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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Wait and Hope + A Plucky Boy's Luck + +Author: Horatio Alger + +Release Date: August 30, 2010 [EBook #33591] +Last Updated: January 9, 2019 + + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WAIT AND HOPE *** + + + + +Etext produced by Lynn Ratcliffe with thanks to Gail McGrew for +the loan of the book + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + +</pre> + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + WAIT AND HOPE + </h1> + <h2> + or A Plucky Boy's Luck + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + by Horatio Alger, Jr. + </h2> + <h4> + New York Book Company + </h4> + <h3> + 1909 + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> Chapter I — Ben and His Aunt </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> Chapter II — Three Situations </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> Chapter III — At Lovell's Grounds </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> Chapter IV — The Boys' Race </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> Chapter V — Ben Wins Again </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> Chapter VI — Mr. Dobson's Visit </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> Chapter VII — Ben Gets Employment </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> Chapter VIII — Deacon Sawyer's Liberality + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> Chapter IX — Mr. Manning's Proposal </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> Chapter X — Ben's Journey </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> Chapter XI — In New York </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> Chapter XII — An Adventure </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> Chapter XIII — A Curious Old Lady </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> Chapter XIV — Prof. Crane, The Phrenologist + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> Chapter XV — An Old Convert to Phrenology + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> Chapter XVI — Ben's Loss </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> Chapter XVII — The Strange Captor </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> Chapter XVIII — The Envelope </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> Chapter XIX — The Prize for Scholarship + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> Chapter XX — Before the Battle </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> Chapter XXI — Ben Wins at School </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> Chapter XXII — Sam's Revenge </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> Chapter XXIII — The Decoy Letter </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> Chapter XXIV — Ben Arrives in Boston </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> Chapter XXV — Sam Gives Himself Away </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> Chapter XXVI — Ben Finds a Boarding-Place + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> Chapter XXVII — Sam Attempts Strategy </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> Chapter XXVIII — Sam Praises Ben </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> Chapter XXIX — The Cunard Steamer </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> Chapter XXX — Sam Is Improved By Adversity + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> Chapter XXXI — Clouds in the Sky </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> Chapter XXXII — The Blow Falls </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> Chapter XXXIII — Ben Receives a Commission + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> Chapter XXXIV — Solomon Brief </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> Chapter XXXV — John Tremlett </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> Chapter XXXVI — A Surprising Discovery </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> Chapter XXXVII — The Dead Alive </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> Chapter XXXVIII — Conclusion </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter I — Ben and His Aunt + </h2> + <p> + Five o'clock sounded from the church clock, and straightway the streets of + Milltown were filled with men, women, and children issuing from the great + brick factories huddled together at one end of the town. Among these, two + boys waked in company, James Watson and Ben Bradford. They were very + nearly of an age, James having just passed his fifteenth birthday, and Ben + having nearly attained it. + </p> + <p> + Both boys looked sober. Why, will appear from their conversation. + </p> + <p> + "It's rather hard to get out of a job just now," said James. "Why couldn't + the superintendent discharge somebody else?" + </p> + <p> + "I suppose it's all right," said Ben. "We were taken on last, and we + haven't as much claim to remain as those that have been in the mill + longer." + </p> + <p> + "I don't believe there was any need of discharging anybody," complained + James. + </p> + <p> + "You know business is very dull," said Ben, who was more considerate, "and + I hear they have been losing money." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, well, they can stand it," said James. + </p> + <p> + "So can you," said Ben. "Your father is pretty well off, and you won't + suffer." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I shall have enough to eat, and so on; but I shan't have any spending + money, and I can't get a new suit, as I expected to this fall." + </p> + <p> + "I wish that was all I had to fear," said Ben; "but you know how it is + with me. I don't see how Aunt Jane is going to get along without my + earnings." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, you'll get along somehow," said James carelessly, for he did not care + enough about other people's prospects to discuss them. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I guess so," said Ben, more cheerfully. "There's no use in worrying. + Wait and Hope—that's my motto." + </p> + <p> + "You have to wait a thundering long time sometimes," said James. "Well, + good night. Come round and see me to-morrow. You'll have plenty of time." + </p> + <p> + "I don't know about that. I must look up something to do." + </p> + <p> + "I shan't. I am going to wait till the superintendent takes me on again. + There's one comfort. I can lie abed as long as I want to. I won't be tied + to the factory bell." + </p> + <p> + The house which James entered was a good-sized two-story house, with an + ample yard, and a garden behind it. His father kept a dry-goods store in + Milltown, and was generally considered well-to-do. James entered the mill, + not because he was obliged to, but because he wanted to have a supply of + money in his pocket. His father allowed him to retain all of his wages, + requiring him only to purchase his own clothes. As he was paid five + dollars a week, James was able to clothe himself with half his income, and + reserve the rest for spending-money. He was very fond of amusements, and + there was no circus, concert, or other entertainment in Milltown which he + did not patronize. + </p> + <p> + Ben kept on his way, till he reached the small house where his aunt lived, + and which had been his own home ever since his parents died, when he was + but five years of age. Two years before, Mr. Reuben Bradford, his uncle, + died, and since then the family had been supported chiefly by Ben's wages + in the mill. His aunt got some sewing to do, but her earnings were + comparatively small. + </p> + <p> + There was one thing Ben dreaded, and that was, to tell his aunt about his + loss of employment. He knew how she would take it. She was apt to be + despondent, and this news would undoubtedly depress her. As for Ben, he + was of a sanguine, cheerful temperament, and always ready to look at the + bright side, if there was any bright side at all. + </p> + <p> + His little cousin Tony, seven years old, ran out to meet him. + </p> + <p> + "What makes you late, Ben?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "I am not so very late, Tony," answered Ben, taking the little fellow's + hand. + </p> + <p> + "Yes you are; it's half-past five o'clock, and supper's been ready quarter + of an hour." + </p> + <p> + "I see how it is, Tony. You are hungry, and that has made you tired of + waiting." + </p> + <p> + "No, I am not, but I wanted you to come home. It's always pleasanter when + you are at home." + </p> + <p> + "I am glad you like my company. Good evening, Aunt Jane." + </p> + <p> + "Good evening, Ben. Sit right down at the table." + </p> + <p> + "Wait till I've washed my hands, aunt. I came home by Mr. Watson's, and + that made me a little longer. Have you heard any news?" + </p> + <p> + Ben asked this, thinking it possible that his aunt had already heard of + the discharge of some of the factory hands; but her answer satisfied him + that she had not. + </p> + <p> + "Butter's a cent higher a pound," said Mrs. Bradford. "I declare, things + seem to be going up all the time. Thirsty-five cents a pound! It really + seems sinful to ask such a price." + </p> + <p> + "I wish that wasn't the worst of it," thought Ben. + </p> + <p> + "I'm afraid even at twenty-five cents it will be hard for us to pay for + butter, if I don't get something to do soon." + </p> + <p> + "I guess I won't tell Aunt Jane till after supper," Ben decided. "After a + good cup of tea, perhaps it won't make her feel so low-spirited." + </p> + <p> + So he ate his supper, chatting merrily with his little cousin all the + time, just as if he had nothing on his mind. Even his aunt smiled from + time to time at his nonsense, catching the contagion of his cheerfulness. + </p> + <p> + "I wish you'd split a little wood for me, Ben," said Mrs. Bradford, as our + hero rose from the supper table. "I've had some ironing to do this + afternoon, and that always takes off the fuel faster." + </p> + <p> + "All right, Aunt Jane," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "I guess I'll wait till I've finished the wood before telling her," + thought Ben. "It won't be any worse than now." + </p> + <p> + Tony went into the woodshed, to keep him company, and his aunt prepared to + clear away the supper dishes. + </p> + <p> + She had scarcely commenced upon this when a knock was heard at the door. + The visitor proved to be old Mrs. Perkins, a great-aunt of James Watson, + who was an inveterate gossip. Her great delight was to carry news from one + house to another. + </p> + <p> + "How do you do, Mrs. Bradford?" she began. "I was just passin' by, and + thought I'd come in a minute." + </p> + <p> + "I am very glad to see you, Mrs. Perkins. Won't you have a cup of tea?" + </p> + <p> + "No thank you. The fact is, I've just took tea at my nephew Watson's. + There I heard the news, and I couldn't help comin' right round and + sympathizin' with you." + </p> + <p> + "Sympathizing with me! What for?" asked Mrs. Bradford, amazed. On general + principles, she felt that she stood in need of sympathy, but her visitor's + tone seemed to hint at something in particular. + </p> + <p> + "It ain't possible you haven't heard the news?" ejaculated Mrs. Perkins, + feeling that she was indeed in luck, to have it in her power to + communicate such important intelligence to one who had not heard of it. + </p> + <p> + "I hope it isn't anything about Ben," said Mrs. Bradford alarmed. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I may say it is something about Benjamin," answered Mrs. Perkins, + nodding in a tantalizing manner. + </p> + <p> + "He hasn't got into any scrape, has he? He hasn't done anything wrong, has + he?" asked Aunt Jane startled. + </p> + <p> + "No, poor child!" sighed the old lady. "That's the wust on't. It ain't + what he has done; it's because he won't have anything to do." + </p> + <p> + "For mercy's sakes, tell me what you mean, Mrs. Perkins." + </p> + <p> + "Hasn't Benjamin told you that he's lost his place at the factory?" + </p> + <p> + "Is this true, Mrs. Perkins?" asked Mrs. Bradford, turning pale. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, business is dull and fifty men and boys have been turned off. James + Watson and your Benjamin are among them." + </p> + <p> + "Ben never told me anything about it," faltered Mrs. Bradford. "Heaven + only knows what we shall do." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I guess you'll get along someway," said Mrs. Perkins, complacently. + She was not herself affected, having sufficient property to live upon. + "Well, I must be going," said the old lady, anxious to reach the next + neighbor, and report how poor Mrs. Bradford took it. "Don't you be too + much worried. The Lord will provide." + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid we shall all starve," thought Mrs. Bradford mournfully. + </p> + <p> + She opened the shed door, and said: "Ben, is it true that you've lost your + place at the mill?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, aunt," answered Ben. "Who told you?" + </p> + <p> + "Old Mrs. Perkins. Why didn't you tell me before?" + </p> + <p> + "There's no hurry about bad news, aunt." + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid we'll all have to go to the poorhouse," said Aunt Jane, + sighing. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps we may, but we'll see what else we can do first. Wait and Hope, + aunt—that's my motto." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bradford shook her heard mournfully. + </p> + <p> + "I don't mind it so much for myself," she said; "but I can't help thinking + of you and Tony." + </p> + <p> + "Tony and I are coming out all right. There's lots of ways of making + money, aunt. Just do as I do—'Wait and Hope.'" + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter II — Three Situations + </h2> + <p> + Before going further it may be as well to explain exactly how the + Bradfords were situated. To begin with, they had no rent to pay. The small + house in which they lived belonged to an old bachelor uncle of Mrs. + Bradford, living in Montreal, and all they were required to do was to pay + the taxes, which amounted to very little, not more than twelve dollars a + year. Ben had earned at the factory five dollars a week, and his aunt + averaged two. To some readers it may seem remarkable that three persons + could live and clothe themselves on seven dollars a week; but Mrs. + Bradford was a good manager, and had not found the problem a difficult + one. + </p> + <p> + Now, however, the question promised to become more difficult. If Ben found + nothing to do, the family would be reduced to two dollars a week, and to + live comfortably on that small sum might well appal the most skilful + financier. + </p> + <p> + Ben woke up early, and immediately began to consider the situation. His + motto was "Wait and Hope"; but he knew very well that he must work while + he was waiting and hoping, otherwise he would differ very little from the + hopeful Micawber, who was always waiting for something to turn up. + </p> + <p> + "Aunt Jane," he said, after a frugal breakfast, over which Mrs. Bradford + presided with an uncommonly long face, "how much money have you got on + hand? I want to know just how we stand." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bradford opened her pocketbook with a sigh, and produced two + one-dollar bills and thirty-seven cents in change. + </p> + <p> + "There's only that between us and starvation," she said mournfully. + </p> + <p> + "Well, that's something," said Ben cheerfully. "Isn't it, Tony?" + </p> + <p> + "It's a lot of money," said the inexperienced Tony. "I never had so much + in all my life." + </p> + <p> + "There, somebody thinks you are rich, Aunt Jane," laughed Ben. + </p> + <p> + "What should the poor child know of household expenses?" said Mrs. + Bradford. + </p> + <p> + "To be sure. Only we may get some money before that is used up. They owe + me at the factory for half a week—two dollars and a half. I shall + get it Saturday night. We won't starve for a week, you see." + </p> + <p> + "Where are you going, Ben?" asked Tony; "won't you stay and play with me?" + </p> + <p> + "I can't, Tony. I must go out, and see if I can find something to do." + </p> + <p> + Milltown was something more than a village. In fact, it had been + incorporated two years before as a city, having the requisite number of + inhabitants. The main street was quite city-like, being lined with stores. + </p> + <p> + "I wonder if I can't get a change in a store," thought Ben. So he made his + way to the principal street, and entered the first store he came to—a + large dry-goods store. + </p> + <p> + Entering, he addressed himself to a small, thin man, with an aquiline + nose, who seemed to have a keen scent for money. + </p> + <p> + "What can I do for you, young man?" he asked, taking Ben for a customer. + </p> + <p> + "Can you give me a place in your store?" asked Ben. + </p> + <p> + The small man's expression changed instantly. + </p> + <p> + "What do you know of the dry-goods trade?" he inquired. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing at present, but I could learn," answered our hero. + </p> + <p> + "Then, I'll make you an offer." + </p> + <p> + Ben brightened up. + </p> + <p> + "If you come into the store for nothing the first year, I'll give you two + dollars a week the second." + </p> + <p> + "Do you take me for a man of property?" asked Ben, disgusted. + </p> + <p> + The small man replied with a shrill, creaking laugh, sounding like the + grating of a rusty hinge. + </p> + <p> + "Isn't that fair?" he asked. "You didn't expect to come in as partner + first thing, did you?" + </p> + <p> + "No, but I can't work for nothing." + </p> + <p> + "Then—lemme see—I'll give you fifty cents a week for the first + year, and you can take it out in goods." + </p> + <p> + "No, thank you," answered Ben. "I couldn't afford it." + </p> + <p> + As he went out of the store, he heard another grating laugh, and the + remark: "That's the way to bluff 'em off. I offered him a place, and he + wouldn't take it." + </p> + <p> + Ben was at first indignant, but then his sense of humor got the better of + his anger, and he said to himself: "Well, I've been offered a position, + anyway, and that's something. Perhaps I shall have better luck at the next + place." + </p> + <p> + The next place happened to be a druggist's. The druggist, a tall man, with + scanty black locks, was compounding some pills behind the counter. + </p> + <p> + Ben was not bashful, and he advanced at once, and announced his business. + </p> + <p> + "Don't you want a boy?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + The druggist smiled. + </p> + <p> + "I've got three at home," he answered. "I really don't think I should like + to adopt another." + </p> + <p> + "I'm not in the market for adoption," said Ben, smiling. "I want to get + into some store to learn the business." + </p> + <p> + "Have you any particular fancy for the druggist's business?" asked the + apothecary. + </p> + <p> + "No, sir, I can't say that I have." + </p> + <p> + "I never took much, but enough to know that I don't like it." + </p> + <p> + "Then I am afraid you wouldn't do for experiment clerk." + </p> + <p> + "What's that?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, it his duty to try all the medicines, to make sure there are no wrong + ingredients in them—poison, for instance." + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid I shouldn't like that," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "You don't know till you've tried. Here's a pill now. Suppose you take + that, and tell me how you like it." + </p> + <p> + The druggist extended to Ben a nauseous-looking pill, nearly as large as a + bullet. He had made it extra large, for Ben's special case. + </p> + <p> + "No, I thank you," said Ben, with a contortion of the face; "I know I + wouldn't do for experiment clerk. Don't you need any other clerk? Couldn't + I learn to mix medicines?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, you see, there would be danger at first—to the customers, I + mean. You might poison somebody, and then I would be liable for damages. + If you will get somebody to sign a bond, forfeiting ten thousand dollars + in any such case, I might consider your application." + </p> + <p> + "I don't think I could find any such person," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Then I am afraid I can't employ you. You are quite sure you don't want to + be experiment clerk?" + </p> + <p> + "And swallow your medicines? I guess not. Good morning." + </p> + <p> + "Good morning. If you want any pills, you will know where to come." + </p> + <p> + "I would rather go where they make 'em smaller," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + Ben and the druggist both laughed, and the former left the shop. + </p> + <p> + "That's the second situation I have been offered today," soliloquized our + hero. "They were not very desirable, either one of them, to be sure, but + it shows there's an opening for me somewhere." + </p> + <p> + The next was a cigar store. + </p> + <p> + "I might as well go in," thought Ben. + </p> + <p> + A little hump-backed man was behind the counter. + </p> + <p> + "Want to hire a boy?" asked Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Are you the boy?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "What can you do?" + </p> + <p> + "I am willing to do anything." + </p> + <p> + The hunchback grinned. + </p> + <p> + "Then perhaps I can give you a situation. Will you work for three dollars + a week?" + </p> + <p> + Ben reflected. + </p> + <p> + "That will do, with strict economy," he thought, "till the factory takes + me on again." + </p> + <p> + "I'll come for a few weeks, at that rate," he said. + </p> + <p> + "But perhaps you won't like your duties," said the hunchback, grinning in + a curious manner. + </p> + <p> + "What would be my duties?" + </p> + <p> + "I should paint you red, and have you stand outside the door, as an + Indian," was the answer. + </p> + <p> + Ben didn't relish the joke. + </p> + <p> + "You'd better take that position yourself," he retorted. "Nobody'd know + the difference." + </p> + <p> + "Get out!" roared the cigar dealer angrily. + </p> + <p> + Ben left at once. + </p> + <p> + "That's the third situation I've been offered," he said: "I'd give 'em all + three for a decent one." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter III — At Lovell's Grounds + </h2> + <p> + On the way home Ben met James Watson. + </p> + <p> + "How are you, James?" he said. "What have you been doing this morning?" + </p> + <p> + James gaped. + </p> + <p> + "The fact is," he said, "I have only just got up and had my breakfast." + </p> + <p> + "I don't see how you can lie abed so late." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I can do it just as easy. I guess I was born sleepy." + </p> + <p> + "You look so," retorted Bed, with a laugh. + </p> + <p> + "What have you been doing?" inquired James lazily. + </p> + <p> + "I've been about in search of a place." + </p> + <p> + "You have!" said James, with sudden interest. "Did you find any?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I found three." + </p> + <p> + "What!" exclaimed James, in surprise. + </p> + <p> + "I was offered three places." + </p> + <p> + "Which did you take?" + </p> + <p> + "I didn't take any; I didn't like them." + </p> + <p> + "You are too particular, Ben. Just tell me where they are; I'll accept + one." + </p> + <p> + "All right!" said Ben. "I'll give you all the information you require. The + first is a dry-goods store." + </p> + <p> + "I'd like to be in a dry-goods store. What's the pay?" + </p> + <p> + "Fifty cents a week for the first year." + </p> + <p> + "Faugh!" ejaculated James, disgusted. "What's the second place?" + </p> + <p> + "Experiment clerk at the druggist's." + </p> + <p> + "Good pay?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't know." + </p> + <p> + "What are the duties?" + </p> + <p> + "To taste all the medicines, to make sure there's no poison in them. The + druggist offered me a pill, to begin with, about as large as my head." + </p> + <p> + "I wouldn't take it for a hundred dollars a week. What's the third?" + </p> + <p> + "In a cigar store. The pay is three dollars a week." + </p> + <p> + "That's better than nothing. Where is it? I guess I'll take it." + </p> + <p> + "I don't think you'll like the duties," said Ben, laughing. + </p> + <p> + "I wouldn't mind selling cigars." + </p> + <p> + "That isn't what you're wanted for. You are to be painted red, and stand + outside as an Indian." + </p> + <p> + "That's the worst yet. I don't wonder you didn't take any of those + chances. What are you going to do this afternoon?" + </p> + <p> + "Try and find some more places." + </p> + <p> + "Leave that till tomorrow. You know there's going to be a big picnic at + Lovell's Grounds, with all sorts of athletic sports. There are prizes for + wrestling, jumping, and so on." + </p> + <p> + "I would like it well enough, but I can't afford to go." + </p> + <p> + "There'll be nothing to pay. Father subscribed for two tickets, so I've + got a spare one. Come, will you go?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I will, and thank you." + </p> + <p> + "Then come round to the house as soon as you've got through dinner." + </p> + <p> + "All right! I'll come." + </p> + <p> + "I suppose you haven't found a place?" said Mrs. Bradford when Ben + entered. + </p> + <p> + "Not yet." + </p> + <p> + "I don't know what's going to become of us if you don't," said Aunt Jane + mournfully. + </p> + <p> + "Don't get discouraged so quick, aunt. I've only been looking round one + forenoon. Besides, I've been offered a place, and declined it." + </p> + <p> + "Declined it! What could you have been thinking of?" + </p> + <p> + Ben then told his aunt of the place at the druggist's. He thought he would + not mention the others. + </p> + <p> + "If you'd taken it, we might have got our medicine cheaper," said Aunt + Jane, who did not comprehend a joke, and understood the offer literally. + </p> + <p> + "I should have got mine for nothing," said Ben, laughing, "and more than I + wanted, too." + </p> + <p> + "What pay would you get?" + </p> + <p> + "I didn't ask. The first pill the druggist offered me was too much for me. + So I respectfully declined the position." + </p> + <p> + "Pills are excellent for the constitution," said Mrs. Bradford, in a + rather reproachful tone. "I never could get you to take them, Benjamin. + Some day you'll lose your life, perhaps, because you are so set against + them." + </p> + <p> + "I can't say I hanker after them, aunt," said Ben good humoredly. + "However, you see, I might have had a place, so you mustn't get + discouraged so quick." + </p> + <p> + "Will you stay at home this afternoon, Ben?" asked little Tony. + </p> + <p> + "I can't Tony; I have an engagement with James Watson. Aunt Jane, if I am + late to supper, don't be frightened." + </p> + <p> + Ben found James ready and waiting. They set out at once. + </p> + <p> + Lovell's Grounds were situated a mile and a half away; they comprised + several acres, sloping down to a pond, which was provided with pleasure + boats. The grounds were frequently hired by parties from neighboring + towns, having been fitted up especially for the enjoyment of a crowd. + To-day they were engaged by a young people's association, and the program + included, among other things, some athletic sports. + </p> + <p> + The grounds were pretty well filled when the two boys arrived. In fact, + the performance had already commenced. + </p> + <p> + "You're just in time for the fun, boys," said George Herman, a mutual + acquaintance, coming up to meet them. + </p> + <p> + "Why, what's up George?" + </p> + <p> + "There is to be a fat man's race of two hundred yards, for a prize of five + dollars." + </p> + <p> + "Who are going to enter?" + </p> + <p> + "Tom Hayden, the landlord of the Milltown House, and Jim Morrison, the + tailor. One weighs two hundred and fifty, the other two hundred and + forty-three." + </p> + <p> + "Good!" laughed Ben. "That will be fun. Where do they start from?" + </p> + <p> + "There! Don't you see that chalk-mark? And there come the men." + </p> + <p> + There was a level track laid out, extending two hundred yards, which was + used for such occasions, and this was one of the attractive features of + Lovell's Grounds. + </p> + <p> + The two men advanced to the starting-line, each accoutered for the race. + They had divested themselves of their coats, and stood in shirt-sleeves, + breathing hard already, in anticipation of the race. Their bulky forms + appeared to great advantage, and excited considerable amusement. Tom + Hayden, who was rather the heavier of the two, had encircled his waist + with a leather strap, which confined it almost as closely as a young + lady's waist. This was by advice of Frank Jones, a young fellow noted as a + runner. + </p> + <p> + "I don't think I can stand it, Frank," said Hayden, gasping for breath. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes, you can, Mr. Hayden. You'll see how it will help you." + </p> + <p> + "I can hardly breathe. You've got it too tight." + </p> + <p> + Frank Jones loosened it a little, and then turned to Morrison. + </p> + <p> + "Won't you have a girdle, too, Mr. Morrison?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "Not much. I don't want to be suffocated before I start. Have you made + your will, Hayden?" + </p> + <p> + "Not yet, I will make it after I have won the prize." + </p> + <p> + "Are you ready, gentlemen?" asked Frank Jones, who officiated as starter. + </p> + <p> + "As ready as I ever expect to be," answered Hayden, trying to draw a long + breath, and failing. + </p> + <p> + "Then, start at the word three. One! Two! Three!" + </p> + <p> + Amid shouts of applause, the two fat men started. It cannot be said they + started like arrows from the bow, but they certainly exerted themselves + uncommonly. Their faces grew red with the efforts they made, and their + colossal legs hurried over the ground as fast as could reasonably be + expected. + </p> + <p> + "I could beat them easily," said James Watson. + </p> + <p> + "Of course you could. Just wait till you've got as much to carry. Look! + there's Morrison down!" + </p> + <p> + It was true. Somehow one of Morrison's legs entangled with the other, and + he tumbled and rolled over and over. + </p> + <p> + "Go in and win, Hayden!" shouted fifty voices to his gasping competitor. + </p> + <p> + About seventy-five yards remained to be traversed. It look as if Hayden + could win the race with opposition. But he was quite out of breath. He + pressed both hands on his stomach, stopped, and deliberately sat down on + the track. + </p> + <p> + "Don't give it up!" yelled the crowd. "Keep on, and the prize is yours!" + </p> + <p> + "I can't," gasped Hayden, "and I wouldn't for five times the prize. I + don't want it." + </p> + <p> + So the prize was not awarded, but the crowd had their fun, and the two fat + competitors sat down together to rest under a tree. They did not recover + from their efforts for at least an hour. + </p> + <p> + "Is there to be a boys' race?" asked Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, the boys' race is next in order. You'd better enter." + </p> + <p> + "I will," said Ben. "What's the prize?" + </p> + <p> + "Five dollars." + </p> + <p> + Ben's eyes sparkled. + </p> + <p> + "If I could only win it," he thought, "it would be equal to a week's pay + at the factory." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter IV — The Boys' Race + </h2> + <p> + Ben felt that his chances of winning the prize were very good. Among his + schoolmates he was distinguished for his superiority in all athletic + sports. He could jump farther and run faster than any of the boys of his + age; and this was a ground of hope. On the other hand, he could not tell + how many contestants there might be. He had measured himself against the + boys of his acquaintance; but there were hundreds of other boys in the + city, and among them it was quite possible that there might be one who + surpassed him. However, Ben was always hopeful, and determined to do his + best to win. + </p> + <p> + One of the committee now came forward and announced the boys' race. The + distance was to be the same, the prize five dollars, and there was a + limitation of age. No boy over seventeen years of age was permitted to + enter. + </p> + <p> + "Are you going to compete, James?" asked Ben. + </p> + <p> + "I guess not. I don't stand any chance against you." + </p> + <p> + "I don't know about that. I might stumble or give out." + </p> + <p> + "I should like the five dollars well enough." + </p> + <p> + "Then enter your name." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I will. I may as well try." + </p> + <p> + So Ben and James were the first to enter their names. + </p> + <p> + "Are you coming in, George?" asked Ben of George Herman. + </p> + <p> + "No; I lamed myself in jumping yesterday, and am not in condition; my + brother, Frank, is going to enter. Of course he won't stand any chance, + for he is too young." + </p> + <p> + The next to put down his name was Radford Kelso. + </p> + <p> + "You can't run, Radford. You're too fat," said George Cormack. + </p> + <p> + "You're as fat as I am," retorted Radford. "I stand as much chance as + you." + </p> + <p> + Next came Arthur Clark and Frank Jones, both tall and long of limb, and + looking as if they might be dangerous rivals. Both were strangers to Ben. + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid one of those fellows will outrun me," said Ben, aside, to + James. + </p> + <p> + "They are taller, but perhaps they can't hold out as well." + </p> + <p> + "But the course is only two hundred yards," said Ben; "that is against + me." + </p> + <p> + Just then the announcement was made, on behalf of the committee, that the + distance would be increased to three hundred yards, and that there would + be a second race of a hundred and fifty yards for boys under fourteen, the + prize being two dollars and a half. + </p> + <p> + "Frank," said George Herman to his brother, "you had better wait and enter + the second race." + </p> + <p> + "I think I will and here is Charlie. He can go in, too." + </p> + <p> + Edward Kemp, Harry Jones and George Huntingdon next entered their names + for the first race. The list was about to be declared complete, when an + active, well-made youth advanced, and expressed a wish to compete. He had + just reached the grounds, and learned that a race was to be run. He gave + his name as John Miles, from Boston. + </p> + <p> + "Who is he, George? Do you know him?" asked Ben. + </p> + <p> + "I believe he is visiting some friends in Milltown." + </p> + <p> + "He looks as if he might run." + </p> + <p> + "He is well made for running. The question is, has he had any training." + </p> + <p> + "That's going to decide the matter." + </p> + <p> + "Take your places, boys!" + </p> + <p> + At the order, the contestants, whose names have already been given, took + their places in line. + </p> + <p> + John Miles glanced carelessly and rather contemptuously at his rivals. + </p> + <p> + "I'll show them how to run," he said. + </p> + <p> + "You are very kind," said Frank Jones, who stood next to him. "We never + saw anybody run, you know." + </p> + <p> + "I have practiced running in a gymnasium," said Miles pompously. + </p> + <p> + "Running is the same all the world over." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps it is; but I run on scientific principles." + </p> + <p> + Frank Jones laughed. + </p> + <p> + "You are very condescending to run with us, then." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I go in for all the fun I can get." + </p> + <p> + "I suppose you expect to win the prize?" + </p> + <p> + "Of course I do. Who is there to prevent? You don't pretend to run, do + you?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, I've always supposed I could run a little, though I have never run + in a gymnasium; but there are better runners here than I. That boy"—pointing + to Ben—"is said to be a good runner." + </p> + <p> + "He!" said John Miles contemptuously. "Why, I'm a head taller than he. + He's a mere baby." + </p> + <p> + "Well, we shall see." + </p> + <p> + Time was called, and the signal to start was given. + </p> + <p> + The boys started almost simultaneously; Arthur Clark was fastening a + girdle about his waist, and that delayed him a little. For a few rods all + the boys kept pretty well together. Then three gradually drew away from + the rest. These three were John Miles, Frank Jones, and Ben Bradford. + Arthur Clark was just behind, but his loss at the start put him at a + disadvantage. + </p> + <p> + When the race was half over, John Miles led, while, fifteen feet behind, + Ben Bradford and Frank Jones were doing their best to overtake him. John + Miles wore upon his face the complacent smile of assured victory. + </p> + <p> + At two hundred yards, Frank and Ben had partially closed the gap between + themselves and John Miles. Intent though he was on his own progress, Ben + had leisure to observe that Miles was beginning to lose ground. It seemed + clear that he was inferior to Ben in sustained power. + </p> + <p> + "There is hope for me yet," thought Ben. "I am not in the least tired. + Toward the end I will put on a spurt, and see if I can't snatch the + victory from him." + </p> + <p> + "Go in and win!" exclaimed Frank Jones. "You're got more wind than I. + Don't let a stranger carry off the prize." + </p> + <p> + "Not if I can help it," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + He was now but four feet behind John, and there were fifty yards to be + run. + </p> + <p> + For the first time, John Miles became apprehensive. He turned his head + sufficiently to see that the boy whom he had considered beneath his notice + was almost at his heels. + </p> + <p> + "I can't let a baby like that beat me," he said to himself, and he tried + to increase the distance by a spurt. He gained a temporary advantage, but + lost more in the end, for the attempt exhausted his strength, and + compelled him to slacken his speed farther on. + </p> + <p> + Twenty yards from the goal the two rivals were neck and neck. + </p> + <p> + "Now for my spurt!" said Ben to himself. + </p> + <p> + He gathered himself up, and darted forward with all the strength that was + in him. He gained six feet upon his rival, which the latter tried in vain + to make up. + </p> + <p> + The excitement was intense. Popular sympathy was with Ben. He was known to + be a Milltown boy, while John Miles was a stranger. + </p> + <p> + "Put on steam, Milltown!" shouted the crowd. + </p> + <p> + "Hurrah for Boston!" called out two personal friends of John Miles. + </p> + <p> + Ben crossed the line seven feet in advance of John, amid shouts of + applause. + </p> + <p> + Frank Jones came in an easy third, and Arthur Clark ranked fourth. + </p> + <p> + "I congratulate you," said Frank to Ben, who stood, flushed and pleased, + at the goal. "You've won the prize fairly." + </p> + <p> + John Miles stood by, mortified and sullen. + </p> + <p> + "Better luck next time!" said Frank Jones. "You see we know a little about + running." + </p> + <p> + "I should have won easily enough if I hadn't had a sudden attack of + cramp," said John grumbling. + </p> + <p> + "You didn't run as if you had the cramp." + </p> + <p> + "You say so, because you don't know how fast I can run. I didn't run at + all this morning." + </p> + <p> + "That's unlucky. I wanted to see some real running." + </p> + <p> + "I should like to run the race over again," said John. + </p> + <p> + "Of course, you can't for the prize has been won." + </p> + <p> + "I don't care about the prize. I've got money enough." + </p> + <p> + "I haven't," said Ben; "I care more for the money than the victory." + </p> + <p> + "Look here!" said John. "I'll put up five dollars myself, if you'll run + with me again." + </p> + <p> + "You will?" exclaimed Ben, his eyes sparkling. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I will." + </p> + <p> + "And you won't ask me to put up anything?" + </p> + <p> + "No." + </p> + <p> + "Then I'll run if the committee will let me." + </p> + <p> + A ready permission was obtained from the committee; but it was stipulated + that the younger boys should have their race first. To this both + contestants readily agreed, since it would give them a chance to recover + from the fatigue of the race they had just engaged in. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter V — Ben Wins Again + </h2> + <p> + "I am very glad you won," said Frank Jones, in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you; so am I," answered Ben, smiling. + </p> + <p> + "Of course I should have preferred to win myself," continued Frank + candidly; "but, as I saw that it lay between you and John Miles, I sided + with you." + </p> + <p> + "Do you know Miles?" + </p> + <p> + "No, but I spoke with him just as the race began. I saw that he felt sure + of winning. He boasted that he had practiced running at a gymnasium in + Boston." + </p> + <p> + "Then I wonder he didn't beat me." + </p> + <p> + "He would on a short race; but your wind is better." + </p> + <p> + "I am glad to win, for the sake of the money," said Ben. "I have lost my + place at the factory, and my aunt depends on my earnings." + </p> + <p> + "Then I am glad for you," said Frank. "I didn't need the money myself. If + I had won, I would have given it to you, knowing your circumstances." + </p> + <p> + "You are very kind," said Ben gratefully. + </p> + <p> + "You may win another five dollars. I hope you will." + </p> + <p> + "It will be rather hard on John Miles to lose two races and his money, + too." + </p> + <p> + "You needn't consider that. If I judge him rightly, he has self-conceit + enough to carry him through a dozen defeats. He will have some excuse + ready, you may be sure. He says he lost the first race by a sudden cramp. + He has not more cramp than I." + </p> + <p> + "There are little boys in line," said Ben. "I recognize Frank and Charlie + Herman. Do you know the others?" + </p> + <p> + "I know nearly all. Next to Charlie Herman are Aleck Gale, Johnny Clarke, + little Vanderhoef, Brooks Gulager, and Charlie Boyd. The end boy is + Charlie Snedeker." + </p> + <p> + "Who will win?" + </p> + <p> + "One of the Hermans, probably." + </p> + <p> + The prediction proved correct. + </p> + <p> + Charles Herman can in first, leading his brother by a few feet. + </p> + <p> + "You ought to divide the prize with me, Charlie," said Frank. "I didn't + like to beat my older brother, or I would have run ahead of you." + </p> + <p> + "You didn't seem to hold back much," said Charlie. "However, I will be + generous and give you a dollar. It will be all in the family." + </p> + <p> + Proclamation was now made that a supplementary race would be run, for a + prize of five dollars, offered by John Miles, the contestants being John + Miles and Ben Bradford. The distance by request of Miles, was diminished + to two hundred yards. John was shrewd enough to see that the shorter + distance was more favorable to himself. Defeat had not diminished his good + opinion of himself, not increased his respect for Ben. + </p> + <p> + "You gained the race by an accident," he said to Ben, as they stood side + by side, waiting for the signal. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps I did," replied Ben good-humoredly; "all I can say is that it was + a lucky accident for me." + </p> + <p> + "Of course it was. You don't think you can run as fast as I can?" + </p> + <p> + "I can't tell yet. I will do my best." + </p> + <p> + "You will have to. I have practiced running in a Boston gymnasium." + </p> + <p> + "Then you have the advantage of me." + </p> + <p> + "Of course I have. Besides, I am taller than you." + </p> + <p> + "For all that, I mean to win your five dollars if I can." + </p> + <p> + "My money is safe enough. I don't concern myself about that." + </p> + <p> + "He has a tolerably comfortable opinion of himself," thought Ben; "I begin + to want to beat him for something else than the money." + </p> + <p> + The signal was given, and the boys started. + </p> + <p> + As in the first race, John Miles soon took the lead. He was nearly three + inches taller than Ben. Naturally, his legs were longer, and this was an + advantage. Again he put forth all his strength at once; Ben, on the other + hand, reserved his strength for the close of the contest. When the race + was half over, John Miles was probably twenty feet in advance. + </p> + <p> + "Boston, will win this time," said Arthur Clark. "See how much Miles + leads." + </p> + <p> + "I am not so sure of that," said George Herman. "I know Ben Bradford. He + is very strong, and can hold out well. Miles is using himself up. Do you + see how he is panting?" + </p> + <p> + This was true. In spite of all his training, John Miles had never been + able to overcome a shortness of breath which was constitutional with him. + It was telling upon him now. + </p> + <p> + Foot by foot Ben gained upon him. It was the first race over again. Toward + the finish he overtook him, and a final spurt won the race—with John + Miles full ten feet behind. + </p> + <p> + "Have I won fairly?" asked our her, turning to John. + </p> + <p> + "That confounded cramp caught me again," said John sullenly. "If it hadn't + been for that, you couldn't have beaten me." + </p> + <p> + "That was unlucky for you." + </p> + <p> + "I could beat you by twenty-five yards if I felt all right." + </p> + <p> + "Boasting is easy," thought Ben, but he did not say it. He felt in too + good humor over his second victory. + </p> + <p> + "We may have a chance to run again some time when you are in better + condition," he said cheerfully. + </p> + <p> + "Maybe so," answered John dubiously. He felt that he had had enough of + running against Ben. + </p> + <p> + Ben's acquaintances gathered about him, and congratulated him over his + double victory. Boys whom he did not know sought an introduction, and he + found himself quite a lion. + </p> + <p> + John Miles returned to the two boys who had accompanied him, and began to + apologize for his want of success. + </p> + <p> + "I was awfully unlucky," he said. "I suppose that fellow thinks, because + he has beaten me twice when I had the cramp, that he is a better runner + than I am. Just see those fellows crowding around him! I suppose he will + strut like a turkey-cock." + </p> + <p> + But this was doing injustice to Ben. He certainly had reason to feel + pleased with his success; for it not only brought him a sum equal to two + weeks' wages at the factory, but he received the congratulations of the + boys so modestly that he won the good opinion of many who had hitherto + been strangers to him. + </p> + <p> + "By George, Ben, you've done well," said James Watson. "I just wish I were + in your place." + </p> + <p> + "I owe my good luck to you, James." + </p> + <p> + "How is that?" + </p> + <p> + "You invited me to come here. I shouldn't have come but for you." + </p> + <p> + "I am glad of it, Ben. From what you tell me, the money'll come in handy." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed it will, James." + </p> + <p> + "It would come in handy to me, too, but you need it more." + </p> + <p> + Ben was summoned before the committee of the picnic, and asked whether he + preferred to take his prizes in money or in the form of a gold medal. + </p> + <p> + "In money," he said promptly. + </p> + <p> + "The medal would always remind you of your victory." + </p> + <p> + "They wouldn't receive it at a grocery store," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Then you are a family man?" said a member of the committee, smiling. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Ben; "I've got an aunt and cousin to provide for." + </p> + <p> + The money was accordingly placed in his hands. Two five-dollar greenbacks + were a rich reward for his afternoon's exertions, he thought. + </p> + <p> + "I wish I could earn as much money every day," he thought. + </p> + <p> + "We would have no trouble then about getting along." + </p> + <p> + About half-past four o'clock, Ben and James left the picnic grounds, and + started on their way home. They had occasion to pass the cigar store where + Ben had been offered employment. The proprietor was standing at the door. + </p> + <p> + "Have you made up your mind to accept my offer?" he asked recognizing Ben. + </p> + <p> + "You don't offer enough," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Isn't three dollars a week enough for a boy like you?" + </p> + <p> + "Since I last saw you I've earned ten dollars," answered Ben. + </p> + <p> + "You have!" exclaimed the cigar dealer, in surprise. "I believe you are + deceiving me. You don't expect me to believe a story like that." + </p> + <p> + "There is the proof," said Ben, displaying the greenbacks. + </p> + <p> + "Are you sure you haven't stolen the money?" asked the dwarf suspiciously. + </p> + <p> + "I am as sure as that you are no gentleman," retorted Ben, nettled by his + tone. + </p> + <p> + The cigar dealer began to jump up and down with rage, and shook his fist + violently at the two boys, who retired laughing. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VI — Mr. Dobson's Visit + </h2> + <p> + It was a little after five o'clock when Ben entered his humble home. He + was in excellent spirits, as may be imagined. His aunt's face, however, + presented a decided contrast to his own. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Benjamin," she said, with a sigh, "I suppose you haven't found + anything to do." + </p> + <p> + "No, Aunt Jane, I have been to a picnic." + </p> + <p> + "I don't see how you can have the spirits to go to a picnic when we are on + the verge of starvation," said Mrs. Bradford reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + "Not so bad as that, Aunt Jane; we won't starve this week, anyway." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps not; but I look forward to the future." + </p> + <p> + "So do I, Aunt Jane," Ben replied; "but there is this difference between + us. You look forward with discouragement, while I look forward hopefully. + You know my motto is, Wait and Hope!" + </p> + <p> + "You'll have plenty of waiting to do," his aunt retorted; "but there isn't + much to hope for." + </p> + <p> + "Why isn't there?" + </p> + <p> + "I shouldn't think you'd need to be told. You haven't earned a cent + to-day, and——" + </p> + <p> + "How do you know I haven't?" demanded Ben, smiling. + </p> + <p> + "How could you? You were going about this morning after a place, and this + afternoon you have been at a picnic." + </p> + <p> + "For all that, aunt, I have earned something—more than if I had been + at the factory." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bradford stared at Ben in astonishment. + </p> + <p> + "How much did you earn, Ben?" asked Tony. + </p> + <p> + "Haven't I done well enough to earn a dollar, Tony?" + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bradford's face assumed a more cheerful look, for a dollar in that + little household would go far. + </p> + <p> + "I don't see how you found time to earn so much, Benjamin," she said. + </p> + <p> + "Now, just suppose, aunt, that I earned two dollars," said Ben, with a + merry twinkle in his eyes. + </p> + <p> + This was too much for his aunt to believe. + </p> + <p> + "If supposing would make it so, I should be very glad to suppose; but it + won't." + </p> + <p> + "But it's true, aunt." + </p> + <p> + "I can't believe it, Benjamin, unless you've found the money somewhere, + and then you will have to return it." + </p> + <p> + "No, I earned it, Aunt Jane, and it's mine fairly." + </p> + <p> + "I am glad to hear it, Benjamin. Is there any chance to earn any more the + same way?" + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid not, Aunt Jane. However, I've done even better than I told + you. I've earned ten dollars this afternoon." + </p> + <p> + "Benjamin Bradford!" said his aunt sharply. "Do you expect me to believe + such a foolish story as that?" + </p> + <p> + Ben laughed, He was not surprised at his aunt's incredulity; he wouldn't + have believed that morning that there was any chance of his making so much + money. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know as I blame you, Aunt Jane; but if you won't believe me, + perhaps you'll believe your own eyes," answered Ben, as he drew forth the + two five-dollar bills from his pocket, and showed them to Mrs. Bradford. + </p> + <p> + "Are they good?" she asked suspiciously. + </p> + <p> + "As good as gold, Aunt Jane; well, not exactly as good as gold, but as + good as greenbacks, anyway." + </p> + <p> + "I can't understand it at all," said Mrs. Bradford, in helpless + bewilderment. + </p> + <p> + "Then I'll tell you all about it," said Ben; and he did so. + </p> + <p> + "I shall have a high opinion of my legs from this time," he concluded, + "for they have earned ten dollars in quicker time than my hands can earn + twenty-five cents." + </p> + <p> + Even his aunt, in spite of her despondent mood, could not help being + cheerful over such good fortune as that. + </p> + <p> + "You see, Aunt Jane, that even if I don't earn anything for the next two + weeks, we shall be as well off as if I had been working at the factory all + the time. So don't worry any more till that time has passed." + </p> + <p> + "You certainly have been very fortunate, Benjamin," Mrs. Bradford was + forced to admit. + </p> + <p> + A copious rain is very apt to be followed by a protracted drought, and I + am sorry to say that this was the case with Ben's luck. Day after day he + went about Milltown, seeking for employment, and night after night he + returned home disappointed and empty-handed. If it had depended only on + himself, his courage would still have kept up; but his aunt's dismal + forebodings affected his spirits. He did not find it quite so easy to wait + and hope as he anticipated. + </p> + <p> + Three weeks passed, and Ben was painfully sensible that there was but a + dollar in the house. + </p> + <p> + They had just risen from the dinner table on the day when their fortunes + were at so low an ebb, when a knock was heard at the door. A man of about + thirty-five, Mr. Jotham Dobson, was admitted. Mr. Dobson was a man with a + brisk, business-like air. + </p> + <p> + "Won't you come in, Mr. Dobson?" asked Ben, who had answered the knock. + </p> + <p> + "Is your aunt at home?" inquired Mr. Dobson bruskly. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Then, I'll step in a minute, as I want to see her on business." + </p> + <p> + "What business can he possibly have?" thought Ben. "I wish his business + lay with me, and that he wanted to employ me." + </p> + <p> + "Good morning, Mrs. Bradford," said Dobson rapidly. "No, thank you, I + really haven't the time to sit down; I have a little business with you, + that's all." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps he wants to get me to do some sewing," thought Mrs. Bradford; but + she was doomed to be disagreeably disappointed. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps you are not aware of it," said Mr. Dobson, "but I am the city + collector of taxes. I've got your tax bill made out. Let me see—here + it is. Will it be convenient for you to pay it to-day?" + </p> + <p> + "How much is it?" faltered Mrs. Bradford. + </p> + <p> + "Eleven dollars and eighty cents, precisely," answered the collector. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bradford looked so doleful that Ben felt called upon to reply. + </p> + <p> + "We can't pay it this morning, Mr. Dobson," he said. + </p> + <p> + "Really, you had better make the effort," said Dobson. "You are aware that + the tax is now due, and that one per cent a month will be added for + default. That's twelve per cent, a year—pretty heavy." + </p> + <p> + "What shall we do, Benjamin?" asked his aunt, in a crushed tone. + </p> + <p> + "Wait and hope, Aunt Jane." + </p> + <p> + "My friends," said Mr. Dobson persuasively, "I really think you'd better + make the effort to pay now, and so avoid the heavy interest." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps," said Ben, "you'll tell us how to pay without money?" + </p> + <p> + "You might borrow it." + </p> + <p> + "All right! I am willing. Mr. Dobson will you be kind enough to lend us + twelve dollars to meet this bill?" + </p> + <p> + Mr. Dobson's face changed. It always did when any one proposed to borrow + money of him, for he was what people called a "close" man. + </p> + <p> + "I really couldn't do it," he answered. "Money's very scarce with me—particularly + scarce. It's all I can do to pay my own taxes." + </p> + <p> + Ben smiled to himself, for he knew how the application would be answered. + </p> + <p> + "Then of course we can't pay at present," he said. "We've tried to borrow, + and can't." + </p> + <p> + "I didn't expect you'd try to borrow of me—the tax collector," said + Dobson; "even if I had the money, it would be very unprofessional of me to + lend you the money." + </p> + <p> + "It would be very unprofessional of us to pay you without money," returned + Ben. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose I must call again," said the collector, disappointed. + </p> + <p> + He was disappointed less for the city than for his own account, for he + received a percentage on taxes collected. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose you must." + </p> + <p> + "Benjamin, this is awful," said Mrs. Bradford piteously, after Mr. Dobson + had retired. "What is going to become of us? The city will sell the house + for taxes." + </p> + <p> + "They'll wait a year first, at any rate, Aunt Jane; so we won't fret about + it yet. There are other things more pressing." + </p> + <p> + "If we don't get some money within a day or two, we must starve, + Benjamin." + </p> + <p> + "Something may turn up this afternoon, Aunt Jane. Wait and hope!" + </p> + <p> + Ben put on his hat and went out. In spite of his cheerful answer, he felt + rather sober himself. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VII — Ben Gets Employment + </h2> + <p> + When Ben got out into the street, he set himself to consider where he + could apply for employment. As far as he knew, he had inquired at every + store in Milltown if a boy was wanted, only to be answered in the + negative, sometimes kindly, other times roughly. At the factory, too, he + had ascertained that there was no immediate prospect of his being taken on + again. + </p> + <p> + "It's a hard case," thought Ben, "when a fellow wants to work, and needs + the money, and can find no opening anywhere." + </p> + <p> + It was a hard case; but Ben was by no means the only one so situated. It + may be said of him, at all events, that he deserved to succeed, for he + left no stone unturned to procure employment. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps," he thought, "I can get a small job to do somewhere. It would be + better to earn a trifle than to be idle." + </p> + <p> + As this thought passed through Ben's mind, he glanced into Deacon Sawyer's + yard. The deacon was a near neighbor of his mother, and was reputed rich, + though he lived in an old-fashioned house, furnished in the plain manner + of forty years back. It was said that probably not fifty dollars' worth of + furniture had come into the house since the deacon's marriage, + two-and-forty years previous. Perhaps his tastes were plain; but the + uncharitable said that he was too fond of his money to part with it. + </p> + <p> + A couple of loads of wood were just being deposited in the deacon's yard. + They were brought by a tenant of his, who paid a part of his rent in that + way. + </p> + <p> + When Ben saw the wood, a bright thought came to him. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps I can get a chance to saw and split that wood," he said to + himself. "The deacon doesn't keep a man, and he is too old to do it + himself." + </p> + <p> + As Ben did not mean to let any chance slip, he instantly entered the yard + by the gate, and, walking up to the front door, rang the bell. The bell + had only been in place for a year. The deacon had been contented with the + old fashioned knocker, and had reluctantly consented to the innovation of + a bell, and he still spoke of it as a new-fangled nonsense. + </p> + <p> + Nancy Sawyer, an old-maid daughter of the deacon, answered the bell. + </p> + <p> + "Good morning, ma'am," said Ben politely. + </p> + <p> + "Good morning, Ben," the deacon's daughter responded. "How's your aunt + to-day?" + </p> + <p> + "Pretty well, thank you." + </p> + <p> + "Will you come in?" + </p> + <p> + "I called on business," said Ben. "Don't you want that wood sawed and + split?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I suppose it ought to be," said Nancy. "Do you want to do it?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said our hero. "I'm out of work and ready to do anything I can find + to do." + </p> + <p> + "Are you used to sawing and splitting wood?" inquired Nancy cautiously. + "We had a boy once who broke our saw, because he didn't understand how to + use it." + </p> + <p> + "You needn't be afraid of my meeting with such an accident," said Ben + confidently. "I saw and split all our wood at home, and have ever since I + was twelve years old." + </p> + <p> + "Come in and speak to father," said Nancy; "I guess he'll be willing to + hire you." + </p> + <p> + She led the way into a very plain sitting room, covered with a rag carpet, + where the deacon sat in a rocking chair, reading an agricultural paper—the + only one he subscribed to. His daughter, whose literary tastes were less + limited, had tried to get him to subscribe for a magazine, but he + declined, partly on account of the expense, and partly because of the + pictures of fashionably dressed ladies, and he feared his daughter would + become extravagant in dress. + </p> + <p> + Deacon Sawyer looked up as Ben entered the room. + </p> + <p> + "It's Ben Bradford, father," said Nancy, for her father's vision was + impaired. + </p> + <p> + "He ain't come to borrow anything, has he, Nancy?" asked the old man. + </p> + <p> + "No, he wants you to employ him to saw and split your wood." + </p> + <p> + "Don't you know I'm a sawyer myself?" said the deacon, chuckling over a + familiar joke. + </p> + <p> + Ben laughed, feeling that it was his policy to encourage what feeble + glimmering of wit the deacon might indulge in. + </p> + <p> + "That's your joke, father," said Nancy. "You'll have to get the wood sawed + and split, and you might as well employ Ben." + </p> + <p> + "I thought you was in the factory, Benjamin," said the old man. + </p> + <p> + "So I was, but they cut down the number of hands some weeks ago, and I had + to leave among others." + </p> + <p> + "How do you make a livin', then?" inquired the deacon bluntly. + </p> + <p> + "We've got along somehow," said Ben; "but if I don't get work soon, I + don't know what we shall do." + </p> + <p> + "Nancy," said the deacon, "seems to me I can saw the wood myself. It will + save money." + </p> + <p> + "No, you can't father," said Nancy decidedly. "You are too old for that + kind of work, and you can afford to have it done." + </p> + <p> + "You are a sensible woman, even if you are homely," thought Ben, though + for obvious reasons he did not say it. + </p> + <p> + "I dunno about that, Nancy," said her father. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I do," said Nancy peremptorily. + </p> + <p> + The fact is, that she had a will of her own, and ruled the deacon in many + things, but, it must be admitted, judiciously, and with an eye to his + welfare. + </p> + <p> + "How much will you charge, Benjamin," the deacon asked, "for sawing and + splitting the whole lot." + </p> + <p> + "How much is there of it?" asked Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Two cords." + </p> + <p> + "I don't know how much I ought to charge, Deacon Sawyer. I am willing to + go ahead and do it, and leave you to pay me what you think right." + </p> + <p> + "That's right," said the deacon in a tone of satisfaction. "You may go + ahead and do it, and I'll do the right thing by you." + </p> + <p> + "All right," said Ben cheerfully. "I'll go right to work." + </p> + <p> + I am obliged to say that in this agreement Ben was unbusiness-like. There + are some men with whom it will answer to make such contracts, but it is + generally wiser to have a definite understanding. For the lack of this, + disputes often arise, and mean men will take advantage when so fair an + opportunity is afforded them. + </p> + <p> + After Ben left the room, Nancy, who was sensible and practical, and by no + means niggardly as her father, said to him; "You ought to have named your + terms, Ben. Then you would know just what you are earning." + </p> + <p> + "I was afraid I might ask too much, and lose the job." + </p> + <p> + "Now you may get too little." + </p> + <p> + "Even if I do, I would rather be at work than be doing nothing." + </p> + <p> + "That's the right way to feel," said Nancy, approvingly. "I like to see a + boy at your age industrious. As to the terms, I will try to make my father + do you justice." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, ma'am. Can you tell me where you keep the saw and ax?" + </p> + <p> + "You will find them in the woodshed, in the L part." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you." + </p> + <p> + "How long do you expect the job will take you?" + </p> + <p> + "I should think two or three days; but I have never undertaken such a + large job of any kind before." + </p> + <p> + "Very well. I didn't speak of it because there is any hurry about it." + </p> + <p> + "You may not be in a hurry, but I am," thought Ben, "for I want the + money." + </p> + <p> + Ben tackled the wood-pile vigorously. It was not a kind of work he was + partial to; but he was sensible enough to know that he must accept what + work came in his way without regard to his own preferences. + </p> + <p> + He had been at work about an hour when he heard his name called from the + street. Looking up, he recognized James Watson. + </p> + <p> + "Is that you, Ben?" asked James, in some astonishment. + </p> + <p> + "It is supposed to be. Don't I look natural?" asked Ben, smiling. + </p> + <p> + "What are you doing?" + </p> + <p> + "Don't you see? I am sawing wood." + </p> + <p> + "You don't mean you go around from house to house sawing wood?" + </p> + <p> + "Why not?" + </p> + <p> + "I should think you would be too proud to do it." + </p> + <p> + "I am not too proud to do any honest work that will put money in my + pocket. Isn't it as respectable as working in the factory?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly not. I am willing to work in the factory, but I wouldn't go + round sawing wood." + </p> + <p> + "You can afford to be proud, James, but I can't. We are almost out of + money, and I must do something." + </p> + <p> + "I don't believe the deacon will give you much of anything. He hasn't the + reputation of being very generous." + </p> + <p> + "I must take my chance at that." + </p> + <p> + "I am sorry for it. I wanted you to go fishing with me this afternoon." + </p> + <p> + "I should like to go, James, but business before pleasure, they say." + </p> + <p> + "Ben has not pride," thought James, as he went away, disappointed. + </p> + <p> + But he was mistaken. Ben was proud in his way, but he was not too proud to + do honest work. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VIII — Deacon Sawyer's Liberality + </h2> + <p> + About four o'clock on the afternoon of the third day, Ben completed his + job. Not only had he sawed and split the wood, but carried it into the + woodshed and piled it up neatly, all ready for use. He surveyed his work + not without complacency. + </p> + <p> + "The deacon can't find fault with that job," he said to himself. "He ought + to pay me a good price." + </p> + <p> + The shed opened out of the kitchen. Ben rubbed his feet carefully on the + mat, knowing that housekeepers had a prejudice against mud or dust, and, + ascending a couple of steps, entered the kitchen. Miss Nancy was there, + superintending her "help." + </p> + <p> + "Well, Miss Nancy," said Ben, "I've finished the wood." + </p> + <p> + "Have you piled it up in the woodshed?" asked the lady. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. Won't you come and look at it?" + </p> + <p> + Nancy Sawyer stepped into the shed, and surveyed the wood approvingly. + </p> + <p> + "You've done well," she said. "And now I suppose you want your money." + </p> + <p> + "It would be convenient," admitted Ben. + </p> + <p> + "You'll have to see father about that," said Nancy. + </p> + <p> + "Can I see him now?" asked Ben, a little anxiously, for he knew that his + aunt's stock of money had dwindled to ten cents. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; you may go right into the sitting-room." + </p> + <p> + This room was connected by a door with the kitchen. + </p> + <p> + "Wait a minute," said Nancy; and she looked at Ben in rather an + embarrassed way. + </p> + <p> + Ben paused with his hand on the latch, waiting to hear what Miss Nancy had + to say. + </p> + <p> + "My father is very careful with his money," she said. "He may not realize + how much work there has been in sawing and splitting the wood. He may not + pay you what it is worth." + </p> + <p> + Ben looked serious, for he knew that he needed all he had earned. + </p> + <p> + "What shall I do if he doesn't?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "I don't want you to dispute about it. Take what he gives you, and then + come to me. I will make up what is lacking in one way or another." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, Miss Nancy. You are very kind," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know about that," said Nancy. "I don't pretend to be very + benevolent; but I want to be just, and in my opinion that is a good deal + better. Now you may go in." + </p> + <p> + Ben lifted the latch, and entered the sitting-room. He found that the + deacon was not alone. A gentleman, of perhaps thirty-five, was with him. + </p> + <p> + "I hope I am not intruding," said Ben politely, "but I have finished with + the wood." + </p> + <p> + Though Deacon Sawyer was a very "close" man, he was always prompt in his + payments. So much must be said to his credit. He never thought, therefore, + of putting Ben off. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose you want to be paid, Benjamin?" he said. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir, I should like it, if convenient to you." + </p> + <p> + "Lemme see, Benjamin, how long has it taken you?" + </p> + <p> + "Two days and a half, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Not quite. It's only four o'clock now. Have you just go through?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir." + </p> + <p> + "We didn't make no bargain, did we?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir, I left it to you." + </p> + <p> + "Quite right. So you did. Now, Benjamin," continued the deacon, "I want to + do the fair thing by you. Two days and a half, at twenty-five cents a day, + will make sixty-two cents; or we will say sixty-three. Will that do?" + </p> + <p> + Poor Ben! He had calculated on three times that sum, at least. + </p> + <p> + "That would only be a dollar and a half a week," he said, looking very + much disappointed. + </p> + <p> + "I used to work for that when I was young," said the deacon. + </p> + <p> + "At the factory I was paid five dollars a week," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Nobody of your age can earn as much as that," said the deacon sharply. + "No wonder manufacturin' don't pay, when such wages are paid. What do you + say, Mr. Manning?" continued the deacon, appealing to the gentlemen with + him. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Manning's face wore an amused smile. He lived in the city, and his + ideas on the subject of money and compensation were much less contracted + than the deacon's. + </p> + <p> + "Since you appeal to me," he answered. "I venture to suggest that prices + have gone up a good deal since you were a boy, Deacon Sawyer, and + twenty-five cents won't go as far now as it did then." + </p> + <p> + "You are right," said the deacon; "it costs a sight for groceries + nowadays. Well, Benjamin, I'll pay you a little more than I meant to. + Here's a dollar, and that's good pay for two days and a half." + </p> + <p> + Ben took the money, but for the life of him he couldn't thank the deacon + very heartily. He had been paid at the rate of forty cents a day, which + would amount to two dollars and forty cents a week, for work considerably + harder than he had done at the factory. + </p> + <p> + "Good afternoon," he said briefly, and reentered the kitchen. + </p> + <p> + Nancy Sawyer scanned his face closely as he closed the door of the + sitting-room. She was not surprised at his expression of disappointment. + </p> + <p> + "Well," she inquired, "what did father pay you?" + </p> + <p> + "He wanted to pay me sixty-three cents," answered Ben, with a touch of + indignation in his tone. "Twenty-five cents a day." + </p> + <p> + "Of course that was much too little. What did he pay you?" + </p> + <p> + "A dollar." + </p> + <p> + "How much were you expecting to get?" asked Nancy, in a business-like + tone. + </p> + <p> + "I was hoping to get seventy-five cents a day. That would be less than I + got at the factory." + </p> + <p> + "I think your work was worth that much myself," said the spinster. + </p> + <p> + Ben felt encouraged. + </p> + <p> + "My father is getting old. He forgets that money won't buy as much as it + did in his younger days. He means to be just." + </p> + <p> + "Then I don't think he succeeds very well," thought Ben. + </p> + <p> + "I understand such things better," proceeded Miss Nancy, "and I try to + make up for father's mistakes, as far as I can. Now tell me what are you + meaning to do with the money you received for this job?" + </p> + <p> + "I shall give it all to Aunt Jane," answered Ben. + </p> + <p> + "You are a good boy," said Nancy approvingly. "And she will buy groceries + with it, I suppose?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Miss Nancy. It is about all she has to depend upon." + </p> + <p> + "Just so. Now, Ben, I will tell you what I will do. Father keeps me pretty + close myself, as far as money goes, but we have plenty in the house of + groceries and such things as your aunt will need to have. Now, will it do + just as well if I give you the balance that you have earned in that form?" + </p> + <p> + "It will do just as well, Miss Nancy, and I am very much obliged to you + for your kindness." + </p> + <p> + "I am not kind, only just," said Nancy. "I don't think it honest to pay + too little for work, nor father, either, for that matter, only he doesn't + always set the right value on it. Maggie, you may bring me the large + covered basket in the back room up-stairs." + </p> + <p> + Maggie brought the basket at once, and Miss Nancy went with it into the + storeroom, or buttery. She tied up various parcels of sugar, tea, and + flour, and added two loaves of bread and a couple of pies, quite filling + the basket. + </p> + <p> + "There," she said, "I guess you'll find a dollar and a half's worth of + articles here. Give my love to your aunt, and tell her from me that they + are not a gift, but that you have fairly earned them." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, Miss Nancy," said Ben, overjoyed at his good luck. "You may + say you are not kind, but I am sure you are." + </p> + <p> + Miss Nance was really pleased by this recognition of her attempt to do + justice. + </p> + <p> + "If it's kindness," she said, "you are very welcome. Do you find it hard + to get along, Benjamin?" + </p> + <p> + "Pretty hard, since I have lost my place at the factory, Miss Nancy." + </p> + <p> + "Tell your aunt," said Miss Nancy significantly "that if she ever want to + borrow any flour or groceries, to come to me." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you," said Ben gratefully, and he felt sure that Nance had a kind + heart, in spite of her prim and formal demeanor. + </p> + <p> + With a glad heart, he carried home the basket, and its contents brought + great relief to Mrs. Bradford, who, as she told Ben, was "most out of + everything." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter IX — Mr. Manning's Proposal + </h2> + <p> + After supper Ben sauntered slowly up the street. It was a relief to him + after his confinement during the day, and there was always a chance to + find something to do. This was desirable, for now that Deacon Sawyer's + woodpile was disposed of, Ben had no work engaged. + </p> + <p> + Ben sauntered along, as I have said, until he found himself in front of + the Milltown Hotel. + </p> + <p> + It was the only hotel in the town, and, though not large, was able to + accommodate all who had occasion to visit the town and were not otherwise + provided. + </p> + <p> + "I wonder if Mr. Brockton"—this was the landlord's name—"hasn't + got something for me to do," thought Ben. + </p> + <p> + As this thought occurred to him, he entered by the open door, and stepped + into the office. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Brockton was not in, but, in an armchair at a window, Ben recognized + Mr. Manning, the same gentleman whom he had seen two hours before at + Deacon Sawyer's. + </p> + <p> + The recognition was mutual. Mr. Manning removed his cigar from his lips + and said, with a smile: + </p> + <p> + "Your name is Benjamin, isn't it?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes sir." + </p> + <p> + "Have you come to spend some of the money you received from my friend, the + deacon?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir. It is all the money I have in the world, and I must take good + care of it." + </p> + <p> + "Wages don't seem to be very high in Milltown," remarked Mr. Manning + pleasantly, and he smiled again. + </p> + <p> + "Not for sawing and splitting wood, sir. They pay very well in the + factory. + </p> + <p> + "Were you ever employed in the factory?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir." + </p> + <p> + "How did you happen to lose your place?" inquired Mr. Manning searchingly. + </p> + <p> + "It was the dull times, sir. They discharged quite a number, and as I was + one of the latest on, of course I was among the first to go." + </p> + <p> + "You don't complain of that, do you?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir; but at the same time, it was unlucky for me." + </p> + <p> + "Still, it wasn't as bad as if you were a man with a family to support." + </p> + <p> + "I have a family to support, sir." + </p> + <p> + "You have?" repeated Mr. Manning, a little surprised. "You are rather + young—to have a family," he added, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + Ben laughed. + </p> + <p> + "I am not married yet, if that's what you mean," he said; "but I have an + aunt and cousin to take care of." + </p> + <p> + "And you find it hard work, eh?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Tell me about it. Here sit down next to me, and tell me how you are + situated." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Manning had a sympathetic tone, which invited confidence. So Ben + followed his directions, and confided to him all his perplexities. + </p> + <p> + "We got along well enough," he concluded, "as long as I kept my place at + the factory. Five dollars a week went a good way with us. Besides, my aunt + made about two dollars a week sewing. + </p> + <p> + "Is she making that now?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir. Even that kind of business is getting dull. Last week she made a + dollar and a quarter." + </p> + <p> + "That isn't much." + </p> + <p> + "No, sir. But every little helps." + </p> + <p> + "You are right there. We must not despise small earnings—such as you + made in the deacon's employ." + </p> + <p> + "I got paid better than you think, sir," said Ben. "Miss Nancy made it up + to me." + </p> + <p> + "Did she? I am glad to hear it. She is a good woman. She understands + better than her father the proper price of work." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir. Are you any relative to Deacon Sawyer?" + </p> + <p> + "No," said Mr. Manning, "but I have had a little business transaction with + the deacon. He's pretty close in money matters." + </p> + <p> + "So people say here, sir." + </p> + <p> + "But I must do him justice, and add that you can rely implicitly upon his + word. Well, Ben, what are your plans?" + </p> + <p> + "Only to find work of any kind, sir." + </p> + <p> + "How happened you to come to the hotel here?" + </p> + <p> + "I thought Mr. Brockton might possibly have something for me to do." + </p> + <p> + "Sawing wood, perhaps?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir; or anything else that is honest." + </p> + <p> + "You are a good industrious boy," said Mr. Manning approvingly. "You + deserve to succeed." + </p> + <p> + This approval encouraged Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, sir," he said. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps I may some time have it in my power to help you." + </p> + <p> + "I hope you may sir. At any rate, I thank you for mentioning it." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Manning paused a moment. He appeared to be in thought. As he remained + silent, Ben concluded that the interview was at an end. + </p> + <p> + He rose from his seat, and was about to bid Mr. Manning good evening, when + the latter said: "Are you particularly engaged for the next hour, Ben?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir," Ben answered, rather surprised. + </p> + <p> + "Then suppose we take a walk? I am alone here, and would like your + company." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, sir," said our hero, feeling flattered at the value set upon + his society by a gentleman from New York; for he had ascertained that Mr. + Manning was a member of a business firm in the great city. + </p> + <p> + They left the hotel, Mr. Manning lighting a fresh cigar. + </p> + <p> + "I won't offer you a cigar, Ben," he said, "for I don't think it well for + boys of your age to smoke." + </p> + <p> + "I never smoked in my life," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "But I presume you know some boys that do." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes, plenty of them." + </p> + <p> + "It is a bad thing for them, impoverishing the blood, and often checking + the growth. I am glad you have not contracted the habit. Suppose we walk + by your house?" + </p> + <p> + "All right, sir. You won't find it very large or elegant." + </p> + <p> + "But is it comfortable?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes, sir." + </p> + <p> + "What kind of woman is your aunt? You may think it an odd question, but I + have my reasons for asking." + </p> + <p> + "She is an excellent woman," said Ben. "She has only one fault." + </p> + <p> + "What is that?" + </p> + <p> + "She gets discouraged too easily." + </p> + <p> + "As now, for instance?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir; she predicts that we shall all be in the poor-house inside a + month." + </p> + <p> + "What do you think about it?" + </p> + <p> + "My motto is, 'Wait and Hope.'" + </p> + <p> + "A very good one, but I can give you a better." + </p> + <p> + "What is that, sir?" + </p> + <p> + "Work and Hope." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I mean that, too. There isn't much use in waiting if you don't work, + too." + </p> + <p> + "I see we agree pretty well on that point." + </p> + <p> + "That is our house," said Ben, pointing out the cottage where his aunt + lived. + </p> + <p> + It was small, but everything about it was neat and attractive. + </p> + <p> + "How many are there in your family?" asked Mr. Manning, again. + </p> + <p> + "My aunt and my little cousin, Tony." + </p> + <p> + "How old is he?" + </p> + <p> + "Seven years old." + </p> + <p> + "You wonder, perhaps, why I ask so many questions," said Mr. Manning. "I + will tell you. By the death of an intimate friend I have become guardian + to a little girl, about five years old. She is at present in the city, but + I think she will be better off in the country. Now, do you think your aunt + would take charge of such a child—for a fair price, of course? It + might pay her better than sewing." + </p> + <p> + "I think she would," said Ben; "but would you be satisfied with our humble + way of living?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't wish the child to live on rich food. Good bread and butter and + plenty of milk are better, in my opinion, than rich meats." + </p> + <p> + "She could have as much of those as she wanted." + </p> + <p> + "And your little cousin would be company for her." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir; he would like it very much. He feels lonely when I am away." + </p> + <p> + "Then, as to the terms, I think I should be willing to pay seven dollars a + week." + </p> + <p> + "Seven dollars a week for a little girl's board!" exclaimed Ben, + astonished. + </p> + <p> + "Well, not exactly for the board alone. There will be considerable care. I + could get her boarded for half that, but her father left considerable + property, and I prefer to pay a generous price. Do you think she will + consent to take the child?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir, and think herself very lucky, too. Won't you come in and speak + to her about it?" + </p> + <p> + "No; you may speak to her about it, and I will call in the morning, and + settle the details of the arrangement. And now, good night." + </p> + <p> + "Good night, sir.' + </p> + <p> + "What splendid luck!" thought Ben. "Aunt Jane will hardly believe it. + Didn't I tell her to 'Wait and Hope'?" + </p> + <p> + And he entered the house. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter X — Ben's Journey + </h2> + <p> + Ben looked so cheerful and smiling that Tony asked: "Have you got work, + Ben?" + </p> + <p> + "Not yet, Tony." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bradford shook her head rather despondently. + </p> + <p> + "We might as well go to the poorhouse first as last," she said. + </p> + <p> + "I don't think we had better go at all, Aunt Jane," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "You can't find anything to do." + </p> + <p> + "Not yet, but I expect to some time." + </p> + <p> + "And what are we going to do till then?" + </p> + <p> + "I mean to fall back upon you, Aunt Jane. I think you will be able to keep + us from starving." + </p> + <p> + "I don't know what you mean, Benjamin. I am sure I am willing to work; but + last week I only earned a dollar and a quarter, and I don't feel sure of + even doing that." + </p> + <p> + "I have got a plan for you, Aunt Jane." + </p> + <p> + "What is it?" + </p> + <p> + "You might take a boarder." + </p> + <p> + "Who would come to board with me?" + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps I can find you a boarder." + </p> + <p> + "Besides, any one that could pay a fair price would expect better living + than we could afford." + </p> + <p> + "I don't think you will find that trouble with the boarder I have engaged + for you." + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean, Benjamin?" asked Mrs. Bradford, in surprise. + </p> + <p> + "What would you say to boarding and taking care of a little girl of five?" + </p> + <p> + "Do you know of any such little girl?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "What would her friends be willing to pay?" + </p> + <p> + "Seven dollars a week." + </p> + <p> + This was about twice as much as Mrs. Bradford expected, and she looked + incredulous. + </p> + <p> + "I don't believe any one would pay such a price," she said. + </p> + <p> + Upon this Ben gave his aunt full particulars, and her usually sober face + brightened up at the prospect of thus maintaining their home. + </p> + <p> + "I can hardly believe it," she said. "This Mr. Manning must be very + liberal. + </p> + <p> + "The money doesn't come from him. He says the little girl has property, + and can afford to pay well. He is coming round to-morrow morning to learn + whether you will take her." + </p> + <p> + "Won't you take her, mother?" pleaded Tony. + </p> + <p> + "I shall be very glad of the chance," said Mrs. Bradford. "It will make us + very comfortable." + </p> + <p> + "Still, Aunt Jane, if you would really prefer going to the poorhouse," + said Ben, his eyes twinkling, "I will go round and see if you can get in." + </p> + <p> + "Never mind, Benjamin," said his aunt cheerfully. "I prefer to keep out of + that place as long as I can." + </p> + <p> + "Would you like to have a little girl to play with, Tony?" asked Ben. + </p> + <p> + "It'll be bully," said Tony. + </p> + <p> + "Where did you learn that word, Tony?" inquired his mother, shocked. + </p> + <p> + "It isn't swearing, is it, mother?" + </p> + <p> + "No, but it is not refined." + </p> + <p> + "I'm too young to be refined, mother." + </p> + <p> + "But where did you learn it, Tony?" + </p> + <p> + Ben smiled. "Tony don't want to expose me, Aunt Jane," he said. "I suppose + he learned it of me. It isn't a bad word." + </p> + <p> + "I never used it," said Mrs. Bradford primly. + </p> + <p> + "No, I should think not," said Ben, laughing. "I can't image you calling + anything bully. It isn't a lady's word. You know, aunt, boys can't always + use go-to-meetin' words. They want to be free and easy sometimes." + </p> + <p> + Here the discussion was dropped, and the evening was passed cheerfully. + </p> + <p> + The next morning Mr. Manning called. Admitted into the little cottage, he + glanced quickly about him, and was pleased to find that, though the + furniture was plain, there was evidences of neatness. Mrs. Bradford, too, + in spite of her tendency to low spirits, impressed him favorable, as + likely to be kind and judicious. But perhaps what influenced him as much + as anything was the presence of Tony, for he held that a child companion + would be very desirable for his young ward. He repeated the offer of seven + dollars a week. + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid it will hardly be worth that, Mr. Manning, though it will be + very welcome to us," said Mrs. Bradford. + </p> + <p> + "I prefer to pay liberally, since the property left to my young charge is + ample. Besides, she will be more or less care. I shall have to trouble you + to provide the little girl with suitable attire, charging, of course, all + outlays to me." + </p> + <p> + "I shall be very glad to do so, Mr. Manning. When do you wish the child to + come?" + </p> + <p> + "As soon as possible." + </p> + <p> + "Will you bring her yourself?" + </p> + <p> + "There will be some difficulty about that," answered Mr. Manning + hesitatingly. "I can't leave my business." + </p> + <p> + "Where is she, may I ask?" + </p> + <p> + "In New York." + </p> + <p> + "Can't I go for her?" asked Ben eagerly. + </p> + <p> + "Why, Benjamin," expostulated his aunt, "you have never traveled. I + wouldn't trust you by yourself, much less with the care of a child." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Manning smiled, but Ben was annoyed. + </p> + <p> + "Why, Aunt Jane, you must think me a baby," he said. "I guess I can take + care of myself." + </p> + <p> + "I wouldn't dare to go to New York myself alone," said his aunt. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, that's different," said Ben. "You're a woman, and of course you + couldn't take care of yourself." + </p> + <p> + "And you are a man, I suppose?" said Mr. Manning, amused. + </p> + <p> + "I shall be some time, and Aunt Jane never will," returned Ben. + </p> + <p> + "I think, Mrs. Bradford," said Mr. Manning, "that your nephew is right in + that. Seriously, I am inclined to favor the plan." + </p> + <p> + "Do you really think Benjamin can be trusted, Mr. Manning?" + </p> + <p> + "I really do." + </p> + <p> + "He has never been away from home." + </p> + <p> + "I think he has plenty of self-reliance, and will quickly learn what + little is needed about traveling. I am willing to trust him." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, sir," said Ben, much gratified, feeling a high respect for Mr. + Manning's judgment. + </p> + <p> + "Can you get him ready to go with me by the twelve-o'clock train?" asked + Mr. Manning. + </p> + <p> + "Twelve o'clock!" ejaculated Mrs. Bradford, startled. "Why, it's nine + now." + </p> + <p> + "Well, aunt, can't I change my clothes in three hours?" asked Ben + impatiently. + </p> + <p> + "But to go on such a journey! It seems so sudden." + </p> + <p> + "I don't think there will be any trouble in getting ready," said Mr. + Manning, to whom the journey to New York seemed like a mere trifle, though + it was nearly six hundred miles away. "Of course," he continued, "I shall + pay his expenses. And"—and here he hesitated a little, from motives + of delicacy—"allow me to pay two weeks' board in advance. You may + have occasion to use the money." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, sir," said Mrs. Bradford gratefully. + </p> + <p> + It did, indeed, relieve her from anxious embarrassment, for her purse was + very low; and if Ben were gone any length of time, she would have been in + a dilemma. + </p> + <p> + "I think we have settled all that is needful," said Mr. Manning, rising to + go. "If anything else occurs to me, I will either tell Ben or write to + you. Good morning, Mrs. Bradford." + </p> + <p> + "Good morning, sir." + </p> + <p> + Turning to Ben, Mr. Manning said: + </p> + <p> + "Ben, let me see you at the hotel as early as half-past eleven." + </p> + <p> + "I'll be on hand, sir," said Ben. "I'll get there earlier, if you say so." + </p> + <p> + "Just as you like. When you come, call for me." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir." + </p> + <p> + "It doesn't seem as if you were going away, Ben," said Tony. + </p> + <p> + "I can't hardly realize it myself, Tony." + </p> + <p> + "It's a great responsibility, Benjamin," said his aunt, beginning to look + serious. "Suppose the cars run off the track." + </p> + <p> + "I guess they won't, Aunt Jane." + </p> + <p> + "I was reading of an accident out West only yesterday." + </p> + <p> + "I am not going out West, Aunt Jane. I guess I'll reach New York right + side up with care." + </p> + <p> + "What an expression, Benjamin!" + </p> + <p> + Ben laughed. + </p> + <p> + "Only boys' talk, aunty. It means all right." + </p> + <p> + "Don't you go on the steamboat, too, Benjamin?" + </p> + <p> + "I guess so." + </p> + <p> + "The boiler may explode." + </p> + <p> + "If everybody thought that, nobody would travel, Aunt Jane. It doesn't + happen once in a thousand times." + </p> + <p> + At last Ben got ready. + </p> + <p> + He was very much excited, but his excitement was of a pleasurable kind. + One his way to the hotel, he met James Watson. + </p> + <p> + "Where ware you going, all dressed up, Ben?" + </p> + <p> + "Going to New York," answered Ben proudly. + </p> + <p> + "You're only foolin'!" + </p> + <p> + "No, I'm not. I'm going to New York by the twelve-o'clock train." + </p> + <p> + "What for?" asked James astonished. + </p> + <p> + "To escort a lady home," answered Ben. "She wants an able-bodied escort, + that's used to traveling." + </p> + <p> + James was very much surprised, and also a little incredulous, but he was + finally convinced that Benn was in earnest. + </p> + <p> + "I wish I were in your shoes," he said enviously. "There's nothing I'd + like better than going to New York. You're a lucky boy!" + </p> + <p> + Ben quite agreed with him. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XI — In New York + </h2> + <p> + Of the journey to New York I do not purpose to speak. Ben enjoyed it + extremely, for it gave him his first view of the great world. As he + whirled by town after town and city after city, and reflected how small, + after all, was the distance on the map between Milltown and New York, he + got a new idea of the size of the world. + </p> + <p> + "What are you thinking about, Ben?" asked Mr. Manning, observing that our + hero looked thoughtful. + </p> + <p> + "I was thinking how large the world is, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Didn't you ever think of that before?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir; I have always lived in Milltown. I don't think I was ever ten + miles from home before." + </p> + <p> + "Then your ideas were necessarily contracted. One advantage of travel is, + that it broadens our views, not only as regards distance, but also of men + and things." + </p> + <p> + Ben assented, though he did not fully understand his companion's + statement. + </p> + <p> + From time to time Ben asked questions of Mr. Manning; but after a while + that gentlemen met a friend on the cars, and Ben was left pretty much to + himself. + </p> + <p> + They did not reach New York till midnight. + </p> + <p> + "I will take you to my boarding-house to-night, Ben," said his companion. + "Tomorrow we will talk over our plans." + </p> + <p> + A hansom conveyed them to a house in an up-town street, where Mr. Manning + boarded. Of course Ben could not at that hour see much of the great city + which he was visiting for the first time. Besides, he was quite fatigued, + and felt more like closing his eyes in sleep than using them. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Manning's rooms were very comfortable, and even luxurious. Ben slept + soundly till his companion waked him up. + </p> + <p> + "Come, Ben, it's eight o'clock, and the breakfast bell is ringing. Haven't + you had sleep enough?" + </p> + <p> + The sun was shining bright in at the window, and the noise of carriages + could be heard in the street beneath. + </p> + <p> + Ben looked about him in momentary bewilderment. + </p> + <p> + "Don't you know where you are?" asked Mr. Manning smiling. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I am in New York," said Ben, his face brightening up. + </p> + <p> + "I'll be dressed in less than no time," he exclaimed, leaping out of bed, + and setting to work energetically. + </p> + <p> + "If you keep your promise I certainly can't complain," said Mr. Manning. + </p> + <p> + "Shall we be late to breakfast?" asked Ben, with some anxiety. + </p> + <p> + "There will be others later. So you feel hungry, do you?" + </p> + <p> + "Uncommonly hungry," said Ben. "I guess it's travelling that gives me an + appetite. What a nice place you live in, Mr. Manning! It's very handy + having water come out of pipes. How do they do it?" + </p> + <p> + "I'll explain to you some time, when we are not in such a hurry." + </p> + <p> + "All right, sir." + </p> + <p> + Ben was soon dressed, and went down to breakfast with his new patron. + There was quite a difference between the appearance of the table at this + fashionable boarding house and their plain breakfast table at home; but + Ben was one who easily adapted himself to new circumstances, and did not + display any greenness. + </p> + <p> + "Now, Ben," said Mr. Manning, as they rose from the table, "I suppose you + are not in a very great hurry to go home." + </p> + <p> + "No, sir." + </p> + <p> + "You would like to see a little of the city?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir, very much." + </p> + <p> + "I think day after to-morrow will be early enough to go back. You write a + line to your aunt, so that she need not feel anxious." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, sir. Where is the little girl?" + </p> + <p> + "She is temporarily staying at the house of a married sister of mine. My + sister is rather an invalid, or she might keep her permanently. I shall + not have time to go round and introduce you to-day, for my business will + occupy me closely." + </p> + <p> + "Where shall I go, sir?" asked Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Wherever you like. You can wander round the city, and see whatever + pleases you. Only be back a little before six o'clock, for that is our + dinner hour." + </p> + <p> + "Dinner at six!" repeated Ben astonished, for he had always been + accustomed to dine at twelve. "When do you take supper?" + </p> + <p> + "We don't sup at all, that is, not regularly. In the middle of the day we + take lunch. You can go into some restaurant, and buy lunch." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, by the by, have you got any money?" asked Mr. Manning. + </p> + <p> + "A little," answered Ben. + </p> + <p> + "How much?" + </p> + <p> + Ben produced thirty-seven cents in change. + </p> + <p> + "That is rather short allowance," said Mr. Manning. "Here take this." He + handed him a two-dollar bill. + </p> + <p> + "I don't need so much, Mr. Manning," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + But two dollars were not so much in the eyes of his patron, as in his. + </p> + <p> + "I dare say you can find a use for it," he said smiling. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Well, good morning; or perhaps it will be as well for you to accompany me + as far as Broadway. There I shall take a car, and you can saunter along as + you please." + </p> + <p> + A brief walk brought them to Broadway, and then they separated. + </p> + <p> + Ben wandered down Broadway, amused at the sight until he same to + Twenty-third Street, where he stopped. Ben look at it with admiration. He + had never seen such structures, nor dreamed of their existence. + </p> + <p> + "New York's a splendid city!" he said to himself. + </p> + <p> + As he was looking about him, some one addressed him: + </p> + <p> + "What are you looking at Johnny?" + </p> + <p> + "My name isn't Johnny," answered Ben, turning toward the boy who had + accosted him. + </p> + <p> + The boy puffed out his cheeks and whistled. + </p> + <p> + "When did you come from the country?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "Why are you so anxious to know?" inquired Ben, who saw that the other was + making game of him, and was not overwell pleased. + </p> + <p> + "Why, you see, Barnum has offered twenty-five cents for a country + greenhorn, and I guess you'll do," said the boy, with his tongue in his + cheek. + </p> + <p> + Ben was irritated at first, but he concluded to take it as a joke. + </p> + <p> + "I am not for sale at that price," he said, adding good humoredly, "I am + green, I suppose. This is my first visit to the city. Can you tell me the + name of that building?" + </p> + <p> + "That's the Imperial Hotel. Have you got a cigarette to spare?" + </p> + <p> + "No," said Ben; "I don't smoke." + </p> + <p> + "Then you ain't civilized," said the boy. "I've smoked for five years." + </p> + <p> + "You have!" exclaimed Ben, amazed. "Why, you don't look any older than I + am." + </p> + <p> + "I'm sixteen." + </p> + <p> + "And I'm not quite fifteen." + </p> + <p> + Ben noticed that the boy had none of the youthful bloom which mantled his + own cheeks. He was already paying the penalty of his early use of tobacco. + </p> + <p> + "You're a big boy of your age," said the city boy. + </p> + <p> + Ben thought that the other was small for his age, but he did not say so. + </p> + <p> + "Look here, Johnny," said the New York boy. + </p> + <p> + "My name is Ben." + </p> + <p> + "What's the odds? Well, Ben, if you'll give me a quarter. I'll go round + and show you some of the sights; what do you say?" + </p> + <p> + Ben hesitated. It seemed to him a little extravagant. At the same time his + curiosity was aroused, and he finally agreed to the proposal. When he + returned to his home in the country, he felt that he should like to be + able to tell his companions something of the city he had visited. + </p> + <p> + "Give me five cents in advance," said the newly engaged guide. + </p> + <p> + "What for?" asked Ben, cautiously. + </p> + <p> + "I want to get some cigarettes." + </p> + <p> + Ben complied with his request. + </p> + <p> + The boy darted into a small cigar store, and soon emerged with a cigarette + in his mouth at which he puffed with evident pleasure. + </p> + <p> + "Won't you try one?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "I guess not," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Come along, then. You ask any questions about what you see, and I'll + answer." + </p> + <p> + "What's that field? It's a common, isn't it?" asked Ben pointing to a park + after they walked down Broadway for a few blocks. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, that's Madison Park; but we've got a good deal bigger park than that + up-town. Central Park—that's the name of it." + </p> + <p> + "Is it far off?" + </p> + <p> + "About two miles. Do you want to go there?" + </p> + <p> + "No, I'd rather see the streets, and the nice buildings. I can see plenty + of fields at home." + </p> + <p> + "Are you going to stay long in the city?" asked, Tom, for this Ben learned + was the name of his companion. + </p> + <p> + "Only a day or two. I want to see as much as I can while I am here." + </p> + <p> + They walked down Broadway, Tom pointing out the prominent buildings, and + answering the numerous questions asked by Ben. On the whole, he proved to + be a very good investment in the way of a guide, being well-informed on + the subjects about which Ben inquired. + </p> + <p> + When they reached the Astor House, Tom said: "I guess you've got a + quarter's worth out of me. If you want me any longer you must give me + another quarter." + </p> + <p> + "I can't afford it," said Ben, "I guess I can get round by myself now." + </p> + <p> + So Tom left him with scant ceremony, and Ben sat down on a bench in City + Hall Park to rest. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XII — An Adventure + </h2> + <p> + Presently a young man, rather showily dressed, sat down beside Ben. He + glanced sharply at our hero, but did not immediately address him. Finally + he said: "Fine day, my young friend." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir, very fine," returned Ben politely. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose you live in the city?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir, I am here only on a visit," said Ben, rather flattered by the + supposition. + </p> + <p> + "I don't look so green, after all," he thought. + </p> + <p> + "So am I," said the other, "I live in Philadelphia." + </p> + <p> + "I am from the country," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Indeed! You have lived in the city some time, have you not?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir." + </p> + <p> + "I am surprised to hear it. You have the appearance of a city boy." + </p> + <p> + Ben was not inaccessible to flattery. It was not surprising that he + regarded the young man from Philadelphia with favor. + </p> + <p> + "Have you dined?" inquired the stranger. + </p> + <p> + "Not yet," said Ben. "I don't know where to find a restaurant." + </p> + <p> + "Say no more about it, my young friend. I shall be glad to have you dine + with me. I know a good place, quite near by." + </p> + <p> + "You are very kind," said Ben, "considering that I am a stranger." + </p> + <p> + "I have a young cousin who resembles you very closely. I suppose that is + why I cannot regard you as a stranger. By the way, what is your name?" + </p> + <p> + "Ben Bradford." + </p> + <p> + "Singular coincidence! My cousin is named Benjamin. My name is John + Smithson. Well, Ben, if you will allow me the familiarity, suppose we go + to dinner." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, Mr. Smithson." + </p> + <p> + Ben followed his new acquaintance to a moderately-priced restaurant in + Fulton Street. It was the first time he had ever been to an eating-house, + and looked with interest at the numerous tables. + </p> + <p> + Smithson and he took seats at a small table opposite each other, and the + former began to inspect the bill of fare. + </p> + <p> + "I hope you have a good appetite, my young friend," he said, "so that you + may do justice to my hospitality." + </p> + <p> + "City people seem to be very kind," thought Ben. "No one in Milltown would + pay me such attention." + </p> + <p> + Finally he made his selection, and so did Smithson. + </p> + <p> + At the end of half-an-hour the dinner was concluded. + </p> + <p> + Smithson looked at the checks. + </p> + <p> + "Sixty cents and seventy-five cents," he said; "that makes a dollar and + thirty-five cents." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir." + </p> + <p> + "I have go to step out a minute," said Smithson. "Oblige me by paying at + the desk out of this bill." + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he handed Ben a five-dollar bill. + </p> + <p> + "But," said Ben, "there will be nearly four dollars left." + </p> + <p> + "Meet me an hour hence at the place where we were seated, and hand me the + balance of the money." + </p> + <p> + "But," said Ben, "I might miss you. Haven't you better pay yourself, as + you go out?" + </p> + <p> + "I am in a great hurry, to meet an engagement," said Smithson. + </p> + <p> + "Suppose I shouldn't meet you. Suppose I should keep the money." + </p> + <p> + "No fear. You look honest. Well, meet me in an hour;" and he hurried out + of the restaurant, saying, with a nod to the cashier: "The boy will pay." + </p> + <p> + Here was another compliment, Ben thought. A perfect stranger had trusted + him with three dollars and sixty-five cents, which he might readily make + off with. + </p> + <p> + "I am glad I look honest," thought Ben. "I seem to be treated very well." + </p> + <p> + Two minutes later he went up to the cashier's desk, and, laying down the + two checks, extended the five-dollar bill. The cashier was about to make + change when his attention seemed to be drawn to the bill. He held it up, + and scrutinized it very closely, considerably to Ben's surprise. + </p> + <p> + "Young man," said he suspiciously, "where did you get this bill?" + </p> + <p> + "From the man that came in with me," answered Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Are you aware that this is a bad bill?" asked the cashier sharply. + </p> + <p> + "A bad bill?" exclaimed Ben, in genuine surprise. "No, I had no idea of + it." + </p> + <p> + "Who is this man who gave it to you? Do you know him?" + </p> + <p> + "He said his name was Smithson, from Philadelphia. I never saw him before + this morning." + </p> + <p> + "What were you to do with the change I gave you back? Did he tell you to + keep it?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir. I was to meet him in the park in an hour and give it to him." + </p> + <p> + "He has been making a catspaw of you." + </p> + <p> + "I don't understand," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Knowing the bill to be bad, he did not venture to offer it himself, as it + would make him liable to arrest." + </p> + <p> + "Arrest!" exclaimed Ben, in dismay. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. One who knowingly offers a counterfeit bill is liable to arrest and + imprisonment." + </p> + <p> + "I hope you don't think I knew anything about it," said Ben alarmed. + </p> + <p> + "No; you look too honest to be a confederate of a scoundrel." + </p> + <p> + "He ought to be ashamed of himself to impose upon me," said Ben + indignantly. "What shall I do?" + </p> + <p> + "Have you any other money?" + </p> + <p> + Ben produced a two-dollar bill. + </p> + <p> + "I will take pay out of this for your share of the dinner, and with your + help I propose to arrest your companion." + </p> + <p> + The cashier briefly explained his plan. A policeman was summoned, and Ben + was instructed to meet Smithson at the time appointed, and tender him the + change. + </p> + <p> + He did so. + </p> + <p> + Smithson looked up eagerly as Ben approached. + </p> + <p> + "Have you got the change?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Give it to me." + </p> + <p> + Ben drew fro his vest-pocket three dollars and sixty-five cents, with + which he had been provided, and tendered them to the young man, who + eagerly took them. + </p> + <p> + "Much obliged," said Smithson, looking elated at the supposed success of + his plan. + </p> + <p> + Just then, a quiet-looking man, a detective in citizen's clothes, stepped + up and laid his hand on the swindler's arm. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Smithson, I want you." + </p> + <p> + "What for?" inquired Smithson, turning pale. + </p> + <p> + "For passing a counterfeit bill." + </p> + <p> + "I have passed no counterfeit," faltered Smithson. + </p> + <p> + "You employed this boy to do it for you." + </p> + <p> + "There's some mistake," said Smithson stammering. "You can't prove + anything." + </p> + <p> + "With this boy's help we can. Don't trouble yourself to invent excuses. + You have been suspected for some time." + </p> + <p> + "The boy lies," said Smithson fiercely. + </p> + <p> + "If he does it will be found out. Come along with me." + </p> + <p> + Much against his will, Smithson walked arm-in-arm with the detective. Ben + was notified to be in attendance at court the next morning, at ten + o'clock, to testify against his new friend. + </p> + <p> + "I am more of a greenhorn than I thought," Ben said to himself. "Who would + have thought such a polite young man was a counterfeiter!" + </p> + <p> + About four o'clock Ben went up-town to Mr. Manning's boarding-house, and + remained there till the merchant arrived. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XIII — A Curious Old Lady + </h2> + <p> + The next morning Mr. Manning introduced Ben to his temporary ward, a + bright, attractive little girl, who seemed to take an instant fancy to our + hero. + </p> + <p> + "Is he my brother?" she inquired of Mr. Manning. + </p> + <p> + "He is going to be your brother, if you like," was the smiling reply. + </p> + <p> + "I am glad of it," said the little girl, putting her hand confidingly in + Ben's. + </p> + <p> + Ben was not much used to girls, never having had a sister, but it occurred + to him that he should find it very pleasant to have Emma in the house. + </p> + <p> + "Are you willing to leave the city and go home with your new brother?" + asked Mr. Manning. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Emma promptly. "When are we going?" + </p> + <p> + "This afternoon. You will sail on a big boat, and then ride on the cars. + Shall you like that?" + </p> + <p> + "Ever so much," said Emma, clapping her hands. "You will take care of me, + won't you?" appealing to Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes, I'll take care of you," said Ben manfully. + </p> + <p> + "I think you had better go to Boston on the Fall River line," said Mr. + Manning. "That will give you nearly all night on the boat, and you can + have a comfortable night's rest. Indeed, I think you may as well remain on + board till the half-past-six train starts. That will get you into Boston + about nine o'clock, in time for a late breakfast. What time can you go to + Milltown?" + </p> + <p> + "There is a train at half-past ten." + </p> + <p> + "That will answer very well. Now, if you will come down-town with me, I + will engage passage for you." + </p> + <p> + Ben accompanied Mr. Manning to the office of the steamers, and passage + tickets were obtained and paid for. + </p> + <p> + At four o'clock, Ben and his young charge were seated in the showy cabin + of the immense Sound steamer which plies between New York and Fall River. + </p> + <p> + As the two were chatting, an old lady, evidently from the country, looked + attentively at them. She was old and wrinkled, and, from time to time, + took a pinch of snuff from a large snuff-box which she took from the + pocket of her dress. + </p> + <p> + "What is your name, little gal?" she inquired at last. + </p> + <p> + "Emma," answered the child, + </p> + <p> + "Come and kiss me," said the old lady. + </p> + <p> + Emma surveyed the old lady critically, and answered bluntly, "I don't want + to." + </p> + <p> + "Come and kiss me, and I'll give you the first cent I find on the currant + bushes," said the old lady coaxingly. + </p> + <p> + "I don't want to," answered Emma again. + </p> + <p> + "Why don't you want to?" asked the old lady, with a wintery smile. + </p> + <p> + "'Cause you're old and ugly, and put snuff up your nose." answered Emma, + who had not yet learned that the truth is not to be spoken at all times. + </p> + <p> + The old lady gasped with wrath and amazement. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I never did!" she exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, you did," said Emma, understanding her to say that she never took + snuff. "I saw you do it a minute ago." + </p> + <p> + "You are a bad, wicked little gal!" said the old lady, in high + displeasure. "You're spoiled child." + </p> + <p> + "No, I ain't," said Emma, angry in turn. "Don't you let her call me + names," she added, speaking to Ben. + </p> + <p> + Ben found it difficult not to laugh at the old lady's discomfiture; but he + felt called upon to apologize for his young charge. + </p> + <p> + "I hope you'll excuse her, ma'am," he said. "She's only a little girl." + </p> + <p> + "How old is she?" asked the old lady abruptly. + </p> + <p> + "Five years old." + </p> + <p> + "Then she'd orter know better than to sass her elders," said the old lady + snappishly. "She's badly brung up. Is she your sister?" + </p> + <p> + "No, ma'am." + </p> + <p> + "Is she any kin to you?" + </p> + <p> + "No; I'm her guardian." + </p> + <p> + The old lady adjusted her spectacles, and surveyed Ben from head to foot + in a scrutinizing manner. + </p> + <p> + "Sho!" said she. "Why, you're a child yourself!" + </p> + <p> + "I'm fifteen," returned Ben, with dignity. + </p> + <p> + "You don't mean to say you have the care of the little gal?" + </p> + <p> + "At present I have." + </p> + <p> + "Ain't nobody else travelin' with you?" + </p> + <p> + "No, ma'am." + </p> + <p> + "Where are you goin?" + </p> + <p> + "To Milltown." + </p> + <p> + "Where's that?" + </p> + <p> + "In Massachusetts." + </p> + <p> + "Is she goin' to board with your folks?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, ma'am." + </p> + <p> + "I'd like to have charge of her for a month. I'd make a different gal of + her." + </p> + <p> + "I wouldn't go with you," said Emma. + </p> + <p> + "If you was bad, I'd whip you so you couldn't stand," said the old lady, + her eyes snapping. "I've got a granddarter about as big as you; but she + wouldn't dare to sass me the way you have." + </p> + <p> + "I'm glad you ain't my grandmother," said Emma. "I don't want a dirty + grandmother like you." + </p> + <p> + "You mustn't talk so, Emma," said Ben, thinking it time to interfere. + </p> + <p> + "Talkin' won't do no good. She ought to be whipped," said the old lady, + shaking her head and scowling at Emma. + </p> + <p> + "Don't you want to go on deck and see the steamer start?" asked Ben, as + the only means of putting a stop to the irrepressible conflict between the + old lady and his charge. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes; let us go up." + </p> + <p> + So they went on deck, where Emma was not a little interested at the varied + sights that met her eye. + </p> + <p> + "Did you ever see such an ugly old woman, Ben?" asked Emma, when they had + reached the top of the stairs. + </p> + <p> + "Hush, Emma! You must be more particular about what you say. You shouldn't + have said anything about her taking snuff." + </p> + <p> + "But she does take it," insisted the little girl. "I saw her put it up her + nose." + </p> + <p> + "That is nothing to us. She has a right to take it if she wants to." + </p> + <p> + "But she wanted me to kiss her. You wouldn't want to kiss her, Ben, would + you?" + </p> + <p> + "No, I don't think I should," answered Ben, with an involuntary grimace. + "You were right in refusing that." + </p> + <p> + Soon after the boat started they went down to the supper-room and got some + supper. Mr. Manning having supplied Ben with sufficient funds to travel in + a liberal manner. Just opposite them at the table sat the old lady, who + shook her head frowningly at the free-spoken young lady. Ben was amused in + watching her. + </p> + <p> + "I say, you, sir," she said, addressing the waiter, "bring me some tea and + toast, and be quick about it, for I ain't had anything to eat since + breakfast, and feel kinder gone, at the stomach. + </p> + <p> + "Please write your order, ma'am, on this paper," said the waiter. + </p> + <p> + "What's the use of writin it? Can't you remember?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, but the bill has to be footed up at the desk." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I can't write it, for I ain't got my specs about me." + </p> + <p> + "Madam, I shall be happy to write for you," said Ben politely. + </p> + <p> + "I'm obleeged to you. I wish you would," she said. + </p> + <p> + "What shall I put down?" + </p> + <p> + "How much is a cup of tea?" + </p> + <p> + "Ten cents." + </p> + <p> + "It's awful high. It don't cost 'em more'n three cents." + </p> + <p> + "Shall I put it down?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I must have it. How much do they charge for toast?" + </p> + <p> + "Dry toast—ten cents." + </p> + <p> + "That's awful high, too. Why, you can git ten slices off a five-cent loaf, + and they only bring you two or three. It costs a sight to travel." + </p> + <p> + "Cream toast—twenty cents," said Ben mischievously. + </p> + <p> + "What is the world comin' to?" exclaimed the old lady. "Twenty cents for + cream toast! Like as not, it's skim-milk. Well, I guess you may put down + dry toast." + </p> + <p> + "Shall I put down anything else?" asked Ben. + </p> + <p> + "How much do they charge for beefsteak?" inquired the old lady. + </p> + <p> + "Fifty cents." + </p> + <p> + "It's wicked shame!" she exclaimed indignantly. "They're a set of robbers, + and I've a good mind to tell 'em so. You, sir"—to the waiter who + came up at that moment—"what do you mean by askin' such shameful + prices for your vittles?" + </p> + <p> + "I haven't anything to do with the prices, ma'am." + </p> + <p> + "I need some meat," said the old lady sternly, "but I won't buy any. I + won't encourage you in your shameful swindlin'. I'll bear up as well as I + can till I get home, though like as not I shall be faint." + </p> + <p> + The waiter took the written order, and brought the old lady's tea and + toast. Ben ordered some steak, and, finding that more was brought than he + needed, offered a piece to the old lady. + </p> + <p> + "Shan't I rob you?" asked the old lady, looking at the meat covetously. + </p> + <p> + "Not at all, ma'am. I've taken all I want." + </p> + <p> + "Then I don't keer if I do take a piece. I feel kinder faint, and meat + goes to the right spot; but I wasn't going to pay any of their shameful + prices." + </p> + <p> + The old lady ate the meat with evident relish, and an expression + satisfaction, which arose partly from the reflection that she was + gratifying her appetite without expense. She even regarded Emma with a + softened expression, saying: "I forgive you, little gal, for what you said + to me. You don't know no better. You must try to behave like the boy + that's with you. He's a real polite boy." + </p> + <p> + "So he is," said Emma. "I like him ever so much." + </p> + <p> + Luckily she added nothing to kindle the old lady's resentment, and they + rose from the table on good terms. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XIV — Prof. Crane, The Phrenologist + </h2> + <p> + After supper Ben and his young charge took their seats in the main salon. + The passengers were grouped about the tables, many of them reading the New + York evening papers. Among them Ben observed a tall man, wearing a full + beard, and attired in a suit of rather rusty black, who presently sat down + beside him. From his appearance Ben fancied that he might be a clergyman + or a missionary. + </p> + <p> + "My young friend," said the stranger at length, "are you traveling to + Boston?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Ahem! Do you live in Boston?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir; I live in Milltown, a manufacturing town." + </p> + <p> + "Did you ever have your head examined?" + </p> + <p> + Ben stared at the questioner in surprise. + </p> + <p> + "What should I have my head examined for?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "I see you don't understand me," said the gentlemen of clerical + appearance. "I am a phrenologist." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes, I understand," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "I lecture on phrenology and examine heads, describing the character and + prominent traits of my subjects on phrenological principles. For instance, + I can readily tell by the help of my science your leading tendencies, and + in what career you would be most likely to meet with success." + </p> + <p> + "I would like to know that myself," said Ben, becoming interested. + </p> + <p> + "My terms for an ordinary examination are twenty-five cents. For a written + description I charge a dollar." + </p> + <p> + "If I had plenty of money," said Ben, "I wouldn't mind getting a written + description." + </p> + <p> + "A dollar spent that way may save you hundreds of dollars, nay, perhaps + thousands," said the phrenologist insinuatingly. + </p> + <p> + Ben shook his head. + </p> + <p> + "I haven't any money to spare," he said. "I have some money, but it was + given to me to pay traveling expenses." + </p> + <p> + "Surely you can spare twenty-five cents," said the phrenologist. "You can + remember what I say and write it down yourself afterward." + </p> + <p> + "So, I can," said Ben. "I guess I can afford a quarter; but where can we + go?" + </p> + <p> + "Stay here," said Prof. Crane, for this was his self-chosen designation. + "It will probably bring me other customers." + </p> + <p> + "I don't know," said Ben, looking about him doubtfully. "I don't think I + should like to have all these people hear about me." + </p> + <p> + "You need not be afraid. You have a very good heard. Besides, it is no + more public than at my lectures." + </p> + <p> + "All right then!" + </p> + <p> + "Move your chair forward a little. There, that is right." + </p> + <p> + Prof. Crane arose, and assumed the attitude of a speaker. + </p> + <p> + "Ladies and gentlemen," he commenced, after clearing his throat. + </p> + <p> + The gentlemen in the saloon looked up from their newspapers in some + surprise at this unexpected interruption. + </p> + <p> + "Ladies and gentlemen, I am Prof. Crane, the phrenologist. I trust you + will pardon the interruption if I publically examine the head of this + young man, and describe his character as indicated by his phrenological + development." + </p> + <p> + "Go on," said a stout gentlemen opposite. "It will help to pass the time." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, sir. I trust that what I may say will not only help to pass + the time, but lead you to reflect seriously upon the great importance of + this science, and its claims upon your attention." + </p> + <p> + All eyes were turned upon Ben, who bore the ordeal very well. + </p> + <p> + "This lad has an excellent head. All the organs are well balanced, none + being in great excess. His temperament is nervous-sanguine. Hope + predominates with him. He will not be easily discouraged, but when he has + an object in view he will pursue it perseveringly to the end. He is not + quarrelsome, but will not allow himself to be trodden upon. He has plenty + of courage. He is not bashful, but respectful to his elders and superiors. + He is conscientious, and more likely to do right than wrong. Of course he + might yield to temptation, but it would have to be a powerful one. He has + a fondness for pets, and will be kind to younger children. He will find no + pleasure in ill-treating or tyrannizing over them He has not much + invention, and would make a poor machinist, but is likely to succeed in + general business. He will probably be steady and reliable, and faithful to + the interests of his employer." + </p> + <p> + This was the substance of Prof. Crane's description of our hero. Ben + listened with satisfaction, feeling that it was a very good character + indeed. He was sorry that some business man could not hear it, as it might + lead him to offer him employment. + </p> + <p> + When the examination was over, Ben tendered the professor twenty-five + cents in payment. + </p> + <p> + "Now," said the professor, looking around him, "is there any other lady or + gentleman whose head I can examine, for the small sum of twenty-five + cents? My usual terms are fifty cents, but as I am traveling, and this is + out of office hours, I don't mind reducing the price for this occasion." + </p> + <p> + Among those present was a rustic couple, who appeared to be on a wedding + trip. The bridegroom was dressed in a full suit of blue cloth, the coat + being decorated with brass buttons, while the bride was resplendent in a + dress brilliant in color and with large figures. + </p> + <p> + "Sally," said the young husband, "I want you to have your head examined. + It only costs a quarter." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Jonathan, how can I before all them folks?" said Sally bashfully. + "Suppose he should say something bad about me." + </p> + <p> + "If he does, I'll bu'st his head," said Jonathan. "He can't say nothin' + but what's good about you, Sally. + </p> + <p> + "All right, Jonathan, just as you say." + </p> + <p> + "My wife will have her head examined," said Jonathan, with a proud glance + at his radiant bride. + </p> + <p> + "Please sit here, madam," said the professor. "Now I will trouble you to + remove your bonnet." + </p> + <p> + "Don't tumble up my hair," said Sally solicitously. + </p> + <p> + "That will not be necessary," said Prof. Crane. "This lady has a very + harmonious head." + </p> + <p> + "What's that?" inquired Sally, in a low voice, of Jonathan, who stood at + her side. + </p> + <p> + "Something good, I reckon," whispered her husband. + </p> + <p> + "She has those sweet domestic virtues which fit the possessor to adorn the + family circle and lend a luster to the home." + </p> + <p> + "How nice he talks!" murmured Sally, in a tone of gratification. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Sally, he's smart," said Jonathan, "and can read you like a book." + </p> + <p> + "This lady has a great taste for music. She would be like to excel as a + musician. Am I right, sir?" + </p> + <p> + "I guess you are," said Jonathan. "You'd ought to hear her sing in the + choir to hum. She's got a powerful voice, Sally has. She can almost raise + the rafters of the old meetin'-house." + </p> + <p> + "You see, ladies and gentlemen, that the husband of the lady confirms what + I say of her. Phrenology never errs. A phrenologist is never mistaken in + character. Nature has stamped her impress upon each one of us, and + declares unmistakably what we are." + </p> + <p> + "Go ahead, professor," said Jonathan impatiently. + </p> + <p> + "The lady has a taste for strong and decided colors. What is showy + attracts her admiration." + </p> + <p> + "That's so!" commented Jonathan. + </p> + <p> + "She has a good deal of firmness, and likes to have her own way; as most + of use do," added the professor. "Still she would yield to strong + persuasion." + </p> + <p> + It will be unnecessary to go farther in the examination which proved quite + satisfactory to the young couple, and a source of amusement to the rest of + the passengers. + </p> + <p> + Jonathan next submitted himself to the professor's skill, and was highly + delighted in being told that he was fitted to shine in public life, and + might hereafter become a member of Congress. + </p> + <p> + "I guess the folks at home will think more of me when they hear that," he + remarked to Sally. "The professor has given us good characters." + </p> + <p> + "So he has. Do you think it's all true, Jonathan?" + </p> + <p> + "Of course it is. It's a wonderful science, Sally. I didn't know I had so + many bumps." + </p> + <p> + "Nor I. I can't feel 'em myself." + </p> + <p> + "That's because you're not used to it. It takes the professor to do it." + </p> + <p> + Other subjects were forthcoming, and the professor cleared three dollars + during the evening. He understood human nature well enough to flatter all, + without absolutely contradicting the science of which he claimed to be the + exponent. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XV — An Old Convert to Phrenology + </h2> + <p> + About eleven o'clock the steamer stopped. A dense fog had sprung up, which + made it perilous to proceed. Ben, who was a novice in traveling, got up to + see what was the matter. He was on his way back to the stateroom, when he + encountered a strange figure. The old lady was wandering about in + dishabille, looking thoroughly alarmed. + </p> + <p> + Recognizing Ben, she clutched his arm. + </p> + <p> + "What has happened?" she asked, in a hollow voice, "Is the ship sinkin'?" + </p> + <p> + "No, ma'am," answered Ben. "We have only stopped on account of the fog." + </p> + <p> + "Something may run into us," exclaimed the old lady. "Oh, dear! I wish I + had never left home." + </p> + <p> + "You'd better go back to bed," said Ben soothingly. "There's no danger." + </p> + <p> + "No, I won't," said the old woman resolutely. "I'm not going to be drowned + in my bed. I'll stay here till mornin'." + </p> + <p> + And she plumped down into an armchair, where she looked like an image of + despair. + </p> + <p> + "Hadn't you better put on something more?" suggested Ben. "You may get + cold." + </p> + <p> + "I'll put on my shawl and bunnit," said the old lady. "I can't sleep a + wink. We shall be shipwrecked; I know we shall." + </p> + <p> + Whether the old lady kept her word, or not, Ben did not know. When he + entered the saloon the next morning she was already up and dressed, + looking haggard from want of sleep. Ben ascertained that the boat had + started again about five o'clock, and would probably reach Fall River five + or six hours late. This would make it necessary to take breakfast on + board. + </p> + <p> + He imparted the news to the old lady. + </p> + <p> + "It's a shame," she said indignantly. "They did it a purpose to make us + spend more money. I expected to eat breakfast at my son's house in + Boston." + </p> + <p> + "We shall not probably reach Boston till noon, I hear." + </p> + <p> + "Then suppose I'll have to buy somethin' to stay my stomach. It's a shame. + It costs a sight to travel." + </p> + <p> + "So it does," acquiesced Ben. + </p> + <p> + "They'd oughter give us our breakfast." + </p> + <p> + "I'm afraid they won't see it in that light." + </p> + <p> + The old lady went down to breakfast, and grudgingly paid out twenty cents + more for tea and toast. She was in hopes Ben would get some meat and offer + her a portion; but he, too, felt the necessity of being economical, and + ordered something less expensive. + </p> + <p> + Prof. Crane attempted to renew his phrenological examinations, but could + only obtain two subjects. + </p> + <p> + "Shan't I examine your head?' he asked insinuatingly of the old lady. + </p> + <p> + "No, you shan't," she answered tartly. "I don't want you pawing over me." + </p> + <p> + "Don't you want me to describe your character?" + </p> + <p> + "No, I don't. Like as not, you'd slander me." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, no, ma'am; I should only indicate, by an examination of your bumps, + your various tendencies and proclivities." + </p> + <p> + "I don't believe I've got any bumps." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes, you have. We all have them. I shall only ask you twenty-five + cents for an examination." + </p> + <p> + "I won't give it," said the old lady, resolutely clutching her purse, as + if she feared a violent effort to dispossess her of it. "I can't afford + it." + </p> + <p> + "It is a very small sum to pay for the knowledge of yourself." + </p> + <p> + "I guess I know myself better than you do," said the old lady, nodding her + head vigorously. Then, yielding to an impulse of curiosity: "Say, mister, + is it a pretty good business, examinin' heads?" + </p> + <p> + "It ought to be," answered the professor, "if the world were thoroughly + alive to the importance of the noble science of phrenology." + </p> + <p> + "I don't see what use it is." + </p> + <p> + "Let me tell you, then, ma'am. You have doubtless employed servants that + proved unworthy of your confidence." + </p> + <p> + The old lady assented. + </p> + <p> + "Now if you had employed a phrenologist to examine a servant's head before + engaging her, he would have told you at once whether she was likely to + prove honest and faithful, or the reverse." + </p> + <p> + "You don't say!" exclaimed the old lady, beginning to be impressed. "Well, + that would be something, I declare. Now, there's Mirandy Jones, used to + work for me—I'm almost certain she stole one of my best caps." + </p> + <p> + "To wear herself?" asked Ben demurely. + </p> + <p> + "No, she wanted it for her grandmother. I'm almost sure I saw it on the + old woman's head at the sewin' circle one afternoon. Then, again, there + was Susan Thompson. She was the laziest, sleepiest gal I ever see. Why, + one day I went into the kitchen, and what do you think? There she stood, + in the middle of the floor, leanin' her head over her broom fast asleep." + </p> + <p> + "In both these cases phrenology would have enabled you to understand their + deficiencies, and saved you from hiring them." + </p> + <p> + Here a gentlemen whispered to Prof. Crane: "Offer to examine the old + woman's head for nothing. I will see you are paid." + </p> + <p> + The professor was not slow in taking the hint. + </p> + <p> + "Madam," said he, "as my time just now isn't particularly valuable, I + don't mind examining your head for nothing." + </p> + <p> + "Will you?" said the old lady. "Well, you're very polite and oblegin'. You + may, if you want to." + </p> + <p> + Prof. Crane understood that a joke was intended, and shaped his remarks + accordingly. + </p> + <p> + "This lady," he commenced, "is distinguished for her amiable disposition." + Here there was a smile visible on several faces, which, luckily, the old + lady didn't see. "At the same time, she is always ready to stand up for + her rights, and will not submit to be imposed upon." + </p> + <p> + "You're right there, mister," interjected the old lady, "as my son-in-law + will testify. He tried to put upon me; but I soon let him know that I knew + what was right, and meant to have it. + </p> + <p> + "My subject has a good taste for music, and would have been a superior + performer if her talent had been cultivated. But her practical views would + hardly have permitted her to spend much time in what is merely ornamental. + She is a good housekeeper, and I may venture to remark that she + understands cooking thoroughly." + </p> + <p> + The old lady—so potent is flattery—really began to look + amiable. + </p> + <p> + "I wish old Miss Smith could hear you," she interrupted. "She's a vain, + conceited critter, and purtends she can cook better than I can. If I + couldn't make better pies that she had the last time the sewin' circle met + at her house, I'd give up cookin', that's all." + </p> + <p> + "You see, gentlemen and ladies," said the professor, looking about him + gravely, "how correct are the inductions of science. All that I have said + thus far has been confirmed by my subject, who surely ought to know + whether I am correct or not." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +"This lady," he proceeded, "is fitted to shine in society. Her social + sphere may have been limited by circumstances; but had her lot +been cast in the shining circles of fashion, her natural grace and +refinement would have enabled her to embellish any position to +which she might have been called." +</pre> + <p> + The contrast between the old lady's appearance and the words of Prof. + Crane was so ludicrous that Ben and several others with difficulty, kept + their countenances. But the old lady listened with great complacency. + </p> + <p> + "I wish my granddarter would hear you," she said. "She's a pert little + thing, that thinks she knows more than her grandmother. I've often told my + darter she ought to be more strict with her; but it don't do no good." + </p> + <p> + "It's the way with the young, madam. They cannot appreciate the sterling + qualities of their elders." + </p> + <p> + When the examination was concluded, the old lady expressed her faith in + phrenology. + </p> + <p> + "I never did believe in't before," she admitted, "but the man described me + just as if he know'd me all my life. Railly, it's wonderful." + </p> + <p> + Prof. Crane got his money, and with it the favor of the old lady to whom + he had given such a first-class character. Her only regret was that her + friends at home could not have heard him. + </p> + <p> + About one o'clock in the afternoon the long journey was at an end, and Ben + and his young charge descended from the train in the South Terminal, in + Boston. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XVI — Ben's Loss + </h2> + <p> + It has already been mentioned that there was a train to Milltown at + half-past ten in the morning. Of course Ben was too late for this. He + ascertained, however, that there was another train at five o'clock, and + this he resolved to take. + </p> + <p> + "Where are we going, Ben?" asked Emma, as they stepped out of the station. + </p> + <p> + "Don't you feel hungry, Emma?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "Then we will go and have some dinner, first of all." + </p> + <p> + This proposal was satisfactory to the little girl, who took Ben's hand and + walked up toward Washington Street with him. + </p> + <p> + On School Street they found an eating-house which did not appear too high + in price, and Ben led Emma in. + </p> + <p> + They seated themselves at a table, and ordered dinner. Just opposite sat a + pleasant-looking man, of middle age. He was fond of children, and his + attention was drawn to little Emma. + </p> + <p> + "Is that your sister?" he inquired of Ben. + </p> + <p> + "No, sir," answered Ben. + </p> + <p> + "No relation?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir; she is from New York. She is going to board with my aunt." + </p> + <p> + "Does your aunt live in Boston?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir; in Milltown." + </p> + <p> + "Has the young lady come into the city on a shopping excursion?" inquired + the new acquaintance, smiling. + </p> + <p> + "No, sir; she is just on her way from New York. I went to fetch her." + </p> + <p> + "You are a young guardian." + </p> + <p> + "Rather, sir; but there was no one else to go for her." + </p> + <p> + "How old are you?" + </p> + <p> + "Fifteen." + </p> + <p> + "Are you attending school?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir; I should be glad to do so; but my aunt is not in good + circumstances, and I have to work. I have been employed in the mills, but + they discharged some of their hands lately, and I was among them." + </p> + <p> + "How would you like to come to Boston to work?" + </p> + <p> + "Very much." + </p> + <p> + "I may some time have a vacancy for you. I am a wholesale stationer on + State Street. Give me your address, and if I have any opening I will write + to you." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, sir," said Ben; "I should like very much to work here." + </p> + <p> + Ben took the stranger's card, from which he learned that his name was Otis + Johnson, and that he dealt in stationery, blank books, diaries, and a + similar line of goods. + </p> + <p> + "This may lead to something," thought Ben. "I should enjoy living in + Boston. There is a good deal more going on here than in Milltown." + </p> + <p> + It was about quarter of two when Ben and Emma rose from the table. + </p> + <p> + "What are we going to do now?" asked Emma. + </p> + <p> + Ben considered. + </p> + <p> + "The train doesn't start till five," he said. "We won't go to the station + yet, for we should get tired of waiting. We will walk about, and look into + the shop windows, unless you are tired." + </p> + <p> + "I am not tired. I should like it," said Emma. + </p> + <p> + Presently they came to the old State House. Ben's attentions was attracted + by a Charleston car. He knew that Bunker Hill Monument was in Charleston, + and it struck him that it would be a good opportunity to go and see it. + </p> + <p> + "Does this car go to Bunker Hill Monument?" he inquired. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said the conductor. "It goes within two minutes' walk of it." + </p> + <p> + "How long does it take to go there?" + </p> + <p> + "Twenty minutes." + </p> + <p> + Ben reflected that the train did not start till five o'clock, and that + there would be plenty of time for the excursion. He did not know when he + would have another chance, and resolved to avail himself of this. + </p> + <p> + He helped Emma to board the car, and got on himself. + </p> + <p> + "I like to ride in electric cars, Ben," said Emma. + </p> + <p> + "So do I, Emma. Do you know what we are going to see?" + </p> + <p> + "What is it?" + </p> + <p> + "A great stone monument, five times as high as a house." + </p> + <p> + "What is a monument?" + </p> + <p> + Ben explained to her. + </p> + <p> + "Does anybody live in it?" asked the little girl. + </p> + <p> + "No, I don't think it would be a very pleasant place to live in." + </p> + <p> + "What did they build it for, then?" + </p> + <p> + Ben explained that a great battle had been fought on the hill where the + monument stood. + </p> + <p> + "Do they fight any battles there now, Ben?" asked Emma, in some + apprehension. + </p> + <p> + "Why? Are you afraid of getting killed?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "There is no danger. It is over a hundred years since there was any + fighting there." + </p> + <p> + Just then the car stopped, and a new passenger got on and sat down just + opposite Ben and his young charge. Ben did not take special notice of her, + and was surprised to hear a familiar voice. + </p> + <p> + "I declare, if it ain't the little gal," + </p> + <p> + Looking up, he recognized the old lady, his fellow passenger. + </p> + <p> + "How do you do, ma'am?" he said. + </p> + <p> + "Putty well. Where be you goin'?" + </p> + <p> + "Over to Bunker Hill." + </p> + <p> + "I'm goin' to Charleston, myself. My son is away with his wife, and I'm + goin' over to stay with my niece till he comes back. How do you do, little + gal?" + </p> + <p> + "Pretty well," said Emma. + </p> + <p> + "You don't know me, do you?" + </p> + <p> + It was an unfortunate question. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I do. You're the lady that takes snuff," said Emma. + </p> + <p> + Some of the passengers tittered, and the old lady turned red in the face. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I never did!" she exclaimed, in mortification. "You're a + bad-behaved little gal." + </p> + <p> + "She didn't mean to offend you, ma'am," said Ben. "She's very young." + </p> + <p> + "She's old enough to behave. Children didn't use to sass their elders like + they do now. If one of my children was to behave so, I'd shut 'em up in a + dark closet for twenty-four hours, with only dry bread to eat." + </p> + <p> + The old lady shook her head vigorously, and glared at Emma over the top of + her spectacles. It was just as well, perhaps, that Emma was absorbed in + looking out of the window, and did not listen to what the old lady was + saying. Being a high-spirited and free-spoken young woman, she would have + been likely to reply, and that would have made matters worse. + </p> + <p> + The ride was not a long one, for but a narrow bridge separates Boston + proper from the historic town of Charleston. + </p> + <p> + "You get out here," said the conductor. "Go up that street to the + monument." + </p> + <p> + Ben could see the great stone pillar standing up against the sky in plain + sight, and he ascended the hilly street toward it. + </p> + <p> + "That is the monument, Emma," he said. + </p> + <p> + "It looks like a big chimney," said Emma; "only chimneys are made of + brick." + </p> + <p> + "It would take a big house to need such a chimney as that," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + They reached the top of the hill, and stood beside the monument, which + looked immensely tall, now that they were close to it. + </p> + <p> + "This is where Warren fell," said Ben, repeating to himself a piece of + information which he had heard. + </p> + <p> + "Did he fall?" inquired Emma. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, no; he was killed in the battle here." + </p> + <p> + "Are you going to ascend the monument?" asked a gentleman who had come up + the hill another way. + </p> + <p> + "I didn't know you could," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "There is a spiral staircase inside. Most visitors ascend it. There is a + splendid view from the top." + </p> + <p> + "I should think there would be." + </p> + <p> + "Will you go? I think of going, and would like your company." + </p> + <p> + "No, I guess not," said Ben. "It would be too much for Emma. She is only a + little girl, and could not stand the fatigue." + </p> + <p> + "I wouldn't dare to go up so high, Ben," said Emma timidly. + </p> + <p> + Here a well-dressed lady, who had heard the discussion said: "If you would + like to go up, young man, I will take care of the little girl till you + come down. Will you stay with me, my dear?" + </p> + <p> + She smiled pleasantly, and Emma's confidence was won. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Ben, I will stay with her," she said; "only don't be gone too long." + </p> + <p> + Ben hesitated. He wanted to go up, and was not sure when he would have + another opportunity. He could see no reason to doubt that Emma would be + entirely safe under the care of the stranger. + </p> + <p> + "I don't like to give you so much trouble," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "It will be no trouble," said the lady politely. "I am fond of children." + </p> + <p> + It was twenty-five minutes before Ben descended. He looked for Emma, and + his heart gave a great bound of dismay. + </p> + <p> + Neither Emma nor the lady was to be seen. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XVII — The Strange Captor + </h2> + <p> + This was what had happened. + </p> + <p> + When Ben was fairly on his way up the monument, the lady addressed Emma. + </p> + <p> + "My dear," she said, "are you fond of candy?" + </p> + <p> + "Ever so much," said Emma. + </p> + <p> + "Suppose we go to a candy store and get some?" + </p> + <p> + "But I don't want to leave Ben," said the little girl. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, we will be back before he returns," said the lady. "Will you come?" + </p> + <p> + "If you are certain sure you will be back in time." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes, my dear." + </p> + <p> + The lady's manner was so kind that Emma felt entire confidence in her + promise. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I will go." + </p> + <p> + They walked down the hill in a different direction from that which they + had come up. This brought them to a street on which were some shops. The + lady entered one, leading Emma by the hand. + </p> + <p> + "Give us one half-pound of assorted candy," she said. + </p> + <p> + The girl behind the counter weighed out the candy and handed it to her. + </p> + <p> + They left the shop. + </p> + <p> + "Now are we going back to Ben?" asked Emma. + </p> + <p> + "I have sent word to him to come to my house and take supper, my dear + child. Come with me, and you will see him soon." + </p> + <p> + How should Emma know that this was not true? She was a little girl, with + no experience of the world, accustomed to put confidence in those she met, + and the lady was very kind in her manner. + </p> + <p> + "Is your home far off?" she asked. + </p> + <p> + "No, it is quite near." + </p> + <p> + This proved to be true. + </p> + <p> + The lady turned up a street lined with neat dwellings and rang the bell. + </p> + <p> + A servant answered the bell. + </p> + <p> + "Is it you, mum?" she said. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Jane." + </p> + <p> + Jan looked inquiringly at the little girl, and was on the point of asking + who she was; but she knew her mistress was peculiar and said nothing. + </p> + <p> + "This little girl will stay to tea," said the lady. "Put on an extra + plate." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, ma'am." + </p> + <p> + "And isn't Ben coming, too?" asked Emma, noting the omission. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Jan, you may put on two extra plates." + </p> + <p> + Emma followed her new acquaintance up-stairs, and was led into a neat + bedchamber. The lady entered it, bade Emma enter, locked the door, and + then, sinking on the floor before the astonished child, exclaimed with + evident emotion: "Have I found you at last, my dear, dear child?" + </p> + <p> + Emma was startled at the lady's tone, and for the fist time felt alarmed. + </p> + <p> + "I ain't your child," she said. "What makes you call me so?" + </p> + <p> + "Are you not my dear little Mary?" said the lady. + </p> + <p> + "No, my name isn't Mary. My name is Emma." + </p> + <p> + "Did they change your name, my dear child? Was it not enough to take you + away from me, without changing your name?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't know what you mean," said Emma, ore and more alarmed. "I want to + go back to Ben." + </p> + <p> + "Would you leave your mother, my child?" + </p> + <p> + "You are not my mother. Let me go." + </p> + <p> + Emma ran to the door, but it was locked, and the key was in the lady's + pocket. + </p> + <p> + "I cannot let you go, my dear child. You have been away from me too long + already. I have been very lonely without you." + </p> + <p> + Her tone was still kind—it had never varied—but Emma was + thoroughly frightened. + </p> + <p> + "Let me go!" she began to cry. "I want to go to Ben." + </p> + <p> + The lady looked at her in mingled grief and wonder. + </p> + <p> + "Can a child turn from her own mother to a stranger?" she said musingly. + "She forgets that she is my little Mary. She no longer loves me." + </p> + <p> + "My name is Emma," said the little girl. "Why did you take me away from + Ben?" + </p> + <p> + Help was at hand, though it came from a stranger. + </p> + <p> + A knock was heard at the door, and the lady rose and opened it. The + newcomer was a little younger than the lady already mentioned, but bore + such a resemblance to her as to indicate that she was her sister. She + looked at surprise at Emma. + </p> + <p> + "Where did you get this child, Clara?" she asked. + </p> + <p> + "It is my little Mary. Don't you see that it is?" + </p> + <p> + "You are mistaken, Clara. Your little Mary is in heaven." + </p> + <p> + "She has come back again. This is she. Don't you see that it is she?" + asked the lady called Clara earnestly. + </p> + <p> + "My poor sister," said the younger lady compassionately, "you are + mistaken. This is not your little Mary. Where did you find her? To whom + does she belong?" + </p> + <p> + Emma had listened to this conversation with interest, feeling that it + concerned her. She answered the question herself. + </p> + <p> + "I belong to Ben," she said. + </p> + <p> + "Where is Ben?" asked the younger lady. + </p> + <p> + "He is at the big stone chimney. He was going up to the top. He left me + with her." + </p> + <p> + "You mean the monument, don't you, my dear child?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, ma'am." + </p> + <p> + "Is this true, Clara?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," the elder sister admitted. + </p> + <p> + The younger lady looked perplexed. + </p> + <p> + "You did wrong, Clara, to take the little girl from her brother. He will + feel very anxious about her. + </p> + <p> + "She said she would buy me some candy," said Emma. + </p> + <p> + "Could I see my child, and not claim her?" said Clara. + </p> + <p> + "I am not your child. What makes her say I am her child?" + </p> + <p> + "My dear," said the younger lady gently, "my poor sister lost her little + girl not long since. She has not been well since. When she saw you to-day + she thought you were her little Mary." + </p> + <p> + "I want to go back to Ben. What will Ben say?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly, you must go back to your brother. Come, my child, we will try + to find him." + </p> + <p> + Emma went down-stairs with her new friend. Clara did not attempt to hinder + her, but seated herself with an air of dependency in an armchair, and + buried her face in her hands. + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid Ben has gone away," said Emma. + </p> + <p> + "It is very perplexing," said the young lady to herself. "We will go out + and try to find your brother. If we cannot, you can tell me where your + home is and I will take you there." + </p> + <p> + "I don't know exactly where it is," said Emma; "I have never been there. I + came from New York. I am going to board with Ben's aunt." + </p> + <p> + "And you don't know where she lives? You don't know the name of the town." + </p> + <p> + Emma shook her head. + </p> + <p> + "My poor sister has done great mischief," said the young lady gravely. "I + must do my best to remedy it." + </p> + <p> + They went out into the street together. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Ben, in great trouble of mind, remained in the neighborhood of + the monument for ten minutes or more. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps the lady has taken Emma on a little walk," he thought. "Perhaps + she thought I wouldn't be down so soon." + </p> + <p> + Ben felt that it was very inconsiderate, but he would not at first believe + that there was anything really wrong. But when ten minutes has passed he + became alarmed, and began to blame himself. + </p> + <p> + "Aunt was right," he thought. "I wasn't fit to be trusted with the care of + a little girl. What shall I say to Mr. Manning? What shall I do?" + </p> + <p> + He looked about him in despairing bewilderment. Streets radiated from the + monument in several different directions. Which should he take? If he took + any, there was not more than one chance in four that it would prove the + right one. + </p> + <p> + He was still standing there when the gentleman who had gone up with him + descended. + </p> + <p> + "Where is the little girl?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + Ben explained his trouble. + </p> + <p> + "Don't be alarmed, my boy," said the gentleman, in a tone of sympathy; "I + will help you. Sooner or later we shall hear of the child." + </p> + <p> + "What shall I do?" asked Ben. + </p> + <p> + "It is possible the child may be brought back. I will remain here to + receive her if she comes, and you may go and search for her. Come back in + about half-an-hour." + </p> + <p> + Ben started on his quest, and with feverish haste he explored street after + street, but in vain. With sad heart he retraced his steps to the monument. + What was his joy to find Emma returned, and in charge of the gentleman he + had left behind and another lady. + </p> + <p> + An explanation was given, to which Ben paid little attention, such was his + joy at the recovery of his young charge. + </p> + <p> + "What time is it, sir?" he inquired of his companion. + </p> + <p> + "Five minutes to five." + </p> + <p> + "Then we are too late for the train," exclaimed Ben, in dismay. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XVIII — The Envelope + </h2> + <p> + "What train?" asked the gentleman. + </p> + <p> + "The five-o'clock train to Milltown." + </p> + <p> + "Is that the last train?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir." + </p> + <p> + "You will have to wait till to-morrow. Will it make much difference?" + </p> + <p> + Ben blushed. + </p> + <p> + "I shall have to stay at a hotel," he said uncomfortably, "and I don't + think I have money enough. I did not expect to have that expense." + </p> + <p> + "I can relieve you on that score," said the gentleman. "I live in + Charleston, not far away. You shall stay at my house to-night, and go home + by the morning train. There is a morning train, isn't there?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir, at half-past ten." + </p> + <p> + "You will accept my invitation?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir, and thank you," said Ben gratefully. "I don't know what I + should have done if you had not invited me." + </p> + <p> + "I am glad to have the opportunity of doing you a kindness. I want to send + you away with a good impression of Charleston." + </p> + <p> + It was a handsome house to which Ben was led by his new friend. His wife + received the two children with unaffected kindness, and soon made them + feel at home. During the evening Mr. Somerby, for this was his name, drew + out of Ben the particulars of his history and present position. Ben seemed + so frank and manly that he was quite pleased with him. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Somerby was not in business, unless he may be called a capitalist. He + was the possessor of a large fortune, and the care of his property + required a considerable share of his time. When Ben was ready to go the + next morning, Mr. Somerby put an envelope into his hand. + </p> + <p> + "Don't open this till you get home," he said. + </p> + <p> + "No, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Now, good-by, and good luck to you." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, sir." + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Mrs. Bradford at home was feeling anxious. Old Mrs. Perkins had + dropped in to make a call, and her conversation wasn't reassuring. + </p> + <p> + "Hasn't Ben got back?" she asked. + </p> + <p> + "Not yet." + </p> + <p> + "There's a great risk in sendin' a boy so fur," said the old lady. + </p> + <p> + "Do you think so?" asked Mrs. Bradford uneasily. + </p> + <p> + "To be sure I do. He's too young." + </p> + <p> + "That's what I thought; but Ben was very sure he could get along." + </p> + <p> + "Boys is allus confident," said Mrs. Perkins, whose knowledge of grammar + was not very profound; "but I never knew one that you could rely on." + </p> + <p> + "Benjamin is a good boy." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, he's a good boy as boys go; but don't you trust him too fur. When + did you expect him back?" + </p> + <p> + "I expected him last night." + </p> + <p> + "And he didn't come? Just as I thought." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Perkins nodded her head vigorously, and looked unutterably wise. + </p> + <p> + "Maybe the cars is gone off the track," said the old lady. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, don't say such things, Mrs. Perkins," said Mrs. Bradford uneasily. + </p> + <p> + "I didn't say they had, but we're havin' a dreffle number of accidents + nowadays." + </p> + <p> + "Ben is all right," said Tony, thinking he ought to defend his cousin. "He + said when he went away, he'd come home right side up with care." + </p> + <p> + "Little boys should be seen and not heard," said Mrs. Perkins. + </p> + <p> + "'Always be prepared for the worst.' That's my motto." + </p> + <p> + "And my motto is 'Wait and Hope!'" said a familiar voice outside the door. + </p> + <p> + "It's Ben!" exclaimed Tony joyfully. + </p> + <p> + The door was thrown open and there stood Ben, with little Emma's hand in + his. + </p> + <p> + "Aunt Jane," he said, "here's little Emma, come to live with you." + </p> + <p> + "My dear, I am very glad to see you," said Mrs. Bradford. + </p> + <p> + Emma looked in her gentle face, and liked her at once. + </p> + <p> + "Will you be my aunt, too?" she asked. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, my dear." + </p> + <p> + "Tony, come here and be introduced," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + Tony was bashful at first, but it was not very long before he and Emma + were merrily playing together. + </p> + <p> + "So you're railly back, Benjamin?" said old Mrs. Perkins, rather + disappointed. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, ma'am. How's James?" + </p> + <p> + "Loafin' round, as usual," said his affectionate relative. "Boys are so + shiftless." + </p> + <p> + "They may be," admitted Ben good-naturedly, "but they get hungry + sometimes. Aunt Jane, is there anything to eat in the house?" + </p> + <p> + "I will set the table at once," said his aunt. "The little girl must be + hungry, too." + </p> + <p> + "You're undertakin' a great responsibility, Mrs. Bradford," said Mrs. + Perkins. "The little girl will be a great care to you." + </p> + <p> + "I don't look upon it in that light," said Mrs. Bradford. "I am glad to + have her here." + </p> + <p> + "Humph! You will talk different a month from now. But I must be goin'." + </p> + <p> + After dinner Ben bethought himself of the envelope which Mr. Somerby had + given him. + </p> + <p> + He opened it, when a bank-note dropped to the floor. Picking it up, he + saw, to his amazement, that it was a fifty-dollar bill. With sparkling + eyes he read the letter, or rather these few lines which were penciled on + a half-sheet of note paper: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +"I have been interested in your story, and beg your acceptance +of the enclosed as a slight help and encouragement. Should you ever +need advice or assistance, I shall be glad to have you call upon me." + "Frederic Somerby" +</pre> + <p> + "What do you think of that, Aunt Jane?" said Ben in a tone of exultation. + "Hasn't my motto worked pretty well, after all? Isn't it better to 'Wait + and Hope' than to give up and get discouraged?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Ben, I begin to think you are right." + </p> + <p> + "We are better off than when I was at work in the factory." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Ben; we can get along very comfortably." + </p> + <p> + "I have been thinking, aunt, that while business continues dull I will go + to school. This money I will put in a savings-bank, and we shall have it + to fall back upon if we need it." + </p> + <p> + This plan met with Mrs. Bradford's approval, and was carried out by Ben. + When he returned from the savings-bank, with his book in his hand, he felt + like a capitalist. In fact, he was so cheerful that his aunt caught the + infection, and looked brighter than she had for years. + </p> + <p> + "It is pleasant to have money in the bank," she said to old Mrs. Perkins. + </p> + <p> + "Like as not the bank will break," said the old lady. + </p> + <p> + "I see an account last week of a savin's-bank that failed. I wouldn't + trust any of 'em." + </p> + <p> + "Mrs. Perkins," said Ben, with mock gravity, "I heard last week of a man + who died in his bed. I'd never go to bed if I were you." + </p> + <p> + "It aint' well to joke," said the old lady. "Always be prepared for the + worst." + </p> + <p> + "That isn't my motto," said Ben. "As long as I live I mean to 'Wait and + Hope'!" + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XIX — The Prize for Scholarship + </h2> + <p> + The annual examination of the grammar schools in Milltown came about the + middle of June, just before summer vacation. It the First Ward School two + prizes had been offered by the principal to the scholars who stood highest + on the rank-lists. + </p> + <p> + Speculation was rife as to the probable result; but the choice was finally + narrowed down to two boys. + </p> + <p> + One of these was Ben Bradford, now sixteen years of age. The other was + Samuel Archer, son of the superintendent of the Milton Mills. There is an + old saying, "Like father, like son." Mr. Archer was purse-proud and + consequential, and felt that he was entitled to deference on the score of + his wealth and prominence. + </p> + <p> + "Sam," said he, two days before the examination, "what are your chances of + obtaining the prize?" + </p> + <p> + "I think I ought to have it, father," answered Sam. + </p> + <p> + "That is, you think you will be entitled to it?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes sir." + </p> + <p> + "Then you will get it, as a matter of course." + </p> + <p> + "I don't know that." + </p> + <p> + "Don't you think the prize will be adjudged fairly?" + </p> + <p> + "The principal thinks a great deal of Ben Bradford." + </p> + <p> + "Is he your chief competitor?" + </p> + <p> + "He is the only boy I am afraid of." + </p> + <p> + "Who is he?" + </p> + <p> + "He is a poor boy—used to work in the mills." + </p> + <p> + "He is the nephew of the Widow Bradford?" + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +"Yes; he lives in a small house about the size of a bandbox. I expect + they are as poor as poverty. Ben wears coarse clothes. I don't +believe he has a new suit a year." +</pre> + <p> + "And you have too many. I believe your bill for clothes exceeds mine." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, father, you want your son to dress well. People know you are a rich + man and they expect it." + </p> + <p> + "Humph! it may be carried too far," said Mr. Archer, who had just paid a + large tailor's bill for Sam. + </p> + <p> + "And you say the principal favors him?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, everybody can see it." + </p> + <p> + "It is rather strange he should favor a penniless boy," said Mr. Archer, + himself a worshiper of wealth. "The man don't know on which side his bread + is buttered." + </p> + <p> + "So I think. He ought to consider that you are a man of consequence here." + </p> + <p> + "I rather think I have some influence in Milltown," said Mr. Archer, with + vulgar complacency; "I fancy I could oust Mr. Taylor from his position if + I caught him indulging in favoritism. But you may be mistaken, Sam." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Archer looked thoughtful. + </p> + <p> + Finally he said: "I think it will be well to pay some attention to Mr. + Taylor. It may turn the scale. When you go to school to-morrow I will send + by you an invitation to Mr. Taylor to dine with us. We'll give him a good + dinner and get him good-natured." + </p> + <p> + So when Sam went to school in the morning he bore a note from his father, + containing a dinner invitation. + </p> + <p> + "Say to your father that I will accept his invitation with pleasure," said + the principal. + </p> + <p> + It was the first time he had received such a mark of attention from Mr. + Archer, and, being a shrewd man, he understood at once what it signified. + </p> + <p> + "He's coming, father," announced Sam, on his return home. + </p> + <p> + "Did he seem gratified by the invitation?" + </p> + <p> + "I couldn't tell exactly. He said he would accept with pleasure." + </p> + <p> + "No doubt, he feels the attention," said Mr. Archer pompously. "He knows I + am a man of prominence and influence, and the invitation will give him + social status." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Archer would have been offended if he had been told that the principal + was more highly respected in town than himself, in spite of his wealth and + fine house. + </p> + <p> + When the principal sat down to Mr. Archer's dinner table, he partook of a + dinner richer and more varied than his modest salary enabled him to + indulge in at home. Nevertheless, he had more than once been as well + entertained by others, and rather annoyed Mr. Archer by not appearing to + appreciate the superiority of the dinner. + </p> + <p> + "Confound the man! He takes it as coolly as if he were accustomed to dine + as sumptuously every day," thought Archer. + </p> + <p> + "I hope you are enjoying dinner, Mr. Taylor," he said. + </p> + <p> + "Very much, thank you." + </p> + <p> + "I rather plume myself on my cook. I venture to say that I pay five + dollars a month more than any other person in Milltown. But I must have a + good dinner. I am very particular on that score." + </p> + <p> + "Have you a good cook, Mr. Taylor?" asked Mrs. Archer condescendingly. + </p> + <p> + "Why, the fact is, that we keep but one servant." + </p> + <p> + "I suppose your salary will not permit you to keep more than one servant." + </p> + <p> + "You are right, madam." + </p> + <p> + "Really, Mr. Taylor, I think your salary ought to be increased," said Mr. + Archer graciously. "The laborer is worthy of his hire, eh? I must see if I + can't induce the town to vote you an increased compensation." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you," said the principal quietly. "A larger salary would, of + course, be acceptable, but I doubt whether the town will feel like voting + it." + </p> + <p> + "Rest easy," said Mr. Archer pompously. "I think I can bring it about." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, by the by," continued the rich man, "Samuel tells me that you have + offered two scholarship prizes." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir—to the two scholars who pass the best examination." + </p> + <p> + "How does my boy stand in the matter?" + </p> + <p> + "He is one of the most prominent competitors." + </p> + <p> + "I am very glad to hear it—very glad. Sam, you must do your best + to-morrow. It would gratify me very much if you should succeed. I am + ambitious for my son, Mr. Taylor, and I don't mind admitting it." + </p> + <p> + "Your ambition is a very natural one," said the principal. "Sam's + scholarship is excellent and his record is very satisfactory." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, Mr. Taylor. Your assurance is deeply gratifying to Mrs. Archer + and myself. It will be the happiest day of our lives if Sam succeeds in + the approaching competition." + </p> + <p> + "He has a very fair chance of success, sir." + </p> + <p> + "I think I've fixed things," said Mr. Archer complacently, after the + principal had taken his leave. "The prize is as good as yours, Sam." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XX — Before the Battle + </h2> + <p> + Ben's term at school had already extended to eight months. Our hero was + thorough in whatever he did, and, having an excellent natural capacity, + easily took high rank as a scholar. + </p> + <p> + "Do you expect to win the prize, Ben?" asked his friend, James Watson. + </p> + <p> + "I hope to win it," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "So does Sam Archer." + </p> + <p> + "I suppose it lies between us two, unless you step in and carry it off," + added Ben, smiling, for he knew that James, who was low in rank, was not + at all sensitive on the subject. + </p> + <p> + "Make yourself easy, Ben; I won't interfere with you. You are my friend, + you know, and for your sake I will answer a few questions wrong." + </p> + <p> + "You always were considerate, James. You have relieved my mind of a load + of anxiety." + </p> + <p> + "Don't mention it, Ben. I shan't feel the sacrifice." + </p> + <p> + "You are a good fellow, at any rate, James, and that is more than I can + say for Sam Archer." + </p> + <p> + "He thinks an awful lot of himself." + </p> + <p> + "He can't forget that his father is superintendent of the mill." + </p> + <p> + "By the way, Ben, what are you intending to do in vacation." + </p> + <p> + "I shall try to get employment in the mill again. I have been idle nearly + a year now." + </p> + <p> + "Your aunt has been getting along very well." + </p> + <p> + "Yes; thanks to the seven dollars a week received for Emma's board. But I + don't like to feel that she is supporting the family. I think it is high + time for me to be at work." + </p> + <p> + "Ben, I've been thinking of something." + </p> + <p> + "Out with it, James." + </p> + <p> + "Sam Archer will be very much disappointed if you take the prize over + him." + </p> + <p> + "He doesn't love me overmuch now." + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid he will prejudice his father against you, so as to induce him + to refuse you employment in the mill." + </p> + <p> + "Do you think he would be as mean as that?" + </p> + <p> + "Do I think so? I know it. Sam Archer is mean enough for anything." + </p> + <p> + "He has just as good a chance as I have." + </p> + <p> + "He told one of the boys you were Mr. Taylor's pet. He will say the prize + was give to you on account of favoritism." + </p> + <p> + "Will anybody believe it?" + </p> + <p> + "No one except Sam's special friends. I think Mr. Taylor does like you. + That reminds me, where do you think Mr. Taylor is to-night?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't know, I am sure." + </p> + <p> + "He is dining at Mr. Archer's." + </p> + <p> + "That's something new, isn't it?" + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Archer is trying to curry favor with the principal for Sam." + </p> + <p> + "Then he doesn't know him very well. Mr. Taylor will decide justly, at any + rate." + </p> + <p> + "Do you want very much to go back to the mill, Ben?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "Then the best thing you can do is to let Sam beat you. That will make him + good-natured and you will probably get a place." + </p> + <p> + "I shan't resign the prize. I shall do my best to obtain it. If that loses + me employment in the mill, I will go in search of employment elsewhere." + </p> + <p> + "I like your pluck, Ben." + </p> + <p> + "I am willing to wait and I expect to win in the end." + </p> + <p> + "Well, good luck to you, Ben. My supper is ready, and I must go home." + </p> + <p> + The more Ben thought it over, the more he felt that James was probably + correct in his prediction as to the effect of his success. + </p> + <p> + "I am determined to beat Sam," he said to himself. The next morning he + entered the schoolroom cool and confident, while Sam, though rather + nervous, seemed almost equally confident. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Taylor won't go back on me," he reflected, "after dining at our + house; especially after father has promised to get him a higher salary." + </p> + <p> + The examination lasted all the session. It was partly oral and partly + written. + </p> + <p> + "Boys," said the principal, "I shall devote the evening to the examination + of your papers. To-morrow morning my decision will be made known." + </p> + <p> + "I wish it were over," thought Sam. "I think he'll give me the prize, but + I should like to be sure of it." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXI — Ben Wins at School + </h2> + <p> + Every boy was in his seat the next morning at the opening of school. + Though the choice lay between two only, there was a general interest felt + in the result of the competition. Ben was the favorite, though Sam had a + few followers—generally sycophantic boys who had a respect for + wealth, or had favors to ask of him. + </p> + <p> + "Boys," said the principal, "I sat up till twelve o'clock last evening, + examining your papers. I have not only ascertained who are entitled to the + two prizes, but I have made a list of the ten highest scholars, with their + percentages. I am glad to say that many of you have done well, and I + regret that I have not more prizes to bestow. I will now announce the + names of the prize boys." + </p> + <p> + "First prize—Benjamin Bradford." "Second prize—Sam Archer." + </p> + <p> + The boys applauded noisily. + </p> + <p> + "Bradford's percentage," continued the principal, "is ninety-nine and + eight-tenths; Archer's, ninety-seven and nine-tenths. Both are very high + and I heartily congratulate both young gentlemen upon their brilliant + success. Bradford, you may come up to the desk." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Taylor placed in his hands a neat edition of Longfellow's poems. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, sir," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + The boys again applauded. + </p> + <p> + "Archer, you may come up," said the principal. + </p> + <p> + Sam rose slowly, and with a discontented look shuffled up to the desk. An + edition of Tennyson's poems was handed to him. He received them without a + word of thanks and hurried back to his seat. + </p> + <p> + There was no applause in his case. + </p> + <p> + This was the last day of school, and the session lasted but an hour and a + half. At half-past ten the boys poured out of the schoolhouse with noisy + demonstrations of joy. + </p> + <p> + "I congratulate you, old fellow," said James Watson to Ben. "You've done + splendidly." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, James." + </p> + <p> + "So do I, and I," exclaimed one and another. + </p> + <p> + Ben received all these congratulations modestly. + </p> + <p> + "Go and congratulate Sam, boys," he said. + </p> + <p> + "A good scholar, but a mean boy," said James. "However, here goes." + </p> + <p> + "I congratulate you on your prize, Sam," he said offering his hand. + </p> + <p> + Sam did not appear to see the hand. + </p> + <p> + "A second prize isn't worth having," he said discontentedly. "Of course it + was all I had a chance for. Bradford is the teacher's favorite." + </p> + <p> + "Do you mean to say Ben don't deserve the first prize?" + </p> + <p> + "He was sure to get it, anyhow." + </p> + <p> + "That's mean in you to speak so, Sam." + </p> + <p> + "It's what I think, at any rate." + </p> + <p> + "Well, Sam," said his father, as he entered his presence, "how is it?" + </p> + <p> + "Just as I expected, father. Old Taylor gave the first prize to his + favorite, Ben Bradford." + </p> + <p> + "After all the attention I have paid that man, it is positively outrageous + to defraud you of your rights." + </p> + <p> + "You won't have his salary increased now, will you, father?" + </p> + <p> + "I'll do what I can to have the man discharged." + </p> + <p> + "There's a favor I want to ask of you, father." + </p> + <p> + "What is it, my son?" + </p> + <p> + "I hear that Ben Bradford is going to seek employment in the mill, now + that school is over; I hope you'll refuse to take him on." + </p> + <p> + "I will. His prize will cost him dear." + </p> + <p> + "Would you have given him employment if I had beaten him for the prize?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes; business has revived, and we have decided to take on some extra + hands, giving preference to those who have formerly been in our employ." + </p> + <p> + "Then I will be revenged, at any rate," said Sam. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXII — Sam's Revenge + </h2> + <p> + Now that vacation had fairly commenced, Ben thought he had better make + application for employment at the mills. It was generally understood that + business had improved and that new hands were to be taken on. + </p> + <p> + On the morning succeeding the award of prizes, Ben presented himself at + the office of the superintendent. + </p> + <p> + After awhile the great man arrived. He nodded patronizingly to the + applicants for employment. He saw Ben in the number and his small soul was + rejoiced, for he meant to humiliate him. + </p> + <p> + He summoned one and another to a conference, engaging such as were old + hands. + </p> + <p> + Ben began to look hopeful. He, too, had experience. + </p> + <p> + At last Mr. Archer beckoned to him to approach. + </p> + <p> + "What do you wish?" he demanded. + </p> + <p> + "I should like employment at the mills," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Have you been in my employ before?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Archer opened a thick folio volume which lay upon the desk, and + appeared to be looking for something, which he found at last. + </p> + <p> + "I can't employ you," he said coldly. + </p> + <p> + "Why not, sir?" + </p> + <p> + "Because your record is not good." + </p> + <p> + Ben's eyes flashed with proper indignation. + </p> + <p> + "I don't understand, sir," he said, in a dignified tone. + </p> + <p> + "It strikes me that my language is plain." + </p> + <p> + "What complaints were made of me? I should like to know in what respect I + failed to do my duty." + </p> + <p> + "Probably you know as well as I can tell you," said the superintendent. + "At any rate, I have no time to waste in examining into the matter. I + prefer to take a boy who has nothing against him. Next." + </p> + <p> + Ben left the office, smarting not so much at the failure to obtain + employment, as at the unfounded charges trumped up against him. + </p> + <p> + Just outside the office he met Sam Archer. + </p> + <p> + "Good morning, Bradford," said Sam, eyeing our hero curiously. "Are you + going to work in the mill?" + </p> + <p> + "No," said Ben shortly. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps old Taylor will give you employment." + </p> + <p> + "No doubt he would if he had occasion to employ any one. Mr. Taylor is a + gentleman." + </p> + <p> + "Do you mean to say father isn't a gentleman?" + </p> + <p> + "You can draw your own conclusions." + </p> + <p> + Ben was not quite an angel, though he was a manly boy, and he felt + pugnacious. + </p> + <p> + "I've a great mind to knock you down," said Sam. + </p> + <p> + "You may have the mind, but you haven't got the strength to do it," said + Ben. + </p> + <p> + "I won't dirty my hands with touching you." + </p> + <p> + "That's prudent, at any rate," retorted Ben. + </p> + <p> + "You'd better go home and read your prize." + </p> + <p> + "That's good advice, though it comes from a bad source," returned Ben. "It + isn't needed, however, for I have been reading it. I can quote two lines— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "'Be not like dumb, driven cattle, + Be like heroes in the strife.'" +</pre> + <p> + "What do you mean by that?" + </p> + <p> + "I mean that you will find it hard to drive me." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps so, but I've done one thing," boasted Sam. + </p> + <p> + "What's that?" + </p> + <p> + "I told father not to take you if you applied; and that's why you are + going away with a flea in your ear." + </p> + <p> + "I am not surprised to hear this," he answered. "Indeed, I am very glad to + hear it." + </p> + <p> + "You are glad to hear it?" repeated Sam, puzzled. + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "I don't understand why you should be." + </p> + <p> + "I suppose not. I am glad you know just why I was refused." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I hope you are satisfied." + </p> + <p> + "I am entirely so." + </p> + <p> + "I wonder what the fellow means," thought Sam. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXIII — The Decoy Letter + </h2> + <p> + Sam knew that Ben was anxious to obtain a situation. It occurred to him + that it would be a splendid joke to write to Ben, in the name of some + Boston firm, offering him a situation. Ben would go up to the city, of + course, only to find that he had been "sold." + </p> + <p> + Of course, it would not do for Sam to write the letter himself, since his + writing was well known to Ben. Again, the letter must be posted in Boston. + However, where there is a will there is a way. Sam was acquainted with a + boy who lived in Boston—Frank Ferguson—and to him he wrote, + enclosing the draft of a letter, which he requested Frank to copy and mail + to Ben. "It is only a practical joke," Sam explained in his letter, "in + return for one Ben has played on me." But for this explanation, Frank who + was an honorable boy, would not have lent himself to this scheme. As it + was, it struck him only as a piece of fun, and he followed Sam's + instructions. + </p> + <p> + A few days later, Ben, in going to the post-office, received a letter + directed to himself. It read thus: + </p> + <p> + "BENJAMIN BRADFORD: We are in want of a boy in our store. You can have the + place if you wish. It will be necessary for you to report for duty next + Monday. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Yours, in haste, + "JONES & PORTER" +</pre> + <p> + Ben had heard of Jones & Porter. They were well-known booksellers and + publishers. A position with them was certainly desirable. + </p> + <p> + "But how could they have heard of me," thought Ben. + </p> + <p> + He was not vain enough to suppose that his name was well known in Boston, + yet here was an important firm that had offered him employment. Again, the + manner in which the letter ended struck him as rather singular. It didn't + occur to Ben to doubt its genuineness. + </p> + <p> + As he was walking back, he met James Watson. + </p> + <p> + "What's the news, Ben?" asked James. + </p> + <p> + "I am offered a place in Boston," answered Ben. + </p> + <p> + "You don't say so! What sort of place is it?" + </p> + <p> + "It is a place in a bookstore. There is the letter." + </p> + <p> + James read it. + </p> + <p> + "How did they happen to write to you." + </p> + <p> + "I don't know, I am sure." + </p> + <p> + "Can't you think of any way in which they could have heard of you?" + </p> + <p> + "There is only one way I can think of. There was a gentleman in Charleston + who was quite kind to me when I was there last year. He promised to be of + service to me if I ever needed it. He may have mentioned my name to Jones + & Porter. + </p> + <p> + "Very likely," said James. "You are in luck." + </p> + <p> + "I wish I knew what wages they are willing to pay," said Ben. "If it's + only five dollars a week, it won't more than pay my board, and I don't + like to call upon Aunt Jane to pay for my clothes." + </p> + <p> + "You will take the place, won't you, at any rate?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes. Perhaps I can get a chance to earn something by extra work, and + so pay for my clothes." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I wish you good luck, Ben. If you hear of a place for me, let me + know." + </p> + <p> + "I will, James. I should like your company." + </p> + <p> + Ben went home and showed the letter to his aunt. + </p> + <p> + "You see, aunt, I am provided for," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + Old Mrs. Perkins was present and hazarded a cheerful observation. + </p> + <p> + "I wouldn't trust a boy of mine in the city, Mrs. Bradford," she said; + "it's the ruination of 'em most always. Like or not, Ben will get + dissipated, and take to drinkin', and have the delirious triangles." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bradford was easily alarmed. + </p> + <p> + "Do you think you'd better go, Ben?" she asked doubtfully. "You're so + young." + </p> + <p> + "I can't afford to wait till I'm an old man, Aunt Jane," he said; "and I + don't mean to have the 'delirous triangles,' if I can help it. You + wouldn't keep me at home till I'm eighty, like Mrs. Perkins———-" + </p> + <p> + "I'm only sixty-two," exclaimed the old lady indignantly. "What do you + mean by calling me eighty?" + </p> + <p> + "I didn't know you were sensitive about your age." + </p> + <p> + "I ain't," snarled the old lady; "I own up to sixty-two, but you needn't + call me twenty years older." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Perkins was really seventy-two and looked her age; but she fondly + hoped to deceive the public. + </p> + <p> + "Do you really think you had better go to Boston, Ben?" said his aunt, + after the departure of the visitor. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Aunt Jane. There's no chance for me in Milltown, as you know very + well. Mr. Archer's prejudiced against me, and won't take me into the + mill." + </p> + <p> + "I shall miss you very much, Ben." + </p> + <p> + "I'll write you once every week." + </p> + <p> + "How much will you get?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't know. If it's too little, I will live as closely as I can. I + shall be learning the business, you know, and, of course, I shall get my + salary raised when I deserve it." + </p> + <p> + Ben had a strong, positive nature, and he convinced his aunt that he ought + to accept the offer of Jones & Porter. Mrs. Bradford set about putting + his clothes in order. + </p> + <p> + Sam Archer awaited with interest the result of his joke. Seeing Ben the + next day, he stopped him. + </p> + <p> + "Where are you bound, Ben?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "I am going to buy some underclothes," he said. + </p> + <p> + "Have you got a place?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I expect so." + </p> + <p> + Sam wanted to laugh, but concealed his emotions. + </p> + <p> + "Where is it?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "It isn't in you father's mill," retorted Ben. + </p> + <p> + "No, I suppose not. Is it in town?" + </p> + <p> + "It is in Boston!" said Ben, in a tone of satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + Sam laughed involuntarily. + </p> + <p> + "What are you laughing at?" inquired Ben angrily. + </p> + <p> + "Excuse me," said Sam. "I was thinking how green you would be at first in + a city place. I will call and see you when I go to the city." + </p> + <p> + "I don't like to be impolite; but as you prevented my getting a place + here, I don't look upon you as a friend, and I only care to receive calls + from my friends." + </p> + <p> + "How proud we are just because we have got a place in Boston!" said Sam + mockingly, and he laughed again. + </p> + <p> + "I thought he would be disappointed to hear of my success," thought Ben. + "He is rather a queer boy." + </p> + <p> + "Isn't it jolly?" said Sam to himself. "Won't he be mad when he finds it + all a sell?" + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXIV — Ben Arrives in Boston + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +Ben set out for Boston on Monday morning in very good spirits. His + aunt shed a few tears at parting. She was apt to take depressing +views of the future, and said; "I hope you'll prosper, Ben," in a tone +which implied that she did not think there was more than one chance +in ten of his success. But Ben understood his aunt, and did not allow +her presentiments to weigh with him. His motto was still, "Wait and +Hope." +</pre> + <p> + Ben found himself seated beside a young man of pleasant appearance, who + was attracted by our hero's frank and manly look. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose you are going to Boston," he said. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," answered Ben readily. + </p> + <p> + "Have you got a place there?" + </p> + <p> + "I am going to have," said Ben cheerfully. + </p> + <p> + "Do you mind telling where?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, no," said Ben; "I am going to the store of Jones & Porter." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed! There are very prominent business men." + </p> + <p> + "I suppose they are," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Do you know them personally?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't know them at all. I think some friend of mine must have mentioned + me to them." + </p> + <p> + "It's rather singular that I shouldn't know anything about your + engagement," said the young man. + </p> + <p> + "Why should you?" inquired Ben, in natural surprise. + </p> + <p> + "The fact is, I am Mr. Porter's nephew, and am a salesman in the + establishment," said the young man. He drew from his pocket a business + card, bearing the name. + </p> + <h3> + HENRY W. PORTER + </h3> + <p> + With Jones and Porter + </p> + <p> + Ben was rather disturbed, and he thought: "Can there be anything wrong?" + </p> + <p> + He said aloud: "I don't see how there can be any mistake. I received a + letter from Jones & Porter last week, offering me the place." + </p> + <p> + Ben took the letter from his pocket and handed it to the young man. + </p> + <p> + The latter ran his eye over it hastily. He examined the signature and the + address, and said quietly "I don't think this letter came from our store." + </p> + <p> + Ben felt as if the earth had opened before him. + </p> + <p> + "I don't understand it," he said, his face very red. "If the letter isn't + genuine, who could have written it?" + </p> + <p> + "It seems written in a schoolboy hand," said young Porter. "Isn't it + possible that some one may be playing a practical joke on you?" + </p> + <p> + "It wouldn't be much of a joke to me," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "I should call it a mean trick myself," said Porter; "but can't you think + of any one who may have written it?" + </p> + <p> + "I'll bet it's Sam Archer." + </p> + <p> + "And who is Sam Archer?" + </p> + <p> + "He is the meanest boy in Milltown," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Doesn't he like you? Isn't he one of your friends?" + </p> + <p> + "No, he does all he can to injure me. But"—here Ben examined the + letter a second time—"this isn't his handwriting." + </p> + <p> + "That proves nothing. He probably sent it to some confederate in Boston to + copy and mail to you." + </p> + <p> + "Don't you think there is any chance of its being genuine?" asked Ben. + </p> + <p> + "The chance is very slight; but it is well, of course, to make sure. I + have been away to pass Sunday, and shall go to the store at once on my + arrival. You can go with me. I will introduce you to my uncle." + </p> + <p> + "If it is a trick," said Ben uncomfortably, "I shall be in an awkward + fix." + </p> + <p> + "Whether it is a trick or not, you can count on my friendship," said young + Porter kindly. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you," said Ben gratefully. + </p> + <p> + About an hour later Ben and his new friend entered the large and handsome + bookstore of Jones & Porter. + </p> + <p> + Young Porter, as he walked through the store, received the greetings of + his fellow clerks. + </p> + <p> + "Have you adopted a boy?" asked one facetiously. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Porter, smiling. "Where is my uncle?" + </p> + <p> + "He is in the back office." + </p> + <p> + "All right! Come along, Ben." + </p> + <p> + Henry Porter kept on his way till he reached the back part of the store, + where a good-sized office was partitioned off. Mr. Porter was writing at a + desk. + </p> + <p> + "Good morning, uncle," said Ben's companion. + </p> + <p> + "Good morning, Henry. Have a good time?" + </p> + <p> + "Excellent, uncle. Let me introduce to your favorite notice Master + Benjamin Bradford, of Milltown." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Porter did not consider it beneath his dignity to be polite even to a + boy. + </p> + <p> + "I am glad to see you, my young friend," he said, rising and offering his + hand to Ben. "Are you on a visit to the city?" + </p> + <p> + Poor Ben! His heart sank within him. Evidently Mr. Porter would not ask + such a question of a boy whom he had engaged to work for him. + </p> + <p> + The young man saw his embarrassment and answered for him. + </p> + <p> + "That's rather an odd question to ask you new clerk, uncle," he said. + </p> + <p> + "My new clerk, Henry? I don't understand you." + </p> + <p> + "Ben, show your letter." + </p> + <p> + "That is a forgery," said the uncle rather indignantly. + </p> + <p> + Poor Ben! Manly as he was, he felt ready to cry. + </p> + <p> + "I am sorry," he said faltering. + </p> + <p> + "Have you any idea who wrote it?" asked Mr. Porter. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," answered Ben. "It's Sam Archer." + </p> + <p> + "In fun?" + </p> + <p> + "No, in spite. He is always glad to injure me." + </p> + <p> + "What can be his motive?" + </p> + <p> + Ben explained his relations with Sam. + </p> + <p> + "Do you need the position?" asked Mr. Porter. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir, I am poor, and can ill afford the money I have spent in coming + to Boston. Sam knows this, and it is mean for him, a rich boy, to fool me + so." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Porter was a kind-hearted man. More than once he had kept on a clerk + whom he did not need. + </p> + <p> + "Go into the store a minute, my boy," he said, "while I speak with my + nephew." + </p> + <p> + Of course Ben obeyed. + </p> + <p> + "What do you think of this boy, Henry?" + </p> + <p> + "I think very favorably of him. He seems honest and straightforward, and I + think he is smart." + </p> + <p> + "I like his looks myself; I wish we had a vacancy." + </p> + <p> + "We shall have very soon." + </p> + <p> + "To whom do you refer?" + </p> + <p> + "Frank Robinson is going to leave at the beginning of next month. His + father thinks it will be better for him to go to school a year or two + longer." + </p> + <p> + "So you would recommend hiring this boy?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir; I have so good an opinion of him that I am quite willing to + guarantee him. If you will take him on immediately, I will myself pay his + wages till the end of the month, when Robinson leaves." + </p> + <p> + "Bravo, Henry! That shows a kind heart. I won't accept that, but will give + you leave to help him outside as much as you please." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXV — Sam Gives Himself Away + </h2> + <p> + Ben was looking with interest at a row of new books when he was summoned + into the private office. + </p> + <p> + "My young friend," said Mr. Porter, senior, "we are not responsible for + the letter that brought you here." + </p> + <p> + "No, sir," said Ben. "I am sorry to have troubled you. I'll go home this + afternoon." + </p> + <p> + He looked sober enough, poor Ben, for it would not be pleasant facing his + aunt and friends in Milltown, and explaining matters. Even the "licking" + which he determined to give Sam Archer, if he should prove the author of + the decoy letter, would be a poor satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + "You may as well stay," said Mr. Porter. "My nephew thinks we can find a + place for you in the store." + </p> + <p> + "Will you really take me?" asked Ben. + </p> + <p> + "We will try you. My nephew thinks you will suit us." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, sir," said Ben warmly. + </p> + <p> + "Your friend, who wrote the letter, will be rather disappointed, eh?" said + young Porter, smiling. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Ben, who could smile now. "I should like to see him when he + learns that his malicious letter has procured me a situation. + </p> + <p> + "What do we pay you Robinson?" + </p> + <p> + "Six dollars a week." + </p> + <p> + "Then Benjamin shall have the same. He has no knowledge of the business, + to be sure——" + </p> + <p> + "I will have soon," said Ben confidently. + </p> + <p> + "That's right, my lad. Make yourself useful to us, and you won't have + cause to regret it." + </p> + <p> + He was set to work dusting books, and young Porter went to his own desk; + he was chief bookkeeper. + </p> + <p> + "When the store closes," he said, "come to me. I shall take you to my room + to-night." + </p> + <p> + In the evening, at his friend's room, Ben wrote the following letter to + his friend, James Watson: + </p> + <p> + "Boston, July 18, 19—. + </p> + <p> + "Dear James: Though I have been only a few hours in Boston I have a good + deal to tell you. You remember my showing you the letter from Jones & + Porter, which induced me to come to the city. Well, it was a hoax. It + didn't come from the firm at all. Somebody wanted to play a trick on me, + and wrote it. I have no doubt Sam Archer was at the bottom of it. You know + what a mean fellow he is, and that he would like nothing better than to + injure me. But I am glad to say that he has not succeeded. By great good + luck I got acquainted with Mr. Porter's nephew on board the train. I + showed him the letter, which he pronounced probably a forgery. But he took + me to the store—he is head bookkeeper—and introduced me to his + uncle. It seems that there will be a vacancy at the beginning of next + month, and as I was on the ground, they engaged me. So Sam's mean trick + has been the means of obtaining me a position. He will be provoked enough + when he hears it. Now I will tell you what I want you to do. Don't say a + word about the letter being a hoax. Merely tell the boys that I have got + the place I expected. If Sam wrote the letter he will certainly betray + himself. Keep mum, and lead him on. Then let me know what you find out. I + will write again soon. + </p> + <p> + "Your affectionate friend, "Ben Bradford." + </p> + <p> + "It's a mean trick, and just like Sam," ejaculated James when he read + Ben's letter. "I'll follow Ben's instructions. Sam will be coming round + making inquiries pretty soon. I'll manage him." + </p> + <p> + James was right in his supposition. Sam eagerly awaited the upshot of his + trick. He concluded that Ben would come back Monday night depressed and + humiliated, and he was on the street near Ben's house when the afternoon + train got in, ready to feast his eyes on his rival's unhappiness. But he + waited in vain. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, about ten o'clock, he met James Watson on the street. + James had received the letter from Ben the evening previous. + </p> + <p> + "How are you, James?" said Sam. + </p> + <p> + "I'm all right," said James rather coolly. + </p> + <p> + "Have you heard from Ben Bradford?" + </p> + <p> + "I heard last night." + </p> + <p> + "What does he say?' asked Sam eagerly. + </p> + <p> + "He hadn't been in his situation long enough to tell how he should like + it," answered James. + </p> + <p> + "Is he in a situation?" demanded Sam in surprise. + </p> + <p> + "What do you think he went to Boston for?" + </p> + <p> + "Where is he working?" asked Sam incredulously. + </p> + <p> + "He is with Jones & Porter, of course. Didn't you know they sent for + him?" + </p> + <p> + "Ha! ha!" laughed Sam. + </p> + <p> + "I am on the track," thought James. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know what you mean," said he quietly. "Jones & Porter sent + for Ben, and he is in their employ." + </p> + <p> + "I'll bet you a dollar Ben Bradford will be back here within a week," said + Sam, in a ton of great confidence. "I don't believe Jones & Porter + ever wrote him a letter." + </p> + <p> + "I saw the letter." + </p> + <p> + "Suppose you did; it might have been a hoax." + </p> + <p> + "Then whoever wrote it did Ben a good turn, for he has got a place at + Jones & Porter's." + </p> + <p> + "I don't believe it," said Sam uneasily. + </p> + <p> + "Ben writes me that he is there." + </p> + <p> + "Will you let me see the letter?" + </p> + <p> + "No, I won't." + </p> + <p> + "That convinces me that it's all a humbug." + </p> + <p> + "You think the letter a hoax?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I do." + </p> + <p> + "What reason have you for thinking so?" + </p> + <p> + "I decline to state." + </p> + <p> + "Who do you think wrote it?" + </p> + <p> + "How should I know?" + </p> + <p> + "As you know so much, I don't mind telling you that you are right. The + letter was a hoax." + </p> + <p> + Sam laughed heartily. + </p> + <p> + "I thought so," he said. + </p> + <p> + "And I know who wrote it." + </p> + <p> + Sam didn't laugh now. + </p> + <p> + "Who?" he asked uncomfortably. + </p> + <p> + "You did it." + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean?" blustered Sam. + </p> + <p> + "Exactly what I say. Otherwise you would have had no reason to suspect the + genuineness of it." + </p> + <p> + "Does Ben Bradford charge me with it? Just wait till I see him." + </p> + <p> + "That will be some time unless you go to Boston. Jones & Porter + happened to have a vacancy, and Ben stepped into it. Your letter got him a + place." + </p> + <p> + "I don't believe it," said Sam faintly. + </p> + <p> + "It's true, and it's lucky for you. If Ben had been obliged to come home + he would have given you the worst licking you ever had." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXVI — Ben Finds a Boarding-Place + </h2> + <p> + Henry Porter had a fine suite of rooms in the Back Bay District of Boston. + Ben spent the night with him. + </p> + <p> + "You've got a nice home," said our hero. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said the bookkeeper. "My rooms alone cost me fifteen dollars a + week." + </p> + <p> + "Without board?" ejaculated Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said the young man, smiling. + </p> + <p> + "Why, that is almost eight hundred dollars a year." + </p> + <p> + "Quite correct. I see you think me extravagant." + </p> + <p> + "I was wondering how you could afford it." + </p> + <p> + "Your surprise is natural. If I only depended on my salary, I certainly + should not hire such expensive apartments. But a good aunt left me twenty + thousand dollars, two years since, and this being well invested yields me + about fourteen hundred dollars a year." + </p> + <p> + "I wonder you don't go into business." + </p> + <p> + "I have thought of it, but doubt whether I should manage a business of my + own judiciously. If not, I should run the risk of losing all my money. I + like keeping books for my uncle, and he pays me a good salary. With this + and the income from my property I can live as well as I wish without + incurring any risk at all." + </p> + <p> + "I don't know but that is best," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Now let me speak of your own plans, Ben. Your income is six dollars a + week." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir." + </p> + <p> + "You must regulate your expenses accordingly." + </p> + <p> + "I want to do so, Mr. Porter. How much board shall I have to pay?" asked + Ben anxiously. + </p> + <p> + "I cannot tell without inquiring. There is a boarding-house on Warren + Avenue, kept by a worthy lady of my acquaintance. How much do you fell + able to pay?" + </p> + <p> + "I should like to have enough over to buy my clothes." + </p> + <p> + "We will see if we can manage it Get your hat and we will go to the + boarding-house now." + </p> + <p> + It was a three-story brick house, such as is common in Boston. It was + unusually neat for a boarding-house of medium grade, Mrs. Draper being an + excellent housekeeper, with a horror of dirt. + </p> + <p> + "How do you do, Mr. Porter?" was the landlady's greeting. Mr. Porter had + once boarded with her. + </p> + <p> + "Very well, thank you, Mrs. Draper. How is business? Pretty full, eh?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir; I've only got one small room vacant." + </p> + <p> + "May we see it?" + </p> + <p> + "It won't suit you, Mr. Porter." + </p> + <p> + "It may suit my young friend here." + </p> + <p> + "A relative of yours?" inquired Mrs. Draper. + </p> + <p> + "No, but he is a young friend in whom I feel an interest." + </p> + <p> + "I shall be very glad if the room suits him, then." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Draper led the way up-stairs to the vacant room. It was small, but + neatly carpeted, and provided all that was needful in a chamber. + </p> + <p> + "How much do you like it, Ben?" asked the bookkeeper. + </p> + <p> + "Very much," said Ben, in a tone of satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Porter walked to the other end of the room and discussed terms with + Mrs. Draper in a low tone. + </p> + <p> + "What is your price for this room with board?" + </p> + <p> + "I have generally got six dollars a week." + </p> + <p> + "I want you to let my young friend have it for four." + </p> + <p> + "I really couldn't do it, Mr. Porter. You have no idea how much I have to + pay at the market for meat and vegetables. Then my landlord won't reduce + my rent." + </p> + <p> + "You don't understand me, Mrs. Draper," said the bookkeeper. "You are to + charge him only four dollars; but I propose to make up the difference." + </p> + <p> + "That is, of course, satisfactory." + </p> + <p> + "One thing more. My young friend is not to know about this arrangement. He + is to suppose that four dollars a week is payment in full." + </p> + <p> + "There is only one objection to that, Mr. Porter. If my other boarders + suppose that is all he pays, they will make a fuss, and want their rate of + board reduced." + </p> + <p> + "Then he shall be cautioned to keep the price he pays secret. Ben!" + </p> + <p> + Ben walked over to where they were standing. + </p> + <p> + "Mrs. Draper agrees to take you at the very low price of four dollars a + week for room and board." + </p> + <p> + Ben looked delighted. + </p> + <p> + "Then I shall have money enough from my wages to pay all my expenses + without calling on Aunt Jane." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, if you are economical. As this price is extremely low, you are not + to mention to any of the other boarders how much you pay." + </p> + <p> + "I will be sure to remember it," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + As they were leaving the house Mr. Porter said: "Don't suppose, Ben, that + I am anxious to get rid of you. I had half a mind to keep you with me a + week or two. But one thing deterred me. You are a poor boy, and have your + own way to make in the world. You can't for years afford to live as I am + doing. If I accustomed you to living expensively it would be harder for + you to accommodate yourself to your means." + </p> + <p> + "I understand you, Mr. Porter, and thank you. I consider you a true + friend," said Ben earnestly. + </p> + <p> + "I see you are a sensible boy, Ben. You are right in looking upon me as a + friend. I hope you will come and call upon me often." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, sir. I shall consider it a privilege to do so. And I hope you + will give me any advice that you think will benefit me." + </p> + <p> + "I will, Ben, and I will begin now. We have a large public library in + Boston, of which we are very proud. I advise you to draw books from it." + </p> + <p> + "I shall be glad to," said Ben eagerly. + </p> + <p> + "Come round, and I will show it to you." + </p> + <p> + Together they entered the handsome building on Copley Square. Ben, who had + never seen a large library, or, indeed, any library containing over a + thousand books, was amazed at what he saw. + </p> + <p> + "I didn't suppose there was any library in the world so large," he said. + </p> + <p> + "Here is the newspaper and magazine room. You can come in here any + evening. It will be much better than to spend your time where many boys + and young men do—in billiard and drinking saloons." + </p> + <p> + "I shall enjoy living in Boston very much." + </p> + <p> + "I think you will. While a large city has more temptations than a small + town, it also has more opportunities for improvement. I hope, Ben, you + will start right, and prepare the way for a useful manhood." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, Mr. Porter. I mean to try." + </p> + <p> + The next day Ben took formal possession of his room in the boarding-house + on Warren Avenue. He found a pleasant class of boarders there and a good + table. Though not luxurious, it was better than he had been used to at + home, and he felt himself fortunately placed. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXVII — Sam Attempts Strategy + </h2> + <p> + The more Sam Archer thought of the effect of his letter upon Ben's + fortunes the more he felt provoked. + </p> + <p> + "I wish I hadn't sent him to Jones & Porter," thought he. "I hope he + won't suit them." + </p> + <p> + When a fortnight had passed Sam managed to meet James Watson. + </p> + <p> + "Have you heard from Ben Bradford lately?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said James. + </p> + <p> + "What does he write?" + </p> + <p> + "That he likes his place very much. The bookkeeper is very kind to him, + and assists him with advice. Then he likes being in a bookstore." + </p> + <p> + Sam was not overjoyed at the news. + </p> + <p> + "How kind you are to take such an interest in Ben!" + </p> + <p> + "I don't take an interest in him," returned Sam. + </p> + <p> + "Then what makes you ask after him so particularly?" + </p> + <p> + "I expected he'd be discharged by this time." + </p> + <p> + "What made you think so?" + </p> + <p> + "He didn't give satisfaction at the mill. He was discharged." + </p> + <p> + "So was I." + </p> + <p> + "But not for the same reasons," said Sam. "It was because times were + dull." + </p> + <p> + "I rather think Ben's work was satisfactory enough, but you influenced + your father against him." + </p> + <p> + "How much pay does he get?" inquired Sam. + </p> + <p> + "More than he received at the mill." + </p> + <p> + "I wonder whether all this is true," considered Sam. "James Watson is + Ben's friend and he may represent things better than they are." + </p> + <p> + An excellent plan suggested itself to Sam. He would ask his father's + permission to go to Boston and pass a day or two with his friend, Frank + Ferguson. This would allow him to drop into Jones & Porter's store and + judge for himself how Ben was situated. + </p> + <p> + Sam had no trouble about obtaining permission. + </p> + <p> + On reaching the city he decided to call at the store before going to his + friend's residence. + </p> + <p> + Ben was dusting books, when a glance toward the door revealed the entrance + of Sam. The latter had cherished a faint hope that James had deceived him, + and that Ben was really not employed. + </p> + <p> + "How shall I receive him?" Ben asked himself. + </p> + <p> + He decided to treat him coolly, but not to quarrel. + </p> + <p> + "Good morning, Bradford," said Sam. + </p> + <p> + "Good morning, Archer," was the return greeting. + </p> + <p> + Sam didn't quite like this familiarity. + </p> + <p> + "How do you like working here?" + </p> + <p> + "Very much," answered Ben. "Much better than in the mill," he added + significantly. + </p> + <p> + "I shouldn't think they'd have taken a green country boy," suggested Sam + pleasantly. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps they wouldn't if a friend hadn't written for me," said Ben with a + meaning glance at Sam. + </p> + <p> + "How much pay do you get?" + </p> + <p> + "I would rather not say." + </p> + <p> + "Because it is so small," said Sam, with a sneer. + </p> + <p> + "On the contrary, I look upon it as liberal. I am doing better than if I + had remained at Milltown." + </p> + <p> + This was bad news for Sam. + </p> + <p> + "I am really obliged to the person who wrote the letter which secured me + the position," Ben added. + </p> + <p> + "It isn't much of a business to dust books." + </p> + <p> + "I sell books sometimes," said Ben, smiling. "Can I show you something + this morning." + </p> + <p> + "No, I don't want anything. Where do you live?" + </p> + <p> + "I board on Warren Avenue." + </p> + <p> + "In a cheap boarding-house?" + </p> + <p> + "There are some very nice people who board there." + </p> + <p> + Sam came to a sudden decision. Would it be possible to induce Ben to give + up his place, and enter the mill again? He could be discharged after + awhile, and cast adrift. It was rather foolish to suppose that Ben would + snap at such a bait, but he decided to try it. + </p> + <p> + "I think you would be better off in the mill," he said. + </p> + <p> + "You could board at home, and help your aunt. You would soon be promoted, + too." + </p> + <p> + "I thought you didn't want me to enter the mill," exclaimed Ben, amazed. + "Your father told me that my record was not good;" and Ben looked + indignant. + </p> + <p> + "Father was feeling out of sorts," said Sam smoothly. + </p> + <p> + "He will take you on if you'll come back." + </p> + <p> + "What does the fellow mean?" thought Ben. + </p> + <p> + It didn't take him long to guess. If he should return to the mill he would + be once more in Sam's power. + </p> + <p> + "You really think your father would employ me?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, he would if I asked him to." + </p> + <p> + "I would thank you, Sam Archer, if I thought your offer was a friendly + one." + </p> + <p> + "What makes you think that it isn't." + </p> + <p> + "The feeling which I have reason to think you entertain for me, and your + conduct in the past." + </p> + <p> + "You are too suspicious, Ben." + </p> + <p> + "If I find I am, I will apologize to you. It would be foolish for me to + give up so good a position in order to accept a poor one, which is not all + permanent." + </p> + <p> + "Well, Bradford, I must bid you good morning. Just write to me if you + decide to accept." + </p> + <p> + "If I decide to accept I will." + </p> + <p> + "He's getting very impudent," said Sam to himself, "If I could only get + him into the mill I could fix him. We'd let him stay two or three weeks, + and then ship him. But he won't do it. Stay, I think of a way." + </p> + <p> + What the way was may be conjectured from a letter which Ben received three + days later from his Aunt Jane: + </p> + <p> + "My Dear Nephew: I am feeling almost heart-broken. It is reported by one + who saw you lately that you are looking very dissipated. I was afraid the + temptations of the city were too much for you. You are too young to go + away from home. I won't blame you too much, for I feel that you are weak + rather than wicked. But I shall not feel comfortable till you are at home + again. Don't hesitate to give up your place. I am assured that they will + take you on again at the mill, and it will be much better for you to be at + home with us, till you are older, and better able to resist temptation. + </p> + <p> + "Your anxious aunt, "Jane Bradford" + </p> + <p> + Ben read this letter in amazed indignation. + </p> + <p> + "Sam is at the bottom of this," he concluded. "It is he that has reported + that I look dissipated. He wants to deprive me of my place, and get me + into the mill, where I shall be in his power. I can't forgive him for + frightening my poor aunt. If I were at home, I should certainly punish him + as he deserves." + </p> + <p> + Ben took the letter to his friend, the bookkeeper. + </p> + <p> + "What do you think of that?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "This letter was written at an enemy's instigation." + </p> + <p> + "You are right, Mr. Porter." + </p> + <p> + Then Ben told his friend of Sam's call. + </p> + <p> + "Will you do me a favor, Mr. Porter?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "Certainly I will, Ben." + </p> + <p> + "Then, will you write to my aunt, and assure her that my habits are good, + and that her informant has willfully lied? It will relieve her anxiety." + </p> + <p> + "With pleasure." + </p> + <p> + The next day Mrs. Bradford received a letter, very enthusiastic in its + tone, which completely exonerated our hero from the charges brought + against him. + </p> + <p> + "Your nephew," it concluded, "bids fair to become one of our best clerks. + He is polite, faithful, and continually trying to improve. You need have + no apprehension about him. It would be very foolish for him to resign his + situation." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXVIII — Sam Praises Ben + </h2> + <p> + The same mail that carried the bookkeeper's letter to Mrs. Bradford also + carried a letter from Ben to Sam Archer. It ran thus: + </p> + <p> + "Sam Archer: You might be in better business than telling lies about me to + my aunt. If you think I look dissipated your eyes deceive you, and I + advise you to wear glasses the next time you come to Boston. If you choose + to come to the store, it is none of my business; but you need not take the + trouble in order to see me. + </p> + <p> + I quite understand your anxiety to get me back into the mill. There was a + time when I should have been glad of a place there; but now I have a place + that suits me better, and don't care to change. "Benjamin Bradford" + </p> + <p> + When Sam received this letter, he looked and felt provoked. Somehow or + other Ben was always getting the better of him. He wanted to injure him, + but there seemed no way. Suddenly it occurred to Sam that he might + prejudice Jones & Porter against our hero. + </p> + <p> + He sat down at once and wrote them an anonymous letter, of which this is a + copy: + </p> + <p> + "Messrs. Jones & Porter: I hear that you have taken into your + employment a boy named Benjamin Bradford from this town. You probably are + not aware that he has a very bad reputation here. He was employed in the + mill for a time, but was discharged because he was idle and lazy. He keeps + bad company, and none of the respectable boys here cared to associate with + him. I don't like to see an honorable firm imposed upon, and that is why I + warn you of the character of your new clerk, though I have no personal + interest in the matter. + </p> + <p> + "A Friend" + </p> + <p> + The next day Ben was summoned to the countingroom. + </p> + <p> + "Ben," said Mr. Porter, "have you any enemy in Milltown?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir." + </p> + <p> + "We have just received a letter warning us against you, as unworthy of our + confidence." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Porter smiled, or Ben might have felt uncomfortable. + </p> + <p> + "May I see the letter?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + The letter was placed in his hands. + </p> + <p> + "It is Sam Archer's handwriting," he said, looking up. "I hope, sir, you + won't let it prejudice you against me." + </p> + <p> + "I would not allow myself to be influenced by an anonymous letter. It is a + stab in the dark." + </p> + <p> + "I want to show you how inconsistent Sam is," said Ben. "He was here a few + days ago, and urged me to give up my place here, and take one in the + mill." + </p> + <p> + "That is rather strange, if he is your enemy." + </p> + <p> + "No, sir; he don't like it because I have a good place here. If I should + go into the mill I should probably be discharged in a week or two, and + cast adrift." + </p> + <p> + "Are any boys as malicious as that?" + </p> + <p> + "Not many, sir, I hope; but Sam is an exception." + </p> + <p> + "I sympathize with you in your persecution, Ben; but I can assure you that + no anonymous letters will change my opinion of you. If this enemy sends + another letter, I shall feel tempted to increase your wages." + </p> + <p> + "Then I hope he'll write again," said Ben, laughing. + </p> + <p> + "If we continue satisfied with you, we shall probably advance you on the + first of January." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, sir," said Ben warmly. "May I answer this letter, sir?" + </p> + <p> + "You may say that we have shown it to you, and that we despise such + malicious attempts to injure." + </p> + <p> + The next day Sam received a letter from Ben, which concluded: + </p> + <p> + "If you write another similar letter to my employers, you will be doing me + quite a service. It will probably cause them to raise my salary. As I owe + my place to you, you now have it in your power to increase the obligation. + How bad you must feel, Sam, at your inability to do me harm! I can't say I + exactly sympathize with you, but I certainly pity you for harboring such + malice in your heart. I don't know how to express my gratitude for all of + your kindness. If ever you want a situation in Boston let me know. There + is a peanut woman on the Common who wants a smart, active salesman. + </p> + <p> + "Ben Bradford" + </p> + <p> + Sam was stung by the cool indifference and contempt which appeared in this + letter. Ben did not take the trouble to be angry. He evidently despised + his enmity, and defied him. Sam felt that he hated Ben worse. + </p> + <p> + "What's that letter you are scowling over, Sam?" asked James Watson. + </p> + <p> + "It's a letter from a miserable puppy," hissed Sam. + </p> + <p> + "Is it? Do you correspond with miserable puppies?" + </p> + <p> + "I can't help their writing to me. If you want to know who it is, it's + your friend, Ben Bradford." + </p> + <p> + "How long have you corresponded?" asked James. + </p> + <p> + "I wouldn't lower myself by writing to him," said Sam wrathfully. "I'll + show you what I think of his letter." + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, he tore the letter to pieces. + </p> + <p> + "You're a strange boy, Sam," said James. + </p> + <p> + "Why am I?" + </p> + <p> + "Haven't you been working hard to get Ben back to Milltown?" + </p> + <p> + "I wish he'd come back." + </p> + <p> + "And yet you can't bear the sight of him." + </p> + <p> + "I hate him worse than any fellow I know." + </p> + <p> + "Come, now, Sam, just listen to a little advice. If you had always treated + Ben right you would like him as well as I do. Why should you cherish + malice against him? He has good qualities, and so have you, if you'd only + give 'em a chance to show themselves." + </p> + <p> + "That's all gammon," said Sam impatiently. + </p> + <p> + "What, about your having good qualities?" + </p> + <p> + "About my ever liking Ben Bradford. Before I'd make a friend of him, I + would go without friends." + </p> + <p> + "You may think differently some time." + </p> + <p> + On the first of January Ben wrote to his aunt: + </p> + <p> + "My Dear Aunt: Congratulate me on my good luck. Mr. Porter, this morning, + called me into the countingroom, and informed me that henceforth my wages + would be eight dollars a week—two dollars more that I have been + receiving. I owe this partly to my good luck. I am a favorite of the + bookkeeper, who is Mr. Porter's nephew; otherwise, if I had been advanced + at all, it would have been only one dollar a week. Don't you think it + would have been rather foolish if I had come back and gone into the mill, + as you wished me to?" + </p> + <p> + "After all, I think Ben did right to stay," said Aunt Jane, when she read + the letter. + </p> + <p> + "I wish he'd come home," said Tony. "Then he could play with me." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXIX — The Cunard Steamer + </h2> + <p> + Early one morning a gentleman came into Jones & Porter's bookstore, + and selected some books, which he paid for. There were eighteen in all. + </p> + <p> + "Where shall we send them, sir?" + </p> + <p> + "Can you send them to the Cunard steamer at East Boston? I sail for Europe + today." + </p> + <p> + "Certainly, sir. When does the steamer start?" + </p> + <p> + "At twelve o'clock. Don't fail to have them there on time, as I shall be + greatly disappointed to miss them." + </p> + <p> + When the gentleman had left the store, Ben was summoned. + </p> + <p> + "Ben, do you know the Cunard Wharf in East Boston?" asked the bookkeeper. + </p> + <p> + "I can easily find it." + </p> + <p> + "Here is a package of books to be carried there." + </p> + <p> + "All right, sir," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "They are for Mr. James Parker. If you don't find him leave them with the + steward." + </p> + <p> + So Ben took the package, and made his way toward the East Boston Ferry. + </p> + <p> + On board the boat he look around him, thinking it possible that he might + recognize some one of his fellow passengers. Considerably to his surprise + he noticed Mr. Archer, superintendent of the factory at Milltown, whom he + had not seen since the latter declined to take him on again at the mill. + </p> + <p> + "I wonder what brings Mr. Archer here?" + </p> + <p> + His surprise, however, was only momentary. There was nothing strange in + the superintendent's having business at East Boston. Ben noticed, however, + that Mr. Archer wore a traveling-suit, and carried a knapsack. + </p> + <p> + Ben would have liked to inquire if Squire Archer had seen his aunt lately, + if they had been on friendly terms; but he was very doubtful how his + advance would be received, and remained where he was. + </p> + <p> + The boat touched the pier and the passengers disembarked. Ben was two or + three rods behind the squire. Our hero inquired the way to the steamer, + and had no difficulty about obtaining the necessary information. To his + additional surprise Squire Archer crossed the gangway only a little in + advance of Ben. + </p> + <p> + "What can be the squire's business here?" thought Ben, in surprise. + </p> + <p> + Ben halted on deck, and looked around for some officer to whom he could + entrust the package. At this moment Squire Archer turned and saw Ben for + the first time. He started and changed color, as Ben could see. For an + instant he looked irresolute. Then he approached Ben, and said roughly: + "What brings you here?" + </p> + <p> + "I am here on business," answered Ben. + </p> + <p> + "On business! What business?" + </p> + <p> + "I have a package of books for one of the passengers." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I see," said the mill superintendent, seeming to be relieved. "You + are working in a bookstore." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir." + </p> + <p> + "What firm is it?" + </p> + <p> + "Jones & Porter." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes, I know. I have often been in their store. How do you like your + place?" + </p> + <p> + Squire Archer's tone was quite genial and friendly, though there was an + uneasy expression on his face. + </p> + <p> + "Very well, sir." + </p> + <p> + "If you ever get out of a place, come to me." + </p> + <p> + "I thought you said my record was not good." + </p> + <p> + "So I did," said the superintendent; "but I was mistaken. I was thinking + of another boy at the time." + </p> + <p> + "I am glad to hear it, sir," he answered. "I felt disturbed about it at + the time." + </p> + <p> + "Of course. I believe you and Sam had a little difference." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir; but I don't think I was to blame." + </p> + <p> + "I don't care to inquire into that. You and Sam will laugh over it when + you become a little older." + </p> + <p> + Squire Archer had never seemed so kind and pleasant. Ben began to think he + had misjudged him. + </p> + <p> + "I would like to be friends with Sam," he said. "I shall be ready to meet + him half-way." + </p> + <p> + "I will tell him so to-night," said the superintendent. + </p> + <p> + "By the way, I suppose you are rather surprised to see me here. You didn't + think I was going to Europe?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir, I didn't think that. I suppose you couldn't be spared at the + mill." + </p> + <p> + "Quite true, my boy. I can't be spared for so long. I wish I could. I have + long wanted to make a European tour; but I am tied down at home by + business. However, that doesn't explain why I am here." + </p> + <p> + "Don't tell me, sir, unless you like. It is none of my business." + </p> + <p> + "To be sure. In fact, there is a little secret about it; but I don't mind + telling you." + </p> + <p> + Ben felt more and more surprised. Was this the proud Squire Archer, who + carried his head so high? + </p> + <p> + "If there is a secret about it, perhaps you had better not tell me," said + Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I am quite willing to tell you; but you must not say anything about + it till after the steamer has sailed. The fact is, a man, who owes the + mill a large sum of money, it is suspected has taken passage on board this + steamer, with the intention of going to Europe and evading the payment of + his debt. I can't tell you his name, as that might interfere with my + plans. I am here to intercept him, and prevent his departure." + </p> + <p> + "I hope you will succeed, Squire Archer," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, Ben. You see, therefore, that it is essential for me to keep + my presence here secret till the steamer sails. I will go down-stairs now + and watch." + </p> + <p> + Ben delivered his parcel, left the steamer, and did not mention that he + had met any one whom he knew. He felt bound to respect Squire Archer's + secret. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon he was walking up Washington Street with the bookkeeper, + when the latter bought the Evening Transcript. He glanced at the first + page and then turned to Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Do you know Archer living in Milltown?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly; he is the superintendent of the mill there." + </p> + <p> + "Well, here is a paragraph about him. It seems he has left the town, with + fifty thousand dollars belonging to the corporation. His flight has made a + great sensation. The police are on his track, and it is thought that he + will be arrested and brought back." + </p> + <p> + "I saw Squire Archer this morning, on the Cunard steamer. He told me not + to mention having seen him till after the steamer had started." + </p> + <p> + "Is it possible?" exclaimed young Porter. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; he said he was looking out for a man who owed money to the mill, + whom he suspected of taking secret passage for Europe." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXX — Sam Is Improved By Adversity + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Archer's flight made a great commotion in Milltown. No one entertained + a suspicion of his integrity. He had been appropriating the funds of the + corporation to his own use, being treasurer as well as superintendent. + When exposure was inevitable he fled. + </p> + <p> + To Sam and his mother, it was a great blow, not only on account of the + disgrace, but also because it involved poverty and a narrow style of + living. To persons of their pretensions this was heavy to bear. They were + not altogether penniless. Mrs. Archer had property of her own, to the + amount of four thousand dollars, which was unimpaired. But, even at a + liberal rate of interest, this would not support them. Sam remained in the + house, dispirited and resentful against the father who had brought this + upon him, till he got tired of confinement and walked out. He hoped to + meet no one whom he knew, but at the corner of the street he fell in with + James Watson. + </p> + <p> + "He is one of Ben Bradford's friends. He will rejoice at what has + happened," thought Sam. But James stopped him, and said in a friendly + tone: "Are you out for a walk, Sam? Let us walk together?" + </p> + <p> + "I didn't know as you'd care to walk with me." + </p> + <p> + "You don't think I rejoice over your misfortune?" + </p> + <p> + "I didn't know but you might. You are a friend of Ben Bradford." + </p> + <p> + "He will be very sorry. He won't think of any little difference there has + been between you." + </p> + <p> + "I don't believe that," said Sam, shaking his head. + </p> + <p> + "You will, as soon as you see him. You mustn't lose courage, Sam. I know + it's bad for you, but——" + </p> + <p> + "I don't know what's going to become of us," said Sam despondently. "We + shall be poor." + </p> + <p> + "That isn't the worst thing that can happen to you." + </p> + <p> + "Father has treated us very badly." + </p> + <p> + "He has done wrong; but he is your father. Remember, Sam, I am your + friend, and if I can do anything for you I will." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, James," he said. "You are a good fellow—much better than + I thought. I supposed you would be glad I was down in the world." + </p> + <p> + Same was to be still more surprised. The next day he received the + following letter from Ben Bradford: + </p> + <p> + "Dear Sam: I am very sorry to hear of your misfortune. Of course, no one + can blame you or your mother. I believe I was the last acquaintance to see + your father before he left Boston. I had occasion to go on board the + Cunard steamer which sailed on Wednesday. On the dock I met your father, + and had a little conversation with him. He did not tell me that he was + going to Europe; but he was in a traveling-dress and, no doubt, he was. + </p> + <p> + "What has happened will, no doubt, make some difference in your plans. If + you wish to get a situation in Boston, I may be able to help you to one. + At the beginning of next month there will be an opening for a boy in an + establishment on Milk Street. The wages will not exceed five dollars a + week; but it would be difficult for a beginner to do better. If you wish, + I will try to get this place for you. At any rate, I hope you will regard + me as a friend who wishes you well. The little quarrel there has been + between us is not worth remembering. + </p> + <p> + "Your sincere friend, "Benjamin Bradford." + </p> + <p> + To say that Sam was surprised to receive this cordial letter from a boy + whom he had so persistently tried to injure will hardly express his + feelings. He was overwhelmed with astonishment, mingled with shame. + </p> + <p> + "Ben is a great deal better than I am," he was forced to admit. "I don't + deserve such a kindness from him." + </p> + <p> + He showed Ben's letter to his mother. + </p> + <p> + "I think I had better ask Ben to get me the place. We must not be too + proud." + </p> + <p> + "We have no right to be proud now. We shall have scarcely enough to + support us in the humblest manner." + </p> + <p> + "My wages will help. I shall get five dollars a week. That will be two + hundred and sixty dollars a year." + </p> + <p> + Even Mrs. Archer was surprised at the change in Sam. + </p> + <p> + "Do you think you will be willing to work?" + </p> + <p> + "Of course I shall; that is, if I can work in Boston. I don't want to stay + here." + </p> + <p> + "Nor I," said Mrs. Archer. + </p> + <p> + "Suppose we both go to Boston, then." + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid our income won't be sufficient." + </p> + <p> + "For two or three years you can spend some of your principal, mother. By + that time I shall be getting higher wages, and it may not be necessary." + </p> + <p> + "I didn't expect that you would take it so, Sam." + </p> + <p> + Ben received the following answer to his letter. + </p> + <p> + "Dear Ben: I thank you for your kind letter. I feel very much ashamed of + the way I have treated you in the past. I didn't know what a good fellow + you were. I am afraid I shouldn't have behaved as well in your place. As + to your offer, I accept it thankfully. I shall be very glad to get the + place you speak of. Mother and I intend to move to Boston, as it is no + longer agreeable to stay here. Do you know of any boarding-house where the + prices are reasonable, for we cannot afford to pay high rates? If you do, + please find out on what terms we can be accommodated, and let me know." + </p> + <p> + Ben was pleased. + </p> + <p> + "Sam has improved," he thought. + </p> + <p> + By the first of the month Sam and his mother were established in a + boarding-house on Warren Avenue and Sam had entered upon his duties in + Milk Street. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXXI — Clouds in the Sky + </h2> + <p> + Ben felt that he and his aunt were fortunately situated. From the time + when his salary was raised he had laid aside two dollars a week, which he + deposited in the savings-bank on School Street. His aunt, having no rent + to pay, easily got along on her income from work and from the liberal + board paid for little Emma. + </p> + <p> + "I am getting on," thought Ben, complacently regarding his bank book, at + the end of three months. "I am worth twenty-six dollars already." + </p> + <p> + Little Emma, his aunt's boarder, was a child of pleasant disposition, and + had given little trouble to Mrs. Bradford. Her health, too, had been + excellent, until all at once she became pale and thin. Mrs. Bradford felt + it her duty to report this to Mr. Manning, the child's guardian. By his + direction, a skillful physician was consulted, who gave it as his opinion + that the best thing for the child would be a sea voyage. This was + communicated to Mr. Manning. + </p> + <p> + "Fortunately," he responded, "my sister starts in a fortnight for Europe. + She will be absent six months. I have prevailed upon her to take charge of + Emma." + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bradford was glad that the little girl would have a chance to recover + her former health and bloom; but she felt her loss doubly, on account of + her society, and on account of the loss of income which her absence would + involve. It was not until after Emma had actually gone that she felt the + full force of the last consideration. So the poor woman wrote a doleful + letter to Ben, in which she predicted that Tony and herself must soon go + to the poorhouse. + </p> + <p> + When this letter reached Ben his duty was set plainly before him. From his + regular income he could spare two dollars a week, and, taking two dollars + weekly from his reserve fund, he would be enabled to allow his aunt four + dollars a week, which, added to her own earnings, would maintain her and + Tony in comfort. + </p> + <p> + "My dear aunt," he wrote, "don't talk of going to the poorhouse just yet. + You forget that you have a rich nephew in Boston, who is unwilling that + any of his relations should live at public expense unless they get into + public office. I don't suppose there is any chance of your getting elected + member of Congress. As it is, I shall send you every week four, dollars, + which I hope will provide you with your usual comfort. I can keep up this + allowance for twenty weeks, and that will carry you nearly to the time + when Emma will return to you; then all will be right again." + </p> + <p> + Ben began to save a dollar more. He wanted to prepare for the time when + his little fund would be exhausted. If by that time he had twelve dollars + more, he would be able to continue to his aunt her regular allowance, till + the six months were at an end. The thought that he had arranged matters so + satisfactory made Ben quite cheerful. He realized the advantage of the + habit of saving. He was encouraged also by some help which he received + from the bookkeeper. + </p> + <p> + "Ben," said he, "do you spend all your salary?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Mr. Porter, I am obliged to." + </p> + <p> + "I should think you could save something out of eight dollars a week, as + only four goes for board." + </p> + <p> + "So I could, but I have to help my aunt." + </p> + <p> + "I thought she was provided for," said Mr. Porter. + </p> + <p> + "Doesn't she get seven dollars a week for boarding a little girl?" + </p> + <p> + "She did; but the little girl is now in Europe." + </p> + <p> + "I suppose you cannot send much to your aunt." + </p> + <p> + "I send her four dollars a week." + </p> + <p> + "Four dollars a week!" exclaimed the young man, in surprise. "Why, that + allows you nothing after paying your board." + </p> + <p> + The Ben told his friend about his savings. + </p> + <p> + "Doesn't it seem hard to have your earnings used up in this way?" asked + the bookkeeper. + </p> + <p> + "No," answered Ben cheerfully. + </p> + <p> + "You are an excellent boy, Ben. You have done just the right thing. I am + glad you are so unselfish." + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid I am selfish as the majority of boys; but I am not mean + enough to let my aunt and little cousin suffer." + </p> + <p> + "I believe you consider me a friend of yours, Ben." + </p> + <p> + "I consider you one of the best friends I have, Mr. Porter," said Ben + warmly. + </p> + <p> + "Then you must allow me a friend's privilege." + </p> + <p> + As he said this he drew from his pocketbook a twenty-dollar bill, and put + it into Ben's hands. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you very much, Mr. Porter; but ought I to accept so much?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly. Remember that my means are considerable, and that I have no + one dependent upon me." + </p> + <p> + Ben felt that his companion derived pleasure from his gift, and he did not + see why he should make any further objections. He added the twenty dollars + to his savings-book fund, and said to himself: "There will be no trouble + now in tiding over the six months." + </p> + <p> + But it is said misfortunes never come singly. The very next day his aunt + received a lawyer's letter, which plunged her into the deepest + despondency. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXXII — The Blow Falls + </h2> + <p> + This is the material portion of Mrs. Bradford's letter to Ben: + </p> + <p> + "Dear Benjamin: The blow has fallen at last. I felt that our prosperity + was not lasting, though I never could make you believe it. I have always + expected the worst, and it has come. Benjamin, we are ruined; I shall end + my days in the poorhouse after all. If you want an explanation, read the + letter which I enclose." + </p> + <p> + The letter enclosed was from Solomon Brief, attorney, of Montreal, + informing Mrs. Bradford that, as executor of the estate of the late + Matthew Baldwin, of Montreal, he begged to remind her that for five years + she had failed to pay the rent on a tenement owned by the deceased, and + which he now found it to be his duty to demand. At sixty dollars per year, + without interest, this would now amount to three hundred dollars, which he + hoped Mrs. Bradford would see the propriety of paying at once. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bradford continued: + </p> + <p> + I don't know whether they will put me in jail or not; but you know that I + cannot pay this money, and couldn't if I had five years to do it in. What + will become of us all I don't know. 'Man is born to trouble as the sparks + fly upward.' + </p> + <p> + "Your sorrowful aunt, "Jane Bradford. + </p> + <p> + "P.S.—I am sure your Uncle Matthew never intended that I should pay + the rent. He once wrote me a letter to that effect, but I can't find it." + </p> + <p> + Even Ben, hopeful as he was, looked sober after reading this letter. He + went to his friend, the bookkeeper. + </p> + <p> + "Have you ever seen your uncle, Ben?" he inquired. + </p> + <p> + "No, sir." + </p> + <p> + "What was his reputation?" + </p> + <p> + "He was considered wealthy." + </p> + <p> + "It is a pity you could not visit Montreal, and make some inquiries," said + the bookkeeper thoughtfully. + </p> + <p> + "Of course I can't do that." + </p> + <p> + "Then, first of all, write to this lawyer, and inquire the particulars of + Mr. Baldwin's death; and next, how his property is left. Then make him + acquainted with the terms on which your aunt has occupied her house." + </p> + <p> + This advice seemed reasonable, and Ben adopted it. + </p> + <p> + As Ben left the store at six o'clock, one evening, he brushed by an old + man with a bent figure and apparently feeble. He stumbled and would have + fallen had not Ben sprung forward and held him up. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, my boy," he said, in a tremulous voice. + </p> + <p> + "You seem feeble," said Ben compassionately. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I am not strong." + </p> + <p> + "If you wish it I will accompany you to your house; you might fall again." + </p> + <p> + "What is your name?" + </p> + <p> + "Benjamin Bradford." + </p> + <p> + "Where do you board?" asked the old man abruptly. + </p> + <p> + "At No.—-Warren Avenue." + </p> + <p> + "I want to find a comfortable boarding-house. Do you think I could get in + there?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir; I know Mrs. Draper has a vacant room." + </p> + <p> + "Is she reasonable in her charges?" + </p> + <p> + "If she were not I could not afford to board there." + </p> + <p> + "I've a great mind to go there," said the old man. + </p> + <p> + "I wonder if he has money enough to pay his board regularly," thought Ben. + </p> + <p> + Just then a grandson of Mrs. Draper's, Charlie Hunting, a boy rather + younger than Ben, came up. + </p> + <p> + "How are you, Ben?" he said. + </p> + <p> + "All right, Charlie. Do you know if your grandmother has let the bedroom + on the second floor?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I know she hasn't." + </p> + <p> + "Would you like to go and see it, sir?" asked Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said the old man. "Is it far?" + </p> + <p> + "About half a mile; but we can take the cars." + </p> + <p> + "No, I can walk, if you will walk slow enough for me. I am not so young as + I was." + </p> + <p> + "Certainly, sir. Charlie, if you are going home, just tell your + grandmother that this gentleman is coming to look at her room. You needn't + wait for me." + </p> + <p> + "All right, Ben." + </p> + <p> + "You are very kind to an old man; what did you say your name was?" + </p> + <p> + "Ben Bradford." + </p> + <p> + "Have you parents living?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir, only an aunt and cousin." + </p> + <p> + "Are they well off?" + </p> + <p> + "Not very, sir. They got along very comfortably till lately, but now + something has happened which makes me feel anxious. But I won't trouble + you with it, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Tell me about it; I would like to hear it." + </p> + <p> + "For five years my aunt has occupied a small house, rent free. It belonged + to her uncle. She has just got a letter saying that her uncle is dead, and + demanding payment of rent for the last five years." + </p> + <p> + "What are you going to do about it?" + </p> + <p> + "I have written to the lawyer, telling him on what terms my aunt occupied + her house—that is, rent free, on condition that she paid the taxes + regularly." + </p> + <p> + "What was the uncle's name? I am a little acquainted in Montreal. Perhaps + I may have heard it." + </p> + <p> + "His name was Matthew Baldwin." + </p> + <p> + "I have heard of him. He was a miserly old man." + </p> + <p> + "I don't know about that," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "It seems to me you ought to look after the matter. Why don't you go to + Montreal?" + </p> + <p> + "I can't spare the time or money," answered Ben. "Besides, we should + certainly have heard of it if any property had been coming to us. I have + written to the lawyer, and expect to hear something soon." + </p> + <p> + When they reached the boarding-house on Warren Avenue the old man appeared + pleased with the vacant room. He haggled a little about the terms, but + finally agreed to take it at the price set by Mrs. Draper. He gave his + name as Marcus Benton, and too immediate possession. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXXIII — Ben Receives a Commission + </h2> + <p> + In due time a letter came from Montreal. It was brief and not + overcourteous. From it Ben learned that Mr. Baldwin had been dead for + three weeks, and that all his property was left to a young man who claimed + to be a distant relative. The name of the heir was John Tremlett. The + letter concluded: "I can find nothing in the papers of the deceased + confirming your statement that your aunt was allowed to occupy her house + rent free. If you hold any proof of your assertions, you may forward it. + Otherwise Mr. Tremlett will insist upon his claim." + </p> + <p> + This letter reached Ben on a Friday. It naturally caused him anxiety. He + obtained permission to go to Milltown Saturday afternoon and spend Sunday. + He desired himself to institute a search for the letter of which his aunt + had spoken. + </p> + <p> + His aunt received him in tearful despondency. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, what shall we do, Benjamin?" said the widow. + </p> + <p> + "First, we must search for that letter of Uncle Matthew's." + </p> + <p> + "I know I'm to blame, Benjamin. I have brought ruin upon you and my poor, + innocent Tony." + </p> + <p> + "You haven't ruined me, so you need not trouble yourself about that. Even + if the letter cannot be found, I guess we shall live through it." + </p> + <p> + They hunted high and low; but the letter was not to be found. Ben was a + good deal disappointed, but did not venture to say so, not wishing to + increase his aunt's despondency. On Monday morning he went back to Boston, + and told the bookkeeper. + </p> + <p> + "It seems quite desirable that you should go to Montreal, Ben," said young + Porter. + </p> + <p> + "Of course that is out of the question, Mr. Porter." + </p> + <p> + "No; I think it can be managed." + </p> + <p> + Ben looked, as he felt, not a little surprised. + </p> + <p> + "It is some time," explained the bookkeeper, "since we sent an agent to + Montreal. We have been thinking of sending some one up there, stopping at + the principal towns on the way. You are rather young, but if I recommend + you I presume my uncle will let you go." + </p> + <p> + Of course Mr. Porter, senior, had to be consulted. Though not a little + doubtful about the expediency of sending so young a representative of the + house, he finally gave his consent, which was communicated to Ben. + </p> + <p> + Ben was summoned to the countingroom, and received his instructions, with + a sum of money for expenses. At three o'clock in the afternoon he was + dismissed, though he was not to start till the next morning. + </p> + <p> + Old Mr. Benton's door was open when Ben returned. + </p> + <p> + "What brings you home so soon?" he inquired. + </p> + <p> + "I am going to Montreal," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Come in and tell me about it." + </p> + <p> + The old man, clad in a ragged dressing-gown, was sitting in a + rocking-chair by the fire. The day was not cold, but his blood was thin, + and he felt the need of some artificial heat. He was smoking a common clay + pipe. + </p> + <p> + "Isn't this sudden—your going to Montreal?" asked Mr. Benton. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir; I think young Mr. Porter has made business there in order to + give a chance to go?" + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean to do?" + </p> + <p> + "I shall attend first to the business of the firm, and then call on this + lawyer, Mr. Brief." + </p> + <p> + "It is well thought of, and, Benjamin, try to get a chance to see the new + heir, Mr. Tremlett, and find out what use he is making of his property." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir, I will." + </p> + <p> + "Have you money enough to pay your expenses, Benjamin?" asked the old man, + rather hesitatingly. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes, sir; the firm provides for that." + </p> + <p> + "To be sure. Of course they ought to do it," said Mr. Benton, appearing to + feel relieved. + </p> + <p> + "How long do you expect to be gone, Benjamin?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't know, sir; I am to stop in Burlington and one or two other + places. I may be gone ten days." + </p> + <p> + "I shall feel lonely without you, Benjamin." + </p> + <p> + "I am glad you value my society so much." + </p> + <p> + "I am a lonely man, Benjamin; I have never had many friends, and I have + outlived nearly all of those." + </p> + <p> + "You ought to have married, Mr. Benton; then you would have children and + grandchildren to comfort you in your old age." + </p> + <p> + "I wish I had, Benjamin; but it is too late now." + </p> + <p> + "It is never too late to mend, Mr. Benton," said Ben. "Men older than you + have married." + </p> + <p> + "Then they were fools," said Mr. Benton bluntly. + </p> + <p> + "Suppose you should be sick, sir?" + </p> + <p> + "I would hire a nurse. I am not rich, but I have enough to provide for the + few years I have remaining." + </p> + <p> + "I must ask you to excuse me now, sir," said Ben. "I must buy a few things + which I shall need." + </p> + <p> + Ben wrote briefly to his aunt, to let her know that he was about to start + for Montreal. Mrs. Bradford was not a little discomposed. + </p> + <p> + "It's tempting Providence to send a child like Benjamin to a foreign + country," she remarked to Mrs. Perkins, who had dropped in for a + neighborly chat. + </p> + <p> + "Do you know how far it is, Mrs. Perkins?" + </p> + <p> + "About a thousand miles," answered her visitor, whose ideas about + geography were rather misty. + </p> + <p> + "Suppose Ben should lose his way." + </p> + <p> + "Like as not he will," observed Mrs. Perkins. + </p> + <p> + "I shan't sleep a wink till Ben gets back. They ought to have sent + somebody with him." + </p> + <p> + "Ben can get along," said Tony, who had implicit confidence in his big + cousin. "He won't get lost." + </p> + <p> + "What does a child like you know about it?" said Mrs. Perkins rebukingly. + "You shouldn't put in your oar when your mother and me are talking." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXXIV — Solomon Brief + </h2> + <p> + On his arrival in Montreal, Ben ascertained where Mr. Brief's office was, + but deferred going to see him. He felt very properly that he ought to + attend to the business of his employers first, and then, when he could do + so without detriment to their interests look after his own. He was very + anxious to succeed. He knew very well that Jones & Porter had serious + doubts about the expediency of sending so young a representative to + Montreal. + </p> + <p> + In calling upon different booksellers he exerted himself to the utmost. + Though but sixteen, his address was pleasing, his manner self-possessed + and he was courteous and gentlemanly, so that he won favorable regards of + those with whom he had business relations. The result was that he received + quite a number of orders, which he at once sent forward by mail. + </p> + <p> + Thus three days were spent. On the morning of the fourth, he called at the + office of Solomon Brief. + </p> + <p> + "What do you want, boy?" asked a clerk. + </p> + <p> + "I want to see Mr. Brief." + </p> + <p> + "His time is too valuable to be taken up by boys." + </p> + <p> + "If I had a clerk like you I would soon get rid of him." + </p> + <p> + "You would, hey?" blustered the young man, advancing threateningly. + </p> + <p> + Ben didn't budge and the clerk stopped short. + </p> + <p> + "Did you say you came on business?" he inquired. + </p> + <p> + "That I will tell Mr. Brief," said Ben firmly. + </p> + <p> + "You are from the States, aren't you?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "That accounts for your impudence." + </p> + <p> + "I should know you were not from the States." + </p> + <p> + "Why?" + </p> + <p> + "Because you are so uncivil." + </p> + <p> + "Look here, young fellow, you'd better clear out, if you don't want to get + kicked out." + </p> + <p> + "Who is to do the kicking?" + </p> + <p> + "I am." + </p> + <p> + "I wouldn't advise you to try it." + </p> + <p> + "Why not?" + </p> + <p> + "It wouldn't be prudent." + </p> + <p> + "Ho! ho!" laughed the clerk sarcastically. + </p> + <p> + "Once more," said Ben. "I request you to announce me to Mr. Brief. He is + executor of Mr. Baldwin's estate, I believe." + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "Why didn't you tell me that was your business?" + </p> + <p> + "I couldn't see that it mattered to you." + </p> + <p> + At this moment the inner door opened, and a tall man, with reddish hair + and mutton-chop whiskers of the same hue, made his appearance. + </p> + <p> + "What's this Frederic? Who is this boy?" + </p> + <p> + "I wish to see you on business connected with Mr. Baldwin's estate sir," + said Ben; "but this young man appears to have an objection to the + interview." + </p> + <p> + "Why don't you bring him in?" + </p> + <p> + "I didn't suppose he had any business with you." + </p> + <p> + "Who constituted you a judge of that, sir? Hereafter leave me to decide. + Boy, come in." + </p> + <p> + Mr. Brief threw himself into an office chair. + </p> + <p> + "Well, who are you?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "My name is Benjamin Bradford." + </p> + <p> + "Well?" + </p> + <p> + "You wrote a letter to my aunt, Mrs. Jane Bradford, of Milltown, + Massachusetts, not long since." + </p> + <p> + "Exactly. Do you represent her?" + </p> + <p> + "I do." + </p> + <p> + "Very well. Did you bring the three hundred dollars which she owes to the + estate of my client?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir." + </p> + <p> + "What then?" + </p> + <p> + "I came to repeat what I have written you, that my aunt was authorized to + occupy the house rent-free." + </p> + <p> + "It was hardly worth while to come so far to say that," said Mr. Brief, + with a sneer. + </p> + <p> + "I am here in Montreal on other business, and have taken the opportunity + to see you about my own." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed! Then you are a business man?" + </p> + <p> + "I represent the firm of Jones & Porter, publishers." + </p> + <p> + "Humph! Can't they get any one but a boy to represent them?" + </p> + <p> + "That, sir, is their business," he answered emphatically. "I have not + chosen to inquire whether my uncle could not have found a better lawyer to + act as executor." + </p> + <p> + "You are impudent, young man!" exclaimed Solomon Brief, his face being as + red for the moment as his hair. + </p> + <p> + "We have neither of us been overcivil," said Ben. "Suppose we come back to + business." + </p> + <p> + "Come now, you're a cool one." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps I am. I have always understood that coolness is desirable in + business. May I inquire of what disease my uncle died?" + </p> + <p> + "It would serve you right if I declined to answer your questions after + your impudence to me. However, I will overlook it this time. Your uncle + committed suicide." + </p> + <p> + "Good gracious!" ejaculated Ben, who was quite unprepared for this + announcement. "How did he do it?" + </p> + <p> + "He drowned himself." + </p> + <p> + "What could possibly have driven him to it?" + </p> + <p> + "Of that we are ignorant. He left a letter at his lodgings, directing me + to open and carry out the provisions of his will, which he had deposited + with me." + </p> + <p> + "May I ask what were the provisions of his will?" + </p> + <p> + "You seem to be curious." + </p> + <p> + "I have a right to be. My aunt and myself are among his nearest relations, + if not the nearest. We had a right to suppose that we might be remembered + in his will." + </p> + <p> + "You were not." + </p> + <p> + "You can understand that we wish, at all events, to know the contents of + the will. We should have been apprised of his death sooner." + </p> + <p> + As a lawyer Mr. Brief understood that Ben was in the right, and he + produced a copy of the will. + </p> + <p> + The will was brief. The entire estate of the deceased was left to John + Tremlett with this provision, that for the first year only the income + should be paid to him; afterward he was to come into full possession. + </p> + <p> + "It seems regular," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "Of course it is regular. I helped him make the will." + </p> + <p> + "Who is Mr. Tremlett? I never heard of him." + </p> + <p> + "A second or third cousin. He was a sort of adopted son of Mr. Baldwin." + </p> + <p> + Just here the inner door opened by the clerk, who announced, "Mr. + Tremlett, sir." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXXV — John Tremlett + </h2> + <p> + John Tremlett was a dark-complexioned young man, rather above the middle + height. He was by no means handsome; but plain faces are often attractive, + and this young man's was not. His eyes were bloodshot, and even Ben's + inexperienced glance could detect the marks of dissipation. He was + expensively dressed and looked like one who made a business of spending + money. + </p> + <p> + "How are you, Brief?" he said carelessly, throwing himself into a chair. + </p> + <p> + "In better condition than you are, I judge from your looks, Mr. Tremlett," + responded the lawyer. + </p> + <p> + "I hope so. I feel awfully seedy," said Tremlett. + </p> + <p> + "Your own fault. You shouldn't keep such late hours." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, bother that, Brief! I must have a good time." + </p> + <p> + "You don't look as if you were enjoying your mode of life." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I shall be all right when I get over my headache. Is this a client of + yours?" glancing at Ben. + </p> + <p> + "He's a relation of yours, according to his own account," said Mr. Brief. + </p> + <p> + "Is he?" inquired Tremlett languidly. "Can't say I ever saw him before." + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Baldwin was my great-uncle," said Ben. "That is, he was an uncle of + my aunt, Mrs. Jane Bradford." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed! Were you expecting a share of the property?" asked Tremlett + suspiciously. + </p> + <p> + "I thought Mr. Baldwin might remember his niece." + </p> + <p> + "He hasn't, though." + </p> + <p> + "So I find by the will." + </p> + <p> + "Sorry for you; but, of course, Mr. Baldwin had a right to dispose of his + property as he saw fit." + </p> + <p> + "I don't deny his right." + </p> + <p> + "Then you are not intending to dispute the will," said Tremlett, relieved. + </p> + <p> + "I never dreamed of doing it. I came about a house which my aunt has been + occupying rent-free." + </p> + <p> + "What is it, Brief? Do I know about it?" + </p> + <p> + "It's a small house in Milltown, Massachusetts, which belongs to your + uncle's estate. I found that Mrs. Bradford has paid no rent for it during + the last five years, and accordingly sent her an invitation to pay up + arrears." + </p> + <p> + "Has she done it?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir," said Ben. "Mr. Baldwin permitted her to occupy the house + rent-free." + </p> + <p> + "That is your assertion," said the lawyer. + </p> + <p> + "It is true," returned Ben quickly. + </p> + <p> + "Show it to me in writing, and that will end all dispute." + </p> + <p> + "I hope yet to do it, but thus far we have been unable to find Uncle + Matthew's letter." + </p> + <p> + "That's all fair," said Tremlett. If the letter can't be found, the money + must be paid. + </p> + <p> + "My aunt is utterly unable to pay it. She is poor." + </p> + <p> + "That is no excuse in law, my young friend," said Mr. Brief. "She must + borrow the money then." + </p> + <p> + "Where?" asked Ben. + </p> + <p> + "That is not our lookout. As you are in business, perhaps you will advance + the necessary sum." + </p> + <p> + "If I were able, and were satisfied of the justice of the claim, I would + do so," answered Ben. "But I don't believe that Uncle Matthew intended + that my aunt should be distressed by such a demand. Why should he have let + the rent run on for five years if he expected her to pay it?" + </p> + <p> + "Can't say, I'm sure." + </p> + <p> + "How much is due?" asked Tremlett. + </p> + <p> + "Three hundred dollars," said Brief. + </p> + <p> + "Look here, young fellow," said Tremett, "Perhaps you and I can settle it. + If you will pay me two hundred dollars cash down I will give you a receipt + for the whole." + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Tremlett," said Mr. Brief stiffly, "you appear to forget that I am + settling this estate. You have no authority to make such an offer." + </p> + <p> + "Wasn't the property left to me, I should like to know?" demanded + Tremlett, blustering. + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "Then why am I not authorized to make the offer, tell me that?" + </p> + <p> + "According to Mr. Baldwin's will you can only receive the income for the + first twelve months." + </p> + <p> + "That's deuced hard on a fellow," said Tremlett. + </p> + <p> + "On the other hand, I think it is a prudent precaution." + </p> + <p> + "The old man was a tight-fisted old curmudgeon. He only wanted to annoy + me." + </p> + <p> + The lawyer shrugged his shoulders, and Ben broke out indignantly, "I + wouldn't speak in that way of a man who had left me all his fortune." + </p> + <p> + "Mind your own business, boy," retorted John Tremlett sharply. "Do you + think I am going to stand your impudence?" + </p> + <p> + "I think it is just as well you have waited till after Uncle Matthew's + death before speaking of him in that way." + </p> + <p> + "Don't let up on the boy! Make him pay every cent of the debt, Brief!" + exclaimed John Tremlett angrily. + </p> + <p> + "Of course we shall follow up the matter, Mr. Tremlett." + </p> + <p> + "Have him arrested if he doesn't pay, Brief." + </p> + <p> + Ben smiled. + </p> + <p> + "You seem to forget, Mr. Tremlett, that I am not your debtor. The claim is + against my aunt." + </p> + <p> + "Is that so, Brief?" + </p> + <p> + "The boy is right." + </p> + <p> + "I am sorry for it. I should like to hold him responsible." + </p> + <p> + "No doubt, Mr. Tremlett," said Ben; "but we can't always have our wishes + granted." + </p> + <p> + "Leave the matter in my hands," said the lawyer. "I will do what is best." + </p> + <p> + "By the way, Brief," said John Tremlett, "I mustn't forget my errand. I + want some money." + </p> + <p> + "Some money? I gave you two hundred dollars last week." + </p> + <p> + "Well, it's gone, and I want some more." + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Tremlett," said the lawyer gravely, "are you aware how much money you + have spent during the last four weeks?" + </p> + <p> + "No, I have kept no account." + </p> + <p> + "Well I have. You have drawn eight hundred dollars." + </p> + <p> + "It costs something to see life." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps so! but I cannot permit you to exceed your income—during + the first year, at least. Thus far you have spent twice as much as you + were entitled to draw." + </p> + <p> + Ben listened attentively. He had no idea of the extent of his uncle's + property. If it yielded four hundred dollars a month, as he inferred, it + must amount to nearly, if not quite, a hundred thousand dollars. And this + young man was not content with that. Our hero could not help wondering at + his unreasonableness. + </p> + <p> + "I don't see how I can economize," muttered Tremlett. + </p> + <p> + "What was your income before Mr. Baldwin's death, Mr. Tremlett?" inquired + Mr. Brief. + </p> + <p> + "I starved on eight hundred dollars a year." + </p> + <p> + "Then it seems to me you aught to live comfortably now on five thousand." + </p> + <p> + "My circumstances are changed." + </p> + <p> + "At this rate you'll run through the property in ten years." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I'll pull up after awhile," said the heir carelessly. "So just give + me a couple of hundreds, old fellow!" + </p> + <p> + "I will hand you a hundred," said Mr. Brief reluctantly. "Hereafter you + must keep within your allowance." + </p> + <p> + "You're getting to be as miserly as the old man," said Tremlett. "What's + your name, boy?" + </p> + <p> + "My name is Benjamin Bradford." + </p> + <p> + "I suppose we are cousins, or something of that sort. Come out and take a + drink." + </p> + <p> + "No, thank you. I never drink." + </p> + <p> + "You don't? What a prig you must be! Good-bye, Brief." + </p> + <p> + The heir left the office, and Mr. Brief turned to Ben. + </p> + <p> + "What do you think of your uncle's heir?" he inquired. + </p> + <p> + "I think he is going to ruin rapidly," answered Ben. + </p> + <p> + "You are right. The grub has become a butterfly, and the sober clerk has + developed into a gay spendthrift. He was your uncle's clerk and distant + relative. It would make the old man turn in his coffin if he knew how + quickly his money is likely to melt away." + </p> + <p> + "Can't you check him?" asked Ben. + </p> + <p> + "For twelve months I can. After that I am powerless. I wish he were more + like you." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you," said Ben, surprised at the compliment. + </p> + <p> + "My bark is worse that my bite," said the lawyer. "About this claim + against your aunt I will do what I can for you, but try to find the letter + you refer to. The sum is a small one." + </p> + <p> + "It is large to us." + </p> + <p> + "Just so; but my client would squander it in a week. Let me hear from you + after you have returned and instituted a further search." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, sir, I will write." + </p> + <p> + Ben left the office, judging Mr. Brief more favorably than at first. With + John Tremlett, he was disgusted. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXXVI — A Surprising Discovery + </h2> + <p> + "I suppose I have done all I can," said Ben to himself. "There will be no + object in remaining in Montreal any longer." + </p> + <p> + He immediately purchased a ticket, and took the next train homeward. He + arrived in Boston at mid-day. + </p> + <p> + He went at once to the store, and was cordially welcomed by the + bookkeeper. + </p> + <p> + "I am glad to see you, Ben," said the young man. "My uncle is well pleased + with the orders you have sent home." + </p> + <p> + "Then he is satisfied with me?" + </p> + <p> + "I leave him to tell you that. You can go at once into the countingroom." + </p> + <p> + Ben reported himself as directed. + </p> + <p> + "Welcome back, Ben," said the old gentleman. "Have you just arrived?" + </p> + <p> + "I reached the station twenty minuets ago, sir." + </p> + <p> + "And came directly to the store; I like that. How do you like drumming?" + </p> + <p> + "It requires patience, sir; but I like it. I hope you are satisfied with + me." + </p> + <p> + "You have exceeded my anticipations. To be candid with you, I doubted the + expedience of sending so young a representative." + </p> + <p> + "I know that, sir, and it made me work harder." + </p> + <p> + "I should have no hesitation in sending you again. In fact, I shall + probably send you next month to New York and Philadelphia." + </p> + <p> + "I should like that very much, sir," said Ben, his eyes sparkling. "I + shall try to satisfy you." + </p> + <p> + "I think you will," said his employer kindly. "I never doubted your + fidelity. Now I feel assured of your capacity and tact. Have you any + orders not yet reported?" + </p> + <p> + "Two or three small ones, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Give them to me." + </p> + <p> + This done, Mr. Porter dismissed Ben for the day. "You need not report for + work till to-morrow morning." + </p> + <p> + Ben was glad to go to his boarding-house. On arriving there he received + another cordial greeting, this time from Mr. Benton. The old gentleman + seemed really delighted to see him, and eager to learn what he had + accomplished. Ben began to speak of the orders he had received; but Mr. + Benton interrupted him. + </p> + <p> + "I don't mean that," he said. "I want to hear about your own affairs. Did + you see Mr. Brief the lawyer?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir." + </p> + <p> + "How did you like him?" + </p> + <p> + "Not at all, at first, but better before we parted." + </p> + <p> + "How was that?" asked Mr. Benton, showing some curiosity. + </p> + <p> + At first he insisted strongly on the claim the estate has against my aunt; + but after awhile he said he should not press the matter at present, and + recommended us to look for Uncle Matthew's letter. + </p> + <p> + "You have searched for it, have you not?" asked Mr. Benton. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir; but so far without success. Still I haven't given up all hope + of finding it. My motto is, 'Wait and Hope.'" + </p> + <p> + "I think it will all come out right," said the old man. "Did you see John + Tremlett?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir." + </p> + <p> + "Tell me about him," said the old man eagerly. "Ho does he look?" + </p> + <p> + "He looks like a fast young man," answered Ben. "I did not like him at + all." + </p> + <p> + "Do you think he is spending money fast?" + </p> + <p> + "I know he is. How much money do you think he has drawn in a month?" + </p> + <p> + "Two hundred dollars?" suggested Mr. Benton. + </p> + <p> + "He had drawn eight hundred and spent it all, for he came into the office + to ask for more." + </p> + <p> + "The young scoundrel!" exclaimed Marcus Benton, with an excitement which + Ben could not understand. "Why he is making ducks and drakes of my old + friend's fortune." + </p> + <p> + "Did you know Uncle Matthew?" asked Ben quickly. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," answered the old man. "I told you so, didn't I?" + </p> + <p> + "No, sir, you never told me that. Do you know John Tremlett?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I have seen him. He was a sober, steady young man apparently, who + ingratiated himself with Mr. Baldwin, whom he deceived as to his real + character." + </p> + <p> + "What relation was he to Uncle Matthew?" + </p> + <p> + "Very distant, but he seemed near, having been in his employ for several + years. He collected rents and attended to other necessary matters." + </p> + <p> + "If he was ever sober and steady, he has changed a good deal." + </p> + <p> + "Did Mr. Brief give him the money he asked for?" + </p> + <p> + "Not all he wanted. He gave him one hundred dollars, and reminded him that + he was only at liberty to pay over to him the income of the estate—that + is, for the first twelve months." + </p> + <p> + "Quite right!" murmured Mr. Benton. + </p> + <p> + "He lectured him upon his extravagance and fast life, and warned him that + he must check himself." + </p> + <p> + "He did right." + </p> + <p> + "What I dislike most about this John Tremlett was the way in which he + spoke of Uncle Matthew," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "How did he speak of him?" demanded Marcus Benton quickly. + </p> + <p> + "As a tight-fisted old curmudgeon." + </p> + <p> + "He did—the young viper!" exclaimed the old man indignantly. "Spoke + so of the man who left him his fortune!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir. I couldn't help telling him I thought it not very becoming to + speak in that way of his benefactor; and he told me to mind my own + business." + </p> + <p> + "I wouldn't have believed John Tremlett would act so," said Mr. Benton + slowly; "I trusted him so, and always treated him kindly." + </p> + <p> + "You trusted him!" repeated Ben, astonished. + </p> + <p> + "My boy," said Mr. Benton, "the time has come for me to throw off the + mask. I am not Marcus Benton, as you suppose. I am Matthew Baldwin." + </p> + <p> + "But I thought Mr. Baldwin was dead—committed suicide," exclaimed + Ben, in wild amazement. + </p> + <p> + "The world thinks so; but the world is mistaken. I will tell you the whole + story. I found myself getting old. In all probability I had but a few + years to live. By industry and economy I had accumulated a fortune, which + I must leave behind me. I was anxious that it should not be squandered. I + selected John Tremlett as my heir. So far as I knew he was devoted to my + interests, and he seemed steady in his habits. But it occurred to me to + try him. Accordingly I sent a letter to my lawyer, Solomon Brief, who had + my will in his possession, announcing my intention to commit suicide, and + directing him to open the will and carry out the provisions. Then I left + Montreal secretly, staying a short time in northern Vermont. Later I came + on to Boston and managed to throw myself in your way. Not knowing me, you + treated me with kindness and consideration. I became interested in you, + and regretted that I had made no provision for you and your aunt. Through + you I have learned how unwisely I disposed of my fortune. Thank Heaven it + is not too late to remedy that. + </p> + <p> + "This seems like a romance, Mr. Benton—I mean, Uncle Matthew." + </p> + <p> + "Yes; call me uncle. I like to feel that I have somebody to live for." + </p> + <p> + "Come out to Milltown with me, Uncle Matthew. Aunt Jane will be delighted + to see you," said Ben. + </p> + <p> + "I have work to do first," said the old man firmly. "I must go to + Montreal, and you must go with me." + </p> + <p> + "I am not sure that Jones & Porter will allow me." + </p> + <p> + "Then throw up your situation. You shall lose nothing by it." + </p> + <p> + "When do you wish to start?" + </p> + <p> + "To-night," said Mr. Baldwin resolutely. + </p> + <p> + "Then I must go to the store, at once, and give notice of my absence." + </p> + <p> + Ben lost no time in going to the store. He explained matters fully, and + obtained a week's leave of absence. Then he bought tickets for his uncle + and himself, and they set out on their long journey. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXXVII — The Dead Alive + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Brief was considerably surprised when Ben entered his office. + </p> + <p> + "I thought you had gone back to Boston," he said. + </p> + <p> + "I have been back to Boston, Mr. Brief, and returned to Montreal on + business." + </p> + <p> + "Didn't you finish up your business here?" + </p> + <p> + "I thought so, sir; but I was mistaken." + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid you are not a very good manager. It looks to me like waste of + time. What can I do for you?" + </p> + <p> + "A gentleman came with me, who thinks he would like to have you attend to + a little business for him." + </p> + <p> + "Certainly," responded the lawyer bruskly. "I shall be happy to wait on + him. Where is he staying?" + </p> + <p> + "At the Windsor." + </p> + <p> + "And you recommended me? I am much obliged to you. What is the gentleman's + name?" + </p> + <p> + "Marcus Benton." + </p> + <p> + "Can't say I ever heard of him Is he from Boston?" + </p> + <p> + "He comes from Boston," answered Ben evasively. + </p> + <p> + In the hope of securing a profitable client, Mr. Brief lost no time in + seeking the hotel. + </p> + <p> + "Remain here a moment," said Ben, as they entered the office, "and I will + let Mr. Benton know you are here." + </p> + <p> + "Certainly," said the lawyer complacently. + </p> + <p> + In five minutes Ben reappeared. + </p> + <p> + "Follow me, if you please, Mr. Brief," he said. "By the way, Mr. Benton + says he knows you." + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Benton knows me! It is strange I can't recall him," said Mr. Brief, + trying to recollect. + </p> + <p> + "I think you will remember when you see him." + </p> + <p> + "Possibly; but I have no recollection on any gentleman of that name." + </p> + <p> + Ben and his uncle—to give him a name not strictly warranted by facts—occupied + two rooms adjoining. + </p> + <p> + Ben ushered the lawyer into his own room, saying, "Mr. Brief, you must + prepare for a surprise." + </p> + <p> + When, however, the so-called Marcus Benton entered the room, Mr. Brief + sprang to his feet in great amazement. + </p> + <p> + "Can I believe my eyes?" he ejaculated. + </p> + <p> + "I think you can, Mr. Brief," said the old gentleman quietly, + </p> + <p> + "You are Matthew Baldwin." + </p> + <p> + "Precisely." + </p> + <p> + "And you are not dead?" + </p> + <p> + "Do I look as if I were?" asked Mr. Baldwin, smiling. + </p> + <p> + "What does it all mean?" asked Mr. Brief, bewildered. + </p> + <p> + "It means that I wished to try John Tremlett. I wished to ascertain + whether he were worthy to inherit my fortune. What is your opinion?" + </p> + <p> + "My opinion," said the lawyer, "is that he would run through the property + in five years. I am disgusted with him." + </p> + <p> + "How does he spend his money?" inquired Mr. Baldwin. + </p> + <p> + "In every kind of extravagance and every form of dissipation. At the rate + he is going on, it is a question, in my mind, whether he or the property + would last longer." + </p> + <p> + "I got that idea from my young friend here, who, by the way, knew of me + only as Marcus Benton when he came first to see you." + </p> + <p> + "Of course you will resume possession of the property, Mr. Baldwin?" + </p> + <p> + "Such is my intention." + </p> + <p> + "I can give it back into your hands entire, with the exception of nine + hundred dollars drawn by Tremlett, and your funeral expenses." + </p> + <p> + "My funeral expense!" exclaimed Mr. Baldwin, in surprise. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; a body was found in the St. Lawrence, which was supposed to be + yours. It was buried with proper ceremony." + </p> + <p> + The old man smiled, but there was a certain sadness in the smile. + </p> + <p> + "It is, perhaps, only anticipating things a little," he said. "The + expenses shall be allowed." + </p> + <p> + "Of course you wish Mr. Tremlett to be informed without delay." + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "He is to come to my office in an hour." + </p> + <p> + "Can you let me witness the interview?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir. You can conceal yourself in the inner room, and I will see him + in the outer office, with the door ajar." + </p> + <p> + An hour later John Tremlett swaggered into Mr. Brief's office. + </p> + <p> + "Brief," said he, "I must have some money." + </p> + <p> + "Have you used up the hundred dollars I gave you four days since?" + </p> + <p> + "Every cent." + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid you squandered it." + </p> + <p> + "That is my business, Brief." + </p> + <p> + "You remember the warning I gave you at that time?" + </p> + <p> + "Come, Brief, you can't expect to keep me in leading-strings. I am seeing + life, and of course I must pay for it." + </p> + <p> + "A pretty round sum, too." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, well, I am making up for lost time. Old Baldwin kept me so close that + I had to live like a hermit for years. He starved me on eight hundred + dollars a year—the stingy old file!" + </p> + <p> + "Apparently you want to live at the rate of ten thousand dollars a year + now, Mr. Tremlett." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I can afford it for a year or two." + </p> + <p> + "You seem to forget that your income for the first year is not quite five + thousand." + </p> + <p> + "Then my creditors must wait, I am going to have my fling." + </p> + <p> + "It would make Mr. Baldwin turn in his coffin if he were to know how you + are wasting his substance." + </p> + <p> + "Very likely it would," said Tremlett, laughing heartily; "but there's one + comfort, he can't come back to trouble us." + </p> + <p> + "Don't be too sure of that, John Tremlett," said a voice which struck + terror to Tremlett's heart, and Mathew Baldwin walked out of the inner + office. + </p> + <p> + The young man's face turned as pale as ashes, and his knees knocked + together in his fright. + </p> + <p> + "Is it—you—Mr. Baldwin?" he ejaculated. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, it is I—your benefactor, the stingy old file, as you so + gratefully call me," answered the old man sternly. + </p> + <p> + "Then—you—are—not dead!" + </p> + <p> + "Not at present. How long I may live I cannot say, but long enough, I + hope, to do an act of justice." + </p> + <p> + "I am very sorry," stammered Tremlett. "Forgive me, sir." + </p> + <p> + "I may forgive you, because nothing has happened that cannot be remedied; + but I shall never again trust you." + </p> + <p> + "Won't you take me back into your service, sir?" entreated John Tremlett + desperately. + </p> + <p> + "Never!" said Mr. Baldwin emphatically. + </p> + <p> + "What will become of me?" ejaculated the miserable young man, shedding + maudlin tears. "I am penniless." + </p> + <p> + "I will not wholly cast you off. I will authorize Mr. Brief to pay you + eight hundred dollars during the next year, in monthly installments. I + hope you will turn over a new leaf." + </p> + <p> + "I will, sir; I will indeed," said Tremlett; but Mr. Baldwin, knowing his + past hypocrisy, did not put much faith in his penitence. + </p> + <p> + "I hope so, for your own sake," he said briefly. "You can go now, sir. At + the end of a month you can come back, and Mr. Brief will pay you your + monthly allowance." + </p> + <p> + "How can I live till then?" asked Tremlett. "Can't he pay it sooner? I + have but a dollar left." + </p> + <p> + "Sell some of your jewelry, that diamond ring, for instance. It will + maintain you till the money is payable." + </p> + <p> + John Tremlett left the office crestfallen, and cursing his foolish + prodigality, which had lost him a fine fortune. + </p> + <p> + "What are your plans, Mr. Baldwin?" asked the lawyer. "Shall you remain in + Montreal?" + </p> + <p> + "No, Mr. Brief; there is nothing to keep me here now. I shall make my home + in the States. This boy I have tested and found to be true gold. He will + not deceive me as John Tremlett has. With him and his aunt I propose to + make my home for the little time I have left." + </p> + <p> + "A very fine boy!" said Mr. Brief, regarding Ben in quite a different + light now that he was indirectly acknowledged to be a rich man's heir. + </p> + <p> + "I shall leave you to manage my property here, Mr. Brief, for the present + at least. You will transmit the income to me as it accrues." + </p> + <p> + "You shall not repent your confidence, sir," said the lawyer. "How soon do + you leave the city?" + </p> + <p> + "To-morrow. Will that suit you, Ben?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes, Uncle Matthew." + </p> + <p> + "He is a lucky boy," thought Mr. Brief, as the two went out. "His future + is provided for." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXXVIII — Conclusion + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +"Ben," said Mr. Baldwin, "let us talk over your plans. Do you wish + to remain at the store, or would you like to get a better education?" +</pre> + <p> + "I would get a better education if I could afford it, sir." + </p> + <p> + "You can afford it on an income of a thousand dollars a year." + </p> + <p> + "A thousand dollars a year!" exclaimed Ben. + </p> + <p> + "That is the income I shall allow you. Out of this you will be expected to + pay all of your expenses." + </p> + <p> + "How can I thank you, sir? Would you object to my giving Aunt Jane a part + of the money?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I shall object." + </p> + <p> + Ben's countenance fell. + </p> + <p> + "But, Uncle Matthew," he said, "I don't like to live in luxury, while Aunt + Jane is straitened." + </p> + <p> + "Your feelings do you credit, my boy; but I mean to take care of your Aunt + Jane myself. She is my niece, and you—I am not sure whether you are + related to me at all, but I want you to call me Uncle Matthew all the + same." + </p> + <p> + "I shall like to, sir. No uncle could be kinder." + </p> + <p> + "That is well," said the old gentleman. "You know, Ben, I have no one else + to care for. Now, do you think your Aunt Jane will be willing to move to + Boston?" + </p> + <p> + "I am sure she will like it." + </p> + <p> + "Then I shall hire or buy a comfortable house, install her as mistress, + require you to live with me while you are attending school, and tyrannize + over you all." + </p> + <p> + There was a bright smile on the old man's face. He was looking forward to + the new life with anticipations of a happiness and comfort which had long + been strangers to him. + </p> + <p> + "How happy we shall all be, Uncle Matthew! Even Aunt Jane will forget to + look on the dark side." + </p> + <p> + "I hope so, Ben. I think we can be happy together." + </p> + <p> + "There is one thing I forgot to tell you," he said later. "I shall expect + you to pay your board out of your income, you know. If you fail to make + regular payments, we shall have to bundle you out." + </p> + <p> + "I will remember," said Ben, smiling. + </p> + <p> + By arrangement Ben went up to Milltown alone to tell his aunt the news. He + entered the little house with a sober face. + </p> + <p> + "I see you bring bad news, Benjamin," said Mrs. Bradford mournfully. + </p> + <p> + "You will have to leave the house, Aunt Jane." + </p> + <p> + "And go to the poorhouse! I knew it would turn out that way," and Mrs. + Bradford put her handkerchief to her eyes. + </p> + <p> + "What's the matter?" asked Tony. + </p> + <p> + "My poor child," said his mother, "we are going to the poorhouse." + </p> + <p> + "Is that so, Ben?" asked Tony soberly. + </p> + <p> + Ben shouted with laughter. He could not hold back the truth. + </p> + <p> + "Aunt Jane," he said, "you always will anticipate the worst. Why don't you + wait and hope?" + </p> + <p> + "What is the use, Benjamin?" + </p> + <p> + "Because it makes us happier, and often brings good fortune. Aunt Jane, + you see before you a rich man." + </p> + <p> + "You're only a boy," said Tony. "You ain't a man at all." + </p> + <p> + "My income is a thousand dollars a year!" + </p> + <p> + "Is it possible, Benjamin?" ejaculated Mrs. Bradford, in amazement. + </p> + <p> + "It is more than that; it's true. You are coming to Boston to live, and I + am going to board with you." + </p> + <p> + "The boy's crazy!" exclaimed Mrs. Bradford. + </p> + <p> + "Then there is a method in my madness, Aunt Jane. But I won't keep you in + suspense any longer. Uncle Matthew isn't dead at all. He's taken a fancy + to me, and is going to allow me an income of a thousand dollars a year. He + will take care of you and Tony, too. He is going to hire or buy a house in + Boston, and we are all going to live together. What do you say to that? + Will you go, or do you prefer to go to the poorhouse?" + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bradford made up her mind at once to go to Boston. No one had ever + seen her so cheerful as she was for the remainder of the day. + </p> + <p> + Not to dwell upon details, in less than a month the little family was + installed in a comfortable house in Boston. Tony had commenced attending + school near-by, and Ben had been admitted to the Latin School, where he + began to prepare for college in earnest. Porter & Jones were sorry to + lose him, but agreed that he had chosen wisely in abandoning business for + a school. + </p> + <p> + Ben is now an undergraduate at Harvard College, with a high rank for + scholarship. He has not decided upon his future course; but it is possible + that his uncle may purchase an interest for him, at graduation, in the + firm where he served as a boy. + </p> + <p> + I cannot close without recording, with satisfaction, the great improvement + that has taken place in Sam Archer. Always a bright and smart boy, in + adversity he has gotten rid of his disagreeable traits and developed a + business capacity which promises well for his future success. Ben has done + him many favors, and the two are excellent friends. Of Mr. Archer nothing + has been heard. It is rumored that he is living in an obscure town in + France, on the proceeds of his defalcation. Sam promises to redeem the + name which his father has sullied. + </p> + <p> + Uncle Matthew is several years older than when we first met him, but + happiness has had the effect of making him look younger. He probably has + several years of life yet before him. He is attached to his niece and + Tony, who is now a bright schoolboy of twelve; but his chief attachment is + to Ben, whose college career he follows with pride and satisfaction. + </p> + <h3> + THE END + </h3> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Wait and Hope, by Horatio Alger + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WAIT AND HOPE *** + +***** This file should be named 33591-h.htm or 33591-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/3/5/9/33591/ + +Etext produced by Lynn Ratcliffe with thanks to Gail McGrew for +the loan of the book + +HTML file produced by David Widger + +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. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Wait and Hope + A Plucky Boy's Luck + +Author: Horatio Alger + +Release Date: August 30, 2010 [EBook #33591] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WAIT AND HOPE *** + + + + +Produced by Lynn Ratcliffe with thanks to Gail McGrew for +the loan of the book + + + + + + + + +WAIT AND HOPE + +or A Plucky Boy's Luck + + +by Horatio Alger, JR. + + + +New York Book Company + +Copyright 1909 + + + + +Table of Contents + + + I - Ben and His Aunt + II - Three Situations + III - At Lovell's Grounds + IV - The Boys' Race + V - Ben Wins Again + VI - Mr. Dobson's Visit + VII - Ben Gets Employment + VIII - Deacon Sawyer's Liberality + IX - Mr. Manning's Proposal + X - Ben's Journey + XI - In New York + XII - An Adventure + XIII - A Curious Old Lady + XIV - Prof. Crane, The Phrenologist + XV - An Old Convert to Phrenology + XVI - Ben's Loss + XVII - The Strange Captor + XVIII - The Envelope + XIX - The Prize for Scholarship + XX - Before the Battle + XXI - Ben Wins at School + XXII - Sam's Revenge + XXIII - The Decoy Letter + XXIV - Ben Arrives in Boston + XXV - Sam Gives Himself Away + XXVI - Ben Finds a Boarding-Place + XXVII - Sam Attempts Strategy + XXVIII - Sam Praises Ben + XXIX - The Cunard Steamer + XXX - Sam Is Improved By Adversity + XXXI - Clouds in the Sky + XXXII - The Blow Falls + XXXIII - Ben Receives a Commission + XXXIV - Solomon Brief + XXXV - John Tremlett + XXXVI - A Surprising Discovery + XXXVII - The Dead Alive + XXXVIII - Conclusion + + + + +Chapter I + +Ben and His Aunt + + +Five o'clock sounded from the church clock, and straightway the +streets of Milltown were filled with men, women, and children +issuing from the great brick factories huddled together at one +end of the town. Among these, two boys waked in company, James +Watson and Ben Bradford. They were very nearly of an age, James +having just passed his fifteenth birthday, and Ben having nearly +attained it. + +Both boys looked sober. Why, will appear from their +conversation. + +"It's rather hard to get out of a job just now," said James. +"Why couldn't the superintendent discharge somebody else?" + +"I suppose it's all right," said Ben. "We were taken on last, and +we haven't as much claim to remain as those that have been in +the mill longer." + +"I don't believe there was any need of discharging anybody," +complained James. + +"You know business is very dull," said Ben, who was more +considerate, "and I hear they have been losing money." + +"Oh, well, they can stand it," said James. + +"So can you," said Ben. "Your father is pretty well off, and +you won't suffer." + +"Oh, I shall have enough to eat, and so on; but I shan't have +any spending money, and I can't get a new suit, as I expected to +this fall." + +"I wish that was all I had to fear," said Ben; "but you know how +it is with me. I don't see how Aunt Jane is going to get along +without my earnings." + +"Oh, you'll get along somehow," said James carelessly, for he +did not care enough about other people's prospects to discuss +them. + +"Yes, I guess so," said Ben, more cheerfully. "There's no use +in worrying. Wait and Hope--that's my motto." + +"You have to wait a thundering long time sometimes," said James. +"Well, good night. Come round and see me to-morrow. You'll +have plenty of time." + +"I don't know about that. I must look up something to do." + +"I shan't. I am going to wait till the superintendent takes me +on again. There's one comfort. I can lie abed as long as I want +to. I won't be tied to the factory bell." + +The house which James entered was a good-sized two-story house, +with an ample yard, and a garden behind it. His father kept a +dry-goods store in Milltown, and was generally considered +well-to-do. James entered the mill, not because he was obliged +to, but because he wanted to have a supply of money in his +pocket. His father allowed him to retain all of his wages, +requiring him only to purchase his own clothes. As he was paid +five dollars a week, James was able to clothe himself with half +his income, and reserve the rest for spending-money. He was very +fond of amusements, and there was no circus, concert, or other +entertainment in Milltown which he did not patronize. + +Ben kept on his way, till he reached the small house where his +aunt lived, and which had been his own home ever since his +parents died, when he was but five years of age. Two years +before, Mr. Reuben Bradford, his uncle, died, and since then +the family had been supported chiefly by Ben's wages in the mill. +His aunt got some sewing to do, but her earnings were comparatively small. + +There was one thing Ben dreaded, and that was, to tell his aunt +about his loss of employment. He knew how she would take it. +She was apt to be despondent, and this news would undoubtedly +depress her. As for Ben, he was of a sanguine, cheerful +temperament, and always ready to look at the bright side, if there +was any bright side at all. + +His little cousin Tony, seven years old, ran out to meet him. + +"What makes you late, Ben?" he asked. + +"I am not so very late, Tony," answered Ben, taking the little +fellow's hand. + +"Yes you are; it's half-past five o'clock, and supper's been +ready quarter of an hour." + +"I see how it is, Tony. You are hungry, and that has made you +tired of waiting." + +"No, I am not, but I wanted you to come home. It's always +pleasanter when you are at home." + +"I am glad you like my company. Good evening, Aunt Jane." + +"Good evening, Ben. Sit right down at the table." + +"Wait till I've washed my hands, aunt. I came home by Mr. +Watson's, and that made me a little longer. Have you heard +any news?" + +Ben asked this, thinking it possible that his aunt had already +heard of the discharge of some of the factory hands; but her +answer satisfied him that she had not. + +"Butter's a cent higher a pound," said Mrs. Bradford. "I declare, +things seem to be going up all the time. Thirsty-five cents a +pound! It really seems sinful to ask such a price." + +"I wish that wasn't the worst of it," thought Ben. + +"I'm afraid even at twenty-five cents it will be hard for us to +pay for butter, if I don't get something to do soon." + +"I guess I won't tell Aunt Jane till after supper," Ben decided. +"After a good cup of tea, perhaps it won't make her feel so +low-spirited." + +So he ate his supper, chatting merrily with his little cousin all +the time, just as if he had nothing on his mind. Even his aunt +smiled from time to time at his nonsense, catching the contagion +of his cheerfulness. + +"I wish you'd split a little wood for me, Ben," said Mrs. Bradford, +as our hero rose from the supper table. "I've had some ironing to +do this afternoon, and that always takes off the fuel faster." + +"All right, Aunt Jane," said Ben. + +"I guess I'll wait till I've finished the wood before telling her," +thought Ben. "It won't be any worse than now." + +Tony went into the woodshed, to keep him company, and his aunt +prepared to clear away the supper dishes. + +She had scarcely commenced upon this when a knock was heard at +the door. The visitor proved to be old Mrs. Perkins, a great-aunt +of James Watson, who was an inveterate gossip. Her great delight +was to carry news from one house to another. + +"How do you do, Mrs. Bradford?" she began. "I was just passin' by, +and thought I'd come in a minute." + +"I am very glad to see you, Mrs. Perkins. Won't you have a cup of +tea?" + +"No thank you. The fact is, I've just took tea at my nephew +Watson's. There I heard the news, and I couldn't help comin' right +round and sympathizin' with you." + +"Sympathizing with me! What for?" asked Mrs. Bradford, amazed. +On general principles, she felt that she stood in need of sympathy, +but her visitor's tone seemed to hint at something in particular. + +"It ain't possible you haven't heard the news?" ejaculated Mrs. +Perkins, feeling that she was indeed in luck, to have it in her +power to communicate such important intelligence to one who had +not heard of it. + +"I hope it isn't anything about Ben," said Mrs. Bradford alarmed. + +"Yes, I may say it is something about Benjamin," answered Mrs. +Perkins, nodding in a tantalizing manner. + +"He hasn't got into any scrape, has he? He hasn't done anything +wrong, has he?" asked Aunt Jane startled. + +"No, poor child!" sighed the old lady. "That's the wust on't. It +ain't what he has done; it's because he won't have anything to do." + +"For mercy's sakes, tell me what you mean, Mrs. Perkins." + +"Hasn't Benjamin told you that he's lost his place at the factory?" + +"Is this true, Mrs. Perkins?" asked Mrs. Bradford, turning pale. + +"Yes, business is dull and fifty men and boys have been turned off. +James Watson and your Benjamin are among them." + +"Ben never told me anything about it," faltered Mrs. Bradford. +"Heaven only knows what we shall do." + +"Oh, I guess you'll get along someway," said Mrs. Perkins, +complacently. She was not herself affected, having sufficient +property to live upon. "Well, I must be going," said the old lady, +anxious to reach the next neighbor, and report how poor Mrs. +Bradford took it. "Don't you be too much worried. The Lord +will provide." + +"I am afraid we shall all starve," thought Mrs. Bradford mournfully. + +She opened the shed door, and said: "Ben, is it true that you've +lost your place at the mill?" + +"Yes, aunt," answered Ben. "Who told you?" + +"Old Mrs. Perkins. Why didn't you tell me before?" + +"There's no hurry about bad news, aunt." + +"I am afraid we'll all have to go to the poorhouse," said Aunt Jane, +sighing. + +"Perhaps we may, but we'll see what else we can do first. Wait and +Hope, aunt--that's my motto." + +Mrs. Bradford shook her heard mournfully. + +"I don't mind it so much for myself," she said; "but I can't help +thinking of you and Tony." + +"Tony and I are coming out all right. There's lots of ways of making +money, aunt. Just do as I do--'Wait and Hope.'" + + + + +Chapter II + +Three Situations + + +Before going further it may be as well to explain exactly how the +Bradfords were situated. To begin with, they had no rent to pay. +The small house in which they lived belonged to an old bachelor +uncle of Mrs. Bradford, living in Montreal, and all they were +required to do was to pay the taxes, which amounted to very little, +not more than twelve dollars a year. Ben had earned at the factory +five dollars a week, and his aunt averaged two. To some readers +it may seem remarkable that three persons could live and clothe +themselves on seven dollars a week; but Mrs. Bradford was a +good manager, and had not found the problem a difficult one. + +Now, however, the question promised to become more difficult. If +Ben found nothing to do, the family would be reduced to two dollars +a week, and to live comfortably on that small sum might well appal +the most skilful financier. + +Ben woke up early, and immediately began to consider the situation. +His motto was "Wait and Hope"; but he knew very well that he must +work while he was waiting and hoping, otherwise he would differ very +little from the hopeful Micawber, who was always waiting for +something to turn up. + +"Aunt Jane," he said, after a frugal breakfast, over which Mrs. +Bradford presided with an uncommonly long face, "how much +money have you got on hand? I want to know just how we +stand." + +Mrs. Bradford opened her pocketbook with a sigh, and produced +two one-dollar bills and thirty-seven cents in change. + +"There's only that between us and starvation," she said mournfully. + +"Well, that's something," said Ben cheerfully. "Isn't it, Tony?" + +"It's a lot of money," said the inexperienced Tony. "I never had so +much in all my life." + +"There, somebody thinks you are rich, Aunt Jane," laughed Ben. + +"What should the poor child know of household expenses?" said +Mrs. Bradford. + +"To be sure. Only we may get some money before that is used up. +They owe me at the factory for half a week--two dollars and a half. +I shall get it Saturday night. We won't starve for a week, you see." + +"Where are you going, Ben?" asked Tony; "won't you stay and play +with me?" + +"I can't, Tony. I must go out, and see if I can find something to do." + +Milltown was something more than a village. In fact, it had been +incorporated two years before as a city, having the requisite number +of inhabitants. The main street was quite city-like, being lined with +stores. + +"I wonder if I can't get a change in a store," thought Ben. So he made +his way to the principal street, and entered the first store he came +to--a large dry-goods store. + +Entering, he addressed himself to a small, thin man, with an aquiline +nose, who seemed to have a keen scent for money. + +"What can I do for you, young man?" he asked, taking Ben for a customer. + +"Can you give me a place in your store?" asked Ben. + +The small man's expression changed instantly. + +"What do you know of the dry-goods trade?" he inquired. + +"Nothing at present, but I could learn," answered our hero. + +"Then, I'll make you an offer." + +Ben brightened up. + +"If you come into the store for nothing the first year, I'll give you +two dollars a week the second." + +"Do you take me for a man of property?" asked Ben, disgusted. + +The small man replied with a shrill, creaking laugh, sounding like the +grating of a rusty hinge. + +"Isn't that fair?" he asked. "You didn't expect to come in as partner +first thing, did you?" + +"No, but I can't work for nothing." + +"Then--lemme see--I'll give you fifty cents a week for the first year, +and you can take it out in goods." + +"No, thank you," answered Ben. "I couldn't afford it." + +As he went out of the store, he heard another grating laugh, and the +remark: "That's the way to bluff 'em off. I offered him a place, and +he wouldn't take it." + +Ben was at first indignant, but then his sense of humor got the better +of his anger, and he said to himself: "Well, I've been offered a +position, anyway, and that's something. Perhaps I shall have better +luck at the next place." + +The next place happened to be a druggist's. The druggist, a tall man, +with scanty black locks, was compounding some pills behind the counter. + +Ben was not bashful, and he advanced at once, and announced his +business. + +"Don't you want a boy?" he asked. + +The druggist smiled. + +"I've got three at home," he answered. "I really don't think I should +like to adopt another." + +"I'm not in the market for adoption," said Ben, smiling. "I want to get +into some store to learn the business." + +"Have you any particular fancy for the druggist's business?" asked the +apothecary. + +"No, sir, I can't say that I have." + +"I never took much, but enough to know that I don't like it." + +"Then I am afraid you wouldn't do for experiment clerk." + +"What's that?" + +"Oh, it his duty to try all the medicines, to make sure there are no +wrong ingredients in them--poison, for instance." + +"I am afraid I shouldn't like that," said Ben. + +"You don't know till you've tried. Here's a pill now. Suppose you +take that, and tell me how you like it." + +The druggist extended to Ben a nauseous-looking pill, nearly as large +as a bullet. He had made it extra large, for Ben's special case. + +"No, I thank you," said Ben, with a contortion of the face; "I know I +wouldn't do for experiment clerk. Don't you need any other clerk? +Couldn't I learn to mix medicines?" + +"Well, you see, there would be danger at first--to the customers, I +mean. You might poison somebody, and then I would be liable for +damages. If you will get somebody to sign a bond, forfeiting ten +thousand dollars in any such case, I might consider your application." + +"I don't think I could find any such person," said Ben. + +"Then I am afraid I can't employ you. You are quite sure you don't +want to be experiment clerk?" + +"And swallow your medicines? I guess not. Good morning." + +"Good morning. If you want any pills, you will know where to come." + +"I would rather go where they make 'em smaller," said Ben. + +Ben and the druggist both laughed, and the former left the shop. + +"That's the second situation I have been offered today," soliloquized +our hero. "They were not very desirable, either one of them, to be +sure, but it shows there's an opening for me somewhere." + +The next was a cigar store. + +"I might as well go in," thought Ben. + +A little hump-backed man was behind the counter. + +"Want to hire a boy?" asked Ben. + +"Are you the boy?" + +"Yes." + +"What can you do?" + +"I am willing to do anything." + +The hunchback grinned. + +"Then perhaps I can give you a situation. Will you work for three +dollars a week?" + +Ben reflected. + +"That will do, with strict economy," he thought, "till the factory takes +me on again." + +"I'll come for a few weeks, at that rate," he said. + +"But perhaps you won't like your duties," said the hunchback, +grinning in a curious manner. + +"What would be my duties?" + +"I should paint you red, and have you stand outside the door, as an +Indian," was the answer. + +Ben didn't relish the joke. + +"You'd better take that position yourself," he retorted. "Nobody'd +know the difference." + +"Get out!" roared the cigar dealer angrily. + +Ben left at once. + +"That's the third situation I've been offered," he said: "I'd give 'em +all three for a decent one." + + + + +Chapter III + +At Lovell's Grounds + + +On the way home Ben met James Watson. + +"How are you, James?" he said. "What have you been doing this morning?" + +James gaped. + +"The fact is," he said, "I have only just got up and had my breakfast." + +"I don't see how you can lie abed so late." + +"Oh, I can do it just as easy. I guess I was born sleepy." + +"You look so," retorted Bed, with a laugh. + +"What have you been doing?" inquired James lazily. + +"I've been about in search of a place." + +"You have!" said James, with sudden interest. "Did you find any?" + +"Yes, I found three." + +"What!" exclaimed James, in surprise. + +"I was offered three places." + +"Which did you take?" + +"I didn't take any; I didn't like them." + +"You are too particular, Ben. Just tell me where they are; I'll accept +one." + +"All right!" said Ben. "I'll give you all the information you require. +The first is a dry-goods store." + +"I'd like to be in a dry-goods store. What's the pay?" + +"Fifty cents a week for the first year." + +"Faugh!" ejaculated James, disgusted. "What's the second place?" + +"Experiment clerk at the druggist's." + +"Good pay?" + +"I don't know." + +"What are the duties?" + +"To taste all the medicines, to make sure there's no poison in them. +The druggist offered me a pill, to begin with, about as large as my +head." + +"I wouldn't take it for a hundred dollars a week. What's the third?" + +"In a cigar store. The pay is three dollars a week." + +"That's better than nothing. Where is it? I guess I'll take it." + +"I don't think you'll like the duties," said Ben, laughing. + +"I wouldn't mind selling cigars." + +"That isn't what you're wanted for. You are to be painted red, and +stand outside as an Indian." + +"That's the worst yet. I don't wonder you didn't take any of those +chances. What are you going to do this afternoon?" + +"Try and find some more places." + +"Leave that till tomorrow. You know there's going to be a big picnic +at Lovell's Grounds, with all sorts of athletic sports. There are prizes +for wrestling, jumping, and so on." + +"I would like it well enough, but I can't afford to go." + +"There'll be nothing to pay. Father subscribed for two tickets, so I've +got a spare one. Come, will you go?" + +"Yes, I will, and thank you." + +"Then come round to the house as soon as you've got through dinner." + +"All right! I'll come." + +"I suppose you haven't found a place?" said Mrs. Bradford when Ben +entered. + +"Not yet." + +"I don't know what's going to become of us if you don't," said Aunt +Jane mournfully. + +"Don't get discouraged so quick, aunt. I've only been looking round +one forenoon. Besides, I've been offered a place, and declined it." + +"Declined it! What could you have been thinking of?" + +Ben then told his aunt of the place at the druggist's. He thought he +would not mention the others. + +"If you'd taken it, we might have got our medicine cheaper," said +Aunt Jane, who did not comprehend a joke, and understood the +offer literally. + +"I should have got mine for nothing," said Ben, laughing, "and more +than I wanted, too." + +"What pay would you get?" + +"I didn't ask. The first pill the druggist offered me was too much for +me. So I respectfully declined the position." + +"Pills are excellent for the constitution," said Mrs. Bradford, in a +rather reproachful tone. "I never could get you to take them, +Benjamin. Some day you'll lose your life, perhaps, because you are +so set against them." + +"I can't say I hanker after them, aunt," said Ben good humoredly. +"However, you see, I might have had a place, so you mustn't get +discouraged so quick." + +"Will you stay at home this afternoon, Ben?" asked little Tony. + +"I can't Tony; I have an engagement with James Watson. Aunt Jane, +if I am late to supper, don't be frightened." + +Ben found James ready and waiting. They set out at once. + +Lovell's Grounds were situated a mile and a half away; they +comprised several acres, sloping down to a pond, which was +provided with pleasure boats. The grounds were frequently +hired by parties from neighboring towns, having been fitted up +especially for the enjoyment of a crowd. To-day they were +engaged by a young people's association, and the program +included, among other things, some athletic sports. + +The grounds were pretty well filled when the two boys arrived. In +fact, the performance had already commenced. + +"You're just in time for the fun, boys," said George Herman, a +mutual acquaintance, coming up to meet them. + +"Why, what's up George?" + +"There is to be a fat man's race of two hundred yards, for a prize of +five dollars." + +"Who are going to enter?" + +"Tom Hayden, the landlord of the Milltown House, and Jim +Morrison, the tailor. One weighs two hundred and fifty, the other +two hundred and forty-three." + +"Good!" laughed Ben. "That will be fun. Where do they start from?" + +"There! Don't you see that chalk-mark? And there come the men." + +There was a level track laid out, extending two hundred yards, which +was used for such occasions, and this was one of the attractive +features of Lovell's Grounds. + +The two men advanced to the starting-line, each accoutered for the +race. They had divested themselves of their coats, and stood in +shirt-sleeves, breathing hard already, in anticipation of the race. +Their bulky forms appeared to great advantage, and excited +considerable amusement. Tom Hayden, who was rather the heavier +of the two, had encircled his waist with a leather strap, which +confined it almost as closely as a young lady's waist. This was by +advice of Frank Jones, a young fellow noted as a runner. + +"I don't think I can stand it, Frank," said Hayden, gasping for breath. + +"Oh, yes, you can, Mr. Hayden. You'll see how it will help you." + +"I can hardly breathe. You've got it too tight." + +Frank Jones loosened it a little, and then turned to Morrison. + +"Won't you have a girdle, too, Mr. Morrison?" he asked. + +"Not much. I don't want to be suffocated before I start. Have you +made your will, Hayden?" + +"Not yet, I will make it after I have won the prize." + +"Are you ready, gentlemen?" asked Frank Jones, who officiated as +starter. + +"As ready as I ever expect to be," answered Hayden, trying to draw a +long breath, and failing. + +"Then, start at the word three. One! Two! Three!" + +Amid shouts of applause, the two fat men started. It cannot be said +they started like arrows from the bow, but they certainly exerted +themselves uncommonly. Their faces grew red with the efforts they +made, and their colossal legs hurried over the ground as fast as could +reasonably be expected. + +"I could beat them easily," said James Watson. + +"Of course you could. Just wait till you've got as much to carry. +Look! there's Morrison down!" + +It was true. Somehow one of Morrison's legs entangled with the +other, and he tumbled and rolled over and over. + +"Go in and win, Hayden!" shouted fifty voices to his gasping competitor. + +About seventy-five yards remained to be traversed. It look as if +Hayden could win the race with opposition. But he was quite out of +breath. He pressed both hands on his stomach, stopped, and +deliberately sat down on the track. + +"Don't give it up!" yelled the crowd. "Keep on, and the prize is +yours!" + +"I can't," gasped Hayden, "and I wouldn't for five times the prize. I +don't want it." + +So the prize was not awarded, but the crowd had their fun, and the +two fat competitors sat down together to rest under a tree. They did +not recover from their efforts for at least an hour. + +"Is there to be a boys' race?" asked Ben. + +"Yes, the boys' race is next in order. You'd better enter." + +"I will," said Ben. "What's the prize?" + +"Five dollars." + +Ben's eyes sparkled. + +"If I could only win it," he thought, "it would be equal to a week's +pay at the factory." + + + + +Chapter IV + +The Boys' Race + + +Ben felt that his chances of winning the prize were very good. Among +his schoolmates he was distinguished for his superiority in all athletic +sports. He could jump farther and run faster than any of the boys of +his age; and this was a ground of hope. On the other hand, he could +not tell how many contestants there might be. He had measured +himself against the boys of his acquaintance; but there were hundreds +of other boys in the city, and among them it was quite possible that +there might be one who surpassed him. However, Ben was always +hopeful, and determined to do his best to win. + +One of the committee now came forward and announced the boys' +race. The distance was to be the same, the prize five dollars, and +there was a limitation of age. No boy over seventeen years of age +was permitted to enter. + +"Are you going to compete, James?" asked Ben. + +"I guess not. I don't stand any chance against you." + +"I don't know about that. I might stumble or give out." + +"I should like the five dollars well enough." + +"Then enter your name." + +"Well, I will. I may as well try." + +So Ben and James were the first to enter their names. + +"Are you coming in, George?" asked Ben of George Herman. + +"No; I lamed myself in jumping yesterday, and am not in condition; +my brother, Frank, is going to enter. Of course he won't stand any +chance, for he is too young." + +The next to put down his name was Radford Kelso. + +"You can't run, Radford. You're too fat," said George Cormack. + +"You're as fat as I am," retorted Radford. "I stand as much chance +as you." + +Next came Arthur Clark and Frank Jones, both tall and long of limb, +and looking as if they might be dangerous rivals. Both were strangers +to Ben. + +"I am afraid one of those fellows will outrun me," said Ben, aside, to +James. + +"They are taller, but perhaps they can't hold out as well." + +"But the course is only two hundred yards," said Ben; "that is against +me." + +Just then the announcement was made, on behalf of the committee, +that the distance would be increased to three hundred yards, and that +there would be a second race of a hundred and fifty yards for boys +under fourteen, the prize being two dollars and a half. + +"Frank," said George Herman to his brother, "you had better wait +and enter the second race." + +"I think I will and here is Charlie. He can go in, too." + +Edward Kemp, Harry Jones and George Huntingdon next entered +their names for the first race. The list was about to be declared +complete, when an active, well-made youth advanced, and expressed +a wish to compete. He had just reached the grounds, and learned +that a race was to be run. He gave his name as John Miles, from +Boston. + +"Who is he, George? Do you know him?" asked Ben. + +"I believe he is visiting some friends in Milltown." + +"He looks as if he might run." + +"He is well made for running. The question is, has he had any +training." + +"That's going to decide the matter." + +"Take your places, boys!" + +At the order, the contestants, whose names have already been given, +took their places in line. + +John Miles glanced carelessly and rather contemptuously at his rivals. + +"I'll show them how to run," he said. + +"You are very kind," said Frank Jones, who stood next to him. "We +never saw anybody run, you know." + +"I have practiced running in a gymnasium," said Miles pompously. + +"Running is the same all the world over." + +"Perhaps it is; but I run on scientific principles." + +Frank Jones laughed. + +"You are very condescending to run with us, then." + +"Oh, I go in for all the fun I can get." + +"I suppose you expect to win the prize?" + +"Of course I do. Who is there to prevent? You don't pretend to +run, do you?" + +"Well, I've always supposed I could run a little, though I have never +run in a gymnasium; but there are better runners here than I. That +boy"--pointing to Ben--"is said to be a good runner." + +"He!" said John Miles contemptuously. "Why, I'm a head taller than +he. He's a mere baby." + +"Well, we shall see." + +Time was called, and the signal to start was given. + +The boys started almost simultaneously; Arthur Clark was fastening +a girdle about his waist, and that delayed him a little. For a few rods +all the boys kept pretty well together. Then three gradually drew +away from the rest. These three were John Miles, Frank Jones, and +Ben Bradford. Arthur Clark was just behind, but his loss at the start +put him at a disadvantage. + +When the race was half over, John Miles led, while, fifteen feet +behind, Ben Bradford and Frank Jones were doing their best to +overtake him. John Miles wore upon his face the complacent smile +of assured victory. + +At two hundred yards, Frank and Ben had partially closed the gap +between themselves and John Miles. Intent though he was on his +own progress, Ben had leisure to observe that Miles was beginning +to lose ground. It seemed clear that he was inferior to Ben in +sustained power. + +"There is hope for me yet," thought Ben. "I am not in the least tired. +Toward the end I will put on a spurt, and see if I can't snatch the +victory from him." + +"Go in and win!" exclaimed Frank Jones. "You're got more wind +than I. Don't let a stranger carry off the prize." + +"Not if I can help it," said Ben. + +He was now but four feet behind John, and there were fifty yards to +be run. + +For the first time, John Miles became apprehensive. He turned his +head sufficiently to see that the boy whom he had considered +beneath his notice was almost at his heels. + +"I can't let a baby like that beat me," he said to himself, and he +tried to increase the distance by a spurt. He gained a temporary +advantage, but lost more in the end, for the attempt exhausted his +strength, and compelled him to slacken his speed farther on. + +Twenty yards from the goal the two rivals were neck and neck. + +"Now for my spurt!" said Ben to himself. + +He gathered himself up, and darted forward with all the strength that +was in him. He gained six feet upon his rival, which the latter tried +in vain to make up. + +The excitement was intense. Popular sympathy was with Ben. He +was known to be a Milltown boy, while John Miles was a stranger. + +"Put on steam, Milltown!" shouted the crowd. + +"Hurrah for Boston!" called out two personal friends of John Miles. + +Ben crossed the line seven feet in advance of John, amid shouts of +applause. + +Frank Jones came in an easy third, and Arthur Clark ranked fourth. + +"I congratulate you," said Frank to Ben, who stood, flushed and +pleased, at the goal. "You've won the prize fairly." + +John Miles stood by, mortified and sullen. + +"Better luck next time!" said Frank Jones. "You see we know a little +about running." + +"I should have won easily enough if I hadn't had a sudden attack of +cramp," said John grumbling. + +"You didn't run as if you had the cramp." + +"You say so, because you don't know how fast I can run. I didn't +run at all this morning." + +"That's unlucky. I wanted to see some real running." + +"I should like to run the race over again," said John. + +"Of course, you can't for the prize has been won." + +"I don't care about the prize. I've got money enough." + +"I haven't," said Ben; "I care more for the money than the victory." + +"Look here!" said John. "I'll put up five dollars myself, if you'll run +with me again." + +"You will?" exclaimed Ben, his eyes sparkling. + +"Yes, I will." + +"And you won't ask me to put up anything?" + +"No." + +"Then I'll run if the committee will let me." + +A ready permission was obtained from the committee; but it was +stipulated that the younger boys should have their race first. To this +both contestants readily agreed, since it would give them a chance to +recover from the fatigue of the race they had just engaged in. + + + + +Chapter V + +Ben Wins Again + + +"I am very glad you won," said Frank Jones, in a low voice. + +"Thank you; so am I," answered Ben, smiling. + +"Of course I should have preferred to win myself," continued Frank +candidly; "but, as I saw that it lay between you and John Miles, I +sided with you." + +"Do you know Miles?" + +"No, but I spoke with him just as the race began. I saw that he felt +sure of winning. He boasted that he had practiced running at a +gymnasium in Boston." + +"Then I wonder he didn't beat me." + +"He would on a short race; but your wind is better." + +"I am glad to win, for the sake of the money," said Ben. "I have lost +my place at the factory, and my aunt depends on my earnings." + +"Then I am glad for you," said Frank. "I didn't need the money +myself. If I had won, I would have given it to you, knowing your +circumstances." + +"You are very kind," said Ben gratefully. + +"You may win another five dollars. I hope you will." + +"It will be rather hard on John Miles to lose two races and his +money, too." + +"You needn't consider that. If I judge him rightly, he has self-conceit +enough to carry him through a dozen defeats. He will have some +excuse ready, you may be sure. He says he lost the first race by a +sudden cramp. He has not more cramp than I." + +"There are little boys in line," said Ben. "I recognize Frank and +Charlie Herman. Do you know the others?" + +"I know nearly all. Next to Charlie Herman are Aleck Gale, Johnny +Clarke, little Vanderhoef, Brooks Gulager, and Charlie Boyd. The +end boy is Charlie Snedeker." + +"Who will win?" + +"One of the Hermans, probably." + +The prediction proved correct. + +Charles Herman can in first, leading his brother by a few feet. + +"You ought to divide the prize with me, Charlie," said Frank. "I didn't +like to beat my older brother, or I would have run ahead of you." + +"You didn't seem to hold back much," said Charlie. "However, I will +be generous and give you a dollar. It will be all in the family." + +Proclamation was now made that a supplementary race would be +run, for a prize of five dollars, offered by John Miles, the contestants +being John Miles and Ben Bradford. The distance by request of +Miles, was diminished to two hundred yards. John was shrewd +enough to see that the shorter distance was more favorable to +himself. Defeat had not diminished his good opinion of himself, +not increased his respect for Ben. + +"You gained the race by an accident," he said to Ben, as they stood +side by side, waiting for the signal. + +"Perhaps I did," replied Ben good-humoredly; "all I can say is that it +was a lucky accident for me." + +"Of course it was. You don't think you can run as fast as I can?" + +"I can't tell yet. I will do my best." + +"You will have to. I have practiced running in a Boston gymnasium." + +"Then you have the advantage of me." + +"Of course I have. Besides, I am taller than you." + +"For all that, I mean to win your five dollars if I can." + +"My money is safe enough. I don't concern myself about that." + +"He has a tolerably comfortable opinion of himself," thought Ben; "I +begin to want to beat him for something else than the money." + +The signal was given, and the boys started. + +As in the first race, John Miles soon took the lead. He was nearly +three inches taller than Ben. Naturally, his legs were longer, and this +was an advantage. Again he put forth all his strength at once; Ben, +on the other hand, reserved his strength for the close of the contest. +When the race was half over, John Miles was probably twenty feet +in advance. + +"Boston, will win this time," said Arthur Clark. "See how much Miles +leads." + +"I am not so sure of that," said George Herman. "I know Ben +Bradford. He is very strong, and can hold out well. Miles is using +himself up. Do you see how he is panting?" + +This was true. In spite of all his training, John Miles had never been +able to overcome a shortness of breath which was constitutional with +him. It was telling upon him now. + +Foot by foot Ben gained upon him. It was the first race over again. +Toward the finish he overtook him, and a final spurt won the +race--with John Miles full ten feet behind. + +"Have I won fairly?" asked our her, turning to John. + +"That confounded cramp caught me again," said John sullenly. "If it +hadn't been for that, you couldn't have beaten me." + +"That was unlucky for you." + +"I could beat you by twenty-five yards if I felt all right." + +"Boasting is easy," thought Ben, but he did not say it. He felt in too +good humor over his second victory. + +"We may have a chance to run again some time when you are in +better condition," he said cheerfully. + +"Maybe so," answered John dubiously. He felt that he had had +enough of running against Ben. + +Ben's acquaintances gathered about him, and congratulated him +over his double victory. Boys whom he did not know sought an +introduction, and he found himself quite a lion. + +John Miles returned to the two boys who had accompanied him, +and began to apologize for his want of success. + +"I was awfully unlucky," he said. "I suppose that fellow thinks, +because he has beaten me twice when I had the cramp, that he is +a better runner than I am. Just see those fellows crowding +around him! I suppose he will strut like a turkey-cock." + +But this was doing injustice to Ben. He certainly had reason to feel +pleased with his success; for it not only brought him a sum equal to +two weeks' wages at the factory, but he received the congratulations +of the boys so modestly that he won the good opinion of many who +had hitherto been strangers to him. + +"By George, Ben, you've done well," said James Watson. "I just wish +I were in your place." + +"I owe my good luck to you, James." + +"How is that?" + +"You invited me to come here. I shouldn't have come but for you." + +"I am glad of it, Ben. From what you tell me, the money'll come in +handy." + +"Indeed it will, James." + +"It would come in handy to me, too, but you need it more." + +Ben was summoned before the committee of the picnic, and asked +whether he preferred to take his prizes in money or in the form of a +gold medal. + +"In money," he said promptly. + +"The medal would always remind you of your victory." + +"They wouldn't receive it at a grocery store," said Ben. + +"Then you are a family man?" said a member of the committee, smiling. + +"Yes," said Ben; "I've got an aunt and cousin to provide for." + +The money was accordingly placed in his hands. Two five-dollar +greenbacks were a rich reward for his afternoon's exertions, he +thought. + +"I wish I could earn as much money every day," he thought. + +"We would have no trouble then about getting along." + +About half-past four o'clock, Ben and James left the picnic grounds, +and started on their way home. They had occasion to pass the cigar +store where Ben had been offered employment. The proprietor was +standing at the door. + +"Have you made up your mind to accept my offer?" he asked +recognizing Ben. + +"You don't offer enough," said Ben. + +"Isn't three dollars a week enough for a boy like you?" + +"Since I last saw you I've earned ten dollars," answered Ben. + +"You have!" exclaimed the cigar dealer, in surprise. "I believe you +are deceiving me. You don't expect me to believe a story like that." + +"There is the proof," said Ben, displaying the greenbacks. + +"Are you sure you haven't stolen the money?" asked the dwarf +suspiciously. + +"I am as sure as that you are no gentleman," retorted Ben, nettled by +his tone. + +The cigar dealer began to jump up and down with rage, and shook +his fist violently at the two boys, who retired laughing. + + + + +Chapter VI + +Mr. Dobson's Visit + + +It was a little after five o'clock when Ben entered his humble home. +He was in excellent spirits, as may be imagined. His aunt's face, +however, presented a decided contrast to his own. + +"Well, Benjamin," she said, with a sigh, "I suppose you haven't found +anything to do." + +"No, Aunt Jane, I have been to a picnic." + +"I don't see how you can have the spirits to go to a picnic when we +are on the verge of starvation," said Mrs. Bradford reproachfully. + +"Not so bad as that, Aunt Jane; we won't starve this week, anyway." + +"Perhaps not; but I look forward to the future." + +"So do I, Aunt Jane," Ben replied; "but there is this difference +between us. You look forward with discouragement, while I look +forward hopefully. You know my motto is, Wait and Hope!" + +"You'll have plenty of waiting to do," his aunt retorted; "but there +isn't much to hope for." + +"Why isn't there?" + +"I shouldn't think you'd need to be told. You haven't earned a cent +to-day, and----" + +"How do you know I haven't?" demanded Ben, smiling. + +"How could you? You were going about this morning after a place, +and this afternoon you have been at a picnic." + +"For all that, aunt, I have earned something--more than if I had been +at the factory." + +Mrs. Bradford stared at Ben in astonishment. + +"How much did you earn, Ben?" asked Tony. + +"Haven't I done well enough to earn a dollar, Tony?" + +Mrs. Bradford's face assumed a more cheerful look, for a dollar in +that little household would go far. + +"I don't see how you found time to earn so much, Benjamin," she said. + +"Now, just suppose, aunt, that I earned two dollars," said Ben, with a +merry twinkle in his eyes. + +This was too much for his aunt to believe. + +"If supposing would make it so, I should be very glad to suppose; +but it won't." + +"But it's true, aunt." + +"I can't believe it, Benjamin, unless you've found the money +somewhere, and then you will have to return it." + +"No, I earned it, Aunt Jane, and it's mine fairly." + +"I am glad to hear it, Benjamin. Is there any chance to earn any +more the same way?" + +"I am afraid not, Aunt Jane. However, I've done even better than I +told you. I've earned ten dollars this afternoon." + +"Benjamin Bradford!" said his aunt sharply. "Do you expect me to +believe such a foolish story as that?" + +Ben laughed, He was not surprised at his aunt's incredulity; he +wouldn't have believed that morning that there was any chance of his +making so much money. + +"I don't know as I blame you, Aunt Jane; but if you won't believe +me, perhaps you'll believe your own eyes," answered Ben, as he +drew forth the two five-dollar bills from his pocket, and showed +them to Mrs. Bradford. + +"Are they good?" she asked suspiciously. + +"As good as gold, Aunt Jane; well, not exactly as good as gold, but +as good as greenbacks, anyway." + +"I can't understand it at all," said Mrs. Bradford, in helpless +bewilderment. + +"Then I'll tell you all about it," said Ben; and he did so. + +"I shall have a high opinion of my legs from this time," he concluded, +"for they have earned ten dollars in quicker time than my hands can +earn twenty-five cents." + +Even his aunt, in spite of her despondent mood, could not help being +cheerful over such good fortune as that. + +"You see, Aunt Jane, that even if I don't earn anything for the next +two weeks, we shall be as well off as if I had been working at the +factory all the time. So don't worry any more till that time has passed." + +"You certainly have been very fortunate, Benjamin," Mrs. Bradford +was forced to admit. + +A copious rain is very apt to be followed by a protracted drought, +and I am sorry to say that this was the case with Ben's luck. Day +after day he went about Milltown, seeking for employment, and +night after night he returned home disappointed and empty-handed. +If it had depended only on himself, his courage would still have +kept up; but his aunt's dismal forebodings affected his spirits. He +did not find it quite so easy to wait and hope as he anticipated. + +Three weeks passed, and Ben was painfully sensible that there was +but a dollar in the house. + +They had just risen from the dinner table on the day when their +fortunes were at so low an ebb, when a knock was heard at the door. +A man of about thirty-five, Mr. Jotham Dobson, was admitted. Mr. +Dobson was a man with a brisk, business-like air. + +"Won't you come in, Mr. Dobson?" asked Ben, who had answered +the knock. + +"Is your aunt at home?" inquired Mr. Dobson bruskly. + +"Yes, sir." + +"Then, I'll step in a minute, as I want to see her on business." + +"What business can he possibly have?" thought Ben. "I wish his +business lay with me, and that he wanted to employ me." + +"Good morning, Mrs. Bradford," said Dobson rapidly. "No, thank +you, I really haven't the time to sit down; I have a little business +with you, that's all." + +"Perhaps he wants to get me to do some sewing," thought Mrs. +Bradford; but she was doomed to be disagreeably disappointed. + +"Perhaps you are not aware of it," said Mr. Dobson, "but I am the +city collector of taxes. I've got your tax bill made out. Let me +see--here it is. Will it be convenient for you to pay it to-day?" + +"How much is it?" faltered Mrs. Bradford. + +"Eleven dollars and eighty cents, precisely," answered the collector. + +Mrs. Bradford looked so doleful that Ben felt called upon to reply. + +"We can't pay it this morning, Mr. Dobson," he said. + +"Really, you had better make the effort," said Dobson. "You are +aware that the tax is now due, and that one per cent a month will be +added for default. That's twelve per cent, a year--pretty heavy." + +"What shall we do, Benjamin?" asked his aunt, in a crushed tone. + +"Wait and hope, Aunt Jane." + +"My friends," said Mr. Dobson persuasively, "I really think you'd +better make the effort to pay now, and so avoid the heavy interest." + +"Perhaps," said Ben, "you'll tell us how to pay without money?" + +"You might borrow it." + +"All right! I am willing. Mr. Dobson will you be kind enough to lend +us twelve dollars to meet this bill?" + +Mr. Dobson's face changed. It always did when any one proposed to +borrow money of him, for he was what people called a "close" man. + +"I really couldn't do it," he answered. "Money's very scarce with +me--particularly scarce. It's all I can do to pay my own taxes." + +Ben smiled to himself, for he knew how the application would be answered. + +"Then of course we can't pay at present," he said. "We've tried to +borrow, and can't." + +"I didn't expect you'd try to borrow of me--the tax collector," said +Dobson; "even if I had the money, it would be very unprofessional +of me to lend you the money." + +"It would be very unprofessional of us to pay you without money," +returned Ben. + +"I suppose I must call again," said the collector, disappointed. + +He was disappointed less for the city than for his own account, for he +received a percentage on taxes collected. + +"I suppose you must." + +"Benjamin, this is awful," said Mrs. Bradford piteously, after Mr. +Dobson had retired. "What is going to become of us? The city will +sell the house for taxes." + +"They'll wait a year first, at any rate, Aunt Jane; so we won't fret +about it yet. There are other things more pressing." + +"If we don't get some money within a day or two, we must starve, +Benjamin." + +"Something may turn up this afternoon, Aunt Jane. Wait and hope!" + +Ben put on his hat and went out. In spite of his cheerful answer, he +felt rather sober himself. + + + + +Chapter VII + +Ben Gets Employment + + +When Ben got out into the street, he set himself to consider where he +could apply for employment. As far as he knew, he had inquired at +every store in Milltown if a boy was wanted, only to be answered in +the negative, sometimes kindly, other times roughly. At the factory, +too, he had ascertained that there was no immediate prospect of his +being taken on again. + +"It's a hard case," thought Ben, "when a fellow wants to work, and +needs the money, and can find no opening anywhere." + +It was a hard case; but Ben was by no means the only one so +situated. It may be said of him, at all events, that he deserved to +succeed, for he left no stone unturned to procure employment. + +"Perhaps," he thought, "I can get a small job to do somewhere. It +would be better to earn a trifle than to be idle." + +As this thought passed through Ben's mind, he glanced into Deacon +Sawyer's yard. The deacon was a near neighbor of his mother, and +was reputed rich, though he lived in an old-fashioned house, furnished +in the plain manner of forty years back. It was said that probably not +fifty dollars' worth of furniture had come into the house since the +deacon's marriage, two-and-forty years previous. Perhaps his tastes +were plain; but the uncharitable said that he was too fond of his +money to part with it. + +A couple of loads of wood were just being deposited in the deacon's +yard. They were brought by a tenant of his, who paid a part of his +rent in that way. + +When Ben saw the wood, a bright thought came to him. + +"Perhaps I can get a chance to saw and split that wood," he said to +himself. "The deacon doesn't keep a man, and he is too old to do it +himself." + +As Ben did not mean to let any chance slip, he instantly entered the +yard by the gate, and, walking up to the front door, rang the bell. +The bell had only been in place for a year. The deacon had been +contented with the old fashioned knocker, and had reluctantly +consented to the innovation of a bell, and he still spoke of it as a +new-fangled nonsense. + +Nancy Sawyer, an old-maid daughter of the deacon, answered the +bell. + +"Good morning, ma'am," said Ben politely. + +"Good morning, Ben," the deacon's daughter responded. "How's +your aunt to-day?" + +"Pretty well, thank you." + +"Will you come in?" + +"I called on business," said Ben. "Don't you want that wood sawed +and split?" + +"Yes, I suppose it ought to be," said Nancy. "Do you want to do it?" + +"Yes," said our hero. "I'm out of work and ready to do anything I +can find to do." + +"Are you used to sawing and splitting wood?" inquired Nancy +cautiously. "We had a boy once who broke our saw, because he +didn't understand how to use it." + +"You needn't be afraid of my meeting with such an accident," said +Ben confidently. "I saw and split all our wood at home, and have +ever since I was twelve years old." + +"Come in and speak to father," said Nancy; "I guess he'll be willing to +hire you." + +She led the way into a very plain sitting room, covered with a rag +carpet, where the deacon sat in a rocking chair, reading an +agricultural paper--the only one he subscribed to. His daughter, +whose literary tastes were less limited, had tried to get him to +subscribe for a magazine, but he declined, partly on account of the +expense, and partly because of the pictures of fashionably dressed +ladies, and he feared his daughter would become extravagant in +dress. + +Deacon Sawyer looked up as Ben entered the room. + +"It's Ben Bradford, father," said Nancy, for her father's vision was +impaired. + +"He ain't come to borrow anything, has he, Nancy?" asked the old man. + +"No, he wants you to employ him to saw and split your wood." + +"Don't you know I'm a sawyer myself?" said the deacon, chuckling +over a familiar joke. + +Ben laughed, feeling that it was his policy to encourage what feeble +glimmering of wit the deacon might indulge in. + +"That's your joke, father," said Nancy. "You'll have to get the wood +sawed and split, and you might as well employ Ben." + +"I thought you was in the factory, Benjamin," said the old man. + +"So I was, but they cut down the number of hands some weeks ago, +and I had to leave among others." + +"How do you make a livin', then?" inquired the deacon bluntly. + +"We've got along somehow," said Ben; "but if I don't get work soon, +I don't know what we shall do." + +"Nancy," said the deacon, "seems to me I can saw the wood myself. +It will save money." + +"No, you can't father," said Nancy decidedly. "You are too old for +that kind of work, and you can afford to have it done." + +"You are a sensible woman, even if you are homely," thought Ben, +though for obvious reasons he did not say it. + +"I dunno about that, Nancy," said her father. + +"Well, I do," said Nancy peremptorily. + +The fact is, that she had a will of her own, and ruled the deacon in +many things, but, it must be admitted, judiciously, and with an eye to +his welfare. + +"How much will you charge, Benjamin," the deacon asked, "for +sawing and splitting the whole lot." + +"How much is there of it?" asked Ben. + +"Two cords." + +"I don't know how much I ought to charge, Deacon Sawyer. I am +willing to go ahead and do it, and leave you to pay me what you +think right." + +"That's right," said the deacon in a tone of satisfaction. "You may go +ahead and do it, and I'll do the right thing by you." + +"All right," said Ben cheerfully. "I'll go right to work." + +I am obliged to say that in this agreement Ben was unbusiness-like. +There are some men with whom it will answer to make such +contracts, but it is generally wiser to have a definite understanding. +For the lack of this, disputes often arise, and mean men will take +advantage when so fair an opportunity is afforded them. + +After Ben left the room, Nancy, who was sensible and practical, and +by no means niggardly as her father, said to him; "You ought to have +named your terms, Ben. Then you would know just what you are +earning." + +"I was afraid I might ask too much, and lose the job." + +"Now you may get too little." + +"Even if I do, I would rather be at work than be doing nothing." + +"That's the right way to feel," said Nancy, approvingly. "I like to see +a boy at your age industrious. As to the terms, I will try to make my +father do you justice." + +"Thank you, ma'am. Can you tell me where you keep the saw and ax?" + +"You will find them in the woodshed, in the L part." + +"Thank you." + +"How long do you expect the job will take you?" + +"I should think two or three days; but I have never undertaken such +a large job of any kind before." + +"Very well. I didn't speak of it because there is any hurry about it." + +"You may not be in a hurry, but I am," thought Ben, "for I want the money." + +Ben tackled the wood-pile vigorously. It was not a kind of work he +was partial to; but he was sensible enough to know that he must +accept what work came in his way without regard to his own +preferences. + +He had been at work about an hour when he heard his name called +from the street. Looking up, he recognized James Watson. + +"Is that you, Ben?" asked James, in some astonishment. + +"It is supposed to be. Don't I look natural?" asked Ben, smiling. + +"What are you doing?" + +"Don't you see? I am sawing wood." + +"You don't mean you go around from house to house sawing wood?" + +"Why not?" + +"I should think you would be too proud to do it." + +"I am not too proud to do any honest work that will put money in my +pocket. Isn't it as respectable as working in the factory?" + +"Certainly not. I am willing to work in the factory, but I wouldn't go +round sawing wood." + +"You can afford to be proud, James, but I can't. We are almost out +of money, and I must do something." + +"I don't believe the deacon will give you much of anything. He hasn't +the reputation of being very generous." + +"I must take my chance at that." + +"I am sorry for it. I wanted you to go fishing with me this afternoon." + +"I should like to go, James, but business before pleasure, they say." + +"Ben has not pride," thought James, as he went away, disappointed. + +But he was mistaken. Ben was proud in his way, but he was not too +proud to do honest work. + + + + +Chapter VIII + +Deacon Sawyer's Liberality + + +About four o'clock on the afternoon of the third day, Ben completed +his job. Not only had he sawed and split the wood, but carried it into +the woodshed and piled it up neatly, all ready for use. He surveyed +his work not without complacency. + +"The deacon can't find fault with that job," he said to himself. "He +ought to pay me a good price." + +The shed opened out of the kitchen. Ben rubbed his feet carefully +on the mat, knowing that housekeepers had a prejudice against mud +or dust, and, ascending a couple of steps, entered the kitchen. Miss +Nancy was there, superintending her "help." + +"Well, Miss Nancy," said Ben, "I've finished the wood." + +"Have you piled it up in the woodshed?" asked the lady. + +"Yes. Won't you come and look at it?" + +Nancy Sawyer stepped into the shed, and surveyed the wood approvingly. + +"You've done well," she said. "And now I suppose you want your money." + +"It would be convenient," admitted Ben. + +"You'll have to see father about that," said Nancy. + +"Can I see him now?" asked Ben, a little anxiously, for he knew that +his aunt's stock of money had dwindled to ten cents. + +"Yes; you may go right into the sitting-room." + +This room was connected by a door with the kitchen. + +"Wait a minute," said Nancy; and she looked at Ben in rather an +embarrassed way. + +Ben paused with his hand on the latch, waiting to hear what Miss +Nancy had to say. + +"My father is very careful with his money," she said. "He may not +realize how much work there has been in sawing and splitting the +wood. He may not pay you what it is worth." + +Ben looked serious, for he knew that he needed all he had earned. + +"What shall I do if he doesn't?" he asked. + +"I don't want you to dispute about it. Take what he gives you, and +then come to me. I will make up what is lacking in one way or +another." + +"Thank you, Miss Nancy. You are very kind," said Ben. + +"I don't know about that," said Nancy. "I don't pretend to be very +benevolent; but I want to be just, and in my opinion that is a good +deal better. Now you may go in." + +Ben lifted the latch, and entered the sitting-room. He found that the +deacon was not alone. A gentleman, of perhaps thirty-five, was with him. + +"I hope I am not intruding," said Ben politely, "but I have finished +with the wood." + +Though Deacon Sawyer was a very "close" man, he was always +prompt in his payments. So much must be said to his credit. He +never thought, therefore, of putting Ben off. + +"I suppose you want to be paid, Benjamin?" he said. + +"Yes, sir, I should like it, if convenient to you." + +"Lemme see, Benjamin, how long has it taken you?" + +"Two days and a half, sir." + +"Not quite. It's only four o'clock now. Have you just go through?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"We didn't make no bargain, did we?" + +"No, sir, I left it to you." + +"Quite right. So you did. Now, Benjamin," continued the deacon, +"I want to do the fair thing by you. Two days and a half, at +twenty-five cents a day, will make sixty-two cents; or we will say +sixty-three. Will that do?" + +Poor Ben! He had calculated on three times that sum, at least. + +"That would only be a dollar and a half a week," he said, looking +very much disappointed. + +"I used to work for that when I was young," said the deacon. + +"At the factory I was paid five dollars a week," said Ben. + +"Nobody of your age can earn as much as that," said the deacon +sharply. "No wonder manufacturin' don't pay, when such wages +are paid. What do you say, Mr. Manning?" continued the deacon, +appealing to the gentlemen with him. + +Mr. Manning's face wore an amused smile. He lived in the city, and +his ideas on the subject of money and compensation were much less +contracted than the deacon's. + +"Since you appeal to me," he answered. "I venture to suggest that +prices have gone up a good deal since you were a boy, Deacon +Sawyer, and twenty-five cents won't go as far now as it did then." + +"You are right," said the deacon; "it costs a sight for groceries +nowadays. Well, Benjamin, I'll pay you a little more than I meant to. +Here's a dollar, and that's good pay for two days and a half." + +Ben took the money, but for the life of him he couldn't thank the +deacon very heartily. He had been paid at the rate of forty cents a +day, which would amount to two dollars and forty cents a week, +for work considerably harder than he had done at the factory. + +"Good afternoon," he said briefly, and reentered the kitchen. + +Nancy Sawyer scanned his face closely as he closed the door of +the sitting-room. She was not surprised at his expression of +disappointment. + +"Well," she inquired, "what did father pay you?" + +"He wanted to pay me sixty-three cents," answered Ben, with a +touch of indignation in his tone. "Twenty-five cents a day." + +"Of course that was much too little. What did he pay you?" + +"A dollar." + +"How much were you expecting to get?" asked Nancy, in a +business-like tone. + +"I was hoping to get seventy-five cents a day. That would be +less than I got at the factory." + +"I think your work was worth that much myself," said the +spinster. + +Ben felt encouraged. + +"My father is getting old. He forgets that money won't buy as +much as it did in his younger days. He means to be just." + +"Then I don't think he succeeds very well," thought Ben. + +"I understand such things better," proceeded Miss Nancy, "and I +try to make up for father's mistakes, as far as I can. Now tell me +what are you meaning to do with the money you received for this +job?" + +"I shall give it all to Aunt Jane," answered Ben. + +"You are a good boy," said Nancy approvingly. "And she will +buy groceries with it, I suppose?" + +"Yes, Miss Nancy. It is about all she has to depend upon." + +"Just so. Now, Ben, I will tell you what I will do. Father keeps me +pretty close myself, as far as money goes, but we have plenty in the +house of groceries and such things as your aunt will need to have. +Now, will it do just as well if I give you the balance that you have +earned in that form?" + +"It will do just as well, Miss Nancy, and I am very much obliged to +you for your kindness." + +"I am not kind, only just," said Nancy. "I don't think it honest to pay +too little for work, nor father, either, for that matter, only he doesn't +always set the right value on it. Maggie, you may bring me the large +covered basket in the back room up-stairs." + +Maggie brought the basket at once, and Miss Nancy went with it into +the storeroom, or buttery. She tied up various parcels of sugar, tea, +and flour, and added two loaves of bread and a couple of pies, quite +filling the basket. + +"There," she said, "I guess you'll find a dollar and a half's worth of +articles here. Give my love to your aunt, and tell her from me that +they are not a gift, but that you have fairly earned them." + +"Thank you, Miss Nancy," said Ben, overjoyed at his good luck. +"You may say you are not kind, but I am sure you are." + +Miss Nance was really pleased by this recognition of her attempt to +do justice. + +"If it's kindness," she said, "you are very welcome. Do you find it +hard to get along, Benjamin?" + +"Pretty hard, since I have lost my place at the factory, Miss Nancy." + +"Tell your aunt," said Miss Nancy significantly "that if she ever want to +borrow any flour or groceries, to come to me." + +"Thank you," said Ben gratefully, and he felt sure that Nance had a +kind heart, in spite of her prim and formal demeanor. + +With a glad heart, he carried home the basket, and its contents +brought great relief to Mrs. Bradford, who, as she told Ben, was +"most out of everything." + + + + +Chapter IX + +Mr. Manning's Proposal + + +After supper Ben sauntered slowly up the street. It was a relief to +him after his confinement during the day, and there was always a +chance to find something to do. This was desirable, for now that +Deacon Sawyer's woodpile was disposed of, Ben had no work +engaged. + +Ben sauntered along, as I have said, until he found himself in front of +the Milltown Hotel. + +It was the only hotel in the town, and, though not large, was able to +accommodate all who had occasion to visit the town and were not +otherwise provided. + +"I wonder if Mr. Brockton"--this was the landlord's name--"hasn't got +something for me to do," thought Ben. + +As this thought occurred to him, he entered by the open door, and +stepped into the office. + +Mr. Brockton was not in, but, in an armchair at a window, Ben +recognized Mr. Manning, the same gentleman whom he had seen two +hours before at Deacon Sawyer's. + +The recognition was mutual. Mr. Manning removed his cigar from +his lips and said, with a smile: + +"Your name is Benjamin, isn't it?" + +"Yes sir." + +"Have you come to spend some of the money you received from +my friend, the deacon?" + +"No, sir. It is all the money I have in the world, and I must take +good care of it." + +"Wages don't seem to be very high in Milltown," remarked Mr. +Manning pleasantly, and he smiled again. + +"Not for sawing and splitting wood, sir. They pay very well in +the factory. + +"Were you ever employed in the factory?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"How did you happen to lose your place?" inquired Mr. +Manning searchingly. + +"It was the dull times, sir. They discharged quite a number, and +as I was one of the latest on, of course I was among the first to go." + +"You don't complain of that, do you?" + +"No, sir; but at the same time, it was unlucky for me." + +"Still, it wasn't as bad as if you were a man with a family to +support." + +"I have a family to support, sir." + +"You have?" repeated Mr. Manning, a little surprised. "You +are rather young--to have a family," he added, with a smile. + +Ben laughed. + +"I am not married yet, if that's what you mean," he said; "but +I have an aunt and cousin to take care of." + +"And you find it hard work, eh?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Tell me about it. Here sit down next to me, and tell me how +you are situated." + +Mr. Manning had a sympathetic tone, which invited confidence. +So Ben followed his directions, and confided to him all his +perplexities. + +"We got along well enough," he concluded, "as long as I kept my +place at the factory. Five dollars a week went a good way with us. +Besides, my aunt made about two dollars a week sewing. + +"Is she making that now?" + +"No, sir. Even that kind of business is getting dull. Last week she +made a dollar and a quarter." + +"That isn't much." + +"No, sir. But every little helps." + +"You are right there. We must not despise small earnings--such +as you made in the deacon's employ." + +"I got paid better than you think, sir," said Ben. "Miss Nancy +made it up to me." + +"Did she? I am glad to hear it. She is a good woman. She +understands better than her father the proper price of work." + +"Yes, sir. Are you any relative to Deacon Sawyer?" + +"No," said Mr. Manning, "but I have had a little business +transaction with the deacon. He's pretty close in money matters." + +"So people say here, sir." + +"But I must do him justice, and add that you can rely +implicitly upon his word. Well, Ben, what are your plans?" + +"Only to find work of any kind, sir." + +"How happened you to come to the hotel here?" + +"I thought Mr. Brockton might possibly have something for +me to do." + +"Sawing wood, perhaps?" + +"Yes, sir; or anything else that is honest." + +"You are a good industrious boy," said Mr. Manning approvingly. +"You deserve to succeed." + +This approval encouraged Ben. + +"Thank you, sir," he said. + +"Perhaps I may some time have it in my power to help you." + +"I hope you may sir. At any rate, I thank you for mentioning it." + +Mr. Manning paused a moment. He appeared to be in thought. +As he remained silent, Ben concluded that the interview was at +an end. + +He rose from his seat, and was about to bid Mr. Manning good +evening, when the latter said: "Are you particularly engaged +for the next hour, Ben?" + +"No, sir," Ben answered, rather surprised. + +"Then suppose we take a walk? I am alone here, and would like +your company." + +"Thank you, sir," said our hero, feeling flattered at the value set +upon his society by a gentleman from New York; for he had +ascertained that Mr. Manning was a member of a business firm +in the great city. + +They left the hotel, Mr. Manning lighting a fresh cigar. + +"I won't offer you a cigar, Ben," he said, "for I don't think it well +for boys of your age to smoke." + +"I never smoked in my life," said Ben. + +"But I presume you know some boys that do." + +"Oh, yes, plenty of them." + +"It is a bad thing for them, impoverishing the blood, and often +checking the growth. I am glad you have not contracted the habit. +Suppose we walk by your house?" + +"All right, sir. You won't find it very large or elegant." + +"But is it comfortable?" + +"Oh, yes, sir." + +"What kind of woman is your aunt? You may think it an odd +question, but I have my reasons for asking." + +"She is an excellent woman," said Ben. "She has only one fault." + +"What is that?" + +"She gets discouraged too easily." + +"As now, for instance?" + +"Yes, sir; she predicts that we shall all be in the poor-house inside +a month." + +"What do you think about it?" + +"My motto is, 'Wait and Hope.'" + +"A very good one, but I can give you a better." + +"What is that, sir?" + +"Work and Hope." + +"Oh, I mean that, too. There isn't much use in waiting if you don't +work, too." + +"I see we agree pretty well on that point." + +"That is our house," said Ben, pointing out the cottage where his +aunt lived. + +It was small, but everything about it was neat and attractive. + +"How many are there in your family?" asked Mr. Manning, again. + +"My aunt and my little cousin, Tony." + +"How old is he?" + +"Seven years old." + +"You wonder, perhaps, why I ask so many questions," said Mr. +Manning. "I will tell you. By the death of an intimate friend I +have become guardian to a little girl, about five years old. She +is at present in the city, but I think she will be better off in the +country. Now, do you think your aunt would take charge of +such a child--for a fair price, of course? It might pay her +better than sewing." + +"I think she would," said Ben; "but would you be satisfied with our +humble way of living?" + +"I don't wish the child to live on rich food. Good bread and butter +and plenty of milk are better, in my opinion, than rich meats." + +"She could have as much of those as she wanted." + +"And your little cousin would be company for her." + +"Yes, sir; he would like it very much. He feels lonely when I am away." + +"Then, as to the terms, I think I should be willing to pay seven dollars +a week." + +"Seven dollars a week for a little girl's board!" exclaimed Ben, +astonished. + +"Well, not exactly for the board alone. There will be considerable +care. I could get her boarded for half that, but her father left +considerable property, and I prefer to pay a generous price. Do +you think she will consent to take the child?" + +"Yes, sir, and think herself very lucky, too. Won't you come in and +speak to her about it?" + +"No; you may speak to her about it, and I will call in the morning, +and settle the details of the arrangement. And now, good night." + +"Good night, sir.' + +"What splendid luck!" thought Ben. "Aunt Jane will hardly believe +it. Didn't I tell her to 'Wait and Hope'?" + +And he entered the house. + + + + +Chapter X + +Ben's Journey + + +Ben looked so cheerful and smiling that Tony asked: "Have you +got work, Ben?" + +"Not yet, Tony." + +Mrs. Bradford shook her head rather despondently. + +"We might as well go to the poorhouse first as last," she said. + +"I don't think we had better go at all, Aunt Jane," said Ben. + +"You can't find anything to do." + +"Not yet, but I expect to some time." + +"And what are we going to do till then?" + +"I mean to fall back upon you, Aunt Jane. I think you will be +able to keep us from starving." + +"I don't know what you mean, Benjamin. I am sure I am +willing to work; but last week I only earned a dollar and a +quarter, and I don't feel sure of even doing that." + +"I have got a plan for you, Aunt Jane." + +"What is it?" + +"You might take a boarder." + +"Who would come to board with me?" + +"Perhaps I can find you a boarder." + +"Besides, any one that could pay a fair price would expect +better living than we could afford." + +"I don't think you will find that trouble with the boarder I have +engaged for you." + +"What do you mean, Benjamin?" asked Mrs. Bradford, in +surprise. + +"What would you say to boarding and taking care of a little +girl of five?" + +"Do you know of any such little girl?" + +"Yes." + +"What would her friends be willing to pay?" + +"Seven dollars a week." + +This was about twice as much as Mrs. Bradford expected, and she +looked incredulous. + +"I don't believe any one would pay such a price," she said. + +Upon this Ben gave his aunt full particulars, and her usually sober +face brightened up at the prospect of thus maintaining their home. + +"I can hardly believe it," she said. "This Mr. Manning must be very +liberal. + +"The money doesn't come from him. He says the little girl has +property, and can afford to pay well. He is coming round +to-morrow morning to learn whether you will take her." + +"Won't you take her, mother?" pleaded Tony. + +"I shall be very glad of the chance," said Mrs. Bradford. "It will +make us very comfortable." + +"Still, Aunt Jane, if you would really prefer going to the poorhouse," +said Ben, his eyes twinkling, "I will go round and see if you can get in." + +"Never mind, Benjamin," said his aunt cheerfully. "I prefer to keep +out of that place as long as I can." + +"Would you like to have a little girl to play with, Tony?" asked Ben. + +"It'll be bully," said Tony. + +"Where did you learn that word, Tony?" inquired his mother, shocked. + +"It isn't swearing, is it, mother?" + +"No, but it is not refined." + +"I'm too young to be refined, mother." + +"But where did you learn it, Tony?" + +Ben smiled. "Tony don't want to expose me, Aunt Jane," he said. "I +suppose he learned it of me. It isn't a bad word." + +"I never used it," said Mrs. Bradford primly. + +"No, I should think not," said Ben, laughing. "I can't image you +calling anything bully. It isn't a lady's word. You know, aunt, +boys can't always use go-to-meetin' words. They want to be +free and easy sometimes." + +Here the discussion was dropped, and the evening was passed cheerfully. + +The next morning Mr. Manning called. Admitted into the little +cottage, he glanced quickly about him, and was pleased to find that, +though the furniture was plain, there was evidences of neatness. +Mrs. Bradford, too, in spite of her tendency to low spirits, impressed +him favorable, as likely to be kind and judicious. But perhaps what +influenced him as much as anything was the presence of Tony, for he +held that a child companion would be very desirable for his young +ward. He repeated the offer of seven dollars a week. + +"I am afraid it will hardly be worth that, Mr. Manning, though it will +be very welcome to us," said Mrs. Bradford. + +"I prefer to pay liberally, since the property left to my young charge +is ample. Besides, she will be more or less care. I shall have to +trouble you to provide the little girl with suitable attire, charging, of +course, all outlays to me." + +"I shall be very glad to do so, Mr. Manning. When do you wish +the child to come?" + +"As soon as possible." + +"Will you bring her yourself?" + +"There will be some difficulty about that," answered Mr. Manning +hesitatingly. "I can't leave my business." + +"Where is she, may I ask?" + +"In New York." + +"Can't I go for her?" asked Ben eagerly. + +"Why, Benjamin," expostulated his aunt, "you have never traveled. +I wouldn't trust you by yourself, much less with the care of a child." + +Mr. Manning smiled, but Ben was annoyed. + +"Why, Aunt Jane, you must think me a baby," he said. "I guess I +can take care of myself." + +"I wouldn't dare to go to New York myself alone," said his aunt. + +"Oh, that's different," said Ben. "You're a woman, and of course you +couldn't take care of yourself." + +"And you are a man, I suppose?" said Mr. Manning, amused. + +"I shall be some time, and Aunt Jane never will," returned Ben. + +"I think, Mrs. Bradford," said Mr. Manning, "that your nephew +is right in that. Seriously, I am inclined to favor the plan." + +"Do you really think Benjamin can be trusted, Mr. Manning?" + +"I really do." + +"He has never been away from home." + +"I think he has plenty of self-reliance, and will quickly learn what +little is needed about traveling. I am willing to trust him." + +"Thank you, sir," said Ben, much gratified, feeling a high respect +for Mr. Manning's judgment. + +"Can you get him ready to go with me by the twelve-o'clock train?" +asked Mr. Manning. + +"Twelve o'clock!" ejaculated Mrs. Bradford, startled. "Why, it's +nine now." + +"Well, aunt, can't I change my clothes in three hours?" asked Ben +impatiently. + +"But to go on such a journey! It seems so sudden." + +"I don't think there will be any trouble in getting ready," said Mr. +Manning, to whom the journey to New York seemed like a mere +trifle, though it was nearly six hundred miles away. "Of course," +he continued, "I shall pay his expenses. And"--and here he hesitated +a little, from motives of delicacy--"allow me to pay two weeks' +board in advance. You may have occasion to use the money." + +"Thank you, sir," said Mrs. Bradford gratefully. + +It did, indeed, relieve her from anxious embarrassment, for her +purse was very low; and if Ben were gone any length of time, +she would have been in a dilemma. + +"I think we have settled all that is needful," said Mr. Manning, +rising to go. "If anything else occurs to me, I will either tell Ben +or write to you. Good morning, Mrs. Bradford." + +"Good morning, sir." + +Turning to Ben, Mr. Manning said: + +"Ben, let me see you at the hotel as early as half-past eleven." + +"I'll be on hand, sir," said Ben. "I'll get there earlier, if you say so." + +"Just as you like. When you come, call for me." + +"Yes, sir." + +"It doesn't seem as if you were going away, Ben," said Tony. + +"I can't hardly realize it myself, Tony." + +"It's a great responsibility, Benjamin," said his aunt, beginning to +look serious. "Suppose the cars run off the track." + +"I guess they won't, Aunt Jane." + +"I was reading of an accident out West only yesterday." + +"I am not going out West, Aunt Jane. I guess I'll reach New York +right side up with care." + +"What an expression, Benjamin!" + +Ben laughed. + +"Only boys' talk, aunty. It means all right." + +"Don't you go on the steamboat, too, Benjamin?" + +"I guess so." + +"The boiler may explode." + +"If everybody thought that, nobody would travel, Aunt Jane. It +doesn't happen once in a thousand times." + +At last Ben got ready. + +He was very much excited, but his excitement was of a +pleasurable kind. One his way to the hotel, he met James +Watson. + +"Where ware you going, all dressed up, Ben?" + +"Going to New York," answered Ben proudly. + +"You're only foolin'!" + +"No, I'm not. I'm going to New York by the twelve-o'clock +train." + +"What for?" asked James astonished. + +"To escort a lady home," answered Ben. "She wants an +able-bodied escort, that's used to traveling." + +James was very much surprised, and also a little incredulous, +but he was finally convinced that Benn was in earnest. + +"I wish I were in your shoes," he said enviously. "There's +nothing I'd like better than going to New York. You're a +lucky boy!" + +Ben quite agreed with him. + + + + +Chapter XI + +In New York + + +Of the journey to New York I do not purpose to speak. Ben enjoyed +it extremely, for it gave him his first view of the great world. As he +whirled by town after town and city after city, and reflected how small, +after all, was the distance on the map between Milltown and New +York, he got a new idea of the size of the world. + +"What are you thinking about, Ben?" asked Mr. Manning, observing +that our hero looked thoughtful. + +"I was thinking how large the world is, sir." + +"Didn't you ever think of that before?" + +"No, sir; I have always lived in Milltown. I don't think I was ever ten +miles from home before." + +"Then your ideas were necessarily contracted. One advantage of +travel is, that it broadens our views, not only as regards distance, +but also of men and things." + +Ben assented, though he did not fully understand his companion's +statement. + +From time to time Ben asked questions of Mr. Manning; but after a +while that gentlemen met a friend on the cars, and Ben was left pretty +much to himself. + +They did not reach New York till midnight. + +"I will take you to my boarding-house to-night, Ben," said his +companion. "Tomorrow we will talk over our plans." + +A hansom conveyed them to a house in an up-town street, where +Mr. Manning boarded. Of course Ben could not at that hour see +much of the great city which he was visiting for the first time. +Besides, he was quite fatigued, and felt more like closing his eyes +in sleep than using them. + +Mr. Manning's rooms were very comfortable, and even luxurious. +Ben slept soundly till his companion waked him up. + +"Come, Ben, it's eight o'clock, and the breakfast bell is ringing. +Haven't you had sleep enough?" + +The sun was shining bright in at the window, and the noise of +carriages could be heard in the street beneath. + +Ben looked about him in momentary bewilderment. + +"Don't you know where you are?" asked Mr. Manning smiling. + +"Yes, I am in New York," said Ben, his face brightening up. + +"I'll be dressed in less than no time," he exclaimed, leaping out of +bed, and setting to work energetically. + +"If you keep your promise I certainly can't complain," said Mr. Manning. + +"Shall we be late to breakfast?" asked Ben, with some anxiety. + +"There will be others later. So you feel hungry, do you?" + +"Uncommonly hungry," said Ben. "I guess it's travelling that gives me +an appetite. What a nice place you live in, Mr. Manning! It's very +handy having water come out of pipes. How do they do it?" + +"I'll explain to you some time, when we are not in such a hurry." + +"All right, sir." + +Ben was soon dressed, and went down to breakfast with his new +patron. There was quite a difference between the appearance of the +table at this fashionable boarding house and their plain breakfast +table at home; but Ben was one who easily adapted himself to new +circumstances, and did not display any greenness. + +"Now, Ben," said Mr. Manning, as they rose from the table, "I +suppose you are not in a very great hurry to go home." + +"No, sir." + +"You would like to see a little of the city?" + +"Yes, sir, very much." + +"I think day after to-morrow will be early enough to go back. You +write a line to your aunt, so that she need not feel anxious." + +"Thank you, sir. Where is the little girl?" + +"She is temporarily staying at the house of a married sister of mine. +My sister is rather an invalid, or she might keep her permanently. I +shall not have time to go round and introduce you to-day, for my +business will occupy me closely." + +"Where shall I go, sir?" asked Ben. + +"Wherever you like. You can wander round the city, and see +whatever pleases you. Only be back a little before six o'clock, +for that is our dinner hour." + +"Dinner at six!" repeated Ben astonished, for he had always +been accustomed to dine at twelve. "When do you take supper?" + +"We don't sup at all, that is, not regularly. In the middle of the day +we take lunch. You can go into some restaurant, and buy lunch." + +"Yes, sir." + +"Oh, by the by, have you got any money?" asked Mr. Manning. + +"A little," answered Ben. + +"How much?" + +Ben produced thirty-seven cents in change. + +"That is rather short allowance," said Mr. Manning. "Here take this." +He handed him a two-dollar bill. + +"I don't need so much, Mr. Manning," said Ben. + +But two dollars were not so much in the eyes of his patron, as in his. + +"I dare say you can find a use for it," he said smiling. + +"Thank you, sir." + +"Well, good morning; or perhaps it will be as well for you to +accompany me as far as Broadway. There I shall take a car, +and you can saunter along as you please." + +A brief walk brought them to Broadway, and then they separated. + +Ben wandered down Broadway, amused at the sight until he same to +Twenty-third Street, where he stopped. Ben look at it with +admiration. He had never seen such structures, nor dreamed of their +existence. + +"New York's a splendid city!" he said to himself. + +As he was looking about him, some one addressed him: + +"What are you looking at Johnny?" + +"My name isn't Johnny," answered Ben, turning toward the boy who +had accosted him. + +The boy puffed out his cheeks and whistled. + +"When did you come from the country?" he asked. + +"Why are you so anxious to know?" inquired Ben, who saw that the +other was making game of him, and was not overwell pleased. + +"Why, you see, Barnum has offered twenty-five cents for a country +greenhorn, and I guess you'll do," said the boy, with his tongue in his +cheek. + +Ben was irritated at first, but he concluded to take it as a joke. + +"I am not for sale at that price," he said, adding good humoredly, "I +am green, I suppose. This is my first visit to the city. Can you tell +me the name of that building?" + +"That's the Imperial Hotel. Have you got a cigarette to spare?" + +"No," said Ben; "I don't smoke." + +"Then you ain't civilized," said the boy. "I've smoked for five years." + +"You have!" exclaimed Ben, amazed. "Why, you don't look any +older than I am." + +"I'm sixteen." + +"And I'm not quite fifteen." + +Ben noticed that the boy had none of the youthful bloom which +mantled his own cheeks. He was already paying the penalty of his +early use of tobacco. + +"You're a big boy of your age," said the city boy. + +Ben thought that the other was small for his age, but he did not say so. + +"Look here, Johnny," said the New York boy. + +"My name is Ben." + +"What's the odds? Well, Ben, if you'll give me a quarter. I'll go +round and show you some of the sights; what do you say?" + +Ben hesitated. It seemed to him a little extravagant. At the same +time his curiosity was aroused, and he finally agreed to the proposal. +When he returned to his home in the country, he felt that he should +like to be able to tell his companions something of the city he had +visited. + +"Give me five cents in advance," said the newly engaged guide. + +"What for?" asked Ben, cautiously. + +"I want to get some cigarettes." + +Ben complied with his request. + +The boy darted into a small cigar store, and soon emerged with a +cigarette in his mouth at which he puffed with evident pleasure. + +"Won't you try one?" he asked. + +"I guess not," said Ben. + +"Come along, then. You ask any questions about what you see, and +I'll answer." + +"What's that field? It's a common, isn't it?" asked Ben pointing to a +park after they walked down Broadway for a few blocks. + +"Oh, that's Madison Park; but we've got a good deal bigger park +than that up-town. Central Park--that's the name of it." + +"Is it far off?" + +"About two miles. Do you want to go there?" + +"No, I'd rather see the streets, and the nice buildings. I can see +plenty of fields at home." + +"Are you going to stay long in the city?" asked, Tom, for this Ben +learned was the name of his companion. + +"Only a day or two. I want to see as much as I can while I am here." + +They walked down Broadway, Tom pointing out the prominent +buildings, and answering the numerous questions asked by Ben. +On the whole, he proved to be a very good investment in the way of +a guide, being well-informed on the subjects about which Ben +inquired. + +When they reached the Astor House, Tom said: "I guess you've +got a quarter's worth out of me. If you want me any longer you +must give me another quarter." + +"I can't afford it," said Ben, "I guess I can get round by myself now." + +So Tom left him with scant ceremony, and Ben sat down on a bench +in City Hall Park to rest. + + + + +Chapter XII + +An Adventure + +Presently a young man, rather showily dressed, sat down beside Ben. +He glanced sharply at our hero, but did not immediately address him. +Finally he said: "Fine day, my young friend." + +"Yes, sir, very fine," returned Ben politely. + +"I suppose you live in the city?" + +"No, sir, I am here only on a visit," said Ben, rather flattered by the +supposition. + +"I don't look so green, after all," he thought. + +"So am I," said the other, "I live in Philadelphia." + +"I am from the country," said Ben. + +"Indeed! You have lived in the city some time, have you not?" + +"No, sir." + +"I am surprised to hear it. You have the appearance of a city boy." + +Ben was not inaccessible to flattery. It was not surprising that he +regarded the young man from Philadelphia with favor. + +"Have you dined?" inquired the stranger. + +"Not yet," said Ben. "I don't know where to find a restaurant." + +"Say no more about it, my young friend. I shall be glad to have you +dine with me. I know a good place, quite near by." + +"You are very kind," said Ben, "considering that I am a stranger." + +"I have a young cousin who resembles you very closely. I suppose +that is why I cannot regard you as a stranger. By the way, what is +your name?" + +"Ben Bradford." + +"Singular coincidence! My cousin is named Benjamin. My name is +John Smithson. Well, Ben, if you will allow me the familiarity, +suppose we go to dinner." + +"Thank you, Mr. Smithson." + +Ben followed his new acquaintance to a moderately-priced +restaurant in Fulton Street. It was the first time he had ever been to +an eating-house, and looked with interest at the numerous tables. + +Smithson and he took seats at a small table opposite each other, and +the former began to inspect the bill of fare. + +"I hope you have a good appetite, my young friend," he said, "so that +you may do justice to my hospitality." + +"City people seem to be very kind," thought Ben. "No one in +Milltown would pay me such attention." + +Finally he made his selection, and so did Smithson. + +At the end of half-an-hour the dinner was concluded. + +Smithson looked at the checks. + +"Sixty cents and seventy-five cents," he said; "that makes a dollar and +thirty-five cents." + +"Yes, sir." + +"I have go to step out a minute," said Smithson. "Oblige me by +paying at the desk out of this bill." + +As he spoke he handed Ben a five-dollar bill. + +"But," said Ben, "there will be nearly four dollars left." + +"Meet me an hour hence at the place where we were seated, and +hand me the balance of the money." + +"But," said Ben, "I might miss you. Haven't you better pay yourself, +as you go out?" + +"I am in a great hurry, to meet an engagement," said Smithson. + +"Suppose I shouldn't meet you. Suppose I should keep the money." + +"No fear. You look honest. Well, meet me in an hour;" and he +hurried out of the restaurant, saying, with a nod to the cashier: +"The boy will pay." + +Here was another compliment, Ben thought. A perfect stranger had +trusted him with three dollars and sixty-five cents, which he might +readily make off with. + +"I am glad I look honest," thought Ben. "I seem to be treated very well." + +Two minutes later he went up to the cashier's desk, and, laying down +the two checks, extended the five-dollar bill. The cashier was about +to make change when his attention seemed to be drawn to the bill. +He held it up, and scrutinized it very closely, considerably to Ben's +surprise. + +"Young man," said he suspiciously, "where did you get this bill?" + +"From the man that came in with me," answered Ben. + +"Are you aware that this is a bad bill?" asked the cashier sharply. + +"A bad bill?" exclaimed Ben, in genuine surprise. "No, I had no idea +of it." + +"Who is this man who gave it to you? Do you know him?" + +"He said his name was Smithson, from Philadelphia. I never saw him +before this morning." + +"What were you to do with the change I gave you back? Did he tell +you to keep it?" + +"No, sir. I was to meet him in the park in an hour and give it to him." + +"He has been making a catspaw of you." + +"I don't understand," said Ben. + +"Knowing the bill to be bad, he did not venture to offer it himself, as +it would make him liable to arrest." + +"Arrest!" exclaimed Ben, in dismay. + +"Yes. One who knowingly offers a counterfeit bill is liable to arrest +and imprisonment." + +"I hope you don't think I knew anything about it," said Ben alarmed. + +"No; you look too honest to be a confederate of a scoundrel." + +"He ought to be ashamed of himself to impose upon me," said Ben +indignantly. "What shall I do?" + +"Have you any other money?" + +Ben produced a two-dollar bill. + +"I will take pay out of this for your share of the dinner, and with your +help I propose to arrest your companion." + +The cashier briefly explained his plan. A policeman was summoned, +and Ben was instructed to meet Smithson at the time appointed, and +tender him the change. + +He did so. + +Smithson looked up eagerly as Ben approached. + +"Have you got the change?" he asked. + +"Yes," said Ben. + +"Give it to me." + +Ben drew fro his vest-pocket three dollars and sixty-five cents, with +which he had been provided, and tendered them to the young man, +who eagerly took them. + +"Much obliged," said Smithson, looking elated at the supposed +success of his plan. + +Just then, a quiet-looking man, a detective in citizen's clothes, +stepped up and laid his hand on the swindler's arm. + +"Mr. Smithson, I want you." + +"What for?" inquired Smithson, turning pale. + +"For passing a counterfeit bill." + +"I have passed no counterfeit," faltered Smithson. + +"You employed this boy to do it for you." + +"There's some mistake," said Smithson stammering. "You can't +prove anything." + +"With this boy's help we can. Don't trouble yourself to invent +excuses. You have been suspected for some time." + +"The boy lies," said Smithson fiercely. + +"If he does it will be found out. Come along with me." + +Much against his will, Smithson walked arm-in-arm with the +detective. Ben was notified to be in attendance at court the +next morning, at ten o'clock, to testify against his new friend. + +"I am more of a greenhorn than I thought," Ben said to himself. +"Who would have thought such a polite young man was a +counterfeiter!" + +About four o'clock Ben went up-town to Mr. Manning's +boarding-house, and remained there till the merchant arrived. + + + + +Chapter XIII + +A Curious Old Lady + + +The next morning Mr. Manning introduced Ben to his temporary +ward, a bright, attractive little girl, who seemed to take an instant +fancy to our hero. + +"Is he my brother?" she inquired of Mr. Manning. + +"He is going to be your brother, if you like," was the smiling reply. + +"I am glad of it," said the little girl, putting her hand confidingly in +Ben's. + +Ben was not much used to girls, never having had a sister, but it +occurred to him that he should find it very pleasant to have Emma in +the house. + +"Are you willing to leave the city and go home with your new +brother?" asked Mr. Manning. + +"Yes," said Emma promptly. "When are we going?" + +"This afternoon. You will sail on a big boat, and then ride on the +cars. Shall you like that?" + +"Ever so much," said Emma, clapping her hands. "You will take +care of me, won't you?" appealing to Ben. + +"Oh, yes, I'll take care of you," said Ben manfully. + +"I think you had better go to Boston on the Fall River line," said Mr. +Manning. "That will give you nearly all night on the boat, and you +can have a comfortable night's rest. Indeed, I think you may as +well remain on board till the half-past-six train starts. That will get +you into Boston about nine o'clock, in time for a late breakfast. +What time can you go to Milltown?" + +"There is a train at half-past ten." + +"That will answer very well. Now, if you will come down-town +with me, I will engage passage for you." + +Ben accompanied Mr. Manning to the office of the steamers, and +passage tickets were obtained and paid for. + +At four o'clock, Ben and his young charge were seated in the showy +cabin of the immense Sound steamer which plies between New +York and Fall River. + +As the two were chatting, an old lady, evidently from the country, +looked attentively at them. She was old and wrinkled, and, from +time to time, took a pinch of snuff from a large snuff-box which she +took from the pocket of her dress. + +"What is your name, little gal?" she inquired at last. + +"Emma," answered the child, + +"Come and kiss me," said the old lady. + +Emma surveyed the old lady critically, and answered bluntly, "I +don't want to." + +"Come and kiss me, and I'll give you the first cent I find on the +currant bushes," said the old lady coaxingly. + +"I don't want to," answered Emma again. + +"Why don't you want to?" asked the old lady, with a wintery smile. + +"'Cause you're old and ugly, and put snuff up your nose." +answered Emma, who had not yet learned that the truth is not +to be spoken at all times. + +The old lady gasped with wrath and amazement. + +"Well, I never did!" she exclaimed. + +"Yes, you did," said Emma, understanding her to say that she +never took snuff. "I saw you do it a minute ago." + +"You are a bad, wicked little gal!" said the old lady, in high +displeasure. "You're spoiled child." + +"No, I ain't," said Emma, angry in turn. "Don't you let her call me +names," she added, speaking to Ben. + +Ben found it difficult not to laugh at the old lady's discomfiture; +but he felt called upon to apologize for his young charge. + +"I hope you'll excuse her, ma'am," he said. "She's only a little +girl." + +"How old is she?" asked the old lady abruptly. + +"Five years old." + +"Then she'd orter know better than to sass her elders," said the +old lady snappishly. "She's badly brung up. Is she your sister?" + +"No, ma'am." + +"Is she any kin to you?" + +"No; I'm her guardian." + +The old lady adjusted her spectacles, and surveyed Ben from head +to foot in a scrutinizing manner. + +"Sho!" said she. "Why, you're a child yourself!" + +"I'm fifteen," returned Ben, with dignity. + +"You don't mean to say you have the care of the little gal?" + +"At present I have." + +"Ain't nobody else travelin' with you?" + +"No, ma'am." + +"Where are you goin?" + +"To Milltown." + +"Where's that?" + +"In Massachusetts." + +"Is she goin' to board with your folks?" + +"Yes, ma'am." + +"I'd like to have charge of her for a month. I'd make a different +gal of her." + +"I wouldn't go with you," said Emma. + +"If you was bad, I'd whip you so you couldn't stand," said the +old lady, her eyes snapping. "I've got a granddarter about as +big as you; but she wouldn't dare to sass me the way you have." + +"I'm glad you ain't my grandmother," said Emma. "I don't want +a dirty grandmother like you." + +"You mustn't talk so, Emma," said Ben, thinking it time to +interfere. + +"Talkin' won't do no good. She ought to be whipped," said the +old lady, shaking her head and scowling at Emma. + +"Don't you want to go on deck and see the steamer start?" +asked Ben, as the only means of putting a stop to the irrepressible +conflict between the old lady and his charge. + +"Oh, yes; let us go up." + +So they went on deck, where Emma was not a little interested +at the varied sights that met her eye. + +"Did you ever see such an ugly old woman, Ben?" asked Emma, +when they had reached the top of the stairs. + +"Hush, Emma! You must be more particular about what you +say. You shouldn't have said anything about her taking +snuff." + +"But she does take it," insisted the little girl. "I saw her put it +up her nose." + +"That is nothing to us. She has a right to take it if she wants +to." + +"But she wanted me to kiss her. You wouldn't want to kiss +her, Ben, would you?" + +"No, I don't think I should," answered Ben, with an involuntary +grimace. "You were right in refusing that." + +Soon after the boat started they went down to the +supper-room and got some supper. Mr. Manning having +supplied Ben with sufficient funds to travel in a liberal manner. +Just opposite them at the table sat the old lady, who shook +her head frowningly at the free-spoken young lady. Ben was +amused in watching her. + +"I say, you, sir," she said, addressing the waiter, "bring me some +tea and toast, and be quick about it, for I ain't had anything to +eat since breakfast, and feel kinder gone, at the stomach. + +"Please write your order, ma'am, on this paper," said the waiter. + +"What's the use of writin it? Can't you remember?" + +"Yes, but the bill has to be footed up at the desk." + +"Well, I can't write it, for I ain't got my specs about me." + +"Madam, I shall be happy to write for you," said Ben politely. + +"I'm obleeged to you. I wish you would," she said. + +"What shall I put down?" + +"How much is a cup of tea?" + +"Ten cents." + +"It's awful high. It don't cost 'em more'n three cents." + +"Shall I put it down?" + +"Yes, I must have it. How much do they charge for toast?" + +"Dry toast--ten cents." + +"That's awful high, too. Why, you can git ten slices off a +five-cent loaf, and they only bring you two or three. It costs +a sight to travel." + +"Cream toast--twenty cents," said Ben mischievously. + +"What is the world comin' to?" exclaimed the old lady. "Twenty +cents for cream toast! Like as not, it's skim-milk. Well, I guess +you may put down dry toast." + +"Shall I put down anything else?" asked Ben. + +"How much do they charge for beefsteak?" inquired the old lady. + +"Fifty cents." + +"It's wicked shame!" she exclaimed indignantly. "They're a set of +robbers, and I've a good mind to tell 'em so. You, sir"--to the +waiter who came up at that moment--"what do you mean by askin' +such shameful prices for your vittles?" + +"I haven't anything to do with the prices, ma'am." + +"I need some meat," said the old lady sternly, "but I won't buy any. +I won't encourage you in your shameful swindlin'. I'll bear up as +well as I can till I get home, though like as not I shall be faint." + +The waiter took the written order, and brought the old lady's tea +and toast. Ben ordered some steak, and, finding that more was +brought than he needed, offered a piece to the old lady. + +"Shan't I rob you?" asked the old lady, looking at the meat +covetously. + +"Not at all, ma'am. I've taken all I want." + +"Then I don't keer if I do take a piece. I feel kinder faint, and +meat goes to the right spot; but I wasn't going to pay any of their +shameful prices." + +The old lady ate the meat with evident relish, and an expression +satisfaction, which arose partly from the reflection that she was +gratifying her appetite without expense. She even regarded Emma +with a softened expression, saying: "I forgive you, little gal, for +what you said to me. You don't know no better. You must try to +behave like the boy that's with you. He's a real polite boy." + +"So he is," said Emma. "I like him ever so much." + +Luckily she added nothing to kindle the old lady's resentment, +and they rose from the table on good terms. + + + + +Chapter XIV + +Prof. Crane, The Phrenologist + + +After supper Ben and his young charge took their seats in the main +salon. The passengers were grouped about the tables, many of them +reading the New York evening papers. Among them Ben observed +a tall man, wearing a full beard, and attired in a suit of rather rusty +black, who presently sat down beside him. From his appearance Ben +fancied that he might be a clergyman or a missionary. + +"My young friend," said the stranger at length, "are you traveling to +Boston?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Ahem! Do you live in Boston?" + +"No, sir; I live in Milltown, a manufacturing town." + +"Did you ever have your head examined?" + +Ben stared at the questioner in surprise. + +"What should I have my head examined for?" he asked. + +"I see you don't understand me," said the gentlemen of clerical +appearance. "I am a phrenologist." + +"Oh, yes, I understand," said Ben. + +"I lecture on phrenology and examine heads, describing the +character and prominent traits of my subjects on phrenological +principles. For instance, I can readily tell by the help of my +science your leading tendencies, and in what career you would +be most likely to meet with success." + +"I would like to know that myself," said Ben, becoming interested. + +"My terms for an ordinary examination are twenty-five cents. For +a written description I charge a dollar." + +"If I had plenty of money," said Ben, "I wouldn't mind getting a +written description." + +"A dollar spent that way may save you hundreds of dollars, nay, +perhaps thousands," said the phrenologist insinuatingly. + +Ben shook his head. + +"I haven't any money to spare," he said. "I have some money, +but it was given to me to pay traveling expenses." + +"Surely you can spare twenty-five cents," said the phrenologist. +"You can remember what I say and write it down yourself +afterward." + +"So, I can," said Ben. "I guess I can afford a quarter; but where +can we go?" + +"Stay here," said Prof. Crane, for this was his self-chosen +designation. "It will probably bring me other customers." + +"I don't know," said Ben, looking about him doubtfully. "I +don't think I should like to have all these people hear about me." + +"You need not be afraid. You have a very good heard. Besides, +it is no more public than at my lectures." + +"All right then!" + +"Move your chair forward a little. There, that is right." + +Prof. Crane arose, and assumed the attitude of a speaker. + +"Ladies and gentlemen," he commenced, after clearing his +throat. + +The gentlemen in the saloon looked up from their newspapers +in some surprise at this unexpected interruption. + +"Ladies and gentlemen, I am Prof. Crane, the phrenologist. I +trust you will pardon the interruption if I publically examine the +head of this young man, and describe his character as indicated +by his phrenological development." + +"Go on," said a stout gentlemen opposite. "It will help to pass +the time." + +"Thank you, sir. I trust that what I may say will not only help to +pass the time, but lead you to reflect seriously upon the great +importance of this science, and its claims upon your attention." + +All eyes were turned upon Ben, who bore the ordeal very well. + +"This lad has an excellent head. All the organs are well balanced, +none being in great excess. His temperament is nervous-sanguine. +Hope predominates with him. He will not be easily discouraged, +but when he has an object in view he will pursue it perseveringly +to the end. He is not quarrelsome, but will not allow himself to be +trodden upon. He has plenty of courage. He is not bashful, but +respectful to his elders and superiors. He is conscientious, and +more likely to do right than wrong. Of course he might yield to +temptation, but it would have to be a powerful one. He has a +fondness for pets, and will be kind to younger children. He will +find no pleasure in ill-treating or tyrannizing over them He has not +much invention, and would make a poor machinist, but is likely +to succeed in general business. He will probably be steady and +reliable, and faithful to the interests of his employer." + +This was the substance of Prof. Crane's description of our hero. +Ben listened with satisfaction, feeling that it was a very good +character indeed. He was sorry that some business man could not +hear it, as it might lead him to offer him employment. + +When the examination was over, Ben tendered the professor +twenty-five cents in payment. + +"Now," said the professor, looking around him, "is there any other +lady or gentleman whose head I can examine, for the small sum of +twenty-five cents? My usual terms are fifty cents, but as I am +traveling, and this is out of office hours, I don't mind reducing the +price for this occasion." + +Among those present was a rustic couple, who appeared to be on +a wedding trip. The bridegroom was dressed in a full suit of +blue cloth, the coat being decorated with brass buttons, while the +bride was resplendent in a dress brilliant in color and with large +figures. + +"Sally," said the young husband, "I want you to have your head +examined. It only costs a quarter." + +"Oh, Jonathan, how can I before all them folks?" said Sally +bashfully. "Suppose he should say something bad about me." + +"If he does, I'll bu'st his head," said Jonathan. "He can't say +nothin' but what's good about you, Sally. + +"All right, Jonathan, just as you say." + +"My wife will have her head examined," said Jonathan, with a +proud glance at his radiant bride. + +"Please sit here, madam," said the professor. "Now I will trouble +you to remove your bonnet." + +"Don't tumble up my hair," said Sally solicitously. + +"That will not be necessary," said Prof. Crane. "This lady has a +very harmonious head." + +"What's that?" inquired Sally, in a low voice, of Jonathan, who stood +at her side. + +"Something good, I reckon," whispered her husband. + +"She has those sweet domestic virtues which fit the possessor to +adorn the family circle and lend a luster to the home." + +"How nice he talks!" murmured Sally, in a tone of gratification. + +"Yes, Sally, he's smart," said Jonathan, "and can read you like a book." + +"This lady has a great taste for music. She would be like to excel as a +musician. Am I right, sir?" + +"I guess you are," said Jonathan. "You'd ought to hear her sing in the +choir to hum. She's got a powerful voice, Sally has. She can almost +raise the rafters of the old meetin'-house." + +"You see, ladies and gentlemen, that the husband of the lady +confirms what I say of her. Phrenology never errs. A phrenologist +is never mistaken in character. Nature has stamped her impress +upon each one of us, and declares unmistakably what we are." + +"Go ahead, professor," said Jonathan impatiently. + +"The lady has a taste for strong and decided colors. What is showy +attracts her admiration." + +"That's so!" commented Jonathan. + +"She has a good deal of firmness, and likes to have her own way; as +most of use do," added the professor. "Still she would yield to +strong persuasion." + +It will be unnecessary to go farther in the examination which proved +quite satisfactory to the young couple, and a source of amusement +to the rest of the passengers. + +Jonathan next submitted himself to the professor's skill, and was +highly delighted in being told that he was fitted to shine in public life, +and might hereafter become a member of Congress. + +"I guess the folks at home will think more of me when they hear that," +he remarked to Sally. "The professor has given us good characters." + +"So he has. Do you think it's all true, Jonathan?" + +"Of course it is. It's a wonderful science, Sally. I didn't know I had +so many bumps." + +"Nor I. I can't feel 'em myself." + +"That's because you're not used to it. It takes the professor to do it." + +Other subjects were forthcoming, and the professor cleared three +dollars during the evening. He understood human nature well +enough to flatter all, without absolutely contradicting the science of +which he claimed to be the exponent. + + + + +Chapter XV + +An Old Convert to Phrenology + + +About eleven o'clock the steamer stopped. A dense fog had sprung +up, which made it perilous to proceed. Ben, who was a novice in +traveling, got up to see what was the matter. He was on his way +back to the stateroom, when he encountered a strange figure. The +old lady was wandering about in dishabille, looking thoroughly +alarmed. + +Recognizing Ben, she clutched his arm. + +"What has happened?" she asked, in a hollow voice, "Is the ship +sinkin'?" + +"No, ma'am," answered Ben. "We have only stopped on account of +the fog." + +"Something may run into us," exclaimed the old lady. "Oh, dear! +I wish I had never left home." + +"You'd better go back to bed," said Ben soothingly. "There's no +danger." + +"No, I won't," said the old woman resolutely. "I'm not going to be +drowned in my bed. I'll stay here till mornin'." + +And she plumped down into an armchair, where she looked like +an image of despair. + +"Hadn't you better put on something more?" suggested Ben. +"You may get cold." + +"I'll put on my shawl and bunnit," said the old lady. "I can't sleep +a wink. We shall be shipwrecked; I know we shall." + +Whether the old lady kept her word, or not, Ben did not know. +When he entered the saloon the next morning she was already up +and dressed, looking haggard from want of sleep. Ben ascertained +that the boat had started again about five o'clock, and would +probably reach Fall River five or six hours late. This would make it +necessary to take breakfast on board. + +He imparted the news to the old lady. + +"It's a shame," she said indignantly. "They did it a purpose to make +us spend more money. I expected to eat breakfast at my son's house +in Boston." + +"We shall not probably reach Boston till noon, I hear." + +"Then suppose I'll have to buy somethin' to stay my stomach. It's +a shame. It costs a sight to travel." + +"So it does," acquiesced Ben. + +"They'd oughter give us our breakfast." + +"I'm afraid they won't see it in that light." + +The old lady went down to breakfast, and grudgingly paid out +twenty cents more for tea and toast. She was in hopes Ben +would get some meat and offer her a portion; but he, too, felt +the necessity of being economical, and ordered something less +expensive. + +Prof. Crane attempted to renew his phrenological examinations, +but could only obtain two subjects. + +"Shan't I examine your head?' he asked insinuatingly of the old lady. + +"No, you shan't," she answered tartly. "I don't want you pawing +over me." + +"Don't you want me to describe your character?" + +"No, I don't. Like as not, you'd slander me." + +"Oh, no, ma'am; I should only indicate, by an examination of your +bumps, your various tendencies and proclivities." + +"I don't believe I've got any bumps." + +"Oh, yes, you have. We all have them. I shall only ask you +twenty-five cents for an examination." + +"I won't give it," said the old lady, resolutely clutching her purse, +as if she feared a violent effort to dispossess her of it. "I can't +afford it." + +"It is a very small sum to pay for the knowledge of yourself." + +"I guess I know myself better than you do," said the old lady, +nodding her head vigorously. Then, yielding to an impulse of +curiosity: "Say, mister, is it a pretty good business, examinin' +heads?" + +"It ought to be," answered the professor, "if the world were +thoroughly alive to the importance of the noble science of +phrenology." + +"I don't see what use it is." + +"Let me tell you, then, ma'am. You have doubtless employed +servants that proved unworthy of your confidence." + +The old lady assented. + +"Now if you had employed a phrenologist to examine a +servant's head before engaging her, he would have told you at +once whether she was likely to prove honest and faithful, or +the reverse." + +"You don't say!" exclaimed the old lady, beginning to be +impressed. "Well, that would be something, I declare. Now, +there's Mirandy Jones, used to work for me--I'm almost certain +she stole one of my best caps." + +"To wear herself?" asked Ben demurely. + +"No, she wanted it for her grandmother. I'm almost sure I saw +it on the old woman's head at the sewin' circle one afternoon. +Then, again, there was Susan Thompson. She was the laziest, +sleepiest gal I ever see. Why, one day I went into the kitchen, +and what do you think? There she stood, in the middle of the +floor, leanin' her head over her broom fast asleep." + +"In both these cases phrenology would have enabled you to +understand their deficiencies, and saved you from hiring them." + +Here a gentlemen whispered to Prof. Crane: "Offer to examine +the old woman's head for nothing. I will see you are paid." + +The professor was not slow in taking the hint. + +"Madam," said he, "as my time just now isn't particularly +valuable, I don't mind examining your head for nothing." + +"Will you?" said the old lady. "Well, you're very polite and +oblegin'. You may, if you want to." + +Prof. Crane understood that a joke was intended, and shaped +his remarks accordingly. + +"This lady," he commenced, "is distinguished for her amiable +disposition." Here there was a smile visible on several faces, +which, luckily, the old lady didn't see. "At the same time, she +is always ready to stand up for her rights, and will not submit +to be imposed upon." + +"You're right there, mister," interjected the old lady, "as my +son-in-law will testify. He tried to put upon me; but I soon +let him know that I knew what was right, and meant to have it. + +"My subject has a good taste for music, and would have been +a superior performer if her talent had been cultivated. But her +practical views would hardly have permitted her to spend much +time in what is merely ornamental. She is a good housekeeper, +and I may venture to remark that she understands cooking +thoroughly." + +The old lady--so potent is flattery--really began to look amiable. + +"I wish old Miss Smith could hear you," she interrupted. "She's +a vain, conceited critter, and purtends she can cook better than I +can. If I couldn't make better pies that she had the last time the +sewin' circle met at her house, I'd give up cookin', that's all." + +"You see, gentlemen and ladies," said the professor, looking about +him gravely, "how correct are the inductions of science. All that +I have said thus far has been confirmed by my subject, who surely +ought to know whether I am correct or not." + +"This lady," he proceeded, "is fitted to shine in society. Her social + sphere may have been limited by circumstances; but had her lot +been cast in the shining circles of fashion, her natural grace and +refinement would have enabled her to embellish any position to +which she might have been called." + +The contrast between the old lady's appearance and the words of +Prof. Crane was so ludicrous that Ben and several others with +difficulty, kept their countenances. But the old lady listened with +great complacency. + +"I wish my granddarter would hear you," she said. "She's a pert +little thing, that thinks she knows more than her grandmother. I've +often told my darter she ought to be more strict with her; but it +don't do no good." + +"It's the way with the young, madam. They cannot appreciate +the sterling qualities of their elders." + +When the examination was concluded, the old lady expressed +her faith in phrenology. + +"I never did believe in't before," she admitted, "but the man described +me just as if he know'd me all my life. Railly, it's wonderful." + +Prof. Crane got his money, and with it the favor of the old lady +to whom he had given such a first-class character. Her only +regret was that her friends at home could not have heard him. + +About one o'clock in the afternoon the long journey was at an +end, and Ben and his young charge descended from the train +in the South Terminal, in Boston. + + + + +Chapter XVI + +Ben's Loss + + +It has already been mentioned that there was a train to Milltown +at half-past ten in the morning. Of course Ben was too late for +this. He ascertained, however, that there was another train at +five o'clock, and this he resolved to take. + +"Where are we going, Ben?" asked Emma, as they stepped out +of the station. + +"Don't you feel hungry, Emma?" + +"Yes." + +"Then we will go and have some dinner, first of all." + +This proposal was satisfactory to the little girl, who took Ben's +hand and walked up toward Washington Street with him. + +On School Street they found an eating-house which did not +appear too high in price, and Ben led Emma in. + +They seated themselves at a table, and ordered dinner. Just +opposite sat a pleasant-looking man, of middle age. He was +fond of children, and his attention was drawn to little Emma. + +"Is that your sister?" he inquired of Ben. + +"No, sir," answered Ben. + +"No relation?" + +"No, sir; she is from New York. She is going to board with my +aunt." + +"Does your aunt live in Boston?" + +"No, sir; in Milltown." + +"Has the young lady come into the city on a shopping excursion?" +inquired the new acquaintance, smiling. + +"No, sir; she is just on her way from New York. I went to fetch +her." + +"You are a young guardian." + +"Rather, sir; but there was no one else to go for her." + +"How old are you?" + +"Fifteen." + +"Are you attending school?" + +"No, sir; I should be glad to do so; but my aunt is not in good +circumstances, and I have to work. I have been employed in +the mills, but they discharged some of their hands lately, and I +was among them." + +"How would you like to come to Boston to work?" + +"Very much." + +"I may some time have a vacancy for you. I am a wholesale +stationer on State Street. Give me your address, and if I have +any opening I will write to you." + +"Thank you, sir," said Ben; "I should like very much to work +here." + +Ben took the stranger's card, from which he learned that his +name was Otis Johnson, and that he dealt in stationery, blank +books, diaries, and a similar line of goods. + +"This may lead to something," thought Ben. "I should enjoy +living in Boston. There is a good deal more going on here than +in Milltown." + +It was about quarter of two when Ben and Emma rose from +the table. + +"What are we going to do now?" asked Emma. + +Ben considered. + +"The train doesn't start till five," he said. "We won't go to the +station yet, for we should get tired of waiting. We will walk +about, and look into the shop windows, unless you are tired." + +"I am not tired. I should like it," said Emma. + +Presently they came to the old State House. Ben's attentions was +attracted by a Charleston car. He knew that Bunker Hill Monument +was in Charleston, and it struck him that it would be a good +opportunity to go and see it. + +"Does this car go to Bunker Hill Monument?" he inquired. + +"Yes," said the conductor. "It goes within two minutes' walk of it." + +"How long does it take to go there?" + +"Twenty minutes." + +Ben reflected that the train did not start till five o'clock, and that +there would be plenty of time for the excursion. He did not know +when he would have another chance, and resolved to avail himself +of this. + +He helped Emma to board the car, and got on himself. + +"I like to ride in electric cars, Ben," said Emma. + +"So do I, Emma. Do you know what we are going to see?" + +"What is it?" + +"A great stone monument, five times as high as a house." + +"What is a monument?" + +Ben explained to her. + +"Does anybody live in it?" asked the little girl. + +"No, I don't think it would be a very pleasant place to live in." + +"What did they build it for, then?" + +Ben explained that a great battle had been fought on the hill +where the monument stood. + +"Do they fight any battles there now, Ben?" asked Emma, in some +apprehension. + +"Why? Are you afraid of getting killed?" + +"Yes." + +"There is no danger. It is over a hundred years since there was +any fighting there." + +Just then the car stopped, and a new passenger got on and sat +down just opposite Ben and his young charge. Ben did not take +special notice of her, and was surprised to hear a familiar voice. + +"I declare, if it ain't the little gal," + +Looking up, he recognized the old lady, his fellow passenger. + +"How do you do, ma'am?" he said. + +"Putty well. Where be you goin'?" + +"Over to Bunker Hill." + +"I'm goin' to Charleston, myself. My son is away with his wife, +and I'm goin' over to stay with my niece till he comes back. How +do you do, little gal?" + +"Pretty well," said Emma. + +"You don't know me, do you?" + +It was an unfortunate question. + +"Yes, I do. You're the lady that takes snuff," said Emma. + +Some of the passengers tittered, and the old lady turned red in the +face. + +"Well, I never did!" she exclaimed, in mortification. "You're a +bad-behaved little gal." + +"She didn't mean to offend you, ma'am," said Ben. "She's very +young." + +"She's old enough to behave. Children didn't use to sass their +elders like they do now. If one of my children was to behave so, +I'd shut 'em up in a dark closet for twenty-four hours, with only +dry bread to eat." + +The old lady shook her head vigorously, and glared at Emma over +the top of her spectacles. It was just as well, perhaps, that Emma +was absorbed in looking out of the window, and did not listen to +what the old lady was saying. Being a high-spirited and free-spoken +young woman, she would have been likely to reply, and that would +have made matters worse. + +The ride was not a long one, for but a narrow bridge separates +Boston proper from the historic town of Charleston. + +"You get out here," said the conductor. "Go up that street to the +monument." + +Ben could see the great stone pillar standing up against the sky in +plain sight, and he ascended the hilly street toward it. + +"That is the monument, Emma," he said. + +"It looks like a big chimney," said Emma; "only chimneys are made +of brick." + +"It would take a big house to need such a chimney as that," said Ben. + +They reached the top of the hill, and stood beside the monument, +which looked immensely tall, now that they were close to it. + +"This is where Warren fell," said Ben, repeating to himself a piece of +information which he had heard. + +"Did he fall?" inquired Emma. + +"Oh, no; he was killed in the battle here." + +"Are you going to ascend the monument?" asked a gentleman who +had come up the hill another way. + +"I didn't know you could," said Ben. + +"There is a spiral staircase inside. Most visitors ascend it. There is a +splendid view from the top." + +"I should think there would be." + +"Will you go? I think of going, and would like your company." + +"No, I guess not," said Ben. "It would be too much for Emma. She +is only a little girl, and could not stand the fatigue." + +"I wouldn't dare to go up so high, Ben," said Emma timidly. + +Here a well-dressed lady, who had heard the discussion said: +"If you would like to go up, young man, I will take care of the little +girl till you come down. Will you stay with me, my dear?" + +She smiled pleasantly, and Emma's confidence was won. + +"Yes, Ben, I will stay with her," she said; "only don't be gone too +long." + +Ben hesitated. He wanted to go up, and was not sure when he would +have another opportunity. He could see no reason to doubt that +Emma would be entirely safe under the care of the stranger. + +"I don't like to give you so much trouble," said Ben. + +"It will be no trouble," said the lady politely. "I am fond of children." + +It was twenty-five minutes before Ben descended. He looked for +Emma, and his heart gave a great bound of dismay. + +Neither Emma nor the lady was to be seen. + + + + +Chapter XVII + +The Strange Captor + + +This was what had happened. + +When Ben was fairly on his way up the monument, the lady addressed +Emma. + +"My dear," she said, "are you fond of candy?" + +"Ever so much," said Emma. + +"Suppose we go to a candy store and get some?" + +"But I don't want to leave Ben," said the little girl. + +"Oh, we will be back before he returns," said the lady. "Will you +come?" + +"If you are certain sure you will be back in time." + +"Oh, yes, my dear." + +The lady's manner was so kind that Emma felt entire confidence +in her promise. + +"Yes, I will go." + +They walked down the hill in a different direction from that which +they had come up. This brought them to a street on which were +some shops. The lady entered one, leading Emma by the hand. + +"Give us one half-pound of assorted candy," she said. + +The girl behind the counter weighed out the candy and handed it to her. + +They left the shop. + +"Now are we going back to Ben?" asked Emma. + +"I have sent word to him to come to my house and take supper, my +dear child. Come with me, and you will see him soon." + +How should Emma know that this was not true? She was a little girl, +with no experience of the world, accustomed to put confidence in +those she met, and the lady was very kind in her manner. + +"Is your home far off?" she asked. + +"No, it is quite near." + +This proved to be true. + +The lady turned up a street lined with neat dwellings and rang the bell. + +A servant answered the bell. + +"Is it you, mum?" she said. + +"Yes, Jane." + +Jan looked inquiringly at the little girl, and was on the point of asking +who she was; but she knew her mistress was peculiar and said nothing. + +"This little girl will stay to tea," said the lady. "Put on an extra +plate." + +"Yes, ma'am." + +"And isn't Ben coming, too?" asked Emma, noting the omission. + +"Yes, Jan, you may put on two extra plates." + +Emma followed her new acquaintance up-stairs, and was led into a +neat bedchamber. The lady entered it, bade Emma enter, locked +the door, and then, sinking on the floor before the astonished child, +exclaimed with evident emotion: "Have I found you at last, my dear, +dear child?" + +Emma was startled at the lady's tone, and for the fist time felt alarmed. + +"I ain't your child," she said. "What makes you call me so?" + +"Are you not my dear little Mary?" said the lady. + +"No, my name isn't Mary. My name is Emma." + +"Did they change your name, my dear child? Was it not enough to +take you away from me, without changing your name?" + +"I don't know what you mean," said Emma, ore and more alarmed. +"I want to go back to Ben." + +"Would you leave your mother, my child?" + +"You are not my mother. Let me go." + +Emma ran to the door, but it was locked, and the key was in the +lady's pocket. + +"I cannot let you go, my dear child. You have been away from me +too long already. I have been very lonely without you." + +Her tone was still kind--it had never varied--but Emma was +thoroughly frightened. + +"Let me go!" she began to cry. "I want to go to Ben." + +The lady looked at her in mingled grief and wonder. + +"Can a child turn from her own mother to a stranger?" she said +musingly. "She forgets that she is my little Mary. She no longer +loves me." + +"My name is Emma," said the little girl. "Why did you take me away +from Ben?" + +Help was at hand, though it came from a stranger. + +A knock was heard at the door, and the lady rose and opened it. +The newcomer was a little younger than the lady already +mentioned, but bore such a resemblance to her as to indicate +that she was her sister. She looked at surprise at Emma. + +"Where did you get this child, Clara?" she asked. + +"It is my little Mary. Don't you see that it is?" + +"You are mistaken, Clara. Your little Mary is in heaven." + +"She has come back again. This is she. Don't you see that it is +she?" asked the lady called Clara earnestly. + +"My poor sister," said the younger lady compassionately, "you are +mistaken. This is not your little Mary. Where did you find her? +To whom does she belong?" + +Emma had listened to this conversation with interest, feeling that +it concerned her. She answered the question herself. + +"I belong to Ben," she said. + +"Where is Ben?" asked the younger lady. + +"He is at the big stone chimney. He was going up to the top. He left +me with her." + +"You mean the monument, don't you, my dear child?" + +"Yes, ma'am." + +"Is this true, Clara?" + +"Yes," the elder sister admitted. + +The younger lady looked perplexed. + +"You did wrong, Clara, to take the little girl from her brother. He will +feel very anxious about her. + +"She said she would buy me some candy," said Emma. + +"Could I see my child, and not claim her?" said Clara. + +"I am not your child. What makes her say I am her child?" + +"My dear," said the younger lady gently, "my poor sister lost her little +girl not long since. She has not been well since. When she saw you +to-day she thought you were her little Mary." + +"I want to go back to Ben. What will Ben say?" + +"Certainly, you must go back to your brother. Come, my child, we +will try to find him." + +Emma went down-stairs with her new friend. Clara did not attempt +to hinder her, but seated herself with an air of dependency in an +armchair, and buried her face in her hands. + +"I am afraid Ben has gone away," said Emma. + +"It is very perplexing," said the young lady to herself. "We will go out +and try to find your brother. If we cannot, you can tell me where +your home is and I will take you there." + +"I don't know exactly where it is," said Emma; "I have never been +there. I came from New York. I am going to board with Ben's aunt." + +"And you don't know where she lives? You don't know the name of +the town." + +Emma shook her head. + +"My poor sister has done great mischief," said the young lady gravely. +"I must do my best to remedy it." + +They went out into the street together. + +Meanwhile, Ben, in great trouble of mind, remained in the +neighborhood of the monument for ten minutes or more. + +"Perhaps the lady has taken Emma on a little walk," he thought. +"Perhaps she thought I wouldn't be down so soon." + +Ben felt that it was very inconsiderate, but he would not at first +believe that there was anything really wrong. But when ten +minutes has passed he became alarmed, and began to blame +himself. + +"Aunt was right," he thought. "I wasn't fit to be trusted with the care +of a little girl. What shall I say to Mr. Manning? What shall I do?" + +He looked about him in despairing bewilderment. Streets radiated +from the monument in several different directions. Which should +he take? If he took any, there was not more than one chance in +four that it would prove the right one. + +He was still standing there when the gentleman who had gone up with +him descended. + +"Where is the little girl?" he asked. + +Ben explained his trouble. + +"Don't be alarmed, my boy," said the gentleman, in a tone of +sympathy; "I will help you. Sooner or later we shall hear of +the child." + +"What shall I do?" asked Ben. + +"It is possible the child may be brought back. I will remain here to +receive her if she comes, and you may go and search for her. Come +back in about half-an-hour." + +Ben started on his quest, and with feverish haste he explored street +after street, but in vain. With sad heart he retraced his steps to the +monument. What was his joy to find Emma returned, and in charge +of the gentleman he had left behind and another lady. + +An explanation was given, to which Ben paid little attention, such was +his joy at the recovery of his young charge. + +"What time is it, sir?" he inquired of his companion. + +"Five minutes to five." + +"Then we are too late for the train," exclaimed Ben, in dismay. + + + + +Chapter XVIII + +The Envelope + + +"What train?" asked the gentleman. + +"The five-o'clock train to Milltown." + +"Is that the last train?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"You will have to wait till to-morrow. Will it make much +difference?" + +Ben blushed. + +"I shall have to stay at a hotel," he said uncomfortably, +"and I don't think I have money enough. I did not expect +to have that expense." + +"I can relieve you on that score," said the gentleman. "I +live in Charleston, not far away. You shall stay at my house +to-night, and go home by the morning train. There is a +morning train, isn't there?" + +"Yes, sir, at half-past ten." + +"You will accept my invitation?" + +"Yes, sir, and thank you," said Ben gratefully. "I don't know +what I should have done if you had not invited me." + +"I am glad to have the opportunity of doing you a kindness. I +want to send you away with a good impression of Charleston." + +It was a handsome house to which Ben was led by his new +friend. His wife received the two children with unaffected +kindness, and soon made them feel at home. During the evening +Mr. Somerby, for this was his name, drew out of Ben the +particulars of his history and present position. Ben seemed so +frank and manly that he was quite pleased with him. + +Mr. Somerby was not in business, unless he may be called a +capitalist. He was the possessor of a large fortune, and the care +of his property required a considerable share of his time. When +Ben was ready to go the next morning, Mr. Somerby put an +envelope into his hand. + +"Don't open this till you get home," he said. + +"No, sir." + +"Now, good-by, and good luck to you." + +"Thank you, sir." + +Meanwhile Mrs. Bradford at home was feeling anxious. Old Mrs. +Perkins had dropped in to make a call, and her conversation wasn't +reassuring. + +"Hasn't Ben got back?" she asked. + +"Not yet." + +"There's a great risk in sendin' a boy so fur," said the old lady. + +"Do you think so?" asked Mrs. Bradford uneasily. + +"To be sure I do. He's too young." + +"That's what I thought; but Ben was very sure he could get along." + +"Boys is allus confident," said Mrs. Perkins, whose knowledge of +grammar was not very profound; "but I never knew one that you +could rely on." + +"Benjamin is a good boy." + +"Yes, he's a good boy as boys go; but don't you trust him too fur. +When did you expect him back?" + +"I expected him last night." + +"And he didn't come? Just as I thought." + +Mrs. Perkins nodded her head vigorously, and looked unutterably wise. + +"Maybe the cars is gone off the track," said the old lady. + +"Oh, don't say such things, Mrs. Perkins," said Mrs. Bradford uneasily. + +"I didn't say they had, but we're havin' a dreffle number of accidents +nowadays." + +"Ben is all right," said Tony, thinking he ought to defend his cousin. +"He said when he went away, he'd come home right side up with care." + +"Little boys should be seen and not heard," said Mrs. Perkins. + +"'Always be prepared for the worst.' That's my motto." + +"And my motto is 'Wait and Hope!'" said a familiar voice outside the +door. + +"It's Ben!" exclaimed Tony joyfully. + +The door was thrown open and there stood Ben, with little Emma's +hand in his. + +"Aunt Jane," he said, "here's little Emma, come to live with you." + +"My dear, I am very glad to see you," said Mrs. Bradford. + +Emma looked in her gentle face, and liked her at once. + +"Will you be my aunt, too?" she asked. + +"Yes, my dear." + +"Tony, come here and be introduced," said Ben. + +Tony was bashful at first, but it was not very long before he and +Emma were merrily playing together. + +"So you're railly back, Benjamin?" said old Mrs. Perkins, rather +disappointed. + +"Yes, ma'am. How's James?" + +"Loafin' round, as usual," said his affectionate relative. "Boys are so +shiftless." + +"They may be," admitted Ben good-naturedly, "but they get hungry +sometimes. Aunt Jane, is there anything to eat in the house?" + +"I will set the table at once," said his aunt. "The little girl must be +hungry, too." + +"You're undertakin' a great responsibility, Mrs. Bradford," said +Mrs. Perkins. "The little girl will be a great care to you." + +"I don't look upon it in that light," said Mrs. Bradford. "I am glad +to have her here." + +"Humph! You will talk different a month from now. But I must be +goin'." + +After dinner Ben bethought himself of the envelope which Mr. +Somerby had given him. + +He opened it, when a bank-note dropped to the floor. Picking it +up, he saw, to his amazement, that it was a fifty-dollar bill. With +sparkling eyes he read the letter, or rather these few lines which +were penciled on a half-sheet of note paper: + +"I have been interested in your story, and beg your acceptance +of the enclosed as a slight help and encouragement. Should you ever +need advice or assistance, I shall be glad to have you call upon me." + "Frederic Somerby" + +"What do you think of that, Aunt Jane?" said Ben in a tone of +exultation. "Hasn't my motto worked pretty well, after all? Isn't +it better to 'Wait and Hope' than to give up and get discouraged?" + +"Yes, Ben, I begin to think you are right." + +"We are better off than when I was at work in the factory." + +"Yes, Ben; we can get along very comfortably." + +"I have been thinking, aunt, that while business continues dull I will +go to school. This money I will put in a savings-bank, and we shall +have it to fall back upon if we need it." + +This plan met with Mrs. Bradford's approval, and was carried out +by Ben. When he returned from the savings-bank, with his book in +his hand, he felt like a capitalist. In fact, he was so cheerful that his +aunt caught the infection, and looked brighter than she had for years. + +"It is pleasant to have money in the bank," she said to old Mrs. Perkins. + +"Like as not the bank will break," said the old lady. + +"I see an account last week of a savin's-bank that failed. I wouldn't +trust any of 'em." + +"Mrs. Perkins," said Ben, with mock gravity, "I heard last week of +a man who died in his bed. I'd never go to bed if I were you." + +"It aint' well to joke," said the old lady. "Always be prepared for the +worst." + +"That isn't my motto," said Ben. "As long as I live I mean to 'Wait +and Hope'!" + + + +Chapter XIX + +The Prize for Scholarship + + +The annual examination of the grammar schools in Milltown came +about the middle of June, just before summer vacation. It the First +Ward School two prizes had been offered by the principal to the +scholars who stood highest on the rank-lists. + +Speculation was rife as to the probable result; but the choice was +finally narrowed down to two boys. + +One of these was Ben Bradford, now sixteen years of age. The other +was Samuel Archer, son of the superintendent of the Milton Mills. +There is an old saying, "Like father, like son." Mr. Archer was +purse-proud and consequential, and felt that he was entitled to +deference on the score of his wealth and prominence. + +"Sam," said he, two days before the examination, "what are your +chances of obtaining the prize?" + +"I think I ought to have it, father," answered Sam. + +"That is, you think you will be entitled to it?" + +"Yes sir." + +"Then you will get it, as a matter of course." + +"I don't know that." + +"Don't you think the prize will be adjudged fairly?" + +"The principal thinks a great deal of Ben Bradford." + +"Is he your chief competitor?" + +"He is the only boy I am afraid of." + +"Who is he?" + +"He is a poor boy--used to work in the mills." + +"He is the nephew of the Widow Bradford?" + +"Yes; he lives in a small house about the size of a bandbox. I expect + they are as poor as poverty. Ben wears coarse clothes. I don't +believe he has a new suit a year." + +"And you have too many. I believe your bill for clothes exceeds +mine." + +"Oh, father, you want your son to dress well. People know you are +a rich man and they expect it." + +"Humph! it may be carried too far," said Mr. Archer, who had just +paid a large tailor's bill for Sam. + +"And you say the principal favors him?" + +"Yes, everybody can see it." + +"It is rather strange he should favor a penniless boy," said Mr. +Archer, himself a worshiper of wealth. "The man don't know on +which side his bread is buttered." + +"So I think. He ought to consider that you are a man of +consequence here." + +"I rather think I have some influence in Milltown," said Mr. Archer, +with vulgar complacency; "I fancy I could oust Mr. Taylor from +his position if I caught him indulging in favoritism. But you may be +mistaken, Sam." + +Mr. Archer looked thoughtful. + +Finally he said: "I think it will be well to pay some attention to Mr. +Taylor. It may turn the scale. When you go to school to-morrow +I will send by you an invitation to Mr. Taylor to dine with us. +We'll give him a good dinner and get him good-natured." + +So when Sam went to school in the morning he bore a note from his +father, containing a dinner invitation. + +"Say to your father that I will accept his invitation with pleasure," +said the principal. + +It was the first time he had received such a mark of attention from +Mr. Archer, and, being a shrewd man, he understood at once what +it signified. + +"He's coming, father," announced Sam, on his return home. + +"Did he seem gratified by the invitation?" + +"I couldn't tell exactly. He said he would accept with pleasure." + +"No doubt, he feels the attention," said Mr. Archer pompously. +"He knows I am a man of prominence and influence, and the +invitation will give him social status." + +Mr. Archer would have been offended if he had been told that the +principal was more highly respected in town than himself, in spite +of his wealth and fine house. + +When the principal sat down to Mr. Archer's dinner table, he +partook of a dinner richer and more varied than his modest salary +enabled him to indulge in at home. Nevertheless, he had more +than once been as well entertained by others, and rather annoyed +Mr. Archer by not appearing to appreciate the superiority of the +dinner. + +"Confound the man! He takes it as coolly as if he were accustomed +to dine as sumptuously every day," thought Archer. + +"I hope you are enjoying dinner, Mr. Taylor," he said. + +"Very much, thank you." + +"I rather plume myself on my cook. I venture to say that I pay five +dollars a month more than any other person in Milltown. But I must +have a good dinner. I am very particular on that score." + +"Have you a good cook, Mr. Taylor?" asked Mrs. Archer +condescendingly. + +"Why, the fact is, that we keep but one servant." + +"I suppose your salary will not permit you to keep more than one +servant." + +"You are right, madam." + +"Really, Mr. Taylor, I think your salary ought to be increased," +said Mr. Archer graciously. "The laborer is worthy of his hire, eh? +I must see if I can't induce the town to vote you an increased +compensation." + +"Thank you," said the principal quietly. "A larger salary would, of +course, be acceptable, but I doubt whether the town will feel like +voting it." + +"Rest easy," said Mr. Archer pompously. "I think I can bring it +about." + +"Oh, by the by," continued the rich man, "Samuel tells me that you +have offered two scholarship prizes." + +"Yes, sir--to the two scholars who pass the best examination." + +"How does my boy stand in the matter?" + +"He is one of the most prominent competitors." + +"I am very glad to hear it--very glad. Sam, you must do your best +to-morrow. It would gratify me very much if you should succeed. +I am ambitious for my son, Mr. Taylor, and I don't mind admitting +it." + +"Your ambition is a very natural one," said the principal. "Sam's +scholarship is excellent and his record is very satisfactory." + +"Thank you, Mr. Taylor. Your assurance is deeply gratifying to +Mrs. Archer and myself. It will be the happiest day of our lives if +Sam succeeds in the approaching competition." + +"He has a very fair chance of success, sir." + +"I think I've fixed things," said Mr. Archer complacently, after the +principal had taken his leave. "The prize is as good as yours, Sam." + + + + +Chapter XX + +Before the Battle + + +Ben's term at school had already extended to eight months. Our +hero was thorough in whatever he did, and, having an excellent +natural capacity, easily took high rank as a scholar. + +"Do you expect to win the prize, Ben?" asked his friend, James +Watson. + +"I hope to win it," said Ben. + +"So does Sam Archer." + +"I suppose it lies between us two, unless you step in and carry it off," +added Ben, smiling, for he knew that James, who was low in rank, +was not at all sensitive on the subject. + +"Make yourself easy, Ben; I won't interfere with you. You are my +friend, you know, and for your sake I will answer a few questions +wrong." + +"You always were considerate, James. You have relieved my mind +of a load of anxiety." + +"Don't mention it, Ben. I shan't feel the sacrifice." + +"You are a good fellow, at any rate, James, and that is more than I +can say for Sam Archer." + +"He thinks an awful lot of himself." + +"He can't forget that his father is superintendent of the mill." + +"By the way, Ben, what are you intending to do in vacation." + +"I shall try to get employment in the mill again. I have been idle +nearly a year now." + +"Your aunt has been getting along very well." + +"Yes; thanks to the seven dollars a week received for Emma's board. +But I don't like to feel that she is supporting the family. I think it is +high time for me to be at work." + +"Ben, I've been thinking of something." + +"Out with it, James." + +"Sam Archer will be very much disappointed if you take the prize +over him." + +"He doesn't love me overmuch now." + +"I am afraid he will prejudice his father against you, so as to induce +him to refuse you employment in the mill." + +"Do you think he would be as mean as that?" + +"Do I think so? I know it. Sam Archer is mean enough for anything." + +"He has just as good a chance as I have." + +"He told one of the boys you were Mr. Taylor's pet. He will say the +prize was give to you on account of favoritism." + +"Will anybody believe it?" + +"No one except Sam's special friends. I think Mr. Taylor does like +you. That reminds me, where do you think Mr. Taylor is to-night?" + +"I don't know, I am sure." + +"He is dining at Mr. Archer's." + +"That's something new, isn't it?" + +"Mr. Archer is trying to curry favor with the principal for Sam." + +"Then he doesn't know him very well. Mr. Taylor will decide +justly, at any rate." + +"Do you want very much to go back to the mill, Ben?" + +"Yes." + +"Then the best thing you can do is to let Sam beat you. That will +make him good-natured and you will probably get a place." + +"I shan't resign the prize. I shall do my best to obtain it. If that +loses me employment in the mill, I will go in search of employment +elsewhere." + +"I like your pluck, Ben." + +"I am willing to wait and I expect to win in the end." + +"Well, good luck to you, Ben. My supper is ready, and I must go +home." + +The more Ben thought it over, the more he felt that James was +probably correct in his prediction as to the effect of his success. + +"I am determined to beat Sam," he said to himself. The next +morning he entered the schoolroom cool and confident, while +Sam, though rather nervous, seemed almost equally confident. + +"Mr. Taylor won't go back on me," he reflected, "after dining at our +house; especially after father has promised to get him a higher +salary." + +The examination lasted all the session. It was partly oral and partly +written. + +"Boys," said the principal, "I shall devote the evening to the +examination of your papers. To-morrow morning my decision will +be made known." + +"I wish it were over," thought Sam. "I think he'll give me the prize, +but I should like to be sure of it." + + + + +Chapter XXI + +Ben Wins at School + + +Every boy was in his seat the next morning at the opening of school. +Though the choice lay between two only, there was a general interest +felt in the result of the competition. Ben was the favorite, though +Sam had a few followers--generally sycophantic boys who had a +respect for wealth, or had favors to ask of him. + +"Boys," said the principal, "I sat up till twelve o'clock last evening, +examining your papers. I have not only ascertained who are entitled +to the two prizes, but I have made a list of the ten highest scholars, +with their percentages. I am glad to say that many of you have done +well, and I regret that I have not more prizes to bestow. I will now +announce the names of the prize boys." + +"First prize--Benjamin Bradford." +"Second prize--Sam Archer." + +The boys applauded noisily. + +"Bradford's percentage," continued the principal, "is ninety-nine and +eight-tenths; Archer's, ninety-seven and nine-tenths. Both are very +high and I heartily congratulate both young gentlemen upon their +brilliant success. Bradford, you may come up to the desk." + +Mr. Taylor placed in his hands a neat edition of Longfellow's poems. + +"Thank you, sir," said Ben. + +The boys again applauded. + +"Archer, you may come up," said the principal. + +Sam rose slowly, and with a discontented look shuffled up to the +desk. An edition of Tennyson's poems was handed to him. He +received them without a word of thanks and hurried back to his +seat. + +There was no applause in his case. + +This was the last day of school, and the session lasted but an hour +and a half. At half-past ten the boys poured out of the +schoolhouse with noisy demonstrations of joy. + +"I congratulate you, old fellow," said James Watson to Ben. "You've +done splendidly." + +"Thank you, James." + +"So do I, and I," exclaimed one and another. + +Ben received all these congratulations modestly. + +"Go and congratulate Sam, boys," he said. + +"A good scholar, but a mean boy," said James. "However, here goes." + +"I congratulate you on your prize, Sam," he said offering his hand. + +Sam did not appear to see the hand. + +"A second prize isn't worth having," he said discontentedly. "Of +course it was all I had a chance for. Bradford is the teacher's +favorite." + +"Do you mean to say Ben don't deserve the first prize?" + +"He was sure to get it, anyhow." + +"That's mean in you to speak so, Sam." + +"It's what I think, at any rate." + +"Well, Sam," said his father, as he entered his presence, "how is it?" + +"Just as I expected, father. Old Taylor gave the first prize to his +favorite, Ben Bradford." + +"After all the attention I have paid that man, it is positively +outrageous to defraud you of your rights." + +"You won't have his salary increased now, will you, father?" + +"I'll do what I can to have the man discharged." + +"There's a favor I want to ask of you, father." + +"What is it, my son?" + +"I hear that Ben Bradford is going to seek employment in the mill, +now that school is over; I hope you'll refuse to take him on." + +"I will. His prize will cost him dear." + +"Would you have given him employment if I had beaten him for the prize?" + +"Yes; business has revived, and we have decided to take on some +extra hands, giving preference to those who have formerly been in +our employ." + +"Then I will be revenged, at any rate," said Sam. + + + + +Chapter XXII + +Sam's Revenge + + +Now that vacation had fairly commenced, Ben thought he had better +make application for employment at the mills. It was generally +understood that business had improved and that new hands were to +be taken on. + +On the morning succeeding the award of prizes, Ben presented +himself at the office of the superintendent. + +After awhile the great man arrived. He nodded patronizingly to the +applicants for employment. He saw Ben in the number and his small +soul was rejoiced, for he meant to humiliate him. + +He summoned one and another to a conference, engaging such as +were old hands. + +Ben began to look hopeful. He, too, had experience. + +At last Mr. Archer beckoned to him to approach. + +"What do you wish?" he demanded. + +"I should like employment at the mills," said Ben. + +"Have you been in my employ before?" + +"Yes, sir." + +Mr. Archer opened a thick folio volume which lay upon the desk, +and appeared to be looking for something, which he found at last. + +"I can't employ you," he said coldly. + +"Why not, sir?" + +"Because your record is not good." + +Ben's eyes flashed with proper indignation. + +"I don't understand, sir," he said, in a dignified tone. + +"It strikes me that my language is plain." + +"What complaints were made of me? I should like to know in what +respect I failed to do my duty." + +"Probably you know as well as I can tell you," said the +superintendent. "At any rate, I have no time to waste in examining +into the matter. I prefer to take a boy who has nothing against him. +Next." + +Ben left the office, smarting not so much at the failure to obtain +employment, as at the unfounded charges trumped up against him. + +Just outside the office he met Sam Archer. + +"Good morning, Bradford," said Sam, eyeing our hero curiously. +"Are you going to work in the mill?" + +"No," said Ben shortly. + +"Perhaps old Taylor will give you employment." + +"No doubt he would if he had occasion to employ any one. Mr. +Taylor is a gentleman." + +"Do you mean to say father isn't a gentleman?" + +"You can draw your own conclusions." + +Ben was not quite an angel, though he was a manly boy, and he felt +pugnacious. + +"I've a great mind to knock you down," said Sam. + +"You may have the mind, but you haven't got the strength to do it," +said Ben. + +"I won't dirty my hands with touching you." + +"That's prudent, at any rate," retorted Ben. + +"You'd better go home and read your prize." + +"That's good advice, though it comes from a bad source," returned +Ben. "It isn't needed, however, for I have been reading it. I can +quote two lines-- + + "'Be not like dumb, driven cattle, + Be like heroes in the strife.'" + +"What do you mean by that?" + +"I mean that you will find it hard to drive me." + +"Perhaps so, but I've done one thing," boasted Sam. + +"What's that?" + +"I told father not to take you if you applied; and that's why you are +going away with a flea in your ear." + +"I am not surprised to hear this," he answered. "Indeed, I am very +glad to hear it." + +"You are glad to hear it?" repeated Sam, puzzled. + +"Yes." + +"I don't understand why you should be." + +"I suppose not. I am glad you know just why I was refused." + +"Well, I hope you are satisfied." + +"I am entirely so." + +"I wonder what the fellow means," thought Sam. + + + + +Chapter XXIII + +The Decoy Letter + + +Sam knew that Ben was anxious to obtain a situation. It occurred to +him that it would be a splendid joke to write to Ben, in the name of +some Boston firm, offering him a situation. Ben would go up to the +city, of course, only to find that he had been "sold." + +Of course, it would not do for Sam to write the letter himself, since +his writing was well known to Ben. Again, the letter must be posted +in Boston. However, where there is a will there is a way. Sam was +acquainted with a boy who lived in Boston--Frank Ferguson--and to +him he wrote, enclosing the draft of a letter, which he requested +Frank to copy and mail to Ben. "It is only a practical joke," Sam +explained in his letter, "in return for one Ben has played on me." But +for this explanation, Frank who was an honorable boy, would not have +lent himself to this scheme. As it was, it struck him only as a piece of +fun, and he followed Sam's instructions. + +A few days later, Ben, in going to the post-office, received a letter +directed to himself. It read thus: + +"BENJAMIN BRADFORD: We are in want of a boy in our store. +You can have the place if you wish. It will be necessary for you to +report for duty next Monday. + + "Yours, in haste, + "JONES & PORTER" + +Ben had heard of Jones & Porter. They were well-known +booksellers and publishers. A position with them was certainly +desirable. + +"But how could they have heard of me," thought Ben. + +He was not vain enough to suppose that his name was well known in +Boston, yet here was an important firm that had offered him +employment. Again, the manner in which the letter ended struck him +as rather singular. It didn't occur to Ben to doubt its genuineness. + +As he was walking back, he met James Watson. + +"What's the news, Ben?" asked James. + +"I am offered a place in Boston," answered Ben. + +"You don't say so! What sort of place is it?" + +"It is a place in a bookstore. There is the letter." + +James read it. + +"How did they happen to write to you." + +"I don't know, I am sure." + +"Can't you think of any way in which they could have heard of you?" + +"There is only one way I can think of. There was a gentleman in +Charleston who was quite kind to me when I was there last year. +He promised to be of service to me if I ever needed it. He may +have mentioned my name to Jones & Porter. + +"Very likely," said James. "You are in luck." + +"I wish I knew what wages they are willing to pay," said Ben. "If +it's only five dollars a week, it won't more than pay my board, +and I don't like to call upon Aunt Jane to pay for my clothes." + +"You will take the place, won't you, at any rate?" + +"Oh, yes. Perhaps I can get a chance to earn something by extra +work, and so pay for my clothes." + +"Well, I wish you good luck, Ben. If you hear of a place for me, +let me know." + +"I will, James. I should like your company." + +Ben went home and showed the letter to his aunt. + +"You see, aunt, I am provided for," said Ben. + +Old Mrs. Perkins was present and hazarded a cheerful observation. + +"I wouldn't trust a boy of mine in the city, Mrs. Bradford," she said; +"it's the ruination of 'em most always. Like or not, Ben will get +dissipated, and take to drinkin', and have the delirious triangles." + +Mrs. Bradford was easily alarmed. + +"Do you think you'd better go, Ben?" she asked doubtfully. "You're +so young." + +"I can't afford to wait till I'm an old man, Aunt Jane," he said; "and I +don't mean to have the 'delirous triangles,' if I can help it. You +wouldn't keep me at home till I'm eighty, like Mrs. Perkins-------" + +"I'm only sixty-two," exclaimed the old lady indignantly. "What do +you mean by calling me eighty?" + +"I didn't know you were sensitive about your age." + +"I ain't," snarled the old lady; "I own up to sixty-two, but you needn't +call me twenty years older." + +Mrs. Perkins was really seventy-two and looked her age; but she +fondly hoped to deceive the public. + +"Do you really think you had better go to Boston, Ben?" said his +aunt, after the departure of the visitor. + +"Yes, Aunt Jane. There's no chance for me in Milltown, as you +know very well. Mr. Archer's prejudiced against me, and +won't take me into the mill." + +"I shall miss you very much, Ben." + +"I'll write you once every week." + +"How much will you get?" + +"I don't know. If it's too little, I will live as closely as I can. I +shall be learning the business, you know, and, of course, I shall get +my salary raised when I deserve it." + +Ben had a strong, positive nature, and he convinced his aunt that he +ought to accept the offer of Jones & Porter. Mrs. Bradford set +about putting his clothes in order. + +Sam Archer awaited with interest the result of his joke. Seeing Ben +the next day, he stopped him. + +"Where are you bound, Ben?" he asked. + +"I am going to buy some underclothes," he said. + +"Have you got a place?" + +"Yes, I expect so." + +Sam wanted to laugh, but concealed his emotions. + +"Where is it?" he asked. + +"It isn't in you father's mill," retorted Ben. + +"No, I suppose not. Is it in town?" + +"It is in Boston!" said Ben, in a tone of satisfaction. + +Sam laughed involuntarily. + +"What are you laughing at?" inquired Ben angrily. + +"Excuse me," said Sam. "I was thinking how green you would be at +first in a city place. I will call and see you when I go to the city." + +"I don't like to be impolite; but as you prevented my getting a place +here, I don't look upon you as a friend, and I only care to receive +calls from my friends." + +"How proud we are just because we have got a place in Boston!" +said Sam mockingly, and he laughed again. + +"I thought he would be disappointed to hear of my success," thought +Ben. "He is rather a queer boy." + +"Isn't it jolly?" said Sam to himself. "Won't he be mad when he finds +it all a sell?" + + + + +Chapter XXIV + +Ben Arrives in Boston + + +Ben set out for Boston on Monday morning in very good spirits. His + aunt shed a few tears at parting. She was apt to take depressing +views of the future, and said; "I hope you'll prosper, Ben," in a tone +which implied that she did not think there was more than one chance +in ten of his success. But Ben understood his aunt, and did not allow +her presentiments to weigh with him. His motto was still, "Wait and +Hope." + +Ben found himself seated beside a young man of pleasant +appearance, who was attracted by our hero's frank and manly look. + +"I suppose you are going to Boston," he said. + +"Yes," answered Ben readily. + +"Have you got a place there?" + +"I am going to have," said Ben cheerfully. + +"Do you mind telling where?" + +"Oh, no," said Ben; "I am going to the store of Jones & Porter." + +"Indeed! There are very prominent business men." + +"I suppose they are," said Ben. + +"Do you know them personally?" + +"I don't know them at all. I think some friend of mine must have +mentioned me to them." + +"It's rather singular that I shouldn't know anything about your +engagement," said the young man. + +"Why should you?" inquired Ben, in natural surprise. + +"The fact is, I am Mr. Porter's nephew, and am a salesman in the +establishment," said the young man. He drew from his pocket a +business card, bearing the name. + + +HENRY W. PORTER + +With Jones and Porter + + +Ben was rather disturbed, and he thought: "Can there be anything +wrong?" + +He said aloud: "I don't see how there can be any mistake. I received +a letter from Jones & Porter last week, offering me the place." + +Ben took the letter from his pocket and handed it to the young man. + +The latter ran his eye over it hastily. He examined the signature and +the address, and said quietly "I don't think this letter came from our +store." + +Ben felt as if the earth had opened before him. + +"I don't understand it," he said, his face very red. "If the letter isn't +genuine, who could have written it?" + +"It seems written in a schoolboy hand," said young Porter. "Isn't it +possible that some one may be playing a practical joke on you?" + +"It wouldn't be much of a joke to me," said Ben. + +"I should call it a mean trick myself," said Porter; "but can't you think +of any one who may have written it?" + +"I'll bet it's Sam Archer." + +"And who is Sam Archer?" + +"He is the meanest boy in Milltown," said Ben. + +"Doesn't he like you? Isn't he one of your friends?" + +"No, he does all he can to injure me. But"--here Ben examined the +letter a second time--"this isn't his handwriting." + +"That proves nothing. He probably sent it to some confederate in +Boston to copy and mail to you." + +"Don't you think there is any chance of its being genuine?" asked Ben. + +"The chance is very slight; but it is well, of course, to make sure. I +have been away to pass Sunday, and shall go to the store at once on +my arrival. You can go with me. I will introduce you to my uncle." + +"If it is a trick," said Ben uncomfortably, "I shall be in an awkward fix." + +"Whether it is a trick or not, you can count on my friendship," said +young Porter kindly. + +"Thank you," said Ben gratefully. + +About an hour later Ben and his new friend entered the large and +handsome bookstore of Jones & Porter. + +Young Porter, as he walked through the store, received the greetings +of his fellow clerks. + +"Have you adopted a boy?" asked one facetiously. + +"Yes," said Porter, smiling. "Where is my uncle?" + +"He is in the back office." + +"All right! Come along, Ben." + +Henry Porter kept on his way till he reached the back part of the +store, where a good-sized office was partitioned off. Mr. Porter +was writing at a desk. + +"Good morning, uncle," said Ben's companion. + +"Good morning, Henry. Have a good time?" + +"Excellent, uncle. Let me introduce to your favorite notice Master +Benjamin Bradford, of Milltown." + +Mr. Porter did not consider it beneath his dignity to be polite even to +a boy. + +"I am glad to see you, my young friend," he said, rising and offering +his hand to Ben. "Are you on a visit to the city?" + +Poor Ben! His heart sank within him. Evidently Mr. Porter would +not ask such a question of a boy whom he had engaged to work for +him. + +The young man saw his embarrassment and answered for him. + +"That's rather an odd question to ask you new clerk, uncle," he said. + +"My new clerk, Henry? I don't understand you." + +"Ben, show your letter." + +"That is a forgery," said the uncle rather indignantly. + +Poor Ben! Manly as he was, he felt ready to cry. + +"I am sorry," he said faltering. + +"Have you any idea who wrote it?" asked Mr. Porter. + +"Yes," answered Ben. "It's Sam Archer." + +"In fun?" + +"No, in spite. He is always glad to injure me." + +"What can be his motive?" + +Ben explained his relations with Sam. + +"Do you need the position?" asked Mr. Porter. + +"Yes, sir, I am poor, and can ill afford the money I have spent in +coming to Boston. Sam knows this, and it is mean for him, a rich +boy, to fool me so." + +Mr. Porter was a kind-hearted man. More than once he had kept on +a clerk whom he did not need. + +"Go into the store a minute, my boy," he said, "while I speak with my +nephew." + +Of course Ben obeyed. + +"What do you think of this boy, Henry?" + +"I think very favorably of him. He seems honest and straightforward, +and I think he is smart." + +"I like his looks myself; I wish we had a vacancy." + +"We shall have very soon." + +"To whom do you refer?" + +"Frank Robinson is going to leave at the beginning of next month. +His father thinks it will be better for him to go to school a year or +two longer." + +"So you would recommend hiring this boy?" + +"Yes, sir; I have so good an opinion of him that I am quite willing to +guarantee him. If you will take him on immediately, I will myself +pay his wages till the end of the month, when Robinson leaves." + +"Bravo, Henry! That shows a kind heart. I won't accept that, but +will give you leave to help him outside as much as you please." + + + + +Chapter XXV + +Sam Gives Himself Away + + +Ben was looking with interest at a row of new books when he was +summoned into the private office. + +"My young friend," said Mr. Porter, senior, "we are not responsible +for the letter that brought you here." + +"No, sir," said Ben. "I am sorry to have troubled you. I'll go home +this afternoon." + +He looked sober enough, poor Ben, for it would not be pleasant +facing his aunt and friends in Milltown, and explaining matters. +Even the "licking" which he determined to give Sam Archer, if he +should prove the author of the decoy letter, would be a poor +satisfaction. + +"You may as well stay," said Mr. Porter. "My nephew thinks we +can find a place for you in the store." + +"Will you really take me?" asked Ben. + +"We will try you. My nephew thinks you will suit us." + +"Thank you, sir," said Ben warmly. + +"Your friend, who wrote the letter, will be rather disappointed, eh?" +said young Porter, smiling. + +"Yes," said Ben, who could smile now. "I should like to see him +when he learns that his malicious letter has procured me a +situation. + +"What do we pay you Robinson?" + +"Six dollars a week." + +"Then Benjamin shall have the same. He has no knowledge of the +business, to be sure----" + +"I will have soon," said Ben confidently. + +"That's right, my lad. Make yourself useful to us, and you won't have +cause to regret it." + +He was set to work dusting books, and young Porter went to his own +desk; he was chief bookkeeper. + +"When the store closes," he said, "come to me. I shall take you to +my room to-night." + +In the evening, at his friend's room, Ben wrote the following letter to +his friend, James Watson: + + +"Boston, July 18, 19--. + +"Dear James: Though I have been only a few hours in Boston I +have a good deal to tell you. You remember my showing you the +letter from Jones & Porter, which induced me to come to the city. +Well, it was a hoax. It didn't come from the firm at all. Somebody +wanted to play a trick on me, and wrote it. I have no doubt Sam +Archer was at the bottom of it. You know what a mean fellow he +is, and that he would like nothing better than to injure me. But I +am glad to say that he has not succeeded. By great good luck I +got acquainted with Mr. Porter's nephew on board the train. I +showed him the letter, which he pronounced probably a forgery. +But he took me to the store--he is head bookkeeper--and +introduced me to his uncle. It seems that there will be a vacancy +at the beginning of next month, and as I was on the ground, they +engaged me. So Sam's mean trick has been the means of obtaining +me a position. He will be provoked enough when he hears it. +Now I will tell you what I want you to do. Don't say a word about +the letter being a hoax. Merely tell the boys that I have got the +place I expected. If Sam wrote the letter he will certainly betray +himself. Keep mum, and lead him on. Then let me know what +you find out. I will write again soon. + +"Your affectionate friend, +"Ben Bradford." + +"It's a mean trick, and just like Sam," ejaculated James when he +read Ben's letter. "I'll follow Ben's instructions. Sam will be +coming round making inquiries pretty soon. I'll manage him." + +James was right in his supposition. Sam eagerly awaited the +upshot of his trick. He concluded that Ben would come back +Monday night depressed and humiliated, and he was on the street +near Ben's house when the afternoon train got in, ready to feast +his eyes on his rival's unhappiness. But he waited in vain. + +The next morning, about ten o'clock, he met James Watson on the +street. James had received the letter from Ben the evening +previous. + +"How are you, James?" said Sam. + +"I'm all right," said James rather coolly. + +"Have you heard from Ben Bradford?" + +"I heard last night." + +"What does he say?' asked Sam eagerly. + +"He hadn't been in his situation long enough to tell how he should +like it," answered James. + +"Is he in a situation?" demanded Sam in surprise. + +"What do you think he went to Boston for?" + +"Where is he working?" asked Sam incredulously. + +"He is with Jones & Porter, of course. Didn't you know they sent +for him?" + +"Ha! ha!" laughed Sam. + +"I am on the track," thought James. + +"I don't know what you mean," said he quietly. "Jones & Porter sent +for Ben, and he is in their employ." + +"I'll bet you a dollar Ben Bradford will be back here within a week," +said Sam, in a ton of great confidence. "I don't believe Jones & +Porter ever wrote him a letter." + +"I saw the letter." + +"Suppose you did; it might have been a hoax." + +"Then whoever wrote it did Ben a good turn, for he has got a place +at Jones & Porter's." + +"I don't believe it," said Sam uneasily. + +"Ben writes me that he is there." + +"Will you let me see the letter?" + +"No, I won't." + +"That convinces me that it's all a humbug." + +"You think the letter a hoax?" + +"Yes, I do." + +"What reason have you for thinking so?" + +"I decline to state." + +"Who do you think wrote it?" + +"How should I know?" + +"As you know so much, I don't mind telling you that you are right. +The letter was a hoax." + +Sam laughed heartily. + +"I thought so," he said. + +"And I know who wrote it." + +Sam didn't laugh now. + +"Who?" he asked uncomfortably. + +"You did it." + +"What do you mean?" blustered Sam. + +"Exactly what I say. Otherwise you would have had no reason to +suspect the genuineness of it." + +"Does Ben Bradford charge me with it? Just wait till I see him." + +"That will be some time unless you go to Boston. Jones & +Porter happened to have a vacancy, and Ben stepped into it. +Your letter got him a place." + +"I don't believe it," said Sam faintly. + +"It's true, and it's lucky for you. If Ben had been obliged to come +home he would have given you the worst licking you ever had." + + + + +Chapter XXVI + +Ben Finds a Boarding-Place + + +Henry Porter had a fine suite of rooms in the Back Bay District of +Boston. Ben spent the night with him. + +"You've got a nice home," said our hero. + +"Yes," said the bookkeeper. "My rooms alone cost me fifteen +dollars a week." + +"Without board?" ejaculated Ben. + +"Yes," said the young man, smiling. + +"Why, that is almost eight hundred dollars a year." + +"Quite correct. I see you think me extravagant." + +"I was wondering how you could afford it." + +"Your surprise is natural. If I only depended on my salary, I +certainly should not hire such expensive apartments. But a good +aunt left me twenty thousand dollars, two years since, and this +being well invested yields me about fourteen hundred dollars a +year." + +"I wonder you don't go into business." + +"I have thought of it, but doubt whether I should manage a +business of my own judiciously. If not, I should run the risk of +losing all my money. I like keeping books for my uncle, and +he pays me a good salary. With this and the income from my +property I can live as well as I wish without incurring any risk +at all." + +"I don't know but that is best," said Ben. + +"Now let me speak of your own plans, Ben. Your income is +six dollars a week." + +"Yes, sir." + +"You must regulate your expenses accordingly." + +"I want to do so, Mr. Porter. How much board shall I have to +pay?" asked Ben anxiously. + +"I cannot tell without inquiring. There is a boarding-house on +Warren Avenue, kept by a worthy lady of my acquaintance. How +much do you fell able to pay?" + +"I should like to have enough over to buy my clothes." + +"We will see if we can manage it Get your hat and we will go to +the boarding-house now." + +It was a three-story brick house, such as is common in Boston. It +was unusually neat for a boarding-house of medium grade, Mrs. +Draper being an excellent housekeeper, with a horror of dirt. + +"How do you do, Mr. Porter?" was the landlady's greeting. Mr. +Porter had once boarded with her. + +"Very well, thank you, Mrs. Draper. How is business? Pretty +full, eh?" + +"Yes, sir; I've only got one small room vacant." + +"May we see it?" + +"It won't suit you, Mr. Porter." + +"It may suit my young friend here." + +"A relative of yours?" inquired Mrs. Draper. + +"No, but he is a young friend in whom I feel an interest." + +"I shall be very glad if the room suits him, then." + +Mrs. Draper led the way up-stairs to the vacant room. It was small, +but neatly carpeted, and provided all that was needful in a chamber. + +"How much do you like it, Ben?" asked the bookkeeper. + +"Very much," said Ben, in a tone of satisfaction. + +Mr. Porter walked to the other end of the room and discussed terms +with Mrs. Draper in a low tone. + +"What is your price for this room with board?" + +"I have generally got six dollars a week." + +"I want you to let my young friend have it for four." + +"I really couldn't do it, Mr. Porter. You have no idea how much I +have to pay at the market for meat and vegetables. Then my +landlord won't reduce my rent." + +"You don't understand me, Mrs. Draper," said the bookkeeper. +"You are to charge him only four dollars; but I propose to make +up the difference." + +"That is, of course, satisfactory." + +"One thing more. My young friend is not to know about this +arrangement. He is to suppose that four dollars a week is payment in +full." + +"There is only one objection to that, Mr. Porter. If my other +boarders suppose that is all he pays, they will make a fuss, and want +their rate of board reduced." + +"Then he shall be cautioned to keep the price he pays secret. Ben!" + +Ben walked over to where they were standing. + +"Mrs. Draper agrees to take you at the very low price of four dollars +a week for room and board." + +Ben looked delighted. + +"Then I shall have money enough from my wages to pay all my +expenses without calling on Aunt Jane." + +"Yes, if you are economical. As this price is extremely low, you are +not to mention to any of the other boarders how much you pay." + +"I will be sure to remember it," said Ben. + +As they were leaving the house Mr. Porter said: "Don't suppose, +Ben, that I am anxious to get rid of you. I had half a mind to keep +you with me a week or two. But one thing deterred me. You are +a poor boy, and have your own way to make in the world. You +can't for years afford to live as I am doing. If I accustomed you to +living expensively it would be harder for you to accommodate +yourself to your means." + +"I understand you, Mr. Porter, and thank you. I consider you a true +friend," said Ben earnestly. + +"I see you are a sensible boy, Ben. You are right in looking upon me +as a friend. I hope you will come and call upon me often." + +"Thank you, sir. I shall consider it a privilege to do so. And I hope +you will give me any advice that you think will benefit me." + +"I will, Ben, and I will begin now. We have a large public library in +Boston, of which we are very proud. I advise you to draw books +from it." + +"I shall be glad to," said Ben eagerly. + +"Come round, and I will show it to you." + +Together they entered the handsome building on Copley Square. +Ben, who had never seen a large library, or, indeed, any library +containing over a thousand books, was amazed at what he saw. + +"I didn't suppose there was any library in the world so large," he said. + +"Here is the newspaper and magazine room. You can come in here +any evening. It will be much better than to spend your time where +many boys and young men do--in billiard and drinking saloons." + +"I shall enjoy living in Boston very much." + +"I think you will. While a large city has more temptations than a +small town, it also has more opportunities for improvement. I +hope, Ben, you will start right, and prepare the way for a useful +manhood." + +"Thank you, Mr. Porter. I mean to try." + +The next day Ben took formal possession of his room in the +boarding-house on Warren Avenue. He found a pleasant class +of boarders there and a good table. Though not luxurious, it +was better than he had been used to at home, and he felt +himself fortunately placed. + + + + +Chapter XXVII + +Sam Attempts Strategy + + +The more Sam Archer thought of the effect of his letter upon Ben's +fortunes the more he felt provoked. + +"I wish I hadn't sent him to Jones & Porter," thought he. "I hope he +won't suit them." + +When a fortnight had passed Sam managed to meet James Watson. + +"Have you heard from Ben Bradford lately?" + +"Yes," said James. + +"What does he write?" + +"That he likes his place very much. The bookkeeper is very kind to +him, and assists him with advice. Then he likes being in a bookstore." + +Sam was not overjoyed at the news. + +"How kind you are to take such an interest in Ben!" + +"I don't take an interest in him," returned Sam. + +"Then what makes you ask after him so particularly?" + +"I expected he'd be discharged by this time." + +"What made you think so?" + +"He didn't give satisfaction at the mill. He was discharged." + +"So was I." + +"But not for the same reasons," said Sam. "It was because times +were dull." + +"I rather think Ben's work was satisfactory enough, but you +influenced your father against him." + +"How much pay does he get?" inquired Sam. + +"More than he received at the mill." + +"I wonder whether all this is true," considered Sam. "James Watson +is Ben's friend and he may represent things better than they are." + +An excellent plan suggested itself to Sam. He would ask his father's +permission to go to Boston and pass a day or two with his friend, +Frank Ferguson. This would allow him to drop into Jones & Porter's +store and judge for himself how Ben was situated. + +Sam had no trouble about obtaining permission. + +On reaching the city he decided to call at the store before going to +his friend's residence. + +Ben was dusting books, when a glance toward the door revealed +the entrance of Sam. The latter had cherished a faint hope that +James had deceived him, and that Ben was really not employed. + +"How shall I receive him?" Ben asked himself. + +He decided to treat him coolly, but not to quarrel. + +"Good morning, Bradford," said Sam. + +"Good morning, Archer," was the return greeting. + +Sam didn't quite like this familiarity. + +"How do you like working here?" + +"Very much," answered Ben. "Much better than in the mill," he +added significantly. + +"I shouldn't think they'd have taken a green country boy," suggested +Sam pleasantly. + +"Perhaps they wouldn't if a friend hadn't written for me," said Ben +with a meaning glance at Sam. + +"How much pay do you get?" + +"I would rather not say." + +"Because it is so small," said Sam, with a sneer. + +"On the contrary, I look upon it as liberal. I am doing better than if I +had remained at Milltown." + +This was bad news for Sam. + +"I am really obliged to the person who wrote the letter which +secured me the position," Ben added. + +"It isn't much of a business to dust books." + +"I sell books sometimes," said Ben, smiling. "Can I show you +something this morning." + +"No, I don't want anything. Where do you live?" + +"I board on Warren Avenue." + +"In a cheap boarding-house?" + +"There are some very nice people who board there." + +Sam came to a sudden decision. Would it be possible to induce +Ben to give up his place, and enter the mill again? He could be +discharged after awhile, and cast adrift. It was rather foolish to +suppose that Ben would snap at such a bait, but he decided to +try it. + +"I think you would be better off in the mill," he said. + +"You could board at home, and help your aunt. You would soon be +promoted, too." + +"I thought you didn't want me to enter the mill," exclaimed Ben, +amazed. "Your father told me that my record was not good;" and +Ben looked indignant. + +"Father was feeling out of sorts," said Sam smoothly. + +"He will take you on if you'll come back." + +"What does the fellow mean?" thought Ben. + +It didn't take him long to guess. If he should return to the mill he +would be once more in Sam's power. + +"You really think your father would employ me?" + +"Yes, he would if I asked him to." + +"I would thank you, Sam Archer, if I thought your offer was a +friendly one." + +"What makes you think that it isn't." + +"The feeling which I have reason to think you entertain for me, and +your conduct in the past." + +"You are too suspicious, Ben." + +"If I find I am, I will apologize to you. It would be foolish for me +to give up so good a position in order to accept a poor one, which +is not all permanent." + +"Well, Bradford, I must bid you good morning. Just write to me if +you decide to accept." + +"If I decide to accept I will." + +"He's getting very impudent," said Sam to himself, "If I could only +get him into the mill I could fix him. We'd let him stay two or three +weeks, and then ship him. But he won't do it. Stay, I think of a +way." + +What the way was may be conjectured from a letter which Ben +received three days later from his Aunt Jane: + +"My Dear Nephew: I am feeling almost heart-broken. It is reported +by one who saw you lately that you are looking very dissipated. I +was afraid the temptations of the city were too much for you. You +are too young to go away from home. I won't blame you too much, +for I feel that you are weak rather than wicked. But I shall not feel +comfortable till you are at home again. Don't hesitate to give up +your place. I am assured that they will take you on again at the mill, +and it will be much better for you to be at home with us, till you are +older, and better able to resist temptation. + +"Your anxious aunt, +"Jane Bradford" + +Ben read this letter in amazed indignation. + +"Sam is at the bottom of this," he concluded. "It is he that has +reported that I look dissipated. He wants to deprive me of my place, +and get me into the mill, where I shall be in his power. I can't forgive +him for frightening my poor aunt. If I were at home, I should +certainly punish him as he deserves." + +Ben took the letter to his friend, the bookkeeper. + +"What do you think of that?" he asked. + +"This letter was written at an enemy's instigation." + +"You are right, Mr. Porter." + +Then Ben told his friend of Sam's call. + +"Will you do me a favor, Mr. Porter?" he asked. + +"Certainly I will, Ben." + +"Then, will you write to my aunt, and assure her that my habits are +good, and that her informant has willfully lied? It will relieve her +anxiety." + +"With pleasure." + +The next day Mrs. Bradford received a letter, very enthusiastic in its +tone, which completely exonerated our hero from the charges +brought against him. + +"Your nephew," it concluded, "bids fair to become one of our best +clerks. He is polite, faithful, and continually trying to improve. +You need have no apprehension about him. It would be very +foolish for him to resign his situation." + + + + +Chapter XXVIII + +Sam Praises Ben + + +The same mail that carried the bookkeeper's letter to Mrs. Bradford +also carried a letter from Ben to Sam Archer. It ran thus: + +"Sam Archer: You might be in better business than telling lies about +me to my aunt. If you think I look dissipated your eyes deceive you, +and I advise you to wear glasses the next time you come to Boston. +If you choose to come to the store, it is none of my business; but +you need not take the trouble in order to see me. + +I quite understand your anxiety to get me back into the mill. There +was a time when I should have been glad of a place there; but now +I have a place that suits me better, and don't care to change. +"Benjamin Bradford" + +When Sam received this letter, he looked and felt provoked. +Somehow or other Ben was always getting the better of him. He +wanted to injure him, but there seemed no way. Suddenly it +occurred to Sam that he might prejudice Jones & Porter against +our hero. + +He sat down at once and wrote them an anonymous letter, of which +this is a copy: + +"Messrs. Jones & Porter: I hear that you have taken into your +employment a boy named Benjamin Bradford from this town. You +probably are not aware that he has a very bad reputation here. He +was employed in the mill for a time, but was discharged because he +was idle and lazy. He keeps bad company, and none of the +respectable boys here cared to associate with him. I don't like to see +an honorable firm imposed upon, and that is why I warn you of the +character of your new clerk, though I have no personal interest in the +matter. + +"A Friend" + + +The next day Ben was summoned to the countingroom. + +"Ben," said Mr. Porter, "have you any enemy in Milltown?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"We have just received a letter warning us against you, as unworthy +of our confidence." + +Mr. Porter smiled, or Ben might have felt uncomfortable. + +"May I see the letter?" he asked. + +The letter was placed in his hands. + +"It is Sam Archer's handwriting," he said, looking up. "I hope, sir, +you won't let it prejudice you against me." + +"I would not allow myself to be influenced by an anonymous letter. +It is a stab in the dark." + +"I want to show you how inconsistent Sam is," said Ben. "He was +here a few days ago, and urged me to give up my place here, and +take one in the mill." + +"That is rather strange, if he is your enemy." + +"No, sir; he don't like it because I have a good place here. If I +should go into the mill I should probably be discharged in a week +or two, and cast adrift." + +"Are any boys as malicious as that?" + +"Not many, sir, I hope; but Sam is an exception." + +"I sympathize with you in your persecution, Ben; but I can assure +you that no anonymous letters will change my opinion of you. If +this enemy sends another letter, I shall feel tempted to increase +your wages." + +"Then I hope he'll write again," said Ben, laughing. + +"If we continue satisfied with you, we shall probably advance you on +the first of January." + +"Thank you, sir," said Ben warmly. "May I answer this letter, sir?" + +"You may say that we have shown it to you, and that we despise such +malicious attempts to injure." + +The next day Sam received a letter from Ben, which concluded: + +"If you write another similar letter to my employers, you will be +doing me quite a service. It will probably cause them to raise my +salary. As I owe my place to you, you now have it in your +power to increase the obligation. How bad you must feel, Sam, +at your inability to do me harm! I can't say I exactly sympathize +with you, but I certainly pity you for harboring such malice in your +heart. I don't know how to express my gratitude for all of your +kindness. If ever you want a situation in Boston let me know. +There is a peanut woman on the Common who wants a smart, +active salesman. + +"Ben Bradford" + +Sam was stung by the cool indifference and contempt which +appeared in this letter. Ben did not take the trouble to be angry. +He evidently despised his enmity, and defied him. Sam felt that +he hated Ben worse. + +"What's that letter you are scowling over, Sam?" asked James +Watson. + +"It's a letter from a miserable puppy," hissed Sam. + +"Is it? Do you correspond with miserable puppies?" + +"I can't help their writing to me. If you want to know who it is, it's +your friend, Ben Bradford." + +"How long have you corresponded?" asked James. + +"I wouldn't lower myself by writing to him," said Sam wrathfully. +"I'll show you what I think of his letter." + +As he spoke, he tore the letter to pieces. + +"You're a strange boy, Sam," said James. + +"Why am I?" + +"Haven't you been working hard to get Ben back to Milltown?" + +"I wish he'd come back." + +"And yet you can't bear the sight of him." + +"I hate him worse than any fellow I know." + +"Come, now, Sam, just listen to a little advice. If you had always +treated Ben right you would like him as well as I do. Why should +you cherish malice against him? He has good qualities, and so +have you, if you'd only give 'em a chance to show themselves." + +"That's all gammon," said Sam impatiently. + +"What, about your having good qualities?" + +"About my ever liking Ben Bradford. Before I'd make a friend of +him, I would go without friends." + +"You may think differently some time." + +On the first of January Ben wrote to his aunt: + +"My Dear Aunt: Congratulate me on my good luck. Mr. Porter, this +morning, called me into the countingroom, and informed me that +henceforth my wages would be eight dollars a week--two dollars +more that I have been receiving. I owe this partly to my good luck. +I am a favorite of the bookkeeper, who is Mr. Porter's nephew; +otherwise, if I had been advanced at all, it would have been only one +dollar a week. Don't you think it would have been rather foolish if I +had come back and gone into the mill, as you wished me to?" + +"After all, I think Ben did right to stay," said Aunt Jane, when she +read the letter. + +"I wish he'd come home," said Tony. "Then he could play with me." + + + + +Chapter XXIX + +The Cunard Steamer + + +Early one morning a gentleman came into Jones & Porter's bookstore, +and selected some books, which he paid for. There were eighteen in all. + +"Where shall we send them, sir?" + +"Can you send them to the Cunard steamer at East Boston? I sail +for Europe today." + +"Certainly, sir. When does the steamer start?" + +"At twelve o'clock. Don't fail to have them there on time, as I shall +be greatly disappointed to miss them." + +When the gentleman had left the store, Ben was summoned. + +"Ben, do you know the Cunard Wharf in East Boston?" asked the +bookkeeper. + +"I can easily find it." + +"Here is a package of books to be carried there." + +"All right, sir," said Ben. + +"They are for Mr. James Parker. If you don't find him leave them +with the steward." + +So Ben took the package, and made his way toward the East Boston +Ferry. + +On board the boat he look around him, thinking it possible that he +might recognize some one of his fellow passengers. Considerably +to his surprise he noticed Mr. Archer, superintendent of the +factory at Milltown, whom he had not seen since the latter declined +to take him on again at the mill. + +"I wonder what brings Mr. Archer here?" + +His surprise, however, was only momentary. There was nothing +strange in the superintendent's having business at East Boston. +Ben noticed, however, that Mr. Archer wore a traveling-suit, and +carried a knapsack. + +Ben would have liked to inquire if Squire Archer had seen his aunt +lately, if they had been on friendly terms; but he was very doubtful +how his advance would be received, and remained where he was. + +The boat touched the pier and the passengers disembarked. Ben +was two or three rods behind the squire. Our hero inquired the +way to the steamer, and had no difficulty about obtaining the +necessary information. To his additional surprise Squire Archer +crossed the gangway only a little in advance of Ben. + +"What can be the squire's business here?" thought Ben, in surprise. + +Ben halted on deck, and looked around for some officer to whom +he could entrust the package. At this moment Squire Archer turned +and saw Ben for the first time. He started and changed color, as +Ben could see. For an instant he looked irresolute. Then he +approached Ben, and said roughly: "What brings you here?" + +"I am here on business," answered Ben. + +"On business! What business?" + +"I have a package of books for one of the passengers." + +"Oh, I see," said the mill superintendent, seeming to be relieved. +"You are working in a bookstore." + +"Yes, sir." + +"What firm is it?" + +"Jones & Porter." + +"Oh, yes, I know. I have often been in their store. How do you like +your place?" + +Squire Archer's tone was quite genial and friendly, though there was +an uneasy expression on his face. + +"Very well, sir." + +"If you ever get out of a place, come to me." + +"I thought you said my record was not good." + +"So I did," said the superintendent; "but I was mistaken. I was +thinking of another boy at the time." + +"I am glad to hear it, sir," he answered. "I felt disturbed about it +at the time." + +"Of course. I believe you and Sam had a little difference." + +"Yes, sir; but I don't think I was to blame." + +"I don't care to inquire into that. You and Sam will laugh over it +when you become a little older." + +Squire Archer had never seemed so kind and pleasant. Ben began +to think he had misjudged him. + +"I would like to be friends with Sam," he said. "I shall be ready to +meet him half-way." + +"I will tell him so to-night," said the superintendent. + +"By the way, I suppose you are rather surprised to see me here. +You didn't think I was going to Europe?" + +"No, sir, I didn't think that. I suppose you couldn't be spared at the +mill." + +"Quite true, my boy. I can't be spared for so long. I wish I could. I +have long wanted to make a European tour; but I am tied down at +home by business. However, that doesn't explain why I am here." + +"Don't tell me, sir, unless you like. It is none of my business." + +"To be sure. In fact, there is a little secret about it; but I don't mind +telling you." + +Ben felt more and more surprised. Was this the proud Squire +Archer, who carried his head so high? + +"If there is a secret about it, perhaps you had better not tell me," said +Ben. + +"Oh, I am quite willing to tell you; but you must not say anything +about it till after the steamer has sailed. The fact is, a man, who +owes the mill a large sum of money, it is suspected has taken +passage on board this steamer, with the intention of going to +Europe and evading the payment of his debt. I can't tell you his +name, as that might interfere with my plans. I am here to +intercept him, and prevent his departure." + +"I hope you will succeed, Squire Archer," said Ben. + +"Thank you, Ben. You see, therefore, that it is essential for me to +keep my presence here secret till the steamer sails. I will go +down-stairs now and watch." + +Ben delivered his parcel, left the steamer, and did not mention that +he had met any one whom he knew. He felt bound to respect +Squire Archer's secret. + +In the afternoon he was walking up Washington Street with the +bookkeeper, when the latter bought the Evening Transcript. He +glanced at the first page and then turned to Ben. + +"Do you know Archer living in Milltown?" + +"Certainly; he is the superintendent of the mill there." + +"Well, here is a paragraph about him. It seems he has left the town, +with fifty thousand dollars belonging to the corporation. His flight +has made a great sensation. The police are on his track, and it is +thought that he will be arrested and brought back." + +"I saw Squire Archer this morning, on the Cunard steamer. He told +me not to mention having seen him till after the steamer had started." + +"Is it possible?" exclaimed young Porter. + +"Yes; he said he was looking out for a man who owed money to the +mill, whom he suspected of taking secret passage for Europe." + + + + +Chapter XXX + +Sam Is Improved By Adversity + + +Mr. Archer's flight made a great commotion in Milltown. No one +entertained a suspicion of his integrity. He had been appropriating +the funds of the corporation to his own use, being treasurer as well +as superintendent. When exposure was inevitable he fled. + +To Sam and his mother, it was a great blow, not only on account +of the disgrace, but also because it involved poverty and a narrow +style of living. To persons of their pretensions this was heavy to +bear. They were not altogether penniless. Mrs. Archer had +property of her own, to the amount of four thousand dollars, which +was unimpaired. But, even at a liberal rate of interest, this would +not support them. Sam remained in the house, dispirited and +resentful against the father who had brought this upon him, till he +got tired of confinement and walked out. He hoped to meet no one +whom he knew, but at the corner of the street he fell in with James +Watson. + +"He is one of Ben Bradford's friends. He will rejoice at what has +happened," thought Sam. But James stopped him, and said in a +friendly tone: "Are you out for a walk, Sam? Let us walk together?" + +"I didn't know as you'd care to walk with me." + +"You don't think I rejoice over your misfortune?" + +"I didn't know but you might. You are a friend of Ben Bradford." + +"He will be very sorry. He won't think of any little difference there +has been between you." + +"I don't believe that," said Sam, shaking his head. + +"You will, as soon as you see him. You mustn't lose courage, Sam. +I know it's bad for you, but----" + +"I don't know what's going to become of us," said Sam despondently. +"We shall be poor." + +"That isn't the worst thing that can happen to you." + +"Father has treated us very badly." + +"He has done wrong; but he is your father. Remember, Sam, I am +your friend, and if I can do anything for you I will." + +"Thank you, James," he said. "You are a good fellow--much better +than I thought. I supposed you would be glad I was down in the +world." + +Same was to be still more surprised. The next day he received the +following letter from Ben Bradford: + +"Dear Sam: I am very sorry to hear of your misfortune. Of course, +no one can blame you or your mother. I believe I was the last +acquaintance to see your father before he left Boston. I had +occasion to go on board the Cunard steamer which sailed on +Wednesday. On the dock I met your father, and had a little +conversation with him. He did not tell me that he was going to +Europe; but he was in a traveling-dress and, no doubt, he was. + +"What has happened will, no doubt, make some difference in your +plans. If you wish to get a situation in Boston, I may be able to +help you to one. At the beginning of next month there will be an +opening for a boy in an establishment on Milk Street. The wages +will not exceed five dollars a week; but it would be difficult for a +beginner to do better. If you wish, I will try to get this place for +you. At any rate, I hope you will regard me as a friend who wishes +you well. The little quarrel there has been between us is not worth +remembering. + +"Your sincere friend, +"Benjamin Bradford." + +To say that Sam was surprised to receive this cordial letter from a +boy whom he had so persistently tried to injure will hardly express +his feelings. He was overwhelmed with astonishment, mingled with +shame. + +"Ben is a great deal better than I am," he was forced to admit. "I +don't deserve such a kindness from him." + +He showed Ben's letter to his mother. + +"I think I had better ask Ben to get me the place. We must not be +too proud." + +"We have no right to be proud now. We shall have scarcely enough +to support us in the humblest manner." + +"My wages will help. I shall get five dollars a week. That will be +two hundred and sixty dollars a year." + +Even Mrs. Archer was surprised at the change in Sam. + +"Do you think you will be willing to work?" + +"Of course I shall; that is, if I can work in Boston. I don't want to +stay here." + +"Nor I," said Mrs. Archer. + +"Suppose we both go to Boston, then." + +"I am afraid our income won't be sufficient." + +"For two or three years you can spend some of your principal, +mother. By that time I shall be getting higher wages, and it may +not be necessary." + +"I didn't expect that you would take it so, Sam." + +Ben received the following answer to his letter. + +"Dear Ben: I thank you for your kind letter. I feel very much +ashamed of the way I have treated you in the past. I didn't know +what a good fellow you were. I am afraid I shouldn't have +behaved as well in your place. As to your offer, I accept it +thankfully. I shall be very glad to get the place you speak of. +Mother and I intend to move to Boston, as it is no longer +agreeable to stay here. Do you know of any boarding-house +where the prices are reasonable, for we cannot afford to pay +high rates? If you do, please find out on what terms we can be +accommodated, and let me know." + +Ben was pleased. + +"Sam has improved," he thought. + +By the first of the month Sam and his mother were established in a +boarding-house on Warren Avenue and Sam had entered upon his +duties in Milk Street. + + + + +Chapter XXXI + +Clouds in the Sky + + +Ben felt that he and his aunt were fortunately situated. From the time +when his salary was raised he had laid aside two dollars a week, +which he deposited in the savings-bank on School Street. His aunt, +having no rent to pay, easily got along on her income from work and +from the liberal board paid for little Emma. + +"I am getting on," thought Ben, complacently regarding his bank +book, at the end of three months. "I am worth twenty-six dollars +already." + +Little Emma, his aunt's boarder, was a child of pleasant disposition, +and had given little trouble to Mrs. Bradford. Her health, too, had +been excellent, until all at once she became pale and thin. Mrs. +Bradford felt it her duty to report this to Mr. Manning, the child's +guardian. By his direction, a skillful physician was consulted, who +gave it as his opinion that the best thing for the child would be a sea +voyage. This was communicated to Mr. Manning. + +"Fortunately," he responded, "my sister starts in a fortnight for +Europe. She will be absent six months. I have prevailed upon her to +take charge of Emma." + +Mrs. Bradford was glad that the little girl would have a chance to +recover her former health and bloom; but she felt her loss doubly, +on account of her society, and on account of the loss of income +which her absence would involve. It was not until after Emma had +actually gone that she felt the full force of the last consideration. So +the poor woman wrote a doleful letter to Ben, in which she predicted +that Tony and herself must soon go to the poorhouse. + +When this letter reached Ben his duty was set plainly before him. +From his regular income he could spare two dollars a week, and, +taking two dollars weekly from his reserve fund, he would be +enabled to allow his aunt four dollars a week, which, added to her +own earnings, would maintain her and Tony in comfort. + +"My dear aunt," he wrote, "don't talk of going to the poorhouse just +yet. You forget that you have a rich nephew in Boston, who is +unwilling that any of his relations should live at public expense unless +they get into public office. I don't suppose there is any chance of +your getting elected member of Congress. As it is, I shall send you +every week four, dollars, which I hope will provide you with your +usual comfort. I can keep up this allowance for twenty weeks, and +that will carry you nearly to the time when Emma will return to you; +then all will be right again." + +Ben began to save a dollar more. He wanted to prepare for the time +when his little fund would be exhausted. If by that time he had twelve +dollars more, he would be able to continue to his aunt her regular +allowance, till the six months were at an end. The thought that he +had arranged matters so satisfactory made Ben quite cheerful. He +realized the advantage of the habit of saving. He was encouraged +also by some help which he received from the bookkeeper. + +"Ben," said he, "do you spend all your salary?" + +"Yes, Mr. Porter, I am obliged to." + +"I should think you could save something out of eight dollars a week, +as only four goes for board." + +"So I could, but I have to help my aunt." + +"I thought she was provided for," said Mr. Porter. + +"Doesn't she get seven dollars a week for boarding a little girl?" + +"She did; but the little girl is now in Europe." + +"I suppose you cannot send much to your aunt." + +"I send her four dollars a week." + +"Four dollars a week!" exclaimed the young man, in surprise. "Why, +that allows you nothing after paying your board." + +The Ben told his friend about his savings. + +"Doesn't it seem hard to have your earnings used up in this way?" +asked the bookkeeper. + +"No," answered Ben cheerfully. + +"You are an excellent boy, Ben. You have done just the right thing. +I am glad you are so unselfish." + +"I am afraid I am selfish as the majority of boys; but I am not mean +enough to let my aunt and little cousin suffer." + +"I believe you consider me a friend of yours, Ben." + +"I consider you one of the best friends I have, Mr. Porter," said Ben +warmly. + +"Then you must allow me a friend's privilege." + +As he said this he drew from his pocketbook a twenty-dollar bill, +and put it into Ben's hands. + +"Thank you very much, Mr. Porter; but ought I to accept so much?" + +"Certainly. Remember that my means are considerable, and that I +have no one dependent upon me." + +Ben felt that his companion derived pleasure from his gift, and he +did not see why he should make any further objections. He +added the twenty dollars to his savings-book fund, and said to +himself: "There will be no trouble now in tiding over the six months." + +But it is said misfortunes never come singly. The very next day his +aunt received a lawyer's letter, which plunged her into the deepest +despondency. + + + + +Chapter XXXII + +The Blow Falls + + +This is the material portion of Mrs. Bradford's letter to Ben: + +"Dear Benjamin: The blow has fallen at last. I felt that our +prosperity was not lasting, though I never could make you +believe it. I have always expected the worst, and it has come. +Benjamin, we are ruined; I shall end my days in the poorhouse after +all. If you want an explanation, read the letter which I enclose." + +The letter enclosed was from Solomon Brief, attorney, of +Montreal, informing Mrs. Bradford that, as executor of the +estate of the late Matthew Baldwin, of Montreal, he begged to +remind her that for five years she had failed to pay the rent on a +tenement owned by the deceased, and which he now found it to +be his duty to demand. At sixty dollars per year, without interest, +this would now amount to three hundred dollars, which he hoped +Mrs. Bradford would see the propriety of paying at once. + +Mrs. Bradford continued: + +I don't know whether they will put me in jail or not; but you know +that I cannot pay this money, and couldn't if I had five years to do +it in. What will become of us all I don't know. 'Man is born to +trouble as the sparks fly upward.' + +"Your sorrowful aunt, +"Jane Bradford. + +"P.S.--I am sure your Uncle Matthew never intended that I should +pay the rent. He once wrote me a letter to that effect, but I can't +find it." + +Even Ben, hopeful as he was, looked sober after reading this letter. +He went to his friend, the bookkeeper. + +"Have you ever seen your uncle, Ben?" he inquired. + +"No, sir." + +"What was his reputation?" + +"He was considered wealthy." + +"It is a pity you could not visit Montreal, and make some inquiries," +said the bookkeeper thoughtfully. + +"Of course I can't do that." + +"Then, first of all, write to this lawyer, and inquire the particulars +of Mr. Baldwin's death; and next, how his property is left. +Then make him acquainted with the terms on which your aunt +has occupied her house." + +This advice seemed reasonable, and Ben adopted it. + +As Ben left the store at six o'clock, one evening, he brushed by an +old man with a bent figure and apparently feeble. He stumbled +and would have fallen had not Ben sprung forward and held him up. + +"Thank you, my boy," he said, in a tremulous voice. + +"You seem feeble," said Ben compassionately. + +"Yes, I am not strong." + +"If you wish it I will accompany you to your house; you might fall again." + +"What is your name?" + +"Benjamin Bradford." + +"Where do you board?" asked the old man abruptly. + +"At No.---Warren Avenue." + +"I want to find a comfortable boarding-house. Do you think I could +get in there?" + +"Yes, sir; I know Mrs. Draper has a vacant room." + +"Is she reasonable in her charges?" + +"If she were not I could not afford to board there." + +"I've a great mind to go there," said the old man. + +"I wonder if he has money enough to pay his board regularly," +thought Ben. + +Just then a grandson of Mrs. Draper's, Charlie Hunting, a boy +rather younger than Ben, came up. + +"How are you, Ben?" he said. + +"All right, Charlie. Do you know if your grandmother has let +the bedroom on the second floor?" + +"Yes, I know she hasn't." + +"Would you like to go and see it, sir?" asked Ben. + +"Yes," said the old man. "Is it far?" + +"About half a mile; but we can take the cars." + +"No, I can walk, if you will walk slow enough for me. I am +not so young as I was." + +"Certainly, sir. Charlie, if you are going home, just tell your +grandmother that this gentleman is coming to look at her room. +You needn't wait for me." + +"All right, Ben." + +"You are very kind to an old man; what did you say your name +was?" + +"Ben Bradford." + +"Have you parents living?" + +"No, sir, only an aunt and cousin." + +"Are they well off?" + +"Not very, sir. They got along very comfortably till lately, but now +something has happened which makes me feel anxious. But I won't +trouble you with it, sir." + +"Tell me about it; I would like to hear it." + +"For five years my aunt has occupied a small house, rent free. It +belonged to her uncle. She has just got a letter saying that her uncle +is dead, and demanding payment of rent for the last five years." + +"What are you going to do about it?" + +"I have written to the lawyer, telling him on what terms my aunt +occupied her house--that is, rent free, on condition that she paid the +taxes regularly." + +"What was the uncle's name? I am a little acquainted in Montreal. +Perhaps I may have heard it." + +"His name was Matthew Baldwin." + +"I have heard of him. He was a miserly old man." + +"I don't know about that," said Ben. + +"It seems to me you ought to look after the matter. Why don't you +go to Montreal?" + +"I can't spare the time or money," answered Ben. "Besides, we +should certainly have heard of it if any property had been +coming to us. I have written to the lawyer, and expect to hear +something soon." + +When they reached the boarding-house on Warren Avenue the old +man appeared pleased with the vacant room. He haggled a little +about the terms, but finally agreed to take it at the price set by Mrs. +Draper. He gave his name as Marcus Benton, and too immediate +possession. + + + + +Chapter XXXIII + +Ben Receives a Commission + + +In due time a letter came from Montreal. It was brief and not +overcourteous. From it Ben learned that Mr. Baldwin had been +dead for three weeks, and that all his property was left to a young +man who claimed to be a distant relative. The name of the heir was +John Tremlett. The letter concluded: "I can find nothing in the +papers of the deceased confirming your statement that your aunt +was allowed to occupy her house rent free. If you hold any proof +of your assertions, you may forward it. Otherwise Mr. Tremlett +will insist upon his claim." + +This letter reached Ben on a Friday. It naturally caused him anxiety. +He obtained permission to go to Milltown Saturday afternoon and +spend Sunday. He desired himself to institute a search for the letter +of which his aunt had spoken. + +His aunt received him in tearful despondency. + +"Oh, what shall we do, Benjamin?" said the widow. + +"First, we must search for that letter of Uncle Matthew's." + +"I know I'm to blame, Benjamin. I have brought ruin upon you and +my poor, innocent Tony." + +"You haven't ruined me, so you need not trouble yourself about that. +Even if the letter cannot be found, I guess we shall live through it." + +They hunted high and low; but the letter was not to be found. Ben +was a good deal disappointed, but did not venture to say so, not +wishing to increase his aunt's despondency. On Monday morning +he went back to Boston, and told the bookkeeper. + +"It seems quite desirable that you should go to Montreal, Ben," said +young Porter. + +"Of course that is out of the question, Mr. Porter." + +"No; I think it can be managed." + +Ben looked, as he felt, not a little surprised. + +"It is some time," explained the bookkeeper, "since we sent an agent +to Montreal. We have been thinking of sending some one up there, +stopping at the principal towns on the way. You are rather young, +but if I recommend you I presume my uncle will let you go." + +Of course Mr. Porter, senior, had to be consulted. Though not a +little doubtful about the expediency of sending so young a +representative of the house, he finally gave his consent, which was +communicated to Ben. + +Ben was summoned to the countingroom, and received his +instructions, with a sum of money for expenses. At three o'clock +in the afternoon he was dismissed, though he was not to start till +the next morning. + +Old Mr. Benton's door was open when Ben returned. + +"What brings you home so soon?" he inquired. + +"I am going to Montreal," said Ben. + +"Come in and tell me about it." + +The old man, clad in a ragged dressing-gown, was sitting in a +rocking-chair by the fire. The day was not cold, but his blood +was thin, and he felt the need of some artificial heat. He was +smoking a common clay pipe. + +"Isn't this sudden--your going to Montreal?" asked Mr. Benton. + +"Yes, sir; I think young Mr. Porter has made business there in order +to give a chance to go?" + +"What do you mean to do?" + +"I shall attend first to the business of the firm, and then call on this +lawyer, Mr. Brief." + +"It is well thought of, and, Benjamin, try to get a chance to see the +new heir, Mr. Tremlett, and find out what use he is making of his +property." + +"Yes, sir, I will." + +"Have you money enough to pay your expenses, Benjamin?" asked +the old man, rather hesitatingly. + +"Oh, yes, sir; the firm provides for that." + +"To be sure. Of course they ought to do it," said Mr. Benton, +appearing to feel relieved. + +"How long do you expect to be gone, Benjamin?" + +"I don't know, sir; I am to stop in Burlington and one or two other +places. I may be gone ten days." + +"I shall feel lonely without you, Benjamin." + +"I am glad you value my society so much." + +"I am a lonely man, Benjamin; I have never had many friends, and I +have outlived nearly all of those." + +"You ought to have married, Mr. Benton; then you would have +children and grandchildren to comfort you in your old age." + +"I wish I had, Benjamin; but it is too late now." + +"It is never too late to mend, Mr. Benton," said Ben. "Men older +than you have married." + +"Then they were fools," said Mr. Benton bluntly. + +"Suppose you should be sick, sir?" + +"I would hire a nurse. I am not rich, but I have enough to provide +for the few years I have remaining." + +"I must ask you to excuse me now, sir," said Ben. "I must buy a few +things which I shall need." + +Ben wrote briefly to his aunt, to let her know that he was about to +start for Montreal. Mrs. Bradford was not a little discomposed. + +"It's tempting Providence to send a child like Benjamin to a foreign +country," she remarked to Mrs. Perkins, who had dropped in for a +neighborly chat. + +"Do you know how far it is, Mrs. Perkins?" + +"About a thousand miles," answered her visitor, whose ideas about +geography were rather misty. + +"Suppose Ben should lose his way." + +"Like as not he will," observed Mrs. Perkins. + +"I shan't sleep a wink till Ben gets back. They ought to have sent +somebody with him." + +"Ben can get along," said Tony, who had implicit confidence in his +big cousin. "He won't get lost." + +"What does a child like you know about it?" said Mrs. Perkins +rebukingly. "You shouldn't put in your oar when your mother and +me are talking." + + + + +Chapter XXXIV + +Solomon Brief + + +On his arrival in Montreal, Ben ascertained where Mr. Brief's office +was, but deferred going to see him. He felt very properly that he +ought to attend to the business of his employers first, and then, when +he could do so without detriment to their interests look after his +own. He was very anxious to succeed. He knew very well that +Jones & Porter had serious doubts about the expediency of +sending so young a representative to Montreal. + +In calling upon different booksellers he exerted himself to the +utmost. Though but sixteen, his address was pleasing, his manner +self-possessed and he was courteous and gentlemanly, so that he +won favorable regards of those with whom he had business +relations. The result was that he received quite a number of orders, +which he at once sent forward by mail. + +Thus three days were spent. On the morning of the fourth, he called +at the office of Solomon Brief. + +"What do you want, boy?" asked a clerk. + +"I want to see Mr. Brief." + +"His time is too valuable to be taken up by boys." + +"If I had a clerk like you I would soon get rid of him." + +"You would, hey?" blustered the young man, advancing threateningly. + +Ben didn't budge and the clerk stopped short. + +"Did you say you came on business?" he inquired. + +"That I will tell Mr. Brief," said Ben firmly. + +"You are from the States, aren't you?" + +"Yes." + +"That accounts for your impudence." + +"I should know you were not from the States." + +"Why?" + +"Because you are so uncivil." + +"Look here, young fellow, you'd better clear out, if you don't want +to get kicked out." + +"Who is to do the kicking?" + +"I am." + +"I wouldn't advise you to try it." + +"Why not?" + +"It wouldn't be prudent." + +"Ho! ho!" laughed the clerk sarcastically. + +"Once more," said Ben. "I request you to announce me to Mr. Brief. +He is executor of Mr. Baldwin's estate, I believe." + +"Yes." + +"Why didn't you tell me that was your business?" + +"I couldn't see that it mattered to you." + +At this moment the inner door opened, and a tall man, with reddish +hair and mutton-chop whiskers of the same hue, made his appearance. + +"What's this Frederic? Who is this boy?" + +"I wish to see you on business connected with Mr. Baldwin's estate +sir," said Ben; "but this young man appears to have an objection to +the interview." + +"Why don't you bring him in?" + +"I didn't suppose he had any business with you." + +"Who constituted you a judge of that, sir? Hereafter leave me to +decide. Boy, come in." + +Mr. Brief threw himself into an office chair. + +"Well, who are you?" he asked. + +"My name is Benjamin Bradford." + +"Well?" + +"You wrote a letter to my aunt, Mrs. Jane Bradford, of Milltown, +Massachusetts, not long since." + +"Exactly. Do you represent her?" + +"I do." + +"Very well. Did you bring the three hundred dollars which she owes +to the estate of my client?" + +"No, sir." + +"What then?" + +"I came to repeat what I have written you, that my aunt was +authorized to occupy the house rent-free." + +"It was hardly worth while to come so far to say that," said Mr. Brief, +with a sneer. + +"I am here in Montreal on other business, and have taken the +opportunity to see you about my own." + +"Indeed! Then you are a business man?" + +"I represent the firm of Jones & Porter, publishers." + +"Humph! Can't they get any one but a boy to represent them?" + +"That, sir, is their business," he answered emphatically. "I have not +chosen to inquire whether my uncle could not have found a better +lawyer to act as executor." + +"You are impudent, young man!" exclaimed Solomon Brief, his face +being as red for the moment as his hair. + +"We have neither of us been overcivil," said Ben. "Suppose we come +back to business." + +"Come now, you're a cool one." + +"Perhaps I am. I have always understood that coolness is desirable +in business. May I inquire of what disease my uncle died?" + +"It would serve you right if I declined to answer your questions after +your impudence to me. However, I will overlook it this time. Your +uncle committed suicide." + +"Good gracious!" ejaculated Ben, who was quite unprepared for this +announcement. "How did he do it?" + +"He drowned himself." + +"What could possibly have driven him to it?" + +"Of that we are ignorant. He left a letter at his lodgings, directing +me to open and carry out the provisions of his will, which he had +deposited with me." + +"May I ask what were the provisions of his will?" + +"You seem to be curious." + +"I have a right to be. My aunt and myself are among his nearest +relations, if not the nearest. We had a right to suppose that we +might be remembered in his will." + +"You were not." + +"You can understand that we wish, at all events, to know the contents +of the will. We should have been apprised of his death sooner." + +As a lawyer Mr. Brief understood that Ben was in the right, and he +produced a copy of the will. + +The will was brief. The entire estate of the deceased was left to John +Tremlett with this provision, that for the first year only the income +should be paid to him; afterward he was to come into full possession. + +"It seems regular," said Ben. + +"Of course it is regular. I helped him make the will." + +"Who is Mr. Tremlett? I never heard of him." + +"A second or third cousin. He was a sort of adopted son of Mr. Baldwin." + +Just here the inner door opened by the clerk, who announced, "Mr. +Tremlett, sir." + + + + +Chapter XXXV + +John Tremlett + + +John Tremlett was a dark-complexioned young man, rather above +the middle height. He was by no means handsome; but plain faces +are often attractive, and this young man's was not. His eyes were +bloodshot, and even Ben's inexperienced glance could detect the +marks of dissipation. He was expensively dressed and looked like +one who made a business of spending money. + +"How are you, Brief?" he said carelessly, throwing himself into a chair. + +"In better condition than you are, I judge from your looks, Mr. +Tremlett," responded the lawyer. + +"I hope so. I feel awfully seedy," said Tremlett. + +"Your own fault. You shouldn't keep such late hours." + +"Oh, bother that, Brief! I must have a good time." + +"You don't look as if you were enjoying your mode of life." + +"Oh, I shall be all right when I get over my headache. Is this a client +of yours?" glancing at Ben. + +"He's a relation of yours, according to his own account," said Mr. Brief. + +"Is he?" inquired Tremlett languidly. "Can't say I ever saw him before." + +"Mr. Baldwin was my great-uncle," said Ben. "That is, he was an +uncle of my aunt, Mrs. Jane Bradford." + +"Indeed! Were you expecting a share of the property?" asked +Tremlett suspiciously. + +"I thought Mr. Baldwin might remember his niece." + +"He hasn't, though." + +"So I find by the will." + +"Sorry for you; but, of course, Mr. Baldwin had a right to dispose of +his property as he saw fit." + +"I don't deny his right." + +"Then you are not intending to dispute the will," said Tremlett, relieved. + +"I never dreamed of doing it. I came about a house which my aunt +has been occupying rent-free." + +"What is it, Brief? Do I know about it?" + +"It's a small house in Milltown, Massachusetts, which belongs to +your uncle's estate. I found that Mrs. Bradford has paid no rent for +it during the last five years, and accordingly sent her an invitation to +pay up arrears." + +"Has she done it?" + +"No, sir," said Ben. "Mr. Baldwin permitted her to occupy the house +rent-free." + +"That is your assertion," said the lawyer. + +"It is true," returned Ben quickly. + +"Show it to me in writing, and that will end all dispute." + +"I hope yet to do it, but thus far we have been unable to find Uncle +Matthew's letter." + +"That's all fair," said Tremlett. If the letter can't be found, the money +must be paid. + +"My aunt is utterly unable to pay it. She is poor." + +"That is no excuse in law, my young friend," said Mr. Brief. "She +must borrow the money then." + +"Where?" asked Ben. + +"That is not our lookout. As you are in business, perhaps you will +advance the necessary sum." + +"If I were able, and were satisfied of the justice of the claim, I would +do so," answered Ben. "But I don't believe that Uncle Matthew +intended that my aunt should be distressed by such a demand. Why +should he have let the rent run on for five years if he expected her to +pay it?" + +"Can't say, I'm sure." + +"How much is due?" asked Tremlett. + +"Three hundred dollars," said Brief. + +"Look here, young fellow," said Tremett, "Perhaps you and I can +settle it. If you will pay me two hundred dollars cash down I will +give you a receipt for the whole." + +"Mr. Tremlett," said Mr. Brief stiffly, "you appear to forget that I am +settling this estate. You have no authority to make such an offer." + +"Wasn't the property left to me, I should like to know?" demanded +Tremlett, blustering. + +"Yes." + +"Then why am I not authorized to make the offer, tell me that?" + +"According to Mr. Baldwin's will you can only receive the income for +the first twelve months." + +"That's deuced hard on a fellow," said Tremlett. + +"On the other hand, I think it is a prudent precaution." + +"The old man was a tight-fisted old curmudgeon. He only wanted to +annoy me." + +The lawyer shrugged his shoulders, and Ben broke out indignantly, +"I wouldn't speak in that way of a man who had left me all his +fortune." + +"Mind your own business, boy," retorted John Tremlett sharply. "Do +you think I am going to stand your impudence?" + +"I think it is just as well you have waited till after Uncle Matthew's +death before speaking of him in that way." + +"Don't let up on the boy! Make him pay every cent of the debt, +Brief!" exclaimed John Tremlett angrily. + +"Of course we shall follow up the matter, Mr. Tremlett." + +"Have him arrested if he doesn't pay, Brief." + +Ben smiled. + +"You seem to forget, Mr. Tremlett, that I am not your debtor. The +claim is against my aunt." + +"Is that so, Brief?" + +"The boy is right." + +"I am sorry for it. I should like to hold him responsible." + +"No doubt, Mr. Tremlett," said Ben; "but we can't always have our +wishes granted." + +"Leave the matter in my hands," said the lawyer. "I will do what is +best." + +"By the way, Brief," said John Tremlett, "I mustn't forget my errand. +I want some money." + +"Some money? I gave you two hundred dollars last week." + +"Well, it's gone, and I want some more." + +"Mr. Tremlett," said the lawyer gravely, "are you aware how much +money you have spent during the last four weeks?" + +"No, I have kept no account." + +"Well I have. You have drawn eight hundred dollars." + +"It costs something to see life." + +"Perhaps so! but I cannot permit you to exceed your +income--during the first year, at least. Thus far you have spent +twice as much as you were entitled to draw." + +Ben listened attentively. He had no idea of the extent of his uncle's +property. If it yielded four hundred dollars a month, as he inferred, +it must amount to nearly, if not quite, a hundred thousand dollars. +And this young man was not content with that. Our hero could not +help wondering at his unreasonableness. + +"I don't see how I can economize," muttered Tremlett. + +"What was your income before Mr. Baldwin's death, Mr. Tremlett?" +inquired Mr. Brief. + +"I starved on eight hundred dollars a year." + +"Then it seems to me you aught to live comfortably now on five +thousand." + +"My circumstances are changed." + +"At this rate you'll run through the property in ten years." + +"Oh, I'll pull up after awhile," said the heir carelessly. "So just give +me a couple of hundreds, old fellow!" + +"I will hand you a hundred," said Mr. Brief reluctantly. "Hereafter +you must keep within your allowance." + +"You're getting to be as miserly as the old man," said Tremlett. +"What's your name, boy?" + +"My name is Benjamin Bradford." + +"I suppose we are cousins, or something of that sort. Come out and +take a drink." + +"No, thank you. I never drink." + +"You don't? What a prig you must be! Good-bye, Brief." + +The heir left the office, and Mr. Brief turned to Ben. + +"What do you think of your uncle's heir?" he inquired. + +"I think he is going to ruin rapidly," answered Ben. + +"You are right. The grub has become a butterfly, and the sober clerk +has developed into a gay spendthrift. He was your uncle's clerk and +distant relative. It would make the old man turn in his coffin if he +knew how quickly his money is likely to melt away." + +"Can't you check him?" asked Ben. + +"For twelve months I can. After that I am powerless. I wish he were +more like you." + +"Thank you," said Ben, surprised at the compliment. + +"My bark is worse that my bite," said the lawyer. "About this claim +against your aunt I will do what I can for you, but try to find the letter +you refer to. The sum is a small one." + +"It is large to us." + +"Just so; but my client would squander it in a week. Let me hear +from you after you have returned and instituted a further search." + +"Thank you, sir, I will write." + +Ben left the office, judging Mr. Brief more favorably than at first. +With John Tremlett, he was disgusted. + + + + +Chapter XXXVI + +A Surprising Discovery + + +"I suppose I have done all I can," said Ben to himself. "There will +be no object in remaining in Montreal any longer." + +He immediately purchased a ticket, and took the next train +homeward. He arrived in Boston at mid-day. + +He went at once to the store, and was cordially welcomed by the +bookkeeper. + +"I am glad to see you, Ben," said the young man. "My uncle is +well pleased with the orders you have sent home." + +"Then he is satisfied with me?" + +"I leave him to tell you that. You can go at once into the +countingroom." + +Ben reported himself as directed. + +"Welcome back, Ben," said the old gentleman. "Have you just +arrived?" + +"I reached the station twenty minuets ago, sir." + +"And came directly to the store; I like that. How do you like +drumming?" + +"It requires patience, sir; but I like it. I hope you are satisfied +with me." + +"You have exceeded my anticipations. To be candid with you, +I doubted the expedience of sending so young a representative." + +"I know that, sir, and it made me work harder." + +"I should have no hesitation in sending you again. In fact, I shall +probably send you next month to New York and Philadelphia." + +"I should like that very much, sir," said Ben, his eyes sparkling. +"I shall try to satisfy you." + +"I think you will," said his employer kindly. "I never doubted your +fidelity. Now I feel assured of your capacity and tact. Have you +any orders not yet reported?" + +"Two or three small ones, sir." + +"Give them to me." + +This done, Mr. Porter dismissed Ben for the day. "You need +not report for work till to-morrow morning." + +Ben was glad to go to his boarding-house. On arriving there +he received another cordial greeting, this time from Mr. +Benton. The old gentleman seemed really delighted to see him, +and eager to learn what he had accomplished. Ben began to +speak of the orders he had received; but Mr. Benton interrupted +him. + +"I don't mean that," he said. "I want to hear about your own +affairs. Did you see Mr. Brief the lawyer?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"How did you like him?" + +"Not at all, at first, but better before we parted." + +"How was that?" asked Mr. Benton, showing some curiosity. + +At first he insisted strongly on the claim the estate has against +my aunt; but after awhile he said he should not press the matter +at present, and recommended us to look for Uncle Matthew's +letter. + +"You have searched for it, have you not?" asked Mr. Benton. + +"Yes, sir; but so far without success. Still I haven't given up all +hope of finding it. My motto is, 'Wait and Hope.'" + +"I think it will all come out right," said the old man. "Did you +see John Tremlett?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Tell me about him," said the old man eagerly. "Ho does he look?" + +"He looks like a fast young man," answered Ben. "I did not like +him at all." + +"Do you think he is spending money fast?" + +"I know he is. How much money do you think he has drawn in a +month?" + +"Two hundred dollars?" suggested Mr. Benton. + +"He had drawn eight hundred and spent it all, for he came into the +office to ask for more." + +"The young scoundrel!" exclaimed Marcus Benton, with an +excitement which Ben could not understand. "Why he is making +ducks and drakes of my old friend's fortune." + +"Did you know Uncle Matthew?" asked Ben quickly. + +"Yes," answered the old man. "I told you so, didn't I?" + +"No, sir, you never told me that. Do you know John Tremlett?" + +"Yes, I have seen him. He was a sober, steady young man +apparently, who ingratiated himself with Mr. Baldwin, whom he +deceived as to his real character." + +"What relation was he to Uncle Matthew?" + +"Very distant, but he seemed near, having been in his employ for +several years. He collected rents and attended to other necessary +matters." + +"If he was ever sober and steady, he has changed a good deal." + +"Did Mr. Brief give him the money he asked for?" + +"Not all he wanted. He gave him one hundred dollars, and reminded +him that he was only at liberty to pay over to him the income of the +estate--that is, for the first twelve months." + +"Quite right!" murmured Mr. Benton. + +"He lectured him upon his extravagance and fast life, and warned him +that he must check himself." + +"He did right." + +"What I dislike most about this John Tremlett was the way in which +he spoke of Uncle Matthew," said Ben. + +"How did he speak of him?" demanded Marcus Benton quickly. + +"As a tight-fisted old curmudgeon." + +"He did--the young viper!" exclaimed the old man indignantly. +"Spoke so of the man who left him his fortune!" + +"Yes, sir. I couldn't help telling him I thought it not very becoming to +speak in that way of his benefactor; and he told me to mind my own +business." + +"I wouldn't have believed John Tremlett would act so," said Mr. +Benton slowly; "I trusted him so, and always treated him kindly." + +"You trusted him!" repeated Ben, astonished. + +"My boy," said Mr. Benton, "the time has come for me to throw off +the mask. I am not Marcus Benton, as you suppose. I am Matthew +Baldwin." + +"But I thought Mr. Baldwin was dead--committed suicide," +exclaimed Ben, in wild amazement. + +"The world thinks so; but the world is mistaken. I will tell you the +whole story. I found myself getting old. In all probability I had +but a few years to live. By industry and economy I had +accumulated a fortune, which I must leave behind me. I was +anxious that it should not be squandered. I selected John Tremlett +as my heir. So far as I knew he was devoted to my interests, and +he seemed steady in his habits. But it occurred to me to try him. +Accordingly I sent a letter to my lawyer, Solomon Brief, who had +my will in his possession, announcing my intention to commit +suicide, and directing him to open the will and carry out the +provisions. Then I left Montreal secretly, staying a short time in +northern Vermont. Later I came on to Boston and managed to +throw myself in your way. Not knowing me, you treated me with +kindness and consideration. I became interested in you, and +regretted that I had made no provision for you and your aunt. +Through you I have learned how unwisely I disposed of my fortune. +Thank Heaven it is not too late to remedy that. + +"This seems like a romance, Mr. Benton--I mean, Uncle Matthew." + +"Yes; call me uncle. I like to feel that I have somebody to live for." + +"Come out to Milltown with me, Uncle Matthew. Aunt Jane will be +delighted to see you," said Ben. + +"I have work to do first," said the old man firmly. "I must go to +Montreal, and you must go with me." + +"I am not sure that Jones & Porter will allow me." + +"Then throw up your situation. You shall lose nothing by it." + +"When do you wish to start?" + +"To-night," said Mr. Baldwin resolutely. + +"Then I must go to the store, at once, and give notice of my absence." + +Ben lost no time in going to the store. He explained matters fully, +and obtained a week's leave of absence. Then he bought tickets +for his uncle and himself, and they set out on their long journey. + + + + +Chapter XXXVII + +The Dead Alive + + +Mr. Brief was considerably surprised when Ben entered his office. + +"I thought you had gone back to Boston," he said. + +"I have been back to Boston, Mr. Brief, and returned to Montreal +on business." + +"Didn't you finish up your business here?" + +"I thought so, sir; but I was mistaken." + +"I am afraid you are not a very good manager. It looks to me like +waste of time. What can I do for you?" + +"A gentleman came with me, who thinks he would like to have you +attend to a little business for him." + +"Certainly," responded the lawyer bruskly. "I shall be happy to wait +on him. Where is he staying?" + +"At the Windsor." + +"And you recommended me? I am much obliged to you. What is +the gentleman's name?" + +"Marcus Benton." + +"Can't say I ever heard of him Is he from Boston?" + +"He comes from Boston," answered Ben evasively. + +In the hope of securing a profitable client, Mr. Brief lost no time in +seeking the hotel. + +"Remain here a moment," said Ben, as they entered the office, "and +I will let Mr. Benton know you are here." + +"Certainly," said the lawyer complacently. + +In five minutes Ben reappeared. + +"Follow me, if you please, Mr. Brief," he said. "By the way, Mr. +Benton says he knows you." + +"Mr. Benton knows me! It is strange I can't recall him," said Mr. +Brief, trying to recollect. + +"I think you will remember when you see him." + +"Possibly; but I have no recollection on any gentleman of that name." + +Ben and his uncle--to give him a name not strictly warranted by +facts--occupied two rooms adjoining. + +Ben ushered the lawyer into his own room, saying, "Mr. Brief, +you must prepare for a surprise." + +When, however, the so-called Marcus Benton entered the room, +Mr. Brief sprang to his feet in great amazement. + +"Can I believe my eyes?" he ejaculated. + +"I think you can, Mr. Brief," said the old gentleman quietly, + +"You are Matthew Baldwin." + +"Precisely." + +"And you are not dead?" + +"Do I look as if I were?" asked Mr. Baldwin, smiling. + +"What does it all mean?" asked Mr. Brief, bewildered. + +"It means that I wished to try John Tremlett. I wished to ascertain +whether he were worthy to inherit my fortune. What is your +opinion?" + +"My opinion," said the lawyer, "is that he would run through the +property in five years. I am disgusted with him." + +"How does he spend his money?" inquired Mr. Baldwin. + +"In every kind of extravagance and every form of dissipation. At +the rate he is going on, it is a question, in my mind, whether he or +the property would last longer." + +"I got that idea from my young friend here, who, by the way, knew +of me only as Marcus Benton when he came first to see you." + +"Of course you will resume possession of the property, Mr. +Baldwin?" + +"Such is my intention." + +"I can give it back into your hands entire, with the exception of +nine hundred dollars drawn by Tremlett, and your funeral +expenses." + +"My funeral expense!" exclaimed Mr. Baldwin, in surprise. + +"Yes; a body was found in the St. Lawrence, which was supposed +to be yours. It was buried with proper ceremony." + +The old man smiled, but there was a certain sadness in the smile. + +"It is, perhaps, only anticipating things a little," he said. "The +expenses shall be allowed." + +"Of course you wish Mr. Tremlett to be informed without delay." + +"Yes." + +"He is to come to my office in an hour." + +"Can you let me witness the interview?" + +"Yes, sir. You can conceal yourself in the inner room, and I will +see him in the outer office, with the door ajar." + +An hour later John Tremlett swaggered into Mr. Brief's office. + +"Brief," said he, "I must have some money." + +"Have you used up the hundred dollars I gave you four days since?" + +"Every cent." + +"I am afraid you squandered it." + +"That is my business, Brief." + +"You remember the warning I gave you at that time?" + +"Come, Brief, you can't expect to keep me in leading-strings. I am +seeing life, and of course I must pay for it." + +"A pretty round sum, too." + +"Oh, well, I am making up for lost time. Old Baldwin kept me so +close that I had to live like a hermit for years. He starved me on +eight hundred dollars a year--the stingy old file!" + +"Apparently you want to live at the rate of ten thousand dollars a +year now, Mr. Tremlett." + +"Well, I can afford it for a year or two." + +"You seem to forget that your income for the first year is not quite +five thousand." + +"Then my creditors must wait, I am going to have my fling." + +"It would make Mr. Baldwin turn in his coffin if he were to know +how you are wasting his substance." + +"Very likely it would," said Tremlett, laughing heartily; "but there's +one comfort, he can't come back to trouble us." + +"Don't be too sure of that, John Tremlett," said a voice which struck +terror to Tremlett's heart, and Mathew Baldwin walked out of the +inner office. + +The young man's face turned as pale as ashes, and his knees knocked +together in his fright. + +"Is it--you--Mr. Baldwin?" he ejaculated. + +"Yes, it is I--your benefactor, the stingy old file, as you so gratefully +call me," answered the old man sternly. + +"Then--you--are--not dead!" + +"Not at present. How long I may live I cannot say, but long enough, +I hope, to do an act of justice." + +"I am very sorry," stammered Tremlett. "Forgive me, sir." + +"I may forgive you, because nothing has happened that cannot be +remedied; but I shall never again trust you." + +"Won't you take me back into your service, sir?" entreated John +Tremlett desperately. + +"Never!" said Mr. Baldwin emphatically. + +"What will become of me?" ejaculated the miserable young man, +shedding maudlin tears. "I am penniless." + +"I will not wholly cast you off. I will authorize Mr. Brief to pay +you eight hundred dollars during the next year, in monthly +installments. I hope you will turn over a new leaf." + +"I will, sir; I will indeed," said Tremlett; but Mr. Baldwin, knowing +his past hypocrisy, did not put much faith in his penitence. + +"I hope so, for your own sake," he said briefly. "You can go now, +sir. At the end of a month you can come back, and Mr. Brief +will pay you your monthly allowance." + +"How can I live till then?" asked Tremlett. "Can't he pay it sooner? +I have but a dollar left." + +"Sell some of your jewelry, that diamond ring, for instance. It will +maintain you till the money is payable." + +John Tremlett left the office crestfallen, and cursing his foolish +prodigality, which had lost him a fine fortune. + +"What are your plans, Mr. Baldwin?" asked the lawyer. "Shall +you remain in Montreal?" + +"No, Mr. Brief; there is nothing to keep me here now. I shall make +my home in the States. This boy I have tested and found to be +true gold. He will not deceive me as John Tremlett has. With him +and his aunt I propose to make my home for the little time I have left." + +"A very fine boy!" said Mr. Brief, regarding Ben in quite a different +light now that he was indirectly acknowledged to be a rich man's +heir. + +"I shall leave you to manage my property here, Mr. Brief, for the +present at least. You will transmit the income to me as it accrues." + +"You shall not repent your confidence, sir," said the lawyer. "How +soon do you leave the city?" + +"To-morrow. Will that suit you, Ben?" + +"Oh, yes, Uncle Matthew." + +"He is a lucky boy," thought Mr. Brief, as the two went out. "His +future is provided for." + + + + +Chapter XXXVIII + +Conclusion + + +"Ben," said Mr. Baldwin, "let us talk over your plans. Do you wish + to remain at the store, or would you like to get a better education?" + +"I would get a better education if I could afford it, sir." + +"You can afford it on an income of a thousand dollars a year." + +"A thousand dollars a year!" exclaimed Ben. + +"That is the income I shall allow you. Out of this you will be expected +to pay all of your expenses." + +"How can I thank you, sir? Would you object to my giving Aunt +Jane a part of the money?" + +"Yes, I shall object." + +Ben's countenance fell. + +"But, Uncle Matthew," he said, "I don't like to live in luxury, while +Aunt Jane is straitened." + +"Your feelings do you credit, my boy; but I mean to take care of +your Aunt Jane myself. She is my niece, and you--I am not sure +whether you are related to me at all, but I want you to call me +Uncle Matthew all the same." + +"I shall like to, sir. No uncle could be kinder." + +"That is well," said the old gentleman. "You know, Ben, I have +no one else to care for. Now, do you think your Aunt Jane will +be willing to move to Boston?" + +"I am sure she will like it." + +"Then I shall hire or buy a comfortable house, install her as +mistress, require you to live with me while you are attending +school, and tyrannize over you all." + +There was a bright smile on the old man's face. He was looking +forward to the new life with anticipations of a happiness and comfort +which had long been strangers to him. + +"How happy we shall all be, Uncle Matthew! Even Aunt Jane will +forget to look on the dark side." + +"I hope so, Ben. I think we can be happy together." + +"There is one thing I forgot to tell you," he said later. "I shall +expect you to pay your board out of your income, you know. If +you fail to make regular payments, we shall have to bundle you +out." + +"I will remember," said Ben, smiling. + +By arrangement Ben went up to Milltown alone to tell his aunt +the news. He entered the little house with a sober face. + +"I see you bring bad news, Benjamin," said Mrs. Bradford +mournfully. + +"You will have to leave the house, Aunt Jane." + +"And go to the poorhouse! I knew it would turn out that way," and +Mrs. Bradford put her handkerchief to her eyes. + +"What's the matter?" asked Tony. + +"My poor child," said his mother, "we are going to the poorhouse." + +"Is that so, Ben?" asked Tony soberly. + +Ben shouted with laughter. He could not hold back the truth. + +"Aunt Jane," he said, "you always will anticipate the worst. Why +don't you wait and hope?" + +"What is the use, Benjamin?" + +"Because it makes us happier, and often brings good fortune. Aunt +Jane, you see before you a rich man." + +"You're only a boy," said Tony. "You ain't a man at all." + +"My income is a thousand dollars a year!" + +"Is it possible, Benjamin?" ejaculated Mrs. Bradford, in amazement. + +"It is more than that; it's true. You are coming to Boston to live, and +I am going to board with you." + +"The boy's crazy!" exclaimed Mrs. Bradford. + +"Then there is a method in my madness, Aunt Jane. But I won't keep +you in suspense any longer. Uncle Matthew isn't dead at all. He's +taken a fancy to me, and is going to allow me an income of a +thousand dollars a year. He will take care of you and Tony, too. He +is going to hire or buy a house in Boston, and we are all going to live +together. What do you say to that? Will you go, or do you prefer to +go to the poorhouse?" + +Mrs. Bradford made up her mind at once to go to Boston. No one +had ever seen her so cheerful as she was for the remainder of the +day. + +Not to dwell upon details, in less than a month the little family was +installed in a comfortable house in Boston. Tony had commenced +attending school near-by, and Ben had been admitted to the Latin +School, where he began to prepare for college in earnest. Porter & +Jones were sorry to lose him, but agreed that he had chosen wisely in +abandoning business for a school. + +Ben is now an undergraduate at Harvard College, with a high rank +for scholarship. He has not decided upon his future course; but it +is possible that his uncle may purchase an interest for him, at +graduation, in the firm where he served as a boy. + +I cannot close without recording, with satisfaction, the great +improvement that has taken place in Sam Archer. Always a bright +and smart boy, in adversity he has gotten rid of his disagreeable +traits and developed a business capacity which promises well for +his future success. Ben has done him many favors, and the two +are excellent friends. Of Mr. Archer nothing has been heard. It +is rumored that he is living in an obscure town in France, on the +proceeds of his defalcation. Sam promises to redeem the name +which his father has sullied. + +Uncle Matthew is several years older than when we first met him, but +happiness has had the effect of making him look younger. He +probably has several years of life yet before him. He is attached to +his niece and Tony, who is now a bright schoolboy of twelve; but +his chief attachment is to Ben, whose college career he follows with +pride and satisfaction. + +THE END + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Wait and Hope, by Horatio Alger + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WAIT AND HOPE *** + +***** This file should be named 33591.txt or 33591.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/3/5/9/33591/ + +Produced by Lynn Ratcliffe with thanks to Gail McGrew for +the loan of the book + + +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. 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