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If you + don't derive profits, no royalty is due. Royalties are + payable to "Project Gutenberg Association / Illinois + Benedictine College" within the 60 days following each + date you prepare (or were legally required to prepare) + your annual (or equivalent periodic) tax return. + +WHAT IF YOU *WANT* TO SEND MONEY EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO? +The Project gratefully accepts contributions in money, time, +scanning machines, OCR software, public domain etexts, royalty +free copyright licenses, and every other sort of contribution +you can think of. Money should be paid to "Project Gutenberg +Association / Illinois Benedictine College". + +*END*THE SMALL PRINT! FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN ETEXTS*Ver.04.29.93*END* + + + + + + +Scanned with OmniPage Professional OCR software +donated by Caere Corporation, 1-800-535-7226. +Contact Mike Lough <Mikel@caere.com> + + + + +The Cash Boy + +BY +Horatio Alger, Jr. + + + +PREFACE + + +``The Cash Boy,'' by Horatio Alger, Jr., as the name +implies, is a story about a boy and for boys. + +Through some conspiracy, the hero of the story +when a baby, was taken from his relatives and +given into the care of a kind woman. + +Not knowing his name, she gave him her husband's +name, Frank Fowler. She had one little +daughter, Grace, and showing no partiality in the +treatment of her children, Frank never suspected +that she was not his sister. However, at the death +of Mrs. Fowler, all this was related to Frank. + +The children were left alone in the world. It +seemed as though they would have to go to the +poorhouse but Frank could not become reconciled to that. + +A kind neighbor agreed to care for Grace, so +Frank decided to start out in the world to make +his way. + +He had many disappointments and hardships, but +through his kindness to an old man, his own relatives +and right name were revealed to him. + + + +CHAPTER I + +A REVELATION + + +A group of boys was assembled in an open field to +the west of the public schoolhouse in the town of +Crawford. Most of them held hats in their hands, +while two, stationed sixty feet distant from each +other, were ``having catch.'' + +Tom Pinkerton, son of Deacon Pinkerton, had just +returned from Brooklyn, and while there had witnessed +a match game between two professional clubs. +On his return he proposed that the boys of Crawford +should establish a club, to be known as the +Excelsior Club of Crawford, to play among themselves, +and on suitable occasions to challenge clubs belonging +to other villages. This proposal was received +with instant approval. + +``I move that Tom Pinkerton address the meeting,'' +said one boy. + +``Second the motion,'' said another. + +As there was no chairman, James Briggs was +appointed to that position, and put the motion, which +was unanimously carried. + +Tom Pinkerton, in his own estimation a personage +of considerable importance, came forward in a +consequential manner, and commenced as follows: + +``Mr. Chairman and boys. You all know what +has brought us together. We want to start a club +for playing baseball, like the big clubs they have in +Brooklyn and New York.'' + +``How shall we do it?'' asked Henry Scott. + +``We must first appoint a captain of the club, who +will have power to assign the members to their different +positions. Of course you will want one that +understands about these matters.'' + +``He means himself,'' whispered Henry Scott, to +his next neighbor; and here he was right. + +``Is that all?'' asked Sam Pomeroy. + +``No; as there will be some expenses, there must be +a treasurer to receive and take care of the funds, and +we shall need a secretary to keep the records of the +club, and write and answer challenges.'' + +``Boys,'' said the chairman, ``you have heard Tom +Pinkerton's remarks. Those who are in favor of +organizing a club on this plan will please signify it +in the usual way.'' + +All the boys raised their hands, and it was declared +a vote. + +``You will bring in your votes for captain,'' said +the chairman. + +Tom Pinkerton drew a little apart with a conscious +look, as he supposed, of course, that no one but himself +would be thought of as leader. + +Slips of paper were passed around, and the boys +began to prepare their ballots. They were brought +to the chairman in a hat, and he forthwith took them +out and began to count them. + +``Boys,'' he announced, amid a universal stillness, +``there is one vote for Sam Pomeroy, one for Eugene +Morton, and the rest are for Frank Fowler, who is +elected.'' + +There was a clapping of hands, in which Tom +Pinkerton did not join. + +Frank Fowler, who is to be our hero, came +forward a little, and spoke modestly as follows: + +``Boys, I thank you for electing me captain of the +club. I am afraid I am not very well qualified for +the place, but I will do as well as I can.'' + +The speaker was a boy of fourteen. He was of +medium height for his age, strong and sturdy in +build, and with a frank prepossessing countenance, +and an open, cordial manner, which made him a +general favorite. It was not, however, to his +popularity that he owed his election, but to the fact that +both at bat and in the field he excelled all the boys, +and therefore was the best suited to take the lead. + +The boys now proceeded to make choice of a treasurer +and secretary. For the first position Tom Pinkerton +received a majority of the votes. Though not +popular, it was felt that some office was due him. + +For secretary, Ike Stanton, who excelled in +penmanship, was elected, and thus all the offices were +filled. + +The boys now crowded around Frank Fowler, with +petitions for such places as they desired. + +``I hope you will give me a little time before I +decide about positions, boys,'' Frank said; ``I want to +consider a little.'' + +``All right! Take till next week,'' said one and +another, ``and let us have a scrub game this afternoon.'' + +The boys were in the middle of the sixth inning, +when some one called out to Frank Fowler: ``Frank, +your sister is running across the field. I think she +wants you.'' + +Frank dropped his bat and hastened to meet his +sister. + +``What's the matter, Gracie?'' he asked in alarm. + +``Oh, Frank!'' she exclaimed, bursting into tears. +``Mother's been bleeding at the lungs, and she looks +so white. I'm afraid she's very sick.'' + +``Boys,'' said Frank, turning to his companions, +``I must go home at once. You can get some one to +take my place, my mother is very sick.'' + +When Frank reached the little brown cottage +which he called home, he found his mother in an +exhausted state reclining on the bed. + +``How do you feel, mother?'' asked our hero, anxiously. + +``Quite weak, Frank,'' she answered in a low voice. +``I have had a severe attack.'' + +``Let me go for the doctor, mother.'' + +``I don't think it will be necessary, Frank. The +attack is over, and I need no medicines, only time +to bring back my strength.'' + +But three days passed, and Mrs. Fowler's nervous +prostration continued. She had attacks previously +from which she rallied sooner, and her present weakness +induced serious misgivings as to whether she +would ever recover. Frank thought that her eyes +followed him with more than ordinary anxiety, and +after convincing himself that this was the case, he +drew near his mother's bedside, and inquired: + +``Mother, isn't there something you want me to do?'' + +``Nothing, I believe, Frank.'' + +``I thought you looked at me as if you wanted to +say something.'' +``There is something I must say to you before I +die.'' + +``Before you die, mother!'' echoed Frank, in a +startled voice. + +``Yes. Frank, I am beginning to think that this is +my last sickness.'' + +``But, mother, you have been so before, and got +up again.'' + +``There must always be a last time, Frank; and +my strength is too far reduced to rally again, I +fear.'' + +``I can't bear the thought of losing you, mother,'' +said Frank, deeply moved. + +``You will miss me, then, Frank?'' said Mrs. Fowler. + +``Shall I not? Grace and I will be alone in the +world.'' + +``Alone in the world!'' repeated the sick woman, +sorrowfully, ``with little help to hope for from man, +for I shall leave you nothing. Poor children!'' + +``That isn't what I think of,'' said Frank, hastily. + +``I can support myself.'' + +``But Grace? She is a delicate girl,'' said the +mother, anxiously. ``She cannot make her way as +you can.'' + +``She won't need to,'' said Frank, promptly; ``I +shall take care of her.'' + +``But you are very young even to support yourself. +You are only fourteen.'' + +``I know it, mother, but I am strong, and I am not +afraid. There are a hundred ways of making a living.'' + +``But do you realize that you will have to start +with absolutely nothing? Deacon Pinkerton holds a +mortgage on this house for all it will bring in the +market, and I owe him arrears of interest besides.'' + +``I didn't know that, mother, but it doesn't frighten +me.'' + +``And you will take care of Grace?'' + +``I promise it, mother.'' + +``Suppose Grace were not your sister?'' said the +sick woman, anxiously scanning the face of the boy. + +``What makes you suppose such a thing as that, +mother? Of course she is my sister.'' + +``But suppose she were not,'' persisted Mrs. +Fowler, ``you would not recall your promise?'' + +``No, surely not, for I love her. But why do you +talk so, mother?'' and a suspicion crossed Frank's +mind that his mother's intellect might be wandering. + +``It is time to tell you all, Frank. Sit down by the +bedside, and I will gather my strength to tell you +what must be told.'' + +``Grace is not your sister, Frank!'' + +``Not my sister, mother?'' he exclaimed. ``You are +not in earnest?'' + +``I am quite in earnest, Frank.'' + +``Then whose child is she?'' + +``She is my child.'' + +``Then she must be my sister--are you not my +mother?'' + +``No, Frank, I am not your mother!'' + + + +CHAPTER II + +MRS. FOWLER'S STORY + + +``Not my mother!'' he exclaimed. ``Who, then, is +my mother?'' + +``I cannot tell you, Frank. I never knew. You +will forgive me for concealing this from you for so +long.'' + +``No matter who was my real mother since I have +you. You have been a mother to me, and I shall always +think of you as such.'' + +``You make me happy, Frank, when you say that. +And you will look upon Grace as a sister also, will +you not?'' + +``Always,'' said the boy, emphatically. ``Mother, +will you tell all you know about me? I don't know +what to think; now that I am not your son I cannot +rest till I learn who I am.'' + +``I can understand your feelings, Frank, but I must +defer the explanation till to-morrow. I have fatigued +myself with talking. but to-morrow you shall +know all that I can tell you.'' + +``Forgive me for not thinking of your being tired, +mother,'' and he bent over and pressed his lips upon +the cheek of the sick woman. ``But don't talk any +more. Wait till to-morrow.'' + +In the afternoon Frank had a call from Sam Pomeroy. + +``The club is to play to-morrow afternoon against +a picked nine, Frank,'' he said. ``Will you be there?'' + +``I can't, Sam,'' he answered. ``My mother is very +sick, and it is my duty to stay at home with her.'' + +``We shall miss you--that is, all of us but one. +Tom Pinkerton said yesterday that you ought to +resign, as you can't attend to your duties. He +wouldn't object to filling your place, I fancy.'' + +``He is welcome to the place as soon as the club +feels like electing him,'' said Frank. ``Tell the boys +I am sorry I can't be on hand. They had better get +you to fill my place.'' + +``I'll mention it, but I don't think they'll see it in +that light. They're all jealous of my superior playing,'' +said Sam, humorously. ``Well, good-bye, Frank. +I hope your mother'll be better soon.'' + +``Thank you, Sam,'' answered Frank, soberly. ``I +hope so, too, but she is very sick.'' + +The next day Mrs. Fowler again called Frank to +the bedside. + +``Grace is gone out on an errand,'' she said, ``and +I can find no better time for telling you what I know +about you and the circumstances which led to my +assuming the charge of you.'' + +``Are you strong enough, mother?'' + +``Yes, Frank. Thirteen years ago my husband and +myself occupied a small tenement in that part of +Brooklyn know as Gowanus, not far from Greenwood +Cemetery. My husband was a carpenter, and +though his wages were small he was generally +employed. We had been married three years, but had +no children of our own. Our expenses were small, +and we got on comfortably, and should have continued +to do so, but that Mr. Fowler met with an +accident which partially disabled him. He fell from +a high scaffold and broke his arm. This was set +and he was soon able to work again, but he must +also have met with some internal injury, for his full +strength never returned. Half a day's work tired +him more than a whole day's work formerly had +done. Of course our income was very much diminished, +and we were obliged to economize very closely. +This preyed upon my husband's mind and seeing his +anxiety, I set about considering how I could help +him, and earn my share of the expenses. + +``One day in looking over the advertising columns +of a New York paper I saw the following advertisement: + + +`` `For adoption--A healthy male infant. The parents +are able to pay liberally for the child's maintenance, +but circumstances compel them to delegate +the care to another. Address for interview A. M.' + + +``I had no sooner read this advertisement than I +felt that it was just what I wanted. A liberal +compensation was promised, and under our present +circumstances would be welcome, as it was urgently +needed. I mentioned the matter to my husband, and +he was finally induced to give his consent. + +``Accordingly, I replied to the advertisement. + +``Three days passed in which I heard nothing from +it. But as we were sitting at the supper table at +six o'clock one afternoon, there came a knock at our +front door. I opened it, and saw before me a tall +stranger, a man of about thirty-five, of dark +complexion, and dark whiskers. He was well dressed, +and evidently a gentleman in station. + +`` `Is this Mrs. Fowler?' he asked. + +`` `Yes, sir,' I answered, in some surprise + +`` `Then may I beg permission to enter your house +for a few minutes? I have something to say to you.' + +``Still wondering, I led the way into the sitting- +room, where your father--where Mr. Fowler----'' + +``Call him my father--I know no other,'' said +Frank. + +``Where your father was seated. + +`` `You have answered an advertisement,' said the +stranger. + +`` `Yes, sir,' I replied. + +`` `I am A. M.,' was his next announcement. `Of +course I have received many letters, but on the whole +I was led to consider yours most favorably. I have +made inquiries about you in the neighborhood, and +the answers have been satisfactory. You have no +children of your own?' + +`` `No, sir.' + +`` `All the better. You would be able to give more +attention to this child.' + +`` `Is it yours, sir?' I asked + +`` `Ye-es,' he answered, with hesitation. +`Circumstances,' he continued, `circumstances which I need +not state, compel me to separate from it. Five hundred +dollars a year will be paid for its maintenance.' + +``Five hundred dollars! I heard this with joy, for +it was considerably more than my husband was able +to earn since his accident. It would make us +comfortable at once, and your father might work when +he pleased, without feeling any anxiety about our +coming to want. + +`` `Will that sum be satisfactory?' asked the +stranger. + +`` `It is very liberal,' I answered. + +`` `I intended it to be so,' he said. `Since there is +no difficulty on this score, I am inclined to trust you +with the care of the child. But I must make two +conditions.' + +`` `What are they, sir?' + +`` `In the first place, you must not try to find out +the friends of the child. They do not desire to be +known. Another thing, you must move from Brooklyn.' + +`` `Move from Brooklyn?' I repeated. + +`` `Yes,' he answered, firmly. `I do not think it +necessary to give you a reason for this condition. +Enough that it is imperative. If you decline, our +negotiations are at an end.' + +``I looked at my husband. He seemed as much +surprised as I was. + +`` `Perhaps you will wish to consult together,' +suggested our visitor. `If so, I can give you twenty +minutes. I will remain in this room while you go +out and talk it over.' + +``We acted on this hint, and went into the kitchen. +We decided that though we should prefer to live in +Brooklyn, it would be worth our while to make the +sacrifice for the sake of the addition to our income. +We came in at the end of ten minutes, and announced +our decision. Our visitor seemed to be very much +pleased. + +`` `Where would you wish us to move?' asked your +father. + +`` `I do not care to designate any particular place. +I should prefer some small country town, from fifty +to a hundred miles distant. I suppose you will be +able to move soon?' + +`` `Yes, sir; we will make it a point to do so. How +soon will the child be placed in our hands? Shall +we send for it?' + +`` `No, no,' he said, hastily. `I cannot tell you +exactly when, but it will be brought here probably in +the course of a day or two. I myself shall bring it, +and if at that time you wish to say anything additional +you can do so.' + +``He went away, leaving us surprised and somewhat +excited at the change that was to take place in +our lives. The next evening the sound of wheels was +heard, and a hack stopped at our gate. The same +gentleman descended hurriedly with a child in his +arms--you were the child, Frank--and entered the +house. + +`` `This is the child,' he said, placing it in my arms, +`and here is the first quarterly installment of your +pay. Three months hence you will receive the same +sum from my agent in New York. Here is his address,' +and he placed a card in my hands. `Have +you anything to ask?' + +`` `Suppose I wish to communicate with you respecting +the child? Suppose he is sick?' + +`` `Then write to A. M., care of Giles Warner, No. +---- Nassau Street. By the way, it will be necessary +for you to send him your postoffice address after +your removal in order that he may send you your +quarterly dues.' + +``With this he left us, entered the hack, and drove +off. I have never seen him since.'' + + + +CHAPTER III + +LEFT ALONE + +Frank listened to this revelation with wonder. +For the first time in his life he asked himself, ``Who +am I?'' + +``How came I by my name, mother?'' he asked. + +``I must tell you. After the sudden departure of +the gentleman who brought you, we happened to +think that we had not asked your name. We accordingly +wrote to the address which had been given us, +making the inquiry. In return we received a slip +of paper containing these words: `The name is +immaterial; give him any name you please. A. M.' '' + +``You gave me the name of Frank.'' + +``It was Mr. Fowler's name. We should have given +it to you had you been our own boy; as the choice +was left to us, we selected that.'' + +``It suits me as well as any other. How soon did +you leave Brooklyn, mother?'' + +``In a week we had made all arrangements, and +removed to this place. It is a small place, but it +furnished as much work as my husband felt able to +do. With the help of the allowance for your support, +we not only got on comfortably, but saved up a hundred +and fifty dollars annually, which we deposited +in a savings bank. But after five years the money +stopped coming. It was the year 1857, the year of +the great panic, and among others who failed was +Giles Warner's agent, from whom we received our +payments. Mr. Fowler went to New York to inquire +about it, but only learned that Mr. Warner, weighed +down by his troubles, had committed suicide, leaving +no clew to the name of the man who left you with +us.'' + +``How long ago was that, mother?'' + +``Seven years ago nearly eight.'' + +``And you continued to keep me, though the +payments stopped.'' + +``Certainly; you were as dear to us as our own +child--for we now had a child of our own--Grace. +We should as soon have thought of casting off her +as you.'' + +``But you must have been poor, mother.'' + +``We were economical, and we got along till your +father died three years ago. Since then it has been +hard work.'' + +``You have had a hard time, mother.'' + +``No harder on your account. You have been a +great comfort to me, Frank. I am only anxious for +the future. I fear you and Grace will suffer after I +am gone.'' + +``Don't fear, mother, I am young and strong; I +am not afraid to face the world with God's help.'' + +``What are you thinking of, Frank?'' asked Mrs. +Fowler, noticing the boy's fixed look. + +``Mother,'' he said, earnestly, ``I mean to seek for +that man you have told me of. I want to find out +who I am. Do you think he was my father?'' + +``He said he was, but I do not believe it. He +spoke with hesitation, and said this to deceive us, +probably.'' + +``I am glad you think so, I would not like to think +him my father. From what you have told me of +him I am sure I would not like him.'' + +``He must be nearly fifty now--dark complexion, +with dark hair and whiskers. I am afraid that +description will not help you any. There are many +men who look like that. I should know him by his +expression, but I cannot describe that to you.'' + +Here Mrs. Fowler was seized with a very severe +fit of coughing, and Frank begged her to say no +more. + +Two days later, and Mrs. Fowler was no better. +She was rapidly failing, and no hope was entertained +that she would rally. She herself felt that death +was near at hand and told Frank so, but he found +it hard to believe. + +On the second of the two days, as he was returning +from the village store with an orange for his +mother, he was overtaken by Sam Pomeroy. + +``Is your mother very sick, Frank?'' he asked. + +``Yes, Sam, I'm afraid she won't live.'' + +``Is it so bad as that? I do believe,'' he added, with +a sudden change of tone, ``Tom Pinkerton is the +meanest boy I ever knew. He is trying to get your +place as captain of the baseball club. He says that +if your mother doesn't live, you will have to go to +the poorhouse, for you won't have any money, and +that it will be a disgrace for the club to have a +captain from the poorhouse.'' + +``Did he say that?'' asked Frank, indignantly. + +``Yes.'' + +``When he tells you that, you may say that I shall +never go to the poorhouse.'' + +``He says his father is going to put you and your +sister there.'' + +``All the Deacon Pinkertons in the world can never +make me go to the poorhouse!'' said Frank, resolutely. + +``Bully for you, Frank! I knew you had spunk.'' + +Frank hurried home. As he entered the little +house a neighbor's wife, who had been watching +with his mother, came to meet him. + +``Frank,'' she said, gravely, ``you must prepare +yourself for sad news. While you were out your +mother had another hemorrhage, and--and--'' + +``Is she dead?'' asked the boy, his face very pale. + +``She is dead!'' + + + +CHAPTER IV + +THE TOWN AUTOCRAT + + +``The Widder Fowler is dead,'' remarked Deacon +Pinkerton, at the supper table. ``She died this afternoon.'' + +``I suppose she won't leave anything,'' said Mrs. +Pinkerton. + +``No. I hold a mortgage on her furniture, and that +is all she has.'' + +``What will become of the children?'' + +``As I observed, day before yesterday, they will be +constrained to find a refuge in the poorhouse.'' + +``What do you think Sam Pomeroy told me, +father?'' + +``I am not able to conjecture what Samuel would +be likely to observe, my son.'' + +``He observed that Frank Fowler said he wouldn't +go to the poorhouse.'' + +``Ahem!'' coughed the deacon. ``The boy will not +be consulted.'' + +``That's what I say, father,'' said Tom, who desired +to obtain his father's co-operation. ``You'll make +him go to the poorhouse, won't you?'' + +``I shall undoubtedly exercise my authority, if it +should be necessary, my son.'' + +``He told Sam Pomeroy that all the Deacon Pinkertons +in the world couldn't make him go to the poorhouse.'' + +``I will constrain him,'' said the deacon. + +``I would if I were you, father,'' said Tom, elated +at the effect of his words. ``Just teach him a lesson.'' + +``Really, deacon, you mustn't be too hard upon the +poor boy,'' said his better-hearted wife. ``He's got +trouble enough on him.'' + +``I will only constrain him for his good, Jane. In +the poorhouse he will be well provided for.'' + +Meanwhile another conversation respecting our +hero and his fortunes was held at Sam Pomeroy's +home. It was not as handsome as the deacon's, for +Mr. Pomeroy was a poor man, but it was a happy +one, nevertheless, and Mr. Pomeroy, limited as were +his means, was far more liberal than the deacon. + +``I pity Frank Fowler,'' said Sam, who was warm- +hearted and sympathetic, and a strong friend of +Frank. ``I don't know what he will do.'' + +``I suppose his mother left nothing.'' + +``I understood,'' said Mr. Pomeroy, ``that Deacon +Pinkerton holds a mortgage on her furniture.'' + +``The deacon wants to send Frank and his sister +to the poorhouse.'' + +``That would be a pity.'' + +``I should think so; but Frank positively says he +won't go.'' + +``I am afraid there isn't anything else for him. +To be sure, he may get a chance to work in a shop +or on a farm, but Grace can't support herself.'' + +``Father, I want to ask you a favor.'' + +``What is it, Sam?'' + +``Won't you invite Frank and his sister to come +and stay here a week?'' + +``Just as your mother says.'' + +``I say yes. The poor children will be quite +welcome. If we were rich enough they might stay with +us all the time.'' + +``When Frank comes here I will talk over his +affairs with him,'' said Mr. Pomeroy. ``Perhaps we +can think of some plan for him.'' + +``I wish you could, father.'' + +``In the meantime, you can invite him and Grace +to come and stay with us a week, or a fortnight. +Shall we say a fortnight, wife?'' + +``With all my heart.'' + +``All right, father. Thank you.'' + +Sam delivered the invitation in a way that showed +how strongly his own feelings were enlisted in favor +of its acceptance. Frank grasped his hand. + +``Thank you, Sam, you are a true friend,'' he said. + +``I hadn't begun to think of what we were to do, +Grace and I.'' + +``You'll come, won't you?'' + +``You are sure that it won't trouble your mother, +Sam?'' + +``She is anxious to have you come.'' + +``Then I'll come. I haven't formed any plans yet, +but I must as soon--as soon as mother is buried. +I think I can earn my living somehow. One thing +I am determined about--I won't go to the poorhouse.'' + +The funeral was over. Frank and Grace walked +back to the little house, now their home no longer. +They were to pack up a little bundle of clothes and +go over to Mr. Pomeroy's in time for supper. + +When Frank had made up his bundle, urged by +some impulse, he opened a drawer in his mother's +bureau. His mind was full of the story she had +told him, and he thought it just possible that he +might find something to throw additional light upon +his past history. While exploring the contents of +the drawer he came to a letter directed to him in +his mother's well-known handwriting. He opened +it hastily, and with a feeling of solemnity, read as +follows: + + +``My Dear Frank: In the lower drawer, wrapped +in a piece of brown paper, you will find two gold +eagles, worth twenty dollars. You will need them +when I am gone. Use them for Grace and yourself. +I saved these for my children. Take them, Frank, +for I have nothing else to give you. The furniture +will pay the debt I owe Deacon Pinkerton. There +ought to be something over, but I think he will take +all. I wish I had more to leave you, dear Frank, +but the God of the Fatherless will watch over you-- +to Him I commit you and Grace. Your affectionate +mother, RUTH FOWLER.'' + + +Frank, following the instructions of the letter, +found the gold pieces and put them carefully into +his pocketbook. He did not mention the letter to +Grace at present, for he knew not but Deacon Pinkerton +might lay claim to the money to satisfy his debt +if he knew it. + +``I am ready, Frank,'' said Grace, entering the +room. ``Shall we go?'' + +``Yes, Grace. There is no use in stopping here any +longer.'' + +As he spoke he heard the outer door open, and a +minute later Deacon Pinkerton entered the room. + +None of the deacon's pompousness was abated as +he entered the house and the room. + +``Will you take a seat?'' said our hero, with the +air of master of the house. + +``I intended to,'' said the deacon, not acknowledging +his claim. ``So your poor mother is gone?'' + +``Yes, sir,'' said Frank, briefly. + +``We must all die,'' said the deacon, feeling that it +was incumbent on him to say something religious. +``Ahem! your mother died poor? She left no property?'' + +``It was not her fault.'' + +``Of course not. Did she mention that I had +advanced her money on the furniture?'' + +``My mother told me all about it, sir.'' + +``Ahem! You are in a sad condition. But you will +be taken care of. You ought to be thankful that +there is a home provided for those who have no +means.'' + +``What home do you refer to, Deacon Pinkerton?'' +asked Frank, looking steadily in the face of his visitor. + +``I mean the poorhouse, which the town generously +provides for those who cannot support themselves.'' + +This was the first intimation Grace had received +of the possibility that they would be sent to such a +home, and it frightened her. + +``Oh, Frank!'' she exclaimed, ``must we go to the +poorhouse?'' + +``No, Grace; don't be frightened,'' said Frank, +soothingly. ``We will not go.'' + +``Frank Fowler,'' said the deacon, sternly, ``cease +to mislead your sister.'' + +``I am not misleading her, sir.'' + +``Did you not tell her that she would not be obliged +to go to the poorhouse?'' + +``Yes, sir.'' + +``Then what do you mean by resisting my authority?'' + +``You have no authority over us. We are not paupers,'' +and Frank lifted his head proudly, and looked +steadily in the face of the deacon. + +``You are paupers, whether you admit it or not.'' + +``We are not,'' said the boy, indignantly. + +``Where is your money? Where is your property?'' + +``Here, sir,'' said our hero, holding out his hands. + +``I have two strong hands, and they will help me +make a living for my sister and myself.'' + +``May I ask whether you expect to live here and +use my furniture?'' + +``I do not intend to, sir. I shall ask no favors of +you, neither for Grace nor myself. I am going to +leave the house. I only came back to get a few +clothes. Mr. Pomeroy has invited Grace and me to +stay at his house for a few days. I haven't decided +what I shall do afterward.'' + +``You will have to go to the poorhouse, then. I +have no objection to your making this visit first. It +will be a saving to the town.'' + +``Then, sir, we will bid you good-day. Grace, let +us go.'' + + + +CHAPTER V + +A LITTLE MISUNDERSTANDING + + +``Have you carried Frank Fowler to the +poorhouse?'' asked Tom Pinkerton, eagerly, on his +father's return. + +``No, said the deacon, ``he is going to make a visit +at Mr. Pomeroy's first.'' + +``I shouldn't think you would have let him make +a visit,'' said Tom, discontentedly. ``I should think +you would have taken him to the poorhouse right +off.'' + +``I feel it my duty to save the town unnecessary +expense,'' said Deacon Pinkerton. + +So Tom was compelled to rest satisfied with his +father's assurance that the removal was only deferred. + +Meanwhile Frank and Grace received a cordial +welcome at the house of Mr. Pomeroy. Sam and Frank +were intimate friends, and our hero had been in the +habit of calling frequently, and it seemed homelike. + +``I wish you could stay with us all the time, Frank +--you and Grace,'' said Sam one evening. + +``We should all like it,'' said Mr. Pomeroy, ``but we +cannot always have what we want. If I had it in my +power to offer Frank any employment which it +would be worth his while to follow, it might do. But +he has got his way to make in the world. Have you +formed any plans yet, Frank?'' + +``That is what I want to consult you about, Mr. +Pomeroy.'' + +``I will give you the best advice I can, Frank. I +suppose you do not mean to stay in the village.'' + +``No, sir. There is nothing for me to do here. I +must go somewhere where I can make a living for +Grace and myself.'' + +``You've got a hard row to hoe, Frank,'' said Mr. +Pomeroy, thoughtfully. ``Have you decided where to +go?'' + +``Yes, sir. I shall go to New York.'' + +``What! To the city?'' + +``Yes, sir. I'll get something to do, no matter +what it is.'' + +``But how are you going to live in the meantime?'' + +``I've got a little money.'' + +``That won't last long.'' + +``I know it, but I shall soon get work, if it is only +to black boots in the streets.'' + +``With that spirit, Frank, you will stand a fair +chance to succeed. What do you mean to do with +Grace?'' + +``I will take her with me.'' + +``I can think of a better plan. Leave her here till +you have found something to do. Then send for her.'' + +``But if I leave her here Deacon Pinkerton will +want to put her in the poorhouse. I can't bear to +have Grace go there.'' + +``She need not. She can stay here with me for +three months.'' + +``Will you let me pay her board?'' + +``I can afford to give her board for three months.'' + +``You are very kind, Mr. Pomeroy, but it wouldn't +be right for me to accept your kindness. It is my +duty to take care of Grace.'' + +``I honor your independence, Frank. It shall be +as you say. When you are able-mind, not till then +--you may pay me at the rate of two dollars a week +for Grace's board.'' + +``Then,'' said Frank, ``if you are willing to board +Grace for a while, I think I had better go to the city +at once.'' + +``I will look over your clothes to-morrow, Frank,'' +said Mrs. Pomeroy, ``and see if they need mending.'' + +``Then I will start Thursday morning--the day +after.'' + +About four o'clock the next afternoon he was walking +up the main street, when just in front of Deacon +Pinkerton's house he saw Tom leaning against a +tree. + +``How are you Tom?'' he said, and was about to +pass on. + +``Where are you going?'' Tom asked abruptly. + +``To Mr. Pomeroy's.'' + +``How soon are you going to the poorhouse to +live?'' + +``Who told you I was going?'' + +``My father.'' + +``Then your father's mistaken.'' + +``Ain't you a pauper?'' said Tom, insolently. ``You +haven't got any money.'' + +``I have got hands to earn money, and I am going +to try.'' + +``Anyway, I advise you to resign as captain of the +baseball club.'' + +``Why?'' + +``Because if you don't you'll be kicked out. Do +you think the fellows will be willing to have a pauper +for their captain?'' + +``That's the second time you have called me a +pauper. Don't call me so again.'' + +``You are a pauper and you know it.'' + +Frank was not a quarrelsome boy, but this +repeated insult was too much for him. He seized Tom +by the collar, and tripping him up left him on the +ground howling with rage. As valor was not his +strong point, he resolved to be revenged upon Frank +vicariously. He was unable to report the case to his +father till the next morning, as the deacon did not +return from a neighboring village, whither he had +gone on business, till late, but the result of his +communication was a call at Mr. Pomeroy's from the +deacon at nine o'clock the next morning. Had he +found Frank, it was his intention, at Tom's request, +to take him at once to the poorhouse. But he was +too late. Our hero was already on his way to New +York. + + + +CHAPTER VI + +FRANK GETS A PLACE + + +``So this is New York,'' said Frank to himself, as +he emerged from the railway station and looked +about him with interest and curiosity. + +``Black yer boots? Shine?'' asked a bootblack, +seeing our hero standing still. + +Frank looked at his shoes. They were dirty, +without doubt, but he would not have felt disposed to be +so extravagant, considering his limited resources, +had he not felt it necessary to obtain some information +about the city. + +``Yes,'' he said, ``you may black them.'' + +The boy was on his knees instantly and at work. + +``How much do you make in a day?'' asked Frank. + +``When it's a good day I make a dollar.'' + +``That's pretty good,'' said Frank. + +``Can you show me the way to Broadway?'' + +``Go straight ahead.'' + +Our hero paid for his shine and started in the +direction indicated. + +Frank's plans, so far as he had any, were to get +into a store. He knew that Broadway was the principal +business street in the city, and this was about +all he did know about it. + +He reached the great thoroughfare in a few +minutes, and was fortunate enough to find on the window +of the corner store the sign: + +``A Boy Wanted.'' + +He entered at once, and going up to the counter, +addressed a young man, who was putting up goods. + +``Do you want a boy?'' + +``I believe the boss wants one; I don't. Go out to +that desk.'' + +Frank found the desk, and propounded the same +question to a sandy-whiskered man, who looked up +from his writing. + +``You're prompt,'' he said. ``That notice was only +put out two minutes ago.'' + +``I only saw it one minute ago.'' + +``So you want the place, do you?'' + +``I should like it.'' + +``Do you know your way about the city?'' + +``No, sir, but I could soon find out.'' + +``That won't do. I shall have plenty of +applications from boys who live in the city and are familiar +with the streets.'' + +Frank left the store rather discomfited. + +He soon came to another store where there was a +similar notice of ``A Boy Wanted.'' It was a dry +goods store. + +``Do you live with your parents?'' was asked. + +``My parents are dead,'' said Frank, sadly. + +``Very sorry, but we can't take you.'' + +``Why not, sir?'' + +``In case you took anything we should make your +parents responsible.'' + +``I shouldn't take anything,'' said Frank, indignantly. + +``You might; I can't take you.'' + +Our hero left this store a little disheartened by his +second rebuff. + +He made several more fruitless applications, but +did not lose courage wholly. He was gaining an appetite, +however. It is not surprising therefore, that +his attention was drawn to the bills of a restaurant +on the opposite side of the street. He crossed over, +and standing outside, began to examine them to see +what was the scale of prices. While in this position +he was suddenly aroused by a slap on the back. + +Turning he met the gaze of a young man of about +thirty, who was smiling quite cordially. + +``Why, Frank, my boy, how are you?'' he said, +offering his hand. + +``Pretty well, thank you,'' said our hero bewildered, +for he had no recollection of the man who had called +him by name. + +The other smiled a little more broadly, and +thought: + +``It was a lucky guess; his name is Frank.'' + +``I am delighted to hear it,'' he continued. ``When +did you reach the city?'' + +``This morning,'' said the unsuspecting Frank. + +``Well, it's queer I happened to meet you so soon, +isn't it? Going to stay long?'' + +``I shall, if I can get a place.'' + +``Perhaps I can help you.'' + +``I suppose I ought to remember you,'' ventured +our hero, ``but I can't think of your name.'' + +``Jasper Wheelock. You don't mean to say you +don't remember me? Perhaps it isn't strange, as +we only met once or twice in your country home. +But that doesn't matter. I'm just as ready to help +you. By the way, have you dined?'' + +``No.'' + +``No more have I. Come in and dine with me.'' + +``What'll you take?'' asked Jasper Wheelock, +passing the bill of fare to Frank. + +``I think I should like to have some roast beef,'' +said Frank. + +``That will suit me. Here, waiter, two plates of +roast beef, and two cups of coffee.'' + +``How are they all at home?'' asked Jasper. + +``My mother has just died.'' + +``You don't say so,'' said Jasper, sympathetically. + +``My sister is well.'' + +``I forgot your sister's name.'' + +``Grace.'' + +``Of course--Grace. I find it hard to remember +names. The fact is, I have been trying to recall your +last name, but it's gone from me.'' + +``Fowler.'' + +``To be sure Frank Fowler. How could I be so +forgetful.'' + +The conversation was interrupted by the arrival +of the coffee and roast beet, which both he and his +new friend attacked with vigor. + +``What kind of pudding will you have?'' asked +the stranger. + +``Apple dumpling,'' said Frank. + +``That suits me. Apple dumpling for two.'' + +In due time the apple dumpling was disposed of, +and two checks were brought, amounting to seventy +cents. + +``I'll pay for both,'' said Jasper. ``No thanks. We +are old acquaintances, you know.'' + +He put his hand into his pocket, and quickly +withdrew it with an exclamation of surprise: + +``Well, if that isn't a good joke,'' he said. ``I've +left my money at home. I remember now, I left it +in the pocket of my other coat. I shall have to +borrow the money of you. You may as well hand me a +dollar!'' + +Frank was not disposed to be suspicious, but the +request for money made him uneasy. Still there +seemed no way of refusing, and he reluctantly drew +out the money. + +His companion settled the bill and then led the +way into the street. + +Jasper Wheelock was not very scrupulous; he was +quite capable of borrowing money, without intending +to return it; but he had his good side. + +``Frank,'' said he, as they found themselves in the +street, ``you have done me a favor, and I am going +to help you in return. Have you got very much +money?'' + +``No. I had twenty dollars when I left home, but +I had to pay my fare in the cars and the dinner, I +have seventeen dollars and a half left.'' + +``Then it is necessary for you to get a place as +soon as possible.'' + +``Yes; I have a sister to support; Grace, you know.'' + +``No, I don't know. The fact is, Frank, I have +been imposing upon you. I never saw you before in +the whole course of my life.'' + +``What made you say you knew me?'' + +``I wanted to get a dinner out of you. Don't be +troubled, though; I'll pay back the money. I've been +out of a place for three or four weeks, but I enter +upon one the first of next week. For the rest of the +week I've got nothing to do, and I will try to get you +a place. + +``The first thing is to get a room somewhere. I'll +tell you what, you may have part of my room.'' + +``Is it expensive?'' + +``No; I pay a dollar and a half a week. I think +the old lady won't charge more than fifty cents extra +for you.'' + +``Then my share would be a dollar.'' + +``You may pay only fifty cents. I'll keep on paying +what I do now. My room is on Sixth Avenue.'' +They had some distance to walk. Finally Jasper +halted before a baker's shop. + +``It's over this,'' he said. + +He drew out a latch-key and entered. + +``This is my den,'' he said. It isn't large you +can't get any better for the money.'' + +``I shall have to be satisfied,'' said Frank. ``I want +to get along as cheap as I can.'' + +``I've got to economize myself for a short time. +After this week I shall earn fifteen dollars a week.'' + +``What business are you in, Mr. Wheelock?'' + +``I am a journeyman printer. It is a very good +business, and I generally have steady work. I expect +to have after I get started again. Now, shall I +give you some advice?'' + +``I wish you would.'' + +``You don't know your way around New York. +I believe I have a map somewhere. I'll just show +you on it the position of the principal streets, and +that will give you a clearer idea of where we go.'' + +The map was found and Jasper explained to Frank +the leading topographical features of the Island City. + +One thing only was wanting now to make him +contented, and this was employment. But it was too +late to make any further inquiries. + +``I've been thinking, Frank,'' said Jasper, the next +morning, ``that you might get the position as a cash-boy.'' + +``What does a cash-boy do?'' + +``In large retail establishments every salesman +keeps a book in which his sales are entered. He +does not himself make change, for it would not do +to have so many having access to the money-drawer. +The money is carried to the cashier's desk by boys +employed for the purpose, who return with the +change.'' + +``Do you think I can get a situation as cash-boy?'' + +``I will try at Gilbert & Mack's. I know one of +the principal salesmen. If there is a vacancy he +will get it for you to oblige me.'' + +They entered a large retail store on Broadway. +It was broad and spacious. Twenty salesmen stood +behind the counter, and boys were running this way +and that with small books in their hands. + +``How are you, Duncan?'' said Jasper. + +The person addressed was about Jasper Wheelock's +age. He had a keen, energetic look and manner, +and would be readily singled out as one of the +leading clerks. + +``All right, Wheelock. How are you?'' he +responded. ``Do you want anything in our line?'' + +``No goods; I want a place for this youngster. He's +a friend of mine. I'll answer for his good character.'' + +``That will be satisfactory. But what sort of a +place does he want?'' + +``He is ready to begin as cash-boy.'' + +``Then we can oblige you, as one of our boys has +fallen sick, and we have not supplied his place. I'll +speak to Mr. Gilbert.'' + +He went up to Mr. Gilbert, a portly man in the +back part of the store. Mr. Gilbert seemed to be +asking two or three questions. Frank waited the +result in suspense, dreading another disappointment, +but this time he was fortunate. + +``The boy can stay,'' reported Duncan. ``His +wages are three dollars a week.'' + +It was not much, but Frank was well pleased to +feel that at last he had a place in the city. + +He wrote a letter to Grace in the evening, +announcing his success, and expressing the hope that he +would soon be able to send for her. + + + +CHAPTER VII + +THE CASH BOY HAS AN ADVENTURE + + +Four weeks passed. The duties of a cash-boy are +simple enough, and Frank had no difficulty in discharging +them satisfactorily. At first he found it +tiresome, being on his feet all day, for the cash-boys +were not allowed to sit down, but he got used to +this, being young and strong. + +All this was very satisfactory, but one thing gave +Frank uneasiness. His income was very inadequate +to his wants. + +``What makes you so glum, Frank?'' asked Jasper +Wheelock one evening. + +``Do I look glum?'' said Frank. ``I was only +thinking how I could earn more money. You know +how little I get. I can hardly take care of myself, +much less take care of Grace.'' + +``I can lend you some money, Frank. Thanks to +your good advice, I have got some laid up.'' + +``Thank you, Jasper, but that wouldn't help +matters. I should owe you the money, and I don't know +how I could pay you.'' + +``About increasing your income, I really don't +know,'' said Jasper. ``I am afraid Gilbert & Mack +wouldn't raise your wages.'' + +``I don't expect it. All the rest of the cash-boys +would ask the same thing.'' + +``True; still I know they are very well pleased +with you. Duncan told me you did more work than +any of the rest of the boys.'' + +``I try to do all I can.'' + +``He said you would make a good salesman, he +thought. Of course you are too young for that yet.'' + +``I suppose I am.'' + +``Frank, I am earning fifteen dollars a week, you +know, and I can get along on ten, but of the five I +save let me give you two. I shall never feel it, and +by and by when you are promoted it won't be necessary.'' + +``Jasper, you are a true friend,'' said Frank, +warmly; ``but it wouldn't be right for me to accept +your kind offer, though I shan't forget it. You have +been a good friend to me.'' + +``And you to me, Frank. I'll look out for you. +Perhaps I may hear of something for you.'' + +Small as Frank's income was, he had managed to +live within it. It will be remembered that he had +paid but fifty cents a week for a room. By great +economy he had made his meals cost but two dollars +a week, so that out of his three dollars he saved +fifty cents. But this saving would not be sufficient +to pay for his clothes. However, he had had no +occasion to buy any as yet, and his little fund +altogether amounted to twenty dollars. Of this sum he +inclosed{sic} eight dollars to Mr. Pomeroy to pay for four +weeks' board for Grace. + +``I hope I shall be able to keep it up,'' he said to +himself, thoughtfully. ``At any rate, I've got enough +to pay for six weeks more. Before that time something +may turn up.'' + +Several days passed without showing Frank any +way by which he could increase his income. Jasper +again offered to give him two dollars a week out of +his own wages, but this our hero steadily refused. + +One Friday evening, just as the store was about +to close, the head salesman called Frank to him. + +``Where do you live?'' he asked. + +``In Sixth avenue, near Twenty-fifth street.'' + +``There's a bundle to go to Forty-sixth street. I'll +pay your fare upon the stage if you'll carry it. I +promised to send it to-night, and I don't like to +disappoint the lady.'' + +``I can carry it just as well as not.'' + +Frank took the bundle, and got on board a passing +omnibus. There was just one seat vacant beside an +old gentleman of seventy, who appeared to be quite +feeble. + +At Forty-fifth street he pulled the strap and +prepared to descend, leaning heavily on his cane as he +did so. By some mischance the horses started a +little too soon and the old man, losing his footing, +fell in the street. Frank observed the accident and +sprang out instantly to his help. + +``I hope you are not much hurt, sir?'' he said, hastily. + +``I have hurt my knee,'' said the old gentleman. + +``Let me assist you, sir,'' said Frank, helping him +up. + +``Thank you, my boy. I live at number forty-five, +close by. If you will lead me to the door and into +the house I shall be much indebted to you.'' + +``Certainly, sir. It is no trouble to me.'' + +With slow step, supported by our hero, the old +gentleman walked to his own door. + +It was opened by a maid servant, who looked with +some surprise at Frank. + +``I fell, Mary,'' explained her master, ``and this +young gentleman has kindly helped me home.'' + +``Did you hurt yourself much, sir?'' + +``Not seriously.'' + +``Can I do anything more for you, sir?'' asked +Frank. + +``Come in a moment.'' + +Our hero followed his new acquaintance into a +handsomely furnished parlor. + +``Now, my young friend tell me if you have been +taken out of your way by your attention to me?'' + +``Oh, no, sir; I intended to get out at the next +street.'' + +``My dinner is just ready. Won't you stop and +dine with me?'' + +``Thank you, sir,'' he said, hesitatingly, ``but I +promised to carry this bundle. I believe it is wanted +at once.'' + +``So you shall. You say the house is in the next +street. You can go and return in five minutes. You +have done me a service, and I may have it in my +power to do something for you in return.'' + +``Perhaps,'' thought Frank, ``he can help me to +some employment for my evenings.'' Then, aloud: + +``Thank you, sir; I will come.'' + +Five minutes later Frank was ushered into a +handsome dining-room. The dinner was already on +the table, but chairs were only set for three. The +one at the head of the table was of course occupied +by the old gentleman, the one opposite by Mrs. Bradley, +his housekeeper, and one at the side was placed +for Frank. + +``Mrs. Bradley,'' said the old gentleman, ``this is +a young gentleman who was kind enough to help me +home after the accident of which I just spoke to you. +I would mention his name, but I must leave that to +him.'' + +``Frank Fowler, sir.'' + +``And my name is Wharton. Now that we are all +introduced, we can talk more freely.'' + +``Will you have some soup, Mr. Fowler?'' asked the +housekeeper. + +She was a tall thin woman, with a reserved +manner that was somewhat repellant. She had only +nodded slightly at the introduction, fixing her eyes +coldly and searchingly on the face of our hero. It +was evident that whatever impression the service +rendered might have made upon the mind of Mr. +Wharton, it was not calculated to warm the +housekeeper to cordiality. + +``Thank you,'' he answered, but he could not help +feeling at the same time that Mrs. Bradley was not +a very agreeable woman. + +``You ought to have a good appetite,'' said Mr. +Wharton. ``You have to work hard during the day. +Our young friend is a cash-boy at Gilbert & Mack's, +Mrs. Bradley. + +``Oh, indeed!'' said Mrs. Bradley, arching her +brows as much as to say: ``You have invited strange +company to dinner.'' + +``Do your parents live in the city, Frank--I +believe your name is Frank?'' + +``No, sir; they are dead. My mother died only a +few weeks since.'' + +``And have you no brothers and sisters?'' + +``I have one sister--Grace.'' + +``I suppose she is in the city here with you?'' + +``No, sir. I left her in the country. I am here +alone.'' + +``I will ask you more about yourself after dinner. +If you have no engagement, I should like to have +you stay with me a part of the evening.'' + +``Thank you, sir.'' + +Frank accepted the invitation, though he knew +Jasper would wonder what had become of him. He +saw that the old gentleman was kindly disposed +toward him, and in his present circumstances he needed +such a friend. + +But in proportion as Mr. Wharton became more +cordial, Mrs. Bradley became more frosty, until at +last the old gentleman noticed her manner. + +``Don't you feel well this evening, Mrs Bradley?'' +he asked. + +``I have a little headache,'' said the housekeeper, +coldly. + +``You had better do something for it.'' + +``It will pass away of itself, sir.'' + +They arose from the dinner table, and Mr. +Wharton, followed by Frank, ascended the staircase to +the front room on the second floor, which was +handsomely fitted up as a library, + +``What makes him take such notice of a mere cash- +boy?'' said Mrs. Bradley to herself. ``That boy reminds +me of somebody. Who is it?'' + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +AN UNEXPECTED ENGAGEMENT + + +``Take a seat, Frank,'' said Mr. Wharton, pointing +to a luxurious armchair on one side of the cheerful +grate fire; ``I will take the other, and you shall tell +me all about yourself.'' + +``Thank you, sir,'' said our hero. + +His confidence was won by Mr. Wharton's kind +tone, and he briefly recounted his story. + +At the conclusion, Mr. Wharton said: + +``How old are you, Frank ?'' + +``Fourteen, sir.'' + +``You are a brave boy, and a good boy, and you +deserve success.'' + +``Thank you, sir.'' + +``But I am bound to say that you have a hard task +before you.'' + +``I know it, sir.'' + +``Why not let your sister go to the poorhouse for a +few years, till you are older, and better able to +provide for her?'' + +``I should be ashamed to do it, sir,'' he said. ``I +promised my mother to take care of Grace, and I +will.'' + +``How much do you earn as a cash-boy?'' + +``Three dollars a week.'' + +``Only three dollars a week! Why, that won't pay +your own expenses!'' said the old gentleman in surprise. + +``Yes, sir, it does. I pay fifty cents a week for my +room, and my meals don't cost me much.'' + +``But you will want clothes.'' + +``I have enough for the present, and I am laying +up fifty cents a week to buy more when I need them.'' + +``You can't buy many for twenty-six dollars a +year. But that doesn't allow anything for your +sister's expenses.'' + +``That is what puzzles me, sir,'' said Frank, fixing +a troubled glance upon the fire. ``I shall have to +work in the evenings for Grace.'' + +``What can you do?'' + +``I could copy, but I suppose there isn't much +chance of getting copying to do.'' + +``Then you have a good handwriting?'' + +``Pretty fair, sir.'' + +``Let me see a specimen. There are pen and ink +on the table, and here is a sheet of paper.'' + +Frank seated himself at the table, and wrote his +name on the paper. + +``Very good,'' said his host, approvingly. ``Your +hand is good enough for a copyist, but you are correct +in supposing that work of that kind is hard +to get. Are you a good reader?'' + +``Do you mean in reading aloud, sir?'' + +``Yes.'' + +``I will try, if you wish.'' + +``Take a book from the table--any book--and let +me hear you read.'' + +Frank opened the first book that came to hand-- +one of Irving's and read in a clear, unembarrassed +voice about half a page. + +``Very good indeed!'' said Mr. Wharton. ``You +have been well taught. Where did you attend +school?'' + +``Only in the town school, sir.'' + +``You have, at any rate, made good use of your +advantages.'' + +``But will it do me any good, sir?'' asked Frank. + +``People are not paid for reading, are they?'' + +``Not in general, but we will suppose the case of +a person whose eyes are weak, and likely to be badly +affected by evening use. Then suppose such a person +could secure the services of a good, clear, distinct +reader, don't you think he would be willing to +pay something?'' + +``I suppose so. Do you know of any such person?'' +asked Frank. + +``I am describing myself, Frank. A year since I +strained my eyes very severely, and have never dared +to use them much since by gaslight. Mrs. Bradley, +my housekeeper, has read to me some, but she has +other duties, and I don't think she enjoys it very +much. Now, why shouldn't I get you to read to me +in the evening when you are not otherwise employed?'' + +``I wish you would, Mr. Wharton,'' said Frank, +eagerly. ``I would do my best.'' + +``I have no doubt of that, but there is another +question--perhaps you might ask a higher salary +than I could afford to pay.'' + +``Would a dollar a week be too much?'' asked +Frank. + +``I don't think I could complain of that,'' said Mr. +Wharton, gravely. ``Very well, I will engage you as +my reader.'' + +``Thank you, sir.'' + +``But about the pay; I have made up my mind to +pay you five dollars a week.'' + +``Five dollars a week!'' Frank repeated. ``It is +much more than my services will be worth sir.'' + +``Let me judge of that, Frank.'' + +``I don't know how to thank you, sir,'' said Frank, +gratefully. ``I never expected to be so rich. I shall +have no trouble in paying for Grace's board and +clothes now. When do you want me to begin reading to you?'' + +``You may as well begin to-night--that is, unless +you have some other engagement.'' + +``Oh, no, sir, I have nothing else to do.'' + +``Take the Evening Post, then, and read me the +leading editorial. Afterward, I will tell you what to +read.'' + +Frank had been reading about half an hour, when +a knock was heard at the door. + +``Come in,'' said Mr. Wharton. + +Mrs. Bradley entered, with a soft, quiet step. + +``I thought, sir,'' she began, ``you might like me +to read to you, as usual.'' + +``Thank you, Mrs. Bradley, but I am going to +relieve you of that portion of your labors. My young +friend here is to come every evening and read to +me.'' + +``Indeed!'' ejaculated the housekeeper in a tone of +chilly displeasure, and a sharp glance at Frank, +which indicated no great amount of cordiality. +``Then, as I am intruding, I will take my leave.'' + +There was something in her tone that made Frank +feel uncomfortable. + + + +CHAPTER IX + +THE HOUSEKEEPER'S NEPHEW + + +``By no means,'' said Mr. Wharton, as the +housekeeper was about to withdraw; ``don't imagine you +are intruding. Come in and sit down.'' + +``Thank you, sir,'' said Mrs. Bradley, in a +measured tone. ``You are very considerate, I am sure, +but if you'll excuse me, I won't come in this evening.'' + +``Mrs. Bradley has been with me a good many +years,'' explained Mr. Wharton, ``and I dare say she +feels a little disturbed at seeing another occupy her +place, even in a duty like this.'' + +``I am afraid she will be offended with me, sir,'' +said Frank. + +``Oh, no; I will explain matters to her. Go on +with your reading, Frank.'' + +At half-past nine, Mr. Wharton took out his watch. + +``It is getting late,'' he said. ``I have no doubt you +are tired and need rest.'' + +``I am not tired, sir.'' + +``I believe in going to bed early. I shall seldom +keep you later than this. Do you think you can find +your way out?'' + +``Yes, sir. When shall I come to-morrow evening?'' + +``A little before eight.'' + +``I will be punctual.'' + +Jasper was waiting for him, not wholly without +anxiety, for it was very unusual for Frank to be late. + +``Well, Frank!'' he exclaimed; ``this is a pretty +time for you to come home. I began to think you +had got into trouble. I was just going around to the +nearest station house in search of you.'' + +``I was in quite a different place, Jasper.'' + +Frank told his story, including an account of his +engagement. + +``So it seems I am to lose your company in the +evening. I am sorry for that, but I am glad you are +so lucky.'' + +``It was better than I expected,'' said Frank, with +satisfaction. + +``What sort of a man is this Mr. Wharton?'' said +Jasper. + +``He is very kind and generous. I am lucky to +have so good a friend. There's only one thing that +is likely to be disagreeable.'' + +``What's that?'' + +``The housekeeper--her name is Mrs. Bradley-- +for some reason or other she doesn't want me there.'' + +``What makes you think so?'' + +``Her manner, and the way she speaks. She came +in to read to Mr. Wharton last evening, and didn't +seem to like it because I had been taken in her place.'' + +``She is evidently jealous. You must take care not +to offend her. She might endeavor to have you dismissed.'' + +``I shall always treat her politely, but I don't think +I can ever like her.'' + +Meanwhile, the housekeeper, on leaving the +library, had gone to her own room in dudgeon. + +``Mr. Wharton's a fool!'' she muttered to herself. + +``What possessed him to take this cash-boy from the +streets, invite him to dinner, and treat him as an +honored guest, and finally to engage him as a reader? +I never heard of anything so ridiculous! Is this little +vagabond to take my place in the old man's good +graces? I've been slaving and slaving for twenty +years, and what have I got by it? I've laid up two +thousand dollars; and what is that to provide for +my old age? If the old man would die, and remember +me handsomely in his will, it would be worth +while; but this new favorite may stand in my way. +If he does I'll be revenged on him as sure as my name +is Ulrica Bradley.'' + +Here the area bell rang, and in a moment one of +the housemaids entered Mrs. Bradley's room. + +``There's your nephew outside, ma'am, and wanting +to see you.'' + +``Tell him to come in,'' and the housekeeper's cold +face became softer and pleasanter in aspect as a +young man of twenty entered and greeted her carelessly. + +``How are you, aunt?'' + +``Pretty well, Thomas,'' she answered. ``You +haven't been here for some time.'' + +``No. I've had a lot of work to do. Nothing but +work, work, all the time,'' he grumbled. ``I wish I +was rich.'' + +``You get through at six o'clock, don't you?'' + +``Yes.'' + +``I hope you spend your evenings profitably, +Thomas?'' + +``I ain't likely to go on any sprees, aunt, if that's +what you mean. I only get twelve dollars a week.'' + +``I should think you might live on it.'' + +``Starve, you mean. What's twelve dollars to a +young fellow like me when he's got his board to pay, +and has to dress like a gentleman?'' + +``You are not in debt, I hope, Thomas?'' said Mrs. +Bradley, uneasily. + +``I owe for the suit I have on, and I don't know +where I'm going to get the money to pay for it.'' + +He was dressed in a flashy style, not unlike what is +popularly denominated a swell. His coarse features +were disfigured with unhealthy blotches, and his outward +appearance was hardly such as to recommend +him. But to him alone the cold heart of the +housekeeper was warm. He was her sister's son and her +nearest relative. Her savings were destined for him, +and in her attachment she was not conscious of his +disagreeable characteristics. She had occasionally +given him a five-dollar bill to eke out what he termed +his miserable pay, and now whenever he called he +didn't spare hints that he was out of pocket, and +that a further gift would be acceptable. Indeed, the +only tie that bound him to his aunt was a mercenary +one. + +But the housekeeper, sharp-sighted as she +ordinarily was, did not detect the secret motive of such +attention she received from her nephew. She flattered +herself that he really loved her, not suspecting +that he was too selfish to love anybody but himself. + +``Thomas,'' she said, with a sudden thought, ``I +may be able to help you to an increase of your income. +Mr. Wharton needs somebody to read to him +evenings. On my recommendation he might take +you.'' + +``Thank you, aunt, but I don't see it. I don't +want to be worked to death.'' + +``But, think, Thomas,'' said his aunt, earnestly. +``He is very rich. He might take a fancy to you +and remember you in his will.'' + +``I wish somebody would remember me in his will. +Do you really think there's any chance of the old +boy's doing something handsome for me?'' + +``That depends on yourself. You must try to +please him.'' + +``Well, I must do something. What'll he give?'' + +``I don't know yet. In fact, there's another +reading to him just now.'' + +``Then there's no chance for me.'' + +``Listen to me. It's a boy he's picked up in the +streets, quite unsuited for the place. He's a cash- +boy at Gilbert & Mack's. Why, that's where you +are,'' she added, with sudden recollection. + +``A cash-boy from my own place? What's his +name?'' + +``Fowler, I believe.'' + +``I know him--he's lately come. How did he get +in with the old man?'' + +``Mr. Wharton fell in the street, and he happened +to be near, and helped him home.'' + +``You'll have to manage it, aunt.'' + +``I'll see what I can do to-morrow. He ought to +prefer my nephew to a strange boy, seeing I have +been twenty years in his service. I'll let you know +as soon as I have accomplished anything.'' + +``I don't half like the idea of giving up my +evenings. I don't believe I can stand it.'' + +``It is only for a little while, to get him interested +in you.'' + +``Maybe I might try it a week, and then tell him +my health was failing, and get him to do something +else for me.'' + +``At any rate, the first thing must be to become +acquainted.'' + +Thomas now withdrew, for he did not enjoy spending +an evening with his aunt, the richer by five dollars, +half of which was spent before the evening +closed at a neighboring billiard saloon. + + + +CHAPTER X + +THE HOUSEKEEPER SCHEMING + + +If Mrs. Bradley had been wiser, she would have +felt less confident of her nephew's producing a favorable +impression upon Mr. Wharton. She resolved to +open the subject at the breakfast table + +``I didn't know, Mr. Wharton,'' she commenced, +``that you intended to engage a reader.'' + +``Nor did I propose to do so until last evening.'' + +``I think--you'll excuse me for saying so--that +you will find that boy too young to suit you.'' + +``I don't think so. He reads very clearly and +distinctly.'' + +``If I had known you thought of engaging a +reader, I would have asked you to engage my +nephew.'' + +``Indeed, I was not aware that you had a nephew +in the city. Is he a boy?'' + +``No; he is a young man. He was twenty years +old last June.'' + +``Is he unfavorably situated?'' + +``He has a place as salesman.'' + +``With what firm?'' + +``Gilbert & Mack.'' + +``Why, that is the same firm that employs my +young friend. It is a good firm.'' + +``Perhaps it is, but my poor nephew receives a +very small salary. He finds it very hard to get +along.'' + +``Your nephew is young. He will be promoted if +he serves his employers well.'' + +``Thomas would have been glad to read to you in +the evening, sir,'' said Mrs. Bradley, commencing +the attack. + +``But for my present engagement, I might have +taken him,'' said Mr. Wharton, politely. + +``Have you engaged that boy for any length of +time?'' + +``No; but it is understood that he will stay while +I need him, and he continues to suit me. I have a +favorable opinion of him. Besides, he needs the pay. +He receives but three dollars a week as a cash-boy, +and has a sister to support as well as himself.'' + +``I am sorry,'' she said in an injured tone. ``I +hope you'll excuse my mentioning it, but I took the +liberty, having been for twenty years in your employ.'' + +``To be sure! You were quite right,'' said her +employer, kindly. ``Perhaps I may be able to do +something for your nephew, though not that. Tell +him to come and see me some time.'' + +``Thank you, sir,'' said the housekeeper. + +There was one question she wanted to determine, +and that was the amount of compensation received +by Frank. She did not like to inquire directly from +Mr. Wharton, but resolved to gain the information +from our hero. Some evenings later she had the +opportunity. Mr. Wharton had an engagement, and +asked her to tell Frank, when he arrived that he +was released from duty. Instead of this she received +him in the library herself. + +``Probably Mr. Wharton will not be at home this +evening,'' she said. ``If he does not return in half +an hour, you need not wait.'' + +She took up her work, seated in Mr. Wharton's +usual place, and Frank remained ready for duty. + +``Mr. Wharton tells me you have a sister,'' she +said. + +``Yes, ma'am.'' + +``You must find it hard work to provide for her +as well as yourself.'' + +``I do, or rather I did till I came here.'' + +``How much does Mr. Wharton pay you?'' she +asked, in an indifferent tone. + +``Five dollars a week,'' answered Frank. + +``You are lucky that you have such a chance,'' she +said. + +``Yes, ma'am; it is more than I earn, I know, but +it is a great help to me.'' + +``And how much do you get as cash-boy?'' + +``Three dollars a week.'' + +``So you actually receive nearly twice as much for +a couple of hours in the evening as for the whole +day.'' + +``Yes, ma'am.'' + +``What a pity Thomas can't have this chance,'' she +thought. + +When it was nine o'clock, she said: + +``You need not wait any longer. Mr. Wharton +will not be home in time to hear you read.'' + +``Good-evening, Mrs. Bradley,'' said Frank. + +``Good-evening!'' she responded, coldly. + +``That boy is in the way,'' she said to herself, +when she was left alone. ``He is in my way, and +Tom's way. I can see that he is artfully intriguing +for Mr. Wharton's favor, but I must checkmate him. +It's odd,'' she resumed, after a pause, ``but there is +something in his face and voice that seems familiar +to me. What is it?'' + + + * * * * * + + +The following evening the housekeeper received +another visit from her nephew. + +``How do, aunt?'' said Thomas Bradley, carelessly, +as he entered the housekeeper's room. + +``Very well, thank you, Thomas. I am glad you +are here. I have been wanting to see you.'' + +``The old man isn't going to do anything for me, +is he?'' + +``How can you expect it so soon? He doesn't +know you yet. How much do you think he pays the +cash-boy that reads to him in the evening?'' + +``I don't know.'' + +``Five dollars a week.'' + +``I wouldn't give up my evenings for that,'' he said. + +``It isn't so much the pay, Thomas, though that +would be a help. He might take a fancy to you.'' + +``That might pay better. When are you going to +introduce me?'' + +``This evening; that is, I will ask Mr. Wharton +if he will see you.'' + +Mrs. Bradley entered the library, where Frank +was engaged in reading aloud. + +``Excuse my interruption,'' she said; ``but my +nephew has just called, and I should like to introduce +him to you, if you will kindly receive him.'' + +``Certainly, Mrs. Bradley,'' said Mr. Wharton. +``Bring him in.'' + +The housekeeper left the room, but speedily +reappeared, followed by her nephew, who seemed a +little abashed. + +``My nephew, Thomas Bradley, Mr. Wharton,'' +said his aunt, by way of introduction. ``You have +often heard me speak of Mr. Wharton, Thomas.'' + +``How do you do, sir?'' said Thomas awkwardly. + +``Pray take a seat, Mr. Bradley. Your aunt has +been long a member of my family. I am glad to see +a nephew of hers. I believe you are a salesman at +Gilbert & Mack's?'' + +``Yes, sir.'' + +``Then you must know my young friend here?'' +pointing to Frank. + +``How are you, Cash?'' said Thomas, laughing, +under the impression that he had said something +smart. + +``Very well, Mr. Bradley,'' answered Frank, +quietly. + +``You see, that's all the name we call 'em in the +store,'' said Thomas. + +Mr. Wharton could not help thinking: + +``How poorly this young man compares with my +young friend. Still, as he is Mrs. Bradley's nephew, +I must be polite to him.'' + +``Are there many cash-boys in your establishment, +Mr. Bradley?'' + +``About a dozen. Ain't there, Fowler?'' + +``I believe so, Mr. Bradley.'' + +``Gilbert & Mack do a good business, I should +judge.'' + +``Yes, they do; but that doesn't do us poor +salesmen much good. We get just enough to keep soul +and body together.'' + +``I am sorry to hear it,'' said Mr. Wharton. + +``Why, sir,'' said Thomas, gaining confidence, ``all +they pay me is twelve dollars a week. How can +they expect a fellow to live on that?'' + +``I began my career about your age,'' said Mr. +Wharton, ``or perhaps a little younger, and had to +live on but six dollars a week.'' + +``Didn't you come near starving?'' he asked. + +``On the contrary, I saved a little every week.'' + +``I can't,'' said Thomas, a little discomfited. ``Why, +it takes half that to dress decently.'' + +Mr. Wharton glanced quietly at the rather loud +and flashy dress worn by his visitor, but only said: + +``A small salary, of course, makes economy necessary.'' + +``But when a fellow knows he earns a good deal +more than he gets, he doesn't feel like starving himself +just that his employers may grow rich.'' + +``Of course, if he can better himself they cannot +object.'' + +``That's just what I want to do,'' said Thomas; ``but +I expect I need influence to help me to something +better. That's a good hint,'' thought he. + +``I was telling Thomas,'' said the housekeeper, +``that you had kindly expressed a desire to be of +service to him.'' + +``I am not now in active business,'' said Mr. Wharton, +``and of course have not the opportunities I +formerly had for helping young men, but I will bear +your case in mind, Mr. Bradley.'' + +``Thank you, sir,'' said Thomas. ``I am sure I +earn a thousand dollars a year.'' + +``I think, Thomas,'' said Mrs. Bradley, ``we won't +intrude on Mr. Wharton longer this evening. When +he finds something for you he will tell me.'' + +``All right, aunt. Good-night, Mr. Wharton. Good- +night, Cash,'' said Thomas, chuckling anew at the +old joke. + +``Well, aunt,'' said he, when they were once more +in the housekeeper's room, ``do you think the old +gentleman will do anything for me?'' + +``I hope so; but I am not sure, Thomas, whether +you were not too familiar. You spoke of money too +quick.'' + +``It's my way to come to business.'' + +``I wish you were his reader, instead of that boy.'' + +``Well, I don't. I wouldn't want to he mewed up +in that room with the old man every night. I should +get tired to death of it.'' + +``You would have a chance to get him interested +in you. That boy is artful; he is doing all he can to +win Mr. Wharton's favor. He is the one you have +most reason to dread.'' + +``Do you think he will do me any harm?'' + +``I think he will injure your chances.'' + +``Egad! if I thought that, I'd wring the young +rascal's neck.'' + +``There's a better way, Thomas.'' + +``What's that?'' + +``Can't you get him dismissed from Gilbert & +Mack's?'' + +``I haven't enough influence with the firm.'' + +``Suppose they thought him dishonest?'' + +``They'd give him the sack, of course.'' + +``Can't you make them think so, Thomas?'' + +``I don't know.'' + +``Then make it your business to find out.'' + +``I suppose you know what good it's going to do, +aunt, but I don't. He's got his place here with the +old man.'' + +``If Mr. Wharton hears that he is discharged, and +has lost his situation, he will probably discharge +him, too.'' + +``Perhaps so; I suppose you know best.'' + +``Do as I tell you, and I will manage the rest.'' + +``All right. I need your help enough. To-night, +for instance, I'm regularly cleaned out. Haven't got +but twenty-five cents to my name.'' + +``It seems to me, Thomas,'' said his aunt, with a +troubled look, ``you are always out of money. I'll +give you five dollars, Thomas, but you must remember +that I am not made of money. My wages are +small.'' + +``You ought to have a good nest-egg laid aside, +aunt.'' + +``I've got something, Thomas, and when I die, it'll +be yours.'' + +``I hope I shan't have to wait too long,'' thought +Thomas, but he did not give utterance to the +thought.'' + +``Come again, Thomas, and don't forget what I +have said,'' said Mrs. Bradley. + + + +CHAPTER XI + +JOHN WADE + + +A tall man, with a sallow complexion, and heavily- +bearded face, stood on the deck of a Cunard steamer, +only a few miles distant from New York harbor. + +``It's three years since I have seen America,'' he +said to himself, thoughtfully. ``I suppose I ought to +feel a patriotic fervor about setting foot once more +on my native shore, but I don't believe in nonsense. +I would be content to live in Europe all my life, if +my uncle's fortune were once in my possession. I +am his sole heir, but he persists in holding on to +his money bags, and limits me to a paltry three thousand +a year. I must see if I can't induce him to give +me a good, round sum on account--fifty thousand, +at least--and then I can wait a little more patiently +till he drops off.'' + +``When shall we reach port, captain?'' he asked, +as he passed that officer. + +``In four hours, I think, Mr. Wade.'' + +``So this is my birthday,'' he said to himself. + +``Thirty five years old to-day. Half my life gone, +and I am still a dependent on my uncle's bounty. +Suppose he should throw me off--leave me out in +the cold--where should I be? If he should find the +boy--but no, there is no chance of that. I have +taken good care of that. By the way, I must look +him up soon--cautiously, of course--and see what +has become of him. He will grow up a laborer or +mechanic and die without a knowledge of his birth, +while I fill his place and enjoy his inheritance.'' + +At six o'clock the vessel reached the Quarantine. +Most of the passengers decided to remain on board +one night more, but John Wade was impatient, and, +leaving his trunks, obtained a small boat, and soon +touched the shore. + +It was nearly eight when John Wade landed in +the city. It was half-past eight when he stood on +the steps of his uncle's residence and rang the bell. + +``Is my uncle is Mr. Wharton--at home?'' he +asked of the servant who answered the bell. + +``Yes, sir.'' + +``I am his nephew, just arrived from Europe. Let +him know that I am here, and would like to see +him.'' + +The servant, who had never before seen him, +having only been six months in the house, regarded him +with a great deal of curiosity, and then went to do +his biddng. + +``My nephew arrived!'' exclaimed Mr. Wharton, in +surprise. ``Why, he never let me know he was coming.'' + +``Will you see him, sir?'' + +``To be sure! Bring him in at once.'' + +``My dear uncle!'' exclaimed John Wade, with +effusion, for he was a polite man, and could act when it +suited his interests to do so, ``I am glad to see you. +How is your health?'' + +``I am getting older every day, John.'' + +``You don't look a day older, sir,'' said John, who +did not believe what he said, for he could plainly +see that his uncle had grown older since he last saw +him. + +``You think so, John, but I feel it. Your coming +is a surprise. You did not write that you intended +sailing.'' + +``I formed the determination very suddenly, sir.'' + +``Were you tired of Europe?'' + +``No; but I wanted to see you, sir.'' + +``Thank you, John,'' said his uncle, pressing his +nephew's hand. ``I am glad you think so much of +me. Did you have a pleasant voyage?'' + +``Rather rough, sir.'' + +``You have had no supper, of course? If you will +ring the bell, the housekeeper will see that some is +got ready for you.'' + +``Is Mrs. Bradley still in your employ, uncle?'' + +``Yes, John. I am so used to her that I shouldn't +know how to get along without her.'' + +Hitherto John Wade had been so occupied with his +uncle that he had not observed Frank. But at this +moment our hero coughed, involuntarily, and John +Wade looked at him. He seemed to be singularly +affected. He started perceptibly, and his sallow face +blanched, as his eager eyes were fixed on the boy's +face. + +``Good heavens!'' he muttered to himself. ``Who is +that boy? How comes he here?'' + +Frank noticed his intent gaze, and wondered at it, +but Mr. Wharton's eyesight was defective, and he +did not perceive his nephew's excitement. + +``I see you have a young visitor, uncle,'' said John +Wade. + +``Oh, yes,'' said Mr. Wharton, with a kindly smile. +``He spends all his evenings with me.'' + +``What do you mean, sir?'' demanded John Wade, +with sudden suspicion and fear. ``He seems very +young company for----'' + +``For a man of my years,'' said Mr. Wharton, +finishing the sentence. ``You are right, John. But, you +see, my eyes are weak, and I cannot use them for +reading in the evening, so it occurred to me to engage +a reader.'' + +``Very true,'' said his nephew. He wished to +inquire the name of the boy whose appearance had so +powerfully impressed him but he determined not to +do so at present. What information he sought he +preferred to obtain from the housekeeper. + +``He seemed surprised, as if he had seen me some +where before, and recognized me,'' thought Frank, +``but I don't remember him. If I had seen his face +before, I think I should remember it.'' + +``Don't come out, uncle.'' said John Wade, when +summoned to tea by the housekeeper. ``Mrs. Bradley +and I are going to have a chat by ourselves, and +I will soon return.'' + +``You are looking thin, Mr. John,'' said Mrs Bradley. + +``Am I thinner than usual? I never was very +corpulent, you know. How is my uncle's health? He +says he is well.'' + +``He is pretty well, but he isn't as young as he +was.'' + +``I think he looks older,'' said John. ``But that is +not surprising--at his age. He is seventy, isn't he?'' + +``Not quite. He is sixty-nine.'' + +``His father died at seventy-one.'' + +``Yes.'' + +``But that is no reason why my uncle should not +live till eighty. I hope he will.'' + +``We all hope so,'' said the housekeeper; but she +knew, while she spoke, that if, as she supposed, Mr. +Wharton's will contained a generous legacy for her, +his death would not afflict her much. She suspected +also that John Wade was waiting impatiently for +his uncle's death, that he might enter upon his +inheritance. Still, their little social fictions must be +kept up, and so both expressed a desire for his continued +life, though neither was deceived as to the +other's real feeling on the subject. + +``By the way, Mrs. Bradley,'' said John Wade, +``how came my uncle to engage that boy to read to +him?'' + +``He was led into it, sir,'' said the housekeeper, +with a great deal of indignation, ``by the boy himself. +He's an artful and designing fellow, you may +rely upon it.'' + +``What's his name?'' + +``Frank Fowler.'' + +``Fowler! Is his name Fowler?'' he repeated, with +a startled expression. + +``Yes, sir,'' answered the housekeeper, rather +surprised at his manner. ``You don't know anything +about him, do you?'' + +``Oh, no,'' said John Wade, recovering his composure. +``He is a perfect stranger to me; but I once +knew a man of that name, and a precious rascal he +was. When you mentioned his name, I thought he +might be a son of this man. Does he say his father +is alive?'' + +``No; he is dead, and his mother, too, so the boy +says.'' + +``You haven't told me how my uncle fell in with +him?'' + +``It was an accident. Your uncle fell in getting +out of a Broadway stage, and this boy happened to +be near, and seeing Mr. Wharton was a rich gentleman, +he helped him home, and was invited in. Then +he told some story about his poverty, and so worked +upon your uncle's feelings that he hired him to read +to him at five dollars a week.'' + +``Is this all the boy does?'' + +``No; he is cash-boy in a large store on Broadway. +He is employed there all day, and he is here only in +the evenings.'' + +``Does my uncle seem attached to him?'' asked +John. + +``He's getting fond of him, I should say. The other +day he asked me if I didn't think it would be a good +thing to take him into the house and give him a +room. I suppose the boy put it into his head.'' + +``No doubt. What did you say?'' + +``I opposed it. I told him that a boy would be a +great deal of trouble in the family.'' + +``You did right, Mrs. Bradley. What did my uncle +say?'' + +``He hinted about taking him from the store and +letting him go to school. The next thing would be +his adopting him. The fact is, Mr. John, the boy is +so artful that he knows just how to manage your +uncle. No doubt he put the idea into Mr. Wharton's +head, and he may do it yet.'' + +``Does my uncle give any reason for the fancy he +has taken to the boy?'' demanded John + +``Yes,'' said the housekeeper. ``He has taken it +into his head that the boy resembles your cousin, +George, who died abroad. You were with him, I +believe?'' + +``Yes, I was with him. Is the resemblance strong? +I took very little notice of him.'' + +``You can look for yourself when you go back,'' +answered the housekeeper. + +``What else did my uncle say? Tell me all.'' + +``He said: `What would I give, Mrs. Bradley, if +I had such a grandson? If George's boy had lived, +he would have been about Frank's age. And,'' continued +the housekeeper, ``I might as well speak +plainly. You're my master's heir, or ought to be; +but if this artful boy stays here long, there's no +knowing what your uncle may be influenced to do. +If he gets into his dotage, he may come to adopt him, +and leave the property away from you.'' + +``I believe you are quite right. The danger exists, +and we must guard against it. I see you don't like +the boy,'' said John Wade. + +``No, I don't. He's separated your uncle and me. +Before he came, I used to spend my evenings in the +library, and read to your uncle. Besides, when I +found your uncle wanted a reader, I asked him to +take my nephew, who is a salesman in the very same +store where that boy is a cash-boy, but although I've +been twenty years in this house I could not get him to +grant the favor, which he granted to that boy, whom +he never met till a few weeks ago.'' + +``Mrs. Bradley, I sympathize with you,'' said her +companion. ``The boy is evidently working against +us both. You have been twenty years in my uncle's +service. He ought to remember you handsomely in +his will. If I inherit the property, as is my right, +your services shall be remembered,'' said John Wade. + +``Thank you, Mr. John,'' said the gratified housekeeper. + +``That secures her help,'' thought John, in his turn. + +``She will now work hard for me. When the time +comes, I can do as much or as little for her as I +please.'' + +``Of course, we must work together against this +interloper, who appears to have gained a dangerous +influence over my uncle.'' + +``You can depend upon me, Mr. John,'' said Mrs. +Bradley. + +``I will think it over, and tell you my plan,'' said +John Wade. ``But my uncle will wonder at my appetite. +I must go back to the library. We will speak +of this subject again.'' + + + +CHAPTER XII + +A FALSE FRIEND + + +When John Wade re-entered the library, Frank +was reading, but Mr. Wharton stopped him. + +``That will do, Frank,'' he said. ``As I have not +seen my nephew for a long time, I shall not require +you to read any longer. You can go, if you like.'' + +Frank bowed, and bidding the two good-evening, +left the room. + +``That is an excellent boy, John.'' said the old +gentleman, as the door closed upon our hero. + +``How did you fall in with him?'' asked John. Mr. +Wharton told the story with which the reader is +already familiar. + +``You don't know anything of his antecedents, I +suppose?'' said John, carelessly. + +``Only what he told me. His father and mother +are dead, and he is obliged to support himself and +his sister. Did you notice anything familiar in +Frank's expression?'' asked Mr. Wharton. + +``I don't know. I didn't observe him very closely.'' + +``Whenever I look at Frank, I think of George. I +suppose that is why I have felt more closely drawn +to the boy. I proposed to Mrs. Bradley that the +boy should have a room here, but she did not favor +it. I think she is prejudiced against him.'' + +``Probably she is afraid he would be some trouble,'' +replied John. + +``If George's boy had lived he would be about +Frank's age. It would have been a great comfort to +me to superintend his education, and watch him +grow up. I could not have wished him to be more +gentlemanly or promising than my young reader.'' + +``Decidedly, that boy is in my way,'' said John +Wade to himself. ``I must manage to get rid of him, +and that speedily, or my infatuated uncle will be +adopting him.'' + +``Of what disease did George's boy die, John?'' +asked Mr. Wharton. + +``A sudden fever.'' + +``I wish I could have seen him before he died. But +I returned only to find both son and grandson gone. +I had only the sad satisfaction of seeing his grave.'' + +``Yes, he was buried in the family lot at Greenwood, +five days before you reached home.'' + +``When I see men of my own age, surrounded by +children and grandchildren, it makes me almost +envious,'' said Mr. Wharton, sadly. ``I declare to you, +John, since that boy has been with me, I have felt +happier and more cheerful than for years.'' + +``That boy again!'' muttered John to himself. ``I +begin to hate the young cub, but I mustn't show it. +My first work will be to separate him from my uncle. +That will require consideration. I wonder whether +the boy knows that he is not Fowler's son? I must +find out. If he does, and should happen to mention +it in my uncle's presence, it might awaken suspicions +in his mind. I must interview the boy, and +find out what I can. To enlist his confidence, I +must assume a friendly manner.'' + +In furtherance of this determination, John Wade +greeted our hero very cordially the next evening, +when they met, a little to Frank's surprise. + +When the reading terminated, John Wade said, +carelessly: + +``I believe, uncle, I will go out for a walk. I think +I shall be better for it. ln what direction are you +going, Frank?'' + +``Down Sixth Avenue, sir.'' + +``Very good; I will walk along with you.'' + +Frank and his companion walked toward Sixth +Avenue. + +``My uncle tells me you have a sister to support,'' +said Wade, opening the conversation. + +``Yes, sir.'' + +``Does your sister resemble you?'' asked John +Wade. + +``No, sir! but that is not surprising, for----'' + +``Why is it not surprising?'' + +Frank hesitated. + +``You were about to assign some reason.'' + +``It is a secret,'' said our hero, slowly; ``that is, +has been a secret, but I don't know why I should +conceal it. Grace is not my sister. She is Mrs. +Fowler's daughter, but I am not her son. I will tell you +the story.'' + +That story Frank told as briefly as possible. John +Wade listened to it with secret alarm. + +``It is a strange story,'' he said. ``Do you not feel +a strong desire to learn your true parentage?'' + +``Yes, sir. I don't know, but I feel as if I should +some day meet the man who gave me into Mrs. Fowler's +charge.'' + +``You have met him, but it is lucky you don't suspect +it,'' thought John Wade. + +``I am glad you told me this story,'' said he, aloud. + +``It is quite romantic. I may be able to help you in +your search. But let me advise you to tell no one +else at present. No doubt there are parties interested +in keeping the secret of your birth from you. +You must move cautiously, and your chance of solving +the mystery will be improved.'' + +``Thank you, sir. I will follow your advice.'' + +``I was mistaken in him,'' thought Frank. ``I +disliked him at first, but he seems inclined to be my +friend.'' + +When Frank reached his lodging he found Jasper +waiting up for him. He looked thoughtful, so much +so that Frank noticed it. + +``You look as if you had something on your mind,'' Jasper. + +``You have guessed right. I have read that letter.'' + +He drew from his pocket a letter, which Frank +took from his hands. + +``It is from an uncle of mine in Ohio, who is +proprietor of a weekly newspaper. He is getting old, +and finds the work too much for him. He offers me +a thousand dollars a year if I will come out and relieve him.'' + +``That's a good offer, Jasper. I suppose you will +accept it?'' + +``It is for my interest to do so. Probably my uncle +will, after a while, surrender the whole establishment to me.'' + +``I shall be sorry to part with you, Jasper. It will +seem very lonely, but I think you ought to go. It +is a good chance, and if you refuse it you may not +get such another.'' + +``My uncle wants me to come on at once. I think +I will start Monday.'' + +Jasper saw no reason to change his determination, +and on Monday morning he started on his journey to +Ohio. + +Thus, at a critical moment in his fortunes, when +two persons were planning to injure him, he lost the +presence and help of a valued friend. + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +THE SPIDER AND THE FLY + + +``Uncle,'' said John Wade, ``you spoke of inviting +Frank Fowler to occupy a room in the house. Why +don't you do it? It would be more convenient to +you and a very good chance for him.'' + +``I should like it,'' said Mr. Wharton, ``but Mrs. +Bradley did not seem to regard it favorably when +I suggested it.'' + +``Oh, Mrs. Bradley is unused to boys, and she is +afraid he would give her trouble. I'll undertake to +bring her around.'' + +``I wish you would, John. I don't think Frank +would give any trouble, and it would enliven the +house to have a boy here. Besides, he reminds me of +George, as I told you the other day.'' + +``I agree with you, uncle,'' he said. ``He does +remind me a little of George.'' + +``Well, Mrs. Bradley, what do you think I have +done?'' asked John, entering the housekeeper's room +directly after his interview with his uncle. + +``I don't know, Mr. John,'' she answered. + +``I have asked him to give that boy a room in the +house.'' + +``Are you carried away with him as well as your +uncle?'' + +``Not quite. The fact is, I have a motive in what +I am doing. I'll tell you.'' + +He bent over and whispered in her ear. + +``I never should have thought of that.'' + +``You see, our purpose is to convince my uncle +that he is unworthy of his favor. At present that +would be rather difficult, but once get him into the +house and we shall have no trouble.'' + +``I understand.'' + +In due time John Wade announced to his uncle +that the housekeeper had withdrawn her objections +to his plan. + +``Then I'll tell him to-night,'' said Mr. Wharton, +brightening up. + +Shortly after Frank entered the library that +evening Mr. Wharton made the proposal. + +``You are very kind, Mr. Wharton,'' he said. ``I +never thought of such a thing.'' + +``Then it is settled that you are to come. You +can choose your own time for coming.'' + +``I will come to-morrow, sir.'' + +``Very well,'' said Mr. Wharton, with satisfaction. + +The next day, by special favor, Frank got off from +the store two hours earlier than usual. He bought +at a Sixth Avenue basement store, a small, second +hand trunk for two dollars. He packed his scanty +wardrobe into the trunk, which, small as it was he +was unable to fill, and had it carried to Mr. Wharton's +house. + +He asked to see Mrs. Bradley, and she came to +the door. + +``I am glad to see you,'' she said graciously. ``You +may leave your trunk in the hall and I will have it +carried up by the servants.'' + +``Thank you,'' said Frank, and he followed the +housekeeper up the handsome staircase. + +``This is to be your room,'' said the housekeeper, +opening the door of a small chamber on the third +floor. + +``It looks very nice and comfortable,'' said Frank, +looking about him with satisfaction. + +She left the room, and five minutes later our hero's +modest trunk was brought up and deposited in the +room. + +That evening Frank read to Mr. Wharton as usual. + +When nine o'clock came he said: + +``You need not read aloud any more, but if you see +any books in my library which you would like to +read to yourself you may do so. In fact, Frank, +you must consider yourself one of the family, and +act as freely as if you were at home.'' + +``How kind you are to me, Mr. Wharton,'' said +Frank. + +The next morning after Frank had left the house +for his daily task, John Wade entered the housekeeper's room. + +``The boy is out of the way now, Mrs. Bradley,'' +he said. ``You had better see if you have a key that +will unlock his trunk.'' + +The two conspirators went upstairs, and together +entered Frank's room. + +Mrs. Bradley brought out a large bunch of keys, +and successively tried them, but one after another +failed to open it. + +``That's awkward,'' said John Wade. ``I have a +few keys in my pocket. One may possibly answer.'' + +The housekeeper kneeled down, and made a trial +of John Wade's keys. The last one was successful. +The cover was lifted, and the contents were +disclosed. However, neither John nor Mrs. Bradley +seemed particularly interested in the articles for +after turning them over they locked the trunk once +more. + +``So far so good,'' said John Wade. ``We have +found the means of opening the trunk when we +please.'' + +``When do you expect to carry out your plan, Mr. +John?'' + +``Two weeks from this time my uncle is obliged +to go to Washington for a few days on business. +While he is gone we will spring the trap, and when +he comes back he will find the boy gone in disgrace. +We'll make short work of him.'' + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +SPRINGING THE TRAP + + +``I am going to give you a few days' vacation, +Frank,'' said Mr. Wharton, a fortnight later. ``I +am called to Washington on business. However, you +have got to feel at home here now.'' + +``Oh, yes, sir.'' + +``And Mrs. Bradley will see that you are comfortable.'' + +``I am sure of that, sir,'' said Frank, politely. + +When Frank returned at night, Mr. Wharton was +already gone. John Wade and the housekeeper +seated themselves in the library after dinner, and +by their invitation our hero joined them. + +``By the way, Frank,'' said John Wade, ``did I +ever show you this Russia leather pocketbook?'' +producing one from his pocket. + +``No, sir, I believe not.'' + +``I bought it at Vienna, which is noted for its +articles of Russia leather.'' + +``It is very handsome, sir.'' + +``So I think. By the way, you may like to look at +my sleeve-buttons. They are of Venetian mosaic. +I got them myself in Venice last year.'' + +``They are very elegant. You must have enjoyed +visiting so many famous cities.'' + +``Yes; it is very interesting.'' + +John Wade took up the evening paper, and Frank +occupied himself with a book from his patron's +library. After a while John threw down the paper +yawning, and said that he had an engagement. Nothing +else occurred that evening which merits record. + +Two days later Frank returned home in his usual +spirits. But at the table he was struck by a singular +change in the manner of Mrs. Bradley and John +Wade. They spoke to him only on what it was +absolutely necessary, and answered his questions in +monosyllables. + +``Will you step into the library a moment?'' said +John Wade, as they arose from the table. + +Frank followed John into the library, and Mrs. +Bradley entered also. + +``Frank Fowler,'' the enemy began, ``do you +remember my showing you two evenings since a pocketbook, +also some sleeve-buttons of Venetian mosaic, +expensively mounted in gold?'' + +``Certainly, sir.'' + +``That pocketbook contained a considerable sum +of money,'' pursued his questioner. + +``I don't know anything about that.'' + +``You probably supposed so.'' + +``Will you tell me what you mean, Mr. Wade?'' +demanded Frank, impatiently. ``I have answered +your questions, but I can't understand why you ask +them.'' + +``Perhaps you may suspect,'' said Wade, sarcastically. + +``It looks as if you had lost them and suspected +me of taking them.'' + +``So it appears.'' + +``You are entirely mistaken, Mr. Wade. I am not +a thief. I never stole anything in my life.'' + +``It is very easy to say that,'' sneered John Wade. +``You and Mrs. Bradley were the only persons present +when I showed the articles, and I suppose you +won't pretend that she stole them?'' + +``No, sir; though she appears to agree with you +that I am a thief. I never thought of accusing her,'' +replied Frank. + +``Mr. Wade,'' said the housekeeper, ``I feel that it +is my duty to insist upon search being made in my +room.'' + +``Do you make the same offer?'' asked John Wade, +turning to Frank. + +``Yes, sir,'' answered our hero, proudly. ``I wish +you to satisfy yourself that I am not a thief. If +you will come to my room at once, Mr. Wade, you +and Mrs. Bradley, I will hand you the key of my +trunk.'' + +The two followed him upstairs, exulting wickedly +in his discomfiture, which they had reason to forsee. + +He handed his key to his artful enemy, and the +latter bending over, opened the trunk, which contained +all our hero's small possessions. + +He raised the pile of clothes, and, to Frank's dismay, +disclosed the missing pocketbook and sleeve- +buttons in the bottom of the trunk. + +``What have you got to say for yourself now, you +young villain?'' demanded John Wade, in a loud +voice. + +``I don't understand it,'' Frank said, in a troubled +tone. ``I don't know how the things came there. I +didn't put them there.'' + +``Probably they crept in themselves,'' sneered John. + +``Someone put them there,'' said Frank, pale, but +resolute; ``some wicked person, who wanted to get +me into trouble.'' + +``What do you mean by that, you young +vagabond?'' demanded John Wade, suspiciously. + +``I mean what I say,'' he asserted. ``I am away +all day, and nothing is easier than to open my trunk +and put articles in, in order to throw suspicion on +me.'' + +``Look here, you rascal!'' said John Wade, roughly. +``I shall treat you better than you deserve. I +won't give you over to the police out of regard for +my uncle, but you must leave this house and never +set foot in it again. It will be the worse for you if +you do.'' + +John Wade and the housekeeper left the room, and +our hero was left to realize the misfortune which +had overwhelmed him. + +Frank arose at an early hour the next morning +and left the house. It was necessary for him to find +a new home at once in order to be at the store in +time. He bought a copy of the Sun and turned to +the advertising columns. He saw a cheap room +advertised near the one he had formerly occupied. +Finding his way there he rang the bell. + +The door was opened by a slatternly-looking +woman, who looked as if she had just got up. + +``I see by the Sun you have a room to let,'' said +Frank. + +``Yes; do you want to see it now?'' + +``I should like to.'' + +``Come upstairs and I will show you the room.'' + +The room proved to be small, and by no means +neat in appearance, but the rent was only a dollar +and a quarter a week, and Frank felt that he could +not afford to be particular, so he quick closed the +bargain. + +The next day, about eleven o'clock in the +forenoon, he was surprised at seeing Mrs. Bradley enter +the store and thread her way to that part of the +counter where her nephew was stationed. She darted +one quick look at him, but gave him no sign of +recognition. His heart sank within him, for he had a +presentiment that her visit boded fresh evil for him. + + + +CHAPTER XV + +FROM BAD TO WORSE + + +Frank's misgivings were not without good cause. +The housekeeper's call at the store was connected +with him. How, will be understood from a conversation +which took place that morning between +her and John Wade. + +``It's a relief to get that boy out of the house, Mrs. +Bradley,'' he said at the breakfast table. + +``That it is, Mr. John,'' she replied. ``But he'll be +trying to get back, take my word for it.'' + +``He won't dare to,'' said John Wade, +incredulously. ``I told him if he came near the house I +would give him up to the police.'' + +``I am afraid he will write to your uncle. He's +bold enough for anything.'' + +``I didn't think of that,'' said John, thoughtfully. + +``Do you know his handwriting, Mrs. Bradley?'' + +``I think I should know it.'' + +``Then if any letters come which you know to be +from him, keep them back from my uncle.'' + +``What shall I do with them?'' + +``Give them to me. I don't want my uncle worried +by his appeals.'' + +``Your uncle seems to be very attached to him. +He may go to the store to see him.'' + +``That is true. I should not like that. How shall +we prevent it, that's the question.'' + +``If Gilbert & Mack knew that he was not honest +they would discharge him.'' + +``Exactly,'' said John Wade; ``and as probably he +would be unable to get another situation, he would +be compelled to leave the city, and we should get rid +of him. I commend your shrewdness, Mrs. Bradley. +Your plan is most excellent.'' + +John Wade had more reasons than the housekeeper +knew of for desiring the removal of our young hero +from the city--reasons which the reader has probably +guessed. There was a dark secret in his life +connected with a wrong done in years past, from which +he hoped some day to reap personal benefit. Unconsciously +Frank Fowler stood in his way, and must +be removed. Such was his determination. + +``I am going out this morning,'' said the +housekeeper. ``I will make it in my way to call at Gilbert +& Mack's. My nephew is a salesman there, as I +have told you. I will drop a word in his ear, and +that will be enough to settle that boy's hash.'' + +``Your language is professional, Mrs. Bradley,'' +said John Wade, laughing, ``but you shouldn't allude +to hash in an aristocratic household. I shall be glad +to have you carry out your plan.'' + +``I hope you'll speak to your uncle about my +nephew, Mr. John. He gets very poor pay where +he is.'' + +``I won't forget him,'' said John, carelessly. + +In his heart he thought Thomas Bradley a very +low, obtrusive fellow, whom he felt by no means +inclined to assist, but it was cheap to make promises. + +The reader understands now why Mrs. Bradley +made a morning call at Gilbert &; Mack's store. + +She knew at what part of the counter her nephew +was stationed, and made her way thither at once. +He did not at first recognize her, until she said: + +``Good-morning, Thomas.'' + +``Good-morning, aunt. What brings you here this +morning? Any good news for me? Has the old +gentleman come around and concluded to do something handsome?'' + +``Mr. Wharton is not in the city. He has gone to +Washington. But that isn't what I came about this +morning. You remember that boy who has been +reading to Mr. Wharton?'' + +``One of our cash-boys. Yes; there he is, just +gone by.'' + +``Well, he has stolen Mr. John's pocketbook and +some jewelry belonging to him.'' + +``What have you done about it? What does Mr. +Wharton say?'' + +``He's away from home. He doesn't know yet. Mr. +John gave him a lecture, and ordered him to leave +the house.'' + +``Does he admit that he took the things?'' + +``No; he denied it as bold as brass, but it didn't +do him any good. There were the things in his +trunk. He couldn't get over that.'' + +Thomas fastened a shrewd glance on his aunt's +face, for he suspected the truth. + +``So you've got rid of him?'' he said. ``What do +you propose to do next?'' + +``Mr. John thinks your employer ought to know +that he is a thief.'' + +``Are you going to tell them?'' + +``I want you to do it.'' + +``You must tell them yourself, aunt. I shan't.'' + +``Then introduce me to Mr. Gilbert, Thomas, and +I'll do it.'' + +``Follow me, aunt.'' + +He led his aunt to the rear of the store, where +Mr. Gilbert was standing. + +``Mr. Gilbert,'' he said, ``allow me to introduce my +aunt, Mrs. Bradley.'' + +The housekeeper was courteously received, and +invited to be seated. She soon opened her business, +and blackened poor Frank's character as she had intended. + +``Really, Mrs. Bradley, I am sorry to hear this,'' +said Mr. Gilbert. ``You think there is no doubt of +the boy's guilt?'' + +``I am sorry to say that I have no doubt at all,'' +said the housekeeper, hypocritically. + +``Mr. Mack and myself have had a very good opinion +of him. He is faithful and prompt.'' + +``Of course, sir, you will retain him in your +employ if you are willing to take the risk, but I thought +it my duty to put you on your guard.'' + +``I am obliged to you, Mrs. Bradley; though, as +I said, I regret to find that my confidence in the boy +has been misplaced.'' + +Late in the afternoon, Frank was called to the +cashier's desk. + +``I am directed by Mr. Gilbert to say that your +services will not be required after to-day,'' he said. +``Here are the week's wages.'' + +``Why am I discharged? What have I done?'' +demanded Frank, while his heart sank within him. + +``I don't know. You must ask Mr. Gilbert,'' +answered the cashier. + +``I will speak to him, at any rate,'' and Frank +walked up to the senior partner, and addressed to +him the same question. + +``Can you not guess?'' asked Mr. Gilbert, sternly. + +``I can guess that a false accusation has been +brought against me,'' said Frank. + +``A respectable lady has informed me that you +are not honest. I regret it, for I have been pleased +with your diligence. Of course, I cannot retain you +in my employ.'' + +``Mr. Gilbert,'' said Frank, earnestly, ``the charge +is false. Mrs. Bradley is my enemy, and wishes me +harm. I don't understand how the things came into +my trunk, but I didn't put them there.'' + +``I hope you are innocent, but I must discharge +you. Business is dull now, and I had decided to part +with four of my cash-boys. I won't pass judgment +upon you, but you must go.'' + +Frank bowed in silence, for he saw that further +entreaty would be vain, and left the store more +dispirited than at any moment since he had been in +the city. + +Ten days Frank spent in fruitless efforts to obtain +a place. + +All this time his money steadily diminished. He +perceived that he would soon be penniless. Evidently, +something must be done. He formed two determinations. +The first was to write to Mr. Wharton, +who, he thought, must now have returned from +Washington, asserting his innocence and appealing +to him to see Gilbert & Mack, and re-establish him +in their confidence. The second was, since he could +not obtain a regular place, to frequent the wharves +and seek chances to carry bundles. In this way he +might earn enough, with great economy, to pay for +his board and lodging. + +One morning the housekeeper entered the library +where John Wade sat reading the daily papers. + +``Mr. John,'' she said, holding out a letter, ``here +is a letter from that boy. I expected he would write +to your uncle.'' + +John Wade deliberately opened the letter. + +``Sit down, Mrs. Bradley, and I will read the letter +aloud.'' + +It will be only necessary to quote the concluding +sentences: + + +`` `I hope, Mr. Wharton, you will not be influenced +against me by what Mrs. Bradley and your nephew +say. I don't know why it is, but they are my enemies, +though I have always treated them with respect. +I am afraid they have a desire to injure me in your +estimation. If they had not been, they would have +been content with driving me from your house, without +also slandering me to my employers, and inducing +them to discharge me. Since I was discharged, +I have tried very hard to get another place, but as +I cannot bring a recommendation from Gilbert & +Mack, I have everywhere been refused. I ask you, +Mr. Wharton to consider my situation. Already my +small supply of money is nearly gone, and I do not +know how I am to pay my expenses. If it was any +fault of mine that had brought me into this situation, +I would not complain, but it seems hard to +suffer when I am innocent. + +`` `I do not ask to return to your house, Mr. +Wharton, for it would not be pleasant, since your nephew +and Mrs. Bradley dislike me, but I have a right to +ask that the truth may be told to my employers, so +that if they do not wish me to return to their service, +they may, at least, be willing to give me a recommendation +that will give me a place elsewhere.''' + + +``I must prevent the boy communicating with my +uncle, if it is a possible thing. `Strike while the iron +is hot,' I say.'' + +``I think that is very judicious, Mr. John. I have +no doubt you will know how to manage matters.'' + +John Wade dressed himself for a walk, and drawing +out a cigar, descended the steps of his uncle's +house into the street. + +He reached Fifth Avenue, and walked slowly +downtown. He was about opposite Twenty-eighth Street, +when he came face to face with the subject of his +thoughts. + +``Where are you going?'' John Wade demanded +sternly. + +``I don't know that I am bound to answer your +question,'' answered Frank, quietly, ``but I have no +objection. I am going to Thirty-ninth Street with +this bundle.'' + +``Hark you, boy! I have something to say to you,'' +continued John Wade, harshly. ``You have had the +impudence to write to my uncle.'' + +``What did he say?'' + +``Nothing that you would like to hear. He looks +upon you as a thief.'' + +``You have slandered me to him, Mr. Wade,'' he +said, angrily. ``You might be in better business than +accusingly a poor boy falsely.'' + +``Hark you, young man! I have had enough of +your impudence. I will give you a bit of advice, +which you will do well to follow. Leave this city for +a place where you are not known, or I may feel +disposed to shut you up on a charge of theft.'' + +``I shall not leave the city, Mr. Wade,'' returned +Frank, firmly. ``I shall stay here in spite of you,'' +and without waiting for an answer, he walked on. + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +AN ACCOMPLICE FOUND + + +No sooner had John Wade parted from our hero +than he saw approaching him a dark, sinister-looking +man, whom he had known years before. + +``Good-morning, Mr. Wade,'' said the newcomer. + +``Good-morning, Mr. Graves. Are you busy just +now?'' + +``No, sir; I am out of employment. I have been +unfortunate.'' + +``Then I will give you a job. Do you see that +boy?'' said John Wade, rapidly. + +``Yes, I see him.'' + +``I want you to follow him. Find out where he +lives, and let me know this evening. Do you understand?'' + +``I understand. You may rely upon me, sir,'' +answered Nathan Graves; and quickening his pace, he +soon came within a hundred feet of our hero. + +After fulfilling his errand, Frank walked downtown +again, but did not succeed in obtaining any +further employment. Wherever he went, he was +followed by Graves. Unconsciously, he exhausted +the patience of that gentleman, who got heartily tired +of his tramp about the streets. But the longest day +will come to an end, and at last he had the satisfaction +of tracking Frank to his humble lodging. Then, +and not till then, he felt justified in leaving him. + +Nathan Graves sought the residence of John Wade. +He rang the bell as the clock struck eight. + +``Well, what success?'' asked Wade, when they met. + +``I have tracked the boy. What more can I do +for you?'' asked Graves. + +``I want to get him away from the city. The fact +is--I may as well tell you--my uncle has taken a +great fancy to the boy, and might be induced to +adopt him, and cut me off from my rightful inheritance. +The boy is an artful young rascal, and has +been doing all he could to get into the good graces +of my uncle, who is old and weak-minded.'' + +It was nine o'clock when Nathan Graves left the +house, John Wade himself accompanying him to the +door. + +``How soon do you think you can carry out my +instructions?'' asked Wade. + +``To-morrow, if possible.'' + +``The sooner the better.'' + +``It is lucky I fell in with him,'' said Nathan +Graves to himself, with satisfaction, as he slowly +walked down Fifth Avenue. ``It's a queer business, +but that's none of my business. The main thing +for me to consider is that it brings money to my +purse, and of that I have need enough.'' + +Graves left the house richer by a hundred dollars +than he entered it. + +It was eleven o'clock on the forenoon of the next +day when Frank walked up Canal Street toward +Broadway. He had been down to the wharves since +early in the morning, seeking for employment. He +had offered his services to many, but as yet had been +unable to secure a job. + +As he was walking along a man addressed him: + +``Will you be kind enough to direct me to Broadway?'' + +It was Nathan Graves, with whom Frank was destined +to have some unpleasant experiences. + +``Straight ahead,'' answered Frank. ``I am going +there, and will show you, if you like.'' + +``Thank you, I wish you would. I live only fifteen +or twenty miles distant,'' said Graves, ``but I don't +often come to the city, and am not much acquainted. +I keep a dry-goods store, but my partner generally +comes here to buy goods. By the way, perhaps you +can help me about the errand that calls me here today.'' + +``I will, sir, if I can,'' said Frank, politely. + +``My youngest clerk has just left me, and I want +to find a successor--a boy about your age, say. Do +you know any one who would like such a position?'' + +``I am out of employment myself just now. Do +you think I will suit?'' + +``I think you will,'' said Mr. Graves. + +``You won't object to go into the country?'' + +``No, sir.'' + +``I will give you five dollars a week and your board +for the present. If you suit me, your pay will be +raised at the end of six months. Will that be +satisfactory?'' asked his companion. + +``Quite so, sir. When do you wish me to come?'' + +``Can you go out with me this afternoon?'' + +``Yes, sir. I only want to go home and pack up +my trunk.'' + +``To save time, I will go with you, and we will +start as soon as possible.'' + +Nathan Graves accompanied Frank to his room, +where his scanty wardrobe was soon packed. A +hack was called, and they were speedily on their +way to the Cortland Street ferry. + +They crossed the ferry, and Mr. Graves purchased +two tickets to Elizabeth. He bought a paper, and +occupied himself in reading. Frank felt that +fortune had begun to shine upon him once more. By +and by, he could send for Grace, and get her boarded +near him. As soon as his wages were raised, he +determined to do this. While engaged in these pleasant +speculations, they reached the station. + +``We get out here,'' said Mr. Graves. + +``Is your store in this place?'' asked Frank. + +``No; it is in the next town.'' + +Nathan Graves looked about him for a conveyance. +He finally drove a bargain with a man driving +a shabby-looking vehicle, and the two took their +seats. + +They were driven about six miles through a flat, +unpicturesque country, when they reached a branch +road leading away from the main one. + +It was a narrow road, and apparently not much +frequented. Frank could see no houses on either +side + +``Is your store on this road?'' he asked. + +``Oh, no; but I am not going to the store yet. We +will go to my house, and leave your trunk.'' + +At length the wagon stopped, by Graves' orders, +in front of a gate hanging loosely by one hinge. + +``We'll get out here,'' said Graves. + +Frank looked with some curiosity, and some +disappointment, at his future home. It was a square, +unpainted house, discolored by time, and looked far +from attractive. There were no outward signs of +occupation, and everything about it appeared to have +fallen into decay. Not far off was a barn, looking +even more dilapidated than the house. + +At the front door, instead of knocking--there was +no bell--Graves drew a rusty key from his pocket +and inserted it in the lock. They found themselves +in a small entry, uncarpeted and dingy. + +``We'll go upstairs,'' said Graves. + +Arrived on the landing, he threw open a door, +and ushered in our hero. + +``This will be your room,'' he said. + +Frank looked around in dismay. + +It was a large, square room, uncarpeted, and +containing only a bed, two chairs and a washstand, all +of the cheapest and rudest manufacture. + +``I hope you will soon feel at home here,'' said +Graves. ``I'll go down and see if I can find something +to eat.'' + +He went out, locking the door behind him + +``What does this mean?'' thought Frank, with a +strange sensation. + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +FRANK AND HIS JAILER + + +It was twenty minutes before Frank, waiting +impatiently, heard the steps of his late companion +ascending the stairs. + +But the door was not unlocked. Instead, a slide +was revealed, about eight inches square, through +which his late traveling companion pushed a plate +of cold meat and bread. + +``Here's something to eat,'' he said; ``take it.'' + +``Why do you lock me in?'' demanded our hero. + +``You can get along without knowing, I suppose,'' +said the other, with a sneer. + +``I don't mean to,'' said Frank, firmly. ``I demand +an explanation. How long do you intend to keep +me here?'' + +``I am sorry I can't gratify your curiosity, but I +don't know myself.'' + +``Perhaps you think that I am rich, but I am not. +I have no money. You can't get anything out of +me,'' said Frank. + +``That may be so, but I shall keep you.'' + +``I suppose that was all a lie about your keeping +store?'' + +``It was a pretty little story, told for your amusement, +my dear boy,'' said Graves. ``I was afraid +you wouldn't come without it.'' + +``You are a villain!'' said Frank. + +``Look here, boy,'' said Graves, in a different tone, +his face darkening, ``you had better not talk in that +way. I advise you to eat your dinner and be quiet. +Some supper will be brought to you before night.'' + +So saying, he abruptly closed the slide, and +descended the stairs, leaving Frank to his reflections, +which it may be supposed, were not of the pleasantest +character. + +Frank did not allow his unpleasant situation to +take away his appetite, and though he was fully +determined to make the earliest possible attempt to +escape, he was sensible enough first to eat the food +which his jailer had brought him. + +His lunch dispatched, he began at once to revolve +plans of escape. + +There were three windows in the room, two on +the front of the house, the other at the side. + +He tried one after another, but the result was +the same. All were so fastened that it was quite +impossible to raise them. + +Feeling that he could probably escape through one +of the windows when he pleased, though at the cost +of considerable trouble, Frank did not trouble himself +much, or allow himself to feel unhappy. He decided +to continue his explorations. + +In the corner of the room was a door, probably +admitting to a closet. + +``I suppose it is locked,'' thought Frank, but on +trying it, he found that such was not the case. He +looked curiously about him, but found little to repay +him. His attention was drawn, however to several +dark-colored masks lying upon a shelf. + +He also discovered a small hole in the wall of the +size of a marble. Actuated by curiosity, he applied +his eye to the opening, and peeped into what was +probably the adjoining room. It was furnished in +very much the same way as the one in which he was +confined, but at present it was untenanted. Having +seen what little there was to be seen, Frank +withdrew from his post of observation and returned to +his room. + +It was several hours later when he again heard +steps ascending the stairs, and the slide in the door +was moved. + +He looked toward it, but the face that he saw was +not that of Nathan Graves. + +It was the face of a woman. + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + + +``OVER THE HILL TO THE POORHOUSE'' + + +We are compelled for a time to leave our hero in +the hands of his enemies, and return to the town of +Crawford, where an event has occurred which influences +seriously the happiness and position of his +sister, Grace. + +Ever since Frank left the town, Grace had been a +welcome member of Mr. Pomeroy's family, receiving +the kindest treatment from all, so that she had come +to feel very much at home. + +So they lived happily together, till one disastrous +night a fire broke out, which consumed the house, +and they were forced to snatch their clothes and escape, +saving nothing else. + +Mr. Pomeroy's house was insured for two-thirds +of its value, and he proposed to rebuild immediately, +but it would be three months at least before the new +house would be completed. In the interim, he succeeded +in hiring a couple of rooms for his family, +but their narrow accommodations would oblige them +to dispense with their boarder. Sorry as Mr. and +Mrs. Pomeroy were to part with her, it was obvious +that Grace must find another home. + +``We must let Frank know,'' said Mr. Pomeroy, +and having occasion to go up to the city at once to +see about insurance, he went to the store of Gilbert +& Mack, and inquired for Prank. + +``Fowler? What was he?'' was asked. + +``A cash-boy.'' + +``Oh, he is no longer here. Mr. Gilbert discharged +him.'' + +``Do you know why he was discharged?'' asked +Mr. Pomeroy, pained and startled. + +``No; but there stands Mr. Gilbert. He can tell +you.'' + +Mr. Pomeroy introduced himself to the head of +the firm and repeated his inquiry. + +``If you are a friend of the lad,'' said Mr. Gilbert, +``you will be sorry to learn that he was charged with +dishonesty. It was a very respectable lady who +made the charge. It is only fair to say that the boy +denied it, and that, personally, we found him faithful +and trusty. But as the dullness of trade compelled +us to discharge some of our cash-boys, we +naturally discharged him among the number, without, +however, judging his case.'' + +``Then, sir, you have treated the boy very unfairly. +On the strength of a charge not proved, you have +dismissed him, though personally you had noticed +nothing out of the way in him, and rendered it +impossible for him to obtain another place.'' + +``There is something in what you say, I admit. +Perhaps I was too hasty. If you will send the boy +to me, I will take him back on probation.'' + +``Thank you, sir,'' said Mr. Pomeroy, gratefully +``I will send him here.'' + +But this Mr. Pomeroy was unable to do. He did +not know of Frank's new address, and though he +was still in the city, he failed to find him. + +He returned to Crawford and communicated the +unsatisfactory intelligence. He tried to obtain a new +boarding place for Grace, but no one was willing to +take her at two dollars a week, especially when Mr. +Pomeroy was compelled to admit that Frank was +now out of employment, and it was doubtful if he +would be able to keep up the payment. + +Tom Pinkerton managed to learn that Grace was +now without a home, and mentioned it to his father. + +``Won't she have to go to the poorhouse now, +father?'' he asked eagerly. + +``Yes,'' said Deacon Pinkerton. ``There is no other +place for her that I can see.'' + +``Ah, I'm glad,'' said Tom, maliciously. ``Won't +that upstart's pride be taken down? He was too +proud to go to the poorhouse, where he belonged, +but he can't help his sister's going there. If he isn't +a pauper himself, he'll be the brother of a pauper, +and that's the next thing to it.'' + +``That is true,'' said the deacon. ``He was very +impudent in return for my kindness. Still, I am +sorry for him.'' + +I am afraid the deacon's sorrow was not very +deep, for he certainly looked unusually cheerful when +he harnessed up his horse and drove around to the +temporary home of the Pomeroys. + +``Good-morning, Mr. Pomeroy,'' he said, seeing the +latter in the yard. ``You've met with a severe loss.'' + +``Yes, deacon; it is a severe loss to a poor man +like me.'' + +``To be sure. Well, I've called around to relieve +you of a part of your cares. I am going to take +Grace Fowler to the poorhouse.'' + +``Couldn't you get her a place with a private +family to help about the house in return for her board, +while she goes to school?'' + +``There's nobody wants a young girl like her,'' said +the deacon. + +``Her brother would pay part of her board--that +is, when he has a place.'' + +``Hasn't he got a place?'' asked the deacon, +pricking up his ears. ``I heard he was in a store in New +York.'' + +``He lost his place,'' said Mr. Pomeroy, reluctantly, +``partly because of the dullness of general trade.'' + +``Then he can't maintain his sister. She will have +to go to the poorhouse. Will you ask her to get +ready, and I'll take her right over to the poorhouse.'' + +There was no alternative. Mr. Pomeroy went into +the house, and broke the sad news to his wife and +Grace. + +``Never mind,'' she said, with attempted cheerfulness, +though her lips quivered, ``I shan't have to stay +there long. Frank will be sure to send for me very +shortly.'' + +``It's too bad, Grace,'' said Sam, looking red about +the eyes; ``it's too bad that you should have to go to +the poorhouse.'' + +``Come and see me, Sam,'' said Grace. + +``Yes, I will, Grace. I'll come often, too. You +shan't stay there long.'' + +``Good-by,'' said Grace, faltering. ``You have all +been very kind to me.'' + +``Good-by, my dear child,'' said Mrs. Pomeroy. + +``Who knows but you can return to us when the new +house is done?'' + +So poor Grace went out from her pleasant home to +find the deacon, grim-faced and stern, waiting for +her. + +``Jump in, little girl,'' he said. ``You've kept me +waiting for you a long time, and my time is valuable.'' + +The distance to the poorhouse was about a mile +and a half. For the first half mile Deacon Pinkerton +kept silence. Then he began to speak, in a tone of +cold condescension, as if it were a favor for such a +superior being to address an insignificant child, +about to become a pauper. + +``Little girl, have you heard from your brother +lately?'' + +``Not very lately, sir.'' + +``What is he doing?'' + +``He is in a store.'' + +``I apprehend you are mistaken. He has lost his +place. He has been turned away,'' said the deacon, +with satisfaction.'' + +``Frank turned away! Oh, sir, you must be mistaken.'' + +``Mr. Pomeroy told me. He found out yesterday +when he went to the city.'' + +Poor Grace! she could not longer doubt now, and +her brother's misfortune saddened her even more +than her own. + +``Probably you will soon see your brother.'' + +``Oh, do you think so, sir?'' asked Grace, joyfully. + +``Yes,'' answered the deacon, grimly. ``He will find +himself in danger of starvation in the city, and he'll +creep back, only too glad to obtain a nice, comfortable +home in the poorhouse.'' + +But Grace knew her brother better than that. She +knew his courage, his self-reliance and his independent +spirit, and she was sure the deacon was mistaken. + +The home for which Grace was expected to be so +grateful was now in sight. It was a dark, neglected +looking house, situated in the midst of barren fields, +and had a lonely and desolate aspect. It was +superintended by Mr. and Mrs. Chase, distant relations +of Deacon Pinkerton. + +Mr. Chase was an inoffensive man, but Mrs. +Chase had a violent temper. She was at work in +the kitchen when Deacon Pinkerton drove up. Hearing +the sound of wheels, she came to the door. + +``Mrs. Chase,'' said the deacon, ``I've brought you +a little girl, to be placed under your care.'' + +``What's her name?'' inquired the lady. + +``Grace Fowler.'' + +``Grace, humph! Why didn't she have a decent +name?'' + +``You can call her anything you like,'' said the deacon. + +``Little girl, you must behave well,'' said Deacon +Pinkerton, by way of parting admonition. ``The +town expects it. I expect it. You must never cease +to be grateful for the good home which it provides +you free of expense.'' + +Grace did not reply. Looking in the face of her +future task-mistress was scarcely calculated to +awaken a very deep feeling of gratitude. + +``Now,'' said Mrs. Chase, addressing her new +boarder, ``just take off your things, Betsy, and make +yourself useful.'' + +``My name isn't Betsy, ma'am.'' + +``It isn't, isn't it?'' + +``No; it is Grace.'' + +``You don't say so! I'll tell you one thing, I shan't +allow anybody to contradict me here, and your name's +got to be Betsy while you're in this house. Now +take off your things and hang them up on that peg. +I'm going to set you right to work.'' + +``Yes, ma'am,'' said Grace, alarmed. + +``There's some dishes I want washed, Betsy, and I +won't have you loitering over your work, neither.'' + +``Very well, ma'am.'' + +Such was the new home for which poor Grace was +expected to be grateful. + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +WHAT FRANK HEARD THROUGH THE CREVICE + + +Frank looked with some surprise at the woman +who was looking through the slide of his door. He +had expected to see Nathan Graves. She also regarded +him with interest. + +``I have brought you some supper,'' she said. + +Frank reached out and drew in a small waiter, +containing a cup of tea and a plate of toast. + +``Thank you,'' he said. ``Where is the man who +brought me here?'' + +``He has gone out.'' + +``Do you know why he keeps me here in confinement?'' + +``No,'' said the woman, hastily. ``I know nothing. +I see much, but I know nothing.'' + +``Are many prisoners brought here as I have +been?'' asked our hero, in spite of the woman's refusal +to speak. + +``No.'' + +``I can't understand what object they can have in +detaining me. If I were rich, I might guess, but I +am poor. I am compelled to work for my daily +bread, and have been out of a place for two weeks.'' + +``I don't understand,'' she said, in a low voice, +rather to herself than to him. ``But I cannot wait. +I must not stand here. I will come up in fifteen +minutes, and if you wish another cup of tea, or some +toast, I will bring them.'' + +His confinement did not affect his appetite, for +he enjoyed his tea and toast; and when, as she had +promised, the woman came up, he told her he would +like another cup of tea, and some more toast. + +``Will you answer one question?'' asked our hero. + +``I don't know,'' answered the woman in a flurried +tone. + +``You look like a good woman. Why do you stay +in such a house as this?'' + +``I will tell you, though I should do better to be +silent. But you won't betray me?'' + +``On no account.'' + +``I was poor, starving, when I had an application +to come here. The man who engaged me told me +that it was to be a housekeeper, and I had no suspicion +of the character of the house--that it was a +den of--'' + +She stopped short, but Frank understood what +she would have said. + +``When I discovered the character of the house, I +would have left but for two reasons. First, I had +no other home; next, I had become acquainted with +the secrets of the house, and they would have feared +that I would reveal them. I should incur great risk. +So I stayed.'' + +Here there was a sound below. The woman +started. + +``Some one has come,'' she said. ``I must go down +I will come up as soon as I can with the rest of your +supper.'' + +``Thank you. You need not hurry.'' + +Our hero was left to ponder over what he had +heard. There was evidently a mystery connected with +this lonely house a mystery which he very much +desired to solve. But there was one chance. Through +the aperture in the closet he might both see and +hear something, provided any should meet there that +evening. + +The remainder of his supper was brought him by +the same woman, but she was in haste, and he obtained +no opportunity of exchanging another word +with her. + +Frank did not learn who it was that had arrived. +Listening intently, he thought he heard some sounds +in the next room. Opening the closet door, and +applying his eye to the aperture, he saw two men +seated in the room, one of whom was the man who +had brought him there. + +He applied his ear to the opening, and heard the +following conversation: + +``I hear you've brought a boy here, Nathan,'' said +the other, who was a stout, low-browed man, with +an evil look. + +``Yes,'' said Graves, with a smile; ``I am going to +board him here a while.'' + +``What's it all about? What are you going to gain +by it?'' + +``I'll tell you all I know. I've known something of +the family for a long time. John Wade employed +me long ago. The old millionaire had a son who +went abroad and died there. His cousin, John Wade, +brought home his son--a mere baby--the old man's +grandson, of course, and sole heir, or likely to be, +to the old man's wealth, if he had lived. In that +case, John Wade would have been left out in the cold, +or put off with a small bequest.'' + +``Yes. Did the boy live?'' + +``No; he died, very conveniently for John Wade, +and thus removed the only obstacle from his path.'' + +``Very convenient. Do you think there was any +foul play?'' + +``There may have been.'' + +``But I should think the old man would have suspected.'' + +``He was away at the time. When he returned to +the city, he heard from his nephew that the boy was +dead. It was a great blow to him, of course. Now, +I'll tell you what,'' said Graves, sinking his voice so +that Frank found it difficult to hear, ``I'll tell you +what I've thought at times.'' + +``I think the grandson may have been spirited off +somewhere. Nothing more easy, you know. Murder +is a risky operation, and John Wade is respectable, +and wouldn't want to run the risk of a halter.'' + +``You may be right. You don't connect this story +of yours with the boy you've brought here, do you?'' + +``I do,'' answered Graves, emphatically. ``I +shouldn't be surprised if this was the very boy!'' + +``What makes you think so?'' + +``First, because there's some resemblance between +the boy and the old man's son, as I remember him. +Next, it would explain John Wade's anxiety to get +rid of him. It's my belief that John Wade has recognized +in this boy the baby he got rid of fourteen +years ago, and is afraid his uncle will make the +same discovery.'' + +Frank left the crevice through which he had +received so much information in a whirl of new and +bewildering thoughts. + +``Was it possible,'' he asked himself, ``that he +could be the grandson of Mr. Wharton, his kind +benefactor?'' + + + +CHAPTER XX + +THE ESCAPE + + +It was eight o'clock the next morning before +Frank's breakfast was brought to him. + +``I am sorry you have had to wait,'' the housekeeper +said, as she appeared at the door with a cup +of coffee and a plate of beefsteak and toast, ``I +couldn't come up before.'' + +``Have the men gone away?'' said Frank. + +``Yes.'' + +``Then I have something to tell you. I learned +something about myself last night. I was in the +closet, and heard the man who brought me here talking +to another person. May I tell you the story?'' + +``If you think it will do any good,'' said the +housekeeper, but I can't help you if that is what you want.'' + +He told the whole story. As he proceeded, the +housekeeper betrayed increased, almost eager interest, +and from time to time asked him questions in +particular as to the personal appearance of John +Wade. When Frank had described him as well as +he could, she said, in an excited manner: + +``Yes, it is--it must be the same man.'' + +``The same man!'' repeated our hero, in surprise. + +``Do you know anything about him?'' + +``I know that he is a wicked man. I am afraid +that I have helped him carry out his wicked plan, +but I did not know it at the time, or I never would +have given my consent.'' + +``I don't understand you,'' said our hero, puzzled. + +``Will you tell me what you mean?'' + +``Fourteen years ago I was very poor--poor and +sick besides. My husband had died, leaving me nothing +but the care of a young infant, whom it was +necessary for me to support besides myself. +Enfeebled by sickness, I was able to earn but little, +but we lived in a wretched room in a crowded +tenement house. My infant boy was taken sick and died. +As I sat sorrowfully beside the bed on which he lay +dead, I heard a knock at the door. I opened it, and +admitted a man whom I afterward learned to be +John Wade. He very soon explained his errand. He +agreed to take my poor boy, and pay all the expenses +of his burial in Greenwood Cemetery, provided I +would not object to any of his arrangements. He +was willing besides to pay me two hundred dollars +for the relief of my necessities. Though I was +almost beside myself with grief for my child's loss, +and though this was a very favorable proposal, I +hesitated. I could not understand why a stranger +should make me such an offer. I asked him the reason.'' + +`` `You ask too much,' he answered, appearing +annoyed. `I have made you a fair offer. Will you accept +it, or will you leave your child to have a pauper's +funeral?' + +``That consideration decided me. For my child's +sake I agreed to his proposal, and forebore to question +him further. He provided a handsome rosewood +casket for my dear child, but upon the silver +plate was inscribed a name that was strange to me +--the name of Francis Wharton.'' + +``Francis Wharton!'' exclaimed Frank. + +``I was too weak and sorrowful to make +opposition, and my baby was buried as Francis Wharton. +Not only this, but a monument is erected over him +at Greenwood, which bears this name.'' + +She proceeded after a pause: + +``I did not then understand his object. Your story +makes it clear. I think that you are that Francis +Wharton, under whose name my boy was buried.'' + +``How strange!'' said Frank, thoughtfully. ``I +cannot realize it. But how did you know the name of +the man who called upon you?'' + +``A card slipped from his pocket, which I secured +without his knowledge.'' + +``How fortunate that I met you,'' said Frank. ``I +mean to let Mr. Wharton know all that I have +learned, and then he shall decide whether he will +recognize me or not as his grandson.'' + +``I have been the means of helping to deprive you +of your just rights, though unconsciously. Now that +I know the wicked conspiracy in which I assisted, I +will help undo the work.'' + +``Thank you,'' said Frank. ``The first thing is to +get out of this place.'' + +``I cannot open the door of your room. They do +not trust me with the key.'' + +``The windows are not very high from the ground. +I can get down from the outside.'' + +``I will bring you a clothesline and a hatchet.'' + +Frank received them with exultation. + +``Before I attempt to escape,'' he said, ``tell me +where I can meet you in New York. I want you to +go with me to Mr. Wharton's. I shall need you to +confirm my story.'' + +``I will meet you to-morrow at No. 15 B--Street.'' + +``Then we shall meet to-morrow. What shall I +call your name?'' + +``Mrs. Parker.'' + +``Thank you. I will get away as quickly as +possible, and when we are in the city we will talk over +our future plans.'' + +With the help of the hatchet, Frank soon demolished +the lower part of the window. Fastening the +rope to the bedstead, he got out of the window and +safely descended to the ground. + +A long and fatiguing walk lay before him. But +at last he reached the cars, and half an hour later +the ferry at Jersey City. + +Frank thought himself out of danger for the time +being, but he was mistaken. + +Standing on the deck of the ferryboat, and looking +back to the pier from which he had just started, he +met the glance of a man who had intended to take +the same boat, but had reached the pier just too +late. His heart beat quicker when he recognized in +the belated passenger his late jailer, Nathan Graves. + +Carried away by his rage and disappointment, +Nathan Graves clenched his fist and shook it at his +receding victim. + +Our hero walked into the cabin. He wanted a +chance to deliberate. He knew that Nathan Graves +would follow him by the next boat, and it was +important that he should not find him. Where was he +to go? + +Fifteen minutes after Frank set foot on the pier, +his enemy also landed. But now the difficult part +of the pursuit began. He had absolutely no clew as +to the direction which Frank had taken. + +For an hour and a half he walked the streets in +the immediate neighborhood of the square, but his +labor was without reward. Not a glimpse could he +catch of his late prisoner. + +``I suppose I must go to see Mr. Wade,'' he at last +reluctantly decided. ``He may be angry, but he can't +blame me. I did my best. I couldn't stand guard +over the young rascal all day.'' + +The address which the housekeeper had given +Frank was that of a policeman's family in which +she was at one time a boarder. On giving his reference, +he was hospitably received, and succeeded in +making arrangements for a temporary residence. + +About seven o'clock Mrs. Parker made her +appearance. She wag fatigued by her journey and glad to +rest. + +``I was afraid you might be prevented from +coming,'' said Frank. + +``I feared it also. I was about to start at twelve +o'clock, when, to my dismay, one of the men came +home. He said he had the headache. I was obliged +to make him some tea and toast. He remained about +till four o'clock, when, to my relief, he went upstairs +to lie down. I was afraid some inquiry might be +made about you, and your absence discovered, especially +as the rope was still hanging out of the window, +and I was unable to do anything more than cut +off the lower end of it. When the sick man retired to +his bed I instantly left the house, fearing that the +return of some other of the band might prevent my +escaping altogether.'' + +``Suppose you had met one of them, Mrs. Parker?'' + +``I did. It was about half a mile from the house.'' + +``Did he recognize you?'' + +``Yes. He asked in some surprise where I was +going. I was obliged to make up a story about our +being out of sugar. He accepted it without suspicion, +and I kept on. I hope I shall be forgiven +for the lie. I was forced to it.'' + +``You met no further trouble?'' + +``No.'' + +``I must tell you of my adventure,'' said Frank. + +``I came across the very man whom I most dreaded-- +the man who made me a prisoner.'' + +``Since he knows that you have escaped, he is +probably on your track,'' said Mrs. Parker. ``It will +be hardly safe for you to go to Mr. Wharton's.'' + +``Why?'' + +``He will probably think you likely to go there, and +be lying in wait somewhere about.'' + +``But I must go to Mr. Wharton,'' said Frank. ``I +must tell him this story.'' + +``It will be safer to write.'' + +``The housekeeper, Mrs. Bradley, or John Wade, +will get hold of the letter and suppress it. I don't +want to put them on their guard.'' + +``You are right. It is necessary to be cautious.'' + +``You see I am obliged to call on my grandfather, +that is, on Mr. Wharton.'' + +``I can think of a better plan.'' + +``What is it?'' + +``Go to a respectable lawyer. Tell him your story, +and place your case in his hands. He will write to +your grandfather, inviting him to call at his office +on business of importance, without letting him know +what is the nature of it. You and I can be there to +meet him, and tell our story. In this way John Wade +will know nothing, and learn nothing, of your movements.'' + +``That is good advice, Mrs. Parker, but there is +one thing you have not thought of,'' said our hero. + +``What is that?'' + +``Lawyers charge a great deal for their services, +and I have no money.'' + +``You have what is as good a recommendation--a +good case. The lawyer will see at once that if not at +present rich, you stand a good chance of obtaining +a position which will make you so. Besides, your +grandfather will be willing, if he admits your claim, +to recompense the lawyer handsomely.'' + +``I did not think of that. I will do as you advise +to-morrow.'' + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +JOHN WADE'S DISAPPOINTMENT + + +Mr. Wharton sat at dinner with his nephew and +the housekeeper. He had been at home for some +time, and of course on his arrival had been greeted +with the news of our hero's perfidy. But, to the +indignation of Mrs. Bradley and John, he was obstinately +incredulous. + +``There is some mistake, I am sure,'' he said. ``Such +a boy as Frank is incapable of stealing. You may +be mistaken after all, John. Why did you not let +him stay till I got back? I should like to have +examined him myself.'' + +``I was so angry with him for repaying your +kindness in such a way that I instantly ordered him out +of the house.'' + +``I blame you, John, for your haste,'' said his uncle. +``It was not just to the boy.'' + +``I acted for the best, sir,'' he forced himself to +say in a subdued tone. + +``Young people are apt to be impetuous, and I +excuse you; but you should have waited for my return. +I will call at Gilbert & Mack's, and inquire of Frank +himself what explanation he has to give.'' + +``Of course, sir, you will do what you think proper,'' +said his nephew. + +This ended the conversation, and Mr. Wharton, +according to his declared intention, went to Gilbert +& Mack's. He returned disappointed with the +information that our hero was no longer in the store. + +I now return to Mr. Wharton at dinner. + +``Here is a letter for you, sir,'' said the +housekeeper. ``It was brought by the postman this afternoon.'' + +Mr. Wharton adjusted his spectacles and read as +follows: + +``No.-- Wall Street. + +``Dear Sir: Will you have the kindness to call at +my office to-morrow morning at eleven o'clock, if it +suits your convenience? I have an important +communication to make to you, which will, I think be +of an agreeable character. Should the time named +not suit you, will you have the kindness to name your +own time? + ``Yours respectfully, + ``MORRIS HALL.'' + + +``Read that, John,'' said his uncle, passing him +the letter. + +``Morris Hall is a lawyer, I believe, sir,'' said John. + +``Have you any idea of the nature of the communication +he desires to make?'' + +``No idea at all.'' + +``If it would relieve you, sir, I will go in your +place,'' said John, whose curiosity was aroused. + +``Thank you, John, but this is evidently a personal +matter. I shall go down there to-morrow at the +appointed time.'' + +John was far from suspecting that the communication +related to Frank, though he had heard the day +previous from Nathan Graves of the boy's escape. +He had been very much annoyed, and had given his +agent a severe scolding, with imperative orders to +recapture the boy, if possible. + +It was not without a feeling of curiosity that Mr. +Wharton entered the law office of Mr. Hall. He +announced himself and was cordially welcomed. + +``You have a communication to make to me,'' said +Mr. Wharton. + +``I have.'' + +``Tell me all without delay.'' + +``I will, sir. This is the communication I desire to +make.'' + +The story of John Wade's treachery was told, and +the means by which he had imposed upon his uncle, +but the lawyer carefully abstained from identifying +the lost grandson with Frank Fowler. + +When the story was concluded, Mr. Wharton said: + +``Where is my grandson--my poor George's boy? +Find him for me, and name your own reward.'' + +``I will show him to you at once, sir. Frank!'' + +At the word, Frank, who was in an inner office. +entered. Mr. Wharton started in amazement. + +``Frank!'' he exclaimed. ``My dear boy, is it you +who are my grandson?'' + +``Grandfather!'' + +Mr. Wharton held out his arms, and our hero, +already attached to him for his kindness, was folded +in close embrace. + +``Then you believe I am your grandson?'' said +Frank. + +``I believe it without further proof.'' + +``Still, Mr. Wharton,'' said the lawyer, ``I want to +submit my whole proof. Mrs. Parker!'' + +Mrs. Parker entered and detailed her part in the +plot, which for fourteen years had separated Frank +from his family. + +``Enough!'' said Mr. Wharton. ``I am convinced-- +I did not believe my nephew capable of such baseness. +Mrs. Parker, you shall not regret your confession. +I will give you a pension which will relieve +you from all fear of want. Call next week on Mr. +Hall, and you shall learn what provision I have made +for you. You, Frank, will return with me.'' + +``What will Mr. John say?'' asked Frank. + +``He shall no longer sleep under my roof,'' said Mr. +Wharton, sternly. + +Frank was taken to a tailor and fitted out with a +handsome new suit, ready-made for immediate use, +while three more were ordered. + +When Mr. Wharton reached home, he entered the +library and rang the bell. + +To the servant who answered he said: + +``Is Mr. John at home?'' + +``Yes, sir; he came in ten minutes ago.'' + +``Tell him I wish to see him at once in the library. +Summon the housekeeper, also.'' + +Surprised at the summons, John Wade answered +it directly. He and Mrs. Bradley met at the door +and entered together. Their surprise and dismay +may be conjectured when they saw our hero seated +beside Mr. Wharton, dressed like a young gentleman. + +``John Wade,'' said his uncle, sternly, ``the boy +whom you malign, the boy you have so deeply +wronged, has found a permanent home in this house.'' + +``What, sir! you take him back?'' + +``I do. There is no more fitting place for him +than the house of his grandfather.'' + +``His grandfather!'' exclaimed his nephew and the +housekeeper, in chorus. + +``I have abundant proof of the relationship. This +morning I have listened to the story of your treachery. +I have seen the woman whose son, represented +to me as my grandson, lies in Greenwood Cemetery. +I have learned your wicked plans to defraud him of +his inheritance, and I tell you that you have failed.'' + +``I shall make my will to-morrow, bequeathing all +my property to my grandson, excepting only an annual +income of two thousand dollars to yourself. And +now I must trouble you to find a boarding place. +After what has passed I do not desire to have you in +the family.'' + +``I do not believe he is your grandson,'' said John +Wade, too angry to heed prudential considerations. + +``Your opinion is of little consequence.'' + +``Then, sir, I have only to wish you good-morning. +I will send for my trunks during the day.'' + +``Good-morning,'' said Mr. Wharton, gravely, and +John Wade left the room, baffled and humiliated. + +``I hope, sir,'' said the housekeeper, alarmed for +her position; ``I hope you don't think I knew Mr. +Frank was your grandson. I never was so astonished +and flustrated in my life. I hope you won't +discharge me, sir--me that have served you so faithfully +for many years.'' + +``You shall remain on probation. But if Frank +ever has any fault to find with you, you must go.'' + +``I hope you will forgive me, Mr. Frank.'' + +``I forgive you freely,'' said our hero, who was at +a generous disposition. + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +CONCLUSION + + +Meanwhile poor Grace had fared badly at the +poorhouse in Crawford. It was a sad contrast to the +gentle and kindly circle at Mr. Pomeroy's. What +made it worse for Grace was, that she could hear +nothing of Frank. She feared he was sick, or had +met with some great misfortune, which prevented +his writing. + +One day a handsome carriage drove up to the door. +From it descended our hero, elegantly attired. He +knocked at the door. + +Mrs. Chase, who was impressed by wealth, came +to the door in a flutter of respect, induced by the +handsome carriage. + +``What do you wish, sir?'' she asked, not recognizing +Frank. + +``Miss Grace Fowler!'' repeated Mrs. Chase, +almost paralyzed at Grace being called for by such +stylish acquaintances + +``Yes, my sister Grace.'' + +``What! are you Frank Fowler?'' + +``Yes. I have come to take Grace away.'' + +``I don't know as I have the right to let her go,'' +said Mrs. Chase, cautiously, regretting that Grace +was likely to escape her clutches. + +``Here is an order from Deacon Pinkerton, chairman +of the overseers of the poor.'' + +``That is sufficient. She can go. You look as if +you had prospered in the city,'' she added, with curiosity. + +``Yes. I have found my grandfather, who is very +wealthy.'' + +``You don't say!'' ejaculated Mrs. Chase. ``I'll tell +Grace at once.'' + +Grace at work in the kitchen had not heard of the +arrival. What was her surprise when Mrs. Chase, +entering the room, said, graciously: + +``Go up at once, Grace, and change your clothes. +Your brother has come for you. He is going to take +you away.'' + +Grace almost gasped for breath. + +``Is it true?'' + +``It is indeed. Your brother looks remarkably +well. He is rich. He has found a rich grandfather, +and has come for you in a carriage.'' + +In amazed bewilderment Grace went upstairs and +put on her best dress, poor enough in comparison +with her brother's clothes, and was soon happy in +his embrace. + +``I am glad to see you, my dear child,'' said Mr. +Wharton, who had accompanied Frank. ``Will you +come to the city and live with me and your brother?'' + +``Oh, sir, I shall be glad to be wherever Frank is.'' + +``Good-bye, my dear child,'' sand Mrs. Chase, whose +feelings were very much changed, now that Grace +was a rich young lady. ``Come and see me some +time.'' + +``Thank you, Mrs. Chase. Good-bye!'' + +The carriage rolled on. + + * * * * * * * + + +A few words only remain. Our hero was placed +at a classical school, and in due time entered college, +where he acquitted himself with distinction. He is +now making a tour of Europe. Grace was also +placed at an excellent school, and has developed into +a handsome and accomplished young lady. It is +thought she will marry Sam Pomeroy, who obtained +a place in a counting-room through Mr. Wharton's +influence, and is now head clerk, with a prospect of +partnership. His father received a gift of five +thousand dollars from Mr. Wharton as an acknowledgment +of his kindness to Frank. Tom Pinkerton holds +a subordinate clerkship in the same house, and is +obliged to look up to Sam as his superior. It chafes +his pride, but his father has become a poor man, and +Tom is too prudent to run the risk of losing his +situation. John Wade draws his income regularly, but +he is never seen at his uncle's house. + +Mr. Wharton is very happy in his grandson, and +made happier by the intelligence just received from +Europe of Frank's engagement to a brilliant young +New York lady whom he met in his travels. He +bids fair, though advanced in age, to live some years +yet, to witness the happiness of his dear grandson, +once a humble cash-boy. + + + + +End of The Project Gutenberg Etext of The Cash Boy by Horatio Alger Jr. + + + |