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+The Project Gutenberg Etext of The Cash Boy by Horatio Alger Jr.
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+The Cash Boy
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+by Horatio Alger Jr.
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+July, 1995  [Etext #296]
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+
+The Cash Boy
+
+BY
+Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+
+``The Cash Boy,'' by Horatio Alger, Jr., as the name
+implies, is a story about a boy and for boys.
+
+Through some conspiracy, the hero of the story
+when a baby, was taken from his relatives and
+given into the care of a kind woman.
+
+Not knowing his name, she gave him her husband's
+name, Frank Fowler.  She had one little
+daughter, Grace, and showing no partiality in the
+treatment of her children, Frank never suspected
+that she was not his sister.  However, at the death
+of Mrs. Fowler, all this was related to Frank.
+
+The children were left alone in the world.  It
+seemed as though they would have to go to the
+poorhouse but Frank could not become reconciled to that.
+
+A kind neighbor agreed to care for Grace, so
+Frank decided to start out in the world to make
+his way.
+
+He had many disappointments and hardships, but
+through his kindness to an old man, his own relatives
+and right name were revealed to him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+A REVELATION
+
+
+A group of boys was assembled in an open field to
+the west of the public schoolhouse in the town of
+Crawford.  Most of them held hats in their hands,
+while two, stationed sixty feet distant from each
+other, were ``having catch.''
+
+Tom Pinkerton, son of Deacon Pinkerton, had just
+returned from Brooklyn, and while there had witnessed
+a match game between two professional clubs. 
+On his return he proposed that the boys of Crawford
+should establish a club, to be known as the
+Excelsior Club of Crawford, to play among themselves,
+and on suitable occasions to challenge clubs belonging
+to other villages.  This proposal was received
+with instant approval.
+
+``I move that Tom Pinkerton address the meeting,''
+said one boy.
+
+``Second the motion,'' said another.
+
+As there was no chairman, James Briggs was
+appointed to that position, and put the motion, which
+was unanimously carried.
+
+Tom Pinkerton, in his own estimation a personage
+of considerable importance, came forward in a
+consequential manner, and commenced as follows:
+
+``Mr. Chairman and boys.  You all know what
+has brought us together.  We want to start a club
+for playing baseball, like the big clubs they have in
+Brooklyn and New York.''
+
+``How shall we do it?'' asked Henry Scott.
+
+``We must first appoint a captain of the club, who
+will have power to assign the members to their different
+positions.  Of course you will want one that
+understands about these matters.''
+
+``He means himself,'' whispered Henry Scott, to
+his next neighbor; and here he was right.
+
+``Is that all?'' asked Sam Pomeroy.
+
+``No; as there will be some expenses, there must be
+a treasurer to receive and take care of the funds, and
+we shall need a secretary to keep the records of the
+club, and write and answer challenges.''
+
+``Boys,'' said the chairman, ``you have heard Tom
+Pinkerton's remarks.  Those who are in favor of
+organizing a club on this plan will please signify it
+in the usual way.''
+
+All the boys raised their hands, and it was declared
+a vote.
+
+``You will bring in your votes for captain,'' said
+the chairman.
+
+Tom Pinkerton drew a little apart with a conscious
+look, as he supposed, of course, that no one but himself
+would be thought of as leader.
+
+Slips of paper were passed around, and the boys
+began to prepare their ballots.  They were brought
+to the chairman in a hat, and he forthwith took them
+out and began to count them.
+
+``Boys,'' he announced, amid a universal stillness,
+``there is one vote for Sam Pomeroy, one for Eugene
+Morton, and the rest are for Frank Fowler, who is
+elected.''
+
+There was a clapping of hands, in which Tom
+Pinkerton did not join.
+
+Frank Fowler, who is to be our hero, came
+forward a little, and spoke modestly as follows:
+
+``Boys, I thank you for electing me captain of the
+club.  I am afraid I am not very well qualified for
+the place, but I will do as well as I can.''
+
+The speaker was a boy of fourteen.  He was of
+medium height for his age, strong and sturdy in
+build, and with a frank prepossessing countenance,
+and an open, cordial manner, which made him a
+general favorite.  It was not, however, to his
+popularity that he owed his election, but to the fact that
+both at bat and in the field he excelled all the boys,
+and therefore was the best suited to take the lead.
+
+The boys now proceeded to make choice of a treasurer
+and secretary.  For the first position Tom Pinkerton
+received a majority of the votes.  Though not
+popular, it was felt that some office was due him.
+
+For secretary, Ike Stanton, who excelled in
+penmanship, was elected, and thus all the offices were
+filled.
+
+The boys now crowded around Frank Fowler, with
+petitions for such places as they desired.
+
+``I hope you will give me a little time before I
+decide about positions, boys,'' Frank said; ``I want to
+consider a little.''
+
+``All right!  Take till next week,'' said one and
+another, ``and let us have a scrub game this afternoon.''
+
+The boys were in the middle of the sixth inning,
+when some one called out to Frank Fowler:  ``Frank,
+your sister is running across the field.  I think she
+wants you.''
+
+Frank dropped his bat and hastened to meet his
+sister.
+
+``What's the matter, Gracie?'' he asked in alarm.
+
+``Oh, Frank!'' she exclaimed, bursting into tears. 
+``Mother's been bleeding at the lungs, and she looks
+so white.  I'm afraid she's very sick.''
+
+``Boys,'' said Frank, turning to his companions,
+``I must go home at once.  You can get some one to
+take my place, my mother is very sick.''
+
+When Frank reached the little brown cottage
+which he called home, he found his mother in an
+exhausted state reclining on the bed.
+
+``How do you feel, mother?'' asked our hero, anxiously.
+
+``Quite weak, Frank,'' she answered in a low voice.
+``I have had a severe attack.''
+
+``Let me go for the doctor, mother.''
+
+``I don't think it will be necessary, Frank.  The
+attack is over, and I need no medicines, only time
+to bring back my strength.''
+
+But three days passed, and Mrs. Fowler's nervous
+prostration continued.  She had attacks previously
+from which she rallied sooner, and her present weakness
+induced serious misgivings as to whether she
+would ever recover.  Frank thought that her eyes
+followed him with more than ordinary anxiety, and
+after convincing himself that this was the case, he
+drew near his mother's bedside, and inquired:
+
+``Mother, isn't there something you want me to do?''
+
+``Nothing, I believe, Frank.''
+
+``I thought you looked at me as if you wanted to
+say something.''
+``There is something I must say to you before I
+die.''
+
+``Before you die, mother!'' echoed Frank, in a
+startled voice.
+
+``Yes.  Frank, I am beginning to think that this is
+my last sickness.''
+
+``But, mother, you have been so before, and got
+up again.''
+
+``There must always be a last time, Frank; and
+my strength is too far reduced to rally again, I
+fear.''
+
+``I can't bear the thought of losing you, mother,''
+said Frank, deeply moved.
+
+``You will miss me, then, Frank?'' said Mrs. Fowler.
+
+``Shall I not?  Grace and I will be alone in the
+world.''
+
+``Alone in the world!'' repeated the sick woman,
+sorrowfully, ``with little help to hope for from man,
+for I shall leave you nothing.  Poor children!''
+
+``That isn't what I think of,'' said Frank, hastily.
+
+``I can support myself.''
+
+``But Grace?  She is a delicate girl,'' said the
+mother, anxiously.  ``She cannot make her way as
+you can.''
+
+``She won't need to,'' said Frank, promptly; ``I
+shall take care of her.''
+
+``But you are very young even to support yourself. 
+You are only fourteen.''
+
+``I know it, mother, but I am strong, and I am not
+afraid.  There are a hundred ways of making a living.''
+
+``But do you realize that you will have to start
+with absolutely nothing?  Deacon Pinkerton holds a
+mortgage on this house for all it will bring in the
+market, and I owe him arrears of interest besides.''
+
+``I didn't know that, mother, but it doesn't frighten
+me.''
+
+``And you will take care of Grace?''
+
+``I promise it, mother.''
+
+``Suppose Grace were not your sister?'' said the
+sick woman, anxiously scanning the face of the boy.
+
+``What makes you suppose such a thing as that,
+mother?  Of course she is my sister.''
+
+``But suppose she were not,'' persisted Mrs.
+Fowler, ``you would not recall your promise?''
+
+``No, surely not, for I love her.  But why do you
+talk so, mother?'' and a suspicion crossed Frank's
+mind that his mother's intellect might be wandering.
+
+``It is time to tell you all, Frank.  Sit down by the
+bedside, and I will gather my strength to tell you
+what must be told.''
+
+``Grace is not your sister, Frank!''
+
+``Not my sister, mother?'' he exclaimed.  ``You are
+not in earnest?''
+
+``I am quite in earnest, Frank.''
+
+``Then whose child is she?''
+
+``She is my child.''
+
+``Then she must be my sister--are you not my
+mother?''
+
+``No, Frank, I am not your mother!''
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+MRS. FOWLER'S STORY
+
+
+``Not my mother!'' he exclaimed.  ``Who, then, is
+my mother?''
+
+``I cannot tell you, Frank.  I never knew.  You
+will forgive me for concealing this from you for so
+long.''
+
+``No matter who was my real mother since I have
+you.  You have been a mother to me, and I shall always
+think of you as such.''
+
+``You make me happy, Frank, when you say that. 
+And you will look upon Grace as a sister also, will
+you not?''
+
+``Always,'' said the boy, emphatically.  ``Mother,
+will you tell all you know about me?  I don't know
+what to think; now that I am not your son I cannot
+rest till I learn who I am.''
+
+``I can understand your feelings, Frank, but I must
+defer the explanation till to-morrow.  I have fatigued
+myself with talking.  but to-morrow you shall
+know all that I can tell you.''
+
+``Forgive me for not thinking of your being tired,
+mother,'' and he bent over and pressed his lips upon
+the cheek of the sick woman.  ``But don't talk any
+more.  Wait till to-morrow.''
+
+In the afternoon Frank had a call from Sam Pomeroy.
+
+``The club is to play to-morrow afternoon against
+a picked nine, Frank,'' he said.  ``Will you be there?''
+
+``I can't, Sam,'' he answered.  ``My mother is very
+sick, and it is my duty to stay at home with her.''
+
+``We shall miss you--that is, all of us but one. 
+Tom Pinkerton said yesterday that you ought to
+resign, as you can't attend to your duties.  He
+wouldn't object to filling your place, I fancy.''
+
+``He is welcome to the place as soon as the club
+feels like electing him,'' said Frank.  ``Tell the boys
+I am sorry I can't be on hand.  They had better get
+you to fill my place.''
+
+``I'll mention it, but I don't think they'll see it in
+that light.  They're all jealous of my superior playing,''
+said Sam, humorously.  ``Well, good-bye, Frank. 
+I hope your mother'll be better soon.''
+
+``Thank you, Sam,'' answered Frank, soberly.  ``I
+hope so, too, but she is very sick.''
+
+The next day Mrs. Fowler again called Frank to
+the bedside.
+
+``Grace is gone out on an errand,'' she said, ``and
+I can find no better time for telling you what I know
+about you and the circumstances which led to my
+assuming the charge of you.''
+
+``Are you strong enough, mother?''
+
+``Yes, Frank.  Thirteen years ago my husband and
+myself occupied a small tenement in that part of
+Brooklyn know as Gowanus, not far from Greenwood
+Cemetery.  My husband was a carpenter, and
+though his wages were small he was generally
+employed.  We had been married three years, but had
+no children of our own.  Our expenses were small,
+and we got on comfortably, and should have continued
+to do so, but that Mr. Fowler met with an
+accident which partially disabled him.  He fell from
+a high scaffold and broke his arm.  This was set
+and he was soon able to work again, but he must
+also have met with some internal injury, for his full
+strength never returned.  Half a day's work tired
+him more than a whole day's work formerly had
+done.  Of course our income was very much diminished,
+and we were obliged to economize very closely. 
+This preyed upon my husband's mind and seeing his
+anxiety, I set about considering how I could help
+him, and earn my share of the expenses.
+
+``One day in looking over the advertising columns
+of a New York paper I saw the following advertisement:
+
+
+`` `For adoption--A healthy male infant.  The parents
+are able to pay liberally for the child's maintenance,
+but circumstances compel them to delegate
+the care to another.  Address for interview A. M.'
+
+
+``I had no sooner read this advertisement than I
+felt that it was just what I wanted.  A liberal
+compensation was promised, and under our present
+circumstances would be welcome, as it was urgently
+needed.  I mentioned the matter to my husband, and
+he was finally induced to give his consent.
+
+``Accordingly, I replied to the advertisement.
+
+``Three days passed in which I heard nothing from
+it.  But as we were sitting at the supper table at
+six o'clock one afternoon, there came a knock at our
+front door.  I opened it, and saw before me a tall
+stranger, a man of about thirty-five, of dark
+complexion, and dark whiskers.  He was well dressed,
+and evidently a gentleman in station.
+
+`` `Is this Mrs. Fowler?' he asked.
+
+`` `Yes, sir,' I answered, in some surprise
+
+`` `Then may I beg permission to enter your house
+for a few minutes?  I have something to say to you.'
+
+``Still wondering, I led the way into the sitting-
+room, where your father--where Mr. Fowler----''
+
+``Call him my father--I know no other,'' said
+Frank.
+
+``Where your father was seated.
+
+`` `You have answered an advertisement,' said the
+stranger.
+
+`` `Yes, sir,' I replied.
+
+`` `I am A. M.,' was his next announcement.  `Of
+course I have received many letters, but on the whole
+I was led to consider yours most favorably.  I have
+made inquiries about you in the neighborhood, and
+the answers have been satisfactory.  You have no
+children of your own?'
+
+`` `No, sir.'
+
+`` `All the better.  You would be able to give more
+attention to this child.'
+
+`` `Is it yours, sir?' I asked
+
+`` `Ye-es,' he answered, with hesitation. 
+`Circumstances,' he continued, `circumstances which I need
+not state, compel me to separate from it.  Five hundred
+dollars a year will be paid for its maintenance.'
+
+``Five hundred dollars!  I heard this with joy, for
+it was considerably more than my husband was able
+to earn since his accident.  It would make us
+comfortable at once, and your father might work when
+he pleased, without feeling any anxiety about our
+coming to want.
+
+`` `Will that sum be satisfactory?' asked the
+stranger.
+
+`` `It is very liberal,' I answered.
+
+`` `I intended it to be so,' he said.  `Since there is
+no difficulty on this score, I am inclined to trust you
+with the care of the child.  But I must make two
+conditions.'
+
+`` `What are they, sir?'
+
+`` `In the first place, you must not try to find out
+the friends of the child.  They do not desire to be
+known.  Another thing, you must move from Brooklyn.'
+
+`` `Move from Brooklyn?' I repeated.
+
+`` `Yes,' he answered, firmly.  `I do not think it
+necessary to give you a reason for this condition. 
+Enough that it is imperative.  If you decline, our
+negotiations are at an end.'
+
+``I looked at my husband.  He seemed as much
+surprised as I was.
+
+`` `Perhaps you will wish to consult together,'
+suggested our visitor.  `If so, I can give you twenty
+minutes.  I will remain in this room while you go
+out and talk it over.'
+
+``We acted on this hint, and went into the kitchen. 
+We decided that though we should prefer to live in
+Brooklyn, it would be worth our while to make the
+sacrifice for the sake of the addition to our income. 
+We came in at the end of ten minutes, and announced
+our decision.  Our visitor seemed to be very much
+pleased.
+
+`` `Where would you wish us to move?' asked your
+father.
+
+`` `I do not care to designate any particular place. 
+I should prefer some small country town, from fifty
+to a hundred miles distant.  I suppose you will be
+able to move soon?'
+
+`` `Yes, sir; we will make it a point to do so.  How
+soon will the child be placed in our hands?  Shall
+we send for it?'
+
+`` `No, no,' he said, hastily.  `I cannot tell you
+exactly when, but it will be brought here probably in
+the course of a day or two.  I myself shall bring it,
+and if at that time you wish to say anything additional
+you can do so.'
+
+``He went away, leaving us surprised and somewhat
+excited at the change that was to take place in
+our lives.  The next evening the sound of wheels was
+heard, and a hack stopped at our gate.  The same
+gentleman descended hurriedly with a child in his
+arms--you were the child, Frank--and entered the
+house.
+
+`` `This is the child,' he said, placing it in my arms,
+`and here is the first quarterly installment of your
+pay.  Three months hence you will receive the same
+sum from my agent in New York.  Here is his address,'
+and he placed a card in my hands.  `Have
+you anything to ask?'
+
+`` `Suppose I wish to communicate with you respecting
+the child?  Suppose he is sick?'
+
+`` `Then write to A. M., care of Giles Warner, No.
+---- Nassau Street.  By the way, it will be necessary
+for you to send him your postoffice address after
+your removal in order that he may send you your
+quarterly dues.'
+
+``With this he left us, entered the hack, and drove
+off.  I have never seen him since.''
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+LEFT ALONE
+
+Frank listened to this revelation with wonder. 
+For the first time in his life he asked himself, ``Who
+am I?''
+
+``How came I by my name, mother?'' he asked.
+
+``I must tell you.  After the sudden departure of
+the gentleman who brought you, we happened to
+think that we had not asked your name.  We accordingly
+wrote to the address which had been given us,
+making the inquiry.  In return we received a slip
+of paper containing these words:  `The name is
+immaterial; give him any name you please.  A. M.' ''
+
+``You gave me the name of Frank.''
+
+``It was Mr. Fowler's name.  We should have given
+it to you had you been our own boy; as the choice
+was left to us, we selected that.''
+
+``It suits me as well as any other.  How soon did
+you leave Brooklyn, mother?''
+
+``In a week we had made all arrangements, and
+removed to this place.  It is a small place, but it
+furnished as much work as my husband felt able to
+do.  With the help of the allowance for your support,
+we not only got on comfortably, but saved up a hundred
+and fifty dollars annually, which we deposited
+in a savings bank.  But after five years the money
+stopped coming.  It was the year 1857, the year of
+the great panic, and among others who failed was
+Giles Warner's agent, from whom we received our
+payments.  Mr. Fowler went to New York to inquire
+about it, but only learned that Mr. Warner, weighed
+down by his troubles, had committed suicide, leaving
+no clew to the name of the man who left you with
+us.''
+
+``How long ago was that, mother?''
+
+``Seven years ago nearly eight.''
+
+``And you continued to keep me, though the
+payments stopped.''
+
+``Certainly; you were as dear to us as our own
+child--for we now had a child of our own--Grace. 
+We should as soon have thought of casting off her
+as you.''
+
+``But you must have been poor, mother.''
+
+``We were economical, and we got along till your
+father died three years ago.  Since then it has been
+hard work.''
+
+``You have had a hard time, mother.''
+
+``No harder on your account.  You have been a
+great comfort to me, Frank.  I am only anxious for
+the future.  I fear you and Grace will suffer after I
+am gone.''
+
+``Don't fear, mother, I am young and strong; I
+am not afraid to face the world with God's help.''
+
+``What are you thinking of, Frank?'' asked Mrs.
+Fowler, noticing the boy's fixed look.
+
+``Mother,'' he said, earnestly, ``I mean to seek for
+that man you have told me of.  I want to find out
+who I am.  Do you think he was my father?''
+
+``He said he was, but I do not believe it.  He
+spoke with hesitation, and said this to deceive us,
+probably.''
+
+``I am glad you think so, I would not like to think
+him my father.  From what you have told me of
+him I am sure I would not like him.''
+
+``He must be nearly fifty now--dark complexion,
+with dark hair and whiskers.  I am afraid that
+description will not help you any.  There are many
+men who look like that.  I should know him by his
+expression, but I cannot describe that to you.''
+
+Here Mrs. Fowler was seized with a very severe
+fit of coughing, and Frank begged her to say no
+more.
+
+Two days later, and Mrs. Fowler was no better. 
+She was rapidly failing, and no hope was entertained
+that she would rally.  She herself felt that death
+was near at hand and told Frank so, but he found
+it hard to believe.
+
+On the second of the two days, as he was returning
+from the village store with an orange for his
+mother, he was overtaken by Sam Pomeroy.
+
+``Is your mother very sick, Frank?'' he asked.
+
+``Yes, Sam, I'm afraid she won't live.''
+
+``Is it so bad as that?  I do believe,'' he added, with
+a sudden change of tone, ``Tom Pinkerton is the
+meanest boy I ever knew.  He is trying to get your
+place as captain of the baseball club.  He says that
+if your mother doesn't live, you will have to go to
+the poorhouse, for you won't have any money, and
+that it will be a disgrace for the club to have a
+captain from the poorhouse.''
+
+``Did he say that?'' asked Frank, indignantly.
+
+``Yes.''
+
+``When he tells you that, you may say that I shall
+never go to the poorhouse.''
+
+``He says his father is going to put you and your
+sister there.''
+
+``All the Deacon Pinkertons in the world can never
+make me go to the poorhouse!'' said Frank, resolutely.
+
+``Bully for you, Frank!  I knew you had spunk.''
+
+Frank hurried home.  As he entered the little
+house a neighbor's wife, who had been watching
+with his mother, came to meet him.
+
+``Frank,'' she said, gravely, ``you must prepare
+yourself for sad news.  While you were out your
+mother had another hemorrhage, and--and--''
+
+``Is she dead?'' asked the boy, his face very pale.
+
+``She is dead!''
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE TOWN AUTOCRAT
+
+
+``The Widder Fowler is dead,'' remarked Deacon
+Pinkerton, at the supper table.  ``She died this afternoon.''
+
+``I suppose she won't leave anything,'' said Mrs.
+Pinkerton.
+
+``No.  I hold a mortgage on her furniture, and that
+is all she has.''
+
+``What will become of the children?''
+
+``As I observed, day before yesterday, they will be
+constrained to find a refuge in the poorhouse.''
+
+``What do you think Sam Pomeroy told me,
+father?''
+
+``I am not able to conjecture what Samuel would
+be likely to observe, my son.''
+
+``He observed that Frank Fowler said he wouldn't
+go to the poorhouse.''
+
+``Ahem!'' coughed the deacon.  ``The boy will not
+be consulted.''
+
+``That's what I say, father,'' said Tom, who desired
+to obtain his father's co-operation.  ``You'll make
+him go to the poorhouse, won't you?''
+
+``I shall undoubtedly exercise my authority, if it
+should be necessary, my son.''
+
+``He told Sam Pomeroy that all the Deacon Pinkertons
+in the world couldn't make him go to the poorhouse.''
+
+``I will constrain him,'' said the deacon.
+
+``I would if I were you, father,'' said Tom, elated
+at the effect of his words.  ``Just teach him a lesson.''
+
+``Really, deacon, you mustn't be too hard upon the
+poor boy,'' said his better-hearted wife.  ``He's got
+trouble enough on him.''
+
+``I will only constrain him for his good, Jane.  In
+the poorhouse he will be well provided for.''
+
+Meanwhile another conversation respecting our
+hero and his fortunes was held at Sam Pomeroy's
+home.  It was not as handsome as the deacon's, for
+Mr. Pomeroy was a poor man, but it was a happy
+one, nevertheless, and Mr. Pomeroy, limited as were
+his means, was far more liberal than the deacon.
+
+``I pity Frank Fowler,'' said Sam, who was warm-
+hearted and sympathetic, and a strong friend of
+Frank.  ``I don't know what he will do.''
+
+``I suppose his mother left nothing.''
+
+``I understood,'' said Mr. Pomeroy, ``that Deacon
+Pinkerton holds a mortgage on her furniture.''
+
+``The deacon wants to send Frank and his sister
+to the poorhouse.''
+
+``That would be a pity.''
+
+``I should think so; but Frank positively says he
+won't go.''
+
+``I am afraid there isn't anything else for him. 
+To be sure, he may get a chance to work in a shop
+or on a farm, but Grace can't support herself.''
+
+``Father, I want to ask you a favor.''
+
+``What is it, Sam?''
+
+``Won't you invite Frank and his sister to come
+and stay here a week?''
+
+``Just as your mother says.''
+
+``I say yes.  The poor children will be quite
+welcome.  If we were rich enough they might stay with
+us all the time.''
+
+``When Frank comes here I will talk over his
+affairs with him,'' said Mr. Pomeroy.  ``Perhaps we
+can think of some plan for him.''
+
+``I wish you could, father.''
+
+``In the meantime, you can invite him and Grace
+to come and stay with us a week, or a fortnight. 
+Shall we say a fortnight, wife?''
+
+``With all my heart.''
+
+``All right, father.  Thank you.''
+
+Sam delivered the invitation in a way that showed
+how strongly his own feelings were enlisted in favor
+of its acceptance.  Frank grasped his hand.
+
+``Thank you, Sam, you are a true friend,'' he said.
+
+``I hadn't begun to think of what we were to do,
+Grace and I.''
+
+``You'll come, won't you?''
+
+``You are sure that it won't trouble your mother,
+Sam?''
+
+``She is anxious to have you come.''
+
+``Then I'll come.  I haven't formed any plans yet,
+but I must as soon--as soon as mother is buried.
+I think I can earn my living somehow.  One thing
+I am determined about--I won't go to the poorhouse.''
+
+The funeral was over.  Frank and Grace walked
+back to the little house, now their home no longer. 
+They were to pack up a little bundle of clothes and
+go over to Mr. Pomeroy's in time for supper.
+
+When Frank had made up his bundle, urged by
+some impulse, he opened a drawer in his mother's
+bureau.  His mind was full of the story she had
+told him, and he thought it just possible that he
+might find something to throw additional light upon
+his past history.  While exploring the contents of
+the drawer he came to a letter directed to him in
+his mother's well-known handwriting.  He opened
+it hastily, and with a feeling of solemnity, read as
+follows:
+
+
+``My Dear Frank:  In the lower drawer, wrapped
+in a piece of brown paper, you will find two gold
+eagles, worth twenty dollars.  You will need them
+when I am gone.  Use them for Grace and yourself. 
+I saved these for my children.  Take them, Frank,
+for I have nothing else to give you.  The furniture
+will pay the debt I owe Deacon Pinkerton.  There
+ought to be something over, but I think he will take
+all.  I wish I had more to leave you, dear Frank,
+but the God of the Fatherless will watch over you--
+to Him I commit you and Grace.  Your affectionate
+mother,                      RUTH FOWLER.''
+
+
+Frank, following the instructions of the letter,
+found the gold pieces and put them carefully into
+his pocketbook.  He did not mention the letter to
+Grace at present, for he knew not but Deacon Pinkerton
+might lay claim to the money to satisfy his debt
+if he knew it.
+
+``I am ready, Frank,'' said Grace, entering the
+room.  ``Shall we go?''
+
+``Yes, Grace.  There is no use in stopping here any
+longer.''
+
+As he spoke he heard the outer door open, and a
+minute later Deacon Pinkerton entered the room.
+
+None of the deacon's pompousness was abated as
+he entered the house and the room.
+
+``Will you take a seat?'' said our hero, with the
+air of master of the house.
+
+``I intended to,'' said the deacon, not acknowledging
+his claim.  ``So your poor mother is gone?''
+
+``Yes, sir,'' said Frank, briefly.
+
+``We must all die,'' said the deacon, feeling that it
+was incumbent on him to say something religious. 
+``Ahem! your mother died poor?  She left no property?''
+
+``It was not her fault.''
+
+``Of course not.  Did she mention that I had
+advanced her money on the furniture?''
+
+``My mother told me all about it, sir.''
+
+``Ahem!  You are in a sad condition.  But you will
+be taken care of.  You ought to be thankful that
+there is a home provided for those who have no
+means.''
+
+``What home do you refer to, Deacon Pinkerton?''
+asked Frank, looking steadily in the face of his visitor.
+
+``I mean the poorhouse, which the town generously
+provides for those who cannot support themselves.''
+
+This was the first intimation Grace had received
+of the possibility that they would be sent to such a
+home, and it frightened her.
+
+``Oh, Frank!'' she exclaimed, ``must we go to the
+poorhouse?''
+
+``No, Grace; don't be frightened,'' said Frank,
+soothingly.  ``We will not go.''
+
+``Frank Fowler,'' said the deacon, sternly, ``cease
+to mislead your sister.''
+
+``I am not misleading her, sir.''
+
+``Did you not tell her that she would not be obliged
+to go to the poorhouse?''
+
+``Yes, sir.''
+
+``Then what do you mean by resisting my authority?''
+
+``You have no authority over us.  We are not paupers,''
+and Frank lifted his head proudly, and looked
+steadily in the face of the deacon.
+
+``You are paupers, whether you admit it or not.''
+
+``We are not,'' said the boy, indignantly.
+
+``Where is your money?  Where is your property?''
+
+``Here, sir,'' said our hero, holding out his hands.
+
+``I have two strong hands, and they will help me
+make a living for my sister and myself.''
+
+``May I ask whether you expect to live here and
+use my furniture?''
+
+``I do not intend to, sir.  I shall ask no favors of
+you, neither for Grace nor myself.  I am going to
+leave the house.  I only came back to get a few
+clothes.  Mr. Pomeroy has invited Grace and me to
+stay at his house for a few days.  I haven't decided
+what I shall do afterward.''
+
+``You will have to go to the poorhouse, then.  I
+have no objection to your making this visit first.  It
+will be a saving to the town.''
+
+``Then, sir, we will bid you good-day.  Grace, let
+us go.''
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+A LITTLE MISUNDERSTANDING
+
+
+``Have you carried Frank Fowler to the
+poorhouse?'' asked Tom Pinkerton, eagerly, on his
+father's return.
+
+``No, said the deacon, ``he is going to make a visit
+at Mr. Pomeroy's first.''
+
+``I shouldn't think you would have let him make
+a visit,'' said Tom, discontentedly.  ``I should think
+you would have taken him to the poorhouse right
+off.''
+
+``I feel it my duty to save the town unnecessary
+expense,'' said Deacon Pinkerton.
+
+So Tom was compelled to rest satisfied with his
+father's assurance that the removal was only deferred.
+
+Meanwhile Frank and Grace received a cordial
+welcome at the house of Mr. Pomeroy.  Sam and Frank
+were intimate friends, and our hero had been in the
+habit of calling frequently, and it seemed homelike.
+
+``I wish you could stay with us all the time, Frank
+--you and Grace,'' said Sam one evening.
+
+``We should all like it,'' said Mr. Pomeroy, ``but we
+cannot always have what we want.  If I had it in my
+power to offer Frank any employment which it
+would be worth his while to follow, it might do.  But
+he has got his way to make in the world.  Have you
+formed any plans yet, Frank?''
+
+``That is what I want to consult you about, Mr.
+Pomeroy.''
+
+``I will give you the best advice I can, Frank.  I
+suppose you do not mean to stay in the village.''
+
+``No, sir.  There is nothing for me to do here.  I
+must go somewhere where I can make a living for
+Grace and myself.''
+
+``You've got a hard row to hoe, Frank,'' said Mr.
+Pomeroy, thoughtfully.  ``Have you decided where to
+go?''
+
+``Yes, sir.  I shall go to New York.''
+
+``What!  To the city?''
+
+``Yes, sir.  I'll get something to do, no matter
+what it is.''
+
+``But how are you going to live in the meantime?''
+
+``I've got a little money.''
+
+``That won't last long.''
+
+``I know it, but I shall soon get work, if it is only
+to black boots in the streets.''
+
+``With that spirit, Frank, you will stand a fair
+chance to succeed.  What do you mean to do with
+Grace?''
+
+``I will take her with me.''
+
+``I can think of a better plan.  Leave her here till
+you have found something to do.  Then send for her.''
+
+``But if I leave her here Deacon Pinkerton will
+want to put her in the poorhouse.  I can't bear to
+have Grace go there.''
+
+``She need not.  She can stay here with me for
+three months.''
+
+``Will you let me pay her board?''
+
+``I can afford to give her board for three months.''
+
+``You are very kind, Mr. Pomeroy, but it wouldn't
+be right for me to accept your kindness.  It is my
+duty to take care of Grace.''
+
+``I honor your independence, Frank.  It shall be
+as you say.  When you are able-mind, not till then
+--you may pay me at the rate of two dollars a week
+for Grace's board.''
+
+``Then,'' said Frank, ``if you are willing to board
+Grace for a while, I think I had better go to the city
+at once.''
+
+``I will look over your clothes to-morrow, Frank,''
+said Mrs. Pomeroy, ``and see if they need mending.''
+
+``Then I will start Thursday morning--the day
+after.''
+
+About four o'clock the next afternoon he was walking
+up the main street, when just in front of Deacon
+Pinkerton's house he saw Tom leaning against a
+tree.
+
+``How are you Tom?'' he said, and was about to
+pass on.
+
+``Where are you going?'' Tom asked abruptly.
+
+``To Mr. Pomeroy's.''
+
+``How soon are you going to the poorhouse to
+live?''
+
+``Who told you I was going?''
+
+``My father.''
+
+``Then your father's mistaken.''
+
+``Ain't you a pauper?'' said Tom, insolently.  ``You
+haven't got any money.''
+
+``I have got hands to earn money, and I am going
+to try.''
+
+``Anyway, I advise you to resign as captain of the
+baseball club.''
+
+``Why?''
+
+``Because if you don't you'll be kicked out.  Do
+you think the fellows will be willing to have a pauper
+for their captain?''
+
+``That's the second time you have called me a
+pauper.  Don't call me so again.''
+
+``You are a pauper and you know it.''
+
+Frank was not a quarrelsome boy, but this
+repeated insult was too much for him.  He seized Tom
+by the collar, and tripping him up left him on the
+ground howling with rage.  As valor was not his
+strong point, he resolved to be revenged upon Frank
+vicariously.  He was unable to report the case to his
+father till the next morning, as the deacon did not
+return from a neighboring village, whither he had
+gone on business, till late, but the result of his
+communication was a call at Mr. Pomeroy's from the
+deacon at nine o'clock the next morning.  Had he
+found Frank, it was his intention, at Tom's request,
+to take him at once to the poorhouse.  But he was
+too late.  Our hero was already on his way to New
+York.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+FRANK GETS A PLACE
+
+
+``So this is New York,'' said Frank to himself, as
+he emerged from the railway station and looked
+about him with interest and curiosity.
+
+``Black yer boots?  Shine?'' asked a bootblack,
+seeing our hero standing still.
+
+Frank looked at his shoes.  They were dirty,
+without doubt, but he would not have felt disposed to be
+so extravagant, considering his limited resources,
+had he not felt it necessary to obtain some information
+about the city.
+
+``Yes,'' he said, ``you may black them.''
+
+The boy was on his knees instantly and at work.
+
+``How much do you make in a day?'' asked Frank.
+
+``When it's a good day I make a dollar.''
+
+``That's pretty good,'' said Frank.
+
+``Can you show me the way to Broadway?''
+
+``Go straight ahead.''
+
+Our hero paid for his shine and started in the
+direction indicated.
+
+Frank's plans, so far as he had any, were to get
+into a store.  He knew that Broadway was the principal
+business street in the city, and this was about
+all he did know about it.
+
+He reached the great thoroughfare in a few
+minutes, and was fortunate enough to find on the window
+of the corner store the sign:
+
+``A Boy Wanted.''
+
+He entered at once, and going up to the counter,
+addressed a young man, who was putting up goods.
+
+``Do you want a boy?''
+
+``I believe the boss wants one; I don't.  Go out to
+that desk.''
+
+Frank found the desk, and propounded the same
+question to a sandy-whiskered man, who looked up
+from his writing.
+
+``You're prompt,'' he said.  ``That notice was only
+put out two minutes ago.''
+
+``I only saw it one minute ago.''
+
+``So you want the place, do you?''
+
+``I should like it.''
+
+``Do you know your way about the city?''
+
+``No, sir, but I could soon find out.''
+
+``That won't do.  I shall have plenty of
+applications from boys who live in the city and are familiar
+with the streets.''
+
+Frank left the store rather discomfited.
+
+He soon came to another store where there was a
+similar notice of ``A Boy Wanted.''  It was a dry
+goods store.
+
+``Do you live with your parents?'' was asked.
+
+``My parents are dead,'' said Frank, sadly.
+
+``Very sorry, but we can't take you.''
+
+``Why not, sir?''
+
+``In case you took anything we should make your
+parents responsible.''
+
+``I shouldn't take anything,'' said Frank, indignantly.
+
+``You might; I can't take you.''
+
+Our hero left this store a little disheartened by his
+second rebuff.
+
+He made several more fruitless applications, but
+did not lose courage wholly.  He was gaining an appetite,
+however.  It is not surprising therefore, that
+his attention was drawn to the bills of a restaurant
+on the opposite side of the street.  He crossed over,
+and standing outside, began to examine them to see
+what was the scale of prices.  While in this position
+he was suddenly aroused by a slap on the back.
+
+Turning he met the gaze of a young man of about
+thirty, who was smiling quite cordially.
+
+``Why, Frank, my boy, how are you?'' he said,
+offering his hand.
+
+``Pretty well, thank you,'' said our hero bewildered,
+for he had no recollection of the man who had called
+him by name.
+
+The other smiled a little more broadly, and
+thought:
+
+``It was a lucky guess; his name is Frank.''
+
+``I am delighted to hear it,'' he continued.  ``When
+did you reach the city?''
+
+``This morning,'' said the unsuspecting Frank.
+
+``Well, it's queer I happened to meet you so soon,
+isn't it?  Going to stay long?''
+
+``I shall, if I can get a place.''
+
+``Perhaps I can help you.''
+
+``I suppose I ought to remember you,'' ventured
+our hero, ``but I can't think of your name.''
+
+``Jasper Wheelock.  You don't mean to say you
+don't remember me?  Perhaps it isn't strange, as
+we only met once or twice in your country home. 
+But that doesn't matter.  I'm just as ready to help
+you.  By the way, have you dined?''
+
+``No.''
+
+``No more have I.  Come in and dine with me.''
+
+``What'll you take?'' asked Jasper Wheelock,
+passing the bill of fare to Frank.
+
+``I think I should like to have some roast beef,''
+said Frank.
+
+``That will suit me.  Here, waiter, two plates of
+roast beef, and two cups of coffee.''
+
+``How are they all at home?'' asked Jasper.
+
+``My mother has just died.''
+
+``You don't say so,'' said Jasper, sympathetically.
+
+``My sister is well.''
+
+``I forgot your sister's name.''
+
+``Grace.''
+
+``Of course--Grace.  I find it hard to remember
+names.  The fact is, I have been trying to recall your
+last name, but it's gone from me.''
+
+``Fowler.''
+
+``To be sure Frank Fowler.  How could I be so
+forgetful.''
+
+The conversation was interrupted by the arrival
+of the coffee and roast beet, which both he and his
+new friend attacked with vigor.
+
+``What kind of pudding will you have?'' asked
+the stranger.
+
+``Apple dumpling,'' said Frank.
+
+``That suits me.  Apple dumpling for two.''
+
+In due time the apple dumpling was disposed of,
+and two checks were brought, amounting to seventy
+cents.
+
+``I'll pay for both,'' said Jasper.  ``No thanks.  We
+are old acquaintances, you know.''
+
+He put his hand into his pocket, and quickly
+withdrew it with an exclamation of surprise:
+
+``Well, if that isn't a good joke,'' he said.  ``I've
+left my money at home.  I remember now, I left it
+in the pocket of my other coat.  I shall have to
+borrow the money of you.  You may as well hand me a
+dollar!''
+
+Frank was not disposed to be suspicious, but the
+request for money made him uneasy.  Still there
+seemed no way of refusing, and he reluctantly drew
+out the money.
+
+His companion settled the bill and then led the
+way into the street.
+
+Jasper Wheelock was not very scrupulous; he was
+quite capable of borrowing money, without intending
+to return it; but he had his good side.
+
+``Frank,'' said he, as they found themselves in the
+street, ``you have done me a favor, and I am going
+to help you in return.  Have you got very much
+money?''
+
+``No.  I had twenty dollars when I left home, but
+I had to pay my fare in the cars and the dinner, I
+have seventeen dollars and a half left.''
+
+``Then it is necessary for you to get a place as
+soon as possible.''
+
+``Yes; I have a sister to support; Grace, you know.''
+
+``No, I don't know.  The fact is, Frank, I have
+been imposing upon you.  I never saw you before in
+the whole course of my life.''
+
+``What made you say you knew me?''
+
+``I wanted to get a dinner out of you.  Don't be
+troubled, though; I'll pay back the money.  I've been
+out of a place for three or four weeks, but I enter
+upon one the first of next week.  For the rest of the
+week I've got nothing to do, and I will try to get you
+a place.
+
+``The first thing is to get a room somewhere.  I'll
+tell you what, you may have part of my room.''
+
+``Is it expensive?''
+
+``No; I pay a dollar and a half a week.  I think
+the old lady won't charge more than fifty cents extra
+for you.''
+
+``Then my share would be a dollar.''
+
+``You may pay only fifty cents.  I'll keep on paying
+what I do now.  My room is on Sixth Avenue.'' 
+They had some distance to walk.  Finally Jasper
+halted before a baker's shop.
+
+``It's over this,'' he said.
+
+He drew out a latch-key and entered.
+
+``This is my den,'' he said.  It isn't large you
+can't get any better for the money.''
+
+``I shall have to be satisfied,'' said Frank.  ``I want
+to get along as cheap as I can.''
+
+``I've got to economize myself for a short time. 
+After this week I shall earn fifteen dollars a week.''
+
+``What business are you in, Mr. Wheelock?''
+
+``I am a journeyman printer.  It is a very good
+business, and I generally have steady work.  I expect
+to have after I get started again.  Now, shall I
+give you some advice?''
+
+``I wish you would.''
+
+``You don't know your way around New York. 
+I believe I have a map somewhere.  I'll just show
+you on it the position of the principal streets, and
+that will give you a clearer idea of where we go.''
+
+The map was found and Jasper explained to Frank
+the leading topographical features of the Island City.
+
+One thing only was wanting now to make him
+contented, and this was employment.  But it was too
+late to make any further inquiries.
+
+``I've been thinking, Frank,'' said Jasper, the next
+morning, ``that you might get the position as a cash-boy.''
+
+``What does a cash-boy do?''
+
+``In large retail establishments every salesman
+keeps a book in which his sales are entered.  He
+does not himself make change, for it would not do
+to have so many having access to the money-drawer. 
+The money is carried to the cashier's desk by boys
+employed for the purpose, who return with the
+change.''
+
+``Do you think I can get a situation as cash-boy?''
+
+``I will try at Gilbert & Mack's.  I know one of
+the principal salesmen.  If there is a vacancy he
+will get it for you to oblige me.''
+
+They entered a large retail store on Broadway. 
+It was broad and spacious.  Twenty salesmen stood
+behind the counter, and boys were running this way
+and that with small books in their hands.
+
+``How are you, Duncan?'' said Jasper.
+
+The person addressed was about Jasper Wheelock's
+age.  He had a keen, energetic look and manner,
+and would be readily singled out as one of the
+leading clerks.
+
+``All right, Wheelock.  How are you?'' he
+responded.  ``Do you want anything in our line?''
+
+``No goods; I want a place for this youngster.  He's
+a friend of mine.  I'll answer for his good character.''
+
+``That will be satisfactory.  But what sort of a
+place does he want?''
+
+``He is ready to begin as cash-boy.''
+
+``Then we can oblige you, as one of our boys has
+fallen sick, and we have not supplied his place.  I'll
+speak to Mr. Gilbert.''
+
+He went up to Mr. Gilbert, a portly man in the
+back part of the store.  Mr. Gilbert seemed to be
+asking two or three questions.  Frank waited the
+result in suspense, dreading another disappointment,
+but this time he was fortunate.
+
+``The boy can stay,'' reported Duncan.  ``His
+wages are three dollars a week.''
+
+It was not much, but Frank was well pleased to
+feel that at last he had a place in the city.
+
+He wrote a letter to Grace in the evening,
+announcing his success, and expressing the hope that he
+would soon be able to send for her.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE CASH BOY HAS AN ADVENTURE
+
+
+Four weeks passed.  The duties of a cash-boy are
+simple enough, and Frank had no difficulty in discharging
+them satisfactorily.  At first he found it
+tiresome, being on his feet all day, for the cash-boys
+were not allowed to sit down, but he got used to
+this, being young and strong.
+
+All this was very satisfactory, but one thing gave
+Frank uneasiness.  His income was very inadequate
+to his wants.
+
+``What makes you so glum, Frank?'' asked Jasper
+Wheelock one evening.
+
+``Do I look glum?'' said Frank.  ``I was only
+thinking how I could earn more money.  You know
+how little I get.  I can hardly take care of myself,
+much less take care of Grace.''
+
+``I can lend you some money, Frank.  Thanks to
+your good advice, I have got some laid up.''
+
+``Thank you, Jasper, but that wouldn't help
+matters.  I should owe you the money, and I don't know
+how I could pay you.''
+
+``About increasing your income, I really don't
+know,'' said Jasper.  ``I am afraid Gilbert & Mack
+wouldn't raise your wages.''
+
+``I don't expect it.  All the rest of the cash-boys
+would ask the same thing.''
+
+``True; still I know they are very well pleased
+with you.  Duncan told me you did more work than
+any of the rest of the boys.''
+
+``I try to do all I can.''
+
+``He said you would make a good salesman, he
+thought.  Of course you are too young for that yet.''
+
+``I suppose I am.''
+
+``Frank, I am earning fifteen dollars a week, you
+know, and I can get along on ten, but of the five I
+save let me give you two.  I shall never feel it, and
+by and by when you are promoted it won't be necessary.''
+
+``Jasper, you are a true friend,'' said Frank,
+warmly; ``but it wouldn't be right for me to accept
+your kind offer, though I shan't forget it.  You have
+been a good friend to me.''
+
+``And you to me, Frank.  I'll look out for you. 
+Perhaps I may hear of something for you.''
+
+Small as Frank's income was, he had managed to
+live within it.  It will be remembered that he had
+paid but fifty cents a week for a room.  By great
+economy he had made his meals cost but two dollars
+a week, so that out of his three dollars he saved
+fifty cents.  But this saving would not be sufficient
+to pay for his clothes.  However, he had had no
+occasion to buy any as yet, and his little fund
+altogether amounted to twenty dollars.  Of this sum he
+inclosed{sic} eight dollars to Mr. Pomeroy to pay for four
+weeks' board for Grace.
+
+``I hope I shall be able to keep it up,'' he said to
+himself, thoughtfully.  ``At any rate, I've got enough
+to pay for six weeks more.  Before that time something
+may turn up.''
+
+Several days passed without showing Frank any
+way by which he could increase his income.  Jasper
+again offered to give him two dollars a week out of
+his own wages, but this our hero steadily refused.
+
+One Friday evening, just as the store was about
+to close, the head salesman called Frank to him.
+
+``Where do you live?'' he asked.
+
+``In Sixth avenue, near Twenty-fifth street.''
+
+``There's a bundle to go to Forty-sixth street.  I'll
+pay your fare upon the stage if you'll carry it.  I
+promised to send it to-night, and I don't like to
+disappoint the lady.''
+
+``I can carry it just as well as not.''
+
+Frank took the bundle, and got on board a passing
+omnibus.  There was just one seat vacant beside an
+old gentleman of seventy, who appeared to be quite
+feeble.
+
+At Forty-fifth street he pulled the strap and
+prepared to descend, leaning heavily on his cane as he
+did so.  By some mischance the horses started a
+little too soon and the old man, losing his footing,
+fell in the street.  Frank observed the accident and
+sprang out instantly to his help.
+
+``I hope you are not much hurt, sir?'' he said, hastily.
+
+``I have hurt my knee,'' said the old gentleman.
+
+``Let me assist you, sir,'' said Frank, helping him
+up.
+
+``Thank you, my boy.  I live at number forty-five,
+close by.  If you will lead me to the door and into
+the house I shall be much indebted to you.''
+
+``Certainly, sir.  It is no trouble to me.''
+
+With slow step, supported by our hero, the old
+gentleman walked to his own door.
+
+It was opened by a maid servant, who looked with
+some surprise at Frank.
+
+``I fell, Mary,'' explained her master, ``and this
+young gentleman has kindly helped me home.''
+
+``Did you hurt yourself much, sir?''
+
+``Not seriously.''
+
+``Can I do anything more for you, sir?'' asked
+Frank.
+
+``Come in a moment.''
+
+Our hero followed his new acquaintance into a
+handsomely furnished parlor.
+
+``Now, my young friend tell me if you have been
+taken out of your way by your attention to me?''
+
+``Oh, no, sir; I intended to get out at the next
+street.''
+
+``My dinner is just ready.  Won't you stop and
+dine with me?''
+
+``Thank you, sir,'' he said, hesitatingly, ``but I
+promised to carry this bundle.  I believe it is wanted
+at once.''
+
+``So you shall.  You say the house is in the next
+street.  You can go and return in five minutes.  You
+have done me a service, and I may have it in my
+power to do something for you in return.''
+
+``Perhaps,'' thought Frank, ``he can help me to
+some employment for my evenings.'' Then, aloud:
+
+``Thank you, sir; I will come.''
+
+Five minutes later Frank was ushered into a
+handsome dining-room.  The dinner was already on
+the table, but chairs were only set for three.  The
+one at the head of the table was of course occupied
+by the old gentleman, the one opposite by Mrs. Bradley,
+his housekeeper, and one at the side was placed
+for Frank.
+
+``Mrs. Bradley,'' said the old gentleman, ``this is
+a young gentleman who was kind enough to help me
+home after the accident of which I just spoke to you. 
+I would mention his name, but I must leave that to
+him.''
+
+``Frank Fowler, sir.''
+
+``And my name is Wharton.  Now that we are all
+introduced, we can talk more freely.''
+
+``Will you have some soup, Mr. Fowler?'' asked the
+housekeeper.
+
+She was a tall thin woman, with a reserved
+manner that was somewhat repellant.  She had only
+nodded slightly at the introduction, fixing her eyes
+coldly and searchingly on the face of our hero.  It
+was evident that whatever impression the service
+rendered might have made upon the mind of Mr.
+Wharton, it was not calculated to warm the
+housekeeper to cordiality.
+
+``Thank you,'' he answered, but he could not help
+feeling at the same time that Mrs. Bradley was not
+a very agreeable woman.
+
+``You ought to have a good appetite,'' said Mr.
+Wharton.  ``You have to work hard during the day. 
+Our young friend is a cash-boy at Gilbert & Mack's,
+Mrs. Bradley.
+
+``Oh, indeed!'' said Mrs. Bradley, arching her
+brows as much as to say:  ``You have invited strange
+company to dinner.''
+
+``Do your parents live in the city, Frank--I
+believe your name is Frank?''
+
+``No, sir; they are dead.  My mother died only a
+few weeks since.''
+
+``And have you no brothers and sisters?''
+
+``I have one sister--Grace.''
+
+``I suppose she is in the city here with you?''
+
+``No, sir.  I left her in the country.  I am here
+alone.''
+
+``I will ask you more about yourself after dinner. 
+If you have no engagement, I should like to have
+you stay with me a part of the evening.''
+
+``Thank you, sir.''
+
+Frank accepted the invitation, though he knew
+Jasper would wonder what had become of him.  He
+saw that the old gentleman was kindly disposed
+toward him, and in his present circumstances he needed
+such a friend.
+
+But in proportion as Mr. Wharton became more
+cordial, Mrs. Bradley became more frosty, until at
+last the old gentleman noticed her manner.
+
+``Don't you feel well this evening, Mrs Bradley?''
+he asked.
+
+``I have a little headache,'' said the housekeeper,
+coldly.
+
+``You had better do something for it.''
+
+``It will pass away of itself, sir.''
+
+They arose from the dinner table, and Mr.
+Wharton, followed by Frank, ascended the staircase to
+the front room on the second floor, which was
+handsomely fitted up as a library,
+
+``What makes him take such notice of a mere cash-
+boy?'' said Mrs. Bradley to herself.  ``That boy reminds
+me of somebody.  Who is it?''
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+AN UNEXPECTED ENGAGEMENT
+
+
+``Take a seat, Frank,'' said Mr. Wharton, pointing
+to a luxurious armchair on one side of the cheerful
+grate fire; ``I will take the other, and you shall tell
+me all about yourself.''
+
+``Thank you, sir,'' said our hero.
+
+His confidence was won by Mr. Wharton's kind
+tone, and he briefly recounted his story.
+
+At the conclusion, Mr. Wharton said:
+
+``How old are you, Frank ?''
+
+``Fourteen, sir.''
+
+``You are a brave boy, and a good boy, and you
+deserve success.''
+
+``Thank you, sir.''
+
+``But I am bound to say that you have a hard task
+before you.''
+
+``I know it, sir.''
+
+``Why not let your sister go to the poorhouse for a
+few years, till you are older, and better able to
+provide for her?''
+
+``I should be ashamed to do it, sir,'' he said.  ``I
+promised my mother to take care of Grace, and I
+will.''
+
+``How much do you earn as a cash-boy?''
+
+``Three dollars a week.''
+
+``Only three dollars a week!  Why, that won't pay
+your own expenses!'' said the old gentleman in surprise.
+
+``Yes, sir, it does.  I pay fifty cents a week for my
+room, and my meals don't cost me much.''
+
+``But you will want clothes.''
+
+``I have enough for the present, and I am laying
+up fifty cents a week to buy more when I need them.''
+
+``You can't buy many for twenty-six dollars a
+year.  But that doesn't allow anything for your
+sister's expenses.''
+
+``That is what puzzles me, sir,'' said Frank, fixing
+a troubled glance upon the fire.  ``I shall have to
+work in the evenings for Grace.''
+
+``What can you do?''
+
+``I could copy, but I suppose there isn't much
+chance of getting copying to do.''
+
+``Then you have a good handwriting?''
+
+``Pretty fair, sir.''
+
+``Let me see a specimen.  There are pen and ink
+on the table, and here is a sheet of paper.''
+
+Frank seated himself at the table, and wrote his
+name on the paper.
+
+``Very good,'' said his host, approvingly.  ``Your
+hand is good enough for a copyist, but you are correct
+in supposing that work of that kind is hard
+to get.  Are you a good reader?''
+
+``Do you mean in reading aloud, sir?''
+
+``Yes.''
+
+``I will try, if you wish.''
+
+``Take a book from the table--any book--and let
+me hear you read.''
+
+Frank opened the first book that came to hand--
+one of Irving's and read in a clear, unembarrassed
+voice about half a page.
+
+``Very good indeed!'' said Mr. Wharton.  ``You
+have been well taught.  Where did you attend
+school?''
+
+``Only in the town school, sir.''
+
+``You have, at any rate, made good use of your
+advantages.''
+
+``But will it do me any good, sir?'' asked Frank.
+
+``People are not paid for reading, are they?''
+
+``Not in general, but we will suppose the case of
+a person whose eyes are weak, and likely to be badly
+affected by evening use.  Then suppose such a person
+could secure the services of a good, clear, distinct
+reader, don't you think he would be willing to
+pay something?''
+
+``I suppose so.  Do you know of any such person?''
+asked Frank.
+
+``I am describing myself, Frank.  A year since I
+strained my eyes very severely, and have never dared
+to use them much since by gaslight.  Mrs. Bradley,
+my housekeeper, has read to me some, but she has
+other duties, and I don't think she enjoys it very
+much.  Now, why shouldn't I get you to read to me
+in the evening when you are not otherwise employed?''
+
+``I wish you would, Mr. Wharton,'' said Frank,
+eagerly.  ``I would do my best.''
+
+``I have no doubt of that, but there is another
+question--perhaps you might ask a higher salary
+than I could afford to pay.''
+
+``Would a dollar a week be too much?'' asked
+Frank.
+
+``I don't think I could complain of that,'' said Mr.
+Wharton, gravely.  ``Very well, I will engage you as
+my reader.''
+
+``Thank you, sir.''
+
+``But about the pay; I have made up my mind to
+pay you five dollars a week.''
+
+``Five dollars a week!'' Frank repeated.  ``It is
+much more than my services will be worth sir.''
+
+``Let me judge of that, Frank.''
+
+``I don't know how to thank you, sir,'' said Frank,
+gratefully.  ``I never expected to be so rich.  I shall
+have no trouble in paying for Grace's board and
+clothes now.  When do you want me to begin reading to you?''
+
+``You may as well begin to-night--that is, unless
+you have some other engagement.''
+
+``Oh, no, sir, I have nothing else to do.''
+
+``Take the Evening Post, then, and read me the
+leading editorial.  Afterward, I will tell you what to
+read.''
+
+Frank had been reading about half an hour, when
+a knock was heard at the door.
+
+``Come in,'' said Mr. Wharton.
+
+Mrs. Bradley entered, with a soft, quiet step.
+
+``I thought, sir,'' she began, ``you might like me
+to read to you, as usual.''
+
+``Thank you, Mrs. Bradley, but I am going to
+relieve you of that portion of your labors.  My young
+friend here is to come every evening and read to
+me.''
+
+``Indeed!'' ejaculated the housekeeper in a tone of
+chilly displeasure, and a sharp glance at Frank,
+which indicated no great amount of cordiality.
+``Then, as I am intruding, I will take my leave.''
+
+There was something in her tone that made Frank
+feel uncomfortable.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE HOUSEKEEPER'S NEPHEW
+
+
+``By no means,'' said Mr. Wharton, as the
+housekeeper was about to withdraw; ``don't imagine you
+are intruding.  Come in and sit down.''
+
+``Thank you, sir,'' said Mrs. Bradley, in a
+measured tone.  ``You are very considerate, I am sure,
+but if you'll excuse me, I won't come in this evening.''
+
+``Mrs. Bradley has been with me a good many
+years,'' explained Mr. Wharton, ``and I dare say she
+feels a little disturbed at seeing another occupy her
+place, even in a duty like this.''
+
+``I am afraid she will be offended with me, sir,''
+said Frank.
+
+``Oh, no; I will explain matters to her.  Go on
+with your reading, Frank.''
+
+At half-past nine, Mr. Wharton took out his watch.
+
+``It is getting late,'' he said.  ``I have no doubt you
+are tired and need rest.''
+
+``I am not tired, sir.''
+
+``I believe in going to bed early.  I shall seldom
+keep you later than this.  Do you think you can find
+your way out?''
+
+``Yes, sir.  When shall I come to-morrow evening?''
+
+``A little before eight.''
+
+``I will be punctual.''
+
+Jasper was waiting for him, not wholly without
+anxiety, for it was very unusual for Frank to be late.
+
+``Well, Frank!'' he exclaimed; ``this is a pretty
+time for you to come home.  I began to think you
+had got into trouble.  I was just going around to the
+nearest station house in search of you.''
+
+``I was in quite a different place, Jasper.''
+
+Frank told his story, including an account of his
+engagement.
+
+``So it seems I am to lose your company in the
+evening.  I am sorry for that, but I am glad you are
+so lucky.''
+
+``It was better than I expected,'' said Frank, with
+satisfaction.
+
+``What sort of a man is this Mr. Wharton?'' said
+Jasper.
+
+``He is very kind and generous.  I am lucky to
+have so good a friend.  There's only one thing that
+is likely to be disagreeable.''
+
+``What's that?''
+
+``The housekeeper--her name is Mrs. Bradley--
+for some reason or other she doesn't want me there.''
+
+``What makes you think so?''
+
+``Her manner, and the way she speaks.  She came
+in to read to Mr. Wharton last evening, and didn't
+seem to like it because I had been taken in her place.''
+
+``She is evidently jealous.  You must take care not
+to offend her.  She might endeavor to have you dismissed.''
+
+``I shall always treat her politely, but I don't think
+I can ever like her.''
+
+Meanwhile, the housekeeper, on leaving the
+library, had gone to her own room in dudgeon.
+
+``Mr. Wharton's a fool!'' she muttered to herself.
+
+``What possessed him to take this cash-boy from the
+streets, invite him to dinner, and treat him as an
+honored guest, and finally to engage him as a reader? 
+I never heard of anything so ridiculous!  Is this little
+vagabond to take my place in the old man's good
+graces?  I've been slaving and slaving for twenty
+years, and what have I got by it?  I've laid up two
+thousand dollars; and what is that to provide for
+my old age?  If the old man would die, and remember
+me handsomely in his will, it would be worth
+while; but this new favorite may stand in my way. 
+If he does I'll be revenged on him as sure as my name
+is Ulrica Bradley.''
+
+Here the area bell rang, and in a moment one of
+the housemaids entered Mrs. Bradley's room.
+
+``There's your nephew outside, ma'am, and wanting
+to see you.''
+
+``Tell him to come in,'' and the housekeeper's cold
+face became softer and pleasanter in aspect as a
+young man of twenty entered and greeted her carelessly.
+
+``How are you, aunt?''
+
+``Pretty well, Thomas,'' she answered.  ``You
+haven't been here for some time.''
+
+``No.  I've had a lot of work to do.  Nothing but
+work, work, all the time,'' he grumbled.  ``I wish I
+was rich.''
+
+``You get through at six o'clock, don't you?''
+
+``Yes.''
+
+``I hope you spend your evenings profitably,
+Thomas?''
+
+``I ain't likely to go on any sprees, aunt, if that's
+what you mean.  I only get twelve dollars a week.''
+
+``I should think you might live on it.''
+
+``Starve, you mean.  What's twelve dollars to a
+young fellow like me when he's got his board to pay,
+and has to dress like a gentleman?''
+
+``You are not in debt, I hope, Thomas?'' said Mrs.
+Bradley, uneasily.
+
+``I owe for the suit I have on, and I don't know
+where I'm going to get the money to pay for it.''
+
+He was dressed in a flashy style, not unlike what is
+popularly denominated a swell.  His coarse features
+were disfigured with unhealthy blotches, and his outward
+appearance was hardly such as to recommend
+him.  But to him alone the cold heart of the
+housekeeper was warm.  He was her sister's son and her
+nearest relative.  Her savings were destined for him,
+and in her attachment she was not conscious of his
+disagreeable characteristics.  She had occasionally
+given him a five-dollar bill to eke out what he termed
+his miserable pay, and now whenever he called he
+didn't spare hints that he was out of pocket, and
+that a further gift would be acceptable.  Indeed, the
+only tie that bound him to his aunt was a mercenary
+one.
+
+But the housekeeper, sharp-sighted as she
+ordinarily was, did not detect the secret motive of such
+attention she received from her nephew.  She flattered
+herself that he really loved her, not suspecting
+that he was too selfish to love anybody but himself.
+
+``Thomas,'' she said, with a sudden thought, ``I
+may be able to help you to an increase of your income. 
+Mr. Wharton needs somebody to read to him
+evenings.  On my recommendation he might take
+you.''
+
+``Thank you, aunt, but I don't see it.  I don't
+want to be worked to death.''
+
+``But, think, Thomas,'' said his aunt, earnestly. 
+``He is very rich.  He might take a fancy to you
+and remember you in his will.''
+
+``I wish somebody would remember me in his will. 
+Do you really think there's any chance of the old
+boy's doing something handsome for me?''
+
+``That depends on yourself.  You must try to
+please him.''
+
+``Well, I must do something.  What'll he give?''
+
+``I don't know yet.  In fact, there's another
+reading to him just now.''
+
+``Then there's no chance for me.''
+
+``Listen to me.  It's a boy he's picked up in the
+streets, quite unsuited for the place.  He's a cash-
+boy at Gilbert & Mack's.  Why, that's where you
+are,'' she added, with sudden recollection.
+
+``A cash-boy from my own place?  What's his
+name?''
+
+``Fowler, I believe.''
+
+``I know him--he's lately come.  How did he get
+in with the old man?''
+
+``Mr. Wharton fell in the street, and he happened
+to be near, and helped him home.''
+
+``You'll have to manage it, aunt.''
+
+``I'll see what I can do to-morrow.  He ought to
+prefer my nephew to a strange boy, seeing I have
+been twenty years in his service.  I'll let you know
+as soon as I have accomplished anything.''
+
+``I don't half like the idea of giving up my
+evenings.  I don't believe I can stand it.''
+
+``It is only for a little while, to get him interested
+in you.''
+
+``Maybe I might try it a week, and then tell him
+my health was failing, and get him to do something
+else for me.''
+
+``At any rate, the first thing must be to become
+acquainted.''
+
+Thomas now withdrew, for he did not enjoy spending
+an evening with his aunt, the richer by five dollars,
+half of which was spent before the evening
+closed at a neighboring billiard saloon.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE HOUSEKEEPER SCHEMING
+
+
+If Mrs. Bradley had been wiser, she would have
+felt less confident of her nephew's producing a favorable
+impression upon Mr. Wharton.  She resolved to
+open the subject at the breakfast table
+
+``I didn't know, Mr. Wharton,'' she commenced,
+``that you intended to engage a reader.''
+
+``Nor did I propose to do so until last evening.''
+
+``I think--you'll excuse me for saying so--that
+you will find that boy too young to suit you.''
+
+``I don't think so.  He reads very clearly and
+distinctly.''
+
+``If I had known you thought of engaging a
+reader, I would have asked you to engage my
+nephew.''
+
+``Indeed, I was not aware that you had a nephew
+in the city.  Is he a boy?''
+
+``No; he is a young man.  He was twenty years
+old last June.''
+
+``Is he unfavorably situated?''
+
+``He has a place as salesman.''
+
+``With what firm?''
+
+``Gilbert & Mack.''
+
+``Why, that is the same firm that employs my
+young friend.  It is a good firm.''
+
+``Perhaps it is, but my poor nephew receives a
+very small salary.  He finds it very hard to get
+along.''
+
+``Your nephew is young.  He will be promoted if
+he serves his employers well.''
+
+``Thomas would have been glad to read to you in
+the evening, sir,'' said Mrs. Bradley, commencing
+the attack.
+
+``But for my present engagement, I might have
+taken him,'' said Mr. Wharton, politely.
+
+``Have you engaged that boy for any length of
+time?''
+
+``No; but it is understood that he will stay while
+I need him, and he continues to suit me.  I have a
+favorable opinion of him.  Besides, he needs the pay. 
+He receives but three dollars a week as a cash-boy,
+and has a sister to support as well as himself.''
+
+``I am sorry,'' she said in an injured tone.  ``I
+hope you'll excuse my mentioning it, but I took the
+liberty, having been for twenty years in your employ.''
+
+``To be sure!  You were quite right,'' said her
+employer, kindly.  ``Perhaps I may be able to do
+something for your nephew, though not that.  Tell
+him to come and see me some time.''
+
+``Thank you, sir,'' said the housekeeper.
+
+There was one question she wanted to determine,
+and that was the amount of compensation received
+by Frank.  She did not like to inquire directly from
+Mr. Wharton, but resolved to gain the information
+from our hero.  Some evenings later she had the
+opportunity.  Mr. Wharton had an engagement, and
+asked her to tell Frank, when he arrived that he
+was released from duty.  Instead of this she received
+him in the library herself.
+
+``Probably Mr. Wharton will not be at home this
+evening,'' she said.  ``If he does not return in half
+an hour, you need not wait.''
+
+She took up her work, seated in Mr. Wharton's
+usual place, and Frank remained ready for duty.
+
+``Mr. Wharton tells me you have a sister,'' she
+said.
+
+``Yes, ma'am.''
+
+``You must find it hard work to provide for her
+as well as yourself.''
+
+``I do, or rather I did till I came here.''
+
+``How much does Mr. Wharton pay you?'' she
+asked, in an indifferent tone.
+
+``Five dollars a week,'' answered Frank.
+
+``You are lucky that you have such a chance,'' she
+said.
+
+``Yes, ma'am; it is more than I earn, I know, but
+it is a great help to me.''
+
+``And how much do you get as cash-boy?''
+
+``Three dollars a week.''
+
+``So you actually receive nearly twice as much for
+a couple of hours in the evening as for the whole
+day.''
+
+``Yes, ma'am.''
+
+``What a pity Thomas can't have this chance,'' she
+thought.
+
+When it was nine o'clock, she said:
+
+``You need not wait any longer.  Mr. Wharton
+will not be home in time to hear you read.''
+
+``Good-evening, Mrs. Bradley,'' said Frank.
+
+``Good-evening!'' she responded, coldly.
+
+``That boy is in the way,'' she said to herself,
+when she was left alone.  ``He is in my way, and
+Tom's way.  I can see that he is artfully intriguing
+for Mr. Wharton's favor, but I must checkmate him. 
+It's odd,'' she resumed, after a pause, ``but there is
+something in his face and voice that seems familiar
+to me.  What is it?''
+
+
+     *    *    *    *    *
+
+
+The following evening the housekeeper received
+another visit from her nephew.
+
+``How do, aunt?'' said Thomas Bradley, carelessly,
+as he entered the housekeeper's room.
+
+``Very well, thank you, Thomas.  I am glad you
+are here.  I have been wanting to see you.''
+
+``The old man isn't going to do anything for me,
+is he?''
+
+``How can you expect it so soon?  He doesn't
+know you yet.  How much do you think he pays the
+cash-boy that reads to him in the evening?''
+
+``I don't know.''
+
+``Five dollars a week.''
+
+``I wouldn't give up my evenings for that,'' he said.
+
+``It isn't so much the pay, Thomas, though that
+would be a help.  He might take a fancy to you.''
+
+``That might pay better.  When are you going to
+introduce me?''
+
+``This evening; that is, I will ask Mr. Wharton
+if he will see you.''
+
+Mrs. Bradley entered the library, where Frank
+was engaged in reading aloud.
+
+``Excuse my interruption,'' she said; ``but my
+nephew has just called, and I should like to introduce
+him to you, if you will kindly receive him.''
+
+``Certainly, Mrs. Bradley,'' said Mr. Wharton. 
+``Bring him in.''
+
+The housekeeper left the room, but speedily
+reappeared, followed by her nephew, who seemed a
+little abashed.
+
+``My nephew, Thomas Bradley, Mr. Wharton,''
+said his aunt, by way of introduction.  ``You have
+often heard me speak of Mr. Wharton, Thomas.''
+
+``How do you do, sir?'' said Thomas awkwardly.
+
+``Pray take a seat, Mr. Bradley.  Your aunt has
+been long a member of my family.  I am glad to see
+a nephew of hers.  I believe you are a salesman at
+Gilbert & Mack's?''
+
+``Yes, sir.''
+
+``Then you must know my young friend here?''
+pointing to Frank.
+
+``How are you, Cash?'' said Thomas, laughing,
+under the impression that he had said something
+smart.
+
+``Very well, Mr. Bradley,'' answered Frank,
+quietly.
+
+``You see, that's all the name we call 'em in the
+store,'' said Thomas.
+
+Mr. Wharton could not help thinking:
+
+``How poorly this young man compares with my
+young friend.  Still, as he is Mrs. Bradley's nephew,
+I must be polite to him.''
+
+``Are there many cash-boys in your establishment,
+Mr. Bradley?''
+
+``About a dozen.  Ain't there, Fowler?''
+
+``I believe so, Mr. Bradley.''
+
+``Gilbert & Mack do a good business, I should
+judge.''
+
+``Yes, they do; but that doesn't do us poor
+salesmen much good.  We get just enough to keep soul
+and body together.''
+
+``I am sorry to hear it,'' said Mr. Wharton.
+
+``Why, sir,'' said Thomas, gaining confidence, ``all
+they pay me is twelve dollars a week.  How can
+they expect a fellow to live on that?''
+
+``I began my career about your age,'' said Mr.
+Wharton, ``or perhaps a little younger, and had to
+live on but six dollars a week.''
+
+``Didn't you come near starving?'' he asked.
+
+``On the contrary, I saved a little every week.''
+
+``I can't,'' said Thomas, a little discomfited.  ``Why,
+it takes half that to dress decently.''
+
+Mr. Wharton glanced quietly at the rather loud
+and flashy dress worn by his visitor, but only said:
+
+``A small salary, of course, makes economy necessary.''
+
+``But when a fellow knows he earns a good deal
+more than he gets, he doesn't feel like starving himself
+just that his employers may grow rich.''
+
+``Of course, if he can better himself they cannot
+object.''
+
+``That's just what I want to do,'' said Thomas; ``but
+I expect I need influence to help me to something
+better.  That's a good hint,'' thought he.
+
+``I was telling Thomas,'' said the housekeeper,
+``that you had kindly expressed a desire to be of
+service to him.''
+
+``I am not now in active business,'' said Mr. Wharton,
+``and of course have not the opportunities I
+formerly had for helping young men, but I will bear
+your case in mind, Mr. Bradley.''
+
+``Thank you, sir,'' said Thomas.  ``I am sure I
+earn a thousand dollars a year.''
+
+``I think, Thomas,'' said Mrs. Bradley, ``we won't
+intrude on Mr. Wharton longer this evening.  When
+he finds something for you he will tell me.''
+
+``All right, aunt.  Good-night, Mr. Wharton.  Good-
+night, Cash,'' said Thomas, chuckling anew at the
+old joke.
+
+``Well, aunt,'' said he, when they were once more
+in the housekeeper's room, ``do you think the old
+gentleman will do anything for me?''
+
+``I hope so; but I am not sure, Thomas, whether
+you were not too familiar.  You spoke of money too
+quick.''
+
+``It's my way to come to business.''
+
+``I wish you were his reader, instead of that boy.''
+
+``Well, I don't.  I wouldn't want to he mewed up
+in that room with the old man every night.  I should
+get tired to death of it.''
+
+``You would have a chance to get him interested
+in you.  That boy is artful; he is doing all he can to
+win Mr. Wharton's favor.  He is the one you have
+most reason to dread.''
+
+``Do you think he will do me any harm?''
+
+``I think he will injure your chances.''
+
+``Egad! if I thought that, I'd wring the young
+rascal's neck.''
+
+``There's a better way, Thomas.''
+
+``What's that?''
+
+``Can't you get him dismissed from Gilbert &
+Mack's?''
+
+``I haven't enough influence with the firm.''
+
+``Suppose they thought him dishonest?''
+
+``They'd give him the sack, of course.''
+
+``Can't you make them think so, Thomas?''
+
+``I don't know.''
+
+``Then make it your business to find out.''
+
+``I suppose you know what good it's going to do,
+aunt, but I don't.  He's got his place here with the
+old man.''
+
+``If Mr. Wharton hears that he is discharged, and
+has lost his situation, he will probably discharge
+him, too.''
+
+``Perhaps so; I suppose you know best.''
+
+``Do as I tell you, and I will manage the rest.''
+
+``All right.  I need your help enough.  To-night,
+for instance, I'm regularly cleaned out.  Haven't got
+but twenty-five cents to my name.''
+
+``It seems to me, Thomas,'' said his aunt, with a
+troubled look, ``you are always out of money.  I'll
+give you five dollars, Thomas, but you must remember
+that I am not made of money.  My wages are
+small.''
+
+``You ought to have a good nest-egg laid aside,
+aunt.''
+
+``I've got something, Thomas, and when I die, it'll
+be yours.''
+
+``I hope I shan't have to wait too long,'' thought
+Thomas, but he did not give utterance to the
+thought.''
+
+``Come again, Thomas, and don't forget what I
+have said,'' said Mrs. Bradley.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+JOHN WADE
+
+
+A tall man, with a sallow complexion, and heavily-
+bearded face, stood on the deck of a Cunard steamer,
+only a few miles distant from New York harbor.
+
+``It's three years since I have seen America,'' he
+said to himself, thoughtfully.  ``I suppose I ought to
+feel a patriotic fervor about setting foot once more
+on my native shore, but I don't believe in nonsense. 
+I would be content to live in Europe all my life, if
+my uncle's fortune were once in my possession.  I
+am his sole heir, but he persists in holding on to
+his money bags, and limits me to a paltry three thousand
+a year.  I must see if I can't induce him to give
+me a good, round sum on account--fifty thousand,
+at least--and then I can wait a little more patiently
+till he drops off.''
+
+``When shall we reach port, captain?'' he asked,
+as he passed that officer.
+
+``In four hours, I think, Mr. Wade.''
+
+``So this is my birthday,'' he said to himself.
+
+``Thirty five years old to-day.  Half my life gone,
+and I am still a dependent on my uncle's bounty. 
+Suppose he should throw me off--leave me out in
+the cold--where should I be?  If he should find the
+boy--but no, there is no chance of that.  I have
+taken good care of that.  By the way, I must look
+him up soon--cautiously, of course--and see what
+has become of him.  He will grow up a laborer or
+mechanic and die without a knowledge of his birth,
+while I fill his place and enjoy his inheritance.''
+
+At six o'clock the vessel reached the Quarantine. 
+Most of the passengers decided to remain on board
+one night more, but John Wade was impatient, and,
+leaving his trunks, obtained a small boat, and soon
+touched the shore.
+
+It was nearly eight when John Wade landed in
+the city.  It was half-past eight when he stood on
+the steps of his uncle's residence and rang the bell.
+
+``Is my uncle is Mr. Wharton--at home?'' he
+asked of the servant who answered the bell.
+
+``Yes, sir.''
+
+``I am his nephew, just arrived from Europe.  Let
+him know that I am here, and would like to see
+him.''
+
+The servant, who had never before seen him,
+having only been six months in the house, regarded him
+with a great deal of curiosity, and then went to do
+his biddng.
+
+``My nephew arrived!'' exclaimed Mr. Wharton, in
+surprise.  ``Why, he never let me know he was coming.''
+
+``Will you see him, sir?''
+
+``To be sure!  Bring him in at once.''
+
+``My dear uncle!'' exclaimed John Wade, with
+effusion, for he was a polite man, and could act when it
+suited his interests to do so, ``I am glad to see you. 
+How is your health?''
+
+``I am getting older every day, John.''
+
+``You don't look a day older, sir,'' said John, who
+did not believe what he said, for he could plainly
+see that his uncle had grown older since he last saw
+him.
+
+``You think so, John, but I feel it.  Your coming
+is a surprise.  You did not write that you intended
+sailing.''
+
+``I formed the determination very suddenly, sir.''
+
+``Were you tired of Europe?''
+
+``No; but I wanted to see you, sir.''
+
+``Thank you, John,'' said his uncle, pressing his
+nephew's hand.  ``I am glad you think so much of
+me.  Did you have a pleasant voyage?''
+
+``Rather rough, sir.''
+
+``You have had no supper, of course?  If you will
+ring the bell, the housekeeper will see that some is
+got ready for you.''
+
+``Is Mrs. Bradley still in your employ, uncle?''
+
+``Yes, John.  I am so used to her that I shouldn't
+know how to get along without her.''
+
+Hitherto John Wade had been so occupied with his
+uncle that he had not observed Frank.  But at this
+moment our hero coughed, involuntarily, and John
+Wade looked at him.  He seemed to be singularly
+affected.  He started perceptibly, and his sallow face
+blanched, as his eager eyes were fixed on the boy's
+face.
+
+``Good heavens!'' he muttered to himself.  ``Who is
+that boy?  How comes he here?''
+
+Frank noticed his intent gaze, and wondered at it,
+but Mr. Wharton's eyesight was defective, and he
+did not perceive his nephew's excitement.
+
+``I see you have a young visitor, uncle,'' said John
+Wade.
+
+``Oh, yes,'' said Mr. Wharton, with a kindly smile. 
+``He spends all his evenings with me.''
+
+``What do you mean, sir?'' demanded John Wade,
+with sudden suspicion and fear.  ``He seems very
+young company for----''
+
+``For a man of my years,'' said Mr. Wharton,
+finishing the sentence.  ``You are right, John.  But, you
+see, my eyes are weak, and I cannot use them for
+reading in the evening, so it occurred to me to engage
+a reader.''
+
+``Very true,'' said his nephew.  He wished to
+inquire the name of the boy whose appearance had so
+powerfully impressed him but he determined not to
+do so at present.  What information he sought he
+preferred to obtain from the housekeeper.
+
+``He seemed surprised, as if he had seen me some
+where before, and recognized me,'' thought Frank,
+``but I don't remember him.  If I had seen his face
+before, I think I should remember it.''
+
+``Don't come out, uncle.'' said John Wade, when
+summoned to tea by the housekeeper.  ``Mrs. Bradley
+and I are going to have a chat by ourselves, and
+I will soon return.''
+
+``You are looking thin, Mr. John,'' said Mrs Bradley.
+
+``Am I thinner than usual?  I never was very
+corpulent, you know.  How is my uncle's health?  He
+says he is well.''
+
+``He is pretty well, but he isn't as young as he
+was.''
+
+``I think he looks older,'' said John.  ``But that is
+not surprising--at his age.  He is seventy, isn't he?''
+
+``Not quite.  He is sixty-nine.''
+
+``His father died at seventy-one.''
+
+``Yes.''
+
+``But that is no reason why my uncle should not
+live till eighty.  I hope he will.''
+
+``We all hope so,'' said the housekeeper; but she
+knew, while she spoke, that if, as she supposed, Mr.
+Wharton's will contained a generous legacy for her,
+his death would not afflict her much.  She suspected
+also that John Wade was waiting impatiently for
+his uncle's death, that he might enter upon his
+inheritance.  Still, their little social fictions must be
+kept up, and so both expressed a desire for his continued
+life, though neither was deceived as to the
+other's real feeling on the subject.
+
+``By the way, Mrs. Bradley,'' said John Wade,
+``how came my uncle to engage that boy to read to
+him?''
+
+``He was led into it, sir,'' said the housekeeper,
+with a great deal of indignation, ``by the boy himself. 
+He's an artful and designing fellow, you may
+rely upon it.''
+
+``What's his name?''
+
+``Frank Fowler.''
+
+``Fowler!  Is his name Fowler?'' he repeated, with
+a startled expression.
+
+``Yes, sir,'' answered the housekeeper, rather
+surprised at his manner.  ``You don't know anything
+about him, do you?''
+
+``Oh, no,'' said John Wade, recovering his composure. 
+``He is a perfect stranger to me; but I once
+knew a man of that name, and a precious rascal he
+was.  When you mentioned his name, I thought he
+might be a son of this man.  Does he say his father
+is alive?''
+
+``No; he is dead, and his mother, too, so the boy
+says.''
+
+``You haven't told me how my uncle fell in with
+him?''
+
+``It was an accident.  Your uncle fell in getting
+out of a Broadway stage, and this boy happened to
+be near, and seeing Mr. Wharton was a rich gentleman,
+he helped him home, and was invited in.  Then
+he told some story about his poverty, and so worked
+upon your uncle's feelings that he hired him to read
+to him at five dollars a week.''
+
+``Is this all the boy does?''
+
+``No; he is cash-boy in a large store on Broadway. 
+He is employed there all day, and he is here only in
+the evenings.''
+
+``Does my uncle seem attached to him?'' asked
+John.
+
+``He's getting fond of him, I should say.  The other
+day he asked me if I didn't think it would be a good
+thing to take him into the house and give him a
+room.  I suppose the boy put it into his head.''
+
+``No doubt.  What did you say?''
+
+``I opposed it.  I told him that a boy would be a
+great deal of trouble in the family.''
+
+``You did right, Mrs. Bradley.  What did my uncle
+say?''
+
+``He hinted about taking him from the store and
+letting him go to school.  The next thing would be
+his adopting him.  The fact is, Mr. John, the boy is
+so artful that he knows just how to manage your
+uncle.  No doubt he put the idea into Mr. Wharton's
+head, and he may do it yet.''
+
+``Does my uncle give any reason for the fancy he
+has taken to the boy?'' demanded John
+
+``Yes,'' said the housekeeper.  ``He has taken it
+into his head that the boy resembles your cousin,
+George, who died abroad.  You were with him, I
+believe?''
+
+``Yes, I was with him.  Is the resemblance strong? 
+I took very little notice of him.''
+
+``You can look for yourself when you go back,''
+answered the housekeeper.
+
+``What else did my uncle say?  Tell me all.''
+
+``He said:  `What would I give, Mrs. Bradley, if
+I had such a grandson?  If George's boy had lived,
+he would have been about Frank's age.  And,'' continued
+the housekeeper, ``I might as well speak
+plainly.  You're my master's heir, or ought to be;
+but if this artful boy stays here long, there's no
+knowing what your uncle may be influenced to do. 
+If he gets into his dotage, he may come to adopt him,
+and leave the property away from you.''
+
+``I believe you are quite right.  The danger exists,
+and we must guard against it.  I see you don't like
+the boy,'' said John Wade.
+
+``No, I don't.  He's separated your uncle and me. 
+Before he came, I used to spend my evenings in the
+library, and read to your uncle.  Besides, when I
+found your uncle wanted a reader, I asked him to
+take my nephew, who is a salesman in the very same
+store where that boy is a cash-boy, but although I've
+been twenty years in this house I could not get him to
+grant the favor, which he granted to that boy, whom
+he never met till a few weeks ago.''
+
+``Mrs. Bradley, I sympathize with you,'' said her
+companion.  ``The boy is evidently working against
+us both.  You have been twenty years in my uncle's
+service.  He ought to remember you handsomely in
+his will.  If I inherit the property, as is my right,
+your services shall be remembered,'' said John Wade.
+
+``Thank you, Mr. John,'' said the gratified housekeeper.
+
+``That secures her help,'' thought John, in his turn.
+
+``She will now work hard for me.  When the time
+comes, I can do as much or as little for her as I
+please.''
+
+``Of course, we must work together against this
+interloper, who appears to have gained a dangerous
+influence over my uncle.''
+
+``You can depend upon me, Mr. John,'' said Mrs.
+Bradley.
+
+``I will think it over, and tell you my plan,'' said
+John Wade.  ``But my uncle will wonder at my appetite. 
+I must go back to the library.  We will speak
+of this subject again.''
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+A FALSE FRIEND
+
+
+When John Wade re-entered the library, Frank
+was reading, but Mr. Wharton stopped him.
+
+``That will do, Frank,'' he said.  ``As I have not
+seen my nephew for a long time, I shall not require
+you to read any longer.  You can go, if you like.''
+
+Frank bowed, and bidding the two good-evening,
+left the room.
+
+``That is an excellent boy, John.'' said the old
+gentleman, as the door closed upon our hero.
+
+``How did you fall in with him?'' asked John.  Mr.
+Wharton told the story with which the reader is
+already familiar.
+
+``You don't know anything of his antecedents, I
+suppose?'' said John, carelessly.
+
+``Only what he told me.  His father and mother
+are dead, and he is obliged to support himself and
+his sister.  Did you notice anything familiar in
+Frank's expression?'' asked Mr. Wharton.
+
+``I don't know.  I didn't observe him very closely.''
+
+``Whenever I look at Frank, I think of George.  I
+suppose that is why I have felt more closely drawn
+to the boy.  I proposed to Mrs. Bradley that the
+boy should have a room here, but she did not favor
+it.  I think she is prejudiced against him.''
+
+``Probably she is afraid he would be some trouble,''
+replied John.
+
+``If George's boy had lived he would be about
+Frank's age.  It would have been a great comfort to
+me to superintend his education, and watch him
+grow up.  I could not have wished him to be more
+gentlemanly or promising than my young reader.''
+
+``Decidedly, that boy is in my way,'' said John
+Wade to himself.  ``I must manage to get rid of him,
+and that speedily, or my infatuated uncle will be
+adopting him.''
+
+``Of what disease did George's boy die, John?''
+asked Mr. Wharton.
+
+``A sudden fever.''
+
+``I wish I could have seen him before he died.  But
+I returned only to find both son and grandson gone.
+I had only the sad satisfaction of seeing his grave.''
+
+``Yes, he was buried in the family lot at Greenwood,
+five days before you reached home.''
+
+``When I see men of my own age, surrounded by
+children and grandchildren, it makes me almost
+envious,'' said Mr. Wharton, sadly.  ``I declare to you,
+John, since that boy has been with me, I have felt
+happier and more cheerful than for years.''
+
+``That boy again!'' muttered John to himself.  ``I
+begin to hate the young cub, but I mustn't show it. 
+My first work will be to separate him from my uncle. 
+That will require consideration.  I wonder whether
+the boy knows that he is not Fowler's son?  I must
+find out.  If he does, and should happen to mention
+it in my uncle's presence, it might awaken suspicions
+in his mind.  I must interview the boy, and
+find out what I can.  To enlist his confidence, I
+must assume a friendly manner.''
+
+In furtherance of this determination, John Wade
+greeted our hero very cordially the next evening,
+when they met, a little to Frank's surprise.
+
+When the reading terminated, John Wade said,
+carelessly:
+
+``I believe, uncle, I will go out for a walk.  I think
+I shall be better for it.  ln what direction are you
+going, Frank?''
+
+``Down Sixth Avenue, sir.''
+
+``Very good; I will walk along with you.''
+
+Frank and his companion walked toward Sixth
+Avenue.
+
+``My uncle tells me you have a sister to support,''
+said Wade, opening the conversation.
+
+``Yes, sir.''
+
+``Does your sister resemble you?'' asked John
+Wade.
+
+``No, sir! but that is not surprising, for----''
+
+``Why is it not surprising?''
+
+Frank hesitated.
+
+``You were about to assign some reason.''
+
+``It is a secret,'' said our hero, slowly; ``that is,
+has been a secret, but I don't know why I should
+conceal it.  Grace is not my sister.  She is Mrs.
+Fowler's daughter, but I am not her son.  I will tell you
+the story.''
+
+That story Frank told as briefly as possible.  John
+Wade listened to it with secret alarm.
+
+``It is a strange story,'' he said.  ``Do you not feel
+a strong desire to learn your true parentage?''
+
+``Yes, sir.  I don't know, but I feel as if I should
+some day meet the man who gave me into Mrs. Fowler's
+charge.''
+
+``You have met him, but it is lucky you don't suspect
+it,'' thought John Wade.
+
+``I am glad you told me this story,'' said he, aloud.
+
+``It is quite romantic.  I may be able to help you in
+your search.  But let me advise you to tell no one
+else at present.  No doubt there are parties interested
+in keeping the secret of your birth from you. 
+You must move cautiously, and your chance of solving
+the mystery will be improved.''
+
+``Thank you, sir.  I will follow your advice.''
+
+``I was mistaken in him,'' thought Frank.  ``I
+disliked him at first, but he seems inclined to be my
+friend.''
+
+When Frank reached his lodging he found Jasper
+waiting up for him.  He looked thoughtful, so much
+so that Frank noticed it.
+
+``You look as if you had something on your mind,'' Jasper.
+
+``You have guessed right.  I have read that letter.''
+
+He drew from his pocket a letter, which Frank
+took from his hands.
+
+``It is from an uncle of mine in Ohio, who is
+proprietor of a weekly newspaper.  He is getting old,
+and finds the work too much for him.  He offers me
+a thousand dollars a year if I will come out and relieve him.''
+
+``That's a good offer, Jasper.  I suppose you will
+accept it?''
+
+``It is for my interest to do so.  Probably my uncle
+will, after a while, surrender the whole establishment to me.''
+
+``I shall be sorry to part with you, Jasper.  It will
+seem very lonely, but I think you ought to go.  It
+is a good chance, and if you refuse it you may not
+get such another.''
+
+``My uncle wants me to come on at once.  I think
+I will start Monday.''
+
+Jasper saw no reason to change his determination,
+and on Monday morning he started on his journey to
+Ohio.
+
+Thus, at a critical moment in his fortunes, when
+two persons were planning to injure him, he lost the
+presence and help of a valued friend.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+THE SPIDER AND THE FLY
+
+
+``Uncle,'' said John Wade, ``you spoke of inviting
+Frank Fowler to occupy a room in the house.  Why
+don't you do it?  It would be more convenient to
+you and a very good chance for him.''
+
+``I should like it,'' said Mr. Wharton, ``but Mrs.
+Bradley did not seem to regard it favorably when
+I suggested it.''
+
+``Oh, Mrs. Bradley is unused to boys, and she is
+afraid he would give her trouble.  I'll undertake to
+bring her around.''
+
+``I wish you would, John.  I don't think Frank
+would give any trouble, and it would enliven the
+house to have a boy here.  Besides, he reminds me of
+George, as I told you the other day.''
+
+``I agree with you, uncle,'' he said.  ``He does
+remind me a little of George.''
+
+``Well, Mrs. Bradley, what do you think I have
+done?'' asked John, entering the housekeeper's room
+directly after his interview with his uncle.
+
+``I don't know, Mr. John,'' she answered.
+
+``I have asked him to give that boy a room in the
+house.''
+
+``Are you carried away with him as well as your
+uncle?''
+
+``Not quite.  The fact is, I have a motive in what
+I am doing.  I'll tell you.''
+
+He bent over and whispered in her ear.
+
+``I never should have thought of that.''
+
+``You see, our purpose is to convince my uncle
+that he is unworthy of his favor.  At present that
+would be rather difficult, but once get him into the
+house and we shall have no trouble.''
+
+``I understand.''
+
+In due time John Wade announced to his uncle
+that the housekeeper had withdrawn her objections
+to his plan.
+
+``Then I'll tell him to-night,'' said Mr. Wharton,
+brightening up.
+
+Shortly after Frank entered the library that
+evening Mr. Wharton made the proposal.
+
+``You are very kind, Mr. Wharton,'' he said.  ``I
+never thought of such a thing.''
+
+``Then it is settled that you are to come.  You
+can choose your own time for coming.''
+
+``I will come to-morrow, sir.''
+
+``Very well,'' said Mr. Wharton, with satisfaction.
+
+The next day, by special favor, Frank got off from
+the store two hours earlier than usual.  He bought
+at a Sixth Avenue basement store, a small, second
+hand trunk for two dollars.  He packed his scanty
+wardrobe into the trunk, which, small as it was he
+was unable to fill, and had it carried to Mr. Wharton's
+house.
+
+He asked to see Mrs. Bradley, and she came to
+the door.
+
+``I am glad to see you,'' she said graciously.  ``You
+may leave your trunk in the hall and I will have it
+carried up by the servants.''
+
+``Thank you,'' said Frank, and he followed the
+housekeeper up the handsome staircase.
+
+``This is to be your room,'' said the housekeeper,
+opening the door of a small chamber on the third
+floor.
+
+``It looks very nice and comfortable,'' said Frank,
+looking about him with satisfaction.
+
+She left the room, and five minutes later our hero's
+modest trunk was brought up and deposited in the
+room.
+
+That evening Frank read to Mr. Wharton as usual.
+
+When nine o'clock came he said:
+
+``You need not read aloud any more, but if you see
+any books in my library which you would like to
+read to yourself you may do so.  In fact, Frank,
+you must consider yourself one of the family, and
+act as freely as if you were at home.''
+
+``How kind you are to me, Mr. Wharton,'' said
+Frank.
+
+The next morning after Frank had left the house
+for his daily task, John Wade entered the housekeeper's room.
+
+``The boy is out of the way now, Mrs. Bradley,''
+he said.  ``You had better see if you have a key that
+will unlock his trunk.''
+
+The two conspirators went upstairs, and together
+entered Frank's room.
+
+Mrs. Bradley brought out a large bunch of keys,
+and successively tried them, but one after another
+failed to open it.
+
+``That's awkward,'' said John Wade.  ``I have a
+few keys in my pocket.  One may possibly answer.''
+
+The housekeeper kneeled down, and made a trial
+of John Wade's keys.  The last one was successful. 
+The cover was lifted, and the contents were
+disclosed.  However, neither John nor Mrs. Bradley
+seemed particularly interested in the articles for
+after turning them over they locked the trunk once
+more.
+
+``So far so good,'' said John Wade.  ``We have
+found the means of opening the trunk when we
+please.''
+
+``When do you expect to carry out your plan, Mr.
+John?''
+
+``Two weeks from this time my uncle is obliged
+to go to Washington for a few days on business. 
+While he is gone we will spring the trap, and when
+he comes back he will find the boy gone in disgrace.
+We'll make short work of him.''
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+SPRINGING THE TRAP
+
+
+``I am going to give you a few days' vacation,
+Frank,'' said Mr. Wharton, a fortnight later.  ``I
+am called to Washington on business.  However, you
+have got to feel at home here now.''
+
+``Oh, yes, sir.''
+
+``And Mrs. Bradley will see that you are comfortable.''
+
+``I am sure of that, sir,'' said Frank, politely.
+
+When Frank returned at night, Mr. Wharton was
+already gone.  John Wade and the housekeeper
+seated themselves in the library after dinner, and
+by their invitation our hero joined them.
+
+``By the way, Frank,'' said John Wade, ``did I
+ever show you this Russia leather pocketbook?''
+producing one from his pocket.
+
+``No, sir, I believe not.''
+
+``I bought it at Vienna, which is noted for its
+articles of Russia leather.''
+
+``It is very handsome, sir.''
+
+``So I think.  By the way, you may like to look at
+my sleeve-buttons.  They are of Venetian mosaic. 
+I got them myself in Venice last year.''
+
+``They are very elegant.  You must have enjoyed
+visiting so many famous cities.''
+
+``Yes; it is very interesting.''
+
+John Wade took up the evening paper, and Frank
+occupied himself with a book from his patron's
+library.  After a while John threw down the paper
+yawning, and said that he had an engagement.  Nothing
+else occurred that evening which merits record.
+
+Two days later Frank returned home in his usual
+spirits.  But at the table he was struck by a singular
+change in the manner of Mrs. Bradley and John
+Wade.  They spoke to him only on what it was
+absolutely necessary, and answered his questions in
+monosyllables.
+
+``Will you step into the library a moment?'' said
+John Wade, as they arose from the table.
+
+Frank followed John into the library, and Mrs.
+Bradley entered also.
+
+``Frank Fowler,'' the enemy began, ``do you
+remember my showing you two evenings since a pocketbook,
+also some sleeve-buttons of Venetian mosaic,
+expensively mounted in gold?''
+
+``Certainly, sir.''
+
+``That pocketbook contained a considerable sum
+of money,'' pursued his questioner.
+
+``I don't know anything about that.''
+
+``You probably supposed so.''
+
+``Will you tell me what you mean, Mr. Wade?''
+demanded Frank, impatiently.  ``I have answered
+your questions, but I can't understand why you ask
+them.''
+
+``Perhaps you may suspect,'' said Wade, sarcastically.
+
+``It looks as if you had lost them and suspected
+me of taking them.''
+
+``So it appears.''
+
+``You are entirely mistaken, Mr. Wade.  I am not
+a thief.  I never stole anything in my life.''
+
+``It is very easy to say that,'' sneered John Wade.
+``You and Mrs. Bradley were the only persons present
+when I showed the articles, and I suppose you
+won't pretend that she stole them?''
+
+``No, sir; though she appears to agree with you
+that I am a thief.  I never thought of accusing her,''
+replied Frank.
+
+``Mr. Wade,'' said the housekeeper, ``I feel that it
+is my duty to insist upon search being made in my
+room.''
+
+``Do you make the same offer?'' asked John Wade,
+turning to Frank.
+
+``Yes, sir,'' answered our hero, proudly.  ``I wish
+you to satisfy yourself that I am not a thief.  If
+you will come to my room at once, Mr. Wade, you
+and Mrs. Bradley, I will hand you the key of my
+trunk.''
+
+The two followed him upstairs, exulting wickedly
+in his discomfiture, which they had reason to forsee.
+
+He handed his key to his artful enemy, and the
+latter bending over, opened the trunk, which contained
+all our hero's small possessions.
+
+He raised the pile of clothes, and, to Frank's dismay,
+disclosed the missing pocketbook and sleeve-
+buttons in the bottom of the trunk.
+
+``What have you got to say for yourself now, you
+young villain?'' demanded John Wade, in a loud
+voice.
+
+``I don't understand it,'' Frank said, in a troubled
+tone.  ``I don't know how the things came there.  I
+didn't put them there.''
+
+``Probably they crept in themselves,'' sneered John.
+
+``Someone put them there,'' said Frank, pale, but
+resolute; ``some wicked person, who wanted to get
+me into trouble.''
+
+``What do you mean by that, you young
+vagabond?'' demanded John Wade, suspiciously.
+
+``I mean what I say,'' he asserted.  ``I am away
+all day, and nothing is easier than to open my trunk
+and put articles in, in order to throw suspicion on
+me.''
+
+``Look here, you rascal!'' said John Wade, roughly. 
+``I shall treat you better than you deserve.  I
+won't give you over to the police out of regard for
+my uncle, but you must leave this house and never
+set foot in it again.  It will be the worse for you if
+you do.''
+
+John Wade and the housekeeper left the room, and
+our hero was left to realize the misfortune which
+had overwhelmed him.
+
+Frank arose at an early hour the next morning
+and left the house.  It was necessary for him to find
+a new home at once in order to be at the store in
+time.  He bought a copy of the Sun and turned to
+the advertising columns.  He saw a cheap room
+advertised near the one he had formerly occupied. 
+Finding his way there he rang the bell.
+
+The door was opened by a slatternly-looking
+woman, who looked as if she had just got up.
+
+``I see by the Sun you have a room to let,'' said
+Frank.
+
+``Yes; do you want to see it now?''
+
+``I should like to.''
+
+``Come upstairs and I will show you the room.''
+
+The room proved to be small, and by no means
+neat in appearance, but the rent was only a dollar
+and a quarter a week, and Frank felt that he could
+not afford to be particular, so he quick closed the
+bargain.
+
+The next day, about eleven o'clock in the
+forenoon, he was surprised at seeing Mrs. Bradley enter
+the store and thread her way to that part of the
+counter where her nephew was stationed.  She darted
+one quick look at him, but gave him no sign of
+recognition.  His heart sank within him, for he had a
+presentiment that her visit boded fresh evil for him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+FROM BAD TO WORSE
+
+
+Frank's misgivings were not without good cause. 
+The housekeeper's call at the store was connected
+with him.  How, will be understood from a conversation
+which took place that morning between
+her and John Wade.
+
+``It's a relief to get that boy out of the house, Mrs.
+Bradley,'' he said at the breakfast table.
+
+``That it is, Mr. John,'' she replied.  ``But he'll be
+trying to get back, take my word for it.''
+
+``He won't dare to,'' said John Wade,
+incredulously.  ``I told him if he came near the house I
+would give him up to the police.''
+
+``I am afraid he will write to your uncle.  He's
+bold enough for anything.''
+
+``I didn't think of that,'' said John, thoughtfully.
+
+``Do you know his handwriting, Mrs. Bradley?''
+
+``I think I should know it.''
+
+``Then if any letters come which you know to be
+from him, keep them back from my uncle.''
+
+``What shall I do with them?''
+
+``Give them to me.  I don't want my uncle worried
+by his appeals.''
+
+``Your uncle seems to be very attached to him. 
+He may go to the store to see him.''
+
+``That is true.  I should not like that.  How shall
+we prevent it, that's the question.''
+
+``If Gilbert & Mack knew that he was not honest
+they would discharge him.''
+
+``Exactly,'' said John Wade; ``and as probably he
+would be unable to get another situation, he would
+be compelled to leave the city, and we should get rid
+of him.  I commend your shrewdness, Mrs. Bradley. 
+Your plan is most excellent.''
+
+John Wade had more reasons than the housekeeper
+knew of for desiring the removal of our young hero
+from the city--reasons which the reader has probably
+guessed.  There was a dark secret in his life
+connected with a wrong done in years past, from which
+he hoped some day to reap personal benefit.  Unconsciously
+Frank Fowler stood in his way, and must
+be removed.  Such was his determination.
+
+``I am going out this morning,'' said the
+housekeeper.  ``I will make it in my way to call at Gilbert
+& Mack's.  My nephew is a salesman there, as I
+have told you.  I will drop a word in his ear, and
+that will be enough to settle that boy's hash.''
+
+``Your language is professional, Mrs. Bradley,''
+said John Wade, laughing, ``but you shouldn't allude
+to hash in an aristocratic household.  I shall be glad
+to have you carry out your plan.''
+
+``I hope you'll speak to your uncle about my
+nephew, Mr. John.  He gets very poor pay where
+he is.''
+
+``I won't forget him,'' said John, carelessly.
+
+In his heart he thought Thomas Bradley a very
+low, obtrusive fellow, whom he felt by no means
+inclined to assist, but it was cheap to make promises.
+
+The reader understands now why Mrs. Bradley
+made a morning call at Gilbert &; Mack's store.
+
+She knew at what part of the counter her nephew
+was stationed, and made her way thither at once. 
+He did not at first recognize her, until she said:
+
+``Good-morning, Thomas.''
+
+``Good-morning, aunt.  What brings you here this
+morning?  Any good news for me?  Has the old
+gentleman come around and concluded to do something handsome?''
+
+``Mr. Wharton is not in the city.  He has gone to
+Washington.  But that isn't what I came about this
+morning.  You remember that boy who has been
+reading to Mr. Wharton?''
+
+``One of our cash-boys.  Yes; there he is, just
+gone by.''
+
+``Well, he has stolen Mr. John's pocketbook and
+some jewelry belonging to him.''
+
+``What have you done about it?  What does Mr.
+Wharton say?''
+
+``He's away from home.  He doesn't know yet.  Mr.
+John gave him a lecture, and ordered him to leave
+the house.''
+
+``Does he admit that he took the things?''
+
+``No; he denied it as bold as brass, but it didn't
+do him any good.  There were the things in his
+trunk.  He couldn't get over that.''
+
+Thomas fastened a shrewd glance on his aunt's
+face, for he suspected the truth.
+
+``So you've got rid of him?'' he said.  ``What do
+you propose to do next?''
+
+``Mr. John thinks your employer ought to know
+that he is a thief.''
+
+``Are you going to tell them?''
+
+``I want you to do it.''
+
+``You must tell them yourself, aunt.  I shan't.''
+
+``Then introduce me to Mr. Gilbert, Thomas, and
+I'll do it.''
+
+``Follow me, aunt.''
+
+He led his aunt to the rear of the store, where
+Mr. Gilbert was standing.
+
+``Mr. Gilbert,'' he said, ``allow me to introduce my
+aunt, Mrs. Bradley.''
+
+The housekeeper was courteously received, and
+invited to be seated.  She soon opened her business,
+and blackened poor Frank's character as she had intended.
+
+``Really, Mrs. Bradley, I am sorry to hear this,''
+said Mr. Gilbert.  ``You think there is no doubt of
+the boy's guilt?''
+
+``I am sorry to say that I have no doubt at all,''
+said the housekeeper, hypocritically.
+
+``Mr. Mack and myself have had a very good opinion
+of him.  He is faithful and prompt.''
+
+``Of course, sir, you will retain him in your
+employ if you are willing to take the risk, but I thought
+it my duty to put you on your guard.''
+
+``I am obliged to you, Mrs. Bradley; though, as
+I said, I regret to find that my confidence in the boy
+has been misplaced.''
+
+Late in the afternoon, Frank was called to the
+cashier's desk.
+
+``I am directed by Mr. Gilbert to say that your
+services will not be required after to-day,'' he said.
+``Here are the week's wages.''
+
+``Why am I discharged?  What have I done?''
+demanded Frank, while his heart sank within him.
+
+``I don't know.  You must ask Mr. Gilbert,''
+answered the cashier.
+
+``I will speak to him, at any rate,'' and Frank
+walked up to the senior partner, and addressed to
+him the same question.
+
+``Can you not guess?'' asked Mr. Gilbert, sternly.
+
+``I can guess that a false accusation has been
+brought against me,'' said Frank.
+
+``A respectable lady has informed me that you
+are not honest.  I regret it, for I have been pleased
+with your diligence.  Of course, I cannot retain you
+in my employ.''
+
+``Mr. Gilbert,'' said Frank, earnestly, ``the charge
+is false.  Mrs. Bradley is my enemy, and wishes me
+harm.  I don't understand how the things came into
+my trunk, but I didn't put them there.''
+
+``I hope you are innocent, but I must discharge
+you.  Business is dull now, and I had decided to part
+with four of my cash-boys.  I won't pass judgment
+upon you, but you must go.''
+
+Frank bowed in silence, for he saw that further
+entreaty would be vain, and left the store more
+dispirited than at any moment since he had been in
+the city.
+
+Ten days Frank spent in fruitless efforts to obtain
+a place.
+
+All this time his money steadily diminished.  He
+perceived that he would soon be penniless.  Evidently,
+something must be done.  He formed two determinations. 
+The first was to write to Mr. Wharton,
+who, he thought, must now have returned from
+Washington, asserting his innocence and appealing
+to him to see Gilbert & Mack, and re-establish him
+in their confidence.  The second was, since he could
+not obtain a regular place, to frequent the wharves
+and seek chances to carry bundles.  In this way he
+might earn enough, with great economy, to pay for
+his board and lodging.
+
+One morning the housekeeper entered the library
+where John Wade sat reading the daily papers.
+
+``Mr. John,'' she said, holding out a letter, ``here
+is a letter from that boy.  I expected he would write
+to your uncle.''
+
+John Wade deliberately opened the letter.
+
+``Sit down, Mrs. Bradley, and I will read the letter
+aloud.''
+
+It will be only necessary to quote the concluding
+sentences:
+
+
+`` `I hope, Mr. Wharton, you will not be influenced
+against me by what Mrs. Bradley and your nephew
+say.  I don't know why it is, but they are my enemies,
+though I have always treated them with respect. 
+I am afraid they have a desire to injure me in your
+estimation.  If they had not been, they would have
+been content with driving me from your house, without
+also slandering me to my employers, and inducing
+them to discharge me.  Since I was discharged,
+I have tried very hard to get another place, but as
+I cannot bring a recommendation from Gilbert &
+Mack, I have everywhere been refused.  I ask you,
+Mr. Wharton to consider my situation.  Already my
+small supply of money is nearly gone, and I do not
+know how I am to pay my expenses.  If it was any
+fault of mine that had brought me into this situation,
+I would not complain, but it seems hard to
+suffer when I am innocent.
+
+`` `I do not ask to return to your house, Mr.
+Wharton, for it would not be pleasant, since your nephew
+and Mrs. Bradley dislike me, but I have a right to
+ask that the truth may be told to my employers, so
+that if they do not wish me to return to their service,
+they may, at least, be willing to give me a recommendation
+that will give me a place elsewhere.'''
+
+
+``I must prevent the boy communicating with my
+uncle, if it is a possible thing.  `Strike while the iron
+is hot,' I say.''
+
+``I think that is very judicious, Mr. John.  I have
+no doubt you will know how to manage matters.''
+
+John Wade dressed himself for a walk, and drawing
+out a cigar, descended the steps of his uncle's
+house into the street.
+
+He reached Fifth Avenue, and walked slowly
+downtown.  He was about opposite Twenty-eighth Street,
+when he came face to face with the subject of his
+thoughts.
+
+``Where are you going?'' John Wade demanded
+sternly.
+
+``I don't know that I am bound to answer your
+question,'' answered Frank, quietly, ``but I have no
+objection.  I am going to Thirty-ninth Street with
+this bundle.''
+
+``Hark you, boy!  I have something to say to you,''
+continued John Wade, harshly.  ``You have had the
+impudence to write to my uncle.''
+
+``What did he say?''
+
+``Nothing that you would like to hear.  He looks
+upon you as a thief.''
+
+``You have slandered me to him, Mr. Wade,'' he
+said, angrily.  ``You might be in better business than
+accusingly a poor boy falsely.''
+
+``Hark you, young man!  I have had enough of
+your impudence.  I will give you a bit of advice,
+which you will do well to follow.  Leave this city for
+a place where you are not known, or I may feel
+disposed to shut you up on a charge of theft.''
+
+``I shall not leave the city, Mr. Wade,'' returned
+Frank, firmly.  ``I shall stay here in spite of you,''
+and without waiting for an answer, he walked on.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+AN ACCOMPLICE FOUND
+
+
+No sooner had John Wade parted from our hero
+than he saw approaching him a dark, sinister-looking
+man, whom he had known years before.
+
+``Good-morning, Mr. Wade,'' said the newcomer.
+
+``Good-morning, Mr. Graves.  Are you busy just
+now?''
+
+``No, sir; I am out of employment.  I have been
+unfortunate.''
+
+``Then I will give you a job.  Do you see that
+boy?'' said John Wade, rapidly.
+
+``Yes, I see him.''
+
+``I want you to follow him.  Find out where he
+lives, and let me know this evening.  Do you understand?''
+
+``I understand.  You may rely upon me, sir,''
+answered Nathan Graves; and quickening his pace, he
+soon came within a hundred feet of our hero.
+
+After fulfilling his errand, Frank walked downtown
+again, but did not succeed in obtaining any
+further employment.  Wherever he went, he was
+followed by Graves.  Unconsciously, he exhausted
+the patience of that gentleman, who got heartily tired
+of his tramp about the streets.  But the longest day
+will come to an end, and at last he had the satisfaction
+of tracking Frank to his humble lodging.  Then,
+and not till then, he felt justified in leaving him.
+
+Nathan Graves sought the residence of John Wade. 
+He rang the bell as the clock struck eight.
+
+``Well, what success?'' asked Wade, when they met.
+
+``I have tracked the boy.  What more can I do
+for you?'' asked Graves.
+
+``I want to get him away from the city.  The fact
+is--I may as well tell you--my uncle has taken a
+great fancy to the boy, and might be induced to
+adopt him, and cut me off from my rightful inheritance. 
+The boy is an artful young rascal, and has
+been doing all he could to get into the good graces
+of my uncle, who is old and weak-minded.''
+
+It was nine o'clock when Nathan Graves left the
+house, John Wade himself accompanying him to the
+door.
+
+``How soon do you think you can carry out my
+instructions?'' asked Wade.
+
+``To-morrow, if possible.''
+
+``The sooner the better.''
+
+``It is lucky I fell in with him,'' said Nathan
+Graves to himself, with satisfaction, as he slowly
+walked down Fifth Avenue.  ``It's a queer business,
+but that's none of my business.  The main thing
+for me to consider is that it brings money to my
+purse, and of that I have need enough.''
+
+Graves left the house richer by a hundred dollars
+than he entered it.
+
+It was eleven o'clock on the forenoon of the next
+day when Frank walked up Canal Street toward
+Broadway.  He had been down to the wharves since
+early in the morning, seeking for employment.  He
+had offered his services to many, but as yet had been
+unable to secure a job.
+
+As he was walking along a man addressed him:
+
+``Will you be kind enough to direct me to Broadway?''
+
+It was Nathan Graves, with whom Frank was destined
+to have some unpleasant experiences.
+
+``Straight ahead,'' answered Frank.  ``I am going
+there, and will show you, if you like.''
+
+``Thank you, I wish you would.  I live only fifteen
+or twenty miles distant,'' said Graves, ``but I don't
+often come to the city, and am not much acquainted. 
+I keep a dry-goods store, but my partner generally
+comes here to buy goods.  By the way, perhaps you
+can help me about the errand that calls me here today.''
+
+``I will, sir, if I can,'' said Frank, politely.
+
+``My youngest clerk has just left me, and I want
+to find a successor--a boy about your age, say.  Do
+you know any one who would like such a position?''
+
+``I am out of employment myself just now.  Do
+you think I will suit?''
+
+``I think you will,'' said Mr. Graves.
+
+``You won't object to go into the country?''
+
+``No, sir.''
+
+``I will give you five dollars a week and your board
+for the present.  If you suit me, your pay will be
+raised at the end of six months.  Will that be
+satisfactory?'' asked his companion.
+
+``Quite so, sir.  When do you wish me to come?''
+
+``Can you go out with me this afternoon?''
+
+``Yes, sir.  I only want to go home and pack up
+my trunk.''
+
+``To save time, I will go with you, and we will
+start as soon as possible.''
+
+Nathan Graves accompanied Frank to his room,
+where his scanty wardrobe was soon packed.  A
+hack was called, and they were speedily on their
+way to the Cortland Street ferry.
+
+They crossed the ferry, and Mr. Graves purchased
+two tickets to Elizabeth.  He bought a paper, and
+occupied himself in reading.  Frank felt that
+fortune had begun to shine upon him once more.  By
+and by, he could send for Grace, and get her boarded
+near him.  As soon as his wages were raised, he
+determined to do this.  While engaged in these pleasant
+speculations, they reached the station.
+
+``We get out here,'' said Mr. Graves.
+
+``Is your store in this place?'' asked Frank.
+
+``No; it is in the next town.''
+
+Nathan Graves looked about him for a conveyance. 
+He finally drove a bargain with a man driving
+a shabby-looking vehicle, and the two took their
+seats.
+
+They were driven about six miles through a flat,
+unpicturesque country, when they reached a branch
+road leading away from the main one.
+
+It was a narrow road, and apparently not much
+frequented.  Frank could see no houses on either
+side
+
+``Is your store on this road?'' he asked.
+
+``Oh, no; but I am not going to the store yet.  We
+will go to my house, and leave your trunk.''
+
+At length the wagon stopped, by Graves' orders,
+in front of a gate hanging loosely by one hinge.
+
+``We'll get out here,'' said Graves.
+
+Frank looked with some curiosity, and some
+disappointment, at his future home.  It was a square,
+unpainted house, discolored by time, and looked far
+from attractive.  There were no outward signs of
+occupation, and everything about it appeared to have
+fallen into decay.  Not far off was a barn, looking
+even more dilapidated than the house.
+
+At the front door, instead of knocking--there was
+no bell--Graves drew a rusty key from his pocket
+and inserted it in the lock.  They found themselves
+in a small entry, uncarpeted and dingy.
+
+``We'll go upstairs,'' said Graves.
+
+Arrived on the landing, he threw open a door,
+and ushered in our hero.
+
+``This will be your room,'' he said.
+
+Frank looked around in dismay.
+
+It was a large, square room, uncarpeted, and
+containing only a bed, two chairs and a washstand, all
+of the cheapest and rudest manufacture.
+
+``I hope you will soon feel at home here,'' said
+Graves.  ``I'll go down and see if I can find something
+to eat.''
+
+He went out, locking the door behind him
+
+``What does this mean?'' thought Frank, with a
+strange sensation.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+FRANK AND HIS JAILER
+
+
+It was twenty minutes before Frank, waiting
+impatiently, heard the steps of his late companion
+ascending the stairs.
+
+But the door was not unlocked.  Instead, a slide
+was revealed, about eight inches square, through
+which his late traveling companion pushed a plate
+of cold meat and bread.
+
+``Here's something to eat,'' he said; ``take it.''
+
+``Why do you lock me in?'' demanded our hero.
+
+``You can get along without knowing, I suppose,''
+said the other, with a sneer.
+
+``I don't mean to,'' said Frank, firmly.  ``I demand
+an explanation.  How long do you intend to keep
+me here?''
+
+``I am sorry I can't gratify your curiosity, but I
+don't know myself.''
+
+``Perhaps you think that I am rich, but I am not. 
+I have no money.  You can't get anything out of
+me,'' said Frank.
+
+``That may be so, but I shall keep you.''
+
+``I suppose that was all a lie about your keeping
+store?''
+
+``It was a pretty little story, told for your amusement,
+my dear boy,'' said Graves.  ``I was afraid
+you wouldn't come without it.''
+
+``You are a villain!'' said Frank.
+
+``Look here, boy,'' said Graves, in a different tone,
+his face darkening, ``you had better not talk in that
+way.  I advise you to eat your dinner and be quiet. 
+Some supper will be brought to you before night.''
+
+So saying, he abruptly closed the slide, and
+descended the stairs, leaving Frank to his reflections,
+which it may be supposed, were not of the pleasantest
+character.
+
+Frank did not allow his unpleasant situation to
+take away his appetite, and though he was fully
+determined to make the earliest possible attempt to
+escape, he was sensible enough first to eat the food
+which his jailer had brought him.
+
+His lunch dispatched, he began at once to revolve
+plans of escape.
+
+There were three windows in the room, two on
+the front of the house, the other at the side.
+
+He tried one after another, but the result was
+the same.  All were so fastened that it was quite
+impossible to raise them.
+
+Feeling that he could probably escape through one
+of the windows when he pleased, though at the cost
+of considerable trouble, Frank did not trouble himself
+much, or allow himself to feel unhappy.  He decided
+to continue his explorations.
+
+In the corner of the room was a door, probably
+admitting to a closet.
+
+``I suppose it is locked,'' thought Frank, but on
+trying it, he found that such was not the case.  He
+looked curiously about him, but found little to repay
+him.  His attention was drawn, however to several
+dark-colored masks lying upon a shelf.
+
+He also discovered a small hole in the wall of the
+size of a marble.  Actuated by curiosity, he applied
+his eye to the opening, and peeped into what was
+probably the adjoining room.  It was furnished in
+very much the same way as the one in which he was
+confined, but at present it was untenanted.  Having
+seen what little there was to be seen, Frank
+withdrew from his post of observation and returned to
+his room.
+
+It was several hours later when he again heard
+steps ascending the stairs, and the slide in the door
+was moved.
+
+He looked toward it, but the face that he saw was
+not that of Nathan Graves.
+
+It was the face of a woman.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+
+``OVER THE HILL TO THE POORHOUSE''
+
+
+We are compelled for a time to leave our hero in
+the hands of his enemies, and return to the town of
+Crawford, where an event has occurred which influences
+seriously the happiness and position of his
+sister, Grace.
+
+Ever since Frank left the town, Grace had been a
+welcome member of Mr. Pomeroy's family, receiving
+the kindest treatment from all, so that she had come
+to feel very much at home.
+
+So they lived happily together, till one disastrous
+night a fire broke out, which consumed the house,
+and they were forced to snatch their clothes and escape,
+saving nothing else.
+
+Mr. Pomeroy's house was insured for two-thirds
+of its value, and he proposed to rebuild immediately,
+but it would be three months at least before the new
+house would be completed.  In the interim, he succeeded
+in hiring a couple of rooms for his family,
+but their narrow accommodations would oblige them
+to dispense with their boarder.  Sorry as Mr. and
+Mrs. Pomeroy were to part with her, it was obvious
+that Grace must find another home.
+
+``We must let Frank know,'' said Mr. Pomeroy,
+and having occasion to go up to the city at once to
+see about insurance, he went to the store of Gilbert
+& Mack, and inquired for Prank.
+
+``Fowler?  What was he?'' was asked.
+
+``A cash-boy.''
+
+``Oh, he is no longer here.  Mr. Gilbert discharged
+him.''
+
+``Do you know why he was discharged?'' asked
+Mr. Pomeroy, pained and startled.
+
+``No; but there stands Mr. Gilbert.  He can tell
+you.''
+
+Mr. Pomeroy introduced himself to the head of
+the firm and repeated his inquiry.
+
+``If you are a friend of the lad,'' said Mr. Gilbert,
+``you will be sorry to learn that he was charged with
+dishonesty.  It was a very respectable lady who
+made the charge.  It is only fair to say that the boy
+denied it, and that, personally, we found him faithful
+and trusty.  But as the dullness of trade compelled
+us to discharge some of our cash-boys, we
+naturally discharged him among the number, without,
+however, judging his case.''
+
+``Then, sir, you have treated the boy very unfairly. 
+On the strength of a charge not proved, you have
+dismissed him, though personally you had noticed
+nothing out of the way in him, and rendered it
+impossible for him to obtain another place.''
+
+``There is something in what you say, I admit. 
+Perhaps I was too hasty.  If you will send the boy
+to me, I will take him back on probation.''
+
+``Thank you, sir,'' said Mr. Pomeroy, gratefully
+``I will send him here.''
+
+But this Mr. Pomeroy was unable to do.  He did
+not know of Frank's new address, and though he
+was still in the city, he failed to find him.
+
+He returned to Crawford and communicated the
+unsatisfactory intelligence.  He tried to obtain a new
+boarding place for Grace, but no one was willing to
+take her at two dollars a week, especially when Mr.
+Pomeroy was compelled to admit that Frank was
+now out of employment, and it was doubtful if he
+would be able to keep up the payment.
+
+Tom Pinkerton managed to learn that Grace was
+now without a home, and mentioned it to his father.
+
+``Won't she have to go to the poorhouse now,
+father?'' he asked eagerly.
+
+``Yes,'' said Deacon Pinkerton.  ``There is no other
+place for her that I can see.''
+
+``Ah, I'm glad,'' said Tom, maliciously.  ``Won't
+that upstart's pride be taken down?  He was too
+proud to go to the poorhouse, where he belonged,
+but he can't help his sister's going there.  If he isn't
+a pauper himself, he'll be the brother of a pauper,
+and that's the next thing to it.''
+
+``That is true,'' said the deacon.  ``He was very
+impudent in return for my kindness.  Still, I am
+sorry for him.''
+
+I am afraid the deacon's sorrow was not very
+deep, for he certainly looked unusually cheerful when
+he harnessed up his horse and drove around to the
+temporary home of the Pomeroys.
+
+``Good-morning, Mr. Pomeroy,'' he said, seeing the
+latter in the yard.  ``You've met with a severe loss.''
+
+``Yes, deacon; it is a severe loss to a poor man
+like me.''
+
+``To be sure.  Well, I've called around to relieve
+you of a part of your cares.  I am going to take
+Grace Fowler to the poorhouse.''
+
+``Couldn't you get her a place with a private
+family to help about the house in return for her board,
+while she goes to school?''
+
+``There's nobody wants a young girl like her,'' said
+the deacon.
+
+``Her brother would pay part of her board--that
+is, when he has a place.''
+
+``Hasn't he got a place?'' asked the deacon,
+pricking up his ears.  ``I heard he was in a store in New
+York.''
+
+``He lost his place,'' said Mr. Pomeroy, reluctantly,
+``partly because of the dullness of general trade.''
+
+``Then he can't maintain his sister.  She will have
+to go to the poorhouse.  Will you ask her to get
+ready, and I'll take her right over to the poorhouse.''
+
+There was no alternative.  Mr. Pomeroy went into
+the house, and broke the sad news to his wife and
+Grace.
+
+``Never mind,'' she said, with attempted cheerfulness,
+though her lips quivered, ``I shan't have to stay
+there long.  Frank will be sure to send for me very
+shortly.''
+
+``It's too bad, Grace,'' said Sam, looking red about
+the eyes; ``it's too bad that you should have to go to
+the poorhouse.''
+
+``Come and see me, Sam,'' said Grace.
+
+``Yes, I will, Grace.  I'll come often, too.  You
+shan't stay there long.''
+
+``Good-by,'' said Grace, faltering.  ``You have all
+been very kind to me.''
+
+``Good-by, my dear child,'' said Mrs. Pomeroy.
+
+``Who knows but you can return to us when the new
+house is done?''
+
+So poor Grace went out from her pleasant home to
+find the deacon, grim-faced and stern, waiting for
+her.
+
+``Jump in, little girl,'' he said.  ``You've kept me
+waiting for you a long time, and my time is valuable.''
+
+The distance to the poorhouse was about a mile
+and a half.  For the first half mile Deacon Pinkerton
+kept silence.  Then he began to speak, in a tone of
+cold condescension, as if it were a favor for such a
+superior being to address an insignificant child,
+about to become a pauper.
+
+``Little girl, have you heard from your brother
+lately?''
+
+``Not very lately, sir.''
+
+``What is he doing?''
+
+``He is in a store.''
+
+``I apprehend you are mistaken.  He has lost his
+place.  He has been turned away,'' said the deacon,
+with satisfaction.''
+
+``Frank turned away!  Oh, sir, you must be mistaken.''
+
+``Mr. Pomeroy told me.  He found out yesterday
+when he went to the city.''
+
+Poor Grace! she could not longer doubt now, and
+her brother's misfortune saddened her even more
+than her own.
+
+``Probably you will soon see your brother.''
+
+``Oh, do you think so, sir?'' asked Grace, joyfully.
+
+``Yes,'' answered the deacon, grimly.  ``He will find
+himself in danger of starvation in the city, and he'll
+creep back, only too glad to obtain a nice, comfortable
+home in the poorhouse.''
+
+But Grace knew her brother better than that.  She
+knew his courage, his self-reliance and his independent
+spirit, and she was sure the deacon was mistaken.
+
+The home for which Grace was expected to be so
+grateful was now in sight.  It was a dark, neglected
+looking house, situated in the midst of barren fields,
+and had a lonely and desolate aspect.  It was
+superintended by Mr. and Mrs. Chase, distant relations
+of Deacon Pinkerton.
+
+Mr. Chase was an inoffensive man, but Mrs.
+Chase had a violent temper.  She was at work in
+the kitchen when Deacon Pinkerton drove up.  Hearing
+the sound of wheels, she came to the door.
+
+``Mrs. Chase,'' said the deacon, ``I've brought you
+a little girl, to be placed under your care.''
+
+``What's her name?'' inquired the lady.
+
+``Grace Fowler.''
+
+``Grace, humph!  Why didn't she have a decent
+name?''
+
+``You can call her anything you like,'' said the deacon.
+
+``Little girl, you must behave well,'' said Deacon
+Pinkerton, by way of parting admonition.  ``The
+town expects it.  I expect it.  You must never cease
+to be grateful for the good home which it provides
+you free of expense.''
+
+Grace did not reply.  Looking in the face of her
+future task-mistress was scarcely calculated to
+awaken a very deep feeling of gratitude.
+
+``Now,'' said Mrs. Chase, addressing her new
+boarder, ``just take off your things, Betsy, and make
+yourself useful.''
+
+``My name isn't Betsy, ma'am.''
+
+``It isn't, isn't it?''
+
+``No; it is Grace.''
+
+``You don't say so!  I'll tell you one thing, I shan't
+allow anybody to contradict me here, and your name's
+got to be Betsy while you're in this house.  Now
+take off your things and hang them up on that peg. 
+I'm going to set you right to work.''
+
+``Yes, ma'am,'' said Grace, alarmed.
+
+``There's some dishes I want washed, Betsy, and I
+won't have you loitering over your work, neither.''
+
+``Very well, ma'am.''
+
+Such was the new home for which poor Grace was
+expected to be grateful.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+WHAT FRANK HEARD THROUGH THE CREVICE
+
+
+Frank looked with some surprise at the woman
+who was looking through the slide of his door.  He
+had expected to see Nathan Graves.  She also regarded
+him with interest.
+
+``I have brought you some supper,'' she said.
+
+Frank reached out and drew in a small waiter,
+containing a cup of tea and a plate of toast.
+
+``Thank you,'' he said.  ``Where is the man who
+brought me here?''
+
+``He has gone out.''
+
+``Do you know why he keeps me here in confinement?''
+
+``No,'' said the woman, hastily.  ``I know nothing. 
+I see much, but I know nothing.''
+
+``Are many prisoners brought here as I have
+been?'' asked our hero, in spite of the woman's refusal
+to speak.
+
+``No.''
+
+``I can't understand what object they can have in
+detaining me.  If I were rich, I might guess, but I
+am poor.  I am compelled to work for my daily
+bread, and have been out of a place for two weeks.''
+
+``I don't understand,'' she said, in a low voice,
+rather to herself than to him.  ``But I cannot wait. 
+I must not stand here.  I will come up in fifteen
+minutes, and if you wish another cup of tea, or some
+toast, I will bring them.''
+
+His confinement did not affect his appetite, for
+he enjoyed his tea and toast; and when, as she had
+promised, the woman came up, he told her he would
+like another cup of tea, and some more toast.
+
+``Will you answer one question?'' asked our hero.
+
+``I don't know,'' answered the woman in a flurried
+tone.
+
+``You look like a good woman.  Why do you stay
+in such a house as this?''
+
+``I will tell you, though I should do better to be
+silent.  But you won't betray me?''
+
+``On no account.''
+
+``I was poor, starving, when I had an application
+to come here.  The man who engaged me told me
+that it was to be a housekeeper, and I had no suspicion
+of the character of the house--that it was a
+den of--''
+
+She stopped short, but Frank understood what
+she would have said.
+
+``When I discovered the character of the house, I
+would have left but for two reasons.  First, I had
+no other home; next, I had become acquainted with
+the secrets of the house, and they would have feared
+that I would reveal them.  I should incur great risk. 
+So I stayed.''
+
+Here there was a sound below.  The woman
+started.
+
+``Some one has come,'' she said.  ``I must go down
+I will come up as soon as I can with the rest of your
+supper.''
+
+``Thank you.  You need not hurry.''
+
+Our hero was left to ponder over what he had
+heard.  There was evidently a mystery connected with
+this lonely house a mystery which he very much
+desired to solve.  But there was one chance.  Through
+the aperture in the closet he might both see and
+hear something, provided any should meet there that
+evening.
+
+The remainder of his supper was brought him by
+the same woman, but she was in haste, and he obtained
+no opportunity of exchanging another word
+with her.
+
+Frank did not learn who it was that had arrived. 
+Listening intently, he thought he heard some sounds
+in the next room.  Opening the closet door, and
+applying his eye to the aperture, he saw two men
+seated in the room, one of whom was the man who
+had brought him there.
+
+He applied his ear to the opening, and heard the
+following conversation:
+
+``I hear you've brought a boy here, Nathan,'' said
+the other, who was a stout, low-browed man, with
+an evil look.
+
+``Yes,'' said Graves, with a smile; ``I am going to
+board him here a while.''
+
+``What's it all about?  What are you going to gain
+by it?''
+
+``I'll tell you all I know.  I've known something of
+the family for a long time.  John Wade employed
+me long ago.  The old millionaire had a son who
+went abroad and died there.  His cousin, John Wade,
+brought home his son--a mere baby--the old man's
+grandson, of course, and sole heir, or likely to be,
+to the old man's wealth, if he had lived.  In that
+case, John Wade would have been left out in the cold,
+or put off with a small bequest.''
+
+``Yes.  Did the boy live?''
+
+``No; he died, very conveniently for John Wade,
+and thus removed the only obstacle from his path.''
+
+``Very convenient.  Do you think there was any
+foul play?''
+
+``There may have been.''
+
+``But I should think the old man would have suspected.''
+
+``He was away at the time.  When he returned to
+the city, he heard from his nephew that the boy was
+dead.  It was a great blow to him, of course.  Now,
+I'll tell you what,'' said Graves, sinking his voice so
+that Frank found it difficult to hear, ``I'll tell you
+what I've thought at times.''
+
+``I think the grandson may have been spirited off
+somewhere.  Nothing more easy, you know.  Murder
+is a risky operation, and John Wade is respectable,
+and wouldn't want to run the risk of a halter.''
+
+``You may be right.  You don't connect this story
+of yours with the boy you've brought here, do you?''
+
+``I do,'' answered Graves, emphatically.  ``I
+shouldn't be surprised if this was the very boy!''
+
+``What makes you think so?''
+
+``First, because there's some resemblance between
+the boy and the old man's son, as I remember him. 
+Next, it would explain John Wade's anxiety to get
+rid of him.  It's my belief that John Wade has recognized
+in this boy the baby he got rid of fourteen
+years ago, and is afraid his uncle will make the
+same discovery.''
+
+Frank left the crevice through which he had
+received so much information in a whirl of new and
+bewildering thoughts.
+
+``Was it possible,'' he asked himself, ``that he
+could be the grandson of Mr. Wharton, his kind
+benefactor?''
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+THE ESCAPE
+
+
+It was eight o'clock the next morning before
+Frank's breakfast was brought to him.
+
+``I am sorry you have had to wait,'' the housekeeper
+said, as she appeared at the door with a cup
+of coffee and a plate of beefsteak and toast, ``I
+couldn't come up before.''
+
+``Have the men gone away?'' said Frank.
+
+``Yes.''
+
+``Then I have something to tell you.  I learned
+something about myself last night.  I was in the
+closet, and heard the man who brought me here talking
+to another person.  May I tell you the story?''
+
+``If you think it will do any good,'' said the
+housekeeper, but I can't help you if that is what you want.''
+
+He told the whole story.  As he proceeded, the
+housekeeper betrayed increased, almost eager interest,
+and from time to time asked him questions in
+particular as to the personal appearance of John
+Wade.  When Frank had described him as well as
+he could, she said, in an excited manner:
+
+``Yes, it is--it must be the same man.''
+
+``The same man!'' repeated our hero, in surprise.
+
+``Do you know anything about him?''
+
+``I know that he is a wicked man.  I am afraid
+that I have helped him carry out his wicked plan,
+but I did not know it at the time, or I never would
+have given my consent.''
+
+``I don't understand you,'' said our hero, puzzled.
+
+``Will you tell me what you mean?''
+
+``Fourteen years ago I was very poor--poor and
+sick besides.  My husband had died, leaving me nothing
+but the care of a young infant, whom it was
+necessary for me to support besides myself. 
+Enfeebled by sickness, I was able to earn but little,
+but we lived in a wretched room in a crowded
+tenement house.  My infant boy was taken sick and died. 
+As I sat sorrowfully beside the bed on which he lay
+dead, I heard a knock at the door.  I opened it, and
+admitted a man whom I afterward learned to be
+John Wade.  He very soon explained his errand.  He
+agreed to take my poor boy, and pay all the expenses
+of his burial in Greenwood Cemetery, provided I
+would not object to any of his arrangements.  He
+was willing besides to pay me two hundred dollars
+for the relief of my necessities.  Though I was
+almost beside myself with grief for my child's loss,
+and though this was a very favorable proposal, I
+hesitated.  I could not understand why a stranger
+should make me such an offer.  I asked him the reason.''
+
+`` `You ask too much,' he answered, appearing
+annoyed.  `I have made you a fair offer.  Will you accept
+it, or will you leave your child to have a pauper's
+funeral?'
+
+``That consideration decided me.  For my child's
+sake I agreed to his proposal, and forebore to question
+him further.  He provided a handsome rosewood
+casket for my dear child, but upon the silver
+plate was inscribed a name that was strange to me
+--the name of Francis Wharton.''
+
+``Francis Wharton!'' exclaimed Frank.
+
+``I was too weak and sorrowful to make
+opposition, and my baby was buried as Francis Wharton. 
+Not only this, but a monument is erected over him
+at Greenwood, which bears this name.''
+
+She proceeded after a pause:
+
+``I did not then understand his object.  Your story
+makes it clear.  I think that you are that Francis
+Wharton, under whose name my boy was buried.''
+
+``How strange!'' said Frank, thoughtfully.  ``I
+cannot realize it.  But how did you know the name of
+the man who called upon you?''
+
+``A card slipped from his pocket, which I secured
+without his knowledge.''
+
+``How fortunate that I met you,'' said Frank.  ``I
+mean to let Mr. Wharton know all that I have
+learned, and then he shall decide whether he will
+recognize me or not as his grandson.''
+
+``I have been the means of helping to deprive you
+of your just rights, though unconsciously.  Now that
+I know the wicked conspiracy in which I assisted, I
+will help undo the work.''
+
+``Thank you,'' said Frank.  ``The first thing is to
+get out of this place.''
+
+``I cannot open the door of your room.  They do
+not trust me with the key.''
+
+``The windows are not very high from the ground. 
+I can get down from the outside.''
+
+``I will bring you a clothesline and a hatchet.''
+
+Frank received them with exultation.
+
+``Before I attempt to escape,'' he said, ``tell me
+where I can meet you in New York.  I want you to
+go with me to Mr. Wharton's.  I shall need you to
+confirm my story.''
+
+``I will meet you to-morrow at No. 15 B--Street.''
+
+``Then we shall meet to-morrow.  What shall I
+call your name?''
+
+``Mrs. Parker.''
+
+``Thank you.  I will get away as quickly as
+possible, and when we are in the city we will talk over
+our future plans.''
+
+With the help of the hatchet, Frank soon demolished
+the lower part of the window.  Fastening the
+rope to the bedstead, he got out of the window and
+safely descended to the ground.
+
+A long and fatiguing walk lay before him.  But
+at last he reached the cars, and half an hour later
+the ferry at Jersey City.
+
+Frank thought himself out of danger for the time
+being, but he was mistaken.
+
+Standing on the deck of the ferryboat, and looking
+back to the pier from which he had just started, he
+met the glance of a man who had intended to take
+the same boat, but had reached the pier just too
+late.  His heart beat quicker when he recognized in
+the belated passenger his late jailer, Nathan Graves.
+
+Carried away by his rage and disappointment,
+Nathan Graves clenched his fist and shook it at his
+receding victim.
+
+Our hero walked into the cabin.  He wanted a
+chance to deliberate.  He knew that Nathan Graves
+would follow him by the next boat, and it was
+important that he should not find him.  Where was he
+to go?
+
+Fifteen minutes after Frank set foot on the pier,
+his enemy also landed.  But now the difficult part
+of the pursuit began.  He had absolutely no clew as
+to the direction which Frank had taken.
+
+For an hour and a half he walked the streets in
+the immediate neighborhood of the square, but his
+labor was without reward.  Not a glimpse could he
+catch of his late prisoner.
+
+``I suppose I must go to see Mr. Wade,'' he at last
+reluctantly decided.  ``He may be angry, but he can't
+blame me.  I did my best.  I couldn't stand guard
+over the young rascal all day.''
+
+The address which the housekeeper had given
+Frank was that of a policeman's family in which
+she was at one time a boarder.  On giving his reference,
+he was hospitably received, and succeeded in
+making arrangements for a temporary residence.
+
+About seven o'clock Mrs. Parker made her
+appearance.  She wag fatigued by her journey and glad to
+rest.
+
+``I was afraid you might be prevented from
+coming,'' said Frank.
+
+``I feared it also.  I was about to start at twelve
+o'clock, when, to my dismay, one of the men came
+home.  He said he had the headache.  I was obliged
+to make him some tea and toast.  He remained about
+till four o'clock, when, to my relief, he went upstairs
+to lie down.  I was afraid some inquiry might be
+made about you, and your absence discovered, especially
+as the rope was still hanging out of the window,
+and I was unable to do anything more than cut
+off the lower end of it.  When the sick man retired to
+his bed I instantly left the house, fearing that the
+return of some other of the band might prevent my
+escaping altogether.''
+
+``Suppose you had met one of them, Mrs. Parker?''
+
+``I did.  It was about half a mile from the house.''
+
+``Did he recognize you?''
+
+``Yes.  He asked in some surprise where I was
+going.  I was obliged to make up a story about our
+being out of sugar.  He accepted it without suspicion,
+and I kept on.  I hope I shall be forgiven
+for the lie.  I was forced to it.''
+
+``You met no further trouble?''
+
+``No.''
+
+``I must tell you of my adventure,'' said Frank.
+
+``I came across the very man whom I most dreaded--
+the man who made me a prisoner.''
+
+``Since he knows that you have escaped, he is
+probably on your track,'' said Mrs. Parker.  ``It will
+be hardly safe for you to go to Mr. Wharton's.''
+
+``Why?''
+
+``He will probably think you likely to go there, and
+be lying in wait somewhere about.''
+
+``But I must go to Mr. Wharton,'' said Frank.  ``I
+must tell him this story.''
+
+``It will be safer to write.''
+
+``The housekeeper, Mrs. Bradley, or John Wade,
+will get hold of the letter and suppress it.  I don't
+want to put them on their guard.''
+
+``You are right.  It is necessary to be cautious.''
+
+``You see I am obliged to call on my grandfather,
+that is, on Mr. Wharton.''
+
+``I can think of a better plan.''
+
+``What is it?''
+
+``Go to a respectable lawyer.  Tell him your story,
+and place your case in his hands.  He will write to
+your grandfather, inviting him to call at his office
+on business of importance, without letting him know
+what is the nature of it.  You and I can be there to
+meet him, and tell our story.  In this way John Wade
+will know nothing, and learn nothing, of your movements.''
+
+``That is good advice, Mrs. Parker, but there is
+one thing you have not thought of,'' said our hero.
+
+``What is that?''
+
+``Lawyers charge a great deal for their services,
+and I have no money.''
+
+``You have what is as good a recommendation--a
+good case.  The lawyer will see at once that if not at
+present rich, you stand a good chance of obtaining
+a position which will make you so.  Besides, your
+grandfather will be willing, if he admits your claim,
+to recompense the lawyer handsomely.''
+
+``I did not think of that.  I will do as you advise
+to-morrow.''
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+JOHN WADE'S DISAPPOINTMENT
+
+
+Mr. Wharton sat at dinner with his nephew and
+the housekeeper.  He had been at home for some
+time, and of course on his arrival had been greeted
+with the news of our hero's perfidy.  But, to the
+indignation of Mrs. Bradley and John, he was obstinately
+incredulous.
+
+``There is some mistake, I am sure,'' he said.  ``Such
+a boy as Frank is incapable of stealing.  You may
+be mistaken after all, John.  Why did you not let
+him stay till I got back?  I should like to have
+examined him myself.''
+
+``I was so angry with him for repaying your
+kindness in such a way that I instantly ordered him out
+of the house.''
+
+``I blame you, John, for your haste,'' said his uncle. 
+``It was not just to the boy.''
+
+``I acted for the best, sir,'' he forced himself to
+say in a subdued tone.
+
+``Young people are apt to be impetuous, and I
+excuse you; but you should have waited for my return. 
+I will call at Gilbert & Mack's, and inquire of Frank
+himself what explanation he has to give.''
+
+``Of course, sir, you will do what you think proper,''
+said his nephew.
+
+This ended the conversation, and Mr. Wharton,
+according to his declared intention, went to Gilbert
+& Mack's.  He returned disappointed with the
+information that our hero was no longer in the store.
+
+I now return to Mr. Wharton at dinner.
+
+``Here is a letter for you, sir,'' said the
+housekeeper.  ``It was brought by the postman this afternoon.''
+
+Mr. Wharton adjusted his spectacles and read as
+follows:
+
+``No.-- Wall Street.
+
+``Dear Sir:  Will you have the kindness to call at
+my office to-morrow morning at eleven o'clock, if it
+suits your convenience?  I have an important
+communication to make to you, which will, I think be
+of an agreeable character.  Should the time named
+not suit you, will you have the kindness to name your
+own time?
+               ``Yours respectfully,
+                         ``MORRIS HALL.''
+
+
+``Read that, John,'' said his uncle, passing him
+the letter.
+
+``Morris Hall is a lawyer, I believe, sir,'' said John.
+
+``Have you any idea of the nature of the communication
+he desires to make?''
+
+``No idea at all.''
+
+``If it would relieve you, sir, I will go in your
+place,'' said John, whose curiosity was aroused.
+
+``Thank you, John, but this is evidently a personal
+matter.  I shall go down there to-morrow at the
+appointed time.''
+
+John was far from suspecting that the communication
+related to Frank, though he had heard the day
+previous from Nathan Graves of the boy's escape. 
+He had been very much annoyed, and had given his
+agent a severe scolding, with imperative orders to
+recapture the boy, if possible.
+
+It was not without a feeling of curiosity that Mr.
+Wharton entered the law office of Mr. Hall.  He
+announced himself and was cordially welcomed.
+
+``You have a communication to make to me,'' said
+Mr. Wharton.
+
+``I have.''
+
+``Tell me all without delay.''
+
+``I will, sir.  This is the communication I desire to
+make.''
+
+The story of John Wade's treachery was told, and
+the means by which he had imposed upon his uncle,
+but the lawyer carefully abstained from identifying
+the lost grandson with Frank Fowler.
+
+When the story was concluded, Mr. Wharton said:
+
+``Where is my grandson--my poor George's boy? 
+Find him for me, and name your own reward.''
+
+``I will show him to you at once, sir.  Frank!''
+
+At the word, Frank, who was in an inner office.
+entered.  Mr. Wharton started in amazement.
+
+``Frank!'' he exclaimed.  ``My dear boy, is it you
+who are my grandson?''
+
+``Grandfather!''
+
+Mr. Wharton held out his arms, and our hero,
+already attached to him for his kindness, was folded
+in close embrace.
+
+``Then you believe I am your grandson?'' said
+Frank.
+
+``I believe it without further proof.''
+
+``Still, Mr. Wharton,'' said the lawyer, ``I want to
+submit my whole proof.  Mrs. Parker!''
+
+Mrs. Parker entered and detailed her part in the
+plot, which for fourteen years had separated Frank
+from his family.
+
+``Enough!'' said Mr. Wharton.  ``I am convinced--
+I did not believe my nephew capable of such baseness. 
+Mrs. Parker, you shall not regret your confession. 
+I will give you a pension which will relieve
+you from all fear of want.  Call next week on Mr.
+Hall, and you shall learn what provision I have made
+for you.  You, Frank, will return with me.''
+
+``What will Mr. John say?'' asked Frank.
+
+``He shall no longer sleep under my roof,'' said Mr.
+Wharton, sternly.
+
+Frank was taken to a tailor and fitted out with a
+handsome new suit, ready-made for immediate use,
+while three more were ordered.
+
+When Mr. Wharton reached home, he entered the
+library and rang the bell.
+
+To the servant who answered he said:
+
+``Is Mr. John at home?''
+
+``Yes, sir; he came in ten minutes ago.''
+
+``Tell him I wish to see him at once in the library. 
+Summon the housekeeper, also.''
+
+Surprised at the summons, John Wade answered
+it directly.  He and Mrs. Bradley met at the door
+and entered together.  Their surprise and dismay
+may be conjectured when they saw our hero seated
+beside Mr. Wharton, dressed like a young gentleman.
+
+``John Wade,'' said his uncle, sternly, ``the boy
+whom you malign, the boy you have so deeply
+wronged, has found a permanent home in this house.''
+
+``What, sir! you take him back?''
+
+``I do.  There is no more fitting place for him
+than the house of his grandfather.''
+
+``His grandfather!'' exclaimed his nephew and the
+housekeeper, in chorus.
+
+``I have abundant proof of the relationship.  This
+morning I have listened to the story of your treachery. 
+I have seen the woman whose son, represented
+to me as my grandson, lies in Greenwood Cemetery. 
+I have learned your wicked plans to defraud him of
+his inheritance, and I tell you that you have failed.''
+
+``I shall make my will to-morrow, bequeathing all
+my property to my grandson, excepting only an annual
+income of two thousand dollars to yourself.  And
+now I must trouble you to find a boarding place. 
+After what has passed I do not desire to have you in
+the family.''
+
+``I do not believe he is your grandson,'' said John
+Wade, too angry to heed prudential considerations.
+
+``Your opinion is of little consequence.''
+
+``Then, sir, I have only to wish you good-morning. 
+I will send for my trunks during the day.''
+
+``Good-morning,'' said Mr. Wharton, gravely, and
+John Wade left the room, baffled and humiliated.
+
+``I hope, sir,'' said the housekeeper, alarmed for
+her position; ``I hope you don't think I knew Mr.
+Frank was your grandson.  I never was so astonished
+and flustrated in my life.  I hope you won't
+discharge me, sir--me that have served you so faithfully
+for many years.''
+
+``You shall remain on probation.  But if Frank
+ever has any fault to find with you, you must go.''
+
+``I hope you will forgive me, Mr. Frank.''
+
+``I forgive you freely,'' said our hero, who was at
+a generous disposition.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+CONCLUSION
+
+
+Meanwhile poor Grace had fared badly at the
+poorhouse in Crawford.  It was a sad contrast to the
+gentle and kindly circle at Mr. Pomeroy's.  What
+made it worse for Grace was, that she could hear
+nothing of Frank.  She feared he was sick, or had
+met with some great misfortune, which prevented
+his writing.
+
+One day a handsome carriage drove up to the door. 
+From it descended our hero, elegantly attired.  He
+knocked at the door.
+
+Mrs. Chase, who was impressed by wealth, came
+to the door in a flutter of respect, induced by the
+handsome carriage.
+
+``What do you wish, sir?'' she asked, not recognizing
+Frank.
+
+``Miss Grace Fowler!'' repeated Mrs. Chase,
+almost paralyzed at Grace being called for by such
+stylish acquaintances
+
+``Yes, my sister Grace.''
+
+``What! are you Frank Fowler?''
+
+``Yes.  I have come to take Grace away.''
+
+``I don't know as I have the right to let her go,''
+said Mrs. Chase, cautiously, regretting that Grace
+was likely to escape her clutches.
+
+``Here is an order from Deacon Pinkerton, chairman
+of the overseers of the poor.''
+
+``That is sufficient.  She can go.  You look as if
+you had prospered in the city,'' she added, with curiosity.
+
+``Yes.  I have found my grandfather, who is very
+wealthy.''
+
+``You don't say!'' ejaculated Mrs. Chase.  ``I'll tell
+Grace at once.''
+
+Grace at work in the kitchen had not heard of the
+arrival.  What was her surprise when Mrs. Chase,
+entering the room, said, graciously:
+
+``Go up at once, Grace, and change your clothes. 
+Your brother has come for you.  He is going to take
+you away.''
+
+Grace almost gasped for breath.
+
+``Is it true?''
+
+``It is indeed.  Your brother looks remarkably
+well.  He is rich.  He has found a rich grandfather,
+and has come for you in a carriage.''
+
+In amazed bewilderment Grace went upstairs and
+put on her best dress, poor enough in comparison
+with her brother's clothes, and was soon happy in
+his embrace.
+
+``I am glad to see you, my dear child,'' said Mr.
+Wharton, who had accompanied Frank.  ``Will you
+come to the city and live with me and your brother?''
+
+``Oh, sir, I shall be glad to be wherever Frank is.''
+
+``Good-bye, my dear child,'' sand Mrs. Chase, whose
+feelings were very much changed, now that Grace
+was a rich young lady.  ``Come and see me some
+time.''
+
+``Thank you, Mrs. Chase.  Good-bye!''
+
+The carriage rolled on.
+
+ *   *    *    *    *    *    *
+
+
+A few words only remain.  Our hero was placed
+at a classical school, and in due time entered college,
+where he acquitted himself with distinction.  He is
+now making a tour of Europe.  Grace was also
+placed at an excellent school, and has developed into
+a handsome and accomplished young lady.  It is
+thought she will marry Sam Pomeroy, who obtained
+a place in a counting-room through Mr. Wharton's
+influence, and is now head clerk, with a prospect of
+partnership.  His father received a gift of five
+thousand dollars from Mr. Wharton as an acknowledgment
+of his kindness to Frank.  Tom Pinkerton holds
+a subordinate clerkship in the same house, and is
+obliged to look up to Sam as his superior.  It chafes
+his pride, but his father has become a poor man, and
+Tom is too prudent to run the risk of losing his
+situation.  John Wade draws his income regularly, but
+he is never seen at his uncle's house.
+
+Mr. Wharton is very happy in his grandson, and
+made happier by the intelligence just received from
+Europe of Frank's engagement to a brilliant young
+New York lady whom he met in his travels.  He
+bids fair, though advanced in age, to live some years
+yet, to witness the happiness of his dear grandson,
+once a humble cash-boy.
+
+
+
+
+End of The Project Gutenberg Etext of The Cash Boy by Horatio Alger Jr.
+
+
+