diff options
| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 19:57:30 -0700 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 19:57:30 -0700 |
| commit | f199ccf397e66df13257ed7f4cbcc0629e443041 (patch) | |
| tree | 65abba10db9fe17569b1953fd9c5e14f5db3efe6 /32374-h | |
Diffstat (limited to '32374-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | 32374-h/32374-h.htm | 10745 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 32374-h/images/image1.jpg | bin | 0 -> 63112 bytes |
2 files changed, 10745 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/32374-h/32374-h.htm b/32374-h/32374-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..45509e0 --- /dev/null +++ b/32374-h/32374-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,10745 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<!-- $Id: header.txt 236 2009-12-07 18:57:00Z vlsimpson $ --> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Dick Hamilton's Fortune, by Howard R. Garis. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + +body { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; +} + +p { + margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; +} + +hr { + width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; +} + +table { + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; +} + +.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + color: #C0C0C0; +} /* page numbers */ + +.center {text-align: center;} + +.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + +.caption {font-weight: bold;} + +/* Images */ +.figcenter { + margin: auto; + text-align: center; +} + a:link {text-decoration: none} + a:visited {text-decoration: none} + a:active {text-decoration: none} + a:hover {text-decoration: underline;} + + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Dick Hamilton's Fortune, by Howard R. Garis + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Dick Hamilton's Fortune + The Stirring Doings of a Millionaire's Son + +Author: Howard R. Garis + +Release Date: May 15, 2010 [EBook #32374] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DICK HAMILTON'S FORTUNE *** + + + + +Produced by David Edwards, Verity White and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive) + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/image1.jpg" width="400" height="641" alt="image1" title="image1" style="border: 2px solid" /> +<span class="caption">"THE IDEA OF LEAVING THAT BIG FORTUNE TO A BOY LIKE YOU."<br /><i>Dick Hamilton's Fortune.</i> (Frontispiece.)</span> +</div> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pagei" id="pagei">i</a></span></p> + + +<h1>DICK HAMILTON'S <br /> FORTUNE</h1> + +<h3>OR</h3> + +<h2>THE STIRRING DOINGS OF A <br /> MILLIONAIRE'S SON</h2> + +<h3>BY</h3> + +<h2>HOWARD R. GARIS</h2> + +<p class="center" style="font-size: smaller"><b>AUTHOR OF "FROM OFFICE BOY TO REPORTER," "LARRY DEXTER, +REPORTER," "LARRY DEXTER'S GREAT SEARCH," ETC.</b></p> + +<p> </p> + +<p class="center"><b><i>ILLUSTRATED</i></b></p> + +<p> </p> + +<h3>THE GOLDSMITH PUBLISHING CO.</h3> +<p class="center"><b>CLEVELAND</b></p> + +<p class="center" style="font-size: smaller"><b>MADE IN U. S. A.</b></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pageii" id="pageii">ii</a></span></p> + +<p> </p> + +<p class="center" style="font-size: smaller">Copyright, 1909, by<br /> +<span class="smcap">Grosset</span> & <span class="smcap">Dunlap</span></p> + +<p style="text-align: right; font-size: smaller">PRESS OF<br /> +THE COMMERCIAL BOOKBINDING CO.<br /> +CLEVELAND</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pageiii" id="pageiii">iii</a></span></p> + + +<h2>PREFACE</h2> + + +<p><span class="smcap">My Dear Boys</span>:</p> + +<p>Allow me to introduce to you my friend, Dick +Hamilton.</p> + +<p>Dick, here are the boys, thousands of them.</p> + +<p>Boys, here is Dick Hamilton.</p> + +<p>Now I hope you will shake hands and become +good friends; not doing as I have sometimes seen +boys do, when introduced, hang back and size +each other up, as if distrusting each other.</p> + +<p>Go right up to Dick, get a good grip on his +hand, and squeeze for all you're worth. I'll +wager you can't make him cry "enough!"</p> + +<p>I know he will like you, boys, and I hope you'll +like Dick. He's a fine fellow, if I do say it myself, +for I'm a sort of relation to him. He's got +lots of money, but he uses it in the right way, to +help his friends, and it doesn't keep him from +getting into trouble.</p> + +<p>I have endeavored to give you a story of Dick +and his fortune; how he tried to fulfil the strange +condition of his mother's will; how he escaped the +toils of the sharper, was the target for many +cranks, as well as well-meaning persons; how he +aided the "fresh-air kids," and, finally, when the<span class="pagenum"><a name="pageiv" id="pageiv">iv</a></span> +gold mines had failed, how he worked hard to +escape the clutches of his uncle Ezra.</p> + +<p>As you have taken kindly to some of the other +books I have been privileged to write for you, I +hope you will like this one; and now, if you have +read thus far, you may turn the pages and find +out what Dick had to do in order to retain his +millions.</p> + +<p style="text-align: right">Yours sincerely,<br /> +<span class="smcap">Howard R. Garis</span>.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="pagev" id="pagev">v</a></span></p> + +<h2>CONTENTS.</h2> + +<table summary="contents" width="60%" cellspacing="2"> +<tr> +<td align="right"><span style="font-size: smaller">CHAPTER</span></td> +<td></td> +<td align="right"><span style="font-size: smaller">PAGE</span></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">I.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">Dick is in a Hurry</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page1">1</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">II.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">A Strange Will</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page12">12</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">III.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">Uncle Ezra Threatens</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page20">20</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">IV.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">Dick Becomes Celebrated</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page34">34</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">V.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">Dick Aids Henry</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page44">44</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">VI.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">A Trip to New York</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page50">50</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">VII.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">A Sharper Foiled</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page59">59</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">VIII.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">Dick and the Reporter</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page69">69</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">IX.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">A Circus Comes to Town</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page79">79</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">X.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">Dick Invests in Happiness</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page85">85</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">XI.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">Hank Darby in Business</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page96">96</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">XII.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">Gold Mine Stock</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page105">105</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">XIII.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">Dick's Brave Act</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page114">114</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">XIV.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">Dick Gives a Party</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page125">125</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">XV.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">The Conspiracy</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page135">135</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">XVI.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">Dick Turns Detective</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page141">141</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">XVII.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">Grit's Revenge</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page150">150</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">XVIII.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">Uncle Ezra's Visit</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page156">156</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">XIX.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">The Fresh-Air Youngsters</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page164">164</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">XX.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">Tim's Disclosure</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page173">173</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">XXI.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">In Which Mr. Vanderhoof Vanishes</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page183">183</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">XXII.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">Off for the West</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page189">189</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">XXXIII.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">At the Mines</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page197">197</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">XXIV.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">A Night Trip</span><span class="pagenum"><a name="pagevi" id="pagevi">vi</a></span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page205">205</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">XXV.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">Down in a Gold Mine</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page215">215</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">XXVI.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">Simon's Confession</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page223">223</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">XXVII.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">The Panic</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page232">232</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">XXVIII.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">Henry in Trouble</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page242">242</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">XXIX.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">The Flying Machine</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page249">249</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">XXX.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">A Disastrous Flight</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page256">256</a></td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td align="right">XXXI.</td> +<td><span class="smcap">Good News—Conclusion</span></td> +<td align="right"><a href="#page264">264</a></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page1" id="page1">1</a></span></p> + +<h2>DICK HAMILTON'S FORTUNE</h2> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h2>CHAPTER I</h2> + +<h3>DICK IS IN A HURRY</h3> + +<p>"Here comes Dick Hamilton!" exclaimed a +flashily-dressed youth to his companion, no less +gaily attired, as the two stood in front of a building +from which sounded a peculiar clicking noise.</p> + +<p>"So it is, Guy," was the answer. "Let's get +him into a game. Maybe I can win a little money. +I need it, for I'm nearly dead broke."</p> + +<p>"I thought you always had all the cash you +wanted, Simon," remarked Guy Fletcher, with +something like a sneer in his voice. "I know I +loaned you some the other day."</p> + +<p>"Do you think that lasted until now?" inquired +Simon Scardale, glancing down at his patent +leather shoes. "I'm short of ready money now, +and if we can get your friend Hamilton into a +game of billiards I think I can beat him."</p> + +<p>"He's no friend of mine," returned Guy, with +a short laugh. "He isn't my kind, even if his +father is a millionaire."</p> + +<p>"That's the main reason why you ought to cul<span class="pagenum"><a name="page2" id="page2">2</a></span>tivate +his acquaintance," returned Simon. "It pays +to keep in with such fellows. But here he is. +Let me do the talking. You needn't play if you +don't want to."</p> + +<p>The two boys, who in spite of their fine clothes, +did not have an air of good breeding, watched +the approach of Dick Hamilton as he sauntered +down the main street of the town that pleasant +afternoon late in June.</p> + +<p>Dick was a boy a little above the average +height, well built, with curling brown hair and +eyes of the same hue. The eyes were bright and +clear, and, when he looked at you they seemed +to glint like moss agates, as some of his friends +used to say.</p> + +<p>"And you ought to see them when he's excited," +one of Dick's acquaintances once remarked. +"His eyes sparkle and seem to look +right through you."</p> + +<p>It needed but a glance to see that Dick was +well dressed, with that careless air of studied +negligence which so marks the person accustomed +to fine raiment. Dick wore his garments +as if he was "used to them and not dressed up," +as Fred Murdock remarked. There was that +about him which at once proclaimed him for what +he was—the son of a very wealthy man, for his +father, Mortimer Hamilton, counted his fortune +in the millions.</p> + +<p>As Dick came opposite the place whence issued +that peculiar sound, produced by ivory balls<span class="pagenum"><a name="page3" id="page3">3</a></span> +hitting against one another, he was hailed by Simon +Scardale.</p> + +<p>"I say, Dick, come in and have a little game of +billiards?"</p> + +<p>Dick paused and looked at the speaker with +a quizzical glance.</p> + +<p>"Who's going to play?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Why—er—I—am—for one," replied Simon. +And maybe Guy, here, will take a cue. I'll bet +I can beat you, and I'll give you twenty-five points +to start with. I'll bet you ten dollars——"</p> + +<p>"No, thanks," answered Dick, in rather languid +tones, but the sparkle in his brown eyes +showed there was more spirit in the words than +at first might be apparent. "I don't believe I +care to play."</p> + +<p>"Afraid I'll beat you!" exclaimed Simon, with +a sneer.</p> + +<p>"You were very far from doing that the last +time you played at my house," retorted Dick, +quickly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, that—er—that was on a table you +were used to, and——"</p> + +<p>"He's worried about losing the money!" interrupted +Guy Fletcher. "Come on, Simon, I'll play +you. I'm not afraid of ten dollars, even if my +father isn't quite as wealthy as his."</p> + +<p>As a matter of fact Guy's father was very far +from being as well off as Mr. Hamilton, but Guy +took upon himself as much importance, and gave<span class="pagenum"><a name="page4" id="page4">4</a></span> +himself as many airs, as though his parent was +a multi-millionaire.</p> + +<p>"Hold on!" exclaimed Dick sharply, straightening +up and thrusting his hands in the pockets +of his well-fitting coat. "Now don't you fellows +get any wrong notions into your heads. Go a +little slow. You asked me to come into a public +billiard-room and play a game with you. I——"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and you refused because you're afraid!" +retorted Guy.</p> + +<p>"That's where you're wrong," replied Dick +coolly. "I refused because, in the first place, I +don't play billiards in a public resort like this. +I like the game, but I have a fine table at home, +and I see no reason why I should waste my time +hanging around in a place that's thick with tobacco +smoke, and where the language isn't the +most polite, not to put it too strong. Besides, +the tables are in such poor condition that——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, so you've turned Miss Nancy!" exclaimed +Simon, with a mean smirk.</p> + +<p>"If you think so just come up to my gymnasium +and put on the boxing gloves with me," +invited Dick with a meaning smile; but Simon +knew better than to accept. He had once boxed +a friendly round with Dick and had been sore +for a week afterward, for Simon was "soft."</p> + +<p>"Another reason," continued Dick, "is that I +never gamble, whether it's over a game of billiards +or something else. I don't believe it's right. +It isn't a question of money at all. In fact, if<span class="pagenum"><a name="page5" id="page5">5</a></span> +you need a little cash, I don't mind lending it to +you. But I'll not gamble for it.</p> + +<p>"However," went on the wealthy youth, "don't +let me stand in the way of you two having a good +time. 'Every one to their notion,' as the old lady +said when she kissed the cow," and Dick laughed.</p> + +<p>"What's the cow got to do with it?" inquired +Simon, who did not see the point of Dick's joke.</p> + +<p>"Afraid," murmured Guy, but so low that +Dick did not hear him.</p> + +<p>"The cow," retorted Dick, with a glance at +Simon, "is a second cousin to the one that jumped +over the moon. But, aside from all this," he +continued, more seriously, "if I did feel like playing +billiards with you in there, I couldn't do it +this afternoon, for I promised my father I'd be +home early. He has an appointment with me—a +very important one—and I'm in a hurry to keep +it."</p> + +<p>"Didn't look so, by the way you were walking +along the street a moment ago," sneered Simon.</p> + +<p>"I was just looking at some new fishing tackle +in White's window," answered Dick. "I have +my horse tied in front of the post-office, and I +guess you know he goes fast enough to take me +home in a hurry. Now I think I'll say ta-ta, and +get along. Try to work some one else into your +billiard game," and, with a nod that had in it +not the least sign of displeasure, in spite of his +firm words, Dick turned and walked off.</p> + +<p>"Well, if he ain't the limit!" ejaculated Guy.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page6" id="page6">6</a></span> +"He makes me tired. Come on in, I'll play you +a game; but not for ten dollars. Dad growled +the other day because I asked him for money, and +I've got to go slow."</p> + +<p>"I wish I'd taken him at his word and borrowed +about twenty-five dollars from him," remarked +Simon, as he followed Guy into the +billiard-room.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile Dick had reached the post-office, +where his horse, a handsome bay of fine spirit, +but gentle disposition, was waiting him. The +animal whinnied with pleasure as the lad came +up, and when he patted the black muzzle, the +horse showed every evidence of delight.</p> + +<p>"I wonder if they think I can't get home in +a hurry on you, Rex?" asked Dick, as he loosened +the strap and vaulted into the saddle. "Come on, +now, show 'em how you can go!"</p> + +<p>The splendid animal was off like a shot, many +persons in the street turning to look at the pleasing +picture the well-built youth made on his handsome +steed. Past the billiard parlor Dick rode at +a fast pace, and several youths inside hurried to +the door.</p> + +<p>"There he goes," remarked Simon, with a +sneer. "I'd like to take some of the starch out +of him."</p> + +<p>"Who?" inquired another player, chalking his +cue.</p> + +<p>"Dick Hamilton."</p> + +<p>"He hasn't any starch in him," was the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page7" id="page7">7</a></span> +answer. "He's one of the best fellows in the +world. One of the very few who has not been +spoiled by their father's wealth. You don't know +Dick Hamilton, or you wouldn't say he's stiff +or proud."</p> + +<p>"We don't want to know him," put in Guy.</p> + +<p>"Well, I'd be proud to," went on the player +at the next table. "He isn't in my class, or, +rather, I'm not in his, but he always bows pleasantly +and speaks to me every time we meet. He's +a real sport, he is. None of your tin-horn +variety."</p> + +<p>Through the main street of the town Dick +rode, waving his hand now and then to acquaintances +who saluted him. To some he called out +cheery words of greeting, and to several elderly +men he bowed respectfully.</p> + +<p>As Dick turned out of the main thoroughfare +into one that led to the handsome mansion where +he and his father lived, he came in sight of a +spectacle that made him pause. It was a rattletrap +of a wagon, drawn by a horse that seemed +as much in danger of falling apart as did the +vehicle. In the wagon was a miscellaneous collection +of scrap iron, broken pipes, pieces of +stoves, fractured pulleys and bent shafting mingling +in a confused mass. On the seat sat a +pleasant-faced, bright-looking youth, about Dick's +age, and nearly of his size.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Henry!" called Dick. "What in the +world have you got there?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="page8" id="page8">8</a></span></p> + +<p>"Scrap iron, scrap wagon and a scrap horse," +replied Henry Darby, with a grin.</p> + +<p>"What are you doing?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm in a sort of new venture," was the +answer. "I'm collecting old iron, wherever I can +find it, and selling it again. I bought up a lot +out in the country, and I hired this rig to get it +back to town with; only I'm afraid I'm not going +to arrive."</p> + +<p>"What's the matter?"</p> + +<p>"Why, this horse—if you can call such an +animal a dignified name like that—has the +heaves, a spavin, spring-halt, blind-staggers, and +a few other things. It got tired a few minutes +ago, and went on a strike. I'm afraid to do anything +to it to make it go for fear it'll fall apart +right here in the road."</p> + +<p>Dick, who had brought his steed to a stop, +laughed heartily.</p> + +<p>"Well, you are in a fix," he said. "But I don't +understand about this old iron business."</p> + +<p>"I've got to do something to make a living," +answered Henry Darby, who seemed confused +about something. "I have been doing it on a small +scale for quite a while. Now I'm trying to +branch out a bit. There's money in old iron, if +I could sell enough of it. But I don't see how +I'm going to get this load home. You might +lend me your horse," he added with a laugh; for +in spite of the poverty of Henry Darby, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page9" id="page9">9</a></span> +wealth of Dick Hamilton, the two boys were good +friends.</p> + +<p>"I'm sorry I can't do that, Henry," said Dick; +and his voice showed that he was sincere. "The +fact is, I'm in a hurry to get home. When I +went out this morning father told me to be sure +to be in at three o'clock, as he had something +important to tell me."</p> + +<p>"Maybe he's going to reduce your allowance," +suggested Henry, with a laugh.</p> + +<p>"No, I can't imagine what it is," and Dick spoke +soberly "But that it's important I know by the +way he acted. Otherwise I'd lend you my horse +to pull that load back with. I'll tell you what I'll +do, however. As soon as I get home I'll send one +of the grooms out here with one of the work +horses. They'll think that load is a feather. But +now I am in a hurry, so I must gallop on. It +won't do to keep dad waiting, especially when he +laid so much stress on my being home on time."</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't trouble about a horse. I guess I +can get this—this animal to go after a while," +and Henry laughed; for he was of a happy disposition, +and trouble rolled away from him "like +water off a duck's back," as he used to say.</p> + +<p>"But it's no trouble at all," insisted Dick. +"You wait here and I'll send a man back with a +horse. You can drive him home to-morrow, or +to-night, if you like."</p> + +<p>"All right. It's very kind of you," said Henry, +but Dick did not stay to listen to the thanks<span class="pagenum"><a name="page10" id="page10">10</a></span> +before he had called to Rex, under whose flying +feet the dust of the road arose in a cloud.</p> + +<p>"He must be in a hurry to ride like that," +thought Henry, as he tried to lead on his apology +for a horse. "I wonder what it is that his father +is going to tell him? It must be about money I +guess, for Mr. Hamilton has so much he doesn't +know what to do with all of it."</p> + +<p>Dick was also wondering, as he galloped along, +what the important matter might be that his +parent was to speak to him about. He only had +a hint of it in what Mr. Hamilton had said that +morning.</p> + +<p>"This is your birthday," Dick's father had +remarked, when he and his son were at breakfast +in the Hamilton mansion. "I wish you many +happy returns, and I will add that I have something +very important to say to you this afternoon—something +that may have a great influence +on your future life. I will meet you here in the +library at three o'clock, and communicate to you +certain portions of your dear mother's will."</p> + +<p>For a moment emotion had overcame Mr. +Hamilton, for his wife, of whom he had been +devotedly fond, though dead some years, was +ever a living memory to him. Dick's eyes filled +with tears as he recalled the sweet-faced woman +to whom he had lisped "mother," for he was only +a small chap when she died.</p> + +<p>"So, if you will be here on time, Dick," his +father finally went on, "I will read to you an<span class="pagenum"><a name="page11" id="page11">11</a></span> +important document, in accordance with your +mother's final instructions. Now don't be late. +I am a busy man, and if I make an appointment +for a certain time, I like the other fellow to be +there also," and he smiled at his son.</p> + +<p>"I'll be there, father," promised Dick.</p> + +<p>So now he was hurrying on to keep his appointment. +His home was about two miles from the +town of Hamilton Corners, in one of our eastern +states, the place having been named in honor of +Mr. Hamilton, who, as will be told later, was at +the head of many industries that gave the town +its importance.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what it can all be about?" mused +Dick, as he turned his horse into the driveway +that led to the mansion.</p> + +<p>In a vague way he knew that his mother had +been very wealthy in her own right; almost as +wealthy as Mr. Hamilton, who was many times +a millionaire. But Dick had no idea of the provisions +of his mother's will. He had often +heard his father speak of what a wise and far-seeing +woman Mrs. Hamilton was; but Dick, +who was a healthy, happy youth, fond of all +kinds of sports, had not up to this time given +much thought to the future.</p> + +<p>Now, to-day, he was to be given a glimpse into +it, and he was not a little sobered by the thoughts +of the coming interview.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page12" id="page12">12</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER II</h2> + +<h3>A STRANGE WILL</h3> + +<p>"Well, I'm glad to see you are on time, Dick," +said Mr. Hamilton, as his son, having left Rex +at the stables, and sent one of the grooms on a +horse to the aid of Henry, entered the handsome +library. "Right to the minute. That is what I +like to see. It speaks well for what we have in +hand."</p> + +<p>Dick had never known his father to be quite +so solemn save on one former occasion, and that +was the dreadful day when the house was dark +and in confusion, followed by a strange stillness, +and then his loving mother was seen no more. +She had gone away—somewhere—he did not +understand where until long afterward, and it +now made him a little sad to recall the scene.</p> + +<p>But his thoughts were interrupted by a sudden +rush of feet, and a big bulldog, with fore +legs arched almost grotesquely, and with two big +teeth showing from under the upper lip, leaped +joyously upon him.</p> + +<p>"Grit, old boy!" exclaimed Dick, as he caressed +the brute, handsome in its very ugliness, a dog,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page13" id="page13">13</a></span> +the look of which impressed strangers with fear +as to its temper, but which, to all friends, was as +gentle as a kitten. It was a fine specimen of the +bulldog, of good stock and very valuable.</p> + +<p>"My son," began Mr. Hamilton, as he drew +from his pocket a folded paper, "I asked you to +meet me here to-day to listen to some of the provisions +of your dear, departed mother's will. I +have a copy of it, the original being on file at the +court house according to law. Soon after you +were born she had it drawn up, and, having told +me the nature of it, asked if I was satisfied. I +told her I was, absolutely.</p> + +<p>"You may have heard, in a general way, that +your mother was very wealthy in her own right. +She was, more so than you have any idea of, perhaps. +It is not necessary to go into figures now, +but sufficient to say that her fortune was a very +large one, and that it can be counted in the +millions. Part of it was left her by her father, +and the rest accumulated through wise investments.</p> + +<p>"In fact, your mother was a great believer in +wise and paying investments, as you will see. +She was worried lest her only son, when he grew +up, would not appreciate the value of money; nor +understand how much good can be done with it.</p> + +<p>"Therefore, in order to make sure that you +would not do as so many rich youths have done—wasted +the wealth left to them—she has seen +fit to make certain provisions and restrictions.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page14" id="page14">14</a></span> +You are to inherit her great wealth—if you fulfill +these conditions."</p> + +<p>"What are they?" asked Dick, who was not a +little impressed by what his father had said. +"Down, Grit, down," he commanded gently, for +the dog was trying to clamber all over its master, +so glad was it to see Dick. "Down, Grit," and +the noble animal obeyed, crouching at the youth's +feet, but ever keeping a watchful eye on his face, +ready to begin the demonstration again at the +first sign of encouragement.</p> + +<p>"You are to inherit your mother's wealth on +this condition, among others," went on Mr. Hamilton. +"Beginning with this, your birthday, +which is the time she set, you are to be supplied +with a large amount of cash. You are to be +allowed to spend it as you please, when you +please, and for what you please, subject, of course, +to certain common-sense restrictions, of which I +am to be the judge."</p> + +<p>"Does that mean I'll have all the money I want +to spend just as I please?" asked Dick joyfully.</p> + +<p>"Practically so. But here is the restriction: +You are required to make, within one year from +date, one wise and paying investment with some +of the money you spend. It may be a large one +or it may be a small one, but at the end of the +year it must show a respectable profit."</p> + +<p>"And if it doesn't?"</p> + +<p>"Then you will lose considerable," went on Mr. +Hamilton. "In the event of your failure to make<span class="pagenum"><a name="page15" id="page15">15</a></span> +such an investment within twelve months your +mother's fortune will be tied up so that you can +not touch it, or derive any benefit from it, for a +certain period, which will be disclosed later."</p> + +<p>"Does that mean I will have to be—be poor?"</p> + +<p>"Well, not exactly poor, but you will have to +put up with a good deal less than you have now. +You see, your mother's idea was to have you avoid +the pitfalls and snares into which fall many +wealthy youths with millionaire parents. She +wanted to make you appreciate the value of +money, to know how to spend it, and to learn, +above everything else, that money begets money.</p> + +<p>"That is why she made such a peculiar will, +and, I think, she did wisely. So, for a year, at +least, you are to live as do other millionaires' sons +who are older. In fact, you are to have more +money to spend than you ever had before, for, +though I have been liberal with you, I wanted you +to have something still better to look forward to. +So, now, your fortune is your own to make.</p> + +<p>"If you devote some of the money you are to +have to a wise and paying investment, you will, +comparatively soon, come into possession of your +mother's vast wealth, though, of course, the +executors of the will, of whom I am one, are to +have certain control over you. You have twelve +months from to-day in which to make your try, +Dick, my boy."</p> + +<p>"A year to make money out of money. But +how, father? I have no knowledge of business."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page16" id="page16">16</a></span></p> + +<p>"That is just it. You must gain some knowledge +of business or you will never be able to +take care of your fortune. That is one reason +your mother made such a will. I need not say I +hope you will be successful. I shall aid you all +I can, but I would rather you relied on yourself. +I had to do it when I was your age, and I see no +reason why you should not take some responsibility."</p> + +<p>"Are these all the restrictions?" asked Dick, +his mind somewhat confused by the sudden news.</p> + +<p>"No, not all. There are a number of provisions +of the will, governing your future life, +aside from the matter of the investment. I will +not read them to you now, but as soon as the +occasion arises you will be made acquainted with +them."</p> + +<p>"And can I start in and have the money at +once? I know a lot of things I want." Dick +was walking about excitedly. He had visions of +a big automobile and a fine motor boat, two +things his father, up to the present, had not +allowed him to own.</p> + +<p>"One of the provisions of the will," went on +Mr. Hamilton, "is that on this date there is to be +placed a large sum to your credit in the local +national bank, of which you know I am president. +You will be given a check book and allowed to +draw upon it as you please, subject, as I said +before, to certain reasonable restrictions on my +part."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page17" id="page17">17</a></span></p> + +<p>"Where is the check book?" asked Dick. "I've +always wanted to have one."</p> + +<p>"Not so fast," continued his father, with a +smile. "You must first go to the bank and be +identified by the proper officials, and also leave +your signature there. Then you shall have the +check book, Dick. But there is another matter," +and Mr. Hamilton turned to the second page of +the document in his hand.</p> + +<p>Dick's heart sank. Perhaps, after all, he was +not to have the wealth with which his imagination +was already building fairy castles in the air.</p> + +<p>"In case you fail to make this paying investment," +went on Mr. Hamilton, "not only do you +lose control of the money for a long time, but +you have to undergo a sort of penance. It is +this. You will have to go and live with your +Uncle Ezra Larabee at Dankville——"</p> + +<p>"Uncle Ezra!" exclaimed Dick, and his face +fell.</p> + +<p>"Yes, your Uncle Ezra and Aunt Samanthy. +You will have to remain in their charge for a +certain period and attend any boarding school +they may select for you. That is done to teach +you the value of money, and I think, from what +I know of your Uncle Ezra, it will be a good +place to learn," and Mr. Hamilton smiled rather +grimly.</p> + +<p>"In order that you may fully appreciate the +situation, your mother has provided," proceeded +Dick's father, "that you are to spend a week with<span class="pagenum"><a name="page18" id="page18">18</a></span> +your Uncle Ezra, beginning to-morrow. Her +idea was that you should get better acquainted +with her only brother, who, as you may have +heard, is quite well off, and one of the wisest men +in the matter of money I ever met. He is very +conservative about investments, but he makes +them pay. Your dear mother thought it would +be a good school for you, and I have no doubt +but what you will see that for yourself if you +spend a week with him. If you should not be +able, in the year, to make the paying investment, +you will, of course, pass under the control of Mr. +Larabee.</p> + +<p>"I think I have now told you enough for the +present. As I said, there are other provisions in +the will regarding you, but we can discuss them +when the time comes. I have written to your +uncle, and he expects you to-morrow.</p> + +<p>"Now, Dick, my son, having gotten this somewhat +sad business over—for it makes me sad to +recall your dear mother, and the careful way she +made provision that you should grow up to be a +wise and good man—I think we will have a little +lunch. I am hungry and I think you are, so I +arranged a little birthday dinner for you."</p> + +<p>Mr. Hamilton led the way to the large dining +room, where, upon the mahogany table, cut glass +and silver sparkled in profusion. There were +places for two and, as soon as father and son +entered, a solemn butler rang a chiming bell, and +servants brought in a dainty but bountiful meal.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page19" id="page19">19</a></span></p> + +<p>"Roast duck!" exclaimed Dick, as he caught +sight of it. "That's like you, dad, to remember +how fond I am of it. And I'll bet he's ordered +frozen pudding for dessert; hasn't he, Mary?" +turning to the smiling maid who was arranging +some dishes on the sideboard.</p> + +<p>"That he has, Master Dick," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"Well, I thought I'd give you a good meal +before you went to Uncle Ezra's house," said Mr. +Hamilton, with a queer smile. "You may not +get—But there, Dick, I wish you all the luck in +the world, and may we both be as happy on your +next birthday," and Mr. Hamilton stood up and +gravely shook hands with his son.</p> + +<p>"Um," murmured Dick. "Maybe I'll be at +Uncle Ezra's a year from now—if I don't make +that paying investment. I wonder what sort of +a place he has, anyhow? Well, there's no use +worrying now. I must take some of that roast +duck while it's hot," and he began to investigate +his well-filled plate with no little interest.</p> + +<p>"You leave for your uncle's on the eight o'clock +train to-morrow morning," said Mr. Hamilton. +"Have your things all packed to-night, and don't +be late, for your uncle is a very particular man—a—very—particular—man," +and again that grim +smile came over Mr. Hamilton's face; a smile +which puzzled Dick. But he was to know the +meaning of it soon enough.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page20" id="page20">20</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER III</h2> + +<h3>UNCLE EZRA THREATENS</h3> + +<p>Dick had not paid a visit to his Uncle Ezra +since he could remember. He dimly recalled being +there when a small boy, and had a hazy +memory of a fine big house, but very gloomy, +standing in the midst of large grounds that +seemed more like a cemetery than anything else. +Of his uncle and aunt he had but a faint recollection, +and when he stood on the depot platform +the next morning, waiting for his train, he was +in no very happy frame of mind.</p> + +<p>For Dick liked fun, and jolly companions, and +did not relish being sent off to visit relatives who +were almost strangers to him, even though Mr. +Larabee was his mother's only brother.</p> + +<p>"I don't fancy I'm going to have a very good +time," mused the youth, as the train was whizzing +him along toward Dankville. "Still, I'm +going to fulfill the conditions of the will as far +as I can. Make a paying investment, eh? I +wonder if I can do it? But, of course, I can. I'll +buy some building lots, stocks or bonds, and sell +'em at a profit. I'll do it as soon as I get home,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page21" id="page21">21</a></span> +and then I'll not have to worry about the matter +any more," he added lightly, as if making money +was the easiest thing in the world.</p> + +<p>Dankville was a country village about a hundred +miles from Hamilton Corners. When Dick +alighted at the station he looked around in some +surprise. The place seemed to be absolutely +deserted. There was no one in sight but the +station agent, and, as soon as the train pulled +out, he disappeared into his office.</p> + +<p>"Not a very pleasant reception," mused Dick, +as he sat down on the upturned end of his dress-suit +case. "Not exactly a brass band out to meet +me. I wonder how I get to Uncle Ezra's place? +Guess I'll ask the man."</p> + +<p>He started toward the ticket office, but, as he +approached it, he saw a carriage driving up to the +platform. In the vehicle sat an elderly man with +a little tuft of white chin whiskers, which moved +to and fro in a curious manner every time he +spoke to the horse, which was frequently necessary, +as the animal seemed to need much urging +to induce it to continue its journey.</p> + +<p>"Whoa!" exclaimed the man, though there was +no occasion for the command, as the horse was +glad enough to stop. "Are you Richard Hamilton, +son of Mortimer Hamilton?"</p> + +<p>"I'm Dick. Are you Uncle Ezra?"</p> + +<p>"Dick!" fairly snorted the elderly man. +"You're Richard, that's what you were christened +and that's what you must be called! I can't<span class="pagenum"><a name="page22" id="page22">22</a></span> +abide nicknames and I won't have 'em. You're +Richard, do you hear?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," answered Dick, meekly enough, +though there was an angry light in his eyes.</p> + +<p>"Now, then, Richard, you've come to visit us +for a certain purpose," went on his uncle. "What +it is we needn't discuss now. The train was a +little ahead of time or I'd been here sooner." +Mr. Larabee did not seem to think that he might +be a little late. "I always make it a point to be +on time," he added. "Now, jump in. Your aunt +has a meal ready and she musn't be kept waiting. +I want you to understand from the start that +everything is done on time in my house. We rise +at a certain hour, and we have our meals at certain +hours. Folks that come to see us have to do +as we do or they don't get any meals. I hope you +understand that."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," replied Dick, his heart sinking down +deeper than ever. It was worse than he had +thought. Still the idea of a meal, after his long +ride, seemed good.</p> + +<p>Mr. Larabee's fine country home was considered +one of the best places in that part of the +state. There was not a crooked fence on it, the +gravel walks were as trim as though no one had +ever stepped on their surface, and the grass was +always cut to a certain length. The house was +always painted at a certain time of the year, as +were also the barns, and the place looked almost +like a picture in a book.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page23" id="page23">23</a></span></p> + +<p>In fact, Mr. Larabee's neighbors used to say he +never took any pleasure in it, as he was always +so busy looking to see if a stick or a stone had not +become misplaced, or if the paint on the house or +barn was not chipping off.</p> + +<p>"So this is Nephew Richard, is it?" asked a +small, prim, rather thin-faced woman, as she +came to the door when the carriage containing +Dick and his uncle drove up the path. "I'm glad +to see you, Nephew Richard," she went on, +extending a cold and clammy hand, and giving +Dick a little peck that seemed more like a nip +from a bird than a kiss.</p> + +<p>"Is dinner ready?" asked Mr. Larabee.</p> + +<p>"You know it is, Ezra," replied his wife. "I'll +serve it as soon as you put the horse up. Come +in, Nephew Richard, but be sure and wipe your +feet."</p> + +<p>She watched Dick while he scraped off an +invisible quantity of dust from his shoes that +had scarcely touched the ground that morning. +After giving them what he thought was a good +polishing on the mat, he started to enter the front +hall.</p> + +<p>"Wait!" almost screamed his aunt. "There's +a little mud on that left heel!"</p> + +<p>Dick obligingly gave it another scrape on the +mat and started in.</p> + +<p>"One moment, Nephew Richard," said Mrs. +Larabee, in almost imploring accents. "Let me +wipe your satchel off before you go in. I'm<span class="pagenum"><a name="page24" id="page24">24</a></span> +afraid it's dusty from the drive, and I can't bear +dust in my house."</p> + +<p>She kept Dick waiting on the front steps while +she went in and got a cloth, with which she carefully +wiped off the dress-suit case, though Dick +did not see how there could be any dust on it, +as it had been covered with the lap robe all the +way.</p> + +<p>"Now you may come in," Aunt Samantha said, +as graciously as was possible. "Welcome to The +Firs. We call our place The Firs," she went on, +"because there are so many fir trees around it. +It makes it dark and keeps the flies out."</p> + +<p>It certainly made it dark, for as Dick entered +the hall he could hardly see, and had to proceed +by the sense of feeling.</p> + +<p>"We never open this part of the house, except +for company," Mrs. Larabee went on. "Ezra +and I use the back door, as it saves wear and tear. +Now, if you'll come with me, I'll show you to +your room and you can take off your good +clothes and put on a rough suit."</p> + +<p>"I haven't any rougher suit than this," said +Dick, looking at the garments he wore. "I've +got another suit in the case, but it's newer than +this."</p> + +<p>"Mercy, child!" exclaimed his aunt. "Would +you wear such clothes around every day?"</p> + +<p>"I always have," replied Dick simply.</p> + +<p>"Well, I never heard tell the like of that! +What does your father—but, there, I forgot. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="page25" id="page25">25</a></span> +know Mortimer Hamilton. He doesn't care how +he throws money away!"</p> + +<p>"My father never throws money away!" exclaimed +Dick, always ready to champion his parent. +"He thinks it pays to buy good clothes, as +they wear better than cheap ones."</p> + +<p>"Such wastefulness," sighed the aunt, as she +led the way upstairs. "But it's no use talking. +However, if you come to live here——"</p> + +<p>She did not finish the sentence, but Dick registered +a mental vow that it would be a long day +before he would voluntarily come to live at The +Firs.</p> + +<p>He was shown into a small room, plainly +furnished, containing a small cot bed.</p> + +<p>"As you are only to stay a week, I thought it +would make less work for me if you had this +room," said Mrs. Larabee. "It used to be the +servant's, but I don't keep any now. They are +too expensive. Now be very careful. Always +take your shoes off when you come upstairs, as I +can't be always cleaning and dusting. Don't +throw your things around, and keep the shutters +closed so the flies won't get in. When you are +ready come down to dinner."</p> + +<p>"Well, if this doesn't get me!" exclaimed Dick, +when his aunt had left him alone and he had +dropped down on the edge of the cot. "This +certainly is the limit. If I didn't know differently +I'd say Uncle Ezra had lost all his money. I +guess he's got it salted down and hates to take<span class="pagenum"><a name="page26" id="page26">26</a></span> +it out of the brine. Well, I'll see what they have +for dinner before I make up my mind any +further."</p> + +<p>The meal, though plain, was good, and to a +boy with Dick's appetite, nothing came amiss. +But it was small pleasure to dine when two pair +of eyes were almost constantly watching him.</p> + +<p>"Don't get any of the gravy on the table cloth," +cautioned Mrs. Larabee. "It was clean this week, +and I don't want to have to put another one on +before Sunday."</p> + +<p>Dick felt a guilty flush come over his face as +he saw that he had dropped a small piece of butter +on the cloth. But he thought it wisest to say +nothing.</p> + +<p>"Aren't you going to eat that crust of bread?" +asked his uncle, as Dick laid aside a portion that +was burned black.</p> + +<p>"It's a little too—too brown," replied the boy, +who did not fancy burned bread.</p> + +<p>"That makes it all the better," said Mr. Larabee. +"Bread should be well cooked to be digestible. +Always eat your crusts. 'Sinful waste +makes woeful want,' as the proverb says. I had +to eat my crusts when I was young."</p> + +<p>Dick managed to get it down, and the meal +finally came to a close. He felt considerably +better after it, and when his uncle proposed a +walk around the place, he was ready to accompany +Mr. Larabee.</p> + +<p>Dick found much to admire in the well-kept<span class="pagenum"><a name="page27" id="page27">27</a></span> +grounds. Several men were at work, and the +manner in which they hastened with their tasks +when their employer approached spoke volumes +for the way in which they regarded him.</p> + +<p>Dick paused in the stable to admire the horses, +of which his uncle kept several. Without thinking +he pulled a wisp of hay from a bale and +offered it to one of the animals.</p> + +<p>"Don't do that!" exclaimed his uncle sharply. +"You'll scatter it all over the barn. The man has +just swept the place up, and I don't like a litter of +dirt around."</p> + +<p>He stopped to pick up some pieces of hay Dick +had inadvertently dropped, and looked so cross +that the boy wished he had kept out of the stable.</p> + +<p>However, Mr. Larabee seemed a bit ashamed +of himself a little later, for he showed Dick where +he could find some withered apples to feed to the +pigs.</p> + +<p>"Only don't scatter 'em on the ground," he +cautioned. "I hate to see apples thrown about. I +keep a man to look after the orchard, and I like +it nice and tidy."</p> + +<p>Now Dick was not a careless youth, but he +thought this was carrying things a little too far. +However, he brightened up a bit when his uncle +announced that he had to leave his nephew to his +own devices for a time, as he had some duties +to attend to.</p> + +<p>Dick managed to while away the afternoon +looking at the sights around the place, for his<span class="pagenum"><a name="page28" id="page28">28</a></span> +uncle had a large farm, though he was wealthy +enough not to need the income from it. Still he +was the kind of a man who can not own the +smallest bit of land without putting it to some +use.</p> + +<p>Dick looked about for a sight of some lads of +his own age with whom he might become acquainted +and enjoy his enforced visit to Dankville, +but boys seemed a scarce article around +The Firs.</p> + +<p>He strolled back to the house, and, not seeing +his aunt about, and being desirous of exploring +the rather stately mansion, he started on a +tour of it. Through the darkened hall he went +until he came to what he thought would be the +parlor. He opened the door, though it creaked +on rusty hinges.</p> + +<p>The room was so dark he could see nothing, +and, having heard his father say that there were +some choice oil paintings at The Firs, he opened +a window to get light enough to view them. He +had a hard task, as it seemed the sash and shutters +had not been moved since they were built, +but finally a stream of light entered the gloomy +apartment, with the horse-hair furniture arranged +stiffly against the wall.</p> + +<p>Dick caught sight of a large painting and was +going closer to examine it when he heard a +shriek in the open doorway.</p> + +<p>"Mercy sakes, Richard! Whatever have you +done?" he heard his aunt call.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page29" id="page29">29</a></span></p> + +<p>"Why, I just opened a window to let some light +in, so I could see the pictures," he answered.</p> + +<p>"Light? In this room? Why, Richard Hamilton! +This room hasn't been opened in years! +We never think of letting light in the parlor. The +carpet might fade. Oh, Richard, I am so sorry! +If I thought you would have opened a window +I would have locked the door. Shut it and come +out at once! Mercy sakes!"</p> + +<p>Much abashed, Dick closed the shutters and +window and walked out. His aunt ran and got +a broom, with which she brushed the carpet where +he had stepped, though how she could see any +dust in that gloom was more than the boy could +understand.</p> + +<p>"Never, never go in there again," cautioned his +aunt. "We never open that room except—for +funerals."</p> + +<p>"I guess that's all it's good for," thought Dick.</p> + +<p>He sat around, very miserable, the remainder +of the afternoon, and had little appetite for supper, +which was rather a scant meal; some preserves, +bread and weak tea making up the repast.</p> + +<p>"I think I'll take a stroll to the village," remarked +the youth, as he arose from the table.</p> + +<p>"Where?" asked his aunt, as if she had not +heard aright.</p> + +<p>"To the village. I'd like to see what's going +on."</p> + +<p>"There's nothing going on," replied his uncle.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page30" id="page30">30</a></span> +"The village is five miles from here. Besides, we +go to bed early, and I don't allow any one in my +house, visitor or otherwise, to come in with a +latch key. You'd better stay here, read some +good book to improve your mind, and retire early. +That's what I do, and I find it pays."</p> + +<p>Dick groaned. He now knew the meaning of +his father's queer smile.</p> + +<p>"Then I'll walk around outside the house for a +while to get some air," proposed Dick.</p> + +<p>"I'd rather you wouldn't," came from Mr. +Larabee, as he squirmed uneasily in his chair. +"The gravel walks have just been raked smooth, +and I hate to have 'em disturbed."</p> + +<p>Dick did not answer, but sat in his chair +silently, while his aunt cleared off the supper +table. When the lamps were lighted, which was +not done until it was quite dark, Mr. Larabee +handed Dick a book. The boy hoped it might +be some tale of adventures that would help pass +away the hours, but on looking at the title he +saw it was "Pilgrim's Progress."</p> + +<p>"I guess I'll go to bed," he announced, and his +aunt and uncle gave an audible sigh of relief.</p> + +<p>The next morning Dick, without saying anything +to Mr. or Mrs. Larabee, walked to the railroad +station. There he sent a telegram to his +father. It read:</p> + +<blockquote><p>"Dear Dad. This place is fierce. Can't I come +home? Wire me quick."</p></blockquote><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page31" id="page31">31</a></span></p> + +<p>He said he would wait at the station for an +answer, and he was a little sorry when it came, +as it meant he would have to go back to the dismal +house. His father's reply was:</p> + +<blockquote><p>"Dear Dick. To fulfill the conditions you must +remain a week. Do the best you can and let it +be a lesson to you."</p></blockquote> + +<p>"Be a lesson to me?" mused Dick. "Oh, I +see! He means I must make that investment so +I won't have to come here and live."</p> + +<p>On his return Dick entered the house at the +rear door, pausing momentarily to wipe his feet. +But his aunt was watching for him.</p> + +<p>"Richard," she said severely. "They're not +half clean. I can see dirt on them."</p> + +<p>"Oh," he began, but he kept silent, and, instead +of entering, turned into the orchard. There, at +least, he would not be corrected. His uncle found +him there a little later, as Dick was sitting idly +under a tree.</p> + +<p>"Haven't you anything to occupy yourself +with?" asked Mr. Larabee severely.</p> + +<p>"No," answered Dick. "There's no one to get +up a baseball game with around here, as far as I +can see."</p> + +<p>"Boys shouldn't always be playing," commented +Mr. Larabee. "You should labor to +improve your mind. Why don't you read that +book I gave you last night?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="page32" id="page32">32</a></span></p> + +<p>"I don't care for it."</p> + +<p>"That's the way with the rising generation. +Frivolous! frivolous!"</p> + +<p>"School has closed for the term," said Dick. +"I'm done with studying, and that book looked +as if it was to be studied."</p> + +<p>"It was," replied his uncle. "It merits being +well studied. But it's what I expected of you. +It's the way that you have been brought up."</p> + +<p>"I guess my father brought me up in the way +he thought best," fired back Dick.</p> + +<p>"Well, his way is very different from mine—very +different," and Mr. Larabee shook his head +as though to indicate that a great mistake had +been made. "Then there's your mother's will," +he went on. "The idea of leaving that big fortune +to a boy like you. It's wicked! It's a terrible +risk! A terrible risk! What a foolish +woman she was! But then it's all you can expect +of a woman!"</p> + +<p>"Look here, Uncle Ezra!" exclaimed Dick, +rising to his feet, his brown eyes sparkling in a +dangerous way, and a red flush showing on his +cheeks. "I don't want you to speak that way of +my mother!"</p> + +<p>"She was my sister, and I say she made a foolish +will!" stormed the old man.</p> + +<p>"She was my mother!" replied Dick hotly, +"and I'll not have her spoken of in that way! +She knew what she was doing! She was the best +woman that ever lived and—and much better<span class="pagenum"><a name="page33" id="page33">33</a></span> +than you are with your ideas of what is good. +You musn't speak so of her! I'll not stand it!"</p> + +<p>"Look here, young man!" exclaimed Mr. Larabee. +"I guess you forget who you're talking to."</p> + +<p>"No, I don't!"</p> + +<p>"I won't have such language used toward me. +I say your mother made a foolish will, and I +know what I'm talking about."</p> + +<p>"If you say that again I'll—I'll—" and then +Dick paused. After all this man was his mother's +brother, and he knew how his parent would have +gently reproved him had she been alive. The +memory of her took all the hard feeling out of +his heart.</p> + +<p>"I'm sorry I spoke so hastily, Uncle Ezra," he +said in a low voice. "But I can't bear to have my +mother referred to in that way. I think she did +what was right, and I know my father does also."</p> + +<p>"Humph, little he knows about it," snorted Mr. +Larabee. "Just you wait until you come under +my care, young man, and I'll show you what's +what! I'll teach you how to behave to your +elders," and, in great indignation, the old man +trudged off.</p> + +<p>Dick started. He had, for the moment, forgotten +that portion of his mother's will which, +under certain conditions, would compel him to +live with his uncle and aunt.</p> + +<p>"Live with them?" thought the boy. "Go to a +boarding school they might select? Not much! +I must make some kind of a paying investment +within a year, if only to escape their clutches!"</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page34" id="page34">34</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER IV</h2> + +<h3>DICK BECOMES CELEBRATED</h3> + +<p>Dick managed to live through the week at his +uncle's place, but it was hard work. He was corrected +from morning until night. Almost everything +he did while in the house, if it was only to +pick up a book in the hope of finding something +to read, met with a reproof from Aunt Samantha.</p> + +<p>"Don't do that," she would say. "You'll make +the dust fly about if you disturb the books, and I +can't abide dust."</p> + +<p>If he wandered about the grounds his uncle +would covertly watch him.</p> + +<p>"Don't pick up stones to throw," Mr. Larabee +would caution the lad. "You might break a +window, or take the bark off my favorite apple +trees. I never saw such a boy! Why can't you +sit still and think? I'm sure you've got enough +responsibilities hanging over you, with all that +money your mother so foolishly——"</p> + +<p>But he had the sense to stop there, for the +angry flash in Dick's brown eyes warned him this +was a subject he had better not mention to his +nephew.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page35" id="page35">35</a></span></p> + +<p>There was never a more happy boy than Dick +when the week of probation was up and he could +start for home.</p> + +<p>"You are going back to that wasteful life of +idleness," said his aunt, as she condescended to +shake hands with him, and give him her little +bird-like kiss. "I hope your visit here has done +you good. You may make us a longer one—some +day."</p> + +<p>"Not if I can help it," thought Dick to himself.</p> + +<p>"Come, now," grumbled Uncle Ezra. "I don't +want to keep the horse out of the stable any +longer than I can help. He might take cold and +I'd have to buy some medicine. Saving money +is like earning it, as I hope you'll learn, Nephew +Richard. I'll teach it to you when you come +under my control, as I'm sure you will, for you +never can comply with the task your mother so +foolishly——"</p> + +<p>Dick's hands clinched, and it was lucky that +at that moment the horse shied at a piece of +paper, requiring all Mr. Larabee's attention to +control him, or there might have been a renewal +of the quarrel.</p> + +<p>Dick breathed a sigh of relief as the gloomy +house in the midst of the fir trees was left behind, +and he gave vent to an audible exclamation +of satisfaction when he was in the train and +speeding away from Dankville, for even the +name of the place seemed to have an unhappy +influence over him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page36" id="page36">36</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, are you glad to get back?" asked Mr. +Hamilton, as he greeted his son that afternoon.</p> + +<p>"Glad, father? Say, give me some of that +money, quick! I want to make that paying investment. +I never could stand it at The Firs!"</p> + +<p>Mr. Hamilton laughed.</p> + +<p>"Well, in spite of his queer ways, your Uncle +Ezra is a man of sterling character," he said. +"He is as true as steel——"</p> + +<p>"And just about as hard," interrupted Dick, +with a smile.</p> + +<p>"But now to business," went on Mr. Hamilton. +"I have deposited a large sum to your credit in +our bank, and if you will come downtown with +me now I'll introduce you to the cashier and see +that you get a check book. Then—well, the +world is before you, and it's yours—to conquer +or be conquered by."</p> + +<p>On their way to the bank father and son were +greeted by many acquaintances, for Mr. Hamilton +was a person of great importance in Hamilton +Corners. The town was a good-sized one, situated +on the shore of Lake Dunkirk, a large body +of water. Mr. Hamilton, besides being president +of the Hamilton National Bank, was vice-president +of the Hamilton Trust Company, and owned +a stone quarry, a brass foundry, large woolen +mills, and a lumber concern, all in the town or +its immediate vicinity.</p> + +<p>He was also a director of the Hamilton, Dorchester<span class="pagenum"><a name="page37" id="page37">37</a></span> +and Hatfield Railroad, which ran through +the town, and president of the Hamilton Trolley +Company. These were all sources of Mr. Hamilton's +wealth, and, as he employed many men in +the various industries, which he controlled or was +interested in, he was regarded as the most +important man in the place.</p> + +<p>But this did not make him overbearing in +character. In fact, he was a very kind man, +always ready to help the poor, and as he had begun +as a poor boy and made his money by hard +work, he had a great sympathy for those not so +well off in this world's goods.</p> + +<p>Dick took after his father. Though surrounded +by wealth all his life, and accustomed to +luxury, he was a lad of democratic spirit. He +cared little for money in itself, though he appreciated +what could be done with it, and he was +always willing to use what he had for the benefit +or pleasure of himself and his friends. He was +ambitious in no small degree, and anxious to +succeed in whatever he undertook.</p> + +<p>It did not take long to get through with the +formalities at the bank, and Dick's eyes sparkled +when he saw the substantial balance to his credit. +He took the little red check book with an air as +though he had used one all his life, put it into his +pocket, and, nodding to his father, walked out.</p> + +<p>"Well," remarked Mr. Hamilton, with a little +sigh, "I hope money doesn't spoil him, for he is +a fine lad. But I guess the remembrance of his<span class="pagenum"><a name="page38" id="page38">38</a></span> +Uncle Ezra may have a large influence on what +he does."</p> + +<p>The first person Dick met on emerging from +the bank was Henry Darby. He hailed the poorer +lad.</p> + +<p>"Well, Henry, did you get that load of iron +home safe?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and I sold it the next day. I'm much +obliged to you for sending that horse. I couldn't +get the one I hired from the man, of whom I +bought the iron, to go another step. I'd have +been there all night if it hadn't been for you."</p> + +<p>"That's all right. The next time I meet you +in a fix like that I'll tow you home myself."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"Why, I'm going to get an automobile."</p> + +<p>"An automobile?" and Henry's eyes opened as +wide as possible. The machines were rarely seen +in Hamilton Corners.</p> + +<p>"Yes. You see, Henry, I've come into some +property, and I can spend as much money as I +like—of course, not waste it. I've always +wanted an auto, and I'm going to get one. I'm +going for it now."</p> + +<p>"Whew, I wish I was you," exclaimed Henry, +with a sigh, as he started down the street after +some more old iron he had heard was for sale.</p> + +<p>Henry was an energetic lad, always looking for +a chance to make money. He lived with his +father, who was never called anything else than +"Hank" Darby, and who was known as the most<span class="pagenum"><a name="page39" id="page39">39</a></span> +"shiftless" man in town. Mr. Darby was +always talking of big schemes he was going to +put into operation as soon as he could command +the capital, but he never got the money. As a +consequence he never did anything, but lived off +what his son earned.</p> + +<p>Dick had decided that his first purchase with +his new wealth should be an automobile. He +wanted to get a big touring car, but his father +suggested that he had better start with a runabout.</p> + +<p>"It will be less expensive if you have a smash-up +learning how to run it," counseled Mr. Hamilton, +and Dick wisely agreed with him.</p> + +<p>"When I get my car I'll take a run about the +country and see what sort of an investment I'll +make," said Dick. "I may want to go in for real +estate. There's money in that, isn't there, dad?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, if you buy right and sell right. But that +business is like everything else, you've got to +learn it. However, you are your own master to +a certain extent. Good luck to you."</p> + +<p>Dick went to a neighboring city that same +afternoon and purchased his runabout. He +wanted to drive it home alone, but the manager +of the garage sent a helper with the boy. But the +man did not have much to do, for Dick was very +quick and soon learned the different points. In a +few days he was able to operate the machine with +considerable skill, and he took a number of his +boy friends for a spin in the country.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page40" id="page40">40</a></span></p> + +<p>"Want to take a trip?" he called one afternoon +to Simon Scardale and Guy Fletcher, whom he +saw in front of the billiard room, which place they +seemed to frequent very much of late.</p> + +<p>"Sure," replied Simon. "Maybe we can get a +race with some car along the road. That will be +sport."</p> + +<p>"Not for me," replied Dick quietly. "I sha'n't +race until I know the car better. But come +along."</p> + +<p>In spite of their rather flashy manners, Dick +liked Simon and Guy, as he did nearly everyone, +in fact—for Dick Hamilton was a large-hearted +youth. He accepted all his acquaintances "at +one hundred cents on the dollar" until he learned +to value them differently.</p> + +<p>The three boys spent a pleasant time whirring +about on the country roads.</p> + +<p>"What do you think of that property?" asked +Dick at length, pointing to a low, swampy tract.</p> + +<p>"Why?" asked Guy. "Thinking of buying it?"</p> + +<p>"Maybe," replied Dick. "I have a chance to +get it cheap. Do you think I could sell it again?"</p> + +<p>"Search me," answered Simon. "It looks to +be good for ducks, that's all."</p> + +<p>"It only needs draining," objected Dick. "I +think it would be a good investment, and I came +out here to look at it."</p> + +<p>"Going into business?" asked Guy, with a +sneer. "I thought you didn't have to work."</p> + +<p>"Of course I'm going into business, as soon as<span class="pagenum"><a name="page41" id="page41">41</a></span> +I finish at school," said Dick, for the term at the +academy, where he attended, had recently closed. +"I've come into some money lately," he said modestly, +for he had not spoken of his fortune to any +one yet, "and I want to invest some of my spare +cash."</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you the very thing!" exclaimed Simon. +"I know a stock that's bound to go up ten points +in a few days."</p> + +<p>"No stocks or bonds for me until I know a little +more about them," objected Dick.</p> + +<p>"But this is a sure thing," insisted Simon. "I +got a tip on it from a friend in New York."</p> + +<p>"I've read of too many 'sure things' going +wrong," said Dick with a laugh. "I think I'll try +real estate for a starter."</p> + +<p>Simon looked a little disappointed, but he made +up his mind he would try Dick again on that +subject, and a strange, cunning look came into his +face.</p> + +<p>During the trip back Simon tried to learn from +the millionaire's son more about his new wealth, +but Dick did not give him much satisfaction. +However, Simon was sharp, and by dint of skillful +hints and questions learned more than Dick +thought he had told. Guy, too, was much interested, +and a visible change came over his manner.</p> + +<p>Guy's father, Peter Fletcher, was president of +the Hamilton Trust Company, and, though Mr. +Hamilton owned most of the stock of the concern, +and had only placed Mr. Fletcher at the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page42" id="page42">42</a></span> +head of the institution for business reasons, Guy +gave himself as many airs as though his father +owned the bank. Learning that Dick had come +into possession of some wealth on his own +account, though he did not know the source, Guy +was somewhat inclined to toady to the youth with +whom he was on more or less friendly terms.</p> + +<p>It was two days after this, when the evening +papers arrived in Hamilton Corners, that a mild +sensation was created. There, on the front +pages, was what purported to be a picture of +Dick Hamilton, while under it was the caption, in +big letters:</p> + +<h3>THE MILLIONAIRE YOUTH.</h3> + +<p>Then followed a garbled, but fairly correct, account +of how Dick, through the will of his mother, +had come into possession of fabulous wealth. Of +course the figure was put much higher than it +really was. In fact, no one but Mr. Hamilton +was aware of the exact amount, but this did not +stop the writer of the article from guessing at it.</p> + +<p>Dick was described as a modern King Midas, +and he was credited with sleeping in an ivory bed +and eating off of gold plates and the rarest of cut +glass. Nothing was said about the peculiar provisions +of the will regarding the investment he +was to make; but the boundless opportunities open +to a youth with unlimited wealth at his disposal +were all pointed out.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page43" id="page43">43</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, if that isn't the limit!" exclaimed Dick, +when he saw the paper. "I wonder who did it?"</p> + +<p>Perhaps if he had asked Simon Scardale that +question that youth might have been confused, +but Dick never thought of it.</p> + +<p>"It certainly is very unpleasant notoriety," remarked +Mr. Hamilton, "but you'll have to put up +with it. You are a sort of ward of the public +now, and the newspapers think they have a proprietary +interest in you. I have been through it +all, and so has nearly every other person of +wealth. The best way is to pay no attention to +it, and to treat with courtesy any newspaper men +who may wish to interview you. They have a +hard enough life, and if our doings, to a certain +extent, interest them, why I, for one, am willing +to oblige them as far as I can. I suppose the +transferring to your name of some stocks and +bonds, that were your mother's, has started this +piece of news. Well, you have achieved a certain +degree of fame, Dick, my boy."</p> + +<p>And Dick found this out to his cost. The article +in one paper was followed by others in various +journals, until Dick's wealth had been made the +comment of newspaper reporters and editors in +many cities. But, through it all the youth kept a +level head.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page44" id="page44">44</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER V</h2> + +<h3>DICK AIDS HENRY</h3> + +<p>"Where are you going to-day, Dick?" asked +Mr. Hamilton after breakfast one morning.</p> + +<p>"I thought of taking a run in my car. I've +bought that property I was telling you about. I +think it will be a good investment, and it only +took five hundred dollars to secure it. I talked +to the agent, and he said I was sure to be able to +sell it for a thousand at the end of the year."</p> + +<p>"Humph! Well—er—of course, you can't believe +all that a real-estate agent says, Dick."</p> + +<p>"No, of course. I'm making allowances for +that, and I figure that it ought to be worth at +least eight hundred a year from now. That will +clear me three hundred."</p> + +<p>"Well, you can do as you like about it. By the +way, I had a visit at the bank yesterday from an +agent for a motor boat concern. He said you had +ordered a boat from them, and he wanted to know +if it was all right."</p> + +<p>"I did, dad. I've always wanted one. I hope +you told him it was all right."</p> + +<p>"I told him to see you about it. I have no objection<span class="pagenum"><a name="page45" id="page45">45</a></span> +to you purchasing one of the craft. Only +be careful when you go out on the lake. There +are sudden storms on it, and you might be in +danger."</p> + +<p>"I'll be careful, dad. I guess I'll just run over +to the motor boat place in my car and see if the +boat is ready to deliver. They had to order one +from the factory for me."</p> + +<p>As Dick was riding through the town at an +easy pace he passed a rather dilapidated looking +house, in front of which stood a youth, at the +sight of whom Dick called:</p> + +<p>"Hello, Henry! Want a ride?"</p> + +<p>"Thanks, Dick," was Henry Darby's answer. +"But I can't go."</p> + +<p>"Why not?" asked the millionaire's son, as he +brought his runabout to a stop.</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm engaged in a little business deal, and +I'm so bothered over it that I wouldn't enjoy a +ride. Besides, I have to go see a man."</p> + +<p>"What's the business about, Henry? That +same old iron?"</p> + +<p>"That's it."</p> + +<p>"But what are you bothered about?"</p> + +<p>"Well, the truth is I have a chance to get hold +of a lot of scrap at a very low figure. But the +trouble is I must pay cash for it. I looked at it +the other day, and told the man I'd take it. I +figured then on having the money. Now I find +I haven't got it."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page46" id="page46">46</a></span></p> + +<p>"Did you lose it?"</p> + +<p>"No," and Henry spoke hesitatingly. "But you +see my father had an idea he could make some +money by becoming agent for a new kind of soap. +He borrowed my cash and sent for a big supply; +but when he got it no one would buy it. So he +has it on hand, and my money is gone. Of course +what I have is my father's until I'm of age, +but——"</p> + +<p>Henry stopped. In spite of the selfish and +lazy character of his parent he was not going to +utter any complaint against him.</p> + +<p>"How much money do you need to buy this +iron?" asked Dick, a sudden resolve coming into +his mind.</p> + +<p>"It will take fifty dollars; but it might just as +well be five hundred as far as I'm concerned. I +could get it together in about a month, but it's out +of the question now. I'm just on my way to tell +the man I can't take the iron. It's too bad, as it's +a bargain, and I could easily make considerable on +the deal."</p> + +<p>While Henry was speaking Dick had drawn a +little red book from his pocket, and was busily +writing in it with a fountain pen. He tore out a +slip of paper and handed it to his friend.</p> + +<p>"There, Henry," he said, "if you take that to +the Hamilton National Bank they'll give you cash +for it."</p> + +<p>"But what is it—I don't understand—a check +for fifty dollars!" exclaimed the other youth.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page47" id="page47">47</a></span></p> + +<p>"That's what it is," replied Dick smiling. "It's +a present from me, Henry."</p> + +<p>"A present! I'm sorry, but I can't take it, +Dick. I'm very much obliged to you, but it +wouldn't be business, you know. I don't want +anything I don't earn."</p> + +<p>"But I have lots more," insisted Dick. "In +fact, I'd never miss that sum."</p> + +<p>"I can't help it. I couldn't take it, though I +thank you very much," and Henry handed back +the little slip.</p> + +<p>"Wait!" exclaimed Dick. "Will you take it as +a loan, Henry?"</p> + +<p>"A loan?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; to be paid back—whenever you get good +and ready. Do take it—as a loan."</p> + +<p>"A loan," repeated Henry in a low tone. +"Well, I might do that. But if you're in any +hurry for the money you'd better not let me take +it. I don't know when I can pay it back."</p> + +<p>"That's all right. Keep it as long as you like."</p> + +<p>"But there's another objection," said Henry, +who appeared to be very conscientious about it. +"You have no security for it."</p> + +<p>"I don't need any from you, Henry."</p> + +<p>"But it wouldn't be right to take it without security. +Wait, I'll tell you what I'll do."</p> + +<p>He hurried back into his house, to return in a +few minutes with a folded paper which he +handed to Dick.</p> + +<p>"What is this?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="page48" id="page48">48</a></span></p> + +<p>"That," said Henry proudly, "is my personal +note for fifty dollars, payable in one month, with +interest at six per cent., as security for this loan. +You can have it discounted at the bank," he added +with a laugh; "that is if you can get your father, +or somebody with some money, to indorse it. +Anyhow, it's my note. The first one I ever gave. +Now you needn't worry about your money, Dick."</p> + +<p>"I'm not worrying about it. In fact, I've got a +deal of my own on hand that I expect to make +some profit on. Besides, I'm going to buy a new +motor boat, and I've got to go see about it. Will +you come along?"</p> + +<p>"No, indeed. I'm going to buy that old iron +now," and as Dick started up his auto, Henry hurried +into the house for his hat to go and complete +his business transaction.</p> + +<p>Dick rode on for about a mile, when he saw +coming toward him a man in a carriage. The +man held up his hand as he approached, indicating +that he wanted the automobilist to stop.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what's the matter?" thought Dick. +"I can't be going so fast that I'm in danger of +scaring his horse. Why, it's Mr. Bruce," as he +recognized the real-estate agent of whom he had +purchased the land he had been looking at with +Guy and Simon one day.</p> + +<p>"How are you?" asked Mr. Bruce. "I was just +coming over to see you, Mr. Hamilton;" for he +had been quite respectful to Dick since he learned +of his wealth.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page49" id="page49">49</a></span></p> + +<p>"To see me? What about?"</p> + +<p>"About that land deal. In fact, I have bad news +for you."</p> + +<p>"Bad news?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I have just learned that they are going to +put a fertilizer factory up on the property adjoining +that which you bought, and yours will be +valueless to sell for building lots. No one will +want to live next to a fertilizer factory."</p> + +<p>"Then it means——" faltered Dick.</p> + +<p>"It means that your investment hasn't turned +out well," went on the agent. "In fact, your land +is worth less than half what you paid for it."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page50" id="page50">50</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER VI</h2> + +<h3>A TRIP TO NEW YORK</h3> + +<p>Dick was keenly disappointed, not so much at +the news of the loss of his money as he was over +the fact that his first investment had proved a +failure. He began to realize that it was not as +easy to make money as he had supposed, even if +you have a large amount to invest.</p> + +<p>"It's too bad," continued Mr. Bruce. "Of +course I did not know when I sold you the land +that the factory was liable to go up near it."</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's not your fault," replied Dick. "I +guess the best thing I can do is to sell out and +look for another investment. What do you +think?"</p> + +<p>"I believe I would do that. I'll sell the land for +you and get the best price I can. When I first +heard about it I tried to get the fertilizer concern +to buy it, but they had all they wanted and stopped +right next to your property. It's too bad."</p> + +<p>"Well, it might be worse," said Dick cheerfully. +"It's not going to make me poor, that's +one consolation."</p> + +<p>But, as he started up his runabout again, bidding +the agent good-bye, his mind was busy with<span class="pagenum"><a name="page51" id="page51">51</a></span> +thoughts of what line he ought next to invest in +so that he might fulfil the conditions of his mother's +will.</p> + +<p>"I guess I'll let real estate alone after this," he +said. "It's too risky until you know what's going +to be built on the property next to yours."</p> + +<p>But the somewhat disappointing thoughts over +his failure were soon dispelled when he saw the +fine motor boat the firm had secured for him from +the factory. It was complete in every detail, from +a small whistle, worked by compressed air, to two +small folding bunks in which passengers could +sleep should the craft remain out on Lake Dunkirk +all night.</p> + +<p>Dick arranged to have the boat taken to the +lake and floated, and, a few days later, he had the +pleasure of starting it up for the initial spin. It +ran at fast speed, and beat several more powerful +boats.</p> + +<p>Dick did not enjoy this pleasure all alone. He +invited Guy Fletcher, Simon Scardale, Frank +Bender, Fred Murdock and Chandler Norton, the +latter known as "Bricktop," because of his red +hair, to take a trip with him.</p> + +<p>"This is great!" exclaimed Frank, as the boat +cut through the water. "Say, Dick, you're all +right, even if you are a millionaire's son and have +money to burn."</p> + +<p>"In fact, he's all the better for it," put in Guy, +who had resolved to be very friendly to that fortunate +youth. "Three cheers for Dick Hamilton!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="page52" id="page52">52</a></span></p> + +<p>"Drop that!" commanded Dick, who disliked +Guy's manner.</p> + +<p>But the boys responded heartily, and if Guy +and Simon joined in with sneers in their hearts, +which did not show on their faces, they alone +were aware of it.</p> + +<p>"Here, where are you going, Frank?" asked +Dick, a few minutes later as he saw one of his +guests climbing out on the narrow bow of the +boat.</p> + +<p>"Watch me," replied Frank Bender, and, a moment +later, he was standing on his head in his +rather insecure place, his feet waving aloft in the +air.</p> + +<p>"Come back here!" cried Dick, as he slowed +down the engine. "Do you want to fall off and +drown?"</p> + +<p>"No," replied Frank, as he assumed his normal +position.</p> + +<p>"But, you see, I never stood on my head on a +motor boat before and I wanted to do it. I want +to get all sorts of practice, for I'm going to join +a circus some day, and there's no telling what +stunts they may want me to do."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you and your circus!" exclaimed "Bricktop." +"You're always talking about it!"</p> + +<p>Which was the truth, for Frank took every +chance that came to him to indulge in acrobatics +of one form or another. He was continually +turning cart wheels, standing on his head or his +hands, twisting himself into knots, from which it<span class="pagenum"><a name="page53" id="page53">53</a></span> +seemed impossible that he could ever get loose, or +bending himself until he resembled an animated +horse shoe. He was "as limber as an eel," the +boys used to say.</p> + +<p>"That's all right," responded the amateur circus +performer, "I'll be in a show some day, with +a suit of green and gold spangles, and you fellows +will be paying money to see me. All except Dick. +I'll give him a free pass."</p> + +<p>"Thanks," answered Dick with a laugh, as he +started the engine on full speed again.</p> + +<p>"Say, wouldn't it be great if we could only +make a trip to New York this way," remarked +Fred Murdock.</p> + +<p>"Yes, this boat would look nice traveling over +dry land the best part of the way," said Dick with +a smile. "If this lake only opened into a river or +a canal we might do it, but it's out of the question +now."</p> + +<p>"Why don't you go in your automobile?" suggested +Simon, with a curious look at Guy.</p> + +<p>"That's so, I never thought of it," replied Dick. +"I believe I will if dad will let me."</p> + +<p>"Take us along?" asked Frank. "Maybe I +could get an engagement there in one of the theatres. +I can do quite a lot of turns now."</p> + +<p>"My car's too small for this bunch," replied +the millionaire's son.</p> + +<p>"Hire a touring car; you have lots of money," +spoke up Guy, with a covert sneer.</p> + +<p>"Good idea!" exclaimed Dick, not noticing the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page54" id="page54">54</a></span> +tone of the remark. "I believe I will. Would +you fellows all go?"</p> + +<p>"Would we!" was shouted in a chorus. "Don't +ask us twice," said Fred.</p> + +<p>"All right; it's a go!" went on Dick. "I'll see +about it at once."</p> + +<p>With Dick, to think was to act shortly afterward, +and that night he asked his father for permission +to take a crowd of his friends to the +metropolis, which could easily be reached in a +day by using a swift touring car.</p> + +<p>"Besides," added Dick, as an added reason for +the permission being given, "I may hear of some +investment there."</p> + +<p>"What's the matter with the land you bought?" +asked Mr. Hamilton.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that failed," and Dick told the story of +the fertilizer factory.</p> + +<p>"Well, it's a good lesson to you, my son," was +all Mr. Hamilton said by way of reproof. "No, +I've no objection to you going to New York. Hire +the car you wish, and be sure they supply a good +driver. You're not quite capable of managing +one of those ponderous machines yet. But be +careful. Don't go to buying any gold bricks," and +he laughed.</p> + +<p>"No danger," replied Dick. "I've cut my eye +teeth."</p> + +<p>It was arranged that they should start in three +days. Dick engaged the largest and finest car in<span class="pagenum"><a name="page55" id="page55">55</a></span> +the garage of a neighboring city, and told his +friends to get ready.</p> + +<p>"Are you going?" asked Guy of Simon, the day +before that set for the trip.</p> + +<p>"Am I? Well, you can make up your mind to +that. I can see something good in this for us."</p> + +<p>"Good? What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"Money, of course."</p> + +<p>"Don't get the idea that Dick is going to distribute +five-dollar gold pieces along the route, +Simon."</p> + +<p>"I'm not; but I've got a plan of my own. If +this wealthy young greenhorn doesn't drop a few +hundreds in New York, and if I don't get my +share, I'm very much mistaken. You can just as +well have some as not."</p> + +<p>"How you going to do it?"</p> + +<p>"That's my secret," replied Simon, with a +wink. "I didn't live five years in New York for +nothing. I've got some friends there who will +help me. Just you wait."</p> + +<p>"But you want to be careful. Dick is no fool, +even if he is wealthy."</p> + +<p>"Don't you worry. I know what I'm about."</p> + +<p>The pair, who were well matched, whispered +for some time together, and when they separated, +Simon, with many winks, gave his companion renewed +assurances that Dick's trip to New York +would prove financially beneficial to both of them.</p> + +<p>Guy knew little of Simon, who had come to +Hamilton Corners about six months before this<span class="pagenum"><a name="page56" id="page56">56</a></span> +story opens. He had met him in the billiard room, +where several youths of the town, who might better +have been at something else, frequently gathered. +Simon never appeared to work, but generally +had plenty of money.</p> + +<p>He dressed flashily, and his conversation was +filled with allusions to this or that "sport." Guy, +who aspired to be thought a gilded youth of the +city, rather than a plain country lad, with a father +moderately well off, at once made fast friends +with Simon.</p> + +<p>Because of the business relations of Dick's and +Guy's fathers, the two lads had been more or less +friendly for several years, and, when Guy took +up with Simon, Dick did not hesitate to admit +him to his house, where the boys frequently assembled +to play billiards or other games, or practice +in the fine gymnasium Mr. Hamilton had provided +for his son.</p> + +<p>Thus, though Dick was aware of the rather +sporty character of Guy and Simon, he was frank +and pleasant with them, for he was a youth of +rather free and easy ways, in spite of his wealth.</p> + +<p>Dick would have been glad to take all his boy +friends of Hamilton Corners with him to New +York, but the capacity of the automobile was +limited to seven; so, besides Dick, Simon and +Guy, there went along "Bricktop," Frank Bender +and Walter Mead.</p> + +<p>Early on the appointed morning the big touring +car, in charge of a skillful driver, drew up in<span class="pagenum"><a name="page57" id="page57">57</a></span> +front of Dick's house, where the boys had assembled.</p> + +<p>"Get in!" called Dick, from the window of his +room. "I'll be right down as soon as I can get +my valise shut. I've got to say good-bye to Grit. +Poor fellow, he knows something's in the wind +and he's trying to break his chain to come along. +But I'm afraid something will happen to him in +New York, so he's got to stay home."</p> + +<p>"He thinks as much of that dog as if it was a +brother," remarked Guy with something of a +sneer, as the five youths entered the tonneau, for +Dick had elected to ride with the driver.</p> + +<p>"I don't blame him," said "Bricktop." "Grit's +a dog worth having."</p> + +<p>"I hope Dick brings plenty of money along +with him," whispered Simon to Guy, as they followed +Frank Bender into the machine.</p> + +<p>"Why?" asked Guy, also in a whisper.</p> + +<p>"Because I've got everything all planned for a +neat trick. I guess he'll not bring back as much +as he takes away. I heard from my friend in +New York. He'll meet us at the hotel, and then—well, +we'll see what will happen."</p> + +<p>Dick came running down the steps of the mansion.</p> + +<p>"Good-bye!" he called to his father. "Yes, +I'll be careful—good-bye!"</p> + +<p>There was a tooting of the automobile horn, a +throbbing of the powerful engine, a grinding<span class="pagenum"><a name="page58" id="page58">58</a></span> +sound as the gears were thrown into place, and +the boys were off on their trip to New York, Dick +with his heart full of happiness and anticipation, +while Simon and Guy were thinking over the plot +they had made to get away from the millionaire's +son a little of his wealth.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page59" id="page59">59</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER VII</h2> + +<h3>A SHARPER FOILED</h3> + +<p>Through Hamilton Corners the big car shot, +its progress watched by throngs who had heard of +Dick's trip. His conduct was commented on in +various ways.</p> + +<p>"Good land!" exclaimed Hank Darby. "If I +had the money that spendthrift will get rid of before +he gets back here I could make my fortune. +All I need is a little capital and I'd be rich inside +of a week. I have a great scheme on."</p> + +<p>"Ain't goin' t' buy any more soap, be ye, +Hank?" asked Porter Heavydale, a little, thin, +wisp of a man, who was fully as lazy as Hank, +but who made no secret of it. "Guess you had +some slip-up there."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that—that was an accident, such as is +liable to happen to any business man," and Hank +carefully whittled a stick until there was nothing +left of it.</p> + +<p>"Wa'al, a fool an' his money is soon parted, the +proverb says," commented Porter. "Give Dick +rope enough an' he'll come t' th' end of it sooner +or later."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page60" id="page60">60</a></span></p> + +<p>"Dick's no fool," retorted Hank. "But I do +hate to see him spend money."</p> + +<p>"Hasn't he a right to it, father?" asked Henry, +always ready to come to Dick's defense. "It's his, +and I'm sure he has been kind enough to me. +Why, he loaned me fifty dollars the other day."</p> + +<p>"He did! Land sakes, where is it now, Henry? +If I knowed that I could have made a deal with +it. Git it for me right away."</p> + +<p>"I can't," replied Henry. "I bought some old +iron with it and I'm waiting for a raise in the +market. Besides, it's only a loan."</p> + +<p>"He'll never miss it," said Mr. Darby. "Good +land! I wished I a-knowed you had it! I could +'a' bought some oil well stock. It's awful cheap +now."</p> + +<p>"Yes, an' it would be a heap sight cheaper after +you'd bought it," put in Porter with a laugh.</p> + +<p>New York was reached by those in the touring +car at nightfall, and Dick registered himself and +his friends at one of the finest hotels, the manager +of which his father knew. The boys had adjoining +rooms in the best part of the big building, and +"Bricktop," Frank and Walter were so excited +over the beautifully fitted-up apartments that they +could do nothing but stare about.</p> + +<p>"Oh, they're not so bad," remarked Simon, in +a patronizing tone when appealed to by "Bricktop," +who demanded to know if this wasn't "the +best ever." Simon had never been in such a fine +hotel, but he wanted to pretend he was used to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page61" id="page61">61</a></span> +the luxuries. Guy followed his crony's example +and affected to sneer at the accommodations.</p> + +<p>"My father and I generally put up at one of the +better hotels," he said affectedly. "But, of course, +this is all right for roughing it."</p> + +<p>"Roughing it!" exclaimed Walter. "Come off! +Why, it's good enough for a king here."</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, wait until you've been about a bit," +answered Simon languidly.</p> + +<p>After supper Dick took his friends to a theatre, +where a war-time play was in progress, and even +Simon and Guy enthused over the stirring scenes.</p> + +<p>The next day was spent in visiting Central Park, +the big zoo at Bronx Park, and the Museums of +Art and Natural History.</p> + +<p>Simon acted as escort, for he was fairly well +acquainted with objects of interest in New York, +and Dick good-naturedly let him pilot the boys +about as though Simon was paying for it all instead +of the millionaire's son footing the bills.</p> + +<p>It was not long before a keen reporter had +learned of the presence in New York of the +wealthy youth of whom the papers had recently +contained so much, and there appeared several +items telling of the trip. There were a number of +incorrect stories in print, and Dick was credited +with having expended nearly ten thousand dollars +on his simple little pleasure jaunt.</p> + +<p>The result of this was that Dick was visited by +a number of cranks, or, rather, they came to the +hotel; but the wise manager, who had been telephoned<span class="pagenum"><a name="page62" id="page62">62</a></span> +to by Mr. Hamilton, had an eye to the +wealthy youth's comfort, and few of the bothersome +ones got beyond the lobby.</p> + +<p>"I say," spoke Guy to Simon, on the afternoon +of the third day in New York, when Dick was in +the far end of the room, writing a letter home, +"when are you going to pull off that trick, +Simon?"</p> + +<p>"This evening," was the cautious answer. "I've +seen Colonel Dendon, and he's coming here to-night. +I'm going to introduce him to Dick. The +colonel says he'll whack up with me whatever he +gets out of him, and I'll see that you get your +share."</p> + +<p>"But, say," went on Guy. "This is no gold-brick +swindle, is it? I wouldn't do anything +wrong—or—er—criminal—you know. Is it all +right?"</p> + +<p>"Of course it is!" exclaimed Simon, with a +show of indignation. "Do you think I'd do anything +that wasn't right, or for which I could be—er—get +into trouble?"</p> + +<p>"I didn't know," ventured Guy.</p> + +<p>"Of course I wouldn't," continued Simon, with +a great show of indignation that any one should +suspect him. "This thing is perfectly legitimate. +I know a certain party here—Colonel Dendon by +name—who has all kinds of stocks and bonds for +sale. Some are better than others. On some he +can make a large profit. They may not be quite +as good as those some other men have, but that's<span class="pagenum"><a name="page63" id="page63">63</a></span> +not the fault of Colonel Dendon, or you or me. +It's the fault of the market.</p> + +<p>"He's often said to me that if I could introduce +him to somebody with money—somebody who'd +buy some of his stocks—he'd give me twenty-five +per cent. of what he made. It's a regular business +deal. It's done every day. Colonel Dendon is a +sort of a promotor. I'm only helping him. It's +perfectly honest—that is, as honest—well, it's as +honest as lots of things I know about. I +wouldn't get you into any trouble, Guy."</p> + +<p>"I hope not," answered the weak youth, who +believed nearly all that Simon told him. "But if +these stocks are good ones won't Dick make +money on them? And if he does how is the +colonel going to make any?"</p> + +<p>"I didn't say for sure that the stocks were +good," replied Simon. "They may be good for +all I know. Maybe Dick will have to hold them +for some time before he can realize on them. I +don't bother with all those details. The colonel +has stocks to sell—all kinds—I simply introduce +Dick to him and he does the rest, and pays me and +you for our trouble."</p> + +<p>"Then I guess it's all right," assented Guy, a +little doubtfully.</p> + +<p>"Of course it is," declared Simon very positively.</p> + +<p>That evening, as Dick and his friends sat in the +private parlor of their suite of rooms, there was a +knock at the door. Simon, being nearest it, answered,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page64" id="page64">64</a></span> +and, as soon as he had opened the portal, +he exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Why, Colonel Dendon. Come right in. Richard, +let me introduce you to Colonel Dendon, an +old friend of mine," Simon added with a grand +air. "Come right in, Colonel, I'm sure we're glad +to see you," and Simon winked at the man who +entered. The colonel was not at all war-like looking. +He had shifty eyes, and a nervous manner. +His white hair would seem to have indicated that +he was elderly, but his white beard, which was +stained by tobacco juice, did not tend to gain for +him that respect for which silver locks generally +call.</p> + +<p>"I'll come in just for a minute—can't stay long—very +busy," said the colonel jerkily, as he gave +Dick a rather limp and flabby hand.</p> + +<p>"I suppose you have some big deal on that won't +keep," put in Guy, who was playing his part in the +plot.</p> + +<p>"That's it. Yes, I've got an appointment with +some bank directors for seven o'clock, and one +with the president of Pennsylvania Railroad at +eight. A big bond sale involved. I heard you +were in town, Simon, and I thought I'd look you +up."</p> + +<p>"Glad you did. But, by the way, I don't suppose +you have anything in the line of investment +that you would care to recommend to my friend, +Mr. Hamilton, here? You've heard about him, +I think."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page65" id="page65">65</a></span></p> + +<p>"Is this the young man who has so much +money?" asked the colonel, with a start of seeming +surprise.</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't know that it's such an awful +pile," said Dick with a laugh, for he disliked having +his wealth talked about by strangers.</p> + +<p>"I've read lots about you," went on Colonel +Dendon. "No, I'm afraid I haven't anything that +you would care for. I only deal in big sums."</p> + +<p>"Well, Dick can command large sums," put in +Guy, with an uneasy laugh.</p> + +<p>"I don't suppose you would care to take a hundred +thousand dollars worth of mining securities +of a gilt-edge kind?" asked the colonel, looking at +Dick.</p> + +<p>"No, I'm hardly up to that yet. I intend to do +some investing sooner or later; but I'm going to +begin small. A hundred thousand is a little too +large for me just yet."</p> + +<p>"I was afraid so," replied Colonel Dendon, +with a queer smile. "Well, I must be going. I'm +a very busy man."</p> + +<p>He turned as if about to leave the room, and +then he suddenly seemed to remember something.</p> + +<p>"Now I think of it, I have a few securities that +I might let your friend have as a favor to you," +he said, addressing Simon. "They are mining +stocks. I took them from a man who failed, and +I know they are valuable. They are worth to-day +half as much again as I paid for them. But, as +a favor to Mr. Hamilton, I'd let him have them at<span class="pagenum"><a name="page66" id="page66">66</a></span> +a small advance over what I paid. I have to do +business on business principles," he added, with +an air meant to be very important.</p> + +<p>"Here's your chance, Dick," whispered Guy. +"This man is a big stock operator. You can almost +double your money and make up all you +spent on this trip."</p> + +<p>Dick was doing some rapid thinking. The loss +of the money he had invested in the land was +something of a disappointment to him. Then, +too, he felt under the necessity of making some +kind of a paying investment. He had a vision +of Uncle Ezra and the house at Dankville, and +the memory of that gloomy place made him wish +to comply as soon as possible with the terms of +his mother's will.</p> + +<p>"I don't mind investing some money, say five +hundred or a thousand dollars, in good mining +stocks—if you are sure they are good," he said, +turning to Colonel Dendon.</p> + +<p>"Good! My dear young man, do you wish to +insult me? As if I would deal in stocks that were +anything but the best. I shall leave at once!" and, +puffing up like an angry toad, the colonel again +turned as if to go.</p> + +<p>"Wait!" exclaimed Simon. "I'm sure my +friend Dick didn't mean anything, Colonel. You +see, he has never bought mining stocks before, and +he doesn't know much about them."</p> + +<p>"I know enough to want to be sure they are +good!" replied Dick sharply, for he rather re<span class="pagenum"><a name="page67" id="page67">67</a></span>sented +Simon's tone. "I'm not going to be swindled."</p> + +<p>"Of course not," said the colonel, in less +aggrieved tones. "I was a little too hasty. But I +can assure you, Mr. Hamilton, that these securities +are the very best of their kind. They are gilt-edged."</p> + +<p>As he spoke he drew from his pocket a bundle +of certificates which, as far as appearances went, +were "gilt-edged," for there was a broad band of +gilt all around them.</p> + +<p>"I can let you have these for eight hundred +dollars," he said; "and they will be worth a thousand +inside of a month. I would keep them myself +only I have bigger schemes on hand. I will +let you have them as a special favor, Mr. Hamilton."</p> + +<p>Dick examined the certificates. They certainly +looked just like those he had often seen in his +father's bank. They bore a number of flourishing +signatures and a printed notice to the effect that +they were listed on the New York Stock Exchange. +They called for a number of shares of +stock in a Pennsylvania oil well concern.</p> + +<p>Dick felt impelled to take them. It seemed all +right, even if he did have some lingering suspicion +regarding the colonel. Still, appearances might +be against him, and certainly Simon seemed to +know the man.</p> + +<p>Dick saw a vision of his investment turning out +well, so he would have no further worry about<span class="pagenum"><a name="page68" id="page68">68</a></span> +fulfilling the conditions of the will. Once they +were met he could enjoy his new wealth.</p> + +<p>"I think I'll take these," he said, reaching for +his pocket-book, where he carried several hundred +dollars, though he had left some of his money in +the hotel safe. "I will give you part cash and a +check."</p> + +<p>"It will be a fine investment," said Colonel Dendon; +but he did not say for whom. "I can assure +you, Mr. Hamilton, that I never sold such gilt-edged +securities before. I am glad——"</p> + +<p>At that instant the door of Dick's apartments +opened, and a quietly-dressed man entered. He +looked at the group of boys, noted the bundle of +stock certificates, and then his glance rested on +Colonel Dendon.</p> + +<p>"I must ask you to leave this hotel at once," he +said sharply, to the white-haired man. "If you +don't go I shall be under the necessity of putting +you under arrest."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page69" id="page69">69</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2> + +<h3>DICK AND THE REPORTER</h3> + +<p>For a few moments after the surprising announcement, +no one spoke. The boys and Colonel +Dendon stared at the newcomer. The colonel +was the first to recover himself.</p> + +<p>"What is the meaning of this unwarranted +intrusion?" he demanded, in pompous tones. +"These young gentlemen and myself were discussing +some financial matters when you interrupt +us. You have doubtless made a mistake, and I +will overlook it this time. Withdraw at once, sir, +or I shall have to call the servants and have you +thrown out of these private apartments, sir!"</p> + +<p>"Better go easy," suggested the quiet-looking +man, with just the suggestion of a smile. "If +there's any throwing out to be done I reckon I'll +take a hand in it."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean, sir? Leave the room at +once!" exclaimed the colonel, getting red in the +face.</p> + +<p>"I mean just this, William Jackson, <i>alias</i> Colonel +Dendon, <i>alias</i> Bond Broker Bill!" said the +man sharply, "that you must leave this hotel at +once or I shall arrest you. You can't conduct any<span class="pagenum"><a name="page70" id="page70">70</a></span> +of your swindling games here—trying to sell fake +stocks and bonds. I saw you come in, and learned +that you were calling on this young man," and he +nodded to Dick, who was much surprised at the +proceeding. "I got up here in time to warn him, +I see. I hope you haven't given him any money?" +he asked of the millionaire's son.</p> + +<p>"I—I was just going to—for some bonds he +had."</p> + +<p>"Lucky I came in," was the man's reply. "Now +beat it, Bill," and he waved his hand toward the +door. "Take your trash with you," he added, +sweeping the bonds from the table.</p> + +<p>Dick and the other boys, with the possible exception +of Simon, expected to see the colonel defend +himself and indignantly reply to the stranger. +Instead he hurriedly gathered up his papers and +fairly raced from the room.</p> + +<p>"Is he—is he a swindler?" asked Dick, faintly.</p> + +<p>"One of the slickest in New York," was the +answer. "His game is to sell fake bonds in companies +that never existed, though some of them are +legally organized. Once in a while, just to fool +the police, he deals in regular stocks, but the kind +he usually sells are fake ones. I'm the hotel detective," +the man went on. "We have to be always +on the lookout for such chaps as he is, +especially when we have young millionaires stopping +at the house," and he smiled at Dick.</p> + +<p>"I'm much obliged to you," answered Dick +heartily. "You've saved me a considerable sum."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page71" id="page71">71</a></span></p> + +<p>"That's what I'm here for," returned the detective +cheerfully. "Don't go buying any gold +bricks, now," and, with a nod at the boys, he was +gone.</p> + +<p>"Well, wouldn't that rattle your teeth!" exclaimed +"Bricktop." "I've read about those confidence +men and green-goods swindlers, but I +never saw one before."</p> + +<p>"Me, either," remarked Frank Bender. "Say, +this will be something to tell the folks back home," +and, in the excitement of his spirits he tried to +stand on his head in a washbowl on the stand. It +was full of water, and his acrobatic feat was +brought to an abrupt end as he lifted his head, +dripping wet.</p> + +<p>"That's a new way to do it!" exclaimed Walter +Mead, with a laugh.</p> + +<p>"Ugh! Burrrr! Wow! Whew! Give me a +towel, quick!" yelled Frank. "The water had +soap in it, and it's got in my eyes!"</p> + +<p>He groped around with outstretched hands, +seeking a towel, which, after he was able to stop +laughing, Dick handed him.</p> + +<p>"Did you know that Colonel Dendon was a +swindler?" asked Walter of Simon, when the +excitement had somewhat subsided.</p> + +<p>"Me? No, of course not!" exclaimed Simon +hastily. "All I knew was that he sold bonds, and +I thought it would be a good chance for Dick to +make money. He said he wanted to learn busi<span class="pagenum"><a name="page72" id="page72">72</a></span>ness +and make money. I—I was as much surprised +as any of you," concluded Simon, with an +injured air. "I hope you don't think, Dick, that +I would have had anything to do with that man if +I had known what he was?"</p> + +<p>"I'm not blaming you any," replied Dick. +"Mistakes will happen in the best of regulated +financial affairs. Glad that detective happened to +come in when he did or I might have been badly +stung."</p> + +<p>It was now too late to go out to any amusement +and the boys, after discussing the recent happenings, +went to bed, planning to visit many points +of interest the next day.</p> + +<p>"Well, your scheme didn't work out, did it?" +said Guy to Simon, as they went to their rooms.</p> + +<p>"Not exactly," was the answer. "But I give +you my word I didn't know the colonel was such +a swindler as that. Never mind, though, I'll make +money out of Dick—somehow."</p> + +<p>Dick and his chums had scarcely finished their +breakfast the next morning, and were preparing +to go out, when the bell boy brought up a card +reading:</p> + +<p> </p> + +<table summary="card" style="border: 2px solid" cellpadding="10"> +<tr> +<td align="center">LAWRENCE DEXTER<br /><br /> +<i>New York Leader</i></td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p> </p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page73" id="page73">73</a></span></p> + +<p>"Who is it?" asked "Bricktop," "another man +to sell bonds?"</p> + +<p>Dick handed over the card.</p> + +<p>"<i>New York Leader</i>, eh? I wonder what he +leads, a band or some political party?"</p> + +<p>"That's a reporter," said Walter. "Going to +let him in, Dick?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I guess so. I'm tired of having stuff in +the papers about me; but these reporters have to +get the stories they're sent after, and it's no use +making it any harder for them than they have it. +Tell him to come up," he said to the waiting bell +boy.</p> + +<p>A tall, good-looking youth, with a pleasant, +manly air, entered the room.</p> + +<p>To those who have read some of my other +books he will not be a stranger, for he was none +other than Larry Dexter, whose various adventures +I have described in "The Great Newspaper +Series," starting with "From Office Boy to Reporter."</p> + +<p>"Which one is the millionaire's son, with money +to burn?" Larry asked, with a laugh that showed +in his eyes. He was a little older than Dick.</p> + +<p>"I suppose I am," answered the wealthy youth.</p> + +<p>"I'm from the <i>Leader</i>," said Larry Dexter. +"I've been sent to get your impressions of New +York, and to ask whether you find it a good place +to spend money. Do you mind talking for publication?"</p> + +<p>There was such a winning way about this reporter,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page74" id="page74">74</a></span> +so different from that noticeable in many +of the newspaper men Dick had been inflicted +with, that the millionaire's son liked him at once. +Larry did not take it for granted that Dick must +submit to the questions, but, in a gentlemanly way, +asked for permission to "write him up."</p> + +<p>"I don't know that I can tell you anything that +will be of interest to the paper," said Dick, "but +I'll do my best."</p> + +<p>"That's a relief," returned Larry. "I just came +from a crusty old man—a professor who has discovered +a new way of making milk keep—and he +was so grouchy I couldn't get a word out of him. +It's a big change to find somebody who will talk."</p> + +<p>"Please don't make up a lot of silly, sensational +stuff?" pleaded Dick. "I'm tired of all that. I'm +no different from other fellows."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, you are!" interrupted Larry with a +laugh. "You have millions of money, and you'll +find that makes all the difference in the world. It +will gain you friends, position—in fact, almost +anything. At least so they tell me," he added +with another smile. "I never had a million myself. +But now let's get down to business. What +do you think of New York? Can you spend +money here as fast as you want to?"</p> + +<p>"He came pretty near spending it faster than +he wanted to last night," put in "Bricktop."</p> + +<p>"How was that?" asked Larry quickly, feeling +that there was "in the air," so to speak, a story +out of the usual run.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page75" id="page75">75</a></span></p> + +<p>Thereupon Dick told about the attempted bond +swindle.</p> + +<p>"Say, this is great!" exclaimed Larry. "This +is the best yet! This beats having you talk about +New York. Do me a favor, will you?"</p> + +<p>"What is it?" inquired Dick. "If it's to buy +some gilt-edged bonds, I'm afraid I'll have to +decline."</p> + +<p>"No, it's only this. Don't say anything about +this bond business to any other reporters."</p> + +<p>"I'm not likely to, unless they ask me to," replied +Dick. "But why?"</p> + +<p>"Because I want to get a beat out of it."</p> + +<p>"A beat?" inquired "Bricktop," while the other +boys looked puzzled.</p> + +<p>"Yes. An exclusive story. I don't want the +reporters for any other papers to get hold of it. +If I have it all alone in the <i>Leader</i> it will be a +feather in my cap. News that no other paper has +is the very best kind."?</p> + +<p>"Gilt-edged, I suppose," put in Dick.</p> + +<p>"That's it," replied Larry quickly. "Now don't +tell any other reporters, will you?"</p> + +<p>"Well, if they come here and ask about it, I +can't say it wasn't so."</p> + +<p>"No, I suppose not," assented Larry. "But, I +tell you what you can do."</p> + +<p>"What?"</p> + +<p>"Go for a walk, and don't come back to the +hotel until after my paper is out with the story.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page76" id="page76">76</a></span> +We publish in the afternoon and go to press about +noon for the first edition. Would it be asking too +much of you to do that?"</p> + +<p>"No, for we were going out anyhow."</p> + +<p>"Then come with me," suggested Larry. "I'll +take you to the <i>Leader</i> office and have a man show +you how we make a newspaper. I guess no other +reporters will come in there to get the story out +of you," and he laughed in delight at the "beat" +he had secured.</p> + +<p>Dick and his friends were only too glad to get +a chance to see a big paper printed, and soon they +were on their way to the <i>Leader</i> office, escorted +by Larry.</p> + +<p>"If any other reporters see me they'll think I'm +taking some young men's club on a tour of the +city," the young journalist remarked, as the little +throng walked along. "Well, if they do, it will be +a good way to throw them off the scent."</p> + +<p>Larry reported to his city editor about having +most unexpectedly come across a "big" story in +connection with the young millionaire, and was +told to "let it run for all it's worth."</p> + +<p>"I'll see to it that the modern Crœsus and +his friends are entertained," said Mr. Newton, +another reporter, who was told by Mr. Emberg, +the city editor, to show Dick and his chums +around the newspaper plant.</p> + +<p>It was getting close to edition time, and they +noticed, with much amazement, how the reporters +came hurrying in with the news they had gathered;<span class="pagenum"><a name="page77" id="page77">77</a></span> +how they sat down at typewriters and rattled +it off; how it was corrected and edited; sent +to the composing room in pneumatic tubes; set up +on type-setting machines that seemed almost human; +the type put into "forms" or strong steel +frames; how a soft sheet of wet paper was pressed +on the type and baked by steam until it took every +impression and was the exact counterpart of a +printed page.</p> + +<p>The boys watched and saw that these baked +sheets of paper, called "matrices," were sent to the +stereotyping room, where, bent into a half-circle +in a machine, they were filled with hot melted +lead, which, hardening, took every impression of +the cardboard.</p> + +<p>Then the curved metal plates, each one representing +a page of the paper, were clamped on a +big press, that worked with a noise like thunder, +and, in an instant, it seemed, white paper from a +big roll, which was fed it at one end, came out +printed, pasted, and folded newspapers at the +other end of the machine.</p> + +<p>A grimy boy gathered up an armful of them, +as they kept piling up at the foot of a chute, which +extended somewhere up inside the press. Mr. +Newton, who had escorted Dick and his friends +about, took up one of the journals.</p> + +<p>"There you are!" he shouted, above the rumble +and roar of the press, as he handed Dick a paper.</p> + +<p>The wealthy youth unfolded it. On the front +page was the story of himself and "Colonel Dendon."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page78" id="page78">78</a></span> +It was under a "scare" head, which announced:</p> + +<p> </p> + +<p class="center"><b>ATTEMPTED SWINDLE OF YOUNG<br /> +MILLIONAIRE!</b></p> + +<hr style="width: 10%" /> + +<p class="center" style="font-size: smaller"><b>SHARPER TRIES TO SELL TO DICK HAMILTON, WHO<br /> +RECENTLY INHERITED VAST WEALTH,<br /> +WORTHLESS BONDS!</b></p> + +<hr style="width: 10%" /> + +<p class="center"><b>DETECTIVE ACTS IN TIME</b></p> + +<p> </p> + +<p>"Humph!" murmured Dick, when he saw what +a big story Larry had made of it. "If my father +saw this he'd be worried."</p> + +<p>"You're getting more famous than ever!" exclaimed +Walter Mead.</p> + +<p>"Looks so," admitted the young millionaire. +"Well, I'm glad Larry got his beat, anyhow."</p> + +<p>And it was a beat, for, when Dick got back to +the hotel, the manager told him half the newspapers +in New York had been calling him up to +ask about the story.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page79" id="page79">79</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER IX</h2> + +<h3>A CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN</h3> + +<p>Dick and his friends went home in the big +automobile a few days later, having crowded into +their stay as much sight-seeing as was possible. +Dick had just finished telling his father, the evening +of his arrival, of his various adventures, including +the one with the swindler, when the servant +announced:</p> + +<p>"Some one to see you, Master Dick."</p> + +<p>"Who is it?"</p> + +<p>"Henry Darby."</p> + +<p>"Ah, there's a young man who will make his +mark some day!" exclaimed Mr. Hamilton. "If +his father was only like him Henry would have +more chances."</p> + +<p>"That's right," admitted Dick. "I wonder what +he wants?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll leave you together," said Dick's +father, as he left the library, and a little later +Henry was ushered in by the servant.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Henry!" exclaimed Dick.</p> + +<p>"Same to you and more of it," was Henry's +greeting. "I've come to see if you don't want a<span class="pagenum"><a name="page80" id="page80">80</a></span> +particularly fine line of gold bricks," he went on +with a laugh, for he had read in the papers of the +attempted bond swindle.</p> + +<p>"You'll have to see my secretary," spoke Dick, +joining in the spirit of the talk. "He buys all +my gold bricks. But, to change the subject, how's +the old iron business?"</p> + +<p>"Pretty good. In fact, I came to see you about +it, if you're not too busy," and Henry tried to look +as though he had come to discuss the investment +of millions.</p> + +<p>"No, I guess I can spare you a few minutes. +What is it?"</p> + +<p>"I came to take up my note and pay it off," went +on the young iron merchant, drawing a roll of +much-crumpled bills from his pocket. "Want to +save interest, you know. I managed to sell that +iron I bought, and I made a profit on it. So I'll +pay that fifty-dollar note now."</p> + +<p>"Well, you certainly know how to make +money," spoke Dick admiringly. "I'll have to +take lessons from you. But say, Henry, I'm in no +hurry for that money. If you can use it, why, +just keep it."</p> + +<p>"No—no," went on Henry, with rather a sorrowful +air, Dick thought. "I'd better pay you +while I have it. I might not be able to get it +together again. You take it," and he shoved the +bills over toward Dick with an air of desperation.</p> + +<p>"But, I don't need it," persisted Dick. "You +might just as well keep it a while, Henry."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page81" id="page81">81</a></span></p> + +<p>"Do you mean that?" asked Henry earnestly.</p> + +<p>"Sure."</p> + +<p>"Then I will," and Henry appeared much relieved.</p> + +<p>"In fact, if you want more I'll lend it to you," +continued the millionaire's son.</p> + +<p>"Are you in earnest?"</p> + +<p>"Of course I am. Why?"</p> + +<p>"Well, to tell you the truth I hated to pay back +that fifty dollars. I mean I still had a use for it. +In fact, if I had a little more I could branch out—I'm +a sort of a little tree now—like one of those +saplings they set out. I need branches."</p> + +<p>"Tell me about it," suggested Dick.</p> + +<p>"Well, if I had two hundred dollars more I +could buy out the business of Moses Cohen, who +deals in old metal. He's getting too feeble to +carry it on, and I heard it was for sale. I made +some inquiries and I found I can get it for about +five hundred dollars."</p> + +<p>"But you said two hundred and fifty was all +you needed."</p> + +<p>"So it is. I'm only going to pay half cash, and +give a mortgage for the balance. That's the +safest way. So I was in hopes you wouldn't take +that fifty. I might induce him to take this on account +and wait a while for the two hundred."</p> + +<p>"He needn't wait at all," interrupted Dick. +"I'll let you have two hundred more, with pleasure," +and he drew out his check book with a little +flourish.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page82" id="page82">82</a></span></p> + +<p>"I can't give you any security but my note," +said Henry. "Even that wouldn't be good in law, +as I am not of age. But it shows I mean to pay +you back."</p> + +<p>"Of course it does."</p> + +<p>"I'll get my father to give you his, also," went +on the young lad of business. "Though I guess +it isn't worth much more than mine," and he +sighed a little, for Henry was aware of his +father's failing.</p> + +<p>"Yours is all I want," said Dick. "Tear up +this old note and make out one for two hundred +and fifty dollars. Then you can buy out Cohen's +business."</p> + +<p>Henry tore up the fifty-dollar promissory note +Dick handed him and soon had made out another +for the larger amount.</p> + +<p>"There's the check," went on Dick, handing it +over.</p> + +<p>"I'll get dad to draw up some kind of a paper +giving you a share in the business," continued +Henry. "He heard about me going to buy out +old Cohen, and he wants me to incorporate and +make him one of the officers. I guess that's what +he's best fitted for," and once more Henry smiled +rather sadly.</p> + +<p>"Well, I wish you good luck," returned Dick as +he shook hands with Henry. "I'm going to put +through some business deals myself soon, as for +certain reasons, I've got to make a good investment," +and he thought of his failure in the land<span class="pagenum"><a name="page83" id="page83">83</a></span> +scheme, while a vision of his Uncle Ezra came to +him like the memory of a bad dream.</p> + +<p>It was several days after this that Dick met +Frank Bender on the street. Frank was attired +in his "Sunday clothes" and seemed in a hurry.</p> + +<p>"Where you going?" asked Dick.</p> + +<p>"Circus."</p> + +<p>"Where is it?"</p> + +<p>"Over to Parkertown. They have some good +acrobats in it, and I want to get a few points."</p> + +<p>"I wonder why a circus never comes here," +mused Dick, half to himself. "It's quite a trip to +Parkertown."</p> + +<p>"This place is too small," replied Frank.</p> + +<p>"They have to have a big crowd to make it pay. +A circus will never come here."</p> + +<p>"No, I s'pose not," answered Dick. "Well, I +wish I was going, but I've got to go down to dad's +bank. I've got a little business on hand."</p> + +<p>"So long," called Frank. "I must hurry to +catch the train."</p> + +<p>"I wish they'd have a circus here some time," +continued Dick, as he walked along. "Hamilton +Corners is too quiet. It needs stirring up."</p> + +<p>Just then he caught sight of a curious procession. +It was composed of a number of boys and +girls, mostly little tots, walking along the street, +two by two, led by three matronly ladies.</p> + +<p>"The orphan asylum out for an airing," commented +Dick. "Poor little kids! Poor little +kids!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="page84" id="page84">84</a></span></p> + +<p>There was a county orphan asylum in Hamilton +Corners, and it was usually well filled with small +unfortunates. Twice a week they were taken for +a walk by some of the matrons in charge.</p> + +<p>"Poor little kids!" repeated Dick. "I'll bet they +never saw a circus in their lives. And they're not +likely to. A circus will never come here. The +place is too small. No, they'll never see a circus—unless——"</p> + +<p>He came to a sudden stop in his musings. Then +a light broke over his face.</p> + +<p>"By Jimminy Crickets! I'll do it!" he exclaimed, +so loudly that several persons in the +street turned to look at him. "I'll do it! That's +what I will!"</p> + +<p>He looked at his watch.</p> + +<p>"I've just got time to catch the train to Parkertown +if I hustle," he added as he set off on a run.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page85" id="page85">85</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER X</h2> + +<h3>DICK INVESTS IN HAPPINESS</h3> + +<p>Dick managed to swing aboard the last car as +the train for Parkertown was pulling out of the +station at Hamilton Corners. There was quite a +crowd on it, as many were going to the circus.</p> + +<p>"Hello!" exclaimed Frank Bender, as he +caught sight of Dick walking up the aisle of the +car in which he was. "I thought you weren't +going."</p> + +<p>"I wasn't, but I changed my mind. This is a +free country."</p> + +<p>"Of course," assented Frank, with a laugh. +"We'll go together and have some fun."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm going on business."</p> + +<p>"That's too bad."</p> + +<p>"Well, it's business connected with fun," explained +Dick. "Maybe I'll have a chance to see +the show with you later."</p> + +<p>"See the show! Why, that's the main object +of going to Parkertown," responded Frank. "I +wouldn't miss it for anything. They've got a +fellow in it, according to the pictures, who can +stand on his head, hold a man in each hand, balance +two others on his legs, hold one by a strap<span class="pagenum"><a name="page86" id="page86">86</a></span> +in his mouth—and all the while he's on a trapeeze +at the top of the tent. It's great!"</p> + +<p>"Well, maybe he can give you a few pointers," +said Dick.</p> + +<p>It was about an hour's run to Parkertown, and +when the train reached the circus grounds there +was a general rush to the big tents. It lacked +about an hour to noon, and though the show had +not opened yet there was much of interest to see. +Dick and Frank watched the men putting finishing +touches to the immense canvas shelters, while +others were feeding the animals, getting the big +gilded wagons into place, and arranging the sideshows.</p> + +<p>In one tent hundreds of the performers and +helpers were at dinner, while a curious crowd +looked on under the raised flaps. The two boys, +in company with scores of others, watched the +cooks of the circus at work over the portable +ranges and soup kettles, where it seemed as +though enough food for an army was being prepared.</p> + +<p>"Say, it's great, isn't it!" exclaimed Frank. "I +can hardly wait until it's time to begin. Let's +go get a hot frankfurter sausage somewhere."</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid I've got to leave you," replied +Dick. "I have some business on hand. I'll see +you later. Maybe in the main tent."</p> + +<p>"All right," assented Frank, a little disappointed, +but he soon forgot about that in watching +the many scenes of interest.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page87" id="page87">87</a></span></p> + +<p>"Where can I find the manager?" asked Dick, +of a man who wore a uniform and seemed to be +some one in authority.</p> + +<p>"In the ticket wagon," was the reply. "But +you needn't think you can deadhead in. The +free list is suspended."</p> + +<p>"I've no intention of asking for a pass," replied +Dick, with a smile. "Is the manager in?" +he asked, a moment later, of the man who looked +out of the high ticket wagon.</p> + +<p>"I guess so. What do you want?"</p> + +<p>"I want to see him in regard to the next town +where he is to play."</p> + +<p>"Who is it?" inquired a voice from within the +vehicle.</p> + +<p>"Some lad from our next town. Maybe the +mayor's sent to say he's going to raise the license +fee. I never see such a hold-up game as these +country mayors try to pull off," and the ticket +seller looked disgusted.</p> + +<p>"No, I'm not from the mayor," said Dick. "I +want to see the manager on my own account."</p> + +<p>At this another man joined the one at the +ticket window. He was large and fat, and wore +a red necktie, in which sparkled a pin with a +large stone. He had on a tall hat and a frock +coat.</p> + +<p>"Come around to the side door," he said, in no +very gracious tones, and Dick noticed that a pair +of steps at the side gave access to the wagon. +He was soon inside the place, which was fitted<span class="pagenum"><a name="page88" id="page88">88</a></span> +up like a small office, with desks, and even a typewriter, +at which a young man was busy pounding +the keys.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" asked the manager, abruptly.</p> + +<p>"I've come to see if you won't give a show in +Hamilton Corners," began Dick. "I think the +town would like to see it."</p> + +<p>"Maybe the town would, but I wouldn't," replied +the manager quickly. "I'm not in business +for my health. I want to make a little money, +and Hamilton Corners is too small. We couldn't +clear expenses."</p> + +<p>"How much do you have to clear to make it +worth your while to show in a town?" asked +Dick.</p> + +<p>"Well, a thousand dollars is fair business."</p> + +<p>"If you were sure of a thousand dollars clear, +would you come to Hamilton Corners?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, or any place else within traveling distance. +But what are you? A newspaper reporter? +If you are, you want to see our press +agent. He's in that tent over there."</p> + +<p>"No, I want to do business with you," rejoined +Dick, with a smile. "I live in Hamilton Corners. +I'd like to see a circus there. In fact, I'm willing +to pay for having one come there. I have a certain +reason for it. If I give you a thousand-dollar +guarantee will you bring the show there?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, of course."</p> + +<p>The manager seemed a little dazed. Dick drew +out a thin red book.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page89" id="page89">89</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'll give you the guarantee now," he said. +"Can you come to-morrow?" and he began to use +his fountain pen. "Whom shall I make it out to?" +and he looked at the manager.</p> + +<p>"Say," suddenly whispered the manager to the +ticket seller. "Is the marshall out there? He is? +All right. Call him here." Then in soothing +tones he spoke to Dick. "That's all right," he +said. "Never mind the check. We'll come to +Hamilton Corners, anyhow. Now don't get excited. +Here, take a drink of water and you'll feel +better. The sun is very hot to-day. In fact, it +makes my head buzz. Just put that red book +away. Red is very heating, you know."</p> + +<p>He paused, and looked rather helplessly about +him. Then in a whisper he again asked the ticket +seller:</p> + +<p>"Is the marshall there? Tell him to come in +before he gets violent."</p> + +<p>The side door opened, and a town marshall, +with a big nickel-plated star on his coat, entered +the wagon.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter?" asked Dick, somewhat +surprised at the sudden turn of events.</p> + +<p>"There! there!" spoke the manager, soothingly. +"It's all right. Don't get excited. You're +with friends."</p> + +<p>"Don't you want this check?" asked Dick. +"I'm in earnest. I want your circus to come to +Hamilton Corners."</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes, of course, my dear boy. We'll come.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page90" id="page90">90</a></span> +I'll let you ride on one of the elephants. You can +feed the monkeys, and tickle the hippopotamus, +if you like. Poor boy," in lower tones, "so young, +too."</p> + +<p>"Say," demanded Dick, standing up, "do you +think I'm crazy?"</p> + +<p>"There! there!" repeated the manager, in that +soothing tone he had suddenly adopted. "Please +don't get excited. It's the worst thing in the +world for you."</p> + +<p>Dick glanced up at the man in uniform. Then +a smile came over his face that had assumed a +rather angry look.</p> + +<p>"Why, Marshall Hinckly!" he exclaimed. +"How did you come to be here?"</p> + +<p>"Dick Hamilton!" exclaimed the officer in surprise, +"I didn't know you at first. You see the +authorities in Parkertown, being a little short-handed, +asked me to help out on circus day, and +so I came over from Hamilton Corners. But +what in the name of green turtles is the trouble +here?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know," replied the millionaire's son. +"I merely offered to guarantee this manager a +thousand dollars if he would bring his circus to +Hamilton Corners, and he acts as though he +thought I was crazy."</p> + +<p>"And isn't he?" burst out the manager, less +frightened, now that an officer of the law was +present. "Isn't he, Mr. Policeman? The idea of +a boy like him offering to make out a check for<span class="pagenum"><a name="page91" id="page91">91</a></span> +a thousand dollars to have a circus come to town! +In the first place, I don't believe he has the money; +and in the second, what does he want to hire a +circus for? Say, honest, hasn't he got away from +some asylum?"</p> + +<p>"Dick Hamilton broke out of an asylum!" exclaimed +the marshall. "Well, I rather guess not! +As for him not having the money, you're wrong +there. Why, that's Mortimer Hamilton's son," +and he showed his pride at being acquainted with +Dick.</p> + +<p>"Mortimer Hamilton, president of the Hamilton +National Bank?" asked the manager, incredulously.</p> + +<p>"That's him," replied the marshall.</p> + +<p>"Say!" exclaimed the manager rather faintly, +sitting limply down in a chair. "Give me a glass +of water, will you, please. Mortimer Hamilton, +the multi-millionaire! And I thought his son +didn't have a thousand dollars! Excuse me, Mr. +Hamilton," he said, heartily, as he held out his +hand to Dick. "I beg your pardon."</p> + +<p>"That's all right," replied Dick, with a smile. +"Whom shall I make the check out to?"</p> + +<p>"Me," replied the manager. "Wellington Dappleton. +But say," he added, "would you mind +telling me what you want of the circus?"</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you," answered Dick, with something +of a serious air. "When I was out walking this +morning I saw a procession from the orphan +asylum. I heard about the circus being over<span class="pagenum"><a name="page92" id="page92">92</a></span> +here, and I knew those poor youngsters couldn't +go. I made up my mind that if I could, I'd have +the circus come to town and I'd take those kids +free. It's the only chance they'll ever get, maybe, +and I—well, I've got plenty of money. I can just +as well spend some of it this way as in having a +good time myself. When can you come?"</p> + +<p>"We'll be there to-morrow and play the afternoon +and evening," said the manager. "And I'll +tell you what I'll do. You needn't make out that +check now. We'll wait until after the last performance, +and all I'll ask you to do will be to +make good whatever I'm short of a thousand-dollar +profit. Maybe we can get enough admissions +in the town to make up part of the sum. +I'll not see a lad do the only good turn in these +parts. I'll meet you half way, and there's my +hand on it," and once more he gripped Dick's +fingers in a hold that made them tingle.</p> + +<p>"But the orphans come in free," insisted Dick.</p> + +<p>"The orphans come in free," repeated the manager, +"and any other boys or girls you like. We'll +only charge the grown folks."</p> + +<p>So it was arranged. Dick and the manager had +a long talk, so long that Dick had time only to +see the closing acts in the big tent.</p> + +<p>"Well, you missed it," said Frank, as he met +Dick on his way out. "You should have seen +that fellow hold all those others. It was great! +I'm going to join a circus."</p> + +<p>"Better wait," advised Dick, with a smile.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page93" id="page93">93</a></span> +"Have a talk with that acrobat. The show is +coming to Hamilton Corners to-morrow, and you +can ask him how he likes the life."</p> + +<p>"The show coming to Hamilton Corners?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," and then Dick told of the arrangements.</p> + +<p>Hamilton Corners hardly knew itself when it +awoke the next morning. The town was gay with +many colored posters, showing fierce animals +wandering together over vast treeless plains, and +many-hued lithographs of men risking their lives +on the high trapeze. Before the boys had fairly +gotten the idea into their heads that the circus +was coming the cavalcade of wagons began arriving. +Dick had seen the town authorities and secured +the necessary permits. Then Hamilton Corners +really woke up as the news became known +that Dick was responsible for the whole affair.</p> + +<p>"Say, he spends money like water," observed +Simon to Guy. "I wish I had some of what he's +throwing away."</p> + +<p>"I suppose you'd buy oil stock with it," observed +Guy, with a peculiar smile. Simon did not +answer.</p> + +<p>The orphans at the asylum—hundreds of them—could +hardly believe the joyous news when, +after Dick had told those in charge, it was announced +to them by the matrons. Some of the +poor little tots cried in very happiness. One little +boy, who remembered once seeing some of the gay +lithographs of a circus, was discovered running +around in a circle.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page94" id="page94">94</a></span></p> + +<p>"What are you doing?" asked a matron.</p> + +<p>"Playing I'm a circus horse," was the answer. +"I'se got to do suffin to make de time pass. I'm +so happy!"</p> + +<p>Long before the time set for the performance, +crowds of boys and girls were headed for the big +tents. Dick had generously arranged so that no +boy or girl need pay, and hundreds of those in +Hamilton Corners, as well as those in the surrounding +suburbs, besides the orphans, saw the +show free.</p> + +<p>Dick wanted to go off with some of his chums +and view the performance, but the head matron +of the asylum asked him to sit with her in the +midst of her little charges.</p> + +<p>"They want to see you," she explained. "They +think you own the circus, and that you are the +most wonderful person in the world."</p> + +<p>"Oh, pshaw! It isn't anything at all," declared +Dick, with a blush. "I just happened to +think of it when I saw the little children out walking +and saw how sad some of 'em looked. Besides, +it's time we had a circus in Hamilton Corners."</p> + +<p>The antics of the clowns, the "hair-raising, +death-defying evolutions in mid-air," as the programme +called them, the performing horses and +elephants, the pony races, the chariot contests, the +trick dogs, pigs, monkeys, and other animals, the +glittering pageant, the music and excitement—all +this was as a happy dream to the orphans. They<span class="pagenum"><a name="page95" id="page95">95</a></span> +sat in ecstasy, now and then some of them looking +at Dick, who sat in their midst, as though, like +some good fairy, they feared he might disappear +any minute.</p> + +<p>"Well," remarked the manager to Dick in the +library of the Hamilton mansion, when the show +was over. "You had your circus all right. I +guess about four hundred dollars will square us. +There were quite a few paid admissions."</p> + +<p>"There's your check," answered Dick, passing +over a slip of paper, and the manager took his +departure.</p> + +<p>That night, as the rumble of circus wagons +leaving the town came faintly to the ears of Dick +and his father, as they sat in the library, Mr. +Hamilton remarked:</p> + +<p>"Well, did you get your money's worth, Dick?"</p> + +<p>"I certainly did, dad. The look on the faces +of those orphans was worth twice as much as I +spent."</p> + +<p>"Still, you might have invested four hundred +dollars in some business and gotten large returns +from it."</p> + +<p>"I invested it in happiness, dad," was Dick's +answer.</p> + +<p>And then Mr. Hamilton turned away, loving +his son more than ever. But still he wondered +if Dick would ever be able to fulfil the conditions +of his mother's will.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page96" id="page96">96</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XI</h2> + +<h3><span class="smcap">"Hank" Darby in Business</span></h3> + +<p>Hamilton Corners did not cease talking of +the circus, and Dick's part in it, for several weeks. +Among the boys, Dick was more of a hero than +ever and many were his champions. Only Simon +and Guy sneered, but they took care to do it when +no one else was present. The truth was, Simon +hated to see Dick spend money unless he had a +chance to get some of it, and, since the failure +of the bond scheme, this did not seem very likely +to happen.</p> + +<p>For Mr. Hamilton had warned his son not to +get too intimate with Simon. A youth, he said, +who had as a friend a man of the character of +Colonel Dendon was not a safe chum. Dick +promised not to have too much to do with either +Simon or Guy, but he was too independent a boy +to cut them altogether.</p> + +<p>"Are you going to be busy this afternoon, dad?" +asked Dick of his father one morning. "Because +if you're not, I'd like to come down to the bank +and talk over a little business with you. I think +it's about time I made some large investment in<span class="pagenum"><a name="page97" id="page97">97</a></span> +order to comply with mother's will, and I want to +ask your advice."</p> + +<p>"Come along," answered Mr. Hamilton, good-naturedly. +"I will aid you all I can, but I'd rather +you would learn to depend on yourself. Experience +is the best teacher, but her lessons come a +trifle high."</p> + +<p>Several days previous to this Dick had been in +correspondence with a New York firm, and he +wanted some advice before he went any further +into a certain scheme. Accordingly, at the time +appointed, he went to his father's bank, carrying +a lot of printed matter and some letters.</p> + +<p>"Well, what is it?" asked Mr. Hamilton, when +he and his son were seated in the private office.</p> + +<p>"I was thinking of investing in this company, +formed to supply a new kind of preserved milk," +said Dick. "Some one has discovered a process +by which milk can be made to keep a long time, +and yet it tastes like fresh. They state that the +milk problem, in big cities, is one that many have +tried to solve. By their method any family can +have fresh milk with little trouble, and it is almost +as cheap as that which comes right from a +cow. Of course, in a big city it's impossible to +supply fresh milk to everyone.</p> + +<p>"They are offering to sell some stock cheap, +and it is guaranteed to double in value in six +months. They are all ready to put the milk on +the market. I was thinking of investing some +money in this concern. What do you think of it?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="page98" id="page98">98</a></span></p> + +<p>Mr. Hamilton looked over the mass of circulars, +statements of the business that could be done +in New York alone, to say nothing of the rest of +the country, and glanced at the pictures of machines +for making the milk so it would keep for +a long time, without ice, even in the hottest +weather.</p> + +<p>"Well, Dick," he said slowly. "This company +has some well-known men connected with it, and +the scheme looks all right. That is as far as you +can tell from this. If you want to invest some of +your money in it I have no objections. How much +did you figure on?"</p> + +<p>"I thought about five thousand dollars."</p> + +<p>Mr. Hamilton uttered a low whistle.</p> + +<p>"I'd say two thousand," he remarked. "If you +find it's good you can put the other three in later. +Better go slow on a new thing. Of course, I don't +know anything about it, and if it fails I don't want +you to hold me responsible. I'm willing that you +should try it—that's all."</p> + +<p>"Then I'll send for two thousand dollars' +worth of stock," decided Dick; and he made out a +check, had it certified, and sent it to New York.</p> + +<p>"Now that's done, and I'm in a fair way to +make a large profit, I think I'll begin to look +around for something else," he said. "It's a good +thing to have several investments; isn't it, dad? +I think I've heard you say not to have all your +eggs in one basket."</p> + +<p>"That's right," assented Mr. Hamilton. "Only<span class="pagenum"><a name="page99" id="page99">99</a></span> +you want to be sure you have good eggs, and not +bad ones; also, that the baskets are strong enough +to carry them."</p> + +<p>At that moment there came a knock on the +door of the private office, and when Mr. Hamilton +had called out an invitation to enter, Archibald +Spreckles McIverson, to give him his complete +name, the messenger of the bank, announced:</p> + +<p>"A gentleman to see you, Mr. Hamilton. I beg +your pardon for interrupting you, but he says his +business is very important and he will not detain +you long. He also wishes to see Mr. Dick, and +he has a young man with him."</p> + +<p>"Show him in," said Mr. Hamilton. "Must be +somebody with money," he added to his son as +the messenger departed, "or McIverson would +never be so puffed up. He loves to announce anyone +whom he believes is wealthy, but I don't +know of anyone, with any great amount of cash, +who is coming to see me to-day."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Henry Darby, senior and junior," announced +Archibald Spreckles McIverson with a +grand air, as he held the door of the private office +open so that "Hank" Darby and Henry might +enter. Then McIverson softly closed the portal.</p> + +<p>"Ahem!" remarked Hank, almost as pompously +as had the bank messenger. "Fine day, Mr. Hamilton."</p> + +<p>Dick looked at Henry's father in amazement. +The man was dressed in a new suit of black, and +wore a silk hat. He had a necktie of vivid purple,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page100" id="page100">100</a></span> +and a red pink was in his buttonhole. He +took off his tall hat and wiped his shining bald +head with a big red silk handkerchief. No wonder +he had impressed McIverson. Henry looked +a little embarrassed, but Dick nodded at him in a +friendly way, and made room for him on the sofa +upon which he was sitting.</p> + +<p>"I have called upon a little matter of business," +said Mr. Darby, carefully depositing his hat on +the carpet. "I and my son here," and he nodded +in Henry's direction. "I may also add that your +son is interested—er—to a considerable extent. +In fact, I may say to an equal extent with ourselves."</p> + +<p>"I wonder what's coming?" thought Mr. Hamilton, +who had never seen Hank so well dressed, +and who knew the man to be the laziest fellow +in Hamilton Corners.</p> + +<p>"Your son, Mr. Hamilton," went on Hank +Darby, with a grand air that was strangely in +contrast with his former attitude when one met +him about town, "your son, I may state, has been +the means of doing something which I long have +desired to see done. He has enabled me and my +son to start in business—a business that, while it +is small, is capable of enormous possibilities—<i>enormous +possibilities</i>," and Mr. Darby looked +as if he would puff up like a balloon and float out +of the window.</p> + +<p>"In short," he went on, "he has loaned my son +two hundred and fifty dollars, for which Henry<span class="pagenum"><a name="page101" id="page101">101</a></span> +has given his note. Of course, that is no legal +security, and when I heard about it I at once set +about putting the matter on a business basis."</p> + +<p>"I don't understand," said Mr. Hamilton.</p> + +<p>"Henry is in the old iron business, dad," explained +Dick.</p> + +<p>"Exactly," went on Mr. Darby. "The old +metal business, to be more exact. I am also in it +with him. Between us we have formed a company—a +corporation to be more exact. I have +called it The International and Consolidated Old +Metal Corporation. We have a capital stock of +one million dollars——"</p> + +<p>"With two hundred and twenty-five paid in," +interrupted Henry, with a smile. "Dad took +twenty-five of your two hundred and fifty, Dick, +to get himself some new clothes."</p> + +<p>"Exactly," interrupted Mr. Darby. "As president +of the International and Consolidated Old +Metal Corporation I felt that it was due to the +public to look the part. I don't mind old clothes +myself, but the public is apt to judge a man by +them. So I bought these. I think it will go a +great way in impressing the public; do you not +agree with me, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Perfectly," answered Mr. Hamilton, trying +not to smile.</p> + +<p>"So you are president?" asked Dick.</p> + +<p>"I am," replied Mr. Darby, with a grand air. +"I am the president and you, sir, are the treasurer," +and he bowed to Dick. "It is with your<span class="pagenum"><a name="page102" id="page102">102</a></span> +capital that we—my son and I—have been able to +make this humble beginning. But all things must +have a beginning. The possibilities are enormous, +sir—<i>enormous</i>!" and once more Mr. Darby +swelled up. "We are going to begin active operations +at once, sir; in fact, my son has already +begun them. We expect to do a large trade in +metals of all description. I shall devote my time +to the market abroad in a few weeks, as I shall +have exhausted the possibilities on this side of the +Atlantic. Then, sir, we shall be truly what the +name indicated, <i>international</i>!"</p> + +<p>"What do you do, Henry?" asked Dick.</p> + +<p>"Me? Oh, I drive the wagon, collect the old +iron and sell it again," said the lad, with just the +suspicion of a smile, as he glanced in his father's +direction. "I bought out old Moses Cohen, and +he had a horse and wagon, which I took.</p> + +<p>"At least, it's called a horse and wagon in the +mortgage which I had to sign," went on Henry, +"but sometimes I have my doubts about both," +and he laughed a little. "However, it will do for +a while—until I can make money enough to get +a better rig."</p> + +<p>"Yes, we are going a bit slow at first," put in +Mr. Darby. "As soon as I get things in good +shape I shall take a trip to England. I understand +they use a great deal of iron there. Perhaps +I shall buy up a large amount abroad and +ship it here. I have a number of schemes on as +soon as I get this one in such shape that Henry<span class="pagenum"><a name="page103" id="page103">103</a></span> +can run it—with the assistance of Mr. Dick, of +course," he hastened to add.</p> + +<p>"What we came here for to-day," said Henry, +"was to give you these papers, Dick," and he +handed over a large bundle.</p> + +<p>"What are they?" asked Mr. Hamilton.</p> + +<p>"The prospectus and incorporation papers of +The International and Consolidated Old Metal +Corporation," interrupted Mr. Darby. "I drew +them up myself, and I know they are right. They +show the interest you have in the concern," turning +to Dick, "and your interests are fully looked +after. I wish, also, to endorse the note my son +gave you."</p> + +<p>"It isn't necessary," declared Dick.</p> + +<p>"Pardon me, young man, but it is," insisted Mr. +Darby. "Business is business," he continued, +with a grand air, and, when Dick produced the +note, Mr. Darby, with a flourish, put his name on +the back of it.</p> + +<p>"It has doubled in value," he remarked, without +the ghost of a smile. "Now, our matters being +concluded, I will bid you good-afternoon," +he said, and with a low bow to Mr. Hamilton and +Dick, he backed out, attended by McIverson.</p> + +<p>"If he'd let Henry alone the business might +amount to something," commented Mr. Hamilton +when the visitors had gone.</p> + +<p>"Yes, the idea of his taking some of the money +to buy a new suit," observed Dick. "Well, I<span class="pagenum"><a name="page104" id="page104">104</a></span> +guess Henry can manage it if he only has half a +chance."</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't give you much for that note," said +Mr. Hamilton.</p> + +<p>"You'll not discount it; eh, dad?"</p> + +<p>"Not much! It's worse than ever since Hank +put his signature on it. I guess your two hundred +and fifty dollars are gone."</p> + +<p>"Never mind, I helped Henry, anyhow. Maybe +he'll pull through. He's a hard worker."</p> + +<p>"Gentleman to see you, sir," interrupted McIverson, +putting his head into the office. "Says he +has an appointment with you."</p> + +<p>"What is the name?" asked Mr. Hamilton.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Franklin Vanderhoof," announced the +messenger, with a rolling tone that denoted the +person to be of apparent importance.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes. I'd forgotten. I'll see him at once. +Dick, will you excuse me. I have some business +to discuss with Mr. Vanderhoof."</p> + +<p>As Dick bade his father good-bye and left the +office he saw entering it a man, well dressed, and +with a very black moustache. At the sight of the +man's face Dick started.</p> + +<p>"Where have I seen him before?" the youth +asked himself. "There is something strange +about that man. I wish I knew what his business +was."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page105" id="page105">105</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XII</h2> + +<h3>GOLD MINE STOCK</h3> + +<p>Dick looked sharply at the stranger as he +passed the man. Mr. Vanderhoof smiled, but +when he did Dick thought the attempted pleasantry +resembled the grin of a cat when it is about +to pounce upon a helpless mouse. With a scarcely +perceptible nod to Dick, Mr. Vanderhoof entered +Mr. Hamilton's private office and closed the door.</p> + +<p>"I've seen you before, I'm sure of it," mused +Dick, as he left the bank. "I can't just think +where, but there's something familiar about you. +I don't like your looks, though I suppose you +must be all right or dad wouldn't have much to +do with you. I must ask him about you."</p> + +<p>Dick found an opportunity a few evenings +later. He saw his father looking over some +papers in the library at home, and, going in, inquired +if Mr. Hamilton was busy.</p> + +<p>"Not very," replied the millionaire. "I'm just +looking over some new stock I bought to-day. +Dick, I'm part owner in a gold mine, in addition +to my many other lines of industry," and he +laughed pleasantly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page106" id="page106">106</a></span></p> + +<p>"A gold mine, dad?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, a gold mine in—let's see where is it now—oh, +in Yazoo City, Nevada. Of course, I don't +own the whole mine, I've only bought some stock +in it. There it is. I own a thousand shares in +the Hop Toad Mine, and I hope they do as toads +do, and 'jump' in value."</p> + +<p>"A gold mine," repeated Dick. "That would +suit me. Why didn't I think of it before."</p> + +<p>"How do you mean, Dick?"</p> + +<p>"I mean, why didn't I invest in something like +that."</p> + +<p>"Well, it's not too late, I suppose."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean I can get some shares, dad?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know that you can in the Hop Toad +Mine, as I understand they're all sold out, but I +guess Mr. Vanderhoof has shares in other mines +just as good."</p> + +<p>"Oh, is that what Mr. Vanderhoof is—a mining +man?"</p> + +<p>"Well, not exactly a mining man. He sells +stock in mines. He's what they call a promoter. +Why, do you know him?"</p> + +<p>"No, but somehow his face seemed familiar. +I was sure that day I saw him in the bank that I +had met him somewhere else, but when I tried to +think I couldn't recall anyone with such a black +moustache as he has."</p> + +<p>"It is black," admitted Mr. Hamilton.</p> + +<p>"And when he smiles he looks like—a cat," +went on Dick.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page107" id="page107">107</a></span></p> + +<p>"I can't say that I fancy his looks," agreed the +millionaire, with a chuckle. "But I don't do business +on looks. I go by facts."</p> + +<p>"Is this mining stock good?"</p> + +<p>"I think so. I wrote to some men in Yazoo +City and I made other investigations, so that I +think it as safe an investment as any are in these +days. Of course, nothing is a sure thing in this +world, but I believe this Hop Toad Mine has one +of the richest veins of ore of any mine in that +vicinity."</p> + +<p>"Then I'm going to invest some of my money +in a gold mine," decided Dick. "Where can I +find Mr. Vanderhoof?"</p> + +<p>"He'll be at the bank to-morrow and you can +see him there. Remember, you are doing this on +your own responsibility, and if it turns out a +failure you've got to chalk it up against yourself."</p> + +<p>"All right, dad."</p> + +<p>"It will be an experience for the boy, anyhow," +murmured the millionaire, as his son left the +room. "He's got to learn, the same as I did. I +think between his mother's will, his Uncle Ezra, +and what I can show him, we'll make a fine man +of him in spite of his wealth, which is a mighty +handicap—a mighty handicap," and shaking his +head doubtfully Mr. Hamilton proceeded to look +over some business papers, which task he was at +when Dick went to bed.</p> + +<p>Dick received a letter the next morning which<span class="pagenum"><a name="page108" id="page108">108</a></span> +rather disquieted him. It was from the firm of +whom he had purchased his milk stock, and informed +him that owing to certain contingencies +in the market they were obliged to ask for an +assessment on his stock.</p> + +<p>"What's an assessment on stock, dad?" he asked +of his father, when he had called at the bank and +shown the letter to Mr. Hamilton.</p> + +<p>"It means that the company needs more money +to run the business, and that you, being part of +the company, have to put up your share. Let's +see, they want a hundred dollars from you. Well, +I guess you'll have to pay it."</p> + +<p>"But that's a queer way to do business," grumbled +Dick. "I thought I was going to make +money, and, instead, I have to pay out more."</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, new concerns frequently have to call +for an assessment, instead of paying dividends," +consoled his father. "The stock may pay well +yet. Milk is something every family has to have, +you know, and they have to have it every day. +The company may be all right when it gets well +started. I wouldn't worry now. I've had to pay +assessments on many a stock that afterward +turned out well."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad I thought of that gold mine stock," +said Dick. "I guess that will be the best thing yet. +When will Mr. Vanderhoof be here?"</p> + +<p>"Almost any minute now. Ah, there he +comes," and, as Mr. Hamilton spoke, the man +with the very black moustache came down the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page109" id="page109">109</a></span> +corridor that led to the private office and walked +through the open doorway.</p> + +<p>"Ah, two captains of industry," he remarked, +with a nod at Dick and his father. "The young +and the—ah—er—I was about to say old—I will +change it to junior and senior," with a bow to +Mr. Hamilton.</p> + +<p>"Dick thinks he'd like to buy some gold mine +stock," said the millionaire. "I telephoned you +about it, you recall, and explained my son's position."</p> + +<p>"I understand," remarked Mr. Vanderhoof. +"He wants to make a good paying investment."</p> + +<p>"That's it," put in Dick, as he thought of his +Uncle Ezra and what would happen if he did not +comply with the terms of his mother's will.</p> + +<p>"Well, I think I can find him some good +stock," went on the promoter. "It won't be in +the same mine you're in, Mr. Hamilton. That +stock was too valuable to last long. But I have +some nearly as good. It is in the same neighborhood. +In fact, it is in the next mine to the Hop +Toad—the Dolphin. We think it very good. +You can make the same inquiries that you did in +regard to the other stock. It will bear the closest +investigation."</p> + +<p>"We'll take it, subject to a report from Yazoo +City," said Mr. Hamilton, with a look at Dick, +who nodded an assent, for he knew very little +about buying stock.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page110" id="page110">110</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then I suppose you'll pay enough to bind the +bargain?" asked Mr. Vanderhoof.</p> + +<p>"Of course," replied Dick, producing his +check book. "How much?"</p> + +<p>"Five hundred dollars will do as a starter. +But about how much stock would you want?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I guess two thousand dollars' worth will +do," replied Dick, with a look at his father, who, +by a nod of his head, assented.</p> + +<p>Mr. Vanderhoof smiled, looking, Dick thought, +more than ever like a cat about to pounce on a +mouse, and when the check was made out the +promoter handed him a document, showing that +he was entitled to a certain number of shares of +stock in a gold mine bearing the name Dolphin.</p> + +<p>"Well, Dick," remarked his father, when Mr. +Vanderhoof had left, "you are certainly getting +right into business. How do you like it?"</p> + +<p>"Very much. I only hope some of my investments +pan out."</p> + +<p>"Well, you haven't made very many, but what +you have gone into you have loaded up pretty +well with. However, that may be a good way. +Of course, if they fail, the money loss will not +make much difference to you, but I don't want +to see you lose. It would show a poor head for +business if you did, and I hope you haven't got +that."</p> + +<p>"So do I," remarked his son. "Oh, I'm going +to make a success some way or other," and once +more the vision of his uncle's home, the gloomy<span class="pagenum"><a name="page111" id="page111">111</a></span> +house set in the midst of the dark fir trees, like +some residence in a cemetery, came to him as the +memory of a bad dream.</p> + +<p>"Where are you going now?" asked his father, +as Dick started to leave the private office.</p> + +<p>"I thought I'd take a ride with some of the +boys in my motor boat. I haven't been out for +some time."</p> + +<p>"All right, only be careful."</p> + +<p>"I will, dad. Good-bye."</p> + +<p>Dick stopped, on his way home, and called for +Bricktop, Frank Bender and Walter Mead, inviting +them to go for a ride in his trim little +craft, which was in the boat house on Lake Dunkirk.</p> + +<p>"Let's take our lunch and stay the rest of the +day," suggested Bricktop. "It's too fine out +doors to be around the house."</p> + +<p>"Good idea," assented Dick. "I'll have our +cook put us up a basket of stuff."</p> + +<p>The eyes of the other boys glistened, for they +knew from experience the good things that came +from the Hamilton kitchen, and they had visions +of cold chicken and turkey, fine cakes and big, +thick, juicy pies.</p> + +<p>As Dick and his friends entered the side yard, +they saw, standing on the driveway, a rather +dilapidated wagon, drawn by a very bony horse. +In the wagon was something covered with a sheet, +while on the seat sat a grizzled, dried-up sort of +a man, with a little bunch of whiskers on his chin.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page112" id="page112">112</a></span> +Beside him was a woman in a calico dress, and +she looked worried.</p> + +<p>"Are you Mr. Richard Hamilton?" asked the +man, looking at Bricktop.</p> + +<p>"No; he is," was the answer, and Bricktop +pointed at Dick.</p> + +<p>"Hum! Well, I'm glad to meet you. I've +been waitin' some time, an' the hired man, the +one with his shirt front all showin', where his +vest is wore out (for thus he described the butler's +dress suit), said he didn't know when you'd +come home. But I brought it along with me, jest +as I said I would, an' I'll show ye how it works. +Mandy, jest hold th' hoss until I git th' machine +out," and though the animal did not seem in need +of any restraint the woman grasped the reins her +husband gave her.</p> + +<p>Then, before Dick could remonstrate, the man +got down from the wagon, and began tugging +at the object covered with a sheet. It seemed +quite heavy.</p> + +<p>"Would one of you young gentlemen mind +givin' me a hand?" he asked, and Walter and +Frank assisted him in lifting the object down +to the ground.</p> + +<p>"There ye be!" exclaimed the man, in an excited +manner, while his eyes glittered in a strange +way. "There she is. Now watch, everybody, +when she gits goin'. Mandy, drive th' hoss up +towards th' stable; it might git frightened.</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page113" id="page113">113</a></span></p> +<p>"Now," he went on, "ye're about t' witness +one of th' wonders of th' age. Look out, everybody!" +and, with a flourish, he pulled the sheet +away.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page114" id="page114">114</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XIII</h2> + +<h3>DICK'S BRAVE ACT</h3> + +<p>"Hold on!" cried Dick, as he saw revealed a +maze of wheels, levers, belts and cranks. "What +is this? Who are you?"</p> + +<p>For an instant he thought the thing might be +an infernal machine.</p> + +<p>"Who am I?" asked the man. "Why, I'm +Silas Kendall, of Manlius Centre, an' this is my +perpetual motion machine. Wait until I take th' +chain off so's it can git inter motion an' ye'll +open yer eyes, I reckon."</p> + +<p>"Is it dangerous?" asked Bricktop, preparing +to run.</p> + +<p>"Not a bit, if ye don't put yer fingers in th' +wheels. It wouldn't harm a baby."</p> + +<p>He drew from his pocket a key, which +he proceeded to insert into a big lock that held +together the ends of a chain which was twisted +about the biggest wheel on the machine.</p> + +<p>"Have t' keep it chained up," he said, with a +queer sort of smile, "or it would keep on workin' +all th' while. I'll show ye—Silas Kendall—he'll +astonish th' world. Ye got my letter, I reckon," +turning to Dick.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page115" id="page115">115</a></span></p> + +<p>"Letter? No. What letter?"</p> + +<p>"Th' one I writ ye about this machine."</p> + +<p>"I don't remember—oh, yes," added Dick, +quickly. He did recall among the many letters +he had received recently (begging epistles most +of them), one in which the writer said he would +soon call to exhibit a new machine he had invented, +and one which was destined to make all +interested in it rich for life. But Dick thought +it was just like lots of other missives he had been +receiving from cranks since the advent of his +wealth, and he threw it away. Now, it seemed, +the letter was from Mr. Kendall.</p> + +<p>"Is that really a perpetual motion machine?" +asked Frank, who, with the other boys, was much +interested in such things.</p> + +<p>"Of course it is," replied the man. "I invented +it all by myself. I'll tell ye a little about +it before I unchain th' critter an' let it git t' work. +Did ye fasten th' hoss, Mandy?" he asked, as his +wife approached.</p> + +<p>"Yep, Silas. Now, do be careful of that contraption. +I ain't got no faith in it," she said, +turning to the boys.</p> + +<p>"No, that's jest th' way with wimmin," remarked +Silas. "Yet I really invented it for her."</p> + +<p>"How?" asked Dick.</p> + +<p>"Wa'al, I was watchin' her churn one day, an' +I thought how awful it was that wimmin had t' +work so hard. So I decided, if I could invent a<span class="pagenum"><a name="page116" id="page116">116</a></span> +machine that would do th' work it would be a +great labor-savin' device. Wa'al, I went t' work +on it——"</p> + +<p>"An' he never give up fer a year," interrupted +his wife. "He neglected th' farm until it ain't +worth shucks. He spent all he had saved up t' +buy machinery, an' he ain't hardly slept nights +with worryin' over perpetual motion. I wish +he'd throw it away an' go back t' farmin'. He +made money that way."</p> + +<p>"Farmin's too hard work, Mandy," joined in +Mr. Kendall. "We'll be rich now, fer this machine +is destined t' revolutionize th' world. I +come, jest as I writ ye," he went on, turning to +Dick, "t' give ye th' fust chance t' git stock in th' +new company I'm goin' t' form t' make th' machines. +They don't cost much, and we'll be +millionaires in a year. If you've got a leetle t' +invest you'll git big dividends out of this."</p> + +<p>"Let's see how it works," suggested Walter.</p> + +<p>"All right," assented Silas. "I'm goin' t' unchain +th' perpetual motion machine. She'll begin +t' whizz as soon as I take th' shackles off, an' +then—wa'al, watch out, that's all."</p> + +<p>He sprung open the padlock with a click and +the chain rattled to the ground. As it did so Mr. +Kendall sprang back, as though the machine +might bite him. He stooped down and peered +toward it as if it might spring at him. But nothing +happened. The machine was as motionless +as a hitching post.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page117" id="page117">117</a></span></p> + +<p>"Hum! Suthin's wrong," murmured the inventor. +"Guess it got a leetle stiff comin' over +in th' wagon. I'll jest give it a start. Where's +a pole? Mandy, git me a clothes pole."</p> + +<p>His wife went to the back yard, where she +had noticed some, and while she was gone the +boys looked at the apparatus.</p> + +<p>It consisted of a big wheel, with spokes made +in zig-zag fashion. The spokes were shaped like +a trough and contained a number of metal balls, +which were prevented from falling out, as the +wheel turned, by some strips of wood.</p> + +<p>There were other smaller wheels connected +with the big one, and a tall chute, with a sort of +endless chain, to which were attached hooks and +buckets. There were also several heavy springs.</p> + +<p>"Ye see th' way it works," explained Mr. Kendall, +"is by them balls. They roll down the +spokes of th' wheel, toward the tire, so t' speak, +an', of course, their weight makes th' wheel go +'round. Then, when they git t' th' end of th' +spokes they drop out an' roll toward th' high +chute. Soon as th' balls git thar th' endless chain +an' th' hooks an' buckets on it catches hold of th' +balls an' lifts 'em t' th' top. Then they drop inter +th' hollow spokes agin an' th' same process goes +on over agin. It goes on forever, like th' brook +that poetry feller writ about—I forgit his name. +It's perpetual motion as sure as ye're a foot high. +Ah, here comes Mandy with th' clothes pole. +Now I'll jest give th' big wheel a start, 'count of<span class="pagenum"><a name="page118" id="page118">118</a></span> +it gittin' stuck, an' you'll see suthin' worth +watchin'."</p> + +<p>With the long clothes pole Silas gave the big +wheel a cautious poke. It began to move slowly, +and he released a big spring.</p> + +<p>"Stand back, everybody!" he called. "She vibrates +suthin' terrible when she gits goin', an' I +don't want nobody t' git hurt!"</p> + +<p>At first the wheel barely turned. Silas gave it +another prod with the clothes pole and it moved +more quickly. Then it released another spring +and began to gather speed. Faster and faster it +went, the iron balls rolling along the hollow +spokes and dropping out with a noise like distant +thunder.</p> + +<p>"There she goes!" cried the old man, his chin +whiskers vibrating in the intensity of his excitement. +"There she goes!"</p> + +<p>Faster and faster the wheel whizzed around. +The balls began dropping with such a continuous +noise that one had to shout to be heard.</p> + +<p>"How do you stop it?" called Dick.</p> + +<p>"No, it won't stop," replied Mr. Kendall, misunderstanding +the question.</p> + +<p>"Well, how you going to get it home?" shouted +Bricktop.</p> + +<p>"Oh, when I want to stop it I jest throw th' +chain at it, an' it tangles up in th' wheel, an' slows +up enough so I can fasten it. If I didn't it would +go on—forever—jest like that there brook."</p> + +<p>The machine did seem to be working well, although only on account of the strong springs.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page119" id="page119">119</a></span> +The balls, as they rolled down the inclined spokes, +imparted a swift motion to the wheel. The released +balls ran down an incline to the foot of +the chute, and the lifting belt began to slowly +turn over on the wheels on which it worked. +Then something happened.</p> + +<p>Whether Silas had not built his machine +strong enough to stand the strain, or whether +the perpetual motion was too much for it, was +never disclosed. At any rate, when the big wheel +was revolving at a rapid rate, and the balls were +dropping out like immense hail stones, there was +a sudden rending, splitting, breaking and cracking +of wood. Then the machine seemed to creak +and groan in agony. Next there was a snapping +sound and the air was filled with a shower of +black iron balls, as though a bombshell had burst.</p> + +<p>"Duck, everybody!" yelled Dick. "The thing's +exploded!"</p> + +<p>The machine fairly flew apart, splinters of +wood, bits of iron, belts, spokes, chute, inclines +and everything was scattered to the thirty-two +points of the compass.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Silas!" exclaimed Mrs. Kendall. "There +it goes!"</p> + +<p>"Yep," answered Silas, as he ran to get under +a tree. "Thar she goes, sure enough, Mandy!"</p> + +<p>There sounded dull thuds as the balls struck +the earth. Fortunately no one was hit. Then +it began to rain bits of wood.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page120" id="page120">120</a></span></p> + +<p>"I guess it's all over," said Dick, as he and his +chums looked down from the porch where they +had taken refuge. "What happened, Mr. Kendall?"</p> + +<p>"Everything," replied the inventor, in gloomy +tones. "I see what th' matter was. Th' big wheel +was too strong for th' rest of th' machine. Them +balls give it too much power an' it jest naturally +went to flinders. I see my mistake now. I'll build +it all of iron next time. Wa'al, they say experience +teaches us, an' this sure has been a great +experience!"</p> + +<p>"It sure has, Silas," remarked his wife. +"You'd better give it up now, an' go back t' +farmin'. That'll pay."</p> + +<p>"No, sir," replied Silas, firmly. "I'm goin' t' +make a perpetual motion machine before I die, +an' don't ye forgit it. I see where I made a mistake +an' I'll profit by it. I don't s'pose ye'll want +t' invest any thin' in it until I make my new +model?" he asked Dick.</p> + +<p>"No, I think not," answered the millionaire's +son.</p> + +<p>"Wa'al, I'll call on ye agin when I git it rebuilt," +promised Silas, as he piled the bits of his +broken machine into the wagon and drove off.</p> + +<p>"Say, Dick, what'll it be next?" asked Walter, +as they watched the disappointed farmer driving +away. "I never knew it was so exciting to be +rich."</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's exciting, all right," answered Dick,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page121" id="page121">121</a></span> +and he added: "I don't think that was a real +perpetual motion machine. The springs made it +work. But, come on, or it will be too late for our +motor boat ride."</p> + +<p>With a big basket, filled with good things to +eat, which the cook obligingly put up for them, +the four boys were soon at the dock where Dick's +craft was moored.</p> + +<p>"Let's go to Handell's Island," proposed Bricktop. +"I heard there was a cave there that no one +ever got to the end of."</p> + +<p>"That'll be fun. We'll explore it," said Dick, +always ready for any sort of an adventure.</p> + +<p>Heading the boat toward the island, which was +about ten miles away, the boys stretched out on +the cushions to enjoy the trip. It was a beautiful +July day, hot enough to make a ride on the lake +the height of enjoyment.</p> + +<p>They reached the island in quick time, for the +boat was a fast one, but, to their disappointment, +the cave did not prove so mysterious as they had +hoped. They managed to get to the end of it, +though the way was choked with dirt and rocks, +and found nothing of interest.</p> + +<p>"This cave is a regular lemon," announced +Bricktop.</p> + +<p>"What did you hope for? To find some of +Captain Kidd's treasure?" asked Walter.</p> + +<p>"Well, it might have been used by the Indians +once," was the red-haired youth's answer. +"Some day I'm going to bring a lantern and see<span class="pagenum"><a name="page122" id="page122">122</a></span> +if I can't find a few arrow heads or the graves +of some dead Indians."</p> + +<p>In spite of their disappointment, the boys managed +to have a good time, to which the fine lunch +added not a little. It was getting dusk when they +started for home, with Dick at the steering wheel.</p> + +<p>As they approached the dock at Hamilton Corners +they saw, when a mile away, that the lake +in the vicinity of the boat-house was lighted up.</p> + +<p>"What's going on?" asked Walter.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's carnival night," replied Dick. "I +forgot all about it. They're going to have a procession +of boats on the lake. We'll hurry up and +join in. I wish I'd thought to decorate my boat."</p> + +<p>He speeded up the craft, anxious, as were the +other boys, to take part in the water pageant. +They bore down on a little fleet of boats, gaily +decorated, and filled with merry, laughing, young +persons. The procession was just forming.</p> + +<p>Suddenly there sounded a sharp report aboard +Dick's boat.</p> + +<p>"The motor back-fired," he said. "Take the +wheel, Walter, while I look after it."</p> + +<p>But, a moment later, it was seen that it was +no mere back-fire in a cylinder. A sheet of flame +arose from the bottom of the craft.</p> + +<p>"The gasolene tank has exploded!" yelled Dick. +"Jump for your lives, boys! The boat's afire!"</p> + +<p>Above the hissing, crackling flames the motor +still puffed away, sending the boat straight toward +a confused flotilla of other craft, the occupants<span class="pagenum"><a name="page123" id="page123">123</a></span> +of which set up screams of terror as they +saw what had happened.</p> + +<p>"Jump!" cried Dick again, as he crawled aft +and tried to shut off the engine.</p> + +<p>Three splashes in the water told that his companions +had leaped overboard and were comparatively +out of danger.</p> + +<p>"Come on, Dick!" cried Bricktop, rising to the +surface. "Jump, or you'll be burned to death."</p> + +<p>"I can't!" yelled back Dick, shielding his face +from the awful flames with his arm. "I've got +to shut off the engine, or the boat'll run into some +other one and set it afire!"</p> + +<p>Once more he bravely tried to work his way to +the engine. He could not reach the gasolene cock +from where he was. He cast a look ahead, and +saw that his boat was approaching, at swift speed, +a knot of other boats, the steersmen of which +were too confused to know what to do. Some +were getting out of the way, but others were in +the direct course of the burning craft.</p> + +<p>"What can I do?" Dick asked himself in a +hoarse whisper. "I must stop the boat, or steer +it out of the way—but how?"</p> + +<p>He could neither reach the engine nor the wheel, +for the fire was now raging in bow and stern. +He stood in a little cockpit amidships, where, for +the moment, there were no flames.</p> + +<p>Dick looked desperately about him. Nearer +and nearer his craft shot to the boats containing +girls in their light summer dresses. Once the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page124" id="page124">124</a></span> +burning motor boat touched the craft in which +the young women were their clothes would envelop +them in flames.</p> + +<p>"I must stop my boat!" thought Dick, desperately.</p> + +<p>Then a brilliant idea came to him. He gave +one look at the whirring fly-wheel of the motor. +Then, seizing a heavy monkey wrench he opened +the jaws and fastened it on a boat hook, so that +it stood at right angles to it. Then he thrust the +wrench right into the fly-wheel.</p> + +<p>There was a grinding, crashing sound, and, a +moment later, the whizzing wheel spokes had +caught the wrench, and, with resistless force, had +driven it through the bottom of the craft.</p> + +<p>Dick had scuttled his own boat!</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page125" id="page125">125</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XIV</h2> + +<h3>DICK GIVES A PARTY.</h3> + +<p>Lurching to one side, as the water rushed in +through the ragged hole in the bottom, the boat, +with Dick in it, began to lose headway. The +water acted as a brake, and, so large was the opening +the wrench had torn, that, in a few seconds, +all danger was past of the burning boat colliding +with other craft, the steersmen of which were too +bewildered to get out of the course.</p> + +<p>Foot by foot the scuttled boat sank. The water +covered the engine now, but the motor still kept +going, for enough gasolene remained in the pipe +running from the exploded tank to keep it in +motion. But the boat was merely floating along, +all speed gone.</p> + +<p>"Jump, Dick!" cried Bricktop, who, with the +other boys, was swimming toward shore. +"Jump!"</p> + +<p>Dick stood up in the boat he had sacrificed to +save the lives of others. The water was up to his +knees, and, casting a look about him, he prepared +to leap overboard. There was no further<span class="pagenum"><a name="page126" id="page126">126</a></span> +need of his remaining, as his brave deed had accomplished +what he intended it should.</p> + +<p>But now a new danger was presented. The +blazing gasolene, forced from the bottom of the +boat by the rising water that came through the +jagged hole, was floating on the surface of the +lake. All about the sinking craft was a pool of +flame, ten feet in diameter.</p> + +<p>A cry of horror arose from those in the surrounding +boats that had quickly congregated near +the scene. The gathering dusk was lighted up by +the licking tongues of flame, which hissed hungrily, +as though angry at being cheated of their +prey.</p> + +<p>"Wait!" called a man in a large motor boat. +"I'll see if I can't get near enough to save you."</p> + +<p>He started to steer his craft toward Dick, but +the latter cried out:</p> + +<p>"No! Keep away. The gasolene is spreading! +I'll jump!"</p> + +<p>He was standing on the gunwale of the boat +now, that part alone being above water. The +motor had stopped, and the boat was floating +amid a small sea of flame. In just the little patch +where Dick stood there was, for the present, at +least, no fire.</p> + +<p>Dick crouched for a spring. He saw a place +where the surrounding ring of flame was the +thinnest, and he aimed for that. He was going +to try to jump across the belt of fire.</p> + +<p>Suddenly he straightened up. Then, with a<span class="pagenum"><a name="page127" id="page127">127</a></span> +spring, which lost much of its power because of +the uncertain footing the tilting gunwale gave +him, he launched himself upward and outward.</p> + +<p>Arching his hands over his head to cleave the +water, and hoping in his heart that he would clear +the ring of flames, Dick felt himself moving +through the air. Then, with a sudden change in +the little breeze that was blowing, the flames +shifted so that they were wider in extent at the +place for which he aimed. Those in the outer +fringe of motor boats caught their breaths as +they saw what had happened. Dick was headed +for the center of a leaping mass of fire.</p> + +<p>An instant later he had struck the water, covered +with the blazing gasolene, and had disappeared +beneath the surface.</p> + +<p>"Now to save him, if we can!" cried Captain +Bailey, of the large motor boat <i>Cypress</i>, as he +urged his craft forward. Those in it, as they +approached the outer ring of fire, looked at the +luridly illuminated waters, anxious to catch the +first glimpse of Dick. A dark body came to the +surface. Two hands shot out, and Dick made +an attempt to swim. But he ceased almost as +soon as he made the first strokes, and sank back, +his head going beneath the waves.</p> + +<p>Then sounded a splash from the stern of the +boat.</p> + +<p>"What was that?" cried Captain Bailey.</p> + +<p>"Chandler Norton leaped after him!" was the +answer.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page128" id="page128">128</a></span></p> + +<p>And it was Bricktop who, in swimming to +shore, had been picked up by the <i>Cypress</i>, and +who had leaped after Dick when he saw him sink +back. Bricktop had removed most of his heavy +clothing and shoes, and was more prepared than +any of the others to attempt a rescue.</p> + +<p>It seemed a very long time that both he and +Dick were lost to view, but it was only a few +seconds ere Bricktop arose to the surface, one +arm about the unconscious form of the millionaire's +son.</p> + +<p>"Help me get him aboard!" Bricktop gasped. +"I'm afraid something has happened to him!"</p> + +<p>Willing hands were extended to raise the silent +form. Then, when the brave rescuer had +been pulled over the stern, all speed was made to +shore, which the other two boys had reached some +time since in boats that picked them up.</p> + +<p>Fortunately there was, in the gathering of +merrymakers, a physician, who at once hurried +to Dick's side. He carefully examined the youth.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid he inhaled some of the flames," +he said, "or he may have struck his head on +something when he went overboard. We must +get him home, and into bed, as soon as possible."</p> + +<p>There were several automobiles at the lake +front, and in one of these Dick was taken to the +Hamilton mansion at a speed which broke the +law—but no one minded that.</p> + +<p>Mr. Hamilton was much startled, but he calmly +gave orders to have his son cared for. An<span class="pagenum"><a name="page129" id="page129">129</a></span>other +physician was summoned, and the two +worked over the unconscious form together, while +Mr. Hamilton, his face drawn and white, paced +anxiously up and down in the hall outside the +room.</p> + +<p>Suddenly there sounded the patter of feet on +the stairs, and, a moment later, something was +muzzling Mr. Hamilton's legs, while a gentle +whine begged his attention.</p> + +<p>"What is it, Grit, old boy?" he asked, huskily, +as he reached over and patted the big bulldog's +head. "You know something's wrong, don't you? +Well—maybe it—maybe it will be all right."</p> + +<p>The dog whined and sniffed at the door of the +room where the unconscious form of his master +lay.</p> + +<p>"No—no—not now, Grit, old boy," said Mr. +Hamilton, softly, and Grit with a look as much +as to say that he knew what was going on, +stretched out—a grim guardian at the portal of +the silent chamber.</p> + +<p>Then, from the room, came a voice, at the +sound of which the dog gave a joyous bark, and +then, as though conscious that he had done +wrong, he changed it to a whine. Mr. Hamilton, +with wildly beating heart, heard his son murmur:</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's cold, so cold! Where am I? Is the +fire out? Did I run down any boats?"</p> + +<p>Then came the calm voices of the doctors, urging +their patient to be quiet.</p> + +<p>But this was more than Grit could do. His<span class="pagenum"><a name="page130" id="page130">130</a></span> +whining was like the cry of a child, and he +scratched frantically at the door.</p> + +<p>"That's Grit. Let him in," Dick said, in +stronger tones, and Mr. Hamilton uttered a silent +prayer of thanksgiving. The portal was swung +and Grit bounded into the room, followed by the +millionaire. One of Dick's hands hung over the +side of the bed, and Grit began licking it frantically.</p> + +<p>"Good—old Grit," murmured Dick, and Grit +was content.</p> + +<p>"How is he?" asked Mr. Hamilton, in a +whisper.</p> + +<p>"I'm all right, dad," answered Dick, unexpectedly.</p> + +<p>"Not as bad as we feared," answered one of +the physicians. "He has inhaled no flames, but +he struck his head on something as he jumped. +Probably on a bit of floating wreckage. He will +be all right after a few days' rest. But he must +be kept quiet. No excitement. I congratulate +you on your brave son, Mr. Hamilton."</p> + +<p>The millionaire silently wrung the hand the +physician held out to him.</p> + +<p>"It wasn't anything," murmured Dick, in +sleepy tones. "I had to stop the boat, and the +only way I saw was to put a hole in the bottom. +Too bad; it was a fine boat."</p> + +<p>"You can have another, if we can't raise her," +interrupted Mr. Hamilton.</p> + +<p>"Then I knew I'd have to swim under water<span class="pagenum"><a name="page131" id="page131">131</a></span> +to avoid the flames," went on Dick. "I held my +breath as long as I could, and then I hit something. +I can't remember any more."</p> + +<p>He sank into a doze, with Grit still licking the +drooping hand.</p> + +<p>"I think he will sleep now," said the physician +who had examined Dick at the lake. "We will +go out, and the dog had better come, too."</p> + +<p>"Come, Grit," called Mr. Hamilton, but Grit +paid no attention.</p> + +<p>"I'll bring him," said the physician, as he +reached for the bulldog's collar. Grit growled +menacingly.</p> + +<p>"Better not," advised the millionaire. "No one +but Dick can do anything with him."</p> + +<p>So they had to leave Grit there, but he was +not in the least in the way, being content to rest +beneath the bed, though whenever anyone—nurse +or doctor—approached, the dog was ever on the +watch.</p> + +<p>Dick had to stay in bed three days, and for +three days more was a sort of semi-invalid in an +easy-chair. Then, the physicians having pronounced +all danger past, he was allowed to go +out. In the meantime the motor boat was raised +and taken away to be repaired.</p> + +<p>"Say, I never knew what nice sunshine and +fine air we had in this town," said the youth +to his father, as he walked down the street with +him. "It's worth while being under the weather +a bit just to appreciate it when you get out."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page132" id="page132">132</a></span></p> + +<p>"I never knew you had so many friends, Dick," +answered his father.</p> + +<p>"Friends? How?"</p> + +<p>"Why, we had to keep one of the maids busy +answering the bell while you were in bed. I +guess every boy, and lots of the girls, in Hamilton +Corners called to see how you were getting +on."</p> + +<p>"I'm glad they thought of me," replied the +millionaire's son. "I wish I could show I appreciate +it."</p> + +<p>"Well, I think you can, Dick."</p> + +<p>"How?"</p> + +<p>"I was going to suggest that you hold a little +reception—give a sort of party. That's what we +called 'em when I was a boy."</p> + +<p>"The very thing!" exclaimed Dick. "That +will be sport. But—where could I have it?"</p> + +<p>"In the house, of course. Isn't it large +enough?"</p> + +<p>"That's just it. It's too big and fine. I'm +afraid some of the boys wouldn't have a good +time, for fear of dropping some cake or ice-cream +on the carpets."</p> + +<p>"Well, what would you suggest? You might +give it in the barn."</p> + +<p>"I was thinking of hiring a big tent and having +a party out doors on the lawn. That would +be unconventional and rather jolly, I think."</p> + +<p>"Good idea," answered the millionaire. "I'll +order a tent at once and see to the refreshments."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page133" id="page133">133</a></span></p> + +<p>"Let me do that," begged Dick. "I know +what boys and girls like to eat."</p> + +<p>"Very well," assented his father, with a laugh. +"You can do just as you please, and—er—send +the bills to me."</p> + +<p>"Not much!" exclaimed Dick, proudly. "I'm +paying my own way now."</p> + +<p>A week later a big white tent was erected on +the spacious lawn at the Hamilton mansion. +Dick had spent a busy seven days in making the +arrangements, and every boy and girl in Hamilton +Corners, whom Dick had the least acquaintance +with, was invited.</p> + +<p>Seldom had there been so much excitement in +the town, not even when the circus came, for on +this occasion the girls, at least, could "dress up," +and we all know what that means to a girl. Nor +were the boys behindhand in looking over their +best suits and putting an extra shine on their +shoes.</p> + +<p>The big tent was gay with Chinese lanterns, +and a corps of white-suited waiters were in attendance +to dispense the good things when, as +darkness began to gather, the young people of +the town began to assemble at the party. They +came from all directions, some of them awkward +and shy, for it was their first big affair, while +others were more self-possessed.</p> + +<p>"Well, are you ready?" asked Simon Scardale, +as he called at Guy Fletcher's house, for both had +been invited to the gathering.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page134" id="page134">134</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, but I don't care much about going. +We'll have a slow time."</p> + +<p>"Maybe we will, but I've got a little thing I +want to plan out, and I can do it there, I think. +The fact is, I need money badly, and I've got to +get some."</p> + +<p>"I hope you're not going to rob the house," +remarked Guy, with a nervous laugh.</p> + +<p>"Of course not, but I've got a scheme that may +work. Come along."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page135" id="page135">135</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XV</h2> + +<h3>THE CONSPIRACY</h3> + +<p>Dick stood at the entrance to the tent receiving +his guests. He was a little pale from his recent +experience, but otherwise did not seem to +have suffered any ill effects.</p> + +<p>"Well, Bricktop," he called heartily, as the +sandy-haired youth approached, his face almost +the color of his locks, "I was afraid you wouldn't +come. If it hadn't been for Bricktop there +wouldn't have been any party here to-night," he +went on, turning to a group of young people. +"No, nor any Dick Hamilton, either. He pulled +me out in the nick of time."</p> + +<p>"Oh, pshaw! I didn't do anything," protested +Bricktop, who hated praise.</p> + +<p>"I think he was perfectly splendid!" exclaimed +Mabel Ford, looking at Bricktop with her big +blue eyes in a way that made that modest hero +blush more fiercely than before.</p> + +<p>"It was perfectly grand!" declared Bertha Lee, +known as "Birdy" among her friends. "How I +wish I was a big, strong young man," and she +gazed admiringly at Bricktop.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page136" id="page136">136</a></span></p> + +<p>"Why not a strong lady," suggested Simon +Scardale, with a grin, as he joined the group.</p> + +<p>At his approach several girls moved away, as +they did not like him. Guy was close in Simon's +wake, and both boys nodded to Dick.</p> + +<p>"Feeling pretty fit now, old chap?" asked +Simon.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm all right," answered Dick.</p> + +<p>"Feel like having a game of billiards?" went +on Simon. "I'll bet you ten dollars I can beat +you on your own table."</p> + +<p>"No, thank you," replied Dick, with a laugh. +"I'm too busy looking after my guests to-night. +Besides, I don't play for money. Come over +some other time and I'll play you all you like, for +fun."</p> + +<p>"Stingy beast," muttered Simon, as Dick +moved away to greet some newcomers, "and I +need the money, too."</p> + +<p>"Maybe you'd lose," suggested Guy.</p> + +<p>"I don't play to lose," replied Simon, with an +ugly leer.</p> + +<p>The little feeling of strangeness which many +of the boys and girls at first experienced gradually +wore off, and soon the party was in full +swing. All sorts of games were played, and Dick +and his closest chums saw to it that there was no +lack of liveliness. A number of the fathers and +mothers of the younger children had accompanied +them, and to these older folks Dick was attentive, +seeing that they had seats, and sending the wait<span class="pagenum"><a name="page137" id="page137">137</a></span>ers +to them to ask if they wouldn't have a cup of +coffee or some ices before supper was served.</p> + +<p>"Say," observed one man to his wife, after +Dick had found them chairs, "you'd never know +he was a millionaire, would you?"</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"Why, because he's just like other boys—he's +like one of our own folks."</p> + +<p>"Of course he is," answered his wife. "It's +only the wrong kind of people that money makes +any difference to. Dick Hamilton can't help being +nice. His money hasn't spoiled him," which +view was shared by more than one that night.</p> + +<p>And such a supper as there was! Long years +afterward some of the boys and girls, who were +quite small when they attended Dick's party, used +to tell of it as though it was a visit to fairyland. +Dick fairly outdone himself in seeing that everyone +had a good time, and from the faces around +the long tables, set within the tent, it was evident +that the way to young people's hearts, or, at least, +to their good spirits, is through their stomachs.</p> + +<p>Dick walked about, like a perfect host, seeing +that everyone was served, before sitting down +himself. At his heels followed Grit, who was +unhappy when away from his master.</p> + +<p>"Oh, what a perfect darling of a dog!" exclaimed +Birdy Lee, as she stopped over to pat +Grit, which indignity he suffered in disdainful +silence.</p> + +<p>"Isn't he sweet!" chorused several other girls.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page138" id="page138">138</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, he's no beauty, judged by young ladies' +standards," said Dick, with a gallant look at his +girl friends. "But beauty in a bulldog is more +than skin deep," he added. "Grit is pure gold +when it comes to being a friend."</p> + +<p>"What makes his two teeth stick up that way? +Don't they hurt his lip?" asked Alice.</p> + +<p>"I never heard him complain," replied Dick. +"But I'd better move along, I guess. Grit is getting +hungry, and I don't want him to begin on +any of the waiters. He doesn't take to colored +men very well. One of them started to run when +Grit growled at him a while ago as the man was +bringing in a roast chicken."</p> + +<p>After supper there were more games, and the +fun increased as the hours passed. Dick was congratulated +on every side, not only for the success +of his party, but on his speedy recovery from +the boat accident.</p> + +<p>As the millionaire's son was crossing the tent, +with Grit following at his heels, he met Guy and +Simon, who had been together all the evening, +and who had not mingled much with the other +guests.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Grit, old boy!" exclaimed Simon, but +the dog must have detected the insincerity in the +youth's tones, for he uttered a low growl and +showed his strong teeth.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm not going to hurt you," sneered +Simon.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page139" id="page139">139</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, I don't think it would be exactly healthy," +remarked Dick.</p> + +<p>"Is he a very valuable dog?" Simon went on, +paying no further attention to Grit.</p> + +<p>"Well, he's rated at a thousand dollars in the +records of the Kennel Club," answered Dick. "I +don't know that any dog is worth so much from +a financial standpoint, but I know I wouldn't sell +him for that; would I, Grit?" and the bulldog +almost wagged his stump of a tail off in delight +at Dick's caressing words.</p> + +<p>"Humph! I'd look at a thousand dollars a +good while before I'd give it for a dog," cried +Simon.</p> + +<p>"You don't know Grit," was Dick's quiet answer, +as he turned away.</p> + +<p>"Come on, Guy," said Simon, a little later. +"I'm going to clear out of here."</p> + +<p>"What for? Let's have some more ice-cream. +It's bully."</p> + +<p>"No," replied Simon, shortly. "I've got a +scheme on for making some money out of Dick, +and taking him down a peg. I owe him something +for spoiling that bond sale."</p> + +<p>"But he didn't spoil it," replied Guy, who, in +spite of certain mean traits of character, was inclined +to be fair. "Besides, you wouldn't have +sold Dick worthless bonds, would you?"</p> + +<p>"How was I to know they were worthless?" +asked Simon, with a short laugh. "He has to +take chances in this world. But this time there'll<span class="pagenum"><a name="page140" id="page140">140</a></span> +be no slip-up. Come on, I've got to see a man +to-night."</p> + +<p>As the two walked from the tent, where the +merry-making was still going on, Guy saw something +dangling from Simon's pocket. It looked +like a small black snake.</p> + +<p>"What's that?" he asked, in some alarm.</p> + +<p>"Hush!" whispered Simon. "That's the leash +thong of Dick Hamilton's bulldog. Come along!"</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page141" id="page141">141</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XVI</h2> + +<h3>DICK TURNS DETECTIVE</h3> + +<p>"Well, Dick," remarked Mr. Hamilton at +breakfast the next morning, "your party was a +great success."</p> + +<p>"I hope they all had a good time. They seemed +to. I know I did."</p> + +<p>"Yes, they were a fine lot of young people," +went on the millionaire. "Oh, by the way, I had +a letter from the man in Yazoo City I wrote to +about your gold mine stock. Nick Smith, his +name is. He's an old forty-niner, I understand."</p> + +<p>"What does he say?"</p> + +<p>"The mine is all right. He sent me a report +from the government assay office, and I guess +the Dolphin is as good as the Hop Toad."</p> + +<p>"Then I'd better finish paying for the stock +when Mr. Vanderhoof comes to town again," +said Dick. "It will be mine then, and all I'll +have to do is to wait for it to increase and pay +me big dividends."</p> + +<p>"I hope it does," answered Mr. Hamilton. "I +also had a letter from Vanderhoof yesterday.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page142" id="page142">142</a></span> +He also had heard from Smith, it appears, and +as he learned the mine was favorably reported +on, he sent word that he'd call to-day for the +fifteen hundred dollars."</p> + +<p>"He can have it, dad," said Dick. "I guess +I'll go down to the bank with you. What time +will Mr. Vanderhoof be there?"</p> + +<p>"At eleven, his letter said. Well, if you have +finished breakfast, come along. You're getting +to be quite a financier."</p> + +<p>"I'm going to make that a paying investment if +it's a possible thing," answered Dick, as he +walked through the well-kept grounds toward +the street and thought of Uncle Ezra's place.</p> + +<p>Mr. Vanderhoof was promptly on time, and +had the bonds ready for Dick, who paid for +them with a check. The youth, who had about +given up trying to recall where he had seen Vanderhoof +before, thought the mining promoter +smiled more than ever like a cat as he handed +over the securities and took the money.</p> + +<p>"I'm sure I hope you double your capital," he +remarked, with a smirk that showed nearly all +his teeth.</p> + +<p>"Oh, if I make twenty-five per cent. I'll be +satisfied," answered Dick.</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll be in town for a few days," Mr. +Vanderhoof went on, "and if either of you would +like to take some more mining stock I'll be glad +to accommodate you."</p> + +<p>"I have enough," replied the millionaire, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="page143" id="page143">143</a></span> +Dick answered that he wanted to see how this +investment turned out before venturing another.</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll be in town, at any rate," was the +promoter's parting remark.</p> + +<p>Dick felt quite like a man of business as he +looked over his check book a little later and +noted what he had paid out. True, he had taken +in nothing since he had come into his fortune, +but he knew the wealth his mother had left him +was accumulating interest all the while—faster, +in fact, than he had spent it so far. Still he +wished that he was receiving an income from +some efforts of his own.</p> + +<p>"Never mind, wait until my stock in the gold +mine and the milk company begins to boom," he +told himself. "That is, if that milk concern +doesn't demand another assessment," he added, +dubiously.</p> + +<p>Dick walked slowly home, and, passing around +the side of the house, approached the stable. He +intended taking a gallop on Rex that afternoon +and wanted the groom to have the horse in readiness. +As he neared Grit's kennel he noticed that +the chain was thrown over the top of the house, +as it usually was when the dog was loose.</p> + +<p>"Where's Grit?" he asked of Peters, the groom.</p> + +<p>"Grit, Master Dick?" inquired the man, in +great surprise. "Sure an' didn't you send for him +about an hour ago?"</p> + +<p>"Me send for him?" repeated Dick in some +alarm, for Grit, even if he was unchained, would<span class="pagenum"><a name="page144" id="page144">144</a></span> +not stray away from the stable. He was nowhere +in sight, and Dick at once became worried.</p> + +<p>"Sure, Master Dick," went on the groom. +"About an hour ago a youngish chap came here +and said you'd sent him for Grit."</p> + +<p>"And you let him take him?"</p> + +<p>"Why, sure, I thought you'd sent for him, as +you did once."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but then I sent a note, Peters."</p> + +<p>"That's so, but the young man had Grit's leash, +sir; and, though the dog was inclined to be a bit +ugly, he seemed to know the leash and went +along after a bit."</p> + +<p>"What sort of a man got him?" asked Dick, +quietly, though he was much excited over what +seemed to be the theft of his pet.</p> + +<p>"A young man, not very nice-looking, Master +Dick, and smelling very strong of the stables. In +fact, that's what made Grit finally take to him. +Grit's very fond of horses and stables, sir. He'll +let almost anyone come near him as long as +they've been around a barn."</p> + +<p>"That's so. Did the man say anything, or give +any name?"</p> + +<p>"No. He just said you were going for a walk +and wanted Grit to go 'long. Said you was too +busy to come and had sent the leash so's he'd have +no trouble. He didn't have—that is, not very +much—barring that Grit wanted to get hold of +his leg first. But when the dog had sniffed at +the leash, probably knowin' it came from you, he<span class="pagenum"><a name="page145" id="page145">145</a></span> +was quiet enough. But I could see the man was +askeered of him, Master Dick. He walked to +one side like. Why, Master Dick, is anything +wrong?"</p> + +<p>"Wrong? I should say so! Grit's been stolen, +Peters."</p> + +<p>"You don't say so, Master Dick!" exclaimed +the man, much alarmed at his part in the matter.</p> + +<p>"Yes, he's been stolen, and by a clever trick," +went on Dick. "But I don't blame you, Peters. +I remember now, I lost the leash thong last night. +I had it on Grit and I took it off and put it in my +pocket. Then I missed it after the party, and I +was too tired to look for it. Someone must +have found it, and, knowing it belonged to Grit, +made up his mind to steal him. The fellow must +have known he'd come more willingly after +smelling his own leash."</p> + +<p>"But you must have lost it somewhere around +here," went on Peters. "Someone at the party +may have found it."</p> + +<p>"If they had they would have known it was +mine," answered Dick. "No, I think someone +outside found it and he stole Grit. Well, I've +got to find him, that's all. Saddle Rex, and I'll +make some inquiries about town."</p> + +<p>"But it's near dinner-time, Master Dick."</p> + +<p>"I don't care. I can't eat if Grit is gone," and +with a heavy heart Dick waited for the horse to +be saddled. He whistled shrilly his favorite call +to Grit, hoping the dog might have broken away<span class="pagenum"><a name="page146" id="page146">146</a></span> +not far from the stable, and be in hiding somewhere, +but no Grit appeared.</p> + +<p>On the back of Rex, Dick made a hasty tour +of the immediate neighborhood, inquiring of +various persons he met if they had seen the bulldog. +Grit was well known about Hamilton Corners, +for he was often seen in his master's company. +But this time no one had noticed him being +led off in leash by a young man who seemed +quite afraid of the brute that was so handsome +for his very ugliness.</p> + +<p>"He's been stolen for a reward," was Mr. +Hamilton's opinion when he came home to lunch +and heard Dick's woeful story. "You'll hear +from him sooner or later. Better advertise in +the county papers."</p> + +<p>Dick put in several notices that afternoon, offering +to pay a reward of a hundred dollars for +the return of Grit.</p> + +<p>"Now we'll have to wait," said the millionaire. +"Never mind, Dick; if Grit is gone you can get +another dog," for Mr. Hamilton was as fond of +animals as was his son.</p> + +<p>"There'll never be another Grit," answered +Dick, sorrowfully.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile, Grit was being led across the country +fields which stretched out back of the Hamilton +mansion.</p> + +<p>"I've got to keep off the roads," muttered the +youth who had hold of the leash. "There's too +many people as knows a dorg like this. I wish I<span class="pagenum"><a name="page147" id="page147">147</a></span> +hadn't gone into this game. It's too risky, not +only at bein' caught, but I don't like the way this +dorg looks at my legs. He looks hungry."</p> + +<p>Indeed, Grit was in no amiable frame of mind. +He consented to be led along because he recognized +his old leash, and the man leading him +had the familiar smell of horses, which Grit loved +so well. The dog was a little suspicious, but +once before Dick had sent a stranger for him +and the man had smelled of horses, so Grit, +though he had grave doubts, was willing to go +along. But he was getting anxious to see his +master, as his uneasy growls from time to time +indicated, to the no small alarm of the somewhat +ragged youth leading him.</p> + +<p>"Easy now, old boy," he said. "That's a good +dorg. We'll soon be there," he added, as he cast +an uneasy look around. "The wagon must be +waiting somewheres about here."</p> + +<p>He cut through a little clump of trees and +emerged upon an unfrequented road that led to +Leonardville, a distant settlement.</p> + +<p>"There's the rig!" he exclaimed, as he caught +sight of a wagon and a horse hitched to the +fence. "The worst of it's over."</p> + +<p>"Did you get 'im?" asked a man in the wagon.</p> + +<p>"Yep, an' I'll be glad to git rid of 'im. He's a +little too anxious to see what my legs is made of."</p> + +<p>Grit was led toward the wagon. He seemed to +think something was not just right, for he +growled menacingly and hung back.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page148" id="page148">148</a></span></p> + +<p>"Hold 'im a minute now, until I git the bag," +ordered the man in the wagon, and, as the ragged +youth did so, the man suddenly threw a big sack +over Grit's head. Then, hastily wrapping him +up in it and tying several turns of rope about it, +the sack and dog were tossed into the wagon.</p> + +<p>"Quick's the word!" exclaimed the man, as he +and the youth got up on the seat and drove off. +"Now to get our share of the reward. I hope +that young feller what put up this job knows +what he's about."</p> + +<p>Poor Grit, whining and growling alternately +in the bottom of the wagon, tried to work the +suffocating bag off his head, but it was too tightly +fastened.</p> + +<p>The mail the next day brought Dick a badly-written +and worse-spelled missive, in which it +was stated that if he wanted Grit returned he +could have him by paying two hundred dollars' +reward. No names were signed, and the handwriting +was unfamiliar.</p> + +<p>"I told you so," said Mr. Hamilton. "But +who's got him?"</p> + +<p>"The letter doesn't say. I'm to leave two hundred +dollars to-night under a flat stone, near the +stump just where the county road crosses Butternut +Creek. Then, the letter says, the dog will be +back at the stables to-morrow morning."</p> + +<p>"Well," remarked Mr. Hamilton, "that's a +hundred more than you advertised to pay. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="page149" id="page149">149</a></span> +guess you can't help yourself. You'd better do +as the letter says."</p> + +<p>"I'll not!" exclaimed Dick.</p> + +<p>"What are you going to do? Inform the police? +They won't be able to do much. Besides, +they'll never bother over a dog, no matter how +valuable he is."</p> + +<p>"No," replied Dick. "I'm not going to tell the +police."</p> + +<p>"What then?"</p> + +<p>"I'm going to turn detective myself and find +Grit! See, here is the first clue," and he held up +the envelope of the letter. "This was mailed in +Leonardville. I'm going there for a starter, and +I'll find Grit!"</p> + +<p>With flashing eyes Dick hurried to the stables +to order Rex saddled.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page150" id="page150">150</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XVII.</h2> + +<h3>GRIT'S REVENGE.</h3> + +<p>Peters soon had the horse ready, and as Dick +leaped into the saddle his father came hurrying +out to the stables.</p> + +<p>"Now be careful, Dick," he cautioned. "Don't +do anything rash. What are your plans?"</p> + +<p>"I'm going to ride in the direction of Leonardville. +That's about ten miles by the main road. +I'll inquire as I go along; but what I'll do after +I get there I can't tell."</p> + +<p>"Well, be careful, that's all," concluded Mr. +Hamilton. "The fellows who stole Grit are no +common thieves, I imagine, and I hope you don't +get into trouble with them."</p> + +<p>"I'm not worrying about trouble. Once I get +where Grit is, he and I can take care of the +thieves all right," and Dick laughed grimly.</p> + +<p>He started off at an easy canter, though Rex +was full of mettle and wanted to gallop.</p> + +<p>"No, Rex," said Dick, for he had a habit of +talking to his horse as he did to Grit. "We'll +take it easy. We've got a long day ahead of us."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page151" id="page151">151</a></span></p> + +<p>It was about ten o'clock, and Dick decided to +ride several miles without stopping to make inquiries, +as the day previous he had pretty well +covered the neighborhood near his home. But in +about an hour, having reached a small village, +he asked several persons he met if they had seen +anything of his dog. No one had, and he pushed +on.</p> + +<p>Mile after mile he rode, stopping every little +while to make inquiries, but without avail. He +got dinner at a wayside hotel and then resumed +his trip. It was about three o'clock when, as he +stopped at a watering trough under a big chestnut +tree on the edge of the road, he saw a wagon +coming toward him.</p> + +<p>"I'll ask this man," thought Dick. He waited +until the vehicle and the driver were in plainer +view through the cloud of dust raised and then +he exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Why, Henry! How'd you get out here?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I've been after some old iron," replied +the secretary and general man-of-all-work of the +International and Consolidated Old Metal Corporation. +"I heard of a farmer who had a lot +of scrap for sale and I went after it."</p> + +<p>"Did you get it?"</p> + +<p>"Sure. It's in the wagon," and Henry nodded +toward the rear of his vehicle, which was filled +with a mass of broken iron. "I started away +from home yesterday afternoon expecting to get +back last night, but I had a breakdown and I had<span class="pagenum"><a name="page152" id="page152">152</a></span> +to stay until morning. But what are you doing +out here?"</p> + +<p>"Looking for Grit," and then Dick told about +the theft of his dog. "I don't s'pose you've seen +anything of him, have you?"</p> + +<p>"Where did you say that letter came from?" +asked Henry, showing some excitement.</p> + +<p>"Leonardville. That's where I'm headed for. +Why?"</p> + +<p>"Then I saw your dog!" exclaimed Henry.</p> + +<p>"Where?" asked Dick, excitedly.</p> + +<p>"I was driving along last night," went on the +young representative of the old metal concern, +"and, just before I had my breakdown, I saw a +wagon pass me. I looked in the back and saw +something covered with a blanket. It was moving, +and I wondered what it could be when I +heard a dog bark. I thought it was rather funny +to cover a dog up that way on a hot day. One +of the men leaned back, and, when it barked, he +hit the dog with a whip."</p> + +<p>"Poor Grit!" murmured Dick. "Wait till I +get hold of those fellows. Where did they go, +Henry?"</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you. I was thinking that was a pretty +mean way to treat a dog, but I never thought they +might have stolen him, and were trying to keep +him hid. I watched their wagon until it was out +of sight and then——"</p> + +<p>"Did you lose sight of them?" broke in Dick.</p> + +<p>"I went on a little farther," continued Henry,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page153" id="page153">153</a></span> +"and one of the springs of my wagon broke. I +knew I couldn't get it fixed until morning, so I +unhitched the horse and drove him along until I +came to a hotel. This was at Maysville, and +when I got to the tavern I saw the same two fellows. +They were just driving away, and I heard +one say it wasn't far to the Eagle Hotel. Now +there's an Eagle hotel in Leonardville, and I'll bet +you'll find your men and dog there. I'd like to go +back with you and help——"</p> + +<p>"That's all right, Henry," interrupted Dick. +"I guess I can manage," and, calling back his +thanks to the young iron merchant, and promising +to see him later, Dick urged his horse off at +a gallop, disappearing in a cloud of dust.</p> + +<p>"Now there's a good example for you to follow, +old bag of bones," said Henry, addressing +his own steed. "Why don't you try that for a +change and you'd get home to supper quicker. +Well, I s'pose you'll last longer if you don't go +so fast," and, with that comforting reflection, +Henry managed, after a time, to get his horse in +motion, the beast having almost gone to sleep +during its driver's talk with Dick.</p> + +<p>"Now to find Grit!" exclaimed the millionaire's +son, as he galloped on. "Poor dog, I hope they +haven't abused you very much."</p> + +<p>Dick did not stop along the road to make any further +inquiries. He reached Leonardville in +good time and soon found his way to the Eagle +Hotel. He let Rex trot into the stable yard, and,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page154" id="page154">154</a></span> +dismounting, told one of the hostlers to feed and +water the animal when it had cooled off.</p> + +<p>As Dick started up the steps to the porch, intending +to make some inquiries of the landlord, +he suddenly started back in surprise, for, coming +out of the main entrance, was Simon Scardale.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Simon!" exclaimed Dick.</p> + +<p>"Why-er-w-w-why, hello—Dick," stammered +Simon. "Have you come to—what are you doing +here?" he managed to say, with an attempt at +pleasantry.</p> + +<p>"I might ask you the same thing," responded +Dick.</p> + +<p>But Simon did not wait to hear anything further. +He darted back into the hotel murmuring:</p> + +<p>"Wait a minute—I've forgotten something—see +you right away——"</p> + +<p>"He acts as though he was afraid to meet me," +thought Dick, as he walked on. "I wonder what +he's doing here?"</p> + +<p>An instant later he was surprised to see Simon +come out of a side door and fairly run to the +stables. At the same instant a man appeared in +the door of the barn, and to him Simon made +frantic gestures to remain hidden. Then, as Dick +watched this by-play with a bewildered air, there +came from the stable the bark of a dog.</p> + +<p>"Grit!" exclaimed Dick. "Grit! Grit, old +boy!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="page155" id="page155">155</a></span></p> + +<p>The barks became a howl of rage and there +sounded the rattle of a chain.</p> + +<p>"Grit! Grit!" cried Dick, running toward the +stable.</p> + +<p>There was the noise of a chain snapping. Then +came frightened shouts. An instant later Simon, +followed by a ragged man and a youth, dashed +from the barn with the bulldog in close pursuit. +Out of the hotel yard they raced, with Grit +growling and barking and making fierce leaps for +them.</p> + +<p>"Grit!" called Dick, but, for once, Grit refused +to obey his master's voice. His heart was too +full of revenge for the insults he had suffered.</p> + +<p>Out into the highway ran Simon and the two +others, with the dog gaining at every leap.</p> + +<p>"Help! Save me!" cried Simon, as Dick ran +out to see what the end would be. He was fearful +that Grit would get one of the fleeing ones +down and set his teeth into his throat.</p> + +<p>"Grit! Grit!" he called, frantically, but the +bulldog never heeded.</p> + +<p>Simon turned, hoping to get out of the path of +the maddened beast, but he did not reckon on +Grit's quickness. The dog made a grab for Simon's +trousers and caught them at the seat. There +was a ripping sound, a frantic yell from Simon, +and he fell, rolling over and over in a cloud of +dust.</p> + +<p>"Grit! Don't bite him!" shouted Dick, fearful +of what might happen.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page156" id="page156">156</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2> + +<h3>UNCLE EZRA'S VISIT.</h3> + +<p>But Grit had no intentions of wasting time on +Simon when his revenge was not complete. He +dropped the large piece of cloth he had torn from +Simon's trousers and kept on after the two other +fleeing individuals.</p> + +<p>The ragged youth was the faster runner, and +the man, lagging behind, turned as if to beat off +the dog. But Grit was fearless. Right at the +man he sprang, and the fellow gave a yell of +agony as he saw the brute launched at his throat. +But Grit was not blood-thirsty. He caught the +man by the lapel of his ragged coat, and, in an +instant, had pulled him to the ground. Then, +having worried him until the thief must have +thought he was being eaten alive, Grit left him +and set off after the third of the trio.</p> + +<p>The youth was becoming exhausted, but Grit +was as fresh as ever. There was no give-up to +him. He caught the ragged lad before he had +gone a hundred feet farther and soon had him +down. He fairly tore the coat off his back, and, +after standing over him a few seconds, growling +as though he was about to tear him into little<span class="pagenum"><a name="page157" id="page157">157</a></span> +pieces, Grit, with a satisfied shake of his head, +started back on the run toward Dick.</p> + +<p>"Grit! Grit, old boy! So they tried to steal +you, did they?" murmured Dick, as the dog +bounded up on him and frantically licked his face. +"Well, I guess they wish they hadn't."</p> + +<p>Grit nearly shook himself apart trying to wag +his stump of a tail to show his delight at again +being with his master. Dick fairly hugged his +pet, but the tears almost came to his eyes as he +saw several cruel welts on the dog's satin-like +coat, where he had been beaten.</p> + +<p>"So they struck you, eh?" asked Dick, a fierce +light coming into his brown eyes. "I don't blame +you for taking after them as soon as you broke +loose. I guess I'll have a score to settle with +Simon and his cronies."</p> + +<p>But there was no chance to do this. Simon +gave one look at Dick and Grit as they walked +back to the hotel. Then, trying to pull his coat +down so as to conceal the big hole in his trousers, +he hurried away up the road, after the man and +youth, who had continued their interrupted escape +as soon as they were assured that Grit had left +each two legs on which to run.</p> + +<p>"Well, Grit, old boy," went on Dick, as he +entered the hotel. "I got you back without putting +any two hundred dollars under a stone at +Butternut Creek, didn't I? But I guess Henry is +entitled to his hundred of the reward. Now to +make some inquiries."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page158" id="page158">158</a></span></p> + +<p>The landlord soon told all he knew of the case. +Late the previous night, he said, the ragged +youth and his companion had arrived at the hotel, +bringing the dog in the wagon. They said they +had purchased it and were taking it to a man in +the country. They paid for the keep of themselves +and their horse and remained all night.</p> + +<p>"This morning the well-dressed young fellow +came along," went on the landlord.</p> + +<p>"That was Simon," murmured Dick.</p> + +<p>"He registered as Thomas Henderson," said +the hotel keeper. "I didn't much like his looks, +but I'm here to hire rooms and furnish meals to +travelers, not to criticise 'em. I was a leetle +s'prised that he seemed to know them other two, +but I thought that was his business. He seemed +to know the dog, too, but the beast didn't take +much of a notion to him. They stayed here all +day, and one of my hostlers says the dog tried +to break loose several times. They kept him +chained in the stable, and they licked him more +than once, I guess. They said he was savage and +had to be beat to make him mind."</p> + +<p>"Poor Grit," murmured Dick, and the dog +barked joyfully at being again with his master.</p> + +<p>"Wa'al," resumed the hotel man, "Simon, as +you call him, an' the other two, they had several +talks together. I heard 'em say suthin' about expectin' +someone with money."</p> + +<p>"That was me," interposed Dick, with a smile.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page159" id="page159">159</a></span></p> + +<p>"Only I determined to get my dog, if I could, +without paying them anything."</p> + +<p>"And you did it," said the landlord, with a +laugh.</p> + +<p>"I did," replied Dick. "But I never suspected +Simon would try such a desperate game as this. +He must have found the leash the night of the +party," he went on, after telling the landlord what +had happened. "Then he got in with these fellows +and had them steal Grit. The letter they +mailed gave me a clue, and Henry told me enough +more to enable me to find Grit. Well, I guess I've +seen the last of Simon Scardale."</p> + +<p>It was not exactly the last, but Simon did not +reappear in Hamilton Corners, and, though he +afterward played a part in Dick's life, he had +dropped out of it for the present.</p> + +<p>The horse and wagon, which the man and +youth left behind, was called for that evening by +an individual of the tramp variety, but, as he +brought the cash to pay the last of the hotel bill, +the landlord let him take the rig. Dick decided +to stay at the Eagle Hotel all night, and he sent a +telegram to his father explaining his absence and +telling of his success. He decided he would not +follow up Simon or his cronies to prosecute +them for the theft.</p> + +<p>As the journey was a little too long for Grit +to make afoot, and as Dick could not take him +in the saddle with him, he sent Rex home in care +of a man he hired, and engaged a carriage for<span class="pagenum"><a name="page160" id="page160">160</a></span> +himself and the dog, arriving home the next day +at noon.</p> + +<p>"Well," remarked Mr. Hamilton, as his son +came in with Grit, "your detective work was all +right."</p> + +<p>"Yes, thanks to Henry Darby," answered the +son. "I'm going to send him a check for a hundred +dollars," which he proceeded to do.</p> + +<p>"Here are a couple of letters for you," went +on the millionaire, handing the missives to his +son. One proved to be a note from Guy Fletcher. +He had heard what had occurred regarding the +dog, for Mr. Hamilton told several friends of his +son's telegram, and Guy hastened to assure Dick +that he had no idea of Simon's scheme.</p> + +<p>"He told me he was only going to play a joke +on you," wrote Guy, in the note which was delivered +by a messenger. "He took the leash from +your pocket the night of the party, and said he +was going to hide Grit and make you believe he +was stolen. I hope you don't believe I'd have +anything to do with Simon if I thought he intended +to really steal your dog. He has gone +out West, I hear, somewhere in the gold mine +region. My father has forbidden me to ever +speak to Simon again."</p> + +<p>"I guess you'll not get a chance right away," +murmured Dick.</p> + +<p>The whole thing was plain to him now. Simon +wanted money, and thought he could make it by +getting the man and youth to steal Grit, and then<span class="pagenum"><a name="page161" id="page161">161</a></span> +making Dick put the two hundred dollars under +the stone. Everything had gone well up to a +certain point. The dog had been taken away, +carried in the wagon to Leonardville, and thither +Simon had gone to make the final arrangements. +The unexpected appearance of Dick had spoiled +the scheme. Simon had hurried to the barn to +warn his confederates, but at that instant Grit, +excited by a beating he was getting, had broken +loose.</p> + +<p>"No," mused Dick, "I don't believe Simon will +show up around here for some time."</p> + +<p>"Who is the other letter from?" asked Mr. +Hamilton.</p> + +<p>"I don't know. I'll open it."</p> + +<p>Dick rapidly scanned the contents.</p> + +<p>"Uncle Ezra Larabee is coming to pay us a +visit," he announced. "He'll be here to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"Uncle Ezra, eh?" repeated Mr. Hamilton. "I +suppose he wants to see how you are getting on—with +your investments."</p> + +<p>"Hum!" exclaimed Dick, with an uneasy laugh, +"maybe he thinks the year is up and I'm to go +back with him. But it isn't—I'm glad to say."</p> + +<p>"Well, we must make his visit pleasant," said +Mr. Hamilton. "It isn't often he comes to Hamilton +Corners."</p> + +<p>Uncle Ezra Larabee arrived the next day. +Dick was in the library reading when he heard +the door bell ring and the butler answered it.</p> + +<p>"Is Mr. Hamilton in?" he heard a voice ask,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page162" id="page162">162</a></span> +and he knew it was his uncle. The boy hastened +to greet his relative.</p> + +<p>"Why didn't you let us know what train you +were coming on and I would have met you with +the carriage," asked Dick, politely.</p> + +<p>"No, thank you, Nephew Richard," replied +Uncle Ezra, in rasping tones. "I'm not too old +to walk, and it's well to save the horse all you +can."</p> + +<p>"And you carried that heavy valise?" asked +Dick.</p> + +<p>"Of course I did, Nephew Richard. You +didn't suppose I was going to pay twenty-five +cents to have a boy carry it, did you? Lots of +them wanted to, but twenty-five cents isn't earned +every day, so I brought it myself," and with an +expression of pain that he could not conceal Mr. +Larabee set the heavy satchel down. His arm +was stiff from carrying it, but he smiled grimly +with satisfaction when he thought of the quarter +of a dollar he had saved.</p> + +<p>"Come right upstairs and I'll show you to your +room," invited Dick. "Then I'll telephone father +you are here."</p> + +<p>"No, no, don't waste any money telephoning, +Nephew Richard," said Uncle Ezra, hastily.</p> + +<p>"Why it doesn't cost anything, uncle. We +have to pay for the telephone by the year."</p> + +<p>"Well, don't do it. They might charge you +something this time. You never can tell. Besides, +you might interrupt your father in some<span class="pagenum"><a name="page163" id="page163">163</a></span> +business deal and make him lose some money. +No, I'll wait until he comes home."</p> + +<p>"Very well," assented Dick.</p> + +<p>"Gracious! What's that?" exclaimed Uncle +Ezra, as a low growl came from a dark corner +by the stairs. "Have you any wild beasts in +here?"</p> + +<p>"No, that's only my dog, Grit, uncle. He'll +not hurt anyone."</p> + +<p>"A dog? In the house?" exclaimed Mr. Larabee. +"Why, he might chew a hole in the carpet. +Besides, I can't bear dogs. Get out, you brute!" +he exclaimed, aiming a kick at Grit, who walked +toward Dick.</p> + +<p>The bulldog, with an ugly growl, crouched for +a leap at Mr. Larabee.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page164" id="page164">164</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XIX.</h2> + +<h3>THE FRESH-AIR YOUNGSTERS.</h3> + +<p>"Hold him back! Hold him! Let me hide! +He'll bite me!" exclaimed Uncle Ezra, as he saw +Grit's wicked-looking teeth.</p> + +<p>"Grit!" spoke Dick, softly, and in a reproving +voice. "This is my Uncle Ezra," he went +on. "Don't you know any better than that?"</p> + +<p>Instantly Grit's manner changed. He showed +that he was sorry for the mistake he had made +of growling at one of the family visitors. He +even approached Uncle Ezra as if to make friends, +but Mr. Larabee shrunk away.</p> + +<p>"I can't bear dogs," he said.</p> + +<p>Grit acted as if he understood, for he turned +away. Nor did he seem to miss a caress from +Mr. Larabee. Grit was a wise dog, and he well +knew that the man disliked him.</p> + +<p>"If you keep that dog in the house I'm afraid +I can't stay, Nephew Richard," Dick's uncle went +on. "I wouldn't sleep a wink thinking of him."</p> + +<p>"Gibbs, take Grit to the stable," said Dick to +the butler, with a little sigh, and the dog, with +a somewhat reproachful look at his master, allowed<span class="pagenum"><a name="page165" id="page165">165</a></span> +himself to be led away. Nor was he permitted +to come into the house during Uncle +Ezra's visit, which quarantine he seemed to resent, +for he always growled menacingly whenever +Mr. Larabee came near him out doors. But +this was not often, as Dick's uncle was very much +afraid of Grit.</p> + +<p>Mr. Hamilton soon came home, and warmly +greeted his wife's brother.</p> + +<p>"I'm glad to see you," said the millionaire. +"How would you like to take a run to Hazelton +this evening to the theatre? They have a good +summer company playing there and we can make +a quick trip in Dick's runabout."</p> + +<p>"I never go to theatres," said Mr. Larabee, in +severe tones. "It's sinful, and a wicked waste of +money. If there is a good instructive lecture in +the village I would much rather go to that."</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid there isn't," replied Mr. Hamilton, +trying not to smile, for he respected his brother-in-law's +scruples. "But we can spend the evening +pleasantly at home—talking."</p> + +<p>"Pleasantly!" repeated Dick to himself, with a +sort of groan. "Pleasantly, with Uncle Ezra? +Never!"</p> + +<p>After supper Mr. Larabee and Dick's father +chatted in the library. The talk ranged from +business matters to subjects in Dankville, where +Mr. Hamilton knew several families.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you'd like to take a look about the +house," suggested Mr. Hamilton, after a pause<span class="pagenum"><a name="page166" id="page166">166</a></span> +"I've been putting in some improvements lately, +and enlarging the conservatory. Dick will show +you around."</p> + +<p>"What? Tramp through the house just to +look at it? I don't believe in doing that," replied +Uncle Ezra, firmly. "Things wear out fast +enough as it is without using them when it isn't +necessary. No use walking on the best carpets +when there isn't a need for it. Besides, I don't +believe in spending money on a house when it's +good enough. Your place was very nice without +adding to it. Think of the money you could +have saved."</p> + +<p>"But I didn't have to save it," responded Mr. +Hamilton. "I made lots this year, and I thought +it was a wise thing to put it into something permanent. +I have increased the value of my house."</p> + +<p>"Much better put it in the bank," advised Uncle +Ezra, with a disapproving sniff.</p> + +<p>Mr. Hamilton and Dick tried to entertain their +visitor, but it was hard work. He cared nothing +for the things they were interested in, and was +somewhat inclined to dictate what Mr. Hamilton +should do with his money.</p> + +<p>"You burn too many lights," he said, noting +that several incandescents were aglow in the library +where they sat. "One would do as well," +and he turned out all but one.</p> + +<p>"I contract for it by the year," said Mr. Hamilton. +"It doesn't cost me any more to burn five +lamps than it does one."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page167" id="page167">167</a></span></p> + +<p>"But the lamps wear out," was Uncle Ezra's +answer. "And speaking of things wearing out +reminds me. We got a letter the other day and +it almost made Samanthy sick. She hasn't got +over the shock of it yet."</p> + +<p>"What was it?" asked Dick.</p> + +<p>"Why, it was from some crazy society in New +York, wanting us to take twenty-five 'fresh-air +children,' the letter said, to board at our house +for a few weeks. Said they heard we had a big +farmhouse and could accommodate 'em."</p> + +<p>"Are you going to take them?" inquired Mr. +Hamilton. "I think your house would be just +the place for them. You have lots of room, and +you can't eat all that you raise on the farm. It +would do the poor things good."</p> + +<p>"Are—we—going—to—take—them?" repeated +Mr. Larabee. "I'm surprised at you, Mortimer +Hamilton. The idea of taking twenty-five +street-arabs in our house! Why, the very idea +of it made Samanthy sick a bed for a day. Those +rapscallions wouldn't leave a carpet on the floor! +They'd tear the house apart! I know! I've read +about 'fresh-air children' before."</p> + +<p>"You might take the carpets up," suggested +Dick, with a smile.</p> + +<p>"What?" almost shouted Uncle Ezra. +"Nephew Richard, there's carpets in our house +that hasn't been up for years. Why the spare +room hasn't been opened since sister Jane's funeral, +and that was—let me see—that was the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page168" id="page168">168</a></span> +year when Ruth Enderby got married. Take +'fresh-air children' into our house! Why, we +wouldn't have any house left at the end of the +week."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I guess not as bad as that," replied Mr. +Hamilton, indulgently. "But, of course, you +know your own business best. I hope Mrs. Larabee +soon recovers."</p> + +<p>"She may, but it was quite a shock," replied +Uncle Ezra. "Well, I think I'll go to bed. I +must be up early in the morning. I came here +to transact a little business, and the sooner it's +over the sooner I can get back home. I'm afraid +my hired man will burn too much kindling wood +starting the fires. He's the most wasteful man +I ever saw." And, sighing deeply at the depravity +of hired men in general and his own in particular, +Uncle Ezra went to bed.</p> + +<p>Dick offered to take him for a spin in the +runabout the next day, but his uncle declined, +on the ground that there might be an accident.</p> + +<p>"You might run somebody down and hurt +them," he said. "Then they'd sue you for damages +and I'd be liable for a share. I haven't any +money to throw away on automobile accidents."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Dick. "But I'm very careful."</p> + +<p>"You can come walking with me instead," suggested +his uncle. "You and I ought to be friends. +We may have to live together some day, you<span class="pagenum"><a name="page169" id="page169">169</a></span> +know," and he tried to smile, but it was only a +forced grin.</p> + +<p>"Not much!" thought Dick, as, with rather a +heavy heart, he prepared to accompany his uncle +on the walk. "No, no, Grit, you can't go," he +said, as the dog jumped about in delightful anticipation, +for he always went with Dick. "You +might bite Uncle Ezra," he added, as, much +against his wish, he chained Grit in the kennel. +Dick could not bear to look back at his pet, who +gazed reproachfully after him.</p> + +<p>Dick showed his uncle such sights as there +were in Hamilton Corners. It was a hot day, +and, as they tramped along, Dick got quite thirsty.</p> + +<p>"Come in here, Uncle Ezra," he suggested, as +they passed a drug store, "and we'll get some +soda water."</p> + +<p>"What? Pay for a drink of water?" asked +Mr. Larabee, horrified.</p> + +<p>"Well, it's got ice-cream in it," replied Dick.</p> + +<p>"It's a sinful waste of money!" declared his +uncle. "We can get all the water we want to +drink at home. But, as I am a little thirsty, I'll +go in and ask the man for a glass of plain water. +He'll be glad to give it to us."</p> + +<p>Dick was a little doubtful on this score, and +he felt that it would be rather embarrassing to +have his uncle ask for water in the drug store, +where Dick was well known. But he was too +polite to object to what Mr. Larabee did. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="page170" id="page170">170</a></span> +latter walked into the store, and, in his rasping +voice, asked for two glasses of water.</p> + +<p>"Do you mean soda water?" inquired the clerk.</p> + +<p>"No, plain water. I don't drink such trash as +soda water," replied Mr. Larabee.</p> + +<p>The clerk looked at him in much astonishment, +and then glanced at Dick. The latter managed +to wink, and the clerk seemed to understand. +He went to the back part of the store, and presently +came back with two glasses of water.</p> + +<p>"There, nephew," said Mr. Larabee, triumphantly, +as he sipped the plain beverage. "You see +our thirst is quenched and we have saved our +money. Young men should economize, and when +they are old they will not want."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," replied Dick, dutifully, but when +they went out he managed to lay ten cents on +the counter where the clerk would see it. Dick +wasn't going to be made fun of the next time +he went in for a glass of soda.</p> + +<p>"Now, I think we'll go home, Nephew Richard," +suggested Mr. Larabee, when they had +walked an hour longer. "There is no use wearing +out our shoes any more than we can help. Besides, +I have some business to transact this afternoon, +and I must get the papers out of my valise."</p> + +<p>Dick was glad enough to return, and gladder +still, when, the next morning, Uncle Ezra announced +that he was going back to Dankville.</p> + +<p>"You must come and see me and your Aunt +Samantha," he said to Dick, as he bade the lad<span class="pagenum"><a name="page171" id="page171">171</a></span> +good-bye, and Dick murmured something that +might be taken as an expression of a fervent desire +to pay another visit to The Firs, but it was +not.</p> + +<p>"Dad," said Dick that night, "do you know +what I'm thinking of?"</p> + +<p>"Not exactly, you think of so many things."</p> + +<p>"I'm thinking of those poor little fresh-air +kids, and how disappointed they must be not to +get a trip to the country. I don't know as I want +them to go to Uncle Ezra's, but—er—say, dad, +I'd like to give a bunch of fresh-air kids some +sort of an outing. Think of the poor little tots +shut up in sizzling New York this kind of +weather."</p> + +<p>"Well, you can bring them here, I suppose," +began Mr. Hamilton, doubtfully, with a look +around his handsomely furnished house, "only +this isn't exactly the country."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I didn't mean here," said Dick, hastily. +"I was thinking we could have a crowd of 'em +out to Sunnyside."</p> + +<p>This was the name of a large farm which Mr. +Hamilton owned on the outskirts of the country +village of Prattville.</p> + +<p>"The very thing!" exclaimed Mr. Hamilton, +with as much fervor as Dick had shown. "That's +the ticket, Dick. I'll write to Foster at once and +ask him if he and his wife can take a crowd of +the waifs at Sunnyside for a few weeks. Then +you will have to manage the other end yourself.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page172" id="page172">172</a></span> +Foster will do as I say, I guess, for he loves children +and he has a heart as big as a barrel. You'll +have to furnish the children."</p> + +<p>"I'll do it!" exclaimed Dick, delightedly. "I'll +write to Uncle Ezra and ask him the address of +that committee in New York. Hurrah for the +fresh-air kids! I hope they have a good time!"</p> + +<p>"I guess they will if he has anything to do +with it," mused Mr. Hamilton, with a fond look +at his son as Dick went to get writing material +to pen a letter to Uncle Ezra.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page173" id="page173">173</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XX</h2> + +<h3>TIM'S DISCLOSURE</h3> + +<p>Two days later Dick received a reply from Mr. +Larabee. In the meanwhile Mr. Hamilton had +written to Foster, the man he hired to take charge +of Sunnyside farm, and had told him to have the +place in readiness for twenty-five youngsters.</p> + +<p>"Did your Uncle Ezra give you the address of +the Fresh-Air Committee?" asked Dick's father.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and he sent me a letter of advice along +with it."</p> + +<p>"What does he say?"</p> + +<p>"I'll read it to you," and Dick turned over the +pages of the missive. "This is what he says +about my plan of trying to give those kids a little +fun:</p> + +<p> </p> + +<p>"'I send you the address of the committee, as +you requested, but, Nephew Richard, I want to +warn you against taking them. In the first place, +they will be no better off than they are at home. +They will not appreciate what you do for them. +Then, too, they might bring some terrible epidemic +to this part of the country. Sunnyside is +not so far from Dankville but that a disease<span class="pagenum"><a name="page174" id="page174">174</a></span> +might carry to my place, and you know my health +is not strong.</p> + +<p>"'If I had control of you (as I may have some +day), I would not let you do this. But it is not +for me to say at this time what you should do. I +think you are throwing the money away, and you +had much better put the amount you intend spending +into the church missionary box and so aid the +heathens. They need it.'</p> + +<p> </p> + +<p>"As if those poor kids in the hot tenements of +New York didn't need it, too," commented Dick. +"Well, Uncle Ezra is certainly a queer man. I +suppose he'll keep his house filled with disinfectants +while the waifs are at Sunnyside, though it's +many miles away."</p> + +<p>In about a week Dick had completed arrangements +with the committee in New York, the +president of which wrote to thank him for aiding +in the work they were doing. Dick was told +that twenty-five youngsters, ten boys and fifteen +girls, none of whom had ever been to the country +before, would be sent to Sunnyside in charge of a +matron. Dick had forwarded money to buy the +tickets, and had planned with Foster to have a +big stage meet the train on which the "fresh-air +kids," as he called them, would arrive at the +nearest station to the country home.</p> + +<p>"Well, dad," remarked Dick, the day before +the waifs from New York were to arrive, "you've +seen the last of me for a week."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page175" id="page175">175</a></span></p> + +<p>"Why; where are you going?"</p> + +<p>"To Sunnyside. I want to see that the kids +are started right, and I think I'll stay about a +week to see that they have a good time. I'll take +my runabout, and I can come back in a hurry if +I need to. I'll bring a batch over to see you, +maybe."</p> + +<p>"Do," said Mr. Hamilton. "I like children. +Poor things! I hope the trip to the country does +them good."</p> + +<p>Dick had read about fresh-air children who +were much impressed by their first visit to the +country, but this did not prepare him for the +awed look on the faces of the twenty-five as they +tumbled from the train at the little country depot, +and made for the waiting stage.</p> + +<p>"Now, children," said the matron, as Dick +came up and introduced himself, "this is the +gentleman who was so kind as to bring you out +to this beautiful place," and she shook hands with +the millionaire's son.</p> + +<p>"Is dat de rich guy?" asked one boy, but +though his words might sound disrespectful he +did not intend them so.</p> + +<p>"Hush!" exclaimed a girl in a much-patched +red dress. "He'll hear you."</p> + +<p>"What do I care! If I wuz as rich as him I +wouldn't care who knowed it," retorted the boy.</p> + +<p>"No more do I, old chap," replied Dick, with +a laugh, as he patted the youngster on the back.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page176" id="page176">176</a></span> +"Now, boys and girls, the stage is waiting for +you."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Nellie!" cried a little tot with light hair, +"we're goin' to ride in a real wagon with real +horses!"</p> + +<p>"Don't speak so loud!" was the whispered answer +of her companion. "It's like a dream, an' +maybe we'll wake up an' find it all gone."</p> + +<p>The children, in spite of the fact that they +came from the slums of New York, were all neat +and clean, for that was one of the requirements +of the committee that took charge of the fresh-air +work. And, though their manners might be +considered a little rough, they did not intend +them so. It was due to the influence of their +surroundings. Soon they had all piled into the +stage, and the driver from Sunnyside started +the four horses.</p> + +<p>"Look, will yer! It's a regular tally-ho like de +swells on Fif' Avenoo drives!" exclaimed the boy +who had called Dick the "rich guy."</p> + +<p>The ride to the farm was one continuous series +of exclamations of delight from the boys and +girls, who looked at the green fields on either +side of the country road, at the comfortable farmhouses +they passed, or at the range of mountains +that towered off to the west.</p> + +<p>"Look!" exclaimed one boy, who had kept +tight hold of his sister's hand from the time he +got off the train. "See, Maggie, that's where the +sun goes to sleep. I never saw it before."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page177" id="page177">177</a></span></p> + +<p>"Where?" asked the girl.</p> + +<p>"Over there," and he pointed to the mountains +behind which the golden orb was sinking to rest.</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear," spoke the matron, who had overheard +what was said, "and in the morning he'll +get up and shine on the fields where you can +run around and get strong.</p> + +<p>"He's a sickly child," the matron added in a +whisper to Dick. "I'm afraid he never will be +strong. He has such queer fancies at times. His +mother is a widow and goes out washing. The +sister stays home and takes care of her little +brother. It was a real charity that they could +come, and I'm sure the committee doesn't know +how to thank you for your generosity."</p> + +<p>"Oh, pshaw! That's nothing," replied Dick, +blushing like a girl at the praise. "I ought to do +something with my money. I'm glad I heard +about this fresh-air plan. I'll have some of the +youngsters out next year if——"</p> + +<p>Then he stopped. He happened to think that +if his investments did not succeed he would not +have much money to spend the next year, and, besides, +he might be living with his Uncle Ezra at +Dankville.</p> + +<p>But the matron did not notice his hesitation, +for, at that moment, the stage turned into the +drive leading up to Sunnyside, and Dick was besieged +by several inquiries.</p> + +<p>"Say, mister, is dis a park?" asked one boy, +as he saw the well-kept drive.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page178" id="page178">178</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, this is the place where you are going +to stay," Dick replied.</p> + +<p>"Can we get out an' walk?" asked another, +and this seemed to strike a popular chord, for +that request became general. The matron nodded +an assent and the children jumped out of the +stage, some boys going by way of the windows.</p> + +<p>"You can drive on and tell them we are coming," +said Dick to the driver.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I guess they'll know it fast enough," responded +the man, with a grin. "You can hear +them kids a mile."</p> + +<p>Which was true enough, for the boys and girls +were fairly yelling in pure delight. Dick and +the matron walked on behind the crowd, the millionaire's +son watching with interest the antics of +the waifs.</p> + +<p>"Johnny! Johnny!" yelled a slip of a girl to +her bigger brother. "Come right off the grass +this minute! Do youse want a cop to put you +out? He don't know no better, mister," she said, +turning to Dick. "He didn't mean nothin'. +Johnny, do you hear me? Come off that grass +right away, or the man will have youse arrested."</p> + +<p>"No, no! Nothing of the sort!" exclaimed +Dick, with a laugh. "You can eat the grass if +you want to. Do just as you please. There isn't +a policeman within twenty miles."</p> + +<p>Then there was a mad rush over the big lawn +that led up to Sunnyside. The children yelled,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page179" id="page179">179</a></span> +laughed, shouted, and fairly tumbled over each +other in the very joy of being in the country. +Pale cheeks reddened as the little lungs breathed +in the pure, fresh air, dull eyes lighted up with +pleasure, and little hands trembled with eagerness +as they plucked buttercups, dandelions and daisies +that grew on the far edges of the lawns.</p> + +<p>"Wow!" yelled one lad. "Wow! I've got to +do somethin' or I'll bust!"</p> + +<p>And that is the way most of them felt it +seemed, for they raced, ran, jumped and tumbled +like children just let out after being kept in after +school.</p> + +<p>And such a supper as Mrs. Foster had provided +for the waifs! Their eyes bulged as they +came to the table that was fairly groaning under +the weight of good things.</p> + +<p>"Now," called Dick, when they sat down, "let +me see how you can eat."</p> + +<p>"They do not need any coaxing," replied the +matron, and Dick soon saw that she was right.</p> + +<p>That was only the beginning of a happy two +weeks for the youngsters. They fairly went +wild on the farm, for it had a hundred delights +for them, from watching the cows being +milked, to hunting for eggs in the big barn. +Dick took them for automobile rides in relays, +bringing several over to Hamilton Corners to see +his father, who further delighted the childish +hearts by gifts of dimes and nickels. On one of +these trips the millionaire's son brought Tim Muldoon,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page180" id="page180">180</a></span> +the boy who had commented on Dick's +riches that day the two met.</p> + +<p>"An' does your governor own dat bank?" Tim +asked, as Dick stopped the runabout in front of +the institution.</p> + +<p>"Well, most of it, I guess."</p> + +<p>"An' can he go in dere an' git money whenever +he wants it?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I guess he can."</p> + +<p>"Say!" exclaimed Tim, as he looked weakly +at Dick, "an youse is his son?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"An' youse is takin' me an' dese (indicating +some of the other youngsters) out fer a ride in +dis gasolene gig? Us what ain't got a cent?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; why not?" asked Dick, with a smile.</p> + +<p>"Well, all I've got t' say is dat dis is as near +bein' rich as I ever expects t' be, an' say, it's dead +white of youse; dat's what it is. Why, dem rich +guys in N' York would no more t'ink of treatin' +us dis way dan dey would jump off de dock. Dat's +straight!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I guess they would if they thought about +it, but they probably don't know how many boys +and girls would like to get out and see the country," +said Dick, not wanting to take too much +credit to himself.</p> + +<p>"Like pie!" was Tim's contemptuous rejoinder. +Then, as he was gazing rapturously at the entrance +to the bank, he suddenly started as he saw +a man coming down the steps.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page181" id="page181">181</a></span></p> + +<p>"Say," he whispered to Dick, grabbing his arm, +"is dat guy in your governor's bank?"</p> + +<p>"Which man? What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"I mean dat one wid de black moustache, jest +comin' down de steps. Is he in de bank?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's Mr. Vanderhoof," replied Dick, +recognizing the mining promoter.</p> + +<p>"Mr. who?" asked Tim.</p> + +<p>"Vanderhoof. Why, do you know him?"</p> + +<p>"Not by dat name. But say, if he's got anyt'ing +to do wit de bank it'll soon be on de blink."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"I mean put out of business. On de blink, excuse +my slang. But youse had better tell your +governor to keep his peepers open."</p> + +<p>"Why?" inquired Dick, a vague suspicion coming +into his mind.</p> + +<p>"Because," replied Tim, earnestly. "Dat man's +name ain't Vanderhoof any more dan mine is."</p> + +<p>"Who is he?"</p> + +<p>"Why, he's William Jackson, or Bond Broker +Bill. I seen him in de police court in N' York. +I sells papers, an' I knows lots of de cops an' detectives. +I saw 'em arrest dat man once, only he +had a white beard an' moustache den. Now he's +shaved off de whiskers an' colored his moustache, +but I knowed him de minute I set me peepers on +him. I seen his mug in de papers lots of times. +Youse wants to be on lookout fer him or he'll +put de bank on de blink. He's a gold-brick<span class="pagenum"><a name="page182" id="page182">182</a></span> +swindler, an' I guess up to any other woozy game +he can make pay!"</p> + +<p>"Bond Broker Bill! William Jackson! Colonel +Dendon!" murmured Dick, in a daze. "No wonder +I thought I had seen Mr. Vanderhoof before. +It was in the New York hotel, where he tried to +swindle me! And he sold dad and me some gold +mining stock! I must tell dad right away!"</p> + +<p>Dick looked after the retreating form of Mr. +Vanderhoof. Then turning to Tim, who had +made the startling disclosure, he said:</p> + +<p>"Wait here for me! I must see my father at +once," and getting out of the auto he hurried into +the bank.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page183" id="page183">183</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XXI</h2> + +<h3>IN WHICH MR. VANDERHOOF VANISHES</h3> + +<p>Dick found his father busy, looking over some +books and papers. He waited until the millionaire +had finished and looked up, remarking:</p> + +<p>"Well, Dick, what is it now? Some more of +the fresh-air kids outside?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, dad, but I've got something more important +to tell you than about them. Was Mr. +Vanderhoof just in here?"</p> + +<p>"He was, and I took some more stock in the +Hop Toad Mine. I had an additional report +from the government assayer at Yazoo City, and +the ore is richer than ever."</p> + +<p>"You bought more stock, dad?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. Why?"</p> + +<p>"Because that man is a swindler! I just +learned of it! His name is not Vanderhoof at +all. He's the same man who tried to swindle me +in New York. He goes by the name of Colonel +Dendon. I thought there was something familiar +about him the first day I saw him in here, but I +couldn't place him on account of his dyed moustache. +He's a swindler!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="page184" id="page184">184</a></span></p> + +<p>"Who told you so?"</p> + +<p>"Tim Muldoon, one of the fresh-air children. +He saw him under arrest in New York. Probably +he got out on bail. Oh, dad, I'm afraid we've +both been swindled!"</p> + +<p>"Well, don't get excited," counseled Mr. Hamilton, +who was used to facing business troubles. +"He may be a swindler, but I think our mining +stock is good. The reports of it are all from +reliable men. But I'll make an investigation at +once."</p> + +<p>"What will you do?"</p> + +<p>"I think I'll send for Mr. Vanderhoof and ask +him to explain. We'll have your friend Tim in +here. No doubt it is all a mistake. I wouldn't +place too much faith in what a boy says."</p> + +<p>"You don't know Tim," responded Dick. +"He's as bright as they make 'em. I guess all +New York newsboys are. But where does Mr. +Vanderhoof live?"</p> + +<p>"He is stopping at the Globe Hotel. He told +me he would remain in town about two weeks +longer, as he had some business to transact. I'll +just call up the hotel and ask him to come here. +Meanwhile, tell Tim to come in."</p> + +<p>"Don't 'phone, dad," advised Dick. "I'll run +down to the hotel in my auto. If you call him +on the wire he may suspect something. I'll bring +him here in the machine."</p> + +<p>"All right, Dick. Maybe that's a good plan. +But don't get excited. Be calm. This may be<span class="pagenum"><a name="page185" id="page185">185</a></span> +only a boy's excited imagination. Mr. Vanderhoof +certainly seemed like a business man and +not like a swindler. Of course, I may be fooled. +I have been, once or twice, in my time, but you've +got to take those chances. However, we'll not +decide anything until we talk to him. Go ahead."</p> + +<p>"What will I do with the youngsters?" asked +Dick. "I've got five of them with me."</p> + +<p>"Give 'em a quarter apiece and let 'em buy ice-cream," +advised the millionaire, with a laugh. +"That is, all but Tim. Let him come in here and +wait."</p> + +<p>"Twenty-five cents' worth of ice-cream each +would put them all in the hospital," explained +Dick. "I'll make 'em distribute their wealth," +and, in a few moments he had sent the four boys +off to see the sights of the town, happy in the +possession of a quarter of a dollar each, and with +strict injunctions not to get lost, and to be back +at the bank in an hour.</p> + +<p>"Me to go inside de bank?" asked Tim, when +Dick told him what was wanted. "Say, I'm gittin' +real swell, I am! If de kids on Hester Street +could see me now dey'd t'ink I was president of +a railroad," and, with a laugh he went into Mr. +Hamilton's private office. While Dick was gone +the millionaire questioned the newsboy, who stuck +to his story that the man he had seen was a +swindler, who had been under arrest in New +York.</p> + +<p>Dick made fast time to the Globe Hotel. When<span class="pagenum"><a name="page186" id="page186">186</a></span> +he jumped from the auto, and hurried inside, the +manager, who knew him, nodded a greeting.</p> + +<p>"Is Mr. Vanderhoof about?" asked Dick, trying +to keep his voice calm.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Vanderhoof?" repeated the manager. +"No, he went out a little while ago."</p> + +<p>"Where?"</p> + +<p>"Why, he said he was going back to New +York," was the rather surprising answer. "A +telegram came for him as soon as he got here and +he left in a hurry. He just caught the express, +and didn't even have time to take his baggage. +He paid me his bill and rushed out in a hurry, +telling me he'd send word where to forward his +trunk. Did you want to see him about anything +important?"</p> + +<p>"It was, but I guess it will keep," replied Dick, +trying not to show any alarm.</p> + +<p>His worst fears were realized. Vanderhoof, +<i>alias</i> Bond Broker Bill, had been warned by some +confederates, perhaps, and had fled, after securing +large sums of money from Dick and his +father.</p> + +<p>"And maybe we're not the only victims," +thought Dick, as he left the hotel and turned the +auto toward the bank.</p> + +<p>"Well, what luck?" asked Mr. Hamilton, as his +son entered.</p> + +<p>"He's skipped out, dad!"</p> + +<p>"He has, eh? Now to find out how badly we<span class="pagenum"><a name="page187" id="page187">187</a></span> +have been bitten. Dick, my boy, it looks as +though there was a hoodoo hanging over your +investments. Still, this mine stock may be all +right. I'll wire to a lawyer in Yazoo City."</p> + +<p>"Oh, he's a foxy guy, is Bond Broker Bill," +said Tim, when Dick told him what had taken +place. "I wish I'd a spotted him before. Maybe +he seen me an' flew de coop."</p> + +<p>"No, I don't believe he would have known you +were on his trail," replied Dick, with an uneasy +laugh. "I think he left on general principles."</p> + +<p>It was several hours before Mr. Hamilton received +a reply from the lawyer in Yazoo City, +Nevada. When it came the telegram stated that +the Hop Toad and Dolphin mines were producing +a quantity of ore, and were generally believed to +be good mines.</p> + +<p>"Not much known about them here, though," +the telegram went on. "Would advise a personal +inspection. Believed that some promotor has a +lot of stock and is trying to sell it in the East. +Better look into it."</p> + +<p>"Well, there's a chance yet," said Mr. Hamilton. +"As I said, Vanderhoof may be a swindler, +but the mines seem to be good. I'll have someone +right on the ground look them up. We must +make our plans carefully."</p> + +<p>"Whom will you get, dad?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know yet. I must write to this lawyer."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page188" id="page188">188</a></span></p> + +<p>"Dad!" exclaimed Dick, suddenly. "Let me +take a trip out West! Let me look up those +mines! If they're no good I want to know it +soon, so I can make some other investment. Can't +I go to Nevada?"</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page189" id="page189">189</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XXII</h2> + +<h3>OFF FOR THE WEST</h3> + +<p>Mr. Hamilton glanced at his son. Dick was +all excited over the events of the last hour and +by the sudden desire that had come to him.</p> + +<p>"You go to Nevada?" repeated the millionaire.</p> + +<p>"Yes, dad, and look up this mining business. +I could see the lawyer and find out whether we +have been swindled. The trip would do me +good," he added, with a smile.</p> + +<p>"I haven't any doubt of that, Dick," replied his +father. "And, after thinking it over, I don't know +but you could make whatever investigation would +be needed. I think I'll let you go. How soon can +you be ready?"</p> + +<p>"To-night."</p> + +<p>"Well, there's no such rush as that. If we've +been swindled, finding it out now isn't going to +help matters any. If, on the other hand, as I +hope may be the case, the mines are all right, +there's no need of hurrying out there. You'd +better make good preparations for the trip. It +isn't going to be much fun traveling alone."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page190" id="page190">190</a></span></p> + +<p>"But, dad, I needn't travel alone. I was thinking +I could take some of my chums with me. +Bricktop, Frank Bender and Walter Mead would +think it bully fun to go along. Why couldn't I +take them?"</p> + +<p>"I suppose you could if their parents did not +object. They would be your guests, of course—that +is, you would have to pay all expenses."</p> + +<p>"I'd be willing to. I've got two thousand dollars +invested in the Dolphin mine, and I've got +to spend some more to see if I've thrown that +money away. I might as well have some fun out +of it, if I can."</p> + +<p>"Four lads will make a nice party. I'll have +McIverson go to the depot and get some time-tables. +Meanwhile you had better get the fresh-air +boys back to Sunnyside. It's getting near +supper-time, and the matron may be worried +about them."</p> + +<p>"Say, is youse really goin' out where they make +gold mines?" asked Tim Muldoon, as he and Dick +went back to the automobile, around which the +other lads, having spent all their money, and seen +all the sights, were waiting. "Are youse goin' +out West among de Indians an' cowboys?"</p> + +<p>"Well, yes, but I guess there aren't any Indians +left."</p> + +<p>"Sure dere is! Didn't I read about in a book? +It's a crackerjack! I'll lend it to youse. It's +'Three-Fingered Harry; or, De Scourge of de +Redskins!'"<span class="pagenum"><a name="page191" id="page191">191</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, thanks," answered Dick, with a laugh. +"I wouldn't read such trash if I were you. There +are very few Indians left out West and they're +too scarce to kill off."</p> + +<p>"Well," spoke Tim, with a sigh, "it's in de +book. Say," he added, "does it cost much to go +out West?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm not sure just how much it does +take, but I guess it's rather costly."</p> + +<p>Tim sighed heavily.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter?" asked Dick.</p> + +<p>"I've got three dollars an' nineteen cents salted +down in de dime savings bank," replied the newsboy. +"I was savin' it fer a new overcoat, but I'd +rather go out West. How far could I go fer +three dollars an' nineteen cents? Could I travel +wit youse as far as it lasted?"</p> + +<p>The boy looked wistfully at Dick, and there +was a world of longing in the blue eyes of Tim +Muldoon as they met the brown orbs of the millionaire's +son. Then Dick came to a sudden resolve.</p> + +<p>"Would you like to go with me and the other +boys?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Would I? Say, Mr. Dick, would a cat eat +clams? Would I? Don't spring dat on me +agin," he added, with an attempt at a laugh. "I've +got a weak heart an' I might faint. It's back to +little ole N' York an' Hester Street fer mine, I +guess."</p> + +<p>"No," said Dick. "I mean it. You may have<span class="pagenum"><a name="page192" id="page192">192</a></span> +rendered me and my father a great service, Tim, +in telling us about Vanderhoof. If he proves +to be what you say he is, a swindler, it is a good +thing we found it out when we did. We may be +able to save some of our money. If you can arrange +to go I'll take you out West with me. Do +you think you can?"</p> + +<p>"Can I go? Well, I should say I can. Where's +me ticket? I ain't got no trunk to pack."</p> + +<p>"But what will your folks say?"</p> + +<p>"I ain't got no folks, Mr. Dick. I'm all dere +is," and, though he spoke flippantly, there was +a suspicion of tears in Tim's eyes.</p> + +<p>"Then, if the matron who brought you here +says it is all right, you shall go," decided Dick.</p> + +<p>Dick was actuated by two motives. He wanted +to give pleasure to the little waif, to whom he +had taken a great liking, and he also felt that +Tim might be of service to him. If Vanderhoof +turned up out in Nevada, it might be well +to have Tim on hand to confront him. Then, too, +Tim was a bright, quick lad, and Dick felt he +would be useful on the trip.</p> + +<p>Dick returned his charges to Sunnyside, and +the matron, after hearing of the plans for the +western trip, readily consented that Tim should +go. He was an orphan, she explained, who had +been taken in charge by a philanthropic society +in New York. The boy was good-hearted and +honest, she said, and had proved that he could<span class="pagenum"><a name="page193" id="page193">193</a></span> +be trusted. While his talk might be a bit rough +and slangy a true heart beat under Tim's patched +but neat jacket.</p> + +<p>In spite of the prospective trip Dick did not +forget the fresh-air children. It was found that +it would require several days to get the through +tickets for Yazoo City, and, in the meanwhile, +the millionaire's son arranged for a big outdoor +clambake for the youngsters. He and the three +boys, whom he had invited to make the long journey +with him, attended, and helped the waifs to +have a good time—if they needed such assistance, +which was doubtful.</p> + +<p>Then, after arranging for another lot of the +little unfortunates to come to Sunnyside when the +first crowd had reached New York, Dick bade +good-bye to those into whose lives he had been +able to bring much happiness because of his +wealth.</p> + +<p>Tim was taken to the Hamilton mansion, where +he was fitted up in a manner that made him think +he had fallen heir to some vast treasure, such as +those he read about in dime novels.</p> + +<p>"If me Hester Street friends could see me +now," he murmured, as he looked at the new +suit Dick had bought him, "dey would sure take +me for a swell."</p> + +<p>"Don't think too much of good clothes," +warned Dick.</p> + +<p>"Well, it's de first time I ever had any to t'ink +about," replied Tim, "an' youse must let me look<span class="pagenum"><a name="page194" id="page194">194</a></span> +at dem till I gits used to 'em," which Dick laughingly +agreed to do.</p> + +<p>"I hear you're going out West," remarked +Henry Darby to Dick, when he met him on the +street the day before that set for the start.</p> + +<p>"Yes. Going to look up some gold mines," +and Dick laughed.</p> + +<p>"If you find any lying around loose, or one that +no one else wants—or even an old one that someone +has thrown away—why just express it back +to me," requested Henry. "I'd rather have a +good gold mine than this old metal business, I +think."</p> + +<p>"How is it going?" asked Dick.</p> + +<p>"Pretty well. Say, I don't think I ought to +keep that hundred-dollar check you sent me for +telling you that I'd seen Grit in the man's +wagon."</p> + +<p>"Of course you've got to keep it!" exclaimed +Dick. "I would have paid it to the first person +who gave me the right clue, and I'm sure I +couldn't give it to anyone I like better than you."</p> + +<p>"It certainly came in mighty handy," said +Henry.</p> + +<p>"Why?"</p> + +<p>"I had a chance to buy up the refuse from an +old boiler factory just before I got it and I hadn't +any cash. Dad had taken all the surplus. He's +got some scheme on hand, and he won't tell me +what it is. He says there's lots of money in it. +There may be," went on Henry, with an odd<span class="pagenum"><a name="page195" id="page195">195</a></span> +smile, "but what's worrying me is whether dad +is going to get the money out of it. That's mostly +the trouble with his schemes. There's thousands +of dollars in 'em, but the cash generally stays +there for all of him. But maybe this one will +turn out all right. I hope so, because he's got +all the surplus. But I used the hundred dollars +to buy some old iron, and I think I can dispose +of it at a profit. Well, I hope you have good +luck."</p> + +<p>"Thanks," answered Dick. "I'll remember +what you said about a gold mine."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll not insist on a gold mine," called +back Henry, as he started his horse up, a task +that required some time, for the animal seemed +to take advantage of every stop to go to sleep. +"I'm not prejudiced in favor of a gold mine. A +good-paying silver mine will do pretty nearly as +well."</p> + +<p>"I'll remember, Henry. Good-bye until I get +back."</p> + +<p>Early the next morning Dick and his four boy +friends were on their way to the West. Their +train was an express and the first stop was at a +large city, where several railroads formed a junction. +As the boys were looking from the window +of the parlor car, Tim, who managed to +take his eyes away from the gorgeous fittings +long enough to notice what was going on up and +down the long station platform, suddenly uttered +an exclamation, and grabbed Dick's arm.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page196" id="page196">196</a></span></p> + +<p>"Look! Dere he is!" he whispered.</p> + +<p>"Who?"</p> + +<p>"Vanderhoof! Colonel Dendon! Bond Broker +Bill!"</p> + +<p>"Where? I don't see anyone."</p> + +<p>"Dat slick-lookin' man, wid de brown hat on," +and Tim pointed to him.</p> + +<p>"But he hasn't any black moustache," objected +Dick, thinking Tim's imagination was getting the +best of him.</p> + +<p>"Of course not. He's cut it off. But I'd know +him anywhere by dat scar on his left cheek. Dat's +de swindler all right!"</p> + +<p>As Dick looked he saw that the man with the +brown hat did have a large scar on his cheek. It +had been hidden by the moustache before.</p> + +<p>Then, just as the train pulled out, the man +looked toward the parlor car. His eyes met +Dick's, and, an instant later, the man with the +scar was on the run toward the telegraph office.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page197" id="page197">197</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XXIII</h2> + +<h3>AT THE MINES</h3> + +<p>"Hold on!" cried Dick, jumping up. "Stop the +train!"</p> + +<p>The cars were rapidly acquiring speed, and +Dick ran toward the door with the evident intention +of getting off.</p> + +<p>"Don't jump, Dick!" called Walter Mead. +"We're going too fast!"</p> + +<p>"Dat's right," chimed in Tim. "It's too late!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I guess it is," assented Dick. "But, Tim, +how do you know that was Vanderhoof? To me +he didn't look a bit like him. Besides, how did +you know he had a scar under his moustache?"</p> + +<p>"I've seen him wid his whiskers an' moustache +off before," replied the newsboy. "I used to run +errands for de sleuths at police headquarters, an' +I seen lots of criminals."</p> + +<p>"But are you sure you saw this man there?"</p> + +<p>"Cert. He was brought in lots of times fer +some kind of crooked game, but most times he +was let go, 'cause they couldn't prove anyt'ing +agin him. Sometimes he'd have a white beard +an' agin a black moustache, but dem fly cops, dem<span class="pagenum"><a name="page198" id="page198">198</a></span> +gum-shoe sleuths, dey knowed him every time. +I'll stake me reputation dat was him on de platform."</p> + +<p>"But what can he be doing here?" asked Dick, +"and why should he make a bee-line for the telegraph +office when he saw me? I'm positive he +knew who I was."</p> + +<p>"Course he did," replied Tim. "He's probably +sendin' a telegram to some of his friends in Yazoo +City t' be on de lookout for youse."</p> + +<p>"Do you think so? But how would he know I +had started for there?"</p> + +<p>"Say," inquired Tim, in drawling tones, "don't +de hull town where you live know dat Millionaire +Hamilton's son is goin' off on a journey in a palace +car, an' takin' some friends, includin' Tim +Muldoon, wid him? In course dey does. An' +youse can bet your bottom dollar dat everybody +in Hamilton Corners is talkin' about it. Vanderhoof, +or Bond Broker Bill, knowed it as soon as +anybody, an' if he's been puttin' up a crooked deal +he's gittin' ready t' fix t'ings on de other end—at +Yazoo City, I mean."</p> + +<p>"Then, if he has warned his confederates out +West," went on Dick, "there's not much use in +my going there to make an investigation. They'd +be sure to have things fixed up to deceive me. I +depended on finding out about the mines before +those in charge knew who I was."</p> + +<p>"You can do dat yet," said Tim.</p> + +<p>"How?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="page199" id="page199">199</a></span></p> + +<p>"Why, lay low, dat's how. Don't go out dere +wid de idea of handin' your visitin' card t' every +guy you meet. Drift int' town easy like an' look +about on de quiet fer a few days. Den youse kin +see how de land lays an' git a line on de fakers. +After dat youse can go up to de villain like de +hero does in de play an' say: 'Now den, Red-Handed +Mike, I have caught youse at last! You +shall give me dose paper-r-r-r-s er I'll shoot you +down like a dog!'" and Tim laughed with the +others at his imitation of the methods of the +actors on the stage when a cheap melodrama is +being performed.</p> + +<p>"I don't know but your advice is good," agreed +Dick. "I can't catch Vanderhoof now, but perhaps +we can spoil his plans. Let's have a consultation +and decide what's best to do."</p> + +<p>The boys had the parlor car pretty much to +themselves, and their talk was not likely to be +overheard by the other passengers who were in +the farther end.</p> + +<p>The journey was a pleasant one, and the boys +enjoyed every hour of it. The country through +which they passed presented, almost constantly, +something new in the way of scenery, and as they +proceeded farther and farther west the boys +were wild with delight at the beautiful prospect, +the wild stretches of country and the glimpses +of the free life on the plains.</p> + +<p>Sleeping in the berths, eating in the dining-car +and looking out of the windows of the big Pullman<span class="pagenum"><a name="page200" id="page200">200</a></span> +were keen delights to Dick's companions, +none of whom had ever traveled in such a fashion +before, though to the millionaire's son it was +more or less familiar.</p> + +<p>When they reached the last stage of their +journey and were within a few hours' ride of +Yazoo City the five boys, at Tim's suggestion, +changed from the parlor car to an ordinary one.</p> + +<p>"It'll look better t' climb down out of a poor +man's car dan from de coach wid de velvet curtains +at de windows," he said. "Students ain't +supposed t' be lookin' fer places t' t'row money +away." For they had agreed to pass themselves +off as students, come West to look at mines in +general.</p> + +<p>Thus it was that no unusual comments were +made by the crowd at the station in Yazoo City +when the five boys and a few other passengers +alighted from the train.</p> + +<p>It was a typical Western town, rather larger +than an ordinary one, for it was the centre for a +prosperous mining section. Across from the +station were two hotels, one called the Imperial +Inn and the other the Royal Hotel.</p> + +<p>"Doesn't seem to be much choice," observed +Frank Bender. "Neither one looks as if royalty +was in the habit of stopping at it."</p> + +<p>"We'll go to the Royal," decided Dick. "The +lawyer, whom dad wrote to about the mine, stops +there, and I want to see him."</p> + +<p>Accordingly the five boys walked across the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page201" id="page201">201</a></span> +street and entered the lobby of the hotel. It was +even less pretentious on the inside than viewed +from without, but it looked clean. Dick led the +way up to the desk, to engage rooms for himself +and friends.</p> + +<p>"Glad t' see you, strangers," greeted the man +behind the desk with easy familiarity. "What +might yo' uns be, if I might make so bold as to +ask? Travelin' show or capitalists lookin' fer a +good payin' mine?"</p> + +<p>"We're studying mining conditions," replied +Dick. "Traveling for information."</p> + +<p>"Ah, I see," interrupted the hotel proprietor, +who also acted as clerk. "We've had some of +you college boys out here before. Welcome to +Yazoo City," and Dick and his companions were +glad that the man had put his own interpretation +on their object in coming West. He swung the +book around to them and Dick signed first. The +pen was poor and the ink worse, so it was no +wonder that his name, when he had scratched it +down, looked like anything but Dick Hamilton. +Nor did the others do any better.</p> + +<p>They were shown to their rooms, and, as it +was late afternoon, they decided to defer beginning +their investigations until the next day. The +supper was good but plain, though the boys were +more interested in watching the men about them, +and hearing them talk, than they were in eating, +hungry as they were.</p> + +<p>They slept soundly, though Dick was awak<span class="pagenum"><a name="page202" id="page202">202</a></span>ened +once or twice by revolver shots and loud +yelling. He thought someone had been hurt, but +on inquiring from a porter, passing through the +hall, learned that he need have no cause for +alarm.</p> + +<p>"Land love yo', son!" said the porter, a burly +Westerner. "Them's only th' boys gittin' rid of +some of their animal spirits. Don't worry none. +They seldom shoots this way, an' if they does +they aims high, so they only busts the top window +lights. Yo' ain't got nothin' t' be askeered +of."</p> + +<p>But though Dick was not exactly easy in his +mind his rest was not disturbed by any bullets +coming through his window, though there was +considerable shooting all night.</p> + +<p>"I think we'll take a trip out to the mines right +after breakfast," decided Dick, when the boys +had gathered in his room after dressing. "I'll +hire a big carriage and we can all go. I inquired +about them, and I learned that the Dolphin and +Hop Toad mines are close together, a few miles +outside of town."</p> + +<p>"I think I'll stay around here," decided Tim.</p> + +<p>"Why?" asked Dick.</p> + +<p>"Because I want to see if anyt'ing happens. +Youse kin go out to de holes in de ground. I'll +see 'em later if dere worth lookin' at. But I +t'ink I'll mosey around de hotel a while."</p> + +<p>"Well, maybe it will be a good plan," agreed +Dick. "We can't tell what sort of a game Vanderhoof<span class="pagenum"><a name="page203" id="page203">203</a></span> +is up to. Now, come on down to breakfast, +boys."</p> + +<p>After the meal Dick hired a large three-seated +buckboard, and he and his chums were driven off +toward the mines. The news had quickly gone +around that they were young college students, +who had come West to get practical illustrations +bearing on their studies.</p> + +<p>Tim stood on the hotel steps looking after +Dick and his chums. As the carriage disappeared +around a turn in the road someone came +up to the newsboy and tapped him on the shoulder. +He turned quickly and saw, standing beside him, +a well-dressed lad about his own age. The youth +wore a showy watch chain and assumed a confident +air that was not at all in keeping with his +years.</p> + +<p>"How's my friend, Dick Hamilton?" he asked, +nodding in the direction of the carriage.</p> + +<p>"Dick Hamilton," spoke Tim, in a sort of +daze.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Dick Hamilton, of Hamilton Corners. +I suppose he came out here to see about the mines +he and his millionaire father invested in."</p> + +<p>"Mines," repeated Tim, somewhat surprised to +thus learn that Dick's object was already discovered.</p> + +<p>"Yes, mines," went on the other youth. "Oh, +I know all about it. Dick thought he was cute, +pretending to come here with a bunch of college +lads. But I'm on to him, and so are the others."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page204" id="page204">204</a></span></p> + +<p>"Who are you?" asked Tim, boldly.</p> + +<p>"Just tell Dick that Simon Scardale was asking +for him," replied the flashily-dressed youth, as he +moved away. "I'll not give him my address, because +I don't believe he'd like to call on me, but +just tell him Simon Scardale was asking for him," +and, with a mocking bow, Simon jumped on a +pony and galloped off down the street.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page205" id="page205">205</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XXIV</h2> + +<h3>A NIGHT TRIP</h3> + +<p>Dick and his chums saw many interesting +sights on their drive to the mines. All about +them were evidences of the hustling West, and +the noise of the stamping mills, or machines, +which crush up the rocks and ore to enable the +precious metals to be extracted from them could +be heard on every side. They met many teams +hauling ore from the mines to distant "stamps," +and saw throngs of miners in their rough, but +picturesque, garb, tramping along.</p> + +<p>"Do you think they'll let us visit the mines?" +asked Dick of the driver. "We want to find out +all we can about 'em."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I guess so. This is a free and easy country. +Visitors are always welcome, providin' they +don't want to know too much," and the driver +winked his eye.</p> + +<p>"Too much?" repeated Dick.</p> + +<p>"Yes. Lots of men out here don't care to have +their past history raked over. It ain't always +healthy, son, to ask a man where he came from,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page206" id="page206">206</a></span> +or why he left there. There's secrets, you understand, +that a man don't like strangers to know."</p> + +<p>"I understand," replied Dick, with a laugh. +"But we only want to see how they get the gold +out of mines."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, you can see that," was the driver's +answer. "But there's lots of mines nearer than +the Hop Toad and the Dolphin; lots of 'em."</p> + +<p>"Aren't those good mines?" asked Dick, anxious +to get the opinion of what might be presumed +to be an unprejudiced observer.</p> + +<p>"Well, so folks say," was the cautious answer. +"All mines is good—until they're found out to be +bad. I guess they're getting gold out of both +mines. Leastways, that's what the men that's +working 'em say."</p> + +<p>When the buckboard with its passengers arrived +at the Hop Toad mine the driver called to +a man who seemed to be in charge:</p> + +<p>"Say, Nick, here's a crowd of college students +that want to see how you make gold. Any objections?"</p> + +<p>The man addressed looked up quickly. Dick +knew at once, from a description the lawyer had +sent to Mr. Hamilton, that the man was Nick +Smith, commonly known as "Forty-niner Smith," +an old-time miner, who was in charge of the +active operations at the two mines Dick and his +father were interested in. But Dick resolved not +to disclose his own identity unless it became necessary +to do so.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page207" id="page207">207</a></span></p> + +<p>"Come on, and welcome," responded Forty-niner +Smith, with an assumed heartiness, but +Dick did not like the look on the man's face. +"We're just settin' off a blast," the miner went +on. "Th' tenderfeet kin see a bucket full of gold +in a minute."</p> + +<p>The boys joined a group of waiting miners, +who regarded them curiously. All about were +piles of ore and, not far away, were the ruins of +a stamp-mill.</p> + +<p>"Our stamp's out of business," said Smith, +noting Dick's glance at it. "We send our ore, +and that from the Dolphin, down to the Wild +Tiger mill. They're crushing it for us. Ah, +boys, there she goes!"</p> + +<p>There was a dull rumble from a hole in the +ground, and the earth seemed to tremble. Then +some smoke lazily floated from the mouth of the +mine.</p> + +<p>"As soon as it clears away they'll send up +some gold ore," went on Smith, and, in a short +time, a big iron bucket came to the surface on a +strong, wire cable. It was filled with what looked +like pieces of stone, but Smith, taking some of the +fragments, passed them to Dick.</p> + +<p>"See that yellow stuff!" he exclaimed, pointing +to numerous shining particles. "That's pure +gold! Here, take some samples along," he added, +in a burst of generosity. "We'll never miss 'em," +and he filled the hands of the four boys with the +precious metal. "This is one of the richest mines<span class="pagenum"><a name="page208" id="page208">208</a></span> +in this locality," he added. "Now come on over +and I'll show you the Dolphin," and he led the +way toward the ruins of the stamp-mill.</p> + +<p>"Somebody dropped a dynamite cartridge near +it," he explained as he passed it. "But we don't +mind. We've ordered two new ones. I guess +they've got through blasting here. Yes, here +comes some ore," he went on as a bucket of the +stuff that looked like broken cobblestones came +to the surface.</p> + +<p>Dick's heart beat fast. At last he was looking +at the mine in which he had invested two thousand +dollars. And, best of all, real gold was being +taken from it. At least it looked like real +gold, and had the same appearance as that from +the Hop Toad mine. Besides, if it was not gold, +why would the men work so hard to get it up?</p> + +<p>"Maybe I'm having all my trouble for my +pains," thought Dick. "I guess these mines are +good, after all. Vanderhoof may have been a +swindler, but this looks as if dad and I had made +good investments."</p> + +<p>"Here, have some of this ore," added Smith, +with another show of generosity. "We'll never +miss it. Have it made into watch charms or +scarf pins. That's what lots of 'em do."</p> + +<p>"Can we go down in the mine?" asked Frank +Bender.</p> + +<p>"Not to-day," replied Smith, with a sharp look +at Dick. "You see it's a little dangerous, so soon +after a blast, unless you've had some experience.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page209" id="page209">209</a></span> +Come out some other day and maybe you can. +Glad to see visitors any time. Now, if you'll +excuse me, I'll have to go and see about sending +some of this ore to the stamp-mill. It's so rich +we have to send a guard with it to protect it +from thieves," he added, in a burst of confidence.</p> + +<p>"Well, I guess we've seen enough," spoke Dick. +"Come on, boys."</p> + +<p>As they rode back to the hotel, Dick soon decided +on a plan of action. He would take to a +government assayer the ore he and his companions +had received, and learn whether the mine was or +was not a good one. This time there would be +no chance for deception, he thought. He had +seen, with his own eyes, the ore taken from the +mine. The government assayer, he knew, would +tell the truth about the value of it. Then he +could be satisfied that his investment, as well as +his father's, was a good one.</p> + +<p>Explaining his purpose to the boys they readily +gave Dick their samples of ore, though he suggested +they save small pieces for souvenirs, which +they did.</p> + +<p>"Maybe you'd better see the lawyer your father +wrote to," suggested Walter Mead, when they +were almost at the hotel.</p> + +<p>"Good idea," declared Dick, but he could not +carry it out, for, on inquiring, he learned that the +lawyer had gone on a journey and would not be +back for a month.</p> + +<p>"I'll go ahead on my own responsibility," Dick<span class="pagenum"><a name="page210" id="page210">210</a></span> +decided. "I think I'll hunt up the government +assayer. I wonder where Tim is?"</p> + +<p>The newsboy was not about the hotel, and, +thinking he had gone off to see the sights, Dick +did not look for him. He got the address of the +assayer from the hotel proprietor, and was soon +at the official's office.</p> + +<p>"So you want some of this Hop Toad, and +Dolphin ore tested, eh?" inquired the assayer. +"Well, you're not the first person who has brought +me some. I tested some for a man named Hamilton, +away out East, some time ago. His lawyer +brought it to me. I found it good then and I +guess it's good yet."</p> + +<p>"Was it really good?" asked Dick, eagerly, and +then, judging the government official could be +trusted, he told the object of his western trip.</p> + +<p>"Young man," said the assayer, when Dick had +finished, "I'll tell you all I know. This ore is +good. It's very rich. In fact, I don't need to +assay it to tell that it runs many dollars to the +ton. But one thing I can't tell you to a certainty +is that it came from the Hop Toad or Dolphin +mine. You see we assayers have to take the +word of the miners as to where the ore comes +from. All we do is to make a test, and, by finding +out how much gold there is to a certain +amount of ore, figure out how much it will assay +to a ton of the same ore. That's the basis on +which mines are valued."</p> + +<p>"I can assure you that this ore we have came<span class="pagenum"><a name="page211" id="page211">211</a></span> +from the Dolphin and Hop Toad mines," said +Dick. "We saw it taken out."</p> + +<p>"Seeing isn't always believing, when it comes +to mines," replied the assayer. "Still it may have +been taken directly from the drifts. I wouldn't +say it to everyone," he went on, "but I believe +there is something crooked about those mines. I +have thought so for some time, but I can't decide +just what it is. They have a reputation of being +very rich, and the ore assays well, but I don't +like the actions of the men running them."</p> + +<p>"Do you think I have been cheated?" asked +Dick.</p> + +<p>"I do, but I can't give my reasons for it."</p> + +<p>"Then what would you advise?"</p> + +<p>"Well, you're out here to investigate. Keep +on investigating. I'm a government official and +I can't take either side. But if I were you," and +he came close to Dick and spoke in a low tone, +"I'd visit that mine when none of the men were +around. I think they knew you were coming and +prepared for you."</p> + +<p>"Why?" asked Dick, much surprised.</p> + +<p>"Well, I can't tell you all my reasons now. +Do as I advise, and try to inspect the mines when +no one is around."</p> + +<p>"When would be the best time for that?"</p> + +<p>"At night. That's the only time it would be +safe. But be very careful. This is a queer country. +Men act quickly out here and they don't always +stop to ask questions before they shoot.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page212" id="page212">212</a></span> +But you boys are quick and sharp and—well, +good luck to you, that's all I can say."</p> + +<p>"I'm much obliged to you," answered Dick. +"I'll do as you advise."</p> + +<p>As he and his chums left the assayer's office +they met Tim, who had returned to the hotel, and, +on inquiring, had learned where they had gone.</p> + +<p>"Have a good time?" asked Dick, of his newsboy +friend.</p> + +<p>"Not so very," replied Tim, rather solemnly.</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"Because I was chasin' after a fellow what +called himself Simon Scardale, and I couldn't +catch him."</p> + +<p>"Simon Scardale here?" exclaimed Dick.</p> + +<p>"That's what he is, and he's on to our game," +replied Tim. "Dick, youse has got to act quick, +I guess."</p> + +<p>For a few moments Dick was too surprised +to know what to say. He began to see through it +now. Simon was a friend of Vanderhoof, and, +though he might not be mixed up in the swindling +games, he had, likely, given information +that would prevent the millionaire's son from accomplishing +his object. Dick was in a maze. He +was not altogether sure that the mines were a +swindle, but he strongly suspected it. Simon's +presence in the western city seemed to argue that +some strange game was about to be played.</p> + +<p>"We must talk this over," decided Dick.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page213" id="page213">213</a></span> +"Come on, boys. We'll go back to the hotel and +have a conference. Then we can decide what to +do."</p> + +<p>In Dick's room the chums went over all the +points of the matter. But, try as they did, they +could not see a reason for Simon's presence in +Yazoo City, nor for his remarks to Tim.</p> + +<p>"But dat government feller give youse good +advice," declared the newsboy. "Why don't +youse go out to de mine? Maybe youse kin git +on to der game. I'm wid youse."</p> + +<p>"I believe I will," decided Dick. "Tim, you and +Frank and I will go. Yes, Walter, you and Bricktop +had better stay at the hotel," he added, as he +saw a look of disappointment come over the faces +of the other two boys. "Five would be too many, +and, by some of us staying here, there will be +less liability of suspicion. We'll make a night +trip to the mine and, if it's at all possible, I'll go +down inside."</p> + +<p>"Dat's de way to talk!" exclaimed Tim.</p> + +<p>Cautiously they made their plans. Dick decided +he and his two companions would walk to +the mines, as, if they hired a rig, it would become +known to Smith or Simon, who were probably +spying on their actions. Tim related how he +had tried to follow Simon when he rode off on +the pony, but had been unsuccessful.</p> + +<p>"It's a nice moonlight night," said Dick, when +the plans had been made. "We can take some +candles with us and I guess we can get down the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page214" id="page214">214</a></span> +cable at the mine. Then we'll see if there's any +crooked work going on."</p> + +<p>After supper Tim, Frank and Dick started off. +They little realized what was before them, or perhaps +they would not have been so light-hearted.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page215" id="page215">215</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XXV</h2> + +<h3>DOWN IN A GOLD MINE</h3> + +<p>"It's going to take over two hours to get out +there," said Dick, as he and his companions +tramped on. "I don't know how long we'll stay. +It all depends on circumstances. If they discover +us we'll not stay as long as we otherwise would," +and he laughed. "But I guess it's an all-night +job. Well, the road is a good one, and it's a nice +night."</p> + +<p>"That's what it is," answered Frank. "That +moon looks as if it was pure silver, hung up there +in the sky."</p> + +<p>"You're getting poetical," commented Dick.</p> + +<p>"Dat oughter be a gold moon to be right in de +swim," was Tim's opinion.</p> + +<p>"What do you expect to do when you get to the +mine?" asked Frank, as, now that they were beyond +the borders of Yazoo City, they were not +afraid to talk of their object.</p> + +<p>"I hardly know," answered Dick. "What I +want to find out is whether or not that mine is +a fake one."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page216" id="page216">216</a></span></p> + +<p>"How do youse tell a fake gold mine?" asked +Tim. "Is it like a lead nickel or counterfeit money +so youse can tell by bitin' a chunk of it?"</p> + +<p>"Hardly," replied Dick, with a laugh. "I've +been reading up about mines lately, and, according +to the book, the most common way of making +a fake mine is to 'salt' it, or 'sweat' it."</p> + +<p>"Salt it?" repeated Frank. "I've heard of salting +cattle, but never mines."</p> + +<p>"That doesn't describe it very well," went on +Dick, "but that's what they call it. Sometimes it +is termed 'sweating.' By either way it means +making the ore in the mine look as if it was filled +with gold, when, in fact, the gold had only been +put there by some man who wanted a worthless +mine to look like a good one."</p> + +<p>"How do they do it?" asked Tim.</p> + +<p>"The most common way is to take some real +gold dust, put it into a shotgun, load it heavily +with powder and shoot it at the side of the mine. +The gold particles are shot into the rock a little +way and it appears like real ore. They do this +several times down the sides of a rocky mine and +it looks very much like the real thing. After a +man has bought the mine and begins to dig, he +discovers it's all a fake."</p> + +<p>"Wow!" exclaimed Tim. "T'ink of shootin' +gold out of a gun. I wish somebody'd take a few +shots at me. Easy ones, of course, so's I could +live to enjoy it."</p> + +<p>"There are other ways of making fake mines,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="page217" id="page217">217</a></span> +went on Dick, "but I didn't read much about +them."</p> + +<p>"Do you think the Hop Toad and Dolphin +mines are fakes?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>"That's what I'm afraid of. But I'm pretty +sure Smith and his confederates didn't use any +such method as shooting the gold into the rocks. +It's in too deep for that, and they could hardly +hope to fool the assayer that way. No, they must +have some new scheme, and maybe I can discover +it."</p> + +<p>The boys walked along briskly, and, almost before +they realized it, they saw that they were approaching +the mine.</p> + +<p>"Now, go easy," advised Dick. "We first want +to see if there is anyone in sight. If not, we'll +take a trip down."</p> + +<p>Near the mouth of the shaft was some machinery +used to lift the bucket from the mine. +The boys could see the dull gleam of the coals +under the boiler of the hoisting apparatus, for +the fire had been banked. But there was no sign +of anyone around, and, after peering cautiously +about, the boys reached the edge of the shaft.</p> + +<p>"Now, if dey had an elevator fer us it would +be dead easy," spoke Tim. "But I don't see how +youse is goin' to git down."</p> + +<p>"Wait until I take a look," replied Dick.</p> + +<p>He approached the mouth of the mine and uttered +an exclamation that brought the other boys +to his side.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page218" id="page218">218</a></span></p> + +<p>"There's a ladder leading down," he said. "We +can use that. Now to explore a gold mine."</p> + +<p>Seeing that he had his candles and matches +ready, Dick began to descend. The other boys +waited until he was down some distance and then +followed. The ladder, as they could see, was +built against the side of the shaft, and it was +far enough away so that the ascending or descending +bucket did not touch it.</p> + +<p>"Hold on!" cried Dick, from the dark depths. +"I'm going to light a candle."</p> + +<p>Presently a faint gleam came up the shaft, and +Tim and Frank could make out Dick's form +standing below them on a rung of the ladder. +They also lighted candles, and the descent continued. +In about a minute Dick called again:</p> + +<p>"Easy now, fellows; I've struck bottom. Got +down to the first level, I guess."</p> + +<p>In a little while Tim and Frank joined him. +They found they were standing in a sort of cave, +hollowed out under ground. Resting at the foot +of the shaft was a big bucket, attached to the +wire cable that extended to the hoisting drum.</p> + +<p>"Is dis all dere is to de mine?" asked Tim.</p> + +<p>"No, there seems to be a gallery leading off +to no one knows where," replied Dick, pointing +to a gloomy hole. "Come on, boys, I haven't seen +any gold yet," and he waved his candle to and +fro. It flickered over the rocky walls of the +mine. They glistened with water that oozed from<span class="pagenum"><a name="page219" id="page219">219</a></span> +many crevices, but there was no glitter of the +precious metal.</p> + +<p>The boys walked cautiously along the gallery, +or tunnel, that extended at right angles to the +perpendicular shaft. Suddenly, Dick, who was +in the lead, stopped short.</p> + +<p>"Hush!" he exclaimed, in a whisper. "I hear +voices."</p> + +<p>The boys listened. From somewhere in the +darkness ahead of them came an indistinct murmur.</p> + +<p>"Come ahead, easy!" whispered the millionaire's +son.</p> + +<p>They advanced on tiptoes. The murmur of +voices became louder. Then, as the boys made +a turn in the tunnel, a strange scene was suddenly +presented to them.</p> + +<p>In a sort of cave, formed by the widening of +the gallery, a number of men stood in a group. +Several torches, stuck into cracks in the rocky +wall, gave light. But, strangest of all, was the +occupation of the men.</p> + +<p>One of them was stirring what seemed like a +mass of mortar in a wooden box, such as masons +use. Into it another was pouring from a sack, +gleaming, golden, yellow particles, which, as the +light gleamed on them, glittered like gold.</p> + +<p>"Seems like throwing the yellow stuff away," +remarked the man who held the sack.</p> + +<p>"What of it. We'll get it back five times over," +replied the one who, with a hoe, was stirring the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page220" id="page220">220</a></span> +stuff. "It's like planting gold in a garden. It +grows, you know. This mine is our garden."</p> + +<p>"They're 'salting' the mine," whispered Dick to +his companions.</p> + +<p>Off to one side another man was drilling holes +in the soft rock. The musical clink of his hammer +on the drill sounded faint and far off, so +muffled was it.</p> + +<p>"Haven't you got that stuff ready yet?" called +the man with the drill. "I've got all the holes +bored. Hurry up and get it in or it won't be hard +by to-morrow, and there's no telling when that +Hamilton kid may take a notion to drop in and +visit his mine," and he laughed.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I guess I can keep him away for a few +days yet," answered one, whom Dick recognized +as Forty-niner Smith. "I've got a game I haven't +played. But I guess this stuff is mixed enough. +Say, it's the best scheme I've struck yet for 'sweating' +a mine. Beats the shotguns all to pieces."</p> + +<p>From their hiding place the boys watched what +the men did. The mixture with the gold particles +in it was poured into the holes the man had dug. +The boys could see now that it was not mortar, +but concrete, which was being used. To Dick the +whole scheme was now plain.</p> + +<p>The men poured a lot of gold dust into some +concrete, and mixed it up with water until it was +about as thick as paste. Then they put it into +holes drilled in the rocky walls of the mine. The +concrete hardened and became almost like the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page221" id="page221">221</a></span> +rock itself. Then, when a blast was set off, the +rock, concrete and gold was all blown into small +pieces, so that it looked as if the ore was of good, +gold-bearing quality, whereas it was nothing but +ordinary rock "salted."</p> + +<p>That was how the men were working to fool +investors. They had taken an abandoned mine, +from which all the gold had been dug, and, by +this ingenious method, made it look, to the ignorant, +as though it was a regular bonanza.</p> + +<p>"Well," remarked Dick, in a whisper, "we've +discovered the trick. I guess dad's money and +mine, too, is 'gone up the flume,' as the miners +say. But I'm glad——"</p> + +<p>At that moment, Frank, who was balancing +himself on a bit of rock, in order to see better, +stumbled and fell, making quite a noise. The men +turned as if a shot had been fired.</p> + +<p>"What's that?" asked Smith, in a hoarse +whisper.</p> + +<p>"Some loose rock caving in," answered one of +the men. "Come on, finish up. We've only got +one more hole to fill, and by that time Nash will +be ready to hoist us up."</p> + +<p>"That wasn't falling rock!" declared Smith. +"Boys, I believe someone is spying on us. I'm +going to take a look."</p> + +<p>Seizing one of the torches he started toward +where Dick and his companions were hiding.</p> + +<p>"Come on!" exclaimed the millionaire's son,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page222" id="page222">222</a></span> +pulling Tim and Frank by the arm. "We've got +to get out of this!"</p> + +<p>They turned and ran, their footsteps echoing +on the rocky floor of the mine. They could hear +Smith coming after them. His torch flashed +around the turn in the gallery. He caught sight +of them.</p> + +<p>"Stop!" he cried. "Stop or I'll shoot!"</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page223" id="page223">223</a></span></p> + + +<h2>CHAPTER XXVI</h2> + +<h3>SIMON'S CONFESSION</h3> + +<p>Dick gave a hurried look behind him. He +could see something shining in Smith's hand—something +that the light from the torch glinted on.</p> + +<p>"Keep on!" hoarsely whispered Tim. "He +can't hit us down here. Keep on!"</p> + +<p>Stumbling, almost falling, their candles showing +but faint blue points of light as the flame +flickered away from the wicks because of their +speed, the boys ran toward the bottom of the +shaft.</p> + +<p>"If we reach the ladder I think we can get +away," said Frank, panting from his exertion.</p> + +<p>It seemed as if it was a mile back to the shaft, +but it was only a few hundred feet. The boys +expected every minute to hear the shot ring out. +They caught the sounds of the footfalls of their +pursuer and they sounded nearer and nearer. He +was familiar with the gallery and his torch gave +him better light to go by than did the candles +give the boys.</p> + +<p>Once more the angry miner's voice called:<span class="pagenum"><a name="page224" id="page224">224</a></span></p> + +<p>"Hold on, whoever you are, or I'll shoot!"</p> + +<p>"Quick! There's the shaft!" exclaimed Dick, +pointing to where the big bucket rested at the +bottom of the opening.</p> + +<p>The boys made a rush for it. At the same instant +a shot rang out in the darkness, the flash +from the revolver lighting up the mine cavern +with sudden glare. They could hear the bullet +strike far above their heads with a vicious "ping!" +Clearly, Smith was only firing to scare them, and +did not want to run any chances of hurting them, +as he had aimed high.</p> + +<p>Then a strange thing happened. The cable, +attached to the bucket, began to wind upward. +There was considerable slack to it and the bucket +did not immediately follow. It was evident that +the machinery at the shaft mouth had started +and that the ore-carrier was about to be hoisted +up. An inspiration came to Dick.</p> + +<p>"Into the bucket!" he called. "It's big enough +to hold us all and we'll be hauled to the top! We +can escape that way!"</p> + +<p>Tim and Frank needed no further urging. +They clambered over the iron sides of the bucket, +followed by Dick. And not a second too soon, +for, as he set his feet on the iron bottom, the +cable tauted and the bucket started upward.</p> + +<p>"Come back here!" yelled Smith, reaching the +bottom of the shaft just in time to see the conveyor +disappearing. He made an ineffectual grab +for it, but, as his torch flared up when he threw<span class="pagenum"><a name="page225" id="page225">225</a></span> +it on the ground, the better to use his hands, +Dick, looking over the edge of the iron receptacle, +saw that the ugly miner was fifteen feet below +them.</p> + +<p>"Pull your head in!" advised Frank. "He +might shoot!"</p> + +<p>But Smith had no such intentions. Making a +sort of megaphone of his hands, he shouted up +the shaft:</p> + +<p>"Nash! Nash! Stop the engine! Don't hoist +the bucket! We're not in it!"</p> + +<p>But the engineer at the mouth of the shaft +never heard him. Higher and higher went the +bucket, carrying the boys. They looked up the +black opening and could see the moon shining +overhead.</p> + +<p>"Lucky escape!" murmured Dick. "I wonder +how that bucket came to go up just when we +needed it most?"</p> + +<p>He learned a minute later. As the conveyor +reached the surface and stopped, Dick and his +friends stepped out. They saw that the fire under +the boiler was burning brightly, and that a +man, who had not been there when they arrived, +was attending to the hoisting engine. As he +caught sight of them he exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Who are you? Where's Smith?"</p> + +<p>"Down there," replied Dick, not caring to go +into details. "Come on, boys."</p> + +<p>"But something's wrong," went on Nash, the +engineer. "I was told to come here about one<span class="pagenum"><a name="page226" id="page226">226</a></span> +o'clock, get up steam and be ready to hoist the +bucket when I heard a revolver shot. I heard it +and I hoisted away. But where's Smith and his +men? He told me he'd fire a shot when he was +ready to come up. I heard it plain enough, but +who are you?"</p> + +<p>"Smith will explain," replied Dick. "We came +up first, that's all," he added, coolly. "Come on, +boys."</p> + +<p>Leaving behind them a much-puzzled engineer, +the three boys hurried away from the mine. They +were soon on the road leading back to Yazoo City.</p> + +<p>"Do you think they'll chase us?" asked Frank.</p> + +<p>"I don't believe so," replied Dick. "I guess +Smith is worried enough as it is. He may suspect +who we were, but I don't believe he knows +for certain. However, we'll keep in the shadows +for a way."</p> + +<p>This they did, but there was no need of apprehension, +for none of the miners pursued them.</p> + +<p>"Well, youse had your money's worth of excitement, +anyway," commented Tim. "Say, I +t'ought it was all up wid me dere, one spell. But +youse had your nerve wid you, Mr. Dick."</p> + +<p>"Well, we had some luck with us, too," replied +the millionaire's son. "Those fellows played +right into our hands. They must have gone down +the mine early in the evening, and arranged with +the engineer to come back, when they were finished +with their 'salting' process, to hoist up their +tools and things so as to leave nothing suspicious<span class="pagenum"><a name="page227" id="page227">227</a></span> +around. When Smith fired at us the engineer, +who arrived after we had gone down the mine, +thought it was the signal agreed upon and he +hoisted away. I guess he was surprised when +he saw us get out of the bucket."</p> + +<p>"And I guess Smith will be surprised when he +finds out you know how he and his gang fixed up +the fake mine," remarked Frank.</p> + +<p>"I guess the best plan will be to say nothing +to him about it," said Dick. "I don't see anything +for me to do but go back home and report +to dad. We've been swindled, and I'm out two +thousand dollars. I don't know how much he +lost. The Hop Toad and Dolphin mines aren't +worth anything, I'm afraid."</p> + +<p>"Did youse lose two t'ousand dollars?" asked +Tim, as the boys hurried along the moonlit road.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid so."</p> + +<p>"An' youse ain't agoin' to faint over it? Say, +youse has got nerve, youse has," added the newsboy, +admiringly. "Youse oughter be in N' York. +How'd you come to put so much money in a fake +mine?"</p> + +<p>"I didn't know it was a fake," replied the +wealthy youth.</p> + +<p>The boys reached their hotel in the gray dawn +of the early morning. They were worn out and +tired from their long tramp and the excitement +of the night. As they entered the lobby, where +a sleepy clerk was on duty behind the desk, the +latter called to them:<span class="pagenum"><a name="page228" id="page228">228</a></span></p> + +<p>"I say, is one of you named Dick Hamilton?"</p> + +<p>"I am," replied the millionaire's son.</p> + +<p>"Well, I've got a message for you from a lad +named Simon Scardale."</p> + +<p>"Simon Scardale?" repeated Dick.</p> + +<p>"Yes. He was badly hurt last night by a fall +from a horse he was riding. He's over at the +other hotel, and he sent word that he wanted to +see Dick Hamilton as soon as he came in. I +looked over the register, but I couldn't see anyone +by that name, and I thought he'd made a +mistake."</p> + +<p>Dick recalled his scrawling signature on the +book, and did not wonder that the clerk could not +make it out.</p> + +<p>Telling Tim and Frank to go upstairs and notify +Bricktop and Walter of their safe arrival, +Dick started for the Imperial Inn. He found the +night clerk on duty, and, telling his object, was +shown upstairs by a sleepy bell-boy.</p> + +<p>As he entered the room he saw Simon in bed. +The youth's face was pale, and his head was covered +with bandages. Two doctors were within +call.</p> + +<p>"Is that you, Dick Hamilton?" he asked in a +weak voice.</p> + +<p>"Yes. What do you want, Simon?" inquired +Dick, softly, for the sight of Simon's sufferings +banished all resentment.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid I'm badly hurt," went on Simon,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page229" id="page229">229</a></span> +"and I want to tell you something before—before +I go away from here. Come closer."</p> + +<p>"Now don't excite yourself," advised one of the +doctors.</p> + +<p>"I won't, but I must tell Dick," went on Simon. +"I'm sorry I put up that game to steal Grit," he +said, almost in a whisper. "But I needed money +very much and I didn't see any other way to get +it. Guy didn't have anything to do with it."</p> + +<p>"I know," said Dick, softly.</p> + +<p>"I played another mean trick on you," went on +the injured youth. "I've been spying on you for +Vanderhoof. After I got Grit and you saw me +that day at the hotel, I was afraid. I knew +Vanderhoof, or Colonel Dendon, as he sometimes +calls himself, and I went to him. He said he +could give me a job out West and he sent me +here. Then, I guess it must have been the day +you started, he telegraphed me to be on the lookout +for you, and to inform Forty-niner Smith +when you arrived. I did."</p> + +<p>"Were you in the game to help work off a +worthless mine on me?" asked Dick, a little resentfully.</p> + +<p>"No, no," replied Simon, earnestly. "I only +learned of that by accident. When I found out +the mines were no good I was going to have nothing +more to do with any of the gang. But Smith +told me your father had once got the best of +Vanderhoof in a business deal and that this was +the only way they could get their money back—to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page230" id="page230">230</a></span> +sell him a worthless mine. They said it was +done every day and—and I believed them. I +only kept them informed of your movements so +they could fix things up to—to deceive you, I +suppose."</p> + +<p>"Yes," assented Dick.</p> + +<p>"But I'm done with 'em now," went on Simon. +"I was riding out to the mine to-night, after I +saw you three start for it. Oh, I kept close watch +on you," he said in answer to Dick's look of surprise. +"I started for the mine to warn them you +were coming, as I knew they were going to do +some 'salting.' My horse threw me before I'd +gone far and—well, I'm pretty badly hurt, I +guess."</p> + +<p>"Now that will do," interrupted one of the +physicians. "You can tell the rest another time. +You must be quiet now."</p> + +<p>"There isn't any more to tell," said Simon, in a +whisper. "That's all, Dick, but I feel better for +having told you."</p> + +<p>"Well, Simon," said the millionaire's son, "I'm +sorry you are hurt. I forgive you. I guess you +didn't realize what you were doing."</p> + +<p>"That's it. I never realized what bad men Vanderhoof, +Smith and the others were. I'm done +with them forever. I guess I can go to sleep +now."</p> + +<p>He turned over and closed his eyes. Dick softly +left the room, followed by one of the doctors.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page231" id="page231">231</a></span></p> + +<p>"Is he badly hurt?" he asked of the medical +man, when they were out in the corridor.</p> + +<p>"Well, he is hurt internally. I think we can +pull him through with careful nursing. Is he a +friend of yours?"</p> + +<p>"I used to think he was," answered Dick. "I +guess he got into bad company, that's the trouble. +I'd like to help him if I could. Here, doctor, take +this and see that he has good nursing, will you, +please," and Dick thrust a hundred-dollar bill +into the physician's hand.</p> + +<p>"But this—this is quite a sum of money."</p> + +<p>"Well, I guess dad would want me to spend +it," replied Dick. "I've got lots more. Anyhow, +I couldn't bear to think of Simon suffering, even +if he did do me some mean turns. Will you look +after him, doctor? I've got to go back East."</p> + +<p>"I will, young man, and he can thank you for +befriending him. I guess those men won't have +anything more to do with him after this, and it's +hard for a lad like him to be sick in a wild country +like this. I'll see that he has the best of care."</p> + +<p>Pondering over the strange events of the last +few hours, Dick went back to his hotel. It was +now nearly breakfast-time and he was ready for +the meal, especially the hot coffee. Tim and +Frank, also, did full justice to it, and then, being +very sleepy, they went to bed, as did Dick.</p> + +<p>"We'll start back home to-morrow," the millionaire's +son said to his chums as he went to his +room.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page232" id="page232">232</a></span></p> + + +<h2>CHAPTER XXVII</h2> + +<h3>THE PANIC</h3> + +<p>Although a little apprehensive that Smith and +his gang might make trouble for him, Dick +leisurely made his preparations for going back +East, when, late in the afternoon, after a long +slumber, he awoke much refreshed. But the +miner and his men did not appear in Yazoo City. +Dick called on the government assayer and told +him what he and his chums had seen.</p> + +<p>"That's a new way of 'salting' a mine," the +official said. "A very good one, too, from a +swindler's standpoint. Now, if you want to, you +can make a complaint against those men and have +them arrested."</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid it wouldn't make the mines any +good, or save the money dad and I put into them," +said Dick.</p> + +<p>"No, I don't believe it would. Besides, they +are a slick crowd, I suppose, and you'd have trouble +convicting them. Perhaps it is better to let +it drop. I'll be on the watch, however, and if I +hear of anyone about to invest in the stock of any +mines Smith and his men are interested in I'll +warn him."</p> + +<p>Dick called to say good-bye to Simon. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="page233" id="page233">233</a></span> +found the bad boy a little improved, and when +informed that he would be well taken care of the +tears came into the eyes of the youth who had +done so much to injure Dick.</p> + +<p>"You—you're a brick!" he stammered. "I +don't deserve it, but if—if I ever get well maybe +I can do something for you."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's all right," replied Dick, somewhat +affected by Simon's misery. "You'll soon be as +well as ever, and when you do get around again, +you'd better steer clear of such men as Colonel +Dendon."</p> + +<p>"I will," promised Simon, and he tried to return +the pressure of Dick's hand, but it was hard +work, for he was very weak.</p> + +<p>Early the next morning Dick and his friends +started for home. Dick was a little thoughtful, +and Frank asked:</p> + +<p>"Worrying about your lost money, Dick?"</p> + +<p>"Well, not so much about the money as I am +over the consequences. I counted on this mine +investment being a good one. But, I have another. +I guess my stock in the milk concern will +pan out pretty well."</p> + +<p>"If it don't youse had better come to N' York +wid me, an' sell papes," advised Tim.</p> + +<p>"I'll think of it," promised Dick, with a smile.</p> + +<p>The ride back home was uneventful. Tim decided +he would not go back to Hamilton Corners, +as he was anxious to get to New York.</p> + +<p>"Got to look after me paper business," he said,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page234" id="page234">234</a></span> +with a laugh. "I left me pardner in charge an' +he's a little chap. Some of de big guys might +drive him offen de swell corner we has. It's de +best corner in N' York fer doin' business," he explained. +"I stands in wid de cop on de beat an' +he sees I ain't bothered. But I'm gittin' worried. +I see some of de yellow journals is predictin' bad +times an' I wants to be prepared for 'em. Besides, +I've got some customers what owe me—one +man run up a bill of a quarter jest 'fore I +went on dat fresh-air racket, an' I want to collect +it. So I t'ink I'll git back to little old N' York."</p> + +<p>The boys parted from Tim with regret, for +they liked his sterling character, which shone out +through a coat of rough manners. He changed +at a junction point for a train that went direct +to the big city, and gaily waved his hand to them +as it departed. He had profited much by coming +to Hamilton Corners, for Dick had fitted him up +with some good clothes, and, at parting, had +slipped a bank bill into his hand.</p> + +<p>Mr. Hamilton was glad to see his son back, +and listened with interest to the account of the +western trip.</p> + +<p>"And so our money is gone," finished Dick.</p> + +<p>"Well, there's no use crying over spilled milk, +as the farmer's wife used to say," remarked the +millionaire, with a calmness that Dick could not +help envying. "It isn't the first time I've lost +money by unwise speculation, but it's all in the +game. I'm sorry for you, though, Dick."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page235" id="page235">235</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'm sorry for myself. It looks as if I had a +poor head for business."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you'll learn," consoled his father. "It +takes time."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and there's Uncle Ezra waiting for me," +went on Dick, as though he could see the harsh +old man outside in a carriage, waiting to carry +him off to the gloomy Firs. "When he hears of +this he'll think sure I'm doomed to go and board +with him."</p> + +<p>"The year is quite a way from being completed," +said Mr. Hamilton. "Lots of things may +happen before your next birthday."</p> + +<p>"I hope they do," said Dick, rather ruefully. +"Anyway, I have my milk stock. They didn't +send for another assessment while I was away, +did they?"</p> + +<p>"No, and I see the stock has advanced in value +a point or two."</p> + +<p>"Then I may be all right, after all. But I think +I'll be on the lookout for another investment, and +it's not going to be a gold mine, either," finished +Dick.</p> + +<p>It was about a week after this that, coming +down to breakfast one morning, Dick was met +by the butler.</p> + +<p>"There's a gentleman waiting to see you, Master +Dick," said the servant.</p> + +<p>"To see me, Gibbs? Who is it?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know, but he came very early and he<span class="pagenum"><a name="page236" id="page236">236</a></span> +says he has something to show you. He says +he wants you to help him with it."</p> + +<p>"Maybe it's another of those reporters," said +Dick. "I will see him right after breakfast."</p> + +<p>"I'd rather you see me now," interrupted a +voice, and to Dick's astonishment there walked +into the dining-room, from the library where he +had been waiting, a little man, whose hair seemed +to stick out at every point of the compass. His +clothes were rather ragged, and, as he advanced, +he kept running his hands through his hair. To +do this he had to transfer, first from one arm +to the other, a large box he carried.</p> + +<p>"I'll not take much of your time," said the little +man. "All I want is your assistance in having +a lot of these machines made. You see how this +one works," and, stooping over, he placed the +box on the floor. From it came a clicking sound, +as the little man, with his head tilted to one side, +waited with watch in hand.</p> + +<p>"It will go off in three minutes," he said.</p> + +<p>Following the startling announcement of the +little man Dick and Gibbs, the butler, seemed +paralyzed. The room was so still that the ticking +of the machine on the floor sounded like an +immense alarm clock. Then, as the seconds +passed and the stranger stood calmly looking +alternately at Dick, Gibbs, and the box, the butler, +with a sudden start back to life, exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Jump out of the window, Master Dick! I'll +attend to this lunatic!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="page237" id="page237">237</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'm not a lunatic!" shouted the little man. +"I'm Professor Messapatomia!"</p> + +<p>"Jump!" shouted Gibbs to Dick. "It isn't far +to the ground. This thing will go off in a minute!"</p> + +<p>"Half a minute," calmly corrected the stranger, +as he snapped his watch shut. At that instant +Mary, the waitress, came into the room with a +large pitcher of water. As Dick turned to flee, +for he realized that he might be courting death +to remain, should the lunatic's infernal apparatus +go off, Gibbs grabbed the pitcher.</p> + +<p>"I'll fix it!" the butler cried, throwing the +water at the ticking machine. "But jump, all the +same, Master Dick!"</p> + +<p>As Dick prepared to jump from one of the +dining-room windows, believing that, as he had +often read of such things occurring, he was +to be made the victim of a crank, the machine +gave a louder click. Professor Messapatomia, +with a sudden motion of his arm, diverted the +aim of Gibbs, and the water flew to one side +of the box. At the same moment there was a +jar, as from a heavy spring, and a shower of +white objects scattered about the room.</p> + +<p>"There!" exclaimed the professor, triumphantly, +"that's how it works! Very simple, you see, +and it scatters the bait all around. Then all you +have to do is to take your pole and line and catch +all the fish you want."</p> + +<p>"Fish!" repeated Dick, somewhat in a daze.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page238" id="page238">238</a></span> +He had expected the house to be half-blown apart, +yet the machine only scattered harmless pieces +of paper about.</p> + +<p>"Fish, of course," replied the professor, +"What did you think this was?"</p> + +<p>"Aren't you an Anarchist, and isn't that an infernal +machine?" demanded Gibbs, wiping away +some of the water he had accidentally spilled +over his head when the professor knocked up his +arm.</p> + +<p>"Anarchist? Infernal machine?" repeated +Professor Messapatomia. "Why, my dear sir, +that is my latest invention of a fish-catching device. +You see, you wind up the spring, and you +set it to go off at any hour you wish. Then you +put some finely chopped pieces of meat in this +top pan. That is the bait. Only in this case, as +I didn't want to muss up the room, I used bits +of paper. At the proper time the machine, which +you have set beside the stream where you desire +to fish, goes off. The bait is thrown all over the +surface of the water. It attracts the fish, and +when you throw in your line you have no end of +bites. It's the greatest idea of the age! It will +revolutionize fishing! It's simply marvelous!</p> + +<p>"I have just perfected the invention, but I need +money to put the machine on the market. You, +sir," turning to Dick, "are just the person to help +me. I read of your immense wealth and that you +are fond of all sports. Fishing is a sport, therefore +I came to you. All I need is ten thousand<span class="pagenum"><a name="page239" id="page239">239</a></span> +dollars and it will make both of us rich in a year. +Now, if you will kindly write me out a check for +that amount, I'll bid you good-morning, and you +can go on with your breakfast which I have interrupted."</p> + +<p>He began to pick up the scattered bits of paper, +Mary helping him, while Gibbs gazed rather +stupidly at the queer figure with the bristling hair. +Then Dick laughed.</p> + +<p>"Well, you certainly gave me a scare," he said. +"I thought you wanted to blow the place up. +But I'm sorry I can't invest ten thousand dollars +in that machine. It seems to me it would be just +as easy to stand on the shore and throw the pieces +of meat in the water by hand."</p> + +<p>"Yes, of course, you could do it that way," +admitted the professor, "but it isn't half so scientific. +However, I'll not urge you," and, picking +up his apparatus, he left the room after a low +bow to Dick.</p> + +<p>"He went away with less trouble than I expected," +remarked Dick, as he looked at the wet +place on the floor and at some of the bits of +paper that still remained. "Well, Gibbs, I admit +I was scared for a minute."</p> + +<p>"So was I, Master Dick. I shouldn't have let +him in, only you had given orders that all respectable-looking +visitors were to be treated nicely, +and I'm sure he looked respectable in spite of +his queer hair."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, he was respectable, all right. It's<span class="pagenum"><a name="page240" id="page240">240</a></span> +not your fault, Gibbs. I guess I'll have to draw +the line about callers a little closer," concluded +Dick as he sat down to breakfast.</p> + +<p>The summer passed away and fall came. Dick +returned to the academy, where he renewed his +studies. Several times he was on the point of +making another investment, but, as the stock of +the milk company went up in value, he felt that +this would answer the requirements of his mother's +will, and furnish the profit called for. So, +though he investigated many schemes that seemed +to promise well, he did not take any stock in them.</p> + +<p>It was in May of the following spring, when, +having looked at a quotation of his milk stock, +and found that it was a little higher than it had +ever been before, Dick walked down to his +father's bank to consult him about certain matters.</p> + +<p>He found Mr. Hamilton in his private office, +but the millionaire did not have a cheerful smile +on his face. Instead he looked troubled.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter, dad?" asked Dick.</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't like the way the money market +looks in New York," was the answer. "I've just +heard by telegraph that several large banks have +failed."</p> + +<p>"Does it involve you?"</p> + +<p>"To a certain extent, yes. Things look like a +panic, such as we had a few years ago. Still, it +may blow over."</p> + +<p>"I wonder if it will affect the milk company?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="page241" id="page241">241</a></span></p> + +<p>"It might. But there, Dick, don't go to worrying. +You'll have enough of that to do when you +get older. Things may turn out all right." But +the worried look did not leave Mr. Hamilton's +face, in spite of his attempt to cheer up his son.</p> + +<p>The next morning when Dick came down to +breakfast he saw his father at the table. But, +instead of eating, the millionaire was eagerly +looking at a newspaper. Dick glanced over his +father's shoulder. There, staring at him, in big +black letters, was the heading of a long article:</p> + +<h3>GREAT MONEY PANIC!</h3> + +<p>"Are things—are things in bad shape, dad?" +asked Dick.</p> + +<p>"Pretty much so," replied Mr. Hamilton, not +looking up. "It's not as bad as I feared, though, +and our bank will not suffer. However, lots of +small concerns, and some big ones, have failed."</p> + +<p>Then Dick caught sight of another part of the +paper. He could hardly believe his eyes, for, in +a prominent part of the page, was an article telling +of the failure of the big milk concern in which +he had invested.</p> + +<p>"Dad!" he exclaimed, taking hold of the paper, +and pointing to the account.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Mr. Hamilton. "I saw it. Your +investment is a failure, Dick."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page242" id="page242">242</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XXVIII</h2> + +<h3>HENRY IN TROUBLE</h3> + +<p>For a few moments father and son looked at +each other. Dick hardly knew what to say, but +the millionaire was evidently used to harder business +disappointments than the present one, for he +laughed and remarked:</p> + +<p>"Never mind, Dick. You made a good attempt, +but you failed. You have over a month yet in +which to comply with the terms of the will. In +that time you ought to be able to find some good, +paying investment. Look over the paper. There's +lots of bad financial news in it, but you may find +some good. I must hurry to the bank. This +panic will affect a number of our customers. I'm +going to be very busy for some days to come."</p> + +<p>Mr. Hamilton continued with his breakfast as +if nothing had happened, but poor Dick's appetite +vanished. He had counted so much on his +shares in the milk company paying well that he +had never thought of failure. Particularly as, +of late, they had seemingly increased in value. +But, as he learned by looking over the paper after +his father left, many older and stronger concerns<span class="pagenum"><a name="page243" id="page243">243</a></span> +than the milk company in which he was interested +had failed.</p> + +<p>"Panics are bad things," murmured Dick, +which sentiment was echoed by many another +person that day.</p> + +<p>Still Dick was not too much cast down. He +knew he was a very wealthy young man, and he +had no fear that his father's millions would be +disturbed in the general hard times that would be +sure to follow. But it hurt his pride that, with +all his wealth, he could not do as much as little +Tim Muldoon had done—start with nothing and +make money.</p> + +<p>"I'm almost ready to sell papers," mused Dick, +with a smile.</p> + +<p>However, he decided to do nothing rash. He +still had more than a month until his birthday—the +time limit for making the paying investment—and +he felt that in that period something would +occur that would enable him to fulfil the conditions +of his mother's will.</p> + +<p>"At any rate, I've got to go to school to-day," +he said to himself, as he finished what, for him, +was rather a slim breakfast. "I guess I'll come +out right in the end. In fact, I've got to if I +want to escape Uncle Ezra's clutches."</p> + +<p>As Dick was coming home from his classes +that afternoon, turning over in his mind various +plans for making a good investment—from growing +mushrooms or raising squabs to starting a +brass band or becoming proprietor of a small<span class="pagenum"><a name="page244" id="page244">244</a></span> +circus—he saw coming toward him a dilapidated +rig. He knew it could be none other than that of +Henry Darby. As the horse and wagon approached +it seemed to Dick to look, more than +ever, ready to fall apart.</p> + +<p>"Well, Henry," he remarked. "I see you're +still in business. The panic hasn't bothered you, +has it?"</p> + +<p>"Not me, so much as it has the horse and +wagon," replied Henry, with a laugh. "Don't +you think that beast's ribs are nearer caving in +than they were the last time you saw it?"</p> + +<p>"He does look thinner, for a fact," admitted +Dick.</p> + +<p>"He is," and Henry spoke with solemn earnestness. +"They were almost touching on either side +this morning, but I gave him all the hay I could +afford and that sort of spread them apart. As +for the wagon—well, I don't need any bell or +automobile horn to tell people I'm coming. It +rattles enough to be heard two blocks off."</p> + +<p>"Why don't you get a better outfit?" suggested +Dick. "I should think it would pay."</p> + +<p>"It might pay, but I couldn't. I'll have to get +along with this for a while," and Henry looked +at the odd assortment of old metal he had collected +and was taking to his storage yard.</p> + +<p>"Isn't the business paying as well as you +thought it would, Henry?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, the business is all right. The trouble is +the way the president manages it," and Henry<span class="pagenum"><a name="page245" id="page245">245</a></span> +smiled ruefully. "You remember I told you dad +had taken most of the surplus capital for one of +his schemes," and he looked inquiringly at Dick.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I remember, you said he thought there +were thousands of dollars in it."</p> + +<p>"Well, they're still there," said Henry, with +dry humor. "Dad hasn't been able to induce 'em +to come forth and nestle in his or my pockets. +That's why I haven't enough money to buy a new +horse and wagon. If I had it I could cover more +ground in a day and do more business. As for +this—this—well, I don't know what to call him. +He reminds me of a heap of old iron, sticking out +seven ways from Sunday, as the old saying is. +You see his bones stick out like so many points."</p> + +<p>"They do, for a fact," and Dick looked at the +horse, that presented more angles than he had +ever before imagined a horse possessed.</p> + +<p>"There's one consolation," went on Henry. +"He's cheap, but there's another disadvantage, +he looks it. So does the wagon. Whenever I +start away from home to collect old metal I always +tell dad not to worry if I don't get back that +night. There's no telling which will break down +first—the horse or the wagon. It's like taking a +voyage in a sailing ship, no telling when you'll +arrive.</p> + +<p>"Still," he went on, "there's one advantage. +It keeps my journeys from being monotonous. +Nothing like having a horse that may develop +spavin, ring bone or heaves on the road any min<span class="pagenum"><a name="page246" id="page246">246</a></span>ute, +or a wagon that may drop all four wheels at +once and break every spring. It keeps me from +getting lonesome."</p> + +<p>"I'm sorry to hear the old metal business is so +poor," remarked Dick. "What caused the trouble?"</p> + +<p>"Well, dad got an idea that he knew a lot about +old iron and such things. He started in to do +the buying and I was to go after the stuff, when +he had purchased it, and bring it home. He did +buy some iron scrap and a lot of old horseshoes +that I made a profit on. Then he heard of some +metal at an old factory. Someone told him it +had a lot of platinum in it. Now, platinum is +very valuable. Dad thought he had struck a bargain. +He paid a big price for the stuff. In fact, +he used up every cent I had put away in order +to get hold of that metal he thought had platinum +in it."</p> + +<p>"Didn't it?" asked Dick, as Henry stopped.</p> + +<p>"Not a bit. Someone worked off a lot of steel +and iron mixed, on poor old dad. I can't sell it +anywhere. It's a peculiar mixture of metal. +Some new company had it made for their machinery +and they busted up. I've got the stuff +back in the storage yard now. Can't get rid of it, +though I've tried all over. That's where all my +money is. So I have to begin all over again."</p> + +<p>"It's too bad," said Dick, with ready sympathy.</p> + +<p>"Yes, dad felt quite cut-up over it—for a few<span class="pagenum"><a name="page247" id="page247">247</a></span> +days. Then he thought of a new scheme. He +says it'll make our fortune if he can only work it. +But he hasn't any capital to start it, and, until I +work some up in a small way, I haven't any, +either. But there, I'm sorry I bothered you with +all my troubles. I guess you have enough of +your own. I'll pull out somehow." And calling +to the horse, that had gone to sleep, Henry managed +to arouse the animal and started off, the +wagon rattling like a load of steel girders.</p> + +<p>"Everything seems to be going wrong," murmured +Dick, as he walked toward home. "I +guess I'll have to help Henry along some more. +He deserves it. And I must do something about +my own investment. The time is getting shorter."</p> + +<p>For two weeks Dick thought over many plans, +but as fast as he made them he rejected them. +Some his father advised him against, and others, +after consideration, he decided would not give +an adequate return for money invested. He was +getting worried, for it was only a little more than +a month until his birthday, when, if he had not +complied with the provisions of the will, he must +spend a year with his Uncle Ezra. The thought +of that made him gloomy indeed.</p> + +<p>He had almost decided, one afternoon, to put +some money in a small ice-cream store, which he +heard was being started at Lake Dunkirk for the +summer excursion season.</p> + +<p>"There ought to be good money in that," reasoned +Dick. "I could get a lot of my friends to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page248" id="page248">248</a></span> +buy ice-cream there and it would help me to make +a profit. I think I'll look up the manager and +see if he'll take a partner."</p> + +<p>He was about to go out, to put his newly-formed +resolution into operation, when the maid +announced a gentleman to see him.</p> + +<p>"Who is it?" asked Dick.</p> + +<p>"He won't tell me his name. He insists on +seeing you at once."</p> + +<p>"Another crank, I suppose. I thought they +were done coming here. Well, show him in."</p> + +<p>A moment later there entered the room a little +man, with a long white beard and snow-white +hair. He had the jolliest face imaginable, and +looked just like a picture of Santa Claus.</p> + +<p>"Allow me to introduce myself," he said, with +a German accent. "I am Herr Wilhelm Doodlebrod, +und I haf de airship at der freight station. +When can I gif you an exhibition?"</p> + +<p>"Airship?" murmured Dick, in bewilderment, +While Herr Doodlebrod nodded several times and +chuckled, as if it was the best joke in the world.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page249" id="page249">249</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XXIX.</h2> + +<h3>THE FLYING MACHINE.</h3> + +<p>Dick looked closely at Herr Doodlebrod, as if +to see if the German had a bomb concealed about +him, for the millionaire's son believed the man +was another of the unfortunate persons who had +some impossible scheme he wanted aid in perfecting.</p> + +<p>"You vill like der airship, yes?" went on the +smiling, little, old man. "Ah, he is a beautiful +airship!—so strong, so graceful, und he sails +along so just like a bird!"</p> + +<p>Again he smiled, and then he laughed, as +though he had just told Dick a very funny story. +The German's good nature was catching, and +Dick also smiled.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid I don't quite understand you," the +boy said.</p> + +<p>"Ach! Dot is easy!" replied Herr Doodlebrod. +"See, listen, it is dis vay. I am de greatest inventor +of an airships vot efer vas," and he said +it as if he meant it, with child-like directness, "I +haf der ship vot all der scientists haf long been<span class="pagenum"><a name="page250" id="page250">250</a></span> +vaiting for. I haf bring him to your town und I +show you how he vorks."</p> + +<p>"But why did you bring it to me?" asked Dick.</p> + +<p>"Vhy? Because, listen," and the little man +approached closer and began whispering. "I +read about you in der papers. Iss it nod so?" +and he smiled broadly. "You are der richest +young man vot efer vos. Ach, I know!" and +he winked one eye at Dick, as though the millionaire's +son had tried to conceal something.</p> + +<p>"So, now I proceed. I hear of your great +wealth. I learn you vos a young mans. You are +bright, quick, smart. Yes, iss it not? Vell, I +invent der airships. I am a shoemaker in my city, +many miles from here. Vun day der great ideas +comes to me. I see a bat fly. Quick, I say, I +will make me a airships like der bat. He is +heavier as a bird, yet he flies. So I stop making +shoes und I make airships. Iss it not so?" and +once more the smile illuminated the kindly face.</p> + +<p>"Did you succeed?" asked Dick.</p> + +<p>"Not at first," replied the German, gravely. +"Many, many times I t'ink I fly into der air, but +I falls to der ground. Sometimes it hurts. Vunce +I breaks my leg. But dot iss noddings. Ven I +get vell I make improvements. Now I haf der +great machine vot flies; yes?"</p> + +<p>"Where is it?" asked Dick, becoming interested +in the queer little man.</p> + +<p>Then Herr Doodlebrod proceeded to explain. +He said he had heard of Dick's wealth, and, needing<span class="pagenum"><a name="page251" id="page251">251</a></span> +money to make some improvements in his +ship, he had taken it apart, shipped it to Hamilton +Corners, and followed the machine. The airship +was now at the freight station, he added, and +he was about to put it together and give a demonstration.</p> + +<p>"What for?" asked Dick.</p> + +<p>"To show you how he vorks. Den you vill +believe. You vill invest some money in it, I shall +make der improvements, get a better motor, und +ve win der government prize of ten thousand +dollars."</p> + +<p>"Government prize?" repeated Dick.</p> + +<p>The German explained at greater length. The +United States Government, in common with other +nations, recognizing the future in flying machines +for war purposes, had established a sort of competitive +test, with a substantial prize for the machine +which successfully fulfilled the conditions. +The chief ones were that the apparatus must move +through the air at a certain distance above the +ground, must carry two passengers, must be under +perfect control, and must stay up a certain +length of time. The German said his machine +answered nearly all these requirements, but that +he needed some new materials in it, and, more +than anything else, a new motor. He had used +up all his savings and had tried in vain to get +someone to help him. So, hearing of Dick, he had +decided to appeal to the millionaire's son.</p> + +<p>"It iss not so much dot I need," he went on.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page252" id="page252">252</a></span> +"If I had five hundred dollars it would be enough. +My dear young frient, I appeal to you. I do not +ask you for dot moneys. I say just invest it in +my machine und ve vill be successful und get der +ten thousand dollars. You shall haf five thousand. +Iss not dot a good investment?"</p> + +<p>A sudden idea came to Dick. An investment, +promising quick returns was just what he needed. +He had tried in vain to find one, and the time was +daily growing shorter. Here might be the very +chance he desired. But there was one important +thing. He must be sure that the airship would +fly. If it did not the prize would not be won +and he would be out five hundred dollars. Herr +Doodlebrod saw the doubt pictured on Dick's +face.</p> + +<p>"I do not ask you to take my word," he said, +gravely. "I only ask for a chance to show you. +See, I vill bring my machine here. I vill put him +togeder und I vill fly in him. Der trouble iss dot +I cannot go far enough or stay up long enough +vid der motor dot I haf. Wid a new vun I can. +I need der money for der new motor. Vill you +invest it?"</p> + +<p>"I will!" exclaimed Dick, suddenly.</p> + +<p>"Ach! Bless you, my young friend!" and +Herr Doodlebrod rushed over to the millionaire's +son and threw his arms about Dick, an embrace +somewhat difficult to escape from, so hearty +was it.</p> + +<p>"But I must first talk to my father," went on<span class="pagenum"><a name="page253" id="page253">253</a></span> +Dick, when Herr Doodlebrod's enthusiasm had +somewhat cooled down. "If the ship is a success +so far, and by investing five hundred dollars +a better one can be entered for the prize, so that +I can win part of it, I'm sure he would have no +objections."</p> + +<p>"I go for my airship," said the German. "I +bring him here und in two days he is ready to +fly."</p> + +<p>"Better not bring it here," advised Dick. +"There isn't much room to try it around the +house, and too big a crowd would gather. We'll +go off in the country somewhere. My father +owns some property about five miles from here. +It's a big level field, and I think that will be the +best place."</p> + +<p>"Der very t'ing," assented the German, and +Dick told him how to get to it. Herr Doodlebrod +hurried off to the freight station to arrange for +having his dismantled flying machine brought to +the place where the test was to be made.</p> + +<p>"This may be the very thing I've been looking +for," reasoned Dick. "Winning five thousand +dollars on an investment of five hundred is pretty +good. I guess that will fulfill the conditions of +mother's will. The question is: will it fly? But +if it doesn't at the first test I'm out nothing. And +if it flies with his present engine it surely will +with a better one. I must tell dad about it."</p> + +<p>Mr. Hamilton was not much impressed with +Herr Doodlebrod's plan. He admitted that the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page254" id="page254">254</a></span> +government had offered a prize for a successful +airship, but he thought an old shoemaker was +hardly a possible person to win it.</p> + +<p>"Scientific men have devoted many years of +study to the problem," he said, "and they have +not solved it yet. Still, of course, there's a +chance. As you say, you're out nothing if it +doesn't work the first time. But how about after +you have put the five hundred dollars in, and the +ship doesn't sail?"</p> + +<p>"If it sails with the old engine it surely ought +to with the new," declared Dick, repeating his +favorite argument.</p> + +<p>Mr. Hamilton consented that Dick might make +the investment. It was a queer one, he said, but +he agreed that if Herr Doodlebrod won the prize, +and gave Dick half, the terms of Mrs. Hamilton's +will would have been complied with.</p> + +<p>"I'll get out of going to Uncle Ezra's yet," +said the millionaire's son. "The mine failed, the +milk company failed, but the airship will beat +them all."</p> + +<p>Herr Doodlebrod was a quick worker. In less +time than Dick had believed possible he had the +parts of the machine at the place decided on for +the test. There, under the inventor's directions, +men aided him in putting it together.</p> + +<p>In shape it looked like a huge bat, and was +built on the principle of an aeroplane. At the +stern an immense rudder was turned by a small +gasolene motor, and there were several smaller<span class="pagenum"><a name="page255" id="page255">255</a></span> +rudders for directing the course of the apparatus. +There was a little car, of basket-work, amidships, +where the operator sat.</p> + +<p>It was three days before the German was satisfied +that all was in readiness for the preliminary +test that was to tell if Dick would spend five hundred +dollars on improvements. In spite of the +attempt to keep the matter quiet the news leaked +out, and a big crowd gathered to see Herr Doodlebrod +make an attempt to fly.</p> + +<p>"I do not promise so much to-day," he said, as +he saw that all was in readiness. "I vill go up, +circle about for a vile, und den I haf to come +down. My engine iss not powerful enough. But +vid der new one! Ach, den ve vill fly far und vin +der prize!"</p> + +<p>He climbed into the little basket-car. Giving +a look over the various handles and levers, and +seeing that all was clear ahead, Herr Doodlebrod +started the motor. It began to revolve rapidly, +crackling like a battery of Gatling guns.</p> + +<p>"Now I fly!" exclaimed the German, as he +threw on the clutch that operated the propeller. +The big airship trembled as the massive blades +whizzed through the air, and all eyes were fixed +on it to detect the moment when it might leave +the earth and sail aloft.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page256" id="page256">256</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XXX</h2> + +<h3>A DISASTROUS FLIGHT</h3> + +<p>"There it goes!" cried a score of voices, Dick's +among them. And, sure enough, the airship +moved. Slowly, but gathering speed, like some +ungainly creature, it rose into the air in a slanting +direction. Up and up it went, until it was +about two hundred feet above the earth. Then +Herr Doodlebrod shifted a rudder and the machine +flew along on a level keel.</p> + +<p>"Look at her go!" cried Frank Bender, for he +and all of Dick's boy chums had been invited to +the test. "Gee, but I wish I was in her!"</p> + +<p>"You'd stand on your head on one of the propeller +blades, I suppose," commented Walter +Mead.</p> + +<p>"Look, he's turning around!" exclaimed Frank, +to change the subject from his acrobatic abilities, +concerning which he was a bit sensitive.</p> + +<p>Sure enough, Herr Doodlebrod was flying +around in a circle. He seemed to be able to manage +the ship perfectly, and Dick was delighted. +He already saw the prize won with the improved +craft, and himself holder of half the money.</p> + +<p>"Look out, he's falling!" yelled Bricktop, suddenly,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page257" id="page257">257</a></span> +and the crowd of men, women, boys and +girls strained their eyes to see what was happening. +The airship was certainly coming down.</p> + +<p>"Oh, he'll be killed! Isn't it terrible!" exclaimed +Birdy Lee, who, with some of her girl +friends, had come to watch the test.</p> + +<p>"I'm going to faint!" declared Nettie Henderson, +covering her eyes with her hands.</p> + +<p>"No, he isn't falling; he's steering it down!" +declared Dick. "He's all right!"</p> + +<p>This announcement relieved the feelings of all. +Herr Doodlebrod was indeed coming down. But +he had his ship under perfect control, as shown +by the manner in which he steered it in a half +circle so as to return to the place from which he +had started. In a few minutes he allowed it to +come to a stop on the ground, in the midst of the +throng, where it alighted as gently as a bird.</p> + +<p>"Vot I tell you?" he asked of Dick, triumphantly. +"I could haf stayed longer, but my engine +he vill not stand it. Ven ve gets der new motor—den +ve two vill sail in der clouds."</p> + +<p>"I guess you'll have to excuse me from the first +trip," objected Dick, with a smile. "I want to +see it tried first."</p> + +<p>"It iss as safe as on der ground. Vait, I vill +show you. But now, are you satisfied?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Dick. "I'm willing to invest +five hundred dollars in a new motor. Then we'll +see how she works."</p> + +<p>"Und den ve vin der grand prize," announced<span class="pagenum"><a name="page258" id="page258">258</a></span> +the German. "But I haf much to do. Ven can +you spare der money?"</p> + +<p>"As soon as you want it. Perhaps you had +better come back to town with me and we can +talk it over with my father."</p> + +<p>The airship was taken to a big barn near the +scene of the test and some workmen left in charge +to guard it from the curious crowd that gathered. +Herr Doodlebrod was as calm and collected as +though flying was an every-day accomplishment +of his, but Dick was quite excited over what had +taken place. Not only did he see the conditions +of his mother's will fulfilled, but he was glad of +the opportunity of taking part in helping to solve +the problem of aerial navigation.</p> + +<p>Mr. Hamilton was informed of the test and +its success. A form of agreement was drawn up +to protect the interests of all parties, and Dick +gave Herr Doodlebrod a check for five hundred +dollars, taking a mortgage on the machine as +security, a proposition the inventor himself suggested.</p> + +<p>"Now I go to New York for der engine," he +announced.</p> + +<p>Three days later a letter arrived from the German. +He said he was having some difficulties +in getting the engine made, but expected to be +back at Hamilton Corners in a week.</p> + +<p>"You'll have to hustle, Dick, to win that prize +before the year expires," said his father, with a +smile. "Aren't you getting anxious?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="page259" id="page259">259</a></span></p> + +<p>"A little, but I guess it will all come out right. +It won't take long to install the engine once we +get it."</p> + +<p>At the end of the week the German arrived +with the engine. He was enthusiastic over it, and +declared the government prize was already his. +He had communicated with a representative of +the War Department, who promised to be on +hand when the test was made, to see if Herr Doodlebrod's +machine answered the requirements.</p> + +<p>"But haf no fears," boasted the inventor to +Dick. "It vill, und ve vill reap der reward."</p> + +<p>"I hope so," answered Dick. "I haven't much +time left."</p> + +<p>There were several delays in getting the ship +in shape for the decisive test. Herr Doodlebrod +was not satisfied with one of the rudders and +ordered a new one made. Dick urged haste, as +he had in mind the year limit fixed in his mother's +will.</p> + +<p>"Easy, easy," counseled the German. "I haf +spent fifteen years on der machine; vot iss a few +days?"</p> + +<p>"Much, to me," said Dick.</p> + +<p>"Do not vorry, my young friend," comforted +the inventor. "You shall haf made der finest investment +vot effer vos. I, Herr Doodlebrod, say +so. Dot uncle of yours shall nefer get you." +For Dick had told the German about the conditions +of the will.</p> + +<p>But, in spite of all their haste, it was some<span class="pagenum"><a name="page260" id="page260">260</a></span> +time longer ere the machine was ready for the +test. The new motor had been put in, and, +though it was not tried in the air, worked perfectly. +The propeller revolved twice as fast, and +this, the inventor said, meant twice as much speed.</p> + +<p>"To-morrow ve haf der test," announced the +German one evening, as he completed the last +change on the airship.</p> + +<p>"Will the government official be here?" asked +Dick.</p> + +<p>"He has promised. I go to bed early dot my +nerves may be in good shape. Haf no fears, I +vill fly, und fly far. Der requirements vill all be +met; I, Herr Doodlebrod, say so."</p> + +<p>True to his promise, the government expert +on aerial matters arrived at Hamilton Corners +the next day. He sought out Herr Doodlebrod +and Dick, and said he was ready to see their +machine tested. The preparations had all been +made and there was no delay.</p> + +<p>In Dick's runabout he, his father, the inventor +and the representative from the War Department, +Colonel Claflin, went out to the big field +where the airship awaited them. A large crowd +was waiting. It seemed that everyone in Hamilton +Corners, who could, by any possibility get +away from work, was there.</p> + +<p>The airship was hauled from the barn where +it had been during the night, closely guarded +against possible accidents. It looked larger than +ever as, almost at the last minute, the inventor<span class="pagenum"><a name="page261" id="page261">261</a></span> +had increased the size of some of the bat-like +wings that extended on either side.</p> + +<p>Herr Doodlebrod was the calmest person in +the big crowd. He went about looking at the +wheels, levers, rods, rudders and the propeller +as if he was merely a spectator. But his sharp +eyes did not miss anything. He detected a loose +screw in the motor and called for a tool to adjust +it. Then, having seen that the gasolene tank +was filled, and that the various handles for controlling +the machine worked smoothly, he took +his place in the basket-car, which had been enlarged.</p> + +<p>"Vould you not like to come?" he asked of +Dick. But Dick shook his head in dissent.</p> + +<p>"You come," the inventor invited Colonel +Claflin, but the government representative begged +to be excused.</p> + +<p>"I may try it with you after your first flight," +he said.</p> + +<p>As the specifications called for the carrying of +two passengers the absence of one was made up +by some bags of sand to give the necessary +weight.</p> + +<p>"Iss all clear?" asked Herr Doodlebrod.</p> + +<p>"Clear she is," replied his chief helper.</p> + +<p>"Den here I goes!" exclaimed the inventor as +he started the motor and threw in the clutch +operating the propeller.</p> + +<p>The big arms beat the air and hummed shrilly +as they whizzed around. The new motor made<span class="pagenum"><a name="page262" id="page262">262</a></span> +the frail airship tremble. There was a moment's +hesitation, as if the craft hated to leave the earth, +and then, with a little jerk, it soared aloft.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah!" yelled the crowd.</p> + +<p>"She works! She works!" cried Dick, capering +about in delight. He thought the prize already +won. Even Colonel Claflin looked pleased.</p> + +<p>Herr Doodlebrod deflected one of the rudders +and the airship went up at a sharp angle. In a +few seconds it was several hundred feet high. +Then it started to move about in a circle.</p> + +<p>"Wonderful!" murmured several.</p> + +<p>"He seems to know his business," remarked +Mr. Hamilton. "I didn't believe it would work. +I haven't much faith in airships."</p> + +<p>"Well, it has gone, so far," replied Colonel +Claflin. "But the test is not completed. Let's +watch him."</p> + +<p>In a great circle Herr Doodlebrod sent his ship +around. He turned and twisted this way and +that. Then he set off in a straight line, as called +for by the government requirements.</p> + +<p>But suddenly something happened. There was +a sharp sound, like an explosion, up on the airship. +The big propellor was seen to fly to pieces +and come fluttering down, a mass of twisted wire +and cloth.</p> + +<p>Then came another ominous sound. It was a +louder explosion, and a sheet of fire was seen to +envelop the ship.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page263" id="page263">263</a></span></p> + +<p>"His gasolene tank has gone up!" exclaimed +Colonel Claflin. "He'll be killed!"</p> + +<p>The airship seemed rent apart. The two big, +bat-like wings soared off to one side. Rudders, +wheels, levers and parts of machinery came raining +down. The bat wings settled to the earth +more slowly.</p> + +<p>"Where is the inventor?" asked Mr. Hamilton. +"Has he been blown to pieces?"</p> + +<p>"It looks so," replied the colonel. "Poor chap! +I'm afraid he didn't know so much about airships +as he thought."</p> + +<p>There came a cry from the crowd, not a cry +of horror, but of wonder. The colonel, Dick and +Mr. Hamilton looked toward where they pointed.</p> + +<p>There, falling through space from his wrecked +airship, was Herr Doodlebrod.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page264" id="page264">264</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XXXI</h2> + +<h3>GOOD NEWS—CONCLUSION</h3> + +<p>"Look! Look!" cried the crowd, again and +again.</p> + +<p>And there was no small cause for wonder; for, +though the inventor was falling to earth, he had +hold of one of the immense bat-like wings. It +acted exactly as a parachute, the air catching under +the curved surface. Thus the inventor came +down so slowly that he was not in the slightest +danger. It was a wonderful escape.</p> + +<p>No sooner had he alighted than he hurried up +to where Dick stood, his face showing the sorrow +he felt.</p> + +<p>"Vell, my young friend," said Herr Doodlebrod, +"ve haf made vun grand mistake. But I +know vat der trouble vas. I need a stronger propellor. +Ve vill make vun at vunce, und haf anodder +test."</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid it will be too late for me," remarked +Dick, ruefully.</p> + +<p>"Ach, dot iss so," assented the German. "But +neffer mind. I shall yet fly. I vill at once proceed +to build a new machine. I vill make some<span class="pagenum"><a name="page265" id="page265">265</a></span> +more shoes until I haf saved money enough, und +den I try again," and he smiled as though what +had just happened was the thing he had always +desired.</p> + +<p>The crowd gathered about the disabled airship, +which was mostly consumed by the flames +before it had reached the earth. Herr Doodlebrod +had the men save what they could, and, not +a bit discouraged, he set about packing up the +remnants to take away.</p> + +<p>"Too bad," remarked Colonel Claflin, "but such +accidents will happen. He's a cool fellow, at any +rate."</p> + +<p>Dick and his father went home together in the +runabout, the colonel declining their invitation to +pay them a visit. The German inventor went +away and that was the last seen of him.</p> + +<p>Swiftly the days passed, and in sheer desperation +Dick invested several hundred dollars in three +different schemes. But none of them paid. In +one he lost all his money and in the others he got +his money back and that was all.</p> + +<p>"It's no use!" he groaned to himself. "I guess +it takes a brighter fellow than I to make money."</p> + +<p>Mr. Hamilton did not say much, but he was +almost as anxious as his son, for he did not wish +to see Dick fail.</p> + +<p>One morning Mr. Hamilton went out with Dick +in the youth's runabout.</p> + +<p>"Well, my son, to-morrow is your birthday,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="page266" id="page266">266</a></span> +remarked the parent, after speaking of many +things in general.</p> + +<p>"I know it, dad," was the gloomy answer. And +then Dick went on: "I suppose there is no way +of getting clear of the provisions of that will?"</p> + +<p>"I know of none. Your dear departed mother's +wishes must be respected."</p> + +<p>"Oh, dear!" Dick gave a long sigh. "Well, +perhaps I can stand Uncle Ezra, but it's going +to be a—er—a stiff proposition."</p> + +<p>"I'm sorry," commented Mr. Hamilton. "But +perhaps it will be a good thing for you. Your +Uncle Ezra has excellent discipline, and he's a +good man of business."</p> + +<p>"I don't doubt that, dad."</p> + +<p>Father and son did not say much during the +ride home, as each was busy with his thoughts. +As Dick went up the steps of the Hamilton mansion +the butler met him at the door.</p> + +<p>"Your Uncle Ezra is here," he announced.</p> + +<p>"Oh, dear!" commented Dick, with a groan.</p> + +<p>"Ah, Nephew Richard," was Mr. Larabee's +greeting when Dick found him in the library. +"I've come to pay <i>you</i> a little visit, you see. I +happened to remember that to-morrow is your +birthday, and, according to the—to the provisions +of your mother's will you may be going to pay <i>me</i> +a visit. I can't say I altogether approve of that +will, still we will not discuss that now. The main +thing is, Have you made the paying investment +called for?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="page267" id="page267">267</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, I haven't, Uncle Ezra."</p> + +<p>"Hum, well, I didn't think you would. Boys +have no head for business nowadays. I knew +your money would do you little good. So you +are to come and live a year with me, eh?"</p> + +<p>"I suppose so. Yes, of course, Uncle Ezra," +and Dick tried to make his voice sound cheerful, +but it was hard work when he thought of the +gloomy house.</p> + +<p>"Well, I told Samanthy I'd bring you back +with me, and she's going to have your room all +ready. Then, too, I've arranged to send you to a +good boarding school. It is taught by a friend of +mine; a man who doesn't believe in nonsense."</p> + +<p>Dick could see, in fancy, the kind of a school +Uncle Ezra would pick out, and he could also +fancy the principal of it, a harsh, stern old man. +He sighed, but there was no help for it.</p> + +<p>"So I will take you away with me to-morrow," +went on Mr. Larabee, rubbing his hands as if delighted +at the prospect. "I shall—Gracious goodness! +What's that?" he exclaimed, jumping from +his chair, as a loud growl sounded from under +the library table. "Have you a wild animal in +here, Nephew Richard?"</p> + +<p>"I guess it's my bulldog, Grit," replied Dick. +"Here, Gibbs," calling the butler, "have Grit +taken to the stable."</p> + +<p>Grit was led away, growling out a protest.</p> + +<p>"I can't bear dogs," said Uncle Ezra. "You'll<span class="pagenum"><a name="page268" id="page268">268</a></span> +not be allowed to have one at The Firs, so you +had better get rid of this one."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I suppose I can leave Grit home," answered +Dick, with a sigh. "Can I get you something +to eat, Uncle Ezra?" he asked, trying to be +hospitable.</p> + +<p>"No, thank you, Nephew Richard. I never eat +between meals, nor do I allow it at my house. +Three times a day is enough to eat."</p> + +<p>"Maybe you would like some lemonade; it's +quite warm to-day." Dick was both hungry and +thirsty.</p> + +<p>"No, lemonade is bad for the liver, I have +heard. You may get me some plain water, if you +please."</p> + +<p>"And I've got to live a year with him," mused +Dick as he went out to get his uncle a drink. +"Why, oh why, didn't some of my investments +succeed?"</p> + +<p>Dick spent a miserable evening with his uncle. +Mr. Hamilton came home from the bank, whither +he had gone after the ride, and greeted his +brother-in-law.</p> + +<p>"Well, I guess you'll have to take Dick back +with you," said the millionaire, with an attempt +at cheerfulness.</p> + +<p>"I intend to, and when he comes back from +living with me he'll be a different lad," said Mr. +Larabee, grimly.</p> + +<p>"I guess that's true enough," thought Dick.</p> + +<p>He dreamed that night that he went to his<span class="pagenum"><a name="page269" id="page269">269</a></span> +uncle's house in an airship, and when they got +there it turned into a vault in a cemetery and he +was made a prisoner in it. He awoke with a start +to find his uncle calling to him from the hall outside +his door.</p> + +<p>"Come, Nephew Richard," said Mr. Larabee. +"It's six o'clock, and you'll have to get up early +when you're at my house. Might as well begin +now."</p> + +<p>"Oh, this is a beautiful birthday," said Dick, +with a groan, as he began to dress. "Six o'clock! +Ugh!"</p> + +<p>It was arranged that they were to take an early +train to Dankville, and, soon after breakfast, +Dick, having packed his suitcase, and arranged +to have his trunk forwarded to him at The Firs, +went to the library where his father and uncle +were waiting for him.</p> + +<p>"Well, Dick," remarked Mr. Hamilton, with a +little catch in his voice, for he hated to part with +his son, though he knew the experience might be +good for him. "I guess it's time to say good-bye."</p> + +<p>"I suppose so," replied Dick, trying to keep +back the tears, which, in spite of all he could do, +would come to his eyes.</p> + +<p>"Yes, we must be going," agreed Mr. Larabee. +"I'll write to you, Mortimer, and let you know +how Dick gets along. I have no doubt but I'll +make a fine man of him. Too much wealth is bad +for a young man. Come along, Nephew Richard."<span class="pagenum"><a name="page270" id="page270">270</a></span></p> + +<p>Dick started to leave the room. At that instant +the doorbell rang and Gibbs, answering it, came +into the library and announced:</p> + +<p>"Mr. Henry Darby and his son, to see Mr. +Dick."</p> + +<p>"I guess they have come to say good-bye," said +the millionaire's son. "Show them in, Gibbs."</p> + +<p>"Hank" Darby did not need any "showing." +He was in the library as Gibbs turned to go back +to the door.</p> + +<p>"Excuse this intrusion," he began, "but I am in +a hurry. I have a very important scheme on and +I must attend to it at once. But my son insisted +that we come and tell Mr. Dick what has happened, +he being a partner in our enterprise—The +International and Consolidated Old Metal Corporation."</p> + +<p>"Yes, Dick!" cried Henry, unable to wait for +his father to tell the news in his slow, pompous +way. "Things are in fine shape. In fact the old +metal business can now pay a dividend."</p> + +<p>"A dividend?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, you remember me telling you about a lot +of old scrap-iron and steel dad bought, thinking +it had platinum in it?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and it didn't have any in."</p> + +<p>"Merely an error in judgment," murmured Mr. +Darby. "Any business man, with large schemes +on hand, is liable to make them."</p> + +<p>"Well, while the metal didn't have any platinum +in it, it had a peculiar quality of steel. It is very<span class="pagenum"><a name="page271" id="page271">271</a></span> +valuable, and I—that is we"—turning toward his +father—"have just sold it to a large firm that +wants it to make some very fine springs with."</p> + +<p>"Yes, the deal is just completed," broke in Mr. +Darby. "My judgment in that old metal is confirmed. +I have accepted an offer of two thousand +dollars for it. Under the terms of the incorporation +papers one-half of that goes to Dick. I now +take pleasure in handing you my check for that +amount, as president of The International and +Consolidated Old Metal Corporation," and with +a grand air "Hank" handed Dick a slip of paper.</p> + +<p>"Is this mine?" asked the millionaire's son, in +some bewilderment.</p> + +<p>"It is," replied Mr. Darby. "It is part of the +return from your investment of two hundred and +fifty dollars which you put into the firm of which +I am president, you treasurer, and my son secretary +and general manager."</p> + +<p>"That is, I collect the old iron and sell it," explained +Henry, seeing that Mr. Larabee looked +puzzled. "Dick was kind enough to invest some +money with our company last year, and I am glad +I can make a return for him—or, rather, dad can, +for he bought the metal that turned out so valuable."</p> + +<p>"Then—then—" began Dick, a light slowly +breaking over him, "without intending it, I have +made a good, paying investment. A thousand +dollars for two hundred and fifty is good, isn't +it, dad?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="page272" id="page272">272</a></span></p> + +<p>"Fine, I would say," cried Mr. Hamilton, with +a smile.</p> + +<p>"And this is my birthday! The year is just +up!" went on Dick. "I—I won't have to go and +live with Uncle——"</p> + +<p>He stopped in some confusion.</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to tell me that this is a bona-fide +investment, Mortimer?" asked Mr. Larabee, +turning to his brother-in-law.</p> + +<p>"Perfectly legal and legitimate," interrupted +Mr. Darby. "Here is a copy of the incorporation +agreement."</p> + +<p>"Well," remarked Uncle Ezra, with a disappointed +air, "I suppose you have fulfilled the conditions +of your mother's will, Nephew Richard. +I congratulate you," and he shook hands rather +stiffly.</p> + +<p>"Well, who would have thought it?" gasped +Dick, hardly able to believe his good fortune. "I +never gave that investment a thought—in fact, I +never considered it an investment, Henry."</p> + +<p>"It was, all the same, and I'm glad I am able +to do you a favor, for you did me a mighty good +turn. The old metal business is in fine shape, +and I have more than I can attend to."</p> + +<p>"Yes, we must be going, I have a big scheme +on hand," put in Mr. Darby. "A very big scheme, +there are enormous possibilities in it. <i>Enormous</i>, +sir!"</p> + +<p>"If they only come out," said Henry, with a +laugh, as he and his father withdrew.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page273" id="page273">273</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, if you are not to come back with me, I +suppose I may as well be going," remarked Uncle +Ezra, after a pause. "Samanthy will be looking +for me. I'll say good-bye."</p> + +<p>He turned to go, and at that instant an ominous +growl came from under the library table.</p> + +<p>"What's that?" asked Mr. Larabee in alarm.</p> + +<p>"I—I think it's Grit," replied Dick, trying not +to laugh.</p> + +<p>"That bulldog again!" exclaimed Mr. Larabee. +"I hate dogs! I wish——"</p> + +<p>But what he wished he never said, for Grit, +seeming to know that an enemy of his master +was present, rushed from under the table, and, +with opened mouth, though he probably would +not have bitten him, rushed at Uncle Ezra.</p> + +<p>"Here, Grit!" cried Dick. "Come back here +this instant!"</p> + +<p>But, with a wild yell, Mr. Larabee ran from the +room, followed by the dog. Out through the hall +and down the steps Dick's uncle ran, the dog +growling behind him. But Gibbs captured Grit +at the front door and held him.</p> + +<p>"Grit! Aren't you ashamed of yourself?" +asked Dick, trying not to laugh. But Grit growled +in a way that seemed to say he was not in the +least ashamed.</p> + +<p>Mr. Larabee hurried off down the street, not +once looking back.</p> + +<p>"Well, that was a narrow escape," murmured +Dick. "Eh, dad?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="page274" id="page274">274</a></span></p> + +<p>"I suppose so. Still a visit to your uncle's house +might have done you good," added the millionaire, +with a twinkle in his eyes.</p> + +<p>"Now, dad," went on Dick, "I suppose that as +I have fulfilled all the conditions of the will I +may do pretty nearly as I please."</p> + +<p>"Not altogether," and the millionaire spoke +rather gravely. "It is true you will have a certain +control of your money left you by your +mother, but you remember I told you, a year ago, +there were certain other provisions of the will. +One of them is that you attend a good military +school."</p> + +<p>"A military school!" exclaimed Dick, his eyes +sparkling. "That will be fine."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but wait. The conditions are that you +attend there and become popular with the students +in spite of your wealth. In short, that you make +your own way up without the aid of your millions, +and become one of the upper classmen +through your own efforts. It is not going to be +as easy as you think, but I trust you can do it. +There is no great hurry about it. I will give you +a few months of leisure and then you must get +ready for a new life."</p> + +<p>"Oh, dad, I think it will be fine!" exclaimed +Dick; "I've always wanted to go to a military +academy!" But he little knew of what was in +store for him. Those who wish to follow the +further adventures of the young millionaire will +find them set forth in the second volume of this<span class="pagenum"><a name="page275" id="page275">275</a></span> +series, entitled "Dick Hamilton's Cadet Days; or +the Handicap of a Millionaire's Son."</p> + +<p>"Well, Grit, you certainly routed Uncle Ezra," +said Dick, as he patted the ugly head of his pet. +"I don't know as I blame you. But it's all over +now, though I had some stirring times while it +lasted." And, whistling gaily, Dick went out to +deposit in the bank his thousand-dollar check, +the profits of his one paying investment.</p> + +<h3>THE END</h3> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h2>THE DICK HAMILTON SERIES</h2> + +<h3>BY HOWARD R. GARIS</h3> + +<p class="center"><b>A NEW LINE OF CLEVER TALES FOR BOYS</b></p> + +<hr /> + +<p><b>DICK HAMILTON'S FORTUNE<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Stirring Doings of a Millionaire's Son</span></b></p> + +<p>Dick, the son of a millionaire, has a fortune left to him by his +mother. But before he can touch the bulk of this money it is stipulated +in his mother's will that he must do certain things, in order to +prove that he is worthy of possessing such a fortune. The doings +of Dick and his chums make the liveliest kind of reading.</p> + +<p><b>DICK HAMILTON'S CADET DAYS<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or The Handicap of a Millionaire's Son</span></b></p> + +<p>The hero, a very rich young man, is sent to a military academy +to make his way without the use of money. A fine picture of life +at an up-to-date military academy is given, with target shooting, +broad-sword exercise, trick riding, sham battles, and all. +Dick proves himself a hero in the best sense of the word.</p> + +<p><b>DICK HAMILTON'S STEAM YACHT<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or A Young Millionaire and the Kidnappers</span></b></p> + +<p>A series of adventures while yachting in which our hero's +wealth plays a part. Dick is marooned on an island, recovers his +yacht and foils the kidnappers. The wrong young man is spirited +away, Dick gives chase and there is a surprising rescue at sea.</p> + +<p><b>DICK HAMILTON'S AIRSHIP<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or A Young Millionaire in the Clouds</span></b></p> + +<p>This new book is just brimming over with hair-raising adventures +of Dick Hamilton in his new airship.</p> + +<p><b>DICK HAMILTON'S TOURING CAR<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Or A Young Millionaire's Race for Fortune</span></b></p> + +<p>A series of thrilling adventures. Dick and his friends see the +country in a huge touring car. Their exciting trip across the +country, how they saved a young man's fortune and other +exciting incidents are very cleverly told.</p> + +<p class="center">Price 50 cents each</p> + +<table summary="text" width="100%"> +<tr> +<td align="left"><p style="font-size: larger"><b>The Goldsmith Publishing Co.</b></p></td> +<td align="right"><p style="font-size: larger"><b>Cleveland, O.</b></p></td> +</tr> +</table> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Dick Hamilton's Fortune, by Howard R. Garis + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DICK HAMILTON'S FORTUNE *** + +***** This file should be named 32374-h.htm or 32374-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/2/3/7/32374/ + +Produced by David Edwards, Verity White and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +file was produced from images generously made available +by The Internet Archive) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +https://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at https://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit https://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + + +</pre> + +</body> +</html> diff --git a/32374-h/images/image1.jpg b/32374-h/images/image1.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..3d8bb4b --- /dev/null +++ b/32374-h/images/image1.jpg |
