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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Cash Boy, by Horatio Alger Jr.
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Cash Boy
+
+Author: Horatio Alger Jr.
+
+Release Date: March 14, 2006 [EBook #296]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CASH BOY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by An Anonymous Volunteer and David Widger
+
+
+
+
+
+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 be 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 biding.
+
+"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. In 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 quickly 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 was 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 EBook of The Cash Boy, by Horatio Alger Jr.
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CASH BOY ***
+
+***** This file should be named 296.txt or 296.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/2/9/296/
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