +<p>"It is honorable in you to be so considerate of your former employer, +and especially as he is now trying to establish a case against you. As +you are only a boy, I consider it but right that I should advise you to +show, if you can, that you did not threaten to make a false statement +regarding his business. Such proof would aid your case and show well for +your character."</p> + +<p>Fred hesitated, thinking what he ought to do. Mr. Rexford took advantage +of the pause, and asked if he would be allowed to speak a word upon this +point before it was carried further. As no objection was raised by the +defense, he said:</p> + +<p>"I must acknowledge an error in my testimony regarding Fred's threat of +a false statement. I was so wrought up over the matter that I hardly +understood the exact language, but now I have heard his testimony it all +comes back to me. His statement is essentially true."</p> + +<p>This was an unexpected turn for matters to take. It was, however, less +surprising to Fred than to the judge, and to those drawn by curiosity +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>to the trial. The reason for Mr. Rexford's retraction was very evident, +and caused many a significant glance, and here and there an exchange of +opinions upon the matter in an undertone.</p> + +<p>Though humiliating, it was nevertheless a fortunate move for the +merchant, and he was lucky to get out of his own trap so well.</p> + +<p>Fred was looked upon at first by the villagers present as being without +doubt guilty, but now they began to have some admiration for him; and as +the tide turned in his favor it set against the merchant, till at length +our young friend was the more popular of the two.</p> + +<p>Fred's father and mother both corroborated his testimony upon the point +of his being at home all the evening on the night of the fire, and +stated that he retired to bed at about nine o'clock.</p> + +<p>They were questioned by lawyer Ham as to whether Fred could have left +the house and returned, unknown to them, between the hours of nine and +eleven o'clock, when the fire was probably set.</p> + +<p>Their testimony upon this point evidently satisfied Judge Plummer that +Fred was innocent of the charge John Rexford had brought against him, +for after carefully going over the testimony on both sides, he said:</p> + +<p>"I find nothing in the evidence that would <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>tend to place suspicion upon +Fred Worthington, who is charged with maliciously burning John Rexford's +store. The testimony for the prosecution has no real weight, while that +for the defense is strong, indisputable evidence, that removes all doubt +as to the boy's whereabouts during the two hours when the fire must have +been set, if it was set at all. I therefore discharge the accused, as no +evidence has been offered that would justify me in holding him;" and +then turning to our hero with a friendly smile, he added: "Fred, you can +go. It is clear that you are innocent of the charge made against you."</p> + +<p>"I thank you sincerely," said Fred, with an expression of true +gratitude.</p> + +<p>"Before you go, Fred, I wish to congratulate you upon the way you have +acquitted yourself during this trial," said Judge Plummer, taking him by +the hand. "Placed under fire as you have been, but few boys would have +displayed the manhood you have shown."</p> + +<p>Our young friend was profoundly moved at these kind, reassuring words, +coming as they did from one who had the power to hold him for a grave +crime.</p> + +<p>Fred's parents were very happy at the outcome of the trial, and at Judge +Plummer's complimentary remarks to their son, their only child. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span>But +scarcely less gratified than they was Mr. Farrington. He not only felt +pride in triumphing over the somewhat wordy lawyer Ham, but genuine +satisfaction and pleasure that Fred should be cleared of all suspicion +in this case.</p> + +<p>John Rexford was defeated, dissatisfied, miserable. He had injured +himself and helped his discharged clerk, who he still thought had +something to do with the destruction of his store. He now quickly +withdrew from the place of the trial before any one could approach him +to intensify his misery by questions upon the various points of +evidence.</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_XXI" id="Chapter_XXI"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>XXI.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>Matthew De Vere and Tim Short had compromised matters with Jacob Simmons +so that all immediate danger was passed. They were comparatively easy on +this point, as a little more time had been granted them in which to pay +the balance promised him; yet they did not feel entirely secure.</p> + +<p>Fred's arrest on the charge of burning the store meant more to each of +them than a mere gratification at seeing him humbled and perhaps +punished. If they had been sure he would be convicted of the crime, +doubtless they would have been happy indeed. The case meant so much to +them that they attended the trial; and their discomfiture at the +result—at seeing Fred vindicated and honorably discharged—was more +than will be imagined.</p> + +<p>They left the place of trial together, and had a long private +discussion, which seemed not entirely satisfactory.</p> + +<p>"Meet me in the pines tomorrow noon, Tim," said De Vere as he left him, +wearing a worried look—almost one of fear.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span>Aside from these troubles, Matthew was far from happy. He had tried to +learn the cause of Nellie's manner toward him the last time he saw her +at school. He could not understand what had brought about the change in +her.</p> + +<p>He had not seen her for nearly a week, for she was at home sick. She +took a severe cold on the night of the fire by exposure to the damp, +chilly air, and had not been able to come out since. Matthew called at +the doctor's to offer her his sympathy, but she would not see him. He +learned from his sister, who had called every day that Nellie was up and +around the house, and from this fact he argued that she shunned him.</p> + +<p>Fred really expected no reply to his letter to Nellie, and yet he hoped +almost against hope, as it seemed to him, that she might acknowledge its +receipt in some way. If only a word, and that one of criticism, he felt +that it would be much more welcome than nothing.</p> + +<p>Little did he realize how near he came to receiving the coveted letter, +for it was actually written, and was one that would have given him great +pleasure.</p> + +<p>Nellie wrote the letter in the evening before the fire, and intended +mailing it the next morning; but when morning came she found herself too +ill to leave the house.</p> + +<p>Two days passed; then came the report of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>Fred's arrest. The news made +her cheeks burn. She condemned herself for having written the letter, +and while the shock was fresh upon her she destroyed it. And as it lay +in the waste basket, torn into little pieces, she looked at it and felt +almost sorry she had been so hasty; even wished, though she hardly dared +acknowledge it to herself, that he had the letter, guilty or not.</p> + +<p>She took his note from her pocket and read it again; then buried her +face in her hands in deep thought.</p> + +<p>She was interrupted by Grace Bernard, who ran in to spend a little time +with her.</p> + +<p>"Oh, isn't it good news?" she exclaimed, in her animated, girlish way.</p> + +<p>"Isn't what good news?" asked Nellie curiously.</p> + +<p>"Why, the result of the trial. Haven't you heard of it?"</p> + +<p>"Has he been acquitted?" asked Nellie eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"No, I had not heard of the result," she replied, blushing as she +realized the interest she had shown. "I only learned of the trial a few +minutes ago."</p> + +<p>"I am so glad he was proved innocent. I think it was shameful to bring +such a charge against him," returned Grace.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>"He has been unfortunate," replied Nellie, refraining from an expression +of her own feelings.</p> + +<p>"Yes, he has; but I do not believe any of the charges against him. +Father said that Mr. Rexford was confused and embarrassed at the trial. +It all came out about Fred's discharge and the missing money."</p> + +<p>"Was it favorable to Fred?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. Mr. Rexford had to retract his own testimony, and acknowledge that +Fred was right."</p> + +<p>"Did they learn anything about the missing money?"</p> + +<p>"No; but father said there was no proof that Fred took it, and no good +reason for thinking so. You know I told you when the report first +started that I did not believe it."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know you did," replied Nellie, dropping her eyes, and thinking +of the reference to the fact in Fred's letter to her.</p> + +<p>"Dave told me a few days ago," continued Grace, "that Fred thought +nearly all of his friends had turned against him, and that he felt +terribly hurt about it. I know I have not turned against him, and I +shall write and tell him so; then he will know he has one friend at +least."</p> + +<p>"He already knows it," said Nellie, in a slightly bitter tone.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>"Why, how can that be, and what leads you to think so?" asked Grace, +with surprise.</p> + +<p>"I mean—probably he knows it. Dave might have told him," replied +Nellie, with evident embarrassment at the fact she had unintentionally +disclosed, and her inability to explain how she came by this information +without making reference to Fred's letter to her.</p> + +<p>Grace looked puzzled, and after a pause said:</p> + +<p>"Yes, possibly he knows it, but I wish to be sure of it; and as I have +no opportunity of seeing him now he is at work in the factory, I will +write the letter and mail it to him. It can do no harm."</p> + +<p>When Nellie had been left alone she could not resist referring once more +to that part of Fred's letter that spoke of Grace's friendship. This, +and the fact that she was intending to write him a friendly, encouraging +letter, troubled Nellie. She was very glad that he had been found +innocent, and that he had merited the praise of the judge, and yet she +felt depressed that another should feel so happy over it. If only she +had learned the news from some other source, or if Grace had shown some +indifference, she would have been delighted.</p> + +<p>Why this should trouble her she hardly knew, but that it did she was +certain. She wondered if Grace would say anything about her in the +letter <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>she would write to Fred. "I am afraid she will," Nellie said to +herself. "I wish I had shown more sympathy for him, and I wanted to so +much. But why should she be so happy over his triumph? The idea of her +writing to him to tell him of her friendship!"</p> + +<p>These thoughts annoyed Nellie, and she felt—yes, we may as well confess +it—a little jealous of her friend Grace.</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_XXII" id="Chapter_XXII"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>XXII.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>The next morning, as Fred was busy at his work, Carl came in from the +post office, whither he had gone for the mail for several of the +employees, and handed him two letters. On looking at them Fred was +surprised to find both postmarked "Mapleton."</p> + +<p>He tore one of them open nervously, hoping it might be the long looked +for and much coveted answer to his own letter to Nellie Dutton. He +looked at the signature—"Grace Bernard."</p> + +<p>"What can this mean?" The thought shot through his mind, and then he +proceeded to find out in a very sensible way, by reading the letter.</p> + +<p>It was simply a friendly letter, that showed a refreshing sympathy for +his misfortunes, and expressed a belief that he would in time triumph +over all opposition.</p> + +<p>The writer assured him of her belief in his innocence, and congratulated +him upon his perfect vindication at the trial. She spoke of Nellie's +sickness, and added that it would not be long before he would be more +highly appreciated by his friends than ever.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>This brief letter touched Fred deeply and brought tears of joy to his +eyes. He felt so happy that he hesitated before opening the other +letter, fearing it might cast a cloud over the sunshine this little note +had brought him.</p> + +<p>"And Nellie has been sick," he said to himself thoughtfully. "Perhaps +this letter may be from her. I will open it and see."</p> + +<p>It ran like this:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="right"><span class="smcap">Mapleton.</span></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My Dear Friend</span>:—Your letter, so unexpected, was a +surprise to me, but I am very glad you sent it, otherwise we +might not have understood each other as well as I now hope we +may. It grieves me that you should feel so offended at my +seeming lack of friendship. Perhaps the time may come when +you will think differently. Had I received your letter two +weeks ago, or had you then told me what you say you would +have explained in confidence, you would probably have no +cause now to complain of me.</p> + +<p>Your letter, in some respects, is a puzzle to me. It has +almost made me suspicious of a certain party, but I must wait +and see what time will tell, then perhaps we shall find it +agreeable to talk over the matter and be as friendly as ever. +You may feel sure I was very glad of your success at the +trial, and I hope, oh so much, that you will triumph over all +your misfortunes. I should have answered your letter more +promptly, but I have been, and still am, kept at home by a +bad cold which I took the night of the fire.</p> + +<p>With best wishes, sincerely your friend,<br /></p> +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Nellie Dutton.</span></p> +</div> + +<p>Instead of throwing a shadow over our young friend's horizon, this +letter swept away, for a time, the few remaining clouds, and made the +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>sunshine so bright and cheering that he was happy indeed. He had been +cast down so long by bitter misfortunes, that these expressions of +friendship, and especially those of Miss Nellie, seemed to liberate his +fettered spirits, and make them bound high with joy.</p> + +<p>His work seemed nothing to him. The flockers lost their dusty, dingy +appearance. The heavy rolls of cloth were but playthings in his hands. +There was no friction, no irritation. Everything moved with the grace +and charm of a well modeled yacht with swelling sails upon a rippling +sea.</p> + +<p>"She wishes so much that I may triumph over all my misfortunes," he said +to himself, "and I can see now she almost suspects De Vere. I know she +means him. I have been a fool to misjudge her so—and she is at home +sick, poor girl!"</p> + +<p>Here a sudden impulse seized him, and in a few moments he was at John +Fielding's hot house and ordered a dollar's worth of choice cut flowers. +He handed the florist the money and directed him to send them to Nellie +Dutton with his card.</p> + +<p>The old florist was startled—could hardly believe his own senses. Such +an order to be received from a boy was unprecedented—nothing of the +kind had ever been known in the village, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>and that Fred Worthington, now +a factory boy, should be the one to lead off in this very commendable +fashion—a fashion that is only really practised in the larger +towns—seemed too much to realize.</p> + +<p>Fred saw this plainly in the queer little old man's face, and he blushed +deeply as he thought what he had done.</p> + +<p>Whether the florist hoped to encourage this sort of trade by liberal +dealing I cannot say, but that he sent some very choice flowers, and a +large quantity for the money, is certain. It would be difficult to +imagine a more surprised or delighted person than Nellie Dutton was when +she opened the box and took from it the sweet smelling flowers, and a +neatly written card bearing the name—"Fred Worthington."</p> + +<p>If she was a little jealous of her friend Grace on the previous day, she +now had no occasion to feel so. Her letter had brought a response that +she little expected—a response, however, that made her quite as happy +as Fred.</p> + +<p>If she had, up to this time, held serious doubts as to his innocence, +they were now dispelled. A little act will many times go far toward +changing one's opinion, and there are few arguments more forcible with +girls, and even ladies of mature age, than are choice flowers. This act +of Fred, though seemingly absurd for a boy in his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>position, was a +master stroke in his favor, for it not only won Nellie's friendship +fully back, but it also created a very favorable impression upon her +mother, who was scarcely less pleased with the flowers than Nellie +herself.</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_XXIII" id="Chapter_XXIII"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>XXIII.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>When Fred had first entered the mill his attention was arrested by Jack +Hickey—a witty, good natured Irishman. He was a quaint character, full +of fun and humor. His employment was washing and scouring wool and +shoddy—not a very genteel labor, for it was wet and dirty work, as well +as tiresome. However, Jack received for such service $1.75 per day, and +this made him happier than a $10,000 salary makes many a bank president.</p> + +<p>Hickey was called by the boys the "Jolly Scourer"—not a bad appellation +for him either. His tub and rinser were near the flockers. Fred could +see and hear him while at his own work, and this furnished our young +friend much amusement; for whenever Jack had pitched the wool about in +the strong suds and was waiting for the action of steam upon it, he +usually filled in the time by singing bits of original rhyme and by clog +dancing.</p> + +<p>His rhymes were as queer as himself, while his dancing was equally +peculiar. He had been persistent in the practice of the latter art, no +doubt; <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>in fact, there was decided evidence of this, for in spite of the +clumsy cowhides that he wore, his right foot showed much careful +training. It was full of music and always on time. It could tap the +floor with the ease and skill with which a practised drummer beats the +resonant diaphragm. Moreover, it seemed to know all the steps of a +professional dancer, while his left foot was a thorough clod, so far as +this art went.</p> + +<p>It always seemed to go just contrary to the other, and gave the +appearance of attempting something more difficult than it was capable of +performing. Indeed, this was almost the invariable result, as its +accomplishments in this line were so exceedingly few; besides, it was +always out of time, was clumsy and awkward, and was such a foot as is +familiarly described among boys as "belonging to the church."</p> + +<p>"It is very queer why there is such a difference in the action of that +man's feet," remarked Fred to himself, with a suppressed titter; "but I +think, after all, the clumsy one is the most natural, and does just +about as I should expect a foot to do when incased in such an amount of +leather and belonging to such a man as Jack. What I don't understand is, +how the other one ever became so gamy."</p> + +<p>Fred wondered if Jack was doing all that practice simply for his own +pleasure, or if he was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span>trying to fit himself for an engagement with +some minstrel troupe. If for the latter purpose, there was some object +in it; but if simply for fun, Fred could not see where it came in when +he considered the immense amount of effort it must have taken to wield +with such dexterity those great boots, whose legs reached far above the +dancer's knee, and the soles of which were nearly an inch in thickness +and contained a generous supply of iron slugs.</p> + +<p>When Fred first witnessed Jack's comical performances, they amused him +hugely, and he thought he had never before seen anything half so funny; +even the annual circus, with its train of animals, and dancers, and +tumblers and clowns, could not equal it. The "Jolly Scourer" was +extremely comical and clownish, evidently without trying to be so, while +the circus clown's <i>effort</i> at comical acts and sayings detracts from +the amusing effect of the acts themselves.</p> + +<p>Jack was thoroughly original, and his originality in music, which +accompanied these performances, added much to them; for, contrary to the +custom of many small boys when practising clog dancing, instead of +whistling Jack furnished his music by singing, in a rich brogue, bits of +improvised rhyme that he seemed to compose for the occasion. Many of +them were very funny, and possessed the originality and wit +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span>characteristic of his nationality, which added much to the whole +performance.</p> + +<p>Fred soon made the acquaintance of the "Jolly Scourer," and had many +good laughs at his jokes, which often lightened the monotony of routine +work. He moreover did our young hero many acts of kindness, and in a +certain matter proved of great service to him.</p> + +<p>Time passed by with Fred in his factory life not altogether +unpleasantly, and as he saw no chance of getting into a store again very +soon, he concluded that the best thing for him to do was to gain every +point possible relative to woolen manufacture, and especially to the +finishing department, in which he had commenced his mill career.</p> + +<p>Consequently he bent his energies to this purpose. Whatever was to be +learned by observation and by questioning he was fast finding out. When +he first ventured out into the wet gig room, he saw there numerous +machines, the working of which was a curiosity which he wished to have +explained; and after carefully examining them he hastened back to the +little humpback, where he felt confident he could get the desired +information. Said he:</p> + +<p>"Carl, what are those great tall machines in the second room beyond us, +that have the large cylinders?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span>"They are gigs—wet gigs."</p> + +<p>"And what are they for?"</p> + +<p>"They are to raise a nap on the cloth."</p> + +<p>"How do they do that?"</p> + +<p>"Well, that cylinder is covered with handles. You know what handles are, +I s'pose?"</p> + +<p>"I know something about some kind of handles, but I guess not of this +kind."</p> + +<p>"They are long iron frames about seven feet long, half an inch thick, +and just wide enough to take in two teasels, one on top of the other so +as to make two rows of them the whole length of the handle."</p> + +<p>"And this iron frame filled with teasels is called a 'handle'?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"But what are teasels?"</p> + +<p>"They are the burrs of a plant something like a thistle. They are about +the size of a small egg, only not quite so large around, and they do not +taper so much, though one end is a little larger than the other. They +have sharp points, sort of like hooks, which all turn down toward the +stem, so you can run your hand over them one way and the points won't +hurt; but if you pull your hand back they dig right to the flesh."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know now, I saw a lot of them up stairs the other day and +wondered for what they were <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>used here. Seems to me they are queer +things to use on cloth. Wouldn't something like a card with iron tacks +be better, and last longer?"</p> + +<p>"No, I guess not. Probably anything like that would tear the cloth, and +I believe all of the mills use teasels. You see they would use what is +best."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I suppose so," added Fred thoughtfully; "but tell me about the gig +and how they use this little prickly thing."</p> + +<p>"Well, as I said, these frames filled with teasels are called handles, +and as the gig cylinders are covered all over with handles, it makes +kind of a solid bed of teasels. The cylinder whirls one way, and the +cloth, which is drawn close against it, goes the other."</p> + +<p>"I should think the sharp points would dig into the cloth, and tear it +the same as wire points would."</p> + +<p>"You see the gig is going so fast they don't get hold much, and then +they are not strong enough to tear it at once, but will wear it out +rather fast if too much pressure is put upon it. Those gigs out there +don't hurt it much, though, for they use old handles and the teasels are +broken down a good deal."</p> + +<p>"Where are they used first, if they are old?"</p> + +<p>"Up stairs on the dry gigs."</p> + +<p>"What! Is it gigged up there, too?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>"Oh, yes; on two different gigs. Haven't you seen the great square iron +framed machines with two cylinders and two men tending them?"</p> + +<p>"No, I think not. I don't believe I have been into that room yet."</p> + +<p>"Well, the cloth is gigged there on the big machines the first thing +after it leaves the fulling mills and washers."</p> + +<p>"How long do they run it up there?"</p> + +<p>"They run it quite a while in all the different processes it goes +through. After it is gigged the first time then it is cropped."</p> + +<p>"Cropped, you say?" exclaimed Fred, laughing. "Well, you have me again, +for I am sure I don't know what that means."</p> + +<p>"Why, it means sheared—cutting off the nap which the teasels dig +up—only they don't call it 'sheared' the first two times."</p> + +<p>"How many times is it sheared, I wonder!"</p> + +<p>"'Bout four or five times, I think; twice on the cropper, and twice or +three times on the finishing shears. As I said before, it is run on the +big gig first and then is cropped. After this process is completed, it +runs on another dry gig of the same shape as the wet ones, and is +cropped again. Then it is placed on to the wet gigs where you saw it."</p> + +<p>"I should think it would be all worn out if it is run so long against +those sharp teasels, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>besides having the nap sheared off several times. +How long do they keep it on the gigs?"</p> + +<p>"It does get spoiled sometimes; I have seen plenty of pieces with the +face of the cloth all gigged through. It tears the filling all out and +leaves the warp. The cloth runs on each gig till a good nap is worked +up."</p> + +<p>"That would be a good many hours in all, I suppose, but I don't see the +use of gigging it so much as to spoil the cloth. It won't wear very +well, will it?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, but they gig it so as to get an extra fine finish, and make it +smooth and handsome. And then there are what they call the steam gigs. +It is run on them, and besides this it is gigged several times on the +back, both on dry and wet gigs."</p> + +<p>"What! Is there still another kind of gig?" asked Fred, beginning to get +incredulous.</p> + +<p>"No, they are just the same as the ones you saw, only they run the cloth +through them after it is steamed, so the boys call them the 'steam +gigs.'"</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_XXIV" id="Chapter_XXIV"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>XXIV.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>"Are the steam gigs wet ones, too?" asked Fred.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and they use the oldest handles of any, because this is the last +time the cloth is gigged, and it won't stand much scraping. After it +leaves these gigs it goes to the drier, and then goes back up stairs."</p> + +<p>"When it goes back up there, I suppose it goes through a dozen or two +more processes, does it not?"</p> + +<p>"Well, it goes through quite a number. I believe it is sheared the first +thing, and then it has to be brushed and sheared again."</p> + +<p>"What kind of a thing is a shear, any way, such as is used for shearing +the nap from cloth? I can't imagine how it works, though I have often +wished to see it in operation."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe I can tell you so you will understand it. You had +better go up and see for yourself."</p> + +<p>"You can give me an idea about it. I don't want to go up there now +without showing some better reason than curiosity. Mr. Farrington <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span>might +think it queer, and get an idea that I am neglecting my work, as he said +Tim Short did."</p> + +<p>"All right, then; I'll tell you the best I can. I used to think myself, +when I heard father talking about the shears, that they must be +something like mother's shears, only with great long blades; but I found +I was mistaken. The shears up stairs are about seven feet long; you see +they have to be as long as the cloth is wide. They have iron frames, and +I guess are five feet high. There is a roller on the back side and +another on the front. On the top and front of the machine is a steel +plate which runs the whole length of the shear. This plate has a square +edge, and the cloth passes over it from one roller to the other. It is +drawn tight when it goes over the steel plate, and there is what I +believe they call a cylinder that has sharp knives upon it. They call +them knives, but they are like strips of sharp steel fastened on to the +cylinder. They are 'bout half an inch high, and run the whole length of +the cylinder in a spiral way, just the same as I would wind a string +round this stick from bottom to top, if every time the string went round +it was an inch from where it went round before.</p> + +<p>"Well, you see—these strips of steel go round like that, only they are +a good deal straighter and are 'bout two inches apart. They call these +strips <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span>the knives and grind them just like any other shears. The way +they do this is by running the cylinder the wrong way and holding a +piece of stone against them. This gives them a sharp edge. This cylinder +is let down so close to the steel plate that there isn't room for the +cloth to pass between it and the cylinder without having the face or nap +sheared off by the sharp knives of the cylinder that is going round like +lightning. That's 'bout all there is to it. Do you get any idea how it +works?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes; I think I see how it is. As the cloth passes over the plate +one way, the cylinder whirls the other and clips off the nap. I +understand now why a knot in the back of the cloth would do so much +harm. As it passes over the plate 'twould raise the cloth up so as to +cut a hole in the face of it; but when you told me about it the other +day I thought a little thing like that didn't amount to much."</p> + +<p>"Yes, that's right," responded Carl, with a pleased look on finding his +explanation had proved successful. "I have told you a little about +nearly all the processes of finishing cloth. I may as well tell the +rest. Oh, I forgot to tell you how the cloth is brushed. Well, it is +done by machinery. The brush itself is a roller about six inches +through, and the same length as the shear cylinder. The bristles are put +into the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>roller all over it, so it is just like any brush, only round. +The cloth runs on the brushing machine about the same as on the shear, +and the brush that is let down on to the cloth revolves with an awful +speed—so fast that it appears to be like a smooth piece of iron or +wood. I tell you it takes the dust out and straightens out the nap in +good shape."</p> + +<p>"I should think it would," said Fred; and then added, in a humorous +vein, "I would like to run my clothes through a machine like that; and I +don't know but myself too, after working all day in this stifling dust. +I wonder if it would clean our jackets? I rather think they would have +to run through more than once to remove so many flocks."</p> + +<p>"Oh! there is a brush up where the handles are brushed that is just the +thing for our jackets. I have brushed mine there a good many times."</p> + +<p>"Where the handles are brushed? Why, what is the object in brushing +them?"</p> + +<p>"The teasels fill all up with the nap that they dig out of the cloth, so +they are only run a little while at a time before they are changed and +clean ones put into the gigs. Then those that are taken off are brushed +so that the nap almost all comes off and leaves the handles clean again. +Didn't you notice that light stuff that we put into the wet grinder? +Well, that is what comes <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>off from the handles. It is made into flocks, +pieces of teasels and all."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I have seen it, and meant to ask you before where it came from. I +suppose that is where the profit is made, in allowing as little to waste +as possible. Well, go on with the finishing business."</p> + +<p>"There isn't much more to be told about it. The cloth goes from the +brush to presses where it is pressed with steam and by machinery of some +kind that is awful powerful. The cloth is folded first into single +width, and then it is folded the other way, so that it is about a yard +square. A piece of stiff, smooth paper is placed between each fold. The +cloth stays in the press quite a long time, and when it is taken out it +is ready to be shipped to New York or wherever it is to go."</p> + +<p>Fred expressed his gratitude to Carl for furnishing him so much +information, and felt that, having gained considerable theoretical idea +of finishing cloth, he could the more rapidly accumulate such knowledge +as might be of valuable service to him.</p> + +<p>Fred received a charming little note from Nellie, thanking him over and +over again for the sweet flowers he had sent her. "Such a delightful +surprise," she said, "and to think you should be so thoughtful of me and +so very, very kind when you think I deserted you in your <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span>trouble. I +cannot understand you under these circumstances, but I hope some time +you will tell me your motive in returning good for evil, as I know you +feel you have done."</p> + +<p>The note made him rather happy at first, but as he studied it more +carefully it somewhat chilled him.</p> + +<p>"'Some time' she hopes I may tell her my motive, not very soon; the +'some time' sounds a good away off," he mused. "I wonder why this is! +Perhaps she wants to wait and see if I am innocent of all that still +seems against me before she will invite me to call, or even meet me."</p> + +<p>This seemed so probable to him that he felt like punishing himself for +having acted so impulsively.</p> + +<p>In the mean time Matthew, among others, learned of Fred's sending the +flowers, and heard that Nellie was much pleased at receiving them. This +galled him severely, especially as she had refused to see him when he +called. With all he had done to injure Fred, and with all of his efforts +to please her, he feared that his rival was still more of a favorite +with her than himself, though the former was now but a factory boy.</p> + +<p>He felt exceedingly bitter and tempted to play even a bolder game than +he had thus far done.</p> + +<p>"But what can it be?" he said to himself. "I have already tried to +waylay him, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span>failed. I got the bartender to drug him and make him +drunk, thinking that would keep him down. But no! He was discharged on +this account, and I thought he was disgraced, but still he was not put +down. I even——" but here he shrank from repeating even to himself this +terrible act, and buried his face in his hands in deep thought—defeated, +dejected, and miserable.</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_XXV" id="Chapter_XXV"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>XXV.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>For a time everything at the factory ran well, and Fred turned off his +work quite as satisfactorily as could have been expected, since he was a +new hand and unaccustomed to the duties. He learned them readily, +however, but not soon enough to escape the fault finding of Christopher +Hanks, who seemed to delight in making it uncomfortable for the boys, as +he was one of those disagreeable and contemptible men who take delight +in tyrannizing over those below them in authority, especially if they +are boys, and consequently not able to match them in strength and +courage.</p> + +<p>It is just possible, however, that Christopher overestimated his own +powers in this latter respect, or still more probable that he had a +decidedly faulty conception of our young friend's muscular development, +as may hereafter be shown.</p> + +<p>Fred had the good sense, however, to keep from having any trouble with +him on first going into the mill, as he was already under a cloud, and +he knew that it would be for his advantage <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span>to submit for a time to what +was anything but agreeable to one of his spirit. "A fuss with Hanks at +this time," thought he, "might turn Mr. Farrington against me, and then +I should have no strong friend left."</p> + +<p>Fred looked upon Mr. Farrington as one who would do everything possible +to help him advance and aid him in re-establishing his innocence. It may +as well be said here that this latter consideration was more to him than +anything else, for he felt most keenly the attitude of many of his +former friends whenever he chanced to meet them. Moreover, he hoped to +be promoted as soon as a vacancy should occur, provided he conducted +himself so as to merit it.</p> + +<p>For these several reasons Fred put up with the mean treatment of Hanks, +that he might become well established before asserting his manliness and +independence.</p> + +<p>He did the heavy work that really belonged to Hanks, so that Carl might +escape it. He did even more than had been done by either boy before he +came, for the carrying of the cloth had been imposed upon him. Fred did +not know this for some time, until Jack Hickey, the "Jolly Scourer," +said to him one day:</p> + +<p>"Me b'y, why do ye let that ould spalpane crowd ye so?"</p> + +<p>"Why, what do you mean?" inquired young <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span>Worthington, who wanted to draw +out his friend of the Emerald Isle.</p> + +<p>"I mane about luggin' the cloth. Sure, an' no b'y but ye has ever done +it."</p> + +<p>"I thought it was a part of my work; he told me to do it the first +morning I came in, and no one ever spoke to me about it before."</p> + +<p>"Oh, by St. Patrick, he'd loaf on ye if he could—the old sour mouth."</p> + +<p>This opened Fred's eyes still further, and when he saw Carl he said to +him:</p> + +<p>"Why didn't you tell me that it wasn't my work to lug the cloth down?"</p> + +<p>"Because Mr. Hanks told me that he was going to make you do it, and +threatened me if I told you; and I didn't want to do anything to +displease him."</p> + +<p>"Well, it is all right; I am glad you didn't do anything to make him +treat you worse, but there may be a time ahead for a reckoning between +him and me. I know of other tricks of his, and I'll make good use of my +information when the time comes."</p> + +<p>"I hope you won't have a fuss with him and leave the flockers. My work +is so much easier now," replied Carl anxiously.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no; I guess I won't leave them right away," returned Fred. "I am +glad if you are getting along better than you did before I came."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span>"Oh, yes, I am; and my back isn't so lame now I don't lift any; but I +don't seem to get strong. It seems as if I couldn't do the heavy work +anymore if I tried."</p> + +<p>"I am indeed sorry," said Fred sympathetically, "but I hope you don't +get so tired as you did. If you do not, and think you are strong enough, +I would like to have you come up to my house evenings and study with me. +I think you spoke as if you would like a better education. I thought +that night, after we were talking about it, that I would ask you to do +this, and I have been waiting for you to get stronger; but you have +looked so tired all the time that I kept putting off speaking about it +till now."</p> + +<p>As the little cripple thought of the previous kind acts of Fred, and +listened to his new proposal to teach him, his eyes grew moist with +gratitude, and a crystal drop stole down his thin, pale cheek. He said +nothing for a moment or two, but that silent tear meant more to our +young friend than words could have expressed. It seemed to him that at +no time in his life had his own heart been so large and his sympathy for +others so great.</p> + +<p>Presently Carl replied:</p> + +<p>"Oh, I should be so glad of such a chance, but I am afraid it would +trouble you too much."</p> + +<p>"No, that's nothing. It would do me good <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span>to review my studies, and, +moreover, I should find a pleasure in feeling that I was really doing +you a good turn."</p> + +<p>"Then I will try it, and I hope I can hold out, for if I could only get +an education I think I could find some lighter work to do that would be +better for me. I don't feel very strong now, but I hope I can stand it. +When shall I commence?"</p> + +<p>"You may come any evening."</p> + +<p>"You are at home every night, are you?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, every evening except Sunday—then I go to church."</p> + +<p>"I should think you would go out with the boys and have some fun."</p> + +<p>"I can't do that and study too."</p> + +<p>"Do you study now? I thought you were a good scholar."</p> + +<p>"Yes; I have not missed an evening since I came into the mill."</p> + +<p>"What are you studying?"</p> + +<p>"I am studying mathematics and practising penmanship most of the time. +They will be most useful to me if ever I get into business."</p> + +<p>"I am afraid it would be too much trouble, then, for you to teach me."</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't worry about that. I have plenty of books, too, that you can +use, so you need not buy any," said Fred, wishing to encourage his +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span>friend as much as possible, though he well knew that his offer would be +no little inconvenience to himself.</p> + +<p>In the course of a few evenings Carl asked his uncle, after they had +finished supper, if he could go over to Mr. Worthington's for a little +while; and after receiving a favorable answer he went up stairs and put +on another suit. It was the best the poor boy had, though the coat +fitted him badly, owing to his deformity. All the garments, moreover, +were made from inexpensive material, and had been in service so long +that they showed much wear.</p> + +<p>Those of my readers who know nothing of poverty, or even want, would +doubtless consider a suit of this kind almost unfit for gunning or +fishing; but as it was the only dress suit which Carl had, he kept it +neat and clean. He put on a white collar, a well worn blue necktie, and +thus attired was soon on his way to his friend's house.</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_XXVI" id="Chapter_XXVI"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>XXVI.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>Fred found, much to his surprise, that Carl was something of a scholar, +as he could read well and write a very fair hand. He had thoroughly +mastered an elementary arithmetic, learning all of the tables and rules +so as to apply them readily and correctly.</p> + +<p>"When did you learn so much about mathematics?" asked Fred. "You have +had no teacher."</p> + +<p>"Well, I got a little idea of it before going into the mill, enough so +that I managed to work my way through the book after getting around +again from my sickness. Since then I have been through the book so many +times that I know it almost by heart."</p> + +<p>"Why didn't you get a more advanced book, instead of spending so much +time on this one?"</p> + +<p>"That is just what I wanted, but couldn't buy one."</p> + +<p>"Almost any one would have given or lent you one, the same as I am going +to let you use my books. It is too bad that you have been kept back for +the want of suitable books; but what <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span>you have been over you have +learned so thoroughly that it is worth about as much to you as if you +had been through several higher arithmetics, and knew none of them well. +Have you ever studied geography?"</p> + +<p>"No, I have not, and that is just the book I want to study most, for I +would like to know something about the world. Have you a geography?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I have two that I am done using. It is an interesting study. I +used to like to draw maps." And opening his desk—which, by the way, +Fred had made himself—he took out a large number of well executed maps, +and showed them to Carl, in whose eyes shone a gleam of admiration as he +looked them over, and said, almost incredulously:</p> + +<p>"You didn't make them, did you? And with a pen, too? Why! they look like +boughten ones."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I made them all with a pen and different kinds of ink; that +shading is all pen work, too. It is easy enough after one gets the hang +of it. The greatest trouble is to get just the right shape to the maps, +and to have everything in the right proportion."</p> + +<p>"I should think that would be hard enough, but these letters are what +stick me. They are exactly like print."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span>"Oh, they are easy; I learned to print a long time ago. It is much +easier than good penmanship, for it is slow, while writing is done much +faster, so it takes a lot of practice to get the knack of it; but I like +it and can do pretty good work now. Here are some of my cards and a +little flourishing work, and this is what I am doing now"—showing Carl +a set of books on which he had been at work in his bookkeeping.</p> + +<p>Again the little cripple was greatly interested to see the handsome work +before him—for handsome it was, as Fred, by dint of much practice, had +become a superior penman.</p> + +<p>"I never saw such good writing," said Carl; "only what our writing +master used to do, when I went to school, and he didn't do any of these +birds either. Where did you learn to do it?"</p> + +<p>"I learned it right here. You or anybody could do it by practising +enough."</p> + +<p>"I wish I had known that before, then I could have practised when I had +no books to study; but I thought nobody could learn to write much +without a teacher."</p> + +<p>"You were mistaken there; a good copy and plenty of the right sort of +practice will make any one a good penman. But what would you like to +study most? Tell me what you want to fit yourself for, then I will tell +you what I think will do you the most good."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span>"I would like to get so I could keep books. There is a place in the +finishing room where an account of the cloth and shipping is kept. It is +easy work, and pays well. I thought, perhaps, if I could only do the +work, I might some time get that job, or some good place outside of the +mill."</p> + +<p>"Yes, that would, perhaps, be the best thing for you; so I should think +you had better practise penmanship, bookkeeping, and spelling. You know +about enough of mathematics already for keeping ordinary accounts. The +bookkeeping won't amount to very much to you in itself, but while you +are at work at that you will be gaining in the other two, and will get +used to the forms. You wanted to study geography, but you had better let +that go till you get fitted for a better position; then you can take it +up at leisure."</p> + +<p>Fred now procured pen and paper for Carl, and set about instructing him +in penmanship. The little cripple was so much pleased with his kind +treatment that his gratitude was plainly expressed in his face, and he +commenced his task with all a boy's enthusiasm. As he carefully copied +the letters before him, his mind doubtless looked forward to the time +when he would rise above his present position in life and approach +nearer to the goal of his ambition.</p> + +<p>The next morning Carl did not put in an appearance at the regular hour. +Time went by <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span>and still he did not come. This left Christopher Hanks' +force one hand short, and obliged him to do a good amount of work +himself to enable him and Fred to keep all the machines running.</p> + +<p>He was quite out of sorts this morning, and Carl's absence, together +with the extra work, made him irritable, cross, and overbearing. Fred +endured this disagreeable mood for a while, but at last it grew +intolerable to him, so when Hanks ordered him in an insolent tone to +bring down more cloth he refused point blank.</p> + +<p>Hanks fell into a rage and acted as if he would like to smash things +generally, and Fred in particular, but he very sensibly kept a good +distance from the latter, who had little regard for such a scraggy, ill +tempered individual.</p> + +<p>"So you refuse to do yer work?" demanded Hanks excitedly.</p> + +<p>"No, sir, I do not," replied Fred firmly.</p> + +<p>"Then will you bring them bundles down?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"That's your work," said Hanks, cooling down at Fred's determined tone +and manner.</p> + +<p>"That is not my work, though you have imposed it upon me since I have +been here."</p> + +<p>"I'm boss of this here job, and what I tell yer to do is fur yer to +'tend to. Ef yer don't mind me I'll have yer discharged," said Hanks, +trying to intimidate our young friend.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>"I would like to see you have me discharged for not doing your work," +said Fred defiantly. "I have found out all about this business, and just +what I am supposed to do."</p> + +<p>Hanks saw that he was foiled, that Fred had the advantage of him, and +that he had better let the matter drop as easily as possible, or he +might find himself in trouble if Fred should take it to Mr. Farrington. +It suddenly occurred to him that he was needed up in the other room, and +he withdrew hastily. As he turned to go he noted the evident pleasure +pictured on Jack Hickey's face at his own discomfiture and Fred's +triumph.</p> + +<p>"Good, me b'y!" said the jolly Irishman to our young friend. "I told ye +not to stand the old spalpane's thricks."</p> + +<p>"I don't mean to any longer," replied Fred.</p> + +<p>"Ye has a dale of sparit, for sure. I knowed it all the time, but bedad +and I thought it wad never start."</p> + +<p>"Now it has started I'll keep it up so far as Hanks is concerned," +replied our hero, as he took a basket under his arm and started for a +supply of flocks.</p> + +<p>Hanks managed to avoid him the remainder of the forenoon. No further +crash therefore occurred between them during that time. That the scraggy +old man was thoroughly angry there was no doubt—angry at Fred's triumph +over <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>him, and most angry at poor little Carl for remaining away, and as +Hanks believed, for telling what he had forbidden him to disclose to +Fred.</p> + +<p>About three o'clock in the afternoon Carl came in, pale and sick, but +much better than in the morning, when despite all his efforts he could +not summon strength enough to go to his work. Fred was in the drying +room at the time, and Hanks was up after a roll of cloth. He had just +brought down two, and was struggling to get an exceedingly large roll +upon his shoulder. This he succeeded in doing after one or two failures, +that caused the hands standing near to laugh at him, and make irritating +remarks, as is their custom on such occasions.</p> + +<p>All this had its maddening effect upon him, and it so happened that one +of the employees had just taken up the stairs a bucket filled with soft +soap, and had accidentally spilled some on the three top stairs. Hanks +now came along with the roll of cloth, twice his own size, upon his +shoulder—an awkward load to handle—and started to descend. He slipped +on the first step, and in trying to regain his footing tripped himself, +and tumbled, bumped, and rolled all the way to the bottom of the stairs.</p> + +<p>The cloth kept along with him. At one time he was on the top of the +roll, and at another it seemed to have the better of him. At any rate +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span>they stuck by each other, and landed well out on the floor side by +side.</p> + +<p>Jack Hickey indulged in a characteristic shout. All the employees in the +room gathered around and laughed in a manner that must have been very +tantalizing to one in Hanks' plight.</p> + +<p>Just then Fred came in and joined the crowd. The old man saw him, and +fire almost flashed from his eyes. His two front teeth, that so annoyed +our hero by hanging loose and waving back and forth, now seemed to shake +as if worked by an electric motor.</p> + +<p>He picked himself up, white with rage, and parting company with his roll +of cloth, rushed into his corner beneath the stairs beside the flockers.</p> + +<p>The first object that caught his eye was Carl. Hanks rushed at him like +a madman, and catching him around the throat, pushed him roughly against +a hard iron frame and demanded to know why he dared to disobey his +orders in telling what he had been forbidden to mention.</p> + +<p>The little cripple cried out with fear and pain, injured as he was by +Hanks' revengeful act. Fred had now made his way to the flockers, and +the half stifled cry was the first intimation he had had of Carl's +presence. He rushed at once to his assistance, and grappled with the +boy's assailant.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span>A fierce struggle now ensued. Hanks' blood was up. He was almost like a +wild man, and his strength was nearly doubled. At first our young friend +was hardly a match for the maddened man. They rolled and tumbled, first +one seeming to gain the supremacy and then the other.</p> + +<p>The old man struggled desperately to win the contest. He struck Fred a +telling blow on the nose that made the blood flow copiously and added +horror to the scene. But this did not weaken our hero's courage. It +rather strengthened his determination and purpose. The fire flashed from +his eyes; all the force of his well trained physique was at his command, +and with a powerful effort he hurled his antagonist to the floor and +fell upon him.</p> + +<p>Still the struggle went on, but soon Hanks' strength began to fail him, +and when he felt himself overpowered by Fred's superior skill and +strength he begged for mercy.</p> + +<p>But he did not need to do this, as Fred would certainly much sooner have +been severely punished himself than have struck his antagonist while +down, however much contempt he might feel for him.</p> + +<p>Jack Hickey and a few others now gathered around and interfered in the +interest of peace. They saw that Fred had won the fight and was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span>master +of the situation. Each contestant was covered with blood, and presented +a pitiable sight.</p> + +<p>Just then Mr. Farrington happened to be passing through the room on his +round of inspection, and attracted by those gathered at the flockers he +hurried there also, to learn the cause of the excitement.</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_XXVII" id="Chapter_XXVII"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>XXVII.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>The overseer was amazed—could hardly believe his own eyes, when he saw +the strange spectacle before him.</p> + +<p>"What does this mean?" he asked sharply.</p> + +<p>"I have been assaulted—brutally assaulted," whined Hanks.</p> + +<p>"And you assaulted him?" he said sternly, turning to Fred.</p> + +<p>"I have done nothing without good cause," replied Fred.</p> + +<p>"See, he don't deny it," put in Hanks.</p> + +<p>"No, I don't deny it, if defending a little cripple against your abuse +and cruel treatment is an assault," answered our hero in a way that +carried conviction to the overseer.</p> + +<p>"Abuse and cruel treatment!" repeated Mr. Farrington.</p> + +<p>"Yes; here is Carl. He can tell the story," replied our young friend.</p> + +<p>"Why, my boy, are you sick? What makes you look so pale?" asked Mr. +Farrington, with feeling, as Carl stepped toward him, hardly able to +stand.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span>"I do feel a little faint," he said, catching hold of Fred's hand for +support.</p> + +<p>"Have you been injured by that man?" asked the kind hearted overseer, +pointing with scorn at Hanks.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't know why he did it. I didn't disobey him," replied the +little cripple, with tears in his eyes.</p> + +<p>The tone of his voice, his tears, and whole manner touched Mr. +Farrington deeply.</p> + +<p>"What did he do to you?" he asked.</p> + +<p>Carl told the story in substance as I have already given it.</p> + +<p>"I regret seriously that anything of this kind should have happened," +said Mr. Farrington to our hero, "but I admire the spirit and bravery +you have shown in defending this poor boy;" and turning to Hanks he gave +him a withering rebuke, and discharged him on the spot. "Come to my +desk," continued the indignant overseer, "and get a bill of your time, +and never show your head in my department again."</p> + +<p>Hanks saw that further argument would be of no use to him. He +consequently gathered up his effects with as much celerity as possible, +and after washing the blood stains from his face and hands, and casting +upon Fred a parting glance of hatred and revenge, he left the room amid +the jeers and taunts of all the workmen.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span>Fred found himself the hero of the hour. The news spread through the +mill with almost incredible rapidity. His defense of the poor cripple +touched the hearts of the operatives.</p> + +<p>Carl's uncle told the story of Fred's kindness to his nephew, as well as +his offer to teach him. Everybody in the mill talked the matter over, +and perhaps magnified to some extent Fred's bravery and noble hearted +conduct.</p> + +<p>A little incident often turns the tide of popular opinion. This act +turned it most effectually in Fred's favor, and he was now lionized by +all the factory people.</p> + +<p>The report was not long in finding its way throughout the village. Our +young friend's name was in the mouth of almost every one. He was +discussed and rediscussed as one only can be in a small village, where +little happens of general interest to form a theme of conversation. With +few exceptions, the verdict of popular opinion was flattering to him. +The manner of almost every one changed toward him as if by magic.</p> + +<p>Those people who had but a few days before cast suspicious, knowing +glances at him, as if to say, "I know your record," were now most +cordial and painstaking to try and impress him with a sense of their +friendship and their admiration for his bravery and manly conduct.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>Fred now thought that he could see his way back to his old position +among his friends, and the hope made him happy.</p> + +<p>He wondered what Nellie thought of him now, and whether his act that had +won the praise of so many had placed him in a better light before her +eyes. How much he wanted to see her and receive her praise! A single +word from her would have been more highly prized than the most +flattering compliments of twenty others.</p> + +<p>Shortly after Mr. Farrington returned to his desk from the scene at the +flockers, Jacob Simmons entered the factory and approached him.</p> + +<p>"Can you give me a job?" said he meekly. "I have finished my fall work, +and would like to get in here during the cold weather."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I want a man at once."</p> + +<p>"I'm your man, then," returned Jacob hopefully.</p> + +<p>"Can you commence work now? I have just discharged a man, and must put +some one in his place, or the work will fall behind."</p> + +<p>"Sho! How fortunate!"</p> + +<p>"Fortunate for you, you mean?"</p> + +<p>"That's it; that's it exactly."</p> + +<p>"But you have not answered my question. Can you commence work at once?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Then you may have the position."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>Jacob looked happy.</p> + +<p>"You may come with me," continued Mr. Farrington, as he led the way +through the long hall and down the stairs to the flockers. "I have a +bright boy who will teach you the duties of the position."</p> + +<p>"That will help out, but I shan't be long in learning," replied Jacob.</p> + +<p>They had now reached the flockers.</p> + +<p>"Here is your assistant," said Mr. Farrington, as Fred came up from +behind one of the machines. "I presume you know each other well."</p> + +<p>Jacob took a step back involuntarily, and the color seemed to leave his +face, as if terrified at our hero's sudden and unexpected appearance +before him.</p> + +<p>"Why, don't you know him?" asked the overseer, observing Mr. Simmons +hesitate.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I see now, it is Fred Worthington," replied Jacob, regaining his +self possession.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and you will find him a valuable assistant. Fred, I wish you to +teach Mr. Simmons the duties of his position. I will come down again +before the closing hour," he continued, as he turned to go up stairs, +"and see how you get along with the work."</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_XXVIII" id="Chapter_XXVIII"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>XXVIII.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>Little Carl was fairly prostrated by the shock received from Hanks' +abusive treatment.</p> + +<p>Mr. Farrington, noticing this, very kindly sent for his carriage, and +had him taken to his uncle's house. After learning from Fred something +of the boy's circumstances, and more fully of Hanks' cruelty to him, he +dispatched a messenger to Dr. Dutton, requesting him to call and examine +Carl, and administer such treatment as the case required.</p> + +<p>The doctor found him very nervous, and so weak that he seemed almost +exhausted. His aunt explained that he had been growing weaker for some +time past, and that his extra exertion the previous night in going to +Fred's house and studying was too much for him. The physician gave him a +mild sedative to quiet his nerves, and then left him for the night.</p> + +<p>The next day he called again, and found the boy feverish and complaining +that his back was sensitive and painful.</p> + +<p>"I am afraid he will have a fever," said Dr. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span>Dutton to Mr. Farrington, +when he called later in the day to learn of the boy's condition.</p> + +<p>"I hope not, doctor," returned the latter; "but give him your best +treatment. I have a great deal of sympathy for him now I know the sad +story of his life."</p> + +<p>"I shall certainly give him careful attention," answered the doctor, +"but he has little strength to build on. Has his work been hard?"</p> + +<p>"Not since Fred Worthington has been in the mill with him. Fred, I am +informed, did much of the boy's work to help him along."</p> + +<p>"I have heard a good deal of praise bestowed upon Fred for defending the +little fellow from abuse," remarked the doctor.</p> + +<p>"And it is justly due him, too. He is a brave and manly fellow—is +Fred."</p> + +<p>"I am glad to hear you speak well of him; but I thought he was a ruined +boy, and guilty of several damaging charges."</p> + +<p>"They are all groundless, I believe," replied Mr. Farrington earnestly; +"and I am surprised to find that you fall in with the general opinion +without inquiring as to his guilt or innocence."</p> + +<p>"There isn't a chance for much doubt about that drunken affair, as he +came to my house thoroughly intoxicated, and I took care of him for a +time and then carried him home. Did you know of that?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span>"Yes; I knew of it some time ago; but do you know how he came to go to +your house? That's the point to get at!"</p> + +<p>"No, I do not. It has been a mystery to me ever since, but I never felt +like asking him about it."</p> + +<p>"You would, perhaps, be surprised to know who was the means of getting +him drunk, and that the same fellow led him in that state to your door, +purposely to disgrace him."</p> + +<p>"You astonish me, Mr. Farrington. But tell me about it; perhaps I have +judged the boy hastily. Who was the culprit?"</p> + +<p>"I will tell you, with the understanding that you shall not repeat it, +for it's Fred's wish that it shall not become known until the young +scoundrel shows his own guilt by telling it."</p> + +<p>"I promise to say nothing to any one."</p> + +<p>"The culprit was Matthew De Vere."</p> + +<p>"Who? Matthew De Vere! Impossible!"</p> + +<p>"No, not impossible at all. Indeed, I haven't the slightest doubt of it. +I have the story straight, and know from Dave all the circumstances that +led to the result."</p> + +<p>It is not strange that the doctor was surprised and annoyed at this +unexpected revelation, and it had more than ordinary significance to +him, also, for this reason: he was fully aware of Matthew's decided +preference for the society of his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span>daughter Nellie. Of course, it was +but a boyish fancy at most; but what might not grow out of it? Did he +not, in fact, during his own school-days, form an attachment for one who +afterwards became his wife?</p> + +<p>In view of this, was it not rather a source of secret satisfaction to +look ahead to the possibility of his daughter's future? Matthew's father +was the most wealthy man in town, and president of the bank in which the +doctor held a large amount of stock. Matthew would probably succeed his +father in a few years, and would not only be very rich, but would be +connected with a very desirable business—that of banking.</p> + +<p>Dr. Dutton, like almost every other man, would have been proud to have +his daughter become the wife of a wealthy and promising young man, and, +so far as he knew, Matthew bade fair to become such. To be sure, people +said he was a little wild, but that would wear away.</p> + +<p>"He, of course, like many other boys, had to sow a few wild oats," said +the doctor to himself, when he had been thinking of the subject, "but he +will come out all right."</p> + +<p>Herein the doctor erred in his judgment, for the sowing of "wild oats," +so called, is never safe; and it has been the dangerous license granted +to thousands and thousands of boys which has caused their ruin.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span>Whatever a boy practises becomes after a time a habit; and the rooting +up of such a habit is a matter that requires no little attention and +force of will. The average person finds himself unable to grapple +successfully with what has at last become a second nature, thus proving +beyond peradventure that it is never safe to tamper with anything that +is evil.</p> + +<p>I would not wish to give the impression that Dr. Dutton knew how corrupt +Matthew was. He simply overlooked the boy's evil tendency; but when he +came to listen to Mr. Farrington's story, which went into the details +and related in full all that occurred in the barroom, and then described +the contemptibly mean trick of enticing Fred to his house with the +promise of entering with him, it put quite another face on the matter. +Moreover, it raised Fred to a height in the doctor's estimation which +contrasted strongly with the depth to which Matthew sank.</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_XXIX" id="Chapter_XXIX"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>XXIX.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>Jacob Simmons had received his first lesson at his new employment. +Fred's ready way of imparting instruction did much to facilitate his +progress. After the cloth had been placed on the machine and everything +fixed for a long run, Fred left him to watch it and keep it in its +proper place, while he went up to the other room to give attention to +that portion of the business.</p> + +<p>Once alone he had a chance to think, unhindered by the presence of any +one.</p> + +<p>"What does it all mean?" he said to himself. "Mr. Simmons actually +turned pale when he saw me—seemed stunned for a minute. Yes, he even +stepped back as if he were afraid of me. There must be some cause for +this," he meditated, "and I do wonder what it is."</p> + +<p>The idea clung to him. The more he thought upon it and studied the man, +the more he became impressed that something was wrong—that Mr. Simmons +for some reason dreaded meeting him. What this cause could be was the +question to be solved.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span>Not many days after Jacob commenced work in the factory, Fred made a +discovery that at once aroused his suspicions and turned his thoughts in +quite another direction, for previously he had believed that Jacob's +aversion to him was due to some personal matter; but now he had a clue +that led to a different belief, and one that might clear up a great +mystery which had not long since thrown its shadow over himself.</p> + +<p>"Do you know Mr. Simmons yet?" asked Fred of Jack Hickey.</p> + +<p>"Well, I spakes to him now an' thin. But why do ye ask, me b'y?"</p> + +<p>"I want you to do me a favor."</p> + +<p>"Sure an' I will do that inny time for ye."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Jack. I want you to borrow Mr. Simmons' knife and manage to +keep it till I can see it, but don't breathe a word of this to him or +anyone."</p> + +<p>Jack promised secrecy, and went about making friends with Mr. Simmons. +In due time he secured the knife, and when Jacob was out of the room, +called Fred to him and handed him the desired article.</p> + +<p>Our hero's face lighted up triumphantly as he took it and examined it +closely.</p> + +<p>"The very one," he exclaimed. "I knew it the minute I saw it in his +hands," referring to Mr. Simmons.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span>"Is ye crazy?" asked Jack. "By St. Patrick, ye act as if ye had found an +ould friend."</p> + +<p>"Yes—or—I mean it is just the knife I want," answered Fred, coloring +and trying to show less concern. "I wish you would buy it for me. I will +pay whatever he asks, but don't let him know I want it."</p> + +<p>"And what fer, me b'y, do ye want it so much?"</p> + +<p>"I cannot tell you just yet."</p> + +<p>"And why not?"</p> + +<p>"You shall know all about it after a while, but I must say nothing now."</p> + +<p>"Some myshtery about it, I'd sthake my reputashen."</p> + +<p>"Well, I surely cannot prevent your guessing about it, Jack. But don't +fail to obtain it for me."</p> + +<p>"Sure and ye shall have it if he will take a dacent price for it."</p> + +<p>"Don't stand on the price," said Fred, whose anxiety to procure it was +most manifest.</p> + +<p>Jack was impressed by Fred's manner that the knife was wanted for some +important evidence, and he argued that something must be wrong or Fred +would go to Mr. Simmons himself and buy the knife if he wanted it simply +for pocket use.</p> + +<p>His curiosity was aroused, and his ingenuity was taxed to know how to +get the knife <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span>without arousing Jacob's suspicion if there really was +any secret attached to it.</p> + +<p>He reasoned that possession was a strong point in his favor. He had it +now, and finally decided to keep it if he could once get it home. He +thought he could easily make some excuse to gain time. He had taken a +great liking to Fred, and was willing to strain a point of propriety to +serve him, and as there was a mystery surrounding the knife he felt +impelled by his own curiosity to hold fast to it for the present.</p> + +<p>As good luck would have it Jacob did not miss the knife before the +closing hour that night. This enabled Jack to take it home with him, +where he put it under lock and key.</p> + +<p>The next day he apologized to Mr. Simmons for leaving it at home, spoke +of its being a superior knife, and finally touched upon the subject of +buying it.</p> + +<p>After much parleying he succeeded in effecting a trade, but had to pay +down a handsome price. Jacob evidently felt some apprehension about +letting it go, but four dollars looked so large to him that he could not +let the offer pass unaccepted, especially as he thought he was getting +the best of the bargain.</p> + +<p>Jack informed Fred of his success. The latter was much pleased, and +after thanking him for the favor, said:</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span>"Now, Jack, I want you to examine the knife carefully before handing it +to me. I want to be able to prove how it came into my possession. You +may be called upon to testify that you bought it from Mr. Simmons, so +you must be able to identify it positively."</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_XXX" id="Chapter_XXX"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>XXX.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>Dr. Dutton was a wealthy man and often loaned money to his neighbors on +security. Jacob Simmons had recently built an extension to his house. +This cost more money than he expected, as is usually the case, so he +found himself cramped for funds.</p> + +<p>He had not been in the factory long enough to draw any salary, and being +forced to raise the money, he now came to Dr. Dutton to try and get it +from him.</p> + +<p>"What security can you give?" asked the doctor.</p> + +<p>"I can give you my note," replied Mr. Simmons.</p> + +<p>"With a mortgage?" suggested the doctor.</p> + +<p>"No, I don't want to give a mortgage, but I have a certificate for two +hundred dollars' worth of stock in the Central Valley Railroad;" taking +a lot of papers from his pocket book.</p> + +<p>"Let me see it."</p> + +<p>"It is among some of these papers," Simmons replied, sorting them in his +lap. "Ah, here it is."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span>"Yes, this will do," said the doctor, after examining it closely. +"Nellie, hand me my note book," he added, turning to his daughter.</p> + +<p>She quickly placed the book in her father's hand, and he filled out a +note for Mr. Simmons to sign. When this had been done the money was paid +over, and Jacob left the house, feeling quite elated at his success in +raising the loan so easily.</p> + +<p>Little did he think of the position in which he had placed himself +through his careless handling of his papers, and of the trouble that +would follow, not only to himself, but to others whom he had promised to +shield.</p> + +<p>Soon after he had gone, and the doctor had passed into another room, +Nellie raised her eyes from the book she was reading and noticed a small +piece of paper upon the floor near the chair where Mr. Simmons had sat.</p> + +<p>She picked it up, and glancing at it hastily, saw it contained Fred +Worthington's name.</p> + +<p>She could not refrain from reading it through, and as she read she +shuddered with fear at the thought of what might have been.</p> + +<p>She hastened to her father and mother with the paper for them to read.</p> + +<p>"Extraordinary!" exclaimed the doctor, although he now knew something of +Matthew De Vere's character. "Where did you get this?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span>"I found it on the floor near where Mr. Simmons sat," replied Nellie.</p> + +<p>"He must have accidentally dropped it."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but isn't it awful?"</p> + +<p>"It is, indeed; but there seems little doubt of its being genuine, as +here are the names signed to it. Is this Matthew's writing?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I think so. It looks exactly like it," replied Nellie.</p> + +<p>"It was a bold act of villainy, and his father should know it," +continued the doctor thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"I can't think Matthew is so bad as that shows," said Mrs. Dutton.</p> + +<p>"Do you know the cause of their quarrel, Nellie?" asked her father.</p> + +<p>She hesitated. The question was especially embarrassing to her.</p> + +<p>"I think Matthew has some grudge against Fred," she replied, evading a +direct answer.</p> + +<p>"I should think he must have, and for what, I wonder?"</p> + +<p>"Fred could tell you all about it, I think, if you would have him call +this evening," said Nellie artfully, both to save further questioning +and to have a pretext for inviting him to call. "He may know something +about this paper."</p> + +<p>"I think that would be the best plan," said Mrs. Dutton.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span>"Perhaps it would," answered her husband.</p> + +<p>"I will write him a note, then, asking him to call this evening," +ventured Nellie.</p> + +<p>Her father nodded assent. This gave her a thrill of pleasure. At last +she could invite Fred to call and could surprise him with the facts she +had in her possession.</p> + +<p>During the afternoon Fred received a neatly written note from Nellie, +simply asking him to call that evening. It was so brief, and so entirely +unexpected, he was puzzled to know what it meant. At any rate, he was +delighted at the thought of seeing his friend once more, and in her own +home, too—let her object be what it would.</p> + +<p>He concluded, after much speculation, that it must be favorable, for he +could not possibly imagine why she should want him to call if it were +otherwise.</p> + +<p>They had hardly met since the night of the party, when they parted +company at her home after a most enjoyable evening. Then each felt more +than an ordinary regard for the friendship of the other, and doubtless +little imagined that it would be so suddenly broken in upon by the +suspicious circumstances that speedily surrounded Fred. This, together +with De Vere's efforts to establish himself in Nellie's good opinion, +had separated them.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span>Among all the trials and misfortunes that had come upon him, Fred found +this change in Nellie's manner touched him in a way that nothing else +had done. Why this should be so, he was at a loss to know, for he had +looked upon her simply as a friend.</p> + +<p>And with Nellie, his absence for weeks, when she had seen him almost +daily from childhood up, made her lonely. She wondered why she thought +so often of him, and why she should have felt a sense of jealousy when +he said Grace was a better friend to him than she, and again when she +called and told with such evident pleasure of Fred's triumph at the +trial.</p> + +<p>There also were the beautiful flowers he had sent, from which she +selected a delicate white rose, which she had worn upon her breast till +it withered, and then had pressed it in a book and put it carefully away +where it would be preserved.</p> + +<p>All these thoughts occurred to her while she was sick at heart—all +these, and many more, regarding Fred's kindness and agreeable manners. +She thought of the party, of their delightful walk home after it was +over, of the attention he had shown her and of the complimentary remark +that she "had given him the pleasantest evening of his life."</p> + +<p>Then she wondered why she should think of these things, "for he is +nothing to me," she <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span>tried to persuade herself; but the thoughts seemed +too deeply impressed upon her mind to be driven away, and clinging as +they did they made their influence felt.</p> + +<p>Yes, she admitted to herself that Fred's society was much more agreeable +to her than that of any of the other boys—but why? Well, she began to +suspect the cause, and if you had been her trusted friend, the one to +whom she told her secrets—if she ever did so foolish a thing—she might +have said in confidence that—well, never mind what she would have said, +for being yet but a girl of sixteen she could only have called him a +<i>friend</i>.</p> + +<p>"Good evening, Fred. I am very glad to see you," said Nellie, as she +opened the door and he stepped in.</p> + +<p>"I am glad to hear you say so, and I am sure this is an unexpected +pleasure to me," replied Fred, taking her proffered hand, which he +retained longer than perhaps was really necessary.</p> + +<p>"I hope, then, you will not find the call a stupid one."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I have no fear of that."</p> + +<p>"You must not be too sure, Fred, for father has just been summoned to +attend a patient, and mother has a caller, so you will have to put up +with my entertainment for a while," replied Nellie, showing him into the +library.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span>"That will be most agreeable to me," returned Fred, taking a seat not +far from his hostess.</p> + +<p>"I shall try and not offend you, for you are such a stranger."</p> + +<p>"Yes, it seems an age since I have seen you, Nellie," replied our young +friend in a way that convinced her he meant every word he said.</p> + +<p>"Has it, really?"</p> + +<p>"It has, indeed."</p> + +<p>"I was afraid you had almost forgotten me."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no; I could not do that easily."</p> + +<p>"Well, Fred, I am sure the time could not have seemed longer to you than +it has to me," replied Nellie, after a pause, and dropping her eyes as +she realized the expression she had thrown into the remark.</p> + +<p>Fred's heart beat quicker.</p> + +<p>"Have you really missed me?" he asked, feeling happier than he had for +weeks.</p> + +<p>"If you doubt what I say, how can I convince you?"</p> + +<p>"No, no, I don't doubt you now, Nellie."</p> + +<p>"Why do you say now? Have you ever doubted my word?"</p> + +<p>"No, I did not mean that."</p> + +<p>"I hope you will explain, so I shall not feel uncomfortable."</p> + +<p>Fred hesitated, hardly knowing how to reply.</p> + +<p>"Nellie, it seems like the old days to meet you <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span>again," he finally +answered, "and I shrink from thinking of the past weeks when I could +hardly help doubting nearly every one's friendship."</p> + +<p>"I am so sorry for you, and I hope you will forgive me for not being +more friendly," replied Nellie tenderly.</p> + +<p>"I forgive you cheerfully, though I did feel hurt at the time."</p> + +<p>"I saw that only too plainly by your letter, which brought me to my +senses; but it was unkind in me to do as I did."</p> + +<p>"No, not exactly unkind, as nearly every one supposed me guilty."</p> + +<p>"But I ought not to have been so hasty, for there are always two sides +to a question, and I did not wait to hear yours."</p> + +<p>"You have not heard it yet, and still you overlook the charge made +against me."</p> + +<p>"Of course I do."</p> + +<p>"But it has never been explained away."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that was not what troubled me, but—well, nothing ought to have +troubled me," answered Nellie, slightly confused.</p> + +<p>"The intoxication she means," thought Fred, and the color rose to his +face.</p> + +<p>Nellie observed this, and was sorry she had said what she did.</p> + +<p>"As I wrote you, I could have explained it fully to you. I know what you +mean."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span>"I did not intend to refer to that unfortunate affair," said Nellie, +with sympathy.</p> + +<p>"It pains me to think of it, but I shall be glad to have you understand +it."</p> + +<p>"It was a great surprise to me, Fred, and being right here seemed awful, +but since receiving your letter I have suspected Matthew De Vere might +have had something to do with it."</p> + +<p>"Have you thought so?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; was I right?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Nellie, you were; but I did wrong in following him."</p> + +<p>"Will you not tell me all about it?"</p> + +<p>Fred went over the matter of his intoxication, and explained everything +truthfully, while Nellie listened with interest and astonishment.</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_XXXI" id="Chapter_XXXI"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>XXXI.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>Fred's story was a surprising revelation to Nellie Dutton, who now, for +the first time, saw Matthew De Vere's conduct in its true light.</p> + +<p>"How could he be so mean?" she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"It was his revenge," replied Fred.</p> + +<p>"Why did you not speak of his treachery?"</p> + +<p>"I thought it best not to till I could get proof of it, for if I had he +would have denied it."</p> + +<p>"He ought to have been punished."</p> + +<p>"He will be in time, I think."</p> + +<p>"I hope so; but that will not make up for all you have suffered. So he +was the means of your losing your position in the store?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"I will never speak to him again!" said Nellie indignantly. "He is too +mean."</p> + +<p>"I felt sure the time would come when you would say so," replied Fred.</p> + +<p>The color came to Nellie's face.</p> + +<p>"Yes?" she answered, after a pause.</p> + +<p>Fred saw that she was slightly embarrassed, and knew she was thinking of +the somewhat sarcastic letter he had sent her.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span>"Nellie, I hope you will forget my letter," he said.</p> + +<p>"I should be glad to, if I could."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry I sent it."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry you had cause to send it."</p> + +<p>"I was hasty; but it is past now. I hope you will not let it trouble +you."</p> + +<p>"If I will forget the letter, will you forget what caused you to send +it?"</p> + +<p>"I shall be only too glad to do so."</p> + +<p>"Truly?"</p> + +<p>"Here is my hand on it."</p> + +<p>"Shall we now be as good friends as ever?" asked Nellie, as she withdrew +her hand.</p> + +<p>"I sincerely hope so, and—even better," he added hesitatingly.</p> + +<p>Nellie's eyes dropped, and a sweet blush stole over her face.</p> + +<p>"We were very good friends before, I thought," she answered.</p> + +<p>"So we were, but—but—well, I shall prize your friendship more highly +since learning how much I missed it."</p> + +<p>Nellie now brought her fan into requisition.</p> + +<p>"And you will never write me any more sarcastic letters?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>Here the conversation was interrupted by the entrance of Dr. Dutton.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span>"Ah! good evening, Fred. I am sorry to have kept you waiting so long, +but I hope Nellie has entertained you well."</p> + +<p>Fred arose, blushed, and took the doctor's hand. Why he blushed he +didn't know, but he could feel his cheeks burn.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, I have been well entertained, thank you, but I didn't realize +that I was waiting for you."</p> + +<p>"Why, didn't Nellie tell you?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"I forgot to say you wanted to see him, we were so busy talking," put in +Nellie.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's it; well, all right. But, Fred, I have been hearing good +reports of you," the doctor continued.</p> + +<p>"I am glad to know that, and I hope I merit them," replied Fred +modestly.</p> + +<p>"I think there is no doubt of it."</p> + +<p>"It is refreshing to hear you say so after knowing all the bad reports +that have been circulated against me during the last few weeks."</p> + +<p>"Never mind, my boy; you have stood the fire nobly, and are surely +winning the fight."</p> + +<p>Fred's heart leaped with joy at these reassuring words from the doctor.</p> + +<p>"Do you think so?" he said, at length.</p> + +<p>"There is very little doubt of it, and I think I have a surprise for +you," taking from his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span>pocket the paper Nellie had found and placing it +in Fred's hands.</p> + +<p>Our young hero quickly ran his eye over it, and was amazed at its +contents. It read thus:</p> + + +<div class="blockquot"><p class="right"><span class="smcap">Mapleton</span>, November 17th, 187—.</p> + +<p>Matthew De Vere and me was waitin' near the old Booker barn +to club Fred Worthington. Matthew hired me to help him. We +both had a club. 'Twas 'bout twelve o'clock in the night I +gess. Matthew sed he was goin' to get square with Fred. +Matthew told me to strike him on the leg, and he sed he would +do the efecktive work and fix him so he wouldn't interfear +with him any more. When you come along we darted on you +thinking you was Fred. I hit you a hard clip on the leg. +Matthew was reddy to strike you on the head, but saw his +mistake and stopped jest in time and ran away.</p> + +<p class="right">(Signed) <span class="smcap">Tim Short</span>.</p> + +<p>The above statement is true.</p> + +<p style="margin-left: 5em;"><span class="smcap">Matthew De Vere</span>.</p></div> + +<p>"Have you ever seen this paper before?" asked the doctor.</p> + +<p>"No, sir, never."</p> + +<p>"Knew nothing of it?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"You little realized, then, how near you came to being waylaid and——" +but the doctor didn't finish the sentence.</p> + +<p>"I never had the slightest suspicion of it."</p> + +<p>"It was a bold plot."</p> + +<p>"And a wicked one," added Mrs. Dutton, who had now joined the group in +the library.</p> + +<p>"But what kept you out so late that night?" asked the doctor.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span>Fred examined the date of Mr. Simmons' paper.</p> + +<p>"It was the night of Grace Bernard's party."</p> + +<p>"Yes, so it was—I remember the date now; but in going from Mr. +Bernard's to your home you could not pass the old Booker barn."</p> + +<p>Fred's face grew suddenly red. The temperature of the room seemed to him +suffocatingly warm. He stood on one foot, embarrassed, trying to think +how to explain.</p> + +<p>His color very strangely seemed to be reflected upon Nellie's cheeks. +Just then she appeared to be much interested in the evening paper, and +held it much nearer to her eyes than was her custom.</p> + +<p>"You shouldn't ask so many questions," said Mrs. Dutton to her husband, +smiling at the young folks' embarrassment.</p> + +<p>"Ah, ha! I see now. Jealousy, was it?"</p> + +<p>"It looks like it," answered Fred comically, whereupon the doctor and +his wife laughed heartily, and, the ice being broken, Nellie and Fred +joined in the merriment, though it was at their own expense.</p> + +<p>"Well," said the doctor seriously, "this paper records a very grave +matter. The boys should be punished."</p> + +<p>"Why, I wonder, didn't Mr. Simmons have them punished?" asked Nellie.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span>"The case looks suspicious," answered her father.</p> + +<p>"He has never reported it, or we should have heard of it," said Mrs. +Dutton.</p> + +<p>Fred rested his head on his hand in deep thought.</p> + +<p>"He must have had some object in getting this paper," he at length +answered. "It looks to me as though he had been bribed—been paid to +keep the matter a secret."</p> + +<p>"That seems very probable," answered the doctor.</p> + +<p>"Would Matthew's father have paid Mr. Simmons anything for such a +purpose?"</p> + +<p>"No, indeed. He would be the last man imaginable to allow himself to be +fleeced in such a way."</p> + +<p>"I thought so; but now, supposing our theory of the bribing is the +correct one, how and where could the boys have got the money to pay +him?"</p> + +<p>"They couldn't have got it at home."</p> + +<p>"Do you feel sure of that?"</p> + +<p>"I am almost certain."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Simmons could have brought a strong pressure to bear upon them."</p> + +<p>"However strong, Mr. De Vere would never have paid one cent. But he +would have punished Matthew unmercifully."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span>"You have never known of his being punished?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"Would any one outside of the family probably have known it?"</p> + +<p>"I think so."</p> + +<p>A theory concerning this matter had suggested itself to Fred, and he was +working it out like a young logician.</p> + +<p>"Suppose," he continued, "Mr. Simmons should have forced the boys to do +something toward paying him, and Matthew dare not speak to his father +and mother about it, what would have been the result?"</p> + +<p>"I can hardly imagine," returned the doctor.</p> + +<p>"I think they would have got it from some other source by some other +means," said Nellie.</p> + +<p>Fred's face brightened. This was the answer that seemed natural to him, +and he was pleased that Nellie should be the one to give it.</p> + +<p>"That is my idea," he replied.</p> + +<p>"Why, Fred, you talk exactly like a lawyer," remarked Mrs. Dutton.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't know about that," he laughed, "but this paper has +strengthened a suspicion that I have had for a little time—strengthened +it so much that I feel almost convinced I am right since hearing what +the doctor says about this matter."</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_XXXII" id="Chapter_XXXII"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>XXXII.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>"What is your theory, Fred?" asked Dr. Dutton, with interest.</p> + +<p>"I think I may as well take you all into my confidence," answered our +hero.</p> + +<p>"And why not?" replied the doctor.</p> + +<p>"Of course you will, Fred," said Nellie.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I think you can help me in working up the case."</p> + +<p>"We will surely do all we can," said Dr. Dutton. "But what is the nature +of your suspicion?"</p> + +<p>"It is so grave a matter I hate to breathe it to any one till I have +further proof, therefore I must ask you all to keep it strictly +confidential."</p> + +<p>"It shall be treated as such," replied Dr. Dutton.</p> + +<p>"I think it probable," said Fred, "that John Rexford's store was robbed +and burned, and it is not altogether impossible that it was done to +raise this money for Mr. Simmons."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that can't be so," returned the doctor, amazed at the thought.</p> + +<p>"There are reasons that lead me to think so."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span>"And Matthew might have done it to try and injure you," put in Nellie, +as she thought how far De Vere had carried his malice.</p> + +<p>"That might be so," replied Fred, "but I reason from the belief that +Matthew was forced to raise the money."</p> + +<p>"Is that the only point on which you found your theory?" asked Dr. +Dutton.</p> + +<p>"No, sir. I thought something was wrong when Jacob Simmons first met me +in the mill. He seemed fairly startled on seeing me. I decided then to +keep my eyes open. In a few days I saw him use a peculiar knife—called +a mechanic's pocket knife—which is in itself quite a kit of tools. I +managed to have Jack Hickey borrow it so I could examine it. The minute +I had it in my hands I recognized it as the very one that was in Mr. +Rexford's show case when I left his store. It was an expensive knife, +and I don't believe Simmons ever bought it.</p> + +<p>"That is a good piece of evidence, surely," replied the doctor, "but can +you get the knife when you need it?"</p> + +<p>"I have bought it," and he explained his method of obtaining it. +"Moreover," continued Fred, "I remember when I was tried for burning Mr. +Rexford's store, Matthew and Tim were both present. They sat together +and showed a very keen interest in the trial, and when it went <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span>in my +favor, their disappointment was plainly to be seen."</p> + +<p>"Did it occur to you then that they possibly had anything to do with +burning the store?"</p> + +<p>"No, but knowing what I do now, it seems to me probable. This paper +furnishes just the evidence I was waiting for."</p> + +<p>"I admire your bold reasoning, Fred," said the physician.</p> + +<p>"His theory seems plausible," added Mrs. Dutton, "though I can't believe +Matthew would think of doing such an act."</p> + +<p>Fred felt much pleased at the good impression he was evidently making +upon Nellie's parents.</p> + +<p>"I may be entirely wrong," he replied, "but I have sufficient confidence +in the idea to feel warranted in testing the matter."</p> + +<p>"I would advise you to do so," said the doctor.</p> + +<p>Presently Fred arose to go, and after receiving a cordial invitation +from the doctor and his wife to call often, and a cheerful good night +from Nellie, he withdrew, happy over the warm welcome given him, and +full of enthusiasm in his purpose to bring the guilty parties to +justice.</p> + +<p>He first went home and got the knife in question, and then made his way +straight to Mr. Rexford's room, where he found him alone.</p> + +<p>"Good evening, Mr. Rexford," said Fred heartily.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span>"Good evening," returned the merchant, wondering what the boy's object +could be in calling.</p> + +<p>This was the first time they had met alone to speak since the trouble at +the store when Fred was discharged.</p> + +<p>"I suppose you have learned nothing new relative to the cause of your +store's burning," remarked our hero.</p> + +<p>"No, nothing."</p> + +<p>"You were not very generous with your old clerk to have him arrested, +charged with such an act."</p> + +<p>The merchant winced.</p> + +<p>"I think I have a chance now to do you a favor in return for your +generosity," continued Fred.</p> + +<p>This sarcasm cut deeply, but there was something about the boy's manner +that kept the merchant from answering angrily.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" he at length asked.</p> + +<p>"I have a clue that would perhaps lead to the arrest of the parties who +plundered and burned your store."</p> + +<p>Rexford's interest was now fully aroused.</p> + +<p>"Have you?" he asked eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and I have sufficient evidence, I think, to warrant you in making +an arrest."</p> + +<p>"Is it possible?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, there is no doubt of it."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span>Fred now took the knife from his pocket and passed it to his former +employer.</p> + +<p>The merchant recognized it instantly by its peculiar handle. He said, in +answer to Fred's questions, that the knife had not been sold, and that +it must have been taken from his show case the night of the fire. He +remembered showing it that evening to a customer, and distinctly +recollected putting it back into the show case.</p> + +<p>This, then, constituted a strong piece of evidence to show that the +store was robbed.</p> + +<p>Fred then explained how the knife came into his possession.</p> + +<p>"You have worked up the case skilfully," said Mr. Rexford.</p> + +<p>"I hope I have made no mistakes," answered Fred.</p> + +<p>"You have shown care and ingenuity, and have succeeded in getting very +strong evidence. This is better than Sheriff Coombs has done."</p> + +<p>"I have other evidence also in my possession that makes this much +stronger," replied our hero, and he showed Mr. Rexford the paper that +Nellie Dutton had found, and gave him his theory of the robbery.</p> + +<p>"I agree with you fully. It looks very reasonable," said the merchant, +whose enthusiasm was well aroused. "I can hardly wait till morning +before taking action in the matter."</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_XXXIII" id="Chapter_XXXIII"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>XXXIII.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>Mr. Rexford was very grateful to our young friend for the trouble he had +taken in working up this case.</p> + +<p>"It hardly seems possible, Fred, that you should do so much for me, +after being treated as you were by me," he said warmly.</p> + +<p>"I hope I have been able to do you a favor," returned Fred sincerely; +"and besides, it may prove of service to me."</p> + +<p>"You have, indeed, done me a favor. And is this the way you seek +revenge?"</p> + +<p>"I think it is the best sort of revenge."</p> + +<p>"I believe you, Fred; but very few ever practise it."</p> + +<p>"It is more satisfactory in the end, and moreover is right."</p> + +<p>"Very true, but it is hard to act upon such a theory. Suppose Simmons is +guilty, should I forgive him and do him a kindness?"</p> + +<p>"That would be quite a different case. His act would be crime, and +should, therefore, be punished. You could feel sorry for him, though, +that he had acted so unwisely."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span>"Yes, I think you are right," answered the merchant mechanically, while +his mind seemed to be struggling with another problem.</p> + +<p>"Fred, I have wronged you cruelly," he continued, "and your generous +spirit has touched me as nothing else has since I was a boy like +yourself. I discharged you, practically accusing you of dishonesty, but +now I know you were innocent. Your reputation was so injured that you +could get no position in a store, and were obliged to seek employment in +the factory. Then I had you arrested, charged with the grave offense of +burning my store. Can you forgive me, Fred, for having wronged you so?"</p> + +<p>"I can and will do so cheerfully," answered our hero, "for I believe you +acted from your honest belief at the time."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I did, but I should have had more charity, and more consideration +for your welfare."</p> + +<p>"It was a hard blow to me, I assure you. But tell me, have you found the +missing money?" asked Fred eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Yes. It was not lost; and the amount—eighteen dollars—was right. The +error was in making change. It was my own mistake. An eccentric old +fellow, a farmer up in Martintown, had the money—the very same twenty +dollar bill. He said he gave me a five dollar bill and I handed back the +twenty dollar bill in change."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span>"Farmers usually count their change very carefully."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and it seems he counted this after he got home. He said he put the +bill by itself in his wallet to keep until he had occasion to come this +way again."</p> + +<p>"When did you learn about it?"</p> + +<p>"Two or three weeks ago."</p> + +<p>"And you have known it all this time and said nothing about it?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Fred. Almost every day I have decided to send for you and explain +all as I am doing now, but I dreaded meeting you and kept putting it off +from day to day. I felt so guilty over my treatment of you, and so +humiliated when I found the error was my own, that I had not the courage +to tell you about it. Yet I knew all the time that I was adding more and +more to the wrong I had done you."</p> + +<p>"I can imagine how you feel about it," said Fred, "and your apology +makes it all right. If the old farmer had returned the money earlier, +much of this trouble might have been saved. He ought to have written you +about it at any rate. It was fortunate he was an honest man; otherwise +we should never have solved the mystery, and the stain would have clung +to me always."</p> + +<p>"Yes, Fred, I am afraid it would. But all suspicion is removed from you +now. This shows <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span>of what vital importance honesty, even in small +matters, may prove to an individual."</p> + +<p>"I can realize that now, as it applies so forcibly to my own case."</p> + +<p>"I hope to make amends for some of the great wrong I have done you," +said Mr. Rexford, whose heart seemed to show a tender side which it had +not appeared hitherto to possess. "My store will be rebuilt within a few +weeks, and you shall have your old position as clerk again, if you +wish."</p> + +<p>"You are very kind, Mr. Rexford. I am glad to know that I may work for +you again. If I come I will let you know in time."</p> + +<p>"The position is due you, and I never had a clerk who did his work so +well. I hope you will decide to come with me," said the merchant, as +Fred rose to go.</p> + +<br /> +<br /><a name="Chapter_XXXIV" id="Chapter_XXXIV"></a> +<br /> +<br /><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span> +<hr /> +<br /> +<h2>XXXIV.</h2> +<br /> + +<p>Early the following morning Mr. Rexford called upon his lawyer, Mr. Ham. +In due time the papers were made out and placed in the hands of Sheriff +Coombs, who promptly made his way to the factory with all his official +bearing and arrested Jacob Simmons on the charge of robbing and burning +John Rexford's store.</p> + +<p>Mr. Farrington was prepared for this move, as Fred had informed him that +it would take place during the forenoon, and had also told him +everything he had done, and what he proposed doing.</p> + +<p>He was especially glad to learn that the missing money had been +returned. His own theory was that some error had been made, but other +events had followed so fast one upon the other that he had recently made +little effort to solve the mystery.</p> + +<p>That it should now be cleared up so satisfactorily, with all blame +removed from Fred, was gratifying to him in the extreme, for he was a +true and sincere friend of our young hero.</p> + +<p>Mr. Simmons' surprise at seeing officer Coombs on such an errand can +hardly be imagined. Of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span>course he had to give himself up and go with the +sheriff—a prisoner charged with a grave offense.</p> + +<p>A hearing in his case was arranged for the following day to come before +Judge Plummer.</p> + +<p>Mr. Simmons gave bonds for his appearance at the trial, and devoted the +rest of the day to preparing his defense with his lawyer. Wondering why +he had been arrested, and going over in his own mind every possible +cause that could lead to it, he thought of the statement which Tim and +Matthew had signed about the assault. He took his pocketbook from his +coat, and looked among his papers for it.</p> + +<p>It was not there. He was alarmed to find it missing. He asked his wife +about it, but she knew nothing of it.</p> + +<p>"I must have lost it somewhere," he admitted to himself with a shudder. +"Fool that I was for doing wrong. I believe it has led to my arrest, but +why I cannot understand."</p> + +<p>When Matthew learned that Jacob Simmons had commenced work on the +flockers with Fred he was alarmed. He talked the matter over with Tim. +Both felt uneasy and unhappy, but they could see no way to help the +case, so left it to fate, which speedily did its work.</p> + +<p>Revenge to Matthew was a sad failure—had almost ruined him. Every +effort he had made had recoiled upon him so unexpectedly and +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span>persistently that now he was beset on all sides with danger of exposure +and punishment.</p> + +<p>Fred—his rival—had stood up manfully under fire without flinching. He +had won at every point and was now fast regaining his old position.</p> + +<p>"His friendship, too, with Nellie Dutton is re-established, and I can do +no more to prevent it," sighed Matthew regretfully. "I met her this +morning and she would not speak to me, but she entertained Fred all last +evening."</p> + +<p>While thus meditating, the report that Jacob Simmons had been arrested +for burning Mr. Rexford's store reached Matthew. He hurried home and to +his room, and there threw himself upon his bed and wept bitterly. +Disappointment, disgrace, and humiliation all crowded upon him, and the +inevitable step that he must take stared him cruelly in the face.</p> + +<p>His heart beat with bitter anguish as he thought of all this—of his +good home, of his father's pride in him and of his mother's love, of his +sister's tender affection—thought of all those near and dear to +him—and shuddered as he realized the disappointment and sorrow that was +to fall heavily upon them from his own wicked acts.</p> + +<p>He buried his face in his pillow and sobbed till it seemed that his +heart would break.</p> + +<p>"Oh, if I could only undo the past!" he cried. But he had gone too far.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span>His pride and haughty spirit were completely crushed, and when he +finally arose from his bed he was humbled indeed.</p> + +<p>The following morning all Mapleton was excited by the report that +Matthew De Vere could not be found.</p> + +<p>He had not been seen by any one since the previous afternoon. Just where +he was last seen was a mystery. One said he saw him coming from the pine +grove with Tim Short about dusk; others tried to convince themselves and +their friends that they had met him in this place or that, while a vague +report stated that he was last seen by the river bank passing hurriedly +from view in the darkness.</p> + +<p>This was a sensational rumor. Was he drowned? Had he committed suicide? +If so, why? Every one discussed the case—speculated upon it. None +thought exactly alike, and each labored to persuade the other that his +theory was the correct one.</p> + +<p>Matthew's parents and sister were heartbroken. They knew nothing of his +whereabouts, save that they believed he was safe, for they found a note +in his room saying simply that he was forced to leave town immediately; +that he could not then explain why, and that they would soon know all. +He begged them not to worry about him, and humbly asked their +forgiveness.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span>When Mr. Rexford heard that Matthew De Vere was missing, he immediately +had Tim Short arrested, charged with robbing and burning his store.</p> + +<p>Sheriff Coombs served the papers upon Tim, who had not as yet learned +the news about Matthew.</p> + +<p>When the sheriff spoke to him he was too badly frightened to reply.</p> + +<p>"I shall have to take you with me," said the officer; "no way out of it +now. The law ain't tender hearted with fellers that rob and burn. +Besides, that De Vere boy has run away."</p> + +<p>Tim staggered and fell to the ground. He had fainted dead away. When he +regained consciousness his first words were:</p> + +<p>"And now Matthew De Vere has run away and left me when he was the cause +of it all." Great tears rolled down his cheeks and he sobbed bitterly.</p> + +<p>Even the sheriff's heart was touched, and his official bearing relaxed +as the boy's mother, almost prostrate with grief, implored him to let +Tim go.</p> + +<p>"Your son practically acknowledges his guilt," said the sheriff. "In any +case, I should be compelled as an officer to arrest him, since the +papers were placed in my hands. Still I think if he were to turn State's +evidence—that is, to tell of his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span>own free will all the facts connected +with the affair—the court would probably deal more leniently with him."</p> + +<p>Tim brightened up considerably at this remark, which seemed to hold out +a means of escape.</p> + +<p>"I will tell the court all I know—everything from first to last," said +he as he marched off with the sheriff.</p> + +<p>The case excited so much interest that the court room was filled to +overflowing. Among those present was Matthew's father, who wished to +know the facts about his son's connection with the robbery. Dr. Dutton, +Mr. Farrington, and Fred Worthington were also present. Yes, another was +there—little Carl, pale and thin from his sickness, but alive with +interest in what he expected to be Fred's great triumph.</p> + +<p>When the court was ready for the trial, Mr. Ham, on the part of the +prosecution, called Tim Short as the first witness, much to the surprise +of Jacob Simmons and his lawyer.</p> + +<p>"Do you know anything about John Rexford's store being robbed and +burned?" asked Mr. Ham of Tim.</p> + +<p>"I do," said the latter.</p> + +<p>"Tell us all you know about it."</p> + +<p>Tim hesitated a moment, hardly knowing how to commence the confession of +such a serious crime.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span>"Did you have any direct connection with it?" asked attorney Ham, by way +of assisting the boy.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," answered Tim.</p> + +<p>"What did you do?"</p> + +<p>"I helped rob the store, and then we set fire to it."</p> + +<p>"Who was with you?"</p> + +<p>"Matthew De Vere was with me."</p> + +<p>"Who else?"</p> + +<p>"No one."</p> + +<p>"Did Jacob Simmons have anything to do with the robbery?"</p> + +<p>"No, not exactly."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean by 'not exactly'?"</p> + +<p>"I mean he wasn't there and didn't do it, but if it hadn't been for him +we shouldn't have thought of robbing Mr. Rexford's store or had any +trouble."</p> + +<p>"Then he planned the robbery for you?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"What was his connection with it, then?"</p> + +<p>"He threatened to have us arrested if we didn't pay him three hundred +dollars."</p> + +<p>Tim here explained why Simmons demanded the money—told how Matthew came +to the saloon for him, how they lay in wait for Fred, and the mistake +they made in supposing Jacob Simmons to be the latter.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span>"And he demanded this three hundred dollars as a reward for secrecy?" +asked the judge.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," replied Tim.</p> + +<p>Jacob Simmons' face was scarlet. Every one looked at him contemptuously, +while he had to endure the cutting glances without a shield.</p> + +<p>Right here Mr. Ham read the paper that Nellie Dutton had found, as +evidence to substantiate Tim's statement.</p> + +<p>"Why did Matthew De Vere wish to waylay Fred Worthington?" asked Judge +Plummer thoughtfully, as if to get at the bottom of the facts.</p> + +<p>"He said he wanted to get square with him."</p> + +<p>"Is that all?"</p> + +<p>"That and to teach him not to interfere with him."</p> + +<p>"How had Fred interfered with him?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know that, but I am sure Matthew did everything he could to +injure him."</p> + +<p>"Did he do more than attempt to waylay him?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, he played friendship with Fred and got the bartender to drug him, +and that was what made him drunk that time when everybody talked about +him."</p> + +<p>Now every one looked at Fred, but these were congratulatory glances, +with a bit of hero worship about them.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span>Mr. Farrington and Dr. Dutton, who sat near Fred, leaned over and +congratulated him with a warm grasp of the hand.</p> + +<p>Every cloud that had hovered over our young friend was now swept +away—every mystery was at last explained, and he stood triumphant over +all opponents, the hero of the village—much stronger and far more +popular than if he had never been <i>under fire</i>. He was tried and not +found wanting in the qualities that go to make a strong man with a noble +character.</p> + +<p>In answer to further questions of the judge, Tim stated that they knew +of no legitimate way to raise the money, as Matthew did not dare speak +to his father about it; that they were forced to do something, believing +Jacob Simmons would have them arrested if they failed to produce the +amount demanded.</p> + +<p>He further stated that Matthew and he were driven almost crazy by these +repeated demands from Simmons, and committed the robbery without +realizing what they were doing.</p> + +<p>They burned the store, he said, to cover their theft. All the money +found he claimed was given to Mr. Simmons, together with some articles +that would not excite suspicion. Among the latter was the knife Fred +discovered in Jacob's possession, and which led to the detection of the +guilty parties.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span>"Did you give Jacob Simmons all the goods you took from the store?" +asked the judge.</p> + +<p>"No, sir. We were afraid he would suspect us, so we gave him only a few +things besides the money," answered Tim. "We hid the other things in the +pine grove."</p> + +<p>"Are they there yet?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Then you didn't make up the full three hundred dollars for Jacob +Simmons?"</p> + +<p>"No; but Matthew promised to pay him the balance, so he agreed to do +nothing further."</p> + +<p>It could not be shown that Jacob Simmons had directly incited the boys +to commit the robbery, though he was unquestionably the cause of it. +Neither could it be proved that he had knowingly received stolen goods.</p> + +<p>The narrative of the legal proceedings would be entirely out of the +design of this story. I will therefore state merely the final results.</p> + +<p>In view of the fact that Tim Short confessed his guilt, and that he was +the tool of Matthew De Vere, he was saved from going to prison, and was +sent instead to serve three years in the State reform school, where he +was compelled to learn a trade, and to conform to a rigid disciplinary +system.</p> + +<p>Jacob Simmons was found guilty of blackmail, and was sentenced to one +year at hard labor in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span>the State prison, in addition to a fine of three +hundred dollars.</p> + +<p>But where was Matthew De Vere all this time?</p> + +<p>Among those who congratulated Fred, none did so with more sincerity than +did Nellie Dutton, and the flattering remarks made about him by the +entire village were very gratifying to her.</p> + +<p>As she and Fred talked over the trying events of the preceding months, +she remarked that she had learned to esteem him more highly than ever.</p> + +<p>"To hear you say that, Nellie," said he gratefully, "more than repays me +for all I have suffered from Matthew De Vere's malice."</p> + +<p>"I am glad, then, that we are such good friends," said Nellie +thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"Yes, even better than in the old days, are we not?" said Fred, almost +affectionately.</p> + +<p>"We know each other better, I think," answered Nellie. Then she went to +the piano, and, playing her own accompaniment, she sang with unusual +effect one of Fred's favorite songs.</p> + +<p>A few days after the trial Fred received a note from Mr. De Vere, asking +him to come to the bank. Obtaining permission to leave the mill Fred +started off. He found the bank president looking worn and anxious. Mr. +De Vere greeted him kindly, and said:</p> + +<p>"Fred, I have sent for you to offer you a position. Would you like to +become a banker?"</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span>Fred was thoroughly surprised at such a proposition. "I can hardly +realize that such an opportunity is before me," he said. "I thank you +sincerely, Mr. De Vere, but I can't understand why you should offer it +to me when there are so many others better fitted for it."</p> + +<p>"There are two reasons, my boy. First, I owe you some recompense for all +the injury and injustice Matthew has done you. I cannot believe he +foresaw all that would follow his first petty revenge, but was forced +on, step by step, by a wicked man. But the injury to you was the same, +and my wife and daughter join me in feeling that we owe you this +reparation."</p> + +<p>"Do not think of such a thing, Mr. De Vere. You are not responsible, and +I would not think of accepting a position on that account."</p> + +<p>Mr. De Vere handed Fred a letter.</p> + +<p>"Read this," he said.</p> + +<p>The letter was from Matthew, headed "Chicago." It contained a full +confession of his crime, and gave all the circumstances that led up to +it. He begged his parents and sister to forgive him. Upon this point he +said:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Oh, if you only knew what I have suffered, and am still +suffering, on account of my foolish and wicked acts, I think +you would have charity for me.</p> + +<p>How I would like to see you all—my dear home, and my own +pretty room. If only I could fall on my knees before you and +mother, and with true penitent tears wipe out the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span>past, how +gladly I would do so. But this, I realize, is forbidden me. I +have forfeited my home, my parents, my reputation, my native +State even, and all to gratify a petty grudge. I wish you +would see Fred Worthington and tell him how I have wronged +him, and ask him if he can forgive me. He has won the contest +while I am ruined—ruined so far as my old life goes—but +now, my dear father and mother, I have commenced a new +career.</p> + +<p>I have told Cousin Henry everything about the past and he has +helped me plan for the future. He has furnished me some money +and I shall start tomorrow for one of the Territories, where +I shall commence life for myself.</p> + +<p>I shall work and be a man in all that is honorable and right. +I feel ten years older than I did a few months ago. I have +taken some books with me to study.</p> + +<p>The first money I earn shall go to Mr. Rexford, in payment +for his loss by my hands. He shall lose nothing if I live +long enough to earn the money due him. I wish you would +protect Tim Short so far as possible. I alone am responsible +for his connection with the robbery.</p> + +<p>In writing to me, if I may so far expect your forgiveness, +please address me in care of Cousin Henry and he will forward +to me. I will write to you as soon as I get located, and tell +you all my plans.</p></div> + +<p>After writing at some length upon family matters, Matthew closed his +letter by again appealing to his parents and sister for forgiveness, and +by assuring them of his love.</p> + +<p>Fred returned the letter to Mr. De Vere, feeling deeply touched and +profoundly sorry for Matthew.</p> + +<p>"Tell him," said he, "that he has my forgiveness in full, and that I +wish him prosperity in his new life."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Fred, for your generosity. He <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span>is my boy still, and is dear +to me, though he has done wrong. But," he continued, with moist eyes, +"he is lost to me now—lost so far as all my plans for his future went; +and now, Fred, I want you to take his place. I had designed to put him +into the bank next year, and to give him a thorough training; but as he +has gone and cannot return, I want you to take the position."</p> + +<p>"I thank you sincerely for this offer, Mr. De Vere. I should certainly +like such a position, but the fear that you offer it to me as a +recompense causes me to hesitate about accepting it."</p> + +<p>"Do not hesitate on that ground, my boy. I have heard from Dr. Dutton, +one of our directors, from Mr. Rexford and others, that you are in all +respects better qualified for the position than any other young man in +town. The salary for the first year will be five hundred. After that you +will be advanced. Will you accept?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I will accept, with many, many thanks," replied Fred gratefully.</p> + +<p>He immediately returned to the factory and told Mr. Farrington of his +good fortune. The latter congratulated him, "and yet," said he, "I am +rather sorry, for I had designed to take you up to this department and +teach you the entire business; however, I will gladly let you go, +believing as I do that your new position is an exceptionally fine one +for a boy of your age."</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span>"I thank you a thousand times, Mr. Farrington, for your willingness to +let me off and for all your kindness to me. Now I know the value of a +good friend. If it had not been for your kindness and assistance, when +none spoke well of me, I might not have established my innocence. As it +is, through your help I have gained everything."</p> + +<p>On leaving Mr. Farrington, Fred went to Mr. Rexford and told him he +should be obliged to give up the idea of taking his old position as +clerk, and after explaining why, told him he wanted him to do him a +favor by giving little Carl a position in his store at a fair salary, +and to arrange his duties so that he would have only light work to do.</p> + +<p>The merchant agreed to do this. In fact, he would have done almost +anything for Fred, for he felt under many obligations to him.</p> + +<p>Fred was very happy over the bright prospects for his little crippled +friend, as it had been his own privilege to help him.</p> + +<p>Fred's promotion to the bank created a sensation in the village, and he +was looked upon as the luckiest person in town. It is safe to believe +that Nellie Dutton rejoiced in Fred's good fortune far more than she was +willing for any one to suspect. As time rolled on they were often seen +together, and seemed like brother and sister.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span>That they were happy in each other's society there could be no doubt. +Her influence upon him refined his manners and elevated his tastes, +while associating with him was quite as beneficial to her in gaining +broader ideas and contracting the habit of thinking and reasoning after +the fashion of men.</p> + +<p>The last time I saw them was on a beautiful evening in June. Dave +Farrington and I were returning home from a trouting expedition. We were +upon an elevated plain, where we could survey the surrounding country. +Nature seemed at her best, and this was one of her choicest scenes. The +rich green stretching everywhere before the eye was only broken by the +white and pink blossoms of fruit trees and shrubbery. The sun was +sinking behind a distant mountain which threw its shadow upon the +landscape about us, and rich, golden hues spread out over the entire +western horizon.</p> + +<p>"A charming scene," remarked Dave, with true admiration.</p> + +<p>"It is indeed," said I; "but here is beauty far more attractive."</p> + +<p>Dave turned, and beholding Fred and Nellie close upon us, replied:</p> + +<p>"You are right. I never saw her look so pretty."</p> + +<p>They were taking an evening drive with a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span>handsome bay horse and high +carriage. The top was tipped back, and they appeared to be enjoying the +scene that had engrossed our own attention.</p> + +<p>Nellie was clad in a light summer dress, with a pale blue sash which +matched the trimming of her jaunty hat. Never until then had I realized +that she was so handsome. With fair complexion and glowing cheeks, she +presented a picture for an old master, as she talked and laughed +merrily.</p> + +<p>We raised our hats as they passed by, and soon they were beyond our +view.</p> + +<p>"Dave," said I, "there is a glimpse of what life should be. It is a +sweet picture. Why, I wonder, do boys go to destruction by visiting +iniquitous dens, by keeping low and vulgar company, by drinking, +smoking, and gambling, when they might follow Fred's example, and be as +refined, respected, and supremely happy as he now seems to be?"</p> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> + +<h2>THE END.</h2> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<br /> + +<div class="tr"> +<p class="cen"><a name="TN" id="TN"></a>Transcriber's Note</p> +<br /> + +Inconsistent hyphenation and spelling in +the original document has been preserved.<br /> +<br /> +Typographical errors corrected in the text:<br /> +<br /> +Page 62 crytallized changed to crystallized<br /> +Page 67 Ill changed to I'll<br /> +Page 109 VI. changed to XV.<br /> +Page 153 to changed to too<br /> +Page 190 accidently changed to accidentally<br /> +Page 236 removed extra too far.<br /> +</div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Under Fire, by Frank A. 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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: Under Fire + A Tale of New England Village Life + +Author: Frank A. Munsey + +Release Date: January 30, 2009 [EBook #27935] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK UNDER FIRE *** + + + + +Produced by David Edwards, Barbara Kosker and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from scans of public domain material +produced by Microsoft for their Live Search Books site.) + + + + + + + + + + UNDER FIRE + + _A TALE OF NEW ENGLAND VILLAGE LIFE_ + + BY + + FRANK A. MUNSEY + + + + [Illustration] + + + + NEW YORK + FRANK A. MUNSEY + + 1898 + + + + + COPYRIGHT, 1897 + BY + FRANK A. MUNSEY + + + + +UNDER FIRE. + + + + +I. + + +"Well, Dave, it was a close game, but we managed to save ourselves after +all their talk," said Tom Martin, referring to a baseball match of the +previous day. + +"Yes, but thanks to our lucky stars that Fred Worthington was with us. +If John Rexford had kept him at the store, as I was afraid, we should +have been badly beaten." + +"He didn't play the whole game, did he?" asked Tom sarcastically. + +"Of course not," retorted Dave Farrington, with some warmth, "but you +know very well we should have lost it, if it had not been for him. If he +saved us from defeat, why not be fair and give him credit for it? I am +sure he would do as much for you if the case were reversed." + +"I didn't say anything against him." + +"No; but you don't appear to say anything for him." + +"Why should I?" + +"Well, I can say frankly that his playing was equal to that of some +professionals that I have seen. The factory boys couldn't get the hang +of his pitching, and the best batters fouled nearly every ball." + +"Don't you want some credit for catching?" asked Tom, with a view to +turning the conversation from Fred. + +"Yes, but----" Here the conversation was interrupted by the sudden +appearance of Matthew De Vere, a rather foppishly dressed boy, who +showed very clearly by his manner that he considered himself the "swell +young man" of the town. + +"Oh, boys, I have a bit of good news for you," he cried. "Guess what it +is." + +"Anything startling?" asked Tom. + +"No; but it is something you and Dave will both like." + +"Tell us what it is. We give it up, don't we, Dave?" + +"Grace Bernard is going to have a party--a birthday party." + +"A party?" echoed Dave. "Who told you?" + +"My sister Annie just came from Mr. Bernard's and said so." + +"When is it to be?" chimed in both boys eagerly. + +"Next Thursday evening," answered their informant. + +"Well, that strikes me about right," replied Tom, with evident pleasure +at the prospect. "How old is Grace, I wonder?" + +"She will be sixteen next Thursday," returned Matthew. + +"I'm glad some one has life enough to wake us up a little. I'm hungry +for a 'racket,'" put in Dave. "The evenings are getting long, and it is +too cold to rove about much. Three cheers, I say, for Grace Bernard! I +speak for the first waltz with her." + +The cheers were given with a will, for the mere mention of a party, the +first one of the season, was sufficient to make the boys enthusiastic. + +"I wonder who will be invited," said Matthew; and then added, with a +scowl, "well, I don't care who is if Fred Worthington only gets left; _I +hate him_. He tries to push himself ahead too much for a fellow in his +circumstances, and since he has gone into John Rexford's store he is +worse than ever." + +"I don't know why he should not be invited as well as any of us," said +Dave Farrington. "He is certainly one of the smartest boys in the +village, both at his books and at whatever else he undertakes; and the +fact that his father is a poor man ought not to be against him;" then, +with a sly wink at Tom, he added, "and you may be certain he won't be +overlooked, for he and Nellie Dutton are getting to be very good +friends, and of course Grace Bernard will ask him on her account, if for +no other reason." + +Now Matthew liked Nellie Dutton himself, and like most rich boys (his +father was a retired sea captain and president of the Mapleton National +Bank), could ill bear the deprivation of anything which his fancy +craved. Therefore the thought that a poor fellow, like Fred Worthington, +might come between him and the object of his fancy was exceedingly +disagreeable. + +This was one reason why he "hated" Fred; the other was, he could not +lord it over him, as he did over most of the Mapleton boys, for Fred had +a will of his own, as well as a perfect physical development, which +convinced Matthew, bully as he was, that it would not be well to grapple +with him. + +Dave's remark was a sharp one, and had the effect of bringing the color +to Matthew's face, though he strove hard to hide his confusion. + +Both boys noticed this, and Tom, who was always ready for fun, even at +the expense of a friend, said: + +"Yes, I saw Fred walk home with Nellie from Sunday school last week; and +it seems to me he has to go up to her father's rather often with goods +from the store. I guess the doctor will have quite a bill to pay at +Rexford's, unless Fred makes two or three trips up there to carry what +he might take in one. But never mind, Matthew, school will soon +commence; then you will have the advantage of him, for he will be in the +store." + +Matthew grew decidedly angry at these remarks, and said somewhat +savagely: + +"I'll have the advantage of him without waiting for school, now you mark +my words." + +"How are you going to get it?" asked Tom. + +"You just wait and you will see. I don't tell everything I know." + +"Fred has a big muscle," suggested Tom, "and they say he can use his +hands pretty lively, too." + +"There is no need of informing De Vere on that point," remarked Dave, +"for it isn't very long since he and Fred gave a little exhibition at +school." + +"Come, Mat, tell us all about it," said Tom. "I never heard of that +before." + +"I won't tell you anything," answered De Vere gruffly; "he can't put on +airs with me any more; and if he goes to that party and pays any +attention to Nellie Dutton, he will get into trouble." + +"If Nellie wants his attention she will be pretty sure to have it, for +you can't frighten him--he isn't easily scared," remarked Dave, in a +way that irritated Matthew. + +"I should say not," said Tom, with a sly wink at Dave, "and judging from +appearances Nellie is as pleased with his attentions as he is with her +company." + +But Matthew possessed a good share of conceit, and knowing Nellie to be +quite friendly to himself, he imagined that his advantage over Fred +would be so great that he could readily monopolize the attention of the +young lady in question, and therefore replied with more assurance: + +"There is no fear of her bothering with him, for I propose to take up +her time pretty well myself;" and then he added in language that was a +perfect index to his character, "say, boys, if Worthington should be +there, let's make it so uncomfortable for him that he will never show +himself again at one of our parties. We can occupy the attention of the +girls, so they will leave him alone to slink into the corner and hate +himself, while we enjoy the waltz and make fun of him. If you will only +do this, I hope he will be there, just to let all see how awkward he is +among his betters." + +Some other boys here joined the group, and the conversation was broken +off. But Dave Farrington took occasion to remark in an undertone to +Tom: + +"If Mat De Vere and a dozen more just like him should try to keep the +girls away from Fred Worthington, they'd find a big contract on their +hands; and the one who 'hated himself' would not be Fred, either. Just +wait till the party comes off, then look out for fun." + + + + +II. + + +Mapleton is a good type of a New England village, showing everywhere +plentiful evidences of thrift and energy. + +Of course it has a manufacturing industry of some sort, or it could +hardly be a New England village; and the chief building of Mapleton, in +this line, is a large woolen factory that employs about three hundred +hands. There are also a number of minor industries, together with +stores, churches, and school houses. It is not a large town, there +being, perhaps, three thousand inhabitants all told. + +Among so small a number one might suppose that the people would mingle +freely, and that exclusiveness would not thrive. At the time of which I +am writing it did not thrive to any great extent; still, it was there, +and showed itself principally in the refusal of the "town's people," so +called, to associate with the "factory folks." + +Exceptions were made, however, in the case of the head officers of the +company, and the overseers of certain departments of the mill, who, by +virtue of their positions, which brought them in a liberal salary, were +graciously welcomed to the homes of the villagers. + +These two branches of society had their different "sets." That of the +"villagers" was made up, as is usually the case, by the drawing together +of the well to do, the influential, and the better educated citizens, +while the others were left to form such social connections as their +opportunities afforded. + +Fred Worthington's parents mingled with the latter class, for they were +far from rich. His father was a shoemaker, and earned only a small sum +weekly; but through the excellent management of his mother, they had a +neat and comfortable home. + +During Fred's younger days he thought nothing of these dividing lines of +society; but as he had grown to be, as he considered, a young man--and, +indeed, he really did possess more of that enviable bearing than most +boys at the age of sixteen--he had come to realize that there was such a +thing as a social difference between men whose Maker created them equal. + +This fact impressed him more forcibly since he found that some of his +companions with whom he had grown up, played, and studied side by side +in school for years, were now apparently beginning to ignore him. + +"Is there any reason for this?" he often asked himself. "Have they +suddenly accomplished some great thing, or done some heroic deed which +gives them distinction? Or is the trouble with me? If so, where does it +lie? Surely I stood among the very first in my class at school--far +ahead of Matthew De Vere and his sister, and some of the others who +treat me so coolly. I wonder if clerking in a store is disgraceful? I +always thought it an honorable thing to be a merchant. Merchants are +everywhere among our most influential men. + +"I have always kept good company," he reflected, "and never had trouble +with any of the boys, except Matthew De Vere, just before I left school, +and that wasn't my fault. I taught him a lesson, though, that I think he +will remember, and ever since then he has been trying to pay me for it +by turning the girls and boys against me; but only a few of them have +shown any change. + +"I know my father and mother do not belong to the same 'set' as theirs, +but that is no reason why they should slight me, and _it shall not be_. +I will work my way up and make them acknowledge me if it takes years to +do it. But as long as Nellie Dutton and some others are friendly, I +don't care so much." + +When Fred heard of the party to be given by Grace Bernard, he was in a +feverish state of suspense, wondering whether he would be invited or +not. He felt that this was a crisis with him. + +He had left school, but he argued that if he were only fortunate enough +to attend this party, he would be placed on a good social footing, one +that he could maintain as he gradually built himself up in the store; +but should luck now go against him, he would be practically separated +from many of his school companions, and separation meant disaster to a +certain friendship that he prized more highly than all the rest, and +which, as he believed, it would not be well to leave uncultivated even +for a short time. + +"Hello, Fred, got your invitation yet?" asked Dave, a few days before +that fixed upon for the party. + +"No, I haven't seen anything of it. Have you had yours?" + +"Oh, yes; got it yesterday. I don't see where yours is though." + +"It looks as if I were to be left out, Dave," replied Fred, with an +assumed air of cheerfulness. + +"That can't be. There is plenty of time. Don't worry." + +This was a little reassuring, and Fred tried to believe it to be +so--tried hard--but it looked to him, nevertheless, as if his case were +a hopeless one. + +For he reflected that the unfed fire soon dies, while that which is +kept alive even by the smallest spark may at some time become a glowing +blaze. But his fears were all for nothing, as in due time the much +looked for invitation arrived. + +On the eventful night our hero dressed with care and taste, giving his +youthful locks especial attention, as all boys of his age do whenever +they go into company, and then hastened to Dave's home to go with him to +the party. + +The large double parlors of Mr. Bernard's house were well filled with +girls, about Grace's own age, when the two boys arrived. After the +latter had disposed of their coats and hats, and had taken a final look +to see that each particular hair was in its proper place, they entered +the main parlor rather shyly. + +"Good evening, Dave," said Grace. "I'm glad you came early, for nearly +all the girls are here, and I hope you will help entertain them; and +here is Fred," she added, extending her hand to him. "I am very glad you +came. I have hardly spoken with you since you left school, but I see the +store life has not taken away your color yet." + +If Fred had a good share of color to begin with, it was not lessened by +this remark. However, he managed to keep his presence of mind, and +replied heartily: + +"No, I hope not, but allow me to congratulate you on your birthday, for +you are looking your best. I hope you may have many happy returns of the +occasion." + +Some one else blushed now, and evidently enjoyed the compliment, which +Fred had managed very well, as indeed he ought to have done, for he had +repeated it to himself at least forty five times that afternoon. + +"I didn't know you could say such nice things, Fred, but I don't half +believe you mean it," rejoined Grace. "But there is Nellie all alone on +the sofa. Come with me and take a seat beside her; you two must +entertain each other while I receive Matthew and Tom, and some others +who I see have just come in." + +"I was afraid something would happen so that you couldn't come," said +Nellie, as he took her proffered hand. + +"I couldn't very easily stay away," he replied, sitting down beside her. + +"Why, how funny! And why not?" she inquired, trying to suppress a blush. + +"The evening promised to be such an enjoyable one," he answered; "and +yet I hardly dared to anticipate such good fortune as I have met with +thus far." + +"Oh, Fred, you are learning to flatter, I do believe! I didn't think +that of you." + +"If flattery is saying what one truly means, then I am flattering you; +for if I had arranged my own program, you and I would occupy about the +same positions as we do now. It couldn't suit me better, and I only hope +you are as well pleased," he added. + +"I believe you and Grace arranged this together," she answered +evasively, "without saying anything to me. I must scold her;" and she +partially covered her face with her fan, which seemed to mean that she +was well satisfied. + +"I am sure I had nothing to do with the arrangement. I must thank Grace +for it, and I hope you won't scold her very hard, as this is her +birthday; but before it is too late let me ask you if you will favor me +with the first dance?" + +"Oh, with pleasure," she replied, but at the same time she wondered if +he knew the dance. She had never heard of his dancing, but the first +part of the opening one was to be a march, and she knew he could take +part in that, even if they had to drop out of the waltz later on. + +"Good evening, Nellie," said Matthew, who now came up and extended his +hand, adding, with an air of assurance, "I see the music is ready to +start, shall we not lead the march?" + +"Thank you, but I am already engaged for that," she returned, casting +her eyes towards Fred. + +"Then you won't march with me?" he asked, flushing with evident anger at +the rebuff. + +"I must keep my engagement," she replied. + +"Keep your engagement with a _stick_," he rejoined, and walked away with +a look of contempt on his face. + +The last remark made young Worthington's blood boil, but he had the good +sense to take no apparent notice of it, though he fixed it well in his +memory for future use. + +De Vere seated himself in a remote corner--the place he had expected to +see Fred occupy--and looked sullenly on as the march progressed, but +evidently with some degree of pleasure at the utter failure he felt sure +our hero would make. In this again he was doomed to disappointment; for +to his surprise and chagrin he found his rival quite at home in the +waltz. He and Nellie were unmistakably the most graceful as well as the +best looking couple on the floor. + +But Matthew was not the only surprised one present. Dave looked on with +amazement, and Nellie hardly seemed to believe her own senses. + +"Why, Fred, when did you learn to dance so well?" she asked, as they +walked around the room arm in arm. "I never had a better partner." + +"Thank you, Nellie, for the compliment," he replied, with a slight +blush. "I only hope I managed to get through without exhausting your +patience. I was so afraid I should prove very stupid, I know so little +about the waltz." + +"Oh, no, you were far from stupid, and I never enjoyed a dance more; but +I am awfully curious to know where you learned so much without attending +dancing school." + +"'Never enjoyed a dance more,' and with me, too," thought Fred, with a +delight which he could not conceal. + +"My cousin from Boston, the young lady who spent the summer at my home, +taught me all I know about it," he replied. + +"And have you never had any other practice?" + +"No, that was all." + +"Well, she must have been an excellent teacher, and you as good a +scholar as you always were at school." + +Presently the music ceased, and Dave, Grace, and others came up and +congratulated Fred upon his waltzing, and Nellie on her partner. + +The party as a whole was a great success, and passed off gayly. It had +no feature to distinguish it from others of its kind in country towns. +This particular event has been briefly referred to, because, as a +consequence of it, something occurred that most cruelly clouded Fred +Worthington's young days, and changed the whole course of his life. + + + + +III. + + +De Vere saw plainly that, in spite of his endeavors to injure Fred, the +latter was more of a favorite than himself. He supposed that he had +accomplished something of his design before the party took place, but +there he found that the result of his malicious endeavors practically +extended only as far as his sister. + +Indeed, he almost fancied that his thrusts had been turned against +himself, for no one seemed to care for him especially. He was very moody +and sulky at his disappointment. He had overestimated his strength and +importance, as boys of his stamp always do; moreover, he thought Nellie +treated him very coolly, and it is just possible that she did, as her +time was fully taken up by another person, and the mere absence of +attention on her part was sufficient to make Matthew sullen and +disagreeable. + +This sourness was noticed by all, and they left him to himself, pretty +much as he had hoped to see them treat his rival. The tables were fairly +turned upon him, as he could not fail to see. But he had intimated that +if Fred attended this party, and matters went a certain way, he would +have his revenge. + +He resolved to carry out this threat, and so passed a great part of the +evening in mischievous plotting. + +When it was time for the party to break up, notwithstanding the fact +that he had behaved so rudely and had not participated in any of the +games, or other forms of amusement, he gathered himself together, +approached Miss Nellie, and proposed to serve as her escort. + +But Nellie answered, with a demure look and a twinkle in her eye, that +another young gentleman had kindly offered to do her that favor. + +It is said that under certain conditions even a straw may break a +camel's back, but this refusal of Nellie's was no straw to Matthew. It +was rather a sledge hammer blow, which brought bad temper and made him +desperately angry. + +He seized his hat, and without further conversation with any one, left +the house and strode sullenly down the street. At the first corner he +turned up a by path, and then ran across lots to the main street, and +entered a drinking saloon. + +"Why did you play, then?" the bartender was asking savagely, addressing +a rough looking boy, Tim Short by name. "You have owed me for two +months, and now here is another game of billiards to charge." + +"I thought I should beat," said Tim, with a discouraged and demoralized +look. + +"That's what you've thought every time, but that don't pay me. I'm going +to have my money now. If you don't pay, I will get it from your father; +so come, square up, and be quick about it." + +"I will settle on pay day." + +"No, that won't do; you have promised that before. Either give me +something for security or I will see your father tomorrow." + +"How much is the whole bill?" asked Matthew. + +"One dollar," replied the bartender. + +"Here, Tim, is the dollar. I will lend it to you. Pay him and come with +me." + +Young Short clutched the dollar eagerly, and turned it over to his +creditor with evident reluctance. + +"Come, Tim," went on Matthew, "let us go home; it is late for us to be +out." + +The latter looked upon Matthew as his benefactor, and followed him +promptly into the street. When the two were quite alone by themselves, +De Vere took his companion by the arm and said: + +"I'm in luck finding you, Tim. I rushed down to the saloon, but I was +afraid you had gone home, it is so late." + +"And I'm better off than you to have my bill paid. How is it you are in +luck, and paying out money so free?" + +"Never mind the money, Tim," De Vere replied nervously. "I want you to +do me a favor. Will you?" + +"Will I? Well, I should think I would." + +"Will you promise never to mention what I say to any one?" + +"I promise." + +"It would get us both into trouble if you should, Tim." + +"But it ain't nothin' so awful bad, is it, Matthew?" asked Tim, with a +tremor of alarm in his voice. + +"I think I can trust you, Tim," replied De Vere, ignoring his +companion's question. + +"I know you can, after all you have done for me," replied Tim +gratefully. + +De Vere drew young Short close to him as they turned into a dark, narrow +street. + +"Tim," said he, in suppressed agitation, "you know those tall oak trees +on the old Booker road?" + +"What, them by the cave in the big rock, do you mean?" + +"Yes, that's the place." + +Young Short commenced to breathe fast with excitement. + +"You know, Tim," said De Vere, scarcely above a whisper, "you know the +bushes and rock together furnish a good hiding place." + +"I should think they would," responded Tim dubiously. + +"We've got some work to do there." + +"What, not tonight?" + +"Yes, as soon as we can get there, or it will be too late." + +"Don't you think it's too late now, Matthew?" suggested Tim. + +"I tell you to come along," commanded De Vere in anything but a pleasant +mood. + +"You didn't tell me what you are going there for." + +"I have good reasons for going there. I want to get square with a +fellow," responded Matthew, with a ring of revenge in his voice. + +"But couldn't you do it just as well alone?" + +"No, I couldn't." + +"Afraid?" queried Tim. + +This question did not have a good effect upon Matthew's nerves, but he +was too prudent to fly into a passion with Tim at this time. + +"Who is this fellow?" asked young Short doggedly, after a little +silence. + +"Fred Worthington," answered De Vere bitterly. "I'll show him that he +can't interfere with me." + +"Fred Worthington!" echoed Tim; and he stopped short where he was. + +"I think we had better get some good clubs," said De Vere. + +"And then we will get the worst of it," replied Tim. "I know Fred +Worthington too well to take any chances on him." + +"But we will jump out upon him when he is not expecting us," urged +Matthew. + +It was hard work to screw Tim's courage up to the necessary point, but +his sense of obligation to Matthew finally overcame his well founded +fears of Fred Worthington's strong arms, and he promised to take part in +the disappointed rival's dastardly plot. + +The point to which De Vere led his rascally associate was close beside +the path along which Fred Worthington would have to pass on his way home +from Dr. Dutton's. Although not far beyond the limits of the village, it +was a lonely spot, with no houses near by, and the two young highwaymen +could not have found a more suitable place to put their cruel design +into execution. + +Crouching behind the bushes, the cowardly pair lay in wait, each +grasping a heavy stick in his hand, ready to dart out and rain +revengeful blows upon their innocent victim. + + + + +IV. + + +The evening was a memorable one for Fred. His enjoyment had been far +greater than he anticipated; and what a boy of sixteen will not +anticipate is not worth considering. + +It seemed to him, as he left Grace Bernard's with a proud step and +lightsome heart, that he had been blue over the society question for +nothing, for, in fact, had he at this time possessed no friend save the +single one whose arm now rested upon his own, he would have been fully +satisfied. Perchance, in his boyish imaginings, he was more happy than +he could ever be in after years, even though his brightest dreams should +become a living reality. + +And it is but just to Fred to say that his fair companion, as they +walked leisurely toward her home, was almost if not quite as happy as +himself. + +This was the first time they had ever been out together in the evening, +and as he somewhat timidly pressed her arm closely to his side, he felt +all the pride of a hero in performing such delightful, if not dangerous, +escort duty. But indeed there was danger enough awaiting him, though it +lay in ambush, and he had not considered the possibility of its +existence. + +The distance to Nellie's home was not great, but it may reasonably be +suspected that the time occupied in traversing it was somewhat +prolonged. Under similar circumstances, with such delightful company, +the reader himself would perhaps have used every honorable device to +consume as many minutes as possible before parting with his fair +associate. I shall not criticise such a course, but will be just frank +enough to say that this is exactly what Fred did do. + +Of course, by way of conversation, it was natural to discuss the evening +party and those present. Young De Vere very justly came in for a degree +of censure. + +"What could have been the trouble with Matthew?" asked Nellie, clinging +closely to Fred as they passed a lonesome lane. + +"I'd rather not discuss him," replied the latter. + +"Why not? Is he such a friend of yours that you will say nothing against +him? Surely you can give no excuse for his acting as he did tonight." + +"Well, you are partially right." + +"In what way?" + +"So far as this--that I dislike to speak against any one." + +"I thought it could not be you were so friendly that you wished to +shield him." + +"No, for he is very unfriendly towards me. Didn't you notice that when +he asked you to waltz with him?" + +"Yes, but you did not hear his remark about you, I hope." + +"Oh, yes, I heard it--he probably wanted me to hear it--but I could not +notice it there." + +"It was hateful and mean in him," replied Nellie sympathetically; "and +he was as rude as he could be all the evening." + +Fred had too much spirit to take kindly to being insulted, but Nellie's +warm hearted manner of sympathizing with him, and her criticism of his +rival, made him almost wish De Vere were again present to make some +insolent remark, that he might have the pleasure of hearing Nellie still +further champion his cause. + +"But you did not tell me what made him so uncivil," continued Nellie. + +"No." + +"Do you know?" + +"I suppose he was vexed." + +"I should think he must have been very much piqued to act as he did." + +"Yes, it would seem so." + +"But what could have caused it, I wonder?" asked Nellie, with much +innocence. + +"Do you really want me to tell you?" + +"Why, to be sure I do." + +"Couldn't you guess?" + +"I know I could not." + +"Not if you were to try very hard?" + +"No." + +"You should be more egotistical, then." + +"Why, what do you mean, Fred?" + +"I mean that what made him unhappy was just the thing that made me +happy, and gave me the pleasantest evening of my life," replied Fred, +tightening the pressure slightly on his companion's arm. + +"I cannot see how this affects me, or proves, as you say, that I should +be more egotistical," replied Miss Nellie, continuing, with feminine +perversity, to feign innocence and ignorance, that she might keep Fred +longer on a topic at once so flattering and delightful. + +"Then I will be plainer--very plain--and say that you were the cause +yourself." + +If the night had been a light one, Fred would have seen a bewildering +blush cover the face of his companion. As it was, he guessed the truth, +and realized that the effect of his words was altogether gratifying to +Nellie's pride--it could hardly be anything more sentimental than pride. + +But now they were at her home--all too soon as it seemed to Fred--and +her father and mother had heard them come up the steps; so the "good +night" must be brief. + +Nellie extended her hand, with its graceful, tapering fingers, to him, +and thanked him very prettily for his attention during the evening, and +for escorting her safely home. In return, Fred gave her hand a slight +pressure from the impulse of his honest, manly heart, that meant a +thousand thanks for the pleasure she had given him, which would be a +gratifying recollection for weeks and months to come. + + + + +V. + + +While Fred was enjoying the latter part of his evening so thoroughly, +Matthew was miserable in his anger, as he and his confederate remained +crouched under the shadow of the bushes, chafing at our hero's failure +to appear. + +Every minute seemed ten to him, there in the cold night wind, as he +meditated upon the events of the past few hours, and imagined his rival +enjoying the pleasure of escorting Nellie home. The more he thought upon +the matter the more vividly he pictured the situation, and the greater +the contrast seemed to be between his own position and that of the boy +he hated. + +And as he dwelt upon this picture, and thought, and thought rightly, +that Fred was prolonging the time in reaching Dr. Dutton's house, his +anger became more bitter against his intended victim, for being kept +there so long in the frosty night. + +It was indeed a galling situation for Matthew, and right well he +deserved to be placed in it. He was on a wicked errand--an errand for +which he should have suffered a severe punishment. Still the time went +on, and the cold grew more intense, until their teeth chattered, and +their fingers were benumbed; yet Fred did not appear. + +Matthew was so bent on revenge that he hated to give up his evil +project; but he had waited so long, looked, listened, and hoped, and no +sound of footsteps could he hear, that now he broke out angrily: + +"Worthington isn't coming, after all--the sneak!" + +"Don't believe he is," shivered Tim, who was evidently very anxious to +get out of his contract. + +"But he must come this way," continued Matthew. + +"He might go to the other road and cut across the grove." + +"Why should he do that when it is so much farther? Listen, do you hear +it? There is a step now!" exclaimed De Vere, clutching his club tightly. + +"Sure as I'm alive, there he comes," said Tim, pointing to an +approaching object just growing visible. + +"Let him get nearly opposite us before striking. Ah, now I'll get square +with him--the tramp! I'll teach him better than to interfere with me," +continued Matthew, swinging his club as if raining imaginary blows upon +the head of his victim. + +"I should think so," observed Tim. + +"He will think so, too, in about a minute. He will wish he had not +crossed my path." + +"Where shall I hit him?" + +"Hit him on the leg so he can't run." + +"He might get my club if he has the use of his arms, and then it would +be all day with us," put in Tim, with a hint at caution. + +"Don't you worry. I'll fix him quick enough so he won't bother us with +his arms," replied De Vere, in a savage tone. + +"How will you do it?" + +"Hush, now is the time!" returned Matthew, darting from his hiding +place. + +"Stop, you villain!" + +The words suddenly rang out upon the night in a powerful voice. They +struck terror to the heart of the highwayman, whose club was raised high +in the air, ready to descend upon his victim. + +The sudden appearance of a strong man before him, as if by magic, the +disappointment, the danger and the surprise, almost paralyzed Matthew +with fear, and he dropped his club and fled, like the coward that he +was. + +But not so fortunate in escaping was young Tim Short, for before he had +time to realize the unexpected situation his club fell heavily upon the +leg of the man that he had taken for Fred Worthington. + +Though he heard the command to stop, and did actually break the force of +his blow in consequence, nevertheless he struck so hard that Jacob +Simmons, for that was the name of the new comer, thought for a time that +his leg was broken. Notwithstanding this, he made sure of his assailant, +and held him in an iron grasp. + +Jacob was fairly taken aback at first as the two boys rushed out upon +him, but Tim's well aimed club speedily brought him to his senses, and +aroused his temper as well. He consequently fell upon his assailant like +a madman, and choked him till he cried piteously for quarter. + +"What does this mean?" demanded Jacob angrily, at the same time +enforcing his demand by shaking his prisoner as a terrier might shake a +rat. + +"I do--don--don't know," replied the boy, as he, with much difficulty, +forced breath enough through the grasp of the strong man's hand around +his throat to speak at all. + +"Don't, eh?" echoed Mr. Simmons, with another shake, given, probably, +with the view of bringing Tim back to his senses. + +"It was a mistake--oh, don't; you will cho--choke me to death." + +"Well, then, tell me all about this business, and why you assaulted me +in this outrageous manner." + +"We didn't know it was you. We thought----" + +"The truth, mind you, now." + +"I am telling the truth, and I say we thought you were some one else." + +"It was a plot, then, to rob and murder some one else?" + +"No, it wasn't, and I didn't have anything to do with the plot. Matthew +hired me to----" + +"Matthew who?" interrupted Jacob, whose anger was giving place, to some +extent, to his interest in the affair. + +"Matthew De Vere." + +"Matthew De Vere!" exclaimed Mr. Simmons, with intense surprise, giving +vent to a low whistle. "His father rich, proud, a banker," continued the +wily Jacob, easing his grasp upon the throat of Tim. "And he, Matthew De +Vere, is the villain who raised his club to hit me on the head--to +murder me, perhaps?" + +Young Short caught at the idea of freeing himself by implicating +Matthew, so he replied: + +"Yes, he was the fellow, but when he saw his mistake he dusted out, for +it wasn't you he wanted." + +"Of course you would plead innocent--all outlaws do--and try to throw +the blame on some one else; but you can't get away now. I shall have you +arrested and locked up for an attempt at robbery and murder." + +"Oh, don't--don't!" pleaded Tim, with tears and bitter anguish. + +"Come along. I'll have to put you in safe keeping, where you will not +get a chance to try this game of murder again right away." + +"Please don't! Oh, don't, Mr. Simmons! I will tell you all I know about +it, and do anything--work all my life for you if you will only let me +go." + +"Let you go, after this affair? Yes, I will let you go--go to the +sheriff! Come along, I say." + +"It's all Matthew's fault--wanting to lick Fred Worthington." + +"Do you expect me to believe such a story? It's a fine yarn to try and +clear yourself when you are the one that almost broke my leg with your +club." + +"He told me to hit you----" + +"Told you to hit me?" + +"I mean to hit Fred, for he was waiting for him--said he wanted to get +square with him." + +"Then, according to your own story, you hired yourself to Matthew De +Vere to come here and waylay an innocent boy, and beat him with clubs, +and perhaps murder him." + +"Yes; but I didn't think of it in that way or I wouldn't have come. +Matthew hired me." + +"So much the worse, if you would sell yourself to do such a wicked +deed. You are as guilty as he, and it is my duty to hand you over to the +State." + +It was plainly Mr. Simmons' duty to hand young Short over to the +authorities, but when he found that Matthew De Vere was the principal +offender, a scheme instantly suggested itself to him--a plan to extort +money from the rich banker to keep the affair a secret, and save his +family from disgrace. Thus Jacob's regard for the law and justice, which +was sincere at first, before he saw an opportunity of turning his +knowledge to a money value, was now but an assumed position to draw Tim +out, and to hold over his head the power that would frighten him into +doing his bidding. + +By entertaining this idea of suppressing the knowledge of the crime in +order to get the reward Mr. Simmons became, in a sense, a party to the +assault upon himself, and morally guilty with the boys, though +undoubtedly in a less degree. + +However, this did not trouble his conscience, as he was one who lived +for money, and he saw here a chance to replenish his pocketbook. He took +Tim with him, and, after getting his story in full regarding Matthew's +object in waylaying Fred Worthington, gave him a conditional pardon; +that is, he agreed to wait a few days before handing him over to the +sheriff, to see if he could get Matthew to buy his liberty by paying +handsomely to suppress the whole affair. If he did not succeed in this, +he assured Tim that he would then be arrested, convicted, and sent to +prison. + +Mr. Simmons next told his prisoner that Matthew was liable with him, and +would be arrested at the same time unless he complied with his +proposition, which was that he should be paid five hundred dollars cash +for the injuries he had received. If Matthew and his father did not +comply with this demand, then he would summon the sheriff at once, have +both offenders arrested, and the entire facts made public. + +Though five hundred dollars seemed an enormous sum to young Short, he +was nevertheless glad to get off temporarily on these conditions. He +promised to try to raise this amount through Matthew, or, if he failed +in so doing, to secure by some means one hundred dollars to free +himself. Jacob had at last very shrewdly, though with seeming +reluctance, agreed, if Tim could do no better, to take the one hundred +dollars in settlement for the part he played in the assault, provided he +would hold himself in readiness to testify against Matthew. + +Short readily agreed to this proposition, and looked upon the +magnanimous Mr. Simmons as a paragon of liberality, and as his best +friend. But before leaving the presence of his benefactor, the latter +was careful to note down all the facts touching upon the assault as +related by Tim, and made the boy sign the statement. + +This was a little precaution probably intended to assist Tim's memory if +he should happen to forget some important points. + +Jacob never forgot little matters like these when the interest of his +friends was to be considered, and in this especial instance he was +unusually keen. + + + + +VI. + + +Matthew left the scene of the assault very hastily, without even the +ordinary civility of saying good night. This, however, was in keeping +with his manner of leaving the party, for there he did not so much as +thank Miss Grace for her entertainment. + +Twice that night he had found walking too slow for his purpose, though +his object in the two cases was quite unlike. In the one instance he was +on a mission of revenge, and in the other he was animated by a keen +desire to avoid the immediate neighborhood of Mr. Jacob Simmons. + +He evidently imagined that Jacob's society would not be agreeable to +him. Taking this view of the matter, he thought it would be the wise +thing for him to come away, and not to press himself upon the man at so +late an hour of the night. + +He reasoned that there would be no impropriety in such a course, as Mr. +Simmons couldn't be lonesome, for Tim was with him, and would probably +remain with him for the night at least, so he withdrew from the scene. + +We commend Matthew's worldly wisdom, as things turned out, in doing just +as he did, for had he remained it is altogether probable that Jacob +would have given him also an exhibition of his muscular powers, and +Matthew--the gentle youth of fine clothes and haughty manner--wouldn't +have taken to it kindly. It wouldn't have been a popular entertainment +for him in any sense. + +He seemed fully impressed with this idea of the situation, for never had +he got over the ground so fast as he did that night. He ran the entire +distance to his own home, and even when in his room, with his door +locked, he trembled with fear, and cast nervous glances around, as if +half expecting to see the angry Mr. Simmons rush in and fall upon him +with remorseless blows. + +Matthew's evening had been anything but a success. Every move he had +made had not only failed to accomplish his purpose, but had actually +recoiled upon him. He little imagined, though, to what extent this was +the case in his last effort, for his fear was only of immediate bodily +punishment. + +As time passed, and his door was not burst open, he began to feel safe +once more, and as terror ceased to occupy his thoughts, it was replaced +by jealousy, and a desire for revenge upon Fred Worthington. He cared +little what became of Tim, and gave him hardly a passing thought since +he himself was safe from harm. He was not in the mood for sleep, so +passed the time in thinking over the events of the evening. + +It is a contemptible act of cowardice to lie in wait for a rival, and, +taking him thus at a disadvantage, spring upon him and beat him with +malicious pleasure. But Matthew would have felt no scruples on this +point, for it is just what he had planned to do; and now that he had +made of it a miserable failure, he resolved upon a new plot--an entirely +different form of revenge, but one, in many respects, much more to be +dreaded. + +When Fred Worthington's mind finally descended from the clouds, and he +began to think once more in a natural way, he at once took in the +situation. He knew that Matthew did not like him, and he had seen him +leave the party in an angry mood. Knowing him to be so revengeful, he +anticipated that trouble of some sort would follow; but he little +thought what that trouble would prove to be. + +Imagine his surprise, therefore, when the next afternoon Matthew called +at the store, in a very gracious mood, to see him and to talk over the +previous evening's entertainment. He was very agreeable, and as sociable +as if they had never quarreled. + +After he had gone, Fred began to feel somewhat guilty, thinking he had +unjustly wronged him. He disliked to have trouble with any one, and from +the fact that they had not been very good friends of late, and that now +De Vere had made the first concessions, Fred felt disposed to use every +effort to be on good terms with him. + +Matthew was quick to take note of this, and it suited his plans exactly. +At first he thought he would speak to Tom Martin about his despicable +purpose, and get his assistance. But he knew Dave Farrington would not +listen to it, for he had already shown a preference for Fred; so he +finally concluded to keep his own counsel, for should the facts at any +time become known, as they most probably would, then, if another boy +shared his secret, they would count heavily against him. + +He lost no opportunity in making friends with Fred, and they now +appeared together so much that the other boys could not understand what +had brought about such a marked change. It was a matter of remark to the +girls as well, for they also knew something of Matthew's hostility to +our young hero. + +"I am of the opinion that this sudden friendship is for a purpose that +Fred little suspects," said Dave Farrington, "for you know the +circumstances and remember what Matthew said to us before the party. My +idea is that he is the worst boy in the village, and that we have never +seen how mean he can be. Fred is a good fellow and is working hard to +get ahead, and I am sorry to see him fall in with De Vere. If it wasn't +meddling with the affairs of other folks, I would tell him to be on his +guard." + +"It does seem queer," replied Tom, "that matters should have taken this +turn; but I guess nothing will come of it. I know Matthew always wants +his own way, though, and is bound to have it, and that is why his +actions seem so odd just now." + +It had been Fred's custom to stay in the store nights until he got ready +to go home, but since he had been under the influence of Matthew he had +changed in this respect. Though he firmly intended to do nothing that he +would be ashamed of, or that would injure him in any way, yet he was in +dangerous company, and, like all others under similar circumstances, was +gradually being affected by it. + +One night De Vere suggested, as they were passing a drinking saloon--the +very one where he had found Tim Short--that they should go in and have a +glass of ginger ale. Fred had some conscientious scruples about this, +but, lest he should offend his companion, he yielded, saying to himself: +"There is nothing intoxicating about it; I don't see any more harm in +it than drinking soda. Still I don't like the surroundings." + +Having once visited that place of ruin, he hesitated less about going +the second time; so when he and Matthew again passed it (and the latter +purposely led him that way), Fred, feeling that he was under obligations +to his companion for his previous treat, invited him in. This time they +lingered a while to watch the billiard playing, and when a table was +unoccupied Matthew asked Fred to have a game with him, adding that he +would pay the expense. + +Fred accepted the proposition and won the game, though he had never +played before, while Matthew had had a good deal of experience. + +Billiards is a fascinating game, and, from the very fact of its +fascination, it is extremely dangerous for boys. It is usually +associated with drinking saloons, where the air is filled with evil +influences and the fumes of rum and tobacco; and, aside from these +degrading surroundings, it is a very expensive game. It is a very common +occurrence for one to find himself two or three dollars short for a +single evening's entertainment of this sort, and this, too, when no +drinking or betting has been done. + +Fred, of course, felt elated that he should win the game with an old +player, while Matthew chuckled over his own success; for, in purposely +allowing his opponent to win, and thereby playing on his conceit, he +had scored more points in his own subtle game than he had hoped. + +The obstacle that at first appeared to stand in the way of this young +scoundrel's accomplishing his purpose seemed to be well nigh surmounted. +He had carefully managed his victim, and would soon be paid for all his +trouble by the terrible revenge he would enjoy. + +There now remained the final act, which he arranged with the bartender, +by paying him a certain sum. + +It was agreed that De Vere should bring Fred in for a drink, and that +they would persuade him to take a glass of lager beer, that should +contain a large adulteration of whisky. + +Tim Short was taken into the secret with a view to rendering any service +that might be required of him. + +When the boys next appeared at the saloon, Matthew, with a pompous air, +said: + +"John, give me a glass of lager; I have got sick of drinking ginger ale. +It's nothing but a baby drink, any way. Fred, you'd better try the +lager, too. It's ever so much nicer than that slop. Just try it now, and +if you don't like it you needn't drink it. See how clear it is! I guess +I can beat you at billiards after taking this." + +The bartender laughed, and after indorsing all that De Vere had said, +added: + +"Folks is got about over drinking ginger ale, nowadays. Lager's the +proper stuff!" + +Fred was a good scholar, but there was a little word of two letters that +he had not yet learned how to spell; that is--_no_. + +He drank the beer, and his fate was sealed. He was now a tool in +Matthew's hands. On some pretense the young hypocrite excused himself +from playing a game of billiards as he had at first proposed, and +induced Fred to follow him into the street, knowing it was not safe for +him to remain longer in the heated saloon. + +It was his first intention to go back to the store, thinking that if Mr. +Rexford should see Fred in a tipsy state he would discharge him. But +just before reaching the merchant's place of business he stopped, and, +taking Fred by the arm, walked quickly up the street. + +Tim followed close enough to answer promptly if Matthew should summon +him. + +The liquor had already begun to have the desired effect. Fred had become +talkative and boisterous, and in such a condition that he could be +influenced to do almost any absurd thing. + +Matthew was bound to make the most of his opportunities, and so he +incited him by flattering words to call at Dr. Dutton's house, opposite +which they now stood. Fred assented to this, provided Matthew would +accompany him. This De Vere readily agreed to do, and he led the +intoxicated youth up to the door, and rang the bell sharply. + +Presently the door opened, and on stepping in Fred looked about for his +companion, but he was nowhere to be seen. + + + + +VII. + + +Tim Short made a very wretched attempt to obtain a night's sleep after +escaping from captivity, both because the night was well spent before he +reached home and because matters of too great importance rested upon his +mind to allow him to bury them in slumber. + +He reported at the factory at the usual morning hour, but after working +a little time complained of being sick, and was released for the +remainder of the day. If he was not physically ill, he was doubtless +sick at heart, so he speedily sought Matthew, and told him, with more or +less ill feeling, of his experience at the hands of Jacob Simmons, and +of the latter's demands in settlement (as he called it) for his +injuries. + +"And you 'squealed' on me?" demanded De Vere, with ill suppressed anger. + +"I told him who you were, to save him from choking me to death." + +"Is that all you said?" + +"He told me to tell the truth or----" + +"So you gave him the whole story--you idiot, to tell everything you +know!" + +"I only wish you had been in my place." + +"If I had I wouldn't have been an idiot!" retorted De Vere. + +"Oh, you wouldn't have! Some folks are very smart," replied Tim, getting +angry. + +"I'd have been smart enough for that." + +"A lot you would. If he'd had you as he had me, you would have told more +than I did, and promised anything he asked." + +"I'm not a baby, I want you to understand, to cry if any one looks at +me." + +"No, you are very brave, to have to get some one to help you to get +square with Fred Worthington." + +"I was a fool when I got you." + +"And I was a fool for having anything to do with you in this business. +You will be arrested and sent to prison, and so will I, unless you pay +Mr. Simmons the five hundred." + +"Arrested! What do you mean?" asked Matthew, turning pale. + +"I mean just what I said; if you don't pay him he will come down on us +within three days." + +"Did he say so?" gasped De Vere. + +"Yes, he did. He was going to take me to the sheriff last night, and +that's why I told everything." + +"Five hundred dollars! I can't get it without asking my father for it." + +"Well, ask him then." + +"He would find out everything, and would whip me almost to death." + +"Better be whipped than go to prison, and have every one know all about +it." + +"I won't do either." + +"How can you avoid it?" + +"Five hundred dollars is too much." + +"You'd better see Mr. Simmons and fix it with him." + +"I don't want to see him." + +"You will have to see him or send the money." + +The two boys finally called upon Jacob Simmons and entered into +negotiations. + +"I ought to have more than five hundred," said the latter. + +"How can I give it to you if I haven't got it?" asked Matthew. + +"Your father is rich, and could give me ten times as much and not miss +it." + +"Oh, don't tell him. I will pay you what I can." + +"If you had the money I would take it and say nothing more to him or any +one; but I must have it or hand you over to the sheriff." + +Matthew shuddered at this thought. He was in a dilemma, and hardly knew +which way to turn. + +After a good deal of parley, Mr. Simmons agreed to take three hundred +dollars in place of the five originally demanded. This act, however, was +not inspired by liberality or a desire to make the penalty less for the +boys, but with a feeling that he might get nothing if he were to take +the matter to the elder De Vere, as he gathered from Matthew's +conversation that the latter would run away from home rather than submit +to the severe punishment his father would be sure to give him. + +"Three hundred dollars," Jacob argued, "is much better than nothing." + +Matthew gave him what cash he had with him--seventeen dollars--and his +watch, and signed an agreement to pay the balance within six weeks. He +also indorsed the statement that Tim had signed about the assault as +being true, and the careful Mr. Simmons replaced it in his large +pocketbook for future use if it should at any time be needed. + + + + +VIII. + + +When Fred found that he was in Dr. Dutton's house, and that Matthew had +disappeared and deserted him, he was at a loss to know what to say or +what move to make. His mind was far from clear, and his tongue so +unwieldy that he could hardly manage it. + +He stood silent for a moment, evidently trying to collect his thoughts +and make out his situation; then, muttering some half intelligible +words, he made a start as if to leave the house. + +The doctor, who answered the summons of the bell, was struck nearly dumb +by the sight that greeted his eyes. He closed the door, and, taking the +youth by the shoulder, supported his unsteady steps to the office. + +The fumes of whisky readily indicated the cause of this unfortunate +occurrence, but the doctor was at a loss to know why Fred should be in +such a state. Was he not one of the most exemplary boys in town, and did +he not belong to the school, of which Dr. Dutton himself was +superintendent? + +Surely something must be wrong, thought the doctor, and he began to +question the boy, who on going from the cool air to a warm room had +grown so suddenly sick that he looked as if he would faint. + +The kind physician laid him gently on a lounge, and gave him such +professional treatment as the case demanded. + +There is a vast difference between one who has become intoxicated by a +single glass and one who has been drinking for hours, and has thereby +paralyzed his nerves and deadened his brain. In the former case the +liquor can be thrown from the stomach, and the victim soon recovers the +powers of his mind; while in the other event it may take several days to +restore his customary vigor. + +This sickness of Fred's was the very best thing that could have happened +to him, for he got rid of the vile poison before it had time to stupefy +him to any great extent. Nevertheless the dose was so strong and the +shock so great for his stomach that for a time he was extremely sick and +weak. + +But after lying quietly on the lounge for an hour or so, he regained a +little strength. + +The doctor ordered his carriage, helped Fred into it and took him home. +The latter was still so unnerved that he could hardly walk, but the cool +air benefited him so much that when he reached home he managed to get +into the house alone, and up to his room without disturbing his parents, +who had retired some time before. + +The next morning he awoke with a severe headache, and seemed generally +out of tune. + +The mere thought of what he had done--how he had disgraced himself by +going to a public bar, and there drinking to intoxication--caused him +the deepest sorrow and regret; but when he fully realized what a severe +wound his conduct would inflict upon his mother and father, and how they +would grieve over it--when he thought what the people of the town would +say, and remembered that he had actually called in this lamentable state +at Dr. Dutton's house--the place of all others he would have wished to +avoid--he became sick at heart as well as in body, and his tumultuous +feelings were only soothed by tears of honest repentance. + +However, Fred hurriedly dressed himself, went to the store as usual, and +commenced his accustomed labors. He saw at once, by Mr. Rexford's +manner, that he did not know what had happened the previous night, and +this afforded him a slight temporary relief; still, he knew it was only +a question of time before his employer would learn the whole story. + +When this took place, what would be the result? Would he lose his +situation? He knew that Mr. Rexford was a stern man, having little +charity for the faults of others. That his clerk should have been +intoxicated the previous night would undoubtedly irritate him greatly. + +Fred imagined that every one whom he saw knew of what he had done, and +looked upon him with disgust. He felt tempted to leave the village, and +never be seen again where he had so disgraced himself. Could he only go +to some new place, among strangers, and commence life over again, he +might have a better chance to work his way upward; but here this shame +would always hang, like a dark cloud, above him. + +On reflection, however, he saw that it would be both unmanly and +ungrateful to leave his parents. + +No; he was the guilty party, and he must stay here, where the +unfortunate occurrence had taken place, and here try, by the strictest +discipline, and the most watchful care, to regain his former standing +among his friends. + +As Fred thought over the occurrences of the past few weeks--of Matthew's +decided hostility, of his course at the party, and his sudden friendship +since that time--of his treachery and meanness the night before, in +getting him to call at Dr. Dutton's while intoxicated, and his deception +in so suddenly leaving him at the door--he saw clearly that he had been +made the victim of De Vere's mean and cruel malice. + +Moreover, he did not believe that a single glass of beer would have +produced such an effect upon him, and so he strongly suspected the +truth--that he had been drugged. + +Still, he decided to bear the blame himself, and not throw it upon +another, though there might be justice in such a course. He felt +confident that the truth would at some time come to light, if he said +nothing about it, whereas, should he bring forward his suspicion as an +excuse for getting tipsy, the charge would at once be denied, and then +he would be less liable to fix the guilt upon the young villain who had +made him the plaything of his ill will. + +He knew, also, that he was to blame for having visited the iniquitous +den at all, and much more for allowing himself to be persuaded to +indulge even in what is popularly considered a harmless drink. + +He was so absent minded during the day, and showed so clearly in his +face that something was troubling him, that keen eyed John Rexford +observed it, and wondered what had happened to check the flow of the +boy's spirits. + +Rexford was a selfish man, and thought that possibly something +pertaining to the store had gone wrong. Such an idea was enough to +arouse his suspicion, for he was wholly wrapped up in his business. He +could not look beyond that, and had no feeling for others--only making +an occasional show of it for the sake of policy. + +A man who lives in such a way is not half living. He is not broad, +intelligent, liberal, and sympathetic, but is narrowed down to a sordid, +grasping existence. + +I often pity such men, for though they may have wealth in abundance, +they know not how to enjoy it. Neither do they possess the faculty of +deriving pleasure from kindness and generosity. + +They can see no beauty in art or nature, and when they become unfit for +pursuing their vocation, they have nothing to look forward to. The life +beyond is something to which they have given little thought. They have +starved their nobler nature that is nourished on higher things, until it +is dwarfed and shriveled, and the baleful results of such an unnatural +mode of life are pictured in their countenances. + +Fred's most trying ordeal during the day was that of going to Dr. +Dutton's house with goods; for if others did not know of what was on his +mind, surely the doctor's family did. He knew that he had forfeited the +good opinion they had had of him, and he wished to avoid meeting them. + +To his surprise Mrs. Dutton greeted him pleasantly, and made no +reference whatever to the affair of the previous night. Her motherly +nature pitied him sincerely, for she saw plainly written in his face the +sorrow that he so keenly felt. Bless the dear soul for her kind, +sympathetic heart, and the cheerful, helpful look she gave the boy in +the hour of his trial! + +This unexpected charity helped Fred not a little; but the conspicuous +absence of Miss Nellie, evidently due to a purpose of avoiding him, sent +a chill deep into his very heart, which was plainly reflected in his +face and exhibited in his demeanor. Fred's regard for her, I think we +may safely infer, was much stronger and of a finer type than the +ordinary preferences shown by boys of his age; therefore we can +understand why he was so deeply affected by her turning away from him as +if he were unfit to be her associate. + +Matthew De Vere made the most of his opportunity. He felt that he was +being revenged now. He took great care to spread the report, and to +inform a certain one in particular of the facts concerning Fred. His +version of them was a highly colored one; but of course he made no +allusion to the adulteration of the liquor. He claimed that he induced +Fred to leave the bar room, and intimated that he must have drunk +several times before he saw him, "for," he said, "one glass of beer +could not have made him tipsy." + +By afternoon, the report spread nearly through the town, for, as Milton +says: + + Evil news rides post, while good news baits. + +Dave Farrington and Tom Martin called to see Fred and talk the matter +over with him. The latter did not breathe his suspicions of the real +cause of the occurrence, but simply told the facts. The boys quickly +replied that they considered it a trick of De Vere's, and that this was +the mean way he had taken to carry out his threat of "getting the +advantage of him." + +This conversation confirmed Fred's opinion, and though he felt ashamed +of himself, and was bound to suffer for his foolish act, while the +guilty party went free, yet he reflected: + +"I would rather be in my place than in Matthew's, for I shall learn by +this experience not to be influenced by another to do anything without +first counting the cost, and seeing whether it is right and best. If it +is not, I won't do it for anybody's friendship. This will also teach me +to keep away from suspicious places, and to avoid the temptations and +corrupting influences of a bar room. De Vere's guilt will work more +injury to him, in the long run, than my damaged reputation will to me." + +Towards the close of the day Mr. Rexford heard of the previous night's +occurrence. He immediately called Fred into the counting room, and +sternly, and in an excited manner, questioned him as to the truth of the +report. + +The latter acknowledged its correctness, and told his story, stating +that he drank but one glass of beer, and that that was his first, and +would also be his last. + +The suspicious merchant was very angry, and disposed to doubt the boy's +statement. He said that it was a mystery to him where Fred got the money +to spend for such a purpose--intimating that perhaps it came from his +own cash drawer. Then, after giving him a sharp lecture, he hinted at +discharge, saying that he would have no drinking persons about him. + +John Rexford well knew the value of such a boy as Fred, and had no real +intention of sending him adrift. But he wished to make the most of his +opportunity, and to impress the boy, and the public if possible, with +the idea that in keeping him he was doing a very magnanimous act. + +So he said that he would overlook this fault, though a grave one, and +retain Fred for the present on probation; but he warned the boy that he +must keep a sharp lookout, as the first misdeed, or suspicious act on +his part, would result in immediate discharge. + +The turn of affairs was anything but pleasant to Fred, though better +than he had expected. And it was far more satisfactory to him than the +previous suspense, when he had not known what his employer would decide +to do. + +When the day's work was over, Fred went directly home, where he found +his father and mother seated before the open fire. + +The latter was somewhat worried about her son, for he looked pale and +worn, and had eaten hardly anything since the night before; still she +knew nothing of the cause of this. His father had received some +intimation of what had happened, but had decided to say nothing to his +wife about it for the present. + +Fred had no intention, however, of keeping his parents in ignorance of +his adventure; but taking his seat by the side of his mother, and where +he could look both parents in the face, he told them the whole story, +going minutely into all of the details. + +He also told them of the conversation which had occurred between himself +and Rexford. + +Both parents listened intently to this statement. The mother at first +sobbed bitterly, on hearing from the lips of her own child--on whom her +hopes and pride were centered--that he had been in such company and in +such a condition. + +The father doubtless felt the disgrace quite as keenly, for he was a +sensitive, intelligent man and naturally feared that this was but the +beginning of a dissipated life. Still, he could hardly look for that +from a boy whom he had tried so hard to instruct in what is manly and +right, and who had always seemed to profit by his teaching. + +But as Fred progressed in his narration, and showed how the lamentable +result had been brought about, and that he had been made a victim of De +Vere's revenge in consequence of the latter's jealousy, both parents +looked upon the whole matter in a very different light. Mr. Worthington +was extremely indignant, and expressed his determination to see De +Vere's father and demand redress for the despicable course Matthew had +taken. He also vowed that he would wage war against that bartender, and +drive him out of town. + +Fred, however, urged his father not to do either, since he believed it +would only make a bad matter worse; adding that he had decided that it +would be better for him to say and do nothing about the affair, further +than to mention that Matthew was with him. He requested his father to +adopt the same course. Mrs. Worthington, too, thought this the better +plan, so after some persuasion her husband agreed to accept the +situation and wait for time to bring the truth to light. + +The wisdom of such a course must be apparent to my readers when they +stop to think upon the matter, as did Fred. For, had he charged De Vere +with being the cause of his misfortune, and alleged that the bartender +had drugged him, both villains would instantly have denied it, and +would, doubtless, have thrown the lie upon young Worthington, thus +making him appear more at disadvantage than before. Besides, the +villagers would be disposed to believe them, as it is well known that +every one guilty of a misdemeanor is sure to give some excuse for his +action, though excuses usually have but little weight. + +On the other hand, a secret becomes burdensome to one after a time. If +it is of a trivial nature, and the author finds he is not suspected, he +will finally tell it as a joke, contrasting his cunning with the +stupidity of his victim; while if it be of a graver sort, it will +finally be disclosed, if for no other reason than to unburden the mind. + +While both of Fred's parents regretted most deeply what had happened, +they felt proud to think that he had told the whole truth, without even +waiting to be questioned upon the subject. + +If all boys would follow Fred's example in this respect whenever they +get into any trouble, they would not only retain the confidence of their +parents, but would receive the rewards of a clear conscience and an +unburdened heart. + + + + +IX. + + +There is something rather peculiar about the fact that troubles of any +sort never seem to come singly. This has been noticed by almost every +person of wide experience, and the idea is crystallized in the proverb: +"It never rains but it pours." The adage certainly held true in Fred's +case. + +Only a few days after the occurrence related in the preceding chapter, +and when Fred had begun to feel a little more at ease in his mind, he +was called up sharply one night by his employer, who said to him: + +"Fred, what have you done with the twenty dollar bill that was in this +drawer?" + +"I have seen no such bill there to-day, sir," replied the clerk. + +"You have seen no such bill, do you say? I took a new twenty dollar bill +of James D. Atwood this afternoon, when he settled his account, and I +put it in this drawer," pointing to the open cash drawer before him. + +"It seems queer, sir; but I am sure that I have not paid it out or seen +it. Didn't you give it to Woodman and Hardy's man when you paid him +some money to-day?" + +"No!" replied the merchant nervously, "he was here early in the +afternoon, before I took the bill. There has been no one to the cash +drawer but you and myself--unless you neglected your business and +allowed some scoundrel in behind the counter while I was at tea." + +Fred flushed up at this intimation that he might have been false to his +trust, and replied, with some show of injured feeling: + +"Mr. Rexford, if any money has been lost, I am sorry for you; but as I +said, I know nothing about it. You say you took in a twenty dollar bill, +and that now it is gone. If a mistake has occurred in making change, I +don't know why it should be laid to me any more than yourself, for I am +as careful as I can be." + +"Do you mean to say, young man, that I have made a mistake of this size +in making change?" + +"I simply say, there must be a mistake somewhere. Have you figured up +your cash account to know just how it stands?" + +Mr. Rexford had not figured it up, but on discovering that the bill was +missing, and noticing that there was little increase in the other money, +he jumped to the conclusion that the drawer was twenty dollars short. +But on carefully going over his cash and sales accounts, and reckoning +the money on hand, he found that there was just eighteen dollars +missing. + +This discovery only added mystery to the already perplexing matter. It +certainly looked now as though some cunning method had been employed to +swindle him. + +The merchant's brow contracted at the thought, and after a few moments +he said, in an excited and angry manner: + +"Worthington, you know about that bill, and are trying to deceive me. I +can see no way but that you took it during my absence, and in trying to +cover up your act put two dollars in the drawer; but, young man, I'd +have you know that such tricks can't be played on me!" + +The flush that had appeared upon Fred's face was now gone, and in its +stead appeared the paleness of anger. He stepped squarely up to his +accuser, and said, in a determined tone: + +"Do you mean to say that I stole your money? If you mean that, sir, you +say what is false, and you shall----" + +"No, no; I don't--er--er--I won't say that--but--but be calm and let me +see!" + +"Do you withdraw your accusation, then?" demanded the youth, whose +manner was such that Rexford was glad, for the time being, to retract +his statement, or make any admission whatever, for he saw that in the +boy's eyes which warned him to adopt a more conciliatory policy and to +do it speedily. + +He consequently retreated from his position, and assured Fred that he +had spoken too hastily in accusing him. He also moved cautiously +backward to another part of the store, doubtless feeling that the air +would circulate more freely between them if they were some distance +apart; then he added: + +"But the bill is gone, and as I have not paid it out, I want it +accounted for." + +"No doubt you do," said Fred. "I should like to know where it is myself. +As long as you put it on that ground I will not object, but you shall +not charge me squarely with committing a theft." + +"No, I won't charge you directly with taking it, but I have my opinion +as to where it has gone," rejoined Rexford, with an insinuating air. + +Fred knew well what that opinion was; but it was beyond his power to +challenge it while unexpressed, and he could not at that time change it +by proving his innocence, so he replied: + +"Very well, you can think as you like, if that gives you any +satisfaction." + +"Yes, yes; very good! But I will get my satisfaction, not in thinking, +but in acting! You were hired as my clerk, and it was your duty to work +for my interest, and look out for this store in my absence. As this bill +disappeared while under your charge, I shall hold you responsible for +it," said the merchant, as he rubbed his thin, bony hands together. + +This made the color again change in Fred's face, which, being noticed by +Rexford, influenced him to move a few paces nearer to the door, as he +possibly thought it still a little warm for his comfort, while young +Worthington exclaimed: + +"You will never get a cent of my money for this purpose! Now you just +remember that!" + +"Not so fast, young man! You forget that I owe you about fifteen +dollars, and I'll keep that amount in partial payment for this loss. +Don't think you are going to get ahead of me quite so easy!" + +"I'm not trying to get ahead of you, but I want my rights and what is +due me, and I will have both. I don't more than half believe there was a +twenty dollar bill here at all! It is one of your mean tricks to beat me +out of my money. It is not much more, sir, than I have seen you do by +customers--adulterating goods, giving short weight and measures, +and----" + +"Stop there! you vil--er--insinuating rascal," yelled the proprietor, in +a rage, his limbs and features twitching nervously. "Do you mean to say +that I cheat my customers, and----" + +"Yes, that is just what I mean," replied Fred firmly. + +"I'll have you arrested at once. I won't be insulted by such a scamp!" + +"Be careful whom you call a scamp!" said Fred, while Rexford again edged +off. "I'd like to have you arrest me, for then I could tell things about +you and your store that would make a stir in this village! What if some +of the folks find out that the XXX St. Louis brand of flour, for which +they pay you ten dollars a barrel, is a cheap grade that you bought in +plain barrels and stamped yourself? Now do you want to arrest me? If you +do there are many other things I can tell, and I wouldn't pass your +accounts by either. I know something of what has been going on +here--more than you think, perhaps." + +These rapid and earnest utterances from young Worthington wrought a +complete change in the merchant. They alarmed him, for he saw that the +boy had the advantage, and out of policy he must stop matters before +they became any worse. So he said, in a humble and subdued tone: + +"Fred, it's no use for us to quarrel about this. You know it is not +proper for you to go outside and tell your employer's business, and----" + +"I know it is not, and I would only do so to defend myself; but when you +threaten to keep my money, and to have me arrested, then I will show +what kind of a man is trying to take advantage of me." + +"Very well, then, if I pay you your money, you will say nothing about +the business of this store, I suppose?" + +"No, I will say nothing about what I have just mentioned, unless I +should be put on trial; then, of course, I should be obliged to +testify." + +"You will not be put on trial. I take you at your word--your word of +honor," added the merchant impressively. + +"Yes, my word of honor!" repeated Fred, "and that means that your +secrets are safe." + +The wily Rexford had now gained his point--Fred's promise--and he +quickly changed front and cried: + +"Well, there's your money--fifteen dollars--now consider yourself +discharged from my employ!" + +"'Discharged,' did you say, sir?" ejaculated Fred, utterly taken aback +at this sudden turn of events. + +"I said 'discharged,'" repeated the merchant, fidgeting about; "you know +what the word means, I presume?" + +Fred did know what it meant. It meant more than Rexford's narrow spirit +could even comprehend. It meant disgrace, perhaps ruin. + +Fred took the money, the few bills, the last he would earn in the old +store, and stood for a moment turning them over listlessly--evidently +not counting them, but as if to aid him in solving the problem that +rested heavily upon his mind. + + + + +X + + +"Isn't the money all right?" asked the merchant, finally. + +"Mr. Rexford," said Fred, not noticing the inquiry, "I want you to tell +me if I lost my place on account of that missing bill." + +"That is exactly why," replied the merchant, "for I have always been +satisfied with your work. Had you never got into that drunken scrape, +though, I probably should not have thought so much of it, even if I +could see no way in which to account for the mystery." + +Fred felt it a cruel injustice that he should be discharged and +disgraced simply on the suspicion of a crime of which he was, in fact, +entirely innocent: still he could see that the merchant had some grounds +for his distrust, for when a boy once gets a stain upon his character it +is almost impossible to utterly efface it. It may be forgotten for a +time, but if any untoward circumstance afterward arises, the remembrance +of the old misdeed comes speedily to the surface and combines with later +developments to work injury to him. Thus my readers can see the great +importance of always doing what is right, thereby keeping their +reputations unsullied. + +Had Fred not fallen a victim to De Vere's revengeful plot, he would have +been saved the shame that caused him so much misery; he would have +retained the good opinion of the people of Mapleton; he would not have +forfeited a certain very desirable friendship; and he would, in all +probability, have held his position with Mr. Rexford, regardless of the +mysterious disappearance of the bill. + +Our young friend left the store where he had worked hard and faithfully, +and where he was gaining an insight into a business, the knowledge of +which, he hoped, would some day enable him to become an active and +prosperous merchant. But now, alas! he had been discharged and sent away +in disgrace. + +Fred started for home with a more sorrowful heart than he had ever known +before. His last chance of success seemed, for a time, to be gone. The +villagers would now lose all faith in him, he would have no friends, and +even his father and mother might doubt his honesty. It would be useless +for him to try for a situation in another store, when it became known +why he was discharged from John Rexford's. + +It was not surprising that young Worthington was so cast down, while the +shock was fresh upon him, for there seemed now to be no way by which he +could build himself up. But in this country there is always a chance for +an honest, ambitious, and determined boy to succeed by careful thought, +patient endurance, and hard work. Sometimes, to be sure, one can see +very little ahead to encourage him to push on and hope to come out +victorious. This is the very point at which many fail. They cannot stand +up "under fire," but fall back when by sufficient will force they might +win a decisive victory in the battle of life. + +When Fred reached home, wearing a most dejected look, Mrs. Worthington +exclaimed: + +"Why, my son, what brings you home so early? I hope you are not ill!" + +"No, I'm well enough, mother, but I'm tired of trying to amount to +anything." + +"What has happened now?" exclaimed the mother, with an alarmed +expression on her face. + +"I have been discharged by Mr. Rexford, on suspicion of having stolen +money from the store." + +"Stolen money!" uttered both parents simultaneously, as they grew pale +at the terrible thought. + +"Yes, that is what I am charged with, though I know nothing about the +missing money. That is what makes it so hard to bear." + +"Tell me the particulars," said the anxious father; whereupon his son +related all that had taken place between himself and the merchant--all +save that which related to Rexford's sharp practices, of which he had +promised to say nothing. + +After the story was finished, all were silent for a time. Both mother +and boy looked heart sick, and gazed wistfully into the blaze that +burned brightly in the open grate, as if they might discover there the +secret of the mystery, while the father sat with knitted brows, studying +carefully the statements which Fred had made. + +At length he broke the silence, and said: + +"My son, you have never deceived me. You came to your mother and me with +true manhood, and told us of your first disgrace, while many boys would +have tried hard to keep it from their parents. Though I never had reason +to suspect you of wrong doing, yet that voluntary act upon your part +proved to me that you had the courage to do right and own the truth. Now +something has taken place that seems worse than the other; but as you +say you are innocent, I believe it, and think that some great mistake +has been made. I don't know where it can be, but we must try to clear it +up." + +Though these were welcome words to Fred, he was much cast down +notwithstanding. + +"But, father," he replied, "the people will all believe me guilty when +they see I am out of the store, and learn the circumstances." + +"It is far better for you, my boy, that they should suppose you guilty, +when you are conscious of your innocence, than that the whole world +should believe you innocent, if you were really guilty." + +"Well, I don't see how we can show that I did not take the money." + +"Neither do I, at present; but time will straighten this matter, as it +does almost everything. Don't expect that we can accomplish much while +we are sitting here and talking about it." + +"What shall we do, then, father?" + +"Wait until we can see how to proceed." + +"Well, I don't see any way; and, besides, I am about discouraged, now +this is added to the other disgrace; and to think that I am not +responsible for either!" exclaimed Fred, with deep emotion. + +"I think you were responsible, to a certain extent, for the first," said +his father. + +"How was I responsible when De Vere led me into it, and had my drink +adulterated?" + +"You were to be blamed for going to the bar at all. You should not have +been influenced by such a fellow as that scamp." + +"Yes, I know I didn't do right in that respect, but I had no reason to +suppose that such a result would follow." + +"One hardly ever does when he is being led on to do some wrong act by a +crafty villain." + +"Matthew probably would have had his revenge in some other way, if he +had not succeeded in his first trial." + +"Very true; but had it been in some other form, it might have been shown +that he was the guilty party; whereas now it would seem that you were +the author of your own misfortune, while the real agent of the +occurrence goes unsuspected, and exults in your downfall." + +"I thought he wanted to be friends with me, so I tried not to displease +him." + +"Well, I hope that affair will be a valuable lesson to you. It has +certainly proved itself a costly one. You should learn to look at the +motives of people, and not trust them too far, simply because they smile +upon you once and seem friendly. I don't think that your judgment was +very keen, or you would have seen through De Vere's sudden change of +manner when you had reason to suppose he would maintain a more hostile +attitude than ever." + +"Don't be too hard upon him, Samuel," interrupted Mrs. Worthington, who +saw that Fred was growing restive under his father's rebukes. + +"I am not trying to be hard upon him," replied her husband, "but simply +wish to bring this matter before him in a way that will enable him to +make the most of this experience. I want to teach him to avoid such +errors in the future; for this is an almost fatal mistake in his case, +which will follow him for years, and will, so far as I can see, change +his whole life's career." + +"Why, how is that, father?" inquired Fred, in a half frightened voice. + +"It is simply this: your mother and I always intended that you should +become a merchant. We instilled that idea into you from a child, and as +you grew older, to our satisfaction you showed a decided taste for such +a life. At last I got you a place in a store where I thought you could +build yourself up, and, in course of time, go into business for +yourself. You showed an aptitude for the work, and Mr. Rexford assured +me that you were one of the very best clerks that ever worked for him. +This, however, was before he was led to suspect you because of the De +Vere affair. Now you have been discharged by him on the suspicion of +having stolen money from his drawer. Under these circumstances, no one +in town would take you into his store as clerk; so you may as well give +up, first as last, the idea of becoming a trader." + +"Couldn't I get a place in Boston, or somewhere else?" + +"I think not; and if you could, I should not be willing to have you go +away from home." + +"Why not, father? Wouldn't it be better than for me to stay here, where +I can get nothing to do?" + +"No, my son; you are too young to go away from home, where you would +have no one to look after you, and where you would be subject to many +evil influences." + +"Here every one will think I am a thief, and probably my friends will +not speak to me," added Fred, in a more sorrowful tone than ever. + +"So much the more reason why you should remain here. Were you to go away +now, the people would surely think you guilty. No, no, my son! You must +stay here, where circumstances have conspired against you, and show by +your life that you are innocent. Then, too, by living here, you can +gather evidence that may be of value to you." + +"Where can I get any evidence?" + +"You can give it, if you can't get it," replied his father, "by going to +work tomorrow morning, and thus showing your good intentions." + +"There is nothing to do in this dull town that I know of." + +"There is always something to be done. But work won't come to you; you +must look it up. The important thing with you now is to find something +to do; for nothing so injures a boy or man in the sight of others as +loafing." + +"Can't I be with you in the shop, father?" + +"No, I don't want you to learn a shoemaker's trade. If I had been in +some other business, I might, perhaps, have been rich now. Shoemaking +doesn't afford one much chance to rise, however hard he works. You will +have to give up the idea of being a merchant, for the present, at least, +and perhaps forever; so I want you to engage in something where your +opportunities for advancement will not be limited as mine have been. No +matter if you have to commence at the very bottom of the ladder; you can +build yourself up by hard and intelligent work." + +Fred now began to brighten up a little, and after some further +conversation with his father and mother, in which they tried to +encourage him as much as possible, he said: + +"Father, you know I have always had an ambition to be somebody. When I +saw that De Vere was trying to turn my friends against me, because I was +a poor man's son, I made up my mind that I would push ahead harder than +ever; but now"--he spoke with a good deal of determination and force for +a boy--"I will succeed if I have to work day and night to accomplish +it." + + + + +XI. + + +The village of Mapleton had but three manufacturing industries: a lumber +mill, where logs were sawed up into various dimensions; a box shop, in +which were made wooden boxes of many different sizes and shapes; and a +large woolen factory. After leaving home, Fred went directly to the +agent of the lumber mill and tried to get a chance to work for him, but +in this he was unsuccessful. At the box shop he likewise received no +encouragement, for there they needed no help. So there was but one more +place left to try--that was the woolen factory, where he might still +find a vacancy. + +The idea of becoming a factory hand, after having been behind the +counter as clerk, was repulsive to him; still he must do something; +anything was better than idleness. Consequently he went to the mill, and +climbed four long flights of stairs, which took him to the top of the +building. Here he opened a large, heavy iron door, and entered the +spinning room, down which he passed until he came to the overseer's +desk. + +The latter--a large, gruff, red faced man--was not there at the time, +but on spying Fred he hurriedly came forward and demanded to know the +boy's business. On being informed that employment was wanted, he said he +needed no help, and indicated by his manner that he wished to be +bothered no further. + +Young Worthington now dropped down a flight and tried to get work in the +card room, but with no success. On the next floor below was the weaving +room, and here he soon learned that the overseer considered that he +could get along very successfully without his help. + +But two more departments--the finishing and the dyeing rooms--remained +to be visited, and then the ordeal would be over. + +As the boy descended the stairs to the former, he had very little hope +of accomplishing his purpose, for thus far he had received no +encouragement whatever. + +Fred knew the gentleman in charge of the department perfectly well, for +he was his Sunday school teacher, and moreover, was the father of his +friend Dave; nevertheless he passed down the long hall with many a +misgiving, and approaching the overseer timidly, said: + +"Good morning, Mr. Farrington." + +"Good morning, Fred," said the latter cordially. "What brings you here +this morning?" + +"I came in, sir," replied Fred, with an evident sense of humiliation, +"to see if you could give me work in your department." + +"Why, you can't mean it! You have not left the store, I hope?" + +"Yes, I do mean that I want a job, and I am sorry to say I got through +in the store last night." + +"You surprise me! What could have been the trouble?" + +Fred knew he was now talking to a large hearted, sympathetic man, and +one who had always seemed to take a keen interest in his welfare, so he +related the entire incident. + +Mr. Farrington watched him closely as he recited what had taken place at +the store, and then the kind hearted man expressed, both by words and +manner, his regret that matters should have taken such a turn. "My boy, +don't look so discouraged," he said. "I will do what I can to help you. +Mr. Rexford should not have judged you so hastily; from what you tell +me, I can't see that he has any good proof that you are guilty." + +"I am certain that I am not guilty, but how can I prove my innocence?" + +"Ah, that may be difficult, as it is a mysterious affair. But I believe +you have told me the truth, and I shall do all I can to help you in +every way." + +Our young friend brightened up somewhat at this cheering statement, and +with a grateful look, replied: + +"You know, Mr. Farrington, I just told you why he so readily suspected +me, and he has had no faith in me ever since that time." + +"That was an unfortunate occurrence, to be sure, but from what Dave +says, I think if the whole truth were known you would be blamed less." + +"I am glad you know something of the facts of that affair, and have some +charity for me; before coming in here, I began to think that every one +had turned against me, and I hardly had courage to ask you for a place, +they treated me so in all the upper rooms." + +"Did you go up there to try to get work?" + +"Yes." + +"Why didn't you come to me first?" + +"I hardly know, only I didn't feel like asking you for favors under the +circumstances, for I couldn't tell what you would think of me since +being discharged by Mr. Rexford." + +"Well, that is human nature, I suppose, for I have often noticed that +when one gets into trouble, instead of going to his friends for advice +and assistance, he will seek the aid of those who care nothing for his +welfare. I am glad, however, that you did not get work in the other +rooms, for then you would not have come to me, and I should not have +heard your version of this matter. Moreover, I suspect the feeling that +kept you away from me this morning would have influenced you to leave my +class at the Sunday school. But now you won't do that, will you?" + +"No, I will not. Father and mother would not allow me to, any way." + +"You are fortunate in having such parents; but as to coming here to +work, I want to see you get something better. You are too smart and +ambitious a boy to come into a factory, for such labor, as a rule, makes +one stupid and unfits him for anything else." + +"I would like something better," replied Fred more cheerfully. "I +couldn't bear the thought of always being a common mill hand; still I +should be very glad to get even this for a while, rather than lie idle. +Isn't there a chance to work up, the same way that you did?" + +"Yes, there is a chance, but it is a small one; for I should say that +from the great number who enter a factory, not one out of ten thousand +ever gets as high as an overseer. Still, you are right in wanting to get +to work, and you had better be here than on the street corners; but +instead of taking up with this, can't it be shown what became of the +missing money? If so, perhaps I can influence Mr. Rexford to take you +back. Or, if I couldn't, yet by your showing yourself innocent of his +charge you would then be in a fair way of getting a position in some +other store, for you were popular with customers, I understand." + +"I don't know of any way to account for the missing bill. I never saw it +at all." + +"You never saw it, and you say there were just eighteen dollars +missing?" + +"Yes, sir." + +Mr. Farrington mused thoughtfully a moment, then muttered to himself, +yet audibly: "Eighteen dollars missing!" + +Presently he said aloud: "I will think this matter over, and see what I +can do for you. Come and see me tomorrow forenoon." + + + + +XII. + + +John Rexford cared very little for the interests of others. His humanity +was dwarfed and his regard for Fred's feelings or reputation amounted to +nothing. In fact, he cherished malice against the boy for getting the +better of him in the matter of his dealings with his customers. + +That our young friend should have found out so much about his business +methods, and should dare to hold the threat of exposure over his head, +rankled in the breast of J. Rexford, Esq. With something of a spirit of +revenge he took good care to let his suspicions become generally known +regarding his former clerk, knowing, as he must, that the injury to him +would be almost irreparable. + +In consequence of the merchant's free expression of opinion, by noon +nearly all of the villagers knew of Fred's discharge and his +dishonesty--or rather what they supposed and were willing to accept as +his dishonesty. + +They further coupled this episode with the bar room occurrence, and at +once decided that Worthington was a dissipated young scamp, and +whatever good opinions they might have held of him before were +straightway forgotten. + +Thus was Fred rated by the people of Mapleton, many of whom he met on +coming from the mill. As he passed up the street towards his home some +of them spoke to him in a strained, unnatural manner, others looked at +him in a knowing way, and a few small boys crowded about him, as though +he was on exhibition. + +Here and there, also, curious feminine heads appeared at the windows, +and though Fred walked with his eyes apparently fixed upon the ground, +they were turned upward sufficiently to catch glimpses of certain well +known forms, and he believed himself the subject of their thoughts and +conversation. + +Once he raised his head as if by an irresistible impulse, for he was +then passing the residence of Dr. Dutton. Why he did so he could not +satisfy himself, for he half expected to see Miss Nellie at the window, +and he dreaded meeting her eyes; yet there was a strange fascination +about the house, and with this sense of dread, strong as it was, he was +conscious of a much stronger desire to look on her sweet face, hoping +that her eyes might show at least a kindly feeling towards him, if +nothing more. But instead of Nellie he saw her mother, who seemed +looking directly at him. + +"She must have heard everything from the new clerk," thought Fred, and +he fancied that in his single hasty glance he saw a look of mingled +sympathy and sorrow. + +He knew her for a noble, tender hearted woman, one who had shown him +many a kindness, and who possessed such delicacy of feeling that she had +never referred in his presence to that wretched night when he called +there in a state of intoxication. + +When our young friend reached home, he was despondent, as you may +imagine. He threw himself upon the lounge, and thought over the +occurrences of the morning--of his unsuccessful attempt to get work, and +of the general attitude of the people--and it seemed to his young and +sensitive mind that he could not bear their unjust suspicions. + +Then he remembered the kindness of Mr. Farrington, who had promised to +assist him in trying to clear his reputation, and expressed a desire to +aid him in other ways. The thought made him sincerely thankful that he +had been one of Mr. Farrington's scholars in Sunday school, and had +thereby gained the friendship of such a man. To have a friend like him +at this time was worth everything, for Mr. Farrington was a prominent +man and had great influence throughout the village. + +Our young friend remained at home the rest of the day. In the evening +his friend Dave called. + +"Tell me how it all happened, Fred," said he, taking him by the hand +with a friendly grasp. + +"I suppose you have heard the whole story long before this." + +"Yes, but I want to hear your side, and then I shall know the truth." + +"Thank you, Dave, for your confidence in me. I only wish others had half +as much. Yes, I am through at the old store that I thought so much of." + +"But is it possible you were discharged, as I heard at school?" + +"Yes, I was discharged," replied Fred sorrowfully. "I tell you, Dave," +he continued, "it is pretty hard to be discharged on an unjust +suspicion, and to be looked upon in the village as I am tonight." + +"It's too bad! I'm sorry for you, Fred, and I think De Vere is the cause +of the whole trouble." + +"I don't see how he could have been at the bottom of what came up +yesterday between Mr. Rexford and me." + +"Well, I believe, from what he said, that he was the means of your first +trouble, and I can't see why you won't charge him with it, and not let +every one think he is so nice and that you are guilty." + +"What has he said?" asked Fred eagerly, thinking perhaps Matthew had +exultingly told the boys his trick. + +"He told Tom Martin that he was glad you showed up as you did, for it +gave the people a chance to see what kind of a fellow you were." + +"Was that all he said?" + +"No; Tom said to him that he supposed he and you were great friends, as +he had seen you together so much. De Vere replied that he knew what he +was about, and had gained his point. That's all I heard. Isn't that +enough?" + +"Oh, that doesn't count for anything!" replied Fred, turning the matter +off. "But tell me," he continued, "what was said at school about me. You +said you heard the report there." + +"Do you really want me to tell you?" + +"Yes; I am not expecting anything complimentary, and may as well know +the worst." + +Dave Farrington hesitated a moment, unwilling to repeat the unkind words +of Fred's former schoolmates. + +"The worst came from De Vere," he said at length. + +Fred's face colored. + +"I expected this," he replied; "but what did he say?" + +"When I got to the school house for the afternoon session, De Vere was +there, and knowing that I always stood up for you, he cried out in a +sneering way: + +"'Well, Farrington, what have you to say for your friend Worthington +now? I suppose, of course, you know what he has done, and that John +Rexford discharged him last night?' + +"I said, 'Yes, I know about his discharge, but I don't know that he has +done anything to deserve it.' + +"'He stole some money from the drawer,' he returned. + +"'How do you know that?' I asked. + +"'Why, everybody says so! I always said that you would get enough of +him,' he replied. + +"'That is no proof, and, besides, I want you to know I haven't enough of +him yet,' said I. 'I have not been friends with him for the same reason +that you were, nor do I propose to leave him under such circumstances.' +I guess that must have hit him pretty hard, for he colored up as red as +could be and acted mad." + +Fred found it difficult to restrain his anger as he saw the bitter +enmity of De Vere, and realized his gratification over his own +misfortune--a misfortune of which Matthew was the cause. But he finally +asked what the other scholars had to say about him. + +"Well, they all talked about the matter, and most of them seemed to +think that you were guilty, though Grace Bernard said she heard her +father say that there might have been some mistake about the bill, and +that she didn't believe you stole it, for you were always one of the +best boys in school." + +"That's better than I expected," replied Fred, with a brighter look. +"But is that all?" he asked, with some anxiety. + +Dave noticed this, and suspecting his meaning, hesitated. "I guess it is +about all," he answered. + +Fred seemed disappointed at not getting the answer he sought. Seeing he +was not likely to get at what interested him most--Miss Nellie's +opinion--he asked openly if she were not there, and what she said. + +"I don't remember exactly what she said," replied Dave, "but she seemed +to side with Matthew. You know they are pretty intimate now; he seems to +have better success there than when you went to school. I tell you what +it is, Fred, if you hadn't got tipsy, he wouldn't have had much show, +but that's what killed you. The girls all said more about that than they +did about this." + +Fred had his answer now, and it was anything but welcome intelligence to +him. There is no denying that he cared more for Nellie's good opinion +than for what all the rest of the school thought of him. + +"She has condemned me at once," he said to himself bitterly, "while +Grace Bernard has proved my friend; and she has not only condemned me +without reason, but has taken up with my enemy--with that scoundrel De +Vere, who has been the cause of all my trouble." + + + + +XIII. + + +Fred was keenly affected by the spirit Nellie had shown concerning him. +That she had no faith in him, and cared nothing for his downfall, seemed +evident, while the thought that she had gone over to De Vere and joined +with him in his utterances galled our hero sorely. + +Then, too, the fact that Matthew and Nellie had been so much together +during the last few weeks stirred Fred's jealousy and indignation, as +will be seen in the following letter, which he wrote and mailed that +evening: + + MAPLETON, Nov. 26. + + MISS NELLIE DUTTON:--I understand that there is a report + circulating in the school that I am guilty of dishonesty, and + that you seem quite ready to accept it. I am not surprised + that gossips should tell such a story, but I did not expect + you to be one of the first to put faith in it and condemn me. + You have known me intimately since we were little children, + and, I am sure, you have no true reason for believing this + wicked slander. Grace Bernard stood by me, I hear, while you + did not. I suppose you are no longer my friend, since you + find so much pleasure in the society of such a fellow as + Matthew De Vere, who is, as you know, my enemy. You probably + got your idea of my conduct from him, as I understand he was + very much elated over my misfortune. This matter will all be + shown up in time, and when it is I shall have the + satisfaction of seeing you regret your present intimacy with + one who has no honor. Perhaps you may then be sorry for the + treatment you are now showing me. Since that wretched night + when I was led to your house by a certain person you have + turned against me and avoided me. Had you not done so, I + could have explained to you in confidence what I have + preferred to keep secret. But since you judge me so hastily, + and seem so happy in the presence of De Vere, I will not + trouble you with my side of the story. FRED WORTHINGTON. + +During the day Mr. Farrington gave a great deal of careful thought to +the mystery that now enveloped his young friend, and in the morning he +called upon Mr. Rexford, to see if he could learn anything that would be +to Fred's advantage. After chatting awhile with the merchant, he said, +as if he were entirely ignorant of what had taken place: + +"Where is Fred?" + +"He is not here." + +"Out delivering goods?" + +"No; he is through here. I discharged him." + +"Discharged him!" returned Mr. Farrington, with seeming surprise. + +"Yes; I don't want him any longer." + +"I thought he was an excellent clerk." + +"Yes, he was, in some respects; but I suspected him of dishonesty, and +so let him go." + +In the conversation that followed, the trader confirmed the statements +of Fred in every particular. It was a good bit of tact on the part of +Mr. Farrington to draw Rexford out as he did, for not only did it prove +that Fred had told the truth, but the merchant's manner gave him some +ideas which he thought would prove valuable in solving the money +mystery. + +When Fred called at the mill to see Mr. Farrington at the time +appointed, the latter greeted him cheerfully. + +"Good morning, my boy; I see you are on time," looking at his handsome +gold watch. + +"Yes, I believe so; I always try to keep my appointments." + +"That is in your favor." + +"Thank you, Mr. Farrington. I hope it is. But have you seen Mr. +Rexford?" + +"Yes, I just came from there." + +"Did you learn anything new?" asked Fred, with breathless interest. + +"No; not exactly new." + +"I suppose you went over the matter with Mr. Rexford?" + +"Yes, he told the story practically as you gave it, but during our +conversation I gathered a few points that may be of service to us." + +"What is your theory, Mr. Farrington?" + +"As it is little more than a suspicion at best, I think it would be +wiser to keep it to myself at present." + +"But if I knew it couldn't I help you?" + +"No, I think not, and it might even make matters worse. The only way to +work up this affair is to do it quietly. If others find out what is +going on, perhaps we shall never be able to locate the money. Besides, +it wouldn't do for it to get out that I am working up your case." + +"But I would say nothing about it," put in Fred, whose curiosity and +interest were both excited as he thought that perhaps Mr. Farrington had +the secret that would free him from suspicion and prove his honesty. + +"I don't doubt that in the least; but for good reasons of my own I will +say nothing of my theory until I test it thoroughly, though it may take +a long time. If it should prove to be the true solution of the mystery, +I will then tell you all about it." + +Fred colored a little at this, for he had grown somewhat sensitive now, +and said earnestly: + +"I hope, Mr. Farrington, you too don't suspect me. It almost seems----" + +"Oh, no, my boy," interrupted his good friend, "don't worry about that. +My suspicions run in a totally different direction." + +"I am very glad to hear you say so, for I didn't know but Mr. Rexford +had convinced you that I took the bill." + +"No, indeed; I believe you are innocent, and I shall do all I can to aid +you." + +"You are very kind to me, and I thank you sincerely." + +"I am glad to help you, Fred. It is my duty to do all the good I can." + +"And you are always helping some one," replied Fred gratefully. "Now +that I can do nothing to clear up this mystery, I would like to get to +work. Can you give me anything to do?" he continued. + +"Yes; I have arranged a place for you temporarily down stairs on the +'flockers.' You said yesterday that you would like factory work better +than nothing. This is about the meanest job in the whole mill, but it is +the only thing that I can possibly give you." + +"All right; I guess I can stand it for a while," returned Fred. + +"Then you may try it and see how you get along. I will advance you as +soon as there is a vacancy--if I find that you deserve it," he added, +with a significant smile. + +"Very well, sir; I shall try to satisfy you. When shall I commence?" + +"You may come in tomorrow morning at the regular hour--six o'clock. I +will discharge Tim Short tonight." + +"Oh, you are not going to send him away simply to give me a place, are +you?" inquired Fred, with evident regret. + +"No; I should never discharge one for such a cause, even if I wanted the +place for my own brother. I have been looking around for several days, +trying to find a boy, as I had made up my mind to get rid of Tim, who +isn't faithful in his work." + +"I am sorry to have him discharged; I would rather go without work +myself than to feel I have his place. His parents will be obliged to +support him, and they are very poor." + +"I like to hear you talk that way, for it shows that you have a kind +heart. I, too, am sorry for them, but it will not do to let sympathy +interfere with the proper management of business. Such a course would +not be just to my employers, for I am convinced that Tim causes more +mischief than a little, every day." + +"Then if you are bound to discharge him any way, there would be nothing +wrong in my taking the place, would there?" + +"Certainly not. Some one else will have it if you don't." + +Mr. Farrington's assurance that there would be nothing dishonorable in +the proposed course seemed to satisfy Fred's compunctions to some +extent; still, as he entered the mill the next morning at the call of +the shrill whistle, long before daylight, he could not help feeling a +little guilty. He also felt that he was entering upon a new career, and +one that seemed anything but pleasing. An utter change had taken place +in his life. He was now only a common factory hand, and was about to +begin work as such. + +The "flockers" were located under the stairs, down in the basement of +the mill, in a dark and dingy corner. When Fred arrived there, he saw +standing beside one of the machines a medium sized man with small gray +eyes, that were shaded with immense bushy brows nearly an inch in +length. His features were dull and expressionless, and over the lower +portion of his wrinkled face a scraggy, mud colored beard seemed +struggling for existence. His clothing appeared to indicate a penurious, +grasping nature. + +A single look at this uncouth specimen was sufficient to make our young +friend shudder at the thought of being under his control; however, he +walked straight up to him, and said: + +"Is this Mr. Hanks?" + +"That's my name--Christopher Hanks. Be you the new boy?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"What's yer name?" + +"My name is Fred Worthington." + +"Fred Worthington, d'ye say?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"I s'pose yer father's the cobbler?" + +"He has a shoe shop, sir." + +"Be you the chap I heerd them men speakin' of as stole some money?" said +Hanks, with a fiendish grin, which revealed two upper front teeth that +seemed long because they alone guarded that portion of his mouth. They +had been in use so many years, or had been so poorly treated, that they +were loose, and rattled together. + +"Perhaps they referred to me, sir," retorted Fred with dignity, "but +they had no right to accuse me of stealing." + +"Yis, yis; that's how such allers talks. But I guess thar ain't nothin' +here fer yer to git yer hands on to, 'ceptin' work--I'll see't yer ain't +sufferin' fer that." + +"Very well, sir; I came here to work." + +"I s'pose ye're perty strong, ain't yer?" + +"I'm strong enough for a boy." + +"Glad yer are, fer yer can do the liftin' work an' help Carl there. He +ain't good for much, any way. Tim Short used ter shirk on him 'ceptin' +when I knowed it, an'---- Hey! here she goes!" (as the machinery +suddenly started). "Set this 'ere flocker again, Carl, and then show +this feller how to run t'other. I'll start up the grinder, an' go up to +the drier." + +Accordingly Christopher Hanks departed, while Fred put on a gingham +frock which his mother had made him as a working blouse, and, at the +hands of Carl, received his first lesson. + + + + +XIV. + + +A "flocker" is a large, clumsy looking wooden machine, four or five feet +in length, and just wide enough to take on the cloth, which at that mill +was all made double width. It consists chiefly of heavy rollers, so +arranged that the cloth passes between them. There is a deep pit at the +bottom of the machine, which will hold several bushels of "flocks," in +addition to the bulk of a large web of cloth, from forty to fifty yards +in length. + +"Your name is Carl, I believe," said Fred, by way of introducing +himself. + +"Yes, Carl; that's it." + +"My name is Fred Worthington. I think we shall get along together." + +"I hope so," returned Carl sincerely, and continued: "The first thing to +do is to put the cloth into the machine and set it running." + +Then, showing how to do this, he added: + +"Now we start it up by switching this belt so" (moving the belt from the +loose to the stationary pulley). + +"What's the object in running cloth through here?" inquired Fred; for +though he had always lived in Mapleton, yet in truth his knowledge of a +woolen factory was very limited, and in this respect he did not differ +much from the majority of the villagers. + +"It is to make it weigh more, and to give it a body, so it can be +finished," replied the boy, while he turned a basketful of flocks upon +the revolving rollers between which the beaver cloth was now swiftly +passing. + +"But why do you call that stuff 'flocks'?" inquired Fred. "It looks like +the fine dust that we find at the end of our pants and coats, where it +settles down against the hems." + +"Well, that's just what it is." + +"I thought everybody called that shoddy." + +"I know they do, and I used to do so myself before I came here." + +"But what are the 'flocks' that we have here made of?" + +"Old rags." + +"I thought shoddy was made from old rags." + +"They are both made from them. The best ones are put into shoddy, and +the odds and ends into flocks." + +"Well, if this stuff is flocks, how is shoddy made, and what does it +look like?" + +"It is something like wool. The rags are fed into a 'picker' up in the +'pick room,' and come out all torn apart." + +"What is it used for then?" + +"It is mixed with a little coarse wool, and carded into rope yarn, the +same as wool, ready to be spun." + +"The idea of weaving shoddy into cloth is new to me. It can't make very +good cloth." + +"Well, they only use it for the back of the cloth. Here, look at this +piece! See; it is white on one side and brown on the other. The white +side is the face, and is made from good wool. You see we are beating +these flocks in on the back side." + +"Yes, I see you are; and now as you've told me about shoddy, I'd like to +know about flocks, for that's what I have got to handle, I suppose." + +"I guess you'll know all you want to about them before you've been here +long. I'm 'bout dead from being in this dust so much. It fills a feller +all up. See how thick it is now, and you're drawing it in with every +breath." + +By this time the other machine was ready for action, and Carl, finding +that they were short of flocks, gave Fred a basket, took another +himself, and both boys started for a fresh supply. They went up stairs, +passed through the "gig room," and across a long hall which opened into +a little room by itself, where the rag grinders were humming away. This +was their destination. Carl filled one of the baskets with flocks and +the other with ground rags; then turning to Fred, said: + +"You wanted to know about flocks and how they are made. This is the +first machine they go through. You see that pile of rags and odds and +ends. When they have been run through here, they will come out cut up +fine, like those I just put in your basket. Now we will go back, and I +will show you the next process they go through." + +Each of the boys now shouldered his basket and returned down the stairs. +There Carl turned his flocks upon the cloth that was rapidly being +filled, and then emptied the contents of the other basket into a tub or +tank, which was about five feet wide by fifteen long. It was full of +thick, muddy looking water, which was rapidly going round the tank. + +It struck Fred as a curious proceeding when he saw the fine cut rags +thrown into that place; it looked to him very much like throwing them +away, and he was about to ask an explanation when Carl satisfied his +curiosity by saying: + +"This is the wet grinder. We put the rags in here, and run them in water +about three hours until they are ground up as fine as can be, and look +just like porridge." + +"What do you do with the porridge?" + +"Do you see these little bags at this end of the tank? We bail it out +into them, and after the water strains out a little, we tie them up and +load them on one of these cars and run them out to the 'extractor.'" + +"What kind of a thing is an extractor?" + +"It is something that shakes the water out. It has a big basket inside +that goes around like lightning." + +"I'd like to see it; where is it?" + +"Come into this next room; here it is." + +On entering the room Fred's eyes fairly stuck out with amazement. He had +already seen more queer machines that morning than he had ever imagined +had been made, but here was something that surpassed them all. It +consisted of a large cast iron cylinder, about six feet in diameter and +four feet high. Inside was a wire basket, which nearly filled up the +vacant space. This rested on a pivot, and from the top of it extended +upward a short shaft, the end of which was connected with a small +pulley. + +The tender of the machine had just put in two whole pieces of double +width beaver cloth dripping wet from the washers, and was now starting +up the machine slowly. + +Pretty soon it commenced to whirl around rather rapidly, then the speed +increased as the power was let on, until a buzz was heard, which quickly +gave way to a singing, hissing sound; now followed a spark, then another +and another in quick succession, and the whole rim of the extractor +seemed a perfect blaze. + +Fred thought it was going to pieces, and jumped backward for safety; but +by the time he got where he supposed himself out of danger the tender +had shifted the belt to the loose pulley, and by applying the brake had +stopped the whirl of the basket. + +Carl laughed at Fred's timidity, and said: + +"What were you frightened about? The extractor 'most always does that +way, only it was a little worse this time, because it probably wasn't +loaded even. That's why the fire flew so. Just see how it took the water +out of the cloth. That's the way it does to the flocks." + +Fred felt the cloth, and, knowing that two minutes before it was sopping +wet, now found it was only a little damp. The boys returned to the +flockers and straightened out the cloth and got it running even; then +Carl took a car load of the extracted flocks up to the drier, where they +were spread thinly upon it. + +The drier is simply a frame upon which is nailed a large surface of wire +sieving, directly under which are coils of hot steam pipes. On this +drier the flocks become baked dry, and are about as hard as dry mud. + +"It seems to me that these rags have to go through different machines +enough before they get ready for use. I wonder what the next step is?" +said Fred. + +"Only one more machine--the one where you saw me fill my basket with +flocks. I suppose you noticed that it had a big hopper on top? Well, we +just turn these dry lumps right in here, and let them grind out as fast +as they will." + +"Then I've been the rounds of our work, have I?" asked Fred. + +"Yes, unless Mr. Hanks makes you lug the cloth down." + +"Am I supposed to obey him?" + +"Yes, he's your boss; and you will be lucky if you have no trouble with +him." + +"I shall try to have no trouble, even if he is as disagreeable as he +looks; but I will not be crowded too much." + +"I wouldn't if I was strong like you," returned Carl sadly. + +"I thought Mr. Farrington had charge of this room," said Fred, after a +pause. + +"He does; though I believe he had a lot of trouble to keep these +flockers a-going; it is such bad, dirty work that no one would stay on +them. So he made a trade with Mr. Hanks, and let him the job of making +the flocks and putting them into the cloth, and agreed to furnish him +two boys. I don't know how much pay he gets out of it, but Jack Hickey, +that's scouring the wool there in the other corner, says he is making +money out of us every day; besides, he shirks the work upon us, and we +have it almost all to do." + +"Hanks--Christopher Hanks," said Fred to himself, with a curious drawl +through his nose; "not a pleasant sounding name." + + + + +XV. + + +Though Matthew De Vere was much gratified at Fred's misfortunes, and +especially pleased at his own renewed friendship with Nellie Dutton, he +was nevertheless far from happy. Time was going by rapidly--almost +flying--and no money had been raised to meet his promise to Jacob +Simmons. The three hundred dollars was constantly in his mind. Where and +how could it be raised? + +The problem tormented him day and night, and he could see no solution to +it. He did not dare to speak to his father about the money, for the +latter would then find out everything, and would be sure to punish him +severely. Matthew did not look upon such an outcome with any degree of +favor. He considered himself a young man, and did not propose to be +treated with the rod. + +On the other hand, there stared him in the face Jacob Simmons' threat of +exposure and arrest. The situation was desperate. The money must be got, +whether or no, and yet how could it be procured? + +If he failed in raising it, the boy he hated would be vindicated, while +he would be shown up and disgraced before all the village. Nellie would +have nothing more to do with him--would not so much as look at him--and +she would, he reasoned, again become friendly with Fred, and then he +would have no power to break it off as he had recently done. She would +be lost to him, and his rival would reign in his stead. + +"No, no! This shall not be!" he said angrily, and spurned the thought +from him; but it as quickly returned. He tried to forget it, but could +not. The pressure from Jacob Simmons forced it back upon his mind, and +it remained there and tormented him till he was almost mad. + +In this condition of mind he went to school next day, hoping that a +pleasant greeting and a few smiles from Nellie would dissipate the +vision that had so haunted him. Perhaps they would have done so, but he +had not the pleasure of testing so desirable a remedy. + +Nellie came late--after school had commenced. + +"It is just my luck that she should be late to-day," he thought, "when +she is always so punctual." + +He often looked toward her seat, but could not catch her eye. She seemed +unusually busy with her books. + +Matthew did not know what to make of it. He looked at his watch--a +handsome gold one that his father had given him as a birthday present. +It wanted only fifteen minutes of recess time. + +"I will see her then," thought Matthew. + +The bell rang, and the scholars left their seats and passed out into the +anteroom--all save those who wished to remain and study. + +Matthew grew anxious as Nellie did not come out with the other girls. +Recess was half gone. He made an excuse to go to his seat on the +pretense of getting something, but really to try and speak to Nellie. +She was with the teacher, however, who was assisting her to work a +difficult example. + +Matthew returned to the anteroom angry. He could not bear the +disappointment gracefully. + +"She avoids me for some cause," he said to himself, and then wondered +what it could be. "Last night," he reflected, "we were the best of +friends. Can it be possible that Simmons has already told the secret? He +threatened yesterday that he would unless I made a payment." + +The thought made him wretched. He was unfit for study, and wanted to get +out to learn if any such report had actually been circulated. + +On the reassembling of school he obtained a dismissal for the day on the +plea of feeling ill. He was ill--very ill at ease in his mind, beset as +it was with fears, and troubled over the sudden change in Nellie's +manner toward him. + +On his way from school he met Tim Short. He was glad to see him, and yet +shuddered for fear he would say it was all up with them. + +"What brings you here at this time?" finally asked Matthew. + +"I was going up to school to see you." + +"What has happened that you want to see me?" queried Matthew, dreading +the answer. + +"I have been discharged." + +"Is that all?" drawing a long breath of relief. + +"Isn't that enough?" asked Tim indignantly. + +"It might be worse; but what were you discharged for?" + +"Discharged to give Fred Worthington my place, I suppose," answered Tim, +with evident ill feeling toward Fred. + +"Is it possible? And has he your place?" + +"Yes, he went to work this morning." + +"I think you have as much cause now as I have to be down on him." + +"Yes, and more too," returned Tim savagely. + +"On his account we got into this trouble with Simmons, and are liable to +be exposed any day," said Matthew. + +Tim turned pale. "I thought you promised to fix that," he replied. + +"So I did, but I have not been able to raise the money. Now, something +has got to be done at once. Let us go up to the pines and decide what it +shall be." + +Tim assented, and the two boys soon found themselves quite alone in the +thick pine grove just outside of the village. + +Now the change Nellie Dutton showed toward Matthew was not caused, as he +supposed, by any disclosure from Jacob Simmons, but by the letter she +had received from Fred in the morning before going to school. + +It made a deep impression upon her. She was impulsive, like nearly all +girls of her age, and did not stop to reason much about Fred's case, +especially since Matthew urged his opinions upon her with such +assurance. Her intimacy with Matthew was not from any great regard that +she had for him, but because her nature seemed to demand some favorite, +and when her friendship with Fred ceased, for reasons with which the +reader is already familiar, she accepted Matthew's attentions with a +little more than ordinary courtesy. + +Now she saw she had judged Fred hastily, and the statement in his +letter, that she had not proved as good a friend as Grace Bernard, +touched her as nothing else had ever done. She admitted the truth of his +assertion, and felt truly sorry that she had not been more loyal to +him. + +"I shall regret my present intimacy with one who has no honor," she +mused. "He must have meant Matthew, and I wonder if he referred to him +in saying, 'when I was led to your house on that wretched night by a +certain person.'" This thought once having taken shape grew upon her. + +Nellie studied over Fred's letter, reading it again and again. "You know +he is my enemy." She did not notice this before, but now it recalls the +night of the party. "Yes, Fred, I do know it," she said to herself +almost audibly, "but I had almost forgotten the spite he showed you." + +This thought placed Matthew under suspicion, and went far toward helping +Fred's cause, though he was now so thoroughly under a cloud. + +Nellie found herself repeating over this sentence: "Grace Bernard stood +by me while you did not." She could hardly drive it from her thoughts, +but why it clung so to her she did not suspect. That evening she wrote +an answer to Fred's letter, and sealed it ready to mail in the morning. + +The night was cloudy and dark. A cold November wind from the northeast +swept over the little village--so icy and damp that none cared to +venture out. + +There was no trade for the merchants, and they closed their stores +early and hurried shivering to their homes. By ten o'clock not a light +was anywhere to be seen. + +All had retired, and nearly all had entered into happy dreamland when +they were suddenly awakened by the shrill cry of "Fire! fire! fire!" + +Soon the words were taken up by others and yet others till every person +in the village was aroused and startled by the sound. + + + + +XVI. + + +A fire in a country village is a great event. There is but one other +attraction that approaches it in importance, and that is the annual +circus. + +Both bring out the entire village, but the fire draws the better of the +two. It is a free show, while the circus is not, and here it has an +immense advantage over the latter--an advantage that can hardly be +overcome by the clowns and menagerie. It gives the men, the boys too, a +chance to be brave--to do daring deeds and a large number of foolish +ones. Then there is the mystery of how it caught, and whether it was the +work of an incendiary or not. Why, a good sized fire in a village will +often serve for months as a theme for discussion when other subjects are +scarce. + +This particular fire was the largest Mapleton had ever known. Every one +had hurriedly dressed, and rushed down the street to see John Rexford's +store burn. Women and children insufficiently wrapped for the chilly air +of this cold November night stood there watching the angry flames as +they shot high in the air, fed by barrels of oil and lard. It was a +grand sight to witness, as the blackness of the night made the flames +doubly brilliant. + +Nothing could be done to save the store, and the men directed their +efforts to keeping the flames from spreading. In this they did a good +work. John Rexford did not arrive at the scene until the building was a +sheet of flame and the roof had fallen in. The sight almost crazed him. +He flew at the door as if to enter amid the burning goods and secure +certain valuables, but the fierce flames drove him back. He reluctantly +yielded, and in his helplessness seemed the picture of despair as he saw +before him his store--his idol--a mass of blazing timbers and half +burned goods. + +He was now without a store, even as Fred was without a clerkship, and +could perhaps realize to some extent how the latter felt at being +suddenly thrown out of his chosen vocation. + +Fred was there too. He stood a little back from the front of the crowd, +and at one side, intently watching the progress of the flames, and +seemingly wrapped in thought. Finally he turned his head, and a little +to the right of him saw Nellie and her mother. Nellie was looking +directly at him, evidently studying his face. When his eyes met hers and +she found that she was discovered, a blush, plainly visible by the +light of the flames, covered her pretty face. + +Fred felt his heart beat faster. He longed to speak with her and learn +her thoughts, and yet he did not dare approach her. The peculiar look +she gave him, and that vivid blush--what did it mean? He could not make +up his mind upon these points, and yet there was a fascination in +studying them, for he sometimes persuaded himself that they meant one +thing, and then again perhaps its very opposite. + +Presently she and her mother returned home, and Fred saw no more of +them. + +The fire was now under control. All danger of its spreading was passed, +and the crowd returned to their several homes well nigh chilled through. +A few men remained to watch the fire as it died away, and to see that no +sparks were carried to other buildings by the strong east wind. + +Among those who remained was John Rexford. He was pale and haggard, and +shivered, while the cold wind seemed to penetrate his very bones, yet he +clung to the spot as if he would pluck the mystery--the cause of the +fire--from the burning mass before him. Finally he approached Mr. +Coombs, the sheriff, and said: + +"Who was the first to discover this fire?" + +"I was," replied the sheriff proudly, with a feeling that he must be +looked upon as something of a hero. + +"Did you see it from your house?" + +"No; I saw it just as I turned the corner, coming toward the stable." + +"Coming which way?" asked the merchant, trying to learn something that +might give him a clew to work upon. + +"Coming from the Falls, of course, where I had been attending court." + +"What time was that?" + +"Nigh on to eleven o'clock." + +"And you saw no one here?" + +"No." + +"Nor any one on the street?" + +"Not a soul stirring, except Jim, the stable boy." + +"Where was he?" + +"Sound asleep." + +"He couldn't have been stirring very much then," said the merchant, with +a show of disgust. + +"Well, I mean he was the only one about, and I had to wake him up." + +"And you raised the alarm?" + +"I should think I did." + +"Then you didn't come directly here?" + +"Yes, I did, but I yelled fire pretty lively all the same, and started +the stable boy up the street to wake everybody up." + +"Where was the fire burning then?" + +"On the back end of the store. A blaze was just starting up through the +roof." + +"It was on the back end, you say?" + +"Yes; and just as I got here the back windows burst out, and the way the +flames rolled up was a caution." + +"Was there no fire in the front store then?" + +"No, there didn't seem to be when I first got here, but after I went +round to the rear end to see how it was there, and came back, the flames +had come through, and everything was ablaze. I tell you what, I never +saw anything burn like it." + +"It must have started in the back store, then," said Mr. Rexford +thoughtfully. + +"No doubt of it," returned officer Coombs. + +"This is important evidence," said the merchant, after a pause. + +The sheriff brightened up at this, and his eyes snapped with delight. +Here was a case for official service. + +"To be sure it is, sir," he replied. + +"There is some mystery about this." + +"'Pears to me so." + +"We had no stove in the back store." + +"I know it--that's so, Mr. Rexford. It looks bad." + +"And I closed up the store myself tonight, and went into the back room, +as usual, to see that everything was all right." + +"I dare say it was. You are a careful man." + +"Yes, it was all right. I'm certain of that." + +"Good evidence, too. Capital evidence, Mr. Rexford," said the officer, +rubbing his hands together with evident delight. + +"You are sure there was no fire in the front room when you first got +here?" + +"I am positive there was none." + +"I may want your testimony." + +"I hope so, sir, for crime should be punished." + +"I hope it will, in this case, at least," said the merchant; "for I +believe this store has been fired, and perhaps robbed." + +"Shouldn't wonder if it had been robbed--more than likely it was, now I +think of it." + +"But as everything is burned up, it will be almost impossible to find +this out, as I can't really miss anything." + +"There will be a chance for some pretty sharp detective work, I should +say." + +"You are good at that, I believe," said the merchant. + +"Well, I fancy they can't fool me much, if I do say it." + +"Then I want you to go to work on this case." + +"I will commence at once, Mr. Rexford. The guilty party can't escape me +when I give my whole mind to it." + +"I hope you will put your whole mind on it, then." + +"I shall indeed, sir. I will go home now and form my theory. I have the +facts to work on. Early in the morning I will see you, and we will +compare notes and get ready for business--active business, I assure +you." + + + + +XVII. + + +After being out during the night at the fire, and consequently having +had his rest broken, Fred found it rather irksome to spring out of bed +at five o'clock, get his breakfast, and be ready to respond to the +factory whistle on a wintry morning. + +He had now got sufficient knowledge of his work, and found very little +difficulty in performing it. Whenever he wanted any instruction or help, +Carl seemed ready and glad to aid him, so the two boys soon became +friends. + +"How long have you been on these flockers, Carl?" asked Fred the morning +after the fire. + +"Only two months." + +"Where did you work before that? I don't remember ever having seen you +till yesterday morning, and I don't know what your last name is now. I +heard Mr. Hanks call you Carl, so I suppose that is your given name?" + +"Yes, my name is Carl Heimann; I have been in here ever since I came to +Mapleton." + +"Where did you come from?" + +"My father and mother came from Germany when I was a small boy, and +they lived in Rhode Island; but they both got sick and died, so I came +here to live with my uncle." + +"What is your uncle's name?" Fred went on to inquire. + +"His name is Frank Baumgarten." + +"Oh, I've seen him plenty of times. I used to take goods to his house +from the store. It seems queer that I never saw you." + +"I don't go out any nights, for I get tired out by working in here +eleven hours and a half every day, I can tell you," said Carl. + +"Yes, I should think you would; you don't look very strong." + +"Well, I guess I can get along better now that you are here; but Tim +Short used to shirk and crowd me. If Mr. Hanks would do his part of the +work it wouldn't be so hard; but he won't do it, and is cross and finds +fault if we don't hurry things up." + +When Fred's eyes first fell upon the pale, sad face of Carl, and he +noticed his dwarfed and disfigured form, he had a feeling of pity for +him. There was that about his manner which at once interested him. The +boy's features were good, and yet they had that sharp, shrunken +appearance which may be said to be characteristic of the majority of +those afflicted with spinal trouble. He was a little humpback, who, from +his size, would be taken for a lad of not more than thirteen, though he +was then seventeen, one year older than Fred, as the latter afterward +learned. + +The interest our hero felt in Carl had gradually increased as he noticed +how intelligent he appeared, and when he said that he had no father nor +mother, and told how he had been treated, Fred's sympathy was touched, +and he said to himself, almost unconsciously, "I'm glad I'm here, for +now I can do the heavy work, and will protect him from the abuse of this +man Hanks!" Then he said to the boy (for he seemed but such beside his +own sturdy form), "Yes, I think you will get along better now, for I am +strong and well, and will do all the heavy work for you." + +"Oh, I'm so glad!" replied Carl, with a sense of gratitude which showed +itself in his bright eyes, "for it hurts my back every time I lift one +of the heavy bags of wet flocks, and almost makes me think I will have +to give up the job. Then I think my uncle can't support me, and so I +keep on." + +"You shall not lift any more of them while I am here. I would rather do +that, any way, than stay here in the dust." + +"How long will you be here?" asked the little humpback, anxious lest the +brighter prospect might last but a short time. + +"I don't know. I don't want to stay in the factory any longer than I am +obliged to; but that may be forever," replied Fred, with a clouded brow, +as his mind reverted to the cause that brought him down to such work. + +"I don't see why you need to stay in here. You have been clerk in a +store, and have a good education, I suppose. If I only had an +education----" + +"Haven't you ever been to school?" + +"I went to school a little in the old country, and three terms in Rhode +Island; then I went into the factory. My father was sick, and couldn't +work. After I had been in there about a year, my coat caught one day in +the shafting and wound me round it so they had to shut down the water +wheel to get me off. Everybody thought I was dead. That's what hurt my +back and made it grow the way it is now." + +"How long ago was that?" inquired Fred sympathetically. + +"It was six years ago that I got hurt, but I did not get out of bed for +almost two years afterward." + +"Does your back trouble you now?" + +"Yes, it aches all the time; but I've got rather used to it. Only when I +do a lot of lifting here, it bothers me so I can't sleep." + +"That's too bad. I'm sorry for you, and, as I said, will do all the +heavy work. Then you didn't go to school any after you got out again?" + +"No; I went back into the mill and stayed until my mother died; then I +came here." + +"Did you say your father was dead?" + +"Yes; he died while I was sick." + +"Have you any brothers or sisters?" + +"No; I have no one but my uncle." + +"I suppose he is kind to you?" + +"Yes, he is; but Aunt Gretchen don't seem to like me very well, she has +so many children of her own." + +"I should think you would board somewhere else, then." + +"My uncle wants me to stay with him. If I boarded at the factory +boarding house my wages wouldn't more than pay my board, and I shouldn't +have anything left to buy my clothes with. If I should leave him and +then get sick he wouldn't take care of me, and I should have to go to +the poorhouse. I have always dreaded that since the city helped us when +we were all sick." + +"Well, you will soon be strong enough, I hope, to get another job, where +there is more pay." + +This conversation was now interrupted by the appearance of Hanks, who +said to Fred: + +"Come along up stairs with me, Worthington; I want yer ter help me lug +some cloth down. I'll show yer where ter find it; then yer kin git it +yerself erlone. Yer look stout 'nuff ter handle it 's well as me." + +Each shouldered a web of cloth which made a bundle about two feet +through and six feet long--rather a heavy burden for a boy; still, Fred +handled it easily and quickly, deposited it by the flockers, and turned +to his superior for further orders. + +"Take out them pieces next; they have run long enough. Carl will help +you about doing it; then you may go up and bring down two more pieces." + +With these orders he vanished, and the boys went to their work. + +"How long do these have to be run?" asked Fred of the little humpback. + +"About three hours. If they stayed in longer than that they would get +too heavy." + +"This light stuff don't make them so very much heavier, does it?" + +"Oh, yes; we can beat in flocks enough to double the weight of the +cloth." + +"Is that so?" exclaimed the new hand incredulously; and then added, +after a moment's thought, "But I should think they would all tumble +out." + +"I suppose they would if the cloth wasn't fulled as soon as we get +through with it; but that sort of sets them in." + +"Where do they full it?" + +"Out in the fulling mills, near the extractor. Didn't you see those long +wooden things with the covers turned back, and the cloth going up +through them so fast?" + +"Yes, I saw them, but didn't know what they were. I don't see how going +through those fulls the cloth." + +"It's the stuff they put in--fuller's earth and soap; they pile the soft +soap in by the dishful, and it makes a great lather. I s'pose the +fuller's earth is what does the most of the work. After the cloth comes +out of the fulling mills it's 'bout twice as thick as when it goes in, +and feels all stiff and heavy. It's no more like what it is now than +nothing." + +"What's the next process it goes through?" + +"It goes into the washers next, and is washed as clean as can be." + +"How did you learn so much about finishing cloth? You have been here but +a little while." + +"My father worked in a mill, and I have heard him talk about it. Then I +have been in a factory enough myself to know pretty nearly everything +that is done." + +"Do we take the cloth direct from the weave room? It doesn't look as +though anything had been done to it when it reaches us." + +"It is 'burled' first; then we get it." + +"'Burled'? What do you mean by that?" + +"Why, the knots are all cut off. You see the weavers have to tie their +warp on the back side when it breaks, and that is what makes the knots." + +"I don't see what harm those little things would do, as you say they are +on the back of the cloth." + +"They are the worst things there are, for if one of them gets in by +accident it is sure to make a hole through the cloth when it runs +through the shears." + +Thus, with work and talk, the day flew by almost before Fred was aware +of it. In fact, the hours seemed shorter to him than any he had passed +for weeks. Now there was something new to occupy his attention, and work +enough to keep his hands busy. The many curious machines before him, of +which Carl had told him a little, interested him much--so much, indeed, +that even at the end of the first day he felt no small desire to know +more of them. + + + + +XVIII. + + +In the evening, after Fred's second day in the factory, as he sat with +his parents in their pleasant home, and the thought of Carl and of his +sad deformity and still sadder story recurred to him, he could not help +contrasting the circumstances of the little humpback with his own. + +Two mornings before, as he entered the mill, he had felt that his burden +was almost greater than he could bear. He was disgraced and thrown out +of his position, and was about entering upon a cheerless life, where +there was but little opportunity for advancement. + +But now, as he reflected upon his surroundings, he saw that he was much +better off than many others. He had both father and mother, who loved +and cared for him, who provided for him a cheerful home, and who would +at any time sacrifice their own pleasures and comforts for his. +Moreover, he was well and strong, and had the advantage of attending +school, while Carl had been obliged to go into the mill at a little more +than ten years of age, in order to earn something toward the support of +his mother and invalid father. It was while thus employed that he met +with the terrible accident that so deformed him and blighted his young +life. + +"No wonder he looks so sad," said Fred to himself. "Perhaps he may be as +ambitious to make a success in the world as I am, and yet he is thrown +into the factory, and is probably glad of even such a place, and maybe +he works hard at times when he is really unable to do anything. Poor +boy! I don't see what prospects he can see ahead to cheer him on. He has +neither friends, education, nor health, and with so small a chance as +there is in the factory for advancement, I should think he might as well +give up first as last; but as he has no home, I suppose he must earn a +living somehow or starve. If he only had friends to take care of him, it +would not be so hard on him; but I don't see how he can be very happy +with a woman like his aunt, who is always spluttering about somebody or +something." + +Fred secretly determined to do all he could to help the little cripple, +and made up his mind that Hanks should not abuse him in the future if he +could help it. Then calling to mind Carl's remark that morning, which +showed so clearly his desire for a better education, he felt he could +aid him, and decided to do so. + +"Any new evidence?" asked Sheriff Coombs, as he met Mr. Rexford early +in the morning at the scene of the fire. + +"No, nothing except what we discussed last night." + +"That is good as far as it goes." + +"Well, it goes far enough to convince me," replied the merchant tartly. + +"To be sure, sir, but we must convince the court. A mere suspicion, sir, +is not good in law." + +"You said last night you were the first one here, and that the fire +started in the back store." + +"So I did, but I can't say what caused the fire." + +"It shows that it did not catch from the stove." + +"That is so, and it leads us to suspect the store was set on fire--in +fact, that is my belief. We stand agreed on this point; but the court +must have evidence or we can't make out a case." + +"Then we must search for evidence," said the merchant. + +"My official duty, sir, is to bring the wrongdoer to justice, and I +assure you I take a special interest in this case. I shall do my best +work on it; but, by the way, there will be some slight expense connected +with it." + +"I don't understand you," replied the merchant nervously, for he caught +the word "expense." + +"Nothing of any consequence, to be sure, but of course you know a +detective can't work without means." + +"How much will it cost me?" asked the merchant, after a pause. + +"I will make it light--for you almost nothing," answered the sheriff, +who began to fear he would lose the opportunity to perform official +service. + +"Very well, then, you may go ahead; but I warn you not to come back on +me with a heavy charge for this business." + +"Your wishes shall be heeded, sir. I will commence now. By the way, do +you suspect any one in particular?" + +"Yes, I have one or two reasons for believing I know who did it." + +"Good! That will give us an idea to work on; but first let me look +around and see what I can discover for evidence." + +On the rear side of the back room was a window. A few feet from this +window part of a load of sawdust lay upon the ground. Here the sheriff +found several footprints. + +"How long has this sawdust been here?" he called out to Mr. Rexford. + +"It was put there several days ago," he replied. + +"I wish you would look here. I have made an important discovery." + +The merchant quickly approached the spot. + +"Do you see those footprints? When do you think they were made?" + +"Last night about dark I shoveled up several basketfuls and carried them +into the stable. These tracks must have been made since then." + +"Do you feel sure of this?" + +"I do, and I notice the prints point exactly to where the back window +was." + +"That is a good point, sir; but do you notice that whoever made that +track must have had a small foot?" + +"Yes, I see it is small, and that goes to strengthen my suspicions." + +"It measures ten inches long and three wide," said the sheriff, applying +his rule to the footprint. + +In about an hour from this time Sheriff Coombs entered the woolen +factory, and a minute or two later went to the flockers. + +"Do you want to see me?" asked Fred, as he saw the officer fasten his +eyes on him. + +"Yes; I have a warrant for your arrest." + +"For my arrest!" exclaimed Fred in amazement. "What for?" + +"On complaint of John Rexford, for setting fire to his store," replied +the sheriff, in a pompous manner. + + + + +XIX. + + +Fred stared at the sheriff in blank amazement at the terrible charge now +brought against him. + +"I am charged with setting fire to John Rexford's store?" he repeated. + +"Yes." + +"And you say Mr. Rexford makes the charge?" demanded Fred, in great +excitement. + +"Yes, he makes the charge," replied the officer, in a manner that was +extremely irritating to our young hero. + +"I don't know what it means," answered Fred. + +"You know the store was burned, I suppose?" said the sheriff +sarcastically. + +"I do, sir; but what has that to do with me?" + +"The question is one that must be answered by the court. My duty is to +see that you appear there for trial." + +"When will the trial be?" asked Fred, pale and depressed. + +"At two o'clock this afternoon you must appear before Justice Plummer." + +"Can I remain at work till then?" + +"No; you must go with me." + +"Is it necessary for me to go to the lockup?" asked Fred, shrinking with +natural repugnance from such a place. + +"It is, unless you can furnish surety for your appearance at the trial." + +"If I promise to be there, isn't that enough?" + +"I should not be doing my official duty to let you off on your promise," +answered the sheriff. + +"I would rather stay with you until two o'clock than go to the lockup." + +"My time is worth too much to waste. I have a great deal of official +business to attend to," said the officer; and after a pause, he added, +"But if you were to give me five dollars, cash down, I think I could fix +it for you." + +"I haven't so much money with me, but I promise to pay it to you." + +"I should prefer the cash." + +Fred went to Mr. Farrington, accompanied by the sheriff, to try and +borrow money enough to make up the five dollars, and to ask advice. His +kind employer took him to one side and spoke low, so that the officer +could not hear him. After getting the facts of the arrest, and asking a +few questions, which were answered satisfactorily, Mr. Farrington turned +to the sheriff and said: + +"I am surprised, Mr. Coombs, that you should try to scare this boy into +paying you five dollars, with the threat of taking him to the lockup. I +had a better opinion of you than this," he added emphatically. + +Officer Coombs hung his head and colored. He lost the official bearing +with which he had so impressed our young friend. + +"I am responsible for his appearance at the trial," he at last answered, +in defense of his position. + +"Very well; that is no reason why you should take advantage of an +innocent boy who knows nothing of the law. I will go surety for him, and +will be present at the trial. If you want me to give a bond for his +appearance I will do so." + +"It would be right to have the bond, but I will not ask it from you. I +have faith in you, you see," said the sheriff, trying to win back his +good opinion by a bit of flattery. + +Mr. Farrington shrugged his shoulders. Turning to Fred, he told him to +go to his work, and promised that at the appointed time he would +accompany him to the trial. + +Of course Fred had to tell his parents at noon what had happened. They +were alarmed at first at so grave a charge, but became calm, as they +felt sure they could prove Fred was at home on the night of the fire. + +"I think the tide will turn now, Fred," said his father. "You have had +more than your share of ill luck, but I am proud of you, that you stand +up under fire like a man." + +"I hope it has turned, father, and I am glad of your approval. This +charge, though, seems to be one of malice." + +"It does seem so; but we can tell at the trial whether it is or not." + +Justice Plummer was a middle aged man, with a kind, intellectual face. +He spoke slowly and thoughtfully. When our hero entered he greeted him +in a kindly way. + +"I am sorry to see you here, Fred," he began, "and I hope no evidence of +guilt will be found against you. Though I feel a friendly interest in +you, it is my duty, as you know, to decide the case impartially." + +"I know it is, judge," replied Fred, "and I think the evidence will +prove my innocence." + +John Rexford now came in with his lawyer, Mr. Clarence Ham, a young man +noted for his eloquence. + +Mr. Rexford was sworn as a witness, and deposed that he had strong +grounds for believing his store was burned by an incendiary, and that he +had reasons for suspecting Fred Worthington to be the guilty party, +though he admitted that he had little or no real proof to sustain this +belief. + +He gave his evidence upon the facts that led him to think the store was +maliciously burned. Sheriff Coombs added his testimony upon this point. +These facts, having been already given, need not be repeated. + +"This testimony gives no absolute proof that the store was burned by an +incendiary," said the judge. + +"But I submit that the circumstances--the facts, if you please--lead to +that conclusion," put in attorney Ham. + +"To be sure, they give rise to a strong suspicion that it was, but +unless we get further testimony to this end, the court cannot hold the +prisoner for trial." + +Mr. Rexford now gave his evidence, showing why he suspected Fred of +being the guilty party. + +This being simply a hearing before a justice, Mr. Farrington was allowed +to serve Fred in place of a lawyer. + +"You say," said Mr. Farrington, addressing the witness, "you thought at +the time you discharged Fred Worthington from your employ that some sort +of revenge would follow. Will you kindly state why you thought so?" + +"His manner indicated it." + +"In what way, please?" + +"He was very saucy and impudent." + +"In what manner was he impudent?" + +"He threatened me." + +"Simply because you informed him you wouldn't need his services longer?" + +"Well, yes, that is about it," answered the witness hesitatingly. + +"The court would like to know the exact facts," said Judge Plummer. + +"I shall endeavor to give them," answered the witness. + +"Then please state in what way he threatened you," said Mr. Farrington. + +"It was in his manner. I had to conciliate him to save trouble. I was +absolutely afraid of him." + +"In what way did you conciliate him?" + +"By modifying my statement." + +"What was your statement?" + +"It was something about his taking money from my drawer." + +"You charged him, then, with stealing?" + +"Not exactly." + +"This was the point, however, that you modified?" + +"Yes." + +"Did that satisfy him?" + +"Well, yes, it seemed to," admitted the witness reluctantly. + +"Then, Mr. Rexford, your testimony shows that Fred Worthington did not +complain at being discharged, but at a statement which you had no right +to make. I judge he simply acted as any proud spirited boy would have +done." + +John Rexford grew fidgety. + +"Was there any other cause for his being impudent?" + +"No." + +"No question of settlement, I suppose?" + +"Nothing worth speaking of," answered the witness, growing very nervous. + +"As it may have some bearing upon this case, you will please state what +it was." + +Mr. Farrington had a whispered consultation with Fred at this juncture, +which made the merchant very ill at ease, and caused him to testify more +fully upon the point than he otherwise would have done. + +"I at first thought I would keep the amount due him to make up my loss; +but his manner was so hostile that I feared he would injure me in some +way, so I gave him the money." + +"Did he threaten you with personal violence?" + +"No." + +"He made no threat at all, then?" + +"As I said, after thinking the matter over, I thought it would be policy +to pay him," answered the witness, trying to evade the point. + +"But you have not answered the question. Did he, or did he not, make any +sort of a threat which caused you to change your mind?" demanded Mr. +Farrington. + +"Well, yes, in a certain sense." + +"In what sense?" + +"He threatened to make false statements about my business." + +"Would these statements have injured you?" + +"They might have, for a time." + +"You are sure the statements he threatened to make were false, with no +foundation of truth," asked Mr. Farrington. + +The witness hesitated. He saw Fred looking him square in the eye, and he +shrank from answering, for he realized that the truth would probably be +brought out by his former clerk. + +"Yes, sir, I am sure they were false," he finally answered, while +inwardly anathematizing himself at being caught in such a trap. He felt +that Fred was getting the better of the case, and that, too, by his own +testimony. + +"In your testimony, Mr. Rexford, you said Fred Worthington impressed you +at the time of his discharge with the idea that he would do you some +subsequent harm. Was that impression founded upon his attitude of self +defense?" asked Judge Plummer, in his slow, thoughtful way. + +"No, sir, not that." + +"Will you state, then, what caused you to form such an opinion?" + +"Of course I could not tell his thoughts, but the deep study he seemed +to be in convinced me that he was revolving in his mind some plot to be +revenged on me for discharging him." + +"This cannot be considered evidence," replied the judge. "His thoughts +might have run upon an entirely different subject." + + + + +XX. + + +The testimony so far had very little weight, and really told against the +merchant more than it did against our young friend. + +The track in the sawdust, however, which was measured, and which was +found to be the same size as Fred's shoe and of the same general shape, +was very good evidence, and being testified to by both Mr. Rexford and +the sheriff, went far toward bringing our hero under suspicion of having +committed the crime. + +The merchant's lawyer grew eloquent over this point, but his spread +eagle style failed to impress the quiet, thoughtful judge to any great +extent. + +The testimony for the prosecution now being all in, Fred was put upon +the stand, and testified that he was at home the night of the fire, had +been at home all the evening, and was in bed when the cry of fire was +sounded. + +"How long had you been in bed?" asked attorney Ham. + +"About two hours, I think," answered Fred. + +"Are you sure about that?" + +"I can't say it was exactly two hours, but I know it was not far from +nine o'clock when I retired, and it was about eleven when the alarm of +fire awoke me." + +"Were you asleep when the alarm was started?" + +"I was." + +"I have no more questions at present to ask the witness," said the +lawyer to the judge. + +"I have one I would like to ask the witness," said Mr. Farrington, and +then addressing Fred, he said: + +"John Rexford testified that you threatened to make false statements +about his business if he kept the money due you. Is this true?" + +"I object to this question," said attorney Ham, who had learned the +merchant's great desire to avoid further testimony upon this point. "It +has no bearing upon this case." + +"It does have a bearing upon the case, and I have a special reason for +wanting an answer to my question," replied Mr. Farrington. + +"The witness may answer," said the judge. + +"Your honor," put in Ham, "I protest against bringing in the private +business of my client, which has no relation to this case." + +"This case is entirely one of circumstantial evidence," replied the +judge, "and it is important that we get at the facts regarding the boy's +character. The witness will answer the question." + +"No, sir, it is not true." + +"Did you make no threat whatever?" + +"When he said he would keep my money, I told him it was a mean trick, +but not much meaner than I had seen him play upon his customers." + +"What reply did he make?" + +"He asked me if I meant to insinuate that he cheated his customers." + +"And you replied?" + +"I said I did." + +"What followed?" + +"He threatened to have me arrested." + +"And what did you say to that?" + +"I replied that I would like to have him do so, for I could then tell +some things about his methods that would make a stir in the village." + +"This, then, is the threat you made?" + +"Yes, if you call it a threat," answered Fred. + +"Mr. Rexford's testimony does not agree with yours upon this point," +said the judge. "Was there no statement about any special subject which +Mr. Rexford considered false?" + +"There was a reference to one or two matters," replied our young hero +evasively. + +The merchant now looked pale and wretched. His crooked business methods +were about to be made known, and such a disclosure, coming right upon +the loss of his store, was crushing to him. + +"You will please state one of them," said the judge. + +"I would prefer not to," said Fred. + +"Why do you hesitate?" asked his honor. + +"Because I do not wish to reveal matters about my employer's business +that should be considered confidential." + +"It is honorable in you to be so considerate of your former employer, +and especially as he is now trying to establish a case against you. As +you are only a boy, I consider it but right that I should advise you to +show, if you can, that you did not threaten to make a false statement +regarding his business. Such proof would aid your case and show well for +your character." + +Fred hesitated, thinking what he ought to do. Mr. Rexford took advantage +of the pause, and asked if he would be allowed to speak a word upon this +point before it was carried further. As no objection was raised by the +defense, he said: + +"I must acknowledge an error in my testimony regarding Fred's threat of +a false statement. I was so wrought up over the matter that I hardly +understood the exact language, but now I have heard his testimony it all +comes back to me. His statement is essentially true." + +This was an unexpected turn for matters to take. It was, however, less +surprising to Fred than to the judge, and to those drawn by curiosity +to the trial. The reason for Mr. Rexford's retraction was very evident, +and caused many a significant glance, and here and there an exchange of +opinions upon the matter in an undertone. + +Though humiliating, it was nevertheless a fortunate move for the +merchant, and he was lucky to get out of his own trap so well. + +Fred was looked upon at first by the villagers present as being without +doubt guilty, but now they began to have some admiration for him; and as +the tide turned in his favor it set against the merchant, till at length +our young friend was the more popular of the two. + +Fred's father and mother both corroborated his testimony upon the point +of his being at home all the evening on the night of the fire, and +stated that he retired to bed at about nine o'clock. + +They were questioned by lawyer Ham as to whether Fred could have left +the house and returned, unknown to them, between the hours of nine and +eleven o'clock, when the fire was probably set. + +Their testimony upon this point evidently satisfied Judge Plummer that +Fred was innocent of the charge John Rexford had brought against him, +for after carefully going over the testimony on both sides, he said: + +"I find nothing in the evidence that would tend to place suspicion upon +Fred Worthington, who is charged with maliciously burning John Rexford's +store. The testimony for the prosecution has no real weight, while that +for the defense is strong, indisputable evidence, that removes all doubt +as to the boy's whereabouts during the two hours when the fire must have +been set, if it was set at all. I therefore discharge the accused, as no +evidence has been offered that would justify me in holding him;" and +then turning to our hero with a friendly smile, he added: "Fred, you can +go. It is clear that you are innocent of the charge made against you." + +"I thank you sincerely," said Fred, with an expression of true +gratitude. + +"Before you go, Fred, I wish to congratulate you upon the way you have +acquitted yourself during this trial," said Judge Plummer, taking him by +the hand. "Placed under fire as you have been, but few boys would have +displayed the manhood you have shown." + +Our young friend was profoundly moved at these kind, reassuring words, +coming as they did from one who had the power to hold him for a grave +crime. + +Fred's parents were very happy at the outcome of the trial, and at Judge +Plummer's complimentary remarks to their son, their only child. But +scarcely less gratified than they was Mr. Farrington. He not only felt +pride in triumphing over the somewhat wordy lawyer Ham, but genuine +satisfaction and pleasure that Fred should be cleared of all suspicion +in this case. + +John Rexford was defeated, dissatisfied, miserable. He had injured +himself and helped his discharged clerk, who he still thought had +something to do with the destruction of his store. He now quickly +withdrew from the place of the trial before any one could approach him +to intensify his misery by questions upon the various points of +evidence. + + + + +XXI. + + +Matthew De Vere and Tim Short had compromised matters with Jacob Simmons +so that all immediate danger was passed. They were comparatively easy on +this point, as a little more time had been granted them in which to pay +the balance promised him; yet they did not feel entirely secure. + +Fred's arrest on the charge of burning the store meant more to each of +them than a mere gratification at seeing him humbled and perhaps +punished. If they had been sure he would be convicted of the crime, +doubtless they would have been happy indeed. The case meant so much to +them that they attended the trial; and their discomfiture at the +result--at seeing Fred vindicated and honorably discharged--was more +than will be imagined. + +They left the place of trial together, and had a long private +discussion, which seemed not entirely satisfactory. + +"Meet me in the pines tomorrow noon, Tim," said De Vere as he left him, +wearing a worried look--almost one of fear. + +Aside from these troubles, Matthew was far from happy. He had tried to +learn the cause of Nellie's manner toward him the last time he saw her +at school. He could not understand what had brought about the change in +her. + +He had not seen her for nearly a week, for she was at home sick. She +took a severe cold on the night of the fire by exposure to the damp, +chilly air, and had not been able to come out since. Matthew called at +the doctor's to offer her his sympathy, but she would not see him. He +learned from his sister, who had called every day that Nellie was up and +around the house, and from this fact he argued that she shunned him. + +Fred really expected no reply to his letter to Nellie, and yet he hoped +almost against hope, as it seemed to him, that she might acknowledge its +receipt in some way. If only a word, and that one of criticism, he felt +that it would be much more welcome than nothing. + +Little did he realize how near he came to receiving the coveted letter, +for it was actually written, and was one that would have given him great +pleasure. + +Nellie wrote the letter in the evening before the fire, and intended +mailing it the next morning; but when morning came she found herself too +ill to leave the house. + +Two days passed; then came the report of Fred's arrest. The news made +her cheeks burn. She condemned herself for having written the letter, +and while the shock was fresh upon her she destroyed it. And as it lay +in the waste basket, torn into little pieces, she looked at it and felt +almost sorry she had been so hasty; even wished, though she hardly dared +acknowledge it to herself, that he had the letter, guilty or not. + +She took his note from her pocket and read it again; then buried her +face in her hands in deep thought. + +She was interrupted by Grace Bernard, who ran in to spend a little time +with her. + +"Oh, isn't it good news?" she exclaimed, in her animated, girlish way. + +"Isn't what good news?" asked Nellie curiously. + +"Why, the result of the trial. Haven't you heard of it?" + +"Has he been acquitted?" asked Nellie eagerly. + +"Yes." + +"No, I had not heard of the result," she replied, blushing as she +realized the interest she had shown. "I only learned of the trial a few +minutes ago." + +"I am so glad he was proved innocent. I think it was shameful to bring +such a charge against him," returned Grace. + +"He has been unfortunate," replied Nellie, refraining from an expression +of her own feelings. + +"Yes, he has; but I do not believe any of the charges against him. +Father said that Mr. Rexford was confused and embarrassed at the trial. +It all came out about Fred's discharge and the missing money." + +"Was it favorable to Fred?" + +"Yes. Mr. Rexford had to retract his own testimony, and acknowledge that +Fred was right." + +"Did they learn anything about the missing money?" + +"No; but father said there was no proof that Fred took it, and no good +reason for thinking so. You know I told you when the report first +started that I did not believe it." + +"Yes, I know you did," replied Nellie, dropping her eyes, and thinking +of the reference to the fact in Fred's letter to her. + +"Dave told me a few days ago," continued Grace, "that Fred thought +nearly all of his friends had turned against him, and that he felt +terribly hurt about it. I know I have not turned against him, and I +shall write and tell him so; then he will know he has one friend at +least." + +"He already knows it," said Nellie, in a slightly bitter tone. + +"Why, how can that be, and what leads you to think so?" asked Grace, +with surprise. + +"I mean--probably he knows it. Dave might have told him," replied +Nellie, with evident embarrassment at the fact she had unintentionally +disclosed, and her inability to explain how she came by this information +without making reference to Fred's letter to her. + +Grace looked puzzled, and after a pause said: + +"Yes, possibly he knows it, but I wish to be sure of it; and as I have +no opportunity of seeing him now he is at work in the factory, I will +write the letter and mail it to him. It can do no harm." + +When Nellie had been left alone she could not resist referring once more +to that part of Fred's letter that spoke of Grace's friendship. This, +and the fact that she was intending to write him a friendly, encouraging +letter, troubled Nellie. She was very glad that he had been found +innocent, and that he had merited the praise of the judge, and yet she +felt depressed that another should feel so happy over it. If only she +had learned the news from some other source, or if Grace had shown some +indifference, she would have been delighted. + +Why this should trouble her she hardly knew, but that it did she was +certain. She wondered if Grace would say anything about her in the +letter she would write to Fred. "I am afraid she will," Nellie said to +herself. "I wish I had shown more sympathy for him, and I wanted to so +much. But why should she be so happy over his triumph? The idea of her +writing to him to tell him of her friendship!" + +These thoughts annoyed Nellie, and she felt--yes, we may as well confess +it--a little jealous of her friend Grace. + + + + +XXII. + + +The next morning, as Fred was busy at his work, Carl came in from the +post office, whither he had gone for the mail for several of the +employees, and handed him two letters. On looking at them Fred was +surprised to find both postmarked "Mapleton." + +He tore one of them open nervously, hoping it might be the long looked +for and much coveted answer to his own letter to Nellie Dutton. He +looked at the signature--"Grace Bernard." + +"What can this mean?" The thought shot through his mind, and then he +proceeded to find out in a very sensible way, by reading the letter. + +It was simply a friendly letter, that showed a refreshing sympathy for +his misfortunes, and expressed a belief that he would in time triumph +over all opposition. + +The writer assured him of her belief in his innocence, and congratulated +him upon his perfect vindication at the trial. She spoke of Nellie's +sickness, and added that it would not be long before he would be more +highly appreciated by his friends than ever. + +This brief letter touched Fred deeply and brought tears of joy to his +eyes. He felt so happy that he hesitated before opening the other +letter, fearing it might cast a cloud over the sunshine this little note +had brought him. + +"And Nellie has been sick," he said to himself thoughtfully. "Perhaps +this letter may be from her. I will open it and see." + +It ran like this: + + MAPLETON. + + MY DEAR FRIEND:--Your letter, so unexpected, was a surprise + to me, but I am very glad you sent it, otherwise we might not + have understood each other as well as I now hope we may. It + grieves me that you should feel so offended at my seeming + lack of friendship. Perhaps the time may come when you will + think differently. Had I received your letter two weeks ago, + or had you then told me what you say you would have explained + in confidence, you would probably have no cause now to + complain of me. + + Your letter, in some respects, is a puzzle to me. It has + almost made me suspicious of a certain party, but I must wait + and see what time will tell, then perhaps we shall find it + agreeable to talk over the matter and be as friendly as ever. + You may feel sure I was very glad of your success at the + trial, and I hope, oh so much, that you will triumph over all + your misfortunes. I should have answered your letter more + promptly, but I have been, and still am, kept at home by a + bad cold which I took the night of the fire. + + With best wishes, sincerely your friend, NELLIE DUTTON. + +Instead of throwing a shadow over our young friend's horizon, this +letter swept away, for a time, the few remaining clouds, and made the +sunshine so bright and cheering that he was happy indeed. He had been +cast down so long by bitter misfortunes, that these expressions of +friendship, and especially those of Miss Nellie, seemed to liberate his +fettered spirits, and make them bound high with joy. + +His work seemed nothing to him. The flockers lost their dusty, dingy +appearance. The heavy rolls of cloth were but playthings in his hands. +There was no friction, no irritation. Everything moved with the grace +and charm of a well modeled yacht with swelling sails upon a rippling +sea. + +"She wishes so much that I may triumph over all my misfortunes," he said +to himself, "and I can see now she almost suspects De Vere. I know she +means him. I have been a fool to misjudge her so--and she is at home +sick, poor girl!" + +Here a sudden impulse seized him, and in a few moments he was at John +Fielding's hot house and ordered a dollar's worth of choice cut flowers. +He handed the florist the money and directed him to send them to Nellie +Dutton with his card. + +The old florist was startled--could hardly believe his own senses. Such +an order to be received from a boy was unprecedented--nothing of the +kind had ever been known in the village, and that Fred Worthington, now +a factory boy, should be the one to lead off in this very commendable +fashion--a fashion that is only really practised in the larger +towns--seemed too much to realize. + +Fred saw this plainly in the queer little old man's face, and he blushed +deeply as he thought what he had done. + +Whether the florist hoped to encourage this sort of trade by liberal +dealing I cannot say, but that he sent some very choice flowers, and a +large quantity for the money, is certain. It would be difficult to +imagine a more surprised or delighted person than Nellie Dutton was when +she opened the box and took from it the sweet smelling flowers, and a +neatly written card bearing the name--"Fred Worthington." + +If she was a little jealous of her friend Grace on the previous day, she +now had no occasion to feel so. Her letter had brought a response that +she little expected--a response, however, that made her quite as happy +as Fred. + +If she had, up to this time, held serious doubts as to his innocence, +they were now dispelled. A little act will many times go far toward +changing one's opinion, and there are few arguments more forcible with +girls, and even ladies of mature age, than are choice flowers. This act +of Fred, though seemingly absurd for a boy in his position, was a +master stroke in his favor, for it not only won Nellie's friendship +fully back, but it also created a very favorable impression upon her +mother, who was scarcely less pleased with the flowers than Nellie +herself. + + + + +XXIII. + + +When Fred had first entered the mill his attention was arrested by Jack +Hickey--a witty, good natured Irishman. He was a quaint character, full +of fun and humor. His employment was washing and scouring wool and +shoddy--not a very genteel labor, for it was wet and dirty work, as well +as tiresome. However, Jack received for such service $1.75 per day, and +this made him happier than a $10,000 salary makes many a bank president. + +Hickey was called by the boys the "Jolly Scourer"--not a bad appellation +for him either. His tub and rinser were near the flockers. Fred could +see and hear him while at his own work, and this furnished our young +friend much amusement; for whenever Jack had pitched the wool about in +the strong suds and was waiting for the action of steam upon it, he +usually filled in the time by singing bits of original rhyme and by clog +dancing. + +His rhymes were as queer as himself, while his dancing was equally +peculiar. He had been persistent in the practice of the latter art, no +doubt; in fact, there was decided evidence of this, for in spite of the +clumsy cowhides that he wore, his right foot showed much careful +training. It was full of music and always on time. It could tap the +floor with the ease and skill with which a practised drummer beats the +resonant diaphragm. Moreover, it seemed to know all the steps of a +professional dancer, while his left foot was a thorough clod, so far as +this art went. + +It always seemed to go just contrary to the other, and gave the +appearance of attempting something more difficult than it was capable of +performing. Indeed, this was almost the invariable result, as its +accomplishments in this line were so exceedingly few; besides, it was +always out of time, was clumsy and awkward, and was such a foot as is +familiarly described among boys as "belonging to the church." + +"It is very queer why there is such a difference in the action of that +man's feet," remarked Fred to himself, with a suppressed titter; "but I +think, after all, the clumsy one is the most natural, and does just +about as I should expect a foot to do when incased in such an amount of +leather and belonging to such a man as Jack. What I don't understand is, +how the other one ever became so gamy." + +Fred wondered if Jack was doing all that practice simply for his own +pleasure, or if he was trying to fit himself for an engagement with +some minstrel troupe. If for the latter purpose, there was some object +in it; but if simply for fun, Fred could not see where it came in when +he considered the immense amount of effort it must have taken to wield +with such dexterity those great boots, whose legs reached far above the +dancer's knee, and the soles of which were nearly an inch in thickness +and contained a generous supply of iron slugs. + +When Fred first witnessed Jack's comical performances, they amused him +hugely, and he thought he had never before seen anything half so funny; +even the annual circus, with its train of animals, and dancers, and +tumblers and clowns, could not equal it. The "Jolly Scourer" was +extremely comical and clownish, evidently without trying to be so, while +the circus clown's _effort_ at comical acts and sayings detracts from +the amusing effect of the acts themselves. + +Jack was thoroughly original, and his originality in music, which +accompanied these performances, added much to them; for, contrary to the +custom of many small boys when practising clog dancing, instead of +whistling Jack furnished his music by singing, in a rich brogue, bits of +improvised rhyme that he seemed to compose for the occasion. Many of +them were very funny, and possessed the originality and wit +characteristic of his nationality, which added much to the whole +performance. + +Fred soon made the acquaintance of the "Jolly Scourer," and had many +good laughs at his jokes, which often lightened the monotony of routine +work. He moreover did our young hero many acts of kindness, and in a +certain matter proved of great service to him. + +Time passed by with Fred in his factory life not altogether +unpleasantly, and as he saw no chance of getting into a store again very +soon, he concluded that the best thing for him to do was to gain every +point possible relative to woolen manufacture, and especially to the +finishing department, in which he had commenced his mill career. + +Consequently he bent his energies to this purpose. Whatever was to be +learned by observation and by questioning he was fast finding out. When +he first ventured out into the wet gig room, he saw there numerous +machines, the working of which was a curiosity which he wished to have +explained; and after carefully examining them he hastened back to the +little humpback, where he felt confident he could get the desired +information. Said he: + +"Carl, what are those great tall machines in the second room beyond us, +that have the large cylinders?" + +"They are gigs--wet gigs." + +"And what are they for?" + +"They are to raise a nap on the cloth." + +"How do they do that?" + +"Well, that cylinder is covered with handles. You know what handles are, +I s'pose?" + +"I know something about some kind of handles, but I guess not of this +kind." + +"They are long iron frames about seven feet long, half an inch thick, +and just wide enough to take in two teasels, one on top of the other so +as to make two rows of them the whole length of the handle." + +"And this iron frame filled with teasels is called a 'handle'?" + +"Yes." + +"But what are teasels?" + +"They are the burrs of a plant something like a thistle. They are about +the size of a small egg, only not quite so large around, and they do not +taper so much, though one end is a little larger than the other. They +have sharp points, sort of like hooks, which all turn down toward the +stem, so you can run your hand over them one way and the points won't +hurt; but if you pull your hand back they dig right to the flesh." + +"Oh, I know now, I saw a lot of them up stairs the other day and +wondered for what they were used here. Seems to me they are queer +things to use on cloth. Wouldn't something like a card with iron tacks +be better, and last longer?" + +"No, I guess not. Probably anything like that would tear the cloth, and +I believe all of the mills use teasels. You see they would use what is +best." + +"Yes, I suppose so," added Fred thoughtfully; "but tell me about the gig +and how they use this little prickly thing." + +"Well, as I said, these frames filled with teasels are called handles, +and as the gig cylinders are covered all over with handles, it makes +kind of a solid bed of teasels. The cylinder whirls one way, and the +cloth, which is drawn close against it, goes the other." + +"I should think the sharp points would dig into the cloth, and tear it +the same as wire points would." + +"You see the gig is going so fast they don't get hold much, and then +they are not strong enough to tear it at once, but will wear it out +rather fast if too much pressure is put upon it. Those gigs out there +don't hurt it much, though, for they use old handles and the teasels are +broken down a good deal." + +"Where are they used first, if they are old?" + +"Up stairs on the dry gigs." + +"What! Is it gigged up there, too?" + +"Oh, yes; on two different gigs. Haven't you seen the great square iron +framed machines with two cylinders and two men tending them?" + +"No, I think not. I don't believe I have been into that room yet." + +"Well, the cloth is gigged there on the big machines the first thing +after it leaves the fulling mills and washers." + +"How long do they run it up there?" + +"They run it quite a while in all the different processes it goes +through. After it is gigged the first time then it is cropped." + +"Cropped, you say?" exclaimed Fred, laughing. "Well, you have me again, +for I am sure I don't know what that means." + +"Why, it means sheared--cutting off the nap which the teasels dig +up--only they don't call it 'sheared' the first two times." + +"How many times is it sheared, I wonder!" + +"'Bout four or five times, I think; twice on the cropper, and twice or +three times on the finishing shears. As I said before, it is run on the +big gig first and then is cropped. After this process is completed, it +runs on another dry gig of the same shape as the wet ones, and is +cropped again. Then it is placed on to the wet gigs where you saw it." + +"I should think it would be all worn out if it is run so long against +those sharp teasels, besides having the nap sheared off several times. +How long do they keep it on the gigs?" + +"It does get spoiled sometimes; I have seen plenty of pieces with the +face of the cloth all gigged through. It tears the filling all out and +leaves the warp. The cloth runs on each gig till a good nap is worked +up." + +"That would be a good many hours in all, I suppose, but I don't see the +use of gigging it so much as to spoil the cloth. It won't wear very +well, will it?" + +"Yes, but they gig it so as to get an extra fine finish, and make it +smooth and handsome. And then there are what they call the steam gigs. +It is run on them, and besides this it is gigged several times on the +back, both on dry and wet gigs." + +"What! Is there still another kind of gig?" asked Fred, beginning to get +incredulous. + +"No, they are just the same as the ones you saw, only they run the cloth +through them after it is steamed, so the boys call them the 'steam +gigs.'" + + + + +XXIV. + + +"Are the steam gigs wet ones, too?" asked Fred. + +"Yes, and they use the oldest handles of any, because this is the last +time the cloth is gigged, and it won't stand much scraping. After it +leaves these gigs it goes to the drier, and then goes back up stairs." + +"When it goes back up there, I suppose it goes through a dozen or two +more processes, does it not?" + +"Well, it goes through quite a number. I believe it is sheared the first +thing, and then it has to be brushed and sheared again." + +"What kind of a thing is a shear, any way, such as is used for shearing +the nap from cloth? I can't imagine how it works, though I have often +wished to see it in operation." + +"I don't believe I can tell you so you will understand it. You had +better go up and see for yourself." + +"You can give me an idea about it. I don't want to go up there now +without showing some better reason than curiosity. Mr. Farrington might +think it queer, and get an idea that I am neglecting my work, as he said +Tim Short did." + +"All right, then; I'll tell you the best I can. I used to think myself, +when I heard father talking about the shears, that they must be +something like mother's shears, only with great long blades; but I found +I was mistaken. The shears up stairs are about seven feet long; you see +they have to be as long as the cloth is wide. They have iron frames, and +I guess are five feet high. There is a roller on the back side and +another on the front. On the top and front of the machine is a steel +plate which runs the whole length of the shear. This plate has a square +edge, and the cloth passes over it from one roller to the other. It is +drawn tight when it goes over the steel plate, and there is what I +believe they call a cylinder that has sharp knives upon it. They call +them knives, but they are like strips of sharp steel fastened on to the +cylinder. They are 'bout half an inch high, and run the whole length of +the cylinder in a spiral way, just the same as I would wind a string +round this stick from bottom to top, if every time the string went round +it was an inch from where it went round before. + +"Well, you see--these strips of steel go round like that, only they are +a good deal straighter and are 'bout two inches apart. They call these +strips the knives and grind them just like any other shears. The way +they do this is by running the cylinder the wrong way and holding a +piece of stone against them. This gives them a sharp edge. This cylinder +is let down so close to the steel plate that there isn't room for the +cloth to pass between it and the cylinder without having the face or nap +sheared off by the sharp knives of the cylinder that is going round like +lightning. That's 'bout all there is to it. Do you get any idea how it +works?" + +"Oh, yes; I think I see how it is. As the cloth passes over the plate +one way, the cylinder whirls the other and clips off the nap. I +understand now why a knot in the back of the cloth would do so much +harm. As it passes over the plate 'twould raise the cloth up so as to +cut a hole in the face of it; but when you told me about it the other +day I thought a little thing like that didn't amount to much." + +"Yes, that's right," responded Carl, with a pleased look on finding his +explanation had proved successful. "I have told you a little about +nearly all the processes of finishing cloth. I may as well tell the +rest. Oh, I forgot to tell you how the cloth is brushed. Well, it is +done by machinery. The brush itself is a roller about six inches +through, and the same length as the shear cylinder. The bristles are put +into the roller all over it, so it is just like any brush, only round. +The cloth runs on the brushing machine about the same as on the shear, +and the brush that is let down on to the cloth revolves with an awful +speed--so fast that it appears to be like a smooth piece of iron or +wood. I tell you it takes the dust out and straightens out the nap in +good shape." + +"I should think it would," said Fred; and then added, in a humorous +vein, "I would like to run my clothes through a machine like that; and I +don't know but myself too, after working all day in this stifling dust. +I wonder if it would clean our jackets? I rather think they would have +to run through more than once to remove so many flocks." + +"Oh! there is a brush up where the handles are brushed that is just the +thing for our jackets. I have brushed mine there a good many times." + +"Where the handles are brushed? Why, what is the object in brushing +them?" + +"The teasels fill all up with the nap that they dig out of the cloth, so +they are only run a little while at a time before they are changed and +clean ones put into the gigs. Then those that are taken off are brushed +so that the nap almost all comes off and leaves the handles clean again. +Didn't you notice that light stuff that we put into the wet grinder? +Well, that is what comes off from the handles. It is made into flocks, +pieces of teasels and all." + +"Yes, I have seen it, and meant to ask you before where it came from. I +suppose that is where the profit is made, in allowing as little to waste +as possible. Well, go on with the finishing business." + +"There isn't much more to be told about it. The cloth goes from the +brush to presses where it is pressed with steam and by machinery of some +kind that is awful powerful. The cloth is folded first into single +width, and then it is folded the other way, so that it is about a yard +square. A piece of stiff, smooth paper is placed between each fold. The +cloth stays in the press quite a long time, and when it is taken out it +is ready to be shipped to New York or wherever it is to go." + +Fred expressed his gratitude to Carl for furnishing him so much +information, and felt that, having gained considerable theoretical idea +of finishing cloth, he could the more rapidly accumulate such knowledge +as might be of valuable service to him. + +Fred received a charming little note from Nellie, thanking him over and +over again for the sweet flowers he had sent her. "Such a delightful +surprise," she said, "and to think you should be so thoughtful of me and +so very, very kind when you think I deserted you in your trouble. I +cannot understand you under these circumstances, but I hope some time +you will tell me your motive in returning good for evil, as I know you +feel you have done." + +The note made him rather happy at first, but as he studied it more +carefully it somewhat chilled him. + +"'Some time' she hopes I may tell her my motive, not very soon; the +'some time' sounds a good away off," he mused. "I wonder why this is! +Perhaps she wants to wait and see if I am innocent of all that still +seems against me before she will invite me to call, or even meet me." + +This seemed so probable to him that he felt like punishing himself for +having acted so impulsively. + +In the mean time Matthew, among others, learned of Fred's sending the +flowers, and heard that Nellie was much pleased at receiving them. This +galled him severely, especially as she had refused to see him when he +called. With all he had done to injure Fred, and with all of his efforts +to please her, he feared that his rival was still more of a favorite +with her than himself, though the former was now but a factory boy. + +He felt exceedingly bitter and tempted to play even a bolder game than +he had thus far done. + +"But what can it be?" he said to himself. "I have already tried to +waylay him, and failed. I got the bartender to drug him and make him +drunk, thinking that would keep him down. But no! He was discharged on +this account, and I thought he was disgraced, but still he was not put +down. I even----" but here he shrank from repeating even to himself this +terrible act, and buried his face in his hands in deep thought--defeated, +dejected, and miserable. + + + + +XXV. + + +For a time everything at the factory ran well, and Fred turned off his +work quite as satisfactorily as could have been expected, since he was a +new hand and unaccustomed to the duties. He learned them readily, +however, but not soon enough to escape the fault finding of Christopher +Hanks, who seemed to delight in making it uncomfortable for the boys, as +he was one of those disagreeable and contemptible men who take delight +in tyrannizing over those below them in authority, especially if they +are boys, and consequently not able to match them in strength and +courage. + +It is just possible, however, that Christopher overestimated his own +powers in this latter respect, or still more probable that he had a +decidedly faulty conception of our young friend's muscular development, +as may hereafter be shown. + +Fred had the good sense, however, to keep from having any trouble with +him on first going into the mill, as he was already under a cloud, and +he knew that it would be for his advantage to submit for a time to what +was anything but agreeable to one of his spirit. "A fuss with Hanks at +this time," thought he, "might turn Mr. Farrington against me, and then +I should have no strong friend left." + +Fred looked upon Mr. Farrington as one who would do everything possible +to help him advance and aid him in re-establishing his innocence. It may +as well be said here that this latter consideration was more to him than +anything else, for he felt most keenly the attitude of many of his +former friends whenever he chanced to meet them. Moreover, he hoped to +be promoted as soon as a vacancy should occur, provided he conducted +himself so as to merit it. + +For these several reasons Fred put up with the mean treatment of Hanks, +that he might become well established before asserting his manliness and +independence. + +He did the heavy work that really belonged to Hanks, so that Carl might +escape it. He did even more than had been done by either boy before he +came, for the carrying of the cloth had been imposed upon him. Fred did +not know this for some time, until Jack Hickey, the "Jolly Scourer," +said to him one day: + +"Me b'y, why do ye let that ould spalpane crowd ye so?" + +"Why, what do you mean?" inquired young Worthington, who wanted to draw +out his friend of the Emerald Isle. + +"I mane about luggin' the cloth. Sure, an' no b'y but ye has ever done +it." + +"I thought it was a part of my work; he told me to do it the first +morning I came in, and no one ever spoke to me about it before." + +"Oh, by St. Patrick, he'd loaf on ye if he could--the old sour mouth." + +This opened Fred's eyes still further, and when he saw Carl he said to +him: + +"Why didn't you tell me that it wasn't my work to lug the cloth down?" + +"Because Mr. Hanks told me that he was going to make you do it, and +threatened me if I told you; and I didn't want to do anything to +displease him." + +"Well, it is all right; I am glad you didn't do anything to make him +treat you worse, but there may be a time ahead for a reckoning between +him and me. I know of other tricks of his, and I'll make good use of my +information when the time comes." + +"I hope you won't have a fuss with him and leave the flockers. My work +is so much easier now," replied Carl anxiously. + +"Oh, no; I guess I won't leave them right away," returned Fred. "I am +glad if you are getting along better than you did before I came." + +"Oh, yes, I am; and my back isn't so lame now I don't lift any; but I +don't seem to get strong. It seems as if I couldn't do the heavy work +anymore if I tried." + +"I am indeed sorry," said Fred sympathetically, "but I hope you don't +get so tired as you did. If you do not, and think you are strong enough, +I would like to have you come up to my house evenings and study with me. +I think you spoke as if you would like a better education. I thought +that night, after we were talking about it, that I would ask you to do +this, and I have been waiting for you to get stronger; but you have +looked so tired all the time that I kept putting off speaking about it +till now." + +As the little cripple thought of the previous kind acts of Fred, and +listened to his new proposal to teach him, his eyes grew moist with +gratitude, and a crystal drop stole down his thin, pale cheek. He said +nothing for a moment or two, but that silent tear meant more to our +young friend than words could have expressed. It seemed to him that at +no time in his life had his own heart been so large and his sympathy for +others so great. + +Presently Carl replied: + +"Oh, I should be so glad of such a chance, but I am afraid it would +trouble you too much." + +"No, that's nothing. It would do me good to review my studies, and, +moreover, I should find a pleasure in feeling that I was really doing +you a good turn." + +"Then I will try it, and I hope I can hold out, for if I could only get +an education I think I could find some lighter work to do that would be +better for me. I don't feel very strong now, but I hope I can stand it. +When shall I commence?" + +"You may come any evening." + +"You are at home every night, are you?" + +"Yes, every evening except Sunday--then I go to church." + +"I should think you would go out with the boys and have some fun." + +"I can't do that and study too." + +"Do you study now? I thought you were a good scholar." + +"Yes; I have not missed an evening since I came into the mill." + +"What are you studying?" + +"I am studying mathematics and practising penmanship most of the time. +They will be most useful to me if ever I get into business." + +"I am afraid it would be too much trouble, then, for you to teach me." + +"Oh, don't worry about that. I have plenty of books, too, that you can +use, so you need not buy any," said Fred, wishing to encourage his +friend as much as possible, though he well knew that his offer would be +no little inconvenience to himself. + +In the course of a few evenings Carl asked his uncle, after they had +finished supper, if he could go over to Mr. Worthington's for a little +while; and after receiving a favorable answer he went up stairs and put +on another suit. It was the best the poor boy had, though the coat +fitted him badly, owing to his deformity. All the garments, moreover, +were made from inexpensive material, and had been in service so long +that they showed much wear. + +Those of my readers who know nothing of poverty, or even want, would +doubtless consider a suit of this kind almost unfit for gunning or +fishing; but as it was the only dress suit which Carl had, he kept it +neat and clean. He put on a white collar, a well worn blue necktie, and +thus attired was soon on his way to his friend's house. + + + + +XXVI. + + +Fred found, much to his surprise, that Carl was something of a scholar, +as he could read well and write a very fair hand. He had thoroughly +mastered an elementary arithmetic, learning all of the tables and rules +so as to apply them readily and correctly. + +"When did you learn so much about mathematics?" asked Fred. "You have +had no teacher." + +"Well, I got a little idea of it before going into the mill, enough so +that I managed to work my way through the book after getting around +again from my sickness. Since then I have been through the book so many +times that I know it almost by heart." + +"Why didn't you get a more advanced book, instead of spending so much +time on this one?" + +"That is just what I wanted, but couldn't buy one." + +"Almost any one would have given or lent you one, the same as I am going +to let you use my books. It is too bad that you have been kept back for +the want of suitable books; but what you have been over you have +learned so thoroughly that it is worth about as much to you as if you +had been through several higher arithmetics, and knew none of them well. +Have you ever studied geography?" + +"No, I have not, and that is just the book I want to study most, for I +would like to know something about the world. Have you a geography?" + +"Yes, I have two that I am done using. It is an interesting study. I +used to like to draw maps." And opening his desk--which, by the way, +Fred had made himself--he took out a large number of well executed maps, +and showed them to Carl, in whose eyes shone a gleam of admiration as he +looked them over, and said, almost incredulously: + +"You didn't make them, did you? And with a pen, too? Why! they look like +boughten ones." + +"Yes, I made them all with a pen and different kinds of ink; that +shading is all pen work, too. It is easy enough after one gets the hang +of it. The greatest trouble is to get just the right shape to the maps, +and to have everything in the right proportion." + +"I should think that would be hard enough, but these letters are what +stick me. They are exactly like print." + +"Oh, they are easy; I learned to print a long time ago. It is much +easier than good penmanship, for it is slow, while writing is done much +faster, so it takes a lot of practice to get the knack of it; but I like +it and can do pretty good work now. Here are some of my cards and a +little flourishing work, and this is what I am doing now"--showing Carl +a set of books on which he had been at work in his bookkeeping. + +Again the little cripple was greatly interested to see the handsome work +before him--for handsome it was, as Fred, by dint of much practice, had +become a superior penman. + +"I never saw such good writing," said Carl; "only what our writing +master used to do, when I went to school, and he didn't do any of these +birds either. Where did you learn to do it?" + +"I learned it right here. You or anybody could do it by practising +enough." + +"I wish I had known that before, then I could have practised when I had +no books to study; but I thought nobody could learn to write much +without a teacher." + +"You were mistaken there; a good copy and plenty of the right sort of +practice will make any one a good penman. But what would you like to +study most? Tell me what you want to fit yourself for, then I will tell +you what I think will do you the most good." + +"I would like to get so I could keep books. There is a place in the +finishing room where an account of the cloth and shipping is kept. It is +easy work, and pays well. I thought, perhaps, if I could only do the +work, I might some time get that job, or some good place outside of the +mill." + +"Yes, that would, perhaps, be the best thing for you; so I should think +you had better practise penmanship, bookkeeping, and spelling. You know +about enough of mathematics already for keeping ordinary accounts. The +bookkeeping won't amount to very much to you in itself, but while you +are at work at that you will be gaining in the other two, and will get +used to the forms. You wanted to study geography, but you had better let +that go till you get fitted for a better position; then you can take it +up at leisure." + +Fred now procured pen and paper for Carl, and set about instructing him +in penmanship. The little cripple was so much pleased with his kind +treatment that his gratitude was plainly expressed in his face, and he +commenced his task with all a boy's enthusiasm. As he carefully copied +the letters before him, his mind doubtless looked forward to the time +when he would rise above his present position in life and approach +nearer to the goal of his ambition. + +The next morning Carl did not put in an appearance at the regular hour. +Time went by and still he did not come. This left Christopher Hanks' +force one hand short, and obliged him to do a good amount of work +himself to enable him and Fred to keep all the machines running. + +He was quite out of sorts this morning, and Carl's absence, together +with the extra work, made him irritable, cross, and overbearing. Fred +endured this disagreeable mood for a while, but at last it grew +intolerable to him, so when Hanks ordered him in an insolent tone to +bring down more cloth he refused point blank. + +Hanks fell into a rage and acted as if he would like to smash things +generally, and Fred in particular, but he very sensibly kept a good +distance from the latter, who had little regard for such a scraggy, ill +tempered individual. + +"So you refuse to do yer work?" demanded Hanks excitedly. + +"No, sir, I do not," replied Fred firmly. + +"Then will you bring them bundles down?" + +"No, sir." + +"That's your work," said Hanks, cooling down at Fred's determined tone +and manner. + +"That is not my work, though you have imposed it upon me since I have +been here." + +"I'm boss of this here job, and what I tell yer to do is fur yer to +'tend to. Ef yer don't mind me I'll have yer discharged," said Hanks, +trying to intimidate our young friend. + +"I would like to see you have me discharged for not doing your work," +said Fred defiantly. "I have found out all about this business, and just +what I am supposed to do." + +Hanks saw that he was foiled, that Fred had the advantage of him, and +that he had better let the matter drop as easily as possible, or he +might find himself in trouble if Fred should take it to Mr. Farrington. +It suddenly occurred to him that he was needed up in the other room, and +he withdrew hastily. As he turned to go he noted the evident pleasure +pictured on Jack Hickey's face at his own discomfiture and Fred's +triumph. + +"Good, me b'y!" said the jolly Irishman to our young friend. "I told ye +not to stand the old spalpane's thricks." + +"I don't mean to any longer," replied Fred. + +"Ye has a dale of sparit, for sure. I knowed it all the time, but bedad +and I thought it wad never start." + +"Now it has started I'll keep it up so far as Hanks is concerned," +replied our hero, as he took a basket under his arm and started for a +supply of flocks. + +Hanks managed to avoid him the remainder of the forenoon. No further +crash therefore occurred between them during that time. That the scraggy +old man was thoroughly angry there was no doubt--angry at Fred's triumph +over him, and most angry at poor little Carl for remaining away, and as +Hanks believed, for telling what he had forbidden him to disclose to +Fred. + +About three o'clock in the afternoon Carl came in, pale and sick, but +much better than in the morning, when despite all his efforts he could +not summon strength enough to go to his work. Fred was in the drying +room at the time, and Hanks was up after a roll of cloth. He had just +brought down two, and was struggling to get an exceedingly large roll +upon his shoulder. This he succeeded in doing after one or two failures, +that caused the hands standing near to laugh at him, and make irritating +remarks, as is their custom on such occasions. + +All this had its maddening effect upon him, and it so happened that one +of the employees had just taken up the stairs a bucket filled with soft +soap, and had accidentally spilled some on the three top stairs. Hanks +now came along with the roll of cloth, twice his own size, upon his +shoulder--an awkward load to handle--and started to descend. He slipped +on the first step, and in trying to regain his footing tripped himself, +and tumbled, bumped, and rolled all the way to the bottom of the stairs. + +The cloth kept along with him. At one time he was on the top of the +roll, and at another it seemed to have the better of him. At any rate +they stuck by each other, and landed well out on the floor side by +side. + +Jack Hickey indulged in a characteristic shout. All the employees in the +room gathered around and laughed in a manner that must have been very +tantalizing to one in Hanks' plight. + +Just then Fred came in and joined the crowd. The old man saw him, and +fire almost flashed from his eyes. His two front teeth, that so annoyed +our hero by hanging loose and waving back and forth, now seemed to shake +as if worked by an electric motor. + +He picked himself up, white with rage, and parting company with his roll +of cloth, rushed into his corner beneath the stairs beside the flockers. + +The first object that caught his eye was Carl. Hanks rushed at him like +a madman, and catching him around the throat, pushed him roughly against +a hard iron frame and demanded to know why he dared to disobey his +orders in telling what he had been forbidden to mention. + +The little cripple cried out with fear and pain, injured as he was by +Hanks' revengeful act. Fred had now made his way to the flockers, and +the half stifled cry was the first intimation he had had of Carl's +presence. He rushed at once to his assistance, and grappled with the +boy's assailant. + +A fierce struggle now ensued. Hanks' blood was up. He was almost like a +wild man, and his strength was nearly doubled. At first our young friend +was hardly a match for the maddened man. They rolled and tumbled, first +one seeming to gain the supremacy and then the other. + +The old man struggled desperately to win the contest. He struck Fred a +telling blow on the nose that made the blood flow copiously and added +horror to the scene. But this did not weaken our hero's courage. It +rather strengthened his determination and purpose. The fire flashed from +his eyes; all the force of his well trained physique was at his command, +and with a powerful effort he hurled his antagonist to the floor and +fell upon him. + +Still the struggle went on, but soon Hanks' strength began to fail him, +and when he felt himself overpowered by Fred's superior skill and +strength he begged for mercy. + +But he did not need to do this, as Fred would certainly much sooner have +been severely punished himself than have struck his antagonist while +down, however much contempt he might feel for him. + +Jack Hickey and a few others now gathered around and interfered in the +interest of peace. They saw that Fred had won the fight and was master +of the situation. Each contestant was covered with blood, and presented +a pitiable sight. + +Just then Mr. Farrington happened to be passing through the room on his +round of inspection, and attracted by those gathered at the flockers he +hurried there also, to learn the cause of the excitement. + + + + +XXVII. + + +The overseer was amazed--could hardly believe his own eyes, when he saw +the strange spectacle before him. + +"What does this mean?" he asked sharply. + +"I have been assaulted--brutally assaulted," whined Hanks. + +"And you assaulted him?" he said sternly, turning to Fred. + +"I have done nothing without good cause," replied Fred. + +"See, he don't deny it," put in Hanks. + +"No, I don't deny it, if defending a little cripple against your abuse +and cruel treatment is an assault," answered our hero in a way that +carried conviction to the overseer. + +"Abuse and cruel treatment!" repeated Mr. Farrington. + +"Yes; here is Carl. He can tell the story," replied our young friend. + +"Why, my boy, are you sick? What makes you look so pale?" asked Mr. +Farrington, with feeling, as Carl stepped toward him, hardly able to +stand. + +"I do feel a little faint," he said, catching hold of Fred's hand for +support. + +"Have you been injured by that man?" asked the kind hearted overseer, +pointing with scorn at Hanks. + +"Oh, I don't know why he did it. I didn't disobey him," replied the +little cripple, with tears in his eyes. + +The tone of his voice, his tears, and whole manner touched Mr. +Farrington deeply. + +"What did he do to you?" he asked. + +Carl told the story in substance as I have already given it. + +"I regret seriously that anything of this kind should have happened," +said Mr. Farrington to our hero, "but I admire the spirit and bravery +you have shown in defending this poor boy;" and turning to Hanks he gave +him a withering rebuke, and discharged him on the spot. "Come to my +desk," continued the indignant overseer, "and get a bill of your time, +and never show your head in my department again." + +Hanks saw that further argument would be of no use to him. He +consequently gathered up his effects with as much celerity as possible, +and after washing the blood stains from his face and hands, and casting +upon Fred a parting glance of hatred and revenge, he left the room amid +the jeers and taunts of all the workmen. + +Fred found himself the hero of the hour. The news spread through the +mill with almost incredible rapidity. His defense of the poor cripple +touched the hearts of the operatives. + +Carl's uncle told the story of Fred's kindness to his nephew, as well as +his offer to teach him. Everybody in the mill talked the matter over, +and perhaps magnified to some extent Fred's bravery and noble hearted +conduct. + +A little incident often turns the tide of popular opinion. This act +turned it most effectually in Fred's favor, and he was now lionized by +all the factory people. + +The report was not long in finding its way throughout the village. Our +young friend's name was in the mouth of almost every one. He was +discussed and rediscussed as one only can be in a small village, where +little happens of general interest to form a theme of conversation. With +few exceptions, the verdict of popular opinion was flattering to him. +The manner of almost every one changed toward him as if by magic. + +Those people who had but a few days before cast suspicious, knowing +glances at him, as if to say, "I know your record," were now most +cordial and painstaking to try and impress him with a sense of their +friendship and their admiration for his bravery and manly conduct. + +Fred now thought that he could see his way back to his old position +among his friends, and the hope made him happy. + +He wondered what Nellie thought of him now, and whether his act that had +won the praise of so many had placed him in a better light before her +eyes. How much he wanted to see her and receive her praise! A single +word from her would have been more highly prized than the most +flattering compliments of twenty others. + +Shortly after Mr. Farrington returned to his desk from the scene at the +flockers, Jacob Simmons entered the factory and approached him. + +"Can you give me a job?" said he meekly. "I have finished my fall work, +and would like to get in here during the cold weather." + +"Yes, I want a man at once." + +"I'm your man, then," returned Jacob hopefully. + +"Can you commence work now? I have just discharged a man, and must put +some one in his place, or the work will fall behind." + +"Sho! How fortunate!" + +"Fortunate for you, you mean?" + +"That's it; that's it exactly." + +"But you have not answered my question. Can you commence work at once?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Then you may have the position." + +Jacob looked happy. + +"You may come with me," continued Mr. Farrington, as he led the way +through the long hall and down the stairs to the flockers. "I have a +bright boy who will teach you the duties of the position." + +"That will help out, but I shan't be long in learning," replied Jacob. + +They had now reached the flockers. + +"Here is your assistant," said Mr. Farrington, as Fred came up from +behind one of the machines. "I presume you know each other well." + +Jacob took a step back involuntarily, and the color seemed to leave his +face, as if terrified at our hero's sudden and unexpected appearance +before him. + +"Why, don't you know him?" asked the overseer, observing Mr. Simmons +hesitate. + +"Oh, I see now, it is Fred Worthington," replied Jacob, regaining his +self possession. + +"Yes, and you will find him a valuable assistant. Fred, I wish you to +teach Mr. Simmons the duties of his position. I will come down again +before the closing hour," he continued, as he turned to go up stairs, +"and see how you get along with the work." + + + + +XXVIII. + + +Little Carl was fairly prostrated by the shock received from Hanks' +abusive treatment. + +Mr. Farrington, noticing this, very kindly sent for his carriage, and +had him taken to his uncle's house. After learning from Fred something +of the boy's circumstances, and more fully of Hanks' cruelty to him, he +dispatched a messenger to Dr. Dutton, requesting him to call and examine +Carl, and administer such treatment as the case required. + +The doctor found him very nervous, and so weak that he seemed almost +exhausted. His aunt explained that he had been growing weaker for some +time past, and that his extra exertion the previous night in going to +Fred's house and studying was too much for him. The physician gave him a +mild sedative to quiet his nerves, and then left him for the night. + +The next day he called again, and found the boy feverish and complaining +that his back was sensitive and painful. + +"I am afraid he will have a fever," said Dr. Dutton to Mr. Farrington, +when he called later in the day to learn of the boy's condition. + +"I hope not, doctor," returned the latter; "but give him your best +treatment. I have a great deal of sympathy for him now I know the sad +story of his life." + +"I shall certainly give him careful attention," answered the doctor, +"but he has little strength to build on. Has his work been hard?" + +"Not since Fred Worthington has been in the mill with him. Fred, I am +informed, did much of the boy's work to help him along." + +"I have heard a good deal of praise bestowed upon Fred for defending the +little fellow from abuse," remarked the doctor. + +"And it is justly due him, too. He is a brave and manly fellow--is +Fred." + +"I am glad to hear you speak well of him; but I thought he was a ruined +boy, and guilty of several damaging charges." + +"They are all groundless, I believe," replied Mr. Farrington earnestly; +"and I am surprised to find that you fall in with the general opinion +without inquiring as to his guilt or innocence." + +"There isn't a chance for much doubt about that drunken affair, as he +came to my house thoroughly intoxicated, and I took care of him for a +time and then carried him home. Did you know of that?" + +"Yes; I knew of it some time ago; but do you know how he came to go to +your house? That's the point to get at!" + +"No, I do not. It has been a mystery to me ever since, but I never felt +like asking him about it." + +"You would, perhaps, be surprised to know who was the means of getting +him drunk, and that the same fellow led him in that state to your door, +purposely to disgrace him." + +"You astonish me, Mr. Farrington. But tell me about it; perhaps I have +judged the boy hastily. Who was the culprit?" + +"I will tell you, with the understanding that you shall not repeat it, +for it's Fred's wish that it shall not become known until the young +scoundrel shows his own guilt by telling it." + +"I promise to say nothing to any one." + +"The culprit was Matthew De Vere." + +"Who? Matthew De Vere! Impossible!" + +"No, not impossible at all. Indeed, I haven't the slightest doubt of it. +I have the story straight, and know from Dave all the circumstances that +led to the result." + +It is not strange that the doctor was surprised and annoyed at this +unexpected revelation, and it had more than ordinary significance to +him, also, for this reason: he was fully aware of Matthew's decided +preference for the society of his daughter Nellie. Of course, it was +but a boyish fancy at most; but what might not grow out of it? Did he +not, in fact, during his own school-days, form an attachment for one who +afterwards became his wife? + +In view of this, was it not rather a source of secret satisfaction to +look ahead to the possibility of his daughter's future? Matthew's father +was the most wealthy man in town, and president of the bank in which the +doctor held a large amount of stock. Matthew would probably succeed his +father in a few years, and would not only be very rich, but would be +connected with a very desirable business--that of banking. + +Dr. Dutton, like almost every other man, would have been proud to have +his daughter become the wife of a wealthy and promising young man, and, +so far as he knew, Matthew bade fair to become such. To be sure, people +said he was a little wild, but that would wear away. + +"He, of course, like many other boys, had to sow a few wild oats," said +the doctor to himself, when he had been thinking of the subject, "but he +will come out all right." + +Herein the doctor erred in his judgment, for the sowing of "wild oats," +so called, is never safe; and it has been the dangerous license granted +to thousands and thousands of boys which has caused their ruin. + +Whatever a boy practises becomes after a time a habit; and the rooting +up of such a habit is a matter that requires no little attention and +force of will. The average person finds himself unable to grapple +successfully with what has at last become a second nature, thus proving +beyond peradventure that it is never safe to tamper with anything that +is evil. + +I would not wish to give the impression that Dr. Dutton knew how corrupt +Matthew was. He simply overlooked the boy's evil tendency; but when he +came to listen to Mr. Farrington's story, which went into the details +and related in full all that occurred in the barroom, and then described +the contemptibly mean trick of enticing Fred to his house with the +promise of entering with him, it put quite another face on the matter. +Moreover, it raised Fred to a height in the doctor's estimation which +contrasted strongly with the depth to which Matthew sank. + + + + +XXIX. + + +Jacob Simmons had received his first lesson at his new employment. +Fred's ready way of imparting instruction did much to facilitate his +progress. After the cloth had been placed on the machine and everything +fixed for a long run, Fred left him to watch it and keep it in its +proper place, while he went up to the other room to give attention to +that portion of the business. + +Once alone he had a chance to think, unhindered by the presence of any +one. + +"What does it all mean?" he said to himself. "Mr. Simmons actually +turned pale when he saw me--seemed stunned for a minute. Yes, he even +stepped back as if he were afraid of me. There must be some cause for +this," he meditated, "and I do wonder what it is." + +The idea clung to him. The more he thought upon it and studied the man, +the more he became impressed that something was wrong--that Mr. Simmons +for some reason dreaded meeting him. What this cause could be was the +question to be solved. + +Not many days after Jacob commenced work in the factory, Fred made a +discovery that at once aroused his suspicions and turned his thoughts in +quite another direction, for previously he had believed that Jacob's +aversion to him was due to some personal matter; but now he had a clue +that led to a different belief, and one that might clear up a great +mystery which had not long since thrown its shadow over himself. + +"Do you know Mr. Simmons yet?" asked Fred of Jack Hickey. + +"Well, I spakes to him now an' thin. But why do ye ask, me b'y?" + +"I want you to do me a favor." + +"Sure an' I will do that inny time for ye." + +"Thank you, Jack. I want you to borrow Mr. Simmons' knife and manage to +keep it till I can see it, but don't breathe a word of this to him or +anyone." + +Jack promised secrecy, and went about making friends with Mr. Simmons. +In due time he secured the knife, and when Jacob was out of the room, +called Fred to him and handed him the desired article. + +Our hero's face lighted up triumphantly as he took it and examined it +closely. + +"The very one," he exclaimed. "I knew it the minute I saw it in his +hands," referring to Mr. Simmons. + +"Is ye crazy?" asked Jack. "By St. Patrick, ye act as if ye had found an +ould friend." + +"Yes--or--I mean it is just the knife I want," answered Fred, coloring +and trying to show less concern. "I wish you would buy it for me. I will +pay whatever he asks, but don't let him know I want it." + +"And what fer, me b'y, do ye want it so much?" + +"I cannot tell you just yet." + +"And why not?" + +"You shall know all about it after a while, but I must say nothing now." + +"Some myshtery about it, I'd sthake my reputashen." + +"Well, I surely cannot prevent your guessing about it, Jack. But don't +fail to obtain it for me." + +"Sure and ye shall have it if he will take a dacent price for it." + +"Don't stand on the price," said Fred, whose anxiety to procure it was +most manifest. + +Jack was impressed by Fred's manner that the knife was wanted for some +important evidence, and he argued that something must be wrong or Fred +would go to Mr. Simmons himself and buy the knife if he wanted it simply +for pocket use. + +His curiosity was aroused, and his ingenuity was taxed to know how to +get the knife without arousing Jacob's suspicion if there really was +any secret attached to it. + +He reasoned that possession was a strong point in his favor. He had it +now, and finally decided to keep it if he could once get it home. He +thought he could easily make some excuse to gain time. He had taken a +great liking to Fred, and was willing to strain a point of propriety to +serve him, and as there was a mystery surrounding the knife he felt +impelled by his own curiosity to hold fast to it for the present. + +As good luck would have it Jacob did not miss the knife before the +closing hour that night. This enabled Jack to take it home with him, +where he put it under lock and key. + +The next day he apologized to Mr. Simmons for leaving it at home, spoke +of its being a superior knife, and finally touched upon the subject of +buying it. + +After much parleying he succeeded in effecting a trade, but had to pay +down a handsome price. Jacob evidently felt some apprehension about +letting it go, but four dollars looked so large to him that he could not +let the offer pass unaccepted, especially as he thought he was getting +the best of the bargain. + +Jack informed Fred of his success. The latter was much pleased, and +after thanking him for the favor, said: + +"Now, Jack, I want you to examine the knife carefully before handing it +to me. I want to be able to prove how it came into my possession. You +may be called upon to testify that you bought it from Mr. Simmons, so +you must be able to identify it positively." + + + + +XXX. + + +Dr. Dutton was a wealthy man and often loaned money to his neighbors on +security. Jacob Simmons had recently built an extension to his house. +This cost more money than he expected, as is usually the case, so he +found himself cramped for funds. + +He had not been in the factory long enough to draw any salary, and being +forced to raise the money, he now came to Dr. Dutton to try and get it +from him. + +"What security can you give?" asked the doctor. + +"I can give you my note," replied Mr. Simmons. + +"With a mortgage?" suggested the doctor. + +"No, I don't want to give a mortgage, but I have a certificate for two +hundred dollars' worth of stock in the Central Valley Railroad;" taking +a lot of papers from his pocket book. + +"Let me see it." + +"It is among some of these papers," Simmons replied, sorting them in his +lap. "Ah, here it is." + +"Yes, this will do," said the doctor, after examining it closely. +"Nellie, hand me my note book," he added, turning to his daughter. + +She quickly placed the book in her father's hand, and he filled out a +note for Mr. Simmons to sign. When this had been done the money was paid +over, and Jacob left the house, feeling quite elated at his success in +raising the loan so easily. + +Little did he think of the position in which he had placed himself +through his careless handling of his papers, and of the trouble that +would follow, not only to himself, but to others whom he had promised to +shield. + +Soon after he had gone, and the doctor had passed into another room, +Nellie raised her eyes from the book she was reading and noticed a small +piece of paper upon the floor near the chair where Mr. Simmons had sat. + +She picked it up, and glancing at it hastily, saw it contained Fred +Worthington's name. + +She could not refrain from reading it through, and as she read she +shuddered with fear at the thought of what might have been. + +She hastened to her father and mother with the paper for them to read. + +"Extraordinary!" exclaimed the doctor, although he now knew something of +Matthew De Vere's character. "Where did you get this?" + +"I found it on the floor near where Mr. Simmons sat," replied Nellie. + +"He must have accidentally dropped it." + +"Yes, but isn't it awful?" + +"It is, indeed; but there seems little doubt of its being genuine, as +here are the names signed to it. Is this Matthew's writing?" + +"Yes, I think so. It looks exactly like it," replied Nellie. + +"It was a bold act of villainy, and his father should know it," +continued the doctor thoughtfully. + +"I can't think Matthew is so bad as that shows," said Mrs. Dutton. + +"Do you know the cause of their quarrel, Nellie?" asked her father. + +She hesitated. The question was especially embarrassing to her. + +"I think Matthew has some grudge against Fred," she replied, evading a +direct answer. + +"I should think he must have, and for what, I wonder?" + +"Fred could tell you all about it, I think, if you would have him call +this evening," said Nellie artfully, both to save further questioning +and to have a pretext for inviting him to call. "He may know something +about this paper." + +"I think that would be the best plan," said Mrs. Dutton. + +"Perhaps it would," answered her husband. + +"I will write him a note, then, asking him to call this evening," +ventured Nellie. + +Her father nodded assent. This gave her a thrill of pleasure. At last +she could invite Fred to call and could surprise him with the facts she +had in her possession. + +During the afternoon Fred received a neatly written note from Nellie, +simply asking him to call that evening. It was so brief, and so entirely +unexpected, he was puzzled to know what it meant. At any rate, he was +delighted at the thought of seeing his friend once more, and in her own +home, too--let her object be what it would. + +He concluded, after much speculation, that it must be favorable, for he +could not possibly imagine why she should want him to call if it were +otherwise. + +They had hardly met since the night of the party, when they parted +company at her home after a most enjoyable evening. Then each felt more +than an ordinary regard for the friendship of the other, and doubtless +little imagined that it would be so suddenly broken in upon by the +suspicious circumstances that speedily surrounded Fred. This, together +with De Vere's efforts to establish himself in Nellie's good opinion, +had separated them. + +Among all the trials and misfortunes that had come upon him, Fred found +this change in Nellie's manner touched him in a way that nothing else +had done. Why this should be so, he was at a loss to know, for he had +looked upon her simply as a friend. + +And with Nellie, his absence for weeks, when she had seen him almost +daily from childhood up, made her lonely. She wondered why she thought +so often of him, and why she should have felt a sense of jealousy when +he said Grace was a better friend to him than she, and again when she +called and told with such evident pleasure of Fred's triumph at the +trial. + +There also were the beautiful flowers he had sent, from which she +selected a delicate white rose, which she had worn upon her breast till +it withered, and then had pressed it in a book and put it carefully away +where it would be preserved. + +All these thoughts occurred to her while she was sick at heart--all +these, and many more, regarding Fred's kindness and agreeable manners. +She thought of the party, of their delightful walk home after it was +over, of the attention he had shown her and of the complimentary remark +that she "had given him the pleasantest evening of his life." + +Then she wondered why she should think of these things, "for he is +nothing to me," she tried to persuade herself; but the thoughts seemed +too deeply impressed upon her mind to be driven away, and clinging as +they did they made their influence felt. + +Yes, she admitted to herself that Fred's society was much more agreeable +to her than that of any of the other boys--but why? Well, she began to +suspect the cause, and if you had been her trusted friend, the one to +whom she told her secrets--if she ever did so foolish a thing--she might +have said in confidence that--well, never mind what she would have said, +for being yet but a girl of sixteen she could only have called him a +_friend_. + +"Good evening, Fred. I am very glad to see you," said Nellie, as she +opened the door and he stepped in. + +"I am glad to hear you say so, and I am sure this is an unexpected +pleasure to me," replied Fred, taking her proffered hand, which he +retained longer than perhaps was really necessary. + +"I hope, then, you will not find the call a stupid one." + +"Oh, I have no fear of that." + +"You must not be too sure, Fred, for father has just been summoned to +attend a patient, and mother has a caller, so you will have to put up +with my entertainment for a while," replied Nellie, showing him into the +library. + +"That will be most agreeable to me," returned Fred, taking a seat not +far from his hostess. + +"I shall try and not offend you, for you are such a stranger." + +"Yes, it seems an age since I have seen you, Nellie," replied our young +friend in a way that convinced her he meant every word he said. + +"Has it, really?" + +"It has, indeed." + +"I was afraid you had almost forgotten me." + +"Oh, no; I could not do that easily." + +"Well, Fred, I am sure the time could not have seemed longer to you than +it has to me," replied Nellie, after a pause, and dropping her eyes as +she realized the expression she had thrown into the remark. + +Fred's heart beat quicker. + +"Have you really missed me?" he asked, feeling happier than he had for +weeks. + +"If you doubt what I say, how can I convince you?" + +"No, no, I don't doubt you now, Nellie." + +"Why do you say now? Have you ever doubted my word?" + +"No, I did not mean that." + +"I hope you will explain, so I shall not feel uncomfortable." + +Fred hesitated, hardly knowing how to reply. + +"Nellie, it seems like the old days to meet you again," he finally +answered, "and I shrink from thinking of the past weeks when I could +hardly help doubting nearly every one's friendship." + +"I am so sorry for you, and I hope you will forgive me for not being +more friendly," replied Nellie tenderly. + +"I forgive you cheerfully, though I did feel hurt at the time." + +"I saw that only too plainly by your letter, which brought me to my +senses; but it was unkind in me to do as I did." + +"No, not exactly unkind, as nearly every one supposed me guilty." + +"But I ought not to have been so hasty, for there are always two sides +to a question, and I did not wait to hear yours." + +"You have not heard it yet, and still you overlook the charge made +against me." + +"Of course I do." + +"But it has never been explained away." + +"Oh, that was not what troubled me, but--well, nothing ought to have +troubled me," answered Nellie, slightly confused. + +"The intoxication she means," thought Fred, and the color rose to his +face. + +Nellie observed this, and was sorry she had said what she did. + +"As I wrote you, I could have explained it fully to you. I know what you +mean." + +"I did not intend to refer to that unfortunate affair," said Nellie, +with sympathy. + +"It pains me to think of it, but I shall be glad to have you understand +it." + +"It was a great surprise to me, Fred, and being right here seemed awful, +but since receiving your letter I have suspected Matthew De Vere might +have had something to do with it." + +"Have you thought so?" + +"Yes; was I right?" + +"Yes, Nellie, you were; but I did wrong in following him." + +"Will you not tell me all about it?" + +Fred went over the matter of his intoxication, and explained everything +truthfully, while Nellie listened with interest and astonishment. + + + + +XXXI. + + +Fred's story was a surprising revelation to Nellie Dutton, who now, for +the first time, saw Matthew De Vere's conduct in its true light. + +"How could he be so mean?" she exclaimed. + +"It was his revenge," replied Fred. + +"Why did you not speak of his treachery?" + +"I thought it best not to till I could get proof of it, for if I had he +would have denied it." + +"He ought to have been punished." + +"He will be in time, I think." + +"I hope so; but that will not make up for all you have suffered. So he +was the means of your losing your position in the store?" + +"Yes." + +"I will never speak to him again!" said Nellie indignantly. "He is too +mean." + +"I felt sure the time would come when you would say so," replied Fred. + +The color came to Nellie's face. + +"Yes?" she answered, after a pause. + +Fred saw that she was slightly embarrassed, and knew she was thinking of +the somewhat sarcastic letter he had sent her. + +"Nellie, I hope you will forget my letter," he said. + +"I should be glad to, if I could." + +"I am sorry I sent it." + +"I am sorry you had cause to send it." + +"I was hasty; but it is past now. I hope you will not let it trouble +you." + +"If I will forget the letter, will you forget what caused you to send +it?" + +"I shall be only too glad to do so." + +"Truly?" + +"Here is my hand on it." + +"Shall we now be as good friends as ever?" asked Nellie, as she withdrew +her hand. + +"I sincerely hope so, and--even better," he added hesitatingly. + +Nellie's eyes dropped, and a sweet blush stole over her face. + +"We were very good friends before, I thought," she answered. + +"So we were, but--but--well, I shall prize your friendship more highly +since learning how much I missed it." + +Nellie now brought her fan into requisition. + +"And you will never write me any more sarcastic letters?" + +"No." + +Here the conversation was interrupted by the entrance of Dr. Dutton. + +"Ah! good evening, Fred. I am sorry to have kept you waiting so long, +but I hope Nellie has entertained you well." + +Fred arose, blushed, and took the doctor's hand. Why he blushed he +didn't know, but he could feel his cheeks burn. + +"Oh, yes, I have been well entertained, thank you, but I didn't realize +that I was waiting for you." + +"Why, didn't Nellie tell you?" + +"No, sir." + +"I forgot to say you wanted to see him, we were so busy talking," put in +Nellie. + +"Oh, that's it; well, all right. But, Fred, I have been hearing good +reports of you," the doctor continued. + +"I am glad to know that, and I hope I merit them," replied Fred +modestly. + +"I think there is no doubt of it." + +"It is refreshing to hear you say so after knowing all the bad reports +that have been circulated against me during the last few weeks." + +"Never mind, my boy; you have stood the fire nobly, and are surely +winning the fight." + +Fred's heart leaped with joy at these reassuring words from the doctor. + +"Do you think so?" he said, at length. + +"There is very little doubt of it, and I think I have a surprise for +you," taking from his pocket the paper Nellie had found and placing it +in Fred's hands. + +Our young hero quickly ran his eye over it, and was amazed at its +contents. It read thus: + + + MAPLETON, November 17th, 187--. + + Matthew De Vere and me was waitin' near the old Booker barn + to club Fred Worthington. Matthew hired me to help him. We + both had a club. 'Twas 'bout twelve o'clock in the night I + gess. Matthew sed he was goin' to get square with Fred. + Matthew told me to strike him on the leg, and he sed he would + do the efecktive work and fix him so he wouldn't interfear + with him any more. When you come along we darted on you + thinking you was Fred. I hit you a hard clip on the leg. + Matthew was reddy to strike you on the head, but saw his + mistake and stopped jest in time and ran away. + + (Signed) TIM SHORT. + + The above statement is true. + + MATTHEW DE VERE. + +"Have you ever seen this paper before?" asked the doctor. + +"No, sir, never." + +"Knew nothing of it?" + +"No, sir." + +"You little realized, then, how near you came to being waylaid and----" +but the doctor didn't finish the sentence. + +"I never had the slightest suspicion of it." + +"It was a bold plot." + +"And a wicked one," added Mrs. Dutton, who had now joined the group in +the library. + +"But what kept you out so late that night?" asked the doctor. + +Fred examined the date of Mr. Simmons' paper. + +"It was the night of Grace Bernard's party." + +"Yes, so it was--I remember the date now; but in going from Mr. +Bernard's to your home you could not pass the old Booker barn." + +Fred's face grew suddenly red. The temperature of the room seemed to him +suffocatingly warm. He stood on one foot, embarrassed, trying to think +how to explain. + +His color very strangely seemed to be reflected upon Nellie's cheeks. +Just then she appeared to be much interested in the evening paper, and +held it much nearer to her eyes than was her custom. + +"You shouldn't ask so many questions," said Mrs. Dutton to her husband, +smiling at the young folks' embarrassment. + +"Ah, ha! I see now. Jealousy, was it?" + +"It looks like it," answered Fred comically, whereupon the doctor and +his wife laughed heartily, and, the ice being broken, Nellie and Fred +joined in the merriment, though it was at their own expense. + +"Well," said the doctor seriously, "this paper records a very grave +matter. The boys should be punished." + +"Why, I wonder, didn't Mr. Simmons have them punished?" asked Nellie. + +"The case looks suspicious," answered her father. + +"He has never reported it, or we should have heard of it," said Mrs. +Dutton. + +Fred rested his head on his hand in deep thought. + +"He must have had some object in getting this paper," he at length +answered. "It looks to me as though he had been bribed--been paid to +keep the matter a secret." + +"That seems very probable," answered the doctor. + +"Would Matthew's father have paid Mr. Simmons anything for such a +purpose?" + +"No, indeed. He would be the last man imaginable to allow himself to be +fleeced in such a way." + +"I thought so; but now, supposing our theory of the bribing is the +correct one, how and where could the boys have got the money to pay +him?" + +"They couldn't have got it at home." + +"Do you feel sure of that?" + +"I am almost certain." + +"Mr. Simmons could have brought a strong pressure to bear upon them." + +"However strong, Mr. De Vere would never have paid one cent. But he +would have punished Matthew unmercifully." + +"You have never known of his being punished?" + +"No." + +"Would any one outside of the family probably have known it?" + +"I think so." + +A theory concerning this matter had suggested itself to Fred, and he was +working it out like a young logician. + +"Suppose," he continued, "Mr. Simmons should have forced the boys to do +something toward paying him, and Matthew dare not speak to his father +and mother about it, what would have been the result?" + +"I can hardly imagine," returned the doctor. + +"I think they would have got it from some other source by some other +means," said Nellie. + +Fred's face brightened. This was the answer that seemed natural to him, +and he was pleased that Nellie should be the one to give it. + +"That is my idea," he replied. + +"Why, Fred, you talk exactly like a lawyer," remarked Mrs. Dutton. + +"Oh, I don't know about that," he laughed, "but this paper has +strengthened a suspicion that I have had for a little time--strengthened +it so much that I feel almost convinced I am right since hearing what +the doctor says about this matter." + + + + +XXXII. + + +"What is your theory, Fred?" asked Dr. Dutton, with interest. + +"I think I may as well take you all into my confidence," answered our +hero. + +"And why not?" replied the doctor. + +"Of course you will, Fred," said Nellie. + +"Yes, I think you can help me in working up the case." + +"We will surely do all we can," said Dr. Dutton. "But what is the nature +of your suspicion?" + +"It is so grave a matter I hate to breathe it to any one till I have +further proof, therefore I must ask you all to keep it strictly +confidential." + +"It shall be treated as such," replied Dr. Dutton. + +"I think it probable," said Fred, "that John Rexford's store was robbed +and burned, and it is not altogether impossible that it was done to +raise this money for Mr. Simmons." + +"Oh, that can't be so," returned the doctor, amazed at the thought. + +"There are reasons that lead me to think so." + +"And Matthew might have done it to try and injure you," put in Nellie, +as she thought how far De Vere had carried his malice. + +"That might be so," replied Fred, "but I reason from the belief that +Matthew was forced to raise the money." + +"Is that the only point on which you found your theory?" asked Dr. +Dutton. + +"No, sir. I thought something was wrong when Jacob Simmons first met me +in the mill. He seemed fairly startled on seeing me. I decided then to +keep my eyes open. In a few days I saw him use a peculiar knife--called +a mechanic's pocket knife--which is in itself quite a kit of tools. I +managed to have Jack Hickey borrow it so I could examine it. The minute +I had it in my hands I recognized it as the very one that was in Mr. +Rexford's show case when I left his store. It was an expensive knife, +and I don't believe Simmons ever bought it. + +"That is a good piece of evidence, surely," replied the doctor, "but can +you get the knife when you need it?" + +"I have bought it," and he explained his method of obtaining it. +"Moreover," continued Fred, "I remember when I was tried for burning Mr. +Rexford's store, Matthew and Tim were both present. They sat together +and showed a very keen interest in the trial, and when it went in my +favor, their disappointment was plainly to be seen." + +"Did it occur to you then that they possibly had anything to do with +burning the store?" + +"No, but knowing what I do now, it seems to me probable. This paper +furnishes just the evidence I was waiting for." + +"I admire your bold reasoning, Fred," said the physician. + +"His theory seems plausible," added Mrs. Dutton, "though I can't believe +Matthew would think of doing such an act." + +Fred felt much pleased at the good impression he was evidently making +upon Nellie's parents. + +"I may be entirely wrong," he replied, "but I have sufficient confidence +in the idea to feel warranted in testing the matter." + +"I would advise you to do so," said the doctor. + +Presently Fred arose to go, and after receiving a cordial invitation +from the doctor and his wife to call often, and a cheerful good night +from Nellie, he withdrew, happy over the warm welcome given him, and +full of enthusiasm in his purpose to bring the guilty parties to +justice. + +He first went home and got the knife in question, and then made his way +straight to Mr. Rexford's room, where he found him alone. + +"Good evening, Mr. Rexford," said Fred heartily. + +"Good evening," returned the merchant, wondering what the boy's object +could be in calling. + +This was the first time they had met alone to speak since the trouble at +the store when Fred was discharged. + +"I suppose you have learned nothing new relative to the cause of your +store's burning," remarked our hero. + +"No, nothing." + +"You were not very generous with your old clerk to have him arrested, +charged with such an act." + +The merchant winced. + +"I think I have a chance now to do you a favor in return for your +generosity," continued Fred. + +This sarcasm cut deeply, but there was something about the boy's manner +that kept the merchant from answering angrily. + +"What is it?" he at length asked. + +"I have a clue that would perhaps lead to the arrest of the parties who +plundered and burned your store." + +Rexford's interest was now fully aroused. + +"Have you?" he asked eagerly. + +"Yes, and I have sufficient evidence, I think, to warrant you in making +an arrest." + +"Is it possible?" + +"Yes, there is no doubt of it." + +Fred now took the knife from his pocket and passed it to his former +employer. + +The merchant recognized it instantly by its peculiar handle. He said, in +answer to Fred's questions, that the knife had not been sold, and that +it must have been taken from his show case the night of the fire. He +remembered showing it that evening to a customer, and distinctly +recollected putting it back into the show case. + +This, then, constituted a strong piece of evidence to show that the +store was robbed. + +Fred then explained how the knife came into his possession. + +"You have worked up the case skilfully," said Mr. Rexford. + +"I hope I have made no mistakes," answered Fred. + +"You have shown care and ingenuity, and have succeeded in getting very +strong evidence. This is better than Sheriff Coombs has done." + +"I have other evidence also in my possession that makes this much +stronger," replied our hero, and he showed Mr. Rexford the paper that +Nellie Dutton had found, and gave him his theory of the robbery. + +"I agree with you fully. It looks very reasonable," said the merchant, +whose enthusiasm was well aroused. "I can hardly wait till morning +before taking action in the matter." + + + + +XXXIII. + + +Mr. Rexford was very grateful to our young friend for the trouble he had +taken in working up this case. + +"It hardly seems possible, Fred, that you should do so much for me, +after being treated as you were by me," he said warmly. + +"I hope I have been able to do you a favor," returned Fred sincerely; +"and besides, it may prove of service to me." + +"You have, indeed, done me a favor. And is this the way you seek +revenge?" + +"I think it is the best sort of revenge." + +"I believe you, Fred; but very few ever practise it." + +"It is more satisfactory in the end, and moreover is right." + +"Very true, but it is hard to act upon such a theory. Suppose Simmons is +guilty, should I forgive him and do him a kindness?" + +"That would be quite a different case. His act would be crime, and +should, therefore, be punished. You could feel sorry for him, though, +that he had acted so unwisely." + +"Yes, I think you are right," answered the merchant mechanically, while +his mind seemed to be struggling with another problem. + +"Fred, I have wronged you cruelly," he continued, "and your generous +spirit has touched me as nothing else has since I was a boy like +yourself. I discharged you, practically accusing you of dishonesty, but +now I know you were innocent. Your reputation was so injured that you +could get no position in a store, and were obliged to seek employment in +the factory. Then I had you arrested, charged with the grave offense of +burning my store. Can you forgive me, Fred, for having wronged you so?" + +"I can and will do so cheerfully," answered our hero, "for I believe you +acted from your honest belief at the time." + +"Yes, I did, but I should have had more charity, and more consideration +for your welfare." + +"It was a hard blow to me, I assure you. But tell me, have you found the +missing money?" asked Fred eagerly. + +"Yes. It was not lost; and the amount--eighteen dollars--was right. The +error was in making change. It was my own mistake. An eccentric old +fellow, a farmer up in Martintown, had the money--the very same twenty +dollar bill. He said he gave me a five dollar bill and I handed back the +twenty dollar bill in change." + +"Farmers usually count their change very carefully." + +"Yes, and it seems he counted this after he got home. He said he put the +bill by itself in his wallet to keep until he had occasion to come this +way again." + +"When did you learn about it?" + +"Two or three weeks ago." + +"And you have known it all this time and said nothing about it?" + +"Yes, Fred. Almost every day I have decided to send for you and explain +all as I am doing now, but I dreaded meeting you and kept putting it off +from day to day. I felt so guilty over my treatment of you, and so +humiliated when I found the error was my own, that I had not the courage +to tell you about it. Yet I knew all the time that I was adding more and +more to the wrong I had done you." + +"I can imagine how you feel about it," said Fred, "and your apology +makes it all right. If the old farmer had returned the money earlier, +much of this trouble might have been saved. He ought to have written you +about it at any rate. It was fortunate he was an honest man; otherwise +we should never have solved the mystery, and the stain would have clung +to me always." + +"Yes, Fred, I am afraid it would. But all suspicion is removed from you +now. This shows of what vital importance honesty, even in small +matters, may prove to an individual." + +"I can realize that now, as it applies so forcibly to my own case." + +"I hope to make amends for some of the great wrong I have done you," +said Mr. Rexford, whose heart seemed to show a tender side which it had +not appeared hitherto to possess. "My store will be rebuilt within a few +weeks, and you shall have your old position as clerk again, if you +wish." + +"You are very kind, Mr. Rexford. I am glad to know that I may work for +you again. If I come I will let you know in time." + +"The position is due you, and I never had a clerk who did his work so +well. I hope you will decide to come with me," said the merchant, as +Fred rose to go. + + + + +XXXIV. + + +Early the following morning Mr. Rexford called upon his lawyer, Mr. Ham. +In due time the papers were made out and placed in the hands of Sheriff +Coombs, who promptly made his way to the factory with all his official +bearing and arrested Jacob Simmons on the charge of robbing and burning +John Rexford's store. + +Mr. Farrington was prepared for this move, as Fred had informed him that +it would take place during the forenoon, and had also told him +everything he had done, and what he proposed doing. + +He was especially glad to learn that the missing money had been +returned. His own theory was that some error had been made, but other +events had followed so fast one upon the other that he had recently made +little effort to solve the mystery. + +That it should now be cleared up so satisfactorily, with all blame +removed from Fred, was gratifying to him in the extreme, for he was a +true and sincere friend of our young hero. + +Mr. Simmons' surprise at seeing officer Coombs on such an errand can +hardly be imagined. Of course he had to give himself up and go with the +sheriff--a prisoner charged with a grave offense. + +A hearing in his case was arranged for the following day to come before +Judge Plummer. + +Mr. Simmons gave bonds for his appearance at the trial, and devoted the +rest of the day to preparing his defense with his lawyer. Wondering why +he had been arrested, and going over in his own mind every possible +cause that could lead to it, he thought of the statement which Tim and +Matthew had signed about the assault. He took his pocketbook from his +coat, and looked among his papers for it. + +It was not there. He was alarmed to find it missing. He asked his wife +about it, but she knew nothing of it. + +"I must have lost it somewhere," he admitted to himself with a shudder. +"Fool that I was for doing wrong. I believe it has led to my arrest, but +why I cannot understand." + +When Matthew learned that Jacob Simmons had commenced work on the +flockers with Fred he was alarmed. He talked the matter over with Tim. +Both felt uneasy and unhappy, but they could see no way to help the +case, so left it to fate, which speedily did its work. + +Revenge to Matthew was a sad failure--had almost ruined him. Every +effort he had made had recoiled upon him so unexpectedly and +persistently that now he was beset on all sides with danger of exposure +and punishment. + +Fred--his rival--had stood up manfully under fire without flinching. He +had won at every point and was now fast regaining his old position. + +"His friendship, too, with Nellie Dutton is re-established, and I can do +no more to prevent it," sighed Matthew regretfully. "I met her this +morning and she would not speak to me, but she entertained Fred all last +evening." + +While thus meditating, the report that Jacob Simmons had been arrested +for burning Mr. Rexford's store reached Matthew. He hurried home and to +his room, and there threw himself upon his bed and wept bitterly. +Disappointment, disgrace, and humiliation all crowded upon him, and the +inevitable step that he must take stared him cruelly in the face. + +His heart beat with bitter anguish as he thought of all this--of his +good home, of his father's pride in him and of his mother's love, of his +sister's tender affection--thought of all those near and dear to +him--and shuddered as he realized the disappointment and sorrow that was +to fall heavily upon them from his own wicked acts. + +He buried his face in his pillow and sobbed till it seemed that his +heart would break. + +"Oh, if I could only undo the past!" he cried. But he had gone too far. + +His pride and haughty spirit were completely crushed, and when he +finally arose from his bed he was humbled indeed. + +The following morning all Mapleton was excited by the report that +Matthew De Vere could not be found. + +He had not been seen by any one since the previous afternoon. Just where +he was last seen was a mystery. One said he saw him coming from the pine +grove with Tim Short about dusk; others tried to convince themselves and +their friends that they had met him in this place or that, while a vague +report stated that he was last seen by the river bank passing hurriedly +from view in the darkness. + +This was a sensational rumor. Was he drowned? Had he committed suicide? +If so, why? Every one discussed the case--speculated upon it. None +thought exactly alike, and each labored to persuade the other that his +theory was the correct one. + +Matthew's parents and sister were heartbroken. They knew nothing of his +whereabouts, save that they believed he was safe, for they found a note +in his room saying simply that he was forced to leave town immediately; +that he could not then explain why, and that they would soon know all. +He begged them not to worry about him, and humbly asked their +forgiveness. + +When Mr. Rexford heard that Matthew De Vere was missing, he immediately +had Tim Short arrested, charged with robbing and burning his store. + +Sheriff Coombs served the papers upon Tim, who had not as yet learned +the news about Matthew. + +When the sheriff spoke to him he was too badly frightened to reply. + +"I shall have to take you with me," said the officer; "no way out of it +now. The law ain't tender hearted with fellers that rob and burn. +Besides, that De Vere boy has run away." + +Tim staggered and fell to the ground. He had fainted dead away. When he +regained consciousness his first words were: + +"And now Matthew De Vere has run away and left me when he was the cause +of it all." Great tears rolled down his cheeks and he sobbed bitterly. + +Even the sheriff's heart was touched, and his official bearing relaxed +as the boy's mother, almost prostrate with grief, implored him to let +Tim go. + +"Your son practically acknowledges his guilt," said the sheriff. "In any +case, I should be compelled as an officer to arrest him, since the +papers were placed in my hands. Still I think if he were to turn State's +evidence--that is, to tell of his own free will all the facts connected +with the affair--the court would probably deal more leniently with him." + +Tim brightened up considerably at this remark, which seemed to hold out +a means of escape. + +"I will tell the court all I know--everything from first to last," said +he as he marched off with the sheriff. + +The case excited so much interest that the court room was filled to +overflowing. Among those present was Matthew's father, who wished to +know the facts about his son's connection with the robbery. Dr. Dutton, +Mr. Farrington, and Fred Worthington were also present. Yes, another was +there--little Carl, pale and thin from his sickness, but alive with +interest in what he expected to be Fred's great triumph. + +When the court was ready for the trial, Mr. Ham, on the part of the +prosecution, called Tim Short as the first witness, much to the surprise +of Jacob Simmons and his lawyer. + +"Do you know anything about John Rexford's store being robbed and +burned?" asked Mr. Ham of Tim. + +"I do," said the latter. + +"Tell us all you know about it." + +Tim hesitated a moment, hardly knowing how to commence the confession of +such a serious crime. + +"Did you have any direct connection with it?" asked attorney Ham, by way +of assisting the boy. + +"Yes, sir," answered Tim. + +"What did you do?" + +"I helped rob the store, and then we set fire to it." + +"Who was with you?" + +"Matthew De Vere was with me." + +"Who else?" + +"No one." + +"Did Jacob Simmons have anything to do with the robbery?" + +"No, not exactly." + +"What do you mean by 'not exactly'?" + +"I mean he wasn't there and didn't do it, but if it hadn't been for him +we shouldn't have thought of robbing Mr. Rexford's store or had any +trouble." + +"Then he planned the robbery for you?" + +"No." + +"What was his connection with it, then?" + +"He threatened to have us arrested if we didn't pay him three hundred +dollars." + +Tim here explained why Simmons demanded the money--told how Matthew came +to the saloon for him, how they lay in wait for Fred, and the mistake +they made in supposing Jacob Simmons to be the latter. + +"And he demanded this three hundred dollars as a reward for secrecy?" +asked the judge. + +"Yes, sir," replied Tim. + +Jacob Simmons' face was scarlet. Every one looked at him contemptuously, +while he had to endure the cutting glances without a shield. + +Right here Mr. Ham read the paper that Nellie Dutton had found, as +evidence to substantiate Tim's statement. + +"Why did Matthew De Vere wish to waylay Fred Worthington?" asked Judge +Plummer thoughtfully, as if to get at the bottom of the facts. + +"He said he wanted to get square with him." + +"Is that all?" + +"That and to teach him not to interfere with him." + +"How had Fred interfered with him?" + +"I don't know that, but I am sure Matthew did everything he could to +injure him." + +"Did he do more than attempt to waylay him?" + +"Yes, he played friendship with Fred and got the bartender to drug him, +and that was what made him drunk that time when everybody talked about +him." + +Now every one looked at Fred, but these were congratulatory glances, +with a bit of hero worship about them. + +Mr. Farrington and Dr. Dutton, who sat near Fred, leaned over and +congratulated him with a warm grasp of the hand. + +Every cloud that had hovered over our young friend was now swept +away--every mystery was at last explained, and he stood triumphant over +all opponents, the hero of the village--much stronger and far more +popular than if he had never been _under fire_. He was tried and not +found wanting in the qualities that go to make a strong man with a noble +character. + +In answer to further questions of the judge, Tim stated that they knew +of no legitimate way to raise the money, as Matthew did not dare speak +to his father about it; that they were forced to do something, believing +Jacob Simmons would have them arrested if they failed to produce the +amount demanded. + +He further stated that Matthew and he were driven almost crazy by these +repeated demands from Simmons, and committed the robbery without +realizing what they were doing. + +They burned the store, he said, to cover their theft. All the money +found he claimed was given to Mr. Simmons, together with some articles +that would not excite suspicion. Among the latter was the knife Fred +discovered in Jacob's possession, and which led to the detection of the +guilty parties. + +"Did you give Jacob Simmons all the goods you took from the store?" +asked the judge. + +"No, sir. We were afraid he would suspect us, so we gave him only a few +things besides the money," answered Tim. "We hid the other things in the +pine grove." + +"Are they there yet?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Then you didn't make up the full three hundred dollars for Jacob +Simmons?" + +"No; but Matthew promised to pay him the balance, so he agreed to do +nothing further." + +It could not be shown that Jacob Simmons had directly incited the boys +to commit the robbery, though he was unquestionably the cause of it. +Neither could it be proved that he had knowingly received stolen goods. + +The narrative of the legal proceedings would be entirely out of the +design of this story. I will therefore state merely the final results. + +In view of the fact that Tim Short confessed his guilt, and that he was +the tool of Matthew De Vere, he was saved from going to prison, and was +sent instead to serve three years in the State reform school, where he +was compelled to learn a trade, and to conform to a rigid disciplinary +system. + +Jacob Simmons was found guilty of blackmail, and was sentenced to one +year at hard labor in the State prison, in addition to a fine of three +hundred dollars. + +But where was Matthew De Vere all this time? + +Among those who congratulated Fred, none did so with more sincerity than +did Nellie Dutton, and the flattering remarks made about him by the +entire village were very gratifying to her. + +As she and Fred talked over the trying events of the preceding months, +she remarked that she had learned to esteem him more highly than ever. + +"To hear you say that, Nellie," said he gratefully, "more than repays me +for all I have suffered from Matthew De Vere's malice." + +"I am glad, then, that we are such good friends," said Nellie +thoughtfully. + +"Yes, even better than in the old days, are we not?" said Fred, almost +affectionately. + +"We know each other better, I think," answered Nellie. Then she went to +the piano, and, playing her own accompaniment, she sang with unusual +effect one of Fred's favorite songs. + +A few days after the trial Fred received a note from Mr. De Vere, asking +him to come to the bank. Obtaining permission to leave the mill Fred +started off. He found the bank president looking worn and anxious. Mr. +De Vere greeted him kindly, and said: + +"Fred, I have sent for you to offer you a position. Would you like to +become a banker?" + +Fred was thoroughly surprised at such a proposition. "I can hardly +realize that such an opportunity is before me," he said. "I thank you +sincerely, Mr. De Vere, but I can't understand why you should offer it +to me when there are so many others better fitted for it." + +"There are two reasons, my boy. First, I owe you some recompense for all +the injury and injustice Matthew has done you. I cannot believe he +foresaw all that would follow his first petty revenge, but was forced +on, step by step, by a wicked man. But the injury to you was the same, +and my wife and daughter join me in feeling that we owe you this +reparation." + +"Do not think of such a thing, Mr. De Vere. You are not responsible, and +I would not think of accepting a position on that account." + +Mr. De Vere handed Fred a letter. + +"Read this," he said. + +The letter was from Matthew, headed "Chicago." It contained a full +confession of his crime, and gave all the circumstances that led up to +it. He begged his parents and sister to forgive him. Upon this point he +said: + + Oh, if you only knew what I have suffered, and am still + suffering, on account of my foolish and wicked acts, I think + you would have charity for me. + + How I would like to see you all--my dear home, and my own + pretty room. If only I could fall on my knees before you and + mother, and with true penitent tears wipe out the past, how + gladly I would do so. But this, I realize, is forbidden me. I + have forfeited my home, my parents, my reputation, my native + State even, and all to gratify a petty grudge. I wish you + would see Fred Worthington and tell him how I have wronged + him, and ask him if he can forgive me. He has won the contest + while I am ruined--ruined so far as my old life goes--but + now, my dear father and mother, I have commenced a new + career. + + I have told Cousin Henry everything about the past and he has + helped me plan for the future. He has furnished me some money + and I shall start tomorrow for one of the Territories, where + I shall commence life for myself. + + I shall work and be a man in all that is honorable and right. + I feel ten years older than I did a few months ago. I have + taken some books with me to study. + + The first money I earn shall go to Mr. Rexford, in payment + for his loss by my hands. He shall lose nothing if I live + long enough to earn the money due him. I wish you would + protect Tim Short so far as possible. I alone am responsible + for his connection with the robbery. + + In writing to me, if I may so far expect your forgiveness, + please address me in care of Cousin Henry and he will forward + to me. I will write to you as soon as I get located, and tell + you all my plans. + +After writing at some length upon family matters, Matthew closed his +letter by again appealing to his parents and sister for forgiveness, and +by assuring them of his love. + +Fred returned the letter to Mr. De Vere, feeling deeply touched and +profoundly sorry for Matthew. + +"Tell him," said he, "that he has my forgiveness in full, and that I +wish him prosperity in his new life." + +"Thank you, Fred, for your generosity. He is my boy still, and is dear +to me, though he has done wrong. But," he continued, with moist eyes, +"he is lost to me now--lost so far as all my plans for his future went; +and now, Fred, I want you to take his place. I had designed to put him +into the bank next year, and to give him a thorough training; but as he +has gone and cannot return, I want you to take the position." + +"I thank you sincerely for this offer, Mr. De Vere. I should certainly +like such a position, but the fear that you offer it to me as a +recompense causes me to hesitate about accepting it." + +"Do not hesitate on that ground, my boy. I have heard from Dr. Dutton, +one of our directors, from Mr. Rexford and others, that you are in all +respects better qualified for the position than any other young man in +town. The salary for the first year will be five hundred. After that you +will be advanced. Will you accept?" + +"Yes, I will accept, with many, many thanks," replied Fred gratefully. + +He immediately returned to the factory and told Mr. Farrington of his +good fortune. The latter congratulated him, "and yet," said he, "I am +rather sorry, for I had designed to take you up to this department and +teach you the entire business; however, I will gladly let you go, +believing as I do that your new position is an exceptionally fine one +for a boy of your age." + +"I thank you a thousand times, Mr. Farrington, for your willingness to +let me off and for all your kindness to me. Now I know the value of a +good friend. If it had not been for your kindness and assistance, when +none spoke well of me, I might not have established my innocence. As it +is, through your help I have gained everything." + +On leaving Mr. Farrington, Fred went to Mr. Rexford and told him he +should be obliged to give up the idea of taking his old position as +clerk, and after explaining why, told him he wanted him to do him a +favor by giving little Carl a position in his store at a fair salary, +and to arrange his duties so that he would have only light work to do. + +The merchant agreed to do this. In fact, he would have done almost +anything for Fred, for he felt under many obligations to him. + +Fred was very happy over the bright prospects for his little crippled +friend, as it had been his own privilege to help him. + +Fred's promotion to the bank created a sensation in the village, and he +was looked upon as the luckiest person in town. It is safe to believe +that Nellie Dutton rejoiced in Fred's good fortune far more than she was +willing for any one to suspect. As time rolled on they were often seen +together, and seemed like brother and sister. + +That they were happy in each other's society there could be no doubt. +Her influence upon him refined his manners and elevated his tastes, +while associating with him was quite as beneficial to her in gaining +broader ideas and contracting the habit of thinking and reasoning after +the fashion of men. + +The last time I saw them was on a beautiful evening in June. Dave +Farrington and I were returning home from a trouting expedition. We were +upon an elevated plain, where we could survey the surrounding country. +Nature seemed at her best, and this was one of her choicest scenes. The +rich green stretching everywhere before the eye was only broken by the +white and pink blossoms of fruit trees and shrubbery. The sun was +sinking behind a distant mountain which threw its shadow upon the +landscape about us, and rich, golden hues spread out over the entire +western horizon. + +"A charming scene," remarked Dave, with true admiration. + +"It is indeed," said I; "but here is beauty far more attractive." + +Dave turned, and beholding Fred and Nellie close upon us, replied: + +"You are right. I never saw her look so pretty." + +They were taking an evening drive with a handsome bay horse and high +carriage. The top was tipped back, and they appeared to be enjoying the +scene that had engrossed our own attention. + +Nellie was clad in a light summer dress, with a pale blue sash which +matched the trimming of her jaunty hat. Never until then had I realized +that she was so handsome. With fair complexion and glowing cheeks, she +presented a picture for an old master, as she talked and laughed +merrily. + +We raised our hats as they passed by, and soon they were beyond our +view. + +"Dave," said I, "there is a glimpse of what life should be. It is a +sweet picture. Why, I wonder, do boys go to destruction by visiting +iniquitous dens, by keeping low and vulgar company, by drinking, +smoking, and gambling, when they might follow Fred's example, and be as +refined, respected, and supremely happy as he now seems to be?" + + + + +THE END. + + + + + +-----------------------------------------------+ + | Transcriber's Note: | + | | + | Inconsistent hyphenation and spelling in the | + | original document have been preserved. | + | | + | Typographical errors corrected in the text: | + | | + | Page 62 crytallized changed to crystallized | + | Page 67 Ill changed to I'll | + | Page 109 VI. changed to XV. | + | Page 153 to changed to too | + | Page 190 accidently changed to accidentally | + | Page 236 removed extra too far. | + +-----------------------------------------------+ + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Under Fire, by Frank A. 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